cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal and quantitative changes in sexual reproductive cycling of the cladoceran Daphnia magna by a juvenile hormone analog.

Cyclic parthenogens, such as the cladoceran, Daphnia magna, utilize both asexual (parthenogenetic) and sexual reproduction in order to maximize population fitness in variable environments. Parthenogenetic reproduction is the default strategy among D. magna, while various environmental cues trigger cycles of sexual reproduction. Experiments were conducted with the juvenile hormone analog methoprene to test the hypothesis that members of the insect juvenile hormone/vertebrate retinoic acid family of transcription factors are involved in the regulation of sexual reproduction in daphnids. Neither methoprene, food reduction, or crowding independently stimulated entry into the sexual reproductive phase of the daphnids. However, the combination of food deprivation and crowding stimulated entry into the sexual reproductive phase characterized by an initial high production of males and the subsequent intermittent production of haploid egg-containing ephippia. Exposure to 160 nM methoprene along with food deprivation and crowding caused a significant reduction in the percentage of males produced during the early phase of the sexual cycle and significantly increased the percentage of males produced during the later stages of the cycle. Methoprene concentrations as low as 6.4 nM significantly reduced the number of resting eggs produced and proportionately increased the production of parthenogenetically-produced neonates. These experiments demonstrate that methoprene uncouples the coordinate production of males and resting eggs during the sexual reproductive period of D. magna. Methoprene stimulates male offspring production and defers their production to latter stages of the sexual reproductive period, while inhibiting the production of resting eggs and promoting the continuance of parthenogenetic reproduction. J. Exp. Zool. 290:148–155, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Impacts of Regulatory Change on Financial Markets for Agriculture

The beginning of the 1980s is a landmark in U.S. financial markets because of changes in the regulatory environment that mark this time. Especially important was passage of the "Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980" (DIDMC). Also under consideration is liberalization of geographic restrictions on banking and further modifications of regulations for financial institutions. Other issues specific to financial markets for agriculture include passage of the Farm Credit Act Amendments of 1980, a more conservative role for government credit programs, and outside equity financing in the farm sector.
Optical telescope design for a space-based gravitational-wave mission

Space-based gravitational-wave observatories will systematically study the source-rich band of gravitational waves from 0.0001 Hz to 1 Hz. All current designs require propagation of a laser beam from one spacecraft to another over immense distances. An optical telescope is needed for efficient power delivery and its design is driven by the interferometric displacement sensitivity requirements. Here we describe the design for a catoptric telescope that meets those requirements, emphasizing differences from the usual specifications for high quality image formation, and discuss design trade-offs as well as early results from research into scattered light suppression and modeling that may enable alternative designs.
Biomonitors of stream quality in agricultural areas: Fish versus invertebrates

Although the utility of using either fish or benthic invertebrates as biomonitors of stream quality has been clearly shown, there is little comparative information on the usefulness of the groups in any particular situation. We compared fish to invertebrate assemblages in their ability to reflect habitat quality of sediment-impacted streams in agricultural regions of northeast Missouri, USA. Habitat quality was measured by a combination of substrate composition, riparian type, buffer strip width, and land use. Invertebrates were more sensitive to habitat differences when structural measurements, species diversity and ordination, were used. Incorporating ecological measurements, by using the Index of Biological Integrity, increased the information obtained from the fish assemblage. The differential response of the two groups was attributed to the more direct impact of sediments on invertebrate life requisites; the impact of sedimentation on fish is considered more indirect and complex, affecting feeding and reproductive mechanisms.
Genetic toxicology association—Fall Meeting 1982

The Fall Meeting of GTA was held on 4 November 1982 at Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The theme of the program was in vivo/in vitro assays for unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) detection. The meeting was attended by about 100 members who heard three invited speakers, Gary Sega, Byron Butterworth and Michael Skinner, give talks on various aspects of UDS. These were complimented in the afternoon by a series of four contributed papers. The following are abstracts of the talks given by the main speakers.
The role of parametric linkage methods in complex trait analyses using microsatellites

Many investigators of complexly inherited familial traits bypass classical segregation analysis to perform model-free genome-wide linkage scans. Because model-based or parametric linkage analysis may be the most powerful means to localize genes when a model can be approximated, model-free statistics may result in a loss of power to detect linkage. We performed limited segregation analyses on the electrophysiological measurements that have been collected for the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism. The resulting models are used in whole-genome scans. Four genomic regions provided a model-based LOD > 2 and only 3 of these were detected (p < 0.05) by a model-free approach. We conclude that parametric methods, using even over-simplified models of complex phenotypes, may complement nonparametric methods and decrease false positives.
A typology of the causes of prison riots and an analytical extension to the 1986 West Virginia riot

