cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemoradiation Therapy: Localized Esophageal, Gastric, and Pancreatic Cancer

Chemoradiation plays an important role in management of locally advanced gastrointestinal tumors. This article reviews data regarding chemoradiation for tumors of the upper gastrointestinal tract. For esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers, chemoradiation is standard of care in the preoperative setting. In gastric cancer, 2 standards have emerged: definitively treating with perioperative chemotherapy alone and using chemoradiation postoperatively. For pancreatic cancer, the benefit of radiation is less well defined. The future of treatment sites lies in trials evaluating new chemotherapy regimens, alternative systemic therapies, and different radiation fractionation schema. Because care of these patients is complex, multimodality team evaluation before treatment is encouraged.
Relations of Bond Energies and Entropy With Volume, Pressure and Temperature in Protein Aggregates

A procedure is described to compute the average energies of the protein-protein and protein-water bonds that determine the equilibrium between a protein aggregate and its subunits, starting from the standard enthalpy and entropy changes of subunit association. In four dimers, one trimer and two tetramers the data are unequivocal in deciding that, in contrast to previously held notions, the entropy change that drives the association arises from the conversion of the strong protein-water bonds into much weaker protein-protein bonds. The effects of temperature and pressure on the energy of the bonds may be computed by introducing the intermolecular potentials typical of apolar and dipolar interactions, and by specification of the proportion of each type that charcaterizes the protein-protein and protein-water bonds. The dissociating effect of pressure is shown to depend upon the differential compressibility of the bonds which preferentially destabilizes the more apolar protein-protein bonds.
Mind the double gap

Magnesium diboride superconducts at an unexpectedly high temperature. It is now clear that the material also has an unusual, but long-sought, 'double energy gap' structure that influences its superconductivity.
Multimodality imaging of primary mediastinal tumors and nodal disease with PET/CT and MRI

1293 Learning Objectives 1. To illustrate the diagnostic performance of FDG PET/CT and MRI in the diagnosis of primary mediastinal tumors and mediastinal nodal disease. 2. To correlate FDG PET/CT and MRI imaging with clinical symptoms, signs and histopathology. 3. To illustrate the value of FDG PET/CT and MRI in the management mediastinal primary tumors and nodal disease. Primary tumors of the mediastinum represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that can arise from virtually any cell lineage. These tumors are characterized by a wide morphologic variability, which causes diagnostic challenges. More than 50% of all mediastinal masses seen in adults are in the anterior mediastinum. The most frequent diagnoses are thymoma, lymphoma and teratoma in the anterior mediastinum, cardiac tumors in the middle mediastinum and neural origin tumors in the posterior mediastinum. Mediastinal nodal metastases occur commonly with the primary lung, pleural and breast tumors. We summarize PET/CT and MR imaging and histopathological characteristics of the common and rare mediastinal primary tumors and the role of FDG PET/CT in guiding the surgeons for tissue diagnosis of mediastinal nodal metastases.
The relation between transverse and radial velocity distributions for observations of an isotropic velocity field

We examine the case of a random isotropic velocity field, in which one of the velocity components (the "radial" component, with magnitude $v_z$) can be measured easily, while measurement of the velocity perpendicular to this component (the "transverse" component, with magnitude $v_T$) is more difficult and requires long-time monitoring. Particularly important examples are the motion of galaxies at cosmological distances and the interpretation of Gaia data on the proper motion of stars in globular clusters and dwarf galaxies. We address two questions: what is the probability distribution of $v_T$ for a given $v_z$, and for what choice of $v_z$ is the expected value of $v_T$ maximized? We show that, for a given $v_z$, the probability that $v_T$ exceeds some value $v_0$ is $p(v_T \ge v_0 | v_z) = {p_z(\sqrt{v_0^2 + v_z^2}})/{p_z(v_z)}$, where $p_z(v_z)$ is the probability distribution of $v_z$. The expected value of $v_T$ is maximized by choosing $v_z$ as large as possible whenever $\ln p_z(\sqrt{v_z})$ has a positive second derivative, and by taking $v_z$ as small as possible when this second derivative is negative.
Who is LISA

The field of library science is always changing. Even professional library organizationshave conducted studies about changing the name of the profession. All of the attendees of the LISA meeting are involved in Library and Information Sciences in Astronomy and we represent a number of different organizations and professions. In crafting a white paper about the profession, an ethnographic study of the field was proposed with the research reported on at the LISA meeting. The research methods include an online survey and in person interviews with various members of the community. We hope to identify trends, differences and a road map for the future.
Placement of a balloon for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta without fluoroscopic guidance in canine cadavers.

