cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reachability Analysis as a Design Tool for Stormwater Systems

Effective stormwater management requires systems that operate safely and deliver improved environmental outcomes in a cost-effective manner. However, current design practices typically evaluate performance assuming that a given system starts empty and operates independently from nearby stormwater infrastructure. There is a conspicuous need for more realistic design-phase indicators of performance that consider a larger set of initial conditions and the effects of coupled dynamics. To this end, we apply a control-theoretic method, called reachability analysis, to produce a more objective measure of system robustness. We seek two primary contributions in this work. First, we demonstrate how the application of reachability analysis to a dynamic model of a stormwater network can characterize the set of initial conditions from which every element in the network can avoid overflowing under a given surface runoff signal of finite duration. This is, to the authors’ knowledge, the first published application of reachability analysis to stormwater systems. Our second contribution is to offer an interpretation of the outcomes of the proposed reachability analysis as a measure of system robustness that can provide useful information when making critical design decisions. We illustrate the effectiveness of this method in revealing the trade-offs of particular design choices relative to a desired level of robustness.
A Ground-Breaking Collaboration in the Great Depression: Elizabeth C. Morriss of North Carolina (1878-1960) & Edna Phillips of Massachusetts (1890-1968) and Their Experimental Reading Study on Adult Beginners (1935)

The circumstances of the first meeting of an adult educator, Elizabeth C. Morriss, a widow, from North Carolina in her mid-fifties, with a librarian, Edna Phillips, a single woman, from Massachusetts in her mid-forties, were most promising. Both were active in their respective fields, Morriss in the field of adult elementary education, and Phillips in the field of library adult education. Despite their years of experience, they were both pursuing degrees in Adult Education from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, probably to get credentials that would certify them as recognized leaders in their field. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
Minute ventilation during hypoxia is augmented with capsaicin supplementation in aged mice.

Abstract Capsaicin is an agonist for transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and acute injection results in an increased frequency and tidal volume in young rats. It is unknown how capsaicin influences breathing in aged mice. We tested the hypothesis that capsaicin supplementation would elicit an augmented pattern of breathing in old mice compared to controls. Male 22-month old C57BL/6 J mice consumed a diet containing capsaicin (50 ppm) or lecithin control for one month. Breathing patterns were obtained prior to/following the dietary supplementation period using unrestrained barometric plethysmography. Frequency, tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation (VE), VE to expelled carbon dioxide ratio (VE/VCO2) and VT divided by inspiratory time (VT/Ti) were analyzed at baseline and during a 15-minute hypoxic exposure (10% O2). Capsaicin supplemented mice showed greater VE, VE/VCO2 and TV/Ti during hypoxic exposure compared to controls, with no change at baseline. Overall, these findings suggest an acute augmented response to hypoxia following capsaicin administration in older mice.
Evaluation of CpG-ODN-adjuvanted polyanhydride-based intranasal influenza nanovaccine in pigs.

Abstract Influenza results in significant economic loss in the swine industry each year. A broadly protective swine influenza vaccine would have the dual benefit of protecting pigs from influenza A viruses (IAVs) and limiting their possible zoonotic transmission to humans. In this study, we developed polyanhydride nanoparticles-based swine influenza vaccine (KAg + CpG-nanovaccine) co-encapsulating inacticated/killed soluble antigen (KAg) and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-9 agonist (CpG-ODN). The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of KAg + CpG-nanovaccine was compared with KAg vaccine containing five-times greater quantity of antigens following heterologous virus challenge. Prime-boost intranasally delivered KAg + CpG-nanovaccine induced significantly higher levels of cross-reactive antigen-specific IgA antibody responses in the nasal cavity, greater lymphoproliferative response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and higher IFN-γ secretion during antigen-induced recall responses of PBMCs and tracheobronchial lymph nodes cells compared to those immunized with KAg alone. Importantly, KAg + CpG-nanovaccine provided better protective efficacy through a significant reduction in influenza-induced fever, 16-fold reduction of nasal virus shedding and 80-fold reduction in lung virus titers compared to those immunized with soluble KAg. Our results indicated that CpG-ODN-adjuvanted polyanhydride nanovaccine can induce higher mucosal antibody and cellular immune responses in pigs; and provide better protection as compared with intranasally delivered soluble KAg.
Abstract 224: Sub-cytotoxic Levels of Heavy Metals Induce Pro-inflammatory Signaling in the Aortic Endothelium without Impairing Flow-Mediated Dilation in Rats

