cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust localization and localizability estimation with a rotating laser scanner

This paper presents a robust localization approach that fuses measurements from inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a rotating laser scanner. An Error State Kalman Filter (ESKF) is used for sensor fusion and is combined with a Gaussian Particle Filter (GPF) for measurements update. We experimentally demonstrated the robustness of this implementation in various challenging situations such as kidnapped robot situation, laser range reduction and various environment scales and characteristics. Additionally, we propose a new method to evaluate localizability of a given 3D map and show that the computed localizability can precisely predict localization errors, thus helps to find safe routes during flight.
Human Skeletal Variation and Forensic Anthropology

Abstract Forensic anthropology, as a branch of human biology, is grounded in the study of human anatomical and physiological variability. However, because forensic practitioners use variability primarily to make predictions about unidentified individuals, we frequently forget the broader goals of anthropological research. Our experimental models and statistical tests are commonly subpar, with poor sampling strategies, overreliance on univariate and bivariate techniques, and an underappreciation of interactions. We should strive to clearly articulate the variance equations that underlie our work and return to basic hypothesis-testing techniques, which will help to inject more rigor into our studies of human skeletal variability. Forensic anthropologists are, at their core, human biologists: they study the nature and degree of variation in the human body. This focus on variability—as seen across the life span, between populations, and across evolutionary time—is distinctive and inherited from deep anthropological roots. Few scientific fields that are concerned with humans have made variability the central theme of their theoretical paradigms. For example, clinical medicine, psychiatry, and even anatomy have traditionally focused on “average” or modal expressions of traits as seen in western industrialized societies, only recently recognizing the importance of global variability in a way that was central to anthropological thought from the field's conception in the 19th century.
Frequency of Monotherapy versus Combination Therapy in Reported Cases of Infections Occurring in the Setting of Biologic Agents

The purpose of this work was to determine the frequency with which concomitant immunosuppressive medications were used in a systemic review of reported cases of infection occurring in the setting o...
Anaerobic Treatment of Coal Gasification Wastewater

A sequence of unit processes consisting of a berl-saddle-packed anaerobic filter, an expanded-bed, granular activated carbon anaerobic reactor and an activated sludge nitrification system was employed for the treatment of synthetically prepared coal gasification wastewater. After acclimation, the coal gasification wastewater was fed to the treatment process train at three different chemical oxygen demand levels; these were 1,513. 3,027, and 7,567 mg/l, respectively. No biological activity was observed in the first-stage filter, while excellent removal of organic matter was achieved in the second and third stages of the treatment systems. However, toxicity to the anaerobic culture in the second-stage reactor was observed during the second and third loading levels. This toxicity was overcome by employing a partial replacement schedule of the granular activated carbon medium in the reactor. This study represents an example of how biodegradation and physical adsorption may be successfully combined during the treatment of wastewaters containing toxic or inhibitory substances.
THE ROLE OF CHEMOTHERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF EWING'S SARCOMA

Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is a rare malignancy of children and young adults which arises in bone but is not of osseous origin. Approximately 60% of primary lesions occur in long bones, and 40% in flat bones. Fifteen to 35% of patients have detectable metastatic disease at diagnosis, most frequently in the lungs and bones. The remainder have apparently localized disease but, without systemic treatment, rapidly develop visible metastases.
Strategies for teaching evidence-based practice in nursing education: a thematic literature review

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is imperative for ensuring patient safety. Although teaching strategies to enhance EBP knowledge and skills are recommended, recent research indicates that nurses may not be well prepared to apply EBP. A three-level hierarchy for teaching and learning evidence-based medicine is suggested, including the requirement for interactive clinical activities in EBP teaching strategies. This literature review identifies the teaching strategies for EBP knowledge and skills currently used in undergraduate nursing education. We also describe students’ and educators’ experiences with learning outcomes and barriers. We conducted literature searches using Medline, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC and Academic Search Premier. Six qualitative studies and one mixed-method study met the inclusion criteria and were critically evaluated based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Using Braun and Clarke’s six phases, the seven studies were deductively and thematically analysed to discover themes. Four teaching strategy themes were identified, including subthemes within each theme: i.e., interactive teaching strategies; interactive and clinical integrated teaching strategies; learning outcomes; and barriers. Although four studies included a vague focus on teaching EBP principles, they all included research utilisation and interactive teaching strategies. Reported learning outcomes included enhanced analytical and critical skills and using research to ensure patient safety. Barriers included challenging collaborations, limited awareness of EBP principles and poor information literacy skills. Four of the seven analysed studies included a vague focus on the use of EBP teaching strategies. Interactive teaching strategies are used, but primary strategies focus on searching for and critically appraising research for practice-based application. Although this review included a relatively small sample of literature, the findings indicate a need for more qualitative research investigating interactive and clinically integrated teaching strategies towards further enhancing EBP undergraduate nursing students’ knowledge and skills.
Assessment of Open Syndesmosis Reduction Techniques in an Unbroken Fibula Model: Visualization Versus Palpation.

