cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extension of nonlinear Onsager theory of irreversibility

Nonlinear Onsager theory in combination with Wang’s representation theorem is utilized to obtain nonlinear constitutive equations for fluid. The constitutive equations can be derived using the derivative of a dissipative function according to nonlinear Onsager’s theory. The requirement of the dissipative function is convexity in thermodynamic force and continuity in thermodynamic flux. An isothermal fluid is provided as an example. Objectivity is required for the constitutive equations of the fluid. Such an axiom permits that all response functions are isotropic functions and can be expressed by Wang’s representation theorem. Therefore, the dissipative part of Cauchy stress is obtained using (i) Wang’s representation theorem only and (ii) both nonlinear Onsager theory and Wang’s representation theorem. In method (i), the coefficients for the constitutive equations are only constrained by the Clausius–Duhem inequality, while in method (ii), these are not only constrained by Clausius–Duhem inequality but also by the positive semidefiniteness of the Hessian matrix of the dissipative function (convexity of the dissipative function).
Low-Level Signal Detection Using a New Transform Class

A system is developed to detect tracks crossing two-dimensional noise fields. This is accomplished by filtering and integration of signal power in the frequency domain of a new class of generalized transforms which include the FFT and FBT as limiting forms. If the track is essentially parallel to a transform axis and if filters are derived from hard-limited linear approximations to tracks, the FBT offers considerable hardware economy over the FFT in the mechanization algorithm.
Influences of Fiber Geometry on the Performance of Nonwoven Air Filters Part III : Cross-Sectional Shape

The effects of fiber cross-sectional shape on the filtration performance of nonwoven fabrics were examined empirically. Compared to round fibers, performance was better with fibers having three or ...
Electromyogram synergy control of a dexterous artificial hand to unscrew and screw objects

Due to their limited dexterity, it is currently not possible to use a commercially available prosthetic hand to unscrew or screw objects without using elbow and shoulder movements. For these tasks, prosthetic hands function like a wrench, which is unnatural and limits their use in tight working environments. Results from timed rotational tasks with human subjects demonstrate the clinical need for increased dexterity of prosthetic hands, and a clinically viable solution to this problem is presented for an anthropomorphic artificial hand. Initially, a human hand motion analysis was performed during a rotational task. From these data, human hand synergies were derived and mapped to an anthropomorphic artificial hand. The synergy for the artificial hand is controlled using conventional dual site electromyogram (EMG) signals. These EMG signals were mapped to the developed synergy to control four joints of the dexterous artificial hand simultaneously. Five limb absent and ten able-bodied test subjects participated in a comparison study to complete a timed rotational task as quickly as possible with their natural hands (except for one subject with a bilateral hand absence), eight commercially available prosthetic hands, and the proposed synergy controller. Each test subject used two to four different artificial hands. With the able-bodied subjects, the developed synergy controller reduced task completion time by 177% on average. The limb absent subjects completed the task faster on average than with their own prostheses by 46%. There was a statistically significant improvement in task completion time with the synergy controller for three of the four limb absent participants with integrated prostheses, and was not statistically different for the fourth. The proposed synergy controller reduced average task completion time compared to commercially available prostheses. Additionally, the synergy controller is able to function in a small workspace and requires less physical effort since arm movements are not required. The synergy controller is driven by conventional dual site EMG signals that are commonly used for prosthetic hand control, offering a viable solution for people with an upper limb absence to use a more dexterous artificial hand to screw or unscrew objects.
A New SVM Approach to Multi-instance Multi-label Learning

In this paper, we address the problem of multi-instance multi-label learning (MIML) where each example is associated with not only multiple instances but also multiple class labels. In our novel approach, given an MIML example, each instance in the example is only associated with a single label and the label set of the example is the aggregation of all instance labels. Many real-world tasks such as scene classification, text categorization and gene sequence encoding can be properly formalized under our proposed approach. We formulate our MIML problem as a combination of two optimizations: (1) a quadratic programming (QP) that minimizes the empirical risk with L2-norm regularization, and (2) an integer programing (IP) assigning each instance to a single label. We also present an efficient method combining the stochastic gradient decent and alternating optimization approaches to solve our QP and IP optimizations. In our experiments with both an artificially generated data set and real-world applications, i.e. scene classification and text categorization, our proposed method achieves superior performance over existing state-of-the-art MIML methods such as MIMLBOOST, MIMLSVM, M$^3$MIML and MIMLRBF.
Nodular renal blastema. Definition and possible significance.

