cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in farm animals: How substantial is the evidence?

Abstract In addition to the well-established DNA-based inheritance, phenotypes can also be transmitted across generations without changes in the DNA sequence, a process referred to as epigenetic inheritance. Environmental exposures can alter epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, in sperm and oocytes. These epigenetic changes can be inherited at fertilization and thus potentially affect both fetal programming and phenotypic outcomes of the offspring. The transmission of epigenetic marks across two generations is termed intergenerational epigenetic inheritance, and the transmission of these marks across multiple generations is called transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is well-established in plants, Caenorhabditis elegans, and fruit flies, but its occurrence in mammals is controversial. In this review, I provide examples of mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance and discuss points of contention. Also, I examine the effects of maternal and paternal environmental exposures on the phenotypes of the offspring and whether these effects are intergenerational or transgenerational. Lastly, I discuss the gaps of knowledge in this research area that needs to be addressed in future studies.
Uterine and Fibroid Imaging Analysis from the FIRSTT Study

Background: Women with uterine fibroids often seek uterine-preserving treatments, rather than hysterectomy. Imaging-defined endpoints following nonsurgical treatments for fibroids are limited. Mate...
Improved Machine Learning Algorithms for Optimizing Coherent Pulse Stacking Amplification

We apply momentum stochastic parallel gradient descent (MSPGD) and policy gradient algorithms to optimize coherent pulse stacking (CPS), and demonstrate their increased effectiveness compared to traditionally used stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm.
Towards routine employment of computational tools for antimicrobial resistance determination via high-throughput sequencing

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat to public health and farming at large. Without appropriate interventions, it can lead to millions of deaths per year and substantial economic loss worldwide. In clinical and veterinary practice, a timely characterization of the antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacterial infections is a crucial step in optimizing treatment. Fast turnaround of AMR testing is also needed in food safety and infection control surveillance (e.g., contamination of healthcare or long-term nursing facilities). High-throughput sequencing is a promising option for clinical point-of-care and ecological surveillance, opening the opportunity to develop genotyping-based AMR determination as a possibly faster alternative to phenotypic testing. In the present work, we compare the performance of state-of-the-art methods for detection of AMR from high-throughput sequencing data in healthcare settings. We consider five complementary computational approaches --alignment (AMRPlusPlus), deep learning (DeepARG), k-mer genomic signatures (KARGA, ResFinder), and hidden Markov models (Meta-MARC). We use an extensive collection of clinical studies never employed for model training. To do so, we assemble data from multiple, independent AMR high-throughput sequencing experiments collected in a variety of hospital settings, comprising of 585 isolates with a available AMR resistance profiles determined by phenotypic tests across nine antibiotic classes. We show how the prediction landscape of AMR classifiers is highly heterogeneous, with balanced accuracy varying from 0.4 to 0.92. Although some algorithms---ResFinder, KARGA, and AMRPlusPlus-- exhibit overall better balanced accuracy than others, the high per-AMR-class variance and related findings suggest that: (1) all algorithms might be subject to sampling bias present both in data repositories used for training and experimental/clinical settings; and (2) a portion of clinical samples might contain uncharacterized AMR genes that the algorithms---mostly trained on known AMR genes---fail to generalize upon. These results lead us to formulate practical advice for software configuration and application, as well as give suggestions for future study design to further develop AMR prediction tools from proof-of-concept to bedside.
Are Companies Afraid of Relationships with Consumers? A Case Study

A case study was done of the development of a service designed to help large companies, develop relationships with teenagers. The focus of the case study is on determining why target companies did not find the service appealing enough to buy it.
Time and Temperature Behavior of Polymers

One of the most important functions of engineering design is to be able to predict the performance of a structure over its design lifetime. Necessarily the mechanical behavior of materials used in a structure must also be known over the intended life of the structure. For engineering design based upon linear elasticity, it is assumed that no intrinsic change in mechanical properties occurs over time. However, the molecular structure of polymers gives rise to mechanical properties that do change over time.
Identification and Characterization of Secreted Proteins from Magnaporthe Grisea

Rice blast disease (Magnaporthe grisea) causes significant economic damage every year either directly through crop loss or indirectly in the cost of fungicides. A key to developing effective resistance is gaining a better understanding of the host-pathogen interaction, which requires a thorough understanding of both the host and pathogen. Recognition of the rice blast fungus via major disease resistance genes generally involves detection of a fungal-specific molecule by the host plant. These recognition molecules are primarily thought to be proteins secreted by the fungus. Secreted proteins examined to date have been plant cell wall-degrading enzymes, such as two xylanases of M. grisea XYN22 and XYN33 (Wu et al., 1995) and polygalacturonase and pectate lyase of Aspergillus nidulans (Dean and Timberlake, 1989); proteins involved in virulence, such as ECP1 and ECP2 of Cladosporium fulvum, and GAS 1 and GAS2 of M. grisea are the virulence factors to tomato and rice, respectively (Lauge et al., 1997; Xue et al., 2002); MPG1 of M. grisea involved in pathogenecity (Talbot et al., 1993); or avirulence gene products, such as Avr-Pita and Pwl2 gene of M. grisea (Orbach et al., 2000 and Sweigard et al., 1995); NIP 1 of barley scald pathogen Rynchosporium secalis (Rohe et al., 1995) and AVR4, AVR9, ECP1, ECP2, ECP3, ECP4 and ECP5 of C. fulvum (Joosten and de Wit, 1999 and Lauge et al., 2000). A more systematic examination of secreted proteins from the rice blast fungus would help to identify the fungal factors involved in the interaction with the plant host.
Fast, Adaptively Refined Computational Elements in 3D

