cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of long-term lipid-lowering therapy on clinical outcomes in breast cancer

The use of statins has been associated with improved survival in patients with breast cancer in several studies but results have been mixed. This study evaluates the impact of duration of statin use on breast cancer patient outcomes. This is a single-institution, retrospective cohort, examining the impact of statin use on the outcomes of 1523 women diagnosed with operable breast cancer between1995 and 2015. Clinical variables were compared using Student’s t test, Fisher’s exact and Chi square tests. Overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival were performed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox-Proportional Hazard (Cox-PH) analysis in the statistical software R. Patients were grouped by duration of statin use: never-statin user [N] (n = 1092), short ( 5 years) (n = 207) term. Over a median follow-up of 70.2 months, 138 women died (84 died of breast cancer) and 125 had disease recurrence. On multivariable Cox-PH analysis adjusting for clinical variables including metabolic comorbidities using the Charlson comorbidity index, OS in the [S] and [M] subgroups did not differ [N], while OS was improved in [L] (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 0.38, confidence interval (CI) 0.17–0.85, p 5 years) was associated with improved OS and DFS in women with breast cancer regardless of receptor subtype, even after adjusting for metabolic comorbidities.
Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Hot Topics, Controversies, and New Directions.

Learning Objectives:After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Evaluate appropriate patients best suited for one- or two-stage alloplastic breast reconstruction. 2. Discuss and apply the unique advantages and disadvantages of scaffold use and different implant types in breast
KSHV/HHV8-positive large B-cell lymphomas and associated diseases: a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative processes with significant clinicopathological overlap

In this review, we focus on the current understanding of the diagnosis of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)-associated lymphoproliferative disorders-a group of entities that range from hyperplastic proliferations to frank lymphomas. These diseases tend to occur in immunodeficient patients, but may occur in immunocompetent individuals as well. In recent years, we have learned of occasional cases with overlapping features among HHV8 entities, such as lesions intermediate between primary effusion lymphoma and HHV8-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified or cases sharing features of multicentric Castleman disease and germinotropic lymphoproliferative disorder. There is also a significant clinical overlap between these entities. It is important to have a better understanding of the biology of these lesions and to refine diagnostic criteria of these lesions, as the use of immunosuppressive agents to treat a variety of diseases, the expanded use of transplant as a therapeutic modality for a variety of cancers and organ failure patients, and the extended longevity of HIV-positive patients will likely result in an increased incidence of these lymphoproliferative processes in the future.
Abstract A069: Mechanisms governing the transcriptional regulation of the liver-specific transporter OATP1B3 in prostate cancer

Background: The testosterone uptake transporter OATP1B3 is expressed de novo in prostate tumors and SLCO1B3 gene (encoding OATP1B3) variants are associated with clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and in castration-resistant disease. These findings support the role of OATP1B3 as a major physiologic contributor to androgen distribution and a contributor to resistance to ADT. We have previously shown CBP/p300-mediated SLCO1B3 expression; however, specific transcriptional regulation of de novo expression remains to be elucidated. We characterized the SLCO1B3 promoter in order to better understand the regulatory mechanisms that govern its expression in prostate cancer. Methods: Functional analysis of the SLCO1B3 promoter was conducted using 5’ deletion mutagenesis. Transcriptional activity of the SLCO1B3 gene was measured using the SLCO1B3 promoter-luciferase reporter plasmids, transient transfections and luciferase reporter assays. Promoter activity was modulated by co-transfection with the p300 expression plasmid or treatment with various p300 inhibitor compounds (chetomin, HATi II, or C646). Results: We detected different transcriptional profiles across multiple prostate cancer cells (22Rv1, LNCaP, PC3) and identified a conserved domain responsible for SLCO1B3 transcriptional activity. Variable transcriptional changes in response to p300 inhibitor treatments were observed in both the conserved domain plasmid and the full-length reporter with the HATi II compound showing a consistent 2 to 3-fold increase in luciferase activity. Putative transcription factor binding sites are being evaluated by site-directed mutagenesis to determine potential regulatory elements involved in transcriptional activity of the gene. Conclusions: Our data suggest that several multi-protein transcription factor complexes assemble at distinct regulatory elements in the SLCO1B3 promoter, driving tissue-specific expression of OATP1B3 in prostate cancer. Understanding the underlying regulatory mechanisms of OATP1B3 expression and the transporter’s role in prostate cancer progression will aid in its development as a potential therapeutic target. Citation Format: Roberto H Barbier, Edel M McCrea, Jonathan D Strope, Phoebe A Huang, Tristan M Sissung, Douglas K Price, Cindy H Chau, William D Figg. Mechanisms governing the transcriptional regulation of the liver-specific transporter OATP1B3 in prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2019 Oct 26-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2019;18(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A069. doi:10.1158/1535-7163.TARG-19-A069
Toward Multiple Optimal Power Flow Solutions and Local Bifurcations

