cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accounting for interrupt handling costs in dynamic priority task systems

In order to apply the results of formal studies of real-time task models, a practitioner must account for the effects of phenomena present in the implementation but not present in the formal model. We study the feasibility and schedulability problems for periodic tasks that must compete for the processor with interrupt handlers - tasks that are assumed to always have priority over application tasks. The emphasis in the analysis is on deadline driven scheduling methods. We develop conditions that solve the feasibility and schedulability problems and demonstrate that our solutions are computationally feasible. Lastly, we compare our analysis with others developed for static priority task systems. >
Ingestion Rate and Feeding Behavior of the Peppermint Shrimp Lysmata wurdemanni on Artemia Nauplii

. A laboratory study was conducted to examine the effects of food level and water temperature on the ingestion rate in the larvae of the peppermint shrimp Lysmata wurdemanni, a popular aquarium species. Artemia nauplii were used as the food item. Number of newly hatched Artemia nauplii consumed by the larvae (from zoea II to zoea VII, zoea I can metamorphose to zoea II without exogenous nutrition in about one day) was measured daily at four food concentrations (2, 5, 10 and 20 Artemia nauplii/mL) and two temperature levels (25 C and 28 C). The experiment was conducted in 500-mL beakers with three replicates for each treatment. The results show that the shrimp consumed significantly more food at 28 C than at 25 C (P < 0.01). Ingestion rate increased with increasing food concentration in all larval stages and with larval development except for the lowest food level (2 Artemia nauplii/mL) where insufficient food supply limited the ingestion rate to around 35 Artemia nauplii/ larva per d after zoea IV stage. The larval development rate was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the shrimp subjected to the two lowest food concentrations (2 and 5 Artemia nauplii/mL) in the 500-mL beakers. But in a separate experiment conducted in the 1,400-mL beakers, the results were reversed: both survivorship and development rate were significantly lower at the two higher food levels (6 and 12 nauplii/mL) than those at 3 nauplii/mL level. During molting period, ingestion rate decreased significantly, followed by a sharp rise to the normal rate the following day.
A word on standardization in longitudinal studies: don't

Z-standardization is a widely used procedure, applied for getting rid of acquiescence and other response biases, bringing variables of different metrics to the same metric, and emphasizing differences between groups in graphs. In longitudinal data and analyses of subgroups of observations, z-standardization leads to a number of problems. It changes in often undesirable ways the distances between observations, and the multivariate distributions of cross-sectional and longitudinal data. The psychological literature is rich in examples of misinterpreted z-scores, some of which were described in this article. While many pitfalls are known for cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies add further problems, due to confounded frames of reference (the original response scale, the intra-individual distribution, the inter-individual distribution within given time points, the inter-individual distribution across different time points, the variation within vs. between cohorts, and any combinations of these). Generally, it is not insightful to first standardize variables within units (individuals, cohorts, states, organizations) and then compare mean scores across these units that gave the reference frame for standardization. This should be trivial, but can often be observed in the current research, and is easily overseen or mishandled the more units and reference frames are added to the data structure. Modeling common-method factors is a useful alternative to account for response biases while avoiding the downsides of ipsatization. Alternative easy monotonous scale transformations are available to get items with different response scales to the same metric (Cohen et al., 1999; Little, 2013). Given the ease and wide acceptance of standardization in the psychological literature, it seems necessary to emphasize the risks and possible misinterpretations during the methodological training, writing and review processes in psychology. As Little (2013) pointed out, it seems wise to avoid standardization in longitudinal data analyses and person-oriented analyses, unless the researcher is fully aware of and able to avoid undesirable consequences. There are many good uses for these procedures, but also many risks.
Applying a Contextual Therapy Framework to Treat Panic Disorder: A Case Study

Despite limited attention in empirical and clinical literature, we propose that contextual therapy is a useful framework for intervening at both the individual and relational level, and we provide a detailed description of the process of multidirected partiality. A case study is provided to demonstrate multidirected partiality in individual and family therapy to treat a woman in her 60s with panic disorder. The client identified relational fears triggering her panic attacks and developed her coping skillset and support system, successfully managing her symptoms of panic and anxiety. Implications for expanding research and clinical practice based in contextual therapy are offered.
Economic Integration Through Financial and Factor Mobility

Capital mobility impedes the ability of authorities to pursue independent policy goals. Market participants will drive the informal adoption of the most adaptive currency. The current paper is descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive. A Granger-Sims causality test shows the dependency of Japanese and European Union area interest rates on US interest rates. This econometrically illustrates the nature of the interdependency between monetary policies of studied countries. The potential gains from further integration, and further policy coordination, is a better allocation of the world’s savings and more effective risk-sharing among countries. Implicit in all of this is the need for further international arrangements on monetary and fiscal policies to avoid the trap of international policy competition where resources are allocated on the basis of privilege instead of efficiency. Real unity is dependent on policies that remove barriers to labor and factor mobility and fosters international cooperation.
'Chains that Disenfranchise: Enslavement as It Exists in the World Today'

