cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thymidine kinase in IDU resistance.

SummaryStudies were done to determine whether 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine resistance of herpes simplex in rabbit corneal infection was a function of thymidine kinase deficiency in the viral genome. Herpes simplex virus passed in rabbit kidney cells in the presence of 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine was resistant to it in vivo although this resistant virus induced normal amounts of thymidine kinase in mutant LM cells deficient in thymidine kinase. A different strain deficient in thymidine kinase was susceptible to 5-iodo-2′-deoxy-uridine in vivo, presumably because 5-iodo-2′-deoxy uridine was phosphorylated by cellular thymidine kinase. Viral resistance to 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine, unlike the resistance of cancer cells, cannot depend solely on the loss of thymidine kinase inducing ability.
Loss of Pinot noir Wine Color and Polymeric Pigment after Malolactic Fermentation and Potential Causes

Loss of Pinot noir wine color and polymeric pigment due to malolactic fermentation (MLF) and potential causes for these losses were studied. Delaying MLF was investigated as a method to minimize loss of color and polymeric pigment. Pinot noir wines were held at 13°C for 0, 14, 28, 100, and 200 days before inoculation with Oenococcus oeni strain Viniflora Oenos to induce MLF. Delaying MLF did not affect loss of color, but delaying MLF for increasing times reduced the loss of polymeric pigment and after 200 days no losses compared to the control were noted. The role of acetaldehyde and/or pyruvic acid degradation by O. oeni during MLF was investigated as a cause for reduced polymeric pigment formation. Wines that had undergone MLF were supplemented with acetaldehyde and/or pyruvic acid to the levels measured in control wines that did not undergo MLF. Wines made with added acetaldehyde had more color and polymeric pigment than MLF wines with no additions, and those made with added pyruvic acid had no change in color or concentration of polymeric pigment. However, addition of acetaldehyde did not completely prevent loss of color after MLF, and color loss due to fining by O. oeni was explored. Wines that did not undergo MLF that were exposed to inactivated O. oeni cells showed no difference in color, polymeric pigment concentration, or monomeric anthocyanin concentration compared to the control wines, suggesting that loss of color during MLF was not due to fining by O. oeni cells.
GO/rGO as Advanced Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion

Recently, GO/rGO has become promising platforms for advanced materials in energy related technologies. Extensive applications of rGO have been explored in a variety of electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies (e.g., fuel cells, metal–air batteries, supercapacitors, and water splitting devices). In particular, GO/rGO was studied as efficient components in catalysts in fuel cells and metal–air batteries for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), one pair of the most important electrochemical reactions. The promising applications are primarily due to their unique physical and chemical properties, such as high surface area, access to large quantities, tunable electronic/ionic conductivity, unique graphitic basal plane structure, and the easiness of modification or functionalization. Chemical doping with heteroatoms (e.g., N, B, P, or S) into graphitic domains can tune the electronic properties, provide more active sites, and enhance the interaction between carbon structures and oxygen molecules. Meanwhile, GO/rGO has demonstrated excellent performances in electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs, also known as supercapacitors or ultracapacitors) with excellent volumetric and gravimetric capacitance densities as well as feasibility in design and fabrications. Additionally, rGO holds great promise to be high-performance anode materials in lithium-ion batteries due to its favorable interactions with Li. In this chapter, we will discuss the uses of GO/rGO derivatives in these energy conversion and storage technologies, providing insights and guidance for further optimization and design of multifunctional materials for energy applications.
35 ANALYSIS OF THE BC BOX-LIKE REGION OF ASXL-1.

Background Elongin C (Elc) is a highly conserved protein that forms several multiprotein complexes in various eukaryotic cells, including humans and yeast. Elc is overexpressed in a number of cancer cell lines. Elc forms a complex with the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (VHLp). Without Elc, VHLp is degraded and is unable to perform its function. Mutations in VHLp, some of which stop interaction with Elc, may predispose individuals to certain cancers. A region of VHLp, the BC box, is necessary for interaction with Elc. It is mutated in several cancers. BC box-like regions exist in other proteins, including ASXL-1, a regulator of transcription. Dr. Hyman9s lab found that ASXL-1, in a mammary cDNA library, interacts with Elc. I hypothesized that mutating the BC box of ASXL-1 would interfere with the interaction. Study Design and Methods ASXL-1 gene was mutated through site-directed mutagenesis changing the cysteine at position 1,508 to glycine and adding a new restriction enzyme recognition sequence (to identify mutants). The mutated plasmid was transformed into yeast cells as was the gene for wild-type ASXL-1. The two strains were subjected to the yeast two-hybrid screen, which originally identified interaction of ASXL-1 with Elc. Growth of the yeast on appropriate selective media indicates interaction. Growth was compared side by side. Results The yeast with the mutant plasmid and the yeast with the wild-type plasmid grew equally well. Conclusion These results indicate that there is no difference in the level of interaction between mutant ASXL-1 and Elc and the level of interaction between wild-type ASXL-1 and Elc. The cysteine may not make a critical contact or the proteins may be interacting through another site altogether.
Hysteroscopic detection and treatment of adhesions at the tubal ostium/uterine junction in infertile patients

