cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adverse drug reactions: The magnitude of the problem

Much quantitative information on the clinical use and adverse effects of drugs has been accumulated in the past 15 years. These data provide a basis for substantial knowledge and perspective on the problem of drug toxicity, particularly for drugs that have been marketed for many years. We have also learned how to study adverse effects of newly marketed drugs in a cost-efficient and effective manner. Studies have shown that hospitalized adult patients in the United States receive on average about 10 drugs during hospitalization. Outpatient adults take on average about two drugs on a regular basis (i.e., at least once a week). Results from in-hospital studies indicate that some type of adverse reaction occurs about once in every 20 drug treatments. Most of these drug reactions are clinically minor and reversible, but about 10% of adverse reactions are regarded as life-threatening. Virtually all organ systems have been involved with adverse drug effects. Deaths in hospitalized patients that are attributable to drugs are rare and tend to occur in patients who are quite ill from their primary illness and receive potent drugs such as antitumor agents. However, some drug-induced illnesses appear to be preventable. Out-patient drug toxicity is the cause of about 3% of all hospitalizations. When considered with the enormous use of drugs in the outpatient population, however, this number of admissions secondary to drug toxicity seems to represent a small incidence.
Functional Performance and Member-State Behavior in an International Organization: Test and Evaluation

rT he proliferation of international organizations in recent decades has been astounding.' One finds international agencies, governmental and private, in almost every area of human activity and every field of interest. Nevertheless, relatively few systematic attempts have been made to analyze these agencies.2 Taking the functionalist argument as a point of departure, and utilizing particularly the concept of "performance" as developed initially by David Mitrany, this paper suggests a way of studying the behavior of member states in specialized international organizations. To do so we shall follow the procedure of an empirical test, first presenting propositions and then examining several hypotheses in the light of some evidence drawn from a case study of the International Civil Aviation Organization, (ICAO), which is affiliated with the United Nations as a specialized agency.3
Managing product safety of imported Chinese goods

Abstract While recent recalls and scares have focused greatly on Chinese manufactured toys and foodstuffs, the issue of product safety extends to a wide variety of Chinese-produced goods. The supply chain in China is characterized by cost pressures and quality fade, multiple levels of outsourcing often involving small producers, a large number of counterfeit goods, Chinese cleverness at evading detection, and poor product safety surveillance by both the Chinese and U.S. governments. While some of these characteristics are present in other developing economies, few countries—save China—face all of these issues. To best counteract these forces, companies which outsource goods from China need a well-defined strategy to improve product safety. This strategy should encompass the practices of developing an organizational unit responsible for product safety, securing greater control over raw material sourcing in China, using extreme care in choosing Chinese subcontractors, conducting continuous product testing by multiple parties, being especially vigilant for counterfeits, and improving product traceability. Toward the end of ensuring items which meet quality standards, product safety auditing allows firms to assess their management of product safety of Chinese-made goods.
Investigation of a new input function validation approach for dynamic mouse microPET studies

Abstract Purpose Image-derived input functions are desirable for quantifying biological functions in dynamic mouse micro positron emission tomography (PET) studies, but the input function so derived needs to be validated. Conventional validation using serial blood samples is difficult in mice. We introduced the theoretical basis and used computer simulations to show the capability of a new approach that requires only a small number of blood samples per mouse but uses multiple animals. Procedures 2-Deoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) kinetics (60 minutes) were simulated for 10 to 20 animals with three to six blood samples available per animal. Various amounts/types of noise/errors in the blood measurements were assumed, and different amounts/types of errors were added to the true input function to simulate image-derived input function. Deviations between blood samples and the derived input function were examined by statistical techniques to evaluate the capability of the approach for detecting the simulated errors in the derived input function. Results For a total of 60 blood samples and a 10% measurement noise, a 5% contaminating error in image-derived input function can be detected with a statistical power of ∼0.9 and with a 95% confidence. The power of the approach is directly related to the error magnitude in the image-derived input function, and is related to the total number of blood samples taken, but is inversely related to the measurement noise of the blood samples. Conclusion The new validation approach is expected to be useful for validating input functions derived with image-based methods in dynamic mouse microPET studies.
On an asymptotic optimization problem in finite, directed, weighted graphs

This paper is concerned with finite, directed, branch-weighted graphs, where each weight is a real number bearing the connotation of “payoff.” The “average payoff” of a k-branch path is defined as the sum of the weights along this path divided by k. It is shown that, as k approaches infinity, the maximum average payoff obtainable with paths initiating at a particular vertex is exactly the maximum of the average payoffs of all proper cycles reachable from that vertex. This result leads to a simple algorithm for finding a path which exhibits this maximum.
Terminal oxidases and growth in plant tissues. IV. On the terminal oxidases of etiolated pea internodes.

