cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equivalent circuit of small receiving antennas in near field

A rigorous analytical formulation of integral equations is presented for two classes of sensors. The source region Green's function affecting these integral equations is determined. Impedance boundary conditions are introduced to facilitate solutions of integral equations. Sensors are analyzed for the receiving mode in terms of the magnetic and electric effective lengths.
Lumbar Radicular Pain

Lumbar spine consists of five distinct lumbar vertebrae connected by paired facet joint articulations located between the pedicular processes.
Effect of supplemental β-carotene compared to retinyl palmitate on fatty acid profile and expression of mRNA from genes involved in vitamin A metabolism in beef feedlot cattle.

To examine the effects of dietary β-carotene (βC) or retinyl palmitate (RP) on fatty acid (FA) profile and mRNA expression, samples were collected from 24 Angus-cross calves that were allotted to four treatments consisting of RP supplemented at 2200 IU/kg, and synthetic β-carotene (SβC) supplemented at one, five or 10 times RP. Longissimus muscle (LM) cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid was greater in RP compared to SβC1X (P = 0.04). The polyunsaturated:saturated FA increased linearly (P = 0.04) in the LM as dietary SβC increased. Expression of βC oxygenase 2 (βCO2), an enzyme that cleaves β-carotene, was greater in the LM for SβC1X compared to RP and decreased linearly as SβC increased (P ≤ 0.02). Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression in the LM increased in SβC1X compared to RP (P = 0.03); however, PPARγ and retinoic acid X receptor α (RXRα) expression decreased linearly (P = 0.02) in the LM with increasing SβC. Retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) expression tended (P = 0.10) to decrease linearly in the LM with increased SβC. In conclusion, SβC supplementation increased mRNA expression of some lipogenic genes in the LM, but increasing dietary SβC inhibited their expression and tended to increase polyunsaturated FA.
Telephone-adapted Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (tMBSR) for patients awaiting kidney transplantation.

Background Patients with progressive kidney disease experience increasing physiologic and psychosocial stressors and declining health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods We conducted a randomized, active-controlled, open-label trial to test whether a Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program delivered in a novel workshop-teleconference format would reduce symptoms and improve HRQOL in patients awaiting kidney transplantation. Sixty-three transplant candidates were randomized to one of two arms: i) telephone-adapted MBSR (tMBSR, an 8-week program of meditation and yoga); or ii) a telephone-based support group (tSupport). Participants completed self-report questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and after 6-months. Anxiety, measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) post-intervention served as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included: depression, sleep quality, pain, fatigue, and HRQOL assessed by SF-12 Physical and Mental Component Summaries (PCS, MCS). Results 55 patients (age 54 ± 12 yrs) attended their assigned program (tMBSR, n = 27; tSupport, n = 28). 49% of patients had elevated anxiety at baseline. Changes in anxiety were small and did not differ by treatment group post-intervention or at follow-up. However, tMBSR significantly improved mental HRQOL at follow-up: + 6.2 points on the MCS - twice the minimum clinically important difference (95% CI: 1.66 to 10.8, P = 0.01). A large percentage of tMBSR participants (≥ 90%) practiced mindfulness and reported it helpful for stress management. Conclusions Neither mindfulness training nor a support group resulted in clinically meaningful reductions in anxiety. In contrast, finding that tMBSR was more effective than tSupport for bolstering mental HRQOL during the wait for a kidney transplant is encouraging and warrants further investigation. ClinicalTrials.govNCT01254214.
Finished Whole-Genome Sequence of Clostridium argentinense Producing Botulinum Neurotoxin Type G.

ABSTRACT Here, we present a closed genome sequence for Clostridium argentinense strain 89G, the first strain identified to produce botulinum neurotoxin type G (BoNT/G). Although discovered in 1970, to date, there have been no reference quality sequences publicly available for this species.
Abstract 2421: The role of p53 mutational status and SOX9 suppression in chemotherapy response of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancers are highly heterogeneous where platinum based chemotherapy which induces DNA crosslinking resulting in apoptosis of the cell is the preferred treatment. However, many patients are intrinsically resistant or quickly develop resistance. The Sox factors are a large family of transcription factors that play important roles in tumor development and progression in a variety of human malignancies and diverse developmental processes, but their impact in clinical tumorigenesis is still unclear. An analysis of genomic changes in ovarian cancer has provided the most comprehensive and integrated view of cancer genes for any cancer type to date. Ovarian serous adenocarcinoma tumors from 500 patients were examined by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network and analyses are reported in a recent issue of Nature. This evidence suggests that epigenetic deregulation, such as methylation, may be a key factor in the onset and maintenance of chemoresistance. Previous microarray analysis results in our lab correctly identified a subset of about 300 genes that when methylated altered the chemoresistance of the ovarian epithelium cells in culture. Of the genes identified in the analysis we further set out to characterize oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that interact with the guardian of the genome, TP53, to determine if we could elucidate the mechanism by which it increased resistance. Using several in-vitro assays, we determined that the loss of p53 in conjunction with SOX9 decreased the level of apoptosis in response to carboplatin. Furthermore, in cells with mutated p53/SOX9 show an increase in tumorigenesis. Regulation of several pathways with p53 mutations in ovarian cancer might represent a therapy response prediction and could be a future therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. In addition, the crosstalk between p53/SOX9 and epigenetic regulators may present a valid treatment option for increasing carboplatin sensitivity in resistant patients. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Noelle L. Cutter, Matthew Lucito, Ryan Frank, Kimberly Doyle. The role of p53 mutational status and SOX9 suppression in chemotherapy response of ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2421. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2421
STUDIES OF CELL SURFACE MARKERS ON NK CELLS: EVIDENCE FOR HETEROGENEITY OF HUMAN NK EFFECTOR CELLS

