cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sustainable development in a post-Brundtland world

Not yet two decades after the publication of Our Common Future, the world's political and environmental landscape has changed significantly. Nonetheless, we argue that the concept and practice of sustainable development (SD)–as guiding institutional principle, as concrete policy goal, and as focus of political struggle–remains salient in confronting the multiple challenges of this new global order. Yet how SD is conceptualized and practiced hinges crucially on: the willingness of scholars and practitioners to embrace a plurality of epistemological and normative perspectives on sustainability; the multiple interpretations and practices associated with the evolving concept of “development”; and efforts to open up a continuum of local-to-global public spaces to debate and enact a politics of sustainability. Embracing pluralism provides a way out of the ideological and epistemological straightjackets that deter more cohesive and politically effective interpretations of SD. Using pluralism as a starting point for the analysis and normative construction of sustainable development, we pay particular attention to how an amalgam of ideas from recent work in ecological economics, political ecology and the “development as freedom” literature might advance the SD debate beyond its post-Brundtland quagmire. Enhanced levels of ecological degradation, vast inequalities in economic opportunities both within and across societies, and a fractured set of institutional arrangements for global environmental governance all represent seemingly insurmountable obstacles to a move towards sustainability. While these obstacles are significant, we suggest how they might be overcome through a reinvigorated set of notions and practices associated with sustainable development, one that explicitly examines the linkages between sustainability policies and sustainability politics.
Increased expression of decorin in experimental hydronephrosis

Increased expression of decorin in experimental hydronephrosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)- β l is a potential mediator of tubulo-interstitial (TI) fibrosis in the rat unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. Decorin is a protein composed of a core protein and a chondroitin sulfate side chain and is capable of inactivating TGF- β . Since TGF- β strongly induces the synthesis of decorin in experimental glomerulonephritis, it was our intent to investigate whether altered decorin expression is operant in the rat UUO model. Renal cortical decorin mRNA levels initially became elevated (2.5-fold) in obstructed kidney (OBK) versus contralateral unobstructed kidney (CUK) 24 hours post-UUO and remained greater in the OBK specimens at 48 (2.3-fold), 96 (2.2-fold), and 168 (1.9-fold) hours post-ureteral ligation. Whole-body X-irradiation 11 days prior to UUO significantly reduced decorin mRNA at 24 and 96 hours post-UUO. On immunolabeling, decorin was only evident in the adventitia of blood vessels in CUK specimens at any time point after UUO. In contrast, OBK specimens initially demonstrated periglomerular and peritubular interstitial localization of decorin at 96 hours post-ureteral ligation, which became even more intense and diffuse in the tubulointer-stitium at 168 hours post-UUO. On Western analysis, there were highly significant increases in decorin protein expression in the OBK versus the CUK specimens at 96 and 168 hours post-UUO. Levels of active TGF- β 1 in the renal cortex of OBK were 1.9- and 3.6-fold higher than CUK at 48 and 96 hours post-UUO. In summary, we demonstrated that post-UUO, decorin mRNA and protein expression is up-regulated in the renal cortex of OBK, but not CUK, specimens in a temporal parallel with active TGF- β 1 levels and macrophage infiltration. We postulate that the development of TI fibrosis in this model may be related to only a physiologic induction of decorin by TGF- β , and that pharmacologic levels may be required to retard or prevent scarring via TGF- β inhibition.
Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Patients with Chronic Allograft Nephropathy

Long-term survivors following renal transplantation may get abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) requiring operative intervention. Conventional open AAA repair necessitates a period of warm ischaemia to a renal transplant, and renoprotective manoeuvres are often inadequate. The introduction of endovascular strategies may represent a minimised risk method to repair the aneurysm. We report endovascular stenting of asymptomatic AAAs in two male patients with functioning renal transplants. Both patients had significant cardiovascular co-morbidity and chronic allograft nephropathy. Preoperative management included intravenous hydration and oral N-acetylcysteine. Both patients remained on immunosuppressant medication throughout. Following successful repair, these patients recovered without complication. Postoperative biochemical renal function returned to baseline in both cases. We conclude that endovascular repair of an AAA is a good surgical option for those with functioning renal allografts.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-26 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases TIMP-3 and -4 in benign endometrium and endometrial cancer☆

