cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Invertibility of nonlinear switched systems

This article addresses the invertibility problem for switched nonlinear systems affine in controls. The problem is concerned with finding the input and switching signal uniquely from given output and initial state. We extend the concept of switch-singular pairs, introduced recently, to nonlinear systems and develop a formula for checking if given state and output form a switch-singular pair. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for a switched system to be invertible, which says that the subsystems should be invertible and there should be no switch-singular pairs. When all the subsystems are invertible, we demonstrate output tracking by finding switching signals and inputs that generate a given output in a finite interval when there is a finite number of such switching signals and inputs. Detailed examples are included to illustrate these newly developed concepts.
Carbon Powders Prepared by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis of Substituted Alkali Benzoates

Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) has been used to prepare carbon spheres from aqueous solutions of substituted alkali benzoate salts. The size of the carbon spheres produced during USP can easily be controlled simply by changing the concentration of the precursor solution. Both the cation and the ring substituents of a given precursor influence product morphology, which ranges from solid spheres to hollow bowls to porous spheres. Thermogravimetic analysis of the various precursors suggests that the relative temperature of decomposition steps releasing gas explain these observed morphology differences.
Games and Activities: An Alternative Foundation for Library Instructional Learning

A resurgent games movement is underway within academic library instruction. One reason is because games teach skills that encourage changes in how students think about information, problem solving, and participating in discovery-based learning. These are skills instruction librarians advocate in students through information literacy. While games have found success within library instruction there is still much to discover about the best fit for games in this environment. This article addresses how instruction librarians interested in games but have doubts, can find inspiration from how the author and other librarians have integrated games within instruction. Further, instruction librarians can begin to focus not only on how games can be played, but how to think about integrating games without fearing a loss of purpose within the session.
Choosing Optimal Antimicrobial Therapies

Life-threatening infectious disease emergencies require immediate, aggressive parenteral administration of antimicrobial agents to ensure high bactericidal concentrations of drug at the site of infection. Usually initial treatment is empiric until culture results and antimicrobial sensitivities are reported. This approach necessitates the use of broad-spectrum bactericidal agents that will eradicate the presumed infecting organism(s), which potentially could be multidrug resistant. For infections potentially attributable to gram-positive bacteria, vancomycin is commonly used because it will be effective for highly resistant strains such as MRSA and multidrug-resistant S pneumoniae. For gram-negative infections, broad-spectrum β-lactams, such as ceftriaxone, piperacillin-tazobactam, and the carbapenems, are commonly chosen. Excellent alternatives include the fluoroquinolone antibiotics. For nosocomial infections whereby P aeruginosa and other highly resistant organisms may be the cause, antipseudomonal β-lactams such as cefepime, ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, or doripenem may be used as well as the fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin. For anaerobic infections, it is usually necessary to add either metronidazole or clindamycin. Once an infection is under control and the culture and sensitivity results are reported, it is important to switch to the most narrow-spectrum agent possible. Taking this action will decrease the potential for adverse drug effects and the risk of development of antibiotic-induced resistance.
Brownian shape motion: Fission fragment mass distributions

It was recently shown that remarkably accurate fission-fragment mass distri- butions can be obtained by treating the nuclear shape evolution as a Brownian walk on previously calculated five-dimensional potential-energy surfaces; the current status of this novel method is described here. As discussed already in the pioneering works by Meitner and Frisch (1) and Bohr and Wheeler (2, 3) in 1939, nuclear fission can be viewed qualitatively as an evolution of the nuclear shape from that of a single compound nucleus to two receding fragments. The character of the shape dynamics is still not well established but, as a step away from a purely statistical approach toward a full dynamical treatment, it is interesting to explore scenarios in which the evolution is strongly dissipative (4, 5). We therefore picture the nuclear fission process as an evolution of the nuclear shape from a rela- tively compact mononucleus to a dinuclear configuration. In the present study, the shape is composed of three smoothly joined quadratic surfaces (6, 7) which are described by a set of parameters,� ={χi}, whose time development is the result of a complicated interplay between a variety of effects.
Vector multiplet in three dimensions with nonpolynomial interactions

We present f({phi})(F{sub {mu}{nu}}){sup 2}-type noncanonical and nonpolynomial interactions for an N=1 vector multiplet in three dimensions. We couple a Yang-Mills multiplet (A{sub {mu}}{sup I},{lambda}{sup I}) to a scalar multiplet ({phi},{chi}), where {phi} appears in the arbitrary scalar function f({phi}) in the coupling {alpha}f({phi})(F{sub {mu}{nu}}{sup I}){sup 2}. Supersymmetric Chern-Simons terms for the vector multiplet and a potential term for the scalar multiplet can be also added. We first give the component Lagrangian, and we give its superspace reformulation. We also give exact solutions for the vector and scalar fields in the Abelian case with a finite total energy.
Boundary spanning product development in consumer markets: learning organization insights

