cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A sublinear time algorithm for pagerank computations

In a network, identifying all vertices whose PageRank is more than a given threshold value Δ is a basic problem that has arisen in Web and social network analyses. In this paper, we develop a nearly optimal, sublinear time, randomized algorithm for a close variant of this problem. When given a directed network G=(V,E), a threshold value Δ, and a positive constant c>3, with probability 1−o(1), our algorithm will return a subset S⊆V with the property that S contains all vertices of PageRank at least Δ and no vertex with PageRank less than Δ/c. The running time of our algorithm is always $\tilde{O}(\frac{n}{\Delta})$. In addition, our algorithm can be efficiently implemented in various network access models including the Jump and Crawl query model recently studied by [6], making it suitable for dealing with large social and information networks. As part of our analysis, we show that any algorithm for solving this problem must have expected time complexity of ${\Omega}(\frac{n}{\Delta})$. Thus, our algorithm is optimal up to logarithmic factors. Our algorithm (for identifying vertices with significant PageRank) applies a multi-scale sampling scheme that uses a fast personalized PageRank estimator as its main subroutine. For that, we develop a new local randomized algorithm for approximating personalized PageRank which is more robust than the earlier ones developed by Jeh and Widom [9] and by Andersen, Chung, and Lang [2].
The Impact of Currency Risk on US MNCs: Evidence from Currency Crises

When countries shift from a fixed to a floating currency regime, the change in currency risk for a US MNC is larger for currencies tied to the dollar during the fixed regime than for non-dollar-linked currencies. Our analysis exploits this difference in changes in currency risk around regime shifts to provide new evidence on currency exposure and the impact of currency risk on cross-border investment decisions. We conclude that the net exposure to currency risk is significant for US MNCs. However, factors other than currency risk such as strategic considerations are of first-order importance for firms' cross-border investment decisions.
The Other Side of the Podium: Student Information Needs from Inside the Classroom

L'A. relate son experience en tant que bibliothecaire charge de la culture de l'information. Elle a souhaite partager avec les etudiants l'experience de la classe pour mieux comprendre leurs besoins informationnels dans le contexte du cours. Qu'il s'agisse du materiel requis, de la nature des devoirs, ou des technologies de l'information, ces besoins ont evolue. Et c'est en se mettant a la place de l'etudiant que l'on peut esperer les decouvrir et rendre ainsi plus efficace l'instruction qu'on lui donne.
Self-assembled superlattice thin film waveguide electro-optic phase modulators

We describe an approach of fabricating and characterizing electro-optic modulators using multilayer self-assembled superlattices (SASs) as the guiding layer. The SAS layers are intrinsically acentric and have large electro-optic responses without external electric field poling.
Bright, “Clickable” Porphyrins for the Visualization of Oxygenation under Ambient Light

A new group of "clickable" and brightly emissive metalloporphyrins has been developed for the visualization of oxygenation under ambient light with the naked eye. These alkynyl-terminated compounds permit the rapid and facile synthesis of oxygen-sensing dendrimers through azide-alkyne click chemistry. With absorption maxima overlapping with the wavelengths of common commercial laser sources, they are readily applicable to biomedical imaging of tissue oxygenation. An efficient synthetic methodology, featuring the stable trimethylacetyl (pivaloyl) protecting group, is described for their preparation. A paint-on liquid bandage containing a new, click-synthesized porphyrin dendrimer has been used to map oxygenation across an ex vivo porcine skin burn model.
Three-Step Boogie in 1970s Los Angeles: Sansei Women in the Asian American Movement

Women and men came into the Asian American Movement with gender role baggage from our 1950s' upbringings. The struggle to let go of this baggage for both women and men embodied the struggle against male chauvinism. We refused to separate race, class, and gender—identifying as "women of color" and consciously seeing our women's movement within the framework of the Asian American Movement. Sansei women maintained strategic patience in their struggle with Movement men's male chauvinism because in the bigger picture, Movement men were comrades and allies against U.S. imperialism that used racism, sexism, and classism to maintain its rule. White feminists who saw men as the enemy and chose to form their own separate movement often reproduced racism, sexism, and classism—women of color found no good reason to be a part of this.
Loss of interleukin-2—Producing intestinal CD4+ T cells in inflammatory bowel disease

