cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exactly Marginal Operators and Running Coupling Constants in 2D Gravity

The Liouville action for two--dimensional quantum gravity coupled to interacting matter contains terms that have not been considered previously. They are crucial for understanding the renormalization group flow and can be observed in recent matrix model results for the phase diagram of the Sine--Gordon model coupled to gravity. These terms insure, order by order in the coupling constant, that the dressed interaction is exactly marginal. They are discussed up to second order.
Threshold functions in random s-intersection graphs

Random s-intersection graphs have recently received considerable attention in a wide range of application areas. In such a graph, each vertex is equipped with a set of items in some random manner, and any two vertices establish an undirected edge in between if and only if they have at least s common items. In particular, in a binomial random s-intersection graph, each item in some item pool is independently attached to each vertex with the same probability, while in a uniform random s-intersection graph, each vertex independently selects a fixed number of items uniformly at random from a common item pool. For binomial/uniform random s-intersection graphs, we establish threshold functions for perfect matching containment, Hamilton cycle containment, and k-robustness, where k-robustness is in the sense of Zhang and Sundaram (IEEE CDC 2012). We show that these threshold functions resemble those of classical Erdős-Renyi graphs, in which any two vertices have an undirected edge in between independently with the same probability.
Functional and Affine Completeness and Arithmetical Varieties

Our understanding of affine complete and functionally complete algebras and varieties of affine complete algebras is closely related to our understanding of arithmetical algebras and varieties. Because of this we first survey basic results about arithmetical algebras and varieties, emphasizing finite algebras and finitely generated varieties. The main outlines of the theory of congruence distributive affine complete varieties are discussed and then attention is focused on arithmetical affine complete varieties, emphasizing some recent results describing their structure. In particular we shall examine properties of finite, arithmetical, affine complete algebras having no proper subalgebras (FACS algebras) since any affine complete arithmetical variety of finite type is generated by such an algebra. We shall present some interesting sufficient conditions for a FACS algebra to generate an arithmetical (and hence affine complete) variety.
Inhibition of stearoyl-CoA desaturases suppresses follicular help T- and germinal center B- cell responses.

Stearoyl-CoA desaturases (SCD) are endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). As such, SCD play important roles in maintaining the intracellular balance between saturated fatty acid (SFAs) and MUFAs. The roles of SCD in CD4+ T-helper cell responses are currently unexplored. Here, we have found that murine and human follicular helper T (TFH ) cells express higher levels of SCD compared to non-TFH cells. Further, the expression of SCD in TFH cells is dependent on the TFH lineage-specification transcription factor BCL6. We found that the inhibition of SCD impaired TFH cell maintenance and shifted the balance between TFH and follicular regulatory T (TFR ) cells in the spleen. Consequently, SCD inhibition dampened germinal center B-cell responses following influenza immunization. Mechanistically, we found that SCD inhibition led to increased ER stress and enhanced TFH cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. These results reveal a possible link between fatty acid metabolism and cellular and humoral responses induced by immunization or potentially, autoimmunity.
Content Analysis of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Publications in Core Clinical Journals from 2012 to 2018.

There is no consensus if electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) should be used to reduce harm among the smoking population. Physicians, who represent a trusted source of health communication, are exposed to a range of often conflicting ENDS information and this information may be relayed to patients looking to quit smoking. Previous studies have examined ENDS content of various sources of media but there is a lack of knowledge about ENDS content in medical journals. We analyzed 421 ENDS publications printed between 2012 and 2018 from PubMed’s Core Clinical Journal list. Publications were analyzed based on publication type, journal type, study design, geographic focus, theme, terminology, outcomes, and positive/negative statements. The number of ENDS publications grew since 2012, and peaked in 2015. Across all years, negative statements about ENDS outnumbered positive statements, though this difference decreased over time. Over time, negative statements about “toxins and carcinogens” were made less frequently, while negative statements about “gateway effects” and “youth appeal” became more prevalent. UK journals had fewer negative statements relative to US journals. Only 12.6% of publications included guidance for healthcare professionals about ENDS. As published ENDS topics change over time, physicians’ communications with patients may be impacted.
Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on otolaryngologic surgery: Brief commentary.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis and otolaryngologists are at increased occupational risk of contracting COVID-19. There are currently no uniform best-practice recommendations for otolaryngologic surgery in the setting of COVID-19. METHODS: We reviewed relevant publications and position statements regarding the management of otolaryngology patients in the setting of COVID-19. Recommendations regarding clinical practice during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks were also reviewed. RESULTS: Enhanced personal protective equipment (N95 respirator and face shield or powered air-purifying respirator, disposable cap and gown, gloves) is required for any otolaryngology patient with unknown, suspected, or positive COVID-19 status. Elective procedures should be postponed indefinitely, and clinical practice should be limited to patients with urgent or emergent needs. CONCLUSION: We summarize current best-practice recommendations for otolaryngologists to ensure safety for themselves, their clinical staff, and their patients.
Virtual empathy and liver cancer.

