cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Misclassification can explain most apparent regression of age-related macular degeneration: results from multistate models with misclassification.

PURPOSE To investigate the impact of misclassification of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on the baseline intensity and estimated effects of age, sex, and the Y402H variant in the complement factor H (CFH) gene on incidence, progression, and regression of AMD. METHODS The Beaver Dam Eye Study, a longitudinal population-based study of age-related eye diseases conducted in the city and township of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, performed examinations every 5 years during a 20-year period (1988-1990 through 2008-2010). Study participants (N = 4379) aged 43 to 86 years at the baseline examination had retinal photographs taken at baseline and up to four subsequent examinations. Multistate models with misclassification in continuous time were used to model the effects of age, sex, and CFH genotype on incidence, progression, and regression of AMD and mortality. RESULTS After accounting for AMD misclassification, the occurrence of any AMD regression was rare (1%-4%), while it was relatively common (14%-21%) in models that do not account for misclassification. Failure to account for misclassification attenuated estimated age effects on incidence and progression to moderately severe early AMD and attenuated estimated CFH effects on incidence and progressions to moderately severe and severe early AMD. CONCLUSIONS Apparent regression of AMD can largely, if not completely, be explained by misclassification. Estimated age effects on incidence and progression to moderately severe early AMD and estimated CFH effects on incidence and progressions to moderately severe and severe early AMD were attenuated in multistate models that did not account for misclassification.
Quantifying uncertainty and resilience on coral reefs using a Bayesian approach

Coral reefs are rapidly deteriorating globally. The contemporary management option favors managing for resilience to provide reefs with the capacity to tolerate human-induced disturbances. Yet resilience is most commonly defined as the capacity of a system to absorb disturbances without changing fundamental processes or functionality. Quantifying no change, or the uncertainty of a null hypothesis, is nonsensical using frequentist statistics, but is achievable using a Bayesian approach. This study outlines a practical Bayesian framework that quantifies the resilience of coral reefs using two inter-related models. The first model examines the functionality of coral reefs in the context of their reef-building capacity, whereas the second model examines the recovery rates of coral cover after disturbances. Quantifying intrinsic rates of increase in coral cover and habitat-specific, steady-state equilibria are useful proxies of resilience. A reduction in the intrinsic rate of increase following a disturbance, or the slowing of recovery over time, can be useful indicators of stress; a change in the steady-state equilibrium suggests a phase shift. Quantifying the uncertainty of key reef-building processes and recovery parameters, and comparing these parameters against benchmarks, facilitates the detection of loss of resilience and provides signals of imminent change.
Characterization of the Reaction between Water and Soda-Lime and Reactor Waste Glasses

The 15N hydrogen profiling method is used to characterize the reaction between water and soda-lime and reactor waste glasses. It is seen that the parameters which describe both the diffusion controlled hydration process and the etching of the glass surface can be determined. The relationship between the archaeological problem of hydration dating and the problem of predicting the long term stability of reactor glasses is discussed.
Effect of Adaptation on the Retinal Nerve Code

WE recently presented evidence that rods encoded ϕ, the quantum catch from a flash, into a nerve signal of magnitude N, where N=ϕ/(ϕ+σ), and σ, the semi-saturation constant, is about 800 quanta absorbed per rod per flash. The electroretinogram (ERG) was also recorded for various intensities of ϕ, and it was found that N coincided with the a wave amplitude when both were plotted against log ϕ and scaled to the same maximum1. Thus it seemed possible that a was the electric sign of N. Here we consider adaptation by steady backgrounds for the light this throws on N and also the a and b waves of the ERG.
Reclaiming an Important Teacher Competency: The Lost Art of Formative Assessment

We live in an era in which standardized assessments play a necessary and important role in the mission of our public schools to provide equal and equitable educational opportunity to all students. However, our focus on summative accountability measures often has an eclipsing effect on the equally important role of formative assessment practices in the classroom. This article describes why and how formative assessment should be integral to classroom teaching, and it suggests the importance of focusing on teachers’ instructionally-based, formative assessment competencies through our teacher evaluation systems.
CONTROLLING VARICELLA IN THE HEALTHCARE SETTING: THE COST EFFECTIVENESS OF USING VARICELLA VACCINE IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS

OBJECTIVE: To determine if varicella vaccination of healthcare workers would result in a net cost savings. DESIGN: A Markov-based decision analysis. SETTING: The analysis was based on a hypothetical population of healthcare workers. Data were obtained from exposure records of a tertiary-care hospital and from the literature. Workers were considered potentially susceptible if they had no past history of varicella. RESULTS: Vaccination of potentially susceptible workers would result in a net cost savings of $59 per person. Serological testing prior to vaccination resulted in smaller net savings. The results were robust across a wide range of assumptions. Importantly, however, the result was very dependent on infection control policy regarding work restrictions for vaccine recipients. If more than 3% of vaccinees were removed from work due to vaccine-associated rash, vaccination no longer would result in a net cost savings. CONCLUSION: Varicella vaccination of potentially susceptible healthcare workers can reduce costs and decrease morbidity. Infection control policy regarding work restrictions for vaccine recipients will play a key role in the feasibility of vaccination (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1997;18:504-508) .
The Ancestry of Man