Objective To determine whether a balloon for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) could be accurately placed in the descending aorta between the left subclavian and celiac arteries (zone I) by using external anatomic landmarks in dogs. Study design Cadaver study. Sample population Fifteen canine cadavers of 3 weight categories (10-20, 20-30, and ≥ 30 kg). Methods Percutaneous catheterization of the femoral artery was attempted under ultrasonographic guidance; when unsuccessful, an arterial cutdown was performed to place an introducer sheath. Distance was measured between the introducer sheath and the target region, located ventral to the epaxial muscles at the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra. The balloon was advanced the measured distance, and placement was confirmed with fluoroscopy. The volume of iohexol solution required to inflate balloons was recorded. Histopathology was performed on the aortas of the first 5 dogs. Results Three catheters were placed under ultrasonographic guidance. Balloons were successfully placed into zone I in 15 of 15 cadavers. Balloons were inflated with a median 0.4 mL/kg (range, 0.21-0.67) of iohexol solution. Minor changes were identified in 2 of 5 dogs examined with histopathology (linear defects in 1 dog, small focal dissection in the other). Conclusion A balloon for REBOA was consistently placed in the target zone I without fluoroscopic guidance. Clinical significance Fluoroscopy may not be required for zone I REBOA in dogs. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate the feasibility of REBOA in clinical dogs with hemoperitoneum.
Cuban Public Healthcare: A Model of Success for Developing Nations:

This article assesses Cuban healthcare, not just for Cubans but also for those who receive the care of Cuban health professionals working worldwide. The article offers three main points: first, Cub...
Nickel Nanofilms Electrolessly Deposited on Organosilane Nanorings and Characterized by Contact Mode AFM Combined with Magnetic Sample Modulation

Surface structures of magnetic nanorings were made using electroless deposition of Ni onto patterned templates of an amine-functionalized organosilane. Samples were prepared by chemical approaches ...
THE STATUS OF THE GENUS AFRIXALUS (AMPHIBIA ANURA HYPEROLIIDAE) IN ETHIOPIA, INCLUDING DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW SPECIES: PUBBLICAZIONI DEL CENTRO DI STUDIO PER LA FAUNISTICA ED ECOLOGIA TROPICALI DEL C.N.R.: LXXVII

SUMMARY The author has studied three species of Afrixalus (Amphibia Anura Hyperoliidae), a genus not previously recorded from Ethiopia. Two of these are new species: Afrixalus clarkei n. sp. and Afrixalus enseticola n. sp.
PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome: A Clinical Overview.

The phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) is a grouping of related genetic disorders that has been linked to germline mutations in the PTEN gene. These disorders include Cowden syndrome (CS), Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba syndrome, adult Lhermitte–Duclos disease, and autism spectrum disorders associated with macrocephaly. The majority of the clinical information available on PHTS, however, is related to individuals diagnosed with CS. There is still much to be learned about this disorder, since diagnostic criteria for CS were only established in 1996, before the identification of the PTEN gene, and were based primarily on features seen in cases reported in the existing literature. More recently, however, data from several large series of patients have shown that a number of the clinical features associated with PTEN mutations are either more or less common than previously reported. In addition, we now know that only about 30–35% of patients meeting clinical diagnostic criteria for Cowden syndrome actually have a detectable PTEN mutation. Thus, our understanding of PTEN-related diseases and their management has evolved significantly over time. The United States National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has produced and regularly updates practice guidelines which include clinical diagnostic criteria as well as guidelines for PTEN testing and management of patients with mutations. This review will summarize the overall literature on PHTS as well as recent findings which are broadening our understanding of this set of disorders.
Mother machine image analysis with MM3

The mother machine is a microfluidic device for high-throughput time-lapse imaging of microbes. Here, we present MM3, a complete and modular image analysis pipeline. MM3 turns raw mother machine images, both phase contrast and fluorescence, into a data structure containing cells with their measured features. MM3 employs machine learning and non-learning algorithms, and is implemented in Python. MM3 is easy to run as a command line tool with the occasional graphical user interface on a PC or Mac. A typical mother machine experiment can be analyzed within one day. It has been extensively tested, is well documented and publicly available via Github.
Collaborative Channel Estimation in Backscattering Tag-to-Tag Networks

Backscattering Tag-to-Tag Networking (BTTN) represents a rapidly emerging paradigm enabling passive, radio-less tags to communicate directly with each other by reflecting (backscattering) an RF signal supplied by an external un-coordinated exciter. Recent advancements have taken the capability of BTTN beyond basic communication, empowering the networks with the ability to collaboratively sense and recognize human activities in the deployment space. The key to this ability is a novel passive channel estimation, allowing individual tags to measure tag-to-tag wireless channel parameters without involvement of any active radio. Previously reported techniques for this suffer from a limitation in that, they are unable to isolate the tag-to-tag channel of interest from the wider-range exciter-to-tag channels. As a result, the channel estimates and the analytics based thereof are susceptible to dynamic variations and clutter in the overall deployment environment, outside the range of the tag-to-tag link. In this paper, we overcome these limitations using a novel collaborative technique thus greatly enhancing the utility of passive channel estimation in BTTN. We elucidate our proposed technique using analytical modeling and validate with in-lab experiments using tag hardware built from discrete components.
Identification of loci associated with conception rate in primiparous Holstein cows.

