cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Big Data's Dirty Secret

Amidst the avalanche of articles on big data and machine learning, the phrase "after cleaning the data" is often found. Here we focus on the work hidden behind this phrase. We analyze the types of dirty data found in financial time series, the problems caused by dirty data, and the performance of data cleaning algorithms. And we extend the MSSA hole filling algorithm of Kondrashov and Ghil to improve its performance on CDS spread data, and combine it with clustering techniques from data science to detect bad data.
Can the Orexin Antagonist Suvorexant Preserve the Ability to Awaken to Auditory Stimuli While Improving Sleep

Study Objectives:The safety profile of the dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) are currently unknown with regard to nocturnal responsivity among people with insomnia. We compared the auditory ...
Assessment of Decision Support Systems for Envisioned Human Extravehicular Activity Operations: From Requirements to Validation and Verification:

This work presents the results of a laboratory-based study of prototype decision support systems (DSS) for envisioned human extravehicular activity (EVA). A central feature of this work is demonstr...
A simplified method of pre-emptive perigraft aortic sac embolization to prevent type II endoleak using the Excluder endograft

Abstract Pre-emptive, nonselective perigraft embolization of abdominal aortic aneurysm sac to reduce the risk of type II endoleak has been previously reported with a percutaneous technique using contralateral access with resheathing for coiling. The approach has been modified to simplify the procedure and to eliminate unnecessary sheath exchanges.
Influenza B viruses from different genetic backgrounds are variably impaired by neuraminidase inhibitor resistance-associated substitutions.

Abstract Identifying evolutionary routes to antiviral resistance among influenza viruses informs molecular-based resistance surveillance and clinical decisions. To improve antiviral management and understand whether clinically identified neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor (NAI) resistance–associated markers affect influenza B viruses of the Victoria- or Yamagata-lineages differentially, we generated a panel of NAI-resistant viruses (carrying E105K, G145E, R150K, D197N, I221 L/N/T/V, H273Y, N294S, or G407S substitutions; B numbering) in B/Brisbane/60/2008 (BR/08) and B/Phuket/3073/2013 (PH/13). In both backgrounds, I221 L/N/T/V resulted in reduced or highly reduced inhibition (HRI) by one to three currently available NAIs. D197N reduced inhibition by all NAIs in BR/08 but only by oseltamivir and peramivir in PH/13; R150K caused HRI by all NAIs in PH/13. Although PH/13 generally retained or enhanced NA activity in the presence of the substitutions, enzymatic activity in BR/08 was detrimentally affected. Similarly, substrate affinity and catalysis were relatively stable in PH/13, but not in the BR/08 variants. E105K, R150K, and D197N attenuated replication efficiency of BR/08 in vitro and in mice; only E105K had this effect in PH/13. Notably, the I221 L/N/T/V substitutions did not severely impair replication, particularly in PH/13. Overall, our data show differential effects of NA substitutions in representative Victoria- and Yamagata-lineage viruses, suggesting distinct evolution of these viruses caused variable fitness and NAI susceptibility profiles when similar key NA substitutions arise. Because the viruses harboring the I221 NA substitutions displayed undiminished fitness and are commonly reported, this position is likely to be the most clinically relevant marker for NAI resistance among contemporary influenza B viruses.
Mathematising the limit of time: Heidegger, Derrida, and the topology of temporality

‘The mathematisation of time has limits,’ writes Derrida in ‘Ousia and Gramme.’ Taking this quote in all possible senses, this paper considers Derrida’s definition of limit as gramme, trace, and ap...
State-level teen dating violence education laws and teen dating violence victimisation in the USA: a cross-sectional analysis of 36 states

Background Approximately 10% of teens report experiencing sexual dating violence (SDV) or physical dating violence (PDV), collectively represented as teen dating violence (TDV). This study examines the association between laws incorporating TDV education in schools on TDV prevalence. Methods TDV prevalence was estimated using data contributed by 36 states that participated in the 2015 Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance Survey (YRBS). Presence of TDV laws was determined using Westlaw, a legal search engine. The adjusted odds of TDV victimisation was estimated by the presence or absence of a state law and length of time the law was in effect using hierarchical regression modelling, clustering on state, controlling for individual-level and state-level covariates and incorporating the YRBS-weighted survey design. Results After controlling for individual-level and state-level covariates, the presence of a law was not associated with TDV (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.97; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.06), PDV (aOR 1.12; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.33) or SDV (aOR 0.99; 95% CI 0.91 to 1.08). These odds did not differ across the length of time the policies were in effect. Conclusions This study suggest that just the presence of a law incorporating TDV education in schools is not associated with reduced TDV victimisation but further research is needed to understand the association of the content of these laws and their implementation on TDV victimisation.
Trips: Ciclo de vida

Trips, morfologia general, biologia general, rango de hospederos de la plaga, enemigos naturales, y sintomas y danos. This is the Spanish translation of ENY-879/IN1058, Pest Identification Guide: An Introduction to Thrips. It was written by Nicole Casuso and Hugh Smith, translated by Lorena Lopez, and published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1288
Advances in the molecular design of ionenes for a diverse range of applications

