cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impactful Leadership Traits of Virtual Leaders in Higher Education.

Universities are increasingly leveraging virtual teams into the organizational structure and strategic framework for many functions including academic administration and faculty leadership. One benefit of a virtual workforce is the ability to hire the most qualified individuals regardless of where they are physically located. As the virtual workforce expands, leaders may intuitively rely on traditional face-to-face approaches and strategies for employee oversight and motivation. These techniques may be ineffective or challenging to use in the virtual environment necessitating new approaches. Leaders of virtual teams need to understand the intricacies associated with these groups and be cognizant of factors that assist in creating cohesiveness, trust, and communication amongst virtual teams. This qualitative phenomenological study explores leaders’ perceptions surrounding competencies needed to effectively lead virtual teams in online education. A decisive sampling method was used to identify 10 experienced academic leaders who supervise virtual teams. As a result of the interviews, seven major themes emerged: (a) training and development; (b) trust; (c) emotional intelligence; (d) communication/team building/technology; (e) employee recognition and motivation; (f) leadership styles; and (g) virtual leadership competencies unique to higher education. Based on these themes and further evaluation the need for specific soft skills and robust technology emerged. Specifically, organizational success partially hinges on comprehensive training for virtual leaders, the significance of trust, emotional intelligence, and effective, respectful communication.
DIASTOLIC PULMONARY GRADIENT PREDICTS RIGHT VENTRICULAR FAILURE AFTER LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE IMPLANTATION

Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease is associated with increased risk of death and right ventricular failure (RVF) in patients with heart failure. Diastolic pulmonary gradient (DPG) may be a better marker of the severity of pulmonary hypertension compared with pulmonary vascular
Integration of genomic and proteomic data to identify MYCN-regulated genes, proteins, and interaction networks in neuroblastoma cells.

9584 Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor found in children. The most common marker prognostic of poor outcome is amplification of the MYCN oncogene, yet the biolog...
Randomized Study of Providing Evidence Context to Mitigate Physician Misinterpretation Arising From Off-Label Drug Promotion

Background: Recent court decisions have thrown into question the Food and Drug Administration’s rules limiting manufacturer promotion of prescription drugs for unapproved uses. We assessed how prov...
Uncovering the activities, biological roles, and regulation of bacterial cell wall hydrolases and tailoring enzymes.

Bacteria account for 1000-fold more biomass than humans. They vary widely in shape and size. The morphological diversity of bacteria is due largely to the different peptidoglycan-based cell wall structures that encase bacterial cells. Although the basic structure of peptidoglycan is highly conserved, consisting of long glycan strands that are cross-linked by short peptide chains, the mature cell wall is chemically diverse. Peptidoglycan hydrolases and cell wall–tailoring enzymes that regulate glycan strand length, the degree of cross-linking, and the addition of other modifications to peptidoglycan are central in determining the final architecture of the bacterial cell wall. Historically, it has been difficult to biochemically characterize these enzymes that act on peptidoglycan because suitable peptidoglycan substrates were inaccessible. In this review, we discuss fundamental aspects of bacterial cell wall synthesis, describe the regulation and diverse biochemical and functional activities of peptidoglycan hydrolases, and highlight recently developed methods to make and label defined peptidoglycan substrates. We also review how access to these substrates has now enabled biochemical studies that deepen our understanding of how bacterial cell wall enzymes cooperate to build a mature cell wall. Such improved understanding is critical to the development of new antibiotics that disrupt cell wall biogenesis, a process essential to the survival of bacteria.
Impacts of projected climate change scenarios on heating and cooling demand for industrial broiler chicken farming in the Eastern U.S

Abstract Industrial poultry production is a resource-intensive activity due to specific indoor temperature requirements to ensure optimal chicken growth. The energy consumption to maintain this ideal microclimate demands substantial operating expenses that are subject to climate conditions. As such, energy demand for heating and cooling (HVAC) for commercial broiler chicken production may be influenced by increased temperatures that occur due to climate change. This study focuses on evaluating the effects of climate change on future HVAC demands in a typical commercial broiler house in the Eastern U.S. To estimate such demands, we developed a simplified thermodynamic model that uses downscaled air temperature as input. These inputs stemmed from twenty General Circulation Models (GCM) for business-as-usual (RCP 8.5) and moderate (RCP 4.5) climate change scenarios. Our results indicate that increased temperatures from climate change scenarios by mid-century will increase energy demand for cooling by 5.5 ± 1.8% (RCP 4.5) and 6.6 ± 2.1% (RCP 8.5), and reduce energy demand for heating by 9.0 ± 3.2% (RCP 4.5) and 10.3 ± 3.7% (RCP 8.5) with respect to 2018. Furthermore, our results suggest that warmer temperatures under climate change will substantially increase water withdrawals for evaporative cooling. However, there may be a point where cooling pads may not be efficient enough to cool down chickens and other innovative alternatives may be required. Such changes could include the use of air conditioning units, which would further increase electricity demand. Efficiency improvements that could mitigate some of the negative changes in energy demand could include increasing the size of the house, modifying the production schedule to minimize energy use, and adding insulation.
Galcanezumab (Emgality) for Migraine and Cluster Headaches.

