cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Automated Language Learning for Configuration Files

Software failures resulting from configuration errors have become commonplace as modern software systems grow increasingly large and more complex. The lack of language constructs in configuration files, such as types and grammars, has directed the focus of a configuration file verification towards building post-failure error diagnosis tools. In addition, the existing tools are generally language specific, requiring the user to define at least a grammar for the language models and explicit rules to check. In this paper, we propose a framework which analyzes datasets of correct configuration files and derives rules for building a language model from the given dataset. The resulting language model can be used to verify new configuration files and detect errors in them. Our proposed framework is highly modular, does not rely on the system source code, and can be applied to any new configuration file type with minimal user input. Our tool, named ConfigC, relies on an abstract representation of language rules to allow for this modularity. ConfigC supports learning of various rules, such as orderings, value relations, type errors, or user defined rules by using a probabilistic type inference strategy and defining a small interface for the rule type.
Recalling Quark Matter '83 and the birth of RHIC

Abstract I provide a brief review of the Quark Matter '83 meeting at Brookhaven, in the context of the decisive U.S. science policy actions during the summer of 1983 that led up to it. At the Brookhaven meeting a large community of nuclear and high energy physicists came together for the first time to examine the parameters for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, setting the stage for decades of quark matter research to follow.
Harnessing uranyl oxo atoms via halogen bonding interactions in molecular uranyl materials featuring 2,5-diiodobenzoic acid and N-donor capping ligands

The syntheses and crystal structures of five new compounds containing the UO22+ cation, 2,5-diiodobenzoic acid, and a chelating N-donor (2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) (1), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (2 and 3), 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (terpy) (4), or 4′-chloro-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (Cl-terpy) (5)) are described and the spectroscopic properties (both vibrational and luminescent) and stretching and interaction force constants of complexes 2, 4, and 5 are reported. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of these materials shows that variation of the chelating N-donor with the same benzoic acid featuring multiple, polarizable halogens at the periphery allows for the systematic accessing of uranyl oxo atoms for non-covalent assembly, which is notable as these atoms are generally terminal. Spectroscopic characterization of complexes 2, 4, and 5 indicate that oxo atom participation in halogen bonding interactions may complement the effects of the electron donating ability of the capping ligand on corresponding uranyl luminescence and vibrational spectra, each contributing to the observed bathochromic shifts.
On the performance of sparse unmixing on non-linear mixtures

This paper explores the performance of sparse unmixing (SU) on non-linear mixtures. We consider SU as an endmember selection method from a spectral library and measure its performance using recently proposed approximately perfect recovery condition for sparse unmixing, comparing with non-negative least squares (NNLS). We also further explore the effect of thresholding on SU and NNLS. Simulations on various kinds of non-linear mixtures and an experiment on real hyperspectral data show that thresholding greatly improves the performance in endmember selection and NNLS could outperform SU when combined with thresholding.
Peer support preferences among African-American breast cancer survivors and caregivers.

Breast cancer mortality rates continue to improve due to advances in cancer control and treatment. However, gains in breast cancer survival rates vary by race. Psychosocial support systems can lead to improved health outcomes among cancer survivors. This study was a part of a larger study exploring the challenges that both African-American cancer survivors and caregivers face across the cancer continuum. The objective of this paper was to explore African-American breast cancer survivors’ and caregivers’ preferences regarding characteristics and qualities of Peer Connect guides to inform the development of a peer support program. Forty-one African-American cancer survivors and caregivers participated in five focus groups lasting approximately 90 min. Participants were asked about what qualities or characteristics they would prefer in a peer support guide to make them feel comfortable talking with them. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis, an iterative coding process. Themes were identified based on the research team’s integrated and unified final codes. Twenty-two cancer survivors, 19 caregivers, and 3 individuals who were both survivors and caregivers participated in the focus groups. Participants discussed five preferences for peer support guides: (1) competency, (2) gender, (3) age, (4) cancer role status, and (5) relationship to participant. This study highlights cancer survivors’ and caregivers’ perceptions of characteristics needed for peer support providers that in turn can influence whether and how they participate in cancer support programs.
Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Resection or Transplantation?

