cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased Plasma Levels of Select Deoxy-ceramide and Ceramide Species are Associated with Increased Odds of Diabetic Neuropathy in Type 1 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

Plasma deoxy-sphingoid bases are elevated in type 2 diabetes patients and correlate with the stage of diabetic distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy; however, associations between deoxy-sphingolipids (DSL) and neuropathy in type 1 diabetes have not been examined. The primary aim of this exploratory pilot study was to assess the associations between multiple sphingolipid species including DSL and free amino acids and the presence of symptomatic neuropathy in a DCCT/EDIC type 1 diabetes subcohort. Using mass spectroscopy, plasma levels of DSL and free amino acids in DCCT/EDIC type 1 diabetes participants (n = 80), with and without symptoms of neuropathy, were investigated. Patient-determined neuropathy was based on 15-item self-administered questionnaire (Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument) developed to assess distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy in diabetes. Patients who scored ≥4, or reported inability to sense their feet during walking or to distinguish hot from cold water while bathing were considered neuropathic. Plasma levels of ceramide, sphingomyelin, hexosyl- and lactosylceramide species, and amino acids were measured and analyzed relative to neuropathy status in the patient. Deoxy-C24-ceramide, C24- and C26-ceramide were higher in patients with neuropathy than those without neuropathy. Cysteine was higher in patients with neuropathy. No differences in other sphingolipids or amino acids were detected. The covariate-adjusted Odds Ratios of positive patient-reported neuropathy was associated with increased levels of deoxy-C24-, and deoxy-C24:1-ceramide; C22-, C24-, and C26-ceramide; and cysteine. Plasma deoxy-ceramide and ceramide species may have potential diagnostic and prognostic significance in diabetic neuropathy.
Regional and global connectivity disturbances in focal epilepsy, related neurocognitive sequelae, and potential mechanistic underpinnings

Summary Epilepsy is among the most common brain network disorders, and it is associated with substantial morbidity and increased mortality. Although focal epilepsy was traditionally considered a regional brain disorder, growing evidence has demonstrated widespread network alterations in this disorder that extend beyond the epileptogenic zone from which seizures originate. The goal of this review is to summarize recent investigations examining functional and structural connectivity alterations in focal epilepsy, including neuroimaging and electrophysiologic studies utilizing model-based or data-driven analytic methods. A significant subset of studies in both mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and focal neocortical epilepsy have demonstrated patterns of increased connectivity related to the epileptogenic zone, coupled with decreased connectivity in widespread distal networks. Connectivity patterns appear to be related to the duration and severity of disease, suggesting progressive connectivity reorganization in the setting of recurrent seizures over time. Global resting-state connectivity disturbances in focal epilepsy have been linked to neurocognitive problems, including memory and language disturbances. Although it is possible that increased connectivity in a particular brain region may enhance the propensity for seizure generation, it is not clear if global reductions in connectivity represent the damaging consequences of recurrent seizures, or an adaptive mechanism to prevent seizure propagation away from the epileptogenic zone. Overall, studying the connectome in focal epilepsy is a critical endeavor that may lead to improved strategies for epileptogenic-zone localization, surgical outcome prediction, and a better understanding of the neuropsychological implications of recurrent seizures.
Onset of persistent pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in children with cystic fibrosis with interval censored data

Persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PPA) infection promotes lung function deterioration in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Although early CF diagnosis through newborn screening (NBS) has been shown to provide nutritional/growth benefit, it is unclear whether NBS lowers the risk of PPA infection and how the effect of NBS vary with age. Modeling the onset age of PPA infection is challenging because 1) the onset age of PPA infection is interval censored in patient registry data; and 2) some risk factors such as NBS may have time-varying effects. This problem fits into the framework of a recently developed Bayesian dynamic Cox model for interval censored data, where each regression coefficient is allowed to be time-varying to an extent determined by the data. Application of the methodology to data from the CF Foundation Patient Registry revealed interesting findings. Compared with patients with meconium ileus or diagnosed through signs or symptoms, patients diagnosed through NBS had significantly lower risks of acquiring PPA infection between age 1 and 2 years, and the benefit in survival rate was found to last up to age 4 years. Two cohorts of five years apart were compared. Patients born in cohort 2003–2004 had significantly lower risks of the PPA infections at any age up to 4 years than those born in 1998–1999. The study supports benefits of NBS on PPA infection in early childhood. In addition, our analyses demonstrate that patients in the more recent cohort had significantly lower risks of acquiring PPA infection up to age 4 years, which suggests improved CF treatment and care over time.
Cut-through switching options in a MobilityFirst network with openflow

