cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimizing the Moral Remainder

Public health issues can have devastating consequences on sub-groups of societies. But larger moral issues that face the entire society frequently frame these issues. Our deepest held moral values are frequently in conflict, and cannot withstand careful scrutiny, so we shield them by making them moral imperatives. This is how humans find themselves in moral dilemmas; torn regarding the right thing to do because we are unable to sacrifice sacred values that are in conflict (Tessman 2017). In this paper, we examine the ethical issues that have been inserted into the funding efforts taken to combat Zika in 2016, with some of the ethical dilemmas scientists and physicians have found themselves in through recent history serving as a comparison. We then examine the parallels (and inconsistencies) of public judgment passed on the choices made by these individuals and how these same stark judgments may be influencing public health outcomes today. The primary tool we use throughout this analysis is the “Ethics Triangle” as described by James Svara (2015). The goal of the paper is to examine how our sacred values can become ethical traps (or dilemmas) in moral decision-making. Basically, how do we minimize the moral remainder?
“A Cross-Domain, System Planning Methodology”

Abstract Through several decades of electronic product design, three high-level design domains have emerged; IC (SoC) design, package (SiP) design and board (PCB/PWB) design. These three domains ar...
Improving Retention through Team-Based Learning Finch Labs and Peer-Educators in Intro to Programming

We have introduced Peer-Educators through the Supplemental Instruction program and four Team-Based Learning laboratory assignments in our Introduction to Programming course. These four laboratory assignments are using Finch Robots to facilitate student comprehension of basic object-oriented programming concepts. In contrast to other lab assignments, Finch labs are team-based activities that revolve around programming Finch, a programmable robot to do activities like moving, sensing the environment, playing music, etc. Introducing the Finch labs has multiple benefits for the students. It helps better anchor the basic concepts of object-oriented programming, since interacting with the Finch robot is done by instantiating a Finch object and performing method calls on the object. This helps students understand many of the object oriented topics of the course, like object instantiation, method calls, passing arguments to a method and changing the state of an object. Furthermore, the labs facilitate peer learning in a natural way, since students group to work on a physical object. The goal of our intervention is to increase retention in our introduction to programming offerings. We are currently on the third year of our project and after having concluded in the interventions we want to adopt we are evaluating them through post-activity surveys, end of the semester surveys and comparison of retention data.
Assessment of wavelengths with skin tones for an implantable FRET-based glucose biosensor

Diabetes management is reliant on consistent and accurate monitoring. Low patient compliance for the standard finger prick test along with its intermittent nature may lead to undetected highs and lows. In 2014, poor glycemic control caused 207,000 hospitalizations from hyperglycemia and 245,000 hospitalizations from hypoglycemia in the US. The implementation of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can provide a more thorough illustration of blood glucose level fluctuations. Currently, there are several transcutaneous CGMs produced by Abbott, Dexcom, and Medtronic along with a fully implantable option by Eversense. Improvements to both the sensitivity and size of CGMs are being studied by our group through the development of a competitive binding, FRET-based, glucose biosensor that is fully implantable and probed optically with an external “watch-type” device. In previous work, our group has successfully developed an assay, but due to the near-UV excitation wavelength range, there are limitations in decreased skin penetration depth along with excess noise due to autofluorescence of the tissue. In this work, we investigated the FRET response through skin samples of both Blue (APTS) and near infrared (NIR) (Alexa Fluor 700 and 750) dyes. These dye samples were encapsulated within previously reported hollow, cylindrical, thermoresponsive hydrogel membranes and the fluorescence intensity signals were compared when placed beneath thin and thick (0.87 and 1.85 mm) rat skin samples. The FRET response of AF-700 and AF-700 was measured when placed beneath thicker skin samples of both lighter and dark pigmentations. The results indicate that the use of NIR dyes is needed to allow for a reasonable implantation depth for the implantable biosensor.
Believing in a Positive Future as a Form of Stigma Resistance: Narratives of Denied Expungement-Seekers

A large body of work documents how people contest and refute stigmatized definitions of themselves. Yet, research that examines the role of emotion displays in stigma resistance remains sparse. To ...
Measure of quantum correlations that lies approximately between entanglement and discord

