cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3266: Measurement and comparison of the gut microbial communities in fecal, rectal swab, and mucosal samples

Background: Studies evaluating the gut microbiome frequently use stool. However, stool, which is predominantly composed of luminal bacteria, may not adequately reflect mucosally adherent bacteria. The purpose of this study is to evaluate similarities and differences in gut bacterial measurements and stability in the microbial communities of three different types of samples that could be used to assess different niches of the gut microbiome: rectal swab, stool, and normal rectal mucosa samples. Design: Sixty-eight participants were selected from a personalized chemoprevention trial population of individuals with previous colorectal adenomas who had donated stool, swab, and mucosal samples at baseline and three months later. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was conducted for 60 participants at two time points (n=120 stool and 120 swab). Whole-genome shotgun metagenomics DNA sequencing was conducted for 50 participants at two time points (n=100 stool, 28 swab, and 16 mucosal). Results: In swab-stool comparisons, there were substantial taxa differences with some taxa varying largely by sample type (e.g., Thermaceae) while other taxa were predominantly associated with interindividual subject variation (e.g., Desulfovibrionaceae) or by both sample type and participant (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae). At species-level resolution (with WGS sequences) we observed that bacteria associated with colorectal tumors (Escherichia coli and Fusobacterium nucleatum) were of higher relative abundance in swab than stool. There were also statistically significant differences in other bacteria according to the sample type (e.g., Bifidobacterium longum, Bacteroides fragilis). Comparing all three sample types with whole-genome metagenome shotgun sequencing, swab samples were much closer to stool samples than mucosa samples, although all KEGG functional Level 1 and Level 2 pathways were significantly different across all sample types (e.g., transcription and environmental adaptation). However, the individual signature of participants was also observed and was largely stable between two time points. Thus, we found that while the distribution of some taxa was associated with these different sampling techniques, other taxa largely reflected individual differences in the microbial community that were insensitive to sampling technique. Conclusion: There is substantial variability in the assessment of the gut microbial community according to the type of sample. Citation Format: Roshonda B Jones, Xiangzhu Zhu, Emili Moan, Harvey J. Murff, Qi Dai, Martha J. Shrubsole, Anthony A. Fodor, M. Andrea Azcarate-Peril, Reid M. Ness, Douglas L. Seidner. Measurement and comparison of the gut microbial communities in fecal, rectal swab, and mucosal samples [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3266.
Assessing the Proactive and Reactive Dimensions of Criminal Thought Process: Divergent Patterns of Correlation With Variable- and Person-Level Measures of Criminal Risk and Future Outcome.

The goal of this study was to determine whether measures of proactive and reactive criminal thinking display divergent patterns of correlation with outside criteria. A sample of 3,039 male medium-s...
Tending the Architectural Corpus: A Prehistory

The term preserve, which derives from the compound Latin verb praeservare, literally means “to keep before.” This formulation is commonly translated “to save” or “to protect.” But it might just as ...
Disruption of Interleukin-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) gene in mice aggravates renal interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy

Renal fibrosis is the final outcome of obstructive nephropathy and a major cause of chronic renal failure. Renal fibrosis results from an imbalance between extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation, which is regulated by multiple inflammatory mediators in the kidney. Recently, Interleukin-17 (IL-17) emerged as a key cytokine in lung and liver fibrosis. Although IL-17 producing cells were detected in the obstructed kidney, the role of IL-17 in renal fibrosis is unknown. We sought to define the contribution of IL-17 in renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy. Mice deficient in IL-17 receptor signaling (IL-17RA −/− ) were assessed for renal fibrosis following unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), a well-characterized mouse model of obstructive nephropathy. We determined IL-17 receptor signaling is required for protection against renal fibrosis following UUO. IL-17RA −/− mice developed severe morphological injury and displayed increased deposition of collagen in the obstructed kidney compared to controls. We observed a significant decrease in the level of matrix degrading enzymes in the kidney of IL-17RA −/− mice, despite normal ECM synthesis, correlating with increased fibrosis. Overexpression of IL-17 increased the level of matrix degrading enzymes and protected mice from renal fibrosis. We also show that IL-17R signaling in tubular epithelial cells up regulated multiple genes of Kallikrein-kinin system, known to play a critical role in renal protection against kidney fibrosis. Our data clearly indicate a previously unappreciated role of IL-17 in renal protection against fibrosis. These results offer the opportunity for the development of potential therapies in the treatment of chronic kidney diseases.
Cryptic conspirators: a conversation about thrombocytopenia and antiphospholipid syndrome.