This article will give the reader an overview of the problem known as human trafficking as it exists in the world today. All forms of trafficking will be identified. The current state of slavery will be explored by discussing it's history from the beginning of recorded time to date. U.S. laws will be identified as well as international efforts to combat this human atrocity. Current relevant statistics will also be set forth. Lastly, recognizing what is being done and what needs to be done to fight trafficking on a global basis should help the reader come away with a better sense of understanding the problem as well as giving him or her the impetus to be part of the solution.
Tasers Help Police Avoid Fatal Mistakes

This op-ed piece argues that police will inevitably be placed in impossible situations in which they reasonably believe they must shoot to defend themselves but where the shooting in fact turns out to be unnecessary. What can save the police, and the community, from these regular tragedies is a more concerted shift to police use of nonlethal weapons. Taser technology, for example, continues to become increasingly more effective and reliable. While we will always have reasonable mistakes by police in the use of force, it need not be the case that each ends in death or permanent injury. Such a change could go a long way to reducing a major source of police-community tensions, thereby improving the chances of greater cooperation, greater justice, and better crime control.
BLLIP at TAC 2011: A General Summarization System for a Guided Summarization Task

The TAC1 update summarization task is a shared task in which peer systems summarize a collection of documents, and then summarize a second set of documents assuming the user has already read the first set of documents. In the 2010 and 2011 versions of this task, the summaries additionally are “guided” to include certain aspects for pre-defined categories. For example, if the category of the document collection is a natural disaster, the aspects might include the date and location of the event, and the number of people killed. For our submission, we run our general extractive multi-document summarization system (Mason & Charniak, 2011) on the TAC 2011 data. This system was developed for the earlier DUC-style summarization tasks2, and has outperformed other state-of-theart systems in both automatic and manual evaluation. The purpose of this submission is to measure how well a general word frequency-based system does on the guided summarization task, and whether the generated summaries cover the required aspects.
25-Hydroxycholecalciferol-l-Hydroxylase Activity in Heat Stressed Laying Hens

The activity of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-1-hydroxylase was assayed in heat stressed laying hens fed a 3.5% calcium diet with either .625% or .925% phosphorus. The activity of this enzyme in the heat stressed birds was higher than in the control birds (P less than or equal to .07). The phosphorus content of the diets had no effect on enzyme activity.
Abstract A45: Hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones: a novel class of agents for colon cancer prevention

A45 Orange peels have been used as flavoring and traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries. Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) are a unique class of flavonoids, and almost exclusively exist in the citrus genus, particularly in the peels of sweet oranges (Citrus senensis) and mandarin oranges (Citrus reticulata). Major PMFs are permethoxylated PMFs (Me-PMFs) such as nobiletin, 3,5,6,7,8,3’,4’-heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), and tangeretin, which have been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Recently, we have isolated a class of novel PMFs, namely hydroxylated PMFs (OH-PMFs), from sweet orange peel. These OH-PMFs can be formed from their corresponding Me-PMFs counterparts by hydrolysis naturally. Herein, we studied the effects of three major OH-PMFs, namely 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,3’,4’-pentamethoxyflavone (5HPMF), 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8,3’,4’-hexamethoxyflavone (5HHMF), and 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,4’-tetramethoxyflavone (5HTMF), on colon cancer cells, and compared their effects with their corresponding Me-PMFs counterparts, namely nobiletin, HMF, and tangeretin, respectively. Our results showed that OH-PMFs significantly inhibited colon cancer cell (HCT116 and HT29) growth in a dose dependent fashion, and these effects were much stronger than those produced by their corresponding Me-PMFs counterparts. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry demonstrated that at 24 h, 5HPMF caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, while 5HHMF resulted in arrest at G0/G1 phase. In contrast, at much lower concentration, 5HTMF significantly increased the sub-G0/G1 cell population, indicating possible DNA degradation due to cell death. Annexin V/PI co-staining assay was used to detect possible apoptosis after treatments with OH-PMFs for 48 h. It was found that all three OH-PMFs increased the apoptotic cell population, but 5HTMF showed a much stronger pro-apoptotic effect at much lower concentration in comparison to 5HPMF and 5HHMF. The distinct effects of these three OH-PMFs on cell cycle and apoptosis of colon cancer cells suggest that each OH-PMFs may have different molecular targets in the cancer cells. Moreover, three OH-PMFs profoundly modulated proteins related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. OH-PMFs, namely 5HPMF and 5HHMF, produced profound tumor-suppressive changes on these proteins, while their corresponding Me-PMFs, namely nobiletin or HMF did not cause any noticeable change on the same proteins tested. On the other hand, tangeretin caused various tumor-suppressive changes on the proteins tested, however, its effects were either similar or to less extent than those produced by 5HTMF at much lower concentrations. Overall, at 48 h, three OH-PMFs decreased the level of K-RAS and phosphorylation of AKT, increased the level of p16, and activated caspase cascade, while 5HTMP also increased the level of p16 and decreased the level of Mcl-1. Our results demonstrated that OH-PMFs are promising novel agents for colon cancer prevention. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A45.
Abstract 5127: G6-mediated inhibition of Jak2 tyrosine kinase correlates with the cleavage and cellular reorganization of vimentin