Reviews recent marketing literature which cites the troubling success rates of newly introduced consumer products and recommends integrating consumer input as early as possible, arguing that, specifically, consumers and other external information sources should be part of idea generation and should provide input throughout the rest of the product development process. Discusses several problems which interfere with achieving that integration. Looks at the relevant learning organization literature and relates it to the new product development process. Explores the successful lead‐user technique used in industrial marketing, and describes its important components. Proposes a potentially useful analog for consumer products, and boundary spanning consumer product development teams, which are composed of internal cross‐functional members and external members selected from suppliers, retailers and consumers.
Trunk muscle strength is impaired multidirectionally after stroke

This study was undertaken to describe and compare the forward and lateral trunk flexion strength of 20 patients with stroke and hemiparesis and 20 matched controls. Trunk flexion strength was measured with a hand-held dynamometer while subjects were seated upright. Analysis of variance procedures showed trunk strength, whether lateral or forward, to be decreased significantly in the patients relative to controls. The greatest difference between groups was in forward flexion strength. The patients also demonstrated weakness of the trunk on the paretic relative to the nonparetic side. The results show that trunk muscle strength is impaired multidirectionally in patients with stroke. Such impairments have the potential to affect function.
VHF high-power tunable RF bandpass filter using microelectromechanical (MEM) microrelays

A VHF RF bandpass filter tuned through the use of MEM microrelays was operated at a 25 W RF power input level. The filter insertion loss was less than 1 dB at the tuned frequencies of operation, and the filter operating Q was about 10. The MEM microrelays were life tested for 53 million operating cycles at 25 W RF power, and no significant degradation to the contacts was noted. The development of the microrelay and the use of a CAE tool in the filter development are discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 11: 261–275, 2001.
Cell yields of bacteria grown on methane.

Several mixed cultures of methane-oxidizing bacteria have been isolated. Among them, culture HR (consisting of two gram-negative rods, one 0.5 × 1.0 μ, the other 0.8 × 2 to 3 μ) was found to be the fastest-growing and to give the highest yields. Optimal conditions for rapid growth and high cell yields from methane were found to be: 30 C, NH4+ as nitrogen source, and pH 6.5. Requirements for CO2 and Cu++ were observed. Under these conditions, generation times of approximately 3 hr and cell yields from methane between 65 and 70% could be attained. Culture HR can utilize methane, methanol, ethyl alcohol, 1-propanol, n-butyl alcohol, and glucose, but not propane, for growth. Yeast and beef extracts are inhibitory. Carbon balances demonstrate that few if any products other than cells and CO2 are produced from methane under the growth conditions used. Cell analyses for carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and amino acid content of culture HR were also made.
Evaluation of anticancer drug-loaded nanoparticle characteristics by nondestructive methodologies.

The purpose of this study was to utilize near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and near-infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI) as non-invasive techniques to evaluate the drug loading in letrozole-loaded PLGA nanoparticle formulations prepared by the emulsification–solvent evaporation method. A Plackett–Burman design was applied to evaluate the main effects of amount of drug (X1), amount of polymer (X2), stirring rate (X3), emulsifier concentration (X4), organic to aqueous phase volume ratio (X5), type of organic solvent (X6), and homogenization time (X7) on drug entrapment efficiency. The influence of three different spectral pretreatment methods (multiplicative scatter correction, standard normal variate, and Savitzky–Golay second derivative transformation with third-order polynomial) and two different regression methods (PLS regression and principal component regression (PCR)) on model prediction ability were compared. PLS of spectra that were pretreated with Savitzky–Golay second derivative transformation provided better model prediction than PCR as it revealed better linear correlation (correlation coefficient of 0.991) for both calibration and prediction models. Relatively low values of root mean square errors of calibration (RMSEC = 0.748) and prediction (RMSEP = 0.786) and low standard errors of calibration (SEC = 0.758) and prediction (SEP = 0.589) suggested good predictability for estimation of the loading of letrozole in PLGA nanoparticles. NIR-CI analysis also revealed mutual homogenous distribution of both polymer and drug and was capable of clearly distinguishing the 12 formulations both quantitatively and qualitatively. In conclusion, NIR and NIR-CI could be potentially used to characterize anticancer drug-loaded nanoparticulate matrix.
Corneal Penetration Behavior of β-Blocking Agents II: Assessment of Barrier Contributions

Rabbit corneas were excised and mounted in a chamber to determine the permeability characteristics of a group of beta-blocking agents. By measuring the permeability rate of each drug across intact cornea, stroma alone, epithelium-stroma, and stroma-endothelium, it was possible to determine the resistance to penetration for each corneal layer. The reciprocal of the sum of resistances for the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium equaled the experimentally determined permeability coefficient for the intact cornea (104 +/- 6.0%). Thus, the penetration of beta-blocking agents through the excised rabbit cornea could be treated as three barriers in series. For hydrophilic compounds, the epithelium was the rate-determining barrier. The endothelium offered less resistance, whereas the stroma offered only very minimal resistance. The lipophilic compounds penetrated the excised cornea more rapidly. However, the stroma became rate-determining for the most lipophilic compounds (penbutolol, bufuralol, bevantolol, and propranolol). Although the octanol-buffer (pH 7.65) distribution coefficient of these compounds varied over a fourfold logarithmic range, the permeability coefficient was considered nearly constant [3.4 X 10(-5) (+/- 0.34) cm/sec] for stroma. Also, the ratios of tortuosity to porosity for the stromal layer were 1.58 +/- 0.15. These results suggest that drug diffuses through an aqueous media of gel-like mucopolysaccharide interspersed by a matrix of collagen fibrils. From further analyses intra- and intercellular pathways for epithelium and endothelium were added to the model resulting in a sigmoidal representation of permeability coefficient versus distribution coefficient. However, the intercellular (pore) pathway could not be adequately quantified because of the variation in the data for very hydrophilic compounds.
The dipole antenna immersed in a homogeneoous conducting medium

