cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When Others Are Here: The Combinative Effects of Social Presence and Threat Appeals in Climate Change Message Effectiveness

Given the potential power of social presence on individuals’ cognitive and affective responses, the current study hypothesizes that individuals’ social presence differentiates the level of perceive...
Asynchronous Prefix Recoverability for Fast Distributed Stores

Accessing and updating data sharded across distributed machines safely and speedily in the face of failures remains a challenging problem. Most prominently, applications that share state across different nodes want their writes to quickly become visible to others, without giving up recoverability guarantees in case a failure occurs. Current solutions of a fast cache backed by storage cannot support this use case easily. In this work, we design a distributed protocol, called Distributed Prefix Recovery (DPR) that builds on top of a sharded cache-store architecture with single-key operations, to provide cross-shard recoverability guarantees. With DPR, many clients can read and update shared state at sub-millisecond latency, while receiving periodic prefix durability guarantees. On failure, DPR quickly restores the system to a prefix-consistent state with a novel non-blocking rollback scheme. We added DPR to a key-value store (FASTER) and cache (Redis) and show that we can get high throughput and low latency similar to in-memory systems, while lazily providing durability guarantees similar to persistent stores.
ADHD and Drug Holidays: Effects on Anthropometric Changes during Methylpenidate Treatment.

Objectives The current study evaluated the long-term effects of methylphenidate (MPH) discontinuation on growth parameters in Turkish children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Experimental design 432 children and adolescents (aged 6-18 years) with ADHD receiving MPH for at least 1 year between March 2012 and January 2019 were included in a retrospective cohort study. We analyzed weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) standard deviation z scores (SDS) of groups that either did (ADHD-C) or did not (ADHD-DC) discontinue MPH. Growth parameters were converted to z scores as normative values for the Turkish population to compare the measurements at baseline and the last follow-up visit by using the paired sample t-test. Principal observations In patients from the ADHD-C group, statistically significant negative correlations were found between age at starting MPH and differences in weight and height SDS between baseline and follow-up. Children had a greater reduction in weight and height compared to adolescents. When we evaluated the differences in pre-and post-treatment growth factors, we found no significant differences between the groups in terms of growth parameters. Conclusions Our data showed that chronic use of MPH was likely responsible for changes in height and weight parameters.
The Loss of Thou Shalt

“The Loss of Thou Shalt” In this chapter, Lorkowski begins considering whether the loss of theistic belief negatively impacts ethics. The author begins by identifying four possible roles of the divine in ethics—generative, motivational, determining, and instructional. Having shown the first two to be irrelevant in previous chapters, Lorkowski focuses on the determining role, that we need God to fix the principles of ethics. This assumption is shown to be flawed through a presentation of the Euthyphro Dilemma to Divine Command Theory, which is then generalized to apply to any assignment of the determining role in ethics. Lastly, the author considers why, given its flawed nature, the determining role remains popular.
Ties That Bind but Pay: The Consequences of Noncompete Agreements on Compensation

The author conducts an organizational-level analysis of how noncompete agreements (NCAs) and employee hiring paths may affect compensation. Instead of relying on a proxy measure of organizational N...
Activity-based, genome-resolved metagenomics uncovers key populations and pathways involved in subsurface conversions of coal to methane.

Microbial metabolisms and interactions that facilitate subsurface conversions of recalcitrant carbon to methane are poorly understood. We deployed an in situ enrichment device in a subsurface coal seam in the Powder River Basin (PRB), USA, and used BONCAT-FACS-Metagenomics to identify translationally active populations involved in methane generation from a variety of coal-derived aromatic hydrocarbons. From the active fraction, high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were recovered for the acetoclastic methanogen, Methanothrix paradoxum, and a novel member of the Chlorobi with the potential to generate acetate via the Pta-Ack pathway. Members of the Bacteroides and Geobacter also encoded Pta-Ack and together, all four populations had the putative ability to degrade ethylbenzene, phenylphosphate, phenylethanol, toluene, xylene, and phenol. Metabolic reconstructions, gene analyses, and environmental parameters also indicated that redox fluctuations likely promote facultative energy metabolisms in the coal seam. The active "Chlorobi PRB" MAG encoded enzymes for fermentation, nitrate reduction, and multiple oxygenases with varying binding affinities for oxygen. "M. paradoxum PRB" encoded an extradiol dioxygenase for aerobic phenylacetate degradation, which was also present in previously published Methanothrix genomes. These observations outline underlying processes for bio-methane from subbituminous coal by translationally active populations and demonstrate activity-based metagenomics as a powerful strategy in next generation physiology to understand ecologically relevant microbial populations.
O romance e as origens dos Direitos Humanos: interseções entre história, psicologia e literatura

