cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcription saga tells developmental stories.

The regulation of gene expression at the level of transcription is crucial for cell proliferation and differentiation, and thus, ultimately, for the development of the organism. A recent FASEB conference on `Transcriptional Regulation during Cell Growth, Differentiation and Development' (Saxton's
Lipschitz condition in minimum norm problems on bounded functions

Abstract Consider the Banach space of bounded functions with uniform norm. Given an element ƒ and a closed convex set in this space, the minimum norm problem is to find an element in the convex set nearest to ƒ. Such a nearest point is not unique in general. For each ƒ in the space, is it possible to select a nearest element ƒ′ so that the selection operator ƒ → ƒ′ satisfies a Lipschitz condition with some constant C ? If so, does there exist an operator for which C is minimum? This article determines the required Lipschitzian selection operators with smallest possible constants for the minimum norm problem in three cases of special interest.
A family systems orientation to the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

A collaborative child psychiatric-pediatric team approach is described for the evaluation and treatment of anorexia nervosa. The first step is an obligatory medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the need for inpatient or outpatient therapy. The use of operant reinforecemnt paradigms within the framework of structural family therapy has proven effective and avoids the use of medication, nasogastric intubation, and hyperal-imentation to achieve weight gain. The inpatient phase is an intense, short-term (3–4 week) process aimed at correcting abnormal eating patterns and initiating family therapy with lunch sessions. Early direct involvement of the family promotes more consistent weight gain. The outpatient phase consists of continued family therapy and, when indicated, gradual transition to marital therapy for the parents and individual psychotherapy for the patient. This facilitates continued changes in the structure and functioning of the family and patient necessary to prevent relapses and foster continued development.
Boron neutron capture therapy of primary and metastatic brain tumors.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is based on the nuclear reaction that occurs when a stable isotope, boron-10, is irradiated with low energy (0.025 eV) thermal neutrons (n th) to yield alpha (4He) particles and,7Li nuclei (10B+n th→[11B]→4He+7Li+2.79 MeV). The success of BNCT as a tumoricidal modality is dependent on the delivery of a sufficient quantity of10B andn th to individual cancer cells to sustain a lethal10B(n, α)7Li reaction. Boron delivery agents include a variety of compounds, such as the sulfhydryl containing polyhedral borane sodium borocaptate (Na2B12H11SH, [BSH]), boronoporphyrins, boronophenylalanine, carboranyl uridines (CBU), and boronated monoclonal antibodies (MAb). The present review will focus on three delivery systems that currently are under investigation in our laboratories, boronated monoclonal antibodies, carboranyl uridines, and boronophenylalanine. Methodology has been developed to heavily boronate MAb using a precision macromolecule, a “starburst” dendrimer, which can be linked to MAb by means of heterobifunctional reagents. Although the resulting immunoconjugates retain their in vitro immunoreactivity, they lose their in vivo tumor localizing properties and accumulate in the liver. In order to obviate this problem, work is now in progress to produce bispecific MAb, which can simultaneously recognize a tumor-associated antigen and a boronated macromolecule. Boron containing, nucleosides are potential vehicles for incorporating boron compounds into nucleic acids of neoplastic cells. For this purpose, carboranyl uridines have been synthesized with the boron moiety on either the pyrimidine base or on the carbohydrate component. Although such structures appear to be avidly taken up and retained by tumor cells in vitro, only the 5-carboranyl-nucleosides are converted biologically to the nucleotide. There is no evidence, however, that the latter are incorporated into nucleic acids. Other carboranyl nucleosides currently are being synthesized that may have better tumor localizing properties. The potential use of boronophenylalanine as a capture agent for the treatment of melanoma metastatic to the brain also is under investigation. A nude rat model has been developed using human melanoma cells that are stereotactically implanted into the brain. BNCT-treated animals have either had prolonged survival times or continue to live compared to control rats that invariably died of their tumors, thereby suggesting therapeutic efficacy.
Automatic offset of D.C. membrane potentials

Abstract A circuit is described for automatically compensating for and measuring the resting potential of neuronal membranes.
Slicing and Dicing the Digital Preservation and Dissemination of Land Grant Research: A Survey of and Model for Digital Collections of Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension Publications

