cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Ecology of Nonecological Speciation and Nonadaptive Radiations.

Growing evidence for lineage diversification that occurs without strong ecological divergence (i.e., nonadaptive radiation) challenges assumptions about the buildup and maintenance of species in evolutionary radiations, particularly when ecologically similar and thus potentially competing species co-occur. Understanding nonadaptive radiations involves identifying conditions conducive to both the nonecological generation of species and the maintenance of co-occurring ecologically similar species. To borrow MacArthur’s [1] (Challenging Biological Problems 1972;253–259) form of inquiry, the ecology of nonadaptive radiations can be understood as follows: for species of type A, in environments of type B, nonadaptive radiations may emerge. We review purported cases of nonadaptive radiation and suggest properties of organisms, resources, and landscapes that might be conducive to their origin and maintenance. These properties include poor dispersal ability and the ephemerality and patchiness of resources.
Constraining White Dwarf Masses Via Apsidal Precession in Eccentric Double White Dwarf Binaries

Galactic short period double white dwarfs (DWD) are guaranteed gravitational wave (GW) sources for the next generation of space-based interferometers sensitive to low-frequency GWs (101Hz). Here we investigate the possibility of constraining the white dwarf (WD) properties through measurements of apsidal precession in eccentric binaries. We analyze the general relativistic (GR), tidal, and rotational contributions to apsidal precession by using detailed He WD models. We find that apsidal precession can lead to a detectable shift in the emitted GW signal, the effect being stronger (weaker) for binaries hosting hot (cool) WDs. We find that in hot (cool) DWDs tides dominate the precession at orbital frequencies above ∼0.01 mHz (∼1 mHz). Analyzing the apsidal precession of these sources only accounting for GR would potentially lead to an extreme overestimate of the component masses. Finally, we derive a relation that ties the radius and apsidal precession constant of cool WD components to their masses, therefore allowing tides to be used as an additional mass measurement tool.
Challenges to ethical obligations and humanitarian principles in conflict settings: a systematic review

Humanitarian health care organizations and health workers working in contexts of armed or violent conflict experience challenges in fulfilling ethical obligations and humanitarian principles. To better understand the types of challenges experienced in these contexts, we conducted a systematic literature review. A broad search strategy was developed for English language publications available in PubMed, Ovid/EMBASE, and Scopus. The search relied upon three key concept blocks: conflict settings, humanitarian or relief organizations, and non-clinical or non-military ethics. To be included, publications had to (1) refer implicitly or explicitly to ethics and/or humanitarian principle(s), (2) relate to non-military relief work in active conflict or conflict-affected settings, (3) relate to organizational mission and/or delivery of services, and (4) relate to events after 1900. Records were qualitatively analyzed using an emergent thematic analysis approach that mapped challenges onto recognized ethical obligations and humanitarian principles. A total of 66 out of a possible 2077 retrieved records met inclusion criteria. The most frequently noted ethical challenges for organizations working in conflict settings were (1) providing the highest attainable quality of care, (2) protecting workers, and (3) minimizing unintended harms. The humanitarian principle most frequently noted as challenging to uphold was neutrality (the duty that humanitarian actors must not take sides in a conflict). Ethical challenges and humanitarian principles were commonly co-coded. For example, the challenge of providing the highest attainable quality of care frequently intersected with the humanitarian principle of humanity. By categorizing the types of ethical challenges experienced by humanitarian care organizations, this review can help organizations anticipate issues that might arise in conflict settings. The identified relationships between ethical challenges and humanitarian principles suggests that frameworks and guidance for ethical decision-making, if adapted for conflict settings, could support organizational capacity to fulfill ethical and humanitarian commitments.
The Fossil Record of Primate Phylogeny

Phylogeny is the study of the real genealogical relationship of taxa. It is not fully knowable. Phylogenetic trees combine information from fossil forms, from living species, from dating, from anatomy, and from chemistry, but none of these fields can stand alone in reconstructing phylogeny. Neither dendrograms grouping extrapolated dates of dichotomies with present-day species nor phylogenetic trees including only fossil forms placed on noncommittal side branches are adequate. Molecular biology can be seen as one field contributing to the understanding of phylogeny, but in no sense should it be viewed as overthrowing or supplanting the evidence from other disciplines. Dendrograms with branch-point dates extrapolated from presently living species can contribute to understanding phylogeny in some cases, but such charts are devoid of historical content, that is, the names, the nature, and the way of life of the fossil forms themselves. In addition, many splitting-time dendrograms, for primates at least, bear little relation to the record left by extinct members of this order. A definite problem exists in resolving these two major sorts of approaches.
Implementation of a Dedicated Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Program for Radical Cystectomy Patients is Associated With Decreased Postoperative Inpatient Opioid Usage and Pain Scores