Desde seu aparecimento, em meados do seculo XVIII, ate o momento atual, quando se tornaram ubiquos nos discursos politicos nacionais, os Direitos Humanos foram alvos de inumeras controversias acerca de sua definicao. Em geral, esses debates acabaram por retornar a concepcao, presente em seu surgimento, de serem tais direitos evidentes por si, nao havendo necessidade de se justifica-los, para alem da conviccao dos homens acerca de sua verdade. A crenca na sua autoevid encia, e em suas caracteristicas elementares (igualdade, naturalidade e universalidade), tem seu fundamento intelectual na nocao de autonomia moral dos individuos, cara a filosofia dos seculos XVII e XVIII. Contudo, este estudo pretende demonstrar que, junto as transformacoes no pensamento, a emergencia da ideia de Direitos Humanos decorreria tamb em de duas mudancas sutis nas nocoes de corpo e identidade: a amplia cao da ideia de individualidade do corpo, que tornaria cada homem detentor de direitos sobre si; e a possibilidade de haver uma empatia imaginada entre psiques que, apesar de distintas, se percebem como integrantes de uma mesma humanidade. Propondo um modelo psicocultural para o estudo historico da emergencia dos Direitos Humanos, este trabalho analisa como um genero literario, os romances epistolares do seculo XVIII, poderia ter contribuido para a formacao destes direitos. Ao promoverem um envolvimento apaixonado dos leitores com o destino dos personagens, este tipo de leitura teria fomentado os processos emocionais e psicologicos necessarios ao surgimento dos Direitos Humanos, e da conviccao em sua auto-evidencia.
Capitalized Labor Contracts

This paper investigates the effects of capitalizing expected compensation costs associated with labor union contracts. The approach treats employment similarly to capitalized leases. The value of capitalized compensation is comparable in magnitude to the value of all currently recognized assets, indicating a potentially important role for compensation. The paper demonstrates that the increase in financial leverage due to capitalizing compensation costs is positively correlated with market model beta . This effect is seen both in simple correlations and in regressions controlling for (conventional) financial leverage, operating leverage, and other factors. In addition, adding capitalized compensation to a regression of market value of equity on book value of equity produces a positive regression coefficient on the compensation variable. This indicates that equity markets price employment as though it produces value in excess of its cost.
Genomic analysis of a major seed protein/oil QTL region on soybean linkage group I

The economic and nutritional value of soybeans is determined by its seed protein and oil contents. The genetic control of seed protein/oil is quantitative and many genomic regions associated with the regulation of these traits have been identified in soybean. The protein/oil quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapped to LG I (chromosome 20) is ubiquitous among high protein soybean lines. Identification of the candidate gene(s) underlying this major QTL would help us understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating seed protein/oil accumulation in soybean. Map based cloning to identify the candidate genes for the LG I QTL was undertaken. A BAC based physical map of the region was developed by chromosome walking. Utilizing the genome sequence of soybean and the fine genetic mapping, the QTL region was delineated to an approximately 8.4 Mbp pericentromeric region on chromosome 20. Thirteen genes exhibiting differential expression in developing seeds of near isogenic-lines (NILs) contrasting in protein/oil contents, were identified as potential candidates for the QTL. The homoeologous region corresponding to the QTL region was identified on chromosome 10, spanning a 7.3 Mbp pericentromeric region. Evidence suggests these regions were products of the recent soybean genome duplication 1014 million years ago (MYA). Comparative analysis of the two regions indicated that both regions are hot spots for retrotransposon accumulation. However, the chromosome 20 region showed preferential accumulation of retrotransposons. The extent of synteny was poor in the retrotransposon rich (gene poor) regions while the adjacent retrotransposon poor (gene rich) regions showed high levels of synteny and colinearity. The genes conserved across the regions showed evidence of sub-funtionalization. The conserved genes were evolving under purifying selection and were enriched for genes involved in stress responses and transcription
Language Ideologies: Practice and Theory.

Language Ideologies: Practice and Theory. Bambi B. Schieffelin. Kathryn A. Woolard. and Paul V. Kroskrity. eds. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. 338 pp.
Atomic-scale time and space resolution of THz frequency acoustic waves

Our simulations and experiments demonstrate a new physical mechanism for detecting acoustic waves of THz frequencies. Detectable THz-frequency radiation is generated when the acoustic wave passes a piezoelectric interface.
Credit layering in informal financial markets

Abstract Informal lenders with access to markets or capital often find it attractive to delegate loan provision to downstream lenders who have an information or enforcement advantage in dealing with particular borrowers. In this paper we examine the conditions under which such an arrangement is preferred by two informal lenders, a landlord and a merchant, who compete in loan provision to tenant farmers differentiated by wealth. We show that credit layering is preferred only when tenants are sufficiently poor. In this case, the trader lends to tenant farmers via a contract with their landlord. Otherwise, only the trader lends. As a consequence, a pattern of borrowing emerges in which relatively wealthy tenants borrow from merchants while poor tenants borrow mainly from their landlords. Interlinkage between land and credit thus arises only for a subset of tenants and purely as a consequence of credit layering. This pattern is shown to be supported empirically.
Freeway deceleration lane lengths effects on traffic safety and operation