Purpose of review Although antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is best known for conveying increased risk of thrombotic events and pregnancy morbidity, thrombocytopenia is also recognized as a common association. In this review, we will explore the relationship between thrombocytopenia and APS, highlighting our evolving understanding - and persistent knowledge gaps - through clinically oriented questions and answers. Recent findings A history of thrombocytopenia likely portends a more severe APS phenotype (including increased risk of thrombosis). Although the pathophysiology underlying thrombocytopenia in APS has yet to be definitively revealed, mechanisms that play a role (at least in subsets of patients) include: immune thrombocytopenic purpura/ITP-like autoantibodies against platelet glycoproteins; antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-mediated platelet activation and consumption; and potentially life threatening thrombotic microangiopathy. Although thrombocytopenia is often 'mild' in APS (and therefore, may not require specific therapy), there are causes of acute-onset thrombocytopenia that mandate emergent work-up and treatment. When APS-related thrombocytopenia does require therapy, the approach must be individualized (requiring an understanding of pathophysiology in the particular APS patient). For patients with ITP-like disease, rituximab is emerging as a popular approach to treatment; in contrast, there are hints that thrombopoietin mimetics may be associated with elevated thrombotic risk. Summary Thrombocytopenia is common in APS, and is likely associated with more severe disease. Improved understanding of thrombocytopenia in APS has the potential to improve risk stratification, reveal novel aspects of APS pathophysiology, and lead to treatments that are more individualized and holistic.
What Might Have Been: Near Miss Experiences and Adjustment to a Terrorist Attack:

Near miss experiences—narrowly avoiding a traumatic event—are associated with distress, despite signaling good fortune. For some, near miss experiences call to mind those who, unlike oneself, were ...
משפט ומוניטין: כיצד ההליך המשפטי מכתיב סנקציות מוניטיניות Litigation and Reputational Sanctions

תקציר בעברית: ההליך המשפטי מכווין התנהגות לא רק במישרין, באמצעות הטלת סנקציות, אלא גם בעקיפין, באמצעות ייצור מידע. במסגרת בירור משפטי המערכת מייצרת מידע על הדרך שבה התנהגו הצדדים לסכסוך. מידע זה עשוי להשפיע על האופן שבו צדדים שלישיים, שאינם חלק מהסכסוך, תופסים את הצדדים לסכסוך. הודעת דוא"ל פנימית שנחשפת בשלב גילוי המסמכים או הודאה בחקירה של עובד בדבר הוראה שקיבל ממנהליו לטייח עלולות להקטין את נכונותם של צופים מן הצד לעשות עסקים עם הנתבעים בעתיד. בכך ההליך המשפטי מכתיב את הסנקציה המוניטינית. בתנאים מסוימים – כגון סכסוך המערב חברה מסחרית גדולה המסוקרת בתקשורת – ההשפעה העקיפה של ההליך המשפטי (עיצוב הסנקציה המוניטינית) תהא משמעותית אף יותר מהשפעתו הישירה (הטלת סנקציה משפטית).מאמר זה מבהיר את יחסי הגומלין בין משפט למוניטין, תוך התמקדות בשלושה סוגי תובנות. ראשית, המאמר מסביר מהו מוניטין עסקי וכיצד הוא פועל. נתמקד בעיקר בשאלה כיצד מידע על התנהגות בעייתית מיתרגם לשינויים במוניטין – החל בייצור המידע, המשך בהערכת אמינותו ומשמעותו, וכלה בהפצתו. שנית, המאמר בוחן כיצד ההליך המשפטי משפיע על העוצמה והדיוק של סנקציות מוניטיניות. כך, לדוגמה, נצביע על התנאים שבהם הליך משפטי נגד חברה עסקית עשוי דווקא לשפר את המוניטין של אותה חברה. לבסוף, ההכרה בכך שהמשפט משפיע על סנקציות מוניטיניות מייצרת השלכות משפטיות נרחבות. ככל שהליכי אכיפה אכן מייצרים מידע איכותי על התנהגותם של שחקנים בשוק, עלינו להביא בחשבון "החצנה חיובית" זו בבואנו להעריך את רציותם של מוסדות משפטיים שונים, כגון חסיון מסמכים או הפניה לדרכים חלופיות לפתרון .סכסוכים English Abstract: In the process of enforcing the law and determining whether to impose legal sanctions, the legal system also shapes non-legal sanctions. In particular, litigation or regulatory investigations produce information on how parties to the dispute behaved. That information, to the extent it becomes publicly available, shapes the way that outside observers treat the parties to the dispute. In other words, litigation and regulatory investigations shape the reputations of companies and businesspersons. This Article synthesizes insights from several studies of the interactions between law and reputation, and applies them to the Israeli context. The Article then sketches ways to think about policy implications, such as evaluating the desirability of confidential settlements or alternative dispute resolution.
Actinide Tetracyanoplatinates: Synthesis and Structural Characterization with Uncharacteristic Th—NC Coordination and Thorium Fluorescence.

The structures of the new tetracyanoplatinates (III) (monoclinic, space group C2/c, Z = 4), (IV) (orthorhombic, Pbca, Z = 8), and (VI) (tetragonal, P4/mbm, Z = 4) are determined by single crystal.
Course evaluation scores: valid measures for teaching effectiveness or rewards for lenient grading?