My first call was a 56 y/o male with hepatitis C-induced cirrhosis. He successfully cleared the virus with treatment and was very compliant with his surveillance ultrasounds for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Exactly the first day our institution, as most in the state, chose to close elective clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic I received the results from his magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), confirming that the lesion in the previous week's ultrasound was indeed HCC. Video-visits were in the horizon but not yet available, so I had the task of explaining to him over the phone that this time the test showed he had cancer. I have gone through this process countless times, face to face in a ritual that involves silent moments while sensing the subtle feeling of fear in my patient's faces being covered by stoicism.
Resolution of a High Grade and Metastatic BK Polyomavirus-Associated Urothelial Cell Carcinoma Following Radical Allograft Nephroureterectomy and Immune Checkpoint Treatment: A Case Report.

Abstract Background BK viral infection in the posttransplant setting continues to cause serious morbidity with effects ranging from allograft nephropathy and dysfunction to urothelial malignancy. Results In this report, we present a patient that developed BK-associated nephropathy and, 6 years later, locally advanced urothelial malignancy in the renal allograft with nodal, muscle, and extremity involvement. Following radical allograft nephroureterectomy, he was treated with palliative radiation and the immune checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab. Follow-up imaging at 1 year demonstrated radiographic complete response. Conclusions This report supports the growing body of evidence supporting the association of urothelial malignancy and BK virus infection in renal transplant recipients. Further, it highlights the novel application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of advanced posttransplant malignancy, in particular when the allograft is removed and the tumor is possibly of donor origin.
Dupilumab and the risk of conjunctivitis and serious infection in patients with atopic dermatitis: A propensity score-matched cohort study.

Background Dupilumab is an effective treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) with limited safety data in clinical practice. Objective To assess the 6-month risk of conjunctivitis and serious infections in patients with AD who initiated dupilumab. Methods In a cohort study using US claims data, we compared the risk of conjunctivitis and serious infections in patients with AD who initiated either dupilumab, methotrexate (MTX), cyclosporine, or mycophenolate. Relative risks (RRs) were computed after 1:1 propensity score matching. Results We identified 1775 dupilumab, 1034 MTX, 186 cyclosporine, and 257 mycophenolate users. The 6-month risk for any conjunctivitis was 6.5% for dupilumab, 3.3% for MTX, 4.8% for cyclosporine, and 1.2% for mycophenolate initiators. After PS matching, the RR of any conjunctivitis was increased in dupilumab users versus MTX (RR, 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47-4.08), versus cyclosporine (RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 0.69-3.50), and versus mycophenolate (RR, 7.00; 95% CI, 2.12-23.2). The risk of serious infection was 0.6% in dupilumab and 1.0% in MTX initiators (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.37-2.20). Limitations Analyses were based on few events, and differential surveillance is a concern. Conclusions Although dupilumab shows a low risk of serious infections, it is associated with a clinically meaningful increase in conjunctivitis that needs to be managed in practice.
Dynamic and heterogeneous neural ensembles contribute to a memory engram

In the century since the notion of the 'engram' was first introduced to describe the physical manifestation of memory, new technologies for identifying cellular activity have enabled us to deepen our understanding of the possible physical substrate of memory. A number of studies have shown that memories are stored in a sparse population of neurons known as a neural ensemble or engram cells. While earlier investigations highlighted that the stability of neural ensembles underlies a memory representation, recent studies have found that neural ensembles are more dynamic and fluid than previously understood. Additionally, a number of studies have begun to dissect the cellular and molecular diversity of functionally distinct subpopulations of cells contained within an engram. We propose that ensemble fluidity and compositional heterogeneity support memory flexibility and functional diversity.
Structures of M+(CH4)n (M = Ti, V) Based on Vibrational Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory.