In conclusion, we agree that most of the abnormalities previously reported on hysteroscopy are of little clinical importance and that previously undetected abnormalities of clinical significance are rare in the patient who has undergone HSG with fluoroscopy. However, as indicated by these three cases, small, strategically located lesions may be missed by HSG and may be a cause of infertility. We therefore think that, given the low complication rate of hysteroscopy, its high degree of safety, minimal time requirement, and negligible effect on postoperative course, hysteroscopy should be performed on most, if not all, infertile patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy.
Management of rheumatoid arthritis: Review of current guidelines

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory polyarthritis of small and large joints, can cause significant disability and discomfort. Significant advances in its diagnosis and management have taken place in the last 20 years. Besides early diagnosis, these advances include early institution of disease modifying therapy with a goal of “treat to target”, frequent assessments of disease activity to gauge control, consideration for and introduction of alternative or additive disease modifying therapeutic agents in case of inadequate or persistent disease activity. Growing recognition of therapeutic targets and thus agents for rheumatoid arthritis has significantly improved its course, as well as its short and long-term outcomes. This paper will review updates and current guidelines for management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Distributed recursive composite hypothesis testing: Imperfect communication

This paper focuses on the problem of distributed composite hypothesis testing in a noisy network of sparsely interconnected agents in which a pair of agents exchange information over an additive noise channel. The network objective is to test a simple null hypothesis against a composite alternative concerning the state of the field, modeled as a vector of (continuous) unknown parameters determining the parametric family of probability measures induced on the agents' observation spaces under the hypotheses. A recursive generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) type algorithm in a distributed setup of the consensus+innovations form is proposed, in which the agents update their parameter estimates and decision statistics by simultaneously processing the latest sensed information (innovations) and information obtained from neighboring agents (consensus). This paper characterizes the conditions and the testing algorithm design parameters which ensure that the probabilities of decision errors decay to zero asymptotically in the large sample limit.
Orientation toward Professional Development

Many engineering schools are increasing the number of undergraduate courses in design. A few schools have practicing engineers teaching these courses. This paper describes a course whose subject is the activities of professional engineers. The course is conducted by practicing engineers at their offices. The program is a joint effort between local consulting engineers and the University of Connecticut to help undergraduates develop appreciation of some aspect of practice before they graduate. This type course is adaptable to any school where local practicing engineers are willing to participate.
Rewiring protein synthesis: From natural to synthetic amino acids

Abstract Background The protein synthesis machinery uses 22 natural amino acids as building blocks that faithfully decode the genetic information. Such fidelity is controlled at multiple steps and can be compromised in nature and in the laboratory to rewire protein synthesis with natural and synthetic amino acids. Scope of review This review summarizes the major quality control mechanisms during protein synthesis, including aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, elongation factors, and the ribosome. We will discuss evolution and engineering of such components that allow incorporation of natural and synthetic amino acids at positions that deviate from the standard genetic code. Major conclusions The protein synthesis machinery is highly selective, yet not fixed, for the correct amino acids that match the mRNA codons. Ambiguous translation of a codon with multiple amino acids or complete reassignment of a codon with a synthetic amino acid diversifies the proteome. General significance Expanding the genetic code with synthetic amino acids through rewiring protein synthesis has broad applications in synthetic biology and chemical biology. Biochemical, structural, and genetic studies of the translational quality control mechanisms are not only crucial to understand the physiological role of translational fidelity and evolution of the genetic code, but also enable us to better design biological parts to expand the proteomes of synthetic organisms. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Biochemistry of Synthetic Biology - Recent Developments" Guest Editor: Dr. Ilka Heinemann and Dr. Patrick O’Donoghue.
Thyroid hormone role and economy in the developing testis.

