cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Barriers and pathways to successful collaboration

Effective collaboration is essential to virtually every human endeavor, since there are relatively few significant tasks that can be accomplished by a single individual. Successful collaboration efforts can be ascribed to a shared vision, strong and charismatic leadership, and the ability to overcome technical, organizational, and personal obstacles to achieving the project's objective(s). At the same time, there are many barriers that can make these efforts fail. While these barriers can't always be overcome, the chances of success are greatly improved if people are aware of the various challenges and take steps to anticipate them in advance. This talk addresses these issues, and draws examples from the FLOSS community, from startups, and from other disciplines.
Effects of Myocardial Ischemia on Ventricular Fibrillation Inducibility and Defibrillation Efficacy

Abstract Objectives. This study investigated the effects of acute global ischemia on the vulnerable window, the upper limit of vulnerability and the defibrillation threshold. Background. Myocardial ischemia, an important factor for arrhythmogenesis and sudden death, may affect the inducibility of ventricular fibrillation by T wave shocks as well as the defibrillation threshold. However, studies of the effect of ischemia on the defibrillation threshold remain inconclusive, and the effect of ischemia on recently established variables of ventricular fibrillation vulnerability is still unknown. Methods. Ten isolated, perfused rabbit hearts were immersed in a tissue bath between two shock plate electrodes. Truncated 5-ms biphasic shocks were used to determine the vulnerable window, the upper limit of vulnerability and the defibrillation threshold. Measurements were performed during baseline and at 10 to 15 min of acute ischemia induced by an 80% reduction of coronary flow. The effects of ischemia were monitored by measuring the dispersion of ventricular activation and repolarization using multiple monophasic action potential recordings. Results. Acute ischemia caused an increase in dispersion of activation (baseline vs. ischemia [mean ± SD]: 22 ± 6 vs. 34 ± 10 ms, p Conclusions. Acute global ischemia caused a threefold increase in the width of the vulnerable window. This increase was associated with increased heterogeneity of ventricular activation and repolarization. Despite these marked changes, the upper limit of vulnerability and the defibrillation threshold were not affected by acute myocardial ischemia. Thus, the previously reported similarity between both measures was maintained under these adverse conditions. (J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29:817–24)
Advance Care Planning and the Quality of End-of-Life Care in Older Adults

Objectives: To determine whether advance care planning influences quality of end-of-life care. Design: In this observational cohort study, Medicare data and survey data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were combined to determine whether advance care planning was associated with quality metrics. Setting: The nationally representative HRS. Participants: Four thousand three hundred ninety-nine decedent subjects (mean age 82.6 at death, 55% women). Measurements: Advance care planning (ACP) was defined as having an advance directive (AD), durable power of attorney (DPOA) or having discussed preferences for end-of-life care with a next of kin. Outcomes included previously reported quality metrics observed during the last month of life (rates of hospital admission, in-hospital death, >14 days in the hospital, intensive care unit admission, >1 emergency department visit, hospice admission, and length of hospice ?3 days). Results: Seventy-six percent of subjects engaged in ACP. Ninety-two percent of ADs stated a preference to prioritize comfort. After adjustment, subjects who engaged in ACP were less likely to die in a hospital (adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.80�0.94), more likely to be enrolled in hospice (aRR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.43�1.97), and less likely to receive hospice for 3 days or less before death (aRR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.85�0.91). Having an AD, a DPOA or an ACP discussion were each independently associated with a significant increase in hospice use (P < .01 for all). Conclusion: ACP was associated with improved quality of care at the end of life, including less in-hospital death and increased use of hospice. Having an AD, assigning a DPOA and conducting ACP discussions are all important elements of ACP.
TNFSF15 is an Ethnic Specific IBD Gene

AbstractBackground:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a clinically and, likely, genetically heterogeneous group of disorders. A recent report suggests that genetic variations in the TNFSF15 gene contribute to the susceptibility of IBD in both Japanese and Caucasian populations. The aim was to confi
Chylous Ascites After Post-Chemotherapy Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection: Review of the M. D. Anderson Experience

Purpose: We determined the clinical presentation, risk factors and optimal treatment of chylous ascites that develop after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in patients with testicular cancer.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 329 patients who underwent post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection at our institution, of whom 23 (7%) had chylous ascites postoperatively. Clinical and pathological parameters were entered into a database.Results: Mean patient age at chylous ascites presentation was 32.1 years. On univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses increasing amounts of preoperative chemotherapy (OR 1.24) and intraoperative blood loss (OR 1.33) were predictive of chylous ascites. The clinical presentation of chylous ascites consisted of abdominal fullness and distention in all patients. Initial treatment was paracentesis alone or combined with total parenteral nutrition in 77% of patients. An abdominal drain was used for persistent ascites in ...
Growing food justice by planting an anti-oppression foundation: opportunities and obstacles for a budding social movement

