cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Experimental Selective Screening Device for the Early Detection of Intellectual Deficit in At-Risk Infants

Attempts have been made to predict intellectual functioning during childhood from various indices of infant sensorimotor development, such as the Gesell Developmental Schedules (Gesell & Amatruda, 1954), the Cattell Infant Intelligence Scale (Cattell, 1960), the Griffiths Scale of Mental Development (Griffiths, 1954), and the Bayley Scales of Mental Development (Bayley, 1969). The basic result has been that infant mental tests based on sensorimotor functioning have been found ineffective in predicting later intelligence (e. g., McCall, Hogarty, & Hurlburt, 1972). For example, correlations obtained between tests of infant sensorimotor development given during the 3- to 7-month period and standard intelligence tests at 3 years or beyond average about.18 for high-risk and clinical samples (Fagan & Singer, 1983).
Antioxidant Nutrients: Current Dietary Recommendations and Research Update

Abstract Objective To review the importance of antioxidant nutrients in the maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of disease, with a focus on data pertaining to vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids. A secondary objective was to discuss the new Dietary Reference Intakes released by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) for these nutrients. Data Sources IOM reports on the use of antioxidant vitamins were reviewed for nutrient recommendations. In addition, a MEDLINE search was performed to identify recent research and review articles on the topic, which were analyzed to identify key research findings in the area. Data Synthesis The review discusses the biologic processes of oxidation reactions and antioxidants in biologic systems, provides an overview of information on selected antioxidant nutrients, and explores their role in the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, ocular disorders, and respiratory disorders. Conclusion There appear to be significant health benefits from dietary antioxidants, as can be found in fruits and vegetables. Some prospective assessment of the effect of supplemental antioxidants also suggests benefit, especially for vitamin E; however, there are conflicting results in this area. Overall, it appears that antioxidant nutrients, especially those from food sources, have important roles in preventing pathogenic processes related to cancer, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, cataracts, and asthma, and may enhance immune function.
Chiral metamaterials via Moiré stacking.

Chiral metamaterials have attracted strong interest due to their versatile capabilities in spin-dependent light manipulation. Benefiting from advancements in nanofabrication and mechanistic understanding of chiroptical effects, chiral metamaterials have shown potential in a variety of applications including circular polarizers, chiral sensors, and chiroptical detectors. Recently, chiral metamaterials made by moire stacking, superimposing two or more periodic patterns with different lattice constants or relative spatial displacement, have shown promise for chiroptical applications. The moire chiral metamaterials (MCMs) take advantage of lattice-dependent chirality, giving cost-effective fabrication, flexible tunability, and reconfigurability superior to conventional chiral metamaterials. This feature article focuses on recent progress of MCMs. We discuss optical mechanisms, structural design, fabrication, and applications of the MCMs. We conclude with our perspectives on the future opportunities for the MCMs.
The Effect of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors on Nonfasting Remnant Cholesterol in a Real World Population.

Background. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have demonstrated significant effects on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and nonhigh density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. To date, there have been limited reports on the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on remnant cholesterol. Objectives. Assess the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on nonfasting remnant cholesterol in a real world population. Identify whether pretreatment triglyceride levels are associated with PCSK9 inhibition success as indicated by changes in remnant cholesterol levels. Methods. Patients in our adult lipid clinic (n = 109) receiving PCSK9 inhibition for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or familial hypercholesterolemia who had available pre- and post-PCSK9 inhibition standard nonfasting lipid data were, retrospectively, selected for data analysis. Remnant cholesterol was the difference between non-HDL and LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol was measured directly and calculated from Friedewald and Martin/Hopkins methods. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and multivariable linear regression for differential effects on remnant and LDL cholesterol based upon pretreatment nonfasting triglyceride levels. Results. Remnant cholesterol as well as total, LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased significantly (P<0.001) after PCSK9 inhibition. Patients with higher pretreatment triglyceride levels showed greater decrease in remnant cholesterol after PCSK9 inhibition (P<0.001) than those with lower pretreatment triglycerides. Conclusions. In patients receiving PCSK9 inhibitors, remnant cholesterol as determined from nonfasting blood was reduced in proportion to pretreatment triglycerides.
290 Development and evaluation of a social marketing approach to reduce pedestrian injury risk

