cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Challenges in the design of a Home Telemanagement Trial for patients with ulcerative colitis

Background Nonadherence, inadequate monitoring, and side-effects result in suboptimal outcomes in ulcerative colitis (UC). We hypothesize that telemanagement for UC will improve symptoms, quality of life, adherence, and decrease costs. Purpose This article describes the challenges encountered in the design of the home telemanagement in patients with UC trial.Methods In a randomized trial to assess the effectiveness of telemanagement for UC compared to best available care, 100 patients will be enrolled. Subjects in the intervention arm will complete self-testing with telemanagement weekly; best available care subjects will receive scheduled follow up, educational fact sheets, and written action plans. Telemanagement consists of a home-unit, decision support server, and web-based clinician portal. The home-unit includes a scale and laptop. Subjects will respond to questions about symptoms, side-effects, adherence, and knowledge weekly; subjects will receive action plans after self-testing. Outcome variables...
Perivascular oligodendrocytes in the striatum of the squirrel monkey

Abstract Electron-microscopic investigations of various regions of the brain of the adult squirrel monkey revealed the occurrence of perivascular oligodendrocytes. This relationship of the oligodendroglial cells to capillary complexes was occasionally observed in thin sections of motor cortex, insular cortex, sensory cortex, visual cortex, subcortical white matter, and the globus pallidus. However, since the largest numbers of the perivascular oligodendroglia were observed in the striatum, this region was selected for study. Both the apposition of the oligodendrocytes with the capillary bed and myelin sheaths is shown as well as their characteristic internal ultrastructure.
Effect of chronic treatment with estrogen on the dipsogenic response of rats to angiotensin

Female rats treated with estradiol benzoate for 23 weeks at doses of 25 and 44 microgram/kg/day had an attenuated drinking response to peripheral administration of graded doses of angiotensin I and angiotensin II. No significant difference between the responses of the two estrogen-treated groups was observed, suggesting that maximal attenuation had been attained with the lower dose. Angiotensin II (50, 100 and 200 microgram/kg, IP) increased urine output and urinary sodium excretion rate in a graded fashion with increasing doses in both control and estrogen-treated rats. However, the latter had a somewhat greater response. Administration of angiotensin I (50, 100 and 200 microgram/kg, SC) had a similar, but less consistent, effect on urine output and urinary sodium excretion rate in both control and estrogen-treated groups. The attenuated drinking response of estrogen-treated rats to angiotensin I and angiotensin II suggests either that administered angiotensin failed to gain access to the brain or that central receptors mediating thirst are less sensitive in estrogen-treated rats. The present studies fail to distinguish between these possibilities.
Municipal Communications Tax Revenue Reliance and Fiscal Impact of Possible Federal Preemption

This paper presents empirical evidence of the extent to which municipal governments might be affected by federal preemption in the communications sector in light of the substantial variation in municipal governments' reliance on communications tax revenues. The results suggest that the federal preemption would have a negative fiscal impact on the majority of municipal governments, and the extent of the impact would vary substantially. The analysis also indicates that it would be challenging or legally impossible for some city governments to make up for the magnitude of revenue loss due to the states' constraints on municipal revenue-raising capacity.
Quality of care for substance use disorders in patients with serious mental illness.

Abstract We assessed the quality of care for substance use disorders (SUDs) among 8,083 patients diagnosed with serious mental illness from the VA mid-Atlantic region. Using data from the National Patient Care Database (2001–2002), we assessed the percentage of patients receiving a diagnosis of SUD, percentage beginning SUD treatment 14 days or earlier after diagnosis, and percentage receiving continued SUD care 30 days or less. Overall, 1,559 (19.3%) were diagnosed with an SUD. Of the 1,559, 966 (62.0%) initiated treatment and 847 (54.3%) received continued care. Although patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder were more likely to receive a diagnosis of SUD than those diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (22.7%, 18.9%, and 17.7%, respectively; χ 2 = 26.02, df = 2, p 2 = 59.29, df = 2, p 2 = 72.25, df = 2, p
Correlations between familial refractive error and children's non-cycloplegic refractions

We examined the spherical equivalent refractions of 237 subjects who had been seen four or more times in a longitudinal study of refractive development in normal children. We employed both photorefraction and autorefraction using a Canon Rl autorefractor. We performed an analysis of variance (F-test for Lack of Fit) to determine the significance of a linear regression in fitting these refractions against three different measures of familial refractive status. One measure included only the number of myopic parents, a second took into account the number of hyperopic parents, and a third included the refractive states of extended genetic relatives. We found no significant correlation between photorefractioe data and familial refractions; however, we did find significant, albeit weak, correlations between all measures of familial refractive status and infrared autorefractions of their children. A linear relationship between autorefractive data and overall familial refractive state was found to be most significant. Linear regression of children's autorefractions against a measure of parental myopia and hyperopia was less significant, while a linear model fitting only a measure of parental myopia was least significant, in addition to showing other non-linear trends. We attribute the failure to find a significant correlation between parent and offspring refractions using children's photorefractioe data to vignetting by the apparatus and to the short distance of the fixation target. We believe the significant correlation patterns found with the autorefractor reflect the inheritance patterns of parental and familial refractive states.
Behavioral Frequency Moderates the Effects of Message Framing on HPV Vaccine Acceptability

