cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and blood lipid levels in pre-diabetic adults-longitudinal analysis of the diabetes prevention program outcomes study.

Abstract Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may interfere with lipid regulation. However, most previous studies were cross-sectional with the risk of reverse causation, suggesting a need for long-term prospective studies. We examined the relationship of baseline plasma PFAS concentrations with repeated measures of blood lipids. We included 888 prediabetic adults from the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and DPP Outcomes Study, who had measurements of 6 plasma PFAS concentrations at baseline (1996–1999) and repeated measures of blood lipids over 15 years of follow-up, and were initially randomized to placebo or a lifestyle intervention. We used linear regression to examine cross-sectional associations of PFAS concentrations and lipid levels at baseline, and evaluated prospective risks of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia using Cox proportional hazard models, and tested for effect modification by study arm. Participants (65.9% female, 57.0% White, 65.9% aged 40–59 years) had comparable PFAS concentrations [e.g., median (IQR) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) 4.9 ng/mL (3.2)] with the general U.S. population in 1999–2000. We observed higher total cholesterol at baseline per doubling of PFOA (β: 6.1 mg/dL, 95% CI: 3.1, 9.04), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS, β: 2.2 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.2, 4.3), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA, β: 2.9 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.7, 5.0). Prospectively, baseline concentrations of several PFASs, including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and PFNA, predicted higher risks of incident hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, but only in the placebo group and not the lifestyle intervention group. For example, participants in the placebo group with PFOA concentration > median (4.9 ng/mL) were almost twice as likely (HR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.25, 2.88) to develop hypertriglyceridemia compared to those ≤median. Findings suggest adverse effects of some PFASs on lipid profiles in prediabetic adults. However, the detrimental effect was attenuated with a lifestyle intervention.
Mid-Infrared Observations of the Mira Circumstellar Environment

This Letter presents results from high angular resolution mid-IR imaging of the Mira AB circumbinary environment using the Mid-InfraRed Array Camera MIRAC3 at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility. We resolved the dusty circumstellar envelope at 9.8, 11.7, and 18 μm around Mira A (o Ceti) and measured the size of the extended emission. Strong deviations from spherical symmetry are detected in the images of the Mira AB system, including possible dust clumps in the direction of the companion (Mira B). These observations suggest that Mira B plays an active role in shaping the morphology of the circumstellar environment of Mira A as it evolves toward the planetary nebula phase.
Generalized boundary conditions for spin transfer

We develop a comprehensive description of static and dynamic spin-transfer torque at interfaces between a normal metal and a magnetic material. Specific examples of the latter include ferromagnets, collinear and noncollinear antiferromagnets, general ferrimagnets, and spin glasses. We study the limit of the exchange-dominated interactions, so that the full system is isotropic in spin space, apart from a possible symmetry-breaking order. A general such interface yields three coefficients (corresponding to three independent generators of rotations) generalizing the well-established notion of the spin-mixing conductance, which pertains to the collinear case. We develop a nonequilibrium thermodynamic description of the emerging interfacial spin transfer and its effect on the collective spin dynamics, while circumventing the usual discussion of spin currents and net spin dynamics. Instead, our focus is on the dissipation and work effectuated by the interface. Microscopic scattering-matrix based expressions are derived for the generalized spin-transfer coefficients.
Awareness of relative CT utilization among peers is not associated with changes in imaging requests among emergency department providers in a large county hospital

The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to study the effect of providing scorecards to emergency department providers to assess its effect on changes in utilization. CT of the abdomen and pelvis, CT angiogram of the chest for pulmonary embolism, and CT of the head were targeted due to ordering variability, cost, and radiation exposure. The utilization rate for each provider was assessed for emergency department providers. Following this, providers were given scorecards regarding their utilization as well as their relative utilization compared with each other. Utilization was then monitored following the intervention to assess the effect of the scorecard on ordering practices. No significant effect on the utilization of these 3 exams was found after the scorecard intervention. Providing scorecards to make emergency department providers aware of their relative utilization does not significantly alter ordering behavior. Incentive-based systems may be required in order to lessen overutilization of these 3 commonly ordered radiology procedures in the emergency department.
Healthcare-Associated Infections in the Neurocritical Care Unit

This article summarizes updated data and knowledge on healthcare-associated infections in the neurocritical care unit, with a focus on central nervous system infections and systemic infectious complications in patients with acute brain disease. It also reviews the concept of brain injury-induced immune modulation, an underlying mechanism to explain why the neuro-ICU population is particularly susceptible to infections. Healthcare-associated infections in the neuro-ICU are common: up to 40 % of meningitides in the developed world are now healthcare-associated. The number of gram-negative infections is rising. New diagnostic approaches attempt to aid in the diagnosis of healthcare-associated meningitis and ventriculitis. Healthcare-associated infections in the neurocritical care unit remain a challenge for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Gaining a better understanding of at-risk patients and development of preventative strategies will be the goal for future investigation.
HESSLE-FREE: HeterogeneousSystems Leveraging Fuzzy Control for Runtime Resource Management