A survey of autopsy records disclosed 8 infants in whom multiple small discrete nodules of primitive, undifferentiated derivatives of the renal blastema persisted in the subcapsular renal cortex. These were histologically similar to nephroblastoma (Wilms' tumor), although the character of the cells was usually undifferentiated rather than distinctly stromal or epithelial. Nodules of renal blastema were associated with multiple congenital anomalies in all cases and were detected in serial sections of 5 of 8 cases with the Trisomy 18 syndrome. Evidence was found that these nodules often retained a capacity for differentiation into dysplastic nephrons, and a possible relationship to cystic renal changes in Trisomy 18 is suggested. Dysplastic lesions, similar in location and appearance were found in 8 of 46 patients with Wilms' tumor. Because the incidence and type of congenital anomalies associated with Trisomy 18 and Wilms' tumor differ, and because Wilms' tumor is rare among children with Trisomy 18, nodular renal blastema is considered to be nonneoplastic. Its potential for neoplastic transformation is, however, unknown.
Transforming Memory: Re-membering Eucharist

This article explores the gap between eucharistic narratives, common eucharistic practices and the racially segregated realities of mainline Christianity. Using the wisdom of trauma theory to excavate the dismembered Body of Christ that gathers for Communion in most American churches, the authors seek to re-member Eucharist with new embodied “postures and gestures” of transformation and redemption. Close attention to both the destructive force of the “colorblind” narrative that many churches adopt and the need to embrace a more honest narrative about whiteness inform the character of these transformative postures and gestures.
Tamoxifen Downregulates Ets Oncogene Family Members ETV4 and ETV5 in Benign Breast Tissue: Implications for Durable Risk Reduction

Five years of tamoxifen reduces breast cancer risk by nearly 50% but is associated with significant side effects and toxicities. A better understanding of the direct and indirect effects of tamoxifen in benign breast tissue could elucidate new mechanisms of breast carcinogenesis, suggest novel chemoprevention targets, and provide relevant early response biomarkers for phase II prevention trials. Seventy-three women at increased risk for breast cancer were randomized to tamoxifen (20 mg daily) or placebo for 3 months. Blood and breast tissue samples were collected at baseline and posttreatment. Sixty-nine women completed all study activities (37 tamoxifen and 32 placebo). The selected biomarkers focused on estradiol and IGFs in the blood; DNA methylation and cytology in random periareolar fine-needle aspirates; and tissue morphometry, proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression (microarray and reverse transcriptase PCR) in the tissue core samples. Tamoxifen downregulated Ets oncogene transcription factor family members ETV4 and ETV5 and reduced breast epithelial cell proliferation independent of CYP2D6 genotypes or effects on estradiol, ESR1, or IGFs. Reduction in proliferation was correlated with downregulation of ETV4 and DNAJC12. Tamoxifen reduced the expression of ETV4- and ETV5- regulated genes implicated in epithelial-stromal interaction and tissue remodeling. Three months of tamoxifen did not affect breast tissue composition, cytologic atypia, preneoplasia, or apoptosis. A plausible mechanism for the chemopreventive effects of tamoxifen is restriction of lobular expansion into stroma through downregulation of ETV4 and ETV5 . The human equivalent of murine multipotential progenitor cap cells of terminal end buds may be the primary target. Cancer Prev Res; 4(11); 1852–62. ©2011 AACR .
System dyanmics approach for error and change management in concurrent design and construction

Errors and changes, particularly in concurrent design and construction, require a careful approach to their management, since they can generate unanticipated impacts on construction performance, which is often related to softer aspects of management (e.g., fatigue). Focusing on this issue, this paper explores the use of system dynamics in identifying multiple feedback processes and softer aspects of managing errors and changes. Applying the developed model into the design-build highway project in Massachusetts, this paper concludes that the system dynamics approach can be an effective tool in the understanding of complex and dynamic construction processes and in supporting the decision making process of making appropriate policies to improve construction performance.
Measuring and modeling air exchange rates inside taxi cabs in Los Angeles, California

Abstract Air exchange rates (AERs) have a direct impact on traffic-related air pollutant (TRAP) levels inside vehicles. Taxi drivers are occupationally exposed to TRAP on a daily basis, yet there is limited measurement of AERs in taxi cabs. To fill this gap, AERs were quantified in 22 representative Los Angeles taxi cabs including 10 Prius, 5 Crown Victoria, 3 Camry, 3 Caravan, and 1 Uplander under realistic driving (RD) conditions. To further study the impacts of window position and ventilation settings on taxi AERs, additional tests were conducted on 14 taxis with windows closed (WC) and on the other 8 taxis with not only windows closed but also medium fan speed (WC-MFS) under outdoor air mode. Under RD conditions, the AERs in all 22 cabs had a mean of 63 h−1 with a median of 38 h−1. Similar AERs were observed under WC condition when compared to those measured under RD condition. Under WC-MFS condition, AERs were significantly increased in all taxi cabs, when compared with those measured under RD condition. A General Estimating Equation (GEE) model was developed and the modeling results showed that vehicle model was a significant factor in determining the AERs in taxi cabs under RD condition. Driving speed and car age were positively associated with AERs but not statistically significant. Overall, AERs measured in taxi cabs were much higher than typical AERs people usually encounter in indoor environments such as homes, offices, and even regular passenger vehicles.
Treaties and the Supreme Court

