cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paraphrasing away properties with pluriverse counterfactuals

In this paper, I argue that for the purposes of ordinary reasoning, sentences about properties of concrete objects can be replaced with sentences concerning how things in our universe would be related to inscriptions were there a pluriverse. Speaking loosely, pluriverses are composites of universes that collectively realize every way a universe could possibly be. As such, pluriverses exhaust all possible meanings that inscriptions could take. Moreover, because universes necessarily do not influence one another, our universe would not be any different intrinsically if there were a pluriverse. These two facts enable anti-realists about abstract objects to replace, e.g. talk of anatomical features with talk of the inscriptions concerning anatomical structure that would exist were there a pluriverse. The availability of such replacements enables anti-realists to carry out essential ordinary reasoning without referring to properties, thereby making room for a consistent anti-realist worldview. The inscriptions of the would-be pluriverse are so numerous and varied that sentences about them can play the roles in ordinary reasoning served by simple sentences about properties of concrete objects.
Predictors of marijuana vaping onset and escalation among young adults.

Abstract Background Little is known about factors that influence marijuana vaping among young people. We examined cigarette, e-cigarette and marijuana use experiences, social network characteristics and exposure to direct e-cigarette marketing as predictors of marijuana vaping initiation and escalation. Methods One-year prospective data were collected between 2017 and 2019 from 2327 young adults (Mean age = 21.2; SD = 2.1; 54 % women) attending 2-year and 4-year colleges in Hawaii. Results Among participants who were never marijuana users at baseline, being a dual user of cigarette and e-cigarette at baseline was the strongest predictor of marijuana vaping initiation, followed by baseline cigarette-only and e-cigarette-only use. Higher prevalence of regular marijuana users in one’s social networks, but not e-cigarette users or cigarette smokers, significantly predicted marijuana vaping initiation a year later. Among baseline current e-cigarette users and lifetime marijuana users, higher presence in social networks of individuals who frequented vape shops at baseline was a significant predictor of increased current marijuana vaping at one-year follow-up. Conclusions Dual use of cigarette and e-cigarette and greater presence in social networks of marijuana users and people who frequent vape shops appear to be robust predictors of marijuana vaping onset and escalation among young adults. In addition to promoting e-cigarette use prevention/cessation, efforts to control marijuana vaping may need to consider promoting smoking prevention/cessation and the effects of increasing prevalence of marijuana use.
Pentafluorobenzylation and detection of sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) in veterinary samples using gas chromatography/tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring.

RATIONALE The analytical detection of chemical residues from sodium monofluoroacetate (MFA) ingestion in targeted predatory wildlife and in pesticide misuse incidents perpetrated against nuisance companion animals remains a concern in veterinary forensic toxicology. There is a current need for chemically stable sample extracts with reliable and specific diagnostic methods for trace quantities in diverse diagnostic matrices. METHODS Biphasic pentafluorobenzylation provided a simple combined extraction and derivatization procedure for removing MFA in a chemically stable form from a complex matrix such as stomach contents. Analysis of the derivatized extract using gas chromatography/tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) approaches specific to MFA provided greater specificity than simple scan or selected ion monitoring approaches. RESULTS Collision-induced dissociation in GC/MS/MS showed that pentafluorobenzyl (PFB)-derivatized MFA (M+ m/z 258) generated m/z 258➔130, 149, 161, 177, 178, 180.1, and 181.1 transitions. Of these, the transition m/z 258➔181 provided a peak for quantitation, whereas m/z 258➔161 and 258➔178 provided specificity for qualifying MFA. Similarly, PFB-derivatized 2-chloropropionic acid (M+ m/z 288) was used as an internal standard, which generated m/z 288➔181 and 161. Of these, the transition m/z 288➔181 provided a peak for quantitation, whereas m/z 288➔161 and 181➔161 served to qualify the internal standard. CONCLUSIONS The method was validated with a calculated limit of detection of 0.35 ppm and limit of quantitation of 1.09 ppm MFA. The method should have adequate sensitivity and reliability for veterinary toxicology labs analyzing specimens from animals poisoned by this predacide.
Temperament and Health-Related Quality of Life in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Objective Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is typically examined from a deficit standpoint, meaning that little is known about factors associated with higher HRQOL in pediatric illness samples. The aim of the current study was to investigate demographic, disease, and temperamental factors associated with child and parent-report of HRQOL in youth newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods Participants included 52 youth ages 8-17 diagnosed with IBD and their caregivers who each completed ratings of the child's HRQOL. Parents rated their child's emotional reactivity, conceptualized as a temperamental risk factor, and adaptability, conceptualized as a temperamental protective factor. Disease symptoms were rated by youth, and physician global assessment of disease activity was obtained. Results HRQOL was rated lower by children and their parents as self-reported disease symptoms and parent-rated emotional reactivity increased. Conversely, total HRQOL was higher for children with higher parent-ratings of adaptability. In multiple regression analyses, higher levels of adaptability along with male sex and lower child-reported disease symptoms were associated with higher child and parent-reported HRQOL. Conclusions Higher HRQOL at time of diagnosis in pediatric IBD is associated with greater adaptability when accounting for variability due to child sex and disease symptoms. Consideration of temperament, including emotional reactivity and adaptability, may offer insight into patients' typical ways of responding when stressed and provide preliminary information about factors related to post-diagnosis HRQOL. Attention should be given to both protective and risk factors to inform future intervention development, including strengths-based approaches.
The Intersectionality of Race and Class in Bioethics

The intersectionality of race and class in bioethics presents an opportunity to address how legal racial inequality intersects with class and legal status in human reproduction. This article applies critical race theory to reproductive choice in the context of race.
Immigration, Diversity, and Education.

