cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GEODAC: A Data Assurance Policy Specification and Enforcement Framework for Outsourced Services

Many cloud service providers offer outsourcing capabilities to businesses using the software-as-a-service delivery model. In this delivery model, sensitive business data need to be stored and processed outside the control of the business. The ability to manage data in compliance with regulatory and corporate policies, which we refer to as data assurance, is an essential success factor for this delivery model. There exist challenges to express service data assurance capabilities, capture customers' requirements, and enforce these policies inside service providers' environments. This paper addresses these challenges by proposing Global Enforcement Of Data Assurance Controls (GEODAC), a policy framework that enables the expression of both service providers' capabilities and customers' requirements, and enforcement of the agreed-upon data assurance policies in service providers' environments. High-level policy statements are backed in the service environment with a state machine-based representation of policies in which each state represents a data lifecycle stage. Data assurance policies that define requirements on data retention, data migration, data appropriateness for use, etc. can be described and enforced. The approach has been implemented in a prototype tool and evaluated in a services environment.
The Rise and Fall of State-Owned Enterprise in the Western World . Edited by Pier Angelo Toninelli. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000. Pp. ix, 320. $49.95.

This book offers historical perspectives on the origins and purposes of state-owned enterprises in the United States and Western Europe, the performance of these companies, and the growing dissatisfaction with public ownership, culminating in a wave of privatizations over the past twenty years. It combines analytical essays on various aspects of public ownership with a series of country cases (Germany, Italy, Britain, France, Spain, Austria, and the United States). As is often the case with edited volumes, not all the contributors see eye-to-eye. The sharpest contrast is between the paean to the developmental state offered by Erik Reinert on the one hand, and the neoliberal understanding that informs the concluding essay by Louis Galambos and William Baumol on the other. For Galambos and Baumol, the experience of public enterprise teaches us that â€œthere is no substitute for the profit motive and the rigors of fierce competition in eliciting growth of output, productivity, and innovation from the individual firmâ€ (p. 308). The other authors, while closer to Galambos and Baumol's position than to that of Reinert, nonetheless offer a more nuanced perspective on public ownership.
Comparison of Lighting Regimens During Growth on Subsequent Seasonal Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeders

Abstract The effects of daylight vs. incandescent lighting regimens during growth on responsiveness to seasonal light effects during lay were examined in three experiments. Broiler breeders were reared on an 8-h photoperiod from 1 to 20 wk of age. The photoperiod was produced by daylight supplemented with incandescent light (800 lx) or by using incandescent light only (20 lx). Birds were subsequently placed in curtain-sided breeder houses during autumn or spring. Birds grown with those of Experiment 1 were also housed in a total light control cage facility where constant or seasonal light environments could be simulated using computer-driven daily changes. Birds grown in incandescent light had greater egg production when lay started in autumn or in constant light environments than birds grown in daylight. Increased rate of lay was exhibited by birds grown in daylight when lay started in the simulated spring light environment. Egg specific gravity was significantly higher for birds grown in daylight than in incandescent light in both in-season and out-of-season experiments. Lighting regimens during rearing that improve laying performance of flocks commencing lay during autumn did not improve performance under spring conditions. These data suggest that the use of low intensity (20 lx) incandescent light during rearing increases the sensitivity of broiler breeders to fall and winter laying conditions.
Tumors: Wounds That Do Not Heal—Redux

Similarities between tumors and the inflammatory response associated with wound healing have been recognized for more than 150 years and continue to intrigue. Some years ago, based on our then recent discovery of vascular permeability factor (VPF)/VEGF, I suggested that tumors behaved as wounds that do not heal. More particularly, I proposed that tumors co-opted the wound-healing response to induce the stroma they required for maintenance and growth. Work over the past few decades has supported this hypothesis and has put it on a firmer molecular basis. In outline, VPF/VEGF initiates a sequence of events in both tumors and wounds that includes the following: increased vascular permeability; extravasation of plasma, fibrinogen and other plasma proteins; activation of the clotting system outside the vascular system; deposition of an extravascular fibrin gel that serves as a provisional stroma and a favorable matrix for cell migration; induction of angiogenesis and arterio-venogenesis; subsequent degradation of fibrin and its replacement by "granulation tissue" (highly vascular connective tissue); and, finally, vascular resorption and collagen synthesis, resulting in the formation of dense fibrous connective tissue (called "scar tissue" in wounds and "desmoplasia" in cancer). A similar sequence of events also takes place in a variety of important inflammatory diseases that involve cellular immunity.
Radio noise due to corona on a multiconductor power line above a dissipative earth

An accurate theory of radio noise has been developed. It exhibits a change in slope of the lateral profile due to earth conduction effects that is consistent with experimental results, and it can be used to show the relationship between rod and loop measurements of noise fields. The theory is compared to existing noise theories both analytically and numerically. It is shown to be valid for conductor spacings of up to one-eighth of a wavelength and measurement points of up to one-third of a wavelength from the line. The validity of other theories is shown to be more restricted. >
Escape and establishment of transgenic glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass Agrostis stolonifera in Oregon, USA: a 4-year study.