Mobile devices are expected to become the Internet's predominant technology. Current protocols such as TCP/IP were not originally designed with mobility as a key consideration, and therefore underperform under challenging mobile and wireless conditions. MobilityFirst, a clean slate architecture proposal, embraces several key concepts centered around secure identifiers that inherently support mobility and trustworthiness as key requirements of the network architecture. This includes a hop-by-hop segmented data transport that allows late and dynamic rebinding of endpoint addresses to support mobility. While this provides critical gains in wireless segments, some overheads are incurred even in stable segments such as in the core. Bypassing layer 3 decisions in these cases, with lower layer cut through forwarding, can improve said gains. In this work, we introduce a general bypass capability within the MobilityFirst architecture that could provide both better performance and enable both individual and aggregate flow-level traffic control. Furthermore, we present a detailed OpenFlow-based design to bypass layer 3 routing in MobilityFirst, using layer 2 VLAN tagging. Finally, we present a prototype that shows that it is possible to use OpenFlow to create the bypass.
Novel Protein Topologies

Are the polypeptide chains of native proteins ever tied into knots or links (catenated loops)? This question had been repeatedly addressed over the past 20 years [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10], and it was, until recently, the general consensus that “linked loops and trefoil knots are not found in tertiary structure of proteins known to date” [7]. Typically, it was noted in 1993 that “True topological linking does not occur in any of the proteins currently represented in the PDB [Brookhaven Protein Data Bank] structure database” [8], that “The PDB structural database has been searched for knotted polypeptides … No examples of topological knotting were found in this case-by-case search” [8], and that “structures of globular proteins are ‘topologically simple’ and free of topologically complicated constructs such as knots and links and other types of entanglements” [9]. In none of these investigations, however, had any consideration been given to the possibility that catenation or knotting of the polypeptide chain might be effected through crosslinking by a combination of disulfide bonds and covalently bound cofactors.
Genetic Determinants of 1,3-Butadiene Metabolism and Detoxification in Three Populations of Smokers with Different Risks of Lung Cancer.

Background: 1,3-Butadiene (BD) is an important carcinogen in tobacco smoke that undergoes metabolic activation to DNA-reactive epoxides. These species can be detoxified via glutathione conjugation and excreted in urine as the corresponding N-acetylcysteine conjugates. We hypothesize that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in BD-metabolizing genes may change the balance of BD bioactivation and detoxification in White, Japanese American, and African American smokers, potentially contributing to ethnic differences in lung cancer risk. Methods: We measured the levels of BD metabolites, 1- and 2-( N -acetyl-L-cysteine-S-yl)-1-hydroxybut-3-ene (MHBMA) and N -acetyl- S -(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)-L-cysteine (DHBMA), in urine samples from a total of 1,072 White, Japanese American, and African American smokers and adjusted these values for body mass index, age, batch, and total nicotine equivalents. We also conducted a genome-wide association study to identify genetic determinants of BD metabolism. Results: We found that mean urinary MHBMA concentrations differed significantly by ethnicity ( P = 4.0 × 10 −25 ). African Americans excreted the highest levels of MHBMA followed by Whites and Japanese Americans. MHBMA levels were affected by GSTT1 gene copy number ( P GSTT1 , no other polymorphisms showed a significant association. Urinary DHBMA levels also differed between ethnic groups ( P = 3.3 × 10 −4 ), but were not affected by GSTT1 copy number ( P = 0.226). Conclusions: GSTT1 gene deletion has a strong effect on urinary MHBMA levels, and therefore BD metabolism, in smokers. Impact: Our results show that the order of MHBMA levels among ethnic groups is consistent with their respective lung cancer risk and can be partially explained by GSTT1 genotype. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 1–9. ©2017 AACR.
Enstropy Generation and Regularity of Solutions to the 3D Navier-Stokes Equations

The question of existence of smooth solutions to the 3D Navier-Stokes equations is an outstanding open problem in applied mathematics and theoretical physics. It is known that solutions remain smooth as long as the enstrophy remains finite, but it is not known whether or not the enstrophy may diverge to infinity at some finite time. In this paper we report that the state-of-the-art mathematical estimates on the growth rate of enstrophy—estimates that do not rule out the existence of a finite-time singularity—are sharp and cannot be improved.
Comparative LCA of concrete with natural and recycled coarse aggregate in the New York City area