Background Pedestrian injuries continue to be an intractable global public health. Engineering changes and enforcing traffic laws have considerable evidence supporting their effectiveness. Also important but less well understood is how to influence pedestrian and driver behaviour through educational campaigns. Our purpose is to describe how we developed, implemented and evaluated a social marketing campaign to address this gap. Methods The site was an urban academic medical centre campus where large numbers of students, staff, patients, and visitors drive and walk daily. Formative research included focus groups with the target audience. A two-phase, six-month campaign targeted both drivers and pedestrians, and was based on social marketing concepts of product, price, promotion, and place. Evaluation included baseline, mid-term, and follow-up online surveys of campus and community respondents. We analysed the proportion who reported: 1) exposure to the campaign and their reactions to it; and 2) driving and street crossing behaviours. Results Online survey sample sizes were 3,928 at baseline, 2,705 at mid-term, and 3,017 at follow-up. At mid-term 82% reported having seen campaign materials and at follow-up this% was 78. At both time points the majority of respondents (≥70%) rated the campaign positively. At follow-up the proportion reporting they often looked both ways before crossing an intersection was 94.5% for those reporting exposure to the campaign and 88.1% for those reporting no exposure to the campaign. The proportion reporting they often drove slowly through intersections to look for pedestrians was 50% for those reporting exposure to the campaign and 42% for those reporting no exposure to the campaign. Conclusions Few pedestrian safety campaigns are systematically planned and evaluated. This work (which includes a free dissemination guide) provides a roadmap to developing such interventions, and results show promise for enhancing individuals’ safety.
Improving network inference algorithms using resampling methods

Relatively small changes to gene expression data dramatically affect co-expression networks inferred from that data which, in turn, can significantly alter the subsequent biological interpretation. This error propagation is an underappreciated problem that, while hinted at in the literature, has not yet been thoroughly explored. Resampling methods (e.g. bootstrap aggregation, random subspace method) are hypothesized to alleviate variability in network inference methods by minimizing outlier effects and distilling persistent associations in the data. But the efficacy of the approach assumes the generalization from statistical theory holds true in biological network inference applications. We evaluated the effect of bootstrap aggregation on inferred networks using commonly applied network inference methods in terms of stability, or resilience to perturbations in the underlying expression data, a metric for accuracy, and functional enrichment of edge interactions. Bootstrap aggregation results in improved stability and, depending on the size of the input dataset, a marginal improvement to accuracy assessed by each method’s ability to link genes in the same functional pathway.
Examiner Position in Ocular Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Proposed Technique

Abstract Background Ocular point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a fast and safe non-invasive procedure used to evaluate the structural integrity and pathology of the eye. Ocular POCUS can be used for evaluation of posterior chamber and orbital pathology, including retinal detachment, vitreous detachment or hemorrhage, foreign body, lens dislocation, and increased intracranial pressure. Discussion The purpose of this brief communication is to describe a technique for conducting an ocular POCUS that may in some cases be easier and more comfortable by adjusting the position of the sonographer relative to the patient. Conclusions To our knowledge, this proposed technique has not been described in previous literature and may result in greater comfort for both sonographer and patient.
Non-linear relationships between human activities and wolf-livestock depredations

Abstract Livestock depredations present real and perceived threats to property and human livelihood, undermining carnivore conservation and management. Considerable research has been aimed at identifying factors influencing depredations but contradictory relationships indicate our predictive ability still needs improvement. Previous approaches have relied primarily on linear correlation modeling not considering that some factors may promote and limit depredations across the range of observed conditions. We investigated relationships between wolf (Canis lupus) depredations of livestock and indices of human activity in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP), USA. Using binomial generalized linear models at three spatial scales (site scale, radius [r] = 0.9 km; area of mean 50% wolf core area [core area scale], r = 4.4 km; and 95% wolf territory area [territory scale], r = 9.0 km), we tested the hypothesis that the relationship between depredation probability and indices of human activity is nonlinear, and that the greatest probability of depredations occurs at an intermediate level of conditions. Across spatial scales we found support for quadratic relationships between cattle density, human density, and proportion of agricultural lands with the occurrence of wolf-livestock depredations (n = 260). We also demonstrated that at the wolf territory scale, increased road density reduced the probability of depredations. Using test data, model prediction accuracy for estimating depredations was 90% (n = 28) at the land section scale and 84% (n = 26) at the core area scale. We provide demonstrative use of non-linear modeling to evaluate factors influencing depredations robust to wolf and prey distribution and abundance.
Efficient Monte Carlo Simulation of 16O Neutron Activation and 16N Decay Gamma-Ray Detection in a Flowing Fluid for On-Line Oxygen Analysis or Flow Rate Measurement