Introduction: Acute exposure to tobacco or marijuana secondhand smoke (SHS) causes endothelial dysfunction. The identity of specific SHS constituents that cause vascular toxicity is unclear. Heavy metals are present in SHS and at elevated levels in the blood of smokers, and may mediate acute endothelial dysfunction through reactive oxygen species formation and decreasing NO bioavailability. We assessed the effects of exposure to cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic at levels present in the blood of human smokers on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) as a measure of endothelial function in rats. We also evaluated the effects of heavy metal exposure on intimal structure, protein localization pattern, and inflammatory gene expression in the aortic endothelium. Hypothesis: Sub-cytotoxic levels of heavy metals impair FMD, alter intimal structure, and induce pro-inflammatory signaling in endothelium. Methods: We injected rats (n=8/group) with heavy metal cocktail or vehicle intravenously and quantitated pre- and post-exposure FMDs measures defined as percent vasodilation of femoral artery after transient ischemia. We performed en face aorta immunostaining and assessed endothelial cell axis alignment, cell length ratio, and localization pattern of PECAM-1, VE-cadherin, and vimentin. We also quantified gene expression of key endothelial proteins in aorta homogenates. Results: FMD was not impaired in the heavy metal group (8.8±3.6(SD)% vs. 12.9±8.0%, p=.31 or controls (7.5±2.7% vs. 8.8±5.8%, p=.63). No significant difference in cell length ratio and endothelial x and y axes of alignment were detected between groups (p>.8) and localization of PECAM-1, VE-cadherin, and vimentin in the aorta endothelium remained unaltered following heavy metal injection. However, expression of PECAM-1 and VE-cadherin was significantly lower in the heavy metal-treated rats, while VCAM-1 gene expression was significantly higher (p<.05). Conclusion: Acute exposure to sub-cytotoxic levels of heavy metals can induce pro-inflammatory signaling in endothelium, which could potentially lead to vascular injury. However, FMD and endothelial structure remain unchanged by heavy metal exposure.
The Reduction of Pathogen Load on Ross 708 Broilers when Using Different Sources of Commercial Peracetic Acid Sanitizers in a Pilot Processing Plant.

Peracetic acid (PAA) in poultry processing is not necessarily the same from company to company. Anecdotal evidence suggests that PeraClean may be more stable compared to the competition; however, it is not known what impact potential differences in chemical stability may have. In order to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of PAA, one PAA (PeraClean, P) was qualitatively compared against two competitor products (Competitors 1 and 2, C1 and C2) at the University of Arkansas Pilot Processing Plant. A total of 150 Ross 708 broilers (42 d) were used in the current study. Briefly, prior to treatment, 10 birds were sampled post-evisceration (C). Then, one of four treatment groups per PAA were applied (A1, A2, B1, and B2). The birds were dipped in either 400 ppm or 600 ppm PAA (A or B), chilled in either 25 ppm or 45 ppm PAA (1 or 2), and then manually agitated in 400 mL of nBPW for 1 min. There were 10 birds per treatment group in total. The resulting rinsates were transported to the Center for Food Safety and assessed for total microbiological load with total aerobic plate counts (Trypticase Soy Agar; APC), coliforms, (Eosin Methylene Blue Media; EMB), Salmonella (Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar, XLD), and Campylobacter (modified Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate Agar, mCCDA). The microbiological plates were incubated as per manufacturer’s directions. Statistical analyses were calculated in JMP 14.0, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Data indicate that all three sources of PAA are effective sanitizers for poultry processing applications compared within treatment. Qualitatively, there were differences in efficacy between the treatments. However, additional studies will be required to determine if those differences are quantitatively distinctive and if they are attributable to differences in product stability.
On Tracer Breakthrough Curve Dataset Size, Shape, and Statistical Distribution.

Abstract A tracer breakthrough curve (BTC) for each sampling station is the ultimate goal of every quantitative hydrologic tracing study, and dataset size can critically affect the BTC. Groundwater-tracing data obtained using in situ automatic sampling or detection devices may result in very high-density data sets. Data-dense tracer BTCs obtained using in situ devices and stored in dataloggers can result in visually cluttered overlapping data points. The relatively large amounts of data detected by high-frequency settings available on in situ devices and stored in dataloggers ensure that important tracer BTC features, such as data peaks, are not missed. Alternatively, such dense datasets can also be difficult to interpret. Even more difficult, is the application of such dense data sets in solute-transport models that may not be able to adequately reproduce tracer BTC shapes due to the overwhelming mass of data. One solution to the difficulties associated with analyzing, interpreting, and modeling dense data sets is the selective removal of blocks of the data from the total dataset. Although it is possible to arrange to skip blocks of tracer BTC data in a periodic sense (data decimation) so as to lessen the size and density of the dataset, skipping or deleting blocks of data also may result in missing the important features that the high-frequency detection setting efforts were intended to detect. Rather than removing, reducing, or reformulating data overlap, signal filtering and smoothing may be utilized but smoothing errors (e.g., averaging errors, outliers, and potential time shifts) need to be considered. Appropriate probability distributions to tracer BTCs may be used to describe typical tracer BTC shapes, which usually include long tails. Recognizing appropriate probability distributions applicable to tracer BTCs can help in understanding some aspects of the tracer migration.
Initial Engagement in Oral Sex and Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescent Girls With and Without Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