Subfertility is a major issue facing the dairy industry as the average US Holstein cow conception rate (CCR) is approximately 35%. The genetics underlying the physiological processes responsible for CCR, the proportion of cows able to conceive and maintain a pregnancy at each breeding, are not well characterized. The objectives of this study were to identify loci, positional candidate genes, and transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) associated with CCR and determine if there was a genetic correlation between CCR and milk production in primiparous Holstein cows. Cows were bred via artificial insemination (AI) at either observed estrus or timed AI and pregnancy status was determined at day 35 post-insemination. Additive, dominant, and recessive efficient mixed model association expedited (EMMAX) models were used in two genome-wide association analyses (GWAA). One GWAA focused on CCR at first service (CCR1) comparing cows that conceived and maintained pregnancy to day 35 after the first AI (n = 494) to those that were open after the first AI (n = 538). The second GWAA investigated loci associated with the number of times bred (TBRD) required for conception in cows that either conceived after the first AI (n = 494) or repeated services (n = 472). The CCR1 GWAA identified 123, 198, and 76 loci associated (P < 5 × 10− 08) in additive, dominant, and recessive models, respectively. The TBRD GWAA identified 66, 95, and 33 loci associated (P < 5 × 10− 08) in additive, dominant, and recessive models, respectively. Four of the top five loci were shared in CCR1 and TBRD for each GWAA model. Many of the associated loci harbored positional candidate genes and TFBS with putative functional relevance to fertility. Thirty-six of the loci were validated in previous GWAA studies across multiple breeds. None of the CCR1 or TBRD associated loci were associated with milk production, nor was their significance with phenotypic and genetic correlations to 305-day milk production. The identification and validation of loci, positional candidate genes, and TFBS associated with CCR1 and TBRD can be utilized to improve, and further characterize the processes involved in cattle fertility.
Introducing USB technology into the undergraduate CS curriculum

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) has become a standard way to attach mainstream products like cameras, disk drives and keyboards to hosts. Historically, developing firmware and software for such devices has been the realm of electrical and computer engineers due to the hardware orientation of the software development process. Introducing this technology to Computer Science (CS) students has been limited due to the steep learning curve associated with understanding the hardware required for implementing USB and the complexity and cost associated with providing an environment that students may use to experiment with the technology. In this paper, an easily accessible development environment and sample course modules are discussed that are applicable to undergraduate CS students and their course of study.
Efficient Seismic Source Localization Using Simplified Gaussian Beam Time Reversal Imaging

With the dramatic growth of seismic data volume, efficient and accurate seismic source location has become a significant challenge to seismologists. Recently, time reversal imaging (TRI) has been widely applied in automatic seismic source location for its robustness and accuracy, but its wave-equation-based implementation is usually computationally expensive. To achieve an efficient in situ and real-time source location, the emerging sensor network is a good option. In this article, we propose a simplified Gaussian beam TRI (SGTRI) method to implement the seismic source location in a distributed sensor network. Gaussian beam (GB) is a high-frequency asymptotic solution of the wave equation, which can help reduce the computation costs of the wavefield extrapolation in conventional TRI. Traditionally, the GB construction for reflection seismic imaging covers the entire subsurface space. However, for certain source localization, only limited areas contribute. Thus, we propose a beamforming-technique-based simplified GB construction to further boost efficiency. Then, we propose an imaging condition for the SGTRI to construct the final source location map. Using synthetic experiments, we demonstrate the accuracy, robustness, and efficiency of the proposed method compared with conventional TRI. In the end, a field application also shows promising results.
Proteomic analysis of degradation ubiquitin signaling by ubiquitin occupancy changes responding to 26S proteasome inhibition.

Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification where ubiquitin is covalently attached to lysine residues on substrate proteins to signal their degradation by the 26S proteasome or initiate other non-degradation functions such as cellular trafficking. The diversity of ubiquitin modifications can be attributed to the variable number of ubiquitin molecules attached to a lysine residue (mono- vs. poly-ubiquitin chains), the type of covalent linkages within poly-ubiquitin chains and the number of lysine residues on a substrate that are occupied by ubiquitin at any given time. The integral role ubiquitination plays in cell homeostasis is reflected by the multitude of diseases associated with impaired ubiquitin modification, rendering it the focus of extensive research initiatives and proteomic discovery studies. However, determining the functional role of distinct ubiquitin modifications directly from proteomic data remains challenging and represents a bottleneck in the process of deciphering how ubiquitination at specific substrate sites impacts cell signaling. In this study SILAC coupled with LC–MS/MS is used to identify ubiquitinated proteins in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells, with the implementation of a computational approach that measures relative ubiquitin occupancy at distinct modification sites upon 26S proteasome inhibition and uses that data to infer functional significance. In addition to identifying and quantifying relative ubiquitin occupancy at distinct post-translational modification sites to distinguish degradation from non-degradation signaling, this research led to the discovery of nine ubiquitination sites in the oncoprotein HER2 that have not been previously reported in ovarian cancer. Subsequently the computational approach applied in this study was utilized to infer the functional role of individual HER2 ubiquitin-modified residues. In summary, the computational method, previously described for glycosylation analysis, was used in this study for the assessment of ubiquitin stoichiometries and applied directly to proteomic data to distinguish degradation from non-degradation ubiquitin functions.
AN EXPLORATORY CASE SERIES ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF PRIMAL REFLEX RELEASE TECHNIQUE™ TO IMPROVE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HAMSTRING STRAIN.

