cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are peptides without basic residues protonated primarily at the amino terminus

Abstract The question of site of protonation in peptides that do not contain basic residues is addressed. The additional basicity of the peptide conferred by the amino terminus is removed by N-acetylation. Comparison of the surface-induced dissociation energy requirements for the fragmentation of the peptides with and without the N-terminal amine indicates that the N-terminal amine sequesters the proton.
Ab interno approach to the suprachoroidal space

Although glaucoma filtration surgery options are generally effective means of surgically lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), complications have driven innovators to develop novel approaches to the lowering of IOP. Using the suprachoroidal space has been one novel way to avoid these complications. This article reviews how recent innovation has exploited this space to lower IOP. Financial Disclosure Dr. Sarkisian and Dr. Vold have received research support from Transcend Medical, Inc. and Glaukos Corp. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Alteration of protein-protein interactions of congenital cataract crystallin mutants.

PURPOSE A recent study demonstrated the presence of protein-protein interactions among lens crystallins in a mammalian cell two-hybrid system assay and speculated about the significance of these interactions for protein solubility and lens transparency. The current study extends those findings to the following crystallin genes involved in some congenital cataracts: CRYAA (R116C), CRYAB (R120G), and CRYGC (T5P). METHODS A mammalian two-hybrid system was used to assay the protein-protein interactions. Congenital cataract crystallin genes were cloned and fused into the two-hybrid system vectors (target and prey proteins). Together, with the third vector containing a reporter gene, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), they were cotransfected into human HeLa cells. The presence of protein-protein interactions and the strength of these interactions were assayed by CAT ELISA. RESULTS The pattern of changes in protein-protein interactions of those congenital cataract gene products with the three major crystallins, alphaA- or alphaB-, betaB2-, and gammaC-crystallins, differed. For the T5P gammaC-crystallin, most of the interactions were decreased; for the R116C alphaA-crystallin, the interactions with betaB2- and gammaC-crystallin decreased and those with alphaB-crystallin and heat-shock protein (Hsp)27 increased; and for the R120G alphaB-crystallin, the interactions with alphaA- and alphaB-crystallin decreased, but those with betaB2- and gammaC-crystallin increased slightly. An attempt was made to interpret the results on the basis of conformational change and disruption of dimeric interaction involving beta-strands. CONCLUSIONS The results clearly indicate that crystallin mutations involved in congenital cataracts altered protein-protein interactions, which may contribute to decreased protein solubility and formation of cataract.
Integrating sustainability into undergraduate computing education

In the past few years sustainability and green computing have received tremendous interest across the world. Computing plays a critical role in our society, thus it has a special responsibility for sustainability and green movement. In this paper, we advocate sustainability integration into undergraduate computing education. We present three sustainability integration strategies, our efforts to develop a green computing course and learning modules, and course evaluation. We believe that sustainability integration will help prepare our graduates with computing competencies, multi-disciplinary knowledge, and computational thinking to create a sustainable future.
Three Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Latency-Associated Transcript Mutants with Distinct and Asymmetric Effects on Virulence in Mice Compared with Rabbits

Herpes simplex virus type 1 latency-associated transcript (LAT)-null mutants have decreased reactivation but normal virulence in rabbits and mice. We report here on dLAT1.5, a mutant with LAT nucleotides 76 to 1667 deleted. Following ocular infection of rabbits, dLAT1.5 reactivated at a lower rate than its wild-type parent McKrae (6.1 versus 11.8%; P = 0.0025 [chi-square test]). Reactivation was restored in the marker-rescued virus dLAT1.5R (12.6%; P = 0.53 versus wild type), confirming the importance of the deleted region in spontaneous reactivation. Compared with wild-type or marker-rescued virus, dLAT1.5 had similar or slightly reduced virulence in rabbits (based on survival following ocular infection). In contrast, in mice, dLAT1.5 had increased virulence (P < 0.0001). Thus, deletion of LAT nucleotides 76 to 1667 increased viral virulence in mice but not in rabbits. In contrast, we also report here that LAT2.9A, a LAT mutant that we previously reported to have increased virulence in rabbits (G. C. Perng, S. M. Slanina, A. Yuhkt, B. S. Drolet, W. J. Keleher, H. Ghiasi, A. B. Nesburn, and S. L. Wechsler, J. Virol. 73:920–929, 1999), had decreased virulence in mice (P = 0.03). In addition, we also found that dLAT371, a LAT mutant that we previously reported to have wild-type virulence in rabbits (G. C. Perng, S. M. Slanina, H. Ghiasi, A. B. Nesburn, and S. L. Wechsler, J. Virol. 70:2014–2018, 1996), had decreased virulence in mice (P < 0.05). Thus, these three mutants, each of which encodes a different LAT RNA, have different virulence phenotypes. dLAT1.5 had wild-type virulence in rabbits but increased virulence in mice. In contrast, LAT2.9A had increased virulence in rabbits but decreased virulence in mice, and dLAT371 had wild-type virulence in rabbits but decreased virulence in mice. Taken together, these results suggest that (i) the 5′ end of LAT and/or a gene that overlaps part of this region is involved in viral virulence, (ii) this virulence appears to have species-specific effects, and (iii) regulation of this virulence may be complex.
STUDY OF OPTIMUM BUFFER CONDITIONS FOR MEASURING ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN HUMAN SERUM