A Monte Carlo code named MCNAFF (Monte Carlo Neutron Activation in Fluid Flow) has been developed and tested for flow rate measurement and general composition determination of a flowing fluid by neutron activation analysis. Specifically, oxygen determination in a flowing fluid is treated, including simulating the emission and transport of neutrons in the fluid, the activation of {sup 16}O to {sup 16}N, the subsequent flow and dispersion of the {sup 16}N in the flow channel, the downstream decay of {sup 16}N, and the subsequent detection of the emitted decay gamma rays. This code is very efficient, partly because (a) the continuous single history approach has been taken, which follows a single history from emission of a neutron, through the production and decay of the {sup 16}N and the emission of a characteristic gamma ray, and finally to the full energy detection of the gamma ray and (b) the principle of forcing can be and is used throughout so that almost every history results in a partial success. The present MCNAFF code is capable of calculating gamma-ray detection yields per neutron emitted to the same accuracy as an approach by Perez-Griffo, Block, and Lahey, which numerically solves the partial differential equationsmore » for modeling particle dispersion and diffusion and calculates separately by Monte Carlo both the neutron absorption and gamma-ray detection process. The MCNAFF code is estimated to be about two orders of magnitude faster and should be more convenient to use because all calculations are accomplished in a single step.« less
Evaluating Visual Explanations for Similarity-Based Recommendations: User Perception and Performance

Recommender system helps users to reduce information overload. In recent years, enhancing explainability in recommender systems has drawn more and more attention in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). However, it is not clear whether a user-preferred explanation interface can maintain the same level of performance while the users are exploring or comparing the recommendations. In this paper, we introduced a participatory process of designing explanation interfaces with multiple explanatory goals for three similarity-based recommendation models. We investigate the relations of user perception and performance with two user studies. In the first study (N=15), we conducted card-sorting and semi-interview to identify the user preferred interfaces. In the second study (N=18), we carry out a performance-focused evaluation of six explanation interfaces. The result suggests that the user-preferred interface may not guarantee the same level of performance.
The Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialist and Standardized Patients

Healthcare simulation technology specialists (HSTSs) and standardized patients (SPs) interact in varying degrees depending on their individual contexts. Traditionally SP-based work took place in outpatient or small group classrooms. However, in the last decade, with the development of hybrid scenarios, wearable simulators designed for SPs, and technology designed to give SPs physical findings, SPs are interacting with learners in a variety of settings, signifying that the collaboration between HSTSs and SPs is bound to increase in the coming years. To support this collaboration, HSTSs need to be aware of several facets of SP methodology. Understanding how educators currently recruit and train SPs will enable HSTSs to more easily support them in scenarios that incorporate simulators, task trainers, simulation devices, and moulage. It will also help them gain insight into their own portrayals of the patient through the manikin. Finally, understanding the simulation setting and scene requirements of SP-based work will enable HSTSs to better support the authenticity of the simulation activity.
A customer-focused approach to improve celebrity endorser effectiveness

Abstract The current study reveals that a customer-focused approach to choosing celebrity endorsers (based on consumer-endorser identification) is a more useful predictor of endorsement success than a product-focused approach (product-endorser fit) alone. Specifically, the findings suggest consumer-endorser identification offers a potentially more consistent criterion for predicting endorsement effectiveness than fit, which is contingent upon varying consumer perceptions of product-endorser match-up. Across two studies, one survey-based and one longitudinal experiment, increased identification with both male and female endorsers led to increases in endorsement success. Most importantly, the influence of identification is significant for both high and low fit pairings between an endorser and brand. Thus, consumers who identify strongly with an endorser are likely to respond favorably to the endorsement even when fit between the endorser and brand is poor. Moreover, identification with the endorser is found to be consistently linked to purchase intentions over multiple time points.
Aromatase Inhibitors Plus Weight Loss Improves the Hormonal Profile of Obese Hypogonadal Men Without Causing Major Side Effects

Objective: In obese men, the increased expression of the aromatase enzyme in adipose tissue leads to high conversion of androgens to estrogens contributing to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HHG). Our objective is to evaluate efficacy and safety of weight loss (WL) plus aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy in severely obese men with HHG. We hypothesize that AI+WL will be more effective as compared to WL alone in improving the hormonal profile, thus muscle strength and symptoms of HHG (primary outcomes), with no significant adverse effects on lean mass, metabolic profile, and bone mineral density (secondary outcomes). Design: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial. Methods: Twenty-three obese men (BMI≥35 kg/m2), 35-65 years old, were randomized to weight loss (diet and exercise) plus either anastrozole (AI+WL, n = 12) at 1 mg daily or placebo (PBO+WL, n = 11) for 6 months. Inclusion criteria: total testosterone <300 ng/mL (average of 2 measurements), estradiol≥10.9 pg/ml, LH <9 IU/l. Symptoms of hypogonadism by questionnaires; muscle strength by Biodex dynamometer; body composition and bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; bone microarchitecture and finite element analysis by high resolution peripheral quantitative-computed tomography. Results: After 6 months of therapy, AI+WL group had higher testosterone (p = 0.003) and lower estradiol (p = 0.001) compared to PBO+WL. Changes in symptoms and muscle strength did not differ between groups. AI+WL resulted in higher fat mass loss than PBO+WL (p = 0.04) without differences in changes in lean mass. Total and LDL cholesterol reduced more in the PBO+WL group compared to AI+WL (p = 0.03 for both), who experienced a minimal increase with unlikely meaningful clinical impact. Tibial trabecular bone area decreased more in PBO+WL than AI+WL group for which it remained stable (p = 0.03). Conclusions:Although AI+WL is effective in reversing the hormonal profile of HHG in severely obese men without causing major side effects, it does not lead to greater improvements in muscle strength and symptoms of hypogonadism compared to WL alone. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02959853.
Discrete and Dynamic Postoperative Pain Catastrophizing Trajectories Across 6 Months: A Prospective Observational Study.

