bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leptin and leptin receptor polymorphisms are associated with poor outcome (death) in patients with non-appendicular secondary peritonitis
Authors: Bracho-Riquelme Rodolfo L , Loera-Castañeda Verónica , Torres-Valenzuela Alejandro , Loera-Castañeda Guadalupe A , Sánchez-Ramírez J Pablo
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Leptin (LEP) and its receptor (LEPR) participate in the immunological response during infection. LEP serum levels rise during sepsis. In patients with peritonitis, an insufficient elevation in serum LEP is associated with an increased risk of death. As gene variants of LEP and LEPR have been associated with diverse pathologic conditions, we explored the association of genetic polymorphisms of LEP or LEPR with death in patients with secondary peritonitis.

Methods

A case control study was undertaken. LEP Gene -2548G > A and the LEPR Gene 223A > G polymorphism were determined in 74 patients. The odds ratio of genotype and allele distribution in survival (control) versus death (case) among patients was calculated. Serum LEP, interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein (C-RP), IL-10 and IL-13 levels were analyzed in 34 patients.

Results

There were significant differences in genotype and allele distribution between survivors and non-survivors for -2548G > A and 223A > G polymorphisms. The presence of the mutant allele A, in -2548, had an odds ratio of 4.64 (95% CI 1.22, 17.67) with significance (P = 0.017) in the risk of death. The presence of mutant allele G, in 223, had an odds ratio of 3.57 (95% CI 1.06, 12.01) with significance in the risk of death (P = 0.033). The presence of allele A in the -2548 polymorphism was associated with differences in serum LEP (P = 0.013), and IL-10 (P = 0.0001). The presence of allele G in 223 polymorphism was likewise correlated with differences in serum LEP (P < 0001), C-RP (P = 0.033), and IL-10 (P = 0.043).

Conclusions

The polymorphisms studied are associated with death in patients with peritonitis of non-appendicular origin. This association is stronger than many known risk-factors related to peritonitis severity, and is independent of body mass. The physiopathologic mechanism is possibly related to an insufficient increase in the elevation of serum LEP levels, and is unrelated to body mass.
Exchangeability-type properties of asset prices
Authors: Molchanov Ilya , Schmutz Michael
Published: September 2011

Let η = (η1,…,ηn) be a positive random vector. If its coordinates ηi and ηj are exchangeable, i.e. the distribution of η is invariant with respect to the swap πij of its ith and jth coordinates, then Ef(η) = Ef(πijη) for all integrable functions f. In this paper we study integrable random vectors that satisfy this identity for a particular family of functions f, namely those which can be written as the positive part of the scalar product 〈u, η〉 with varying weights u. In finance such functions represent payoffs from exchange options with η being the random part of price changes, while from the geometric point of view they determine the support function of the so-called zonoid of η. If the expected values of such payoffs are πij-invariant, we say that η is ij-swap-invariant. A full characterisation of the swap-invariance property and its relationship to the symmetries of expected payoffs of basket options are obtained. The first of these results relies on a characterisation theorem for integrable positive random vectors with equal zonoids. Particular attention is devoted to the case of asset prices driven by Lévy processes. Based on this, concrete semi-static hedging techniques for multi-asset barrier options, such as weighted barrier swap options, weighted barrier quanto-swap options, or certain weighted barrier spread options, are suggested.
A Berry-Esseen bound for the lightbulb process
Authors: Goldstein Larry , Zhang Haimeng
Published: September 2011

In the so-called lightbulb process, on daysr= 1,…,n, out ofnlightbulbs, all initially off, exactlyrbulbs, selected uniformly and independent of the past, have their status changed from off to on, or vice versa. WithXthe number of bulbs on at the terminal timen, an even integer, and μ =n/2, σ2= var(X), we have supz∈R| P((X- μ)/σ ≤z) - P(Z≤z) | ≤nΔ̅0/2σ2+ 1.64n/σ3+ 2/σ, whereZis a standard normal random variable and Δ̅0= 1/2√n+ 1/2n+ e−n/2/3 forn≥ 6, yielding a bound of orderO(n−1/2) asn→ ∞. A similar, though slightly larger bound, holds for oddn. The results are shown using a version of Stein's method for bounded, monotone size bias couplings. The argument for evenndepends on the construction of a variableXson the same space asXthat has theX-size bias distribution, that is, which satisfies E[Xg(X)] = μE[g(Xs)] for all bounded continuousg, and for which there exists aB≥ 0, in this caseB= 2, such thatX≤Xs≤X+Balmost surely. The argument for oddnis similar to that for evenn, but one first couplesXclosely toV, a symmetrized version ofX, for which a size bias coupling ofVtoVscan proceed as in the even case. In both the even and odd cases, the crucial calculation of the variance of a conditional expectation requires detailed information on the spectral decomposition of the lightbulb chain.
Rumor Processes on N
Authors: Junior Valdivino V. , Machado Fábio P. , Zuluaga Mauricio
Published: September 2011

