cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genomic breeding value prediction and QTL mapping of QTLMAS2010 data using Bayesian Methods

Bayesian methods allow prediction of genomic breeding values (GEBVs) using high-density single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the whole genome with effective shrinkage of SNP effects using appropriate priors. In this study we applied a modification of the well-known BayesA and BayesB methods to estimate the proportion of SNPs with zero effects (π) and a common variance for non-zero effects. The method, termed BayesCπ, was used to predict the GEBVs of the last generation of the QTLMAS2010 data. The accuracy of GEBVs from various methods was estimated by the correlation with phenotypes in the last generation. The methods were BayesCPi and BayesB with different π values, both with and without polygenic effects, and best linear unbiased prediction using an animal model with a genomic or numerator relationship matrix. Positions of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified based on the variances of GEBVs for windows of 10 consecutive SNPs. We also proposed a novel approach to set significance thresholds for claiming QTL in this specific case by using pedigree-based simulation of genotypes. All analyses were focused on detecting and evaluating QTL with additive effects. The accuracy of GEBVs was highest for BayesCπ, but the accuracy of BayesB with π equal to 0.99 was similar to that of BayesCπ. The accuracy of BayesB dropped with a decrease in π. Including polygenic effects into the model only had marginal effects on accuracy and bias of predictions. The number of QTL identified was 15 when based on a stringent 10% chromosome-wise threshold and increased to 21 when a 20% chromosome-wise threshold was used. The BayesCπ method without polygenic effects was identified to be the best method for the QTLMAS2010 dataset, because it had highest accuracy and least bias. The significance criterion based on variance of 10-SNP windows allowed detection of more than half of the QTL, with few false positives.
Maternal Anesthesia for Fetal Surgery

This article describes the anesthetic management of pregnant women undergoing fetal surgery. Discussion includes general principles common to all fetal surgeries as well as specifics pertaining to open fetal surgery, minimally invasive fetal surgery, and ex utero intrapartum therapy (EXIT) procedures.
Duodenal Switch Provides Superior Resolution of Metabolic Comorbidities Independent of Weight Loss in the Super-obese (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2) Compared with Gastric Bypass

Objective Increased body mass index is associated with greater incidence and severity of obesity-related comorbidities and inadequate postbariatric surgery weight loss. Accordingly, comorbidity resolution is an important measure of surgical outcome in super-obese individuals. We previously reported superior weight loss in super-obese patients following duodenal switch (DS) compared to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in a large single institution series. We now report follow-up comparison of comorbidity resolution and correlation with weight loss.
Shear flow–dependent integration of apical and subendothelial chemokines in T-cell transmigration: implications for locomotion and the multistep paradigm

Lymphocyte extravasation requires that emigrating cells process chemoattractant signals, typically mediated by chemokines, encountered on endothelial surface (apical) and subendothelial (basal) compartments. These signals are delivered under conditions of hemodynamic shear, a fundamental feature of all physiologic leukocyte-endothelial interactions. To analyze lymphocyte responsiveness to spatially distributed chemokines and their effects on transendothelial migration (TEM) under hydrodynamic shear, we constructed a transwell-based flow assay. We observed that the inflammatory chemokine CCL5 (RANTES) induces negligible human T-cell migration across inflamed human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) when displayed alone in the subendothelial compartment under static or hemodynamic shear conditions or when combined with apical CXCL12 (SDF-1alpha) under static conditions. However, under shear stress, T cells encountering apically presented CXCL12 were primed to undergo robust LFA-1-dependent TEM toward subendothelial CCL5. Notably, locomotive T cells arriving at endothelial junctions were retained and extended pseudopodia into and through the junctions, thereby increasing sensitivity to subendothelial CCL5. These findings provide the first evidence that lymphocytes integrate, conditional to shear forces, permissive apical chemokine deposits, and integrin engagement signals, resulting in morphologic changes and amplified chemotaxis to an otherwise weak subendothelial chemokine signal.
Experimental Matrix Isolation Study and Quantum-Mechanics-Based Normal-Coordinate Analysis of the Anharmonic Infrared Spectrum of Picolinic Acid N-Oxide

This work is, according to our knowledge, the first experimental matrix isolation study of a molecular system with a very short and strong intramolecular OH...O hydrogen bond. It also includes a satisfying interpretation of its entire infrared spectrum. The interpretation relies on the calculation at the DFT/B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of the harmonic spectrum and of the anharmonic relaxed potential energy for the stretching motion of the hydrogen-bonded proton, used with our recently modified quantum-mechanics-based normal-coordinate analysis. An important observation about the anharmonic spectrum obtained from this procedure is that the OH stretch coordinate contributes to several normal modes, mixing extensively with other in-plane internal coordinates, in particular OH-bending and C=O-stretching. The two intense normal modes with the largest contributions from the OH-stretching coordinate to the potential energy distribution and to the intensity are located near 1700 and 1500 cm - 1 . A calculated anharmonic spectrum obtained from this procedure agrees with the experimental spectrum (frequencies and intensity distribution), within the limits of the estimated uncertainties for the calculation and experiment, allowing the interpretation of the latter. The agreement for the frequencies is about 1-3%. The anharmonic spectrum calculated using the anharmonic keyword in Gaussian 03w is not in satisfactory agreement with experiment insofar as the OH-stretching mode is concerned.
Hydroxyethyl starch in severe sepsis: end of starch era?

