cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional evidence that conserved TCR CDRα3 loop docking governs the cross-recognition of closely related peptide: Class I complexes

The TCR recognizes its peptide:MHC (pMHC) ligand by assuming a diagonal orientation relative to the MHC helices, but it is unclear whether and to what degree individual TCRs exhibit docking variations when contacting similar pMHC complexes. We analyzed monospecific and cross-reactive recognition by diverse TCRs of an immunodominant HVH-1 glycoprotein B epitope (HSV-8p) bound to two closely related MHC class I molecules, H-2K(b) and H-2K(bm8). Previous studies indicated that the pMHC portion likely to vary in conformation between the two complexes resided at the N-terminal part of the complex, adjacent to peptide residues 2-4 and the neighboring MHC side chains. We found that CTL clones sharing TCR beta-chains exhibited disparate recognition patterns, whereas those with drastically different TCRbeta-chains but sharing identical TCRalpha CDR3 loops displayed identical functional specificity. This suggested that the CDRalpha3 loop determines the TCR specificity in our model, the conclusion supported by modeling of the TCR over the actual HSV-8:K(b) crystal structure. Importantly, these results indicate a remarkable conservation in CDRalpha3 positioning, and, therefore, in docking of diverse TCRalphabeta heterodimers onto variant peptide:class I complexes, implying a high degree of determinism in thymic selection and T cell activation.
Eugenics in Japan: some ironies of modernity, 1883-1945.

Japanese eugenic discourse and institution building contrast sharply with comparable movements elsewhere. As a social-intellectual phenomenon, Anglo- American eugenics considered the Japanese racially inferior to Western peoples; yet eugenic ideals and policies achieved a remarkable popularity in Japan. Most of mainstream Japanese genetics was derived from orthodox Mendelian roots in Germany and (to a lesser degree) the United States. But French-style Lamarckian notions of the inheritability of acquired characters held surprising popularity among enthusiasts of eugenics. Japanese eugenicists could condemn the actions of foreign eugenicists like Charles Davenport in the United States for their efforts to forbid Japanese immigration in the 1920s, yet appeal to these same eugenicists as a source of legitimacy in Japan.These paradoxes can partly be explained against a background of relative isolation in a period of profound social change. Few Japanese eugenicists had close personal contact with foreign eugenicists, and most of their knowledge was acquired through reading rather than direct exposure. The eugenic ideal of ethnic purity was attractive to a society long accustomed to monoracial self-imagery. The need to defend national independence in an era of high imperialism seemed to require the most up-to-date policies and ideas. And Japan's own acquisition of an overseas empire seemed to demand a population management philosophy ostensibly based on scientific principles. These and other forces supported the implementation of eugenic policies and prescriptions among the Japanese people in the first half of the twentieth century.
Reliability of Intrabladder Pressure Measurement in Intensive Care

BACKGROUND The reliability of intrabladder pressure measurements obtained in nonsupine patients is unknown. OBJECTIVES To investigate the reliability of measurements of intrabladder pressure obtained with 30 degrees head-of-bed elevation. METHODS With patients supine, 30 degrees head-of-bed elevation, and instillation of 0 and 25 mL physiological saline, intrabladder pressure was measured in 10 patients: twice by one nurse to assess intraobserver reliability and once by a different nurse to assess interobserver reliability. Data were analyzed by using paired t tests, Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS For intraobserver reliability, measurements obtained with no instillation (mean difference, -1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], -4.9 to 1.3; P = .22) and with instillation of 25 mL (mean difference, -0.6; 95% CI, -1.8 to 0.6; P = .28) did not differ significantly. Pearson r values were 0.74 and 0.81, respectively. Estimated Bland-Altman bias and limits of agreements were -1.8 and -10.3 to 6.7 mm Hg and -0.6 and -3.82 to 2.62 mm Hg, respectively. For interobserver reliability, measurements obtained with no instillation (mean difference, 1.0; 95% CI, -2.2 to 4.2; P = .49) and with instillation of 25 mL (mean difference, -0.7; 95% CI, -2.45 to 1.05; P = .39) did not differ significantly. Pearson r values were 0.78 and 0.82, respectively. Estimated Bland-Altman bias and limits of agreement were 1.0 and -7.76 to 9.76 mm Hg and -0.7 and -5.5 to 4.0 mm Hg, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Reliability of intrabladder pressure measurements obtained with 30 degrees head-of-bed elevation is strong.
Scaling carbon dioxide and water vapour exchange from leaf to canopy in a deciduous forest. II. Model testing and application