The food justice movement is a budding social movement premised on ideologies that critique the structural oppression responsible for many injustices throughout the agrifood system. Tensions often arise however when a radical ideology in various versions from multiple previous movements is woven into mobilization efforts by organizations seeking to build the activist base needed to transform the agrifood system. I provide a detailed case study of the People’s Grocery, a food justice organization in West Oakland, California, to show how anti-oppression ideology provides the foundation upon which food justice activists mobilize. People’s Grocery builds off of previous social justice movements within West Oakland, reflected in activist meaning making around ideas of social justice and autonomy. However, the ongoing mobilization process also faces complications stemming from diverse individual interpretations of food justice—that may not be reflected in the stated goals of food justice organizations—as well as structural constraints. Consequently, building a social movement premised on food justice opens up social spaces for new activism, but may not be a panacea for solving food-related racial and economic inequality. The findings have implications for newly forming food justice organizations, future research on the food justice movement, as well as for theories on social movement mobilization.
The influence of the ev 3 locus on the inducibility of serum antibody reactivity for envelope glycoprotein group-specific determinants☆

Abstract Chickens segregating for the ev 3 locus were bred by backcross matings of line 6 3 to line 15 B . Analysis of RAV-1-infected segregants indicated that inducibility of antibody reactivity for envelope glycoprotein group-specific determinants correlated with the absence of ev 3, whereas noninducibility correlated with the presence of ev 3. Since the ev 3(+) and ev 3(−) segregants possessed similar genetic backgrounds, these results provide direct evidence that the ev 3 locus determines the phenotype of noninducibility.
A revision of the genera Sipunculus and Xenosiphon (Sipuncula)

A critical analysis of historically used characters, based on a large series of specimens, is presented. Based on a comparative morphological analysis of type specimens, the 19 species of Sipunculus and four of Xenosiphon are reviewed. The genera and subgenera are redefined so that, after appropriate revisions arc made, Sipunculus (Sipunculus) has eight, Sipunculus (Contraporus) new subgenus has two, and Xenosiphon has only one remaining valid species. A zoogeographical note and a key to the species are included.
Attribute Generality and the Inference Process in Impression Formation

This research focused on the role of general attributes (those used by an observer to characterize many persons) in the at tribute inference process. Descriptions of eight acquaintances ob tained from 66 subjects were coded such that the generality of each attribute employed by a subject could be determined. Each subject made inferences based on his selected general and specific attri butes, and then rated the original and inferred attributes on a set of bipolar adjective scales. It was found that inferences based on a general attribute were more similar in meaning to the original at tribute than were inferences based on a specific attribute. Impli cations of this finding for a reconceptualization of the impression formation process were discussed.
Coherent instability of weak–strong beam–beam interactions

Abstract With HERA as a model, the collective (coherent) beam–beam instability in the case of weak–strong or very unsymmetrical beam–beam interactions was studied with a self-consistent beam–beam simulation by using the particle-in-cell method. It was found that when the beam–beam parameter of the weak lepton beam exceeds a threshold that corresponds to an overlap of the weak beam with low-order single-particle beam–beam resonances, the onset of the coherent beam–beam instability results in a significant emittance growth of the strong proton beam. After the onset of the coherent beam–beam instability, both the beams could develop a spontaneous coherent oscillation and the quasi-equilibrium distribution of the lepton beam deviates from a Gaussian distribution with a formation of a beam halo. The collective instability of weak–strong beam–beam interactions has been confirmed in a beam experiment on HERA. The phenomena observed in the experiment qualitatively agree with the numerical prediction.
A comparison of statistical infrequency and subjective judgment as criteria in the measurement of originality.

The Alternate Uses test was administered to a sample of 60 college students. Three different criteria of originality were used in scoring: subjective judgment, statistical infrequency, and random numbers. Correlations among the three methods exceeded .67 (p < .01). The explanation for this finding is that the originality scores are strongly influenced by the number of responses (i.e., ideational fluency). Because the total originality score is based on a sum of the originality weightings for each response, individuals who give many responses are more likely to get high originality scores. Further analysis demonstrated that the subjective and statistical infrequency scoring techniques are not correlated when ideational fluency is controlled. Implications for the measurement of originality are discussed.
Detection of facilities in satellite imagery using semi-supervized image classification and auxiliary contextual observables