In otherwise healthy adults with severe and frequent migraine or cluster headaches, galcanezumab may provide a modest reduction in debilitating headache frequency in the short term.
Pilot Study to Measure Deficits in Proprioception in Children With Somatodyspraxia.

Importance Given the importance of proprioception in motor coordination, the identification of sensory deficits contributing to motor challenges is crucial for appropriate intervention; however, objective proprioceptive tests are not currently available in pediatric clinical practice. Objective To pilot test methods for assessing proprioception in children. Children with somatodyspraxia were predicted to have reduced proprioceptive awareness compared with age-matched control children. Design Observational study. Setting Individual clinic. Participants Ten children identified as having somatodyspraxia and 10 typically developing children, ages 6-8 yr. Outcomes and measures Spatial awareness and force perception were assessed by having the children match arm positions and grip and pinch forces using electronic dynamometers. Results All children were able to complete the proprioceptive assessments. Of those identified as having somatodyspraxia, 90% showed deficits in at least one area of proprioception. Children with somatodyspraxia performed more poorly on spatial awareness and force perception tests than typically developing children (p Conclusions and relevance Children with dyspraxia have difficulties with spatial awareness and force perception, confirming a somatosensory contribution to dyspraxia. What this article adds This article presents a framework and methods to measure proprioception in children. These methods will allow occupational therapy practitioners to quantify the proprioceptive deficits common in children with dyspraxia.
Management of systemic fungal infections in the presence of a cardiac implantable electronic device: A systematic review

Evidence to inform the management of systemic fungal infections in the setting of a cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), such as a permanent pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, is scant and limited to case reports and series. The available literature suggests high morbidity and mortality. To better characterize the shared experience of these cases and their outcomes, we performed a systematic review. We investigated all published reports of systemic fungal infections-fungemia and fungal vegetative disease-in the context of CIED, drawing from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews, inclusive of patients who received treatment between January 2000 and May 2020. Exclusion criteria included presence of ventricular assist device and concurrent bacteremia, bacterial endocarditis, bacterial vegetative infection, or viremia. Among 6261 screened articles, 48 cases from 41 individual studies were identified. Candida and Aspergillus species were the most commonly isolated fungi. There was significant heterogeneity in antifungal medication selection and duration. CIED extraction-either transvenous or surgical-was associated with increased survival to hospital discharge (92%) and clinical recovery at latest follow-up (81%), compared to cases where CIED extraction was deferred (56% and 40%, respectively). Importantly, there were no prospective data, and the data were limited to individual case reports and one small case series. In summary, CIED extraction is associated with improved fungal clearance and patient survival. Reported antifungal regimens are heterogeneous and nonuniform. Prospective studies are needed to verify these results and define optimal antifungal regimens.
Evaluating hourly SWAT streamflow simulations for urbanized and forest watersheds across northwestern Delaware, US

The objective of this research is to deliver an unprecedented study of hourly SWAT model simulations of discharge in two local watersheds (around 50 km2). An urbanized watershed and a forest watershed across northwest Delaware and northeastern US were selected. Both watersheds are developed and vulnerable to flash flood. Very high resolution (2 m) topography and land use information were used to depict complex urban landscape. The model calibration and validation were performed on 2010 and 2011, starting with 2009 as model spin-up period. Satisfactory fitness results were achieved at both forest and urbanized watershed, with the Nash–Sutcliff coefficients of 0.68 and 0.77, R2 of 0.7 and 0.78, and percent bias of 1.5 and 9.3, respectively. The calibration results showed that the 2-m land use accurately captured the impervious surface due to 8.9% adjustment of curve number. But, greater steepness of slope derived from 2-m DEM leads to faster runoff than reality, which means 2-m DEM does not accurately depict the topography and finer detail DEM is needed to capture the local topographic variation. To reproduce the seasonality of discharge at hourly time step, additional examination of parameters influencing baseflow was needed as part of local sensitivity test. For the peak flow dynamic simulation, substantial adjustments were performed for parameters conditioning runoff travel time, such as Manning roughness. We found hourly SWAT is a reliable modelling tool for local level watersheds but needs deliberate attention to the input selection of land use and DEM and calibration process.
Factors Associated With Surgical Treatment of Nondisplaced or Minimally Displaced Scaphoid Waist Fractures

Purpose To determine whether there are identifiable factors associated with the surgical treatment of nondisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid waist fractures. Methods We identified 50 patients who underwent nonsurgical treatment and 67 patients who underwent surgical treatment of nondisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid waist fractures at 2 tertiary care referral centers in a single metropolitan area in the United States between January 2010 and March 2019. Bivariate analysis was used to screen for factors associated with surgical treatment. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with surgical treatment of a nondisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid fracture. Results Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio = 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–6.52) and employed status (odds ratio = 3.12, 95% confidence interval, 1.24–7.85) were associated with surgical treatment of nondisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid waist fractures. Conclusions Male and employed patients have increased odds of undergoing scaphoid surgery for nondisplaced or minimally displaced waist fractures compared with female and unemployed patients. These differences may represent patient preference, surgeon counseling, or a combination. Further study is needed to understand the etiology of this sex difference. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
A comparison of immune receptor recombination databases sourced from tumour exome or RNAseq files: Verifications of immunological distinctions between primary and metastatic melanoma.

