cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk of hand foot skin reaction (HFSR) in patients receiving regorafenib for cancer: A meta-analysis.

e14713 Background: Regorafenib (BAY 73-4506) is a potent oral multi-kinase inhibitor with targeted activity against (VEGFR) -1,-2, and -3, TIE-2, FGFR-1, PDGFR-α/β and ret, c-Kit, raf-1 kinases. Currently it is approved for treatment in previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and in locally advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and is being explored in other cancers. We conducted a meta-analysis to ascertain the incidence and risk of HFSR, a commonly reported AE. Methods: Our search was performed on electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge) and the ASCO website for presented abstracts. We searched for studies published until December 2012. Eligible Phase II-III clinical trials utilizing a 160mg dose of Regorafenib were included in the analysis. Relative risk (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects models based on the heterogeneity of included studies. Results: In these trials, regorafenib was invest...
WWP1 E3 ubiquitin ligase is a potential oncogene in human prostate and breast cancer

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 2574 The ARF tumor suppressor prevents cancer through protein-protein interactions in partially defined p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways. To identify new regulators of ARF signaling, we performed a two-hybrid screen using ARF as bait and discovered a novel 55-kDa nuclear protein that binds both ARF and the p53 antagonist, Mdm2. Endogenous NIAM ( N uclear I nteractor of A RF and M dm2) is an ubiquitinated protein normally expressed at low to undetectable levels in cells, but its expression is induced by treatment with DNA damaging agents and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Endogenous NIAM levels in primary mouse embryo fibroblasts are also increased by loss of p53 and Mdm2. Mdm2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, binds and negatively regulates NIAM by promoting its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. ARF blocks Mdm2-mediated ubiquitination of NIAM and stabilizes the protein. When ectopically expressed, NIAM activates p53, collaborates with ARF to suppress growth, and causes a G1-phase cell cycle arrest. Notably, NIAM can also effectively suppress growth in cells lacking ARF and/or p53. Conversely, silencing of NIAM enhances the basal rate of primary cell proliferation. Together, these results imply NIAM is an effector of ARF and p53 signaling that can also feedback to stimulate p53. Finally, RT-PCR and microarray data show reduced NIAM mRNA expression in human cancer cell lines and advanced primary tumors, especially hepatocellular carcinoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This study identifies a potential tumor suppressor that is regulated by ubiquitination, DNA damage and TGF-β1, and is functionally linked to ARF, Mdm2 and p53 signaling.
Surface-Engineered Blood Adsorption Device for Hyperphosphatemia Treatment.

Correspondence: Melanie S. Joy, PharmD, PhD, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mail Stop C238, Room V20-4108, 12850 East Montview Blvd, Aurora, CO 80045. Email: Melanie.Joy@ucdenver.edu The research employed surface engineering methods to develop, optimize, and characterize a novel textile-based hemoadsorption device for hyperphosphatemia in hemodialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease. Phosphate adsorbent fabrics (PAFs) were prepared by thermopressing alumina powders to polyester filtration fabrics and treatment with trimesic acid (TMA). For static experiments, phosphate adsorption capacity in buffer solution, plasma, and blood were evaluated by submersing the PAFs in 100 ml. For dynamic experiments, PAFs were equipped in a device prototype and incorporated in a pump-driven circuit. Phosphates were determined by a colorimetric assay and an Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Vitros 5600 Integrated analyzer. The maximum loading amount of TMA-alumina on PAFs was approximately 35 g/m2 under 260°C processing temperature. Phosphate adsorption capacity increased with initial concentration. Adsorption isotherms from buffer demonstrated a maximum phosphate adsorption capacity of approximately 893 mg/m2 at 37.5°C, pH 7.4, with similar results from plasma and whole blood. Measured phosphate concentrations during simulations demonstrated a 42% reduction, confirming the high capacity of the PAFs for removing phosphate from whole blood. Results from the current study indicated that an alumina-TMA treated PAF can dramatically reduce phosphate concentrations from biological samples. The technology could potentially be used as a tunable adsorbent for managing hyperphosphatemia in kidney disease.
Mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in Huntington disease: applications to novel disease-modifying therapies

Abstract The CAG repeat expansion mutation that causes Huntington Disease (HD) was discovered more than 20 years ago, yet no treatment has yet been developed to stop the relentless course of the disease. Nonetheless, substantial progress has been made in understanding HD pathogenesis. We review insights that have been gleaned from HD genetics, metabolism, and pathology; HD mouse and cell models; the structure, function and post-translational modification of normal and mutant huntingtin (htt) protein; gene expression profiles in HD cells and tissue; the neurotoxicy of mutant htt RNA; and the expression of an antisense transcript from the HD locus. We conclude that rationale therapeutics for HD is within sight, though many questions remain to be answered.
Strengthening Through LEDS

