cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Epidemiology of Peace and War

Epidemiology is a relatively advanced discipline which offers theories and methods that may be useful in helping us better understand peace and war. Similarities between peace and health, war and disease, center in concern with preservation and extension of human life, on the one hand, and prevention of physical damage and death, on the other. The epidemiological model suggests that description of peace and war should move toward an integrated definition which includes both broad and narrow dimensions. Standard measures of morbidity and mortality, and the distinction between endemic and epidemic configurations of disease, can help specify patterns of peace and war. Attempts to explain peace and war should not focus on a possible single primary agent. Instead, they should try to identify a system of multiple interrelated causes, including social, biological, and physical dimensions of the environment, as well as rational and irrational aspects of decision making. Prediction should include prognoses of the natural course of wars in general and of particular wars, as well as the identification of nations at high risk of war. Prescription implies intensive care in acute cases, positive alteration of chronic risk factors, and an experimental perspective.
Justifying knowledge management investments

One of the most perplexing problems in Knowledge Management today is how to build business cases for KM projects. Although it is argued that knowledge itself cannot be measured, this article describes the sometimes creative methods companies are using to cost justify KM projects before they are undertaken and gauge their benefits once they are underway. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Cornwallis Emmanuel Ltd.
Developing a synchronous web seminar application for online learning

Many higher education institutions are searching for cost effective tools for the delivery of a feature rich, synchronous online learning environment. While there are commercially viable web conferencing products available to enhance the online education experience, they tend to be cost prohibitive and are constrained by software and network limitations. Some universities have invested in products such as iLinc, Centra, and Horizon Live, but many academic institutions that would benefit from these products simply cannot afford them.Rowan University is currently developing a synchronous, online web conferencing application that delivers all the features of similar commercial products without the exorbitant price tag. The Rowan Virtual Meeting (RVM) System is built on Macromedia Flash Communication Server technology; a programming platform that is operating system independent, requires very little overhead to run, and has a one-time cost associated with it that is nominal compared to the cost of the available commercial web conferencing products. Using the RVM system requires no more than a computer that has Macromedia Flash Player installed and an Internet connection. Both students and faculty can participate in a synchronous, media driven online experience using audio, video, slide shows, white boards, application sharing, and more. Rowan is currently beta testing the RVM application both on and off campus.This paper will discuss the development, implementation, and the future direction of the Rowan Virtual Meeting system, and how it will be used synergistically with asynchronous applications such as WebCT and Blackboard to provide a more interactive online experience for students.
Capsulectomy of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints

From July 1975, through March, 1978, 105 metacarpophalangeal joint capsulectomies in 37 patients, 47 dorsal proximal interphalangeal (PIP) capsulectomies in 26 patients, and 65 volar PIP capsulectomies in 41 patients were performed. The procedures were done after conservative methods had failed, and the results were tabulated in each area by diagnostic category. In the major group in which stiffness resulted from fracture and crushing injuries, average gains of 13° to 18° of active motion were achieved, with a change in arc of motion, while nerve paralysis patients did substantially better. The study should clarify expectations from the procedure; functional gains may still be significant.
Mechanism of interaction between the general anesthetic halothane and a model ion channel protein, II: Fluorescence and vibrational spectroscopy using a cyanophenylalanine probe.

We demonstrate that cyano-phenylalanine (PheCN) can be utilized to probe the binding of the inhalational anesthetic halothane to an anesthetic-binding, model ion channel protein hbAP-PheCN. The Trp to PheCN mutation alters neither the α-helical conformation nor the 4-helix bundle structure. The halothane binding properties of this PheCN mutant hbAP-PheCN, based on fluorescence quenching, are consistent with those of the prototype, hbAP1. The dependence of fluorescence lifetime as a function of halothane concentration implies that the diffusion of halothane in the nonpolar core of the protein bundle is one-dimensional. As a consequence, at low halothane concentrations, the quenching of the fluorescence is dynamic, whereas at high concentrations the quenching becomes static. The 4-helix bundle structure present in aqueous detergent solution and at the air-water interface, is preserved in multilayer films of hbAP-PheCN, enabling vibrational spectroscopy of both the protein and its nitrile label (-CN). The nitrile groups' stretching vibration band shifts to higher frequency in the presence of halothane, and this blue-shift is largely reversible. Due to the complexity of this amphiphilic 4-helix bundle model membrane protein, where four PheCN probes are present adjacent to the designed cavity forming the binding site within each bundle, all contributing to the infrared absorption, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is required to interpret the infrared results. The MD simulations indicate that the blue-shift of -CN stretching vibration induced by halothane arises from an indirect effect, namely an induced change in the electrostatic protein environment averaged over the four probe oscillators, rather than a direct interaction with the oscillators. hbAP-PheCN therefore provides a successful template for extending these investigations of the interactions of halothane with the model membrane protein via vibrational spectroscopy, using cyano-alanine residues to form the anesthetic binding cavity.
Semiparametric shape-invariant models for periodic data

