cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular genetic truncation analysis of filament assembly and phosphorylation domains of Dictyostelium myosin heavy chain.

Conventional myosin (‘myosin II’) is a major component of the cytoskeleton in a wide variety of eukaryotic cells, ranging from lower amoebae to mammalian fibroblasts and neutrophils. Gene targeting technologies available in the Dictyostelium discoideum system have provided the first genetic proof that this molecular motor protein is essential for normal cytokinesis, capping of cell surface receptors, normal chemotactic cell locomotion and morphogenetic shape changes during development. Although the roles of myosin in a variety of cell functions are becoming clear, the mechanisms that regulate myosin assembly into functional bipolar filaments within cells are poorly understood. Dictyostelium is currently the only system where mutant forms of myosin can be engineered in vitro, then expressed in their native context in cells that are devoid of the wild-type isoform. We have utilized this technology in combination with nested truncation and deletion analysis to map domains of the myosin tail necessary for in vivo and in vitro filament assembly, and for normal myosin heavy chain (MHC) phosphorylation. This analysis defines a region of 35 amino acids within the tail that is critical for filament formation both for purified myosin molecules and for myosin within the in vivo setting. Phosphorylation analysis of these mutants in intact cytoskeletons demonstrates that the carboxy-terminal tip of the myosin heavy chain is required for complete phosphorylation of the myosin tail.
The Perennial Question and a Radical Response: The Student Bibliographer Program in the Vanderbilt Divinity Library

The student bibliographer program at the Vanderbilt Divinity Library has functioned successfully for thirty years. Created in 1979 by the library director, Dorothy Parks Evins, as a cost savings measure, the program has employed Ph.D. students to select materials and to perform other professional level tasks. The essay outlines the origins and development of the program. An appendix includes responses from former student bibliographers to questions regarding how their experience in the Student Bibliographer Program has influenced their professional and academic careers
Web-based integrated contingency planning

This project creates Web-based ICP (Integrated Contingency Planning) system for Chemical Plants in the Corpus Christi area. The system is designed to act as a tool for quick and efficient response in the event of the release of a hazardous material. This emergency information system consists of a database to maintain records of plant information such as facilities, building information, chemical inventory, processes, vulnerability analysis, emergency plans, employee training, and site clean-up contractors. It also provides a user-friendly interface for generic database manipulations via the Internet. This system will allow authorized users to generate the various reports for the EPA, Coastal Guard, Department of Transportation, Department of the Interior and Department of Labor.
The complex tapestry of free will: striving will, indeterminism and volitional streams

The aim of this paper is to respond to recent discussion of, and objections to, the libertarian view of free will I have developed in many works over the past four decades. The issues discussed all have a bearing on the central question of how one might make sense of a traditional free will requiring indeterminism in the light of modern science. This task involves, among other things, avoiding all traditional libertarian appeals to unusual forms of agency or causation (uncaused causes, noumenal selves, non-event agent causes, etc.) that cannot be accounted for by ordinary modes of explanation familiar to the natural and human sciences. Doing this, I argue, requires piecing together a “complex tapestry” of ideas and arguments that involve rethinking many traditional assumptions about free will. The paper also argues that one cannot get to the heart of historical debates about free will without distinguishing different kinds of freedom, different senses of will, and different notions of control, among other distinctions. I especially focus here on different notions of freedom and control that are necessary to make sense of free will.
Unanticipated role of melanin in causing carcinogenic cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) instantaneously generates cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). Paradoxically, we recently observed that UV enables the protective pigment melanin to create CPDs in the dark long after the exposure ends. UV-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) oxidize melanin to create melanin carbonyls in a high-energy quantum state. These energetic melanin carbonyls transfer their energy to DNA in the dark, creating CPDs in the absence of UVR.
Privacy, Big Data, and the Public Good: Frameworks for Engagement

Big Data is a Big Deal; hence, this Big Book. Before turning to the book itself, I indulge in a bit of background. Most of us have seen claims that Big Data will be our salvation (for instance, by ...
Algebraic Number Fields and the Diophantine Equation mn = nm

(1961). Algebraic Number Fields and the Diophantine Equation mn = nm. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 68, No. 9, pp. 856-861.
Cholesterol is required for secretion of very-low-density lipoprotein by rat liver