THE theory I have been advancing during the last two years that man is not descended from the apes, but from a primitive common anthropoid stock which gave rise to the apes as well as to our own direct ancestors, has gradually come about from the intensive study of fossil man the world over as well as from our recent and more extended knowledge pf the anatomy and the habits of the apes. This new knowledge reveals data entirely unknown to Darwin, and he to-day would be among the first to grasp the new outlook and give it his unbiased consideration. I regret to find that advanced and entirely unauthorised reports of my presidential address before the American Association for the Advancement of Science at Des Moines were interpreted as disloyal to Darwin's theory of the descent of man. More extended knowledge of the data on which the new point of view is founded will cause such criticism to subside, as disloyalty to the main features of Darwin's theory of the descent of man is unthinkable.
Incidence of Beta Hemolytic Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Adolescent with Infectious Mononucleosis

Reports on the incidence of beta-hemolytic group A streptococci (BHGAS) in the pharynx of patients with infectious mononucleosis (IM) have varied from 3% to 33%. To ascertain the rate of infection, we prospectively performed serial throat cultures and determined anti-streptococcal antibody titers on 45 students with confirmed IM by Epstein-Barr virus-specific serology. One hundred healthy control students had throat cultures for comparison. The rate of recovery of BHGAS was similar in patients with IM (4%) and controls (3%). No students with IM had a fourfold rise of anti-streptococcal antibodies. We conclude that routine culture for BHGAS and/or treatment with antibiotic agents is not indicated in all patients with IM.
An airlift-recycle fermenter for microbial desulfurization of coal

An airlift-external recycle fermenter has been constructed and used for the removal of pyritic sulfur from coal samples (4% initial total sulfur) by the thermophilic, sulfur oxidizing organism Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. The airlift fermenter behaved as a well mixed reactor. Approximately, 30% of initial pyritic sulfur has been removed from a 5% coal slurry of ~125 μ particle size, at a maximum rate of 1.8 mg S/l.h.
Gender and Ethnicity Differences on the Abridged Big Five Circumplex (AB5C) of Personality Traits: A Differential Item Functioning Analysis

The current study evaluates the measurement precision of the Abridged Big Five Circumplex (AB5C) of personality traits by identifying those items that demonstrate differential item functioning by gender and ethnicity. Differential item functioning is found in 33 of 45 (73%) of the AB5C scales, across gender and ethnic groups (Caucasian vs. African American). More differential item functioning is found by ethnic groups compared with gender groups. The amount of differential item functioning found in these personality measures suggests the need to consider differential item functioning in the construction of measures. The authors encourage those using the AB5C measure to discard or reword these problematic items.
Rare problems associated with the Fontan circulation

The Fontan operation, originally described for the surgical management of tricuspid atresia, is now the final surgery in the strategy of staged palliation for a number of different forms of congenital cardiac disease with a functionally univentricular heart. Despite the improved technical outcomes of the Fontan operation, staged palliation does not recreate a normal physiology. Without a pumping chamber delivering blood to the lungs, the cardiovascular system is less efficient; cardiac output is generally diminished, and the systemic venous pressure is increased. As a result, patients with "Fontan physiology" may face a number of rare but potentially life-threatening complications including hepatic dysfunction, abnormalities of coagulation, protein-losing enteropathy, and plastic bronchitis. Despite the staged palliation resulting in remarkable survival, the possible complications for this group of patients are complex, involve multiple organ systems, and can be life threatening. Identifying the mechanisms associated with each of the rare complications, and developing strategies to treat them, requires the work of many people at many institutions. Continued collaboration between sub-specialists and between institutions will be required to optimise the care for this group of survivors with functionally univentricular hearts.
Cost benefit optimization of cistern volume and green roof area in the florida showcase green envirohome (FSGE)

Most water conservation and energy savings strategies for residential homes have higher first cost (more capital) than traditional spending. However, the added benefits of these greening strategies can outweigh the increase of initial capital cost at the end of the house life time. A cost-benefit optimization model was formulated to demonstrate the optimal design strategy with a typical Florida residential home (shingle and metal roofs) to synergistically integrate a green roof with gray water/stormwater reuse system. The objective of this model is to find the optimum green roof area without making the home cost more over a specific life time, such as 50 years, than a traditional one through energy saving and water conservation. We found out that when the energy savings was varied, the area of the green roof increased to an upper limit due to the irrigation requirement of the green roof. Due to the variability of the rainfall, a chance constraint was added to the model to address stormwater harvesting uncertainty. Research finding proved such a concept. As the risk level is varied, the area of green roof only changed by about 4.4% and 5.3% for the shingle and metal roofs respectively.
Patient and Family Education: A Requisite Component of Comprehensive Rehabilitation after Myocardial Infarction