We investigated initial engagement in oral sex and sexual intercourse, as well as number of sexual partners, among a prospectively followed sample of adolescent girls with and without a thorough childhood diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants were adolescent girls (ages 12–19) followed longitudinally as part of a study of ADHD in females. A diverse sample of 140 girls with clinician-diagnosed ADHD (47 inattentive, 93 combined) and 88 age- and ethnicity-matched comparison girls were initially recruited and invited to partake in research summer programs. We utilized data on initial engagement in oral sex, sexual intercourse, and number of sexual partners, collected during follow-up interviews conducted 5 and 10 years after baseline participation. Girls with a childhood diagnosis of ADHD engaged in oral sex at a significantly younger age and reported nearly twice as many oral sex partners than their typically developing peers. Post hoc tests revealed that group differences were driven largely by girls with the combined presentation of ADHD (i.e., those with childhood histories of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity). No significant differences emerged with respect to age of initial sexual intercourse or number of male sexual intercourse partners. In sum, adolescent girls with ADHD, particularly those with the combined presentation, were more likely to engage in oral sexual activity at a young age and with a greater number of both male and female partners. Findings highlight the need for longitudinal research that quantifies and distinguishes between various forms of sexual behavior and later reproductive and mental health outcomes.
Negative capacitance enables GAA scaling VDD to 0.5 V

Abstract We present a TCAD simulation of the negative capacitance gate-all-around (NCGAA) field-effect transistor with the 3-D Ginzburg-Landau-Khalatnikov Model. The baseline device is based on the 2020 IRDS Table, and the mobility model is calibrated to account for ballistic transport and to match the “1.5 nm node” IRDS on-current requirement. The NC parameters are extracted from experimental C-V data. The NC-GAA shows reduction in the off current by one order of magnitude and a 40% on-current boost. If the gate work function is shifted to align the NC-GAA’s off-current with the IRDS high performance requirement, it is shown that NC-GAA can achieve the on-current and VDD requirement of every node through the “0.7 eq node,” which is the last node predicted in the 2020 IRDS Table. Furthermore, NC-GAA can even achieve a “0.5 eq node,” which is three additional nodes beyond the baseline “1.5 nm node.” We also show that these benefits are retained over a varying set of ferroelectric parameters.
Reply re: "The Effect of Photographic Visual Aids in Preoperative Patient Counseling in Oculoplastic Surgery".

Purpose To investigate the effect of visual supplementation and its mode of delivery in preoperative counseling of patients undergoing oculoplastic surgery. Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial of consecutive patients undergoing oculoplastic eyebrow and eyelid surgery was conducted. Patients were randomized to an "oral only" group receiving routine preoperative oral counseling or an "oral and visual" group receiving identical counseling visually supplemented with photographs demonstrating common postoperative physical findings. Patients in the "oral and visual" group were further randomized to receive education from the medical team in person versus prerecorded video. Patient emotions and expectations regarding postoperative healing were assessed preoperatively and at 1 week and 2 months postoperatively. Results 103 patients were included: 32 received in-person oral education, 33 received in-person oral education with photographs, and 38 received education with photographs via video. There were no significant differences in demographics or preoperative patient fear, anxiety, or preparedness. The "oral and visual" group expected more severe postsurgical discomfort and physical findings at postoperative day 1 and week 1. There were no significant differences between groups in surgery signup, cancellation, or triage call rates; patient expectations of postoperative months 2 and 4; or in anxiety, preparedness, or satisfaction. Conclusions Visual supplementation in preoperative counseling increases patient expectations of postoperative physical findings without escalating fear or anxiety, and has no significant impact on patient emotions, triage call rates, and satisfaction throughout their surgical experience. Preoperative education via video is perceived by patients to be equivalent to counseling in person by the surgeon.
Ultrasound Visceral Slide Assessment to Detect Adhesions in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery – a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Study Objective To determine the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative visceral slide assessment with ultrasound to detect intra-abdominal adhesions, compared to the gold standard of intraoperative findings. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis, prospectively registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Setting Abdominal entry at time of laparoscopy is a critical step with risk of injury to underlying viscera due to bowel adhesions. Ultrasound can be used as a preoperative tool to assess slide of viscera underneath the abdominal wall in order to detect adhesion-free areas. Patients or Participants Prospective and cross-sectional studies in English that included patients at risk for adhesions, undergoing ultrasound visceral slide assessment followed by abdominal surgery. Interventions N/A Measurements and Main Results 3737 articles were screened through electronic searches of Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases. Reference lists of relevant articles were searched for further articles. Two reviewers independently selected articles, extracted data, and assessed bias using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Primary authors were contacted for additional relevant data. Twenty-five articles reported on 1620 patients and 6166 assessed abdominal areas, with considerable heterogeneity of described abdominal areas and degrees of adhesions. Only 5 studies were performed blinded and 21 had high risk of selection bias. The periumbilical area was assessed for bowel adhesions in 869 patients in 11 studies, with 12.2% reported to have adhesions. Ultrasound assessment for periumbilical bowel adhesions had a combined sensitivity of 93.5% (95% confidence interval, 87.0-97.3), specificity of 91.7% (89.6-93.6), positive predictive value of 61.4% (55.5-66.9), and negative predictive value of 99.0% (98.0-99.5). Conclusion Visceral slide assessment with ultrasound has a high negative predictive value for absence of bowel adhesions in patients at risk for adhesions and should be considered as a useful tool to detect adhesion-free areas to assist with safe laparoscopic entry.
Latest Results from CERES/NA45