The feasible region of an optimal power flow (OPF) problem can contain multiple disjoint feasible components. This paper explores this fact and the compactness of feasible components of OPF problems to explain how the number of local OPF solutions changes due to variations in the loading conditions or due to the alteration of network topologies. In particular, it is shown that the number of local OPF solutions may decrease or increase when a pseudo-pitchfork bifurcation occurs on feasible components.
Stargardt’s Disease

Stargardt’s disease is an autosomal recessive condition in which the retina displays characteristic yellow flecks often associated with macular degeneration. The degeneration appears similar to that seen with fundus flavimaculatus. It is debated, however, whether these two entities are distinct or represent two points on the spectrum of a single disease. There are as many investigators who “split” them as there are who “lump” them. Herein, they are considered to be a single entity.
Determination of Tumor Dose Response Thresholds in Patients with Chemorefractory Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Treated with Resin and Glass-based Y90 Radioembolization

To compare the efficacies of glass and resin-based Yttrium-90 microspheres by comparing absorbed tumor dose (TD) with both tumor response (TR) and overall survival (OS) in patients with chemorefractory intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Post-Y90 treatment bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT of 38 consecutive patients receiving 45 treatments (21 resin microspheres, 24 glass microspheres) were analyzed retrospectively. MIM software v6.9.4 (MIM Software Inc, Cleveland, OH) was used to calculate targeted tumors’ dose volume histogram. Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors was used to evaluate tumor response 3 months post-treatment. Kaplan Meier estimation was used for survival analysis. T-test was used to compare the devices on various dosimetric parameters. Thresholds for TD to predict TR with ≥ 80% specificity were as follows: mean TD (Resin: 78.9 Gy; Glass: 254.7 Gy), maximum TD (Resin: 162.9 Gy; Glass: 591 Gy), minimum TD (Resin: 53.7 Gy; Glass: 149.1 Gy). Microsphere type had no effect on survival from first Y90 (Resin: 11.2 mo; Glass 10.9 mo [p = 0.548]). In patients receiving resin microspheres, mean TD ≥ 75 Gy or maximum TD ≥ 150 Gy was associated with median OS of 20.2 mo compared to 6.5 mo for those receiving less (p = 0.001, 0.002, respectively). For patients treated with glass microspheres, those receiving a mean TD ≥ 150 Gy had a median OS of 14.6 mo vs. 2.6 mo for those receiving less (p = 0.031). TD thresholds predictive of TR and OS differ significantly between glass and resin microspheres. However, microsphere type has no impact on survival in patients with chemorefractory ICC. Level 3, Retrospective Study.
Tracking Diverse Feelings and Activities Encourages Self-guided Holistic Behavior Change

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy highlights that people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Self-tracking, however, has mostly focused on a few emotions or activities. We created a mobile/web application to enable the users to track a broad range of daily activities and feelings in unison. In our 3-week study with 15 participants, the application improved the participants’ self-awareness of their activities, feeling, and the correlation between their activities and feelings. Better self-awareness inspired personalized, self-guided, and holistic behavior change as the participants improved their self-care, daily planning and focus, and emotion regulation. Finally, the participants also developed a healthy and organized habit of self-reflection and even reflected on their holistic well-being and the meaning of having a ‘good day’. Behavior change is usually treated as an external and isolated process but our research shows that tracking a broad range of activities and feelings can inspire self-guided holistic behavior change.
Absorption, distribution, and toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the brain: a review.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals colloquially known as “forever chemicals” because of their high persistence. PFAS have been detected in the blood, liver, kidney, heart, muscle and brain of various species. Although brain is not a dominant tissue for PFAS accumulation compared to blood and liver, adverse effects of PFAS on brain functions have been identified. Here, we review studies related to the absorption, accumulation, distribution and toxicity of PFAS in the brain. We summarize evidence on two potential mechanisms of PFAS entering the brain: initiating blood–brain barrier (BBB) disassembly through disrupting tight junctions and relying on transporters located at the BBB. PFAS with diverse structures and properties enter and accumulate in the brain with varying efficiencies. Compared to long-chain PFAS, short-chain PFAS may not cross cerebral barriers effectively. According to biomonitoring studies and PFAS exposure experiments, PFAS can accumulate in the brain of humans and wildlife species. With respect to the distribution of PFAS in specific brain regions, the brain stem, hippocampus, hypothalamus, pons/medulla and thalamus are dominant for PFAS accumulation. The accumulation and distribution of PFAS in the brain may lead to toxic effects in the central nervous system (CNS), including PFAS-induced behavioral and cognitive disorders. The specific mechanisms underlying such PFAS-induced neurotoxicity remain to be explored, but two major potential mechanisms based on current understanding are PFAS effects on calcium homeostasis and neurotransmitter alterations in neurons. Based on the information available about PFAS uptake, accumulation, distribution and impacts on the brain, PFAS have the potential to enter and accumulate in the brain at varying levels. The balance of existing studies shows there is some indication of risk in animals, while the human evidence is mixed and warrants further scrutiny.
Understanding Mutation Hotspots for the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Using Shannon Entropy and K-Means Clustering

