cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detecting, Localizing, and Treating the Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Invisible Lesion: Utilizing Three-Dimensional Transperineal Mapping

The diagnosis of prostate cancer by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy is being eclipsed by MRI-targeted biopsy and transperineal mapping biopsy (TPMB). The former selectively identifies and targets the larger higher-grade cancers, while the latter identifies all cancers, regardless of grade. New technology enables physicians to co-register the multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) images to a TRUS platform creating a target for the urologist to aim at. But what happens if the MRI is negative and there is still suspicion for significant prostate cancer to be present? Current data suggests that a negative MRI could miss up to 30 % of clinically significant cancers, especially if they are smaller than 0.5 mL. TPMB finds more cancers than mpMRI, but many of these are low-grade lesions that may not require intervention. In addition, TPMB is limited because physicians utilize biopsy needles that were designed for the transrectal approach. Imaging software, which is a component of mpMRI, does not exist for the TPMB. We propose a solution to increase the detection of lesions as small as 2.5 mm (radius) and to provide a precise roadmap to focally ablate these lesions with precision when indicated. The 3DBiopsy System includes three-dimensional image-guided software, a biopsy needle, and gun capable of taking variable-length samples of the prostate dependent on the oblique angle of the ultrasound probe when imaging in sagittal and an integrated pathology system that preserves the integrity of the longer cores enabling the pathologist to determine the exact position and length of cancer on each specimen.
Domestic politics and the power to punish: The case of national human rights institutions:

Why do states give institutions the ability to legally punish them? While past research focuses on international pressure to delegate authority to third parties, I argue that domestic politics play...
Investigation of the Melting Behavior of DNA Three-Way Junctions in the Closed and Open States

Abstract Intramolecular three-way junctions are commonly found in both DNA and RNA. These structures are functionally relevant in ribozymes, riboswitches, rRNA, and during replication. In this work, we present a thermodynamic description of the unfolding of DNA intramolecular three-way junctions. We used a combination of spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques to investigate the folding/unfolding thermodynamics of two three-way junctions with a closed ( Closed-J ) or open ( Open-J ) junction and their appropriate control stem-loop motifs ( GAAATT-Hp , CTATC-Hp , and Dumbbell ). The overall results show that both junctions are stable over a wide range of salt concentrations. However, Open-J is more stable due to a higher enthalpy contribution from the formation of a higher number of basepair stacks whereas Closed-J has a defined structure and retains the basepair stacking of all three stems. The comparison of the experimental results of Closed-J and Open-J with those of their component stem-loop motifs allowed us to be more specific about their cooperative unfolding. For instance, Closed-J sacrifices thermal stability of the Dumbbell structure to maintain an overall folded state. At higher salt concentration, the simultaneous unfolding of the above domains is lost, resulting in the unfolding of the three separate stems. In contrast, the junction of Open-J in low salt retains the thermal and enthalpic stability of the Dumbbell structure although sacrificing stability of the CTATC stem. The relative stability of Dumbbell is the primary reason for the higher Δ G ° (5) , or free energy, value seen for Open-J at low salt. Higher salt not only maintains thermal stability of the Dumbbell structure in Open-J but causes the CTATC stem to fully fold.
Detection of emergent behaviors in system of dynamical systems using similitude theory

The existence of emergent properties, desirable or undesirable, makes a system harder to analyze and design, and requires a formal approach for detecting and reasoning about its causes and nature. The research effort presented in this extended abstract focuses on exploring emergent behaviors in a multi-agent dynamical system with the intent of reduction in complexity of detection of such unexpected behaviors. Our approach relies on the theory of similitude (or physical similarity), where the main idea is that similar behaviors occur when the values of the system variables are in a specific relation. These relations, captured using dimensionless quantities, define a hypersurface in the space spanned over the system variables, which in turn can be used to measure the distance to potential undesirable behaviors. We use similitude theory to detect undesirable emergent behaviors in swarms of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), treated as a complex dynamical system. Since this is a part of ongoing research, future directions are also discussed.
Affinology: The Affinograph Method for Genealogy

The word “affinology” is used instead of the conventional term, genealogy to include a wider range of relationships without regard for gender or pedigree. Four affinology charts are presented. One shows the lineage of two branches of an American colonial family. Another shows the descent of Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani. Early polygamy among the Hawaiian monarchs is compared to marital histories of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton . The fourth affinology depicts President Barack H. Obama’s family. The affinograph of his family spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa through a network of strict monogamy, serial monogamy, and polygamy. President Obama’s family history may be one of the most complex of all presidential families.
Censorship of Library Collections: An Analysis Using Gatekeeping Theory

One pressing issue in libraries today is the censorship of information. This theoretical essay uses Kurt Lewin's gatekeeping theory to examine the decision-makers as well as the different pressures...
A Case for Infrastructural Opportunism

Since the publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987, the term “sustainable development” and its accompanying definition, “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the...
Snapshot: Socioeconomic Competence in US Neurosurgery Residents.

