cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Morphology of the Immature Stages of Three Corn-Infesting Ulidiidae (Diptera)

Several species of Ulidiidae (Diptera) are primary pests of maize (Zea mays L.). The ability to distinguish their immature stages would be useful for biological studies where their distributions overlap. Morphology of the immature stages was examined for three Ulidiidae that attack maize in the southeastern United States: Chaetopsis massyla (Walker), Euxesta eluta Loew, and Euxesta stigmatias Loew. Egg, larval, and pupal characters were measured and described with the aid of light and scanning electron microscopy. Because of considerable overlap in character states, only a few traits in each stage could be used to separate these three species. C. massyla eggs had pores restricted to the posterior end, but the pores were evenly distributed in the two Euxesta species. Eggs of the two Euxesta species could not be differentiated. Larval mouth hooks of C. massyla had a distinct tooth on their ventral surface, whereas this tooth was lacking in E. eluta and E. stigmatias. Fewer oral ridges were observed on C. massyla larvae than on E. eluta or E. stigmatias. Posterior spiracular slits were apparent in E. stigmatias versus obscure in E. eluta larvae. The length and spinule arrangements on creeping welts could be used to separate E. eluta and E. stigmatias larvae. Posterior spiracular plates of C. massyla puparia were trapezoidal versus ovoid in the two Euxesta species. Puparium color varied significantly among the three species.
Looking Ahead to Engineering Epimorphic Regeneration of a Human Digit or Limb

Approximately 2 million people have had limb amputations in the United States due to disease or injury, with more than 185,000 new amputations every year. The ability to promote epimorphic regeneration, or the regrowth of a biologically based digit or limb, would radically change the prognosis for amputees. This ambitious goal includes the regrowth of a large number of tissues that need to be properly assembled and patterned to create a fully functional structure. We have yet to even identify, let alone address, all the obstacles along the extended progression that limit epimorphic regeneration in humans. This review aims to present introductory fundamentals in epimorphic regeneration to facilitate design and conduct of research from a tissue engineering and regenerative medicine perspective. We describe the clinical scenario of human digit healing, featuring published reports of regenerative potential. We then broadly delineate the processes of epimorphic regeneration in nonmammalian systems and describe a few mammalian regeneration models. We give particular focus to the murine digit tip, which allows for comparative studies of regeneration-competent and regeneration-incompetent outcomes in the same animal. Finally, we describe a few forward-thinking opportunities for promoting epimorphic regeneration in humans.
αET: Alpha Emission Tomography

Current techniques available for imaging of alpha particles, such as alpha autoradiography, are only able to produce planar (2D) images of 3D tissue samples containing radioactive substances. We introduce a new imaging technique, which we call Alpha Emission Tomography (αET), for the reconstruction of the volumetric (3D) distribution of radiotracers that emits alpha particles. Our imaging system is able to measure position and energy of each detected alpha particle. The list of measured positions and energies is fed to an iterative algorithm for 3D reconstruction. We predict that αET will become a valuable imaging technique for molecular biology.
Hybrid phase ligation for efficient synthesis of histone proteins

We introduce a hybrid solid-solution phase ligation approach that combines the efficiency of solid phase ligation with solution phase ligation in the total synthesis of modified histone proteins. A two linker strategy allows analysis throughout work on the solid phase and maximizes yields through cleavage at an external Rink, while an internal HMBA linker allows the native carboxyl terminus for any protein sequence. We demonstrate this approach for two histone proteins: triple-acetylated H4-K5ac, K12ac, K91ac and CENP-A-K124ac.
Calmodulin and Fibroblast Growth Factor Homologous Factor Co-Regulation of the NaV1.5 Channel in LQT3 Mutations

Long QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3) results from mutations in the cardiac sodium channel NaV1.5 that increase the “late” Na+ current. Previous studies implicated the NaV1.5 auxiliary subunit apocalmodulin (apoCaM), a Ca2+ binding protein that interacts with the channel's cytosolic C-terminal domain (CTD), in the regulation of late Na+ current since a mutant channel unable to bind apoCaM displayed increased late current. Recent structural studies defined the precise apoCaM interaction sites on the CTD, which also binds a fibroblast growth factor homologous factor (FHF). How CaM influences the late Na+ current and whether the nearby FHF also regulates late current is unknown. Here, we queried the roles of both channel auxiliary subunits with biochemical and functional approaches by examining LQT3 mutations within the CTD.We found that: 1) FHF and CaM interaction with the NaV1.5 CTD is cooperative; 2) The LQT3 mutations E1901Q, Q1909R, and R1913H lower the affinity of the CTD for CaM; and 3) When expressed in HEK293 cells, all three mutant NaV1.5 channels had increased late Na+ current. We hypothesized that increased late current results from decreased affinity for CaM and/or the FHF, which we tested by re-measuring late current after overexpressing either CaM or FGF13, an FHF expressed in heart. Our rationale was that CaM overexpression would, by mass action, restore CaM binding to the mutant or that FHF expression, via its cooperative influence on CaM binding, would increase the mutant channel's affinity for CaM. Indeed, for all three mutants over-expression of an FHF or CaM decreased late current. Thus, we propose that CaM and an FHF co-operate to regulate NaV1.5 late Na+ current and that LQT3 mutations perturbing interaction of CaM or the FHF will enhance pathologic late Na+ current.
Persuading the Blue-Collar Voter: Issues, Images, and Homophily