Course Evaluation Instruments (CEIs) are critical aspects of faculty assessment and evaluation across most higher education institutions, but heated debates surround the value and validity of such ...
Repeated, high-severity wildfire catalyzes invasion of non-native plant species in forests of the Klamath Mountains, northern California, USA

Non-native plant invasions are often catalyzed by wildfires and may alter the structure, function, and composition of ecosystems. Of particular concern are non-native annual grasses that promote increased fire frequency and compete with native vegetation for early season moisture. While these effects are well studied in non-forested ecosystems, relatively few studies document invasions of non-native annual grasses in forested ecosystems. We document non-native plant invasion following repeated high-severity wildfire in mixed-conifer/hardwood forests dominated by Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in the Klamath Mountains of northern California. Despite great concern regarding the loss of conifer dominance and transitions to non-forested states related to recent and projected increases in wildfire activity, there is little known about invasions of non-native plant species following fire in this region. Non-native plant species capable of long-distance dispersal had an average total cover of 26% and were ubiquitous across a systematic, gridded sample of twenty 800 m2 plots. Non-native forbs included multiple species of common post-disturbance invaders (e.g. Cirsium vulgare, Senecio sylvaticus, Lactuca serriola). Non-native annual grasses comprised more of the vegetative cover than non-native forbs (17% vs. 9%), and were dominated by two species, Aira caryophyllea and Vulpia myuros, which reached as high as 80% cover. Our findings indicate that non-native annual grasses are a novel stressor that may accelerate projected loss of conifer dominance in the Klamath Mountains by facilitating fire spread and increasing competition for early season soil moisture. Additional monitoring will be crucial to understanding the impacts of non-native plants as fire activity in this region continues to increase.
Field-Effect Transistors 5

Recently, significant progresses have been made on the demonstration and development of vertical gallium oxide power devices. The goal of this chapter is to give a brief review on vertical gallium oxide FinFETs and Schottky barrier diodes based on fin-channel structures. In both devices, vertical fin-shaped channels are the key to achieving high breakdown voltages and low on-resistances simultaneously. The chapter starts with a short introduction of vertical transistor concepts and development in various wide band gap semiconductors, then moves on to topics including vertical gallium oxide FinFET structures, device operation, high voltage design and baseline fabrication process flow. Fundamental electrical performance will be discussed, followed by our analysis on threshold voltage control, drain-induced barrier lowering effects and breakdown mechanisms. Finally, we will briefly mention our key results on vertical trench Schottky barrier diodes.
Social and Economic Distancing

Dealing with pandemics, such as the recent COVID-19 virus, has highlighted the critical role of social distancing to avoid contagion and deaths. New technologies that allow replacing in-person for at-distance activities have blurred the mapping between social and economic distancing. In this paper we model how individuals react to social distancing guidelines by changing their network of economic relations, affecting total output, wealth inequality, and long-term growth.
Contemporary Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty is Durable in Patients Diagnosed With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract Introduction Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a seronegative spondyloarthropathy affecting the axial spine and peripheral joints. Despite innovations in medical management, patients with AS experience two-fold the lifetime risk of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared to the general population. Moreover, recent data have indicated a correlation between spinal pathology and outcomes of TKAs. Methods Our institutional total joint registry identified 19 patients (28 knees) with a diagnosis of AS treated with primary TKA from 2000 to 2016. The mean age at TKA was 68 years, and 84% of patients were men. The mean follow-up period was 6 years. Outcomes included implant survivorship, clinical outcomes, and complications. Results Survivorship free from any revision was 88% at 10 years. A single patient required revision at 8 years for aseptic loosening. Survivorship free from any reoperation was 77% at 10 years. Reoperations included 2 manipulations under anesthesia and 1 superficial wound irrigation and debridement. Mean Knee Society score improved from 46 preoperatively to 89 postoperatively (P Conclusion Primary TKAs in patients with AS resulted in significant improvement in clinical outcomes with excellent 10-year implant survivorship. Although 2 manipulations under anesthesia were required, the range of motion was restored postoperatively. These data suggest that the contemporary primary TKA can achieve durable and reliable outcomes in patients with axial skeletal disease resulting from AS. Level of Evidence IV.
Prebriefing: A Historical Perspective and Evolution of a Model and Strategy (Know: Do: Teach)

Abstract Background Prebriefing research and evidence has been emerging over the past ten years; however, controversy has existed on how much information to provide to learners and on the best strategies to prepare learners. An adult learning and Benner's Novice to Expert Framework are used to support this work. Method The purpose of this article is to discuss the historical aspects of prebriefing research and study from its infancy to the current body of work. A prebriefing model of preparing students for simulation is described, as well as its development through simulation literature, research, and experience in facilitation practice. Results A three-phase prebriefing model was developed that includes planning, briefing, and facilitating. An active engaged preparation strategy called Know: Do: Teach is provided, as well as the background for how it was developed according to literature surveillance, research, and simulation practice and experience. Conclusion Prebriefing strategies may be one way to transition students from knowledge to the clinical thinking required for nursing practice. This model shows promise for the development of engaged student learning before simulation, as well as a guide for novice simulation educators to develop prebriefing activities.
SARS-CoV-2 Transmission: A Sociological Review

