cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current Graft-versus-Host Disease–Free, Relapse-Free Survival: A Dynamic Endpoint to Better Define Efficacy after Allogenic Transplant

Abstract An accurate measure of allogeneic transplant efficacy should take into account quality-of-life issues associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However, unlike death and relapse, GVHD morbidity is temporary in many patients, and this fact must be reflected in such an outcome measure. Therefore, we have defined a new composite endpoint, called current GVHD-free, relapse-free survival (CGRFS), which is the probability, at any time post-transplant, of being alive, in remission, and without clinically significant chronic GVHD, defined as moderate–severe by the National Institutes of Health consensus criteria. Chronic GVHD is considered a dynamic event, which can resolve once manifestations are quiescent and systemic immunosuppression discontinued. CGRFS is achieved through linear combination of relevant Kaplan-Meier estimates. We evaluated 422 consecutive patients receiving an allogeneic transplant at a single institution between January 2010 and July 2015. With a median follow-up of 36 months, estimated 3-year overall and disease-free survival was 60% and 54%, respectively. Conventionally defined GRFS at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years was 33%, 26%, 23%, and 22%, respectively. In contrast, the corresponding rates of CGRFS were 45%, 46%, 47%, and 49%, respectively. Patients living with active moderate–severe chronic GVHD decreased over time, quantitated at 23%, 14%, 7%, and 4%, respectively, at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years post-transplant. Whereas only approximately one-fourth of patients achieve transplant success as defined by conventional GRFS, nearly half of patients, by CGRFS, are considered cured without the morbidity of ongoing GVHD. We propose that CGRFS may represent a more dynamic and accurate estimate of long-term transplant effectiveness.
DNA damage and senescence in osteoprogenitors expressing Osx1 may cause their decrease with age

Summary Age-related bone loss in mice results from a decrease in bone formation and an increase in cortical bone resorption. The former is accounted by a decrease in the number of postmitotic osteoblasts which synthesize the bone matrix and is thought to be the consequence of age-dependent changes in mesenchymal osteoblast progenitors. However, there are no specific markers for these progenitors, and conclusions rely on results from in vitro cultures of mixed cell populations. Moreover, the culprits of such changes remain unknown. Here, we have used Osx1-Cre;TdRFP mice in which osteoprogenitors express the TdRFP fluorescent protein. We report that the number of TdRFP-Osx1 cells, freshly isolated from the bone marrow, declines by more than 50% between 6 and 24 months of age in both female and male mice. Moreover, TdRFP-Osx1 cells from old mice exhibited markers of DNA damage and senescence, such as γH2AX foci, G1 cell cycle arrest, phosphorylation of p53, increased p21CIP1 levels, as well as increased levels of GATA4 and activation of NF-κB – two major stimulators of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Bone marrow stromal cells from old mice also exhibited elevated expression of SASP genes, including several pro-osteoclastogenic cytokines, and increased capacity to support osteoclast formation. These changes were greatly attenuated by the senolytic drug ABT263. Together, these findings suggest that the decline in bone mass with age is the result of intrinsic defects in osteoprogenitor cells, leading to decreased osteoblast numbers and increased support of osteoclast formation.
Utilizing trauma admissions as an opportunity to identify developmental and behavioral concerns

Abstract Background Developmental and behavioral problems are often underdiagnosed in the pediatric population, and are risk factors for injury from trauma. Early intervention for these concerns yields improved outcomes. No prior research has screened for these difficulties during pediatric trauma admissions. Methods The current study utilized “The Survey of Wellbeing of Young Children” (SWYC) to assess for possible areas of concern by parent report. Concerns were compared to the presence of screening documented in their pediatrician's last well-child visit note. Results Of the 27 participants, 59.3% had developmental, behavioral, parental, or familial concerns. Overall, 46.2% of pediatricians had formally screened for concerns at the child's last well child visit, resulting in 25.9% being identified with new concerns found on the SWYC. Conclusions Pediatric trauma admissions provide an important opportunity to screen for behavioral and developmental concerns in a population that is at risk for these concerns and that could greatly benefit from having problems identified.
Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids Attenuate Progression of Albuminuria in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Artery Disease.