(1984). Persuading the Blue-Collar Voter: Issues, Images, and Homophily. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 8, Communication Yearbook 8, pp. 707-723.
Absolute calibration of neutron detectors on the C-2U advanced beam-driven FRC

In the C-2U fusion energy experiment, high power neutral beam injection creates a large fast ion population that sustains a field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma. The diagnosis of the fast ion pressure in these high-performance plasmas is therefore critical, and the measurement of the flux of neutrons from the deuterium-deuterium (D-D) fusion reaction is well suited to the task. Here we describe the absolute, in situ calibration of scintillation neutron detectors via two independent methods: firing deuterium beams into a high density gas target and calibration with a 2 × 107 n/s AmBe source. The practical issues of each method are discussed and the resulting calibration factors are shown to be in good agreement. Finally, the calibration factor is applied to C-2U experimental data where the measured neutron rate is found to exceed the classical expectation.
Brief Amici Curiae of Gail Heriot and Peter Kirsanow in Support of Petitioners in Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs V. Inclusive Communities Project, Inc.

This brief discusses the history of disparate impact liability at the EEOC and the EEOC's policy toward criminal background checks. It argues that the Fair Housing Act should not be construed to permit disparate impact liability.
Abstract B01: Designing a feasible breast cancer genetics research study: Lessons learned

Background: The current trend toward personalized medicine in cancer care relies heavily on cancer genetics research (CGR). However, members of diverse populations are significantly less likely than others to participate in CGR. Therefore, CGR results lack generalizability to these groups. This study tests strategies to recruit European American (EA) and African American (AA) women of varied income levels who are at risk of developing breast cancer (BC) to CGR. Design: Recruitment began in January 2015 and ended in May 2015. Study flyers are strategically placed in the BC screening clinics at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Interested patients call the study coordinator for eligibility screening. To supplement low accrual rates using this method, in June 2015, the investigators began using the EPIC electronic health record to identify BC-screened patients who potentially met study eligibility criteria. EPIC-identified patients are randomly selected in groups of 50 and are sent a letter describing the study; if interested, they then call the study coordinator for eligibility screening. Results: The original recruitment strategy resulted in 11 participants (7 AA, 4 EA) while 21 participants (10 AA, 11 EA) were recruited using the EPIC approach. Discussion: The EPIC recruitment strategy resulted in a higher number of recruited participants than the study flyer strategy. Identifying effective approaches to recruit diverse populations to CGR is critically important. Study results show that using a targeted recruitment approach such as the pre-screening approach in the EPIC strategy can bolster participation of diverse populations in CGR. Citation Format: Colleen Bauza, Marvella E. Fordxs. Designing a feasible breast cancer genetics research study: Lessons learned. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B01.
Coexistence of Superconductivity and Magnetism

The subject of this series of lectures is the interaction between superconductivity and magnetism. This includes a question that has intrigued both experimentalists and theoreticians alike, namely, can superconductivity and magnetic order occur within the same volume element in a substance and, if so, under what conditions. In recent years, it has been found that these two phenomena do coexist in certain ternary rare earth compounds, as will be discussed later in some detail.
Preoperative Cosmetic Consultation and Psychological Complications of Cosmetic Surgery

Evaluating the psychosocial status of a patient is a crucial component of every medical specialty. However, dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons undoubtedly encounter patients with certain psychological disorders at a much higher frequency than many of their colleagues. At its most superficial level, the underlying goal of any cosmetic surgery procedure is to provide some sort of psychological benefit to the patient from the completion of the procedure.1 More specifically, the surgeon should be able to lead the patient to greater emotional health.1 Because of this inextricably intertwined relationship of cosmetic surgery and psychology, the psychosocial health of every cosmetic surgery patient must be thoroughly evaluated in order to ensure that no serious underlying psychological disorders exist that would preclude a specific patient from an aesthetic procedure. As such, any doctor performing cosmetic procedures should have a working knowledge of the presentation, etiology, and treatment options for many of the common diseases that may be encountered. With this knowledge the cosmetic surgeon will also be able to aid in the identification of patients in need of counseling or psychiatric treatment and avoid performing surgeries that would otherwise be contraindicated due to the presence of these various mental conditions.
The Sliding-Rolling Granular Material Model and Its Integration

