cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early prediction of septic shock in hospitalized patients

BACKGROUND: Hospitalized patients who develop severe sepsis have significant morbidity and mortality. Early goal-directed therapy has been shown to decrease mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock, though a delay in recognizing impending sepsis often precludes this intervention. OBJECTIVE: To identify early predictors of septic shock among hospitalized non-intensive care unit (ICU) medical patients. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis. SETTING: A 1200-bed academic medical center. PATIENTS: Derivation cohort consisted of 13,785 patients hospitalized during 2005. The validation cohorts consisted of 13,737 patients during 2006 and 13,937 patients from 2007. INTERVENTION: Development and prospective validation of a prediction model using Recursive Partitioning And Regression Tree (RPART) analysis. METHODS: RPART analysis of routine laboratory and hemodynamic variables from the derivation cohort to identify predictors prior to the occurrence of shock. Two models were generated, 1 including arterial blood gas (ABG) data and 1 without. RESULTS: When applied to the 2006 cohort, 347 (54.7%) and 121 (19.1%) of the 635 patients developing septic shock were correctly identified by the 2 models, respectively. For the 2007 patients, the 2 models correctly identified 367 (55.0%) and 102 (15.3%) of the 667 patients developing septic shock, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Readily available data can be employed to predict non-ICU patients who develop septic shock several hours prior to ICU admission. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:19–25. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
An evaluation of the associations of leukemia and rubber industry solvent exposures

Excessive leukemia mortality has appeared consistently in epidemiological studies of British and U.S. rubber industry workers. Attempts to identify causative factors have focused on exposure to benzene and other solvents. Interpretations of findings from these studies have often been influenced by expectations of a benzene/nonlymphocytic leukemia association, seen from previous work in other settings. However, data from the rubber industry studies have not been consistent with this expectation, as lymphocytic and nonlymphocytic leukemia have shown similar mortality excesses. Data from a small case-control study of lymphocytic leukemia are presented to illustrate an approach that considers multiple solvent exposures. The associations with lymphocytic leukemia risk observed for a number of solvents, most notably carbon tetrachloride and carbon disulfide, were stronger than those detected for benzene.
Digital Library use in social context

This paper was presented at the 1995 Allerton Conference on Methodologies for the User-centered Design and Evaluation of Digital Libraries and was revised January 1996.
Correlates of Long-term Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Children Following Hurricane Katrina

The present study examined the roles of loss and disruption, major life events, and social support in the relationship between exposure and PTSD symptoms in a group of children 33 months after Hurricane Katrina. One hundred fifty-six 4th, 5th, and 6th graders were surveyed in the New Orleans area. Results indicated that 46% of the children reported moderate to very severe levels of PTSD symptoms. Lower levels of classmate support and more negative life events after the hurricane were uniquely related to PTSD symptoms. Analyses did not reveal any moderating relationships among the variables. The results of this study have implications for the prevention and treatment of PTSD symptoms long after exposure to trauma.
Determination of chloride by flow injection spectrophotometry with membrane reagent introduction

A single line manifold incorporating three Nafion® membrane reactors has been developed for the sequential introduction of components of the mercuric thiocyanate/iron(III)/acid reagent for the determination of chloride. Nitric acid was introduced at the first reactor to give sufficient ionic strength to allow cation exchange of FeSCN2+ at the second reactor, and Hg2+ at the third reactor. The composition of the reagent was adjusted by control of the flow rates of donor and acceptor streams, reagent concentration and reactor length. Calibration over the range 0.3–25 μg ml−1 was possible, though the calibration function was curved. The manifold was used to determine chloride in river water and in pond water at concentrations of 8 and 47 μg ml−1, respectively and gave results that were not significantly different from those obtained by an EPA method. The lower range sensitivity was 0.032 absorbance μg ml−1, which compares favorably with that of other flow injection methods, but the detection limit was 300 ng ml−1, considerably higher than that can be achieved by flow injection procedures. This was due to the presence of mixing noise caused by fluctuations in reagent concentration related to pulsations in the flow in both donor and acceptor streams. Valve switching and refractive index effects were absent.
High-risk human papillomavirus E6 inhibits monocyte differentiation to Langerhans cells

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause a variety of malignancies of the mucosal epithelium. However, the local immune evasion strategies used by HPV-transformed cells remain unclear. Here, we examined the effect of HPV-positive cancer cells on human peripheral blood monocytes, which are precursors of Langerhans cells, key antigen-presenting cells in the squamous epithelium. HPV-positive cervical cancer cells and HPV-E6 expressing cells inhibited monocyte differentiation to Langerhans cells in a contact-dependent manner. Unlike Langerhans cells, monocytes that differentiated in the presence of HPV16 E6-expressing cells exhibited high levels of endocytic activity. Our results suggest that cells infected by high-risk HPV evade immune surveillance by blocking the differentiation of monocytes into competent antigen presenting cells.
Structurally diverse low molecular weight activators of the mammalian pre-mRNA 3' cleavage reaction.