Background/Purpose Hamstring strain (HS), a common condition found among the injured physically active population, is often treated with rest, stretching, and modalities. Primal Reflex Release Technique™ (PRRT™) is a manual therapy technique used to treat pain caused by over-stimulation of the body's primal reflexes. The purpose of this case series was to explore the immediate effects of PRRT™ for treating hamstring strains. Description of Cases A multi-site case series approach was used to report on the treatment of six patients with HS using PRRT™. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and range of motion (ROM) measurements were collected, as well as evaluation of symmetry of the sacroiliac joints, reported as sacroiliac dysfunction(SJD). Outcomes Primal Reflex Release Technique™ (PRRT™) was an effective treatment for subjects with HS. Subjects reported a significant decrease in pain on the NPRS, averaging five points over the course of the treatment (95% CI of 3.374, 6.626). Functional measures on the PSFS were significantly improved following treatment (post-treatment mean = 7.8 ± 1.84, pre-treatment mean = 4.8 ± .97, p < .001; CI: -2.1, -3.9). The mean change on the Passive Knee Extension Test (PKE) (mean = 8.20 ° ± 3.96 °) and ASLR (mean = 10.333 ° ± 8.98 °) indicated statistically significant improvements of post-treatment ROM (mean change = 8.20 ° ± 3.96 °, p = .01). The presence of SJD was observed in all subjects prior to treatment and resolved in all subjects when reassessed after treatment. Discussion In this case series, the use of PRRT™ resulted in decreased pain, increased function, and increased range of motion, as well as resolved SJD. The Primal Reflex Release Technique™ may be useful in decreasing symptoms of HS acutely, but long-term effects are unknown at this time. Clinicians should consider using a treatment which targets the autonomic nervous system when addressing pain associated with HS. Level of Evidence Level 4 - case series.
Carotid Artery Flow Time Measured by Point-of-Care Ultrasound Correlates with Volume Changes in Pediatric Hemodialysis Patients.

Abstract Carotid artery flow time corrected for heart rate (CFTc) correlates with intravascular volume changes in adults but has not been studied adequately in the pediatric population. We studied how fluid status changes correlate with CFTc in pediatric patients undergoing hemodialysis. This prospective observational study involved pediatric patients aged 5–18 y undergoing chronic hemodialysis at a tertiary care children’s hospital in the United States. We measured CFTc by point-of-care ultrasound before and after each hemodialysis session, including passive leg raise. One hundred sixty-eight CFTc measurements were obtained from a total of 21 patient encounters. Post-dialysis CFTc decreased by 21.7 ms (95% confidence interval: 12.3–31.0) (p
N Type Microcrystalline Silicon Oxide Layer Effect in P-I-N Ultra-Thin Film Solar Cell

Light trapping plays an important role in improving the power conversion efficiency of thin-film hydrogenated amorphous silicon solar cells. Therefore, doped microcrystalline silicon oxide has received much attention due to its versatile applicability in photovoltaic technologies. It is a mixed phase material of an oxygen rich amorphous silicon oxide phase, which supplies low refractive index, a wide band gap and high optical transparency and the doped microcrystalline silicon phase, which guaranties agreeable electrical conductivity. In order to evaluate the microcrystalline silicon oxide based single junction p-i-n solar cell efficiency, a simulation study is executed using AMPS-1D (Analysis of Microelectronic and Photonic Structures) simulator.
Paraspinal muscle claudication after fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract Fenestrated-branched endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms carries a risk of spinal cord ischemia owing to extensive coverage of intercostal arteries, but other consequences of decreased flow to the paraspinal muscles have not been delineated. We describe a 54-year-old woman treated by multibranched thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair who developed severe disabling exertional thoracic and lumbar back pain after the operation. Despite physical therapy, the patient remains with disabling symptoms at 2 years of follow-up. Transcutaneous oxygen pressures confirmed exercise-induced decrease in oxygen pressure, consistent with decreased muscle perfusion. We propose the term paraspinal muscle claudication to describe these symptoms.
Green Accounting for a Creative Economy

This chapter explores possible business strategies that can help make the creative economy sector more environmentally sustainable. It begins with the case of Eastman Kodak, a company whose failure was rooted in its contempt for the ecosystems it inhabited. Its disregard for the environment was key to its decision to place an all-or-nothing bet on its chemical businesses over its digital innovations. This example will frame the subsequent discussion about the risks that companies face when they fail to incorporate green accounting practices into business strategies.
Feedlot Engineering & Design

