cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Next Generation Sequencing to Discover Genetic Markers for Pacific White Shrimp

Recently, a new method of sequencing called next generation sequencing has been widely applied due to its lower cost per sequencing output compared to traditional sequencing technologies. Genomic regions of Pacific white shrimp have been selected to construct materials for sequencing using the Illumina Solexa technology. We then used de novo techniques to assemble the sequences into 8,007 contigs, and identified ~ 256K genetic markers. Due to the potential complex genome structure of Pacific white shrimp, we had a success rate of validating about 2/3 of the genetic markers chosen. This important resource could be used for the improvement of growth rate and disease resistance by the shrimp industry
Bilingual Vine making: problematizing oppressive discourses in a secondary Chicanx/Latinx studies course

This article presents the critical digital literacy practices of Latinx bilingual youth in the United States enrolled in a secondary ethnic studies course. Despite the expansion of digital tools in...
Disruption of oocyte maturation by selected environmental chemicals in zebrafish.

Abstract Oocyte maturation can be a target of endocrine disruption by environmental chemicals capable of acting as hormone mimics, receptor blockers, and/or enzyme inhibitors. Six environmental chemicals (genistein, endosulfan, malathion, iprodione, carbaryl, and glyphosate) were selected to determine their ability to interfere with oocyte maturation in zebrafish. The translucent oocytes undergoing germinal vesicle (nucleus) breakdown (GVBD) were counted and expressed as a ratio of oocytes undergoing GVBD and total oocytes exposed. The GVBD increased significantly in oocytes exposed to 10 IU/ml to 100 IU/ml human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The lowest effective concentration of genistein that inhibited hCG-induced GVBD was 30 μM, while endosulfan inhibited it at 0.03 μM concentration. In addition, malathion inhibited hCG-induced GVBD at the lowest concentration of 60 μM. These inhibitory effects were likely due to the chemicals acting as estrogen mimics, induction of estrogen receptors, or increase in aromatase activity resulting in enhanced estrogen action. Fungicide iprodione, possibly acting as a progestin mimic, promoted hCG-induced GVBD at the lowest concentration of 20 μM, while the weed killer glyphosate inhibited hCG-induced GVBD starting at the 50 μM concentration. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using fully grown zebrafish oocytes arrested at the prophase I stage in an in vitro incubation system to evaluate the effects of a variety of environmental chemicals on oocyte maturation.
Influences of annealing and defect limitation on p-type silicon solar cell

In this paper, we identify the influences of different annealing conditions on the p-type Cz silicon wafer surfaces and solar cells. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been applied to surfaces of silicon wafers for evaluating the composition. In order to identify the properties of the defect, minority carrier lifetime measurement was performed. Annealing condition effected the silicon surface oxidation and the defect of silicon. The best cell efficiency of 20.07 % with an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 648 mV was achieved by annealed at an oxygen atmosphere.
Incidence of blindness in a population of rheumatic patients treated with hydroxychloroquine.

Objective Long-term HCQ use for the treatment of rheumatic diseases has been associated with retinopathy in a daily and cumulative dose-dependent manner by weight. We examined the incidence of ocular toxicity in a large population of patients treated with HCQ for inflammatory arthritis and SLE and followed long term in a tertiary centre. Methods Our retrospective longitudinal review identified 2867 rheumatic patients from 1999 to August 2017 who had a prescription written for HCQ. Thirty-one patients were identified as having a diagnosis of blindness or toxic maculopathy in their electronic medical record, and we carried out an extensive chart review. Results Of our 31 patients with a diagnosis of blindness or toxic maculopathy, 11 had documented blindness, in all cases attributed to a cause other than HCQ-related ocular toxicity: stroke (27%), pre-existing macular disease (18%), diabetic retinopathy (18%), hypertensive retinopathy (9%) and cataracts (9%). Seventeen of 31 patients had visual impairment that was multifactorial and unrelated to HCQ. We identified two patients with bull's eye maculopathy [person-time incidence rate, 0.12 cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 0.01, 0.43)] and one with early HCQ toxic maculopathy [person-time incidence rate, 0.06 cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 0.002, 0.33)]. All three patients received HCQ for >18 years, and none had functional vision loss at diagnosis. Conclusion HCQ-induced macular toxicity is rare in routine clinical practice, seems to require prolonged HCQ therapy (>18 years) and is not necessarily associated with functional visual loss. Our findings suggest that co-morbid conditions that are common in RA and SLE contribute substantially to vision loss and should not be ignored.
An Implementation of a Packetized Display Protocol Architecture for IRLED Projector Systems

Traditional display protocols have limitations in terms of fixed frame rates, high bandwidth requirements, and precise control over the display of frames. We propose a novel scalable packetized display protocol architecture incorporating dynamic frame rates, high speed capabilities, and dynamic synchronization to bridge performance gaps. We further provide a modular FPGA implementation of the architecture for use on array emitters.
Retinal disease in ciliopathies: Recent advances with a focus on stem cell-based therapies