Thyroid hormones (TH) exhibit pleiotropic regulatory effects on growth, development, and metabolism, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that the developing testis is an important target for them. Testicular development is highly dependent on TH status. Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism affect testis size and the proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells, with consequences for steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and male fertility. These observations suggest that an appropriate content of TH and by implication TH action in the testis, whether the result of systemic hormonal levels or regulatory mechanisms at the local level, is critical for normal testicular and reproductive function. The available evidence indicates the presence in the developing testis of a number of transporters, deiodinases and receptors that could play a role in the timely delivery of TH action on testicular cells. These include the thyroid hormone receptor alpha (THRA), the MCT8 transporter, the TH-activating deiodinase DIO2, and the TH-inactivating deiodinase DIO3, all of which appear to modulate testicular TH economy and testis outcomes.
Interprofessional Prescription Opioid Abuse Communication among Prescribers and Pharmacists: A Qualitative Analysis

ABSTRACTBackground: Prescribers and community pharmacists commonly perceive prescription opioid abuse to be a problem in their practice settings and communities. Both cohorts have expressed support for interventions that improve interprofessional communication and reduce prescription opioid abuse. The objective of this study was to describe prescription opioid abuse-related communication among and between prescribers and community pharmacists in South Central Appalachia. Methods: The investigators conducted five focus groups with 35 Appalachian Research Network practice-based research network providers between February and October, 2014. Two prescriber-specific, two pharmacist-specific, and one interprofessional (prescribers and pharmacists) focus groups were conducted, recorded, and transcribed. Data collection and analysis occurred iteratively. Emerging themes were inductively derived and refined. Five member-checking interviews were conducted to validate themes. Results: Providers noted several factors...
Nanostructured, Highly Anisotropic, and Mechanically Robust Polymer Electrolyte Membranes via Holographic Polymerization

Solid polymer electrolytes have shown to be a promising solution to suppressing dendrite growth for safer and higher performance lithium batteries. This article reports the fabrication and characterization of a series of nanostructured polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) comprised of poly(ethylene glycol)/bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium electrolyte and acrylate–thiol-ene crosslinked resin using a holographic polymerization (HP). Nanoscale long-range order is observed and this unique structure imposes intriguing mechanical and ion-conducting properties of the PEMs. The modulus of the holographically polymerized PEMs can be tuned to vary from 150 to 1300 MPa while room temperature conductivities of ≈2 × 10−5 S cm−1 and 90 °C conductivity of ≈5 × 10−4 S cm−1 are achieved. The HP nanostructure is also capable of directing ion transport either parallel or perpendicular to the membrane surface; an unprecedented ionic conductivity anisotropy as high as 3 × 105 is achieved. It is anticipated that these PEMs may be excellent candidates for lithium battery applications.
Is Punishment Justified

We are now in a position to ask the central question of the debate: if punishment aims at the defense of honor, does that provide a sufficient moral defense of punishment? And does it tell us what is the appropriate level of punishment for a given wrong? The approach of this chapter is to set out the key moral issues that must be addressed in this debate, though without attempting to settle the debate. The first moral issue is intentionality; we review the claim that punishment aims not at the suffering of the criminal in itself, but at the defense of honor. The second issue is proportionality: is honor a sufficiently important value as to justify the infliction of significant harm on wrongdoers? The third issue is necessity: is the infliction of hard treatment the only way to vindicate honor? We argue that there is room for debate on both sides of this question; the Abolitionists are wrong to suggest that punishment is obviously morally unjustified; while the retributivists are wrong to argue that hard treatment is obviously morally justified and even required. Without purporting to settle this debate, we end with a suggestion that in the future our society may learn it is able to vindicate honor without having to inflict significant hard treatment on offenders.
Intrusion Detection & Response using an Unsupervised Artificial Neural Network on a Single Board Computer for Building Control Resilience

The communications infrastructure for building automation systems was not originally designed to be resilient, and is susceptible to network attacks. Adversaries can exploit out-of-date legacy systems, insecure open protocols, exposure to the public internet, and outdated firmware to cause harm. To improve the defense strategies, significant efforts to provide defense through network detection have been conducted. However, the existing solutions require human intervention, such as analyst or an incident responder to investigate breaches and mitigate possible damages or data loss. Instead, this paper proposes an automated, device-level solution that can be deployed on a single board computer to effectively detect, and provide response strategies that deflect malicious signals and remediate infected devices when network-based cyber-attacks are successful. The solution monitors critical control networks, analyzes packet data, and actively detects and responds to attacks using an unsupervised artificial neural network.
Chronic optogenetic induction of stress granules is cytotoxic and reveals the evolution of ALS-FTD pathology.