It became apparent several years ago that RNAseq and exome files prepared from tissue could be mined for adaptive immune receptor (IR) recombinations, which has given extra value to datasets originally intended for gene expression or mutation studies. For example, recovery of IR recombination reads from tumour specimen genomics files can correlate with survival rates. In particular, many benchmarking processes have been applied to the two sets of the IR recombination reads obtained from the cancer genome atlas files, but these two sets have never been directly compared. Here we show that both sets largely agree regarding several parameters. For example, recovery of TRB recombination reads from both WXS and RNAseq files representing metastatic melanoma was associated with a better outcome (p < .0004 in both cases); and T-cell receptor recombination read recovery, for both genomics file types, associated very strongly with T-cell gene expression markers. However, the use of CDR3 chemical features for survival distinctions was not consistent. This topic, and the surprising result that both datasets indicated that primary melanoma with recovery of IR recombination reads, in stark contrast to metastatic melanoma, represents a worse outcome, are discussed.
Are patents and research arch compatible

At a time when the number of biotechnology-based patent applications is soaring, it is essential that the law allows a significant 'experimental-use' exemption. The United States urgently needs to modify its legislation in this area.
Capital and Labour Requirements for Canada's Foreign Trade*

Since Professor Leontief published his study of American foreign trade factor requirements in 1953, much has been written about the problem. This paper reviews the discussion briefly, and provides some data indicating the factor requirements for Canada's foreign trade. This paper uses conventional input-output methods; one may criticise input-output results in a number of ways, the most obvious of which is to say that the algebraic solution does not represent the total picture. Professor Leontief, in a reply to Professor Granick and others, willingly admitted that the total picture includes resource endowments in each trading country, primary factors of production, shapes of production functions, input-output relations which govern the transformation of resources into goods and services, and consumer preferences for different bundles of production which can be supplied with alternative combinations of factor inputs. But in addition to this general limitation of the approach there are several specific criticisms.
Critical Perspectives on Crime and Social Harm: Toward a Criminology of Human Rights

Using Sutherland’s conceptualization of white-collar crime as a significant point of departure, this article explores recent attempts to theorize crime and social harm from a critical criminological perspective. Arguing that the development of this approach is inextricably linked to theoretical and methodological concerns that strike at the very foundation of criminology as a discipline of study, I show how advances in state and corporate crime literature have advanced the field of criminology. Ultimately I argue that contemporary mainstream criminology, which tends to focus solely on the analysis of traditional ‘street’ crime, has failed to bring within its criminological purview those actions which have the greatest potential for causing significant human suffering.
An Investigation of Job Satisfaction and Female Sports Journalists

The purpose of this study was to provide a theoretical foundation to enhance and enrich the understanding of female sport journalists and their level of job satisfaction. In this research we sought to determine satisfaction with six distinct areas of employment by using two of the most often used survey instruments (Job Descriptive Index and Job In General) that measure job satisfaction. A total of 78 surveys were completed by members of the Association for Women in Sports Media who were identified as full-time employees of daily newspapers. Although the journalists indicated overall satisfaction with their employment, pay, supervision, coworkers, and type of work, they were dissatisfied with their promotional opportunities. Significant differences were also found by making demographic comparisons.
The Mechanism of Action of Ethanolamine Ammonia-Lyase, a B12-dependent Enzyme THE REVERSIBLE FORMATION OF 5'-DEOXYADENOSINE FROM ADENOSYLCOBALAMIN DURING THE CATALYTIC PROCESS

Abstract When l-2-aminopropanol is added to a reaction mixture containing ethanolamine ammonia-lyase and adenosylcobalamin, the carbon-cobalt bond of adenosylcobalamin is rapidly cleaved. The adenosyl moiety of the cofactor accumulates as 5'-deoxyadenosine, or a compound which readily converts to 5'-deoxyadenosine, while the cobalamin moiety is converted to a species with a spectrum resembling that of cob(II)alamin. No loss in enzymatic activity occurs. The presence of 5'-deoxyadenosine, therefore, cannot be associated with inactivation of the enzyme. The formation of 5'-deoxyadenosine from adenosylcobalamin is reversible. This provides further evidence for intermediate involvement of the nucleoside in the catalytic process. Upon longer incubation with l-2-aminopropanol, the enzyme-adenosylcobalamin complex losses its activity, while its spectrum changes to that of hydroxocobalamin. Upon denaturation, 5'-deoxyadenosine is again isolated. We tentatively attribute this inactivation to the decomposition of a (hypothetical) intermediate substrate-cobalamin adduct.
Information and Uncertainty in Regulatory Processes: Evidence from the Implementation of EPA Waivers

