cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic Profiling of Conjugated Therapeutic Oligonucleotides: A High-Throughput Method Based Upon Serial Blood Microsampling Coupled to Peptide Nucleic Acid Hybridization Assay

Therapeutic oligonucleotides, such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), hold great promise for the treatment of incurable genetically defined disorders by targeting cognate toxic gene products for degradation. To achieve meaningful tissue distribution and efficacy in vivo, siRNAs must be conjugated or formulated. Clear understanding of the pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic behavior of these compounds is necessary to optimize and characterize the performance of therapeutic oligonucleotides in vivo. In this study, we describe a simple and reproducible methodology for the evaluation of in vivo blood/plasma PK profiles and tissue distribution of oligonucleotides. The method is based on serial blood microsampling from the saphenous vein, coupled to peptide nucleic acid hybridization assay for quantification of guide strands. Performed with minimal number of animals, this method allowed unequivocal detection and sensitive quantification without the need for amplification, or further modification of the oligonucleotides. Using this methodology, we compared plasma clearances and tissue distribution profiles of two different hydrophobically modified siRNAs (hsiRNAs). Notably, cholesterol-hsiRNA presented slow plasma clearances and mainly accumulated in the liver, whereas, phosphocholine-docosahexaenoic acid-hsiRNA was rapidly cleared from the plasma and preferably accumulated in the kidney. These data suggest that the PK/biodistribution profiles of modified hsiRNAs are determined by the chemical nature of the conjugate. Importantly, the method described in this study constitutes a simple platform to conduct pilot assessments of the basic clearance and tissue distribution profiles, which can be broadly applied for evaluation of new chemical variants of siRNAs and micro-RNAs.
Modeling of metamaterials optical system

A generalized expression of refractive law is obtained which can be used to model the transmission of radiation of an optical medium having a positive refractive index and a negative refractive index.
Hurricane and seasonal effects on hydrology and water quality of a subtropical urban stormwater wetland.

Abstract Understanding the hydrology of a created or restored wetland is a critical component in understanding the overall functioning of its design, and in determining if the original goals of the wetland are being met. Freedom Park, a 20-ha park constructed in Naples, Florida in 2009, includes a 4.6-ha subtropical stormwater wetland treatment system for improving the water quality of the downstream impaired Gordon River and estuaries that flow into the Gulf of Mexico. Subtropical wetlands often present significant issues of sustaining viable wetland vegetation communities because of long wet and then long dry patterns in the wetlands’ hydroperiods. The treatment wetland’s watershed includes 1766 ha of an urbanized Naples metro area. The goals of the stormwater wetlands are to improve the water quality, reduce peak flows discharging into Gordon River and further to Naples Bay, and provide an aesthetic water park for the public. A monthly hydrologic budget for the period August 1, 2016 to January 31, 2018 showed the following averages: pumped surface water inflow of 50.1 cm week−1; average surface outflow of 38.8 cm week−1; precipitation of 3.76 cm week−1, potential evapotranspiration (PET) of 5.34 cm week−1; and estimated seepage of 14.8 cm week−1. During the wet season, water pathways are largely influenced by pumped surface inflow and surface outflow, balanced to not produce significant changes in water level from month to month. Groundwater seepage and evapotranspiration are the most important outflows during the dry season. A stormwater pulsing study during Hurricane Irma (September 10, 2017) showed that after an initial inflow flush due primarily to rainfall, total phosphorus and total nitrogen concentrations were higher at the outflow than at the inflow for several days during and immediately after the hurricane. Similarly, the mass of nutrients leaving the system was 130% and 37% higher for TN and TP, respectively, than the mass entering the system during this 6-day period during and immediately after the hurricane. Ironically, the design of the pump-only inflow did not allow for major urban runoff during the hurricane to enter the wetlands. Samples taken at the inflow and outflow of the system for four other storm events throughout the 2017 wet season (July through October) were also analyzed for their effects on water quality. While total phosphorus removal during and after storm events is comparable to normal conditions at the Freedom Park wetlands and other stormwater treatment wetlands in the world, total nitrogen removal decreased during and after storm events.
Mapping genes that modulate mouse brain development: a quantitative genetic approach.

The complexity of CNS development is staggering. In mice a total of approximately 75 million neurons and 25 million glial cells are generated, moved, connected, and integrated into hundreds of different circuits over a period of 1 month. The process is coordinated by the expression of a large fraction of the genome — as many as 40 000 genes are involved (Sutcliffe 1988; Adams et al. 1993). These same genes coordinate the development of the human brain, but a thousand times more neurons are generated (Williams and Herrup 1988) and their integration and training take more than a decade. While 5000 of these genes have common roles in cellular metabolism, this still leaves a huge complement that have selective, transient, and partially redundant roles in the development of different parts of the brain (Usui et al. 1994; Gautvik et al. 1996). Reductionist approaches that focus on isolated processes and molecules may seem hopelessly inadequate, but they are an absolute necessity at this early stage of analysis and understanding.
Cryopumping Rocket Exhaust Products at High Throughputs and Low Pressure