Perner A, Haase N, Guttormsen AB, Tenhunen J, Klemenzson G, Aneman A, Madsen KR, Moller MH, Elkjaer JM, Poulsen LM, Bendtsen A, Winding R, Steensen M, Berezowicz P, Soe-Jensen P, Bestle M, Strand K, Wiis J, White JO, Thornberg KJ, Quist L, Nielsen J, Andersen LH, Holst LB, Thormar K, Kjaeldgaard AL, Fabritius ML, Mondrup F, Pott FC, Moller TP, Winkel P, Wetterslev J; 6S Trial Group; Scandinavian Critical Care Trials Group: Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.42 versus Ringer's acetate in severe sepsis. N Engl J Med 2012, 367: 124-34. Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is widely used for fluid resuscitation in ICUs, but its safety and efficacy have not been established in patients with severe sepsis. Objective: To assess the effects of HES 130/0.4 compared with a balanced crystalloid solution on mortality and end-stage kidney failure in patients with severe sepsis. Multicenter, parallel-group, blinded, randomized clinical trial, in patients with severe sepsis. Patients with severe sepsis admitted to the ICU received fluid resuscitation with either 6% HES 130/0.42 (Tetraspan) or Ringer's acetate at a dose of up to 33 ml per kilogram of ideal body weight per day. Of the 804 patients who underwent randomization, 798 were included in the modified intention-to-treat population. The two intervention groups had similar baseline characteristics. At 90 days after randomization, 201 of 398 patients (51%) assigned to HES 130/0.42 had died, as compared with 172 of 400 patients (43%) assigned to Ringer's acetate (relative risk, 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01 to 1.36; P = 0.03); 1 patient in each group had end-stage kidney failure. In the 90-day period, 87 patients (22%) assigned to HES 130/0.42 were treated with renal replacement therapy versus 65 patients (16%) assigned to Ringer's acetate (relative risk, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.80; P = 0.04), and 38 patients (10%) and 25 patients (6%), respectively, had severe bleeding (relative risk, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.94 to 2.48; P = 0.09). The results were supported by multivariate analyses, with adjustment for known risk factors for death or acute kidney injury at baseline. Patients with severe sepsis assigned to fluid resuscitation with HES 130/0.42 had an increased risk of death at day 90 and were more likely to require renal replacement therapy compared with those receiving Ringer's acetate.
The infrared spectrum of acetylene–HF in helium nanodroplets

Abstract Rotationally resolved infrared spectra are reported for the T-shaped acetylene–HF complex in helium nanodroplets, corresponding to excitation of both the H–F and asymmetric C–H stretches. In comparison to the isolated complex, rotation about the A-axis is relatively unhindered by the helium, while overall rotation is slower by a factor of approximately two. An ab initio potential surface is also reported for this system. Although the bent complex, with acetylene acting as a hydrogen donor, is determined to be a local minimum, only the T-shaped isomer is experimentally observed, indicating that the barrier is too small to prevent the metastable bent structure from rearranging to the global minimum.
Perturbation theory for the radial distribution function for simple polar fluids

Abstract The radial distribution function for a fluid whose molecules interact according to the Stockmayer potential was calculated by means of thermodynamic perturbation theory using two different approximations for the perturbation term and was compared with computer simulation results. The approximation based on the Percus-Yevick equation was found to be in much better agreement with the simulations than was the “simplified superposition approximation” to the perturbation term.
Shrubland Lepidoptera of southern New England and southeastern New York: ecology, conservation, and management

Sandplain and ridgetop pitch pine (Pinus rigida)–scrub oak (Quercus ilicifolia) barrens and other shrub-dominated natural communities (e.g., heathlands and maritime shrublands) are important habitats for rare Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) in southern New England and southeastern New York. Fifty-six species of conservation concern representing 11 families of Lepidoptera are recognized as dependent on shrubland habitats in this region, including 23% of Connecticut’s state-listed Lepidoptera and 41% of state-listed moths and butterflies in Massachusetts. Sixteen (29%) of these 56 species utilize scrub oak as a larval host and eight species (14%) use lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium and V. pallidum). In addition to Lepidoptera, a wide diversity of other invertebrates is dependent on pine barrens and other shrublands. The importance of these habitats results from unique edaphic conditions and temperature regimes, as well as the structure, species composition, and phenology of the plant community. Pine barrens and other shrublands in the northeastern United States are threatened by destruction and fragmentation, as well as fire exclusion and other alterations of natural disturbance regimes. Active management, including the application of prescribed fire, mechanical cutting, or a combination of the two, is critical to the maintenance of habitat structure and species composition in barrens and other shrublands within human-dominated landscapes of the northeastern United States.
Investigation of age-related cognitive decline using mice as a model system: behavioral correlates.