Interleukin-2 activity of intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells is decreased in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients compared with control patients with noninflammatory bowel disease. Factors that might be responsible for this phenomenon were investigated. Most interleukin-2 activity was produced by helper (CD4+) T cells. These were present in comparable numbers in both inflammatory bowel disease and control cultures, but the frequency of interleukin-2-producing cells was significantly (3-4 times) lower among Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis than control cells. In agreement with this finding, levels of interleukin-2 messenger RNA were substantially decreased in both forms of inflammatory bowel disease compared with controls. Mucosal CD8+ T cells and plastic-adherent cells were unable to suppress interleukin-2 activity by autologous or allogeneic CD4+ T cells. The rate of interleukin-2 absorption was similar for inflammatory bowel disease and control cells. Induction of interleukin-2 by different stimuli (phorbol ester, phytohemagglutinin, or anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody) before or after incubation under basal conditions ("resting") failed to normalize the capacity to generate interleukin-2 by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cells. Prostanoids (prostaglandin E2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha) were produced in large amounts in cultures of inflammatory bowel disease cells, but inhibition by indomethacin failed to restore interleukin-2 activity to control levels. Finally, supernatants from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cell cultures failed to suppress interleukin-2 production by control CD4+ T cells. Our results show that the low interleukin-2 activity detected in inflammatory bowel disease mucosa is not caused by activated suppressor cells, excessive lymphokine utilization or immune stimulation, a defective response to activation signals, or production of inhibitory substances. Rather, the low interleukin-2 activity appears to be related to a loss of interleukin-2-producing mucosal CD4+ T cells. It is concluded that abnormalities of intestinal CD4+ T-cell function are associated with the immunopathogenesis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Vitamin E Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation Is Independent of Antioxidant Activity

Vitamin E is the principal lipid-soluble antioxidant in human plasma, and some studies indicate that it may provide cardiovascular protection. To investigate putative mechanisms for vitamin E in this regard, the effect of vitamin E on vascular function and platelet aggregation was examined. In animal models of endothelial dysfunction, vitamin E improved the activity of endothelium-derived nitric oxide, and this effect was not dependent upon the antioxidant protection of LDL. In fact, vitamin E improved endothelial function in part due to the inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) stimulation. This activity of vitamin E was examined in platelets, and vitamin E inhibited platelet aggregation in part through a mechanism that involves PKC. Moreover, the platelet inhibitory activity of vitamin E was independent of its antioxidant action because platelet inhibition was still observed with isoforms of vitamin E that were devoid of antioxidant activity.
Commercial liquid bags as a potential source of venous air embolism in shoulder arthroscopy.

Background: Venous air embolism is a rare but potentially fatal complication of arthroscopy. Fatal venous air embolism has been reported with as little as 100 mL of air entering the venous system. During liquid-only arthroscopy, avenues for air introduction into the joint are limited. Therefore, we hypothesized that commercially prepared 3-L saline-solution bags are a source of potentially fatal amounts of gas that can be introduced into the joint by arthroscopic pumps. Methods: Eight 3-L arthroscopic saline-solution bags were obtained and visually inspected for air. The air was aspirated from four bags, and the volume of the air was recorded. A closed-system pump was prepared, and two 3-L bags were connected to it. The pump emptied into an inverted graduated cylinder immersed in a water bath. Both bags were allowed to run dry. Two more bags were then connected and also allowed to run dry. The air was quantified by the downward displacement of water. The experiment was then repeated with the four bags after the air had been aspirated from them. This experiment was performed at three institutions, with utilization of three pump systems and two brands of 3-L saline-solution bags. Results: Air was visualized in all bags, and the bags contained between 34 and 85 mL of air. Arthroscopic pumps can pump air efficiently through the tubing. The total volumes of gas ejected from the tubing after the four 3-L bags had been emptied were 75, 80, and 235 mL. When bags from which the air had been evacuated were used, no air exited the system. Conclusions: Because a saline-solution arthroscopic pump is theoretically a closed system, venous air embolism has not been a concern. However, this study shows that it is possible to pump a fatal amount of air from 3-L saline-solution bags into an environment susceptible to the creation of emboli. Evacuation of air from the 3-L bags prior to use may eliminate this risk. Clinical Relevance: The importance of this study is indicated by the case reports documenting symptomatic and fatal venous air embolism despite the use of modern preventive arthroscopic equipment and techniques.
DISPLACEMENT-DEPENDENT DRY FRICTION DAMPING OF A BEAM-LIKE STRUCTURE

Abstract The flexural vibration of a beam-like structure damped with a displacement dependent Coulomb friction force has been examined. Due to the geometry of the dry friction damping element, the friction force grows linearly with the beam's transverse displacement. Harmonic excitation of the system is analyzed using first order harmonic balance and then using an “exact” time domain method. The stick-slip behaviour of the system has also been studied. Even though the only source of damping is dry friction, the system was seen to exhibit damping characteristics similar to linear structural damping. The equivalent natural frequency and equivalent viscous damping were also investigated, and found to depend on the amplitude of response and on the design parameters of the frictional interface. In particular, the overall damping levels as well as the amount of stick-slip motion are seen to depend strongly on the amount of displacement dependence. Another significant result was the appearance of two stable steady-state solutions at certain parameter values. The results suggest that the overall characteristics of mechanical systems may be improved by properly configuring frictional interfaces to allow normal forces to vary with displacement.
Fitting heredity-environment models jointly to twin and adoption data from the California Psychological Inventory.