This article examines the literature on prison riots and integrates many of the prior conceptualizations of their causes by advancing a typology of explanatory models. This typology classifies prior explanations for riots into six subcategories: environmental conditions, spontaneity, conflict, collective behavior/social control, power vacuum, and rising expectations. Next we examine the 1986 riot at the West Virginia State Penitentiary, using an integrated conceptual structure that draws on several of these subcategories. Finally, we examine the utility of the typology by comparing the West Virginia riot with those which occurred at Attica and Santa Fe. The analysis makes clear that none of the individual models in the typology provides an adequate single explanation for these riots. Indeed, meaningful explanations about prison riots seem to require elements from most of the models in the typology. This finding suggests the need for more integrative approaches in the study of prison riots.
Ultrasonography of the Gall Bladder in Jaundiced Patients

Evaluation of the gall bladder bv ultrasonography in the presence of jaundice provides in many instances extremely valuable clinical information. 37 patients with elevated bilirubin preventing radiographic examination have undergone ultrasonic cholecystography. In 17 of these the gall bladder was demonstrated to be moderately or markedly dilated due to common duct obstruction. The remainder had normal or small gall bladders. Jaundice in the latter group was due to other causes including hepatic duct obstruction. A normal-sized gall bladder may exist in the presence of common duct obstruction due to post-inflammatory fibrosis. Moderate or marked dilatation of the gall bladder in a jaundiced patient may be considered a reliable indicator of the presence of common duct obstruction and not parenchymal disease. The converse is not true. Ultrasonographic cholecystography is strongly recommended for earlv use in the evaluation of the jaundiced patient.
Is Yablo's paradox non-circular?

As is often the case in philosophy, challenges breed challenges. The latestchallenge comes from Roy Sorensen (1998), who has defended Yablo’sclaim of non-circularity in the face of Priest’s objection. Evidently,Sorensen’s defence has been thought by many to be successful; there hasbeen little discussion, and no challenges, thereafter. In this paper I breakthe silence. My aim is to show that Sorensen’s defence fails to addressPriest’s basic point; none of Sorensen’s replies provides any reason forthinking that, contrary to Priest’s challenge, Yablo’s paradox is non-circular.To make matters clear I shall present a new version of Priest’s argument,a version which, I hope, expresses Priest’s basic point in a clearer way than
An Ant Colony Optimization Approach to the Minimum Tool Switching Instant Problem in Flexible Manufacturing System

Efficient tool management is very important for the productivity in flexible manufacturing systems. This paper proposes an ant colony approach to minimize the number of tool switching instants in flexible manufacturing systems for the first time. The proposed approach is compared to optimal results from the literature, and very promising results are reported.
Marxist approaches to media studies: The British experience

Analysis of contemporary mass communication research in Great Britain reveals a Marxist paradigm growing in influence over the past two decades. Developing largely out of literary criticism, this line of British research has bifurcated, with one line moving toward cultural analysis and the other toward a more traditional social‐scientific model with particular emphasis on class and economic structures as independent variables. This paper provides an introduction to the body of cultural research and theory, and indirectly, to the growing corpus of Marxist communication study throughout the world.
Phage-Encoded Inhibitor of Staphylococcus aureus Transcription Exerts Context-Dependent Effects on Promoter Function in a Modified Escherichia coli-Based Transcription System

Promoter recognition in bacteria is mediated primarily by the σ subunit of RNA polymerase (RNAP), which makes sequence-specific contacts with the promoter −10 and −35 elements in the context of the RNAP holoenzyme. However, the RNAP α subunit can also contribute to promoter recognition by making sequence-specific contacts with upstream (UP) elements that are associated with a subset of promoters, including the rRNA promoters. In Escherichia coli, these interactions between the RNAP α subunit (its C-terminal domain [CTD], in particular) and UP element DNA result in significant stimulation of rRNA transcription. Among the many cellular and bacteriophage-encoded regulators of transcription initiation that have been functionally dissected, most exert their effects via a direct interaction with either the σ or the α subunit. An unusual example is provided by a phage-encoded inhibitor of RNA synthesis in Staphylococcus aureus. This protein, phage G1 gp67, which binds tightly to σ in the context of the S. aureus RNAP holoenzyme, has recently been shown to exert selective effects on transcription by inhibiting the function of the α subunit CTD (αCTD). Here we report the development of a gp67-responsive E. coli-based transcription system. We examine transcription in vitro from promoters that do or do not carry the UP element associated with a well-characterized E. coli rRNA promoter. Our findings indicate that the αCTD can increase promoter activity significantly even in the absence of an UP element. We also find that gp67 can exert αCTD-dependent or αCTD-independent effects on transcription depending on the particular promoter, indicating that the mechanism of gp67 action is context dependent.
Tolerance of trifoliate citrus rootstock hybrids to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus

a b s t r a c t Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) is the suspected causal agent of Huanglongbing (HLB) in Florida and other citrus producing countries around the world. Although little resistance to HLB is found within commercial citrus varieties, tolerance has been reported for some varieties that are commonly used as rootstocks. This study assesses the response of eight different rootstock varieties, which include the Citrus × Poncirus trifoliata hybrids Carrizo citrange, US-802, US-812, US-897, and US-942, Benecke trifoliate orange, Volkamer lemon, and Cleopatra mandarin, to Las under controlled conditions in the greenhouse. The percentage of plants detected positive for Las did not exceed 7% in the genotypes Benecke, Carrizo, US-802, US-942, and Volkamer during the first 6 months after graft-inoculation (mai). Pruning resulted in much increased numbers of plants with detectable Las levels and induced disease symptoms in previously asymptomatic plants. At 12 mai, percentages of Las-positive plants were 91–96% for US-802, US-812, Cleopatra, and Volkamer, and 70–78% for US-897 and US-942. Lowest percentages (44–52%) were observed for Benecke and Carrizo. The number of Las genomes per g of leaf tissue in Las-positive plants was considerably lower in Benecke and US-897 seedlings with 4.5 × 105 and 1.6 × 106 compared with
Sympathetic and hemodynamic effects of moderate and deep sedation with propofol in humans.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the mechanisms involved in the hypotension associated with sedative doses of propofol in humans. Methods: Ten healthy volunteers (aged 21–37 yr) participated on two occasions and in random order received placebo or propofol infusions. Standard monitoring and radial artery blood pressure were combined with measurement of forearm blood flow (plethysmography) and derivation of forearm vascular resistance, recording of peroneal nerve sympathetic activity, and blood sampling for norepinephrine concentrations. A computer-controlled infusion pump delivered placebo or two concentrations of propofol, adjusted to achieve moderate and deep sedation based on the Observer Assessment of Alertness/ Sedation score (responsiveness component) of 4 and 3. Level of sedation was quantitated using bispectral analysis of the electroencephalogram. Baroreflexes were assessed with a hypotensive challenge via administration of sodium nitroprusside. Results: Baseline neurocirculatory and respiratory parameters did not differ between sessions. Progressive infusions to achieve moderate and deep sedation resulted in average Bispectral Index values of 70 and 54, respectively. Propofol significantly reduced sympathetic nerve activity at both levels of sedation and decreased norepinephrine and forearm vascular resistance at deep sedation. These effects resulted in significant decreases in mean blood pressure of 9% and 18% at moderate and deep sedation, respectively. Propofol also reduced reflex increases in sympathetic nerve activity. Conclusions: These data from healthy subjects indicate that sedation doses of propofol, which did not compromise respiratory function, had substantial inhibitory effects on sympathetic nerve activity and reflex responses to hypotension resulting in vasodilation and significant decreases in mean blood pressure. IN the United States, 50 –70% of surgical procedures are performed in outpatient, ambulatory settings. These procedures often require moderate to deep sedation to ensure the patient’s comfort. Propofol commonly is used to accomplish sedation goals in the operating room, and this has engendered a growing interest from nonanesthesia providers in using propofol rather than conventional opioid– benzodiazepine combinations for sedation in the outpatient setting. A concern, however, has been the possibility of oversedation and respiratory compromise due to the rather narrow therapeutic window afforded by propofol. The growing literature describing the use of propofol for sedation outside of the operating
Magnetic/NIR-thermally responsive hybrid nanogels for optical temperature sensing, tumor cell imaging and triggered drug release.

The paper demonstrates a class of multifunctional core–shell hybrid nanogels with fluorescent and magnetic properties, which have been successfully developed for simultaneous optical temperature sensing, tumor cell imaging and magnetic/NIR-thermally responsive drug carriers. The as-synthesized hybrid nanogels were designed by coating bifunctional nanoparticles (BFNPs, fluorescent carbon dots embedded in the porous carbon shell and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals clustered in the core) with a thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) [poly(NIPAM-AAm)]-based hydrogel as the shell. The BFNPs in hybrid nanogels not only demonstrate excellent photoluminescence (PL) and photostability due to the fluorescent carbon dots embedded in the porous carbon shell, but also has targeted drug accumulation potential and a magnetic–thermal conversion ability due to the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals clustered in the core. The thermo-responsive poly(NIPAM-AAm)-based gel shell can not only modify the physicochemical environment of the BFNPs core to manipulate the fluorescence intensity for sensing the variation of the environmental temperature, but also regulate the release rate of the loaded anticancer drug (curcumin) by varying the local temperature of environmental media. In addition, the carbon layer of BFNPs can adsorb and convert the NIR light to heat, leading to a promoted drug release under NIR irradiation and improving the therapeutic efficacy of drug-loaded hybrid nanogels. Furthermore, the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals in the core of BFNPs can trigger localized heating using an alternating magnetic field, leading to a phase change in the polymer gel to trigger the release of loaded drugs. Finally, the multifunctional hybrid nanogels can overcome cellular barriers to enter the intracellular region and light up the mouse melanoma B16F10 cells. The demonstrated hybrid nanogels would be an ideal system for the biomedical applications due to their excellent optical properties, magnetic properties, high drug loading capacity and responsive drug release behavior.
Nonlinear reduced order random response analysis of structures with shallow curvature