Abstract Objective Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their physiological inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), play a key role in tumor cell invasion, angiogenesis, and growth. The aim of this study was to determine the expression and cellular distribution of MMP-26, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 in endometrial cancers and benign endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and the correlation with tumor histological subtype, stage, and grade. Methods Immunohistochemical analysis using polyclonal antibodies generated against pro- and active MMP-26, and mono- and polyclonal antibodies specific to TIMP-3 and TIMP-4, respectively, was performed. Results MMP-26, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 are expressed in endometrial carcinomas ( N = 86) and benign endometrium ( N = 50) from various stages of the menstrual cycle. Semi-quantitative analysis of staining intensity indicated that endometrial carcinomas expressed more MMP-26, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 compared to benign endometrium from the postmenopausal period, but not from the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. The highest staining intensity was associated with endometrial epithelial cells, followed by vascular endothelial cells, myometrial smooth muscle cells, and endometrial stromal cells. Increased staining intensity of MMP-26 and TIMP-3 correlated with grade III tumors and MMP-26 and TIMP-4 with the depth of myometrial invasion in tumors histologically characterized as endometrioid adenocarcinoma, clear-cell, and papillary serous carcinoma staged/graded based on FIGO criteria. Conclusion MMP-26 and TIMP-4 are expressed in endometrium and endometrial carcinoma and their elevated expression and correlation with myometrial invasion suggests that MMP-26 and TIMP-4 may play a key role in endometrial tumor progression.
An update on iron homeostasis: make new friends, but keep the old.

Abstract A classic Girl Scout song says, “Make new friends/but keep the old/One is silver/and the other gold.” This review focuses on the past decade of discovery in the field of iron homeostasis, which has identified “new friends” or key modifiers of the critical systemic iron regulator, hepcidin antimicrobial peptide. The foundation for these discoveries has been the identification of mutated genes in well-characterized cohorts of patients with inherited hemochromatosis from across the globe. Transgenic mouse models of iron overload and iron-restricted anemia have also contributed to understanding molecular pathophysiology in ways that could never be accomplished in human subjects alone. The majority of these newly discovered molecules coordinate signaling through the bone morphogenetic protein pathway of ligands, receptors and coreceptors, intracellular signaling and transcription. The discovery of these proteins and their interactions with “old friends,” such as the 1st known hereditary hemochromatosis gene product, HFE and transferrin receptor, has opened the field of iron homeostasis to include regulatory networks involving signal transduction pathways, in particular, the mitogen-activated protein kinase and Smad pathways. These newly discovered partnerships have also made way for opportunities to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of iron regulatory disorders, including hemochromatosis.
Direct observation of current induced motion of the Landau domain structure

Abstract Uniform motion of the Landau domain structure under the influence of an electric transport current has been observed in Pb using a magneto-optic method.
Frequency domain electromagnetic induction sensor data feature extraction and processing for improved landmine detection

Frequency-domain electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors have the ability to provide target signatures which enable discrimination of landmines from harmless clutter. In particular, frequency-domain EMI sensors are well-suited for target characterization by inverting a physics-based signal model. In many model-based signal processing paradigms, the target signatures can be decomposed into a weighted sum of parameterized basis functions, where the basis functions are intrinsic to the target under consideration and the associated weights are a function of the target sensor orientation. The basis function parameters can then be used as features for classification of the target as landmine or clutter. In this work, frequency-domain EMI sensor data feature extraction and processing is investigated, with a variety of physics-based models and statistical classifiers considered. Results for data measured with a prototype frequency-domain EMI sensor at a standardized test site are presented. Preliminary results indicate that extracting physics-based features followed by statistical classification provides an effective approach for classifying targets as landmine or clutter.
Management Principles to Reduce the Risk of Residual Neuromuscular Blockade

The perioperative use of neuromuscular blocking agents has revolutionized medicine, and has allowed numerous and significant advances in the surgical management of patients. However, surgical advancement has not been devoid of attendant complications such as intraoperative patient recall, residual neuromuscular weakness, pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents, and need for tracheal reintubation. This chapter briefly reviews the various ways in which clinicians can optimize the timing and dosing of muscle relaxants, improve perioperative monitoring of muscle relaxation, and enhance the pharmacologic reversal of neuromuscular block. These strategies are intended to reduce the incidence of postoperative neuromuscular weakness and improve the safety of patients undergoing surgery and general anesthesia.
Experimental study of three-dimensional residual stresses in rails by moiré interferometry and dissecting methods

Residual stresses in rails produced by rolling cycles are studied by a destructive testing procedure. Thin slices of rails are cut and small grid elements are made by cutting slots onto the surface of the slice. Residual stresses are believed to be released near the surface of the slice when those grid elements have right angles and are sufficiently small. The resulting deformation produced by the stress relief is measured by moire interferometry. On assuming all strain components be constant along the longitudinal axis of the rail and this axis is one principal direction, three-dimensional strain and stress components are solved.
InGaAs Double-gate fin-sidewall MOSFET

InGaAs Double-gate MOSFETs with fins as narrow as 12 nm were fabricated using precision dry etching and digital etch. The primary goal is to use the subthreshold characteristics of long-channel devices to characterize the interface of etched InGaAs fin sidewalls. We have investigated the impact of forming gas anneal, high-K oxide and number of digital etch cycles following RIE. Our results indicate a minimum interface state density (D it ) of ~ 3×10 12 cm -2 eV -1 obtained in fin sidewalls with Al 2 O 3 and HfO 2 oxides after 4 cycles of digital etch. This is equivalent to results reported on planar devices and bodes well for future Trigate MOSFETs that will not require a barrier semiconductor covering the sidewalls.
Conserved proline-directed phosphorylation regulates SR protein conformation and splicing function.

