cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Designing physiogenomic studies.

‘The increase in sample size needed to account for multiple testing is relatively modest, increasing only logarithmically with the number of markers, thus remaining quite feasible even for genome-wide SNP arrays.’ Micro- and nano-array technologies can produce millions of biomarkers for biomedical research. In genetics, highly parallel genotyping arrays empower investigators to study associations of vast ensembles of biallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with disease susceptibility and physiological responses to drugs and diet [1]. Risch and Merikangas [2] show that population association studies offer an important strategy for studying complex diseases, and they present an approach for estimating sample size for a categorical response, occurrence of disease. It is widely recognized that multiple comparisons can produce unacceptably high Type I error rates, producing false discoveries. It is not as widely recognized that the increase in sample size needed to account for multiple testing is relatively modest, increasing only logarithmically with the number of markers, thus remaining quite feasible even for genome-wide SNP arrays (approximately 100,000 SNPs). While Bonferroni adjustment is conservative compared with alternatives, such as the false discovery rate [3–5], it can be useful for study design [6]. Adapting Rosner’s formula for sample size [7], n, and an error function approximation [8] yields an approximate sample size estimate with Bonferroni adjustment of significance level, α/c in which α = significance level, and c = number of SNPs (see Box 1) and where and are variances of response under null and alternative hypotheses, β = Type II error, z =s tandard σ 0 2 σ 1 2
EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FOR FACTORS MAINTAINING PLANT SPECIES DIVERSITY IN A NEW ENGLAND SALT MARSH

Understanding the processes that maintain species diversity patterns is vital for conserving and managing communities. In this paper, we examine the effect of plant species interactions on the maintenance of plant species number across intertidal zones characterized by different soil conditions in a New England salt marsh community. In this system, plant species number is low in the high intertidal and lower middle intertidal, and high in the upper middle intertidal. To understand the causes of this unimodal pattern of change in species diversity, we experimentally tested for the influence of competition, facilitation, and physical factors across this physical gradient. We established plots with and without plant neighbors, transplanted plant species into these plots, and measured mortality, leaf area, and flower number for a single growing season. We found that competition plays a more important role in the high intertidal habitat by decreasing leaf area and flower production and causing 100% mortality of one of the species tested. In contrast, physical factors are critical in the lower middle intertidal, causing 100% mortality of three of the four species tested, with or without neighbor interactions. In the upper middle intertidal, direct positive interactions were important to the higher species number. Three of the four species had 100% mortality without neighbors but minimal mortality or leaf area loss with neighbors. These positive effects were due to one particular facilitator species, Juncus gerardi L., which ameliorates the soil conditions that develop in its absence thus allowing other species to co-occur. Without Juncus, our data predict that plant species number would not be as high in the upper middle intertidal. We show that the rise in species number in the upper middle intertidal is dependent on three co-occurring conditions: the absence of a competitive dominant, less harsh physical conditions than the lower middle intertidal, and the presence of a facilitator species.
L5 radiculopathy with reduced superficial peroneal sensory responses : Intraspinal and extraspinal causes

Thirteen patients were retrospectively identified with the electrodiagnostic pattern of combined L5 radiculopathy by needle electrode examination, and abnormality of the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude. To have combined L5-derived sensory and motor axon loss, lesions must be localized at or distal to the L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG), but also proximal to the sacral plexus. Six patients had evidence of an active intraspinal canal (ISC) lesion, 3 had diabetes, and 4 had nonspecific causes. The ISC localization in at least 6 of our cases is counter to the commonly held electrodiagnostic dogma that L5 radiculopathy spares the SPN SNAP, but recent anatomic studies confirm the ISC location of up to 40% of L5 DRG. Thus loss of the SPN SNAP does not exclude ISC lesions.
For Parkin, it's not all or nothing

Mitochondria accumulate damage over time, which can lead to impairment of cell function by excessive production of reactive oxygen species. The PINK1/Parkin pathway therefore monitors the quality of the mitochondrial population and stimulates the elimination of depolarized organelles by mitophagy. In this issue of The EMBO Journal , McLelland et al ([2014][1]) show that this pathway also responds to mild oxidative damage, and instead of inducing mitophagy, allows oxidized proteins to be sorted into mitochondria‐derived vesicles (MDVs) that are transported to lysosomes. [1]: #ref-1
Assessing the Racial Climate in Women's Institutions in the Context of Penal Reform

Abstract At the end of the twentieth century women's imprisonment in the United States changed dramatically. Increases in the female inmate population and a move toward gender equity in corrections created a new generation of women's prisons. Women's incarceration today more closely resembles men's in terms of regime and physical structure. In this study, we explore whether these institutional changes are changing women's perceptions of the racial climate of prisons. Using data from two large-scale surveys administered in women's prisons in California and qualitative information from interviews with 70 female inmates, we examine women's perceptions of racial hostility and attitudes about racial conflict in light of their current carceral setting. Our data uncover no evidence of serious racial conflict among female inmates and relatively little variation in racial attitudes across institutional contexts. We discuss the significance of these findings in terms of the current discourse on penal change and wom...
Design of a Biomimetic Robotic Fish Controlled by a Touch Screen