The purpose of the present study is to compare the environmental impacts of using coarse natural aggregate (NA) and coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) to produce concrete in the New York City area, by means of a unique LCA framework that incorporates comprehensive regional data. A comparative environmental impact assessment study was performed on the critical processes of the life cycles of NA and RCA concretes. For this purpose, concrete ready-mix plants, construction and demolition waste (CDW) recycling plants, NA quarries, and other producers and distributers of concrete raw materials, in addition to CDW landfills in the New York City area, were located. NA and RCA concrete mix proportions that result in the same compressive strength of concrete were used. Also, the environmental impact that would be caused if CDW was landfilled rather than processed into RCA was measured. In the New York City area, replacing NA with RCA as a concrete aggregate does not affect the environmental impact of concrete production significantly. However, if CDW is recycled only for the purpose of producing concrete aggregate, the avoided landfilling of the CDW will be a result of producing RCA concrete. When avoided landfilling is accounted for, the magnitude of some of the environmental impact indicators for RCA concrete is significantly lower than those of NA concrete (16 and 17% for acidification and smog formation, respectively). In addition, it was found that the impact from transporting RCA to ready-mix plants is on average 37% less than that caused by transporting NA to the plants. Sensitivity analyses and normalization of the results revealed that the environmental impact of changing the type of concrete aggregate from NA to RCA is negligible compared to the total environmental burden of New York City. If RCA concrete is used for all types of construction projects in the NYC area, achieving a significant reduction in the environmental impacts is unlikely. Future work is needed to study specific projects in the region that are categorized based on demand for transportation and cement (the largest environmental stressors of concrete production) to determine for which type of project the use of RCA concrete has the highest environmental benefits.
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE LESSER MEALWORM, ALPHITOBIUS DIAPERINUS (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONIDAE) TO THE ENTOMOGENOUS NEMATODES STEINERNEMA FELTIAE, S. GLASERI (STEINERNEMATIDAE) AND HETERORHABDITIS HELIOTHIDIS (HETERORHABDITIDAE)

The infectivity of Steinernema feltiae, S. glaseri and Heterorhabditis heliothidis for early-stage larvae, late-stage larvae, pupae and adults of the lesser mealworm were evaluated under different habitat conditions. When confined in petri dishes with nematode-treated filter paper, all beetle stages were highly susceptible to parasitism by S. feltiae, with LD50 values ranging from 9 to 56 nematodes per host Early-stage larvae (LD50 = 26) and pupae (LD50 = 36) were more susceptible than late-stage larvae (LD50 = 1,791) and adults (LD50 = 724) to H. heliothidis. Only adult beetles (LD50 = 714) were susceptible to S. glaseri. Late-stage beetle larvae were more susceptible to S. feltiae in rearing medium (LD50 = 24), broiler litter (LD50 = 2 58) and poultry manure (LD50 = 212) than to H. heliothidis, which caused less than 50% mortality at all dose rates in these substrates. Adults were less susceptible than larvae in these substrates, and mortality only exceeded 50% in litter treated with S. feltiae (LD50 = ...
The Use of Passives and Impersonal Style in Civil Engineering Writing

Claims abound about passives and the impersonal style they create. Few studies, however, check the claims with a large, systematic analysis of texts from either academia or industry. Motivated by t...
Genetic epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis.

We conducted family studies and segregation analyses of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that were based on consecutive patients with RA ascertained without regard to family history or known risk factors. First-degree relatives from 135 simplex and 30 multiplex families were included in the analyses. A highly penetrant recessive major gene, with a mutant allele frequency of .005, was identified as the most parsimonious genetic risk factor. Significant evidence for heterogeneity in risk for RA was observed for proband gender but not for proband age at onset. Kaplan-Meier risk analysis demonstrated significant evidence for differences in the distribution of risk among first-degree relatives. These analyses demonstrated that both proband gender and age at onset are important risk factors but that proband gender appears to be the more important determinant of risk, with relatives of male probands having the greatest cumulative risk for RA. In addition, log-linear modeling identified proband gender, familiality (multiplex or simplex), and an interaction term between these two variables as being adequate to define the distribution of risk in families. The pattern of risk for RA among susceptible individuals and its inheritance is thus heterogeneous. For future genetic analyses, families with an excess of affected males having a young age at onset may be the most informative in identifying the putative recessive gene and its modifiers.
Evidence-based Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) strives to find the optimal course of action for a given clinical question by merging the best available scientific evidence with expert clinical judgment that incorporates a patient’s values and preferences. Although learning how to apply the concepts and principles of EBM is not intuitive, most clinicians become facile with modest effort. This chapter will describe the evolution of EBM from clinical and epidemiologic principles and research. We review the process of EBM in detail, including EBM core concepts related to articles on diagnosis, therapy, harm, and prognosis. We conclude by discussing the role of EBM in the PICU, emphasizing challenges and future directions.
Histories of Art and Design Education: Collected Essays

