cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High temporal resolution coupling of low-flow push-pull perfusion to capillary electrophoresis for ascorbate analysis at the rat vitreoretinal interface

A system is presented demonstrating the high-temporal resolution coupling of low-flow push-pull perfusion sampling (LFPS) to capillary electrophoresis for the absorbance measurement of ascorbate at the rat vitreoretinal interface. This system holds all separation components at a low pressure as the means for withdrawing sample during LFPS. The system uses a flow-gated interface to directly couple the withdrawal capillary from the LFPS probe to a separation capillary and eliminates the need for any offline sample handling. The temporal resolution of the system was limited by injection time and is less than 16 s. This high temporal resolution was applied to the monitoring of in vivo ascorbate levels at the rat vitreoretinal interface. Baseline concentrations of ascorbate were found to be 86 microM +/- 18 microM at the vitreoretinal interface. Baseline concentrations matched well with those obtained for the postmortem bulk vitreous analysis. Upon stimulation with 145 mM K(+), a maximum increase in baseline values between 32-107% for n = 3 was observed. This system demonstrates the first in vivo temporal study of ascorbate at the rat vitreoretinal interface.
Modulation spectroscopy characterization of semiconductor microstructures and semiconductor devices

Abstract Applications of modulation spectroscopy for characterization of semiconductor microstructures and devices are reviewed. Particular emphasis is given to non-destructive, contactless techniques such as photoreflectance.
Growth-Promoting Interaction of IGF-II with the Insulin Receptor during Mouse Embryonic Development

Genetic analyses of dwarfing phenotypes resulting from targeted mutagenesis of the genes encoding the insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II) and their cognate type 1 IGF receptor (IGF1R) have demonstrated that this signaling system is a major determinant of mouse embryonic growth. Of the two IGF ligands, IGF-I interacts exclusively with IGF1R, whereas IGF-II recognizes an additional receptor (XR), because the growth retardation of embryos lacking both IGR1R and IGF-II (30% of normal birthweight) is more severe than that manifested in either class of single Igf1r or Igf2 null mutants (45 and 60% of normal, respectively). To determine whether XR is the insulin receptor (IR), we examined embryos nullizygous for both Igf1r and Insr. While the growth of embryos lacking solely IR is affected very mildly and only at the end of gestation, concomitant absence of IGF1R results in a severe growth-deficiency phenotype (30% of normal size at birth) that is first detected at Embryonic Day 13.5 and is also characterized by transient edema, curly tail, generalized organ hypoplasia, including the muscles, developmental delays in ossification, and thin epidermis. The Igf1r/Insr double nullizygotes are phenotypically indistinguishable from double mutants lacking IGF1R and IGF-II and from other double and triple mutants in which all of the IGF ligand/receptor interactions have been eliminated. Therefore, these results provide genetic evidence that the growth-promoting function of IGF-II during mouse embryogenesis is mediated in part by signaling through the insulin receptor.
Bisbinaphthyl Macrocycle-Based Highly Enantioselective Fluorescent Sensors for α-Hydroxycarboxylic Acids

Bisbinaphthyl-based macrocycles are found to carry out highly enantioselective fluorescent recognition of α-hydroxycarboxylic acids. It is observed that within a certain concentration range, one enantiomer of the chiral acids can increase the fluorescence intensity of the macrocycles by 2−3-fold, while the other enantiomer scarcely enhances the fluorescence. Such unusually high enantioselective responses make these macrocycles very attractive as fluorescent sensors in determining the enantiomeric composition of α-hydroxycarboxylic acids.
Parametric resonance in an expanding universe

Parametric resonance has been discussed as a mechanism for copious particle production following inflation. Here we present a simple and intuitive calculational method for estimating the efficiency of parametric amplification as a function of parameters. This is important for determining whether resonant amplification plays an important role in the reheating process. We find that significant amplification occurs only for a limited range of couplings and interactions.
An autonomous mathematical reconstruction to effectively measure volume loss on retrieved polyethylene tibial inserts.

Wear of the polyethylene tibial component is a major factor in the success of total knee replacements. However, sampling resolution and the challenges of estimating original surfaces with relatively complex articulating geometries have limited the accuracy of volumetric measurements of wear on surgically retrieved inserts. A mathematical model analyzed volume error due to sampling resolution and found that 100x100μm point spacing reduced error below 1 mm3. Small volumes of material were progressively removed from the topside of three unworn tibial inserts, after which each component was weighed and digitized with a laser coordinate measuring machine. Six inserts worn in knee simulator tests and nine surgically retrieved inserts visually scored for damage were also digitized. For these tests, the original surface of an insert was mathematically reconstructed from unworn regions of the same component, and volume loss and its spatial distribution were calculated. Volume loss estimated by autonomous reconstruction correlated strongly to mass removed manually (R2=0.954, slope = 1.02±0.04 mm3/mm3), mass lost during simulator testing (R2=0.935, slope = 1.01±0.07 mm3/mm3) and visual damage scores separated by size (R2large=0.9824, R2small=0.9728). These results suggest that an autonomous mathematical reconstruction can be used to effectively measure volume loss in retrieved tibial inserts.
Transcription activation by the adenovirus E1a protein