Functional feedlot design requires integration of multiple elements to form a complete system. Planning is facilitated by combining those elements into specific subsystems. The list of subsystems will vary between designers but I generally use the following list: 1) cattle handling and treatment; 2) cattle feeding; 3) water supply and distribution; 4) feed storage, processing, transport and delivery; 5) manure management and runoff control: 6) vehicle traffic; 7) cattle shelter, if desired; 8) wind control; 9) snow management; 10) lighting: and 11) personnel. Each subsystem must be designed giving consideration to function, cost. relationship to and integration with the overall system. manageability and--above all--safety for both personnel and livestock. This paper is not a complete designer's "how to" treatise. My purpose is to provide an overview of some hasic and important aspects of feedlot design to create an enhanced awareness of the importance of total system design. The paper is complementary to others being presented at the conference and to the listed references addressing specific topics
Jet flow rate and needle position govern distal airway pressures during low-frequency jet ventilation.

Objectives Although jet ventilation is frequently used during surgery for airway stenosis, little is known about distal airway pressures during jet ventilation. The objective of the study is to determine how jet pressure, flow rate, and position of the ventilation needle relate to distal airway pressure magnitude and homogeneity. Methods Two 3D models of the first five generations of the human airway tree were created. One is a duplicate of a human airway from a 15-year-old healthy male's computed tomography scan, and the other is an idealized symmetric model of human lung morphometry. Pressure transducers measured fifth-generation distal airway pressures in both models. A computer-controlled jet needle positioning system was used to ventilate the lung casts. The effects of jet needle position, jet pressure, and jet flow rate on distal airway pressure and homogeneity were measured. Results Total entrained jet flow rate was the most reliable predictor of distal airway pressure. Pressure supplied to the jet ventilation needle had a positive linear relationship with distal airway pressure; however, this relationship was dependent on the jet needle flow resistance. As the ventilation needle moved closer to the tracheal wall, ventilation homogeneity decreased. Depth into the trachea was positively correlated with sensitivity of the needle to the tracheal wall. Conclusion In this model, total entrained jet flow rate is a more robust predictor of distal airway pressure than jet inlet pressure. More homogeneous ventilation was observed in our model with the ventilation needle centered in the proximal region of the trachea.
An Overview of Finnish Maternal Health Care As a Potential Model for Decreasing Maternal Mortality in the United States.

Background: The United States ranks poorly when compared with other developed nations with regard to its maternal mortality ratio (MMR), defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live bi...
The Pendulum Effects of Legislation on the Probity of Financial Statements

Extant theories in sociology, criminal justice, economics, and even political science posit the existence of periodicity in human affairs similar to a pendulum which swings from one extreme to the other. We examine in this study whether such a phenomenon exists in financial reporting, with periods of lax financial reporting followed by legislation which corrects the pendulum swing to the other direction, and eventually a reversal back to laxity. Focusing on the period from 1973 to 2017, we examine the effects of the four successive major laws intended to address internal controls and ensure greater probity in financial reporting, namely the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA, 1977), the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (OTCA, 1988), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX, 2002), and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (DFA, 2010). Using an industry-level aggregate measure of innate and discretionary accruals as the measures of probity in financial statements, we find evidence of a long-cycle pendulum effect, with the period from 1973 to 2000 forming the downward swing (from the innate accruals standpoint), and an upswing from 2001 to 2017. Validation tests for the industry-level aggregate measures of innate and discretionary accruals find support for them as capturing creditor and equity investor perceptions of changes in information risk over the period examined.
Nanomechanics of RDX Single Crystals by Force-Displacement Measurements and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Nanoenergetic material modifications for enhanced performance and stability require an understanding of the mechanical properties and molecular structure–property relationships of materials. We investigate the mechanical and tribological properties of single-crystal hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX) by force–displacement microscopy and molecular dynamics (MD). Our MD simulations reveal the RDX reduced modulus (Er) depends on the particular crystallographic surface. The predicted Er values for the respective (210) and (001) surfaces are 26.8 and 21.0 GPa. Further, our simulations reveal a symmetric and fairly localized deformation occurring on the (001) surface compared to an asymmetric deformation on the (210) surface. The predicted hardness (H) values are nearly equal for both surfaces. The predicted Er and H values are ∼33% and 17% greater than the respective experimental values of 0.798 ± 0.030 GPa and 22.9 ± 0.7 GPa for the (210) surface and even larger than those reported previously. Our expe...
Implicit Bias and Gender (and Other Sorts of) Diversity in Philosophy and the Academy in the Context of the Corporatized University