Preface, Elena L. Grigorenko Introduction, Ruby Takanishi 1. Children of Immigrants and the Future of America, Donald J. Hernandez, Nancy A. Denton, and Suzanne E. Macartney 2. Differences in Social Transfer Support and Poverty for Immigrant Families with Children: Lessons from the LIS, Timothy Smeeding, Coady Wing, and Karen Robson 3. Disentangling Nativity Status, Race/Ethnicity, and Country of Origin in Predicting the School Readiness of Young Immigrant Children, Jessica Johnson De Feyter and Adam Winsler 4. Preparing the Way: Early Head Start and the Socio-Emotional Health of Latino Infants and Toddlers, Krista M. Perreira, Linda Beeber, Todd Schwartz, Diane Holditch-Davis, India Ornelas and Lauren Maxwell 5. Latinos and Early Education: Immigrant Generational Differences and Family Involvement, Eugene E. Garcia, Kent Scribner, and Delis Cuellar 6. Diversity in Academic Achievement: Children of Immigrants in US Schools, Jennifer E. Glick and Littisha Bates 7. Latino/a Immigrant Parents' Voices in Mathematics Education, Marta Civil and Nuria Planas 8. Cultural Incongruence Between Teachers and Families: Implications for Immigrant Students, Selcuk R. Sirin and Patrice Ryce 9. Special Educational Needs of Children in Immigrant Families, Dylan Conger and Elena L. Grigorenko 10. Two Generations of Educational Progress in Latin American Immigrant Families in the U.S: A Conceptual Framework for a New Policy Context, Ariel Kalil and Robert Crosnoe 11. Does It Begin At School Or Home? Institutional Origins Of Overweight Among Young Children In Immigrant Families, Jennifer Van Hook, Elizabeth Baker and Claire Altman 12. Parenting of Young Immigrant Chinese Children: Challenges Facing their Social Emotional and Intellectual Development, Charissa S. L. Cheah and Jin Li 13. More than the A-B-C's and 1-2-3's: The importance of family cultural socialization and ethnic identity development for children of immigrants' early school success, Amy Kerivan Marks, Flannery Patton and Cynthia Garcia Coll 14. Emergent Literacy in Immigrant Children: Home and School Environment Interface, Iliana Reyes and Yuuko Uchikoshi 15. Development of Tolerance and Respect for Diversity in Children in the context of Immigration, Oscar Barbarin, Micaela Mercado and Dari Jigjidsuren Conclusion: Commenting On What We Know and What We Need to Learn, Elena L. Grigorenko
Mechanics of interface with applications in electronic packaging

The purpose of this paper is to present a brief review of the mechanics of interface fracture, with a focus on applications in electronic packaging. From a structural mechanics perspective, electronic devices can be thought of as composite structures fabricated from highly dissimilar materials. Often, the interfaces between these materials are where failure is most likely to occur when the device is subjected to thermomechanical loading. The mechanics of interface fracture is a specialized subtopic within the discipline of fracture mechanics and the nonspecialist may be unaware of some of the subtle differences encountered in applying interface fracture concepts. The mechanics associated with interface fracture introduces certain mathematical concepts that may seem to be unnecessarily complicated, but are essential for its proper application. It is important that the electronic packaging reliability engineer be aware of these concepts, understanding the most important implications. This review will focus on the mechanics and computational aspects of interface fracture in electronic structures, with a particular emphasis on some details that the nonexpert could only obtain after an extensive review of the available literature. Numerical results are presented for the important problem of corner cracking between silicon and epoxy materials subjected to thermomechanical loading. These new results provide insight into the three-dimensional nature of interfacial crack propagation at bimaterial corners.
Master's Degree Programs: Added Perspectives

This section of the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research is intended to publish short articles, commentaries and rebuttals on the contents of the JHTR. Authors should submit such contributions immediately after each issue of the JHTR appears so that they are published in the subsequent issue.
CCD uvbyCaHβ Photometry of Clusters. III. The Most Metal-rich Open Cluster, NGC 6253

