cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Not so fast: promoting invasive species to enhance multifunctionality in a native ecosystem requires strong(er) scrutiny

Since at least the 1980s, ecologists have argued that restoring ecosystem functioning in highly degraded areas is the “acid test” for ecological understanding (Bradshaw 1987). Ecosystem engineers and foundational species are often considered pivotal in the restoration of degraded areas (Suding et al. 2004; Byers et al. 2006), as by definition, they “engineer” biotic structure that serves as habitat. For decades, ecologists have debated when and where we may promote non-native engineers instead of native engineers for restoration. Entering into this long-standing debate, Ramus et al. (2017) reported the results from a field experiment in North Carolina with the Japanese seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla and concluded that this and other invasive engineering species should more frequently be considered as candidate species to restore ecosystem function of degraded habitats. Here, we argue that it is premature to suggest we understand the effects of the non-native Gracilaria on the native estuarine system well enough to promote this invader as a lynchpin of restoration efforts. Our argument is fourfold: (1) The net ecosystem effects of Gracilaria remain unknown because Ramus et al. overstated or did not examine the ability of the invasive seaweed to perform key services. (2) The conclusion of enhanced multifunctionality is highly dependent on several subjective, poorly justified decisions regarding the treatment of variables. (3) Contrary to the claim by Ramus et al., the mudflats where Gracilaria resides are not a barren sedimentary landscape without its presence. Finally, (4) Ramus et al. rely on a well-worn “strawman” approach that ignores decades of ecological research. No doubt, there are systems in which non-native engineers benefit local ecosystem functioning, but any recommendation to use a non-native in such a capacity should require careful and thorough evaluation.
Patents and Free Speech

There is an enormous literature on the intersection between the First Amendment and various IP regimes such as copyright and trademark. This literature generally omits patent law from the argument, reflecting an implicit assumption that patent protection poses no threat to free speech. This assumption is wrong. As the Article will explain, patents can restrict free speech just like copyrights and trademarks. Indeed, patents pose a greater threat to speech than copyrights and trademarks: Precisely because people assume that patents pose no threat to speech, patent law has developed none of the doctrinal safeguards for free speech that copyright law and trademark law has. This Article makes two contributions. First, it makes the point that patents are not exceptional and raise the same free speech issues as the rest of IP law. Second, it proposes some doctrinal limits on patent protection in order to mitigate the speech-restrictive effects of patent law.
Regulatory Network of the Scoliosis-Associated Genes Establishes Rostrocaudal Patterning of Somites in Zebrafish

Gene regulatory networks govern pattern formation and differentiation during embryonic development. Segmentation of somites, precursors of the vertebral column among other tissues, is jointly controlled by temporal signals from the segmentation clock and spatial signals from morphogen gradients. To explore how these temporal and spatial signals are integrated, we combined time-controlled genetic perturbation experiments with computational modeling to reconstruct the core segmentation network in zebrafish. We found that Mesp family transcription factors link the temporal information of the segmentation clock with the spatial action of the fibroblast growth factor signaling gradient to establish rostrocaudal (head to tail) polarity of segmented somites. We further showed that cells gradually commit to patterning by the action of different genes at different spatiotemporal positions. Our study provides a blueprint of the zebrafish segmentation network, which includes evolutionarily conserved genes that are associated with the birth defect congenital scoliosis in humans.
Artificial intelligence and counseling: Four levels of implementation:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly prominent in public, academic, and clinical provinces. A widening research base is expanding AI’s reach, including to that of the counseling profession....
Abstract 3281: The association between body mass index (BMI) and risk of pancreatic cancer depends on age at BMI assessment

Importance: Pancreatic cancer rates in the United States have steadily increased since the early 2000’s despite declines in smoking. This increase is not easily explained by population increases in body mass index (BMI) given the relatively weak association between BMI and pancreatic cancer risk typically observed in epidemiologic studies. Most of these studies, however, assessed BMI in older adulthood, which may be less strongly associated with pancreatic cancer than BMI earlier in adult life. Objective: To examine the association between BMI and pancreatic cancer mortality by age at BMI assessment. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS-II), a nationwide study of cancer mortality enrolled in 1982 and followed through 2014. Participants: 963,317 US adults aged 30 to 89 years at enrollment. Exposure: BMI calculated from height and weight reported at enrollment. Main outcomes and measures: A total of 8,354 participants died of pancreatic cancer during follow-up. Hazard ratios (HRs) for BMI were calculated using multivariable proportional hazards regression models. Population attributable fractions by birth cohort were calculated using HRs from CPS-II and BMI distributions from nationally representative National Health and Examination Surveys (NHANES). Results: HRs declined with increasing age at BMI assessment. HRs per 5 BMI units among those aged 30-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-89 years at assessment were 1.25 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-1.33), 1.19 (95% CI 1.14-1.23), 1.14 (95% CI 1.08-1.21) and 1.13 (95% CI 1.02-1.26), respectively (p-trend = 0.005). The prevalence of obesity in early middle age is substantially higher in more recent US birth cohorts than in earlier ones. Therefore, based on a HR of 1.25 per 5 BMI units at age 45 years, we estimate that 28% of pancreatic cancer deaths in the US among those born from 1970-74 will be attributable to BMI levels > 25 kg/m2, nearly twice the equivalent percentage in those born in the 1930s. Conclusions and Relevance: BMI before age 50 may be more strongly associated with pancreatic cancer risk than BMI at older ages. These results underscore the importance of preventing excess weight gain before middle age for reducing rates of this highly fatal cancer. Citation Format: Eric J. Jacobs, Christina C. Newton, Alpa V. Patel, Victoria L. Stevens, Farhad Islami, W. Dana Flanders, Susan M. Gapstur. The association between body mass index (BMI) and risk of pancreatic cancer depends on age at BMI assessment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3281.
Response to muscular exercise following repeated simulated weightlessness.

