cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasticity in mating behaviour drives asymmetric reproductive interference in whiteflies.

Reproductive interference between species with incomplete mate recognition can disrupt the process of mate acquisition. Accordingly, reproductive interference can reduce female and male fitness and lead to sexual exclusion. Here, we tested the hypothesis that flexible mating behaviours could mitigate the fitness-reducing effects of reproductive interference between reproductively incompatible biotypes of the haplodiploid whitefly Bemisia tabaci. We show that females of the globally distributed and invasive B biotype respond to reproductive interference from the Q biotype by increasing their acceptance of copulation attempts from B males. This behavioural plasticity increases the ability of B females to mate successfully and maintain a constant sex ratio in their offspring despite reproductive interference. In contrast, females of competing biotypes have invariant behaviour and produce fewer female offspring because of reproductive interference from the B biotype. Heuristic simulation models incorporating data on behavioural and life history traits of the B and Q biotypes obtained here, and published data on other biotypes, show that this plasticity in mating behaviour of B females could contribute to sexual exclusion of closely related biotypes. Our results demonstrate a powerful link between mating behaviour, reproductive interference and sexual exclusion, suggesting that variation in mating behaviour could determine the effects of reproductive interference and drive sexual exclusion among closely related species or among biotypes of a species.
The Efficacy of Ketogenic Diet and Associated Hypoglycemia as an Adjuvant Therapy for High-Grade Gliomas: A Review of the Literature

Background: A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, often referred to as a ketogenic diet (KD), has been suggested to reduce frequency and severity of chronic pediatric and adult seizures. A hypoglycemic state, perpetuated by administration of a KD, has been hypothesized as a potential aid to the current standard treatments of high-grade gliomas. Methods: To understand the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet as a therapy for malignant gliomas, studies analyzing components of a KD were reviewed. Both preclinical and clinical studies were included. The keywords "ketogenic diet, GBM, malignant glioma, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia" were utilized to search for both abstracts and full articles in English. Overall, 39 articles were found and included in this review.
Sulfate-Bearing Soils: Problems with Calcium-Based Stabilizers

Several roads, airfield pavements, and parking lots in Texas and other states in the western United States have suffered severe pavement damage due to expansive minerals formed from the reactions of calcium-based materials used to stabilize sulfate-bearing soils. Remediation costs for projects that suffer sulfate-induced heave damage are very high, because often the entire pavement may have to be removed and reconstructed. Observations from several projects are described to illustrate the phenomenon of sulfate-induced heave and the current methods to predict the problem. Two recent projects described include one using cement as a replacement for lime and a second using a double application of lime. The discussion also includes limitations of the present methods for determining the so-called soluble sulfate levels in soils. The practice of a double application of lime and several other alternative methods and their limitations are discussed. Although research has clearly identified the expansive minerals as being calcium bearing, no published investigations of non-calcium-based stabilizers that could effectively stabilize sulfate-bearing soils were found.
Replisome mechanics: insights into a twin DNA polymerase machine

Chromosomal replicases are multicomponent machines that copy DNA with remarkable speed and processivity. The organization of the replisome reveals a twin DNA polymerase design ideally suited for concurrent synthesis of leading and lagging strands. Recent structural and biochemical studies of Escherichia coli and eukaryotic replication components provide intricate details of the organization and inner workings of cellular replicases. In particular, studies of sliding clamps and clamp-loader subunits elucidate the mechanisms of replisome processivity and lagging strand synthesis. These studies demonstrate close similarities between the bacterial and eukaryotic replication machineries.
Time to Positivity of Blood Cultures Supports Antibiotic De-escalation at 48 Hours

Background: Appropriate de-escalation of empirical antimicrobial therapy is a fundamental component of antimicrobial stewardship. Concern for the late detection of bloodstream pathogens may undermine early streamlining efforts and subject patients to protracted courses of nonessential therapy. Objective: To quantify the prevalence of bacterial bloodstream infection (BSI) detection after more than 48 hours of culture incubation. We also assessed the impact of antimicrobial therapy delivered prior to blood sample collection. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated time to blood culture positivity (TTP) in adult patients at an academic tertiary care hospital. Microbiology reports were reviewed to identify the TTP for the first positive blood culture bottle for each episode of BSI occurring from February 1, 2011, to July 31, 2011. Isolates were classified as true pathogens or contaminants. Blood culture results after 48 hours of incubation were compared with results after 120 hours of incubation. Results: The m...
Serotonergic Neurotoxicity of 3,4-(±)-Methylenedioxyamphetamine and 3,4-(±)-Methylendioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) Is Potentiated by Inhibition of γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase

Reactive metabolites play an important role in 3,4-(±)-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-(±)-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy)-mediated serotonergic neurotoxicity, although the specific identity of such metabolites remains unclear. 5-(Glutathion-S-yl)-α-methyldopamine (5-GSyl-α-MeDA) is a serotonergic neurotoxicant found in the bile of MDA-treated rats. The brain uptake of 5-GSyl-α-MeDA is decreased by glutathione (GSH), but sharply increases in animals pretreated with acivicin, an inhibitor of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) suggesting competition between intact 5-GSyl-α-MeDA and GSH for the putative GSH transporter. γ-GT is enriched in blood−brain barrier endothelial cells and is the only enzyme known to cleave the γ-glutamyl bond of GSH. We now show that pretreatment of rats with acivicin (18 mg/kg, ip) inhibits brain microvessel endothelial γ-GT activity by 60%, and potentiates MDA- and MDMA-mediated depletions in serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxylindole acidic acid (5-HIAA) concentrat...
Preferences for Deferred Losses

Abstract The question of whether aversive outcomes are generally preferred at sooner or at later times in the future is examined. Theories predicting choices of advanced and deferred aversive outcomes are summarized. A previous result suggesting overwhelming preference for more immediate aversive outcomes is challenged on the basis of problems endemic to experimental studies of decision making. An experiment that attempted to circumvent those problems is described. Subjects chose between sums of money that could be lost at various times in the future. The subjects were evenly divided in their preferences for advanced and deferred losses. Subjects in a control condition duplicated the results of the previous experiment that had demonstrated the predominance of preferences for advanced aversive outcomes. The implications of the conclusions for a representation of choice over deferred outcomes are discussed.
Global transport and localized layering of metallic ions in the upper atmosphere

Abstract. A numerical model has been developed which is capable of simulating all phases of the life cycle of metallic ions, and results are described and interpreted herein for the typical case of Fe+ ions. This cycle begins with the initial deposition of metallics through meteor ablation and sputtering, followed by conversion of neutral Fe atoms to ions through photoionization and charge exchange with ambient ions. Global transport arising from daytime electric fields and poleward/ downward di.usion along geomagnetic field lines, localized transport and layer formation through de- scending convergent nulls in the thermospheric wind field, and finally annihilation by chemical neutralization and compound formation are treated. The model thus sheds new light on the interdependencies of the physical and chemical processes a.ecting atmospheric metallics. Model output analysis confirms the dominant role of both global and local transport to the ion's life cycle, showing that upward forcing from the equatorial electric field is critical to global movement, and that diurnal and semidiurnal tidal winds are responsible for the forma- tion of dense ion layers in the 90±250 km height region. It is demonstrated that the assumed combination of sources, chemical sinks, and transport mechanisms actually produces F-region densities and E-region layer densities similar to those observed. The model also shows that zonal and meridional winds and electric fields each play distinct roles in local transport, whereas the ion distribution is relatively insensitive to reasonable variations in meteoric deposition and chemical reaction rates. Key words. Ionosphere (ion chemistry and composition; ionosphere-atmosphere interactions).
Ligand-induced conformational changes in ras p21: a normal mode and energy minimization analysis

A normal mode and energy minimization of ras p21 is used to determine the flexibility of the protein and the origin of the conformational differences between GTP and GDP-bound forms. To preserve the integrity of the structures, a hydration shell of water molecules was included as part of the system. Certain low-frequency modes were found to have high involvement coefficients with the conformational transition between the GTP and GDP-bound structures; the involvement coefficients of some of the modes increase when the gamma-phosphate group is removed. Two unstable modes that appear in the GTP-bound structure upon deletion of the gamma-phosphate group were determined and shown to have dominant contributions in the regions of switch I and switch II; there was also a significant displacement of loop 1. The initial motion in these regions is predicted by the modes to be approximately perpendicular to the direction of the transition from the GTP-bound state to the GDP-bound state. The overall conformational change in the switch I and II regions involves rearrangements of the protein backbone within these regions, rather than rigid body motion. Differences in the low-frequency modes of the GTP and GDP-bound forms appear to play a role in ligand binding. A coupling between the helix alpha3 position and the deletion of the gamma-phosphate group may be involved in the interaction with GAP. The oncogenic mutation G12D leads to a global increase in the rigidity of the protein. Thus, the mutant is likely to have a higher barrier for the conformational change to the inactive form; this would slow the transition and could be related to its oncogenic properties.
Pixel array detector for the capture of femtosecond duration x-ray images