Hyperkinetic Jak2 tyrosine kinase signaling has been implicated in several human diseases including various leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas and the myeloproliferative neoplasms. Using structure-based virtual screening, our lab previously identified a novel Jak2 inhibitor named G6. We showed that G6 has a specific inhibitory effect on Jak2 tyrosine kinase activity and potently suppresses Jak2-mediated cellular proliferation. To elucidate the biochemical and cellular mechanisms by which G6 inhibits Jak2-mediated cell proliferation, we treated Jak2-V617F expressing human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells for 12 hours with either vehicle control (DMSO) or 25 µM of the drug and then compared their protein expression profiles using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. One protein that was found to be differentially expressed was the intermediate filament protein vimentin. Specifically, we found that full length vimentin was robustly expressed in untreated cells and absent in G6 treated cells. We hypothesized that inhibition of Jak2-V617F dependent pathogenic cell growth by G6 correlates with the cleavage and cellular reorganization of intermediate vimentin filaments. To this end, we found that the treatment of HEL cells with G6 induced a time- and dose-dependent cleavage of vimentin. This G6-induced cleavage of vimentin was both Jak2-dependent and calpain-mediated. Using indirect immunofluorescence, we found that G6 treatment resulted in a marked reorganization of vimentin filaments within cells. Finally, using a mouse model of Jak2-V617F mediated neoplasia, we found that G6 decreased the levels of vimentin protein within the bone marrow of G6 treated mice when compared to animals that received vehicle control. Overall, these results demonstrate that G6-mediated inhibition of Jak2-dependent pathogenic cell growth correlates with the proteolytic cleavage of full length vimentin and the reorganization of intermediate vimentin filaments within cells. As such, we may have identified a biochemical and cellular mechanism whereby G6 inhibits Jak2-V617F mediated cellular proliferation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5127. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5127
Measuring Consumer Attitudes toward Products

THE success of the continuous panel as a device for securing accurate sales data at the consumer level has led some students and practitioners of marketing research to question the wisdom of measuring consumer attitudes towards products. Sales measures obtained from research are easily understood and can be verified quickly by reference to other data. Measurements short of sales suffer the possibility that they may be unrelated to the fundamental objective of the marketing process, which is to maintain or increase the rate of sale for a particular product. What, then, are the unique gains that can be achieved through the measurement of consumer attitudes towards products? As a first approach to this problem, let us consider the ways in which the measurement of attitudes can supplement the sales data available to us through a continuous panel. We know from our own experience and from panel data that the sale of individual brands within a product class are not equally distributed between each brand. Moreover, we know that in many cases there is no tendency towards the sales becoming equal. This failure of brand sales to be equal reflects some fundamental factor at work, and one of the contributions of attitude research is to supplement panel data in explaining why a particular brand is doing poorly. In order to show this point more clearly, we may list some of the more im-
Models for B12-conjugated radiopharmaceuticals. Cobaloxime binding to new fac-[Re(CO)3(Me2bipyridine)(amidine)]BF4 complexes having an exposed pyridyl nitrogen.

New mononuclear amidine complexes, fac-[Re(CO)3(Me2bipy)(HNC(CH3)(pyppz))]BF4 [(4,4′-Me2bipy (1), 5,5′-Me2bipy (2), and 6,6′-Me2bipy (3)] (bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), were synthesized by treating the parent fac-[ReI(CO)3(Me2bipy)(CH3CN)]BF4 complex with the C2-symmetrical amine 1-(4-pyridyl)piperazine (pyppzH). The axial amidine ligand has an exposed, highly basic pyridyl nitrogen. The reaction of complexes 1–3 with a B12 model, (py)Co(DH)2Cl (DH = monoanion of dimethylglyoxime), in CH2Cl2 yielded the respective dinuclear complexes, namely, fac-[Re(CO)3(Me2bipy)(μ-(HNC(CH3)(pyppz)))Co(DH)2Cl]BF4 [(4,4′-Me2bipy (4), 5,5′-Me2bipy (5), and 6,6′-Me2bipy (6)]. 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis of all compounds and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic data for 2, 3, 5, and 6 established that the amidine had only the E configuration in both the solid and solution states and that the pyridyl group is bound to Co in 4–6. Comparison of the NMR spectra of 1–3 with spectra of 4–6 reveals an unusually large “wrong-way” upfi...
Strategic Planning for Research Data Services

EDITOR'S SUMMARY Libraries are increasingly being asked to provide data management support of various types. Without a single approach or standard, each institution must devise a strategic plan for data management support in terms of local requirements. A strategic plan helps to align available skills and services with the needs of users and to build critical support. Planning must start with research on user needs and any pertinent unique local information. Based on an explicit need, the plan should specify a vision for data services using identified resources for a specified time period. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis can help to identify internal and external factors to be considered. Actionable and reasonable goals should be formulated and outlined. The strategic plan should encourage stakeholders to work in concert, include outcome metrics and be updated every few years.
Study on strontium distribution in human blood and strontium species in human plasma