Objectives This cadaveric study sought to evaluate the accuracy of syndesmotic reduction using direct visualization via an anterolateral approach compared with palpation of the syndesmosis through a laterally based incision. Methods Ten cadaveric specimens were obtained and underwent baseline computed tomography (CT) scans. Subsequently, a complete syndesmotic injury was simulated by transecting the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, transverse ligament, interosseous membrane, and deltoid ligament. Three orthopaedic trauma surgeons were then asked to reduce each syndesmosis using direct visualization via an anterolateral approach. Specimens were then stabilized and underwent postreduction CT scans. Fixation was then removed, the anterolateral exposure was closed, and the surgeons were then asked to reduce the syndesmosis using palpation only via a direct lateral approach. Specimens were again instrumented and underwent postreduction CT scans. Two-tailed paired t tests were used to compare reductions with baseline scans with significance set at P Results There was no statistically significant difference between reduction via direct visualization or palpation via lateral approach when compared with baseline scans. Although measurements did not reach significance, there was a tendency toward external rotation, and anteromedial translation with direct visualization, and a trend toward fibular external rotation and posterolateral translation with palpation. Conclusions There is no difference in reduction quality using direct visualization or palpation to assess the syndesmosis. Surgeons may therefore choose either technique when reducing syndesmotic injures based on personal preference and other injury factors.
An Open versus Traditional Psychology Textbook: Student Performance, Perceptions, and Use:

In the current study we examined students' course performance, perceptions, and self-reported use of an open textbook compared to a traditional publisher's textbook in an introductory psychology co...
Is Serial Sexual Homicide a Compulsion, Deviant Leisure, or Both? Revisiting the Case of Ted Bundy

Serial homicide for personal gratification is often commonly assumed to be driven by an underlying psychiatric compulsion, characterized by loss of control. This article briefly summarizes the beha...
Russia's Orthodox Soft Power

For many analysts the term Russky mir, or Russian World, epitomizes an expansionist and messianic Russian foreign policy, the perverse intersection of the interests of the Russian state and the Russian Orthodox Church. Little noted is that the term actually means something quite different for each party. For the state it is a tool for expanding Russia's cultural and political influence, while for the Russian Orthodox Church it is a spiritual concept, a reminder that through the baptism of Rus, God consecrated these people to the task of building a Holy Rus. The close symphonic relationship between the Orthodox Church and state in Russia thus provides Russian foreign policy with a definable moral framework, one that, given its popularity, is likely to continue to shape the country's policies well into the future.
Production, milk iodine, and nutrient utilization in Jersey cows supplemented with the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (kelp meal) during the grazing season.

ABSTRACT Kelp meal (KM) is a supplement made from the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum, known to bioaccumulate iodine (I) and to be the richest source of phlorotannins, which can inhibit ruminal proteolysis and microbial growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of KM on production, milk I, concentrations of blood metabolites, apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, and CH4 emissions in grazing dairy cows. Eight multiparous Jersey cows averaging (mean ± SD) 175 ± 60 d in milk and 12 primiparous Jersey cows averaging 142 ± 47 d in milk at the beginning of the study were assigned to either 0 g/d of KM (control diet, CTRL) or 113 g/d of KM (brown seaweed diet, BSW) in a randomized complete block design. Diets were formulated to yield a 70:30 forage-to-concentrate ratio and consisted of (dry matter basis): 48% cool-season perennial herbage and 52% partial TMR (pTMR). Each experimental period (n = 3) lasted 28 d, with data and sample collection taking place during the last 7 d of each period. Cows had approximately 16.5 h of access to pasture daily. Herbage dry matter intake increased, and total dry matter intake tended to increase in cows fed BSW versus the CTRL diet. Milk yield and concentrations and yields of milk components were not affected by diets. Similarly, blood concentrations of cortisol, glucose, fatty acids, and thyroxine did not change with feeding CTRL or BSW. However, a diet × period interaction was observed for milk I concentration; cows offered the BSW diet had greater milk I concentration during periods 1, 2, and 3, but the largest difference between BSW and CTRL was observed in period 2 (579 vs. 111 µg/L, respectively). Except for period 2, the concentration of milk I in cows fed KM did not exceed the 500 µg/L threshold recommended for human consumption. Diet × period interactions were also found for serum triiodothyronine concentration, total-tract digestibilities of crude protein and acid detergent fiber, CH4 production, and urinary excretion of purine derivatives. Overall, the lack of KM effects on milk yield and concentrations and yields of milk components indicate that dairy producers should consider costs before making KM supplementation decisions during the grazing season. Future research is needed to evaluate the concentration of I in retail organic milk because of the high prevalence of KM supplementation in northeastern and midwestern US organic dairies and possibly in other regions of the country.
Familial racial-ethnic socialization of Multiracial American Youth: A systematic review of the literature with MultiCrit