CCD photometry on the intermediate-band uvbyCaHβ system is presented for the old open cluster NGC 6253. Despite a high level of field star contamination because of its location toward the Galactic center, combination of the data from the multiple color indices with the core cluster sample derived from radial star counts leads to the identification of a set of highly probable, single cluster members. Photometric analysis of a select sample of 71 turnoff stars produces a reddening value of E(b-y) = 0.190 ± 0.002 (s.e.m.) or E(B-V) = 0.260 ± 0.003 (s.e.m.). The metallicity indices, δm1 and δhk, both identify this cluster as the most metal-rich object studied on either system to date. Simple extrapolation of the available metallicity calibrations leads to [Fe/H] values ranging from +0.7 to +0.9. Metal-rich isochrones with overshoot imply an age between 2.5 and 3.5 Gyr, with an apparent distance modulus between (m - M) = 11.6 and 12.2, depending upon the isochrones used. The improvement in the fit using α-enhanced isochrones may indicate that the cluster [Fe/H] is closer to +0.4, but the photometric indices are distorted by an elemental distribution other than a scaled solar. The Galactocentric position of the cluster, in conjunction with data for other clusters and Cepheids, is consistent with the inner disk reaching and maintaining a metallicity well above solar since the early history of the disk, unlike the solar neighborhood.
Using Risk Analysis for Microbial Food Safety Regulatory Decision Making

A risk analysis approach emphasizes a shared responsibility for communication about food safety issues by all interested parties including government regulatory officials, industry, consumers, and academics. The three components of risk analysis are risk management, risk assessment, and risk communication. This chapter discusses the use of a risk analysis framework within a food safety context with emphasis on microbiological (biological) hazards, how risk analysis has been implemented in U.S. regulatory agencies and international organizations, and future needs to strengthen the use of risk analysis to help solve food safety issues. Risk analysis requires the interaction of individuals with diverse skills and perspectives, including expertise in communication, coordination, project management, scientific knowledge, and skills in data analysis and modeling. To efficiently allocate resources to address food safety issues, it is vital to establish annual food safety risk management priorities. Risk analysis is emerging as a public health tool that promises to provide a sound scientific basis for developing national and international standards and guidelines for food safety and for supporting risk-based policies and practices to prevent food-borne illness.
Complemented isometric copies of ₁ in dual Banach spaces

Let X be a real or complex Banach space and K > 1. Then X* contains a K-complemented, isometric copy of L 1 [0, 1] if and only if X* contains a K-complemented, isometric copy of C [0, 1]* if and only if X contains a subspace (1, K)-asymptotic to (l 1 ○+ Σ n l n ∞ ) 1 .
Defining In Vivo Transcription Factor Complexes of the Murine CD21 and CD23 Genes

The expression of the CD21 and CD23 genes is coincident with differentiation from transition 1 B cells (T1) to transition 2 B cells (T2). To define constituents controlling CD21 and CD23 expression, we conducted chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses for candidate transcription factors. We found constitutive binding of Oct-1, NFAT species, YY1, NF-kappaB-p52, Pax5, E2A, and RBP-Jkappa to CD21 sequences and NF-kappaB-p52, Pax5, NFAT species, E2A, and RBP-Jkappa to CD23 promoter sequences. Splenic T and B cell subsets displayed constitutive binding of YY1, NF-kappaB-p52, Pax5, and Oct-1 proteins to CD21 sequences in B cells but no specific binding of NFATc3 or Pax5 in T cells. Similarly, CD23 sequences demonstrated constitutive binding of NF-kappaB-p52 in splenic T and B cells but only Pax5 in B cells. Of the various NFAT species, only a subset were found forming constitutive DNA/protein complexes with the CD21, CD23, and IL-2 gene sequences. Maturing B cells in the marrow possess stable Pax5 complexes on CD19, CD21, and CD23 gene promoters in the nuclei of such cells, even though only CD19 is expressed. The similarity of genetic controlling elements between the CD21 and CD23 genes does not suggest a mechanism for alternative regulation of these genes; however, separation of splenic B cell subsets into T1, T2, marginal zone (MZ), and mature follicular B cells, followed by quantitative RT-PCR, demonstrated the lack of appreciable CD23 transcripts in CD21(+) MZ cells. We propose an alternative derivation of MZ cells as maturing directly from T1 cells, leaving CD23 transcriptionally inactive in that lineage of cells.
A Review of: “The Take”

The Take, directed by Avi Lewis and written by Naomi Klein (and featuring both), is a refreshing and important contribution to the growing number of documentaries from and about the alter-globaliza...
Age‐related macular degeneration—clinical review and genetics update

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision impairment in persons over the age of 50 years in developed countries. Both genetic and non-genetic (environmental) factors play major roles in AMD etiology, and multiple gene variants and lifestyle factors such as smoking have been associated with the disease. While dissecting the basic etiology of the disease remains a major challenge, current genetic knowledge has provided opportunities for improved risk assessment, molecular diagnosis and clinical testing of genetic variants in AMD treatment and management. This review addresses the potential of translating the wealth of genetic findings for improved risk prediction and therapeutic intervention in AMD patients. Finally, we discuss the recent advancement in genetics and genomics and the future prospective of personalized medicine in AMD patients.
Phase II Evaluation of Preoperative Chemoradiation and Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Squamous Cell and Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus

PURPOSE: This phase II trial evaluated continuous-infusion cisplatin and fluorouracil (5-FU) with radiotherapy followed by esophagectomy. The objectives of this trial were to determine the complete pathologic response rate, survival rate, toxicity, pattern of failure, and feasibility of administering adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable cancer of the esophagus treated with preoperative chemoradiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were staged using computed tomography, endoscopic ultrasound, and laparoscopy. The preoperative treatment plan consisted of continuous intravenous infusion of cisplatin and 5-FU and a total dose of 44 Gy of radiation. Esophagogastrectomy was planned for approximately 4 weeks after the completion of chemoradiotherapy. Paclitaxel and cisplatin were administered as postoperative adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were enrolled onto the trial. Of the 39 patients who proceeded to surgery, 29 responded to preoperative treatment: 11 achieved pathologic complete...
Phylogenetic signals in host–parasite associations for Neotropical bats and Nearctic desert rodents

Hosts and their parasites have strong ecological and evolutionary relationships, with hosts representing habitats and resources for parasites. In the present study, we use approaches developed to evaluate the statistical dependence of species trait values on phylogenetic relationships to determine whether host–parasite relationships (i.e. parasite infections) are contingent on host phylogeny. If host–parasite relationships are contingent on the ability of hosts to provide habitat or resources to parasites, and if host phylogeny is an effective surrogate for among-host variation in habitat and resource quality, host–parasite relationships should evince phylogenetic signals (i.e. be contingent on host phylogeny). Because the strength of ecological relationships between parasites and their hosts may affect the likelihood of phylogenetic signals occurring in host–parasite relationships, we hypothesized that (1) host specificity would be positively correlated with the strength of phylogenetic signals and (2) the strength of phylogenetic signals will be greater for parasites that rely more on their host throughout their life cycle. Analyses were conducted for ectoparasites from tropical bats and for ectoparasites, helminths, and coccidians from desert rodents. Phylogenetic signals were evaluated for parasite presence and for parasite prevalence. The frequency of phylogenetic signal occurrence was similar for parasite presence and prevalence, with a signal detected in 24–27% of cases at the species level and in 67% and 15% of cases at the genus level for parasites of bats and rodents, respectively. No differences in signal strength or the likelihood of detecting a signal existed between groups of parasites. Phylogenetic signal strength was correlated with host specificity, suggesting that mechanisms increasing host specificity also increase the likelihood of a phylogenetic signal in host use by parasites. Differences in the transmission mode did not affect signal strength or the likelihood of detecting a signal, indicating that variation in host switching opportunities associated with the transmission mode does not affect signal strength. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 116, 312–327. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: Brownian motion model ‐ Chiroptera ‐ coevolutionary relationships ‐ cospeciation ‐ ectoparasites ‐ Eucoccidiorida ‐ helminths ‐ host specificity ‐ host switching ‐ Rodentia.
Effect of storage temperature on quality of light and full-fat ice cream

Ice cream quality is dependent on many factors including storage temperature. Currently, the industry standard for ice cream storage is -28.9 °C. Ice cream production costs may be decreased by increasing the temperature of the storage freezer, thus lowering energy costs. The first objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of 4 storage temperatures on the quality of commercial vanilla-flavored light and full-fat ice cream. Storage temperatures used were -45.6, -26.1, and -23.3 °C for the 3 treatments and -28.9 °C as the control or industry standard. Ice crystal sizes were analyzed by a cold-stage microscope and image analysis at 1, 19.5, and 39 wk of storage. Ice crystal size did not differ among the storage temperatures of light and full-fat ice creams at 19.5 or 39 wk. An increase in ice crystal size was observed between 19.5 and 39 wk for all storage temperatures except -45.6 °C. Coldness intensity, iciness, creaminess, and storage/stale off-flavor of the light and full-fat ice creams were evaluated at 39 wk of storage. Sensory evaluation indicated no difference among the different storage temperatures for light and full-fat ice creams. In a second study, light and full-fat ice creams were heat shocked by storing at -28.9 °C for 35 wk and then alternating between -23.3 and -12.2 °C every 24h for 4 wk. Heat-shocked ice creams were analyzed at 2 and 4 wk of storage for ice crystal size and were evaluated by the sensory panel. A difference in ice crystal size was observed for light and full-fat ice creams during heat-shock storage; however, sensory results indicated no differences. In summary, storage of light or full-fat vanilla-flavored ice creams at the temperatures used within this research did not affect quality of the ice creams. Therefore, ice cream manufacturers could conserve energy by increasing the temperature of freezers from -28.9 to -26.1 °C. Because freezers will typically fluctuate from the set temperature, usage of -26.1 °C allows for a safety factor, even though storage at -23.3 °C did not affect ice cream quality.
Theoretical analysis of maximum flow declination rate versus maximum area declination rate in phonation.