Objective To measure differences in post-operative opioid usage and pain scores between pre- and post-Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) radical cystectomy (RC) patients in an effort to optimize outcomes. Study design We performed a retrospective cohort study from a single institution from January 1, 2015 to July 31, 2018 among 86 and 108 pre- and post-ERAS RC patients. The primary endpoints were total mean opioid usage (morphine equivalent daily dosing or MEDD) and mean pain scores (Visual Analog Scale) on postoperative days (POD) 1-3. Secondary endpoints were number of opioid pills prescribed at discharge and within 30 days of discharge. Multivariable model selection was carried out with forward selection and backward elimination to identify variables associated with key outcomes. Results Total mean usage of opioids and mean pain scores were significantly lower in post-ERAS vs pre-ERAS patients across POD 1-3, respectively (32.90 MEDD vs 99.86 MEDD, P ≤ .001; 3.51 vs 4.17, P = .003). The median number of opioid pills prescribed at discharge was significantly lower in the post-ERAS group compared to pre-ERAS (30 pills vs 45 pills, P = .046) as well as the median number opioid pills prescribed within 30 days of discharge (40 pills vs 50 pills, P = .001). Conclusion Our study suggests that a dedicated ERAS protocol following RC might be superior to traditional, non-ERAS methods in reducing postoperative opioid use and pain scores.
Transjugular versus Transfemoral Transcaval Liver Biopsy: A Single-Center Experience in 500 Cases.

Abstract Purpose To compare the safety and efficacy of transfemoral transcaval liver biopsies (TFTC) with that of transjugular liver biopsies (TJLB) at a single tertiary-care institution. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed of 500 consecutive transvenous liver biopsies between December 2010 and December 2018. The cases included 286 TFTC patients at a median age of 54 years old (interquartile range [IQR], 42–63 years of age), 37.4% were female; and 214 TJLB patients were a median age of 55 years old (IQR, 46–61 years of age), 45.4% female. Patient demographic and laboratory data and technical and histopathological success, fluoroscopy times, and complications were recorded. Comparative statistical analyses were performed using a 2-sample test or a Wilcoxon ranked sum test for continuous variables and a chi-square test or Fisher exact test for categorical variables when appropriate. Results TFTC and TJLB data are presented as technical success rates of 99.3% (283 of 286) and 100% (214 of 214), respectively; histopathologic success rates of 96.5% (275 of 285) and 95.8% (205 of 214), respectively; and major complication rates of 1.4% (4 of 284) and 5.6% (12 of 214), respectively (P = .009). There were no hepatic injuries in the TFTC group, whereas the TJLB group included 6 significant hepatic injuries requiring intervention. Median fluoroscopic times were 5.5 minutes (IQR, 3.9–8.6 minutes) for TFTC and 8.1 minutes (IQR, 5.2–13.1) for TJLB (P Conclusions In this single-institution study, TFTC was associated with a lower major complication rate and lower fluoroscopy times than conventional TJLB with similar technical and histopathologic successes.
Hexagonal Boron Nitride Encapsulation of Organic Microcrystals and Energy-Transfer Dynamics

Ultrathin layers of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) are used to fully encapsulate single perylene microcrystals. The morphology and chemical stability for samples prepared using different encapsulat...
Structure of the polysaccharide sheath from the B race of the green microalga Botryococcus braunii

Abstract The green microalga Botryococcus braunii forms a colony of cells held together by an intricate extracellular matrix. This extracellular matrix also acts as a storage location for liquid hydrocarbons initially produced inside the cells. These hydrocarbons can be used as feedstocks to produce transportation fuels. In the B race of B. braunii, the extracellular matrix is composed of several elements: a cross-linked hydrocarbon network filled with the liquid hydrocarbons, a retaining wall to hold the hydrocarbons in the extracellular matrix, an arabinogalactan polysaccharide fibrillar sheath that extends outward from the retaining wall, and a single protein known as polysaccharide associated protein is found at the base of the polysaccharide fibers where they connect to the retaining wall. During growth, colonies of the B race of B. braunii shed fragments of the retaining wall with polysaccharide fibrils attached into the media. Here we describe the isolation and structural analysis of these polysaccharides using a series of chemical degradations in combination with glycosyl residue composition and linkage analysis, as well as 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the polysaccharide is highly branched, consisting of a galactan backbone with short branches comprised of d -galactopyranose, l -arabinofuranose, 4-O-methyl- d -glucopyranuronic acid, and 6-deoxy- d -altropyranose. To our knowledge, this is the first description of 6-deoxyaltrose in algae or plants.
Intentional ad-viewing to support video creators on digital video-sharing platforms

This study explored intentional ad-viewing on digital video-sharing platforms and focused on a novel type of ad-viewing behavior to support video creators. In-depth interviews with 20 YouTube users...
Transfer of tracer data to mixing-controlled reactive transport

Conservative tracer data are used for the parameterization of mixing-controlled reactive transport. Temporal moments of the tracer break­ through curve integrated over the outflow boundary of the domain yield the average velocity and the path-averaged macrodispersion coefficient. Analysing the temporal moments of breakthrough curves locally obtained at single points in the domain gives additional information about the dilution of the tracer. We derive an apparent Peclet number of mixing Pea from local temporal moments. By interpreting the spatially integrated breakthrough curve as the result of advective-dispersive transport in independent streamtubes with identical Peclet numbers but differing seepage velocity, it is possible to transfer conservative-tracer data to the transport of interacting compounds. The approach is applied to the hypothetical case of a bimolecular reaction in a heterogeneous two-dimensional aquifer.
Ablation of isthmus dependent atrial flutter: when to call for the next patient.