We have compared 23 compounds, with and without transphosphorylating properties, as buffer systems for human serum alkaline phosphatase activity, with p -nitrophenylphosphate as substrate. Relative enzyme activity in four representative buffers at near-optimal conditions was ethylaminoethanol > diethanolamine > 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol > carbonate. Transphosphorylation was demonstrated in the two buffers in which the enzyme was most active, ethylaminoethanol and diethanolamine. The optima for pH, buffer concentration, and substrate for these four systems were studied in detail. 2-Ethylaminoethanol supports the highest enzyme activity of any of the compounds tested. Diethanolamine was shown to have many of the favorable characteristics required for a reference enzyme procedure.
Photodynamic therapy for the palliation of esophageal cancer: expensive endoscopic technique or inexpensive cancer treatment?

To the Editor: I found the recent article by Adler and Baron, which reviews techniques for palliation of esophageal cancer, to be useful and timely. However, their description of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as relatively expensive might be misleading, since no comparative cost data were provided for other methods of palliation. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are also expensive, ranging in price from $1400 to $1900 each. SEMS have clearly revolutionized the treatment of obstructing gastrointestinal neoplasms and are especially useful in the setting of aerodigestive fistulas. Nevertheless, food impaction, stent migration, and tumor occlusion at the distal ends of the stent can limit the usefulness of SEMS. Except for the Ultraflex esophageal stent (Boston Scientific Corp, Natick, Mass), SEMS cannot be used in patients who have had external-beam radiation. Photodynamic therapy with porfimer sodium might be characterized not only as an endoscopic technique but also as a form of chemotherapy, since it has numerous antitumor effects, including direct tumor necrosis, induction of apoptosis via depletion of Bcl-2, destruction of tumor vasculature, cytokineand interleukin-associated inflammatory response, and immune system stimulation. The local and systemic effects of PDT may explain the marked improvement in quality of life and survival noted in some series of patients treated with PDT. Furthermore, most PDT procedures are now performed on an outpatient basis, and the laser fibers used are similar in cost to argon plasma coagulator catheters. Thus, we frequently use PDT to rapidly reestablish an esophageal lumen, to palliate dysphagia, and to improve patients’ nutritional status and overall condition without limiting future treatment options such as chemoradiotherapy or surgery.
Parylene surface-micromachined membranes for sensor applications

This paper reports the design, fabrication process, and testing results of Parylene surface-micromachined membranes with integrated strain gauges or thermal resistors made of thin film metals. The membrane is suspended above the substrate. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of sensor applications with a force (tactile) sensor and a fluid shear stress sensor.
A Tunable Mid-infrared Laser Source For Remote Sensing

Many remote sensing needs can be effectively addressed with a tunable laser source in the mid infrared. One potential laser source is an optical parametric oscillator and amplifier system pumped by a near infrared solid state laser. Advantages of such a system and progress made at NASA Langley Research Center to date on such a system are described.
Quality of life in children with vesicoureteral reflux as perceived by children and parents

Abstract Purpose Significant research has been dedicated to the management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). However, few studies have been published to evaluate the impact of this disease on quality of life. The aim of this study was a prospective examination of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with VUR who have either been treated medically (antibiotics or surveillance) or by ureteral reimplant (UR) using a validated patient satisfaction survey. Materials and methods A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted using a validated HRQoL questionnaire, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core). 353 children or parents of children with VUR, age 2–18 years, completed the survey. Statistical analysis was performed with significance set at p-value ≤ 0.05. Results Children and parents of children with VUR did not score lower on total or subscale domains of HRQoL when compared to a historical healthy control. On univariate analysis, patients who underwent UR scored lower on total as well as physical, social, and school subscale HRQoL domains, compared to patients managed medically. When controlling for gender, ethnicity, age, reflux grade, and antibiotic use, there was no difference in total HRQoL between patients who underwent UR compared to those managed medically. Conclusions In terms of HRQoL, VUR is a benign clinical entity and neither antibiotic use nor UR is associated with lower HRQoL. Disease-specific quality of life surveys are needed to accurately evaluate patient and parent satisfaction in the management of VUR.
Optimal Markup Decisions under Demand Uncertainty