This article presents a novel shape-invariant modeling approach to quasi-periodic data. We propose a dynamic semiparametric method that estimates the common cycle shape in a nonparametric way and the individual phase and amplitude variability in a parametric way. An efficient algorithm to compute the estimators is proposed. The behavior of the estimators is studied by simulation and by a real-data example.
Structural characterization of III-nitrides using electron microscopy

Electron microscopy methods have been used in recent collaborative studies to investigate the defect microstructure of III-nitride materials and devices. An approach based on convergent beam diffraction allowed the elemental composition of pseudomorphic InGaN/GaN quantum well structures to be determined on the nanometer scale. Indium compositional fluctuations in InGaN quantum wells caused local electric field inhomogeneities that seemed to be more pronounced near the onset of InGaN layer growth, suggesting strain relaxation as a strong contributing factor.. Relaxed InN quantum dots were invariably associated with threading dislocations in the underlying GaN buffer layer, and the interfacial misfit was accommodated by periodic dislocation arrays. Lateral phase separation in InAlN/GaN heterostructures possibly originating from misfit-strain relaxation at the heterointerface, resulted in the development of a vertical ‘honeycomb’ structure. The structural and electronic properties of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy have been correlated with the Al/N flux ratio during nucleation layer growth. Electron microscopy played a central role in contributing to the development of ferromagnetic Cr-doped nitride semiconductors.
Schedule-induced air licking in rats.

Abstract Food-deprived rats were given one 45-mg food pellet per minute during 90-min daily sessions, with water or an airstream available from a water tube. All rats developed the typical schedule-induced pattern of licking, and the rats with the airstream available licked about twice as much as those with water. Therefore schedule-induced polydipsia cannot be explained in terms of hypotheses which ascribe a crucial role to the mouth-wetting property of water.
Proportional design in L. B. Alberti's Tempio Malatestiano, Rimini

Systems of proportion provoked much controversy in the 1950s. Recent research has moved away from the study of musical theory, to that of number. Applying Classical arithmetic techniques to analyze Alberti's Tempio Malatestiano, this paper demonstrates that its design corresponds to Alberti's system based on geometrical features of the cube depicting ‘natural relationships that cannot be defined as numbers’. For today's practitioners, the paper asserts that architectural works are geometric constructs and reminds them that CAD is based on the arithmeticization of geometry.
Vitamin B12. The absorption of 57Co or 60Co-B12 by the laying hen and mature rooster.

Abstract YACOWITZ et al. (1952) demonstrated that eggs from the same hen showed remarkable individuality with respect to their content of vitamin B12. Eggs from individual hens depleted of vitamin B12 for one month contained from 0.77 to 4.06 millimicrograms of B12 per gram of egg yolk. Evans et al. (1955) also noted that individual hens differed in the ability to place vitamin B12 in their eggs. They also raised the question as to whether this reflected a difference in digestion, absorption, or metabolism of vitamin B12 by individual hens. The studies reported in this paper were conducted to gain information on the absorption and retention of 57 Co-B12 and 60 Co-B12 by laying hens and mature roosters and to determine the amounts of these tagged vitamins placed in eggs by laying hens. EXPERIMENTAL Twelve mature Single Comb White Leghorn chickens of each sex were utilized for this study. The animals were housed…
Natural history of superficial bladder tumors: 10- to 20-year follow-up of treated patients

Superficial bladder tumors (Ta, T1, Tis) account for 80% of primary bladder cancers. Transurethral resection and intravesical therapy are successful in controlling the majority of these tumors for up to 5 years. However, patients with multiple or recurrent Ta, T1 and Tis bladder cancer have a lifelong risk of developing stage progression and upper tract tumors. One-half are at risk of having cystectomy eventually and one-third are at risk over a 15-20 year period of dying of bladder cancer.
News Media Objectivity: How Do We Ask the Questions?

There is a lively and often public debate in progress concerning the objectivity of the news media, or the lack of it Scholars have approached this topic from three distinct angles: content analysis, values, and the economics of the news industry. Their conclusions have varied markedly, apparently guided by their particular frames of reference. This article suggests that while we seem to have lost our fix on objectivity as a measurable attribute of news products, the newswork routine of objectivity encourages fairness in our public discourse, and deserves attention in scholarly research.
Gastric outlet obstruction secondary to wandering spleen.