Stress granules (SGs) are non-membrane-bound RNA-protein granules that assemble through phase separation in response to cellular stress. Disturbances in SG dynamics have been implicated as a primary driver of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), suggesting the hypothesis that these diseases reflect an underlying disturbance in the dynamics and material properties of SGs. However, this concept has remained largely untestable in available models of SG assembly, which require the confounding variable of exogenous stressors. Here we introduce a light-inducible SG system, termed OptoGranules, based on optogenetic multimerization of G3BP1, which is an essential scaffold protein for SG assembly. In this system, which permits experimental control of SGs in living cells in the absence of exogenous stressors, we demonstrate that persistent or repetitive assembly of SGs is cytotoxic and is accompanied by the evolution of SGs to cytoplasmic inclusions that recapitulate the pathology of ALS-FTD. Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).
Serum Metabolomics and Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation (from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study)

We have previously identified associations of 2 circulating secondary bile acids (glycocholenate and glycolithocolate sulfate) with atrial fibrillation (AF) risk in 1,919 blacks in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort. We aimed to replicate these findings in an independent sample of 2,003 white and black Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities participants, and performed a new metabolomic analysis in the combined sample of 3,922 participants, followed between 1987 and 2013. Metabolomic profiling was done in baseline serum samples using gas and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. AF was ascertained from electrocardiograms, hospitalizations, and death certificates. We used multivariable Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of AF by 1 standard deviation difference of metabolite levels. Over a mean follow-up of 20 years, 608 participants developed AF. Glycocholenate sulfate was associated with AF in the replication and combined samples (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00, 1.21 and HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04, 1.22, respectively). Glycolithocolate sulfate was not related to AF risk in the replication sample (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.92, 1.13). An analysis of 245 metabolites in the combined cohort identified 3 additional metabolites associated with AF after multiple-comparison correction: pseudouridine (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10, 1.28), uridine (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79, 0.93) and acisoga (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.09, 1.26). In conclusion, we replicated a prospective association among a previously identified secondary bile acid, glycocholenate sulfate, and AF incidence, and identified new metabolites involved in nucleoside and polyamine metabolism as markers of AF risk.
Elevated levels of interleukin-27 in early life compromise protective immunity during neonatal sepsis

ABSTRACT Neonates are at increased risk for bacterial sepsis as a result of immature immunity. We established that the immune suppressive cytokine interleukin (IL)-27 is elevated in early life. In the present work, we hypothesized that increased levels of IL-27 may predispose the neonatal population to more severe infection during sepsis. In a neonatal sepsis model, systemic IL-27 levels continued to rise during infection. Peripheral tissue analysis revealed systemic IL-27 expression, while myeloid cell profiling identified Gr-1 and F4/80-expressing cells as the most abundant producers of IL-27 during infection. Increased IL-27 levels were consistent with increased mortality that was improved in WSX-1-/- mice that lack a functional IL-27 receptor. Infected WSX-1-/- pups exhibited improved weight gain and reduced morbidity. IL-27 signaling in WT mice promoted increased bacterial burdens and systemic inflammation compared to WSX-1-/- neonates. This was consistent with more efficient bacterial killing by Ly6B.2+ myeloid cells and macrophages from WSX-1-deficient compared to wild-type neonates. Live animal imaging further supported a more severe and disseminated infection in WT neonates. This is the first report to describe the impact of elevated early life IL-27 on the host response in neonates while also defining the cell and tissue sources of cytokine. IL-27 is frequently associated with suppressed inflammation. In contrast, our findings demonstrate that IL-27 promotes inflammation during neonatal sepsis by directly compromising control of bacteria that drive the inflammatory response. Collectively, our results suggest that IL-27 represents a therapeutic target to limit susceptibility and improve infectious outcomes in neonatal sepsis. IMPORTANCE A number of differences in the neonatal immune response compared with adults have been well described. However, a mechanistic understanding of what needs to be overcome in the neonate to generate a more protective immune response during acute bacterial infection has been limited. The work described here helps fill the gap of what is necessary to overcome in order to achieve improved host response to infection. To further the novelty, IL-27 has not previously been attributed to dysfunction or deficiency in neonatal immunity. Our results enhance the understanding of IL-27 biology in the neonatal population while providing evidence that elevated IL-27 levels limit a protective immune response and are detrimental during neonatal sepsis. Strategies aimed at targeting circulating IL-27 concentrations early in life have the potential to improve control of bacterial infection in neonates.
Driveline Infection in LVAD Patients: Effect of Era, Pump Type and Treatment Strategy