The goal of this investigation is to further develop nonlinear modal numerical simulation methods for application to geometrically nonlinear response of structures with shallow curvature under random loadings. For reduced order analysis, the modal basis selection must be capable of reflecting the coupling in both the linear and nonlinear stiffness. For the symmetric shallow arch under consideration, four categories of modal basis functions are defined. Those having symmetric transverse displacements (ST modes) can be designated as transverse dominated (ST-T) modes and in-plane dominated (ST-I) modes. Those having anti-symmetric transverse displacements (AT modes) can similarly be designated as transverse dominated (AT-T) modes and in-plane dominated (AT-I) modes. The response of an aluminum arch under a uniformly distributed transverse random loading is investigated. Results from nonlinear modal simulations made using various modal bases are compared with those obtained from a numerical simulation in physical degrees-of-freedom. While inclusion of ST-T modes is important for all response regimes, it is found that the ST-I modes become increasingly important in the nonlinear response regime, and that AT-T and AT-I modes are critical in the autoparametric regime.
From Partners to Parents Revisited: How Will Ideas of Partnership Influence the Emerging Definition of California Parenthood?

This article considers the role of the partners' relationship to each other in the context of the new California parentage cases. These rulings, which expand recognition of functional parents without marriage, domestic partnership registration, biology or adoption, attempt to ground the emerging definitions of parentage in the relationship to the child. The article, argues, however, that these rulings, because of their failure to consider the position of the initial legal parent, are on perilously thin constitutional ice. The ALI Principles of Family Dissolution, which also expand recognition of functional parenthood, tie that recognition to a combination of parental consent and acknowledgment of the responsibilities that come from the establishment of family bonds forged over time. The new California line of cases could arguably pass constitutional muster by acknowledging the role of the initial legal parent in engineering the relationship. To do so, however, in the range of circumstances arising in the lower courts requires revisiting adult understandings about the nature of parenting. Under what circumstances does shared parenting contemplate shared parental status? Does a parent who welcomes an intimate partner into her household have an obligation to the child to encourage the continuation of the bonds that are established? Do formal institutions such as marriage and adoption continue to matter and, if so, what legal role do they play? The article concludes that the failure to address the meaning of partnership weakens the practical and jurisprudential import of the new decisions. The solution will require making explicit judicial assumptions about the nature of consent to the creation of family bonds.This article, first, reviews the new California Supreme Court parentage cases, second, examines the emerging intermediate appellate decisions testing the limits of the new jurisprudence, and third, sets forth the constitutional parameters for the determination of parenthood. Fourth, the article compares the California requirements with the ALI's provision for parenthood by estoppel, and concludes that some level of parental consent to the creation of new bonds is constitutionally compelled. Finally, the article considers some of the unanswered issues underlying the emerging cases, including the degree to which the law should distinguish between third parents who assume a parental role at the child's birth, and those who come into the lives of older children.
Sign Language: Semiotic Approaches

Sign languages, or ‘gestural languages’ such as those of the profoundly deaf, are true languages, just as English is, though they differ greatly in their means of production. They have been much studied for both their similarities to voice languages and their differences from them.
Peripatetic Nomads along the Nile: Unfolding the Nubian Pan-Grave Culture of the Second Intermediate Period

This paper argues that the earliest Pan-Grave evidence was not necessarily related to Medjayw specialized workmen, reported to be employed in Egypt since the Old Kingdom, but mainly to families of Eastern Desert pastoral nomads looking for a better living, who took advantage of cracks in the Egyptian political control at the end of the Middle Kingdom to enter the Nile Valley. During the Second Intermediate Period, entire families of Medjayw had to readjust subsistence and way to live in order to be able to stay and interact with Egyptian communities. Pastoral nomads who change their subsistence keeping their cultural tradition are defined in anthropological theory as peripatetic. Archaeological evidence recently found in West Bank Aswan is examined as case study to support this assumption. The theory on peripatetic nomads is applied to the archaeological record to better explain the socio-economic landscape of the early Pan-Grave communities. DOI:10.2458/azu_jaei_v06i1_gatto
Simultaneous Observations of Atmospheric Tides from Combined in Situ and Remote Observations at Mars from the MAVEN Spacecraft