Research suggests that gain-framed messages are generally more effective than loss-framed messages at promoting preventive health behaviors. Virtually all previous studies, however, have examined prevention behaviors that require regular and repeated action to be effective. Little is known about the utility of message framing for promoting low-frequency prevention behaviors such as vaccination. Moreover, few studies have identified mediators of framing effects. We investigated whether behavioral frequency (operationalized as the number of shots required) moderated the effect of framed health messages on women’s intentions to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. We also sought to identify mediators of framing effects. Undergraduate women (N = 237) were randomly assigned to read an HPV vaccination booklet that varied by message frame (gain vs. loss) and behavioral frequency (one shot vs. six shots). We observed a frame-by-frequency interaction such that the loss-framed message led to greater vaccination intentions than did the gain-framed message but only among participants in the one-shot condition. Perceived susceptibility to HPV infection mediated the observed framing effects. This study provides an important exception to the commonly observed gain-framed advantage for preventive health behaviors. Loss-framed appeals appear to be particularly effective in promoting interest in low-frequency prevention behaviors such as HPV vaccination.
I Am Not an Animal: An Immersion Into the World of Atypical Sexual Interests

The Other Side of Desire offers a literary journalistic examination of atypical sexual interests. Daniel Bergner immerses himself into the lives of four people whose atypical sexual interests large...
An Exercise in Subtleties and the Transmission of Racism: An Analysis of Sports Illustrated Covers

This paper examines racial messages in sport and how racial ideologies may be communicated through media sources dedicated to sports coverage. Our research specifically explores the changing participation levels of black and white athletes in professional basketball and football, and the extent to which these athletes were featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine between 1954 and 2004. As an institution, sport has played a major role in both revolutionizing and reinforcing racial attitudes. Since the 1960s, corresponding with the Civil Rights Movement, the number of professional minority athletes has increased greatly. Their representation on the cover of Sports Illustrated has also increased, but not necessarily in relation to their participation rates.
Development and characterization of thin polymer films relevant to fiber processing

article i nfo Dilute solutions of cellulose, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon and polyester were spun cast onto gold and silica wafers to generate thin films of these polymers, which are commonly used in the manufacture of synthetic fibers. The thin films were used as substrates in the quartz crystal microbalance and nano- indentation techniques to monitor adsorption and friction behaviors after treatment with a polymer solution (as a mimic of a textile finish). The spin coating conditions were optimized in terms of the resulting film morphology, thickness and surface energy. Atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, ellipsometry and contact angle were used to probe the physical and surface properties of the resulting films. Overall, we developed thin films that are helpful to inquire, at the molecular level, phenomena relevant to fiber and textile processing including swelling, degradation, and adsorption of polymers and surfactants.
Partial bladder outlet obstruction selectively abolishes protein kinase C induced contraction of rabbit detrusor smooth muscle.

Purpose: Despite the acute onset, partial bladder outlet obstruction in the rabbit induces detrusor remodeling similar to that in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia in terms of its impact on structural and functional alterations in smooth muscle. We determined if partial bladder outlet obstruction induced remodeling alters the protein kinase C signaling pathway that leads to contraction.Materials and Methods: Smooth muscle from control animals and those subjected to 2 weeks of partial bladder outlet obstruction were mounted for isometric force recording, measurement of myosin light chain phosphorylation and levels of adducin phosphorylation. Bladder muscle strips were stimulated by phorbol dibutyrate or carbachol in the presence and absence of bisindolylmaleimide-1.Results: Smooth muscle strips from animals subjected to partial bladder outlet obstruction showed little to no increase in stress in response to phorbol dibutyrate and no increase in myosin light chain phosphorylation levels. Muscle strips f...
PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF CANNED MOIN‐MOIN

Moin-moin, a very popular cowpea dish in Nigeria, was made into a ready-to-eat, shelf-stable canned product. An ingredient composition suitable for canning was formulated. The heat penetration characteristics of the product were determined and a safe retort process was established. The canned moin-moin was compared with steamed (traditional) moin-moin by a group of Nigerian taste panelists. The acceptance- of the canned moin-moin was excellent and equal to that of the steamed moin-moin in all organoleptic characteristics. Proximate chemical compositions of the moin-moin products were determined.
LEAD POISONING IN CANADA GEESE ON PLUM ISLAND, MASSACHUSETTS