We describe a multilevel adaptive grid refinement package designed to provide a high performance, serial or parallel patch class for use in PDE solvers. We provide a high level description algorithmically with mathematical motivation. The C++ code uses cache aware data structures and automatically load balances.
Alefacept promotes immunosuppression-free renal allograft survival in nonhuman primates via depletion of recipient memory T cells.

Renal allograft tolerance has been achieved in MHC-mismatched primates via nonmyeloablative conditioning beginning 6 days prior to planned kidney and donor bone marrow transplantation (DBMT). To extend the applicability of this approach to deceased donor transplantation, we recently developed a novel-conditioning regimen, the “delayed protocol” in which donor bone marrow (DBM) is transplanted several months after kidney transplantation. However, activation/expansion of donor-reactive CD8+ memory T cells (TMEM) occurring during the interval between kidney and DBM transplantation impaired tolerance induction using this strategy. In the current study, we tested whether, Alefacept, a fusion protein which targets LFA-3/CD2 interactions and selectively depletes CD2highCD8+ effector memory T cells (TEM) could similarly induce long-term immunosuppression-free renal allograft survival but avoid the deleterious effects of anti-CD8 mAb treatment. We found that Alefacept significantly delayed the expansion of CD2high cells including CD8+ TEM while sparing naive CD8+ T and NK cells and achieved mixed chimerism and long-term immunosuppression-free renal allograft survival. In conclusion, elimination of CD2high T cells represents a promising approach to prevent electively the expansion/activation of donor-reactive TEM and promotes tolerance induction via the delayed protocol mixed chimerism approach.
On the Regulation of Mutual Fund Fee Structures

We propose a new framework for the analysis of mutual funds and use it to examine the rationale behind existing regulations that require mutual fund adviser fees to be of the "fulcrum" variety. We find little justification for the regulations. Indeed, we find that asymmetric "incentive fees" in which the adviser receives a flat fee plus a bonus for exceeding a benchmark index provide Pareto-dominant outcomes with a lower level of equilibrium volatility. Our model also offers some insight into fee structures actually in use in the asset-management industry. We find that when leveraging is not permitted and the fee structure must be of the fulcrum variety, the equilibrium fee in our model is a flat fee with no performance component; while if asymmetric incentive fees are allowed and leveraging is permitted the equilibrium fee is an incentive fee with a large performance component. These predictions match observed fee structures in the mutual fund industry and the hedge fund industry, respectively.
Stability of microtubule attachment to metaphase kinetochores in PtK1 cells.

Kinetochore microtubules are known to be differentially stable to a variety of microtubule depolymerization agents compared to the non-kinetochore polar microtubules, but the dynamics of microtubule attachment to the kinetochore is currently controversial. We have examined the stability of kinetochore microtubules in metaphase PtK1 spindles at 23 degrees C when microtubule assembly is abruptly blocked with the drug nocodazole. Metaphase cells were incubated in medium containing 34 microM nocodazole for various times before fixation and processing either for immunofluorescence light microscopy or serial-section electron microscopy. Microtubules not associated with kinetochore fibers disappeared completely in less than 1 min. Kinetochore fibers persisted and shortened, as the spindle poles moved close to the chromosomes over a 10–20 min interval. During this shortening process, the number of kinetochore microtubules decreased slowly. The mean number of kinetochore microtubules was 24 +/− 5 in control cells and zero in cells incubated with nocodazole for 20 min. The half-time of microtubule attachment to the kinetochore was approximately 7.5 min. These results show that when microtubule assembly is blocked, kinetochore microtubules shorten more slowly and persist about 10 times longer than the labile polar microtubules. If kinetochore microtubules shorten by tubulin dissociation at their plus-ends like the non-kinetochore polar microtubules, then the microtubule surface lattice must be able to translocate through the kinetochore attachment site without frequent detachment occurring.
Elevated Serum Pepsinogen I and II Levels Differ as Risk Factors for Duodenal Ulcer and Gastric Ulcer