In this talk latest results from the analysis of e+e- pairs emitted in Pb+Au collisions at 40 AGeV/c and a combined analysis of all data available at 158 AGeV/c are presented. The enhancement of low-mass e+e- pairs (m_ee>0.2 GeV/c^2) with respect to the expected yield from hadron decays first reported at 158 AGeV/c is also found at 40 AGeV/c and is even larger there. Comparing to various theoretical models based on pi-pi-annihilation, the data can only be reproduced, if the properties of the intermediate rho in the hot and dense medium are modified. Theoretically, the modification is linked to baryon density rather than temperature. Constraints from hadron data taken at the same beam energies indeed indicate a fireball evolution along a trajectory of higher baryon density at 40 AGeV/c, consistent with the observed larger enhancement factor.
Cognitive Function in Adolescents and Young Adults With Youth-Onset Type 1 Versus Type 2 Diabetes: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study.

OBJECTIVE Poor cognition has been observed in children and adolescents with youth-onset type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared with control subjects without diabetes. Differences in cognition between youth-onset T1D and T2D, however, are not known. Thus, using data from SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth, a multicenter, observational cohort study, we tested the association between diabetes type and cognitive function in adolescents and young adults with T1D (n = 1,095) or T2D (n = 285). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Cognition was assessed via the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery, and age-corrected composite Fluid Cognition scores were used as the primary outcome. Confounder-adjusted linear regression models were run. Model 1 included diabetes type and clinical site. Model 2 additionally included sex, race/ethnicity, waist-to-height ratio, diabetes duration, depressive symptoms, glycemic control, any hypoglycemic episode in the past year, parental education, and household income. Model 3 additionally included the Picture Vocabulary score, a measure of receptive language and crystallized cognition. RESULTS Having T2D was significantly associated with lower fluid cognitive scores before adjustment for confounders (model 1; P < 0.001). This association was attenuated to nonsignificance with the addition of a priori confounders (model 2; P = 0.06) and Picture Vocabulary scores (model 3; P = 0.49). Receptive language, waist-to-height ratio, and depressive symptoms remained significant in the final model (P < 0.01 for all, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that while youth with T2D have worse fluid cognition than youth with T1D, these differences are accounted for by differences in crystallized cognition (receptive language), central adiposity, and mental health. These potentially modifiable factors are also independently associated with fluid cognitive health, regardless of diabetes type. Future studies of cognitive health in people with youth-onset diabetes should focus on investigating these significant factors.
Now That I'm Vaccinated…

It has now been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on our health and totally disrupted our lives. The threat of unimaginable death has been realized, with over 525,000 fatalities due ...
Quantum Algorithm for Machine Learning and Circuit Design Based on Optimization of Ternary - Input, Binary-Output Kronecker-Reed-Muller Forms

Paper introduces a new spectral expansion of ternary-input binary-output functions that generalizes the binary Kronecker-Reed-Muller forms. Two binary Davio Expansions are generalized to 27 Ternary-Input Davio Expansions. New KRM spectrum has 28n expansions for $n$ ternary variables. By creating an oracle for this problem we generalize the quantum Grover-based algorithms presented for the binary FPRM and KRM forms in the past. Because the method finds solutions also to incompletely specified functions, it can be used to both quantum circuit design and Machine Learning classifier design.
Adaptive Service in Mobile Computing Environments

Emerging communication-intensive applications require significant levels of networking resources for efficient operation. In the context of mobile computing environments, limited and dynamically varying available resources, stringent application requirements, and user mobility make it difficult to provide sustained quality of service to applications. This paper addresses the above issues, and proposes a new service model in cellular mobile computing environments. The major results of this paper are the following: An Adaptive Service model in mobile computing environments, which enables the network and applications to adaptively (re)negotiate QoS depending on dynamic network conditions An algorithmic framework that provides cost-effective resource adaptation in the presence of resource and network dynamics A unified implementation architecture for adaptive service support A brief overview of an ongoing testbed implementation is provided.
Effects of tyrosine hydroxylase mutants on locomotor activity in Drosophila: a study in functional genomics.