This is a review of the current status of surgical resection and liver transplantation in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). For patients with hilar CCA and underlying parenchymal disease, specifically those with primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver transplantation is generally favored as there is risk of hepatic insufficiency and multicentric disease with extended resection. For de novo patients with no underlying liver disease, the decision between resection and transplantation proves to be more difficult. Results have shown that when margin- and node-negative resections are achieved, survival outcomes between patients undergoing resection and liver transplantation are comparable, though at baseline the patients selected for transplant were unresectable and, thus, had no other curative option and potentially more advanced disease than those selected for resection. Difficulty lies, however, in accurately predicting which patients are resectable as commitment to surgical resection precludes liver transplantation and vice versa. Recent work has focused on improving surgical resection outcomes as liver transplantation continues to be limited by the extreme organ shortage. Hilar lesions previously considered unresectable as a result of vascular involvement are now being resected using en bloc surgical techniques with vascular reconstruction. Additionally, the application of portal vein embolization to CCA has allowed for safer extended hepatic resections in a select group of patients. At present, surgical resection and liver transplantation remain as the only potentially curative treatment options for perihilar CCA. The presence of underlying parenchymal liver disease, ability to obtain margin- and node-negative resection, and overall candidacy for transplantation should guide decision making.
Enrico Mihich, MD: In Memoriam (1928-2016).

![][1] Enrico “Henry” Mihich, MD, scientist, educator, administrator, cosmopolitan, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) past president, and Fellow of the AACR Academy, died December 29, 2016, at the age of 88, after an impressive career in cancer research that spanned
Clinical presentation and outcomes of childhood-onset membranous lupus nephritis

Best practices for managing childhood-onset membranous lupus nephritis (MLN) are not yet established. Most studies involve primarily or exclusively adult cohorts or pediatric cohorts with combinations of pure or mixed membranous and proliferative nephritis. We performed a single-center cohort study of consecutively diagnosed children with pure MLN from 1990 and 2016. Patients received care in Houston, Texas, one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in North America. Renal outcomes were obtained using consensus definitions from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA). Logistic regression was used to detect predictors of complete renal response. A total of 56 children with MLN were identified (82% females, 44% black, 35% Hispanic) with a median follow-up time of 4.1 years. The mean age of MLN onset was 13.7 ± 3.4 years. On initial presentation 69% had nephrotic syndrome and 11% had acute kidney injury. Glucocorticoids were prescribed in 96% of patients and anti-malarials in 88%. Mycophenolate mofetil was the most common non-steroid immunosuppressive agent (69%), followed by rituximab (25%), cyclophosphamide (18%), and azathioprine (9%). Renin–angiotensin aldosterone system blocking agents were prescribed in 78% of patients. Of 37 patients with ≥2 years of follow-up, 74% achieved complete renal response at 24 months. No predictor variable of complete renal response was identified in this small cohort. Renal flares occurred in 48% of patients (86% proteinuric, 14% nephritic). On subsequent renal biopsy, 13% patients had developed proliferative nephritis. This single-center cohort of childhood-onset MLN showed favorable outcomes. Utilizing pediatric renal outcomes definitions, we found that response rates were high, as were rates of renal flare.
Teacher Self-Efficacy and Intentions to Use Antibullying Practices as Predictors of Children's Peer Victimization

Teachers are key players in efforts to address school bullying and peer victimization. Recent studies found that teachers' responses to peer victimization can vary based on their beliefs and attitu...
Is Drug Testing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Applicants a Good Use of Government Funds

In March of 2017, the Arkansas State Senate voted to make permanent its two-year pilot program to screen all eligible Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) applicants for drugs and test individuals suspected of using drugs. Proponents of the new law argue that it will deter drug use and save the state money through withheld benefits of otherwise qualified new applicants and those up for renewal that test positive and do not enter a treatment program. This paper examines the marginal cost and marginal benefit of drug testing TANF recipients to determine if it is financially valuable for the state of Arkansas.
The bright lights: The development of oppositional consciousness among DACAmented Latino youth:

This study asks the question, “How do diverse social spaces support or constrain the development of oppositional consciousness among DACAmented Latina/o youth?” Our analysis is based on 40 in-depth...
Abstract TP158: Neural Function and Injury Combined Best Predict Behavioral Gains During Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

Background: A better understanding of the mechanisms of recovery during rehabilitation could inform treatment decision-making. We tested two hypotheses: [1] a combination of neural function and inj...
Immune response in Parkinson’s disease driven by HLA display of α-synuclein peptides

Abnormal processing of self-proteins can produce epitopes presented by major histocompatibility (MHC) proteins to be recognized by specific T cells that escaped central tolerance during thymic selection. Such actions by the acquired immune system are widely held to produce autoimmune disorders such as Type-1 diabetes. While not considered to possess autoimmune features, neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the altered processing of specific proteins. One of the major pathological features of Parkinson’s disease are the presence of intraneuronal aggregrates known as Lewy bodies and neurites composed of α-synuclein. Genetic studies associate Parkinson’s disease with DRB5*01 and DRB1*15:01 MHC alleles. To address the hypothesis that Parkinson’s disease is associated with T cell recognition of epitopes derived from α-synuclein and presented by specific MHC alleles, we recruited 67 Parkinson’s disease patients and 36 age-matched non-Parkinson’s healthy controls. We found that a defined set of peptides derived from α-synuclein, act as antigenic epitopes displayed by these alleles and drive helper and cytotoxic T cell responses in Parkinson’s disease patients. We identified two antigenic regions in α-synuclein, the first near the N terminus (aa31-46), which was bound by DRB1*15:01 and DRB5*01:01, and the second near the C terminus, which required phosphorylation of an amino acid residue (S129). These α-synuclein epitopes were shown to arise from natural processing of both extracellular native α-synuclein and the fibrilized form associated with Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis. These responses may explain the association of Parkinson’s disease with alleles of the acquired immune system.
Does Stereotactic Radiosurgery Have a Role in the Management of Patients Presenting With 4 or More Brain Metastases

