cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Augmenting stack overflow with API usage patterns mined from GitHub

Programmers often consult Q&A websites such as Stack Overflow (SO) to learn new APIs. However, online code snippets are not always complete or reliable in terms of API usage. To assess online code snippets, we build a Chrome extension, ExampleCheck that detects API usage violations in SO posts using API usage patterns mined from 380K GitHub projects. It quantifies how many GitHub examples follow common API usage and illustrates how to remedy the detected violation in a given SO snippet. With ExampleCheck, programmers can easily identify the pitfalls of a given SO snippet and learn how much it deviates from common API usage patterns in GitHub. The demo video is at https://youtu.be/WOnN-wQZsH0.
Understanding sexual arousal and subjective–genital arousal desynchrony in women

Sexual arousal in women comprises two components: genital arousal and subjective arousal. Genital arousal is characterized by genital vasocongestion and other physiological changes that occur in response to sexual stimuli, whereas subjective arousal refers to mental engagement during sexual activity. For some women, genital arousal enhances subjective arousal; for others, the two types of arousal are desynchronous. However, the relationship between genital and subjective arousal might not be relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of sexual arousal dysfunction. Studies have shown that not all women who report sexual arousal problems have decreased genital arousal, and only some women with decreased genital arousal have low subjective arousal. To develop efficacious treatments for female sexual arousal dysfunction, researchers need to differentiate the women for whom genital sensations have a critical role in their subjective arousal from those who are not mentally aroused by genital cues. The mechanisms by which women become aroused and the inputs into arousal have considerable implications for treatment outcomes.
The curvilinear relationships between structural embeddedness and productive efficiency: An exploratory study

Abstract Existing network studies pay much attention to the benefits of structural embeddedness. However, Uzzi (1996) points out the marginal benefits of structural embeddedness may follow a pattern of diminishing returns. Using major customer disclosure data from Compustat, this study investigates the curvilinear relationships between multiple aspects of structural embeddedness and productive efficiency. Applying both Wang and Ho (2010) and Chen and Lin (2009) stochastic frontier models, we confirm the diminishing returns of eigenvector and betweenness centralities with a partial support for interconnectedness. Implications from our findings can help decision makers better understand the effects of structural embeddedness and help devise network structural change strategies for productive efficiency.
Review and Constructive Definitions for Mathematically Engineered Systems as Categorical Interpretation

An analysis was performed to compare the expressibility under category theory for algebraic aspects to systems engineering. The purpose is to replicate the developed aspects under “model-based” specification theorems. A categorical definition of ‘system’ is constructed in the category of categories centrally defined by epimorphism and functor. Then the major theorems developed for model-based engineering are reconstructed and whose proof chains are presented through corresponding deductions from Wymore, A mathematical theory of systems engineering—The elements. New York: Wiley, 1967 and Awodey, Category theory, oxford logic guides. New York: Oxford Press, 2010. The resultant is twofold: showing “parallel” deductive abstractions and interpreted “categorical” primitives as deductive results. Algebraic differences exist in universality, indexing, and adjoints for engineering specifications, yet ‘system of system’ (constructions) are expressed by functors via graphical “diagrams.” Finally, type differences in both intension and extension are explored throughout, and supplementary representations are discussed for incorporating “set” and “structural” formalizations into system (engineering) aspects.
Focus Group Research on the Implications of Adopting the Unified English Braille Code

Five focus groups explored concerns about adopting the Unified English Braille Code. The consensus was that while the proposed changes to the literary braille code would be minor, those to the math...
Applications of Raman Spectroscopy

There are some similarities between the Raman and the infrared methods. Both methods arise from rotational and vibrational transitions in a molecule. For simple molecules a combination of the two methods will aid in the determination of structure, utilizing a mathematical treatment (e.g., group theory). Generally the mathematical treatment is beyond the limits of contemporary theory for most molecules. However, useful information can be obtained by the use of both spectra, regardless of the complexity of a molecule.
Investigating the genetic and environmental architecture of interpack aggression in North American grey wolves.

Aggression confers several fitness benefits including increased breeding opportunities and resource acquisition. Determining the relative contributions of genetic and environmental components to shaping aggression is essential for advancing our understanding of how selection affects the distribution of aggressive phenotypes in a population. In a From the Cover article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, vonHoldt et al. (2020) used RAD-seq methods to obtain genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data to estimate heritability of interpack aggression of 141 North American grey wolves (Canis lupus) surveyed from 1995-2018. The authors inferred heritability using both a SNP-based genetic relationship matrix (GRM) and a consensus pedigree informed by: (a) previously obtained microsatellite data; (b) past observations of parentage; and (c) statistical reconstruction of parent-offspring pairs. SNP-based (i.e., GRM) and pedigree-based (i.e., consensus pedigree) heritability estimates were 37% and 14%, respectively, with an additional 14%-16% explained by natal pack effects. The study confirmed the previously discovered strong effects of relative pack size and breeding status on interpack aggression, illustrating how social dynamics and density-dependent factors induce variance in aggressive behaviours. Finally, the authors found associations between average individual aggression scores (IAS) and specific candidate genes (MY09A and TRAK1). In sum, vonHoldt et al. (2020) provides an unprecedented and nuanced synthesis that not only suggests gene-aggression associations, but also emphasizes how additive genetic variance and density-dependent factors interact to maintain phenotypic variance in aggression over time.
Abstract A25: Hectd3 protects against colitis and colon cancer development through maintenance of homeostatic immune environment in the gut

