cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biopolymers in Controlled Release Systems

In a controlled release system a bioactive agent is incorporated into a carrier, generally a polymeric material. The rate of release of the substance is determined by the properties of the polymer itself and is only weakly dependent on environmental factors (such as the pH of bodily fluids). Controlled release systems are capable of delivering substances slowly and continuously for up to several years.
The Orchestration of the Arts in Leïla Sebbar’s Shérazade, 17 Ans, Brune, Frisée, Les Yeux Verts

The arts play a pivotal role in Leila Sebbar’s Sherazade. Painting, music, literature and cinema are woven into the plot and their interrelationships hold the key to possible interpretations of the novel; its complexity lies in the author’s intermingling of both high and low culture. I will briefly distinguish between the two types of culture mentioned: high culture / aesthetics, and low or pop culture. “High culture texts [and art] are valued for their ability to transcend their immediate and therefore limiting social conditions. They are thus moved toward the universal and their values are claimed to be those of humanity rather than those of historically and socially situated human beings ... . Popular culture is the culture of the here and now, not of the always and forever” (Fiske 334). It has also been tagged the culture of the masses or that especially of the younger generations. Its popularity belongs to a specific period and is often “damnatio memoriae.” However, the allusion to both types of art and culture creates a sense of reality and immerses the reader in the place and time frame of the novel, i.e., Paris of the late 1970’s to early 1980’s.
A compact design for an indium heat switch

The construction and performance of a compact indium heat switch are mdescribed. The switching ratio of the normal to superconducting states is ∼ 65/T 2 . The switch design has the advantages of simplicity of construction and small physical size. The thermal conductivity of the normal and super-conducting states of this switch have been measured and are reported for 100 < T < 400 mK.
Terror in France: The Rise of Jihad in the West

France has become ground zero for jihadists who have targeted Western countries. For many years France has sought to ensure that government institutions adhere to laicite, a strict policy of secula...
A scoping review of military veterans involved in the criminal justice system and their health and healthcare

In the criminal justice system, special populations, such as older adults or patients with infectious diseases, have been identified as particularly vulnerable to poor health outcomes. Military veterans involved in the criminal justice system are also a vulnerable population warranting attention because of their unique healthcare needs. This review aims to provide an overview of existing literature on justice-involved veterans’ health and healthcare to identify research gaps and inform policy and practice. A systematic search was conducted to identify research articles related to justice-involved veterans’ health and healthcare that were published prior to December 2017. Study characteristics including healthcare category, study design, sample size, and funding source were extracted and summarized with the aim of providing an overview of extant literature. The search strategy initially identified 1830 unique abstracts with 1387 abstracts then excluded. Full-text review of 443 articles was conducted with 252 excluded. There were 191 articles included, most related to veterans’ mental health (130/191, 68%) or homelessness (24/191, 13%). Most studies used an observational design (173/191, 91%). Knowledge gaps identified from the review provide guidance on future areas of research. Studies on different sociodemographic groups, medical conditions, and the management of multiple conditions and psychosocial challenges are needed. Developing and testing interventions, especially randomized trials, to address justice-involved veterans care needs will help to improve their health and healthcare. Finally, an integrated conceptual framework that draws from diverse disciplines, such as criminology, health services, psychology, and implementation science is needed to inform research, policy and practice focused on justice-involved veterans.
MDM2 case study: computational protocol utilising protein flexibility and data mining improves ligand binding mode predictions

Recovery of the P53 tumour suppressor pathway via small molecule inhibitors of onco-protein MDM2 highlights the critical role of computational methodologies in targeted cancer therapies. Molecular docking programs, in particular, have become essential during computer-aided drug design by providing a quantitative ranking of predicted binding geometries of small ligands to proteins based on binding free energy. In this study, we found improved ligand binding mode predictions of small medicinal compounds to MDM2 based on RMSD values using AutoDock and AutoDock Vina employing protein binding site flexibility. Additional analysis suggests a data mining protocol using linear regression can isolate the particular flexible bonds necessary for future optimum docking results. The implementation of a flexible receptor protocol based on 'a priori' knowledge obtained from data mining will improve accuracy and reduce costs of high-throughput virtual screenings of potential cancer drugs targeting MDM2.
Digital Holographic Microscope Trades for Extant Life Detection Applications

