cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial bias and the English Criminal Trial Jury

IN the 2001 census, nine per cent of the population of England and Wales were not classified as white. Racial tensions undeniably exist and it is probable that amongst the individuals randomly selected from the electoral roll to serve as jurors there will be some with race-related prejudices. By this we mean the inclination to prejudge others using pejorative stereotypes based on perceptions of “race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin”.
Correlation of solubility in polydimethylsiloxane and polyisobutylene systems

Solubility data of organic probes in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyisobutylene (PIB) obtained by inverse gas chromatography (IGC) were collected from the literature and analyzed. Applying the principle of corresponding states, empirical correlations were derived and presented for the estimation of solubilities of nonpolar and slightly polar probe molecules in these polymers. Estimation of other thermodynamic properties, such as activity coefficient of the solute, Henry's law constant, Flory–Huggins interaction parameter, and heat of solution through the use of these correlation equations, was demonstrated.
Reverse thermal gelation of aliphatically modified biodegradable triblock copolymers

A simple aliphatic modification demonstrated how to turn a water-soluble biodegradable triblock copolymer synthesized from PEG, L-lactide, and epsilon-caprolactone into a thermoreversible polymer of which aqueous solution underwent a sol-to-gel phase transition upon a mild temperature rise. Thermogelling behavior of the aliphatically modified polymer was dependent on the degree of aliphatic modification and polymer concentration. When the polymer solutions were subcutaneously injected into rats, immediate depot formation has been observed. The polymeric gel depots have lasted for two weeks in vivo. This aliphatically modified thermogelling polymer can find applications in drug delivery.
FIRST DEFINITE RECORD OF PERMIAN EDRIOASTEROIDS: NEOISOROPHUSELLA MASLENNIKOVI N. SP. FROM THE KUNGURIAN OF NORTHEAST RUSSIA

The late history of edrioasteroids has come to light only in the last 40 yr. When the edrioasteroid chapter of the Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology was published (Regnell, 1966) the youngest known edrioasteroids were upper Mississippian (Chesterian). Since that time, a series of papers have described edrioasteroids in the Pennsylvanian (Fraunfelter and Utgaard, 1970; Bell, 1976; Sumrall, 1992; Sumrall and Bowsher, 1996; Sumrall et al., 2000, 2006). Pennsylvanian edrioasteroids now include nine species distributed among six genera, including one fauna bearing four genera (Sumrall et al., 2006). These edrioasteroids are not limited to a single clade but include postibullinids, plesiomorphic agelacrinitids, and derived clavate discocystinids. The Permian record of edrioasteroids is sketchy at best. There is a single published report of “upper Permian” edrioasteroids from the Verkhoyansk Region of Northeast Russia (Arendt, 1983). This abstract provides a brief account of two specimens with some stratigraphic data, though no formal diagnosis, description, or illustration was provided. A fragment of a possible second Permian edrioasteroid was shown to the author by J. Savill in 2008 from collections made in Timor. This specimen was too poorly preserved to be identified with certainty as an edrioasteroid, but the preserved morphology was suggestive. Such range extensions are not unexpected with increased collecting activity. The discovery of several echinoderm taxa in strata significantly younger than previously thought is a common pattern in Paleozoic echinoderms. In recent years the stratigraphic range of stylophorans has been extended from the Upper Devonian to Lower Pennsylvanian (Kolata et al., 1991), protocrinitid diploporans from the Middle Ordovician to the Middle Devonian (Sumrall et al., 2009), eocrinoids from the Upper Ordovician to the lower Silurian (Frest, 2005), and unpublished reports of cyclocystoids extending their range from upper Devonian to upper Mississippian (Guensburg, personal commun., 1992). The discovery …
Tissue-Specific Suppression of Differentiation by 5-Bromodeoxyuridine In Vitro

Embryonic rat tooth germs were treated with 5-bromodeoxyuridine in vitro. Morphodifferentiation and histodifferentiation were arrested. Epithelial and mesenchymal deoxyribonucleic acid and protein synthesis were unaffected, whereas ribonucleic acid and collagen synthesis were retarded in the mesenchyme only. Inhibition of odontogenesis by this agent appears to be tissue-specific.
Collateralised loan obligations (CLOs): A primer

The following descriptive paper surveys the various types of loan securitisation and provides a working definition of so-called collateralised loan obligations (CLOs). Free of the common rhetoric and slogans, which sometimes substitute for understanding of the complex nature of structured finance, this paper describes the theoretical foundations of this specialised form of loan securitisation. Not only the distinctive properties of CLOs, but also the information economics inherent in the transfer of credit risk will be considered, so that we can equally privilege the critical aspects of security design in the structuring of CLO transactions.
A Cinephotographic Study of the Role of the Canine in Limiting Lateral Jaw Movement in Macaca fascicularis