Detecting complex targets, such as facilities, in commercially available satellite imagery is a difficult problem that human analysts try to solve by applying world knowledge. Often there are known observables that can be extracted by pixel-level feature detectors that can assist in the facility detection process. Individually, each of these observables is not sufficient for an accurate and reliable detection, but in combination, these auxiliary observables may provide sufficient context for detection by a machine learning algorithm. We describe an approach for automatic detection of facilities that uses an automated feature extraction algorithm to extract auxiliary observables, and a semi-supervised assisted target recognition algorithm to then identify facilities of interest. We illustrate the approach using an example of finding schools in Quickbird image data of Albuquerque, New Mexico. We use Los Alamos National Laboratory's Genie Pro automated feature extraction algorithm to find a set of auxiliary features that should be useful in the search for schools, such as parking lots, large buildings, sports fields and residential areas and then combine these features using Genie Pro's assisted target recognition algorithm to learn a classifier that finds schools in the image data.
Who needs an artificial pancreas

The development of a closed-loop "artificial pancreas" would be a welcome advance for both endocrinologists and diabetic patients struggling to attain near normal glycemic control. While great strides in automatically controlling blood sugar in the fasting, sedentary state have been made through complex mathematical modeling, management of blood sugar excursions due to food and exercise have been more problematic. An artificial pancreas is not feasible at this time because of limitations inherent in the currently available technology.
Glucocorticoids reduce renal NHE8 expression

The proximal tubule reabsorbs most of the filtered bicarbonate which is mediated in large part by Na+/H+ exchange (NHE). We have previously demonstrated that there is an isoform switch during postnatal maturation from NHE8 to NHE3 that is concordant with the postnatal increase in serum glucocorticoid levels. To examine if glucocorticoids may be responsible for this isoform switch, we administered dexamethasone daily to mice at 7-10 days of age, a time prior to the normal isoform switch. We show that compared to vehicle treated controls, dexamethasone caused a premature increase in renal NHE3 and decrease in NHE8 mRNA, total protein and brush border membrane protein abundance. To examine if there was a direct epithelial action of dexamethasone on NHE8, we studied NRK cells in vitro which express NHE8 on their apical membrane. Dexamethasone decreased NHE8 mRNA, total protein, and apical protein abundance. Dexamethasone also decreased Na+/H+ exchanger activity. These studies provide evidence that glucocorticoids may play a role in the developmental isoform switch from NHE8 to NHE3 and cause a decrease in NHE8 expression and activity.
Stop Bullying Now! A Federal Campaign for Bullying Prevention and Intervention

This commentary describes a national bullying prevention effort, called Stop Bullying Now!, which aims to increase awareness of the problem of bullying and related research findings, and disseminate evidence-based approaches to prevention. Drawing on the special issue's main theme of the social context of bullying, the author describes the process used to develop the Stop Bullying Now! campaign, highlights the importance of interagency approaches to bullying prevention, and provides examples of social marketing and media activities aimed to prevent bullying on a national scale.
Protein Requirements of Coturnix Coturnix Japonica for Reproduction Using Purified Diets

Abstract Not more than 20% protein is needed in purified diets based on isolated soybean protein, starch supplemented with vitamins and minerals containing about 2700 kcal./kg. metabolizable energy for optimum egg production, fertility and hatchability. A protein level as low as 16% gave slightly inferior egg production, but the data were statistically insignificant. Levels of 24 and 28% protein were not superior to the 20% protein level for the reproductive performance.
Pulmonary function and exercise response in patients with pectus excavatum after Nuss repair.

Abstract Background/Purpose: The Ravitch repair of pectus excavatum removes segments of abnormal costal cartilages after which the sternum is elevated and stabilized. Some investigators have found a worsening in total lung capacity postoperatively. Recently, a technique has been used in which the costal cartilages are preserved, and the sternum is elevated with an internal steel bar (Nuss repair). The authors hypothesized that placement of a substernal bar in the first stage of the Nuss repair will not adversely affect pulmonary and exercise function. Methods: Patients who presented to the Children's Hospital of Buffalo for surgical repair of pectus excavatum from June 1997 through June 2000 underwent pulmonary function and exercise testing before and 6 to 12 months after the first stage of a Nuss repair. Results: Ten patients were studied (all boys; mean age at operative repair, 13.4 ± 3 years). Mean baseline pulmonary function was normal, and no significant differences were seen before and after placement of the intrathoracic bar. Peak oxygen consumption was near normal, although work at VO 2max was less than predicted (mean, 68.2% before v. 71.8% after surgery). V E was below normal and Vt/FVC was below the expected 50% to 60% level both before and after surgery (41.3% ± 3 SE and 41.6% ± 3 SE pre- and postoperatively, respectively). Conclusions: Placement of a substernal steel bar in the first stage of the Nuss procedure for repair of pectus excavatum does not cause adverse effects on either static pulmonary function or on the ventilatory response to exercise. J Pediatr Surg 38:544-547. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Phylogeny-guided isolation of ethyl tumonoate A from the marine cyanobacterium cf. Oscillatoria margaritifera.