The management and dissemination of agricultural experiment station and cooperative extension documents have been a challenge for over 100 years. Digitization of these documents, as well as the standardization and public dissemination that such projects can provide, represent both additional obstacles and possible solutions for addressing these challenges. The authors survey the current landscape of digital collections for agricultural experiment station and cooperative extension documents, after which they present a recent, efficient digitization project at the University of Idaho Library as a possible template for other institutions looking to digitize similar documents.
The 5.8S RNA gene sequence and the ribosomal repeat of Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Abstract We have characterized the rRNA gene repeat in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This repeat, which does not contain the 5S RNA gene, is found in a 10.4 kb HindIII DNA fragment. We have determined the nucleotide sequences of the S. pombe 5.8S RNA gene and intergenic spacers from two different 10.4 kb DNA fragments. Analysis of isolated total cellular 5.8S RNA revealed the presence of eight species of 5.8S RNA, differing in the number of nucleotides at the 5'-end. The eight 4.8S RNA species vary in length from 158 to 165 nucleotides. Apart from the heterogeneity observed at the 5'-end, the sequence of the eight 5.8S RNA species appears to be identical and is the same sequence as coded for by the 5.8S genes. The gene sequence shows great homology to the 5.8S RNA genes or S. cerevisiae and N. crassa. Most of the base differences are confined to the highly variable stem though to be involved in co-axial helix stacking with the 25S RNA, where base pairing is nearly identical despite the sequence differences. Secondary structure models are examined in light of 5.8S RNA oligonucleotide conservation across species from yeasts to higher eukaryotes.
Observed parenting behaviors interact with a polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene to predict the emergence of oppositional defiant and callous–unemotional behaviors at age 3 years

Using the Durham Child Health and Development Study, this study (N = 171) tested whether observed parenting behaviors in infancy (6 and 12 months) and toddlerhood/preschool (24 and 36 months) interacted with a child polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene to predict oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors at age 3 years. Child genotype interacted with observed harsh and intrusive (but not sensitive) parenting to predict ODD and CU behaviors. Harsh-intrusive parenting was more strongly associated with ODD and CU for children with a methionine allele of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene. CU behaviors were uniquely predicted by harsh-intrusive parenting in infancy, whereas ODD behaviors were predicted by harsh-intrusive parenting in both infancy and toddlerhood/preschool. The results are discussed from the perspective of the contributions of caregiving behaviors as contributing to distinct aspects of early onset disruptive behavior.
Graphical Specification of Trajectory-Modification Options in TRAC

*TRAC is a route/airspace design, fast-time traffic simulation, and analysis tool for studying NextGen trajectory-based operations. TRAC has been updated to enable users to readily specify trajectory-modification options, referred to as ‘degrees of freedom,’ for controlling aircraft flying Area Navigation/Required Navigation Performance routes. This paper describes the graphical specification scheme and presents example use cases drawn from research on super-density terminal-area operations. The examples illustrate how the capability has been integrated with other TRAC simulation and analysis capabilities, and highlight some implications of employing certain trajectory-modification options in candidate operational concepts.
Magnetic resonance imaging of radiation-induced thymic atrophy as a model for pathologic changes in acute feline immunodeficiency virus infection

The development of a protocol to reproducibly induce thymic atrophy, as occurs in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection and other immunosuppressive diseases, and to consistently estimate thymic volume, provides a valuable tool in the search of innovative and novel therapeutic strategies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the short tau inversion recovery (STIR) technique, with fat suppression properties, was determined to provide an optimized means of locating, defining, and quantitatively estimating thymus volume in young cats. Thymic atrophy was induced in four, 8–10-week-old kittens with a single, directed 500 cGy dose of 6 MV X-rays from a clinical linear accelerator, and sequential MR images of the cranial mediastinum were collected at 2, 7, 14, and 21 days post irradiation (PI). Irradiation induced a severe reduction in thymic volume, which was decreased, on average, to 47% that of normal, by 7 days PI. Histopathology confirmed marked, diffuse thymic atrophy, characterized by reduced thymic volume, decreased overall cellularity, increased apoptosis, histiocytosis, and reduced distinction of the corticomedullary junction, comparable to that seen in acute FIV infection. Beginning on day 7 PI, thymic volumes rebounded slightly and continued to increase over the following 14 days, regaining 3–35% of original volume. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of using this non-invasive, in vivo imaging technique to measure and evaluate changes in thymic volume in physiologic and experimental situations. All experimental protocols in this study were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at Auburn University.
US Food and Drug Administration Regulation of Medical Devices and Radiation Oncology: Can Reform Improve Safety?

A review of the issues involved in medical device regulation in radiation oncology, including a general review of federal medical device regulation and explanations of the legal and regulatory framework.
Intrapersonal and populational heterogeneity of the chemokine RANTES.

BACKGROUND: Current immunoassays for the chemokine RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) are not tailored for specific isoforms that exist endogenously, despite the fact that variants with modified activity are known to exist. This is surprising in view of this protein’s ubiquitous increased presence in many diseases and that the 2 established isoforms are truncated by enzymes also correlated to disease. An in-depth population survey of RANTES heterogeneity in the context of multiple diseases via a mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) may resolve this issue. METHODS: We developed an MSIA for RANTES and endogenous variants apparent in human plasma. Samples from multiple cohorts of individuals (type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, history of myocardial infarction, and cancer patients) were run in parallel with samples from healthy individuals (239 people total). We used 230 μL of plasma per individual and tabulated relative percent abundance (RPA) values for identified isoforms. RESULTS: We detected at least 19 variants, including the dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV)–truncated variant. The majority of variants were unreported in the literature. Identifiable modifications included N- and/or C-terminal truncations, oxidation, glycation, and glycosylation. We observed statistically significant differences in RPA values for multiple variants between disease cohorts and recognized prospective disease-specific protein profiles for RANTES. CONCLUSIONS: Because of widespread interest in the clinical value of RANTES, the protein diversity established here may aid in the design of future, fully quantitative assays. Equally important, an inclusive qualitative understanding of RANTES heterogeneity may present new insights into the relationship between RANTES and disease.
Detection of mild traumatic brain injury in rodent models using shear wave elastography: preliminary studies.