The SARS-CoV-2 virus like many other viruses has transformed in a continual manner to give rise to new variants by means of mutations commonly through substitutions and indels. These mutations in some cases can give the virus a survival advantage making the mutants dangerous. In general, laboratory investigation must be carried to determine whether the new variants have any characteristics that can make them more lethal and contagious. Therefore, complex and time-consuming analyses are required in order to delve deeper into the exact impact of a particular mutation. The time required for these analyses makes it difficult to understand the variants of concern and thereby limiting the preventive action that can be taken against them spreading rapidly. In this analysis, we have deployed a statistical technique Shannon Entropy, to identify positions in the spike protein of SARS Cov-2 viral sequence which are most susceptible to mutations. Subsequently, we also use machine learning based clustering techniques to cluster known dangerous mutations based on similarities in properties. This work utilizes embeddings generated using language modeling, the ProtBERT model, to identify mutations of a similar nature and to pick out regions of interest based on proneness to change. Our entropy-based analysis successfully predicted the fifteen hotspot regions, among which we were able to validate ten known variants of interest, in six hotspot regions. As the situation of SARS-COV-2 virus rapidly evolves we believe that the remaining nine mutational hotspots may contain variants that can emerge in the future. We believe that this may be promising in helping the research community to devise therapeutics based on probable new mutation zones in the viral sequence and resemblance in properties of various mutations.
THE FIRST STEP ACT – CONSTITUTIONALIZING PRISON RELEASE POLICIES

In the First Step Act of 2018, Congress directed the Department of Justice to develop a tool to make an algorithmic assessment of recidivism risk based on factors such as the nature of the underlying offense, evidence of prior substance abuse, and education level. In addition, Congress established ways for offenders to shorten their stay in prison, such as by pursuing vocational courses and thereby earning credits toward early release. The First Step Act thus links the length of confinement in part to predictions of recidivism as in the past, but also attempts to parlay a prison stay into an opportunity to incentivize offenders to make adjustments in their lives to minimize the risk of future dangerousness. Many have praised the Act for reintroducing rehabilitation as one of the driving forces of our federal criminal justice system. But, commentators to date have not considered that, in revamping criminal justice policies, the First Step Act may have constitutionalized such early release measures. Unlike in most state systems that use algorithms as guidelines to assess recidivism risk, the Act dictates that the algorithm alone determines eligibility for early release – no discretion on the part of prison authorities is involved. Accordingly, the First Step Act presents one of the first instances in which an algorithm by itself governs eligibility for a government entitlement. We argue that prison authorities must under Due Process principles allow those inmates excluded from eligibility an opportunity to argue that the risk of recidivism determined by the algorithm should be adjusted in light of facts unique to them. Relatedly, we argue that prison authorities must disclose the inputs that underlie the findings of ineligibility under the algorithmic tool. Moreover, in contrast to prior practice, we argue that Congress’s encouragement of inmates to pursue rehabilitative programming to reduce recidivism requires prison authorities to grant early release once those credits are earned because of the entitlement to “earned” credits created in the Act. We conclude that such constitutionalization of release policies, though likely unintended, should further the Act’s rehabilitative goal in seeking to reduce the likelihood of inmate recidivism prior to reentering society.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals differential cell cycle activity in key cell populations during nephrogenesis.

The kidney is a complex organ composed of more than 30 terminally differentiated cell types that all are required to perform its numerous homeostatic functions. Defects in kidney development are a significant cause of chronic kidney disease in children, which can lead to kidney failure that can only be treated by transplant or dialysis. A better understanding of molecular mechanisms that drive kidney development is important for designing strategies to enhance renal repair and regeneration. In this study, we profiled gene expression in the developing mouse kidney at embryonic day 14.5 at single-cell resolution. Consistent with previous studies, clusters with distinct transcriptional signatures clearly identify major compartments and cell types of the developing kidney. Cell cycle activity distinguishes between the “primed” and “self-renewing” sub-populations of nephron progenitors, with increased expression of the cell cycle-related genes Birc5, Cdca3, Smc2 and Smc4 in “primed” nephron progenitors. In addition, augmented expression of cell cycle related genes Birc5, Cks2, Ccnb1, Ccnd1 and Tuba1a/b was detected in immature distal tubules, suggesting cell cycle regulation may be required for early events of nephron patterning and tubular fusion between the distal nephron and collecting duct epithelia.
Mode I, Mode II, and Mixed Mode Interlaminar Fracture of Woven Fabric Carbon/Epoxy