Ciliopathies display extensive genetic and clinical heterogeneity, varying in severity, age of onset, disease progression and organ systems affected. Retinal involvement, as demonstrated by photoreceptor dysfunction or death, is a highly penetrant phenotype among a vast majority of ciliopathies. Photoreceptor cells possess a specialized and modified sensory cilium with membrane discs where efficient photon capture and ensuing signaling cascade initiate the visual process. Disruptions of cilia biogenesis and protein transport lead to impairment of photoreceptor function and eventually degeneration. Despite advances in elucidation of ciliogenesis and photoreceptor cilia defects, we have limited understanding of pathogenic mechanisms underlying retinal phenotype(s) observed in human ciliopathies. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based approaches offer a unique opportunity to complement studies with model organisms and examine cilia disease relevant to humans. Three-dimensional retinal organoids from iPSC lines feature laminated cytoarchitecture, apical-basal polarity and emergence of a ciliary structure, thereby permitting pathogenic modeling of human photoreceptors in vitro. Here, we review the biology of photoreceptor cilia and associated defects and discuss recent progress in evolving treatment modalities, especially using patient-derived iPSCs, for retinal ciliopathies.
Design Study to Prevent Mold Delamination for Overmolded Lead Frame Package

Mold delamination is one of the critical concerns in plastic encapsulated lead frame package. During excursion to temperature and moisture, interfacial delamination between lead frame and overmold can cause mold cracking or wire bond interconnection failure. This becomes critical in case of Lead Frame Chip Scale Packages (LFCSP) with increasing volume of silicon die in a given package size. It generates increased level of deformation and stress due to low CTE of die compared to other packaging materials such as copper lead frame, mold compound, and die attach. In this paper, mold compound and lead frame interfacial stress of LFCSPs, with varying level of silicon volume, lead frame paddle size and die attach fillet size were evaluated by thermo-mechanical finite element analysis. It shows that packages consisting of high die volume, lower die attach fillet length (less die attach amount), and smallest distance from die edge to paddle edge exhibit higher equivalent stress at paddle to mold interface. To validate the simulation result, Temp Cycle −65/150°C preconditioned with Moisture Sensitivity Level1 (MSL1) has been tested. The experimental study shows that optimal package design can significantly reduce interfacial stress and prevent delamination at mold compound lead frame interfaces. However, a mold compound crack was found on the bottom side of several parts after the temperature cycle was completed. Additional reliability test has been conducted and the parts did not show any electrical failure.
Martin Luther at the Women’s March?: Maybe.

This article was given as a lecture for the Pitts Library Reformation Day at Emory University, October, 25, 2019. It explores if and how the German, medieval monk Martin Luther could be helpful to ...
Wireless Communication and Charging for an Untethered Downhole Logging Tool

Downhole logging platforms must survive high temperatures, pressures, and harsh fluids, such as brine, which requires excellent sealing of the electronics. Even though the electronics are usually potted in a dielectric elastomer, hard wired connectors which extend outside the potted electronics can eventually cause failures due to water leakage under pressure. We developed an inductively coupled wireless charging and communication platform for our small untethered logging tool to prevent these types of failures.
Composites made from CF prepreg trim waste tapes using sheet molding compounds (SMC) technology: Challenges and potential

Abstract This study explores the use of carbon fiber (CF) prepreg trim waste to manufacture lightweight, high performance and low cost CF composites using sheet molding compound (SMC) technology. First, the modifications of a typical SMC and a flow study to determine the charge in size and mass of the sheets are determined. Then, the effect of the age of the prepreg tapes, aspect ratio of cut chips and pressure during compression molding on the tensile and impact properties of the composites is determined and these properties are compares with those of typical SMC composites. It is concluded that (i) the standard SMC production line needs to be modified in order to successfully convert CF tapes into sheets and (ii) the produced CF composites can meet the high stiffness and acceptable strength for not strength-critical applications without the need to store the prepreg trim waste in controlled conditions.
Using GIS Mapping to Track Hot Spots of Kidney Disease in California

Kidney Disease Hot Spots in California In this study, investigators mapped nitrate levels in groundwater and superimposed hot spots of unexplained end-stage renal disease in California. As elsewher...
Oncogenic gene fusions in non-neoplastic precursors as evidence that bacterial infection initiates prostate cancer