Agencies must simultaneously weigh technical information along with the political and distributive consequences of their decisions. In a study of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of federal pesticide policy, I show that the EPA accounts for both risk and constituency factors. I model the sequence of steps in the decision process to show the effects of both uncertainty and information in the EPA’s decisions. This is accomplished by estimating a competing risks model of the timing of the agency’s decisions.
Abstract 1679: Inhibiting KRAS-reprogrammed glutamine metabolism sensitizes pancreatic cancer to NQO1-bioactivatable drugs

Patients with pancreatic cancers have one of the highest mortality rates of any cancer with 5-year survival rates of 6%. The therapeutic responses of pancreatic cancers are highly variable and there is a desperate need for agents to specifically and efficaciously treat pancreatic cancer patients. We recently discovered that not only were NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) levels elevated 5- to 40-fold in >90% of pancreatic tumors vs associated normal tissue, but that catalase levels were inversely expressed comparatively, elevated in normal vs tumor tissue. NQO1 represents a unique target to exploit for the therapeutic elimination of pancreatic cancers. NQO1 bioactivatable drugs, such as β-lapachone (β-lap) or deoxynyboquinone (DNQ) and derivatives generate hydrogen peroxide as a mechanism to hyperactivate PARP1 and selectively kill tumors. In addition to catalase, reduced glutathione levels are essential for a cell9s protection against hydrogen peroxide. Tumors with mutated KRAS, which constitutes >90% of pancreatic cancers, are metabolically reprogrammed to rely on glutamine to maintain the cell9s NADPH and glutathione levels, and therefore, anti-oxidant state (Son et.al., Nature, 2013). The present study evaluated the therapeutic potential of inhibiting this KRAS-reprogrammed metabolic pathway with the small molecule GLS1 inhibitor, BPTES, in combination with NQO1-bioactivatable drugs, β-lapachone or IB-DNQ. Synergistic cell lethality was noted using non-lethal doses of BPTES combined with sublethal doses of β-lapachone in KRAS-driven pancreatic or non-small cell lung cancer cells. ROS levels in BPTES and β-lap treated cell lines were dramatically higher than the ROS levels with either agent alone. This was further supported by a dramatic loss of glutathione and NADPH following combination treatment vs either agent alone. Lethality was completely rescued by the addition of the NQO1 inhibitor, dicoumarol, demonstrating that synergy is dependent on the NQO1 activation of β-lap. Partial rescue was seen with the addition of cell permeable glutathione further demonstrating the importance of ROS in synergy. The addition of cell permeable malate and oxaloacetate, downstream metabolites of the KRAS-driven glutamine pathway, also rescued synergy. Our findings indicate that NQO1-bioactivatable drugs may improve the sensitivities of clinical grade GLS1 inhibitors in pancreatic cancer patients. Citation Format: Gaurab Chakrabarti, David A. Boothman. Inhibiting KRAS-reprogrammed glutamine metabolism sensitizes pancreatic cancer to NQO1-bioactivatable drugs. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1679. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1679
4‐Methyl‐N‐phenylbenzene Sulfonimidoyl Chloride

[123552-85-2] C13H12ClNOS (MW 265.76) InChI = 1S/C13H12ClNOS/c1-11-7-9-13(10-8-11)17(14,16)15-12-5-3-2-4-6-12/h2-10H,1H3 InChIKey = IZVYUBSVHAMQJJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Physical Data: not reported. Solubility: CH2Cl2, polar organic solvents. Form Supplied in: yellow solid, prepared fresh. Preparative Methods: the title sulfonimidoyl chloride 1 is prepared by the reaction of the corresponding sulfinamide with tert-Butyl Hypochlorite in dichloromethane at −78 °C (eq 1).1 Simple evaporation of the solvent and excess hypochlorite produces a reagent of sufficient quality for most current applications. The reagent can be generated and used in situ. (1) Purification: not reported, although recrystallization should be possible. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the reagent is not stable for long periods of time and should be prepared as needed. It is subject to hydrolysis and reaction with other nucleophiles such as alcohols. In the absence of a reaction partner, it will decompose in the presence of Lewis acids, generally producing an intensely blue-colored substance whose structure is unknown.
The small intestine plays an important role in upregulating CGRP during sepsis

Although studies have indicated that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a potent vasodilatory peptide, is upregulated after endotoxic shock, it remains controversial whether this peptide incre...
Psychiatric diagnoses in adolescent sex offenders.