Photofragment spectroscopy is used to measure the vibrational spectra of M+(CH4)(Ar) and M+(CH4)n (M = Ti, V; n = 1-4) in the C-H stretching region (2550-3100 cm-1). Spectra were measured by monitoring the loss of Ar from M+(CH4)(Ar) and loss of CH4 from the larger clusters. The experimental spectra are then compared to simulations done at the B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level of theory to identify the structures of the ions. The spectra all have a peak near 2800 cm-1 due to the symmetric C-H stretch of the hydrogens adjacent to the metal. Some complexes also have a smaller peak due to the corresponding antisymmetric stretch. Most complexes also have a peak near 3000 cm-1 due to the C-H stretch of hydrogens pointing away from the metal. The symmetric proximate C-H stretches of M+(CH4)(Ar) to M+(CH4)4 are red-shifted from the symmetric stretch in bare CH4 by 149, 152, 128, and 107 cm-1 for the titanium complexes and 164, 175, 158, and 146 cm-1, respectively, for the vanadium complexes. In M+(CH4)(Ar) (M = Ti, V), the heavy atoms are collinear. Ti+(CH4)(Ar) has I·3 methane hydrogen coordination (â M-C-H = 180°), while V+(CH4)(Ar) has I·2 (â M-C-H = 124°). The n = 2 complexes have C-M-C linear. Ti+(CH4)2 has C2h symmetry with I·3 CH4 while V+(CH4)2 has methane coordination intermediate between I·2 and I·3 (â M-C-H = 156°). Both the M+(CH4)3 (M = Ti, V) complexes have C2v symmetry with one methane farther away from the metal in an I·2 binding orientation and two methanes close to the metal with a nearly I·2 methane for vanadium and coordination between I·2 and I·3 CH4 for titanium (â M-C-H = 150°). In Ti+(CH4)4 and V+(CH4)4 all of the methanes have I·2 coordination. The titanium complex has a distorted square planar geometry with two different Ti-C bond lengths and the vanadium complex is square planar.
2D Gauss-Newton full waveform inversion of SH- and Love-waves in the time domain

Abstract Full waveform inversion (FWI) has become a popular and efficient tool for near-surface site characterization. SH- and Love-wave inversion has recently gained attention due to the good sensitivity to mass density and S-wave velocity and the computing advantage over Rayleigh-wave inversion. In this study, we present a new time-domain Gauss-Newton FWI (GN-FWI) method of SH- and Love-waves to extract both mass density and S-wave velocity of soil and rock. The advantage of Gauss-Newton optimization is that the inverse of the regularized Hessian matrix filters, balances, and regularizes the gradient vector to reduce shallow artifacts and resolve deeper structures. To overcome the main challenge of Gauss-Newton approach as high computing demand, we derive analytical formula to compute Jacobian matrix efficiently based on the virtual source and reciprocity theory. The presented method is demonstrated on realistic synthetic and field experiments. The synthetic experiment indicates that the method can characterize a challenging reverse profile with four variable layers of high and low mass density and S-wave velocity. The density and S-wave velocity values and layer interfaces are recovered. The field experiment reveals an 18-m depth subsurface profile, which includes a softer soil layer underlain by stiffer weathered limestone layer. Comparing to invasive Standard Penetration Tests (SPT), the trends of both density and S-wave velocity generally agree with the SPT N-values, including a weak soil zone and weathered limestone. To our best understanding, this is the first study of Gauss-Newton FWI on SH- and Love-waves at any scales.
Pharmacist Intervention Lowers HgbA1c in Diabetic Patients Regardless of HIV Status.

Aim Compare glycemic control in human immunodeficiency (HIV)-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy to HIV-negative patients following pharmacist interventions. Methods/Results This retrospective observational cohort study conducted at a Federally Qualified Health Center included adults with type II diabetes mellitus who attended at least two clinical pharmacy appointments between January 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019. Exclusion criteria included missing pre- or post-hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) values, type 1 diabetes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, deceased, or untreated HIV. The primary endpoint was change in HgbA1c from baseline to month 3. Secondary endpoints were change in HgbA1c at 6, 9, and 12 months, and time to goal. Additional endpoints included changes in number of anti-diabetic agents, blood pressure, body mass index, hypoglycemic events, percent of patients on a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor or glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) agonist. This study was exempt from the University of California, Davis Institutional Review Board as a continuous quality improvement study.Seventy-eight patients were included, 17 of whom were HIV-positive. At 3 months, HgbA1c was reduced by -1.7% and -1.2% (p =0.31) for HIV-positive and -negative patients, respectively. In the pooled cohort, HgbA1c was reduced from baseline at all time points, and 24% of patients achieved HgbA1c below 7.0%. The number of antidiabetic medications remained unchanged or was decreased in 60% of patients. Conclusion The study demonstrated clinically important HgbA1c reductions without increasing the medication burden in most patients. There was no significant difference in glycemic management between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients.
Transitory kinesiophobia after sport-related concussion and its correlation with reaction time.