The brain of the adult fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, contains tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme required for catecholamine biosynthesis, as well as dopa decarboxylase. Catecholamines, principally dopamine, are also present. We have previously shown that pharmacological inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase with α-methyl-p-tyrosine results in a dose-related inhibition of locomotor activity in adult organisms. Similar results were found with reserpine, a well-known inhibitor of catecholamine uptake into storage granules. The drug-induced inhibition could be prevented in each case by the concomitant administration of l-dopa. The single-copy gene coding for tyrosine hydroxylase in Drosophila is pale (ple). Both null and temperature-sensitive loss of function mutant alleles of ple are recessive embryonic lethals. Heterozygous null mutant flies have normal locomotor activity demonstrating that only a single dose of the wild type form of ple is required to support normal function. Both hemizygous and homozygous temperature-sensitive ple mutants (plets1) also show normal locomotor activity at the permissive temperature for this mutant allele (18°C), which progressively declines as the temperature is increased to its restrictive level (29°C). These abnormal locomotor effects are reversible by l-dopa. Thus the effects on locomotor activity resulting from the pharmacological inhibition of catecholamine synthesis or storage are the same as those resulting from lack of tyrosine hydroxylase expression. These findings indicate that brain catecholamine loss decreases locomotor activity in the fly, as it does in mammals, and demonstrate the ability of functional genomic studies to mimic that of pharmacological inhibition of enzyme function or other similar processes.
Concentration-dependent transport of gases and vapors in glassy polymers: II. Organic vapors in ethyl cellulose

Abstract The solution (sorption) and transport of acetone, benzene, and methanol vapors in ethyl cellulose have been studied by Barrer, Barrie and Slater [5, 6] over a range of temperatures and penetrant concentrations. The solubility isotherms for the three penetrants as well as the diffusivity and permeability data for acetone reported by these investigators are analyzed in terms of a “dual-sorption” model with partial penetrant immobilization [3], assuming that the diffusion coefficient is concentration dependent [4].
Law Clerk Influence on Supreme Court Decision Making

For more than a half-century, legal scholars and commentators have questioned whether Supreme Court clerks wield excessive power over the operations and decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Yet to date there have been no attempts to determine systematically if, how, and how much clerks can influence the Court's decision making. Here we begin an effort to do so, focusing first on the most central - and least susceptible to clerk influence - locus of the Court's decision making, the votes of the justices on the merits. Using original data collected on the political partisanship of 532 former law clerks, we assess whether and to what extent law clerk ideology has an independent effect on how Supreme Court justices vote on the merits of a case. Our findings indicate that, even after controlling for justices' own policy preferences, the ideological propensities of their clerks exerts an independent influence on the justices' voting behavior; we estimate the magnitude of that effect to be roughly one-third that of the ideology of the justices themselves. While this finding alone does not suggest that law clerks are inappropriately wielding influence, it suggests that, at a minimum, the justices rely heavily upon their clerks as sounding boards and advisers in deciding how to vote on the merits of cases.
The Isolation of Radioiodine with Portland Cement. Part I: Scoping Leach Studies

Radioactive iodine wastes can be isolated in very concentrated form as insoluble barium io-date in concrete. Specimens containing from 2.9 to 11.9% by weight of iodine as barium iodate have been pr...
Genetic and Physiological Adaptation of the Copepod EURYTEMORA AFFINIS to Seasonal Temperatures

Evidence of significant additive genetic (genic) variance in temperature tolerance of the copepod Eurytemora affinis was derived from several sources. Differences were observed between average tolerances of progeny of animals exposed and not exposed to heat shock in a power plant. Genic variance was estimated using offspring-parent regressions, full-sib, and half-sib covariances, with quite consistent results. Expressed genic variance between male progeny was always higher than that among female progeny.—The pairs of estimates obtained were as follows: female heritabilities first, 0.40 ± 0.09 and 0.84 ± 0.35 (half-sibs); 0.20 ± 0.09 and 0.79 ± 0.24 (full-sibs); 0.11 ± 0.10 and 0.89 ± 0.45 (full-sibs); 0.28 ± 0.18 and 0.78 ± 0.29 (full-sibs); 0.11 ± 0.44 and 0.72 ± 0.26 (offspring-parent regression). There was no evidence of either nonadditive genetic variance or common environmental (maternal and brood) effects, implying that the genetic variance was mostly additive and was not maintained because of heterozygous advantage.—The presence of so much genetic variance is surprising in view of the high physiological adaptation found earlier, especially in females.
A class of bounds for convex bodies in Hilbert space

We extend to infinite dimensions a class of bounds forLp metrics of finite-dimensional convex bodies. A generalization to arbitrary increasing convex functions is done simultaneously. The main tool is the use of Gaussian measure to effect a normalization for varying dimension. At a point in the proof we also invoke a strong law of large numbers for random sets to produce a rotational averaging.
Emerging role of protein kinase B/Akt signaling in pancreatic β-cell mass and function

The serine-threonine kinase Akt also known as protein kinase B is one of the most studied molecules. In addition to the important role in carcinogenesis, Akt is a major regulator of carbohydrate metabolism. Akt mediates insulin-dependent glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive tissues. Recent evidence underscores the importance of Akt for regulation of β-cell mass and function. This review summarizes current findings concerning the molecular mechanisms, downstream signaling pathways, and critical components involved in regulation of β-cell mass and function by Akt. The results of these observations suggest that elucidation of critical downstream effectors of this signaling pathway could generate promising molecules as a potential target to induce proliferation and survival of β-cells.
A novel suicide gene therapy targeting the overexpression of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E improves survival in a rat peritoneal carcinomatosis model.