Ionenes are polymers that have charges in their backbone rather than on pendant sites. They can be divided into two overarching categories whether the charge is cationic or anionic, and into two subcategories whether they are segmented or non-segmented polymers. Generally, segmented ionenes exhibit thermoplastic elastomer properties due to their low charge density and phase separation compared to non-segmented ionenes. Non-segmented ionenes have been widely used for the various applications ranging from membrane-based separations to biomedical materials; whereas, segmented ionenes have been mostly studied on a fundamental level. This review focuses on trends in the use of non-segmented ionenes in the above applications and more. Furthermore, it describes the properties of segmented ionenes, with attention to the relationships between the structure and function of the segmented ionenes. Together, this review offers insight into the design of ionenes for use in a diverse set of applications.
Principles for Systematic Optimization of an Orthogonal Translation System with Enhanced Biological Tolerance

Abstract Over the past twenty years, the development of orthogonal biological systems has sparked a revolution in our ability to study cellular physiology. Orthogonal translation systems (OTSs) enable site-specific incorporation of hundreds of non-standard amino acids, offering unprecedented access to the study of cellular mechanisms modulated by post-translational modifications (e.g. protein phosphorylation). Although development of phosphoserine-OTSs (pSerOTS) has been significant, little work has focused on the biology of OTS development and utilization. To better understand the impact of OTSs on host physiology, we utilize pSerOTS as a model to systematically explore the extent to which OTS components interact with Escherichia coli. Using this information, we constructed pSerOTS variants designed to enhance OTS orthogonality by minimizing interactions with host processes and decreasing stress response activation. Our expanded understanding of OTS:host interactions enables informed OTS design practices which minimize the negative impact of OTSs while improving OTS performance across a range of experimental settings.
Is Informality Good for Business? The Impacts of Inflows of Internally Displaced Persons on Formal Firms

We examine the effects of large inflows of internally displaced persons (IDP), who are primarily absorbed by the informal sector, on the behavior of formal manufacturing firms in Colombia. To identify causal effects, we employ annual firm-level panel data between 1995 and 2010 and exploit the fact that, when conflict intensifies, forcefully displaced individuals tend to migrate to municipalities where people from their origin locations settled earlier. We find that large inflows of IDP induce sizable negative effects on the intensive and extensive margins of production of formal firms. These effects are stronger for firms operating in sectors that face a stronger competition from the informal economy.
Monitoring Automation Failures: Effects of Automation Reliability and Task Complexity

Two studies examined the effects of automation reliability and task complexity on the monitoring of automation failures during performance of a flight-simulation task. In the first study, 24 students performed tracking and resource management tasks while an automation routine monitored for system malfunctions over four 30-minute sessions Detection of automation failures was significantly higher for variable reliability automation (mean = 81.6%) than for constant reliability automation (mean = 32.7%), indicating that constant-reliability automation induced complacency in monitoring. The effect of automation reliability was eliminated when 16 more subjects were required to complete the monitoring task only. Neither group of subjects exhibited a vigilance decrement. In the second study monitoring performance and vigilance decrement were examined for a situation in which only one automation failure occurred during a session. 36 students were randomly assigned to one of three task groups: simple (visual discri...
COMPUTER GRAPHICS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION

Productivity increase in mechanical design through the application of computers and, especially, computer graphics is today well recognized. The engineering schools are taking a variety of paths to education in this new discipline in which faculty have little experience. A set of minimum proficiencies for ME graduates has been proposed and a consortium of colleges has begun developing educational materials in CAD/CAM. In the paper, the programs at several leading schools are described to illustrate current progress.
The depiction of masculinity in classic Nigerian literature

(2006). The Depiction of Masculinity in Classic Nigerian Literature. Journal of the African Literature Association: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 202-213.
Polyplax serrata: effects of limb disability on lousiness in mice. VI. Lack of tolerance after neonatal exposure.

Abstract Mice restrained from grooming become heavily infested with lice. Ordinarily the hosts develop resistance to the infestation which results in limitation or extinction of louse populations. However, individual mice, the number depending on breed, die of anemia or, in some cases, become debilitated but survive with continuous heavy louse burdens. A similar condition of tolerance is occasionally seen in domestic animals. Experiments were conducted to determine whether heavy exposure to lice in the neonatal period could induce tolerance to the parasite. When adequate provision was made to prevent mortality from louse infestation, survival and acquisition of resistance developed at the same rate and to the same degree in neonatally exposed and in naive mice.
Asset Building for Today's Stability and Tomorrow's Security

Today's weak economy, highlighted by job layoffs, high unemployment, and limited lines of credit, underscores the need for families to have savings to draw on during an emergency. Yet, the majority of low-income families have too few assets to weather emergencies. Even prior to the current recession, 57 percent of low-income families were liquid asset poor. This article discusses low-income families' asset holdings and promising policies aimed at addressing their short- and long-term needs. The package of proposals addresses the needs of families over the life course and considers the tension inherent in meeting families' short- and long-term asset-building goals.
Pulsations in Proto-Planetary Nebulae as seen From Light Curve Studies