Until now, the findings of impacts of deceleration lane lengths on safety were not quite consistent or were even contradictory. A comprehensive study was needed to have a better understanding of the effects of different deceleration lane lengths on traffic safety and operations. This study has three objectives: (1) evaluate the safety performance of different deceleration lane lengths at freeway diverge areas; (2) examine the operational effects of deceleration lane lengths for two design types (one-lane exits with parallel/tapered designs and two-lane exits with parallel design); and (3) select optimal deceleration lane lengths by combining the results from safety and operation aspects. A total of 218 sites, categorized into nine groups, were selected for the crash analysis. Additionally, 360 simulation models were developed for different scenarios by the combination of the exit types (one-lane exits/two-lane exits), design speeds, exiting volumes, and number of through-lanes. The safety and operational analysis results suggest that (1) for one-lane exits, a minimum deceleration length of 500 ft is essential for the design speed of 55 mph, 600 ft for the design speeds of 60 and 65 mph, and 700 ft for the design speed of 70 mph; (2) for two-lane exits, the minimum deceleration length of 500 ft is suggested for the design speeds of 55 mph and 60 mph, 600 ft for the design speeds of 65 and 70 mph; and (3) for both one-lane and two-lane exits, deceleration lane lengths longer than 700 ft are not recommended from a safety perspective. The results of this study could be used as a supplementary to the current design guideline.
One two-Z model confronts experiment

Abstract We explore the observable consequences of a simple extension of the standard model containing a new Z′ gauge boson. he model we consider is a novel extension of the strong interaction sector introduced by Foot and Hernandez involving many new particles. We find only the remarkably mild constraint that MZ′≳100 GeV. We consider herein only Z′-related phenomena, namely low-energy induced interactions, modifications at the Z peak, CDF p p and TRISTAN and PETRA e+e− production of Z′ and the forward-backward (or charge) lepton asymmetry in electron-positron annihilation.
There was No More Sea: the supersession of the ocean, from the bible to cyberspace

Abstract In considering the particular nature of the ocean as an object of western thought, sources to consider include the Hebrew Bible and some of its Eastern Mediterranean and Semitic antecedents, all of which posit the ocean as an antithetical element or object. This relationship to the ocean—and comparisons with other traditions show that the West's is distinctive—appears to inform a range of visions of the ocean, up to the present. Philosophical texts suggest that there may be particular difficulties inherent in the ocean as an object of embodied knowledge.
Detection of allergen- and mitogen-induced human cytokine transcripts using a competitive polymerase chain reaction

Human cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-gamma play an important role in the regulation of IgE synthesis and atopic diseases. In this communication, we describe the development of a quantitative assay of steady-state cytokine mRNAs (IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-gamma) from a variety of cell sources, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with either a mitogen (PHA) or ragweed pollen allergen extract, and cells from allergen-challenged inflammatory sites. Quantitative analysis of IL-5, IL-4 and IFN-gamma transcripts was achieved by a competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique using internal standard (IS) cRNAs in the presence of specific oligonucleotide primers. Each IS was generated from a plasmid vector containing the respective cytokine cDNA modified by insertion with an SV40-DNA fragment. Both test RNA and IS were reverse-transcribed and subjected to the 'competitive' PCR in the same tube. We first demonstrate the linearity and reproducibility of this technique; second, we apply this competitive PCR assay to analyze quantitatively the expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-gamma transcripts in PBMCs before and after stimulation with PHA or crude ragweed allergen. Finally, we analyzed cells isolated from the lung lavage fluids of an atopic subject following allergen challenge, and showed a significant increase of IL-4 and IL-5 transcripts, but not IFN-gamma, in the allergen-challenged site when compared to the control. This technique of PCR quantitation provides an easy and efficient tool to study the expression of cytokine genes in allergic inflammatory diseases.
General and strain-specific age changes at mouse limb neuromuscular junctions.

Abstract Age changes at limb neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of CB57 and BALB/C mice were investigated and compared with previous results in a hydrid strain, in order to identify common characteristics of neuromuscular transmission and to assess the prevalence of signs of denervation and disuse. Resting membrane potential decreased with age in soleus muscles with no change in passive membrane properties. Miniature end-plate potential, amplitude and quantal content were greatly increased, with no change in muscle fiber diameter or nerve terminal morphometry. The various observed patterns of age changes were not those of disuse or denervation. Although there were diverse age changes in spontaneous transmitter release in different mouse strains, increased transmitter release per unit length of nerve terminal in limb muscle was a notably consistent finding across strains. It is apparently less subject to epigenetic variation during aging than most other reported neuromuscular physiological parameters.
Vascular permeability factor (VPF, VEGF) in tumor biology