A 40-year-old healthy woman developed acute upper abdominal pain, sharp and unremitting, while eating lunch. The pain was followed by nausea and vomiting. On physical examination, the patient was uncomfortable, although in no acute distress. Her vital signs were stable, and her abdomen was softly distended, with mild epigastric tenderness. No masses were palpable, and rectal exam was guaiac negative. A nasogastric tube was inserted and drained a moderate amount of clear gastric fluid. Significant laboratory values were: white blood cell count, 19,300/μL; hemoglobin, 11 g/dL; amylase, 78 U/dL; and lipase, 330 U/L. A plain upright radiograph of the abdomen showed a dilated stomach and no free air. An abdominal computed tomography scan with oral and intravenous contrast was performed and revealed the spleen to be medial to a distended stomach, with no passage of gastric contrast beyond the stomach (Figure). These findings led to a diagnosis of gastric outlet obstruction caused by a wandering spleen. During an operation, it was found that the spleen and the tail of the pancreas had migrated through a defect in the greater omentum near the gastric fundus into the lesser sac. The proximal stomach was massively distended and edematous with petechiae. It was constricted at the junction between the body and the antrum. The pancreatic tail was edematous as well. There was no evidence of any splenocolic, splenorenal, or splenophrenic ligament. A splenectomy was carried out. A gastropexy was also performed by means of a decompressing gastrostomy. Postoperatively, the patient received pneumococcal and Hemophilus influenzae vaccines, and the remainder of her 5-day hospital course was uneventful. At the 3-month and the 1-year follow-up examinations, she remained asymptomatic.
Stresses and displacements around openings in rock containing an inelastic discontinuity

Abstract Finite element analyses were conducted to evaluate the significance of discontinuity stiffness and orientation on the resulting stresses and displacements around underground openings in rock containing a single, prominent, planar, elastic discontinuity. The results of these analyses showed that, as the discontinuity becomes softer, load transfer becomes more substantial, tension zones increase, normal and shear stresses on the discontinuity decrease, and displacements increase. These analyses further showed that, when the planes of the discontinuity and the initial in-situ maximum principal stress coincide, the discontinuity shear stresses are greatest, the discontinuity compression is least and the inward opening displacements are greatest for the 27 cases considered. It is therefore most important from an analysis standpoint to assess the orientation of the in-situ principal stresses with regard to the orientation of the discontinuity, and to evaluate the relative stiffness of the discontinuity.
Five Days of Whole-Bowel Irrigation in a Case of Pediatric Iron Ingestion

Abstract The maximum duration and volume of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG-ELS) that can be safely administered during whole-bowel irrigation of the poisoned patient are poorly defined. We present a case of a 33-month-old boy who ingested at least 160 mg/kg elemental iron and received 44.3 L of PEG-ELS (2,953 mL/kg) over 5 days because of the persistence of iron tablets in the gastrointestinal tract. The child remained clinically well after initiation of PEG-ELS therapy, and further significant iron absorption did not appear to occur. The rectal effluent cleared within 2 days of the start of PEG-ELS therapy despite the persistence of iron in the gastrointestinal tract as shown on radiography. No adverse effects resulted from the large volume or duration of the PEG-ELS therapy. This is the greatest reported volume of PEG-ELS to be used for whole-bowel irrigation in the treatment of a toxic ingestion. [Kaczorowski JM, Wax PM: Five days of whole-bowel irrigation in a case of pediatric iron ingestion. Ann Emerg Med February 1996;27:258-263.]
Geospatial analysis of management areas implemented for protection of the North Atlantic right whale along the northern Atlantic coast of the United States

Abstract The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is a critically endangered large whale species found in waters off the U.S. and Canadian Atlantic coasts. The primary human-caused threats are entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with vessels. Since 2002, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service has implemented both seasonally and dynamically managed protective zones where right whales occur to reduce these threats; Seasonal Area Management (SAM) and Dynamic Area Management (DAM) for the reduction of right whale entanglements with fishing gear, and Seasonal Management Areas (SMA) and Dynamic Management Areas (DMA) for reduction of vessel collisions. This paper analyzes the presence of frequent concentrations of right whales outside of SAM and SMA zones, represented by the spatial and temporal occurrence of DAMs and DMAs. A grid of 1 min×1 min squares was geospatially applied to locations of DAMs and DMAs from April 2002 through June 2011 and the number of management areas that intersected each 1 min square was populated. DAMs and DMAs were most highly concentrated along the central Gulf of Maine. Of the 131 DAMs and DMAs implemented, 97 (74.0%) intersected this area, and were primarily implemented from October through February. The results of this analysis will aid in consideration of possible modifications to the size and location of SMAs along the northern Atlantic coast of the U.S. and other management actions for the reduction of vessel collisions with right whales.
Proinflammatory cytokine production and insulin sensitivity regulated by overexpression of resistin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Resistin is secreted from adipocytes, and high circulating levels have been associated with obesity and insulin resistance. To investigate whether resistin could exert autocrine effects in adipocytes, we expressed resistin gene in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts using a lentiviral vector, and selected several stably-transduced cell lines under blasticidin selection. We observed that 3T3-L1 adipocytes expressing resistin have a decreased gene expression for related transcriptional factors (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α(C/EBPα) , peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and adipocyte lipid binding protein (ALBP/aP2) which is one of target genes for the PPARγ during adipocyte differentiation,. Overexpression of resistin increased the levels of three proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which play important roles for insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolisms during adipogenesis. Furthermore, overexpressing resistin in adipocytes inhibits glucose transport 4 (GLUT4) activity and its gene expression, reducing insulin's ability for glucose uptake by 30 %. In conclusion, resistin overexpression in stably transduced 3T3-L1 cells resulted in: 1) Attenuation of programmed gene expression responsible for adipogenesis; 2) Increase in expression of proinflammatory cytokines; 3) Decrease in insulin responsiveness of the glucose transport system. These data suggest a new role for resistin as an autocrine/paracrine factor affecting inflammation and insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue.
The impact of an adequate public facilities ordinance on the sale price of single-family housing in Cabarrus County, North Carolina