The adenovirus Ela protein stimulates transcription of a wide variety of viral and cellular genes. It is shown here that Ela has the two functions characteristic of a typical cellular activator: one direct Ela to the promoter, perhaps by interacting with a DMA-bound protein, and the other, an activating region, enables the bound activator to stimulate transcription.
Breaking the News: How Families First Learn About Their Child's Chronic Condition

Objective: To develop recommendations for effectively informing families about their child's chronic illness or disability. Methods: The sample included 43 families of infants with Down syndrome and/or congenital heart disease who were participating in Project Resilience, which is a multisite longitudinal research project. Family interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded by two raters. Qualitative techniques were used to identify the factors that influenced family caregivers' reactions to learning that their child had been diagnosed as having a chronic condition. Results: Family caregivers clearly distinguished their personal emotional reactions to the diagnosis from their reactions to how providers informed them about their child's condition. Families emphasized thequalityof information that they received as well as themannerin which they were told about the condition. Although two thirds of the informing incidents were positive, families also reported negative reactions to outdated and inadequate information as well as to professionals who were insensitive to their needs. Conclusions: Resident and continuing education programs need to prepare physicians who can sensitively and effectively "break the news" to diverse families who have children with chronic conditions. At the time of diagnosis, clinicians need to PACE the news by (1)planning the setting, (2)assessing the family's background knowledge and experience, (3)choosing strategies that best fit the family's particular situation, and (4)evaluating the family's understanding of the information. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995;149:991-997)
Black Root Rot, Caused by Thielaviopsis basicola, on Tomato Transplants in California

In 1997, greenhouse-produced transplants of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) exhibited stunting, yellowing of leaves, and lack of vigorous growth. Roots of affected plants had numerous small (2 to 10 mm long), brown lesions. Isolations from symptomatic roots onto acidified potato dextrose agar and TBM-V8 medium (1) consistently resulted in gray fungal colonies that formed catenulate, cylindrical, hyaline endoconidia and catenulate, subrectangular, thick-walled, dark aleuriospores. The fungus was identified as Thielaviopsis basicola (Berk. & Broome) Ferraris based on colony characteristics and conidial morphology. Pathogenicity was tested by producing endoconidial suspensions of representative isolates and applying them as root drenches to 2-month-old tomato (cv. Early Girl) plants in soil-less, peat-based potting mix. Sterile, distilled water was applied to control plants. After 14 days in a greenhouse, symptoms similar to those originally observed developed and the pathogen was reisolated from lesions on the roots. Control plants developed no disease symptoms. The test was repeated and the results were similar. This is the first documentation of black root rot caused by T. basicola on tomato transplants in California. Disease incidence reached as high as 50 to 60% in certain plantings. Reference: (1) J. N. C. Maduewesi et al. Phytopathology 66:526, 1976.
Product multi-lag high-order ambiguity function for blind equalization of polynomial phase signals

Blind equalization of multi-component polynomial phase signals (mc-PPS) may arise due to multipath propagation in mobile communications. Using the multi-lag high-order ambiguity function, an algorithm is proposed to estimate the parameters of PPS and FIR channel coefficients. Performance analysis is carried out and Cramer-Rao bounds are compared with simulation results.
Logistic regression of family data from retrospective study designs

We wish to study the effects of genetic and environmental factors on disease risk, using data from families ascertained because they contain multiple cases of the disease. To do so, we must account for the way participants were ascertained, and for within-family correlations in both disease occurrences and covariates. We model the joint probability distribution of the covariates of ascertained family members, given family disease occurrence and pedigree structure. We describe two such covariate models: the random effects model and the marginal model. Both models assume a logistic form for the distribution of one person's covariates that involves a vector beta of regression parameters. The components of beta in the two models have different interpretations, and they differ in magnitude when the covariates are correlated within families. We describe ascertainment assumptions needed to estimate consistently the parameters beta(RE) in the random effects model and the parameters beta(M) in the marginal model. Under the ascertainment assumptions for the random effects model, we show that conditional logistic regression (CLR) of matched family data gives a consistent estimate beta(RE) for beta(RE) and a consistent estimate for the covariance matrix of beta(RE). Under the ascertainment assumptions for the marginal model, we show that unconditional logistic regression (ULR) gives a consistent estimate for beta(M), and we give a consistent estimator for its covariance matrix. The random effects/CLR approach is simple to use and to interpret, but it can use data only from families containing both affected and unaffected members. The marginal/ULR approach uses data from all individuals, but its variance estimates require special computations. A C program to compute these variance estimates is available at http://www.stanford.edu/dept/HRP/epidemiology. We illustrate these pros and cons by application to data on the effects of parity on ovarian cancer risk in mother/daughter pairs, and use simulations to study the performance of the estimates.
Effect of Different Feeding Strategies on Production and Economic Returns for Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Raised in Earthen Ponds in a Temperate Climate