Vascular permeability factor (VPF), also known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a multifunctional cytokine expressed and secreted at high levels by many tumor cells of animal and human origin. As secreted by tumor cells, VPF/VEGF is a 34–42 kDa heparin-binding, dimeric, disulfide-bonded glycoprotein that acts directly on endothelial cells (EC) by way of specific receptors to activate phospholipase C and induce [Ca2+]i transients. Two high affinity VPF/VEGF receptors, both tyrosine kinases, have thus far been described. VPF/VEGF is likely to have a number of important roles in tumor biology related, but not limited to, the process of tumor angiogenesis. As a potent permeability factor, VPF/VEGF promotes extravasation of plasma fibrinogen, leading to fibrin deposition which alters the tumor extracellular matrix. This matrix promotes the ingrowth of macrophages, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. Moreover, VPF/VEGF is a selective endothelial cell (EC) growth factorin vitro, and it presumably stimulates EC proliferationin vivo. Furthermore, VPF/VEGF has been found in animal and human tumor effusions by immunoassay and by functional assays and very likely accounts for the induction of malignant ascites. In addition to its role in tumors, VPF/VEGF has recently been found to have a role in wound healing and its expression by activated macrophages suggests that it probably also participates in certain types of chronic inflammation. VPF/VEGF is expressed in normal development and in certain normal adult organs, notably kidney, heart, adrenal gland and lung. Its functions in normal adult tissues are under investigation.
Electromyographic analysis of the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles in persons with subacromial impingement.

The purpose of this study was to compare subjects with subacromial impingement and subjects with normal shoulders with respect to muscle activity. Fifteen subjects in each group were studied by means of fine-wire electromyography. The middle deltoid and rotator cuff muscles were evaluated during isotonic scaption from 30 to 120 degrees. Overall, the impingement group demonstrated decreased mean muscle activity in comparison with the group of normal subjects. The magnitude of diminished activity was statistically significantly different (P < .05) during the 30- to 60-degrees arc for the infraspinatus, subscapularis, and middle deltoid muscles; in addition, the infraspinatus muscle demonstrated significantly depressed activity during the 60- to 90-degrees arc. In the impingement group, the supraspinatus and teres minor revealed a diminution of muscle function in comparison with shoulders in the normal group; the difference was not significant. This study demonstrates that muscle activity in subjects with impingement is most notably decreased in the first arc of motion. Also of clinical relevance is the fact that the inferior force vector (from the infraspinatus and subscapularis) is less functional in subjects with impingement than is the superior compressive vector (from the supraspinatus). Thus, humeral head depression during the critical first portion of elevation may be insufficient in people with subacromial impingement.
Kant on freedom: A reply to my critics

The first two sections of this paper are devoted respectively to the criticisms of my views raised by Stephen Engstrom and Andrews Reath at a symposium on Kant's Theory of Freedom held in Washington D.C. on 28 December 1992 under the auspices of the North American Kant Society. The third section contains my response to the remarks of Marcia Baron at a second symposium in Chicago on 24 April 1993 at the APA Western Division meetings. The fourth section deals with some general criticisms of my treatment of Kant's theory of freedom and its connection with transcendental idealism that have been raised by Karl Ameriks, who was also a participant in the second symposium, in an earlier piece published in Inquiry and by Paul Guyer in a review. The paper as a whole is thus an attempt to reformulate and clarify some of the central claims of my book in light of the initial critical reaction.
Variant PC12 cell line that spontaneously differentiates and extends neuritic processes

The rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells differentiate into neuronal-like cells in response to treatment with neurotrophins. The cells have been extensively used for investigating neuronal differentiation and axonal growth. Here we report the isolation of a variant PC12 cell line, named PC12-N1, which spontaneously differentiates and extends neuritic processes. The PC12-N1 cells expressed many neuronal specific proteins, including the synaptosomal associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), synaptotagmin, and synaptobrevin (also known as VAMP). The cells also expressed neurofilament protein of 68 kDa, a marker for differentiated neurons. In addition to the spontaneous neurite outgrowth, the PC12-N1 cells showed a marked increase in neurite outgrowth upon treatment with nerve growth factor (NGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and cyclic AMP (cAMP). The activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases was examined by immunoblot analysis using phospho-specific antibodies. No overactivation was observed with ERK1/2 or p38. However, the c-Jun N-terminal kinase JNK/SAPK was activated approximately 10-fold over the parental PC12 cells. These results suggest that activation of JNK/SAPK may be involved in the spontaneous neurite extension in the PC12-N1 cells. Moreover, the PC12-N1 cells may be used as a model for investigating molecular signaling mechanisms underlying neuronal differentiation and axonal outgrowth.
Optimal filtering for Gauss—Markov noise†

The optimal continuous-filtering problem for the caso of linear dynamics, linear measurements, and gaussian whito disturbance and measurement noise has been Solved by Kalman and Buey. In this study, their rosults are generalized for the caso where measurement noise is a Gauss—Markov process, but without the technique of state augmentation, as has already been done. Proof is presented that the optimal continuous-filtering problem can be solved by simply replacing the observation vector with a derived observation vector and an initial condition. When the derived observation vector is used, coloured noise is eliminated and only the standard Kalman filter problem, easily solvable, remains.
Occurrence of Rust Disease Caused by Puccinia lagenophorae on Cineraria in the Americas.