Abstract Prostate adenocarcinoma is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide and the initiating factors are unknown. Oncogenic TMPRSS2:ERG (ERG+) gene fusions are facilitated by DNA breaks and occur in up to 50% of prostate cancers1,2. Infection-driven inflammation is implicated in the formation of ERG+ fusions3, and we hypothesized that these fusions initiate in early inflammation-associated prostate cancer precursor lesions, such as proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA), prior to cancer development. We investigated whether bacterial prostatitis is associated with ERG+ precancerous lesions in unique cases with active bacterial infections at time of radical prostatectomy. We identified a high frequency of ERG+ non-neoplastic-appearing glands in these cases, including ERG+ PIA transitioning to early invasive cancer. We verified TMPRSS2:ERG genomic rearrangements in precursor lesions using tri-color fluorescence in situ hybridization. Identification of rearrangement patterns combined with whole prostate mapping in 3 dimensions confirmed multiple (up to 8) distinct ERG+ precancerous lesions in infected cases. Finally, we identified the pathogen-derived genotoxin colibactin as a potential source of DNA breaks in clinical cases as well as cultured prostate cells. Overall, we provide evidence that bacterial infections initiate driver gene alterations in prostate cancer. Furthermore, infection-induced ERG+ fusions are an early alteration in the carcinogenic process and PIA may serve as a direct precursor to prostate cancer.
Local and systemic inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide in broilers: new insights using a two-window approach.

Abstract The inflammatory response involves a complex interplay of local tissue activities designed to recruit leukocytes and proteins from the blood to the infected tissue. For egg-type chickens, we established the growing feather (GF) as an accessible tissue test site to monitor tissue responses to injected test-material. For commercial broilers, whose health depends to a large extent on innate immune system functions, the GF test system offers an important novel window to directly assess their natural defenses. This study was conducted to adapt the GF test system for use in broilers, and use it to simultaneously examine local (GF) and systemic (blood) inflammatory responses initiated by GF pulp injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Specifically, GF of 12 male and 12 female, 5-week-old broilers were injected with LPS (16 GF/chicken; 1 μg LPS/GF). Blood and GF were collected at 0 (before), 6, and 24 h after GF injection. GF pulp was used to determine leukocyte-infiltration and gene-expression profiles, reactive-oxygen-species generation, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Blood was used to determine blood cell profiles and SOD activity. A time effect (P ≤ 0.05) was observed for most aspects examined. In GF, LPS injection resulted in heterophil and monocyte infiltration reaching maximal levels at 6 and 24 h, respectively. Reactive-oxygen-species generation, SOD activity, and mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, and cathelicidin B1 were elevated, whereas those of TNF-α, LITAF, SOD1, and SOD2 decreased after LPS injection. In blood, levels of heterophils and monocytes were elevated at 6 h, lymphocytes and RBC decreased at 6 h, and thrombocytes and SOD activity increased at 24 h. Assessment of LPS-induced activities at the site of inflammation (GF) provided novel and more relevant insights into temporal, qualitative, and quantitative aspects of inflammatory responses than blood. Knowledge generated from this dual-window approach may find direct application in identification of individuals with robust, balanced innate defenses and provide a platform for studying the effects of exogenous treatments (e.g., nutrients, probiotics, immunomodulators, etc.) on inflammatory responses taking place in a complex tissue.
A variational interpretation of the Cramér–Rao bound

Abstract It is shown that both the classic and the Bayesian Cramer–Rao bounds can be obtained by minimizing the mean square error of an estimator while constraining the underlying distribution to be within a Fisher information ball. The presented results allow for some nonstandard interpretations of the Cramer–Rao bound and, more importantly, provide a template for novel bounds on the accuracy of estimators.
An Examination of Cytomegalovirus, Socioeconomic Status, Race, and Ethnicity on Outcomes after Haploidentical Hematopoietic Transplantation.

ABSTRACT Previous analyses of the effects of race and socioeconomic status (SES) on outcomes after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have suggested that minority populations and those in disadvantaged groups have inferior outcomes. However, the results of these studies have been inconsistent, potentially due to a multitude of factors, both medical and nonmedical, that have confounded results. In haploidentical (HI) HSCT, an expanding approach with the potential to enfranchise more minority patients, data on the effect of race and SES on outcomes are very limited. To identify and potentially correct factors that negatively impact outcomes after HI HSCT in disadvantaged groups at our institution, we performed a retrospective, multivariable analysis of the impact of race and SES as single and combined variables on HI HSCT outcomes of relapse, transplantation-related mortality, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and overall survival (OS). In addition to controlling for race and SES, all patients had HI donors and were treated with the same 2-step approach, with consistent T cell dosing and GVHD prophylaxis to further reduce the impact of confounders in this complex area. The study cohort of 239 patients was 71% Caucasian, 19.7% African American, 4.6% Hispanic, and 4.2% Asian. The majority of minority patients were in areas of higher deprivation (P = .001) and had the highest incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity (P = .001) and the lowest likelihood of possessing a CMV immunodominant (IMD) allele (P = .001), which was previously associated with an OS benefit. Positive CMV serostatus was highly linked to post-transplantation CMV reactivation (P = .001) which was associated with higher relapse rates (hazard ratio [HR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 2.30; P = .026), higher TRM (HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.09 to 4.05; P = .027), and lower OS (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.18 to 2.65; P = .006). The lack of a CMV IMD allele largely replicated the results of CMV reactivation on HSCT results. Although race and SES did not directly correlate with either OS or relapse incidence, non-Caucasians in a more disadvantaged group had a higher incidence of chronic GVHD (HR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.08 to 6.01; P = .033) compared with Caucasians and minorities in less disadvantaged groups. Regardless of SES, minorities had a lower incidence of acute GVHD than Caucasians in a more advantaged SES group (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.90; P = .020). The primary finding of this study is that CMV reactivation was the major driver of mortality after HI HSCT. CMV reactivation may have be associated with poor HSCT outcomes in HI HSCT recipients in disadvantaged areas, most of whom were minorities. The data suggest that the prevention of post-transplantation CMV reactivation possibly could have a major impact on HI HSCT outcomes, especially in minority recipients. The finding of different GVHD manifestations between races are intriguing and merits further study.
Miscanthus × giganteus Responses to Nitrogen Fertilization and Harvest Timing in Illinois, USA