Abstract 1. 1. Etiolated pea stems contain a powerful ascorbic acid oxidase, which does not sediment at 10,000 × g . 2. 2. The enzyme needs an O 2 tension of 0.13 atm. for half-saturation, is unaffected by CO, and is more active per unit length in growing than in non-growing internodes. 3. 3. The intact tissue, however, consumes oxygen at a rate only one-fortieth as great as that for which the ascorbic oxidase could account, and furthermore at least 80% of its oxygen consumption is light-reversibly inhibited by CO. 4. 4. It is deduced that the ascorbic oxidase does not function as a terminal oxidase in the intact cells, but that the respiration is mainly mediated by cytochrome oxidase.
Diffuse optical measurement of blood flow in breast tumors

Blood flow contrast between tumor and normal tissues in patients with malignant and benign breast cancer was measured by diffuse optical correlation methods. The measurements were carried out with a hand-held optical probe that was manually scanned over the tumor-bearing breast. Increased blood flow was observed in tumor regions relative to healthy tissue, and control subjects did not exhibit significant blood flow heterogeneity. The measurements introduce a new optical contrast for diffuse optical mammography.
Characterization of a cDNA and gene encoding a cuticular protein from rigid cuticles of the giant silkmoth, Hyalophora cecropia

We have isolated a cDNA and gene encoding a protein (HCCP66) found in the rigid cuticles of both larvae and pupae of the silkmoth, Hyalophora cecropia. The cDNA encoded a protein similar to cuticle proteins isolated from several other insects and contained a sequence motif similar to one present in a "family" of cuticular proteins from flexible cuticles. The gene had a structure similar to that of cuticle protein genes isolated from Drosophila melanogaster, albeit with a much larger intron that contained three copies of a transposable element-like sequence similar to short interspersed repeated DNA elements (SINEs). A sequence found 5' to the transcription start site matched the Octamer (Oct) cis-acting element. This sequence was capable of binding protein(s) from whole cell extracts of wing epidermis with high affinity and sequence specificity suggesting a role in transcriptional regulation.
The tail of KdsC. Conformational changes control the activity of a haloacid dehalogenase superfamily phosphatase

The phosphatase KdsC cleaves 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonate 8-phosphate to generate a molecule of inorganic phosphate and Kdo. Kdo is an essential component of the lipopolysaccharide envelope in Gram-negative bacteria. Because lipopolysaccharide is an important determinant of bacterial resistance and toxicity, KdsC is a potential target for novel antibacterial agents. KdsC belongs to the broad haloacid dehalogenase superfamily. In haloacid dehalogenase superfamily enzymes, substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency are generally dictated by a fold feature called the cap domain. It is therefore not clear why KdsC, which lacks a cap domain, is catalytically efficient and highly specific to 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonate 8-phosphate. Here, we present a set of seven structures of tetrameric Escherichia coli KdsC (ranging from 1.4 to 3.06 A in resolution) that model different intermediate states in its catalytic mechanism. A crystal structure of product-bound E. coli KdsC shows how the interface between adjacent monomers defines the active site pocket. Kdo is engaged in a network of polar and nonpolar interactions with residues at this interface, which explains substrate specificity. Furthermore, this structural and kinetic analysis strongly suggests that the binding of the flexible C-terminal region (tail) to the active site makes KdsC catalytically efficient by facilitating product release.
Site‐based decision‐making leadership in American public schools

This paper explores the increased complexity that school‐based management introduces between schools and their external environments, and considers how principals respond. The two cases reported here reveal that principals rely on different sources of legitimacy in making two kinds of decisions. Factual decisions legitimize principals’ use of legal and bureaucratic control without requiring the investment of much social capital. Values‐based decisions are legitimized by the use of social capital without the benefit of much legal and bureaucratic control.
Detect abnormal SCADA data using state estimation residuals