Background Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4E (eIF4E) is pivotal in translating mRNAs with complex 5′ un-translated regions (UTRs). A target-specific gene therapy was developed by splicing a complex 5′UTR upstream of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) gene in an adenovirus vector (Ad-HSV-UTK). Translation of the suicide TK gene is restricted to cells that overexpress eIF4E. We investigated the efficacy of this novel therapy in a rat peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) model. Methods A PC model was developed by implanting a syngeneic 0.25 cm3 tumor into Fisher 344 rats’ omentum. Rats were grouped as follow: No surgery (O CS), cytoreductive surgery alone (CS), and CS + Ad-HSV-UTK + gancyclovir (GCV). 109 Ad-HSV-UTK was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) and GCV (50 mg/kg) was administered i.p. every other day, beginning on postoperative day 2. The Kaplan-Meier survival method and log-rank test were statistical tests used. Results Treated rats had a significantly longer median and overall survival than the O CS and CS groups (P = .012). The median survivals for the treated rats, O CS, CS were 18 days, 9 days, and 11 days, respectively. Conclusions Treatment with a novel suicide gene therapy following cytoreductive surgery prolonged survival in a rat peritoneal carcinomatosis model.
La política de la diferencia: estatalidad y tolerancia en un mundo multicultural

En este trabajo se analiza el problema de la tolerancia desde el punto de vista internacional. Este cambio de enfoque respecto del que es tradicional permite descubrir algunos elementos interesantes. Por ejemplo, que los imperios resultan mas tolerantes con la diferencia que los Estados- nacion, que el consociacionalismo, siendo el arreglo institucional acaso mas equitativo para comunidades diferentes es, por ello mismo, el mas improbable, etc. El multiculturalismo, el respeto a la diferencia, la individualidad posmoderna y otros temas centrales a la teoria politica contemporanea se relacionan aqui tambien con la tolerancia y sus paradojas.
Low mutation rates of microsatellite loci in Drosophila melanogaster

Analysis of variation at microsatellite DNA loci is widely used in studies of parentage, linkage and evolutionary history. The utility of microsatellites is primarily due to high levels of allelic diversity, believed to reflect mutation rates orders of magnitude higher than base pair substitutions at single-copy genes. For humans, mice, rats and pigs, microsatellite mutation rates have been estimated at 10(-3)-10(-5). However, a recent study comparing microsatellite variation in humans with non-human primates suggests that microsatellite mutation rates may vary considerably across taxa. We measured mutation rates of 24 microsatellite loci in mutation accumulation lines of Drosophila melanogaster. Surprisingly, only a single mutation was detected after screening 157,680 allele-generations, yielding an estimated average mutation rate per locus of 6.3 x 10(-6), a mutation rate considerably lower than reported for various mammals. We propose that the comparatively low mutation rate is primarily a function of short microsatellite repeat lengths in the D. melanogaster genome.
Restorative Rigging and the Safe Indication Account

Typical Gettieresque scenarios involve a subject, S, using a method, M, of believing something, p, where, normally, M is a reliable indicator of the truth of p, yet, in S’s circumstances, M is not reliable: M is deleteriously rigged. A different sort of scenario involves rigging that restores the reliability of a method M that is deleteriously rigged: M is restoratively rigged. Some theorists criticize (among others) the safe indication account of knowledge defended by Luper, Sosa, and Williamson on the grounds that it treats such cases as knowledge. But other theorists also criticize the safe indication account because it treats the cases as examples of ignorance when they are really examples of knowledge. I answer both groups of critics by arguing that (1) restorative rigging can enable us to know things, and (2) restoratively rigged cases can meet the relevant conditions of the safe indication account.
Severe Liver Disease in Pregnancy

Liver disease is uncommon in pregnant women. It can be divided into disorders that occur only during preg nancy and those that can occur during pregnancy, but are not related directly to pregnancy. Jaundice during pregnancy is relatively rare, occurring in 1 in 1,500 pregnancies [ 1 ]. In this review we briefly discuss normal changes in hepatic physiology during pregnancy and then outline the liver disorders of pregnancy, emphasiz ing those that can be severe and result in admission to intensive care units.
The ESCRT Pathway

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) deliver cargo destined for degradation to the vacuole or lysosome. The ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) pathway is a key mediator of MVB biogenesis, but it also plays critical roles in retroviral budding and cytokinetic abscission. Despite these diverse roles, the ESCRT pathway can be simply seen as a cargo-recognition and membrane-sculpting machine viewable from three distinct perspectives: (1) the ESCRT proteins themselves, (2) the cargo they sort, and (3) the membrane they deform. Here, we review ESCRT function from these perspectives and discuss how ESCRTs may drive vesicle budding.
Partial analysis of the bands seen in circular dichroism spectra of green and blue-green algal cells and thylakoids.