A method is proposed for fitting heredity-environment models simultaneously to data from several groups on multiple measures. The procedure is shown to be computationally practicable by applying it to the 18-scale California Psychological Inventory (CPI), using data from 17 subgroups from two twin studies and an adoption study. A number of models involving different assumptions about heredity and environment were tested. Overall, the genes appeared to contribute about 40% of the personality test variance; shared family environment, 5% or less; and other factors, presumably including idiosyncratic experiences, gene-environment interaction, and measurement error, the remaining 55%. On the whole, making distinctions among genetic parameters improved the fits of models more often than did making distinctions among environmental parameters, and models that allowed for differences across traits fit significantly better than models that did not.
A proposed mechanism for the self-splicing of proteins

Abstract Intervening protein sequences, called inteins, are intronlike elements that are removed posttranslationally, apparently by self-splicing. The conserved and essential residues of precursor proteins consist of an asparagine as the last residue of the intein and a hydroxyl- or thiol-containing residue immediately following both splice junctions. Evidence for a branched intermediate has been reported [Xu, M.-Q., Southworth, M., Mersha, F., Hornstra, L. & Perler, F. (1993) Cell 75, 1371-1377]; however, the chemical nature of the branched structure is unclear. I propose a mechanism that includes the formation of a branched structure, provides an explanation for the reversal of branch formation observed at high pH, and accounts for each of the essential amino acids. The branched structure is formed by nucleophilic attack of the asparagine side chain on the N-terminal splice junction. The nature of this branched structure is a distinguishing feature of the model and can be experimentally tested.
Genetic similarity between Akodon olivaceus and Akodon xanthorhinus (Rodentia: Muridae) in Argentina

On an East–West transect in northern Patagonia, the steppe-inhabiting mouse Akodon (or Abrothrix) xanthorhinus meets the forest-inhabiting Akodon (Abrothrix) olivaceus on the eastern side of the Andes where steppe meets forest. In a contact zone of about 30 km, the mice are morphologically intermediate. Nuclear (allozyme) and mitochondrial DNA analyses confirm that the genetic difference between eastern, western, and intermediate populations is not much greater than would be expected within individuals from a single population. We conclude that xanthorhinus and olivaceus should be united under the species name olivaceus.
Impact of Cultivation Legacies on Rehabilitation Seedings and Native Species Re-Establishment in Great Basin Shrublands

Little is known about how cultivation legacies affect the outcome of rehabilitation seedings in the Great Basin, even though both frequently co-occur on the same lands. Similarly, there is little known about how these legacies affect native species reestablishment into these seedings. We examined these legacy effects by comparing areas historically cultivated and seeded to adjacent areas that were seeded but never cultivated, for density of seeded crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum [L.] Gaertn.) and native perennial grasses, vegetation cover, and ground cover. At half of the sites, historically cultivated areas had lower crested wheatgrass density (P ,0.05), and only one site had a higher density of crested wheatgrass (P ,0.05). Likewise, the native shrub Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. subsp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young) had lower cover (P ,0.05) in historically cultivated areas at half the sites. Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda J. Presl.) density was consistently lower in historically cultivated areas relative to those seeded-only. At sites where black greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus [Hook.] Torr.) and bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides [Raf.] Swezey) were encountered, there was either no difference or a higher density and cover within historically cultivated areas (P ,0.05). Likewise, cover of exotic forbs, especially halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus [M. Bieb.] C. A. Mey.), was either not different or higher in historically cultivated areas (P ,0.05). Bare ground was greater in historically cultivated areas at three sites (P ,0.05). These results suggest that cultivation legacies can affect seeding success and re-establishment of native vegetation, and therefore should not be overlooked when selecting research sites or planning land treatments that include seeding and or management to achieve greater native species diversity.
The composition and properties of ragweed seed oil

Ragweed seed contains approximately 19 per cent fat and 23 per cent protein. Large quantities of these seed can be readily obtained both from direct harvesting of the ragweed and from the cleaning of some commercial seeds.
FRIENDSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED STATES From Feminization to a More Heroic Image

Cultural critics of the “feminization of love” have argued that heterosexual love has been feminized by a stress on emotional expressivity that masks “masculine” love, with its greater emphasis on instrumental behaviors. Using survey data, this article examines the extent to which the feminization-of-love hypothesis can be extended to same-sex friendships. Data analyses revealed that women's friendships were more expressive than men's only when a narrow, positive definition of expressivity was employed; men's friendships were found to be more aggressive, but no more instrumental, than those of women. These and other findings support the conclusion that women's friendships are more similar to the cultural images of heroic friendship and sisterhood than to the narrower image of feminized love.
Evolution, Propagation, Reflection, and Interactions of 1D-normal Shocks in Air and FC70 Using hpk Finite Element Computational Framework