We have carried out a monitoring program of ~40 proto-planetary nebula (PPN) candidates over the past seven years to investigate light variability. Almost all are found to vary in light, with typical amplitudes of 0.15–0.40 mag. Periods are found for several of the PPNs, in the range of 50–150 d. However, most are non-periodic or perhaps have multiple periods. Even those with periods are found to vary in amplitude. An inverse correlation is found between the time scale of variability and the temperature. These variations are attributed to pulsations.
The kinetics of in vivo priming of CD4 and CD8 T cells by dendritic/tumor fusion cells in MUC1-transgenic mice.

Previous work has demonstrated that dendritic/tumor fusion cells induce potent antitumor immune responses in vivo and in vitro. However, little is known about the migration and homing of fusion cells after s.c. injection or the kinetics of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation. In the present study, fluorescence-labeled dendritic/MUC1-positive tumor fusion cells (FC/MUC1) were injected s.c. into MUC1-transgenic mice. The FC/MUC1 migrated to draining lymph nodes and were closely associated with T cells in a pattern comparable with that of unfused dendritic cells. Immunization of MUC1-transgenic mice with FC/MUC1 resulted in proliferation of T cells and induced MUC1-specific CD8+ CTL. Moreover, CD4+ T cells activated by FC/MUC1 were multifunctional effectors that produced IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10. These findings indicate that both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells can be primed in vivo by FC/MUC1 immunization.
Symmetry and the Metaphysics of Physics

The widely held picture of dynamical symmetry as surplus structure in a physical theory has many metaphysical applications. Here, I focus on its relevance to the question of which quantities in a theory represent fundamental natural properties.
Being Black and Brown in the 21st Century: Challenges and Pedagogical Possibilities

Depending on one’s level of understanding and awareness about the plight of Black and Brown people, one might argue that they are better off today than they were 50 years ago or so, especially when one remembers the Jim Crow era during which Black and Brown people were ruthlessly brutalized, particularly by White supremacist groups such as the Klu Klux Kan. However, if one critically analyzed the achievement gap between students of color and their White counterparts, the decline in incomes, and other forms of educational and socioeconomic inequality that Black and Brown people, particularly poor students of color, have been experiencing for the last several decades or so, one would realize that substantially nothing has changed for them. In light of this view, this article explores the educational and socioeconomic conditions of People of Color, including those of linguistically and culturally diverse students. Specifically, it examines the ways and the degree to which lack of resources combined with inst...
EFFICACY OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN DIAGNOSING LSVC

The diagnosis of a left superior vena cava (LSVC) is important in planning the repair of a congenital heart defect as it may be the source of a sizeable right-to-left shunt. The medical record of 65 consecutive pts with a LSVC evaluated at the Mayo Clinic between 1980-1986 were reviewed. All pts had cardiac catheterization (CATH) and two-dimensional echocardiography (2D-ECHO) performed. The M:F ratio was 5:4; the mean age was 8.3 years. Bilateral SVC were present in 59 (91%) and a unilateral SVC was present in 6 (9%), 3 with absent RSVC syndrome. Eighty-one percent of the LSVC entered the coronary sinus CS (11% entered an unroofed CS), 8% entered a pulmonary venous atrium, and 11% entered a common atrium. CATH was used successfully to identify a LSVC in 100% of pts. 2D-ECHO, utilizing contrast and color flow in some pts, was used successfully in 86% (grpl; p=0.008), and unsuccessfully in 14% (grp2). There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to age, gender, diagnosis, type of SVC or place of drainage. In grpl, a dilated CS was identified in 61%, contrast was used to identify a LSVC in 23%, and 25% were identified as a venous structure entering an atrium. When present the CS was of normal size in grp2 pts. Of the 9 pts, 7 had contrast used and 3 had color flow performed. We conclude: 1) Using 2D-ECHO, a LSVC was successfully identified in only 86% of our pts. 2) The failure to identify 14% could not be attributed to patient age, gender, type of congenital heart disease, type of LSVC or place of drainage. 3) If a suspected LSVC is not identified by 2D-ECHO, other non-invasive means, such as MRI, should be employed.
Schur-multiplicative maps preserving unitarily invariant norms

Characterizations are obtained for maps on real or complex matrices which preserve both the Schur (Hadamard) product and a given unitarily invariant norm.
High-sensitivity MALDI-TOF MS quantification of anthrax lethal toxin for diagnostics and evaluation of medical countermeasures