Abstract Multiracial youth are currently the largest demographic group among individuals 18 and under in the United States (Saulny, 2011), and yet there is a dearth of research examining the development of these uniquely racialized individuals. In this article, we systematically review the qualitative and quantitative research available across disciplines regarding how caregivers engage in racial-ethnic socialization with Multiracial American youth to transmit knowledge about race, ethnicity, and culture. We also critique the use of monoracially framed theoretical models for understanding Multiracial experiences and provide directions for future research using a Critical Multiracial Theory, henceforth referred to as MultiCrit, perspective (Harris, 2016). MultiCrit situates the understanding of Multiracial experiences in the context of the racially oppressive structures that affect Multiracial realities. In light of the findings of this review, we suggest that future studies are needed to learn how racial-ethnic socialization processes look in Multiracial families with different racial makeups and diverse family structures while considering the intersectional identities of Multiracial youth and their caregivers. Furthermore, new theoretical frameworks specific to Multiracial families are necessary to move this field forward, and quantitative measures need to be developed based on qualitative studies to capture the nuances of racial-ethnic socialization messages for Multiracial youth. Suggestions for additional factors to consider in the process of racial-ethnic socialization for Multiracial families and implications of this research are provided in the discussion.
Computational parasites and hydropower: A political ecology of Bitcoin mining on the Columbia River:

Over the past three years, the dams of Chelan County, Washington, its watershed and fish, the electrical grid and the laborers who maintain it, and cleared land with warehouses filled with computer...
Task-switching inefficiencies in currently ill, but not remitted anorexia nervosa.

Objective Models of anorexia nervosa (AN) posit that set-shifting deficits may contribute to behavioral inflexibility and extreme dietary restriction. Findings from neurocognitive studies of set-shifting in AN have been somewhat mixed, perhaps due to the use of tasks that cannot distinguish shifting from other processes (i.e., learning). To more precisely characterize cognitive flexibility and selectively assess this process independent of rule learning and feedback sensitivity, we examined task-switching ability in AN. Method Women ill with AN, subthreshold AN or atypical AN (IAN; n = 40), women remitted from AN (RAN; n = 24), and age-matched healthy control women (n = 42) completed a computerized cued color-shape task-switching paradigm. Groups were compared on mix costs (reflecting global cognitive control) and switch costs (reflecting transient cognitive control). Results Although mix costs were equivalent across groups, switch costs were more pronounced in the IAN group, as indicated by a group-by-trial type interaction for reaction times on stay and switch trials. Discussion Findings indicate that IAN, but not RAN, have difficulty flexibly switching between cognitive task sets, and suggest that prior findings of set-shifting deficits in AN may reflect difficulty with cognitive flexibility independent of learning deficits. As such, task-switching may represent a promising adjunctive treatment target.
Tapping Recent Alumni for the Development of Cutting-Edge, Investigative Teaching Laboratory Experiments.

This project presents a model for the development of an innovative, highlyexperimental teaching laboratory course that centers upon collaborative efforts between recent alumni currently enrolled in Ph. D. programs (consultants) and current faculty. Because these consultants are involved in cutting-edge research, their combined talents represent a much wider range of expertise than any individual faculty member could bring to teaching laboratory development. Furthermore, the consultants’ understanding of the context of the institution and its curriculum uniquely qualifies them to serve in this capacity. In this particular project, this model was applied to laboratory course development for Biology 308, a course in cellular vertebrate physiology. Consultants were selected who were involved in research in the areas of renal cell physiology, cell motility, hormonal signaling, immunology, and neurology. Each consultant's experimental system was used to develop a teaching exercise that investigates topics relevant to the course. These are areas covered in Biology 308 that were either not previously represented in the laboratory course, or the original exercise in these areas was highly routine and unengaging. The project has significantly increased the breadth of expertise at Knox. In addition, course evaluations have indicated that the students find the lab course more interesting and significant. Students are more thoroughly engaged with the exercises because they feel they have a greater stake in their outcome.
Bettering healthcare outcomes through environmental design

Abstract Navigating the healthcare system is stressful and, too often, unsafe for patients, family, and staff. Patient safety is a globally recognized concern with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affecting 1 in 25 hospitalized patients and medication errors costing an estimated US$42 billion worldwide each year. Clinician well-being and job satisfaction are growing priorities as burnout rates rise and health information technologies pose new challenges to providing care. Most organizations are shifting care delivery models in response to the needs of the community and renewed patient and payer emphasis on patient experience as a key performance indicator.
The politics of court reform: judicial change and legal culture in Indonesia: edited by Melissa Crouch, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2019, 446 pp., A$172.95 (hardback), US$100.00 (eBook)

Professor Daniel S. Lev or Dan (Pak Dan) – as most people called him – passed away in Seattle on 29 June 2006. More than 12 years after his death, a memorable volume that honours Dan’s legacy was p...
Factor XIIIa inhibitors as potential novel drugs for venous thromboembolism

