cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delayed isomeric state in 205Pb and its implications for 4πα liquid scintillation spectrometry of 209Po

Abstract Asays of 209Po by 4πα liquid scintillation (LS) measurements are confounded by an α-transition to a 2.3 keV ( J π = 1 2 − ) level in 205Pb which was previously unknown to be a delayed isomeric state. The level is believed to be populated by a substantial fraction of the total 209Po decay (∼80%), and presumably decays predominantly by internal conversion. The resulting conversion electrons from this delayed isomeric transition were identified in LS spectra. The lifetime is inferred to be at least several times 10−5 s, although it may very well be substantially longer lived by orders of magnitude. The implications of these findings for routine measurements of 209Po by LS are discussed. Suggested experiments to precisely determine the lifetime of the state are also proposed.
Functional analysis of a liver-specific enhancer of the hepatitis B virus.

Abstract The liver-specific enhancer I of the human hepatitis B virus contains several regions of DNA-protein interaction. Located within this element are also the domains of a promoter controlling the synthesis of the X open reading frame. Functional domains of the enhancer I and the X gene promoter were identified using DNase I protection analysis, deletion mutagenesis, and cell transfections. A unique liver-specific interaction was identified within this element whose binding site includes a direct sequence repeat, 5'-AGTAAACAGTA-3'. The factor(s) binding to this sequence motif was purified by oligonucleotide-affinity chromatography. Binding of this factor appears to play a key role in determining the overall enhancer function. Additionally, the interaction of several purified factors is presented. Cotransfection of liver cells with expression vectors encoding transcriptional factors resulted in trans-activation of the promoter/enhancer function. Based on the results of genetic analysis a model outlining the functional domains of the enhancer/promoter region is presented.
Evaluation of corrections from temperature-time curves in isoperibol calorimetry under normal and adverse operating conditions☆

Abstract The treatment of calorimetric corrections from temperature-time curves is modified to yield simpler equations for calculation. Applications are made to normal operations, changes in stirring power during the main period, secondary processes (linear) which simulate changes in stirring power, and variable (non-linear) secondary processes associated with the main calorimetric process. The Dickinson midtime tm emerges as a natural parameter in the correction terms, and the treatment handles changes in energy equivalents during reaction in a simple explicit manner.
Temperature in the Lower Mantle

Summary A promising method for the estimate of the temperature in the lower mantle is demonstrated; it utilizes the best set of experimental data for rocks, namely, their densities, directly determined to pressures and temperatures comparable to those in the lower mantle, together with the most dependable properties of the lower mantle: its seismic velocities and its density. Temperature is estimated to be 2800°K at a depth of 1300 km, increasing almost linearly with depth to 3300°K at 2800 km, with an average gradient of about 0.33 deg km-1. An estimate of the bounds may be put at ± 800 deg, largely due to the uncertainties in the density in the lower mantle and the equation of state of rocks in their high-pressure phases.
Abnormal Vaginal Flora as a Biological Risk Factor for Acquisition of HIV Infection and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The role that the vaginal flora plays in protecting the host from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV infection, is becoming increasingly appreciated. Significant alterations in the microbiological environment of the vaginal ecosystem, such as those that occur in bacterial vaginosis (BV), appear to be a biological risk factor for the acquisition and transmission of STIs/HIV, and, therefore, BV has tremendous public health implications. BV occurs in 20%-25% of women in
Defining genetically meaningful language and personality traits in relatives of individuals with fragile X syndrome and relatives of individuals with autism

Substantial phenotypic overlap exists between fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism, suggesting that FMR1 (the gene causing FXS) poses a significant risk for autism. Crosspopulation comparisons of FXS and autism therefore offer a potentially valuable method for refining the range of phenotypes associated with variation in FMR1. This study adopted a broader phenotype approach, focusing on parents who are at increased genetic liability for autism or FXS. Women who were carriers of FMR1 in its premutation state were compared with mothers of individuals with autism, and controls in an attempt to determine whether subtle features of the broad autism phenotype may express at elevated rates among FMR1 premutation carriers. The principal personality and language features comprising the broad autism phenotype (i.e., rigid and aloof personality, and particular patterns of pragmatic language use) were assessed among 49 premutation carriers who were mothers of individuals with FXS, 89 mothers of individuals with autism, and 23 mothers of typically developing individuals. Relative to controls, the autism and premutation parent groups showed elevated rates of certain personality and language characteristics of the broad autism phenotype. Findings suggest partially overlapping personality and language profiles among autism and premutation parent groups, with rigid personality style and patterns of pragmatic language use emerging as features most clearly shared between groups. These results provide further evidence for the overlap of autism and FXS, and may implicate FMR1 in some of the subtle features comprising the broad autism phenotype. � 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Continent-Wide Clone: Population Genetic Variation of the Invasive Plant Hieracium Aurantiacum (Orange Hawkweed; Asteraceae) in North America