The alternative splicing of human genes is dependent on SR proteins, a family of essential splicing factors whose name derives from a signature C-terminal domain rich in arginine–serine dipeptide repeats (RS domains). Although the SRPKs (SR-specific protein kinases) phosphorylate these repeats, RS domains also contain prolines with flanking serines that are phosphorylated by a second family of protein kinases known as the CLKs (Cdc2-like kinases). The role of specific serine–proline phosphorylation within the RS domain has been difficult to assign since CLKs also phosphorylate arginine–serine dipeptides and, thus, display overlapping residue specificities with the SRPKs. In the present study, we address the effects of discrete serine–proline phosphorylation on the conformation and cellular function of the SR protein SRSF1 (SR protein splicing factor 1). Using chemical tagging and dephosphorylation experiments, we show that modification of serine–proline dipeptides broadly amplifies the conformational ensemble of SRSF1. The induction of these new structural forms triggers SRSF1 mobilization in the nucleus and alters its binding mechanism to an exonic splicing enhancer in precursor mRNA. These physical events correlate with changes in the alternative splicing of over 100 human genes based on a global splicing assay. Overall, these studies draw a direct causal relationship between a specific type of chemical modification in an SR protein and the regulation of alternative gene splicing programmes. Abbreviations: CLK1, Cdc2-like kinase 1; ESE, exonic splicing enhancer; PP1, protein phosphatase-1; RRM, RNA recognition motif; RS, domain, domain rich in arginine–serine repeats; SR, protein, splicing factor containing a C-terminal RS domain; SRPK1, SR-specific protein kinase 1; SRSF1, SR protein splicing factor 1 (aka ASF/SF2)
An Experimental Study of Thermal Barrier Coatings and Film Cooling on an Internally Cooled Simulated Turbine Vane

This study investigated the interaction of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) and various film cooling configurations to provide a detailed assessment of the thermal protection on a first stage turbine vane. The internally cooled, scaled-up turbine vane used for this study was designed to properly model the conjugate heat transfer effects found in a real engine. The TBC material was selected to properly scale the thicknesses and thermal conductivities of the model to those of the engine. External surface temperatures, TBC-vane interface temperatures and internal temperatures were all measured over a range of internal coolant Reynolds numbers and mainstream turbulence intensities. The blowing ratio of the various film-cooling designs was also varied. The addition of TBC on the vane surface was found to increase the overall effectiveness of the vane surface just downstream of the coolant holes by up to 0.25 when no film cooling was present. The presence of the TBC significantly dampened the variations in overall effectiveness due to changes in blowing ratio which mitigated the detrimental effects of coolant jet separation. It was also discovered that with the presence of TBC standard round holes showed equivalent, if not better, performance when compared to round holes embedded in a shallow transverse trench.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
MARKET-FOCUSED AND OPEN-SYSTEMS APPROACHES TO EARTHQUAKE LOSS-REDUCTION: CONTEXTUALIZING ROLE OF ENGINEERING RESEARCH

To achieve loss-reduction objectives and to enhance community and societal resilience in the event of earthquakes and other disasters, researchers and practitioners must take into account the broader societal environment in which loss-reduction solutions are applied. For that purpose, researchers at the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) have developed two conceptual frameworks that clarify the linkages that need to be made between earthquake research and the application of loss-reduction solutions: an open-systems approach as a strategy for organization a large-scale coordinated research agenda applied to a significant public problem, and market-based metaphors to introduce a new way of conceptualizing the loss-reduction process. This paper presents these proposed conceptual frameworks, which have been used by MCEER to formulate its own research agenda, for consideration as potentially helpful tools for researchers and for the management of large multidisciplinary research endeavors in earthquake engineering, as well as for discussion and possible enhancements by others within the research community.
Endogenous protection, foreign direct investment and protection-building trade

Abstract We introduce the possibility of foreign direct investment (FDI) in a strategic, oligopolistic setting with endogenous protection and find that a number of unique subgame-perfect equilibria may arise, including a new result we call “protection-building trade.” This phenomenon occurs in our model when foreign firms locating production in the home country try to increase protectionist pressures in the home country (through increased exports) to provide larger barriers against other foreign competitors in future periods. We discuss how the foreign firm behavior surrounding significant U.S. protectionist actions, including the VERs on Japanese automobiles, may be consistent with protection-building trade behavior.
Altering dietary levels of protein or vitamins and minerals does not modify morphine-induced analgesia in male rats.