Biomimetic robotic fish exhibits have been an attraction for many visitors in informal learning settings. Although these exhibits are entertaining to the visitors, they generally lack interactive components to promote participants’ engagement. Interactivity in exhibits is an increasing trend in public educational venues, and is a crucial factor for promoting science learning among participants. In this work, we propose a novel platform for enhancing participant interaction through a robotic fish controlled by a touch screen device. Specifically, we develop and characterize a robotic fish based on a multi-link design with a pitch and buoyancy control system for three-dimensional biomimetic swimming. Performance tests are conducted to assess the robotic fish speed.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Antibiotic treatment of the tick vector Amblyomma americanum reduced reproductive fitness.

BackgroundThe lone star tick Amblyomma americanum is a common pest and vector of infectious diseases for humans and other mammals in the southern and eastern United States. A Coxiella sp. bacterial endosymbiont was highly prevalent in both laboratory-reared and field-collected A. americanum. The Coxiella sp. was demonstrated in all stages of tick and in greatest densities in nymphs and adult females, while a Rickettsia sp. was less prevalent and in lower densities when present.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe manipulated the numbers of both bacterial species in laboratory-reared A. americanum by injecting engorged nymphs or engorged, mated females with single doses of an antibiotic (rifampin or tetracycline) or buffer alone. Burdens of the bacteria after molting or after oviposition were estimated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction with primers and probes specific for each bacterial species or, as an internal standard, the host tick. Post-molt adult ticks that had been treated with rifampin or tetracycline had lower numbers of the Coxiella sp. and Rickettsia sp. and generally weighed less than ticks that received buffer alone. Similarly, after oviposition, females treated previously with either antibiotic had lower burdens of both bacterial species in comparison to controls. Treatment of engorged females with either antibiotic was associated with prolonged time to oviposition, lower proportions of ticks that hatched, lower proportions of viable larvae among total larvae, and lower numbers of viable larvae per tick. These fitness estimators were associated with reduced numbers of the Coxiella sp. but not the Rickettsia sp.Conclusion/SignificanceThe findings indicate that the Coxiella sp. is a primary endosymbiont, perhaps provisioning the obligately hematophagous parasites with essential nutrients. The results also suggest that antibiotics could be incorporated into an integrated pest management plan for control of these and other tick vectors of disease.
No association between vitamin D intake and incident psoriasis among US women

We investigated the association between dietary, supplementary and total vitamin D intake and incident psoriasis in women. A prospective study was performed of 70,437 US female nurses aged 47–74 enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study who did not have psoriasis at baseline in 1994 and who completed semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires in 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006. The incidence of clinician-diagnosed psoriasis was ascertained and validated by self-reported questionnaires. 502 confirmed incident psoriasis cases were documented during 973,057 person-years of follow-up from 1994 June to 2008 June. Association between vitamin D intake and incident psoriasis was assessed using multivariable-adjusted cox regression analysis. After adjusting for age, smoking, body mass index, calorie intake, UV flux, exercise and alcohol use, there was no significant association between vitamin D intake (dietary, supplementary and total vitamin D) and the risk of incident psoriasis. Compared with women whose dietary vitamin D intake was <100 IU/day, multivariate relative risks for psoriasis was 1.13 (95 % CI 0.66–1.92) for ≥400 IU/day (P trend = 0.88). The multivariate relative risk for women who took supplementary vitamin D ≥400 IU/day was 1.18 (95 % CI 0.88–1.58) compared with women who did not take supplementary vitamin D. The multivariate risk for women who had total vitamin D intake of 300–399 IU/day was no different than at higher and lower doses of vitamin D intake. Our study does not support preventive roles of dietary or supplemental vitamin D intake for incident psoriasis.
Genetic targeting of green fluorescent protein to gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons: Characterization of whole-cell electrophysiological properties and morphology

GnRH neurons form the final common pathway for central control of reproduction, with regulation achieved by changing the pattern of GnRH pulses. To help elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying pulsatile GnRH release, we generated transgenic mice in which the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter was genetically targeted to GnRH neurons. The expression of GFP allowed identification of 84-94% of immunofluorescently-detected GnRH neurons. Conversely, over 99.5% of GFP-expressing neurons contained immunologically detectable GnRH peptide. In hypothalamic slices, GnRH neurons could be visualized with fluorescence, allowing for identification of individual GnRH neurons for patch-clamp recording and subsequent morphological analysis. Whole-cell current-clamp recordings revealed that all GnRH neurons studied (n = 23) fire spontaneous action potentials. Both spontaneous firing (n = 9) and action potentials induced by injection of depolarizing current (n = 17) were eliminated by tetrodotoxin, indicating that voltage-dependent sodium channels are involved in generating action potentials in these cells. Direct intracellular morphological assessment of GnRH dendritic morphology revealed GnRH neurons have slightly more extensive dendrites than previously reported. GnRH-GFP transgenic mice represent a new model for the study of GnRH neuron structure and function, and their use should greatly increase our understanding of this important neuroendocrine system.
Solubilities and effective oxidation states of some lower molybdenum chlorides in concentrated sulphuric acid and related solvents