We investigated the population genetic structure of the invasive plant Hieracium aurantiacum (Asteraceae), a facultative apomict. We generated amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprints for H. aurantiacum samples from across its invasive range in North America (N ¼ 226) and from six other North American native and invasive Hieracium species (N ¼ 60). Almost no genetic variability was found in the North American H. aurantiacum across locations from Alaska and Oregon to Pennsylvania and Ontario (clonal diversity ¼ 0:035). In contrast, other Hieracium species showed a range of clonal diversities (range ¼ 0:154‐1:0). The single H. aurantiacum genotype that dominated the North American invaded range was identical to a sample from the native range (Czech Republic), where low genetic diversity has also been reported. However, we did find evidence of hybridization between H. aurantiacum and at least one other nonnative Hieracium species in North America, indicating that the generation of novel hybrid genetic combinations may be an important factor in this invasive group of Hieracium taxa. Our findings suggest that sexual recombination and genetic diversity are not essential for successful plant invasion and that phenotypic plasticity alone may provide the flexibility necessary for the establishment of H. aurantiacum in diverse habitats.
Traffic engineering for multi rate wireless data

This paper presents a traffic engineering solution for multi-rate data transmission over 3G-4G networks. It is shown that the RF coverage footprint shrinks due to high-speed data, which can be compensated by introducing delays. The queuing theory is used to quantify the delay, where the incoming data forms a queue in a buffer and waits for radio transmission. This delay, which is a function of the bit rate, is used to compensate the deficit in the link budget. Consequently, the RF coverage foot print remains the same for all bit rates.
2,3-Dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(f)quinoxaline reduces glial loss and acute white matter pathology after experimental spinal cord contusion.

Focal microinjection of 2,3-dihyro-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo( f )quinoxaline (NBQX), an antagonist of the AMPA/kainate subclass of glutamate receptors, reduces neurological deficits and tissue loss after spinal cord injury. Dose-dependent sparing of white matter is seen at 1 month after injury that is correlated to the dose-related reduction in chronic functional deficits. To determine whether NBQX exerts an acute effect on white matter pathology, female, adult Spague Dawley rats were subjected to a standardized weight drop contusion at T-8 (10 gm × 2.5 cm) and NBQX (15 nmol) or vehicle (VEH) solution focally injected into the injury site 15 min later. At 4 and 24 hr, tissue from the injury epicenter was processed for light and electron microscopy, and the histopathology of ventromedial white matter was compared. The axonal injury index, a quantitative representation of axoplasmic and myelinic pathologies, was significantly lower in the NBQX group at 4 hr (2.7 ± 0.24, mean ± SE) and 24 hr (1.4 ± 0.19) than in VEH controls (3.8 ± 0.33 and 2.1 ± 0.20, respectively). Counts of glial cell nuclei indicated a loss of at least 60% at 4 and 24 hr after injury in the VEH group compared with uninjured controls. NBQX treatment reduced this glial loss by half. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the spared glia were primarily oligodendrocytes. Thus, the chronic effects of NBQX in reducing white matter loss after spinal cord injury appear to be attributable to the reduction of acute pathology and may be mediated through the protection of glia, particularly oligodendrocytes.
Bioweapons synthesis and storage: The venom gland of front-fanged snakes

Abstract A paradoxical task of the venom gland of snakes is the synthesis and storage of an instantly available suite of toxins to immobilize prey and the protection of the snake against its own venom components. Furthermore, autolysis of the venom constituents due to the action of venom metalloproteases is an additional problem, particularly among viperid venoms, which are typically rich in lytic enzymatic proteins. To address questions concerning these problems, the structure of the venom gland was investigated using light microscopy, SEM and TEM. The composition of the venom originating from the intact venom apparatus or from the main venom gland alone was analyzed by electrophoresis, and the pH of freshly expressed venom as well as pH optima of several representative enzymes was evaluated. Results from several species of rattlesnakes demonstrated that the venom gland is structurally complex, particularly in its small rostral portion called the accessory gland, which may be a site of activation of venom components. Secreted venom is stable in extremes of temperature and dilution, and several proximate mechanisms, including pH and endogenous inhibitors, exist which inhibit enzymatic activity of the venom during storage within the venom gland but allow for spontaneous activation upon injection into prey. Whereas acid secretion by the parietal cells activates digestive enzymes in the stomach, within the venom gland acidification inhibits venom enzymes. We propose that the mitochondria-rich cells of the main venom gland, which are morphologically and histochemically very similar to the parietal cells of the mammalian gastric pit, play a central role in the stabilization of the venom by secreting acidic compounds into the venom and maintaining the stored venom at pH 5.4. Hence, our results indicate yet another trophic link between the processes of venom production and of digestion, and demonstrate that the venom glands of snakes may represent an excellent model for the study of protein stability and maintenance of toxic proteins.
Aortic valve commissural tear mimicking type A aortic dissection.