Author(s): Szasz, Aaron | Abstract: When a quantum system is divided into two local subsystems, measurements on the two subsystems can exhibit correlations beyond those possible in a classical joint probability distribution; these are partially explained by entanglement, and more generally by a wider class of measures such as the quantum discord. In this work, I introduce a simple thought experiment defining a new measure of quantum correlations, which I call the accord, and write the result as a minimax optimization over unitary matrices. I find the exact result for pure states as a simple function of the Schmidt coefficients and provide a complete proof, and I likewise provide and prove the result for several classes of mixed states, notably including all states of two qubits and the experimentally relevant case of a pure state mixed with colorless noise. I demonstrate that for two qubit states the accord provides a tight lower bound on the discord; for Bell diagonal states it is also an upper bound on entanglement.
Shape memory alloy reinforced vitrimer composite for healing wide-opened cracks

A new 3D printable vitrimer based self-healing composite was fabricated and investigated in this study. In this new system, the vitrimer, which was designed and synthesized in our previous study, was used as the matrix of the composites. Tensile programed shape memory alloy (SMA) wires, with a concentration of 0.34% by volume, were used to serve as the crack closing device and provide a certain reinforcement to the composites. Polycaprolactone-diol (PCL-diol) was used as the external healing agent for the wide-opened crack healing. Four types of samples were prepared, which were composites with unknotted SMA wires or knotted SMA wires, but without PCL-diol healing agent in the vitrimer matrix; and composites with unknotted SMA wires or knotted SMA wires, but with PCL-diol powders dispersed in the vitrimer matrix. Up to five tensile fracture/healing cycles were conducted. It is found that for a 1-mm wide tensile crack, all the composites can heal the damage to a certain extent. Instead of gradual reduction in healing efficiency as the fracture/healing cycle increases, the healing efficiency continuously increases from second fracture (41.1%) to fifth fracture (58.6%), most likely due to the gradual compaction of the PCL-diol adhesive layer, better interfacial bonding and physical entanglement, and possible transesterification reaction between the PCL healing agent and the vitrimer matrix.
Original ArticlesCurrent Recommendations for Initial Therapy in Hypertension: Are They Still Valid?: Introduction

This symposium will address questions regarding current recommendations for initial therapy in the management of hypertension: Are we treating too many hypertensive patients or too few? When do we start treatment with medications and what medications should we use? Professor Lawrence Ramsay from England will discuss the concept of absolute versus relative risk and review the long-term hypertension treatment trials and what they have and have not told us. Dr. Michael Weber of New York will discuss some newer data on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, and calcium channel blockers and attempt to answer the question: are these data sufficient to warrant recommending these agents as initial therapy? Finally, Dr. Henry Black of Chicago and I will update a new-old concept: is it time to consider low-dose fixed combination therapy as initial treatment in hypertension?
Medicaid member perspectives on innovation in prenatal care delivery: A call to action from pregnant people using unscheduled care.

Abstract Background Low-income women using prenatal care have shared concerns as well as unique needs not met by traditional prenatal care. Our objective was to explore user ideas on addressing unmet needs driving unscheduled care utilization and use findings to inform interventions to improve perinatal outcomes. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of qualitative interviews among purposively sampled, Medicaid-insured pregnant women with varied degrees of unscheduled care utilization. Interviews explored barriers and facilitators of health and ideas for improvement in care delivery, with a focus on the potential role of community health workers and social support. We extracted material on participants’ perceived gaps and ideas, used modified grounded theory to develop general and subset themes by study group, and then mapped themes to potential intervention features. Results We identified intervention targets in three thematic domains: social support, care delivery, and access, noting sub-group differences. Participants with four or more unscheduled visits during pregnancy (“Group 1”) wanted individualized help navigating resources, coaching, and peer support, while participants with a first unscheduled care visit after 36 weeks of pregnancy (“Group 2) wanted these services to be optional. Group 1 participants wanted flexible appointments, less wait time, discharge education and improved communication with providers, while Group 2 participants sought stable insurance coverage. Conclusions Findings suggest acceptable approaches to improve social support, care delivery, and access via stratified, targeted interventions. Implications Targeted interventions to improve prenatal care that incorporate user ideas and address unique unmet needs of specific subgroups may improve perinatal outcomes. Level of evidence III.
Using and Interpreting Fixed Effects Models

Fixed effects are ubiquitous in financial economics studies, but many researchers have a limited understanding of how they function. This manuscript explains how fixed effects can eliminate omitted variable biases and affect standard errors, and discusses common pitfalls in using fixed effect regressions. I especially focus on how fixed effect groups (e.g., firms) that have little or no variation in X can confound coefficient estimates and interpretations, and I provide guidance on how to identify and avoid said confounds. I emphasize that FE can be a powerful tool for improving identification but can also introduce important problems of their own. Better understanding these issues will help researchers make better choices about how to design fixed effects models and carefully interpret the results thereof.
Faculty Recruitment Strategies For Online Programs