(2007). Histories of Art and Design Education: Collected Essays. Studies in Art Education: Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 73-76.
955-P: Evaluating Early Initiation of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) among Youth Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Background: CGM has glycemic and psychosocial benefits. The current study sought to evaluate the specific impact of introducing CGM soon after diagnosis of T1D. Methods: A sample of 55 youth recently diagnosed with T1D were randomized to either an intervention (start Dexcom G5 CGM within 1 month of diagnosis) or control (monthly blinded CGM use) condition. HbA1c data and youth and parent surveys were collected at baseline, 13 and 26 weeks and glucose levels were measured via blinded or unblinded CGM. T-tests were used to compare groups based on glycemic and psychosocial outcomes. Results: Participant ages ranged from 3-18 (mean 11.1 ± 3.6years). On average, youth in the intervention group spent less time in hypoglycemia at 13 (2.0% vs. 7.5%, p=0.002) and 26 (1.9% vs. 4.9%, p=0.056) weeks and had elevated scores on the Diabetes Self Management Profile at week 13 (54.5 vs. 43.9 p=0.021) and more openness with glucose monitoring at weeks 13 (15.0 vs. 12.2, p=0.057) and 26 (16.42 vs. 12.12, p=0.014). Conversely, intervention group youth reported worse quality of life (QoL) at 13 weeks (8.5 vs. 3.0, p=0.020). At 26 weeks, the intervention group had slightly higher diabetes distress among youth (32.2 vs. 25.4, p=0.089) but lower diabetes distress among parents (42.5 vs. 50.9, p=0.050). Adding to prior reports from this study, these results show reduced hypoglycemia, improved attitudes toward diabetes technology, and satisfaction with glucose monitoring as well as decreased parent reported youth QoL. Conclusion: Introducing CGM soon after diagnosis appears to have substantial benefits, including prevention of hypoglycemia and bolstering youth self-management practices and openness to glucose monitoring. Given that early CGM initiation may negatively impact QoL in youth with T1D, as indicated by both youth and parent report, youth with T1D may benefit from education around use of CGM as well as psychosocial support for those with lower QoL. Disclosure J.J. Wong: None. S. Clay: None. G.P. Forlenza: Advisory Panel; Self; Dexcom, Inc. Consultant; Self; Medtronic MiniMed, Inc., Tandem Diabetes Care. Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc., Insulet Corporation, Medtronic MiniMed, Inc., Tandem Diabetes Care. S. Hanes: None. R. Wadwa: Advisory Panel; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Research Support; Self; Beta Bionics, MannKind Corporation, Novo Nordisk Inc., Tandem Diabetes Care, Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Other Relationship; Self; Dexcom, Inc. K.K. Hood: Consultant; Self; Lilly Diabetes. Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc. Speaker9s Bureau; Self; Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute. Funding Dexcom, Inc.
High-Accuracy Multinode Ranging For Coherent Distributed Antenna Arrays

The design and experimental implementation of a waveform for high-accuracy internode ranging in a coherent distributed antenna array is presented. Based on a spectrally sparse high-accuracy ranging waveform, the presented multifrequency waveform enables high-accuracy ranging between multiple nodes in an array simultaneously, without interference. The waveform is based on a unique time–frequency duplexing approach combining a stepped-frequency waveform with different step cycles per node pair. The waveform also inherently includes beneficial disambiguation properties. The ambiguity function of the waveform is derived, and theoretical bounds on the ranging accuracy are obtained. Measurements were conducted in software-defined radio-based nodes in a three-element distributed array, demonstrating high-accuracy unambiguous ranging between two slave nodes and one master node.
Learning tools for knowledge nomads: Using personal digital assistants (PDAs) in web-based learning environments

Christian Sebastian Loh is a doctoral student at the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia. (e-mail: csloh@uga.edu) This article was originally written for a Doctoral Seminar on “Web-based Learning Environments” taught by Dr. Janette Hill of the Department of Instructional Technology at the University of Georgia. The author wishes to acknowledge Dr. Hill for her invaluable suggestions for improvement, encouragement in rewriting the paper for publication, and assistance in editing the final manuscript.
Minding the (Age) Gap: The Identity and Emotion Work of Men and Women in Age-Discrepant Romantic Relationships

People involved in an age-discrepant relationship, where one partner is significantly older than the other, are typically viewed with negative cultural tropes and stereotypes. Using a chain samplin...
Penile inversion vaginoplasty outcomes: Complications and satisfaction.

Penile inversion vaginoplasty helps to alleviate gender dysphoria and improve quality of life in many transgender individuals. Overall, the procedure is associated with high post-operative satisfaction, even when complications occur. Adverse events related to vaginoplasty are commensurate with other genitourinary reconstructive procedures performed for other diagnoses (i.e. cancer or congenital issues). Here, we explore the incidence of complications following vaginoplasty, emphasizing the challenges in defining and managing these adverse events. In addition, outcome measures to assess patient satisfaction will be reviewed.
Coverage Hole Detection for mmWave Networks: An Unsupervised Learning Approach

The utilization of millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands in 5G networks poses new challenges to network planning. Vulnerability to blockages at mmWave bands can cause coverage holes (CHs) in the radio environment, leading to radio link failure when a user enters these CHs. Detection of the CHs carries critical importance so that necessary remedies can be introduced to improve coverage. In this letter, we propose a novel approach to identify the CHs in an unsupervised fashion using a state-of-the-art manifold learning technique: uniform manifold approximation and projection. The key idea is to preserve the local-connectedness structure inherent in the collected unlabelled channel samples, such that the CHs from the service area are detectable. Our results on the DeepMIMO dataset scenario demonstrate that the proposed method can learn the structure within the data samples and provide visual holes in the low-dimensional embedding while preserving the CH boundaries. Once the CH boundary is determined in the low-dimensional embedding, channel-based localization techniques can be applied to these samples to obtain the geographical boundaries of the CHs.
The Nuremberg Narrative: Fashioning Anglo-American Holocaust Memorialization