Summary 1. Gene flow from transgenic crops to feral populations and naturalized compatible relatives has been raised as one of the main issues for the deregulation of transgenic events. Creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera L., is a perennial, outcrossing grass that propagates by seeds and stolons. Transgenic Roundup Ready® glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass (GRCB), which is currently under USDA-APHIS regulated status, was planted in 2002 on 162 ha within a production control area in Oregon, USA. 2. We conducted a study to assess transgene flow from the GRCB fields. A survey within and around the production control area was performed during the year when the GRCB fields produced seed and for 3 years after the fields were taken out of production. Transgene flow was determined by testing creeping bentgrass and its relatives for expression of the glyphosate resistance transgene. 3. While GRCB seed-production practices were strictly regulated, evidence of transgene flow was found in all years. In 2006, 3 years after the transgene source fields were taken out of production and a mitigation programme was initiated, 62% of the 585 creeping bentgrass plants tested in situ were glyphosate-resistant (GR). Our results document not only the movement of the glyphosate resistance transgene from the fields, but also the establishment and persistence of high frequencies of GR plants in the area, confirming that it was unrealistic to think that containment or eradication of GRCB could be accomplished. 4. Synthesis and applications : These findings highlight the potential for transgene escape and gene flow at a landscape level. The survey provides empirical frequencies that can be used to design monitoring and management methods for genetically engineered (GE) varieties of outcrossing, wind-pollinated, perennial grasses and to evaluate the potential for coexistence of GE and non-GE grass seed crops. Such information should also be used in the decision-making process for authorization of field trials and deregulation of genetic engineering events.
Non-circadian periodicity in the duration of the cell cycle and the G1 phase in the hindlimb epidermis of the anuran tadpole, Rana pipiens.

Using the percentage labeled mitoses method, seven cell cycle determinations were initiated at 6-hr intervals over a 36-hr span in order to see if the cell cycle in the tadpole hindlimb epidermis varied with time or showed rhythmicity. There was a pattern of two long cell cycles followed by a shorter one. Total cell cycle length (Tc) and the length of the G1 phase plus one-half of the mitotic time (TG1+½M) fluctuated the most, although only TG1+½M varied significantly with the Chi-square test. The proportion of TC spent in each phase was also calculated. Only TG1+½M/Tc had statistically significant fluctuations with time.Rhythmicity was analyzed by a computer program using the method of least squares for cosine curve fitting. Statistically significant ultradian rhythms of 18.4 hr in TC, 18.5 hr in TG1+½M and 18.6 hr in TG1+½M/TC and the length of the DNA synthetic phase/total cell cycle length (TS/TC) were found. Circadian rhythmicity was not observed. The acrophases of the ultradian rhythms of TC and TG1...
Suramin Promotes Proliferation and Scattering of Renal Epithelial Cells

Primary cultures of renal proximal tubules are known to recapitulate several early events in the process of renal regeneration following injury. In this study, we show that suramin, a polysulfonated naphthylurea, stimulates outgrowth, scattering, and proliferation of primary cultures of renal proximal tubule cells (RPTC). These responses were comparable to those produced by epidermal growth factor (EGF). However, AG-1478 [4-(3'-chloroanilino)-6,7-dimethoxy-quinazoline], a specific inhibitor of the EGF receptor, blocked EGF but not suramin-induced RPTC outgrowth, scattering, and proliferation. Suramin stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, a downstream kinase of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), extracellular signaling-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and Src, but not the EGF receptor. Blockade of Src, but not the EGF receptor, inhibited Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, inactivation of PI3K with LY294002 [2-(4morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one] blocked suramin-induced RPTC outgrowth, scattering, and proliferation, whereas blockade of ERK1/2 had no effect. These data identify novel effects of suramin in RPTC outgrowth, scattering, and proliferation. Furthermore, suramin-induced outgrowth, scattering, and proliferation of RPTC are through Src-mediated activation of the PI3K pathway but not ERK1/2 or the EGF receptor.
Application of a Seven-Target Pyrosequencing Assay To Improve the Detection of Neuraminidase Inhibitor-Resistant Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses

National U.S. influenza antiviral surveillance incorporates data generated by neuraminidase (NA) inhibition (NI) testing of isolates supplemented with NA sequence analysis and pyrosequencing analysis of clinical specimens. A lack of established correlates for clinically relevant resistance to NA inhibitors (NAIs) hinders interpretation of NI assay data. Nonetheless, A(H3N2) viruses are commonly monitored for moderately or highly reduced inhibition in the NI assay and/or for the presence of NA markers E119V, R292K, and N294S. In 2012 to 2013, three drug-resistant A(H3N2) viruses were detected by NI assay among isolates (n = 1,424); all showed highly reduced inhibition by oseltamivir and had E119V. In addition, one R292K variant was detected among clinical samples (n = 1,024) by a 3-target pyrosequencing assay. Overall, the frequency of NAI resistance was low (0.16% [4 of 2,448]). To screen for additional NA markers previously identified in viruses from NAI-treated patients, the pyrosequencing assay was modified to include Q136K, I222V, and deletions encompassing residues 245 to 248 (del245-248) and residues 247 to 250 (del247-250). The 7-target pyrosequencing assay detected NA variants carrying E119V, Q136, and del245-248 in an isolate from an oseltamivir-treated patient. Next, this assay was applied to clinical specimens collected from hospitalized patients and submitted for NI testing but failed cell culture propagation. Of the 27 clinical specimens tested, 4 (15%) contained NA changes: R292K (n = 2), E119V (n = 1), and del247-250 (n = 1). Recombinant NAs with del247-250 or del245-248 conferred highly reduced inhibition by oseltamivir, reduced inhibition by zanamivir, and normal inhibition by peramivir and laninamivir. Our results demonstrated the benefits of the 7-target pyrosequencing assay in conducting A(H3N2) antiviral surveillance and testing for clinical care.
Major Related Sets of Antibiotic-Resistant Pneumococci in the United States as Determined by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and pbp1a-pbp2b-pbp2x-dhf Restriction Profiles

To assess the genetic diversity of pneumococci causing serious disease within the United States, restriction profiles of 3 penicillin-binding protein (PBP)-gene amplicons and the dhf amplicon were examined in 241 recent sterile-site isolates from 7 population centers. This analysis provided markers useful for epidemiologic studies and was generally predictive of resistances to beta-lactam antibiotics and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Eight pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) types, each representing 3-40 isolates, accounted for 134 of the 144 beta-lactam-resistant pneumococci (MICs >/=1 microgram/mL for penicillin, cefotaxime, or both). Five of these PFGE types contained subtypes highly related to subtypes of previously characterized pneumococcal clones. Within 4 of these PFGE types, the major composite PBP gene-dhf profile was highly related to the composite profile from the previously characterized related clone. Eight capsular serotypes were found among the 144 beta-lactam-resistant pneumococci. Divergent capsular types among isolates with identical PBP gene-dhf profiles and related PFGE types indicated several instances of capsular serotype switching.
Heat Transfer by the Circulation of Supercritical Helium

Since the earliest days of low-temperature research, it has been universal practice to maintain cryogenic environments by immersion into a boiling liquid. Although highly satisfactory for many laboratory purposes, the bath immersion technique has been extrapolated to a number of modern applications for which a forced circulation technique would be considerably more effective. Cases of particular interest include systems requiring continuously variable temperature, systems requiring optical access at large aperture, systems located inaccessibly (masers at the focus of radio or radar telescopes, air-borne detectors, vacuum evaporators, etc.), and systems too massive to be cooled effectively by immersion (for reasons either of cooldown efficiency, local temperature stability, or explosive evaporation hazard). The latter case applies especially to large superconducting magnets where it has been recognized quite recently [1] that performance depends very critically on the maintenance of a stable thermal environment in the immediate vicinity of the superconducting material. A forced circulation system may prove more effective in providing adequate thermal inertia than reliance on conduction to a local heat reservoir in the form of normal metal.
NAPHTHENIC ACID CORROSION OF MILD STEEL IN THE PRESENCE OF SULFIDE SCALES FORMED IN CRUDE OIL FRACTIONS AT HIGH TEMPERATURE

Increasing demand on the oil market has raised interest in oils with high naphthenic acid (NAP) concentration. These oils were previously considered of lower quality due to their corrosive character. Processing such oils at elevated temperatures encountered in refineries (300-350°C) may cause aggressive corrosive attack on the inside walls of equipment such as pipes and distillation towers. Naphthenic acid corrosion attack is a nonaqueous corrosion process and can be retarded by sulfur containing compounds inherently present in crude oil fractions in the form of soluble sulfides. Although these sulfides can be corrosive as well, they can also form iron sulfide scale on the metal surfaces potentially offering a degree of protection against naphthenic acid attack. However the iron sulfide scales can be removed from metal surfaces under the combined effects of high velocity flow and NAP attack. This research project has focused on the role of iron sulfide scales formed in different crude oil fractions on samples made from mild as well as chromium containing steels. They were exposed to naphthenic acid attack under high flow rates at high temperature.
Appointment-Based Models and Medication Synchronization: Silver Bullet for Adherence or One Piece of the Puzzle?

