cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enterprise‐wide optimization: A new frontier in process systems engineering

Enterprise-wide optimization (EWO) is a new emerging area that lies at the interface of chemical engineering and operations research, and has become a major goal in the process industries due to the increasing pressures for remaining competitive in the global marketplace. EWO involves optimizing the operations of supply, manufacturing and distribution activities of a company to reduce costs and inventories. A major focus in EWO is the optimal operation of manufacturing facilities, which often requires the use of nonlinear process models. Major operational items include planning, scheduling, realtime optimization and inventory control. One of the key features of EWO is integration of the information and the decision-making among the various functions that comprise the supply chain of the company. This can be achieved with modern IT tools, which together with the internet, have promoted e-commerce. However, as will be discussed, to fully realize the potential of transactional IT tools, the development of sophisticated deterministic and stochastic linear/nonlinear optimization models and algorithms (analytical IT tools) is needed to explore and analyze alternatives of the supply chain to yield overall optimum economic performance, as well as high levels of customer satisfaction. An additional challenge is the integrated and coordinated decision-making across the various functions in a company (purchasing, manufacturing, distribution, sales), across various geographically distributed organizations (vendors, facilities and markets), and across various levels of decision-making (strategic, tactical and operational). © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 1846 –1857, 2005
Playing the grim reaper: How employees experience carrying out a downsizing

This article reports a qualitative study that explores how employees who are responsible for carrying out a downsizing - ‘downsizing agents’ - experience and react to their downsizing responsibilities. Our results demonstrate that, when the work of carrying out a downsizing becomes emotionally taxing, downsizing agents react by cognitively, emotionally, and physically distancing themselves from their roles. We explore forces that make carrying out a downsizing more taxing and the conditions under which distancing reactions become more likely.
ICD, POR, and DRG. Unsolved scientific problems in the nosology of clinical medicine.

• A system of scientific classification should have a suitable basic axis of organization, standardized names, clearly specified operational criteria, and multiaxial arrangements for citing important attributes beyond those included in the basic axis. During the past century, the main nosologic system for identifying human ailments has been theInternational Classification of Diseases(ICD), which has a well-organized and well-accepted nomenclature, but which lacks operational criteria and an appropriate multiaxial pattern. Two new systems of classification during the past two decades are intended for other purposes and would not be satisfactory as nosologic substitutes. TheProblem-Oriented Record(POR) does not have a standardized nomenclature or criteria; and theDiagnosis-Related Group(DRG) approach was organized mainly for fiscal goals. As the basic taxonomy used for classifying human ailments, the ICD needs substantial improvement to fulfill its scientific role in statistics for the occurrence and treatment of disease. (Arch Intern Med1988;148:2269-2274)
Tumorigenesis mediated by an antigen receptor

The heavy chain variable region of the immunoglobulin receptors on cells of the B lymphoma NYC are almost identical to that of other independent B-cell tumors of B/W mice. NYC IgM binds a viral antigen produced by the tumor cells; and despite extensive screening, immunoglobulin-negative variants were never found in the NYC cells, suggesting that NYC loses the capacity to grow in culture when it does not synthesize surface immunoglobulin. These findings indicate that the interaction of endogenous antigen with surface IgM continuously stimulates growth and, thus, that the tumorigenesis of B lymphomas in B/W mice is mediated by antigen receptors.
Cellular Autoimmunity in Myocarditis

To understand how autoimmunity occurs, one first needs to review the basic processes of immune response and immune regulation. Host defense mechanisms can be broadly defined as 2 types: innate and adaptive (or antigen-specific) immunity.1,2 Although adaptive immunity is usually the most effective mechanism for eliminating invading organisms, this response is relatively slow, taking up to 7 to 10 days for effective primary immune responses and 2 to 3 days for anamnestic or memory responses. During this time, rapidly proliferating infectious agents could produce significant tissue injury and possibly death of the organism if left uncontrolled. For this reason, broadly reactive host responses, which are constantly maintained or can be rapidly induced, are essential in containing infections until the adaptive immune response “kicks in.”
Improved approximate confidence intervals for the mean of a log‐normal random variable

Data analysts often compute approximate 100 (1-alpha) per cent confidence intervals for the mean of a log-normal random variable due to the computational effort required for exact intervals. We evaluate two simple approximations and demonstrate that the probabilities with which the intervals fail to capture the population mean (that is, the coverage error) can range from well above the desired level, alpha, to very near zero in small to moderate sample sizes (n < or = 100). The performance of a more sophisticated approximation, implemented via numerical integration or bootstrap sampling, is noticeably improved, but also suffers from coverage errors that are too large when n < or = 25. A new procedure is developed which outperforms existing approximations. Computing these improved intervals requires the integration of standard distribution functions. The calculations are straightforward, however, and lead to satisfactory coverage errors for n as small as 5. A related method that avoids the integration step generally outperforms existing simple approximations for n < or = 100, while maintaining the coverage error at or below alpha. Programs to implement the new procedures are provided in an Appendix.
Simulation-based optimization of process control policies for inventory management in supply chains