Hedonic modeling techniques and a difference-in-difference identification strategy were used in this study to examine the impact of an adequate public facilities ordinance (APFO) on the sale price of single-family housing in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Plans to increase development fees collected as part of this land-use regulation were found to put upward pressure on existing housing prices in the 30 month period immediately following the announced policy change. The results suggest that policy-makers evaluating the merits of APFOs must consider their desires to manage growth and maintain housing affordability when using this regulatory tool. These considerations appear to be very important when municipalities intend to use development fees to finance needed infrastructure improvements during periods of robust housing market demand, such as the one that existed in Cabarrus County in the mid-2000s.
Tolerances in setup and dosimetric errors in the radiation treatment of breast cancer

Abstract Purpose: Treatment failure in radiation therapy, as well as unexpected complications, can be associated with set up changes or variations that can cause deviations from the prescribed radiation dose distribution both inside and outside the target volume. The effect of various deviations from the planned setup on the delivery of the prescribed radiation dose to the desired treatment volume was studied. Methods and Materials: Adding a second simulation was investigated as means of minimizing setup changes on treatment. The first simulation was used for planning the treatment and the second simulation was essentially a mock treatment. Dosimetric evaluations based on dose volume histograms were analyzed for each deviation in the setup. Results: In 95% of the patients, the frequency of the changes in the setup parameters between the second simulation and the treatment setup were reduced significantly from the changes that occurred between the first simulation and the second simulation. The changes in isocenter coordinates up to ±1.0 cm have minimal effects (±2%) on the dose distributions. Gantry angle variations up to ±4° produce a change of less than ±5% in the dose distribution within the target volume. However, this angular variation resulted in additional tissue irradiation outside of the desired treatment field (about 10 cm 3 for a large patient). A gantry angle variation of ±6° can change the volume of tissue that receives the prescribed dose by at least ±10%. In addition, such a change can increase the volume of tissue outside the desired treatment field that is irradiated. Conclusion: It is concluded that individually, deviations in one of the parameters from the planned setup of ±1.0 cm in isocenter position and ±4° in gantry angle do not produce significant deviations from the planned dose distribution. However, a significant change in dose distribution is observed if the setup parameters are concurrently changed. A second simulation may minimize the deviations of the treatment setup from the planned setup and maximize the precision in dose delivery to the target volume.
Target validation: the Parkinson disease perspective.

> How much validation is enough? Target validation is the process of determining the likelihood that modification of a certain molecule, mechanism or biological pathway may be useful for the development of pharmacological or molecular treatments for disease. Target validation is an essential part
A Three-Stage Implementation Model for Supply Chain Collaboration

Leading companies know that collaboration and creativity in supply chain (SC) relationships are critical to future competitiveness. Yet, many companies struggle to collaborate effectively. This reality raises the question: “How can managers overcome the cultural and structural impediments to SC collaboration?” Through a series of in-depth, semi-structured interviews, we identify core practices and key requirements to successful SC collaboration. Contingency and force field theories help transform our field study findings into a three-stage model for improving SC collaboration. The constant challenge of persuading other managers and companies to pursue SC collaboration highlights the need for a proven-path approach to SC collaboration.
Parallel search for maximum satisfiability

The predominance of multicore processors has increased the interest in developing parallel Boolean Satisfiability (SAT) solvers. As a result, more parallel SAT solvers are emerging. Even though parallel approaches are known to boost per- formance, parallel approaches developed for Boolean optimization are scarce. This paper proposes parallel search algorithms for Maximum Satisfiability (MaxSAT) and introduces PWBO, a new parallel solver for partial MaxSAT. Using two threads, an unsatisfiability-based algorithm is used to search on the lower bound of the optimal solution, while at the same time a linear search is performed on the upper bound of the optimal solution. Moreover, learned clauses are shared between threads during the search. For a larger number of threads two different strategies are proposed. The first strategy performs a portfolio approach by searching on the lower and upper bound values of the optimal solution using different encodings of cardinality constraints for each thread. The second strategy splits the search space considering different upper bound values of the optimal solution for each thread. Experimental results show that the techniques proposed in the paper enable PWBO to improve when increasing the number of threads.
New concepts and therapies of adult respiratory distress syndrome