ABSTRACT Typically, dislocations formed through plastic deformation aggregate into LEDS, i.e. L ow- E nergy D islocation S tructures, characterized by regions of high dislocation density separated by almost dislocation-free volume elements. The spacing of the dislocations within the dense regions is generally inversely proportional to the flow stress, and also the size of the dislocation-free areas is usually inversely proportional to the flow stress. The above features result from the fact that the line energy of dislocations is proportional to ln(R/b) where b is the Burgers vector and R is the distance at which the dislocation stresses are screened. Since in LEDS, R coincides with the average distance to the nearest dislocation, it is R . Furthermore, as the dislocation density increases with plastic strain, and this is impossible without Frank-Read bowing wherein, again, the free link length approximates R, the widely observed relationship follows directly.
Family rituals and the recurrence of alcoholism over generations.

There have been relatively few attempts to identify environmental factors in the transmission of alcoholism across generations. Using the framework of family systems theory, the authors examined th...
Development of the Self-Efficacy of Balance Scale (SEBS) for Young, Active Individuals

Self-efficacy of balance, a psychological characteristic, may provide information regarding psychological risk factors for lower-extremity injury. Validated instruments to assess self-efficacy of balance do not currently exist. The objective of this study was to determine the face and content validity of the Self-Efficacy of Balance Scale (SEBS) for an adolescent population, as well as content validity, construct and convergent validity of the overall instrument. A series of panelists (n = 11) assessed proposed items for face and content validity for self-efficacy of balance. Construct and convergent validity were assessed with active college individuals (n = 74) and female high school basketball athletes (n = 57). Original items were revised to 21 items. Panelists validated both face and content validity of the SEBS. All items were assessed to have the construct of self-efficacy. Evidence of convergent validity supported the proposed construct of self-efficacy, and was found to be relevant to the physica...
Intramyocardial radiofrequency ablation of ventricular arrhythmias using intracoronary wire mapping and a coronary reentry system: Description of a novel technique

Key Teaching Points • Ventricular arrhythmias originating from the left ventricular summit and intramyocardially within the interventricular septum pose a serious challenge to catheter ablation, as myocardial thickness, epicardial fat, and coronary vessels impede appropriate radiofrequency energy delivery. • Intracoronary mapping and subsequent intramyocardial ablation using radiofrequency ablation delivered through a system routinely used to treat coronary artery chronic total occlusions (ie, Stingray LP Coronary CTO Re-Entry System) is feasible and effective. • Unlike alcohol injection and coil embolization of septal perforator arteries, intramyocardial RF ablation using this technique is a more localized and limited approach with less risk of complete atrioventricular block and less myocardial injury.
Attention Regulation and Human Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex is critical for integrative cognitive function, although it is unlikely that this capacity resides in specialized modules in prefrontal regions. Rather, prefrontal cortex appears to modulate activity in multiple cortical and subcortical regions through an extensive network of bidirectional pathways. The net result of neuronal activity in these distributed prefrontal systems sums to produce the higher level capacity attributed to this area.
A Switched Reduced-Order Dynamical System for Fluid Flows under Time-Varying Flow Conditions

We develop a collection of reduced-order models for fluid systems that operate under time-varying flow and actuation parameters. A switched dynamical system is formulated that is a combination of reduced-order models valid for specific parametric subspaces and discrete switching logic. An open-loop simulation of the switched dynamical system on a two-sided driven cavity demonstrates the system’s ability to capture the evolution of the flow and input parameters in the full-order model.
Reconceptualizing Investment Management Regulation

This Article looks at mutual funds, hedge funds, and similar financial instruments as making up a single market - one whose operation is potentially marred by flawed investor decision-making born of imperfect information and bounded rationality. The piece then analyzes whether the current regulatory regime, which sharply divides this market into a heavily regulated sector that is accessible to all investors and a lightly regulated sector that is accessible only to the wealthy, is a well-reasoned response to this threat. I conclude that the current scheme is an ill-fit to the problems of incomplete information and irrationality, and that, in fact, the rules significantly reshape this marketplace to the detriment of ordinary investors.To better respond to these concerns, I propose a reform agenda based on the libertarian-paternalist notion that government intervention should aim to bolster consumer decision-making without undermining freedom of choice. Under this revised framework, regulators would provide investors with information and guidance designed specifically so that investors are better situated to make sound financial decisions even though they are not perfectly rational. The rules, however, would not restrict investor alternatives. Instead, investors would be free to choose from an array of funds subject to varying levels of regulatory oversight. This system unwinds the deleterious aspects of the current regime and responds directly to the flaws in this marketplace, which creates an environment conducive to the type of robust competition that is in the public's interest.
Optical field/pupil rotator with a novel compact K-mirror for MagAO-X