Objective With recent advances in molecular genetics, mouse models have been generated for a number of disease states. Recently, the authors and others have begun to examine normal age-related cognitive decline using mice as a model system. In this article, and the companion article that follows, the authors present data intended to better parameterize the aging phenotype in mice and examine the possible underlying neuronal mechanisms with special emphasis on age-related changes in calcium homeostasis. Methods Young (4–6-month-old) and aged (22–24-month-old) C57BL/6 mice were analyzed in terms of their spatial learning abilities in the hidden platform version of the Morris water maze and the delay win-shift version of the Olton radial arm maze. Results Although aged mice exhibited cognitive impairments in both behavioral tasks used, the extent of impairment differed between the two tasks, which might prove to be advantageous under certain experimental settings. Conclusions Like in other areas of biomedical research, mice have become an invaluable research tool in the investigation of learning and memory. It is expected that similar benefits can be realized by developing mouse models for age-related cognitive decline.
Organization of attack and other behaviors of White King pigeons exposed to intermittent water presentations

Six water-deprived pigeons were exposed to a fixed-time 90-sec water schedule with and without a conspecific target available. Target contacts and the pigeon’s location in the test chamber during the interreinforcement interval were recorded, and the results were compared with those previously obtained with food reinforcement. Prior to target introduction, water-reinforced birds spent more total time in the front near the reinforcer dispenser and less in the rear than food-reinforced birds and, unlike food-reinforced birds, exhibited postreinforcement drinking-like behaviors near the reinforcer dispenser before moving away from that area. With the target available, the level, topography, and duration of target-directed biting pecks were comparable for food- and water-reinforced pigeons. In contrast, the temporal organization of target pecks reflected the different temporal and spatial organizations of behavior prior to target introduction. For both food- and water-reinforced birds, the time between reinforcers at which a bird was spatially situated halfway between the front and rear of the chamber prior to target presentation was positively correlated with the time at which maximum target contact subsequently occurred.
Immunohistochemical classification of acute leukemias using peripheral blood smears.

Abstract Immunophenotypic classification of the acute leukemias (AcL) is of well documented value in those of lymphoid or uncertain origin and of increasing importance in those of non-lymphoid origin. Most of these studies have been performed on viable cell suspensions. To study the efficacy of a simple immunohistochemical approach to the classification of the acute leukemias requiring only peripheral blood smears, 15 AcL (including these CGL-BC) were studied using an immunoalkaline phosphatase method and a panel of anti-lymphoid and anti-myeloid monoclonal antibodies. Routine cytochemistries were also performed (Sudan black, PAS). Using immunohistochemistry, five cases marked as common ALL (four were undifferentiated by cytochemistry, one ALL), eight cases as ANLL (all ANLL by cytochemistry) and two cases marked only with anti-HLA-DR (AUL by cytochemistry). These results show that immunophenotypic analysis of AUL, ALL and ANLL can be successfully performed even when only air dried peripheral blood smears are available.
Synthesis of bis-abasic cyclic dinucleotide, bis-(3→5)-cyclic Bis(1,4-anhydro-2-deoxy-d-erythro-pentitol-3-phosphate), an inhibitor HIV-1 integrase

Abstract Bis-abasic cyclic dinucleotide, bis-(3→5)-cyclic bis(1,4-anhydro-2-deoxy- d - erythro -pentitol-3-phosphate) ( 1 ), was prepared from 2-deoxy- d -ribose in nine convergent steps, in 18% overall yield.
Service-Learning Assessment: Sustainability Competencies in Construction Education

AbstractUnder the umbrella of a departmental initiative termed CM Cares, faculty from Colorado State University have developed a service-learning course to teach and implement concepts related to sustainability in construction education. The course has met with significant success and received recognition from community partners, elementary to graduate students, faculty members, and department and university administration. Beyond the positive response to experiential learning and community action, this paper uses data from the second course offering to assess the course’s effectiveness for teaching sustainability competencies. The writers implemented multiple techniques to collect data and assess perceived learning with regard to sustainability competencies. Techniques included surveys, reflection essays, and concept maps. Overall findings were mixed but suggest that significant learning about sustainability can occur using service-learning as a teaching technique in construction education despite (and p...
Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition with eptifibatide: prolongation of inhibition of aggregation in acute renal failure and reversal with hemodialysis.