Abstract The solubilities and effective oxidation states of molybdenum ions resulting from the dissolution of MoCl 3 and K 3 MoCl 6 in concentrated H 2 SO 4 were determined. At room temperatures the oxidation state was 3·0; at 180°C, from 4·5 to 4·8. MoCl 3 in contact with SO 3 reacted via surface reaction only; K 3 MoCl 6 formed reversible adducts with SO 3 from 64° to 180°. Both MoCl 3 and K 3 MoCl 6 reacted with fuming sulphuric acids to yield highly coloured solutions. Based on similarities in colour vs. SO 3 content in the fuming acids, and reversible K 3 MoCl 6 SO 4 adduct formation, it is postulated that the effective oxidation states are also 3·0–4·8 within the specified temperature limits for these solutions.
The interferon consensus sequence-binding protein (ICSBP/IRF8) represses PTPN13 gene transcription in differentiating myeloid cells

The interferon consensus sequence-binding protein (ICSBP/IRF8) is an interferon regulatory factor that is expressed in myeloid and B-cells. ICSBP-deficient mice develop a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by cytokine hypersensitivity and apoptosis resistance. To identify ICSBP target genes involved in these effects, we screened a CpG island microarray with chromatin that co-immunoprecipitated with ICSBP from myeloid cells. Using this technique, we identified PTPN13 as an ICSBP target gene. PTPN13 encodes Fas-associated phosphatase 1 (Fap-1), a ubiquitously expressed protein-tyrosine phosphatase. This was of interest because interaction of Fap-1 with Fas results in Fas dephosphorylation and inhibition of Fas-induced apoptosis. In this study, we found that ICSBP influenced Fas-induced apoptosis in a Fap-1-dependent manner. We also found that ICSBP interacted with a cis element in the proximal PTPN13 promoter and repressed transcription. This interaction increased during myeloid differentiation and was regulated by phosphorylation of conserved tyrosine residues in the interferon regulatory factor domain of ICSBP. ICSBP deficiency was present in human myeloid malignancies, including chronic myeloid leukemia. Therefore, these studies identified a mechanism for increased survival of mature myeloid cells in the ICSBP-deficient murine model and in human myeloid malignancies with decreased ICSBP expression.
Nitroxoline (8-hydroxy-5-nitroquinoline) is more a potent anti-cancer agent than clioquinol (5-chloro-7-iodo-8-quinoline)

Abstract Clioquinol has been shown to have anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo . The present study compared the cytotoxicity of clioquinol with six analogues using human cancer cell lines. Of the analogues tested, 8-hydroxy-5-nitroquinoline (NQ) was the most toxic, with an IC 50 that was five to ten fold lower than that of other congeners. Its activity was enhanced by copper, but not zinc, and the use of a zinc-sensitive fluorophore showed that unlike clioquinol, NQ is not a zinc ionophore. NQ increased intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, an effect that was significantly enhanced by the addition of copper at levels approximately the same as those found in human plasma. NQ has been used in humans for the treatment of urinary infections. NQ is an 8-hydroxyquinoline derivative that is more potent than the halogenated 8-hydroxyquinolines, and it may be less neurotoxic because it lacks zinc ionophore activity. NQ is another clinically used anti-microbial agent whose properties suggest that it may be useful in treating cancer.
Heat transfer in wavy liquid films

Equation d'energie decrivant le transfert de chaleur a travers une couche de fluide laminaire avec une epaisseur variant sinusoidalement pour des nombres de Reynolds de 35 a 472 et des nombres de Prandtl de 1,7 et autour de 7. Contribution relative du mouvement du fluide
Line shapes, positions and intensities of water transitions near 1.28 μm