To study potential effects of hepatic cholesterol concentration on secretion of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) by the liver, male rats were fed on unsupplemented chow, chow with lovastatin (0.1%), or chow with lovastatin (0.1%) and cholesterol (0.1%) for 1 week. Livers were isolated from these animals and perfused in vitro, with a medium containing [2-14C]acetate, bovine serum albumin and glucose in Krebs-Henseleit buffer, and with an oleate-albumin complex. With lovastatin feeding, the hepatic concentrations of cholesteryl esters and triacylglycerols before perfusion were decreased, although free cholesterol was unchanged. However, hepatic secretion of all the VLDL lipids was decreased dramatically by treatment with lovastatin. Although total secretion of VLDL triacylglycerol, phospholipid, cholesterol and cholesteryl esters was decreased, the decrease in triacylglycerol was greater than that in free cholesterol or cholesteryl esters, resulting in secretion of a VLDL particle enriched in sterols relative to triacylglycerol. In separate studies, the uptake of VLDL by livers from control animals or animals treated with lovastatin was measured. Uptake of VLDL was estimated by disappearance of VLDL labelled with [1-14C]oleate in the triacylglycerol moiety, and was observed to be similar in both groups. During perfusion, triacylglycerol accumulated to a greater extent in livers from lovastatin-fed rats than in control animals. The depressed output of VLDL triacylglycerols and the increase in triacylglycerol in the livers from lovastatin-treated animals was indicative of a limitation in the rate of VLDL secretion. Addition of cholesterol (either free cholesterol or human low-density lipoprotein) to the medium perfusing livers from lovastatin-fed rats, or addition of cholesterol to the diet of lovastatin-fed rats, increased the hepatic concentration of cholesteryl esters and the output of VLDL lipids. The concentration of cholesteryl esters in the liver was correlated with the secretion of VLDL by the liver. These data suggest that cholesterol is an obligate component of the VLDL required for its secretion. It is additionally suggested that cholesteryl esters are in rapid equilibrium with a small pool of free cholesterol which comprises a putative metabolic pool available and necessary for the formation and secretion of the VLDL. Furthermore, the specific radioactivity (d.p.m./mumol) of the secreted VLDL free cholesterol was much greater than that of hepatic free cholesterol, suggesting that the putative hepatic metabolic pool is only a minor fraction of total hepatic free cholesterol.
Communications as an orthodontic risk management tool

Communications are a vital part of the doctor patient relationship. In orthodontic practice there are essentially 3 types of orthodontic communications: intra-office, inter-office, and extra-office. Various types of each communication will be discussed with sample letters for exemplary purposes. Utilizing all 3 types can aid the practitioner in establishing a high risk management profile and make daily practice easier, more meaningful, less stressful, and certainly safer from a dent-legal perspective.
Current contamination status of seafood which can be eaten raw by Vibrio vulnificus in Zhoushan markets

Objective To understand the current contamination status of seafood which can be eaten raw by Vibrio vulnificus in Zhoushan market,to provide basic evidence for preventing foodborne diseases by eating raw seafood.Methods A total of 489 samples from 7 kinds of seafood in 3 markets of Zhoushan and 217 fecal samples from patients with diarrhea were both collected to determine the contamination of Vibrio vulnificus.The genotype by virulence genes and drug resistance test were also conducted.Results Out of 489 seafood samples,125 were found to be Vibrio vulnificus positive with the overall positive rate of 25.56%.The differences of isolation rates among samples collected from different seasons and among samples from different kinds of seafood were statistically significant(χ2=77.472,P=0.000)(χ2=24.366,P=0.000)with the highest of 48.77% in summer and of 41.77% in Anadara subcrenata.Drug resistance test showed that 31.25% of total 64 strains isolated were resistant to at least one antibiotic.CB type was found to be predominant based on the genotying results of virulence genes from stains isolated from seafood,and was isolated for the first time from fecal samples of patients with diarrhea.Conclusions The situation of Vibrio vulnificus contamination among seafood which can be eaten raw is so severe in Zhoushan markets,which maybe a potential etiological factor for human infection.
The neural underpinnings of cognitive flexibility and their disruption in psychotic illness

Abstract Schizophrenia (SZ) has long been associated with a variety of cognitive deficits, including reduced cognitive flexibility. More recent findings, however, point to tremendous inter-individual variability among patients on measures of cognitive flexibility/set-shifting. With an eye toward shedding light on potential sources of variability in set-shifting abilities among SZ patients, I examine the neural substrates of underlying probabilistic reversal learning (PRL) – a paradigmatic measure of cognitive flexibility – as well as neuromodulatory influences upon these systems. Finally, I report on behavioral and neuroimaging studies of PRL in SZ patients, discussing the potentially influences of illness profile and antipsychotic medications on cognitive flexibility in SZ.
Effect of early cyclosporine levels on kidney allograft rejection