The scaling of CO 2 and water vapour transfer from leaf to canopy dimensions was achieved by integrating mechanistic models for physiological (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and soil/root and bole respiration) and micrometeorological (radiative transfer, turbulent transfer and surface energy exchanges) processes. The main objectives of this paper are to describe a canopy photosynthesis and evaporation model for a temperate broadleaf forest and to test it against field measurements. The other goal of this paper is to use the validated model to address some contemporary ecological and physiological questions concerning the transfer of carbon and water between forest canopies and the atmosphere. In particular, we examine the role of simple versus complex radiative transfer models and the effect of environmental (solar radiation and CO 2 ) and ecophysiological (photosynthetic capacity) variables on canopy-scale carbon and water vapour fluxes.
Temporal and Spatial Relationships between within-field Yield variability in Cotton and High-Spatial Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Imagery

The authors gratefully acknowledge the NASA/USDA jointly funded AG20/20 project for funding image acquisitions.
Capitalizing on change: a social history of American business

Capitalizing on change: a social history of American business, by Stanley Buder, Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press, 2009, xi + 541 pp., illus., $45.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-0-8078-3231...
The Roles of Mutation Accumulation and Selection in Loss of Sporulation in Experimental Populations of Bacillus subtilis

Phenotypic loss is an important evolutionary force in nature but the mechanism(s) responsible for loss remains unclear. We used both simulation and multiple-regression approaches to analyze data on the loss of sporulation, a complex bacterial developmental process, during experimental evolution of Bacillus subtilis. Neutral processes of mutational degradation alone were sufficient to explain loss-of-sporulation ability in four of five populations, while evidence that selection facilitated mutational loss was found for only one population. These results are discussed in the context of the evolution of sporulation in particular and phenotypic loss in general.
Quantifying Performance in Fading Channels Using the Sampling Property of a Delta Function

We apply the sampling property of a delta function to obtain the probability of error in fading channels. Our approach reduces the integration to a sampling. The sampling point is obtained in terms of fading parameters and the average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to provide the closed form solution of the performance.
Applying two-pattern tests using scan-mapping

This paper proposes a new technique, called scan-mapping, for applying two-pattern tests in a standard scan design environment. Scan-mapping is performed by shifting the first pattern (V/sub 1/) into the scan path and then using combinational mapping logic to generate the second pattern (V/sub 2/) in the next clock cycle. The mapping logic is placed in the scan path and avoids the performance degradation of using more complex scan elements to apply two-pattern tests. A procedure is described for synthesizing the mapping logic required to apply a set of two-pattern tests. Scan-mapping can be used in deterministic testing to apply two-pattern tests that can't be applied using scan-shifting or functional justification, and it can be used in built-in self-testing (BlST) to improve the fault coverage for delay faults. Experimental results indicate that, for deterministic testing, scan-mapping can reduce area overhead and test time compared with using complex scan elements; and for pseudo-random testing, scan-mapping can significantly improve the fault coverage using only a small amount of mapping logic.
Diagnosis and management of post-traumatic vertigo.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Patients with post-traumatic vertigo can be difficult to treat secondary to the chronicity of their symptoms. Patients can have peripheral, central, and combined vestibular deficits. Furthermore, no comprehensive guidelines exist for returning these patients to work. The objectives of the study were to discuss diagnosis, management techniques, and guidelines for returning these patients to work. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of a tertiary referral neurotology and balance clinic. Methods: Between July 1997 and July 2003, 2390 patients with chief complaints of vertigo and/or dizziness were analyzed. Of these, 16 patients met the requirements for inclusion in the study, including head trauma and/or concussion and residual vertigo. Their inpatient and outpatient charts, imaging studies, audiograms, vestibular tests, and physical therapy evaluations were reviewed. All patients had at least 6 months of follow-up. Results: There were 5 women and 11 men, with an average age of 42 years. Five patients had symptoms consistent with traumatic perilymphatic fistulas, and two patients had symptoms consistent with post-traumatic Meniere's syndrome. Surgical therapy was not beneficial in relieving dysequilibrium. Balance testing results did not predict return-to-work status. Eleven patients were not allowed to return to work in any capacity, two patients were allowed to return to work with limited duties, and three patients were allowed to return to work with no restrictions. Conclusion: Post-traumatic vertigo can result in chronic symptoms. Balance testing did not predict the ability of patients to return to work. Surgical intervention might not control patient symptoms. Many patients were unable to return to work.
Improvement of Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccines

Inactivated influenza virus vaccines (IVVs) are used for prevention of influenza and its complications. Present vaccines are immunogenic, of low reactogenicity, and protective, but protection has varied between 0% and 100%. Increasing the dose of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase antigens with purified proteins significantly increased serum and nasal antibody responses; however, trials with newer adjuvants have not shown increased serum antibody to levels comparable with those in earlier studies using oil emulsion adjuvants. IgA antibody responses in respiratory secretions were enhanced by the respiratory administration of IVVs, but IVVs by the oral route yielded varying results. IVVs appeared less effective for pandemic influenza in 1968 than in 1957. Since IVVs will be the major preventative measure for pandemic influenza in most countries, they need to be improved to provide better protection against pandemic and interpandemic influenza. Increasing the doses of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, using adjuvants or immunomodulators, and administering IVVs by the mucosal route could improve the performance of these vaccines.
Clues to immune tolerance: the monogenic autoimmune syndromes