Optical microscopy is one of the key technologies needed for detection of extant life on other solar system bodies. Microscopic images can be used to identify the presence of cell-like objects and discriminate probable cells from other abiotic particles of similar scale through observations of morphology. Image sequences can be used to determine particle density through observation of Brownian motion, enabling discrimination of liquid-filled vesicles from solid mineral grains; non- Brownian motion that is also inconsistent with background flow can also indicate biotic particles. Phase-sensitive imaging modes allow measurement of index of refraction and can be used to image transparent cells that might otherwise require the addition of stains. Because of the likely limited energy available for replication on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, potential unicellular life would likely be present only at very low concentrations requiring a search through substantial volumes of material at very high resolution. We have been developing digital holographic microscopes (DHM) that addresses the need for high resolution search at low concentrations. Our DHM designs provide both the sub micrometer resolution necessary to detect the smallest forms of life and the high throughput needed to do so at very low concentrations. A significant feature of the holographic recording is that all objects in a large volume can be recorded simultaneously, without the need for focus or tracking to image individual objects. We have demonstrated two promising DHM architectures for possible use in potential future life detection missions - one using conventional optics and one using gradient index optics in a “lensless” arrangement. We compare the two designs, their trade spaces, and the features that might make each preferable for specific applications.
Development of ZIF-Derived Nanoporous Carbon and Cobalt Sulfide-Based Electrode Material for Supercapacitor

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (ZIF-67) was prepared in two different solvents—water and methanol. Nanoporous carbon was derived from ZIF-67 via pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere. Anion exchange step of sulfidation on the synthesized material has a great influence on the structure and properties. Structural morphology and thermal stability were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The electrochemical analysis was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and impedance analysis. The as-prepared nanoporous carbon and cobalt sulfide (NPC/CS) electrode material (water) in 2M KOH electrolyte solution exhibit high specific capacitance of 677 F/g. The excellent electrochemical performance of the NPC/CS was attributed to its hierarchical structure. This functionalized ZIF driven strategy paves the way to the preparation of various metal oxide and metal sulfide-based nanoheterostructures by varying the type of metal.
An Efficient $\varepsilon$-BIC to BIC Transformation and Its Application to Black-Box Reduction in Revenue Maximization.

We consider the black-box reduction from multi-dimensional revenue maximization to virtual welfare maximization. Cai et al. show a polynomial-time approximation-preserving reduction, however, the mechanism produced by their reduction is only approximately Bayesian incentive compatible ($\varepsilon$-BIC). We provide two new polynomial time transformations that convert any $\varepsilon$-BIC mechanism to an exactly BIC mechanism with only a negligible revenue loss. Our first transformation applies to any mechanism design setting with downward-closed outcome space and only requires sample access to the agents' type distributions. Our second transformation applies to the fully general outcome space, removing the downward-closed assumption, but requires full access to the agents' type distributions. Both transformations only require query access to the original $\varepsilon$-BIC mechanism. Other $\varepsilon$-BIC to BIC transformations for revenue exist in the literature but all require exponential time to run in both of the settings we consider. As an application of our transformations, we improve the reduction by Cai et al. to generate an exactly BIC mechanism.
Oxidative Cyclization of Sulfamates onto Pendant Alkenes

This communication discloses the first examples of aza-Wacker cyclizations of sulfamate esters. Within the realm of related cyclization reactions, this protocol is differential in that it forms six-membered rings in good yield and uses catalytic amounts of palladium(0) rather than palladium(II) salts. These reactions scale well, and their products are demonstrated to be valuable synthetic intermediates.
Adaptive Impedance Control with Setpoint Force Tracking for Unknown Soft Environment Interactions

Robots are often required to interact with surrounding environments to complete specific tasks. In these scenarios the robot must behave in a stable manner in both free-space motion as well as constrained motion during the interaction. Additionally, for many of these cases it is important to track a setpoint force to complete a task or provide safe interaction in the absence of typically expensive force sensors. This force tracking is fairly straightforward using impedance control if the environment is known exactly a priori. However, in practice the environment is unlikely to be known and force tracking becomes inaccurate. To overcome this problem we present an adaptive impedance controller with adaptation laws for the environment parameters derived directly from Lyapunov-based stability analysis. This work focuses on interactions with soft environments which are represented using a non-linear, viscoelastic Hunt-Crossley model. After derivation and stability analysis of the controller, we present simulations of a 1 degree of freedom (DOF) robot interacting with two distinct soft environments to demonstrate the efficacy of the controller.
The Rationale Behind Texting, Videoconferencing, and Mobile Phones in Couple Relationships

Smartphones and digital media are omnipresent in day-to-day life. There are positive and negative consequences to technology usage in established relationships; we also know that there are several ...
The Effect of Tacrolimus Trough Variability on Kidney Transplant Outcomes

