cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reproductive Toxicity of Organophosphate and Carbamate Pesticides

Publisher Summary The chapter focuses on the reduced fertility in males, which is one of the major end points of reproductive toxicity. Interference with the action of androgen during development can cause male reproductive system abnormalities that include reduced sperm production and/or fertilizing capability. Humans have experienced increased incidences of developmental, reproductive, and carcinogenic effects caused by pesticides acting to disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates these processes. Minor increases following dietary absorption and liver detoxification of the xenobiotics may be inconsequential in disrupting endocrine homeostasis. With few exceptions, a causal relationship between exposure to a specific environmental agent and an adverse effect on human health operating via an endocrine disruption mechanism has not been established. Short-term screening studies could be developed and validated in an effort to elucidate the mechanism. Through controlled dose-response studies, it appears that these compounds (e.g., alkyl phenol ethylates and their degradation products, chlorinated dibenzodioxins and difurans, and polychlorinated biphenyls) can induce irreversible induction of male sex characteristics on females (imposex), which can lead to sterility and reduced reproductive performance. There is an urgent need to characterize all the factors involved in such pesticide-induced reproductive toxicity and to develop reliable animal models of testicular disease. No major advances have been made regarding the medical management of poor sperm quality. The application of assisted reproductive techniques such as Y-chromosome deletion evaluation followed by ICSI regardless of cause does not necessarily treat the cause, and may inadvertently pass on adverse genetic consequences.
RNA Visualization in Bacteria by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

Detecting localized RNA in bacteria is difficult due to the properties of RNA and the small size of the cell. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been an invaluable method for detecting and imaging RNA. In FISH, RNA is fixed in its native subcellular position through chemical cross-linking. An oligonucleotide probe conjugated to a fluorophore is annealed to the target RNA, and the target RNA/probe hybrid is visualized using fluorescence microscopy. This chapter describes the use of FISH to visualize tmRNA, a regulatory RNA required for trans-translation. The method can be adapted to visualize the localization of other regulatory and messenger RNAs as well.
Final-Stage Sintering and Grain Growth in Oxides

The atomic transport processes that result in densification during the sintering of oxides are controlled primarily by volume diffusion or by grain-boundary diffusion. Sintering can be described phenomenologically in terms of diffusion of atomic species from internal surfaces (i.e., grain boundaries) to pores. The flux of atoms from the grain boundaries is a function of the appropriate rate-limiting diffusion coefficient and the chemical-potential gradient. The purpose of this paper is to show that changes in the chemical-potential gradient can account for the densification of oxides that have been sintered to theoretical density.
Power Conservation Approaches to the Border Coverage Problem in Wireless Sensor Networks.

Recent advances in wireless communications and electronics have enabled the development of low cost, lowpower, multifunctional sensor nodes that are small in size and communicate in short distances. As sensor nodes are typically battery operated, it is important to efficiently use the limited energy of the nodes to extend the lifetime of the sensor network. In this paper, the border coverage problem in sensor networks is rigorously analyzed. Unlike previous works in this area, we provide distributed algorithms that allow the selection and activation of an optimal border cover for both 2D and 3D sensor networks. We also provide self healing algorithms as an optimization to our border coverage algorithms which allow the border cover to adaptively reconfigure and repair itself in order to improve its own performance. Border coverage is crucial for optimizing sensor placement for intrusion detection and a number of other useful applications. Mathematical as well as experimental proofs are provided to validate the correctness and efficiency of our algorithms.
DYT7, Autosomal Dominant Focal Dystonia

In 1996, a large German pedigree was reported with autosomal dominant adult-onset focal dystonia. The predominant feature was cervical dystonia and postural hand tremors. One family member had spasmodic dysphonia, and some others had cranial or arm dystonia in addition to the cervical dystonia. Linkage analysis localized the disease gene to chromosome 18p. Further analysis of other families from the same region in Northern Germany revealed similar linkage, suggesting a founder effect; however, these findings have not been replicated, and the relative contribution of this gene to cervical dystonia overall is uncertain.
Isolation and regulation of piglet cardiac AMP deaminase.

The properties of piglet cardiac AMP deaminase were determined and its regulation by pH, phosphate, nucleotides and phosphorylation is described. AMP deaminase purified from the ventricles of newborn piglet hearts displayed hyperbolic kinetics with a Km of 2 mM for 5′-AMP. The enzyme had a pH optimum of 7.0 and was strongly inhibited by inorganic phosphate. ATP decreased the Km of the native enzyme 3-fold, but did not significantly block the inhibitory effects of phosphate. Kinetic parameters were not significantly altered in the presence of adenosine, cyclic AMP and NAD+, whereas, the Km was decreased by 50% in the presence of NADH. Piglet cardiac AMP deaminase was phosphorylated by protein kinase C, resulting in a 2-fold increase in Vmax with no change in Km. However, incubation with cAMP-dependent protein kinase did not affect enzyme kinetics. The 80-85 kD protein subunit of piglet cardiac AMP deaminase immunoreacted with antisera raised against human erythrocyte AMP deaminase, rabbit heart AMP deaminase and human recombinant AMP deaminase 3 (isoform E). These results are discussed in relation to in situ AMP deaminase activity in neonatal piglet heart myocytes.
A Scalable Dual-Polarized 256-Element Ku-Band Phased-Array SATCOM Receiver with ±70° Beam Scanning