Interlaminar fracture behavior of a five-harness satin orthogonal woven fabric carbon/epoxy composite laminate loaded in Mode I, Mode II, and mixed mode has been investigated. Fracture testing employed the DCB, ENF, and MMB specimens. Special emphasis was put on microscopic details of crack growth and their relation to fracture resistance. For all fracture mode combinations it was found that crack growth occurred in a nonplanar region of topology determined by the weave pattern and relative positioning of the plies adjacent to the crack plane. The woven fabric structure constrains fiber bridging, but partial debonding of transversely oriented fiber bundles led to occasional crack branching, stick-slip behavior leading to variations in the Mode I fracture resistance. Slow stable crack growth occurred in the ENF and MMB specimens prior to unstable fracture and resulted in nonlinear load-displacement response. A linear relation between the critical values of G I and G I I was observed.
Capacity bounds for ad-hoc networks using directional antennas

Directional antennas can be useful in significantly increasing the capacity of wireless ad hoc networks. With directional antennas, independent communications between nodes can occur in parallel, even if the nodes are within range of each other. However, mutual interference by simultaneous transmissions limits the maximum number of such concurrent communications. Furthermore, it poses bounds on the amount of capacity gain one can achieve by using directional antennas instead of omni-directional ones. These bounds depend on the specific antenna type and its parameters, as well as higher layer protocol requirements. In this paper, we calculate interference based capacity bounds for a generic antenna model as well as a real-world antenna model and analyze how these bounds are affected by important antenna parameters like gain and beamwidth.
Intake and chewing behavior of steers consuming switchgrass preserved as hay or silage

Effect of preservation method on intake and chewing behavior was examined using a first, late vegetative harvest (mid-June) of Kanlow switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). For silage (S), forage was har- vested with a commercial field chopper (1.5 to 4 cm average chop length) and ensiled directly in silos 1.2 m in diameter and 3.6 m in height. For hay (H), forage was harvested with a flail-chopper (7 to 15 cm average chop length) and cured as hay in a drier at 77°C. Diets of H and S were fed to six Hereford steers (338 ± 5 kg) in a single crossover experiment. Chewing behavior was monitored for 4 d with a computerized system. At feed- ing, H was higher in DM and contained greater concen- trations (DM basis) of NDF, CP, and hemicellulose, but lower concentrations of ADF and cellulose, and had lower in vitro DM disappearance values. Steers fed S had higher intakes of DM (P < .02) and NDF (P < .04) and consumed less water from the water supply (P < .01) than animals fed H. However, total amount of wa- ter (from water supply and feed) consumed per kilogram of DMI did not differ between diets. Crude protein in- take was similar between diets. Preservation method had no effect on eating time, number of boli ruminated,
Synchronization of Magnetic White Dwarfs in Close Binary Systems

Asynchronous rotation of strongly magnetic white dwarfs in close binary systems drives substantial field-aligned electrical currents between the magnetic star and its companion. The resulting magneto- hydrodynamic torque is able to account for the heretofore unexplained synchronous rotation of the strongly magnetic degenerate dwarf component in systems like AM Her, VV Pup, AN UMa, and EF Eri. The electric fields produced by even a small asynchronism are large enough to accelerate electrons to high energies, and may lead to radio emission. The total energy dissipation rate in systems with white dwarf spin periods as short as lm may reach 1033 ergs s-1. Total luminosities of this order may be a characteristic feature of such systems.
“It Did Not Sound Like a Professor's Speech”: George Pierce Baker and the Market for Academic Rhetoric

In November 1910, New Theatre artistic director Winthrop Ames asked his former teacher, Harvard English professor George Pierce Baker, to speak at a reception honoring the theatre's financial backers. The occasion was the start of the New Theatre's second season, and Ames was hoping to raise morale after a disappointing first year. Endowed primarily by millionaires in New York City, the New Theatre was supposed to offer a venue for staging plays free of the usual commercial pressures of Broadway productions. The contradiction at the heart of such an enterprise was manifest, particularly in the New Theatre's architecture and opulent interior design, which continually marked the “noncommercial” house as a monument to the economic power of those wealthy enough to provide for its massive and gaudy construction. Audiences complained that the two-thousand-seat auditorium had lousy acoustics; critics deemed the productions undistinguished and condemned the twenty-three Founders Boxes that ringed the orchestra as vulgar and ostentatious. Maybe an English professor, Ames thought, would have something helpful to say on the matter.
How medications affect thyroid function.

Abnormal results of thyroid function tests are common in clinical practice. The diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction is easily made, especially if the clinical signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are also present. In elderly patients aged 65 years and older, who often have atypical presentations, the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction is more difficult. Sometimes laboratory findings are abnormal because of a patient's use of medications or the presence of unrelated and nonthyroidal medical illnesses. Many abnormalities identified by thyroid laboratory tests can be caused by various illnesses that do not directly involve the thyroid gland. This “euthyroid sick syndrome” occurs in as many as 70% of patients who have been admitted to a hospital.1,2 Recognition is critical because therapy is not necessary and may be detrimental. There results of thyroid function tests often revert to normal once the patient recovers from the illness. In this review, I focus on medications that interfere with the proper interpretation of thyroid function test results, cause thyroid illnesses, influence levothyroxine requirements, and impair absorption of exogenous levothyroxine.
Synthesis and structure of an aluminophosphate built from 3-rings

By reacting a pre-made aluminophosphate (ALPO, P:Al = 0.9) gel with an aqueous tripropylamine solution of KOH and TMAOH, we have synthesized a new porous 3D crystalline structure (PSU-2) under high...
Interdisciplinary Journal Club: an innovative tool for the transfer of knowledge and the promotion of a culture of interdisciplinarity.