We study four discrete-time stochastic systems on N, modeling processes of rumor spreading. The involved individuals can either have an active or a passive role, speaking up or asking for the rumor. The appetite for spreading or hearing the rumor is represented by a set of random variables whose distributions may depend on the individuals. Our goal is to understand - based on the distribution of the random variables - whether the probability of having an infinite set of individuals knowing the rumor is positive or not.
Heavy-Traffic Limits for Nearly Deterministic Queues
Authors: Sigman Karl , Whitt Ward
Published: September 2011

We establish heavy-traffic limits for nearly deterministic queues, such as the G/D/n many-server queue. Since waiting times before starting service in the G/D/n queue are equivalent to waiting times in an associated Gn/D/1 model, where the Gn interarrival times are the sum of n consecutive interarrival times in the original model, we focus on the Gn/D/1 model and the generalization to Gn/Gn/1, where ‘cyclic thinning’ is applied to both the arrival and service processes. We establish different limits in two cases: (i) when (1 − ρn)√n → β as n → ∞ and (ii) when (1 − ρn)n → β as n → ∞, where ρn is the traffic intensity in model n. The nearly deterministic feature leads to interesting nonstandard scaling.
Stochastic Intensity for Minimal Repairs in Heterogeneous Populations
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Finkelstein Maxim
Published: September 2011

In this note we revisit the discussion on minimal repair in heterogeneous populations in Finkelstein (2004). We consider the corresponding stochastic intensities (intensity processes) for items in heterogeneous populations given available information on their operational history, i.e. the failure (repair) times and the time since the last failure (repair). Based on the improved definitions, the setup of Finkelstein (2004) is modified and the main results are corrected in accordance with the updating procedure for the conditional frailty distribution.
On the Convolution of Heterogeneous Bernoulli Random Variables
Authors: Xu Maochao , Balakrishnan N.
Published: September 2011

In this paper, some ordering properties of convolutions of heterogeneous Bernoulli random variables are discussed. It is shown that, under some suitable conditions, the likelihood ratio order and the reversed hazard rate order hold between convolutions of two heterogeneous Bernoulli sequences. The results established here extend and strengthen the previous results of Pledger and Proschan (1971) and Boland, Singh and Cukic (2002).
Tree Polymers in the Infinite Volume Limit at Critical Strong Disorder
Authors: Johnson Torrey , Waymire Edward C.
Published: September 2011

The almost-sure existence of a polymer probability in the infinite volume limit is readily obtained under general conditions of weak disorder from standard theory on multiplicative cascades or branching random walks. However, speculations in the case of strong disorder have been mixed. In this note existence of an infinite volume probability is established at critical strong disorder for which one has convergence in probability. Some calculations in support of a specific formula for the almost-sure asymptotic variance of the polymer path under strong disorder are also provided.
Band-selective Mirror Characteristics of Polymer/Metal Multilayer Films
Authors: Matsubayashi Akihiro , Fukunaga Kenji , Tsuji Tetsuro , Ataka Kikuo , Ohsaki Hisashi , Tanaka Keiji
Published: September 2011

The optical characteristics of polymer/metal composite films having metal nanoparticles periodically aligned in rows were explored. They were prepared by irradiating ultraviolet light on the polymer films containing metal complex spin-coated on a reflective surface. The films were found to exhibit band-selective mirror characteristics. The wavelength of maximum reflection can be controlled by changing the incident angle of the irradiating light.
RNAcentral: A vision for an international database of RNA sequences
Authors: Bateman Alex , Agrawal Shipra , Birney Ewan , Bruford Elspeth A. , Bujnicki Janusz M. , Cochrane Guy , Cole James R. , Dinger Marcel E. , Enright Anton J. , Gardner Paul P. , Gautheret Daniel , Griffiths-Jones Sam , Harrow Jen , Herrero Javier , Holmes Ian H. , Huang Hsien-Da , Kelly Krystyna A. , Kersey Paul , Kozomara Ana , Lowe Todd M. , Marz Manja , Moxon Simon , Pruitt Kim D. , Samuelsson Tore , Stadler Peter F. , Vilella Albert J. , Vogel Jan-Hinnerk , Williams Kelly P. , Wright Mathew W. , Zwieb Christian
Published: September 2011

During the last decade there has been a great increase in the number of noncoding RNA genes identified, including new classes such as microRNAs and piRNAs. There is also a large growth in the amount of experimental characterization of these RNA components. Despite this growth in information, it is still difficult for researchers to access RNA data, because key data resources for noncoding RNAs have not yet been created. The most pressing omission is the lack of a comprehensive RNA sequence database, much like UniProt, which provides a comprehensive set of protein knowledge. In this article we propose the creation of a new open public resource that we term RNAcentral, which will contain a comprehensive collection of RNA sequences and fill an important gap in the provision of biomedical databases. We envision RNA researchers from all over the world joining a federated RNAcentral network, contributing specialized knowledge and databases. RNAcentral would centralize key data that are currently held across a variety of databases, allowing researchers instant access to a single, unified resource. This resource would facilitate the next generation of RNA research and help drive further discoveries, including those that improve food production and human and animal health. We encourage additional RNA database resources and research groups to join this effort. We aim to obtain international network funding to further this endeavor.
The effect of acidification and oxalate concentration on urine calcium measurements in EQAS materials and patient samples
Authors: Gammeren Adriaan J. van , Haperen Corrie van , Kuypers Aldy W.H.M.
Published: September 2011