Introduction Socioeconomic topics such as federal mandates/regulations, conflict of interest, and practice management have become increasingly important for all neurosurgeons. Graduating residents immediately need a host of skills to successfully navigate neurosurgical practice. Surgical and medical skills are closely evaluated through the American Board of Neurological Surgery, and a formal socioeconomic curriculum has been developed with defined milestones. Nevertheless, little has been done to evaluate neurosurgery resident competence in socioeconomic and medicolegal principles. The purpose of this study was to assess the competence of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education neurosurgical residents in socioeconomic knowledge. Methods Neurosurgery resident members of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (N = 1385) were sent a Survey Monkey of 10 questions. The survey covered the most basic of socioeconomic principles. Initial survey responses were collected across a 1-month period from April to May 2018. Results The response rate was 14% (194/1385). Overall, neurosurgery residents would have received a grade of D, with an average score of 67% on the survey. For 7 of the 10 questions, the majority (>50%) of neurosurgery residents answered correctly. Furthermore, for 3 questions, more than 90% of residents selected the correct answer. However, for one-half of all questions, residents averaged a score of less than 65%. Residents tended to answer questions correctly for physician compensation and compensation models, but incorrectly for topics of informed consent, Controlled Substances Act, and conflicts of interest. Conclusion With the increasing complexity of neurosurgery practice, solid knowledge of socioeconomic topics is essential. The study confirms suspected deficiencies in socioeconomic proficiency among neurosurgery residents, despite the availability of a validated curriculum. This knowledge gap will likely affect career success and satisfaction. Nevertheless, this survey had a significantly low response rate, and it may be an incomplete representation of the neurosurgical resident mind. Focused educational initiatives through the neurosurgical Residency Review Committee and individual training programs must facilitate an action plan that ensures the effective implementation of socioeconomic curricula.
Security-Constrained ACOPF: Incorporating Worst Contingencies and Discrete Controllers

The work reported in this paper aims at developing an algorithm for system operators to solve a robust security-constrained AC optimal power flow (R-SC-ACOPF) problem, which also optimizes the settings of discrete controllers including load tap changers (LTCs) and shunt capacitor banks (SCBs). An iterative algorithm involving a master problem and a number of sub-problems is proposed. The master problem selects the optimal discrete controllers’ settings by taking into account primal SC-ACOPF constraints based on the single-component worst contingencies identified by the sub-problems. Each sub-problem is a bi-level max-min problem used to find the current worst contingency. The overall objective is to minimize the total cost, including generation and load shedding cost, while satisfying all relevant constraints. The master problem and sub-problems allow representing LTC tap positions, SCB status, and contingencies using binary variables. Two case studies are presented as applications of this novel technique.
Application Analysis of Unmanned Technology in Construction Machinery

With the combination of computer and automation technology, unmanned driving technology is developing rapidly, especially in the field of engineering machinery. The application of driverless technology is more prominent. It improves vehicle driving performance, reduces driver's labor intensity and reduces the incidence of traffic accidents and the operation in harsh conditions and extreme conditions have great prospects. This paper mainly analyzes the specific application of driverless technology in the field of engineering machinery.
Stretchable and Fully Degradable Semiconductors for Transient Electronics

The next materials challenge in organic stretchable electronics is the development of a fully degradable semiconductor that maintains stable electrical performance under strain. Herein, we decouple the design of stretchability and transience by harmonizing polymer physics principles and molecular design in order to demonstrate for the first time a material that simultaneously possesses three disparate attributes: semiconductivity, intrinsic stretchability, and full degradability. We show that we can design acid-labile semiconducting polymers to appropriately phase segregate within a biodegradable elastomer, yielding semiconducting nanofibers that concurrently enable controlled transience and strain-independent transistor mobilities. Along with the future development of suitable conductors and device integration advances, we anticipate that these materials could be used to build fully biodegradable diagnostic or therapeutic devices that reside inside the body temporarily, or environmental monitors that are placed in the field and break down when they are no longer needed. This fully degradable semiconductor represents a promising advance toward developing multifunctional materials for skin-inspired electronic devices that can address previously inaccessible challenges and in turn create new technologies.
Unpacking the Mascot Debate: Native American Identification Predicts Opposition to Native Mascots:

While major organizations representing Native Americans (e.g., National Congress of American Indians) contend that Native mascots are stereotypical and dehumanizing, sports teams with Native mascot...
From Racial to Reparative Planning: Confronting the White Side of Planning:

This paper advances a conceptual apparatus capable of accounting for planning’s entanglement with white supremacy and racial capitalism by developing a theory of racial planning. Racial planning, a...
Modeling anisotropic single crystal growth kinetics in liquid phase sintered α-Al2O3

Single crystals of α-alumina with {0001}, {11 $$\overline 2 $$ and {01 $$\overline 1 $$ 2} orientations were embedded in a matrix of liquid phase sintered alumina to study α-alumina single crystal growth in the presence of a calcium aluminosilicate liquid. Growth on the {11 $$\overline 2 $$ 0} and {01 $$\overline 1 $$ 2} surfaces was observed to occur by a diffusion-controlled mechanism while growth on the basal surface was controlled by two-dimensional nucleation. Growth models, which incorporate the change in matrix grain size, were derived and shown to fit the growth kinetics.
Obtaining Xenopus laevis Embryos

The embryos of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, are a powerful substrate for the study of complex fundamental biological and disease mechanisms in neurobiology, physiology, molecular biology, cell biology, and developmental biology. A simple and straightforward technique for generating a large number of developmentally synchronized embryos is in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF permits simultaneous fertilization of thousands of eggs but requires the death of the parental male, which may not be feasible if the male comes from a stock of precious animals. An alternative to euthanizing a precious male is to use a natural mating, which allows for the collection of many embryos with minimal preparation but with the potential loss of the experimental advantage of developmental synchronization. Here we present both strategies for obtaining X. laevis embryos.
Latent Profiles of Home Environmental Modifications Use in the Women’s Health Initiative

Identify common home environmental modifications used by aging women to preserve independence with latent class analysis (LCA). A cross-sectional survey was collected from 71,257 women in the Women...
Strategic Institutional Positioning: How We’ve Come to Generate Environmental Law Without Congress

When examining legislation authorizing administrative agencies to promulgate rules, we are often left asking whether Congress “delegates” away its lawmaking authority by giving agencies too much power and discretion to decide what rules should be promulgated and to determine how rich to make their content. If the agencies get broad authority, it is not too hard to understand why they would fulsomely embrace the grant to its fullest. Once agencies are let loose by broad grants of rulemaking authority and they are off to the races, we are also often left scratching our heads wondering why Congress fails to intervene ex post to alter the law, to check administrative agency overreach, or to clarify its intent and preferences. This Essay explains why none of the institutional dynamics we observe in administrative law should be surprising, with particular emphasis on environmental laws and rules. It will explain why both Congress and agencies have strategic interests at stake that cause them to position their activities in manners that make each complicit in expansion of the regulatory state and the collapse of the containment walls designed to keep lawmaking inside Congress. The essay introduces fundamental ideas of separation of powers and the Framers’ design for adherence to that separation. It identifies motivations for Congress to legislate broadly and to disengage from a supervisory role over agencies, despite contrary intentions in the Framers design. It discusses agencies as self-interested actors that will accept legislative-like authority if it is offered to them. And, it uses case studies on National Monuments and the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule as demonstrative of the strategic positioning phenomenon. In particular, the essay explains why environmental law is an area where we can predict a high frequency of these problems of congressional abdication that enables administrative overreach. Adapted from a speech on a panel about “Environmental Law without Congress: Are Alternatives to Legislation Eclipsing the Congressional Role in Setting Policy Priorities for Environmental Protection?”, the goal of this Essay is to explore the threat these institutional interests pose to preservation of the separation of powers and to begin identifying the areas to target in order to bring the current allocation of authority for generating the core requirements of environmental law into better alignment with the original constitutional design.
Emerging Materials Based Electro-Optic Phase Modulators

We conduct an ab-initio analysis of modulator performance based on heterogeneously integrating emerging materials validating a small modal cross section availed by plasmonic modes which enables high-performance operation, physically realized by arguments on charge-distribution.
China's Security State: Philosophy, Evolution, and Politics

1. Historical evolution of public security organizations 2. From the social affairs department to the ministry of public security 3. Leading central security agency: Central Guard Bureau 4. Elite security corps: Central Guard Regiment 5. Armed police and its historical role in the CCP politics 6. People's armed police in the reform era 7. Garrison commands 8. CCP intelligence agencies and services in the revolutionary era 9. The intelligence apparatus and services under PRC 10. The PLA, security services, and the elite politics.
Metal Plasticity as a Problem of Thermodynamics

The lecture presented at the Symposium was based on two recent papers [1, 2], each of them representing the text of an invited lecture.
Cyclic CO2 release in diapausing pupae—II: Tracheal anatomy, volume and pCO2; Blood volume; Interburst CO2 release rate