In this issue of JMCP, Holdford and Saxena (“Impact of Appointment-Based Medication Synchronization on Existing Users of Chronic Medcations”) report on a claims analysis comparing the adherence rates (proportion of days covered [PDC]) of patrons electing to have their medications synchronized with a sample of patrons not participating in the program, matched within a decile based on past adherence rates. This article, and its predecessor, 1 are meaningful first steps and logical uses of secondary prescription claims data for analyzing the role of medication synchronization programs in health care.
Closing the Books: The Structure of Transitional Justice

INTRODUCTION To compare and explain cases of transitional justice, we must first define the comparanda and explananda. This is the purpose of the present chapter. The most difficult task is to spell out the role of “justice” in transitional justice. In Section II I consider justice as a motivation – the desire for justice to be done – and its complex relations to other motivations that may animate the actors in this context. The topic of Section III is justice as an institution . The main challenge here is to identify criteria that allow us to distinguish legal justice – the main topic of the present book – from political justice . In Section IV I distinguish among levels of transitional justice, which may involve – as executors or targets – individuals, corporate actors, states, or supranational entities. In Section V I discuss categories of agents involved in transitional justice, focusing on cases in which one person belongs, simultaneously or successively, to more than one category. In Section VI, finally, I try to identify the key decisions of transitional justice that have to be made by the incoming leaders. These decisions will reappear as the dependent variables in the last three chapters. THE MOTIVATION OF JUSTICE The main task of this book is to discuss why processes of transitional justice have taken different forms in different transitions, and why they have sometimes been absent altogether. This is a positive or explanatory task.
MICROEVOLUTION WITHIN THREE SPECIES OF HAWAIIAN DROSOPHILA.

In the last few years, data have been rapidly accumulating on the more than 600 species of Hawaiian Drosophilidae (for review, see Carson et al., 1970). This fauna is notable not only for its size and the morphological complexity of its species but also for unusual behavioral characteristics. An extensive mass of data is also available on the ecology of these forms (Heed, 1968). That such remarkable evolution should have occurred within certain restricted terrestrial areas of these small oceanic islands presents many challenges to the population geneticist. Whereas genetic attention so far has been primarily concerned with phylogeny and the interisland founder effect (e.g. Carson and Stalker, 1968, 1969) crucial information on the dynamics of evolution in this group must necessarily come from studies of population structure and variability within individual species. The present paper is a preliminary report on intraspecific chromosomal polymorphism in three species endemic to the central Hawaiian islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Because these three islands have been joined and separated at least twice during recent geologic time (Stearns, 1966) it is convenient to refer to them as the "Maui complex" (Fig. 1). The three species concerned, D. bostrycha, D. disjuncta and D. grimshawi all belong to the D. grimshawi subgroup (Carson and Stalker, 1968a). Except for the polymorphic inversions, all three species are homosequential, that is, they have identical banding arrangements in all five major polytene chromosomes (Carson et al., 1967). Despite this, the three species are readily distinguishable morphologically. The data presented show that distinct intraspecific population, differences in inversion frequency occur over very short linear distances.
Borane-Induced Dehydration of Silica and the Ensuing Water-Catalyzed Grafting of B(C6F5)3 To Give a Supported, Single-Site Lewis Acid, ≡SiOB(C6F5)2

A supported, single-site Lewis acid, ≡SiOB(C(6)F(5))(2), was prepared by water-catalyzed grafting of B(C(6)F(5))(3) onto the surface of amorphous silica, and its subsequent use as a cocatalyst for heterogeneous olefin polymerization was explored. Although B(C(6)F(5))(3) has been reported to be unreactive toward silica in the absence of a Bronsted base, we find that it can be grafted even at room temperature, albeit slowly. The mechanism was investigated by (1)H and (19)F NMR, in both the solution and solid states. In the presence of a trace amount of H(2)O, either added intentionally or formed in situ by borane-induced dehydration of silanol pairs, the adduct (C(6)F(5))(3)B·OH(2) hydrolyzes to afford C(6)F(5)H and (C(6)F(5))(2)BOH. The latter reacts with the surface hydroxyl groups of silica to yield ≡SiOB(C(6)F(5))(2) sites and regenerate H(2)O. When B(C(6)F(5))(3) is present in excess, the resulting grafted boranes appear to be completely dry, due to the eventual formation of [(C(6)F(5))(2)B](2)O. The immobilized, tri-coordinate Lewis acid sites were characterized by solid-state (11)B and (19)F NMR, IR, elemental analysis, and C(5)H(5)N-TPD. Their ability to activate two molecular C(2)H(4) polymerization catalysts, Cp(2)ZrMe(2) and an (α-iminocarboxamidato)nickel(II) complex, was explored.
Brain Natriuretic Peptide to Evaluate the Early Cardiac Function in Children with Congenital Heart Disease before and after CBP

Objective To observe the level of(BNP)and its precursor(NT-pro-BNP)before and after the surgery in children with heart disease,and evaluate the heart function.Methods To select 40 cases of children with heart disease(heart group) lived in the Guangdong Armed Police Corps Hospital from 2008.7 to 2009.1 and 30cases of healthy control(control group)in the same period in the hospital and acquired the venous blood.To detect the concentration of(BNP)and its precursor(NT-pro-BNP)of the plasma using the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results The comparetion between pre-CBP group with heart disease and health control group、between pre-CBP group and the end of CBP group、and between pre-CBP group and 24 hours after CBP group are all have statistically significance using the method of detecting the level of BNP and NT-pro-BNP in plasma.Conclusion It is important that use of BNP and NT-pro-BNP plasma concentrations to evaluation the change of early cardiac function before and after surgery for prevention of postoperative heart failure and the incidence of low cardiac output.
General consideration of clinical investigation for registration of fixed dose combination anti-hypertension drugs

