cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic risk may be associated with increase in DNA methylation of FKBP5

Subclinical hypercortisolism and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction. Intronic methylation of FKBP5 has been implicated as a potential indicator of chronic cortisol exposure. Our overall objective in this study was to determine the association of chronic cortisol exposure, measured via percent methylation of FKBP5 at intron 2, with percent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI), in a clinic-based sample of 43 individuals with T2DM. Greater percent methylation of the FKBP5 intron 2 at one CpG-dinucleotide region was significantly associated with higher HbA1c (β = 0.535, p = 0.003) and LDL cholesterol (β = 0.344, p = 0.037) and a second CpG-dinucleotide region was significantly associated with higher BMI and WC (β = 0.516, p = 0.001; β = 0.403, p = 0.006, respectively). FKBP5 methylation may be a marker of higher metabolic risk in T2DM, possibly secondary to higher exposure to cortisol. Further work should aim to assess the longitudinal association of FKBP5 with cardiovascular disease and glycemic outcomes in T2DM as a first step in understanding potential preventive and treatment-related interventions targeting the HPA axis.
Multiple Respondent and Measurement Relationship Approach to Measuring Industrial Salesperson Performance

This paper presents a brief review of the literature on salesperson assessment. It proposes a model for measurement that uses multiple groups of respondents as sources of measures of a set of input variables.
Distribution and Management of Cattle in Relation to Climatic Zones within North America

This paper reviews the distribution of cattle within the climatic zones of the US and describes the prevalent management systems used in each zone. The complexity of elevation, rainfall, and temperature within each zone requires much closer evaluation. The practicing veterinarian or animal husbandman must evaluate the specific climatic conditions prevailing on the farm or ranch in question and integrate the components of that climate into the management or health practices to be recommended.
Loci of New Data: Collections 1786–1830

The half century that witnessed the enormous influx of ornithological data also witnessed a corresponding transformation in natural history collections. Until the end of the 1790’s these collections continued as they had been for nearly a century, that is, in the amateur cabinet d’histoire naturelle tradition. They were general collections of natural history objects: shells, insects, minerals, a few quadrupeds and some birds, and often formed but a subsection of a larger general collection of objects d’art, antiquities, and books.1 The owner was normally not a naturalist, nor did he or she publish anything other than an occasional catalogue, usually a sale catalogue.2 The conception of a natural history cabinet therefore was more that of a collector’s than of a savant’s, and consequently aesthetic considerations were as important as scientific ones.3 These aesthetic concerns are reflected in the enormous attention paid to display.
Pathology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Associated Nephropathy in Adults and Children

A variety of renal lesions are identified in patients infected with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A distinctive clinicopathologic entity, termed HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is noted in 7–10% of the unselected adult and pediatric hospital admissions for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Adult HIVAN is more common in Blacks and in intravenous (IV) drug users and is characterized clinically by acute onset of severe, often nephrotic range proteinuria with generally rapid and irreversible progression to renal failure. Histologically, focal segmental sclerosis (FGS) is frequently accompanied by a unique globally collapsing glomerulopathy with dilatation of Bowman’s space, microcystic ectasia of tubules, scant interstitial cellular infiltrate and fibrosis in the well established lesions. A combination of these distinctive clinical features and histologic findings, along with abundant tubulo-reticular inclusions (TRI) in renal vascular endothelium on electronmicroscopy, distinguishes HIVAN from heroin-associated nephropathy (HAN). A constellation of these clinicopathological findings also allows one to make a presumptive diagnosis of HIV infection with a high degree of accuracy in an asymptomatic HIV carrier. Greater frequency of multiple, budding, and complex nuclear bodies, and various cytomembranous and intranuclear inclusions, presumed to be “viral footprints,” suggest a viral etiology for HIVAN.
Influence of piezoelectric effect on the performance of high speed KTN deflectors (Conference Presentation)

The electric field or stress applied to a solid material can change its polarization or dimensions, thereby altering its properties and causing a piezoelectric effect. This effect can positively or negatively impact your material depending on the sought after application. In this paper, we present a quantitative COMSOL simulation on the influence of the piezoelectric effect on the performance of high speed KTN deflectors. This includes examining the following aspects: piezoelectric induced mechanical stress and refractive index modulation. Furthermore, methods of minimizing the negative impact of piezoelectric effect, such as soft clamping, are explored in order to optimize the performance of electro-optical deflectors.
The Failure of Market Reforms in Russia: Competing Paradigms of Information Economics and Neoclassical Economics

This manuscript is the second of two papers exploring the transition from centrally planned to marketbased economies. The first paper published in the previous issue of the Journal of Applied Business investigated the new information paradigm applied in China. The current paper focuses on the failures of the “Washington Consensus” paradigm based on the old neoclassical paradigm and applied in Russia. As in the previous manuscript, this study supports the argument that markets cannot be efficient without government regulation, intervention, social institutions and effective public administration.
Lower phosphate levels following pancreatectomy is associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula formation.