Abstract Crime statistics indicate that a high percentage of rapes and child molestations are committed by sexual perpetrators under the age of 18. To determine the psychiatric characteristics of this population, 58 outpatient male adolescent sex offenders were interviewed with structured instruments. Conduct Disorder was the most common diagnosis, while rates of other disorders were much lower than in earlier studies. Implications of these findings for future research in the evaluation and treatment of adolescent sex offenders are discussed.
Depression is an important contributor to low medication adherence in hemodialyzed patients and transplant recipients

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a growing public health concern and non-adherence to treatment has been associated with poorer health outcomes in this population. Depression, likely to be the most common psychopathology in such patients, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We compared psychological measures and self-reported medication adherence of 94 kidney transplant recipients to those of 65 patients receiving hemodialysis in a major medical center in Brooklyn, New York. Compared to the transplant group, the hemodialysis cohort was significantly more depressed as determined by the Beck Depression Inventory score. They also had a significantly lower adherence to medication as reported on the Medication Therapy Adherence Scale. Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, the variance in depression was the only statistically significant predictor of medication adherence beyond gender and mode of treatment, accounting for an additional 12% of the variance. Our study strongly suggests that a depressive affect is an important contributor to low medication adherence in patients with ESRD on hemodialysis or kidney transplant recipients.
Purchasing Power Parity Theory Revisited: Recent Evidence from US Dollar and Japanese Yen

This article is yet another simple test of the Purchasing Power Parity explanation of the exchange rate behaviour. We use the data of the US Dollar and Japanese Yen, and conclude that the PPP explanation has a substantial explanatory power for the behaviour of this exchange rate. The article recognizes the difference between real and absolute purchasing power parity, survey-related literature, and carries out econometric analysis of the PPP theory argument.
Nutritive contributions of sago ash used as a native salt in Papua New Guinea.

Common salt (sodium chloride) is an important condiment used widely throughout the world. Natural sources of this mineral include sea water and saline springs, but they are not present in many areas, including parts of tropical America, Africa and New Guinea. Some groups living in these regions have developed techniques for preparing salts from plant materials. In New Guinea, the Sanio‐Hiowe people of the Wogamus River do not have a natural supply of salt, but they have developed a technique for preparing a salty ash from the midribs of the sago palm (Metroxylon sp.). The ash was not used for salting other foods but was eaten by itself at irregular intervals. It was estimated that not more than 2 g of sago salts was consumed in a day by an adult. A chemical analysis of the minerals of the ash was made. The ash was strongly alkaline; 2 g of the material would provide 12 mg sodium, 526 mg potassium, 234 calcium and 69 mg of magnesium. In addition to supplementing the dietary intakes of these nutrients, the ...
Evidence for a novel natriuretic peptide receptor that prefers brain natriuretic peptide over atrial natriuretic peptide

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) exert their physiological actions by binding to natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA), a receptor guanylate cyclase (rGC) that synthesizes cGMP in response to both ligands. The family of rGCs is rapidly expanding, and it is plausible that there might be additional, as yet undiscovered, rGCs whose function is to provide alternative signalling pathways for one or both of these peptides, particularly given the low affinity of NPRA for BNP. We have investigated this hypothesis, using a genetically modified (knockout) mouse in which the gene encoding NPRA has been disrupted. Enzyme assays and NPRA-specific Western blots performed on tissues from wild-type mice demonstrate that ANP-activated cGMP synthesis provides a good index of NPRA protein expression, which ranges from maximal in adrenal gland, lung, kidney, and testis to minimal in heart and colon. In contrast, immunoreactive NPRA is not detectable in tissues isolated from NPRA knockout animals and ANP- and BNP-stimulatable GC activities are markedly reduced in all mutant tissues. However, testis and adrenal gland retain statistically significant, high-affinity responses to BNP. This residual response to BNP cannot be accounted for by natriuretic peptide receptor B, or any other known mammalian rGC, suggesting the presence of a novel receptor in these tissues that prefers BNP over ANP.
Japanese product-development strategies: A summary and propositions about their implementation

The current literature on Japanese product development strategies is reviewed. Several propositions about how Japanese firms might be implementing these strategies differently than US firms are developed. A detailed case study of Mitsubishi's Semiconductor Equipment Department, published material on Japanese and US product development methods and organization structure, a second case study of Yokogawa Electric, and the author's experience as an internal consultant for a larger US manufacturing firm are used to develop these propositions. It is suggested that Japanese firms are implementing these strategies using a unique combination of organic and mechanistic mechanisms. Japanese organizational characteristics, such as open offices, product-oriented organizations, and decentralized decision making, suggest a more organic method of implementation while characteristics such as high levels of formalization, detailed schedules, and elaborate temporal and spatial office structures suggest a more mechanistic method of implementation than are used by US firms. >
Some asymptotic properties of the solutions of perturbed nonlinear differential equations

The behavior of the solutions of a class of perturbed nonlinear second order differential equations is studied where the perturbation term may be unbounded in each of its arguments. Upper and lower bounds for solutions and a nonoscillation theorem are included in the results.
Two new species of Crawfordia Pierce from South America, (Strepsiptera: Stylopidae)