Acute rejection is the greatest risk factor for development of biopsy-proven chronic rejection and late kidney allograft loss. We previously noted that low cyclosporine (CsA) levels were a risk factor for early acute rejection in pediatric recipients (1). In our current study, we used logistic regression to identify risk factors for acute rejection in 726 adult kidney transplant recipients on triple therapy (prednisone, azathioprine, CsA). Variables considered for logistic regression analysis were donor organ source (cadaver vs. living), degree of HLA mismatch (1 to 6 vs. 0 antigen mismatch), transplant number (primary vs. retransplant), CsA levels ( or = 125 ng/ml, or = 150 ng/ml, and or = 175 ng/ml), and acute rejection episodes (0 vs. > or = 1). Of 726 recipients, 401 (55%) received cadaver kidneys; 325 (45%), living related. Overall, 572 (79%) had a primary transplant; 154 (21%), a retransplant. The vast majority of acute rejection episodes occurred within the first 2 months posttransplant; 68% of recipients had no acute rejection episodes by 2 months and 58% had none by 60 months posttransplant. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a cadaver donor kidney (vs. living) (p = 0.004), a 1 to 6 antigen mismatch (vs. 0 mismatch) (p = 0.001), and CsA levels or = 150 ng/ml) correlated with biopsy-proven acute rejection. The correlation for CsA levels or = 150 ng/ml) held true for levels at 1 wk (p or = 125 ng/ml) and or = 175 ng/ml). Comparative analyses were made (by Chi-square) of acute and chronic rejection rates when recipients were divided into 3 groups by CsA level ( or = 125 to or 150 ng/ml). At each time point (1 wk, 2 wk, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months), CsA levels or = 125 to or = 150 ng/ml) were associated with the greatest increased risk of acute rejection--for both cadaver and living related recipients (all p or = 125 to or = 150 ng/ml group. Our data indicate that maintaining CsA levels > or = 150 ng/ml as part of triple therapy reduces the incidence of both acute and chronic rejection. Because chronic rejection is the leading cause of late allograft loss, maintaining adequate CsA levels should improve long-term graft survival. Based on this analysis, we have modified our own immunosuppressive regimens to achieve higher CsA levels earlier posttransplant.
Chemical alteration in wheat (Triticum aestivum) shoot induced by mefluidide and defoliation

Mefluidide [N-2(2,4-dimethyl-5-((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)amino)phenyl)acetamide] was applied to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) to determine the alterations in shoot chemical composition and the value of the changes to a wheat-based forage system in field and controlled-environment chamber experiments. Mefluidide, applied at rates between 0.1 and 0.25 kg/ha during full tiller stage (Feekes stage 4), slowed down the rate of cellulose deposition in wheat shoot and reduced neutral-detergent fiber fractions. Mefluidide decreased the rate of nitrogen decline with advancing maturity of treated plants when compared to untreated ones. Mefluidide also reduced cellulose deposition and maintained high nitrogen contents in regrowth shoot tissues in addition to the effect produced by mechanical defoliation. Mefluidide, applied during jointing stage (stage 5), also retarded wheat maturation as the chemical maintained shoot chemical characteristics equivalent to those of earlier stages of development. Mefluidide did not alter significantly shoot chemical composition when applied at boot stage (stage 10), compared to untreated wheat. Based on the experimental results, mefluidide may be a management tool to alter timing of plant development. The delay in maturation and maintenance of vegetative quality longer into the spring attained with mefluidide may suggest a beneficial role of the chemical in a dual-purpose wheat production system that favors forage utilization.
Bifacial photovoltaic technology for the oil and gas industry

The oil and gas industry has a tremendous challenge in powering its remote and off-grid locations. Conventional power systems require large investments and complex projects to achieve a reliable and efficient power supply at those locations. Realizing this fact, Saudi Aramco has completed many solar panel PV system installations projects. The company is aiming to gain familiarity with different renewable technologies, build operating experience, and to achieve a reliable and cost-effective power supply to its widespread remote locations. However, traditional solar panel PV systems installed in Saudi Arabia are exposed to a harsh environment and accumulated dust impacts the system performance. In this paper a pilot project was implemented using a bifacial grid-connected PV system mounted vertically and facing east-west direction. The purpose is to examine bifacial PV system capability to withstand harsh environment compared to traditional mono-facial inclined PV system facing south, and to examine the system performance.
Economic Analysis of Post Harvest Losses in Marketing of Tomato in Karnataka

The present paper on post-harvest losses in marketing of tomato in Eastern dry zone of Karnataka was undertaken with the specific objective to estimate the post-harvest losses in marketing of tomato.The data were collected by survey method pertained to the agricultural year 2013-14 for assessing post-harvest losses in tomato the technique of “overall assessment of commodity movement system” has been used.The prevailing marketing channels in Kolar districts were channel-I: (Producer→Commission agent→ Wholesaler→Retailer→Consumer), channel-II: (Producer→Commission-agent→Retailer→Consumer), channel-III: (Producer →Retailer→Consumer) and channel-IV: (ProducerConsumer). The estimated total PHLs in physical terms were highest in channel-I (23.19kg), followed by 19.96 kg in channel-II and 17.32 kg in channel-III and lowest in channel-IV (13.78kg). Considering different channels in marketing of tomato the per quintal economic loss was maximum Rs. 440.19 in channel I and minimum Rs. 258.10 in channel IV. Among the channels, entire loss was borne by producer in channel IV as it was a direct channel. However, in channel I, II and III the share of intermediaries was to the tune of 68.25 per cent, 59.03 per cent and 49.05 per cent, respectively and the remaining burden of loss was borne by producer 31.75 per cent, 40.97 per cent and 50.95 per cent, respectively. The major constraints faced by the tomato growers in marketing were high commission charges, high transport charges, wide price fluctuation, non-availability of cold storage facility, lack of market information and non-availability of labour in time. Government should provide infrastructure for cold storages in producing areas for benefits of the farmers and market functionaries during unfavorable price situations to minimize post harvest losses and linkage to processing industries in production areas.
Ecology, Community, and AIDS Prevention