Background Albuminuria is a marker of inflammation and an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The current study evaluated whether eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation attenuates progression of albuminuria in subjects with coronary artery disease. Methods and Results Two‐hundred sixty‐two subjects with stable coronary artery disease were randomized to either Lovaza (1.86 g of EPA and 1.5 g of DHA daily) or no Lovaza (control) for 1 year. Percent change in urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR) was compared. Mean (SD) age was 63.3 (7.6) years; 17% were women and 30% had type 2 diabetes mellitus. In nondiabetic subjects, no change in urine ACR occurred in either the Lovaza or control groups. In contrast, ACR increased 72.3% ( P P r =0.394, P =0.01). Conclusions EPA and DHA supplementation attenuated progression of albuminuria in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, most of whom were on an angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitor or angiotensin‐receptor blocker. Thus, EPA and DHA supplementation should be considered as additional therapy to an angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitor or angiotensin‐receptor blocker in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01624727.
Nonlinear Ultrasonic Techniques for Nondestructive Damage Assessment in Metallic Materials

This paper presents an overview of the application of nonlinear ultrasonic (NLU) techniques to characterize materials; it has been demonstrated that NLU can provide quantitative inputs to determine the material state and measure damage in engineering components. It has recently been shown that NLU can be used to develop the framework for accurate life prediction of fatigue damaged components. These NLU measurements are done at the material level, before the formation of micro- and macro-cracks. The traditional NDE of damage of a material subject to fatigue starts from the time when a small crack initiates because there is no measurable macroscopic change in the material prior to the crack initiation. In most metallic materials, however, cracks in a measurable size appear quite late (after 80%) in the total life, while the material’s integrity in terms of toughness and strength gradually decreases due to the microplasticity (dislocations) and associated change in the material’ microstructure. Starting from mechanics fundamentals, we first develop the theoretical equations of wave motion in an elastic solid with quadratic nonlinearity. The next section considers measurement techniques for NLU, which is followed by examples of the assessment of fatigue damage in metals with NLU.
Race as a Predictor of Palliative Care Referral Time, Hospice Utilization, and Hospital Length of Stay: A Retrospective Noncomparative Analysis.

Background:Palliative care is associated with significant benefits, including reduced pain and suffering, an increased likelihood of patients dying in their preferred location, and decreased health-care expenditures. Racial and ethnic disparities are well-documented in hospice use and referral patterns; however, it is unclear whether these disparities apply to inpatient palliative care services.Objective:To determine if race is a significant predictor of time to inpatient palliative care consult, patient enrollment in hospice, and patients’ overall hospital length of stay among patients of an inpatient palliative care service.Design:Retrospective noncomparative analysis.Setting:Urban academic medical center in the United States.Patients:3207 patients referred to an inpatient palliative care service between March 2006 and April 2015.Measurements:Time to palliative care consult, disposition of hospice/not hospice (excluding patients who died), and hospital length of stay among patients by racial (Asian, bla...
Implementation: Establishing a Sense of Community

The Implementation Stage of the WBID Model brings the results of previous stages to fruition. After concurrent activities are completed, implementation procedures begin. The major focus of implementation is creating the learning community however it is designed. For implementation to be a success, each member of the learning community must understand online teaching and learning and employ appropriate facilitation and management strategies. Personnel, budget, and time allocations are also critical to successful implementation. Final preparation activities include contacting the learners, checking that the course is functioning correctly, and conducting any necessary participant training on online learning/teaching skills.
Rise of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis in China Raises Ethical Questions for All.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a procedure performed in conjunction with in vitro fertilization to select embryos for implantation that are free of specific genetic mutations by removing a small number of cells from the embryo to screen the DNA. The recent development of the DNA-editing CRISPR technology raises difficult questions about ethics that are painted against the backdrop of each country's culture, history, and predominate religions. Despite the first reported successes in 1990, the implementation of PGD has been slow globally; however, that is changing in China, as highlighted by Cyranoski in a news feature in the August 2017 issue of Nature (1). This news feature highlights the developments and challenges facing China, but which are also applicable to all countries and worth sharing here. The past few years …
A pilot investigation on impact of participation in a long-term follow-up clinic (LTFU) on breast cancer and cardiovascular screening among women who received chest radiation for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Women treated with chest radiation for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are at significantly increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. HL survivors are recommended to have annual dual screening with mammogram (MMG) and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They are also recommended to undergo echocardiogram (echo) 5 years after completion of radiation. We performed a pilot study to characterize the women who are and are not receiving proper dual screening for breast cancer and baseline echo, and to examine the impact of a LTFU clinic consultation on screening. A retrospective chart review of 114 women treated for HL at University of Minnesota (UMN) between 1993 and 2009 was performed. Demographics, disease and treatment history (age at diagnosis, stage, radiation dose and field, chemotherapy, recurrence) were assessed, as well as screening practices (MMG, MRI, both and echo), participation in LTFU clinic, and recommendations from providers. Data was summated in yes/no (y/n) format; statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. Breast cancer and cardiovascular screening outcomes were compared by participation in the LTFU clinic (y/n) using Fisher’s exact tests. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Forty-one of 114 women met inclusion criteria and had follow-up data for analysis. Median age at diagnosis was 29 years; 67.6% were diagnosed at stage IIa. Median dose of radiation was 3570 cGy. 56.1% participated in the LTFU clinic at the UMN. 36.6% had dual screening with both MMG and MRI, 41.5% had screening with only MMG, and 19.5% had no screening performed. Women were more likely to have dual screening if they were seen in LTFU clinic vs not seen in LTFU clinic (52.2 vs 16.7%, p = 0.02). 67.5% of women were screened with echo; women were also more likely to have screening with echo if seen in LTFU clinic vs not seen (86.4 vs 44.4%, p = 0.007). Many women are not getting the proper dual screening for breast cancer despite their increased risk, with only 36.6% of our study sample getting dual screening. Having a consultation in a LTFU clinic increases dual screening for breast cancer and echo screening for cardiovascular disease. Proper screening allows for detection of secondary breast cancer at earlier stages where treatment can be local therapy. Diagnosing CV disease early could allow for proper preventative treatment or intervention.
Structure, property, and function of sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) teeth