Three specimens of Macaca fascicularis were examined to test the hypothesis that the canines do not restrict lateral masticatory movements in these animals. The animals were filmed while chewing freely before, shortly after, and seven weeks after canine removal. Facial markers, viewed from the lateral plane, allowed for computer tracings of all mandibular movements. The maximal lateral movement of the mandible was assessed for each chewing cycle, and means were calculated for each test condition and animal. These means were compared intra-animal for statistically significant differences in lateral jaw movement before and after canine removal. No significant long-term increase in lateral movement was found in any animal after the removal of its canine teeth. We conclude that, in accordance with our hypothesis, the lateral movement during mastication did not increase significantly after removal of the canine teeth in three specimens of Macaca fascicularis. Therefore, the use of the macaque as a human model ...
Long-term high frequency deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens drives time-dependent changes in functional connectivity in the rodent limbic system

Deep brain stimulation of the ventral striatum is an effective treatment for a variety of treatment refractory psychiatric disorders yet the mechanism of action remains elusive. We examined how five days of stimulation affected rhythmic brain activity in freely moving rats in terms of oscillatory power within, and coherence between, selected limbic regions bilaterally. Custom made bipolar stimulating/recording electrodes were implanted, bilaterally, in the nucleus accumbens core. Local field potential (LFP) recording electrodes were implanted, bilaterally in the prelimbic and orbitofrontal cortices and mediodorsal thalamic nucleus. Stimulation was delivered bilaterally with 100 μs duration constant current pulses at a frequency of 130 Hz delivered at an amplitude of 100 μA using a custom-made stimulation device. Synchronized video and LFP data were collected from animals in their home cages before, during and after stimulation. Signals were processed to remove movement and stimulation artifacts, and analyzed to determine changes in spectral power within, and coherence between regions. Five days stimulation of the nucleus accumbens core yielded temporally dynamic modulation of LFP power in multiple bandwidths across multiple brain regions. Coherence was seen to decrease in the alpha band between the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus and core of the nucleus accumbens. Coherence between each core of the nucleus accumbens bilaterally showed rich temporal dynamics throughout the five day stimulation period. Stimulation cessation revealed significant "rebound" effects in both power and coherence in multiple brain regions. Overall, the initial changes in power observed with short-term stimulation are replaced by altered coherence, which may reflect the functional action of DBS.
Nanoengineered polyelectrolyte microcapsules as fluorescent potassium ion sensors

Nanoengineered hollow polyelectrolyte microshells have been fabricated for use as real-time in vitro and in vivo fluorescent potassium ion biosensors. The microshells are fabricated using the electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) method to assemble polyelectrolyte multilayers on dissolvable latex microparticle templates, and then are "loaded" with the fluorescent potassium indicator potassium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (PBFI). The microshells then serve to protect the sensor chemistry from the environment and vice versa, while still allowing small analyte molecules to pass freely through the shell walls. The shells have been successfully loaded with PBFI, and sensor response has been assessed with excellent results. Microsensors such as these may be very useful tools in medical diagnostics and biological research.
Evidence-based approach to change in clinical practice: introduction of expanded nasal continuous positive airway pressure use in an intensive care nursery.

Objective. Recent studies provide evidence that nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) may stabilize the airway of extremely low birth weight infants after endotracheal extubation. The objective of this project was to introduce the use of NIPPV into a busy level 3 intensive care nursery. Methods. This report describes the process of NIPPV introduction using a series of rapid-cycle improvement projects, as proposed by the Vermont Oxford Network. Results. In the first cycle, 7 (88%) of 8 infants were successfully extubated with NIPPV after meeting criteria for reintubation on nasal continuous positive airway pressure alone. Proper positioning of the prongs in the nasopharynx was found to be an important determinant of success. In a second cycle, shorter 2.5-cm nasopharyngeal prongs were more effective than standard 4-cm prongs in 12 recently extubated infants as assessed by objective measurements and subjective nursing reports. A third cycle confirmed the acceptance of this technique in our unit and demonstrated an associated decrease in markers of chronic lung disease in extremely low birth weight infants during the 22 months after its introduction. Conclusion. This experience supports the role for the rapid-cycle change model in achieving effective evidence-based medical practices in a neonatal intensive care setting.
Partial Correction of Structural Defects in Alcohol Dehydrogenase Through Interallelic Complementation in Drosophila melanogaster

ABSTRACT Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH) from the F 1 progeny of all pairwise crosses between 12 null-activity mutants and crosses between these mutants and four active variants, ADH n5 ADH F , ADH D and ADH S , were analyzed for the presence of active or inactive heterodimers. Gels were stained for ADH enzyme activity, and protein blots of duplicate gels were probed with ADH-specific antibody to detect cross-reacting material. Crosses between the three major electrophoretic variants. ADH F , ADH S and ADH D , all produced active heterodimers. Four mutant proteins (ADH n2 , ADH n4 , ADH n10 and ADH n13 ) did not form heterodimers with any other ADH subunit tested. Of the 28 crosses involving the remaining null activity mutants, 22 produce heterodimers. Twelve of these exhibit partial restoration of enzyme activity. In five cases of active heterodimers from null-activity crosses, Adh n11 supplied one of the subunits. In two crosses involving the active variant ADH D , the null activity mutant subunits (ADH n8 and ADH n3 ) destabilized the heterodimer sufficiently to cause inactivation of the ADH D subunit. In the cross between Adh F and Adh n3 , the activity of the ADH F subunit was also greatly reduced in association with the ADH n3 subunit. Two crosses ( Adh n1 × Adh n11 and Adh n5 × Adh n12 ) result in partial restoration of one of the homodimeric proteins (ADH n1 and ADH n12 , respectively), as well as forming active heterodimers.
Preparation of the First Manganese(III) and Manganese(IV) Azides