I explore the role that may be played by an ecological view of AIDS prevention and AIDS-related social concerns. The study of AIDS risk behavior and interventions designed to prevent AIDS have challenged Health Psychology's typically individualistic perspective. Issues of empowerment, psychological sense of community, interpersonal ties, resources, and culture are central to an understanding of risky sexual behavior and helping people to guard themselves from the threat of AIDS. However, despite Community Psychology's historical expertise in these areas, the field has only recently become involved in AIDS prevention efforts. I outline how resource-based, ecological theories may prove more helpful in addressing the AIDS pandemic than the individual, cognitive theories that have typically been adopted. Sexual behavior and associated risk are tied not simply to people's personal behavior and thoughts but to the likelihood of disease exposure in their ethnic group, the power and choices associated with power in that group, and the alternative means available of meeting their overall sexual, romantic, economic, and social goals. As such, AIDS research and intervention must simultaneously address the individual, social, and cultural spheres if insights that can translate to meaningful change can be expected to occur.
Identifying the landscape drivers of agricultural insecticide use leveraging evidence from 100,000 fields

Agricultural landscape intensification has enabled food production to meet growing demand. However, there are concerns that more simplified cropland with lower crop diversity, less noncrop habitat, and larger fields results in increased use of pesticides due to a lack of natural pest control and more homogeneous crop resources. Here, we use data on crop production and insecticide use from over 100,000 field-level observations from Kern County, California, encompassing the years 2005–2013 to test if crop diversity, field size, and cropland extent affect insecticide use in practice. Overall, we find that higher crop diversity does reduce insecticide use, but the relationship is strongly influenced by the differences in crop types between diverse and less diverse landscapes. Further, we find insecticide use increases with increasing field size. The effect of cropland extent is distance-dependent, with nearby cropland decreasing insecticide use, whereas cropland further away increases insecticide use. This refined spatial perspective provides unique understanding of how different components of landscape simplification influence insecticide use over space and for different crops. Our results indicate that neither the traditionally conceived “simplified” nor “complex” agricultural landscape is most beneficial to reducing insecticide inputs; reality is far more complex.
Opposing spatial gradients of inhibition and neural activity in mouse olfactory cortex

The spatial representation of stimuli in primary sensory cortices is a convenient scaffold for elucidating the circuit mechanisms underlying sensory processing. In contrast, the anterior piriform cortex (APC) lacks topology for odor identity and appears homogenous in terms of afferent and intracortical excitatory circuitry. Here, we show that an increasing rostral-caudal (RC) gradient of inhibition onto pyramidal cells is commensurate with a decrease in active neurons along the RC axis following exploration of a novel odor environment. This inhibitory gradient is supported by somatostatin interneurons that provide an opposing, rostrally-biased, gradient of inhibition to interneurons. Optogenetic or chemogenetic modulation of somatostatin cells neutralizes the inhibitory gradient onto pyramidal cells. This suggests a novel circuit mechanism whereby opposing spatial gradients of inhibition and disinhibition regulate neural activity along the RC-axis. These findings challenge our current understanding of the spatial profiles of neural circuits and odor processing within APC.
The Writing Process in Systems Thinking

This note provides detailed guidance for analyzing a complex business problem using the systems thinking tools: reference behavior patterns, systems archetypes, causal-loop diagrams, and stock-flow maps. The step by step guidance helps a systems thinker create a clear, organized presentation for a client or professional modeler. Successfully communicating one's views and hypotheses and making relevant, supported recommendations are an outgrowth of using the writing process to support a systems analysis. Excerpt UVA-OM-1106 Rev. Sept. 17, 2010 THE WRITING PROCESS IN SYSTEMS THINKING In the systems writing process, the tools of systems thinking (archetypes, causal-loop diagrams, reference behavior patterns, and stock-flow maps and models) are called upon in a sequence of steps that leads to a clear, organized outcome, such as a presentation to a client or a professional modeler. The writing process provides a framework for approaching a problem whereby the logical transition from each part of your thinking to the next is in place. As you focus on the content within a step, you will uncover insights that will be enriched by your thinking iteratively through the process. Successfully communicating your views and your hypotheses and making relevant, supported recommendations are an outgrowth of using the writing process to support your analysis. The writing process organizes analysis activities into the following steps: 1. Focusing on the issue . . .
Portraits of Principal Practice: Time Allocation and School Principal Work:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine how school principals in urban settings distributed their time working on critical school functions. We also examined who principals worked with and how their time allocation patterns varied by school contextual characteristics. Research Method/Approach: The study was conducted in an urban school district with approximately 50 school principals and utilized self-reported End of Day log data collected at multiple points in between 2005 and 2007. We utilized hierarchical linear models to analyze variation in principals’ time allocation by time (hour, day, semester), school function (building operations, student affairs, district functions, etc.), and school personnel (self, teacher, student, etc.). Findings: Variation in principals’ practice is domain dependent. Consistent with prior research, we find that a principal’s workday is characterized by long hours and diverse tasks. We find little support for the notion that typical tasks are characterized by brev...
A Novel Non-Genomic Action of Estradiol (E) and Testosterone (T): Regulators of Microtubule Polymerization