Abstract Purpose Variability in tacrolimus levels has been associated with increased rejection, graft loss, and de novo donor-specific antibody (dnDSA) development in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs); however, limited data on alemtuzumab induction or infection exist. We sought to determine the impact of tacrolimus variability in KTRs on dnDSAs, graft outcomes, and infections 3 years posttransplant after alemtuzumab induction. Methods Adult KTRs from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017, receiving alemtuzumab and tacrolimus-based immunosuppression at a single center were included. Tacrolimus variability was calculated using coefficient of variability (CV), and high CV was defined as ≥30%. Graft and infectious outcomes were assessed between high and low CV groups. Results Two hundred fourteen KTRs were included. The median tacrolimus CV from 0 to 3 months and from 3 to 12 months was 28.1% and 25.8%, respectively. Recipients with high CV had decreased glomerular filtration rate at 3 and 12 months (67.7 ± 35.48 vs 80.7 ± 29.3, P = .01 and 70.9 ± 35.4 vs 83.3 ± 30.2, P = .015). High CV was also associated with increased cytomegalovirus viremia and disease (19.6% vs 9.3%, P = .046 and 6.4% vs 17.9%, P = .015). No difference in biopsy-proven acute rejection, survival, or dnDSA development at 3 years was observed. Conclusions High tacrolimus variability was associated with significantly reduced graft function and increased cytomegalovirus viremia and disease but not biopsy-proven acute rejection, survival, or dnDSA development.
Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry for characterizing proteoforms

Proteoforms contribute functional diversity to the proteome and aberrant proteoforms levels have been implicated in biological dysfunction and disease. Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), with its ultrahigh mass-resolving power, mass accuracy, and versatile tandem MS capabilities, has empowered top-down, middle-down, and native MS-based approaches for characterizing proteoforms and their complexes in biological systems. Herein, we review the features which make FT-ICR MS uniquely suited for measuring proteoform mass with ultrahigh resolution and mass accuracy; obtaining in-depth proteoform sequence coverage with expansive tandem MS capabilities; and unambiguously identifying and localizing post-translational and noncovalent modifications. We highlight examples from our body of work in which we have quantified and comprehensively characterized proteoforms from cardiac and skeletal muscle to better understand conditions such as chronic heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and sarcopenia. Structural characterization of monoclonal antibodies and their proteoforms by FT-ICR MS and emerging applications, such as native top-down FT-ICR MS and high-throughput top-down FT-ICR MS-based proteomics at 21 T, are also covered. Historically, the information gleaned from FT-ICR MS analyses have helped provide biological insights. We predict FT-ICR MS will continue to enable the study of proteoforms of increasing size from increasingly complex endogenous mixtures and facilitate the benchmarking of sensitive and specific assays for clinical diagnostics. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev.
Changes of Strategy between Bridge to Transplant and Destination Therapy after Implant of Contemporary LVADs: An Analysis of the STS-INTERMACS Database

Purpose This study investigated the frequency and risk factors for delisting among bridge to transplant (BTT) patients and predictors of switching from a destination therapy (DT) strategy to listing for transplant. Methods Analysis included all patients > 18 years entered in The Society of Thoracic Surgery Intermacs database receiving a primary continuous-flow LVAD from 2012-2017 who were followed for 15 months. The primary outcome for BTT was delisting or death and for DT was listing for transplant. Proportional hazard regression model was used for the analysis. Predictors for each outcome event were identified using multivariable analysis with Cox proportional hazard models. Results Among BTT (n=3701), delisting or death occurred in 842 patients (22%). For DT (n=9434), transplant listing occurred in 1046 (11%) patients. Preimplant characteristics and post implant adverse events (AE) predicted changes in strategy for both BTT and DT patients. (see figure) Among BTT, the strongest predictors for de-listing included baseline INTERMACS profiles 1 -3 and adverse events occurring early after LVAD. Among DT, the predictors of listing or transplant included short duration of HF at implant and potentially reversible factors such as malnutrition. In addition, switch from DT to transplant strategy was less likely in patients with age > 65 and pre-implant frailty but more common with multiple GI bleeds post LVAD Conclusion Implant strategies remain dynamic over time. Pre-implant INTERMACS profiles and post implant AEs most strongly influenced delisting for those implanted as BTT. Patients implanted as DT with short duration of HF at implant and improvement in reversible concerns should be considered early for potential switch to a strategy of transplant.
Lessons from Teaching Tax Online

The pandemic forced many professors to experiment with new ways of teaching tax as their courses went online. This Article explores the resulting lessons on content delivery and student assessments based on the best practices in online teaching and the surveys of online federal income tax students.
A Novel Tunable Phase Shifter with Distributed Capacitive Loading

A novel but simple design of transmission line with a parasitic patch that works as a phase shifter at the frequency range of 1.5 - 3 GHz is presented. Variable capacitors attached to a parasitic element above the transmission line change the phase of the propagating wave with minimum reflection. A 90 degree of phase shift is achieved with capacitance of 4.5 pF variation.
Penicillinase production in the evaluation of disk sensitivity testing of staphylococci to penicillin.