A 52-year-old man came to the local emergency department with symptoms of heart failure and transient chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severe aortic regurgitation and a dilated ascending aorta. Aortic dissection was suspected, and he was transferred to our institution. Transesophageal echocardiography appeared to confirm the presence of a type A dissection. A mobile, linear structure was present in the proximal ascending aorta, suggesting the presence of dissection flap. Aortic cusp prolapse and severe aortic regurgitation were seen. At surgery, no aortic dissection was present. Rather, the commissure between right and left aortic valve cusps was separated from the wall of the aorta. Motion of the torn commissure with the cardiac cycle apparently led to the transesophageal echocardiographic appearance described. The ascending aorta was dilated. Histopathologic examination of the aorta confirmed the visual appearance of cystic medial necrosis. Aortic valve commissural tear is a rare event, which may lead to severe aortic regurgitation. This entity may lead to the false-positive transesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis of type A dissection. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002;15:658-60.)
Habit Persistence in Air Passenger Traffic Destined for Florida

At the core of travel demand theory is separating short- and long-term responses to events and determining how quickly potential travelers respond, if at all, to current events. Using habit persistence models applied to air travel to Florida, air travel demand models are estimated that measure habit persistence while accounting for economic and noneconomic travel demand variables. Along with the traditional economic demand drivers, the models account for weather, wildfires, and adjustments to post-9/11. Elasticities are shown and then simulations are used to fully illustrate the impacts of changing ticket prices, incomes, seasonality, Florida storms, and the recovery from 9/11. The degree of habit persistence is measured and then the short- and long-run adjustments in air traffic destined for Florida are shown.
Interaction of nitric oxide, 20-HETE, and EETs during functional hyperemia in whisker barrel cortex

Nitric oxide (NO) modulates vasodilation in cerebral cortex during sensory activation. NO is known to inhibit the synthesis of 20-HETE, which has been implicated in arteriolar constriction during a...
Developing and deploying software engineering courseware in an adaptable curriculum framework

We describe an effort to design an adaptable framework for teaching and learning in software engineering. We are developing a repository of asynchronous, multimedia courseware that facilitates the rapid incorporation of new advances in research and technology, enables courses to be tailored to individual student needs and interests, leverages innovations in educational technology and encourages innovation in teaching and in student learning. Our emphasis is on developing composable multi-level “knowledge and topic units” (KU/TUs) that can be employed to tailor course content and depth to fit the needs of a diverse student population. We have developed “live” and on-line course material for KU/TUs in software engineering and taught courses using this material. The framework was deployed in three software engineering courses (previously taught concurrently) and provides quite different learning environments for the students in each course and, to some extent, tailors the courses to individual students within the classes based on their skills, objectives and backgrounds. We describe efforts at formative evaluation. Student satisfaction is high and available measures of success, e.g., student performance, have improved markedly. We also describe a project now beginning to build on this prototype that will be accompanied by more extensive formative and summative evaluation.
Law and Social Movements: Contemporary Perspectives

▪ Abstract Social movement scholars have long seemed little interested in law, and traditional legal scholars were little interested in social movement analysis by social scientists. However, recent years have seen growth of interest in the topic of law and social movements, with inquiry led by political scientists and law and society scholars. This review surveys that diverse literature, beginning with general theory regarding core concepts and then moving to a review of empirical studies organized around the multi-stage model derived from political process approaches and legal mobilization frameworks. The primary argument of the review is that law is contingent, and how it matters for social movements varies with the context and character of struggle. Most analysts agree that law generally works to support status quo conventions and hierarchical relationships, but sometimes law can be mobilized to challenge and even reconstitute the terms of institutional order.
The voltage-sensor structure in a voltage-gated channel

A recent electron paramagnetic resonance study of KvAP, a prokaryotic voltage-gated channel, in its lipid native environment has revealed the location of the transmembrane segments, the connecting loops and the relative position of the voltage-sensing charges. The results confirm that the previously reported crystal structure does not represent a native conformation and give us structural constraints that will help in determining the molecular structure of the voltage sensor.
Temporal averaging of phase measurements in the presence of spurious phase drift: Application to phase-stepped real-time holographic interferometry