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most common and deadliest malignancies in USA, including in Florida. CRC includes hereditary, sporadic, and colitis-associated cancer (CAC). CAC often shows rapid progression, poor response to treatment, and high mortality. In CAC, tumors are formed in the context of chronic inflammation, but ultimately the immune populations in colonic tumors acquire a suppressive phenotype. Among such populations, myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs), consisting of polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs and monocytic (M)-MDSCs, accumulate in the tumors and promote a tumor-suppressive microenvironment, together with tumor-associated macrophages. Numerous questions remain unanswered in regard to the biology and regulation of myeloid-suppressive populations in CAC. We found that the levels of the ubiquitin ligase Hectd3 were reduced in human inflamed ulcerative colitis (UC) tissues and in colonic tumors versus healthy matched colonic tissues. Hectd3 KO mice developed more severe dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and larger and more numerous colonic tumors in the azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS model of CAC. Bone marrow chimera experiments demonstrated that both the hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic compartments play roles in the phenotype, in DSS colitis and in AOM/DSS CAC model. During DSS-induced colitis we found that genes for several proinflammatory cytokines were upregulated in the colons of Hectd3 KO mice, including IL6, IL11 and G-CSF, as well for Lipocalin-2, associated with inflammation. However, in the colonic tumors of Hectd3 KO mice, the CD11b+ CD11c- myeloid cells were elevated and showed increased Arginase 1 and iNOS levels and frequencies, suggestive of a suppressive phenotype. We hypothesize that absence of Hectd3 promotes a highly inflammatory phenotype in the colon, and further an immune-suppressive phenotype in the colonic tumors through regulation of specific signaling pathways in myeloid populations. Citation Format: Ashley Zuniga, Upasana Parthasarath, Jonathan Cho, Theodore Drashansky, Eric Helm, Kyle Lorentsen, Zhen He, Christian Jobin, Dorina Avram. Hectd3 protects against colitis and colon cancer development through maintenance of homeostatic immune environment in the gut [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A25.
Nurturing the Capital Within: A Qualitative Investigation of Black Women and Girls in STEM Summer Programs:

Using Yosso’s community cultural wealth as a theoretical lens, we sought to understand how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) summer programs cultivated the interest and parti...
Cardiac Complications Attributed to Hydroxychloroquine: A systematic review of the Literature Pre-COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Hydroxychloroquine has been used for rheumatological diseases for many decades and is considered a safe medication. With the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been an increase in reports associating cardiotoxicity with hydroxychloroquine. It is unclear if the cardiotoxic profile of hydroxychloroquine is previously underreported in the literature or is it a manifestation of COVID-19 and therapeutic interventions. This manuscript evaluates the incidence of cardiotoxicity associated with hydroxychloroquine prior to the onset of COVID-19. METHODS: PubMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for keywords derived from MeSH terms prior to April 9, 2020. Inclusion eligibility was based on appropriate reporting of cardiac conditions and study design. RESULTS: A total of 69 articles were identified (58 case reports, 11 case series). The majority (84%) of patients were female, with a median age of 49.2 (range 16-92) years. 15 of 185 patients with cardiotoxic events were in the setting of acute intentional overdose. In acute overdose, the median ingestion was 17,857 ± 14,873 mg. 2 of 15 patients died after acute intoxication. In patients with long-term hydroxychloroquine use (10.5 ± 8.9 years), new onset systolic heart failure occurred in 54 of 155 patients (35%) with median cumulative ingestion of 1,493,800 ± 995,517 mg. The majority of patients improved with the withdrawal of hydroxychloroquine and standard therapy. CONCLUSION: Millions of hydroxychloroquine doses are prescribed annually. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiac complications attributed to hydroxychloroquine were uncommon. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system to understand the presence or absence of potential medication interactions with hydroxychloroquine in this new pathophysiological state.
Secure and private outsourcing to untrusted cloud servers

Storage and computation outsourcing to cloud servers has become an important research topic in recent years due to the large volume of data that needs to be hosted at cloud servers and the intent to employ servers to perform computational work for clients. Our research work is mainly focusing on developing secure and efficient protocols for outsourcing computational work and storage to untrusted cloud servers. In the poster, we will describe two different kinds of secure outsourcing setting, and present our research problems in them and give the protocols.
Tail-Based Anchoring on Granular Media for Transporting Heavy Payloads