The current pandemic is defined by the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that can lead to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). How is SARS-CoV-2 transmitted? In this review, we use a global lens to examine the sociological contexts that are potentially and systematically involved in high rates of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, including lack of personal protective equipment, population density and confinement. Altogether, this review provides an in-depth conspectus of the current literature regarding how SARS-CoV-2 disproportionately impacts many minority communities. By contextualising and disambiguating transmission risks that are particularly prominent for disadvantaged populations, this review can assist public health efforts throughout and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quantum corrected full-band Cellular Monte Carlo simulation of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

A full-band Cellular Monte Carlo (CMC) approach is applied to the simulation of electron transport in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with quantum corrections included via the effective potential method. The best fit Gaussian parameters of the effective potential method for different Al contents and gate biases are calculated from the equilibrium electron density. The extracted parameters are used for quantum corrections included in the full-band CMC device simulator. The charge set-back from the interface is clearly observed. However, the overall current of the device is close to the classical solution due to the dominance of polarization charge.
Why Men (Don’t) Buy Sex: Purity Moralization and Perceived Harm as Constraints on Prostitution Offending

This study explores the moralization of purity and perceptions of harm as constraints on sex buying among men. Purchasing sex has long been considered an offense against public morality. While pers...
Merger or Acquisition? Introduction to the Handbook of Historical Economics

Abstract The relationship between history and economics as academic disciplines is methodologically subtle and sociologically contested. If the Cliometric revolution can be characterized as an acquisition of economics by history, the most recent trends in Historical Economics appear to turn this relationship on its head. In this Introduction we read the chapters of the Handbook as a forceful argument in favor of a merger between the two disciplines rather than the acquisition of one by the other; a merger which combines, notably, the detailed knowledge of historical sources, the capability of distilling complex historical processes into a model, and the statistical/econometric skills for identification and estimation.
Fat and Happy: Profiling Mosquito Fat Body Lipid Storage and Composition Post-blood Meal

The fat body is considered the insect analogue of vertebrate liver and fat tissue. In mosquitoes, a blood meal triggers a series of processes in the fat body that culminate in vitellogenesis, the process of yolk formation. Lipids are stored in the fat body in specialized organelles called lipid droplets that change in size depending on the nutritional and metabolic status of the insect. We surveyed lipid droplets in female Aedes aegypti fat body during a reproductive cycle using confocal microscopy and analyzed the dynamic changes in the fat body lipidome during this process using LC/MS. We found that lipid droplets underwent dynamic changes in volume after the mosquito took a blood meal. The lipid composition found in the fat body is quite complex with 117 distinct lipids that fall into 19 classes and sublcasses. Our results demonstrate that the lipid composition of the fat body is complex as most lipid classes underwent significant changes over the course of the vitellogenic cycle. This study lays the foundation for identifying unknown biochemical pathways active in the mosquito fat body, that are high-value targets for the development of novel mosquito control strategies.
Risk and distribution of venous thromboembolic events during treatment for advanced endometrial cancer.

e17565Background: Understanding the incidence and timing of venous thromboembolic (VTE) events among patients receiving treatment for advanced endometrial cancer (EC) may help to inform VTE risk st...
A phase I/IB study of ipatasertib in combination with carboplatin or carboplatin/paclitaxel or capecitabine and atezolizumab in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.

1078Background: Ipatasertib (ipat) is an AKT inhibitor which has shown efficacy in combination with paclitaxel and atezolizumab in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). In previous tr...
The Acidocerinae (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae): taxonomy, classification, and catalog of species.

The cosmopolitan subfamily Acidocerinae (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) is one of the largest and most taxonomically challenging lineages of water scavenger beetles. Recent phylogenetic studies have substantially advanced our understanding of acidocerine relationships but also illuminated the twin challenges of poorly delineated generic concepts and a classification broadly incompatible with the phylogeny. Here, these two challenges are addressed by providing a comprehensive synthesis and taxonomic tools for the Acidocerinae, including (1) a brief history and the current state of acidocerine classification, (2) a review of acidocerine ecology and collection methods, (3) the current knowledge of larval and fossil acidocerines, (4) a morphological primer on characters of taxonomic and systematic importance within the lineage, (5) a key to the world genera of Acidocerinae, (6) diagnoses, habitus, and aedeagal images, distribution maps, and summary of knowledge for each of the 23 extant genera in the subfamily, and (7) a complete annotated taxonomic catalog including the published distributions, synonyms, and references for all described 541 acidocerine species recognized as of 1 April 2021. The following nomenclatural acts are proposed to bring the phylogeny and classification into alignment: Colossocharesgen. nov. is established to accommodate two African species previously described as Helochares (s. str.); Novocharesgen. nov. is newly established to accommodate 15 Neotropical species previously included in Helochares (s. str.); the remaining Helochares subgenera Helocharimorphus Kuwert syn. nov. and Hydrobaticus MacLeay syn. nov. are synonymized with Helochares Mulsant. Peltochares Regimbart sensu nov. is redefined to include eight Old World species previously included in Helochares (s. str.). A lectotype is designated for Peltochares conspicuus Regimbart, the type species of the genus. The taxonomic and morphological circumscription of Helocharessensu nov. is narrowed and redefined.
Growth on Oral Reading Fluency Measures as a Function of Special Education and Measurement Sufficiency