Abstract The 3′ end formation of mammalian pre-mRNA contributes to gene expression regulation by setting the downstream boundary of the 3′ untranslated region, which in many genes carries regulatory sequences. A large number of protein cleavage factors participate in this pre-mRNA processing step, but chemical tools to manipulate this process are lacking. Guided by a hypothesis that a PPM1 family phosphatase negatively regulates the 3′ cleavage reaction, we have found a variety of new small molecule activators of the in vitro reconstituted pre-mRNA 3′ cleavage reaction. New activators include a cyclic peptide PPM1D inhibitor, a dipeptide with modifications common to histone tails, abscisic acid and an improved l -arginine β-naphthylamide analog. The minimal concentration required for in vitro cleavage has been improved from 200 μM to the 200 nM–100 μM range. These compounds provide unexpected leads in the search for small molecule tools able to affect pre-mRNA 3′ end formation.
Abstract 987: Overexpression of 14-3-3α in cancer cells activates PI3K via binding the p85 regulatory subunit

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The ubiquitously expressed 14-3-3 proteins regulate many pathways involved in transformation. Previously, we found that 14-3-3α overexpression increased Akt phosphorylation in human mammary epithelial cells. Here, we investigated the clinical relevance and molecular mechanism of 14-3-3α overexpression-mediated Akt phosphorylation and the potential impact on breast cancer progression. We found that 14-3-3α overexpression was significantly (P = 0.005) associated with increased Akt phosphorylation in human breast tumors. Additionally, 14-3-3α overexpression combined with strong Akt phosphorylation was significantly (P=0.01) associated with increased cancer recurrence in patients. In contrast, knockdown of 14-3-3α expression by siRNA in cancer cell lines and tumor xenografts reduced Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, 14-3-3α enhanced Akt phosphorylation through activation of PI3K. Mechanistically, 14-3-3α bound to the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K and increased PI3K translocation to the cell membrane. A single 14-3-3 binding motif encompassing serine 83 on p85 is largely responsible for 14-3-3α-mediated p85 binding and PI3K/Akt activation. Mutation of serine 83 to alanine on p85 inhibited 14-3-3α binding to the p85 subunit of PI3K, reduced PI3K membrane localization and activation, impeded anchorage independent growth and enhanced stress induced apoptosis. These findings revealed a novel mechanism by which 14-3-3α overexpression activates PI3K, a key node in the mitogenic signaling network known to promote malignancies in many cell types. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 987. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-987
The possibility of bi-exciton pairing in singlet and in triplet states in cuprate superconductors

We investigate a spin-pairing mechanism of superconductivity based on a continuous strong-correlation model that we proposed previously. The model shows that substitutional doping may generate an quasi-exciton, a hole-dopant pair with immobile dopant. Two excitons interact with each other, resulting in two spin-pairing eigen states - the singlet and triplet states. A condensed phase of N excitons is proved to be a Gutzwiller projection of a Bose condensation.
Reductive precipitation of uranium(VI) by zero-valent iron

This study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of zero-valent iron (Fe0) and several adsorbent materials in removing uranium (U) from contaminated groundwater and to investigate the rates and mechanisms that are involved in the reactions. Fe0 filings were used as reductants, and the adsorbents included peat materials, iron oxides, and a carbon-based sorbent (Cercona Bone-Char). Results indicate that Fe0 filings are much more effective than the adsorbents in removing uranyl (UO22+) from the aqueous solution. Nearly 100% of U was removed through reactions with Fe0 at an initial concentration up to 76 mM (or 18 000 mg of U/L). Results from the batch adsorption and desorption and from spectroscopic studies indicate that reductive precipitation of U on Fe0 is the major reaction pathway. Only a small percentage (<4%) of UO22+ appeared to be adsorbed on the corrosion products of Fe0 and could be desorbed by leaching with a carbonate solution. The study also showed that the reduced U(IV) species on Fe0 ...
White Catfish Growth and Life History in the Hudson River Estuary, New York

ABSTRACT The white catfish (Ictalurus catus) was studied in the upper Hudson River Estuary to describe its growth and habits at the northern edge of its range. Ages from pectoral spine examination showed annuli formed before June and the fish reach size of maturity after age three. Length at age was back calculated with a correction factor and by direct proportion; differences averaged only 4 mm and the correction method was favored. Spawning apparently occurred in June and July in sandy shoals and rock piles. Preferred habitats for catfish in other seasons were channel border or shoal and vegetated backwaters. Tag returns suggested a large population and indicated seasonal movements typical of this species.
Nurses' role in the prevention of teen pregnancy.