Fixed dose combination anti-hypertension drugs have the benefits such as free combination of the efficacy or/and safety of various kinds of anti-hypertension drugs, increasing patient's compliance, reducing the cost of treatment. The goal and the content of clinical investigation for registration are different for drugs which have different marketed groundwork. This article will illuminate the general consideration of clinical trials for different kinds marketed groundwork of fixed dose combination anti-hypertension drugs, including marketed drugs in China, none-marketed in China but marketed in foreign countries, none-marked in any countries.
Miller Fisher Syndrome from Asialo-GM1 Antibodies: “How can a Rare Disease Become Rarer?” (P5.315)

Objective/Background: Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a regional variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) first described in 1956 and has a distinct clinical presentation of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia. Historically, MFS occurs from anti-GQ1b antibodies found in the serum. Other antibodies causing MFS are rare. Design/Method: Case report Results: We describe a 68 year old male presenting from outside facility after a being admitted with headache, diplopia, and left eye ptosis. The patient was administered narcotics due to severe headache and was later found obtunded with hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis. He was intubated, mechanically ventilated, and transferred to our facility for further management. Lumbar puncture demonstrated a total protein 139mg/dl (normal15-35), less than 5WBC (normal) with no bacteria or viral pathogens. On exam; bilateral eyelid ptosis, bilateral opthalmoparesis, and sluggish pupillary reactivity were noted with intact visual fields and visual acuity. Ocular motor exam revealed bilateral adduction weakness of the eyes. Reflexes were diminished (+1MRC) diffusely, absent Babinsk’s sign bilaterally and no ataxic movement was detected. EMG revealed evidence of diffuse predominantly demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy consistent with MFS/GBS. Ganglioside antibodes testing demonstrated positive Asialo-GM1 antibodies, elevated/equivocal GM1 antibodies and negative for antibodies against GQ1b. Paraneoplastic and myasthenic panel were negative. Patient underwent IVIG treatment and favorable clinical recovery occurred. The ptosis improved significantly however opthalmoparesis was slower to improve before discharge home. Conclusion: MFS typically occurs with GQ1b antibodies which are sensitive and specific. However, in some MFS cases more extensive auto-immunity GM antibody testing may be required. A high degree of clinical suspicion for MFS in this case lead to extensive antibody testing, but did not delay treatment with IVIG. Asialo-GM1 antibodies are rarely reported with MFS but were useful in establishing a diagnosis. Further investigation is needed into the positive association of GBS phenotypic variants with ganglioside antibody types. Disclosure: Dr. Tomlinson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dhakal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Freeman has nothing to disclose.
Integrated visualization for reinforced concrete using ultrasonic tomography and image-based 3-D reconstruction

Abstract A comprehensive visualization scheme to characterize reinforced concrete structures, based on integrated ultrasonic tomography and 3-D computer vision, is presented. A recently developed hybrid air-coupled/contact ultrasonic transducer system enables the generation of internal tomographic images that characterize the interior condition, for example the presence of voiding defects, of full-scale reinforced concrete elements. Based on tomographic cross-sectional slice images, 3-D volumetric internal images are built up to obtain full stereoscopic analysis. An automated image-based 3-D reconstruction technique is applied to the same structure to visualize external condition. Both internal and exterior visualizations of full-scale concrete column are integrated in a single three-dimensional image. The approach is demonstrated on a reinforced concrete column sample that exhibits exterior geometric inconsistency with the original design and also includes controlled internal defects. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed integrated visualization technique provides holistic characterization of the interior and exterior of the test sample and thus demonstrates great potential for facilitating inspection of existing structures in the field.
The impact of the TelEmergency program on rural emergency care: An implementation study

IntroductionTimely, appropriate intervention is key to improving outcomes in many emergent conditions. In rural areas, it is particularly challenging to assure quality, timely emergency care. The TelEmergency (TE) program, which utilizes a dual nurse practitioner and emergency medicine-trained, board-certified physician model, has the potential to improve access to quality emergency care in rural areas. The objective of this study was to examine how the implementation of the TE program impacts rural hospital Emergency Department (ED) operations.MethodsMethods included a before and after study of the effect of the TE program on participating rural hospitals between January 2007 and December 2008. Data on ED and hospital operations were collected one year prior to and one year following the implementation of TE. Data from participating hospitals were combined and compared for the two time periods.ResultsNine hospitals met criteria for inclusion and participated in the study. Total ED volumes did not signifi...
A revision of the myrmecophilous genus Smilax Laporte (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae)

The neotropical myrmecophilous genus Smilax is revised and a new species, Smilax deneinephyto Chatzimanolis is described from southern Brazil. Lectotypes are designated for Smilax cyanea Wasmann and Staphylinus pilosus Fabricius. Smilax cyanea is shown to be a junior synonym of Smilax pilosa . A key and illustration of morphological features are provided for the identification of taxa. The types of the two species of Smilax were not available for study even though they are deposited in public museums.
Neurofibromatosis 1 and Growth Hormone Deficiency

The growth profiles and growth hormone levels of children with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF-1) were analyzed at the University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX.
Preaxial polydactyly following early gestational exposure to the smoothened agonist, SAG, in C57BL/6J mice.