We investigated the possibility that serum pepsinogen I (PG I) and pepsinogen II (PG II) levels might differ as risk factors for duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcer. From 1967 to 1970, serum was obtained from 7498 Japanese men in Hawaii, and the cohort was followed up to 1981 for the development of peptic ulcer disease. Pepsinogen I and PG II levels in stored serum were significantly higher in the subjects who developed duodenal ulcer (n = 43) or gastric ulcer (n = 115) than in 212 control subjects. The linear trend in risk of each type of ulcer was highly significant for both PG I and PG If. An elevated serum PG I level (≥ 130 μμg/L), however, was associated with about a threefold higher odds ratio for duodenal ulcer than for gastric ulcer (8.37 vs. 2.83), whereas an elevated PG II level (≥ 30 μg/L) was associated with about a threefold higher odds ratio for gastric ulcer than for duodenal ulcer (18.21 vs. 6.49). In contrast, the PG I/PG II ratio was significantly lower in the gastric ulcer than in the control and duodenal ulcer cases, and showed a significant linear trend in risk only for gastric ulcer. In addition, a PG IIPG II ratio of
Development of Intuitive Theories of Motion: Curvilinear Motion in the Absence of External Forces.

College students and children between the ages of 4 and 12 were asked to draw the path a ball would take upon exiting a curved tube. As in previous studies, many subjects erroneously predicted curvilinear paths. However, a clear U-shaped curve was evident in the data: Preschoolers and kindergartners performed as well as college students, whereas school-aged children were more likely to make erroneous predictions. A second study suggested that the youngest children's correct responses could not be attributed to response biases or drawing abilities. This developmental trend is interpreted to mean that the school-aged children are developing intuitive theories of motion that include erroneous principles. The results are related to the 'growth errors' found in other cognitive domains and to the historical development of formal theories of motion.
A Field Study of Social Information Processing Mean Differences and Variance Differences

Previous tests of the effects of socially transmitted information have not provided strong support for a social information processing approach to the formation of work related attitudes and perceptions. This study proposes that the attention-focusing effects of social information should be evidenced by unequal response variance and not necessarily in the typically hypothesized between-group mean differences of previous investigations. Three separate assessments of informational influence on work environment perceptions were conducted on a sample of state government emloyees who were relocating to an open office environment. Predictions of smaller within-group variances for employees receiving environment-salient information were partially supported in the hypotheses tested. Comparison of variance versus mean differences suggests that mean differences alone may not be sufficient for detecting social information processing effects on stimulus perception and evaluation.
Reluctant gatekeepers: ‘Trans-positive’ practitioners and the social construction of sex and gender

The following study is based on 35 in-depth, qualitative interviews with licensed marriage and family therapists, counselors, clinical social workers, and professional psychologists who advertise their services as ‘trans-friendly’, ‘trans-supportive’, or ‘trans-positive’. We focus on cases in which practitioners denied clients access to body modifications for reasons related to gender identity in an effort to distill how practitioners' decisions are based on their working understandings of the appropriate relationship between gendered identities and sexed bodies. In the process of determining clients' access to body modifications, practitioners speak of the importance of the level of practice, as opposed to codified texts such as the DSM, in political and ideological constructions of gender and the materialization of sexed bodies. Instead of sharing one primary configuration of these ideological components, the practitioners we interviewed differed in terms of their assumption that gender identity is a pr...
The effect of threat on novelty evoked amygdala responses.

A number of recent papers have suggested that the amygdala plays a role in the brain’s novelty detection circuit. In a recent study, we showed that this role may be specific to certain classes of biologically-relevant stimuli, such as human faces. The purpose of the present experiment was to determine whether other biologically-relevant stimuli also evoke novelty specific amygdala responses. To test this idea, we presented novel and repeated images of snakes and flowers while measuring BOLD. Surprisingly, we found that novel images of snakes and flowers evoke more amygdala activity than repeated images of snakes and flowers. Our results further confirm the robustness of the novelty evoked amygdala responses, even when compared with effects more traditionally associated with the amygdala. In addition, our results suggest that threatening stimuli may prime the amygdala to respond to other types of stimuli as well.
Running Errands in Time: Approximation Algorithms for Stochastic Orienteering

In the stochastic orienteering problem, we are given a finite metric space, where each node contains a job with some deterministic reward and a random processing time. The processing time distributions are known and independent across nodes. However the actual processing time of a job is not known until it is completely processed. The objective is to compute a nonanticipatory policy to visit nodes and run the corresponding jobs so as to maximize the total expected reward, subject to the total distance traveled plus the total processing time being at most a given budget of B. This problem combines aspects of the stochastic knapsack problem with uncertain item sizes as well as the deterministic orienteering problem. In this paper, we consider both nonadaptive and adaptive policies for Stochastic Orienteering. We present a constant-factor approximation algorithm for the nonadaptive version and an Olog log B-approximation algorithm for the adaptive version. We extend both these results to directed metrics and a more general sequence orienteering problem. Finally, we address the stochastic orienteering problem when the node rewards are also random and possibly correlated with the processing time and obtain an Olog n log B-approximation algorithm; here n is the number of nodes in the metric. All our results for adaptive policies also bound the corresponding “adaptivity gaps”.
Flux motion in a two-dimensional single-crystal Nb film