Autoimmune disease affects a significant proportion of the population. The etiology of most autoimmune diseases is largely unknown, but it is thought to be multifactorial with both environmental and genetic influences. Rare monogenic autoimmune diseases, however, offer an invaluable window into potential disease mechanisms. In this review, we will discuss the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS1), the immunedysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome (IPEX), and autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). Significantly, the information gained from the study of these diseases has provided new insights into more common autoimmune disease and have yielded new diagnostics and therapeutic opportunities.
A model building technique for chemical engineering kinetics

The object of much experimentation is to build or discover a suitable model for a given system. Unfortunately very little work has been published on what constitutes good strategies in these situations. This paper is an attempt to formulate an approach to this important problem of iteratively improving models in the area of chemical engineering kinetics. In this technique a statistical analysis is applied to the estimated parameters of a tentatively entertained theroretical model in such a way as to pinpoint its inadequacies, if they exist, so that it is possible to proceed in a logical manner to an appropriate modification of this model. This modified model is then analyzed in a similar way, and further modifications are suggested. In general the cycle is repeated as often as is necessary to reach an adequate model. This sequential method is illustrated by finding an adequate reaction model for the total catalytic oxidation of methane.
Object detection using high resolution near-field array processing

The authors present an algorithm for the detection and localization of an unknown number of objects buried in a halfspace and present in the near field of a linear receiver array. To overcome the nonplanar nature of the wavefield over the array, the full array is divided into a collection of subarrays such that the scattered fields from objects are locally planar at each subarray. Using the multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm, directions of arrival (DOA) of locally planar waves at each subarray are found. By triangulating these DOAs, a set of crossings, condensed around expected object locations, are obtained. To process this spatial crossing pattern, the authors develop a statistical model for the distribution of these crossings and employ hypotheses testing techniques to identify a collection of small windows likely to contain targets. Finally, the results of the hypothesis tests are used to estimate the number and locations of the targets. Using simulated data, they demonstrate the usefulness and performance of this approach for typical background electrical properties and signal to noise ratios.
Natural resonances of conducting bodies of revolution

The complex plane natural resonances for several perfectly conducting bodies of revolution (sphere, right circular cylinder, prolate spheroid, and circular disk) are calculated using electric, magnetic, and combined field integral equation formulations (EFIE, HFIE, and CFIE, respectively). These results are compared with some recently published values, and numerical discrepancies are noted and discussed. >
Big and Tall Men as Apparel Shoppers: Consumer Characteristics and Shopping Behavior:

This study explores big and tall men as an untapped market. More specifically, the study was designed to segment the big and tall men's apparel market by their clothing involvementand investigate its relationships to consumer characteristics and clothing shopping behavior. The big and tall men (n=172) reflected a wide range of clothing involvement and were classified into three groups: "low, " "medium, " and "high" involved consumers. These three groups were compared on consumer characteristics such as clothing orientations, lifestyle activities, and demographic characteristics and clothing shopping behaviors such as satisfaction with clothing shopping experiences and clothing buying practices. Managerial implications are provided for big and tall manufacturers and retailers.
Exercise 7 – Protein Interaction Analysis in Yeast

Publisher Summary The yeast two-hybrid system is a way to analyze protein–protein interactions in vivo. The system is based on the observation that many eukaryotic transcription factors consist of two separable domains: one domain binds a specific DNA sequence and the other activates transcription. DNA-binding and activation domains from different transcription factors often retain their functions when combined. The two-hybrid system uses the transcription of a reporter gene in yeast to assay the interaction between two proteins, one of which is fused to an activator domain and the other is fused to a DNA-binding domain. If the two proteins in question interact, they will bring together the DNA-binding and the transcription-activation domains, and transcription of the reporter gene will occur. If the two proteins do not interact, transcription of the reporter gene will not occur because although the DNA-binding domain can find its DNA target, it requires the activation domain to stimulate transcription. Two uses of yeast two-hybrid screening are common: it is used to screen for unknown genes encoding proteins that interact with a protein encoded by a known gene, and it is used to determine whether two known proteins interact and to study the molecular aspects of the interaction. This chapter also uses the yeast two-hybrid system to determine whether two Agrobacterium virulence proteins, VirE1 and VirE2, interact.
Methionine enkephalin used in combination with azidothymidine in murine retrovirus infection.