T HE ADULT respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) 1 is recognized as a disease of pulmonary capillary endothelial and alveolar epithelial dysfunction. This inflammatory process results in a clinical picture of hypoxemia, decreased lung compliance, increased work of breathing, bilateral and diffuse pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiograph, and pulmonary hypertension. ARDS is part of a clinical spectrum termed "acute lung injury" (ALI), with noncardiogenic pulmonary edema at the least severe end of the sPectrum and ARDS at the more severe end of the spectrum (Fig 1). 2-5 For several reasons, including the rapidly progressive nature of the process (Fig 2) and the fact that, even with the first description of ARDS, the disease has not been limited to adults, it has been suggested that the term acute be used in lieu of adult; thus, renaming the process the "acute respiratory distress syndrome. ''2
Critical input data channels selection for progressive work exercise test by neural network sensitivity analysis

We aimed at training a neural network to classify stress test exercise data into one of three classes: normal, heart failure, or lung failure. Good classification accuracy was obtained using a backpropagation neural network architecture with one hidden layer during cross validation on a data set of 110 vectors, when all 17 channels were used. We further aimed at determining which of these channels were critical to the decision making process. This was done through an input sensitivity analysis. Results showed that nine channels formed a critical superset of which possibly any eight could achieve almost perfect classification. We thus show that faster and more accurate classification may be obtained by input channel elimination due to dimension reduction of input space, which makes better generalization.
On stability and tuning of neural oscillators: application to rhythmic control of a humanoid robot

Neural oscillators offer a natural tool for exploiting and adapting to the dynamics of the controlled system. The capability of entraining the frequency of the input signal or resonance modes of dynamical systems have been increasingly used in robotics' mechanisms, to accomplish complex tasks. However, the application of Matsuoka neural oscillators as controllers requires the knowledge of the range of values for the parameters for which the system oscillates, and the warranty of stability. Thus, this paper studies in depth the stability and tuning of Matsuoka neural oscillators, and presents a careful analysis of its behavior on the time-domain. The method is applied on a humanoid robot for playing musical instruments.
High power THz generation from relativistic electrons

This study has generated high power broadband THz light using relativistic electrons and demonstrates that about 100 W can readily be produced in a band from 0.1-3 THz with possible extensions to 6 THz. The experiments use a new generation of light source, the energy recover linac (ERL), in which bunches of electrons circulate once, but in which their energy is recovered.
The Small Nucleoid-Binding Proteins H-NS, HU, and Fis Affect hilA Expression in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

hilA encodes an activator of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium virulence genes and is transcriptionally modulated by environmental conditions. We show that H-NS represses hilA under low-osmolarity conditions. H-NS, HU, and Fis also appear to affect the derepression of hilA by HilD. Modulation of hilA by counteracting repressing and derepressing mechanisms may allow Salmonella serovar Typhimurium to regulate its virulence genes in response to different situations in vivo.
Path-vector contracting: Profit maximization and risk management

We consider an Internet Service Provider's (ISP's) problem of providing end-to-end (e2e) services with bandwidth guarantees, using a path-vector based approach. In this approach, an ISP uses its edge-to-edge (g2g) single-domain contracts and vector of contracts purchased from neighboring ISPs as the building blocks to construct, or participate in constructing, an end-to-end ''contract path''. We develop a spot-pricing framework for the e2e bandwidth guaranteed services utilizing this path contracting strategy, by formulating it as a stochastic optimization problem with the objective of maximizing expected profit subject to risk constraints. In particular, we present time-invariant path contracting strategies that offer high expected profit at low risks, and can be implemented in a fully distributed manner. Simulation analysis is employed to evaluate the contracting and pricing framework under different network and market conditions. An admission control policy based on the path contracting strategy is developed and its performance is analyzed using simulations.
Effects of early negative life experiences on cognitive functioning and risk for suicide: a review

Abstract The literature addressing the etiology of suicidal behavior was examined from cognitive and developmental perspectives. Empirical evidence was found linking early negative life events and suicidal behavior, early negative life events and cognitive variables, and cognitive variables and suicidal behavior. A comprehensive cognitive pathway is for the first time proposed in this study by hypothesizing that early life events may impact individuals' suicidal behavior by affecting their cognitive functioning. That is, cognitive functioning may serve as a mediator in the relationship between early life events and suicidal behavior. The present review examined family psychopathology, child maltreatment, family instability, negative family environment, and negative peer relationships as early negative life events, and self-esteem, locus of control, field dependence, hopelessness, and problem-solving deficits as cognitive variables. A hypothetical model is proposed linking these three groups of variables.
A Fitness Cost Associated With the Antibiotic Resistance Enzyme SME-1 β-Lactamase