We report the observations of longitudinal variations in the Martian thermosphere associated with nonmigrating tides. Using the Neutral Gas Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS) and the Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS) on NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN Mission (MAVEN) spacecraft, this study presents the first combined analysis of in situ and remote observations of atmospheric tides at Mars for overlapping volumes, local times, and overlapping date ranges. From the IUVS observations, we determine the altitude and latitudinal variation of the amplitude of the nonmigrating tidal signatures, which is combined with the NGIMS, providing information on the compositional impact of these waves. Both the observations of airglow from IUVS and the CO2 density observations from NGIMS reveal a strong wave number 2 signature in a fixed local time frame. The IUVS observations reveal a strong latitudinal dependence in the amplitude of the wave number 2 signature. Combining this with the accurate CO2 density observations from NGIMS, this would suggest that the CO2 density variation is as high as 27% at 0–10° latitude. The IUVS observations reveal little altitudinal dependence in the amplitude of the wave number 2 signature, varying by only 20% from 160 to 200 km. Observations of five different species with NGIMS show that the amplitude of the wave number 2 signature varies in proportion to the inverse of the species scale height, giving rise to variation in composition as a function of longitude. The analysis and discussion here provide a roadmap for further analysis as additional coincident data from these two instruments become available.
The Vacant Land: The Mythology of British Expansion in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Ironically, as race has become more muted in the discourse of the South African state a number of scholars have begun to take a fresh look at the history of race and racial ideology. In White Supremacy, his comparison of American and South African history, George Fredrickson emphasized the importance of European perceptions of Indians and Africans, though in the South African case he concentrated almost exclusively on settlers of Dutch, French and German descent, the Afrikaners. Following a tradition of earlier generations of scholars, Fredrickson returned to the early frontier of European settlement. Old wine in a new comparative bottle, White Supremacy signalled neither a fundamerltal historiographical departure in the study of the South African past nor even a new periodization of the country's history.
Research on irrigation schedule of cotton drip irrigation under plastic film based on the different ground water table in arid areas

Through the irrigation schedule experiment of drip irrigation cotton under plastic film in Korla Irrigation Experiment Station,Xinjiang,has obtained the suitable local conventional drip irrigation schedule.In order to further study the compensation effect of shallow groundwater to the irrigation,we use the Hydrus software to simulate the water consumption in growing stage of drip irrigation cotton under plastic film with different groundwater table.Through dwawing into the concept of key point soil water content,put forward the criterion of cotton water stress by the drip irrigation under plastic film.The results showed that:The ground water has a certain compensating function for the cotton water consumption,the shallower groundwater table,the smaller irrigation quota required.When the groundwater table was less than 1.5 m,the drip irrigation quota was 3300 m3·hm-2.When the groundwater table was 2.0m,the drip irrigation quota was 4500 m3·hm-2.When the groundwater table was so biger and no any compensation,the cotton growth totally rely on the drip irrigation,the drip irrigation quota was 5550 m3·hm-2.Consided the high evaporation potential in the arid area,it will cause the soil salinity to damage crop growth,the ground water table of 1.5 m to 3.0m was the desired depth.This conclusion is not only the complementary and improvement to the conventional cotton irrigation schedule,but also this proposed method will have the guide and reference role for management and establishing the crop consumption quota of drip irrigation under plastic film in arid area.
Histamine stimulation of surfactant secretion from rat type II pneumocytes

The present study examined the effect of histamine on the secretion of phosphatidylcholine, the predominant component of pulmonary surfactant from adult rat alveolar type II pneumocytes in primary ...
Surface Characteristics of T-Lymphocyte Subpopulations

T lymphocytes may function as helpers of B cells in the antibody response, as B-lymphocyte suppressors, and as cytotoxic killer cells. It has been demonstrated that, rather than being antigen-directed responses by a homogeneous multipotent population of T cells, these varied immunologic roles are played by specifically differentiated subpopulations bearing distinctive cell-surface components.
CLIMATE AND CLIMATE CHANGE | Climate Prediction: Empirical and Numerical

In tropical climate prediction, three categories of approaches can be recognized: (1) empirical methods based on the combination of circulation diagnostics with statistical techniques, (2) numerical modeling, and (3) empirical but purely statistical procedures. It is desirable to pursue in parallel (1) and (2). By way of example, an overview is offered for five target regions: El Nino and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Nordeste of Brazil, the West African Sahel, the boreal autumn rains of East Africa, and the Indian summer monsoon. Comparisons yield no advantage of numerical modeling over empirical approaches. ENSO contributes strongly to interannual climate variability in only limited regions of the tropics. Indispensable are the verification of forecast performance on an independent data set, the documentation and publication of the method, publication of the forecasts in real time, and continuous evaluation of forecasts.
Stochastic Dynamic Optimal Power Flow Integrated with Wind Energy Using Generalized Dynamic Factor Model