The evolutionary relationships of cyanobacteria, as inferred by their SSU (16S) rRNA genes, were used as predictors of their potential to produce varied secondary metabolites. The evolutionary relatedness in geographically distant cyanobacterial specimens was then used as a guide for the detection and isolation of new variations of predicted molecules. This phylogeny-guided isolation approach for new secondary metabolites was tested in its capacity to direct the search for specific classes of new natural products from Curacao marine cyanobacteria. As a result, we discovered ethyl tumonoate A (1), a new tumonoic acid derivative with anti-inflammatory activity and inhibitory activity of calcium oscillations in neocortical neurons.
Automation of Knowledge Organization and Acquisition

In this paper, an ongoing investigation on the development of SPERIL Systems, which are knowledge-based expert systems for damage assessment of existing structures, is described. The development of a new version, SPERIL-3, is presented and the motivations for the development of this system are discussed. Specifically, knowledge organization and knowledge acquisition in this system are emphasized. The automation of knowledge acquisition is presented and discussed. In this paper, an ongoing investigation on the development of SPERIL systems, which are knowledge-based expert systems for damage assessment of existing structures, is described. The development of a new version, SPERIL-3, is presented and the motivations for the development of this system are discussed. Specifically, knowledge organization and knowledge acquisition in this system are emphasized. The automation of knowledge acquisition is presented and discussed.
DRILL-HOLE DESIGN FOR DILATIONAL ORE SHOOT TARGETS IN FAULT-FILL VEINS

Ore along fault-fill veins typically has an uneven distribution, with semilinear high-grade ore shoots separated by lower-grade zones or barren fault segments. Therefore, a successful drill campaign must be optimally designed for intersection of ore shoots and not the intervening zones. However, the typical drill-hole design for fault-fill veins, which targets the vein directly downdip from the highest-grade outcrops, will miss most ore shoots that rake less than ~80° to 90° in the structure. Dilational ore shoots form along pre- or synmineralization faults in localized, elongated structural openings perpendicular to the slip vector. The rake of such ore shoots in fault-fill veins can be predicted using models of stress-controlled fault-fracture kinematics. Equations are presented that use fault-kinematic data to design drill holes for optimal success in targeting such ore shoots. The equations calculate the universal transverse mercator (UTM) coordinates of the drill target given fault-fill vein orientation, slip-vector rake (usually determined from slickenlines), vertical depth to intersect the ore shoot, and the UTM coordinates of geochemically anomalous outcrops along the fault vein. Although the method assumes that fault kinematics control ore-shoot orientation, and is not applicable to all fault-vein ore shoots (such as those formed at intersections of faults or shear zones with permeable beds, other faults, or dikes), the method increases the probability of success for drill-testing ore shoots through optimal drill-hole design.
Electronic Structure of Tunable Materials MnAl and MnGa

We present first-principle calculations of equilibrium lattice constants, band structures, densities of states and magnetocrystaline anisotropy energy for bulk MnAl and MnGa. The linear-muffin-tin-orbital (LMTO) method has been used within the framework of the local spin density approximation (LSDA). Both the atomic sphere approximation (ASA) and the full-potential (FP) versions of the LMTO method were employed. Calculations of the equilibrium structures were performed both for paramagnetic and ferromagnetic phases of MnAl and MnGa. The results of these calculations indicate that the large tetragonal distortion of the crystal structure is caused by the spin polarization of the electronic subsystem. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy per unit cell for MnAl and MnGa is shown to be 0.244 meV and 0.422 meV respectively. This is in good agreement with previous calculations and some experimental data. Magnetic moments, density of states and dependence of magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy on the lattice constant ration c/a are also found to be in good agreement with previous results.
Interactive graphical database for undersea cable design

The development of a CAD program for undersea communication and power umbilical cables is described. This program permits the designer to rapidly and accurately lay out the geometry of standard cable components that results in the most compact cross-section possible. The architecture of the program is discussed in terms of efficient data management. A necessary requirement of the cable CAD program is the true geometric shape of all components to insure an accurate fit between adjacent elements. An algorithm that accurately maps the cable components to single and double helical paths is included. To optimize the geometrical construction by considering alternative combinations of component locations, the program can automatically fit components in the interstitial locations of adjacent helical layers. >
Changes in Rate of Transgression Across the Permian White Rim Sandstone, Southern Utah