The blaTEM-1 β-lactamase gene has become widespread due to the selective pressure of β-lactam use and its stable maintenance on transferable DNA elements. In contrast, blaSME-1 is rarely isolated and is confined to the chromosome of carbapenem-resistant Serratia marcescens strains. Dissemination of blaSME-1 via transfer to a mobile DNA element could hinder the use of carbapenems. In this study, blaSME-1 was determined to impart a fitness cost upon Escherichia coli in multiple genetic contexts and assays. Genetic screens and designed SME-1 mutants were utilized to identify the source of this fitness cost. These experiments established that the SME-1 protein was required for the fitness cost but also that the enzyme activity of SME-1 was not associated with the fitness cost. The genetic screens suggested that the SME-1 signal sequence was involved in the fitness cost. Consistent with these findings, exchange of the SME-1 signal sequence for the TEM-1 signal sequence alleviated the fitness cost while replacing the TEM-1 signal sequence with the SME-1 signal sequence imparted a fitness cost to TEM-1 β-lactamase. Taken together, these results suggest that fitness costs associated with some β-lactamases may limit their dissemination.
A new brittle star from the Early Carboniferous of Poland and its implications on Paleozoic modern-type ophiuroid systematics

The fossil record of Paleozoic ophiuroids includes a number of forms which share striking similarities with modern relatives in terms of skeletal morphology. These so called moderntype Paleozoic ophiuroids yield an enormous potential for a better understanding of ophiuroid evolution, yet the scarcity of accurate and sufficiently detailed morphological descriptions available to date precludes any further-reaching assessments. Here, we describe an articulated ophiuroid specimen from the Late Tournaisian (Early Carboniferous) of Czatkowice quarry, southern Poland, as a new species Aganaster jagiellonicus sp. nov. The good preservation of the specimen allowed for a morphological analysis at a level comparable to recent ophiuroid descriptions. It shows remarkable morphological similarities with extant former ophiolepidids Ophiomusium and Ophiosphalma. The new find thus contributes to a solid basis for future investigations on the position of the modern-type Paleozoic ophiuroid in the phylogeny of the class.
Neutral evolution of robustness in Drosophila microRNA precursors

Mutational robustness describes the extent to which a phenotype remains unchanged in the face of mutations. Theory predicts that the strength of direct selection for mutational robustness is at most the magnitude of the rate of deleterious mutation. As far as nucleic acid sequences are concerned, only long sequences in organisms with high deleterious mutation rates and large population sizes are expected to evolve mutational robustness. Surprisingly, recent studies have concluded that molecules that meet none of these conditions--the microRNA precursors (pre-miRNAs) of multicellular eukaryotes--show signs of selection for mutational and/or environmental robustness. To resolve the apparent disagreement between theory and these studies, we have reconstructed the evolutionary history of Drosophila pre-miRNAs and compared the robustness of each sequence to that of its reconstructed ancestor. In addition, we "replayed the tape" of pre-miRNA evolution via simulation under different evolutionary assumptions and compared these alternative histories with the actual one. We found that Drosophila pre-miRNAs have evolved under strong purifying selection against changes in secondary structure. Contrary to earlier claims, there is no evidence that these RNAs have been shaped by either direct or congruent selection for any kind of robustness. Instead, the high robustness of Drosophila pre-miRNAs appears to be mostly intrinsic and likely a consequence of selection for functional structures.
Transient laminar-film condensation on a vertical plate

This work addresses the problem of transient, laminar-film condensation onto a vertical surface. It examines the behavior of the liquid film in response to changes in the temperature drop across the film or in the interfacial shear stress. Numerical solutions of the governing equations are compared with a simpler quasisteady analysis. The quasisteady analysis is adequate in many cases (e.g., atmospheric water). However, as the Jakob number or Jakob divided by Prandtl number approaches unity, the full equations and the quasisteady analysis yield significantly different predictions for heat transfer and mass flux during the transient. This reflects the increasing importance of accounting for the development of the temperature and velocity profiles. Nomenclature Cp = liquid specific heat D2 = finite-difference form of the Laplacian operator g = gravitational acceleration hfg = latent heat of vaporization Ja = Jakob number, Cp AT+ /hfg k = liquid thermal conductivity L = plate length Pr = liquid Prandtl number, v/a q = interfacial heat flux T = temperature t = time u = streamwise velocity v = cross-stream velocity x = streamwise coordinate y = cross-stream coordinate a = liquid thermal diffusivity T = liquid mass flux per unit width of plate d = film thickness d yy = film thickness at x + = L using Nusselt theory A = difference or increment fj. = liquid dynamic viscosity v = liquid kinematic viscosity p = liquid density i = interfacial shear stress
Expression of Aleutian Mink Disease Parvovirus Capsid Proteins in Defined Segments: Localization of Immunoreactive Sites and Neutralizing Epitopes to Specific Regions