Our interest in this topic was roused by a serendipitous finding in search of a putative membrane estrogen receptor in samples from the rat hippocampus (1). We demonstrated that an E-6-BSA affinity column retained a 55 kilo-Dalton protein later identified as β-tubulin. Early reports related to our findings showed that steroid hormones, particularly estradiol (E) (2) and testosterone (T) (3) can modify the dynamic of microtubules in the rat endometrium and increase the levels of tubulin in the medial basal hypothalamus and anterior pituitary of castrated rats, respectively. The paper by Szego et al. (2) is particularly relevant to our results because they observed a significant rapid transient shortening of microtubules in the endometrium of ovariectomized rats seconds after intravenous administration of E. Others have shown that E binds to the cytoskeleton of erythrocytes (1), modifies the shape of cells (5,(6), is capable to differentiate neuroblasts towards the dopaminergic phenotype (7), induces redistribution of GFAP in the rat brain (8), and regulates neurogenesis in vitro, in cell cultures (9) or brain explants (10) as well in vivo (11). Interestingly, natural fluctuations of astrocytes in the dentate gyrus during the rat estrous cycle as well gonadal hormone regulation have been reported (12). These examples suggest an effect of steroids on the cytoskeleton organization of neurons, glia and of other cells, such as tannycytes (13).
Relative effects of splenic and bone-marrow cells on lethally irradiated mice.

Circulating antibedies were not detected among 950 r mice treated with isologous bone marrow and rat erythrocytes but were detected among 950 r mice treated with isologous spleen and rat erythrocytes. Over 95% of the mice exposed to 950 r survived when treated immediately after irradiation wtth isologous bone marrow or splenic cells. Only 39% of the normal mice exposed to 950 r died during the first 30 days after treatment, but 95% of a group of anotber strain exposed to 950 r died. In the latter group of treated mice, earlier deaths were recorded when tbe dose of splenic cells was larger. 42 references. (C.H.)
Estimating Associations Between Medical Home Adoption, Utilization, and Quality: A Comparison of Evaluation Approaches.

Background Methodological differences between evaluations of medical home adoption might complicate readers' ability to draw conclusions across studies. Objectives To study whether associations between medical home adoption and patient care are affected by methodological choices. Design, setting, and subjects Among 71 practices participating in the Pennsylvania Chronic Care Initiative (a medical home pilot), we estimated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between 4 definitions of "medical home adoption" [National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognition in year 3, Medical Home Index scores at baseline and 3, and within-practice changes in Medical Home Index scores between baseline and year 3] and utilization and quality. Measurements Six utilization and 6 quality measures. Results In cross-sectional analyses at year 3, NCQA recognition was associated with higher rates of nephropathy monitoring (7.23 percentage points; confidence interval, 0.45-14.02), breast cancer screening (7.48; 2.11-12.86), and colorectal cancer screening (8.43; 2.44-14.42). In longitudinal analyses, NCQA recognition was associated with increases in hospitalization rates (2.75 per 1000 patient-months; 0.52-4.98). In baseline cross-sectional analyses, higher Medical Home Index scores were associated with fewer ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations (-0.61 per 1000 patient per month; -1.11 to -0.11), all-cause emergency department visits (-6.80; -12.28 to -1.32), and ambulatory care-sensitive emergency department visits (-5.60; 10.32 to -0.88). There were no statistically significant associations between any other measure of medical home adoption and quality or utilization. Conclusions The findings of medical home evaluations are sensitive to methodological choices. Meta-analyses, narrative reviews, and other syntheses of medical home studies should consider subdividing their findings by analytic approach.
The Philosophy of Practice for Comprehensive Medication Management: Evaluating Its Meaning and Application by Practitioners.