Typical atrial flutter is a common reentrant atrial arrhythmia. The critical portion of the reentrant circuit is the rim of tissue between the tricuspid valve (TV) annulus and the inferior vena cava (IVC) (Fig.1).1,2 The reentrant circuit can operate in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions (Figs. 2–3). Elimination of conduction across the TV-IVC isthmus eliminates the tachycardia.3 The endpoint of ablation is to achieve bidirectional TVIVC isthmus block. Successful ablation of TV-IVC
Field experiments on the effects of reserve prices in auctions: More magic on the internet

This paper presents experimental evidence on the effects of minimum bids in f irst-price, sealed-bid auctions. The auction experiments manipulated the minimum bids in a preexisting market on the Internet for collectible trading cards from the game Magic: the Gathering. They yielded data on a number of economic outcomes, including the number of participating bidders, the probability of sale, the levels of individual bids, and the auctioneer’s revenues. The benchmark theoretical model tested here is the classic auction model described by Riley and Samuelson (1981), with symmetric, risk-neutral bidders with independent private values. The data verify a number of the predictions of the theory. A particularly interesting result shows that many bidders behave strategically, anticipating the effects of the reserve price on others’ bids.
Dihydrofolate reductase from amethopterin-resistant Lactobacillus casei: Effects of pH, salts, temperature, and source of NADPH on enzyme activity and substrate specificity studies☆

Abstract Activity analyses of pure dihydrofolate reductase from amethopterin-resistant Lactobacillus casei conducted with commercial sources of NADPH yielded a progression of nonlinear assay tracings whose shapes were both pH dependent and reminiscent of classical product inhibition. The extent of curving of the assay tracings was dependent on the source and age of the commercial NADPH and was enhanced as the pH was decreased from 7.5 to 5.0. Under these conditions a “pseudo”-pH-activity profile, exhibiting a maximal specific activity of 9 units/mg of protein between pH 7.0 and 7.5, was found. In contrast, freshly prepared NADPH provided strictly linear assay tracings over the pH range of 8.5 to 5.0, yielding uniformly higher specific activities than those observed with commercial NADPH. The new pH-activity profile was characterized by a broad optimum between pH 5.0 and 6.0, with a maximal specificity activity of 24.9 units/ mg in 0.1 m potassium phosphate in the absence of added salt. The curving phenomenon and pseudo-pH optimum observed with commercial NADPH is attributed to the presence of minor but potent inhibitory impurities in these coenzyme preparations. Optimal concentrations of monovalent (~0.1 m ) and divalent (~0.05 m ) salts activated the enzyme between 1.5- and 1.7-fold, resulting in maximal specific activities in the range of 34 to 39 units/mg. A similar extent of activation was observed in 0.8 m Tris-acetate buffer, pH 5.5. At concentrations of monovalent salts above 0.5 m and of divalent salts above 0.2 m a reduction in salt-dependent activation and, in some cases, inhibition of activity were obtained. Substrate specificity studies indicated that the V for folate at saturating levels is 1% of that for dihydrofolate. Deamino-NADPH yielded V values 1.4-fold higher than that for NADPH, while acetylpyridine-NADPH and thio-NADPH provided values 6.5- and 235-fold lower, respectively, than the value with the natural coenzyme. Gel electrophoresis studies reflected a similar trend of selectivity in the interaction of NADPH and its analogs to form stable binary complexes. Stable ternary complexes of enzyme and amethopterin were formed with NADPH, deamino-NADPH, thio-NADPH, and acetylpyridine-NADPH. Although neither dihydrofolate nor NADP+ and its analog form stable complexes with L. casei dihydrofolate reductase, both NADP+ and deamino-NADP+ interact with enzyme and dihydrofolate to generate stable ternary complexes.
A Variational Formulation of Optimal Nonlinear Estimation