The capsid proteins of the ADV-G isolate of Aleutian mink disease parvovirus (ADV) were expressed in 10 nonoverlapping segments as fusions with maltose-binding protein in pMAL-C2 (pVP1, pVP2a through pVP2i). The constructs were designed to capture the VP1 unique sequence and the portions analogous to the four variable surface loops of canine parvovirus (CPV) in individual fragments (pVP2b, pVP2d, pVP2e, and pVP2g, respectively). The panel of fusion proteins was immunoblotted with sera from mink infected with ADV. Seropositive mink infected with either ADV-TR, ADV-Utah, or ADV-Pullman reacted preferentially against certain segments, regardless of mink genotype or virus inoculum. The most consistently immunoreactive regions were pVP2g, pVP2e, and pVP2f, the segments that encompassed the analogs of CPV surface loops 3 and 4. The VP1 unique region was also consistently immunoreactive. These findings indicated that infected mink recognize linear epitopes that localized to certain regions of the capsid protein sequence. The segment containing the hypervariable region (pVP2d), corresponding to CPV loop 2, was also expressed from ADV-Utah. An anti-ADV-G monoclonal antibody and a rabbit anti-ADV-G capsid antibody reacted exclusively with the ADV-G pVP2d segment but not with the corresponding segment from ADV-Utah. Mink infected with ADV-TR or ADV-Utah also preferentially reacted with the pVP2d sequence characteristic of that virus. These results suggested that the loop 2 region may contain a type-specific linear epitope and that the epitope may also be specifically recognized by infected mink. Heterologous antisera were prepared against the VP1 unique region and the four segments capturing the variable surface loops of CPV. The antisera against the proteins containing loop 3 or loop 4, as well as the anticapsid antibody, neutralized ADV-G infectivity in vitro and bound to capsids in immune electron microscopy. These results suggested that regions of the ADV capsid proteins corresponding to surface loops 3 and 4 of CPV contain linear epitopes that are located on the external surface of the ADV capsid. Furthermore, these linear epitopes contain neutralizing determinants. Computer comparisons with the CPV crystal structure suggest that these sequences may be adjacent to the threefold axis of symmetry of the viral particle.
Fortran 90D/HPF compiler for distributed memory MIMD computers: Design, implementation, and performance results

Fortran 90D/HPF is a data parallel language with special directives to enable users to specify data alignment and distributions. The authors describe the design and implementation of a Fortran 90D/HPF compiler. Techniques for data and computation partitioning, communication detection and generation, and the run-time support for the compiler are discussed. Initial performance results for the compiler are presented. It is believed that the methodology to process data distribution, computation partitioning, communication system design and the overall compiler design can be used by the implementors of HPF compilers.
Solution-processed inorganic semiconductors

The search for semiconductors that can be solution-processed into thin-film form at low temperature, while simultaneously providing quality device characteristics, represents a significant challenge for materials chemists. Continuous thin films with field-effect mobilities of 10 cm2 V−1 s−1 or greater are particularly desirable for high-speed microelectronic applications. Attainment of this goal should provide important opportunities for electronic devices, including potentially low-cost, large-area and flexible computing devices, displays, sensors and solar cells. While the majority of work toward this goal has focused on organic semiconductors (both molecular and polymeric), with highest reported mobilties in the range of 1 cm2 V−1 s−1, this review will address recent developments in the search for semiconductors with extended inorganic frameworks (offering the potential for higher mobility) that can be processed from solution using high-throughput, low-cost and low-temperature techniques such as spin-coating, printing or stamping. Two areas of recent interest will be highlighted – tin(II) iodide based organic–inorganic hybrids and soluble chalcogenide semiconductors. Application of the resulting thin films in devices will primarily be discussed in terms of thin-film field-effect transistors (TFTs), although other device applications can be envisioned.
Excimer laser ablation before autoperfusion balloon inflation: a novel therapeutic approach to high grade stenoses in vessels supplying substantial myocardium at risk.

The utility of a novel approach employing excimer laser ablation to form a channel for subsequent autoperfusion balloon angioplasty is presented. Two important advantages of this strategy are highlighted: (1) applicability to severe stenoses in vessels supplying substantial myocardium at risk and (2) ability to allow prolonged inflation time to minimize procedure related ischemia and optimize revascularization of the heart. We prospectively selected and studied five patients and performed excimer laser coronary angioplasty using either a 1.3 mm or 1.6 mm laser catheter followed by autoperfusion balloon dilatation. Procedural success was documented by a significant reduction in mean percent diameter stenosis from 89 +/- 4% (S.D.) to 53 +/- 4% after laser angioplasty (p < 0.0001) and subsequently to 20 +/- 4% after autoperfusion balloon angioplasty (p < 0.0001). Clinical success was attained and characterized by resolution of anginal symptoms for at least 4 weeks after hospital discharge. There were no major acute complications encountered; however, restenosis has occurred in 2 out of 5 patients. We therefore recommend this novel pre-dilation strategy with excimer laser followed by autoperfusion balloon angioplasty in selected patients with an extensive amount of myocardium at risk.
Evaluation of the 29-km Eta Model. Part II: Subjective Verification over Florida