Fluoride-azide exchange reactions of Me3SiN3 with MnF2 and MnF3 in acetonitrile resulted in the isolation of Mn(N3)2 and Mn(N3)3⋅CH3CN, respectively. While Mn(N3)2 forms [PPh4]2[Mn(N3)4] and (bipy)2Mn(N3)2 upon reaction with PPh4N3 and 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy), respectively, the manganese(III) azide undergoes disproportionation and forms mixtures of [PPh4]2[Mn(N3)4] and [PPh4]2[Mn(N3)6], as well as (bipy)2Mn(N3)2 and (bipy)Mn(N3)4. Neat and highly sensitive Cs2[Mn(N3)6] was obtained through the reaction of Cs2MnF6 with Me3SiN3 in CH3CN.
THE EFFECT OF GRAPHIC FORMAT ON THE INTERPRETATION OF QUANTITATIVE DATA

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect on recall of presenting numerical data in several different chart formats. The formats used in this study were bar, line, table, and line-table. The three types of quantitative recall that were tested were specific amounts, and static and dynamic comparisons. It was also of interest to determine whether cognitive style (FD/FI) interacted with the ability of the subjects to recall information in any particular chart format.
Effective communications using key messaging.

Dermatologists have opportunities as communicators that are unique to our specialty. Consumers and patients have a never-ending hunger for information about their skin and how to keep it healthy and beautiful. Accordingly, we are sought after as speakers at medical meetings, for community gatherings, and by the media. In fact, no other medical specialty is so integrally tied to the mainstream media. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists generated 1.4 billion media impressions in 2009. Dermatologists may also find themselves interfacing with the skin care industry, where we are valued consultants. In this capacity, we may be called upon to speak at sales meetings, assist with product launches, and participate in press events. And of course, many dermatologists serve as spokespersons for their own skin care lines. It is this “medicine meets mass market” aspect of our specialty that makes it imperative that we are competent communicators. To effectively communicate and educate the public about our specialty, it is important to learn how to develop key messages. A key message is the most important information that you want to communicate to an audience. Your key message should be a compelling clear statement that resonates with your audience. It is the one thing that you
The use of radioactive 7α, 17α‐dimethyl‐19‐nortestosterone (mibolerone) in the assay of androgen receptors

Tritiated 7 alpha, 17 alpha-dimethyl-19-nortestosterone (DMNT; mibolerone), a synthetic androgen stable to metabolic conversion in the rat ventral prostate, is an excellent radioactive ligand for the quantitation and characterization of androgen receptors in prostate, liver, and cultured cells. DMNT is more receptor-selective than 17 alpha-methyl-17 beta-hydroxy-estra-4,9,11-trien-3-one (R1881); DMNT interacts with glucocorticoid and progestin receptors much less strongly than R1881. Unlike 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, DMNT does not bind tightly to testosterone-estradiol binding globulin of human serum. The hydroxylapatite-filter assay we employed can clearly distinguish between DMNT binding to androgen receptors of rat ventral prostate and interaction of DMNT with androgen binding protein of epididymides. The prostate cytosol (3H)DMNT-receptor complex sediments in two forms (4 and 8 S) in a low salt medium. In 0.4 M KCl, both the prostate cytosol and nuclear (3H)DMNT-receptor complexes migrated as 3-4 S components. The formation of both the cytosol and nuclear DMNT-receptor complexes is inhibited by antiandrogens and 17 beta-estradiol.
Receipt of cancer screening services: surprising results for some rural minorities.

Background: Evidence suggests that rural minority populations experience disparities in cancer screening, treatment, and outcomes. It is unknown how race/ethnicity and rurality intersect in these disparities. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the cancer screening rates among minorities in rural areas. Methods: We utilized the 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to examine rates of screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Bivariate analysis estimated screening rates by rurality and sociodemographics. Multivariate analysis estimated the factors that contributed to the odds of screening. Results: Rural residents were less likely to obtain screenings than urban residents. African Americans were more likely to be screened than whites or Hispanics. Race/ethnicity and rurality interacted, showing that African American women continued to be more likely than whites to be screened for breast or cervical cancer, but the odds decreased with rurality. Conclusions: This analysis confirmed previous research which found that rural residents were less likely to obtain cancer screenings than other residents. We further found that the pattern of disparity differed according to race/ethnicity, with African Americans having favorable odds of receipt of service regardless of rurality. These results have the potential to create better targeted interventions to those groups that continue to be underserved.
In silico predicted essential genes required for zebrafish (Danio rerio) steroid hormone production

