cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mandibular condyle traits in Neanderthals and other Homo: A comparative, correlative, and ontogenetic study

The relationship between the mandibular condyle and the crest of the mandibular notch (CMN) has historically entered into discussions of Neanderthal characteristics and was recently suggested to be autapomorphic in Neanderthals. The Neanderthal CMN has been described as intersecting the condyle in the middle, while the modern human CMN runs to the condyle's lateral end. A large lateral condylar tubercle (LCT) has also been observed in Neanderthals and thought to be related to medial (or less lateral) CMN position. In addition, the presence of a less lateral CMN early in ontogeny, as seen in the Amud 7 infant, has been argued to demonstrate great evolutionary divergence in Neanderthals. Using a scoring system for each trait, this study first examines the expression of CMN position and LCT size in 102 adult modern humans and in samples of Neanderthals and other fossil Homo. Then, CMN position is scored in 208 subadult modern humans to elucidate the ontogeny of this trait. Results show that CMN position is not autapomorphic in Neanderthals, but Neanderthals have significantly more CMNs in the least-lateral score category than does the modern human sample. Large LCTs are found to be strongly predictive of less lateral CMN position, although less lateral CMN position may exist in the absence of a large LCT. The complex ontogenetic pattern of CMN expression observed indicates that features of subadult and adult condylar morphology cannot be constructively compared without first considering subadult morphology on its own functional and developmental terms.
Coalition Formation for Simulating and Analyzing Iterative Prisonerźs Dilemma

In this paper, we analyze the strictly competitive iterative version of the non-zero-sum two player game, the Prisonerâs Dilemma. This was accomplished by simulating the players in a memetic framework. Our primary motivation involves solving the tragedy of the commons problem, a dilemma in which individuals acting selfishly destroy the shared resources of the population. In solving this problem, we identify strategies for applying coalition formation to the spatial distribution of cooperative or defective agents. We use two reinforcement learning methods, temporal difference learning and Q-learning, on the agents in the environment. This overcomes the negative impact of random selection without cooperation between neighbors. Agents of the memetic framework form coalitions in which the leaders make the decisions as a way of improving performance. By imposing a reward and cost schema to the multiagent system, we are able to measure the performance of the individual leader as well as the performance of the organization.
On the Role for Binocular Cues in the Fast Extraction of Egocentric Distance

Previous research has shown that humans can estimate the distance to previewed targets (floor-level, 3-5 m distant) with near perfect sensitivity (slopes near 1), even when targets are viewed in single brief glimpses of 100 ms or less. However, performance at brief viewing durations is marked by a bias toward underestimation that is relieved with longer viewing durations. Does the high sensitivity to distance at brief viewing durations depend on binocular viewing, and should the underestimation at shorter viewing durations be attributed to a relatively long time course for the availability of binocular cues? To address these questions, participants verbally estimated target distance under monocular and binocular viewing conditions with viewing durations of 74 and 1200 ms. Viewing durations were administered in blocks with block order manipulated between groups. Bias and sensitivity each depended on block order, suggesting that verbal reports may be particularly susceptible to carryover effects. Analyses thus focused on first block performance. Sensitivity to distance was generally high but depended on viewing duration: participants were oversensitive with 1200-ms trials (slope=1.39) but not with 74-ms trials (slope=.72). Importantly, in both cases sensitivity was undiminished by monocular viewing. Underestimation bias was high with 74-ms trials (-45%) but nearly eliminated with 1200-ms trials (-9%). Experiment 2 controlled for carryover effects by administering monocular trials first in single block followed by a block of binocular trials (74 ms only). Performance was similar to that of Experiment 1 and, critically, sensitivity did not differ between viewing conditions. In sum, the results of these experiments indicate that neither sensitivity nor bias correction depends on binocular viewing. Overall, the data suggest that binocular cues do not play a role in performance within the manipulated distance range.
Study of the Zeeman effect in second-order mixed radiation of Sb i

The Zeeman effect in two forbidden lines for Sb i has been reinvestigated for the determination of the percentage admixture of electric quadrupole (EQ) radiation for these preponderably magnetic dipole lines. The A and B hyperfine-structure constants were determined by computer simulation for the upper level P23/2∘ of the ground configuration from the observed but unresolved hyperfine structure of the 5415-A line. Then a computer search was made for a magnetic-field strength at which a small difference between L and π Zeeman profiles would be detectable. A comparison with the corresponding experimental microphotometer curves at the chosen field of 1600 G shows the presence of a very small admixture of EQ radiation of the order of 0.08% (+0.05% or −0.03%), with a phase sign agreeing with the expectation rule. A more extensive study of the interference effect was carried out for the 6098-A line at several magnetic fields and led to an EQ admixture of approximately 0.75 ± 0.25%. The great sensitivity of the interference effect is emphasized, and the possibility that the limits of detection can be pushed to even lower admixtures is discussed.
Occurrence of cancer among people with mental health claims in an insured population.