Demsky studies the origins of Anglo-American Holocaust memorialization. Beginning with an examination of Nuremberg’s International Military Tribunal, he demonstrates the US/UK using the proceedings to recast their governments’ prior ambivalent relationship to the genocide. By defining themselves as concentration camp liberators, and contending that ending such horrors symbolized their victory over Nazism, they achieved a more usable memorial relationship to this past. More fashioned that factual, this bowdlerized construct nonetheless proved effective. Demsky demonstrates how supplanting historical fact with liberator lore helped the British dim reminiscences of their prewar accommodators, appeasers, and antisemites. He similarly reveals Americans seizing upon such claims to lay the intellectual foundations for building a more pluralist postwar national character. Such mythologizing establishes the foundation of subsequent Anglo-American Holocaust memorializing.
Machine Learning Based Product Design: The Case of Mobile Apps

Firms strive to continuously improve their products in order to compete effectively in the market. Typically, firms update their products by adding novel (differentiating) features or by imitating their competitors. With the advent of social media, there is also the possibility of obtaining customer input on their desired features. Customers post reviews, which include suggestions for improvement. In the case of mobile apps, user feedback may include suggestions of novel features or features that are already present in competing apps. Leveraging the information on reviews and version release notes of iOS apps, we build a novel deep learning algorithm based on transfer learning and named entity recognition techniques to identify four types of app features - developer initiated innovative, developer initiated imitative, user suggested innovative and user suggested imitative. Further, we evaluate the impact of these feature categories on the demand. Our results suggest that only developer initiated innovative and user suggested imitative features help increase the demand. We also find that the impact of user suggested innovative features is negative. However, this negative effect is limited to features that are contextually ”distant” from user suggestions. Contextually ”close” innovative features suggested by users do have a positive effect on the demand. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to consider reviews as a source of user ideas and evaluate the performance impact of the ideas mentioned in the reviews. Our study also provide a novel deep learning model to extract suggested features from user generated content.
Acetabular cartilage defects cause altered hip and knee joint coordination variability during gait

Abstract Background Patients with acetabular cartilage defects reported increased pain and disability compared to those without acetabular cartilage defects. The specific effects of acetabular cartilage defects on lower extremity coordination patterns are unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine hip and knee joint coordination variability during gait in those with and without acetabular cartilage defects. Methods A combined approach, consisting of a semi-quantitative MRI-based quantification method and vector coding, was used to assess hip and knee joint coordination variability during gait in those with and without acetabular cartilage lesions. Findings The coordination variability of the hip flexion–extension/knee rotation, hip abduction–adduction/knee rotation, and hip rotation/knee rotation joint couplings were reduced in the acetabular lesion group compared to the control group during loading response of the gait cycle. The lesion group demonstrated increased variability in the hip flexion–extension/knee rotation and hip abduction–adduction/knee rotation joint couplings, compared to the control group, during the terminal stance/pre-swing phase of gait. Interpretation Reduced variability during loading response in the lesion group may suggest reduced movement strategies and a possible compensation mechanism for lower extremity instability during this phase of the gait cycle. During terminal stance/pre-swing, a larger variability in the lesion group may suggest increased movement strategies and represent a compensation or pain avoidance mechanism caused by the load applied to the hip joint.
Sensory Cells Determine Afferent Terminal Morphology in Cross-Innervated Electroreceptor Organs: Implications for Hair Cells

Type I and type II hair cells of the vestibular system are innervated by afferents that form calyceal and bouton terminals, respectively. These cannot be experimentally cross-innervated in the inner ear to determine how they influence each other. However, analogous organs are accessible for transplantation and cross-innervation in the brown ghost electric fish. These fish possess three types of electroreceptor organs. Of these, the sensory receptors of the type I tuberous organ are S-100- and parvalbumin-positive with a calbindin-positive afferent that forms a large calyx around the organ. Neither the sensory receptors nor the afferents of the ampullary organs label with these antibodies, and the afferent branches form a single large bouton beneath each receptor cell. In controls, when cut ampullary afferents reinnervate transplanted ampullary organs, they have characteristic calbindin-negative terminals with large boutons. When type I tuberous afferents reinnervate ampullary organs, receptor cells remain S-100- and parvalbumin-negative, and the tuberous afferents still express calbindin. The nerve terminals, however, make large ampullary-like boutons on the receptor cells. These results suggest that (1) afferent terminal morphology is dictated by the receptor organ; (2) expression of calbindin by the afferent is not suppressed by innervation of the incorrect end organ; (3) ampullary organs generate ampullary receptor cells although innervated by tuberous afferents; and (4) ampullary receptor cells can be trophically supported by tuberous afferents.
Entre arácnidas deidades y leones africanos:Contribución al debate de un enfoque afroamericanista en Colombia