Illness is best controlled when the patient participates in disease management. The goal of patient and family education is to provide adequate information about the cardiac illness and its management to enable the patient to assume some responsibility for his or her continuing health care. Educational efforts are designed to identify areas of patient decision and responsibility. Dr. Lawrence Weed has said, “the most powerful of all medical and paramedical personnel is the patient — highly motivated, not costing anything — even willing to pay — and there is one for every member of the population.” The effects of incorporating the patient into the health care team include a decrease in the feeling of helplessness in dealing with the cardiac problem, aid in restoring self-esteem after an illness such as myocardial infarction which constitutes a life crisis, an increased confidence of the patient in a successful outcome and an increase in the patient’s ability to cope with illness. The educational programme should be instituted during the hospitalization for myocardial infarction and/or coronary bypass surgery and continued in the physician’s office or in a hospital or community clinic.
Axon fasciculation and differences in midline kinetics between pioneer and follower axons within commissural fascicles

Early neuronal scaffold development studies suggest that initial neurons and their axons serve as guides for later neurons and their processes. Although this arrangement might aid axon navigation, the specific consequence(s) of such interactions are unknown in vivo. We follow forebrain commissure formation in living zebrafish embryos using timelapse fluorescence microscopy to examine quantitatively commissural axon kinetics at the midline: a place where axon interactions might be important. Although it is commonly accepted that commissural axons slow down at the midline, our data show this is only true for leader axons. Follower axons do not show this behavior. However, when the leading axon is ablated, follower axons change their midline kinetics and behave as leaders. Similarly, contralateral leader axons change their midline kinetics when they grow along the opposite leading axon across the midline. These data suggest a simple model where the level of growth cone exposure to midline cues and presence of other axons as a substrate shape the midline kinetics of commissural axons.
Examining privacy and disclosure in a social networking community

The polularity of social networking websites such as Facebook and the subsequent levels and depth of online disclosures have raised several concerns for user privacy. Previous research into these sites has indicated the importance of disclosures between users as well as an under-utilization of extensive privacy options. This study qualitatively examines college students' disclosure and privacy behaviors and attitudes on Facebook.com. Results support current research into social networking and privacy and provide user-generated explanations for observed disclosure and privacy trends. Implications for future research into privacy software are discussed.
Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species regulate hypoxic signaling

Physiological hypoxia results in a host of responses that include increased ventilation, constriction of the pulmonary artery, and a cellular transcriptional program that promotes glycolysis, angiogenesis, and erythropoiesis. Mitochondria are the primary consumers of cellular oxygen and have thus been speculated for years to be the site of cellular oxygen sensing. Many of the cellular responses to hypoxia are now known to be mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species at mitochondrial complex III. While the mechanism by which cytosolic oxidant concentration is increased during hypoxia is unknown, the importance of the maintenance of cellular oxygen supply requires further investigation into the role of ROS as hypoxia signaling molecules. The following is a brief overview of the current understanding of the role of mitochondrial-produced ROS in cellular oxygen signaling.
Nucleation characteristics of a structured surface in a dielectric coolant in the absence of spreading effects

The demand for faster computing has propelled the development of faster and denser circuit technologies resulting in the increase in heat fluxes at the chip level. Chip heat fluxes are expected to exceed 250 W/cm/sup 2/. In a continuing effort to understand the capabilities of phase-change liquid immersion cooling, a square silicon heat sink featuring an etched cavity array (7.4 mm/spl times/7.4 mm) was anodically bonded to a Borofloat/sup /spl reg// glass substrate and thin-film aluminum heaters (6.9 mm/spl times/6.9 mm) were deposited on the rear side to simulate chip-sized heat sources and corresponding structured immersion-cooled heat sinks. The glass substrate was selected to minimize thermal spreading and symmetry to eliminate back heat loss, in order to yield one-dimensional heat transfer data. The pool boiling characteristics of pyramidal shaped re-entrant cavities (characteristic size 40 /spl mu/m) etched in silicon were evaluated in this study. The effect of cavity spacing of 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm and 1.0 mm on the heat dissipation is reported. The effect of convection plumes, on nucleate boiling parameters, from a heat source located below the test heater, with two different inter-module spacings, is also documented. High-speed photography was used to record and quantify the departure frequency, the bubble departure diameter and also to observe the effect of interaction between neighboring nucleation sites. All experiments were conducted in the dielectric fluid FC 72 at saturation temperature and at atmospheric pressure.
Right-Sizing International Criminal Justice: The Hybrid Experiment at the Special Court for Sierra Leone