Working as they do in clinics hospitals and schools nurses in the US can play a critical role in reducing the rate of teen pregnancy. Specifically nurses can: 1) educate and counsel youth about sexuality reproduction sexually transmitted diseases and contraception; 2) work with children before they become sexually active; and 3) develop implement and evaluate community-based adolescent pregnancy prevention programs. Nurses can promote sex education programs that use peer counselors to improve adolescents sexual decision-making and general living skills. Cultural and ethnic sensitivity is a crucial component of all interventions in this area. Most effective are programs that continually reinforce and strengthen individual values and group norms in favor of delaying sexual intercourse avoiding unprotected sex using condoms and avoiding high-risk partners. Finally nurses should be active participants in school boards parent-teacher associations religious and youth organizations and national and local teen pregnancy prevention coalitions.
Privacy concern and online transactions: the impact of internet self-efficacy and internet involvement

Purpose – This study aims to examine the effects of internet self-efficacy and internet involvement on privacy concern and the effect of privacy concern on the frequency of online transactions. The study also seeks to examine the direct effect of internet self-efficacy and internet involvement on the frequency of online transactions. Design/methodology/approach – A structural equation model was developed to test the hypotheses. The model was tested using the LISREL 8.8 software and both structural and measurement parameters were estimated. Findings – Findings suggest that internet self-efficacy and internet involvement affect privacy concern negatively; and privacy concern, in turn, affects frequency of online transactions negatively. Findings also indicate that the direct effect of internet self-efficacy and internet involvement on the frequency of online transactions is positive. All parameters are significant and in the hypothesized direction. Practical implications – Findings highlight the significanc...
Maternal Characteristics versus Egg Size and Energy Density: Do Stocked Lake Trout in Lake Ontario Experience Premature Reproductive Senescence?

Abstract Observations from September 1994 and 1997 collections of hatchery-origin, mature female lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) from Lake Ontario indicated that egg mass decreased with age, fueling the notion that stocked fish experienced premature reproductive senescence. Supplemental collections during September 2002 and November 2002–2004 were combined with the 1994 and 1997 samples to examine whether sample date or maternal age, body mass, condition (K), egg count, or strain were related to egg mass or energy content (percentage dry mass [%DM]). Body mass was correlated with egg mass for age ≥ 8 lake trout sampled in September, and egg count was correlated with egg mass for September age-6 lake trout only. Within each month, egg mass was not related to K or egg %DM, however, egg %DM was 1.52% greater (P ≤ 0.0247) in November than in September which is equivalent to a 110 cal/g difference. Samples were grouped for the three most abundant strains (Seneca, Superior, and Ontario) after finding no strai...
political activity among working‐class women in a U.S. city

This paper, based on fieldwork research in Greenpoint-Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, from 1975–78, supports recent research in suggesting that workingclass women are by no means isolated and passive, nor are their activities limited to the domestic scene. Instability of job opportunities for women and for men now make families increasingly dependent on state-supported services. In response, women organize, often effectively, to extract and maintain essential services and to preserve their communities. These activities represent local political movements that may be analyzed in the context of changing urban neighborhoods and the decline in municipal services available to working-class people. [United States, women, urban, deindustrialization, politics, social movements]
Protein phosphatase type-1 regulatory subunits Reg1p and Reg2p act as signal transducers in the glucose-induced inactivation of maltose permease in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The REG1 gene encodes a regulatory subunit of the type-1 protein phosphatase (PP1) Glc7 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which directs the catalytic subunit to substrates involved in glucose repression. Loss of REG1 relieves glucose repression of many genes, including the MAL structural genes that encode the maltose fermentation enzymes. In this report, we explore the role of Reg1p and its homolog Reg2p in glucose-induced inactivation of maltose permease. Glucose stimulates the proteolysis of maltose permease and very rapid loss of maltose transport activity – more rapid than can be explained by loss of the permease protein alone. In a reg1Δ strain we observe a significantly reduced rate of glucose-induced proteolysis of maltose permease, and the rapid loss of maltose transport activity does not occur. Instead, surprisingly, the slow rate of proteolysis of maltose permease is accompanied by an increase in maltose transport activity. Loss of Reg2p modestly reduces the rates of both glucose-induced proteolysis of maltose permease and inactivation of maltose transport activity. Overexpression of Reg2p in a reg1Δ strain suppresses the effect on maltose permease proteolysis and partially restores the inactivation of maltose transport activity, but does not affect the insensitivity of MAL gene expression to repression by glucose observed in this strain. Thus, protein phosphatase type-1 (Glc7p-Reg1p and Glc7p-Reg2p) plays a role in transduction of the glucose signal during glucose-induced proteolysis of maltose permease, but only Glc7p-Reg1p is involved in glucose-induced inactivation of maltose transport activity and glucose repression of MAL gene expression. Overexpression of REG1 partially restores proteolysis of maltose permease in a grr1Δ strain, which lacks glucose signaling, but does not rescue rapid inactivation of maltose transport activity or sensitivity to glucose repression. A model for the role of Reg1p and Reg2p in glucose signaling pathways is discussed. We also uncovered a previously unrecognized G2/M delay in the grr1Δ but not the reg1Δ strains, and this delay is suppressed by REG1 overexpression. The G1/S delay seen in grr1Δ mutants is slightly suppressed as well, but REG1 overexpression does not suppress other grr1Δ phenotypes such as insensitivity to glucose repression.
The Panic to Leave: Economic Crisis and the “New Emigration” from Ecuador