Abstract Background Whereas hypophosphatemia following hepatectomy is associated with decreased morbidity, hypophosphatemia following pancreatectomy may be associated with increased morbidity, including the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between postoperative hypophosphatemia and POPF formation. Methods Patients from our institutional Research Patient Data Registry who underwent pancreatectomy from 2001 to 2017 were included. POPF was defined according to the International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistulas (ISGPF) criteria and according to internal criteria for drain removal. Postoperative serum phosphate levels, demographics, and comorbidities were evaluated. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed. Results 2342 patients underwent pancreatic resection. Mean age was 63.0 years (SD 14.3), 51.2% were male, and 58.7% had pancreatic cancer. Of all resections, 67.7% were pancreaticoduodenectomies. In unadjusted analysis, phosphate levels were significantly and persistently lower on POD 0 and POD 2–5 in patients who developed POPF's. In adjusted analysis, POD 2 phosphate Conclusion Lower phosphate levels in the early post-operative period following both proximal and distal pancreatectomies is associated with increased risk of POPF.
Evidence Matters: Fall 2016

This issue of Evidence Matters discusses digital inequality and efforts to promote digital inclusion, especially as they relate to housing and community development. In recent years, substantial public and private investment in broadband infrastructure has largely closed gaps in the availability of high-speed Internet among U.S. households, although divides in infrastructure still exist between urban and rural areas. The most significant divides are in adoption — primarily because of a lack of affordability, inadequate connection speed and quality, and inequalities in digital literacy. Gaps in Internet use by age, race, educational attainment, and income persist, although they are shrinking. Analysis of American Community Survey and HUD administrative data reveals that HUD-assisted renters are particularly likely to be on the wrong side of digital divides. HUD-assisted households are less likely to have in-home Internet access than unassisted renters (43% and 69%, respectively), and HUD-assisted households in public housing and multifamily housing have lower connection rates than HUD-assisted households as a whole. These divides continue even as the Internet becomes increasingly necessary for an expansive range of tasks, from completing homework to applying for a job. The costs of these disadvantages are borne by individuals and families in the form of lost educational and employment opportunities and limited access to information as well as by society in the form of unrealized economic productivity.
Characteristics and treatment strategies for severe tricuspid regurgitation

Objective This study aimed to identify characteristics, spectrum of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity and treatment patterns in patients considered for intervention of severe TR at a tertiary centre. The population being considered for TR intervention is currently not well defined and the role of transcatheter interventions is unclear. Methods The study involved 87 patients with severe TR considered for intervention from 1 March 2016 to 12 November 2018 at Mayo Clinic. Patients receiving medications alone were compared with those receiving intervention to identify patterns in demographics, clinical/echocardiographic associations and survival. Results Mean age was 80±9 (56% female), 93% had atrial fibrillation and 64% had chronic kidney disease ≥3 a. Follow-up was 331±276 days; 95% were symptomatic with 6 min walk distance of 270±110 m. Loop diuretics were used in 93%; aldosterone antagonists in 35%. Mean tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was 15.6±3.8 mm, effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) 82±32 mm2 and stroke volume index 39±11 mL/m2; 48% had at least moderate right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and 75% did not undergo intervention. Patients receiving intervention showed trends towards larger EROA (93±33 vs 75±31 mm2), better right ventricular function and more severe symptoms. Overall group 30-day and 1-year survival were 100% and 76%, respectively. Conclusions Patients with severe TR considered for intervention are commonly elderly with atrial fibrillation, advanced TR and RV dysfunction; 75% were treated with medications alone and not offered intervention. Patients with greater EROA, better RV function and more severe symptoms were more likely to receive intervention. These findings have implications for future trial design.
Transportability of outcome measurement error correction: From validation studies to intervention trials

