cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Criticality of Two-Dimensional Disordered Dirac Fermions in the Unitary Class and Universality of the Integer Quantum Hall Transition

Two-dimensional (2D) Dirac fermions are a central paradigm of modern condensed matter physics, describing low-energy excitations in graphene, in certain classes of superconductors, and on surfaces of 3D topological insulators. At zero energy E=0, Dirac fermions with mass m are band insulators, with the Chern number jumping by unity at m=0. This observation lead Ludwig et al. [Phys. Rev. B 50, 7526 (1994)PRBMDO0163-182910.1103/PhysRevB.50.7526] to conjecture that the transition in 2D disordered Dirac fermions (DDF) and the integer quantum Hall transition (IQHT) are controlled by the same fixed point and possess the same universal critical properties. Given the far-reaching implications for the emerging field of the quantum anomalous Hall effect, modern condensed matter physics, and our general understanding of disordered critical points, it is surprising that this conjecture has never been tested numerically. Here, we report the results of extensive numerics on the phase diagram and criticality of 2D DDF in the unitary class. We find a critical line at m=0, with an energy-dependent localization length exponent. At large energies, our results for the DDF are consistent with state-of-the-art numerical results ν_{IQH}=2.56-2.62 from models of the IQHT. At E=0, however, we obtain ν_{0}=2.30-2.36 incompatible with ν_{IQH}. This result challenges conjectured relations between different models of the IQHT, and several interpretations are discussed.
At the bar of conscience: A Kantian argument for slavery reparations:

Arguments for slavery reparations have fallen out of favour even as reparations for other forms of racial injustice are taken more seriously. This retreat is unsurprising, as arguments for slavery ...
Glycoprotein analysis using lectin microcolumns and capillary electrophoresis: Characterization of alpha1-acid glycoprotein by combined separation methods.

Abstract Separations based on combinations of 2.1 mm I.D. high-performance affinity microcolumns and capillary electrophoresis were developed and used to characterize the glycoforms of an intact glycoprotein. Human alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) was used as a model analyte due to its heterogeneous glycosylation resulting from variations in its degree of branching, fucosylation, and number of sialic acids. Three separation formats were examined based on microcolumns that contained the lectins concanavalin A (Con A) or Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL). These microcolumns were used with one another or in combination with capillary electrophoresis. N-Glycan analysis of the non-retained and retained AGP fractions was carried out by using PNGase F digestion and nanoflow electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Con A microcolumns were found to selectively enrich AGP that contained bi-antennary N-glycans, while AAL microcolumns retained AGP with fucose-containing N-glycans. Results from these separation methods indicated that fucosylation of the N-linked glycans was more abundant when a high degree of branching was present in AGP. Sialic acid residues were more abundant when higher degrees of branching and more fucose residues were present in AGP. The separation and analysis methods that were developed could be used with relatively small amounts of AGP and can be adapted for use with other intact glycoproteins.
Retrospective analysis of oncologic outcomes by germline and somatic genetic status in patients with ovarian cancer

Objectives: To describe results of tumor testing among women with ovarian cancer and to identify associations with oncologic outcomes according to genetic variant status. Methods: Institutional review board (IRB)-approved, retrospective review of tumor genomic results obtained within a single Gynecologic Oncology division. Genomic results, oncologic outcomes and other clinicopathologic data points were abstracted from medical records. Platinum sensitivity and response to PARP inhibitors were compared between patients with: germline BRCA (gBRCA) pathogenic variants (PV), somatic BRCA (sBRCA) PVs and no gBRCA PVs, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH)/genome instability and no gBRCA or sBRCA PVs. These groups are referred to as “gBRCA,” “sBRCA,” and “LOH,” respectively. Results: A total of 261 patients with epithelial ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer had tumor testing between 2017 and 2020. There were 26 (10%) gBRCA PV carriers [15 BRCA1, 11 BRCA2] identified, 48/261 (18%) tumors with only sBRCA PVs and 13/261 (5%) tumors with LOH and no gBRCA or sBRCA PVs. There were no significant differences in histologies between groups. Of the patients with gBRCA and sBRCA respectively, 85% and 69% were primary platinum sensitive and 8% and 17% were primary platinum resistant, respectively (p=0.40). The average number of platinum-based regimens used before platinum resistance developed was 2.67 for gBRCA (N=6), 2.18 for sBRCA (N=11), 3.2 for LOH (N=5). These groups were not significantly different (p=0.17).23/26 (88%) gBRCA, 32/48 (67%) sBRCA, and 10/13 (77%) LOH patients received PARP inhibitors (PARPi) for treatment. 3 gBRCA and 4 sBRCA patients received PARPi more than once. Median PFS for PARPi use in the frontline was 6 months compared to 5 months in the recurrent setting. There were no significant differences between PFS on PARPi in the upfront or recurrent setting. PFS for PARPi used in the recurrent setting for gBRCA was 8 months (95% CI: 4.6-11.5) and 6.5 months (95% CI: 3.4-9.6) for sBRCA compared to 4 months for LOH (95% CI: 0.74-7.26; p=0.33). Download : Download high-res image (97KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Twenty-eight percent of ovarian cancer patients had a gBRCA or sBRCA PVs. Platinum sensitivity is similar between patients with gBRCA, sBRCA and LOH groups, however, patients with gBRCA and LOH received slightly more lines of platinum than those with sBRCA. There was a trend towards lower PFS for PARPi used in the recurrent setting in the LOH group compared to gBRCA or sBRCA. These outcomes should be evaluated in a larger population to determine the reliability of LOH assays for predicting functional homologous recombination deficiency and susceptibility to PARPi in the primary or recurrent setting.
A qualitative analysis of undergraduate sport management student skill and awareness development at an international sports event