Purpose Maximum flow declination rate (MFDR) in the glottis is known to correlate strongly with vocal intensity in voicing. This declination, or negative slope on the glottal airflow waveform, is in part attributable to the maximum area declination rate (MADR) and in part to the overall inertia of the air column of the vocal tract (lungs to lips). The purpose of this theoretical study was to show the possible contributions of air inertance and MADR to MFDR. Method A simplified computational model of the kinematics of vocal fold movement was utilized to compute a glottal area function. The glottal flow was computed interactively with lumped vocal tract parameters in the form of resistance and inertive reactance. Results It was shown that MADR depends almost entirely on the ratio of vibrational amplitudes of the lower to upper margins of the vocal fold tissue. Adduction, vertical phase difference, and prephonatory convergence of the glottis have a lesser effect on MADR. A relatively simple rule was develope...
Multianalyte Serum Assays from Mid-IR Spectra of Dry Films on Glass Slides

An analytical method based upon mid-infrared spectroscopy is proposed, and the advantages of this approach are discussed. The method involves drying a liquid specimen to a film, and deriving analyte levels from the infrared spectrum of that film. The specific aim of this study was to determine whether glass might serve as a suitable substrate for the simultaneous determination of several analytes in complex mixtures. Using human serum as a ''proof-of-concept'' example, we show here that six commonly measured analytes may be determined from spectra originally measured by employing barium fluoride substrates, but restricting the analytical models to absorptions within the region 2000-4000 cm-1 - i.e., making use of only those absorptions that are accessible with glass substrates. With the use of partial least-squares calibration models, it is shown that albumin, cholesterol, glucose, total protein, triglycerides, and urea may be determined with standard errors that approach or meet the criteria required for routine clinical analysis. The practical advantages of such an approach are discussed.
Classification of input and output variables for a Bayesian model to analyze animal-related outages in overhead distribution systems

Animals, such as squirrels, cause significant outages in overhead distribution systems. Models that would accurately estimate outages caused by animals would be very useful for utilities for year-end analysis of reliability performance of the distribution system. Large increase in outages caused by animals would require the utility to do further evaluation and take remedial actions. A two-layer Bayesian network model with Month-Type, Level of Fair Weather Days in the week, and Outage Level in the previous week as input and Outage Level in the week is presented in this paper for estimation of weekly animal-related outages. Results of different approaches for classification of inputs and output are presented, which are then compared to select the best classification of input and output variables for the model.
Bootstrapped artificial neural networks for synthetic flow generation with a small data sample

Summary Hydrological calibration of mechanistic watershed simulation models often requires several years of continuous flow data. Unfortunately, historical flow information is highly limited for many ungauged or recently gauged watersheds. Synthetic flow generation methods could be used to extend the available flow records at data-limited watersheds and to create a statistically reasonable synthetic flow series as a target for hydrological calibration. This work compares the performance of a bootstrapped artificial neural network (BANN), a maintenance of variance extension (MOVE) and a modified drainage area ratio (DAR) for synthetic flow generation with a small data sample. The bootstrap method is used to estimate the generalization errors of neural networks with different structures and to construct the confidence intervals for each flow prediction. Comparisons are performed with respect to a case study at Buck Mountain Run, Albemarle, VA, USA, given various small data sets of flow observations and flow predictors spanning different time periods. The results show that BANN outperforms MOVE and DAR in the low and medium flow predictions and that the best performance can be achieved by replacing the highest 10% of BANN synthetic flows with corresponding DAR predictions. Even with a small data sample, the combined BANN and DAR model (BANN + DAR) can be used to create an accurate synthetic flow series.
IL17: potential therapeutic target in Sjögren's syndrome using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) involves a chronic, progressive inflammation primarily of the salivary and lacrimal glands leading to decreased levels of saliva and tears that eventually result in dry mouth and dry eye diseases. T(H)17 cell populations secreting IL17A have been shown to have an important function in an increasing number of autoimmune diseases, including SS. In this study, we investigated the function of IL17A on SS development and onset. Adenovirus-5 vectors expressing either IL17R:fragment of crystallization (Fc) fusion protein or LacZ were injected through retrograde cannulation into the salivary glands of SS-susceptible (SS(S)) C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mice between 6 and 8 weeks of age (a pre-disease stage) or 15 and 17 weeks of age (a diseased stage). The mice were subsequently characterized for their SS phenotypes. Mice cannulated with the Ad5-IL17R:Fc viral vector at either 7 or 16 weeks of age exhibited a rapid temporal, yet persistent, decrease in the levels of serum IL17 as well as the overall numbers of CD4+IL17+T cells present in their spleens. Disease profiling indicated that these mice showed decreased lymphocytic infiltrations of their salivary glands, normalization of their antinuclear antibodies repertoire, and increased saliva secretion. In contrast, mice cannulated with the control Ad5-LacZ viral vector did not exhibit similar changes and progressed to the overt disease stage. The capacity of the Ad5-IL17R:Fc-blocking factor to reduce SS pathology in SS(S) mice strongly suggests that IL17 is an important inflammatory cytokine in salivary gland dysfunction. Thus, therapeutic approach targeting IL17 may be effective in preventing glandular dysfunction.
Changes in lectin binding to bovine sperm during heparin-induced capacitation.

