cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of DNA replication fork progression and mutagenic potential of 1, N6-ethenoadenine and 8-oxoguanine in human cell extracts.

Comparative mutagenesis of 1,N6-ethenoadenine (eA) and 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), two endogenous DNA lesions that are also formed by exogenous DNA damaging agents, have been evaluated in HeLa and xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XPV) cell extracts. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the duplex M13mp2SV vector containing these lesions established that there was significant inhibition of replication fork movement past eA, whereas 8-oxoG caused only minor stalling of fork progression. In extracts of HeLa cells, eA was weakly mutagenic inducing all three base substitutions in approximately equal frequency, whereas 8-oxoG was 10-fold more mutagenic inducing primarily G→T transversions. These data suggest that 8-oxoG is a miscoding lesion that presents a minimal, if any, block to DNA replication in human cells. We hypothesized that bypass of eA proceeded principally by an error-free mechanism in which the undamaged strand was used as a template, since this lesion strongly blocked fork progression. To examine this, we determined the sequence of replication products derived from templates in which a G was placed across from the eA. Consistent with our hypothesis, 93% of the progeny were derived from replication of the undamaged strand. When translesion synthesis occurred, eA→T mutations increased 3-fold in products derived from the mismatched eA: G construct compared with those derived from the eA: T construct. More efficient repair of eA in the eA: T construct may have been responsible for lower mutation frequency. Primer extension studies with purified pol η have shown that this polymerase is highly error-prone when bypassing eA. To examine if pol η is the primary mutagenic translesion polymerase in human cells, we determined the lesion bypass characteristics of extracts derived from XPV cells, which lack this polymerase. The eA: T construct induced eA→G and eA→C mutant frequencies that were approximately the same as those observed using the HeLa extracts. However, eA→T events were increased 5-fold relative to HeLa extracts. These data support a model in which pol η-mediated translesion synthesis past this adduct is error-free in the context of semiconservative replication in the presence of fidelity factors such as PCNA.
Improving multidisciplinary communication at ward board rounds using video enhanced reflective practice

Abstract The priority to ensure patient safety and use resources effectively, demands attention and innovation. Video enhanced reflective practice (VERP) provides training based upon analysis of film clips of one’s professional practice to develop practical insight into the processes of communication, so that effective changes can be made to ongoing behaviour and practice. In this case the focus was on multi-disciplinary communication within daily board rounds on an acute medicine and care of the elderly ward. Baseline assessment and post intervention testing of perceptions of change by both full and core team were undertaken to establish the impact of VERP training. In addition pre and post focus group discussion and film analysis supplemented evaluation. The findings support the view that after VERP training of a core team, board rounds were seen as consistently easier to participate in, providing improved focus, were more efficient in goal setting and resulting in better care for patients as well as improved pathways to discharge. This suggests benefits to the communication "culture" of a multidisciplinary team resulting in increased benefits for the wider team. It is concluded that the use of tailored VERP training for personal, professional and team development is relevant, feasible, and worthy of further testing and investigation.
Advantages to microbes of growth in permeable aggregates in marine systems1

Highly porous microbial aggregates occur in a variety of environments ranging from marine snow in oceans to floes in biological reactors. For permeable aggregates undergoing gravitational settling or subjected to fluid shear, predicted velocities of intra-aggregate flow range from 1 to 100 pm s I. Estimation of intra-aggregate velocities requires spccihcation of the aggregate size, porosity, and permeability, as well as a mean fluid shear rate characterizing the fluid turbulence. We have examined substrate removal by microorganisms in permeable aggregates with an analysis of mass transfer. The overall uptake by bacteria in aggregates can be up to 60% greater than uptake by dispcrscd bacteria. In general, a model of substrate uptake based on advective transport is more appropriate than a model based on diffusive transport for cells in large, permeable aggregates that utilize substrates with diffusivities < 1 Op6 cm2 s-l.
Responses of Youth With Diabetes and Their Parents to the Youth Eating Perceptions Survey: What Helps Kids With Diabetes Eat Better?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of youth with diabetes mellitus (DM) and their parents/guardians about issues related to eating habits and to identify the relationships between treatment and lifestyle/daily care factors, youth characteristics, and eating habits of youth with DM. Methods included medical chart review and a written survey for youth with DM (n = 125) aged 10 to 20 years and their parents/guardians (n = 125) at Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach, California. Healthier eating was associated with stronger parent-youth relationships (P = .000), eating meals at home (P = .047), parent/guardian involvement in DM management (P = .039), younger age of youth (P = .008), and youth being male (P = .017) but not with treatment duration, special meetings with a registered dietitian, parent/guardian age, BMI z score, race/ethnicity, or language of youth. This study suggests that family-centered interventions for youth with DM should promote strong parent-youth relationsh...
Integrated climate model-oxygen isotope evidence for a North American monsoon during the Late Cretaceous