Abstract The purpose of the research was to explore the participants’ skill development while involved in the X Games Student Work Program work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunity for students. Using a phenomenological method, the study revealed the student development of hard and soft skills. Soft skills exhibited were communication, cultural awareness, and awareness of individuals with disabilities, whereas hard skills emphasized the connection between the classroom and practical application. Due to the increased globalization of sports, the results of this study indicated the importance of providing students opportunities to gain experience at international sports events in preparation for the professional industry.
Concepts, strategies and potentials using hypo-G and other features of the space environment for commercialization using higher plants.

Opportunities for releasing, capturing, constructing and/or fixing the differential expressions or response potentials of the higher plant genome in the hypo-g environment for commercialization are explored. General strategies include improved plant-growing, crop and forestry production systems which conserve soil, water, labor and energy resources, and nutritional partitioning and mobilization of nutrients and synthates. Tissue and cell culture techniques of commercial potential include the growing and manipulation of cultured plant cells in vitro in a bioreactor to produce biologicals and secondary plants of economic value. The facilitation of plant breeding, the cloning of specific pathogen-free materials, the elimination of growing point or apex viruses, and the increase of plant yield are other O-g applications. The space environment may be advantageous in somatic embryogenesis, the culture of alkaloids, and the development of completely new crop plant germ plasm.
Mutual state capability-based role assignment model

We formally present the Mutual State Capability-Based Role Assignment (MuSCRA) model, as we introduce that an agent, acting in a team, has capabilities that depend not only on its own individual skills, but also on its teammates and their mutual state. The MuSCRA model includes a description of roles in terms of its association value with states and actions. Role assignment policies are evaluated with a utility accounting for the match between the new mutual state capabilities and the desired roles, weighted by a risk factor.
Depolarization selectively increases the expression of the Kv3.1 potassium channel in developing inferior colliculus neurons.

The Kv3.1 channel subunit, when expressed heterologously, gives rise to a high-threshold noninactivating potassium current. Experiments with auditory neurons have suggested that the presence of this channel subunit enables them to fire action potentials at high frequencies. We have found that the expression levels of Kv3.1 transcripts increase in inferior colliculus neurons before the onset of hearing and then remain relatively constant. Because spontaneous neuronal activity plays an important role in modulating neuronal excitability during development, we examined the effects of depolarization with an elevated concentration of external potassium ions on the expression of Kv3.1 channel subunits in immature inferior colliculus neurons. Elevated potassium produced a marked increase in Kv3.1 mRNA levels and in the amplitude of a high-threshold, noninactivating current before the onset of hearing. This increase was prevented by the presence of a calcium channel blocker, indicating that calcium influx mediated the depolarization-induced increase in this current. In contrast, treatment with an elevated external potassium concentration caused only a moderate increase in the peak amplitude of a lower-threshold inactivating current. The repolarization of action potentials in the high-potassium-treated cells was more rapid and complete than in the control cells. Computer simulations confirmed that this change could be explained by a change in Kv3.1-like current of the same magnitude as recorded in voltage-clamp experiments. Thus, depolarization and calcium influx may alter the excitability of immature inferior colliculus neurons by selectively increasing the levels of a Kv3.1-like potassium current.
The development of an artificial retina based on smart-pixel and microlens arrays

Summary form only given. We are developing smart sensors that perform retina-like functions using optically cascaded analog smart-pixel arrays. By performing operations such as center-surround or oriented edge detection in a fully parallel fashion before the image is digitized and passed on to a computer, such smart sensors can greatly reduce the computational overhead associated with preprocessing.
ROLE OF AMINO ACIDS IN POSTEXPONENTIAL GROWTH.