The effects of 10-d 6-deg-head-down bed rest (BR1), 14 d of recovery, another 10 d bed rest (BR2), and another 14-d recovery on the cardiovascular response to a graded supine cycle ergometer test (4 min unloaded 60-rpm pedaling followed by 15-W/min increasing work load to volitional fatigue) are investigated experimentally in seven male nonsmokers of mean age 41 yrs, mean weight 80.2 kg, mean height 178 cm, and mean body fat content 22.3 percent. Ergometer tests are performed before BR1, after BR1 and BR2, and 14 d after BR2. The results are presented in tables, and it is found that the significantly decreased maximum-O2-uptake, gas-exchange-aerobic-threshold, and plasma-volume responses and the increased submaximal and maximal heart rates observed (relative to pre-BR1 levels) after BR1 and BR2 return to pre-BR1 values 14 d after BR2. It is inferred that 14 d of mild exercise are adequate for recovery from even repeated exposure to this type of simulated weightlessness.
Islam in the Gold Heart of Russia: Ingush Islamic Communities in Kolyma

This article analyzes evolving patterns of migration between traditionally Muslim parts of the post-Soviet region and the Russian Far East, with an emphasis on the migration of Ingush between rural...
Multi-unit analysis of noise level exceedances over time in hospitals

The purpose of this project is to expand the knowledge base of health care soundscapes by analyzing noise level exceedances in a relatively large sample of hospitals and units, in order to more clearly define the range of sound levels typically experienced in modern healthcare noise environments. Occurrence rate is a newer measure of how often peak and maximum sound levels occur over a measurement period. Other metrics analyzed in this project include the occurrence rate of minimum sound levels and the difference between maximum and minimum sound levels. These and more traditional sound level metrics are evaluated along with standard percentile noise levels over time. The data analyzed in this project are from the Healthcare Acoustics Research Team (HART) library of hospital research and includes 4 hospitals, 18 units, and several measurement locations in each unit. The large sample size provides a greater degree of certainty in the development of standard levels of noise exceeded over time in hospitals.The purpose of this project is to expand the knowledge base of health care soundscapes by analyzing noise level exceedances in a relatively large sample of hospitals and units, in order to more clearly define the range of sound levels typically experienced in modern healthcare noise environments. Occurrence rate is a newer measure of how often peak and maximum sound levels occur over a measurement period. Other metrics analyzed in this project include the occurrence rate of minimum sound levels and the difference between maximum and minimum sound levels. These and more traditional sound level metrics are evaluated along with standard percentile noise levels over time. The data analyzed in this project are from the Healthcare Acoustics Research Team (HART) library of hospital research and includes 4 hospitals, 18 units, and several measurement locations in each unit. The large sample size provides a greater degree of certainty in the development of standard levels of noise exceeded over time in hospitals.
A survey of US dental schools on predoctoral implant curricula with emphasis on diagnosing and treating implant complications.

Abstract Statement of problem Implant complications have been reported to occur at high rates and frequencies. Whether these high rates are observed in predoctoral implant programs and whether future dentists are educated to diagnose and treat implant complications is unknown. Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze and report the results of a survey on US predoctoral curricula related to implant treatment and with an emphasis on diagnosing and treating implant complications. Material and methods A 26-question survey was distributed to all (66) US dental schools. In addition to 3 questions regarding descriptive information about each school, 13 questions were used to calculate a curriculum composite score that was used to assess the quality of the school’s implant curriculum. The remaining survey topics and number of questions included frequency of complications (2), tracking and types of complications (6), and school-reported student preparedness to identify or treat implant complications (2). A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate the relationship between the curriculum composite scores and student preparedness to diagnose and treat implant complications. Results Twenty-eight schools responded to the survey for a response rate of 42.4%, and 23 schools completed the entire survey (completion rate 34.8%). Fifteen schools (65.2%) reported methods of recording implant complications, and 8 of 23 schools (34.8%) reported methods of assessing student knowledge in recognizing implant complications. Only 2 schools reported methods of assessing student preparedness to treat implant complications. Most implant complications were mechanical (64.3%), followed by biological (28.6%) and esthetic (7.1%). The prostheses associated with the most complications were implant overdentures (39.1%), followed by single crowns (34.8%) and fixed partial dentures (4.3%). A positive relational trend was observed between reported student preparedness to recognize and treat implant complications and curriculum composite scores. Conclusions Within the limitation of this survey-based study, implant curricula in US dental schools should consider improving the scope of teaching the diagnosis and treatment of implant complications. The implant complications observed at US dental schools showed similar trends to those reported in the literature.
Central Mexico Classic