HE recent case of Factor v. Laubenheimer' is apparently a denouement to the picturesque career of John (Jake, the Barber) Factor which the American public has followed with some interest for the past two years. Charged by the British government with having received "from Broad Street, Limited, large sums of money aggregating £458,000, knowing the same to have been fraudulently obtained,"2 Factor strenuously resisted extradition to Great Britain on the ground that the offense with which he was charged was not a crime in the place where he had taken refuge (Illinois). His counsel contended that an extraditable offense must be a crime both in the demanding country and in the place where the fugitive is found, and that the applicable treaty provisions, interpreted in the light of that principle, excluded his extradition. The question before the Court, therefore, by its own statement was "one of the construction of the provisions of the applicable treaties in accordance with the principles governing the interpretation of international agreements."3 What are these principles to which the Court refers? Are they principles of customary or conventional international law, or are they self-imposed standards of construction? If they are self-imposed, have they been established in a series of precedents which has made them binding in future cases?
Time Limits on Tests Updating the 1-Minute Rule

Teachers of psychology and their students have been advised to allocate 1 min for each multiple-choice item on tests. Is this a realistic and useful rule? How much time do students actually take to...
A Segregating Inversion Generates Fitness Variation in Yellow Monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus).

Polymorphic chromosomal rearrangements can bind hundreds of genes into single genetic loci with diverse effects. Rearrangements are often associated with local adaptation and speciation and may also be an important component of genetic variation within populations. We genetically and phenotypically characterize a segregating inversion (inv6) in the Iron Mountain (IM) population of Mimulus guttatus (yellow monkeyflower). We initially mapped inv6 as a region of recombination suppression in three F2 populations resulting from crosses among IM plants. In each case, the F1 parent was heterozygous for a derived haplotype, homogenous across markers spanning over 5 Mb of chromsome 6. In the three F2 populations, inv6 reduced male and female fitness components. In addition, inv6 carriers suffered an ∼30% loss of pollen viability in the field. Despite these costs, inv6 exists at moderate frequency (∼8%) in the natural population, suggesting counterbalancing fitness benefits that maintain the polymorphism. Across 4 years of monitoring in the field, inv6 had an overall significant positive effect on seed production (lifetime female fitness) of carriers. This benefit was particularly strong in harsh years and may be mediated (in part) by strong positive effects on flower production. These data suggest that opposing fitness effects maintain an intermediate frequency, and as a consequence, inv6 generates inbreeding depression and high genetic variance. We discuss these findings in relation to the theory of inbreeding depression and the maintenance of fitness variation.
Recent Experiences with Operating UAS in the NAS

®UAS over wildland fires in the western United States. The mission plan required interaction with the FAA to ensure safe operations in the National Air Space (NAS) and concurrently meet science mission objectives . The mission plans called for access to large area of the western US NAS to image wildfires during the peak US wildfires season . Plans were developed to modify flight parameters preceding and during the missions to facilitate observations of emerging fi re events. The missions served to demonstrat e safe science data collections and operations in the NAS. Because of the large scale of the mission objectives and the recent creation of the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Program Office , interactions and mission criteria negotiations between the agencies continued through the final days of the western US fire season. Subsequently, we were unable to meet fire mission objectives in 2006, although we did operate two missions in the NAS at the close of the season. One missions involved an emergency COA application (and approval) to support the deadly Esperanza Fire in southern California with image “intelligence” data. That mission was flown over a 16.5 hour period on October 28/29, 200 7. With the successful demonstration of the platform operations in the NAS in late 2006, the mission plan and objectives were extended to the 2007 western US fire season. The 2007 mission plans and objectives remain intact and include 4 -5 missions in the NAS of 20+ hour duration capabilities. The missions are planned for mid -July extend ing through the end of August 2007. The 2007 mission series is planned for flight operations on the new NASA Ikhana (Predator B -derivative) UAS. This paper describes the 2006 experiences, and focus es on the mission planning efforts, logistics, and criteria necessary to facilitate approval from the FAA to safely perform this valuable scientific capabilities mission aboard a high -altitude UAS operating in the NAS during the summer of 2007.
Influence of Constant Temperatures on the Development and Reproduction of Acyrthosiphon kondoi (Homoptera: Aphididae)

The response of Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji was evaluated at constant temperatures from 4.4 to 32.2°C. The lower and upper thresholds for development were calculated to be 3.45 and 27.1°C, respectively. Development and reproduction occurred at 4.4°C, but no development occurred at 32.2°C. At 29.4°C, aphids reached adulthood but failed to reproduce. The mean total developmental time was 144.93 ± 7.77 D°. The prepartum period for alates was 43% longer than for aptera. Mean physiological time to 50% mortality was 683.08 ± 50.47 D°, and mean reproductive period lasted 473.80 ± 37.26 D°. Maximum rm and minimum doubling time and mean generation time, on a physiological time scale, were at 10.0 to 18.3°C. The largest rm (0.0161) and shortest doubling time (43.08 D°)occurred at 15.6°C. Physiological time was found to be much more realistic in describing population dynamics of this species than was calendar time.
Pulmonary Hypertensive Crisis on Induction of Anesthesia: Recommendations for Safe Practice