Purpose Driveline infection (DLI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of LVAD therapy. Herein, we aimed to study: 1) whether temporal changes in DL care and pump type had influenced the rate of DLIs; and 2) the long-term outcome after DLI diagnosis based on treatment strategy. Methods Pts implanted with LVADs from 2/09 to 5/19 were included. The cohort was divided into 4 eras (Es) based on DL care strategy: E1: original care (1/09-3/11); E2: standard dressing kit (4/11-3/16); E3: marking of DL exit site prior to implant (4/16-6/17); E4: strict no shower policy (7/17-). The primary endpoint was freedom from DLI by era and pump type. Survival after DLI diagnosis based on treatment strategy was also investigated. Cox proportional hazard model for the primary endpoint was fit using the following variables: age, sex, BMI, etiology, DM, baseline creatinine, implant strategy, INTERMACS and pump type. Results 593 pts, age 56±14y; 20% F; 371(63%) HMII, 160(27%) HM3, 62 (10%) HVAD were studied. DLI occurred in 85(14.3%) pts at a median [IQR] of 357 [198-532] d post LVAD. Baseline characteristics were similar in pts with and without DLI. E1 was associated with the highest incidence of DLI (Fig.1a). 1-y freedom from DLI was similar among pumps: 90.1% HMII, 87.5% HM3 and 92.5% HVAD (p=0.86). 96 organisms were cultured in 85 DLI pts, the 3 most common were: MSSA 34/96 (35%), P. Aeruginosa 17/96(18%), S. marcescens 10/96(10%). 58(68%) of the DLI pts were treated with antibiotics alone and 27(32%) required additional surgical debridement (SD) at a median of 42 (2-225) d after DLI diagnosis. Survival after DLI and after SD are shown in Fig 1b-c. At the end of follow up, out of 85 pts with DLI, 15(18%) pts remained on support, 40(47%) were transplanted and 27(32%) died. At the end of follow up, out of 27 post-SD pts, 3pts remained on support, 11 were transplanted and 13 died. Conclusion Temporal changes in DLI care reduced the rates of DLI. Survival in pts who develop DLI is reduced, particularly in those who require surgical intervention.
Rescue of mutant gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor function independent of cognate receptor activity.

Molecules that correct the folding of protein mutants, restoring their functional trafficking, are called pharmacoperones. Most are clinically irrelevant and possess intrinsic antagonist or agonist activity. Here, we identify compounds capable of rescuing the activity of mutant gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor or GnRHR which, is sequestered within the cell and if dysfunctional leads to Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. To do this we screened the E90K GnRHR mutant vs. a library of 645,000 compounds using a cell-based calcium detection system. Ultimately, we identified 399 compounds with EC50 ≤ 5 µM with no effect in counterscreen assays. Medicinal chemistry efforts confirmed activity of 70 pure samples and mode of action studies, including radioligand binding, inositol phosphate, and toxicity assays, proved that we have a series of tractable compounds that can be categorized into structural clusters. These early lead molecules rescue mutant GnRHR function and are neither agonist nor antagonists of the GnRHR cognate receptor, a feature required for potential clinical utility.
Time Reversal in Neutrino Oscillations in Matter

We estimate the time reversal violations for neutrino oscillations in matter for typical experimental energies and baselines. We examine the present status of experiments on neutrino oscillations, propose experiments for TRV, and discuss the future.
Recent Advancements on Immunomodulatory Mechanisms of Resveratrol in Tumor Microenvironment.

Immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment is emerging as an important area of research for the treatment of cancer patients. Several synthetic and natural agents are being investigated for their ability to enhance the immunogenic responses of immune cells present in the tumor microenvironment to impede tumor cell growth and dissemination. Among them, resveratrol, a stilbenoid found in red grapes and many other natural sources, has been studied extensively. Importantly, resveratrol has been shown to possess activity against various human diseases, including cancer. Mechanistically, resveratrol has been shown to regulate an array of signaling pathways and processes involving oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and several anticancer effects. Furthermore, recent research suggests that resveratrol can regulate various cellular signaling events including immune cell regulation, cytokines/chemokines secretion, and the expression of several other immune-related genes. In this review, we have summarized recent findings on resveratrol’s effects on immune regulatory cells and associated signaling in various cancer types. Numerous immunomodulatory effects of resveratrol suggest it may be useful in combination with other cancer therapies including immunotherapy for effective cancer management.
Prostate cancer screening behaviors among Indo-Guyanese.

The objective of this study was to explore prostate cancer screening behaviors among Indo-Guyanese men. This qualitative study was conducted in the surrounding neighborhood of Queens, New York during 2018 and 2019. In-depth, one-on-one interviews were conducted using 20 Indo-Guyanese men between the ages of 45 and 75. The findings suggest that Indo-Guyanese men are being screened for prostate cancer at a very low rate. Only 30% (n = 6) of participants underwent prostate cancer screening. Four major themes were derived from the data, which could have contributed to the decreased level of screening. These included: (1) recommendations must come from their healthcare professional; (2) reluctance to engage in screening; (3) distrust of the medical system; and (4) screening only if symptoms are present or they know someone with prostate cancer. Behavioral patterns for prostate cancer screening among Indo-Guyanese men share some similarities with other Caribbean countries. Clinicians and Healthcare Professionals should be culturally competent for the patients they serve. Understanding the behavioral variations within this diverse culture could help provide the highest possible care, specifically tailored to each patient.
Numerical Organizing Centers