Prior to the late 1990s, Ecuadorian international migration was directed primarily toward the United States. Of the estimated 400,000 Ecuadorians living in the United States, most are concentrated in metropolitan New York and many hail from the south–central highlands of Canar and Azuay Provinces. In the mid– to late–1990s, Ecuador entered a political and economic crisis just as clandestine transportation to the United States became increasingly expensive and dangerous. Within two years Ecuadorian migration diversified radically and a “new emigration” formed. Many thousands of Ecuadorians from throughout the country migrated to Europe, mostly Spain, but also to France, Italy, and The Netherlands. Prior to 1998, few Ecuadorians lived in Europe, but now, Ecuadorians are the largest immigrant group in Madrid and one of the largest in Spain. The migrant stream was led by women and composed of people from a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ecuadorians find themselves working in a variety of services (especially women) and negotiating a volatile, even hostile, social, and political environment. This “new emigration” has numerous implications for Ecuadorian families, the economy, and the nation–state. Understanding the implications requires a comparative approach that examines at least three aspects of the new emigration: the role of gender, the importance of transnational ties and connections, and the emerging roles of state and non–state actors in the formalization of migration.
The EFF the effect of dietary restriction of MYC protooncogene expression in mice: A preliminary study

Abstract The effect of chronic dietary restriction on the expression of the c -myc protooncogene was determined in the livers of a hybrid mouse strain (C57B16 × C3H F1 hybrid) at three time points during a 24-h period: 1 h after lights on (1 HALO), 5 h prior to feeding (12 HALO), and 2 h after feeding (19 HALO). In addition, in whole animals studies, changes in core body temperature were monitored. In mice which had been subjected to a chronic diet restriction (60% of the intake of ad libitum controls), c -myc expression was significantly reduced at 1 HALO and 19 HALO compared to corresponding ad libitum animals. In addition, significant differences in c -myc expression were found between time points, in both the ad libitum and restricted groups, suggesting that myc protooncogene expression in the liver may be regulated in a circadian fashion. C -myc expression may correlate with body temperature, suggestng a possible association with metabolic output.
Acquisition and Review of Diesel Generator Testing Data

Historically, diesel generator qualification and periodic testing has been primarily concerned with demonstrating equipment operability and providing a data base for which numerical values for reliability are calculated. Although these factors are required for plant licensing and operation, a properly planned and implemented testing program can provide useful information regarding maintenance and testing procedures and intervals, component deterioration, setpoint drift, or impending failures. To provide meaningful results in these areas, a testing program must rely on accurate data acquisition as well as a thorough review by qualified personnel to point out discernable trends and determine their significance. This paper is intended to be neither a comprehensive checklist of test data to be recorded and analyzed nor a reference book of problems associated with certain data trends. Rather, it is presented to illustrate examples of useful information obtained through test data review.
OS-level surface haptics for touch-screen accessibility

The TPad Tablet combines an Android tablet with a variable friction haptic touch-screen and offers many novel interaction possibilities. For example, unique textures may be associated with different user interface elements, such as text boxes and buttons. This paper presents an Android AccessibilityService that was created to give operating system-wide (OS) access to haptic effects. Prior to this work, the haptic feedback of the TPad could be controlled only from within specific applications. With the new implementation, all applications and primary user interfaces (e.g. home screen) will have access to the TPad. Rather than focus on specific elements or applications, we seek to provide a high fidelity haptic experience that elevates the TPad's accessibility to the standard of Talkback and Voiceover, Android's and Apple's accessibility programs respectively. The code for the application is available on our website.
Constituents which produce an interfamily unified model

Abstract Spinor components for a four-family unified model are placed in the 28 component fundamental spinor representation for a single gamma matrix algebra which contains the subalgebras Spin (14) [covering SO(14)] plus Spin (1,3) ≌ SL (2, C ) as well as all Higgs representations needed to break Spin(14). The algebra is constructed from tensor products of two-dimensional algebras (related to Pauli matrices). This leads to a natural constituent model which produces standard local field theory S-matrix elements by starting from only four four-state (or eight two-state) constituents.
Nature and significance of spontaneous degeneration of axons in the pyramidal tract.