We have studied thermally activated flux motion (flux creep) in the resistive transition of a single‐crystal ultrathin (20 A) Nb film in perpendicular magnetic fields. This thermally activated resistance extends over four decades from 0.5 Rn to 10−5 Rn. Possible pinning mechanisms and the field dependence of the activation energy are discussed. Comparisons between this system and the high Tc cuprate superconductors, which are quasi‐two‐dimensional in nature, are made.
A thermodynamic basis for predicting water solubilities in silicate melts and implications for the Low Velocity Zone

A binary asymmetric solution model involving Margules type expansions is used in conjunction with the thermodynamic criterion of equilibrium and published isothermal-polybaric solubility data for basalt, andesite and granitic pegmatite to generate activity coefficients for coexisting water saturated liquid and vapor (containing dissolved solids) phases. Values of Margules parameters so obtained are extrapolated to mantle P-T conditions and show miscibility gaps to persist in all systems at high temperatures. Harding pegmatite alone exhibits complete miscibility at 700°C with the critical parameters P c=26.1 kb and x c=0.78 H2O. Margules parameters when combined with enthalpy, heat capacity and P-V-T data for H2O in liquid and vapor phases yield values for the solubility of water in magmas at mantle P- T conditions. A consequence of these thermodynamic relations is the fact that solubility isotherms are not monotonically increasing functions of pressure and, in fact, go through maxima. Application of these results to the LVZ (Low Velocity Zone) provides a mechanism whereby the LVZ is stabilized with respect to bulk vertical flow despite the obvious gravitational instability intrinsic to stratified solid-liquid systems.
Activation of calcium and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in A431 cells: attenuation by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA).

Abstract A calcium and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) was detected in the crude soluble extracts of A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells. The enzyme required calcium, phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylinositol, and diacylglycerol (DG) for maximal activation. Protein kinase C phosphorylated both endogenous cytosolic proteins and various histones. Addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to A431 cultures resulted in a 2 to 3-fold stimulation of protein kinase activity. 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in concert with EGF attenuated the EGF-induced enhanced phosphorylation of endogenous proteins. It is conceivable that DG, derived from phosphatidylinositol turnover, acts as a natural activator of protein kinase C activity.
Decomposition and nutrient dynamics of litter from four species of freshwater emergent macrophytes

Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and mass remaining were followed for 30 months in decomposing litter of the perennial macrophytes Typha latifolia L., Carex lacustris Willd., Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Nutt., and the annual Zizania aquatica L. in a fresh water tidal marsh in Massachusetts. Step-wise decreases in the mass remaining that corresponded to seasonal temperature changes were observed for all species. A model that assumes that initial litter inputs to the marsh surface consist of refractory and labile fractions and that the decay rate of the labile fraction is an exponential function of inverse temperature produced an acceptable description of the observed litter decomposition. The model suggests that a refractory fraction of 11% of initial litter weight of the annual Zizania and from 18 to 23% in the perennial species persists while labile organics are largely degraded within 1 yr. Zizania litter, which had the highest initial concentrations of both N and P, contained the lowest amounts of N and P after 30 months of decomposition. In the three perennial species studied, which are the dominant macrophytes in this marsh, there was a net accumulation of N and P in litter during the first 5 months of decomposition that was about 36% and 100%, respectively, of the annual N and P losses by vegetation in litterfall. This phase of nutrient accumulation was followed by nutrient release, particularly of N, after plant roots had invaded the litter. This sequence of nutrient accumulation, root invasion, and nutrient release represents a mechanism for nutrient conservation and/or accumulation in this ecosystem.
Relating neuronal dynamics for auditory object processing to neuroimaging activity: a computational modeling and an fMRI study

We investigated the neural basis of auditory object processing in the cerebral cortex by combining neural modeling and functional neuroimaging. We developed a large-scale, neurobiologically realistic network model of auditory pattern recognition that relates the neuronal dynamics of cortical auditory processing of frequency modulated (FM) sweeps to functional neuroimaging data of the type obtained using PET and fMRI. Areas included in the model extend from primary auditory to prefrontal cortex. The electrical activities of the neuronal units of the model were constrained to agree with data from the neurophysiological literature regarding the perception of FM sweeps. We also conducted an fMRI experiment using stimuli and tasks similar to those used in our simulations. The integrated synaptic activity of the neuronal units in each region of the model, convolved with a hemodynamic response function, was used as a correlate of the simulated fMRI activity, and generally agreed with the experimentally observed fMRI data in the brain areas corresponding to the regions of the model. Our results demonstrate that the model is capable of exhibiting the salient features of both electrophysiological neuronal activities and fMRI values that are in agreement with empirically observed data. These findings provide support for our hypotheses concerning how auditory objects are processed by primate neocortex.
Dynamics of p-terphenyl crystals at the phase transition temperature: a zero-field EPR study of the photoexcited triplet state of pentacene in p-terphenyl crystals.