Granular media, like sand, restricts vehicle traction and degrades the ability of mobile robots to pull loads. Solutions that are effective on hard or clean surfaces fail on sand. This work presents a mobile robot system that utilizes an active tail to greatly increase its ability to pull loads. The robot combines dynamic tail impacts, plowing, and leveraging of cable tension to achieve this improved performance. The key contributions of this letter are 1) illustrating how dynamic impacts can provide substantial anchoring force on two terrain types, 2) incorporating anchoring behavior into tail actuator design, 3) combining tail and wheel behaviors to create granular barriers, 4) leveraging geometry to utilize winch tension for enhanced performance, and 5) experimentally demonstrating the ability to transport loads 6x the robot mass on a deep sandy surface. The prototype 7.6 kg robot was able to pull a 45.5 kg load on a deep sand surface. This is a substantial improvement over the baseline robot which was only able to pull a 13.6 kg load.
Keeping the Higher Education “Promise” in Nevada: Latina/o Legislators Policy Ways of Knowing:

In this case study, I draw attention to key Nevada Latina/o legislators’ policy ways of knowing and their higher education policy priorities. A focus on the policy actors uncovered structural, raci...
STPAcc: Structural TI-based Pruning for Accelerating Distance-related Algorithms on CPU-FPGA Platforms

As a promising solution to boost the performance of distance-related algorithms (e.g., K-means and KNN), FPGAbased acceleration attracts lots of attention, but also comes with numerous challenges. In this work, we propose, STPAcc, an optimization framework based on structural triangle-inequality (TI) based pruning (STP) for accelerating distance-related algorithms on CPU-FPGA platforms. STPAcc provides a domainspecific language to unify distance-related algorithms effectively, a structural TI-based pruning strategy to remove unnecessary distance computations, a coarse-grained workload partitioning and mapping strategy to fully exploit the potentials of the CPUFPGA platform, and fine-grained hardware optimizations to further improve performance on the FPGA. Intensive experiments show that STPAcc designs achieve 31:42× speedup and 99:63× better energy efficiency on average over standard CPU-based implementations.
Are the SDGs Sufficient

The aim of the SDGs is to provide guidance to countries in attaining key economic, environmental, and social benchmarks that are considered essential to sustainable development. In this chapter, we address an important question: is progress towards the SDGs sufficient to ensure sustainability? Addressing the continuing environmental costs of global development will require greater climate action, biodiversity conservation, and other policies to counter the rising threats of global environmental risks. Policies should also focus on the specific sustainability challenges faced by poor economies, and on encouraging good governance and institutional effectiveness. Finally, specific policies should be targeted at closing the growing wealth gap between rich and poor, and what type of steps could be taken to make development more sustainable and inclusive.
Chapter 10 - Psychological and social implications of COVID-19

Abstract This chapter highlights the psychological and social consequences of the pandemic that were further exaggerated by ambiguous information and premature spread of misinformation through social platforms in addition to extreme stress, panic, hysteria, and challenges faced by the patients, families and frontline workers. It also further draws attention to the role of media, government, community and as an individual and identifies strategies to handle unmet psychosocial needs of different sections of the general population.
Credit Multipliers as a Mechanism to Incentivize Low-Carbon Fuel Policy Adoption and to Reduce Fuel Shuffling

Low-carbon fuel policies such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) encourage the use of low-carbon fuels through different incentive mechanisms. One outcome of these market-based designs is that incentives for fuel shuffling exist for low carbon intensity fuels. Fuel shuffling reduces policy efficiency and potentially increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to transport. One way to address this inefficiency is to differentiate a commodity through the use of certification (e.g. GHG emissions or sustainability standards). We argue that decoupling certificates from physical quantities of fuel will mitigate shuffling concerns, improve the economic efficiency of fuel regulation, and better incentivize technology innovation for fuels. Use of decoupled certificates may also circumvent concerns associated with the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade regulation by the World Trade Organization. While this analysis indicates that certificate decoupling adds substantial value to low-carbon fuel policy, the policy may also be inefficient if decoupling incentivizes paper shuffling. We propose using credit multipliers in addition to certificate decoupling to overcome this problem. This approach may provide economic benefits of over $50 billion dollars for the trade of ethanol between the U.S. and Brazil alone.
Fractal Analysis of Analyte-Receptor Binding and Dissociation, and Dissociation Alone for Biosensor Applications

Values of the fractal dimensions and the rate coefficient values for the association (binding), as well as the dissociation phase(s), and the dissociation phase alone are obtained in the chapter. A comparison of the values obtained from these two phases and from the dissociation phase alone for different biosensors analyzed significantly assists in enhancing the relevant biosensor performance parameters. The influence of partial and total mass transport limitations on analyte–receptor binding kinetics for biosensor applications is discussed in the chapter. Besides some techniques like the surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biosensors may be utilized to monitor the analyte–receptor reactions in real time. The associative or binding reaction and the desorption or dissociation reaction are characterized in the chapter. This significantly assists in the enhancement of the biosensor performance parameters—such as reusability, multiple usage for the same analyte, and stability—besides providing further insights into sensitivity, reproducibility, and specificity of the biosensor.
Administrative Law in the U.S. Supreme Court, 2004-2006: Trends, Cases, and Unexploded Bombshells