OBJECTIVES To examine kinesiophobia (i.e. fear of movement) among adolescent athletes with concussion compared to controls, and correlations of kinesiophobia with symptoms and reaction time. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS We evaluated 49 adolescent athletes twice. The concussion group was assessed within 14 days of injury and at return-to-play clearance. The control group was tested initially and approximately 28 days later. Participants completed Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory, and clinical reaction time assessments. RESULTS We included 32 concussion participants (15 ± 2 years; 50% female) and 17 controls (16 ± 1 years; 47% female). Acutely (<14 days post-injury), the concussion group reported greater Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores (38.5 ± 5.4 vs. 29.4 ± 6.7; p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 1.54), and a greater proportion of "high" (≥37) scores than controls (69% vs. 6%; p < 0.001). At return-to-play, there were no significant between-group differences (33.3 ± 6.5 vs. 30.8 ± 7.4; p = 0.23; Cohen's d = 0.36); 28% of the concussion group reported "high" Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores. At return-to-play, kinesiophobia was significantly/moderately correlated with clinical reaction time for the concussion group (r = 0.50; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Adolescents recovering from concussion commonly reported high kinesiophobia initially postconcussion, while 28% continued to report high kinesiophobia at return-to-play clearance. Additionally, a correlation between Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores and clinical reaction time was observed for the concussion group. This finding would benefit from further study to determine potential perception-behavior relationships following concussion.
Vasectomy utilization in men aged 18-45 declined between 2002 and 2017: Results from the United States National Survey for Family Growth data.

Background Vasectomy remains a safe, simple, and effective contraceptive option. Conflicting data on the trend of vasectomy use among men have been described previously at various snapshots in time over the last two decades. Objectives This paper seeks to describe the trend of vasectomy utilization in the last 15 years using a nationally representative US survey. Materials and methods We analyzed data from male respondents aged 18 to 45 years of the Cycle 6 (2002), 2006-2010, 2011-2013, 2013-2015, and 2015-2017 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) surveys. Population estimates are calculated based on the official NSFG instructions, accounting for the complex survey design. Multivariate logistic regression models are used to study demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with vasectomy use in men. Results Baseline characteristics for men undergoing vasectomy do not differ significantly across survey years. Increased age, White race, marital status, higher education level, birthplace within the United States, higher household income, non-Catholic affiliation, and higher number of biological kids have significant positive associations with vasectomy use. After accounting for factors associated with vasectomy utilization, there was a significant temporal decline in vasectomy utilization rates in all age groups across survey years which remained in subgroup analyses of all men greater than 25, 30, and 35 years of age. Discussion This is the first population-based analysis of US data to observe a decline in vasectomy utilization over the past two decades. The decline was statistically significant after accounting for all demographic and socioeconomic factors. Conclusion There is a steady decline in the prevalence of vasectomy use in men from 2002 to 2017. Given the limited contraceptive options for men and the importance of contraception and family planning in the United States, further research is needed to understand the temporal decline.
Wide-field Surface-Enhanced Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Microscopy

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has been used extensively to study biology, chemistry, and materials. However, a point-by-point SERS mapping is time-consuming, taking minutes to hours for large-scale imaging. Here, we report a wide-field surface-enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (WISE-CARS) microscopy for monitoring nanotags in live cells and label-free detection of metabolic molecules. The WISE-CARS microscope achieves an imaging speed as fast as 120 frames per second for a large field of view of 130 microns X 130 microns. By spectral focusing of femtosecond lasers, a hyperspectral WISE-CARS stack of 120 frames can be acquired with a spectral resolution of 10 cm-1, where over 1 million Raman spectra are parallelly recorded within 0.5 seconds. As applications, we demonstrate time-lapse, 3D WISE-CARS imaging of nanotags in live cells as well as label-free detection of adenine released from S. aureus.
Basic stress intensity factors (SIFs) and stress concentrations (2-D configurations)

SIFs selected for this section are those relevant for the basic fracture mechanics. Much larger collections, with applications to various structural mechanics problems, can be found in several handbooks of SIFs (Sih, 1973, Tada et al., 1973, Rooke & Cartwright, 1976, Mukarami, 1987).
New Estimates of Value of Land of the United States

Land is an important and valuable natural resource, serving both as a store of wealth and as an input in production. Previous attempts to measure the value of land of the United States have focused on indirect measures, inferring values based on the difference between the market value of real property and the replacement value of structures, and have not counted the entirety of the land area of the United States. Instead, this paper takes hedonic estimates of land prices in various locations and interpolates these values to a mosaic of parcels, census tracts, and counties of various sizes in the contiguous (lower 48) United States plus the District of Columbia. Estimates suggest that this 1.89 billion acres of land are collectively worth approximately $23 trillion in 2009 (current prices), with 24% of the land area and $1.8 trillion of the value held by the federal government. JEL Codes: E01, E31, Q24, R32, R33
Choosing Our Children’s Genes: On the Need to Learn How People Choose