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) are effective treatments for management of brain metastases. Prospective trials comparing the 2 modalities in patients with fewer than 4 brain metastases demonstrate that overall survival (OS) is similar. Intracranial failure is more common after SRS, while WBRT is associated with neurocognitive decline. As technology has advanced, fewer technical obstacles remain for treating patients with 4 or more brain metastases with SRS, but level I data supporting its use are lacking. Observational prospective studies and retrospective series indicate that in patients with 4 or more brain metastases, performance status, total volume of intracranial disease, histology, and rate of development of new brain metastases predict outcomes more accurately than the number of brain metastases. It may be reasonable to initially offer SRS to some patients with 4 or more brain metastases. Initiating therapy with SRS avoids the acute and late sequelae of WBRT. Multiple phase III trials of SRS vs WBRT, both currently open or under development, are directly comparing quality of life and OS for patients with 4 or more brain metastases to help answer the question of SRS appropriateness for these patients.
Luther, Martin (1483–1546)

Martin Luther, instigator of the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation in Germany, had enormous impact on the standardization of the German language because of his use of the German vernacular in many of his theological treatises, sermons, and political tracts, but especially because of his translation of the Bible.
Positive Parents and Negative Peers: Assessing the Nature and Order of Caregiver and Friend Effects in Predicting Early Delinquency:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nature and direction of the relationship between parenting and peer effects in predicting early delinquency. The parenting–peer relationship was evalua...
Effective Reduction of Postoperative Infections through Routine Preoperative Decolonization with Chlorhexidine and Mupirocin Prior to Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Purpose Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are increasingly being used in patients with advanced heart failure. Infections are a major complication associated with LVADs. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of a decolonization protocol with chlorhexidine and intranasal mupirocin ointment on postoperative surgical site infection (SSIs), central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), and infection related rehospitalization within 90 days of LVAD implantation. Methods There were 74 subjects, with 37 in a historical control group and 37 in the decolonization group. Data regarding infection in the control group was obtained from retrospective chart review, while decolonized patients were followed prospectively. Patients in the decolonization group were treated with a daily 4% chlorhexidine full-body wash as well as 2% intranasal mupirocin ointment twice daily for five days prior LVAD implantation. Results There was only 1 SSI In the decolonization group, while in the standard protocol group there were total of eight SSIs, which was statistically significant (p = 0.013). The reduction in infection was observed at each timepoint across the 90 days of follow up, suggesting a benefit from decolonization that extended beyond the immediate perioperative period. There was no difference seen in CLABSI or CAUTI. There were less rehospitalizations in the decolonization group. All of the infectious organisms identified were gram positive bacteria. Conclusion A preoperative universal decolonization with chlorhexidine and intranasal mupirocin has been effective in reducing postoperative SSIs in our LVAD patient population and has been adopted as a standard for our program. Additional studies are needed to assess the effect of universal decolonization in preventing post-operative infection in LVAD patients.
The role of large scale computing in computer science education: panel presentation

The vast majority of Fortune 500 companies use mainframe-computing platforms. However, few universities expose students to this environment. Mainframes continue to show leadership capabilities in the areas such as security, reliability, scalability, flexibility, and integration. As businesses continue to rely on mainframe computers to power their transformation into on-demand enterprises, and as the average age of a "mainframe programmer" continues to increase, there is a growing demand for software developers with these large scale computing skills; having these skills will give students a competitive advantage when looking for employment. Recently, Widener University, JP Morgan Chase, and IBM developed a new large systems computing program using the IBM systems Z9 mainframe. In this panel, we will share experience and new ideas of the program with all attendees, including (1) the importance of large scale computing, (2) course goals, outline and examples of lab assignments, large scale computing lab at Widener University, (3) student perceptions of the large scale computing course at Widener University. By generating discussion, we hope that we can provide others with additional ideas to consider in their curriculum.
12 – The Monetarists