During December 1983 and early January 1984, about 200 Canada geese (Branta canadensis) died of lead poisoning at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Massachusetts. In an effort to determine the source of lead, 100 bottom samples were taken from a refuge impoundment where much of the mortality/morbidity occurred. An average of 157,150 pellets/ha was found with a range of 64,582 to 322,910 pellets/ha. Water levels in this impoundment were low when Canada geese arrived, making shot more readily available to the geese and contributing to the outbreak. To minimize the risk of Canada geese being exposed to lead shot poisoning at this location in the future, we recommend several corrective manipulations of habitat.
Dynamic voltage scaling for multitasking real-time systems with uncertain execution time

Dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) for real-time systems has been extensively studied to save energy. Previous studies consider the probabilistic distributions of tasks' execution time to assist DVS in task scheduling. These studies use probability information for intra-task frequency scheduling but do not sufficiently explore the opportunities for inter-task scheduling to save more energy. This paper presents a new approach to integrate intra-task and inter-task frequency scheduling for better energy savings in hard real-time systems with uncertain task execution time. Our approach has two steps: (a) We calculate statistically optimal frequency schedules for multiple periodic tasks using earliest deadline first (EDF) scheduling for processors that can change frequencies continuously. (b) For processors with a limited range of discrete frequencies, we further present a heuristic algorithm to construct frequency schedules. Our evaluation shows that our approach saves up to 23% more energy than existing solutions.
Analysis of a drosophila tRNA gene cluster: two tRNALeu genes contain intervening sequences.

Abstract A recombinant DNA phage containing a cluster of Drosophila melanogaster tRNA genes has been isolated and analyzed. The insert of this phage has been mapped by in situ hybridization to chromosomal region 50AB, a known tRNA site. Nucleotide sequencing of the entire Drosophila tRNA coding region reveals seven tRNA genes spanning 2.5 kb of chromosomal DNA. This cluster is separated from other tRNA regions on the chromosome by at least 2.7 kb on one side, and 9.6 kb on the other. Two tRNA genes are nearly identical and contain intervening sequences of length 38 and 45 bases, respectively, in the anticodon loop. These two genes are assigned to be tRNA Leu genes because of significant sequence homology with yeast tRNA 3 Leu , and secondary structure homology with yeast tRNA 3 Leu intervening sequences. In addition, an 8 base sequence (AAAAUCUU) is conserved in the same location in the intervening sequences of Drosophila tRNA Leu genes and a yeast tRNA 3 Leu gene. Similar sequences occur in all other tRNAs containing intervening sequences. The remaining five genes are identical tRNA Ile genes, which are also identical to a tRNA Ile gene from chromosomal region 42A. The 5′ flanking regions are only weakly homologous, but each set of isoacceptors contains short regions of strong homology approximately 20 nucleotides preceding the tRNA coding sequences: GCNTTTTG preceding tRNA Ile genes; and GANTTTGG preceding tRNA Leu genes. The genes are irregularly distributed on both DNA strands; spacing regions are divergent in sequence and length.
Linear stability analysis and the speed of gravitational waves in dynamical Chern-Simons modified gravity

We perform a linear stability analysis of dynamical Chern-Simons modified gravity in the geometric optics approximation and find that it is linearly stable on the backgrounds considered. Our analysis also reveals that gravitational waves in the modified theory travel at the speed of light in Minkowski spacetime. However, on a Schwarzschild background the characteristic speed of propagation along a given direction splits into two modes, one subluminal and one superluminal. The width of the splitting depends on the azimuthal components of the propagation vector, is linearly proportional to the mass of the black hole, and decreases with the third inverse power of the distance from the black hole. Radial propagation is unaffected, implying that as probed by gravitational waves the location of the event horizon of the spacetime is unaltered. The analysis further reveals that when a high frequency, pure gravitational wave is scattered from a black hole, a scalar wave of comparable amplitude is excited, and vice versa.
Graphinators and the duality of SIMD and MIMD

Combinator reduction is a well-known implementation technique for executing functional programs. In this paper we present a new method for parallel combinator reduction based on viewing combinators simply as “graph mutators.” We show that each combinator in Turner's standard set can be expressed using two primitive operations on a binary graph — one to alter an edge and one to insert a vertex — and four symmetric variants of them. We call these primitive operations graphinators, and present a single 7-step graphinator sequence which implements the reduction rules for all combinators in the set. This sequence allows redexes involving any of the combinators to be reduced in parallel on a SIMD machine. We have implemented a graph reducer on the Connection Machine based on these results, together with a novel execution strategy called prudent evaluation. Preliminary performance results suggest that our implementation does reasonably well, significantly better than previous efforts, but perhaps still not well enough to be practical. Nevertheless, the approach suggests a new way of thinking about program execution, and we have thoughts on how to improve our implementation.
Interference avoidance and power control strategies for coded frequency hopped cellular systems