Abstract During the Late Cretaceous, western North America was characterized by a close geographic association between the Sevier highlands and the Western Interior Seaway. In this paper, an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) is used to simulate the impact of this geographic association on surface pressure, wind direction, and precipitation, and it is predicted that seasonal changes in these variables resulted in a strong monsoon along the eastern flank of the Sevier Highlands. Confirmation that these model simulations are accurate is provided by isotopic data from foreland basin sediments. In particular oxygen isotope records from different environments (large rivers, small streams and ponds) and proxies (unionid bivalve shells and paleosol carbonates) indicate that foreland basin streams were recharged by local precipitation with high oxygen isotope ratios while large trunk rivers were recharged by high-elevation precipitation. This hydrologic pattern is observed from Alberta to Utah and is consistent with east to west monsoonal air mass movements and associated seasonal rainfall. Recognition of a highland-driven monsoon has implication in regard to studies of fossil taphonomy, of water vapor transport, and of links between climate and mountain uplift and exhumation in this region.
Cooking, healthy eating, fitness and fun (CHEFFs): qualitative evaluation of a nutrition education program for children living at urban family homeless shelters.

Objectives. We assessed the feasibility of a 15-week nutrition education, physical activity, and media literacy program for children living in urban family homeless shelters.Methods. We developed a qualitative monitoring tool to evaluate program process and impact at 2 shelter sites in the Bronx, New York, from 2009 to 2012. Facilitators recorded indications of participants’ understanding of intended messages and demonstrations of changes in attitudes and behaviors. Comments, insights, and actions were recorded as they occurred. Facilitators also documented barriers to delivery of content and activities as intended. We used content analysis to examine data for patterns and identify themes.Results. A total of 162 children participated at the 2 shelter sites. Analysis of qualitative data yielded 3 themes: (1) children’s knowledge and understanding of content, (2) children’s shift in attitudes or intentions, and (3) interpretations through children’s life experience. Food insecurity as well as shelter food s...
Testing Gravimeters for Lunar Surface Measurements

After a study of contingent methods of measuring the local acceleration of gravity on the lunar surface, it was decided that state-of-the-art devices for absolute measurements of gravity on early manned missions to the moon were significantly lacking. Alternative methods of obtaining wide dynaniic-range, Earth-reference measurements were investigated. Initially, the most promising device appeared to be the single vibrating-string meter, which could be employed for traverse studies in lunar exploration. Two such meters were compared in a series of qualitative tests. The vibrating-string gravity meter constructed by Esso Production Research Company (EPRC) was found to be the more promising device of this type for extra-terrestrial applications. During the course of this study, the Bell Aerosystems gravimeter gained attention and was tested in the same manner as the other meters. Although results of testing the Bell system show that the range, stability, and operational characteristics are within the requirements of wide-range lunar gravimetry, further environmental testing of a modified unit is necessary. A prototype instrument for the first lunar base station and traverse gravity measurements is presently being constructed.
Characteristics of RF sputtered barium titanate thin films

Results of a study on the deposition of thin-film barium titanate (BaTiO 3 ) by RF sputtering are discussed. BaTiO 3 was deposited onto Pt foil and onto thin-film electrodes on various substrates, and counterelectroded to form metal-dielectrio-metal structures. Dielectrics were deposited at substrate temperatures from 23° to 1000°C, some of the dielectrics fired in air at temperatures up to 1400°C after deposition. On bulk Pt, the BaTiO 3 film matrix indicated an average grain size of 2000 A after heat treatment Constant Ba/Ti ratios were measured for the films deposited over the entire substrate temperature range. Dielectric constants ranged from 16- 1900, the tan δ of the capacitors varying from 0.005 for amorphous films to 0.065 for polycrystalline films with highest dielectric constants. Effects of temperature and frequency on the capacitors and the charge-voltage and field dependence of the dielectric constant are described. Current-voltage relationships, breakdown strengths, and processing conditions indicate the potential of the capacitor structures for practical applications.
If you organize, they will join

This Editorial briefly introduces the Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA) to readers of Cell & Bioscience.
Women's Place in the Family and the Convent: A Reconsideration of Public and Private in Renaissance Florence

Abstract The public-private dichotomy has traditionally been defined by contrasting spaces that are open to those that are enclosed. Historical studies of Renaissance Italian architecture and cities have generally accepted this categorization and have relegated women of the period to the private realm–the domestic or the conventual setting. An examination of contemporary writings and of the function of so-called private spaces of a Florentine convent demonstrates that our understanding ofpublic andprivate must go beyond a consideration of formal criteria, and must also consider the identity and activities of the individuals who occupy the spaces in question.
Genes for two subunits of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120: biotin carboxylase and biotin carboxyl carrier protein.