For 30 years, researchers have investigated oral reading fluency as a measure of growth in reading proficiency. Yet, little research has been done with these measures in the context of progress monitoring in Tier 2 systems. First, we document teachers’ progress-monitoring decisions on type of passage (on-grade or off-grade) and how often to administer them. Then, we use a two-level hierarchical linear model to document the effects on both intercept and slope as a function of student special education status and measurement sufficiency. Across Grades 3 to 5, teachers diagnostically document student performance with different grade-level measures and also target a group of Tier 2 students to monitor early and systematically throughout the year. This latter group starts out much lower but has a significantly different slope than those for whom progress monitoring is more diagnostic and infrequent.
An Investigation of the Predictive Validity of Bipolar Adjective and Graphic Position Scales

This study reports the results of an experiment that compared the predictive validity of the graphic position scale with the traditional bi-polar adjective scale.The effect of number of objects compared was also investigated.The results indicate that the graphic position scale provided an appreciable increase in predictive validity over the bi-polar adjective scale.
Radical versus Social Constructivism: An Epistemological-Pedagogical Dilemma

In this paper, the author has discussed the epistemological and the pedagogical dilemma he faced in the past and that he is still facing within radical and social constructivist paradigms. He built up an understanding of radical constructivism from the works of Ernst von Glasersfeld and social constructivism from the works of Paul Ernest. He introduced the notion of constructivism including both radical constructivism and social constructivism in brief. Then he reconceptualized these forms of constructivism in terms of epistemological and pedagogical motivation leading to a dilemma. He emphasized how the dilemma within these paradigms might impact one’s actions and how resolving this dilemma leads to eclecticism. He summarized that one paradigm world does not function well in the context of teaching and learning of mathematics (and science). Finally, he concluded the dilemma issue with epistemological and pedagogical eclecticism.
New Design for Quantum Dots Cellular Automata to obtain Fault Tolerant Logic Gates

In this paper, we analyze fault tolerance properties of the Majority Gate, as the main logic gate for implementation with Quantum dots Cellular Automata (QCA), in terms of fabrication defect. Our results demonstrate the poor fault tolerance properties of the conventional design of Majority Gate and thus the difficulty in its practical application. We propose a new approach to the design of QCA-based Majority Gate by considering two-dimensional arrays of QCA cells rather than a single cell for the design of such a gate. We analyze fault tolerance properties of such Block Majority Gates in terms of inputs misalignment and irregularity and defect (missing cells) in assembly of the array. We present simulation results based on semiconductor implementation of QCA with an intermediate dimensional dot of about 5 nm in size as opposed to magnetic dots of greater than 100 nm or molecular dots of 2–5A. Our results clearly demonstrate the superior fault tolerance properties of the Block Majority Gate and its greater potential for a practical realization. We also show the possibility of designing fault tolerant QCA circuits by using Block Majority Gates.
A Federated Digital Identity Management Approach for Business Processes

Business processes have gained a lot of attention because of the pressing need for integrating existing resources and services to better fulfill customer needs. A key feature of business processes is that they are built from composable services, referred to as component services, that may belong to different domains. In such a context, flexible multi-domain identity management solutions are crucial for increased security and user-convenience. In particular, it is important that during the execution of a business process the component services be able to verify the identity of the client to check that it has the required permissions for accessing the services. To address the problem of multi-domain identity management, we propose a multi-factor identity attribute verification protocol for business processes that assures clients privacy and handles naming heterogeneity.
AE-C observations of electric fields around auroral arcs

Variations in the ion drift signatures observed by the Atmosphere Explorer-C satellite during passage through the auroral zone are discussed. Three mutually perpendicular components of ion drift velocity were derived, along with the ion concentrations and temperature. Electric field signatures detected in the vicinity of auroral arcs in the nighttime ionosphere are described, including the existence of auroral arcs both equatorward and poleward of the global convection reversal. It was also found that when electric field enhancements occur on one side of an auroral arc, particle precipitation is present on both sides, although the field-aligned potential drop associated with the accompanying particles is lower than that required for a discrete arc. Finally, it is noted that the region of the magnetosphere connected to discrete arcs has large and small areas in which adjacent flow regions are opposed to one another.
MinISO: a minimal independent system operator [electric power industry]

The independent system operator or ISO is the lead actor in the various proposals for a deregulated, competitive electric power industry. The ISO has three possible objectives: security maintenance; service quality assurance; and promotion of economic efficiency and equity. To achieve these objectives the ISO may be authorized to set the rules for transactions between suppliers and consumers, scheduling and dispatch of generators, loads and network: services, and energy markets. Proposals differ in their specification of the ISO's objectives and authority. Two ISO structures are contrasted. MaxISO, based on the UK-Poolco model, has ambitious objectives and much regulatory authority. Its scientific merit derives from an optimal power flow dispatch model. MinISO's objective is restricted to security, and its regulatory authority is correspondingly modest. MinISO seeks to provide direct consumer access. Its scientific merit is based on the coordinated multilateral trades model.
Comparison of Tetranychus evansi and T. urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) as prey for eight species of phytoseiid mites