Preliminary analyses for the design of a cryopumping system to freeze out large-mass flow rates of rocket exhaust products are presented in this report. The controlling design factors, results of preliminary analysis, and test data to show feasibility, are included.
Buddhism as Reductionism: Personal Identity and Ethics in Parfitian Readings of Buddhist Philosophy; from Steven Collins to the Present

Derek Parfit’s early work on the metaphysics of persons has had a vast influence on Western philosophical debates about the nature of personal identity and moral theory. Within the study of Buddhism, it also has sparked a continuous comparative discourse, which seeks to explicate Buddhist philosophical principles in light of Parfit’s conceptual framework. Examining important Parfitian-inspired studies of Buddhist philosophy, this article points out various ways in which a Parfitian lens shaped, often implicitly, contemporary understandings of the anātman (no-self) doctrine and its relation to Buddhist ethics. I discuss in particular three dominant elements appropriated by Parfitian-inspired scholarship: Parfit’s theoretical categories; philosophical problems raised by his reductionist theory of persons; and Parfit’s argumentative style. I argue that the three elements used in this scholarship constitute different facets of one methodological approach to cross-cultural philosophy, which relies on Western terminology and conceptual schemes to establish a conversation with non-Western philosophy. I suggest that while this methodology is fruitful in many ways, philosophy as a cosmopolitan space may benefit significantly from approaching Buddhist philosophy using its own categories and terminology.
Bevacizumab for Hearing Preservation in Neurofibromatosis Type 2: Emphasis on Patient-Reported Outcomes and Toxicities.

ObjectiveBevacizumab for hearing preservation in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an emerging practice. We set out to characterize the effectiveness and toxicity of bevacizumab in ou...
Topology and Observables of the Non-Hermitian Chern Insulator

Topology now plays a central role in physics, yet its applications have so far been restricted to closed, lossless systems in thermodynamic equilibrium. Given that many physical systems are open and may include gain and loss mechanisms, there is an eminent need to reexamine topology within the context of non-Hermitian theories that describe open, lossy systems. The generalization of the Chern number to non-Hermitian Hamiltonians initiated this reexamination; however, there is no established connection between a non-Hermitian topological invariant and the quantization of an observable. Using field-theoretical techniques, we show that no such relationship exists between the non-Hermitian Chern number and the Hall conductivity, a consequence of the discontinuous nature of Green's functions of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians. Furthermore, we derive an exact formula for the Chern-Simons Hall response of a generic two-level non-Hermitian Hamiltonian and present an illustrative calculation for a non-Hermitian massive Dirac Hamiltonian in (2+1) dimensions. We conclude by clarifying how these results extend to higher-dimensional systems and detailing their implications for recent experiments.
Increasing serotonin bioavailability in preweaned dairy calves impacts hematology, growth, and behavior.

Abstract Peripheral serotonin has been shown to regulate important physiological functions such as energy homeostasis and immunity, particularly in rodent and humans, but its role is poorly understood in livestock species. Herein, we tested the safety and effectiveness of increasing serotonin bioavailability in preweaned dairy calves by oral supplementation of a serotonin precursor (5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP) or a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (fluoxetine, FLX). Bull Holstein calves (21 ± 2 d old; N = 24) were fed milk replacer (8 L/d) supplemented with either saline as control (CON, 8 mL/d, n = 8), FLX (40 mg/d, approx. 0.8 mg/kg; n = 8), or 5-HTP (90 mg/d, approx. 1.8 mg/kg; n = 8) for 10 consecutive days in a complete randomized block design. Heart rate (HR), respiration rate, rectal temperature, and health scores were recorded daily. Hip height and body weight were measured at d 1, 5, and 10 relative to initiation of supplementation. Blood samples were collected once before the supplementation period (d 1), during the 10-d supplementation period (daily), and during a 14-d withdrawal period (d 2, 3, 4, 7, and 14 relative to initiation of withdrawal). Cerebrospinal fluid and muscle tissue were collected from a subset of calves (n = 12) that were euthanized after the 10-d supplementation or 14-d withdrawal period. Whole blood serotonin concentrations increased in 5-HTP calves and decreased in FLX calves compared with CON (P
Between Christ and Caliph: Law, Marriage, and Christian Community in Early Islam

In his book Between Christ and Caliph, Lev Weitz considers what the history of the medieval Middle East might look like if historians placed non-Muslim households in the foreground as integral part...
Deletion of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β in D2 Receptor-Positive Neurons Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment via NMDA Receptor-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity.