Toennies, Gerrit (Temple University, and The Institute for Cancer Research, Philadelphia, Pa.). Role of amino acids in postexponential growth. J. Bacteriol. 90:438–442. 1965.—It was shown earlier that depletion of different essential amino acids from the medium of growing Streptococcus faecalis leads to the formation of cell types of different compositions in terms of cytoplasm, wall, and membrane. The findings presented now indicate that these postexponential effects can be induced by very low concentrations of incomplete amino acid complements, that cystine and methionine have major and separate effects, and that these effects may be modulated differentially by the presence of different combinations of other amino acids.
Speaker identification using speech and lip features

We present a speaker identification system that uses synchronized speech signals and lip features. We developed an algorithm that automatically extracts lip areas from speaker images, and a neural network system that integrates the two different types of signals to give accurate identification of speakers. We show that the proposed system gives better performances than the systems that use only speech or lip features in both text dependant and text independent speaker identification applications.
Digital bus handbook

This handbook explains digital busses, the physical means by which data are collected and transferred to produce high performance systems. It describes the most useful busses currently available, including Motorola VME bus, Multibus 1, Apple/Nubus, DEC busses and IBM PC bus. For each bus, the volume defines functional structure, electrical specifications, format and capabilities. A reference book for designers, managers, purchasing agents and users of computer systems, it also describes rules for transferring digital data and explains basic technology and ideas and analyzes electrical design.
TDP-43 in Alzheimer’s Disease Is Not Associated with Parkinsonian Features or Clinical FTD (P4.206)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of parkinsonian signs and symptoms, and clinical features of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in Alzheimer9s disease (AD) with TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) deposition. BACKGROUND: Widespread deposition of TDP-43, a major protein inclusion commonly found in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can also be seen in a subset of cases with AD. Some of these AD cases have TDP-43 immunoreactivity in basal ganglia (BG) and substantia nigra (SN), regions that when affected, can be associated with parkinsonian signs or symptoms, or even features suggestive of FTD. DESIGN/METHODS: Here, we examine the presence of parkinsonian signs and symptoms, and clinical features of FTD, in 51 AD cases (Braak neurofibrillary tangle Stage IV - VI) with widespread TDP-43 deposition affecting BG and SN. RESULTS: All 51 cases had presented with progressive cognitive impairment with prominent memory deficits. None of the patients demonstrated early behavioral disinhibition, apathy, loss of empathy, stereotyped behavior, hyperorality, and/or executive deficits. Furthermore, TDP-43 deposition in BG or SN had no significant association with tremor (p = 0.80), rigidity (p = 0.19), bradykinesia (p = 0.19), and gait/postural instability (p = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that TDP-43 deposition in pathologically confirmed AD cases is not associated with parkinsonian features, or a clinical manifestation suggestive of FTD. The effect of TDP-43 in AD cases may therefore be limited to non-Parkinsonism and non-FTD features, such as memory loss, or being masked by AD pathology. Disclosure: Dr. Jung has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dickson has received personal compensation for activities with Neotope, Inc. as a consultant. Dr. Murray has nothing to disclose. Dr. Knopman has received personal compensation for activities with Eli Lilly & Company and TauRx Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Knopman has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Neurology. Dr. Knopman has received research support from Janssen and Baxter. Dr. Boeve has received research support from Cephalon, Inc., Allon Therapeutics, and GE Healthcare. Dr. Petersen has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer, Inc., and Janssen Alzheimer9s Immunotherapy. Dr. Petersen has received royalty payments from Oxford University Press. Dr. Josephs has nothing to disclose.
The role of technology in supporting multiage classroom practices

This article reports on the final evaluation of the project, Constructing and Networking for Multiage Learning. The project gave teachers access to the resources of the World Wide Web (WWW or Web) and supported their efforts to become more constructivist in their teaching. It included an infusion of technology and extensive staff development. The purposes of the evaluation were to assess classroom teaching practices, teacher concerns about multiage grouping, teacher concerns about using computers in their classrooms and for their own professional development, teacher experiences and attitudes about computers, and the extent of their computer use before the project began and at the conclusion of the three year project. Participants included 23 classroom teachers, grades K-5. Data collection included classroom observations, teacher interviews, teacher survey, and teacher journals. The results revealed that the teachers modified their teaching practices during the second year of the project, but reverted to more traditional practices by the end of the three years. The results also revealed that while almost all the teachers became successful technology users, their ability to implement constructivist teaching practices with the support of technology was limited. Conclusions focus on future training needs.
Are Operating Systems at RISC

A new generation of high speed microprocessors has become the standard in a number of workstation environments. The technology, RISC, has made high speed processing a reality at a relatively low price. The basic design goal of the RISC is aimed at higher speed execution of application programs and was based on an analysis of volumes of such code. It is not clear, however that the resulting RISC instruction sets are appropriate for implementing operating systems that run on these hardware platforms. In the current work, we look at some of the issues associated with RISC designs and how well these designs support the operating systems that run on them.
Shifts in macrophage cytokine production drive muscle fibrosis.