Many lifestyle intervention trials depend on collecting self-reported outcomes, like dietary intake, to assess the intervention's effectiveness. Self-reported outcome measures are subject to measurement error, which could impact treatment effect estimation. External validation studies measure both self-reported outcomes and an accompanying biomarker, and can therefore be used for measurement error correction. Most validation data, though, are only relevant for outcomes under control conditions. Statistical methods have been developed to use external validation data to correct for outcome measurement error under control, and then conduct sensitivity analyses around the error under treatment to obtain estimates of the corrected average treatment effect. However, an assumption underlying this approach is that the measurement error structure of the outcome is the same in both the validation sample and the intervention trial, so that the error correction is transportable to the trial. This may not always be a valid assumption to make. In this paper, we propose an approach that adjusts the validation sample to better resemble the trial sample and thus leads to more transportable measurement error corrections. We also formally investigate when bias due to poor transportability may arise. Lastly, we examine the method performance using simulation, and illustrate them using PREMIER, a multi-arm lifestyle intervention trial measuring self-reported sodium intake as an outcome, and OPEN, a validation study that measures both self-reported diet and urinary biomarkers.
High Yield Monolayer Graphene Grids for Near-Atomic Resolution Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Abstract Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has become one of the most powerful techniques to reveal the atomic structures and working mechanisms of biological macromolecules. New designs of the cryo-EM grids—aimed at preserving thin, uniform vitrified ice and improving protein adsorption—have been considered a promising approach to achieving higher resolution with the minimal amount of materials and data. Here, we describe a method for preparing graphene cryo-EM grids with 99% monolayer graphene coverage that allows for more than 70% grid squares for effective data acquisition with improved image quality and protein density. Using our graphene grids, we have achieved 2.6 A resolution for streptavidin, with a molecular weight of 52 kDa, from 11,000 particles. Our graphene grids increase the density of examined soluble, membrane, and lipo-proteins by at least five times, affording the opportunity for structural investigation of challenging proteins which cannot be produced in large quantity. In addition, our method employs only simple tools that most structural biology laboratories can access. Moreover, our approach allows for customized grid designs targeting specific proteins, due to its broad compatibility with a variety of nanomaterials. Significance statement Single particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) represents the cutting-edge technology to determine three-dimensional atomic structures of bio-macromolecules. However, issues of cryo-sample preparation limit the cryo-EM to achieve higher resolution. Here, we demonstrated a high yield, monolayer graphene supporting film to improve the cryo-sample quality. Using our approach, we have achieved so far, the highest resolution structure of the smallest protein by cryo-EM with the minimal number of datasets. Our technique paves the way for universal cryo-sample preparation for near-atomic resolution cryo-EM.
Undergraduate Medical Education

Simulation-based medical education (SBME) has become a routinely utilized tool in the teaching and training of medical students, nurses, and other healthcare workers. This chapter will review the utility of simulation-based education in undergraduate medical training, for both medical students pursuing a career in anesthesiology and those interfacing with the profession through anesthesiology faculty or clinical rotations. Rationales for the integration of anesthesiologists into teaching roles during the nonclinical and clinical years of undergraduate medical education are provided along with examples of effective integration. Opportunities and models for anesthesiologist-led simulation curricula for undergraduate medical training tailored to both the nonclinical and clinical years of training are presented. The specific utility of high-fidelity simulation (HFS), partial task trainers, and role modeling with standardized patients are reviewed. Additionally, we will include a discussion of the use of simulation as a tool for the assessment of medical student competency attainment.
Neuraxial Anesthesia and the Supine Position Cause Non-reassuring Fetal Status

An 18-year-old woman, G1P0, presents to Labor & Delivery at 40 weeks estimated gestational age with severe labor pain. Her cervix is 2–3 cm dilated and she urgently requests an epidural (L-1). The anesthesia resident places the epidural uneventfully and doses it liberally since the patient complains of severe pain (L-2). Soon the patient feels much better as the epidural starts to work (L-3). The anesthesia resident has already given a 500 mL “co-load” of lactated Ringer’s solution (LR) and now gives the patient 50 mcgm of phenylephrine IV. He explains to her why it is important for her and her fetus that she labor lying on one side or the other—but not to lie flat on her back—and he stays in the patient’s room doing his documentation long enough to make sure that the neuraxial block is not going too high (L-4).
Strategic IT investment decision: BuyPro Health GPO:

Morgan Kendrick, Vice President of Business Development and Patient Safety at BuyPro Health group purchasing organisation (GPO), contemplated his options regarding the IT infrastructure project he ...
Is hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in high-risk populations effective?

Several professional societies recommend hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance in high-risk patients including patients with cirrhosis from any etiology and subsets of noncirrhotic chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The efficacy of HCC surveillance to increase early detection and improve survival has been demonstrated in a large randomized controlled trial among hepatitis B virus patients and several cohort studies among those with cirrhosis. However, the effectiveness on HCC surveillance, when applied in clinical practice, is lower due to low utilization of HCC surveillance among at-risk patients, poorer test performance given operator dependency and differences in patient characteristics, and downstream process failures such as treatment delays. Interventions to increase surveillance utilization and improve surveillance test performance should improve surveillance effectiveness in the future.
Differences in EM-38 readings taken above crop residues versus readings taken with instrument-ground contact.