Abstract Background Cortical dopaminergic systems are critically involved in prefrontal cortex (PFC) functions, especially in working memory and neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia. GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3β) is highly associated with cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate)–independent dopamine D2 receptor (D2R)-mediated signaling to affect dopamine-dependent behaviors. However, the mechanisms underlying the GSK-3β modulation of cognitive function via D2Rs remains unclear. Methods This study explored how conditional cell-type–specific ablation of GSK-3β in D2R+ neurons (D2R-GSK-3β−/−) in the brain affects synaptic function in the medial PFC (mPFC). Both male and female (postnatal days 60–90) mice, including 140 D2R, 24 D1R, and 38 DISC1 mice, were used. Results This study found that NMDA receptor (NMDAR) function was significantly increased in layer V pyramidal neurons in mPFC of D2R-GSK-3β−/− mice, along with increased dopamine modulation of NMDAR-mediated current. Consistently, NR2A and NR2B protein levels were elevated in mPFC of D2R-GSK-3β−/− mice. This change was accompanied by a significant increase in enrichment of activator histone mark H3K27ac at the promoters of both Grin2a and Grin2b genes. In addition, altered short- and long-term synaptic plasticity, along with an increased spine density in layer V pyramidal neurons, were detected in D2R-GSK-3β−/− mice. Indeed, D2R-GSK-3β−/− mice also exhibited a resistance of working memory impairment induced by injection of NMDAR antagonist MK-801. Notably, either inhibiting GSK-3β or disrupting the D2R-DISC1 complex was able to reverse the mutant DISC1-induced decrease of NMDAR-mediated currents in the mPFC. Conclusions This study demonstrates that GSK-3β modulates cognition via D2R-DISC1 interaction and epigenetic regulation of NMDAR expression and function.
Effects of Land Use/Land Cover Changes on Selected Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Shenkolla Watershed, South Central Ethiopia

Land use change from natural ecosystems to managed agroecosystems is one of the main causes of soil fertility decline. Severe soil erosion caused by agricultural expansion and poor management worsened soil nutrient depletion in cultivated outfields (crop lands). This study was conducted to examine the effects of land use and land cover changes (LU/LC) on selected soil physicochemical properties in the Shenkolla watershed. A total of 40 top soil samples at 0–20 cm depth were collected from four land use/land cover types (forest land, grazing land, cultivated outfield, and cultivated homestead garden fields). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine differences in soil parameters among land use types. Treatment means comparison was determined using the least significant difference (LSD) at 0.05 level of significances. The result indicated that there were significant differences among the four LU/LC types for soil characteristics. For most parameters evaluated, the most favorable soil properties were observed in the forest land, followed by homestead garden fields, while the least favorable soil properties were found in intensively cultivated outfields. Increase in the extent of cultivated land at the expense of forest cover associated with poor management has promoted significant loss of soil quality in intensively cultivated outfields. Reducing the land cover conversion and adopting proper management practices of the soil commonly used in homestead garden fields are very crucial in order to improve soil fertility in intensively cultivated outfields.
MAJORITY-3SAT (and Related Problems) in Polynomial Time.

Majority-SAT is the problem of determining whether an input $n$-variable formula in conjunctive normal form (CNF) has at least $2^{n-1}$ satisfying assignments. Majority-SAT and related problems have been studied extensively in various AI communities interested in the complexity of probabilistic planning and inference. Although Majority-SAT has been known to be PP-complete for over 40 years, the complexity of a natural variant has remained open: Majority-$k$SAT, where the input CNF formula is restricted to have clause width at most $k$. We prove that for every $k$, Majority-$k$SAT is in P. In fact, for any positive integer $k$ and rational $\rho \in (0,1)$ with bounded denominator, we give an algorithm that can determine whether a given $k$-CNF has at least $\rho \cdot 2^n$ satisfying assignments, in deterministic linear time (whereas the previous best-known algorithm ran in exponential time). Our algorithms have interesting positive implications for counting complexity and the complexity of inference, significantly reducing the known complexities of related problems such as E-MAJ-$k$SAT and MAJ-MAJ-$k$SAT. At the heart of our approach is an efficient method for solving threshold counting problems by extracting sunflowers found in the corresponding set system of a $k$-CNF. We also show that the tractability of Majority-$k$SAT is somewhat fragile. For the closely related GtMajority-SAT problem (where we ask whether a given formula has greater than $2^{n-1}$ satisfying assignments) which is known to be PP-complete, we show that GtMajority-$k$SAT is in P for $k\le 3$, but becomes NP-complete for $k\geq 4$. These results are counterintuitive, because the ``natural'' classifications of these problems would have been PP-completeness, and because there is a stark difference in the complexity of GtMajority-$k$SAT and Majority-$k$SAT for all $k\ge 4$.
Wear Resistance of Hardened Components Produced from Electrospark Cobalt–Chromium Powder by Additive Manufacturing

The wear resistance of hardened additive products is studied experimentally. The products are made from electrospark cobalt–chromium powder obtained in alcohol. With a frictional path of 500 m, the following characteristics are determined: the partial wear of the counterbody and the adhesion of the sample’s wear products to the counterbody; the size of the wear track on the sample; the depth of the wear groove on the sample surface; the frictional coefficient; and the wear of a steel counterbody and a hardened cobalt–chromium alloy sample.
Nitric oxide inhibits interleukin-1-mediated protection against Escherichia coli K1-induced sepsis and meningitis in a neonatal murine model