A method based on liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry( LC-ICPMS) was developed for quantitative detection of strontium species in human blood. Based on this method,the detection limit for Sr was 0. 3 ng / mL,and the recoveries were 88% ~ 97% for inorganic Sr. The linear correlation coefficient of Sr among 1. 0 ~ 50. 0 μg / L was above 0. 999. After 73 whole blood and relative plasma samples were humidly digested,the sample were then detected by ICP-MS. The results revealed that the average concentration of strontium in whole blood was 38. 1 ng / mL,while in plasma it was 35. 8 ng / mL. Further study showed that,in plasma,averagely 10. 2% strontium was in inorganic form while the other was in organic form, which indicates that organic strontium acts as more biochemical activity in human body.
In vitro-in vivo correlation(IVIVC):perspectives from CDE reviewer

The in vitro-in vivo correlation(IVIVC) model is often established for the oral solid extended release drug product development in order to predict accurately and precisely the expected bioavailability characteristics for the product from dissolution profile characteristics study.In the past several years,CDE occasionally received IVIVC documents for applying waiver of in vivo bioequivalence study when it is necessary to document bioequivalence because of post-approval changes(e.g.,formulation,strength,manufacturing site changes,etc.).This paper discussed the key points in the IVIVC development program and introduced the considerations from CDE perspective in reviewing these applications.
Influence of gasoline on psychology and nervous system of employees in gas station

To explore the effect of gasoline on psychology and nervous system of employees in the gas station,the occupational health examinations were made in 345 employees of 19 gas stations owned by Beijing Sinopec. And the state of sleep and emotion were evaluated by psychological test scale questionnaire. The results showed that the concentrations of gasoline in 19 gas stations were in line with national health standards. Neurasthenia was observed in36. 6% administrators and 73. 8% employees involved in refueling operation. Among the refueling employees,65. 2% showed S-AI,and 64. 0% showed T-AI. Correspondingly,S-AI and T-AI were observed in 35. 0% administrators respectively. Sleep disorders or poor sleep were reflected in 148 refueling employees and 35 administrators.Given the evidence that the environment of gas station may affect sleep and psychological state in refueling employees,the occupational health surveillance should be strengthened on these personnel.
Resource use by younger versus older patients.

OBJECTIVE: Compared to younger persons, the elderly use disproportionately greater health care resources. We wondered if this difference persisted when care of both older and younger patients was managed by physicians of a single specialty, family practice. METHODS: The design was a retrospective analysis of a family practice clinical database. The setting was a 622-bed suburban teaching hospital. The subjects were all acute-care patients (112 short-stay unit and 232 hospitalized patients) cared for by a family practice residency service during a one-year period. The main outcome measures were site of care (inpatient versus short-stay unit), hospital length of stay, and in-hospital consultant use. RESULTS: When cared for by the same physicians, the elderly are more likely to be admitted to the hospital rather than be successfully cared for in a short-stay unit (p = 0.001), to stay in the hospital longer (mean days: less than age 20 years, 5.1; age 80 and older, 8.5; p = 0.004), and to have a greater number of consultants (mean number of consultants: less than age 60 years, 0.80; age 60 and older, 1.16; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study, in which patient care for patients of all ages was provided by one group of family practice residency physicians, indicated greater relative health care resource consumption by the elderly. We cannot exclude the possibility that age was simply a surrogate for unexplored factors, such as insurance status. The generalizability of a study from one group in one institution is limited.
サイズ排除クロマトグラフィーによる高分子平均分子量共同測定VII.第4回ラウンドロビンテスト結果報告 (その1)

SEC専門部会傘下24測定機関でサイズ排除クロマトグラフィーによる高分子の分子量測定のラウンドロビンテスト (RR) を実施した.用いた試料はポリスチレン (PS) 3種類で, 分子量既知の標準試料SRM706とSRM705a, 及び過去3回のRRで用いた試料PS-1である.今回は平均分子量計算の際に必要なカラム較正曲線作成用標準試料 (TSK及びShodex) 間に有意差があるかどうかを知ることを目的とした.測定条件などは第2回RRと同様である.標準試料メーカーごとに較正曲線を作成し, 試料の平均分子量を計算した.重量平均分子量 (Mw) については用いた検出器種類別に平均をとったところ, 相対標準偏差 (%) は示差屈折計で4.1～4.8となった.Shodex較正曲線を用いて得られたMwのほうが, TSK較正曲線で得られたMwより約10%大きい値となった.Shodex較正曲線で得られた値を分子に, TSK較正曲線で得られた値を分母にとって比を求め, その比について有意差検定を行うと, 3種類の試料いずれも1%有意水準で有意であることが認められた.又数平均分子量 (Mn) についての両較正曲線から得られた値の比は約1.05で, Shodex較正曲線で得られた値のほうが5%ほど大きいが, Mwと比べその差は小さい.しかしMwと同様に, Mnについても両較正曲線から得られた値の比の有意差検定を行うと, 1%有意水準で有意であった.従って, 平均分子量を報告する際には, どのメーカーの標準試料を用いて較正曲線を作成し, 平均分子量を計算したかを明記することが必要である.なお較正曲線を作成する際の各メーカーの標準試料の分子量には光散乱測定で得られたMwを用いることにしており, いずれかの測定値に, あるいは両方の測定値に系統誤差が含まれているものと推定される.
Seasonality of Colaspis crinicornis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its Injury Potential to Corn in Southeastern Nebraska

