cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Genome Sequencing

Genomic medicine has arrived and is being rapidly integrated into medicine due to the reduced costs and increasing sophistication of next-generation sequencing. This chapter describes the laboratory sequencing, informatics analysis, and clinical applications that will face those using whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing in the practice of medicine. In anticipation of the widespread availability of genomes in the near future, particular emphasis is placed upon the challenges clinicians will face in dealing with incidental or secondary genomic findings and in communicating ambiguous risk information.
Relational autonomy in action: Rethinking dementia and sexuality in care facilities.

Background:Caregivers and administrators in long-term facilities have fragile moral work in caring for residents with dementia. Residents are susceptible to barriers and vulnerabilities associated ...
Navigating the ancient Tigris – insights into water management in an early state

Abstract This paper offers the first detailed investigation of water management in pre-classical antiquity based on primary sources. The importance of water management for ancient societies can hardly be overstated, as many of the earliest civilizations emerged in large river valleys (Nile, Euphrates and Tigris, Indus, Yellow and Yangtze river). More importantly many of those early civilizations occupied the reach of the river, which was located in the arid/semi-arid zone, by which rivers vital sources of water, in particular for irrigation. Many studies on ancient water management have focused on irrigation, often failing to recognize the full extent to which rivers were managed and utilized. The water management scheme of late 3rd millennium Southern Mesopotamia, described in this paper, was designed to not only serve irrigation, but equally navigation and flood control. It combined the manipulation of water levels with the diligent observation and maneuvering of water masses of the ancient Tigris, by which the otherwise conflicting demands of irrigation, navigation and flood control could be reconciled. The written sources used in this study allowed to describe this water control system in great detail and is a testimony to remarkable ancient hydraulic engineering as early as the 3rd Millennium BC.
Factor Structure of the Communication Patterns Questionnaire in Violence-Exposed Women.

Understanding and addressing violence among intimate partners requires sound assessment of their communication patterns. In prior research, the 35-item, self-report Communication Patterns Questionn...
Cavity ring down spectroscopy of cold neutral phenanthrene and phenanthridine in supersonic jets

Here we study the effect of nitrogen insertion on the electronic spectra of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules measured under laboratory conditions that are relevant for comparison with astronomical data. We examine the case of the substitution of carbon atoms by nitrogen atoms in the benzenoid skeleton of phenanthrene (C14H10), a prototype non-compact PAH. The vibronic transitions of the 21A1(S1)⟵X1A1(S0) electronic absorption band system of neutral phenanthrene (C14H10) and phenanthridine (C13H9N) molecules seeded in a supersonic free jet expansion of argon gas are measured in the 315-345 nm region using the cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS) technique. Additional measurements of the absorption spectra of the phenanthrene, phenanthridine, and 1,10-phenanthroline (C12H8N2) molecules isolated in 10-K solid argon matrices are also presented. The results obtained confirm that laboratory spectra of cold, isolated molecules obtained under astrophysically relevant conditions are required for a direct, unambiguous comparison with astronomical observations as well as for the understanding of the physical evolution of the interstellar medium.
Disciplinarity and Literate Activity in Civil and Environmental Engineering: A Lifeworld Perspective:

Too frequently, representations of disciplinary writing foreground static notions of knowledge creation and literate practice in science and engineering. Rooted in discourse community theory, such ...
Primary cilia deficiency in neural crest cells models anterior segment dysgenesis in mouse

Defects affecting tissues of the anterior segment (AS) of the eye lead to a group of highly debilitating disorders called Anterior Segment Dysgenesis (ASD). Despite the identification of some causative genes, the pathogenesis of ASD remains unclear. Interestingly, several ciliopathies display conditions of the AS. Using conditional targeting of Ift88 with Wnt1-Cre, we show that primary cilia of neural crest cells (NCC), precursors of most AS structures, are indispensable for normal AS development and their ablation leads to ASD conditions including abnormal corneal dimensions, defective iridocorneal angle, reduced anterior chamber volume and corneal neovascularization. Mechanistically, NCC cilia ablation abolishes hedgehog (Hh) signaling in the periocular mesenchyme (POM) canonically activated by choroid-secreted Indian Hh, reduces proliferation of POM cells surrounding the retinal pigment epithelium and decreases the expression of Foxc1 and Pitx2, two transcription factors identified as major ASD causative genes. Thus, we uncovered a signaling axis linking cilia and ASD.
Current assessment of mitral regurgitation: not making the grade.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular disorder affecting more than 2 million people in the United States [(1)][1]. The etiology of MR can be divided into primary MR, caused by pathology of the valve apparatus, and secondary MR, a functional consequence of ventricular dysfunction. The
Treatment of residual venous malformations after surgical resection using interventional sclerotherapy