As computing platforms increasingly embrace heterogeneity, runtime resource managers need to efficiently, dynamically, and robustly manage shared resources (e.g., cores, power budgets, memory bandwidth). To address the complexities in heterogeneous systems, state-of-the-art techniques that use heuristics or machine learning have been proposed. On the other hand, conventional control theory can be used for formal guarantees, but may face unmanageable complexity for modeling system dynamics of complex heterogeneous systems. We address this challenge through HESSLE-FREE (Heterogeneous Systems Leveraging Fuzzy Control for Runtime Resource Management): an approach leveraging fuzzy control theory that combines the strengths of classical control theory together with heuristics to form a light-weight, agile, and efficient runtime resource manager for heterogeneous systems. We demonstrate the efficacy of HESSLE-FREE executing on a NVIDIA Jetson TX2 platform (containing a heterogeneous multi-processor with a GPU) to show that HESSLE-FREE: 1) provides opportunity for optimization in the controller and stability analysis to enhance the confidence in the reliability of the system; 2) coordinates heterogeneous compute units to achieve desired objectives (e.g., QoS, optimal power references, FPS) efficiently and with lower complexity, and 3) eases the burden of system specification.
Learning under p-tampering poisoning attacks

Recently, Mahloujifar and Mahmoody (Theory of Cryptography Conference’17) studied attacks against learning algorithms using a special case of Valiant’s malicious noise, called p-tampering, in which the adversary gets to change any training example with independent probability p but is limited to only choose ‘adversarial’ examples with correct labels. They obtained p-tampering attacks that increase the error probability in the so called ‘targeted’ poisoning model in which the adversary’s goal is to increase the loss of the trained hypothesis over a particular test example. At the heart of their attack was an efficient algorithm to bias the expected value of any bounded real-output function through p-tampering. In this work, we present new biasing attacks for increasing the expected value of bounded real-valued functions. Our improved biasing attacks, directly imply improved p-tampering attacks against learners in the targeted poisoning model. As a bonus, our attacks come with considerably simpler analysis. We also study the possibility of PAC learning under p-tampering attacks in the non-targeted (aka indiscriminate) setting where the adversary’s goal is to increase the risk of the generated hypothesis (for a random test example). We show that PAC learning is possible under p-tampering poisoning attacks essentially whenever it is possible in the realizable setting without the attacks. We further show that PAC learning under ‘no-mistake’ adversarial noise is not possible, if the adversary could choose the (still limited to only p fraction of) tampered examples that she substitutes with adversarially chosen ones. Our formal model for such ‘bounded-budget’ tampering attackers is inspired by the notions of adaptive corruption in cryptography.
Infection prophylaxis and management of viral infection

Viral infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in lung transplant recipients. Importantly, several viral infections have been associated with the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARV) such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are frequently associated with acute and chronic rejection. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a significant burden in regards to morbidity and mortality in lung transplant recipients. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is mostly involved with the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), a lymphoid proliferation that occurs in the setting of immunosuppression. On the other hand, the development of direct acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is changing the use of HCV-positive organs in transplantation. In this article we will focus on reviewing common viral infections that have a significant impact on lung transplant recipients looking at epidemiology, prevention and potential treatment.
Effect analysis on prevention and control of AIDS in Hangzhou from 2015 to 2016

Objective To explore the achievements for the "all-in-one" comprehensive prevention and control of AIDS set up by disease control agency, fixed-point hospital, community healthcare center and social organizations, and provide the basis for government decision-making. Methods We collected data of HIV/AIDS detection, antiviral therapy and follow-up management during 2015-2016, analyzed roles of different organizations in key crowd by HIV testing, and compared qualities of HIV/AIDS treatment follow-up management of different medical institutions. Results The key cluster HIV antibody were tested among 42 171 people during 2015 to 2016 in Xihu District of Hangzhou. The positive rate on preliminary screening was 1.11% (468 cases) , and the positive rate on a definite diagnosis was 0.75% (317 cases) . STD clinic attendants were 42.47%, of which the positive rate on preliminary screening was 68.25% and the positive rate on a definite diagnosis was 0.96% (172 cases) . The people tested by center for disease control and prevention were 36.11%, of which the positive rate on preliminary screening was 90.09% and the positive rate on a definite diagnosis was 0.61% (93 cases) . The people tested by the community health service centers was 16.90%, of which the positive rate on preliminary screening was 88.87% and the 7 cases were definitely diagnosed positive. A total of 1 906 men who have sex with men involved in the detection, of which the positive rate on preliminary screening was 46.88% and the positive rate on a definite diagnosis was 2.36% (45 cases) . Among 2 632 men who have sex with men had been tested, and 72.42% took test motivated by social organizations, and the positive rate on a definite diagnosis by the center for disease control and prevention was 11.70% (82 cases) . HIV/AIDS virus detection rate, CD4 testing, antiviral treatment, tuberculosis detection percentage by disease control agency were significantly lower than the community health service center and the fixed-point hospital (P<0.01) . Conclusions It is necessary to enhance the follow-up visit of positive people in STD clinic and social organization, and improve the confirmed rate of those people. CDC has no advance on follow-up programs, so community health center and fixed-point hospital should do the relative work.. Key words: HIV; Prevention; Effect
A Virtual Standardized Patient-Based Assessment Tool to Evaluate Psychiatric Residents' Psychopharmacology Proficiency.