Genome-scale metabolic models associate genes and transcript enzymes involved in biochemical reactions. We present a genome-scale stoichiometric reconstruction of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) steroidogenic network and apply linear programming methods to investigate the association between steroidogenic gene expression and network redundancy required for the productions of the key reproductive steroid hormone of 17β-estradiol. Network-wide gene deletions helped identify essential genes required for its production with the in silico identified genes giving good agreement with those required in vivo during reproductive development and maturation. The essential genes were shown to be mainly involved with the initial reactions of steroidogenesis. Furthermore, the productions of intermediate metabolites (17α-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione), highly participant within steroidogenic reactions were also shown to allow network redundancy. This analysis is of importance as steroidogenic enzyme genes down-regulated in vivo in zebrafish exposed to the environmental stressor of hypoxia or low oxygen stress (≤ 2 mg/L dissolved oxygen) showed 71% agreement with in silico genes identified as being essential for 17β-estradiol production. This agreement is relevant, as the in vivo down-regulated steroidogenic genes were also correlated with lowered sex steroid hormone concentrations in zebrafish.
Throughput optimization and transmitter power saving (totps) algorithm and extended totps (etotps) algorithm for ieee 802.11 links

The IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) standard supports multiple transmission modes. However, the higher mandatory data rate mode does not necessarily yield higher throughput. This research started from the relationship between the link throughput and the channel's carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio. Two algorithms are proposed, a throughput optimization and transmitter power saving (TOTPS) algorithm and an extended throughput optimization and transmitter power saving (ETOTPS) algorithm, based on the knowledge of the C/N ratio at the receiver. In particular, we take the approach of adjusting link parameters like transmitter power and transmission mode to achieve the maximum throughput at different C/N values. Since the TOTPS algorithm tends to reduce the transmitter power without degrading the link throughput, transmitter power can be saved. This not only prolongs battery life, which is critical in ad hoc wireless networks, but also reduces the potential interference to neighboring wireless network systems. The ETOTPS algorithm, on the other hand, aims for higher throughput by trading in more transmitter power. This is particularly desired for high-speed data transfer in an emergency situation. Both algorithms are developed to be applied to IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11g links.
Envelopes : Presidential address

Abstract The fabric of medical care has been altered during the past 2 decades. Initially this alteration was furtive but it rapidly escalated, producing change that will be irrevocable. Physicians, dedicated to caring for their patients, frequently were found struggling in the wake of the changes in the health care system. In most situations they found themselves swept aside from crucial decision making because of timidity, practice obligations, and absence of knowledge related to “medical business.” With about 600 managed care operations in the United States, physicians can no longer afford to sit in the stands and just watch the play on the field. Participation is crucial and must be accompanied by additional learning, such as masters degrees in business administration or MBAs. This will allow the new players to read the playbook of business medicine. Although on-the-job training is possible, it usually has a slow learning curve as a result of diluting the new assignment with practice obligations. Despite these formidable challenges, physicians must enter the local, state, and national arenas and participate. Despite change and reaction to change, physicians have an irrevocable trust that cannot be withdrawn or overlooked. It has been earned and pervades every facet of our professional careers. The physician has an uncompromising duty and privilege to care for his or her patient in the highest and most ethical manner, a duty that will remain forever. This will never change! (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:1400-4.)
Impedance Measurements in Electrochemical Systems

The application of relaxation techniques1 and steady state sinusoidal modulation (“ac impedance,” “ac polarography”) methods2–7 for the investigation of electrochemical phenomena has expanded rapidly over the past two decades. The various methods have been used to ascertain reaction mechanisms, particularly those for electrode processes involving organic reactants, and for the measurement of kinetic parameters (transfer coefficients, exchange current densities, heterogeneous rate constants, etc.). The techniques have also proved valuable for the investigation of metal dissolution and passivation phenomena. A review of the application of these techniques in corrosion science was recently published by Macdonald and McKubre.7 The principal advantage of the frequency domain sinusoidal modulation techniques is that processes which exhibit a wide range of relaxation times are accessible in a single experiment. It is important to note, however, that the time domain “relaxation” or “transient” techniques and the frequency domain methods in principle yield the same information and that both can be used to define the interfacial impedance.
Maturation effects on the NMR microimaging characteristics of single neurons

We have used an isolated neuronal preparation of single Aplysia californica L7 cells to study the effects of development on the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) characteristics, T2 spin-spin relaxation rate (RT2) and apparent diffusion coefficient (D), of intracellular water within the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. These studies demonstrate a significant correlation of animal weight, but not age, with RT2. On the other hand, D was not significantly different as a function of either age or weight in single L7 neurons. Demonstration of maturation dependence in single cells is important in understanding the cellular origins of developmental effects on NMR characteristics in cell assemblies such as brain.
The Political Lobbying of MNCs and Mandated Accounting Changes: The Case of Foreign Currency Accounting