We report the time course to the restoration of normal platelet aggregation in three patients who were treated with eptifibatide in the setting of severe renal failure. There was prolonged platelet inhibition in the first patient who developed acute renal failure. The second patient with acute on chronic renal failure developed an intracerebral hemorrhage. Normal platelet aggregation was restored after acute hemodialysis. In a third patient with end-stage renal disease, platelet function returned to the normal range following hemodialysis. There is a prolonged time course to the restoration of normal platelet aggregation in patients with severe renal dysfunction who are treated with eptifibatide. Acute renal hemodialysis may reverse the inhibitory effect of eptifibatide on platelet aggregation in these patients.
The Effect of Gender-Based Returns to Borrowing on Intra-Household Resource Allocation in Rural Bangladesh

Summary Income from rural microcredit borrowing can empower women and consequently lead to investments in children’s education and health. This article examines the effect of male and female self-employment returns to borrowing in rural Bangladesh on intra-household resource allocation and decision making abilities and how these effects differ with different borrowing sources. Household expenditure patterns measure intra-household allocation. The results show that female borrowers are better able to allocate their income toward goods more valuable to them and make major household decisions when their income increases. This serves as evidence of increased empowerment or bargaining power of rural women in Bangladesh.
Identification, molecular characterization, and expression analysis of a DOMON-like type 9 carbohydrate-binding module domain-containing protein of Coccidioides posadasii.

Previously, we investigated the effect of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) on Coccidioides posadasii chitinolytic enzymes during in vitro spherule-endospore (S/E) phase culture. During those studies, sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of supernatants from S/E phase cultures grown in Converse medium with or without added GlcNAc revealed a ∼ 28-kDa band (CFP28), whose abundance was increased by GlcNAc in parallel with the chitinolytic enzymes. Mass spectrometry (MS) of the CFP28 band revealed peptides that matched an open reading frame found in the tentative consensus sequence, TC20325, retrieved from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute C. posadasii Gene Index Database. The TC20325 cDNA sequence was used to design internal primers based on MS peptides and a full-length cDNA was isolated using a combination of rapid amplification of cDNA ends and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The deduced amino acid sequence of the full-length cDNA consists of 231 amino acid residues with a 19 aa signal peptide. The mature protein has a calculated molecular mass of ∼ 24.5 kDa, a theoretical pI of 6.09, and consists of a single DOMON-like type 9 carbohydrate-binding module (CBM9-like-3) conserved domain. The protein shares the highest sequence similarity (≥57%) to hypothetical proteins from fungi within the Pezizomycotina subphylum of Ascomycota. Antiserum against a recombinant version of CFP28 recognized native CFP28 in S/E phase cells and culture supernatants. CFP28 mRNA and protein expression were detectable in S/E phase in Converse medium, but were increased in the presence of added GlcNAc. Purified native CFP28 reacted with pooled sera from patients with coccidioidomycosis.
The Eden Alternative Findings After 1 Year of Implementation

Background. This study examines the effects of the Eden Alternative (EA), a systematic introduction of pets, plants, and children into a nursing home, on the quality of life of nursing home residents. Methods. Two nursing homes run by the same organization participated. The study site began implementing the EA in November 1998. The control site continued traditional care. Patient-level data from the Minimum Data Set (MDS), Version 2.0, and aggregate data based on staff reports were used to compare the residents at the two sites in terms of cognition, survival, immune function, functional status, and cost of care after 1 year. Results. After adjusting for baseline differences, follow-up MDS data indicated that the Eden site had significantly greater proportions of residents who had fallen within the past 30 days ( p � .011) and residents who were experiencing nutritional problems ( p � .001). Staff report data indicated that, during the study period, the Eden site had significantly higher rates of residents requiring skilled nursing and hypnotic prescriptions, and more staff terminations and new hires. The control site had significantly higher rates of residents requiring anxiolytic prescriptions. Conclusions. The findings from this study indicate no beneficial effects of the EA in terms of cognition, functional status, survival, infection rate, or cost of care after 1 year. However, qualitative observations at the Eden site indicated that the change was positive for many staff as well as residents, suggesting that it may take longer than a year to demonstrate improvements attributable to the EA.
Structural and Catalytic Mechanisms Underlying CaMKII Substrate Selection