The stress–strain behavior of cohesive soil such as clay and that of cohesionless soil or granular materials such as sand share many common characteristics (e.g. pressure-dependency, critical state failure, and shear-induced dilation). However, some aspects of the stress–strain behavior of granular materials are very different from those of cohesive soils. For example, during an undrained (constant-volume) loading, granular materials may experience liquefaction (loss of effective mean normal pressure and/or loss of stiffness and strength), whereas cohesive soils do not. For this reason, a proper mathematical representation of the stress–strain behavior of granular materials requires a specific constitutive law. For instance, the Cam-clay model described in Chap. 12 is not suitable for granular materials. While the Drucker–Prager model may be used to represent some aspects (e.g. pressure-dependency), it is incapable of representing the others (e.g. density-dependent strain softening or liquefaction-induced softening).
Sediment pulses and extreme events: Assessing the effect of storm characteristics on propagation dynamics

The objective of this research is to assess the effect that extreme hydrologic events have on the propagation of sediment pulses in river corridors. These sediment-flow hazards are associated with large amounts of loose material suddenly deposited in rivers by the action of external factors or processes of natural or anthropogenic origin, including landslides, debris flows from tributaries, dam removal projects, and mining-related activities. Their occurrence is associated with severe channel aggradation and degradation, floodplain deposition, damage of infrastructure, and impairment of riparian and aquatic ecosystems. Given that the intensity of rainfall events have been significantly enhanced due to the influence of various human activities, sediment pulses are expected to become more common, with a more pronounced downstream impact as such climatic changes directly affect the magnitude, duration, and frequency of flows in riverine environments. Herein, numerical simulations were performed to characterize the propagation of a fine-grained sediment pulse for the 10-, 100-, and 500-yr storms. Results indicate that magnitude, frequency, and duration of the storms primarily influence the temporal variation of the total sediment discharge. In particular, these storm characteristics have a marked impact on the relationship between pre- and post-pulse conditions in the river channel, the dissipation of the pulse peak discharge, and the travel time of the pulse apex.
Guest editorial comments

Over the past decade, CS education has increasingly been recognized as an academic subject with a place in the school curriculum. Multiple nations and some states in the U.S. have adopted learning ...
Laparoscopic-Assisted Intra-Abdominal Section of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve for Meralgia Paresthetica Following Anterior Hip Arthroplasty.

Background Meralgia paresthetica, a pain syndrome that is caused by injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, is a well-documented complication after anterior hip arthroplasty (THA). Traditional treatment of this peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome can be complicated in patients who have had THA via an anterior approach owing to the presence of scar in the postoperative bed. Case Description In a 70-year-old man, we performed a novel laparoscopic-assisted intra-abdominal approach to treat meralgia paresthetica in the setting of previous anterior THA. Conclusions Minimally invasive intra-abdominal treatment of meralgia paresthetica following anterior THA results in durable pain relief. This approach is a helpful alternative to traditional techniques of decompression or section of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve below the inguinal ligament.
Abstract LB-066: BiTE-armored CARs overcome antigen escape in EGFRvIII-targeted therapy for glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating disease with an extremely poor prognosis. Immune therapy with T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), represents a promising alternative to conventional therapy, but responses have been limited to date due to heterogeneous target antigen expression and the emergence of immune escape following treatment with CAR T cells directed at a single target. This was observed in clinical studies with CART-EGFRvIII, wherein EGFRvIII-targeted T cells successfully localized to the brain tumor microenvironment, but ultimately failed to prevent disease progression—with post-treatment specimens demonstrating high levels of wild-type EGFR despite reduced expression of EGFRvIII. To help address this therapeutic barrier, we developed a novel CAR construct engineered for local delivery of bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) that target residual tumor. Specifically, EGFRvIII-targeted CAR T cells were engineered to secrete BiTEs against wild-type EGFR, which is not expressed in normal brain but frequently amplified in GBM, recurrent disease and other cancers. Our results demonstrate that human T cells are efficiently transduced with the dual CART.BiTE transgene, and that modified cells successfully secrete biologically active EGFR-specific BiTEs that not only redirect CAR T cells but also recruit and activate untransduced bystander T cells against wild-type EGFR. Recapitulating clinical data, EGFRvIII CAR T cells were unable to completely treat tumors with heterogenous EGFRvIII expression, leading to outgrowth of EGFRvIII-negative, EGFR-positive recurrence. Conversely, CART.BiTE cells mediated potent antitumor efficacy in the setting of heterogeneous tumors and EGFRvIII antigen loss. In these models, infusion of CART.BiTE cells yielded extended survival and cured mice with even late-stage, established intracerebral tumors, including those derived from glioma cell lines and patient-derived glioma neurosphere cultures. Unlike CAR T cells directly targeting EGFR, which caused on-target toxicity against human skin grafts in vivo, secreted BiTE-EGFR was locally effective at exceedingly low concentrations that did not mediate immune responses against healthy human tissue. These results demonstrate that CARs and BiTEs can be combined strategically to mitigate the impact of antigen heterogeneity in GBM, and also provide a unique T-cell-based delivery method for BiTEs to tumors in the brain. Citation Format: Bryan D. Choi, Xiaoling Yu, Ana P. Castano, Amanda A. Bouffard, William T. Curry, Bob S. Carter, Marcela V. Maus. BiTE-armored CARs overcome antigen escape in EGFRvIII-targeted therapy for glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-066.
Then and Now: Summary and Implications