A virtual standardized patient-based assessment simulator was developed to address biases and practical limitations in existing methods for evaluating residents’ proficiency in psychopharmacological knowledge and practice. The simulator was designed to replicate an outpatient psychiatric clinic experience. The virtual patient reported symptoms of a treatment-resistant form of major depressive disorder (MDD), requiring the learner to use various antidepressants in order for the patient to fully remit. Test scores were based on the proportion of correct responses to questions asked by the virtual patient about possible side effects, dosing, and titration decisions, which depended upon the patient’s tolerability and response to the learner’s selected medications. The validation paradigm included a novice-expert performance comparison across 4th year medical students, psychiatric residents from all four post-graduate year classes, and psychiatry department faculty, and a correlational analysis of simulator performance with the PRITE Somatic Treatments subscale score. Post-test surveys evaluated the test takers’ subjective impressions of the simulator. Forty-three subjects completed the online exam and survey. Total mean scores on the exam differed significantly across all the learner groups in a step-wise manner from students to faculty (F = 6.10, p = 0.0001). Total mean scores by residency class correlated with PRITE Somatic Therapies subscale scores (p < 0.01). The post-test survey mean Likert results ranged from 3.33 ± 1.20 to 4.4 ± 0.79, indicating neutral to favorable responses for use of the simulator. This simulator demonstrated strong construct validity and high participant acceptability for assessing proficiency in the psychopharmacologic treatment of MDD.
Macroscale Control of Reactivity using 3D Printed Materials with Intrinsic Catalytic Properties

Abstract The morphology of heterogeneous catalysts can impact their performance. However, standard manufacturing methods like extrusion or pelleting offer little options for tailoring catalyst shape. Herein, stereolithographic 3D printing is used to produce catalysts with controlled topologies to enhance their performance. A series of magnetic stir-bar compartments (SBC) were 3D printed and tested as catalysts for sucrose hydrolysis. The SBC were printed using acrylic acid (AA) and 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) as acid sites and hydrophobic crosslinking domains, respectively. Variations in the number and tilt direction of the SBC blades produced significant changes in their apparent catalytic activities. These changes resulted from differences in the fraction of active surface effectively interacting with the reactants in solution, as revealed by computational fluid dynamics simulations. Moreover, varying HDDA:AA ratios in SBC regulated reactant-surface interactions to control catalytic activity. Overall, 3D printing catalysts enables quick performance optimization by simultaneously controlling macroscopic structure and molecular composition.
Extensive Perineural Spread of Subungual Melanoma

Background Subungual melanoma (SUM) is a rare form of melanoma confined to the nailbed and is rarely of the desmoplastic subtype. The often subtle nature of SUM, initially starting as a small dark spot or line in the nailbed, means deeper invasion can occur before a patient seeks clinical evaluation for a large, ulcerated lesion. We report the only known case of perineural spread of SUM of the lower extremity and describe its extensive path of perineural spread from the toe. Case Description A 72-year-old man with a distant history of SUM status post second ray amputation, presented for evaluation of ipsilateral foot drop. Imaging revealed nodular involvement of tibial, peroneal, and sciatic nerves. Biopsies revealed desmoplastic melanoma and he was treated with nivolumab. Conclusions We report the only known case of perineural spread of SUM of the lower extremity and describe the pathoanatomy of perineural spread. A high index of suspicion for recurrent disease should be maintained even many years after completion of treatment.
Investigating water pollution: the forensic approach

Abstract The principles governing sound scientific studies lend themselves for effective use in civil and criminal environmental investigations, but with some important caveats. Water quality investigations are used within to provide examples of some of these principles, but similar guidance applies to pollution incidents in any environmental setting. Emphasis is placed on preparation, procedure, and persuasion as key components of a successful investigation—one that identifies a problem, presents the evidence that explains the causes, assigns responsibility if that is possible, and persuades an audience, judge, or jury. This chapter develops these ideas to enable environmental scientists to be more effective in such forensic settings at the intersection of scientific and legal practice.
Integrated Optical Switches