Pulsed zero-field electron paramagnetic resonance free induction decay (ZF EPR FID) techniques are employed to study the phase transition of p-terphenyl crystals (Tc = 193 K) by measuring selectively populated photoexcited triplet ZF transitions of dilute pentacene molecules in p-terphenyl single crystals. The sensitivity of ZF spectroscopy to small shifts in local magnetic fields enables the studies of guest−host configuration changes over a wide temperature range. Here we report the observation of guest pentacene (-h14 and -d14) triplet ZF EPR FID spectra that disappear abruptly at Tc and of spectral broadening and shift below Tc. We interpret these spectral changes as evidence for guest couplings to host phenyl rings. Further, these data allow assignments of spectroscopic sites to crystallographic sites that occur in the phase transition.
Family structure homogamy: The effects of parental divorce on partner selection and marital stability

Abstract Although it is well established that the children of divorce are disproportionately likely to end their own marriages, relatively little is known about their marriage formation behavior. This paper uses data from the National Survey of Families and Households to examine the effects of parental family structure on spouse selection and marriage duration. People from divorced families often marry other children of divorce. This phenomenon, which I call family structure homogamy, persists across a variety of sociodemographic boundaries. In addition, I replicate earlier research by demonstrating that marriages between two children of divorce are especially likely to fail. These findings shed new light on the intergenerational transmission of divorce by showing that people from divorced families often marry under conditions that bode poorly for marital stability.
Rapid prototyping to create vascular replicas from CT scan data: Making tools to teach, rehearse, and choose treatment strategies

Our goal was to develop and prove the accuracy of a system that would allow us to re-create live patient arterial pathology. Anatomically accurate replicas of blood vessels could allow physicians to teach and practice dangerous interventional techniques and might also be used to gather basic physiologic information. The preparation of replicas has, until now, depended on acquisition of fresh cadaver material. Using rapid prototyping, it should be able to replicate vascular pathology in a live patient. We obtained CT angiographic scan data from two patients with known arterial abnormalities. We took such data and, using proprietary software, created a 3D replica using a commercially available rapid prototyping machine. From the prototypes, using a lost wax technique, we created vessel replicas, placed those replicas in the CT scanner, then compared those images with the original scans. Comparison of the images made directly from the patient and from the replica showed that with each step, the relationships were maintained, remaining within 3% of the original, but some smoothing occurred in the final computer manipulation. From routinely obtainable CT angiographic data, it is possible to create accurate replicas of human vascular pathology with the aid of commercially available stereolithography equipment. Visual analysis of the images appeared to be as important as the measurements. With 64 and 128 slice detector scanners becoming available, acquisition times fall enough that we should be able to model rapidly moving structures such as the aortic root.
One year follow-up of overweight and obese hypertensive adults following intensive lifestyle therapy.

Objective To examine the long-term effect on weight maintenance and dietary habits of participants in a clinical trial for weight loss. Setting Community-based residents living in Maryland. Participants Forty-four hypertensive, overweight adults who participated in a randomized clinical trial of weight loss. Participants were randomized to an intensive ‘lifestyle’ intervention or a ‘monitoring’ group. Main outcome measures Weight, self-reported current intake of fat and fruit/fibre and self-reported barriers to maintain weight loss were assessed 1 year after the completion of the Diet, Exercise and Weight-loss Intervention Trial (DEW-IT) trial. Analysis t-tests were used to compare groups for differences in continuous variables and chi-square tests were used to compare groups for categorical variables. Results Fourty-two of the 44 DEW-IT subjects participated in the follow-up study. Overall, 55% (12/19) of the lifestyle intervention group remained at or below their baseline weight at 1 year, compared with 48% (11/23) of the monitoring group (P = 0.32). However, during that year, 95% (18/19) of the lifestyle intervention group and 52% (12/23) of the monitoring group gained weight from the end of the study. Both groups reported similar intake of fruits/vegetables (servings day−1), dietary fibre (g day−1) and fat (g day−1). Conclusions and implications The majority of participants who lost weight during the trial regained weight during the course of 1 year. A successful intensive 2-month programme of lifestyle modification (DEW-IT) was ineffective for long-term maintenance of weight loss.
Temporal and spatial patterns of growth and survival of invertebrate and algal populations of a North Carolina continental shelf community