Publisher Summary This chapter presents studies of cell surface markers on natural killer (NK) cells. NK cell assays were performed. Effector cells from human peripheral blood were isolated on a Ficoll Hypaque shelf. Targets were 51Cr-labeled human foreskin fibroblasts infected for two hours with HSV-1, uninfected fibroblasts, or K562 cells. Effector and target cells were mixed at effector:target (E:T) ratios of 100:1 to 3:1 (2 fold dilutions) and incubated for 14 h at 37°C. Supernatants were harvested for determination of 51Cr release, and lysis at E:T of 50:1 was estimated from the linear regression obtained after application of the Von Krogh Equation to the data. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with monoclonal antibodies for 45 min at 4°C and then with a 1:4 dilution of rabbit complement for 45 min at 37°C. The antibody and complement cycles were repeated and then, viable cell recovery was determined by trypan blue exclusion. Positive and negative selection of lymphocyte subpopulations was performed using a modification of the procedure described by Wycsocki and Sato. These studies provided strong evidence for heterogeneity within human NK populations. The patient studies demonstrated that NK (HSV-1) and NK(K562) can be independent of one another.
Higher-Order Accurate Finite Volume Discretization of the Three-Dimensional Poisson Equation Based on An Equation Error Method

Efficient higher-order accurate finite volume schemes are developed for the threedimensional Poisson’s equation based on optimizations of an equation error expansion on local control volumes. A weighted quadrature of local compact fluxes and the flux integral form of the equation are utilized to formulate the local equation error expansions. Efficient quadrature weights for the schemes are then determined through a minimization of the error expansion for higher-order accurate discretizations of the equation. Consequently, the leading numerical viscosity coefficients are more accurately and completely determined to optimize the weight parameters for uniform higher-order convergence suitable for effective numerical modeling of physical phenomena. Effectiveness of the schemes are evaluated through the solution of the associated eigenvalue problem. Numerical results and analysis of the schemes demonstrate the effectiveness of the methodology.
Cotton Diseases Incited by Rhizoctonia Solani

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) originated as a tropical/subtropical perennial plant, but is produced as an annual crop in many temperate regions around the world. The epicotyl of the cotton plant is poorly developed and thus the first true leaves may not expand for a period of several weeks. As a result of planting cotton under marginal environmental conditions (i.e., temperate regions) and the crops slow physiological development, the plant remains in the seedling stage for an extended period. Seedling diseases on cotton are a worldwide problem (Hillocks, 1992). An estimated 2.8% loss in production was associated with seedling diseases over the last ten years, 1986–1995, in the United States (Proceedings of the Beltwide Cotton Production Research Conferences, National Cotton Council). The primary pathogens in the seedling disease complex of cotton include Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp., Thielaviopsis basicola, and Fusarium spp. (Watkins, 1981; Ridgway et al., 1984). R. solani is a prevalent and important pathogen in the seedling disease complex of cotton wherever cotton is grown (Ray and McLauglin, 1942; Fulton and Bollenbacher, 1959; Ramey, 1962; Ford et al., 1981; Johnson et al., 1969, 1978; Davis, 1975; Smirnova, 1980; Roy and Bourland, 1982; Melero-Vara and Jimenez-Diaz, 1990; Colyer et al., 1991a; Lisker and Meiri, 1992; Moustafa-Mahmoud et al., 1993).
Characterization of the yeast HEM2 gene and transcriptional regulation of COX5 and COR1 by heme.