ABSTRACT A change in the rate of transgression of the Permian Kaibab sea across southern Utah is proposed on the basis of stratal relations and preserved paleotopography in the Permian White Rim Sandstone. As the Kaibab sea transgressed southern Utah, across a generally west-dipping continental margin, the rate of transgression increased. Interbedded coastal dune sandstones (White Rim Sandstone) and marine carbonates (Kaibab limestone) reflect slow transgression across what is now south-central Utah. Preserved paleotopography and the absence of intertonguing of carbonates and sandstones in southeastern Utah reflects a more rapid transgression, indicating that the rate of sea-level rise increased with time. Throughout the transgression, relative rise in sea level was discontinuous, and punctuat d by stillstands. In general, intervening stillstands decreased in duration as the transgression progressed. This change in transgression rate can be interpreted in one of two ways: rate of regional sea-level rise across southern Utah increased with time, or previously unrecognized and localized subsidence occurred in eastern Utah during Kaibab transgression. Although regional tectonism is important, we favor the former interpretation because no independent evidence of local tectonic movement can be found.
A separation principle for a class of hybrid automata on a partial order

We consider a parallel composition of two order preserving hybrid automata with imperfect state information. We show that the order preserving properties of the dynamics lead to a separation principle between state estimation and control under safety specifications. We provide a dynamic feedback algorithm that is guaranteed to terminate and whose complexity scales with the number of continuous variables.
Evidence-based management of necrotizing pancreatitis.

Pancreatic necrosis may result as a complication of acute pancreatitis, often causing significant morbidity and mortality. There are many recommendations concerning the management of pancreatic necrosis, including non-operative management with supportive care and antibiotics, computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous drainage, endoscopic transluminal drainage, and operative necrosectomy. Historically, pancreatic necrosis has been treated surgically. However, surgical management of pancreatic necrosis is associated with high mortality (6–28 %) and morbidity (19–62 %). Thus, endoscopic therapy has emerged as a relatively new minimally invasive technique for treating infected and/or symptomatic pancreatic necrosis in the last decade. Although there have been two randomized trials comparing endoscopic transluminal drainage versus operative necrosectomy, there is little data regarding timing, indication, and outcomes of these procedures.
Characterization of microsatellite markers for Couch's spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus couchii) and cross‐amplification in other species of the family Scaphiopodidae

I developed 12 di- and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Couch's spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus couchii). These loci have 3–37 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.157 to 0.941 among 85 individuals from four populations. Global and within-population exact tests do not reveal departure from Hardy–Weinberg expectations and all loci pairs are in linkage equilibrium. These independent markers will be useful for studies of population structure and kinship in this commonly studied amphibian. Additionally, several of these loci may be applicable for studies of other North American toads of the family Scaphiopodidae.
Brain Herniations into the Dural Venous Sinuses or Calvarium: MRI of a Recently Recognized Entity

Brain herniations into dural venous sinuses (DVS) are rare findings recently described and their etiology and clinical significance are controversial. We describe five patients with brain herniations into the DVS or calvarium identified on MRI, and discuss their imaging findings, possible causes, and relationship to the patient's symptoms. All patients were examined with MRI including high resolution pre- and post-contrast T1- and T2-weighted sequences. With respect to brain herniations we documented their locations, signal intensities in different sequences, and size. We then reviewed clinical records in an attempt to establish if any symptoms were related to the presence of these herniations. Three males and two females were examined (age range, 11-68 years). Three patients had unilateral temporal lobe herniations into transverse sinuses, one had a cerebellar herniation into the skull, and one had bilateral temporal lobe herniations into the transverse sinuses as well as a cerebellar herniation into the sigmoid sinus. In all, the herniated brain and surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) had normal signal intensity on all MRI sequences. When correlated with clinical symptoms, brain herniations were thought to be incidental and asymptomatic in three patients and two patients had histories of headaches. Brain herniations with surrounding CSF into the DVS/skull should be considered potential sources of filling defects in the DVS. We believe that they are probably incidental findings that may be more common than previously recognized and should be not confused with the more common arachnoid granulations, clots, or tumors. Two patients had headaches, but their relation to the presence of herniated brain was uncertain.
Revisiting the Fuel Tax–Based Transportation Funding System in the United States:

Increasing concerns are noted over the current transportation funding system based on fuel taxes, but there has been little scholarly literature that evaluates the fuel tax system in a comprehensive manner. As a synthesis, this article reviews the background of fuel taxes designated for transportation and examines issues related to the fuel taxes with four tax-evaluation principles, including economic efficiency, social equity, revenue adequacy, and political and administrative feasibility. Although the analysis does not indicate an absolute denial of fuel taxes as a revenue source to support transportation, it shows that the current transportation funding system based on fuel taxes is no longer sustainable with the rapid erosion of fuel tax base.
A new method for assessing the impact of emerging infections on global trade