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the monetarist's point of view of money's impact on a modern economy. Monetarists belong to a school of economic thought that analyzes economic activity in terms of exchange. Money, as the medium of exchange, occupies a central position in the monetarist model of the economy. Monetarists see control of the money supply as the most important aspect of economic policy. They view all economic policy as being dependent upon changes in the money supply. Monetary policy, then, can directly affect aggregate demand. Fiscal policy is ineffective unless monetary policy is also used. Monetarists suggest that fiscal policies should be minimized. Monetary policy should not be used either, because sudden rises and falls in the money supply designed to fight inflation or unemployment would instead cause economic ills. For balanced growth of aggregate demand and supply, the monetarist's for a slow, steady expansion of the money supply at about the same rate as the historical expansion of money demand. Monetarists call for this policy of rules rather than discretionary actions.
Computational Electrostatics Predict Variations in SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Human ACE2 Interactions

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus that is presumed to have emerged from bats to crossover into humans in late 2019. As the global pandemic ensues, scientist are working to evaluate the virus and develop a vaccine to counteract the deadly disease that has impacted lives across the entire globe. We perform computational electrostatic simulations on multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 in complex with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) variants to examine differences in electrostatic interactions across the various complexes. Calculations are performed across the physiological pH range to also examine the impact of pH on these interactions. Two of six SARS-CoV-2 variations having greater electric forces at pH levels consistent with nasal secretions and significant variations in force across all five variants of ACE2. Five out of six SARS-CoV-2 variations have relatively consistent forces at pH levels of the lung, and one SARS-CoV-2 variant that has low potential across a wide range of pH. These predictions indicate that variants of SARS-CoV-2 and human ACE2 in certain combinations could potentially play a role in increased binding efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 in vivo.
Exploring the interplay between CDN caching and video streaming performance

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are critical for optimizing Internet video delivery. In this paper, we characterize how CDNs serve video content, and the implications for video performance, especially emerging 4K video streaming. Our work is based on measurements of multiple well known video publishers served by top CDNs. Our results show that (i) video chunks in a session often see heterogeneous behavior in terms of whether they hit in the CDN, and which layer they are served from; and (ii) application throughput can vary significantly even across chunks in a session based on where they are served from. The differences while sensitive to client location and CDN can sometimes be significant enough to impact the viability of 4K streaming. We consider the implications for Adaptive bit rate (ABR) algorithms given they rely on throughput prediction, and are agnostic to whether objects hit in the CDN and where. We evaluate the potential benefits of exposing where a video chunk is served from to the client ABR algorithm in the context of the widely studied model predictive control (MPC) algorithm. Emulation experiments show the approach has the potential to reduce prediction inaccuracies, and enhance video streaming performance.
Correctly folded - but not necessarily functional - influenza virus neuraminidase is required to induce protective antibody responses in mice

Abstract The influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) plays an integral role in the influenza virus life cycle through the release of virions from infected cells. NA-specific antibodies can impede virus replication by binding to the NA and blocking its enzymatic activity, providing significant protection from influenza-associated morbidity and mortality. NA included in current seasonal influenza virus vaccines exhibits low immunogenicity, potentially caused by compromised antigenic integrity during vaccine production. To determine how certain types of “stress” could influence the antigenicity of NA we performed a series of in vitro experiments where we treated NA with formalin, EDTA or heat and measured the impact of these treatments on NA enzymatic activity and structural integrity. We found that increasing concentrations of formalin or EDTA and increasing temperature abolished the enzymatic activity of both H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B purified viruses and recombinant NA proteins. However, formalin and EDTA treatment did not drastically affect conformational epitopes found on the NA, whereas heat treatment abolished conformational epitopes. We next performed a vaccination experiment, where mice were vaccinated with recombinant N2 NA treated with 0.3% formalin or 0.125 M EDTA (which both inactivated NA activity) were protected from virus challenge while animals vaccinated with heat treated NA were not. We next tested the protective effect of monomeric (no enzymatic activity) versus tetrameric (highly active) N1 NA. Again, only the tetrameric form protected mice from challenge while the monomeric form did not. Together, our data demonstrate that enzymatically active NA is not required to induce protective antibody responses as a vaccine, however a correctly folded NA is essential.
A COMBINATORIAL STUDY OF AFFINE SCHUBERT VARIETIES IN THE AFFINE GRASSMANNIAN