The respiratory deficiency of two noncomplementing mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (C41 and N28) has been shown to be due to mutations in HEM2, the structural gene for delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase. The mutants are unable to convert delta-aminolevulinic acid to porphobilinogen and are not complemented by the hem2 mutant GL4 (Gollub, E. G., Liu, K.-P., Dagan, J., Adlersberg, M., and Sprinson, D. B. (1977) J. Biol. Chem. 252, 2846-2854). A gene capable of complementing the respiratory deficiency of C41 and N28 has been cloned by transformation of a hem2 mutant with a recombinant plasmid library of wild type yeast nuclear DNA. The sequence of the protein encoded by the cloned gene exhibits extensive homology to the recently reported sequence of human delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (Wetmur, J. G., Bishop, D. F., Cantelmo, C., and Desnick, R. J. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 83, 7703-7707). Several approaches were taken to study the effect of heme on transcription of PET genes known to code for subunit components of respiratory enzymes and of mitochondrial ATPase. The first involved measurements of the steady state levels of mRNAs for subunit 5 of cytochrome oxidase and the beta subunit of F1 ATPase in wild type and in a hem2 mutant. Secondly, transcription of the genes coding for the cytochrome oxidase and ATPase subunits as well as of the COR1 gene coding for the 44-kDa core 1 subunit of coenzyme QH2-cytochrome c reductase was quantitated by fusing the 5′-flanking and part of the coding region of each gene to the lacZ gene of Escherichia coli in vectors capable of integrating into yeast chromosomal DNA. The different lacZ fusions were integrated into nuclear DNA of a wild type strain and of hem2 mutants allowing expression of beta-galactosidase to be studied as a function of intracellular heme. These experiments indicate that the promoters of the genes for subunits of the respiratory complexes are regulated by heme. In contrast, the expression of the ATPase subunit appears to be heme-independent. Because neither subunit 5 of cytochrome oxidase nor the core 1 subunit of coenzyme QH2-cytochrome c reductase are hemoproteins, transcriptional regulation by heme may be a general mechanism for controlling the synthesis of mitochondrial proteins involved in respiration.
Shell rinse and shell crush methods for the recovery of aerobic microorganisms and enterobacteriaceae from shell eggs.

Recovery of bacteria from shell eggs is important for evaluating the efficacy of processing and the quality and safety of the final product. Shell rinse (SR) techniques are easy to perform and widely used. An alternative sampling method involves crushing and rubbing the shell (CR). To determine the most appropriate method for recovering microorganisms from shell eggs, 358 shell eggs were collected from a commercial egg processor and sampled by SR and CR techniques. Total aerobic mesophiles and Enterobacleriaceae were enumerated on plate count and violet red bile glucose agar plates, respectively. Unwashed, in process, and postprocess eggs were evaluated in the study. Aerobic microorganism prevalence for eggshells sampled was similar for both methods (approximately 100%), but the log CFU per milliliter values were higher in the SR than the CR samples (3.2 and 2.2, respectively). Average Enterobacteriaceae recovery was similar for both methods (45 versus 40% for the SR and CR methods, respectively) when all eggs were considered together. This population was detected more often by SR when unwashed eggs were sampled (90 versus 56% for the SR and CR methods, respectively), equally by SR and CR for in-process eggs (30 versus 29.3% for the SR and CR methods, respectively), but more often by CR for postprocess eggs (10 versus 36% for the SR and CR methods, respectively). The SR technique was easier to perform and recovered larger numbers of aerobic organisms, particularly for unwashed eggs. However, the CR technique was more efficient for recovery of Enterobacteriaceae from postprocess eggs. Stage of shell egg processing may be an important consideration when choosing egg sampling methods.
Effects of denticity and ligand rigidity on reactivity of copper complexes with cumyl hydroperoxide

Abstract Cu(II) complexes bearing N2/Py2 tetradentate ligands consisting of two pyridyl arms and a flexible ethyldiamine backbone, [(BPMEN)Cu(ClO4)2] (1), with rigid cyclohexyl backbone [(BPMCN)Cu(ClO4)2] (2), and substituted with bispyrrolidyl [(PDP)Cu(ClO4)2] (3), and Cu(II) complex bearing N2/Py3 pentadentate ligand, [(TPMEN)Cu(ClO4)2] (4), were synthesized and structurally characterized. Reactivity of 1–4 with cumyl hydroperoxide was investigated to study the effects of ligand rigidity and denticity on the mechanism of O–O bond cleavage. Results presented herein illustrate that 1–3 favors homolysis, however 4 showed little to almost no impact on O–O bond cleavage.
How We Enjoy and Why We Seek Out Morally Complex Characters in Media Entertainment

Parents, politicians, pedagogists, priests, and parishioners have for centuries considered and debated the morality of entertainment. Most of these discussions have centered on fears of moral corruption and erosion resulting from participating in or witnessing certain leisure activities: theatre, festivals, sports, gambling, music, and, more recently, television, ﬁlm, and digital games. In fact, one could argue that the past eight decades or so of empirical media eﬀects research reﬂect these concerns and seek to alleviate (or validate) the fears. But entertainment’s impact on individually held moral values is not the only question of importance for media psychologists. An important line of research also considers the way that those values inﬂuence the reception and interpretation of entertainment content. This chapter falls within that tradition. In the following pages, we will explore the ways that morality serves (or does not serve) as a lens through which media content is viewed, with an ultimate desire to better understand the appeal of characters and narratives that highlight and seemingly celebrate moral violations by protagonists.
Nano silica-carbon-silver ternary hybrid induced antimicrobial composite films for food packaging application