relative time period: Follows the Late Highland Meso-american Preclassic tradition and precedes the Central Mexico Postclassic tradition. First Intermediate 3 and 4 and Middle Horizon in the scheme of Sanders et al. (1979). This interval includes the latter part of the Late Preclassic and the Early Classic in Mesoamerica-wide time schemes, but it is appropriate because it covers the time span of the Teotihuacan cultural tradition. It is followed by the “Epiclassic” period.
Risk of suicide after discharge from inpatient psychiatric care: a systematic review

The period following discharge from inpatient psychiatric care is recognised as an especially high-risk time for patient suicide. Astonishingly, there is a dearth of comprehensive studies examining...
Ten Common Misses in PBIS Implementation.

The success of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) frameworks relies upon educators supporting and implementing PBIS plans. However, common staff-level perceptions exist that may ...
Discovery of a Potent Degrader for Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1/2

Aberrant activation of FGFR signaling occurs in many cancers, and ATP-competitive FGFR inhibitors have received regulatory approval. Despite demonstrating clinical efficacy, these inhibitors exhibit dose-limiting toxicity, potentially due to a lack of selectivity amongst the FGFR family and are poorly tolerated. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of DGY-09-192, a bivalent degrader that couples the pan-FGFR inhibitor BGJ398 to a CRL2VHL E3 ligase recruiting ligand, which preferentially induces FGFR1&2 degradation while largely sparing FGFR3&4. DGY-09-192 exhibited two-digit nanomolar DC50 s for both wildtype FGFR2 and several FGFR2-fusions, resulting in degradation-dependent antiproliferative activity in representative gastric cancer and cholangiocarcinoma cells. Importantly, DGY-09-192 induced degradation of a clinically relevant FGFR2 fusion protein in a xenograft model. Taken together, we demonstrate that DGY-09-192 has potential as a prototype FGFR degrader.
Congregational COVID-19 Conversations: Utilization of Medical-Religious Partnerships During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

Over the last 12-months during the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued public health instructions with the hope of mitigating the spread of the virus. Through existing relationships established by an academic hospital, we established weekly community conference calls to disseminate such critical information on the pandemic and allow community leaders to discuss struggles and successes. From these calls, we were able to collaborate in a more intimate manner with faith-based organizations, whereby we emphasized and planned the role they could undertake during the pandemic. Such emphasis was made between our medical institution and various faith-based organizations through meetings titled "Congregational COVID-19 Conversations." Over the past 12-months, we held virtual meetings with 38 faith-based organizations: 15 Christian congregations, 21 Jewish synagogues, and 2 Islamic masjids. We describe in detail in this report a narrative summary of the meetings. From these meetings, we discussed several COVID-19-related themes that included how to have their place of worship disseminate public health messaging, aid in preparing buildings for public worship, and insight into preparing their regions for aid in both COVID-19 testing and for potential SARS-CoV-2 vaccine sites. This medical-religious partnership has proven feasible and valuable during the pandemic and warrants emphasis in that it has the potential to serve a vital role in mitigating COVID-19-related disparities in certain communities, as well as potentially ending the COVID-19 pandemic completely.
Clinical Usefulness of Genetic Testing For Patients with Moyamoya Disease: A Systematic Review.

Background The effect of genetic factors on presentation and outcomes of moyamoya disease (MMD) is unclear. We aimed to examine differences in presentation of MMD by genetic variant, delineate the influence of genetic factors on outcomes, and characterize the applicability of genetic testing to management. Methods A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Title/abstract screening, full-text screening, and data extraction were conducted. Results Of 1329 articles, 12 were included. Genes included RNF213 (ring finger protein 213), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and soluble VEGR receptor (sVEGFR) 1 and 2. Patients heterozygous and homozygous for the p.R1480K variant of RNF213 had younger age of onset; were more frequently familial, had posterior cerebral artery involvement, had bilateral lesions; and were more likely to present with cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack. The heterozygous p.4810K variant is associated with improved postoperative collateral formation. Stroke recurrence, stroke-free survival, neurologic status, and functional condition after surgery are not associated with the p.4180K genotype. Patients homozygous for p.4180K more frequently experience long-term cognitive impairment. Patients with the C/C genotype of VEGF 2634 or decreased sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR levels postoperatively had greater postoperative collateral formation. Conclusions Genetic factors correlate with MMD presentation including age of onset, severity, and symptoms, and angiographic and clinical outcomes after surgery. Incorporation of genetic testing panels into practice may allow for risk stratification, management, and follow-up of children and adults with MMD. However, future studies are necessary to validate the usefulness of genetic testing for MMD before this situation occurs.
A data-driven approach using machine learning for early detection of the lean blowout