Objective: The objective of this research is to determine whether people with mental disorders are at increased risk for the subsequent development of malignancies compared with people without mental disorders. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of administrative claims data. The study population included 722,139 adults who filed at least one medical claim from 1989 to 1993. The mental disorder cohort included people with a) one psychiatric hospitalization, b) one outpatient psychiatrist visit, or c) two outpatient mental health claims occurring at least 6 months before a cancer claim. The controls were subjects filing claims for medical services who had no mental health visits. We calculated age-stratified odds ratios (ORs) for development of malignancy. Results: People with mental disorders were no more or less likely to develop a malignancy than those without after adjusting for age (women: OR, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95–1.12; men: OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.97–1.24). People with mental disorders, however, developed cancer at younger ages and had increased odds of primary central nervous system tumors (women: OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.40–3.21; men: OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.22–3.59) and respiratory system cancers (women: OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.13–2.19; men: OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.09–2.12). Conclusions: Insured people with mental disorder claims had an increased risk of certain malignancies and developed malignancies at younger ages. The increased odds of respiratory tumors are likely secondary to increased rates of smoking among people with mental disorders and support use of smoking cessation interventions in this population. The increased odds for brain tumors may reflect only the early presence of mental symptoms, or a true association between the two conditions. Further study of these findings is mandated.
Experiments in scientific computation on the PlayStation 3

The Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) offers the computational power of a parallel processor at low cost, which makes it a great starter unit for development in parallel programming. To explore the capabilities of the unit, we took a simple ray tracing program and extended it to render triangulated height field data across the PS3’s 6 synergistic processing units (SPUs). We also implemented the heat averaging equation as a precursor to CFD analysis on the PS3. In our studies, we found the Cell engine in the PS3 to be a powerful machine, however great care must be taken while developing because its unique platform calls for many levels of optimization to ensure efficiency.
Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer.

For more than five decades, the preferred treatment for advanced prostate cancer has been suppression of androgen production by medical or surgical castration. However, all patients treated with androgen deprivation eventually develop resistant disease as manifested by increasing prostate-specific antigen levels, progressive disease on imaging studies, and ultimately worsening symptoms. The treatment of patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC), once thought to represent a relatively futile endeavor, has changed significantly in the past several years with the development of new therapeutics. One of the most important new treatment strategies involves secondary hormonal manipulation after the failure of primary androgen depri-vation; this approach is predicated on the recognition that HRPC is a heterogenous disease. Some patients may respond to alternative hormonal interventions despite the presence of castrate levels of testosterone. Furthermore, the application of chemother-apeutic regimens has provided viable treatment options for patients with HRPC.
The next best thing to an audit practice set

Abstract The article describes an assignment used as a substitute for a practice case in the first auditing course. The assignment requires students to examine a model set of audit working papers and answer twenty questions relating to the working papers. The assignment appears to accomplish many of the teaching objectives of a practice case, yet it takes students only about two hours to complete.
Feedstock Handling and Processing Effects on Biochemical Conversion to Biofuels

Abating the dependence of the United States on foreign oil by reducing oil consumption and increasing biofuels usage will have far-reaching global effects. These include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and an increased demand for biofuel feedstocks. To support this increased demand, cellulosic feedstock production and conversion to biofuels (e.g. ethanol, butanol) is being aggressively researched. Thus far, research has primarily focused on optimizing feedstock production and ethanol conversion, with less attention given to the feedstock supply chain required to meet cost, quality, and quantity goals. This supply chain comprises a series of unit operations from feedstock harvest to feeding the conversion process. Our objectives in this review are (i) to summarize the peer-reviewed literature on harvest-to-reactor throat variables affecting feedstock composition and conversion to ethanol; (ii) to identify knowledge gaps; and (iii) to recommend future steps.
SAW RFID spread spectrum OFC and TDM technology

SAW based RFID sensors can offer wireless, passive operation over harsh environments, and various device embodiments are used for retrieval of the sensed data. SAW has many unique advantages over possible competing technologies, including the following characteristics: passive, radiation hard, operable over wide temperature ranges, small, rugged, inexpensive, and identifiable. In a multi-sensory environment, it is necessary both to identify the sensor and to retrieve the sensed information. The OFC SAW technology approach has been funded by NASA for possible inclusion in ground, space flight, and space exploration sensor applications. The purpose of this paper is to present the concept of encoding SAW-based sensors for use in a multiple-sensor environment. The emphasis will be on orthogonal frequency coded (OFC) devices overlaid with a form of time division multiplexing (TDM). It will be shown that in addition to the benefits of OFC such as enhanced processing gain and lower interrogation power spectral density (PSD), the TDM allows for a decrease in overlapping energy and therefore a decrease in intersensory collisions which are shown to cause peak ambiguity. This approach should be applicable to many different SAW-based sensors (such as temperature, pressure, liquid, gas, etc.), as well as allow for proper IDing. Measured device results are presented and compared with coupling of modes (COM) model predictions to demonstrate performance. This paper will discuss the use of SAW OFC in a temperature sensor application. Devices are then used in computer-simulated transceiver design, and the results of a prototype sensor system are discussed.
A static noise impact analysis methodology for evaluating transient error effects in digital VLSI circuits