Abstract Objectives To investigate pain catastrophizing presentations up to 6 months postoperatively and subsequent changes in pain intensity and physical function. Design Prospective observational multisite study. Setting Two tertiary care facilities between 2016 and 2019. Participants : Adult patients (N=348) undergoing a mastectomy, thoracic surgery, total knee or hip arthroplasty, spinal fusion, or major abdominal surgery. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores, Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale, average pain intensity, and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function. Results Four pain catastrophizing trajectories were identified in 348 surgical patients during the 6 months of postoperative recovery: stable, remitting, worsening, and unremitting. Linear mixed-effects models found that the unremitting trajectory was associated with higher pain intensity over time. The average pain intensity of participants in the remitting trajectory was estimated to decrease at a faster rate over the 6 months after surgery than pain of other trajectories, despite participants reporting high preoperative Pain Catastrophizing Scale and pain scores. Worsening and unremitting trajectories were associated with reduced physical function. Preoperative average pain intensity scores were not associated with postoperative physical function scores, nor were participants’ preoperative physical function scores associated with average pain intensity scores postoperatively. Prolonged hospitalization, smoking, and preoperative opioid prescriptions were associated with the unremitting trajectory. Conclusions Findings suggest that preoperative pain catastrophizing scores alone may not be adequate for estimating long-term patient-reported outcomes during postoperative rehabilitation. Pain catastrophizing has a dynamic presentation and is associated with changes in pain intensity and physical function up to 6 months postoperatively. Routine assessments can inform the delivery of early interventions to surgical patients at risk of experiencing a pain catastrophizing trajectory associated with suboptimal outcomes during rehabilitation.
Introduction of an academic medical center's point-of-care ultrasound curriculum to internal medicine residents at a community-based teaching hospital.

Despite its proven utility, integration of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) into internal medicine (IM) residency training has been inconsistent. Due to their unique constraints, community-based te...
A novel ergonomic wheelchair reduces bacterial hand contamination

Objective: To determine whether bacterial contamination of rider’s hands is less with a novel ergonomic wheelchair (EW) than a standard wheelchair (SW). Experimental design: After wheelchair hand r...
Erythropoietin: regulation of erythropoiesis and clinical use.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the regulation of erythropoiesis (EPO) and clinical use. EPO is a glycoprotein that was purified from the urine of patients with aplastic anemia. The potency of EPO is expressed in units, with one unit defined as the amount of EPO present in one-tenth of one ampule of the International Reference Preparation. The density of EPO receptors on normal human erythroid progenitor cells appears to correlate with their responsiveness to and dependence on this hormone. Erythroid cells at the stage of the erythroid colony-forming unit (CFU-E) to the proerythroblast seem to have the highest density of receptors on their membrane. Production of an adequate number of erythrocytes depends on the continuous replenishment of the bone marrow with erythroblasts. Erythroblasts are derived from the proliferation and differentiation of morphologically unrecognizable erythroid progenitor cells. These cells have been functionally defined by their ability to form colonies of erythroblasts in semisolid culture medium.
The Natural Frequency: More Natural and More Frequent than Expected

A common problem in a first course in differential equations is to model a mass-spring-damper system under the influence of a periodic forcing function. Using Newton’s laws of motion, one can arriv...
Focal Atrial Tachycardia Originating From the Right Atrial Appendage Masquerading as Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia.

Abstract Focal atrial tachycardia arising from the right atrial appendage (RAAT) may be misdiagnosed as sinus tachycardia. The electrocardiogram from this case demonstrates a negative notched P-wav...
Takaful in Non-Muslim Countries: A Way Forward

Despite the strong growth momentum for the Takaful industry, attempts to introduce non-Muslim countries have coincided with inadequate success. Takaful remains focused in key markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia; Saudi Arabia; the UAE; Bahrain, and other Muslim countries.
Prediction ability of genome-wide markers in Pinus taeda L. within and between population is affected by relatedness to the training population and trait genetic architecture.