Inhalation anthrax has a rapid progression and high fatality rate. Pathology and death from inhalation of Bacillus anthracis spores are attributed to the actions of secreted protein toxins. Protective antigen (PA) binds and imports the catalytic component lethal factor (LF), a zinc endoprotease, and edema factor (EF), an adenylyl cyclase, into susceptible cells. PA-LF is termed lethal toxin (LTx) and PA-EF, edema toxin. As the universal transporter for both toxins, PA is an important target for vaccination and immunotherapeutic intervention. However, its quantification has been limited to methods of relatively low analytic sensitivity. Quantification of LTx may be more clinically relevant than LF or PA alone because LTx is the toxic form that acts on cells. A method was developed for LTx-specific quantification in plasma using anti-PA IgG magnetic immunoprecipitation of PA and quantification of LF activity that co-purified with PA. The method was fast (<4 h total time to detection), sensitive at 0.033 ng/mL LTx in plasma for the fast analysis (0.0075 ng/mL LTx in plasma for an 18 h reaction), precise (6.3–9.9 % coefficient of variation), and accurate (0.1–12.7 %error; n ≥ 25). Diagnostic sensitivity was 100 % (n = 27 animal/clinical cases). Diagnostic specificity was 100 % (n = 141). LTx was detected post-antibiotic treatment in 6/6 treated rhesus macaques and 3/3 clinical cases of inhalation anthrax and as long as 8 days post-treatment. Over the course of infection in two rhesus macaques, LTx was first detected at 0.101 and 0.237 ng/mL at 36 h post-exposure and increased to 1147 and 12,107 ng/mL in late-stage anthrax. This demonstrated the importance of LTx as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. This method provides a sensitive, accurate tool for anthrax toxin detection and evaluation of PA-directed therapeutics.
A bacteriophage encodes its own CRISPR/Cas adaptive response to evade host innate immunity

Bacteriophages (or phages) are the most abundant biological entities on earth, and are estimated to outnumber their bacterial prey by tenfold. The constant threat of phage predation has led to the evolution of a broad range of bacterial immunity mechanisms that in turn result in the evolution of diverse phage immune evasion strategies, leading to a dynamic co-evolutionary arms race. Although bacterial innate immune mechanisms against phage abound, the only documented bacterial adaptive immune system is the CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated proteins) system, which provides sequence-specific protection from invading nucleic acids, including phage. Here we show a remarkable turn of events, in which a phage-encoded CRISPR/Cas system is used to counteract a phage inhibitory chromosomal island of the bacterial host. A successful lytic infection by the phage is dependent on sequence identity between CRISPR spacers and the target chromosomal island. In the absence of such targeting, the phage-encoded CRISPR/Cas system can acquire new spacers to evolve rapidly and ensure effective targeting of the chromosomal island to restore phage replication.
Socio-Demographic and Clinical Predictors for Rehospitalization in Heart Failure

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is characterized by frequent exacerbations with an unpredictable course. Identification of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics that might predict rehospitalization may enable more tailored therapies and improve discharge planning. Purpose: To identify characteristics immediately prior to hospital discharge that could serve as predictors for cardiac rehospitalization within 90 days. Methods: Within 24 hours of discharge, 44 patients hospitalized for HF underwent a 6 minute walk test (6MWT) with continuous pulse oximetry (O2 sat). Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained through patient interview and medical record review. Cox regression was used to analyze time to cardiac rehospitalization from date of hospital discharge. Cardiac rehospitalization was defined as occurring because of a primary diagnosis of HF or other cardiac cause. Results: Subjects mean age was 59.6 þ 18.6 (range 27 to 100 years) with half (n 5 22) white/Caucasian. Mean O2 sat was 94.2% þ 3.6%, minimum O2 sat was 89.1% þ 6.1, mean walk distance was 220.8 þ 111.6 meters, and 50% (n 5 22) were anemic. More than half (n 5 23) were rehospitalized for cardiac reasons. Females had a 2.5 times greater risk for rehospitalization than males, were significantly more often anemic and walked significantly shorter distances on the 6MWT than males. The median number of days before rehospitalization in females was 40 and greater than 90 days for males, (or greater than the period of study). Conclusions: O2 sat during mild exercise and 6MWT distance did not predict increased rehospitalization risk. However, females had a greater risk for rehospitalization, were significantly more frail and more often anemic. This study is novel because it establishes a link between gender, anemia, and physical function with rehospitalization risk in patients hospitalized for HF who are being prepared for discharge. During hospitalization for HF, treatment of anemia, evaluation for strength, and services to provide support are needed, especially in females.
Data marshaling for multi-core architectures

Previous research has shown that Staged Execution (SE), i.e., dividing a program into segments and executing each segment at the core that has the data and/or functionality to best run that segment, can improve performance and save power. However, SE's benefit is limited because most segments access inter-segment data, i.e., data generated by the previous segment. When consecutive segments run on different cores, accesses to inter-segment data incur cache misses, thereby reducing performance. This paper proposes Data Marshaling (DM), a new technique to eliminate cache misses to inter-segment data. DM uses profiling to identify instructions that generate inter-segment data, and adds only 96 bytes/core of storage overhead. We show that DM significantly improves the performance of two promising Staged Execution models, Accelerated Critical Sections and producer-consumer pipeline parallelism, on both homogeneous and heterogeneous multi-core systems. In both models, DM can achieve almost all of the potential of ideally eliminating cache misses to inter-segment data. DM's performance benefit increases with the number of cores.
Ab initio calculations find 2,2-disilylcyclopentane-1,3-diyl is a singlet diradical with a high barrier to ring closure