Abstract Objectives This paper studies A. probatocephalus teeth and investigates the mechanical properties and chemical composition of the enameloid and dentin. Design Nanoindentation tests with a max load of 1000 μN and X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) were performed along the diameter of the polished sample. Microstructural analysis of the dentin tubules was performed from SEM images. Results From nanoindentation testing, the dentin of the sheepshead teeth has a nanoindentation hardness of 0.89 ± 0.21 (mean ± S.D.) GPa and a reduced Young’s modulus of 23.29 ± 5.30 GPa. The enameloid of A. probatocephalus has a hardness of 4.36 ± 0.44 GPa and a mean reduced Young’s modulus of 98.14 ± 6.91 GPa. Additionally, nanoindentation tests showed that the enameloid’s hardness and modulus increased closer to the surface of the tooth. X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) data further suggests that the gradient may be a result of the wt% fluoride within the enameloid, where an increase in fluoride results in an increase in reduced Young’s modulus and hardness. Conclusion The microstructural characterization of the number density and area of the dentin tubules were used to address the porosity effect in the dentin to achieve the experimentally validated microhardness. The mechanical properties of the sheepshead teeth were also compared with previous nanoindentation tests from other aquatic species. The sheepshead teeth exhibit a greater reduced Young’s modulus and hardness compared to shark and piranha teeth.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion With Left Ventricular Assist Device Decreases Thromboembolic Events.

Background Thromboembolic events (TEs) are common adverse events with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is commonly performed at the time of a cardiac operation. The effect of LAAO on TEs in LVAD patients remains unknown. Methods All patients receiving a first LVAD implantation between January 2013 and January 2014 were reviewed. TEs included device thrombosis and ischemic cerebrovascular accidents. The incidence of TEs with respect to LAAO was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results The analysis included 102 patients, 36 of whom received LAAO and 66 did not. LAAO patients were an average age of 60 years, and 69.4% were men. Non-LAAO patients were an average age of 59.3 years, and 71.2% were men. There were no significant differences in characteristics other than history of coronary artery bypass grafting (8.3% of LAAO vs 44% of non-LAAO, p = 0.0005). Preoperative atrial fibrillation was present in 19 LAAO patients (52.7%) and in 36 non-LAAO patients (54.5%; p = 1.0). Patients were monitored for a median of 306 days. TEs occurred in 3 LAAO patients (1 device thrombosis and 2 cerebrovascular accidents) compared with 15 non-LAAO patients (5 device thromboses and 11 cerebrovascular accidents, p = 0.049). In a Cox hazards analysis including age, sex, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation, LAAO demonstrated a decreased risk of TE (hazard ratio, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.08 to 0.95; p = 0.04). Conclusions In patients undergoing LVAD implantation, LAAO is associated with reduced TEs, and this effect may be independent of atrial fibrillation. A prospective randomized study to examine the efficacy LAAO in prevention of TE is needed to confirm these findings.
Extracellular Vesicles and Cell–Cell Communication in the Cornea

One question that has intrigued cell biologists for many years is, "How do cells interact to influence one another's activity?" The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the fact that they carry cargo, which directs cells to undergo changes in morphology and gene expression, has revolutionized this field of research. Little is known regarding the role of EVs in the cornea; however, we have demonstrated that EVs isolated from corneal epithelial cells direct corneal keratocytes to initiate fibrosis. Intriguingly, our data suggest that EVs do not penetrate epithelial basement membrane (BM), perhaps providing a mechanism explaining the importance of BM in the lack of scarring in scrape wounds. Since over 100-million people worldwide suffer from visual impairment as a result of corneal scarring, the role of EVs may be vital to understanding the mechanisms of wound repair. Therefore, we investigated EVs in ex vivo and in vivo-like three-dimensional cultures of human corneal cells using transmission electron microscopy. Some of the major findings were all three major cell types (epithelial, fibroblast, and endothelial cells) appear to release EVs, EVs can be identified using TEM, and EVs appeared to be involved in cell-cell communication. Interestingly, while our previous publication suggests that EVs do not penetrate the epithelial BM, it appears that EVs penetrate the much thicker endothelial BM (Descemet's membrane). These findings indicate the huge potential of EV research in the cornea and wound healing, and suggest that during homeostasis the endothelium and stromal cells are in communication. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.
Introduction to focused issue on endocrine-related hypertension.