Many health care organizations are striving to achieve greater collaboration amongst clinicians from different disciplines. To do so, practical methods to promote interdisciplinarity are needed. In...
CO2 Capture and Transport

International interest in CO 2 capture and storage (CCS), as a method of reducing carbon dioxide emissions linked to global climate change, has been growing in recent years. CCS is particularly attractive for large industrial facilities, especially electric power plants, which contribute a large share of global CO 2 emissions from combustion of coal and other fossil fuels. This paper describes the current status of technologies to capture CO 2 and transport it to a storage site. The performance and cost of capture technologies are discussed, along with related environmental issues and the outlook for improved, lower-cost strategies. The key need now is financing of full-scale demonstrations of CCS at the various types of large coal-based power plants.
Spatial Variations in Atmospheric Predictability

Abstract Calculations are made with the NCAR six-layer general circulation model to determine the time evolution of errors initially confined to a region 4000 km in diameter superimposed upon real global data. Three experiments are made to distinguish between the effects of an error located initially on the northern or southern sides of the jet stream or in the tropical area. Results show that the largest error centers generally evolve in the jet stream; however, the propagation rate is much less than advection effects would suggest. Coverage of the Northern Hemisphere is accomplished as much by propagation across the north pole and via the tropical belt as it is via the jet stream. It is not complete even after seven days. As a whole the tropics are more sensitive than the middle latitudes to initial errors. Cross-equatorial effects are most pronounced at and just east of the initial longitude of the error.
Automated Fiber Optic Biosensor for Multiplexed Immunoassays

The multianalyte capability of the RAPTOR, a rapid, automatic, and portable fiber optic fluorimeter, was demonstrated. Employing evanescent wave illumination on polystyrene fiber optic waveguides, the RAPTOR performed fluorescent immunoassays for Bacillus globigii spores, ovalbumin, Erwinia herbicola, and MS2 coliphage. During a 4-day laboratory trial assaying 144 blind samples, the RAPTOR demonstrated detection of 10 5 cfu/mL B. globigii, 10 7 cfu/mL E. herbicola, and 10 9 pfu/mL MS2; ovalbumin detection was less favorable than expected due to sample degradation. Assays were completed in 10 min with no sample preprocessing. No false positives were identified. Antigen carryover between coupons was examined but was not found to elicit a notable response for any analytes, except B. globigii. Finally, assay results obtained after reagent and waveguides had completed 30 negative (buffer) cycles were compared with standard assay results achieved with fresh reagent and waveguides to determine whether antigen detection would decrease using cycled reagent or optical probes. Detection efficacy proved to be unaffected by the use of cycled versus fresh probes or reagent.
Laboratory comparison of soil redox conditions between red soils and brown soils in Minnesota, USA

Certain soil morphological characteristics create significant problems for hydric soil identification due to lack of commonly observable Fe-based redoximorphic features that indicate seasonally saturated and reduced conditions. Examples include soils with high levels of organic C and red soils (7.5YR or redder) containing high amounts of hematite iron. The objectives of this research were to examine the effects of organic C content and Fe mineralogy on (i) soil redox response and (ii) the development of Fe-based redoximorphic features. Redox reactions related to the fundamental biochemical processes that occur in saturated soils were studied in a controlled laboratory experiment. The experimental design included six columns of red soils (5YR) from northeastern Minnesota and six columns of brown soils (10YR), possessing varying organic carbon contents, from southeastern Minnesota. Redox measurements taken throughout the experiment suggest different soil redox environments between the brown and red soils. The brown soils had redox potentials that decreased gradually and then remained at a constant decreased state around 0.0 mV. Redox potentials for the red soils decreased rapidly and equilibrated in the range of 100 to 300 mV. Variations between these soil responses may be due to different Fe-oxide mineralogies and/or the amount of bioavailable organic carbon.
What drives plan implementation? Plans, planning agencies and developers

This article investigates the determinants of plan implementation by applying a recently‐developed Plan Implementation Evaluation methodology. The lack of methodology to assess the implementation of plans has so far precluded any systematic analysis of the determinants of the implementation of local environmental plans. The article focuses on the implementation of plans in New Zealand. The key factors of implementation are: the quality of the plan; the capacity and commitment of land developers to implement plans; the capacity and commitment of the staff and leadership of planning agencies to implement plans; and the interactions between developers and the agency. The analysis is based on 353 permits implementing six local environmental plans in New Zealand, and on surveys of the developers who obtained the permits and of the planning agencies that granted the permits. The analysis finds that plan implementation is mainly driven by the resources of the planning agencies and by the quality of the plans, ra...
Exporting the Patriot Act? Democracy and the 'war on terror' in the Third World