Muscle fibrosis after acute injury can be debilitating, but in chronic muscle disease it can be lethal. A new study reveals that shifts in macrophage phenotype in injured or diseased muscle can influence whether connective tissue production by fibro/adipogenic precursors in muscle is beneficial or pathological.
DNA Copy Number Profiling in Normal and Tumor Genomes

For a biological sample, the DNA copy number of a genomic region is defined as the number of copies of the DNA in that region within the genome of the sample, relative to either a single control sample or a pool of population reference samples. Within the last decade, significant advances in microarray technology have enabled the genome-wide fine-scale measurement of DNA copy number in a highthroughput manner [5, 35, 39, 40, 47]. This enables systematic studies which can lead to a better understanding of the role of DNA copy number changes in human disease and in phenotypic variation in the human population. These high-throughput experiments produce large amounts of data that are rich in structure, motivating the development of new statistical methods for their analysis. This chapter reviews the computational and statistical problems that arise in DNA copy number data and surveys recent advances in their treatment. First, we review some terms and general concepts relating to DNA copy number. A copy number variant (CNV) is defined as a genomic region where the DNA copy number differs between two or more individuals from a population. CNVs that have so far been catalogued are by convention larger than 1 kilobase, although technologies based on high-throughput sequencing [45] and denser arrays [19] can detect shorter CNVs. Within the last five years, many studies [9, 10, 21, 30, 41] have shown that CNVs are a common type of genetic variation in the human population, with the fraction of the genome covered by CNVs estimated to be between 2% [10] and 15% [13]. Like single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), variants in copy number segregate in a Mendelian fashion and contribute to phenotypic variation. Considering that they cover significantly more genomic territory in terms of base pairs and that they are more likely than SNPs to have a deleterious effect, CNVs are now routinely used alongside SNPs in genetic association studies.
Population hole burning on the 4f7(8S7/2) to 4f65d zero-phonon transition in crystalline SrF2 : Eu2+

Abstract Transient spectral holes due to the redistribution of population among the ground-state hyperfine levels have been detected on the 401 nm zero-phonon transition of Eu 2+ in an SrF 2 crystal. The hole profile consists of a narrow central hole (∼80 MHz) and a pattern of side holes and antiholes determined by the hyperfine splittings in both the ground and excited states. The hole spectrum is accompanied by strong and narrow (∼33 MHz at 1.5 K) nuclear spin-flip side holes associated with an F nuclear spin flip. Magnetic (up to 6.5 T) and temperature (1.5–3.8 K) studies reveal rapid relaxation among strongly coupled and closely spaced vibronic Jahn–Teller levels. The observed broadening of the hole line width as the burning frequency is tuned to the high-energy side of the inhomogenously broadened line is consistent with rapid relaxation among these states.
Automatic detection of software security vulnerabilities in executable program files

Secure programming describes those techniques that software developers use to provide security features in their applications. In addition to these techniques, software practitioners use static code security checkers to parse through and scan the source code, looking for potential security problems. Related to static code checking, runtime checkers have been developed that monitor the software while it is in use. In an effort to counter the hacker threat, software security professionals need better methods and tools than these to analyze executable programs the way hackers do: from the binary data level. This level is where the hackers find the secret doorways and security loopholes that are not evident in high-level source code. A few commercial companies have recently started marketing software products that will scan executable files for software security vulnerabilities; however, these products have unpublished methodologies and unverified test results. Consequently, software practitioners have only a loose collection of homegrown, commercial, and operating system software tools to perform their secure programming work and to do so in primarily a manual approach. To help security analysts, programmers, and users detect security vulnerabilities in executable program files, we have created a methodology that uses information located in the headers, sections, and tables of a Windows NT/XP executable file, along with information derived from the overall contents of the file, as a means to detect specific software security vulnerabilities without having to disassemble the code. In addition, we have instantiated this methodology in a software utility program called findssv that automatically dissects an executable file and detects certain anomalies and software security vulnerabilities before installing and running the software. We tested findssv on seven categories of files: software installation files, software development files, Windows XP operating system files, Microsoft application files, security-centric application files, and miscellaneous application files. We show through the test results on these 2700 files that findssv is able to detect table size anomalies, large zero-filled regions of bytes, unknown regions of bytes, compressed files, sections that are both writable and executable, and the use of functions susceptible to buffer overflow attacks. We also list sixteen key security vulnerability findings about software in the seven categories.
Influence of parathyroid hormone on glomerular ultrafiltration in the rat

Parathyroid hormone, which influences a spectrum of renal tubule transport processes, is thought to exert its actions via the intermediacy of cyclic AMP. Of interest to those concerned with glomerular function, several groups of workers (1–4) have found in rats and rabbits that glomeruli also possess an adenylate cyclase enzyme system which is sensitive to parathyroid hormone.
Design and Analvsis of Power Distribution Networks

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Power Distribution Design Power Distribution Analysis Power Grid Models Conclusion This chapter contains sections titled: References
The Mathematics of Mixing Things Up