The Magellan Extreme Adaptive Optics (MagAO-X) is a visible-wavelength adaptive optics (AO) instrument optimized for visible light coronagraphy and exoplanet imaging with the 6.5-m Magellan Clay telescope in Chile. Extremely large telescopes such as the future Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) will be able to image earth-like exoplanets, given an extreme AO system - such as MagAO-X - exists. MagAO-X is now under development in the lab and undergoing final integration and testing. Technical first light is planned for early 2019, with final commissioning in late 2020. A crucial component to MagAO-X is the “K-mirror,” a 3-mirror system designed to rotate the optical field with minimal image wobble or distortion about the optical axis. The K-mirror rotates on a miniature motorized stage to stabilize the pupil in the coronagraph as the telescope tracks the sky. The optical design of MagAO-X required a very compact K-mirror, resulting in a challenging opto-mechanical mount design. We present a novel solution to the compact design of a 50mm max envelope K-mirror for MagAO-X that consists of three < 1-in diameter flat mirrors, all precision glued in place. The K-mirror mount was designed in Autodesk® Fusion 360™ and a prototype was built in the Steward Observatory machine shop. Using inexpensive COTS mirrors, the K-mirror prototype was tested, aligned, and glued with optical feedback in the lab. Once the prototype had proven successful, a final K-mirror mount was fabricated and assembled with invar and precision (0.1nm rms surface roughness, super polished, λ/40 PV flat) mirrors to develop a compact Kmirror for MagAO-X. The performance of the final hardware is presented here.
Why we must move on from the E1E2 model for the reaction cycle of the P-type ATPases.

Recent progress regarding the structure of the Ca2+-translocating ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum in several conformational states, and a substantial accumulation of biochemical information about this and other P-type ATPases, have put everything in place for the final convergence of biochemistry and structure that will lead to a complete understanding of the molecular mechanism of these membrane transport enzymes. But the common paradigm used to describe the reaction cycle of the P-type ATPases, the E1E2 model, is seriously flawed, and this is hindering our progress toward this goal. In this paper, it is first shown why the E1E2 model must be discarded. This is followed by a description of the P-type ATPase catalyticcycle that is much more consistent with the structural and biochemical information now available for these enzymes, and also brings to light the origin of the forces that drive the key reaction in the active transport cycle where high-affinity ion-binding sites are converted to low-affinity binding sites capable of releasing the transported ions against a considerable concentration gradient. This new model will therefore serve usbetter as we seek to unravel the final details of the molecular mechanism of active ion transport catalyzed by these enzymes. It is thus time to move onfrom the traditional E1E2 model.
Context-Dependent Developmental Effects of Parental Shade Versus Sun Are Mediated by DNA Methylation

Parental environment influences progeny development in numerous plant and animal systems. Such inherited environmental effects may alter offspring phenotypes in a consistent way, for instance when resource-deprived parents produce low quality offspring due to reduced maternal provisioning. However, because development of individual organisms is guided by both inherited and immediate environmental cues, parental conditions may have different effects depending on progeny environment. Such context-dependent transgenerational plasticity suggests a mechanism of environmental inheritance that can precisely interact with immediate response pathways, such as epigenetic modification. We show that parental light environment (shade versus sun) resulted in context-dependent effects on seedling development in a common annual plant, and that these effects were mediated by DNA methylation. We grew replicate parents of five highly inbred Polygonum persicaria genotypes in glasshouse shade versus sun and, in a fully factorial design, measured ecologically important traits of their isogenic seedling offspring in both environments. Compared to the offspring of sun-grown parents, the offspring of shade-grown parents produced leaves with greater mean and specific leaf area, and had higher total leaf area and biomass. These shade-adaptive effects of parental shade were pronounced and highly significant for seedlings growing in shade, but slight and generally non-significant for seedlings growing in sun. Based on both regression and covariate analysis, inherited effects of parental shade were not mediated by changes to seed provisioning. To test for a role of DNA methylation, we exposed replicate offspring of isogenic shaded and fully-insolated parents to either the demethylating agent zebularine or to control conditions during germination, then raised them in simulated growth chamber shade. Partial demethylation of progeny DNA had no phenotypic effect on offspring of shaded parents, but caused offspring of sun-grown parents to develop as if their parents had been shaded, with larger leaves and greater total canopy area and biomass. These results contribute to the increasing body of evidence that DNA methylation can mediate transgenerational environmental effects, and show that such effects may contribute to nuanced developmental interactions between parental and immediate environments.
PO-172 The effect of exercise on teenagers' attention:

Objective At present, domestic researches on attention mainly focus on the fields of special education, neuropsychiatry and mental health, and the subjects are mostly children with ADHD and elderly people with cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out researches on normal students and find training methods suitable for improving their attention quality. Methods In this study, literature review and logical analysis were used to sort out, analyze and reason the literature about the influence of physical exercise on teenagers' attention in the past five years at home and abroad. Results (1)in the comparative study of ordinary students and students in sports schools who participated in regular training, it was found that those with training had better attention level than ordinary students in quiet state.The attention span of trampoline athletes was better than that of students.(2) different projects have different effects on students' attention characteristics: compared with football training, table tennis has a significant impact on students' attention persistence and concentration.Compared with table tennis, football has a significant effect on the attention span of students.Compared with athletics, basketball has a significant impact on students' attention distribution ability, attention transfer ability and attention span.(3) exercise of different intensity has different effects on the intentional attention of primary and middle school students.Moderate intensity exercise works best for your body.Intense exercise initially increased attention, but after 45 minutes the brain's ability to work and focus decreased significantly. Conclusions Primary and middle school students of a certain intensity, regular physical exercise on attention the quality, especially to pay attention to the note has a positive role in the development of essential quality, but also should strengthen the exercise can bring attention to improving the sustainability of research, and different intensity exercise on youth blood oxygen content in concrete quality research and attention.
Tetra-Aza-Pentacenes by means of a One-Pot Friedländer Synthesis.

Tetra-aza-pentacenes are attractive n-type small molecules for optoelectronic device applications, yet their syntheses are often laborious. Disclosed here is a one-pot Friedlander synthesis of 1,7,8,14-tetraazapentacece (tAP) derivatives (linear and/or bent), fully aromatized in situ despite the absence of an exogenous oxidant. The photophysics of linear tAPs resembles that of regular pentacene though their crystal structures differ. A LUMO energy of -3.71 eV for di-tert-butylanisole-substituted linear tAP is similar to that of the well-known acceptor, C60 .
Epigenetic dysregulation by aberrant metabolism in renal cell carcinoma can be reversed with Ascorbic acid

Our recently published study uncovered mechanisms and prognostic impact of aberrant DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and comprehensively explored the potential...
Altered development of hippocampus-dependent associative learning following early-life adversity.

Abstract Little is known about how childhood adversity influences the development of learning and memory and underlying neural circuits. We examined whether violence exposure in childhood influenced hippocampus-dependent associative learning and whether differences: a) were broad or specific to threat cues, and b) exhibited developmental variation. Children (n = 59; 8–19 years, 24 violence-exposed) completed an associative learning task with angry, happy, and neutral faces paired with objects during fMRI scanning. Outside the scanner, participants completed an associative memory test for face-object pairings. Violence-exposed children exhibited broad associative memory difficulties that became more pronounced with age, along with reduced recruitment of the hippocampus and atypical recruitment of fronto-parietal regions during encoding. Violence-exposed children also showed selective disruption of associative memory for threat cues regardless of age, along with reduced recruitment of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) during encoding in the presence of threat. Broad associative learning difficulties may be a functional consequence of the toxic effects of early-life stress on hippocampal and fronto-parietal cortical development. Difficulties in the presence of threat cues may result from enhanced threat processing that disrupts encoding and short-term storage of associative information in the IPS. These associative learning difficulties may contribute to poor life outcomes following childhood violence exposure.
Transfer of treatment effects from combined to isolated conditions during functional communication training for multiply controlled problem behavior.

Functional communication training (FCT) is highly effective for treating socially maintained problem behavior when based on the results of functional analyses (FA). Research suggests that combining relevant antecedents and consequences of problem behavior during FCT can be an efficient approach to treatment for behavior that is multiply controlled. However, no studies have evaluated whether treatment effects under combined conditions would transfer to single, or isolated, conditions. Participants were 5 children with autism, aged 3 years to 6 years, who engaged in problem behavior maintained by both escape from demands and access to tangibles. An experimenter coached their caregivers via video conferencing to implement FA and FCT in their homes. All participants received FCT under a combined condition, followed by brief exposure to sessions with isolated antecedents and consequences. Treatment effects for just 1 of the 5 participants immediately persisted under isolated conditions. These results suggest that, when caregivers combine variables relevant to multiple functions during FCT, exposure to isolated conditions may at least temporarily produce treatment failures.
Legacy cities: Continuity and change amid decline and revival, by J. Rosie Tighe and Stephanie Ryberg-Webster

Legacy (a.k.a., Rust Belt) cities are former centers of industry now suffering from physical and economic decline and social instability. Those in the U.S. are located primarily in the northeastern...
Hypertension in children.