The neuropeptide, methionine enkephalin (Met-ENK), has been demonstrated to have immunomodulatory activity, most notably increasing CD4+ lymphocyte counts.1 Based on this information-Met-ENK has been administered to virus infected mice and humans in an attempt to treat retroviral diseases.2,3 Bihari and coworkers noted that patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), who either have the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS related complex, demonstrated increased CD4+ cell counts.2 However these author’s did not report any long term clinical results for these patients. Specter et al. have reported that BALB/c mice infected with Friend leukemia virus (FLV) or C57BL/6 mice infected with BM5 lymphoproliferative virus complex showed reduced disease progression when treated with a combination of azidothymidine (AZT) and MetENK.3 In this study Met-ENK did not provide any benefit when used alone and AZT was about 50% effective compared to the AZT and Met-ENK combination. The data suggest that AZT and Met-ENK used in combination may be effective for reducing morbidity and mortality of retroviral disease in animal and human infections. It was not clear from the studies cited above whether Met-ENK was providing benefit as an antiviral drug or as an immunostimulatory drug working in combination with an antiviral drug (AZT).
ROMK inwardly rectifying ATP-sensitive K+ channel. II. Cloning and distribution of alternative forms

The rat ROMK gene encodes inwardly rectifying, ATP-regulated K+ channels [K. Ho, C. G. Nichols, W. J. Lederer, J. Lytton, P. M. Vassilev, M. V. Kanazirska, and S. C. Hebert. Nature Lond. 362: 31–38...
Parameter Estimation in Complex Linear Structures

We present a new parameter estimation method which simultaneously computes element constitutive parameters and unmeasured displacements of finite element models from measured static responses. The proposed algorithm is robust in a noisy environment, can deal with incompleteness of measurements, and is amenable to grouping of elements with the same parameters. The unknown parameters are estimated by solving a constrained nonlinear optimization problem. Robustness and reliability of the algorithm with respect to noisy measurements and incomplete measurement are studied through simulation.
Design of a flexible parylene-based multi-electrode array for multi-region recording from the rat hippocampus

The hippocampus is a critical deep brain structure in several aspects. It is directly related to the formation of new long-term declarative memory. The malfunction of the hippocampus closely relates to various disease and pathological conditions. It is also a model structure for the study of cortical function and synaptic plasticity in general because of its special neuro-anatomical structure and intrinsic connections within the hippocampus formation. Both the understanding of roles that the hippocampus plays in recognition memory and the study of neural plasticity require simultaneously recording of neural activities from multiple sub-regions of the hippocampus from behavioral animals. However the distribution of cells in the hippocampus make the recording from multiple sub-regions a big challenge with the traditional uni-length micro-wire arrays. Well-designed electrode arrays are required to reach multiple regions simultaneously because of the distinctive double C shape of the hippocampus cell body layers. In this work, we designed a multi-shanks electrode which uses Parylene C, a highly biocompatible and flexible polymer, as a base and has multiple recording sites specially positioned along the longitudinal axis to fit the curvy shape of the rat hippocampus.
The Effect of the Interface on the Overall Thermal Conductivity of Multi-Phase Composites

Multi-phase particle reinforced heat conducting composites are considered. We treat the case when there is an interfacial thermal barrier between phases. We indicate how the particle size distribution and particle geometry influences the overall properties of the suspension. These results apply immediately to the mathematically analogous case of DC electrical conductivity in the presence of electrical contact resistance between phases.
Women participants in research: assessing progress.

This study reviewed 1,050 articles published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1982 and 1991/92. The NEJM included the fewest female subjects at both assessments (26.6% in 1982 and 36.5% in 1991/92), and one way analysis of variance showed a significantly smaller percentage of women in the NEJM compared to either the AJP or the JCCP (F = (2,1048) = 11.5, p < .001) in 1991/92. The NEJM did increase the percentage of women participants over the decade (t(534) = 3.0, p = .001), but there was no increase in the proportion of its studies including women. Attempts to encourage the inclusion of women in health-related research have been only modestly successful. Medical research, in particular, continues to underrepresent women in its published studies.
Evaluation of a Radiative Energy Attenuation Procedure for Quantitation of Creatinine

A radiative energy attenuation assay (REA) for the measurement of creatinine in serum, plasma, and urine was evaluated. The REA assay is automated; one result can be obtained in three minutes and 20 results in 23 minutes. There is no interference from bilirubin (10 mg/dL [171 μmol/L]), hemoglobin (850 mg/dL [0.53 mmol/L]), lactate (99 mg/dL [11 mmol/L]), pyruvate (0.46 mmol/L), and (β-hydroxybutyrate (0.5 mmol/L). Acetoacetate and cephalothin gave a positive interference. Good correlations were obtained when the creatinine concentrations, measured with the REA assay, were compared with those measured using the SMAC and Astra procedures.
Comparative Predation of the Sugarcane Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Sweet Sorghum and Sugarcane