Eight phytoseiid species were tested to evaluate and compare their potential as predators ofTetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard andT. urticae (Koch). The study was conducted using arenas of excised nightshade (Solanum douglasii Dunal) and Lima bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) leaves infested with eitherTetranychus species. When the prey wasT. evansi, the predatorsAmblyseius californicus (McGregor) andPhytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot from Ventura, California, showed the highest oviposition rates. However, those rates were 4 to 6 times lower than rates for the same predators feeding onT. urticae. OnlyA. californicus and the strain ofP. persimilis from Beni-Mellal, Morocco, had survivorship higher than 50% 8 days after the beginning of the experiment. The results indicated thatT. evansi is an unfavorable prey for all the phytoseiids tested.
Nanotubes as molecular sponges: the adsorption of CCl4

A unique adsorptive effect involving carbon nanotubes acting as efficient adsorption sinks for mobile molecules has been quantitatively observed.
DNA-binding and enzymatic domains of the bifunctional biotin operon repressor (BirA) of Escherichia coli.

Abstract The negative regulation of the biotin biosynthetic (bio) operon in Escherichia coli is mediated by the bifunctional birA gene product, which serves as the bio repressor and biotin-activating enzyme. Nucleotide sequence analysis of 18 mutations in the birA gene was employed to study the DNA-binding and enzymatic functions of the BirA protein. The results indicate that a predicted helix-tum-helix structure, from amino acid (aa) positions 18 to 39 within the 321-aa BirA protein, may be responsible for sequence-specific DNA binding, whereas the temperature-sensitive mutations affecting biotin activation are found in two regions from aa positions 83–119 and 189–235.
The role of biodiversity products as incentives for conserving biological diversity: some instructive examples

Abstract Most of the world’s biodiversity is found in countries of the ‘South,’ yet much of the demand for biodiversity conservation comes from the citizens of countries in the ‘North’. Biodiversity is an important source of medicinal properties that are highly valued in the North and of traits that may improve and stabilize agricultural productivity worldwide. Does this mean that a market for rights to medicinal and agricultural traits from biodiversity could constitute a major incentive for biodiversity conservation in the South? Here we draw upon several case studies that suggest the answer is in general negative. Those who want to conserve existing levels of biodiversity should not assume that they can free ride on the conservation incentives provided via the market for pharmaceuticals and agricultural products.
Broadband Slow Light with a Swept-Frequency Source

We demonstrate a pulse delay of 1.5 ns over a wide bandwidth via stimulated Brillouin scattering in an optical fiber pumped by a swept source with a sweep rate of 20 MHz/?s.
Learning through alliances

An alliance is a flexible organization that allows firms with complementary strengths to experiment with new technological, organizational, and marketing strategies. The flexibility is valuable because the project undertaken through the alliance is uncertain. Flexibility is traded off against the weak incentive structure of the alliance. Although the principle goal of the experimental set-up is to learn more about technical and market parameters, learning also occurs about working in an alliance and could lead to greater competence in managing alliances, partially alleviating incentive problems. Through demonstration and externality effects, a few successful alliances can trigger more widespread alliance formation.
Graphics for data analysis

In recent years, graphics has become an essential part of modern data analysis. It is particularly useful for interactive data analysis. This paper describes a system called CLOUDS which is designed to make available on inexpensive storage tube terminals a wide range of graphic tools related to data analysis, economics, and management science. The system can be accessed nationwide by non profit organizations via the National Bureau of Economic Research computer network.
Foodways and fightways: The role of food in two traditional martial arts — Japanese Sumo and Northern India's Pehlwani

Food and conflict are both biologically and historically intertwined. There exists a body of scholarly research that attempts to understand food-related issues in times of war, however less often do we explore the ways in which we fight as they relate to the ways in which we eat. The ritual nature of fighting has strong roots in both religion and agriculture. Many of the traditional rituals associated with fighting were first performed in honor or appeasement of gods or spirits thought to govern various aspects of life, including fertility. Food also occupies a highly symbolic role in ritual fighting and, in some cases, a physical place in the combat itself. This can be explored in the nature of two ancient martial arts—Japanese sumo and the Pehlwani wrestling of Northern India—revealing the role of food within these fighting traditions, including similarities and differences in their approach to eating, cooking, lifestyle and ideology.
Female resistance and male preference in a stream-dwelling isopod: effects of female molt characteristics