This paper presents a scalable 256-element Ku-band dual-polarized phased-Array SATCOM receiver. The array elements are spaced $\pmb{\lambda/2}$ apart at 12.25 GHz in the x and y directions. This phased array uses 64 silicon quad-core receive chips with 8 channels to feed a dual-polarized 2×2 quad antennas. Those silicon core-chip are QFN packaged and soldered directly on a 12-layer low-cost printed circuit board with integrated stacked patch antennas and Wilkinson combiners. The measured patterns of the 256-element phased-array show near-ideal patterns with a scan range of $\pmb{\pm 70^{\circ}}$ in E- and H-planes and low sidelobes. This array has a 3-dB instantaneous scanning bandwidth of 10.6-12.5 GHz. The design achieves a low cross polarization $\pmb{ over a wide scan range of $\pmb{\pm 70^{\circ}}$ and it is scalable to allow large-scale phased-arrays construction of 1024 elements or larger. To our knowledge, this represents state-of-the art in Ku-band receive phased-arrays in terms of integration level. The array compact size of (19.7 cm x 22 cm) makes it suitable for a low-cost mobile Ku-band SATCOM terminal.
The Algorithmics of Write Optimization

Write-optimized dictionaries (WODs), such as LSM trees and B^epsilon trees, are increasingly used in databases and file systems. Such data structures support very fast insertions without sacrificing lookup performance. This talk explains how WODs can substantially reduce the I/O cost of many workloads, enabling some applications to scale by orders of magnitude. In contrast, traditional data structures, such as B-trees, are often I/O bound on these workloads. The talk explores write-optimization from the perspective of foundational theory, parallelization, and applications.
Variations in prescription drug monitoring program use by prescriber specialty.

Abstract Background Although prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) have been widely implemented to potentially reduce abuse of prescription opioids, there is limited data on variations in PDMP use by prescriber specialty. Such knowledge may guide targeted interventions to improve PDMP use. Methods Using data from Washington state Medicaid program, we performed a retrospective cohort study of opioid prescribers and their PDMP queries between Nov 1, 2013 and Oct 31, 2014. PDMP registration was mandatory for emergency physicians, but not for other providers. The unit of analysis was the prescriber. The primary outcome was any prescriber queries of the PDMP. We used multivariate regression models to identify variations in PDMP queries by prescriber specialty, as well as to explore explanatory pathways for observed variations. Results We studied 17,390 providers who prescribed opioids, including 8718 (50%) who were not registered with PDMP, 4767 (27%) who were registered but had no recorded use of the PDMP, and 3905 (23%) PDMP users (queries/user: median 18, IQR 5–64). Compared to general medicine physicians, PDMP use was higher for emergency physicians (OR 1.4, 95%CI: 1.2–1.7), and lower for surgical specialists (OR 0.1, 95%CI: 0.08–0.1), obstetrician-gynecologists (OR 0.2, 95%CI: 0.1–0.2) and dentists (OR 0.4, 95%CI: 0.4–0.5). Higher use by emergency physicians appeared to be mediated by higher registration rates, rather than by provider level predilection to use the PDMP. Conclusions A minority of opioid prescribers to Medicaid beneficiaries used the PDMP. We identified variations in PDMP use by prescriber specialty. Interventions to increase PDMP queries should target both PDMP registration and PDMP use after registration, as well as specialties with current low use rates.
The Vanderbilt Scientist in the Classroom Partnership: A Novel Collaborative Apprenticeship Model for Situated Professional Development

The Scientist in the Classroom Partnership (SCP) is a unique program that partners scientists-in-training with classroom teachers to co-teach one day per week in elementary and middle schools. This program has shown positive impacts on all participants, and has the potential to promote professional learning for both the scientists and teachers. The Collaborative Apprenticeship model has been suggested as a unique situated professional development approach for both novice and mentor teachers. The current study examined factors that support the SCP program as a unique Collaborative Ap¬prenticeship (CA) model in which scientists enter the partnership as novice teachers but expert scientists, and teachers bring expertise in pedagogy but are novice scientists. Over the course of participation in the program, the teachers gain scientific content knowledge and grow in their practice, and scientists gain pedagogical skills. Through this unique collaboration, both the scientists and the teachers move through the phases of the CA model (Introduction, Developmental, Proficient, and Mas¬tery) so that by the end of their participation, each grows in a different area of expertise toward mastery.
Mathematics teachers’ enactment of cognitively demanding tasks and students’ perception of racial differences in opportunity

This study examined whether secondary students in an urban school district perceived racial differences in opportunity to be successful in mathematics, whether those perceptions differed between st...
Improving Lung Cancer Screening Access for Individuals With Serious Mental Illness.