A simulation-based optimization framework involving simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) is presented as a means for optimally specifying parameters of internal model control (IMC) and model predictive control (MPC)-based decision policies for inventory management in supply chains under conditions involving supply and demand uncertainty. The effective use of the SPSA technique serves to enhance the performance and functionality of this class of decision algorithms and is illustrated with case studies involving the simultaneous optimization of controller tuning parameters and safety stock levels for supply chain networks inspired from semiconductor manufacturing. The results of the case studies demonstrate that safety stock levels can be significantly reduced and financial benefits achieved while maintaining satisfactory operating performance in the supply chain.
DPY-30, a nuclear protein essential early in embryogenesis for Caenorhabditis elegans dosage compensation

DPY-30 is an essential component of the C. elegans dosage compensation machinery that reduces X chromosome transcript levels in hermaphrodites (XX). DPY-30 is required for the sex-specific association of DPY-27 (a chromosome condensation protein homolog) with the hermaphrodite X chromosomes. Loss of dpy-30 activity results in XX-specific lethality. We demonstrate that dpy-30 encodes a novel nuclear protein of 123 amino acids that is present in both hermaphrodites and males (XO) throughout development. DPY-30 itself is not associated with the X chromosomes, nor is its pattern of expression perturbed by mutations in the gene hierarchy that controls dosage compensation. Therefore, DPY-30 is a ubiquitous factor that is likely to promote the hermaphrodite-specific association of DPY-27 with X by affecting the activity of a sex-specific dosage compensation gene. In XO animals, DPY-30 is required for developmental processes other than dosage compensation: coordinated movement, normal body size, correct tail morphology and mating behavior. We demonstrate that rescue of both the XX-specific lethality and the XO-specific morphological defects caused by dpy-30 mutations can be achieved by inducing dpy-30 transcripts either in the mother or in the embryo through the end of gastrulation. dpy-30 appears to be cotranscribed in an operon with a novel RNA-binding protein.
GPR reflection position identification by STFT

In this paper we present a method to identify the reflection position in the received Ground-penetrating radar(GPR) signal using short time Fourier transform (STFT) approach. The reflection is identified by using STFT results because at the position of reflection, the STFT result will have a twin-peak phenomenon theoretically and practically. Detailed algorithm analysis, implementation and result are introduced in the paper. The GPR technique provides a continuous, non-destructive tool for thickness profiles. The GPR thickness measurement is based on the principle that the time lag between the direct wave and the reflection from the bottom of the subsurface layer is the function of layer thickness. If low frequency GPR system is used, the penetration depth will increase. On the other hand, the special resolution will be compromised. One of the major problems encountered by the application of GPR system is to locate the starting point of the reflection. However, the direct wave has such high amplitude that it is difficult to identify the reflection, which is a traditional problem in GPR data processing. Mostly one-path signal can be interpreted as the exponentially damped sinusoids signal, and the sub layer reflection signal adds the temporal information into the received signal. Because of the capacity of time-frequency analysis of the STFT, it is a useful tool in GPR signal analysis. Basic STFT is reviewed and algorithms of using STFT are discussed. Examples of the application of STFT are discussed. Examples are obtained from a GPR system designed for thickness measurement of highway pavements. The results show that the STFT process can extract reflection position from GPR waves that mixed with direct wave and can not identified visually.
Hepatitis C virus: From epidemiology and molecular virology to immunobiology

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of posttransfusion and community-acquired hepatitis, and a majority of individuals infected with this virus will subsequently develop chronic hepatitis. Characterization of the host immune response to this infection is an important first step that should facilitate the development of immunomodulatory agents and vaccines. Cellular immune responses, especially those mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), are important in the control of many viral diseases. In this study, liver-infiltrating lymphocytes from persons with chronic HCV hepatitis were examined for evidence of HCV-specific CTL by using target cells infected with recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing the HCV core, E1, E2, and part of the NS2 proteins. Bulk expansion of liver-derived CD8+ lymphocytes resulted in the detection of HCV-specific CTL activity, whereas activity could not be found in CD8+ lymphocytes expanded from peripheral blood. Epitopes recognized by these CTL were defined by using CTL clones obtained by limiting dilution and target cells sensitized with synthetic HCV peptides. Four distinct HLA class I-restricted epitopes were identified, including two epitopes in the amino-terminal portion of the core protein. These studies provide evidence that the highly conserved core protein is a target for HCV-specific CTL and identify CTL epitopes within the more highly variable E2 envelope protein. Our studies also suggest that HCV-specific CTL are localized at the site of tissue injury in infected persons with chronic hepatitis. Identification of the epitopes recognized by HCV-specific CTL will facilitate exploration of their role in disease pathogenesis and may provide information useful in development of therapeutic interventions or vaccines.
DO FUNGAL ENDOPHYTES RESULT IN SELECTION FOR LEAFMINER OVIPOSITIONAL PREFERENCE