This chapter presents one related modulator-like functionality; i.e., switching of a propagating light wave. This functionality is important for many applications, including signal multiplexing in time and wavelength, signal routing, and signal encoding. An effective photonic switch requires a high extinction ratio, low loss, and a short response time. Switches are shown to be based on mechanical movement, thermo-optic, electro-optic, or electron-plasma optical to change the refractive index. Our discussion focuses on electro-optical switches since they were the most important type for integrated switches particularly those for ultrafast lithium niobate crystals. In addition, the chapter includes a short section on thermo-optical-based switches as well. Finally, methods of improving switch performance are also presented in the chapter.
Second-Order Conic and Polyhedral Approximations of the Exponential Cone: Application to Mixed-Integer Exponential Conic Programs.

Exponents and logarithms exist in many important applications such as logistic regression, maximum likelihood, relative entropy and so on. Since the exponential cone can be viewed as the epigraph of perspective of the natural exponential function or the hypograph of perspective of the natural logarithm function, many mixed-integer nonlinear convex programs involving exponential or logarithm functions can be recast as mixed-integer exponential conic programs (MIECPs). Recently, solver MOSEK is able to solve large-scale continuous exponential conic programs (ECPs). However, unlike mixed-integer linear programs (MILPs) and mixed-integer second-order conic programs (MISOCPs), MIECPs are far beyond development. To harvest the past efforts on MILPs and MISOCPs, this paper presents second-order conic (SOC) and poly-hedral approximation schemes for the exponential cone with application to MIECPs. To do so, we first extend and generalize existing SOC approximation approaches in the extended space, propose new scaling and shifting methods, prove approximation accuracies, and derive lower bounds of approximations. We then study the polyhedral outer approximation of the exponential cones in the original space using gradient inequalities, show its approximation accuracy, and derive a lower bound of the approximation. When implementing SOC approximations, we suggest testing smaller cases by learning the approximation pattern and then applying to the large-scale cases; and for the polyhedral approximation, we suggest using the cutting plane method when solving the continuous ECP and branch and cut method for MIECPs. Our numerical study shows that the proposed scaling, shifting, and polyhedral outer approximation methods outperform solver MOSEK for both continuous ECPs and MIECPs and can achieve up to 20 times speed-ups compared to solver MOSEK when solving MIECPs.
Aldosterone action in target epithelia.

Publisher Summary This chapter provides the historical introduction to aldosterone. The aldosterone biosynthesis by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex is controlled by a number of factors including the reninangiotensin system, plasma potassium, and, to a lesser degree, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). In cases of unrelenting release of aldosterone or administration of mineralocorticoids, a renal compensatory mechanism known as “escape” ensues. The escape involves recruitment of those factors that are responsible for volume-related natriuresis. A diagram, illustrating a mineralocorticoid-responsive cell, is presented. As all steroid hormones have in common a cytoplasmic steroidspecific receptor, the importance of these receptors are generally accepted based on evidence from work with either mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, or the sex steroids. Therefore, mutants of a lymphoma cell-line that lost cellular response to glucocorticoids, are found to be “receptorless,” indicating the crucial role of the receptor. The strongest evidence for the role of receptors in the mechanism of action of aldosterone and other steroid hormones is their association with nuclear sites. The chapter also discusses the role of RNA and protein synthesis. It is concluded that there was synthesis of aldosterone-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) followed by ribosomal RNA (rRNA). The chapter concludes that aldosterone increases Na+ transport because it results in both increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and increased luminal Na+ permeability.
An Alternate End Design for SSC Dipoles

Experience in the SSC dipole program has shown that fabrication of cylindrical coil ends is difficult. Cable stiffness requires large forces to maintain the proper position of the conductors in the end during winding. After winding, the coil ends remain distorted and significant motion of the end conductors is required to force the coil end into the molding cavity. Local mechanical stresses are high during this process and extra pieces of insulation are required to prevent turn-to-turn shorts from developing during the winding and molding steps. Prior to assembly the coil end is compressed in a mold cavity and injected with a filler material to correct surface irregularities and fill voids in the end.
The AMISCONDE Partnership in Costa Rica: Improving the Effectiveness of Collaboration for Conservation and Development