Abstract We present measurements of approximately 70 isolated, self-broadened, water vapor lines which are assigned to the (1,0,1)–(0,0,0), (0,0,2)–(0,0,0), (1,2,0)–(0,0,0), and (2,0,0)–(0,0,0) vibrational bands and which occur in the transparency window region from 7710 cm−1 to 7920 cm−1. We acquired absorption spectra on room-temperature, water samples over the pressure range 150–800 Pa with the frequency-stabilized cavity ring-down spectroscopy technique. In order to optimize measurement accuracy, we integrated mK-level temperature control and SI-traceable pressure measurements into our cavity ring-down spectroscopy measurements. This technique yielded relative uncertainties of 0.04% and 0.20% in sample density and measured line intensity, respectively. We also referenced our spectrum frequency axes to a Cs clock, which provided vacuum line positions with a combined standard uncertainty of 3 MHz. Comparison of our measured intensities, positions and self-broadening parameters with literature values reveals that the present work substantially reduces uncertainty in these line parameters. For the (1,0,1)–(0,0,0) vibrational band, the measured line intensities agree at the 1%-level with published ab initio calculations. Our spectra exhibited signal-to-noise ratios up to ≈20,000:1 to enable stringent tests of theoretical line profiles through multispectrum least-squares data analysis. We show that the partially correlated, quadratic-speed-dependent Nelkin–Ghatak profile gives a quality of fit that is commensurate with the high spectrum signal-to-noise ratio, and unlike most other profiles considered here, reproduces the measured line shapes without systematic residuals over the entire pressure range. Our results confirm that mechanisms of (1) collisional narrowing, (2) speed-dependent effects and (3) partial correlation between velocity-changing and dephasing collisions, contribute to the self-broadened line shape of isolated water vapor transitions.
A Monte Carlo simulation of error propagation in a GIS-based assessment of seismic risk

Abstract This paper uses a GIS-based Monte Carlo simulation to gauge the sensitivity of risk assessment results to random perturbations in earthquake ground shaking intensity zone boundaries. Sensitivity to error in intensity estimation is also considered. Zonal boundaries may vary within a 1560 m corridor and still yield property loss estimates that are within five per cent of their original estimate 95 per cent of the time. Yet a five per cent error in ground shaking intensities yields an 11 to 15 per cent error in property loss estimates. The method illustrates the use of GIS in simulating error propagation and identifying strategic error reductions in risk assessments.
The Association Between Cumulative Milk Yield, Days Open, and Days to First Breeding in New York Holstein Cows

Abstract The associations among milk yield, days open, and days to first breeding were studied in 15,320 Holstein cows, calving between June 1990 and November 1993, in 26 New York herds. Survival analysis, incorporating the Cox proportional hazards model, was used to quantify the effect of milk yield and other covariables on days open and days to first breeding. Sensitivity analysis was also performed. Sixty-day cumulative individual milk yield, calving season, parity, and herd were included in all models. Several diseases and their lactational risk also were studied as potential confounders: retained placenta (5%), milk fever (1%), ketosis (3%), metritis (6%), abomasal disorder (5%), mastitis (5%), and cystic ovary (3%). Cows yielding milk in the highest quintile had a slightly lower conception rate than did cows yielding milk in the lowest quintile. Conception rate varied with parity and season. Retained placenta, metritis, and cystic ovary lowered the conception rate. High yielding cows were more likely to be inseminated than were low yielding cows. Older cows and those with metritis, mastitis, and cystic ovary had lower rates of insemination. These results indicate that conception and insemination might be influenced by factors related to management (e.g., culling) and to the cow (e.g., disease history) but that increased milk yield plays a very minor role.
Oxidation of Phenol by Singlet Oxygen Photosensitized by the Tris(2,2‘-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) Ion

The photochemical excitation of aqueous solutions of Ru(bpy)32+ and phenol (PhOH) in the presence of air produces 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ) as the only organic product. In this study, we examined the *Ru(bpy)32+/PhOH/O2 system in terms of the dependence of the quantum yield of BQ formation (ΦBQ) as a function of [O2], [PhOH], temperature, pH, and the composition of the solvent. The increase in ΦBQ from its low value in acidic solution to its maximum at pH ∼ 9.4 is attributed to the increasingly competitive quenching of *Ru(bpy)32+ by PhO- and O2. A maximum in ΦBQ is also observed at ∼45 °C, an effect caused by the variation in the solubility of O2 in solution as well as the activation energies of the competing steps in the mechanism. The proposed mechanism of the reaction, which could involve the formation of an endoperoxide intermediate from the reaction of 1O2 by PhOH, is consistent with the observed decrease of ΦBQ as a function of the mole fraction of H2O in CH3CN−H2O solvent mixtures.
Coated hydrophilic polystyrene-based packing materials.

A very hydrophilic high-performance liquid chromatographic base support was created from microparticulate, macroporous poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) beads. An organic monomer containing cross-linking functionalities was coated on the poly(styrene-divinylbenzene), followed by a catalyzed cross-linking reaction. The coatings formed contain only stable chemical bonds (e.g., C-C, C-O-C), and easily-derivatized hydroxyl moieties. This coated base support was evaluated for hydrophilicity, chemical stability, solvent compatibility, rigidity, and irreversible adsorption. Derivatives of the coated base support were made and applied in various modes of chromatography.
Adjustable rate mortgages and housing demand: The impact of initial rate discounts