Let $$ {\overline{\mathrm{X}}}_{\uplambda} $$ be the closure of the I-orbit $$ {\overline{\mathrm{X}}}_{\uplambda} $$ in the affine Grassmanian Gr of a simple algebraic group G of adjoint type, where I is the Iwahori subgroup and λ is a coweight of G. We find a simple algorithm which describes the set Ψ(λ) of all I-orbits in $$ {\overline{\mathrm{X}}}_{\uplambda} $$ in terms of coweights. We introduce R-operators (associated to positive roots) on the coweight lattice of G, which exactly describe the closure relation of I-orbits. These operators satisfy Braid relations generically on the coweight lattice. We also establish a duality between the set Ψ(λ) and the weight system of the level one affine Demazure module of $$ {}^L\tilde{\mathfrak{g}} $$ indexed by λ, where $$ {}^L\tilde{\mathfrak{g}} $$ is the affine Kac–Moody algebra dual to the affine Kac–Moody Lie algebra $$ \tilde{\mathfrak{g}} $$ associated to the Lie algebra $$ \mathfrak{g} $$ of G.
Critical challenges and advances in the carbon nanotube–metal interface for next-generation electronics

Next-generation electronics can no longer solely rely on conventional materials; miniaturization of portable electronics is pushing Si-based semiconductors and metallic conductors to their operational limits, flexible displays will make common conductive metal oxide materials obsolete, and weight reduction requirement in the aerospace industry demands scientists to seek reliable low-density conductors. Excellent electrical and mechanical properties, coupled with low density, make carbon nanotubes (CNTs) attractive candidates for future electronics. However, translating these remarkable properties into commercial macroscale applications has been disappointing. To fully realize their great potential, CNTs need to be seamlessly incorporated into metallic structures or have to synergistically work alongside them which is still challenging. Here, we review the major challenges in CNT–metal systems that impede their application in electronic devices and highlight significant breakthroughs. A few key applications that can capitalize on CNT–metal structures are also discussed. We specifically focus on the interfacial interaction and materials science aspects of CNT–metal structures.
BOOK REVIEW: The TESOL Encyclopedia of English Language Teaching

Is the seemingly endless search through libraries and bookstores for references, guidance, and authentic resources over forever? Has the invention of the internet with its ever-growing collection of multimedia information made quality knowledge instantly accessible for everyone? Will the manifold forms of non-digital access and storage that were wrought well at birth endure or die? The digital superhighway may seem to endow limitless opportunities, but it has only added another layer of required knowledge to the search, digital literacy. Now, only those with experience in the advanced levels of research and are digitally savvy can discern if what is available is genuine quality or just quantity. In the last two decades alone, blogs, vlogs, and the self-publishing industry have changed the landscape of educational resources. They created a labyrinth of questionable sources and outlets often masked in the clothing of reputable works. As more peer-reviewed journals consider the way of free access versus controlled distribution, and more publications take the path of e-books and digital downloads, questions arise as to how reliable the information available really is.
Direct Observation of Transient Surface Species during Ge Nanowire Growth and Their Influence on Growth Stability

Surface adsorbates are well-established choreographers of material synthesis, but the presence and impact of these short-lived species on semiconductor nanowire growth are largely unknown. Here, we use infrared spectroscopy to directly observe surface adsorbates, hydrogen atoms and methyl groups, chemisorbed to the nanowire sidewall and show they are essential for the stable growth of Ge nanowires via the vapor-liquid-solid mechanism. We quantitatively determine the surface coverage of hydrogen atoms during nanowire growth by comparing ν(Ge-H) absorption bands from operando measurements (i.e., during growth) to those after saturating the nanowire sidewall with hydrogen atoms. This method provides sub-monolayer chemical information at relevant reaction conditions while accounting for the heterogeneity of sidewall surface sites and their evolution during elongation. Our findings demonstrate that changes to surface bonding are critical to understand Ge nanowire synthesis and provide new guidelines for rationally selecting catalysts, forming heterostructures, and controlling dopant profiles.
The Differentiation of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) from N -Methyl- N -Propyl and N -Butyl Amides of Lysergic Acid

The N-methyl-N-propyl, N-methyl-N-isopropy, N-butyl, N-isobutyl, N-sec-butyl and N-tert-butyl amides of lysergic acid were synthesized to determine the specificity of electron impact mass spectroscopy (EI/MS), when combined with other analytical techniques, for the identification of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). After separation of the C8 axial and equatorial isomers by preparative thin-layer chromatography, the amides were subjected to gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and EI/MS. EI/MS, when combined with other analytical techniques, is shown to be capable of differentiating LSD from any of the other compounds included in this study.
Therapeutics targeting inflammation in the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is characterized by improvement in a previously incompetent human immune system manifesting as worsening of clinical symptoms secondary to the ability of the immune system to now mount a vigorous inflammatory response. IRIS was first recognized in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus, and this clinical setting continues to be where it is most frequently encountered. Hallmarks of the pathogenesis of IRIS, independent of the clinical presentation and the underlying pathogen, include excessive activation of the immune system, with increased circulating effector memory T cells, and elevated levels of serum cytokines and inflammatory markers. Patients with undiagnosed opportunistic infections remain at risk for unmasking IRIS at the time of active antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Systematic screening for opportunistic infections before starting ART is a key element to prevent this phenomenon. Appropriate management of IRIS requires prompt recognition of the syndrome and exclusion of alternative diagnoses, particularly underlying infections and drug resistance. Controlled studies supporting the use of pharmacologic interventions in IRIS are scare, and recommendations are based on case series and expert opinions. The only controlled trial published to date, showed reduction in morbidity in patients with paradoxical tuberculosis-related IRIS with the use of oral corticosteroids. There are currently limited data to recommend other anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory therapies that are discussed in this review, and further research is needed. Ongoing research regarding the immune pathogenesis of IRIS will likely direct future rational therapeutic approaches and clinical trials.
Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the thyroid. A 12-year experience with 11,000 biopsies.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid should be used routinely in the evaluation and management of nodular thyroid disease. Our extensive experience (11,000 biopsies) confirms the high sensitivity (98%) and the predictive value (99%) of the procedure for the detection of malignancy. Application of fine-needle aspiration biopsy has increased the surgical yield of cancer (from 14% to 39%). Complications are extremely rare, and the procedure is cost effective.
Did Infant Mortality Decline cause Fertility Decline? Evidence from a Panel Data Analysis of Developing Countries