During postnatal development of the rat the nature of spontaneous degeneration of axons in the pyramidal tract was studied electron microscopically. The degenerating axons were found more frequently in young animals than in old animals, and they were generally found in bundles. On the basis of electron-opacity and visibility of ultrastructural details in the degenerating axons, and frequency of their occurrence at various developmental stages the degenerating axons were classified into four groups representing four stages of severity of spontaneous degeneration of axons in the pyramidal tract. In the context of neuroembryological material, autoradiographic as well as silver-impregnated, it was established that these spontaneously degenerating axons arose from the reticular formation of the brain stem and that they had ascending as well as descending components, the latter descending in the spinal cord. Possible significance of such reticulo-spinal axons in the primitive organization of the embryonic nervous system and its determination of the spontaneous motility in early embryos, and in the apparently directed growth of the cortico-spinal axons during late stages of embryonic development are discussed.
A tunneling magnetoresistance sensor overlaid with a longitudinal bias stack

Abstract In this study, a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor overlaid with a longitudinal bias (LB) stack is fabricated, its magnetic and TMR properties are characterized, and its read performance is tested. The TMR sensor comprises Ta/Ni–Fe/Pt–Mn/Co–Fe/Ru/Co–Fe/Al–O/Co–Fe/Ni–Fe/Cu films, and the LB stack comprises Ru/Co–Fe/Pt–Mn/Ta films. A transverse-field anneal is applied to the TMR sensor to develop strong antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic coupling within the Pt–Mn/Co–Fe films in a transverse direction perpendicular to an air bearing surface (ABS), thereby forming a transverse flux closure within the Co–Fe/Ru/Co–Fe films for operating the TMR sensor properly. A longitudinal-field anneal is applied to the LB stack to develop strong ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic coupling within the Co–Fe/Pt–Mn films in a longitudinal direction parallel to the ABS, thereby forming a longitudinal flux closure within the Co–Fe/Ni–Fe/Cu/Ru/Co–Fe films for attaining stable TMR responses. The TMR sensor exhibits good magnetic and TMR properties, including low ferromagnetic coupling fields, high pinning fields, low junction resistance-area products, and high TMR coefficients. The TMR sensor overlaid with the LB stack shows stable, highly sensitive TMR responses.
A Versatile Amino Acid Analogue of the Solvatochromic Fluorophore 4-N,N-Dimethylamino-1,8-naphthalimide: A Powerful Tool for the Study of Dynamic Protein Interactions

We have developed a new unnatural amino acid based on the solvatochromic fluorophore 4-N,N-dimethylamino-1,8-naphthalimide (4-DMN) for application in the study of protein−protein interactions. The fluorescence quantum yield of this chromophore is highly sensitive to changes in the local solvent environment, demonstrating “switch-like” emission properties characteristic of the dimethylaminophthalimide family of fluorophores. In particular, this new species possesses a number of significant advantages over related fluorophores, including greater chemical stability under a wide range of conditions, a longer wavelength of excitation (408 nm), and improved synthetic accessibility. This amino acid has been prepared as an Fmoc-protected building block and may readily be incorporated into peptides via standard solid-phase peptide synthesis. A series of comparative studies are presented to demonstrate the advantageous properties of the 4-DMN amino acid relative to those of the previously reported 4-N,N-dimethylami...
Determining the blend level of mixtures of biodiesel with conventional diesel fuel by fiber-optic near-infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Biodiesel, defined as the alkyl esters (usually methyl esters) of vegetable oils, is miscible with conventional diesel fuel at all blend levels. Until the present time, no rapid and reliable analytical method has existed for determining the blend level of biodiesel in conventional diesel fuel. In the present work, near-infrared (NIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies were used to determine the blend level of biodiesel in conventional diesel fuel. Several regions in the NIR region (around 6005 cm−1 and 4800–4600 cm−1) are suitable for this purpose. The method is rapid and easy to use, and does not require any hardware changes when using the same instrument for monitoring the biodiesel-producing transesterification reaction and determining biodiesel fuel quality. In 1H NMR spectroscopy, the integration values of the peaks of the methyl ester moiety and the aliphatic hydrocarbon protons in biodiesel and conventional diesel fuel were used for determining blend levels. The results of NIR and NMR blend level determinations are in good agreement.
Tool for assessing student outcomes