This article examines the consistency with economic theory of a rule of thumb in which a risk-averse firm facing demand uncertaintly sets its price based on a percentage over the price paid to farmers. A testable set of comparative static results determines how the optimal markup is influenced by shifts in key parameters affecting the firm: expected demand, demand uncertainty and average variable costs. The model is tested using data from the wholesale markets for organic lettuce, broccoli and carrots. The results demonstrate that risk-averse wholesalers raise markups as expected demand increases and reduce them as uncertainty increases, consistent with risk-averse behavior. The empirical models show that produce marketing agents monitor shifts in expected demand and demand variability when adjusting markups. Expected demand has a greater impact on markups than demand variability. Nous examinons la coherence avec la theorie economique d'une methode au juger selon laquelle une entreprise confrontee a une demande incertaine fixe son prix de vente a un pourcentage donne audessus de celui payea la production. Un jeu testable de donnees statiques comparatives permet de determiner dans quelle mesure la marge commerciale de l'entreprise est sensible aux glissements affectant les parametres cles qui l'interessent, notamment le volume de la demande esperee, l'incertitude de la demande et les charges variables moyennes. Nous avons teste la validite du modele a partir de donnees concernant le marche au gros de la laitue, du brocoli et de la carotte biologiques. Comme on pouvait s'y attendre, les resultats obtenus montrent que les grossistes prudents, ceux qui evitent les risques; relevent leur marge a mesure que la demande esperee augmente et qu'ils la reduisent en periode d'incertitude de la demande. Les modeles empiriques indiquent que les courtiers en produits frais ajustent les marges commerciales selon les glissements affectant la demande esperee et la variabilite
Perceived Convenience, Compatibility, and Media Richness Contribute Significantly to Dedicated E-book Reader Acceptance

Objective – Investigates the effects of perceived convenience, compatibility and media richness on users’ attitudes toward dedicated e-book readers. Design – Convenience sample survey. Setting – Taiwanese university. Subjects – A total of 288 students at the senior secondary (5%), four-year university (78%), and graduate student (17%) levels. Male-female participation was approximately equal. Methods – Students completed a 23-item survey on dedicated e-book readers, with questions on perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, intention to use, convenience, compatibility, and media richness. Data was analyzed using the partial least squares statistical technique. Main Results – Users state an increased intention to use dedicated e-book readers if they perceive the technology to be compatible with what they desire in a “book,” if the device delivers rich media content, and if the device is convenient. Compatibility was found to significantly affect perceived ease of use, and was found to be the strongest influence on intent to use a dedicated e-book reader. Compatibility, media richness and convenience also increased the perceived usefulness of dedicated e-book readers. Conclusion – Users will prefer dedicated e-book readers that are compatible with their preferences in a “book,” that deliver media-rich content, and that they find convenient. The study has implications for the design and development of e-book reading devices.
Guest editorial a vision for ece education in 2013 and beyond

LECTRICAL and computer engineering (ECE) education is rapidly evolving as the pace of technological innovation in society accelerates. The information revolution has focused considerable attention on educational needs relative to information science and engineering, while blurring traditional engineering subdisciplines. Semiconductors continue to advance rapidly while nanotechnology, and its associated miniaturization of components and systems, is rapidly stretching the boundaries of ECE toward chemistry, physics, and the life sciences. Bioengineering and biomedical applications are rapidly emerging as technology drivers, fields that have flourished because of the remarkable advances provided by electronics and computer technology. Software engineering is the engine that is driving our new range of electronic/semiconductor devices, systems, and products. At the same time, information technology itself is rapidly redefining the nature of engineering pedagogy, which is advancing in unforeseen directions. The challenges for education in ECE disciplines are immense, and a road map is needed to navigate this complex and ever-changing landscape. This special issue of the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ONEDUCATION is devoted to providing a vision of the undergraduate curriculum for ECE in the year 2013 and beyond, i.e., ten years into the future. Contributions were invited from ECE departments, as well as industry, government, and other interested professionals, to present their vision of what ECE departments should be offering in the year 2013 and beyond in order to prepare students ad
Stomal complications of intestinal conduit urinary diversion.

• Intestinal conduits of the ileum, colon, or jejunum were used for urinary diversion in 319 patients at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation between 1970 and 1981 due to pelvic malignancy, primary bladder cancer, or benign conditions. End stomas were constructed in 65% and Turnbull loop stomas in 35%. Follow-up ranged from one to 15 2 months (median, 3 5 months). The mean number of days between appliance changes was 5.7 (range, 2-10). The overall complication rate was 8.5%. Stomal revisions were required in5%. There were no significant differences in the mean number of days between appliance changes, type or number of complications, or rate of revision between end and loop stomas or between the various intestinal segments used for diversion. The presence or absence of previous irradiation and the indication for diversion were independent of complications. Stomas constructed from any segment of the intestinal tract in end or loop fashion yielded equivalent long-term function and complication rates. Stomal complications can be minimized and the time between appliance changes maximized by careful attention to all phases of stomal construction and care.
Chemical and Thermal Effects on Wellbore Stability of Shale Formations