A technique that compensates for low spatial frequency spurious phase changes during an interference experiment is developed; it permits temporal averaging of multiple-phase measurements, made before and after object displacement. The method is tested with phase-stepped real-time holographic interferometry applied to cantilever bending of a piezoelectric bimorph ceramic. Results indicate that temporal averaging of the corrected data significantly reduces the white noise in a phase measurement without incurring systematic errors or sacrificing spatial resolution. White noise is reduced from 3 deg to less than 1 deg using these methods.
DNA-protein interactions in high definition

An elegant, genome-wide approach to define the precise DNA sequences bound by transcription factors has been developed by Rhee and Pugh.
The role of Mycobacterium leprae phenolic glycolipid I (PGL-I) in serodiagnosis and in the pathogenesis of leprosy.

Summary PGL-I (phenolic glycolipid I) emerged in the early 1980s on the one hand as part of intensive efforts to define the typing antigens of ah ost of Mycobacterium spp. and also from characterisation of the lipids of skin biopsies from highly bacillary positive lepromatous leprosy patients. PGL-I, despite its extreme lipophilicity due to its inherent phthiocerol dimycocerosyl component, is highly antigenic evoking high titre IgM antibodies in lepromatous leprosy patients, attributable largely to the unique 3,6-di- O -methyl- b -D-glucosyl entity at the non-reducing terminus of its trisaccharide. PGL-I itself or in the form of semisynthetic neoglycoproteins containing the synthetic terminal disaccharide or the whole trisaccharide chemically conjugated to such as bovine or human serum albumin, has found its greatest utility in the serological diagnosis, confirmation and management of lepromatous leprosy. PGL-I has also been implicated in the tropism of M. leprae for Schwann cells, through specific binding to laminin, and to play an important role in downregulation of the inflammatory immune response and inhibition of dendritic cell maturation and activation, thereby facilitating the persistence of M. leprae/leprosy.
Long-Term Followup After Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux with Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer in Patients with Neurogenic Bladder

Purpose: Subureteral injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer is a minimally invasive method to treat vesicoureteral reflux. We report short and long-term success in treating secondary vesicoureteral reflux in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction or severe voiding dysfunction.Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all subureteral injection procedures done to identify patients with neurogenic bladder or severe voiding dysfunction. Short (less than 12 months) and long-term vesicoureteral reflux results for patients and ureters were recorded. Preoperative urodynamics and radiographic findings were reviewed. Preoperative factors were evaluated to identify patients with greater chances of success.Results: A total of 12 patients (17 ureters) were identified (10 with neurogenic bladder and 2 with Hinman syndrome). Short-term success (no vesicoureteral reflux) was achieved in 50% of patients and 58% of ureters. At a median followup of 4.5 years (range 1 to 9) success...
Germination of Fern Spores in Natural Soils

Abstract In the presence of light, the germination rates of spores of Nephrolepis exaltata, Phlebodium aureum and Cibotium glaucum on three different soils were similar to those on water or water agar. All the soils tested promoted elongation of rhizoids of N. exaltata and stimulated growth of protonemata of C. glaucum. Spores of the fungus Botryodiplodia theobromae germinated completely on water or water agar under light or in darkness but failed to germinate on soils under the same conditions. The results suggest that spores of ferns are not sensitive to microbiostasis of soil. Contrary to microorganisms, insensitivity of spores to soil microbiostasis could be beneficial to ferns because it would be advantageous to their successful colonization of suitable habitats.
On TeV Gamma Rays and the Search for Galactic Neutrinos

The IceCube neutrino discovery presents an opportunity to answer long-standing questions in high-energy astrophysics. For their own sake and relations to other processes, it is important to understand neutrinos arising from the Milky Way, which should have an accompanying flux of gamma rays. Examining Fermi TeV data, and applying other constraints up to >1 PeV, it appears implausible that the Galactic fraction of the IceCube flux is large, though could be present at some level. We address Sgr A*, where the TeV-PeV neutrinos may outrun gamma rays due to gamma-gamma opacity, and further implications, including dark matter and cosmic-ray electrons.
Trials are Needed to Evaluate Nutrition Interventions for HF: Analysis of the Federal Nutrition and HF Research Portfolio