Abstract A data-driven approach using machine learning is presented for the identification of the critical flame location for the early detection of an incipient lean blowout (LBO) in a realistic gas turbine engine combustor under engine-relevant conditions. This method is demonstrated by utilizing the temperature ( T ) and the hydroxyl radical mass fraction ( Y O H ) data from high fidelity large eddy simulations (LES) of Jet-A combustion. The fuel flow rate is progressively reduced in numerical simulations with a fixed airflow rate to mimic experimental studies of LBO in the gas turbine combustor. These simulations are the first of their kind for a fully resolved realistic combustor geometry with adaptive mesh refinement and have accurately captured the dynamics of the LBO process and global lean blowout equivalence ratio. Time-series of T and Y O H are extracted in the primary zone of the combustor, from stable flame condition to LBO condition, to train the machine learning model. A Support Vector Machine (SVM) model with radial basis function is successfully developed to identify the critical flame location for early detection of incipient LBO condition in a practical combustor for the first time. The performance of the SVM model is quantified using the F-score, and the critical flame location corresponds to the maximum value of the F-score. The critical flame location is found to be in the flame root region and is effective in the early detection of incipient LBO. The conventional statistical measures are compared with the results of the trained machine learning model to assess the feasibility of the latter for online flame health monitoring. The machine learning model successfully prognosticated the LBO approximately 20 ms before the event, and this study has shown significant promise for the use of the SVM model in engine prognostics and health management.
The Un-balanced Sheet: A Call for Integrated Bottom Line Reporting

This chapter offers a blueprint for the integration of financial, environmental, social, and governance reporting, an emerging practice that has profoundly changed the way organisations develop strategic plans, approach decision-making, measure success, and manage risks in the twenty-first century. Overlooked in the act to prepare a traditional balance sheet are the 80 % of a company’s assets and liabilities, including social and environmental, that conveniently fall outside the scope of modern accounting. In this chapter, we ask the question, why have we continued to take an “unbalanced” approach? We envision a future when a balanced sheet, renamed the value statement, captures the financial, social, and environmental conditions of a firm over multiple periods of time and this information is further supported by a statement of change in stakeholder’s equity (rather than stockholders’ equity). By quantifying assets, liabilities, and performance related to all forms of capital, businesses worldwide are leveraging Integrated Bottom Line (the analysis and disclosure of financial, social, and environmental assets and liabilities to internal, and external stakeholders of a firm) to achieve long-term value creation, innovation, and competitive advantage. IBL goes beyond an accounting practice to become a catalyst for sustainable management solutions, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. To help demonstrate this transformation of performance measurement, the information within this chapter reviews the evolution of integrated reporting, the need for more involvement from accountants to go beyond a myopic focus on the bottom line to enabling shared value through evidence based management, and a review of enabling organisations. The chapter concludes with a call to action for business schools and business organisations to work together at the intersection of integrated reporting to develop solutions for tomorrow’s measurement problems.
Food Borne Microbial Pathogens of Cultured Aquatic Species

This article provides a broad overview of microbial pathogens associated with marine and fresh water aquatic animals, including Vibrio species, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus iniae, Salmonella species, and Edwardsiella tarda. Historically, cultured fish were not considered important vectors of human pathogens. This situation is changing, partly due to increasing animal densities as a consequence of a rapidly growing industry and partly due to increasing awareness by health care providers of pathogens in aquatic species that may result in human illness. Concerns facing the industry are also discussed along with possible solutions.
Measures of Fermi Surfaces and Absence of Singular Continuous Spectrum for Magnetic Schrödinger Operators

Fermi surfaces are basic objects in solid state physics and in the spectral theory of periodic operators. We define several measures connected to Fermi surfaces and study their measure theoretic properties. From this we get absence of singular continuous spectrum and of singular continuous components in the density of states for symmetric periodic elliptic di .erential operators acting on vector bundles. This includes Schrodinger operators with periodic magnetic field and rational flux, as well as the corresponding Pauli and Dirac-type operators.
Diffusion, Strategic Interaction, and Social Structure