The model presented in Chapter 2 is compared with experimental data presented by Ewy and Stankovich [2000]. It is shown that the relative magnitude of the hydraulic conductivity of the shale (KI), the membrane efficiency of the shale (KII), and the effective diffusion coefficient of solute (Deff) all have an influence on the net pore pressure behavior of a shale exposed to a drilling mud. After the model has been calibrated with one set of experimental data, excellent predictions under other operating conditions can be made. Good agreement with experimental data is obtained for such predictions.
Oxygen delignification kinetics: CSTR and batch reactor comparison

In the past, oxygen delignification studies were mostly performed in batch reactors, whereby the caustic and dissolved oxygen concentrations are changing during the reaction. Also the lignin content and cellulose degradation of the pulp are only established at the end of an experiment when the sample is removed from the reactor. To overcome these deficiencies, a differential reactor system (called Berty reactor) has been adopted. In this continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR), the dissolved oxygen concentration and the alkali concentration in the feed are kept constant, and the rate of lignin removal is determined from the dissolved lignin concentration in the outflow stream measured by UV–vis spectroscopy. The delignification rate is found to be first-order in HexA-free residual lignin content. The delignification rate reaction order in [NaOH] and oxygen pressure are 0.412 ± 0.060 and 0.305 ± 0.260 respectively. The activation energy is 54.5 ± 6.8 kJ/mol. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Utensil manipulation during initial treatment of pediatric feeding problems

Children with feeding disorders exhibit a variety of problem behaviors during meals. One method of treating problem mealtime behavior is to implement interventions sequentially after the problem behavior emerges (e.g., Sevin, Gulotta, Sierp, Rosica, & Miller, 2002). Alternatively, interventions could target problem behavior in anticipation of its emergence. In the current study, we implemented nonremoval and re-presentation of bites either on a spoon or on a Nuk for 12 children with feeding problems. The nonremoval and re-presentation treatment improved feeding behavior for 8 of 12 children. Of those 8 children, 5 had lower levels of expulsions, and 4 of the 8 children had higher levels of mouth clean with the Nuk than with the spoon. We describe the subsequent clinical course of treatment and present follow-up data for 7 of the 8 children who responded to the nonremoval and re-presentation treatment with the spoon or Nuk. The data are discussed in terms of potential reasons why the utensil manipulation improved feeding behavior for some children.
Enhancement of trust in the export management company‐supplier relationship through e‐business

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to posit that the supplier‐export management company relationship suffers from mutual trust deficit, which if lowered can act as a catalyst toward mitigating their relational problems. The study offers e‐business strategies to enhance trust between the parties.Design/methodology/approach – This study is a conceptual work. It looks at the supplier‐EMC relationship problem from a balanced stance, deciphers the underlying causes, and offers responsive e‐business strategies to enhance trust between the parties. In this context, the study first describes the supplier‐EMC relations over time prior to the spread of e‐business. Building upon the buyer‐seller relationship and e‐business literatures, the study generates specific propositions addressing the use of e‐business to enhance trust between the suppliers and EMCs.Findings – Taking a balanced perspective, this study posits that the supplier‐EMC relationship suffers from mutual trust deficit, which if lowered would act a...
Diversity, Seasonal Activity and Habitat Associations of Robber Flies (Diptera: Asilidae) in West-Central Illinois

Abstract Robber fly diversity, seasonal activity and habitat associations were studied in prairie and forest habitats in west-central Illinois from May to Oct. 2005. The greatest numbers of individuals and species were collected in recently burned prairie and forest habitats, although richness in the recently burned prairie was lower than expected based on rarefaction. Six of the eight most abundant species had primarily mid-season or earlier flight activity patterns; the other two species were mid- to late or late season fliers. There was significant variation in robber fly species composition among habitats. Forest habitats had greater within-habitat variation in species composition than did prairie habitats. Three indicator species (Cerotainia macrocera Say, Nerax aestuans (L.) and Promachus hinei Bromley) were found, all for prairie habitats. Two species (Ommatius ouachitensis Bullington & Lavigne and P. hinei) showed significant sex-related variation in habitat associations. These results show that s...
Seizures and reduced life span in mice lacking the potassium channel subunit Kv1.2, but hypoexcitability and enlarged Kv1 currents in auditory neurons.

Genes Kcna1 and Kcna2 code for the voltage-dependent potassium channel subunits Kv1.1 and Kv1.2, which are coexpressed in large axons and commonly present within the same tetramers. Both contribute...
Ideas Tried, Lessons Learned, and Improvements to Make: A Journey in Moving a Spreadsheet- Intensive Course Online

Using information systems to solve business problems is increasingly required of everyone in an organization, not just technical specialists. In the operations management class, spreadsheet usage has intensified with the focus on building decision models to solve operations management concerns such as forecasting, process capability, and inventory management. This paper presents an experience in moving the course to full online delivery. Of particular concern was maintaining the impact that the in-class workshop approach to spreadsheet activities and exams had when converted to the online setting. The LMS used by the university proved inadequate to handle a fully online spreadsheet intensive course such as this one, so new capabilities had to be found or developed. This proved to be non-trivial as it required designing custom solutions. This paper covers what was tried, how it worked, and ideas for improvements. Links to resources developed and used are provided in the appendices for others to improve upon.
Cytokine modulation correlates with severity of monkeypox disease in humans.