Renewable energy continues to be of interest in the USA due to concerns about the long-termed availability and the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Miscanthus × giganteus is a warm-season perennial bioenergy feedstock grass that has a long growing season, is high yielding, requires limited inputs, and will likely become an important renewable energy crop in the USA. This research studied the effects of N application rates and harvest timings on yields and biomass quality of a 4-year-old stand of M. × giganteus in Urbana, IL, USA. Plots received 0, 56, 112, 156, or 224 kg N ha−1, and harvests were conducted at five dates between August and March in the 2009, 2010, and 2011 growing seasons. Miscanthus × giganteus production increased with N applications up to 112 kg ha−1. Harvesting biomass before senescence, August through November, produced significantly more biomass compared to harvesting biomass after senescence. However, early harvest reduced biomass yields in the following years. Nitrogen fertilization compensated for the yield losses, but the yield gap between early and late harvest continually increased. Harvesting M. × giganteus after senescence optimized long-term productivity, reduced the need for N fertilization, and increased carbon and ash content in the harvested biomass, while harvesting before senescence not only removes N from the plant but also reduces remobilization of other nutrients and carbohydrates in autumn.
The Extension Clause and the Supreme Court's Jurisdictional Independence

This Article challenges the prevailing doctrinal, political, and academic view that the Extension Clause — which provides that “[t]he judicial Power shall extend” to nine types of cases and controversies — justifies legislative attempts to strip the Supreme Court of appellate jurisdiction. Legislators have repeatedly introduced bills seeking to prevent the Court from hearing cases on politically charged topics such as marriage, religion, and abortion. Scholars have relied on the Extension Clause to advance three arguments in support of such jurisdiction-stripping: (1) that “judicial Power” is not jurisdiction, and thus jurisdiction is not constitutionally protected; (2) that “shall” is not mandatory, and thus the clause need not be obeyed; and (3) that to “extend” a power is not to grant it but merely to define its potential outer reaches, and thus Congress is responsible for deciding what to allow the Court to hear. As the Article explains, however, the text, context, and drafting history of the Extension Clause reveal the fallacy of those conventional justifications. Just as other constitutional provisions guarantee the jurisprudential independence of federal judges so that they can do their jobs without fear of reprisal, the Extension Clause prevents Congress from taking certain cases away from the Supreme Court and thus secures the Court’s jurisdictional independence.
Women as Independent Workers in the Gig Economy

New technologies and digital platforms have ushered in a rise of gig, freelance, contract, and other types of independent work. Although independent workers and the gig economy as a whole have received plenty of attention, little research has examined the heterogeneity of work characteristics among different independent work opportunities, specifically as it relates to the participation of women in this workforce. Existing data indicate that some digital platforms are more male dominated, whereas others are more female dominated. What accounts for these differences? In this paper, we empirically examine the heterogeneity of work within independent work opportunities in relation to female participation by analyzing work characteristics in the United States from the Occupational Information Network (O*Net) database that reflect greater temporal flexibility, which has been shown to vary across occupations and to attract more female workers. Our findings suggest that women in the independent work context do self-select into the types of independent work jobs that reflect greater temporal flexibility, as is the case for women working in traditional employment. However, our findings also reveal that the way in which the existing literature measures temporal flexibility in traditional work settings may not be the same as the way it is measured in the context of independent work. We discuss the implications of our findings for public policy and labor laws.
Molecular Anatomy of the Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Responses to Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus

Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) plays a cardinal role in the control and elimination of several viral infections, including the arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) (Zinkernagel and Doherty, 1974, 1979; Buchmeier et al., 1980). One manifestation of this response is the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) that kill virus-infected target cells, thereby containing virus production and limiting the spread of infection. Although both humoral and cell-mediated responses are readily induced by the virus, it is clear that the induction of T cells is central in the recovery from the acute infection (Byrne and Oldstone, 1984; Cerny et al., 1988; Moskophidis et al., 1987) and for virus clearance in persistent/chronic infection (role of lymphoid cell: Volkert and Hannover Larsen, 1964, 1965; role of CTL: Oldstone et al., 1986; Ahmed et al., 1987).
ADHD stigma among college students