Choosing our children’s genes involves major conflicts between the rights and needs of individuals and those of the other individuals called “society”. For example, is there a right to know of a genetic defect one may transmit? Is there a right not to know? If one chooses not to know, to what extent should society bear the consequences? If a couple knowingly takes a high risk and loses, producing a seriously ill child, does society have to help with the burden? Is it fair to the child for society not to help? Can the child sue the parents? Can society’s attempts at prevention, since they will always be imperfect, add to any genetic handicaps the additional handicaps of stigmatization?
Effects of intergenerational perceptions on subjective well-being of older adults and their adult children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of older adults’ functional capacity, self-management ability, and intergenerational solidarity on the subjective wellbeing of older adults and their adult children. The data were collected from older adults who were 65 years of age or older, as well as from one of their children. Participants of this study included 148 older adults, with a mean age of 80.05, and 87 adult children, with a mean age of 51.99. The older adults were asked to self-rate on all these measures, whereas the adult children were asked to provide their perception of their parents. Older adults reported higher overall perceived health, lower self-management ability, and more positive sentiments in affectual solidarity than adult children. Furthermore, older adults reported higher levels of life satisfaction than adult children did. Older adults’ subjective well-being was predicted by better functional capacity, higher levels of self-management ability, and positive intergenerational solidarity, whereas adult children’s subjective well-being was predicted by higher levels of intergenerational solidarity. In addition, a couple of suppressor effects were found. Older adults’ perceptions of self-management ability and intergenerational solidarity suppressed the effect of older adults’ functional capacity on older adults’ subjective wellbeing, and adult children’s perceptions of intergenerational solidarity suppressed the effect of geographic proximity on adult children’s subjective well-being. The results suggest that older adults’ self-management ability is the most predictive factor of their subjective wellbeing. Intergenerational solidarity was the only factor that predicted both older adults’ and adult children’s subjective well-being. For the future care of older adults, it is important to consider how older adults’ self-management ability and staying closely connected with their adult children can be enhanced.
THE PROCESSING OF PITCH COMBINATIONS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the processing of pitch combinations. It examines the ways in which pitch combinations are abstracted by the perceptual system. First, it inquires into the types of abstraction that give rise to the perception of local features, such as intervals, chords, and pitch classes. Such features can be considered analogous to those of orientation and angle size in vision. Other low-level abstractions result in the perception of global features, such as contour. Next, the chapter considers how combinations of features are abstracted to give rise to perceptual equivalences and similarities. Then it examines how these higher level abstractions are themselves combined according to various rules. The distinction between abstractions that are formed passively from “bottom up” and those that occur from “top down” is important in music. Both types of processes play important roles in musical shape analysis. These findings have contributed to the groundwork on which an understanding of the processing of pitch combinations can be based.
Ethnic or Post-Ethnic Community for Africa? A Critique of Ahmadou Kouroumas Critique of the Nation in The Suns of Independence

Taking Biodun Jeyifos observation in the epigraph above as a salient point of departure, this essay proffers an assessment of the late Ahmadou Kouroumas The Suns of Independence. The encounter of the different African peoples with one another that Jeyifo refers to has occurred within the continents recent domination by European colonial imperialism. Within those same circumstances of domination the encounter acquires a postcolonial salience. Whatever their differences ethnocultural and other Africans encountered one other colonially as commonly subordinate relative to the dominant Europeans. How, then, were they to reencounter one another in circumstances where they would no longer be subordinate? This demand will produce the imaginings, meanings, and practices in which Africans would foresee themselves newly encountering one another as a free people and if so ideally as one people. In its resolution as a postcolonial question, Africa's future encounter with itself would be in a mode where its different peoples live in community imagined in a nationalist form. Out of the many one: the post-ethnic nation is ratified as an ethical vision of African postcolonial community.
Synthesis and properties of lysosome-specific photoactivatable probes for live-cell imaging

Fluorescent dyes have become increasingly important in cell biology since they enable high signal-to-noise and selectivity in visualizing subcellular organelles. Photoactivatable dyes allow for tracking and monitoring of a subset of cells or organelles. Here, we report the synthesis and application of a new class of large Stokes shift fluorescent dyes that are water-soluble, cell permeable, non-cytotoxic, and lysosome-specific. Additionally, we demonstrate temporally controlled sequential photoactivation of individual cells in close spatial proximity.
Remote cis−syn-Thymine [2 + 2] Dimers Are Not Repaired by Radical Cations Migrating in Duplex DNA

A series of DNA oligomers was prepared containing an anthraquinone derivative linked to a 5‘-end, a cis−syn-[2 + 2]thymine dimer and strategically located GG steps. These compounds were designed to test the claim that one-electron oxidation of the DNA leads to repair of remote thymine dimers. Irradiation of the anthraquinone leads to remote damage at the 5‘-G of GG steps that are positioned both before and after the thymine dimer, but there is no detectable (<3%) repair of the thymine dimer. These findings are in contrast to a previous series of reports in which repair of the thymine dimer is reported to occur 40 times more efficiently than reaction at GG steps when the remote one-electron oxidation is initiated by irradiation of a covalently linked Rh-containing metallointercalator.
Anthropological perspectives on the challenges to monitoring and evaluating HIV and AIDS programming in Lesotho