Abstract We provide an overview and synthesis of the literature on how social networks influence behaviors, with a focus on diffusion. We discuss some highlights from the empirical literature on the impact of networks on behaviors and diffusion. We also discuss some of the more prominent models of network interactions, including recent advances regarding interdependent behaviors, modeled via games on networks. JEL Classification Codes: D85, C72, L14, Z13
Thermal Convection in Liquid Helium

Above about 2.2 K liquid helium is assumed to behave as an ordinary incompressible Newtonian fluid, free from the macroscopic quantum effects possessed by its lower temperature counterpart. Recent thermal convection experiments support this assumption.
Metastable 3 P 2 Rare-Gas Polarizabilities

The atomic beam $E\ensuremath{-}H$ gradient balance method has been used to measure the $\mathrm{zz}$ components ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{\mathrm{zz}}({M}_{J})$ of the diagonalized polarizability tensors in metastable $^{3}P_{2}$ neon, krypton, and xenon, in their ${M}_{J}=+1 \mathrm{and} +2$ magnetic substates. These data are sufficient to determine the polarizability tensors in all the substates, as well as the spherically averaged polarizabilities $\overline{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$. The gross structure of each of the metastable rare gases is similar to that of the ground state of the corresponding alkali, and it is found that the average polarizabilities are comparable. The polarizability tensor components and $\overline{\ensuremath{\alpha}}'\mathrm{s}$ are listed in the table below (the values for argon are taken from the earlier measurements of Pollack et al.), together with theoretical values computed using a modification of Sternheimer's method (theory A) and from estimates made of oscillator strengths using the Coulomb approximation of Bates and Damgaard (theory B).
Parents as moderators of the impact of school norms and peer influences on aggression in middle school students.

This study examined parenting variables as protective factors to reduce the influence of school and peer risk factors on adolescents’ aggression. Five waves of data spanning 3 years were collected from 5,581 students at 37 schools who began the 6th grade in 2001 or 2002. Class-level and perceived school norms supporting aggression, delinquent peer associations, parental support for fighting and support for nonviolence, and parental involvement were each associated with physical aggression across all waves. Each parenting variable moderated 1 or more risk factors, with the magnitude of many effects varying by gender and decreasing over time. Implications for the role parents may play in reducing the impact of school and peer risk factors for aggression are discussed.
Performance domain decomposition methods for simulation-aided design of complex antenna systems

This work investigates high performance domain decomposition methods for accurate full wave analysis of challenging complex airborne antenna systems. The results of the research significantly facilitate computer-aided design, analysis, and validation of advanced antenna systems, as well as leverage advancements in high-performance computing. Several high-definition airborne antenna system-level simulations are conducted to illustrate the potential benefits offered by the proposed method.
Quality of Life for Transition-Age Youth with Autism or Intellectual Disability

We examined the subjective health and well-being of 389 transition-age youth with autism or intellectual disability using the parent proxy version of the KIDSCREEN-27. Parents reported well-being of youth with autism and youth with intellectual disability lower than a normative sample in the domains of Physical Well-being, Psychological Well-being, and Social Support and Peers. For both groups of young people, the lowest ratings were reported in Social Support and Peers. Higher ratings of well-being in one or more domains were predicted by minority status, youth character strengths, involvement in community activities, and religious faith. Challenging behaviors, autism, age, and speech as the primary mode of communication were predictive of lower ratings of well-being. We discuss implications for special educators and service providers and offer directions for future research.
Attitudes and practices regarding adjuvant chemotherapy in node-negative breast cancer.

Eight months after an NCI “Clinical Alert”; was issued a survey was conducted to examine attitudes and practices regarding the use of adjuvant chemotherapy for node‐negative breast cancer among Con...
Factor graph based incremental smoothing in inertial navigation systems

This paper describes a new approach for information fusion in inertial navigation systems. In contrast to the commonly used filtering techniques, the proposed approach is based on a non-linear optimization for processing incoming measurements from the inertial measurement unit (IMU) and any other available sensors into a navigation solution. A factor graph formulation is introduced that allows multi-rate, asynchronous, and possibly delayed measurements to be incorporated in a natural way. This method, based on a recently developed incremental smoother, automatically determines the number of states to recompute at each step, effectively acting as an adaptive fixed-lag smoother. This yields an efficient and general framework for information fusion, providing nearly-optimal state estimates. In particular, incoming IMU measurements can be processed in real time regardless to the size of the graph. The proposed method is demonstrated in a simulated environment using IMU, GPS and stereo vision measurements and compared to the optimal solution obtained by a full non-linear batch optimization and to a conventional extended Kalman filter (EKF).
Characterization of GP110, a neutrophil surface protein.