Several stylopized specimens were found among the Hymenoptera collection of the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). A paper by Kogan & Oliveira (1966) described the parasites of Polybia represented among those specimens. I describe herein the first neotropical species of the genus Crawfordia parasitizing species of Psaenithia (Andrenidae, Panurgini). The presence of vestigial thoracic segmentation of the female cephalothorax is a peculiar trait of this genus of Strepsiptera. Triungulinids are described in detail for the first time in this genus.
Sensory substitution to enable the visually impaired to play an affordable wearable mobile game

Sensory substitution allows the visually impaired to regain access to the missing visual information by having the information processed by another intact sense (such as touch and hearing). In this paper, we present a low-cost wearable mobile game that utilizes auditory-visual sensory substitution to engage players. In particular, we employed an array of electrical auditory stimulators attached in a thin helmet worn by the visually impaired player. Our testing with blindfolded sighted players demonstrated the potential of our design in terms of accessibility and ease of use, and the effectiveness of sensory substitution.
Role of apoptotic and matrix-degrading genes in articular cartilage and meniscus of mature and aged rabbits during development of osteoarthritis.

Objective To determine expression patterns of apoptotic and matrix-degrading genes during aging and development of osteoarthritis (OA), using a rabbit model of induced OA. Methods Six mature and 6 aged rabbits underwent anterior cruciate ligament transection and were killed 4 and 8 weeks after surgery, respectively, to create early-grade and advanced-grade OA. RNA from articular cartilage and menisci was examined for expression of the genes caspase 8, Fas, Fas ligand, p53, aggrecanase, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), and MMP-3. A second cohort of animals that had undergone no intervention in the joint was also killed. Parametric data were analyzed with analysis of variance and Student's t-tests, while nonparametric data were assessed with the Mann-Whitney U test. Results Expression levels of Fas, caspase 8, FasL, and MMP-1 were significantly higher (>100%) in aged cartilage compared with mature cartilage (P < 0.05). After induction of OA, expression of apoptotic genes in aged rabbits remained high, while significant up-regulation of Fas and caspase 8 (nearly 150% increase) was observed in mature rabbits (P < 0.05). No significant up-regulation of these genes was observed in the menisci of aged or mature rabbits prior to or after induction of OA. Development of OA occurred more rapidly in aged cartilage compared with mature cartilage (P < 0.05). Conclusion Differential expression of apoptotic and matrix-degrading genes occurs in aged compared with mature cartilage, both at baseline and during development of OA. This may be responsible for faster degradation of aged cartilage and its predisposition for developing OA.
Evaluation of two methods for rapid testing for beta-lactamase production inBacteroides andFusobacterium

A total of 978 strains ofBacteroides andFusobacterium were tested for beta-lactamase production by a disk test (Cefinase) and a microtiter nitrocefin assay. In 83 % of strains both tests were positive and in 14.8 % both were negative. In 1.7 % of strains the disk test was positive and the microtiter test negative, and in 0.4 % the disk test negative but the microtiter test positive. The disk test was less discriminatory in detecting amoxicillin-resistant strains. The microtiter test was less sensitive than the disk test, but more discriminatory if results were read within 1 h forFusobacterium spp., within 8 h for theBacteroides fragilis group, and within 2 h for otherBacteroides spp. Neither test should be used clinically at present.
The homeotic gene APETALA3 of Arabidopsis thaliana encodes a MADS box and is expressed in petals and stamens

Mutations in the APETALA3 (AP3) gene of A. thaliana result in homeotic transformations of petals to sepals and stamens to carpels. We have cloned the AP3 gene from Arabidopsis based on its homology to the homeotic flower gene deficiens (DEFA) from the distantly related plant Antirrhinum majus. The sequence of four ap3 mutant alleles and genetic mapping analysis prove that the DEFA homolog is AP3. Like several other plant homeotic genes, the AP3 gene contains a MADS box and likely acts as a transcription factor. The region-specific spatial expression pattern of AP3 rules out certain types of sequential models of flower development and argues in favor of a spatial model based on positional information. Since DEFA and AP3 have very similar protein products, mutant phenotypes, and spatial expression patterns, it is likely that these genes are cognate homologs.
Physical and medical aspects of radiation

Health physics, the new branch of radiology devoted to protection of personnel, is still in the experimental and evaluation stage. However, it already has a remarkable service record which has been achieved through continuous vigilance and careful co-ordination of analysis and control. This is the tenth of a series of articles developed by the AIEE nucleonics committee; the entire series will be published in pamphlet form upon its completion.
Efferent fibers of the subthalamic nucleus in the monkey. A comparison of the efferent projections of the subthalamic nucleus, substantia nigra and globus pallidus.