Single-event-upset (SEU) has become a great threat to the reliability of nanometer circuits. The need for cost-effective robust circuit design mandates the development of efficient reliability analysis. In this paper, a static "noise impact analysis" methodology is developed to estimate the circuit vulnerability. First, both the circuit elements and the transient noise are abstracted in the format of matrices. Then the circuit-noise interaction is modeled by a series of matrix transformations, which jointly considers three masking effects that can potentially prevent transient noise from causing observable errors. Finally, the error-resiliency of the sequential elements is considered in determining the impact of transient noise on the circuit. Experiment results demonstrate that our technique can accurately yet quickly estimate the circuit failure rate by comparing with HSPICE simulation. The proposed methodology has greatly facilitate the economic design of robust nanometer circuit
Metformin Induces Apoptosis through AMPK-Dependent Inhibition of UPR Signaling in ALL Lymphoblasts

The outcome of patients with resistant phenotypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or those who relapse remains poor. We investigated the mechanism of cell death induced by metformin in Bp- and T-ALL cell models and primary cells, and show that metformin effectively induces apoptosis in ALL cells. Metformin activated AMPK, down-regulated the unfolded protein response (UPR) demonstrated by significant decrease in the main UPR regulator GRP78, and led to UPR-mediated cell death via up-regulation of the ER stress/UPR cell death mediators IRE1α and CHOP. Using shRNA, we demonstrate that metformin-induced apoptosis is AMPK-dependent since AMPK knock-down rescued ALL cells, which correlated with down-regulation of IRE1α and CHOP and restoration of the UPR/GRP78 function. Additionally rapamycin, a known inhibitor of mTOR-dependent protein synthesis, rescued cells from metformin-induced apoptosis and down-regulated CHOP expression. Finally, metformin induced PIM-2 kinase activity and co-treatment of ALL cells with a PIM-1/2 kinase inhibitor plus metformin synergistically increased cell death, suggesting a buffering role for PIM-2 in metformin’s cytotoxicity. Similar synergism was seen with agents targeting Akt in combination with metformin, supporting our original postulate that AMPK and Akt exert opposite regulatory roles on UPR activity in ALL. Taken together, our data indicate that metformin induces ALL cell death by triggering ER and proteotoxic stress and simultaneously down-regulating the physiologic UPR response responsible for effectively buffering proteotoxic stress. Our findings provide evidence for a role of metformin in ALL therapy and support strategies targeting synthetic lethal interactions with Akt and PIM kinases as suitable for future consideration for clinical translation in ALL.
Recent advances in electrochemical DNA hybridization sensors

Even with the advent of industry produced electrochemical DNA analysis chips, electrochemical DNA hybridization detection continues to be an intensive research focus area. The advantages of electrochemical detection continue to inspire efforts to improve selectivity and sensitivity. Here, we summarize the landscape of recent efforts in electrochemical DNA hybridization detection. We specifically focus on some main areas from where novel work continues to originate: redox active molecules designed for specific interaction with double stranded DNA, DNA mimics to eliminate background electrochemical signals, external nanoparticle or enzyme modifications for sensitivity enhancements, split and self-hybridizing single stranded DNA probe modifications, and novel catalytic oxidation techniques. Additionally, we touch on the use of DNA hybridization sensors to monitor alternative biochemical (non-DNA hybridization) processes.
A new modeling approach for wireless channels with predictable path geometries

We consider a wireless data service characterized by short distances, no shadowing, low power and low antenna heights, deployed in places where a high frequency of potential users is expected, e.g., toll booths, parking lots, intersections, etc. An example of such a service is the infostation concept. Within such a system, we expect to see a well-defined geometry of base-to-user radio paths, as well as a predictable user trajectory; neither of which can be assumed for the wide-area cellular case. This offers the promise of a strong deterministic component of the channel response, in addition to a weaker stochastic component; this is in contrast to a purely stochastic model, as in existing cellular contexts. Here, we present results from measurements we conducted, and the corresponding radio channel models, for three typical outdoor scenarios. Both temporal and spatial channel features are presented. Comparisons between predicted and measured behavior show excellent agreement.
Design of low-voltage front-end interface for switched-op amp circuits

Switched-op amp technique is an effective technique for designing low-voltage switched-capacitor circuits. The only drawback with this approach is the difficulty in designing the front-end interface to the external input, In this paper, front-end interface structures with wide signal swing and no voltage boosting are proposed. Based on a conventional 1.2-/spl mu/m CMOS process, a front-end interface was designed and implemented. For a 1-V supply, the interface dissipates 80 /spl mu/W. The track mode THD was measured to be -78 dB for a 600-mV peak-to-peak output suing, and the maximum sampling rate was measured to be 600 kS/s for a capacitive load of 20 pF.
Numerical Experiments with Two-Scale Filtering Approaches Applied to Periodic Burgers’ Flow