Equal employment opportunity strategies required by Title VII, designed to address explicit or overt discrimination on the basis of sex, have not significantly increased the numbers of women faculty or graduate students in philosophy. Philosophers have recently begun exploring the possible implications—both practical and theoretical—of unconscious or implicit bias, for the lack of gender diversity in philosophy.
Keratocan Expression Is Increased in the Stroma of Keratoconus Corneas

Keratoconus is a noninflammatory disease characterized by thinning and scarring of the central portion of the cornea. The etiology is unclear. In this study, we sought to identify mRNAs that are differentially expressed in the stroma of keratoconus corneas in comparison to those of corneas from normal individuals and patients with other corneal diseases. Total RNA was isolated from the stromal layer of normal human, keratoconus, and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy corneas. cDNA was synthesized and PCR-select subtractive hybridization experiments were performed. The differentially expressed genes noted were verified by dot blot analysis, cloned, and sequenced. Immunohistochemical staining, in situ hybridization, and/or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to assess expression of the identified genes at protein and/or mRNA levels in normal, keratoconus, and other diseased corneas. A number of genes were found to be up-regulated in keratoconus specimens. These included heat shock protein 90, decorin, fibronectin, ferritin heavy chain, and keratocan. Among them, keratocan mRNA transcript and protein were demonstrated to be expressed at a higher level specifically in the keratoconus stroma. Keratocan expression in the stoma was increased in keratoconus corneas. This up-regulation appears to be keratoconus specific. Keratocan is one of the three keratan sulfate proteoglycans in the cornea speculated to be important for structure of the stromal matrix and maintenance of corneal transparency. The overexpressed keratocan may conceivably alter the fibrillogenesis in the stroma, leading to structural defects and contributing to the development of keratoconus.
Imported fire ants near the edge of their range: disturbance and moisture determine prevalence and impact of an invasive social insect

Summary 1. Habitat disturbance and species invasions interact in natural systems, making it difficult to isolate the primary cause of ecosystem degradation. A general understanding requires case studies of how disturbance and invasion interact across a variety of ecosystem – invasive species combinations. 2. Dramatic losses in ant diversity followed the invasion of central Texas by red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). However, recent manipulative studies in Florida revealed no effect on ant diversity following the removal of S. invicta from a disturbed pasture habitat, but moderate loss of diversity associated with their introduction into undisturbed habitat and no invasion occurred without disturbance. Thus, the importance of S. invicta in driving diversity loss and its ability to invade undisturbed systems is unresolved. 3. We examine the distribution and abundance of a large monogyne S. invicta population and its association with the co-occurring ant assemblage at a site in south Texas close to the aridity tolerance limit of S. invicta. 4. We document that moisture modulates S. invicta densities. Further, soil disturbing habitat manipulations greatly increase S. invicta population densities. However, S. invicta penetrates all habitats regardless of soil disturbance history. In contrast, controlled burns depress S. invicta densities. 5. In habitats where S. invicta is prevalent, it completely replaces native fire ants. However, S. invicta impacts native ants as a whole less strongly. Intriguingly, native ants responded distinctly to S. invicta in different environments. In wet, undisturbed environments, high S. invicta abundance disrupts the spatial structure of the ant assemblage by increasing clumping and is associated with reduced species density, while in dry-disturbed habitats, sites with high S. invicta abundance possess high numbers of native species. Analyses of co-occurrence indicate that reduced species density in wet-undisturbed sites arises from negative species interactions between native ants and S. invicta. However, these same data suggest that the high native species density of abundant S. invicta sites in dry-disturbed environments does not result from facilitation. 6. Monogyne S. invicta populations play different roles in different environments, driving ant diversity loss in some, but being largely symptomatic of habitat disturbance in others.
Urban Stormwater Runoff Prediction Using Recurrent Neural Networks

It has been recognized that urban stormwater pollution can be a large contributor to the water quality problems of many receiving waters. Stormwater pollution is one of most important issues the District of Columbia faces. The downtown core of the District is serviced by combined sewer system. Therefore, evaluations of stormwater runoff are necessary to enhance the performance of an assessment operation and develop better water resources management and plan. In order to accomplish the goal, a predictive model based on recurrent neural networks with the Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation training algorithm is developed to forecast the stormwater runoff using the precipitation and the previous stormwater runoff. This computational modeling tool explored a new computational intelligence solution for monitoring and controlling urban water pollution in the District of Columbia. The experimental results show that Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation training algorithm proved to be successful in training the recurrent neural network for the stormwater runoff prediction.
An isometry theorem for quadratic differentials on Riemann surfaces of finite genus

Assume both X and Y are Riemann surfaces which are subsets of compact Riemann surfaces Xi and Yi, respectively, and that the set XI X has infinitely many points. We show that the only surjective complex linear isometries between the spaces of integrable holomorphic quadratic differentials on X and Y are the ones induced by conformal homeomorphisms and complex constants of modulus 1. It follows that every biholomorphic map from the Teichmiiller space of X onto the Teichmiiller space of Y is induced by some quasiconformal map of X onto Y. Consequently we can find an uncountable set of Riemann surfaces whose Teichmiiller spaces are not biholomorphically equivalent.
Genetic analysis of the Aspergillus flavus vegetative compatibility group to which a biological control agent that limits aflatoxin contamination in U.S. crops belongs.