A study was made to determine the efferent projections of the subthalamic nucleus in the monkey. Because of the impossibility of producing lesions in this nucleus, not involving adjacent structures, lesions were produced by different stereotaxic approaches. Comparisons were made with degeneration resulting from localized lesions in substantia nigra and globus pallidus. Degeneration resulting from these lesions was studied in transverse and sagittal sections stained by the Nauta-Gygax method. Efferent fibers from the subthalamic nucleus pass through the internal capsule into the medial pallidal segment; a few fibers are distributed to the lateral pallidum. Some subthalamic efferent fibers pass to the contralateral globus pallidus via the dorsal supraoptic decussation, but none projection to the thalamus. Nigral efferent fibers project to parts of the ventral anterior (VAmc) and ventral lateral (VLm) thalamic nuclei. The medial pallidal segment gives fibers to: (1) ventral anterior (VA), ventral lateral (VLo) and centromedian (CM) thalamic nuclei, and (2) the pedunculopontine nucleus. The lateral pallidal segment projects exclusively to the subthalamic nucleus. Thalamic projections of the substania nigra and globus pallidus are distinctive. Subthalamic projections to the globus pallidus are more profuse than those of the substantia nigra. The following hypothesis is presented: Subthalamic dyskinesia, due to lesions in the subthalamic nucleus, is a consequence of removal of inhibitory influences acting upon the medial segment of the globus pallidus.
Information needs for siting new, and evaluating current, nuclear facilities: ecology, fate and transport, and human health

The USA is entering an era of energy diversity, and increasing nuclear capacity and concerns focus on accidents, security, waste, and pollution. Physical buffers that separate outsiders from nuclear facilities often support important natural ecosystems but may contain contaminants. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licenses nuclear reactors; the applicant provides environmental assessments that serve as the basis for Environmental Impact Statements developed by NRC. We provide a template for the types of information needed for safe siting of nuclear facilities with buffers in three categories: ecological, fate and transport, and human health information that can be used for risk evaluations. Each item on the lists is an indicator for evaluation, and individual indicators can be selected for specific region. Ecological information needs include biodiversity (species, populations, communities) and structure and functioning of ecosystems, habitats, and landscapes, in addition to common, abundant, and unique species and endangered and rare ones. The key variables of fate and transport are sources of release for radionuclides and other chemicals, nature of releases (atmospheric vapors, subsurface liquids), features, and properties of environmental media (wind speed, direction and atmospheric stability, hydraulic gradient, hydraulic conductivity, groundwater chemistry). Human health aspects include receptor populations (demography, density, dispersion, and distance), potential pathways (drinking water sources, gardening, fishing), and exposure opportunities (lifestyle activities). For each of the three types of information needs, we expect that only a few of the indicators will be applicable to a particular site and that stakeholders should agree on a site-specific suite.
D-Amphetamine reduces striatal substance P concentrations by presynaptic release of dopamine

Abstract Single, but not repeated, doses of D -amphetamine sulfate cause dose-dependent reductions in substance P (SP) immunoreactive material within the rat striatum. A 10 mg/kg (i.p.) dose reduces SP levels from 1.37 to 0.97 pmol/10 mg tissue after 2 h. Similar reductions in striatal SP levels are observed after administration of methylphenidate (50 or 100 mg/kg). No changes in SP concentrations occur within the substantia nigra or hypothalamus after D -amphetamine. The amphetamine-induced decline in striatal SP is blocked by pretreating rats with α-methyl tyrosine methyl ester (225 mg/kg i.p.), or haloperidol (1, 3 or 10 mg/kg i.p.), or after the dopaminergic nigrostriatal tract has been lesioned using 6-hydroxydopamine. These data indicate that the mechanism by which D -amphetamine lowers striatal SP involves presynaptic release of dopamine from the terminals of nigrostriatal neurons.
Effect of Exenatide on Gastric Emptying and Graft Survival in Islet Allograft Recipients

Objective To evaluate the effect of exenatide on gastric emptying and long-term metabolic control.
Predicting performance in an introductory computer science course

A group of 269 first-semester freshmen was used to predict both performance in an introductory computer science course and first-semester college grade point average by using information regarding the students' programs and performance in high school along with American College Testing Program (ACT) test scores.
Dynamic optical arbitrary waveform generation and measurement

We introduce a dynamic optical arbitrary waveform generation (OAWG) technique that produces bandwidth scalable, continuous waveforms of near perfect fidelity. Additionally, OAWG’s complement, real-time arbitrary optical waveform measurement (OAWM) is discussed. These approaches utilize gigahertz-bandwidth electronics to generate, or measure, truly arbitrary and dynamic optical waveforms scalable to terahertz bandwidths and infinite record lengths. We describe the theory, algorithms and enabling technologies necessary to calculate and produce a set of spectral modulations that create continuous, high-fidelity waveforms in the presence of spectral filtering from multiplexers.
Pool Boiling Heat Transfer From Enhanced Surfaces to Dielectric Fluids