It is the object of this investigation to measure the driving-point admittance, the amplitude distribution of the current, and the phase distribution of the current, relative to the phase at the driving-point for a dipole antenna immersed in a homogeneous conducting medium. Measurements of the driving-point admittance have been made for a range of values of the ratio \sigma/\omega\epsilon_{r}\epsilon_{0} of the medium taking the electrical height of the antenna \beta h as a parameter. The ratio \sigma/\omega\epsilon_{r}\epsilon_{0} is varied from \sigma/\omega\epsilon_{r}\epsilon_{0}=0.036 to \sigma/\omega\epsilon_{r} \epsilon_{0}=8.8 and the antenna height \beta h is varied from \beta h=0.1 to 2\pi at intervals of 0.1. The amplitude and phase distributions of the current have been measured for \beta h = \pi/2, 3\pi/4, \pi , and 5/4\pi in a homogeneous conducting medium whose conductivity is varied from \sigma/\omega\epsilon_{r} \epsilon_{0}=0.036 to \sigma/\omega\epsilon_{r}\epsilon_{0}=8.8 .
HEATING CHARACTERISTICS OF CONDENSED CREAM OF CELERY SOUP IN A STERITORT: HEAT PENETRATION AND SPORE COUNT REDUCTION

The sterilization value (Fo) and heat penetration factors (fh and j) were determined from time/temperature data as a function of container headspace, reel speed, and product consistency for cans of condensed cream of celery soup heated in an FMC Steritort. The product was formulated in the laboratory, and water was added to control consistency. Two commercial instruments were used to measure product consistency. Fill weight (headspace) was the most critical processing parameter for the simulated Sterilmatic (individual-serving-size cans) and Orbitort (institutional-size cans) processes. As the headspace bubble was eliminated, the product was heated by conduction in a manner similar to a still process. The degree of agitation of the product was also directly affected by reel speed and consistency. The integrated sterilization value (IS) was determined from the spore count reduction technique of process determination for selected processes and normally exceeded Fo. The difference was as much as 6.9 min in the 603 × 700 can.
Memory maintenance by PKMζ — an evolutionary perspective

Long-term memory is believed to be maintained by persistent modifications of synaptic transmission within the neural circuits that mediate behavior. Thus, long-term potentiation (LTP) is widely studied as a potential physiological basis for the persistent enhancement of synaptic strength that might sustain memory. Whereas the molecular mechanisms that initially induce LTP have been extensively characterized, the mechanisms that persistently maintain the potentiation have not. Recently, however, a candidate molecular mechanism linking the maintenance of LTP and the storage of long-term memory has been identified. The persistent activity of the autonomously active, atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) isoform, PKMζ, is both necessary and sufficient for maintaining LTP. Furthermore, blocking PKMζ activity by pharmacological or dominant negative inhibitors disrupts previously stored long-term memories in a variety of neural circuits, including spatial and trace memories in the hippocampus, aversive memories in the basolateral amygdala, appetitive memories in the nucleus accumbens, habit memory in the dorsal lateral striatum, and elementary associations, extinction, and skilled sensorimotor memories in the neocortex. During LTP and memory formation, PKMζ is synthesized de novo as a constitutively active kinase. This molecular mechanism for memory storage is evolutionarily conserved. PKMζ formation through new protein synthesis likely originated in early vertebrates ~500 million years ago during the Cambrian period. Other mechanisms for forming persistently active PKM from aPKC are found in invertebrates, and inhibiting this atypical PKM disrupts long-term memory in the invertebrate model systems Drosophila melanogaster and Aplysia californica. Conversely, overexpressing PKMζ enhances memory in flies and rodents. PKMζ persistently enhances synaptic strength by maintaining increased numbers of AMPA receptors at postsynaptic sites, a mechanism that might have evolved from the general function of aPKC in trafficking membrane proteins to the apical compartment of polarized cells. This mechanism of memory may have had adaptive advantages because it is both stable and reversible, as demonstrated by the downregulation of experience-dependent, long-term increases in PKMζ after extinction and reconsolidation blockade that attenuate learned behavior. Thus, PKMζ, the “working end” of LTP, is a component of an evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanism for the persistent, yet flexible storage of long-term memory.
Action of a Proline Analogue, l-Thiazolidine-4-Carboxylic Acid, in Escherichia coli