The main objective of this chapter is to present the results of numerical solutions of the (two-scale) space filtered free Burgers equation and of the (two-scale) space-time filtered forced Burgers equation. The velocity fields obtained by direct simulation in the previous chapter can be considered as “exact” as they were obtained in such a way that all the scales present in the flow were well resolved. Accordingly, we can use the corresponding “exact” spectral statistics to test the theory presented in Chapter 3. It is readily shown that space filtered functions are the formal limit of their space-time filtered counterparts when the time filter width approaches zero. Therefore, the LES technique is a special case of the STF approach, and the results derived in Chatper 3, which were obtained for the STF case, are also valid in the LES context. In particular, the asymptotic nature of the Leonard approximation and the approximation for the cross terms holds there as well. In the following two sections the application of the LES and STF procedures to Burgers’ equation, in addition to the corresponding definitions for filtered and residual velocity fields, are discussed.
THE EVOLVING BIOLOGY OF SMALL MOLECULES: CONTROLLING CELL FATE AND IDENTITY

Small molecules have been playing important roles in elucidating basic biology and treatment of a vast number of diseases for nearly a century, making their use in the field of stem cell biology a comparatively recent phenomenon. Nonetheless, the power of biology-oriented chemical design and synthesis, coupled with significant advances in screening technology, has enabled the discovery of a growing number of small molecules that have improved our understanding of stem cell biology and allowed us to manipulate stem cells in unprecedented ways. This review focuses on recent small molecule studies of (i) the key pathways governing stem cell homeostasis, (ii) the pluripotent stem cell niche, (iii) the directed differentiation of stem cells, (iv) the biology of adult stem cells, and (v) somatic cell reprogramming. In a very short period of time, small molecules have defined a perhaps universally attainable naive ground state of pluripotency, and are facilitating the precise, rapid and efficient differentiation of stem cells into somatic cell populations relevant to the clinic. Finally, following the publication of numerous groundbreaking studies at a pace and consistency unusual for a young field, we are closer than ever to completely eliminating the need for genetic modification in reprogramming.
Periods of Eisenstein series

Let G =R es E/F H where H is a connected reductive group over a number field F and E/F is a quadratic extension. We study the regularized integral of an automorphic form of G on H(F ) \ H(A) 1 .  2001 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS Periodes des series d'Eisenstein Resume. Soit G =R es E/F H ou H est un groupe reductif connexe sur un corps de nombres F et E/F est un extension quadratique. Nous etudions l'integrale regularisee d'une forme automorphe de G sur H(F )\H(A) 1 .  2001 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS
Mutations in long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl coenzyme a dehydrogenase are associated with placental maternal floor infarction/massive perivillous fibrin deposition.

Maternal floor infarction/massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MFI/MPVFD) of the placenta has an unclear etiology. The placenta of an 8-month-old child diagnosed with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency reportedly showed MFI, but no further evidence of a direct association between MFI/MPVFD and LCHAD deficiency has been documented. Three cases of MFI/MPVFD were studied. Paraffin blocks of placental tissue were retrieved, tissue scrolls were harvested, and DNA was extracted. The alpha-subunit of the mitochondrial trifunctional protein containing the LCHAD coding region (HADHA) was subsequently amplified using specific primer sets and directly sequenced by the dideoxy chain termination method. All 3 placentas demonstrated heterozygous mutations in the HADHA gene. A sample from a 25-4/7 week gestation growth-restricted female infant revealed a heterozygous mutation in exon 11, 1072C>A (glutamine to lysine, Qln358Lys) with a heterozygous sequence difference in the intron fol...
Genistein-induced upregulation of p21WAF1, downregulation of cyclin B, and induction of apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.

Abstract Increased soy consumption in Asian diets, resulting in increased serum isoflavone levels, has been associated with a decreased risk for prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa). The isoflavone genistein is believed to be the anticancer agent found in soy, and significant levels of genistein have been detected in human prostatic fluid, implicating the role of genistein in PCa prevention. Recent studies have demonstrated genistein's ability to inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in several cell lines; however, the molecular mechanisms of genistein's effect are not known. We have evaluated the mechanism by which genistein may inhibit PCa cell growth. Here we report that genistein inhibits PCa cell growth in culture in a dose‐dependent manner, which is accompanied by a G2/M cell cycle arrest. Cell growth inhibition was observed with concomitant downregulation of cyclin B, upregulation of the p21WAF1 growth‐inhibitory protein, and induction of apoptosis. Collectively, these results provide experimental evid...
Unified structure and parameter identification of fuzzy models