In this paper, the mathematical models based on Navier-Stokes equations incorporating physical mechanism of viscosity and conductivity are utilized in h, p, k finite element computational framework to investigate 1-D normal shocks in air and FC70. In the case of air, shock evolution, propagation, repeated reflection and interactions are simulated using ideal gas law with constant viscosity and thermal conductivity. For FC70, numerical studies are presented for initial conditions inside the BZT zone as well as for those away from the BZT zone to investigate the possibility of compression as well as rarefaction shocks. The Van der Waals equation of state with constant transport properties is used for FC70. In all cases, “the rate of production of entropy per unit volume” is used to establish: (i) evolution of shock; (ii) sustained propagation; (iii) repeated reflections and subsequent sustained propagation; and (iv) interactions and sustained propagation of reflected shocks. In all numerical studies care is...
Analyzing inter-application communication in Android

Modern smartphone operating systems support the development of third-party applications with open system APIs. In addition to an open API, the Android operating system also provides a rich inter-application message passing system. This encourages inter-application collaboration and reduces developer burden by facilitating component reuse. Unfortunately, message passing is also an application attack surface. The content of messages can be sniffed, modified, stolen, or replaced, which can compromise user privacy. Also, a malicious application can inject forged or otherwise malicious messages, which can lead to breaches of user data and violate application security policies.We examine Android application interaction and identify security risks in application components. We provide a tool, ComDroid, that detects application communication vulnerabilities. ComDroid can be used by developers to analyze their own applications before release, by application reviewers to analyze applications in the Android Market, and by end users. We analyzed 20 applications with the help of ComDroid and found 34 exploitable vulnerabilities; 12 of the 20 applications have at least one vulnerability.
CD4+ T cells and IFN-γ are required for the development of Pneumocystis-associated pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease of diverse etiology. Although primary PH can develop in the absence of prior disease, PH more commonly develops in conjunction with other pulmonary pathologies. We previously reported a mouse model in which PH occurs as a sequela of Pneumocystis infection in the context of transient CD4 depletion. Here, we report that instead of the expected Th2 pathways, the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ is essential for the development of PH, as wild-type mice developed PH but IFN-γ knockout mice did not. Because gene expression analysis showed few strain differences that were not immune-function related, we focused on those responses as potential pathologic mechanisms. In addition to dependence on IFN-γ, we found that when CD4 cells were continuously depleted, but infection was limited by antibiotic treatment, PH did not occur, confirming that CD4 T cells are required for PH development. Also, although CD8 T-cells are implicated in the pathology of Pneumocystis pneumonia, they did not have a role in the onset of PH. Finally, we found differences in immune cell phenotypes that correlated with PH, including elevated CD204 expression in lung CD11c+ cells, but their role remains unclear. Overall, we demonstrate that a transient, localized, immune response requiring IFN-γ and CD4-T cells can disrupt pulmonary vascular function and promote lingering PH.
Bridging good food and good jobs: From secession to confrontation within alternative food movement politics

Abstract Much of the alternative food movement is predicated on a prefigurative politics of building alternatives to the conventional agrifood system, with only a smaller segment invested in a politics of confrontation with that very same system. In the context of actually existing agrifood relations, this raises a number of concerns. First, the movement often ignores challenging race and class inequality within the agrifood system in favor of realizing environmental sustainability and supporting small farmers. Second, corporate agribusinesses often co-opt the movement’s consumer-centric and health-centric framings to legitimate low-wage big-box retail development in low-income urban communities. Third, the movement does not always recognize how low-income urban communities are developing language and tactics to shape local economic development. In this article, we investigate new alliances between alternative food organizations and labor organizations that use confrontational politics to demand greater food justice and economic justice in the conventional agrifood system. Specifically, we focus on struggles against Wal-Mart in New York City and Los Angeles and the discourse of “Good Food, Good Jobs,” which is used to build alliances between alternative food activists and labor activists working to address the root causes of food insecurity and food deserts. We find that at the core of the Good Food, Good Jobs discourse is a politics committed to increasing the power and health of food chain workers, and more broadly, the communities within which they live, by rejecting the tradeoff between food and jobs, which empowers working class people to shape the development of their communities.
Integrated control of axonemal dynein AAA(+) motors.

Axonemal dyneins are AAA+ enzymes that convert ATP hydrolysis to mechanical work. This leads to the sliding of doublet microtubules with respect to each other and ultimately the generation of ciliary/flagellar beating. However, in order for useful work to be generated, the action of individual dynein motors must be precisely controlled. In addition, cells modulate the motility of these organelles through a variety of second messenger systems and these signals too must be integrated by the dynein motors to yield an appropriate output. This review describes the current status of efforts to understand dynein control mechanisms and their connectivity focusing mainly on studies of the outer dynein arm from axonemes of the unicellular biflagellate green alga Chlamydomonas.
Simple aspiration technique to address voiding dysfunction associated with transurethral injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer

Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Zuidex) is currently under Food and Drug Administration investigation for use as a transurethral bulking agent to treat female stress urinary incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Urethral obstruction is a recognized complication of bulking agents. We describe an aspiration method to address iatrogenic voiding dysfunction resulting from this therapy.
Anti-inflammatory medications for cystic fibrosis lung disease: selecting the most appropriate agent.