The current study examined ADHD stigma within a college-enrolled young adult population, including the debate regarding the cause of stigma: label or behavior. In Phase 1, 135 college students rated stigma toward one of the four fictitious partners described as having either: the label of ADHD alone, the behaviors associated with ADHD alone, the label of ADHD and a set of behaviors associated with ADHD, or neither the label nor behaviors. In Phase 2, 48 college students rated stigma toward one of the two assigned fictitious partners described as having either: the label of ADHD and a set of behaviors associated with ADHD, or the label of Depression and a set of behaviors associated with Depression. It was hypothesized that the interaction between the label and the behaviors would cause the highest levels of ADHD stigma and that ADHD would elicit more stigma than Depression. In Phase 1, stigma was associated with the behaviors of ADHD, but not the label. In Phase 2, ADHD and Depression were found to be equally stigmatized. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Federal Preemption of State Tort Claims

This article explores a continuing disagreement among Justices of the United States Supreme Court regarding the proper doctrinal framework for federal preemption jurisprudence. This important difference in views became apparent in the four federal preemption cases that the Supreme Court decided during its 1999-2000 term. The article describes this critical disagreement among the Justices, places it in the larger context of preemption doctrine, and then carefully analyzes a number of possible resolutions. Federal preemption is an area of enormous practical and theoretical importance. It is a subject that has earned a regular place on the Supreme Court's docket for many years now. It is also a constitutional law doctrine that has special importance for tort law. Indeed, the principal case analyzed in this article, Geier v. American Honda Motor Company, addresses the question of whether a products liability claim brought in state court was preempted by certain provisions of The National Traffic and Motor Safety Act of 1966. It is a five-to-four decision featuring a spirited split among members of the Court regarding fundamental aspects of preemption analysis and it remains today an important precedent in the area of federal preemption.
Direct and Indirect Diels-Alder Additions to Electron Rich Dienophiles

Direct and indirect cation radical Diels-Alder cycloadditions of conjugated dienes to electron rich alkenes, including vinyl ethers, vinyl sulfides, and N-vinylamides, are developed and applied to the synthesis of the sesquiterpenoid natural product β-selinene.
Jury Trials: Psychology And Law1

Publisher Summary In this chapter, the concentration is on trial by jury. It discusses the difficult interface between psychology and law and describes the numerous empirical studies related to individual differences in conviction proneness and/or punitiveness, extra-evidentiary factors in individual decision-making, and the dynamics of juror interaction that culminate in the verdict. The chapter provides an overview of the psychology and the law in the institution of trial by jury. It outlines the antecedents and historical developments in trial by jury. The jury in America, their competence, representativeness, and qualifications are discussed in the chapter; it also describes the determiners of fact versus interpreters of the law and court decisions and discrimination. The chapter explores demographics and jury verdicts, wherein it has described sex and race of juror or defendant; age, politics, and education of jurors; the characteristics of the defendant; the attitudes and personalities of jurors; jury selection—efficacy and ethics; and attitudes toward capital punishment. Influence and persuasion within the jury in two situations that is the person being the foreperson and the person being in the majority and minority is discussed in the chapter. The chapter reviews evidence related to recent changes in the operation of juries, for example, in the size of jury, the requirements of unanimity, as well as various proposed reforms.
Effects of respiratory resistance training with a concurrent flow device on wheelchair athletes.

AbstractBackground/Objective: To determine the effect of respiratory resistance training (RRT) with a concurrent flow respiratory (CFR) device on respiratory function and aerobic power in wheelchair athletes.Methods: Ten male wheelchair athletes (8 with spinal cord injuries, 1 with a neurological disorder, and 1 with postpolio syndrome), were matched by lesion level and/or track rating before random assignment to either a RRT group (n = 5) or a control group (CON, n = 5). The RRT group performed 1 set of breathing exercises using Expand-a-Lung, a CFR device, 2 to 3 times daily for 10 weeks. Pre/posttesting included measurement of maximum voluntary ventilation (MW), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and peak oxygen consumption (Vo2peak).Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant group difference in change for MIP from pre- to posttest (P < 0.05). The RRT group improved by 33.0 cm H2O, while the CON group improved by 0.6 cm H2O. Although not significant, the MW increased for the RRT group and...
Milk and Stomach Cancer in Iceland

(1967). Milk and Stomach Cancer in Iceland. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 30-32.
Tattlers and Trail Blazers: Attorneys' Liability for Clients' Fraud