Abstract Localized juvenile periodontosis is associated with a defect of neutrophil chemotaxis that is characterized by selective depletion of a surface protein with a molecular mass of 110 kDa (GP110). Data on partial characterization of GP110 suggest that it is a glycoprotein which is enriched in Lys, Glu, His, Leu, and Ala residues.
pHresh 3.5: A New Low pH Liquid Skin Cleanser

pHresh 3.5, a new low pH liquid skin cleanser, was evaluated for safety and efficacy in four clinical studies. In 5- and 21-day predictive patch tests the cleanser was rated mild compared to four other widely used cleansers. As a degreasing agent it was found effective during a 4-week study period, especially in subjects with severe facial oiliness. Daily use of the product for a month in tretinoin-treated acne patients failed to indicate any lack of compatability of the two agents. Resolution of pre-existing skin irritation was not impaired by pHresh 3.5 usage.
Corrections to Two Papers on Modal Logic

The two following papers are in need of certain corrections: Modal functions in two-valued logic and Note on modal functions . I became aware of the need for these corrections while comparing these earlier papers of mine with J. C. C. McKinsey's paper, On the syntactical construction of systems of modal logic . The first of the two papers should be corrected in such a way that the system of two-valued logic there employed becomes “complete” in the sense that either p or ∼ p is in Τ for every Κ-symbol Τ . This could be achieved by use of an additional axiom that postulates the required completeness. (I mistakenly supposed that the original set of axioms guaranteed this completeness.)
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, OPIC, and the Retreat from Transparency

This article argues that the current intersection of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is turning U.S. investment and aid policy in a direction that neither addresses corruption concerns, nor augments other U.S. foreign policy goals in the Caucasus and Central Asia, and perhaps more globally. The current regulatory system has caused OPIC to structure its investment projects in alternative forms that bypass anti-corruption regulations. While these alternatives serve to increase capital in developing economies, the distance they create between OPIC and the end-user fosters a lack of transparency and ultimately corruption. However, improvements in transparency combined with a restructuring of the OPIC system can create an investment system that addresses U.S. foreign policy concerns.
Algorithms for Changing the Step Size

Approximately ten different ways for changing the step size used by multistep methods are enumerated, and their good and bad features are compared. More efficient algorithms are given for the difference formulations of a frequently used halving and doubling process, and a cure for the instability inherent in this halving process is proposed.
Development and preliminary testing of a translational model of hepatocellular carcinoma for MR imaging and interventional oncologic investigations.

Abstract Purpose To develop a translational rat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) disease model for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and image-guided interventional oncologic investigations. Materials and Methods Male rats underwent sham control surgery (n = 6), selective bile duct ligation (SBDL; n=4), or common bile duct ligation (CBDL; n=6), with procedure optimization in four rats and N1S1 hepatoma cell injection into two or three sites in the livers of 12 rats. All rats subsequently underwent MR imaging to assess tumor establishment and volume. Mesenteric angiography and percutaneous MR-guided laser ablation of the liver were performed in a subgroup of animals (n = 4). Animal weight and liver test results were monitored. After harvesting, the livers were subjected to gross and microscopic analysis. Tumor volume and laboratory parameters were assessed between ligation groups. Results MR imaging demonstrated hyperintense T2 and hypointense T1 lesions with tumor induction in five of 10 (50.0%), seven of eight (87.5%), and 12 of 12 (100%) sites in the control, SBDL, and CBDL groups, respectively. Tumor volumes differed significantly by group ( P P = .01) and albumin level ( P P = .02) in CBDL rats but not SBDL rats ( P = 1.0). Histologic examination showed high-grade HCCs with local and vascular invasion within the context of early fibrosis in CBDL and SBDL rats. MR-guided laser ablation generated a 1–2-cm ablation zone with histologic findings consistent with reversible and irreversible injury. Conclusions A biologically relevant rat HCC disease model has been developed for MR imaging and preliminary interventional oncologic applications.
Androgenic Influence on Serotonergic Activation of the HPA Stress Axis

The higher incidence of stress-mediated affective disorders in women may be a function of gonadal hormone influence on complex interactions between serotonin and neural circuits that mediate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) receives serotonergic innervation, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram activate the HPA axis independent of stress. We have previously demonstrated that the magnitude of this serotonergic activation was greater in females and was attenuated by testosterone administration; however, the potential central sites of action where androgens reduce these serotonergic effects have not been determined. Therefore, we examined a time course of corticosterone production and used central c-Fos protein levels to assay neuronal activation in stress-related brain regions in female, male, and gonadectomized male mice after an acute citalopram injection (15 mg/kg). In the hippocampus, c-Fos-immunoreactivity was greater in males than in females or gonadectomized males. This same pattern emerged in the lateral septum after vehicle and gonadectomy reversed the effect of citalopram. These regions are important for inhibitory influences on the PVN, and accordingly, hippocampal c-Fos levels were negatively correlated with corticosterone production. No sex differences in c-Fos were detected in the PVN, cingulate cortex, or paraventricular thalamus in response to vehicle or citalopram. These data support brain region-specific regulation of the HPA axis where sex differences may be mediated partly through androgen enhancement of signaling in inhibitory regions.
Ductile and brittle fracture analysis of surface flaws using CTOD