Abstract This study compared the current recommended technology of “phase-feeding” diets, increasing in nutrient density as the relative prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, biomass increased, compared to feeding a steam-pelleted, practical diet containing 32% protein throughout the entire production period. Two treatments were evaluated. Treatment 1 was phase-feeding where prawn were fed unpelleted distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) for the first four weeks; fed a steam-pelleted prawn diet containing 28% protein for weeks 5-12; and fed an extruded marine shrimp diet containing 40% protein for weeks 13-18. In Treatment 2, prawn were fed a 28%-protein, steam-pelleted diet throughout the entire 18-week production period. Feeding rates in both treatments were based on a feeding table. There were three replicate 0.02-ha ponds for each treatment. All ponds were stocked at 87,500/ha and were provided with artificial substrate in the form of polyethylene “safety fence” oriented vertically at a rate to increase ...
A best practice for assessment in counterinsurgency

In September 2011, the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan directed the Afghan Assessment Group to redesign the way in which ISAF was assessing the status of the war, and to be ‘revolutionary’ in so doing. The resulting assessment paradigm was novel, non-doctrinal, and effectively addressed the unique complexities of the counterinsurgency in Afghanistan and the needs of the ISAF Commander. It had a two-tier structure consisting of both strategic and campaign assessments. The former focused on answering a set of strategic questions in narrative, analytic form to address the strategic environment, while the latter used a set of standards and accompanying narrative responses to gauge accomplishment of campaign tasks. Both tiers captured the current state of the war while maintaining an eye on future challenges and opportunities. The two assessments and their associated processes were designed to stimulate discussions leading directly to decisions by senior leaders o...
Gerrymandering in personnel selection: A review of practice

Abstract Gerrymandering personnel selection systems is defined as those practices explicitly intended to improve the outcomes of individual applicants or groups of applicants to the detriment of other individuals and groups. Gerrymandering can serve a variety of purposes, such as enhancing demographic diversity, rewarding political allies, or giving hiring preference to specific individuals. This paper reviews eleven strategies for gerrymandering personnel selection systems. The strategies fall into three categories of decisions: decisions in choosing or designing personnel selection tools; decisions in scoring personnel selection tools; decisions in selecting among passing applicants. Perspectives on the appropriateness and ethics of gerrymandering are then reviewed.
The preservation of larger fungi by freeze-drying†

A method is described for drying toadstools directly, in a high vacuum, from the frozen state. The dried specimens are stable on re-exposure to the air and, with few exceptions, retain their natural form and colour.
An exploratory study of trauma and religious factors in predicting drinking outcomes in African American sexual assault survivors

This exploratory study examined the relationships between religious factors, trauma histories and life satisfaction to alcohol-related outcomes in adult sexual assault survivors. A mail survey was administered to a community sample of African American survivors (N = 836) in the Chicago metropolitan area. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that for non-religious women, interpersonal trauma was related to greater frequency of heavy drinking. For moderately religious women, interpersonal and contextual traumas were related to more frequent heavy drinking. For highly religious women, religious coping was related to less frequent heavy drinking. Implications are drawn for research and treatment of female survivors. Language: en
Enterococci highly resistant to penicillin and ampicillin: an emerging clinical problem?

Sixteen clinical isolates of ampicillin-resistant enterococci (ARE) were recovered from the microbiology laboratory of a 450-bed rehabilitation medical center from January 1981 to September 1987. These isolates were detected when a disk diffusion test using 10 micrograms of ampicillin on a blood agar plate revealed no zones of inhibition. Tube macrodilution tests yielded an MIC of greater than or equal to 16 micrograms of ampicillin per ml. None of the isolates were penicillinase producers by the chromogenic cephalosporin disk test. Ten isolates were Enterococcus faecium, four isolates were E. raffinosus, one isolate was E. gallinarum, and one isolate was not identified (lost). There were 6 male and 10 female patients. The sources of isolates were urine (n = 7), wound (n = 5), ascitic fluid (n = 2), blood (n = 2), peritoneal catheter tip (n = 1), Bartholin9s cyst abscess (n = 1), rectal swab (n = 2), and pancreatic abscess (n = 1). The organism was isolated from multiple sites in 4 patients, was a pure culture isolate in 5 patients, and was part of a polymicrobial flora in 11 patients. Six patients were diabetic, and four had liver cirrhosis. All but four patients had received at least one antibiotic within 3 weeks of ARE isolation. The MICs (micrograms per milliliter) for 50 and 90% of isolates tested, respectively, were as follows: ampicillin, 64 and 64; penicillin, 128 and greater than 128; vancomycin, 1 and 2; gentamicin, 4 and 16; ciprofloxacin, 1.6 and 3.2; imipenem, 128 and greater than 128; and daptomycin (LY146032), 1.6 and 6.4. ARE may be an emerging pathogen in the hospitalized patient population.
Radiation experiments on children at the Fernald and Wrentham schools: lessons for protocols in human subject research.