This paper investigates the justification of the intense pressure exerted on the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) by the management of multinational corporations (MNCs) to reverse its position on accounting for foreign currency operations. This paper examines whether SFAS No. 52 has reduced the volatility of the reported earnings of MNCs, and whether the volatility of reported earnings of MNCs is affected by the size of foreign operations and industrial classification. The empirical evidence from this study implies that there was no justification for the political pressure on the FASB to change from SFAS No. 8 to SFAS No. 52. Management of MNCs were not concerned about the variability of their earnings as much as they were concerned about their current and future cash flows. In the researcher's opinion the issue of foreign currency translation will be revisited soon when the "Euro", the new European single currency, starts in 1999, and the movement towards creating a common currency for countries in South America picks up stream in the very near future. The question to be addressed will be "Should we go back to the SFAS No. 8's requirements? and Which of the two standards best fit the new semi-fixed rate monetary system?"
Grammar Efficiency of Parts-of-Speech Systems

Abstract. Vulanovi ’s formula for calculating grammar efficiency is applied to 17 theoretically possible parts-of-speech systems. It is demonstrated that the formula represents grammar efficiency of parts-of-speech systems more adequately than the methods used in the theory of formal languages. Moreover, it is shown that the correlation between parts-of-speech system types and their grammar efficiency can be modeled by the 3-dimensional generalization of the sigmoid. 1. INTRODUCTION Following Vulanovi (2008, 2009), this paper continues to investigate grammar efficiency of parts-of-speech (PoS) systems. The definition of PoS systems is taken from Hengeveld (1992), see also Hengeveld et al. (2004), Hengeveld and Rijkhoff (2005), Rijkhoff (2007), and Hengeveld and van Lier (2010a). A PoS system type is defined based on the word classes used to fulfill four propositional functions (or slots). The propositional functions are: P – the head of the predicate phrase, R – the head of the referential (noun) phrase, p – the modifier of the predicate phrase, and r – the modifier of the referential phrase. Seven main PoS system types are proposed in Hengeveld (2002). This classification is extended in Hengeveld et al. (2004) to include six additional intermediate types. However, it is shown later on (Hengeveld and van Lier 2010a) that there exist natural languages with PoS systems which do not fit within the original classification. For examples of different PoS systems in natural languages, the reader is referred to the above-mentioned papers. Hengeveld’s approach to word classes can be viewed as a variation or expansion of Givon’s (1993) syntactic description of word classes. However, since linguists define word classes in many different ways (Givon 1993, Vogel and Comrie 2000, Baker 2003, Rijkhoff 2007), Hengeveld’s definition of PoS systems and their classification are not universally accepted (Ansaldo et al. 2010). Hengeveld’s approach to PoS systems is nevertheless a meritorious and viable possibility, as shown by the interest it has attracted. It is also appealing to quantitative and mathematical linguists because it is amenable to mathematical generalizations and analyses. In Vulanovi (2009), all flexible PoS system types from the Hengeveld et al. (2004) 50-language sample are analyzed by calculating their grammar efficiency. It is shown that grammar efficiency of natural languages is significantly below the theoretical maximum – either word order is not as free as possible, or word classes and grammatical markers are not utilized in the most efficient way. Grammar efficiency is calculated using the formula from Vulanovi (2003,
Theory and Modeling of Plasmonic Structures

Plasmonic structures, or systems generally containing nanostructured metallic components allowing for the exploitation of surface plasmon resonances, continue to draw much experimental and theoretical interest. This is due to the ability of surface plasmons to capture, concentrate, and propagate optical energy. This Feature Article discusses the basic theoretical principles and computational modeling of such structures. A variety of illustrations are also given, including optical transmission by nanohole arrays in thin metal films, remote-grating generation of narrow band plasmons, the excitation of dark modes in bipyramidal nanoparticles, optical transparencies in nanoparticle–quantum dot systems, and the size dependence of surface plasmon resonances in the limit of very small particle sizes.
The multiple PDZ domain protein Mpdz/MUPP1 regulates opioid tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia

Opioids are a mainstay for the treatment of chronic pain. Unfortunately, therapy-limiting maladaptations such as loss of treatment effect (tolerance), and paradoxical opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) can occur. The objective of this study was to identify genes responsible for opioid tolerance and OIH. These studies used a well-established model of ascending morphine administration to induce tolerance, OIH and other opioid maladaptations in 23 strains of inbred mice. Genome-wide computational genetic mapping was then applied to the data in combination with a false discovery rate filter. Transgenic mice, gene expression experiments and immunoprecipitation assays were used to confirm the functional roles of the most strongly linked gene. The behavioral data processed using computational genetic mapping and false discovery rate filtering provided several strongly linked biologically plausible gene associations. The strongest of these was the highly polymorphic Mpdz gene coding for the post-synaptic scaffolding protein Mpdz/MUPP1. Heterozygous Mpdz +/− mice displayed reduced opioid tolerance and OIH. Mpdz gene expression and Mpdz/MUPP1 protein levels were lower in the spinal cords of low-adapting 129S1/Svlm mice than in high-adapting C57BL/6 mice. Morphine did not alter Mpdz expression levels. In addition, association of Mpdz/MUPP1 with its known binding partner CaMKII did not differ between these high- and low-adapting strains. The degrees of maladaptive changes in response to repeated administration of morphine vary greatly across inbred strains of mice. Variants of the multiple PDZ domain gene Mpdz may contribute to the observed inter-strain variability in tolerance and OIH by virtue of changes in the level of their expression.
Surgical management of pediatric intractable epilepsy