An increase in urine calcium compared to the consensus value was observed in some urine samples of the Dutch External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS). It appeared that the increase was due to the addition of oxalate by the EQAS organizers and preanalytical acidification of the samples by some of the participants. Because of this observation, the effect of urine acidification on urine calcium level in EQAS and patient samples with added oxalate was investigated.

Twenty-four EQAS urine samples and 20 patient urine samples were subject to recovery measurements of urine calcium before and after addition of sodium oxalate and acidification.

Differences in urine calcium between acidified and non-acidified samples up to 30.9% have been observed in EQAS samples with added oxalate. Patient samples show differences up to 80%. Differences between acidified and non-acidified samples are minimal for low calcium oxalate levels but increase with higher levels. Samples without added oxalate show equal urine calcium results between acidified and non-acidified samples.

Urine calcium results are decreased in non-acidified samples with an excess of oxalate. In case of hyperoxaluria, acidification of patient urine collections and EQAS samples is recommended for correct urine calcium values.
Validation of commercial assays for measurements of trefoil factor family peptides in serum
Authors: Samson Mie H. , Nexo Ebba
Published: September 2011

Trefoil peptides (TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3) are 7–12 kDa molecules, secreted by mucin-producing epithelial cells. Increased serum concentrations have been reported in a number of pathological conditions, which warrants the need for validated commercially available assays.

We validated commercial assays for TFF1-3 and compared results obtained with our in-house assays, using serum from blood donors.

Level of detection was: ≤0.008 nmol/L. Measuring ranges were: 0.032–0.51 (TFF1), 0.038–0.76 (TFF2) and 0.019–0.15 (TFF3) nmol/L. Imprecision (CV), judged from the measurement of serum pools in two levels, was below 9% (TFF2 and TFF3) but up to 18% (mean 0.41 nmol/L) for TFF1. No cross reactivity between the TFFs (concentrations >100 nmol/L) was observed. The 95% non-parametric reference intervals were: <0.0032–0.53 (TFF1), 0.099–1.4 (TFF2) and 0.086–0.87 (TFF3) nmol/L. Comparing commercial to in-house assays (n=132), showed biases explained by differences in the calibrators (TFF1 and TFF2). A number of samples showed markedly different results.

The commercial assays for TFF2 and TFF3 are acceptable for use on serum samples, while the TFF1 assay revealed a poor imprecision and a too narrow measuring range. Results obtained with the commercial and the in-house assays differed, partly because of differences in the calibrators employed.
Characterization of MWLs from Tamarix ramosissima isolated before and after hydrothermal treatment by spectroscopical and wet chemical methods
Authors: Xiao Ling-Ping , Shi Zheng-Jun , Xu Feng , Sun Run-Cang
Published: September 2011

To improve enzymatic hydrolysis, hydrothermal treatment was carried out on the shrubTamarix ramosissima. Milled wood lignin (MWL) was isolated fromT. ramosissimastems before and after hydrothermal treatment, and its chemical structure was characterized by carbohydrate analysis, elemental analysis, methoxy group determination, FT-IR spectroscopy, quantitative13C NMR spectroscopy, 2D heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. The analyses confirmed thatT. ramosissimaMWL is very rich in syringyl units. It was found that the main reaction responsible for the lignin degradation is the homolytic cleavage of aryl-ether bonds resulting in a reduced amount of β-O-4′ interlinkages and, as a consequence, in elevated amounts of β-β′ and β-5′ linkages. The MWL isolated from the pretreated solid residue was more condensed and had a lower molecular weight than the MWL isolated from untreated material.
APPLE for the Teacher – Scientists in the Classroom: From Grassroots to Productive Orchard
Authors: Twigg Pamela , Lamb Neil , Du Breuil Rusla , Zahorchak Bob
Published: September 2011

We describe the implementation of "APPLE for the Teacher," an alternative education outreach program that augments teacher efforts in presenting specific AP Biology laboratory exercises and at the same time involves the community in the educational process. The program is 5 years old and is staffed primarily by volunteers. We discuss the experiences of participants and lessons learned during the program's implementation and growth.
Science in Your Own Backyard: Using Locally Abundant Caterpillars & Plants to Teach about Herbivory
Authors: Mallory Heather S. , Weiss Martha R.
Published: September 2011