Unger, Leon (University of Illinois, Urbana), and R. D. DeMoss. Action of a proline analogue, l-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 91:1556–1563. 1966.—The effect of the proline analogue, l-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (thioproline), on growth, and its relation to the metabolic function of proline in protein synthesis in Escherichia coli K-12, has been studied. Thioproline causes linear growth in E. coli within one generation. The inhibition is specifically reversed by the simultaneous addition of l-proline. Thioproline, or a closely related metabolic derivative, is incorporated into bacterial proteins. Proline antagonizes the incorporation of “thioproline” into protein. The analogue specifically inhibits the rate and extent of prolyl-ribonucleic acid formation. The effectiveness of thioproline as a proline analogue is attributed to its ability to interfere with the utilization of proline for protein synthesis and to mimic proline in its function of being incorporated into proteins. The effect of the incorporation of thioproline on protein structure and enzyme activity is discussed.
Conflict and the Corner: The Impact of Intergroup Conflict and Geographic Turf on Gang Violence

Intergroup conflict and geographic turf are essential dimensions of many gang behaviors, including violence. Using incident level police records, detailed maps of turf boundaries, and ethnographic data, this paper recreates and analyzes networks of gang violence in Chicago and Boston. After describing the unique structures of these gang networks, we use exponential random graph models to assess the relative effect of prior dyadic conflict and geographic adjacency on subsequent patterns of violence. Findings suggest that both prior dyadic ties (past conflict) and turf adjacency contribute to the probability of a gang engaging in violence with a particular adversary, although the relative importance of prior conflict exceeds that of geographic proximity.
Message processes and their associations with adolescents’ executive function and reports of bullying

Substantial research has identified the negative health outcomes associated with bullying for adolescent victims. Researchers have examined expressive writing as a possible method by which to decrease violence among adolescents. Results of these studies, however, suggest that expressive writing is associated with positive, negative, and neutral outcomes for adolescents. The present study had two aims related to these mixed findings. First, it sought to investigate the association between micro- and macro-level message processes that relate with self-regulation in adolescent writings about bullying and their reports of bullying behavior. Second, it examined whether executive function processes may play a role in explaining the inconsistent results for expressive writing among adolescents. Results identify several message processes that are linked with reports of bullying behavior directly as well as indirectly through the pathway of executive function. Implications for expressive writing interventions aime...
Copper-Catalyzed Carboxylation of Aryl Iodides with Carbon Dioxide

A method for carboxylation of aryl iodides with carbon dioxide has been developed. The reaction employs low loadings of copper iodide/N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) or N,N′-dimethylethylenediamine (DMEDA) catalyst, 1 atm of CO2, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethylacetamide (DMA) solvent, and proceeds at 25–70 °C. Good functional group tolerance is observed, with ester, bromide, chloride, fluoride, ether, hydroxy, amino, and ketone functionalities tolerated. Additionally, hindered aryl iodides such as iodomesitylene can also be carboxylated
Managing the hypertensive patient: reasonable goals.

Any approach to treating hypertension should be based on multiple blood pressure readings to establish the diagnosis, aggressive nondrug therapy, and use of low doses when initiating drug therapy.
The First Printed Share Certificate: An Important Link in Financial History

To stimulate further research in the history of business instruments, the Review offers this illustrated record of a search for the earliest evidence of printed corporate securities .
Close to Home: The Drive for Local Food

One popular approach in the recent discussion around sustainable food systems has been to encourage a shift to locally and regionally produced food. The logic of doing this is multifold: locally produced food is good for the environment, helps a regional economy thrive, and provides a greater connection between people, their food, and those who produce it, which should also lead to equitable labor practices and greater food security and access. Yet for all of the benefits of a locally based food system, there are certain problematic elements inherent to some of these claims. In this paper I link these social, economic, and environmental elements through a review of what we know about locally based food systems as a function of sustainable agriculture. A careful examination of the literature shows that although local food systems hold considerable promise, they are not inherent mechanisms of sustainability
Lithium battery system modeling based on an integral transform method

The gassing lithium battery model that considered the influence of gassing and temperature on battery electrochemical reaction,described the nonlinear and time-varying characteristics of lithium battery systems,and made its applicable scope extend to the critical situation of SOC 85%.With an integral transform method,the original state of open voltage U0 was replaced by the energy state W0,and the SOC-OCV curve that described the battery's important characteristics was transformed into the SOC-W0 curve.Finally,an improved gassing model was developed,additionally considering the effect of charge and discharge rate.The simulation results show that the improved gassing model can not only be well applied to lithium iron phosphate battery whose SOC-OCV curve is flat in its middle working area,but also improve the rationality and validity of the SOC calculation.
Effects of Shade Treatments on the Seed Germination and Early Growth of Firmiana simplex Seedling