In the stream-dwelling isopod, Lirceus fontinalis, mating contests between males and females occur prior to pair formation. We examined the relative contribution of male preference and female resistance to contest outcomes. We first quantified male and female behavior during typical mating interactions and examined the relationship between time until molt (TTM) and mating outcomes. We then examined the role of male preference and female resistance in determining mating outcomes when females differed in molt type (growth, egg deposition) and appeared to differ in TTM (due to hormone applications). Both male preference and female resistance contributed to different components of the mating sequence but female resistance ultimately determined whether or not pair formation occurred. Males expressed a preference for females that appeared to be close to molt, using variation in levels of molt hormone as a cue. However, males did not discriminate between females based on molt type.
Contribution of visual and circadian neural circuits to memory for prolonged mating induced by rivals

Rival exposure causes Drosophila melanogaster males to prolong mating. Longer mating duration (LMD) may enhance reproductive success, but its underlying mechanism is currently unknown. We found that LMD is context dependent and can be induced solely via visual stimuli. In addition, we found that LMD involves neural circuits that are important for visual memory, including central neurons in the ellipsoid body, but not the mushroom bodies or the fan-shaped bodies, and may rely on the rival exposure memory lasting for several hours. LMD is affected by a subset of learning and memory mutants. LMD depends on the circadian clock genes timeless and period, but not Clock or cycle, and persists in many arrhythmic conditions. Moreover, LMD critically depends on a subset of pigment dispersing factor neurons rather than the entire circadian neural circuit. Our study thus delineates parts of the molecular and cellular basis for LMD, a plastic social behavior elicited by visual cues.
Oxide formation on Fe and Ti thin films and on Fe thin films modified with ultrathin layers of Ti

Reactions of O2 and H2O to from thin oxides on Fe, Ti and Ti-modified Fe thin films have been studied by XPS, following O2 and H2O exposure in the range 0-600 L, to form oxides with thicknesses of < 40 A. XPS Iineshape analysis is used, utilizing a special combination of reflection electron energy-loss spectroscopy (REELS) and nonlinear least-squares fitting routines to model the intrinsic and extrinsic energy losses that accompany potoemission for the Ti and Fe 2p lines. During the formation of the thinnest oxides, this approach yields a unique picture of the composition of the oxide, while for the thicker layers, there is little significant difference between this fitting approach and (1) fitting approaches using an integral background approach or (2) direct deconvolution methods using the REELS data. Both Fe and Ti are quite reactive to O2, yielding a surface oxide that is apparently an FeO-dominated FeO/Fe3O4 bilayer on Fe surface oxide that is predominantly TiO2 on the Ti surface. Pure Fe and Ti surfaces are unreactive to H2O. Predosing of thewse surfaces with low levels of O2 (5 L) does not increase the reactivity appreciably toward H2O. Ti dispersed on the Fe surface as an adatom layer, with an equivalent thickness of 3 A, greatly suppresses the reactivity of Fe toward O2, while the Ti is oxidized primarily to TiO2, In contrast to the pure Ti layers, these Ti adatom layers are quite reactive toward H2O, yielding oxides (no evidence for hydroxide) in a uniform distribution of oxidation states (Ti+2, Ti+3 and Ti+4).
Lysosomal Storage Diseases

Lysosomal storage diseases are a group of inherited and acquired disorders. They are characterized by interruption of recycling of cellular and extracellular molecules. Clinically, they are presented as developmental and neurological symptoms similar to other inherited and acquired disorders. This article reviews the function of lysosomes, the current mechanisms that cause the interruption of recycling, the consequences that are manifested clinically, and the methods to diagnose these disorders.
Update on antiviral treatment of adenoviral ocular infections.

until thepresent day, no effective drug to treat such patientshas been found. Today, acute adenoviral ocular infections(epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, follicular conjunctivitis,and pharyngeal conjunctival fever) remain among themost common external ocular viral infections seen clini-cally worldwide, with more than one million cases annu-ally in Japan.
Neurochemical adaptation to cocaine abuse : Reduction of N-acetyl aspartate in thalamus of human cocaine abusers

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to determine the existence of, and possible mechanisms for, chronic cocaine use-induced neurotoxicity in the human brain. Because in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides a noninvasive way to detect biochemical and physiological changes in the brain, we sought to specifically determine the neurochemical adaptations in chronic cocaine-dependent subjects. Methods: Twenty-one cocaine users and 13 non–drug-using, age-matched normal volunteers were recruited for an in vivo proton MRS study. Following screening that included physical examination, histories, and blood testing, cocaine group subjects received a spectral scan on a 1.5-T GE Signa scanner. Spectra were obtained from the left basal ganglia and/or the left thalamus from subjects in both groups using an rf bird-cage type head coil with single-voxel localization. Results: The level of N-acetyl aspartate in the region of left thalamus was lower (17%) in the chronic cocaine user group but not in the region of left basal ganglia, compared with the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that chronic cocaine use may induce abnormal neurochemical activity and a state of neuronal dysregulation and/or neurotoxicity. It will now be important to determine if these alterations are reversible during withdrawal and what the functional implications of this observation are with respect to cognitive function and drug relapse.
Model Based Reduction of Nonstationary Noise for Single Channel Speech Communication Systems