Abstract The AMISCONDE Initiative in Costa Rica and Panama was implemented through a partnership involving Conservation International, McDonald's Corporation, Clemson University, and later Texas A & M University. This paper provides an appraisal of the partnership using criteria established by Berry et al. (1995) and Berry and Dyer (1996). Results indicate that the AMISCONDE collaborators could improve the essential partnership elements of inclusiveness and communication. The establishment of a common vision and goals and the avoidance of “goal substitution” can help promote partnership success. I recommend that the AMISCONDE partnership and other similar efforts should seek to (1) increase inclusiveness by recognizing participating communities as partnership members; (2) fully utilize each partner's strengths to promote the common interest; (3) encourage communication with partnership members early on in the project to ensure vital components of the project are not overlooked; (4) make partnership endeav...
Re-Imagining Criminal Prosecution: Toward a Color-Conscious Professional Ethic for Prosecutors

Prosecutors, like most Americans, view the criminal-justice system as fundamentally race neutral. They are aware that blacks are stopped, searched, arrested, and locked up in numbers that are vastly out of proportion to their fraction of the overall population. Yet, they generally assume that this outcome is justified because it reflects the sad reality that blacks commit a disproportionate share of crime in America. They are unable to detect the ways in which their own discretionary choices — and those of other actors in the criminal-justice system, such as legislators, police officers, and jurors — contribute to the staggering and unequal incarceration of black Americans. In this article, I aim to undermine this color-blind assessment of criminal justice and explain why prosecutors should embrace a color-conscious vision of their professional duties. Color consciousness is complex and multi-dimensional. It involves understanding the ways in which America’s long history of segregation generated the harsh socioeconomic conditions that lead so many young black males into a life of crime. It also demands awareness of the frequency of racial profiling and acknowledgment of widely shared stereotypes that lead so many Americans to automatically perceive black men as potentially dangerous, violent and criminal. Finally, color consciousness recognizes the exclusion of blacks from political power and how this exclusion shapes the substantive content of the criminal law. Prosecutors should not only strive to acquire insight into how race operates in the criminal-justice system, but also to allow these insights to guide relevant aspects of their practice, including the ways in which they interact with police, charge crimes, negotiate plea agreements, present their case to jurors, and more. Taking these steps, particularly when they redound to the benefit of criminal suspects and defendants, would depart from the adversarial norm that largely defines the professional ethics of American lawyers. Normally, attorneys are expected to zealously represent the interests of their clients and to leave ultimate decisions about what is fair and true to the judge and jury. Prosecutors are different. They have a dual obligation to serve both as vigorous advocates within adversarial relationships and as officers of justice. Currently, no uniform guidelines exist as to the relative weight of the two components of prosecutors’ dual role, so they must make complex judgments about how to negotiate the intrinsic dissonance of their professional identity in a range of different situations. This article advances a context-specific argument that prosecutors and the institutions that supervise them should be more concerned with pursuing justice than with being a vigorous adversary when dealing with the subtle racial dimensions of their work.
Majority rule and the public provision of a private good

This paper extends the literature on the socialization of commodities by developing a model of voting over the public provision of a private good: health care.
Optimized production scale classifier for finest cuts at high capacities

Abstract The demand for ultrafine materials in the mineral industry is presently met by Hosokawa Alpine with the patented multiwheel classifiers. Since this type of machine is not always suitable for mass products a new classifier for the production of finest minerals has been developed. The Alpine TurboTwin combines low energy costs with fine cutpoints and high yields. The paper presents the fundamentals of classification, the requirements for a modern production classifier and the current solutions. The newly designed TurboTwin is introduced and the considerations of its development are presented. Test results show the advantages and possibilities of the new machine.
Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold: Avengers' Accounts of Calculated Revenge Cognitions and Assessment of a Proposed Measure

Evidence suggests that revenge in the workplace can be "cool and calculated." That is, some employees plan to "get even" before doing so, consider different options for revenge and the consequences of those options, and carefully plan their revenge. In Study 1, we conducted interviews with individuals who engaged in revenge at work. Most avengers described having thoughts about revenge that were calculated in nature. In Study 2, we assessed a proposed measure of calculated revenge cognitions by examining its factor structure, and evidence for convergent and discriminant validity. Results provided considerable support for the proposed measure (e.g., it correlated with revenge attitudes, negative reciprocity endorsement, negative affectivity, agreeableness, and honesty-humility). We discuss the implications for theory, research, and practice.
Factors Affecting the High Temperature Performance of Creep Strength Enhanced Ferritic Steels

Long term creep is potentially life limiting for many components which operate at high stress and temperature. These components are typically designed using Code specified maximum stresses. As more long duration rupture data became available the original estimates of allowable stresses for creep strength enhanced ferritic steels (CSEF) have been reduced. Thus, even in properly processed steel, the long term performance and creep rupture strength is below that predicted from a simple extrapolation of short term data. The microstructural degradation mechanisms responsible for this behaviour are linked to changes in the steel substructure and the development of creep voids. Nucleation, growth and inter linkage of voids also result in a significant loss of creep ductility. Indeed, elongations to rupture of around 5% in 100,000 hours are now considered normal for long term creep tests on many CSEF steels. This relatively brittle behaviour increases the risk of burst rather than leak type fracture. Moreover, the presence of high number densities of voids complicates assessment of condition and weld repair of in-service components. This paper examines background on the high temperature behaviour, including the nucleation and development of creep voids, in 9 to 12%Cr martensitic steels. Cost effective improvements to in-service performance of components made from CSEF steels can be achieved using ‘well engineered’ design and fabrication approaches.
Emergence and growth of professional doctorates in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia: a comparative analysis