An imaging Pixel Array Detector (PAD) is being developed to record x-ray scattering images from single particles at the SLAC Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) x-ray free electron laser. The LCLS will deliver x-ray pulses of 5 – 200 femtosecond duration 120 times per second. Proposed experiments require that the scatter from each pulse be independently recorded. This necessitates a detector with a charge integrating front-end because the high instantaneous arrival rate of photons (> 1000 photons per pixel in femtoseconds) exceeds the processing speed capabilities of digital counting detectors. Other capabilities of the PAD are a frame rate >120 Hz, a full-well depth in excess of 2000 8-keV photons, a detective quantum efficiency near unity, and the ability to readily differentiate between 0 and 1 photons per pixel. The detector will be a 4x4 array of subunit tiles. Each tile consists of two silicon chips solder-bump bonded together. A pixelated 500 micron thick, fully depleted silicon chip converts x-ray energy into charge carriers. The charge created is conveyed by solder connecting bumps to a CMOS ASIC in which each pixel has its own signal processing electronics. Each tile has ~190 x 190 pixels, resulting in a detector of > 760 x 760 pixels. Tests of prototype 16x16 readout pixel arrays show a read noise equivalent to 0.14 8-keV photons. Features of the detector include an inpixel parallel 14-bit digitization scheme, and the capability to be configured with an adaptable, 2-level, 2D gain profile. The development of the read-out electronics and the effects of tiling on dead area are also discussed.
Radiochemical purity and stability of generic Tc-99m Mertiatide: Comparison to Tc-99m MAG3™

2736 Objectives Tc-99m Mertiatide (MAG3™) is used to evaluate renal function. A generic formulation of Tc-99m Mertiatide may become available. This study’s objective was to evaluate the radiochemical purity and stability of generic Tc-99m Mertiatide (AnazaoHealth) and to compare the results to Tc-99m MAG3™. Methods Two generic Mertiatide vials were formulated by adding 52.9 mCi and 98.5 mCi of Tc-99m pertechnetate to each vial, and one MAG3™ vial was formulated by adding 55.9 mCi of Tc-99m pertechnetate according to manufacturer’s instructions. For each preparation the radiochemical purity (Tc-99m pertechnetate/soluble impurities) of specific kits was evaluated at various time intervals after formulation, ranging from 1 to 8 hours, using miniaturized chromatography consisting of Whatman 1 with methylene chloride: acetone (1:1) solvent. At each specific time interval, three replicate chromatography strips were developed and analyzed. Data was summarized by calculating the mean percent of free Tc-99m pertechnetate/soluble impurities. Results The radiochemical purity of low activity generic Mertiatide at 1 hr, 2.5 hrs, 4 hrs, 6 hrs and 8 hours post formulation was 97%, 96%, 92%, 85% and 79%, respectively. Similar results were achieved with the high activity generic Mertiatide formulation at 1 hr, 2.5 hrs, 4 hrs, 6 hrs and 8 hours post formulation was 98%, 97%, 90%, 81% and 75%, respectively. At low activity formulation of Tc-99m MAG3™, the radiochemical purity was 99% at one hour post formulation and remained greater than 97% up to 8 hours after formulation. Conclusions The radiochemical purity and stability of generic Tc-99m Mertiatide was evaluated up to 8 hours post formulation and results compared to Tc-99m MAG3™. The initial radiochemical purity of generic Tc-99m Mertiatide was high, however the stability of the product declined significantly over time. The initial radiochemical purity of Tc-99m MAG3 ™ was 99% at 1 hour post formulation and remained greater than 97% throughout the study.
A Conputerized System for Monitoring and Accounting of Investigational Drug Supplies in a Multi-Center Clinical Trial

AbstractIn any clinical trial involving investigational drugs, federal regulations require accurate and adequate drug accounting. In addition, it is advantageous to monitor individual patient compliance for its relationship to response to therapy, adverse reactions, etc. Accomplishing these objectives can be very time consuming, especially when there are multiple participating centers.A computer system has been designed to meet these needs and was tested on a investigational drug supplies used in a multicenter clinical trials. The computer generated reports, which can be easily developed by a supporting statistical and data processing center are helpful in monitoring drug supplies at field stations and in achieving compliance with federal regulations. Sponsors of clinical trials, especially physicians, could use CDAS to assist in assuming the drug accountability responsibilities of a multicenter clinical trial.To develop a CDAS similar to the one just described which can be used to monitor and verify the ...
Auction-based Admission Control for Continuous Queries in a Multi-Tenant DSMS

The growing popularity of monitoring applications and “Big Data” analytics used by a variety of users will lead to a multi-tenant data stream management system. This paper deals with the problem of admission control of continuous queries, where the stream processing resources are sold to the end users. We employ variable pricing by means of auction-based mechanisms. The admission control auction mechanism determines which queries to admit, and how much to charge the user for each query in a way that maximizes system revenue. The admission mechanism is required to be strategyproof and sybil-immune, incentivizing users to use the system honestly. Specifically, we require that each user maximizes her payoff by bidding her true value of having a query run. We further consider the requirement that the mechanism be sybil-immune: that is, no user can increase her payoff by submitting queries that she does not value. Given the above requirements, the main challenges come from the difficulty of effectively utilizing shared processing of continuous queries. We design several payment mechanisms and experimentally evaluate them.
Pre-B-Cells Transformed by ts Abelson Virus Rearrange κ and γ Genes in Early G1

Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV) induces a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal lymphoma in mice and transforms pre-B lymphocytes in vitro (reviewed in Rosenberg and Witte 1988). Like normal pre-B cells, the transformants have undergone V(D)J joining at the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus but most of them have not recombined the κ or λ light chain genes. Consistent with this pattern, the cells express a constellation of differentiation markers normally associated with pre-B lymphocytes. These phenotypic properties have always suggested that Ab-MLV transformation arrests B lymphocyte differentiation at the pre-B cell stage. Recent work using temperature sensitive (ts) Ab-MLV transformation mutants has confirmed this hypothesis (Chen et al. 1994). Pre-B cells transformed by ts mutants undergo light chain gene rearrangement at a high frequency after shift to the nonpermissive temperature. Differentiation arrest is mediated in part by the ability of the virus to suppress the expression of molecules that are critically important for pre-B cell differentiation. The RAG-1 and RAG-2 proteins and NF-κB are two of these targets (Chen et al. 1994; Klug et al. 1994).
Emotional Reactivity, Behavior Problems, and Social Adjustment at School Entry in a High-risk Sample

Prior research suggests that heightened emotional reactivity to emotionally distressing stimuli may be associated with elevated internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and contribute to impaired social functioning. These links were explored in a sample of 169 economically-disadvantaged kindergarteners (66 % male; 68 % African American, 22 % Hispanic, 10 % Caucasian) oversampled for elevated aggression. Physiological measures of emotional reactivity (respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA], heart rate [HR], and cardiac pre-ejection period [PEP]) were collected, and teachers and peers provided ratings of externalizing and internalizing behavior, prosocial competence, and peer rejection. RSA withdrawal, HR reactivity, and PEP shortening (indicating increased arousal) were correlated with reduced prosocial competence, and RSA withdrawal and HR reactivity were correlated with elevated internalizing problems. HR reactivity was also correlated with elevated externalizing problems and peer rejection. Linear regressions controlling for age, sex, race, verbal proficiency, and resting physiology showed that HR reactivity explained unique variance in both teacher-rated prosocial competence and peer rejection, and contributed indirectly to these outcomes through pathways mediated by internalizing and externalizing problems. A trend also emerged for the unique contribution of PEP reactivity to peer-rated prosocial competence. These findings support the contribution of emotional reactivity to behavior problems and social adjustment among children living in disadvantaged urban contexts, and further suggest that elevated reactivity may confer risk for social difficulties in ways that overlap only partially with internalizing and externalizing behavior problems.
Metabolism in vivo of C14-Labelled Pyrethrin I and Cinerin I by House Flies with Special Reference to the Synergistic Mechanism

Randomly labeled C14-pyrethrin I (PI*) and C14-cinerin I (CI*) were used alone and in combination with sesamex in the study of their metabolism by house flies, Musca domestica L., in vivo. The metuholisms of PI* and of CI* follow a similar pattern and the difference is quantitative rather than qualitative. The difference in potency of PI* and CI* was due to the rate of detoxification. There is no difference in the absorption rate. More than 96% of the absorbed dose of CI* or PI* was detoxified 4 hours after topical application. The mechanism of synergism was explained by the fact that the synergist prevents the detoxification of the absorbed pyrethroids although the absorption of pyrethroids is less in the presence of sesamex than in its absence. Five metabolites plus chrysanthemic acid each from PI* and CI* have been isolated and partially characterized. The amount of free chrysanthemic acid never exceeds 2.6% of the applied dose. The direct hydrolysis of the ester linkage in either molecule is not a major detoxification mechanism. Of 5 metabolites, 3 showed an intact chrysanthemic acid moiety and ester linkage. The detoxification process is apparently initiated or the ketoalcohol moiety while the acid moiety and the ester linkage are still intact. Further breakdown of the altered molecule into more polar compounds is indicated.
Derrida’s Archive

It is argued that attempts to archive Derrida’s work and treat it in the standard terms of intellectual history are short-circuited by arguments within his work that undermine the coherence of the concept of archive as it is deployed in such historical descriptions. Drawing on a range of Derrida’s early and late writings and more especially his readings of Freud, it is suggested that Derrida’s claim that psychoanalysis ought to provoke a revision of the terms historians use to discuss it is a fortiori valid for deconstruction.
'Section 5 and 'Unfair Methods of Competition': Testimony Before the Senate Antitrust Committee