In the decade since their establishment, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) have made great advancements in the development of international criminal justice. Nonetheless, the ad hoc tribunals have been roundly criticized for their expense, inefficiency and slowness. When the Security Council decided to set up a court for Sierra Leone, it wanted to find a new model. The hybrid Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) is an effort to right-size international criminal justice: it has a pared-down budget, tightly focused mandate, limited time of operation, and a lack of institutional links to the Security Council. The negotiations over these issues led to repeated clashes between the UN Secretary General and the Security Council, with the Security Council consistently favouring a more modestly sized court. The SCSL has much to recommend it but its promise is shadowed by the paltry resources available to it. In its efforts to avoid creating another over-sized tribunal, the Security Council swung too far in the other direction. The lofty goals of ending impunity and providing justice demand more than a court on the cheap.
Keratinocyte Overexpression of IL-17C Promotes Psoriasiform Skin Inflammation

IL-17C is a functionally distinct member of the IL-17 family that binds IL-17 receptor E/A to promote innate defense in epithelial cells and regulate Th17 cell differentiation. We demonstrate that IL-17C (not IL-17A) is the most abundant IL-17 isoform in lesional psoriasis skin (1058 versus 8 pg/ml; p < 0.006) and localizes to keratinocytes (KCs), endothelial cells (ECs), and leukocytes. ECs stimulated with IL-17C produce increased TNF-α and KCs stimulated with IL-17C/TNF-α produce similar inflammatory gene response patterns as those elicited by IL-17A/TNF-α, including increases in IL-17C, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-1α/β, IL-1F5, IL-1F9, IL-6, IL-19, CCL20, S100A7/A8/A9, DEFB4, lipocalin 2, and peptidase inhibitor 3 (p < 0.05), indicating a positive proinflammatory feedback loop between the epidermis and ECs. Psoriasis patients treated with etanercept rapidly decrease cutaneous IL-17C levels, suggesting IL-17C/TNF-α-mediated inflammatory signaling is critical for psoriasis pathogenesis. Mice genetically engineered to overexpress IL-17C in KCs develop well-demarcated areas of erythematous, flakey involved skin adjacent to areas of normal-appearing uninvolved skin despite increased IL-17C expression in both areas (p < 0.05). Uninvolved skin displays increased angiogenesis and elevated S100A8/A9 expression (p < 0.05) but no epidermal hyperplasia, whereas involved skin exhibits robust epidermal hyperplasia, increased angiogenesis and leukocyte infiltration, and upregulated TNF-α, IL-1α/β, IL-17A/F, IL-23p19, vascular endothelial growth factor, IL-6, and CCL20 (p < 0.05), suggesting that IL-17C, when coupled with other proinflammatory signals, initiates the development of psoriasiform dermatitis. This skin phenotype was significantly improved following 8 wk of TNF-α inhibition. These findings identify a role for IL-17C in skin inflammation and suggest a pathogenic function for the elevated IL-17C observed in lesional psoriasis skin.
Data Acquisition and Linguistic Resources

All human language technology demands substantial quantities of data for system training and development, plus stable benchmark data to measure ongoing progress. While creation of high quality linguistic resources is both costly and time consuming, such data has the potential to profoundly impact not just a single evaluation program but language technology research in general. GALE’s challenging performance targets demand linguistic data on a scale and complexity never before encountered. Resources cover multiple languages (Arabic, Chinese, and English) and multiple genres -- both structured (newswire and broadcast news) and unstructured (web text, including blogs and newsgroups, and broadcast conversation). These resources include significant volumes of monolingual text and speech, parallel text, and transcribed audio combined with multiple layers of linguistic annotation, ranging from word aligned parallel text and Treebanks to rich semantic annotation.
Observation and characterization of radar backscatter over Greenland

Characterization of the microwave signature of the Greenland snow surface enables delineation of the different snow facies and is a tool for tracking the effects of climate change. A new empirical observation model is introduced that uses a limited number of parameters to characterize the snow surface based on the dependence of radar backscatter on incidence angle, azimuth angle, spatial gradient, and temporal rate of change. The individual model parameters are discussed in depth with examples using data from the NASA Scatterometer (NSCAT) and from the C-band European Remote Sensing (ERS) satellite Advanced Microwave Instrument in scatterometer mode. The contribution of each model term to the overall accuracy of the model is evaluated. The relative contributions of the modeled dependencies vary by region. Two studies illustrating applications of the model are included. First, interannual changes over the Greenland ice sheet are investigated using nine years of ERS data. Surface changes are observed as anomalies in the /spl sigma//spl deg/ model parameters. Second, intraannual variations of the surface are investigated. These changes are observed in the average backscatter normalized to a given observation geometry. The results indicate that the model can be used to obtain a more complete understanding of multiyear change and to obtain low-variance high temporal resolution observations of intraannual changes. The model may be applied for increased accuracy in scatterometer, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and wide-angle SAR studies.
Critical point for maximum likelihood decoding of linear block codes