Under different light gradients(100% natural sunlight,NS,) 55.4% NS,21.1% NS,3.5% NS 和 0.9% NS in shade house,the seed germination and early seedling growth of Firmiana simplex were studied. The results showed that the germinaitoin percentages of F. simplex seeds were 61.11%,62.22%,55.56% and 58.89% under 55.4% NS,21.1% NS,3.5% NS and 0.9% NS treatments respectively. With the decreasing of light intensity,both the germination percentages and vigor index increased fluctuately. The maximum of germination index was observed under 21.1% NS shade treatment(6.58× 10-3) ,while the shade treatment of 0.9% NS resulted in the mimimum of germination index(4.33×10-3) . The height,basal stem diameter,leaf number,taproot length,total dry weight and root-shoot ratio of F. simplex seedlings were maximum under 55.4% NS or 21.1% NS shade treatment. The maximum of specific leaf area(533.21 cm2·g-1) was observed under 3.5% NS shade treatment. Although seedlings grown under the shade treatment of 55.4% NS minimized in their specific leaf area(466.97 cm2·g-1) ,a higher relative growth rate(15.11×10-3g·d-1) and total dry weight(0.96 g) were observed due to the increase of net assimilation rate with the increasing of light intensity.
Shaking Table Test of the 220 kV Breaker with a New Type Lead Damper

To investigate the damping effect of new type lead dampers,a shaking table test of the breakers with a new type lead damper is carried out.The results of the test show that the lead dampers are well functioning,limiting the relative displacement and absolute acceleration at the top of bushing.There is above reduction of 53% in the maximum strain of bottom porcelain pipe and the stronger the input ground motion,the larger the reduction will be.Moreover,the lead dampers can provide a definite initial stiffness to the breakers.
Abdominal Obesity, Race and Chronic Kidney Disease in Young Adults: Results from NHANES 1999-2010

Objective Kidney dysfunction in obesity may be independent of and may precede the development of hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus. We aimed to examine if abdominal obesity is associated with early markers of CKD in a young healthy population and whether these associations differ by race and/or ethnicity. Methods We analyzed data from the NHANES 1999–2010 for 6918 young adults ages 20–40 years. Abdominal obesity was defined by gender criteria of waist circumference. CKD markers included estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria ≥30 mg/g. Race stratified analyses were done overall and in subgroups with normal blood pressures, normoglycemia and normal insulin sensitivity. Awareness of CKD was assessed in participants with albuminuria. Results Abdominal obesity was present in over one-third of all young adults and was more prevalent among non-Hispanic blacks (45.4%) versus Mexican-Americans (40.6%) or non-Hispanic whites (37.4%) (P-value = 0.004). Mexican-American young adults with abdominal obesity had a higher odds of albuminuria even among those with normal blood pressure, normal glucose, and normal insulin sensitivity [adjusted odds ratio 4.5; 95% confidence interval (1.6–12.2), p = 0.004]. Less than 5% of young adults with albuminuria of all races and ethnicities had been told they had kidney disease. Conclusion Abdominal obesity in young adults, especially in Mexican-Americans, is independently associated with albuminuria even with normal blood pressures, normoglycemia and normal insulin levels. Greater awareness of CKD is needed to protect this young population from long-standing exposure to abdominal obesity and early progressive renal disease.
Reproduction of F1 Meishan, Fengjing, Minzhu, and Duroc gilts and sows

Gilts were the progeny of eight Duroc, nine Meishan, eight Fengjing, and seven Minzhu boars mated to composite (1/4 Chester White, 1/4 Landrace, 1/4 Large White, and 1/4 Yorkshire) females. Age at puberty was youngest (P < .05) for Meishan and Fengjing crosses followed by Minzhu crosses and then Duroc crosses. Fengjing crosses had a higher (P < .05) ovulation rate than Meishan or Minzhu crosses, which had a higher (P < .05) ovulation rate than Duroc crosses. Meishan and Fengjing crosses had larger (P < .05) litters than Duroc crosses at 60 and 100 d of gestation, at birth, and at weaning. Minzhu crosses also had larger (P < .05) litters than Duroc crosses at all stages but were significantly lower than Meishan and Fengjing crosses only for litter size at 100 d of gestation. Duroc crosses were heavier (P < .05) at farrowing than all three Chinese crosses. Breed groups differed (P < .05) for backfat thickness at weaning but not at farrowing. Duroc crosses were the least efficient (P < .05) in converting feed energy into litter gain from birth to weaning; Fengjing crosses were less efficient (P < .05) than Minzhu crosses but neither differed significantly from the intermediate value of the Meishan crosses. Chinese crosses returned to estrus sooner after weaning (P < .05) than Duroc crosses. Ovulation rate at second parity was highest for Fengjing crosses followed by Meishan, Duroc, and Minzhu crosses; difference among nonadjacent means were significant (P < .05). Differences among crosses were not large or significant for number of fetuses at 100 d of gestation at second parity. Results indicate Meishan and Fengjing can be used to produce crossbred gilts that have a higher level of reproductive performance than Duroc crossbred gilts; the reproductive performance of Minzhu crosses would be intermediate. However, the Chinese crosses would not be expected to have an advantage in litter size at second parity.
The African's concept of the causes and treatment of epilepsy and convulsions.