Ab initio calculations on the lowest singlet and triplet states of 2,2-disilylcyclopentane-1,3-diyl find that the singlet lies well below the triplet. The C2 singlet diradical is calculated to be a minimum on the potential energy surface with an enthalpic barrier to ring closure of ΔH‡298 = 13.5 kcal/mol at the CASPT2/6-31G* level of theory. The energy of the 1,3-divinyl-substituted singlet diradical is calculated to be only 0.8 kcal/mol higher than that of 5,5-disilyl-1,3-divinylbicyclo[2.1.0]pentane at this level of theory, but the transition state for their equilibration is computed to be 12.8 kcal/mol above the diradical in energy.
Fitness biasing for the box pushing task

Anytime Learning with Fitness Biasing has been shown in previous works to be an effective tool for evolving hexapod gaits. In this paper, we present the use of Anytime Learning with Fitness Biasing to evolve the controller for a robot learning the box pushing task. The robot that was built for this task, was measured to create an accurate model. The model was used in simulation to test the effectiveness of Anytime Learning with Fitness Biasing for the box pushing task. This work is the first step in new research where an automated system to test the viability of Fitness Biasing will be created, as well as the first application of Fitness Biasing to a high level task such as box pushing.
NON-HERMITIAN LOCALIZATION AND POPULATION BIOLOGY

The time evolution of spatial fluctuations in inhomogeneous $d$-dimensional biological systems is analyzed. A single species continuous growth model, in which the population disperses via diffusion and convection is considered. Time-independent environmental heterogeneities, such as a random distribution of nutrients or sunlight are modeled by quenched disorder in the growth rate. Linearization of this model of population dynamics shows that the fastest growing localized state dominates in a time proportional to a power of the logarithm of the system size. Using an analogy with a Schr\"odinger equation subject to a constant imaginary vector potential, we propose a delocalization transition for the steady state of the nonlinear problem at a critical convection threshold separating localized and extended states. In the limit of high convection velocity, the linearized growth problem in $d$ dimensions exhibits singular scaling behavior described by a $(d\ensuremath{-}1)$-dimensional generalization of the noisy Burgers' equation, with universal singularities in the density of states associated with disorder averaged eigenvalues near the band edge in the complex plane. The Burgers mapping leads to unusual transverse spreading of convecting delocalized populations.
Evaluation of atmospheric correction using pseudo-invariant features from bi-temporal hyperspectral images

Atmospheric correction of hyperspectral image data is frequently a requirement for using remote sensing to understand and quantify various phenomena that take place on the Earth. This is particularly true when the analysis requires the use of spectral reflectance. Although sophisticated models for atmospheric correction exist, evaluating the performance of these models is non-trivial. In this study, two atmospheric correction programs, FLAASH (based on MODTRAN 4), and TAFKAA_6S (based on 6S), were applied to a pair of images of the same area but collected six weeks apart. The results of the two atmospheric correction procedures are analyzed based on the expected stability of pseudo-invariant features (PIFs). Although both procedures performed rather well in terms of removing atmospheric absorption features in the infrared region, the analysis identified some anomalous behaviors as well, the most important of which appears to be related to the bidirectional reflectance distribution of the forest pixels selected as PIFs.
Type A behavior and processing of social conflict information

Abstract Research suggests that the Type A pattern as assessed by the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) involves a number of stress-engendering cognitive/social responses. To identify potential responses responsible for social stress, the study tested the relationship between JAS Type A behavior and several cognitive/social variables relevant to assertiveness situations. Male undergraduates completed two measures of cognitive complexity and rated the reasonableness of another's request. Also, subjects were evaluated for positive content (i.e., consideration of the other) in role-played assertion responses. Type A behavior correlated with lower differentiation when sorting aspects of an assertion situation, lower integrative complexity when thinking about conflict topics, and less inclusion of consideration content.
Noble Gases in Stratospheric Dust Particles: Confirmation of Extraterrestrial Origin

Noble gas elemental and isotopic ratios were measured in a group of 13 "chondritic" stratospheric dust particles. Neon and argon are present in "solar" proportions; xenon appears to be dominated by contributions from "planetary" sources. The apparent xenon concentration is higher than that measured in any bulk meteorite, approaching the concentration found in the noble gas-rich, acid-insoluble residues from carbonaceous chondrites.
Courses in High-performance Computing for Scientists and Engineers

This paper reports our experiences in reimplementing an entry-level graduate course in high-performance parallel computing aimed at physical scientists and engineers. These experiences have directly informed a significant redesign of a junior/senior undergraduate course, Introduction to High-Performance Computing (CS 4225 at Georgia Tech), which we are implementing for the current Spring 2012 semester. Based on feedback from the graduate version, the redesign of the undergraduate course emphasizes peer instruction and hands-on activities during the traditional lecture periods, as well as significant time for end-to-end projects. This paper summarizes our anecdotal findings from the graduate version's exit surveys and briefly outlines our plans for the undergraduate course.
EMMC process for combined removal of organics, nitrogen and an odor producing substance.