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated that chronic intake of nutritive sweet solutions, but not nonnutritive sweet solutions, enhances morphine’s analgesic potency. To separate out the effects of sweet taste from other changes in dietary intake, which result when rats consume a sucrose solution, the effects of altering dietary levels of protein, or vitamins and minerals on morphine-induced analgesia were examined. In Experiment 1, 40 male Long–Evans rats were fed standard chow or a semipurified diet containing either 10, 20, or 40% protein. Three weeks later, antinociceptive responses to morphine were examined using the tail flick procedure. Tail flick latencies were measured immediately prior to and 30, 60, and 90 min after the administration of morphine sulfate (0.0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg, SC). At all three measurement times, antinociceptive responses increased directly as a function of the dose of morphine, but did not differ as a function of diet. In Experiment 2, 24 rats were maintained on either standard laboratory chow or semipurified diets containing 20% protein and either 100% or 25% of the recommended levels of vitamins and minerals for 3 weeks. Tail flick latencies were measured immediately prior to and 30 min after injections (SC) of 2.5 mg/kg morphine sulfate. This procedure was repeated until a cumulative dose of 10.0 mg/kg was obtained. Tail flick latencies increased significantly as a function of drug dose, but did not differ across dietary conditions. These results demonstrate that the increase in morphine-induced analgesia seen in rats consuming a sucrose solution is not due to alterations in either protein or micronutrient intake.
Saturation mapping of the apple scab resistance gene Vf using AFLP markers

Using the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique combined with a ”narrow-down” bulk segregant strategy enabled us to quickly identify 15 tightly linked AFLP markers to the Vf gene that confers resistance to the apple scab disease. High-resolution mapping placed all 15 AFLP markers within an interval of 0.6 cM around the Vf region; 7 of them were found to be inseparable from the Vf gene, 1 was localized left of, and the remaining 7 located right of the Vf gene. In addition, eight previously identified RAPD markers were also mapped, but only three, including M18, AM19, and AL07, were localized within this short interval, and none co-segregated with the Vf gene. The saturation of the Vf region with AFLP markers will accelerate both marker-assisted selection and map-based cloning. The advantages of this ”narrow-down” strategy, estimation of physical distances among AFLP markers, and their potential application are also discussed.
A hospital-based comfort care team: Consultation for seriously ill and dying patients

Access to hospice and palliative care services has been limited primarily to patients in the final stages of malignant terminal illness. Many have recognized the need to expand the scope of care to include other needy populations. This article describes the clinical activities of the Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) Comfort Care Team. This physician directed inter-disciplinary team provides consultation for any seriously ill patient with comfort care needs. There is no requirement that patients be in the final stages of a terminal illness, nor that they forego curative or life-prolonging treatments. The initial experience of this team supports the usefulness of a broader focus of care. The majority of patients referred for consultation would not have been served under a traditional palliative care model.
Early restriction of the human antibody repertoire

Diversification of the antibody repertoire in mammals results from a series of apparently random somatically propagated gene rearrangement and mutational events. Nevertheless, it is well known that the adult repertoire of antibody specificities is acquired in a developmentally programmed fashion. As previously shown, rearrangement of the gene segments encoding the heavy-chain variable regions (VH) of mouse antibodies is also developmentally ordered: the number of VH gene segments rearranged in B lymphocytes of fetal mice is small but increased progressively after birth. In this report, human fetal B-lineage cells were also shown to rearrange a highly restricted set of VH gene segments. In a sample of heavy-chain transcripts from a 130-day human fetus the most frequently expressed human VH element proved to be closely related to the VH element most frequently expressed in murine fetal B-lineage cells. These observations are important in understanding the development of immunocompetence.
Pharmacogenetics of glutamate system genes and SSRI-associated sexual dysfunction

We examined whether polymorphisms in the GRIK2, GRIA3 and GRIA1 genes were associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-associated sexual dysfunction in 114 participants treated for depression. One polymorphism in GRIA1 (rs1994862) was associated with arousal dysfunction, providing further evidence for the role of GRIA1 in mechanisms underlying SSRI-associated sexual side effects.
Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus: a 30-year experience

This retrospective review of 34 patients with spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, which spans a 30-year period, attempts to identify areas in diagnosis and therapy that might alter the dismal prognosis. The diagnosis and definitive surgical repair of Boerhaave's syndrome were frequently delayed. Delay resulted in a significant increase in complication rates. Pain (85%) and vomiting (71%) were the only common historical events suggesting the diagnosis. Physical examination was of aid in the diagnosis in only the 9 patients (27%) who demonstrated cervical or mediastinal emphysema. The initial chest roentgenogram was abnormal in 97% of the patients, but was interpreted as "compatible with perforation of the esophagus" in only 27%. Esophagography was diagnostic in 23 of 24 patients in whom it was used. Thoracentesis was of little diagnostic aid, but pleural fluid pH was measured in only 15% of the patients. Prompt surgical repair, regardless of time after onset, appears to be the indicated therapy.
The Permutation Representation of Sp(2m, Fp) Acting on the Vectors of Its Standard Module☆