Purpose of review Hypertension is a common finding in children, and increases the risk for future cardiovascular events. This review focuses on recent advances in pediatric hypertension research including changes in hypertension guidelines, epidemiology, predictors of hypertension, blood pressure (BP) measurement, effects on target organs, and treatment of hypertension. Recent findings Changes in the 2017 hypertension guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have resulted in increased prevalence of elevated BP and hypertension in the United States, and there is no international consensus on these changes. Despite rising pediatric overweight and obesity in China, hypertension prevalence is stable, suggesting multifactorial effects on childhood BP. Maternal diabetes and exposure to particulate matter are associated with higher childhood BP, and body size in infancy and early childhood is a determinant of adult high BP. Children with elevated BP have evidence of target organ damage with altered retinal vasculature and pulse wave velocity parameters compared to normotensive patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers may be the best antihypertensive medications for the pediatric population even for African-American patients. Summary Research continues to illuminate contributors to pediatric hypertension and demonstrates opportunities for further study on the effects of hypertension and its management in children.
Development of a Risk Score to Predict 90-Day Readmission After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

Background Readmission after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is used for quality metrics and may negatively affect hospital reimbursement. Our objective was to develop a risk score system from a national cohort that can predict 90-day readmission risk for CABG patients. Methods Using the National Readmission Database between 2013 and 2014, we identified 104,930 patients discharged after CABG, for a total of 234,483 patients after weighted analysis. Using structured random sampling, patients were divided into a training set (60%) and test data set (40%). In the training data set, we used multivariable analysis to identify risk factors. A point system risk score was developed based on the odds ratios. Variables with odds ratio less than 1.3 were excluded from the final model to reduce noise. Performance was assessed in the test data set using receiver operator characteristics and accuracy. Results In the United States, overall 90-day readmission rate after CABG was 19% (n = 44,559 of 234,483). Nine demographic and clinical variables were identified as important in the training data set. The final risk score ranged from 0 to 52; the 2 largest risks were associated with length of stay greater than 10 days (score = +10) and Medicaid insurance (score = +7). The final model’s C-statistic was 0.67. Using an optimal cutoff of 18 points, the accuracy of the risk score was 77%. Conclusions Ninety-day readmission after CABG surgery is frequent. A readmission risk score higher than 18 points predicts readmission in 77% of patients. Based on 9 demographic and clinical factors, this risk score can be used to target high-risk patients for additional postdischarge resources to reduce readmission.
Social Movements as Catalysts for Corporate Social Innovation: Environmental Activism and Adoption of Green Information Systems

Although the literature on social innovation has focused primarily on social enterprises, social innovation has long occurred within mainstream corporations. Drawing upon recent scholarship on social movements and institutional complexity, we analyze how movements foster corporate social innovation. Our context is the adoption of green information systems (“green IS”), which are information systems employed to transform organizations and society into more sustainable entities. We trace the historical emergence of green IS as a corporate response to increasing demands for sustainability reporting, a key social innovation that environmental activists helped to create. Drawing upon extensive survey data from over 400 US firms, we then examine how managers perceived environmental activism in relation to broader-field pressures for change and how their perceptions of both were related to green IS adoption. The results reveal that activists were more effective at influencing adoption indirectly by transforming organizational fields than by directly influencing corporate managers. Combined with the historical analysis, these findings suggest that corporate social innovation emerged out of ongoing interactions between activists, corporate managers, and other influential actors within a broader social innovation system. Activists helped to create conditions for social innovation, but corporations took the lead in developing new practices.
Molecular characterization of myb-homologous transcriptional factors of the flavonoid pathway in Zea mays

The maize PI gene encodes a myb-homologous protein that regulates flavonoid pigment biosynthesis in floral organs including the kernel pericarp, cob glume and tassel glume. The Pl-rr allele coding sequence is flanked by long (5.2 kbp) direct repeats. To clarily the origin of the unusual P-rr gene structure, we isolated and characterized a second, tightly linked, maize gene {P2). and a related gene {P2-t) from teosinte parviglumis. the closest wild relative of maize. The maize P2 gene and the teosinte P2-t gene are homologous to the maize PI gene in the coding region and 3" flanking region, but not in the 5' flanking region. The 5" flanking regions of maize P2 and teosinte P2-t are similar to each other, but different from that of the maize PI gene. We propose that the maize PI and P2 genes were generated by a tandem (head-to-tail) gene duplication in which the 3" flanking sequence of the progenitor P gene was duplicated at the 5' side of the incipient PI gene, thereby generating the long direct repeats that flank the Pl-rr allele. This duplication event occurred approximately 2.75 MYA. and subsequent insertions of retroelements separated the PI and P2 genes. Pigmentation phenotypes and transcript analysis indicate that the two duplicated maize P genes and the teosinte P2-t gene have distinct tissue specific expression patterns. The
A Review of The Automobile Theft Investigator

The author has directed this book, “… to those just starting out in the field of automobile theft investigation and/or those who are contemplating entering this field.” He has made an attempt to cover the areas of major concern based on his own experiences. The content of each of the chapters is very basic, but the author has attempted to make it clear that there is much more to learn than could be covered in a book of this size. He repeats this caveat at the end of most of the 17 chapters. However, a major failing of the book is that no bibliography is given which would enable the neophyte to follow up and learn more from the original sources. The author has suggested that the student call on the proper agencies and associations to obtain additional information.
Modeling the US Corn Market During the Ethanol Boom