Abstract Genes for two subunits of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase, biotin carboxylase and biotin carboxyl carrier protein, have been cloned from Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. The two proteins are 181 and 447 amino acids long and show 40 and 57% identity to the corresponding Escherichia coli proteins, respectively. The sequence of the biotinylation site in Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 is MetLysLeu, not the MetLysMet found in other sequences of biotin-dependent carboxylases. The amino acid sequence of biotin carboxylase is also very similar (32 to 47% identity) to the sequence of the biotin carboxylase domain of other biotin-dependent carboxylases. Genes for these two subunits of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase are not linked in Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, contrary to the situation in E. coli, in which they are in one operon.
Does a Lung Stem Cell Exist

Cells of lung epithelium are under a slow constant turn over in steady state and subject to rapid regeneration upon injury by inhaled or systemic pneumotoxicants. Multiple pools of adult stem cells have been shown to be involved in steady state airway maintenance and regeneration following injury. In this chapter, we summarize cellular diversity within adult mammalian airway epithelium that underscores challenges in maintenance and repair of the airway. We then briefly discuss distribution, mechanisms of identification and regulation of resident stem, and progenitor cell pools under steady state and in context of different injury models in mice. The ensuing chapters discuss some of these concepts at greater length and detail.
Airflow Configurations of Warm Season Southerly Low-Level Wind Maxima in the Great Plains. Part I: Spatial and Temporal Characteristics and Relationship to Convection

Abstract A synoptic climatological approach was used to investigate 1) the airflow characteristics of southerly low-level wind maxima in the Great Plains, 2) the typical thermodynamic environments in which low-level wind maxima form, 3) the convergence fields accompanying the wind maxima, and 4) the associated patterns of cloud-to-ground lightning activity. A total of 260 low-level jet events that occurred at either 0000 or 1200 UTC during the warm seasons (Apr–Sep) of 1991–92 were employed in the analysis. The spatial configuration of southerly low-level jets was shown to be considerably more complex than previously portrayed. A subjective classification of the jet events—based on streamline curvature, latitudinal extent, and the orientation of confluence and deformation zones—resulted in 12 distinct configuration types. Only 37% of the events were broadly classified as anticyclonically curving jets, even though the majority of previous case studies focused on this type of wind maximum. Another unanticip...
Influence of Activated Sludge CRT on Adsorption

The adsorbability of organic compounds in the effluent from an activated sludge process was examined as a function of cell residence time (CRT). The concentration of nonadsorbable organic material in the effluent in general decreased as CRT increased with a significant drop occurring between CRT values of 4.8 days and l2.3 days. The molecular size of these non-adsorbable compounds was examined using membrane and ultrafiltration techniques. The importance of the effluent concentration of nonadsorbable organic material and of the relationship between this concentration and the CRT of the activated sludge system relative to the design of a tertiary carbon adsorption system was stressed.
Evaluation and applications of 600V/650V enhancement-mode GaN devices

This paper presents elaborate evaluation of 600V/650V enhancement mode gallium nitride (GaN) devices. The switching loss mechanism and the impact of package and driving circuit parameters are illustrated in detail. The hard-switching turn-on loss is dominant due to junction capacitor charge of the freewheeling switch. The turn-off loss is much smaller and it can be further improved by driving circuit parameters and packaging. The driving circuit taking consider of high dv/dt and di/dt immunity is discussed. A few design examples are shown to demonstrate the advantage of GaN and the impact of GaN on system design.
A nonreductivist solution to mental causation

Nonreductive physicalism provides an appealing solution to the nature of mental properties. But its success as a theory of mental properties has been called into doubt by claims that it cannot adequately handle the problems of mental causation, as it leads either to epiphenomenalism or to thoroughgoing overdetermination. I argue that these apparent problems for the nonreductivist are based in fundamental confusion about causation and explanation. I distinguish two different types of explanation and two different relations to which they appeal: causation and determination. I argue that these types of explanation do not compete with one another, nor do these relations jointly result in overdetermination. In closing I develop a nonreductivist solution to mental causation which avoids both the hazards of epiphenomenalism and of overdetermination and so demonstrates a way to save nonreductive physicalism from the problems of mental causation.
Relationship between conformational stability and amplification efficiency of prions.

Recent studies demonstrated that the efficiency, rate, and yield of prion amplification in vitro could be substantially improved by supplementing protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) with Teflon beads [Gonzalez-Montalban et al. (2011) PLoS Pathog. 7, e1001277]. Here we employed the new PMCA format with beads (PMCAb) to gain insight into the mechanism of prion amplification. Using a panel of six hamster prion strains, the effect of beads on amplification was found to be strain-specific, with the largest improvements in efficiency observed for strains with the highest conformational stability. This result suggests a link between PrPSc conformational stability and its fragmentation rate and that beads improved amplification by assisting fragmentation. Furthermore, while exploring the PrPSc-independent bead effect mechanism, a synergy between the effects of RNA and beads on amplification was observed. Consistent with previous studies, amplification of all six hamster strains tested here was found to...
The association between depression and coronary heart disease incidence.