Neonatal meningitis-associated Escherichia coli (NMEC) is a leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborn infants. Neonates are known to have impaired inflammasome activation and interleukin (IL)-1 production. However, it is unknown what role this plays in the context of NMEC infection. Here we investigated the role of IL-1 signaling in the pathogenesis of NMEC infection. We found both IL-1β and IL-1α were secreted from macrophages and microglial cells in response to NMEC in a Toll-like receptor 4- and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NPLR3)-dependent manner. Intracerebral infection of adult mice indicated a protective role of IL-1 signaling during NMEC infection. However, IL-1 receptor blockade in wild-type neonatal mice did not significantly alter bacterial loads in the blood or brain, and we, therefore, investigated whether protection conferred by IL-1 was age dependent. Neonates are known to have increased nitric oxide (NO) levels compared with adults, and we found NO inhibited the secretion of IL-1 by macrophages in response to NMEC. In contrast to our results in wild-type neonates, blockade of IL-1 receptor in neonates lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) led to significantly increased bacterial loads in the blood and brain. These data indicate IL-1 signaling is protective during NMEC infection in neonates only when iNOS is absent. Collectively, our findings suggest that increased NO production by neonates inhibits IL-1 production, and that this suppresses the protective role of IL-1 signaling in response to NMEC infection. This may indicate a general mechanism for increased susceptibility of neonates to infection and could lead to new therapeutic strategies in the future.
The Joy of Exploration

The ideal of “exploration” is rooted deeply in the human psyche. Romance and adventure lie inside the quest to go where no person has gone before or to see something that no one has ever encountered. And therein lies one of the chief joys of a life in science. Each scientist in every expedition or laboratory expands the frontier of human knowledge. To this end, the process of discovery is populated with people who have taken risks, made sacrifices, gotten lucky, been smart, or even blundered courageously yet naively into new discoveries. Look into the resume of every researcher and you will find, somewhere in the midst of all the jargon, a passion for exploration coupled with these kinds of personal stories. My approach to scientific communication has been to bring these narratives to students and teachers. We live in a time of unparalleled discovery in science: molecular, computational, and imaging tools are revolutionizing our understanding of biological disciplines from genetics to neuroscience. With finds that include the discovery in Canada of a jawed, worm-like animal from rocks over 500 million years …
Joystick Interaction Strategies of Individuals with Dexterity Impairments: Observations from the Smart Voting Joystick Usability Evaluation

In order to develop a joystick as a universal access device for accessible voting machines, it is necessary to observe and understand the strategies of users with disabilities when operating joysticks in this context. For this study, researchers analyzed video and audio recordings as well as written notes and user feedback from the usability evaluation of the Smart Voting Joystick to identify, document, and understand the interaction strategies individuals with motor or dexterity related disabilities employ when using a joystick to interact with a mock voting system.
498. AAV Δ264CFTR Enhances Maturation of ΔF508CFTR and wt CFTR Expression

We have presented previously that high dose airway delivery of a pseudotyped AAV2/5 vector to the lungs of Rhesus macaques resulted in enhanced gene transfer and quantitative RNA expression as well as protein expression in non human primates without clinical toxicity. One major limitation to the success of AAV gene therapy for CF is that the large size of the CFTR cDNA insert fills the packaging capacity of AAV viral particles precluding inclusion of a highly efficient promoter. In order to overcome this limitation AAV2/5 pseudotyped vectors were generated expressing a truncated CFTR insert (|[Delta]|264) driven by a chicken beta actin promoter (rAAV-CB-|[Delta]|264-CFTR). We showed previously that this truncated form was capable of reconstituting physiologic function in vitro and in mouse models.
ASYMPTOTICALLY EFFICIENT ESTIMATION OF NONPARAMETRIC REGRESSION COEFFICIENTS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses asymptotically efficient estimation of nonparametric regression coefficients. Asymptotically efficient is meant in the classical sense of minimal variance of the limiting normal distribution. It presents a method to obtain asymptotically efficient estimators of regression parameters when the density function is unknown. The method involves a nontrivial use of the results of a previous study. Without the requirement of symmetry of the density function or an equivalent requirement, the parameter θ1 is not uniquely determined and, hence, cannot be estimated. The parameter θ2 can be estimated without this requirement. The chapter discusses different assumption and notation. It also describes the reduction of the original problem to an asymptotically equivalent problem.
Tyrosine-rich crystals associated with oncocytic salivary gland neoplasms.