Some filamentous fungi in Aspergillus section Flavi produce carcinogenic secondary compounds called aflatoxins. Aflatoxin contamination is routinely managed in commercial agriculture with strains of Aspergillus flavus that do not produce aflatoxins. These non-aflatoxin-producing strains competitively exclude aflatoxin producers and reshape fungal communities so that strains with the aflatoxin-producing phenotype are less frequent. This study evaluated the genetic variation within naturally occurring atoxigenic A. flavus strains from the endemic vegetative compatibility group (VCG) YV36. AF36 is a strain of VCG YV36 and was the first fungus used in agriculture for aflatoxin management. Genetic analyses based on mating-type loci, 21 microsatellite loci, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the aflC gene were applied to a set of 237 YV36 isolates collected from 1990 through 2005 from desert legumes and untreated fields and from fields previously treated with AF36 across the southern United States. One haplotype dominated across time and space. No recombination with strains belonging to VCGs other than YV36 was detected. All YV36 isolates carried the SNP in aflC that prevents aflatoxin biosynthesis and the mat1-2 idiomorph at the mating-type locus. These results suggest that VCG YV36 has a clonal population structure maintained across both time and space. These results demonstrate the genetic stability of atoxigenic strains belonging to a broadly distributed endemic VCG in both untreated populations and populations where the short-term frequency of VCG YV36 has increased due to applications of a strain used to competitively exclude aflatoxin producers. This work supports the hypothesis that strains of this VCG are not involved in routine genetic exchange with aflatoxin-producing strains.
Changes in nociception, arterial blood pressure and heart rate produced by intravenous morphine in the conscious rat

Abstract The present study shows that intravenous (i.v.) administration of morphine produces dose-dependent increases in tail flick and hot plate latencies in conscious rats. I.v. morphine also decreased heart rate, but had no significant effects on arterial blood pressure. Transection of the right vagus at the cervical level or pre-treatment with the peripherally acting opioid receptor antagonist naloxone methobromide attenuated the increased tail flick latency produced by either 1.75 or 2.5 mg/kg morphine. In addition, either right vagotomy or naloxone methobromide attenuated the increased hot plate latency produced by 1.75 mg/kg of morphine but not by 2.5 mg/kg of morphine. Following pre-treatment with naloxone methobromide, 1.75 and 2.5 mg/kg of morphine produced a small pressor response 1–3 min after injection. The bradycardia produced by 1.75 mg/kg of morphine was attenuated by naloxone methobromide, but not by right vagotomy. The bradycardia produced by 2.5 mg/kg of morphine was attenuated by either naloxone methobromide or vagotomy. These data obtained in the conscious rat are similar to previous reports using pentobarbital-anesthetized rats except for the following: (i) the dose-response function for inhibition of the tail flick was shifted to the right in conscious rats, (ii) the depressor response to morphine observed in anesthetized rats was attenuated in conscious rats, (iii) following naloxone methobromide, but not unilateral vagotomy, i.v. morphine produced a pressor response in the conscious rat, and (iv) unilateral vagotomy was not as effective in attenuating the antinociception and bradycardia in conscious rats as bilateral vagotomy is in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats.
Null electromagnetic fields and relative Cauchy–Riemann embeddings

This paper applies the notion of relative CauchyRiemann (CR) embeddings to study two related questions. First, it answers negatively the question posed by Penrose whether every shear-free null rota...
The Rural Medical Scholars Program Study: Data to Inform Rural Health Policy

Introduction: Medical education to produce rural physicians hinges on the characteristics of students, educational programs, and rural experiences. Family physicians are key components of rural medicine. This study tested the effectiveness of multiple, combined strategies of the Rural Medical Scholars Program to produce family medicine residents. Methods: We compared the relative effectiveness of the Rural Medical Scholars Program, family medicine–oriented branch campuses, and a traditional urban campus to produce family medicine residents using a prospective quasi-experimental design. Logistic regression was used to account for covariates. Results: The relative effectiveness of 3 educational modalities to produce family medicine residents was examined: Rural Medical Scholars Program (44.0%; odds ratio [OR], 15.6), family medicine–oriented branch campuses (18.9%; OR, 5.8), and a traditional urban campus (3.9%; OR, 1). These differences were significant (P Conclusions: The findings are consistent with the literature, which recommends multiple strategy interventions to produce rural physicians (e.g., admit rural students who have an interest in family medicine, use family medicine faculty, and provide rural experiences). Further study will determine whether rural practice follows training in family medicine among Rural Medical Scholars.
Rapid axoplasmic transport of proteins in regenerating sensory nerve fibers.