This article examines the development and growth of professional doctorates in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It provides an overview of the development of the doctoral degree from its establishment at the universities of Paris and Bologna, and highlights the emergence of new forms of doctorates that have challenged the PhD. The examination indicates that similar growth patterns for applied doctorates have occurred in the United States, the UK and in Australia, but contrasting forces in Canada have reshaped existing PhD programs to meet changing external requirements. For each of the countries studied, the relative difficulty in obtaining consistent definitions of professional doctorates, and reliable statistics on the numbers of students enrolled in and graduating from such programs, suggests the need for continuing discussions within and across countries concerning these emerging professional doctorates.
Pharmacological characterization of the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain

The chronic constriction injury model is a rat model of neuropathic pain based on a unilateral loose ligation of the sciatic nerve. The aim of the present study was to test its sensitivity to various clinically validated and experimental drugs. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia developed within one week post-surgery and were reliably present for at least 7 weeks. Mechanical allodynia was strongly attenuated by morphine (minimal effective dose in brackets: 8 mg/kg, p.o.) and the cannabinoids Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (3 mg/kg, p.o.) and (-)-cis-3-[2-hydroxy-4(1,1-dimethylheptyl)phenyl]-trans-4-(3-hydroxypropyl) cyclohexanol (CP 55,940; 0.05 mg/kg, i.p.), and weakly/moderately attenuated by the anticonvulsants gabapentin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and carbamazepine (32 mg/kg, i.p.), the muscle relaxant baclofen (3 mg/kg, i.p.), and the adenosine kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(3-bromophenyl)-7-(6-morpholino-pyridin-3-yl)pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (ABT-702; 30 mg/kg, i.p.). Thermal hyperalgesia was strongly attenuated by morphine (16 mg/kg, p.o.), Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (6 mg/kg, p.o.), CP 55,940 (0.025 mg/kg, i.p.), carbamazepine (32 mg/kg, i.p.) and the antidepressant amitriptyline (32 mg/kg, p.o.), and weakly/moderately attenuated by gabapentin (50 mg/kg, i.p.), the anti-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor rofecoxib (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and the adenosine A1 receptor positive allosteric modulator 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo(b)thiophen-3-yl 4-chlorophenylmethanone (T62; 30 mg/kg, i.p.). Both symptoms were hardly or not affected by the nonselective N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists ketamine and dizocilpine, and the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor NR2B-selective antagonists ifenprodil and R-(R*,S*)-alpha-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-beta-methyl-4-(phenyl-methyl)-1-piperidine propranol (Ro 25-6981). The finding that mechanical allodynia and/or thermal hyperalgesia are attenuated by various established compounds further supports the validity of the chronic constriction injury model for the study of neuropathic pain and its use for the identification of novel treatments.
Transactional coherence and consistency: simplifying parallel hardware and software

Transactional coherence and consistency (TCC) simplifies parallel hardware and software design by eliminating the need for conventional cache coherence and consistency models and letting programmers parallelize a wide range of applications with a simple, lock-free transactional model. TCC eases both parallel programming and parallel architecture design by relying on programmer-defined transactions as the basic unit of parallel work, communication, memory coherence, and memory consistency
SHARDIS: A Privacy-Enhanced Discovery Service for RFID-Based Product Information

The EPCglobal Network is an emerging global information architecture for supporting Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) in supply chains. Discovery services for the EPCglobal Network are distributed services that serve the following pivotal lookup function: Given an identifier for a real-world object, e.g., an Electronic Product Code (EPC) stored on an RFID tag, they return a list of Internet addresses of services that offer additional information about the object. Since a client's information interests in the EPCglobal Network can be used to create inventory lists and profiles of his physical surroundings, as well as be used for business intelligence on the flow of goods in corporate applications, protecting client privacy becomes crucial. In particular, privacy mechanisms should by design be integrated into discovery services where the client's information interests could be analyzed by many potential adversaries. This paper introduces SHARDIS, a privacy-enhanced discovery service for RFID information based on the peer-to-peer paradigm. The idea is to enhance confidentiality of the client's query against profiling by cryptographically hashing the search EPC and by splitting and distributing the service addresses of interest. Furthermore, a probabilistic analysis of the privacy benefits of SHARDIS is presented. SHARDIS was implemented using the global research platform PlanetLab. Several performance experiments show its practical feasibility for many application areas.
The effects of vasoconstriction on experimental coronary artery stenosis