We propose a variational method to solve all three estimation problems for nonlinear stochastic dynamical systems: prediction, filtering, and smoothing. Our new approach is based upon a proper choice of cost function, termed the {\it effective action}. We show that this functional of time-histories is the unique statistically well-founded cost function to determine most probable histories within empirical ensembles. The ensemble dispersion about the sample mean history can also be obtained from the Hessian of the cost function. We show that the effective action can be calculated by a variational prescription, which generalizes the ``sweep method'' used in optimal linear estimation. An iterative numerical scheme results which converges globally to the variational estimator. This scheme involves integrating forward in time a ``perturbed'' Fokker-Planck equation, very closely related to the Kushner-Stratonovich equation for optimal filtering, and an adjoint equation backward in time, similarly related to the Pardoux-Kushner equation for optimal smoothing. The variational estimator enjoys a somewhat weaker property, which we call ``mean optimality''. However, the variational scheme has the principal advantage---crucial for practical applications---that it admits a wide variety of finite-dimensional moment-closure approximations. The moment approximations are derived reductively from the Euler-Lagrange variational formulation and preserve the good structural properties of the optimal estimator.
NOx Emissions Reduction Using Air Separation Membranes for Different Loads in Gas-Fired Engines

Air Separation Membranes (ASM) could potentially replace Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology in engines due to the proven benefits in NOx reduction but without the drawbacks of EGR. Previous investigations of Nitrogen Enriched Air (NEA) combustion using nitrogen bottles showed up to 70% NOx reduction with modest 2% nitrogen enrichment. The investigation in this paper was performed with an ASM capable of delivering at least 3.5% NEA to a single cylinder spark ignited natural gas engine. Low Temperature Combustion (LTC) is one of the pathways to meet the mandatory ultra low NOx emissions levels set by regulatory agencies. In this study, a comparative assessment is made between natural gas combustion in standard air and 2% NEA for different engine loads. Enrichment beyond this level degraded engine performance in terms of power density, Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE), and unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions for a given equivalence ratio. The ignition timing was optimized to yield maximum brake torque for standard air and NEA. The parasitic loss associated with the usage of ASM technology is presented. It was observed that with 2% NEA, for a similar fuel quantity, the equivalence ratio (Ψ) increases by 0.1 relative to standard air conditions. Analysis showed that lean burn operation along with NEA could pave the pathway for realizing lower NOx emissions with a slight penalty in BTE.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
LiTMaS: Live road traffic maps for smartphones

A smartphone application that displays a live view of road traffic can provide drivers with real-time information on traffic jams, flash floods or accidents along their planned routes. This information aids them in avoiding delays and uncertainties on the road, enhancing their navigation experience. Several US departments of transportation provide information from street cameras in the form of a snapshot of a particular location on a Google map. However, it is difficult for drivers to manually select cameras on the map to obtain consolidated information about road conditions along a particular route. In this paper, we design an energy-efficient mobile service that provides drivers with a convenient interface to observe live camera coverage along a route. Our proposed solution comprises an Android application and a cloud-based proxy service between smartphones and traffic cameras. The proxy provides an abstraction layer over different communication protocols adopted by traffic cameras, and transfers camera images for a specified route to the smartphone as a batch, thereby reducing communication overhead and improving user response time. By employing an in-memory cache, the proxy server maintains the most recently accessed camera images and reduces camera polling. We integrate our solution with traffic cameras from cities in Massachusetts, New York, and Washington DC, and demonstrate its reduced energy consumption and reduced response time.
Studies of the portal venous system by injection technique.

Summary 1.A method is described for demonstration of the intrahepatic and major extrahepatic branches of the portal venous system by injection of barium sulfate suspension followed by roentgenologic study of the injected specimen. 2.Some of the normal variations in the pattern of the extrahepatic portal venous system are illustrated. 3.The alterations of the portal venous bed and demonstration of collateral channels at the lower end of the esophagus are reported in seven patients who had died with cirrhosis of the liver.
Electronic archiving for radiology image management systems

It is pointed out that the use of electronic archiving in a radiology department must be supported by image acquisition modes, high data rate local area networks, ultrahigh-resolution gray-scale display workstations, and hard-copy image recording stations. The requirements for mass storage of radiographic images and the required support system are presented. The electronic archiving of all radiographic images requires the following technologies: (1) modality interfaces; (2) film digitizers; (3) networks; (4) magnetic and optical archival systems; (5) film printers; and (6) gray-scale display stations. Estimates of the necessary number of film digitizers and film printers are discussed. A typical image management network is presented. >
Smoking behavior and motivation to quit among chronic pain patients initiating multidisciplinary pain treatment: a prospective study.