This article investigates the impact of ARM initial rate (teaser) discounts on mortgage choice and housing demand. Because discounted ARM loans may reduce expected user costs, theoretical models predict a positive impact on housing expenditures. To test the hypothesis, a simultaneous model of housing expenditures conditioned upon mortgage instrument choice is estimated using a national sample of transactions for the 1986 to 1988 period. The results indicate that overall housing demand would have been reduced by approximately 13 percent during the period in the absence of ARM loans.
Tumor focality is not associated with biochemical outcome after radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND The clinical and prognostic significance of unifocal prostatic carcinoma is not clearly understood. In the current study, we sought to characterize the clinical and pathologic characteristics of unifocal and multifocal prostate cancers and to investigate the effects of tumor focality on biochemical outcome after radical prostatectomy. METHODS Our analysis included 1,444 radical prostatectomy patients with available information concerning the number and location of tumor foci in the specimen. Each patient was assigned to one of three groups depending on whether they had unifocal, multifocal, or extensive cancer. Clinical and pathological features as well as biochemical outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS Two hundred and seventy-two mens in the study cohort (18.8%) had unifocal cancer. The rates of unifocal cancer did not differ significantly between the three studied time intervals (17.3% in 1992–1998, 20.5% in 1999–2004, and 17.8% in 2005–2011). The number of positive biopsy cores was slightly lower in the unifocal group, while the overall amount of biopsy tissue containing cancer was similar in both groups. The patients in the multifocal group had higher pathologic Gleason scores, increased incidence of positive surgical margin, and larger tumors. The rate of clinically significant Gleason score upgrade was significantly higher in the multifocal group compared to the unifocal group (35.7% vs. 21.7%, respectively, P < 0.001). The biochemical outcome after radical prostatectomy did not differ between patients with unifocal and multifocal cancers both on univariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS Tumor focality is not an independent prognostic factor of biochemical outcome in radical prostatectomy patients. Prostate 72:762–768, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protection by WR-2721 of human bone marrow function following irradiation

Abstract Protection by WR-2721 of bone marrow (BM) from depression following hemibody irradiation (HBI) was assessed in patients receiving palliative therapy for widespread symptomatic metastasis on a Phase I/II Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) protocol. Twenty-five patients are currently evaluable for the assessment of hematologic toxicity. HBI (600 or 700 cGy) was delivered starting 15–30 min after WR-2721 (600–900 mg/m 2 ) intravenous infusion. Twenty patients from previous RTOG HBI studies were comparable in terms of radiation dose, hematologic data, and previous cytoxic therapy. The WBC and platelet count nadirs at any time within 6 wk following HBI were used for data analysis, and toxicity was rated according to RTOG criteria. For the patients treated with WR2721, moderate, severe, or life-threatening toxicity were seen in 16%, 12%, and 0% of the patients, respectively, compared to 30%, 15%, and 10% of patients in the group not treated with WR-2721. For the subpopulation of patients treated with the higher irradiation dose (700 cGy), differences in toxicity appeared to be greater. Conversely, for the sub-population of patients treated only to the upper hemibody, the difference in toxicity was less apparent. The percentage change from the median pre-treatment white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts (PC) was not different between the WR-2721 treated and non-treated group; however, the median WBC count for the WR-2721 group returned to the pre-treatment value by the fourth week following HBI, whereas, it remained at 61% of the pre-HBI value for the control group. Within the group of patients treated with WR-2721, 5 of 17 (29%) receiving 600 mg/m 2 demonstrated a > 75% decline in either WBC or platelets, compared to 08 patients treated with 750–900 mg/m 2 . These preliminary data support a protective effect by WR-2721 on radiation-induced bone marrow depression in humans, which may become more apparent with the use of higher radiation and WR-2721 doses.
Optimization of transverse shear moduli for composite honeycomb cores

Effective transverse shear moduli of composite honeycomb cores are important material properties in analysis and design of sandwich structures. Based on a combined multi-objective optimization and homogenization approach, effective transverse shear moduli for composite honeycomb cores are optimized in this paper. An analytical approach using a two-scale homogenization technique is adopted to predict the effective transverse shear stiffnesses of thin-walled composite honeycomb cores with general configurations, and explicit formulas are given for three typical honeycomb cores consisting of sinusoidal, tubular, and hexagonal geometries. To maximize the performance of transverse shear behavior, a multi-objective method is employed to obtain optimal designs of periodic cellular cores. By assigning equal weighting (or penalty) factors to the transverse shear stiffnesses, the overall shear stiffness parameter is optimized. The optimization problem is solved using a sequential quadratic programming algorithm. The geometric and weighting factor effects on the optimal designs for the three cellular cores considered in this study are evaluated and discussed. An optimization procedure using finite element analysis and a response surface algorithm is also conducted to verify the proposed approach. The present combined homogenization and multi-objective optimization approach can be used to maximize transverse shear material properties of composite honeycomb structures.
Capitalism, Citizenship and Community