OBJECTIVES Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause adverse physiologic changes in fluid content within the brain, which may lead to changes in tissue elasticity (eg, stiffness). This study evaluated the ability of ultrasonic shear wave elastography to observe these changes in the brain after TBI in vivo. METHODS Mice and rats received a mild TBI or sham surgery and were imaged acutely or 24 hours after injury using shear wave elastography, and the hemispheric stiffness values were compared. RESULTS Stiffness values were consistent across brain hemispheres of sham TBI rodents. By 24 hours after TBI, relative brain tissue stiffness values for mice and rats each decreased ipsilaterally and increased contralaterally, both relative to each other and compared to sham TBI rodents (P < .05). The absolute tissue elasticity value increased for rats (P < .05) but not for mice. CONCLUSIONS Differences between intrahemispheric stiffness values of rodent brains by 24 hours after mild TBI may reflect the observed edema and hemorrhage ipsilateral to TBI and the known reduction of cerebral blood flow in both brain hemispheres. If these hypotheses hold true, ultrasonic shear wave elastography may offer a method for detecting adverse changes in fluid content within the brain after mild TBI.
BODIES IN CONTEXT: POWER POSES AS A COMPUTATION OF ACTION POSSIBILITY

One perspective on embodiment proposes that bodily states exert direct, context-free effects on psychological states, as in the research on “power poses.” We propose instead that bodily states influence psychology by providing information about what actions are possible. If such an assessment is to be effective, however, it must consider the body as it exists in context, as context provides essential information in defining action possibility. In Study 1, expansive and constrictive poses influenced power only when held in an interpersonal context, which provides action-relevant meaning to these poses as dominance and submissiveness. In Study 2, poses had no effect on power when roles provided more important information about potential action (e.g., being frisked by police while holding an expansive pose resulted in less powerful behavior). If the function of cognition is to prepare the body for effective action, then cognitive processes cannot be insensitive to the current context.
Computer-Mediated Glosses in Second Language Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Learning: A Meta-Analysis.

Language learners have unprecedented opportunities for developing second language literacy skills and intercultural understanding by reading authentic texts on the Internet and in multimedia computer-assisted language learning environments. This article presents findings from a meta-analysis of 11 studies of computer-mediated glosses in second language reading comprehension and incidental vocabulary learning. Computer-mediated glosses had an overall medium effect on second language reading comprehension and a large effect on incidental vocabulary learning. Mean effect sizes varied from medium to large depending upon the level of instruction, text type, and assessment tasks. Drawing upon findings of this meta-analysis and the overall characteristics of gloss studies, we propose recommendations for future research, including replications and the systematic study of reading variables and learner individual differences in multimedia learning environments with authentic texts.
Regional Surges of Monsoonal Moisture into the Southwestern United States

AbstractEpisodic surges of moisture into the southwestern United States are an important attribute of the North American monsoon. Building upon prior studies that identified mesoscale gulf surges using station-based diagnostics, regional surges in monsoonal moisture are identified using precipitable water and integrated water vapor flux from the North American Regional Reanalysis. These regional surge diagnostics exhibit increased skill over gulf surge diagnostics in capturing widespread significant multiday precipitation over the state of Arizona and are associated with the northward intrusion of moisture and precipitation into the southwestern United States. Both tropical and midlatitude circulation patterns are associated with identified regional surge events. In the tropics, the passage of a tropical easterly wave across the Sierra Madre and through the Gulf of California facilitates a northeastward flux of moisture toward the southwestern United States. In midlatitudes, the breakdown and eastward shi...
IDENTIFICATION OF A SECOND FAMILY OF HIGH-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT ADHESION PROTEINS EXPRESSED BY NON-TYPABLE HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE

Summary We previously reported that two surface-exposed high-molecular-weight proteins, HMW1 and HMW2, expressed by a prototypic strain of non-typable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI), mediate attachment to human epithelial cells. These proteins are members of a family of highly immunogenic proteins common to 70–75% of NTHI strains. NTHI strains that lack HMW1/ HMW2-like proteins remain capable of efficient attachment to cultured human epithelial cells, suggesting the existence of additional adhesion molecules. We reasoned that characterization of high-molecular-weight immunogenic proteins from an HMW1/HMW2-deficient strain might identify additional adhesion proteins. A genomic library was prepared in λEMBL3 with chromosomal DNA from non-typable Haemophilus strain 11, a strain that lacks HMW1/HMW2-like proteins. The library was screened immunologically with convalescent serum from a child naturally infected with strain 11, and phage clones expressing high-molecular-weight recombinant proteins were identified by Western blot analysis. One clone was identified that expressed a protein with an apparent molecular mass greater than 200 kDa. Transformation of non-adherent Escherichia coli strain DH5α with plasmids containing the genetic locus encoding this protein gave rise to E. colitransformants that adhered avidly to Chang conjunctival cells. Subcloning and mutagenesis studies localized the DNA conferring the adherence phenotype to a 4.8 kbp fragment, and nucleotide sequence analysis further localized the gene encoding the adhesion protein to a 3.3 kbp open reading frame predicted to encode a protein of 114kDa. The gene was designated hia for Haemophilus influenzae adhesin. Southern analysis revealed an hia homologue in 13 of 15 HMW1/HMW2-deficient non-typable H. influenzae strains. In contrast, the hia gene was not present in any of 23 non-typable H. influenzae strains which expressed HMW1/HMW2-like proteins. Identification of this second family of high-molecular-weight adhesion proteins suggests the possibility of developing vaccines based upon a combination of HMW1/HMW2-like proteins and Hia-like proteins which would be protective against disease caused by most or all non-typable H. influenzae
Sp1/Sp3 binding is associated with cell-specific expression of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor gene

The physiological effects of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are mediated through specific receptors expressed on target cells. Because aberrant GIP receptor (GIPR) expression has been implicated in abnormal GIP responses associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and food-induced Cushing's syndrome, we sought to identify factors that regulate the GIPR. We previously demonstrated that sequences between -1 and -100 of the GIPR gene were sufficient to direct transcription in a rat insulinoma cell line (RIN38). In the present study, we compared the 5'-flanking regions of the rat and human GIPR gene and demonstrated 88% identity within the first 92 bp. Subsequent serial deletion analyses showed that the region between -85 and -40 is essential for maximal promoter activity. Within this region, we identified three putative Sp1 binding motifs, located at positions -77, -60, and -50, that can specifically bind both Sp1 and Sp3. Whereas mutation of the Sp1 sites at -50 and -60 led to 36 and 40% reduction in promoter activity, respectively, mutation of the Sp1 motif at -70 did not affect promoter activity. Cotransfection of S2 Schneider cells with GIPR-luciferase chimeric constructs and either Sp1 or Sp3 expression vectors indicated that both Sp1 and the long form of Sp3 activate transcription through binding to the Sp1 sites located between -100 and -40. Lastly, chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that both Sp1 and Sp3 bind to the GIPR promoter region in RIN38 cells. These results indicate that cell-specific expression of GIPR is associated with the binding of the transcription factors Sp1 and Sp3 to the GIPR promoter.
Decision analysis: practice and promise

Decision analysis stands on a foundation of hundreds of years of philosophical and practical thought about uncertainty and decision-making. The accomplishments and promise of the field are impressive, yet it has not become commonplace even in very important decisions. While human nature may pose an ultimate limitation, maintaining clarity of concept and exploiting progress in the realms of scope, skill, and efficiency should lead to more widespread use. A central conceptual distinction is that between normative and descriptive views of decision-making. We discuss the importance of maintaining this distinction in the face of attempts to compromise. The procedures for formulating, eliciting, evaluating, and appraising the decision problem are all experiencing major improvements. The strategy-generation table helps in finding creative alternatives. Decision quality concepts permit us to assure both effectiveness and efficiency in analyzing decision problems. The influence diagram provides new clarity to the conversation between decision-maker and analyst, allowing representations that are both easily understandable and mathematically consistent. The clarity test makes sure we know what we are talking about regardless of what we are saying about it. Direct and indirect values illuminate preferences. Generic risk attitude considerations indicate how to relate corporate risk tolerance to the financial measures of the corporation. Spreadsheet, decision tree, and influence diagram programs speed evaluation. Intelligent decision systems realized in computers offer promise of providing the benefits of decision analysis on a broader scale than ever before. Decision analysis is now poised for a breakthrough in its usefulness to human beings.
Major and Extensive Soft-Tissue Injuries Complicating Skeletal Fractures

Management of major and extensive soft-tissue injuries associated with skeletal fractures requires a planned approach and action based on broad training and knowledge, and not one or two past experiences.
A Thinking on the Role of Foreign Capital in ASEAN's Economy