Abstract Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States across all races and ethnicities, but it does not affect everyone equally. Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, experience two to four times greater lung cancer mortality in part due to high rates of smoking, delays in cancer diagnosis, and inequities in cancer treatment. Additionally, adults with SMI experience patient, clinician, and health care system–level barriers to accessing cancer screening, such as cognitive deficits that impact understanding of cancer risk, higher rates of poverty and social isolation, patient-provider communication challenges, decreased access to tobacco cessation, and the fragmentation of primary care and mental health care. Despite the proven benefits and mandated coverage by public and private payers, lung cancer screening participation rates remain low among eligible patients, below 4% a year. Given disparities in other cancer screening modalities, these rates are likely to be even lower among individuals with SMI. This article provides a brief overview of current challenges in lung cancer screening and describes a pilot collaboration between radiology and psychiatry that has potential to improve access to lung cancer screening for individuals with serious mental illness.
Identification of Protein N-Termini Using TMPP or Dimethyl Labeling and Mass Spectrometry

Determination of a protein's N-terminal sequence can be important for the characterization of protein processing. To increase the confidence of protein N-terminal identification, chemical derivatization of the N-terminal amine group by (N-Succinimidyloxycarbonylmethyl)tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphonium bromide (TMPP) or dimethyl labeling followed by mass spectrometric analysis is commonly performed. Using this approach, proteins can be separated by SDS-PAGE, and the protein N-terminus of interest is labeled by TMPP or dimethyl in-gel before tryptic digestion and LC-MS analysis. The N-terminus of a protein can thus be easily identified because the N-terminal tryptic peptides are preferentially labeled. Peptides with N-terminal derivatization produce a better fragmentation pattern during tandem mass spectrometric analysis, which significantly facilitates sequencing of these peptides.
AlN/SiC MEMS for High-Temperature Applications

The creation of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that can operate through elevated temperatures would enable systems diagnostics and controls that are not possible with conventional-off-the-shelf components. The integration of silicon carbide (SiC) with aluminum nitride (AlN) has led to the fabrication of devices that can withstand elevated temperature anneals >935 °C. The results from a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) and a microresonator are reported as demonstrations of the fabrication process. Testing the PMUT response before and after annealing at 935 °C led to a change in resonant frequency of less than 1%, which is attributable to a shift in film stress. The response of the microresonator was RF tested $in~ situ$ up to 500 °C and showed no degradation in its electromechanical coupling coefficient. The resonant frequency decreased with temperature due to the temperature coefficient of Young’s modulus, and the quality factor decreased with temperature and remained unrecoverable upon cooling. The degradation in the quality factor is suspected to be a result of oxidation of the titatium nitride (TiN) top electrode, which increases the resistivity and leads to an unrecoverable reduction in the quality factor. The robust piezoelectric response of AlN at these temperatures show that AlN is a very promising candidate for elevated temperature applications. [2019-0019]
Successful Treatment of Penile Numbness and Erectile Dysfunction Resulting From Pudendal Nerve Entrapment

Pudendal nerve decompression surgery has not been studied or reported for the treatment of penile numbness in the absence of pain. Herein, we report a case of a male patient with chronic numbness of the penis and erectile dysfunction in the absence of pelvic pain who was found to have pudendal nerve entrapment. This patient was treated with surgical decompression of the pudendal nerves that resulted in the return of genital sensation and erections. Thus, we propose that pudendal nerve entrapment may be considered as a cause of penile numbness and that pudendal nerve decompression surgery in these patients may be effective.
Development and characterization of a novel soy lecithin-stearic acid and whey protein concentrate bigel system for potential edible applications

Abstract Bigels are a new technology with great potential in the food industry. Their success with drug delivery suggests they may be able to deliver sensitive compounds in foods, such as probiotics and bioactives. The purpose of this study was to develop and characterize a novel, edible bigel system. The bigel was prepared by homogenizing, at high shear, an oleogel emulsion composed of soy lecithin, stearic acid, soybean oil, and water, and a hydrogel composed of whey protein concentrate and water. Characterization was conducted through small angle x-ray scattering, rheology, and fluorescence microscopy. With addition of the hydrogel component, the oleogel emulsion retained its basic structural characteristics, but lost higher order structuring. The bigels were found to have temperature-dependent G′ values. Despite temperature sensitivity, the bigels showed G’>G″ at all temperatures from 8 to 98 °C. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that a bi-continuous bigel was formed at equal proportions of oleogel emulsion and hydrogel; nevertheless, when either of those phases increased one of them became the dominant continuous phase. Some interaction between the phases may have occurred at 10 wt% water and 15 wt% protein usage in the oleogel emulsion and hydrogel, respectively, and this synergy improved the bigel's mechanical properties. On the contrary, at protein and water contents outside those listed above, the relationship between phases became antagonistic towards the bigel's mechanical properties.
Racialized Recovery: Postforeclosure Pathways in Boston Neighborhoods:

Following the Great Recession, homeownership rates declined precipitously, raising concerns for the stability and well–being of neighborhoods. While many studies document shifts in household constr...
Comparison of the hanson microette and the Van Kel apparatus for in vitro release testing of topical semisolid formulations.