Many different tools are available to conduct surveys that are required as part of the assessment process. In this paper, we will describe a uniquely flexible, simple, yet very powerful, application that we have developed to assist with the process of collecting data to measure student outcomes. Use of this tool has also led to improved communication within our department. A unique feature of this tool is that it allows a survey administrator to create surveys containing questions designed to measure departmental objectives and to elicit faculty observations of the success of educational approaches used in classes and of textbooks, equipment, classrooms, and so forth. Surveys are completed at the end of each semester by every faculty member who has taught a section of a course that is part of the major. The system allows faculty to log in, complete the surveys that have been assigned to them, and publish finished surveys to all faculty who use the system. Survey results are collected in a database for future analysis and study.
Molecular analysis of methanogenic archaea in the forestomach of the alpaca ( Vicugna pacos )

Methanogens that populate the gastrointestinal tract of livestock ruminants contribute significantly to methane emissions from the agriculture industry. There is a great need to analyze archaeal microbiomes from a broad range of host species in order to establish causal relationships between the structure of methanogen communities and their potential for methane emission. In this report, we present an investigation of methanogenic archaeal populations in the foregut of alpacas. We constructed individual 16S rRNA gene clone libraries from five sampled animals and recovered a total of 947 sequences which were assigned to 51 species-level OTUs. Individuals were found to each have between 21 and 27 OTUs, of which two to six OTUs were unique. As reported in other host species, Methanobrevibacter was the dominant genus in the alpaca, representing 88.3% of clones. However, the alpaca archaeal microbiome was different from other reported host species, as clones showing species-level identity to Methanobrevibacter millerae were the most abundant. From our analysis, we propose a model to describe the population structure of Methanobrevibacter-related methanogens in the alpaca and in previously reported host species, which may contribute in unraveling the complexity of symbiotic archaeal communities in herbivores.
Kinetic Normal Ordering and the Hamiltonian Structure of U(1) Chiral Anomalies in (3+1)-dimensions

We present a fixed-time Hamiltonian derivation of the {ital U}(1) chiral anomaly equation and the anomalous commutators of the vector and axial currents in 3+1 dimensions. Our computation is based on the physically correct normal ordering with respect to kinetic energy and shows that the only regularizations involved in the derivation of the chiral anomaly are kinetic normal ordering and a point-splitting regularization of the current operators. We obtain the standard results for the anomaly equation and the anomalous commutator ( {ital j}{sup 0}, {ital j}{sub 5}{sup 0}); however, we obtain non-anomalous commutators for ( {ital j}{sup 0}, {ital j}{sub 5}{sup {ital i}}) and ( {ital j}{sup {ital i}}, {ital j}{sub 5}{sup 0}), in contrast to the BJL results. {copyright} 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
Retirement entitlement and monetary‐fiscal policy

Exchange‐based societies widely disperse their day‐to‐day decisions among their members and components. They arrange pluralistic social processes by means of economic exchange. In such societies, the fundamental dynamic of exchange should be a central consideration of any social welfare doctrines. Retirement entitlements should be considered a structural element of the exchange system itself. Current retirement entitlement and benefits programs are immediately and continuously a part of monetary‐fiscal policy management, and, as such, highly politicized. Such programs may be structured in a way that removes them from such short‐term influences. This study examines some ways in which retirement entitlement programs may be restructured and suggests that such restructuring should be undertaken in exchange‐based societies.
Public policy and innovation: The case of pharmaceuticals

Abstract The pharmaceutical industry has been subject in recent years to an expanding set of regulatory constraints and related policy actions adversely affecting its level of innovation. The experiences of this industry provides some important insights for recent national policy discussions on declining innovation in the U.S. and the need for economic “revitalization”. The first section of the paper considers the societal benefits resulting from new drug therapies and other kinds of industrial innovation. An analysis of the basic characteristics of the R and D investment decision is then undertaken along with recent trends in various determinant factors. The last half of the paper evaluates the effects of government regulatory, patent, and reimbursement policies on R and D incentives and the level of pharmaceutical innovation. The paper concludes with several recommendations for policy changes to improve the incentives for industrial innovation in this and related high technology industries.
Reporting the Future: A Visual Parable of Environmental Ethics in Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison's The Architect's Brother

This article examines Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison's multimedia work, The Architect's Brother as a visual parable of the irreparable nature of environmental degradation, and as a compelling argument for a radical transformation of environmental ethics. Part I explores the terms “parable” and “irreparability” as pertinent to visual persuasion and environmental ethics. Part II examines the visual aesthetics at work in The Architect's Brother.
Web Site Resources for Advocates of Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Abstract This article discusses several Web site resources which can be used by those advocating for comprehensive sexuality education in the schools. These resources include several advocacy kits and toolkits, a radio broadcast, a PowerPoint presentation, a state-by-state listing of sexuality education policies, and proposed federal legislation on sexuality education. The information and materials obtained from these resources can assist professionals, concerned citizens and students in their ability to take a stand on behalf of comprehensive sexuality education.
The development of cortical sensitivity to visual word forms