Arthropod predator composition was the same for sweet sorghum and sugarcane, but the numbers of predators in sugarcane were 4-fold and 16-fold greater than those found in sweet sorghum during 1985 and 1986, respectively. Predator habitat disruption associated with cultivation practices in sweet sorghum and sugarcane is important in this relationship because sugarcane, a ratoon crop, receives minimal cultivation compared with the annual crop of sweet sorghum. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, was the dominant arthropod species found in pitfall traps and canopy samples for both crops. Carabid larvae, cicindelids, and the Araneae were predators with significantly greater populations in sweet sorghum compared with sugarcane based on pitfall trap estimates during both years. Carabid larvae, chrysopids, and Orius spp. also had significantly greater populations in sweet sorghum canopy samples. Reduced damage by the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), resulted in 22.4 and 18.6%greater yield of total sugars in sweet sorghum and sugarcane plots, respectively, without predator suppression during 1986. Survival of Diatraea saccharalis larvae inside stalk tunnels (third instar through prepupa) was significantly greater in sweet sorghum than in sugarcane during 1985. Predators reduced D. saccharalis moth emergence in both crops by ca. 50% in 1986.
DETERMINATION OF THE INTERFACIAL EDDY DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT OF A HIGHLY STRATIFIED ESTUARY

Estuaries may be sequentially classified into highly stratified, moderately mixed and vertically homogeneous. An important difference between moderately stratified or vertically homogeneous estuaries, and highly stratified estuaries (salt wedges) is that, in the former, tidal currents are sufficient to cause turbulent mixing of fresh water and sea water over the full depth of the estuary. In the latter, a distinct interface or interfacial layer exists which separates the two nearly homogeneous layers. The vertical advectlon of salt in this two-layer flow is the dominant process in maintaining the salt balance. This paper presents an analytical model describing this process. Experiments have been conducted in the laboratory to compare with the developed theory. A large number of publications concerning estuarine dynamics are available for moderately mixed and vertically homogeneous estuaries. Relatively little information, however, is available for highly stratified estuaries. In an earlier work Keulegan (1949) defined the critical velocity of the upper layer at which the entrainment of the salt water layer starts. A summary of Keulegan's work may be found in Chappter 11 of the book, "Estuary and Coastline Hydrodynamics" edited by Ippen (1966). Recently Partheniades et. al. (1975) reviewed Schijf-Schonfeld's analytical work and Keulegan's experimental data with regard to the length, shape and shear stresses of a saline wedge. Wang (1975) compared his laboratory measurements of interfacial stresses with Lock's Theory.
High-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements of simple bending of pseudoelastic NiTi shape memory alloy wires

Many technological applications of austenitic shape memory alloys (SMAs) involve cyclical mechanical loading and unloading in order to take advantage of pseudoelasticity. In this paper, we investigated the effect of mechanical bending of pseudoelastic NiTi SMA wires using high-energy synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD). Differential scanning calorimetry was performed to identify the phase transformation temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy images show that micro-cracks in compressive regions of the wire propagate with increasing bend angle, while tensile regions tend not to exhibit crack propagation. SR-XRD patterns were analyzed to study the phase transformation and investigate micromechanical properties. By observing the various diffraction peaks such as the austenite (200) and the martensite ( ), ( ), ( ), and (101) planes, intensities and residual strain values exhibit strong anisotropy, depending upon whether the sample is in compression or tension during bending.
Effect of acute respiratory acidosis on two populations of intercalated cells in rat cortical collecting duct

Recent studies suggest the presence of two populations of intercalated cells in the rabbit cortical collecting duct (CCD), one involved with hydrogen ion secretion and another that may play a role in bicarbonate secretion. The purpose of this study was to determine whether two populations of intercalated cells are present in the rat CCD and to establish their response to acute respiratory acidosis. Rats were studied during normal acid-base conditions and after 4-5 h of respiratory acidosis. In all animals light microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed two configurations of intercalated cells, type A with an extensive apical tubulovesicular membrane compartment and prominent surface microprojections and type B with a well-developed vesicular compartment and short sparse surface microprojections. By transmission electron microscopy, studs were present on the cytoplasmic face of the apical plasmalemma and tubulovesicular profiles of A cells. In respiratory acidosis there was a striking increase in apical microprojections and in the surface density of the apical membrane of type A cells similar to the response observed previously in intercalated cells in the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) studied under the same physiological conditions. No changes were observed in type B cells. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no change in the relative number of type A and type B cells in respiratory acidosis. We conclude that two distinct populations of intercalated cells exist in the rat CCD: type A, which resembles the intercalated cells in the OMCD, and type B. The response of type A cells to acute respiratory acidosis and the similarity between these cells and intercalated cells in the OMCD, which are believed to secrete hydrogen ion, suggest that the type A cells are involved in hydrogen ion secretion in the CCD.
Separated Optical Fields in Double Quantum Transitions