Abstract Background Human monkeypox is a zoonotic disease endemic to parts of Africa. Similar to other orthopoxviruses, virus and host have considerable interactions through immunomodulation. These interactions likely drive the establishment of a productive infection and disease progression, resulting in the range of disease presentations and case fatality rates observed for members of the Orthopoxvirus genus. Objectives Much of our understanding about the immune response to orthopoxvirus infection comes from either in vitro or in vivo studies performed in small animals or non-human primates. Here, we conducted a detailed assessment of cytokine responses to monkeypox virus using serum from acutely ill humans collected during monkeypox active disease surveillance (2005–2007) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Study design Nineteen serum samples that were from patients with confirmed monkeypox virus infections were selected for cytokine profiling. Cytokine profiling was performed on the Bio-Rad Bioplex 100 system using a 30-plex human cytokine panel. Results Cytokine profiling revealed elevated cytokine concentrations in all samples. Overproduction of certain cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2R, IL-10, and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor were observed in patients with serious disease (defined as >250 lesions based on the World Health Organization scoring system). Conclusions The data suggest that cytokine modulation affects monkeypox disease severity in humans.
The Usual Suspects: Collective Irresponsibility and Debates of Culpability in Northern Kenyan Pastoralist Violence

Focusing on the dynamics of a recent violent incident between Samburu and Turkana pastoralists--ending with the killing of 42 Kenyan policemen by Turkana cattle raiders--I explore issues concerning assigning culpability in African pastoralist violence. Consonant with the longstanding anthropological concept of “collective responsibility,” governments have tended to hold all members of an ethnic group responsible for violence, leading to collective punishment and/or taking actions against local chiefs for incidents in their locality. While overlapping ethnic identities and roles have probably always made the world much fuzzier than anthropological models suggest, in state situations--where the aim is to assign culpability, allot punishment and render compensation—motives and actions become far more complex. While the victims of violence gain by asserting the collective guilt of perpetrators, perpetrators of violence benefit by assuming a stance of “collective irresponsibility”: That it is the violence was done by individuals or by a distinct sub-group who are similar but nonetheless Other to themselves. Using a case study approach, the paper draws on discourses, and individual histories of involved parties (with whom I have worked closely), to examine the dynamics of individual, collective and state actions in debating and reacting to African pastoralist violence.
Pre-operative risk assessment with cardiac computed tomography: all dressed up and nowhere to go.

Perioperative cardiac events are a leading cause of death ([1][1]) in the 234 million major surgical procedures performed worldwide annually ([2][2]). Every year approximately 900,000 adults worldwide experience major cardiac complications after surgery ([3][3]). Accordingly, risk stratification has
Semantically Integrating Biomedical Databases to Support Inference

We have built KaBOB (Knowledge Base of Biomedicine) by integrating information from over 20 existing biomedical data sources about humans and seven major model organisms. The knowledge base is modeled in OWL and grounded in 14 prominent OBOs (Open Biomedical Ontologies). It is comprised of over 419 million RDF triples. Queries can be posed to KaBOB in terms of biomedical concepts and abstractions, instead of requiring knowledge of source-specific encodings and terminology.
Carbon isotope stratigraphy and correlation of depositional sequences in the Upper Ordovician Ely Springs Dolostone, eastern Great Basin, USA

Abstract Shallow water carbonate shelf strata of the Ely Springs Dolostone accumulated on the western Laurentian margin as relative sea level fluctuated during the Late Ordovician icehouse. The Ely Springs Dolostone is divided into four upper Katian depositional sequences and one Hirnantian sequence. Here we present new carbon isotope data from the Ely Springs in the context of the sequence stratigraphic architecture. These data derive from a shelf transect of five stratigraphic sections exposed in the eastern Great Basin, USA and provide records of carbon cycling on the Laurentian margin prior to and during the Hirnantian glacial maximum. The δ13C values range between − 2‰ and + 4‰ at each section, and chemostratigraphic tie points occur in all sections of the transect. Intrabasinal correlations based on the δ13C records are consistent with correlations derived from sequence stratigraphy and conodont biostratigraphy. The Ely Springs Dolostone carbon isotope curve can also be correlated with the late Katian (Cincinnatian) composite derived from epicontinental deposits of the Laurentian midcontinent. The globally documented Hirnantian positive carbon isotope excursion (commonly referred to as “HICE”) occurs within the uppermost depositional sequence immediately below a regional unconformity coinciding with peak glacial conditions on Gondwana. The late Katian Elkhorn and Waynseville δ13C excursions are also present in the Ely Springs Dolostone carbon isotope record. The peak value of the Hirnantian carbon excursion increases from 2.6‰ to 3.8‰ across the shallow shelf and reaches 7.3‰ in coeval limestones of the Hanson Creek Formation deposited in a deep dysoxic setting. This lateral gradient is not the result of changes to the δ13C of weathered carbon supplied by rivers, as previously proposed; it may be instead related to authigenic carbonate cement precipitation during early diagenesis of the Hanson Creek strata. That these pervasively dolomitized shallow water carbonates retain δ13C signatures useful for regional and global stratigraphic correlation indicates that δ13C chemostratigraphy may be an appropriate correlation tool for dolostones with few biostratigraphically useful fossils.
Mouse Models of Lymphoma and Lymphoid Leukemia