Purpose. The major goal of this study was to compare the relative utility of the Hanson Microette® and the Van Kel apparatus, two fully automated devices, as in vitro release tests (IVRT) for semisolids. We attempted to develop methodology that can be used to discriminate formulation changes, and to evaluate the precision, reproducibility and technical complexity of each test apparatus.
Proactive Risk Assessment for Preventing Attribute-Forgery Attacks to ABAC Policies

Recently, the use of well-defined, security-relevant pieces of runtime information, a.k.a., attributes, has emerged as a convenient paradigm for writing, enforcing, and maintaining authorization policies, allowing for extended flexibility and conve­nien­ce. However, attackers may try to bypass such policies, along with their enforcement mechanisms, by maliciously forging the attribu­tes listed on them, e.g., by compromising the attribute sources : operative systems, software modules, remote services, etc., thus gaining unintended access to protected resources as a result. In such a context, performing a proper risk assessment of authorization policies, taking into account their inner structure: rules, attributes, combining algorithms, etc., along with their corresponding sour­ces, becomes highly convenient to overcome \emphzero-day vulnerabilities, before they can be later exploited by attackers. With this in mind, we introduce \toolname, an automated risk assessment framework for authorization policies, which, besides being inspired by well-established techniques for vulnerability analysis such as symbolic execution, also introduces the very first approach for proactively assessing risks in the context of a series of attacks based on unintended attribute manipulation via forgery. We validate our approach by resorting to a set of case studies we performed on both real-life policies originally written in the English language, as well as a set of policies obtained from the literature, which show not only the convenience of our approach for risk assessment, but also reveal that some of those policies are vulnerable to attribute-forgery attacks by just compromising one or two of their attributes.
Urine antigen-negative disseminated histoplasmosis mimicking post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder

A 50-year-old woman with a history of kidney transplant presented with 2 days of abdominal pain after 6 months of recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis, fevers, weight loss and a new rash on her chest and back. Her examination was notable for a unilateral tonsillar exudate and 2–3 mm pink papules with a fine scale over her chest and back. CT of the abdomen and chest demonstrated several large lymph nodes, and laboratory investigation revealed new cytopenias and elevated transaminases. Urine antigen testing for Histoplasma capsulatum was negative, but a fungal complement fixation panel was reactive for Histoplasma antibodies. Skin biopsy revealed intracellular organisms consistent with H. capsulatum. She underwent treatment with liposomal amphotericin B but due to nephrotoxicity, drug interactions and worsening transaminitis, therapy was changed to itraconazole. The diagnosis and management of disseminated histoplasmosis presents multiple challenges, which are of particular importance in patients with a history of renal transplantation.
Sleeping Behavior of the Secretive Puerto Rican Twig Anole, Anolis occultus

Animals are particularly vulnerable during sleep, yet studies addressing sleeping behavior are rare among reptiles. Although the behavior of Anolis lizards has been widely documented, only a handful of studies have described sleeping behavior in this group. Very few of those studies focus on the cryptic twig anoles, an ecomorph characterized by extreme morphology and unique behavior among Anolis. Here we report data on the ethoecology of sleep in the Puerto Rican twig anole, Anolis occultus, including sleeping position and the selection of sleeping sites. We found that A. occultus uses narrow perches with an average diameter of 0.24 cm at an average height of 3.7 m. We observed A. occultus sleeping most often on twigs horizontally with its snout at the distal end of the perch with its tail curled around the perch. We also found no evidence of sleeping site fidelity in A. occultus. Our observations are congruent with previous reports, and provide further evidence for the possibility of convergence in sleeping behavior among anoles belonging to the twig ecomorph. We discuss our findings in the context of sleeping behavior across lizards and suggest that the ethoecology of sleep in A. occultus and lizards in general has been shaped by selection to reduce the likelihood of predation.
Toxic and Essential Elements in Rice and Other Grains from the United States and Other Countries.