The lung disease of cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a self-sustaining cycle of airway obstruction, infection, and inflammation. Therapies aimed at decreasing the inflammatory response represent a relatively new strategy for treatment. Attention has focused primarily upon the therapeutic potential of corticosteroids and NSAIDs. Although beneficial, the use of systemic corticosteroids is limited by their unacceptable adverse effects. It is unclear if inhaled corticosteroids are a viable alternative, although their use in CF has dramatically increased in recent years. High-dose ibuprofen has been shown to slow progression of CF lung disease, but its use has not been widely adopted despite a favorable risk-benefit profile. Thus, other anti-inflammatory approaches are under investigation. Since the inflammatory response can be triggered by many stimuli and since the pathways activated by these stimuli produce many mediators, there are a plethora of targets for anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Specific antibodies, receptor antagonists, and counter-regulatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-10 and interferon-γ, inhibit the pro-inflammatory mediators responsible for the damaging inflammation in the CF airway, including tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β and IL-8. Studies of molecules that modulate intracellular signaling cascades that lead to the production of inflammatory mediators, are underway in CF. For patients with established disease, recent and projected advances in therapies that are directed at neutrophil products, such as DNase, antioxidants, and protease inhibitors, hold great promise for limiting the consequences of the inflammatory response. To optimize anti-inflammatory therapy, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of action of these agents in the CF lung to determine which agents will be most beneficial, and to determine which therapies should be initiated at what age and stage of lung disease. Hope remains that correction of the abnormal CF transmembrane conductance regulator protein or gene replacement therapy will be curative. However, correction of the basic defect must also correct the dysregulated inflammatory response in order to be effective. Until those therapies aimed at repairing the basic defect are realized, limiting the effects of the inflammatory process will be important in slowing the decline in lung function and thus prolonging survival in patients with CF.
Allosteric Interactions between DNA Strands and Monovalent Cations in DNA Quadruplex Assembly: Thermodynamic Evidence for Three Linked Association Pathways†

The series of cooperative transitions that lead to [d(TG4)4·(K+)m] quadruplex assembly upon rapid addition of KCl to d(TG4) strands were studied. Quadruplex samples were dialyzed against KCl then Li-EDTA and found to retain between three and five strongly bound potassiums with affinities >106 M-2. Absorbance thermal denaturation (melt) and circular dichroism (CD) equilibrium binding data were obtained. The latter were analyzed using two classes of binding models to simulate the effects of the assumed intermolecular interactions on the binding curves (isotherms). The melt experiments yielded equilibrium dissociation constants (Kd) ranging from 10-11 to 10-12 M3 at the melting temperatures. Extrapolating these values to 23 °C predicts Kd values in the 10-28 M3 range if the heat capacity (Cp) is not strongly dependent upon temperature changes over this range. Assuming Ka is equal to 1/Kd (from melting analyses), very large association free energies stabilize the quadruplex at 23 °C in 100 mM KCl (ΔGa = −43 k...
Sharp inequalities and geometric manifolds

Sharp constants for function-space inequalities over a manifold encode information about the geometric structure of the manifold. An important example is the Moser-Trudinger inequality where limiting Sobolev behavior for critical exponents provides significant understanding of geometric analysis for conformal deformation on a Riemannian manifold [5, 6]. From the overall perspective of the conformal group acting on the classical spaces, it is natural to consider the extension of these methods and questions in the context of SL(2, R), the Heisenberg group, and other Lie groups. Among the principal tools used in this analysis are the linear and multilinear operators mapping Lp(M) to Lq(M) defined by the Stein-Weiss integral kernels which extend the Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev fractional integrals $$\mathcal{H}^1 (\mathbb{R}^d )$$ conformal geometry, and the notion of equimeasurable geodesic radial decreasing rearrangement. To illustrate these ideas, four model problems will be examined here: (1) logarithmic Sobolev inequality and the uncertainty principle, (2) SL(2,R) and axial symmetry in fluid dynamics, (3) Stein-Weiss integrals on the Heisenberg group, and (4) Morpurgo’s work on zeta functions and trace inequalities of conformally invariant operators.
Privatization And Vouchers In Colombia And Chile

The voucher model of financing schooling is becoming increasingly common throughout Latin America, with at least 12 countries using vouchers or voucher-like schemes. The present study focuses on the voucher models of Colombia and Chile, which have the most extensive programs of this type and those of the longest standing in the region. Using empirical evidence, the author compares the two models along four evaluative dimensions: educational quality, segregation, choice and socialization. After weighing the successes and weaknesses of each system, he concludes that, among other characteristics, the most effective and equitable voucher model features: (a) a flexible interpretation of educational quality; (b) financial grants which target solely the poor; (c) vouchers which cover the entire cost of tuition; (d) open enrolment at participating schools; (e) the participation of both secular and religious private schools; (f) accessible and meaningful information to parents; and (g) strong systems of accountability.
A critical analysis of response criteria in patients with prostatic cancer treated with CIS‐diamminedichloride platinum II