Objective Crystalloids have been identified ultrastructurally within the epithelial cells of Warthin's tumors, but there have been no studies characterizing crystals or crystalloids in Warthin's tumors by light microscopy. The finding of abundant needle-shaped crystals in a fine-needle aspirate of a cystadenoma of the parotid prompted us to examine the prevalence of crystals and crystalloids in oncocytic salivary gland neoplasms. Design Ninety-seven oncocytic neoplasms (93 Warthin's tumors, 3 cystadenomas, and 1 oncocytoma) excised at our institution between 1950 and 1996 were examined, to identify crystals. Neoplasms with crystals were further characterized by means of a variety of histochemical stains and electron microscopy. Ninety-nine pleomorphic adenomas were similarly reviewed. Results Seven cases with crystals were identified. Five of these were Warthin's tumors, 1 was a cystadenoma, and 1 was an oncocytoma. The crystals were noted within tumor cysts but were not limited to the neoplasms. The crystals were predominantly either needle-shaped or tabular, but some cases contained mixtures of both as well as intermediate forms. They stained pink with hematoxylin-eosin, although the tabular forms also exhibited a focal yellow hue. The crystals were not discernible under polarized light. They stained a red-brown color with Millon's reagent, which indicated the presence of tyrosine. Trichrome, periodic acid-Schiff stain with diastase, alcian blue (pH 2.5), and Congo red stains were negative. Electron microscopy revealed sharply defined, elongate, electron-dense structures with periodicity, both extracellular and within epithelial cells. No crystals or crystalloids were identified in any of 99 pleomorphic adenomas reviewed. Conclusions The findings indicate that tyrosine-rich crystals associated with several oncocytic salivary gland neoplasms are morphologically, histochemically, and ultrastructurally distinct from previously described tyrosine-rich crystalloids and collagenous crystalloids of pleomorphic adenomas. Although the crystals appear to form by the assembly of small units within epithelial cells, the exact mode of formation remains unclear.
The distinction of Hodgkin's disease from B cell lymphoma.

Abstract Workshop C included cases with a differential diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease and B cell lymphoma. In general, the cases could be placed into one of the following four major categories: (1) usual Hodgkin's disease versus T cell-rich B cell lymphoma; (2) syncytial Hodgkin's disease versus B large cell lymphoma; (3) nodular and/or diffuse lymphocyte-predominance Hodgkin's disease (LPHD) versus T cell-rich B cell lymphoma; and (4) LPHD with composite or discordant large cell lymphoma versus T cell-rich B cell lymphoma progressing to large cell lymphoma. A final case illustrated the differential diagnosis of B cell Hodgkin's disease, ie, nodular LPHD versus the cellular phase of nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease (NSHD). The cases from this session have been grouped into these five categories and tables have been constructed to highlight features favoring each of the diagnostic possibilities. A brief discussion is given after each case, and selected cases have been illustrated to demonstrate some of the unusual histologic features.
Thermochemical investigations of hydrogen-bonded solutions

Abstract William E. Acree, Jr., Anita I. Zvaigzne and Sheryl A. Tucker, 1994. Thermochemical investigations of hydrogen-bonded solutions. Part 2. Comparison of Mobile Order theory versus Mecke-Kempter association model for describing anthracene solubilities in binary hydrocarbon + alcohol solvent mixtures. Fluid Phase Equilibria , 92: 1-17. A conventional non-electrolyte self-associated solution model, which has led to successful descriptive equations for excess molar enthalpies and excess molar Gibbs free energies, is extended to systems containing an inert solute dissolved in binary hydrocarbon + alcohol solvent mixtures. An expression is derived for predicting the solubility of crystalline solutes from a prior knowledge of the solubility in the two pure solvents. Applications and limitations of the newly derived equation were assessed using published solubility data for anthracene in 30 different binary solvent systems containing 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol or 1-octanol. The derived expression predicted the observed values to within an overall average absolute deviation of approximately 9.4 % using zero adjustable “curve-fit” parameters. Mobile Order theory, in comparison, provides slightly superior predictions, with deviations between predicted and experimental values being in the order of approximately 5.7%.
Wet- vs. dry-season transpiration in an Amazonian rain forest palm Iriartea deltoidea.

The wet and dry seasons in tropical rain forests can differ in precipitation, soil moisture and irradiance more significantly than often assumed. This could potentially affect the water relations of many tree species that may exhibit either increased transpiration in the dry season as a response to the increased irradiance or decreased transpiration as a result of decreases in soil moisture and increases in atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Atmospheric data, soil moisture data and sap fluxes in Iriartea deltoidea palms were measured in eastern Ecuador during the wet and dry seasons. There were no differences between total daily sap fluxes in I. deltoidea palms during the wet and dry seasons; however, evaporative demand was significantly higher in the dry season and therefore, transpiration was more restricted by stomatal closure during the dry season than the wet season. This is likely the result of larger atmospheric VPD during the dry season compared with the wet season and possibly the result of reduced soil moisture availability. Additionally, based on published tree abundances in this area, measured sap fluxes in I. deltoidea were scaled up to the hectare level. Transpiration from I. deltoidea palms was estimated to be around 0.03 mm/d, which could represent about 1 percent of total transpiration in this area of the Amazon rain forest. If climate change predictions for more lengthy tropical dry periods are realized, greater stomatal control of dry-season sap flux has the potential to become even more prevalent in tropical species.
Export Behaviour of Fresh Produce Marketers

Probes the export behaviour of fresh fruit‐and vegetable‐marketing firms in an international context. The case study investigations comprise examination of Belgium, Chile, Canada (The Government of Ontario), New Zealand (The New Zealand Apple and Pear Marketing Board), Turkey, and South Africa (The Outspan Organization and Unifruco Ltd). Identifies selected firms′ export behaviour, export objectives, export stimuli, and export inhibitors. Explains the concept of export success and delineates profiles of successful exporters. Concludes that fresh fruit and vegetables provide scope for future contributions with reference to general theory of export marketing.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is the most common severe congenital heart defect which constitutes 1–2% of all congenital heart anomalies and 7–9% of total anatomic abnormalities diagnosed within the 1 year of life. It is also the most common congenital cardiac malformation involving a single ventricle. It is more frequent in males, with a 67% male predominance. Without surgical intervention HLHS is a uniformly fatal condition with a 95% mortality rate within the 1 month of life. A multifactorial mode of inheritance is likely present for most cases [1].
Fatigue transfer in endurance performance.