Objective To investigate the surgical management of pediatric intractable epilepsy.Methods The surgical experience of 142 pediatric patients with intractable epileptic between 2002 and 2007 was reviewed.Resection of epileptogenic foci or lobe,and(or)multiple subpial transaction(MST)was carried out when a focal epileptic discharge was indicated according to preoperative evaluation and electroconicography(EcoG),but multilobar resection with MST and(or)corpus callosotomy was chosen to deal with hemispheric multiple epileptic foci.Results During the follow-up,3 years in average,65 of 142 patients had post-operative outcome of Engel Class I,34 patients had rare seizure(Engel Class Ⅱ),and 25 patients got a decrease in seizure frequency(Engel Class III).Mean full intelligence quotient(FIQ)improved from 65.4 to 80.9,and more IQ improvement in patients with shorter seizure history and drug-resistance time.Temporary complications were observed in 16 patients and there was no death case.Conclusion Good surgical results can be achieved in pediatric patient with intractable epilepsy.Early surgical intervention in intractable pediatric epilepsy provides the good opportunity to control the seizure and prevent the irreversible worse of intelligence and the disability for a life-time.
Retrovirus-mediated gene transfer in lungs of living fetal sheep

In utero somatic gene transfer may be a useful therapeutic strategy for a variety of inherited disorders. In the present study, we demonstrate transgene expression in the airways of fetal lamb lungs, 2-3 weeks after injection of Moloney murine leukemia retrovirus based vectors containing cDNA for beta-galactosidase (lacZ) or human interleukin receptor antagonist protein (IRAP), into the fluid filled future airspace of fully catheterized twin fetal lambs (104-117 days gestational age; term 147 days). Expression of lacZ or IRAP was limited to the twin that received the respective vector and was apparent, at light microscopic level, in the epithelium and submucosal space of proximal airways, and to a lesser extent, in the respiratory epithelium of the distal airways. These data demonstrate for the first time that transfer of foreign DNA to fetal lung can be accomplished. These findings support the use of retroviral vectors for somatic lung DNA transfer and suggest that inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis may be approached therapeutically via gene transfer, in utero.
Breathe with Me: A Virtual Meditation Coach

A virtual agent that guides users through mindfulness meditation sessions is described. The agent uses input from a respiration sensor to both respond to user breathing rate and use deep breaths as a continuation and acknowledgment signal. A pilot evaluation study comparing the agent to a self-help video indicates that users are very receptive to the virtual meditation coach, and that it is more effective at reducing anxiety and increasing mindfulness and flow state compared to the video.
KSHV-Mediated Angiogenesis in Tumor Progression.

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), is a malignant human oncovirus belonging to the gamma herpesvirus family. HHV-8 is closely linked to the pathogenesis of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and two other B-cell lymphoproliferative diseases: primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and a plasmablastic variant of multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD). KS is an invasive tumor of endothelial cells most commonly found in untreated HIV-AIDS or immuno-compromised individuals. KS tumors are highly vascularized and have abnormal, excessive neo-angiogenesis, inflammation, and proliferation of infected endothelial cells. KSHV directly induces angiogenesis in an autocrine and paracrine fashion through a complex interplay of various viral and cellular pro-angiogenic and inflammatory factors. KS is believed to originate due to a combination of KSHV’s efficient strategies for evading host immune systems and several pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory stimuli. In addition, KSHV infection of endothelial cells produces a wide array of viral oncoproteins with transforming capabilities that regulate multiple host-signaling pathways involved in the activation of angiogenesis. It is likely that the cellular-signaling pathways of angiogenesis and lymph-angiogenesis modulate the rate of tumorigenesis induction by KSHV. This review summarizes the current knowledge on regulating KSHV-mediated angiogenesis by integrating the findings reported thus far on the roles of host and viral genes in oncogenesis, recent developments in cell-culture/animal-model systems, and various anti-angiogenic therapies for treating KSHV-related lymphoproliferative disorders.
Power reduction for Smart Homes in an Internet of Things framework