A reference stress method is used to analyze both brittle and ductile fracture in structures containing surface flaws. Crack-tip opening displacement (CTOD) is used as the fracture-toughness input, althoughJ-based reference stress analyses are also possible. Both detailed and simplified analyses for brittle and ductile fracture are described. A brittle fracture analysis which takes account of stress concentrations, secondary stresses and stress gradients is presented, together with a complete ductile tearing analysis which utilizes a single CTOD value measured at maximum load. In addition, two simplified approaches are proposed: a yield-before-break criterion for brittle fracture and a critical learing modulus for ductile fracture.
Antigenic variation of Asian influenza virus.

SummaryAsian or “A” viruses isolated at the State University of Iowa in the recent epidemic were tested against selected paired human sera. All sera which had a 4-fold rise in titer by the complement fixation test also had a significant rise in titer by the hemagglutination inhibition test when several “A” viruses were used as antigens. Neither viruses nor sera were chemically treated. There was a distinct variation in antibody response to “A” viruses when tested by hemagglutination inhibition. Possible causes of this variation have been discussed.
Experiencing is not Observing: A Response to Dwayne Moore on Epiphenomenalism and Self-Stultification

This article defends epiphenomenalism against criticisms raised in Dwayne Moore’s “On Robinson’s Response to the Self-Stultifying Objection”.
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, rapidly evolving tools for interpreting plant response to global change

Abstract Global change is impacting the evolutionary trajectory of our planet's biota. In spite of the widely appreciated magnitude of this process, we still have a limited ability to estimate biological effects of increased atmospheric CO 2 or of climate change. Many new molecular techniques, including microarrays and metabolic profiling, are emerging that allow the direct observation of the vast repertoire of an organism's cellular processes in laboratory and ecological settings. The challenge now is to integrate these large data sets containing spatial and temporal components into models that enable us to explain how organisms respond to increased atmospheric CO 2 and eventually to develop models that accurately predict their evolutionary trajectory. In response, the field of bioinformatics is expanding to better facilitate information transfer between laboratory experiments and mathematical modeling in support of the emerging field of Systems Biology.
Diagnosis and treatment of defective cavity wall ties

The failure of a wall in a Welsh farmhouse in the middle 1960s was regarded as an isolated problem when it was discovered that the cause of the failure was corrosion on the cavity wall ties. This was the first failure of a wall tie that was reported to the Building Research Establishment. Within a few years of the Welsh report, other instances of this type of failure were being reported to the BRE. The subsequent investigation of the durability of wall ties revealed a failure in the galvanised surface to the metal of the ties. Similar ties were subjected to close examination by the BRE.
A Visual Pigment Expressed in Both Rod and Cone Photoreceptors

Abstract Rods and cones contain closely related but distinct G protein-coupled receptors, opsins, which have diverged to meet the differing requirements of night and day vision. Here, we provide evidence for an exception to that rule. Results from immunohistochemistry, spectrophotometry, and single-cell RT-PCR demonstrate that, in the tiger salamander, the green rods and blue-sensitive cones contain the same opsin. In contrast, the two cells express distinct G protein transducin α subunits: rod α transducin in green rods and cone α transducin in blue-sensitive cones. The different transducins do not appear to markedly affect photon sensitivity or response kinetics in the green rod and blue-sensitive cone. This suggests that neither the cell topology or the transducin is sufficient to differentiate the rod and the cone response.
Effects of phosphate on uranium(VI) adsorption to goethite-coated sand

U(VI)-phosphate interactions are important in governing the subsurface mobility of U(VI) in both natural and contaminated environments. We studied U(VI) adsorption on goethite-coated sand (to mimic natural Fe-coated subsurface materials) as a function of pH in systems closed to the atmosphere, in both the presence and the absence of phosphate. Our results indicate that phosphate strongly affects U(VI) adsorption. The effect of phosphate on U(VI) adsorption was dependent on solution pH. At low pH, the adsorption of U(VI) increased in the presence of phosphate, and higher phosphate concentration caused a larger extent of increase in U(VI) adsorption. Phosphate was strongly bound by the goethite surface in the low pH range, and the increased adsorption of U(VI) at low pH was attributed to the formation of ternary surface complexes involving both U(VI) and phosphate. In the high pH range, the adsorption of U(VI) decreased in the presence of phosphate at low total Fe concentration, and higher phosphate concentration caused a larger extent of decrease in U(VI) adsorption. This decrease in U(VI) adsorption was attributed to the formation of soluble uranium-phosphate complexes. A surface complexation model (SCM) was proposed to describe the effect of phosphate on U(VI) adsorption to goethite. This proposed model was based on previous models that predict U(VI) adsorption to iron oxides in the absence of phosphate and previous models developed to predict phosphate adsorption on goethite. A postulated ternary surface complex of the form of (>FePO4UO2) was included in our model to account for the interactions between U(VI) and phosphate. The model we established can successfully predict U(VI) adsorption in the presence of phosphate under a range of conditions (i.e., pH, total phosphate concentration, and total Fe concentration).
An active-optic x-ray fluorescence analyzer with high energy resolution, large solid angle coverage, and a large tuning range