Genomic prediction has the potential to significantly increase the rate of genetic gain in tree breeding programs. In this study, a clonally replicated population (n = 2063) was used to train a genomic prediction model. The model was validated both within the training population and in a separate population (n = 451). The prediction abilities from random (20% vs. 80%) cross validation within the training population were 0.56 and 0.78 for height and stem form, respectively. Removal of all full-sib relatives within the training population resulted in ∼50% reduction in their genomic prediction ability for both traits. The average prediction ability for all 451 individual trees was 0.29 for height and 0.57 for stem form. The degree of genetic linkage (full sib family, half sib family, unrelated) between the training and validation sets had a strong impact on prediction ability for stem form but not for height. A dominant dwarfing allele, the first to be reported in a conifer species, was discovered via GWAS on linkage group 5 that conferred a 0.33 m mean height reduction. However, the QTL was family specific. The rapid decay of LD, large genome size, and inconsistencies in marker-QTL linkage phase suggest that large, diverse training populations are needed for genomic selection in Pinus taeda L.
A clinical test for esophagitis.

The need for a reliable method for the reproduction of esophageal pain ob­ jectively to differentiate it from angina pectoris and other chest pain has long been recognized. 3 • 7-9 From studies of balloon distention of the esophagus and delivery of acid and alkali into the esophagus it has been concluded that the intact or ulcerated mucosa is insensitive to dilute HOI, but that pain can be elicited by esophageal distention or by an increased state of tension of esophageal muscle. 7 • 10 • 13 Baylis and his associates 8 found that 3 of their patients could differentiate esophageal distention pain from that caused by their angina pectoris, but these doctors were not wholly satisfied with the test. They considered the electrocardiogram to be the greatest aid in differentiating esophageal from cardiac pain. However, electrocardiographic abnormalities do not exclude the additional presence of esophageal disease. Kramer and Hollander9 caused pain by esophageal distention in 19 patients, in 7 of whom the induced pain could not be differentiated from their anginal symptoms. In all of these the induced pain was believed to be of esophageal origin because it subsided immediately upon deflation of the bal­ loon and was not accompanied by electrocardiographic change. Therefore, they found the test to be of no value in differential diagnosis. Morrison and Swalm 14 caused typical anginal symptoms with electrocardiographic changes by esophageal distention in some patients with angina. Thus, there is general accord that esophageal pain produced by distention with an intraesophageal balloon is not an effective test for differentiation of origins of clinical symptoms. Regurgitation of acid-pepsin is generally accepted as a factor in causing esophagitis. 1 -6 This being so, it seemed reasonable to presume that bathing the esophageal mucosa with an irritant such as acid might produce pain only when inflammation is present. Palmer 15
Treatment Practices of Mild Cognitive Impairment in California Alzheimer's Disease Centers

OBJECTIVES: To examine ‘‘real world’’ treatments forpatients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).DESIGN: Cross-sectional.SETTING: California Department of Public Health Alz-heimer’s Disease (AD) Research Centers of California.PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred seventy-eight patients di-agnosed with MCI.MEASUREMENTS: All patients underwent comprehen-sive neurological and neuropsychological evaluations. Lo-gistic regression models were used to determine patientcharacteristics associated with use of anti-AD medications,statins, antioxidants, and folic acid.RESULTS: One hundred sixty-six patients (28.7%) weretaking anti-AD medications; use was associated withgreater functional impairment, higher education, MCI sub-type, and older age (Po.05 for all). Two hundred ﬁfty-twopatients (43.6%) were taking statins; use was associatedwith diabetes mellitus, hypertension, myocardial infarct,male sex, and MCI subtype (Po.05 for all). One hundredﬁfteen patients (19.9%) were taking antioxidants; use wasassociated with higher education and diabetes mellitus andvaried according to site (Po.05 for all). Thirty-seven pa-tients(6.4%)weretakingfolicacid;usewasassociatedwithnonwhiterace,malesex,andgreaterfunctionalimpairment(Po.05 for all).CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients withMCI are frequently being treated with ‘‘off label’’ cholin-esterase inhibitors and memantine, as well as other possiblecognition-enhancing drugs. Further investigation of theeffect of treatment patterns on the clinical course of MCI isneeded. J Am Geriatr Soc 57:686–690, 2009.Key words: Alzheimer’s disease; mild cognitive impair-ment; aging; medications; cholinesterase inhibitors
Missing Linkages? Canada, Cap-and-Trade and the International Climate Architecture