In this letter, the SNR value at which the error performance curve of a soft decision maximum likelihood decoder reaches the slope corresponding to the code minimum distance is determined for a random code. Based on this value, referred to as the critical point, new insight about soft bounded distance decoding of random-like codes (and particularly Reed-Solomon codes) is provided.
Interspecies variation in nitrogen uptake kinetic responses of temperate forest species to elevated CO2: potential causes and consequences

Summary Despite the recognition that the capacity to acquire N is critical in plant response to CO2 enrichment, there is little information on how elevated CO2 affects root N uptake kinetics. The few available data indicate a highly variable pattern of response to elevated CO2, but it is presently unclear if the observed inconsistencies are caused by differences in experimental protocols or by true species differences. Furthermore, if there are interspecific variations in N uptake responses to elevated CO2, it is not clear whether these are associated with different functional groups. Accordingly, we examined intact root-system NH4+ and NO3– uptake kinetic responses to elevated CO2 in seedlings of six temperate forest tree species, representing (i) fast- vs. slow-growers and (ii) broad-leaves vs. conifers, that were cultured and assayed in otherwise similar conditions. In general, the species tested had a higher uptake capacity (Vmax) for NH4+ than for NO3–. Species substantially differed in their NO3– and NH4+ uptake capacities, but the interspecific differences were markedly greater for NO3– than NH4+ uptake. Elevated CO2 had a species-dependent effect on root uptake capacity for NH4+ ranging from an increase of 215% in Acer negundo L. to a decrease of about 40% in Quercus macrocarpa Michx. In contrast, NO3– uptake capacity responded little to CO2 in all the species except A. negundo in which it was significantly down-regulated at elevated CO2. Across species, the capacity for NH4+ uptake was positively correlated with the relative growth rate (RGR) of species; however, the CO2 effect on NH4+ uptake capacity could not be explained by changes in RGR. The observed variation in NH4+ uptake response to elevated CO2 was also inconsistent with life-form differences. Other possible mechanisms that may explain why elevated CO2 elicits a species-specific response in root N uptake kinetics are discussed. Despite the fact that the exact mechanism(s) for such interspecific variation remains unresolved, these differences may have a significant implication for competitive interactions and community responses to elevated CO2 environment. We suggest that differential species responses in nutrient uptake capacity could be one potential mechanism for the CO2-induced shifts in net primary productivity and species composition that have been observed in experimental communities exposed to elevated levels of CO2.
Fluorometry of Carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Biological Systems

Benzo(a)pyrene (BP) in liposomes and microsomes exhibits overlapping excimer bands peaked at 495 and 520 nm, respectively, in contrast to the single band of pyrene at 480 nm. Since BP is asymmetrical and pyrene is symmetrical, the dual maxima imply that the BP molecules in the excimer must be oriented either parallel or anti-parallel to each other. Time-resolved studies of BP oxidation by cytochrome P-450 show that the 520-nm component dissipates much faster than the 495-nm component during the first 30 min of metabolism, indicating that the initial P-450-BP interaction may be BP orientation sensitive. The binding of BP to the porphyrin group of a heme protein (e.g., hemoglobin or myoglobin) appears to be stronger under oxygen saturation than under CO2 saturation conditions. The transfer of BP between the membrane and the porphyrin group, as measured by means of excimer/monomer ratios, appears to be significantly different from that of pyrene. As the liposome-to-protein ratio increases, the excimer/monomer of BP steadily decreases, whereas that of pyrene increases and reaches a plateau. The significance of this phenomenon in their mechanisms of metabolism will have to be investigated further.
Capital Project Portfolio Management for Federal Real Property

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget, Government Accountability Office, and Federal Facilities Council, among others, find that effectively managing federal real property assets requires increased management attention, establishment of clear goals and objectives, and improved policies, procedures, and levels of accountability. This paper introduces a model to assess public-sector capital project portfolio management (CPPM). Our objective was to create an assessment protocol to measure how effectively and efficiently public-sector capital assets are managed. We built on the tenets of asset management and improving service delivery, specifically focusing on the project, portfolio, and business management domains. In developing this model of measuring federal real property management capabilities, we identified and evaluated a wide range of decision-making process activities in managing these assets. Using the capability maturity model framework, we then developed and validated the system-level CPPM capability model. When applying the model, managers can assess organizational performance in a structured repeatable process. Model results help managers identify strengths and weaknesses in the organization, identify best appropriate practices, and get credit for the good things they have done as they measure their performance in improving service delivery.
Realtime tracking in five degrees of freedom using two writs-mounted laser range finders