Cis-diamminedichloride platinum II (DDP), 50--70 mg/m2 iv, q 3w was administered to 25 patients with Stage D adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Since the assessment of tumor regression in a disease-oriented phase II study demands a clear end-point of response, case selection was restricted to patients who had objectively measurable lesions, i.e., nodes, skin, lung, and liver metastasis. Partial remission occurred in 3 (12%) and stabilization of disease in 1 patient. Responders lived 53 weeks vs. 20 weeks for non-responders. In the dosage and schedule used in this protocol, DDP was not an active agent in the treatment of prostatic cancer. Various patient characteristics are examined and correlations made between remission rates and survival in this study vs. 4 other response schemata. A critical analysis of patient selection, "lead time" -- diagnosis to chemotherapy, and the definitions of the terms "measurable" lesions, "evaluable" parameters, "objective response", stabilization of disease and response criteria employed in the 4 schemata are also discussed.
Technological differences in job characteristics, employee satisfaction, and motivation: A synthesis of job design research and sociotechnical systems theory

Abstract A review of job design research and sociotechnical systems theory suggests that both of these approaches to organizational change converge in their emphasis on a common set of job characteristics as important to employee satisfaction and motivation. Job characteristics suggested by sociotechnical systems theory and job design research were examined in a survey of employees in 19 production units. These organizational units were classified into three technological categories. Significant differences were found between the job characteristics, employee satisfaction, and motivation across technology. In addition, there were substantial positive relations between the job characteristics, satisfaction, and motivation. The job characteristics Variety and Task Significance were found to be particularly important to employee satisfaction and motivation.
Thermography in posttraumatic pain

Posttraumatic pain is often associated with complex disturbances of the sympathetic nervous system which also controls microcirculation of the skin. Circulatory skin changes are in turn reflected by altered superficial thermal emission, which can be reliably imaged by thermography. Examples of classic thermographic pat terns associated with commonly occurring injuries and detected along cutaneous distributions of peripheral nerves or spinal root dermatomes are presented. Ther mographic abnormalities may also occur in onderma tomal distributions to involve an entire hand, foot, or extremity as observed in reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Such thermographic findings often appear before skin or roentgenographic changes become manifest and lead to earlier diagnosis. Prompt and more effective treatment, particularly in reflex sympathetic dystrophy, may thereby be initiated so that full blown, difficult to manage, chronic disability may be averted. The diag nosis of malingering may also be strengthened or sus pect...
Early Childhood Predictors of Adult Psychopathology

This paper considers the relationship between experience and behavioral profiles during the first 4 years of life and later psychopathology by examining the results of prospective longitudinal studies. The review revealed modest associations. The most consistent findings imply that an extreme degree of impulsivity in preschool children predicts adolescent delinquency, and that severe neuromotor anomalies in infants are a possible sign of vulnerability to adult schizophrenia.
Prevention Theory and Action from the Religious Perspective

Based on interviews with nine individuals actively involved in religiously-affiliated service, we describe and examine their perspectives on prevention and on religion as a preventive influence. As...
Slag Behavior in Gasifiers. Part I: Influence of Coal Properties and Gasification Conditions

In the entrained-flow gasifiers used in integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants, the majority of mineral matter transforms to liquid slag on the wall of the gasifier and flows out the bottom. However, a small fraction of the mineral matter is entrained (as fly ash) with the raw syngas out of the gasifier to downstream processing. This molten/sticky fly ash could cause fouling of the syngas cooler. To improve gasification availability through better design and operation of the gasification process, a better understanding of slag behavior and the characteristics of the slagging process is needed. Char/ash properties, gas compositions in the gasifier, the gasifier wall structure, fluid dynamics, and plant operating conditions (mainly temperature and oxygen/carbon ratio) all affect slagging behavior. Because coal has varying ash content and composition, different operating conditions are required to maintain the slag flow and limit problems downstream. In Part I, we review the main types and the operating conditions of entrained-flow gasifiers and coal properties used in IGCC plants; we identify and discuss the key coal ash properties and the operating conditions impacting slag behavior; finally, we summarize the coal quality criteria and the operating conditions in entrained-flow gasifiers. In Part II, we discuss the constitutive modeling related to the rheological studies of slag flow.
Using the M/G/1 queue under processor sharing for exact simulation of queues

In Sigman (J. Appl. Probab. 48A:209–216, 2011b), a first exact simulation algorithm was presented for the stationary distribution of customer delay for FIFO M/G/c queues in which ρ=λ/μ<1 (super stable case). The key idea involves dominated coupling from the past while using the M/G/1 queue under the processor sharing (PS) discipline as a sample-path upper bound, taking advantage of its time-reversibility properties so as to be able to simulate it backwards in time. Here, we expand upon this method and give several examples of other queueing models for which this method can be used to exactly simulate from their stationary distributions. Examples include sojourn times for single-server queues under various service disciplines, tandem queues, and multi-class networks with general routing.
Hemostasis in blood vessels after ligation.