The nexus between infant mortality decline and fertility decline has been the subject matter of several theoretical and empirical investigations. However, this relationship still remains an open question, as the literature provides only mixed empirical evidence. We investigate this relationship by using a panel data of 47 developing countries from 1960-2012. Using system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation, which allows us to control for potential endogeneity of infant mortality in fertility regression, we conclude that the decrease in infant mortality did not result in the observed fertility decline (a positive association); on the contrary, we observe a negative relationship to exist between the two. This result casts some doubt on Barro-Becker (1989) assertion that altruistic parents favored children's quality over quantity in the presence of declining infant mortality, which led to fertility decline.
Effects of insulin concentration and self-association on the partitioning of its A-21 cyclic anhydride intermediate to desamido insulin and covalent dimer.

Purpose. In the pH range 2–5, human insulin degrades via deamidation at the A-21 asn and covalent dimerization. Both products form via a common cyclic anhydride intermediate, a product of intramolecular nucleophilic attack by the A-21 carboxyl terminus. This study examines the influence of [insulin] and self-association on the partitioning of the intermediate to products.
A note on an application of Arrow's theorem: sufficient conditions for Lucas' inflation and welfare

Bellman's methods for dynamic optimization constitute the present mainstream in economics. However, some results associated with optimal controI can be particularly usefuI in certain problems. The purpose of this note is presenting such an example. The value function derived in Lucas' (2000) shopping-time economy in Infiation and Welfare need not be concave, leading this author to develop numerical analyses to determine if consumer utility is in fact maximized along the balanced path constructed from the first order conditions. We use Arrow's generalization of Mangasarian's results in optimal control theory and develop sufficient conditions for the problem. The analytical conclusions and the previous numerical results are compatible .
Characterization of mutant neutrophil elastase in severe congenital neutropenia.

Severe congenital neutropenia is a heritable human disorder characterized by neutropenia and acute myelogenous leukemia. We recently determined that the majority of cases result fromde novo or autosomal dominantly inherited heterozygous mutations in ELA2, encoding neutrophil elastase. Neutrophil elastase is a chymotryptic serine protease localized in granules of neutrophils and monocytes and is the major target of inhibition of the serpin α1-antitrypsin. The mutations causing severe congenital neutropenia consist of amino acid missense substitutions, in-frame deletion, splice donor mutation producing a deletion, splice acceptor mutation causing insertion of novel residues, and protein truncating mutations of the carboxyl terminus resulting from nonsense substitutions and deletions leading to frameshifts. We have expressed 14 mutant forms of neutrophil elastase in vitro and have characterized their biochemical properties. The mutations have variable effects on proteolytic activity, eliminating the possibility that the disease results from haploinsufficiency. There is no evidence that the mutant enzymes are cytotoxic. The mutant enzymes retain vulnerability to inhibition by α1-antitrypsin, but demonstrate variable avidity for interaction with this serpin. Somewhat surprisingly, the mutant enzymes inhibit the wild type enzyme when both are coexpressed within the same cell, suggesting the potential to interfere with normal subcellular trafficking or post-translational processing.
Insurance company dividend policy decisions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between good corporate governance and dividend payment in the regulated insurance industry.Design/methodology/approach – A modification of Rozeff's transaction cost/agency cost trade‐off model was estimated on a sample of 55 firms in the insurance industry. Data cover a five‐year period ending in 2006.Findings – Consistent with an agency view of dividends functioning to reduce the need for firm monitoring, it was found that there is no relationship between good corporate governance and dividend policy in a regulated industry. In other words, regulation appears to supplant the need for most corporate governance mechanisms and dividend distribution to provide information.Research limitations/implications – One data point used in this study, the corporate governance quotient (CGQ), is a relatively new metric created in 2001. Therefore limited use of this variable has appeared in previous research. Additional work is needed to fully evaluate t...
Latent Class and Finite Mixture Models