A comparison was made of the circular dichroism (C.D.) spectra of Chlorella, Euglena, and Anacystis cells and thylakoids. Analyses of the spectra reveal that these C.D. bands are similar to those observed previously in whole spinach choloroplasts and subchloroplast particles. C.D. spectra of Euglena chloroplasts show bands at longer wavelengths than previously reported. From comparisons of circular dichroism spectra and fine structure, it was concluded that: (a) bands seen in circular dichroism spectra were not the result of light scattering from thylakoid membranes; and (b) bands seen in the C.D. spectra of nonmembranous systems (previously reported) could account for circular dichroism of algae. We also concluded that comparisons would have to be made with model systems in order to correct for effects of absorption flattening, concentration obscuring, and differential light scattering of membranous systems.
Comparative Analysis and Economic Policies with Special Reference to Financial Crises

Policies for preventing or mitigating unfavorable economic conditions, such as inflation, balance-of-payments deficits, and recessions are usually determined by successful policies used in the past, but these policies may not be relevant for certain problems in the future due to changes in conditions. In the past, developing countries with balance of payments problems seeking help from the IMF were usually required to reduce their budget deficits, restrict the money supply, and make other macroeconomic restrictions. However, financial crises experienced by the East Asian countries in 1995–1996 arose mainly from declines in their securities markets accompanied by capital exports and sharp currency depreciation. The IMF provided generous assistance conditioned on the recipients' applying restrictive macroeconomic measures, even though there was no inflation or excessive monetary expansion. The cause of the financial crises was primarily capital outflows generated by defaults on loans made by banks largely for real estate projects, and in some cases resulting bank failures. The capital outflow and the sharp depreciation of the currencies, coupled with macroeconomic restrictions, led to recession and unemployment in these countries. The article goes on to discuss the policies the IMF should have promoted. Its credits should have been used to sustain imports rather than to support currencies and maintain debt service repayments.
Long-term Form Identification Vision after Early, Closed, Lens ectomy-Vitrectomy for Stage 5 Retinopathy of Prematurity

Purpose: Form identification vision after early, closed, lensectomy-vitrectomy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) stage 5 open funnel retinal detachment is reported from a database that included 45 eyes of 27 infants. The focus of this report is the verbal responses at a mean age of 7.0 years for nine nonamblyopic (preferred) eyes of nine preterm infants with minimal developmental delay (good central nervous system function). Methods: All 45 eyes underwent initial cryotherapy for threshold ROP to the avascu1ar retina to decrease the angiogenic stimulus (mean postconceptual age=34.8 weeks) and subsequently underwent multiple cryotherapy sessions to the avascu1ar retina and shunt with scleral buckling to decrease retinal traction (mean postconceptual age=38.0 weeks). When tractional retinal detachment occurred with an open funnel, each eye underwent an early, closed, lensectomy-vitrectomy (mean postconceptual age=45.7 weeks). The 34 eyes with a successful anatomic result were fitted with contact lenses as soon as possible after surgery. Results: The nine nonamblyopic eyes of nine preterm infants with minimal developmental delay had the following visual acuities using Allen figures or Snellen test types: one eye 20/80, one eye 20/200, two eyes 20/400, three eyes 20/800, and two eyes 20/1600. Conclusion: These nine eyes support the thesis that form identification vision can be obtained by early vitrectomy for ROP stage 5 open funnel retinal detachments.
Stereochemistry of neopentyl systems

Abstract Methods for the synthesis, determination of enantiomeric purity and absolute configuration of primary 1-deuterio alcohols (RCHDOH) are outlined and tabulated. Studies on the rearrangements, solvolyses and S N 2 reactions of chiral neopentyl-1- d derivatives are reviewed. Finally, the optical rotatory properties of the (CH 3 ) 3 CCHDX compounds, with their unique symmetry properties, are summarized and discussed.
Nutritional predictors of complications following radical cystectomy

Purpose To determine the impact of preoperative nutritional status on the development of surgical complications following cystectomy using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP).
Rapid electronic detection of probe-specific microRNAs using thin nanopore sensors

Small RNA molecules have an important role in gene regulation and RNA silencing therapy, but it is challenging to detect these molecules without the use of time-consuming radioactive labelling assays or error-prone amplification methods. Here, we present a platform for the rapid electronic detection of probe-hybridized microRNAs from cellular RNA. In this platform, a target microRNA is first hybridized to a probe. This probe:microRNA duplex is then enriched through binding to the viral protein p19. Finally, the abundance of the duplex is quantified using a nanopore. Reducing the thickness of the membrane containing the nanopore to 6 nm leads to increased signal amplitudes from biomolecules, and reducing the diameter of the nanopore to 3 nm allows the detection and discrimination of small nucleic acids based on differences in their physical dimensions. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by detecting picogram levels of a liver-specific miRNA from rat liver RNA.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to model the failure of urban water mains