This article focuses on how numerous international nongovernmental organisations (INGOs) have stepped forward to provide services related to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment in Lesotho. We highlight some widely recognised challenges associated with the INGO approach and describe how people working in that sector in Lesotho experience similar challenges, focusing especially on weak or inadequate monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Partially in response to such weaknesses, Lesotho is implementing its ‘Partnership Framework to Support Implementation of the Lesotho National HIV and AIDS Response.’ A major goal for this initiative is to strengthen procedures and methods for M&E. Through examination of a partnership that the authors are cultivating with Catholic Relief Services in Lesotho, we discuss some ways that anthropologists can contribute to formulating M&E processes and procedures that can provide sound measures of outcomes and have the potential to inform programme development.
Pseudo-First-Order Alkaline Hydrolysis of Diethyl Tartrate: A Baseline Study for a Polymer Matrix used in Controlled-Release Delivery Systems

The hydrolysis kinetics of a bifunctional group compound, diethyl tartrate, was studied as a function of temperature and pH in the alkaline region. A pH-stat was used to maintain constant pH conditions in the alkaline region. This allowed the studies to be carried out at low ionic strengths and without the use of buffers. The results indicate that the hydrolysis for both steps followed specific base catalysis. The ratio of the two rate constants was 13.31, which was attributed to a strong charge effect in the second step. The results also show that the use of an overall average rate constant may not be acceptable for multifunctional group compounds.
Languages that capture complexity classes

We present a series of operators of apparently increasing power which when added to first-order logic produce a series of languages in which exactly the properties checkable in a certain complexity class may be expressed. We thus give alternate characterizations of most important complexity classes. We also introduce reductions appropriate for our setting: first-order translations, and a restricted, quantifier free version of these called projection translations. We show that projection translations are a uniform version of Valiant’s projections, and that the usual complete problems remain complete via these very restrictive reductions.
Networks of capital, networks for migration: political–economic integration and the changing geography of Mexico–US migration

While economic globalization has altered the geography of international migration and introduced an array of new sources and destinations, our understanding of the specific mechanisms that link economic globalization to migration remains limited. In this article, I attempt to extend previous research by undertaking an empirical case study of Mexican migration to the USA. Using a unique dataset, I construct multivariate models to test whether, in the context of economic integration, occupations channel migration between similar sectors of the Mexican and US economies. I focus on the food-processing sector because of its role in the geographic dispersal of Mexican immigration. The results show a strong channelling of Mexican immigration along an occupational line linking the Mexican and US food-processing sectors. The implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which ushered in a period of intensive political and economic integration, strengthened this occupational channel. By seeing the changing geography of Mexico–US migration in the context of economic globalization, this study casts light on the micro-level foundations of the globalization–migration nexus.
Design changes improve contact patterns and articular surface damage in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract Background The Optetrak® PS (Exactech, Inc., Gainesville, FL) has been a well-functioning posterior stabilized knee replacement since its introduction in 1995. In 2009, the Optetrak Logic® incorporated modifications to the anterior face of the tibial post and the corresponding anterior articulating surface of the femoral component to reduce edge loading on the polyethylene post. In this study, we provide the rationale for the design change and compare the damage on retrieved tibial components of both designs to demonstrate the effectiveness of the design modifications in decreasing post damage. Methods We integrated retrieval findings of tibial post damage with finite element analysis to redesign the anterior tibial post-femoral box articulation. We then used subsequent retrieval analysis on a 3:1 matched sample of 60 PS and 20 Logic® inserts to examine the impact of the design change on polyethylene damage. Results Polyethylene stresses were markedly reduced when rounded contact geometries were incorporated. The comparison of the new and old designs using retrieval analysis demonstrated that the redesign led to reduction in surface damage and deformation on the tibial post. Conclusions This study shows the use of a design cycle by which a problem is identified through retrieval analysis, analytical tools are used to suggest design solutions, and then retrieval analysis is applied again on the new design to confirm improved performance. Clinical relevance Anterior post damage has been markedly reduced through the introduction of design changes to the post-box geometry.
Fiber-Optic Probe for Collection of Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence Spectra in Low-Temperature Glassy Solvents

Low-repetition-rate pulsed lasers are excellent sources for two-photon excitation of samples frozen in low-temperature glassy solvents. Unfortunately, similar efforts to combine synchronously-pumped dye laser excitation with normal cryostats and sample cells have consistently failed. The continuous nature of the laser creates a weak refractive index gradient which causes the beam to wander randomly in space. We have found that a fiber-optic probe directly frozen in the glassy sample permits two-photon excited fluorescence spectra to be obtained. This arrangement is stable because the fiber restricts beam-induced refractive index changes to harmless expansion. Studies of fluxional fluorophores indicate that the viscosity at the fiber tip is not significantly changed under conditions of average power known to cause beam wander in ordinary cryostat cells.
R(+)XK469 inhibits hydroxylation of S-warfarin by CYP2C9