National science standards require an understanding of animal behavior, diversity, and adaptations of organisms, as well as the concept of science as inquiry. We have developed a hands-on classroom activity that addresses these standards through teaching about herbivory and diet breadth, using locally abundant caterpillars and plants. This activity provides students with opportunities for careful observation, data collection and analysis, and development of testable hypotheses for further experimentation. The lesson can be adapted to different grade levels, with students taking on varied levels of responsibility for formulation of hypotheses, experimental design, data collection, and data analysis.
Population Growth in Euglena: A Student-Designed Investigation Combining Ecology, Cell Biology, & Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Oswald Christine , Kwiatkowski Stephen
Published: September 2011

We describe the use of Euglena gracilis for student-designed investigations of environmental factors that affect population growth of this unicellular flagellate. Each group of students can choose a topic of interest to them, but within the confines of a simple cell culture system that requires little space for each student group, and at a fairly low cost. Students are provided with stock cultures of E. gracilis, along with detailed instructions on preparing control medium and counting cells using a hemocytometer. Students then design their own experiments to test factors that possibly affect population growth over several weeks.
Sentencing Within Sentencing
Authors: Shames Alison
Published: September 2011

Guest editor Alison Shames introduces this issue of Federal Sentencing Reporter, which focuses on sentencing and the last fifty years of programs developed by the Vera Institute of Justice. When a judge sentences a convicted defendant, he or she takes into account many factors and tries to achieve one or more of the oft-cited purposes of punishment: incapacitation (to protect the public from further crimes committed by the defendant), deterrence, restitution, retribution, and rehabilitation. The federal sentencing statute instructs the court not to impose a sentence greater than necessary to accomplish the goals the sentence is crafted to achieve. What the statutes, guidelines, case law, or even the defense attorney don't mention, however, is that a criminal sentence imposed after a conviction does not fully define the punishment meted out to a defendant. People involved in the criminal justice system are, in fact, punished at multiple points.
Innovations in Public Defense as an Investment in Better Sentencing
Authors: Stone Christopher
Published: September 2011

The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS) opened its doors in 1990, hoping to demonstrate the benefits of a community-based, team-based public defender that began representation from the moment of arrest, or even earlier. Although pretrial detention time was not statistically different for NDS clients compared with similar defendants, NDS clients ultimately received significantly shorter sentences, and the savings to the government in terms of jail and prison time were substantial. More than twenty years after its debut, NDS continues to show that high-quality public defense can play an important role in any strategy to unwind mass incarceration while improving the quality of criminal justice generally.
Balancing Punishment and Treatment: Alternatives to Incarceration in New York City
Authors: Porter Rachel , Lee Sophia , Lutz Mary
Published: September 2011

This article is excerpted from Rachel Porter, Sophia Lee, and Mary Lutz's 100-page report of the same name originally published by the Vera Institute of Justice in 2002. The report assesses the operation of the alternatives to incarceration (ATI) program for dealing with defendants accused of felonies. This research has shown that the ATI system represents a valuable sentencing option in the city. The criminal justice system in New York City includes a unique network of alternatives to incarceration: a coordinated set of programs to which judges may send criminal offenders instead of sentencing them to jail. The programs balance punishment and treatment for felony offenders without compromising public safety, and they have the potential to reduce reoffending.
“Do I Have to Learn What a 'Crime of Moral Turpitude' Is?”: The World Before and After Padilla v. Kentucky
Authors: Hartzler Kara
Published: September 2011

For noncitizen criminal defendants, a guilty sentence often means deportation. For many years, confusion and inconsistency governed the question of whether a criminal defense attorney had a duty to advise a noncitizen defendant on the immigration consequences of a conviction. Before Padilla v. Kentucky, thousands of defendants—especially those who were incarcerated—received no advice on immigration consequences and unknowingly signed pleas that would lead to their deportation. When the landmark Padilla decision was issued, defense attorney reactions ranged from ecstatic celebration to feigned nonchalance to outright panic. Everyone knew that they had just witnessed a revolution in the field of criminal justice, but no one knew when or how the casualties would arrive. Would every attorney be required to learn immigration law? Interpretations of Padilla vary, and many criminal defense attorneys remain uncertain of their obligations under Padilla and how to fulfill them.
Reflections on The First Month Out: Reentry Then and Now
Authors: Nelson Marta
Published: September 2011

One of the people involved in the 1999 Vera Institute of Justice research project The First Month Out—which explored and documented the reality of prisoners' experiences in the days and weeks following release from prison or jail—discusses the ramifications of the report. The author describes everything from the project's personal impact on her, to its positive effects on reentry practices, to the flaws in its design. The First Month Out details where opportunities to connect with family, find work, or enter treatment made a difference to individuals' success. Furthermore, reentry providers and researchers have made the case that providing opportunities, particularly for work, during the reentry period can reduce recidivism. The author concludes that meeting the needs of returning community members is an important piece of a bigger agenda: investing in and growing human capital in the United States.
Introduction to the Manhattan Bail Project
Authors: McElroy Jerome E.
Published: September 2011