Abstract In this work, Ag assisted biobased silica-carbon nanoparticles (SCAg-NPs) were incorporated into a viscous biopolymer solution to fabricate antimicrobial thin films using 3D printing technique. The Ag NPs were prepared in situ from AgNO3 through one-step ball milling in the presence of silica-carbon hybrid obtained from pyrolysis of rice husk. The nanostructure of the SCAg-NPs was determined by XRD and TEM. These as-synthesized particles were also characterized by XPS analysis. The printed films were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, Raman microanalysis, TGA, DSC and tensile testing to investigate the influence of nanoparticles on the thermal and mechanical properties on the films. Antimicrobial testing was carried out on the films to assess the inhibitory effect of SCAg NPs on Salmonella Enteritidis inoculum. XRD, XPS and Raman microanalysis confirmed the incorporation of Ag particles into SCNPs, while FE-SEM size measurement of the SCAg NPs ranged between 10–100 nm in diameter. Thermal analysis revealed that the inclusion of SCAg NPs led to improvement in the thermal stability of the fabricated nanocomposites films. Tensile test was carried out to determine the influence of SCAg NPs on mechanical properties of the films and found moderate increase in the strength of the polymer film.
Gauge-free electromagnetic gyrokinetic theory

Abstract A new gauge-free electromagnetic gyrokinetic theory is developed, in which the gyrocenter equations of motion and the gyrocenter phase-space transformation are expressed in terms of the perturbed electromagnetic fields, instead of the usual perturbed potentials. Gyrocenter polarization and magnetization are derived explicitly from the gyrocenter Hamiltonian, up to first order in the gyrocenter perturbation expansion. Expressions for the sources in Maxwell's equations are derived in a form that is suitable for simulation studies, as well as kinetic-gyrokinetic hybrid modeling.
Is Design Patent Examination Too Lax

To be patentable, a design is supposed to be novel, nonobvious, and ornamental. But every week, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issues patent for designs that seem to be none of the above. This state of affairs has led some commentators to argue that the USPTO is being too lax in examining design patent applications. Professor Crouch even argued that the USPTO’s high allowance rates indicate that the agency has silently “abdicat[ed] . . . its gatekeeper function in the realm of design patents.” This Article offers an alternate explanation for the high allowance rate for U.S. design patent applications. It argues that the USPTO approves so many design patent applications not because it is shirking its duties, but because it has to. Specifically, this Article argues that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has made it nearly impossible for the USPTO to reject any design patent claim — regardless of how ordinary, banal, or functional the claimed design might be. This suggests that we shouldn’t blame the USPTO for (all) bad design patents. It also suggests that neither supplying examiners with more prior art nor publishing design patent applications will, in and of themselves, significantly improve design patent quality. Finally, in light of the USPTO’s very high allowance rate, some might be tempted to conclude that design patent examination doesn’t work and, perhaps, should be abolished. But, if the real problem is not the examination model but the controlling Federal Circuit case law, then we shouldn’t give up on the examination model quite yet.
Two closely related polymorphs of ammonium trifluorooxovanadate

Abstract Two polymorphs of ammonium trifluorooxovanadate (NH4VOF3) were synthesized as single crystals by the reaction of ammonium metavanadate with vanadium in hydrofluoric acid. The two phases crystalize in the same space group (Pbam), have similar unit cell volumes (α-NH4VOF3:371 A3, β-NH4VOF3:375 A3 at 100 K), and similar total energies (difference of ∼2.2 meV per formula unit at 0 K). Both structures contain the [VOF3]nn− ladder motif that has been reported in phases such as KVOF3 and RbVOF3. The polymorphs are differentiated by the angle between two neighboring ladder motifs. Although the two polymorphs are structurally similar, selective synthesis is possible as longer reaction times favor β-NH4VOF3.
Abstract 3014: Gene signatures identify quinolate phosphoribosyltransferase as a key mediator of acquired resistance to Panobinostat and Bortezomib in glioma, and NAD+ biosynthesis as a targetable pathway to reverse treatment resistance