The production of penicillinase by 262 strains of staphylococci was used as a basis for evaluating the results of testing for penicillin sensitivity by the disk diffusion technic. Presence of penicillinase was determined after induction by methicillin using N-phenyl-naphthylamineazo- o-carboxybenzyne (PNCB). All 133 strains of S. aureus and most of the 129 strains of S. epidermidis could be readily separated into resistant and sensitive groups (penicillinase producers and nonpenicillinase producers) on the basis of sizes of zones of inhibition in the disk test. It was observed that many strains of both species of staphylococci, although capable of producing penicillinase, had growth patterns with wide zones of inhibition around disks containing two units of penicillin. With some strains of S. epidermis induction of penicillinase production was not always easily effected, and resistance appeared to depend upon factors other than penicillinase production.
Puzzle-box learning impairments in young rats with lesions to the “general learning system”

Young rats with focal lesions to the general learning system (parietal cortex, dorsal caudatoputamen, globus pallidus, ventrolateral thalamus, substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, superior colliculus, median raphe, or pontine reticular formation) have previously been reported to be deficient in learning a wide variety of laboratory tasks. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether weanling rats with similarly placed lesions (or frontal cortical or dorsal hippocampal lesions) would subsequently manifest a learning impairment on a series of puzzle-box problems. All groups with lesions to either the subcortical components of the general learning system (GLS) or the frontal (motor) cortex were significantly impaired in overall puzzle-box learning, while the groups with parietal or hippocampal lesions were not. These data suggest that the parietal cortex should be excluded from the GLS of the rat brain.
Simulating diurnal variations over the southeastern United States

The diurnal variations from a high-resolution regional climate model (Regional Spectral Model; RSM) are analyzed from six independent decade long integrations using lateral boundary forcing data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Reanalysis 2 (NCEPR2), European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts 40-year Reanalysis and the Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR). With each of these lateral boundary forcing data, the RSM is integrated separately using two convection schemes: Relaxed Arakawa-Schubert and Kain-Fritsch. The results show that RSM integrations forced with 20CR have the least fidelity in depicting the seasonal cycle and diurnal variability of precipitation and surface temperature over the Southeastern United States. The remaining four model simulations show comparable skill. The differences in the diurnal amplitude of rainfall during the summer months of the 20CR forced integration from the corresponding NCEPR2 forced integration, for example, is found to be largely from the transient component of the moisture flux convergence. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the seasonal cycle of precipitation and surface temperature of the other four simulations (not forced by 20CR) were comparable to each other and highest in the summer months. But the RMSE of the diurnal amplitude of precipitation and the timing of its diurnal zenith were largest during winter months and least during summer and fall months in the four model simulations (not forced by 20CR). The diurnal amplitude of surface temperature in comparison showed far less fidelity in all models. The phase of the diurnal maximum of surface temperature however showed significantly better validation with corresponding observations in all of the six model simulations.
Interaction between aflatoxicosis and a natural infection of chickens with Salmonella.

Broiler chicks with a natural congenital infection of Salmonella worthington required a lower concentration of dietary aflatoxin (0.625 μg/g) to depress growth than uninfected chicks (2.50 μg/g).
Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: Inactivation by Phosphorylation in Escherichia coli Carrying R Factors

R-factor strains which are streptomycin-resistant and spectinomycin-sensitive have been found to inactivate streptomycin by a new mechanism. The 3′-OH group of the 2-deoxy-2-methylamino-l-glucopyranosyl moiety is phosphorylated.
Novel medications for neonatal seizures: Bumetanide and topiramate

Novel medications to treat neonatal seizures have been the subject of numerous recent basic science research and clinical papers describing the potential and need for more effective and safe antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for this unique population. This interest has been fueled in part by the notion that seizures, particularly when refractory, likely contribute to brain injury, later epilepsy and neurodevelopmental impairments. The population of newborns with seizures presents unique challenges, because of the often significant differences in the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of medications when compared with older children and adults. Bumetanide and topiramate are two novel AEDs that have mechanisms of action uniquely suited to suppressing seizures in the newborn brain, with promising basic science data supporting their use in human newborns. Furthermore, these novel medications offer the potential of neuroprotective effects when used to treat refractory seizures caused by acute insults to the neonatal brain. The available data regarding the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and safety of these two AEDs will be described, as well as the data needed to bring these two agents into routine use in the human newborn with seizures.
Identification and Characterization of Calmodulin-binding Proteins in Mammalian Sperm Flagella