The types and uses of mouse models of cancer are discussed. The spectrum of mouse lymphoid tumors encountered is summarized, as are the techniques used to study them.
TABULAR PULSE-WIDTH CONTROL OF A TWO DEGREE-OF-FREEDOM MANIPULATOR

Abstract Pulse-width control, when applied to single degree-of-freedom systems, is very effective in overcoming the deleterious effects of Coulomb friction and stiction. This paper applies pulse-width control to a multi-degree-of-freedom mechanism. Results are presented based both on simulations and on the performance of a two degree-of-freedom experimental manipulator developed at Bucknell University. A unique aspect of this research is the use of a table of pulse-width gain values rather than simply a single gain for each axis of motion. Results indicate that tabular pulse-width control produces responses that converge rapidly and achieve positioning accuracies equal to the precision of measurement sensors.
Application of a robotic telemanipulator to perform posterior pharyngeal flap surgery: a feasibility study.

Background The instrumentation used during surgery to address velopharyngeal dysfunction has changed little over the past century. Recent advances in the use of robotic surgical systems in transoral surgery have expanded the use of these instruments beyond their traditional laparoscopic applications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing superiorly based, "Hogan"-style posterior pharyngeal flaps using a robotic surgical telemanipulator system. The authors hypothesize that use of this surgical platform provides equivalent safety, improved exposure, and more comfortable surgeon ergonomics compared with traditional methods of flap harvest and inset. Methods A pilot study was performed using three fresh cadaveric human heads. Superiorly based posterior pharyngeal flaps were successfully performed in all specimens. The technical aspects of the procedure, including telemanipulator setup, positioning, surgical instrumentation, and timing, are described in detail. Results All three subjects underwent successful transfer of posterior pharyngeal flaps. Mean surgical time was 113 minutes. Using a 30-degree angled endoscope, the area of the operative field was nearly doubled, and this allowed for easy visualization of the flap ports, an advantage when tailoring the flap. Technically, the learning curve for using the robot telemanipulator was steep, and both operating surgeons (J.M.S. and J.A.T.) felt that the instrumentation and setup were ergonomic. There was no damage to adjacent structures. Conclusions Transoral robotic surgery for velopharyngeal dysfunction is feasible and may offer improved exposure and ergonomics compared with traditional methods. As the use of robotic surgical systems becomes more widespread, their use in intraoral cleft surgery warrants further investigation.
Communications: Comments on: Project Management: An Incentive Contracting Decision Model

A letter to the editor is presented in response to “Project management: an incentive contracting decision model,” from an earlier issue.
Major Causes of Death of Residents in Chengdu,2010

Objective To analyze the difference between causes of death which were forfrount in the rank of death cause and years of life lost in urban and rural areas,and between males and females.Methods Used of death cause monitoring data in 2010 of Chengdu,and the household population announced by Chengdu Public Security Bureau earlier,established the life tables and cause eliminated life table,calculated the urban and rural,sexual standardized death rate by using direct method of standardization,then compared the differences.Results The top 5 causes of death,years of life lost and cause eliminated life expectancy increasing were cancer,respiratory disease,cerebrovascular disease,heart disease,injury and poisoning.Cancer was mainly in lung,liver,stomach,and the mortality rate of males was higher than females,lung cancer mortality rate in urban was higher than in rural area,liver cancer and stomach cancer mortality rates in rural areas were higher than in urban.Mortality rates of chronic lower respiratory disease and cerebrovascular disease in rural areas were higher than in urban,higher in males than in females.Mortality rate of heart disease in urban was higher than in rural,and higher in males than in females.Injury and poisoning mortality rate in males and in rural areas was higher than in females and in urban,in rural areas than urban,in the rank and the overall composition,differences were existed between rural and urban,males and females.Conclusion The major diseases influencing the life expectancy of residents in Chengdu were cancer,respiratory disease,cerebrovascular disease,heart disease,injury and poisoning.In order to reduce mortality,increase life expectancy,different strategies against major diseases should be taken to the population in different regions and gender.
Albumin reduces basement membrane hydraulic conductance in part due to arginyl side groups.