Abstract In summary, we have examined the response to arterial vasoconstriction in an in vitro coronary artery preparation. Without a preexisting stenosis, arterial vasoconstriction had minimal hemodynamic effects. Similarly, with a stenosis created by a circumferential snare, arterial vasoconstriction had minimal hemodynamic effects. In striking contrast, with a stenosis created by intraluminal obstruction, arterial vasoconstriction dramatically increased the hemodynamic severity of the stenosis. The use of an intraluminal obstruction provides a useful animal model for examining hemodynamics in coronary artery disease and has provided some insight into the effects of vasoconstriction on coronary artery hemodynamics. Obviously, this is an experimental study, and care must be taken in extrapolating these results to diseased human coronary arteries.
Trends in the utilization of mammography in Washington state and British Columbia: relation to stage of diagnosis and mortality.

To compare the utilization of an imaging technology in the United States and Canada and its effect on clinical outcomes, trends in the utilization of mammography among women aged 50 to 75 years from 1984 through 1988 in Washington State and British Columbia were examined. Also compared were trends in the stage at time of diagnosis of invasive breast cancer and mortality due to breast cancer in the two regions. Annual mammography use increased in both regions, but the proportion of women examined was consistently two to three times higher in Washington than in British Columbia (43% vs 16% in 1988). Although there was no difference in mortality trends, the proportion of women diagnosed with localized disease in Washington increased each year (from 52% to 64%, P less than .001), while in British Columbia it remained unchanged at approximately 56%. Results of this study suggest that differences in utilization were influenced by clinical policies, the degree to which these policies were promoted, reimbursement, and the organization of radiology services.
Permanent of the Laplacian matrix of trees with a given matching

Abstract We define the Laplacian ratio of a tree π ( T ), to be the permanent of the Laplacian matrix of T divided by the product of the degrees of the vertices. Best possible lower and upper bounds are obtained for π ( T ) in terms of the size of the largest matching in T .
Microbial conversion of sugars from plant biomass to lactic acid or ethanol

Concerns for our environment and unease with our dependence on foreign oil have renewed interest in converting plant biomass into fuels and 'green' chemicals. The volume of plant matter available makes lignocellulose conversion desirable, although no single isolated organism has been shown to depolymerize lignocellulose and efficiently metabolize the resulting sugars into a specific product. This work reviews selected chemicals and fuels that can be produced from microbial fermentation of plant-derived cell-wall sugars and directed engineering for improvement of microbial biocatalysts. Lactic acid and ethanol production are highlighted, with a focus on engineered Escherichia coli.
Collective Bargaining and the Multi‐national Firm: Management Policy Issue for the Automobile Industry

A study of the auto industry, with particular reference to America, indicates that the role of the multinational company must be viewed in the perspective of labour situations existing in most countries and at home. The diversity of multinational corporations necessitates an emphasis on co‐ordination of union policies, research and communication. The majority of bargaining in the future will be national and thus it is essential that a system of transmitting knowledge from country to country be established. Equally, such co‐ordination will be necessary if unions hope to achieve a system for more equalised bargaining in the face of existing constraints; otherwise, it is likely that the mechanisms of protective legislation, individual bargaining and multinational bargaining will fail to alter present status in negotiating with employees.
Gene Therapy for Inherited Hyperbilirubinemias

Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1 (CN-1) is a potentially lethal condition, and is the only inherited disorder of bilirubin metabolism that needs treatment beyond the neonatal period. Currently, orthotopic liver transplantation is the only available cure for CN-1. Because the liver architecture is not disturbed in CN-1 and partial correction of bilirubin-UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1) activity is expected to be sufficient for protection against kernicterus, cell and gene therapies are being developed using the Gunn rat as an animal model of the disease. Ex vivo gene therapy based on the transplantation of genetically manipulated hepatocytes and in vivo gene transfer using recombinant adenovirus and Simian virus 40 (SV40)-based vectors have yielded significant success. The novel strategy of in vivo site-directed mutagenesis has also resulted in modest, but significant, correction of the genetic abnormality. Newer viral and nonviral gene delivery methods are being explored and have been discussed in brief. In summary, effective gene therapy methods have been validated in Gunn rats. Despite considerable remaining hurdles, gene therapy for CN-1 could become a clinical reality by the turn of this decade.
Subcellular localization and molecular topology of the dopamine transporter in the striatum and substantia nigra.