We determined the concentrations of toxic and essential elements in rice and other grains (lentils, barleys, beans, oats, wheat, and peas) grown in the United States (US) and other countries using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). Results showed that median concentrations (in µg/kg) for toxic elements in white rice from the US were 131, 2.8, and 6.5 for arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), respectively. White rice from Thailand, India, and Italy showed higher median toxic elements concentrations (in µg/kg) of 155 for As, 3.6 for Pb, and 8.4 for Cd, than for white rice from the US. Brown rice from the US showed median concentrations (in µg/kg) of 217 (As), 4.5 (Pb), and 17.4 (Cd) while other grains showed median concentrations (in µg/kg) of 5.4, 4.6, and 6.7 for these elements, respectively. None of the samples exceeded the codex standards set for Pb (200 μg/kg in cereals and pulses) and Cd (100 μg/kg in cereals/pulses and 400 μg/kg in polished rice). However, brown rice and one white rice sample did exceed the codex standard for As (200 μg/kg). Essential elements were higher in other grains than in white and brown rice. These findings suggest that alternating or coupling rice with other grains in one’s diet could reduce exposure to toxic metals while providing more essential elements to rice diet.
Semiotic Stalemate: Resisting Restraint and Seclusion through Guattari’s Micropolitics of Desire

This article explores the semiotic relationships between Applied Behavior Analysis research, special education practice and restraint and seclusion policy by tracing the evolution of the concept of “self-restraint,” —a term from Behavior Analytic literature for a variety of “behaviors” in which a person restricts their own movement. I trace how “self-restraint” emerges as a new class of behaviors eligible for intervention, and how this marks certain bodies for restrictive practices such as restraint, seclusion and the use of aversives. I explore how rhetorical moves shape the educational landscape of disabled students and expose mechanisms of control that are shaped by scholarship. By using “self-restraint” as an example, I respond to the taxonomies of deficit disseminated through Applied Behavioral Analysis in schooling for neurodivergent students and make critical links between special education practice and Disability Studies in Education.
Simultaneous Quantification of Quercetin and Syringic Acid in Methanolic Extract of Leucas lavandulifolia by using Validated HPTLCDensitometric Method

A simple, sensitive and reliable High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of bioactive compounds i.e quercetin and syringic acid in Leucas lavandulifolia. Methanolic extract used on HPTLC silica gel 60 F254, 10×10 (Mark) plate for the separation and quantification of bioactive compounds by using toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (7: 2.5: 0.5 v/v) as mobile phase. The used mobile system gives well-resolved bands of quercetin (Rf value 0.32 ± 0.06) and syringic acid (Rf value 0.38 ± 0.05) in the extract of L. lavandulifolia. The correlation coefficient was found to be 0.987 and 0.997 with standard deviation of 667.77 and 3819.77 for quercetin and syringic acid. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by recovery studies at different levels using the standard addition method. Precision studies (both inter day and intraday) are within the standard limit, RSD (%) is less than 3%. The average recovery of quercetin and syringic acid was 100.02% and 100.13% suggesting the accurateness of the method. The quantification of quercetin and syringic carried out by using a densitometric absorption mode at 275 nm and 370 nm respectively. The developed method was validated and found to be specific, linear and accurate with precision and accuracy in the concentration range of 2.0–6.0 μg/spot for quercetin and syringic acid. Hence, simple, reproducible and selective HPTLC method has been developed for the estimation of the identified bioactive markers which may be utilized as a tool for the proper authentication and standardization of L. lavandulifolia.
Oncologists’ perspectives on omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy in women >70 years with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

48Background: Trial data show that omission of surgical axillary staging does not affect overall survival in women >70 with cT1N0 hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, and the Society of S...
Ontological smoothing for relation extraction with minimal supervision

Relation extraction, the process of converting natural language text into structured knowledge, is increasingly important. Most successful techniques use supervised machine learning to generate extractors from sentences that have been manually labeled with the relations' arguments. Unfortunately, these methods require numerous training examples, which are expensive and time-consuming to produce. This paper presents ontological smoothing, a semi-supervised technique that learns extractors for a set of minimally-labeled relations. Ontological smoothing has three phases. First, it generates a mapping between the target relations and a background knowledge-base. Second, it uses distant supervision to heuristically generate new training examples for the target relations. Finally, it learns an extractor from a combination of the original and newly-generated examples. Experiments on 65 relations across three target domains show that ontological smoothing can dramatically improve precision and recall, even rivaling fully supervised performance in many cases.
Efficiency and Efficacy of Kenya's Constituency Development Fund: Theory and Evidence

Kenya's Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is one of the ingenious innovations of the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) Government of Kenya. Unlike other development funds that filter from the central government through larger and more layers of administrative organs and bureaucracies, funds under this program go directly to local levels and thus provide people at the grassroots the opportunity to make expenditure decisions that maximize their welfare consistent with the theoretical predictions of decentralization theory. Increasingly, however, concerns about the utilization of funds under this program are emerging. Most of the concerns revolve around issues of allocative efficiency. In this note, I highlight some of the constituency characteristics that impact on the efficiency and efficacy of CDF and also some political economy aspects associated with this program. In particular it is observed that CDF could have negative outcomes because of fiscal illusion and reduced local fiscal effort. The paper recommends an in-depth analysis of constituency characteristics that impact on the utilization of funds to ensure that the program achieves its full potential.
Mergers Among Asymmetric Bidders: A Logit Second-Price Auction Model