Objective. The primary aim of this study was to assess smoking characteristics and cessation motivation prior to and after initiation of multi- disciplinary chronic pain treatment. A secondary aim was to identify predictors of cessation motivation among smokers initiating treatment for chronic pain. Design. We used a prospective, nonrandomized, repeated measures design. Setting. The study was conducted in a multi- disciplinary specialty pain treatment program at a veterans hospital. Patients. Smokers (N = 90) referred to a multi- disciplinary pain program for the treatment of chronic pain. Measures. Patients completed questionnaires assessing pain-related and smoking-related factors prior to (baseline) and 8 weeks post (follow-up) spe- cialty pain treatment initiation. Primary outcome measures were the Contemplation Ladder and the Stages of Change (SOC) algorithm. Results. At baseline, patients reported moderate levels of cessation motivation, and 69% were in the contemplation stage or higher on the SOC. Motiva- tion to quit smoking was higher at follow-up com- pared with baseline on both continuous, t(89) = 2.11, P < 0.05, and stage-based, z = 3.69, P < 0.01, mea- sures. At follow-up, participants reported greater interest in receiving cessation interventions, and 7.8% of patients had quit smoking. Pain-related pre- dictors of motivation (e.g., pain intensity) were sub- sumed by more general predictors (e.g., nicotine dependence). Conclusions. Patients in this sample were more motivated to quit smoking a few weeks after, as compared with before initiating specialty pain treat- ment. Future research into pain-specific predictors of cessation motivation is warranted to inform the development of interventions that address pain patients' unique needs.
Gardening on the Edge: The Social Conditions of Unsustainability on an African Urban Periphery

Political ecology has done much to disassemble the dominant narratives used to define, explain, and manage environmental degradation in Africa. However, it has not seriously challenged a core assumption of these narratives: that the “natural” environment (that is, the environment containing natural resources) is the rural. This article argues for a critical analysis of human-environment relations in and around Africa’s cities, not simply because environmental problems in these areas have been for too long neglected. Such an inquiry also offers insights into the dynamic relationship between local ecological and economic change and the geographically and historically constructed social institutions governing daily production, exchange, and decision making processes. Drawing on research conducted in two market gardening villages outside of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the article examines how a combination of economic austerity and certain kinds of natural resource deterioration have transformed both the me...
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising from Chronic Osteomyelitis Treated by Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Squamous cell carcinoma is a rare, but well documented complication of chronic osteomyelitis. Many authors have recommended amputation as the treatment of choice for locally invasive disease. Presented is a patient with squamous cell carcinoma arising in the draining sinus tract of chronic osteomyelitis of the lower extremity that was treated successfully with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). After ten year follow-up he remains tumor free and continues to enjoy use of his leg. We propose MMS as a therapeutic option to amputation for control of locally invasive disease.
Effective appraisal of engineers

An engineer's on-the-job performance often is fallaciously taken as evidence of fitness for a position with different or greater responsibilities and duties. Programs of appraisal result in more effective utilization of engineering manpower potentials and the reduction of costly personnel turnover.
Evaluation of Food Assistance, Nutrition Education Programs, and Physical Activity for Limited Resource Families

Abstract The effectiveness of federally funded nutrition programs, such as Food Stamps, Head Start, and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), has been and continues to be questioned; however, these programs have demonstrated some positive outcomes. The welfare reform process established in 1996 poses a serious threat to the continuation of the nutrition education portions of the federally funded nutrition programs. In an attempt to show the positive effects and outcomes of nutrition education in conjunction with federally funded nutrition programs, a pilot study was conducted in Lincoln, Nebraska. Primary care givers (PCG) and their 3-10 year old children were recruited from community centers, Head Start, and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). At the end of data collection, 20PCG and 54 children participated in the food recalls and 25PCG and 47 children filled out questionnaires. Of the PCG participants, 17 were limited resource as defined as using some sort of assistance for food or housing. Information in the questionnaires involved types of programs being used, nutrition knowledge, food security, physical activity, resource management skills, and demographic data. The programs the PCG most frequently reported using were WIC, Free or Reduced School Breakfast and/or Lunch, Food Stamps, and Head Start. Adequacy of the diet was assessed using the food recalls. Of the PCG, only 2 participants were male and only 2 of the female participants were under the age of 25. The PCG were low in calories (mean of 1922.12), dietary fiber (mean of 15.66gm), iron (mean of 13.52mg), and zinc (mean of 8.04mg). The children were low in dietary fiber (mean of 15.97gm) and zinc (mean of 8.20mg). In conclusion, federally funded nutrition programs in Nebraska are making a positive impact in the lives of its participants.
Preliminary Level Analysis of the First and Second Spectra of Dysprosium, Dy I and Dy II

Accurate wavelengths and wavenumbers of over 22 000 dysprosium lines have been measured in the wavelength region 2300–11 400 A. The Zeeman effect has been observed at a field strength of 24 000 G from 2300 to 9000 A. By comparison of relative intensities of the lines from sources under various conditions, 85% of the lines have been assigned as Dy i or Dy ii spectrum lines. From the energy-level analysis, 141 even and 197 odd levels of Dy i are known. Combinations between these levels account for 1952 lines. For Dy ii, 14 even and 214 odd levels are known, with 1000 lines classified. The ground levels of Dy i and Dy ii are 4f106s25I8 and 4f106s⁶I812, respectively. The lowest level of the 4f95d6s2 configuration of Dy i lies 7565.62 cm−1 above the ground level. The g values for most of the levels of both spectra are given.
Norovirus P Particle as a Platform for Antigen Presentation