The length of time required to achieve hemostasis after ligation of blood vessels with a diameter of 1.0 to 3.5 mm was studied. Canine limb vessels were ligated with stainless steel clips. These were removed at 48, 60, 72, 84, or 96 hours after ligation, and the degree of hemostasis was evaluated by observing the effect of varying amounts of trauma applied to the vessels. The vessels were first observed for 1 minute. In the second phase the vessels were stroked for 15 seconds and then observed for any bleeding. An additional 15 seconds of stroking followed by observation completed the evaluation. All blood vessels achieved hemostasis after 96 hours of secure ligation despite the trauma. All ligating devices must provide secure ligation to achieve hemostasis for at least 96 hours. The presence of disease processes or medications interfering with clotting would necessitate a longer period of secure ligation to achieve hemostasis.
Eukaryotic Stress Granules: The Ins and Outs of Translation

The stress response in eukaryotic cells often inhibits translation initiation and leads to the formation of cytoplasmic RNA-protein complexes referred to as stress granules. Stress granules contain nontranslating mRNAs, translation initiation components, and many additional proteins affecting mRNA function. Stress granules have been proposed to affect mRNA translation and stability and have been linked to apoptosis and nuclear processes. Stress granules also interact with P-bodies, another cytoplasmic RNP granule containing nontranslating mRNA, translation repressors, and some mRNA degradation machinery. Together, stress granules and P-bodies reveal a dynamic cycle of distinct biochemical and compartmentalized mRNPs in the cytosol, with implications for the control of mRNA function.
CK-MB isoforms for early risk stratification of emergency department patients.

The potential clinical utility of single sample CK-MB isoforms measurement for early risk stratification of Emergency Department (ED) patients with possible myocardial ischemia was evaluated among 405 patients presenting to two urban EDs. Clinical and serologic data were prospectively collected and the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) and myocardial infarction (MI) during the 14-day outcome period was recorded and utilized to calculate and compare relative risks (RR) and predictive values of isoforms and CK-MB alone. Among the 405 patients, 67 accrued 105 AEs. Both isoforms and CK-MB alone were predictive of AEs with RR of 3.32 (2.09, 5.27) and 6.28 (4.64, 8.52), respectively. Isoforms had higher sensitivity for AEs compared to CK-MB (65.7% [54.3, 77.0] vs. 14.9% [6.4, 23.5]; p<0.01) but lower specificity (69.2% [64.3, 74.2] vs. 99.7% [99.1,100.0]; p<0.01). Isoforms’ superior sensitivity allowed identification of many high risk patients missed by CK-MB alone. Further, for the prediction of MI, isoforms had superior diagnostic sensitivity and equivalent specificity. This investigation supports the emergency department use of early, single sample CK-MB isoform testing.
Highly efficient triplet chain isomerization of Dewar benzenes: adiabatic rate constants from cage kinetics.

Quantum yields as high as 120 were achieved for triplet-sensitized photoisomerizations of several Dewar benzene reactants, R, to the corresponding benzene products, P. Considerable chain amplification is maintained even at high conversion. All relevant rate constants of this triplet chain reaction were extracted from laser flash photolysis plus steady-state photolysis experiments. The crucial rate constant ka for adiabatic isomerization of the triplet reactant to triplet product (R* → P*) cannot be directly measured because it is so large relative to the bimolecular rate of R* formation via sensitization. However, ka was obtained indirectly using a cage/encounter complex model to analyze the competition between the dissociation of encounter pairs with the sensitizer, e.g., S/R* → S + R*, and the in-cage processes, S/R* → S/P* → S*/P, in nonviscous and viscous solvents. These measurements yielded ka values of (∼4−9) × 109 s-1, which suggests that only a small (∼3 kcal/mol) energy barrier exists along the p...
Microdistribution and Long-term Retention of 239Pu (NO3)4 in the Respiratory Tracts of an Acutely Exposed Plutonium Worker and Experimental Beagle Dogs