In this paper, the authors describe a new method for assessing the impact of emerging infections on global trade flows. When one compares notifications to the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the emergency measures taken to control certain animal and plant diseases with the trade values of certain products from the United Nation's Commodity Trade Statistics Database (Comtrade) (identified through the World Customs Organization's harmonised system of tariff product codes [HS]), it is possible to estimate the extent to which trade has been diverted from the affected economies. The authors study in detail the example of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). When member countries of the WTO change their import policies towards the goods of a trading partner, as the result of an emerging disease such as BSE, they must file notifications of such changes through the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee of the WTO. To quantify the impact of BSE on trade, the authors compared these notifications against Comtrade statistics, using the HS 1996 tariff code variable. (The HS 1996 tariff codes allow the tracking and recording of the volumes of exports and imports, in quantity and value, between any two member countries between 1998 and 2000 in the database.) The authors then used this linked dataset to describe the dollar impact of the BSE-related notifications filed in 2000 on the trade flow of imports. The results of this study suggest that economies affected by BSE notifications saw a decline of US$5.6 billion from hypothetical projections in designated products. At the same time, unaffected economies saw an increase of US$1.5 billion from hypothetical projections in the same products. Thus, it may be concluded that import restrictions to control the spread of emergent spongiform encephalopathy infection had a significant effect on trade flows. These results also emphasise the interconnectedness of global trade: trade restrictions for some economies may enhance trade opportunities for others. Further studies using these methods are warranted.
Reproductive biology of three sympatric endangered plants endemic to Florida scrub

We investigated the reproductive biology of three plants endemic to rosemary scrub habitats on the Lake Wales Ridge of Florida, USA. We used hand-pollination experiments and observations of flowers and their insect visitors to determine their mating systems and pollination. Fruit or seed set after self pollination was 94, 97, and 8% of fruit or seed set after cross pollination in Eryngium cuneifolium (Apiaceae), Hypericum cumulicola (Hypericaceae), and Liatris ohlingerae (Asteraceae) respectively, indicating that the first two are self-compatible and the last is obligately outcrossing. All three depend on insects for seed production (4–7% fruit or seed set without insects). Diverse insects visit flowers of E. cuneifolium (101 species recorded), whereas L. ohlingerae is visited predominantly by butterflies and H. cumulicola by one genus of bees (Dialictus, Halictidae). Our data indicate pollinator visitation does not currently limit seed production in E. cuneifolium or H. cumulicola, but does in L. ohlingerae. Despite the features they share (habit, habitat, disturbance regime), we found unique aspects of these species’ reproductive biology yielding unique risks to population viability. We suggest that multispecies recovery plans must consider several aspects of the biology of species with superficial similarities to be successful. # 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A model for molecular weights in vinyl acetate emulsion polymerization

The continuous stirred tank emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate has shown oscillatory behavior in conversion, particle size, molecular weight, and polydispersity during polymerization. The kinetics in vinyl acetate emulsion polymerization are especially complex because of chain transfer to polymer and monomer and the terminal double bond reaction. A nonsteady-state model to predict the average molecular weights is developed for this polymerization system. Improved results are achieved by inclusion of the effects of polymer chain initiation and termination by absorbed radicals. It is found that the observed oscillations are closely related to the radical diffusion and desorption rates that are involved in a heterogeneous initiation mechanism. The molecular weights and polydispersities are successfully predicted by the model. The nature of the oscillations in these properties is examined.
Evidence-Based ADHD Treatment with a Spanish-Speaking Latino Family

Though data support effective treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), little research examining these interventions with ethnic minority families exists. Thus, the current c...
Phthalate metabolism and kinetics in an in vitro model of testis development

We have developed an in vitro model of testis development (3D-TCS) using rat testicular cells overlaid with extracellular matrix. One barrier preventing utilization of in vitro models in toxicity testing is the absence of metabolic capability. Another challenge is lack of kinetic data for compounds in vitro. We characterized metabolic capabilities and investigated the kinetics of phthalate male reproductive toxicants in the 3D-TCS. Cells were treated with three phthalate diesters for 2, 8 and 24 h. Parent compounds and metabolites were measured in cell culture media and cell lysate via mass spectrometry. Levels of monoester metabolites were used as an indication of metabolism of phthalates via lipase activity. Metabolites were detected in all treated cell media and cell lysate samples, with levels ranging from <0.5-14.7% of initial mass of parent compound. Phthalates partitioned between media and lysate in a manner consistent with each compound's degree of lipophilicity. UDGPT activity was detected in DBP and DEP treated samples. 3D-TCS microarray data indicated gene expression for lipases and CYPP450s. Results indicate that the 3D-TCS is a metabolically active co-culture and that physiochemical properties can provide information about the kinetics of compounds in the 3D-TCS, improving our ability to interpret results from the model.
Comparative Risk Assessment of Formulation Changes in Generic Drug Products: A Pharmacology/Toxicology Perspective

This review highlights general toxicology concerns caused by formulation differences between generic and innovator drugs. It underscores the importance of a scientific, clinically oriented, evidence-based comparative safety evaluation procedure for generic drugs and discusses representative case studies from a pharmacology-toxicology perspective. For consideration by generic drug industry stakeholders, this article provides an overview of comparative risk assessments for generic drug products.
Deep sequencing of circulating tumor DNA for personalized lung cancer detection and radiotherapy response monitoring