In a frequency hopped CDMA (FH-CDMA) system, the principal impairment is interference generated by users sharing the same time-frequency slot. If users have fixed hopping patterns, a system can monitor the average interference in every time-frequency slot. It can then assign a new user to communicate only in the M lowest interference slots out of every N slots in the user's hopping pattern. The transmit power for the new user is then reduced on the average. System capacity is increased since each user generates less interference. The capacity for a FH-CDMA system in which every user transmits M out of every N slots with equal received power for every user is derived. Power control algorithms which allow users to have different signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) requirements have been implemented to maximize the capacity of the system. In addition, error correcting codes not only protect against interference, noise, and fading, but can also increase the capacity by permitting admission of users even when some of the slots have poor SIR.
On the movement of pigment granules in frog melanocytes.

MSH, caffeine and some physical factors induced dispersion of melanin granules in the melanocytes of the frog, Rana pipiens Melatonin, noradrenaline and hydrocortisone reversed dispersion produced by many agents. Acetylcholine reversed only the dispersion caused by MSH. In sucrose solution containing normal amounts of calcium and potassium, caffeine was inhibited in part; MSH, melatonin, noradrenaline and hydrocortisone were inhibited completely. Caffeine could utilize lithium ions for the dispersion process, and melatonin and noradrenaline reversed this dispersion. It is suggested that melanin granule movement is produced by cytoplasmic streaming associated with ionic exchange between intra- and extracellular media and that substances affecting melanin dispersion, directly or indirectly produce a change in the specific ionic permeability of the cell membrane. IN THIS paper we will report experiments carried out with five factors, enumerated below, that cause dispersion of pigment cell granules in frog me...
Clogging Prediction of Permeable Pavement

AbstractThis study considers the clogging progression prediction on the permeable pavement by using artificial neural networks (ANNs). Clogging, which is caused primarily by sediment deposition, ma...
Synthetic Aspects of (C5H4SiMe3)3Ln Rare-Earth Chemistry: Formation of (C5H4SiMe3)3Lu via [(C5H4SiMe3)2Ln]+ Metallocene Precursors

New analogues of Cp′3Ln (Cp′ = C5H4SiMe3, Ln = rare earth) complexes have been synthesized with the largest and smallest lanthanides, La and Lu. Due to the smaller size of Lu, the reaction of LuCl3 with 3 equiv of KCp′ produced only traces of Cp′3Lu, yielding [Cp′2Lu(μ-Cl)]2 as the major product. An alternative route was developed in which [Cp′2Lu(μ-Cl)]2 reacts with (C3H5)MgCl to form the tetrameric allyl complex [Cp′2Lu(μ-η1:η1-C3H5)]4. The allyl complex reacts with [HNEt3][BPh4] to generate [Cp′2Lu(THF)2][BPh4], which reacts with KCp′ to produce Cp′3Lu in good yield. The reaction of LaCl3 with 3 equiv of KCp′ in Et2O gave the unsolvated Cp′3La, while the same reaction in rigorously dry THF gave solvated Cp′3La(THF). The reaction of LaCl3 and KCp′ in improperly dried THF gave the mixed-ligand complex Cp′2CpLa(THF) (Cp = C5H5), rather than the expected hydrolysis product, [Cp′2La(μ-OH)]2.
Dynamics and control of a large deployable reflector

The problem of passively controlling structural deformations in a large deployable reflector by adding damping to the system is reviewed. The results of modeling a large deployable reflector with PATRAN-G and analysing it with EASE2 and MSC/NASTRAN finite element codes are reported. The first ten asymmetric and symmetric mode shapes and natural frequencies are determined. The application of symmetry and the replacement of the mirror reflectors with lumped masses enables a substantial reduction in the amount of computer time to be achieved without loss of accuracy. Following identification of the dynamic characteristics of the structure, sensitivity analyses enable determination to be made of the optimal placement of passive damping elements to decrease the structural deformations of the reflector structure.
Obesity prevalence and related risk of comorbidities among HIV+ patients attending a New England ambulatory centre.