Detection of manipulated supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data is critically important for the safe and secure operation of modern power systems. In this paper, a methodology of detecting manipulated SCADA data based on state estimation residuals is presented. A framework of the proposed methodology is described. Instead of using original SCADA measurements as the bad data sources, the residuals calculated based on the results of the state estimator are used as the input for the outlier detection process. The BACON algorithm is applied to detect outliers in the state estimation residuals. The IEEE 118-bus system is used as a test case to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The accuracy of the BACON method is compared with that of the 3-σ method for the simulated SCADA measurements and residuals.
Effect of dithiothreitol on the catalytic activity, quarternary structure and sulfonamide-binding properties of an extracellular carbonic anhydrase from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Abstract Extracellular carbonic anhydrase from the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an oligomeric protein containing subunits of 36 and 4 kDa which are joined by disulfide bonds to form higher molecular mass oligomers. In this study, the effect of dithiothreitol on some properties of the enzyme were examined. Bithiothreitol caused a 40% activation of the catalytic activity of the enzyme at low concentrations (0.1 mM), but an inactivation of about 85% of the catalytic activity at high (50 mM) concentrations. Chemical cross-linking of the enzyme with dimethyl suberimidate revealed the existence of oligomers containing up to three large subunits and at least two small subunits. Cross-linking analysis of dithiothreitol-treated carbonic anhydrase revealed that 0.1 mM dithiothreitol had no effect on the subunit composition of the enzyme, but 10 or 50 mM caused subunit dissociation, including the apparent complete dissociation of the small subunits from the large subunits. There was a characteristic enhancement of dansylamide fluorescence when this fluorescent sulfonamide bound carbonic anhydrase and the fluorescence enhancement was retained following the dithiothreitol-induced dissociation of the enzyme. These results indicate that disulfide bonds are essential for maintenance of the oligometric structure of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii carbonic anhydrase, and that the small subunit may be necessary for enhancing catalysis, but not for the binding of sulfonamides to the enzyme.
Ultrasound does not improve the success rate of a deep peroneal nerve block at the ankle.

Background: The deep peroneal nerve is 1 of 5 nerves anesthetized when performing an ankle block. Multiple techniques of blocking the deep peroneal nerve have been described, but little evidence exists to delineate the efficacy of any one technique. We hypothesized that ultrasound would increase both the success rate and the quality of a deep peroneal nerve block at the ankle. Methods: Eighteen healthy volunteers participated in this randomized, controlled, prospective study. Each subject was randomly assigned to receive an ultrasound-guided deep peroneal nerve block of either the right or the left ankle. The deep peroneal nerve on the opposite side was blocked using a conventional landmark technique. Subjects were blinded to the technique used. All blocks were preformed with 5 mL of 3% 2-chloroprocaine. We evaluated both sensory and motor blocks at 10-min intervals for 60 mins. Results: Blocks were maximal in both groups at 20 to 30 mins. There was a statistically significant difference in temperature sensation and motor function at 10 mins favoring the ultrasound group. There was no statistical difference in motor function, temperature, or pinprick sensation between 20 and 60 mins. Conclusions: The use of ultrasound seems to improve the onset of deep peroneal nerve block at the ankle but does not improve the overall quality of the block.
Surface Studies by Optical Second-Harmonic Generation: The Adsorption of O 2 , CO, and Sodium on the Rh(111) Surface

Optical second-harmonic generation is used to study the adsorption of atomic and diatomic species on a well characterized Rh(111) crystal surface in ultrahigh vacuum. The results correlate well with those obtained by other surface probes.
Foucault, the Consumer Culture and Environmental Degradation

Michel Foucault's theories and their relevance to ‘consumer culture’ and environmental degradation are considered. Specifically, Foucault's theory of power/knowledge and biopower are considered in light of current consumption rates among global consumer cultures and their link to trends in global environmental degradation. Lastly, Foucault's theory of resistance is suggested as a mechanism for environmental sustainability.
In union lies strength: Collaborative competence in new product development and its performance effects

Abstract It is widely recognized that new product development (NPD) is a highly interdependent process, yet efforts to empirically model the interdependence and examine its effect on firm performance are scarce. Our study addresses this research gap. We model firms’ abilities to collectively collaborate with suppliers, customers, and internal employee teams in NPD as collaborative competence and examine its impact on project and market performance. Using responses collected from 189 NPD managers, we find empirical evidence for collaborative competence and its differential impact on project and market performance. Specifically, we find that collaborative competence has a direct impact on project performance, but its impact on market performance is indirect, mediated through project performance. The results have significant managerial implications; achieving superior market performance from inter- and intra-organizational involvement is contingent on achieving superior project performance, and companies that fail to achieve desired project performance outcomes will also fail in achieving market performance goals.
Scanning heterodyne reconstruction of coded aperture images

Abstract The reconstruction of coded aperture images using an optical scanning heterodyne processor is described for a class of apertures which can be synthesized by two beam interference. The analysis of Fresnel zone apertures indicates that a lateral and longitudinal (tomographic) resolution close to the theoretical limit is achievable. Experimental results of optical simulations confirm this assertion. Advantages of such technique include real-time operation and large multiplexing capability.
B cell development and immunoglobulin transcription in Oct-1-deficient mice

The POU domain transcription factors Oct-1 and Oct-2 interact with the octamer element, a motif conserved within Ig promoters and enhancers, and mediate transcription from the Ig loci. Inactivation of Oct-2 by gene targeting results in normal B cell development and Ig transcription. To study the role of Oct-1 in these processes, the lymphoid compartment of RAG-1–/– animals was reconstituted with Oct-1-deficient fetal liver hematopoietic cells. Recipient mice develop B cells with levels of surface Ig expression comparable with wild type, although at slightly reduced numbers. These B cells transcribe Ig normally, respond to antigenic stimulation, undergo class switching, and use a normal repertoire of light chain variable segments. However, recipient mice show slight reductions in serum IgM and IgA. Thus, the Oct-1 protein is dispensable for B cell development and Ig transcription.
Shape imposed by secondary structure of a polypeptide affects its free diffusion through liquid-filled pores