The ability to extract visual word forms quickly and efficiently is essential for using reading as a tool for learning. We describe the first longitudinal fMRI study to chart individual changes in cortical sensitivity to written words as reading develops. We conducted four annual measurements of brain function and reading skills in a heterogeneous group of children, initially 7-12 years old. The results show age-related increase in children's cortical sensitivity to word visibility in posterior left occipito-temporal sulcus (LOTS), nearby the anatomical location of the visual word form area. Moreover, the rate of increase in LOTS word sensitivity specifically correlates with the rate of improvement in sight word efficiency, a measure of speeded overt word reading. Other cortical regions, including V1, posterior parietal cortex, and the right homologue of LOTS, did not demonstrate such developmental changes. These results provide developmental support for the hypothesis that LOTS is part of the cortical circuitry that extracts visual word forms quickly and efficiently and highlight the importance of developing cortical sensitivity to word visibility in reading acquisition.
Off-Center N and O in Silicon

The pseudo Jahn-Teller effect and chemical rebonding are both considered as mechanisms that drive substitutional atoms, such as N in Si, off-center. By use of an effective Hamiltonian technique, impurities forming very deep levels, such as Si:N, are found to be susceptible to off-center displacement by the pseudo Jahn-Teller effect. Using a Hartree-Fock technique, two classes of N displacements are found which depend on the relaxation of the nearest-neighbor Si atom ''cage''. For outward relaxation of the four nearest neighbors, the N displaces by 0.05 A in the (111) direction and remains sp/sup 3/ bonding; this mechanism appears equivalent to the pseudo Jahn-Teller effect. For inward relaxation of the ''cage'' by 0.45 A, the N displaces by 0.75 A in the (111) direction and forms a trigonal sp/sup 2/ bond; this is a chemical rebonding mechanism. Additional cluster calculations suggest that inward relaxation of the ''cage'' is likely. Similar calculations for O revealed a displacement of approximately 1.1A.
Real-Time Algorithm for Minimizing THD in Multilevel Inverters With Unequal or Varying Voltage Steps Under Staircase Modulation

Different modulation methods have been proposed to control the multilevel inverters. This paper focuses on the staircase modulation that is very popular for multilevel inverters with low switching frequencies. Nonreal-time algorithms for the staircase modulation cannot be applied practically in multilevel inverters with varying voltage steps, since the sizes of lookup tables would be huge. We propose a real-time algorithm for multilevel inverters with unequal or varying voltage steps under the staircase modulation. The algorithm results in the minimal total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output voltage of the inverter, which is proved by rigorous mathematical derivations in this paper. A new expression of THD is presented to simplify the derivation significantly. Computational complexity of the algorithm is analyzed to estimate the time cost of the calculation. We implemented the algorithm on a digital signal processor and provide experimental results that verify the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Developmental Differences in White Matter Architecture Between Boys and Girls

Previous studies have found developmental differences between males and females in brain structure. During childhood and adolescence, relative white matter volume increases faster in boys than in girls. Sex differences in the development of white matter microstructure were investigated in a cohort of normal children ages 5-18 in a cross-sectional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) study. Greater fractional anisotropy (FA) in boys was shown in associative white matter regions (including the frontal lobes), while greater FA in girls was shown in the splenium of the corpus callosum. Greater mean diffusivity (MD) in boys was shown in the corticospinal tract and in frontal white matter in the right hemisphere; greater MD in girls was shown in occipito-parietal regions and the most superior aspect of the corticospinal tract in the right hemisphere. Significant sex-age interactions on FA and MD were also shown. Girls displayed a greater rate of fiber density increase with age when compared with boys in associative regions (reflected in MD values). However, girls displayed a trend toward increased organization with age (reflected in FA values) only in the right hemisphere, while boys displayed this trend only in the left hemisphere. These results indicate differing developmental trajectories in white matter for boys and girls and the importance of taking sex into account in developmental DTI studies. The results also may have implications for the study of the relationship of brain architecture with intelligence.
From CUDA to OpenCL: Towards a performance-portable solution for multi-platform GPU programming

In this work, we evaluate OpenCL as a programming tool for developing performance-portable applications for GPGPU. While the Khronos group developed OpenCL with programming portability in mind, performance is not necessarily portable. OpenCL has required performance-impacting initializations that do not exist in other languages such as CUDA. Understanding these implications allows us to provide a single library with decent performance on a variety of platforms. We choose triangular solver (TRSM) and matrix multiplication (GEMM) as representative level 3 BLAS routines to implement in OpenCL. We profile TRSM to get the time distribution of the OpenCL runtime system. We then provide tuned GEMM kernels for both the NVIDIA Tesla C2050 and ATI Radeon 5870, the latest GPUs offered by both companies. We explore the benefits of using the texture cache, the performance ramifications of copying data into images, discrepancies in the OpenCL and CUDA compilers' optimizations, and other issues that affect the performance. Experimental results show that nearly 50% of peak performance can be obtained in GEMM on both GPUs in OpenCL. We also show that the performance of these kernels is not highly portable. Finally, we propose the use of auto-tuning to better explore these kernels' parameter space using search harness.
Correctness of concurrency control and implications in distributed databases