Human factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) is a multifunctional transglutaminase with a significant role in hemostasis. FXIIIa catalyzes the last step in the coagulation process. It stabilizes the blood clot by cross-linking the α- and γ-chains of fibrin. It also protects the newly formed clot from plasmin-mediated fibrinolysis, primarily by cross-linking α2-antiplasmin to fibrin. Furthermore, FXIIIa is a major determinant of clot size and clot's red blood cells content. Therefore, inhibitors targeting FXIIIa have been considered to develop a new generation of anticoagulants to prevent and/or treat venous thromboembolism. Several inhibitors of FXIIIa have been discovered or designed including active site and allosteric site small molecule inhibitors as well as natural and modified polypeptides. This work reviews the structural, biochemical, and pharmacological aspects of FXIIIa inhibitors so as to advance their molecular design to become more clinically relevant.
Abstract 1248: DNA methylation biomarkers for MPNST detection in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are a highly aggressive soft tissue sarcoma affecting approximately 10-15% of individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). MPNST development is characterized by an altered DNA methylation landscape and presents a promising area for developing MPNST-specific biomarkers for screening NF1 patients in the clinic. Here, using genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of a cohort of 13 matched pairs of MPNSTs and adjacent neurofibroma tissues, along with MPNST cell lines and control samples, we conducted intensive DNA methylation analysis towards identification and validation of candidate MPNST specific CpG sites. We utilized a logistic regression model with LASSO regularization to identify the best candidate biomarkers for MPNST detection in patient tissue and/or blood samples. For model fitting, we used TCGA data along with an independent, publicly available dataset. The selected candidate biomarkers were validated on an independent cohort of 22 tissue samples using bisulfite sequencing as well as optimized droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Our comprehensive analysis revealed the presence of a unique hypermethylation pattern during MPNST development that is also recapitulated within the in vitro MPNST model. Further, based on application of stringent feature selection criteria among an MPNST and NF comparison, together with building a prediction model, we provide a list of candidate MPNST-specific CpGs. Moreover, we successfully applied a ddPCR method to measure the DNA level of five selected candidate biomarkers, all of which showed high performance for MPNST detection (sensitivity: >88%, specificity: >91%) in tissue samples. Overall, our findings confirmed the appearance of a unique hypermethylation pattern during malignant transformation that is also maintained across an in vitro MPNST model. Importantly, we provide a panel of candidate CpGs that have great potential to be further applied as biomarkers in clinical settings for MPNST detection in NF1 patients9 tissue and/or liquid biopsy samples. Citation Format: Katarzyna J. Tomczak, Christine B. Peterson, S Carson Callahan, Sharon M. Landers, Christopher J. Terranova, Gabryella S. Serrao, Angela D. Bhalla, Jace P. Landry, Zachary A. Mulder, Michelle G. Yeagley, Ayush T. Raman, Erica L. Gardenhire, Davis R. Ingram, Alexander Lazar, Wei-Lien Wang, Ian E. McCutcheon, John M. Slopis, Kunal Rai, Keila E. Torres. DNA methylation biomarkers for MPNST detection in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1248.
Adolescent firearm suicide risk patterns: A latent class analysis using U.S. National Violent Death Reporting System surveillance data, 2007–2017

Abstract Objectives Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents in the United States, and a substantial proportion are committed with a firearm. This study identifies risk patterns among adolescent firearm suicides and examines how demographic factors relate to these patterns. Methods A latent class analysis was conducted using US National Violent Death Reporting System data, years 2007–2017. Adolescent firearm suicide decedents ages 10–17 years were included in the primary analyses (n = 2139). Factors used to identify risk patterns fell under the categories of mental health, relationship or other social problems, and substance use. Demographic factors examined in relation to risk patterns were age, race/ethnicity, and sex. Results Three risk patterns emerged: low problems (i.e., a low probability of all risk factors included in the model; n = 1075; 50.26%); high mental health problems and history of suicidal behavior, ideation, and suicide attempts (n = 742, 34.69%); and high problems at school (n = 322, 15.05%). Compared to White adolescents, Black adolescents had decreased odds of being in the “high mental health and suicidal behavior” class, compared to being in the “low problems” class (AOR, 0.53, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.79). A post hoc analysis identified four risk patterns for non-firearm suicides (n = 3319), with mental health problems featuring more prominently compared to firearm suicide patterns. Conclusions Findings indicate that half of adolescent firearm suicides are characterized by a low probability of having common risk factors for suicide. This emphasizes the importance of universal safe storage practices among firearm-owning parents. Results also indicate a need for more research on the risk factors unique to Black adolescents.
Redirecting the Cellular Waste Disposal Machinery to Target Transcription

This chapter focuses on the development of therapeutics that work to induce the degradation of nuclear receptors. These therapeutics, unlike traditional small molecule inhibitors, work by redirecting the cellular waste disposal machinery to remove a therapeutic target. They are advantageous because they work through a catalytic mechanism, raising the possibility of drugs with enhanced potency. Current work in the field is toward identifying novel molecular “glues,” in the hopes of bringing proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) to the clinic. However, translating it from a concept dreamed up in a laboratory to a clinically viable tool took almost 20 years of basic research.
Impact of volatiles on flavor of fresh and stored soybean oils