This first of two new chapters (16 and 17) for the Y2K edition tries to succinctly relate twenty years’ “experimental mathematics” about two- and three-dimensional rotors, following up the new parts of Chapter 9’s Section C. It stresses unsolved problems that await the reader’s attention. As noted in 1978’s Chapter 10 (Section C: Transition to Bestiary), Chapters 11 through 23 are less about concepts than about the specific experimental systems by which our many-forked tree of guesswork is pruned toward reality. This chapter combines mathematical concepts with numerical experiments that test conjectures about the solutions of equations, largely by providing counterexamples to steer thinking away from minefields. Equations in this area do not exactly represent physical mechanisms; to that extent they are only metaphors for the laboratory phenomena. These metaphors are awkward analytically, so to find their implications we do a fair amount of intuitive guessing and numerical simulating. The numerical experiments are in some respects as effective as laboratory experiments for disillusioning ourselves from mental mirages. In this mode we learn principally from failures: failures to produce a quantitatively workable incarnation of some hypothesis, or failures of the quantitative incarnation to do what a simpler analytical model does. And we learn from unexpected encounters with alternative solutions.
Validity of Torque-Data Collection at Multiple Sites: A Framework for Collaboration on Clinical-Outcomes Research in Sports Medicine.

Context: Collecting torque data using a multimode dynamometer is common in sports-medicine research. The error in torque measurements across multiple sites and dynamometers has not been established. Objective: To assess the validity of 2 calibration protocols across 3 dynamometers and the error associated with torque measurement for each system. Design: Observational study. Setting: 3 university laboratories at separate institutions. Equipment: 2 Biodex System 3 dynamometers and 1 Biodex System 4 dynamometer. Interventions: System calibration was completed using the manufacturer-recommended single-weight method and an experimental calibration method using a series of progressive weights. Both calibration methods were compared with a manually calculated theoretical torque across a range of applied weights. Main Outcome Measures: Relative error, absolute error, and percent error were calculated at each weight. Each outcome variable was compared between systems using 95% confidence intervals across low (0–65...
Biodiversity as both a cause and consequence of resource availability: a study of reciprocal causality in a predator-prey system.

One of the oldest questions in ecology is how species diversity in any given trophic level is related to the availability of essential resources that limit biomass (e.g. water, nutrients, light or prey). Researchers have tried to understand this relationship by focusing either on how diversity is influenced by the availability of resources, or alternatively, how resource abundance is influenced by species diversity. These contrasting perspectives have led to a seeming paradox '... is species diversity the cause or the consequence of resources that limit community biomass?' Here we present results of an experiment that show it is possible for species diversity and resource density to exhibit reciprocal causal relationships in the same ecological system. Using a guild of ladybeetle predators and their aphid prey, we manipulated the number of predator species in field enclosures to examine how predator diversity impacts prey population size. At the same time, we manipulated the abundance of aphid prey in discrete habitat patches within each enclosure to determine how smaller-scale spatial variation in resource abundance affects the number of co-occurring predator species. We found that the number of ladybeetle species added to enclosures had a significant impact on aphid population dynamics because interference competition among the predators reduced per capita rates of predation and, in turn, the overall efficiency of the predator guild. At the same time, spatial variation in aphid abundance among smaller habitat patches generated variation in the observed richness of ladybeetles because more species occurred in patches where predators aggregated in response to high aphid density. The results of our experiment demonstrate that it is possible for species diversity to simultaneously be a cause and a consequence of resource density in the same ecological system, and they shed light on how this might occur for groups of mobile consumers that exhibit rapid responses to spatial and temporal variation in their prey.
Taking the Employer Out of Employment Law? Accountability for Wage and Hour Violations in an Age of Enterprise Disaggregation

Violations of wage and hour mandates are widespread at the low end of the labor market. The disaggregation of business enterprises into smaller, independent parts has been an important factor in this growing problem. Limitations on liability for work-law violations invite such arrangements since statutory protections for workers usually impose duties only on “employers.” That status, in turn, hinges on the level of control a firm exercises over the work, and when exacting control is not necessary, firms usually can avoid accountability by shifting work to independent third-party suppliers. This creates severe enforcement obstacles: detection becomes difficult, labor suppliers often are undercapitalized, and coverage uncertainties lead to unprosecuted claims and discounted settlements. Thus, disaggregation does far more than shift legal responsibility from one entity to another: it allows end-user firms to avoid noncompliance risks while benefiting from labor at a price discounted by the unlikelihood of enforcement. Consistent with the theme of this symposium – Decent Work in a Post-Recessionary World – this Article offers a novel proposal for addressing the problem: eliminating the “employer” coverage barrier altogether. Under this approach, commercial actors would be held strictly liable for wage and hour violations in the production of any goods and services they purchase, sell, or distribute, whether directly or through intermediaries. The only limitation is that a firm’s liability would not exceed the proportion of the violations attributable to the goods or services it purchases, sells, or distributes. The resulting accountability would increase the probability of enforcement and, therefore, compliance. And there is not much risk of the disadvantages sure to be raised in opposition. For example, distant purchasers unaware of upstream wage violations would not be frequent targets for collection because litigation realities would steer enforcement towards better-positioned intermediaries. Indeed, the elimination of control-based coverage barriers would prompt firms to address their exposure through private ordering, including utilizing reputable suppliers, bargaining for indemnification, and implementing monitoring mechanisms. The end result will be a dramatic shift in firm risk management techniques: from avoidance through outsourcing, which reduces compliance, to enterprise self-regulation that promotes it.
A radioimmunoassay which specifically measures human chorionic gonadotropin in the presence of human luteinizing hormone