An average one gram cyclically-respiring diapausing pupa of the saturniid moth Agapema galbina has a tracheal volume of about 60 μl and a tracheal pCO2 of 45 mm Hg. This shows that nearly 90 per cent of the approximately 30 μl of gaseous CO2 released during a “burst” must come out of solution and combination in tissue stores. Body water per g is distributed: blood, 330 μl; tissues, 180 μl; gut lumen, 100 μl; and cuticle 110 μl. Dimensions of the major parts of the tracheal path from environment to tissues are given, and it is shown by computation that the spiracular valve is the only site where significant resistance to diffusion could occur. It is shown statistically that the rate of CO2 release increases gradually during the interburst period, as it should if CO2 is being impounded in body buffers. Arguments are advanced for cyclic CO2 release being potentially widespread in insects under conditions where O2 supply is high relative to demand.
Tailoring of composite links for optimal damped elasto-dynamic performance

A method is developed for the optimal design of composite links based on dynamic performance criteria directly related to structural modal damping and dynamic stiffness. An integrated mechanics theory correlates structural composite damping to the parameters of basic composite material systems, laminate parameters, link shape, and modal deformations. The inclusion of modal properties allows the selective minimization of vibrations associated with specific modes. Ply angles and fiber volumes are tailored to obtain optimal combinations of damping and stiffness. Applications to simple composite links indicate wide margins for trade-offs and illustrate the importance of various design variables to the optimal design.
Same-Sex Partners: Strangers, Third Parties, or Parents? The Changing Legal Landscape and the Struggle for Parental Equality

This Article traces the dramatic evolution in various states regarding the status of same-sex partners who have chosen to create families through adoption, artificial insemination, or other reproductive technology. The author explores a variety of approaches to achieving parental equality and analyzes the different theories courts have used to give rights to same-sex partners who are not biologically related to the children they are raising. This Article sets forth the traditional approach of denying recognition of any legal parental status to claims by same-sex partners and examines cases treating same-sex partners as third parties with limited rights to custody or visitation. It further discusses ways same-sex partners in some jurisdictions have achieved full parental status. Lastly, the author highlights questions related to these developments and offers practical suggestions for attorneys counseling same-sex couples seeking to protect the parental rights of individuals who have been denied access to their children.
Toward regional transportation governance: a case study of Greater Vancouver

This paper discusses the evolving institutional structure and governance of transportation planning, policy development and transit delivery within one major North American city-region, the Greater Vancouver area. Various methods of transportation governance are explored from complete independence to full regional integration. The move away from a direct provincial role in transportation management to a greater regional transit authority is discussed and critiqued.
Combining NMR spectral and structural data to form models of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, dibenzofurans, and biphenyls binding to the AhR

A three-dimensional quantitative spectrometric data-activity relationship (3D-QSDAR) modeling technique which uses NMR spectral and structural information that is combined in a 3D-connectivity matrix has been developed. A 3D-connectivity matrix was built by displaying all possible assigned carbon NMR chemical shifts, carbon-to-carbon connections, and distances between the carbons. Two-dimensional 13C-13C COSY and 2D slices from the distance dimension of the 3D-connectivity matrix were used to produce a relationship among the 2D spectral patterns for polychlorinated dibenzofurans, dibenzodioxins, and biphenyls (PCDFs, PCDDs, and PCBs respectively) binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). We refer to this technique as comparative structural connectivity spectral analysis (CoSCoSA) modeling. All CoSCoSA models were developed using forward multiple linear regression analysis of the predicted 13C NMR structure-connectivity spectral bins. A CoSCoSA model for 26 PCDFs had an explained variance (r2) of 0.93 and an average leave-four-out cross-validated variance (q(2)4) of 0.89. A CoSCoSA model for 14 PCDDs produced an r2 of 0.90 and an average leave-two-out cross-validated variance (q(2)2) of 0.79. One CoSCoSA model for 12 PCBs gave an r2 of 0.91 and an average q(2)2 of 0.80. Another CoSCoSA model for all 52 compounds had an r2 of 0.85 and an average q(2)2 of 0.52. Major benefits of CoSCoSA modeling include ease of development since the technique does not use molecular docking routines.
Arrays of Point Sources

Arranging the elements in an aperture is the critical first step in the array design process. Point sources replace real antenna elements in order to determine the element spacing, lattice, aperture shape, and number of elements that meet array performance requirements. The amplitude and phase of the electromagnetic field radiated by an isotropic point source are constant at a set instant in time and distance from the source. Aliasing occurs when the array takes less than 2 samples of the signal per period. Spatial aliasing produces large pattern lobes that steal gain from the main beam and point in directions other than the desired direction. Elements in a subarray are combined to form one signal. The Bayliss amplitude taper produces low sidelobes for different patterns. The normalized desired amplitude taper serves as a probability density function for a uniform array that is to be thinned.
The Next Frontier: Corporate America Improving Employee Productivity By Implementing Programs To Reduce Sleep Deprivation