Endocrine disorders leading to hypertension can originate from a number of organ systems. Once considered rare, increasing recognition of endocrine causes of hypertension as significant contributors to cardiovascular, renal, neurologic, and other morbidities and mortality merits increased education of health care providers for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Abstract 20: Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Cvd Risk Factors in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults

Introduction: Greater perceived neighborhood social cohesion (degree of connectedness among neighbors) has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and incident...
142. Effects of blood transfusions on gram-positive vs gram-negative infections in a mouse model of spine implant infection

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Recent studies have indicated that allogenic blood transfusions are a risk-factor for surgical site infections (SSI) after orthopedic surgery. Previously, our lab observed that blood transfusions promoted a soft-tissue infection as opposed to an implant infection using our mouse model of spine implant infection with gram-positive (GP) Staphylococcus aureus. It is unknown if similar effects will be seen with gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PURPOSE To examine how blood transfusions affect GP vs GN bacterial SSI using a mouse model of spine implant infection. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT SAMPLE Not applicable. OUTCOME MEASURES Not applicable. METHODS Eight- to 12-week-old C57BL/6 mice were used in this experiment. To model a spine implant infection, a stainless-steel k-wire was surgically placed in the L4 spinous process and inoculated with either a bioluminescent strain of Staphylococcus aureus (Xen36) or a bioluminescent strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Xen41). All mice were transfused immediately postoperatively and on postoperative day (POD) 1 with 200 microliters of blood or saline (no blood group). In vivo bioluminescent imaging (BLI) was used to quantify bacterial burden postoperatively. Mice were sacrificed at the end of the experiment (POD28) and paraspinal tissue and spine implants were collected and used to obtain colony-forming units (CFUs). RESULTS All infected mice demonstrated increased BLI signal compared to sterile controls. From POD3 to POD7, S. aureus infected mice that received blood transfusions had higher average BLI signal compared to the mice that received no blood. From POD3 to POD7, P. aeruginosa infected mice that received blood transfusions had lower average BLI signal compared to the mice that received no blood. CFU analysis revealed no difference in the soft-tissue infection rates between the S. aureus and the P. aeruginosa infected mice that received blood transfusions (93% vs 100% respectively, p=0.3218). CFU analysis revealed a significant difference in the spine implant infection rates between the S. aureus and the P. aeruginosa infected mice that received blood transfusions (40% vs 100% respectively, p=0.0006). CONCLUSIONS As we continue to learn more about spine implant infections, one essential concept that is becoming clearer is that not all biofilm-mediated implant infections are the same. For instance, both GP and GN bacteria can form biofilms and cause chronic infection, but our findings suggest that these two groups of bacteria react differently to the same stimulus (blood transfusion) in the context of biofilm-mediated implant infections. We believe that our results warrant additional similar in-vivo studies which will continue to clarify the intricate pathophysiology behind spine implant infections and prevent the gross over-simplification of a complex clinical problem. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
Effect of Repetitive Administration of a Next-generation Sensory Organization Test in Adults With and Without Vestibular Dysfunction.

Hypothesis The overall aim was to assess the effects of repetitive testing on performance on a next-generation Sensory Organization Test (NG-SOT). Background The psychometric properties of sensory organization assessment with a next-generation posturography device are not fully characterized. Thus, a better understanding of the reliability of the NG-SOT is required to support its use as an outcome measure. Methods Forty adults (20 vestibular-impaired) participated. Test-retest reliability was determined using the interclass correlation coefficient [ICC (3,1)] for the composite, somatosensory, vision, vestibular, and visual preference scores. Learning effects were assessed by analyzing the change in the composite score over time. Results Analyzing the NG-SOT scores across all participants produced the following interclass correlation coefficients [95% confidence interval (CI)]: composite = 0.95 (0.92, 0.97), somatosensory = 0.20 (-0.06, 0.44), vision = 0.93 (0.88, 0.96), vestibular = 0.91 (0.85, 0.94), and visual preference = 0.19 (-0.07, 0.43). The mean differences (95% CI; p value) for the composite score between administrations were: 2.7 (1.0, 4.4; 0.002) for visits 1 and 2; 1.4 (-0.3, 3.1; 0.099) for visits 2 and 3; 0.7 (-1.0, 2.4; 0.403) for visits 3 and 4; and 0.4 (-1.3, 2.1; 0.653) for visits 4 and 5. Conclusions Test-retest reliability was excellent for the composite, vision, and vestibular scores, but it was poor for the somatosensory and visual preference scores. A learning effect for the composite score was identified, but performance was stable after two administrations. Changes in the composite score that are greater than 6.5 points exceed the measurement error for the test.
A failure to predict: The losses of excluding predictive measures in obedience to authority research

Abstract Several early obedience to authority studies also included prediction surveys to consider how contextual opinions of obedience could vary by population and context. These predictions were always inaccurate, leading to a dissonance between predicted behavior and research results that shed light on external validity in obedience studies and allowed for interdisciplinary commentary. As predictive and self-report measures have publications, these possibilities have been limited. By reintroducing predictive and self-report measures to obedience domain methodology, the discipline can expand to these implications without significant changes to the methods of behavioral observations.
Of pandemics, politics, and personality: The role of conscientiousness and political ideology in the sharing of fake news.