Changes in the plasma membrane of bovine sperm during heparin-induced capacitation were detected by the binding of fluorescent labeled lectins to unfixed sperm. Of the seven lectins evaluated, only binding of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) changed with capacitation. Sperm were classified into one of 5 patterns (p1–p5) based on staining with WGA, presence or absence of propidium iodide (PI) staining (dead or alive), and acrosomal integrity (acrosome intact or reacted). The major changes associated with capacitation occurred in p1 and p2. Sperm in p1 exhibited diffuse WGA binding over the anterior sperm head, were alive, and had intact acrosomes. In p2, sperm were also acrosome intact and alive, but lacked WGA binding. When sperm were incubated under capacitating conditions with heparin, there was a decrease over time in the percentage of sperm classified in p1 (p < 0.05) and an increase in the percentage of sperm in p2 (p < 0.05). When capacitation by heparin was delayed by the inclusion of glucose in the culture medium, the same heparin-dependent changes in the percentage of sperm in p1 and p2 were delayed (p < 0.05). When capacitation by heparin was inhibited by including protamine in the culture medium, the percentage of sperm in p1 or p2 was not different from sperm incubated without heparin. Heparin-induced capacitation was associated with a loss of WGA binding to the bovine sperm head. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in the Treatment Of Both Platinum- and Paclitaxel-Refractory Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Summary Objective Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is a stealth liposomal form of doxorubicin that has been approved for the treatment of patients with relapsed ovarian cancer. Previous studies have shown a response rate of about 25% in patients who had treatment failure with prior platinum- and/or paclitaxel-based regimens. Our purpose was to determine the anti-tumor activity of PLD in Asian patients with both platinum- and paclitaxel- refractory epithelial ovarian cancer, and to evaluate the toxicity of this drug in these heavily pretreated patients. Materials and Methods Between January 2000 and December 2003, 18 patients with documented relapsed disease, who had had prior treatment with both platinum- and paclitaxel-based regimens within 6 months, were enrolled. They were treated with PLD 40 mg/m 2 intravenous infusion every 4 weeks. Anti-tumor responses and adverse effects were evaluated based on WHO criteria and Common Toxicity Criteria, respectively. Results All 18 patients were assessable for response and toxicity. Five patients (27.8%) experienced a response (3 complete responses, 2 partial responses), four patients (22.2%) had stable disease, while nine patients (50.0%) had progressive disease. The median progression-free survival was 14 weeks. Median overall survival was 48 weeks. There was no grade 3 or 4 leukopenia or thrombocytopenia. Non-hematologic toxicities included grade 2 hand-foot syndrome in one patient and grade 1 stomatitis in three patients. Two patients experienced severe skin pigmentation. There was no treatment delay due to toxicity. Conclusion PLD at a dose of 40 mg/m 2 every 4 weeks was generally well tolerated and effective, even for a heavily pretreated Asian population. These results may provide some information for further clinical trials integrating PLD with front-line therapy.
Sewall Wright and Gustave Malecot on Isolation by Distance

Sewall Wright and Gustave Malecot developed important theories of isolation by distance. Wright’s theory was statistical and Malecot’s probabilistic. Because of this mathematical difference, they were not clear about the relationship between their theories. In this paper, I make two points to clarify this relationship. First, I argue that Wright’s theory concerns what I call ecological isolation by distance, whereas Malecot’s concerns what I call genetic isolation by distance. Second, I suggest that if Wright’s theory is interpreted appropriately, a previously unnoticed connection between the two theories emerges.
Optical Fiber Radiation-Damage Measurements

We have made light-transmission measurements of high-purity, radiation-resistant, Raychem and Heraeus optical-fiber samples that had been exposed to 10- and 100-krad doses from 0.5-MeV-electron pulses. An electron beam from a Febetron 706 x-ray machine produced a radiation source that emitted the above doses in single pulses with a full-wave half maximum (FWHM) of approximately 1.5 ns. Light sources for the transmission measurements (a mercury/krypton-vapor flashlamp and a laser diode) provided spectral data for a continuous-wavelength band from 420 to 760 nm and a single wavelength at 820 nm. The light beam was dispersed by a grating and recorded by a streak camera. We gathered data at times ranging from approximately 3 ns to 1 μs after the radiation pulse.
DIRECT PSEUDOPOTENTIAL CALCULATION OF EXCITON COULOMB AND EXCHANGE ENERGIES IN SEMICONDUCTOR QUANTUM DOTS

The effects of electron-hole interaction on the exciton energy of semiconductor quantum dots are calculated using pseudopotential wave functions. A comparison with the widely used, but never tested, effective-mass approximation (EMA) shows that the electron-hole Coulomb energy is significantly ( $\ensuremath{\sim}40%$) overestimated by the EMA, and that the scaling with the dot size $R$ is sublinear in $1/R$. The exchange splitting is much smaller than the Coulomb energy, and in the case of CdSe quantum dots shows significant deviations from the ${1/R}^{3}$ scaling predicted by the EMA.
Structural interconversions modulate activity of Escherichia coli ribonucleotide reductase

Essential for DNA biosynthesis and repair, ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) convert ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides via radical-based chemistry. Although long known that allosteric regulation of RNR activity is vital for cell health, the molecular basis of this regulation has been enigmatic, largely due to a lack of structural information about how the catalytic subunit (α2) and the radical-generation subunit (β2) interact. Here we present the first structure of a complex between α2 and β2 subunits for the prototypic RNR from Escherichia coli. Using four techniques (small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and analytical ultracentrifugation), we describe an unprecedented α4β4 ring-like structure in the presence of the negative activity effector dATP and provide structural support for an active α2β2 configuration. We demonstrate that, under physiological conditions, E. coli RNR exists as a mixture of transient α2β2 and α4β4 species whose distributions are modulated by allosteric effectors. We further show that this interconversion between α2β2 and α4β4 entails dramatic subunit rearrangements, providing a stunning molecular explanation for the allosteric regulation of RNR activity in E. coli.
Nucleic acid alkylation, mutation and carcinogenesis: is there a relationship?