Albumin reduces capillary hydraulic conductance (Lp) even at low concentrations. To determine if part of this barrier protective effect might be extracellular, we studied the effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on Lp of self-assembled basement membrane (Matrigel). Lp with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) buffer superfusate was stable at 1.77 +/- 0.22 x 10(-5) (SE) cm.s-1.cmH2O-1 over several hours. At 0.1 g/dl BSA, experimental/control (Tris) Lp fell to 83.1 +/- 6.0% (2P < 0.025), with decreases to 72.4 +/- 3.7% at 1 g/dl (2P < 0.005), 45.3 +/- 5.1% at 2.5 g/dl (2P < 0.001), and 45.0 +/- 4.8% at 4.0 g/dl (2P < 0.001). In separate experiments, BSA arginine groups were neutralized by 1,2-cyclohexanedione (CHD), and experimental/control Lp values were measured. At 2.5 g/dl, CHD-BSA depressed Lp to 54.4 +/- 4.8%, while unmodified BSA reduced Lp to 40.8 +/- 3.5% of Tris control (2P = 0.05). Finally, soluble arginine at three- and sixfold the arginine in BSA was added to BSA superfusate. For threefold, Lp rose to 120 +/- 8% of BSA level and for sixfold to 129 +/- 9% (2P < 0.05). We conclude that some part of the albumin protective effect is very likely due to consequences on extracellular matrix and that at least 18-22% of this effect is related to arginine groups on albumin when computed from Lp, and up to 34% when viscosity is taken into account. Membrane-saturable arginine-binding sites can be unbound with arginine, thus nullifying part of the barrier protective effect of BSA.
Association of Strength Measurement with Rotator Cuff Tear in Patients with Shoulder Pain: The Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup Study.

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study examines the association between strength measurements and supraspinatus tear in patients with shoulder pain. This study characterized determinants of abduction strength among patients with tears.DesignA total of 208 patients with shoulder pain were recruited. Strength wa
Molecular Genetics of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic immune-mediated arthritic condition affecting the spine that can result in disabling fusion of the vertebrae and sacroiliac joints. Genetics plays a more dominant role in conferring risk for AS than in most autoimmune diseases, as evidenced by a heritability greater than 90%. The HLA-B*27 gene allele represents the greatest single risk factor identified to date, and multiple theories have been proposed to explain its contribution to pathogenesis. Genomewide association studies in AS have revealed other key genetic players, such as the polymorphic ERAP1, and implicated specific immune pathways, notably the IL-23/IL17 cytokine pathway. However, much of the genetic basis for AS remains to be explained, providing future challenges to researchers and hope for clinicians. Key Concepts Ankylosing spondylitis belongs to a group of related inflammatory conditions typified by spinal arthritis, extraarticular inflammation and high prevalence of the MHC class I allele HLA-B*27. Ankylosing spondylitis has unusually high heritability, suggesting a strong genetic basis. HLA-B*27 remains the greatest genetic risk factor identified to date. Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the link between HLA-B*27 and disease ranging from immune recognition at the cell surface to unusual characteristics of its biosynthesis. Genomewide association studies (GWAS) have identified other MHC genes, non-MHC key molecules and immune pathways that contribute to ankylosing spondylitis. The relevance of one of the GWAS pathways, the IL-23/IL-17 pathway, has borne out in treatment efficacy of related monoclonal antibody therapy in patients. The genetic overlap between ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis may explain the frequently observed gut and skin inflammation comorbidities in ankylosing spondylitis. Most of the ankylosing spondylitis heritability (about 70%) remains unexplained. Keywords: ankylosing spondylitis; spondyloarthritis; genomewide association studies; genetics; HLA-B*27; ERAP1; IL-17; pathogenesis; unfolded protein response
Trends in Terms of Trade, and Their Repercussions on Primary Producers

With one exception, we will in this paper use the simplest and most available concept of the terms of trade: (1) The ratio between the prices of two commodities, or of two groups of commodities, that may be exchanged against each other. This is often called the commodity terms of trade; Taussig called it the ‘net barter terms of trade’. (2) The classical concept is different. It looked to the real quantity of factors exchanged for each other through the intermediation of commodities — in Marshall, the labour in G-bales exchanged for the labour in E-bales. The classical concept is thus the double factoral terms of trade, or the commodity terms of trade times the reciprocal of changes in technical coefficients for exports and imports.
Epilogue: Capitalist Rationalities and Religious Moralities—An Agonistic Plurality

This epilogue reminds us that the study of capitalist rationalization and religious ethical imaginaries has to take into account that things have changed significantly since Weber. Modern capitalism is now transnational and intensely consumerist, while religion has become pluralized and agonistic. What we see is the emergence of new forms of religionized and connected capitalist ethic in different religious traditions. So, although new varieties of capitalism have more aggressively sought to reconstruct appetites and subjectivity, they have not had the effect predicted by scholars from Marx and Weber to the anti-neoliberalism writers today: doing away with ethical and religious arguments and movements against more atomized and economistic (i.e. neoliberal) senses of self and community. The chapter closes with a commentary on each of the chapters.
White environmental subjectivity and the politics of belonging