Throughout this book, we seek to answer a number of related questions: What are the rates of loss from STEM majors, which students leave, why, when, and how do they leave, and with what consequences, where do they go, and what enables those who stay to persist? In answering these questions, we also discuss what has, and has not, changed since the original study, both in the extent of persistence, loss, and relocation from undergraduate STEM majors, and in what contributes to these patterns. We also comment on what we might have previously overlooked, and what new issues have emerged in the socio-economic context in which higher education now operates. In this final chapter, we summarize our answers to these questions and discuss their implications.
Noncationic Material Design for Nucleic Acid Delivery

Nucleic acid delivery provides effective options to control intracellular gene expression and protein production. Efficient delivery of nucleic acid typically requires delivery vehicles to facilitate the entry of nucleic acid into cells. Among non-viral delivery vehicles, cationic materials are favored because of their high loading capacity of nucleic acids and prominent cellular uptake efficiency through electrostatic interaction. However, cationic moieties at high dosage tend to induce severe cytotoxicity due to the interference on cell membrane integrity. In contrast, non-cationic materials present alternative delivery approaches with less safety concerns than cationic materials. In this Progress Report, principles of non-cationic material design for nucleic acid delivery are discussed. Examples of such non-cationic platforms are highlighted, including complexation or conjugation with nucleic acids and self-assembled nucleic acid structures.
Multi-method process maps: An interdisciplinary approach to investigate ad hoc modifications in protocol-driven interventions.

Introduction: Implementation scientists increasingly recognize that the process of implementation is dynamic, leading to ad hoc modifications that may challenge fidelity in protocol-driven interventions. However, limited attention to ad hoc modifications impairs investigators’ ability to develop evidence-based hypotheses about how such modifications may impact intervention effectiveness and cost. We propose a multi-method process map methodology to facilitate the systematic data collection necessary to characterize ad hoc modifications that may impact primary intervention outcomes. Methods: We employ process maps (drawn from systems science), as well as focus groups and semi-structured interviews (drawn from social sciences) to investigate ad hoc modifications. Focus groups are conducted with the protocol’s developers and/or planners (the implementation team) to characterize the protocol “as envisioned,” while interviews conducted with frontline administrators characterize the process “as realized in practice.” Process maps with both samples are used to identify when modifications occurred across a protocol-driven intervention. A case study investigating a multistage screening protocol for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is presented to illustrate application and utility of the multi-method process maps. Results: In this case study, frontline administrators reported ad hoc modifications that potentially influenced the primary study outcome (e.g., time to ASD diagnosis). Ad hoc modifications occurred to accommodate (1) whether providers and/or parents were concerned about ASD, (2) perceptions of parental readiness to discuss ASD, and (3) perceptions of family service delivery needs and priorities. Conclusion: Investigation of ad hoc modifications on primary outcomes offers new opportunities to develop empirically based adaptive interventions. Routine reporting standards are critical to provide full transparency when studying ad hoc modifications.
Kidney transplantation and donation in the transgender population: A single-institution case series.

The medical needs of the transgender population are increasingly recognized within the US health care system. Hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery present distinct anatomic, hormonal, infectious, and psychosocial issues among transgender kidney transplant donors and recipients. We present the first reported experience with kidney transplantation and donation in transgender patients. A single-center case series (January 2014-December 2018) comprising 4 transgender kidney transplant recipients and 2 transgender living donors was constructed and analyzed. Experts in transplant surgery, transplant psychiatry, transplant infectious disease, pharmacy, and endocrinology were consulted to discuss aspects of care for these patients. Four transgender patients identified as male-to-female and 2 as female-to-male. Three of 6 had gender-affirming surgeries prior to transplant surgery, 1 of whom had further procedures posttransplant. Additionally, 4 patients were on hormone therapy. All 6 had psychiatric comorbidities. The 4 grafts have done well, with an average serum creatinine of 1.45 mg/dL at 2 years (range 1.01-1.85 mg/dL). However, patients encountered various postoperative complications, 1 of which was attributable to modified anatomy. Thus, transgender kidney transplant patients can present novel challenges in regard to surgical considerations as well as pre- and posttransplant care. Dedicated expertise is needed to optimize outcomes for this population.
Adaptive Infrastructure To Mitigate Future Climate Risk: Building Upon Our Geotechnical Engineering Heritage