Abstract A calcium and calmodulin-regulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase has been shown to be an integral component of both rat and bovine sperm flagella. The calcium-activated enzyme was inhibited by both trifluoperazine (ID50 = 10 microM) and [ethylene-bis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid (EGTA), and the basal activity measured in the presence of EGTA was stimulated by limited proteolysis to that observed in the presence of calcium/calmodulin. 125I-Calmodulin binding to purified rat sperm flagella has been characterized and the flagellar-associated calmodulin-binding proteins identified by a combination of gel and nitrocellulose overlay procedures and by chemical cross-linking experiments using dimethyl suberimidate. 125I-Calmodulin bound to demembranated rat sperm flagella in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. At equilibrium, 30-40% of the bound 125I-calmodulin remains associated with the flagella after treatment with EGTA or trifluoperazine. The majority of the bound 125I-calmodulin, both the Ca2+-dependent and -independent, was displaced by excess calmodulin. A 67-kDa calmodulin-binding protein was identified by both the gel and nitrocellulose overlay procedures. In both cases, binding was dependent on Ca2+ and was totally inhibited by trifluoperazine, EGTA, and excess calmodulin. On nitrocellulose overlays, the concentration of calmodulin required to decrease binding of 125I-calmodulin by 50% was between 10(-10) and 10(-11) M. Limited proteolysis resulted in the total loss of all Ca2+-dependent binding to the 67-kDa polypeptide. Chemical cross-linking experiments identified a major calcium-dependent 125I-calmodulin:polypeptide complex in the 84-90-kDa molecular mass range and a minor complex of approximately 200 kDa. Immunoblot analysis showed that the major 67-kDa calmodulin-binding protein did not cross-react with polyclonal antibodies raised against either the calcium/calmodulin-regulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase or phosphoprotein phosphatase (calcineurin) from bovine brain.
Individual Factors in Virtual Teams: A TIP Theory Perspective

In the pursuit of rapid software development, globally distributed information systems development teams are a growing phenomena in many organization. In order to be successful, these teams must have members who will be high degree of unity and are satisfied upon completion of the project. In order to test some possible factors that may be important in distributed team selection we must first understand individual’s contribution to the team. McGrath’s Time, Interaction and Performance (TIP) Theory is proposed as a framework to evaluate possible individual characteristics which may influence a member’s satisfaction and unity in development projects. This preliminary cross-sectional study tests TIP Theory while also identifying possible factors that may lead to increased group unity and group satisfaction. Implications for the selection of distributed development teams are discussed.
Interaction of GABA Receptor/Channel ρ1 and γ2 Subunit

PURPOSE. To determine whether protein-protein and functional interactions can occur between γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor/channels γ 2 subunit and the retina-specific GABA c ρ 1 subunit. METHODS. Protein-protein interaction was characterized by immunocoprecipitation of these subunits in brain and spinal cord with anti-γ 2 subunit antibody and by Western blot analysis with anti-p, subunit antibody. The p, and γ 2 subunits were detected in the adult rat brain and spinal cord lysates that had been previously precipitated with the specific antibodies against the ρ 1 and γ 2 subunits, respectively. A two-microelectrode voltage clamp was used to measure GABA-induced currents in oocytes. In addition, a yeast two-hybrid system was used to detect the interactions of these subunits in vivo. RESULTS. Based on yeast transformed with the N-terminal fragment of the γ 2 subunit (γ 2 -N'), the N-terminal fragment of the p, subunit (ρ 1 -N'), and the full-length p, subunit, the protein-protein interaction of the GABA A γ 2 subunit and the GABA C ρ 1 subunit was found in yeast grown in triple-dropout medium (deficient in Leu, Trp, and His) and expressing the LacZ reporter gene. Interaction of the ρ 1 and γ 2 subunits was investigated by functional studies in which γ 2 (γ 2 -N' with 837 bp) and p, cRNAs were coinjected in Xenopus oocytes. In studies of the functional interaction, after injection of the γ 2 subunit mutant cRNA containing a N-terminal fragment, GABA-induced ρ 1 originated currents declined to 16% of the control level of homooligomeric p, current. This inhibitory effect of coexpressing γ 2 subunit mutants with p, subunit on the ρ 1 -originated current in oocytes was dose dependent. In addition, coexpression of the GABA p, and γ 2 subunits in oocytes altered pharmacologic properties of the homooligomeric receptor/ channel formed by p, or γ 2 subunits. Further evidence was provided by results obtained with specific antibodies showing that the p, subunit was coimmunoprecipitated with the γ 2 subunit from the retina, brain, and spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS. The results indicate that protein-protein and functional interactions can occur between the GABA A γ 2 subunit and the GABA C p, subunit. Therefore, the functional role of GABA receptor/channels in the brain, retina, and spinal cord is more diversified because of the possible assembly between the GABA A γ 2 subunit and GABA C P 1 subunit.
Injection of Antibodies into Grasshopper Eggs as a Method for Studying Embryonic Development

Procedures are described for injecting antibodies into grasshopper eggs at stages prior to 50% of embryonic development. A microdispenser is used to permit the accurate delivery of small, predetermined volumes of antibody solution. Injected antibodies are taken up by the embryo and reach their appropriate binding sites within 1 hr of injection. Antibody complexes remain stable for at least 24 hr. The method provides a useful tool for investigating developmental processes during early insect embryogenesis.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE RETINA