Since the birth of ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations), its economy has been developing swiftly. In 1970s, ASEAN's economy experienced hyperactive growth for the first time, with average annual growth rate of 7.4%. While the growth rate during the 1980s fluctuated from high speed to low one, then back to high one. After 1987, ASEAN's economy experienced hyperactive growth for the second time, again with average annual growth rate of 7.4%. At the beginning of the independence of ASEAN countries, they encountered similar problems as what other developing countries did. However, ASEAN counties have achieved much more economic success than other developing countries. Among the many different reasons, this paper focuses on the role of foreign capital in ASEAN's economic growth.
Cuckoo, Cuckoo: Seeing, Hearing, and Singing the Fool in Thomas Murner’s Die Geuchmat

This essay explores how the Franciscan monk Thomas Murner, in his sixteenth century satire Die Geuchmat, concretizes the metaphor of the cuckoo as fool. Paying particular attention to the verb “gucken” and its auditory and visual meanings, the paper suggests that Murner’s work elides the distinction between symbol and symbolized. In addition to the linguistic play of the text, several of the accompanying woodcuts in the 1519 edition also attempt to merge the avian with the human cuckoo, thus reinforcing the concretization of the metaphor of cuckoo as fool. Parallel to the focus on the fool in the text and woodcuts, this paper also considers the ways in which Murner thematizes the problem of the extra-textual fool’s self-recognition, that is to say, how the reader is made to recognize his own foolishness. The various ways in which Die Geuchmat emphasizes and exploits the metaphor of cuckoo as fool ultimately provide a thematic unity to a work which has previously been seen as lacking coherence. Largely ignored by modern scholarship, Die Geuchmat is a rich and fertile work that offers a sophisticated interplay of the sensory experiences of sight and sound, ultimately mirroring the fool in text, picture, and music.
Leveraging Transparency

A new generation of development environments takes a radical approach to communication and coordination by fusing social networking functionality with flexible, distributed version control. Through these transparent work environments, people, repositories, development activities, and their histories are immediately and easily visible to all users. Developers quickly acquire the skill to interpret this rich information to find useful resources, connect with people, solve technical problems, and enhance their learning opportunities. This article presents the results of a qualitative study of users of one such environment, GitHub. It describes how transparency helps developers on GitHub manage their projects, handle dependencies more effectively, reduce communication needs, and figure out what requires their attention. Although transparency is not a silver bullet, the approach shows great promise for enhancing collaboration and coordination. The Web extra at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpGA2fmAHvM is a video of Joel Spolsky discussing the structure, software, technology, and culture of Stack Exchange.
High-Pressure- and Low-Temperature-Induced Changes in [(CH3)2NH(CH2)2NH3][SbCl5]

The structure of N,N-dimethylethylenediammonium pentachloroantimonate(III), [(CH3)2NH(CH2)2NH3][SbCl5], NNDP, was investigated at 100 and 15 K at ambient pressure, as well as at pressures up to 4.00 GPa at room temperature in the diamond-anvil cell. The stable structure at low temperatures and low pressures consists of isolated [SbCl5]2- anions and [(CH3)2NH(CH2)2NH3]2+ cations. The inorganic anions have a distorted square pyramidal geometry. They are arranged in linear chains parallel to the c axis. In contrast to the low-temperature studies, where no phase transition was detected, pressure induces a P21/c → P21/n phase transition between 0.55 and 1.00 GPa, accompanied by a doubling of the a unit-cell parameter. This solid−solid transition results from changes in the electron configuration of the SbIII atom and formation of the Sb−Cl bridging bonds between inorganic polyhedra to form, at ∼1.0 GPa, isolated [Sb2Cl10]4- units consisting of [SbCl6]3- octahedra and [SbCl5]2- square pyramids connected by a co...
Wanted: A Pollution Damage Revealing Mechanism:

This article proposes a theoretical, incentive compatible, pollution damage revealing mechanism to induce people to reveal how much they are damaged by environmental degradation so polluters can be charged for the amount of damage caused. The mechanism is embedded in the participatory planning procedure that is part of a theoretical alternative to capitalism known as a “participatory economy.”
Double Tax Treaties: An Introduction

The existing network of over 2,500 bilateral double tax treaties (DTTs) represents an important part of international law. The current DTTs are all based on two models, the OECD and UN model DTTs, which in turn are based on models developed by the League of Nations between 1927 and 1946. Despite some differences that will be discussed below, all DTTs are remarkably similar in the topics covered (even the order of articles is always the same) and in their language. About 75% of the actual words of any given DTT are identical with the words of any other DTT. Thus, the DTT network is the most important element of the international tax regime, i.e., the generally applicable rules governing income taxation of cross-border transactions. Indeed, I have argued that given the similarities among all DTTs, certain rules embodied in them (such as the requirement to prevent double taxation by granting an exemption or a foreign tax credit) have become part of customary international law, and therefore may be binding even in the absence of a DTT.
Collaborative Study of a Method for Chemical Confirmation of the Identity of Aflatoxin