This article accompanies a presentation at the Texas Bar Association's 18th Annual Advanced Administrative Law Course, held September 2006. It provides readers with a comprehensive review of administrative-law-related decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 terms. First, the article examines three trends in the U.S. Supreme Court's federal administrative law jurisprudence going into the 2004-2005 term: (1) limited interpretation of the federal Administrative Procedure Act (APA); (2) limiting Chevron deference; and (3) federalism and the role of state authority in federal administrative law. Second, the article provides a comprehensive review of Supreme Court decisions from October 2004 through June 2006 for administrative law practitioners. Finally, the article identifies two unexploded bombshells in administrative law jurisprudence and four cases to watch during the 2006-2007 Supreme Court term.
Quetiapine for the treatment of alcoholism: scientific rationale and review of the literature.

Issues. The development of effective treatments for alcohol use disorders represents an important public health concern. Quetiapine, a multiple receptor antagonist at 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A, dopamine D1 and D2, histamine H1, and adrenergic α1 and α2 receptors, is an atypical antipsychotic medication that has recently shown promise for the treatment of alcoholism. Approach. This manuscript reviews the rationale and empirical literature suggesting that quetiapine may be useful for the treatment of alcohol use disorders, including a discussion of its putative neurobiological and biobehavioural mechanisms of action. Key Findings. The effects of quetiapine on drinking outcomes may be due to its effects on mood, anxiety and sleep, which may help alleviate protracted withdrawal symptoms and address psychiatric comorbidities often associated with alcohol use disorders. Implications. These findings have implications to treatment development for alcoholism and suggest that the scientific study of quetiapine for alcoholism warrants further resources and attention. Conclusion. Quetiapine has advanced as a potentially promising pharmacotherapy for alcoholism. Additional research is needed to more clearly ascertain its clinical utility as a stand-alone treatment for this indication, as well as to identify patients who are more likely to respond favourably to this medication.[Ray LA, Heydari A, Zorick T. Quetiapine for the treatment of alcoholism: Scientific rationale and review of the literature. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010]
A polynomial time algorithm that learns two hidden unit nets

Let N be the class of functions realizable by feedforward linear threshold nets with n input units, two hidden units each of zero threshold, and an output unit. This class is also essentially equivalent to the class of intersections of two open half spaces that are bounded by planes through the origin. We give an algorithm that probably almost correctly (PAC) learns this class from examples and membership queries. The algorithm runs in time polynomial in n, ∊ (the accuracy parameter), and δ (the confidence parameter). If only examples are allowed, but not membership queries, we give an algorithm that learns N in polynomial time provided that the probability distribution D from which examples are chosen satisfies D(x) = D(−x) ∀x. The algorithm yields a hypothesis net with two hidden units, one linear threshold and the other quadratic threshold.
Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Ureter in a Patient With HIV: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction Primary ureteral lymphomas are rare. Herein, we describe a case of a patient with HIV presenting with right hydronephrosis and obstructive changes which on biopsy confirms diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Though urothelial carcinomas makes up most histologic diagnoses with involvement of this region, lymphomas should remain in the differential, especially in this population of patients, because it might obviate the need for radical nephroureterectomy and dictates a different therapeutic approach.
Calculated Spin-Orbit Splittings of Some Group IV, III-V, and II-VI Semiconductors

The spin-orbit splittings of the valence and conduction bands of the group-IV semiconductors Si, Ge, and $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Sn}$, the III-V compounds AlSb, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, and InSb, and the II-VI compounds ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, and CdTe have been obtained at the $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$, $X$, and $L$ symmetry points in the Brillouin zone. The calculations were made using a relativistic orthogonalized plane wave (ROPW) model. The energies presented are differences in eigenvalues of the Dirac Hamiltonian where the exchange correlation potential operator was approximated by the cube root of the electron density with coefficients suggested by Slater and by Kohn, Sham, and Gaspar (KSG). The calculated values are compared with values obtained from experiments and from previous $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{p}}$ calculations. The validity of the two-thirds rule for the ratio of the $L$-point to $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$-point valence-band spin-orbit splitting is examined. The effects of hydrostatic pressure on the spin-orbit splittings are also presented.
A Molecular Motif Required for the Activation of Rat Neutrophil Phospholipase A2 by Organochlorine Compounds