Soil apparent electrical conductivity (EC) as measured by electromagnetic induction (EM) using the Geonics® EM-38 has shown promise as a soil survey tool in Iowa and other parts of the American Midwest. Surveys made with the EM-38 often take place in the fall after harvest or in the spring prior to planting. Because of this, and because use of conservation tillage and other techniques that leave crop residues on the soil surface is prevalent in many parts of the United States, it is common for fields to have crop residues covering the soil surface when EM surveys are conducted. These residues might alter the soil EC values obtained with the EM-38. To test this possibility, soil EC was determined at two sites with three different types of residue cover (corn (Zea mays L.), soybeans (Glycine max L.), and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.)). The residue cover at each site was then brushed aside, and the soil EC was determined with bare ground exposed to the EM-38. On average, soil EC readings were 0.2 mS/m higher when the EM-38 was exposed to bare ground, and 68% of the bare ground readings were higher than the corresponding readings through crop residues. However, the 0.2 mS/m average difference is not significant when compared to the natural variation found in soil EC readings within any given soil series. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that soil EC values obtained with the EM-38 through crop residues are valid representations of the actual soil EC value.
Meaningful uncertainties from deep neural network surrogates of large-scale numerical simulations.

Large-scale numerical simulations are used across many scientific disciplines to facilitate experimental development and provide insights into underlying physical processes, but they come with a significant computational cost. Deep neural networks (DNNs) can serve as highly-accurate surrogate models, with the capacity to handle diverse datatypes, offering tremendous speed-ups for prediction and many other downstream tasks. An important use-case for these surrogates is the comparison between simulations and experiments; prediction uncertainty estimates are crucial for making such comparisons meaningful, yet standard DNNs do not provide them. In this work we define the fundamental requirements for a DNN to be useful for scientific applications, and demonstrate a general variational inference approach to equip predictions of scalar and image data from a DNN surrogate model trained on inertial confinement fusion simulations with calibrated Bayesian uncertainties. Critically, these uncertainties are interpretable, meaningful and preserve physics-correlations in the predicted quantities.
Interferon Induction By HbS, SERINC5 Upregulation and Reduction of HIV-1 Nef and AP2 Contribute to HIV-1 Restriction in Sickle Cell Disease

Concerted action of numerous positively acting cellular factors is essential for Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication but in turn is challenged by anti-viral restriction factors. Previously we showed that ex vivo one round HIV-1 replication and replication of fully competent T-tropic HIV-1(IIIB) is significantly reduced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Further, we identified and confirmed CDKN1A (p21) and CH25H as host restriction factors expressed in SCD PBMCs that may contribute to the HIV-1 inhibition, in addition to the previously reported SAMHD1 and IKBα. Since CH25H is an interferon stimulated gene (ISG), we analyzed IRFs and interferon expression in SCD PBMCs. Higher levels of IRF7 and IFNβ mRNA were observed in SCD PBMCs compared to controls. We probed further to ascertain if hemin or sickle Hb was responsible for interferon response. We found upregulation of IFNβ in THP-1 - derived macrophages treated with lysates of HbSS RBCs or purified HbS as compared to untreated or HbA treated controls. HbSS RBCs lysates and purified HbS inhibited HIV-1 gag mRNA expression in monocyte-derived macrophages infected with HIV-1(Ba-L). Recent clinical study showed increased levels of CD4 in HIV-1 infected SCD patients in Africa. Thus we analyzed CD4 levels in HIV-1 IIIB infected SCD PBMCs, and found them to be higher compared to controls. Levels of HIV-1 nef mRNA, that controls CD4 expression was lower in HIV-1 IIIB infected SCD PBMCs. As Nef counteracts SERINC3/5 restriction factor, we analyzed its expression as well as the expression of AP2 clathrin adaptor that is required for Nef mediated internalization of CD4. AP2 expression was lower and SERINC5 expression was higher in SCD PBMCs. CONCLUSIONS: SCD PBMCs could resist HIV-1 infection because of the increased IFNβ production by macrophages exposed to HbSS or sickle cell RBCs. SCD PBMC have increased levels of SERNIC5 and lower levels of HIV-1 Nef and host AP2 expression that, culumlatively, can increased CD4 levels and lead to the overall improved immunological health of SCD patients. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: This work was supported by NIH Research Grants (1P50HL118006, 1R01HL125005, 1SC1HL150685, 5U54MD007597, 1UM1AI26617 and P30AI087714). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Download : Download high-res image (264KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A Nonlinear Iteration ECT Algorithm for the Reconstruction of Permittivity Graded Insulation