For years, the international community has debated a response to global climate change. However, countries have not yet agreed to a meaningful, comprehensive treaty to address the issue. The Kyoto Protocol imposes no emissions reduction obligations on developing countries. The U.S. has not ratified the treaty and Canada has largely ignored it. Even the December 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference - which many had hoped would produce a legal framework for action beyond 2012 - concluded with delegates taking note of a Copenhagen Accord that neither commits countries to binding emissions reductions nor describes how the actions of the developing world will be funded and verified. In the absence of a comprehensive treaty, the world is left with an array of local, regional and national plans to limit greenhouse gas emissions, many of which feature cap-and-trade systems. This regionalism creates challenges. Different regulations in different jurisdictions can create a competitive disadvantage for firms that are covered by a local cap-and-trade system but that compete in a global market. A related concern is the threat of “market leakage”, whereby affected industries relocate to jurisdictions that do not price carbon. To counter these concerns, some countries have proposed erecting trade barriers on the import of carbon-intensive products. These issues can be partially mitigated by linking cap-and-trade systems - by allowing covered firms in one system to demonstrate their compliance with that system by purchasing and retiring emissions allowances from another system. By linking cap-and-trade systems, the cost of compliance in these systems tends to converge, removing some of the incentives for covered firms to relocate, while dissuading countries from erecting trade barriers on carbon-intensive products. As the Canadian federal government considers its options to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, it increasingly favors waiting to adopt a cap-and-trade system that would mirror - and potentially even be linked to - a future U.S. system. Yet linkage can create equity, sovereignty and environmental concerns that should be carefully managed. This article discusses (i) the growing diversity of emissions trading systems around the world; (ii) early experiences in linking these systems together; (iii) lessons learned from these experiences; and (iv) a linkage strategy for a future Canadian federal cap-and-trade system.
Group fitness and multi-level selection: Replies to commentaries

Sober and Wilson’s main argument is that there is not a particularly tight connection between the main theoretical ideas of multi-level selection (MLS) theory and the π/φ parameterization that we discuss in our paper. (In this reply we will omit all “i” subscripts from parameters.) According to Sober and Wilson, MLS theory is free to use different kinds of parameters, including the α/β parameters that our paper associated with individualism. Because we overstate the connection between a parameterization and a theoretical perspective, we are said to misconstrue Sober and Wilson’s arguments about the role of MLS theory. We are also called on to confront what Sober and Wilson regard as “the basic question” in this area: “can traits evolve by bene-
Strategic Responses to Used Goods Markets: Airbus and Boeing

In this paper, I present a dynamic oligopoly model of Airbus, Boeing, and used aircraft markets and employ a unique dataset to examine the interaction between innovation, production, and the used goods markets. My findings show that firms increase the development of new products in response to used goods markets. Moreover, a reduction in government production subsidies has a minor effect on innovation, while a reduction in government R&D subsidies leads to a delay in innovation. Finally, a change in market structure from a duopoly to a monopoly decreases innovation in the presence of used goods markets.
The Failure-Based Paradigm

The objective of this article is to describe the failure-based paradigm for reliability and explain the use of failure-time data to assess product reliability. After discussing the main sources and characteristics of failure-time data, we introduce some basic reliability metrics such as failure probability and hazard rate and the nonparametric and parametric estimation of these or related metrics. We present a brief introduction to regression methods to incorporate explanatory variables in the analysis of reliability data. The analysis of data with multiple failure modes (competing risks) is illustrated with an example. The article concludes with a discussion of some trends in the next generation of failure-time reliability data. Materials for further reading are provided. Keywords: accelerated life tests; dynamic data for reliability; log location–scale distribution; multiple failure modes; probability plot; regression analysis for reliability data
Willow system demonstration

Dealing with damage that arises during operation of networked information systems is essential if such systems are to provide the dependability required by modem critical applications. Extensive damage can arise from environmental factors, malicious actions and so on, and in most cases it is impractical to mask the effects of such damage using typical redundancy techniques. Reconfiguration is required of both the application and the underlying computing and communications fabric. Such reconfiguration is difficult to achieve because it requires communication with a significant number of nodes both to determine the problem and to effect a repair In this demonstration we present an approach to the implementation of such reconfiguration. The approach to reactive control includes formal description of the error states, synthesis of the implementation, a novel new communications mechanism for communication between the error detection system and the application, and a system for coordinating the effects of independent actions.
Age Disparities in Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer Between African Americans and Caucasians

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Age and ethnicity are two well-established risk factors for prostate cancer and have prominent influences on the onset, development, and outcomes of prostate cancer. This retrospective study reviewed more than 3,000 pathology reports on prostate surgical specimens and analyzed the associations of age and ethnicity with the onset, detection rate, and differentiation of prostate cancer. The results suggested that compared to Caucasian African American men had earlier onsets of PIN, ASAP, and prostate cancer by about one and a half years, and earlier onset of metastatic prostate cancer 9 years. Increased age is also associated with elevation of serum PSA in prostate cancer patients in both races. However, in this series neither age nor race was significantly associated with tumor grade (Gleason score).
When will Antarctic ozone begin to recover