Organochlorine (OC) compounds are some of the main toxicants present in the food web and target several cellular systems including the nonspecific immune system. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that OC compounds that activate neutrophils share common structural features. Using activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) as a marker of neutrophil activation, isolated rat neutrophils were exposed to a variety of OC compounds. The ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyl 2,2‘,4,4‘-tetrachlorobiphenyl, the α-, δ-, and γ-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCCH), p,p‘-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dieldrin, and chlordane each induced activation of PLA2 in neutrophils. β-HCCH and the non-ortho-substituted 3,3‘,4,4‘-tetrachlorobiphenyl were without effect. PLA2 activation stimulated by each of the OC compounds was reduced by methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate, which inhibits both a cytosolic and a calcium-independent PLA2 (iPLA2), and by E-6-(bromoethylene)tetrahydro-3-(1-naphthalenyl...
Distributions of structural features contributing to thermostability in mesophilic and thermophilic α/β barrel glycosyl hydrolases

Analysis of the structural basis for thermostability in proteins has come mainly from pairwise comparisons of mesophilic and thermophilic structures and has often yielded conflicting results. Interpretation of these results would be enhanced by knowing the normal range of features found for mesophilic proteins. In order to provide the average and distribution values of structural features among similar mesophilic proteins, we compared the amino acid composition, solvent accessible surface area, hydrogen bonds, number of ion pairs, and thermal factors of 22 structures of alpha/beta barrel glycosyl hydrolases. These distributions are then compared to values from seven alpha/beta barrel glycosyl hydrolases from thermophilic organisms. We find that the distribution of each structural feature is broad within the mesophilic proteins and illustrates the difficulty of making pairwise comparisons of mesophiles to thermophiles where differences for individual proteins may be within the normal range for the group. In comparing mesophiles to thermophiles as a group, we find that thermophilic structures have fewer glycines in a particular region of the structure and higher thermal factors at room temperature. These results suggest the basis for thermostability may be related to protein motion rather than to static features of protein structure.
The calculation of bilateral trade patterns in a Ricardian model with intermediate products and barriers to trade

Abstract After arguing for a computational approach to the theory of international trade the paper presents an algorithm for solving a generalized Ricardian two-country model. The algorithm focuses on the ‘critical exchange ratios’ at which the pattern of specialization changes. In the absence of barriers to trade there is one exchange ratio (defined as the value of one country's labor in terms of the other country's labor) at which production of a good moves from one country to the other. With barriers to trade there are two critical ratios for each good, between which it is not traded. Taking the critical ratios in sequence the trade balance can be calculated as a discontinuous function of the exchange rate; where the balance equals zero (or some given transfer) the problem is solved. The method works with arbitrary demand functions and can handle intermediate products.
Psychiatric Deinstitutionalization and Prison Population Growth: A Critical Literature Review and Its Implications

A substantial amount of research has been devoted to explaining the reasons behind the unprecedented explosion of U.S. prison populations. While the majority of prior studies related imprisonment to four factors—specifically crimes, changes in the labor markets, politics, and demographic changes—other relevant factors have not received as much attention. In the historical context of decreases in mental hospital populations resulting from psychiatric deinstitutionalization, imprisonment rates have skyrocketed nationwide since the late 1970s. This inverse relationship between both trends has called for prior research that empirically examines the impact of mental hospitalization on imprisonment, especially through the criminalization of mental illness. However, empirical findings are equivocal in general at the aggregate level. This article conducts a comprehensive and critical literature review, discusses the important conceptual and methodological limitations of the existing literature, and finally provid...
Studies of polyarthritis and other lesions induced in rats by injection of mycobacterial adjuvant. I. General clinical and pathologic characteristics and some modifying factors

A reproducible polyarthritis was induced in rats by administering an emulsion of mineral oil and certain mycobacteria. Associated nonarticular lesions were observed. Pathogenesis of this experimental disease apparently involves hypersensitivity. Un reproducibile polyarthritis esseva inducite in rattos per le administration de un emulsion de oleo mineral e certe mycobacterios. Associate lesiones non-articular esseva observate. Le pathogenese de iste morbo experimental es apparentemente un question de hypersensibilitate.
Recognition of Altered Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Recombination

Kinetics of inactivation of transduction by phage P1bt which had been treated with ultraviolet light (UV) or nitrous acid (NA) was examined. With Escherichia coli B/r (radiation-resistant), low doses of UV increased transduction frequency, but the frequency was exponentially inactivated by higher doses. Little initial stimulus was observed in strain B(s-1) (radiation-sensitive). The final rate of decay was the same as in B/r. The initial stimulus of transduction in B/r was probably a consequence of increased recombination resulting from dark repair. It was estimated that another nucleotide within 1000 nucleotide pairs had to be damaged by UV to prevent a given nucleotide from successful transduction. The NA dose response was the same for the two strains. An initial stimulus of transduction was followed by exponential decline. The UV-repair enzymes missing in B(s-1) were not required for repair of NA-induced damage to transducing or lytic phage DNA. Low recovery of new mutations in the transductants showed that mutagen-induced damage to transducing DNA was excluded from recombinant chromosomes. The few recovered mutants may have resulted from "normal" error in recombination.
The RuvAB branch migration complex can displace topoisomerase IV.quinolone.DNA ternary complexes.