Since the late 1980s, Section 5 of the FTC Act has come to center on a certain kind of case, the so-called anticompetitive “scheme” featuring extraordinary and nefarious conduct -- like gaming a standards process, rigging industry tests, that sort of thing. Deception, fraud, bad-faith and oppressive action are typical. This kind of self-restraint has, to its credit, yielded a focus on cases where the conduct is extraordinary, an anticompetitive intent is obvious and the harm is substantial. At this point, the self-imposed limits on Section 5 enforcement are extensive enough that a critic could fairly accuse the agency of under-enforcing the law and deviating too far from Congress’s original intent.
Ways and Suggestions to Step up the Development of Emergency Industries

Stepping up the development of emergency industry is of great significance to upgrade industrial structure,transform modes of economic development,and construct harmonious society.The status of emergency industry development has been initially established.In the future,our country should highly pay attention to the development of emergency industry,strengthening fundamental abilities,enhancing creative abilities,promoting development of group industry,forming effective industrial links,and expanding advantageous industries.We,therefore,suggest that we should integrate government resources,strengthen the investment in emergency industries,expand financing ways,create healthy market environment,cultivate talents of emergency industries,complete laws and rules,and reform related systems.
Function and Regulation of Yeast Copperthionein

A functional copperthionein (CUP1) gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is essential to prevent copper-mediated cytotoxicity, but is dispensable for cell growth in the absence of exogenous copper. The CUP1 gene is negatively autoregulated, as observed by the necessity for a functional CUP1 gene in order to repress basal level transcription from the CUP1 promoter. Both the copper protection and transcriptional autoregulatory functions can be complemented by expression in yeast of either of two monkey metallothionein isoform cDNAs. The expression of the CUP1 gene is induced at the level of transcription by copper via cis-dominant upstream control sequences which are tandemly repeated. Synthetic CUP1 upstream control sequences confer copper inducibility on a heterologous yeast promoter in a manner similar to that observed for the authentic upstream control region.
An Aspect of the Economic Role of Unemployment

Economic thought on the role of unemployment has evolved in the past decade from the view that unemployment is a simple waste of resources to the view that at least some unemployment is privately and socially beneficial because it yields a better match between jobs and workers. The papers by Phelps, Holt, and Mortensen in the famous volume, Microeconomic Foundations of Employment and Inflation Theory (1970) have been especially influential in bringing about this change in thinking. The literature on the microeconomics of unemployment has not settled the issue of the optimality of the equilibrium level of unemployment present in an unfettered competitive economy. The extreme view that the private and social costs and benefits are precisely equal is not widely held. In his thoughtful review of the subject (Tobin, 1972), James Tobin has observed that the process of job search involves externalities associated with congestion and queuing, but is uncertain ‘whether the market is biased toward excessive or inadequate search’ (p. 8). My purpose in this paper is to study one specific externality in considerable microeconomic detail. The externality arises from the effect of unemployment in the market on the hiring and firing policies of employers. Earlier empirical work of mine has suggested the following hypothesis, which Arthur Okun has picturesquely called the ‘spare tyre theory’: firms in chronically tight labour markets try to minimise turnover by holding overhead labour during temporary reductions in demands for their products. The costs of recruiting in tight markets motivates this policy. In chronically slack markets, on the other hand, firms treat the unemployed as a readily available buffer stock from which they can draw whenever labour is needed. They do not hold overhead labour because recruiting labour when it is needed is inexpensive.
Strategies for NMR assignment and global fold determinations using perdeuterated proteins

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the benefits of using uniform high-level deuteration to inhibit relaxation processes. This facilitates assignment of larger proteins for structural studies and enables, via edited NOESY experiments, the determination of medium- to long-range distance constraints important in establishing the tertiary organization or global fold of proteins. The proteins studied in the chapter are human carbonic anhydrase II (HCA II), a 29 kDa metalloenzyme, and a 12 kDa core packing mutant of thioredoxin (L78K-TRX), for which the motional dynamics have been characterized. The protein HCA II have been successfully 13C, 15N, and 2H- labeled and the significant advantages in signal-to-noise ratios for heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments have been demonstrated compared to a fully protonated 13C/15N protein. Using this protein, a general strategy has also been developed for the complete mainchain, as well as carbon and NH x sidechain assignments of perdeuterated proteins. In addition, for both HCA II and L78K-TRX, 3D and 4D 15N/15N-separated NOESY data have been obtained, which show anticipated long range interactions from which distance constraints can be derived. These are currently being evaluated in establishing the global folding patterns for these proteins and the initial results for L78K-TRX are shown in the chapter that confirms the importance and utility of these data in establishing tertiary organization. The rapid determination of protein global folds can enhance the comparison of mutant proteins with their wild-type counterparts and can significantly speed up efforts in drug discovery. In addition, the global fold may subsequently be utilized in, more detailed, structural studies by helping to resolve ambiguities in 4D 13C/13C-separated and 13C/15N-separated NOESY data. These studies indicate that perdeuteration can be achieved in proteins expressed in several different E. coli strains by growing selected cells in D 2 O media. Complete deuteration provides significant signal-to-noise enhancement in heteronuclear NMR assignment and structure determination experiments that use the amide proton for detection.
Current Methodologic Issues in Cell and Tissue Culture