This is a two-part paper that discusses sleep deprivation. The first part documents the extent of the problem with a focus on the impact of employee productivity and the second part discusses the few companies that have implemented programs to improve sleeping patterns of their employees and the wide variety of options that are available to corporate America.
Sensors for underwater robot vision: status and prospects

The state of the art of underwater sensors and the near-term prospects for improved imaging systems are addressed. Both optical and sonar sensor technology are surveyed and the performances of the imaging systems are examined within the context of the requirements for underwater robotic vision sensors. An assortment of currently available commercial technology is surveyed as well as a number of systems that are currently under development. >
Minute adenomatous and hyperplastic polyps of the colon: divergent patterns of epithelial growth with specific associated mesenchymal changes. Contrasting roles in the pathogenesis of carcinoma.

Polypoid lesions of the colon and rectum under 3 mm in diameter were studied by light microscopy in an effort to determine their clinical significance, especially with regard to malignant potential. Examination of the epithelium and the subepithelial connective tissue sheath revealed the majority to be non-neoplastic, i. e., hyperplastic polyps . Less than 10% were true neoplasms, or adenomatous polyps . The former exhibited epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics of extremely differentiated tissue in contrast to the latter, which showed a consistently low level of cytodifferentiation. No transition from hyperplastic to adenomatous mucosa was encountered. The findings reinforce the view that only the adenomatous polyp is of possible significance in colonic carcinogenesis. Statistical analyses and cancer detection programs concerned with the role of "polyps" in carcinoma formation must recognize the fundamental biological difference between the two types of polyps. The morphological criteria for this distinction are set forth.
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Scanned Systems

An analysis of input-output characteristics of scanned systems is presented from the input camera to the output reproducer. The system characteristics are developed in terms of both spatial coordinates and spatial frequency responses in both dimensions. These include the effects of the scanning apertures of both the camera and the reproducer, in addition to the electrical filter on the resultant signal. The effects of time varying input patterns are also considered in terms of the temporal responses of the camera and the phosphor characteristic of the reproducer.
Survey of the use of quality indicators in academic radiology departments.

OBJECTIVE. Our purpose was to determine whether quality in academic radiology departments in the United States is systematically measured through indicators and evaluated by preset standards.MATERIALS AND METHODS. We performed a cross-sectional study using a validated survey sent to Society of Chairmen of Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD) members and studied type, frequency of monitoring, and use of preset standards for evaluation of quality indicators. Statistical methods were descriptive summary statistics, chi-square test, analysis of variance, and Spearman's rank correlation test.RESULTS. The response rate was 42% (55/132). Most responding hospitals were from the Northeast (20/55, 36.4%) and Midwest (18/55, 32.7%). About 58% (32/55) of the responding hospitals had more than 500 beds in operation; 50.9% (28/55) of the radiology departments performed 200,000-400,000 examinations per year. Among the 80% of departments (44/55) that monitored patient satisfaction, only 49.1% and 45.5% assessed referri...
Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric determination of serum mexiletine concentration after derivatization with perfluorooctanoyl chloride, a new derivative

Mexiletine is an antiarrhythmic agent used in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmia. The drug has a narrow therapeutic window which necessitates monitoring its serum concentrations. We describe a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of mexiletine using selected ion monitoring. Mexiletine was extracted from alkaline serum with dichloromethane and then derivatized with perfluorooctanoyl chloride. The derivatization reaction was completed in 20 min at 80 degrees C. We used N-propylamphetamine as the internal standard. The ions monitored were m/z 122, 454 and 575 for the derivatized mexiletine and m/z 91, 118, 440 and 452 for the derivatized internal standard. The within-run precision at a serum mexiletine concentration of 1 mg/l was 1.9% (mean=0.98, S.D.=0.019 mg/l, n=7) and the between-run precision was 2.5% (mean=0.99, S.D.=0.025 mg/l, n=7). The assay was linear for serum mexiletine concentrations of 0.2 to 4 mg/l. The detection limit was 0.1 mg/l. The average recoveries of mexiletine and the internal standard were 80% and 84%, respectively at a mexiletine concentration of 1 mg/l. There was no carry over problem in our assay. We observed a good correlation between mexiletine concentrations measured by a reference laboratory (GC) and by our new GC-MS assay.
Does cognitive functioning mediate the well-documented link between education and functional disability in middle-aged adults?