This paper addresses faculty recruitment for online programs. Related issues are faculty perceptions, program processes, and administrative supports. At traditional academic institutions, it is a challenge for program administrators to recruit admirable faculty members to teach in the online programs. The complaints and concerns expressed by the detractors need to be addressed in order to create a positive environment for the online programs. In this paper we propose a model for faculty recruitment, taking into consideration areas of concern and contention, and suggest strategies to appropriately meet the challenges. Based on survey results, we suggest several criteria to be used in selecting online faculty members.
Characterizing the Landscape of Non-Ideal Lungs in the US

Purpose Non-ideal donor lungs are defined as those failing to meet ≥1 ISHLT ideal donor criteria (P/F ratio > 300, age Methods We used SRTR data to identify all adult lung offers from 2005-2018. We used adjusted multi-level logistic regression to quantify temporal trends in utilization and discard rates for non-ideal donor lungs, accounting for donor characteristics and center-level variation. We used adjusted Cox regression to characterize temporal trends in mortality for recipients. Results We identified 133,649 lungs offered for transplant, 108,828 (81.4%) of which were not recovered. Of 24,821 lungs recovered, 78.9% came from non-ideal donors. In 2005, 4.9% of non-ideal lungs were discarded versus 8.6% in 2018 (p Conclusion Recipients of non-ideal donor lungs have experienced rates of mortality equivalent to their ideal counterparts and their outcomes have improved over time. Non-ideal lungs are more likely to be discarded despite the vast majority of recovered lungs failing to meet ISHLT ideal donor criteria. Fully 81.4% of lung offered were not recovered. Future work should define a ‘high-risk’ donor lung which more consistently confers greater risk to its recipients as well as strategies to improve recovery.
Five Notes on Systems Theory

This precis chronicles five short notes on the General System Theory; the nature of a system; open and closed systems; leverage points; and the learning organization.
Studying the Nexus of Symbolism and Cross-Cultural Agreements: A Conceptual Framework

This presentation covers the relationship and symbolism between studying in two different countries, in this specific case between the Delaware State University in the USA and ISCAP in Portugal.
Diet quality comparisons in Hispanic/Latino siblings: Results from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth).

The objective of this study was to determine how well Hispanic/Latino siblings' diet quality correlate with each other and whether social and environmental factors explained potential differences. Hispanic/Latino 8-16-year-olds from the cross-sectional Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth) with at least one sibling enrolled in the study were examined (n = 740). Diet quality was assessed with the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010), calculated from two 24-h recalls. Mixed effects models were used with HEI-2010 score as the outcome, and correlations in siblings' diet quality were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). All models were examined stratified by age and sex. Diet-related social and environmental measures were added as fixed effects in a secondary analysis. Mean (standard deviation) overall HEI-2010 score was 53.8 (13.0). The ICC for siblings' HEI-2010 score was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.38). Siblings who were born <3 vs. ≥3 years apart had stronger correlations in overall diet quality (0.47 [95% CI: 0.37, 0.58] vs. 0.21 [95% CI: 0.13, 0.30]), but no differences were observed in overall HEI-2010 score according to sex. Greater peer support for fruit and vegetable intake (β = 1.42 [95% CI: 0.62, 2.21]) and greater away-from-home food consumption (β = -1.24 [95% CI: -2.15, -0.32]) were associated with differences in siblings' diet quality. Overall diet quality scores of Hispanic/Latino siblings in this study were slightly correlated, with stronger correlations among siblings closer in age. Differences in peer support and foods consumed outside the home may explain differences in siblings' diet quality. Future research should investigate additional determinants of differences in siblings' diets.
Better inapproximability results for maxclique, chromatic number and min-3lin-deletion

We prove an improved hardness of approximation result for two problems, namely, the problem of finding the size of the largest clique in a graph and the problem of finding the chromatic number of a graph. We show that for any constant γ> 0, there is no polynomial time algorithm that approximates these problems within factor $n/2^{(\log n)^{3/4+\gamma}}$ in an n vertex graph, assuming ${\rm NP} \nsubseteq {\rm BPTIME}(2^{(\log n)^{O(1)}})$. This improves the hardness factor of $n/2^{(\log n)^{1-\gamma'}}$ for some small (unspecified) constant γ′ > 0 shown by Khot [20]. Our main idea is to show an improved hardness result for the Min-3Lin-Deletion problem. An instance of Min-3Lin-Deletion is a system of linear equations modulo 2, where each equation is over three variables. The objective is to find the minimum number of equations that need to be deleted so that the remaining system of equations has a satisfying assignment. We show a hardness factor of $2^{\Omega(\sqrt{\log n})}$ for this problem, improving upon the hardness factor of (logn)β shown by Hastad [18], for some small (unspecified) constant β> 0. The hardness results for clique and chromatic number are then obtained using the reduction from Min-3Lin-Deletion as given in [20].
Studies of the Polarimetric Covariance Matrix. Part II: Modeling and Polarization Errors