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the various in vitro methods used in skeletal biology. Bone organ (tissue) cultures have been in use since the pioneering studies of Strangeways and Fell in the 1920s, while the isolation and culture of bone cells came into practice nearly half a century later. Most of the in vitro culture systems used in skeletal biology today are remarkably similar in principle and procedure to their early ancestors. The day-to-day techniques of tissue isolation, feeding, subculturing, cloning, and preservation are much the same as they were decades ago, with the exception that most materials are now made of disposable plasticware rather than glass, and most media are purchased ready to use rather than prepared from scratch. Organ cultures offer investigators the opportunities to study a tissue system with much of its architectural hierarchy intact, but without interference from the rest of the animal and its variable systemic influences. Bone organ culture systems have been used primarily to study dynamic events and their regulation, which include bone formation and matrix synthesis, bone resorption, and tissue morphogenesis. All of these processes are associated with tissue growth and development, and thus are amenable to study using embryonic, fetal, or newborn tissues that have high metabolic activities and can be maintained easily over short periods in organ culture. Cell cultures offer a distinctly different approach to in vitro biology than organ cultures. The cell culture approach treats mammalian cells virtually like bacterial cultures, which allows the investigator to study the cells' intrinsic functions like proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, matrix synthesis, and death, as well as their interactions with each other and with their environment.
FAST APPROXIMATION TO THE ARCTANGENT

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the fast approximation to the arctangent. Given the components of a vector { dx , dy ), the inverse trigonometric arctangent function is used to determine precisely the angle that the vector makes with respect to the x axis. The function arctan2( dy , dx ) is provided in many program libraries so that the function can be defined for all values of dx and dy (except the single case where both dx and dy are zero). A useful measure of vector angle can be constructed by a piecewise continuous function, using only three comparisons, one division, and one or two add/subtract operations. This represents significantly fewer operations than a standard implementation of arctan2. The segments of the piecewise continuous function are determined by the octant in which the vector lies. The octant can be determined by three comparisons of dx with respect to 0, dy with respect to 0, and dx with respect to dy .
Heavy-Duty Vehicle Port Drayage Drive Cycle Characterization and Development

In an effort to better understand the operational requirements of port drayage vehicles and their potential for adoption of advanced technologies, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers collected over 36,000 miles of in-use duty cycle data from 30 Class 8 drayage trucks operating at the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles in Southern California. These data include 1-Hz global positioning system location and SAE J1939 high-speed controller area network information. Researchers processed the data through NREL's Drive-Cycle Rapid Investigation, Visualization, and Evaluation tool to examine vehicle kinematic and dynamic patterns across the spectrum of operations. Using the k-medoids clustering method, a repeatable and quantitative process for multi-mode drive cycle segmentation, the analysis led to the creation of multiple drive cycles representing four distinct modes of operation that can be used independently or in combination. These drive cycles are statistically representative of real-world operation of port drayage vehicles. When combined with modeling and simulation tools, these representative test cycles allow advanced vehicle or systems developers to efficiently and accurately evaluate vehicle technology performance requirements to reduce cost and development time while ultimately leading to the commercialization of advanced technologies that meet the performance requirements of the port drayagemore » vocation. The drive cycles, which are suitable for chassis dynamometer testing, were compared to several existing test cycles. This paper presents the clustering methodology, accompanying results of the port drayage duty cycle analysis and custom drive cycle creation.« less
Dihydrocapsaicin-induced hypothermia after asphyxiai cardiac arrest in rats

Cardiac arrest (CA) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the world. Fast, reversible and controllable pharmaceutical-induced hypothermia (PIH) is strongly desired to treat ischemia-reperfusion brain injury. Dihydrocapsaicin (DHC), an agonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 cation channel (TRPV1), is an emerging candidate for PIH. Its capability to lower body temperature has been validated in both healthy and stroke animal models. However, DHC has shown cardiovascular effects and its safety and feasibility in a CA model has not been tested. Additionally, activated TRPV1 has multiple functions in addition to regulating body temperature and its effect on neurological recovery needs to be evaluated. In this study, we compared two methods of DHC administration, bolus injection and infusion via the femoral vein. We found that cardiovascular effects were only seen with a large dose DHC bolus injection. Then, we applied DHC-induced hypothermia in an asphyxial-CA rat model. We showed that DHC-treated rats were viable. Four-hour infusion of DHC at a rate of 0.75 mg/kg/h after CA maintained a body temperature of about 34 °C for at least 8 hours. DHC-treated rats had higher electrical activity during the first 4 hours after CA and had better neurological recovery during the 3 days after CA compared with normothermia rats. Additional pathway investigation of DHC administration following CA will further uncover the benefits of DHC-induced hypothermia.
Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in Correctional Facilities