SummaryBackground Human immunodeficiency virus infection and obesity are pro-inflammatory conditions that, when occurring together, may pose a synergistic risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Purpose The aim of the current study was (i) to document the prevalence of obesity in HIV+ patients treated at the Miriam Hospital Immunology Center (Providence, RI) and (ii) to investigate the relationship between obesity and comorbidities. Methods The study population consisted of 1,489 HIV+ adults (70% men; average age 48 ± 11 years) treated between 01/01/2012 and 06/30/2014. Separate logistic regressions tested the associations between overweight and obesity and comorbid diagnoses (diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease), as compared with normal weight. Covariates included age, gender and smoking status. Results Approximately 37% of patients were overweight (body mass index 25.0–29.9), and an additional 28% were obese (body mass index ≥30.0). Obesity was associated with higher odds of comorbid diabetes (OR = 3.26, CI = 1.98–5.39) and hypertension (OR = 2.11, CI = 1.49–2.98). There was no significant association between obesity and the presence of cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.12, CI = 0.66–1.90). Overweight was associated only with higher odds of comorbid diabetes (OR = 1.72; CI = 1.02–2.88). Conclusion Our findings demonstrate a heightened risk of comorbidities in overweight and obese HIV+ patients. Future studies should investigate whether weight loss interventions for this population can reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors as they do in other populations.
Institutional Voids in an Emerging Economy From Problem to Opportunity

Much has appeared in the literature about institutional voids, a component of institutional theory. Little has been written, however, about the effects of institutional voids on individuals in emerging market nations and how they might react in proactive ways, including leaving their home country problems to pursue opportunities elsewhere. This article focuses on how institutional voids can create opportunities not only for such individuals but also for the firms that they join and the national economies of their host countries. We illustrate this juxtaposition from problem to opportunity by providing background on institutional voids in Russia as well as the welcoming institutional environments experienced in the United States. We do so by presenting some early findings from a larger ongoing research project. We emphasize not only the individual successes of migrants we interviewed as they seized opportunities afforded by their substantial backgrounds but also the resulting benefits to the U.S. firms tha...
Leukocyte telomere length and mortality in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2002.

Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. Each time a somatic cell divides, a portion of the telomeric DNA fails to replicate; thus, telomeres naturally shorten with mitosis.1,2 Telomerase, the cellular enzyme that can counteract shortening by elongating and protecting telomeres, is kept at low levels in normal human cells.3 When telomeres become too short, cells lose the ability to grow and divide.4,5 Human genetic mutations that result in short telomeres are associated with a group of conditions collectively called “telomere syndromes” that resemble premature onset of diseases of aging, 6 consistent with a role of telomere shortening in human aging in the general population.7 Recent studies have found that shorter leukocyte telomere length is associated with numerous age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease,8–11 type 2 diabetes,12,13 dementia,14–16 and cancer,17,18 independent of chronological age. While a number of studies have also reported that shorter telomeres are associated with increased mortality,17,19–30 others have failed to find an association between telomere length and survival 31–34 (see the appendix for a summary of findings). In general, studies that have not found an association between telomere length and mortality have examined older populations. Inconsistencies in the literature may be due to differences in sample size and measurement techniques, the use of population versus clinical samples, or unknown biologic differences between those who survive to extreme old age and those with earlier mortality.35,36 Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2002, the current study examined the association between leukocyte telomere length and mortality in a large, nationally representative, socioeconomically and ethnically diverse sample of US adults. This study addressed the following research questions: (1) Is telomere length associated with all-cause mortality in adults aged 50–84? (2) Is telomere length associated with cause-specific mortality? (3) Do associations between telomere length and mortality vary according to age, sex, race/ethnicity, or socioeconomic status (SES)? Although prior research has shown that older age, male sex, white race, and low SES are associated with shorter telomere length,37,38 it is not known whether the relationship between telomere length and mortality differs according to sociodemographic characteristics. Answering this question could help determine whether telomere length is a comparable indicator of mortality risk across population subgroups.
An Unidentified Erythropoietic Substance in Liver

Hematologic observations on a patient with hypochromic anemia and hyperferremia indicate (1) the presence in oral crude liver extract of an unidentified erythropoietic substance, and (2) an apparent metabolic relationship of this liver factor with pyridoxine and tryptophane.
Exploring regular expression usage and context in Python

Due to the popularity and pervasive use of regular expressions, researchers have created tools to support their creation, validation, and use. However, little is known about the context in which regular expressions are used, the features that are most common, and how behaviorally similar regular expressions are to one another. In this paper, we explore the context in which regular expressions are used through a combination of developer surveys and repository analysis. We survey 18 professional developers about their regular expression usage and pain points. Then, we analyze nearly 4,000 open source Python projects from GitHub and extract nearly 14,000 unique regular expression patterns. We map the most common features used in regular expressions to those features supported by four major regex research efforts from industry and academia: brics, Hampi, RE2, and Rex. Using similarity analysis of regular expressions across projects, we identify six common behavioral clusters that describe how regular expressions are often used in practice. This is the first rigorous examination of regex usage and it provides empirical evidence to support design decisions by regex tool builders. It also points to areas of needed future work, such as refactoring regular expressions to increase regex understandability and context-specific tool support for common regex usages.
A temporally and spatially resolved electron density diagnostic method for the edge plasma based on Stark broadening