Resistance of tumor cells to the induction of apoptosis is an important reason for the failure of anticancer treatments in patients with gliomas. Several factors working in concert have been implicated as sources of this treatment resistance; therefore, innovative therapeutic approaches that conspire to attack key tumor vulnerabilities are needed. HDAC and proteasome inhibitors are two classes of agents that have shown some benefit in the clinic, but patients often rapidly manifest intrinsic or acquired resistance mechanisms that limits their individual efficacy. We demonstrate that the combination of the HDAC inhibitor panobinostat and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib synergistically induces apoptosis of human glioma cell lines. However, acquired resistance is observed even with this initially effective combination. To examine the mechanism of this resistance, we performed RNA sequencing and pharmacological screening of resistant compared to sensitive cells. Based on these studies, we present evidence that quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT), an enzyme catalyzes a rate determining step in de novo NAD+ biosynthesis, provides a critical adaptive survival mechanism that allows cancer cells to evade an initially effective therapeutic combination. We identified 1004 genes that had a significant change between panobinostat and bortezomib- resistant cells versus inhibitor naive control cells. Furthermore, pathway analysis revealed that the experimental regimen significantly altered metabolic pathways. By silencing QPRT (using siRNA) we demonstrated that we can overcome resistance, thus suggesting QPRT as a crucial crossroad for cancer cell survival and as a new anticancer target. We also showed that treatment of panobinostat and bortezomib resistant cells with FK866, niraparib, selisistat, epacadostat, gemcitabine, 5-fluoruracil, and methotrexate significantly increased cell death highlighting the importance of NAD+ and folate pathway inhibitors in resensitizing the resistant cells. Together, targeting QPRT or NAD+ consuming enzymes hold promise for eliminating recurrent disease in glioma. Citation Format: Esther P. Jane, Daniel R. Premkumar, Sameer Agnihotri, Max Myers, Ansuman Chattopadhyay, D. Lansing Taylor, Mark Schurdak, Andrew Stern, Ian F. Pollack. Gene signatures identify quinolate phosphoribosyltransferase as a key mediator of acquired resistance to Panobinostat and Bortezomib in glioma, and NAD+ biosynthesis as a targetable pathway to reverse treatment resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3014.
Poly(phenylenesulfide)-based coatings for carbon steel heat exchanger tubes in geothermal environments

To inhibit corrosion and fouling by calcium silicate and silica scales of the carbon steel heat exchanger tubes in geothermal power plants operating at brine temperature of 160°C, their internal surfaces were lined with high-temperature performance poly(phenylenesulfide) (PPS)-based coating systems. The systems included the PPS containing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as an anti-oxidant additive, silicon carbide (SiC) as a thermally conductive filler, and aluminum oxide-rich calcium aluminate (ACA) as an abrasive wear resistant filler. Then, the lined tubes underwent an eleven-month-long field exposure at the site of power plant. The results from the post-test analyses of the exposed liners revealed that these PPS coating systems had an excellent thermal stability, and satisfyingly withstood this brine temperature, and also greatly resisted the permeation of brine, demonstrating that they adequately protect the tubes against corrosion in a wet, harsh geothermal environment. Furthermore, modifying the surfaces of the PPS top layer with PTFE, retarded the hydrothermal oxidation of the liner, thereby reducing significantly the rate of scale deposition and creating surfaces unsusceptible to reactions with scales. Thus, all the scales deposited on the liner's surfaces were readily scoured off by hydroblasting at a very low pressure. By contrast, although the stainless steel tubes had a great protection against corrosion, the formation of passive oxide layers at their outermost surface sites was detrimental in that they became more susceptible to scale deposition and developed strong adherence to the scales. As a result, the high-pressure hydroblasting was required to remove this scale adhering to the tubes' surfaces.
Optimising cattle grazing distribution on rangeland: a systematic review and network analysis

Optimising beef cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) distribution, both spatially and temporally, is one of the most significant challenges associated with managing extensive grazed rangelands. Landscape variability and behavioural patterns of cattle may lead to non-uniform and inefficient forage utilisation, damage to critical habitats, and water quality impairment. In order to overcome these distribution challenges, a large suite of tools have been developed and researched to optimise grazing patterns. The objectives of this synthesis paper are 2-fold: (i) to survey and categorise distribution tools; and (ii) to analyse the connectivity of existing research across academic disciplines to identify and isolate knowledge gaps. A systematic literature review revealed specific types of tools and strategies to improve cattle distribution, which were categorised as either ‘animal’ or ‘environmental manipulations’. Animal manipulations utilise aspects of individual behaviour and herd dynamics to alter grazing patterns, whereas environmental manipulations involve transforming aspects of the animal’s surroundings to overcome challenges associated with inefficient distribution. This review reveals that strategies are overwhelmingly studied in isolation, and that there is potential to increase efficacy by integrating multiple strategies to achieve a desired outcome. Motivated by these findings, an author collaboration network analysis was conducted to investigate connectivity within and among author fields of expertise to understand why more integrated management strategies are not currently studied. Authors were classified into five fields of research: animal behaviour science, animal production science, biophysical rangeland science, economics, and other. The network analysis revealed that communities of authors contributing to papers on enhancing cattle distribution are disjointed. These results suggest that in order to fulfil knowledge gaps about the efficacy and cost of management strategies, there needs to be interdisciplinary engagement with particular attention to strategies that integrate animal and environmental manipulations to enhance cattle grazing distribution on extensively grazed landscapes.
How Can We Measure the Magnitude of Creative Cities? A New Creativity Index: 3Ci

There is some doubt about the effect of creative class on economic development. There is also concern that the 3Ts index (Talent, Technology, and Tolerance) does not take into account two of the mo...
A think tank in action: Building new knowledge about professional identity in nursing