Abstract Data on 32 male college students were used to test the hypothesis that fatigue products produced by the performance of heavy physical work involving the largest and most powerful muscle groups of the body (legs) would transfer to and impair another immediately following motor performance which utilized musculature that was not active during the first exercise (arms). The fatiguing work consisted of 10 min stepping up on an 18-in. stool at 60 steps/min followed by 10 min on a horizontal rotating handle arm ergograph at 120 rpm with a load of 2 kgm/rev. When the initial rate could no longer be maintained, the subject continued with as fast a rate as possible until the 10 min was completed. A balanced design was used—half the subjects started with the control condition (arm ergometer only). Control and experimental tests were separated by four days. Work rate for stool stepping dropped off 45.7% from the first minute to the last. Arm ergometer work rate dropped off 39.9% from the first minute to the...
Using Attributed Flow Graph Parsing to Recognize Clichés in Programs

This paper presents a graph parsing approach to recognizing common, stereotypical computational structures, called cliches, in computer programs. Recognition is a powerful technique for efficiently reconstructing useful design information from existing software. We use a flow graph formalism, which is closely related to hypergraph formalisms, to represent programs and cliches and we use attributed flow graph parsing to automate recognition. The formalism includes mechanisms for tolerating variations in programs due to structure sharing (a common optimization in which a structural component is used to play more than one functional role). The formalism has also been designed to capture aggregation relationships on graph edges, which is used to encode aggregate data structure cliches and the abstract operations on them. A chart parsing algorithm is used to solve the problem of determining which cliches in a given cliche library are in a given program.
The quarternary structure of an unusual high-molecular-weight intracellular haemoglobin from the bivalve mollusc Barbatia reeveana

The arcid clam Barbatia reeveana contains an intracellular haemoglobin with an unusual structure. First, compared with other intracellular haemoglobins, it is extremely large, with a mol.wt. of 430000 and an s 20,w of 13.6S. A minor component (mol.wt.=220000; s 20,w =9.7S) is also present as a probable dissociation product of the major component. Secondly, this haemoglobin has an unusual subunit structure. It contains 1mol of haem per 16000g of protein, in common with most other haemoglobins. However, the smallest polypeptide that could be obtained after treatment with sodium dodecyl sulphate or 6m-guanidine with reducing agent has a mol.wt. of 32000–37000. Digestion of the haemoglobin with the proteinase subtilisin produces both 57000- and 30000-mol.wt. aggregates that contain 1mol of haem per 16000g of protein and that can be dissociated into 16500-mol.wt. polypeptides by treatment with sodium dodecyl sulphate. The intact polymer shows slight co-operativity ( h =1.7), lacks a Bohr effect between pH7 and 8, and has a low oxygen affinity [ P 50 =4.8kPa (36mmHg) at 20°C] relative to other haemoglobins. The 30000-mol.wt. aggregate obtained by digestion of the polymer binds oxygen reversibly with an affinity greater than that of the polymer, but with some co-operativity ( h =1.7). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the subunits of this unusually large intracellular haemoglobin are 32000-mol.wt. polypeptides that in turn are composed of two covalently linked haem-containing oxygen-binding domains. This is the first report of an intracellular haemoglobin with such a structure.
Sub-Critical Transmutation Reactors with Tokamak Fusion Neutron Sources

The principal results of a series of design scoping studies of sub-critical fast transmutation reactors (based on the nuclear and processing technology being developed in the USDoE Generation IV, Advanced Fuel Cycle and Next Generation Nuclear Plant programs) coupled with a tokamak fusion neutron source (based on the ITER design basis physics and technology) are presented.
The economic returns to education in the Philippines

Abstract Education in the Philippines is unique in that the system's coverage is extensive at all levels, and the share of private enrollments is extremely high, particularly in secondary and higher education. In this context, investments in education also display a somewhat unique pattern of returns. The results show that educational investments yield lower returns in the Philippines than in the average developing country; such investments nevertheless remain at least as socially profitable as investments in physical capital. The social returns are comparable among the three levels of education suggesting that intrasectoral allocation of resources are not seriously distorted. Moreover, private returns exceed social returns by the largest margin in primary rather than higher education, in contrast to the normal pattern elsewhere, a result which points to an unusual level of equity in the financing of education. As in other countries, investments in education have remained socially profitable despite rapid expansion of the system over the last fifteen years.
Surface chemistry of alkyl and perfluoro ethers: a FTIR study of adsorption and thermal desorption of (C2H5)2O and (C2F5)2O on SiO2