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) represents a promising biomarker for sensitive, specific, and dynamic detection of disease burden in cancer patients. Mutations in tumor-derived DNA represent ideal potential biomarkers since they are highly specific to tumor cells and involved in disease pathogenesis. However, even in advanced cancer patients, concentrations of ctDNA are often very low and therefore difficult to detect. We have developed a novel, ultra-sensitive and specific method for detection of circulating tumor DNA called Cancer Personalized Profiling by Deep Sequencing (CAPP-Seq). This method was developed specifically for detection of ctDNA in nonsmall cell lung cancer patients, although it is broadly applicable to other cancer types. In this presentation I will describe recent improvements to CAPP-Seq that further improve the sensitivity of the assay, with a focus on applications of ctDNA analysis in lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.
Renal handling of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the dog.

SummaryThe renal clearance of 5-HIAA at low plasma concentrations in the dog averaged 143 ± 7.8 ml/min/M2 with simultaneous creatinine and sodium iodohippurate I131 clearances of 66 ± 3.6 and 223 ± 20 ml/min/M2, respectively. Probenecid administration resulted in a marked depression of the 5-HIAA clearance. Tubular secretion accounted for 88% of the 5-HIAA excreted in the urine. A tubular maximum was achieved at plasma 5-HIAA levels above 34 mg%. Ultrafiltration studies demonstrated that 80 to 87% of the plasma 5-HIAA was bound to proteins with the major portion bound to albumin.
A Simplified Model of Alkane Oxidation

A simplified model is proposed for the kinetics of alkane oxidation in air, based on a decomposition of heavy (carbon number greater or equal to 3) hydrocarbons into a 13 constituent radical base. The behavior of this base is examined in test computations for n-heptane utilizing Chemkin II with LLNL data inputs, placing emphasis on modeling to predict the heat release and temperature evolution. A normalized temperature was constructed which when used to plot the total constructed molar density divided by the product of the equivalence ratio and a nondimensional pressure, reveals a self-similar behavior of the plotted variable over a wide range of initial pressures and equivalence ratios. Examination of the LLNL kinetics shows that the total constituent molar density rate follows a quasi-steady behavior. This reaction rate was curve fitted along with the corresponding enthalpy production. The fits are shown against the normalized temperature for various equivalence ratios and initial nondimensional pressures and comparisons with the LLNL kinetics are very favorable. The model reduces the LLNL n-heptane mechanism from 160 species (progress variables) and 1540 reactions to 12 progress variables, 16 quasi-steady rates (associated with heavy species), 162 conventional reaction rates (light species) and 11 other functional forms. (i.e. fits for the mean heavy-species heat capacity at constant pressure, the enthalpy release rate of the heavy species, and the molar fraction of quasi-steady light species). The proposed kinetic mechanism is valid over a pressure range from atmospheric to 60 bar, temperatures from 600 K to 2500 K and equivalence ratios from 0.125 to 8. This range encompasses diesel, HCCI and gas turbine engines, including cold ignition; and NO_x, CO and soot pollutant formation in the lean and rich regimes, respectively.
MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS ASSOCIATED MYCOTIC GIANT CORONARY ARTERY ANEURYSM

Intravesical administration of live attenuated Mycobacterium bovis, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), is an effective therapy for bladder cancer with rare side effects. Less than 30 cases of BCG mycotic aneurysms are reported, therefore diagnosis is frequently delayed. Our patient is the first case
First-Principles Investigation of Mercury Adsorption on the α-Fe2O3(11̅02) Surface

Theoretical investigations using density functional theory (DFT) have been carried out to understand the interaction between mercury (Hg) and hematite (α-Fe2O3), both of which are released during the coal combustion processes. A clean α-Fe2O3(1102) surface was chosen as a representative hematite model in this study based upon a previous ab initio thermodynamics study showing the high stability of this surface in the temperature range of typical flue gases. In order to determine the effect of chlorine (Cl) during Hg adsorption, the most probable adsorption sites of Hg, Cl, and HgCl on the clean α-Fe2O3 surface termination were found based on adsorption energy calculations, and the oxidation states of the adsorbates were determined by Bader charge analysis. Additionally, the projected density of states (PDOS) analysis characterizes the surface–adsorbate bonding mechanism. The adsorption energy of −0.103 eV indicates that Hg physisorbs to the clean α-Fe2O3 surface, and the subsequent Bader analysis confirms...
A compilation of alternative therapies.