Abstract In order to improve the process performance regarding the removal of organics, nitrogen, and an odor-causing compound (sulfide) contained in domestic wastewater, an entrapped-mixed-microbial cell (EMMC) with and without humic substances for both fixed and moving carrier reactors and conventional suspended growth culture (i.e. conventional activated sludge process) were investigated simultaneously. Both synthetic (simulated to the organics concentration of general domestic sewage) and actual domestic wastewater were investigated under operational conditions of 12 h of hydraulic retention time (HRT) with 1 h of aeration and 1 h of non-aeration, and 6 h of HRT with continuous aeration, at a room temperature of 25±2 °C. It was found that entrapping humic substances in the EMMC carriers had no impact on the removal of organics, nitrogen, and the odor-producing compound. Additionally, the performance of the EMMC moving carrier system for the removal of these pollutants is similar to that of the EMMC fixed carrier system. In general, the EMMC associated systems which provide high solids retention time achieve a better removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen, and the odor-producing substance than the suspended growth system for both HRTs of 6 h (continuous aeration) and 12 h (1 h of aeration and 1 h of non-aeration). Both the fixed and moving carrier EMMC processes, therefore, have the potential for improvement or replacement of the existing conventional activated sludge process with regard to improving the effluent qualities (such as COD, nitrogen and odor-producing compound) for reuse/disposal.
Computerized russian translation at ORNL

Since 1964, as an adjunct to its automated technical information processing services to ERDA and other federal agencies, a generalized language translation system has been used by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to translate Russian scientific text to English. The translation system, first implemented at Georgetown University around 1960, has been rewritten and improved through the years as computer models changed. Although the translations lack high literary quality, the system, by means of its context sensitive dictionary, nevertheless provides inexpensive, fast and highly useful translations of scientific literature. The method used involves a linguistically-oriented programming language called Simulated Linguistic Computer (SLC), with which a language-specific dictionary can be written for use by the translation system. The dictionary entry for any word can be augmented by procedures which permit its meaning to be modified by its context; more general linguistic procedures operate on the sentence as a whole. In an evaluation of user reaction, over ninety percent of the respondents rated the machine translation (MT) service “good” or “acceptable” on translations of their subject specialty. Development, implementation, and documentation of the system are continuing, as we meet increasing requests for service and attempt new applications of the MT system.
The role of religiosity, social support, and stress-related growth in protecting against HIV risk among transgender women

Transgender women completed questionnaires of religiosity, social support, stigma, stress-related growth, and sexual risk behavior. In a multivariate model, both social support and religious stress-related growth were significant negative predictors of unprotected anal sex, but religious behaviors and beliefs emerged as a significant positive predictor. The interaction between religious behaviors and beliefs and social support was also significant, and post-hoc analyses indicated that high-risk sex was least likely among individuals with high-levels of social support but low levels of religious behaviors and beliefs. These data have important implications for understanding factors that might protect against HIV risk for transgender women.
Confidence intervals on individual variances in two-way models

Abstract Approximate confidence bounds on individual variances for unbalanced two-way crossed models are obtained. A simulation study was done to check the effectiveness of the approximate bounds, and to compare the proposed bounds with the cell mean procedure proposed by Srinivasan from the Colorado State Un. in her Ph.D. Thesis. Balanced incomplete block (BIB) designs are used as a special case of designs with empty cells, and confidence bounds on the variances are constructed for various design configurations.
Heterologous expression of the Na+,K+‐ATPase γ subunit in Xenopus oocytes induces an endogenous, voltage‐gated large diameter pore

1. The gamma subunit is a specific component of the plasmalemmal Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. Like structurally related single-spanning membrane proteins such as cardiac phospholemman, Mat-8 and renal CHIF, large ion conductances are activated when gamma subunits are expressed in Xenopus oocytes. 2. Here we report critical properties of the gamma-activated conductance. The gamma-activated conductance showed non-selective cationic and anionic permeation, and extremely slow kinetics, with an activation time constant > 1 s following steps to -100 mV. 3. The gamma-activated conductance was inhibited by extracellular divalent ions including Ba(2+) (K(i) = 0.7 mM) and Ca(2+) (K(i) = 0.4 mM). 4. 2-Deoxyglucose (MW approximately 180), inulin (MW approximately 5000) and spermidine (MW approximately 148) efflux could occur through the gamma-activated conductance pathway, indicating a large pore diameter. In contrast, dextran-70 (MW approximately 70 000) did not pass through the gamma-activated channel, indicating an upper limit to the pore size of approximately 50 A (5 nm). 5. Similar conductances that are permeable to large molecules were activated by extreme hyperpolarization (> -150 mV) of uninjected oocytes. 6. We conclude that the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase gamma subunits activate Ca(2+)- and voltage-gated, non-selective, large diameter pores that are intrinsically present within the oocyte membrane.
X-ray diffraction from intact tau aggregates in human brain tissue.