The evidence from research studies linking depression to excess risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) is strong and consistent. Depression is a risk factor for new cardiovascular events in individuals initially free of CHD, as well as for recurrent events and mortality among cardiac patients. The risk is not only limited to individuals who meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis of major depression. Increasing levels of depressive symptoms, even in the absence of a major depressive episode, also carry higher CHD risk. What is less established, however, is the mechanism (or mechanisms) responsible for the effect of depression on CHD risk. Depression might increase CHD incidence by promoting or worsening coronary atherosclerosis (through effects on lipid profile, platelets and inflammatory factors), directly inducing cardiac ischemia, increasing the risk for cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death, and inducing unhealthy behaviors (cigarette smoking, decreased adherence to medications and other lifestyle factors). Depression is common in the U.S. and its prevalence is rising. It is important that individuals with depression are promptly identified and treated. This is likely to result in a reduction of CHD and related disability as well as health care costs among Americans.
Abstract B3: Effect of consuming pistachios on the intake and serum levels of γ‐tocopherol

Pistachios are one of the best dietary sources of gamma‐tocopherol (γ‐T), a form of vitamin E that may help to protect against certain forms of cancer, such as lung among high risk groups like smokers. We investigated the effect of the incorporation of pistachios (at a level of 68 g per day) on the intakes and serum cholesterol‐adjusted γ‐T (micromole/millimole) using a six‐week randomized, controlled, clinical trial design, having a two‐week preintervention period and a four‐week intervention period. Participants (n = 36) were healthy males and females, randomized to either the control group or the intervention group. Intakes were calculated using the Nutrition Data System for Research Version 2007. Diet diaries and weights of returned pistachios were reviewed to assess consumption. Weekly compliance for pistachio consumption ranged between 88‐93%. No statistically significant treatment differences were observed for BMI, total energy or percent energy from protein. On the pistachio diet (PD), statistically significant increases were seen for percent energy from fat at weeks 3 and 4 and weeks 5 and 6 compared to weeks 1 and 2. Additionally, on the PD, a statistically significant increase for percent energy from fat was seen at weeks 5 and 6 compared to the control diet (CD). On the PD, statistically significant decreases were seen for percent energy from carbohydrate at weeks 3 and 4, and weeks 5 and 6 compared to weeks 1 and 2. Additionally, on the PD, a statistically significant decrease for percent energy from carbohydrate was seen at weeks 5 and 6 compared to the CD. On the PD, statistically significant increases were seen in energy‐adjusted dietary γ‐T at weeks 3 and 4 compared to weeks 1 and 2 (mean difference of 26%; p Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):B3.
Abstract PL04-03: Basket studies: Lessons learned and future directions

Dramatic improvements in the ability to test for all classes of potentially actionable alterations in hundreds or even thousands of genes simultaneously, along with the rapidly expanding portfolio of therapeutic agents targeting a variety of cell signaling networks, have converged to create an unparalleled opportunity to pursue precision medicine in oncology. One obstacle to realizing the full potential of precision medicine in the clinic is the low prevalence of many potentially actionable genomic alterations as well as the diverse range of cancer types potentially implicated. To address this emerging challenge, multi-histology, genomically selected, basket studies have been developed. These studies represent a potentially transformative approach to genomically targeted drug development. In basket studies, patients with tumors known to harbor a qualifying genomic alteration are enrolled irrespective of tumor histology. Tumor types most likely to harbor the genomic biomarker are enrolled to their own cohort. Notably, in these tumor types that enroll to sufficient quantities, efficacy assessments are independently undertaken, therefore accounting for the possibility that tumor lineage may influence drug sensitivity. While the first generation of basket studies were designed mainly to detect early signals of activity across multiple tumor types simultaneously, newer basket studies are now being designed to collect the data required to seek health authority approval. Here we review the current landscape of precision medicine basket studies, with a focus on how to maximize their potential for advancing the standard of care. Citation Format: David Hyman. Basket studies: Lessons learned and future directions. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr PL04-03.
Idling at an Intersection

Idling at an intersection, I watched two men. The slab of sidewalk at the corner dug up. Gravel poured. Over the gravel, an iron net and rebar. A form ready for concrete in the shape of a corner and curb. The older man pointed to spots I could see would be trouble, Where the ground dipped with the hill.
Dependence of the TMCI threshold on the space charge tune shift

Transverse mode coupling instability of a bunch with space charge is considered in frameworks of the boxcar model. Presented results demonstrate a monotonous growth of the TMCI threshold at increasing space charge tune shift, and do not support the supposition that the monotony can be violated at a higher SC.
Collection Development: Curriculum Materials Center