Background While pharmacological activation of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway may have therapeutic benefits for developmental and adult diseases, its teratogenic potential is of concern. The membrane molecule Smoothened (SMO) transduces HH signaling and can be acutely modulated by antagonists and agonists. The objective of the current experiments was to determine how maternal treatment with the Smo agonist, SAG, affects the developing limb. Methods Pregnant C57BL/6J mice received a single injection of SAG (15, 17, or 20 mg/kg, i.p.) or its vehicle on gestational day (GD) 9.25, the time of limb bud induction. Embryos were examined on GD 15 for gross dysmorphology and skeletal staining was performed to visualize the number and type of digits on the fore- and hindlimbs. Additionally, in situ hybridization was performed 4 hr after GD 9.25 SAG administration to determine SAG's effects on Gli1 and Gli2 mRNA expression. Results The most prevalent effect of SAG was the dose-dependent induction of pre-axial polydactyly; defects ranged from a broad thumb to the duplication of two finger-like digits on the preaxial side of the thumb. The highest SAG dose was effective in ca. 80% of the embryos and increased Gli1 and Gli2 mRNA expression in the limb bud, with Gli1 mRNA being the most upregulated. Conclusion Preaxial polydactyly can be caused in the developing embryo by acute maternal administration of a Smo agonist that activates HH signaling. These results are consistent with the preaxial polydactyly induced in developmental disorders associated with mutations in HH signaling genes.Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2016.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence of a remnant self-sustaining strain of lake trout in the Lake Michigan basin

Abstract Managers have long embraced the need to maintain diversity as a requisite condition for population and community sustainability. In the case of Great Lakes lake trout, diversity has been severely compromised. The identification of new gamete sources may be beneficial to lake trout reintroduction efforts, particularly in situations where native stocks have been completely extirpated such as in Lake Michigan. Lake trout from Elk Lake, Michigan, are genetically distinct from domestic hatchery strains and historical forms of lake trout from Lake Michigan. Importantly, Elk Lake fish were genetically distinct from Marquette strain lake trout which were previously stocked into Elk Lake. Elk Lake fish were most similar to Lake Michigan basin-derived Lewis Lake (LLW) and Green Lake (GLW) hatchery strains and to historical Lake Michigan populations from the Charlevoix, Michigan area. While all individuals exhibited characteristics of lean form lake trout, the body shape of lake trout from Elk Lake, stocked lean fish from Lake Michigan and Lake Superior wild lean strains from near Isle Royale differed. Elk Lake fish were more fusiform, elongate, and streamlined with a narrower caudal peduncle compared to hatchery lean strains and wild lean forms from the Isle Royale region of Lake Superior. The lake trout population in Elk Lake is a remnant of a now extirpated native Lake Michigan population that was established either by natural colonization or stocking from historical Lake Michigan populations. Elk Lake lake trout is as genetically diverse as other strains used in Great Lakes reintroduction efforts and likely represent a viable gamete source representing genetic diversity lost from Lake Michigan.
Occupational pesticide use and Parkinson's disease in the Parkinson Environment Gene (PEG) study.

Objective To study the influence of occupational pesticide use on Parkinson's disease (PD) in a population with information on various occupational, residential, and household sources of pesticide exposure.
Dose-Dependent Effects of the Myosin Activator Omecamtiv Mecarbil on Cross-Bridge Behavior and Force Generation in Failing Human Myocardium

Background: Omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) enhances systolic function in vivo by directly binding the myosin cross-bridges (XBs) in the sarcomere. However, the mechanistic details governing OM-induced modulation of XB behavior in failing human myocardium are unclear. Methods and Results: The effects of OM on steady state and dynamic XB behavior were measured in chemically skinned myocardial preparations isolated from human donor and heart failure (HF) left ventricle. HF myocardium exhibited impaired contractile function as evidenced by reduced maximal force, magnitude of XB recruitment ( P df ), and a slowed rate of XB detachment ( k rel ) at submaximal Ca 2+ activations. Ca 2+ sensitivity of force generation (pCa 50 ) was higher in HF myocardium when compared with donor myocardium, both prior to and after OM incubations. OM incubation (0.5 and 1.0 μmol/L) enhanced force generation at submaximal Ca 2+ activations in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, OM induced a slowing in k rel with 1.0 μmol/L OM but not with 0.5 μmol/L OM in HF myocardium. Additionally, OM exerted other differential effects on XB behavior in HF myocardium as evidenced by a greater enhancement in P df and slowing in the time course of cooperative XB recruitment ( T rec ), which collectively prolonged achievement of peak force development ( T pk ), compared with donor myocardium. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that OM augments force generation but also prolongs the time course of XB transitions to force-bearing states in remodeled HF myocardium, which may extend the systolic ejection time in vivo. Optimal OM dosing is critical for eliciting enhanced systolic function without excessive prolongation of systolic ejection time, which may compromise diastolic filling.
Is There a Priority Shift in Mental Health Clinical Trials