In his article The Corporate/Securities Attorney as a "Moving Target" - Client Fraud Dilemmas, Professor Marc Steinberg demonstrates that the tightening of ethics standards imposes greater responsibilities on attorneys who represent clients that engage in securities fraud, and, as he observes, private claimants increasingly seek redress from attorneys for damages caused by their clients' fraud. Courts, however, are skeptical, generally, about the deterrent value of private securities fraud cases, express concern about the costs they impose on corporate defendants, and, in particular, are suspicious of plaintiffs' efforts to recover from deep-pocket secondary participants like attorneys. Congress has also made it more difficult for plaintiffs to bring securities fraud actions by imposing rigorous pleading standards and preempting state law securities fraud class actions. It would not be surprising, therefore, to find judicial reluctance to impose monetary liability on attorneys for failing to confront their clients' fraud. Professor Steinberg's insightful analysis of the ethical rules provides a useful opportunity to explore the state of the law on private claims for damages for attorneys' breach of these duties. The first part of this paper examines judicial treatment, after Central Bank of Denver v. First Interstate Bank of Denver, of federal securities claims made by purchasers and sellers of securities alleging that the issuer's attorney participated in the corporation's fraud. The second part of the paper explores the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Rules of Professional Conduct as a basis for malpractice claims brought by or on behalf of the corporation itself against its attorneys for failing to report fraud by the corporate management that injured the corporation. The third part considers additional state law theories. I conclude, in the fourth part, that the likelihood that courts will impose liability on attorneys for involvement in their clients' fraud is not substantial.
Anxiety Disorders: Treatment of social anxiety disorder

This chapter discusses the evidence for the role of genetic factors in the etiology of anxiety disorders, and summarizes the genetic study designs used in research on anxiety disorders. Molecular genetic study designs used to investigate the genetics of anxiety disorders include linkage analysis and candidate gene association studies. Twin studies support a heritability estimate between 30% and 40%. More recently, regulators of G-protein signaling have been investigated regarding anxiety-related phenotypes including panic disorder. Family studies suggest that risk of social anxiety disorder (SAD) to first-degree relatives of SAD probands ranges from 16% to 26%. Investigations of panic disorder, specific phobias, SAD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have produced some evidence of linkage to specific regions. Two exciting yet mostly unexplored areas in anxiety disorder research are gene-environment interaction and epigenetic studies. Epigenetic research examines the dynamic heritable changes in the function of a gene.
A weighted version of quantization commutes with reduction for a toric manifold

We compute explicitly the equivariant Hirzebruchy-characteristic of an equivariant complex line bundle over a toric manifold and state a weighted version of the quantization commutes with reduction principle in symplectic geometry. Then, we give a weighted decomposition formula for any simple polytope in R n . This formula generalizes a polytope decomposition due to Lawrence (10) and Varchenko (14) and extends a previous weighted version obtained by Karshon, Sternberg and Weitsman (9).
Isolation of hepatitis C virus RNA from serum for reverse transcription-PCR.

Standard multistep extraction and isolation of RNA for hepatitis C virus (HCV) reverse transcription (RT)-PCR are impractical for routine use in clinical laboratories. We compared three simple commercially available methods for RNA isolation (RNAzol B, TRISOLV, and ULTRASPEC; Biotecx Laboratories, Houston, Tex.) and a total nucleic acid isolation method (IsoQuick; MicroProbe Corp., Garden Grove, Calif.) for the recovery of HCV RNA from sera obtained from 12 viremic patients for RT-PCR. RNAzol B, TRISOLV, ULTRASPEC, and IsoQuick extraction methods detected 87.5, 79.2, 33.3, and 58.3% of the paired positive samples, respectively. The method used for isolation of RNA is an important concern when optimizing HCV RT-PCR. Images
The forward problem of electrocardiography revisited.

The term forward problem of electrocardiography is used to denote the computation of the electric potential field generated by cardiac excitation within and on the torso surface. In this class of problems that have been studied for several decades, one starts from a model of the heart electric sources and computes the potential field within the torso volume conductor, which constitutes a solution to Laplace’s equation. Of particular interest are body surface potentials, which provide the data for clinical electrocardiography, and potentials over the epicardium, which may mirror electric events within the heart that cannot be observed in the body surface potential patterns. Indeed, simultaneous measurements with epicardial and intramural electrodes in closed-chest animals demonstrated that epicardial potentials contain a considerable amount of information about the underlying intramural electrophysiological events.1–4 A theoretical study5 concluded similarly that “epicardial potential maps accurately reflect the underlying source configuration and are free of the effects of body shape and size.” Several models of (equivalent) sources have been chosen to represent the electric activity of the heart, including a single (stationary or moving) dipole and multiple dipoles. Epicardial potentials have also been used as the source and starting point for computing potentials within and on the torso surface. Work on the forward problem has been extensive and conducted over many years; a comprehensive account can be found in the excellent review by Gulrajani et al.6 Article see p 677 The 2 premier objectives of forward problem simulations are to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the electric activity of the heart and the body surface electrocardiographic potentials and to determine the effects of torso inhomogeneities on these potentials. Such insights can aid with the clinical interpretation of the standard ECG and its extension to many body surface electrodes …
Saturated fatty acids and LDL receptor modulation in humans and monkeys