SUMMARY This article attempts to touch on very practical aspects of developing and maintaining instructional materials for the curriculum materials center. The main focus of the article is a description of the many activities and issues the instructional materials librarian has to attend to as he/she builds and manages collections that support teacher education programs. The author presents a brief discussion of basic activities the librarian undertakes before selecting instructional materials, while selecting the materials, and after the materials are acquired. The article also includes a short description of the different types of instructional materials that are often selected for the curriculum materials center.
WEE1 inhibition in pancreatic cancer cells is dependent on DNA repair status in a context dependent manner

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a lethal disease, in part, because of the lack of effective targeted therapeutic options. MK-1775 (also known as AZD1775), a mitotic inhibitor, has been demonstrated to enhance the anti-tumor effects of DNA damaging agents such as gemcitabine. We evaluated the efficacy of MK-1775 alone or in combination with DNA damaging agents (MMC or oxaliplatin) in PDA cell lines that are either DNA repair proficient (DDR-P) or deficient (DDR-D). PDA cell lines PL11, Hs 766T and Capan-1 harboring naturally selected mutations in DNA repair genes FANCC, FANCG and BRCA2 respectively, were less sensitive to MK-1775 as compared to two out of four representative DDR-P (MIA PaCa2 and PANC-1) cell lines. Accordingly, DDR-P cells exhibit reduced sensitivity to MK-1775 upon siRNA silencing of DNA repair genes, BRCA2 or FANCD2, compared to control cells. Only DDR-P cells showed increased apoptosis as a result of early mitotic entry and catastrophe compared to DDR-D cells. Taken together with other recently published reports, our results add another level of evidence that the efficacy of WEE1 inhibition is influenced by the DNA repair status of a cell and may also be dependent on the tumor type and model evaluated.
GER and Aspiration in Interstitial Lung Disease

Many investigations have linked gastroesophageal reflux (GER) to various forms of interstitial lung disease (ILD) including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), scleroderma, and other connective tissue diseases (CTD). However, definitive proof that abnormal GER and microaspiration is a cause of ILD, promotes disease progression, or precipitates acute exacerbation of IPF or other forms of ILD is lacking. Nonetheless, evidence is accumulating that suggests that abnormal GER and microaspiration of refluxed gastroduodenal secretions may play a significant role in IPF, scleroderma, and other ILD. This chapter examines the published evidence and provides an assessment of the current state of knowledge of the role of GER and microaspiration in ILD.
Relationship among interthalamic adhesion size, thalamic anatomy and neuropsychological functions in healthy volunteers.

The interthalamic adhesion (ITA) is an understudied neuroanatomical structure that forms a bridge of tissue connecting the thalamus of each hemisphere across the midline whose functional significance remains largely unknown. The likelihood of ITA absence has been reported in some studies to be increased in males, but findings have been inconsistent. We used magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the size and absence of the ITA and their relationship to thalamic volume, putative indices of white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity) within the anterior thalamic radiation and neuropsychological functions in 233 (129 M/104 F) healthy volunteers (age range 8–68). To ensure high reliability in this study two operators independently rated the absence of the ITA and measured its size for all individuals. The ITA was absent in 4% of all individuals with no sex differences in its absence. Females had greater ITA size compared to males overall with both groups demonstrating nonlinear age-associated changes across the age range examined. ITA size among females correlated significantly with thalamus volume and lower mean diffusivity in the anterior thalamic radiation. Path modeling indicated that ITA size statistically mediated the relationship between age and attention among females. Our findings provide evidence for sex differences in ITA size across the lifespan, which are associated with the surrounding thalamic anatomy and neuropsychological functions.
Flame–turbulence interaction of laminar premixed deflagrated flames

Abstract The demand for higher combustion efficiency and performance is attainable through pressure gain combustion. Pressure gain combustion exploits the pressure rise for high flow momentum and pressure augmentation. One possible mechanism for detonation is turbulence generation and induction to augment the deflagrated flame acceleration. The study examines the interaction mechanisms of the laminar deflagrated flame with turbulence induced by a fluidic jet, composed of a transverse slot. The mechanisms of the jet including, flame-flow restriction, jet entrainment, turbulent transport, and recirculation are examined to determine the flame–turbulence interaction modes and their influence on the propagating deflagrated flame. The flame interaction and acceleration are compared to that induced by traditional solid obstacles. The flame structural dynamics and reacting flowfield are characterized using simultaneous high-speed PIV and chemiluminescence measurements. Additionally, high-speed Schlieren is used for visualizing the interaction features. Higher flame acceleration is observed for the fluidic jet relative to the obstacle. The flame interaction with the jet turbulence is dominated by a cross-stream high turbulent transport mechanism; whereas, the interaction for the obstacle is driven by Kelvin–Helmholtz and Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities. The obtained results show the dynamic flame evolution phenomenon of the local flame regime (laminar – corrugated flamelet - thin reactions).
Sustainability management, strategy and reform in local government

ABSTRACTAs discussions about sustainability management in local government evolve, public managers lack clear frameworks prescribing how sustainability should be integrated into the practice of management. Studies in public administration tend to emphasize the policy tools managers use for sustainable outcomes, rather than the management processes that can enhance sustainability through organizational change. Drawing on Laszlo and Zhexembayeva’s definition of ‘embedded sustainability,’ this essay suggests local government managers should focus on integrating sustainability into strategic planning processes in order to advance sustainability as a reform in local government. Public management scholars and local government professionals are urged to develop partnerships to support evidence-based decision-making in local government in order to investigate propositions about sustainability management.
Selling a gun to a stranger without a background check: acceptable behaviour?