Abstract Since 2001 many countries have adopted anti-terrorism laws that limit civil liberties and expand law enforcement powers in the name of national security. Counter-terrorism legislation is promoted through several international channels, most notably the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee, but the USA is clearly seen as the driving force. This article examines the politics surrounding the recent development and implementation of anti-terrorism laws in the Third World and the implications for ongoing processes of democratisation. In some countries the adoption of anti-terrorism laws has provided leaders with the tools they need to silence critics and punish political opponents. In others the introduction of such bills has actually encouraged debate and fostered civil society activism, much of it anti-American in tone. In either setting the Bush administration's twin foreign policy goals of strengthening international security and promoting democracy may be creating more cynics than friends.
A generalized reduced model of uniform and self-propagating reactions in reactive nanolaminates

Abstract A multiscale inference analysis is conducted in order to infer intermixing rates prevailing during different reaction regimes in Ni/Al nanolaminates. The analysis combines the results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, used in conjunction with a mixing measure theory to characterize intermixing rates under adiabatic conditions. When incorporated into reduced reaction models, however, information extracted from MD computations leads to front propagation velocities that conflict with experimental observations, and the discrepancies indicate that our MD simulations over-estimate the atomic intermixing rates. Thus, using only insights gained from MD computations, a generalized diffusivity law is developed that exhibits a sharp rise near the melting temperature of Al. By calibrating the intermixing rates at high temperatures from experimental observations of self-propagating fronts, and inferring the intermixing rates at low and intermediate temperatures from ignition and nanocalorimetry experiments, the dependence of the diffusivity on temperature is inferred in a suitably wide temperature range. Using this generalized diffusivity law, one obtains a generalized reduced model that, for the first time, enables us to reproduce measurements of low-temperature ignition, homogeneous reactions at intermediate temperatures, as well as the dependence of the velocity of self-propagating reaction fronts on microstructural parameters.
The Genus Kurodaia (Mallophaga: Menoponidae) from the Falconiformes, with Elevation of the Subgenus Falcomenopon to Generic Rank

Descriptions and illustrations are given for four species of Kurodaia that occur on the Falconiformes: K. haliaeti (Denny) from Pandion haliaetus, K. fulvofasciata (Piaget) (= K. tagnatoi Eichler, n. syn.) from 15 species of hawks including 6 Butco species, K. macrocybe (Carriker) from Butco platypterus , and K. cheelae from Spilornis cheela. K. macntra Eichler and K. koepekei Eichler are considered species sedis incertae. Fulcomenopon Emerson and Elbel, formerly regarded as a subgenus of Kurodaia , contains the single species boonsougi Emerson and Elber.
Dynamic mechanical characterization of relaxations in poly(oxymethylene), miscible blends, and oriented filaments

Abstract Multifrequency dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) data were obtained for molded poly(oxymethylene) (POM) and its blends from-150°C to 150°C. Because of the high crystallinity, the assignment of the glass transition in POM has been controversial in the literature. Low and high glass transition temperature (T g) phenolated compounds, including poly(vinyl phenol), were found to be miscible with POM. The shift of the β transition in the POM blends favors an assignment of the β transition detected at −3°C(1 Hz), not the −80°C γ transition, as the T g in semicrystalline POM because the latter is invariant with diluent. The peak at the β transition in pure POM is weak and can only be seen clearly by DMA measurements on samples that have not “aged” at ambient temperature. This is further evidence that the β transition arises from a cooperative glass-transition-like motion. The γ transition is not influenced by aging because it is due to a concerted localized main chain motion. The β transition of an orien...
A Guide to Safety in Dermatologic Cosmetic Procedures: Avoidance and Management of Common Pitfalls and Perils

Minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures are commonly performed in the outpatient setting and have rapidly grown in popularity. Botulinum toxin, fillers, sclerotherapy, and lasers are all frequently used to diminish unwanted signs of aging. While these procedures are generally safe in the hands of experienced and knowledgeable providers, complications do occur. The following review article discusses adverse events associated with minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and how best to manage these chance occurrences.
Partial reinforcement and resistance to extinction in honeybees

Previous experiments have shown the partial reinforcement effect in honeybees under conditions which permit an interpretation in terms of sensory carryover. In the five experiments reported here, the effect was sought under conditions which would require an interpretation in terms of associative reinstatement. Since it is not feasible to train honeybees in widely spaced trials, several different interpolated-trials procedures were employed which had in common the feature that nonrewarded response to a stimulus never was followed by rewarded response to the same stimulus. Implications of the negative results for the interpretation of the overlearning-extinction effect and successive negative contrast in honeybees are considered.
2D Linear oculomotor plant mathematical model: Verification and biometric applications