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a multimeric Ser/Thr protein kinase that orchestrates global changes in cell function via the regulation of multiple substrates. CaMKII is a dodecameric holoenzyme composed of 12 subunits that each consists of catalytic and regulatory domains that are tethered together via an association domain. The multimeric nature of CaMKII allows an intraholenzyme, intersubunit autophosphorylation reaction that is important for regulating this kinase's sensitivity to calcium-CaM. However, another possible function of this kinase's multimeric structure could be to increase the concentration of catalytic subunits to a localized environment. To address structural mechanisms underlying substrate selection, we tested soluble and immobilized substrates for differences between CaMKII and a monomeric form of CaMKII (1-316). Both kinases retain their dependence on calcium-CaM for activity and possess very little differences in their phosphorylation of high and low affinity substrates in solution (∼5 μM and ∼50 μM, respectively). Using diffusion-restricted substrates (i.e. peptide substrates immobilized synthesized on cellulose membranes), we observed that monomeric CaMKII displayed levels of phosphorylation that were proportional to the relative Km values observed in solution. Surprisingly, multimeric CaMKII displayed increased phosphorylation on substrates with a higher Km (i.e. lower affinity) and a lower level of phosphorylation on high affinity substrates (low Km). These data suggest that CaMKII diffusion-restricted substrates in specific subcellular compartments, like the post-synaptic density, may be regulated as a complex, rather than simply as individual substrates selected by their specific Km values. Thus, in addition to supporting intraholoenzyme autophosphorylation reactions, the unique multimeric architecture of the CaMKII holoenzyme may permit this multifunctional enzyme to regulate complex assemblies of substrates through dual mechanisms of restricting high affinity substrates and enhancing the phosphorylation of low affinity substrates.
Dynorphin A activates bradykinin receptors to maintain neuropathic pain

Dynorphin A is an endogenous opioid peptide that produces non-opioid receptor-mediated neural excitation. Here we demonstrate that dynorphin induces calcium influx via voltage-sensitive calcium channels in sensory neurons by activating bradykinin receptors. This action of dynorphin at bradykinin receptors is distinct from the primary signaling pathway activated by bradykinin and underlies the hyperalgesia produced by pharmacological administration of dynorphin by the spinal route in rats and mice. Blockade of spinal B1 or B2 receptor also reverses persistent neuropathic pain but only when there is sustained elevation of endogenous spinal dynorphin, which is required for maintenance of neuropathic pain. These data reveal a mechanism for endogenous dynorphin to promote pain through its agonist action at bradykinin receptors and suggest new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
An integrated simulator for coupled domain problems in MEMS

An integrated circuit and microfluidic simulator is presented in this paper. It allows coupled simulation of flow, structure, thermal, and electrical domains. The overall architecture and various algorithms including the coupling of the circuit and microfluidic simulators are described. An application of the simulator is demonstrated for a controlled microliquid dosing system using detailed numerical models for the fluid field, a low-dimensional model for the flow sensor, and circuit elements for the electronic control. Unlike other simulators which employ mostly lumped models for the various components, we formulate here a methodology for distributed systems.
Gabriel: A Design Environment for Programmable DSPs

Gabriel is a retargetable software system for the development of assembly code and microcode for single or multiple programmable DSPs. It is intended to ease code development even for processors that are not easy targets for conventional compilers. Code generation for the Motorola DSP56001 is emphasized. A Thor-based simulator supplies a variety of target multi-DSP architectures based on the DSP56001. The top-level algorithm description is a large grain data flow graph, and a graphical interface using OCT and VEM provides a natural representation of the high level structure of the algorithm.
Type-Based Random Access for Distributed Detection Over Multiaccess Fading Channels

The problem of distributed detection in a sensor network over multiaccess fading channels is considered. A random-access transmission scheme referred to as the type-based random access (TBRA) is proposed and analyzed. Error exponents of TBRA under noncoherent detection are characterized with respect to the mean transmission rate and the channel-coherence index. For the zero-mean multiaccess fading channels, it is shown that there exists an optimal mean-transmission rate that maximizes the detection-error exponents. The optimal mean-transmission rate can be calculated numerically or estimated using the Gaussian approximation, and it gives a sensor-activation strategy that achieves an optimal allocation of transmission energy to spatial and temporal domains. Numerical examples and simulations are used to compare TBRA with the conventional centralized time-division multiple access (TDMA) scheme. It is shown that for the zero-mean multiaccess fading channels, TBRA gives substantial improvement in the low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime whereas for the nonzero mean fading channels, TBRA performs better over a wide range of SNR.
Justifications of Aggressive Behavior in Contact and Semicontact Sports

The present study examines the extent to which athletes in selected contact and semicontact sports report agreement or disagreement with the use of intentional acts of aggression during competition. Eighty-five male athletes responded to the Bredemeier Athietic Aggression Inventory-Short Form and the Mintah Huddleston Aggression Justification Inventory. Overall results revealed no significant differences between subjects' use of hostile and instrumental aggression in sport and between the hostile and instrumental justifications provided for such behavior. Results indicated that contact-sport participants disagree more with the use of instrumental aggression than semicontact-sport participants.
Endoscopic Evaluation of Symptomatic Patients following Bariatric Surgery: A Literature Review

Obesity is an epidemic in our society, and rates continue to rise, along with comorbid conditions associated with obesity. Unfortunately, obesity remains refractory to behavioral and drug therapy but has shown response to bariatric surgery. Not only can long-term weight loss be achieved, but a majority of patients have also shown improvement of the comorbid conditions associated with obesity. A rise in the use of surgical therapy for management of obesity presents a challenge with an increased number of patients with problems after bariatric surgery. It is important to be familiar with symptoms following bariatric surgery, such as nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, dysphagia, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding and to utilize appropriate available tests for upper gastrointestinal tract pathology in the postoperative period.
Egg production forecasting: Determining efficient modeling approaches.