OBJECTIVE Philosophy of practice is the foundation of any patient care practice because it provides a set of professional values and beliefs that guide actions and decisions in practice. Study objectives were to understand how pharmacists providing comprehensive medication management (CMM) describe their philosophy of practice and compare how participants' philosophies align with predefined tenets of a CMM philosophy of practice. METHODS An instrument with closed and open-ended items was developed and administered online to the lead pharmacist at 36 clinics participating in a large CMM study. Participants were asked to describe their philosophy of practice, rate how well their current practice activities align with five predefined CMM philosophy of practice tenets, and provide examples of how they carry out each tenet and how they could improve. Responses were coded, and descriptive analysis was used to calculate participants' practice alignment with the five philosophy of practice tenets. RESULTS Thirty pharmacists completed the instrument. Twelve codes emerged that participants used to describe their philosophy of practice. These codes were mapped to five predefined tenets of a philosophy of practice. Only 3 (10%) participants included all five tenets in their philosophy of practice, 8 (26.7%) included four, 8 (26.7%) included three, 6 (20%) included two, and 5 (16.7%) included one tenet. Overall, participants rated their alignment with the five tenets highly. "Embracing a patient-centered approach" received the highest mean score of 9.17/10; "Meeting a societal need" had the lowest mean score of 8.37/10. CONCLUSION Participants described their philosophy of practice with significant variability. CMM requires a single and consistently applied philosophy of practice to guide practice and the role of the practitioner. We propose five core tenets that resulted from this assessment to be embraced by pharmacists providing CMM and included in their philosophy of practice.
Short Chain Fatty Acids in the Colon and Peripheral Tissues: A Focus on Butyrate, Colon Cancer, Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Increased dietary fiber consumption has been associated with many beneficial effects, including amelioration of obesity and insulin resistance. These effects may be due to the increased production of short chain fatty acids, including propionate, acetate and butyrate, during fermentation of the dietary fiber in the colon. Indeed, oral and dietary supplementation of butyrate alone has been shown to prevent high fat-diet induced obesity and insulin resistance. This review focuses on sources of short chain fatty acids, with emphasis on sources of butyrate, mechanisms of fiber and butyrate metabolism in the gut and its protective effects on colon cancer and the peripheral effects of butyrate supplementation in peripheral tissues in the prevention and reversal of obesity and insulin resistance.
Soviet Policy in Latin America: Implications for the United States

In Describing Latin America as the “strategic rear” of the United States, the Soviet Union attributes great significance to this region for US interests and, consequently, to any changes which might alter the long-standing US dominance there. That the United States enjoys a unique position in Latin America has consistently been acknowledged by Soviet leaders. The US has been seen as able to enforce a “hands off” policy to extra-hemispheric powers; hence, the Kremlin has referred to “geographic fatalism” as its way of rationalizing the difficulties inherent in successfully effecting communist revolution, or even to advance Soviet influence, in an area so close to the United States.
Steeplebushes conquer the countryside: influence of invasive plant species on spider communities (Araneae) in former wet meadows

Central European wet meadows are diminished by abandonment of cultivation measures, drainage, pollution, intensive agriculture and climate change during the last decades. In addition, original wet meadow communities can be threatened by immigrating neophytes. Typical invasive species in wet meadows are the steeplebushes Spiraea tomentosa and Spiraea douglasii, but their impact on the indigenous arthropod fauna is unknown. The present study therefore investigates Spiraea-induced changes in ground- and herb dwelling spiders in Spiraea sites, uncultivated meadows with interspersed Spiraea sp. and mowed meadows without Spiraea sp. using pitfall traps and sweep netting. Light intensity, vegetation height and coverage differed significantly between the Spiraea sites and the mowed meadows. In consequence, the activity density of ground-dwelling spiders was much lower in the Spiraea sites and their habitat preferences differed significantly from the two meadow types. Species preferring forests and forest edges were more abundant in invaded sites whereas specimens preferring open habitats decreased. Although the vegetation height and coverage of mowed meadows and cultivated meadows did not differ remarkably, uncultivated meadows contained less spiders of open dry habitats whereas forest species increased. In contrast, differences between herb dwelling spider assemblages of the three habitat types were not significant. Based on the results of the project, the risk of steeple bush invasion and management methods of wet meadows are discussed.
A Data Acquisition System for Low Level Signals

One of the problems encountered in the measurement of thermo-physical properties is the switching and measurement of signals of very low amplitudes. This paper describes a bus system and interfaces capable of switching such low-level signals and interrogating a high-quality manual potentiometer. A timing system with several interrupt channels is also provided. The circuitry detailed herein has proven to be reliable and flexible in its application. No commercial system has been found which provides the attributes of this system at a reasonable cost. Also detailed is a system, including the switching circuitry, which can function as a total data acquisition system in conjunction with a host microcomputer.
Gas Exchange in the Lungs