Abstract This paper studies the permutation representation of a finite symplectic group over a prime field of odd characteristic on the vectors of its standard module. The submodule lattice of this permutation module is determined. The results yield additive formulae for the p -ranks of various incidence matrices arising from the finite symplectic spaces.
Evaluation of Advanced Heliostat Reflective Facets on Cost and Performance

Abstract Heliostat reflective facets have traditionally been constructed with glass/silver and metal back support, which may be near reaching its minimum cost point. During the past year, Sandia National Laboratories evaluated alternative low-cost materials and manufacturing methods to construct facets with the goal of reducing current facet cost by at least 25% while maintaining surface slope errors of 1 milli-radians RMS or below. Several companies developed prototype facet samples, which were optically evaluated at Sandia and compared to baseline facet samples using a proposed cost-to-performance metric. A cost-performance metric for comparing facets was developed by modeling and optimizing the hypothetical SunShot 200 MW e power tower plant scenario in DELSOL, a computer code for system-level modeling of power tower systems. We varied the slope error on the facets and adjusted the cost on the facets to maintain a constant plant levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The result of these models provided a chart of the facet optical performance and the allowable facet cost for a constant plant LCOE. The size of the prototype facet samples ranged from 1.4 to 3 m 2 . The measured optical slope errors were between 1 and 2 milli- radians RMS when compared to a flat mirror design shape. Despite slope errors greater than 1 milli-radians RMS, some of the prototype samples met the cost goals for this project using the cost-performance metric. Next steps are to work with the companies to improve the manufacturing processes and further reduce the cost and improve on the optical performance to reach Department of Energy SunShot goal of $75/m 2 for heliostats.
Climate Response to External Sources of Freshwater: North Atlantic versus the Southern Ocean

Abstract The response of an atmosphere–ocean general circulation model (AOGCM) to perturbations of freshwater fluxes across the sea surface in the North Atlantic and Southern Ocean is investigated. The purpose of this study is to investigate aspects of the so-called bipolar seesaw where one hemisphere warms and the other cools and vice versa due to changes in the ocean meridional overturning. The experimental design is idealized where 1 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) of freshwater is added to the ocean surface for 100 model years and then removed. In one case, the freshwater perturbation is located in the Atlantic Ocean from 50° to 70°N. In the second case, it is located south of 60°S in the Southern Ocean. In the case where the North Atlantic surface waters are freshened, the Atlantic thermohaline circulation (THC) and associated northward oceanic heat transport weaken. In the Antarctic surface freshening case, the Atlantic THC is mainly unchanged with a slight weakening toward the end of the integration. This w...
Serotonin content of the pineal glands of man and monkey.

GIARMAN et al. have demonstrated the presence of certain neurohumours and some of their associated enzymes in the bovine pineal gland1,2. While determining the relative distribution of serotonin in specific areas of human brain, we have obtained the pineal glands of deceased mental patients. The glands were removed within 24 hr. post mortem, and kept at the temperature of dry ice, usually for 24 hr., when extraction of serotonin was carried out. Only minimal losses are encountered with such a procedure. The pineals were homogenized with 2 ml. of isotonic salt solution and the amine extracted with 95 per cent acetone by a modification of the method of Amin, Crawford and Gaddum3. Estimation of the content of serotonin in the extracts was made by assay on the heart of Venus mercenaria 4. For purposes of comparison freshly excised pineal glands from non-psychotic deceased patients and from 17 rhesus monkeys were treated and assayed in the same manner. Table 1 summarizes the results presented here and includes some values obtained previously2 from freshly excised and fresh-frozen bovine glands.
Social Criticisms of Target Marketing Process or Product

The social acceptability of targeting is largely a function of judgments about particular consumers and specific products. Targeting that involves consumers who are viewed as essentially “equal participants” in transactions is typically regarded as acceptable. Transactions involving “acceptable” or “socially desirable” products are generally evaluated as beneficial. Objections are almost certain if targeting entails “disadvantaged” or “vulnerable” consumers participating in transactions involving products such as alcohol and cigarettes. Although some members of all groups are less well equipped to navigate the marketplace, there is no empirical basis on which to characterize women and minorities as vulnerable consumers. On the contrary, consumers appreciate the various roles played by advertising and the health consequences of tobacco and alcohol consumption regardless of gender or race. Choices at variance with those prescribed by critics of tobacco or alcohol do not constitute a reasonable definition of...
Auger electron spectroscopy of stoichiometric chromium carbides and carbide precipitates at grain boundaries of type 304 stainless steel

Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) data on carbide phases at the grain boundaries of type 304 SS are reported. The carbide phase was identified from the unique shape of the carbide peak in the AES spectrum and composition of the carbide was obtained from the Auger Spectra from stoichiometric chromium carbides, iron and nickel carbide and the pure graphite, iron, chromium, and nickel. (FS)
A proposed OB-fold with a protein-interaction surface in Candida albicans telomerase protein Est3

Ever shorter telomeres 3 (Est3) is an essential telomerase regulatory subunit thought to be unique to budding yeasts. Here we use multiple sequence alignment and hidden Markov model–hidden Markov model (HMM-HMM) comparison to uncover potential similarities between Est3 and the mammalian telomeric protein Tpp1. Analysis of site-specific mutants of Candida albicans Est3 revealed functional distinctions between residues that are conserved between Est3 and Tpp1 and those that are unique to Est3. Although both types of residues are important for telomere maintenance in vivo, only the former contributes to telomerase activity in vitro and facilitates the association of Est3 with telomerase core components. Consistent with a function in protein-protein interaction, the residues common to Est3 and Tpp1 map to one face of an OB-fold model structure, away from the canonical nucleic acid binding surface. We propose that Est3 and the OB-fold domain of Tpp1 mediate a conserved function in telomerase regulation.
Laboratory Evaluation of 0.025% Warfarin Against Rattus argentiventer

Abstract Laboratory feeding tests were conducted to determine the efficacy of 0.025% warfarin against two separate populations of Rattus argentiventer (Robinson and Kloss) in Peninsular Malaysia. No-choice feeding periods of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 days gave mortalities of 27.5, 57.5, 82.5, 87.5, 97.5 and 100% respectively for the pooled data. No significant heterogeneity was found between the sexes of the populations but there was marked individual variation in susceptibility to warfarin. A base-line for the susceptibility of R. argentiventer to warfarin was established; the upper 95% confidence limit calculated for the LFP (Lethal Feeding Period) 98 indicated that survival following an 18-day feeding period on 0.025% warfarin bait is a suitable test for the detection of warfarin resistance. It is concluded that warfarin is appropriate for use against R. argentiventer infesting rice fields and that poisoned bait would be best applied when alternative foods are most limited.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Effective treatment for chronic abdominal pain in children with acalculous biliary pain

Abstract Background/Purpose: Acalcular biliary pain is a term used to identify patients who have significant abdominal pain related to an abnormally low gallbladder ejection fraction in the absence of cholelithiasis. Little is known about this disease in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to determine whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an effective method for treatment of children with abdominal pain in the setting of acalcular biliary pain and whether one can predict the outcome preoperatively. Methods: The charts of all children who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acalcular biliary pain in our institution from January 1991 through April 1998 were reviewed. Sixty-three patients were identified as children with acalcular biliary pain who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Forty-eight patients were contacted successfully and they all completed the questionnaire. Complete resolution of abdominal pain occurred in 72%, and another 18% had near-complete resolution of pain. Some improvement was noted by 8%, and only 2% had no improvement. In a multiple logistic model, none of the variables were significant predictors of response outcome. Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an effective means of therapy for children with abdominal pain and low gallbladder ejection fraction. It is difficult to predict patients with complete response based on the preoperative clinical findings. J Pediatr Surg 36:1394-1396. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Basis Functions of Tristimulus Coordinate Spaces

A set of tristimulus coordinates is commonly characterized by its weighting functions, which span a three-dimensional subspace in the overall vector space of wavelength functions. This subspace also contains the weighting functions for all other tristimulus coordinates associated with the same standard observer. It is shown that the vector projections of reference stimuli spectra onto the subspace, bear a special relation to the associated weighting functions. The projections of each triplet of reference stimuli constitute a basis of the subspace, and the tristimulus coordinates generated by the associated weighting functions are precisely the vector components over this basis. The basis functions for CIE 1931 tristimulus coordinates are shown.
Using a random displacement model to simulate turbulent particle motion in a baroclinic frontal zone: A new implementation scheme and model performance tests