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of secondary structure of three model polypeptides on their apparent permeability (P(app)) across a synthetic, microporous membrane. Poly-L-lysine (PL), poly-L-glutamate (PGlu), and poly-L-lysine-L-phenylalanine (1:1) (PLP) were selected because a solution environment in which their predominant secondary structure is random coil (RC), alpha-helix, and beta-sheet, respectively, is easily achieved. The conformation of each polypeptide was verified by circular dichroism (CD). Diffusion studies were conducted under sink conditions at 25 degrees C across a microporous polyester membrane using a donor concentration of 0.02 mM for each model polypeptide. NMR was utilized to obtain a second estimation of the diffusion coefficient for each polypeptide. The equivalent hydrodynamic radii (R(e)) of the three model polypeptides were calculated using the values of the diffusion coefficient obtained by both NMR and the classic in vitro diffusion studies. The viscosity of each polypeptide solution was also determined to investigate the effect of viscosity on the aqueous diffusion coefficient. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant (P 0.05) difference in the viscosity of the polypeptide solutions. Values of D(aq) and R(e) calculated from the diffusion studies were in relatively close agreement to those obtained using NMR. The logarithm of P(app) was highly correlated (r = -0.961) with the values of R(e) calculated from NMR (R(e (NMR))) rather than the mw of the polypeptides (r = 0.681). Values of the Perrin or shape factor which deviate substantially from unity are suggestive of a non-spherical or ellipsoid shape and were 1.22 +/- 0.20, 1.55 +/- 0.11, and 2.38 +/- 0.20 for PGlu, PL, and PLP, respectively. In conclusion, the observed difference in the membrane transport/diffusion of the three model polypeptides is suggested to be due to the shape associated with the secondary structure of each macromolecule, rather than the polypeptide's mw or the viscosity of the dilute polypeptide solution.
Effective Grassroots Social Action in Public Education

This article identifies public school education as a community affair which requires the talents of lawyers, social science scholars, and other kinds of people. Since public education is described as a community affair, diversity in student body and faculty is recommended as a way of gathering essential opinions on how education may benefit all individuals as well as the community. Grassroots strategies for achieving effective social action are discussed.
Linda arouses a Sleeping Barber

This paper presents an approach that gives students insights into parallelism and exposure to discrete-event simulation techniques without requiring that they have formal courses in either. I apply the rather curious Linda coordination model to the classic Sleeping Barber Problem used frequently to illustrate inter-process communication activities in operating system courses. Normally, customers seeking haircuts are represented as processes spawned as faceless entities with no regard to inter-arrival times or proper ordering of departures for those who get cuts. This paper uses elementary discrete-event simulation techniques to introduce this sought for realism while preserving the original motivation of using the Sleeping Barber to demonstrate process concurrency.
Approximate spatial reasoning

It is a truism that much of human reasoning is approximate in nature. Spatial reasoning is an area where humans consistently reason approximately with demonstrably good results. The unique mental processes behind these actions are not well understood. However, it is important that we try to incorporate such approximate reasoning techniques in our computer systems. Approximate spatial reasoning is very important for intelligent mobile agents (e.g., robots), specially for those operating in uncertain or unknown or dynamic domains. In such situations, besides the hazard in the domain, the real constraints (e.g., limited memory and limited time for observations and/or inferencing) faced by agents makes the use of approximate reasoning techniques imperative. In this paper we present a model for approximate spatial reasoning using fuzzy logic to represent the uncertainty in the environment. We develop algorithms to reason about spatial information expressed in the form of approximate linguistic descriptions, very similar to the kind of spatial information processed by humans. We only deal with static spatial reasoning in this paper.
Tools for understanding the limits to growth: comparing a simulation and a game

During 30 years as a systems analyst and teacher, this author has been constructing models to understand and convey key principles related to the long-term causes and consequences of physical growth on the planet. In this article, he describes two different models that he has developed to accomplish these goals. One was employed as a computer simulation; the other functioned as an operational game. In comparing them, the author points out many differences between the two tools and indicates two important challenges for this profession.
Length Illusion in Fractional Müller-Lyer Stimuli: An Object-Perception Approach