A notable body of research regarding professional identity development and formation in nursing currently exists. Unfortunately, no one definition has guided a plan to build new knowledge within the profession. The think tank methodology used with professional identity in nursing has successfully brought together international leaders in education, regulation, and practice to begin to think, plan, study, and disseminate the findings of the professional identity in nursing initiative. This article briefly explains the state of the science regarding professional identity and discusses in depth a think tank methodology. This approach produced important outcomes about professional identity in nursing, showing how a well-constructed think tank offers clarity and an understanding about the next steps needed to build new knowledge and language within a discipline.
Development of predictive algorithms for length of stay greater than one day after one- or two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Abstract Strategies for improving value-based healthcare in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) include a shift towards outpatient procedures. The primary outcomes was prolonged length of stay defined as length of stay greater than one day. Overall, 2917 patients underwent ACDF, of which 35.2% (n = 1027) had length of stay greater than one day. The variables used for prediction of prolonged LOS were age, sex, marital status, private insurance, myelopathy, patient-reported drug allergies, presence of at least one medical comorbidity, preoperative medications, and preoperative laboratory values. These models may be helpful for triaging the patients most likely to benefit from outpatient ACDF.
Detecting vortical structures in time-resolved volumetric flow fields

The detection of three-dimensional coherent vortical structures that get advected as well as deformed with time is a challenge. However, it is critical for the statistical analysis of these vortices, for example, the quasi-streamwise vortices (QSVs) in the near field of a turbulent shear layer, where cavitation inception typically occurs. These structures exhibit underlying correlations among different properties that can be derived from the velocity gradients. Exploiting these correlations, a pseudo-Lagrangian vortex detection method is proposed that uses k-means clustering based on vorticity magnitude and direction, values of λ2, strain rate structure, axial stretching, and location. The method facilitates the finding that QSVs have pressure minima that are lower than those in the surrounding flow, including the primary spanwise vortices. These minima typically appear after a period of axial stretching and before contraction events.
Frequency of reported dental visits and professional fluoride applications in a cohort of children followed from birth to age 3 years.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report the prevalence of having a dental visit and/or a topical fluoride treatment at the dental visit from birth to age 36 months from an observational, longitudinal study of a cohort of children followed since birth. Methods: Multiple questionnaires were sent to the families of children enrolled in a study of fluoride ingestion to ask parents if their child had had a dental (or dental hygiene) appointment and/or a fluoride treatment during the time interval since the previous mailed survey. Data were analyzed to determine the percentages of children who had at least one dental visit or at least one fluoride treatment by one, two or three years of age. Results: Three hundred and forty parents completed all eleven questionnaires during the 36-month study period. Of these, 2% reported having taken their child for a dental visit by one year of age, 11% by two years of age and 31% by three years of age. Of those with a visit by three years of age, 19% received at least one fluoride treatment. Conclusions: Despite recommendations for early dental visits, only 31% of the children in this cohort had been seen by a dentist by the time they reached their third birthday and 19% of these had received a professional fluoride treatment.(Pediatr Dent 24:6468, 2002)
Intrauterine growth retardation risk detection for fetuses of unknown gestational age

Abstract A method of plotting growth rate of the biparietal diameter against the concurrent size of the biparietal diameter was used to assess risk of intrauterine growth retardation. The technique does not require knowledge of gestational age of the fetus. Therefore, it is uniquely useful for patients with unknown or uncertain menstrual dates who present relatively late in pregnancy when a reliable estimate of gestational age cannot be sonographically obtained. One hundred twenty-one patients were studied. Ninety-seven percent of the fetuses who demonstrated a normal rate of growth were either appropriate or large for gestational age by weight. Thirty-five percent of the fetuses who had a subnormal rate of growth of the biparietal diameter were intrauterine growth retarded by weight. The data presented support the use of this technique for assessing the risk for intrauterine growth retardation, when an accurate estimate of gestational age cannot be made.
Regulation of Phospholipase A2 Enzymes: Selective Inhibitors and their Pharmacological Potential