Concern over the injustice of the money bail system led the founders of the Vera Institute of Justice to design and implement the Manhattan Bail Project in 1961. The Project demonstrated that people with strong ties to the community could be safely released from custody without bail merely on their promise to return to court—called release on recognizance. Federal, state, and local officials should be encouraged to examine their systems and implement a more just, more rational, and less costly system of ensuring appearance and protecting public safety while those charged but presumed innocent await the disposition of the charges. Toward that end, Attorney General Eric Holder convened a national conference on bail and criminal justice in June 2011 that presented another opportunity to realize the Manhattan Bail Project's mission: bringing pretrial justice to the significant proportion of impoverished defendants brought before the criminal courts.
Is It Worth the Costs? Using Cost-Benefit Analysis to Minimize the Collateral Consequences of Convictions
Authors: Levshin Valerie
Published: September 2011

The collateral consequences of criminal convictions are costly for convicted individuals, victims, taxpayers, and society as a whole. Many of these costs are above and beyond the initial sentence, and they have far-reaching consequences. People with criminal records often struggle to find jobs, attend college, receive public benefits, and vote. Many reoffend, which places a high-priced burden on the victims, the surrounding community, and the taxpayers who fund the justice system. Fortunately, programs and policies can address these effects. But debates surrounding these programs and policies are often dominated by one of two perspectives: either a focus on the anticipated benefits or a primary concern with costs. Cost-benefit analysis can be an enormously helpful tool for policymakers when assessing the merits of a program and determining whether to invest scarce resources in criminal justice programs and policies.
In Memoriam: A Tribute to Professor Daniel J. Freed
Authors: Stith Kate , Gertner Nancy , Yakren Sofia
Published: September 2011

Yale Law Professor Daniel J. Freed, a cofounder of Federal Sentencing Reporter and a Vera trustee for nearly forty years, is a legendary figure in the worlds of sentencing, bail, and criminal justice generally. With his gentle but incisive approach, Dan Freed was—and still is—a moral and intellectual North Star for generations of lawyers, judges, professors, and criminal justice policymakers. No collection of articles or stories about Vera and sentencing would be complete without a discussion of Dan. A fellow Yale professor, a judge, and a former Yale Law School student offer their personal reflections about Dan Freed the reformer, the scholar, the colleague, the teacher, and the cherished friend.
A General Definition of the Heritable Variation That Determines the Potential of a Population to Respond to Selection
Authors: Bijma Piter
Published: September 2011

Genetic selection is a major force shaping life on earth. In classical genetic theory, response to selection is the product of the strength of selection and the additive genetic variance in a trait. The additive genetic variance reflects a population’s intrinsic potential to respond to selection. The ordinary additive genetic variance, however, ignores the social organization of life. With social interactions among individuals, individual trait values may depend on genes in others, a phenomenon known as indirect genetic effects. Models accounting for indirect genetic effects, however, lack a general definition of heritable variation. Here I propose a general definition of the heritable variation that determines the potential of a population to respond to selection. This generalizes the concept of heritable variance to any inheritance model and level of organization. The result shows that heritable variance determining potential response to selection is the variance among individuals in the heritable quantity that determines the population mean trait value, rather than the usual additive genetic component of phenotypic variance. It follows, therefore, that heritable variance may exceed phenotypic variance among individuals, which is impossible in classical theory. This work also provides a measure of the utilization of heritable variation for response to selection and integrates two well-known models of maternal genetic effects. The result shows that relatedness between the focal individual and the individuals affecting its fitness is a key determinant of the utilization of heritable variance for response to selection.
Bayesian Detection of Expression Quantitative Trait Loci Hot Spots
Authors: Bottolo Leonardo , Petretto Enrico , Blankenberg Stefan , Cambien François , Cook Stuart A , Tiret Laurence , Richardson Sylvia
Published: September 2011

High-throughput genomics allows genome-wide quantification of gene expression levels in tissues and cell types and, when combined with sequence variation data, permits the identification of genetic control points of expression (expression QTL or eQTL). Clusters of eQTL influenced by single genetic polymorphisms can inform on hotspots of regulation of pathways and networks, although very few hotspots have been robustly detected, replicated, or experimentally verified. Here we present a novel modeling strategy to estimate the propensity of a genetic marker to influence several expression traits at the same time, based on a hierarchical formulation of related regressions. We implement this hierarchical regression model in a Bayesian framework using a stochastic search algorithm, HESS, that efficiently probes sparse subsets of genetic markers in a high-dimensional data matrix to identify hotspots and to pinpoint the individual genetic effects (eQTL). Simulating complex regulatory scenarios, we demonstrate that our method outperforms current state-of-the-art approaches, in particular when the number of transcripts is large. We also illustrate the applicability of HESS to diverse real-case data sets, in mouse and human genetic settings, and show that it provides new insights into regulatory hotspots that were not detected by conventional methods. The results suggest that the combination of our modeling strategy and algorithmic implementation provides significant advantages for the identification of functional eQTL hotspots, revealing key regulators underlying pathways.
Opening Pathways for Underrepresented High School Students to Biomedical Research Careers: The Emory University RISE Program
Authors: Rohrbaugh Margaret C , Corces Victor G
Published: September 2011