In this paper, we derive estimators of, and closed-form (non-integral) expressions for, the distribution of bids in an extreme value, asymmetric, second-price, private-values auction. In equilibrium, prices (winning bids) and shares (winning probabilities) have a simple monotonic relationship--higher-value firms win more frequently and at better prices than lower-value firms. Since the extreme value distribution is closed under the maximum function, the value of the merged coalition also has an extreme value distribution and thus lies on the same price/share curve. Consequently, merger price effects can be computed as a movement along the price/share curve, from the average pre-merger share to the post-merger aggregate share. The parameter determining how much winning prices change is the standard deviation of the extreme value component. Merger efficiency claims can be benchmarked against the marginal cost reductions necessary to offset merger price effects.
The macrosphere model: evaluation of a new stroke model for permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

Abstract Background and purpose: The suture middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model is widely used for the simulation of focal cerebral ischemia in rats. This technique causes hypothalamic injury resulting in hyperthermia, which can worsen outcome and obscure neuroprotective effects. Herein, we introduce a new MCAO model that avoids these disadvantages. Methods: Permanent MCAO was performed by intraarterial embolization using six TiO2 macrospheres (0.3–0.4 mm in diameter) or by the suture occlusion technique. Body temperature was monitored, functional and histologic outcome was assessed after 24 h. Additional 16 rats were subjected to macrosphere or suture MCAO. Lesion progression was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: The animals subjected to suture MCAO developed hyperthermia (>39 °C), while the temperature remained normal in the macrosphere MCAO group. Infarct size, functional outcome and model failure rate were not significantly different between the groups. Lesion size on MRI increased within the first 90 min and remained unchanged thereafter in both groups. Conclusions: The macrosphere MCAO model provides reproducible focal cerebral ischemia, similar to the established suture technique, but avoids hypothalamic damage and hyperthermia. This model, therefore, may be more appropriate for the preclinical evaluation of neuroprotective therapies and can also be used for stroke studies under difficult conditions, e.g., in awake animals or inside the MRI scanner.
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF WORLD POTATO MARKETS: AN OVERVIEW*

Based on a literature review and analysis of trends the author makes some predictions. First, the global potato industry will expand until at least 2020. Second, growth will be most rapid in less developed countries (LDC). Third, fresh and processed potato usage will increase while seed use declines. Fourth, the inelastic demand for fresh potatoes will continue to cause price volatility. Fifth, new technology including GM potatoes will ultimately be accepted in global markets.
Update of the HLA class I eplet database in the website based registry of antibody-defined HLA epitopes.

Eplets are small configurations of polymorphic amino acid residues on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules and are considered as essential components of HLA epitopes recognized by antibodies. This report describes a new design of the eplet repertoire in HLA-ABC alleles used in Luminex kits for antibody testing. There were three steps (1): identify all combinations of polymorphic residues with HLA molecular modeling within a 3-A radius, (2) determine polymorphic residue compositions of 3 A patches from amino acid sequences of HLA alleles in Luminex panels and (3) annotate eplets from one or more patches present on one allele or shared by the same group of alleles. There are now 270 HLA-ABC eplets in the Registry, of which 219 are in antibody-accessible positions on the molecular surface and 51 are defined solely by residue polymorphisms located below the molecular surface. Each eplet has a list of Luminex and non-Luminex alleles for which mismatch acceptability can be determined.
Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Acutely Hospitalized Older Adults

Debate is ongoing as how to best define and measure sarcopenia. Several operative definitions have been published by international consensus panels over the past few years. In the absence of standa...
The Syntheses and Characterization of the Bulky Terphenyl Silanes and Chlorosilanes 2,6-Mes2C6H3SiCl3, 2,6-Trip2C6H3SiCl3, 2,6-Mes2C6H3SiHCl2, 2,6-Trip2C6H3SiHCl2, 2,6-Mes2C6H3SiH3, 2,6-Trip2C6H3SiH3 and 2,6-Mes2C6H3SiCl2SiCl3

The synthesis and characterization of the primary terphenyl silanes and chlorosilanes 2,6-Mes2C6H3SiCl3 (1a), 2,6-Trip2C6H3SiCl3 (1b), 2,6-Mes2C6H3SiHCl2 (2a), 2,6-Trip2C6H3SiHCl2(2b) 2,6-Mes2C6H3SiH3(3a), 2,6-Trip2C6H3SiH3 (3b) and 2,6-Mes2C6H3SiCl2SiCl3(4), (where Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2 and Trip = 2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2) are described. Compounds (1a, 1b), (2a, 2b) and (4) were prepared by the reaction between SiCl4, SiHCl3 or Si2Cl6, respectively, and the appropriate aryl lithium reagent (2,6-Mes2C6H3Li or 2,6-Trip2C6H3Li·OEt2). Compounds (3a) and (3b) were prepared by reduction of (1a) and (1b) with LiAlH4, respectively. The derivatives (1a) - (3a) were characterized by 1H, 13C, 29Si NMR and IR spectroscopy. The structures of (1a), (1b) and (4) have been determined. Crystal data with CuKα (λ = 1.54178 A) at 130 K: (1a), a = 9.074(2) A, b = 16.681(3) A, c = 15.842(3) A, β = 105.20(3)°, V = 2313.9(8) A3, Z = 4, space group P21/c, 2772 (I > 2σ(I)) data, R = 0.042; (1b), a = 12.197(2) A, b = 25.602(5) A, c = 11.098(...
Correctness of Pipelined Machines