Sharing misinformation can be catastrophic, especially during times of national importance. Typically studied in political contexts, the sharing of fake news has been positively linked with conservative political ideology. However, such sweeping generalizations run the risk of increasing already rampant political polarization. We offer a more nuanced account by proposing that the sharing of fake news is largely driven by low conscientiousness conservatives. At high levels of conscientiousness there is no difference between liberals and conservatives. We find support for our hypotheses in the contexts of COVID-19, political, and neutral news across eight studies (six preregistered; two conceptual replications) with 4,642 participants and 91,144 unique participant-news observations. A general desire for chaos explains the interactive effect of political ideology and conscientiousness on the sharing of fake news. Furthermore, our findings indicate the inadequacy of fact-checker interventions to deter the spread of fake news. This underscores the challenges associated with tackling fake news, especially during a crisis like COVID-19 where misinformation impairs the ability of governments to curtail the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
The Key With Inside Higher Ed

In March 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted the lives of college students, staff, and faculty across the world in an unparalleled manner shattering the traditional higher education cult...
On the convergence of a cooperative bat searching algorithm

Abstract The cooperative bat searching algorithm(CBA) is a recently developed variant of the original bat searching algorithm(BA) with a collective velocity term in the update equation. Numerical evaluations have demonstrated the superior improvement of BA. However, the theoretical understanding of the CBA is still needed, therefore in this paper, the convergence of a cooperative bat searching algorithm(CBA) is studied using recently developed results in semistability and paracontraction theories. In detail, the dynamics of the bats is formulated as a discrete-time switched linear system which dose not require the stagnation assumption. The CBA and the original BA’s stability issues are discussed, and the conditions of convergence are derived. Moreover, the algorithm’s performance is explained by the transient response of a second-order system with six different responses: over-damped response, critically damped response, underdamped response, and undamped response for the stable systems, exponential behavior, and oscillation behavior for unstable systems. In the end, numerical evaluation is conducted to test the performance of the CBA with different transient responses to provide parameter selections of the CBA for better performance.
Photon recycling in perovskite solar cells assessed by a detailed-balance compatible dipole emission model

Secondary photogeneration due to reabsorption of internally emitted photons in metal halide perovskites is assessed using a novel dipole emission model that is compatible with detailed balance rates. The model considers the non-uniform local photon density of states of thin film absorbers consistently in internal and external emission and provides insight into the impact of photon confinement on the effectiveness of photon recycling in the wave optics regime. New and general expressions for local radiative recombination and generation rates in terms of the local values of refractive index, extinction coefficient, density of states, and quasi-Fermi level splitting allow for a seamless integration of photon recycling into full opto-electronic device simulation frameworks.
Coupling Memory and Computation for Locality Management

We articulate the need for managing (data) locality automatically rather than leaving it to the programmer, especially in parallel programming systems. To this end, we propose techniques for coupling tightly the computation (including the thread scheduler) and the memory manager so that data and computation can be positioned closely in hardware. Such tight coupling of computation and memory management is in sharp contrast with the prevailing practice of considering each in isolation. For example, memory-management techniques usually abstract the computation as an unknown "mutator", which is treated as a "black box". As an example of the approach, in this paper we consider a specific class of parallel computations, nested-parallel computations. Such computations dynamically create a nesting of parallel tasks. We propose a method for organizing memory as a tree of heaps reflecting the structure of the nesting. More specifically, our approach creates a heap for a task if it is separately scheduled on a processor. This allows us to couple garbage collection with the structure of the computation and the way in which it is dynamically scheduled on the processors. This coupling enables taking advantage of locality in the program by mapping it to the locality of the hardware. For example for improved locality a heap can be garbage collected immediately after its task finishes when the heap contents is likely in cache.
BUILDING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC SCHOLARSHIP INTO THE UNIVERSITY

This article, as all of the articles included in this volume, focuses on how “community engagement” and “public scholarship” are being used by public universities to reshape their relations with the students attending the university, and with the communities and other partners with whom the university is engaged. Changing the rules of engagement is provocative and potentially problematic for each of the parties involved. For community partners it raises questions of power differentials, for faculty it raises fears of tenure and promotion confusion, for the university it means taking seriously the legitimate concerns of their neighboring communities, but for students it means real-life, hands-on experience with the generation of knowledge from nontraditional sources. That is why it is both exciting and is radicalizing what traditionally has been called “research.” The two authors (Whiteford and Strom) discuss how they employed their disciplinary tool kits (from practicing anthropology and political science), as well as their experience with and commitment to community engaged research to negotiate the sometimes rocky shoals of reducing academic barriers and moving a community-based agenda forward.
Diagnosis of IP-Service Anomalies Based on BGP-Update Temporal Analysis