It’s time to recognize that past extreme events may no longer serve as reliable proxies for the future. Current infrastructure design concepts rely on historical events, assuming temporal stationarity (i.e., statistics of past extremes do not change significantly over time). However, global warming and land use change have increased the risk of extreme events, including floods, ocean water levels, drought, extreme precipitation, and the associated damage to critical infrastructure, such as dams, highways, and storm water and sewer systems. Experts have observed an increasing trend in severity and frequency of extreme events, which introduces a new level of uncertainty that should be included when planning, designing, and operating infrastructure systems.
MagicHand: Context-Aware Dexterous Grasping Using an Anthropomorphic Robotic Hand

Understanding of characteristics of objects such as fragility, rigidity, texture and dimensions facilitates and innovates robotic grasping. In this paper, we propose a context- aware anthropomorphic robotic hand (MagicHand) grasping system which is able to gather various information about its target object and generate grasping strategies based on the perceived information. In this work, NIR spectra of target objects are perceived to recognize materials on a molecular level and RGB-D images are collected to estimate dimensions of the objects. We selected six most used grasping poses and our system is able to decide the most suitable grasp strategies based on the characteristics of an object. Through multiple experiments, the performance of the MagicHand system is demonstrated.
Preparing the Public Health Workforce for the Post-COVID-19 Era.

The authors use data collected by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health to document students' occupational choices after graduating from public health programs between 2015 and 2018 [ ]the Plepys et al article is striking in reinforcing that it is a minority of public health graduates who are working in what we may consider the traditional public health sector, that is, governmental work that aspires to promote public health goals [ ]that fully a quarter of public health graduates are working in the private sector is an important evolution and one that we suspect will only grow in coming decades Relatively few of those in prominent or leadership positions in public health today have had substantial experience in the private sector;this is clearly changing and will change further if, as expected, more private sector actors recognize the need to embed public health as a core part of their operations
Retrospective assessment of the association between noise exposure and nonfatal and fatal injury rates among miners in the United States from 1983 to 2014.

BACKGROUND Mining is a significant economic force in the United States but has historically had among the highest nonfatal injury rates across all industries. Several factors, including workplace hazards and psychosocial stressors, may increase injury and fatality risk. Mining is one of the noisiest industries; however, the association between injury risk and noise exposure has not been evaluated in this industry. In this ecological study, we assessed the association between noise exposure and nonfatal and fatal occupational injury rates among miners. METHODS Federal US mining accident, injury, and illness data sets from 1983 to 2014 were combined with federal quarterly mining employment and production reports to quantify annual industry rates of nonfatal injuries and fatalities. An existing job-exposure matrix for occupational noise was used to estimate annual industry time-weighted average (TWA, dBA) exposures. Negative binomial models were used to assess relationships between noise, hearing conservation program (HCP) regulation changes in 2000, year, and mine type with incidence rates of injuries and fatalities. RESULTS Noise, HCP regulation changes, and mine type were each independently associated with nonfatal injuries and fatalities. In multivariate analysis, each doubling (5 dB increase) of TWA was associated with 1.08 (95% confidence interval: 1.05, 1.11) and 1.48 (1.23, 1.78) times higher rate of nonfatal injuries and fatalities, respectively. HCP regulation changes were associated with 0.61 (0.54, 0.70) and 0.49 (0.34, 0.71) times lower nonfatal injury and fatality rates, respectively. CONCLUSION Noise may be a significant independent risk factor for injuries and fatalities in mining.
Hospitalist Co-management of a Vascular Surgery Service Improves Quality Outcomes and Reduces Cost.

Abstract Introduction : Hospitalists can be instrumental in management of inpatients with multiple comorbidities requiring complex medical care such as vascular surgery patients, as well as an expertise in health care delivery. We instituted a unique hospitalist co-management program and assessed length of stay, 30-day readmission rates and mortality, and performed an overall cost-analysis. Methods : Hospitalist co-management of vascular surgery inpatients was implemented beginning April 2019, and data was studied until March 2020. We compared this data to an eight-month period prior to implementing co-management (7/2018 – 3/2019). Patient-related outcomes that were assessed include length of stay, re-admission index, mortality index, case-mix index. Cost-analysis was performed to look at indirect and direct cost of care. Results : A total of 1,062 patients were included in the study 520 pre co-management and 542 patients were post-comanagement. Baseline case-mix index was 2.47, and post-comanagement was 2.46 (p>0.05). In terms of average length of stay (aLOS), the baseline aLOS was 5.16 days per patient, while after co-management it was significantly decreased by 1.25 days to 3.91 days (p Conclusions : Hospitalist co-management improves outcomes for vascular surgery inpatients, decreases length of stay, re-admission and mortality while providing a significant cost-savings. The overall average variable direct cost decreased by $1,732 per patient. Conclusion : Hospitalist co-management improves outcomes for vascular surgery inpatients, decreases length of stay, re-admission and mortality while providing a significant cost-savings.
Types, production and assessment of biobased food packaging materials