abstract The Massachusetts Task Force on Human Subject Research has so far been the only serious attempt to investigate radiation experiments on humans. No other federal, state or private agency has looked at a specific experiment in detail. The President's Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments (ACHRE) provided an overview of the entire nationwide research project, but without a thorough evaluation of any single experiment. The Massachusetts Task Force examined a group of experiments using institutionalized children at two state facilities, the Fernald and Wrentham schools, from 1943 to 1973. The experiments were performed under supervision by scientists at Harvard and MIT, and were funded by several federal agencies. The Task Force found that these experiments were conducted according to the ethical and protocol standard of their day. This did not prevent the Task Force from judging that the experiments violated human rights, and recommending apology and compensation to the victims.
Searching for a Theory: The Journey from Explanation to Revolution

It's a terrible thing to be a doctoral student without a theory. It's even worse when you've never wanted one. I first recognized the symptoms of theory-avoidance during my BSW program. They all seemed so philosophical, so esoteric, so, you know . . . theoretical. I remember thinking about the vast space between my text books on theory and my vision of social work — I longed for revolution, not explanation. During my MSW program, I filled my schedule with classes on women's issues, feminist practice, and empowerment. While I'm sure we talked about theory, I can't say I remember it well.
Measuring the Extent of Prejudicial Pretrial Publicity in Major American Newspapers: A Content Analysis

Une analyse de contenu a ete realisee pour 14 journaux americains sur une periode de huit semaines afin de mesurer dans quelle proportion les declarations potentiellement prejudiciables, telles qu'elles sont repertoriees par l'American Bar Association (ABA, 1983), sont rapportees dans les articles traitant de la criminalite et des prevenus. Sont egalement examinees les sources responsables de cette publicite aupres de la presse. Les resultats ont montre que plus d'un quart des suspects decrits dans les articles sont identifies comme problematiques, et ce en rapport avec les informations specifiquement prevues par l'ABA. Les fonctionnaires charges de la mise en application des lois et les procureurs etaient le plus souvent les sources de ces informations. Les resultats sont discutes en termes de consequences pour ces effets de publicite nuisible sur le processus de prise de decision du jury et pour l'efficacite des recours juridiques
Ascites and Hepatorenal Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Management

Ascites, a late manifestation of cirrhosis of the liver, causes increased morbidity and mortality. The reninangiotensin-aldosterone system, the sympathetic nervous system, and arginine vasopressin are responsible for sodium and water retention in patients with cirrhosis. Fluid localizes to the peritoneal cavity mainly as a result of portal hypertension. Recent developments in the understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of ascites include the role of inadequate renal prostaglandin production in the development of the hepatorenal syndrome and the possible role of nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of the renal complications of cirrhosis. The aim of medical therapy is to achieve a negative sodium balance and, consequently, fluid loss. Large-volume paracentesis is safe and effective in the management of tense ascites, but use of diuretic agents should be continued to prevent reaccumulation of ascites. Liver transplantation, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, or LeVeen shunts should be considered in selected patients with persistent ascites. In patients with diuretic-resistant or diuretic-refractory a ascites, a thorough assessment must be performed to exclude potentially reversible causes. The hepatorenal syndrome has an associated grave prognosis, especially in patients who are not candidates for liver transplantation.
A closed form expression for an efficient class of quadrature mirror filters and its FIR approximation

We find a simple closed form expression for an efficient class of Quadrature Mirror Filters (QMF's) by exploiting the inherent symmetry of the QMF property. We derive a simple rule of thumb to calculate the maximum feasible frequency selectivity of the filter for a given number N of filter taps. We show that, for even n, the frequency selectivity of a 2n+1 or 2n tap filter can be increased if and only if the number of taps is increased by at least 4. Most existing QMF's closely match the derived analytical expression as well as verify the results on frequency selectivity. We obtain FIR implementations of the aforementioned analytical expression by using the Remez allocation algorithm. We choose weighting functions that confine the error to the intersection of the transition band and the stop band of the filter, as well as force the magnitude of the passband ripple to be much lower than that of the stopband ripple. We make such a choice in order to optimally satisfy the power complementarity condition as well as to attain high stop band attenuation. Our implementations match existing designs in performance.
Standing (K)in: Street Youth and Street Relatedness in South Africa