Diagnosing IP-service anomalies requires network operators to analyze routing and service-application behavior at the protocol level from multiple viewpoints. For analyzing anomalies whose effects can be observed as static inconsistency among BGP routing tables, the multi-agent-based diagnostic system called ENCORE has been developed and successfully applied to actual autonomous systems (ASes). This system can integrate BGP routing information observed at multiple ASes and verify whether the routing information is being correctly distributed throughout the Internet. However, actual IP-service failures sometimes require temporal analysis of routing updates to identify specific causes and, moreover, comprehensive analysis from the viewpoint of interaction with other protocols than BGP. Thus, we have integrated such functions in the ENCORE architecture and developed a comprehensive diagnostic system called IP-MIND. It can consider historical BGP routing updates and the behavior of other protocols in conjunction with BGP-information reachability analysis in order to identify specific causes. It also enables diagnosis of a class of anomalies that cause reachability failures while not creating any inconsistency among the current BGP routing tables at multiple ASes.
Ultrashort laser pulses in the midinfrared

Ultrashort pulse techniques have become increasingly important in the generation of intense radiation. Powerful picosecond and subpicosecond sources now cover a wide range of the spectrum, with its extremities in the ultraviolet (excimer lasers) and in the midinfrared (CO2 lasers). We review methods of generating and amplifying ultra-short pulses in the 10-μm wavelength region and discuss emerging diagnostic techniques which will allow picosecond and femtosecond spectroscopy to be performed in the midinfrared.
The 1984 Bail Reform Act: Organizational and Mandated Factors in the Decision to Detain:

The 1984 Bail Reform Act, recognizing danger as well as flight as a reason for detention before trial and providing for explicit detention, offers an opportunity to evaluate the effects of more pre...
Microenvironment rigidity modulates responses to the HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib via YAP and TAZ transcription factors

Stiffness is a biophysical property of the extracellular matrix that modulates cellular functions, including proliferation, invasion, and differentiation, and it also may affect therapeutic responses. Therapeutic durability in cancer treatments remains a problem for both chemotherapies and pathway-targeted drugs, but the reasons for this are not well understood. Tumor progression is accompanied by changes in the biophysical properties of the tissue, and we asked whether matrix rigidity modulated the sensitive versus resistant states in HER2-amplified breast cancer cell responses to the HER2-targeted kinase inhibitor lapatinib. The antiproliferative effect of lapatinib was inversely proportional to the elastic modulus of the adhesive substrata. Down-regulation of the mechanosensitive transcription coactivators YAP and TAZ, either by siRNA or with the small-molecule YAP/TEAD inhibitor verteporfin, eliminated modulus-dependent lapatinib resistance. Reduction of YAP in vivo in mice also slowed the growth of implanted HER2-amplified tumors, showing a trend of increasing sensitivity to lapatinib as YAP decreased. Thus we address the role of stiffness in resistance to and efficacy of a HER2 pathway-targeted therapeutic via the mechanotransduction arm of the Hippo pathway.
MUTUAL GROOMING AND NEAREST-NEIGHBOR RELATIONSHIPS AMONG FOALS OF EQUUS CABALLUS

A 3-year study was carried out on the developmental behavior of foals from birth to 24 weeks of age and the behavior of mares living with foals. Mutual-grooming partners of foals were primarily other foals. The peak frequency of mutual grooming occurred during Weeks 9–12, when fillies mutual-groomed 1.6 times h−1 and colts mutual-groomed 0.9 times h−1. Fillies mutual-groomed more frequently than colts (P < 0.025). Fillies mutual-groomed randomly with colts and other fillies (P < 0.05), whereas colts mutual-groomed almost exclusively with fillies (P = 0.03). At all ages studied, if a foal's nearest neighbor was not its mother, it was more likely to be another foal than would be expected if the foal was associating randomly with non-mother ponies. Fillies were more likely than expected to have a filly rather than a colt as their nearest neighbor (P = 0.01). Thus, during their first few months of life, the foals studied exhibited patterns of behavior which were consistent with the development of the usual social milieu of unmanaged adults, in which several mares form a cohesive herd with one or more stallions associating with them.
Enhancement of the basal-level activity of HIV-1 long terminal repeat by HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein.