Quinolone antimicrobial drugs target both DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV (Topo IV) and convert these essential enzymes into cellular poisons. Topoisomerase poisoning results in the inhibition of DNA replication and the generation of double-strand breaks. Double-strand breaks are repaired by homologous recombination. Here, we have investigated the interaction between the RuvAB branch migration complex and the Topo IV.quinolone.DNA ternary complex. A strand-displacement assay is employed to assess the helicase activity of the RuvAB complex in vitro. RuvAB-catalyzed strand displacement requires both RuvA and RuvB proteins, and it is stimulated by a 3'-non-hybridized tail. Interestingly, Topo IV.quinolone.DNA ternary complexes do not inhibit the translocation of the RuvAB complex. In fact, Topo IV.quinolone.DNA ternary complexes are reversed and displaced from the DNA upon their collisions with the RuvAB complex. These results suggest that the RuvAB branch migration complex can actively remove quinolone-induced covalent topoisomerase.DNA complexes from DNA and complete the homologous recombination process in vivo.
Adverse drug effects in hospitalized elderly: Data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project

We aimed to analyze trends in hospital admissions due to adverse drug effects between the years 2000 to 2007 among the elderly using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. We identified the discharges with the principal and all listed diagnoses related to adverse drug effects and associated hospital charges using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9) codes. Between 2000 and 2007, 321,057 patients over 65 years were discharged with a principal diagnosis related to an adverse drug effect. Hospital charges were $5,329,276,300 or $666,159,537 annual cost. The number of discharges and total hospital charges did not change over the examined years, while mean charge per discharge increased on average by $1064 ± 384 per year. Total hospital charges for drug-induced gastritis with hemorrhage increased the most by $11,206,555 per year among those 66–84 years old and by $8,646,456 per year among those older than 85 years. During 2007, 791,931 elderly had adverse treatment effects among all listed diagnoses with hospital charges of $937,795,690. Effective drug management interventions are needed to improve safety of treatments in the elderly.
Predicting sudden death in the general population: another step, N terminal B-type natriuretic factor levels.

Despite increased awareness and advances in resuscitation methodology, the average national survival from sudden cardiac arrest in North America remains 4.5%, ranging from 1.1% in the state of Alabama to 8.1% in Seattle, Wash.1 Given this 95% probability of instantaneous death once cardiac arrest occurs, the pursuit to identify effective preventive interventions must be unrelenting. The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator has been an effective modality that treats the crisis, but methodologies for effective risk stratification of the actual condition continue to elude us.2 The left ventricular ejection fraction can be a reasonable means of risk stratification in a subgroup of sudden cardiac death (SCD) patients but is clearly an inadequate predictor of overall risk.3 Some mechanisms of SCD risk are likely to overlap between men and women,4 but there is growing evidence to suggest that there may also be sex-specific pathways leading to ventricular arrhythmogenesis.5,6 A recent study in a Medicare population sample (1991 to 2005) found that men were significantly more likely to undergo cardioverter-defibrillator implantation for both primary and secondary prevention of SCD (hazard ratio 3.15, 95% confidence interval 2.86 to 3.47, and hazard ratio 2.44, 95% confidence interval 2.30 to 2.59, respectively),7 and this disparity between the sexes has also been reported in 2 other studies.8,9 Therefore, the identification of sex-specific SCD mechanisms is a crucial element …
Anatomy of financial retardation in a less developed country: The case of Sri Lanka, 1951–1976

Abstract An attempt is made in this paper to analyse the experience of Sri Lanka during 1951–1976, particularly in relation to its financial sector development. It is shown that the interventionist regime held the key to the pace and pattern of the economy's development. Whether it was the skimpy growth of the financial system, the faltering progression of GNP, the precarious foreign exchange position, or the persistence of inflationary pressure, they were all traceable to the impact on the financial system of a particular set of policies pursued. The year 1977, however, marked a watershed in Sri Lanka's long quest for economic development. The Government began to unwind the entire paraphernalia of administered controls on consumption, investment and foreign exchange. Most of the price controls were removed, subsidies phased out and public corporations were allowed greater autonomy in their pricing and distribution policies. It is necessary to contrast this situation with what existed prior to 1977 in order to assess its impact on the real economy of Sri Lanka. Only then can the cost of financial retardation be measured.
Sensory, Mechanical, and Microscopic Evaluation of Staling in Low-Protein and Gluten-Free Breads