Objective One way that guns get into the wrong hands is via gun sales without a background check. While the large majority of Americans support laws requiring universal background checks, no prior study has assessed whether Americans think it is acceptable behaviour to sell a gun to a stranger without a background check, whether or not there is a law against it. Methods We sponsored a nationally representative survey of over 3900 American adults, oversampling gun owners, using an online panel provided by the survey firm Growth for Knowledge. Results Over 72% of American adults agree or strongly agree with the statement that ‘whether it is legal or not, it is NOT acceptable to sell a gun to a stranger without a background check’ and 11% disagree or strongly disagree. Subgroups less likely to agree are young adults, men, conservatives, those with less than a high school education and gun owners. Conclusion Reducing the number of guns sold without a background check could help reduce the flow of guns to felons. Changes in normative attitudes and behaviours, as well as changes in law, could help accomplish this goal. Most Americans, including gun owners, believe selling a gun to a stranger without a background check is not acceptable behaviour.
Colorimetric determination of the progestational steroids in contraceptive tablets.

A colorimetric method for determining the progestational content of oral contraceptive pills is presented. Norethindrone norethindrone acetate dimethisterone medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethynodrel pills were analyzed. A chloroform extract prepared from each of the preparations except norethynodrel was treated with isonicotinyl hydrazide reagent to elicit an uniform color. The solution was measured and calculated at 380 nm. The norethynodrel chloroform extract was isomerized before the isonicotinyl hydrazide was added. Synthetic mixtures and commerical pills were compared. The results were good with a standard deviation of .74% to 1.21%. It is recommended that a collaborative study of the method be conducted.(AUTHORS MODIFIED)
Quality Assurance and Improvement Practices of Experiential Education Programs in Schools of Pharmacy

Objective. To identify common practices for measuring quality of experiential education (EE) programs at US schools and colleges of pharmacy. Methods. In-depth, semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with directors of experiential education or their equivalent, to identify elements of quality assurance (QA) processes for EE. To ensure representativeness from all fully accredited programs, purposeful sampling was used for participant solicitation and enrollment until both code and meaning saturation were reached. Participants were asked questions in six domain areas (preceptor and student performance, site quality, role of site visits, coursework, and achievement of learning outcomes). An iterative data coding and analysis process identified themes and notable practices within each domain area. Results. Interviews were conducted with representatives of 29 programs. All participants reported evaluating preceptor performance. Fewer participants identified a deliberate site assessment process, with most equating preceptor and site evaluation. Participants conducted site visits primarily to assess site quality and maintain relationships with preceptors. Few participants were able to provide details of a process used for evaluating experiential education coursework and student outcomes. All participants used student performance assessments to measure the quality of student performance. Overall, participants almost universally reported collecting data, less frequently described processes for data evaluation, and rarely shared outcomes arising from data collection and analysis. Conclusion. Themes and notable practices identified in this study provide initial benchmarks for QA programs for EE and will inform content and metrics of subsequent follow-up studies. A six-step process for QA for EE is proposed.
Digital Publishing: Three Futures (and How to Get There)

The usual assumption that copyright rewards creativity is a fiction. In practice, most authors earn very little compared to their publishers. This article asks what services, if any, publishers supply to justify these payments. We argue that the only reasonable candidate is search, i.e. finding worthwhile titles among the million or so books written each year. For most of the 20th Century, there was just one search technology: Human judgment. This led to a complex ecosystem of editors, bookstore owners, reviewers and other middlemen. The difference in the 21st Century is the emergence of a second technology – “Big Data” – that could make traditional methods obsolete. But in that case what new institutions will implement it? Depending on how Big Data evolves, we can anticipate three futures. In the first, the technology never advances much beyond its existing capabilities so that current institutions continue in something like their present form. We argue that is already an improvement over mid-20th Century publishing. At the same time, the advent of e-readers allows new forms of price discrimination that could significantly improve economic efficiency. Judges should reform the Second Circuit’s Apple decision to make this happen. More powerful “Big Data” technologies will force deeper changes. These will almost certainly start with massive vertical integration. Our second future analyzes the case where today’s dominant on-line retailers continue expanding up- and downstream. Despite obvious concerns, we argue that clearing away costly middlemen will almost certainly improve social welfare on net. We also consider an alternate future in which today’s dominant publishers preempt retailers by creating an open search platform. Taking search outside traditional proprietary models can radically improve consumer welfare, but only if legislators are prepared to make correspondingly large adjustments to copyright law. Finally, we ask which of our three futures is most likely. We argue that Big Data algorithms are inherently voracious, so that the future belongs to whichever institutions collect the biggest and most useful datasets. We identify the conditions under which proprietary solutions can outperform open source and vice versa. The article concludes by asking what judges and policymakers should do to create a level playing field so that the most efficient institutions really do emerge if and when technology makes them possible.
Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