Microorganisms can alter the direction and magnitude of plant–herbivore interactions. However, how they affect the susceptibility of the host plant and their impact on the herbivore may vary depending on the scale of the interaction such as among locations, individual plants, and parts of the plant. Positive preference–performance relationships for insects in general, and for sedentary insects such as leafminers in particular, would predict that there would be negative selection pressure against females ovipositing in low-performance sites. Thus, where the presence of microorganisms causes reduced performance, selection would favor oviposition in sites where the microbes are absent. However, this assumes that ovipositing females can detect the microbes and respond by avoidance, or that females can use cues that predict the future presence of microbes and use these predictors to respond by avoidance. We used the Cameraria sp. leafminer–Quercus emoryi system and the associated fungal endophyte species that ...
Cranial computed tomography in the emergency department evaluation of HIV-infected patients with neurologic complaints.

Study objective: To demonstrate the usefulness of cranial computed tomography (CT) in the emergency department evaluation of HIV-infected patients and patients with risk factors for HIV infection who present with neurologic complaints. Design: Retrospective review of imaging reports and medical records of patients who visited the ED from March 1991 through March 1992. Setting: Urban university ED. Participants: Patients with HIV infection or risk factors for infection who underwent emergency cranial CT after presenting to the ED with headache, altered mental status, focal deficits, or other neurologic signs or symptoms. Results: One hundred forty-six patients visited the ED 169 times. Of the 169 cranial CTs obtained, 85 (50%) were normal, 49 (29%) showed atrophy only, and 35 (21%) demonstrated focal lesions, with mass effect noted in ten (6%). Enhancing lesions were present in 13 scans. In 21 (12%) cases, CT revealed either an indication for admission, a contraindication to lumbar puncture, or both. In 25 instances, patients with lesions had nonfocal presentations and no papilledema. Two presentations—focal deficit and altered mental status—were each statistically significantly associated with lesions on CT. In seven patients with multiple ED visits, repeat CT showed new findings. Among patients who had risk factors but were of unknown HIV status, there was the same proportion of abnormal scans as in known HIV-infected patients. Conclusion: CT detected clinically significant neuropathology among our study patients. Because lesions and mass effect were associated with nonfocal as well as focal presentations, CT is indicated in every neurologically symptomatic patient with HIV infection or risk factors for infection. Because HIV-related diseases can progress rapidly, repeat CT is recommended even in patients with recent scans.
A uniform object model for parallel programming

This position statement presents a uniform object model of parallel programming that enables use of multiple programming styles, binding parallelism late, and porting programs among a wide variety of architectures. It then argues for concurrent operations on objects, as opposed to mutually exclusive operations on objects, based on orthogonality between encapsulation and concurrency. The final section argues for its relatively novel insistence on uniform control, based on the flexibility it provides the programmer.
DECLARATIVE MEMORY: Insights from Cognitive Neurobiology

▪ Abstract The discovery of declarative memory as distinct from other forms of memory is a major recent acheivement in cognitive science. Basic issues about the nature of declarative memory are considered in this review from the perspective of studies on its underlying brain mechanisms. These studies have shown that declarative memory is mediated by a specific brain system including areas of the cerebral cortex and hippocampal region that make distinct functional contributions to memory processing. These processing mechanisms mediate the organization of memories in ways that can support the special properties of declarative or explicit memory expression. Furthermore, the basic properties of declarative memory in human beings can be viewed as evolving from a capacity for organized memory representation and flexible memory expression in animals.
Folding of Newly Translated Proteins In Vivo: The Role of Molecular Chaperones

▪ Abstract Recent years have witnessed dramatic advances in our understanding of how newly translated proteins fold in the cell and the contribution of molecular chaperones to this process. Folding in the cell must be achieved in a highly crowded macromolecular environment, in which release of nonnative polypeptides into the cytosolic solution might lead to formation of potentially toxic aggregates. Here I review the cellular mechanisms that ensure efficient folding of newly translated proteins in vivo. De novo protein folding appears to occur in a protected environment created by a highly processive chaperone machinery that is directly coupled to translation. Genetic and biochemical analysis shows that several distinct chaperone systems, including Hsp70 and the cylindrical chaperonins, assist the folding of proteins upon translation in the cytosol of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The cellular chaperone machinery is specifically recruited to bind to ribosomes and protects nascent chains and foldi...
A converse Lyapunov theorem for discrete-time systems with disturbances