How long should a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm be run? Using examples from statistical physics (Ehrenfest urn, Ising model, hard discs) as well as card shuffling, this tutorial paper gives an overview of a body of mathematical results that can give useful answers to practitioners (viz: seven shuffles suffice for practical purposes). It points to new techniques (path coupling, geometric inequalities, and Harris recurrence). The discovery of phase transitions in mixing times (the cutoff phenomenon) is emphasized.
Natural Rescue and Resurgence of the Equine Corpus Luteum

Abstract The recuperative powers of the equine corpus luteum (CL) are astonishing. The availability of transrectal ultrasonic imaging has led to three reports describing the rescue of the CL of the estrous cycle after the CL regressed to the dimensions and structure characteristic of the end of luteolysis. In two mares, a rescued CL increased in size and apparently in progesterone output during the postovulatory development of the CL of the next cycle or ensuing pregnancy. The other mare had a persistent CL (PCL). The CL from the ovulation at the beginning of the PCL decreased in area and in progesterone output to the size and function used to define the end of luteolysis. The transient regression occurred in the absence of a second ovulation or a follicle of preovulatory diameter but in the presence of an luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Better known and documented is resurgence of the primary CL of pregnancy in cross-sectional area and progesterone output beginning on about 35 days after ovulation associated with the secretion of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) from the developing endometrial cups. The demonstration of resurgence of the primary CL during pregnancy was preceded by about 40 years of misinformation and dogma about demise of the primary CL and replacement by secondary CL.
Stem-Loop Structure Synergy in Binding Cellular Proteins to the 5′| Noncoding Region of Poliovirus RNA

Picornavirus RNAs interact with host cellular proteins to direct viral translation initiation by internal ribosome entry. In this study, we analyzed the RNA-protein interactions involving computer-predicted stem-loops F and G (also referred to as V and VI, respectively) of the 5' NCR of poliovirus RNA. This region of the 5' NCR harbors part of the putative internal ribosome entry site. We show that a ribonucleoprotein complex involving stem-loop G RNA is composed, at least in part, of a 39-kDa HeLa cell polypeptide which contacts the viral RNA directly. Interestingly, the binding site of a neuronal cell 60-kDa protein, not present in HeLa cells, was mapped specifically to stem-loop G. We also determined that a subset of cellular factors requires a higher order structure synergy before binding to poliovirus RNAs. This was demonstrated by using a longer RNA encompassing both stem-loops F and G in the binding assays. Indeed, a protein with an approximate molecular weight of 36 kDa was shown to interact specifically with these poliovirus sequences. In addition, the role of a cellular polypeptide (p57 or PTB) in poliovirus replication functions was studied. Our results suggest that p57 interactions with stem-loops F-G are not required for internal ribosome binding on poliovirus RNAs.
A carboxy-terminal α-helical segment in the rat skeletal muscle voltage-dependent Na+ channel is responsible for its interaction with the amino-terminus

Abstract Cytoplasmic segments of the adult rat skeletal muscle sodium channel α-subunit (rSkM1) comprise a major portion (∼40%) of the total protein and are involved in channel functions both general, such as inactivation, and isoform-specific, for example, protein kinase A modulation. Far ultraviolet circular dichroism measurements of synthetic peptides and overexpressed fusion proteins containing individual channel cytoplasmic segments suggest that cytoplasmic domains of rSkM1 contain ordered secondary structures even in the absence of adjoining transmembrane segments. Intrinsic fluorescence experiments with a nested set of carboxy-terminal deletion proteins confirm a specific interaction between the channel’s amino- and carboxy-termini and identify residues 1716–1737 in the carboxy-terminus as the region that binds to the amino-terminus. Circular dichroism measurements suggest that this same region is organized as an α-helix and that electrostatic forces may contribute to this association. The interaction of the amino- and carboxy-termini is not accompanied by secondary structure changes detectable by circular dichroism spectroscopy, but a decrease in intrinsic fluorescence indicates that this association is accompanied by a change in the environment of Trp1617.
Sequential Compression Devices and Clots

specialist at Orlando Health in Orlando, Florida. mortality. Therefore, early prevention is the key to providing quality patient care. The American College of Chest Physicians provides health care practitioners with a comprehensive summary of evidence and recommendations for prevention and treatment of DVT. In general, for patients who are at moderate/high risk, mechanical prophylaxis with the use of an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC)/SCD device is recommended. IPC/SCD devices have been validated as a safe and effective method for reducing the risk of DVT. These devices limit venous stasis by applying gradual sequential inflation and deflation of air to the lower extremities. The applied pressure causes blood to be evacuated from the leg veins in a wavelike fashion, thus simulating the same compression that is created through ambulation. The question that is asked is “What is the role of IPC/SCDs if a patient is suspected or known to have DVT?” Current guidelines for the prevention and management of DVT do not provide a clear answer regarding the use of IPC/SCD devices once a DVT is suspected or confirmed. Interestingly, all vendors of these devices list having a DVT as a contraindication. The same contraindication doctors say no because of the clots. Is there evidence to support the use of SCDs with known clots?
The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences: In Principle and Practice