The authors of Habits of the Heart (Robert N. Bellah, Richard Madsen, William M. Sullivan, Ann Swindler, and Steven M. Tipton; hereafter, simply Bellah) charge that America is losing the institutions that help “to create the kind of person who could sustain a connection to a wider political community and thus ultimately support the maintenance of free institutions.” Bellah fears that “individualism may have grown cancerous – that it may be destroying those social integuments that Tocqueville saw as moderating its more destructive potentials, that it may be threatening the survival of freedom itself.”Proponents of the liberal free market order should, I will argue, take seriously the concerns that motivate Bellah and company: citizens of a liberal regime cannot live by exchanges alone. Liberal constitutionalism depends upon a certain level and quality of citizen virtue. But while the need for virtue is often neglected by liberal theorists, it is far from clear that the actual workings of liberal institutions have drastically undermined virtue in the way Bellah's dire account suggests. That analysis serves, moreover, as the springboard for a radically transformist argument that seeks, not so much to elevate and shape, but to transcend and deny, the self-interestedness that the free market exercises. Having argued against Bellah's analysis and prescriptions, I shall attempt to show how the phenomena he describes are open to an interpretation that is happier from the point of view of a concern with virtue. I shall end by using Tocqueville to suggest that combining liberal capitalism with intermediate associations like voluntary groups and state and local government helps elevate and shape self-interest, promoting a citizenry capable of and insistent upon liberal self-government.
Attention to Bright Surfaces Enhances the Pupillary Light Reflex

One longstanding question is how early in the visual system attention exerts its influence. Here we show that an effect of attention can be measured at the earliest possible stage of visual information processing, as a change in the optics of the eye. We tested human subjects and found that covertly attending to bright surfaces results in an enhanced pupillary light reflex (PLR)—the pupillary constriction that occurs in response to light increments. The PLR optimizes the optical quality of the retinal image across illumination conditions, increasing sensitivity by modulating retinal illumination, and improving acuity by reducing spherical aberrations. The attentional modulation of the PLR that we describe constitutes a new mechanism through which vision is affected by attention; we discuss three alternatives for the neural substrates of this effect, including the possibility that attention might act indirectly, via its well established effects in early visual cortex.
Phase and Amplitude Regeneration of Differential Phase-Shift Keyed Signals Using Phase-Sensitive Amplification

Phase-sensitive amplifiers (PSAs) offer numerous advantages over phase-insensitive amplifiers in optical communications. Squeezing of optical phase through PSA can remove accumulated phase jitter, which is a critical functionality for an all- optical, phase-shift keyed network. In recent experiments, reviewed in this report, different implementations of PSA were used for phase regeneration of both return-to-zero differential phase-shift keying and nonreturn-to-zero differential phase-shift keying data. The first demonstration explored the properties and performance of PSA that occurs in nonlinear interferometers. Experiments confirmed that a PSA operating in the depleted pump regime provides simultaneous reduction of amplitude and phase noise (PN). Phase regeneration performance limit was reached as a consequence of pump-wave imperfections, which can be significantly reduced through proper design. PSA that occurs directly in fiber in a traveling-wave configuration through partially degenerate four-wave mixing was also studied. The latter implementation offers stronger phase-matched gain and suppression of amplitude-to-phase noise conversion. Technical issues that remain to be addressed are identified for each implementation. Results characterized using coherent detection offer direct measurements of the phase-regenerative behavior.
Plasma Lipids and their Relationships with Psychosocial Factors in Older Adults

Correlations of psychosocial factors (e.g., anger, avoidance coping, Type A behavior) with plasma lipid levels have been observed primarily in men younger than 60 years of age. This study examined these relationships in two groups of older women and men--spouse caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (n = 98) and controls (n = 91) group-matched for age and gender. Regression analyses determined whether psychosocial variables could explain variability in plasma lipids beyond relevant covariates. Covariates examined were gender, age, alcohol intake, smoking, body mass index, cardiovascular medications, diet (saturated fat), exercise, and estrogen use. Even with statistical controls, combinations of anger held-in, Type A behavior, anger-out, controlled anger, avoidance coping, and caregiving status explained significant variability in triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDLC), and low-density lipoproteins (LDLC). Male caregivers had higher TG and lower HDLC values than male controls. Results are discussed in the context of current thinking in the health psychology of aging.
What are genes “for” or where are traits “from”? What is the question?

For at least a century it has been known that multiple factors play a role in the development of complex traits, and yet the notion that there are genes “for” such traits, which traces back to Mendel, is still widespread. In this paper, we illustrate how the Mendelian model has tacitly encouraged the idea that we can explain complexity by reducing it to enumerable genes. By this approach many genes associated with simple as well as complex traits have been identified. But the genetic architecture of biological traits, or how they are made, remains largely unknown. In essence, this reflects the tension between reductionism as the current “modus operandi” of science, and the emerging knowledge of the nature of complex traits. Recent interest in systems biology as a unifying approach indicates a reawakened acceptance of the complexity of complex traits, though the temptation is to replace “gene for” thinking by comparably reductionistic “network for” concepts. Both approaches implicitly mix concepts of variants and invariants in genetics. Even the basic question is unclear: what does one need to know to “understand” the genetic basis of complex traits? New operational ideas about how to deal with biological complexity are needed.
PROFESSOR SLICHTER ON BUDGET DEFICITS AND THE FUTURE MONEY SUPPLY