Anesthesia for lung transplantation remains one of the highest risk surgeries in the domain of the cardiothoracic anesthesiologist. End-stage lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, and right heart dysfunction as well as other comorbid disease factors predispose the patient to cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic dysfunction during general anesthesia. Perhaps the highest risk phase of surgery in the patient with severe pulmonary hypertension is during the induction of anesthesia when the removal of intrinsic sympathetic tone and onset of positive pressure ventilation can decompensate a severely compromised cardiovascular system. Severe hypotension, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported previously. Here we present 2 high-risk patients for lung transplantation, their anesthetic induction course, and outcomes. We offer suggestions for the safe management of anesthetic induction to mitigate against hemodynamic and respiratory complications.
Application of post reconstruction dual respiratory and cardiac motion compensation for 4D high-resolution small animal myocardial SPECT

We investigated the performance of a post reconstruction dual respiratory and cardiac (R&C) motion compensation method for improved image quality of 4D cardiac gated small animal myocardial perfusion (MP) SPECT images. A normal mouse was injected with ∼8 mCi of Tc-99m sestamibi, anesthetized, fitted with ECG leads for cardiac gating signal acquisition, and placed on top of a pressure gauge bellow for respiratory motion measurements. A 2-hour list-mode dataset was acquired using a MILab small animal SPECT system fitted with a multi-pinhole collimator with 0.4 mm resolution in 5-minute sections. They were subsequently sorted for different acquisition times and reconstructed using a vendor provided OS-EM algorithm with simultaneous 6 respiratory and 8 cardiac equal-time gates over each motion cycle. Using a group-wise B-spline non-rigid image-based registration method, the deformation fields of the respiratory motion (respiratory motion) were estimated and applied to each cardiac phase for respiratory motion correction. Then, the respiratory motion compensated cardiac gated SPECT images were similarly used to estimate cardiac motion (cardiac motion) and later transformed to a reference frame and summed. Finally, the reference frame was inverse-transformed using the estimated cardiac motion to each of the 8 cardiac frames. The cardiac gated images with dual R&C motion compensation were compared to those without correction but with post-smoothing filter. The results showed the dual R&C motion compensation significantly reduced image noise level. At the same time, the image resolution was improved by 10% to 40% depending on the different acquisition times when compared with that obtained without motion compensation at the same image noise level. We conclude that dual R&C motion compensation provides significant reduction of noise level in 4D cardiac gated small animal MP SPECT images with minimum degradation of resolution. The improved image quality can be traded for reduction of acquisition time or radiation dose to the animal.
Toxicology and Carcinogenicity of 1,3-Butadiene

1,3-Butadiene (CAS No. 106-99-0) is a colorless, flammable, noncorrosive gas (boiling point: —4.4°C; vapour pressure at 20°C: 1900 mmHg) produced largely as a coproduct of ethylene production (Kirshenbaum 1978). Butadiene is a reactive material and can dimerize to 4-vinylcyclohexene. Because butadiene can form explosive peroxides in air, it is shipped with an inhibitor of peroxide formation, such as t-butylcatechol.
Differentiation of tumor types in vivo by scatterer property estimates and parametric images using ultrasound backscatter

Two kinds of solid tumors were acquired and scanned in vivo ultrasonically. The first tumor series consisted of spontaneous mammary tumors (fibroadenomas) in rats. The second tumor series were acquired by culturing a carcinoma cell line (4T1-MMT) in culture media. The scatterer properties of average scatterer diameter and acoustic concentration were estimated from a Gaussian form factor using the backscattered ultrasound measured from both kinds of tumors. Parametric images of the tumors were constructed utilizing the estimated scatterer properties for regions of interest inside the tumors. Differences between the two tumor types were clearly seen from the scatterer property estimates and the parametric images. Differences between the 10-MHz and 20-MHz estimates were due to the utilization of a more optimal ka range with the 20-MHz transducer in the estimator. Light microscopic evaluations of the fibroadenomas showed cellular structures of around 100 /spl mu/m in size, and carcinomas showed cell nuclei with an average size of approximately 15 /spl mu/m in diameter.
Last Call: According First-Filed Qui Tam Complaints Greater Preclusive Effect under Batiste 's Narrow Interpretation of the First-to-File Rule