Cineraria (Pericallis × hybrida B. Nord.), sometimes referred to as Senecio cruentus (Masson ex L'Her.) DC., Asteraceae, is native to the Canary Islands. This important ornamental plant is cultivat...
Open-source radiation exposure extraction engine (RE3) for dose monitoring

Our goal was to investigate the feasibility of an open-source, PACS-integrated, DICOM header-based tool that automatically provides granular data for monitoring of CT radiation exposure. To do so, we constructed a radiation exposure extraction engine (RE3) that is seamlessly connected to the PACS using the digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) toolkit (DCMTK) and runs on the fly within the workflow. We evaluated RE3’s ability to determine the number of acquisitions and calculate the exposure metric dose length product (DLP) by comparing its output to the vendor dose pages. RE3 output closely correlated to the dose pages for both contiguously acquired exams (R 2 =0.9987) and non-contiguously acquired exams (R 2 =0.9994). RE3 is an open-source, automated radiation monitoring program to provide study-, series-, and slice-level radiation data.
Online stable matching as a means of allocating distributed resources

Abstract In heterogeneous distributed systems, achieving optimality in both effective use of computational resources (e.g. throughput) and user satisfaction (e.g. response time) is an important unresolved problem. If the users of the system participate dynamically as consumers as well as donors of computational resources, the task of optimizing the exchange of these computational resources leads to a combinatorial problem. As a solution, we propose a novel algorithm, adaptive online stable matching (AOSM). We present experimental data which compare the performance of AOSM with the performance of two alternative algorithms, first-come first-served (FCFS) and fixed- k online.
Neuropathic Pain-like Alterations in Muscle Nociceptor Function Associated with Vibration-induced Muscle Pain

We recently developed a rodent model of the painful muscle disorders induced by occupational exposure to vibration. In the present study we used this model to evaluate the function of sensory neurons innervating the vibration-exposed gastrocnemius muscle. Activity of 74 vibration-exposed and 40 control nociceptors, with mechanical receptive fields in the gastrocnemius muscle, were recorded. In vibration-exposed rats ∼15% of nociceptors demonstrated an intense and long-lasting barrage of action potentials in response to sustained suprathreshold mechanical stimulation (average of 2635 action potentials with frequency of ∼44 Hz during a 1 min suprathreshold stimulus) much greater than that has been reported to be produced even by potent inflammatory mediators. While these high-firing nociceptors had lower mechanical thresholds than the remaining nociceptors, exposure to vibration had no effect on conduction velocity and did not induce spontaneous activity. Hyperactivity was not observed in any of 19 neurons from vibration-exposed rats pretreated with intrathecal antisense for the IL-6 receptor subunit gp130. Since vibration can injure peripheral nerves and IL-6 has been implicated in painful peripheral neuropathies, we suggest that the dramatic change in sensory neuron function and development of muscles pain, induced by exposure to vibration, reflects a neuropathic muscle pain syndrome.
A TURNING POINT IN SCHIZOPHRENIA GENETICS

Genetic analysis of schizophrenia presents problems of unprecedented complexity. In the absence of both biological markers and of any clues regarding the precise mode of inheritance, we are asked to identify multiple, interacting, common, and moderately effective mutations that interfere with the highly complex functions of the human brain. Nevertheless, primarily due to the efforts of a handful of research groups in the past 10 years and the impact of the Human Genome Project, we are now in the position to express optimism that over the next few years susceptibility genes for schizophrenia may be identified and sequenced. After the initial false starts, there has been undoubtedly a lot of progress in our efforts to dissect the genetic basis of the disease. We are now at a turning point where our analytical skills have improved, our tools have multiplied, and most importantly, after many years, there are several leads and several replication efforts that inspire a certain degree of confidence. We can hope that as soon as a key gene is identified, the largely underexploited power of neurobiological approaches will take over and accelerate further gene discovery. The genetics of Alzheimer's disease provide a relevant paradigm; identification of four susceptibility genes (for β-amyloid precursor protein, ApoE, and presenilins 1 and 2) has inspired efforts to order these genes in a cascade of molecular events and to design therapeutic schemes to inhibit this cascade (126xSee all References, 133xSee all References). In addition, it has facilitated the development of animal models designed to provide further insight into the pathology of the disease (genetic and enviromental) and to provide substrates for drug development. Similar findings in the field of schizophrenia genetics will undoubtedly lead to improvements in diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, identification of susceptibility genes will also greatly facilitate investigation of environmental factors that contribute to disease and may lead to prevention.‡To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Ribosomal DNA Integrating rAAV-rDNA Vectors Allow for Stable Transgene Expression