We describe an instrument to record x-ray diffraction patterns from diseased regions of human brain tissue by combining an in-line visible light fluorescence microscope with an x-ray diffraction microprobe. We use thiazine red fluorescence to specifically label and detect the filamentous tau protein pathology associated with Pick's disease, as several labs have done previously. We demonstrate that thiazine red-enhanced regions within the tissue show periodic structure in x-ray diffraction that is not observed in healthy tissue. One observed periodicity (4.2 A) is characteristic of cross-beta sheet structure, consistent with previous results from powder diffraction studies performed on purified, dried tau protein.
Employment Outcomes in the Four-Year Sector: The Value of Liberal Arts Degrees

“Our state is wasting billions of dollars conferring ‘degrees to nowhere’.”“If I'm going to take money from a citizen to put it into education, then I'm going to take that money to create jobs. … I...
Dexamethasone Increases Adenylyl Cyclase Activity and Expression of the α-Subunit of Gs in GH3 Cells*

Glucocorticoids regulate responsiveness of many different cells and tissues to hormones that act by stimulating adenylyl cyclase. In a rat pituitary cell line, GH3, exposure to dexamethasone (150 mM for 72 h) doubled the specific activity of adenylyl cyclase in membrane extracts, whether the enzyme was stimulated by guanine nucleotides, vasoactive intestinal peptide, or forskolin. Dexamethasone treatment of GH3 cells also caused a 5-fold increase in RNA encoding the α-chain of G8 (α8), as well as a 2-fold increase in membrane-bound α8-polypeptide, measured by either of two assays: 1) Biochemical complementation of the α8 deficiency of S49 lymphoma cyc- membranes in vitro; 2) Cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP ribosylation of 45- and 52-kilodalton α8-polypeptides. These observations suggest that glucocorticoid-induced enhancement of adenylyl cyclase activity in GH3 cells is mediated, at least in part, by increased expression of a8. (Endocrinology 121: 1711–1715, 1987)
A cyclotron time-of-flight facility

Abstract A description of the neutron time-of-flight facility at the University of Colorado 30 MeV isochronous cyclotron is given. The cyclotron is provided with a gated ion source to select one out of a predetermined number of rf cycles to accelerate ions. The system incorporates a beam swinger to rotate the direction of the incoming beam relative to a fixed flight path. Three detectors separated by 8° are used for a flight path of 9.5 m while an array of seven detectors are used for a single angle for a flight path of 30 m. The angular range available is 10°–160°. Beams of protons, deuterons and 3He are available with overall time resolution of 0.8–1.2 ns depending on the detailed circumstances. Examples of spectra from (p, n) and (3He, n) reactions are given.
Polyethenoid fatty acid metabolism. VI. Effect of pyridoxine on essential fatty acid conversions.

Abstract Young rats were placed on a fat-deficient, pyridoxine-deficient diet, and when definite symptoms of acrodynia appeared after 4 weeks, the following daily supplements were administered to groups: 1 mg. pyridoxine, 100 mg. ethyl linoleate, 100 mg. ethyl linolenate, 100 mg. ethyl linoleate plus 1 mg. pyridoxine, and 100 mg. ethyl linolenate plus 1 mg. pyridoxine. At the end of 6 and 8 weeks of supplementation, rats were killed and total and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents were determined upon individual animals. Pyridoxine plus linoleate relieved symptoms and stimulated growth, fat synthesis, and arachidonate synthesis much more than either supplement alone. Pyridoxine plus linolenate stimulated growth, fat synthesis, and hexaenoic acid synthesis much more than did either supplement alone, but dermal symptoms were not relieved. The metabolic products of linoleate and linolenate formed under the influence of pyridoxine stimulate synthesis of fat. These products may be arachidonate and hexaenoate, respectively.
Further developments in the high-precision coulometric titration of uranium

An experimental study of the current efficiency in the coulometric generation of Ti(III), as a function of electrolyte composition, current density and electrode material, has been performed. The cathodes investigated include platinum, mercury and graphite. The first two are suitable for high-precision determination of uranium. The graphite surface is readily poisoned, rendering it useless for high-accuracy work. The use of mercury requires thorough removal of chloride from the system. The precision and error obtained are comparable for both the mercury and platinum cathodes, and are of the order of 50 ppm.
Health inequalities in primary care

I was very pleased to read Chris Weatherburn’s reply and to feel that my article may have prompted consideration of some important issues. However, the thought that I may be guilty of ‘vague political rhetoric’ and peddling abstract ideals prompts me to reply. Additionally, and less egotistically, I feel compelled to counter the implication that we, as GPs, are already doing all we can to tackle health inequities.1 Social injustices will not get resolved in the consulting room. However, as …
Circularity in relative pitch judgments for inharmonic complex tones: The Shepard demonstration revisited, again