An electron density diagnostic (≥1010 cm−3) capable of high temporal (ms) and spatial (mm) resolution is currently under development at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The diagnostic is based on measuring the Stark broadened, Doppler-free spectral line profile of the n = 6–2 hydrogen Balmer series transition. The profile is then fit to a fully quantum mechanical model including the appropriate electric and magnetic field operators. The quasi-static approach used to calculate the Doppler-free spectral line profile is outlined here and the results from the model are presented for H-δ spectra for electron densities of 1010–1013 cm−3. The profile shows complex behavior due to the interaction between the magnetic substates of the atom.
The Emerging Role of Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury represents a major threat to human health and contributes to adverse cardiovascular outcomes worldwide. Despite the identification of numerous molecular mechanisms, understanding of the complex pathophysiology of this clinical syndrome remains incomplete. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) has been of great interest in the past decade since it has been reported to be a critical regulator in human diseases with several important cellular functions. Thioredoxin-interacting protein binds to and inhibits thioredoxin, a redox protein that neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS), and through its interaction with thioredoxin, Txnip sensitizes cardiomyocytes to ROS-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, evidence from recent studies also suggests that some of the effects of Txnip may be unrelated to changes in thioredoxin activity. These pleiotropic effects of Txnip are mediated by interactions with other signaling molecules, such as nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containin...
Stability of CdTe solar cells with various back contact methods

CdTe solar cells fabricated with five different back contacts were studied by means of electrical characterization. A thin layer of evaporated Te was incorporated in many of the devices as part of the back contact. The stability of the devices in storage was examined. Additionally, select devices were exposed to elevated temperature and illumination to induce accelerated aging. J-V, QE, and C-V measurements were used to compare the performance of the devices. The Te-containing contacts were found to be stable and well-performing.
To Know Acute Aortic Dissection Is to Know All of Cardiovascular Surgery

This thought-provoking review demonstrates that, although it may be true that knowing a lot about the treatment of type A aortic dissection is essential for all cardiovascular surgeons, there remains a lot to be learned about the best possible strategies for dealing with the malperfusion syndromes that often accompany them.
The American College of Gastroenterology and the 80% by 2018 Colorectal Cancer Initiative: A Multifaceted Approach to Maximize Screening Rates.

The American College of Gastroenterology and the 80% by 2018 Colorectal Cancer Initiative: A Multifaceted Approach to Maximize Screening Rates
Coordinated Regulation of the EII Man and fruRKI Operons of Streptococcus mutans by Global and Fructose-Specific Pathways.

The glucose/mannose-phosphotransferase system (PTS) permease EIIMan encoded by manLMN in the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans has a dominant influence on sugar-specific, CcpA-independent catabolite repression (CR). Mutations in manL affect energy metabolism and virulence-associated traits, including biofilm formation, acid tolerance, and competence. Using promoter::reporter fusions, expression of the manLMN and the fruRKI operons, encoding a transcriptional regulator, a fructose-1-phosphate kinase and a fructose-PTS permease EIIFru, respectively, was monitored in response to carbohydrate source and in mutants lacking CcpA, FruR, and components of EIIMan Expression of genes for EIIMan and EIIFru was directly regulated by CcpA and CR, as evinced by in vivo and in vitro methods. Unexpectedly, not only was the fruRKI operon negatively regulated by FruR, but also so was manLMN Carbohydrate transport by EIIMan had a negative influence on expression of manLMN but not fruRKI In agreement with the proposed role of FruR in regulating these PTS operons, loss of fruR or fruK substantially altered growth on a number of carbohydrates, including fructose. RNA deep sequencing revealed profound changes in gene regulation caused by deletion of fruK or fruR Collectively, these findings demonstrate intimate interconnection of the regulation of two major PTS permeases in S. mutans and reveal novel and important contributions of fructose metabolism to global regulation of gene expression.IMPORTANCE The ability of Streptococcus mutans and other streptococcal pathogens to survive and cause human diseases is directly dependent upon their capacity to metabolize a variety of carbohydrates, including glucose and fructose. Our research reveals that metabolism of fructose has broad influences on the regulation of utilization of glucose and other sugars, and mutants with changes in certain genes involved in fructose metabolism display profoundly different abilities to grow and express virulence-related traits. Mutants lacking the FruR regulator or a particular phosphofructokinase, FruK, display changes in expression of a large number of genes encoding transcriptional regulators, enzymes required for energy metabolism, biofilm development, biosynthetic and degradative processes, and tolerance of a spectrum of environmental stressors. Since fructose is a major component of the modern human diet, the results have substantial significance in the context of oral health and the development of dental caries.
A Scalable Network-Based Performance Analysis Tool for MPI on Large-Scale HPC Systems