Background: Nutrition research has the potential to identify better ways of preventing andmanaging heart failure, leading to reduced costs and better patient outcomes. However, it has proved especially challenging to design well-powered clinical efficacy and ffectiveness studies in this field.Methods: To better understand the federal heart failure-related research support provided to date, and to identify issues that must be addressed by applicants, we present the results of a portfolio analysis based on search results from the Federal RePORTER database. The search was limited to funded projects for the fiscal years 2000-2014 where the terms “nutrition or diet or dietary supplements” and “heart failure” were included in the abstract, key words, or title. Results: Approximately 60 projects were funded during this time period, themajority being supported through research project grants (R mechanisms) and a smaller number through training awards (F or K mechanisms). Most of the support was provided by three NIH Institutes (NHLBI, NINR, and NIA) and by the Office of Dietary Supplements. The main types of funded science were basic studies in animal models, mechanistic physiology studies in humans, and longitudinal or cross-sectional observational cohort studies. Therewere relatively few intervention studies, withmost evaluating behavioral change and education modalities. The trials that compared dietary treatments generally were small proof-of-concept or pilot studies. Nutrition research typically comprises w5% of the NIH research investment in most years (for example, $1.6B/$30B in 2014); heart failure has a very low profile within the NIH nutrition research portfolio (for example, approximately $4M/$1.6B, or 0.2% in 2014). Conclusion: Nutrition issues and diet interventions are understudied in heart failure patients. All types of research are needed, particularly well-designed clinical efficacy and effectiveness trials. Submission strategies and funding opportunities that can be considered for closing data gaps related to the ongoing epidemic of heart failure will be discussed.
Money Resolutions, Digital Simulations

This paper explores how the broad financial decision-making practices commonly employed by poor people (as depicted in the companion paper "Money Resolutions, A Sketchbook") could be supported through a digital financial service platform. We focus on two particular practices: money animation and liquidity farming. We frame these solutions in the context of a broader discussion of what it means to be customer-centric in a digital service context.
The appearance rate of premonitory uplift

Sea level data are used to show that 5 to 8 cm of aseismic uplift accumulated in a few months before the Long Beach, Hyuganada, and Peru earthquakes. This uplift rate is an order of magnitude faster than tectonic loading rates. Alternative mechanisms to explain this observation are anelastic creep at depth or dilatancy in a jointed crust. The energy expended during uplift is larger than the seismically radiated energy by approximately a factor of ten.
ORIGIN OF DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN HABITS IN TEMPERATE FORESTS.

Deciduous hardwood forests in temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere, brilliantly colored in autumn and leafless in winter, provide a striking contrast with the somber broadleafed forests that extend to tree line in the temperate Southern Hemisphere and remain green through the year. These northern and southern temperate forests are also very dissimilar in composition, for the genera differ in each area and most of them belong to divergent families. The fossil record suggests that the morphologic differences between the plants that contribute to these forests are the result of their independent evolution on opposite sides of the tropical rainforest belt during Cretaceous and later times. Presumably the deciduous and evergreen habits displayed by woody plants in boreal and austral regions reflect fundamental differences between the environments in which they evolved. However, the factors that may account for the presence of a predominantly deciduous habit for woody angiosperms in the temperate forests of one region as opposed to typically evergreen in the other, are obscure, as is the evolution of the deciduous habit itself in northern temperate hardwood forests. In searching for clues to the factors that may have been responsible for the origin of these contrasting habits, it is desirable to turn first to evidence provided by plants living in environments where gradual gradients can now be observed between the evergreen and the deciduous habit.
Social Revolutions: Their Causes, Patterns, and Phases

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of social revolutions. In this article, I take a synthetic approach and hypothesize that the three most important factors that explain the onset of social revolution are economic development, regime type, and state ineffectiveness. I also discuss the importance of domestic and external factors that trigger social revolutions. In addition, I make a distinction between the onset and success of social revolutions. Finally, I identify two distinct types of social revolutions.
Study on the Innovation System of Science and Technology under the Upgrading of Chinese Economic

After the 30 years reform and opening up,the economic scale of China has been among the forefront of the world,but the disadvantages of the mode of economic development is show,the urgent need to change the mode of economic growth,to build the upgrade version of China's economy.Its core is the elements from the resources input driven to innovation driven,and science and technology innovation system in our country can not meet the requirements of the development of independent innovation,it is necessary to reform the system of scientific and technological innovation,including the transformation of government functions of the perfect market economy system,the protection of intellectual property rights system,promoting innovation and competition.
Multicast Routing Based on Information Entropy Multi-population Genetic Algorithm

Taking account of the uncertain information and the unbalance of link results in the congestion of network,a Genetic Algorithm(GA) with the information entropy is presented to solve the problem in the multicast routing.The algorithm begins from a least-delay tree,searches the max information entropy multicast tree in the multi-population,and gets final multicast tree satisfying delay constraint and the least balance.The results show that the proposed algorithm performs better in terms of delaying a running time against existing heuristics algorithm,and constructs optimal delay-constrained and balance multicast tree efficiently.
The Research of Skin Theory about the Reconstruction of Curves and Surfaces in the Shroud Model of Automobile