While the World Health Organization included Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) as a provisional entity of a lymphoma occurring in older individuals without any...
Cx43 Channel Gating and Permeation: Multiple Phosphorylation-Dependent Roles of the Carboxyl Terminus

Connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein seemingly fit to support cardiac impulse propagation and synchronic contraction, is phosphorylated in normoxia by casein kinase 1 (CK1). However, during cardiac ischemia or pressure overload hypertrophy, this phosphorylation fades, Cx43 abundance decreases at intercalated disks and increases at myocytes’ lateral borders, and the risk of arrhythmia rises. Studies in wild-type and transgenic mice indicate that enhanced CK1-phosphorylation of Cx43 protects from arrhythmia, while dephosphorylation precedes arrhythmia vulnerability. The mechanistic bases of these Cx43 (de)phosphoform-linked cardiac phenotypes are unknown. We used patch-clamp and dye injection techniques to study the channel function (gating, permeability) of Cx43 mutants wherein CK1-targeted serines were replaced by aspartate (Cx43-CK1-D) or alanine (Cx43-CK1-A) to emulate phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, respectively. Cx43-CK1-D, but not Cx43-CK1-A, displayed high Voltage-sensitivity and variable permselectivity. Both mutants showed multiple channel open states with overall increased conductivity, resistance to acidification-induced junctional uncoupling, and hemichannel openings in normal external calcium. Modest differences in the mutant channels’ function and regulation imply the involvement of dissimilar structural conformations of the interacting domains of Cx43 in electrical and chemical gating that may contribute to the divergent phenotypes of CK1-(de)phospho-mimicking Cx43 transgenic mice and that may bear significance in arrhythmogenesis.
Chromatographic purification of the toxin of Type E Clostridiumbotulinum

Abstract Clostridium botulinum Type E extracellular toxin was purified on DEAE cellulose columns following ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis. Two fractions, one toxic and one non-toxic, were obtained. Disc electrophoresis of the toxic fraction showed three bands, two of which were not toxic. Passage of the toxic fraction through a Sephadex G-200 column separated it into two fractions with equal toxicity. The estimated molecular weights of the two toxic fractions were about 9000 and 5000, respectively.
Multi-d isothermal Euler flow: Existence of unbounded radial similarity solutions

Abstract We show that the multi-dimensional compressible Euler system for isothermal flow of an ideal, polytropic gas admits global-in-time, radially symmetric solutions with unbounded amplitudes due to wave focusing. The examples are similarity solutions and involve a converging wave focusing at the origin. At time of collapse, the density, but not the velocity, becomes unbounded, resulting in an expanding shock wave. The solutions are constructed as functions of radial distance to the origin r and time t . We verify that they provide genuine, weak solutions to the original, multi-d, isothermal Euler system. While motivated by the well-known Guderley solutions to the full Euler system for an ideal gas, the solutions we consider are of a different type. In Guderley solutions an incoming shock propagates toward the origin by penetrating a stationary and “cold” gas at zero pressure (there is no counter pressure due to vanishing temperature upstream of the shock), accompanied by blowup of velocity and pressure, but not of density, at collapse. It is currently not known whether the full system admits unbounded solutions in the absence of zero-pressure regions. The present work shows that the simplified isothermal model does admit such behavior.
Validity of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Measured with Fitbit Compared to V˙O2max.

Purpose Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), broadly defined as the body's ability to utilize oxygen, is a well-established prognostic marker of health, but it is not routinely measured. This may be due to the difficulty of acquiring high-quality CRF measures. The purpose of this study was to independently determine the validity of the Fitbit Charge 2's measure of CRF (Fitbit CRF). Methods Sixty-five healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 45 yr (55% female, 45% male) were recruited to undergo gold standard V˙O2max testing and wear a Fitbit Charge 2 continuously for 1 wk during which they were instructed to complete a qualifying outdoor run to derive the Fitbit CRF (units: mL·kg·min). This measure was compared with V˙O2max measures (units: mL·kg·min) epoched at 15 and 60 s. Results Bland-Altman analyses revealed that Fitbit CRF had a positive bias of 1.59 mL·kg·min compared with laboratory data epoched at 15 s and 0.30 mL·kg·min compared with data epoched at 60 s (n = 60). F statistics (2.09; 0.08) and P values (0.133; 0.926) from Bradley-Blackwood tests for the concordance of Fitbit CRF with 15- and 60-s laboratory data, respectively, support the null hypothesis of equal means and variances, indicating there is concordance between the two measures. Mean absolute percentage error was less than 10% for each comparison. Conclusions The Fitbit Charge 2 provides an acceptable level of validity when measuring CRF in young, healthy, and fit adults who are able to run. Further research is required to determine if it is a potentially useful tool in clinical practice and epidemiological research to quantify, categorize, and longitudinally track risk for adverse outcomes.
A local fission matrix correction method for heterogeneous whole core transport with RAPID