Studying the interaction among applications, MPI runtimes, and the fabric they run on is critical to understanding application performance. There exists no high-performance and scalable tool that enables understanding this interplay on modern multi-petaflop systems. Designing such a tool is non-trivial and involves multiple components including 1) data profiling/collection from network/MPI library, 2) storing and, 3) rendering the data. Furthermore, achieving this with minimal overhead and scalability is a challenging task. We take up this challenge and propose a high-performance and scalable network-based performance analysis tool for MPI libraries operating on modern networks like InfiniBand and Omni-Path. Our designs facilitate caching and pre-rendering, allowing a cluster with 6,541 nodes, 764 switches and, 16,893 network links renders in just 30 seconds – a 44X speed up over non-prerendered solutions. The proposed lock-free and optimized memory-backed storage design enables the tool to handle over a quarter million inserts into the database every 45 seconds (data from 27,504 switch ports and 104,656 MPI processes). The tool has been successfully deployed and validated on HPC systems at OSC and on Comet at SDSC.
Bariatric Surgery Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Increases the Risk for Mechanical Complications Including Instability and Prosthetic Loosening

BackgroundWhile extensive literature has been published on the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery (BS) prior to and following lower-extremity arthroplasty, no similar investigations have been ...
The Jamming Avoidance Response in an Electric Fish: Algorithms in Sensory Information Processing and their Neuronal Realization

The electrosensory system of South American (gymnotiform) and African (mormyriform) electric fish has become a favorite model system to study the integration of sensory information and the resulting control of behavioral responses. Advantages of this particular system are manifold: (1) Even complex electric stimulus regimes, such as those which result by interference of signals from several fish, can readily be simulated with the aid of computers and other electronic equipment. (2) Electroreceptors are spread out over the animal’s body surface and can thus be stimulated locally and individually. (3) Certain behavioral responses, such as the Jamming Avoidance Responses (JARs) in gymnotiform fish, remain intact even in neurophysiological preparations. This fact considerably facilitates the identification of the role of specific classes of neurons in the control of this behavior. (4) Most species of electric fish are small (several centimeters to decimeters) and their complete brains can be spread out on a small number of microscope slides. However, regardless of their small size, these brains show richly laminated and cortex-like structures which seem to execute algorithms of sensory information processing very similar to those in higher vertebrates.
Rice yield improvements through plant breeding are offset by inherent yield declines over time

Abstract Meeting the challenge of feeding a growing population with limited resources will require increasing the yield potential of staple crops, such as rice. Yet many high-yielding, intensive production systems have experienced slow rates of yield improvement in recent years despite a demonstrated increase in the yield potential of new crop cultivars. We analyzed experimental data from one such cropping system, i.e., California (CA) rice, in order to quantify improvements made in the genetic yield potential obtained through plant breeding. California rice systems are among the highest in the world and close to maximum yield potential. Specifically, the hypothesis was tested that if rice cultivar yields decline over time then apparent yield increases in side-by-side yield comparison tests will not reflect increases in yield potential. This hypothesis was tested using 33 years of experimental yield data from the California Cooperative Rice Research Foundation Rice Experiment Station. Based on side-by-side comparisons of old and new rice cultivars which do not consider yield decline over time, there was an apparent increase in yield. However, the yields of older cultivars were found to decline at an estimated rate of 29.3 kg ha−1 year−1 (90% credible interval −4.4 to −53.3) after initial selection. Once this effect was considered, the yield advantage of newer cultivars over old was uncertain (−3.3 kg ha−1 year−1, 90% credible interval −36.1 to 31.5). These results highlight (1) the importance of continuous crop improvement and deployment of new cultivars simply to maintain existing yields, and (2) to increase the genetic yield potential, higher yield targets are needed. Importantly, when breeding near the yield potential, despite the limited yield gains, significant advances in improving quality and reducing crop duration have been made.
Tongue muscle shortening patterns during speech

This study will used tagged-MRI to examine the 3D shortening patterns of the genioglossus, verticalis, and transversus muscles during speech tasks that move the tongue backwards, forwards, and in complex deformations. Tissue points at each muscle’s origin, insertion, and points in between are used to calculate length changes over time. To enhance the range of subject differences, 10 controls and 5 glossectomy subjects will be examined. The motivation is to understand how muscle behavior is linked to internal tongue motion patterns. Activated muscles typically shorten along their line of action. In the tongue, however, muscles interdigitate, so that when one muscle shortens, others are passively pulled out of linear alignment. Thus, muscle fibers may not form a straight line when activated or at rest. In addition, the mechanical consequences of activating a specific muscle can be complex since the tongue moves continuously during speech and different regions of the tongue experience different demands. Moreover, since the tongue stretches in three-dimensions, some muscles may activate to augment a primary muscle, that is, to prevent expansion in the wrong direction. Muscle shortening from tagged MRI does not capture actual muscle activity, but can provide insight into interactive muscle behaviors.
A multi-agent approach to controlling a smart environment