On November 4, 2011, in United States ex rel. Batiste v. SLM Corp., the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit held that the False Claims Act’s “first-to-file” bar does not require that a first-filed complaint plead allegations of fraud with particularity to bar subsequent complaints alleging the same material elements of fraud. In so doing, the D.C. Circuit created a circuit split with the Sixth Circuit regarding the pleading standards required by the first-to-file rule. This Comment argues that the D.C. Circuit’s interpretation better comports with the first-to-file rule’s twin policies of encouraging parties to promptly alert the government of fraud and of discouraging parasitic complaints that merely allege the same material elements of fraud as earlier-filed complaints. This Comment further argues that future courts should follow the D.C. Circuit’s interpretation of the pleading standards required by the first-to-file rule.
Abstract 129: A Biopolymer-Stabilized VEGF Chimera Reverses Angiogenic Imbalance in vitro in the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure Model of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder that complicates approximately 5-8% of all pregnancies in the U.S. The unknown etiology of PE develops from molecular dysfunction at the maternal-placental interface, where inflammatory, oxidative stress, and anti-angiogenic pathways are initiated. The resulting hypoxic in utero environment contributes to placental ischemia from which the anti-angiogenic factor soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is released. A truncated isoform, sFlt-1 consists solely of the extracellular domain of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 1, and hence lacks both catalytic and regulatory activities. However, sFlt-1 retains a high affinity for VEGF and sequesters this ligand from binding with fully functional VEGF receptors, thus prevents the activation of angiogenic remodeling pathways. The rodent model of PE, reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP), exhibits the sFlt-1 pathophysiology observed in human PE. In an effort to counteract excessive sFlt-1 production and restore angiogenic balance, we have constructed a VEGF chimera fused to an Elastin-like Polypeptide (ELP) carrier with increased in vivo half-life and stability which retains full VEGF signaling activity. When human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) are exposed to serum from normal pregnant or RUPP-treated rats, tube formation on extracellular matrix is inhibited 31% (± 2%) by the RUPP serum. This inhibition is reversed when ELP-VEGF, but not ELP control, is added to the culture medium ( p = 0.0007, one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni multiple comparison), suggesting that ELP-VEGF counteracts the anti-angiogenic factors present in RUPP serum. We also characterized the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and placental transfer of ELP-VEGF in the pregnant Sprague Dawley rat. These studies indicate that ELP-delivered VEGF has potential for counteracting the circulating anti-angiogenic factors in maternal plasma.
Fully Retargeted, Myeloma-Specific Oncolytic Measles Viruses.

We previously reported that attenuated measles viruses have potent anti-tumor activity in primary myeloma cells and myeloma xenograft models. The viruses are selectively oncolytic because they cause extensive cell to cell fusion via CD46, a membrane complement regulatory protein that is more highly expressed on myeloma cells than on normal cells. A phase I clinical trial is planned at Mayo Clinic using an oncolytic measles virus engineered to express the thyroidal sodium iodide symporter gene (MV-NIS). Expected toxicities of MV-NIS include a mild measles-like illness due to residual infection of normal host cells via either of the two natural virus receptors, CD46 and SLAM. To facilitate the development of fully retargeted oncolytic measles viruses we recently developed the pseudoreceptor system “STAR”, which allows rescue and propagation of targeted viruses with modified H proteins that no longer bind to the native measles receptors (Nakamura T. et. al., Nature Biotechnology, 2005). Using the STAR system, we have now generated fully retargeted oncolytic measles viruses against two targets, CD38 or HM1.24 that are highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. CD38 is expressed abundantly on myeloma plasma cells but is also expressed in a variety of normal human cells, such as myeloid progenitors and activated T cells. The HM1.24 antigen is highly expressed on terminally differentiated B-cells (including myeloma cells) and is not found on liver, spleen, kidney, or heart. To facilitate evaluation of the receptor specificity of the recombinant viruses, they were each constructed with an additional transgene insert coding for green fluorescent protein (GFP). Efficient viral incorporation of each of the recombinant H proteins was demonstrated by immunoblotting of pelleted virions. CHO cells were transfected with each of the targeted receptors and then infected with each of the targeted viruses. As expected, each virus demonstrated the predicted host range properties and was blind to CD46 and SLAM receptors, but efficiently entered cells through the respective targeted receptor. In addition, these retargeted viruses demonstrated myeloma-specific infection, syncytium formation and cytotoxicity for multiple myeloma cell lines RPIM8226 and KAS-6/1, but not on receptor-negative control cells such as K562 human erythroleukemic cells. These fully retargeted oncolytic measles viruses are promising candidates that may provide the basis for safer and more effective virotherapy in multiple myeloma.
Glioblastoma in the elderly: treatment patterns and survival.

Aim: The optimal treatment for elderly glioblastoma patients is unclear. We conducted a retrospective review of the California Cancer Registry to examine treatment patterns and survival by age. Methods: We identified 2670 adult patients from the California Cancer Registry with glioblastoma. We compared the extent of resection, treatment type and modality. Results: Elderly patients had the greatest overall survival (OS) with combined surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. However, they were more likely to undergo biopsy and less likely to receive combined radiation and chemotherapy than patients <70. Conclusion: OS was maximized in elderly patients who were able to get some surgical resection and undergo combined radiation and chemotherapy. OS survival in some elderly patients may be improved by more extensive therapy.
Nonexceptionalism, Research Risks, and Social Media: Response to Open Peer Commentaries on “Using Social Media as a Research Recruitment Tool: Ethical Issues and Recommendations”

We are grateful for the thoughtful commentaries on our target article “Using Social Media as a Research Recruitment Tool: Ethical Issues and Recommendations” (Gelinas et al. 2017), commentaries tha...
E. coli Cell Cycle Machinery.