The Shepard illusion, in which the presentation of a cyclically repetitive sequence of complex tones composed of partials separated by octave intervals (Shepard, 1964) gives the illusion of an endlessly increasing sequence of pitch steps, is often cited as evidence for octave equivalence. In this paper, evidence is presented which demonstrates that this illusion can be produced using (inharmonic) complex tones whose partials are separated by equal ratios other than octaves. Therefore, the illusion is not evidence for octave equivalence.
Complexifying Organizational Theory: Illustrations using Time Research

We seek to enrich organizational inquiry by introducing an additional level of abstraction based on theory complexity. We develop four levels of theory complexity and anchor each with well-established theoretical frameworks and research streams. After identifying the contingency approach as the simplest, we progress through cycles and competing values approaches and arrive at the chaos perspective as the most complex. We use research on time orientations, polychronicity, and entrainment to illustrate the utility of such a ladder of theoretical complexity in provoking alternative research lenses and inquiry.
Management of Metastatic Bone Disease and Hypercalcemia of Malignancy

Thirty years of research have established bisphosphonates as the most effective agents for the inhibition of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and they play an important role in the management of malignant bone disease. Bisphosphonates have been systematically improved through chemical engineering, and the newest nitrogen-containing compounds, including zoledronic acid and ibandronate, are 1000-fold more potent than first-generation compounds. Consequently, they can be administered at low molar doses via short intravenous infusions without compromising renal safety. Bisphosphonates have a variety of metabolic effects on osteoclasts. Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates inhibit protein prenylation via the mevalonate pathway, thereby inhibiting osteoclast activation and inducing apoptosis. Preclinical studies suggest that bisphosphonates also have direct and indirect antitumor activity. In animal models, bisphosphonates reduced skeletal tumor burden and bone metastases. Currently, intravenous bisphosphonates are the standard therapy for hypercalcemia of malignancy, and they have become an integral part of the treatment of bone metastases in conjunction with standard antineoplastic agents. Intravenous bisphosphonates quickly normalize serum calcium, reduce skeletal complications, and palliate bone pain in patients with bone metastases. Intravenous pamidronate (90mg via 2-hour infusion every 3–4 weeks) has, until recently, been the international standard for the treatment of osteolytic bone lesions from breast cancer or multiple myeloma. However, 4mg zoledronic acid (via 15-minute infusion) is quickly becoming the new standard based on evidence that it is as safe and effective as 90mg pamidronate in patients with breast cancer and multiple myeloma and significantly more effective for hypercalcemia of malignancy. Consequently, the American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines for breast cancer and multiple myeloma recommend pamidronate or zoledronic acid for patients with radiographic evidence of osteolytic bone destruction. Moreover, 4mg zoledronic acid is the only bisphosphonate that has demonstrated significant clinical benefit in patients with other solid tumors, including lung cancer, and prostate cancer patients with primarily osteoblastic bone metastases. Bisphosphonates also may have activity in the adjuvant setting to prevent or delay the development of bone metastases. Studies with oral clodronate in early breast cancer have provided clinical evidence that bone metastases can be inhibited, and the studies are ongoing with more potent bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates have also been shown to prevent cancer treatment-induced bone loss. These and other studies continue to redefine the role of bisphosphonates in the treatment of malignant bone disease and the management of bone health in cancer patients.
Maternal Cigarette Smoking and Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are of public health concern because they affect approximately 1% of newborns,1-3 are a leading cause of infant mortality,4 and often result in increased use and costs of health services among affected children, adolescents, and adults.5 In recent decades, epidemiologic research has made notable progress in the identification of modifiable risk factors for some CHDs (eg, congenital rubella infection, use of certain medications, and pregestational diabetes).6 For most CHDs, however, the causes remain unknown. In this issue of The Journal, Sullivan et al7 describe results of a population-based study in which they assessed the possible association of maternal periconceptional cigarette smoking and the occurrence of CHDs among live births by linking self-reports of cigarette smoking on birth certificates with records of children with CHD (ie, cases) identified from birth certificates and a statewide hospital discharge registry. The authors examined 19 specific CHD phenotypes and observed associations between maternal cigarette smoking during the first trimester of pregnancy and 3 phenotypes: pulmonary valve anomalies, pulmonary artery anomalies, and isolated secundum type of atrial septal defects. They also observed a suggestion of a doseresponse relationship between maternal cigarette smoking and the risk of CHDs examined as a group. These findings are of interest because they highlight: (1) methodologic issues common to studies of associations of maternal cigarette smoking, a prevalent and modifiable exposure, with specific CHD phenotypes in the offspring; (2) challenges in interpreting the nature of observed associations between maternal cigarette smoking and CHDs; and (3) opportunities for prevention and smoking cessation efforts among women of childbearing age.
Fokker-Planck spectrum and transient moments

We consider the result that transient moments of a Fokker-Planck equation may have a long-time decay constant which is smaller than the smallest eigenvalue of the Fokker-Planck operator. We find the general mechanism by which such decay constants can be generated, and show how to obtain such decay constants from the expansion in eigenfunctions.