— Utilizing an in vitro labeling procedure, the proteins carried by rapid axoplasmic transport in normal and regenerating sensory fibers of the rat sciatic nerve were compared. No statistically significant differences were found when the total amount of transported protein was compared in control and sectioned nerves at times from 2 to 76 days following axotomy. Fractionation of labeled proteins on polyacrylamide slab gels enabled the identification of some 25 individual transported proteins. By this criterion, no differences were detectable in the composition of proteins synthesized in the dorsal root ganglia from which sectioned vs control sciatic nerves project. When the electrophoretic distributions of transported proteins from control and sectioned nerves were compared, significant' differences were observed. The appearance and disappearance of two proteins were temporally related to chromatolytic changes in the nerve cell body. In addition, the composition of transported proteins in undamaged control nerves contralateral to the sectioned nerves exhibited changes which were not observed in either normal control nerves or sectioned nerves. Changes in the composition of transported proteins as a function of time following the onset of chromatolysis may be involved in controlling nerve regeneration in sensory nerve fibers.
A complicity continuum of state crime

State crime scholars and radical criminologists have struggled to draw distinctions between state-initiated and statefacilitated state crimes and state-corporate crimes. The first of these, a less contentious concept, denotes an explicit and distinct action by a state for the furtherance of its organizational goals which violates law or produces social injury. State-facilitated and state-corporate crimes have been defined as implicit actions or inactions by the state which facilitate social injury, harm, or violations of law. Here we seek to establish more clearly the parameters of the phenomenon of state crime by creating a multidimensional continuum of state crime complicity. A sample of cases found in the radical-state and state-corporate crime literature are placed on or between the two extremes of the continuum: commission-omission behavior and implicit-explicit policy.
Effect of faults on fluid flow and chloride contamination in a carbonate aquifer system

Abstract A unified, multidiscipline hypothesis is proposed to explain the anomalous pattern by which chloride has been found in water of the Upper Floridan aquifer in Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia. Analyses of geophysical, hydraulic, water chemistry, and aquifer test data using the equivalent porous medium (EPM) approach are used to support the hypothesis and to improve further the understanding of the fracture-flow system in this area. Using the data presented herein we show that: (1) four major northeast-southwest trending faults, capable of affecting the flow system of the Upper Floridan aquifer, can be inferred from structural analysis of geophysical data and from regional fault patterns; (2) the proposed faults account for the anomalous northeastward elongation of the potentiometric surface of the Upper Floridan aquifer; (3) the faults breach the nearly impermeable units that confine the Upper Floridan aquifer from below, allowing substantial quantities of water to leak vertically upward; as a result, aquifer transmissivity need not be excessively large (as previously reported) to sustain the heavy, long-term pumpage at Brunswick without developing a steep cone of depression in the potentiometric surface; (4) increased fracturing at the intersection of the faults enhances the development of conduits that allow the upward migration of high-chloride water in response to pumping from the Upper Floridan aquifer; and (5) the anomalous movement of the chloride plume is almost entirely controlled by the faults.
Global burden of obesity in 2005 and projections to 2030

Objectives: To estimate the overall prevalence and absolute burden of overweight and obesity in the world and in various regions in 2005 and to project the global burden in 2030. Design: Pooling analysis Data Sources: We identified sex- and age-specific prevalence of overweight and obesity in representative population samples from 106 countries, which cover approximately 88% of the world population, using MEDLINE and other computerized databases, supplemented by a manual search of references from retrieved articles. Methods: Sex- and age-specific prevalence of overweight and obesity were applied to the 2005 population to estimate the numbers of overweight and obese individuals in each country, each world region and the entire world. In addition, the prevalence, with and without adjusting for secular trends, were applied to the 2030 population projections to forecast the number of overweight and obese individuals in 2030. Results: Overall, 23.2% (95% confidence interval 22.8-23.5%) of the world's adult population in 2005 was overweight (24.0% in men (23.4-24.5%) and 22.4% in women (21.9-22.9%)), and 9.8% (9.6-10.0%) was obese (7.7% in men (7.4-7.9%) and 11.9% in women (11.6-12.2%)). The estimated total numbers of overweight and obese adults in 2005 were 937 million (922-951 million) and 396 million (388-405 million), respectively. By 2030, the respective number of overweight and obese adults was projected to be 1.35 billion and 573 million individuals without adjusting for secular trends. If recent secular trends continue unabated, the absolute numbers were projected to total 2.16 billion overweight and 1.12 billion obese individuals. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity are important clinical and public health burdens worldwide. National programs for the prevention and treatment of overweight, obesity and related comorbidities and mortalities should be a public health priority.
A note on Jurassic and early cretaceous alkaline magmatism in the coastal Cordillera of central Chile (30°30′–34°S)

Abstract In the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, some alkaline dikes were intruded into the Coastal Cordillera of central Chile. Most of these dikes were emplaced shortly after large Jurassic calc-alkaline plutons and prior to a major episode of Cretaceous intra-arc rifting and basaltic magmatism.