This chapter begins with a description of the rate of CO 2 production and O 2 consumption and its ratio, the respiratory quotient. This differs from the respiratory exchange ratio only transiently. The physical principles that govern gas exchange (partial pressure, Henry’s law, vapor pressure of water and solubility) are discussed. All gases and solubilities are expressed in volumes at STPD conditions. Gases move passively across the lungs in which flow is proportional to the area of exchange, inversely proportional to the thickness of the barrier, proportional to the solubility, diffusion coefficient in the membrane, and proportional to the partial pressure difference across the membrane. The diffusing capacity is the flow per unit pressure. It increases during exercise as blood perfuses more areas of the lungs. The alveolar ventilation equation and alveolar gas equation are derived, which allow calculation of alveolar gas composition. The anatomic dead space and physiological dead space are discussed. The ventilation–perfusion ratio is discussed.
MACHINE LEARNING & KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION, ROUGH SETS, AND THE ENGLISH SEMANTIC CODE

Rough Set-based machine learning and knowledge acquisition, as embodied in the system LERS, are applied to the task of sorting out natural-language word sense relationships. The data for training and testing are derived from The Oxford English Dictionary; a subsequent objective of this research enterprise is automatically placing additional terms in Roget’s International Thesaurus. The results of this research are promising, so that now we would like to employ this approach to providing a comprehensive whole-language base for general use in building varied natural-language computing applications.
Cell tension and mechanical regulation of cell volume

Animal cells use an unknown mechanism to control their growth and physical size. Here, using the fluorescence exclusion method, we measure cell volume for adherent cells on substrates of varying stiffness. We discover that the cell volume has a complex dependence on substrate stiffness and is positively correlated with the size of the cell adhesion to the substrate. From a mechanical force-balance condition that determines the geometry of the cell surface, we find that the observed cell volume variation can be predicted quantitatively from the distribution of active myosin through the cell cortex. To connect cell mechanical tension with cell size homeostasis, we quantified the nuclear localization of YAP/TAZ, a transcription factor involved in cell growth and proliferation. We find that the level of nuclear YAP/TAZ is positively correlated with the average cell volume. Moreover, the level of nuclear YAP/TAZ is also connected to cell tension, as measured by the amount of phosphorylated myosin. Cells with greater apical tension tend to have higher levels of nuclear YAP/TAZ and a larger cell volume. These results point to a size-sensing mechanism based on mechanical tension: the cell tension increases as the cell grows, and increasing tension feeds back biochemically to growth and proliferation control.
Spatial and temporal freeze-thaw variations in Alaskan roads

Abstract Seasonal freeze and thaw impact a road’s ability to bear loads. Temperature index models are one of the methods being used to manage seasonal weight restrictions on roads. Many of these methods are limited to specific regions in which they have been calibrated and more universally applicable models are sought. We conducted a multi-year study of road subsurface temperature data in Alaska to understand temperature variations among stations and support the development of generally applicable models. Time-stability analysis showed that stations located within 25 km had consistent temperatures with the consistency increasing with measurement depth. At greater separation distances, stations’ relative cold or warm biases were maintained across years. Up to 95% of temperature differences among stations was explained by latitude when linear regression was used. Temperature time series showed distinct isothermal conditions in spring at temperature below 0 oC. For stations located further south, thaw penetration rates were greater, and surface n-Factors varied more. A constant thawing index was also tested to determine thaw dates. Thaw depths corresponding to these dates were relatively consistent for northern stations but varied substantially for southern stations.
Chapter 23.4 Solvent structure

This chapter summarises empirical information on the structure of water molecules bound to proteins. The focus is on structures solved by X-ray crystallography, although complementary techniques of obtaining solvent structure are discussed briefly and, when appropriate, particular examples are given. The coverage includes: methods by which solvent structure can be observed; knowledge derived from database analysis of large numbers of proteins; particular examples of groups of well studied protein structures; the contribution of protein models obtained at very high resolution to the understanding of solvent structure; and an analysis of water molecules as mediators of complex formation. Finally, a conclusion and a perspective is presented regarding the direction in which this information can lead in building a cohesive understanding of the roles played by solvent in the structural integrity and biological function of macromolecules. Keywords: amino acids; antigen–antibody association; bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor; complex formation; crambin; elastase; haemoglobin; legume lectins; lysozyme; protein kinase A; protein–DNA recognition; protein–ligand interactions; protein–water interactions; ribonuclease; secondary structure; serine proteases; solvent structure; T4 lysozyme; tertiary structure; water molecules
Pseudoflow with OCT Angiography in Eyes with Hard Exudates and Macular Drusen