Abstract With antiserum to the β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), we have developed a radioimmunoassay which selectively measures HCG in samples containing both human pituitary luteinizing hormone (HLH) and HCG. High HLH levels observed in samples obtained at the midcycle peak or from castrate patients do not cause significant inhibition in the specific HCG radioimmunoassay. The sensitivity of the assay is sufficient for distinguishing HCG from follicular and luteal phase HLH levels. This specific HCG radioimmunoassay is ideal for following serum HCG levels in patients under going chemotherapy for HCG-secreting tumors as well as for follow-up of patients after termination of molar pregnancies. In addition, the sensitivity of the assay will permit earlier diagnosis of pregnancy which, in turn, would permit earlier therapeutic intervention if desired.
The photodissociation of SO2 between 200 and 197 nm

Abstract Pump-probe experiments on the C state of SO2 have been performed to assess the details of the oxygen photodissociation process between 197 and 200 nm. The findings show that a prompt dissociation event occurs in less than 265, but more than 100 fs. The reorganization of internal energy occurs in 15 or 28 ps depending upon the excitation energy; the change in lifetime represents contributions from asymmetric vibrational states seen in previous experiments. In addition, a long-lived species (lifetime >150 ps) exists that does not decay on the timeframe of our experiment. These findings are discussed in comparison to previous studies, particularly in the context of an avoided crossing in this region of the potential energy surface of SO2.
Interpretive Pitfalls in Historical Hazards Data

The primary use of the natural hazards data archived at the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) and co-located World Data Center for Solid Earth Geophysics (WDC for SEG) is for the mitigation of future disasters. Among the responsibilities of NGDC/WDC for SEG is archiving and disseminating hazards data to city planners, educators, engineers and others engaged in mitigation efforts (approximately 150,000 users per week on our web site). Therefore, it is the purpose of this paper to educate the hazards' community about some of the limitations of these data. It is hoped that enlightened users would have a greater appreciation of data errors and possible sources of misinterpretation of the data. Personnel at NGDC/WDC for SEG are in a unique position to discuss the limitations of hazards data since we compile data from original and secondary sources. We are also in direct contact with the data users and know the applications that they make of hazard data, and the misjudgments that often occur when data limitations are not known. Most hazard catalogs cover periods of less than 200 years and are reasonably complete and accurate for only the past 20 to 50 years. Such catalogs are not sufficient to investigate long term hazard variations. Earthquake, tsunami, and volcano data catalogs, acquired and integrated at NGDC/WDC for SEG, illustrate artificial long-term variations created by cultural and scientific reporting changes, which can introduce unanticipated non-random variations into the catalogs. Inconsistencies are often related to changes in the way magnitudes are calculated, evolving network equipment, and network discontinuities of operation and personnel, among other error sources. Before statistical hazard studies can be done, catalogs need to be clearly understood to identify systematic patterns of an observational nature.
Narrow CIV lambda 1549A Absorption Lines in Moderate-Redshift Quasars

A large, high-quality spectral data base of well-selected, moderate-redshift radio-loud and radio-quiet quasars is used to characterize the incidence of narrow associated CIV lambda 1549 absorption, and how this may depend on some quasar properties, including radio-type. Preliminary results of this study are presented.
Collaborative human decision fusion with uncertain individual thresholds

In this paper, we propose a collaborative decision fusion framework when the participants of the decision making process are human agents. We consider a binary hypothesis testing problem in which a group of n people makes individual decisions on which hypothesis is true based on their own knowledge and perception. The observations at individual agents are assumed to be corrupted by a common as well as independent noise signals. Local decisions made at individual agents are sent to a moderator (fusion center) to make the final decision. We assume that the moderator has imperfect knowledge about the thresholds used by the individual decision makers and model them as random variables. The fusion performance in terms of the probability of error at the moderator is derived when the exact realizations of the individual thresholds of the agents are not available. With two human agents in the group, we derive the performance of the likelihood ratio based decision fusion strategy. For an arbitrary number of human agents n(> 2), we derive performance of decision fusion with majority rule using certain approximations.
Reduction of QBD failures in a 0.5 /spl mu/m BiCMOS process by reducing DC bias

Previously a non-classical failure mode was proposed for causing Qbd failure in a 0.5 /spl mu/m BiCmos process. Machine parameters were used to minimise the failure rate. This provided protection against variations in machine performance which caused medium level fails (<50%) on a GOI monitor flow and product. However a new mechanism became apparent on one system which started to produce 100% failing monitors. This indicated a catastrophic breakdown within the chamber hardware, solutions were focused on two areas, firstly a root cause within the chamber hardware and secondly, the subject of this paper, process optimisation.
Histochemical localization of cytochrome oxidase in the hippocampus: correlation with specific neuronal types and afferent pathways.