Abstract: Integrating large wind power to power grid complicates the system operation due to the intermittency of wind. To address the challenges associated with wind power this paper formulates a stochastic dynamic optimal power flow to consider the uncertainty of wind power forecast in the power system operation. The goal of the system operation is to minimize the expected operational cost. The uncertainty of wind power forecast can be represented by a set of scenarios. For accurate forecasting, the generalized dynamic factor model (GDFM) is proposed to synthesize the forecasted wind power outputs while it preserves the correlation structure among wind power outputs from closely located wind farms under similar weather condition. In this paper, the GDFM was developed by the raw data of 94 wind farms in Texas and we use the model to predict hourly wind power outputs for 24 hours. This work also emphasizes on AC optimal power flow and is solved by a novel heuristic method, artificial bee colony (ABC). Such method is chosen because of its effective nature of handling hard constraints. Case studies are conducted on modified IEEE-30 system.
Formation of Nanofibrous Matrices, Three-Dimensional Scaffolds, and Microspheres: From Theory to Practice.

Nanofibrous architecture presents unique biophysical cues to facilitate cellular responses and is considered an indispensable feature of a biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) scaffold and cell carrier. While electrospinning is a widely used method to prepare natural extracellular matrix-like nanofibers, it faces significant challenges to incorporate nanofibrous architecture into well-defined macroporous 3D scaffolds or injectable microspheres. Here we report a nonelectrospinning approach that is effective at generating nanofibers from a variety of synthetic and natural biodegradable polymers and integrating these nanofibers into (1) 3D scaffolds with constructive geometry and designed internal macropore structures; and (2) injectable microspheres. Our approach to generating polymer nanofibers is based on the control of polymer–solvent interaction parameter χp-s. We obtained the χp-s and solvent composition phase diagrams of different temperatures according to the Flory–Huggins classic lattice model and the ...
Optical Bistability in a VCSEL Connected Across Serially-Coupled PIN Photodiodes

Two serially-coupled PIN photodiodes connected to a 1550nm VCSEL is theoretically modeled and experimentally demonstrated to exhibit optical bistability. The bistable device operates in megahertz range mainly due to parasitic inductance and capacitance of the circuit.
A novel surrogate to identify anatomical changes during radiotherapy of head and neck cancer patients.

Purpose To develop a novel method to monitor external anatomical changes in head and neck cancer patients in order to triage possible adaptive radiotherapy needs Methods The presented approach aims to provide information on internal anatomical changes based on variations observed in external anatomy. Setup Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images are processed to produce an accurate external contour of the patient's skin. After registering the CBCTs to the reference planning CT, the external contours from each CBCT are transferred to the initial– first week – CBCT. Contour radii, defined as the distances between an external contour and the isocenter projection in each CBCT slice, are calculated for each scan over the full 360-degrees. The changes in external anatomy are then quantified by the difference in radial distance between the external contours of any secondary CBCT relative to the initial CBCT. Finally, the radial difference is displayed in cylindrical coordinates as a 2D intensity map to highlight regions of interests with significant changes. Weekly CBCT scans from 15 head and neck patients were retrospectively analyzed to demonstrate the utility of this approach as a proof of principle. External changes suggested by the 2D radial difference map of an example patient after 23 fractions were then correlated with the changes in the gross tumor volumes and organs at risks. The resulting dosimetric effects were evaluated. An interactive standalone software application has been developed to facilitate the generation and the interpretation of the 2D intensity map Results The 2D radial difference maps provided qualitative and quantitative information, such as the location and the magnitude of external contour changes and the rate at which these deviations occur. Out of the 15 patients, 10 presented clear evidence of general external volume shrinkage due to weight loss, and nine patients had at least one site of local shrinkage. Only two patients showed no signs of anatomical change during their entire treatment course. For the example patient, the mean (±σ) radial difference was 6.7 (±3.0) mm for the left parotid and 7.3 (±2.5) mm for the right parotid. The mean dose to the left and right parotids increased from 20.1 Gy to 30 Gy and from 16.3 Gy to 29.6 Gy respectively Conclusion This novel method provides an efficient tool to visualize 3D external anatomical changes on a single 2D map. It quickly pinpoints the location of differences in anatomy during the course of radiotherapy, which can help physicians determine if a treatment plan needs to be adapted. The interactive graphic user interface developed in this study will be evaluated in an adaptive radiotherapy workflow for head and neck patients in a future prospective trial. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A Focus on the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