Internet of Things implementations continue to be a challenge in many different industries. Power consumption remains an important issue for device management in Smart Homes as unwanted additional power may be used at unwanted times. As a result, resources used in generation of power are not put to use efficiently. These resources can be utilized in other productive applications. In this paper, we design and implement a Smart Meter (SM) to reduce and monitor the power consumption of household devices. The Smart Meter uses a sensor-based microcontroller and an actuator that work together to analyze the power consumption of each electronic household device. The Smart Meter is implemented by an Automatic Measuring Threshold Value (AMTV) algorithm to set threshold values for each appliance. The performance of the AMTV algorithm is validated using AVR Studio software. The results demonstrate that the Smart Meter significantly reduces power consumption.
Global Burden of Urologic Cancers, 1990–2013

Abstract Context Kidney, prostate, and bladder cancers increase with age and are influenced partly by modifiable risk factors. Urological cancer rates may increase substantially amid a growing, aging population. Objective To describe kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer incidence, mortality, and risk factor-attributable bladder and kidney cancer deaths between 1990 and 2013, by age, sex, and development status. Evidence acquisition Cancer mortality data were derived from global vital registries. Incidence data from cancer registries were transformed to mortality estimates using separately estimated mortality incidence ratios. These sources served as input data for an ensemble modeling approach to estimate bladder, prostate, and kidney cancer mortality. Cause-specific mortality estimates were transformed into incidence estimates using mortality incidence ratios. Evidence synthesis In 2013, 2.1 million kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers cases occurred worldwide, increasing 2.5-fold since 1990. Mortality increased 1.6-fold between 1990 and 2013. Eight-two percent of new cases in 2013 occurred in individuals aged 60 yr and older. Men from developed countries had the highest age-standardized death rates among all three cancers. Smoking-attributable kidney cancer deaths decreased while obesity-related deaths rose, most prominently in women from developing countries. Smoking-related bladder cancer deaths increased among women from developed countries and decreased among men. Conclusions Urologic cancer burden has increased globally amid population growth and aging. High income countries face the highest incidence and death rates; however, obesity-attributed kidney cancer deaths are increasing in developing countries. Efforts to expand the global oncologic workforce and reduce preventable factors may lessen cancer disparities in developing countries. Patient summary We describe the impact of population growth, aging, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity, on kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer rates worldwide. More new cancer cases and deaths occur in developed countries compared with developing countries. In addition to preventive efforts, healthcare systems must emphasize training of a urologic oncology workforce.
Identifying Key Cyber-Physical Terrain

The high mobility of Army tactical networks, combined with their close proximity to hostile actors, elevates the risks associated with short-range network attacks. The connectivity model for such short range connections under active operations is extremely fluid, and highly dependent upon the physical space within which the element is operating, as well as the patterns of movement within that space. To handle these dependencies, we introduce the notion of "key cyber-physical terrain": locations within an area of operations that allow for effective control over the spread of proximity-dependent malware in a mobile tactical network, even as the elements of that network are in constant motion with an unpredictable pattern of node-to-node connectivity. We provide an analysis of movement models and approximation strategies for finding such critical nodes, and demonstrate via simulation that we can identify such key cyber-physical terrain quickly and effectively.
Revision of Alaptus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) in the Holarctic region, with taxonomic notes on some extralimital species

The Holarctic species of Alaptus Westwood (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) are revised and illustrated. An identification key to females of 17 species (16 named) is provided. The known distribution ranges are given, including new records of the extralimital specimens examined. Four newly described taxa are A. huberi sp. n. (Ontario, Canada), A. klonx sp. n. (Florida, Michigan and New York, USA), A. plih sp. n. (Sakhalin Island, Russia), and A. santetrapsi sp. n. (Far East of Russia as well as Alberta, Ontario and Yukon, Canada). The following new synonymies are proposed: A. extremus Soyka, syn. n., A. magnus Cheke & Turner, syn. n., and A. novickyi Soyka, syn. n. under A. fusculus Walker; A. priesneri Soyka, syn. n. under A. iceryae Riley; A. globosicornis variety hawaiiensis Girault, syn. n. and A. peregrinus (Perkins), syn. n. under A. globosicornis Girault; A. antillanus Cheke & Turner, syn. n. and A. caecilii Girault, syn. n. under A. immaturus Perkins; A. aegyptiacus Soyka, syn. n., A. auranti (Garcia Mercet), syn. n., A. borinquensis Dozier, syn. n., A. intonsipennis Girault, syn. n., A. maccabei Girault, syn. n., A. maidli Soyka, syn. n., and A. malchinensis Soyka, syn. n. under A. minimus Westwood; Metalaptus torquatus Malenotti, syn. n. (from the previous synonymy under A. auranti ), A. pechlaneri Soyka, syn. n., and A. psocidivorus Gahan, syn. n. under A. pallidicornis Foerster; A. globularis Sveum & Solem, syn. n. under A. schmitzi Soyka; and A. richardsi Hincks, syn. n. and A. tritrichosus Malac, syn. n. under A. stammeri Soyka. Alaptus terebrans Kryger, stat. rev. is resurrected as a valid taxon from its previous synonymy under A. extremus , and A. globosicornis variety australiensis Girault is given species rank as A. australiensis Girault, stat. n. Lectotypes are designated for A. andersoni Ferriere, A. borinquensis , A. caecilii , A. eriococci Girault, A. foersteri Soyka, A. globosicornis , A. iceryae , A. malchinensis , A. pallidicornis , A. stammeri , Leimacis peregrinus Perkins, and Parvulinus auranti Garcia Mercet; and neotypes are designated for A. excisus Westwood and A. immaturus . Taxonomic notes on six extralimital species of Alaptus are provided.
Design and operation of a horizontal liquid helium flow facility