Cytochrome oxidase was histochemically localized in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus of various species of mammals. The most intense staining was observed within stratum moleculare of areas CA1–3 and the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, as well as the somatic and basal dendritic layers of CA3. These regions correspond to the synaptic terminal fields of major excitatory afferent pathways to the hippocampus. The somata of CA3 pyramidal cells and various interneurons were more intensely stained than CA1 pyramidal cells and dentate granule cells, and these levels appeared to correlate positively with their reported rates of spontaneous firing. 65 At the electron-microscopic level, the highest concentrations of densely reactive mitochondria were localized within the distal apical dendritic profiles of principal cells (granule and pyramidal) and certain interneurons (pyramidal basket and stratum pyramidale interneurons). The specific layers in which these structures were found are known to receive intense excitatory input from the perforant pathway. High concentrations of reactive mitochondria were also observed within the somata and proximal dendrites of CA3 pyramidal cells and various interneurons, confirming our light-microscopic observations. These results demonstrated that not only can soma and dendrites of the same cell have disparate but distinct levels of cytochrome oxidase activity, but the pattern of reactivity within a neuron's apical and basal dendrites, or even within specific dendritic segments of the same dendrite can be quite different. While the levels of somatic reactivity correlate with reported levels of spontaneous and/or synaptic activity, the degree of dendritic and somatic staining appeared to be more closely related to the intensity of convergent and/or pathway-specific excitatory synaptic input.
Assessing what students know, how they know it, or both?

In “International approaches to Science Assessment” Paul Black and Dylan Wiliam describe eight major elements of assessment systems and contrast some of the differences among these elements across ...
Back to school [security education]

As summer draws to an end, faculty and students turn their attention to academic planning. This used to be a very tough task - faculty developed most of their materials from scratch. Now, rather than a handful of items to draw on when planning a security and privacy course, there is a plethora of sample syllabi, textbooks, and other supportive materials. The question is: where are they? For all the busy academics out there readying their courses, and the students who are about to join you, we have written the article, with help from the Centers of Excellence in Information Assurance Education, in the hope that it will make your preparations a trifle less hectic.
FK506-binding protein localizations in human penile innervation

OBJECTIVE To determine if FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) are localized to the autonomic nerve supply of the human penis because FK506 (an immunosuppressant drug) has been linked to enhanced nerve regeneration after nerve injury and neurodegenerative diseases by binding to FKBPs, a select group of immunophilins. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human lower genitourinary tract specimens were obtained and embedded in paraffin wax. The tissue was sectioned (10 µm) and processed for immunohistochemistry using antibodies for FKBPs 12, 38, 52, 65, 135 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). To confirm specificity of the antibody, we processed some tissue in the absence of primary antibody, with mouse or rabbit IgG, and with a blocking peptide for FKBP12. RESULTS In the pelvis, immunoreactivity for all the FKBPs and nNOS was localized to the periprostatic ganglia although FKBP12 was the only FKBP localized to nerve bundles in this location. In penile tissue, immunoreactivity for all five FKBPs and nNOS was localized to nerves, although immunoreactivity for FKBP38 was minimal. The FKBPs were also evident in epithelial, endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the prostate and penis. Negative controls did not produce staining. CONCLUSIONS Identification and localization of immunophilins to nerves coursing in prostate and penile tissue suggest a likely molecular basis to apply immunophilin ligand therapy to protect or regenerate cavernosal nerves. Our findings support the hypothesis that immunosuppressant drugs such as FK506, working via specific receptor mechanisms, are potentially useful to sustain erectile function in men after radical prostatectomy.
Mode-Independent Stabilizing Control of Markovian Jump Nonlinear Systems

This paper is concerned with the problem of state feedback control of continuous-time nonlinear Markovian jump systems, which are represented by Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy models. A new method for designing state feedback stabilizing controllers is presented in terms of solvability of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), and it has shown that the new design method provides better or at least the same results of the existing methods in the literature. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Medical genetic study of eight pancreatic cancer-prone families.

(1995). Medical Genetic Study of Eight Pancreatic Cancer-Prone Families. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 141-149.