Increasing the college graduation rates of underrepresented minority students in science disciplines is essential to attain a diverse workforce for the 21st century. The Research Internship and Science Education (RISE) program attempts to motivate and prepare students from the Atlanta Public School system, where underrepresented minority (URM) students comprise a majority of the population, for biomedical science careers by offering the opportunity to participate in an original research project. Students work in a research laboratory from the summer of their sophomore year until graduation, mentored by undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (postdocs). In addition, they receive instruction in college-level biology, scholastic assessment test (SAT) preparation classes, and help with the college application process. During the last 4 yr, RISE students have succeeded in the identification and characterization of a series of proteins involved in the regulation of nuclear organization and transcription. All but 1 of 39 RISE students have continued on to 4-year college undergraduate studies and 61% of those students are currently enrolled in science-related majors. These results suggest that the use of research-based experiences at the high school level may contribute to the increased recruitment of underrepresented students into science-related careers.
Interactions Among Flower-Size QTL ofMimulus guttatusAre Abundant but Highly Variable in Nature
Authors: Kelly John K , Mojica Julius P
Published: September 2011

The frequency and character of interactions among genes influencing complex traits remain unknown. Our ignorance is most acute for segregating variation within natural populations, the epistasis most relevant for quantitative trait evolution. Here, we report a comprehensive survey of interactions among a defined set of flower-size QTL: loci polymorphic within a single natural population of yellow monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus). We find that epistasis is typical. Observed phenotypes routinely differ from those predicted on the basis of direct allelic affects in the isogenic background, although the direction of deviations is highly variable. Across QTL pairs, there are significantly positive and negative interactions for every trait. Across traits, specific locus pairs routinely exhibit both positive and negative interactions. There was a tendency for negative epistasis to accompany positive direct effects and vice versa for the trait of corolla width, which may be due, at least in part, to the fact that QTL were identified from their direct effects on this trait.
Identification and Characterization of Genes Required for Compensatory Growth in Drosophila
Authors: Gerhold Abigail R , Richter Daniel J , Yu Albert S , Hariharan Iswar K
Published: September 2011

To maintain tissue homeostasis, some organs are able to replace dying cells with additional proliferation of surviving cells. Such proliferation can be localized (e.g., a regeneration blastema) or diffuse (compensatory growth). The relationship between such growth and the growth that occurs during development has not been characterized in detail. Drosophila melanogaster larval imaginal discs can recover from extensive damage, producing normally sized adult organs. Here we describe a system using genetic mosaics to screen for recessive mutations that impair compensatory growth. By generating clones of cells that carry a temperature-sensitive cell-lethal mutation, we conditionally ablate patches of tissue in the imaginal disc and assess the ability of the surviving sister clones to replace the lost tissue. We have used this system together with a modified whole-genome resequencing (WGS) strategy to identify several mutations that selectively compromise compensatory growth. We find specific alleles of bunched (bun) and Ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase large subunit (RnrL) reduce compensatory growth in the imaginal disc. Other genes identified in the screen, including two alleles of Topoisomerase 3-alpha (Top3α), while also required for developmental growth, appear to have an enhanced requirement during compensatory growth. Compensatory growth occurs at a higher rate than normal growth and may therefore have features in common with some types of overgrowth. Indeed, the RnrL allele identified compromises both these types of altered growth and mammalian ribonucleotide reductase and topoisomerases are targets of anticancer drugs. Finally, the approach we describe is applicable to the study of compensatory growth in diverse tissues in Drosophila.
Regulation of Manganese Antioxidants by Nutrient Sensing Pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Reddi Amit R , Culotta Valeria C
Published: September 2011

In aerobic organisms, protection from oxidative damage involves the combined action of enzymatic and nonproteinaceous cellular factors that collectively remove harmful reactive oxygen species. One class of nonproteinaceous antioxidants includes small molecule complexes of manganese (Mn) that can scavenge superoxide anion radicals and provide a backup for superoxide dismutase enzymes. Such Mn antioxidants have been identified in diverse organisms; however, nothing regarding their physiology in the context of cellular adaptation to stress was known. Using a molecular genetic approach in Bakers’ yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we report that the Mn antioxidants can fall under control of the same pathways used for nutrient sensing and stress responses. Specifically, a serine/threonine PAS-kinase, Rim15p, that is known to integrate phosphate, nitrogen, and carbon sensing, can also control Mn antioxidant activity in yeast. Rim15p is negatively regulated by the phosphate-sensing kinase complex Pho80p/Pho85p and by the nitrogen-sensing Akt/S6 kinase homolog, Sch9p. We observed that loss of either of these upstream kinase sensors dramatically inhibited the potency of Mn as an antioxidant. Downstream of Rim15p are transcription factors Gis1p and the redundant Msn2/Msn4p pair that typically respond to nutrient and stress signals. Both transcription factors were found to modulate the potency of the Mn antioxidant but in opposing fashions: loss of Gis1p was seen to enhance Mn antioxidant activity whereas loss of Msn2/4p greatly suppressed it. Our observed roles for nutrient and stress response kinases and transcription factors in regulating the Mn antioxidant underscore its physiological importance in aerobic fitness.
Chloride threshold value for reinforcement corrosion in concrete with additions of silica fume or fly ash
Authors: Xu Jinxia , Jiang Linhua , Wang Weilun , Xu Yi , Jiang Yu
Published: September 2011