Arming at the difficult problem associated with reconstructing a fitting and smooth of the a surface using points cloud in the reverse designing of an automobile curve surface was researched on the base of the method of normal modeling.Concluding on the basis of the algorithm of domestic and foreign scholars and combining with a neural network optimization,it puts forward a new method of surface modeling. This method is NURBS surface algorithm for skinning surface modeling method. And in the CFD simulation analysis software STAR-CCM,the whole car body was carried out the numerical simulation of flow field. Through conventional styling and skinning surface modeling numerical simulation results showing that:the latter than the former in the drag coefficient to reduce 4.21%;lift coefficient decreases by 1.69%;pitch coefficient reduces 0.09%. The data shows the skinning surface modeling method can effectively reduce the vehicle drag indeed and improve the vehicle's power and its applicability.
Comparison of Modified A-1 Method with Standard EC Test for Recovery of Fecal Coliform Bacteria for Shellfish

This study is one of a series in which variations of the A-1 method for the detection and enumeration of fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli in seawater and foods were evaluated. The tests were conducted jointly by the Food and Drug Administration and state and provincial laboratories that support shellfish control programs in the United States and Canada as part of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program's Microbiology Task Force activities. Results showed significantly higher recovery of fecal coliforms from naturally contaminated shellfish by the AOAC official A-1-M method than by the American Public Health Association standard method. There was no significant difference in recovery of E. coli by the 2 methods.
The Role of Black Entrepreneurship in the Self Actualization of Blacks in the Labor Force

The history of the acceptance of blacks into the mainstream of corporate America reflects little optimism that change will be forthcoming. Black entrepreneurship, targeted toward the large populous black concentrations, would appear one technique for developing business skills and economic self-sufficiency. Minorities other than blacks have persevered in developing business acumen and economic independence. Why not blacks? The search for an answer to this question is the focus of this research.
Forensic Entomology: Evaluating Uncertainty Associated With Postmortem Interval (PMI) Estimates With Ecological Models

Estimates of insect age can be informative in death investigations and, when certain assumptions are met, can be useful for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). Currently, the accuracy and precision of PMI estimates is unknown, as error can arise from sources of variation such as measurement error, environmental variation, or genetic variation. Ecological models are an abstract, mathematical representation of an ecological system that can make predictions about the dynamics of the real system. To quantify the variation associated with the pre-appearance interval (PAI), we developed an ecological model that simulates the colonization of vertebrate remains by Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a primary colonizer in the southern United States. The model is based on a development data set derived from a local population and represents the uncertainty in local temperature variability to address PMI estimates at local sites. After a PMI estimate is calculated for each individual, the model calculates the maximum, minimum, and mean PMI, as well as the range and standard deviation for stadia collected. The model framework presented here is one manner by which errors in PMI estimates can be addressed in court when no empirical data are available for the parameter of interest. We show that PAI is a potential important source of error and that an ecological model is one way to evaluate its impact. Such models can be re-parameterized with any development data set, PAI function, temperature regime, assumption of interest, etc., to estimate PMI and quantify uncertainty that arises from specific prediction systems.
Using the I-LEARN model for information literacy instruction

With the increasing availability of information and the importance of lifelong information literacy (IL) skills, instructional designers, school media specialists, and librarians need to determine how to best design IL teaching in order to help students locate, evaluate, and use information more effectively. This paper describes the first experimental research study conducted to determine how teaching designed using the I-LEARN model could increase student understanding and application of IL concepts and offer recommendations for future implementations of the model. The experimental study described in this article examined whether IL skills teaching designed using the I-LEARN model increased student understanding and application of IL concepts. The experimental group received an instruction session and a library research guide designed using the I-LEARN model, and the control group received an instruction session and a library research guide designed using a systems model. While the analysis of the results of pre- and post-test scores and scores on a citation analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups, students in the experimental group used the I-LEARN-designed research guide more often than students in the control group and self-reported benefits of using the I-LEARN-designed research guide.
Phase 1 study of twice weekly pulse dose and daily low-dose erlotinib as initial treatment for patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers.