Abstract This study was undertaken to document temporal and spatial population variability in a seaweed-dominated, continental shelf community off North Carolina. Perennial, foliose seaweeds, particularly the dominant species, exhibited large seasonal and year-to-year population variability, with peak abundance during periods of warm water temperatures and high percentage incident irradiance. Reduction of erect vegetative portions to resistant perennating structures by the dominant species during periods unfavourable for growth might explain their northerly extension into the seasonally stressed Carolina waters. Annual algal species rapidly grew and completed their life-cycle during the spring through early summer, presumably during periods favourable for growth (e.g. increasing irradiance and temperature, reduced turbulence). Further, these species exhibited dramatic year-to-year fluctuations in abundance. The resistant vegetative morphology of the crustose algae permitted year round survival at the study site, even in areas of high physical disturbance. Both seaweed and invertebrate species exhibited distinctive spatial distribution patterns which appear to be associated with seasonal variations in storm surge and strong currents. The results of this study suggest that the spatial, seasonal and year-to-year variations in abundance of organisms (particularly the algae) are, in part, a reflection of the fluctuating environmental conditions (e.g. annual temperature and light variations and seasonal storm surge) characteristic of this continental shelf community.
Changing indications for pediatric heart transplantation: complex congenital heart disease.

Since the first heart transplantation procedure was performed almost 50 years ago, heart transplantation has undergone a startling transformation from an experimental, high-risk intervention to being offered as standard of care for children and adults with heart failure refractory to medical and surgical therapy.1,2 The potential for heart transplantation to treat complex congenital heart disease was recognized early in the transplantation experience. In 1967, the first heart transplantation procedure in the United States was performed in an infant with Ebstein anomaly and subvalvular right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.3 Shortly thereafter, heart transplantation was adopted to treat the most complex forms of congenital heart disease in the most critical situations.4–9 Over the past 3 decades, the indications for transplantation in adults and children have evolved as new medical and device therapies have been developed, the number of available donors has plateaued, and risk factors for better and worse outcomes have been identified.10,11 In the 1980s, survival after heart transplantation was significantly better than survival after the Norwood procedure, and unrepaired hypoplastic left heart syndrome was the major indication for infant heart transplantation.12–15 As survival after the Norwood procedure improved to >80% and the shortage of infant donor hearts continued to result in a high incidence of death while waiting (20%–25%), the indications for transplantation in the neonate with hypoplastic left heart syndrome have narrowed to the point where transplantation is rarely considered in the initial management of this lesion.16–18 This has resulted in a significant decrease in the proportion of infants with the diagnosis of congenital heart disease undergoing transplantation, as shown in Figure 1.18,19 Figure 1. The distribution of number of patients listed for heart transplantation in the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study …
Dynamic Braking of Induction Motors Using DC Injection

ABSTRACT Dynamic braking of 3-phase induction motors through dc injection in commonly used in applications such as cranes and hoists. The paper analyses the performance of a slip ring induction motor with dc injection and derives expressions for the optimum values of injection voltage and rotor resistance. Digital computer simulation of the sequence of operations like motoring and braking is also given.
Biochemical Differentiation of Certain Oral Streptococci

A reliable scheme for the differentiation of certain species of oral streptococci has been developed. It employs a commercial biochemical test system (API 50L) modified to accommodate some of the oral streptococci. The scheme relies primarily on eight biochemical reactions, which demonstrate consistent results. Compared to Shklair and Keene's very useful biochemical scheme, our scheme employs additional definitive tests, is a much simpler system technically, and can differentiate a proposed new species, S. ferus.
A Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Invertebrate Community Gradient: Relative Influence of Flooding Regime and Vegetation Zonation

Wetland invertebrate community composition is affected by habitat conditions associated with flooding regimes and vegetation characteristics, yet distinguishing among these influential factors is difficult because they tend to co-vary spatially. We studied a Great Lakes coastal wetland invertebrate community along an elevation gradient as Lake Huron water level rose and fell over a three-year period. This hydrologic variation caused changes in the gradient of flooding conditions, while plant zonation remained relatively unchanged. Multivariate analysis indicated that the invertebrate community varied continuously along the elevation gradient, and that it changed substantially within vegetation zones as water level changed. Variation across the gradient decreased because the high-elevation wet meadow community became more similar to lower-elevation communities as a result of upslope expansion in distributions of many taxa, and substantial increases in dominance of a subset of taxa. Invertebrate density increased dramatically with high-water conditions, and diversity decreased in general. Results suggested that invertebrate community composition was influenced by flooding conditions more than vegetation. These results may have important implications for conservation of high-elevation wetland zones as high-water refuges for wet-meadow invertebrates, and for coastal wetland monitoring schemes based on vegetation zones as habitat for particular invertebrate assemblages.
A Model of Longwave Irradiance for Use with Surface Observations