The compound. 3-methylnonane-2.4-dione (MND). was synthesized in the laboratory and purified on a packed column (Silar 10 C). GC analysis of the purified MND on a nonpolar column (SPB-1) showed two well-separated main peaks which were presumed to represent the keto and enol forms. Between the two main peaks there was a bridge of poorly resolved components which may represent the enol form being on both the 2 and 4 positions and various hydrogen-bonding associations. The MND had an intense straw-like and fruity odor when evaluated at the outlet of a gas chromatograph. Sensory evaluation of MND in a mineral oil/water emulsion system showed that its flavor intensity increased almost imperceptibly with increased concentration (from 0.09 to 2.56 ppm). and the flavor was just above threshold. An explanation for the unusual flavor response may be that when molecularly dispersed in air. MND has an intense odor, but when dissolved in a nonpolar liquid, such as mineral oil or soybean oil, MND may exist in a form with relatively lowflavor intensity. The concentrations of MND in soybean oils at various peroxide values (PVs) were obtained between 0 to 0.804 ppb which were far less than those tested in mineral oil/water emulsion during sensory evaluation. In general, these results do not support the theory that MND contributes strongly to the reversion flavor of soybean oil. INTRODUCTION The compound, 3-methylnonane-2.4-dione (MND). has been found in reverted soybean oil (SBO) and is suspected of being one of the compounds contributing significantly to the reversion flavor of SBO (1. 2). It was proposed that the MND is derived from the lightinduced oxidation of the flxranoid fatty acid (F acid), I0.13-epoxy-I l.I2-dimethyIoctadecal0.l2-dienoic acid, which is one of three F acids detected in soybean oil by Guth et al. (3). The other two F acids reported in SBO are 10.13-epoxy-l l-methyloctadeca-l0.12-dienoic acid and I2.15-epoxy-13.14-dimethyleicosa-12.14-dienoic acid. The F acids are found in plants such as soybean, rapeseed (3). wheat (Triticum aestivum). grasses (Poaceae spec.X and cabbage {Brassica oleracea spec.) (4) as well as animals, such as northern pike (Esox liicius) (5. 6), cod (7), and crayfish (8). Up to eight F acids have been detected in fish (6). The various F acids differ in side-chain length and contain one or two methyl branches on the fliran ring. The F acids content of SBO is comparatively low (0.016 to 0.049%) (9). In fish sources. F acids are found primarily in hepatic and testicular lipids, and their amounts vary widely depending on the season. The biological significance of the F acids is not clear. The isolation and quantification of F acids may be accomplished by using silver ion chromatography (6. 7) or hydrogenation (8) in combination with urea fractionation. Guth et
Interaction of HMG proteins and H1 with hybrid PNA–DNA junctions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inserting peptide nucleic acid (PNA) sequences into the protein-binding surface of an immobilized four-way junction (4WJ). Here we compare the classic immobile DNA junction, J1, with two PNA containing hybrid junctions (4WJ-PNA1 and 4WJ-PNA3). The protein interactions of each 4WJ were evaluated using recombinant high mobility group proteins from rat (HMGB1b and HMGB1b/R26A) and human histone H1. In vitro studies show that both HMG and H1 proteins display high binding affinity toward 4WJ's. A 4WJ can access different conformations depending on ionic environment, most simply interpreted by a two-state equilibrium between: (i) an open-x state favored by absence of Mg2+, low salt, and protein binding, and (ii) a compact stacked-x state favored by Mg2+. 4WJ-PNA3, like J1, shifts readily from an open to stacked conformation in the presence of Mg+2, while 4WJ-PNA1 does not. Circular dichroism spectra indicate that HMGB1b recognizes each of the hybrid junctions. H1, however, displays a strong preference for J1 relative to the hybrids. More extensive binding analysis revealed that HMGB1b binds J1 and 4WJ-PNA3 with nearly identical affinity (KDs) and 4WJ-PNA1 with two-fold lower affinity. Thus both the sequence/location of the PNA sequence and the protein determine the structural and protein recognition properties of 4WJs.
Pruritic eruption on the anterior shins

A 32-year-old woman presented with a long history of pruritic eruption on her anterior shins (Figures ​(Figures11 and ​22). What is your diagnosis? Figure 1 Macular hyperpigmentation on the anterior shins. Figure 2 Closer view of macular hyperpigmentation demonstrating a rippled distribution. DIAGNOSIS: Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis.
Bias of the contribution of single-locus effects to the variance of a quantitative trait.