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of interventional sclerotherapy for residual venous malformations after surgical resection.Methods 18 patients suffering from residual venous malformation after surgical resection,including 6 cases in the muscle of limbs,2 cases in the elbow or knee region,3 cases in the neck and carotid artery scabbard region,2 cases in the metatarsal region,2 cases in the orbit region,1 case in the parotid gland region and 2 cases in the rectum and sigmoid colon region were reviewed.All patients had pre-procedure magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) study and confirmed residual venous malformation.The reasons for scelrotherapy were difficult redo excision and parental refusal for reoperation.Percutaneous endovascular therapy by direct injection was performed on all 18 cases in our hospital.Sclerosant foam or absolute ethanol was injected into the nidus guided by DSA.Repeat sclerotherapy was again performed if the lesion was not cured in 4 weeks.All cases were followed-up from 6 months to 2 years and the clinical symptoms were observed.Results Sixty one sclerotherapy sessions were perfomed (mean of 3.4 times).According to major symptoms and MRI features,3 cases achieved a complete response and 15 cases achieved partial response.No major complications such as tissue necrosis,peripheral nerve palsy or cardio-pulmonary collapse were found.Conclusions Interventional sclerotherapy for residual venous malformations was found to be easy,safe,and effective.It should be widely used in the treatment of residual venous malformations. Key words: Venous malformation; Sclerotherapy; Ethanol
Inactivation of posterior but not anterior dorsomedial caudate-putamen impedes learning with self-administered nicotine stimulus

ABSTRACT The rodent caudate-putamen is a large heterogeneous neural structure with distinct anatomical connections that differ in their control of learning processes. Previous research suggests that the anterior and posterior dorsomedial caudate-putamen (a- and p-dmCPu) differentially regulate associative learning with a non-contingent nicotine stimulus. The current study used bilateral NMDA-induced excitotoxic lesions to the a-dmCPu and p-dmCPu to determine the functional involvement of a-dmCPu and p-dmCPu in appetitive learning with contingent nicotine stimulus. Rats with a-dmCPu, p-dmCPu, or sham lesions were trained to lever-press for intravenous nicotine (0.03 mg/kg/inf) followed by access to sucrose 30 s later. After 1, 3, 9, and 20 nicotine-sucrose training sessions, appetitive learning in the form of a goal-tracking response was assessed using a non-contingent nicotine-alone test. All rats acquired nicotine self-administration and learned to retrieve sucrose from a receptacle at equal rates. However, rats with lesions to p-dmCPu demonstrated blunted learning of the nicotine-sucrose association. Our primary findings show that rats with lesions to p-dmCPu had a blunted goal-tracking response to a non-contingent nicotine administration after 20 consecutive days of nicotine-sucrose pairing. Our findings extend previous reports to a contingent model of nicotine self-administration and show that p-dmCPu is involved in associative learning with nicotine stimulus using a paradigm where rats voluntarily self-administer nicotine infusions that are paired with access to sucrose—a paradigm that closely resembles learning processes observed in humans.
Acousto-optic Interactions in Silicon Photonics

We demonstrate integrated, electrically-driven acousto-optic modulators by fabricating electromechanical transducers in piezoelectric aluminium nitride on a standard silicon-on-insulator waveguide platform. Phase modulation and single-sideband modulation and mode conversion from 1-5 GHz are achieved. * 2020 The Author(s).
MB2C: Model-Based Deep Reinforcement Learning for Multi-zone Building Control

Reinforcement learning has been widely studied for controlling Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Most of the existing works are focused on Model-Free Reinforcement Learning (MFRL), which learns an agent by extensively trial-and-error interaction with a real building. However, one of the fundamental problems with MFRL is the very large amount of training data required to converge to acceptable performance. Although simulation models have been used to generate sufficient training data to accelerate the training process, MFRL needs a high-fidelity building model for simulation, which is also hard to calibrate. As a result, Model-Based Reinforcement Learning (MBRL) has been used for HVAC control. While MBRL schemes can achieve excellent sample efficiency (i.e. less training data), they often lag behind model-free approaches in terms of asymptotic control performance (i.e. high energy savings while meeting occupants' thermal comfort). In this paper, we conduct a set of experiments to analyze the limitations of current MBRL-based HVAC control methods, in terms of model uncertainty and controller effectiveness. Using the lessons learned, we develop MB2C, a novel MBRL-based HVAC control system that can achieve high control performance with excellent sample efficiency. MB2C learns the building dynamics by employing an ensemble of environment-conditioned neural networks. It then applies a new control method, Model Predictive Path Integral (MPPI), for HVAC control. It produces candidate action sequences by using an importance sampling weighted algorithm that scales better to high state and action dimensions of multi-zone buildings. We evaluate MB2C using EnergyPlus simulations in a five-zone office building. The results show that MB2C can achieve 8.23% more energy savings compared to the state-of-the-art MBRL solution while maintaining similar thermal comfort. MB2C can reduce the training data set by an order of magnitude (10.52×) while achieving comparable performance to MFRL approaches.
Examining the impact of federal regulations on abortion research in the United States: An exploratory, qualitative study.