Latent class analysis and, more generally, finite mixture models have seen increased use in marketing since the early 1980s. The popularity of latent class and finite mixture models can, in large measure, be traced to the important role individual differences (i.e., heterogeneity) play in understanding marketing and consumer behavior phenomenon. At the most basic level, latent class and finite mixture models have allowed marketing researchers to account for individual heterogeneity when estimating model parameters. Our objectives in this article are twofold: First, we provide an overview of latent class and finite mixture models, which considers basic model forms, estimation, and special cases. Second, we provide a brief discussion of the various model forms and application settings that have relied on latent class and finite mixture models to account for individual-level heterogeneity and, in so doing, provide both a historical perspective and a treatment of some recent developments. Keywords: finite mixture models; latent class models; heterogeneity; concomitant latent variable models; mixture regressions; latent mixture applications
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) air concentrations, hemoglobin changes, and anemia cases in respirator protected TNT munitions demilitarization workers

2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is an explosive used in munitions production that is known to cause both aplastic and hemolytic anemia in exposed workers. Anemia in a TNT worker is considered a sentinel health event (occupational) (SHE(O)) in the United States (US). Deaths have been reported secondary to aplastic anemia. Studies have shown that TNT systemic absorption is significant by both the respiratory and dermal routes. No studies encountered looked at hemoglobin change or anemia cases in respiratory protected workers. It is hypothesized that respiratory protection is insufficient to protect TNT workers from the risk of anemia development and hemoglobin concentration drop. A records review of eight groups of respiratory protected TNT workers’ pre-exposure hemoglobin levels were compared with their during-exposure hemoglobin levels for statistically significant (alpha level 0.05) hemoglobin level changes, and anemia cases were recorded. A curve estimation analysis was performed between mean TNT air concentrations and mean hemoglobin change values. Statistically significant hemoglobin level drops and anemia cases were apparent at TNT air concentrations about the REL and PEL in respiratory protected workers. There were no anemia cases or statistically significant hemoglobin level drops at concentrations about the TLV, however. A statistically significant inverse non-linear regression model was found to be the best fit for regressing hemoglobin change on TNT air concentration. Respiratory protection may be inadequate to prevent workers who are at risk for TNT skin absorption from developing anemia. This study contributes evidence that the TLV should be considered for adoption as the new PEL.
Immunity to Toxocara vitulorum repeated infections in a rabbit model

Abstract Eleven rabbits were infected with 10 embryonated eggs of Toxocara vitulorum per g body weight on Days 0, 35 and 72. Embryonated eggs and larvae were enumerated in feces on Days 1–3 after each infection. Two rabbits were killed and larvae were enumerated in small intestine, liver, lungs, skeletal muscles, heart, kidney, brain, eye, uterus, and mammary glands on Days 5, 15, 30, 65 and 101. Serum was obtained on Days 0, 5, 15, 30, 42, 50, 65, 78, 86 and 101 to perform enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and Western blots against an extract of embryonated eggs. Between 4 and 10% of the administered parasites, almost all embryonated eggs, were found in the feces after the first or second infection, but 32% (27% of them larvae) after the third. Yields of tissue parasites were 4.1% of the administered dose on Day 5, 2% on Day 15, and 0.8% on Day 30 of the first infection, 0.1% on Day 30 of the second infection, and 0.06% on Day 30 of the third. Larvae were found only in liver, lungs and muscle, including heart. Larva content declined steadily in liver and lungs from Day 5 to 30 of the first infection, was absent in the liver at Day 30 of the second, and in both organs at Day 30 of the third. Muscle larva content increased from Day 15 to 30 of the first infection, and persisted throughout the third infection. Production of IgM antibody was minimal, IgG and the sum of IgMGA antibodies increased slightly or moderately after the first and second infections, but dramatically after the third. Western blots revealed the first antigens (12) by Day 15 of the first infection. Their total number increased with time and number of infections, but some antigens disappeared, whereas new antigens appeared in the course of the observations. Four antigens (32 500–41 000 mol.wt.) may be related to protection. Comparison of the Western blot patterns of two rabbits showed differences in the antigens, recognizable for each rabbit.
Statistical potentials for fold assessment