Publisher Summary Food packaging was created to facilitate trade and transportation of commodities over long distances. These commodities include both perishable as well as non-perishable foods. The packaging industry has transformed into a highly sophisticated and intelligent service industry, particularly for perishable foods. Extrusion, baking, thermoforming, casting, blow molding, injection molding, lamination, calendaring, and coating are some of the major plastic processing methods that are currently utilized by the plastic industry in producing food packaging. Biochemical and engineering tools are being used to improve and optimize the properties of biopolymers. Approaches include: chemical cross-linking, chemical grafting, chemical substitutions/derivatizations, biocatalysis, plasticization, novel processing, blending and compatibilization with other polymers and additives. Research efforts on the use of starch-, Polylactic acid (PLA) and PHBV-based blends and hybrid composites for food packaging applications will be reviewed in the subsequent sections along with the future outlook for these materials. Life cycle assessment (LCA) documents the environmental profile over the life of the product, also known as ‘cradle to grave' analyses of the environmental impact or the product's ‘environmental footprint'. This information helps to evaluate the product's overall sustainability and the entire environmental economy.
Abstract 12993: The Association of Resting Heart Rate and Incident Hypertension: The Henry Ford HospITal Exercise Testing (FIT) Project

OBJECTIVE: While high resting heart rate (RHR) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), the mechanism is unclear. Given that sympathetic tone is associated with prevalent hypertension (HTN), we sought to determine whether RHR, as a surrogate for cardiac autonomic function, was associated with incident HTN. METHODS: We analyzed 22,187 individuals without a history of HTN who underwent a clinically indicated exercise stress test between January 1991 and May 2009. Baseline RHR was categorized as 85 beats-per-minute (bpm). Seated RHR was assessed before each stress test. Incident HTN was defined by coding for new onset HTN on claims files on three or more subsequent encounters. Adjusted Cox models were used to study the association of RHR and incident HTN. We tested for effect modification by age and gender. RESULTS: Mean age was 49 years (SD 12), 55% were men and 21% were black. 90% of patients achieved ≤ 85% of predicted maximal HR during the stress test. Compared to the lowest RHR ( 85 bpm) were more likely to be younger, female, heavier, non-smokers, diabetic, and have a family history of CVD (p 85 bpm was independently associated with risk for incident HTN after adjustment for demographics, cardiac risk factors and peak METS [Hazard ratios= 1.22 (95% CI 1.12-1.32), compared to RHR <70 (TABLE)]. Age, but not gender, was an effect-modifier (p for interaction 0.008). In age stratified analyses the relationship remained significant only in <60 year olds (TABLE). CONCLUSION: Elevated RHR is an independent risk factor for incident HTN, particularly in persons < 60 years. Whether lifestyle modification or other strategies to reduce RHR can prevent incident HTN in individuals at risk for HTN warrants further study. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
A Chess-Playing Program

Computer chess programs have long been a testing ground for developing search techniques. Chess programs use some form of lookahead (prediction of future moves) search combined with static evaluation (judging the relative worth of a chess position without lookahead, that is by counting material worth of both black and white pieces and comparing the relative mobility of those pieces). We will develop a chess playing program in this chapter which relies mostly on static evaluation using heuristic chess knowledge. The program will usually give the impression of strong positional play although it plays a poor tactical game. The advantages of this heuristic approach (as compared to brute force search) are: faster execution in a LISP environment, easier to add and test new chess heuristics, and a simpler program. The static evaluation function, in calculating which pieces are subject to capture, effectively performs a two-ply (that is, half moves, by either the white or black pieces) lookahead search.
Modeling and circulating current control of MMC

Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) offer several advantages over common three level inverters. For example, MMCs have lower switching frequency and lower dv=dt due to their multilevel output. For this reason, MMCs are typically used in High Voltage DC (HVDC) applications. In this paper, different approaches for (real time) simulation of MMC based systems are presented. A Thevenin based approach with a constant admittance matrix is proposed to lower the complexity and computation time. In addition, a circulating current suppression controller is formulated based on time domain analysis and validated through simulations.
Bone histology at autopsy and matched bone scintigraphy findings in patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer: The effect of bisphosphonate therapy on bone scintigraphy results