This paper presents a converse Lyapunov theorem for discrete-time systems with disturbances taking values in compact sets. Among several new stability results, it is shown that a smooth Lyapunov function exists for a family of time-varying discrete systems if these systems are robustly globally asymptotically stable.
RCS of a Microstrip Leaky-Wave Antenna

The monostatic radar cross section (RCS) of a microstrip leaky-wave antenna (MLWA) is investigated. Both full-wave simulation and laboratory measurement are carried out to characterize its RCS as a function of frequency and aspect angle. Three distinct scattering features in the range-aspect plane are observed. By modeling the scattering mechanisms individually, the observed features can be clearly identified as the primary antenna mode scattering, higher-order bounce antenna mode scattering and structural mode scattering. The unique range-extended return due the antenna mode scattering is further interpreted using a time-of-arrival ray picture. It is shown that the extended range delay is directly attributable to the continuous aperture of the MLWA and the frequency-dependent group velocity of the leaky wave.
Dimensionality effects on the magnetisation processes in arrays of superparamagnetic nanoparticles

We analyse the effect of inter-particle coupling and clustering on the zero-field cooled (ZFC) magnetisation processes of superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The static interaction field in dense assemblies of nanoparticles of different dimensionalities (1D, 2D and 3D) is investigated by numerical micromagnetic simulations. An analytical model is then used in order to evaluate the influence of the dimensionality of these systems on the topology of zero-field cooled magnetisation processes. Mutual static magnetic interactions are almost negligible in 3D arrays but become very important in systems of reduced dimensionality such as chains or layers of nanoparticles and they can account for up to 20% shift in the peak temperature of ZFC curves. The present results can be useful in evaluate the influence of interactions on the topology of ZFC magnetisation curves.
Costly False Detection Errors and Taxpayer Rights Legislation: Implications for Tax Compliance, Audit Policy and Revenue Collections

In July 1996, Congress passed the Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2 (T2). T2 resulted from a series of initiatives aimed at protecting honest taxpayers, particularly those affected by IRS enforcement actions. This study incorporates taxpayer rights considerations into a strategic model of reporting and auditing, and examines the impact of false detection and costly error correction on taxpayer equity, tax evasion, and revenue collections. The model also considers proposals to shift honest taxpayer costs to the tax authority. The study finds that: (1) tax evasion can be deterred completely, but only at honest taxpayers' expense, (2) costly false detection errors increase tax authority revenue collections in some cases, and (3) although tax authority reimbursement of honest taxpayer costs can restore equity, it may also increase evasion, producing additional revenue loss. These results highlight the trade-off between detecting evasion and protecting taxpayers' rights. The study also provides insight to policy makers for design of a system to balance taxpayers' rights, revenue needs, and cost considerations.
Microbial Development of Drug Resistance: Mechanisms and Clinical Significance

Bacteria have demonstrated a disconcerting ability to develop resistance to antimicrobial agents nearly as quickly as new compounds become available. During the past two decades the molecular bases of several types of resistance have been elucidated. Mechanisms of resistance include the transference of genetic material either through conjugation (involving direct contact between microorganisms), or indirectly through transduction (involving bacteriophages). In addition to this "infectious" drug resistance, genetic mutations which permit the utilization of new metabolic pathways, and the production of enzymes which can inactivate the antimicrobic have been described. One particularly complex problem has been the ability of many Enterobacteriaceae to develop resistance to multiple antimicrobials simultaneously. The possible effect of such an occurrence is illustrated by the recent epidemic of multiply resistant Salmonella typhi in Mexico. Because the typhoid bacilli shared an identical resistance pattern to an epidemic Shigella dysenteriae type 1 the in vivo interspecies transmission of resistance has been postulated. Understanding the various mechanisms of resistance development should allow more rational use of antimicrobial agents.
The SECs Attempted Use Of Money Market Mutual Fund Shadow Prices To Control Risk Taking By Money Market Mutual Funds

One of the major advantages of money market mutual funds as a short term cash investment vehicle is that they are always purchased and sold for $1 per share. That constant $1 share price is maintained, despite the obvious fact that the funds holdings are frequently changing value, through a permissive SEC regulation that entitles money funds to value their portfolio securities at amortized cost rather than market value. At the same time, funds have always monitored their true market value in what is referred to as the funds shadow price, disclosed on a semi-annual basis. Starting in December, 2010, the SEC ordered money funds to publish their shadow prices monthly in hopes that investors would take notice and provide market discipline to money funds that failed to keep the funds market value sufficiently close to $1 per share. The expressed intention of the SEC was that investors would restrain money market fund managers from taking undue risks. This study analyzes whether the SECs strategy is working. By assessing the relationship between money market funds shadow prices and subsequent changes in net assets, the authors can look for evidence of whether the market is performing the function the SEC intends. The authors have examined monthly disclosures of shadow prices and asset changes for over 100 money market funds since the funds commenced reporting. Through a series of linear regression analyses, the authors have found no relevant correlation between money funds shadow prices and investor activity. The ramifications of this lack of correlation are potentially significant, particularly now as financial regulators are concerned that money fund holdings of European banks might transmit the current credit deterioration in Greece to U.S. markets. The SEC and other financial regulators are counting on disclosure of shadow prices as a tool to avoid the kind of risk taking that ultimately contributed to the credit market freeze experienced in 2008. If that tool is, in fact, not working, the SEC may be obliged to attempt alternative strategies. The authors discuss the policy implications of their findings.
A Functional Analysis of 2012 United States General Election Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates

This study used Functional Theory to content analyze three presidential debates between Democratic nominee Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney as well as the sole debate between vice presidential candidates Joe Biden and Paul Ryan in the 2012 election. The three presidential debates were mostly positive (63 % acclaims) with many attacks (33 %) and some defenses (5 %). Obama, the campaign’s incumbent, was relatively more positive than Romney, the challenger. The vice presidential candidates also used attacks (48 %) more than acclaims (39 %) and defenses (14 %). However, there was no significant difference between the vice presidential candidates’ use of attacks and acclaims. The presidential candidates stressed policy (76 %) more than character (24 %). The vice presidential candidates also stressed policy (65 %) more than character (35 %).
Designing standard-flange based on AutoCAD Activex technology

Using The AutoLISP and AutoCAD ActiveX technology for a second development of Auto-CAD was introduced.Flange engineering drawing was rapidly and accurately was drawed.
Investigation on the Coverage Rate of Immunization Programin Children of Hebei Province

Objective To investigate the vaccination status of children in Hebei province and provide scientific basis for formulating effective strategies. Methods Lot Quality Assurance Sampling( LQAS) method was adopted to investigate 1428 children in Hebei,including 11 cities,34 counties,34 towns and 170 villages. Results The qualified coverage rates on basic immunization of Bacillus Calmette Guerin( BCG),Oral Poliovirus Vaccine( OPV),diphtheria toxoid- pertussis vaccine- tetanus toxoid( DPT),measles vaccine( MV),hepatitis B vaccine( Hep B),Japanese encephalitis vaccine( JE),meningococcal polysaccharid vaccine( MPV)and hepatitis A vaccine( Hep A) were respectively 99. 79%,96. 22%,95. 10%,91. 81%,95. 45%,78. 29%,86. 34% and 80. 11%. The coverage rate of timely first dose Hep B1 was 94. 47%. The qualified coverage rates of strengthened immunization of DPT,MV and JE were respectively 87. 25%,89. 50% and86. 12%. The unqualified rate of vaccination ranged in 0. 14- 21. 64%. The deferred vaccination rate of JE was the highest and that of BCG was the lowest. Conclusion The qualified coverage rate of basic immunization of BCG,OPV,DPT,Hep B and MV maintains at a higher level than the new vaccines after expanded immunization program. The unqualified vaccination rate is relatively high. The factors contributing to non- vaccination are varied. Management of vaccination should be emphasized to elevate the qualified vaccination rate.
The therapeutic effects of Xuebijing injection on children with viral encephalitis

Objective To observe the therapeutic effects of Xuebijing injection on children with viral encephalitis. Methods 42 children with acute viral encephalitis were randomly divided into two groups(control group and study group),each included 21 cases. Routine medicine therapy was given in control groups.In the Xuebijing-treated group(study group), 1 ml/kg Xuebijing injection was intravenously dripped every 12 hours for consecutive 7 days,on the basis of routine therapy. Glasgow coma score(GCS) and critical illness score were conducted in both admittance and seven days after treatment. The duration of fever, convulsion and consciousness disturbance and length of hospital stay were recorded. The levels of interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), D- dimer(D- D), and antithrombin-Ⅲ(AT- Ⅲ) before and after therapy were detected. Results The days of fever, convulsion, consciousness disturbance and hospital stay were lessened in study group than in control group. One week after treatment in study group, Glasgow coma score(GCS), critical illness score and AT-Ⅲ concentration were significantly enhanced and the levels of TNF- α, IL- 6, LDH and D- D were markedly reduced compared with control group(P0.01 or 0.05). There were no statistical differences between study and control group on all the above markers before treatment. Conclusion Xuebijing injection plays a benefit role in therapy of acute viral encephalitis by inhibiting inflammatory response, reducing the inflammation damage and correcting coagulation disorder, thus preventing deterioration of illness.
Evaluation of Dietary Lipid Sources for the Juvenile Lost River Sucker