This paper presents an application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to model the failure rate and estimate the optimal replacement time for the individual pipes in an urban water distribution system. The performances of the ANN are examined using a 14-year data set collected in a city in the north of France. The first part of the paper presents the collected data. The second part describes the construction and validation of six ANN models. After a discussion of the performances of these models, they are used for the prediction of water mains failure and the determination of the benefit index, which allows optimization of investment for the rehabilitation and maintenance of urban water mains. The spatial repartition of the risk of degradation is illustrated using a geographic information system, which constitutes an effective tool for the elaboration of strategies of rehabilitation of water distribution systems.
Water ordering and surface relaxations at the hematite (110)-water interface

Abstract Structural characterization of iron oxide–water interfaces provides insight into the mechanisms through which these minerals control contaminant fate and element cycling in soil, sedimentary, and groundwater systems. Ordering of interfacial water and structural relaxations at the hematite (1 1 0) surface have been investigated in situ using high-resolution specular X-ray reflectivity. These measurements demonstrate that relaxations are constrained to primarily the top ∼5 A of the surface. Near-surface iron atoms do not relax substantially, although the uppermost layer displays an increased distribution width, while the undercoordinated oxygens on the surface uniformly relaxed outward. Two sites of adsorbed water and additional layering of water farther from the surface were observed. Water fully covers the (1 1 0) surface and appears to form a continuous network extending into bulk solution, with positional order decreasing to that of a disordered bulk fluid within 1 nm. The arrangement of water is similar to that on the hematite (0 1 2) surface, which has a similar surface topography, although these surfaces display different vibrational amplitudes or positional disorder of adsorbed water molecules and average spacings of near-surface layered water. Comparison between these surfaces suggests that interfacial water ordering on hematite is controlled primarily by surface structure and steric constraints and that highly ordered water is likely common to most hematite–water interfaces.
Export-Led Growth Hypothesis: A Multivariate Cointegration and Causality Evidence for Jordan

Empirical evidence supporting the export-led growth (ELG) hypothesis has been mixed and inconclusive. Many previous studies may have been misspecified since they tested the ELG hypothesis using bivariate models. Other studies used cointegration and error correction models in a multivariate framework, but failed to tackle the important issues of unit root testing and optimal lag length when testing for cointegration. Following Dhawn and Biswal (1999), this study examines the ELG hypothesis for Jordan in a multivariate framework by including terms of trade as a third variable and by using available annual data (1969-2005). We utilize Johansen and Saikkonen and Liitkepohl cointegration procedures and error correction modeling to test long-run and short-run relations between GDP, exports, and terms of trade. The study finds that real GDP, real exports, and terms of trade are cointegrated. The evidence suggests long-run bidirectional causality between real exports and real GDP. The results of this study suggest that promoting exports via export promotion policies will contribute to economic growth in Jordan.
Canine cytogenetics – from band to basepair

Humans and dogs have coexisted for thousands of years, during which time we have developed a unique bond, centered on companionship. Along the way, we have developed purebred dog breeds in a manner th
Diet in medieval Denmark: a regional and temporal comparison

Abstract The aim of this research is to explore regional and temporal patterning in diet in medieval Danish populations. δ 15 N, δ 13 C coll , δ 13 C ap values were obtained from 154 human bone samples from three sites located in the Jutland peninsula of Denmark. These sites span the medieval period. The results suggest that the medieval Danish diet was composed of C 3 plants, terrestrial animals, and freshwater and marine fish in varying amounts. The data also suggest some regional patterning in diet, but little temporal differences in the composition of diet.
Antagonism of morphine-induced behavioral suppression by opiate receptor alkylators

Experiments were conducted to test the in vivo opiate specificity and long-lasting effects of two non-equilibrium opiate antagonists: beta-chlornaltrexamine (beta-CNA) and the beta-fumarate methyl ester derivative of naltrexone (beta-FNA). beta-CNA (2.5 or 5.0 micrograms, ICV) partially antagonized suppression of conditioned autoshaped behavior by morphine, when morphine was administered 48-72 hr after beta-CNA. beta-CNA had no effect on amphetamine-induced suppression of autoshaped responding, nor did it antagonize the suppression in rearing activity induced by either morphine or amphetamine. Similarly, beta-FNA (5 mg/kg, IP) antagonized the suppression of conditioned behavior by morphine, for up to 48 hr, while having no effect on amphetamine-induced suppression of autoshaped responding, or on the suppression of rearing activity induced by morphine or amphetamine. Further peripherally administered beta-FNA acts in the brain, since it antagonized analgesia following ICV morphine administration.