ABSTRACT Staling over a 120-hr period was compared in a gluten-free rice bread, a low-protein starch bread, and two gluten-containing breads (standard wheat and added-protein wheat) using quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), critical stress values obtained by mechanical compression testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The gluten-free rice bread had the highest QDA scores for both moistness and overall freshness, whereas the low-protein starch bread had the lowest scores for both attributes. Differences in critical stress values over the 120-hr period demonstrated that the gluten-free rice bread had the greatest resistance to mechanical collapse, indicating the least structural damage, whereas the low-protein starch bread had the least resistance to mechanical collapse. Both wheat breads had QDA moistness and freshness scores, and critical stress values that ranged between the gluten-free rice and low-protein starch breads. SEM showed the formulation containing rice, egg and milk proteins, ...
Spot and forward rates in a stochastic model of the foreign exchange market

Abstract In this paper, we develop a simultaneous stochastic model of spot and forward exchange-rate determination under rational expectations. For spot rates, we find that increases in speculative responsiveness dampen the effects of trade-balance shocks, but exacerbate effects of interest-rate shocks. For forward rates, though, increases in speculative responsiveness dampen the effects of both trade-balance and interest-rate shocks. The bias of the forward forecast error decreases as specualtive responsiveness increases, but the expected squared error may increase.
Current perspectives on detection of microbial contamination in bioethanol fermentors

In recent years bioethanol has encompassed worldwide interest as a non-conventional bioenergy source. This fact has driven several bioethanol industries to produce more ethanol on a large scale via cost effective methods. However in the process of scaling up ethanol production bacterial contamination is becoming one of the more challenging problems facing the bioethanol industry. There are several traditional microbiological methods available to detect and subsequently limit these bacterial contaminants. These methods are time consuming, laborious and can be less sensitive. Consequently, it is necessary to find novel sensitive and economic detection methods to eradicate the contaminants long before they disrupt ethanol production. Molecular methods that can detect the contaminants even at very low numbers at any given stage would help in the design of more cost effective eradication strategies and better targeted antimicrobial treatments. Application of rapid molecular detection approaches have the potential to provide much more sensitive and rapid means to not only detect but quantitate microbial contaminants long before they become problematic to overall bioethanol formation.
Wnt signaling: An embarrassment of receptors

Recent genetic studies in Drosophila and mouse have uncovered a new aspect of the Wnt signal transduction machinery. Mutations disrupting LDL-receptor related proteins produce loss-of-function Wnt phenotypes, suggesting that these cell surface molecules may represent essential co-receptors for Wnt ligands.
Does prenatal WIC participation improve birth outcomes? New evidence from Florida

We study the effects of prenatal receipt of nutritional and educational services provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on birth outcomes. Our identification strategy consists of two elements: (1) identifying families in a very tight income range surrounding the WIC eligibility threshold; and (2) exploiting a policy change that differentially influenced the WIC takeup rates of the families on each side of the eligibility threshold. We conduct this analysis by merging three large statewide administrative datasets from Florida concerning all births during the period 1997–2001. We match the birth records of infants and the school records of their older siblings in order to relatively precisely identify “marginally eligible” and “marginally ineligible” families that are very similar in their observable characteristics. We find that WIC participation has no effect on mean birth weight and gestational age, but substantially reduces the likelihood of adverse birth outcomes, e.g. birth weights below 2500 g.
Effect of hyperglycemia and neuropeptides on interleukin-8 expression and angiogenesis in dermal microvascular endothelial cells

Background Impaired wound healing is a major complication associated with diabetes, involving a dysregulation and impairments in the inflammatory and angiogenic phases of wound healing. Here, we examine the effects of the neuropeptides substance P (SP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) on dermal microvascular endothelial cell (DMVEC) angiogenesis and interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression, a known effector of the neuropeptide pathways in normal and hyperglycemic conditions in vitro. Methods DMVECs are treated with one of four glucose concentrations: 1) 5 mM glucose; 2) 10 mM glucose; 3) 30 mM glucose; or 4) 30 mM mannitol and cotreated with 100 nM NPY, 100 nM SP, or 10 ng/mL IL-8. Angiogenesis is assessed with proliferation and tube formation assays. IL-8 mRNA and protein expression are evaluated at days 1 and 7. Results As compared with noromoglycemia (5 mM glucose), hyperglycemia (30 mM glucose) decreases DMVEC proliferation and tube formation by 39% and 42%, respectively. SP cotreatment restores DMVEC proliferation (211%) and tube formation (152%), and decreases IL-8 expression (34%) in DMVECs exposed to hyperglycemic conditions. These effects are not observed with NPY. However, IL-8 treatment by itself does not affect proliferation or tube formation, suggesting that the effect of SP on DMVEC angiogenesis is unlikely through changes in IL-8 expression. Conclusion Hyperglycemic conditions impair DMVEC proliferation and tube formation. SP mitigates the effect of hyperglycemia on DMVECs by increasing DMVEC proliferation and tube formation. These findings are not likely to be related to a dysregulation of IL-8 due to the lack of effects of hyperglycemia on IL-8 expression and the lack of effect of IL-8 on DMVEC proliferation and tube formation. The effect of SP on DMVECs makes SP a promising potential target for therapy in impaired wound healing in diabetes, but the exact mechanism remains unknown.
The four components and six essential pairs: A framework for neighbourhood revitalization