Cytokinesis in E. coli is organized by a cytoskeletal element designated the Z ring. The Z ring is formed at midcell by the coalescence of FtsZ filaments tethered to the membrane by interaction of FtsZ’s conserved C-terminal peptide (CCTP) with two membrane-associated proteins, FtsA and ZipA. Although interaction between an FtsZ monomer and either of these proteins is of low affinity, high affinity is achieved through avidity – polymerization linked CCTPs interacting with the membrane tethers. The placement of the Z ring at midcell is ensured by antagonists of FtsZ polymerization that are positioned within the cell and target FtsZ filaments through the CCTP. The placement of the ring is reinforced by a protein network that extends from the terminus (Ter) region of the chromosome to the Z ring. Once the Z ring is established, additional proteins are recruited through interaction with FtsA, to form the divisome. The assembled divisome is then activated by FtsN to carry out septal peptidoglycan synthesis, with a dynamic Z ring serving as a guide for septum formation. As the septum forms, the cell wall is split by spatially regulated hydrolases and the outer membrane invaginates in step with the aid of a transenvelope complex to yield progeny cells.
STUDY OF OPIATE RECEPTOR MULTIPLICITY IN RATS BY IN VIVO BINDING ASSAYS

Reproducible methods have been developed for the determination of the binding of H labeled opiate tracers to rat cerebral binding sites in the intact animal. The results support the existence of multiple opiate receptor sites and indicate that agonist binding studies performed in vivo may yield data different from in vitro receptor binding results.
Growth Response of Seedlings of Flame Azalea to Manual and Chemical Pinching

Abstract Seedlings of flame azalea [Rhododendron calendulaceum (Michx.) Torr] were subjected to the following manual pinching treatments at the 10-,12-,14-,or 16-leaf stage: no pinching, removal of the terminal two nodes [approximately 1.25 cm (0.5 in)] and removal of terminal growth[approximately 2.5-5.0 cm (1-2 in)] leaving six nodes. The greatest number of lateral shoots (5.3) was produced by removing the terminal two nodes at the 16-leaf stage. Generally, the number of lateral shoots increased with the leaf stage at which manual pinching was imposed. Removal of terminal growth, leaving six nodes, resulted in the lowest leaf, stem and root dry weights at each leaf stage. In a second experiment, dikegulac [Atrimmec;sodium salt of 2,3:4,6-bis-0-(l-methylethylidene)-α-L-xylo-2-hexulofuranosonic acid], at 0, 2000, 4000, 6000 or 8000 ppm, was applied to both nonpinched and manually-pinched plants (removal of the terminal two nodes at the 16-leaf stage). Dikegulac (Atrimmec) treatment significantly affected ...
Datenvalidierung, Audit-trail, Sicherheit und Nachvollziehbarkeit

Als Datenvalidierung bezeichnet man den Prozes, bei dem die Daten nach einem dokumentierten Verfahren gefiltert und entweder akzeptiert oder abgelehnt werden. Sie ist die letzte Stufe vor der Freigabe. Es sollten schriftliche Verfahren fur die Definition der Rohdaten, Sicherheit der Eingabe und fur die Uberprufung vorhanden sein. Die Plausibilitat von kritischen Daten sollte uberpruft werden, unabhangig davon, ob die Daten manuell eingegeben oder direkt von einem analytischen Gerat ubertragen wurden. In die Routinemethode sollten vorzugsweise automatische Kontrollen eingebaut werden, um Fehler so weit wie moglich zu erkennen. Voraussetzung fur einen effektiven Validitatscheck von Daten sind gut gewartete Gerate, dokumentierte Mesverfahren und statistisch uberprufte Grenzwerte fur die Mesunsicherheit. In Tabelle 14.1 sind drei Hauptelemente fur die Datenverifizierung und -validierung aufgefuhrt.
UHF planar ultra-wideband modular antenna (PUMA) arrays

The straight forward scaling of the planar ultra-wideband modular antenna (PUMA) array to UHF or lower frequencies poses significant manufacturing challenges. A new PUMA unit cell was conceived which allows up to 6:1 bandwidth and 45° scanning to be realized in the UHF band. The unit cell contains a printed dipole layer that is fed through vertical stripline cards. A standard, off-the-shelf bolt is used to mimic the ever important PUMA capacitive via. A prototype PUMA array with aperture sampling of 96% of Nyquist and total array profile of 0.66λ h was designed, fabricated, and tested over the band of 0.5 to 2.7 GHz (5.4:1) exhibiting broadside VSWR < 2, cx-pol levels below −10 dB, and orthogonal port isolation of better than 8 dB.
Improving outpatient advance care planning for adults with congenital or pediatric heart disease followed in a pediatric heart failure and transplant clinic.