Length judgments were compared for Muller-Lyer stimuli and figures which had line junctions at only one end of the central shaft. A length illusion occurred for fractional figures, only slightly reduced in magnitude from the usual illusion, and the largest reduction occurred for fractional figures with fork junctions. These results are consistent with an hypothesis (drawn from artificial intelligence algorithms for interpreting line drawings) that isolated line junctions are treated as boundary junctions with constrained interpretations of convex and concave edges for the shafts of arrow and fork junctions, respectively. Information about relative position of edges may be used to constrain computation of metric properties and consequential differences in size scaling would be responsible for the illusion. Illusions can arise when information well suited for one kind of task (eg object recognition) is employed in tasks for which it is not well suited (eg size perception).
Computational Insights on Crystal Structures of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex of Photosystem II with Either Ca2+ or Ca2+ Substituted by Sr2+

The oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II can function with either Ca2+ or Sr2+ as the heterocation, but the reason for different turnover rates remains unresolved despite reported X-ray crystal structures for both forms. Using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations, we optimize structures with each cation in both the resting state (S1) and in a series of reduced states (S0, S–1, and S–2). Through comparison with experimental data, we determine that the X-ray crystal structures with either Ca2+ or Sr2+ are most consistent with the S–2 state (i.e., Mn4[III,III,III,II] with O4 and O5 protonated). As expected, the QM/MM models show that Ca2+/Sr2+ substitution results in the elongation of the heterocation bonds and the displacement of terminal waters W3 and W4. The optimized structures also show that hydrogen-bonded W5 is displaced in all S states with Sr2+ as the heterocation, suggesting that this water may play a critical role during water oxidation.
The Financial Transactions Tax versus (?) the Financial Activities Tax

In both Europe and the United States, there has been much recent debate regarding whether, in response to the 2008 financial crisis, one should enact a financial transactions tax (FTT) or a financial activities tax (FAT) – commonly viewed as mutually exclusive alternatives. This article evaluates these two alternative instruments, focusing on recent proposals by the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund. It concludes that the case for enacting an FAT is considerably stronger than that for an FTT, mainly because the FAT focuses on a broad “net” measure, rather than a narrow “gross” measure, of financial sector activity.The article further concludes that a rationale for the FTT not emphasized by the European Commission – its addressing wasteful over-investment in the activity of seeking trading gains at the expense of other traders – could conceivably support its enactment, though it is uncertain that the social benefits would exceed the costs. The issues raised by this alternative rationale are independent of whether or not an FAT has been enacted. Finally, the desirability of enacting an FTT may be affected by broader political economy constraints on revenue-raising and on the pursuit of greater tax progressivity by alternative (including clearly superior) means.
Grief, glory, and political capital in the Capitol: presidents eulogizing presidents.

ABSTRACT Kunkel and Dennis (2003) established a framework for the examination of contemporary eulogia drawn from the comforting and social support paradigms found in psychology and communication literatures. Dennis and Kunkel (2004) applied the framework to eulogies for fallen national heroes (e.g., victims of terrorism and space shuttle astronauts) delivered by American presidents, and both illustrated its utility and noted several minor variations (e.g., presidents did not establish credibility early in speeches or portray emotion as individual experiences). The current study illuminates the nature of eulogies for past presidents by sitting presidents, and examines the eulogies of Presidents John Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan by Presidents Lyndon Johnson, Nixon, William Clinton, and George W. Bush, respectively. As highlighted by Kunkel and Dennis' framework, these eulogists accomplish many of the recognized comforting and consolation responsibilities. The presidents somet...
Polarized infrared emissivity for a rough water surface

The polarization state of infrared emission from water at large viewing angles is explained mathematically by a polarization-dependent emissivity. To provide polarized emissivity values for a wind-roughened water surface in a convenient format, this electronic paper provides interactive tables and plots of polarized water emissivity for the spectral range of 3–15 µm. The rough surface is modeled as a collection of specular facets with slopes given by a Gaussian distribution. The interactive electronic format provides a tutorial on emission polarization and it allows readers to copy the desired numbers and paste them into their electronic applications without the difficulty of transcribing numbers from printed tables.
Suboptimality and complexity in evolution

A scalable model of biological evolution is presented which includes energy cost for building new elements and multiple paths for obtaining new functions. The model allows a population with a continual increase of complexity, but as time passes, detrimental mutations accumulate. This model shows the crucial importance of accounting for the energy cost of new structures in models of biological evolution. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 322-327, 2015
Economic Weights for Genetic Changes in Milk Component Yields at the Herd Level