Abstract Objectives We aimed to identify and characterize barriers faced by researchers studying abortion in academic medical centers in the United States. We specifically focused on regulatory restrictions on abortion research related to institutional review board (IRB) or research ethics committee interpretations of Subpart B of the 2001 Code of Federal Regulations, which states that researchers cannot take part in decisions involving the timing, method, or procedures used to terminate a pregnancy. We aimed to document investigators’ experiences obtaining approval from their IRBs and to identify obstacles that prevent investigators from generating evidence related to abortion care. Study design We conducted semistructured telephone interviews with family planning researchers at 15 US academic institutions across the country. We coded transcripts using an iterative process, and analyzed the data for content and themes. Results Interviewees reported significant variations in the way that IRBs at their institutions applied federal regulations to abortion research. At several institutions, the regulations represented barriers to conducting abortion research and discouraged some investigators from conducting such research altogether. At other institutions, interviewees did not face significant barriers related to their IRB's interpretation of Subpart B. Many interviewees discussed creating and maintaining positive professional relationships with members of their IRB as a way to overcome barriers and successfully conduct abortion research. Conclusions Our study suggests that IRBs interpret Subpart B in varying ways. At some institutions, this creates barriers to conducting abortion research. However, abortion researchers have also found ways to navigate these challenges successfully. Implications This exploratory study identified barriers that may constrain the generation of evidence in abortion care at some academic institutions, and can inform future endeavors to overcome limitations to abortion research.
Analysis of Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards in the State of Maine between 1996-2016

The present report provides an analysis of trends in the redemption of Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards at Maine institutions from 1996-2016. Segal Awards are post-service grants that can be used to offset higher education expenses. This report can be broken down into four main sections, after the methodology section. The first section describes general trends in Segal Award use from 1996-2016, including what institution that money was used at and to what expense that money was directed toward. Given the current climate of the global economy, special care was given when analyzing data before, during, and after the 2001/2002 and 2008/2009 economic recessions; any trends are discussed. The second section considers a hypothetical scenario: “what would be the expense to public institutions if Segal Award recipients, who completed their service in Maine, qualified for in-state tuition?”. Some recommendations are given based on these data and projections. The third section considers a different hypothetical scenario: “what would be Maine’s fiscal impact if Segal Awards were not counted as taxable income?”. This question is based on the proposed “Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act of 2019” and is reformulated to try to pose the same question to Maine in regard to waiving personal income tax at the state level; recommendations are given based on these data and projections. Section four closes the analysis by briefly discussing limitations to this research and proposes some follow-up analyses that would better contextualize the two hypothetical situations that were explored.
Over-urbanization and air pollution: a cross-country analysis

This paper investigates the effect of overurbanization on different measures of air pollution in a diverse sample of developed and developing countries. The main finding is that overurbanization increases greenhouse gas emissions, measured by CO2, NOx and SO2 emissions per capita. This effect is robust to controlling for various antecedents of air pollution. Our findings provide a contribution to the ongoing debate over the role of urbanization in environmental changes.
Averted School Rampages

In this chapter, we examine school shooting rampages that have been averted. We begin with an example of an averted shooting/bombing rampage at a large high school, and then address the importance of studying near misses. We then turn our attention to research methods employed in studies of averted LSV, followed by a description of the results of two key studies. Finally, we compare and contrast findings between schools that averted LSV and those that experienced a school shooting.
Too Many Alternatives: Density, Symmetry and Other Predicaments

In a recent paper, Martin Hackl and I identified a variety of circumstances where scalar implicatures, questions, definite descriptions, and sentences with the focus particle only are absent or unacceptable (Fox and Hackl 2006, henceforth F&H). We argued that the relevant effect is one of maximization failure (MF): an application of a maximization operator to a set that cannot have the required maximal member. We derived MF from our hypothesis that the set of degrees relevant for the semantics of degree constructions is always dense (the Universal Density of Measurement, UDM). The goal of this paper is to present an apparent shortcoming of F&H and to argue that it is overcome once certain consequences of the proposal are shown to follow from more general properties of MF. Specifically, the apparent problem comes from evidence that the core generalizations argued for in F&H extend to areas for which an account in terms of density is unavailable. Nevertheless, I will argue that the account could still be right. Certain dense sets contain "too many alternatives" for there to be a maximal member, thus leading to MF. But, there are other sets that lead to the same predicament. My goal will be to characterize a general signature of MF in the hope that it could be used to determine the identity of alternatives in areas where their identity is not clear on independent grounds.
Dynamic Response of the Spine During +Gx Acceleration

A review of the existing mathematical models of a car occupant in a rear-end crash reveals that existing models inadequately describe the kinematics of the occupant and cannot demonstrate the injury mechanisms involved. The paper shows the results of a 78 degree-of-freedom model of the spine, head, and pelvis which has already been validated in plus G//z and minus G//x acceleration directions. It considers automotive-type restraint systems, seat back, and seat cushions, and the torso is free to slide up the seat back. Results of simulation runs show a good correlation with the existing data and experimental cadaveric runs made with a high seat back (or head restraint) and low seat back. The effect of seat-back stiffness and the restraint system on the response of the head and spine is studied. Language: en
Applications of payload directed flight