Pool boiling heat-transfer measurements were made using a 15.8 mm o.d. plain copper tube and three copper enhanced surfaces: a Union Carbide High Flux surface, a Hitachi Thermoexcell-E surface and a Wieland Gewa-T surface. The dielectric fluids were Freon-113 and Fluorinert FC-72, a perfluorinated organic compound manufactured to cool electronic equipment. Data were taken at atmospheric pressure, and at heat fluxes from 100 W/m/sup 2/ to 200,000 W/m/sup 2/. Prior to operation, each test surface was subjected to one of three aging procedures to observe the effect of surface past history upon boiling incipience. For Freon-113 the enhanced surfaces showed a two to tenfold increase in the heat-transfer coefficient when compared to a plain tube, whereas for FC-72 an increase of two to five was measured. The High Flux surface gave the best performance over the range of heat fluxes. The Gewa-T surface did not show as much of an enhancement at low fluxes as the other two surfaces, but at high fluxes its performance improved. In fact, it was the only surface tested which delayed the onset of film boiling with FC-72. The degree of superheat required to activate the enhanced surfaces was sensitive to both past history ofmore » the surface and to fluid properties.« less
Thermodynamic resolution of the iron-sulfur centers of the succinic dehydrogenase of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

Abstract A single alkaline wash removes most of the succinic dehydrogenase activity from chromatophores of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides. Three iron-sulfur centers are also removed by this washing. Two of these are ferredoxin-like centers with electron paramagnetic resonance signals at gv = 1.94 and midpoint potentials of +50 and −250 mV at pH 7. The third is a high-potential iron-sulfur protein type signal centered at g 2.01 and a midpoint potential of +80 mV at pH 7. These centers have very similar properties to those of the well-characterized mammalian succinic dehydrogenase and account for the majority of iron-sulfur centers observed in chromatophores. Because it is so easily removed, it is concluded that succinic dehydrogenase is located on the outer surface of the chromatophore membrane, a conclusion supported by the fact that removal of the enzyme does not interfere with the kinetics of light-induced electron flow, nor does it allow cytochrome c2 to escape from inside the chromatophore vesicles.
Review of methods used to study oxygen transport at the microcirculatory level

The existence of hypoxic regions in tumors has long been recognized as a key factor leading to radiation resistance. More recently, it has been found that low oxygen levels also affect drug resistance, angiogenesis, cytokine production, cell cycle control, apoptosis, and metastatic propensity of tumors. Until now, most approaches to eliminating hypoxia have been empirical. However, improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms may permit the development of more soundly based, effective approaches. As discussed in this review, critical evaluation of the factors governing oxygen transport in tumors requires a thorough understanding of the methods used to study this process. Many experimental methodologies can be used to address these issues. In this review, the emphasis is placed on techniques that measure parameters on the scale of the diffusion distance of oxygen. Studies at the microregional level provide the most detailed physiological information on such processes. Over the past few years, significant progress in technology has allowed us to measure tumor oxygenation, yet spatial and temporal heterogeneities continue to provide significant challenges to obtaining clear knowledge of oxygen transport. Int. J. Cancer (Radiat. Oncol. Invest.) 90, 237–255 (2000). © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dipolar organization and magnetic actuation of flagella-like nanoparticle assemblies

Modeled after the design of eukaryotic protozoa, we fabricated artificial microscopic swimmers through the dipolar assembly of a bidisperse mixture of 250 nm superparamagnetic magnetite colloids and 24 nm ferromagnetic cobalt nanoparticles. The cobalt nanoparticles self-assemble into long, 1-D chains measuring approximately 24 nm × 5 µm. These chains then co-assemble with the magnetite beads to form “head” + “tail” structures. These types of asymmetric “flagella-like” colloidal assemblies were formed and maintained solely through dipolar interactions and is the first demonstration using randomly mixed dispersions of disparate magnetic colloids. When actuated by a pair of orthogonal static and sinusoidal magnetic fields, they undergo an asymmetric undulation that is the essential condition for locomotion at low Reynolds numbers. Based upon their shape, size, and articulation, these assemblies are potentially among the smallest structures capable of overcoming Brownian motion to perform useful locomotion. In addition to the head and tail structure, a variety of irregular structures formed that were incapable of swimming. A design of experiments (DOE) study was therefore implemented to optimize the production of artificial swimmers within a large parameter space that included concentration, the amount of sonication, and magnetic field strength. The artificial swimmers were most prevalent for intermediate concentrations of Co and magnetite particles. Statistical analysis suggested that the permanent dipole of the Co nanoparticles stimulated the assembly of the bidisperse mixture into complex, heterogeneous structures. Demonstration of in situ imaging of the magnetic actuation of these dipolar NP assemblies was conducted by optical microscopy.
Limits on a light Higgs boson

Abstract We reexamine the bounds on a very light Higgs boson (φ) coming from limits on the decays K→ π + φ and B→ φ +X. We show that, if there are only three families, m φ >2 m τ , and that regardless of the number of families M φ >360 MeV.
Fuzzy systems in cybernetics

Reflects upon the paucity of opportunities to publish papers on fuzzy systems 30 years ago and how Kybernetes became the first journal to do so. Acknowledges particularly the encouragement of the then Editor‐in‐chief – Dr J. Rose and how a close personal and working relationship was formed. Summarizes past Congresses of Cybernetics and Systems and acknowledges Dr Rose’s contributions and support. Provides an insight into how cybernetics was first presented to the public at large.