Abstract Longwave irradiance is often poorly estimated in heat budget calculations for the sea surface. A model using the same hourly surface data as a successful shortwave irradiance parameterization (Lumb, 1964) is developed. Cloud layers in each hour's observation are assigned effective emittances. Cloud temperatures are calculated from temperature profiles constructed using heights and temperatures interpolated from synoptic charts. Contributions from the water vapor band are calculated using the temperature profile to the height of the lowest cloud base (up to 1000 m) and a linear profile of mixing ratio calculated from the surface value. The model compares to within 10 W m−2 over 2-week periods with measurements of longwave irradiance on two ships in the North Atlantic during three months in the summer season. Existing shortwave models and this model can be combined to give better estimates of the radiation balance at the sea surface.
Social Interactions, Spatial Dependence, and Children's Activities: Evidence From India

After controlling for a wide range of determinants of children's participation in work, school, and idleness, we examine whether or not there exists spatial dependence in children's activities in neighboring Indian districts. We find that correlation among neighboring districts' unobservables play a significant role in determining the proportion of children who attend school, work, and are idle in a district. We attribute a large part of spatially correlated unobservables to common social attitudes, beliefs, and norms with respect to children's activities in neighboring districts. This suggests implementing policies that not only target the quality and quantity of education, but also change social attitudes in favor of education and against idleness and child labor.
Can the strengths of AIC and BIC be shared? A conflict between model indentification and regression estimation

A traditional approach to statistical inference is to identify the true or best model first with little or no consideration of the specific goal of inference in the model identification stage. Can the pursuit of the true model also lead to optimal regression estimation? In model selection, it is well known that BIC is consistent in selecting the true model, and AIC is minimax-rate optimal for estimating the regression function. A recent promising direction is adaptive model selection, in which, in contrast to AIC and BIC, the penalty term is data-dependent. Some theoretical and empirical results have been obtained in support of adaptive model selection, but it is still not clear if it can really share the strengths of AIC and BIC. Model combining or averaging has attracted increasing attention as a means to overcome the model selection uncertainty. Can Bayesian model averaging be optimal for estimating the regression function in a minimax sense? We show that the answers to these questions are basically in the negative: for any model selection criterion to be consistent, it must behave suboptimally for estimating the regression function in terms of minimax rate of covergence; and Bayesian model averaging cannot be minimax-rate optimal for regression estimation.
Evaluation of two inversion techniques for retrieving health-related aerosol fractions from personal cascade impactor measurements

Personal cascade impactors are widely used in occupational aerosol exposure assessment. Appropriate algorithms must be used to determine the total particle size distribution from masses collected on the stages of the cascade impactor. Such algorithms should be regarded as integral components of the measurement system. When evaluating algorithms for reconstruction of size distributions from cascade impactor data, the eventual use of the size distribution must be considered. So, from an industrial hygiene perspective, an appropriate basis for comparison of given measurement systems is the accurate retrieval of the inhalable, thoracic, and respirable aerosol fractions as described by the new, internationally accepted, particle size-selective sampling conventions (which are expected to form the basis of future aerosol standards). This article compares two inversion routines in terms of their abilities to retrieve these aerosol mass fractions relative to the masses that would have been obtained using an ideal ...
Post-Transplant Isoagglutinin Induced Pure Red Cell Aplasia; Incidence and Clinic Outcomes

demonstrated a regenerating marrow, with no evidence for residual disease and 100 % donor chimerism. Patient No.3 presented with refractory cytopenia with marrow dysgranulopoiesis and dysmegakaryopoiesis (Childhood MDS). She underwent a 9/10 HLA-DQ MUD transplant. Post-transplant course was complicated by C difficile infection and acute grade 1 skin GVHD. At day 30 she had 100 % donor chimerism. Conclusion: Germline GATA2 mutations are associated with a high frequency of MDS/AML. We describe a family with a non-zinc finger GATA2 mutation causing MDS/AML, profound B/NK deficiency and viral warts and describe the successful role for allo-HCT in this setting.
Remote Sensing of Tidal Wetlands: Mapping and Beyond

Remote sensing, primarily using aerial photographs, is a widely established and accepted method in mapping and inventory of tidal wetlands. Wetland habitats are recognized and the boundaries with non-wetlands are drawn primarily on the basis of interpreted vegetative cover as well as on identification of open water, beach, rocky shores, etc. Mapping by remote detection enjoys considerable advantages in speed, flexibility, and cost per area mapped over conventional techniques. With mapping and inventory applications well established, research is focusing more and more on effective sensing of functional processes within the wetlands environment. The accurate measurement of radiometric characteristics made possible by hand-held field radiometers and by aerial and orbital multispectral scanners has produced increased efforts in quantitatively relating remote measurements to environmental parameters. Because of the expense of field measurement of functional variables, use of remote sensing technology, particularly orbital sensors, would be extremely cost-effective relative to conventional methods in these applications.
QUANTITATIVE MORPHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF PULMONARY ARTERIOLAR DISEASE (PAD) BY LUNG BIOPSY IN PATIENTS (PTS) WITH VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT(VSD)