ABSTRACTFor over four decades, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) has been operated by nonprofit organizations. Research has demonstrated that nonprofit PACE provides quality, cost-effective community-based care to older adults who would otherwise require a nursing home level of care. Recently, the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services has authorized for-profit entities to operate PACE, contingent on their ability to demonstrate that they can provide care that is similar to nonprofit PACE with regard to access to care, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness. In 2013, a study was conducted to evaluate how PACE operates under for-profit versus nonprofit status. The results were presented to Congress which, in turn, authorized for-profit PACE providers. This article critiques the 2013 study, offers a comparison to for-profit hospice, and argues that at best there is not enough evidence to conclude that for-profit PACE provides the same quality of care as existin...
Rolling Textures in Face-Centered Cubic Metals

As described by means of quantitative pole figures, the inside texture of highly rolled aluminum and copper strips may be approximately described by four equivalent ideal orientations near (123) [121]. If rolled in reversed passes, the surface texture of copper is also near (123) [121], that of aluminum is (100) [011]. The inside texture of highly rolled brass is (110) [112]. The surface texture is the same, if rolled in reversed passes. The surface texture of all three metals is related to the inside texture, but asymmetrical, if rolled without reversal between passes.
Theorising the new geomancy: the case of HAARP

Has the US military been weaponising the weather? On what evidence might we begin to know? This essay begins by acknowledging the obstacles a classified military facility imposes on what we can kno...
Incidence of Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinsonism with Dementia (P03.097)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence od Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) among residents of Olmsted County, MN and compared it ot the incidence of Parkinsonism with Dementia (PDD). BACKGROUND: We investigated the incidence of Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) among residents of Olmsted County, MN, and compared it to the incidence of Parkinsonism with Dementia (PDD). DESIGN/METHODS: We used the medical records-linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project to identify all persons who developed parkinsonism from 1991 through 2005 (15 years). A movement disorders specialist reviewed the complete medical records of each suspected patient to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Among 542 incident cases of parkinsonism, 64 had DLB and 46 had PDD. The incidence rate of DLB was 3.5 per 100,000 person-years overall, and it increased steeply with age. Similarly, the incidence of PDD was 2.5 overall, and also increased steeply with age. The incidence rate of DLB and PDD combined was 5.9. Patients with DLB were younger at onset of symptoms and had more documented hallucinations and cognitive fluctuations than patients with PDD. Men had a substantially higher incidence of DLB than women across the full age spectrum. The men to women difference in risk of DLB was more extreme than the difference in risk for Parkinson9s disease, as previously reported from the same population. In particular, we observed an incidence of DLB of 4.8 in men and 2.2 in women as compared with 18.7 in men and 10.2 in women for PD. The pathology was consistent with the clinical diagnosis in 24 of 31 patients who underwent autopsy (77.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence rate of DLB is lower than the rate for Parkinson9s disease. DLB risk not only increases steeply with age, but is markedly greater in men. The men to women difference may suggest different biologic mechanisms. Supported by: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. In addition, data were obtained from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, which is supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01AG034676. Disclosure: Dr. Savica has nothing to disclose. Dr. Grossardt has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bower has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience and Merck & Co., Inc. Dr. Boeve has received research support from Cephalon, Inc.; Allon Therapeutics; and GE Healthcare. Dr. Ahlskog has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rocca has nothing to disclose.
Determination of Sulfathiazole in Type C Medicated Swine Feed by Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography with Post-Column Derivatization

A convenient method was developed for determination of sulfathiazole (STZ) in Type C medicated swine feed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) with post-column derivatization. Addition of extractant solution (0.2N HCl and 1.5% diethylamine in 25% methanol) and an internal standard (IS), sulfamethylthiazole (SMZ), to 5 g sample was followed by mechanical shaking for 1 h. The extract was clarified by chilling, centrifugation, and filtering before injection onto a C18 reversed-phase column. The mobile phase components were 2% acetic acid and 1:1 acetonitrile-methanol (83 + 17%, v/v). Run time was about 20 min. Determination and, largely, the method's selectivity were based on detection at 450 nm of the derivative formed by the post-column reaction of dimethylaminobenzaldehyde with the primary amine of the analyte and IS. The IS, SMZ, differs from STZ by a single substituent methyl group, is stable, and is readily resolved from STZ. Although SMZ is not commercially available, it can be synthesized with relative ease from purchased reagents and will be supplied by the authors to interested laboratories. In single-laboratory validation, linearity was demonstrated over the range of 0.055-550 microg/mL, well beyond the target concentration of 5.5 microg/mL. The estimated limit of detection was 0.04 microg/mL; the calculated limit of quantitation was 0.13 microg/mL (feed concentration of 2.4 g/T or 2.7 mg/kg). Wet-spiking trials with a variety of swine feed matrixes showed recovery to be 100-102% for the intended concentration range, 50-200 g/T, with coefficient of variation (CV) < 2%. The method ruggedness was verified with an overall CV of 2.9%.
Core Virtues for the Practice of Mentoring