Colaspis crinicornis Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) primarily occurs in the Great Plains, United States. Although C. crinicornis has historically been considered a non-pest and is rarely found in agricultural systems, population densities of this species have been increasing in corn, Zea mays L., and soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, over the last decade in southeastern Nebraska. As part of a comprehensive project to understand the life history and pest potential of C. crinicornis, a field study was conducted to: understand adult seasonality of C. crinicornis using emergence cages and whole-plant-count sampling in cornfields and sweep-net sampling in soybean fields; confirm voltinism and the overwintering stage; and evaluate the potential of larvae to cause economic injury to corn roots. Data indicate that C. crinicornis is univoltine in southeastern Nebraska and overwinters as medium-large larvae at least 20 cm deep in the soil. Adults were present from June through August with peak emergence in July. The C. crinicornis lifecycle is similar to related Colaspis species. Root injury to corn was minor at population densities encountered in the field, and therefore, C. crinicornis is unlikely to cause economic loss. C. crinicornis may be an example of an insect species that has exploited open niches in crops that have been created by changes in agricultural and pest management practices. The lifecycle and polyphagous nature of the insect, annual crop rotation, the shift to minimum tillage, and replacement of insecticides with Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) traits may have collectively facilitated establishment and increased survival in agroecosystems.
The relationship between home- and individual-level diet quality among African American and Hispanic/Latino households with young children

The quality of most Americans’ diets is far from optimal. Given that many Americans consume a significant portion of calories in the home, intervening in this setting could be beneficial. However, the relationship between the home food environment and diet quality is not well understood. This study examined the relationship between diet quality at the individual level with home-level diet quality using an index that measures compliance with federal dietary guidance. This was a cross sectional study that enrolled 97 African American and Hispanic/Latino low-income parent-child dyads. Diet quality at the individual level was assessed through two 24-h dietary recalls collected for parents and children, respectively. Diet quality at the home level was assessed with two home food inventories conducted in participants’ homes. Diet quality scores at the home and individual levels were computed by applying the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) to these data. Linear models adjusted for potential confounding factors were used to examine the relationship between diet quality at the home and individual levels. Total HEI-2010 scores from parents and children’s diets were positively associated with HEI-2010 scores based on home food inventories (parent diet: β: 0.36, 95% CI: 012–0.60; child diet: 0.38 95% CI: 013–0.62). Positive associations were also observed between individual level and home level subcomponent HEI-2010 scores for total fruit (parent: 0.55 95% CI: 0.16–0.94; child: 0.49 95% CI: 0.03–0.94), whole fruit (parent only: 0.41 95% CI: 0.07–0.74), greens and beans (parent only: 0.39 95% CI: 0.05–0.74), and whole grain (children only: 0.33 95% CI: 0.04–0.63). This study demonstrated that individual level diet quality was positively associated with home-level diet quality. Findings from this study can help us to address modifiable targets of intervention in the home to improve diet quality.
Computational Cannula Microscopy: Utilizing a Simple Glass Needle for Imaging

Existing brain imaging sensors are either limited in their depth, resolution, and/or inflict trauma. To improve on these limitations, we demonstrate fluorescent microscopy through an optical cannula for deep tissue imaging.
A Survey of Patient Perceptions and Preferences for Glaucoma Treatment with Intravitreal Injections

Purpose To investigate patient perceptions and preferences regarding the use of intravitreal injection (IVI) for the treatment of glaucoma. Design Cross-sectional study of patients seen at the University of Colorado Health Eye Center. Participants Patients with a diagnosis of glaucoma who were receiving or previously had received topical medication drops and previously had received an IVI for a different eye condition. Methods In this pilot study, participants were surveyed by telephone using a 10-item questionnaire. Preferences regarding glaucoma treatment methods, specifically a theoretical choice between topical and IVI treatment options, were recorded. Main Outcome Measures Preferences regarding IVI compared with topical drops in 2 different hypothetical scenarios, one in which both are equally effective and another in which IVI is more effective. Secondary outcomes included preferred interval between injections. Results Fifty patients completed the survey. The mean age was 65 years (range, 16–95 years). Patients were using an average of 1.6 glaucoma medications per day (range, 1–4). Seventy-four percent of patients (n = 37) said they would prefer topical medication if equal in efficacy to monthly IVI. In a hypothetical scenario in which a monthly IVI was more effective than topical medication, 76% (n = 38) said they would then prefer injection. Additionally, injection became more preferable as the hypothetical dosing interval changed. Assuming equivalent efficacy, 46% of patients preferred injection if required every 2 months, 62% if required every 3 months, and 82% if injection was required every 6 months. The main reasons cited for preferring topical medications were fear of pain, fear of the procedure, and the inconvenience of more frequent clinic appointments to undergo treatment. Conclusions Patients are open to alternative methods of drug delivery, and their willingness to undergo more invasive treatments, like IVI, for glaucoma rises with a longer theoretical duration between treatments.
Distributed Autonomous Formation Control of Mobile Robot Groups by Swarm-Based Pattern Generation