Abstract Introduction XK469 is a novel topoisomerase II inhibitor structurally akin to several propionic acid derivatives, such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, which are metabolised by CYP2C9. We report eight subjects who experienced significant elevation of INR while receiving concomitant R(+)XK469 and warfarin. The aim of the study is to investigate whether R(+)XK469 interacts with S-warfarin by inhibition of CYP2C9. Methods The effect of R(+)XK469 on S-warfarin hydroxylation was determined by the measurement of S-7-hydroxywarfarin formation in pooled human liver microsomes and cDNA-expressed CYP2C9. Results R(+)XK469 competitively inhibited S-warfarin hydroxylation. The Ki values of R(+)XK469 were estimated to be 959 ± 426 μM for human liver microsomes and to be 377 ± 92 μM for CYP2C9. Conclusion At the recommended phase II dose of R(+)XK469, the ratio of Cmax/Ki is >1. This suggests that coadministration of R(+)XK469 and warfarin results in a clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction due to CYP2C9 inhibition by R(+)XK469.
Software analytics = sharing information

Software and its development generates an inordinate amount of data. Development activities such as check-ins, work items, bug reports, code reviews, and test executions are recorded in software repositories. User interactions that reflect how customers experience software are recorded in telemetry data, run-time traces, and log files and helps to track application and feature usage and expose performance and reliability. Software analytics takes this data and turns it into actionable insight to better inform decisions related to software. To a large extent, software analytics is about what we can learn and share about software. This include our own projects but also projects by others. Looking back at decades of research in empirical software engineering and mining software repositories, software analytics lets us share different things: insights, models, methods, and data. In this talk, I will present successful efforts from Microsoft and academia on software analytics and try to convince you that analytics is all about sharing information.
Motif discovery in tissue-specific regulatory sequences using directed information

Motif discovery for the identification of functional regulatory elements underlying gene expression is a challenging problem. Sequence inspection often leads to discovery of novel motifs (including transcription factor sites) with previously uncharacterized function in gene expression. Coupled with the complexity underlying tissue-specific gene expression, there are several motifs that are putatively responsible for expression in a certain cell type. This has important implications in understanding fundamental biological processes such as development and disease progression. In this work, we present an approach to the identification of motifs (not necessarily transcription factor sites) and examine its application to some questions in current bioinformatics research. These motifs are seen to discriminate tissue-specific gene promoter or regulatory regions from those that are not tissue-specific. There are two main contributions of this work. Firstly, we propose the use of directed information for such classification constrained motif discovery, and then use the selected features with a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to find the tissue specificity of any sequence of interest. Such analysis yields several novel interesting motifs that merit further experimental characterization. Furthermore, this approach leads to a principled framework for the prospective examination of any chosen motif to be discriminatory motif for a group of coexpressed/coregulated genes, thereby integrating sequence and expression perspectives. We hypothesize that the discovery of these motifs would enable the large-scale investigation for the tissue-specific regulatory role of any conserved sequence element identified from genome-wide studies.
Social bases of power and control mechanisms among correctional administrators in a prison organization

Abstract This research explored the social bases of power among correctional administrators in a maximum security correctional facility for men in a large midwestern state in the United States. A qualitative research design was employed to assess the forms of power among prison administrators. The data suggested that prison officials had specific types of power available to control their prison population. The forms of power exhibited by the prison's administration were: coercive, reward, and access to information. Finally, suggestions are provided for future research to understand control and stability in prison settings.
Continuity and discontinuity in Opec: Member interaction patterns, 1959–1974

Most scholars explain political interactions within OPEC countries with reference to clusters of economic and political variables. In this paper, we use dyadic interaction data to describe the frequency and affective orientation between OPEC pairs. Explanations for the prominent trends within the four time periods are offered. The analysis suggests that no combination of political or economic factors explain consistently the coalitions and cleavages within OPEC between 1959 and 1974.
The metallothionein-I gene maps to mouse chromosome 8: implications for human Menkes' disease.

We have assigned the structural gene (Mt-1) coding for the murine metal-binding protein metallothionein I (MT-1) to mouse chromosome 8 by using a cloned DNA probe for mouse Mt-1 in combination with a panel of Chinese hamstermouse somatic cell hybrid clones segregating mouse chromosomes. Analysis of hybrid cell extracts for the presence of mouse Mt-1 or MT-1 mRNA revealed concordant segregation of Mt-1 with mouse glutathione reductase, an enzyme marker for mouse chromosome 8, but discordant segregation with enzyme markers for 14 other mouse chromosomes. Karyotype analyses of seven informative hybrid clones confirmed the assignment of mouse Mt-1 to chromosome 8. Menkes' disease in man and the mottled mutation (Mo) in the mouse, which provides an animal model of Menkes' disease, are both X-linked degenerative neurologic disorders involving abnormal copper metabolism and increased levels of intracellular metallothionein protein. Fibroblasts from Mo male mice have increased amounts of MT-1 mRNA, suggesting that both Mo and Menkes' disease may be due to a metallothionein gene mutation. However, our assignment of Mt-1 to mouse chromosome 8, rather than the X chromosome, demonstrates that a mutation in mouse Mt-1 or a closely linked regulatory gene is not the primary defect in Mo, and implies that a metallothionein gene mutation is not the genetic defect in human Menkes' disease.
NeuroTouch: a physics-based virtual simulator for cranial microneurosurgery training.