The unified approach to fuzzy modeling developed in this correspondence addresses the problems of structure and parameter identification of fuzzy models. It demonstrates an alternative view to structure identification, transforming the problem of structure identification to estimation of the distribution of input space. A new concept of sample probability distributions (SPD) is introduced and a family of SPD is constructed. This allows us to simplify the problem of structure identification by replacing identification of membership functions of input variables with identification of the centers of cluster-like regions. The fuzzy model complex of fuzzy model is also discussed in connection with the modeller's confidence and two types of confidence-a priori and a posteriori confidence-are also suggested. The identification problem is solved also under the additional requirement of simplification of the model structure. A learning algorithm realizing structure and parameter identification of quasilinear fuzzy models with the simplest structure is proposed. >
Conserving Concepts: in Praise of Sustainability

We were on a small boat bound from the Peruvian city of Pucallpa to Dos de Mayo, an Amazonian lowland village. This trip takes several days, which granted us time to think about this debate on the proper goal of conservation. We mention this unusual place and situation because it colored our thoughts and affected the comments we make here. Confined to a small bench in this large canoe that rarely touches shore (with no access to references), we took our inspiration from being on one of the major tributaries of the world’s biggest river, that cuts through the world’s largest forest, that is within the world’s most iconic conservation regions. Newton and Freyfogle argue that the term sustainability is not equal to its task of being the “guiding light” of environmental conservation. Its shortcomings, they insist, are many. A fundamental problem, cited by others as well, is the term’s vagueness and utter malleability. Sustainability, they insist, “lacks solid meaning,” and its very popularity signals its inadequacy. They go on to enumerate other deficiencies of the term: it is not informed by the latest science; it is uninspiring; it is without a moral component; and it is not linked to the land. That today’s central theme of conservation is so roundly defective is, according to Newton and Freyfogle, both a sign of just how “on the rocks” conservation is today and, presumably, a cause of “our find[ing] ourselves. . . in such an intellectual morass.” As a remedy to this alarming situation, they suggest that sustainability be replaced by another term: land health. Although we agree with some of these criticisms of the utility of sustainability as a central tenet for conservation, we fundamentally disagree with others and reject, although somewhat reluctantly, the suggested solution to their terminological dilemma. In addressing the authors’ primary complaint, we do not argue that as a term sustainability is malleable. This common complaint is aptly dismissed by Sarewitz (2001),
First Report of Beet pseudo yellows virus in Blackberry in the United States

Blackberry (Rubus sp.) plants in Arkansas, North Carolina, and South Carolina during the last 3 years have shown symptoms typical of virus infection, including vein yellowing, line pattern, and mottle, and in certain cases, decline and death. All of the symptomatic plants used in our studies were infected with Blackberry yellow vein associated virus (BYVaV) (1). We cloned cDNA derived from dsRNA extracted from a symptomatic plant from South Carolina and identified two cDNA clones (approximate size of 700 and 900 bp, in addition to those that corresponded to a sequence of BYVaV) with sequences identical to the sequence (GenBank Accession No. AY 268107) of Beet pseudo yellows virus (BPYV) heat shock protein 70 homolog gene. Total RNA extracts from the symptomatic plant were tested using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with oligonucleotide primers BP CPm F (5' TTCATATTAAGGATGCGCAGA 3') and BP CPm R (5' TGAAAGATGTCCRCTAATGATA 3') that amplified a fragment of the minor coat protein (CPm) gene of BPYV. A PCR amplicon of the expected size (334 bp) was generated, and sequencing confirmed the results of the random cloning. We also detected the virus in a second blackberry plant from South Carolina with RT-PCR. To our knowledge, this is the first report of blackberry as a host of BPYV and the third new host of BPYV identified in the last few months (2,3). The naturalization of Trialeuroides vaporariorum, the greenhouse whitefly in the southern United States, and the broad host range of virus and vector make BPYV a potential threat for many crops in North America. References: (1) I. E. Tzanetakis et al. (Abstr.) Phytopathology 93:S85, 2003. (2) I. E. Tzanetakis et al. Plant Dis. 87:1398, 2003. (3) W. M. Wintermantel. Plant Dis. 88:82, 2004.
Determination of Depositional Environments of Sand Bodies by Use of Vertical Grain-Size Progressions: ABSTRACT

An attempt to distinguish modern fluvial, coastal barrier, and turbidite sands, using grain-size (acquired from an automated settling tube) analysis yields poor results when two dimensional scatter diagrams and log-normal plots are used to examine samples collected at random from these environments. This is not to suggest that grain-size analysis is not a valuable "tool," but only that the environmental subdivisions used were too general. In reality, each of the environments examined consists of several different subenvironments, each characterized by its own unique processes, and commonly by its own unique grain-size populations. Through time, these subenvironments migrate laterally, occasionally depositing an orderly, unique, stratigraphic sequence. Much previous work h s been done in describing such sequences, but emphasizing those features that are most easily recognized in the field. Our results demonstrate that unique grain-size progressions also exist within these sequences. By examining vertical progressions in grain-size data, it was possible to distinguish sand bodies deposited in braided rivers and alluvial fans, meandering rivers, coastal barriers, and deep-sea fans with far better results than obtained by examining samples taken at random from these different environments. This approach has been used to investigate ancient sandstone bodies whose depositional origins have been previously established from stratigraphic and facies relationships and from detailed examination of sedimentary structures. Our diagnosis, based on grain-size progressions alone, is the same as those of previous investigations. Hence, grain-size vertical progressions should prove to be a useful "tool" in subsurface geology in providing a means of reconstructing the depositional environment of sandstones, and thus, in predicting the lateral extent and facies relationships, and in the correlation of sand units. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1423------------
A framework for state-space estimation with uncertain models