We present a method of Distributed Autonomous Formation Control of Mobile Robot Groups by Swarm-Based Pattern Generation. Each mobile robot, in our control method, changes its position to generate a group formation, measuring relative positions and relative orientations from its neighboring robots. The robot senses only its surrounding environment and there is no supervisor. The formation is controlled by Formation Vectors. Each robot has its own formation vector and the pattern of the formation vectors in the group determines the group formation. We use a Swarm-Based Pattern Generation Method to control the pattern. Specifically, the swarm-based pattern generation method solves second order differential equations with the Finite Element Method (FEM) in a distributed manner. A sinusoidal wave is one of the solutions of the equations, and the superimposition of the waves produces various patterns, as in the Fourier Series. Therefore, the swarm-based pattern generation method can make any pattern of the formation vectors, and the group formation is controllable. The validity of our method is verified by computer simulations.
Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Activation of Rhodopsin-Like Seven-Transmembrane Receptors

Seven-transmembrane receptors (7TMRs) comprise a large family of membrane-bound proteins that share a unifying signal transduction mechanism (i.e., upon activation, these receptors signal through G proteins). These receptors are involved in a vast variety of physiological functions, including neurotransmission, function of exocrine and endocrine glands, smell, taste, vision, chemotaxis, embryogenesis, development, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, oncogenesis, cell growth, and differentiation. More recent studies indicate that these receptors are also associated with and signal through other molecules (1). Therefore, it is more appropriate to use the term 7TMR than G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
Forearm Coverage with Free Latissimus Muscle Flap and Skin Graft

The patient was a 27-year-old man who was involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in a posterior dislocation at the elbow and loss of pulsatile flow in the radial and ulnar vessels. Additionally, he had impaired neurologic function in the median and radial nerve distributions. There was extensive swelling of the proximal forearm and antecubital fossa (Figure 7.1a,b). Urgent exploration was undertaken to evaluate and repair the neurovascular structures.
Group A Streptococcal Infections and Childhood Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Recently, a hypothesis concerning the pathophysiology of some cases of pae-diatric-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders has been proposed. Infections with group A β-haemolytic streptococci, and perhaps other agents, are believed to trigger an immune response that crossreacts with neurons in the basal ganglia, disrupting their function and resulting in neuropsychiatric symptoms. Therapeutic possibilities derived from this model have been proposed in terms of 4 sequential events that are hypothesised to occur: (i) infection; (ii) generation of an immune response; (iii) reversible injury to the basal ganglia; and (iv) irreversible injury to the basal ganglia. However, at the present time, research supporting any specific therapeutic approach is extremely limited or nonexistent.
White Rusts of Crucifers

The white rusts occur worldwide and are best known and most common on the Cruciferae. Spinach, radish, turnip, horseradish, and mustard are common economic hosts, whereas cabbage, brussels sprouts, salsify, and cauliflower are less affected. These diseases are also common on many cruciferous weeds but are less well-known on sweet potato and species of the Capparidaceae and Amaranthaceae.
Boolean Composability of Constraints and Control Synthesis for Multi-Robot Systems via Nonsmooth Control Barrier Functions

From mobile sensor networks to autonomous transportation systems, multi-agent solutions have been proposed to accomplish a variety of tasks. However, these systems typically require satisfaction of multiple constraints, such as safety or connectivity maintenance, while completing their primary objectives. Barrier functions represent one method to enforce such constraints via forward set invariance, and this work extends recent results on Boolean composition of nonsmooth barrier functions by explicitly addressing controlled systems, resulting in nonsmooth control barrier functions. The presented results permit a discontinuous controller, which is particularly amenable to control synthesis, and this paper develops an almost-active gradient for Boolean compositions of nonsmooth control barrier functions, which, when included as a constraint to a quadratic program, yields a valid controller. To verify these theoretical findings, the experimental results encode a series of constraints and synthesize a controller for a leader-follow team of mobile robots in real time.
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (version 2019.4) in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology Database