Interactions of atoms and molecules with intense monochromatic laser standing waves can give rise to very narrow Doppler-free two-photon resonances. This new high-resolution spectroscopic method has recently been extensively applied to the study of several atomic and molecular optical transitions[1]. The discovery and accurate measurement of these narrow, frequency-stable resonance lines in the emission and absorption spectra of substances, are significant because advances in this area will not only provide direct clues to the innermost processes of matter, but may also lead to novel applications in many areas of science.
Is complex allometry in field metabolic rates of mammals a statistical artifact

Recent reports indicate that field metabolic rates (FMRs) of mammals conform to a pattern of complex allometry in which the exponent in a simple, two-parameter power equation increases steadily as a dependent function of body mass. The reports were based, however, on indirect analyses performed on logarithmic transformations of the original data. I re-examined values for FMR and body mass for 114 species of mammal by the conventional approach to allometric analysis (to illustrate why the approach is unreliable) and by linear and nonlinear regression on untransformed variables (to illustrate the power and versatility of newer analytical methods). The best of the regression models fitted directly to untransformed observations is a three-parameter power equation with multiplicative, lognormal, heteroscedastic error and an allometric exponent of 0.82. The mean function is a good fit to data in graphical display. The significant intercept in the model may simply have gone undetected in prior analyses because conventional allometry assumes implicitly that the intercept is zero; or the intercept may be a spurious finding resulting from bias introduced by the haphazard sampling that underlies "exploratory" analyses like the one reported here. The aforementioned issues can be resolved only by gathering new data specifically intended to address the question of scaling of FMR with body mass in mammals. However, there is no support for the concept of complex allometry in the relationship between FMR and body size in mammals.
Envy-free Pricing for Collaborative Consumption of Supply in Transportation Systems

Abstract: Consumption of supply in transportation systems has generally always followed a First-Come-First-Served (FCFS) rule. This article proposes new control policies based on the concept of envy-freeness which outperform FCFS in both efficiency and fairness. We call an allocation envy-free when no agent feels any other agent’s allocation to be better than their own, at the current price. Envy-free allocations are thus considered fair. Several new contributions are made: we first present a conceptual theoretical supply-demand framework which formally introduces the new supply paradigm. We propose and simulate a new problem, queue-jumping operations on highways, in which vehicles can skip positions in a queue and compensate the overtaken vehicles with a payment. We present a new concept, dynamic envy-freeness, and provide a new envy ranking criterion, Constant Elasticity of Substitution Envy Intensity (CESEI) that is applied to PEXIC, an exchange-based traffic signal control scheme.
Women’s rights norms as content-in-motion and incomplete practice

The article makes two claims regarding women’s rights and their domestic implementation: First, ongoing international debates have created both agreement and contestation regarding the meaning of w...
Sialadenoma Papilliferum: Analysis of Seven New Cases and Review of the Literature

Sialadenoma papilliferum (SP) is a rare benign salivary gland neoplasm that comprises from 0.4 to 1.2% of all salivary gland tumors. The tumor is so named because of its microscopic resemblance to the syringocystadenoma papilliferum, an uncommon benign tumor of sweat gland origin. The purpose of this paper is to report the clinical and microscopic features of seven new cases of SP and combine them with cases previously reported in the English language literature to further define this unusual lesion. Combining our cases with acceptable cases from the literature, the palate (especially the hard palate) was the most common site, with 80% of the cases occurring in this location. Other locations in decreasing order were buccal mucosa, upper lip, retromolar pad, and parotid gland. Age at diagnosis ranged from 18 to 87 years with a peak in the 6th decade and an average age of 56.4 years. Microscopically, the lesions demonstrated a papillary surface morphology, and the papillary projections varied from long and pointed to short and blunted. The supporting connective tissue contained a variable number of convoluted ductal structures, which often fused with the overlying surface epithelium. The ductal structures exhibited papillary infoldings and were lined by a double layer of epithelium consisting of basal cell layer and a luminal layer of cuboidal-to-columnar ductal cells. Immunohistochemical reactivity with p63 and p40 indicated that the basal cell layer was comprised predominantly of neoplastic myoepithelial cells. The luminal cells were immunoreactive with epithelial membrane antigen characteristic of ductal cell differentiation. Conservative surgical treatment was accomplished in most cases and appears to be adequate treatment as only two recurrences were documented. Several case reports of purported malignant transformation in SP have been reported in the literature, but in our opinion, there is insufficient evidence in the publications to unequivocally determine whether any of the malignancies truly originated within a pre-existing SP.
Neuromodulation and Devices in Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Premise Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe facial pain disorder that has been studied for decades. Classical trigeminal neuralgia (CTN) is either idiopathic or caused by neurovascular compression. The related painful trigeminal neuropathies are often secondary to other causes, such as multiple sclerosis or trauma. Problem Therapies for trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathy have often been pharmacologic or surgical. Pharmacologic therapies are not effective in some cases and often cause side effects, some substantial. Surgery can have comorbidity (such as anesthesia dolorosa, or painful differentiation of the affected nerve distribution) and also is not always effective. There is a desire, as in all chronic conditions, to find effective treatments with minimal morbidity and side effects. Potential solutions We review several devices including neuromodulation, ranging in invasiveness, for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathy. We review existing data on sphenopalatine ganglion blocks, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcortical direct stimulation, deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation for CTN and pain trigeminal neuropathies. We also offer hope for further research in this area with the goal of discovering a device that can provide treatment for many with few side effects and minimal morbidity.
Brand vs generic adverse event reporting patterns: An authorized generic‐controlled evaluation of cardiovascular medications