SUMMARY Several mathematical or statistical and artificial intelligence models were developed to compare egg production forecasts in commercial layers. Initial data for these models were collected from a comparative layer trial on commercial strains conducted at the Poultry Research Farms, Auburn University. Simulated data were produced to represent new scenarios by using means and SD of egg production of the 22 commercial strains. From the simulated data, random examples were generated for neural network training and testing for the weekly egg production prediction from wk 22 to 36. Three neural network architectures—back-propagation-3, Ward5, and the general regression neural network—were compared for their efficiency to forecast egg production, along with other traditional models. The general regression neural network gave the best-fitting line, which almost overlapped with the commercial egg production data, with an R 2 of 0.71. The general regression neural network-predicted curve was compared with original egg production data, the average curves of white-shelled and brown-shelled strains, linear regression predictions, and the Gompertz nonlinear model. The general regression neural network was superior in all these comparisons and may be the model of choice if the initial overprediction is managed efficiently. In general, neural network models are efficient, are easy to use, require fewer data, and are practical under farm management conditions to forecast egg production.
Evolution of acquired resistance to anti-cancer therapy

Acquired drug resistance is a major limitation for the successful treatment of cancer. Resistance can emerge due to a variety of reasons including host environmental factors as well as genetic or epigenetic alterations in the cancer cells. Evolutionary theory has contributed to the understanding of the dynamics of resistance mutations in a cancer cell population, the risk of resistance pre-existing before the initiation of therapy, the composition of drug cocktails necessary to prevent the emergence of resistance, and optimum drug administration schedules for patient populations at risk of evolving acquired resistance. Here we review recent advances towards elucidating the evolutionary dynamics of acquired drug resistance and outline how evolutionary thinking can contribute to outstanding questions in the field.
Characterization of a Human Cytomegalovirus with Phosphorylation Site Mutations in the Immediate-Early 2 Protein

A human cytomegalovirus mutant (TNsubIE2P) was constructed with alanine substitutions of four residues (T27, S144, T233, and S234) previously shown to be phosphorylated in the immediate-early 2 (IE2) protein. This mutant grew as well as the wild type at both low and high multiplicities of infection. The mutant activated the major immediate-early, UL4, and UL44 promoters to similar levels, and with similar kinetics, as wild-type virus. However, the TNsubIE2P mutant virus transactivated an endogenous simian virus 40 early promoter 4 h earlier and to higher levels than the wild-type virus in infected human fibroblasts. The modification of the IE2 protein by SUMO-1 (i.e., its sumoylated state) was also examined.
58 Determining the total dietary fiber content in hawaiian marine algae

In Hawaii, many species of marine algae are eaten by people, as well as by green sea turtles, reef fish, shore crabs and other herbivorous invertebrates. The Total Dietary Fiber (TDF) content was determined for 30 species (17 Rhodophyta, 4 Phaeophyta, and 9 Chlorophyta) using an enzymatic-gravimetric procedure. Overall, the seaweeds were rich in fiber. TDF values ranged from 58.48% dry wt. in Ahnfeltiopsis concinna (J. Agardh) Silva et DeCew to 12.80% dry wt. in Codium reediae Silva.
Beyond (the Scope of) Conflict: National Black and Latino Advocacy Group Relations in the Congressional and Legal Arenas

We examine activities of and between minority advocacy groups in the U.S., particularly similarities and differences in positions of Blacks and Latinos in their efforts to influence national-level policies. Findings highlight several points. Analysis of Congressional scorecard data indicates only modest overlap among the issues identified by the minority advocacy groups, though there is complete “congruence” on the issues that are identified by both groups. The highest degree of “independence” of the activities examined occurs in Congressional testimony. Regarding legal advocacy, analysis of amicus curiae briefs further affirms the general finding that there is little if any outright competition between Black and Latino advocacy groups. There appears to be considerable “tacit non-cooperation” which varies by policy-type and between these national institutions.
Periodicities designed in the tropomyosin sequence and structure define its functions

Tropomyosin is an actin binding protein that regulates actin filament dynamics and its interactions with actin binding proteins such as myosin, tropomodulin, formin, Arp2/3 and ADF-cofilin in most eukaryotic cells. Tropomyosin is the prototypical two-chained, α-helical coiled coil protein that associates end-to-end and binds to both sides of the actin filament. Each tropomyosin molecule spans four to seven actin monomers in the filament, depending on the size of the tropomyosin. Tropomyosins have a periodic heptad repeat sequence that is characteristic of coiled coil proteins as well as additional periodicities required for its interaction with the actin filament, where each periodic repeat interacts with one actin molecule. This review addresses the role of periodic features of the Tm molecule in carrying out its universal functions of binding to the actin filament and its regulation and the specific features that may determine the isoform specificity of tropomyosins.
The Association of HIV-Related Stigma to HIV Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of the Literature