Abstract The norovirus P particle, a subviral particle (∼20 nanometers in diameter) formed by 24 protrusion (P) domains of the norovirus capsid protein, is easily made, stable, and highly immunogenic and thus an excellent vaccine candidate against noroviruses. Each P domain has three surface loops that have been shown useful for antigen presentation. We have successfully inserted a number of small (5 aa) to large (238 aa) antigens into these loops without affecting P particle formation and production. Increased immune responses were demonstrated by improved antibody titers induced by the P particle presented antigens compared to free antigens. Significantly increased neutralization of virus and/or protection against influenza virus and rotavirus challenges have also been demonstrated in mice after immunization with chimeric P particle vaccines containing flu M2e and rotavirus VP8 antigens, compared to free M2e and VP8 antigens, respectively. The chimeric P particle-induced antibodies also blocked binding of noroviruslike particles (VLPs) to histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) receptors, indicating a potential dual vaccine against norovirus in addition to rotavirus and influenza virus. Taken together, the P particle appears to be an excellent platform for antigen presentation for vaccine development. The multiple surface loops and the large capacity of foreign antigen insertion suggest that this platform may have a wide application in vaccine development against different infectious diseases.
Aquation of (N, Ndimethylformamide) pentaamminecobalt (III) perchlorate in aqueous perchlorate media

The first-order rate constants for aquation of Co(NH3)5(DMF)3+ were determined in aqueous perchlorate media. The rate constants were independent of hydrogen ion concentration and ionic strength, but decreased with increasing perchlorate ion concentration. Proton magnetic resonance studies showed that dimethylformamide was not hydrolyzed to formic acid and dimethylamine in the aquation step. Mass-spectrometer studies showed that cobalt–oxygen bond breaking occurred in 98 percent, or more, of the aquation acts. Enthalpies and entropies of activation were determined. It was concluded that aquation occurred by an Id mechanism.
β-Blockers in Dialysis Patients: A Nephrocardiology Perspective

β -Blockers are the most commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications among dialysis patients, constituting 64% of all prescriptions.[1][1] However, the evidence supporting their utility in improving cardiovascular outcomes in this population is conflicting. Data from the US Renal Data System (
Molecular mechanisms of COMPLEXIN fusion clamp function in synaptic exocytosis revealed in a new Drosophila mutant.

Abstract The COMPLEXIN (CPX) proteins play a critical role in synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release. Previous studies demonstrated that CPX functions in both activation of evoked neurotransmitter release and inhibition/clamping of spontaneous synaptic vesicle fusion. Here we report a new cpx mutant in Drosophila melanogaster, cpx1257, revealing spatially defined and separable pools of CPX which make distinct contributions to the activation and clamping functions. In cpx1257, lack of only the last C-terminal amino acid of CPX is predicted to disrupt prenylation and membrane targeting of CPX. Immunocytochemical analysis established localization of wild-type CPX to active zone (AZ) regions containing neurotransmitter release sites as well as broader presynaptic membrane compartments including synaptic vesicles. Parallel biochemical studies confirmed CPX membrane association and demonstrated robust binding interactions of CPX with all three SNAREs. This is in contrast to the cpx1257 mutant, in which AZ localization of CPX persists but general membrane localization and, surprisingly, the bulk of CPX–SNARE protein interactions are abolished. Furthermore, electrophysiological analysis of neuromuscular synapses revealed interesting differences between cpx1257 and a cpx null mutant. The cpx null exhibited a marked decrease in the EPSC amplitude, slowed EPSC rise and decay times and an increased mEPSC frequency with respect to wild-type. In contrast, cpx1257 exhibited a wild-type EPSC with an increased mEPSC frequency and thus a selective failure to clamp spontaneous release. These results indicate that spatially distinct and separable interactions of CPX with presynaptic membranes and SNARE proteins mediate separable activation and clamping functions of CPX in neurotransmitter release.
Application of Chords for Quantitative Characterization of Multi-Constituent Microstructures

A modified quantitative microstructure characterization technique has been developed based on constituent chord-length distribution (CLD). The modified technique, called the categorical CLD (CCLD), is capable of quantifying both size and volume fraction of the constituent of interest in a multi-constituent microstructure as a function of adjacent microstructure. The capability of the CCLD is demonstrated by its application to the investigation of the effect of microstructure on the stability of retained austenite (RA) during mechanical deformation in transformation-induced plasticity steels. By quantifying microstructures deformed to different levels of strains, it is found that RA is stabilized by fine grain size and adjacent bainitic ferrite.
Quantitative analysis of in situ optical diagnostics for inferring particle/aggregate parameters in flames : Implications for soot surface growth and total emissivity