SummaryWhat is known and objective Some public scepticism exists about generics in terms of whether brand and generic drugs produce identical outcomes. This study explores whether adverse event (AE) reporting patterns are similar between brand and generic drugs, using authorized generics (AGs) as a control for possible generic drug perception biases. Methods Events reported to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System from the years 2004-2015 were analysed. Drugs were classified as brand, AG or generic based on drug and manufacturer names. Reports were included if amlodipine, losartan, metoprolol extended release (ER) or simvastatin were listed as primary or secondary suspect drugs. Disproportionality analyses using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) assessed the relative rate of reporting labelled AEs compared to reporting these AEs with all other drugs. The Breslow-Day test compared RORs across brand, AG and generic. Interrupted time series analysis evaluated the impact of generic entry on reporting trends. Results and discussion Generics accounted for significant percentages of total U.S. reports, but AGs accounted for smaller percentages of reports, including for amlodipine (14.26%), losartan (1.48%), metoprolol ER (0.35%) and simvastatin (0.70%). Whereas the RORs were significantly different for multiple brand vs generic comparisons, the AG vs generic comparisons yielded fewer statistically significant findings. Namely, only the ROR for AG differed from generic for amlodipine with peripheral oedema (P < .01). What is new and conclusion Inconsistent reporting patterns were observed more between brand and generic compared with AG and generic. Use of AGs as a control for perception biases against generics is useful, but this approach can be limited by small AG report numbers. Requiring the manufacturer name to be printed on the prescription bottle or packaging could improve the accuracy of assignment for products being reported.
Surface morphology and beta-phase formation of single polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite nanofibers

This study has developed a reliable model to design and engineer PVDF nanofiber in terms of both morphological and fraction of beta-phase content based on response surface methodology (RSM). The model was further used to assess the effect of each individual electrospinning processing parameter as well as their interdependences on the properties of electrospun PVDF nanofibers. Our experimental results highly agreed with the modeling. The results indicated that both morphological and crystalline properties of PVDF are highly affected by electrospinning process parameters, particularly the fraction of beta-phase content. A beadless PVDF nanofiber with the maximum fraction of the beta phase was achieved through a numerical optimization process.
Effect of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Grading Scheme on Residency Match Rates.

Objective. To examine the effect of advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) grading schemes on residency match rates.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was administered to U.S. pharmacy schools...
Identification of a post-transcriptional regulatory element that responds to glucose in the African trypanosome

The ability to adapt to varying nutrient availability in changing environments is critical for successful parasitism. The lifecycle stages of the African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei, that infect the host mammalian bloodstream utilize glucose exclusively for ATP production. The finding that trypanosomes also inhabit other tissues that frequently contain lower glucose concentrations suggests blood stage parasites may have to respond to a dynamic environment with changing nutrient availability in order to survive. However, little is known about how the parasites coordinate gene expression with nutrient availability. Through transcriptome analysis, we have found blood stage parasites deprived of glucose alter gene expression in a pattern similar to transcriptome changes triggered by other stresses. A surprisingly low concentration of glucose (<10 μM) was required to initiate the response. To further understand the dynamic regulation of gene expression that occurs in response to altered glucose availability in the environment, we have interrogated the 3′UTR of cytochrome c oxidase subunit VI, a known lifecycle stage regulated gene, and have identified a stem-loop structure that confers glucose-responsive regulation at the translational level.
The Girls That Never End: The Infinite Seduction of Tomie and Ring

In this chapter, Dumas explores the trope of the self-replicating shōjo (adolescent girl) in two works of contemporary Japanese horror: Junji Itō’s manga Tomie and Kōji Suzuki’s novel Ring. Drawing on Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of the simulacrum, she examines self-replicating girls in these texts as reflective of the rise of the shōjo as a privileged model of contemporary Japanese selfhood. Dumas concentrates on both the horror and the pleasure of these works, exploring female monstrosity as an articulation of anxieties centered on shifting consumer practices and identity paradigms amid the bubble economy and in the wake of its burst, and as a gesture toward the gratification afforded by emergent technologies of self-representation, social organization, and desire.
Cereal Transformation: Progress and Prospects