It has been known for 40 years that dietary saturated fat (SAT FAT) increases plasma cholesterol, including LDL-C and HDL-C. In humans, where LDL-C is typically > 90 mg/dl this SAT FAT effect largely reflects changes in LDL-C pool size. The original human studies suggested that LDL-C expansion during SAT FAT consumption reflected reduced LDL clearance (LDL receptor activity) in hyperlipemics and increased LDL production rates in normolipemics (LDL-C < 100 mg/dl) . This dual explanation is supported by data from several animal models where specific saturated fatty acids (SFAs) have been the focus. However, the situation is complicated by the fact that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) oppose SFAs, i.e. PUFAs decrease LDL-C and increase LDL receptor (LDLr) activity, so the effect of SAT FAT intake may represent the combined influence of increased SFAs and decreased PUFAs. In fact, careful scrutiny of primate data suggests a negligible effect of saturated fat on LDL clearance (and receptor activity) in the absence of dietary cholesterol when PUFA intake is adequate (5-10%en) and the lipoprotein profile is relatively normal (LDL-C < 90 mg/dl), i.e. normolipemic situations at the time of dietary intervention. In such cases increases in LDL-C due to SFAs (particularly 12:0+14:0) appear to reflect LDL overproduction associated with a shift in cholesterol from tissues to the plasma cholesteryl ester (CE) pool (both LDL-C and HDL-C) without altering whole-body cholesterol balance. The reason for this shift, which is accompanied by an increase in the plasma oleic/linoleic CE ratio, is unknown but may reflect a decreased rate of CE hydrolysis by the liver. When individuals or animals are rendered hyperlipemic by other factors (e.g. chronic caloric and dietary cholesterol excesses in humans or by cholesterol feeding in animals) specific SFAs (particularly 16:0) can contribute to decreased LDLr activity initiated by a primary factor, such as dietary cholesterol. However, LDLr down-regulation by dietary cholesterol greatly exceeds any contribution from SFAs.
Indian Gaming and Intergovernmental Relations: State-Level Constraints on Tribal Political Influence Over Policy Outcomes

As a $25 billion industry generated by more than 220 tribes in 30 states, Indian gaming is today's fulcrum for tribal?state intergovernmental relations (IGR). Despite its widespread influence on communities throughout the United States, how Indian gaming shapes tribal? state IGR remains inadequately studied and explained. A prominent hypothesis is that tribal governments increasingly engage in interest group behavior to further their interests. This article develops a case study of recent events in Minnesota to explore how tribes use gaming revenue to interact with state political systems and how effective tribes are at influencing political and policy outcomes related to Indian gaming. The article finds that the interest group model of tribal political behavior has considerable explanatory power; however, despite their use of insider tactics, tribes remain political outsiders subject to state authority. The article concludes that Indian gaming's potential to produce win?win outcomes is better served by mutually respectful government-to-government relations.
Cytomegalovirus Infection in the Fetus and Neonate

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the transmission of cytomegalovirus (CMV) to the fetus and newborn and the differences between congenital, natal, and postnatal infection with CMV. 2. Delineate the clinical manifestations and sequelae of congenital, natal, and postnatal infection with CMV. 3. Know how to diagnose CMV infection in the fetus and newborn. 4. Describe potential treatment options for neonatal CMV infections. Human CMV is a DNA virus of the herpesvirus group. CMV infection was described first in the early 1900s in pathologic specimens from an infant who died of presumed congenital syphilis. The virus initially was named salivary gland virus due to the characteristic pathologic changes seen in the salivary glands. It was isolated in tissue culture in 1956, and in the early 1960s, the more descriptive name cytomegalovirus was adopted. CMV infection of host cells results in a characteristic massive enlargement of the affected cells that contain intranuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions (Fig. 1). Figure 1. Section of lung from a 15-week fetus that died with disseminated CMV infection. Courtesy of Dr Beverly Rogers, Dallas, Tex. Infection of the fetus and neonate with CMV is an important health problem worldwide. In the United States, CMV is the most common congenital viral infection, affecting 0.2% to 2.5% of all live births. Of the 40,000 infants born each year with congenital CMV infection, more than 8,000 develop mental retardation, cerebral palsy, or, most commonly, hearing impairment. Infection with CMV is ubiquitous, occurring in all populations and socioeconomic groups throughout the year without any seasonal variation. Person-to-person transmission of CMV occurs by close contact with infected body fluids and secretions. CMV can be isolated from body tissues and fluids such as tears, saliva, human milk, urine, stool, semen, cervical secretions, amniotic fluid, blood, and transplanted organs. In addition, infected secretions on …
Adenovirus DNA binding protein inhibits SrCap-activated CBP and CREB-mediated transcription