As in other vertebrate species, the zebrafish retina is simpler than other regions of the central nervous system. This relative simplicity along with rapid development, and accessibility to genetic analysis make the zebrafish retina an excellent model system for studies of neurogenesis in the vertebrate CNS. Several genetic screens have led to the isolation of an impressive collection of mutants affecting the retina and the retinotectal projections in zebrafish. A variety of techniques and markers are available to study the isolated mutants. These include several antigen- and transcript-detection methods, retrograde and anterograde labeling of neurons, blastomere transplantations, H3 labeling, and others. As past genetic screens have achieved a rather low level of saturation, the current collection of mutants can only grow in the future. Morphological and behavioral criteria have been successfully applied in zebrafish to search for defects in spinal development. In future genetic screens, progressively more sophisticated screening approaches will make it possible to detect very subtle changes in the retinal development. The remarkable evolutionary conservation of the vertebrate eye provides the basis for using the zebrafish as a model system for the detection and analysis of genetic defects potentially related to human eye disorders. Some of the genetic defects of the zebrafish retina indeed resemble human retinopathies. As the genetic analysis of the vertebrate visual system is far from being complete and new techniques are being introduced at a rapid pace, the zebrafish embryo will become increasingly useful as a model for studies of the vertebrate retina.
Archaeology and the Social History of Ships: Sailing ships of the Middle Ages

Shipbuilding Traditions Under Sail E lements of conservatism are sometimes implicit in contemporary treatments of maritime technology under sail. Although conservative adherence to shipbuilding rules and practices was undeniably present at the level of distinguishable cultural traditions such as the Vikings, there was another level within these traditions in which shipbuilders revealed their adaptability in relation to changing circumstances of commerce and conflict. Underwater archaeology has substantially increased our appreciation for this finer-grained level of analysis and has made the different maritime traditions appear less monolithic to maritime culture historians. Sailing craft in various parts of the world today retain certain features of ancient boats and ships. For example, Greenhill and Morrison (1995: 221) suggest that, “although clinker-building for large vessels went out of use, it persisted for boats and small ships down to the end of wooden boatbuilding and remained the principal tradition in Britain and Scandinavia and parts of North America.” They go on to present a parallel case for the historical survival of a European-based flat-bottomed boatbuilding tradition founded ultimately on the Baltic cog and continuing to the modern dory, a type of boat widely used by fishermen along the northeastern coast of North America (Greenhill and Morrison, 1995: 229–240). Their argument is muddied, however, by recognition that the functional advantages of flat-bottomed boats and ships – simplicity, cheapness of construction, and suitability for operation in shallow waters and on beaches and mud flats – led to the adoption of this design in many parts of the world, and one cannot tell to what extent these claimed survivals were due to the retention and transmission of the principles of a particular cultural–historical tradition to succeeding generations or to convergent abilities within different cultural–historical traditions to adapt in similar ways to similar circumstances.
Reconciling the Patent Exhaustion and Conditional Sale Doctrines in Light of Quanta Computer v. LG Electronics

Significant debate exists about whether or to what degree patentees should be able to enforce post-sale restrictions against purchasers... through a suit for patent infringement. Specifically, some see a conflict between the patent exhaustion doctrine, long established by the Supreme Court, and the conditional sale doctrine as recently implemented by the Federal Circuit. While a patent gives the owner the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the patented invention within the United States, this right is limited by the exhaustion doctrine (also called the first sale doctrine), which holds that the first authorized sale of a patented article removes that article from the patent monopoly such that any subsequent use is not infringement. If patent rights have been exhausted by an authorized sale, post-sale restrictions can only be enforced, if at all, under a contract theory. But the Federal Circuit has held that a conditional sale, in which the patentee restricts the right of the purchaser to use the patented article through an enforceable contract, can prevent exhaustion and preserve the patentee's right to sue for infringement if the condition is not met or the restriction is violated...In the wake of the Quanta decision, some commentators doubt the viability of the conditional sale doctrine as articulated by the Federal Circuit over the past two decades. They have suggested that the Court's conclusion regarding the LGE-Intel agreement implies that a patentee can never avoid exhaustion via a conditional sale. On the other hand, the Quanta opinion can be read more narrowly as only holding that the LGE-Intel agreement before the Court was not a conditional sale, while reserving the decision as to whether patent rights may be preserved by other types of agreements.Part I of this Note begins by tracing the evolution of the exhaustion and conditional sale doctrines through the case law. Part I also describes the Quanta litigation and the Supreme Court's treatment of the case. Part II disputes the contention that there is a conflict between the exhaustion and conditional sale doctrines. It describes how the two doctrines may be read as consistent with each other and why preserving the conditional sale doctrine is desirable. Part III proposes an exhaustion analysis that incorporates principles from both Quanta and Mallinckrodt v. Medipart, the leading Federal Circuit case on the conditional sale doctrine. It also makes some observations and suggestions about structuring patent licensing agreements after Quanta.
Higgs CP Violation from Vectorlike Quarks

We explore CP violating aspects in the Higgs sector of models where new vectorlike quarks carry Yukawa couplings mainly to the third generation quarks of the Standard Model. We point out that in the simplest model, Higgs CP violating interactions only exist in the hWW channel. At low energy, we find that rare B decays can place similarly strong constraints as those from electric dipole moments on the source of CP violation. These observations offer a new handle to discriminate from other Higgs CP violating scenarios such as scalar sector extensions of the Standard Model, and imply an interesting future interplay among limits from different experiments.
Investing in poor women: The psychology of donor support