The objective of this study is to evaluate the influences of silica fume and pulverised fly ash on the chloride threshold value for the corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete. The chloride ions were introduced into concrete specimens made with ordinary Portland cement alone and a mixture of ordinary Portland cement and the partial replacements of cement with silica fume and pulverised fly ash at three levels by an immersing–drying cycle procedure. Half-cell potential and linear polarisation methods were applied to detect the initiation of pitting corrosion for the steel reinforcement. The threshold values were expressed as free chloride or total chloride by mass of binder, as well as [Cl−]/[OH−] and [Cl−]/[H+]. It has been found that the changes of the chloride threshold value with the additions of pulverised fly ash and silica fume intensively depend on the representations. Especially, the critical [Cl−]/[H+], regardless of the type and content of mineral admixtures, approximately keeps constant at 0·02. Accordingly, [Cl−]/[H+] is suggested as a more suitable form to represent the chloride threshold value.
Cracking characteristics of corroded RC beams under repeated loading
Authors: Fang Congqi , Yang Shuai
Published: September 2011

The cracking characteristics of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams under repeated loading were experimentally studied. A total of 15 test specimens (three non-corroded and 12 corroded RC beams) were investigated. The effects of steel corrosion and repeated loads on the RC beams were evaluated with respect to cracking and failure shape. Beams of different corrosion percentages were evaluated. The results from the experiments indicate that cracking of concrete is generally influenced by corrosion, but the effect is less significant for beams of low corrosion percentages. However, repeated loading had a significant effect on the corroded beams: the number of loading cycles before failure for these beams was less than for the uncorroded beams. It was also found that the crack widths of corroded RC beams increased significantly with steel corrosion percentage under repeated loading, and a relation between crack spacing and steel corrosion level was generated accordingly. The average crack spacing of corroded RC beams tended to increase generally with steel corrosion level under repeated loading.
Predation of adult palms by black-capuchin monkeys (Cebus nigritus) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Brocardo Carlos Rodrigo , Gonçalves Henrique Santos , Zipparro Valesca Bononi , Galetti Mauro
Published: September 2011

No abstract
An Agenda for Research on the Sustainability of Public Health Programs
Authors: Scheirer Mary Ann , Dearing James W.
Published: September 2011

Funders of programs in public health and community health are increasingly concerned about the sustainability of changes they initiate. Despite a recent increase in sustainability research and evaluation, this literature has not developed a widely used paradigm for conducting research that can accumulate into generalizable findings. We provide guidance for research and evaluation of health program sustainability, including definitions and types of sustainability, specifications and measurements of dependent variables, definitions of independent variables or factors that influence sustainability, and suggestions for designs for research and data collection. We suggest viewing sustainability research as a further stage in the translation or dissemination of research-based interventions into practice. This perspective emphasizes ongoing relationships with earlier stages of a broader diffusion framework, including adoption and implementation processes.
Balancing Vaccine Science and National Policy Objectives: Lessons From the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Omnibus Autism Proceedings
Authors: Keelan Jennifer , Wilson Kumanan
Published: September 2011

The US Court of Federal Claims, which adjudicates cases for the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, has been confronted with more than 5000 cases submitted on behalf of children with autism spectrum disorders, seeking to link the condition to vaccination.

Through a test case process, the Omnibus Autism Proceedings have in every instance found no association between autism spectrum disorders and vaccines. However, vaccine advocates have criticized the courts for having an overly permissive evidentiary test for causation and for granting credence to insupportable accusations of vaccine harm.

In fact, the courts have functioned as intended and have allowed for a fair hearing of vaccine concerns while maintaining confidence in vaccines and providing protection to vaccine manufacturers.
Approaching 4 Decades of Legislation in the National Family Planning Program: An Analysis of Title X's History From 1970 to 2008
Authors: Vamos Cheryl A. , Daley Ellen M. , Perrin Kay M. , Mahan Charles S. , Buhi Eric R.
Published: September 2011

Family planning is an important public health activity. Title X (Pub L No. 91-572), enacted in 1970, remains the only national family planning program in the United States dedicated to providing voluntary and confidential services to all individuals. We conducted a thematic analysis of Title X's legislative history.