Wide bodies of literature document gradients in the experience of disease and function by levels of education and other measures of socioeconomic status: The lower a person’s education, the more likely the person will suffer from a greater variety and severity of diseases as well as functional disability arising from those diseases. It is unclear whether education proxies for other indicators of SES (income, net worth) or measures all the knowledge and skills accumulated over the life course that may be health protective. For example, because education and cognitive functioning are often perceived as two sides of the same coin, cognitive functioning may also measure life course knowledge and skills. The dimension of cognitive functioning that reflects a person’s fluid or basic processing abilities promotes the acquisition of new information that, in turn, is reflected in the dimension of crystallized or knowledge-based abilities. Both dimensions of cognitive functioning are likely to influence the amount of education that a person achieves; conversely, the amount of education achieved (as well as other life course experiences) may influence a person’s cognitive functioning. The moderate correlation between education and cognitive functioning ( r = 0.44) in middle-aged adults suggests that although they are complementary, they may tap into different conceptual realms. Earlier research by the authors 1 demonstrated that high levels of cognitive functioning behave like high levels of education in associations with enhanced health outcomes in middleaged adults. Further, cognitive functioning—like education—moderates the effects of some diseases on the reporting of functional disability. 2
Where Are We Now? Bergmann's Rule Sensu Lato in Insects

Bergmann's rule states that individuals of a species/clade at higher altitudes or latitudes will be larger than those at lower ones. A systemic review of the known literature on inter- and intraspecific variation in insect size along latitudinal or altitudinal clines was done to see how often such clines appeared and whether they reflected classwide, species-specific, or experimentally biased tendencies. Nearly even numbers of studies showed Bergmann clines and converse-Bergmann clines, where insects get smaller as latitude/altitude increases. In fact, the majority of studies suggested no clines at all. Small ranges may have obscured certain clines, while giant ranges may have introduced artifacts. Researchers examining interspecific patterns found clines less frequently than those examining intraspecific patterns because of variation among species within the clades, which renders interspecific studies unhelpful. Bergmann's rule does not apply to hexapods with nearly the same consistency as it does to endothermic vertebrates. The validity of Bergmann's rule for any group and range of insects is highly idiosyncratic and partially depends on the study design. I conclude that studies of Bergmann's rule should focus within species and look at widespread but contiguous populations to account for all sources of variation while minimizing error.
An integrative approach for selecting a TQM/BPR implementation plan

States that there is general agreement among total quality management (TQM) and business process re‐engineering (BPR) experts that properly implemented organizational change programmes improve customer satisfaction and organizational performance. Suggests that there is, however, a growing frustration with the less than positive results that many companies have experienced with TQM or BPR. These failures have resulted in much debate about the usefulness of such programmes. Many executives believe that they have to choose between TQM and BPR and consider these programmes to be mutually exclusive. Yet, advocates of TQM and re‐engineering have recognized and acknowledged that the best organizational change programmes are those which integrate quality and re‐engineering initiatives. Examines some reasons behind TQM and BPR failures, and presents a model for integrating TQM and BPR implementation plans, while focusing on the linkage of the organization’s strategic goals and culture with this process. The framework uses the concept of quality function deployment and house of quality for the selection of a TQM/BPR implementation plan. Presents an example which illustrates the procedure.
The impact of concurrent temozolomide with adjuvant radiation and IDH mutation status among patients with anaplastic astrocytoma.

This study assesses the controversial role of temozolomide (TMZ) concurrent with adjuvant radiation (RT) in patients with anaplastic astrocytoma (AA). The impact of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) status on therapy and outcomes is also examined. All adult patients diagnosed with AA from 2001 to 2011 and treated with standard doses of adjuvant RT were identified retrospectively for clinical data extraction. IDH status was determined by IDH1-R132H immunostain and sequencing for other mutations in IDH1/IDH2. Cumulative survival probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fit for univariable/multivariable analyses. 136 patients had received concurrent TMZ while 29 had not. Of these, IDH status was determined on 114 and 27 patients, respectively. On univariable analysis, improved five-year survival was independently associated with concurrent TMZ (46.2 vs. 29.3 %, p = 0.02) and IDH mutation (78.9 vs. 22.0 %, p < 0.001). IDH mutation was additionally associated with a greater likelihood of extensive resection possibly secondary to a more favorable tumor location. Gross total/subtotal resections also led to improved survival when compared to biopsy alone on univariable analysis. On multivariable analysis, the association with five-year survival persisted for both concurrent TMZ and IDH mutation, but not with extent of surgery. Both IDH mutation and concurrent TMZ are associated with improved five-year survival in patients with AA who are receiving adjuvant RT. Secondarily, the association between five-year survival and extent of resection is lost on multivariable analysis. This suggests a possible association between IDH mutation, tumor location and consequent resectability.
High Work Output Combined With High Ambient Temperatures Caused Heat Exhaustion in a Wildland Firefighter Despite High Fluid Intake