Although recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are proving to be efficacious in clinical trials, the episomal character of the delivered transgene restricts their effectiveness to use in quiescent tissues, and may not provide lifelong expression. In contrast, integrating vectors enhance the risk of insertional mutagenesis. In an attempt to overcome both of these limitations, we created new rAAV-rDNA vectors, with an expression cassette flanked by ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences capable of homologous recombination into genomic rDNA. We show that after in vivo delivery the rAAV-rDNA vectors integrated into the genomic rDNA locus 8–13 times more frequently than control vectors, providing an estimate that 23–39% of the integrations were specific to the rDNA locus. Moreover, a rAAV-rDNA vector containing a human factor IX (hFIX) expression cassette resulted in sustained therapeutic levels of serum hFIX even after repeated manipulations to induce liver regeneration. Because of the relative safety of integration in the rDNA locus, these vectors expand the usage of rAAV for therapeutics requiring long-term gene transfer into dividing cells.
Frequency doubling of sub-20-femtosecond pulses in Ti:sapphire

In this paper, we present results on the generation of 10.9 fs duration pulses directly from a self mode-locked Ti:Sapphire laser. Ultrashort-pulse operation of the laser was obtained by optimizing the intracavity dispersion compensation. A short, highly-doped Ti:Sapphire crystal and fused silica prism pair were used to achieve this. We also present preliminary results on frequency doubling of the 800 nm fundamental beam, both inside and outside the laser cavity. Detailed calculations have been made on a number of nonlinear crystals to determine the optimum crystal choice. Our calculations indicate that intracavity doubling should lead to the generation of sub-20 duration ultraviolet pulses.
Advantages of the hand-assisted versus the open approach to elective colectomies.

Background Hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy has been introduced as an alternative to standard laparoscopy. However, to date, it has not been established whether intraabdominal placement of a hand abrogates the benefits of minimally invasive techniques. The authors hypothesized that the hand-assisted approach confers advantages of minimal access surgery over traditional open colectomy.
On the connection between functional programming languages and real-time Java scoped memory

Java has recently joined C and C++ as a relatively high-level language suitable for developing real-time applications. Java's garbage collection, while generally a useful feature, can be problematic for real-time applications if collection occurs with unpredictable frequency and latency.The Real-Time Specification for Java™ (RTSJ) incorporates a scoped-memory model, akin to regions, that is not subject to garbage collection. However, applications are subject to strict rules concerning how objects can reference each other in scoped memory. Unfortunately, almost all extant Java code, including Java's vast and useful runtime libraries, will not execute properly in scoped-memory areas without significant modification.In this paper, we show that programs written in a pure functional programming language can be executed in a provably safe manner using scoped memory in RTSJ. This new connection allows extant implementations of important abstract data types to migrate safely to RTSJ. We also explore the effect of RTSJ's referencing rules on the asymptotic, real-time behavior of some abstract data types.
Anesthesia for Outpatient Repair of Patent Ductus Arteriosus

W ITH THE INTRODUCTION of minimally invasive surgical techniques for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation, the length of hospital stay after the surgery has been substantially reduced.1,2 Regional anesthesia combined with light general anesthesia may further facilitate rapid recovery from surgery and anesthesia, allowing for same-day discharge, or fast-tracking.3 The authors report their initial experience of fast-tracking PDA ligation.
Bromley, Daniel W., ed, Natural Resource Economics: Policy Problems and Contemporary Analysis. Boston: Kluwer Nijhoff Publishing, 1986, xiv + 234 pp., $34.95

When approached by Warren Samuels, the series editor, about organizing a volume on natural resource economics, I was at a loss as to how one might possibly capture in "several major essays plus several shorter comments thereon" all of the diverse activities that fall within this exciting discipline. I was further asked to have the book take an "affirmative but constructively critical look at its subject. " The volume was to be interpretative, it was to be reasonably comprehensive, and yet it was to attempt to present divergent views on the "development, tensions, present status, and, especially, possible lines of development of each field. " Upon reflection, I decided to have the book focus on natural resource economics as a distinctly applied policy science. Hence the title: Natural Resource Economics: Policy Problems and Contemporary Analysis. While this allowed clarification of a particular sort, it did little to narrow the range of policy issues that ought to be considered candidates for inclu sion. But it did seem, after some thought, that three broad issues persist at center stage in natural resource policy."
Fifth on the Transputer

Abstract FIFTH, a recently introduced, simple, stack oriented language for programming multimicroprocessor systems, has been implemented on the Transputer, the new 32-bit RISC processor from INMOS for multiprocessor applications. This article presents some of the technical aspects of the implementation. Moreover, the reader will find a description of the general procedure of how to extend the FIFTH programming system to a new processor, some general remarks on implementing stack oriented languages on microprocessors and code optimisation, and a discussion of the FIFTH communication model in comparison to the Occam model implemented in the Transputer hardware.
The Evolution of Ethnic Markers

Stable URL:http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0886-7356%28198702%292%3A1%3C65%3ATEOEM%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0Cultural Anthropology is currently published by American Anthropological Association.Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use, available athttp://www.jstor.org/about/terms.html. JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless you have obtainedprior permission, you may not download an entire issue of a journal or multiple copies of articles, and you may use content inthe JSTOR archive only for your personal, non-commercial use.Please contact the publisher regarding any further use of this work. Publisher contact information may be obtained athttp://www.jstor.org/journals/anthro.html.Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printedpage of such transmission.The JSTOR Archive is a trusted digital repository providing for long-term preservation and access to leading academicjournals and scholarly literature from around the world. The Archive is supported by libraries, scholarly societies, publishers,and foundations. It is an initiative of JSTOR, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to help the scholarly community takeadvantage of advances in technology. For more information regarding JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.http://www.jstor.orgWed Aug 8 19:52:11 2007
Prevalence of advanced neoplasia at screening colonoscopy in men in private practice versus academic and Veterans Affairs medical centers