A protein structure model generally needs to be evaluated to assess whether or not it has the correct fold. To improve fold assessment, four types of a residue-level statistical potential were optimized, including distance-dependent, contact, Phi/Psi dihedral angle, and accessible surface statistical potentials. Approximately 10,000 test models with the correct and incorrect folds were built by automated comparative modeling of protein sequences of known structure. The criterion used to discriminate between the correct and incorrect models was the Z-score of the model energy. The performance of a Z-score was determined as a function of many variables in the derivation and use of the corresponding statistical potential. The performance was measured by the fractions of the correctly and incorrectly assessed test models. The most discriminating combination of any one of the four tested potentials is the sum of the normalized distance-dependent and accessible surface potentials. The distance-dependent potential that is optimal for assessing models of all sizes uses both C(alpha) and C(beta) atoms as interaction centers, distinguishes between all 20 standard residue types, has the distance range of 30 A, and is derived and used by taking into account the sequence separation of the interacting atom pairs. The terms for the sequentially local interactions are significantly less informative than those for the sequentially nonlocal interactions. The accessible surface potential that is optimal for assessing models of all sizes uses C(beta) atoms as interaction centers and distinguishes between all 20 standard residue types. The performance of the tested statistical potentials is not likely to improve significantly with an increase in the number of known protein structures used in their derivation. The parameters of fold assessment whose optimal values vary significantly with model size include the size of the known protein structures used to derive the potential and the distance range of the accessible surface potential. Fold assessment by statistical potentials is most difficult for the very small models. This difficulty presents a challenge to fold assessment in large-scale comparative modeling, which produces many small and incomplete models. The results described in this study provide a basis for an optimal use of statistical potentials in fold assessment.
Ecological Effects of Climate Change on Salt Marsh Wildlife: A Case Study from a Highly Urbanized Estuary

Abstract Thorne, K.M.; Takekawa, J.Y., and Elliott-Fisk, D.L., 2012. Ecological effects of climate change on salt marsh wildlife: A case study from a highly urbanized estuary. Coastal areas are high-risk zones subject to the impacts of global climate change, with significant increases in the frequencies of extreme weather and storm events, and sea-level rise forecast by 2100. These physical processes are expected to alter estuaries, resulting in loss of intertidal wetlands and their component wildlife species. In particular, impacts to salt marshes and their wildlife will vary both temporally and spatially and may be irreversible and severe. Synergistic effects caused by combining stressors with anthropogenic land-use patterns could create areas of significant biodiversity loss and extinction, especially in urbanized estuaries that are already heavily degraded. In this paper, we discuss current ideas, challenges, and concerns regarding the maintenance of salt marshes and their resident wildlife in light o...
An Empirical Comparison of Information-Theoretic Selection Criteria for Multivariate Behavior Genetic Models.

Information theory provides an attractive basis for statistical inference and model selection. However, little is known about the relative performance of different information-theoretic criteria in covariance structure modeling, especially in behavioral genetic contexts. To explore these issues, information-theoretic fit criteria were compared with regard to their ability to discriminate between multivariate behavioral genetic models under various model, distribution, and sample size conditions. Results indicate that performance depends on sample size, model complexity, and distributional specification. The Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) is more robust to distributional misspecification than Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) under certain conditions, and outperforms AIC in larger samples and when comparing more complex models. An approximation to the Minimum Description Length (MDL; Rissanen, J. (1996). IEEE Transactions on Information Theory 42:40-47, Rissanen, J. (2001). IEEE Transactions on Information Theory 47:1712-1717) criterion, involving the empirical Fisher information matrix, exhibits variable patterns of performance due to the complexity of estimating Fisher information matrices. Results indicate that a relatively new information-theoretic criterion, Draper's Information Criterion (DIC; Draper, 1995), which shares features of the Bayesian and MDL criteria, performs similarly to or better than BIC. Results emphasize the importance of further research into theory and computation of information-theoretic criteria.
Strides toward a structure-function understanding of cortical representations of allocentric space.

Grid cells, border cells, head-directions cells, and conjunctive correlates found in the Medial Entorhinal Cortex (MEC) indicate the presence of highly specialized neural circuits that process allocentric space. New technical advancements, as described by Tang et al. (2014) in this issue, offer an integrated approach to charting the function and organization of these circuits.
Effects of tubulozole on the amoeboflagellate transformation in Physarum polycephalum

The Amoeboflagellate Transformation (AFT) of Physarum polycephalum involves rapid changes in the cytoskeleton, cell shape and cell motility. Use of pharmacologic agents to probe the role of cytoskeletal elements in the AFT are impeded because the transforming cells are very sensitive to such commonly-used drug solvents as DMSO. The anti-microtubule agent tubulozole is found to disrupt, rapidly and transiently, the AFT, inhibiting flagella formation, cell elongation and the arrangement of microtubules and microfilaments. Cells recover quickly, possibly due to precipitation of the drug; the reappearance of normal arrays of microfilaments and cytoplasmic microtubules lags behind flagella formation.