Dielectric with functionally graded material (d-FGM) is a novel insulation with spatially non-uniform permittivity distribution. This kind of insulation structure could relieve field distortion and uniform surface electric distribution, thus improving flashover voltage remarkably. The detection of parametric distribution is essential for the estimation of d-FGMs. Herein, a nonlinear electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) iteration algorithm is proposed to reconstruct the parametric distribution of permittivity graded material ( $\varepsilon$ -FGM). Compared to conventional reconstruction algorithm like Tikhonov, Landweber, the proposed algorithm has better accuracy with respect to a multi-layer permittivity graded structure. Furthermore, the effects of noise level, and the number of layers is systematically investigated. The numerical results indicate that this iteration strategy also possesses good robustness.
How I incorporate novel agents into the treatment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Abstract The introduction of targeted immunotherapies specifically, brentuximab vedotin (BV) and programmed death-1 (PD-1)–blocking antibodies (nivolumab and pembrolizumab), has reshaped the therapeutic landscape of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in the past decade. Targeting specific biologic features of cHL, these novel agents have expanded treatment options for patients with multiply R/R cHL and have increasingly been studied at earlier points in a patient's disease course. With the plethora of studies evaluating BV and PD-1 blockade as part of cHL therapy, often in nonrandomized, controlled studies, more questions than answers have arisen about how to optimally integrate these drugs into clinical practice. In this article, we use a case-based format to offer practical guidance on how we incorporate BV and anti-PD-1 antibodies into the management of cHL and review the data supporting those recommendations.
P111 The Impact of a Culinary Medicine Course on the Nutrition Care Attitudes of Pre-Health Profession Students

Background Studies suggest cooking skill-based learning increases knowledge and improves nutrition attitudes and confidence more than traditional knowledge-based approaches. Current educational strategies may not adequately prepare future healthcare professionals to become empathetic and innovative problem-solvers who have the skills to provide evidence-based and practical advice about nutrition. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate how a culinary medicine course for pre-health profession college students impacts nutrition care attitudes. Study Design, Setting, Participants Twenty-five pre-health profession undergraduate students enrolled in an interprofessional, experiential culinary medicine course participated. This was a skills- and case-based course which focused on food and cooking, and evidence-based nutrition recommendations for chronic disease. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Items from the validated Nutrition in Patient Care Survey (NIPS) were administered pre-post course completion to assess nutrition care attitudes. Sociodemographic characteristics such as age, year in college, career aspirations, race, and ethnicity were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t tests, Wilcoxon signed rank tests, and ANOVA with post hoc analysis. Results Baseline attitudes scores were somewhat high compared to literature from working health professionals. No significant changes were seen in attitude scores, but differences were found based on ethnicity and career aspirations. Students identifying as Hispanic had more negative attitudes regarding nutrition counseling (P = 0.001) and including nutrition in routine patient care (P = 0.013), but had more positive attitudes towards the importance of taste in improving dietary patterns (P = 0.002). Aspiring doctors, dentists, and physician assistants had more negative attitudes about nutrition counseling than future dietitians (P = 0.008) and nurses (P = 0.049). Conclusion Although no significant changes were found in attitude scores, the differences based on ethnicity and career aspirations warrant further investigation. Nutrition care is incidental to many health professionals’ practice. Strategies to cultivate positive attitudes regarding the role of nutrition across health disciplines should be identified to better develop competency.
Chapter 2 Local circuitry of the somatosensory thalamus in the processing of sensory information

Publisher Summary Laboratory has been concerned for several years with elucidating the nature of the synaptic circuitry of the somatosensory thalamus, and much of the information has been obtained by various experimental approaches that have been conducted in the analysis of this circuitry. This chapter provides new information about the intrinsic circuitry of the primate thalamus and compares the findings with previously obtained findings in rat and cat. It is evident that thalamocortical projection neurons that transfer information from principle afferent sources to the cerebral cortex are subject to a variety of influences: excitatory projections from the principal afferent, facilitatory influences from the cortex, GABA mediated inhibition from the thalamic reticular nucleus and local circuit neurons (LCNs), and a mixture of excitatory and inhibitory effects from brainstem projections. The chapter shows that synaptic projections from two major elements of the somatosensory afferent system, the dorsal column nuclei and the spinal cord, are likely to have very different forms of information processing within the thalamus, one from the other, because of differing relationships with inhibitory LCNs.
Julia: A fresh approach to parallel programming