PROFESSOR SUMNER SLICHTER has recently suggested that the federal government must incur a cumulative deficit of at least $30 billion over the next thirty years to assure the country an adequate money supply.' He argues that the money supply must be increased by $I20 billion, or around 75 per cent, over this period merely to avert a decline in prices,2 but finds that only $90 billion of this increase can be expected from private sectors of the economy.3 The remaining $30 billion must be obtained elsewhere. As to its source:
Measurement of lumbar lordosis as a component of clinical gait analysis

Abstract A new method is described for the measurement, during clinical gait analysis, of the angle of lumbar lordosis, defined as the difference in the sagittal plane angle between the two ends of the lumbar curve. The use of additional markers mounted directly on the skin of the back was found to be unsatisfactory. The use of skin-mounted rigs, at the two ends of the lumbar curve, was sufficiently accurate and convenient for routine adoption in a clinical gait analysis setting. Reliability studies showed good testretest agreement for both static and dynamic measurements of lumbar lordosis.
Simulated microstructure-sensitive extreme value probabilities for high cycle fatigue of duplex Ti–6Al–4V

Abstract A newly developed microstructure-sensitive extreme value probabilistic framework to characterize the performance/variability for damage evolution processes is exercised to compare the driving forces for fatigue crack formation (nucleation and early growth) at room temperature for four different microstructure variants of a duplex Ti–6Al–4V alloy. The aforementioned probabilistic framework links certain extreme value fatigue response parameters with microstructure attributes at fatigue critical sites through the use of marked correlation functions. By applying this framework to study the driving forces for fatigue crack formation in these microstructure variants of Ti–6Al–4V, these microstructures can be ranked in terms of relative high cycle fatigue (HCF) performance and the correlated microstructure attributes that have the most influence on the predicted fatigue response can be identified. Nonlocal fatigue indicator parameters (FIPs) based on the cyclic plastic strain averaged over domains on the length scale of the microstructure attributes (e.g., grains, phases) are used to estimate the driving force(s) for fatigue crack formation at the grain scale. By simulating multiple statistical volume elements (SVEs) using crystal plasticity constitutive relations, extreme value distributions of the predicted driving forces for fatigue crack formation are estimated using these FIPs. This strategy of using multiple SVEs contrasts with simulation based on a single representative volume element (RVE), which is often untenably large when considering extreme value responses. The simulations demonstrate that microstructures with smaller relative primary α grain sizes and lower volume fractions of the primary α grains tend to exhibit less variability and smaller magnitudes of the driving forces for fatigue crack formation. The extreme value FIPs are predicted to most likely occur at clusters of primary α grains oriented for easy basal slip. Additionally, surrounding grains/phases with soft orientation shed load to less favorably oriented primary α grains, producing extreme value FIPs.
Postdischarge Feeding Patterns in Early- and Late-Preterm Infants

Objective. To compare the incidence of postdischarge feeding dysfunction and hospital/subspecialty visits for feeding problems during the first year of life in late (34 to 3667 weeks) and early-preterm (25 to 3367 weeks) infants. Methods. In this prospective study, the authors sent questionnaires to parents of early (n = 319) and late (n = 571) preterm infants at 3, 6, and 12 months corrected age. Parents’ perceptions of infants’ feeding skills, comfort with feeding, and hospital/subspecialty visits for feeding difficulties were obtained. Results were analyzed with χ2 tests and Spearman’s correlations. Results. Early preterms had more oromotor dysfunction at 3 (29% vs 17%) and 12 months (7% vs 4%) and more avoidant feeding behavior at 3 months (33% vs 29%). In both groups, oromotor dysfunction and avoidant feeding behavior improved over time. Frequency of poor appetite and hospitalization/subspecialty visits were similar. Conclusion. Pediatricians should screen all preterm infants for feeding dysfunction ...
Performance Verification of Circuits

This paper describes a multi-level simulation strategy for verifying and optimizing VLSI circuit performance. Circuit simulation alone is insufficient for ensuring that VLSI designs meet performance targets. To meet VLSI needs, a tri-level family of simulation tools consisting of critical path analyzers, parasitic timing simulators, and circuit simulators is proposed. The relationship and interface between these tools, including how they combine "tops-down" and "bottoms-up" design methodologies, and some results from the initial implementation of this strategy in actual VLSI product designs are also discussed.
Diagnostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance for the differential diagnosis of thrombus vs tumor