Abstract The carcinogenic N-nitroso ethylating agents have a great affinity for alkylating nucleic acid oxygen and react at room temperature in neutral aqueous solution with all ring oxygens, the phosphodiesters and, in the case of RNA, the 2′-O of ribose. Oxygen affinity of alkylating agents appears to correlate with carcinogenicity.
Clinical outcomes and resource usage in 100 consecutive patients after off-pump coronary bypass procedures.

Abstract Background. Cardiopulmonary bypass initiates a cascade of inflammatory processes that may result in end-organ damage, leading to the increased prevalence of noncardiac complications. Therefore, off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OP-CAB) procedures have recently been introduced into clinical practice. Methods. This study was a case-controlled study that compared the outcomes and cost of 100 consecutive OP-CAB procedures with a control group of 100 contemporary matched conventional coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. All operations were performed by a single surgeon (J.H.L.) and complete revascularization that used off-pump techniques was achieved with the use of innovative exposure techniques to the lateral and posterior wall vessels. Results. An average of 3.1 grafts per patient were performed in the OP-CAB group (range, 1-5). The incidence of conversion to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting was 1%. The overall mortality rate was 2.0%. There were no instances of stroke, renal failure, or sternal infections in the OPCAB group. Thus, the OP-CAB group had a shorter length of stay (6.1 ± 2.5 versus 7.1 ± 3.3 d; P =.003), with a corresponding reduction in variable direct cost per case of 29% (P
Tendon Achilles lengthening for the treatment of neuropathic ulcers causes a temporary reduction in forefoot pressure associated with changes in plantar flexor power rather than ankle motion during gait

The purposes of this study were to determine the effects of tendon Achilles lengthening (TAL) on ambulatory plantar pressures and ankle range of motion, moment, and power, and to determine whether changes in forefoot pressure after treatment of a neuropathic ulcer are related to changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) or plantar flexor (PF) power during gait. Pressure and gait tests were performed before treatment, and at 3 weeks and 8 months after treatment in two randomly assigned groups of subjects with diabetes, equinus deformity, and a neuropathic forefoot ulcer treated with TAL and total contact casting (TAL group, n=14), or total contact casting alone (TCC group, n=14). The TAL group had an initial decrease in forefoot peak pressure (PP) (27%), forefoot pressure-time integral (PTI) (42%), PF moment (53%), and PF power (65%), along with an initial increase in rear foot PP (34%), rear foot PTI (48%), and DFROM (74%). Post-surgical changes in rear foot pressure and DFROM were maintained up to 8 months after treatment with TAL, whereas forefoot pressure and PF moment and power increased significantly. Changes in forefoot pressure after treatment in either group were correlated with changes in PF power (r=0.45-0.60), but not with changes in DFROM during gait (r=-0.02-0.08). Results suggest TAL causes a temporary reduction in forefoot pressure primarily by reducing PF power during gait. The initial decrease in forefoot pressure, followed by progressive reloading of forefoot tissues as PF muscles regain strength after TAL, may help reduce the risk of ulcer recurrence in patients with diabetes.
Use of a real-time remote monitoring network (RTRM) and shipborne sampling to characterize a dinoflagellate bloom in the Neuse Estuary, North Carolina, USA

Abstract The spatial-temporal distribution of a dinoflagellate bloom dominated or co-dominated by Prorocentrum minimum was examined during autumn through early spring in a warm temperate, eutrophic estuary. The developing bloom was first detected from a web-based alert provided by a network of real-time remote monitoring (RTRM) platforms indicating elevated dissolved oxygen and pH levels in upper reaches of the estuary. RTRM data were used to augment shipboard sampling, allowing for an in-depth characterization of bloom initiation, development, movement, and dissipation. Prolonged drought conditions leading to elevated salinities, and relatively high nutrient concentrations from upstream inputs and other sources, likely pre-disposed the upper estuary for bloom development. Over a 7-month period (October 2001–April 2002), the bloom moved toward the northern shore of the mesohaline estuary, intensified under favorable conditions, and finally dissipated after a major storm. Bloom location and transport were influenced by prevailing wind structure and periods of elevated rainfall. Chlorophyll a within bloom areas averaged 106 ± 13 μg L−1 (mean ± 1 S.E.; maximum, 803 μg L−1), in comparison to 20 ± 1 μg L−1 outside the bloom. There were significant positive relationships between dinoflagellate abundance and TN and TP. Ammonium, NO3−, and SRP concentrations did not decrease within the main bloom, suggesting that upstream inputs and other sources provided nutrient-replete conditions. In addition, PAM fluorometric measurements (09:00–13:00 h) of maximal PSII quantum yield (Fv/Fm) were consistently 0.6–0.8 within the bloom until late March, providing little evidence of photo-physiological stress as would have been expected under nutrient-limiting conditions. Nitrogen uptake kinetics were estimated for P. minimum during the period when that species was dominant (October–December 2001), based on literature values for N uptake by an earlier P. minimum bloom (winter 1999) in the Neuse Estuary. The analysis suggests that NH4+ was the major N species that supported the bloom. Considering the chlorophyll a concentrations during October and December and the estimated N uptake rates, phytoplankton biomass was estimated to have doubled once per day. Bloom displacement (January–February) coincided with higher diversity of heterotrophic dinoflagellate species as P. minimum abundance decreased. This research shows the value of RTRM in bloom detection and tracking, and advances understanding of dinoflagellate bloom dynamics in eutrophic estuaries.
Strong-coupling features due to quasiparticle interactions in two-dimensional superconductors