Next generation aviation flight control concepts require autonomous and intelligent control system architectures that close control loops directly around payload sensors in manner more integrated and cohesive that in traditional autopilot designs. Research into payload and sensor directed flight control at NASA Ames Research Center is investigating new and novel architectures that can satisfy the requirements for next generation control and automation concepts for aviation. Tighter integration between sensor and machine require the definition of specific sensor directed control modes to tie the sensor data directly into a vehicle control structures throughout the entire control architecture, from low-level stability and control loops, to higher level mission planning and scheduling reasoning systems. Payload directed flight system provide guidance, navigation, and control for vehicle platforms hosting a suite of onboard payload sensors, performing missions that require observation of external partially observable systems or phenomena. This paper outlines related research into the field of payload directed flight, and outlines requirements and operating concepts for payload directed flight systems based on identified needs from the scientific literature.
Crystallization Screens: Compatibility with the Lipidic Cubic Phase for in Meso Crystallization of Membrane Proteins

The in meso method for growing crystals of membrane proteins uses a spontaneously forming lipidic cubic mesophase. The detergent-solubilized protein is dispersed with lipid, typically monoolein, and in so doing the cubic phase self-assembles. A precipitant is added to trigger crystal nucleation and growth. The commercial screen solution series are convenient for use in crystallization trials. The aim of this study was to determine which of the Hampton Screen and Screen 2 series of solutions are compatible with the in meso method. These screens contain components any of which could destroy the cubic phase. X-ray diffraction was used for phase identification and for microstructure characterization. The study was done at 4 degrees C and at 20 degrees C. Two types of sample preparations were examined. One used an excess of half-strength screen solution (Prep. 1). The other used a limiting quantity of undiluted screen solution (Prep. 2). At 20 degrees C, over 90% of the screen solutions produced the cubic phase with Prep. 1. This figure dropped to 50% with Prep. 2. In contrast, 50 to 60% of the screens were cubic phase compatible at 4 degrees C under Prep. 1 conditions. The figure fell to 25% with Prep. 2. The mode of action of the diverse screen components are explained on the basis of the phase properties of the monoolein/water system.
High-resolution grazing-incidence scattering using a combination of analyzer crystal and linear detector

Mesoscopic structures on length scales of 10–1000 nm are of high interest for the study of nanostrucured surfaces and thin films. Such structures can be analyzed with the help of high-resolution x-ray scattering using crystal optics. In order to improve the speed of data collection, it is convenient to combine the analyzer crystal with a linear detector. A simple analytical theory in angular space is presented, how to correct distortions in intensity maps obtained this way, and how to optimize the accessible angular range. The anisotropic resolution that can be achieved with this combination—high-resolution scattering in the sample plane, large scattering range normal to the surface—is useful for grazing-incidence small-angle scattering and high-resolution grazing-incidence diffraction from surfaces and thin films, on both solid substrates as well as at the air–water interface.
Mālama I Ka ‘Āina, Sustainability: learning from Hawai‘i’s displaced place and culture-based science standard

This response to Mitchell and Mueller’s “A philosophical analysis of David Orr’s theory of ecological literacy” comments on their critique of Orr’s use of the phrase “ecological crisis” and what I perceive as their conflicting views of “crisis.” I present my views on ecological crisis informed by standpoint theory and the definition of crisis as turning point. I connect the concept of turning point to tipping point as used in ecology to describe potentially irreversible changes in coupled social-ecological systems. I suggest that sustainable societies may provide models of adaptive learning in which monitoring of ecological phenomena is coupled to human behavior to mitigate threats to sustainability before a crisis/tipping point is reached. Finally, I discuss the Hawai‘i State Department of Education’s removal of its Indigenous science content standard Mālama I Ka ‘Āina, Sustainability and its continued use in community-based projects.
Non-linear Fourier Time Series Analysis for Human Brain Mapping by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

SUMMARY A non-linear parametric model for brain activation detection by functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) is proposed. The effectsof a designed temporal stimulus on the FMRI signal ateach brain location in a 36 x 60 spatial grid are estimated from discrete Fourier transforms of the observed time series at each location. The frequency domain regression model accommodates unobservable and spatially varying haemodynamic response functions through their estimated convolutions with the global stimulus. This approach generalizes an existing method for human brain mapping. An experiment to detect focal cortical activation during primary visual stimulation demonstrates the usefulness of the method.
Identification of a novel conserved mixed-isoform B56 regulatory subunit and spatiotemporal regulation of protein phosphatase 2A during Xenopus laevis development