Objective To improve outpatient advanced care planning (ACP) for adults with congenital/pediatric heart disease followed in a pediatric heart failure (HF) and transplant clinic through quality improvement (QI) methodology. Design A one-year QI project was completed. We conducted quarterly chart reviews and incorporated feedback from the providers to direct subsequent interventions. Patients and Setting Patients ≥18 years of age seen in the HF and Transplant Clinic for follow-up visit were included in analysis. Interventions Interventions focused on five main areas: identifying and training providers to have ACP discussions, standardizing the ACP discussion, standardizing ACP and advance directive (AD) documentation in the electronic medical record, preparing providers to have ACP conversations, and preparing patients to engage in ACP and AD completion. Outcome Measures The outcome measure was percent of adults seen in the HF and Transplant Clinic per month with documented AD (goal 50%). The process measure was percent of adults seen in the HF and Transplant Clinic per month with a documented ACP discussion (goal 100%). Results At baseline, no patients had a documented ACP discussion or AD. Fifty-eight adults (mean age 20.4 ± 2.1 years) were seen from March 2016 to February 2017 for a total of 130 visits. In the final month of our study, 75% of adult encounters had a documented ACP discussion and 42% had a documented AD. Conclusions The percentage of documented ADs in adults seen in the HF and Transplant Clinic at a quaternary children's hospital improved through a QI initiative. Over 50% of patients who were engaged in an ACP discussion completed an AD, suggesting this population is receptive to ACP and AD completion.
Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Synthesis by Spirulina sp. LEB 18 Using Biopolymer Extraction Waste

The reuse of waste as well as the production of biodegradable compounds has for years been the object of studies and of global interest as a way to reduce the environmental impact generated by unsustainable exploratory processes. The conversion of linear processes into cyclical processes has environmental and economic advantages, reducing waste deposition and reducing costs. The objective of this work was to use biopolymer extraction waste in the cultivation of Spirulina sp. LEB 18, for the cyclic process of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) synthesis. Concentrations of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% (v/v) of biopolymer extraction waste were tested. For comparison, two assays were used without addition of waste, Zarrouk (SZ) and modified Zarrouk (ZM), with reduction of nitrogen. The assays were carried out in triplicate and evaluated for the production of microalgal biomass and PHB. The tests with addition of waste presented a biomass production statistically equal to ZM (0.79 g L−1) (p < 0.1). The production of PHB in the assay containing 25% of waste was higher when compared to the other cultivations, obtaining 10.6% (w/w) of biopolymer. From the results obtained, it is affirmed that the use of PHB extraction waste in the microalgal cultivation, aiming at the synthesis of biopolymers, can occur in a cyclic process, reducing process costs and the deposition of waste, thus favoring the preservation of the environment.
Minimal Risk Level Derivation For Cadmium: Acute and Intermediate Duration Exposures

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) lists cadmium as one of its priority hazardous substances. The agency conducted a comprehensive literature review of cadmium and used the information to develop a toxicological profile that identified the full range of health effects associated with exposure to cadmium. It included an assessment that identified screening levels, termed health guidance values or minimal risk levels (MRLs), below which adverse health effects are not expected. In this paper, we describe how MRLs for cadmium are derived. For the acute inhalation MRL, the traditional no observed adverse effect level or lowest observed adverse effect level (NOAEL/LOAEL) approach is used; for the oral intermediate MRL, the benchmark dose (BMD) approach is used. MRLs were developed for the most sensitive route-specific end points, other than mortality and cancer that were sufficiently supported and justified by the data. These included an acute duration (1-14 day exposure) inhalation MRL of 0.03 µg Cd/m3 for alveolar histiocytic infiltration and focal inflammation in alveolar septa and an intermediate duration (15-365 day exposure) oral MRL of 0.5 µg Cd/kg/day for decreased bone mineral density.
Male reproductive behavior and mandibular glands in Polistes major (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Polistes major males mark perches and defend patrol routes much like other male vespids, but are unusual in the enlarged ectal mandibular glands and mandibular applicator brushes. Facial rubbing is a prominent behavior in addition to the more wide spread sternal rubbing behavior. Glandular size and the volatile character of the product suggest adaptation for long distance communication. The pheromone of the gland is apparently without aphrodisiac properties and appears to be the same compound in two subspecies collected from distant localities. Laboratory reared wasps do not discriminate against kin in mating.
Business Application Components

Information Technology is being driven by the need for rapid provisioning of business solutions within an environment of increasing complexity. Component-based architecture principles and complexity-hiding model-based development techniques will empower users to dynamically change business processes, workflows, rules, policies, presentation, and other aspects of their environment.
Effects of added dietary salt on pig growth performance