Emissions of ozone-depleting substances have declined over recent decades, but it takes time for the ozone layer to recover. Regular measurements of ozone levels above the South Pole now stretch back 25 years. Hassler et al. analyzed these recorded ozone data to assess changes in ozone loss rates. Consistent with previous studies, they found that ozone loss rates have been stable over the past 15 years, neither increasing nor decreasing. However, they predict that, assuming future atmospheric dynamics are similar to today's, ozone loss rates will begin to decline noticeably between 2017 and 2021. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, doi:10.1029/2011JD016353, 2011)
Making electroweak models of composite fermions realistic

We study how the electroweak models of composite fermions with a large compositeness scale can be made realistic, that is, how to incorporate the three generations of massive fermions. The structure of the Higgs sector of these models must satisfy strong constraints, which we discuss in comparison with those of the top-condensate model.
Transposable element-associated microRNA hairpins produce 21-nt sRNAs integrated into typical microRNA pathways in rice

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs (sRNAs) of ∼21 nucleotides (nt) in length processed from foldback hairpins by DICER-LIKE1 (DCL1) or DCL4. They regulate the expression of target mRNAs by base pairing through RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). In the RISC, ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1) is the key protein that cleaves miRNA targets at position ten of a miRNA:target duplex. The authenticity of many annotated rice miRNA hairpins is under debate because of their homology to repeat sequences. Some of them, like miR1884b, have been removed from the current release of miRBase based on incomplete information. In this study, we investigated the association of transposable element (TE)-derived miRNAs with typical miRNA pathways (DCL1/4- and AGO1-dependent) using publicly available deep sequencing datasets. Seven miRNA hairpins with 13 unique sRNAs were specifically enriched in AGO1 immunoprecipitation samples and relatively reduced in DCL1/4 knockdown genotypes. Interestingly, these species are ∼21-nt long, instead of 24-nt as annotated in miRBase and the literature. Their expression profiles meet current criteria for functional annotation of miRNAs. In addition, diagnostic cleavage tags were found in degradome datasets for predicted target mRNAs. Most of these miRNA hairpins share significant homology with miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements, one type of abundant DNA transposons in rice. Finally, the root-specific production of a 24-nt miRNA-like sRNA was confirmed by RNA blot for a novel EST that maps to the 3′-UTR of a candidate pseudogene showing extensive sequence homology to miR1884b hairpin. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that TEs can serve as a driving force for the evolution of some MIRNAs, where co-opting of DICER-LIKE1/4 processing and integration into AGO1 could exapt transcribed TE-associated hairpins into typical miRNA pathways.
MHC class II antigen processing: biology of invariant chain.

Abstract The invariant chain (Ii) has been shown to play a critical role in the assembly, intracellular transport and function of MHC class II molecules. Recent studies suggest that these distinct activities can in many cases be attributed to distinct isoforms of li or to specific regions within it. Thus, regulation of li synthesis, post-transcriptional events, and post-translational modification has the potential to dramatically modulate immune responses.
Changes in neuroforaminal height with 2 level axial presacral lumbar interbody fusion at L4-S1.

Background The objective was to examine the changes in neuroforaminal height at L4-L5 and L5-S1 after insertion and graduated foraminal distraction using the 2 level transsacral implant in a cadaveric model. Methods Discectomy and transsacral instrumentation was performed in six fresh human cadavers at L4-S1. The neuroforaminal height was measured at L4-L5 and L5-S1 before and after insertion of the implant and then at each stage of manual distraction. Results Mean L4-5 neuroforaminal height increased from 18.2 ± 3.1mm to 20.3± 2.9mm (11%) on the left and from 18.8±2.8mm to 20.6± 2.3mm (12%) on the right (P Conclusions The transsacral screw construct distracted the disc space and neuroforaminal height in a cadaveric spine model without soft tissue envelope. During the initial process, manual control of disc space distraction predictably correlated with the increase in the neuroforaminal height to a maximum. However, further research is needed to look at variables affecting disc space pliability, implant subsidence, in vivo application, and clinical benefit of this procedure.
Probabilistic methods for condition assessment and life prediction of concrete structures in nuclear power plants

Abstract A probability-based methodology is being developed in support of the NRC Structural Aging Program to assist in evaluating the reliability of existing concrete structures in nuclear power plants under potential future operating loads and extreme environmental and accidental events. The methodology includes models to predict structural deterioration due to environmental stressors, a database to support the use of these models, and methods for analyzing time-dependent reliability of concrete structural components subjected to stochastic loads. The methodology can be used to support a plant license extension application by providing evidence that safety-related concrete structures in their current (service) condition are able to withstand future extreme events with a level of reliability sufficient for public health and safety.
Migration inhibitory factor secretion by polarized uterine epithelial cells is enhanced in response to the TLR3 agonist poly (I:C).