Abstract The adsorption and thermal desorption of diethyl ether (DE) and perfluorodiethyl ether (PDE) on a porous silica surface were investigated by FT-IR under ultra high vacuum conditions. The IR spectra of adsorbed species in the 4000–1000 cm −1 range were reported, and for the first time, the vibrational spectra of adsorbates below 1300 cm −1 on porous silica surface were clearly resolved. Basically, both DE and PDE physisorbed onto the silica surface, but DE was found to form much stronger hydrogen bonds with surface hydroxyl groups than PDE and to desorb completely at higher temperatures. The changes in the adsorption geometry of DE during hydrogen bond formation and desorption processes are discussed. The chemistry of DE and PDE on SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 and TiO 2 are also discussed.
Controlling the rate of electron transfer between a quantum dot and a tri-ruthenium molecular cluster by tuning the chemistry of the interface.

Ultrafast transient absorption measurements reveal that the rate of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) to oxo-centered triruthenium clusters (Ru3O) depends on the structure of the chemical headgroup by which the Ru3O clusters adsorb to the QDs. Complexes comprising QDs and Ru3O clusters adsorbed through a pyridine-4-carboxylic acid ligand (nic-Ru3O) have an intrinsic PET rate constant of (4.9 ± 0.9) × 109 s−1 whereas complexes comprising QDs and Ru3O clusters adsorbed through a 4-mercaptopyridine ligand (thiol-Ru3O) have an intrinsic PET rate constant of (36 ± 7) × 109 s−1. Cyclic voltammetry measurements of nic-Ru3O and thiol-Ru3O yield reduction potentials vs. Ag/AgCl of −0.93 V for both clusters, and density functional theory calculations of the nic-Ru3O and thiol-Ru3O clusters yield internal reorganization energies for the cluster radical anion of −0.17 eV and −0.19 eV, respectively. The small differences in driving force and reorganization energy between the two complexes rule out these parameters as possible explanations for the factor-of-seven difference in the rate constants for PET. The difference in the observed rates of PET for the two complexes is therefore attributable to a difference in donor–acceptor electronic coupling, which, according to electronic structure calculations, is modulated by the torsional angle between the Ru3O core of the cluster and the functionalized pyridine ligand that bridges the cluster to the QD surface.
Powder River Basin Coal: Powering America

Powder River Basin (PRB) coal in Wyoming and Montana is used to produce 18 percent of the electricity consumed in the United States. Coal production from the PRB more than doubled between 1994 and 2009. PRB coal companies produced greater amounts of coal at declining real prices over much of this period through investment in equipment and production systems that achieved massive economies of scale. The bulk of PRB coal is shipped to the middle part of America from Texas in the south to Michigan in the north and New York in the east. States that consume significant amounts of PRB coal have electricity rates well below the national average. The largest industrial users of electricity are in these regions. Replacing PRB coal would require almost 5.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas per year, representing a 26 percent increase in demand. Such an increase in gas consumption would increase prices for natural gas by roughly 76 percent. In such a world, U.S. energy users would pay $107 billion more each year for electricity and natural gas. Hence, by using PRB coal, the U.S. economy avoids $107 billion per year in higher energy costs. Estimates reported in the literature indicate that the gross environmental damages from PRB coal production are $27 billion. Hence, the net social benefits of PRB coal are $80 billion per year. Given the large size and low cost of these reserves, PRB coal will likely supply societal energy needs well into the future as long as the public and their elected officials are willing to accept the environmental impacts in return for the substantial economic benefits from using PRB coal.
Stereotype temporal conditioning in infants.

This study investigated stereotype temporal conditioning of pupillary dilation and constriction in infants. Stereotype conditioning of dilation was obtained, though it was less uniform over subjects than simple temporal conditioning of the same responses. Relevant speculative concepts concerning the physiological basis of discriminating time and ordinal position are presented.
Some large-concentration-parameter asymptotics for the k-class estimators

Abstract A sufficient condition is derived in this paper for the consistency and asymptotic normality of the k -class estimators ( k -stochastic or nonstochastic) as the concentration parameter increases indefinitely, with the sample size either staying fixed or also increasing. It is further shown that the limited-information maximum likelihood estimator satisfies this condition. Since large sample size implies a large concentration parameter, but not vice versa, the usual conditions for consistency and asymptotic normality of the k -class estimators as the sample size increases can be inferred from the results given in this paper. But more importantly, the results in this paper shed further light on the small-sample properties of the stochastic k -class estimators and can serve as a starting point for the derivation of asymptotic approximations for these estimators as the concentration parameter goes to infinity, while the sample size either stays fixed or also goes to infinity.
Optimizing Containment and Control of Candida parapsilosis Fungemia among Neonates in the Outbreak Setting Using a Mathematical Modeling Approach