The University of Wisconsin horizontal liquid helium flow facility (LHFF) consists of a five meter long 20 cm ID horizontal dewar connected to two end boxes. Several heat exchanger inserts have been built to allow variable temperature operation of 1.6 K ≤ T ≤ 4.2 K. A centrifugal pump is installed at one end of the facility permitting experiments in forced flow liquid helium up to 100 gm/s. The horizontal design allows experimentation on long straight test sections which may be used either to study fundamental properties of heat and mass transfer in helium or prototype cryogenic components under realistic conditions. A detailed description of the design and operating experience of the LHFF is presented.
Language in Political Economy and Market Economy: A Case Study of India

The political philosophy underpinning the Indian Constitution is socialist economy in a multilingual political landscape. The Constitution grants some fundamental rights to all citizens regarding language and to linguistic and other minorities regarding education. It also obligates states to use many languages in school education. Restructuring the economy with free market as its pivot and the growing dominance of English in the information driven global economy give rise to policy changes in language use in education, which undermine the Constitutional provisions relating to language, though these changes reflect the manufactured consent of the citizens. This is made possible by the way the Constitution is interpreted by courts with regard to the fundamental rights of equality and non-discrimination when they apply to language. The unique property of language that it can be acquired, unlike other primordial attributes such as ethnicity or caste, comes into play in this interpretation. The result is that the law of the market takes over the law of the land. Cite as: Annamalai , JLL 1 (2012), 50–62, DOI: 10.14762/jll.2012.050
Pronoun Usage in Online Sexual Predation.

Abstract We investigated pronoun usage by sexual predators in their online interactions with “decoys” (i.e., adults identifying themselves as children). Computerized text analysis was conducted for 561 instant messaging conversations between contact-driven solicitation offenders (CDSOs) and decoys. CDSOs not only used significantly fewer first-person and more second-person singular pronouns than the decoys but also used more second-person pronouns than adult romantic partners discussing their courtship. The other-focused nature of CDSOs' text messages is consistent with theories of the luring process positing predators' emphasis on making their targets feel special to initiate the cycle of entrapment.
Study of the Synchrotron Photoionization Oxidation of 2-Methylfuran Initiated by O(3P) under Low-Temperature Conditions at 550 and 650 K

The O(3P)-initiated oxidation of 2-methylfuran (2-MF) was investigated using vacuum-ultraviolet synchrotron radiation from the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Reaction species were studied by multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometry at 550 and 650 K. The oxygen addition pathway is favored in this reaction, forming four triplet diradicals that undergo intersystem crossing into singlet epoxide species that lead to the formation of products at m/z 30 (formaldehyde), 42 (propene), 54 (1-butyne, 1,3-butadiene, and 2-butyne), and 70 (2-butenal, methyl vinyl ketone, and 3-butenal). Mass-to-charge ratios, photoionization spectra, and adiabatic ionization energies for each primary reaction species were obtained and used to characterize their identities. In addition, by means of electronic structure calculations, potential energy surface scans of the different species produced throughout the oxidation were examined to further validate the primary chemistry occurring. Branching f...
New twist in the optical schematic of surface slope measuring long trace profiler

The advents of fully coherent free electron lasers and diffraction limited synchrotron storage ring sources of x-rays are catalyzing the development of new, ultra-high accuracy metrology methods. To fully exploit the potential of these sources, metrology needs to be capable of determining the figure of an optical element with sub-nanometer height accuracy. Currently, the two most prevalent slope measuring instruments used for characterization of x-ray optics are the auto-collimator based nanometer optical measuring device (NOM) and the long trace profiler (LTP) using pencil beam interferometry (PBI). These devices have been consistently improved upon by the x-ray optics metrology community, but appear to be approaching their metrological limits. Here, we revise the traditional optical schematic of the LTP. We experimentally show that, for the level of accuracy desired for metrology with state-of-the-art x-ray optics, the Dove prism in the LTP reference channel appears to be one of the major sources of instrumental error. Therefore, we suggest returning back to the original PBI LTP schematics with no Dove prism in the reference channel. In this case, the optimal scanning strategies [Yashchuk, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 115101 (2009)] used to suppress the instrumental drift error have to be used to suppress a possible drift error associated with laser beam pointing instability. We experimentally and by numerical simulation demonstrate the usefulness of the suggested approach for measurements with x-ray optics with both face up and face down orientations.