ABSTRACT Background Patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) develop clinical resistance, most commonly with acquisition of EGFR T790M. Evolutionary modeling suggests that a schedule of twice weekly pulse and daily low-dose erlotinib may delay emergence of EGFR T790M. Pulse dose erlotinib has superior central nervous system (CNS) penetration and may result in superior CNS disease control. Methods We evaluated toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of twice weekly pulse and daily low-dose erlotinib. We assessed six escalating pulse doses of erlotinib. Results We enrolled 34 patients; 11 patients (32%) had brain metastases at study entry. We observed 3 dose-limiting toxicities in dose escalation: transaminitis, mucositis, and rash. The MTD was erlotinib 1200 mg days 1–2 and 50 mg days 3–7 weekly. The most frequent toxicities (any grade) were rash, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and mucositis. 1 complete and 24 partial responses were observed (74%, 95% CI 60–84%). Median progression-free survival was 9.9 months (95% CI 5.8–15.4 months). No patient had progression of an untreated CNS metastasis or developed a new CNS lesion while on study (0%, 95% CI 0–13%). Of the 18 patients with biopsies at progression, EGFR T790M was identified in 78% (95% CI 54–91%). Conclusion This is the first clinical implementation of an anti-cancer TKI regimen combining pulse and daily low-dose administration. This evolutionary modeling-based dosing schedule was well-tolerated but did not improve progression-free survival or prevent emergence of EGFR T790M, likely due to insufficient peak serum concentrations of erlotinib. This dosing schedule prevented progression of untreated or any new central nervous system metastases in all patients.
Commentary: The State-Building Myth of Pragmatism in the 'Singapore Story'

Fifty years ago, the Nobel prizewinning economist Sir Arthur Lewis pithily noted that the secret of development was simple: ‘sensible politics and good public administration’ (Lewis 1966, p.xiv). Attempts to explain why such an easy formula has proved so difficult to implement over the last half-century have filled libraries. Defining ‘sensible’, clarifying ‘good’ and then trying to combine them has challenged academics, confounded public officials and baffled politicians almost everywhere.
Global Methamphetamine Trends: An Evolving Problem

The methamphetamine (meth) problem is increasing in regions around the world. As the most widely manufactured amphetamine-type stimulant, it is the second most commonly used illicit drug worldwide....
Physico-chemical characterization of carbons produced from technical lignin by sub-critical hydrothermal carbonization.

Abstract Morphology, physical and chemical properties of carbonaceous materials (CMs) synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of a technical lignin, HP-L™, derived from a bio-refinery waste-stream is reported. The technical lignin, HP-L™, was hydrothermally carbonized at four processing temperatures; 200, 250, 300 and 350 °C. The yield of derived CMs was highest at the lowest processing temperature (200 °C), and decreased with increasing temperature. L350, obtained at 350 °C was further chemically activated with KOH. SEM analysis showed that lignin exhibited agglomerated structures with some vesicles at elevated temperatures. Overall, major structural changes in the HP-L™ lignin only occurred after 300 °C. Vibrational spectroscopy showed bands due to lignin functionalities disappeared at 350 °C. This was supported by deconvolution and peak analysis using NMR, which revealed the evolution of a more condensed structure characterized by aromatic C when temperature reached 350 °C. Unlike carbohydrates and other biomass types which can easily be hydrothermally carbonized at temperatures (160–220 °C), HP-L™ lignin remains relatively unchanged up until 350 °C where significant aromatization occurs. 350 °C is therefore the desired temperature for the hydrothermal treatment of HP-L™ lignin.
Logistics of carpet recycling in the U.S.: designing the collection network

Efficient collection of post-consumer carpet is an important part of the carpet recycling process that helps to reduce the cost of recycled materials as well as provide sufficient volumes of carpet for recycling facilities. This paper focuses on the design of a collection network for carpet in the U.S. The location set covering optimization model formulated in the paper allows locating the minimum number of collection centers throughout the U.S. to reach a specific level of population coverage and as a result, a target collection rate. To solve real-scale instances of the problem, a novel randomized greedy heuristic is developed. The heuristic is shown to perform better than existing greedy heuristics in the literature. In addition, the paper presents the resulting nationwide carpet collection networks for different levels of population coverage. The results of the study can be used for U.S. carpet recycling policy-making decisions.
Detect-and-Route Systems

Ideally, one would like to be able to separate items based solely and specifically on the materials from which those items are made. With the possible exception of metals separation, none of the separation techniques discussed to this point have featured identification of component materials. Even the metals-separation techniques discussed are not as specific as the topic of this chapter.
The Family in the Change Process

The role of the family in the assessment and treatment of addictive behaviors has received careful consideration by researchers and clinicians. However, careful theoretical models have lagged behind. In this chapter, a social support framework will be used to organize consideration of the family’s role in the treatment of addictive behaviors.
Nanotechnology: Potential applications in cardiothoracic surgery

Within the last several years dramatic changes have occurred in the field of cardiothoracic surgery permitting new and evolving technologies to be applied to the benefit of patients. One of these is the field of less invasive heart surgery. The principle causes of morbidity and mortality in conventional open heart surgery are related to the use of the heart/lung bypass machine and the sternal splitting incision. In response to this problem surgeons developed the MIDCAB or minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass operation. The da Vinci™ computer-enhanced surgical robotic system has been used at the Ohio State University Medical Center to harvest the internal mammary artery from patients who were undergoing MIDCAB. The same system can be also applied to introduce novel biomedical engineering nanotechnology. In this article we described the nature and use for this innovative technology that undoubtedly will have dramatc impact on the future of cardiac patients and heart care.
Use of standardized visual aids improves informed consent for appendectomy in children: A randomized control trial.