Resumen es: Durante las ultimas decadas, un interesante enfoque para el estudio de la diaspora africana ha sido desarrollado en Colombia que difiere de otros enfoqu...
Nitrate Transport and Leaching Mechanisms

ABSTRACT This chapter describes the principal mechanisms which govern the movement of nitrate through soil. As a mobile, highly soluble anion, nitrate moves without absorbing to soil solids in most soil, and can leach to ground water whenever water inputs to the soil cause drainage which is sufficient to reach the water table. Models have been developed to describe nitrate movement through soil, but they are difficult to apply to the field regime because the model parameters vary widely from one location to the next. New approaches which use a stochastic description of the transport process have received very little testing under field conditions.
The inbreeding effective number and the effective number of alleles in a population that varies in size

Abstract Consider a population that does not change in size. If it is assumed that there are an infinite number of possible neutral alleles at a locus and u is the probability that a particular gene mutates to some other gene in one generation, the effective number of alleles n e is computed to be 4 N e u + 1, where N e is the inbreeding effective population number. It is assumed in this paper that the number of individuals in a monoecious population, or the numbers of males and females in a dioecious population, are states in a finite irreducible Markov chain. In general it is impossible to obtain a single value of n e . In some cases where the computation of n e is possible, the results are as follows. When the population is monoecious, N e is the reciprocal of the asymptotic average, over population sizes, of the probabilities that two gametes uniting to form an individual came from the same individual one generation earlier. In dioecious populations, N e is the reciprocal of the long-run average of the probabilities that two homologous genes in separate individuals of one generation came from the same individual one generation earlier. Special cases are discussed.
Language Learning in the United States of America

The USA has a great need for individuals with highly developed competencies in world languages. In fact, the need for individuals with proficiency in languages other than English has never been higher (Brecht & Rivers, 2000). According to Brecht and Ingold (2002), more than 70 government agencies reported a need for individuals with a language expertise other than English. To address these needs, under the direction of the President of the USA, the Secretaries of State, Education, and Defense, and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) have developed a national plan to expand US foreign language education beginning in early childhood (kindergarten) and continuing throughout formal schooling and into the workforce with new programmes and resources.
Modernism, modernization and post‐colonial India: a reflective essay

As a result of political changes stemming from independence and partition, India was forced to build new state capitals and add extensions to existing cities to provide homes to refugees, house state governments, and deal with urban congestion. Although the British had built New Delhi as the new capital of the Raj at the beginning of the twentieth century, there were hardly any trained Indians to undertake the task of planning and architecture. While British India had done a remarkable job in educating Indians in liberal arts and law, it had done very little to promote disciplines such as engineering, architecture and technical education. The development of Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar and Gandhinagar, between 1949 and 1982, represents a fascinating study of practical politics, personal ambitions of politicians and Western planners, and the high ideals of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The architect‐planner Le Corbusier, together with Nehru, provided the new planning model and architectural design that would...
Results from deep inelastic scattering at HERA

Abstract Recent results from the ZEUS and H1 collaborations at HERA on the structure of the proton are reviewed. The emphasis is on the quark and gluon distributions as well as electroweak effects at high Q 2 .
Time-series network analysis of civil aviation in Japan, 1985 - 2005

Due to the airline deregulation in 1985, a series of new airport developments in the 1990s and 2000s, and the reorganization of airline companies in the 2000s, Japan's air passenger transportation has been dramatically altered in the last two decades in many ways. In this paper, the authors examine how the network and flow structures of domestic air passenger transportation in Japan have geographically changed since 1985. For this purpose, passenger flow data in 1985, 1995, and 2005 were extracted from the Air Transportation Statistical Survey conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Japan. First, national and regional hub airports are identified via dominant flow and hub function analysis. Then the roles of the hub airports and individual connections over the network are examined with respect to their spatial and network autocorrelations. Spatial and network autocorrelations were evaluated both globally and locally using Moran's I and LISA statistics. The passenger flow data were first examined as a whole and then divided into 3 airline-based categories. Dominant flow and hub function enabled us to detect the hub airports. Structural processes of the hub-and-spoke network were confirmed in each airline through spatial autocorrelation analysis. Network autocorrelation analysis showed that all airlines ingeniously optimized their networks by connecting their routes with large numbers of passengers to other routes with large numbers of passengers, and routes with small numbers of passengers to other routes with small numbers of passengers. The effects of political events and the changes in the strategies of each airline on the whole networks were strongly reflected in the results of this study.
A sensitive probe for the detection of Zn(II) by time-resolved fluorescence.