In this article I examine the social attachments of youth living on the streets of Durban, South Africa. I investigate their interactions with one another as friends, kin, and conjugal lovers. As such, I draw attention to the variability and creativity of youth fellowships in the city. My analysis derives from the ethnographic case of Point Place, a condemned apartment complex located in the city center of Durban. Up to a hundred street youth reside here, males and females between the ages of 14 to 29 years. From their narratives of daily survival, I highlight the possible commensalities of the streets. I show how street youth, as articulated in isiZulu, “stand for each other” (ukumelana), not necessarily in violent or coercive formations but in supportive and cooperative companionships. I show how state officials, too, recognize the resourcefulness of these intra-generational relations. For they allow the Point Place youth “to stand” (ukuma) not only as friends but also as kin, particularly in times of difficulty and distress. With this case study I highlight the critical linkages of belonging on the streets, framed by institutional forces yet also by the interpersonal subjectivities of youth who imaginatively negotiate their relatedness to one another and in the process, their standing in South African society.
CORONARY CIRCULATION AND THE TAIL OF FIRST-PASS INDICATOR DILUTION CURVES.

In a series of canine heart-lung preparations, single-pass indicator dilution curves were obtained with and without cannulation of the coronary sinus. Further evidence was obtained that the tails of the curves are significantly elevated above the tails predicted from the simple one-dimensional random-walk relation. To provide estimates of the contributions which dye circulating through the coronaries might make to the tails, curves were obtained in the same preparation with and without cannulation, and at high and low mean arterial pressure. A method was developed for cannulation which permitted sampling through an exterior low-resistance cannula system which was secured in the coronary sinus without producing serious obstruction of the coronary sinus tributaries or interference with the conduction system. Although the classical exponential down-slope gave better agreement than the random-walk relation, the experimental curves were frequently elevated and prolonged when compared to the exponential curve. The difference in area amounted to approximately 4.5%. In experiments at high mean arterial pressure without bypass of coronary dye the tail was significantly higher on the average by 3% compared to the tail in the same preparation with bypass at low pressure. Estimating that 60 to 70% of coronary dye would be successfully bypassed, the total coronary contribution to the tail of 4 to 5% of dye on the average is not sufficient to account for the excess of experimental tails over random-walk curves.
Breast, chest wall, and nodal irradiation with prone set-up: Results of a hypofractionated trial with a median follow-up of 35 months.

Abstract Purpose To test clinical feasibility, safety, and toxicity of prone hypofractionated breast, chest wall, and nodal radiation therapy. Methods and materials Following either segmental or total mastectomy with axillary node dissection, patients were treated in an institutional review board–approved prospective trial of prone radiation therapy to the breast, chest wall, and supraclavicular and level III axillary lymph nodes. A dose of 40.5 Gy/15 fractions with a concomitant daily boost to the tumor bed of 0.5 Gy (total dose, 48 Gy) was prescribed. In postmastectomy patients, the same treatment was prescribed, but without a tumor bed boost. The primary endpoint was incidence of >grade 2 acute skin toxicity. The secondary endpoints were feasibility of treatment using prone set-up, compliance with protocol-defined dosimetric constraints, and incidence of late toxicity. A dosimetric comparison was performed between protocol plans (prone) and nonprotocol plans (supine), targeting the same treatment volumes. Results Sixty-nine patients with stage IB-IIIA breast cancer enrolled in this trial. Surgery was segmental mastectomy (n = 45), mastectomy (n = 23), and bilateral mastectomy (n = 1), resulting in 70 cases. None experienced >grade 2 acute skin toxicity according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, v 3.0, meeting our primary endpoint. Ninety-six percent of patients could be treated with this technique prone. However, 17 plans (24%) exceeded protocol constraints to the brachial plexus. Maximum long-term toxicity was 1 grade 2 arm lymphedema, 1 grade 3 breast retraction, and no occurrence of brachial plexopathy. Dosimetric comparison of protocol with nonprotocol plans demonstrated significantly decreased lung and heart doses in prone plans. Conclusions Prone hypofractionated breast, chest wall, and nodal radiation therapy is safe and well tolerated in this study. Although the initial pattern of local and regional control is encouraging, longer follow-up is warranted for efficacy and late toxicity assessment, particularly to the brachial plexus.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Practices among Asian and Pacific Islander Women in the United States, 1994–1997

Recent studies suggest that Asian and Pacific Islander women in the United States may underuse cancer screening tests. We examined the breast and cervical cancer screening practices of 6048 Asian and Pacific Islander women in 49 states from 1994 through 1997 using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. About 71.7%[ 95% confidence interval (CI), 66.3–77.0%] of women in this sample aged ≥50 years had a mammogram in the past 2 years, and 69.5% (95% CI, 63.9–75.1%) had a clinical breast exam in the past 2 years. About 73.7% (95% CI, 71.3–76.0%) of women aged ≥18 years who had not undergone a hysterectomy had a Papanicolaou test in the past 3 years. Women with health insurance and those who had seen a physician in the past year were more likely to have been screened. These results underscore the need for continued efforts to ensure that Asian and Pacific Islander women who are medically underserved, including those without health insurance, have access to cancer screening services.
Ergodic Process Selection