The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER, nomenclature as agreed by the NC-IUPHAR Subcommittee on the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor [24]) was identified following observations of estrogen-evoked cyclic AMP signalling in breast cancer cells [2], which mirrored the differential expression of an orphan 7-transmembrane receptor GPR30 [5]. There are observations of both cell-surface and intracellular expression of the GPER receptor [27, 32]. Selective agonist/ antagonists for GPER have been characterized [24]. Antagonists of the nuclear estrogen receptor, such as fulvestrant [10], tamoxifen [27, 32] and raloxifene [23], as well as the flavonoid 'phytoestrogens' genistein and quercetin [16], are agonists of GPER. A complete review of GPER pharmacology has been recently published [24]. The roles of GPER in physiological systems throughout the body (cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, immune, reproductive) and in cancer have also been reviewed [24, 25, 18, 15, 8].
Excitation of Epsilon-Near-Zero Mode in Optical Fiber

We demonstrate the excitation of epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) resonance on a side-polished optical fiber nano-coated with aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) with vanishing permittivity at near-infrared wavelength. The ENZ resonance is caused by the coupling between guided modes supported by optical fiber and the AZO nanolayer.
The origin of the phase separation in (La0.8Sr0.2)0.95(CrxFe1-x)O3±δ perovskites for oxygen transport membranes applications

Abstract The current research investigates the phase separation phenomenon in (La0.8Sr0.2)0.95(CrxFe1-x)O3±δ (LSCrF) under the fabrication and processing conditions of Oxygen Transport Membranes (OTM). The research employs an integrated thermodynamics approach with the focus on changes in crystal structures and phase stability on Cr-rich perovskites. The chemical stability has been examined under high temperatures (700–1400 °C) with different oxygen partial pressures (p(O2)) (0.21 to 10−19 atm). The results reveal complicated correlations among dopant disintegrations in formations of secondary phases and the phase separation of the perovskite phase. The research provides predictions and practical procedures in the purpose of extending the lifetime of OTMs under processing conditions. The results for the perovskite phase have also been extended to examine the phase stability in dual-phase composites of Yttria-Stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) and LSCrF for high-temperature ceramic membranes.
Embedded smoothed particle hydrodynamics

Abstract In this paper, a hybrid method for embedding a meshfree smoothed particle hydrodynamics into mesh-based ALE hydro schemes is presented. The method relies on the embedded mesh framework presented in Puso et al. (2015, 2012) and utilizes SPH (Owen, 2010) in the solid foreground; when an appropriate damage or failure model is used with SPH, it becomes a natural way to model material fracture and cracking in high-explosive driven experiments. We provide various examples which validate the coupling between SPH and the embedded mesh method.
Impact of high-pressure and microwave-assisted thermal pasteurization on inactivation of Listeria innocua and quality attributes of green beans

Abstract In response to the increasing consumer demand for high-quality, minimally processed ready-to-eat (RTE) meals, the food industry has shown strong interests in exploring new processing technologies for production of safe RTE meals with an adequate shelf life in cold distribution chains. The purpose of this research was to understand the effect of high-pressure processing (HPP) and microwave-assisted thermal pasteurization on the quality attributes of green beans. The pasteurization conditions were selected as 600 MPa at 25 °C for 10 min for HPP and 70 °C for 2 min for processing with microwave-assisted pasteurization system (MAPS). Survival of L. innocua ATCC 51742 in green bean brine solution was analyzed right after the pasteurization processes. The quality attributes of the green beans, such as color, chlorophyll content, texture, vitamin C content, and pH, were further determined during storage at 2 °C for 36 days and 10 °C for 20 days. High-pressure treatment resulted in a 3.7-log CFU/g reduction in L. innocua ATCC 51742, whereas MAPS processing showed a 9.0-log CFU/g reduction. Both pasteurization processes provided significantly better green color retention when the beans were stored at 2 °C than when they were stored at 10 °C. Regardless of the pasteurization methods, the change in the greenness (a*) value of the beans followed similar trends during storage. Both methods caused an increase in the total color difference (ΔE) and a decrease in hue angle (yellowness) during storage (p
Experimental demonstration of heat loss and turn-down ratio for a multi-panel, actively deployed radiator

Abstract Origami-inspired, dynamic spacecraft radiators have been proposed which utilize an expandable/collapsible surface capable of large variations in emitting surface area. In this work, an experimental prototype of this concept is realized and its performance is analyzed. In particular, we demonstrate the capability of maintaining a spacecraft component at a desired operating temperature through the expansion and contraction of a collapsible radiator to control radiative heat loss. Four aluminum panels are connected via a flexible hinge constructed from interwoven copper wires and suspended from an actuating framework. The radiator panels are connected to a heated aluminum block. The radiator is placed in a vacuum environment with cooled surroundings (173 K) and the total radiative cooling power is determined as a function of radiator actuation position for a constant aluminum block temperature. As the radiator actuates from extended to collapsed, the heat transfer decreases and the fin efficiency increases. For a limited actuation range, the four-panel radiator exhibits a turn-down ratio (largest cooling power / smallest cooling power) of 1.31. A numerical model validated in this work predicts a turn-down ratio of 2.27 for actuation over the full range of radiator positions in surroundings at 4 K. Future revisions that exhibit an increase in panel and hinge thermal conductivities and utilizing eight panels would yield a turn-down ratio of 6.01. Assuming infinite thermal conductivity and infinite hinge conductance, the turn-down ratios for two, four and eight panel radiators, respectively, are 2.00, 3.98, and 7.92.
Examining the Innovation Process of a Graduate Apprenticeship Program for Sport Organizations