The purpose of this case study is to examine the physiological/behavioral factors leading up to heat exhaustion in a male wildland firefighter during wildland fire suppression. The participant (24 years old, 173 cm, 70 kg, and 3 years firefighting experience) experienced heat exhaustion following 7 hours of high ambient temperatures and arduous work on the fire line during the month of August. At the time of the heat-related incident (HRI), core temperature was 40.1°C (104.2°F) and skin temperature was 34.4°C (93.9°F). His work output averaged 1067 counts·min−1 (arbitrary units for measuring activity) for the 7 hours prior to the HRI, a very high rate of work over an extended time period during wildfire suppression. In the 2.5 hours leading up to the heat incident, he was exposed to a mean ambient temperature of 44.6°C (112.3°F), with a maximum temperature of 59.7°C (139.5°F). He consumed an average of 840 mL · h−1 in the 7 hours leading up to the incident and took an average of 24 ± 11 drinks · h−1 (total of 170 drinks). The combined effects of a high work rate and high ambient temperatures resulted in an elevated core temperature and a higher volume and frequency of drinking than typically seen in this population, ultimately ending in heat exhaustion and removal from the fire line. The data demonstrate that heat-related incidents can occur even with aggressive fluid intake during wildland fire suppression.
Tune discrimination in monkeys (Cebus apella) and in rats

Monkeys and rats were trained on an operant discrimination employing structured auditory stimuli (tunes). The rats acquired the tune discrimination very rapidly and considerably faster than the monkeys. Both species generalized the discrimination across intensity and octave transformations. Discriminative performance remained at a high level when only the first halves of the tunes were presented, but substantially less generalization occurred to the second halves. Rats trained with tones (broken or steady) required three to four times more training to reach criterion than did the rats trained with tunes. The potential of structured auditory stimuli for investigations of information-processing mechanisms in animals is pointed out.
Ezekiel 29:3 and Its Ancient Near Eastern Context

Abstract The chief aim of this essay is to posit a well-known Mesopotamian royal and divine epithet, usumgallu “great dragon,” as the source behind Ezekiel’s enigmatic description of Pharaoh in 29.3, hattannīn haggādol, “the great dragon.” This relationship sheds new light and meaning on an old problem: why does Ezekiel refer to Pharaoh as a dragon? Rather than viewing this prophetic expression as a pejorative, the cognate evidence argues for the converse by rooting it in an enduring tradition of regal titles. Replicating Akkadian usumgallu (Sumerian USUM.GAL) as efficiently as possible and drawing upon Israelite cosmological history (viz. Gen. 1.21a), Ezekiel feigned including Pharaoh within a venerable, long line of Mesopotamian kings and deities to receive this title. Instead, and as is characteristic of Ezekiel’s rhetoric, he upended the putative associations of the “great dragon,” thereby exposing its true subordinate position under the hegemony of YHWH.
The reaction of OH radicals with dimethyl sulfide

The kinetics of the gas phase reaction of OH radicals with dimethyl sulfide (CH3SCH3) have been studied at various temperatures and total pressures using two relative rate methods and a flash photolysis technique. For the relative rate methods, rate constants were measured at 296 ± 2 K as a function of the O2 pressure at a total pressure of ca. 740 torr. Data from these three experimental techniques were not in agreement. It is concluded that the relative rate techniques are subject to secondary reactions, possibly involving CH3S radicals. A rate constant of (2.5) × 10−12e(130 = 102)/T cm3 molecule−1 s−1 obtained using the flash photolysis-resonance fluorescence data in the absence of O2, and which is in agreement with the lower range of values previously reported in the literature, is recommended.
Hot-spot based composition algorithm

A composition requires three operations: join, project, and duplicate elimination. A hot-spot composition algorithm is proposed in an attempt to achieve savings on both join and external sort operations. The proposed algorithm reduces the effort of performing the join operation by using a novel hot-spot technique. Several experiments have been conducted, and it is shown that the hot-spot composition algorithm outperforms other algorithms under almost every condition. The composition operation is implemented as a primitive operation in the algorithm. >
Design and characterization of a 5.5-W, cw, injection-locked fiber-coupled, laser-diode-pumped Nd:YAG miniature-slab laser.

We have built a laser-diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser that emits 5.5 W of power in a single-frequency, polarized, nearly diffraction-limited TEM00 mode. The laser uses fiber-coupled pump lasers and a rectilinear geometry to achieve high efficiency in a simple side-pumped architecture. Injection locking produces a stable, single-frequency output with no intracavity frequency-selection elements.
Adolescent dating experiences described by Latino college students

Latino college students (M age=21.4 years) completed self-report surveys assessing adolescent dating experiences. Compared to young men (n=69), young women (n=97) had more limitations placed on them by parents as adolescents and began dating later. No gender difference in timing of the first serious relationship emerged. More young women had their first relationship with a Latino, and having a Latino boyfriend was associated with older partner age. In multivariate analyses, parental level of education was a stronger correlate of early dating experiences than generational status, and stronger findings emerged for young women than young men. The findings highlight the salience of gender as an organizer of early dating experiences among Latino adolescents.
Top management turnover an empirical investigation of mutual fund managers