The correctness of pipelined machines is a subject that has been studied extensively. Most of the recent work has used variants of the Burch and Dill notion of correctness [4]. As new features are modeled, e.g., interrupts, new notions of correctness are developed. Given the plethora of correctness conditions, the question arises: what is a reasonable notion of correctness? We discuss the issue at length and show, by mechanical proof, that variants of the Burch and Dill notion of correctness are flawed. We propose a notion of correctness based on WEBs (Well-founded Equivalence Bisimulations) [16,19]. Briefly, our notion of correctness implies that the ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) and MA (Micro-Architecture) machines have the same observable infinite paths, up to stuttering. This implies that the two machines satisfy the same CTL*\X properties and the same safety and liveness properties (up to stuttering).To test the utility of the idea, we use ACL2 to verify several variants of the simple pipelined machine described by Sawada in [22, 23]. Our variants extend the basic machine by adding exceptions (to deal with overflows), interrupts, and fleshed-out 128-bit ALUs (one of which is described in a netlist language). In all cases, we prove the same final theorem. We develop a methodology with mechanical support that we used to verify Sawada's machine. The resulting proof is substantially shorter than the original and does not require any intermediate abstractions; in fact, given the definitions and some general-purpose books (collections of theorems), the proof is automatic. A practical and noteworthy feature of WEBs is their compositionality. This allows us to prove the correctness of the more elaborate machines in manageable stages.
MAP model matching

A simple MAP model-matching criterion that captures important aspects of recognition in controlled situations is described. A detailed metrical object model is assumed. A probabilistic model of image features is combined with a simple prior on both the pose and the feature interpretations to yield a mixed objective function. The parameters that appear in the probabilistic models can be derived from images in the application domain. By extremizing the objective function, an optimal matching between model and image feature results. Within this framework, good models of feature uncertainty allow for robustness despite inaccuracy in feature detection. In addition, the relative likelihood of features arising from either the object or the background can be evaluated in a rational way. The objective function provides a simple and uniform means of evaluating match and pose hypotheses. Several linear projection and feature models are discussed. An experimental implementation of MAP model matching, among features derived from low-resolution edge images, is described. >
X-band tunable relativistic BWO with linearly polarized Gaussian radiation

To provide high power Gaussian radiation that is attractive for many applications an X-band 460 kV relativistic BWO is proposed in which a Bragg reflector with one-fold left-and right-spiral corrugations of its wall was applied in waveguide on the “cathode” end of the interaction space. Such a reflector converts the operating TM 01 -mode of the BWO to the forward TE11-mode with linear polarization that is extracted as a Gaussian microwave beam. Frequency tuning over 6% with radiation power ranging from 100 – 350 MW is achieved (in computer simulations) by varying the guide magnetic field.
The effect of mass transfer on selectivity for heterogeneous reactions

A simple model based on existing penetration theory solutions is proposed to predict the selectivity for consecutive reactions in gas-liquid systems. The model is limited to cases of moderate to high selectivity, where the first reaction is much faster than the second. When the reaction greatly increases the mass transfer rate, the model gives about the same selectivity as the film theory, but predicts higher selectivities than the film theory when the enhancement factor o is small and the reaction is rapid. When o is small, an appreciable fraction of the gas that is absorbed reacts after surface elements are mixed with the bulk, and this contribution is neglected in the film theory. The model can also be applied to estimate the effect of diffusion on parallel reactions.
National security and scientific communication

Is science facing a new environment triggered by the alleged successful espionage by foreign parties, in particular China, aimed at the nation's nuclear weapons secrets? Several much publicized reports, in particular that of the Cox Commission of the Congress†, the Rudman report by the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, and the review of the findings of the intelligence community, have alleged security deficiencies within the U.S. defense establishment and in particular U.S. nuclear weapons laboratories. None of these reports have claimed that the presence of foreigners at U.S. academic research institutes or universities has in any way been involved in the alleged security breeches. Yet, remedial measures instituted by the U.S. government are far ranging and affect not only weapons-related activities but the U.S. scientific establishment in general. National security has many aspects, including economic strength, the morale and well-being of the people, as well as military prowess. In respect to the latter, some emphasize restrictions aimed at preventing information developed in the past from reaching unfriendly nations or parties. But then there are those, this author included, who conclude that national security in the past has been predominantly advanced by achievements in a free environment and that such achievements are endangered if undue security measures by restrictions are allowed to dominate. Both are needed, but to use the phrase coined by journalist Alan Barth, the “utility of freedom” is essential in advancing national security. During the “hot” and “cold” wars the spectacular achievements of United States science and technology were accomplished in unusually unrestricted environments. Mistakes and false starts were made but, just because the open nature of such errors drew criticism, corrections were readily taken. U.S. openness compared favorably with that of the United States' opponent nations, in particular the …
Penetration of Sugars, Steroids, Amino Acids, and Other Organic Compounds into the Interior of the Squid Giant Axon