Using the fact that ethanol first accounted for more than 10% of total corn use and ethanol production surpassed 2 billion gallons annually in 2002, I assert that an ethanol boom began in the United States in 2002. This paper uses both Two Stage Least Squares and Autoregressive time-series models to estimate the corn market in the US during the period of 1980-2007. I find that the ethanol boom caused US corn production in 2007 to be about 3 billion bushels (23%) higher than it would be in the absence of the ethanol industry. The model also suggests that ethanol is not crowding out other uses of corn; however, it may be crowding out production of soybeans and other crops competing with corn for acreage. It is likely that the ethanol industry is partially responsible for the recent increase in food prices around the world. This article is available in Undergraduate Economic Review: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/uer/vol5/iss1/1
The Role of International Exchange Programs to Promote Diversity on College Campuses: A Case Study

Abstract In response to recent Court decisions, many US colleges and universities are energetically seeking ways to increase the diversity of their student bodies. Although the focus of many of these university efforts in the United States has been the inclusion of greater numbers of native-born, naturalized, or resident minorities in the student bodies, one could argue just as effectively that, given the position of the United States in the global political economy, student bodies should contain significant representatives from countries outside the United States. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role, development, and implementation of effective international exchange programs involving faculty, staff, and students, and how they can play a part to promote campus diversity using examples from the experience of Southern Illinois University to illustrate key points.
10 Practical findings from the deployment of an exploratory knowledge management framework

Purpose – This paper aims to offer a practical lens grounded in the relatively unexplored industry setting of medical devices. The objective of this paper is to use two in-depth case studies to highlight the key findings of an exploratory knowledge assessment framework surrounding the areas of knowledge creation, acquisition, sharing and reuse. Design/methodology/approach – An interpretivist paradigm was followed while using two case studies. The study was developed over a three-year period using 36 in-depth interviews, document analysis and observation. Findings – At the case companies, these findings were concluded: Across groups, cross-functional sharing is siloed, which leads to a lack of knowledge sharing. Cultural issues, such as hoarding of knowledge, hinder knowledge management (KM) initiatives. Employees new to the organisation find it difficult to locate knowledge. Employees are dependent on their informal network. The implementation of several KM initiatives is hindered because staff do not hav...
Scattering of chiral photonic crystal

We propose a new photonic crystal using chiral media. Numerical results based on TM mode excitation are given to discuss physical properties. At low frequencies, the scattering of plane waves by the chiral photonic crystal acts approximately as the scattering of plane waves by a uniform chiral slab with parameters equal to the average of those for the periodic layer. At higher frequencies, we find anomalous coupling regions known as Wood's anomalies and are explained by the excitation and reradiation of leaky waveguide modes in the periodic layer. This device can possess both frequency selection and mode conversion properties.
Jointed Pipeline Response to Large Ground Deformation

AbstractThe performance of segmental pipelines under large ground deformation is strongly influenced by the axial pullout and compressive load capacity of their joints, as well as by the limits on joint rotation during permanent and transient ground deformation. Although ductile iron (DI) pipelines with push-on joints are commonly used in water distribution systems, experimental data and numerical simulation related to their performance under large ground movements are lacking. This paper reports on a series of specially designed four-point bending experiments and finite-element (FE) simulations to characterize 150-mm (6-in.) diameter DI push-on joints. The results were used to develop a relationship between rotation and metal binding as a function of axial pullout, as well as to determine the magnitudes of rotation and moment that initiate joint leakage. FE simulations were performed to investigate the deformation associated with joint leakage. Uniaxial tension and one-dimensional compression tests were ...
Rifampicin-loaded silicone: a new approach to tuning release rate with self assembled monolayers and cast molding.

Bifida Meeting abstracts - A single PDF containing all abstracts in this supplement is available here .
Autonomy, Want Satisfaction, and the Justification of Liberal Freedoms