This article assesses the ability of a two-dimensional (2D) linear homeomorphic oculomotor plant mathematical model to simulate normal human saccades on a 2D plane. The proposed model is driven by a simplified pulse-step neuronal control signal and makes use of linear simplifications to account for the unique characteristics of the eye globe and the extraocular muscles responsible for horizontal and vertical eye movement. The linear nature of the model sacrifices some anatomical accuracy for computational speed and analytic tractability, and may be implemented as two one-dimensional models for parallel signal simulation. Practical applications of the model might include improved noise reduction and signal recovery facilities for eye tracking systems, additional metrics from which to determine user effort during usability testing, and enhanced security in biometric identification systems. The results indicate that the model is capable of produce oblique saccades with properties resembling those of normal human saccades and is capable of deriving muscle constants that are viable as biometric indicators. Therefore, we conclude that sacrifice in the anatomical accuracy of the model produces negligible effects on the accuracy of saccadic simulation on a 2D plane and may provide a usable model for applications in computer science, human-computer interaction, and related fields.
Fishing polymer brushes on single-walled carbon nanotubes by in-situ free radical polymerization in a poor solvent

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) exhibit unique thermal and electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength. The ability to effectively functionalize the SWNT surface and control their dispersion in a polymer matrix will be crucial to exploit their physical properties in nanocomposites. Here we report the first example of grafting polymers onto SWNTs in a poor solvent through a "fishing" process. The SWNTs act as "fishhooks", and the "living" polymer radicals are "fish", which are enthalpically favored to absorb onto the surface of SWNTs and continue to propagate until all the active sites are consumed. We demonstrate to graft 1 g of SWNTs with ∼20 wt % poly(methyl methacrylate) in 100 mL of methanol/water (1/4 by volume) with monomer concentration as low as 5 mg/mL and monomer/SWNTs ratio of 0.5:1 by weight. The structure of functionalized SWNTs was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, HRTEM, and AFM. The polymer grafting method we described is fundamentally different from the reported approaches, where the polymerization takes place either solvent-free or in a good solvent but requires much higher monomer concentrations and monomer/SWNTs ratios. The promise of synthesizing gram-scale functionalized SWNTs from a wide range of polymers in a small volume of solvent may greatly improve our ability to engineer novel SWNT composites.
Technical and economic status of wood energy feedstock production

Abstract We update the technical status of wood feedstock production and highlight areas where the technology used to produce energy crops has changed since publication of an earlier paper. Most of the research findings presented earlier still hold, but the target dates for achieving them are in the distant future. We estimate current delivered costs in the range of about $2.30/GJ in the Pacific Northwest to a high of about $3.30/GJ in the Midwest cornbelt. Elsewhere costs are about $2.60 to $2.90/GJ. Increasing productivity and lowering harvesting costs can reduce delivered costs by about $0.50/GJ in the Northeast, Southeast, and Lake States, $0.70/GJ in the Midwest cornbelt, and $0.40/GJ in the Pacific Northwest. Whether woody crops become viable commercial commodities in the $2.00 to $2.40/GJ price range depends on a number of circumstances related to price and performance comparisons with conventional fuels.
Ultra-low-field MRI for the detection of liquid explosives

Recently it has become both possible and practical to use magnetic resonance (MR) at magnetic fields in the range from µT to mT, the so-called ultra-low-field (ULF) regime. SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) sensor technology allows for ultra-sensitive detection while pulsed pre-polarizing fields greatly enhance the signal. The instrumentation allows for unprecedented flexibility in signal acquisition sequences and simplified MRI instrumentation. Here we present results for a new application of ULF MRI and relaxometry for the detection and characterization of liquids. We briefly describe the motivation and advantages of the ULF MR approach, and present recent results from a seven-channel ULF MRI/relaxometer system constructed to non-invasively inspect liquids at a security checkpoint for the presence of hazardous material. The instrument was deployed at the Albuquerque International Airport in December 2008, and results from that endeavor are also presented.
Use of Powdered Solutions to Improve The Dissolution Rate of Polythiazide Tablets

AbstractSolutions of polythiazide in polyethylene glycol 400 were admixed with microcrystalline cellulose (RC-591) and silica. The resulting free-flowing powder was incorporated into tablet formulations by direct compression.The dissolution rates of polythizizde frm these tablets were significantly more rapid than from commercially available tablets. The stability of these tablets at 40°0C and high humidity was studied. The powdered solution formulas were also compared with a polythiazide dispersion in polyethylene glycol 6000 which exhibited an equally superior dissolution profile.
Highly nonequilibrium boundary-layer flows of a multicomponent dissociated gas mixture