The results of experiments in real-time tracking of moving objects using wrist-mounted sensors are presented. Two laser range finders were mounted orthogonal to each other on the wrist of a six-degree-of-freedom PUMA robot. The objective is to have the robot end-effector maintain a constant position and orientation with respect to a flat object moving in 3D space in the field of view of the range finders. Sensory feedback from the range finders is used to servocontrol the robot such that its trajectory is similar to that of the moving object in five degrees of freedom. The algorithms for this application are implemented in C and run on four Motorola MC68020 processors with the Harmony operating system. Tracking is done with maximum linear and angular speeds of the target object being 25 cm/s and 0.5 rad/s, respectively. The robot is capable of maintaining the required pose with respect to the object at these speeds with a small lag due to data-collection time. The acceleration/deceleration and the maximum speed of the robot trajectory are varied depending on the speed of the moving object being tracked to yield different tracking behaviors. A performance study of the tracking experiment is presented. >
Performance of a type-II hybrid ARQ protocol in slotted DS-SSMA packet radio systems

The application of a type-II hybrid ARQ protocol in a slotted direct-sequence spread-spectrum multiple-access (DS-SSMA) packet radio system is investigated. Both the static performance and the dynamic performance of such a system are analyzed. In the physical layer, packet error and packet success probabilities are computed using the improved Gaussian approximation technique, which accounts for the bit-to-bit error dependence within a packet. In the data-link layer, two-dimensional Markov chains are employed to model the system dynamics. Based on this model, the performance of the type-II hybrid ARQ protocol is upper and lower bounded by considering, respectively, a superior scheme and an inferior scheme. Steady state throughput and delay performances of the two bounding schemes are obtained. Moreover, it is shown that for each fixed input load, there is an optimal retransmission probability under the finite user population assumption. Bounds on this optimal retransmission probability are also given.
BUT DO NOT IDENTIFY AS GAY: A Proleptic Genealogy of the MSM Category

Growing numbers of persons worldwide are beginning to call themselves “men who have sex with men” or “MSM.” How has this subject position come into being so swiftly, without the kind of social and political organizing associated with so many claims to identity? And how might considering this novel form of selfhood help us craft anthropological responses to cultural phenomena whose conditions of historical emergence appear “untimely?” In this article, I develop a notion of “proleptic genealogy” to explore the origins of the MSM category, as well as transformations in the category with regard to enumeration, identity, and translocalization. In doing so, I show how anthropological inquiry can engage with emergent cultural logics through forms of anticipatory analysis.
Matrix rigidity regulates cancer cell growth by modulating cellular metabolism and protein synthesis.

Background: Tumor cells in vivo encounter diverse types of microenvironments both at the site of the primary tumor and at sites of distant metastases. Understanding how the various mechanical properties of these microenvironments affect the biology of tumor cells during disease progression is critical in identifying molecular targets for cancer therapy. Methodology/Principal Findings: This study uses flexible polyacrylamide gels as substrates for cell growth in conjunction with a novel proteomic approach to identify the properties of rigidity-dependent cancer cell lines that contribute to their differential growth on soft and rigid substrates. Compared to cells growing on more rigid/stiff substrates (.10,000 Pa), cells on soft substrates (150–300 Pa) exhibited a longer cell cycle, due predominantly to an extension of the G1 phase of the cell cycle, and were metabolically less active, showing decreased levels of intracellular ATP and a marked reduction in protein synthesis. Using stable isotope labeling of amino acids in culture (SILAC) and mass spectrometry, we measured the rates of protein synthesis of over 1200 cellular proteins under growth conditions on soft and rigid/stiff substrates. We identified cellular proteins whose syntheses were either preferentially inhibited or preserved on soft matrices. The former category included proteins that regulate cytoskeletal structures (e.g., tubulins) and glycolysis (e.g., phosphofructokinase-1), whereas the latter category included proteins that regulate key metabolic pathways required for survival, e.g., nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, a regulator of the NAD salvage pathway. Conclusions/Significance: The cellular properties of rigidity-dependent cancer cells growing on soft matrices are reminiscent of the properties of dormant cancer cells, e.g., slow growth rate and reduced metabolism. We suggest that the use of relatively soft gels as cell culture substrates would allow molecular pathways to be studied under conditions that reflect the different mechanical environments encountered by cancer cells upon metastasis to distant sites.
THE INTERACTION OF CANNIBALISM AND OMNIVORY: CONSEQUENCES FOR COMMUNITY DYNAMICS

Although cannibalism is ubiquitous in food webs and frequent in systems where a predator and its prey also share a common resource (intraguild predation, IGP), its impacts on species interactions and the dynamics and structure of communities are still poorly understood. In addition, the few existing studies on cannibalism have generally focused on cannibalism in the top-predator, ignoring that it is frequent at intermediate trophic levels. A set of structured models shows that cannibalism can completely alter the dynamics and structure of three-species IGP systems depending on the trophic position where cannibalism occurs. Contrary to the expectations of simple models, the IG predator can exploit the resources more efficiently when it is cannibalistic, enabling the predator to persist at lower resource densities than the IG prey. Cannibalism in the IG predator can also alter the effect of enrichment, preventing predator-mediated extinction of the IG prey at high productivities predicted by simple models. Cannibalism in the IG prey can reverse the effect of top-down cascades, leading to an increase in the resource with decreasing IG predator density. These predictions are consistent with current data. Overall, cannibalism promotes the coexistence of the IG predator and IG prey. These results indicate that including cannibalism in current models can overcome the discrepancy between theory and empirical data. Thus, we need to measure and account for cannibalistic interactions to reliably predict the structure and dynamics of communities.
Improving fatty acids production by engineering dynamic pathway regulation and metabolic control