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a leading source of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide (Maher and Raviglione, Clin Chest Med 26:167–182, 2005). In 1993, the World Health Organization declared TB a global health emergency. Over a decade later, despite TB control efforts, TB cases continued to rise. An estimated two billion people, or one-third of the world’s population, are believed to be infected with M. tuberculosis and are at risk for developing active TB disease during their lifetime. Annually, worldwide, approximately ten million people develop active TB and nearly 1.5 million die from the disease. The expanding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic and the emergence of multi- and extensively drug-resistant TB contribute greatly to the global burden of TB disease (CDC, MMWR 55(11):301–305, 2006b; CDC, MMWR 56(11):250–253, 2007).
‘Let your data tell a story:’ climate change experts and students navigating disciplinary argumentation in the classroom

ABSTRACTScience education trends promote student engagement in authentic knowledge in practice to tackle personally consequential problems. This study explored how partnering scientists and students on a social media platform supported students’ development of disciplinary practice knowledge through practice-based learning with experts during two pilot enactments of a project-based curriculum focusing on the ecological impacts of climate change. Through the online platform, scientists provided feedback on students' infographics, visual argumentation artifacts that use data to communicate about climate change science. We conceptualize the infographics and professional data sets as boundary objects that supported authentic argumentation practices across classroom and professional contexts, but found that student generated data was not robust enough to cross these boundaries. Analysis of the structure and content of the scientists’ feedback revealed that when critiquing argumentation, scientists initiated en...
Case Studies in Natural-Product Optimization

Taxus brevifolia is a Pacific yew tree that produces Taxol. Catharanthus roseus is one of the most well-studied plants in the world, and has provided a large number of alkaloids, including the clinically important antitumor agents vinblastine and vincristine. Both classes of antitumor agents interfere with tubulin-microtubule dynamics through opposite modes of action. They are the most renowned natural products, have been successfully brought to market, and have also served as leads for further optimization. This review highlights the chemical modification of Taxus diterpenoids and bisindole Catharanthus alkaloids, with an emphasis on structure-activity relationship studies and analog optimizations, leading to the discovery of a new generation of antitumor drugs.
Role of Diagnostic Preoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Radiologically Confirmed Gastric Volvulus

Gastric volvulus (GV) is a life-threatening condition that warrants prompt diagnosis and treatment. GV is a radiologic diagnosis. The role of preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) for individuals with radiologically confirmed GV is poorly defined. Our objective was to assess the diagnostic yield of UGIE in the preoperative evaluation of patients presenting with radiologically confirmed GV. Retrospective review of all adult patients undergoing surgery for GV between July 1996 and August 2016 has been carried out. We performed analyses evaluating diagnostic yield of preoperative UGIE and compared outcomes in patients who did and did not undergo preoperative UGIE. Outcomes were diagnostic yield of preoperative UGIE, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and mortality at 30 days and 1 year. In the preoperative UGIE group, the diagnostic yield was 34.6% (27/78). The most common endoscopic findings were erosive esophagitis (13/27) and clean based gastric or duodenal ulcers (5/27). There were no cases of esophago-gastric malignancy. Three patients had ulcers with stigmata of recent bleeding, and three patients had features suggestive of gastric ischemia. Endoscopic findings did not influence surgical management. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients who did and did not undergo preoperative UGIE, both at 30 days (0 vs. 2.5%) and 1 year (3.8 vs. 7.5%). Among patients with radiologically confirmed GV, preoperative UGIE rarely demonstrates clinically significant findings and can potentially delay definitive surgical intervention.
Organizational influences on the intimate partner violence and sexual violence screening practices of college health care providers.

Experts and professional organizations in the U.S. have issued recommendations that health care providers (HCPs) should screen women for intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence (SV). Despite the high rates of IPV and SV experienced by female college students, investigators have found that providers are not screening for IPV and SV in college health centers. In this study, a cross-sectional survey design was utilized to: (a) examine college HCPs' reports of IPV/SV screening behaviors and (b) identify the individual-level and organization-level structure and process characteristics that promote or inhibit IPV/SV screening. A total of 773 college HCPs (physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses) were invited to participate in the study using two separate sampling frames. The final sample included 210 college HCPs. Providers reported low rates of IPV/SV screening (median = 20%). Screening rates varied by provider type with nurse practitioners reporting the highest screening rates. Urban location was associated with a three and one-half times greater likelihood of IPV/SV screening. Use of an electronic health record that included a prompt to screen was associated with a three-fold increase in the likelihood that HCPs would screen for IPV/SV. Further study is needed to better understand how organizational factors influence providers' screening behaviors in college health centers and how these influences are mediated. Future studies should include larger and more diverse samples of colleges and examine geographical variations in screening practices.
Sexual orientation and differences in HIV cognitions