Mental health is the largest cost driver of healthcare. ClinicalTrials.gov is a web-based registry of trials conducted in human participants worldwide and serves as an important resource for both practice and research. We use the registry and dynamic topic modeling (DTM) methods to discover hidden topics and their evolution over last 17 years in trials in bipolar disorders. Our model suggests a "priority shift" from drugs to device and among populations studied in mental health trials. For example, transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment resistant depression (TMS for TRD) trials have increased (χ2 = 52.99, p < 0.001, n = 187) while standardized drug safety and efficacy trials have remained constant (χ2 = 0.72, p = 0.39, n = 101) and more trials focused on pediatric and adolescents (χ2 = 2.98, p = 0.08, n = 133) may have been conducted since FDAAA 2007. We also derive unique data-driven insights in the discovered topic areas in this model based study.
Quality Assurance for Sanitation

Product wholesomeness and uniformity can be more effectively maintained through a quality assurance (QA) program that incorporates available scientific and mechanical tools. Quality is considered to be the degree of acceptability by the user. These characteristics are both measurable and controllable. The major ingredients needed for a successful quality assurance (QA) program are education and cooperation. An important component of a QA program is third-party auditing, Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, and ISO Accreditation 9000. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach can be incorporated in a QA program because it applies to a zero defects concept in food production. Effective surveillance of a QA program can detect unsanitary products and variations in production.
Job description: nurse, 2010.

Nurse, 2010 Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Effect of Hydrogen in Plastic Zones of Single-Edge Notch HSLA Samples

Hydrogen embrittlement has caused many service failures in linepipe steel. Service conditions present several avenues by which hydrogen can adversely affect the mechanical properties of such steel. Fesseler [1] reported that local mechanical damage can arise from handling and laying of pipe and that some cathodic protection schemes can in fact inject dangerous amounts of hydrogen into a steel. There can be synergism between these two aspects which can give extremely high hydrogen charging conditions resulting in failure [2]. Metallurgists in the oil and gas industries refer to this type of failure as hydrogen stress cracking (HSC). Future synthetic natural gas from coal gasification may contain as much as 50% H2 which will be very deleterious to linepipe properties. Sulfides present in natural gas, hydrogen sulfide or carbon disulfide, tend to inhibit the recombination of 2HADS → H2 and therefore favor atomic hydrogen absorption into a steel [3]. Welding of linepipe is a potential source of nearly every known hydrogen problem depending on the circumstances of the technique [4]. Thus it is apparent that NDE techniques adaptable to field use will be important to the maintenance of thousands of miles of existing and future pipelines. The particular use of positron annihilation to be described could be one such technique.
The Role of the Crust

Because average sialic crust is similar in composition to orogenic andesite its total fusion can yield andesite, and its assimilation into basaltic magma can change the composition of the mixture towards andesite. However, crustal involvement cannot be necessary for either the genesis or geochemical distinctiveness of orogenic andesite because the distinctive andesites predominate even when sialic crust is thin or absent, because of arguments presented in Chapters 8 and 9 that most andesites or their parent magmas originate below the crust, and because many andesites are isotopically incompatible with crustal derivation. Qualitative geochemical arguments for crustal-level assimilation and for slab recycling are often similar because the contaminants are similar. Thus, circumstantial distinctions between the two processes which rely on geologic situations where one is inapplicable (e.g., ARC-ATL collisions) or where one is constant but the other not (e.g., along-strike variations in crustal thickness) are useful.
Real-world effectiveness of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir in 573 direct-acting antiviral experienced hepatitis C patients.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (SOF/VEL/VOX) provides a needed hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral option for direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-experienced patients. We evaluated the effectiveness of SOF/VEL/VOX for 12 weeks in DAA-experienced patients with genotype 1-4 treated in clinical practice. In this observational cohort analysis from the Veterans Affairs' Clinical Case Registry, 573 DAA-experienced patients initiating SOF/VEL/VOX were included: 490 genotype 1, 20 genotype 2, 51 genotype 3 and 12 genotype 4. Rates of cirrhosis were 32.7%, 30.0%, 49.0% and 58.3%; rates of prior NS5A-experience were 100.0%, 95.0%, 90.2% and 100.0% for genotypes 1-4, respectively. Overall SVR rates were 90.7% (429/473), 90.0% (18/20), 91.3% (42/46) and 100.0% (12/12) for genotypes 1-4, respectively, and were 91.3% (274/300), 88.9% (16/18), 90.2% (37/41) and 100.0% (11/11) for those with prior NS5A + NS5B experience. For genotype 1, SVR rates were similar in patients with prior regimens of ledipasvir/SOF (90.6%, 298/329), elbasvir/grazoprevir (91.2%, 73/80) and ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir (90.9%, 70/77). SVR rates in genotype 1, 2 and 3 patients with prior SOF/VEL experience were 78.9% (15/19), 86.7% (13/15) and 84.6% (11/13). In genotype 1-4 patients completing 12 weeks of SOF/VEL/VOX, overall SVR rates were 95.1% (409/430), 89.5% (17/19), 93.3% (42/45) and 100% (12/12). In this diverse real-world cohort of heavily NS5A pretreated patients, SOF/VEL/VOX SVR rates in DAA-experienced patients were high across all genotypes. Genotype 1 patients who had prior experience with the most commonly prescribed NS5A regimens achieved similarly high SVR rates when retreated with SOF/VEL/VOX. For genotypes 1, 2 and 3, patients with prior SOF/VEL experience had lower SVR rates.
Conversion of Tuberculosis Screening Tests During Biologic Therapy Among Veteran Patient Population With Rheumatic Disease.