By 'Liberalism' or 'a liberal-democratic theory of justice' I understand the thesis that a modern, affluent society is just only if it respects and enforces certain rights. Among these are rights to free speech, the liberty to make one's own self-regarding choices (free from excessive paternalistic meddling by the state), privacy, due process of law, participation in society's political decision-making, and private property in personal posessions. By a 'justification' of these core rights of liberalism I understand a moral theory (plus necessary empirical assumptions) from which they are derivable. A moral theory which justifies the core rights will, ipso facto, condemn slavery, totalitarianism, and other social arrangements incompatible with a liberal-democratic constitution. What shape that moral theory should have is a matter of some dispute. According to philosophers like Ronald Dworkin it must be 'rights-based.' The core rights of liberalism in his view are derivable from the fundamental human right to 'equal respect and consideration.' A widely held alternative view is that the core rights are simply social rules the existence of which promotes human welfare. A 'good-based' or (rule) consequentialist moral theory which calls for maximizing the sum total of human welfare probably cannot justify any set of rights, much less a liberal one. But one which calls for maximizing the sum total within certain fairness or distributional constraints probably can. In this paper I shall not be concerned with the question of which of these two types of moral theory holds greater promise of providing a satisfactory justification of liberalism's core rights. I shall instead be interested in a question which is prior to it: what sort of account of human wellbeing (the good life, non-moral value) must that moral theory incorporate? An answer to this question is presupposed by 'rights-based' moral theorists like Dworkin no less than by proponents of consequentialist moral theories. A moral theory that tried to dispense with an
Java dynamic LVT optimization

Java offers programmers three variable classes, local variables, instance variables, and constants. We compare the performance characteristics of each of these variable types with focus on local variables and the Local Variable Table (LVT). The LVT is an array containing the values of local variables and parameters for each code block. We demonstrate that when local variables are stored in the first four entries of the LVT, instructions using those variables execute quicker. In order to exploit these performance benefits, we present a modified Sun Java compiler to optimize the LVT using a most frequently used (MFU) ordering. By ordering the LVT, we achieve speedups of traditional benchmark programs.
Tolerance of the sabellariid polychaete Phragmatopoma lapidosa Kinberg to burial, turbidity and hydrogen sulfide☆

Abstract A series of laboratory experiments were carried out to test the tolerance of the reef building worm Phragmatopoma lapidosa Kinberg to stresses which might result from beach nourishment, specifically burial by sediment, exposure to high silt loads and exposure to hydrogen sulfide. Worms were tolerant of burial for 72 h at winter temperatures, but only for 25 h at summer temperatures. Burial by finer sediments resulted in higher mortality than coarse sediments at summer temperatures. This species appeared highly tolerant of elevated silt loads and exposure to silt levels 100 times the level typical of its habitat for 4 days did not increase mortality. P. lapidosa was able to tolerate exposure to sulfides for only 24 h at levels likely to be released in a single exposure event. Longer exposure resulted in increased mortality. While adults of P. lapidosa may be able to tolerate to a degree some of the stresses associated with beach nourishment, the tolerance levels of juveniles and larvae remain unknown.
Case Series of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as apical ballooning syndrome or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is characterized by reversible left ventricular segmental dysfunction. The incidence is disproportionately increased in elderly women and is precipitated by a stressful event. Pathophysiology is uncertain, but increased incidence in postmenopausal elderly women has implicated endocrine and hormonal mechanisms, including catecholamine excess, as the most favored explanations. The patients typically present with chest pain, ST segment changes on electrocardiogram, and increased cardiac biomarkers. Angiography is usually the first diagnostic test with evidence of apical ballooning or mid-ventricular dyskinesia/akinesia without significant epicardial coronary disease. Treatment is supportive and prognosis is good, especially in elderly female patients presenting with underlying emotional stressor as the inciting event. A subset of patients presenting with idiopathic or physiologic stress may be at increased risk of hemodynamic compromise requiring intensive hemodynamic support and monitoring. The jury is still out on disease pathogenesis, management, primary prevention, and long-term outcomes.
On the Reynolds lubrication equation

Let Ω be a bounded open set in R 2 with “smooth” boundary ∂Ω. Ω is the region where two solid bodies are in contact. These two solids are moving and the average of their velocities is denoted by V=(V 1 ,V 2 ). The pressure p=p(X) which develops in a fluid layer confined between these two bodies satisfies the so- called Reynolds lubrication equation: (1)∇·(h 3 ρ∇p)=6μV·∇(ρh)inΩ (2)p=p a on∂Ω· Here ρ is the density of the fluid, μ>0 its dynamic viscosity, h=h(X) is the distance between the two bodies and p a ≥0 is the given ambient pressure. We will assume all along that h is a Lipschitz continuous function such that (3)0<h 1 ≤h(X)≤h 2 a·e·X=(x,y)∈Ω (4)|∇h(X)|≤Ha·e·X=(x,y)∈Ω where h 1 , h 2 , H are positive constants. When the fluid is incompressible, i.e. ρ is a positive constant, existence and uniqueness for a solution to (1), (2) is a trivial matter since the equation is linear. In the compressible case when (5) ρ=ρ(p) the problem becomes more challenging. The paper is organized as follows: in Section 1 we investigate the problem of existence of a solution for (1), (2) when ρ is given by (5). In Section 2 we consider a case where (1), (2) reduces to a one dimensional problem and we study the question of uniqueness as well as the shape of the solution. Finally, in a third section we give some extensions of the results of Section 2 in higher dimension.
Origin of symmetrical triradial chromosomes in human cells.