Summary form only given. The Julia programming language is gaining enormous popularity. Julia was designed to be easy and fast. Most importantly, Julia shatters deeply established notions widely held in the applied community. Julia shows the fascinating dance between specialization and abstraction. Specialization allows for custom treatment. We can pick just the right algorithm for the right circumstance and this can happen at runtime based on argument types (code selection via multiple dispatch). Abstraction recognizes what remains the same after differences are stripped away and ignored as irrelevant. The recognition of abstraction allows for code reuse (generic programming). A simple idea that yields incredible power. Julia is many things to many people. In this talk we describe how Julia was built on the heels of our parallel computing experience with Star-P which began as an MIT research project and was a software product of Interactive Supercomputing. Our experience taught us that bolting parallelism onto an existing language that was not designed for performance or parallelism is difficult at best, and impossible at worst. One of our (not so secret) motivations to build Julia was to have the language we wanted for parallel numerical computing.
Moral Status of Corporations

The moral status of the corporation is dependent on the moral features of the corporation and on the moral status of the members of the corporation. Keywords: moral status; corporate action; moral agents
Age-related differences in the sensitivity to opiate-induced perturbations in reproductive endocrinology in the developing and adult male rat.

The effects of a single morphine pellet (75 mg) implanted in developing male rats at 27 days of age on reproductive endocrine parameters were compared to those found in adult (65-day-old) animals after the same treatment. The pellets were left in place to provide the release of morphine during critical phases of puberty and sexual maturation and to prevent an abrupt withdrawal syndrome upon pellet removal which would confound our results. Developing rats were sacrificed at representative intervals after pellet insertion to assess the development of key indices of reproductive endocrinology; adult rats were sacrificed at the same time intervals to permit an evaluation of age-related differences in the sensitivity to opiate-induced endocrine disturbances. Our results showed that morphine markedly influenced a number of endocrine parameters associated with the maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in developing rats for prolonged periods of time, whereas the effects of the opiate in the adult rat were relatively modest and transient. In the developing rat, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, the wet tissue weights of the seminal vesicles and testes and hypothalamic LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) levels were substantially depressed immediately after pellet implantation and these effects persisted for up to 4 weeks when compared to placebo-implanted, age-matched controls. In contrast to these results, adult rats showed only transient effects (less than 1 week) of morphine on certain reproductive endocrine parameters (e.g., serum LH, testosterone and the weights of the seminal vesicles) and no effects on others (e.g., testes weights and hypothalamic LHRH).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Shape Matching and Recognition – Using Generative Models and Informative Features

We present an algorithm for shape matching and recognition based on a generative model for how one shape can be generated by the other. This generative model allows for a class of transformations, such as affine and non-rigid transformations, and induces a similarity measure between shapes. The matching process is formulated in the EM algorithm. To have a fast algorithm and avoid local minima, we show how the EM algorithm can be approximated by using informative features, which have two key properties–invariant and representative. They are also similar to the proposal probabilities used in DDMCMC [13]. The formulation allows us to know when and why approximations can be made and justifies the use of bottom-up features, which are used in a wide range of vision problems. This integrates generative models and feature-based approaches within the EM framework and helps clarifying the relationships between different algorithms for this problem such as shape contexts [3] and softassign [5]. We test the algorithm on a variety of data sets including MPEG7 CE-Shape-1, Kimia silhouettes, and real images of street scenes. We demonstrate very effective performance and compare our results with existing algorithms. Finally, we briefly illustrate how our approach can be generalized to a wider range of problems including object detection.
Robustness of decentralized tests with /spl epsiv/-contamination prior

We consider a decentralized detection problem where the prior density is not completely known, but is assumed to belong to an /spl epsiv/-contamination class. The expressions for the infimum and the supremum of the posterior probability that the parameter under question is in a given region, as the prior varies over the /spl epsiv/-contamination class, are derived. Numerical results are obtained for a specific case of an exponentially distributed observation and an exponentially distributed nominal prior. Asymptotic (as number of sensors tends to a large value) results are also obtained. The results illustrate the degree of robustness achieved with quantized observations as compared to unquantized observations. >
Charge Symmetry Breaking in Inelastic Nucleon-Nucleon Scattering

Investigations of charge symmetry breaking (CSB) in the strong interaction allow the measurement of effects that are ultimately due to the mass difference between u and d quarks, although meson-exchange models describe the existing data most consistently. A high precision measurement of CSB in the strong interaction has been undertaken at TRIUMF to complement those data and lead to a richer understanding of the dynamical quark effects in the NN system. The observable of interest is the forward-backward asymmetry (A f b ) in np → dπ0, which must be zero in the center-of-mass if charge symmetry is conserved and is predicted to be approximately —35 x 10-4 with the dominant contributions being an order of magnitude larger than those of the elastic scattering CSB measurements carried out at TRIUMF and IUCF.
Deformable models: canonical parameters for surface representation and multiple view integration