Abstract Advances in our understanding of the physiology of many quantitative phenotypes combined with better measurement abilities is providing a means for pursuing a measured genotype approach to partitioning the phenotypic variance into the contribution of separate loci. The standard estimate of the contribution of a single locus to the phenotypic variance applied recently in the human genetics literature is a biased statistic. We compare the biased estimates from several published studies with biased corrected estimates to illustrate the general problem.
Status of the Frog Genus Sphoenohyla with a Synopsis of the Species

There is, in South America, a small group of hylid frogs usually referred to as the aurantiaca group. The frogs of this group are known by their bright green or greenish yellow color in life, and their pointed and projecting snouts. In preservative they tend to assume a bent and cramped position and to fade rapidly, first to an orangish hue and then to a creamy white.
Identification of in Vivo Phosphorylation Sites of CD45 Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase in 70Z/3.12 Cells

Phosphorylation of CD45, a transmembrane protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase), has been proposed to mediate docking of signaling proteins and to modulate PTPase activity. To study the role of phosphorylation in CD45, in vivo phosphorylation sites of CD45 from 70Z/3.12 cells were identified using 32P labeling, trypsin digestion, two-dimensional peptide mapping, high performance liquid chromatography, phosphoamino acid analysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, and specific enzymatic degradation. Eight phosphopeptides, a through h, were isolated and four phosphorylation sites were identified. All four phosphorylation sites were in the membrane-distal PTPase domain (D2) and the C-terminal tail and none were in the membrane-proximal PTPase domain (D1). One site, Ser(P)939 peptide h, was in the D2 domain and, by comparison to the three-dimensional structure of PTP1B, is predicted to lie at the apex of the substrate binding loop. Ser939 was the only in vitro phosphorylation site for protein kinase C among the phosphorylation sites identified. Four of the C-terminal peptides identified (d, e, f, and g) spanned the same sequence and were derived from the same phosphorylation site in the C-terminal tail, Ser1204. Peptide a was derived from the intact C terminus and comprised a mixture of monophosphorylated peptides containing either Ser(P)1248 or Thr(P)1246. Knowledge of the precise phosphorylation sites of CD45 will lead to the design of experiments to define the role of phosphorylation in PTPase activity and in signaling.
Hydride atom location and atomic dispersion parameter analysis in trimetal clusters using variable temperature X-ray diffraction

Variable temperature X-ray diffraction studies were carried out on several μ-imidoyl clusters with the general formula, (μ-H)2M3(CO)9-(μ-imidoyl)(X) whereM=Ru or Os,X=Cl, Br, CF3COO, and imidoyl ligand is or CH3C=NCH2CH3, in order to analyze ligand atom motion in the solid state and to precisely locate the hydride ligands. An initial study on (μ-H)(μ3-η2-CH3C=NCH2CH3)Ru3(CO)8PPh3 indicates that the atomic (thermal) dispersion parameters (ADP) of the μ3-imidoyl ligand atoms can possibly be used to correlate solution ligand fluxionality with ligand-binding forces in the solid-state structures. Difference Fourier analysis techniques were used to locate hydride ligands in several triosmium clusters, and it was observed that if there was a nitrogen atom in the bridging ligand along a metal edge which also contained a hydride bridge then the hydride was asymmetrically bonded (ca. 0.1–0.7 A) and always closer to the nitrogen bonded metal. In addition, in dihydrido trimetallic clusters, the distance of separation of the two hydride ligands correlates with the tendency of those hydrides to exchange at room temperature. If the angle ϑ, which describes the angle between the planes relating the bridging hydride ligands and the two inclusive metal atoms, is less than about 55 degrees, then the hydrides can undergo site exchange at room temperature on the nmr time scale.
The Dielectric Constant of Helium

The most successful study of unperturbed helium in its normal state has been made by Hylleraas, using the Ritz method. The Schr\"odinger partial differential equation is reduced to an equivalent problem in the calculus of variations and this problem is then solved by a so-called direct method.In the present paper an extension is developed to the Ritz method, forming a theory which is applicable to perturbation problems. This theory is applied to a study of the normal helium atom under the influence of an electric field. As in the usual perturbation theory, the characteristic energy parameter $E$ and the characteristic function $\ensuremath{\psi}$ are assumed developable in power series in the field strength $F$, but now the coefficients in these expansions are given in terms of problems in the calculus of variations. The work of Hylleraas furnishes a knowledge of the terms in both expansions independent of the field strength. Then the minimization of a single integral furnishes values of ${\ensuremath{\psi}}_{1}$ and ${E}_{2}$, the subscript of each denoting the power of $F$ for which it forms the coefficient. Values of these coefficients are calculated to three approximations by the direct method. From ${E}_{2}$ we may calculate the dielectric constant in the usual way giving $\ensuremath{\epsilon}=1.0000665$ a value 5 percent below the accepted value of $\ensuremath{\epsilon}=1.000070$. One should note that it is a characteristic of the Ritz method that further approximations can only increase the value of $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$, bringing it into better agreement with the experimental value.
Occurrence and nest survival of four thrush species on a managed central Appalachian forest