Epilepsy is believed to be due to the upset of an ancestral spirit or to the evil influence of a witch. Other popular hypotheses are that the disorder is related to the moon cycle, to the consumption of the wrong food by the fetus in utero, or is brought on by the performance of an unusual act. Nganga recognise the characteristics of a fit, have noticed that it may be hereditary, and distinguish between convulsions in childhood and epilepsy. Treatment consists mostly of purgatives or enemata.S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 879 (1974).
A Protocol for Functional Assessment of Whole-Protein Saturation Mutagenesis Libraries Utilizing High-Throughput Sequencing

Site-directed mutagenesis has long been used as a method to interrogate protein structure, function and evolution. Recent advances in massively-parallel sequencing technology have opened up the possibility of assessing the functional or fitness effects of large numbers of mutations simultaneously. Here, we present a protocol for experimentally determining the effects of all possible single amino acid mutations in a protein of interest utilizing high-throughput sequencing technology, using the 263 amino acid antibiotic resistance enzyme TEM-1 β-lactamase as an example. In this approach, a whole-protein saturation mutagenesis library is constructed by site-directed mutagenic PCR, randomizing each position individually to all possible amino acids. The library is then transformed into bacteria, and selected for the ability to confer resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. The fitness effect of each mutation is then determined by deep sequencing of the library before and after selection. Importantly, this protocol introduces methods which maximize sequencing read depth and permit the simultaneous selection of the entire mutation library, by mixing adjacent positions into groups of length accommodated by high-throughput sequencing read length and utilizing orthogonal primers to barcode each group. Representative results using this protocol are provided by assessing the fitness effects of all single amino acid mutations in TEM-1 at a clinically relevant dosage of ampicillin. The method should be easily extendable to other proteins for which a high-throughput selection assay is in place.
Engineered superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for ultra-enhanced uranium separation and sensing

Rapid separation and analysis of radionuclides in the environment remains a challenge despite broad needs, particularly for ultra-sensitive field detection. Ionizing radiation detection/counting can be limited by sample matrix shielding and long integration times, while more sensitive spectrometry requires extensive sample preparation and advanced instrumentation. In this work we have designed, synthesized, and demonstrated optimized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) for low-energy, high-efficiency separation and concentration for ultra low-level uranium (as a model actinide) sensing in dilute (environmental) applications. Monodispersed single crystalline, IONPs with an ordered, oleic acid bilayer coating, are demonstrated to bind ca. 50% wt U/wt Fe, under optimal conditions, which is the highest reported for any iron-based sorbent materials to date. Superparamagnetic material properties allow for subsequent low-field magnetic separations from heterogeneous and relatively large (dilute) aqueous volumes resulting in highly concentrated residues. Through a final filtration step, high particle (aqueous) stability gives rise to self-assembling, homogenous, sub-micron films, arranged to minimize α-particle self-shielding, thus allowing for optimized sensitivity/detection with a handheld Gieger counter. Taken together, we demonstrate a ca. 10 000-fold increase in uranium detection sensitivity when compared to commercially available nanoscale IONPs (combining sorption and detection/counting enhancements). Lastly, these advantages are demonstrated for real world samples.
Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) Upregulation Is Essential for Multiple Myeloma Related Bone Lytic Lesion

Abstract 4025 Background: MM cells produce several osteoclast-activating factors, which result in highly activated osteoclasts and cause dysregulated bone remodeling with excessive bone resorption. Our previous data showed that matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) is highly expressed in MM cells, and co-culture with stromal cells further increased MMP13 levels. Most importantly, exogenous MMP13 increased OCL fusion and bone resorption activity induced by nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). Here, we further addressed the mechanism of MMP13 upregulation in MM and its role in MM-related bone disease in vivo. Methods and Results: Based upon the previous results that IL-6 neutralizing antibody blocks MMP13 upregulation in MM cells co-cultured with stromal cells, we further investigated the role of IL-6 on MMP13 induction in MM cells. Human RPMI8266 MM cells were serum-starved for 24 hours, then treated with IL-6 for up to 96 hours. RT-PCR and western blotting showed that MMP13 expression and secretion by MM cells were upregulated after 24h and prolonged through 96h. AP-1 binding sites were identified in the MMP13 promoter, and we found that IL-6 induced upregulation of the AP-1 members c-Jun and c-fos in MM cells by RT-PCR and western blotting, which correlated with MMP13 induction. To address the role of heightened MMP13 expression/secretion of MM on OCL formation and development of lytic lesions, we silenced MMP13 expression in MM cells by lentiviral mediated shRNA transduction. 5TGM1 mouse MM cells were infected with the pKLO.1-puro-vector (EV) or pKLO.1-puro-sh-MMP13 (MMP13 Knock down [KD]) lentivirus particles and cells were selected by puromycin. MMP13 KD was confirmed by RT-PCR and western blotting. To investigate the effects of MMP13 KD on OCL formation, we co-cultured mouse bone marrow cells (BMC) with either 5TGM1-EV or 5TGM1-MMP13 KD MM cells using a transwell system to permit only soluble molecule exchange. Co-culture with 5TGM1-EV MM cells significantly (p Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that IL-6-induced high level of MMP13 in MM cells is essential for multiple myeloma tumor growth, OCL induction and development of lytic bone lesions. Disclosures: Lentzsch:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Relevance of focal osseous uptake on FDG PET with or without CT changes in oncology patients.