PAD was assessed from lung biopsy obtained at surgery in 12 pts with VSD ranging in age from 2 months (mo) to 30 years (yrs) (median=15 mo)and correlated with clinical and hemodynamic data. Biopsy was taken from the right upper lobe and fixed in 1:2 gluteraldehyde-formaldehyde solution. Lung sections woro treated with elastic tissue stain. The pulmonary artorioles were microscopically evaluated by three age related morphemetric criteria (I)extension of muscle into smaller vessels(EMSV)(II)percontage wall thickness (%WT) (III)alveolar/arterial (a/A)ratio per unit area. Abnormal EMSV ( 2.5u/M2 with %WT of 32±6(p 15:1)was observed in 3/12 pts (mean 39±4:1): those with the highest PVR among the group(3.6, 4.2, 12.5u/M2)(p<.005). In 1 pt, aged 2 yrs with PVR 4.2 u/M2, EMSV, WT at 40 and a/A ratio 45:1, VSD closure resulted in unrelieved pulmonary hypertension and death. We conclude that lung biopsy is useful in quantitating PAD in pts with VSD. EMSV is present in all infants. When the VSD is large, it is associated with progressive increase in %WT and in pts with advanced PVR with increased a/A ratio.
A Method for the Coupled Thermal-Structural Analysis of Radioactive Material Shipping Packages in Hypothetical Accident Conditions: Part 1—NCT Thermal Load and Some HAC Mechanical Loads

The design of radioactive material (RAM) shipping packages are designed to withstand the mechanical and thermal loads specified in Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations Part 71 (10CFR71). The Hypothetical Accident Conditions (HAC) specified in 10CFR71 include a 30-foot free drop, a crush by an 1100-pound plate, a 40-inch free drop onto a round bar and a 30-minite fire. Furthermore, in accordance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Guide 7.8, these loads should be applied sequentially. The current common practice is to base the thermal modeling on the un-deformed (or un-damaged) packaging configuration and thermal stresses are neglected in structural analyses. This paper presents a methodology to simulate the coupled thermal and structural responses and to evaluate the accumulated damages caused by both sequentially applied thermal and mechanical loads of the Hypothetical Accident Conditions. Part 1 of the paper discusses the thermal analysis for the Normal Conditions of Transport (NCT) to establish the initial temperatures of the shipping package. It also discusses the subsequent analyses of closure-bolt tightening preload analysis and 30-foot drop analysis.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Striated adrenocortical cells in cerebro-hepato-renal (Zellweger) syndrome

Adrenal glands from eight patients with the cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome, a disease in which there are no morphologically demonstrable peroxisomes, were studied histologically; one of the eight was also examined ultrastructurally. Seven of the eight demonstrated striated adrenocortical cells in the inner portion of the adrenal cortex. Ultrastructural examination confirmed that the striated cells contained the lammellae and lamellar-lipid profiles of very long chain fatty acids-cholesterol esters that are characteristic of adreno-leukodystrophy. This morphologic observation further emphasizes the common pathogenetic features of the cerebro-hepato-renal (Zellweger) syndrome and adreno-leukodystrophy.
The Earth Observation Summit: heralding a new era for international cooperation

Abstract The world's first political summit on Earth observation was attended by senior policy makers and expert organizations from a range of scientific disciplines. Its aim was to improve global cooperation in Earth observation and increase its use as a decision-making tool for sustainable development and resource conservation. This article presents a brief survey of the progress made in Earth observation since its birth, along with the specific events driving the convening of the summit. The summit produced a declaration outlining four key areas requiring support, and an ad hoc group was established to produce a 10-year plan and drive implementation of policy.
Simianism: Surgical-orthodontic correction of bimaxillary protrusion

Summary The authors describe a case of bimaxillary protrusion characterized by a simian-type mandible. To this syndrome they have given the name: Simianism. — The various stages of the combined surgical and orthodontic treatment are described. A successful functional and esthetic result was obtained, the patient last being observed four years after the completion of treatment. — Short-cuts in the treatment could have been taken as our own retrospective analysis suggested. The unusual aspects of the deformity prompted a slower and more prudent approach. — The conclusion of the authors is that the combined skills of the surgeon and the orthodontist are necessary to obtain the most adequate results in such cases.
An evaluation of using programming by demonstration and guided walkthrough techniques for authoring and utilizing documentation

Much existing documentation is informal and serves to communicate "how-to" knowledge among restricted working groups. Using current practices, such documentation is both difficult to maintain and difficult to use properly.In this paper, we propose a documentation system, called DocWizards, that uses programming by demonstration to support low-cost authoring and guided walkthrough techniques to improve document usability.We report a comparative study between the use of DocWizards and traditional techniques for authoring and following documentation. The study participants showed significant gains in efficiency and reduction in error rates when using DocWizards. In addition, they expressed a clear preference for using the DocWizards tool, both for authoring and for following documentation.