In this paper we report our preliminary re sults in the correctness of concurrency control and we outline a new approach to concurrency control. First, we derive necessary and sufficient condition for the serializability of concurrent execution of transactions, regardless of the underlying mech anism (i. e. locking or time stamps) controlling such execution. We then outline a proposal for a new approach to concurrency control which is motivated by the results presented in the first part of the paper. The approach is based on detection of nonserializable actions and subsequent recovery rather than the prevention or avoidance methods which are used by existing concurrency control mechanisms.
Preclinical Evaluation of Novel Urinary Biomarkers of Cadmium Nephrotoxicity

As a result of the widespread use of Cd in industry and its extensive dissemination in the environment, there has been considerable interest in the identification of early biomarkers of Cd-induced kidney injury. Kim-1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is not detectable in normal kidney, but is up-regulated and shed into the urine following ischemic or nephrotoxic injury. Recent studies utilizing a sub-chronic model of Cd exposure in the rat have shown that Kim-1 is an early urinary marker of Cd-induced kidney injury. Kim-1 was detected in the urine 4-5 weeks before the onset of proteinuria and 1-3 weeks before the appearance of urinary metallothionein and Clara cell protein 16, which are standard markers of Cd nephrotoxicity. In the present study, we have compared the time course for the appearance of Kim-1 in the urine with the time course for the appearance of alpha glutathione-S-transferase (alpha-GST), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucose amidase (NAG) and Cd, each of which have been used or proposed as urinary markers of Cd nephrotoxicity. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily subcutaneous injections of 0.6 mg (5.36 micromoles)/kg Cd, 5 days per week for up to 12 weeks. One day each week, 24 h urine samples were collected and analyzed for protein, creatinine and the various markers. The results showed that significant levels of Kim-1 appeared in the urine as early as 6 weeks into the treatment protocol and then continued to rise for the remainder of the 12 week treatment period. By contrast, significant levels of alpha-GST and NAG did not appear in the urine until 8 and 12 weeks, respectively, while proteinuria was not evident until 10 weeks. The urinary excretion of Cd was below the level of detection until week 4 and then showed a slow, linear increase over the next 6 weeks before increasing markedly between weeks 10 and 12. These results provide additional evidence that Kim-1 is a sensitive biomarker of the early stages of Cd-induced proximal tubule injury.
On a Trematode Allopyge Undulatus N.SP. Parasitic in Lilford's Crane ( Megalornis grus Lilfordi )

While studying a collection of roundworm parasites from animals dying in the Philadelphia Zoological Garden, accounts of which appeared in 1929 and 1931, I found ten flukes in it, one of which proved to be new. Two common distomes in the lot, Renifer ellipticus Pratt 1903 and Opisthorchis tenuicollis (Rud. 1819) are from new hosts; the former from an American beaver ( Castor canadensis ) and the latter from a Canadian lynx ( Felis canadensis ). The one rare monostome found in the lot is recognised as a new species of the genus Allopyge Johnston 1913 in the family Cyclocoelidae and is named Allopyge undulatus n.sp. It was found in the thoracic air sacs of Lilford's crane ( Megalornis grus lilfordi ).
Printed organic transistors for low-cost RFID applications

Printed electronics is attractive as a pathway towards the realization of ultra-low-cost RFID tags for replacement of conventional optical barcodes. While this application has received tremendous attention in recent years, it also represents one of the most challenging applications for organic transistors, based on both the performance requirements and the process complexity and cost implications. Here, we report on our progress in developing materials and processes for the realization of printed transistors for low-cost RFID applications. Using inkjet printing of novel conductors, dielectrics, and organic semiconductors, we have realized printed transistors with mobilities >0.1cm 2 /V-s, which is approaching the requirements of certain RFID applications. We review the performance of these devices, and discuss optimization strategies for achieving the ultimate performance goals requisite for realizing printed RFID.
Properties of discrete event systems from their mathematical programming representations

An important class of discrete event systems, tandem queueing networks, are considered and formulated as mathematical programming problems where the constraints represent the system dynamics. The dual of the mathematical programming formulation is a network flow problem where the longest path equals the makespan of n jobs. This dual network provides an alternative proof of the reversibility property of tandem queueing networks under communication blocking. The approach extends to other systems.