This paper provides a review of the quantitative literature on HIV-related stigma and medication adherence, including: (1) synthesis of the empirical evidence linking stigma to adherence, (2) examination of proposed causal mechanisms of the stigma and adherence relationship, and (3) methodological critique and guidance for future research. We reviewed 38 studies reporting either cross-sectional or prospective analyses of the association of HIV-related stigma to medication adherence since the introduction of antiretroviral therapies (ART). Although there is substantial empirical evidence linking stigma to adherence difficulties, few studies provided data on psychosocial mechanisms that may account for this relationship. Proposed mechanisms include: (a) enhanced vulnerability to mental health difficulties, (b) reduction in self-efficacy, and (c) concerns about inadvertent disclosure of HIV status. Future research should strive to assess the multiple domains of stigma, use standardized measures of adherence, and include prospective analyses to test mediating variables.
A new Emoia samoensis group lizard (Squamata: Scincidae) from the Cook Islands, South-central Pacific

The first published report of a large treeskink from Rarotonga, Cook Islands, appeared in 1988. The first museum voucher specimen was collected in 1984. Although this skink seems likely to be a recent arrival to the island of Rarotonga, it represents a unique member of the Emoia samoensis species group. We compare this population with other members of the E. samoensis group and describe the population as Emoia tuitarere n. sp., distinguished by a suite of external characters including SVL, number of dorsal scale rows, and number of subdigital lamellae of the fourth toe. We provide preliminary definitions for the concolor and samoensis species subgroups proposed by Brown (1991), although current molecular data do not support their monophyly (Hamilton et al., 2010).
Fighting Keywords: Translating the First Amendment to Protect Software Speech

The ongoing debate over the applicability of the First Amendment to software focuses primarily on whether software is speech, a device, or a combination of both. According to the terms of this debate, if software is speech then the First Amendment fully protects it; however, if software is a device, it deserves no First Amendment protection. I argue that this debate is misplaced because the mere classification of software as "speech" or as a "device" does not end the First Amendment inquiry. I propose an alternative framework in which well-accepted principles of tort law, criminal law, and First Amendment jurisprudence are combined to provide maximum protection for "software speech," while also promoting the public interest in regulating harm. Shaping the precise contours of such a framework, however, will require the resolution of difficult public policy questions raised by the unique nature of software and the Internet.
Oxidative uncoupling in cysteine dioxygenase is gated by a proton-sensitive intermediate.

Cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) is a non-heme mononuclear iron enzyme that catalyzes the O2-dependent oxidation of l-cysteine (Cys) to produce cysteine sulfinic acid (CSA). This enzyme catalyzes the first committed step in Cys catabolism; thus, it is central to mammalian sulfur metabolism and redox homeostasis. Ironically, despite nearly 45 years of continued research on CDO, essentially no information has been reported with respect to its kinetic mechanism. In this work, the timing of chemical steps in the CDO kinetic mechanism is investigated by pH/pD-dependent steady-state kinetics and solvent isotope effects on kcat, kcat/KM, and (O2/CSA) coupling. Normal solvent kinetic isotope effects of 1.45 ± 0.05 and 2.0 ± 0.1 are observed in kcat–pL and kcat/KM–pL profiles, respectively. Proton inventory experiments within the pL-independent region (pL 8.5) suggest multiple solvent-exchangeable protons in flight for both kcat and kcat/KM data. The influence of solvent viscosity was also investigated to probe non-chem...
Surgical Treatment of Extracranial Atherosclerotic Lesions

Extracranial atherosclerotic lesions have long been treated with carotid endarterectomy and various arterial bypass graft procedures. The bypass procedures have been proven to provide no beneficial effect in prevention of stroke recurrence. However, the EC/IC bypass study raised serious questions and admonitions against the traditionally accepted belief that stroke can be prevented by simply restoring loss of blood flow in the brain. Moreover, the randomization of structural abnormalities, such as angiographie abnormalities, may not be enough to predict outcome of functions. The carotid endarterectomy may follow the same fate if future studies are designed to randomize stroke patients solely upon the degree of carotid stenosis and ulceration by angiogram. It is well known that results of many randomization studies contradict each other. This may reflect inadequacies in factors randomized, or incapability of these structural randomizations in prediction of functional outcome. The latter may be analogous to so-called used car evaluation pessimism. The pessimism relates to the difficulty in predicting durability of the car, even with the most elaborate mechanical and structural evaluation. The mechanical and structural evaluation does not include the handling and the maintenance of the car, which can be more decisive in determination of the prognosis of the car. No such functional factors are randomized in stroke studies, such as physical activities, psychological stresses, personal characteristics, socioeconomic status, working conditions and hours, and many others. Accordingly, in order to have the current randomization method be able to overcome the pessimism, the mechanical or structural abnormality has to be analysed with more precision and should be presented in such a way as to include reflection of some of the functional aspects. In addition, the mechanical factors have to be more grave than the functional factors.
The Northern Tier