Purpose To analyze "pseudoflow," a false positive flow-artifact observed with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of stationary hyperreflective structures corresponding to hard exudates and macular drusen. Methods Retrospective case series of patients with hard exudates (due to diabetic macular edema [DME] or retinal vein occlusion [RVO]) or macular drusen (due to nonneovascular, or dry, age-related macular degeneration [AMD]) studied with OCTA by using volume-based projection artifact removal (3D PAR). Results OCTA of 20 eyes (10 DME/10 RVO) with hard exudates were analyzed. All eyes exhibited pseudoflow corresponding to hard exudates. Seven eyes concurrently demonstrated hard exudates without pseudoflow that were noted in areas lacking vascular flow in the overlying retina. Eight eyes exhibited suspended scattering particles in motion. In 26 of 30 eyes with nonneovascular AMD, pseudoflow associated with macular drusen of any type was noted. Two of 11 eyes with small drusen, 16 of 17 eyes with medium or large drusen, 5 of 5 eyes with drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment, 12 of 16 eyes with ribbon-like subretinal drusenoid deposits, and 13 of 17 eyes with dot-like SDD exhibited pseudoflow. Conclusions Pseudoflow due to projection artifact is common in eyes with hard exudates or macular drusen. 3D PAR reduces but does not eliminate pseudoflow, and pseudoflow may be detected within the foveal avascular zone, indicating that other factors, such as Z-axis micromotion, may also contribute to pseudoflow. Translational relevance This study provides insight into the etiology of pseudoflow noted on OCTA and will guide more accurate clinical interpretation and investigation of OCTA images.
Ultra-sensitive plasmonic sensing based on gold nanostrip arrays

The extra-narrow reflection feature in angular dependence of reflectivity of periodic gold nanostrip arrays presents interest for sensing application. We explore its behavior in a modified dielectric environment and characterize the capability for sensing small changes in the dielectric permittivity of the environment.
Antecedents to the Specialized Microdrill Industry on Santa Cruz Island, California

This report examines the development of lithic technology among the Chumash of California’s northern Channel Islands. By the middle of the first millennium A.D., the Island Chumash began to pursue ...
Financial industry lobbying and shareholder litigation outcomes: implications for managers and regulators

Abstract We examine the relationship between financial firm corporate lobbying, shareholder-based litigation outcomes, and firm value. We show that political lobbying lowers federal class action securities litigation likelihood for public financial institutions. Secondly, lobbying firms experience a higher likelihood of having litigation dismissed, and the average settlement amount is significantly lower for lobbying institutions. In addition, shortly after a litigation announcement, lobbying firms experience significantly higher cumulative abnormal returns (CARs), compared to non-lobbying firms. Finally, we show that lobbying firms have higher long-run buy-and-hold abnormal stock returns (BHARs) following lobbying activities. Our results link financial institution lobbying activity with improved legal outcomes and relatively higher firm value. While lobbying improves financial firm value, our results also imply that lobbying creates a disadvantage for non-lobbying firms within the industry. Our results provide insights, not only to corporate managers, but to regulators and policymakers interested in the impact of lobbying on the efficacy and objectivity of regulation and enforcement in the financial services industry.
Cell- and tissue-based therapies for lung disease

Abstract Because of the lung’s complex structure, cell-based treatments for pulmonary disorders face significant technical challenges. Current therapeutic goals span a spectrum of expectations that includes (1) protection from acute or chronic injury and regeneration of functional lung after injury, (2) replacement of tissue or cells affected by congenital malformations, inherited or acquired diseases, (3) provision of cells or cell products enhancing repair, and (4) introduction of cells expressing therapeutic molecules for local or systemic delivery. This chapter reviews concepts derived from recent studies related to lung morphogenesis, stem cells, and tissue engineering. The interpretation of concepts developed in the study of tissue engineering and stem cell biology are highly relevant to the development of future therapies for pulmonary diseases.
Intensive Behavior Therapy for Tics and Co-Occurring ADHD: A Case Report

Abstract Tic disorders (TDs) can substantially impact daily child functioning across social, familial, and academic domains, leading to a significant public health impact. Additionally, an overwhelming majority of children with a TD have at least one co-occurring disorder. In particular, over 60% of children with a TD also meet criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is a first-line treatment for youth with TDs and has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of tics in children and adolescents. Nonetheless, access to trained CBIT providers remains limited, and common comorbid conditions are not addressed in standard CBIT. Thus, there is a need for CBIT interventions that can incorporate treatment strategies for TDs and common comorbidities. To address the critical need to address TD and common comorbidities simultaneously, the current case study presents and evaluates a 2-week intensive approach to address tic and ADHD symptoms concurrently in a peripubertal male. The child’s parents reported significant improvements in tic and ADHD symptoms following the end of treatment, which were maintained throughout three follow-up booster sessions. Clinical implications and future directions to modify and improve the proposed treatment are discussed.
Multi-function integrated InP-based photonic circuits

The current tendency in high performance computing systems is to increase the parallelism in processing at all levels utilizing multithreads, increasing the number of chips in racks and blades, as well as increasing the number of cores on a chip. The scaling of overall system performance that soon might approach Exaflop/s is, however, out of balance with respect to limited available bandwidth for shuttling ExaBytes of data across the system, between the racks, chips and cores. We will discuss how optics can provide huge power and bandwidth benefits closer and closer to the chip and eventually into the chip itself that would allow to overcome severe constraints of today's mostly copper I/O interconnects. Particular emphasis will be given to silicon photonics integrated circuits designed for low power off-chip and on-chip optical networks.