A new, highly sensitive fluorescent sensor for Zn(II) ion (a tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine derivative) shows very strong binding and Zn(II) concentration-dependent biexponential time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) decay profiles that can be used for ratiometric estimates of Zn(II) concentrations. The ligand−metal complexes were characterized in solution by spectroscopic techniques and in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. The TRF studies revealed that the sensor aggregates in the absence of Zn(II) in a ligand concentration-dependent manner, a complication that is discerned by TRF but not by steady-state fluorescence ratiometric sensing techniques. It is shown that the same TRF methods are highly useful for monitoring Zn(II) concentrations in A549 epithelial lung cells in vitro and that the results were consistent with those in solution.
On smooth Feynman propagators for real time path integrals

In this paper we consider various ways of obtaining Feynman propagators that lack the standard highly oscillatory coordinate dependence and discuss their usefulness for Monte Carlo evaluation of the real time path integral. Using truncated basis set expansions to construct appropriate projection operators, we propose simple scheme for incorporating important potential features in the smoothing of a propagator. We point out that the object to be examined in order to determine the efficiency of a particular smoothing scheme is not the shape of the effective propagator itself but rather the product of two such propagation; thus, propagators that appear less oscillatory are not necessarily better behaved. Finally, we discuss the performance of Monte Carlo methods in real time path integral calculations with effective propagators
Solubility correlation and phase behaviors of carbon dioxide and lubricant oil mixtures

Abstract Recently, carbon dioxide is being considered as one of the promising environmentally-friendly refrigerants, and extensive studies on the “trans-critical” vapor-compression cycle using CO 2 have been undertaken both experimentally and theoretically. In the vapor compression cycle, lubricant oils are always required, and thus thermophysical properties of lubricant and refrigerant mixtures must be well understood. Currently, the lubricants of choice are polyalkylene glycol (PAG) or polyol ester (POE) oils. Several experimental solubility data for these oils have been published, but those experimental data have not been analyzed yet theoretically (or with thermodynamic equations). In this report, we have investigated the phase behavior (or solubility) of CO 2 + PAG and POE mixtures, correlating experimental solubility data with our equation-of-state (EOS) model. Observed data have been successfully correlated with the present EOS, which is used for predicting the general phase behavior for mixtures of CO 2 with these lubricant oils.
Political economy and the adoption of everyday environmental policies in the American states, 1997: an exploratory analysis

Abstract The political economy model has been widely and effectively used to explain and predict adoption rates of highly salient and/or controversial policies in the American states. However, use of this model to predict policy adoption in noncontroversial domains has been limited. This article tests the extent to which the model is successful in explaining the adoption of less-salient, everyday policies intended to improve environmental quality among the American states. The addition of conditional terms related to the model's political and bureaucratic components resulted in explaining 57% of the variance in commitment to everyday environmentalism among the American states. In sum, the number of everyday environmental policies adopted by state governments is a function of economic considerations, legislative accountability and professionalism, bureaucratic commitment, political culture and previous levels of policy adoption. Alternately—and unlike more controversial environmental policy domains—partisanship, ideology, party control of government and interest group forces do not have an impact on adoption of everyday environmental policies.
Cortical Mechanisms That Augment or Reduce Evoked Potentials in Cats

The augmenting or reducing of flash-evoked potentials in paralyzed cats was significantly correlated with their previously videotaped behaviors. Augmenting reducing was due to alterations in cortical rather than subcortical responsiveness, and was duplicated by increasing cortical arousal by means of reticular stimulation while the animal was exposed to visual stimuli of constant intensity. Brainstem activation of cortical inhibition may underlie the behavioral results as well as the results obtained with the evoked potentials.
A path integral construction of superconformal field theories from a gauged supersymmetric Wess-Zumino-Witten action

Abstract A path integral construction of superconformal field theories is presented based on gauged supersymmetric Wess-Zumino-Witten actions. The conformal charge of the model is identical to that of a GKO construction. Ghost modes appear in the formalism as a result of gauge fixing. As a consequence, the holomorphic stress-tensor T ( z ) and superconformal generator G ( z ) obtained in the construction have ghost contributions. Weak operator first-class constraints restrict the theory to physical states which satisfy the constraints. The superconformal algebra closes when evaluated between ghost-free physical states.
Automated analysis of the WISC-R: A validation study☆

Abstract This study evaluated and automated analysis system for the WISC-R Reports generated by psychological examiners and by a comoputer program were rated by a random sample of National Association of School Psychologists menbers using a rating scale developed for this study. The results indicated significantly higher ratings for the automated analysis on an overall item and on items addressing Verbal-Performance discrepancies, relative weaknesses, and relative lack of irresponsible interpretation. These results support cautious use of the automated reports and validation in current practice.
A chaperone-mimetic effect of serum albumin on rhodanese.