Abstract Analytical solutions are presented for a family of highly nonequilibrium (nearly frozen) boundary-layer flows of a four-component dissociated gas mixture around non-ablating bodies with either a completely catalytic or perfectly non-catalytic surface. Both self-similar and locally non-similar flows are studied for either recombination rate controlled or dissociation rate controlled situations. The nonequilibrium boundary-layer behavior, including the sensitivity to the various chemical kinetic data and transport property parameters, is considered in detail for highly cooled stagnation point flows on blunt bodies and hypersonic flows over sharp flat plates and slender cones. The accuracy of the local similarity approximation and use of nonequilibrium binary scaling laws are also examined for the plate and cone flows.
An explanation for the folding fibers in proboscis retractor muscles of Phascolopsis (=Golfingia) gouldi. I: Correlation between length-tension data and structure in living muscle

1. 1. Fiber diameters and fold angles were measured at various muscle lengths at rest and during contraction. 2. 2. The length-tension relationship was bimodal, with tension peaks at 1.0 and 1.67 L/L0. 3. 3. Fiber folding occurred during contraction at lengths < 1.3 L0. 4. 4. Diameter increased in folding cells during contraction only at lengths >1.15 L/L0. 5. 5. We suggest that two cell types produce the bimodal length-tension curve. 6. 6. We also suggest that folding cells produce force at longer muscle lengths where they are unfolded, but they are passively folded by a second cell type which produces force at shorter muscle lengths.
Effects of serotonin and the 5-HT2/1C receptor agonist DOI on neurons of the cerebellar dentate/interpositus nuclei: possible involvement of a GABAergic interneuron

The present study was designed to examine the effects of iontophoretically applied serotonin (5-HT) on neurons of the cerebellar dentate/interpositus nuclei in an in vitro slice preparation and to determine if the 5-HT2/1C receptor subtype could be responsible for mediating any effects noted with 5-HT. 5-HT and the 5-HT2/1C-selective agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI) were iontophoretically applied alone and during superfusion of the 5-HT2/1C-selective antagonist, ritanserin. 5-HT and DOI elicited either inhibition or excitation of the spontaneous activity of dentate/interpositus neurons. An inhibitory response was induced by both compounds in the majority of cells responding. Ritanserin significantly attenuated the inhibitory response elicited by both 5-HT and DOI. In addition, the inhibitory response to DOI was significantly attenuated by the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonists, bicuculline and picrotoxin. Our results suggest that the 5-HT2/1C receptor subtype may be partially responsible for mediating 5-HT-induced inhibition of dentate/interpositus neurons, possibly via activation of GABAergic interneurons.
Change in proteinuria after adding aldosterone blockers to ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers in CKD: a systematic review

Background The use of mineralocorticoid receptor blockers (MRBs) in patients with chronic kidney disease is growing, but data for efficacy in decreasing proteinuria are limited by a relative paucity of studies, many of which are small and uncontrolled. Study Design We performed a systematic review using the MEDLINE database (inception to November 1, 2006), abstracts from national meetings, and selected reference lists. Setting & Population Adult patients with chronic kidney disease and proteinuria. Selection Criteria for Studies English-language studies investigating the use of MRBs added to long-term angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitor and/or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy in adult patients with proteinuric kidney disease. Intervention MRBs as additive therapy to conventional renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade in patients with chronic kidney disease. Outcomes Changes in proteinuria as the primary outcome; rates of hyperkalemia, changes in blood pressure, and changes in glomerular filtration rate as secondary outcomes. Results 15 studies met inclusion criteria for our review; 4 were parallel-group randomized controlled trials, 4 were crossover randomized controlled trials, 2 were pilot studies, and 5 were case series. When MRBs were added to ACE-inhibitor and/or ARB therapy, the reported proteinuria decreases from baseline ranged from 15% to 54%, with most estimates in the 30% to 40% range. Hyperkalemic events were significant in only 1 of 8 randomized controlled trials. MRB therapy was associated with statistically significant decreases in blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate in approximately 40% and 25% of included studies, respectively. Limitations Reported results were insufficient for meta-analysis, with only 2 studies reporting sufficient data to calculate SEs of their published estimates. We were unable to locate studies that showed no effect of MRB treatment over placebo, raising concern for publication bias. Conclusions Although data suggest that adding MRBs to ACE-inhibitor and/or ARB therapy yields significant decreases in proteinuria without adverse effects of hyperkalemia and impaired renal function, routine use of MRBs as additive therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease cannot be recommended yet. However, the findings of this review promote interesting hypotheses for future study.
The fibred product near-rings and near-ring modules for certain categories

In somes categories, there are structures that look very much like groups, and they usually are. These structures are called group-objects and were first studied by Eckmann and Hilton (1). If our category has an object T such that hom( X, T )= { t x }, a singleton, for each object X ∈ Ob , T is called a terminal object . Our category must have products; i.e. for A 1 ,…, A n ∈;. Ob , there is an object A 1 × … × A n ∈ Ob and morphisms p i : A 1 × … × A n → A i so that if f i : X → A i , i = 1, 2, …, n , are morphisms of , then there is a unique morphism [ f 1 , …, f n ]: X → A 1 × … × A n such that for i = 1, 2, …, n .