Abstract Two HIV-1 proteins, Tat and NCp7 (NC), have zinc finger-like structures. NC is a virion protein and has been shown to accumulate in the nucleus 8 h postinfection. Since transcription factors with zinc fingers assist the transcriptional activity of both RNA polymerases II and III, we examined the effect of NC on HIV-1 LTR-directed gene expression. The HIV-1 NC binds to the HIV-1 LTR and results in a mobility shift in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Competition assays with cold probes revealed that the binding of NC and formation of a DNA–protein complex could be prevented by the addition of excess unlabeled LTR self-probe, but not the HIV-1 V3 envelope gene. The DNase I footprint analysis showed that NC binds to six regions within HIV-1 LTR, four of which are near the transcription start site. The NC alone enhances LTR basal-level activity in RNA runoff experiments. When the general transcription factors (GTFs) were added in the assay, NC enhances NF-κB, Sp1, and TFIIB-induced HIV-1 LTR-directed RNA transcription. RNA transcription directed by the adenovirus major late promoter, however, is not significantly affected by NC in the cell-free system. Transient transfection of human T lymphocytes with the plasmids containing HIV-1 nc or gag showed enhancement of LTR-CAT activity. Moreover, transfection of HIV-1 provirus containing mutations in NC zinc-finger domains dramatically decreases the enhancement activity in human T cells, in which HIV-1 LTR is stably integrated into the cellular genome. These observations show that NC binds to HIV-1 LTR and cooperatively enhances GTFs and NF-κB induced HIV-1 LTR basal-level activity. NC may play the role of a nucleation protein, which binds to LTR and enhances basal-level transcription by recruiting cellular transcription factors to the HIV-1 promoter in competition with cellular promoters.
Predicting Creep Initiation in Gas Turbine Blades

The demand for increased performance from combustion turbines has pushed firing temperatures to the point where the life consumption of the hot section components may no longer be accurately monitored based on traditional engineering practices. For rotating blades in particular, creep rupture criterion such as strain limits, tend to be arbitrary, subjective and prohibit the use of statistical data available from material tests. This inhibits the application of a probabilistic treatment as a basis to answer the fundamental question of an operator responsible for the life cycle management of these costly parts, i.e. how does the chance of an in-service failure increase over the lifetime of the component. Presented in this paper is a more direct engineering approach that has been used to predict the risk of crack initiation and propagation due to creep in hot section parts. Results are compared first against the traditional method of designing against creep rupture, and then conclude with the risk analysis of an actual first stage gas turbine blade.© 2005 ASME
A Microprocessor-Based, on-Line Decision Aid for Resolving Conflicting Nuclear Reactor Instrumentation

We describe one design for a microprocessor-based, on-line decision aid for identifying and resolving false, conflicting, or misleading instrument indications resulting from certain systems interactions for a pressurized water reactor. The system processes sensor signals from groups of instruments that track together under nominal transient and certain accident conditions, and alarms when they do not track together. We examine multiple-casualty systems interaction and formulate a trial grouping of variables that track together under specified conditions. A two-of-three type redundancy check of key variables provides alarm and indication of conflicting information when one signal suddenly tracks in opposition due to multiple casualty, instrument failure, and/or locally abnormal conditions. Since a vote count of two of three variables in conflict as inconclusive evidence, the system is not designed to provide tripping or corrective action, but improves the operator/instrument interface by providing additional and partially digested information.
Conformational diversity in the solid state structures of [Rh2(μ-CH3N(P(OCH3)2)2)2(CH3N(P(OCH3)2)2)2]X2 (X = O3SCF3, B(C6H5)4)

Abstract A significant variation in the conformation of several ligand methoxy groups in [Rh 2 (μ-CH 3 N(P(OCH 3 ) 2 ) 2 ) 2 (CH 3 N(P(OCH 3 ) 2 ) 2 ) 2 ]X 2 (X = O 3 SCF 3 ( 1 ), B(C 6 H 5 ) 4 ( 2 , 3a , 3b )) which results in RhRh separations ranging from 3.2727(5) A in 1 to 3.0821(39) A in 3b within the dinuclear cations is found in the solid state structures of the triflate salt ( 1 ) and two crystalline modifications of the tetraphenylborate salt ( 2 , 3 ). This is attributed to variations in the extent of interionic contacts which arise from the different sizes and packing of the anions in the crystal. The looser packing in the tetraphenylborate salts also permits a thermally activated conformational change in the triplet excietd state. Complex 2 : [Rh 2 (μ-CH 3 N(P(OCH 3 ) 2 ) 2 ) 2 (CH 3 N(P(OCH 3 ) 2 ) 2 ) 2 ](B(C 6 H 5 ) 4 ) 2 , monoclinic, P2 1 /n,i a = 13.899(3), b = 19.1986(5), c = 28.089(8) A , β =90.92(2)°, Z = 4 . Complex 3 : [Rh 2 (μ-CH 3 N(P(OCH 3 ) 2 ) 2 ) 2 (CH 3 N(P(OCH 3 ) 2 ) 2 ) 2 ](B(C 6 H 5 ) 4 ) 2 ·0.64 monoclinic, C2 c , a = 65.943(12), b = 14.280(3), c = 27.055(6) A , β = 96.41(2)°, Z = 12.
The structure of weighted small-world networks