The area of PLA2 research has grown immensely over the past 20 years. There is a better understanding of the kinetics, or factors that affect the kinetics, of the different forms of PLA2. New forms of PLA2 are being discovered, such as the cPLA2, which fit the role of an intracellularly regulated enzyme. Multiple forms of PLA2 tend to complicate the elucidation of the cellular mechanisms that regulate AA release and the subsequent eicosanoid production. Because of the factors that affect PLA2 kinetics and the unknown nature of the PLA2 that regulates AA release (there may be more than one), it has been difficult to design or isolate specific inhibitors. This review discussed selected classes of inhibitors because these have generated the most intense research in the field. There is a multitude of structurally diverse compounds reported in the literature that have been reported to be inhibitors of PLA2 in vitro and some have been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity (Wilkerson, 1990; Connolly and Robinson, 1993a). It is clear from a brief survey of the literature that the bulk of PLA2 inhibitors have topical anti-inflammatory activity. This may be due to the nature of these inhibitors: because they are hydrophobic they may be more readily absorbed in the skin whereas when given orally they may not be absorbed. To data, manoalide has been clinically evaluated in man and a new Bristol-Myers Squibb retenoid derivative may enter clinical trials for psoriasis (BMS-181162 (XVI)); however, there are no PLA2 inhibitors on the market or significantly advanced in clinical development (Table III). This indicates the lack of understanding of this enzyme for the development of relevant inhibitors, which is related to the lack of understanding of the relevant PLA2 that regulates AA release and eicosanoid biosynthesis. The concept of regulation of eicosanoid biosynthesis by PLA2 inhibition and decreased AA availability still remains a viable therapeutic approach for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The proof of this concept has not been obtained because of the complex nature of PLA2 and the multiple forms of PLA2 in the cell. Clinical results with cyclooxygenase inhibitors and recent clinical results with inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase demonstrate that if inhibition of PLA2 results in reduction in both lipid mediators, a good anti-inflammatory compound should result. The added advantage of PLA2 inhibitors would be the reduction of PAF levels; however, the clinical results with potent and specific PAF antagonists has been less encouraging about the potential benefits of reduction in PAF levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Large-Plate Method for the Assay of Neomycin in Serum

A large-plate method employing radial diffusion from small paper discs for assaying serum levels of neomycin is described. More than 120 discs placed on a loading plate and loaded with 20 μliters of sample could all be brought into contact with the agar plate at one time. The requirement for elaborate statistical design to compensate for time-dependent bias was thus eliminated. The dose-response curve was linear for a range of at least 0.5 to 2.5 μg/ml. The experimental limits for the actual zone width (distance from the edge of the paper disc to the outer edge of the inhibition zone) for 120 repetitions of the assay of neomycin in one and the same serum, carried out simultaneously on one large plate, were about ± 6% (95% confidence interval). The 95% confidence interval for the distribution of difference between duplicate zones obtained for the assay of neomycin in 34 different sera, also carried out on one plate, was about ± 10%. The dose-response lines for a standard and for three unknown sera, when carried out together on one plate, were parallel within the variability (± SD one) of the zone width. The large-plate method is considered to be more efficient than the use of the smaller petri dishes. The method is suitable for the assay of penicillin in serum and can most probably be used for the assay of a wide variety of substances for which radial diffusion from paper discs into agar is feasible.
Towards a Critical IP Theory: Copyright, Consecration & Control

Intellectual property jurisprudence increasingly informs the way in which social order is maintained in the twenty-first century. By regulating cultural (re)production and patrolling the dissemination of knowledge, copyright law mediates the exercise of important social, political, and economic rights, thereby playing a critical role in the construction of our information society. In theory, ostensibly neutral ground rules guide the allotment, enforcement, and vindication of rights pertaining to creative works in a way that best advances the constitutionally mandated purpose of the copyright regime: progress in the arts. But, in reality, copyright law’s procedural and substantive doctrines do more than just advance “progress in the arts” and can serve as powerful tools for the regulation, control, and manipulation of meaning. In recent years, scholars have begun to assess the relationship between intellectual property rights and cultural hierarchies, including those based on race, gender, orientation and class. Towards a Critical IP Theory first identifies this emerging body of literature — one that it refers to as “critical intellectual property” scholarship — and locates its origins in the common methodology of the more mature critical legal studies and critical race theory movements. The Article then builds upon the extant critical intellectual property scholarship by focusing on three moments of analytical interest for critical intellectual property inquiries: (1) the creation of rights; (2) the assertion of rights; and (3) the adjudication of rights. In drawing on a wide range of examples — the transformation of Shakespeare and the opera from popular entertainment to elite-only culture in late nineteenth century America, the comparison between the RIAA’s response to the federal government’s unauthorized use of music at the American detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay and its high profile litigation campaign against unauthorized individual file sharing on the Internet, and the use of aesthetic considerations in juridical responses to send-ups of two American classics (Gone with the Wind and The Catcher in the Rye) — the Article illustrates how the vesting of copyright protection, the enforcement of copyright and the implementation of copyright doctrine in the adjudicative process can maintain and perpetuate cultural hierarchy. The Article therefore introduces a theoretical framework for studying just how copyright transcends its small corner of the legal universe by shaping social structures and regulating individual behavior as part of a larger hegemonic project. In the end, Towards a Critical IP Theory ideally represents a helpful step in the development of a nascent literature that examines the broader societal impact of intellectual property rights.
The Longitudinal Study of American Youth: Notes on the First 20 Years of Tracking and Data Collection

The Longitudinal Study of American Youth: Notes on the First 20 Years of Tracking and Data Collection
Predeparture Services for Students Studying Abroad

This chapter discusses aspects of preparation for students who will study abroad, suggests topics that should be covered, and speaks to issues involved with cultural immersion.
Detailed Simulation of the Cochlea: Recent Progress Using Large Shared Memory Parallel Computers