AbstractIn a society dominated by a colorblind approach to racial difference, racial categories are often viewed as unchanging and constructed in a time past. This article examines the making of racial categories and subjectivities in everyday perceptions and portrayals of place and belonging related to environmentalism. It examines the ways in which middle-class white people, who engage regularly with Latino immigrants, simultaneously construct the racial category of ‘white’ and affirm their own belonging in Boulder, Colorado through an exclusionary discourse of environmentalism. In Boulder, immigrants and non-immigrant Latinos are often portrayed as unaware of environmentalism, not interested in environmentalism, and/or too busy or poor to participate in environmentalism. In interviews, white residents of the city reproduce discourses of privilege and exclusion through environmental discourses and reinforce their own white environmental subjectivity as the norm. The insider/outsider division established...
A neural stochastic multiscale optimization framework for sensor-based parameter estimation

This work presents a novel neural stochastic optimization framework for reservoir parameter estimation that combines two independent sources of spatial and temporal data: oil production data and dynamic sensor data of flow pressures and concentrations. A parameter estimation procedure is realized by minimizing a multi-objective mismatch function between observed and predicted data. In order to be able to efficiently perform large-scale parameter estimations, the parameter space is decomposed in different resolution levels by means of the singular value decomposition (SVD) and a wavelet upscaling process. The estimation is carried out incrementally from low to higher resolution levels by means of a neural stochastic multilevel optimization approach. At a given resolution level, the parameter space is globally explored and sampled by the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) algorithm. The sampling yielded by SPSA serves as training points for an artificial neural network that allows for evaluating the sensitivity of different multi-objective function components with respect to the model parameters. The proposed approach may be suitable for different engineering and scientific applications wherever the parameter space results from discretizing a set of partial differential equations on a given spatial domain.
Time Domain Equalization and Interference Cancelation

This chapter concentrates on the modeling of intersymbol interference (ISI) channels and the various signal processing methods for recovering digital information transmitted over such channels. The chapter begins with a treatment of ISI channel modeling, including a vector representation of digital signaling on ISI channels. The maximum likelihood receiver is then developed for ISI channels, leading to an equivalent model of the ISI channel known as the discrete-time white noise channel model. The effects of using fractional sampling or over-sampling at the receiver are also considered, where the sampling rate is an integer multiple of the modulated symbol rate. Afterwards, the various time domain equalization techniques are considered, including the linear zero-forcing and minimum mean-square-error equalizers, and the nonlinear decision feedback equalizer. Afterwards, sequence estimators are considered beginning with maximum likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) and the Viterbi algorithm. Since the MLSE receiver can have high complexity for channels that have a long impulse response, some reduced complexity sequence estimation techniques are considered such as reduced state sequence estimation (RSSE) and delayed decision feedback sequence estimation (DDFSE). The chapter goes on to provide an analysis of the bit error rate performance of MLSE on static ISI channels and multipath-fading ISI channels, and fractionally-spaced MLSE receivers for ISI channels. Finally, the chapter provides a discussion of co-channel demodulation for digital signals on ISI channels, and concludes with a receiver structure that incorporates a combination of optimal combining and sequence estimation as implemented with the Viterbi algorithm.
Oil Extraction in the Ecuadorian Amazon: Incorporating Conflict Resolution Theory and Practice

Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park and Biosphere Reserve is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world; it is home to numerous species of wildlife, indigenous communities, and approximately $7.6 billion of crude oil. Oil extraction has led to patterns of environmental and social damage, situating the government of Ecuador between their responsibilities to uphold indigenous rights and preserve the environment while advancing the nation’s economy. The field of conflict resolution offers applicable strategies to the issues facing this dilemma. However, these strategies have been sparsely used thus far. We suggest that the implementation of forums, workshops, and grievance mechanisms will improve communication between stakeholders and build trust that could alleviate the conflicts in the Yasuni.
Risk and adverse events related to lower-limb exoskeletons

Since the marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), powered lower-limb exoskeletons have been proposed as a promising tool in gait assistance and rehabilitation. However, previous studies often overlooked the potential risk and adverse events related to the device. Without a clear understanding and comprehensive knowledge of adverse events and the risks users face, it is difficult to evaluate the risk-to-benefit ratio of powered exoskeletons. We reviewed all publically available exoskeleton-related adverse events, and compared the result to the risks that were identified by the FDA. Results showed that bone fracture is a serious risk that was not considered in previous literatures. Additionally, skin and soft tissue damage is common across subjects, studies, and devices. It was often treated as an incidental minor event and overlooked. We encourage more effort at keeping the safety of exoskeleton users in future studies.