Abstract Background Obtaining informed consent for surgical procedures is often compromised by patient and family educational background, complexity of the forms, and language barriers. We developed and tested a visual aid in order to improve the informed consent process for families of children with appendicitis. Methods Families were randomized to receive either a standard surgical consent or a standard consent plus visual aid. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the effectiveness of adding the visual aid to the consent procedure. Results Parents in both cohorts were similar in age, gender and education level (p > 0.05). On multivariate analysis, visual consent had the strongest influence on parent/guardian comprehension (OR 4.0; 95%CI 2.2–7.2; p Conclusion Visual aids improve understanding and retention of information given during the informed consent process of children with appendicitis.
Interprofessional provider attitudes toward the initiation of epidural analgesia in the laboring patient: are we all on the same page?

Abstract Background The timing of initiation of neuraxial labor analgesia should ultimately depend on patient preference although obstetricians, anesthesiologists and nurses may influence decision-making. We hypothesized that provider groups would have similar attitudes toward the timing of epidural placement, but some identifiable differences could be used to improve understanding and communication among providers. Methods Anesthesiologists, nurses and obstetricians completed a survey assessing their knowledge and attitudes on the timing of epidural placement in specified clinical circumstances. Results Anesthesiologists (100%) and nurses (86.2%) reported being more familiar with epidural management than obstetricians (43.3%, P Conclusions There were differences between providers in factors that may impact the timing of epidural placement and in their self-perceived familiarity with epidural management. These present an opportunity for furthering interprofessional education and collaboration.
Complement C5a Fosters Squamous Carcinogenesis and Limits T Cell Response to Chemotherapy

Summary Complement is a critical component of humoral immunity implicated in cancer development; however, its biological contributions to tumorigenesis remain poorly understood. Using the K14-HPV16 transgenic mouse model of squamous carcinogenesis, we report that urokinase (uPA)+ macrophages regulate C3-independent release of C5a during premalignant progression, which in turn regulates protumorigenic properties of C5aR1+ mast cells and macrophages, including suppression of CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity. Therapeutic inhibition of C5aR1 via the peptide antagonist PMX-53 improved efficacy of paclitaxel chemotherapy associated with increased presence and cytotoxic properties of CXCR3+ effector memory CD8+ T cells in carcinomas, dependent on both macrophage transcriptional programming and IFNγ. Together, these data identify C5aR1-dependent signaling as an important immunomodulatory program in neoplastic tissue tractable for combinatorial cancer immunotherapy.
Increasing Public Interest in Stem Cell Injections for Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee: A Google Trends Analysis.

Abstract Background Stem cell injections are being offered to patients as a nonoperative treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. To our knowledge, no peer-reviewed data exist to document the usage frequency of these injections nor to quantify the public interest in these injections. We sought to use Google Trends to provide a quantitative analysis of interest in hip and knee stem cell injections at the population level. Methods Google Trends search parameters were set to obtain query data from January 2010 through December 2017. ‘Arthritis,’ ‘osteoarthritis,’ ‘stem cell,’ ‘injection,’ ‘knee,’ and ‘hip’ were entered in various combinations to obtain the highest yield search volume. Trend analyses were performed. Results Six linear models were generated to show trends in the volume of searches for the United States and the World. Model fit was good, and regression analysis showed significant trends over time for all searches. Use of search terms increased significantly over time (all models P Conclusion There has been a marked and statistically significant rise in search query volume related to stem cells and osteoarthritis of the hip and knee since 2010. Online interest in stem cell injections may suggest increased utilization of these procedures. Well-designed clinical studies are required to keep pace with the rising popularity and public interest in this intervention for hip and knee arthritis.
Policy Uncertainty and Bank Bailouts

We model the effect of government bailouts on portfolio choices and welfare. Banks sell bonds to leverage investment in risky projects and households buy bonds under rational expectations about default risk. Bailouts induce greater leverage but reduce equilibrium interest rates. The interest rate effect dominates the leverage e¤ect and bailouts lead to fewer bank failures. Bailouts are efficient but not Pareto optimal: bailouts increase social welfare by mitigating uninsurable risk, which helps banks but hurts households since the insurance gains are not worth the price households must pay to finance the bailout.