Three-dimensional viewpoint invariance is an important requirement in the representation of surfaces for recognition tasks. Parameterized surfaces possess this desirable property. In general, the parameters in a parametric surface representation can be arbitrarily defined. A canonical, intrinsic parameterization provides a consistent, invariant form for describing surfaces. The goal of this work is to define and construct such a parameterization. >
New Governance As Regulatory Governance

New governance has emerged as a school of thought focusing on the significance of institutional design and culture for effective and legitimate regulation. This chapter analyzes the field of new governance from a regulatory perspective and examines the ways in which governments can effectively regulate markets from both a theoretical and practical lens. New governance as regulatory governance focuses on the ways that government and the private sector can successfully operate together - a distinct departure from traditional command-and-control regulation. The chapter explains the reasons for this shift away from traditional regulation toward regulatory governance and provides examples of the benefits of new governance’s approach as applied in environmental law, occupational safety, discrimination law, financial regulation, and organizational sentencing guidelines. In these contexts, the self-regulation structure of new governance relies on internal reporting, and the chapter therefore stresses the importance of private reporting to support the regulatory process. The chapter concludes by recognizing some of the limitations of regulatory governance and identifying directions for further research.
ON EMPHASES IN HUMAN GENETICS

HESE are days when geneticists and laymen alike, spurred on by the fantasTtic achievements of molecular genetics and the mounting realization of the extent of the genetic imperfections of man, find it easy to speculate on those bold new approaches commonly subsumed under the term “genetic engineering”. As the sole practicing human geneticist on this panel, I am perhaps expected in these brief introductory remarks to dwell enthusiastically on the possibility of such developments. But instead, I prefer to pursue a humbler view of man’s genetic future and what the geneticist can do about it. Both our inventory of the human genome and our knowledge of how it operates are still rudimentary. The catalog of inherited human traits and disorders now numbers several thousand, and is growing at an impressive rate. But even so, at best we understand a little bit concerning perhaps one percent of our genome, and virtually nothing of genetic control mechanisms in mammals, including, of course, man. Clearly there are some genes from whose consequences mankind should be spared by procedures which, inter alia, adequately guarantee individual rights. Nevertheless I would once again urge, as I have done several times previously during the last decade (cf. NEEL 1961), and as I shall do later in this paper, that a far greater immediate challenge than attempts at consciously altering the genome is to protect and improve the phenotypic expression of what we now possess. The most fruitful approaches to employing genetic knowledge for human welfare, now and in the foreseeable future, fall under four headings, which I shall list and discuss briefly, after which we might also discuss briefly the role of the geneticist in society’s utilization of the genetic knowledge he has helped generate. 1. Identification of mutagenic agents and surveillance for increased mutation rates: A recurrent concern of the geneticist for the past 40 years has been that exposure to ionizing radiation and a variety of trace chemicals was increasing mutation rates and so the burden of human disease. Advances in our inventory of potential ‘sentinel’ phenotypes and biochemical indicators now render feasible an improved monitoring of human populations for increased mutation rates, and I am sure we will see substantial efforts in this direction in the near future. Based on an indirect approach that utilizes the observed frequency of ‘private’ protein variants and a computer simulation of the rate of loss of such variants
Injury to primary cultures of rat heart endothelial cells by hypoxia and glucose deprivation

Primary cultures of rat heart endothelial cells were subjected to simulated conditions of ischemia: hypoxia and glucose deprivation for 4 and 24 hr. Cellular injury was evaluated by measuring changes in viability, total protein, cellular morphology, and leakage of cytoplasmic enzymes from the cells into the culture medium. Deprivation of oxygen and glucose for 4 or 24 hr did not lethally injure the cells as noted by no change in cell viability, morphology, and total protein when compared to controls. However, reversible or nonlethal cellular injury was produced as reflected by a significant release of lactate dehydro-genase (LDH) from the cells into the medium after treatment with hypoxia and glucose deprivation for 4 or 24 hr. When the cultures were deprived of glucose, but were oxygenated, cellular injury was not evident after 24 hr. Deprivation of oxygen but not glucose resulted in significant loss of LDH after 4 or 24 hr. When the cultures were allowed to recover after oxygen and glucose deprivation in complete medium containing 1000 mg glucose per l and a normal atmosphere of 20% O2, they had levels of LDH leakage comparable to those of control cultures.
Infrared study of hydroxyls on active CaO