Wnt signaling is a key regulator of development and tumorigenesis. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which consists of a catalytic C, a structural A, and a regulatory B subunit, plays diverse roles in Wnt signaling through its B56 subunits. B56 is a multigene family encoding for proteins with a conserved core domain and divergent amino- and carboxy-termini. Ectopic B56α and B56γ reduce β-catenin abundance and B56α reduces Wnt-dependent transcription, suggesting that B56α and B56γ inhibit Wnt signaling. In contrast, B56e is required for Wnt signaling. Knowledge of where and when B56 subunits are expressed during Xenopus development will aid in our understanding of their roles in Wnt signaling. We have undertaken expression analyses of B56α and B56γ in Xenopus laevis. We cloned Xenopus B56α; it is 88% identical to human B56α. Xenopus B56γ is 94% identical with human B56γ, however, a novel evolutionarily conserved mixed-isoform transcript was identified that contains a B56δ-like amino-terminal domain and a B56γ core domain. The B56δ-like variable domain exon is located upstream of the B56γ variable domain exon at the human B56γ locus, suggesting that the mixed-isoform transcript is due to alternative splicing. B56γ transcripts with different 3' ends were identified that lack or possess a 35 base pair sequence, resulting in either a transcript similar to human B56γ1, or an uncharacterized evolutionarily conserved sequence. Real time RT-PCR analyses revealed that B56α is expressed at moderate levels before the midblastula transition (MBT), at reduced levels during gastrulation and neurulation, and at high levels during organogenesis, while B56γ is expressed at low levels until organogenesis. B56α is enriched in the ventral hemisphere pre-MBT, while B56γ is ventrally enriched post-MBT. Aα, Aβ, Cα and Cβ are expressed in early Xenopus development, suggesting the presence of a functional heterotrimer. Our data suggest that B56 functional diversity is achieved in part through the synthesis of a novel mixed-isoform B56δ/γ transcript. Our data also suggest that B56α functions pre-MBT, inhibiting Wnt signaling on the ventral side of the embryo, and again during organogenesis, while B56γ functions primarily post-MBT.
Feasibility of Wireless Sensors for Health Monitoring in Large Induction Motors

Wired sensor systems are currently used to monitor the performance and health of electric motors. Since the sensors need to be wired, these systems can only use few sensor modalities which are generally insufficient to detect the wide range of faults in motors. Wireless sensors, on the other hand, allow access to sensors mounted in accessible locations and on rotating parts. They are easy to install and maintain. However, the reliability of the transmission due to electromagnetic interference and the fidelity of the data due to high winding temperatures inside the motor need to be examined. This paper studies the feasibility of wireless sensors inside a 200hp AC induction motor. Two wireless sensors are attached inside the motor — one on the stator frame and one on the rotating shaft. A wired sensor is attached on the outside of the stator frame to study the fidelity of data from the wireless sensor. The packet delivery performance as a function of spatial location in terms of direction and distance with respect to the base station and the fidelity of data received by the base station are studied. The results show that an average of 97% and 87.9% of the data from the wireless sensor attached on the stator frame and shaft respectively is received at the base station, thus showing that wireless sensors can be reliably used inside the motor.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
An experimental study of melting of binary mixtures with double-diffusive convection in the liquid

Abstract An experimental study is reported of the melting of a vertical ice layer into an ammonium chloride-water solution, as well as the melting of a vertical ammonium chloride-water eutectic layer into water. The experiments were conducted inside a vertical rectangular cavity with differentially heated side walls. It is found that in both cases the melting process induces the formation of double-diffusive layers in the initially homogeneous liquid. Due to the continuously changing concentrations in each layer, the double-diffusive interfaces can break up, resulting in vigorous mixing of the liquid in the layers. These convection phenomena have a significant influence on the local melting rates. It is observed that the presence of the double-diffusive interfaces in the liquid causes the formation of steps in the solid layer thickness, while the changing height of the double-diffusive layers can even induce resolidification on parts of the remaining solid layer.
Metal-Free Optical Material with Negative Permittivity

We have experimentally demonstrated negative permittivity in metal-free optical material (laser dye). This result paves the road to a new generation of nanoplasmonic materials and metamaterials with low loss and optical gain.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide and secretin produce long-term increases in tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the rat superior cervical ganglion.

Abstract Electrical stimulation of the preganglionic fibers innervating the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) produces both short-term and long-term increases in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity that are not completely blocked by nicotinic antagonists. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and secretin, two neuropeptides known to produce short-term increases in TH activity, were examined for their ability to produce long-term increases in this enzyme activity. Culturing the SCG in the presence of either peptide produced a 30–50% increase in TH activity measured 2 days later. The results raise he possibility that one of these peptides or a related molecule participates in the transsynaptic induction of ganglionic TH.
Epidemiological Studies on Respiratory Infections of the Rabbit. IX. The Spread Of Bacterium lepisepticum Infection at a Rabbit Farm in New City,. N.Y. An Epidemiological Study.