AbstractThe establishment of a propagation program is among the recommended actions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recovery plan for the endangered Lost River Sucker Deltistes luxatus. As an initial step in diet development, a feeding trial was conducted to identify appropriate dietary lipid sources to feed juvenile Lost River Suckers at a rate of 0.47 g/fish. Six dietary treatments were produced by adding the following to a basal diet: (1) marine fish oil (Fish) as a control, (2) flaxseed oil (Flax), (3) soybean oil (Soy), or a 1:1 mixture of (4) fish and flax oil (Fish/Flax), (5) fish and soy oil (Fish/Soy), or (6) flax and soy oil (Flax/Soy). At the conclusion of the feeding trial weight gain of fish fed the control diet (Fish) was not significantly different than that of fish fed the other dietary treatments. However, weight gain of fish fed Soy was significantly higher than that of fish fed Fish/Flax. Whole-body lipid was significantly higher in fish fed Soy than in fish fed Fish, Flax, Fish/F...
Use of recombinant human BMP-2 in orthopedic trauma

It has been more than 40 years since Dr. Marshall Urist’s initial discovery of the osteoinductive activity of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) [1, 2]. Today, as a direct result of that discovery, orthopedic surgeons have the ability to control osteogenesis through the local application of BMP in their patients. Osteoinduction is defined as the ability of a protein to mediate and induce bone formation in an extraossesous site. BMPs are the family of osteoinductive proteins that can be extracted from bone matrix and are responsible for embryonic skeletal formation, skeletal regeneration and bone healing. The first publications on the clinical use of extracts of human BMP from allograft bone matrix began in the late 1980s. This was followed in 1988 by the isolation of the DNA for individual BMP molecules from a purified extract and the subsequent recombinant production of different BMPs [3]. This recombinant production process is similar to the method used to manufacture human insulin and other protein-based drugs (such as erythropoietin and interferon); it enables the reproducible production of a single BMP, at a known concentration and at very high purity. The availability of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2, also known as dibotermin alfa) permitted the large-scale testing of different carriers and concentrations in preclinical animal models, prior to starting clinical studies and gaining regulatory approval of a synthetic rhBMP-2 product.
FDA Taking Baby Steps Toward Regulating Nanotechnology

This blog post examines the FDA position on products containing or derived from nanotechnologies.
Success factors and performance outcomes of healthcare industrial vending systems: An empirical analysis

Abstract A healthcare industrial vending system (IVS) represents a specific form of Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) solution that links healthcare supply network participants to each other. These networked systems are used by healthcare organizations to optimize the availability of items and minimize cost. This research investigates a series of success factors and performance outcomes associated with healthcare IVS, a current healthcare resource and materials management topic. A measurement instrument was developed based on earlier VMI work, and a sample of 91 users of healthcare IVS's was used to test the proposed structural model. The study results confirm, from a buyer's perspective, that the success of a healthcare IVS depends on the quality of the information generated by the system as well as the quality of the buyer-vendor relationship. Findings also indicate that the successful implementation of a healthcare IVS can result in improved inventory management, enhanced customer service levels, and reduced costs.
The Transhumanist Platform and Interview with 2016 U.S. Presidential Candidate Zoltan Istvan

Despite the separation of church and state in the U.S. Constitution, a Christian politician facing a conundrum or Gordian knot may ask, “What would Jesus do?” or WWJD. A transhumanist politician not only relies on a moral compass but also seeks the best solutions with the help of science and technology in addition to formal and informal politics.
An Engineered Survival-Selection Assay for Extracellular Protein Expression Uncovers Hypersecretory Phenotypes in Escherichia coli.

The extracellular expression of recombinant proteins using laboratory strains of Escherichia coli is now routinely achieved using naturally secreted substrates, such as YebF or the osmotically inducible protein Y (OsmY), as carrier molecules. However, secretion efficiency through these pathways needs to be improved for most synthetic biology and metabolic engineering applications. To address this challenge, we developed a generalizable survival-based selection strategy that effectively couples extracellular protein secretion to antibiotic resistance and enables facile isolation of rare mutants from very large populations (i.e., 1010–12 clones) based simply on cell growth. Using this strategy in the context of the YebF pathway, a comprehensive library of E. coli single-gene knockout mutants was screened and several gain-of-function mutations were isolated that increased the efficiency of extracellular expression without compromising the integrity of the outer membrane. We anticipate that this user-friendly...
Congruency in Defining Critical Thinking by Nurse Educators and Non-nurse Scholars.