In principle, the US generalised system of preferences (GSP) offers uniform market access to exports from eligible developing countries for a broad set of GSP‐eligible products. In practice, realised GSP tariff exemptions demonstrate marked variation across countries, industries and years. In this paper, we identify the sources of discretionary and non‐discretionary GSP exclusions and quantify the extent to which competitive needs limitations (CNLs), waivers and additional annual product, country and country‐product exclusions drive a wedge between the ‘generalised’ principle of GSP and its implementation in practice.
Referral for coronary artery revascularization procedures after diagnostic coronary angiography: evidence for gender bias?

Objectives. We sought to determine whether there is a gender bias in the selection of patients for coronary revascularization once the severity of the underlying coronary artery disease has been established with angiography. Background. It has been suggested that women with coronary artery disease are less likely to be referred for coronary angiography and coronary artery bypass surgery than men. Whether such a referral bias for revascularization procedures, including coronary angioplasty, is present once angiography has been performed is not clear. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 22,795 patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent coronary angiography between 1981 and 1991 and compared the numbers of women and men who underwent either coronary artery bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty within 30 days of coronary angiography. Results. Angiography revealed significant (one-vessel or more) disease in 15,455 patients (52% of women, 76% of men). Despite worse symptoms, women had less extensive coronary disease than men as judged by the number of vessels diseased. Women were also more likely to have other co-morbid diseases. An equal proportion of women (54%) and men underwent revascularization procedures. After adjustment for baseline differences and age, differences in the two individual revascularization strategies were very small: More women tended to have coronary angioplasty ([absolute difference ± 1 SD] + 3.3 ± 0.7%, p < 0.0001), but fewer had coronary artery bypass surgery than men (−2.5 ± 0.8%, p = 0.003). When the two revascularization strategies were considered together, there was no significant gender difference in overall adjusted use of revascularization (+0.8 ± 0.9%, p = 0.41). Conclusions. Once diagnostic coronary angiography had been performed, no major differences in the overall utilization of revascularization procedures were noted for women compared with men.
Operant conditioning and slow potential changes from monkey cortex.

Abstract The present study attempted to obtain information concerning the distribution of SP changes over monkey cortex in order to delineate the source and functional significance of contingent negative variation (CNV). Both shock-avoidance and food-reward paradigms were employed in an attempt to determine the relationship between slow potentials (SPs) and mode of reinforcement. Transcortical platinized-platinum electrodes were stereotaxically implanted in 5 rhesus monkeys. Subjects were trained to respond in order to either receive food reinforcement or avoid shock. A warning stimulus (click) was followed 1 sec later by the imperative stimulus (1500 c/sec tone of 1.5 sec duration); subjects were required to respond during the tone period by pressing a lever. Approximately 100 trials were given a day, 5 days a week, for a 2 month period. Brain electrical activity was suitably amplified and recorded on magnetic tape for subsequent computer analysis. Negative SP changes were recordable from many portions of frontal cortex. The most marked finding in the present study was the demonstration of the existence of two independent SPs related to the conditioning task. A frontal-dominant potential developed gradually with training, while the central-dominant SP was of significant magnitude from the onset of training. Each potential was of equal magnitude bilaterally and persisted for the duration of the 2 month testing period. Type of reinforcement was a significant variable in determining the distribution of cortical SPs. Shock reinforcement caused an increase in precentral regions that was not manifested in frontal areas. It was suggested that the frontal-dominant potential was analogous to CNV recorded in humans and reflected the association of the two stimuli, whereas the central-dominant SP was an indication of motor inhibition and readiness to respond. The possible relationship between these potentials was discussed in terms of triggering mechanisms for the initiation of timed movements.
Wavelength variation in directional sensitivity of the long- and medium-wave sensitive foveal cones of red-green dichromats.

Abstract The intensity of a monochromatic light required just to detect 30 Hz flicker as the point of entry of the light was changed in 0.5 mm steps across the eye's entrance pupil and measured throughout the spectrum on 4 protanopes and 5 deuteranopes. In general the directional sensitivity of the foveal cone of these dichromats is minimal in the same part of the spectrum that the spectral sensitivity is maximum. Since the action spectrum of only a single class of cones was evaluated by the procedure, it permits a quantitative comparison of two alternative models for directional sensitivity, one derived from the concept of self-screening, the other from waveguiding. The overall results do not exclude either but are slightly better described by the former than by the latter.
Healthy living in two worlds: Testing a wellness curriculum for urban native youth

The Healthy Living in Two Worlds project developed a wellness curriculum for urban, Northeastern Native American youth. The curriculum sought to increase physical activity, decrease or prevent recreational tobacco use, and increase healthy eating practices. The program was delivered in a summer day camp format to 16 Native American youth ages 9–13. These youth have considerable exposure to recreational tobacco use in their households and among their peers but they express an intention to resist pressure to use recreational tobacco products. Some of these youth do not eat regular meals, particularly breakfast and lunch. Program participants appear to be physically active and their activity seems to have increased after the program.
The Schizosaccharomyces pombe Cdc42p GTPase signals through Pak2p and the Mkh1p-Pek1p-Spm1p MAP kinase pathway.