Background A virtual reality neurosurgery simulator with haptic feedback may help in the training and assessment of technical skills requiring the use of tactile and visual cues. Objective To develop a simulator for craniotomy-based procedures with haptic and graphics feedback for implementation by universities and hospitals in the neurosurgery training curriculum. Methods NeuroTouch was developed by a team of more than 50 experts from the National Research Council Canada in collaboration with surgeons from more than 20 teaching hospitals across Canada. Its main components are a stereovision system, bimanual haptic tool manipulators, and a high-end computer. The simulation software engine runs 3 processes for computing graphics, haptics, and mechanics. Training tasks were built from magnetic resonance imaging scans of patients with brain tumors. Results Two training tasks were implemented for practicing skills with 3 different surgical tools. In the tumor-debulking task, the objective is complete tumor removal without removing normal tissue, using the regular surgical aspirator (suction) and the ultrasonic aspirator. The objective of the tumor cauterization task is to remove a vascularized tumor with an aspirator while controlling blood loss using bipolar electrocautery. Conclusion NeuroTouch prototypes have been set up in 7 teaching hospitals across Canada, to be used for beta testing and validation and evaluated for integration in a neurosurgery training curriculum.
There Are GAPS and There Are GAPS

Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) transduce a very large number of cellular regulatory signals. Several recent papers have shown that the larger heterotrimeric G proteins are regulated by a class of molecules known as the RGS proteins (regulators of G protein-signaling family) that are analogous to the GAPs (GTPase activating proteins), which regulate small monomeric G proteins. Iyengar summarizes this evidence and discusses the mechanism of action of the RGS proteins.
Proteome of Geobacter sulfurreducens in the presence of U(VI).

Geobacter species often play an important role in the in situ bioremediation of uranium-contaminated groundwater, but little is known about how these microbes avoid uranium toxicity. To evaluate this further, the proteome of Geobacter sulfurreducens exposed to 100 µM U(VI) acetate was compared to control cells not exposed to U(VI). Of the 1363 proteins detected from these cultures, 203 proteins had higher abundance during exposure to U(VI) compared with the control cells and 148 proteins had lower abundance. U(VI)-exposed cultures expressed lower levels of proteins involved in growth, protein and amino acid biosynthesis, as well as key central metabolism enzymes as a result of the deleterious effect of U(VI) on the growth of G. sulfurreducens. In contrast, proteins involved in detoxification, such as several efflux pumps belonging to the RND (resistance–nodulation–cell division) family, and membrane protection, and other proteins, such as chaperones and proteins involved in secretion systems, were found in higher abundance in cells exposed to U(VI). Exposing G. sulfurreducens to U(VI) resulted in a higher abundance of many proteins associated with the oxidative stress response, such as superoxide dismutase and superoxide reductase. A strain in which the gene for superoxide dismutase was deleted grew more slowly than the WT strain in the presence of U(VI), but not in its absence. The results suggested that there is no specific mechanism for uranium detoxification. Rather, multiple general stress responses are induced, which presumably enable Geobacter species to tolerate high uranium concentrations.
Cluster-Based Control Channel Allocation in Opportunistic Cognitive Radio Networks

Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) involve extensive exchange of control messages, which are used to coordinate critical network functions such as distributed spectrum sensing, medium access, and routing, to name a few. Typically, control messages are broadcasted on a preassigned common control channel, which can be realized as a separate frequency band in multichannel systems, a given time slot in TDMA systems, or a frequency hopping sequence (or CDMA code) in spread spectrum systems. However, a static control channel allocation is contrary to the opportunistic access paradigm. In this paper, we address the problem of dynamically assigning the control channel in CRNs based on time- and space-varying spectrum opportunities. We propose a cluster-based architecture that allocates different channels for control at various clusters in the network. The clustering problem is formulated as a bipartite graph problem, for which we develop a class of algorithms that provide different tradeoffs between two conflicting factors: number of common channels in a cluster and the cluster size. Clusters are guaranteed to have a desirable number of common channels for control, which facilitates for graceful channel migration when primary radio (PR) activity is detected, without the need for frequent reclustering. We perform extensive simulations that verify the agility of our algorithms in adapting to spatial-temporal variations in spectrum availability.