This case study analyzed the innovation processes that led to the adoption of a work-integrated learning program among several sport organizations. A comparative case study analysis was used to deduce the commonly shared determinants between each of the sport organizations. Notably, having an innovation champion was a key determination. As well, lack of resources regarding staffing, the involvement of the managers with the participating higher education institution, the ease of contract design, and access to good candidates for the program were also influential in the innovation process. This study revealed, for sport organizations facing similar issues, that the graduate apprenticeship program could provide benefits. As well for sport management program, it could provide a stronger relationship with regional sport organizations. This research also extends the body of research regarding the underlying mechanisms by which sport organizations innovate generally.
When Physical Unclonable Function Meets Biometrics

As the Covid-19 pandemic grips the world, healthcare systems are being reshaped, where the e-health concepts become more likely to be accepted. Wearable devices often carry sensitive information from users which are exposed to security and privacy risks. Moreover, users have always had the concern of being counterfeited between the fabrication process and vendors' storage. Hence, not only securing personal data is becoming a crucial obligation, but also device verification is another challenge. To address biometrics authentication and physically unclonable functions (PUFs) need to be put in place to mitigate the security and privacy of the users. Among biometrics modalities, Electrocardiogram (ECG) based biometric has become popular as it can authenticate patients and monitor the patient's vital signs. However, researchers have recently started to study the vulnerabilities of the ECG biometric systems and tried to address the issues of spoofing. Moreover, most of the wearable is enabled with CPU and memories. Thus, volatile memory-based (NVM) PUF can be easily placed in the device to avoid counterfeit. However, many research challenged the unclonability characteristics of PUFs. Thus, a careful study on these attacks should be sufficient to address the need. In this paper, our aim is to provide a comprehensive study on the state-of-the-art developments papers based on biometrics enabled hardware security.
Medicinae investigationis, quo vadis?

This issue of JIM publishes an interesting perspective article written by Professor Dr Gailen D Marshall Jr,1 which includes a high-level critical appraisal of the current state of medical research and the emerging concept of ‘team science’.2 The article also provides an overview of the existing researcher pipeline, challenges and opportunities for physician scientists, translational medicine or clinical investigators in an environment that is both shifting in priorities, resources and approaches, and perhaps drifting strategically. Despite tremendous advances in medical research, our clinicians face daunting challenges, ranging from new conditions (COVID-19 infection?), a myriad of disease phenoendotypes and variations in response to available therapeutic interventions, and ever-increasing numbers of people with chronic disorders. The gap between biomedical research and unmet clinical needs could and should be addressed by teams of investigators focused on swift, collaborative translational, bench-to-bedside exploration. As such, the process of recruitment, training and retention of talented physician scientists working in interdisciplinary teams, addressing these complex health …
To Swear or Not to Swear: Using Foul Language During a Supreme Court Oral Argument

This essay considers the provocative question of whether it is strategically wise for a lawyer to use foul language during a Supreme Court oral argument. This issue doesn’t come up often. But it does when a lawyer claims his client’s First Amendment rights were violated when the government punished him for using foul language.If the lawyer doesn’t use his client’s offensive words, he risks conceding that these words are so horrid they warrant suppression. But if he does use the words, he risks alienating justices who find the words unseemly.The essay uses the “fleeting expletives” case that was recently before the Supreme Court to explore how lawyers navigate this delicate issue. The case concerned a Federal Communications Commission order that found two Fox broadcasts indecent because of foul language.Did the Fox lawyer use the offensive words in his oral argument? Did he spell out the words in his brief? And what did the FCC lawyers, who wanted the Court to uphold the agency’s indecency policy, do?
Notes from the New Editor: Reflections on the Editorial Mission of Mass Communication and Society

With this essay, Mass Communication and Society marks a new editorial era. However, there is no sharp break in either the content or the goals of the journal, and indeed this issue and the previous...
Microcontroller Fingerprinting Using Partially Erased NOR Flash Memory Cells

Electronic device fingerprints, unique bit vectors extracted from device's physical properties, are used to differentiate between instances of functionally identical devices. This article introduces a new technique that extracts fingerprints from unique properties of partially erased NOR flash memory cells in modern microcontrollers. NOR flash memories integrated in modern systems-on-a-chip typically hold firmware and read-only data, but they are increasingly in-system-programmable, allowing designers to erase and program them during normal operation. The proposed technique leverages partial erase operations of flash memory segments that bring them into the state that exposes physical properties of the flash memory cells through a digital interface. These properties reflect semiconductor process variations and defects that are unique to each microcontroller or a flash memory segment within a microcontroller. The article explores threshold voltage variation in NOR flash memory cells for generating fingerprints and describes an algorithm for extracting fingerprints. The experimental evaluation utilizing a family of commercial microcontrollers demonstrates that the proposed technique is cost-effective, robust, and resilient to changes in voltage and temperature as well as to aging effects.