Reactivation of denatured rhodanese (thiosulfate:cyanide sulfurtransferase, EC 2.8.1.1) was found to be aided by the presence of serum albumin. Both the rate and the extent of reactivation of the urea-denatured enzyme were optimal at low rhodanese and moderate serum albumin concentrations. Similarly, stabilization of the sulfurtransferase activity of rhodanese that had been partially unfolded at 40°C was aided by the presence of serum albumin. All the observations are in accord with a model in which enzyme that has been partially refolded from the urea-denatured state or partially unfolded thermally interacts directly with serum albumin in a way that prevents rhodanese self-association. Serum albumin thus acts as a molecular chaperone in these systems.
Ionic clusters in γ-irradiated zeolites and their transformation on increasing temperature

Abstract Formation of alkali-metal ionic clusters such as Na + 2 and N 2+ 3 in γ-irradiated Na + -form and Li + partially ion-exchanged zeolites A and X are observed, and the transformation of the ionic clusters on increasing temperature, observed for the first time, are reported.
A comparison of bulk testing and direct-line testing in self-fertilizing crops

Computer simulation techniques were used to compare the efficiency of bulk-yield testing with direct-line yield testing. Bulk testing was almost always more efficient than direct-line testing for a wide range of values for population parameters. The differences between the two methods were smaller when the among-bulk heritability was low, the within-bulk genetic variance was high relative to the among-bulk variance, the variance of the within-bulk genetic variance was high, and the correlation between bulk means and within-bulk genetic variances was highly negative.
Chemical Fragments as Foundations for Understanding Target Space and Activity Prediction

The use of small inhibitors' fragment frequencies for understanding kinase potency and selectivity is described. By quantification of differences in the frequency of occurrence of fragments, similarities between small molecules and their targets can be determined. Naive Bayes models employing fragments provide highly interpretable and reliable means for predicting potency in individual kinases, as demonstrated in retrospective tests and prospective selections that were subsequently screened. Statistical corrections for prospective validation allowed us to accurately estimate success rates in the prospective experiment. Selectivity relationships between kinase targets are substantially explained by differences in the fragment composition of actives. By application of fragment similarities to the broader proteome, it is shown that targets related by sequence exhibit similar fragment preferences in small molecules. Of greater interest, certain targets unrelated by sequence are shown to have similar fragment preferences, even when the chemical similarity of ligands active at each target is low.
Ultrastructure and function of cysts from human adult polycystic kidneys

Ultrastructure and function of cysts from human adult polycystic kidneys. Twenty cysts from five patients with adult polycystic kidney disease were evaluated morphologically by electron microscopy and functionally by cyst fluid chemical analysis in order to correlate the structure with the function of the cyst wall. Thirteen proximal cysts, as defined by cyst fluid/serum sodium ratios of 0.8 to 1.2, were lined by epithelial cells with open or short closed apical junctions that appeared permeable to lanthanum. In contrast, seven distal cysts, as defined by cyst fluid/serum sodium ratios of less than 0.4, were lined by epithelial cells with long closed apical junctions that appeared impermeable to lanthanum. Cell organelles showed no distinction between proximal and distal cysts. Cyst basement membranes appeared abnormal, but there was no consistent pattern. The fluid of proximal cysts contained lower creatinine, potassium, and hydrogen ion, and higher chloride concentrations than did the distal cysts. These studies provide morphologic and chemical evidence consistent with the view that cysts originate from nephrons. Moreover, the maintenance of the epithelial lining and transmembrane solute gradients over many years extending up to and beyond the development of renal insufficiency suggests that the cysts function as nephrons throughout the life of the patient. Ultrastructure et fonction des kystes dans la maladie polykystique humaine de l'adulte. Vingt kystes provenant de cinq malades atteints de maladie polykystique de l'adulte ont ete evalues du point de vue morphologique par microscopie electronique et du point de vue fonctionnel par l'analyse chimique du liquide afin de correler la structure et la fonction de la paroi des kystes. Treize kystes proximaux, identifies par les rapports liquide de kyste/ serum de 0,8 a 1,2 pour le sodium, etaient limites par des cellules epitheliales comportant des jonctions apicales ouvertes, ou fermees et courtes, impermeables au lanthane. Les organelles etaient semblables dans les kystes proximaux et distaux, les membranes basales paraissaient anormales. Les kystes proximaux, par comparaison avec les distaux, avaient des concentrations plus faibles de creatinine, de potassium et d'ions de hydrogene et plus elevees de chlore. Ces constatations apportent des preuves morphologiques et chimiques de ce que les kystes proviennent des nephrons. De plus, la persistance d'une bordure epitheliale et d'un gradient transmembranaire pour les substances dissoutes pendant de nombreuses annees, jusque et au dela du developpement de l'insuffisance renale, suggere que les kystes fonctionnent comme des nephrons tout au long de la vie du malade.
Is Buddhism a Psychology? Commentary on Romanticism in “Mindfulness in Psychology”

A core value within the United States is the separation of church and state; however that value is constantly challenged by those wanting to see America redefined as a Christian nation. Likewise, t...