This “Policy & Planning Brief” introduces a framework that can be used to guide neighbourhood revitalization efforts. Using the framework may help to ensure that internal and external stakeholders ...
Singular values and diagonal elements of complex symmetric matrices

Abstract Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the existence of a complex symmetric matrix with prescribed diagonal elements and singular values.
Regular surface patterns by local swelling induced by He implantation into silicon through nanosphere lithography masks

Abstract Nanopatterning of silicon surfaces by means of He+ ion implantation through self-organized colloidal masks is reported for the first time. Nanosphere lithography (NSL) masks with mask openings of 46–230 nm width were deposited on Si(1 0 0) wafers. He+ ions were implanted through these masks in order to induce a local cavity formation and Si surface swelling. The surface morphology and the subsurface structure were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM), respectively, as a function of mask and implantation parameters. It is demonstrated that regular arrays of both individual hillocks and trough-like circular rings can be generated.
Validity of the Process of Change for Colorectal Cancer Screening Among African Americans

Background Process of change (POC) is a construct of the transtheoretical model that proposes to promote healthy behaviors.
THE LIMNOLOGY OF CANYON FERRY RESERVOIR: III. SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE DENSITY DEPENDENCE OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND ITS CAUSE1

A scrics of 24-hr dctcrminations of net photosynthesis confirmed the conclusions dcrivcd from previous 6-hr cxpcrimcnts that the relationship bctwccn photosynthesis and standing crop is not linear. The optimal rate of net photosynthesis per unit chlorophyll varied inversely with chlorophyll concentration. As a result net cuphotic zone photosynthesis was maximal at intcrmccliate values of chlorophyll concentration and was less at chlorophyll concentrations above or below the intermccliatc range. From previously derived relationships between chlorophyll, gross photosynthesis, and respiration, values of net euphotic zone photosynthesis wcrc computed for each chlorophyll concentration. The computecl values agreed well with the observed values. The cleclinc of CO:! concentration as standing crop increased was suggested as the most probable cause of the observed photosynthesis standing crop relationship.
Gel properties of surimi from various fish species as affected by moisture content

Torsion, punch, and color tests as affected by moisture content were evaluated for surimi from pollock, Pacific herring, arrowtooth flounder, and Pacific whiting. Torsion stress and strain decreased linearly with increased moisture content but strain values were less sensitive to moisture than were stress values. This finding enabled mathematical normalization of torsion stress and strain values rather than adjusting the moisture content of samples prior to testing. Punch test results, while linearly related to moisture content, were not as consistent as torsion test results. The L* and whiteness increased with higher moisture content, but changes in a* and b* values were not consistent for surimi from different species.
Periodic entrainment of chaotic logistic map dynamics

Consider the map dynamics xn+1=F(xn;c), with a control parameter c. Let the governing set {gn¦ n=0, 1, 2,…} be a desired periodic dynamic set (gN+n≡gn). It is noted that the non-autonomous system xn+1=F(xn;c)+Gn has such a solution, xn=gn, if Gn=gn+1−F(gn;c). In particular, the set of values {gn38}; might be obtained from the periodic solutions of gn+1=F(gn,c∗), using suitable values of c∗. This study explores the values of c∗ which yield entrained solutions, their basin of entrainment, {x0¦limn→∞¦xn−gn¦= 0}, and more generally the basins of bounded solutio ns and their character, when F(x,c)=cx(1−x), the logistic map. Of particular interest is the entrainment of chaotic dynamics, c=4. Generally, the basin of entrainment for period-one governing, g0, is {x0¦1−g0−1/c g0 > (1+c)/2c, with the above b asin, or if (c−1)/2c > ;g0 > (c−4)/2c, with the basin {x >0¦g0<x0< 1−g0}. The complimentary x0 region yields unbounded dynamics. Period-two governing values have two basins, depending on the initial value used for g0. These basins are investigated for the sets gn+1=F(gn,c∗). Other periodic sets, {gn&}; in Gn do not become disjoint i n space. Period-four entrainment, for suitable c∗, can have even larger basins. The unwanted occurrence of other disjoint basins of attraction, which interlace the basins of entrainment, as a function of both x0 and g0, is discussed. Other periodic and non-periodic responses to these periodic Gn are also studied.
Positive and negative contrast effects obtained following shifts in liquid sucrose reward in thirsty rats

In a repeated shifts experiment four independent groups of thirsty rats received the following treatments: LSLS, LLLS, SSLS, and SSSS, with each letter denoting the magnitude (large or small) of sucrose reward received in each of the four phases of the experiment. While no negative contrast effect (NCE) was obtained in Phase 2, a very reliable positive contrast effect (PCE) was found in Phase 3. Moreover, a significant NCE was obtained in Phase 4. The results were explained in terms of the relative rather than absolute effects of reinforcement.