Abstract Health-related cognitions associated with approach and avoidance motivations can impact individuals' decisions to engage in positive health behaviors, such as testing for HIV. Although HIV has historically primarily impacted sexual minorities, heterosexuals are at increasing risk for the disease in the U.S. Due to this shift in the epidemic, it is important to understand the cognitions that are differentially relevant for sexual minority and heterosexual individuals. We examined differences between sexual minority individuals and heterosexuals in anticipated HIV stigma, HIV infection-control beliefs and HIV status avoidance, in a sample of 232 at-risk Washington D.C. residents. When controlling for race, gender, and HIV risk level, sexual minorities had lower HIV status avoidance, lower anticipated HIV stigma, and higher HIV infection-control beliefs. This research informs our understanding of differences in HIV-related cognitions among sexual minority and heterosexual people who are equally at-risk for HIV. Targeted interventions aimed at improving HIV-related cognitions among heterosexuals are necessary as these cognitions may influence testing behavior.
Diabatic visualization shows effects of micro-fins on evaporation of R410A: Smooth, axial micro-fin, and helical micro-fin tubes

Abstract A novel approach to visualize the flow boiling inside a clear micro-fin tube under diabatic conditions is presented. Transparent smooth, axial micro-fin, and helical micro-fin tubes are made by 3D printing. The 3D printed tube is placed inside a glass tube and heated by the transparent secondary fluid flowing between the two tubes for providing the evaporation conditions and transparency. R410A flow boiling and the flow patterns in the three geometries captured with a high speed camera are compared. The experimental results show that micro-fin geometry influences flow behavior. Bubbles are mainly generated in the groove region due to a higher superheat than the fin region. Some of the liquid refrigerant is trapped in the grooves of the upper part of the micro-fin tube when the slug flow is present, and bubbles are generated in this thin liquid layer. In addition, the bubbles in the helical micro-fin tube are easier to merge because of the obstacle of the fin geometry for the bubble flowing path. As the two bubble merge, the conversion of surface free energy causes the bubble to travel with a higher velocity.
Analysis on the surveillance results of brucellosis in Aba Prefecture of Sichuan Province during 2000-2007

Objective To clarify the human and animals brucellosis epidemic trends of ABa Prefectufe of Sichuan Province during 2000-2007,to strengthen the prevention and control and determine the strategy for its prevention and cure of brucellosis.Methods According to the National Surveillance of Brucella Document,serology[tube agglutination test(SAT)and plate agglutination test(PAT)]method was used to test the key people,SAT and rose Bengal plate test(RBPF)method to test the yaks and sheep in monitoring sites.Results There were 2 new human brucellosis during 2000-2007.Two thousand and eighty-eight human blood serum were detected.36 people were serohlogie positive,the detection rate was 1.72%(36/2088);the highest rate was in 2003.up to 2.65%(9/339).One hundred and eighty-two thousand,nine hundred and sixty-four cattle and sheep were quarantined.7368 were serologic positive,the detection rate was 4.03%(7368/182 964),4.16%(4844/116 356)for vak and 3.79%(2524/66 608)for sheep;the highest rate being 5.74%(195/3396)in 2001.Conclusions These general trends of human brucellosis is stable,while animals brucellosis has increased in ABa prefecture during 2000-2007.Effective prevention and cure should be adopted to prevent its outbreak. Key words: Brucellosis; Serologic tests; Surveillance
Quality Assurance for Work Placement in Higher Education

Work placement is one important tool for preparing students for real working life with focus on the companies need for risk management skills and ability to handle continuously changes in business life. There is political and societal demand for a closer cooperation and more exchange of knowledge between higher education and working life. The government, the industry in general, The Norwegian Society of Engineers and Technologists (NITO) and students encourage engineering educations to provide student with work-life experience. The academic institutions have an important role to enable university-industry interaction and stimulate the flow of knowledge. The Bologna Declaration from 1999 was signed by European Ministers of Education. Two main goals were highlighted in this declaration. Learning programs should focus on preparing students for graduate studies and the programs should qualify them for a continuously changes in the labor market. University of South-Eastern Norway, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences (USN-TNM) has a clear strategy to strengthen the collaboration between the university, the industry and the students. The results from the study presented relates to Norwegian context, but quality issues and findings discussed in this paper are considered relevant in an international context. We present how University of South-Eastern Norway, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences (USN-TNM) have some promising approach to overcome and resolve these challenges.