Let \(\{ ({{X}_{i}},{{Y}_{i}})\} _{{i = 1}}^{\infty }\) be a jointly ergodic stationary stochastic process. Define a selection function \({{\delta }_{n}}:{{X}^{{n - 1}}} \times {{Y}^{{n - 1}}} \to \{ 0,1\} ,n = 1,2, \ldots\) We wish to maximize $$\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {\mathop{{\lim }}\limits_{{n \to \infty }} \frac{1}{n}\sum\limits_{{i = 1}}^{n} {({{\delta }_{i}}({{X}_{1}}, \ldots ,{{X}_{{i - 1}}},{{Y}_{1}},{{Y}_{2}}, \ldots ,{{Y}_{{i - 1}}}){{X}_{i}}} } \hfill \\ { + (1 - {{\delta }_{i}}({{X}_{1}}, \ldots ,{{X}_{{i - 1}}},{{Y}_{1}}, \ldots ,{{Y}_{{i - 1}}})){{Y}_{i}})} \hfill \\ \end{array}$$ over all selection functions. Thus δi chooses either Xi or Y i to add to the running average.
Regulation of Adenosine Diphosphate Glucose Synthase from Escherichia coli INTERACTIONS OF ADENYLATE ENERGY CHARGE AND MODIFIER CONCENTRATIONS

The adenosine diphosphate glucose synthase (pyrophosphorylase) of Escherichia coli responds very sharply to variation in the energy charge of the adenylate pool. The response is in the right direction to insure that this enzyme, which catalyzes the first step unique to glycogen storage in E. coli, will have appreciable activity only under conditions of energy excess (high energy charge). The positive response to high energy charge is strongly enhanced by reduced triphosphopyridine nucleotide, fructose 1,6-diphosphate, 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde, and phosphoenolpyruvate. High concentrations of these metabolites seem appropriate as signals for energy storage.
Emerging Markets in Water: A Comparative Institutional Analysis of the Central Valley and Colorado-Big Thompson Projects

Water trading is a potential means to improve the productivity of developed water supplies and reconcile competing uses. Economic theory suggests that markets evolve in response to changes in supply and demand. This prediction is at odds with observed disparities in the pace of market development in regions facing similar pressures on scarce water resources. A dramatic example of this disparity is found in the regions served by the California Central Valley Project and the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. This article argues that the differences in market activity in the two areas can be explained largely by the underlying water allocation institutions. The article identifies key institutional features that affect the transaction costs of water trading and examines the roots of the institutional differences. The institutions governing market transactions today are largely a function of pre-existing property rights and political battles to build consensus and obtain federal financing for the projects. The article highlights the path-dependent nature of water allocation institutions and trading, but also suggests that complex inter-regional markets could still develop in California given ever-increasing competition for scarce water resources and advances in information technology that lower market transaction costs.
Tracheal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) metastatic to the skin in a patient on a checkpoint inhibitor.

Tracheal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an extremely rare cancer, with an incidence of fewer than 10 cases diagnosed in the United States annually.1 To our knowledge and after extensive literature searching in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase databases for published English-language articles, this is the first report of tracheal SCC metastatic to the skin. Our patient was participating in an antibody-blocking interaction with programmed death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) checkpoint inhibitor trial, which may or may not have contributed to his metastatic disease.
Evidence for marine origin and microbial-viral habitability of sub-zero hypersaline aqueous inclusions within permafrost near Barrow, Alaska

Cryopegs are sub-surface hypersaline brines at sub-zero temperatures within permafrost; their global extent and distribution are unknown. The permafrost barrier to surface and groundwater advection maintains these brines as semi-isolated systems over geological time. A cryopeg 7 m below ground near Barrow, Alaska, was sampled for geochemical and microbiological analysis. Sub-surface brines (in situtemperature of -6 °C, salinity of 115 ppt), and an associated sediment-infused ice wedge (melt salinity of 0.04 ppt) were sampled using sterile technique. Major ionic concentrations in the brine corresponded more closely to other (Siberian) cryopegs than to Standard seawater or the ice wedge. Ionic ratios and stable isotope analysis of water conformed to a marine or brackish origin with subsequent Rayleigh fractionation. The brine contained ∼1000× more bacteria than surrounding ice, relatively high viral numbers suggestive of infection and reproduction, and an unusually high ratio of particulate to dissolved extracellular polysaccharide substances. A viral metagenome indicated a high frequency of temperate viruses and limited viral diversity compared to surface environments, with closest similarity to low water activity environments. Interpretations of the results underscore the isolation of these underexplored microbial ecosystems from past and present oceans.
A Fume Ventilator for Dissecting Microscopes