The Cdc42p GTPase is involved in many aspects of growth and cell-cycle regulation, including actin cytoskeletal rearrangements and activation of signal transduction pathways. To further investigate these functions, genetic interactions were examined between Schizosaccharomyces pombe Cdc42p, its effectors Pak1p and Pak2p, and the Mkh1p-Pek1p-Spm1p signal transduction pathway, which functions in cytokinesis and cell division. Expression of a truncated version of Pak2p lacking its N-terminal autoinhibitory domain led to a growth defect that was suppressed by Δmkh1 and Δspm1 null mutations and an elongated cell phenotype indicative of a cell division defect that was suppressed by the Δmkh1 mutation. In addition, expression of the constitutively activated cdc42 G12V mutant allele led to a growth defect that was rescued by the Δpak2 and Δmkh1 mutations. The Δpak2 mutation did not suppress the growth defect conferred by plasmid expression of Mkh1p, suggesting that Pak2p functions upstream of Mkh1p in this pathway. A two-hybrid protein interaction was observed between Pak2p and Mkh1p, but not between Pak1p and Mkh1p. These results are consistent with Cdc42p interacting with Pak2p to signal through the Mkh1p-Pek1p-Spm1p pathway.
Current practice patterns in nongynecologic and fine-needle aspiration cytology

Introduction The American Society of Cytopathology Clinical Practice Committee in collaboration with the American Society of Cytotechnology surveyed cytology practitioners to better understand current practices related to nongynecologic (NGYN) cytology. While work practices in gynecologic (GYN) cytology are highly regulated with limited variation among specimens and processing techniques, practice patterns for NGYN cytology are less standardized among laboratories. Materials and methods An NGYN cytology survey was created that consisted of 40 questions focusing on 6 main topic areas: (1) practice settings and demographic data; (2) NGYN non-fine-needle aspiration cytology; (3) fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology; (4) rapid on-site evaluation practices; (5) workload recording practices; and (6) expanding roles of the cytotechnologist (CT). The survey was sent to all American Society of Cytopathology and American Society of Cytotechnology members and remained available for 40 days. Results There were 368 survey participants (14% response rate) with nearly equal participation among CTs, cytology general managers and/or supervisors, and pathologists representing a variety of practice types. Most laboratories (87%) are providing a rapid on-site evaluation service for FNA specimens. The role of CTs is expanding with the majority of respondents stating that CTs assist with both clinician-performed and pathologist-performed FNA acquisition (77% and 50%, respectively), telecytology (16%), and screening of ancillary studies, including special stains (64%), immunohistochemistry (23%), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (16%). Conclusions Knowledge of NGYN cytology practice patterns among laboratories may contribute information to better define the future of cytotechnology, support reimbursement initiatives, and enhance quality and efficiencies in the cytology laboratory.
Topological Control of Cell Sheet Migration by the 3D Microenvironment

Cell migration and growth in multicellular tissues play important roles in morphogenesis, wound healing, and tumor metastasis. Many studies have focused on single cell mechanics and the response of motile cells to topological cues but little is known about the responses of migratory multicellular tissues to complex topological cues. Understanding cell and tissue migratory responses to well defined 3D substrates and the factors that regulate those dynamic responses are key to understanding the principles of cell sheet migration during embryonic development, which can contribute to fields from development to regenerative medicine.Microfabricated post arrays provided an opportunity to study the influence of topology on cell sheet migration. In general, cells in ectodermal Xenopus tissues migrated outward as cohesive sheets from their initial morphology. Post arrays slowed tissue movements over the course of 20 hours. The sequential time-lapse images showed migration of ectodermal tissues on flat substrates was faster on flat substrates than on post arrays. We investigated how the multicellular systems would respond when presented with flat and 3D micropost arrays simultaneously. The tissues placed on flat-substrates at the margin of the post array, over the interface between flat-substrate and posts, and completely over the post array suggest topological cues may be used to shape tissue form. From these observations we hypothesized that tissue spreading might be limited by lateral forces from the posts which would oppose tissue movement. However, when we decreased the size of the posts the tissues spread more slowly suggesting that the surface area of the post array was the limiting factor. Using microfabricated post arrays, we found that the multicellular tissue system was directly correlated to topology differences and controlling 3D microenvironments could impact the shape, formation, and the rate of tissue cells migration.
Implementing a New Paradigm in Ocean Observing: A View from the Coolroom