Mentoring relationships in psychology and other fields are often long-term, complex, and multifaceted. Although mentoring is associated with a host of benefits and positive outcomes for proteges, e...
Observing the Observer

Previous research has demonstrated that individuals improve their performance of a task after observing and evaluating others perform that task, a phenomenon known as the observer effect. Most of t...
Spatial and Temporal Associations Between Native Crabs and the Invading Green Porcelain Crab, Petrolisthes armatus, Throughout Its Northernmost Invaded Range

Increasing ocean temperatures have led to poleward range expansions of many marine organisms. The green porcelain crab, Petrolisthes armatus, was first reported on intertidal oyster reefs near Charleston, South Carolina in the mid-1990s, an expansion from its tropical to sub-tropical native range. In order to investigate the relative abundances of this introduced crab and a portion of the native crab community, resident crab assemblages were sampled on intertidal oyster reefs across four seasons from 2015 to 2016. Sampling occurred at five locations extending from Savannah, Georgia where P. armatus is now well-established, to Wilmington, North Carolina, where its inter-annual presence is intermittent. Petrolisthes armatus was the numerically dominant crab species at all locations except Wilmington, where the species was not collected in the winter. Differences between northern and southern sample locations in the taxonomic composition of crab assemblages were most pronounced in the summer (June–September) and fall (October–January), with dissimilarities largely attributed to high abundances of P. armatus at southern locations. Crab abundances of all species peaked in the summer and were lowest in the winter (February–March). Petrolisthes armatus was less abundant toward the northern range edge, whereas native crabs did not differ in abundance throughout the sampling range. Throughout the study area, adult P. armatus sex ratios shifted from unbiased or female-biased in the summer to male-biased in the fall. Adults were collected in the spring (April–June), indicating they had overwintered. While native crab densities (Panopeus herbstii, Eurypanopeus depressus) stayed relatively constant across locations, P. armatus densities varied greatly, suggesting that resources, such as shelter and food, are not limiting factors for the coexistence of these native and invading crabs.
Meta-Analysis for Retrieval Experiments Involving Multiple Test Collections

Traditional practice recommends that information retrieval experiments be run over multiple test collections, to support, if not prove, that gains in performance are likely to generalize to other collections or tasks. However, because of the pooling assumptions, evaluation scores are not directly comparable across different test collections. We present a widely-used statistical tool, \em meta-analysis, as a framework for reporting results from IR experiments using multiple test collections. We demonstrate the meta-analytical approach through two standard experiments on stemming and pseudo-relevance feedback, and compare the results to those obtained from score standardization. Meta-analysis incorporates several recent recommendations in the literature, including score standardization, reporting effect sizes rather than score differences, and avoiding a reliance on null-hypothesis statistical testing, in a unified approach. It therefore represents an important methodological improvement over using these techniques in isolation.
Novel Algorithm for Incremental L1-Norm Principal-Component Analysis

L1-norm Principal-Component Analysis (L1-PCA) has been shown to exhibit sturdy resistance against outliers among the processed data. In this work, we propose L1-IPCA: an algorithm for incremental L1-PCA, appropriate for big-data and streaming-data applications. The proposed algorithm updates the calculated L1-norm principal components as new data points arrive, conducting a sequence of computationally efficient bit-flipping iterations. Our experimental studies on subspace estimation, image conditioning, and video foreground extraction illustrate that the proposed algorithm attains remarkable outlier resistance at low computational cost.
Thiol-Based Redox Signaling: Impacts on Molecular Chaperones and Cellular Proteostasis

Signaling through protein cysteine residues to regulate diverse biological processes is widely conserved from bacterial to human cells. Differential cysteine reactivity enables cells to sense and respond to perturbations in the cellular redox environment, which may impact protein structure and activity. This chapter will focus on how redox signaling regulates components of the protein quality control network to mitigate proteotoxic stress caused by redox active compounds. While specifics of redox-based activation of the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response and the cytoplasmic heat shock and oxidative stress responses differ, the presence of regulatory proteins containing reactive cysteines is a common feature. Moreover, several protein chaperones are reversibly regulated via cysteine switches that govern their ability to protect or refold damaged polypeptides. These responses are biologically indispensable, given the propensity of dysregulated cells to produce endogenous reactive oxygen species and the prevalence of thiol-reactive xenobiotics in the external environment.