Physical discomfort arising from close and prolonged contact with volatile reagents used in preparing specimens of small arthropods for microscope study may be minimized by employing this portable ventilator to exhaust irritating fumes from the stage area of a dissecting microscope (Fig. 1). This ventilator was developed during studies (Goeden et al. 1967) in which phenol, glacial acetic acid, xylene, and tetrahydrofuran were used to prepare a large series of permanent slide mounts of Dactylopius spp. (Hemiptera-Homoptera: Coccidae) by a technique described by Wilkey (1962).
Ultinite Mechanical Properties of Polymer Fibers a Theoretical Approach

A stochastic Monte-Carlo approach, based on the kinetic theory of fracture, has been used to study the axial maximum tensile strength of polymer fibers. The approach is entirely microscopic and the inhomogenous distribution of the external stress among atomic bonds near the chain ends is explicitly taken into account. Both primary and secondary bonds are assumed to break during fracture of the polymer fiber. The approach has been applied to perfectly oriented and ordered polyethylene and poly(p-phenylene-terephthalamide) fibers. The influence of the molecular weight, temperature ard strain rate on the axial tensile properties are presented.
Evaluation of Powered Screwdriver Design Characteristics

This study investigated the physical characteristics of powered screwdrivers that affect the operator's productivity, occupational health, and quality of working life. The study was divided into two phases. The first phase evaluated the effect of grip diameter on the effort required to use the tool. The second phase evaluated two devices that can be attached to the tool and are intended to reduce operator effort and the potential for injury. The results illustrated that the diameter of the grip has an influence on the operator. The recommendations are counter to the common assumption made by industrial tool engineers that smaller tools are easier on the user. The results of the second phase illustrated that the tool attachments have merit with respect to the reduction of operator effort. The conclusions are important for both designers and users of powered tools.
An analysis of a Hackberry–American Elm–green Ash forest type at Moser Park, Allen County, Indiana

Abstract Moser Park is a property in Allen County, Indiana, managed by New Haven Parks and Recreation. We conducted a plant survey within the forested section of the park, identifying and quantifying abundance of understory, midstory, and overstory plants. We calculated species richness and Shannon's index for all three strata and tested for relationships with environmental variables (i.e., canopy cover, soil compaction, litter depth, and light availability). The majority of understory species are typically associated with disturbed habitats, with very little resemblance to natural, pre-settlement habitat (i.e., low coefficient of conservation values). Understory cover was dominated by Rubus allegheniensis. Midstory stratum was less diverse than the understory and was dominated by an abundance of Fraxinus pennsylvanica, which was also an important species in the overstory. The forest at Moser Park matched the Hackberry–American Elm–Green Ash forest type. There was a lack of both Quercus and many Acer spec...
Chemical Simulations of Prebiotic Molecules: Interstellar Ethanimine Isomers

The E- and Z-isomers of ethanimine (CH3CHNH) were recently detected toward the star-forming region Sagittarius (Sgr) B2(N) using the Green Bank Telescope PRIMOS cm-wave spectral data, and imaged by the Australia Telescope Compact Array. Ethanimine is not reported in the hot cores of Sgr B2, but only in gas that absorbs at +64 and +82 km s−1 in the foreground of continuum emission generated by H ii regions. The ethanimine isomers can serve as precursors of the amino acid alanine and may play important roles in forming biological molecules in the interstellar medium. Here we present a study of the chemistry of ethanimine using a gas-grain simulation based on rate equations, with both isothermal and warm-up conditions. In addition, the density, kinetic temperature, and cosmic ray ionization rate have been varied. For a variety of physical conditions in the warm-up models for Sgr B2(N) and environs, the simulations show reasonable agreement with observationally obtained abundances. Isothermal models of translucent clouds along the same line of sight yield much lower abundances, so that ethanimine would be much more difficult to detect in these sources despite the fact that other complex molecules have been detected there.
Treatment progression in sulfonylurea and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor cohorts of type 2 diabetes patients on metformin.

Background Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) widely used as first-line therapy in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatments. Numerous treatment pathways after metformin failure exist. It is important to understand how treatment choices influence subsequent therapy progressions. This retrospective study compares adherence to, persistence with, and treatment progression in sulfonylurea (SU) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor patient cohorts with T2D on metformin.
Protección Social Con Enfoque De Derechos Para La América Latina Del Siglo XXI (Rights-Based Social Protection for 21st Century Latin America)

Spanish Abstract: Desde comienzos del siglo xxi, las politicas de proteccion social en America Latina han tenido un importante desarrollo, que ha resultado en la ampliacion de la inversion publica social y la cobertura poblacional de las prestaciones. Muchas de las reformas de las politicas y la formulacion de nuevos programas se relacionan de manera creciente con una vision que promueve la realizacion de los derechos economicos y sociales de todos los ciudadanos y las ciudadanas, y que avanza la agenda de la igualdad que se esta instalando en la region. En este articulo se argumenta a favor de la adopcion de un enfoque de derechos en la proteccion social, tanto por su valor etico y normativo como por su valor instrumental, especialmente en relacion con la superacion de la pobreza y el mejoramiento del bienestar de toda la poblacion. Se hace en particular un llamado a seguir construyendo el Estado de bienestar, no obstante, el complejo escenario economico actual.English Abstract: Since the beginning of the 21st Century, the significant progress of social protection policies in Latin America has resulted in higher social public investment and broader population coverage. Many of the policy reforms and the formulation of new programmes relate in a growing manner to a vision promoting the realization of the economic and social rights of all citizens, which fosters the equality agenda in the region. This article argues in favour of the adoption of the rights based approach to social protection, both for its ethical and normative value as well as for its instrumental value, especially with respect to overcoming poverty and improving the population’s welfare. In particular, it calls for the continuation of efforts to build the welfare state, notwithstanding the current complex economic scenario.
An Equal-space Algorithm for Block-mesh Improvement