Infrared spectra were recorded of Ca(OH)2 samples degassed at various temperatures up to 800°C. The spectral features in the 3900–3100 cm−1 region characteristic of Ca(OH)2 were eliminated by degassing under mild conditions so that only partial decomposition occurred. The spectrum of partially or completely decomposed (but not severely thermally treated) samples showed a strong band near 3707 cm−1 attributed to OH− (Type C) of a brucite-type metastable pseudolattice; the latter's defective structure suppressed the lattice vibrational modes of Ca(OH)2. Such samples, termed Active CaO, readily sorbed water and their spectra showed seven hydroxyl bands (and their deuterium analogs). Spectra recorded after various degassings and H2O or D20 treatments point to the existence of “free” (Type A) and “bound” (Type B) OH− groups on the surface of NaCl-type CaO and to interactions of Type A groups with H2O; to chemisorption of H2O on the pseudolattice, probably at OH− vacancy-0 2− sites and interaction of the chemisorbed species with Type C hydroxyls; to the reversible dissociation of chemisorbed H2O and its incorporation into the pseudolattice; and to two types of physically adsorbed water.
Methylpyridinium (MPP+)- and nerve growth factor-induced changes in pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

The parkinsonian neurotoxin methylpyridinium (MPP(+)) mimics the neuropathology of Parkinson's disease (PD) and likely kills neurons by inhibiting complex I of the electron transport chain and increasing oxidative stress. We examined the time course of activation/inactivation of multiple pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways in MPP(+)-induced apoptotic death of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. We found an early increase and later decrease of transcriptional activity of the generally anti-apoptotic nuclear factor kappa-beta (NF-kappa B) and early increases in activating phosphorylation of the anti-apoptotic upstream kinase protein kinase B (PKB, also known as AKT). Sequestration-inducing phosphorylation of pro-apoptotic BAD protein increased early then declined. A small biphasic increase in the generally pro-apoptotic p38 kinase activity paralleled the biphasic rise in NF-kappa B-mediated transcription. Inhibition of p38 kinase with 5 micro M SB203540, inhibition of MEK-ERK with 50 micro M U0126, or inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) with 10 micro M LY294002 reduced cell viability by 4, 18 or 37%, respectively, after 24 h. All three kinase inhibitors increased cell death in response to 24 h of MPP(+), with the greatest effect shown by LY294002. Nerve growth factor (NGF) caused an early increase in activating phosphorylation of PKB/AKT and MEK-ERK and increased cell survival during MPP(+) exposure. We found that acute MPP(+) exposure activates multiple interacting death- and survival-promoting pathways. Survival-promoting MEK-ERK and PI3K pathways contribute to viability during MPP(+) exposure, both are activated by NGF, and loss of PI3K-mediated signaling and NF-kappa B-mediated transcription may commit cells irreversibly to apoptosis in this model. It remains unknown to what extent these signaling pathways modulate dopamine neuronal death in PD.
Effects of Feeding Low Levels of Dimethoate on Milk and on Whole Blood Cholinesterase Activity of Dairy Cattle

Summary Dimethoate was fed to Jersey cows at 0.28 and 0.56 mg per kilogram of body weight of each cow for 14 days. Analyses of samples taken at regular intervals revealed that if any dimethoate was present, the concentration in milk was less than the five to ten parts per billion sensitivity level of the analytical method. There was no depression in whole-blood cholinesterase activity during the experimental period. Per cent milk fat and total milk production were not affected. No off-flavors or odors attributable to dimethoate were found in any of the milk samples. None of the cows showed any abnormal changes in weight or exhibited any symptoms of insecticide poisoning. Feed intake and excretion were observed as normal.
Trade Liberalisation, the Peso, and Mexico's Commodity Trade Flows with the United States

Abstract We assess the effects of real peso devaluations, as well as the effects of GATT and NAFTA, on Mexico's in-payments and out-payments with the United States for 102 industries. We find that relatively few trade flows are sensitive to changes in the real exchange rate, probably due to production-sharing and intra-industry trade, but devaluations affect Mexican imports more than exports. Trade liberalisation has had a larger impact, particularly on imports of intermediate goods and exports of certain manufactures. Many affected export industries are ones that have previously been shown to have economies of scale.
Comparison of Transport Properties Models for Flowfield Simulations of Ablative Heat Shields

The goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of different models for calculating the mixture transport properties on flowfield predictions of ablative heat shields. The Stardust sample return capsule at four different trajectory conditions is used as a representative environment for Earth entry. In the first part of the study, the results predicted using Wilke’s missing rule, with species viscosities calculated using Blottner’s curve fits and species thermal conductivities determined using Eucken’s relation, are compared to the results obtained using Gupta’s mixing rule with collision cross-section data. The heat transfer to the vehicle predicted using the Wilke/Blottner/Eucken model is found to be larger than the value obtained using the Gupta/collision cross-section model by as much as 60%. The Wilke/Blottner/Eucken model also produces a larger mass blowing rate due to the oxidation of bulk carbon by as much as 25% compared to the Gupta/collision cross-section model. In the second part of the study...