The chemical method for confirmation of the identity of aflatoxin by derivative formation directly on the TLC plate was studied collaboratively by 8 participants. The results show that aflatoxin B-1 was confirmed in 17 of 17 sample extracts representing 15 mu-g aflatoxin B-1/kg peanut butter, in 13 of 16 extracts representing 5 mu-g/kg, and in none of the 7 aflatoxin-free extracts. Collaborators commented that the method was easily performed and gave good results. The method has been adopted as official first action.
Refrigerating Plants with Oilfree Compressors in the Chemical Industry: Compresseurs sans graissage dans les installations frigorifiques pour l'industrie chimique

SOMMAIRE Differences de fonctionnement entre une installation frigorifique utilisant un compresseur sans graissage et un compresseur lubrifie. Installation a cycle ferme. Systemes ouverts pour les cycles liquide-vapeur normaux. Caracteristiques d'un compresseur a piston sec pour les gaz corrosifs.
Spatio-temporal analysis of flowering using LiDAR topography

Spatio-temporal patterns of flowering in forest ecosystems are hard to quantify and monitor. The objectives of this study were to investigate spatio-temporal patterns (e.g. soils, simple slope classes, slope aspect, and flow accumulation) of flowering around Lake Issaqueena, South Carolina (SC, USA) using plant-flowering database collected with GPS-enabled camera (stored in Picasa 3 web albums and project website) on a monthly basis in 2012 and LiDAR-based topography. Pacolet fine sandy loam had the most flowering plants, followed by Madison sandy loam, both dominant soil types around the lake. Most flowering plants were on moderately steep (17%–30%) and gently sloping (4%–8%) slopes. Most flowering plants were on west (247.5°–292.5°), southwest (202.5°–247.5°), and northwest (292.5°–337.5°) aspects. Most flowering plants were associated with minimum and maximum flows within the landscape. Chi-square tests indicated differences in the distributions of the proportions of flowering plants were significant by soil type, slope, aspect, and flow accumulation for each month (February-November), for all months (overall), and across months. The Chi-square test on area-normalized data indicated significant differences for all months and individual differences by each month with some months not statistically significant. Cluster analysis on flowering counts for nine plant families with the most flowering counts indicated no unique separation by cluster, but implied that the majority of these families were flowering on strongly sloping (9%–16%) slopes, on southwest (202.5°–247.5°) aspects, and low flow accumulation (0–200). Presented methodology can serve as a template for future efforts to quantify spatio-temporal patterns of flowering and other phenological events.
The genome of the Gulf pipefish enables understanding of evolutionary innovations

Evolutionary origins of derived morphologies ultimately stem from changes in protein structure, gene regulation, and gene content. A well-assembled, annotated reference genome is a central resource for pursuing these molecular phenomena underlying phenotypic evolution. We explored the genome of the Gulf pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli), which belongs to family Syngnathidae (pipefishes, seahorses, and seadragons). These fishes have dramatically derived bodies and a remarkable novelty among vertebrates, the male brood pouch. We produce a reference genome, condensed into chromosomes, for the Gulf pipefish. Gene losses and other changes have occurred in pipefish hox and dlx clusters and in the tbx and pitx gene families, candidate mechanisms for the evolution of syngnathid traits, including an elongated axis and the loss of ribs, pelvic fins, and teeth. We measure gene expression changes in pregnant versus non-pregnant brood pouch tissue and characterize the genomic organization of duplicated metalloprotease genes (patristacins) recruited into the function of this novel structure. Phylogenetic inference using ultraconserved sequences provides an alternative hypothesis for the relationship between orders Syngnathiformes and Scombriformes. Comparisons of chromosome structure among percomorphs show that chromosome number in a pipefish ancestor became reduced via chromosomal fusions. The collected findings from this first syngnathid reference genome open a window into the genomic underpinnings of highly derived morphologies, demonstrating that de novo production of high quality and useful reference genomes is within reach of even small research groups.
Improving operating room efficiency in academic children's hospital using Lean Six Sigma methodology

Abstract Background/purpose Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a process improvement methodology that utilizes a collaborative team effort to improve performance by systematically identifying root causes of problems. Our objective was to determine whether application of LSS could improve efficiency when applied simultaneously to all services of an academic children's hospital. Methods In our tertiary academic medical center, a multidisciplinary committee was formed, and the entire perioperative process was mapped, using fishbone diagrams, Pareto analysis, and other process improvement tools. Results for Children's Hospital scheduled main operating room (OR) cases were analyzed, where the surgical attending followed themselves. Results Six hundred twelve cases were included in the seven Children's Hospital operating rooms (OR) over a 6-month period. Turnover Time (interval between patient OR departure and arrival of the subsequent patient) decreased from a median 41min in the baseline period to 32min in the intervention period (p Conclusion These results demonstrate that a coordinated multidisciplinary process improvement redesign can significantly improve efficiency in an academic Children's Hospital without preselecting specific services, removing surgical residents, or incorporating new personnel or technology. Study type Prospective comparative study, Level II.
Airborne Quantification of Methane Emissions over the Four Corners Region.

Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas and the primary component of natural gas. The San Juan Basin (SJB) is one of the largest coal-bed methane producing regions in North America and, including gas production from conventional and shale sources, contributed ∼2% of U.S. natural gas production in 2015. In this work, we quantify the CH4 flux from the SJB using continuous atmospheric sampling from aircraft collected during the TOPDOWN2015 field campaign in April 2015. Using five independent days of measurements and the aircraft-based mass balance method, we calculate an average CH4 flux of 0.54 ± 0.20 Tg yr–1 (1σ), in close agreement with the previous space-based estimate made for 2003–2009. These results agree within error with the U.S. EPA gridded inventory for 2012. These flights combined with the previous satellite study suggest CH4 emissions have not changed. While there have been significant declines in natural gas production between measurements, recent increases in oil production in the SJB may exp...
Sonographic Assessment of Normal Renal Size in Children with Myelodysplasia

AbstractPeriodic assessment of upper urinary tract anatomy and renal size is an important component in the urological management of children with myelodysplasia (spina bifida). As a correlation to a previous study of renal growth in children with spina bifida determined by excretory urography, we evaluated 297 renal ultrasonographic examinations in 145 patients with spina bifida and compared the renal size and growth pattern to those of normal children. Patients with known vesicoureteral reflux (grade 2 or greater), congenital renal anomalies, hydronephrosis, renal scarring or urinary tract surgery were excluded. Mean values and standard deviations for sonographically determined renal length were calculated. In general, mean renal length for each age group was below mean values for normal children. A normal renal growth curve for children with spina bifida, based on sonographic renal measurements, is developed for clinical use. (J. Urol, 140: 784-786, 1988)
Communication in Legal Advocacy. By Richard D. Rieke and Randall K. Stutman

(1991). Communication in Legal Advocacy. By Richard D. Rieke and Randall K. Stutman. Argumentation and Advocacy: Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 47-48.
Trends and Patterns of Opioid Analgesic Prescribing: Regional and Rural-Urban Variations in Kentucky From 2012 to 2015.

PURPOSE: Increased opioid analgesic prescribing (OAP) has been associated with increased risk of prescription opioid diversion, misuse, and abuse. We studied regional and rural‐urban variations in OAP trends in Kentucky, from 2012 to 2015, and examined potential county‐level risk and protective factors. METHODS: This study used prescription drug monitoring data. Marginal models employing generalized estimating equations were used to model repeated counts of residents with opioid analgesic prescriptions within county‐quarter, 2012–2015, with offset for resident population, by rural‐urban classification exposure, and adjusting for time‐varying socioeconomic and relevant health status measures. FINDINGS: There were significant downward trends in rates of residents receiving dispensed opioid analgesic prescriptions, with no regional or rural/urban differences in the degree of decline over time. The adjusted models showed the Kentucky Appalachian region retained a significantly higher rate of residents with opioid analgesic prescriptions per 1,000 residents (30% higher than Central Kentucky and 19% higher than Kentucky Delta regions). Residents of nonmetropolitan not adjacent‐to‐metropolitan counties had significantly higher adjusted rates of OAP (33% higher than metropolitan counties and 17% higher compared to nonmetropolitan adjacent‐to‐metropolitan counties). The rate of OAP was significantly positively associated with emergency department visit injury rates and negatively associated with buprenorphine/naloxone prescribing rates. CONCLUSIONS: Information on OAP trends and patterns will be used by Kentucky stakeholders to inform targeted interventions. Further research is needed to evaluate the availability and accessibility of nonopioid pain treatment in rural counties and the role of geography and time/distance traveled as risk factors for increased OAP.
Plato’s Euthyphro on Divine and Human Wisdom

A chance encounter with a certain Euthyphro leads Socrates to have a conversation directly related to the charges that are about to be brought against him and on which he will soon be convicted and sentenced to die. Euthyphro claims, and persists in claiming, that he possesses a profound understanding of piety and the gods, which understanding Socrates has long tried to acquire for himself. The dialogue consists of Socrates’ effort to learn what Euthyphro knows, which includes the requirement that he test whether Euthyphro really knows what he claims. Although Socrates may also wish to deter Euthyphro from prosecuting his father for murder, which he thinks his professed knowledge requires him to do, Ambler argues that Socrates’ deeper goal is to see whether, how, and how far his merely human wisdom is entitled to assess and reject Euthyphro’s claim to divine wisdom.
N-CADHERIN PROTECTS C2C12 MYOBLASTS FROM SERUM-STARVATION-INDUCED APOPTOSIS

The present study was designed to determine the role of N-cadherin in protecting C2C12 myoblasts from apoptosis induced by serum starvation. Upon serum starvation, caspase-9 and 3 were activated in...
Pediatric specimen collection for chemical analysis.