Abstract An in situ particulate diagnostic/analysis technique is outlined based on the Rayleigh-Debye-Gans polydisperse fractal aggregate (RDG/PFA) scattering interpretation of absolute angular light scattering and extinction measurements. Using proper particle refractive index, the proposed data analysis method can quantitatively yield all aggregate parameters (particle volume fraction, f v , fractal dimension, D f , primary particle diameter, d p , particle number density, n p , and aggregate size distribution, pdf( N )) without any prior knowledge about the particle-laden environment. The present optical diagnostic/interpretation technique was applied to two different soot-containing laminar and turbulent ethylene/air nonpremixed flames in order to assess its reliability. The aggregate interpretation of optical measurements yielded D f , d p , and pdf( N ) that are in excellent agreement with ex situ thermophoretic sampling/transmission electron microscope (TS/TEM) observations within experimental uncertainties. However, volume-equivalent single particle models (Rayleigh/Mie) overestimated d p by about a factor of 3, causing an order of magnitude underestimation in n p . Consequently, soot surface areas and growth rates were in error by a factor of 3, emphasizing that aggregation effects need to be taken into account when using optical diagnostics for a reliable understanding of soot formation/evolution mechanism in flames. The results also indicated that total soot emissivities were generally underestimated using Rayleigh analysis (up to 50%), mainly due to the uncertainties in soot refractive indices at infrared wavelengths. This suggests that aggregate considerations may not be essential for reasonable radiation heat transfer predictions from luminous flames because of fortuitous error cancellation, resulting in typically a 10 to 30% net effect.
Distribution of Lateral Forces in Base-Isolated Buildings Considering Isolation System Nonlinearity

The ASCE 7 equivalent lateral force method for base-isolated buildings applies a triangular distribution of forces to the superstructure. This distribution attempts to approximately account for the observed effects of isolation system nonlinearity on the superstructure response, but a more rational approximation is needed. Using nonlinear regression analysis of median response data from nonlinear response history analysis of representative systems, improved equations are developed to estimate the lateral force distribution in the superstructure. The ASCE 7 distribution, a revision considered by a SEAONC committee, and the improved distribution developed here are evaluated. Only the improved equations are accurate over many system parameters.
Control of Hand Prostheses: A Literature Review

In recent years, there has been a steep rise in the quality of prostheses for patients with upper limb amputations. One common control method, using electromyographic (EMG) signals generated by muscle contractions, has allowed for an increase in the degrees of freedom (DOFs) of hand designs and a larger number of available grip patterns with little added complexity for the wearer. However, it provides little sensory feedback and requires non-natural control which must be learned by the user. Another recent improvement in prosthetic hand design instead employs electroneurographic (ENG) signals, requiring an interface directly with the peripheral nervous system (PNS) or the central nervous system (CNS) to control a prosthetic hand. While ENG methods are more invasive than using surface EMG for control, an interface with the PNS has the potential to provide more natural control and creates an avenue for both efferent and afferent sensory feedback. Despite the recent progress in design and control strategies, however, prosthetic hands are still far more limited than the actual human hand. This review outlines the recent progress in the development of EMG and ENG controlled prosthetic hands, discussing advancements in the areas of sensory feedback and control. The potential benefits and limitations of both control strategies, in terms of signal classification, invasiveness, and sensory feedback, are examined. A brief overview of interfaces with the CNS is provided, and potential future developments for these control methods are discussed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Methods of numerical integration applied to a system having trivial function evaluations

A study has been made to determine which methods of numerical integration require the least computation time for a given amount of truncation error when applied to a particular system of ordinary differential equations where function evaluations are relatively trivial. Recent methods due to Butcher and Gear are compared with classic Runge-Kutta, Kutta-Nystrom and Adams methods. Some of the newer one-step methods due to Butcher are found to be slightly superior, but no one method is found to have any great advantage over the others in the application to this particular problem.
Variation in DNA Substitution Rates among Lineages Erroneously Inferred from Simulated Clock-Like Data

Background The observation of variation in substitution rates among lineages has led to (1) a general rejection of the molecular clock model, and (2) the suggestion that a number of biological characteristics of organisms can cause rate variation. Accurate estimates of rate variation, and thus accurate inferences regarding the causes of rate variation, depend on accurate estimates of substitution rates. However, theory suggests that even when the substitution process is clock-like, variable numbers of substitutions can occur among lineages because the substitution process is stochastic. Furthermore, substitution rates along lineages can be misestimated, particularly when multiple substitutions occur at some sites. Although these potential causes of error in rate estimation are well understood in theory, such error has not been examined in detail; consequently, empirical studies that estimate rate variation among lineages have been unable to determine whether their results could be impacted by estimation error. Methodology/Principal Findings To evaluate the extent to which error in rate estimation could erroneously suggest rate variation among lineages, we examined rate variation estimated for datasets simulated under a molecular clock on trees with equal and variable branch lengths. Thus, any apparent rate variation in these datasets reflects error in rate estimation rather than true differences in the underlying substitution process. We observed substantial rate variation among lineages in our simulations; however, we did not observe rate variation when average substitution rates were compared between different clades. Conclusions/Significance Our results confirm previous theoretical work suggesting that observations of among lineage rate variation in empirical data may be due to the stochastic substitution process and error in the estimation of substitution rates, rather than true differences in the underlying substitution process among lineages. However, conclusions regarding rate variation drawn from rates averaged across multiple branches are likely due to real, systematic variation in rates between groups.
Early breast cancer detection behaviors among ethnically diverse low‐income women