Numerical artifacts can limit accurate simulation of turbulent particle motion when Lagrangian particle-tracking models are implemented in hydrodynamic models with stratified conditions like fronts. Yet, modeling of individual particle motion in frontal regions is critical for understanding sediment dynamics as well as the transport and retention of planktonic organisms. The objective of this research was to develop a numerical technique to accurately simulate turbulent particle motions in a particletracking model embedded within a hydrodynamic model of a frontal zone. A new interpolation scheme, the ‘water column profile’ scheme, was developed and used to implement a random displacement model for turbulent particle motions. A new interpolation scheme was necessary because linear interpolation schemes caused artificial aggregation of particles where abrupt changes in vertical diffusivity occurred. The new ‘water column profile’ scheme was used to fit a continuous function (a tension spline) to a smoothed profile of vertical diffusivities at the x–y particle location. The new implementation scheme was checked for artifacts and compared with a standard random walk model using (1) Well Mixed Condition tests, and (2) dye-release experiments. The Well Mixed Condition tests confirmed that the use of the ‘water column profile’ interpolation scheme for implementing the random displacement model significantly reduced numerical artifacts. In dye-release experiments, high concentrations of Eulerian tracer and Lagrangian particles were released at the same location up-estuary of the salt front and tracked for 4days. After small differences in initial dispersal rates, tracer and particle distributions remained highly correlated (r=0.84 to 0.99) when a random displacement model was implemented in the particle-tracking model. In contrast, correlation coefficients were substantially lower (r=0.07 to 0.58) when a random walk model was implemented. In general, model performance tests indicated that the ‘water column interpolation’ scheme was an effective technique for implementing a random displacement model within a hydrodynamic model, and both could be used to accurately simulate diffusion in a highly baroclinic frontal region. The new implementation scheme has the potential to be a useful tool for investigating the influence of hydrodynamic variability on the transport of sediment particles and planktonic organisms in frontal zones.
Longitudinal and torsional oscillations of a rod in a third-grade fluid

Abstract The flow of a third-grade fluid due to the torsional and longitudinal oscillations of an infinite circular rod is discussed. The non-linear coupled partial differential equations resulting from the momentum equations are solved numerically and the result is compared with that of a regular perturbation solution. The velocity field, the axial shear force, and the torque acting on the rod are computed. The stress power is found to be negative at particular times, but that expended in a cycle turns out to be positive.
New Nonparametric Confidence Intervals for the Youden Index

The Youden index, a main summary index for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, is a comprehensive measurement for the effectiveness of a diagnostic test. For a continuous-scale diagnostic test, the optimal cut point for positive disease is the cut point leading to the maximization of the sum of sensitivity and specificity. Finding the Youden index of the test is equivalent to maximize the sum of sensitivity and specificity for all the possible values of the cut point. In this paper, we propose new nonparametric confidence intervals for the Youden index. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to compare the relative performance of the new intervals with the existing parametric interval for the index. Our simulation results indicate that the newly developed nonparametric intervals are competitive with the existing parametric interval when the underlying distributions are correctly specified, and they outperform the existing parametric interval when the underlying distributions are misspecified. The new intervals are robust and easy to implement in practice. A real example is also used to illustrate the application of the proposed intervals.
Reflection, Transmission, and Phase Shift of Light at Imbedded Optical Films

Reflectance and transmittance of polarized light at imbedded optical films are measured for films of different compositions and thicknesses. The reflectance/transmittance ratio of plane-polarized light from such films, whose reflectance equals the transmittance at normal incidence, can be varied from approximately 13 to 4 by rotating the plane of polarization. A method is described that permits measurement of differences of phase shift, between reflected and transmitted light, for optical films imbedded in dielectric media that are approximately homogeneous. Phase-shift differences were obtained for two different aluminum films. Whereas values approximately π/2 rad were expected, values of 106° and 74°, respectively, were found for light polarized parallel and perpendicular to the plane of incidence. The two interferograms, produced by light of these two polarizations, appear to be complementary. However, the two interferograms produced by either polarization and observed from opposite sides of the film are not complementary—thus indicating a variation of absorption of the film with optical-path difference.
Development and Piloting of a Food Safety Audit Tool for the Domestic Environment

Research suggests that consumers often mishandle food in the home based on survey and observation studies. There is a need for a standardized tool for researchers to objectively evaluate the prevalence and identify the nature of food safety risks in the domestic environment. An audit tool was developed to measure compliance with recommended sanitation, refrigeration and food storage conditions in the domestic kitchen. The tool was piloted by four researchers who independently completed the inspection in 22 homes. Audit tool questions were evaluated for reliability using the κ statistic. Questions that were not sufficiently reliable (κ 43 ° C, 32%). The audit tool developed here provides an objective measure for researchers to observe and record the most prevalent food safety risks in consumer's kitchens and potentially compare risks among consumers of different demographics.
The southern Caribbean upwelling system: Sea surface temperature, wind forcing and chlorophyll concentration patterns