Abstract The recently developed RAPID code uses a unique pre-calculated fission matrix method in order to solve the whole-core eigenvalue problem very quickly and accurately. However, in strongly heterogeneous cores, errors are introduced at the boundary between different assembly types. In this paper, two methods are discussed that uses a set of small, 2D, 2 × 2 assembly fixed source fission matrix calculations in order to correct the RAPID 3-D whole-core fission matrix. The methods are applied to the BEAVRS benchmark hot zero power case with 1.6%, 2.4%, and 3.1% enriched assemblies with varying amounts of burnable absorbers. The standard and corrected RAPID methods are compared to a Serpent reference case on this highly heterogeneous core. Compared to the standard, the locally-corrected RAPID drops the 2D RMS pin-wise fission source error from 6.3% to 0.54% (compared to a Serpent RMS uncertainty of 0.09%). The 3D, pin-wise, 100 axial level RMS error drops from 6.6% to 2.2% (Serpent RMS uncertainty 1.9%). The k-eigenvalue difference drops from 157 pcm to 26 pcm (Serpent uncertainty 0.5 pcm). In order to obtain these levels of uncertainty, the Serpent reference required a calculation time of 80 h on 20 cores, compared to a RAPID time of 2.4 min on the same system. Though the RAPID database requires roughly 16 h on 20 cores, it can be used for any other RAPID calculations without performing any new Monte Carlo calculations.
Modulating Mechanical Properties of Collagen–LigninComposites

Three-dimensional matrices of collagen type I (Col I) are widely used in tissue engineering applications for its abundance in many tissues, bioactivity with many cell types, and excellent biocompatibility. Inspired by the structural role of lignin in a plant tissue, we found that sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) and an alkali-extracted lignin from switchgrass (SG) increased the stiffness of Col I gels. SLS and SG enhanced the stiffness of Col I gels from 52 to 670 Pa and 52 to 320 Pa, respectively, and attenuated shear-thinning properties, with the formulation of 1.8 mg/mL Col I and 5.0 mg/mL SLS or SG. In 2D cultures, the cytotoxicity of collagen–SLS to adipose-derived stromal cells was not observed and the cell viability was maintained over 7 days in 3D cultures. Collagen–SLS composites did not elicit immunogenicity when compared to SLS-only groups. Our collagen–SLS composites present a case that exploits lignins as an enhancer of mechanical properties of Col I without adverse cytotoxicity and immunogenicity...
ETNAC Design Enabling Formation Flight at Liberation Points

This study considers the feasibility of an event-triggered neuro-adaptive controller (ETNAC) providing precision flying control for microsatellites used for deep space missions. For “smallsats” factors including limited capabilities of the microsatellite platform, minimal communication, restricted controls and actuation, overly sensitive response to uncertainties, etc. make the controller design challenging. To cope with such challenges, an ETNAC design is proposed in this study. Its performance analysis is given along with its derivation and implementation. ETNAC is based on an observer, known as Modified State Observer (MSO), which is used for online approximation of the uncertainties in the system. The MSO formulation has two tunable gains that allow for fast estimation without inducing high frequency oscillations in the system. At the same time, an event triggering mechanism (ETM) is used in an aperiodic fashion to transmit state information and update the control only when required. In this way, it reduces communication and computational efforts, simplifying onboard implementations. A Lyapunov analysis is used to prove stability. Simulation and performance results show that ETNAC can be an excellent solution for highly nonlinear resource-constrained problems.
Connectionist Large Vocabulary Speech Recognition

In this paper, the problem of large vocabulary word recognition is addressed from a connectionist perspective. The problem is not only of practical interest but also of scientific importance, since a workable solution must integrate pattern recognition under consideration of sequential, symbolic constraints. We have developed two large vocabulary word recognition systems based on different speech recognition philosophies. One of the systems exploits the power of neural networks in performing accurate classification, the other the power of producing good non-linear function approximation and signal prediction. We present each system’s operation and evaluate its performance. Both achieved respectable recognition scores in excess of 90% correct for vocabularies of up to 5000 words. We suggest further avenues towards improvement of either system and in the process discuss the relative strengths of either approach.