Abstract Objectives Several large population studies assessing the yield of average risk screening colonoscopy have evaluated Veterans Affairs (VA) populations. It remains uncertain how generalizable these findings are to men in the general population. The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of advanced neoplasia in male patients undergoing screening colonoscopy in diverse practice settings. Methods The Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative (CORI) national endoscopic database was analyzed to compare the findings in men undergoing average risk screening colonoscopy in community, academic, and VA endoscopy settings. Results Between January, 1998, and May, 2002, a total of 9109 men underwent screening colonoscopy in community (5625), academic (2269), and VA (1215) settings. Overall yield of colonic lesions (mass or polyp >9 mm) on average risk colonoscopy was 5.1%; 5.7% (community), 3.4% (academic), and 5.9% (VA) in each site, respectively. Among patients with lesions identified, multiple lesions >9 mm were less common in academic settings (6.4%) compared to community (12.0%) or VA (8.9%) sites. When adjusting for age and ethnicity on multivariate analysis, colonic lesion detection at VA sites was similar to community settings. However, lesion identification was more likely in both settings (VA: OR = 1.72; community: OR = 1.56) compared to academic centers. Conclusions Age- and race-adjusted prevalence of polyps >9 mm in men who receive screening colonoscopy was significantly lower in academic sites compared to VA and community practice sites. One must be cautious in generalizing the findings of male patient studies from academic centers to the entire population.
Financial Effects of Pharmaceutical Price Regulation on R&D Spending by EU versus US Firms

EU countries closely regulate pharmaceutical prices, whereas the US does not. This paper shows how price constraints affect the profitability, stock returns and R&D spending of EU and US firms. Compared with EU firms, US firms are more profitable, earn higher stock returns and spend more on R&D. We tested the relationship between price regulation and R&D spending, and estimated the costs of tight EU price regulation. Although results show that EU consumers enjoyed much lower pharmaceutical price inflation, we estimated that price controls cost EU firms 46 fewer new medicines and 1680 fewer research jobs during our 19-year sample period. Had the US used controls similar to those used in the EU, we estimate it would have led to 117 fewer new medicines and 4368 fewer research jobs in the US.
A Silver Bullet for the Treatment of Depression

The search for a rapid-acting antidepressant has been a subject of intense research interest for several decades. The article by Lucas and colleagues in this issue of Neuron provides compelling evidence from preclinical animal models that drugs acting at the serotonin 5-HT 4 receptor could finally achieve this goal. However, caution is warranted, as results from animal studies are not always predictive of therapeutic actions in humans.
Rare earth elements in Silurian pelitic schists from N.W. Maine

Abstract Thirty-two samples of a series of metamorphosed Silurian (?) pelitic schists in the greenschist and amphibolite facies from N.W. Maine have been analyzed for their rare-earth element (REE) content. The REE contents of these samples do not change as a function of metamorphic grade. Two different metasedimentary formations have been sampled, and they differ significantly in their light REE content. The absolute and relative distribution of the REE in the Bangeley Formation are quite similar to the composites of N. American, European and Russian shales that have been determined thus far (e.g. median La/Lu ratio of the Bangeley Formation normalized to chondrites = 8.7 ± 3.0). Samples from the Perry Mt. Formation show large depletions in the light REE compared to the Bangeley Formation and previously analyzed shale and metamorphosed shale samples, but heavy REE concentrations that are quite similar to the other samples (e.g. median La/Lu ratio of the Perry Mt. normalized to chondrites = 1.2 ± 0.6). These differences in light REE content between the Perry Mt. Formation and other sedimentary rocks are probably due to differences in the original clay mineral compositions as modified by weathering and/or depositional environments.
Multimodality Imaging in the Diagnosis of Coexisting Left Atrial Myxoma and Aortic Valve Papillary Fibroelastoma

We present the case of a 77-year-old Cambodian woman with a 3-day history of dyspnea on exertion. Physical examination revealed a murmur of mitral regurgitation and decompensated heart failure. The ECG was remarkable for atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severe left atrial dilation, a large (5×8 cm) mobile mass attached to the anterior left atrial wall, and several small, mobile aortic masses on the noncoronary cusp of the aortic valve (Figure 1 and online-only Data Supplement Movie I). Figure 1. Transthoracic echocardiogram shows small, mobile aortic masses on noncoronary cusp of aortic valve (blue arrow) and large mobile mass attached to the anterior left atrial wall (red arrow). LV indicates left ventricle; LA, left atrium; AO, aorta. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography showed a large multilobular mass being displaced by the central jet of moderate to severe mitral regurgitation during systole and prolapse of the mass through the mitral valve during diastole (Figures 2 and 3 and online-only Data Supplement Movies II and III). The atrial mass was attached with a stalk to the anterior atrial wall and appeared lobulated and deformable, consistent with the …
Comparative fitness of a wild squash species and three generations of hybrids between wild × virus-resistant transgenic squash