We have collected 23 sporadic symmetrical triradial chromosomes (plus one D with duplicate satellites), 22 from cultured lymphocytes and one from a bone marrow cell. Fifteen triradials were from patients with Bloom's syndrome, and two from a Fanconi's anemia patient. The following chromosomes and chromosome groups were involved: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, C (11 identified), D, and 17. The branchpoints were localized nonrandomly. Regions in or near centric heterochromatin were often involved. Some of the branchpoints are regions which also contain a high number of mitotic chiasmata. When the present sporadic triradials combined with those from the literature were compared with triradials with branchpoints in the “fragile regions”, the localized branchpoints were different in these two groups. Our conclusion that most — possibly all — symmetrical triradials are caused by partial endoreduplication is based on the following observations: the shape of the triradials which shows that the extra segments are paired with their intact sister chromatids and not with each other; the failure of X-rays in G2 to increase the incidence of symmetrical triradials; the fact that in some cases the end of the extra segment is joined to its intact sister chromatid; and the occurrence of duplicate satellites.
The use of coniferous forests and cutovers by Newfoundland woodland caribou

Abstract Habitat selection and preferences are driven by population limiting factors which can vary across spatial and temporal scales. For example, woodland caribou prefer coniferous forests to avoid predation at the coarse-scale and at finer scales select for forage within forests. Forestry reduces the benefits of forests and prevents the regeneration of adequate caribou habitat. We described Newfoundland woodland caribou habitat preferences across coarse and fine spatial scales and assessed whether cutovers regenerate into forests of similar value to those preferred by the caribou. We determined if caribou preferred coniferous forests at the coarse-scale and which stand characteristics were selected within coniferous stands at the fine-scale. Linear regression was used to determine which stand characteristics predicted the intensity of use of the coniferous forests by the caribou. The same stand characteristics were used to compare cutovers of various ages to coniferous forests using principal component analyses to determine if they share similar characteristics. We found at the coarse-scale that coniferous forests were most preferred but did not differ from cutovers, and at the fine-scale caribou used coniferous forests with more forage. Cutovers did not develop into forests with similar stand characteristics as the coniferous forests selected by the caribou; the canopy of the cutovers was more closed and supported less forage than the coniferous forests. Old cutovers (>40 years) foster less forage for caribou and may act as a refuge from predation. This may cause caribou to seek forage in more risky landscapes in order to meet dietary requirements.
Development of a weatherproof windscreen for a microphone array

This paper presents the development of a windscreen used on an array of five microphones located around a 0.1143-meter (4.5-inch) cylinder. The design criteria consisted of having a wind noise attenuation of at least 8 dB at 20.9 km/h (13 mph), an insertion loss of less than 1 dB from 50 to 1000 Hz, a phase shift error between each microphone of less than 3% over the same frequency range, and the ability to protect the array from natural elements such as sand and other debris. Computer simulations and experimental testing were employed to select two basic designs. The first design consists of two foam-filled concentric cones set around the microphone array. The second design consists of tubes that project outward from each microphone and then curve downwards. Both final windscreen designs meet the desired requirements. They both reduce wind noise by approximately 9 dB in a 20.9 km/h (13 mph) wind and over 16 dB in a 32.2 km/h (20 mph) wind. They also have negligible insertion loss, have a phase shift error of less than 3%, and are very efficient at blocking particles from entering the windscreen.
Effect of Cell–Cell Interactions on the Observable Strength of Adhesion of Sheets of Cells

Previous research in cellular adhesion has focused primarily on studying isolated cells under conditions where cells do not interact with each other. However, in vivo cells form sheets where both cell-substratum and cell-cell interactions contribute to the overall adhesive behavior. Our understanding of how cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions affect the overall process of cell adhesion in these situations is limited. To address this problem, we developed a systematic approach to evaluate how cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions affect the critical shear stress for detachment for semi-confluent and confluent sheets of cells. Our studies were based on subjecting cultures of adherent cells to a defined hydrodynamic flow in a radial-flow chamber with a gap height of 140 microm. Using phase-contrast microscope imaging and analysis we measured shear-dependent patterns of detachment as a function of the extent of cell confluency. Our results show that the critical shear stress for detachment is maximum at intermediate extents of confluency of 10%-40%. These results have important implications for sodding vascular grafts and tissue engineering.
Comment on ‘On the temperature dependence of electron transport by small-polaron motion’ by C. M. Hurd

Abstract Contrary to a suggestion by Hurd, the temperature dependence of the electronic transfer integral arising from atomic vibrations provides a relatively unimportant contribution to the overall temperature dependence of the jump rate of an electronic small polaron. This is because the r.m.s. displacements of atoms are typically very much smaller than the spatial extent of an electronic small polaron.