Background Correct differentiation of a cardiac tumor from a thrombus remains important in clinical practice as the prognosis and therapeutic approach vary substantially. Techniques such as echocardiography may have limitations due to reduced image quality and poor tissue characterization. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as a promising tool in this regard; however, studies assessing its value are scarce. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the CMR of patients with a definite cardiac mass. Thrombus was defined as a noninfiltrating mass that fulfilled any of the following criteria: a) adjacent to an akinetic or dyskinetic myocardial segment (typically infarcted) or central catheter, b) located in the atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation, c) experienced a significant reduction in size under anticoagulation therapy, or d) had surgical and/or pathological confirmation. Tumor was defined as a mass that did not fulfill any of the above criteria plus a) was infiltrative, or b) located in the left aspect of the fossa ovalis with typical features of myxoma, or c) had surgical and/or pathological confirmation. Mass features on common CMR sequences (cine image, T1-weighted [T1w] and T2 weighed [T2w] spin-echo, contrast first pass perfusion, post-contrast TI scout, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)) were analyzed. Categorical data were summarized as frequencies and percentages, and continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD. Difference in CMR characteristics between thrombi and tumors were compared by Chi-square, Fisher’ so r t-student tests as appropriate. A two sided P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results
16.3: Novel Polarization Conversion and Integration System for Projection Displays

A novel polarization conversion and integration system based on an integrator rod and wide acceptance angle polarizing beam splitter cubes is presented. This system shows similar performance compared to the common polarization conversion system arrangement consisting of two lenslet integrators and a flat polarization conversion system. The proposed system offers low cost, high reliability and a compact illumination path for certain light engine architectures.
Initial experience with dexmedetomidine in paediatric-aged patients

We present preliminary clinical experience with the use of dexmedetomidine, an alpha2 adrenergic agonist, in children. Dexmedetomidine was administered in three clinical scenarios: (i) to provide sedation during mechanical ventilation; (ii) intraoperatively for controlled hypotension during an orthopaedic surgical procedure; and (iii) to provide sedation during an invasive procedure. Preliminary data from studies in the adult population, its physiological effects and potential applications in paediatric anaesthesia and critical care are discussed.
Insights into Campylobacter jejuni-Induced Guillain-Barré Syndrome from the Lewis Rat Model of Experimental Allergic Neuritis

Experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) is considered the in vivo model of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and has been extensively studied in the Lewis rat. Both cellular and humoral components of the immune response are implicated in the inflammatory demyelination of peripheral nerves that characterizes EAN. The recognition of Campylobacterjejuni infection as a frequent antecedent event in GBS, and in particular its association with anti-ganglioside antibodies and a primary axonal neuropathy, has raised many questions about the specific disease mechanisms involved. While C. jejuni can produce an acute motor neuropathy in chickens, confirming the relationship between C. jejuni infection and acute neuropathy, no detailed information is available from this animal model. Insights from experimental studies relating to the effector phase of Lewis rat EAN that may be relevant to C. jejuni-induced GBS are discussed.
Invited) Graphene Transistors for Ambipolar Mixing at Microwave Frequencies

This work presents a detailed study of the graphene RF mixer in the ambipolar configuration, using quasi-free-standing epitaxial graphene on SiC. Record high conversion gain is achieved through use of optimized growth and synthesis techniques, metal contact formation, and dielectric materials integration. Hydrogen intercalation is utilized to isolate the graphene from the underlying SiC substrate and improve transport properties. Low contact resistances at the metal-graphene interface are realized using an oxygen plasma pre-treatment, while dielectric seeding is achieved using a direct deposited layer of HfO2 before ALD film growth. Output characteristics of the graphene transistor are analyzed and the effects on mixer performance are explained. A graphene RF transistor is designed with gate length 750 nm, width 20 μm, and equivalent oxide thickness ~2.5 nm in order to achieve record high conversion gain of -14 and -16 dB at LO power 0 dBm at 4.2 and 10 GHz, respectively, 100x higher than previously reported ambipolar mixing.
Capacity of the wireless packet collision channel without feedback

It is desirable in random-access protocols for wireless mobile communications to avoid the need for feedback and retransmissions. The pure ALOHA protocol can use erasure correction coding in place of retransmissions to maintain a throughput of 0.184. We show in this note that if we use error-correction coding (instead of erasure correction coding) throughput levels not less than 0.322 can be realized for asynchronous random access without feedback or retransmissions.
Novel flow‐cytometric method for separating cell types in differentiated F9 embryoid bodies

The differentiation of F9 teratocarcinoma cells mimics the formation of a mouse embryonic tissue, the primitive endoderm. In vitro, small aggregates of F9 cells, termed embryoid bodies, differentiate in response to retinoic acid and develop a surface epithelium that is characterized by the production of α-fetoprotein. In the present study, cellular auto-fluorescence profiles obtained by fluorescence-activated cell sorting demonstrated that undifferentiated embryoid bodies were composed of a single type of cell. In contrast, retinoic acid-induced embryoid bodies were composed of two cell types: a major population displaying autofluorescence levels similar to those of cells from undifferentiated embryoid bodies and a second population displaying higher autofluorescence. RNA analyses demonstrated that the transcription of α-fetoprotein was associated only with the more highly autofluorescent population, indicating that flow cytometry provides a novel mechanism for the separation of undifferentiated cells from differentiated endoderm cells in F9 embryoid bodies.