We are proposing a new method for the denoising of speech in dedicated single channel speech communication systems. Dedicated speech communication systems are optimized for the use by a dedicated speaker. Our procedure employs a speech production model that combines a fixed (but speaker dependent) glottal excitation process with an adaptive autoregressive filter. Denoising is performed in two steps: 1) model parameter estimation and 2) signal resynthesis from the proposed model. Our parameter estimation procedure is inspired by a maximum likelihood approach that utilizes learned parameter statistics from a training process. The procedure produces improvements that are perceptually comparable to improvements obtained by adaptive Wiener filtering and spectral subtraction. Performance validation was performed with speech signals from the VOICES database and noise signals from the NOISEX database.
Chemotactic behavior of mutants of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that are defective in osmotic avoidance

Wild-typeC. elegans and seven derivative strains previously selected for absence of the wild-type tendency to avoid highly concentrated solutions (Culotti and Russell, 1978) were tested for responsiveness in 11 assays of chemotaxis, including 6 attractant and 3 repellent stimuli. The two strains altered in the geneosm-1 (P808 and P816) did not respond in any test except, possibly, one or two weak responses. Strain P801 responded to one attractant and two repellents. Strain P802 made moderately strong responses to most stimuli and avoided CO2 in phosphate buffer as strongly as the wild-type. Of particular interest, this strain avoided OH− which is attractive to wild-type. Strain P821 avoided CO2 in phosphate buffer weakly, if at all, but did respond to the attractants Na+ and Cl−. Conversely, strains P813 and P811 made little if any response to any attractant but did respond to the two strong repellents. Taken together with other results, these findings suggest that the osmotic response has more gene requirements in common with both attractive and repellent chemical stimuli than with thermal or mechanical stimuli. In addition, they indicate that the known chemical stimuli and the osmotic stimulus are probably mediated by at least 9 different receptors.
What mothers don't know and doctors don't say: Detecting early developmental delays.

Cette etude a examine la detection de delais precoces du developpement des bebes a haut risque par des meres n'ayant jamais eu d'enfant auparavant dans un echantillon communautaire de familles (N = 451). La moitie des meres environ etaient des adolescentes au moment de la naissance et les trois quarts ont fait etat de revenus familiaux de moins de $20,000 annuels. Les enfants ont ete evalues aux âges de 12 et 24 mois a partir de mesure standardisees de developpement cognitif, adaptif, socio-emotionnel et du langage. Selon les directives de IDEA environ un enfant sur quatre etait a meme de recevoir des services d'intervention a 12 mois et environ un sur trois a l'âge de 24 mois. Bien qu'elles recevaient des services medicaux reguliers, les meres ont rapporte que tres peu d'enfants remplissant les conditions (2% a 12 mois et 9% a 24 mois) avaient ete identifies par les professionnels de la sante comme ayant des problemes qui pourraient interferer avec le developpement. Comme les professionnels de la sante, peu de meres s'inquietaient de facon appropriee a propos du developpement, et la probabilite de la verbalisation des inquietudes etait liee aux connaissances des meres a propos du developpement des bebes. Ces resultats mettent en evidence le besoni qu'il y a pour les professionnels de la sante de faire passer des tests de depistages frequents aux enfants a haut risque et pour les parents d'ameliorer leurs connaissances du developpement du bebe.
Effect of Spin Speed and Solution Concentration on the Directed Assembly of Polymer Blends

Directed assembly of polymer blends using chemically heterogeneous patterns during spin-coating can be used to produce nanopatterned polymer structures. Well-ordered morphologies are obtained when the characteristic length of a polymer blend is commensurate with pattern periodicity. In this paper, spin-coating speed and solution concentration were used to control the characteristic length of a polystyrene (PS)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) blend. With increasing spin speed or reducing solution concentration, the characteristic length decreased. Critical spin speeds or solution concentrations that produced the required characteristic length commensurate with the given pattern periodicity were predicted. Well-ordered morphologies were obtained when spin speed or solution concentration was close to the critical value. A new method of image analysis was introduced to quantitatively evaluate the quality of replication of the underlying pattern. The range of commensurability between characteristic length and pattern...
Some Insights into the Characteristics and Dynamics of the Chilean Low-Level Coastal Jet

Abstract The characteristics and dynamics of the Chilean low-level coastal jet (CLLCJ) are examined here through diagnosing real-time mesoscale model forecasts in support of the Variability of the American Monsoon System (VAMOS) Ocean–Cloud–Atmosphere Land Study (VOCALS) and additional sensitivity simulations. The forecasted surface winds over the southeast Pacific compare favorably with available observations. According to the forecasts and sensitivity simulations, the Southeast Pacific high pressure system (SEPH) plays a primary role in driving the CLLCJ. The Andes significantly intensify the CLLCJ mainly through interacting with the SEPH and anchoring a baroclinic zone along the Chilean coast. The land–sea differential heating also enhances the CLLCJ by strengthening the coastal baroclinic zone. Based on the location of the SEPH center, the CLLCJ can be separated into two types: a strong-forcing jet, with the SEPH close to the central Chilean coastline; and a weak-forcing jet, with the SEPH centered fa...