Human populations exert considerable pressures on our coastal oceans which is a concern as there are many signs that they are increasingly exhibiting signs of stress. Historically the lack of technology capable providing data over relevant scales has often left the local, state and federal governments blind to effectively assessing the health of oceans. While this may seem overwhelming, the future is bright as we are in the midst of a technical revolution. We formed the Rutgers University Coastal Ocean Observation Lab (RU COOL) in 1997 which is advanced ocean observatory. This system has been anchoring for over a decade a series of large Office of Naval Research and National Science Foundation science campaigns. The RU COOL system is anchored by satellites, shore-based radios, and a growing fleet of smart undersea gliders. The data is processed in near real-time and fuels data assimilative models. Using a wireless cyberinfrastructure network adaptive sampling by ships is enabled. The power of the system is illustrated in this manuscript. The examples all directly address the priority themes outlined in recently published Decadal Ocean Priorities report developed by the United States ocean communities. Given this, we believe that the future for exploring, understanding and managing our oceans shows great promise especially given the potential of the Integrated Ocean Observing System and Ocean Observing Initiative.
Cardiovascular Abnormalities Incidentally Detected on Helical Ct Pulmonary Angiography: Spectrum of Findings

Helical CT pulmonary angiography (HCTPA) is being increasingly used for the investigation of suspected pulmonary embolism. Because HCTPA involves the use of thin collimation and high contrast injection rates and volumetric acquisitions, it is ideally suited for evaluating the thoracic vascular system and may reveal numerous cardiovascular abnormalities unrelated to venous thromboembolism. Such abnormalities include systemic venous anomalies, atrial and ventricular masses, structural and congenital lesions of the pulmonary arteries, structural abnormalities of the interatrial septum, aortic and pericardial abnormalities, and abnormalities of surgical conduits and bypass grafts. Awareness of the imaging appearance of the various cardiovascular abnormalities that may be incidentally encountered with HCTPA will facilitate accurate diagnosis and may provide additional useful information in patients with negative studies.
Rural Iraqi women and extension centers: Policies and practices☆

Abstract Data from the total population of eight randomly selected rural extension centers in the Baghdad, Iraq, area were utilized to examine factors associated with rural women's participation levels in extension programs and to assess the fit between the government's stated and implemented policies related to extension programs. Findings suggest that: (1) family-related variables and those indicative of social customs surrounding the female status are most closely related to women's participation levels; and, (2) there are discrepancies between written and enacted policies related to extension programs. Possible explanations for findings are offered, as well as directions for future research and policy planning.
Sweden as an “Impoverished Sophisticate”: A Reply

In his note Charles Kindleberger raises a number of objections to my characterization of Sweden as an "impoverished sophisticate" in the middle of the nineteenth century. Although I believe that our differences are more semantic than substantive, I shall try to respond. Kindleberger begins by objecting to my catch phrase by arguing that "impoverished" implies a decline in income. I must admit that when I coined the term I was simply looking for a snappy phrase that conveyed the notion of a level of human capital that was disproportionate to the level of per capita income. Even accepting Kindleberger's more stringent linguistic standards, however, I would note that it is by no means firmly established that Swedish per capita incomes, as opposed to nutritional standards, were really higher in 1850 than at all earlier points in time.' But more to the point, Sweden in 1850 was a society, and an economy, that had experienced a substantial relative decline. This is unquestionably true with regard to power, glory, and self-esteem. In terms of per capita income it is almost certainly true relative to Europe as a whole and beyond doubt true relative to the most advanced countries in Europe.2 On the other hand, there had been no relative decline in terms of human capital. In the first sentence of his note Kindleberger seems to accept my view that Sweden's relative "sophistication" at any point in time should be judged vis d vis its relative level of per capita income, not in absolute terms. Yet his principal evidence for Sweden's lack of financial sophistication in 1850 consists of citations from Swedish economic historians that implicitly, and in some cases explicitly, compare Sweden only with the most advanced European countries at the same point in time. One of my principal motives for writing the essays was to protest the use of such an inappropriate and unilluminating standard of comparison. Kindleberger's principal point, however, appears to be that my characterization of Sweden's financial system can be accepted only if the system had been developed ahead of demand, thereby contradicting the Coase theorem. I reject the contention. The fact of the matter, of course, is that the extent and alacrity with which the growing demand for financial services was met varied considerably among European countries. Putting it in slightly different terms, the location and elasticity of the supply curve of financial services were by no means the same for all countries. Similarly, differences in the demand for financial services between countries depended not only on variables such as the level of per capita income and the degree of urbanization, but also on the level of literacy and the degree of acceptance of financial instruments and institutions.3