The author discusses a number of alternative therapies for common conditions often encountered by dermatologists.
Human motion identification using functional near-infrared spectroscopy and smartwatch

Copious amounts of people around the globe currently suffer from ailments in moving, which range from neurodegenerative diseases to colossal accidents. In this study, oxygenated hemoglobin of the brain is monitored using a functional near infrared spectroscopy coupled with a smart watch to detect kinetic activity. It was seen that as participants flipped their left or right hands, at different speeds, there was a detectable increase in oxygenated hemoglobin in the cerebral motor cortex. These promising results could later be used in the advancement of applications based around telehealthcare and brain-computer interface.
A Demographic Exploration of Whole Body Donors at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

OBJECTIVE To examine and characterize the occupational histories of individuals who donated their whole bodies to the Anatomical Gift Program at Warren Alpert Medical School (AMS) from the academic years 2003-2004 to 2013-2014. DESIGN AND METHODS A retrospective chart review of 491 individuals who donated their whole bodies to Alpert Medical School was conducted upon IRB approval from Brown University. Demographic, social, and occupational histories were abstracted for analysis and review. There were no interventions. Descriptive statistics, Student T-test and Difference in Proportions Test were used to characterize information abstracted from donor applications to the Anatomical Gift Program. PRIMARY RESULTS From academic years 2003-2004 to 2013-2014, 491 individuals donated their bodies to the Anatomical Gift Program. Donors were split equally by gender (female = 52%; male = 48%). The median age of donors was 82 years; the vast majority self-identified as white (98%). The majority of donors came from occupations involved with industry (23%) or office work, hospitality and retail (24%). Of the 491 body donors, 2 were physicians (0.4%). PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that in the past decade, physicians have made few contributions to AMS. This remains in concert with current literature showing a lack of physician whole body donors. Future research must explore physician attitudes towards whole body donation.
Ionization Properties of Histidine Residues in the Lipid Bilayer Membrane Environment.

We address the critically important ionization properties of histidine side chains of membrane proteins, when exposed directly to lipid acyl chains within lipid bilayer membranes. The problem is important for addressing general principles that may underlie membrane protein function. To this end, we have employed a favorable host peptide framework provided by GWALP23 (acetyl-GGALW5LALALALALALALW19LAGA-amide). We inserted His residues into position 12 or 14 of GWALP23 (replacing either Leu12 or Leu14) and incorporated specific [2H]Ala labels within the helical core sequence. Solid-state 2H NMR spectra report the folding and orientation of the core sequence, revealing marked differences in the histidine-containing transmembrane helix behavior between acidic and neutral pH conditions. At neutral pH, the GWALP23-H12 and GWALP23-H14 helices exhibit well defined tilted transmembrane orientations in dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC)and dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC) bilayer membranes. Under acidic conditions, when His12 is protonated and charged, the GWALP23-H12 helix exhibits a major population that moves to the DOPC bilayer surface and a minor population that occupies multiple transmembrane states. The response to protonation of His14 is an increase in helix tilt, but GWALP23-H14 remains in a transmembrane orientation. The results suggest pKa values of less than 3 for His12 and about 3–5 for His14 in DOPC membranes. In the thinner DLPC bilayers, with increased water access, the helices are less responsive to changes in pH. The combined results enable us to compare the ionization properties of lipid-exposed His, Lys, and Arg side chains in lipid bilayer membranes.
End-to-end network service lifecycle demonstration

Virtualization of network elements and the transition from embedded systems requires an extension of the existing paradigm of software lifecycle development and management to what traditionally has been done for each embedded system. In this paper IBM will cover the end-to-end design of such systems such that they can deliver deterministic, repeatable services in both a hybrid and fully virtualized network.
High-harmonic generation from an atomically thin semiconductor

Observations of high-harmonic generation from a single layer of a transition metal dichalcogenide opens the door to studying strong-field and attosecond phenomena in two-dimensional materials. High-harmonic generation (HHG) in bulk solids permits the exploration of materials in a new regime of strong fields and attosecond timescales1,2,3,4,5,6. The generation process has been discussed in the context of strongly driven electron dynamics in single-particle bands7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14. Two-dimensional materials exhibit distinctive electronic properties compared to the bulk that could significantly modify the HHG process15,16, including different symmetries17,18,19, access to individual valleys20,21 and enhanced many-body interactions22,23,24,25. Here we demonstrate non-perturbative HHG from a monolayer MoS2 crystal, with even and odd harmonics extending to the 13th order. The even orders are predominantly polarized perpendicular to the pump and are compatible with the anomalous transverse intraband current arising from the material’s Berry curvature, while the weak parallel component suggests the importance of interband transitions. The odd harmonics exhibit a significant enhancement in efficiency per layer compared to the bulk, which is attributed to correlation effects. The combination of strong many-body Coulomb interactions and widely tunable electronic properties in two-dimensional materials offers a new platform for attosecond physics.