Squid axons were exposed to solutions of C14-labeled compounds. After 60 minutes the axoplasm was extruded and assayed for radioactivity. The following compounds penetrated to about 3 per cent of what would have been expected had there been no barrier to free diffusion and the subsequent attainment of equivalent distribution: mannitol, sucrose, glutamate, glutamine, aspartate, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine, λ-aminobutyrate, serotonin, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. All these compounds are water-soluble; in addition, some are ionized over the entire pH range. Partially ionized indoleacetate, acetylsalicylate, and 5,5-diphenylhydantoin penetrated about 40 per cent and unionized, water-insoluble cortisol and dieldrin, 100 per cent. A striking exception to this grouping was glucose, which penetrated about 20 per cent. Studies with specifically labeled glucose indicate participation of the pentose phosphate pathway as a metabolic route in axonal membrane and associated cell wall material, and partial or complete absence of the oxidative system in the axoplasm. Except for glucose, penetration of the substances studied appears to depend largely on the extent of the non-polar, lipophilic character of the compound. Penetration can be markedly increased by pretreatment of the axons with cottonmouth moccasin venom.
Grass feedbacks on fire stabilize savannas

Savannas commonly consist of a discontinuous cover of overstory trees and a groundcover of grasses. Savanna models have previously demonstrated that vegetation feedbacks on fire frequency can limit the density of overstory trees, thereby maintaining savannas. Positive feedbacks of either savanna trees alone or trees and grasses together on fire frequency have been shown to result in a stable savanna equilibrium. Grass feedbacks on fire frequency, in contrast, have resulted in stable equilibria in either a grassland or forest state, but not in a savanna. These results, however, were derived from a system of differential equations that assumes that fire occurrence is strictly deterministic and that vegetation losses due to fire are continuous in time. We develop an alternative formulation of the grass-fire feedback model that assumes that fires are discrete and occur stochastically in time to examine the influence of these assumptions on the predicted state of the system. We show that incorporating fire as a discrete event can produce a recurring temporal refuge in which both grass and trees co-occur in a stable, bounded savanna. In our model, tree abundance is limited without invoking demographic bottlenecks in the transition from fire-sensitive to fire-resistant life history stages. An increasing strength of grass feedback on fire results in regular, predictable fires, which suggests that the system can also be modeled using a set of difference equations. We implement this discrete system using modified Leslie/Gower difference equations and demonstrate the existence of a bounded savanna state in this model framework. Our results confirm the potential for grass feedbacks to result in stable savannas, and indicate the importance of modeling fire as a discrete event rather than as a loss rate that is continuous in time.
Resources for next generation introductory CS courses: report of the ITiCSE'99 working group on resources for the next generation CS 1 course

The ongoing purpose of this working group is to collect, evaluate, and foster the development of resources that might be used in next generation introductory CS courses. Such courses will integrate elements of object-oriented programming and design, program design patterns, concurrency, and event-driven programming. The product of the working group is a web repository that provides resources that might be used in such a course. The site will include sample syllabi, pedagogical patterns, programming and design patterns, course modules, projects, tools and techniques.The URL for the web site is:http://csis.pace.edu/ ~bergin/iticse99/
The Relationship Between Assessment and Alcohol Treatment

Recently considerable attention has been paid to the matching hypothesis as an explanation of the failure to find a treatment of alcoholism that is generally beneficial. Clinicians, however, have long claimed that they match treatments to their patients' characteristics. The purpose of this study was to obtain descriptive data on the practice of patient-treatment matching in alcohol treatment programs. A survey questionnaire was sent to the directors of VA inpatient alcohol treatment programs across the United States. The questionnaire concerned program characteristics, treatment content, and patient-treatment matching practice. The results suggest that matching commonly occurs in the sample treatment programs, despite their typically structured format. Questions about the practice of patient-treatment matching that the findings raised are addressed.
Thoracoscopic Lobectomy Is a Safe and Versatile Procedure: Experience With 500 Consecutive Patients

Thoracoscopic, also termed video-assisted thoracoscopic, lobectomy has become accepted as a safe and effective procedure to treat early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).1–10 We have previously reported a pilot series of thoracoscopic lobectomy in 110 early stage lung cancer patients, demonstrating low complication rate and effective short-term oncologic results.1 With increasing experience, the indications for thoracoscopic lobectomy have been expanded. The purpose of this study was to examine the longer-term results of thoracoscopic lobectomy across the spectrum of indications to determine safety, efficacy, and versatility.