The SNF2-related CBP activator protein (SrCap) is a potent activator of transcription mediated by CBP and CREB. We have previously demonstrated that the Adenovirus 2 DNA Binding Protein (DBP) binds to SrCap and inhibits the transcription mediated by the carboxyl-terminal region of SrCap (amino acids 1275-2971). We report here that DBP inhibits the ability of full-length SrCap (1-2971) to activate transcription mediated by Gal-CREB and Gal-CBP. In addition, DBP also inhibits the ability of SrCap to enhance Protein Kinase A (PKA) activated transcription of the enkaphalin promoter. DBP was found to dramatically inhibit transcription of a mammalian two-hybrid system that was dependent on the interaction of SrCap and CBP binding domains. We also found that DBP has no effect on transcription mediated by a transcriptional activator that is not related to SrCap, indicating that our reported transcriptional inhibition is specific for SrCap and not due to nonspecific effects of DBP's DNA binding activity on the CAT reporter plasmid. Taken together, these results suggest a model in which DBP inhibits cellular transcription mediated by the interaction between SrCap and CBP.
Covalent modification of lysine during the suicide inactivation of rat liver cytochrome P-450 by chloramphenicol.

Abstract During the metabolism of [14C]chloramphenicol by a reconstituted monooxygenase system or by intact liver microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats, a 14C-containing metabolite covalently bonded to cytochrome P-450, and the enzyme was irreversibly inhibited. In both systems, approximately 95 per cent of the 14C that was covalently bound to protein was associated with cytochrome P-450. In the presence of 0.5% sodium dodecylsulfate, half of the 14C that was bound to the proteins of the reconstituted system was dissociated by treatment with 1 N hydroxylamine (pH 7.5) or by mild alkaline hydrolysis (pH 10.5). Most of the hydroxylamine-labile protein-bound material was readily degraded to oxalate under the conditions used to digest the P-450 with proteolytic enzymes. The radiolabeled material stable to hydroxylamine was isolated as an amino acid adduct from pronase digests of the 14C-labeled proteins of a reconstituted system or of the 14C-labeled microsomal proteins. This adduct was identified as N-ɛ-chloramphenicol oxamyl lysine based on co-chromatography with the synthetic compound and on the release of free lysine plus chloramphenicol oxamic acid upon alkaline hydrolysis of the 14C product isolated from digests of the microsomal protein. Evidence is presented that modification of lysine is at least partially responsible for the suicide inactivation of cytochrome P-450 by chloramphenicol.
Bioenergetics Modeling Today: Growing Pains on the Cutting Edge

Abstract Elaborations of the mass-balance equation that partitions energy of consumed food into its various physiological fates have flourished in the past 15 years. These bioenergetics models have been converted to powerful simulation tools and used in fisheries science, most often for predicting consumption by predators or for projecting fish growth as a function of temperature and prey availability. New uses of bioenergetics models are proliferating and range from predictions of larval survival to analysis of ecosystem function. Companion technologies such as hydroacoustics and physiological telemetry promise to further broaden the spectrum of potential applications. However, the data demands and uncertain accuracy of multiparameter models may constrain their ability to address routine fish management questions. Field measures of consumption or growth failed to corroborate bioenergetics estimates consistently (differences of at least 50%) in four of six published tests. Poor agreement could be due to i...
The role of nasointestinal intubation in elective colonic surgery

On hundred thirty-eight consecutive patients undergoing elective colonic resections were treated prospectively and randomly with either a long intestinal (Cantor) tube preoperatively, a nasogastric tube placed intraoperatively, or no gastrointestinal tube at all. Patients were evaluated for length of hospital stay, duration of postoperative ileus, adequacy of intraoperative intestinal decompression, gastric dilatation, and operative complications. No significant difference could be seen in the tubed or no-tube group.
An interactive and intuitive stem accessibility system for the blind and visually impaired

We present an intuitive and interactive platform to make complex STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) educational materials accessible to blind and visually impaired people using a mini-hyperbraille device with almost no loss of information as compared to printed materials.We have come up with a novel way to increase the effective resolution of the braille device by adding a mechanical XY gantry. Using this XY gantry enables us to create an ultrahigh resolution, larger surface braille device without paying the prohibitive price charged for the bigger hyper Braille displays available in the market. In addition to that, to further augment usability and intuitiveness of our system, we have integrated a nod-ring, which is a tiny finger-worn device for supporting additional hand gestures such as zoom in and out.Previous studies have shown that the use of zoom and pan can increase usability and improve the understanding of tactile graphics. Along with zooming and panning, our system uses vibrating patterns, rhythmic motions, synthetic voice and synchronized voiced-vibrations to convey information to blind users in an intuitive way. We also implemented a touch gesture recognition framework on our touch enabled braille device. Using these touch gestures and a high quality synthetic voice, we have developed a highly responsive system for providing voice annotations of the graphics content.An important contribution of this work is the implementation of a high-quality system for automatic transcription of STEM (including difficult math Nemeth translations) books into braille. Learning resources for blind people are quite sparse and transcription of STEM material is a very expensive and time consuming process. Using our automated transcription platform it is easy, fast and inexpensive for publishers to transcribe STEM books into braille books. The scope of this automated transcription platform is not only limited to STEM books but it can be used for transcription of any content/book/web-page available on-line.