The long-term retention of inhaled soluble forms of plutonium raises concerns as to the potential health effects in persons working in nuclear energy or the nuclear weapons program. The distributions of long-term retained inhaled plutonium-nitrate [(239)Pu (NO(3))(4)] deposited in the lungs of an accidentally exposed nuclear worker (Human Case 0269) and in the lungs of experimentally exposed beagle dogs with varying initial lung depositions were determined via autoradiographs of selected histologic lung, lymph node, trachea, and nasal turbinate tissue sections. These studies showed that both the human and dogs had a nonuniform distribution of plutonium throughout the lung tissue. Fibrotic scar tissue effectively encapsulated a portion of the plutonium and prevented its clearance from the body or translocation to other tissues and diminished dose to organ parenchyma. Alpha radiation activity from deposited plutonium in Human Case 0269 was observed primarily along the subpleural regions while no alpha activity was seen in the tracheobronchial lymph nodes of this individual. However, relatively high activity levels in the tracheobronchial lymph nodes of the beagles indicated the lymphatic system was effective in clearing deposited plutonium from the lung tissues. In both the human case and beagle dogs, the appearance of retained plutonium within the respiratory tract was inconsistent with current biokinetic models of clearance for soluble forms of plutonium. Bound plutonium can have a marked effect on the dose to the lungs and subsequent radiation exposure has the potential to increase cancer risk.
Heavy ion identification with a plastic phoswich in magnetic spectrograph measurements

Abstract The performance of a plastic phoswich (400 μm NE102A + NE115) as an element of the focal plane detector for magnetic spectrographs was studied. When combined with the p/q selection by the spectrograph, the phoswich provides a complete isotope separation for light heavy ions in the energy range of some tens of MeV/nucleon.
Alterations in RANTES Gene Expression and T-Cell Prevalence in Intestinal Mucosa during Pathogenic or Nonpathogenic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Abstract RANTES, a β-chemokine, can suppress human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infections in T-lymphocyte cultures in vitro. However, the association of RANTES levels in peripheral blood with viral loads and disease outcome in HIV infection has been inconclusive. SIV-infected rhesus macaques were evaluated to determine whether RANTES gene expression correlated with suppression of viral infection in intestinal lymphoid tissues. Intestinal tissues were obtained from rhesus macaques infected with either pathogenic or nonpathogenic SIVmac variants at various stages of infection (primary acute, asymptomatic, and terminal). We examined the level of SIV infection ( in situ hybridization), RANTES expression (quantitative competitive RT-PCR), and T-cell counts (immunohistochemistry). The most pronounced increase in RANTES gene expression in intestinal tissues was observed in primary SIV infection, which correlated with the pathogenicity of the infecting virus and not the tissue viral loads. Our results demonstrated that in contrast to the occurrence of viral suppression by RANTES in vitro, there was no direct correlation between high RANTES gene expression and suppression of viral loads in intestinal lymphoid tissues. Thus RANTES expression in the gut lymphoid tissue may not be a correlate for viral suppression. However, RANTES gene expression in primary SIV infection may be part of early host immune response to viral infection.
Cavity-nesting community webs as predictive tools: where do we go from here?

The complexities of ecological systems are often portrayed visually through the use of networks, and a number of techniques have been developed to quantify network properties in useful ways. Cavity-nesting communities may be particularly well suited for network analysis because these communities are hierarchically structured and interconnected. In addition, the mechanisms of cavity excavation and use, which mediate interactions between cavity-nesting species, are relatively clear and experimentally testable through cavity manipulation. Webs have recently been used as a visual tool to depict the structure of cavity-nesting communities. Here, we present a conceptual paper that explores future directions of nest web analysis. We provide a simple demonstration of how web visualization of cavity-nesting communities can enable the prediction of how community structure will shift when components are removed and identify non-intuitive indirect interactions within an ecological community. We also provide a brief review of some network tools used to examine ecological complexity. We hope this exercise can stimulate discussion of how nest web analysis can be advanced, for example by developing quantitative methods to describe and compare webs across different forest systems and by integrating population dynamics into nest webs to examine community-level stability. Such expansions of nest web analysis can contribute to the development of predictive capabilities for community response to environmental change and forest management.
Development of a System for the Assessment of Heart Rate Variability in the NICU

Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is used to examine morbidity and mortality in premature neonates. We developed a system to acquire and analyze full frequency spectrum HRV based on ECG signal to identify frequency ranges associated with responses to "normal care" of the NICU neonate. The system will allow real-time monitoring of specific frequency ranges at the bedside. Twenty NICU newborns were enrolled under University of Miami IRB approved protocol. Infants were recorded before, during and after procedures associated with normal NICU care. ECG signals were sampled from analog output from a standard bedside monitor using a custom interface based in an Arduino system. Interface was connected to a computer running a LabView program for real-time process. Pam-Tompkins QRS detection algorithm was tuned to spectral characteristics of the preterm ECG signal; HRV computation was done using the Lomb-Scargle algorithm. ECG acquisition was safe, reliable and appropriate for HRV computation. 1186 minutes of ECG were sampled at 1000SPS and processed. The QRS detection algorithm was reliable, requiring minor intervention to eliminate artifacts. HRV computation using non-uniformly spaced samples was appropriate for ECG analysis. HRV can be used in real time to monitor neonatal response to normal care.