Abstract Economic weights for separate 1-kg increases in herd average genetic levels for fat, protein, carrier, and lactose yields were calculated for five daily breeds and three alternative milk markets. Economic weights were calculated using a dairy herd production model that predicted costs and returns of production from expected phenotypic levels accounting for genetic potential, age effects, and the herd age distribution. The model accommodated genetic differences in mature milk component yields and body weight. Herd age distribution variables (calving interval, age at first calving, and culling rate) had only a scale effect on economic weights, affecting all components similarly by changing the amount of actual milk predicted from a given average genetic potential. Comparisons showed that a profit (returns minus costs) basis inflates economic weights compared to an economic efficiency (returns divided by costs) basis. Economic efficiency economic weights for protein, carrier, and lactose expressed relative to the weight for fat were −.10, .02, and −.08 in a fluid milk market and 1.06, −.02, and −.13 in a multiple component market, respectively, averaged across all breeds. In a cheese yield market, similar values for carrier and lactose were found, but protein values were .9 and 1.4 for the three lower solids breeds and the two higher solids breeds, respectively. Changing levels of feed costs or costs other than feed had linear effects on profit economic weights but nonlinear effects on economic efficiency weights.
Scaling up biologically-inspired computer vision: A case study in unconstrained face recognition on facebook

Biological visual systems are currently unrivaled by artificial systems in their ability to recognize faces and objects in highly variable and cluttered real-world environments. Biologically-inspired computer vision systems seek to capture key aspects of the computational architecture of the brain, and such approaches have proven successful across a range of standard object and face recognition tasks (e.g. [23, 8, 9, 18]). Here, we explore the effectiveness of these algorithms on a large-scale unconstrained real-world face recognition problem based on images taken from the Face-book social networking website. In particular, we use a family of biologically-inspired models derived from a high-throughput feature search paradigm [19, 15] to tackle a face identification task with up to one hundred individuals (a number that approaches the reasonable size of real-world social networks). We show that these models yield high levels of face-identification performance even when large numbers of individuals are considered; this performance increases steadily as more examples are used, and the models outperform a state-of-the-art commercial face recognition system. Finally, we discuss current limitations and future opportunities associated with datasets such as these, and we argue that careful creation of large sets is an important future direction.
Balloon angioplasty vs nitinol stent placement in the treatment of venous anastomotic stenoses of hemodialysis grafts after surgical thrombectomy.

Objective Most arteriovenous hemodialysis grafts fail ≤18 months after implantation, most commonly due to intimal hyperplasia at the venous anastomosis. This open prospective study compared balloon angioplasty vs nitinol stent placement in the treatment of venous anastomotic stenosis after thrombectomy of prosthetic brachial-axillary accesses. Methods Between February 2007 and December 2010, 61 patients with an initial thrombosis of a prosthetic brachial-axillary access were admitted to our hospital. Of these patients, 28 (46%), treated before June 2008, underwent thrombectomy plus balloon angioplasty of the venous anastomosis (group A), whereas the remaining 33 (54%) patients, who were treated after July 2008, underwent graft thrombectomy plus angioplasty with self-expanding nitinol stent placement (group B). Primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared between the two groups with the log-rank test. Results Primary patency was 32% at 3 months, 24% at 6 months, and 14% at 12 months in group A, and the respective values were 85%, 63% and 49% in group B. Primary patency was significantly better in group B than in group A (P Conclusions Graft thrombectomy plus angioplasty with self-expanding nitinol stent placement provides significantly higher patency rates compared with thrombectomy plus plain balloon angioplasty of the venous anastomosis.
The Self-Organization of Explicit Attitudes

How do minds produce explicit attitudes over several hundred milliseconds? Speeded evaluative measures have revealed implicit biases beyond cognitive control and subjective awareness, yet mental processing may culminate in an explicit attitude that feels personally endorsed and corroborates voluntary intentions. We argue that self-reported explicit attitudes derive from a continuous, temporally dynamic process, whereby multiple simultaneously conflicting sources of information self-organize into a meaningful mental representation. While our participants reported their explicit (like vs. dislike) attitudes toward White versus Black people by moving a cursor to a "like" or "dislike" response box, we recorded streaming x- and y-coordinates from their hand-movement trajectories. We found that participants' hand-movement paths exhibited greater curvature toward the "dislike" response when they reported positive explicit attitudes toward Black people than when they reported positive explicit attitudes toward White people. Moreover, these trajectories were characterized by movement disorder and competitive velocity profiles that were predicted under the assumption that the deliberate attitudes emerged from continuous interactions between multiple simultaneously conflicting constraints.
Site-Specific Cleavage of the Host Poly(A) Binding Protein by the Encephalomyocarditis Virus 3C Proteinase Stimulates Viral Replication