The spread of Bact. lepisepticum infection throughout a population of thoroughbred rabbits at a farm in New City, N. Y., was studied over a period of 2 years. The following observations are noteworthy. 1. 50 to 75 per cent of the total mortality was due to Bact. lepisepticum infection. 2. About 50 per cent of the stock was affected locally with Bact. lepisepticum "snuffles." 3. "Snuffles" and mortality rates showed spring and fall rises and low points during the summer. 4. Carrier, morbidity, and mortality rates of various special breeds differed consistently and to a marked degree. All reflected the same seasonal fluctuations as the total population. 5. Individuals within each breed differed in their response to the presence of Bact. lepisepticum; some died of penumonia and septicemia; others developed the local nasal infection, "snuffles"; others became "healthy" carriers; and a few remained uninfected.
A 9 mW, Q-Band Direct-Conversion I/Q Modulator in SiGe BiCMOS Process

This letter demonstrates a low-power, Q-band, direct-conversion I/Q modulator. The modulator consumes 9 mW power from a 1 V supply and delivers - 9.3 dBm RF power at 39 GHz. The modulator exhibits an EVM of 5.3% for 16QAM at 3 Msymbols/s. The circuit is fabricated in 0.12 μm SiGe BiCMOS process and occupies an area of 1.5 mm2.
Methods of microbial identification, tracking and monitoring of function

Abstract The use of specific biomarkers for the identification and tracking of microorganisms in the environment is about to come of age. Exciting progress has been made in measuring microbial function and activity in environmental samples. A significant advance is that a variety of recent studies have correlated the genetic and chemical profiles of microbial communities with population structure and function.
"Masked" Ph1-chromosome in chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML).

The CML patients with so called masked Ph1-chromosome have been reviewed. Although the importance of c-sis and c-abl oncogenes is gaining popularity yet their role in the genesis of CML remain obscure. Patients with masked Ph1-chromosomes where chromosome 9 is not involved in the translocation(s) will provide a clue to the role of c-abl and/or c-sis in oncogenesis.
Adverse outcomes of renovascular hypertension during pregnancy

Background A 26-year-old primigravida, with no history of hypertension, presented at 20 weeks of gestation with severe pre-eclampsia. A pelvic ultrasound revealed intrauterine fetal death, probably caused by placental abruption. The pregnancy was terminated by induction with oxytocin, followed by a vaginal breech delivery. The patient remained hypertensive for 8 weeks after delivery. Investigations Physical examination, laboratory investigation, renal angiogram and renal-vein renin sampling. Diagnosis An atrophic right kidney secondary to an occluded right renal artery, probably caused by dissected fibromuscular dysplasia; a contralateral high-grade stenosis secondary to fibromuscular dysplasia. Management Right nephrectomy and angioplasty of the left renal artery.
Evaluation of textural and sensory characteristics of three types of low-fat goat milk ice cream

Abstract Three types of low-fat soft-serve goat milk ice creams were manufactured using whole milk (3.64% fat), 2% fat and skim (0.71% fat) goat milk, and evaluated for textural and sensory characteristics of the caprine ice cream products. A commercial powdered vanilla flavor pre-mix containing 0.25% fat (Alpha Freeze, D466-A9047, Tampa, FL, USA) was formulated into the three types of goat milk base for the manufacture of the ice creams, and textural and sensory properties of the products were determined at 0, 2, 4, 8 weeks of frozen-storage at −18 °C. Additional textural traits at 0, 1 and 56 days of storage were compared among the three types of low-fat caprine ice creams using a texture analyzer (TA-XT2 Texture Technologies Corp., Scarsdale, NY, USA). The results showed that approximately threefold increases in firmness and consistency of all three types of soft-serve low-fat goat ice creams after 1 day frozen-storage. The similar trend of elevation was observed in cohesiveness and index of viscosity for all tested products, probably due to the hardening of the texture of the frozen products after 1 day storage. Regardless of fat level treatments of the low-fat goat ice creams, all textural properties after 56 days frozen-storage revealed substantial elevations especially in firmness and consistency traits compared to those of the original soft-serve ice creams with extreme high variations. In sensory quality, storage period significantly affected the flavors of cooked (P
Bayesian model fusion: large-scale performance modeling of analog and mixed-signal circuits by reusing early-stage data

Efficient high-dimensional performance modeling of today's complex analog and mixed-signal (AMS) circuits with large-scale process variations is an important yet challenging task. In this paper, we propose a novel performance modeling algorithm that is referred to as Bayesian Model Fusion (BMF). Our key idea is to borrow the simulation data generated from an early stage (e.g., schematic level) to facilitate efficient high-dimensional performance modeling at a late stage (e.g., post layout) with low computational cost. Such a goal is achieved by statistically modeling the performance correlation between early and late stages through Bayesian inference. Several circuit examples designed in a commercial 32nm CMOS process demonstrate that BMF achieves up to 9× runtime speedup over the traditional modeling technique without surrendering any accuracy.
The Cotingo Dam as a test of Brazil's system for evaluating proposed developments in Amazonia