We compared some fitness components of the wild squash species Cucurbita pepo spp. ovifera var. texana (C. texana) and three generations of hybrids (F1, BC1, and BC2) between C. texana and commercial transgenic squash CZW-3 over three consecutive years under field conditions of low (LDP) and high disease pressure (HDP) by Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV). Transgenic squash CZW-3 expresses the coat protein (CP) genes of CMV, ZYMV, and WMV, and is resistant to these three aphid-borne viruses. Across all HDP trials, transgenic BC1 and BC2 hybrids expressing the three CP genes grew more vigorously, displayed resistance to CMV, ZYMV, and WMV, and produced a greater number of mature fruits and viable seeds than nontransgenic hybrid segregants and C. texana. Transgenic F1 hybrids behaved similarly to BC1 and BC2 hybrids but grew less vigorously than C. texana. In contrast, across all LDP trials, C. texana outperformed the transgenic and nontransgenic hybrid segregants. Further, only one back cross was necessary to recover individuals with most of the C. texana characteristics and yet maintain virus resistance. Our data suggest that C. texana acquiring CP transgenes upon hybridization and introgression could have a selective advantage if CMV, ZYMV, and WMV are severely limiting the growth and reproductibility of wild squash populations.
Cleombrotus of Ambracia: interpretations of a suicide from Callimachus to Agathias*

At Phaedo 59b Echecrates asks Phaedo who was present on the day when Socrates drank the hemlock in prison. Various Athenians are named (59b 6–10), then various foreigners (59c 1–2), but when Echecrates subsequently asks if two other foreigners, Aristippus and Cleombrotus, were present, Phaedo replies that they were said to be in Aegina (59c 4). After this fleeting reference to Cleombrotus, Plato does not mention him again in the Phaedo or any other dialogue; and yet in later antiquity a certain Cleombrotus of Ambracia rose to fame in connection with the Phaedo. Callimachus is our earliest source for the anecdote which immortalized the Ambracian (A.P. 7.471):Eἴπας ‘Ἥλιe ϰαῖρe’ Κλeμβρτος ὡμβρακιώτηςἅλατ' φ' ὑΨηλο τeϰeος eἰς Ἀδην,ἴζιον οὐδν ἰδὼν θαντου κακν, λλ Πλτωνοςἕν τ πeρ Ψυϰς γρμμ' ναλeζμeνος.
The role of propagation in database support for performance-modeling environments

The authors investigate the role of propagation in database support for performance-modeling environments (PMEs) and elaborate on the use of the active data model (ADAM) object-oriented design tool to design performance modeling applications that include propagation. ADAM was used to design a particular performance model including the complex interdependencies between the components of the model, thereby maintaining the consistency of data throughout the model. The analysis contains background on propagation and the performance models of interest, and a discussion of the benefits of propagation for PMEs is discussed by presenting a list of goals for the database support for PMEs and outlining two categories of propagations for performance-modeling data. >
Mycobiome of the Bat White Nose Syndrome Affected Caves and Mines Reveals Diversity of Fungi and Local Adaptation by the Fungal Pathogen Pseudogymnoascus (Geomyces) destructans

Current investigations of bat White Nose Syndrome (WNS) and the causative fungus Pseudogymnoascus (Geomyces) destructans (Pd) are intensely focused on the reasons for the appearance of the disease in the Northeast and its rapid spread in the US and Canada. Urgent steps are still needed for the mitigation or control of Pd to save bats. We hypothesized that a focus on fungal community would advance the understanding of ecology and ecosystem processes that are crucial in the disease transmission cycle. This study was conducted in 2010–2011 in New York and Vermont using 90 samples from four mines and two caves situated within the epicenter of WNS. We used culture-dependent (CD) and culture-independent (CI) methods to catalogue all fungi (‘mycobiome’). CD methods included fungal isolations followed by phenotypic and molecular identifications. CI methods included amplification of DNA extracted from environmental samples with universal fungal primers followed by cloning and sequencing. CD methods yielded 675 fungal isolates and CI method yielded 594 fungal environmental nucleic acid sequences (FENAS). The core mycobiome of WNS comprised of 136 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) recovered in culture and 248 OTUs recovered in clone libraries. The fungal community was diverse across the sites, although a subgroup of dominant cosmopolitan fungi was present. The frequent recovery of Pd (18% of samples positive by culture) even in the presence of dominant, cosmopolitan fungal genera suggests some level of local adaptation in WNS-afflicted habitats, while the extensive distribution of Pd (48% of samples positive by real-time PCR) suggests an active reservoir of the pathogen at these sites. These findings underscore the need for integrated disease control measures that target both bats and Pd in the hibernacula for the control of WNS.