Although picornavirus RNA genomes contain a 3'-terminal poly(A) tract that is critical for their replication, the impact of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) infection on the host poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) remains unknown. Here, we establish that EMCV infection stimulates site-specific PABP proteolysis, resulting in accumulation of a 45-kDa N-terminal PABP fragment in virus-infected cells. Expression of a functional EMCV 3C proteinase was necessary and sufficient to stimulate PABP cleavage in uninfected cells, and bacterially expressed 3C cleaved recombinant PABP in vitro in the absence of any virus-encoded or eukaryotic cellular cofactors. N-terminal sequencing of the resulting C-terminal PABP fragment identified a 3C(pro) cleavage site on PABP between amino acids Q437 and G438, severing the C-terminal protein-interacting domain from the N-terminal RNA binding fragment. Single amino acid substitution mutants with changes at Q437 were resistant to 3C(pro) cleavage in vitro and in vivo, validating that this is the sole detectable PABP cleavage site. Finally, while ongoing protein synthesis was not detectably altered in EMCV-infected cells expressing a cleavage-resistant PABP variant, viral RNA synthesis and infectious virus production were both reduced. Together, these results establish that the EMCV 3C proteinase mediates site-specific PABP cleavage and demonstrate that PABP cleavage by 3C regulates EMCV replication.
The economic value of landscapes

This book aims to explore the avenue of landscape economics and provides the building blocks (from different scientific disciplines) for an economic analysis of landscapes. What exactly constitutes and determines the value of a landscape? It focuses on the value of landscapes in its broadest sense, thereby covering a variety of topics including stakeholder involvement in landscape design, landscape governance and landscape perceptions from different countries. Merely saying that landscapes have value or are important is not sufficient – not when resources are scarce and have alternative uses. Measuring and quantifying the economic value of changes in landscapes would help ensure that landscape management decisions are both (economically) rational and sound
Novel anti-angiogenic therapies for malignant gliomas

Summary Background Despite optimum treatment with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, most patients with malignant glioma have a poor prognosis. Malignant gliomas are vascular tumours that produce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is an important mediator of angiogenesis. Preclinical data indicate that angiogenesis is essential for the proliferation and survival of malignant glioma cells, which suggests that inhibition of angiogenesis might be an effective therapeutic strategy. Anti-angiogenic therapies that target VEGF and the VEGF receptor (VEGFR) are effective adjuncts to the treatment of solid tumours. Normalisation of dilated and leaky tumour vasculature might also enable anti-angiogenic therapy to increase the efficacy of radiation therapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Recent developments Several studies have investigated the use of bevacizumab—a humanised monoclonal antibody against VEGF—for patients with recurrent malignant glioma. Treatment with bevacizumab is commonly combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy and results in dramatic responses seen on radiographs, prolongation of progression-free survival, and less need for corticosteroids. Similar results have been shown with small-molecule inhibitors of VEGFR, such as cediranib. Anti-angiogenic treatment is generally well tolerated but common adverse effects include hypertension and proteinuria, whereas the potentially more serious adverse effects, such as thromboembolic disease and haemorrhage, occur infrequently. At least half of patients fail to respond to anti-angiogenic treatment and the response duration is variable. Resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy might implicate alternative pro-angiogenic factors, such as basic fibroblast growth factor, stromal-derived factor-1α, the angiopoietin receptor Tie2, and placental growth factor. Anti-angiogenic therapy might also lead to mobilisation of circulating endothelial cells towards the tumour, which supports angiogenesis. Another possible mechanism of resistance of malignant glioma cells might be upregulation of pro-invasive molecules, which would result in increased infiltrative tumour growth along the blood vessels. Where next? Although anti-angiogenic therapies are promising, the duration of response with available regimens is modest. Continuing investigations will determine whether these drugs are best used for newly diagnosed or recurrent tumours and will establish the optimum combinations with radiation, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and other targeted molecular compounds. As yet, there are no effective treatments for patients on anti-angiogenic therapies whose tumours progress. Further understanding of the mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies and better selection of patients will be crucial to improve outcomes for patients with malignant glioma.
The role of veterinary medicine regulatory agencies

An effective animal medicine regulatory programme includes a systematic, evidence-based means of documenting the safety and effectiveness of products before they are produced, marketed or used in a particular country or region. The programme must also include adequate monitoring and controls over the use of these substances. It is clearthat such programmes provide veterinarians, farmers and other animal medicine users with greater assurance that veterinary drugs and biologicals will be safe and effective in preventing and mitigating disease. It is important that these regulatory controls include programmes to ensure that human food obtained from treated animals is safe and that all potential toxicological and microbiological hazards that may be associated with the use of veterinary medicines have been adequately evaluated. There is a great need worldwide for veterinary medicines that provide needed therapies for vast numbers of animals and animal species and, in the case of food-producing animals, for medicinal products that enhance the productivity and efficiency of food production and ensure food safety when they are used in accordance with their approval specifications. The public health mission of regulatory agencies succeeds when they are able to put into the hands of the user an approved, safe and effective, well-manufactured and appropriately labelled medicine, and when there are adequate controls in place to assure proper compliance.
Environmental drivers of trait changes in Photorhabdus luminescens