Abstract The wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina Gmelin) is a species of concern in the central Appalachians, and is sympatric there with three related species, the American robin (Turdus migratorius Linnaeus), hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus Pallas), and veery (Catharus fuscescens Stephens). Our objectives were to quantify use of mature forests and areas subjected to even-aged harvesting and partial harvesting by these four species by measuring their frequency of occurrence, nest survival, and nest site characteristics. We also compared microhabitat characteristics among the landcover types. During 2001–2003 we conducted point count surveys, monitored nests, and collected nest habitat data on a managed forest in West Virginia. Land cover was digitized into five categories: deciduous and mixed mature forest, deciduous and mixed partial harvest, and even-aged regeneration harvest. Chi-square goodness-of-fit analysis with Bonferroni 95% confidence intervals indicated that deciduous partial harvests were more likely to be inhabited by wood thrushes. The other three species were less likely to occur in deciduous partial harvests, and veery had lower nest survival in partial harvests than in mature forest. Contrary to many published descriptions that suggest thrushes will not nest in even-aged harvests, a small number of all species but hermit thrushes did nest in this cover type, often near a residual canopy tree. Hermit thrushes were less likely to inhabit mature deciduous forest, even-aged harvests, and harvested edges but chose nesting areas in mature mixed forest that was disturbed by road building and the seeding of landings and skid trails >10 years ago. Microhabitat characteristics of landcovers did not differ overall. Our results suggest a relationship with partial harvesting that is positive for wood thrush but negative for the other three species.
Optical reflectance characterization of silicon micromachined surfaces

Advanced solar cells and optical detection devices incorporate surface texturing to reduce reflection of the incident radiation and, thus, enhance optical absorption. Using micromachining techniques, three different silicon surfaces were fabricated, optically characterized, and analyzed in terms of their ability to reduce optical reflectance. The fabricated surfaces consisted of: randomly sized and spaced pyramids (RSSPs), deep vertical- wall grooves (DVWGs) and porous silicon (PS). Three regions of the optical spectrum were investigated: visible (500 - 900 nm), near-infrared (1.25 - 2.5 micrometers ), and mid-infrared (2.5 - 12.5 micrometers ). A highly-polished, single-crystal silicon wafer was used as a reference surface. The following results were experimentally determined. The RSSP surfaces decrease the reflectance by more than 69% over the entire measured spectrum. The DVWG surfaces reduce the reflectance by 85% in the visible region, 34% in the near-infrared range, and 14% over the mid-infrared wavelengths. Both thin (pore depths less than 1 micrometers ) and thick (pore depths greater than 5 micrometers ) PS surfaces were investigated. The thick PS revealed better results compared to the thin PS, demonstrating 91% reflectance reduction in the visible region, a 7% reduction in the near-infrared range, and 53% reduction over the mid-infrared wavelengths.
Public vs. Private Enforcement of International Economic Law: Of Standing and Remedy

This paper develops a positive theory of the rules regarding standing and remedy in international trade and investment agreements. In the investment setting, the paper argues that a central objective of investment treaties is to reduce the risks confronting private investors and thereby to lower the cost of capital for capital importing nations. This objective requires a credible government-to-firm commitment (or signal) that the capital importer will not engage in expropriation or related practices. A private right of action for money damages is the best way to make such a commitment. In the trade setting, by contrast, importing nations have no direct interest in reducing the risks confronting exporters of goods and services, and will desire to make market access promises more secure only if such behavior secures reciprocal benefits for their own exporters. Consequently, commitments in trade agreements are best viewed as government-to-government rather than government-to-firm. The parties to trade agreements can enhance their mutual political welfare by declining to enforce commitments that benefit politically inefficacious exporters, and can most cheaply do so by reserving to themselves the standing to initiate dispute proceedings - a right to act as a "political filter." The paper also suggests why governments may prefer to utilize trade sanctions rather than money damages as the penalty for breach of a trade agreement.
“It's Not Just Sex, It's a Profession”: Reframing Prostitution through Text and Context

HBO's reality television series Cathouse examines the inner workings of a legal brothel and asserts “it's not just sex, it's a profession.” This article explores the relationship between the production context at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch and the narrative constructed on the show. Bringing narrative rhetorical analysis of the series into conversation with ethnographic observations and interviews at the brothel, I suggest that what is represented in the series reflects the lived experiences of the women working at the ranch at the same time as the production context is constructed to represent this particular reality. In this context, the women are “sex workers” who are economically successful, are safe in their work and provide a service to the community.
Matrix-assisted pulsed-laser evaporated polymer films in all-organic field-effect transistors and metal–insulator–semiconductor diodes