Abstract I calculate the effect of interactions among superconducting quasiparticles in two-dimensional (2D) a superconductor at T =0. The strength of the effective interaction among the quasiparticles is essentially given by the screened Coulomb interaction which has strength at low frequency because of the gapless nature of the plasmon. This is in contrast to three dimensions where the effective interaction has negligible weight at frequencies ∼ Δ , the superconducting gap. The quasiparticle interactions give rise to strong-coupling effects in experimental quantities which are beyond the conventional Eliashberg treatment of superconductivity. The present calculation offers an explanation of why these effects are much larger in 2D than in 3D superconductors and, in particular, why the analogous strong-coupling effects due to quasiparticle interactions are seen in data on the quasi-2D cuprate superconductors. The strong-coupling features seen in data on the cuprates are discussed in light of the present calculation.
Multi-institutional validation of a web-based core competency assessment system.

Objective The Association of Program Directors in Surgery and the Division of Education of the American College of Surgeons developed and implemented a web-based system for end-of-rotation faculty assessment of ACGME core competencies of residents. This study assesses its reliability and validity across multiple programs. Methods Each assessment included ratings (1-5 scale) on 23 items reflecting the 6 core competencies. A total of 4241 end-of-rotation assessments were completed for 332 general surgery residents (≥5 evaluations each) at 5 sites during the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 academic years. The mean rating for each resident on each item was computed for each academic year. The mean rating of items representing each competency was computed for each resident. Additional data included USMLE and ABSITE scores, PGY, and status in program (categorical, designated preliminary, and undesignated preliminary). Results Coefficient alpha was greater than 0.90 for each competency score. Mean ratings for each competency increased significantly (p Conclusions Faculty ratings of core competencies are internally consistent. The pattern of statistically significant correlations between competency ratings and USMLE and ABSITE scores supports the postdictive and concurrent validity, respectively, of faculty perceptions of resident knowledge. The pattern of increased ratings as a function of PGY supports the construct validity of faculty ratings of resident core competencies.
EMBench: A Rapid Prototyping Environment for Numerical Control Systems

In this paper we describe an environment for performing both mechanical and control design for flexible automation systems. The environment provides a means of layering and encapsulating services so that complex multi-axis numerical control systems can be configured, detailed electromechanical simulations performed and then deployed. The system uses IEC-61499 as a means for modularization and reuse of implemented control services. Using IEC-61499 function blocks and a service-layer architecture, control services ranging for basic servoing of a joint, to kinematic co-ordination of joints of a mechanism, to trajectory interpolation, to language parsing and HMI processing, can be configured for an application. The environment facilitates a modular, component-based design of services for numerical control systems.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Quantum mechanical generalized phase-shift approach to atom-surface scattering: a Feshbach projection approach to dealing with closed channel effects.

We have developed a new method for solving quantum dynamical scattering problems, using the time-independent Schrodinger equation (TISE), based on a novel method to generalize a “one-way” quantum mechanical wave equation, impose correct boundary conditions, and eliminate exponentially growing closed channel solutions. The approach is readily parallelized to achieve approximate N2 scaling, where N is the number of coupled equations. The full two-way nature of the TISE is included while propagating the wave function in the scattering variable and the full S-matrix is obtained. The new algorithm is based on a “Modified Cayley” operator splitting approach, generalizing earlier work where the method was applied to the time-dependent Schrodinger equation. All scattering variable propagation approaches to solving the TISE involve solving a Helmholtz-type equation, and for more than one degree of freedom, these are notoriously ill-behaved, due to the unavoidable presence of exponentially growing contributions to ...
Trends in Adolescent Development Impacting Practice: How Can We Catch Up?

Changes in the mechanisms of communication and advances in brain imaging technology shape understanding and interpretation of the manner in which adolescents process and respond to information and relate to others. Knowledge about how trends in adolescent development should inform practice with adolescents is limited, and yet emerging trends and new discoveries have implications for adolescent relationships, behavior, and well-being. Our purpose was to critically examine the influence of major technological innovations on adolescent development and the impacts on research and practice with vulnerable adolescent populations. We discuss strategies for researchers and practitioners.