Genetic modification of plants by man have been and continue to be central to our development of efficient agriculture. Natural genetic barriers, however, have established limits on manipulations possible to extend genetic rearrangements for enhanced productivity. In order to overcome these natural barriers, genetic engineering of plants has long been a goal of plant breeders and geneticists. The early work was controversial. It will not be reviewed here since recent developments have made the controversy mute. (For historical perpective see 19,20 and references therein.)
Renormalized Numerical Simulation of Flow over Planar and 3D Fractal Trees

We review the fundamentals of a new numerical modeling technique called Renormalized Numerical Simulation (RNS). It is applied to the calculation of drag forces produced by high Reynolds-number turbulent flow over tree-like fractals. The hallmark of RNS in this application is that the drag of the unresolved tree branches is modeled using drag coefficients measured from the resolved branches and unresolved branches (as modeled in previous iterations of the procedure). RNS results are used to study the influence of the tree fractal dimension on the tree drag. The procedure is generalized from trees in which all branches lie in a plane, to the more general case of 3D trees. Results illustrate that RNS enables numerical modeling of physical processes associated with fractal geometries using affordable computational resolution.
Studies on the Dissociation of Eudistylia vancouverii Chlorocruorin

Annelid extracellular Hbs and Chls form one of four groups which may be distinguished on the basis of their quaternary structure (1). These molecules have a characteristic hexagonal bilayer appearance in electron micrographs, a sedimentation coefficient of about 60 S, an acidic isoelectric point and a low iron content of 0.23 ± 0.03% (2-6).
3D Printed composite for simulating thermal and mechanical responses of the cortical bone in orthopaedic surgery.

Abstract Synthetic bones made of polyurethane (PU) foams or glass-fiber reinforced epoxy are often used in surgical training, planning, and tool analysis, but these materials cannot be 3D printed for a patient-specific design. This paper introduces a new type of bone-mimicking material made by the binder jetting technology and a post-strengthening process with epoxy, namely 3D polymer-infiltrated composite (3DPIC). 3DPIC has been previously evaluated by surgeons as a proper alternative to commercial synthetic bones, but no quantitative testing data is available. Therefore, a series of experiments are conducted in this study to verify the use of 3DPIC. The first part of experiments includes the measurement of mechanical properties using the four-point bending and the measurement of thermal properties. The second part of experiments is to test drilling haptic and thermal responses of 3DPIC as compared to the cortical bone. The results show that 3DPIC has a comparable elastic modulus but a lower strength than the cortical bone. 3DPIC can produce realistic drilling force and torque as well as representative temperature change in drilling operations, but the bone debris tends to be more ductile and continuous than that of the cortical bone. Applications and limitations of 3DPIC are discussed based on these results.
The “Reasonably Bright Girls”: Accessing Agency in the Technical Communication Workplace through Interactional Power

ABSTRACTWomen continue to face difficulties in the technical and professional communication (TPC) workplace for a myriad of reasons. However, they are not powerless, and interviews with 39 female practitioners of TPC reveal that they use interactional power to maneuver within and around the system of the traditional workplace to solve problems of devaluation, exclusion, harassment, and siloing. A key aspect of being able to navigate power through interaction is becoming aware of the context in which power struggles take place and then using that knowledge to design new participation. Women who claim agency in the workplace understand that power is not possessed, but that they can access resources to participate in power shifts and dynamics.
4.35 Evidence of Similar Offenses in Sexual Assault and Child Molestation Cases

This article addresses the admissibility of evidence of prior similar offenses in sexual assault and child molestation cases under FRE 413 and 414. It discusses the purposes for which such evidence may be offered, the balancing required under FRE 403, and the roles of judge and jury.
Predictors of Cost and Incidence of 30-Day Readmissions Following Hospitalizations for Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders: A Nationwide Analysis.

Background Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders (SPDs)-related hospitalizations are the second leading cause of 30-day readmission. This study assessed the effect of patient and hospital-level factors on readmission costs following index hospital discharges for SPDs. Methods 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify SPD-related discharges between January 1, 2014, and November 30, 2014. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate patient and hospital-level predictors for readmissions. A two part model was used to estimate the predictors of readmission and associated cost for index hospital discharges with SPDs. Results A total of 77 625 of 343 579 (22%) index hospital discharges for SPDs resulted in readmissions. The average index and readmission costs were $9285 and $8593, respectively. Being 25 to 44 years old (odds ratio: 1.14), with nonmental comorbidities (odds ratio: 1.52), and admitted in private hospitals (odds ratio: 1.24) had significantly higher odds of readmission rates. Being males ($105), 25 to 44 years of age ($99), urban residents ($312), Medicare enrollees ($713 over privately insured), high-income area residents ($393), having multiple comorbidities ($923), and those admitted in large metropolitan ($680) and government-owned hospitals ($417) had higher costs of readmission. Conclusion The high SPD-related readmission rates can be reduced by providing integrated behavioral health services for this high-risk cohort.