Bisphosphonates (BisP) are non-metabolized compounds with high bone affinity used in bone metastasis diagnosis and treatment. Currently, BisP are used to treat hypercalcemia of malignancy as well as to prevent, minimize, or delay skeletal morbidity. These compounds have a long half-life in bone. Thus long-term BisP treatment might saturate bone and interfere with a single-dose scanning agent used for bone scintigraphy when visualizing bone metastases. In an effort to answer this question, this study evaluated the concordance of histology and Technetium99 methylene diophosphonate (Tc99 MDP) bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of bone metastases in prostate cancer patients. We assessed the concordance of findings between bone scintigraphy and histology using 188 bone biopsies from 11 autopsied patients who died with metastatic prostate cancer, 5 of whom were treated with pamidronate for 2 to 13 months before death. Overall agreement between histology and bone scintigraphy was 84%, 86% in non-pamidronate-treated patients and 82% in pamidronate-treated patients. Scintigraphic bone metastases without histological metastasis (false negatives = 12.7%) were observed in 24 anatomic locations; half of these were in one patient who had been treated with pamidronate and had no histological bone response to the carcinoma. There were only 4 sites where a positive bone scan was not associated with histologic metastasis (false positives = 2.21%). There was no statistical difference between the treated and non-treated group for concordance, specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values of bone scintigraphy and prevalence of histological abnormality. Long-term pamidronate treatment of prostate cancer bone metastases does not generally affect the ability to detect bone metastases with Tc99 MDP bone scintigraphy.
Bounds for GL(3)×GL(2) L -functions and GL(3) L -functions

In this paper, we will give the subconvexity bounds for self-dual GL(3) L-functions in the t aspect as well as subconvexity bounds for self-dual GL(3) GL(2) L-functions in the GL(2) spectral aspect.
TRYPSIN-TREATED NEUROSPORA TRYPTOPHAN SYNTHETASE. I. ENZYMIC PROPERTIES.

Tryptic digests of highly purified native Neurospora crassa TSase‡ have been examined for retention of enzymic properties, number of bonds hydrolyzed, and fractionation properties of surviving activities. The kinetics of tryptic inactiva-tion of three reactions catalyzed by TSase were examined. Both reaction 1, the conversion of indole-3-glycerolphosphate plus L -serine to L -tryptophan plus D -glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, and also reaction 2, the conversion of indole plus L -serine to L -tryptophan, decline exponentially over approximately a 100-fold range. Although reaction 3 has been regarded as the reversible splitting of indole-3-glycerol phosphate to indole plus D -glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, the rates of tryptic inactivation for the forward (F) and reverse (R) reactions differ markedly from each other. Furthermore, both reaction 3F and 3R are more stable to tryptic treatment than reactions 1 and 2. Further analysis of reactions 3F and 3R confirms that the activities assayed are associated with tryptophan synthetase, but indicates that the formulation for this reaction is inadequate. A comparison of the kinetics of inactivation of reactions 1 and 2 and the loss of L -serine-pyridoxal phosphate stimulation of reaction 3R suggests that the hydrolysis of a single, critical peptide bond alters the ability of the enzyme to bind the two compounds. Titrimetric determinations of peptide bond hydrolysis show the alterations of the properties of TSase to be associated with the splitting of less than 5% of the total lysine and arginine peptide bonds. Sephadex fractionation and electrophoresis on acrylamide gel indicate that the surviving enzymic properties of TSase are associated with a molecule of nearly the size of the native enzyme, but with a different electrophoretic mobility.
Perspectives On The LEED (Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design) System As A Green Certification Standard

As we begin to reach the limits of Earths biosphere, ensuring that sustainable practices are integrating into new buildings and into older buildings are crucial to remove unsustainable strains on the environment. This paper seeks to examine the merits and disadvantages of LEED as a certification system in the context of environmental sustainability. While there does seem to be legitimate criticism of the LEED system, it does serve to bring and legitimize sustainable development to an area that has a profound and continual effect on the environment. The systems should be continuously examined and revamped in the context of improving the integration of environmental sustainability into commercial and residential development. LEED has the opportunity to be revamped, improved, and to become a powerful force in promoting environmental sustainability in construction.
Is Art to Draw, to Paint, to Sculpt…?: Helping Students Respond to the Concept of Art

(1992). Is Art to Draw, to Paint, to Sculpt…?: Helping Students Respond to the Concept of Art. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 65, No. 6, pp. 367-370.
Adding Insult to Injury: Opportunities for Fraud in the Katrina-Related Government Contracts Under the False Claims Act

After making its landfall in Louisiana on August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina would become the costliest hurricane to ever hit the United States. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and United States Army Corps of Engineers awarded over $11 billion worth of government contracts for Katrina-related work. This comment explores the possible opportunities for fraud in these contracts and whether such fraud would be subject to prosecution under the civil False Claims Act, the primary federal statute used to prosecute fraudulent government contractors.
High Order Boundary Integral Methods for Viscous Free Surface Flows

This paper describes the use of high order boundary integral techniques for viscous free surface flows. Two approaches are discussed. The first is a coordinate based algorithm using spherical coordinates with up to 4th order representation. The second approach is based on a spectral element formulation allowing arbitrary order approximation with orthogonal polynomials in mapped coordinates.
THE EMERGING ROLE OF ADJUNCTIVE NONINSULIN ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC THERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 1 DIABETES.