This study investigated nurse educators' definition of the concept critical thinking. A sample of 201 baccalaureate nurse educators in midwest nursing programs completed a questionnaire identifying their perception of critical-thinking skills and characteristics, and their agreement with non-nurse critical-thinking experts on items often considered to be critical thinking. This study found that nurse educators agreed with non-nurse critical-thinking experts on the skills and dispositions; however, significant differences were found between nurse educators and non-nurse experts regarding concepts related to critical thinking. Nurse educators were more likely to identify researching, problem-solving, decision-making, and planning as critical thinking. Despite their assertion otherwise, it is apparent from this study that nurse educators have a different perception of critical thinking than scholars in other disciplines. This study suggests that practice disciplines such as nursing may perceive critical thinking differently than educators in nonpractice disciplines.
Impacting Precursors to Sexual Behavior Among Young American Indian Adolescents of the Northern Plains: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial:

We assessed the effectiveness of a culturally grounded, multimedia, sexual risk reduction intervention called Circle of Life (mCOL), designed to increase knowledge and self-efficacy among preteen A...
Utilization of hypofractionated whole-breast radiation therapy in patients receiving chemotherapy: a National Cancer Database analysis.

Results from four major hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy (HF-WBRT) trials have demonstrated equivalence in select patients with early-stage breast cancer when compared with conventionally fractionated WBRT (CF-WBRT). Because relatively little data were available on patients receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, consensus guidelines published in 2011 did not endorse the use of HF-WBRT in this population. Our goal is to evaluate trends in utilization of HF-WBRT in patients receiving chemotherapy. We retrospectively analyzed data from 2004 to 2013 in the National Cancer DataBase on breast cancer patients treated with HF-WBRT who met the clinical criteria proposed by consensus guidelines (i.e., age >0 years, T1-2N0, and breast-conserving surgery), regardless of receipt of chemotherapy. We employed logistic regression to delineate and compare clinical and demographic factors associated with utilization of HF-WBRT and CF-WBRT. A total of 56,836 women were treated with chemotherapy and WBRT (without regional nodal irradiation) from 2004 to 2013; 9.0% (n = 5093) were treated with HF-WBRT. Utilization of HF-WBRT increased from 4.6% in 2004 to 18.2% in 2013 (odds ratio [OR] 1.21/year; P 80 (OR 2.58; P 50 miles from cancer reporting facility (OR 1.43; P < 0.001). Factors associated with decreased odds of receiving HF-WBRT included white race, income <$48,000, lack of private insurance, T2 versus T1, and higher grade (all P < 0.02). Despite the absence of consensus guideline recommendations, the use of HF-WBRT in patients receiving chemotherapy has increased fourfold (absolute = 13.6%) over the last decade. Increased utilization of HF-WBRT should result in institutional reports verifying its safety and efficacy.
An active balance board system with real-time control of stiffness and time-delay to assess mechanisms of postural stability

Increased time-delay in the neuromuscular system caused by neurological disorders, concussions, or advancing age is an important factor contributing to balance loss (Chagdes et al., 2013, 2016a,b). We present the design and fabrication of an active balance board system that allows for a systematic study of stiffness and time-delay induced instabilities in standing posture. Although current commercial balance boards allow for variable stiffness, they do not allow for manipulation of time-delay. Having two controllable parameters can more accurately determine the cause of balance deficiencies, and allows us to induce instabilities even in healthy populations. An inverted pendulum model of human posture on such an active balance board predicts that reduced board rotational stiffness destabilizes upright posture through board tipping, and limit cycle oscillations about the upright position emerge as feedback time-delay is increased. We validate these two mechanisms of instability on the designed balance board, showing that rotational stiffness and board time-delay induced the predicted postural instabilities in healthy, young adults. Although current commercial balance boards utilize control of rotational stiffness, real-time control of both stiffness and time-delay on an active balance board is a novel and innovative manipulation to reveal balance deficiencies and potentially improve individualized balance training by targeting multiple dimensions contributing to standing balance.
Reduction of Electrolyte Components on a Coated Si Anode of Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Surface modification of Si anodes in Li-ion batteries by deposition of a thin alucone coating has demonstrated an effective way to help maintain a stable anode/electrolyte interface and good battery performance. In this work, we investigate the interactions and reactivity of the film with electrolyte components using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Adsorption of solvent molecules (ethylene carbonate, EC) and salt (LiPF6) and reduction by two mechanisms depending on the Li content of the film (yielding open EC adsorbed on the film or C2H4 + CO32–) take place near the film/electrolyte and film/anode interfaces. Reaction products incorporate into the structure of the film and create a new kind of solid–electrolyte interphase layer.
ORBITAL DEEP GRANULOMA ANNULARE IN AN ADULT

A granuloma annulare is an idiopathic lesion resembling the granulomas of rheumatic and rheumatoid diseases. It characteristically affects the skin or subcutaneous collagenous structures of children in the absence of systemic disease. Common locations include the lower extremities and scalp, with some reports of lesions affecting the ocular adnexae. Few reports exist of a granuloma annulare confined to the orbit. Despite characteristic histopathological findings, its clinical and radiological presentations pose a challenge for diagnosis. We present an unusual case of an orbital deep granuloma annulare in an otherwise healthy adult male.
Dipoles and the EEG

(1991). Dipoles and the EEG. American Journal of EEG Technology: Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 119-121.
SIPT: Speculatively Indexed, Physically Tagged Caches