Problem Uterine epithelial cells produce cytokines that stimulate leukocytes in response to a microbial insult. The goals of this study were to determine if uterine epithelial cells produce the pro-inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and to see if toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists stimulate MIF secretion. Methods of study Human uterine epithelial cells were isolated and grown in cell culture inserts. Levels of MIF secretion were examined by ELISA and MIF messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was examined using real time RT-PCR. Results Uterine epithelial cells constitutively secrete MIF and exposure to the TLR3 agonist poly (I:C) resulted in enhanced apical secretion of MIF. MIF secretion appeared to be from pre-formed intracellular stores, since exposure of epithelial cells to poly (I:C) had little effect on the expression of MIF–mRNA. Conclusions These results demonstrate that uterine epithelial cells constitutively produce MIF and stimulation with poly (I:C) results in enhanced MIF production. This suggests that MIF secretion by uterine epithelial cells may play a critical role in innate immune responses against viral pathogens mediated through TLR3.
Pyramidal Cells in Piriform Cortex Receive Convergent Input from Distinct Olfactory Bulb Glomeruli

Pyramidal cells in piriform cortex integrate sensory information from multiple olfactory bulb mitral and tufted (M/T) cells. However, whether M/T cells belonging to different olfactory bulb glomeruli converge onto individual cortical cells is unclear. Here we use calcium imaging in an olfactory bulb-cortex slice preparation to provide direct evidence that neurons in piriform cortex receive convergent synaptic input from different glomeruli. We show that the combined activity of distinct glomerular pathways recruits ensembles of pyramidal cells that are not activated by the individual pathways alone. This cooperative recruitment of cortical neurons only occurs over a narrow time window and is a feature intrinsic to the olfactory cortex that can be explained by the integration of converging, subthreshold synaptic input. Cooperative recruitment enhances the differences between cortical representations of partially overlapping input patterns and may contribute to the initial steps of olfactory discrimination.
Additional Two-Dimensional Wake and Jet-Like Flows

Abstract : A number of authors have described wake and jet-like similarity solutions to the steady, two-dimensional, laminar, incompressible boundary layer equations. These solutions are shown to be a subset of a larger class of solutions including those with algebraic velocity profile functions near the outer edge of the boundary layer. In addition to describing the relationship between solutions, the limiting cases are described in which the pressure gradient parameter becomes infinite and where the wall and edge velocities are equal. (Author)
Sunlight-initiated Chemistry of Aqueous Pyruvic Acid: Building Complexity in the Origin of Life

Coupling chemical reactions to an energy source is a necessary step in the origin of life. Here, we utilize UV photons provided by a simulated sun to activate aqueous pyruvic acid and subsequently prompt chemical reactions mimicking some of the functions of modern metabolism. Pyruvic acid is interesting in a prebiotic context due to its prevalence in modern metabolism and its abiotic availability on early Earth. Here, pyruvic acid (CH3COCOOH, a C3 molecule) photochemically reacts to produce more complex molecules containing four or more carbon atoms. Acetoin (CH3CHOHCOCH3), a C4 molecule and a modern bacterial metabolite, is produced in this chemistry as well as lactic acid (CH3CHOHCOOH), a molecule which, when coupled with other abiotic chemical reaction pathways, can provide a regeneration pathway for pyruvic acid. This chemistry is discussed in the context of plausible environments on early Earth such as near the ocean surface and atmospheric aerosol particles. These environments allow for combination and exchange of reactants and products of other reaction environments (such as shallow hydrothermal vents). The result could be a contribution to the steady increase in chemical complexity requisite in the origin of life.
Effects of dietary and water-borne oil exposure on larval pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi)

Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) larvae were exposed either directly to the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil or indirectly via oil-contaminated prey (OCP) (Artemia salina) for <- 28 days, to determine the relative effects of diet and water as routes of contamination. Larvae were affected rapidly by 0·9 ppm WSF, which caused high larval mortality, reduced swimming ability and rapid reductions in feeding rates. Larval length was significantly reduced by 0·7 ppm WSF in 7 days and by 0·3 ppm WSF within 14 days. The WSF exposure also caused similar reductions in larval weights. Highly contaminated prey (6 ppm prey exposure) caused significant mortality, but surviving larvae appeared robust. The OCP did not affect swimming, feeding, or growth. Exposure of larvae was not significantly extended by OCP, which rapidly depurated WSF in clean water (98% in 1 day). Therefore, OCP is probably not an important source of low molecular weight petroleum contamination to larval fish in the marine environment.
A thirteenth cranial nerve: The cloacal nerve

The completion by vertebrates of micturition, defecation, and copulation via the cloaca or its derivatives is hypothesized to be best explained by the existence of a thirteenth cranial nerve, the cloacal nerve, which, similar to the facial and trigeminal nerves, functions as a mixed cranial nerve containing both general and special components.