Three studies evaluated the effects of added dietary salt on growth performance of pigs weighing 7 to 10, 11 to 30, and 27 to 65 kg. In experiment 1, 325 pigs were used with 5 pigs per pen and 13 pens per treatment. Pigs were fed a diet (0.39% Na and 0.78% Cl) for 7 d after weaning, then randomly assigned to diets with either 0, 0.20, 0.40, 0.60, or 0.80% added salt for 14 d. All diets were corn-soybean meal-based with 10% dried whey. Calculated Na concentrations were 0.11, 0.19, 0.27, 0.35, and 0.43% and calculated Cl concentrations were 0.23, 0.35, 0.47, 0.59, and 0.70%, respectively. Increasing salt increased (linear, P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F). For ADG, the linear, quadratic polynomial (QP), and broken-line linear (BLL) models were competing with the breakpoint for the BLL at 0.59% salt. For G:F, the BLL reported a breakpoint at 0.33% while the QP indicated maximum G:F at 0.67% added salt. In experiment 2, 300 pigs were used in a 34-d trial with 5 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Pigs were weaned at 21 d of age and fed a phase 1 diet (0.50% Na and 0.67% Cl) for 11 d and then a phase 2 diet (0.35% Na and 0.59% Cl) for 14 d. Then pens of pigs were randomly assigned to corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 0.20, 0.35, 0.50, 0.65, or 0.80% added salt. Calculated dietary Na concentration were 0.10, 0.16, 0.22, 0.28, and 0.34% and calculated Cl concentrations were 0.23, 0.32, 0.41, 0.50, and 0.59%, respectively. Overall, ADG and G:F increased (quadratic, P < 0.07) with increasing added salt. For ADG, the QP and BLL had similar fit with the breakpoint for BLL at 0.51% added salt. For G:F, the BLL model predicted a break point at 0.35% added salt. In experiment 3, 1,188 pigs were used in a 44-d study with 27 pigs per pen and 11 pens per treatment. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 0.10, 0.33, 0.55, or 0.75% added salt. Calculated dietary Na concentrations were 0.10, 0.19, 0.28, and 0.36% and calculated Cl concentrations were 0.23, 0.36, 0.49, and 0.61%, respectively. Overall, there was no evidence to indicate that added salt above 0.10% of the diet affected growth. In conclusion, the BLL models suggested to maximize ADG for 7 to 10 and 11 to 30 kg pigs was 0.59% (0.34% Na and 0.58% Cl) and 0.51% added salt (0.22% Na and 0.42% Cl), respectively. There was no evidence that growth of 27 to 65 kg pigs was improved beyond 0.10% added salt (0.11% Na and 0.26% Cl).
New Media Pharmacology: Hansen, Whitehead, and Worldly Sensibility:

New media theorist Mark Hansen, in Feed-Forward: On the Future of Twenty-first Century Media and a series of articles, argues that the most sophisticated forms of media technology today have the ca...
Voice Controlled Smart Mirror with Multifactor Authentication

Internet of Things, Smart Home, and Smart Cities have become hot topics in recent years. The development of these areas grows spirally due to the emergence of advanced smart devices. Smart mirrors are a new addition to the smart home family that has been getting a lot of attention nowadays by both commercial manufacturers and academia. This paper describes how a Raspberry Pi device can be used to enhance such mirrors with intelligence and security. The goal is to develop a cost effective intelligent mirror system that not only works as a regular mirror, but also be able to display various kinds of information, such as weather, time and location, current events, and users. The mirror can provide multimedia services while ensuring high end security across the entire system.
We need more randomised controlled trials in injury prevention.

Results from randomised controlled trials make an important contribution to improvements in injury-related health. However, publication of findings from randomised controlled trials remains a rarity in the injury prevention literature. Increasing the quantity of randomised controlled trials research need not reduce other types of injury prevention research activity. Highlighting the importance of publishing trials does not devalue the contribution of other designs. The paucity of trial evidence in injury prevention poses a risk to the advancement of the field. We need more randomised controlled trials in injury prevention. In this issue of the journal, we publish five study protocols and the results of one completed study that illustrate how injury prevention researchers are using trial methodology to address important research questions. The first protocol describes a randomised controlled trial designed to quantify the effect of a health education intervention on the safe-sleep knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary care givers of infant children. The second protocol is a cluster randomised controlled trial involving female soccer (football) players 14–18 years of age that aims to quantify the effect of a soccer-specific ankle brace on the incidence of acute lateral sprain of the …
Gilbert Ryle’s adverbialism

Gilbert Ryle famously wrote that practical knowledge (knowing how) is distinct from propositional knowledge (knowing that). This claim continues to have broad philosophical appeal, and yet there ar...
Shell on Earth: Oyster Harvesting, Consumption, and Deposition Practices in the Powhatan Chesapeake

Archaeological studies of North American shell middens have recently highlighted Native societies’ impacts on marine and estuarine waterscapes. Middens containing deposits of oyster shell (Crassost...
Platinum-based therapy of patients with gastrointestinal cancers that harbor homologous recombination DNA damage response (HR-DDR) mutations: A single institutional retrospective analysis.

836Background: HR-DDR deficiencies have been described across cancer types and associated with response to specific therapies, including platinum (Pt)-based drugs and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PA...
River Restoration: Disappointing, Nascent, Yet Desperately Needed

Abstract Earth is undergoing systemic global ecological collapse caused by human civilization. If the same currency ratio spent on fighting crisis to bearing damages was applied as that evident in addressing crime, then the United States alone would spend $1.1 trillion annually on ecological stewardship. However, would ecosystem scientists, managers, and engineers successfully spend such wealth to avert collapse? No. This article explores scientific and institutional dilemmas hindering the disappointing, nascent ecological engineering subfield of river restoration. Whereas other reviews place most blame on practioners, this article takes academic science to task for setting up failure by accepting statistical correlation over mechanistic understanding. Rather than just criticize though, this article provides hopeful ideas to improve river science and the practice of ecological engineering of rivers.