Global energy demand and environmental concerns have stimulated increasing efforts to produce carbon-neutral fuels directly from renewable resources. Microbially derived aliphatic hydrocarbons, the petroleum-replica fuels, have emerged as promising alternatives to meet this goal. However, engineering metabolic pathways with high productivity and yield requires dynamic redistribution of cellular resources and optimal control of pathway expression. Here we report a genetically encoded metabolic switch that enables dynamic regulation of fatty acids (FA) biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. The engineered strains were able to dynamically compensate the critical enzymes involved in the supply and consumption of malonyl-CoA and efficiently redirect carbon flux toward FA biosynthesis. Implementation of this metabolic control resulted in an oscillatory malonyl-CoA pattern and a balanced metabolism between cell growth and product formation, yielding 15.7- and 2.1-fold improvement in FA titer compared with the wild-type strain and the strain carrying the uncontrolled metabolic pathway. This study provides a new paradigm in metabolic engineering to control and optimize metabolic pathways facilitating the high-yield production of other malonyl-CoA-derived compounds.
Fecal transplant is as effective and safe in immunocompromised as non-immunocompromised patients for Clostridium difficile.

Dear Editor: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a leading cause of nosocomial infection and is associated with significant morbidity andmortality. Immunocompromised (IC) patients are particularly at higher risk. Recurrence rates of up to 60 % have been reported after the third episode despite treatment with antibiotics. Recent published reports of fecalmicrobiota transplantation (FMT) in the IC population have shed light that the procedure proves to be effective and safe. No studies that compare the efficacy and adverse event rate of FMT between IC and non-IC patients currently exist. The aim of our study is to compare the response and serious adverse event (SAE) rates of FMT for recurrent or refractory CDI (RCDI) between IC patients and non-IC patients. We performed a single-center retrospective study on patients who received FMT for RCDI in a single tertiary care center. Donor stool was obtained from a universal donor, friend, or relative. We used a standardized protocol for preparation of stool used for FMT. Patients received FMT through the upper gastrointestinal route or by colonoscopy. Those who failed initial FMTwere eligible to receive additional FMT. Patients were considered IC as a result of one or more of the following: HIV infection (any CD4 count), AIDS-defining diagnosis or CD4<200/mm, inherited or primary immune disorders, active malignancy, and immunodeficient or immunosuppressed from a medical condition/medication including current or recent (<3 months) treatment with anti-neoplastic agent or immunosuppressant medications. Immunosuppressant medications included but were not limited tomonoclonal antibodies to B and T cells, anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, glucocorticoids, antimetabolites (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate), calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus and cyclosporine), and mycophenolate mofetil. Outcomes compared between the two populations included rates of overall and primary 12-week CDI response post-FMT and percentage of patients who experienced SAEs within 12 weeks of FMT. Overall response was defined as lack of relapse with diarrhea associated with a positive C difficile PCR within 12 weeks of the last FMT (patients were eligible to have up to three FMT prior to being considered as a FMT non-responder). Primary response was defined as lack of relapse with diarrhea associated with a positive C. difficile PCR testing within 12 weeks post single FMT. SAEs were defined as any death, life-threatening experience, hospitalization, or important medical event such as infection of inflammatory bowel disease flare within 12 weeks post-FMT. Patients were excluded from efficacy analysis if they did not have a minimum of 12 weeks post-FMT follow up. Data was collected from a total of 122 FMTs performed on 107 patients. Six patients were excluded due to loss of follow up during the post-FMT follow up period. Six were excluded from the efficacy analysis due to * Tanvi Dhere tdhere@emory.edu
Mg2+ -Fe2+ ORDER-DISORDER AND THE THERMODYNAMICS OF THE ORTHO­ PYROXENE CRYSTALLINE SOLUTION