Abstract Objective To assess significance of focal FDG uptake in osseous structures, with and without CT correlate, in patients undergoing FDG PET/CT for oncological indications. Methods 57 patients with focally increased FDG activity in bones and a definite follow up were included. Results 85.2% of lesions without changes were found to be malignant. Sensitivity and PPV of a CT correlate in metastatic lesions was expectedly high, 62.9% and 86.7% respectively, however, the NPV was only 14.8%. Conclusion Osseous foci are valuable in predicting metastatic disease even in the absence of low dose CT correlate.
Examining Aspects of Elementary Grades Pre-Service Teachers' Mathematical Reasoning.

ABSTRACTThis mixed methods study investigated undergraduate elementary grades pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) mathematical reasoning. In the context of combinatorics, we examined two aspects of mathematical reasoning, namely, the processes of enumerating and generalizing, and sought to understand the relationship between them through analyses of 150 PSTs’ solutions to a set of combinatorics tasks. A subset of eight PSTs participated in follow-up interviews to further understand these aspects of reasoning when completing similar tasks. Findings suggest that the processes of reflecting and recalling prior knowledge mediated the relation between these two processes of PSTs’ reasoning. An analysis of PSTs’ written work suggested that many did not draw on their process of enumeration to generalize. Subsequent opportunities for reflection during interviews allowed PSTs to refine their enumeration process. For some, recalling prior knowledge assisted them in connecting their observations with an underlying mathemat...
Chemical trapping and characterization of small oxoacids of sulfur (SOS) generated in aqueous oxidations of H2S

Small oxoacids of sulfur (SOS) are elusive molecules like sulfenic acid, HSOH, and sulfinic acid, HS(O)OH, generated during the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide, H2S, in aqueous solution. Unlike their alkyl homologs, there is a little data on their generation and speciation during H2S oxidation. These SOS may exhibit both nucleophilic and electrophilic reactivity, which we attribute to interconversion between S(II) and S(IV) tautomers. We find that SOS may be trapped in situ by derivatization with nucleophilic and electrophilic trapping agents and then characterized by high resolution LC MS. In this report, we compare SOS formation from H2S oxidation by a variety of biologically relevant oxidants. These SOS appear relatively long lived in aqueous solution, and thus may be involved in the observed physiological effects of H2S.
Robotic versus laparoscopic colectomy for stage I-III colon cancer: oncologic and long-term survival outcomes.

While short-term data suggest that robotic resections are safe for oncologic operations, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. This study evaluates the impact of robotic and laparoscopic approaches on oncologic and survival outcomes in partial and total colectomies for colon cancer. The US National Cancer Database (2010–2012) was reviewed for patients with stage I–III adenocarcinoma of the colon, who underwent robotic and laparoscopic partial or total colectomies. Lymph node retrieval, surgical margins, and survival were compared between surgical approaches with linear and logistic regressions. Propensity score matching was then used to create comparable laparoscopic and robotic cohorts and compare survivor functions. Of 15,112 patients, 5.1% underwent robotic approaches (n = 765, conversion rate 10.6%), and 94.9% laparoscopic (n = 14,347, conversion rate 15.1%). Robotic approach was associated with Hispanic race (p = 0.009), private insurance (p = 0.001), and earlier stage (p = 0.028). There was no difference in number of lymph nodes retrieved (p = 0.6200) or negative surgical margins (p = 0.6700). In multivariate analysis, robotic approaches were associated with an improved hazard of mortality (HR 0.79, p = 0.027). Linear regression found no difference in lymph node retrieval (− 0.39, p = 0.285). Logistic regression found no difference in rates of positive margins (OR 1.09, p = 0.649). After propensity score matching, robotic approaches were associated with improved survival in stage II (5YS 66.9% vs. 56.8%, p = 0.0189) and III disease (5YS 78.6% vs. 64.9%, p = 0.0241). Robotic approaches to partial and total colectomies for stage I–III colon cancer offer comparable oncologic outcomes as laparoscopic approaches. Relative to laparoscopic approaches, robotic approaches appear to offer improved long-term survival.
Acculturation, Mental Health, and Quality of Life among Hispanic Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Latent Class Analysis.