Abstract Biological control agents have become increasingly important in integrated pest management programs. However, certain traits of these agents that are needed for efficient biocontrol often decrease or are lost during in vitro rearing. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) often exhibit trait deterioration when reared under laboratory conditions. EPN trait deterioration has been attributed (at least in part) to genetic causes; however, the underlying causes of trait deterioration in its bacterial endosymbiont have not been explored. In this study the EPN symbiont Photorhabdus luminescens was monitored for the deterioration of three traits; inclusion body production, reproductive potential, and virulence, in three different nutritional environments; lipid liquid medium (LLM), nutrient broth (NB), and tryptic soy broth + yeast extract (TSY). Significant trait deterioration did not occur for any of the traits in any environment. There was an increase in inclusion body production in TSY. Additionally, there was variation in growth within NB and TSY sub-cultured population lines and one TSY sub-population line was less virulent than the other two. However, returning bacteria to LLM restored all traits to wild-type levels. We infer the observed trait deterioration in Photorhabdus was minimal and appeared to be driven by environmental conditions as opposed to stable genetic changes. Our data suggest that variation among traits of in vitro cultures of Photorhabdus is more likely due to environmental variation than inadvertent laboratory selection or other genetic processes.
Genetic identification of residues involved in association of alpha and beta G-protein subunits.

Abstract The GPA1, STE4, and STE18 genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encode the alpha, beta, and gamma subunits, respectively, of a G protein involved in the mating response pathway. We have found that mutations G124D, W136G, W136R, and delta L138 and double mutations W136R L138F and W136G S151C of the Ste4 protein cause constitutive activation of the signaling pathway. The W136R L138F and W136G S151C mutant Ste4 proteins were tested in the two-hybrid protein association assay and found to be defective in association with the Gpa1 protein. A mutation at position E307 of the Gpa1 protein both suppresses the constitutive signaling phenotype of some mutant Ste4 proteins and allows the mutant alpha subunit to physically associate with a specific mutant G beta subunit. The mutation in the Gpa1 protein is adjacent to the hinge, or switch, region that is required for the conformational change which triggers subunit dissociation, but the mutation does not affect the interaction of the alpha subunit with the wild-type beta subunit. Yeast cells constructed to contain only the mutant alpha and beta subunits mate and respond to pheromones, although they exhibit partial induction of the pheromone response pathway. Because the ability of the modified G alpha subunit to suppress the Ste4 mutations is allele specific, it is likely that the residues defined by this analysis play a direct role in G-protein subunit association.
Endogenous Gibberellins in Wheat Shoots

Identification of endogenous gibberellins (GAs) in developing wheat grains has been reported1,2. Both GA1 and GA3 have been identified in the vegetative tissues of mature wheat plants3. In this communication, we would like to report the identification of GAs in the shoots of wheat seedlings.
Opioid consumption in total knee arthroplasty patients: a retrospective comparison of adductor canal and femoral nerve continuous infusions in the presence of a sciatic nerve catheter

Abstract Objective To compare opioid consumption among patients who receive a continuous adductor canal block (ACB) versus continuous femoral nerve block (FB) for total knee arthroplasty analgesia in the presence of an intermittent sciatic nerve catheter (iSB). Design Matched cohort retrospective study. Setting Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL. Patients Ninety patient charts were included in this study: 45 patients with continuous ACB/iSB and 45 with continuous FB/iSB. Patients were matched according to mean preoperative opioid consumption and pain scores, BMI, age, and gender. Measurements The primary outcome of the study was postoperative on-demand opioid consumption on postoperative days 0 (POD 0), 1 (POD 1), and 2 (POD 2). Secondary outcomes included postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for anterior and posterior knee pain, incidence of nausea and pruritus, need for intravenous rescue opioid, and need for catheter bolus by a physician. Main Results On POD 0, mean opioid consumption in milligrams of oral morphine equivalent [mean±SD (95% CI)] was 43.98mg±33.36 (33.96, 54) in the ACB/iSB group vs 38.45mg±30.99 (29.14, 47.76) in the FB/iSB group, respectively ( P =.42); on POD 1, 74.96mg±37.23 (63.78, 86.14) vs 72.40mg±62.34 (53.67, 91.13) ( P =.81); on POD 2, 28.19mg±17.69 (22.87, 33.51) vs 31.84mg±23.09 (24.90, 38.78) ( P =.40). On POD 1, median anterior knee VAS scores at rest were equivalent in both the ACB/iSB and FB/iSB groups (1 vs 1, respectively, P =.46); however, patients in the ACB/iSB group were more likely to have higher anterior knee pain scores with movement (4 vs 1, P =.002). Conclusion In the first 2 days after a total knee arthroplasty, opioid consumption in patients with continuous ACB/iSB was not significantly different from patients receiving continuous FB/iSB. Continuous adductor canal block appears to provide adequate analgesia when compared to continuous femoral blockade.