The distribution of Mg2+ and Fe"+ between the Ml and M2 sites in orthopyroxene (Fe, Mg).Sh06 at 500, 600, 700, and 800 °C, determined by Mossbauer resonance spectro­ scopy, can be interpreted in terms of Guggenheim's (19 67) "simple mixture" model for the individual sites. The standard free energy change !:J.G0 for the F e"-Mg2 exchange between the two sites and the adjustable energy constants W for the Fe"+-Mg2+ mixing on the Ml and M2 sites vary linearly with the inverse of the absolute temperature between 600 and 800°C. Fe"+-MgH mixing at the Ml site is more non-ideal than that at the M2 site, both approach­ ing ideality with increasing temperature. "Partial" excess thermodynamic functions of mix­ ing of Mg2+-Fe"+ on the individual sites are calculated using the "simple mixture" model. The activity-composi tion relation in orthopyroxene is derived from the "partial" activ­ ities of Mg2+ and FeH at the two sites at 500, 600, 700, and 800°C. The excess free energy of mixing of the Fe and Mg components in orthopyroxene at various temperatures is ex­ pressed as a polynomial in the mole fraction, using Guggenheim's equation with three con­ stants A o, A1, and A2, all of which decrease systematically as the temperature increases from 600 to 800°C .
The effect of temperature on organic carbon degradation in marine sediments.

The degradation of sedimentary particulate organic carbon (POC) is a key carbon cycle process that fuels the deep subseafloor biosphere. The reactivity of POC is expected to decrease with increasing sediment age, severely restricting the energy available to microorganisms. Conversely, increasing temperatures during burial have been proposed to stimulate POC degradation, possibly supplying significant energy to the deep biosphere. To test the importance of temperature, we assembled POC measurements in two global sets of drill sites where sediments underwent either relatively low or high temperatures during burial, which should have resulted in different rates of POC degradation. For ages 5–10 Ma, the decrease of the average POC content with burial is clearly more pronounced in the sites with high temperature histories. Our results support the hypothesis that temperature is one of the fundamental controls on the rate of POC degradation within deeply buried marine sediments.
Growth and Reproduction of Glyphosate-Resistant and Susceptible Populations of Kochia scoparia

Evolution of glyphosate-resistant kochia is a threat to no-till wheat-fallow and glyphosate-resistant (GR) cropping systems of the US Great Plains. The EPSPS (5-enol-pyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) gene amplification confers glyphosate resistance in the tested Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad populations from Montana. Experiments were conducted in spring to fall 2014 (run 1) and summer 2014 to spring 2015 (run 2) to investigate the growth and reproductive traits of the GR vs. glyphosate-susceptible (SUS) populations of K. scoparia and to determine the relationship of EPSPS gene amplification with the level of glyphosate resistance. GR K. scoparia inbred lines (CHES01 and JOP01) exhibited 2 to 14 relative copies of the EPSPS gene compared with the SUS inbred line with only one copy. In the absence of glyphosate, no differences in growth and reproductive parameters were evident between the tested GR and SUS inbred lines, across an intraspecific competition gradient (1 to 170 plants m-2). GR K. scoparia plants with 2 to 4 copies of the EPSPS gene survived the field-use rate (870 g ha-1) of glyphosate, but failed to survive the 4,350 g ha-1 rate of glyphosate (five-times the field-use rate). In contrast, GR plants with 5 to 14 EPSPS gene copies survived the 4,350 g ha-1 of glyphosate. The results from this research indicate that GR K. scoparia with 5 or more EPSPS gene copies will most likely persist in field populations, irrespective of glyphosate selection pressure.
Weight-related attitudes and behaviors of adolescent boys and girls who are encouraged to diet by their mothers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationships between mothers' reports of dieting and encouraging adolescents to diet and adolescents' reports of their own dieting practices and weight-related concerns. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of parent interviews and adolescent surveys in an ethnically-diverse sample. SUBJECTS: A total of 810 adolescents (n=381 boys and n=429 girls) and their mothers. RESULTS: Mothers' dieting was associated with their adolescent girls' weight-related concerns and behaviors, but these associations were not significant after adjusting for girls' body mass index (BMI). In contrast, mothers' encouragement for sons to diet was associated with sons' binge eating, dieting and other weight-control behaviors, even after controlling for sons' BMI. Compared with mothers who did not encourage their child to diet, mothers who encouraged their child to diet were significantly heavier women and were more likely to view their child as overweight. Forty-three percent of boys and 46% of girls who were encouraged by their mothers to diet were classified as nonoverweight by federal guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Boys who are encouraged by their mothers to diet may be at risk for health-compromising eating and dieting behaviors, particularly binge-eating, fasting, eating a little bit of food and skipping meals. Parents who are concerned about their children's weight should be educated to encourage healthy eating habits and physical activity to promote their children's health, including healthy weight control.
What We Do: Reaffirming the Founding Principles of Reference Services

Summary Reference service as we have come to know it first began over 100 years ago. At that time, its proponents called for librarians to assist readers by providing instruction in the use of the library, answering readers' questions, aiding readers in the selection of good books, and publicizing the library within the community. Since that time, we have seen many changes in the size, complexity, relationships, and technologies used in our libraries. However, despite the introduction of a wide array of new concepts, services, and access methods, the role of the reference librarian remains essentially unchanged. This article highlights the commonalities of reference service from its inception to the current day and suggests that we must retain those principles when looking at rethinking or redesigning reference services.