Abstract Donor organizations have supported projects aimed at expanding income-earning opportunities for poor women in the third world since 1975. Although differing objectives have influenced donors' choice of interventions, they have generally favored income-enhancing projects in the informal economy carried out by nongovernmental organizations. More recently, donors are shifting toward strategies that influence policy or emphasize sectoral action. Donors' efforts have helped to mainstream women's issues in employment and microenterprise development policy and strengthen organizations that open poor women's access to capital and other assets. Major challenges remain: support for measures that expand the demand for women's labor; research that incorporates the opportunity costs of women's time; and integrating the concerns of poor women into the antipoverty agendas of major donors.
EEG and behavioral effects of ethylketocyclazocine, morphine and cyclazocine in rats: differential sensitivities towards naloxone.

Abstract The effects of ethylketocyclazocine were compared with those of morphine and cyclazocine on the cortical EEG and spontaneous behavior of unrestrained, male Sprague-Dawley rats. Intraperitoneal administration of ethylketocyclazocine (2.5 mg/kg), morphine (10 mg/kg), and cyclazocine (2.5 mg/kg) each induced alterations in the EEG and behavior of rats characterized by high-voltage synchrony associated with behavioral stupor during wakefulness. Both ethylketocyclazocine and morphine produced biphasic EEG and behavioral profiles consisting of an initial phase of EEG synchrony and stupor followed by a period of EEG activation and behavioral arousal. In contrast, the profile of cyclazocine was not biphasic but was distinguished by intermittent periods of behavioral excitation and EEG desynchronization. When the rats were pretreated with naloxone (0.01–10 mg/kg, s.c. at −10 min), there was a dose-related antagonism of the duration of EEG synchrony and stupor produced by the three analgesics. Ethylketocyclazocine was the most sensitive to naloxone (AD 50 dose of naloxone = 0.035 mg/kg) and cyclazocine was the least sensitive (AD 50 = 2.1 mg/kg). Antagonism of the drug-induced increase in latency to slow-wave sleep was dose-related for ethylketocyclazocine and morphine, but not for cyclazocine. The ability to identify differences between these three analgesics, based on their respective EEG and behavioral profiles and their sensitivities to naloxone, is consistent with current theories of multiple opiate receptors mediating certain pharmacological effects of opioids.
Synthesis and X-ray Analysis of an Unprecedented and Stable 2-Aza-4,4-spirocyclopropacyclohexadienone

An efficient eight-step synthesis (54% overall) and the subsequent X-ray characterization of 1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benz[e]-3-azaindol-4-one (CBA) containing an aza variant of the CC-1065/...
The influence of smectic phases of perfluorodecyl decane on the photoreactions of perfluoroheptyl octyl ketone. An example of microscopic disorder in highly ordered layered phases

The consequences of solvent order, imposed by the two smectic phases of 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4, 4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10-heneicosylfluoroeicosane (F10H10, a “diblock” molecule) on the photochemistry of 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5.6,6,7,7-pentadecylfluoro-8-hexadecanone (F7COH8) were investigated. Results from irradiations of F7COH8 in smectic F10H10 are compared to those obtained in hexane, perfluorohexane, and the isotropic phase of F10H10. They are complemented by 2H-NMR experiments on F10H10 solutions of F7COH8 deuterated at the methylene alpha to the carbonyl, and differential scanning calorimetry thermograms. More than 85% of the photoproducts are derived from carbonyl reduction and Norrish II processes. Based upon the 2H-NMR spectra and Norrish II photoproduct ratios, the microscopic environment experienced by the locus of reaction of F7COH8 in smectic F10H10 is not very restrictive towards the solute shape changes that must occur. This conclusion was not anticipated because the macroscopic order of the smectic phases of F10H10 is high.
Measuring bottleneck link speed in packet-switched networks

Abstract The quality of available network connections can often have a large impact on the performance of distributed applications. For example, document transfer applications such as FTP, Gopher and the World Wide Web suffer increased response times as a result of network congestion. For these applications, the document transfer time is directly related to the available bandwidth of the connection. Available bandwidth depends on two things: 1) the underlying capacity of the path from client to server, which is limited by the bottleneck link; and 2) the amount of other traffic competing for links on the path. If measurements of these quantities were available to the application, the current utilization of connections could be calculated. Network utilization could then be used as a basis for selection from a set of alternative connections or servers, thus providing reduced response time. Such a dynamic server selection scheme would be especially important in a mobile computing environment in which the set of available servers is frequently changing. In order to provide these measurements at the application level, we introduce two tools: bprobe, which provides an estimate of the uncongested bandwidth of a path; and cprobe, which gives an estimate of the current congestion along a path. These two measures may be used in combination to provide the application with an estimate of available bandwidth between server and client thereby enabling application-level congestion avoidance. In this paper we discuss the design and implementation of our probe tools, specifically illustrating the techniques used to achieve accuracy and robustness. We present validation studies for both tools which demonstrate their reliability in the face of actual Internet conditions; and we give results of a survey of available bandwidth to a random set of WWW servers as a sample application of our probe technique. We conclude with descriptions of other applications of our measurement tools, several of which are currently under development.
Separation and purification of oligonucleotides using a new bonded-phase packing material