Objective: Acculturation appears to be an important aspect of the association between ethnicity and disease, but it has not been explored in depth among childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The purpose of our study was to identify distinct acculturative profiles among Hispanic CCS and to assess dif­ferences in quality of life and depressive symptoms. Design: Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct acculturative profiles using 9 indicator items reflecting Hispanic and An­glo cultural orientation. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to explore differ­ences in depressive symptoms and quality of life between acculturation classes. Setting and Participants: Participants were diagnosed in Los Angeles County, Califor­nia, USA between 2000-2007 and were recruited for the study in 2009. Main Outcome Measures: Center for Epi­demiologic Studies depression scale and the PedsQL 4.0 quality of life scale. Results: Three distinct acculturation classes emerged. All classes displayed a high prob­ability of endorsing all Anglo orientation items. One class additionally demonstrated a high probability of endorsing all Hispanic orientation items and was labeled bicultural (40%); another demonstrated low probabil­ity of endorsing the Hispanic items so was labeled assimilated (32%); and the last dem­onstrated a high probability of endorsing only the Hispanic items related to language use and was labeled linguistically Hispanic/ culturally Anglo (LH) (28%). Conclusions: The assimilated group had significantly more depressive symptoms and lower quality of life than the other two groups. This may indicate that loss of the Hispanic culture may be associated with poorer psychosocial health among CCS. Ethn Dis. 2018;28(1):55-60; doi:10.18865/ ed.28.1.55.
Synthesis and properties of symmetrical N,N′-bis(alkyl)imidazolium bromotrichloroferrate(III) paramagnetic, room temperature ionic liquids with high short-term thermal stability

Abstract A series of paramagnetic ionic liquids (PILs) based on N,N′-bis(alkyl)imidazolium bromotrichloroferrate(III), [(Cn)2Im][FeCl3Br] (Im = imidazole; Cn = ethyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl), was prepared and compared against the more traditional [CnC1Im][FeCl3Br] (C1 = methyl) analogs. Both series were extensively characterized by physical, chemical, and computational methods including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), spectroscopy (FTIR and UV‐vis-NIR), magnetic susceptibility, surface tensiometry, density, and viscosity. The X-ray crystal structure of [(C12)2Im][FeCl3Br] was also obtained. Notably, all ionic liquids prepared in this study show short-term thermal stabilities exceeding 300 °C in air and have melting points equal to or lower than 25 °C, which is surprisingly low for ionic liquids containing symmetrical cations. In addition, all presented ionic liquids have relatively low viscosities allowing for easier transitioning into applications. Physical property trends are discussed.
Initial study of clinical pharmacy work prioritization tools.

Purpose The development, implementation, and validity of clinical pharmacy work prioritization tools (CPWPTs) were analyzed. Methods Informatics pharmacists were contacted and asked to participate in 30-minute teleconference interviews, as they have primary responsibility for the technical configuration of CPWPTs. A total of 19 respondents participated in the survey. The qualitative data collected encompassed the thoughts and ideas of practicing informatics pharmacists who are knowledgeable about the design, configuration, management, and use of CPWPTs. In addition to capturing their thoughts and ideas with open-ended questions, demographic data were collected, as was information about the sites where respondents worked and the CPWPTs they used. Results Most of the CPWPTs were built into existing electronic health record platforms. There was considerable variation among the prioritization factors used at each site. The most commonly identified categories of prioritization factors were patient-specific factors, therapeutic classes of medications, and potential pharmacist interventions. All respondents reported that the prioritized tasks generated by their CPWPTs were examined for face validity. Of the 19 respondents, only 4 reported that the priorities generated by their CPWPT had been empirically validated in some way. Qualitative data analysis revealed that informatics pharmacists have 5 general perceptions about CPWPT factors, validation, and use in practice: (1) mirroring practice, (2) pharmacist consensus–based design, (3) complexity of logic, (4) tension between task-oriented and patient-centric approaches to practice, and (5) comfort from tracking tasks to completion. Conclusion Early CPWPTs vary significantly in their prioritization factors. These tools partially reflect the scope of clinical pharmacy practice at the sites where they are used.
On the asymptotic control of nonlinear uncertain systems

This paper presents a robust adaptive control design method for a class of multi-input multi-output nonlinear systems in the presence of parametric and non-parametric uncertainties and bounded disturbances. Using the approximation properties of the unknown continuous nonlinearities and the adaptive bounding technique, the developed controller achieves asymptotic convergence of the tracking error to zero, while ensuring boundedness of parameter estimation errors. The algorithm assumes no knowledge of the bounds on the uncertainties in designing the controller. It is based on an integral technique involving the filtered tracking error and produces a continuous control. Theoretical developments are illustrated via simulation results.
Soluble Antigen Arrays for Selective Desensitization of Insulin-Reactive B Cells

Autoimmune diseases are believed to be highly dependent on loss of immune tolerance to self-antigens. Currently, no treatments have been successful clinically in inducing autoantigen-specific toler...
Herpes Simplex Virus Hepatitis: A Brief Review of an Oft-overlooked Pathology

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a rarely reported cause of viral hepatitis. Aggressive in nature, most cases of HSV hepatitis rapidly progress to fulminant hepatic failure. Present day, its pathogenesis is yet to be elucidated, but its complications and associated high mortality rate are clear. Clinically, its symptoms mimic those of other causes of acute hepatic failure thus making the diagnosis of HSV hepatitis a precarious task. Although treatment in the form of acyclovir is readily available, most cases have a poor prognosis due to late initiation of therapy. This makes the early identification of HSV essential in improving outcomes and potentially preventing mortality.