A crystal-optic x-ray fluorescence energy analyzer has been designed and tested, which combines the features of electron-volt energy resolution, large solid angle coverage, and tunability over several kilo-electron-volts. The design is based upon the principle of active optics, with ten actuators available to optimally adjust the shape of a silicon crystal used in the Bragg geometry. In most applications the shape is that of a logarithmic spiral for high energy resolution with a spatially nonresolving detector, but a wide range of other shapes is also possible for applications such as imaging or single-shot spectroscopy in a spectral range of the operator’s choosing.
Photoluminescence of TiO2: Effect of UV Light and Adsorbed Molecules on Surface Band Structure

The photoluminescence (PL) of TiO2 at 529.5 nm (2.34 eV) has been found to be a sensitive indicator of UV-induced band structure modification. As UV irradiation occurs, the positive surface potential changes and shifts the depth of the depletion layer. In addition, reversible band bending due to the adsorption of the electron-donor NH3 and CO molecules has been observed in measurements combining PL with FTIR surface spectroscopy. It has been found that the O2 molecule acts in two ways: as a reversibly adsorbed electron-acceptor molecule and as an irreversibly adsorbed molecule that heals natural oxygen vacancy defects in the near-surface region.
Loss of a Hydrophobic Amine from Solution by Adsorption onto Container Surfaces

The apparent loss of the hydrophobic amine drug alpha-[(dibutylamino)methyl]-6,8-dichloro-2-(3',4'-dichlorophenyl)-4-quinoline-methanol monohydrochloride from solution due to its adsorption onto the surface of its storage container was studied. The drug appeared to be adsorbed only as the free base. Therefore, any perturbations to the solution phase that will help solubilize the drug and thus lower its chemical potential will minimize adsorption. Multilayer drug adsorption to the container surfaces appeared to take place, with some evidence of a highly organized system in the adsorbed phase. Adsorption was minimized when the heterogenous polar functionalities on glass surfaces were covered by a layer of silicone or methacrylate polymer, which yielded less reactive, more hydrophobic surfaces. Loss was also minimized when the environment was kept acidic (pH less than or equal to 4,8), the drug was dissolved in a proton-donating solvent (e.g., chloroform), and an ion-pairing agent (e.g., trichloroacetate) was present to solubilize further the monocationic form of the drug in organic media.
More insights into early brain development through statistical analyses of eigen-structural elements of diffusion tensor imaging using multivariate adaptive regression splines

The aim of this study was to characterize the maturational changes of the three eigenvalues (λ1 ≥ λ2 ≥ λ3) of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) during early postnatal life for more insights into early brain development. In order to overcome the limitations of using presumed growth trajectories for regression analysis, we employed Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) to derive data-driven growth trajectories for the three eigenvalues. We further employed Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to carry out statistical inferences on the growth trajectories obtained with MARS. With a total of 71 longitudinal datasets acquired from 29 healthy, full-term pediatric subjects, we found that the growth velocities of the three eigenvalues were highly correlated, but significantly different from each other. This paradox suggested the existence of mechanisms coordinating the maturations of the three eigenvalues even though different physiological origins may be responsible for their temporal evolutions. Furthermore, our results revealed the limitations of using the average of λ2 and λ3 as the radial diffusivity in interpreting DTI findings during early brain development because these two eigenvalues had significantly different growth velocities even in central white matter. In addition, based upon the three eigenvalues, we have documented the growth trajectory differences between central and peripheral white matter, between anterior and posterior limbs of internal capsule, and between inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus. Taken together, we have demonstrated that more insights into early brain maturation can be gained through analyzing eigen-structural elements of DTI.
AIDS and Cerebrovascular Disease

Background Although neurological complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are common, the presence of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) has been seldom reported. The purpose of this report is to review available data on the association between stroke and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Summary of Review A review of all literature published between mid-1976 and December 1994 was performed through a MEDLINE search with the following key words: AIDS, CVD, human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III, and HIV-1. Only reports of clinical stroke in patients with AIDS or HIV infection and autopsy series with stroke findings were selected. The type of study, population, number of stroke patients, subtype and etiology of stroke, and associated AIDS conditions were described. Six clinical series and 11 autopsy series were found, with a total of 1885 cases with AIDS, AIDS-related complex, and HIV carriers. Forty percent had a neurological complication, but only 1.3% had a stroke syndrome. Isc...