The proposed Cotingo Dam in Brazil's far northern state of Roraima is examined with the objective of drawing lessons for Brazil's system of evaluating environmental, social, and financial consequences of development decisions. The Cotingo Dam illustrates the difficulty of translating into practice the principles of economic and environmental assessment. Examination of the financial arguments for the Cotingo Dam indicates that justifications in this sphere are insufficient to explain why the project is favored over other alternatives and points to political factors as the best explanation of the project's high priority. Strong pressure from political and entrepreneurial interest groups almost invariably dominates decision making in Amazonia. The analysis indicates the inherent tendency of the present system to produce decisions in favor of large construction projects at the expense of the environment and local peoples. The requirements intended to assure proper weight for these concerns, such as the report on environmental impacts (RIMA) and the public hearing, fail to serve this role. Cotingo also provides a test case for constitutional protections restricting construction of dams in indigenous lands.
Phasic changes in human right coronary blood flow before and after repair of aortic insufficiency.

Abstract We have shown previously that acute aortic insufficiency in chronically instrumented dogs reverses the normally high ratio of diastolic to systolic coronary blood flow. Phasic blood flow in the dominant right coronary artery was measured directly with an electromagnetic flow meter during surgery in eight patients with severe aortic insufficiency before and after replacement of the aortic valve. Before the insufficiency was eliminated, right coronary flow averaged 116 ± 37 ml./minute and the diastolic to systolic flow ratio was 0.88 ± 17. Mean arterial blood pressure averaged 106 ± 17 mm. Hg, heart rate 84 ± 19 beats/minute, and mean diastolic pressure averaged 67 ± 10 mm. Hg. After the aortic valve was replaced with an average heart rate of 90 ± 15 and mean blood pressure of 103 ± 13 mm. Hg, the average right coronary blood flow increased to 180 ± 40 ml./minute with a D S ratio of 2.18 ± 0.8. In all cases the right coronary blood flow increased after the aortic insufficiency was eliminated surgically. Right coronary flow probably increased because of the improved diastolic perfusion pressure and the change from predominantly systolic to diastolic coronary flow.
Dissociation of enhanced ornithine decarboxylase activity and optic nerve regeneration in goldfish

Abstract The significance of a previously observed increase in retinal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC, EC 4.1.1.17) following optic nerve crush was investigated in goldfish using a specific irreversible inhibitor of ODC, α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). Retinal ODC activity and putrescine levels were reduced 80% and 40%, respectively, by intraperitoneal injection(s) of DFMO. In fish in which the right optic nerve was crushed and DFMO was injected at the time of crush, at 2 days and at 4 days later, retinal ODC levels were maximally decreased after the third injection and returned to normal levels by 14 days post-crush (PC). Retinal tubulin synthesis was examined at 10 days PC. No difference in the post-crush/normal ratio of tubulin synthesis was observed between saline-injected and DFMO-injected groups. Neuritic extension was also examined in retinal explant cultures from 11-day PC retina. The neuritic growth index of DFMO-treated retinas did not differ from that of control retinas. Behavioral studies revealed no difference in the rate of recovery of vision between the two groups. Similar results were obtained in experiments using fish maintained in a 0.1% DFMO solution. These results suggest that the increase in retinal ODC associated with nerve crush does not play a causal role in restoration of function.
Materials chemistry: Seeds of selective nanotube growth.

'Seed' molecules have been made that enable synthesis of just one kind of single-walled carbon nanotube, rather than a mixture of species. This paves the way for the preparation of pure samples of any nanotube species. See Letter p.61 The electronic properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are extraordinarily sensitive to their precise structure. To exploit their technological potential fully, samples containing only one SWCNT type are needed. Juan Ramon Sanchez-Valencia et al. have combined synthetic chemistry with materials engineering to develop a strategy that, with further optimization, could provide a route to nanotube-based materials for use in light detectors, photovoltaics, field-effect transistors and sensors. They use a surface-catalysed cyclodehydrogenation reaction to fold rationally designed precursor molecules deposited on a Pt(111) surface to produce 'end caps' that act as seeds for the growth of defect-free and structurally pure SWCNTs. The technique requires only modest temperatures and is fully compatible with today's complementary metal oxide semiconductor technologies. Cover: Konstantin Amsharov.
McClain's circle and Plato's harp

Abstract McClain depicted Plato's city of Magnesia as a circle and found that its structure was based on mathematical ratios which coincide with Just Intonation set of musical intervals (including non-standard intervals 4 7 and 7 8 ). Later McClain noted that the same set of intervals was deduced formally by the author of this paper from his model of human reflexion. In this work the author puts forth the hypothesis that Plato might have known of some formal correlations analogous to those used in this model.
Genetic diseases of muscle