Develops a framework for state-space estimation when the parameters of the underlying linear model are subject to uncertainties. Compared with existing robust filters, the proposed filters perform regularization rather than deregularization. It is shown that, under certain stabilizability and detectability conditions, the steady-state filters are stable and that, for quadratically-stable models, the filters guarantee a bounded error variance. Moreover, the resulting filter structures are similar to various (time- and measurement-update, prediction, and information) forms of the Kalman filter, albeit ones that operate on corrected parameters rather than on the given nominal parameters. Simulation results and comparisons with /spl Hscr//sub /spl infin// guaranteed-cost, and set-valued state estimation filters are provided.
The Demise of Regulation in Ocean Shipping: A Study in the Evolution of Competition Policy and the Predictive Power of Microeconomics

Over its 140 year history, ocean liner shipping has almost always enjoyed an antitrust exemption permitting price-fixing cartels of ocean carriers. The exemption was premised on the belief that problems of cost and capacity inherent in the trade can be resolved only by horizontal collusion. Now that that exemption has been whittled away by deregulatory efforts, the preand post-deregulation evidence presents one of the world's rare opportunities for natural experiment on the behavior and effectiveness of collusive cartel pricing. Moreover, because normal and effective competition never really existed prior to 1998, the normative foundation of the antitrust exemption was based almost entirely on theoretically modeled economic arguments. Observing the industry's behavior under deregulation is therefore a before-and-after opportunity to test the predictive accuracy of at least one body of economic argument. Finally, the evolution of shipping policy is also part of a larger historiography-the shipping exemption reflects the larger story of government efforts to cope with the problems of industrial organization. * Assistant Professor of Law, Cleveland State University; I welcome all feedback at csagers@law.csuohio.edu. My thanks for feedback to Peter Carstensen and Spencer Weber Waller. Steve Calkins provided substantial comments on a slightly different version. This Article builds on formal comments drafted by the Author on behalf of the Section of Antitrust Law, American Bar Association, for submission by the Section to the U.S. Antitrust Modernization Commission, an ad hoc expert body empanelled by Congress in 2002. The Section's official comments are available at http://www.amc.gov/ publicstudies fr28902/immunities-exemptions pdf/060317_ABAShippingAct.pdf. HeinOnline -39 Vand. J. Transnat'l L. 779 2006 780 VANDERBIL T]OURNAL OF TRANSNA TIONAL LAW
Hydrogenophilaceae fam. nov.

Hy.dro.ge.no.phi.la' ce.ae. M.L. masc. n. Hydrogenophilus type genus of the family; -aceae ending to denote family; M.L. fem. pl. n. Hydrogenophilaceae the Hydrogenophilus family. Proteobacteria / Betaproteobacteria / Hydrogenophilales / Hydrogenophilaceae Keywords: Hydrogenophilaceae fam. nov.; Hydrogenophilus; Betaproteobacteria class. nov.; Hydrogenophilales ord. nov
Spruce Budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Egg Mass Dimensions and Corresponding Egg Complement on Black Spruce

Regression equations were constructed relating spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), egg mass dimensions to number of eggs per egg mass on black spruce, Picea mariana (Miller) B.S.P., in northern Maine. Comparison of the results from the current study and from previously published studies suggest that the relationship between egg mass dimensions and number of eggs per egg mass is relatively constant over a broad range of conditions.
Survival and Physiological Responses of Juvenile Red Drum Exposed to Hypersalinity and Elevated Temperatures

AbstractFingerling Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus were held in water recirculating systems for 4–5 weeks under selected combinations of temperature and salinity: 30°C and 35‰ (reference environment), 34°C and 45‰, or 34°C and 55‰. At the end of the culture period, condition factor, hematocrit, plasma osmolality, plasma lactate concentration, plasma glucose concentration, and liver glycogen content were determined. Responses of fish in the warm, hypersaline treatments did not differ significantly from fish in the reference treatment. Based on the results of this study, juvenile Red Drum can tolerate warm, hypersaline conditions for several weeks with no apparent detrimental effects if slowly acclimated to environmental temperature and salinity as long as food is not limiting and other water quality characteristics are acceptable.Received October 2, 2015; accepted January 4, 2016
Unusually abundant and large ciliate xenomas in oysters, Crassostrea virginica, from Great Bay, New Hampshire, USA