Abstract The small-world property, vertices are highly clustered yet the path length between them is small, has been widely studied in unweighted graphs. In many real-world networks, the connections have associated weights that represent the strength of the interactions among vertices. This important feature, however, has not drawn a lot of attention until recently because the weighted networks are more difficult to analyze than their unweighted counterparts. In this study, the structure of the weighted small-world networks is investigated. Two weighted scientific collaboration networks, whose unweighted versions have been shown to have small-world properties, were analyzed. We generalized the clustering coefficient, and the average shortest path to combine the weight and the topological structure of the network. Furthermore, the nested community structure was also studied. By zooming in the small-world networks, we showed that the sub-networks are still small-world networks.
A new Euphalerus and notes on other species of Psyllidae from Idaho (Homoptera: Psyllidae).

This paper presents the description of a new species of Euphalerus and some notes on the distribution, host plants and biology of several other species of Psyllidae collected in Idaho. In addition, the rearing of three genera of parasites from hackberry psyllids is reported. The opportunity of making most of these collections was afforded by the United States Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine during the writer's service in the Division of Fruit Insect Investigations.
Reply to Amini and Caldwell, “Boghossian’s Refutation of Relativism”

Majid Amini and Christopher Caldwell charge that I misconstrue the relation between relativism and constructivism, on the one hand, and between relativism and skepticism, on the other. In this brief response, I rebut their charges.
Organic electronics: Organic thin-film magnetometers.

Magnetometry usually requires large probes and bulky instrumentation. Organic diodes have now been used in small probes that can measure moderate magnetic fields with 10 ppm precision.
Prostate Specific Antigen Density Correlates With Features of Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness

Purpose: An increased prostate specific antigen density (serum prostate specific antigen divided by prostate volume) is an established parameter to help determine the need to perform prostate biopsies. A man with a high prostate specific antigen and a normal size prostate gland is more likely to have cancer than a man with the same prostate specific antigen and a large gland. Prostate specific antigen in relation to prostate size should also reflect the volume of cancer in the gland. One group defined clinically unimportant prostate cancer as tumor volume less than 0.5 cc, organ confined disease and Gleason less than 7. Another group noted that at the time of biopsy, a prostate specific antigen density less than 0.15 ng/ml/cc combined with low risk clinical tumor features predicted insignificant cancer. There are limited published validating data on the association of prostate specific antigen density with the criteria for prostate cancer aggressiveness. We tested the association of prostate specific anti...
Global Exposure: Secondhand Clothing from the West and the Urban‐Rural Interface in Zambia

Consumption Offers A compelling angle for reconsidering the urban in ongoing transformations both of livelihoods in Zambia's capital Lusaka and of urban-rural relations. The paper draws on research into the commercial export of secondhand clothing from North America and Northwestern Europe with particular attention to the consumption practices this trade has fuelled in Zambia since the late 1980s. The popular consumption circuit that has emerged around the secondhand clothing trade is replacing conventional rural-urban distinctions with notions of us/them, and rich/poor countries as Zambians construe meanings about themselves and the West through clothing consumption.
Initial performance profile of a new 6F self-expanding metal stent for palliation of malignant hilar biliary obstruction

Background A 6F endoscopic biliary self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) has been newly introduced for intended simultaneous side-by-side bilateral deployment in hilar malignant obstruction. Objective To report our initial experience with the Zilver 635 biliary SEMS. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary referral medical center. Patients Sixteen consecutive malignant hilar biliary obstruction patients. Interventions Endoscopic palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruction with the Zilver 635 SEMS from December 2008 to January 2010. Main Outcome Measurements Technical/functional success rates, early complications (within 30 days of stent placement), early/late stent occlusion, and biliary reintervention rates. Results A total of 49 Zilver SEMSs were placed in 16 patients (mean age 61 years, 6 men) for Bismuth type II (n = 4), III (n = 5), and IV (n = 7) lesions. Twelve had cholangiocarcinoma, 2 had metastatic colon cancer, 1 had lung cancer, and 1 had pancreatic cancer. The technical success rate was 100%. Side-by-side simultaneous bilateral stent deployment was required and was achieved successfully in 10 cases. Additional transpapillary stents were placed for potential future biliary access. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%. There were 1 early (6%) and 3 late (19%) stent occlusions. Successful overall biliary drainage was 75%. Limitations Small sample size, uncontrolled retrospective study. Conclusions Malignant hilar biliary obstruction endoscopic palliation with the Zilver 635 SEMS offers acceptable initial feasibility, safety, and efficacy profiles. The current design facilitates smaller bile duct negotiation and more precise intrahepatic placement. Expanding available lengths would allow transpapillary bridged bilateral SEMS placement for future reobstructed biliary access. Further long-term studies are required for comparative outcomes with other current SEMS technology.