Sixteen years of sea surface temperature (SST, 1994–2009) were used to characterize the southern Caribbean upwelling system. This system extends from 61–75.5°W and 10–12.5°N, with 21 upwelling foci clustered in seven groups differentiated by their SST cycles. Two of those groups had the strongest coastal upwelling: the ‘eastern area’ (63–65°W) and the ‘western area’ (70–73°W). The literature reports that the eastern and western upwelling areas hold 78% and 18% of the small pelagic biomass within the upwelling system, respectively. We looked into variations of the upwelling dynamics in those areas using seasonal cycles of satellite SST, chlorophyll-a (Chl) and sea-wind, as well as climatological hydrographic data from the World Ocean Atlas. Comparing their annual averages, the eastern area featured the lowest SST (25.24 °C) and the highest Chl (1.65 mg m−3); it has moderate wind intensity (6.12 m s−1) and shallower 22 °C isotherm (85 m). The western area had stronger winds (8.23 m s−1) but deeper 22 °C isotherm (115 m), slightly higher SST (25.53 °C) and moderate Chl (1.15 mg m−3). The upwelling in the eastern area was more prolonged than in the western area (SST <26 °C during 8.5 and 6.9 months, respectively). According to the ‘optimal environmental window’ theory, small clupeoid recruitment is a dome-shaped function of the upwelling intensity, turbulence and SST, with an optimum wind speed around 5–6 m s−1. The eastern upwelling area wind speed is close to this optimum value. The western upwelling area shows much higher wind speed that causes high level of turbulence and strong offshore transport that could hinder small pelagics recruitment in that area.
Beobachtungen zum Auftreten beschädigter Varroamilben im natürlichen Totenfall bei Völkern von Apis mellifera carnica

La mortalite naturelle de l'acarien Varroa iacobsoni reflete la croissance de la population et le potentiel reproducteur du varroa et fournit des informations concernant les mecanismes de defense active des abeilles. Wallner (1989, 1990a,b, 1991, 1992) a ete le premier a postuler l'existence de mecanismes de defense active apres avoir observe des varroas qui presentaient des pattes et la cuticule de l'idiosome endommagees. Ces faits ont ete confirmes par Ruttner (1991) et Ruttner et Hanel (1992)
Collaborative Automated Systems: Older Adults' Mental Model Acquisition and Trust in Automation

Older adults may encounter automated systems in a variety of context such as health care and transportation. Consequently it is important to understand the interactions between system knowledge and reliance. In this ongoing study, we tested 19 older adults on their ability to form an accurate mental model and how they responded to an automated navigation aid that was 70% and 100% reliable. Some older adults were able to form highly accurate mental models and were able to detect when the collaborative automated system was faulty. However, most of the older adults did not form accurate mental models and were likely to inappropriately trust the automation. Training to augment cognition may be helpful for older adults who use collaborative automated systems and have difficulty developing a highly accurate mental model.
A quantitative study of morphological changes accompanying the initiation and progress of myelin production in the dorsal funiculus of the rat spinal cord.

The dorsal funiculus in cervical spinal cords of rats from 3 to 120 days postnatal was studied in order to document and quantitate glial cell development and axonal growth as related to the initiation and progress of central myelination. Within the dorsal funiculus are three major and distinct tracts, each having distinct developmental trends and adult characteristics in terms of fiber sizes and amount of myelin. These tracts are the cuneate and gracile fasciculi and the cortico-spinal tracts. Glial cell counts and cross-sectional surface area determinations of each tract at increasing ages show that the initial rate of glial population increase is similar. However, each tract is unique in terms of the age at which a maximum population density is reached and the rate at which the expected population dilution takes place. An electron-microscopic examination indicates that oligodendrocytes constitute over 85% of the total glial population throughout the development period surveyed. As such, these cells are primarily responsible for the population density changes. The diameters of unmyelixgnated fibers, promyelin fibers and some myelinated fibers in these tracts were measured at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 120 days postnatal. This was done both for the purpose of relating glial population density changes with the initiation and decline of active myelination, and for determining whether or not a critical diameter for myelination exists in the CNS as was found in peripheral nerves (Matthews, '68). For each tract there is a characteristic sequence of events involving not only myelination, but also changes in diameter distribution just prior to the appearance of myelin and during the period of active myelin formation. These events coincide with the concentration and dilution of the glial population, but it is also evident that there is no critical and constant diameter in the CNS above which all axons are myelinated and below which all are unmyelinated. Myelin appears first on larger axons, but as the animal matures, it is found on progressively smaller axons until between 20 and 120 days, axons 0.2–0.4 μ in diameter acquire myelin. Thus, myelination begins with axons destined to be large and then extends down to those which enlarge very little prior to acquiring myelin and remain very small even in adult animals. Finally, from the determination, in adult rats, of the number of axons and oligodendrocytes in a defined volume of each tract and an estimation of internode length, the ratio of internodes to oligodendrocytes was calculated. The specific values obtained could vary by as much as ±50% and are only meant to serve as indicators of a trend. However, it is suggested that the number of internodes per oligodendrocyte may be inversely proportional to the length of the internode.
Model-based probing strategies for convex polygons

Abstract We prove that n+4 finger probes are sufficient to determine the shape of a convex n-gon from a finite collection of models, improving the previous result of 2n+1. Further, we show that n−1 are necessary, proving this is optimal to within an additive constant. For line probes, we show that 2n+4 probes are sufficient and 2n−3 necessary. The difference between these results is particularly interesting in light of the duality relationship between finger and line probes.