During routine histological examination of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from Great Bay, New Hampshire, USA, a high prevalence and intensity of ciliate xenomas has been noted since sampling began in 1997. Xenomas are hypertrophic lesions on the gills of bivalve molluscs caused by intracellular ciliates, likely Sphenophrya sp. Although not known to cause mortality in oysters, xenomas have not previously been reported at this high abundance. The objectives of this study were to characterize the xenomas, describe the ciliates, and gather baseline epizootiological data with correlations to environmental and biological parameters. Upon gross examination, xenomas appeared as white nodules, up to 3mm in diameter, located in the gill tissue and occasionally fusing into large masses along the gill filaments. Light microscopy of histological sections revealed xenomas located in the gill water tubes, which they often completely blocked. Higher magnification revealed dual nuclei, eight kineties, and conjugation of the ciliates. Transmission electron microscopy revealed dual nuclei that varied in density, a maximum of twenty cilia in each kinety radiating from the oral apparatus to the posterior, and a 9+2 axoneme structure within the cilia. These traits place the ciliates into the Order Rhynchodida, but insufficient molecular data exist to confirm classification of this ciliate to the Genus Sphenophrya. Since 1997, xenoma prevalence has fluctuated with peaks in 2000, 2004, and 2011. Infected oysters generally contained 100, sharply contrasting the rare prevalence and low intensity reported elsewhere. Prevalence increased with oyster size, leveling off near 50% in oysters >60mm. Infection intensity peaked in 70-90mm oysters and declined in larger oysters. Individual oyster condition was not associated with xenoma intensity, but sites with oysters in higher condition generally had a greater prevalence and intensity of xenoma infections. Seasonal data indicated an infection cycle increasing from summer to fall, peaking at 55-65% in November and dropping to <10% by spring. The oyster population in Great Bay, NH warrants further examination to understand the mechanisms and conditions controlling xenoma formation.
Epidemiological Characteristic of Infectious Diseases Among Students in Guangyuan,2005-2010

Objective By explore epidemiological characteristics of infectious diseases among students in Guangyuan city,to provide basis for its prevention and control.Methods With epidemiological methods,descriptively analyzed the three distribution of infectious diseases among students during 2005-2010.Results The reported incidence rate of students in Guangyuan city fluctuated between 291.17 /105 to 1 055.95 /105,with the average annual incidence of 678.88 /105,which was above the crowd incidence of 58.18.24 /105.The major disease was respiratory disease,which happened all months around the year,and peaked in January,March,April and November.In elementary school and junior high school,the major disease were chicken pox,mumps,hand-foot-and-mouth disease;while in high school was tuberculosis and hepatitis B.Conclusion Students in Guangyuan city face a higher risk of infectious disease,therefore,department cooperation should be strengthened,prevention and control work should be conducted for different types of students.
Canine and Human Atopic Dermatitis: Two Faces of the Same Host-Microbe Interaction

Host-microbe interaction has been suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. The dog has been shown to be the best model to study both pathogenesis and microbiome modifications in atopic dermatitis. Bradley et al. show a significant correlation between microbiome diversity, clinical signs, and skin barrier function in atopic dogs before, during, and after antimicrobial therapy.
Endothelin stimulates Na+-K+-ATPase activity by a protein kinase C-dependent pathway in rabbit aorta

Incubation with endothelin (Endo) caused a time- and concentration-dependent increase in both ouabain-sensitive (OS) and ouabain-insensitive (OI) 86Rb+ uptake [half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) for OS component = 11 nM] in the rabbit aorta. Increase in the OS component [Na(+)-K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity] accounted for 70% of the 110% increase in total 86Rb+ uptake at a maximally effective concentration of Endo (100 nM). Protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBU; 100 nM) increased total 86Rb+ uptake by 69%, with 42% of the increase in the OS component. Stimulation by Endo and PDBU was not additive. Staurosporine (STA; 100 nM) inhibited stimulation of total 86Rb+ uptake by Endo and PDBU by approximately 60%. With ouabain and STA added together, inhibition of Endo-stimulated total 86Rb+ uptake (90%) was greater than with either agent alone, suggesting that STA inhibits an OS as well as an OI component of 86Rb+ uptake. Stimulation of total 86Rb+ uptake by both Endo and PDBU were also inhibited by approximately 60% by the Na(+)-H+ exchange inhibitor 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA). Endo-stimulated total 86Rb+ uptake was not further inhibited when ouabain was added together with EIPA, suggesting that Na(+)-H+ exchange is primarily linked to the OS component of 86Rb+ uptake. In contrast, Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- cotransport inhibitor bumetanide inhibited increases in total 86Rb+ uptake caused by Endo (30%) and PDBU (56%) due solely to its effects on OI 86Rb+ uptake. Results suggest that Endo stimulates Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in rabbit aorta by activating PKC and Na(+)-H+ exchange.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Trilobectomy and lingulectomy for bronchiectasis.

A case of extensive, bilateral bronchiectasis treated by maximum resection of lung tissue is reported.
Vertebral Artery Pseudoaneurysm Resulting in Embolic Stroke as a Complication of Posterior C1 Lateral Mass Screw Fixation: A Case Report.