CEE states suffer from a number of bilateral and multilateral transboundary environmental disputes stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea and include disputes relating to water pollution, air pollution, the destruction of biodiversity, liability for hazardous waste and the siting and operation of nuclear facilities. These disputes exist at all four phases of the dispute resolution process, with some states just beginning to articulate the exact nature of their dispute and with other states striving to implement an agreed upon means for resolving the dispute. Similarly, some states have as yet failed to utilize a dispute resolution mechanism, while others are making active use of inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and in some instances, adjudication. The disputes involve not only states from CEE, but also states from the EU and former Soviet Union, and in at least one instance, Turkey. To structure the investigation of these case studies, which are arranged according to their geographic position on the North–South axis, each case study is divided into a discussion of the basic factual background necessary to understand the dispute, and a discussion of the current and potential role of international law and the legal process in promoting a resolution of the dispute.
THE SIGNS OF LANGUAGE IN CHILD AND CHIMPANZEE

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the signs of language in child and chimpanzee. Each sign can be described according to three parameters that occur simultaneously: (1) the hand configuration involved in the sign, (2) the place in relation to the body where the sign is made, and (3) movement of the sign. The chimpanzee might is incapable of vocalization, but its behavior in the wild suggests that it is very adroit in the control of its manual gestures. The chapter highlights the total picture of language communication among the profoundly deaf. There are at least three different varieties of manual language among the deaf. One is based entirely on written English; it uses the visual mode, but is derivative, in much the same way as written language. It is quite appropriately called finger spelling. There is a hand alphabet in which each letter of the English alphabet is represented by a different hand configuration, and each English word is simply written in the air. The second variety of manual language uses a combination of finger spelling and signs but stays as close as possible to written English in word order and morphology. This is called Signed English, and it is used primarily in instruction and in formal situations. The third type of manual language is sometimes called American Sign Language of the Deaf. It is the language the deaf use among themselves when they communicate, and ordinarily it is the language that the deaf child learns from his deaf parents.
A comparison of sodium silicate and ammonium lignosulfonate effects on xenotime and selected gangue mineral microflotation

Abstract Because of their selective depressing power, sodium silicate and lignosulfonate have been widely used as depressants in rare-earth mineral flotation to separate minerals from specific types of gangue minerals. In this project, the microflotation of a xenotime pre-concentrate and pure samples of the selected gangue minerals ilmenite, zircon, schorl and staurolite was carried out. This utilized octano-hydroxamic acid and sodium oleate as the collectors and the research was conducted in a Partridge-Smith microflotation cell. The flotation of the mixed samples (weight ratio = 1:1) of xenotime and each one of its gangue minerals was also investigated at both room temperature and 80 °C, using sodium silicate or ammonium lignosulfonate in the presence of octano-hydroxamic acid and sodium oleate respectively. The flotation results are described and compared with those observed by previous researchers. The effects of sodium silicate and ammonium lignosulfonate on weight recoveries and grade of xenotime are also discussed and compared.
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas with Segmental Arterial Supply Also Giving Rise to a Radiculomedullary Artery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background During the past 3 decades, a handful of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula cases have been reported in which the segmental artery giving rise to the fistulous connection also supplies a radiculomedullary artery that contributes to the anterior spinal artery. Case Description Here, we describe the case of a 62-year-old woman who developed spinal cord and conus medullaris dysfunction over the course of a year attributable to a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula supplied by an L1 radicular artery that also contributed to the anterior spinal artery. Despite rapid deterioration in the weeks leading up to presentation, microsurgical disconnection led to a notable improvement in motor symptoms. We present the details of our case and review the literature regarding this anatomic variant. Conclusions Recognizing this likely rare anatomical variant is critical in optimizing functional outcome.
EnergyHome: leveraging housemate dynamics to motivate energy conservation

We designed, implemented, and evaluated an iOS mobile application called EnergyHome to investigate how social interaction among housemates is related to their engagement in energy-saving practices. EnergyHome enables housemates to track personal energy-saving activities and to collaborate on saving energy together. Fourteen pairs of housemates used EnergyHome for a week. Afterwards, we interviewed each participant about their use of the app. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using an iterative comparative approach. We identified two types of social dynamics in the way housemates used the app. In complementary dynamics, one housemate took the initiative to set energy-saving challenges and the other(s) followed. In symmetrical dynamics, housemates collectively set energy-saving challenges but no one tried to exert control. Based on these findings, we discuss design strategies to motivate energy conservation that take into account different social dynamics among housemates.