Abstract The electrical properties of matrix-assisted pulsed-laser evaporated (MAPLE) 9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-bis-N-N-(4-butylphenyl)-bis-N,N-phenyl 1,4-phenylenediamine (PFB)-based bottom-gate organic field-effect transistors (FETs) and metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) diodes with poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as the dielectric layer have been investigated. The device characteristics were found to improve with an increase in the difference between the solubility parameters of PMMA and solvent. Shifts in flat band voltage of the MIS diodes were found to be due to the difference in the density of trapped holes located at the semiconductor–insulator interface. The threshold voltage of the FETs were correlated with differences in acceptor doping density and flat band voltage shifts of the MIS diodes, thereby demonstrating the role of interface traps in determining the electrical properties of organic devices. Electrical characterization of the FET shows the device to have a hysteresis-free operation in its transfer characteristics, a low threshold voltage of −0.2 V, and a field-effect mobility of 0.2 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1. Interface trap states of the MIS diodes were found to be distributed in energy with their density decreasing non-linearly from approximately 2.8 × 1012 to 1.2 × 1012 eV−1 cm−2 over an energy range of 0.075–0.385 eV above the bulk Fermi level. Non-orthogonality of the semiconductor solvent had no deleterious effects on the underlying PMMA dielectric layer even without any high temperature baking, thus demonstrating that MAPLE is a viable technique for fabricating polymer dielectric-based devices and for improving the semiconductor–insulator interface.
HPLC shadowing: Artifacts in peptide characterization monitored by RIA

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a valuable tool for characterization of peptides, is frequently used in combination with sensitive radioimmunoassays (RIA). The shadow phenomenon, representing carry-over of the peptide from previous application of the standard, can appear to result in the presence of endogenous peptide in the test sample when none is actually there. With delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP), we found the shadowing to be as high as 10%, although it was only 1% with 125I-Tyr-DSIP. Thus, when HPLC-RIA systems are used for identification of peptides, caution must be used to avoid false positive results.
Effect of copper activity on carbon and nitrogen mineralization in field-aged copper-enriched soils

Nitrogen and C mineralization were investigated in five soils which had received anthropogenic Cu inputs many years ago, and compared to control soils. Copper activity was used to assess the active or toxic form of Cu; the activity of Cu in the soils ranged from approximately 10−10 to 10−7M. No effect of the Cu was observed on the mineralization rates, indicating that either the Cu levels were not toxic or that microbial adaptation to Cu inputs had occurred at the sites. The ion activity product ((Cu)(OH)2) is suggested as a possible indicator of plant available Cu.
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Drug Susceptibility and Molecular Diagnostic Testing

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB), defined by resistance to the 2 most effective first-line drugs, isoniazid and rifampin, is on the rise globally and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the increasing availability of novel rapid diagnostic tools for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) drug susceptibility testing, the clinical applicability of these methods is unsettled. In this study, the mechanisms of action and resistance of Mtb to isoniazid and rifampin, and the utility, advantages and limitations of the available Mtb drug susceptibility testing tools are reviewed, with particular emphasis on molecular methods with rapid turnaround including line probe assays, molecular beacon-based real-time polymerase chain reaction and pyrosequencing. The authors conclude that neither rapid molecular drug testing nor phenotypic methods are perfect in predicting Mtb drug susceptibility and therefore must be interpreted within the clinical context of each patient.
Skin surface lipid composition, acne, pubertal development, and urinary excretion of testosterone and 17-ketosteroids in children.

Fifty-two children, age 5–10, from acne-prone families, were studied for a period of 1 year to examine the interrelationship between sebum, acne, pubertal development, and urinary steroid excretion. In each of the subjects, 30 boys and 22 girls, the composition of forehead skin lipid was determined 4 times yearly by thin-layer chromatography, with measurement of triglycerides, diglycerides, free fatty acids, wax esters, squalene, cholesterol, and cholesterol esters. Twice yearly, examination was made of the presence or absence of acne, pubertal maturation and the 24-hour urinary excretion of testosterone as determined by radioimmunoassay, and of total 17-ketosteroids, dehydroepiandrosterone, androsterone, and etiocholanolone, as determined by paper chromatography. The relative amount of sebaceous lipids was positively correlated with age of the subjects (wax esters p
Oscillation theorems for higher order delay equations

The conditions for oscillation of n th order nonlinear ear delay homogeneous differential equation with nl middle term are given
Cellular instabilities and self-acceleration of outwardly propagating spherical flames

Using a recently developed constant and high-pressure combustion chamber, an experimental study wasconducted on several aspects of cellular instabilities of outwardly propagating spherical premixed flames. Propane/air and hydrogen/oxygen/nitrogen flames of different concentrations and under elevated pressures were used to systematically identify the influences of thermal expansion ratio, flame thickness, global activation energy, mixture Lewis number, and global stretch rate on the generation of hydrodynamic and diffusional-thermal cells over the flame surface. In particular, it was demonstrated that hydrodynamic instability is greatly enhanced with increasing pressure and hence decreasing flame thickness, although the influence can also be moderated by the progressively important three-body termination reactions as the pressure increases. The onset of cellular instability was examined in light of the theory of Bechtold and Matalon, and satisfactory qualitative and acceptable quantitative comparisons were observed. The cellular flames were found to be self-accelerating, including those that are diffusionally unstable, with fractal dimensions between 2.20 and 2.25.