Abstract Objective: Review available data on adjunctive therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D), with a special focus on newer antihyperglycemic agents. Methods: Published data on hypoglycemia, obesity, mortality, and goal attainment in T1D were reviewed to determine unmet therapeutic needs. PubMed databases and abstracts from recent diabetes meetings were searched using the term “type 1 diabetes” and the available and investigational sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, and metformin. Results: The majority of patients with T1D do not meet glycated hemoglobin (A1C) goals established by major diabetes organizations. Hypoglycemia risks and a rising incidence of obesity and metabolic syndrome featured in the T1D population limit optimal use of intensive insulin therapy. Noninsulin antihyperglycemic agents may enable T1D patients to achieve target A1C levels using lower insulin doses, which may reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. In pilot studies, the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin and the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide reduced blood glucose, weight, and insulin dose in patients with T1D. Phase 2 studies with the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin and the dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor sotagliflozin, which acts in the gut and the kidney, have demonstrated reductions in A1C, weight, and glucose variability without an increased incidence of hypoglycemia. Conclusion: Newer antihyperglycemic agents, particularly GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitors, show promise as adjunctive treatment for T1D that may help patients achieve better glucose control without weight gain or increased hypoglycemia. Abbreviations: A1C = glycated hemoglobin BMI = body mass index CI = confidence interval DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis DPP-4 = dipeptidyl peptidase 4 GLP-1 = glucagonlike peptide 1 PYY = polypeptide tyrosine tyrosine SGLT = sodium-glucose cotransporter SGLT1 = sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 SGLT2 = sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 T1D = type 1 diabetes T2D = type 2 diabetes TDD = total daily dosage
Dynamic treatment effect (DTE) curves reveal the mode of action for standard and experimental cancer therapies

// Kingshuk Roy Choudhury 1 , Stephen T. Keir 2 , Kathleen A. Ashcraft 3 , Mary-Keara Boss 4 and Mark W. Dewhirst 3 1 Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, NC, USA 2 Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, NC, USA 3 Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, NC, USA 4 North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, NC, USA Correspondence to: Kingshuk Roy Choudhury, email: // Keywords : tumor growth delay, tumor growth modelling, inhibition rate, regrowth following radiotherapy, additive effects in combination therapy Received : April 09, 2015 Accepted : April 09, 2015 Published : May 15, 2015 Abstract We present a method for estimating the empirical dynamic treatment effect (DTE) curves from tumor growth delay (TGD) studies. This improves on current common methods of TGD analysis, such as T/C ratio and doubling times, by providing a more detailed treatment effect and overcomes their lack of reproducibility. The methodology doesn’t presuppose any prior form for the treatment effect dynamics and is shown to give consistent estimates with missing data. The method is illustrated by application to real data from TGD studies involving three types of therapy. Firstly, we demonstrate that radiotherapy induces a sharp peak in inhibition in a FaDu model. The height, duration and timing of the peak increase linearly with radiation dose. Second, we demonstrate that a combination of temozolomide and an experimental therapy in a glioma PDX model yields an effect, similar to an additive version of the DTE curves for the mono-therapies, except that there is a 30 day delay in peak inhibition. In the third study, we consider the DTE of anti-angiogenic therapy in glioma. We show that resulting DTE curves are flat. We discuss how features of the DTE curves should be interpreted and potentially used to improve therapy.
CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES AND URBAN REVITALIZATION

Municipal governments around the globe increasingly turn to museums, performing arts centers, arts districts, and other cultural activities to promote and revitalize their cities. While a significant body of literature examines revitalization strategies that focus primarily around entertainment and commerce, the empirical body of research that specifically investigates the role of cultural strategies in urban redevelopment is still growing. This paper first discusses the development of municipal cultural strategies in the United States, and draws from the literature to outline the characteristics of three different models of such strategies. Second, the paper presents findings from a national survey distributed to municipal agencies involved in the promotion and development of cultural activities and facilities in large and medium‐sized US cities. The survey data indicate that although most agencies are guided by a varied set of goals, entrepreneurial objectives continue to guide the development and suppo...
In vitro release of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine from fetal and maternal brain by drugs of abuse

Abstract Cortical synaptosomes were prepared from pregnant dams (GD-17) and rat fetuses (ED-17), loaded with [ 3 H]5-HT and assayed to evaluate release mediated by cocaine (COC), fenfluramine (FEN) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). COC and FEN elicited a high-affinity (10 -9 M) release response in fetal tissue which was not apparent in the dam. MDMA-induced release was similar in magnitude in both tissue types. Consequently, the release of 5-HT from developing neurons may be one mechanism by which COC and FEN elicit their teratogenetic effects in utero.