We examined factors associated with early breast cancer detection behaviors among 301 ethnically diverse low-income women participating in a breast cancer educational outreach program. Multivariate analyses showed that women who had a mammogram in the past year were more likely to be more knowledgeable about breast cancer than women who did not have a mammogram in the past year. Women who had received a mammogram at any time in the past and who had a clinical breast examination during the preceding year were more likely to have received encouragement to obtain mammography than those who had never received a mammogram and did not get a CBE during the preceding year. For women between the ages of 20 and 39, recommendation of mammography and breast cancer knowledge were related positively to ever having a mammogram. Recommendation of breast self-examination (BSE) and number of barriers to BSE were related to monthly BSE practice. Results suggests that health care providers play an important role in motivating low-income minority women to comply with breast cancer screening recommendations.
Chloroplast Division: A Work of ARTEMIS

Chloroplasts contain three membrane systems that constrict together during division of the organelle. A newly identified protein, ARTEMIS, may shed light on the nuclear control of chloroplast division, and also on the mechanism of thylakoid membrane fission and how this is coordinated with fission of the two envelope membranes.
The effects of arctic climate and different shelter temperatures on the electrocardiogram.

Abstract The effects of arctic climate and different shelter temperatures on the electrocardiogram were investigated in seven normal young men performing standard work outdoors in arctic and temperate climates. Significant electrocardiographic changes occurred with greater frequency and severity in the arctic than in a temperate climate after both heavy and light work. In addition, there were more severe changes when the men lived in a 50°F. arctic shelter than when they were housed at 70°F. There were no abnormalities in the resting electrocardiograms. Depression of the RS-T segment, increase in height of the T wave, premature ventricular contractions, and disappearance of the R wave in V4 were the principal postexercise alterations observed. The increased incidence of significant changes noted in the Arctic and when the men lived in the cold shelter suggests that the dual stress of exercise plus cold exposure affects the electrocardiogram to a greater extent than exercise alone. The effects of cold exposure on the coronary arteries, adrenal gland secretions, and oxygen needs of the body are discussed in light of the observed electrocardiographic alterations.
Boundary tractions in the gauge theory of dislocations and disclinations

Abstract A null Lagrangian is added to the Lagrangian of Elasticity in order to include boundary tractions and initial values for the linear momentum. The Yang-Mills minimal replacement construct is then applied, in order to restore the invariance of the Lagrangian under the inhomogeneous action of the gauge group SO(3) ▶ T(3). This results in the introduction of compensating fields, which describe defects in elastic materials. The field equations show that dislocations are driven by appropriately defined effective stresses and linear momenta, and disclinations are driven by effective couplestresses and angular momenta.
Career development resource: urology

Urology has always been seen as being on the cutting edge of technology and this has been especially prevalent in the past 10 to 15 years with a move to robotic surgery, increased use of laser technology, and stem cell research leading to organ regeneration. Urology has a number of subspecialties including pediatrics, urologic oncology, renal transplantation, male infertility and andrology, calculi, female urology, neurourology, and trauma and reconstruction. Urologists have a wide array of practice options ranging from performing major oncologic procedures with extensive reconstruction to having an office-based practice and performing endoscopic cases with everything else in between. Subspecialization is becoming increasingly more organized and regulated.
Authentic Community as an Educational Strategy for Advancing Professionalism: A National Evaluation of the Healer’s Art Course

Background Efforts to promote medical professionalism often focus on cognitive and technical competencies, rather than professional identity, commitment, and values. The Healer’s Art elective is designed to create a genuine community of inquiry into these foundational elements of professionalism.
Design Factors With Realistic I/O Distributions

This paper explores some design factors, including wireability, of packages in which the number of I/O per module to be interconnected varies widely. This is of interest because it is common for memory card designs and for work station and personal computer printed circuit designs. Memory cards often have a few relatively high pin count control logic modules supporting many low pin count array modules. Work station and personal computer cards often use low density “glue” logic modules with a few microprocessor modules and their high function supports. Printed circuit cost and performance factors are examined by example. Differences between area array and perimeter escape components and leverage possibilities of multi-chip modules are examined. A background tutorial on wireability analysis is given. The algorithm used was developed by Wadie Mikhail several years ago. Analyses are based on the length of wire paths available in a given design, the length of wire needed and the utilizations of the available paths. Utilization guidelines are suggested. Alternative wireability algorithms are identified and briefly discussed. Although the examples are given for cases of modules on cards, the methodologies and general conclusions are valid at other packaging levels; for example, for chips on multi-chip modules.