In the last twenty years, the genetic basis for most of the inherited myopathies and muscular dystrophies has been unveiled. Diseases have been found to result from loss of function of structural components of the muscle basal lamina (e.g., MCD1A), sarcolemma (e.g., the sarcoglycanopathies), nucleus (e.g., EDMD) and sarcomere (e.g., the nemaline myopathies). A few have been associated with abnormalities in the genes for muscle enzymes (e.g., calpain and fukutin). Alternate mechanisms of pathogenesis have also recently been suggested by mutations lying outside of coding regions, such as the "field effect" of chromosomal mutations in DM2. In the future, we will likely identify the genes responsible for the remaining disorders, including many of the distal myopathies. In addition, we may also find skeletal muscle diseases associated with some of the presently non-implicated muscle proteins: syntropin, dystrobrevin, epsilon-sarcoglycan and sarcospan. The next steps may be to identify and understand the relationship of modifier genes producing the phenotypic heterogeneity of many of these diseases and to characterize those and other targets for therapeutic intervention, whether by gene therapy or by pharmacological treatment.
From the Atomic Age to The Genome Project

The Human Genome Project has changed our approach to biology. Sequence data are being acquired from multiple organisms at a phenomenal pace. The sequencing has not only disclosed many novel genes, but allows for the evolutionary comparisons of genes and their expression. The future challenge will be to discover how their regulation and functions have changed over evolutionary distance and speciation. Mutagenesis is being carried out in many model organisms to discover new gene functions, because genetic variants have enabled the understanding of gene regulation, and biochemical and developmental pathways. The mouse is the first mammalian organism to be subjected to large-scale mutagenesis, and will permit key discoveries because of its many morphological, physiological, developmental and reproductive similarities to the human. A comparative analysis of gene functions that includes the laboratory mouse will expand our knowledge of the genetic, developmental and physiological differences between a mammal and a fruit fly. The Second Annual Georgia Genetics Symposium: Mutagenesis of the Mouse Genome focused on new directions in functional genetics in the mouse. Our goal in this meeting was to invite speakers who were tackling the genome using a variety of mutagenesis techniques. Further, the development of resources and infrastructure for managing mutant mouse strains was needed. Therefore, we decided to build a program that focused on the generation, mapping and management of mouse mutant resources. In doing so, we hoped to demonstrate that the mouse would become one of the most powerful of model organisms to help to annotate the functions of genes in mammals.
The impact of migration policy on the labour market performance of migrants: A comparative case study

Abstract This article investigates the impact of migration policy on the labour market performance of migrants in Sweden and Switzerland. It concentrates on the income and employment of groups of foreign residents relative to natives and looks at socio‐demographic characteristics and educational policies. In so far as declared goals are concerned, the Swedish and the Swiss migration policies reflect opposite approaches. From its aims and instruments, the Swiss policy has been economically oriented, considering migrants as merely temporary guests. The Swiss policy lacked any explicit integration policy. The Swedish policy has emphasised humanitarian and political aspects, rejecting migration for economic labour market reasons and aiming at the long‐term integration of foreigners once admitted to the country.
Trends in nurse-midwifery. Results of the 1988 ACNM Division of Research Mini-Survey.

Abstract The purpose of the 1988 Mini-Survey was the collection of up-to-date data from the ACNM membership, focusing on nurse-midwifery income. These were the last data collected about CNMs for the 1930 decade. The final survey sample included 1,735 CNMs and 67 SNMs; 70.6% of the CNMs were in clinical practice. The demographic, employment, and income findings are presented for all CNM respondents by ACNM region of residence and for CNMs in full-scope clinical nurse-midwifery practice. Additional income findings for CNMs working full time and part time are also presented by ACNM region of residence, as well as by selected individual states. Nurse-midwifery income is compared with nursing income during the same time period. Demographic and/or employment characteristics are presented for CNMs doing home births, for student nurse-midwives, for nurse-midwifery faculty, and for nurse-midwives with doctorates. In surveys done from 1984 to 1988, the mean full-time CNM annual income increased by $10,000. The 1988 Survey data are now approximately two years old and the impact of the recent nursing shortage on both nursing and nurse-midwifery salaries was not necessarily reflected in these data.
Potential for increased nutrient uptake by flocculating diatoms

Blooms of chain-forming diatoms commonly flocculate into centimeter-sized aggregates of living, vegetative cells following nutrient depletion in surface waters off southern California. We examined the hypothesis that diatom cells within aggregates experience increased nutrient uptake relative to unattached cells. We measured in situ settling velocities of 49 to 190 m d−1 and calculated porosities of 0.99931 to 0.99984 (±>0.03%) for 12, newly-formed diatom flocs ranging from 0.19 to 4.2 cm3 in volume and 7 to 22 mm in equivalent spherical diameter. Using permeability-porosity relationships, we calculated intra-aggregate flow velocities of 20 to 160 μm s−1. Although subject to considerable uncertainty, a Relative Uptake Factor analysis based on mass transfer equqtions suggests that diatoms fixed within aggregates undergoing gravitational settling can take up nutrients up to 2.1±0.4 times faster than unattached diatoms experiencing laminar shear. Increased nutrient uptake by aggregated diatoms may be importan in understanding the reasons for diatom floc formation.