Objective The optimal strategy to detect the development of tuberculosis (TB) in subjects receiving biologic agents is not clear. The recommendations vary because there is wide variation in the reported rate of seroconversion in various parts of the world. There is a scarcity of long-term studies regarding seroconversion of TB in the United States among these patients. Methods This is a retrospective study among veteran populations with rheumatic diseases who received various biologic agents between 2003 and 2014. Subjects who had repeated TB screening tests and adequate follow-up periods were considered for the study. Results Out of 298 subjects who received biologic agents, 123 were considered for the study. After the initial negative screening test by tuberculin skin test (TST), patients were screened on an average of 1.2 years for 4.3 to 12 years. A total of 420 tests were performed, which were combination of TST and QuantiFERON-TB gold in-Tube assay. Only 1 out of 123 subjects (0.8%) seroconverted to latent TB and was treated with isoniazid for 9 months. Conclusion Our results are in line with a few other studies reported from the United States. We conclude that in areas with low prevalence of TB the seroconversion rate is extremely low and annual testing is unnecessary in low-risk patient populations.
Symptoms Suggestive of Gastroparesis in a Community-Based Cohort of European Americans and African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Although gastroparesis is seen in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis in patients with T2DM is unknown, particularly among African Americans. To determine the prevalence of symptoms associated with gastroparesis in a large community-based population of European Americans and African Americans with T2DM. Individuals with T2DM in the Diabetes Heart Study were asked to complete the gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI) and other GI-related questionnaires. GCSI total score ≥ 18 represented moderate or worse symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis. A total of 1253 participants (700 female, 553 male) completed the GCSI: 750 were European American and 503 African American. GCSI scores ≥ 18 were recorded in 72 participants: 38 (5%) of European Americans and 34 (7%) of African Americans. The average GCSI was 24.1 in European Americans and 24.6 in African Americans, indicating moderate to severe symptoms. Compared to European Americans with GCSI scores ≥ 18, African Americans were younger (59.4 vs. 53.3 years, p = 0.004), had earlier onset of T2DM (46.3 vs. 40.1 years, p = 0.01), higher HbA1c (7.6 vs. 9.1, p = 0.0009), underwent fewer upper endoscopies (55.3% vs. 26.5%, p = 0.02), and had more anxiety and depression (p < 0.001). Moderate or greater symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis are present in 5–7% of European and African American patients with T2DM in community-based populations. Symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis may be underappreciated in patients with T2DM and account for upper gastrointestinal symptoms, unexplained glycemic control issues, and decreased quality of life.
Generation and validation of structurally defined antibody–siRNA conjugates

Gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a powerful treatment strategy across a potentially broad range of diseases. Tailoring siRNAs to silence genes vital for cancer cell growth and function could be an effective treatment, but there are several challenges which must be overcome to enable their use as a therapeutic modality, among which efficient and selective delivery to cancer cells remains paramount. Attempts to use antibodies for siRNA delivery have been reported but these strategies use either nonspecific conjugation resulting in mixtures, or site-specific methods that require multiple steps, introduction of mutations, or use of enzymes. Here, we report a method to generate antibody-siRNA (1:2) conjugates (ARCs) that are structurally defined and easy to assemble. This ARC platform is based on engineered dual variable domain (DVD) antibodies containing a natural uniquely reactive lysine residue for site-specific conjugation to β-lactam linker-functionalized siRNA. The conjugation is efficient, does not compromise the affinity of the parental antibody, and utilizes chemically stabilized siRNA. For proof-of-concept, we generated DVD-ARCs targeting various cell surface antigens on multiple myeloma cells for the selective delivery of siRNA targeting β-catenin (CTNNB1). A set of BCMA-targeting DVD-ARCs at concentrations as low as 10 nM revealed significant CTNNB1 mRNA and protein knockdown.