First-level (L1) data cache access latency is critical to performance because it services the vast majority of loads and stores. To keep L1 latency low while ensuring low-complexity and simple-to-verify operation, current processors most-typically utilize a virtually-indexed physically-tagged (VIPT) cache architecture. While VIPT caches decrease latency by proceeding with cache access and address translation concurrently, each cache way is constrained by the size of a virtual page. Thus, larger L1 caches are highly-associative, which degrades their access latency and energy. We propose speculatively-indexed physically-tagged (SIPT) caches to enable simultaneously larger, faster, and more efficient L1 caches. A SIPT cache speculates on the value of a few address bits beyond the page offset concurrently with address translation, maintaining the overall safe and reliable architecture of a VIPT cache while eliminating the VIPT design constraints. SIPT is a purely microarchitectural approach that can be used with any software and for all accesses. We evaluate SIPT with simulations of applications under standard Linux. SIPT improves performance by 8.1% on average and reduces total cache-hierarchy energy by 15.6%.
Genetic Engineering of Mice to Investigate Uterine Function in Early Pregnancy

Chapter Summary The generation and use of mouse models has been instrumental for today’s understanding of uterine function and fertility. Early models including transgenic and germline ablation mice often serendipitously demonstrated importance to uterine biology as they displayed a uterine phenotype. These models, although informative, exhibited limitations due to their inability to target the genetic modification directly to the uterus. Through recombination-inducing enzymes known as recombinases and their palindromic recognition sequences, the conditional knockout mouse was generated. Conditional knockout mice have been developed with in vivo gene ablation targeted to the uterus or to a specific uterine compartment. Conditional overexpressing mouse models are recently advanced, innovative models that complement modern ablation techniques and further aid in the elucidation of gene functions. These mouse models are invaluable tools for better understanding of uterine functions in pregnancy and in postnatal development.
The Beneficiaries of Clean Air Act Regulation

We know that the "average" person has experienced a decrease in air pollution levels over the past two decades, but we do not know much about the distributional effects of regulation-induced reduction. Have the poor, as well as the wealthy, significantly reduced their exposure to pollutants? Are minorities paying the cost for these regulations as pollution-intensive industries cut their workforce or move away? In California between 1980 and 1998, Hispanic pollution exposure fell sharply and exposure differentials between richer and poorer people fell sharply. In 1998, only particulate matter exposure is much higher for the poor in comparison with the wealthy. Given the overall trend in improvements for certain demographic groups, it appears that regulation under the Clean Air Act has helped, and not economically harmed, the "have nots."
Testing a recommender system for self-actualization

Traditionally, recommender systems are built with the goal of aiding users' decision-making process by extrapolating what they like and what they have done to predict what they want next. However, in attempting to personalize the suggestions to users' preferences, these systems create an isolated universe of information for each user, which may limit their perspectives and promote complacency. In this paper, we describe our research plan to test a novel approach to recommender systems that goes beyond "good recommendations" that supports user aspirations and exploration.
Dual-Function Frequency and Doppler Shift Measurement System using a Phase Modulator Incorporated Lyot Filter

A microwave photonic dual-function system capable of measuring both instantaneous frequency and Doppler frequency shift is experimentally demonstrated. The system consists of a tunable Lyot loop filter that enhances spectral resolution and reduces measurement error.
Disparities in Sarcoidosis Mortality by Region, Urbanization, and Race in the United States: A Multiple Cause of Death Analysis

Abstract Purpose Sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic disparities in sarcoidosis-associated mortality were assessed for the most recent period. Methods US data for multiple causes of death for 1999-2016 were used to determine numbers of deaths and age-adjusted rates for sarcoidosis as an underlying or a contributing cause of death using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code D86 for Hispanics, non-Hispanic blacks, and non-Hispanic whites. Results For persons of all ages in the United States in 1999-2016, there were a total of 28,923 sarcoidosis-associated deaths. In 2008-2016, 9112 deaths had sarcoidosis as the underlying cause (56%) compared with 16,129 with sarcoidosis listed as any cause. Age-adjusted annual death rates per 100,000 were 5.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6-5.8) for females and 4.1 (95% CI, 4.0-4.2) for males. Age-adjusted annual death rates were 1.5 (95% CI, 1.4-1.6) for Hispanics and 5.4 (95% CI, 5.3-5.4) for non-Hispanics. Rates in non-Hispanic blacks were 8 times those in non-Hispanic whites. Among females, the highest rate was in non-Hispanic blacks in the East-Central division. Between 1999-2007 and 2008-2016, rates increased most in non-Hispanic white males (52.5%) and least in non-Hispanic black females (5.8%). Conclusions Sarcoidosis-related multiple cause of death mortality rates were highest in females and in non-Hispanic blacks, and they varied geographically.