Abstract This paper examines the relation between the replacement of mutual fund managers and their prior performance. Using the growth rate in a fund's asset base and its portfolio returns as two separate measures of performance, I document an inverse relation between the probability of managerial replacement and fund performance. The sample of departing fund managers exhibits higher portfolio turnover rates and higher expenses relative to an objective-matched sample of nonreplaced fund managers. The overall evidence is consistent with the presence of well-functioning internal and external market mechanisms for mutual fund managers.
Competitive antagonists of bradykinin

The first sequence-related competitive inhibitors of the classic kinin in vitro (rat uterus guinea pig ileum) and in vivo (rat blood pressure) assays have been developed. Replacement of the proline residue at position 7 of bradykinin (BK) with a D-phenylalanine residue is the key modification which converts BK agonists into antagonists. [D-Phe7]-BK exhibits moderate (pA2 = 5.0) inhibition of BK activity on the guinea pig ileum but possesses weak BK-like myotropic activity on the isolated rat uterus and 2-4% of BK depressor potency in the rat blood pressure assay. The additional replacement of the phenylalanine residues at positions 5 and 8 of [D-Phe7]-BK with the isosteric beta-(2-thienyl)-alanine residue produces a potent antagonist of BK activity on the uterus (pA2 = 6.4), ileum (pA2 = 6.3), and in the rat blood pressure assay. The antagonism of BK action on smooth muscle is specific for kinins (BK, kallidin, Met-Lys-BK), but neither inhibitor antagonizes the smooth muscle activity of angiotensin or substance P. Inhibition is competitive and fully reversible.
Perceived treatment success with involuntary clients: an exploratory study.

Involuntary clients who had been in dynamically oriented individual treatment in a forensic clinic were contacted to obtain their perceptions of treatment. The 28 clients were asked to assess their motivation for psychological treatment and the perceived outcome of treatment. The clients' former therapists (n = 6) had previously rated their patients' motivation and treatment success as a routine part of the clinic termination process. Analysis indicated that therapists and clients generally agreed on clients' motivation but not on therapeutic improvement. The usual demographic variables (sex, race, age, socio-economic status) did not correlate with treatment success. The only variable which showed a significant correlation with therapeutic outcome was client's motivation. Results were discussed in terms of the need to consider the special nature of the involuntary client within the criminal justice system.
SFGD: a comprehensive platform for mining functional information from soybean transcriptome data and its use in identifying acyl-lipid metabolism pathways

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the world’s most important leguminous crops producing high-quality protein and oil. Increasing the relative oil concentration in soybean seeds is many researchers’ goal, but a complete analysis platform of functional annotation for the genes involved in the soybean acyl-lipid pathway is still lacking. Following the success of soybean whole-genome sequencing, functional annotation has become a major challenge for the scientific community. Whole-genome transcriptome analysis is a powerful way to predict genes with biological functions. It is essential to build a comprehensive analysis platform for integrating soybean whole-genome sequencing data, the available transcriptome data and protein information. This platform could also be used to identify acyl-lipid metabolism pathways. In this study, we describe our construction of the Soybean Functional Genomics Database (SFGD) using Generic Genome Browser (Gbrowse) as the core platform. We integrated microarray expression profiling with 255 samples from 14 groups’ experiments and mRNA-seq data with 30 samples from four groups’ experiments, including spatial and temporal transcriptome data for different soybean development stages and environmental stresses. The SFGD includes a gene co-expression regulatory network containing 23,267 genes and 1873 miRNA-target pairs, and a group of acyl-lipid pathways containing 221 enzymes and more than 1550 genes. The SFGD also provides some key analysis tools, i.e. BLAST search, expression pattern search and cis-element significance analysis, as well as gene ontology information search and single nucleotide polymorphism display. The SFGD is a comprehensive database integrating genome and transcriptome data, and also for soybean acyl-lipid metabolism pathways. It provides useful toolboxes for biologists to improve the accuracy and robustness of soybean functional genomics analysis, further improving understanding of gene regulatory networks for effective crop improvement. The SFGD is publically accessible at http://bioinformatics.cau.edu.cn/SFGD/ , with all data available for downloading.
Near-field enhanced graphene terahertz modulator

We demonstrate a proto-type of a new class of THz metamaterial modulators employing metallic frequency selective surfaces (FSS) in conjunction with patterned graphene placed within the near field of FSS. Owing to the field enhancement in the near field, this device structure can potentially circumvent the limited conductivity swing in large area graphene as well as promise high modulation depth, low insertion loss and high operation speed.