We have developed and are refining a detailed three-dimensional computational model of the human cochlea. The model uses the immersed boundary method to calculate the fluid-structure interactions produced in response to incoming sound waves. An accurate cochlear geometry obtained from physical measurements is incorporated. The model includes a detailed and realistic description of the various elastic structures present. Initially, a macro-mechanical computational model was developed for execution on a CRAY T90 at the San Diego Supercomputing Center. This code was ported to the latest generation of shared memory high performance servers from Hewlett Packard. Using compiler generated threads and OpenMP directives, we have achieved a high degree of parallelism in the executable, which has made possible to run several large scale numerical simulation experiments to study the interesting features of the cochlear system. In this paper, we outline the methods, algorithms and software tools that were used to implement and fine tune the code, and discuss some of the simulation results.
MOISTURE EQUILIBRIUM AND MIGRATION IN BUILDING MATERIALS.

Abstract : Factors influencing the moisture content of a variety of building materials in equilibrium with their thermal and moisture environments are discussed. Reference is made to forces potentials, energies, pore structure, surface area, and hysteresis. The usefulness of the suction concept in dealing with moisture at conditions close to saturation and of the relationship of the suction scale to relative humidity is discussed. The second part of the paper introduces a discussion of moisture migration under isothermal steady-state conditions, and indicates the complications inherent in the nonisothermal case. (Author)
Hiding in Plain Sight: Can Disclosure Enhance Insiders’ Trade Returns?

Can voluntary disclosure be used to enhance insiders’ strategic trade while providing legal cover? We investigate this question in the context of 10b5-1 trading plans. Prior literature suggests that insiders lose strategic trade value if their planned trades are disclosed. But disclosure might enhance strategic trade because courts can only consider publicly available evidence from defendants at the motion to dismiss phase of trial. This practice can enhance legal protection for firms that disclose planned trades, especially those disclosing detailed information. Consistent with increased legal protection, we find that voluntary disclosure of planned trades increases with firm litigation risk and potential gains to insiders’ trades. We also find that insider sales and abnormal returns are higher for disclosed plans, especially those that articulate specific plan details. This suggests that voluntary disclosure, which is conventionally thought to reduce information asymmetries, can create legal cover for opportunistic insider trading.
Liquid separation for chemical extraction by large droplet ejection and millimeter high liquid fountain

This paper describes a novel separation technique for chemical extraction from an aqueous two-phase system. The basic device for this technology is a newly developed large droplet (up to 5nl) liquid ejector that can also fountain a tall and narrow liquid column (over 22 mm high and less than 1 mm in diameter). With this technology, the separation of two liquids can be done in a precise amount through digital control of the number of the droplets or through analog control of the liquid-column height, without any mixing between the two liquids.
Binding of Radioactive Benzylpenicillin to Sporulating Bacillus Cultures: Chemistry and Fluctuations in Specific Binding Capacity

tosporulating cultures of Bacillus megaterium andB.subtilis issimilar tothatina4-hrvegetative culture of Staphylococcus aureus.Unlabeled penicillins prevent thebinding of14C-benzylpenicillin, butbenzylpenicilloic acidandbenzylpenilloic aciddonot.Boundantibiotic canberemoved fromcells withneutral hydroxylamine at25C.Sporulating cultures display twointervals ofenhanced binding, whereas binding tostationaryphaseS.aureuscells remains constant. Thefirst period ofincreased binding activity occursduring formation ofthesporeseptumorcell wallprimordium development,andthesecond coincides withcortexbiosynthesis. Penicillins kill growing cultures ofbacteria by inhibiting theterminal steps inthebiosynthesis offunctional cell wallpeptidoglycan. Penicillins irreversibly bindtoa component ofthecytoplasmic membrane(3),subsequently inhibiting theglycopeptide transpeptidase activity ofintact cells (25, 26,31;Fed.Proc. 25:344, 1966) orof membrane particles (1,2,13,14). Specific inactivation ofthis enzymeisdependent uponthe irreversible binding oftheantibiotic (J.T.Park andE.M. Wise,Int.Congr.Biochem. 7th, Abstr. D-44,1969), andpenicillin isbelieved to binddirectly totheglycopeptide transpeptidase. Invitro demonstration ofapeptidoglycan transpeptidase anditsirreversible inhibition by boundpenicillins hasbeenaccomplished only withaparticulate enzymepreparation fromEscherichia coliY-10(1,2,13,14). Radioactive penicillin alsobindscovalently toparticulate enzymepreparations fromBacillus subtilis and E.coli capable ofsynthesizing peptidoglycan in vitro (16). Boundantibiotic irreversibly inhibits D-alanine carboxypeptidase activity intheformer system. Neutralhydroxylamine removesthe boundantibiotic, andenzymeactivity isrestored ata rateidentical totherateofremoval of boundpenicillin (16, 17). TheD-alanine carboxypeptidase activity observed intheB.sublilis system mayreflect anuncoupled transpeptidase