Plasma membrane transporters remove neurotransmitters from the extracellular space and have been postulated to terminate synaptic activity. Their specific roles in synaptic and nonsynaptic neurotransmission at a cellular level, however, remain unclear. We have determined the subcellular location of the dopamine transporter (DAT) by immunoperoxidase and immunogold electron microscopy, using monoclonal antibodies to both the N-terminus and the second extracellular loop. The two DAT epitopes were found on opposite faces of cellular and intracellular membranes, providing confirmation of the predicted molecular topology of DAT. In the striatum, DAT was localized in the plasma membrane of axons and terminals. Double immunocytochemistry demonstrated DAT colocalization with two other markers of nigrostriatal terminals, tyrosine hydroxylase and D2 dopamine receptors. The latter was thus demonstrated to be an autoreceptor. Labeled striatal terminals formed symmetrical synapses with spines, dendrites, and perikarya. DAT was not identified within any synaptic active zones, however, even using serial section analysis. These results suggest that striatal dopamine reuptake may occur outside of synaptic specializations once dopamine diffuses from the synaptic cleft. In the substantia nigra, DAT appears to be specifically transported into dendrites, where it can be found in smooth endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane, and pre- and postsynaptic active zones. These localizations suggest that DAT modulates the intracellular and extracellular dopamine levels of nigral dendrites. Within the perikarya of pars compacta neurons, DAT was localized primarily to rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, and multivesicular bodies, identifying probable sites of synthesis, modification, transport, and degradation. J. Comp. Neurol. 388:211–227, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nucleotide sequencing of a part of the 5′-noncoding region of echovirus type 9 and rapid virus detection during the acute phase of aseptic meningitis

A part of the 5'-noncoding region of echovirus type 9 isolates was sequenced, and an attempt was made for rapid virus detection in clinical samples obtained from 22 subjects hospitalized with aseptic meningitis. The sequence identity of 440-bp products amplified from the region by RT-PCR was 87.7% between the standard echovirus type 9(Hill strain) and the isolates. Specific IgM antibodies to Hill strain were positive in 45.5% by immunofluorescent antibody staining of virus-infected cells. A high detection rate of PCR products was observed in cerebrospinal fluids (CSFs; 54.5%) at admission, and in peripheral mononuclear cells (PMCs; 72.7%) at the end of hospitalization. Viral genomes were detectable for 2 days in serum samples, and for 6 days in PMC samples after onset of disease. When specific IgM antibody titers were less than 1:40, the amplification rate of viral genome from serum samples was 50.0%. These results indicate that the combination of specific IgM determination and viral genome amplification from CSFs will be a rapid and reliable method for early diagnosis.
Can we relate MeCP2 deficiency to the structural and chemical abnormalities in the Rett brain

The mutated gene for Rett syndrome, MECP2, has now been identified in ninety percent of cases. Molecular biologists are immersed in the study of this gene's biology determining how its mutation could be responsible for such an enigmatic phenotype. In this paper the same question is considered, reexamining the structural phenotype of the Rett brain and asking; is MeCP2 present at the appropriate time and place in brain development to influence the structural and chemical abnormalities which characterize the Rett brain? Data from the literature and previous research suggest that MeCP2 is expressed during critical periods of brain development at several sites and in different neurons. It supports the idea that inadequate functioning of MeCP2 alters trophic factors and raises the possibility that replacement of these factors might improve brain function. The availability of mouse models now makes it possible to test such ideas.
Age-related dominance in male dark-eyed juncos: effects of plumage and prior residence

Abstract Age-related differences in dominance ability and the effect of prior residence on age-related dominance were investigated in captive male dark-eyed juncos, Junco hyemalis . To determine if adults and first-winter birds differed in their intrinsic dominance ability, pairs of adult and first-winter birds of equal body size and winning experience were established. Because plumage influences status, young birds were experimentally darkened to match their older cage-mates. Adult and first-winter males became dominant with equal frequency. Because of this result and the fact that adults are usually dominant in the field, the effect of prior residence on age-related dominance was also investigated. When given prior residence, birds of either age-class won significantly more interactions against intruders. Although first-winter residents (without darkened plumage) dominated intruding adults, they won significantly fewer interactions than did resident adults against intruding adults. This difference in relative dominance success may be due to age-related plumage differences. In the absence of advantages based on prior residence or winning experience, both adult and first-winter birds may rely on plumage differences to settle contests with others of their age class. Prior residence confers an advantage on both adult and first-winter birds. In nature, however, adults are more likely to experience this advantage as a consequence of earlier arrival at migration stopover sites and of site fidelity to the wintering grounds.
Oilpacity: Secrets of History in the Coup against Hugo Chávez

: [energy, energopolitics, anthropology of energy, Venezuelan coup, oil industry, Chavez, nationalization]
The “young engineer blight” of the electric utilities

Much has been written lately about the serious shortage of young engineers in the electric utility industry. The author points out a number of reasons why he believes the industry itself has failed to meet the problem realistically.