Abstract This paper describes a subjective evaluation of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction 29-km (Meso) Eta Model during the 1996 warm (May–August) and cool (October–January) seasons. The companion paper by Nutter and Manobianco presents results from an objective evaluation of the Meso Eta Model at three selected locations during the 1996 and 1997 warm and cool seasons. The overall evaluation is designed to assess the utility of the model for operational weather forecasting by the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron, National Weather Service (NWS) Spaceflight Meteorology Group, and NWS Office in Melbourne, Florida. In the subjective verification, limited case studies are used to highlight model capabilities and limitations in forecasting convective activity, the location and movement of cold fronts, and the onset of sea breezes over regions including east-central Florida. In addition, contingency tables and categorical scores are used to verify the occurrence of these phenomena throughout...
Nitric oxide and hypoxia exacerbate alcohol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes.

Abstract Chronic alcohol consumption results in hepatotoxicity, steatosis, hypoxia, increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and decreased activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes. The impact of these changes on cellular respiration and their interaction in a cellular setting is not well understood. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide ( NO)-dependent modulation of cellular respiration and the sensitivity to hypoxic stress is increased following chronic alcohol consumption. This is important since NO has been shown to regulate mitochondrial function through its interaction with cytochrome c oxidase, although at higher concentrations, and in combination with reactive oxygen species, can result in mitochondrial dysfunction. We found that hepatocytes isolated from alcohol-fed rats had decreased mitochondrial bioenergetic reserve capacity and were more sensitive to NO-dependent inhibition of respiration under room air and hypoxic conditions. We reasoned that this would result in greater hypoxic stress in vivo, and to test this, wild-type and iNOS−/− mice were administered alcohol-containing diets. Chronic alcohol consumption resulted in liver hypoxia in the wild-type mice and increased levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in the peri-venular region of the liver lobule. These effects were attenuated in the alcohol-fed iNOS−/− mice suggesting that increased mitochondrial sensitivity to NO and reactive nitrogen species in hepatocytes and iNOS plays a critical role in determining the response to hypoxic stress in vivo. These data support the concept that the combined effects of NO and ethanol contribute to an increased susceptibility to hypoxia and the deleterious effects of alcohol consumption on liver.
Kitāb Uqlīdis fī Ikhtilāf al-manāẓir

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. The Book of Euclid on the Difference of Aspects
Visions of Nile basin development

This paper describes five alternative visions for cooperative Nile development in the hope that they will assist the Nile riparian countries in their search for both a consensus vision and sound development projects. These five alternate visions [(1) Century Storage Plus, (2) Water for Peace, (3) Southern Lights, (4) The Green Nile, and (5) Economic Partners on the Nile] are intentionally stylized to make them easy to understand and remember. There is a common thread tying all five of these alternative visions together: the desire of all riparian countries for peace and economic development. Each of the five visions describes a peaceful future in which its proponents believe economic prosperity will flourish. One of the advantages of thinking explicitly about these alternative visions is that comparisons can reveal surprising compromises - or coalitions - that may become possible between Nile riparian countries even though some members of the political leadership in the riparian countries may still hold quite different ideas about the way to achieve cooperative development.
Techniques of Local Analgesia in Ruminants and Swine

This article explores the use of many popular and recently described techniques of local regional analgesia in ruminants and swine. The emphasis is on proper techniques and the national use of a 2 per cent lidocaine hydrochloride solution, providing excellent intraoperative conditions and a rapid recovery with minimal side effects.
Millennials at work: workplace environments of young adults and associations with weight-related health

Background The purpose of this study was to describe the workplace environments of young adults and examine associations with diet, physical activity (PA) and body mass index (BMI). Methods Cross-sectional data were collected (2008–2009) from 1538 employed young adult participants in Project EAT (Eating and Activity among Teens and Young Adults), a diverse population-based sample. Survey measures assessed height, weight, diet, moderate-to-vigorous PA, transportation-related PA and perceptions of the workplace food and PA environments (eg, soda availability, coworker support). Healthful characteristics were summed to reflect overall workplace healthfulness. Modified Poisson regression analyses conducted in 2015 identified associations between workplace food and PA environments and diet, PA and BMI. Results The healthfulness of workplace environments was suboptimal. Greater exposure to healthful workplace characteristics was related to more young adults engaged in favourable diet and PA behaviours and a lower prevalence obesity. For example, adjusted rates of obesity were 24% and 17% among those reporting low (≤1 characteristic) versus high (≥3 characteristics) exposure to healthful food environments, respectively (p Conclusions A more healthful workplace environment overall, including physical attributes and perceived social norms, may contribute to more favourable weight-related behaviours and lower prevalence of obesity among young adults. Employer-initiated and community-initiated policies may represent one way to create healthier workplace environments for young adults.