Abstract We describe a new bonded-phase packing material, based upon surface-stabilised microparticulate silica, suitable for the rapid separation and purification of oligonucleotides. Columns packed with this material were demonstrated to give rapid separations of individual oligonucleotide species of up to 44 base units with high purity; agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the products were essentially single bands, with only trace quantities of the (n — 1)-mer present. Baseline resolution of the desired oligomer from (n±1)-mer was achieved under preparative loading conditions, where up to 200–300 μg of oligonucleotide could be separated. The separation was essentially independent of structure or sequence of the oligonucleotides. The retention mechanism of the oligonucleotides was investigated, and the results used to determine the optimum column configuration and separation conditions.
Age and microvascular responses to knee extensor exercise in women.

This study examined the relation between femoral artery hyperemic responses to leg exercise and microvascular oxygen extraction in nine young [(mean ± S.E.M) Y: 25 ± 1 years] and 13 older (O: 67 ± 1 years) healthy women. Femoral artery blood flow (FBF; Doppler ultrasound), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and femoral vascular conductance (FVC; FBF/MAP) were assessed at rest and during 9 min of ∼17–18 W single knee extensor exercise. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the vastus lateralis was used to measure changes in deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) and oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) to assess oxygen extraction (Δ HHb), microvascular blood volume (Δ HHb + O2Hb), and spatial heterogeneity of blood volume (relative dispersion, defined as the coefficient of variation of measurements from all NIR sensors). During exercise, FBF and FVC were lower (p 0.10) beyond the fourth min of exercise. In addition, the relative increase in microvascular blood volume was not significantly different during exercise in Y versus O (age effect: p = 0.87), although Y demonstrated an increase in blood volume heterogeneity in both the active and inactive leg (p = 0.02 and <0.05, respectively) not observed in O (p = 0.71 and 0.28, respectively). NIRS-derived measurements of changes in deoxygenated hemoglobin do not support the hypothesis that older women compensate for the blunted leg hyperemic response to knee extensor exercise through an augmentation of quadriceps oxygen extraction; knee extensor work may be accomplished by other metabolic or microvascular adjustments to exercise in older women.
On Defining Areas of Voter Choice: Professor Tullock on Stable Voting

I. Degree of voter agreement, 478. — II. The conditions of noncircular voting, 481. — III. Size of the decision set, 482. — IV. Democratic processes, 485. — V. Conclusions, 486. — Mathematical note, 487.
Nodule heterogeneity as shown by size differences between the targeted nodule and the tumor in thyroidectomy specimen: a cause for a false-negative diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma on fine-needle aspiration.

BACKGROUND. Missed papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) diagnoses on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) can result from many causes. To the authors' knowledge, the issue of whether the detection of PTC is correlated with nodule heterogeneity has not been studied to date. METHODS. The authors identified all thyroidectomy specimens with a diagnosis of PTC that had undergone at least 1 prior FNA in the study institution between 1998 and 2003. The tumor size at the time of the resection, the ultrasound (US)-determined nodule size, and other parameters were compared between the 2 groups in which PTC was or was not diagnosed on FNA. RESULTS. Of a total of 89 specimens, 47 were diagnosed on FNA with an average tumor size of 1.7 cm and an US-determined nodule size of 2.1 cm (a difference of 0.4 cm). Forty-two specimens with a smaller average tumor size of 0.9 cm (P <.0001) and a US-determined nodule size of 2.4 cm (a difference of 1.5 cm) were missed. The differences with regard to the US-determined nodule size and tumor size between the 2 groups were significant (0.4 cm vs 1.5 cm; P < .0001). In the missed group, 29 specimens were found to have PTC foci that measured ≤1.0 cm and 26 had a reasonable size difference (RSD; defined as a PTC size outside the range of ±50% of the US-determined nodule size) as the indicator of the mixed nature of nodules targeted for FNA, whereas in the diagnostic group, 9 foci measured ≤1.0 cm and 6 had RSD. There was no cytologic evidence with which to render a diagnosis of PTC on further review in the missed group. CONCLUSIONS. The major reason for a missed diagnosis of PTC on FNA is because of inadequate tumor sampling due to the heterogeneity of the nodule targeted for FNA. This is illustrated by the RSD noted between the targeted nodule and the actual PTC tumor focus in the resection specimen. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.