Current literature supports posterior screw instrumentation of the C1 lateral mass as a reliable procedure for treating many occipitocervical and atlantoaxial pathologies with a low incidence of vertebral artery and neurologic injury and a high accuracy rate for screw placement1-6. The rate of vertebral artery injury from Cl lateral mass screw fixation is unknown1,2. Bransford et al. reported no neurologic or vascular complications in a large series, despite cases of suboptimal screw placement2. However, the variable and unique C1 anatomy can make precise instrumentation challenging with the rare potential for vascular and neurologic injury. Iatrogenic vertebral artery injury can have serious consequences, including excessive acute bleeding, arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm, occlusion, narrowing, or dissection. These defects may remain asymptomatic or lead to massive bleeding, transient ischemic attack, stroke, or death, occurring at variable time intervals up to several years after surgery1,7,8. Vertebral artery occlusion or vertebrobasilar thromboembolic events typically result in brainstem or cerebellar dysfunction7. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm as a complication of posterior C1 lateral mass fixation that resulted in delayed embolic stroke. The patient’s family was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and they provided consent. An eighty-two year-old man with a history of a type-II odontoid fracture, which had been treated with a posterior cervical C1-C2 fusion with lateral mass and pedicular fixation 3.5 years ago, presented to our institution after a fall. There had been no reported intraoperative difficulties during the initial surgery. The patient had been neurologically intact both preoperatively and postoperatively. An immediate postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan had demonstrated that the left C1 lateral mass screw had violated the …
Molecular Testing in Pediatric Cancers

Abstract Cancer is the leading cause of childhood death after infancy, and its incidence, treatment, and outcome differ substantially from cancers in adults. Three of the most common childhood tumors are retinoblastoma, Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma), and neuroblastoma. These cancers arise from malignant transformation of developing cells (blasts) and are almost entirely restricted to the pediatric population. This chapter discusses the genetic basis of each of these tumor types, and the current role of molecular and cytogenetic testing in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Retinoblastoma has a stable worldwide incidence of approximately 1/50,000 and accounts for 3% of all pediatric cancer diagnoses. The only known genetic locus affected in retinoblastoma is the RB1 gene at 13q14. Comprehensive molecular testing, including sequence analysis and deletion/duplication testing, has been demonstrated to identify mutation or deletion of RB1 in more than 95% of cases. Wilms tumor arises from nephrogenic rests of the developing kidney and represents approximately 7% of pediatric cancer diagnoses. An increased risk for Wilms tumor is associated with a number of predisposition syndromes, including WAGR, Denys–Drash syndrome, Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, Perlman syndrome, and Fanconi anemia subtypes D2 and N, among others. As the genetic etiology of the different syndromes varies, there are a large number of genetic loci underlying Wilms tumor predisposition. Molecular and cytogenetic testing is helpful for informing cancer risk and prognosis. Neuroblastoma, a solid tumor of the embryonic crest cells, accounts for approximately 10% of cancers but approximately 15% of cancer-related deaths among children. Genetic testing is useful for identifying germline mutations in predisposition syndromes, although these account for only 1–2% of cases, and for identifying somatic alterations of prognostic significance. The best characterized acquired mutations include amplification of MYCN , ploidy status, and segmental chromosome abnormalities. Routine cytogenetic analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization are essential for the proper characterization of neuroblastoma.
Serum BLyS Level as a Prognostic Marker in Patients with Lymphoma.

Abstract Background: BLyS is a TNF family member which was recently shown to play a critical role for survival of normal and malignant B cells. BLyS is expressed by monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells as well as lymphoma cells, where its expression levels increase as tumors transform to a more aggressive phenotype. Previous small studies suggested that serum BLyS level is elevated in some proportion of patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Little is known if serum BLyS level has prognostic value in patients with lymphoma. Thus, we determined serum soluble BLyS levels in 191 samples obtained from patients with various forms of lymphoma, and correlated them with the clinical characteristics and the prognosis. Materials and Methods: We analyzed serum BLyS level with ELISA in normal individuals and patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed lymphoma. Patients' histopathological diagnosis, stage, presence of bulky disease, serum LDH, serum beta-2 microglobulin (b2m), IPI score, FLIPI score, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were correlated with serum BLyS levels. For survival analysis. Results: The sensitivity of the ELISA assay was 0.4 ng/ml. Serum samples from 93 normal individuals,135 newly diagnosed patients with lymphoma, and 56 patients with relapsed lymphoma were examined for serum soluble BLyS levels. Median serum BLyS levels were =2ng/ml) were observed more frequently in patients with relapsed lymphomas (42/56, 75%) than in patients with newly diagnosed lymphomas (46/136, 45%, p Conclusion: Serum BLyS levels are frequently elevated in patients with lymphoma, especially HL. Serum BLyS level is particularly higher in patients with relapsed disease, and is associated with poor prognosis in those patients group. Our study suggests the promising role of BLyS in the prognostication of patients with lymphoma, particularly aggressive NHL and HL.