Of 293 federal bills included in the legislative history, only 20 (6.8%) were enacted into law. Regardless of the proposed challenges, limited changes have been adopted. Except for technical amendments, bills involving restrictions accounted for the highest percentage of enacted bills, demonstrating efforts to undermine reproductive health rights.

Title X requires political will and bipartisan support if it is to continue to protect individuals' reproductive rights.
Impact of Introducing the Pneumococcal and Rotavirus Vaccines Into the Routine Immunization Program in Niger
Authors: Lee Bruce Y. , Assi Tina-Marie , Rajgopal Jayant , Norman Bryan A. , Chen Sheng-I , Brown Shawn T. , Slayton Rachel B. , Kone Souleymane , Kenea Hailu , Welling Joel S. , Connor Diana L. , Wateska Angela R. , Jana Anirban , Wiringa Ann E. , Van Panhuis Willem G. , Burke Donald S.
Published: September 2011

Objectives. We investigated whether introducing the rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccines, which are greatly needed in West Africa, would overwhelm existing supply chains (i.e., the series of steps required to get a vaccine from the manufacturers to the target population) in Niger.

Methods. As part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation–funded Vaccine Modeling Initiative, we developed a computational model to determine the impact of introducing these new vaccines to Niger's Expanded Program on Immunization vaccine supply chain.

Results. Introducing either the rotavirus vaccine or the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine could overwhelm available storage and transport refrigerator space, creating bottlenecks that would prevent the flow of vaccines down to the clinics. As a result, the availability of all World Health Organization Expanded Program on Immunization vaccines to patients might decrease from an average of 69% to 28.2% (range = 10%–51%). Addition of refrigerator and transport capacity could alleviate this bottleneck.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that the effects on the vaccine supply chain should be considered when introducing a new vaccine and that computational models can help assess evolving needs and prevent problems with vaccine delivery.
Physical Education, Obesity, and Academic Achievement: A 2-Year Longitudinal Investigation of Australian Elementary School Children
Authors: Telford Richard D. , Cunningham Ross B. , Fitzgerald Robert , Olive Lisa S. , Prosser Laurence , Jiang Xiaoli , Telford Rohan M.
Published: September 2011

Objectives. We determined whether physical education (PE) taught by specialists contributed to academic development and prevention of obesity in elementary school children.

Methods. Our 2-year longitudinal study involved 620 boys and girls initially in grade 3 in Australia, all receiving 150 minutes per week of PE. One group (specialist-taught PE; n = 312) included 90 minutes per week of PE from visiting specialists; the other (common-practice PE; n = 308) received all PE from generalist classroom teachers. Measurements included percentage of body fat (measured by dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry) and writing, numeracy, and reading proficiency (by government tests).

Results. Compared with common-practice PE, specialist-taught PE was associated with a smaller increase in age-related percentage of body fat (P = .02). Specialist-taught PE was also associated with greater improvements in numeracy (P < .03) and writing (P = .13) scores. There was no evidence of a reading effect.

Conclusions. The attenuated age-related increases in percentage of body fat and enhanced numeracy development among elementary school children receiving PE from specialists provides support for the role of PE in both preventive medicine and academic development.
Backsliding on a Key Health Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean: The Case of Breastfeeding Promotion
Authors: Lutter Chessa K. , Chaparro Camila M. , Grummer-Strawn Laurence , Victora Cesar G.
Published: September 2011

Objectives. We examined trends in breastfeeding promotion investments, breastfeeding promotion activities, and breastfeeding duration in Latin America and the Caribbean from the 1980s to the 2000s.

Methods. We obtained financial data from the United States Agency for International Development and the International Code Documentation Center, and we obtained breastfeeding promotion data from surveys of breastfeeding coordinators with ministries of health and with the International Baby Food Action Network. We obtained breastfeeding data from nationally representative surveys conducted between 1986 and 2008.

Results. Investment in breastfeeding promotion declined in the 2000s relative to earlier years. For all countries, breastfeeding duration increased between the first and last survey. Of the 12 countries represented in the interval when investment in breastfeeding promotion was high, breastfeeding duration decreased in 1 country. Of the 12 countries represented in the interval when investment was low, breastfeeding duration decreased in 3 countries. Nonetheless, the average annual change in breastfeeding duration for the 2 intervals was positive and similar (0.16 months and 0.21 months).

Conclusions. Breastfeeding promotion likely resulted in large improvements in breastfeeding. Investments in breastfeeding promotion have declined, but this does not appear to have adversely affected breastfeeding duration.
On Constructive Connectives and Systems
Authors: Avron Arnon , Lahav Ori
Published: September 2011

Canonical inference rules and canonical systems are defined in the framework
of non-strict single-conclusion sequent systems, in which the succeedents of
sequents can be empty. Important properties of this framework are investigated,
and a general non-deterministic Kripke-style semantics is provided. This
general semantics is then used to provide a constructive (and very natural),
sufficient and necessary coherence criterion for the validity of the strong
cut-elimination theorem in such a system. These results suggest new syntactic
and semantic characterizations of basic constructive connectives.