Abstract A simple smoothing algorithm is proposed for general block-structured meshes. The basic method converts a multi-dimensional problem of mesh-smoothing to a set of one-dimensional problems of length-measurement (or similar geometrical operations). The method is robust, easy to implement, and provides nearly uniform spacing between mesh surfaces. Variations with special features to the basic algorithm are also briefly described. A successive-over-relaxation (SOR) operation can be applied to some of the variations and achieve a convergence rate several times higher than traditional methods.
Role of nutrients and mTOR signaling in the regulation of pancreatic progenitors development

Objective Poor fetal nutrition increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in the offspring at least in part by reduced embryonic β-cell growth and impaired function. However, it is not entirely clear how fetal nutrients and growth factors impact β-cells during development to alter glucose homeostasis and metabolism later in life. The current experiments aimed to test the impact of fetal nutrients and growth factors on endocrine development and how these signals acting on mTOR signaling regulate β-cell mass and glucose homeostasis.
Assessing the effectiveness of expert teams

The earliest literature concerning collective judgment consistently indicated that groupings of experts should be expected to outperform their average member, but there is little evidence available to suggest that the quality of collective judgment is substantially improved by any particular method of aggregation (Rohrbaugh, 1979, 1981). Fischer (1981) has concluded: From a practical standpoint it makes little or no difference how one aggregates the conflicting opinions of experts. Any reasonable approach is likely to be as good as any other.
Host Responses to Pathogen Priming in a Natural Songbird Host.

Hosts in free-living populations can experience substantial variation in the frequency and dose of pathogen exposure, which can alter disease progression and protection from future exposures. In the house finch–Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) system, the pathogen is primarily transmitted via bird feeders, and some birds may be exposed to frequent low doses of MG while foraging. Here we experimentally determined how low dose, repeated exposures of house finches to MG influence host responses and protection from secondary high-dose challenge. MG-naive house finches were given priming exposures that varied in dose and total number. After quantifying host responses to priming exposures, all birds were given a secondary high-dose challenge to assess immunological protection. Dose, but not the number of exposures, significantly predicted both infection and disease severity following priming exposure. Furthermore, individuals given higher priming doses showed stronger protection upon secondary, high-dose challenge. However, even single low-dose exposures to MG, a proxy for what some birds likely experience in the wild while feeding, provided significant protection against a high-dose challenge. Our results suggest that bird feeders, which serve as sources of infection in the wild, may in some cases act as “immunizers,” with important consequences for disease dynamics.
Offerings as Digitalized Interactive Platforms: A Conceptual Framework and Implications

AbstractIn an age of digitalized interactions, offerings are no longer “finished” in the traditional sense; creation of value continues by engaging actors (often consumers and their associated social networks) interacting with organizing actors (often firms and their associated organizational ecosystem) in a joint space of interactive system-environments. One can think of the Apple Watch NikePlus (AWNP) offering in which the consumer co-creates valuable experienced outcomes with a mix of applications, touchpoints, and uses, while AWNP and its organizing actors co-create environments with consumers. Actors increasingly find themselves in such a joint enactment of interactional value creation, through offerings as evolving digitalized networked arrangements of artifacts, persons, processes, and interfaces, which the authors refer to as a Digitalized Interactive Platform (DIP). This implies a broader view of value creation—one in which value is created through interactions, versus one where value is simply t...
The theatricality of eating in the life of St. Francis of Assisi

AbstractI examine the role of food, eating, and meals in the life of St. Francis of Assisi. I observe that his experience significantly differs from that of the female fasting saints. I show that h...
Nondestructive Evaluation of Fiber Composite Laminates by Thermoelastic Emission

During the rapid cyclic loading of a structure (≥ .5 Hz), the cyclic variation of surface temperature can be measured with infrared radiometry. The temperature variation is related to the reversible, adlabatic deformation of the material. Adiabatic thermography differs from disslpative thermography, where temperature variations are associated primarily with dissipated energy rather than stored energy. The radiometer system used in the present investigation is capable of resolving local stresses that reflect global stress distributions and macroscopic variations in material properties, including flaws and damage. The present paper emphasizes fundamental aspects of the technique for the nondestructive evaluation of fiber-reinforced composite laminates.