Specimen collection in pediatrics is both an art, improved by experience, and a science, improved by knowledge of the processes of obtaining specimens. Interpretation of laboratory results depends on knowing which collection-associated variable may adversely influence the final result. Some variables can be avoided; others must be considered in interpretation. The steps to optimal, safe skin puncture for blood collection require use of appropriately designed equipment. The costs of such equipment are offset by the advantages provided.
Helping those who need it most: medical education focused on poor and disenfranchised communities.

PRIME-LC is a 5-year, dual-degree program at the University of California, Irvine Medical School that educates physician activists to serve in poor Latino communities. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Organ and Tissue Preparations

As a teacher of insect physiology, I have long admired the rich sources of materials including laboratory manuals, atlases, and descriptions of experiments which are available to students of vertebrate and invertebrate physiology with the exception of insects. Much of the biomedical equipment available is adaptable for use with frogs, rats, and crabs and is not easily adaptable to most insects.
Closing Comments: Intelligence and Intelligence Tests – Past, Present, and Future

In this concluding chapter, we offer a last look at the concepts of ability versus achievement and the role these two phenomena play in theories of intelligence, particularly as it relates to intellectual assessment.
Postnovo: Postprocessing Enables Accurate and FDR-Controlled de Novo Peptide Sequencing

De novo sequencing offers an alternative to database search methods for peptide identification from mass spectra. Since it does not rely on a predetermined database of expected or potential sequences in the sample, de novo sequencing is particularly appropriate for samples lacking a well-defined or comprehensive reference database. However, the low accuracy of many de novo sequence predictions has prevented the widespread use of the variety of sequencing tools currently available. Here, we present a new open-source tool, Postnovo, that postprocesses de novo sequence predictions to find high-accuracy results. Postnovo uses a predictive model to rescore and rerank candidate sequences in a manner akin to database search postprocessing tools such as Percolator. Postnovo leverages the output from multiple de novo sequencing tools in its own analyses, producing many times the length of amino acid sequence information (including both full- and partial-length peptide sequences) at an equivalent false discovery rate (FDR) compared to any individual tool. We present a methodology to reliably screen the sequence predictions to a desired FDR given the Postnovo sequence score. We validate Postnovo with multiple data sets and demonstrate its ability to identify proteins that are missed by database search even in samples with paired reference databases.
Positive Psychology: A Personal History

As president of the American Psychological Association in 1998, I organized researchers and practitioners to work on building well-being, not just on the traditional task of reducing ill-being. Substantial research then found that well-being causes many external benefits, including better physical and mental health. Among the applications of Positive Psychology are national psychological accounts of well-being, Positive Psychotherapy, the classification of strengths and virtues, Comprehensive Soldier Fitness, and Positive Education. Positive Psychology has spread beyond psychology into neuroscience, health, psychiatry, theology, and even to the humanities. Positive Psychology has many critics, and I comment on the strongest criticisms. I conclude with the hope that the building of well-being will become a cornerstone of morality, politics, and religion.
Integration of Simulation to Prepare Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners

Abstract Background The nation's demographics and health care needs are changing, concurrent with the demand to double the number of doctorally prepared nurses by 2020. This combination has intensified challenges associated with finding quality clinical placements and appropriate preceptors for nurse practitioner (NP) students. Purposefully integrated simulations offer alternate experiences and expose students to deliberately crafted and consistent learning opportunities. Methods Scaffolded simulations were integrated within an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program over the course of six semesters. Results Analysis is currently underway, but preliminary data show that simulation experiences helped to develop assessment, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. The students also felt better prepared to communicate with other health care providers in this new role. Conclusion Although resource intensive, simulation provides an unparalleled opportunity for NP students to independently perform, without direct supervision, as an NP. Presenting an example of simulation integration can aid other educators seeking to develop a similar program.
44 – Computer Simulation of Power Electronics and Motor Drives

This chapter shows how power electronics, electric motors, and drives can be simulated with modern spice-based software simulation tools. The focus will be on LTspice, which is widely used and available for free download for all contemporary (2016) Windows 7, 8, and 10 PCs. The LTspice examples have been developed for the current LTspice IV version of the software [1]. LTspice lends itself especially well to simulations of switch-mode power electronics circuits since it was designed to support Linear Technologies' family of products. This product line includes a large number of switch-mode power conversion parts. This manifests itself in the stability of the simulator during switching transitions. The author found the use of these examples is very beneficial in an educational environment, since the examples can be shared with students to enhance their understanding of the lecture material. The concepts and examples presented here can also be used for serious professional work. In fact, the author has used these tools with great success in many research projects. In addition to LTspice, PTC Mathcad [2] has been used to derive and present the underlying equations. Equations created in Mathcad look as perfect as in the best typesetting software, but they can also be evaluated numerically and manipulated symbolically to derive additional equations and to validate the underlying theory.