The goal of the MavHome (Managing An Intelligent Versa- tile Home) project is to create a home that acts as a rational agent. The agent seeks to maximize inhabitant comfort and minimize operation cost. In order to achieve these goals, the agent must be able to predict the mobility patterns and device usages of the inhabitants. Because of the size of the problem, controlling a smart environment can be effectively approached as a multi-agent task. Individual agents can address a portion of the problem but must coordinate their actions to accomplish the overall goals of the system. In this chapter, we discuss the application of multi-agent systems to the challenge of controlling a smart environment and describe its implementation in the MavHome project.
Apologies, Their Use and Meaning: A Course Module

The apology is an important marketing and management tool. Knowing how to apologize correctly is a skill that must be mastered and should be studied. The purpose of this paper is to provide needed course material for instructors preparing a course module on this relatively new and very topical subject. This paper is targeted to educators and anyone who wants to understand the fundamentals of apologies. Possible relevant disciplines include: marketing, management, medicine, hospital administration, nursing, business law, and philosophy of law, among others. The paper includes examples of apologies, some good and some not, drawn from real life as well as from television and film. A reading list is provided as well.
Taxidermy’s Literary Biographies

A key problem with animal biographies—their inability to represent a single historical subject—emerges through the representation of taxidermy in literary history. Fiction writers from Charles Dickens to H.G. Wells to Ernest Hemingway sow a seediness into taxidermists that blossoms in recent bestsellers by Tea Obreht and Kate Mosse, where practitioners draw taxidermy more explicitly into stories of murder, sex crimes, and revenge among humans. But taxidermists’ literary biographies are shadowed by those of taxidermy itself, and its associations with exterminationist politics across species lines. Through fictions by Gustav Flaubert, Julian Barnes, and Gergely Peterfy, I sketch a parallel tradition of attempting to recover the lives more directly represented by the objects, and its consequences for human, animal, and human-animal relationships. Museum specimens and a performance-art reconstruction by Brett Bailey bookend the discussion to underscore the biological and cultural catastrophes at stake in these recovery efforts.
Grating Lobe Reduction in Scanning Phased Array Antennas With Large Element Spacing

Large element spacing in phased array antennas generally causes grating lobes, which start to exacerbate for wide scan angles. Herein, a new approach is proposed to reduce the grating lobes of planar phased array antennas with considerably large element spacing in the order of one wavelength for both broadside and scanned radiation patterns up to 45°. The array has a seven-element hexagonal configuration, consisting of dual-mode circular microstrip antennas. It is shown that for small scan angles up to 8°, a tapered amplitude distribution reduces the grating lobes to below −30 dB, when only the dominant mode is excited in the antenna element. As for wider scan angles up to 45°, an additional higher order mode needs to be excited as well to reduce the grating lobes down to −30 dB for the large element spacing of one wavelength. The proposed method also proves to be effective for wider scan angles up to 60° for element spacing of three quarters of a wavelength. This approach leads to the realization of thinned arrays with less number of elements, in which the weighting functions and mode excitation of the elements can be controlled by an adaptive signal processing unit in scanning phased array antennas.
Science Signaling Podcast: 23 September 2008

This conversation is about research highlighted in the Editors9 Choice summaries titled, “A Virulent Response to Losing Your Tail” and “Coupling Secretion with Transcription.” The highlighted articles are Z. Liu, T. Miyashiro, A. Tsou, A. Hsiao, M. Goulian, J. Zhu, Mucosal penetration primes Vibrio cholerae for host colonization by repressing quorum sensing. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 105 , 9769–9774 (2008), and S. Raghavan, P. Manzanillo, K. Chan, C. Dovey, J. S. Cox, Secreted transcription factor controls Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence. Nature 454 , 717–721 (2008). (Length: 12 min; file size: 5.62 MB; file format: mp3; location: http://podcasts.aaas.org/science_signaling/ScienceSignaling_080923.mp3)
Motivated Reasoning, Public Opinion, and Presidential Approval

Presidential approval is a desirable commodity for US presidents, one that bolsters re-election chances and the prospects of legislative success. An important question, then, is what shapes citizens’ approval of the executive. A large body of literature demonstrates that the president’s handling of issues, particularly the economy, is an important component. A similarly large literature confirms that evaluations of the president, like most political objects, are filtered through partisan lenses. Due to changes in the US political environment in the last few decades, we suspect that the relative importance of these components has changed over time. In particular, we argue that polarization has increased partisan motivated reasoning when it comes to evaluations of the president. We support this empirically by disaggregating approval ratings from Reagan to Obama into in- and out-partisans, finding that approval is increasingly detached from economic assessments. This is true for members opposite the president’s party earlier than it is for in-partisans. While the president has been over-attributed credit and blame for economic conditions, the increasing impact of partisanship on approval at the expense of economic sentiment has generally negative implications when it comes to electoral outcomes and democratic accountability.