Candida is the second leading cause of sepsis related death in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Using the C. parapsilosis paradigm, the endogenous and exogenous routes of infection were simulated in order to enhance prevention among neonates at highest risk. A deterministic model was constructed with transmission parameters calculated from the basic reproductive number (), derived from the mean serial interval from two published outbreaks. Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were performed via Latin hypercube sampling. Prevention measure effects were ascertained by incorporating percent coverage and efficacies into the existing model. The colonized and infected neonatal prevalence peaked at 17.4% and 39.4%, respectively, and reduction was achieved by compartmental replacement with susceptibles. Containment of greater than 60% of the cohort had minimal effect on the effective reproductive number () unless hand hygiene compliance dropped below 40% at a fixed ratio of nurses to neonates. Antifungal prophylaxis in combination with hand hygiene and cohorting extinguished an outbreak 14 days sooner than baseline. The critical proportion () requiring prophylaxis in order to stop an outbreak increases, as rises, and the prophylaxis efficacies decrease. Internal and external sources of Candida lead to invasive disease in neonates differentially. Optimal prevention is dependent upon understanding the dynamics of this disease process under diverse circumstances.
Reference ranges of lymphocyte subsets in healthy adults and adolescents with special mention of T cell maturation subsets in adults of South Florida.

Abstract Background Analysis of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets has become an essential tool in the evaluation of outcome of diagnostic and research related questions in immunological and pathological conditions. Periodic evaluation and establishment of normal lymphocyte reference ranges are required in clinical and research settings of various immunodeficiency disorders for evaluation of the significance of observations. It is also important that age and gender specific lymphocyte subset reference ranges should be locally established for meaningful comparison and accurate result interpretation as age plays a significant role in the development of immune system. Methods We performed dual platform flow cytometry to determine reference ranges for lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 [B cells] and CD16+CD56+ [Natural Killer – NK cells]) in 50 adolescents (age range: 12–18) and 100 adults (age range: 21–67) along with T cell maturation, activation and co-stimulatory molecules in healthy multiracial adult population of South Florida. Results The lymphocyte reference ranges percentages [absolute counts – Abs, cells/μl] unadjusted for gender differences for adolescents are: CD3: 49–83 [939–2959]; CD4: 27–53 [467–1563]; CD8: 16–40 [259–1262]; CD19+ B cells: 8–31 [169–1297] and CD16+CD56+ NK cells: 3–30 [59–1178] and for adults are: CD3: 65–88 [983–3572]; CD4: 26–62 [491–2000]; CD8: 14–44 [314–2,087]; CD19+ B cells: 2–27 [64–800] and CD16+CD56+ NK cells: 2–27 [27–693]. The ranges for CD4:CD8 ratio for adolescents and adults are 0.7–2.6 and 0.6–4.4, respectively. Gender based analysis of relative percentages of lymphocyte subsets showed no significant differences between adult and adolescent males and females. The mean CD4:CD8 ratio was significantly higher in adult females than males ( P = 0.04) and in adolescents this difference was not significant between genders. The mean CD3 and CD4 T cell percentages were higher and CD19 cell percentages were lower in adults compared to adolescents ( P P P = 0.01] and CD45RA [ P = 0.03]). Conclusion The reference values of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were analyzed in healthy adolescent and adult population of South Florida. This study indicates the need for periodic evaluation and establishment of lymphocyte reference ranges for patient population served based on gender and age since these could influence immune status and treatment outcome.
ANION STRUCTURE DETERMINATION IN THE GAS PHASE : CHEMICAL REACTIVITY AS A PROBE

In the gas phase, the discrimination between two isomeric anion structures is a challenge that requires different solutions for different applications. The anionic oxy-Cope rearrangement involves the rearrangement of an alkoxide to an isomeric enolate; the mechanistic study of such a process in the gas phase requires a simple and selective probe process. Using a flowing afterglow mass spectrometer, we have examined the utility and limitations of using chemical reactivity to discriminate between alkoxides and enolates in the gas phase. A series of alkoxides and enolates were allowed to react with three chemical probe reagents: methanol-O-d, methyl nitrite, and dimethyl disulfide. Quantitative and qualitative characterization of each probe reagent reveals the especially broad and flexible utility of dimethyl disulfide as a chemical probe. Dimethyl disulfide is a selective reagent with ambident behavior that reacts efficiently with all anions studied and fully capitalizes on the structure/reactivity differe...
A preconditioning technique for the efficient solution of problems with local grid refinement

Abstract We develop a new preconditioning method for elliptic problems which allows for dynamic local grid refinement. The majority of the computation in the implementation of our method involves solution procedures on mesh domains with regular geometry. Accordingly, the resulting algorithms can be effectively vectorized. It seems feasible to incorporate these ideas into existing large-scale simulators without a complete redesign of the simulator.
Monte Carlo simulation of two-particle relative diffusion using Eulerian statistics

Abstract A Monte Carlo technique for the approximate simulation of two-particle relative diffusion is developed using the Eulerian statistical properties of the turbulence. Numerical results are presented which clarify the role of interparticle velocity correlations and reveal the importance of a Eulerian parameter that is not present in Lagrangian theories of relative diffusion. Data on the absolute diffusion and meandering of a plume in a field of grid-generated wind-tunnel turbulence are presented. These data are in good agreement with the Monte Carlo simulations.