A polarimetric radar covariance matrix model is described to study the behavior of the co-to-cross covariances in precipitation. The 2 3 2 propagation matrix with attenuation, differential attenuation, and differential phase is coupled to the backscatter matrix leading to a propagation-modified covariance matrix model. System polarization errors are included in this model as well. This model is used to study the behavior of the magnitude and phase of the co-to-cross covariances and the linear depolarization ratio (LDR) in rainfall. It is shown that the model predictions are consistent with data collected with the Colorado State University (CSU)‐University of Chicago‐Illinois State Water Survey (CHILL) radar in intense rainfall. A method is also given for estimating the system polarization errors from covariance matrix data collected in intense rainfall.
Effect of Pleiotropic Carbohydrate Mutations (ctr) on Tryptophan Catabolism

The pleiotropic ctr mutation has been shown to affect tryptophan uptake and tryptophanase formation. Genetic reversions are of two types: (i) complete, restoring to wild type, located at 46 to 47 min; (ii) partial, restoring only tryptophanase synthesis, located at 73 min. In some strains the effect of ctr mutations could be reversed by cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) plus tryptophan. A mutant producing tryptophanase constitutively was suppressed by a ctr mutation. Production of tryptophanase in this suppressed strain was not restored by the addition of cAMP, but required cAMP plus tryptophan.
The Solicitor General Unbound: Amicus Curiae Activism and Deference in the Supreme Court

This article addresses the confluence of two phenomena characterizing litigation in the United States Supreme Court. The Solicitor General represents the United States in the Court, and the SG has been extraordinarily successful as a litigant, and in supporting other successful litigants through the filing of amicus curiae briefs. Likewise, many interest groups, and the United States and state governments, have increasingly filed amicus briefs in Court cases. The SG participates as a party or an amicus in well over half of the cases decided on the merits by the Court, especially significant given the Court’s shrunken docket in recent decades. The Court often cites the SG’s amicus briefs, and requests the SG to file such briefs at the certiorari and merits stages. Given the high quality of the SG’s work in general, and the apparent helpfulness of the SG’s amicus briefs, many observers seem to approve of the status quo, and applaud the SG filing numerous amicus briefs, and their influence on the Court.This article challenges the conventional wisdom with a jurisprudential critique of the current practices of the SG and the Court, focusing on the SG’s filing of amicus briefs in cases where the interests of the United States are attenuated, and on the Court’s inconsistent deference to these briefs. The article argues that the SG should only file amicus briefs in cases where the interests of the United States, and particularly of the executive branch, are directly affected, as opposed to cases concerning the broader policy agenda of an administration. The article next examines the deference sometimes given the SG’s amicus briefs in Supreme Court opinions. The Court has not been a model of consistency regarding this deference in certain categories of cases. In other casesit seems to treat the SG amicus brief as entitled to no greater deference than the amicus brief of any other interest group. Using as examples SG amicus briefs filed in recent Terms, the article proposes and applies criteria to constrain the SG in filing such briefs, and to guide the Court in giving appropriate deference to such briefs. Under these criteria the SG will still play a significant role in Supreme Court litigation, but that role will be limited to the particular interests of the executive branch.
Civic Education and Popular Constitutional Interpretation

Here is a hard truth that many know, but few outside of the legal profession truly appreciate: personal preferences do not dictate constitutional meaning. Of course, there are substantial disagreements among judges over how best to interpret the Constitution, but these disagreements are primarily about process. Instead of arguing about which outcomes are more or less politically desirable, judges debate the analytical methods and types of evidence that should be used to derive meaning from the Constitution's provisions. And although some believe that the debate over methodology is merely a proxy for the debate over judicial outcomes, the decisions of our federal judiciary, viewed as a whole, suggest otherwise. However, notwithstanding the legitimate methodological disagreements that exist in the judiciary, many of our politicians and talk show hosts often eschew analytical nuance for the "I believe it, so therefore it must be true" approach, treating constitutional interpretation as purely a matter of personal opinion. Trading discussion of interpretive methodology for platitudes such as "judicial activism" or "undemocratic," prominent commentators frequently seek justification for their own preferences rather than providing any substantive constitutional commentary. Not only is it dishonest, but it further entrenches the ideological divide in America and impedes an important discussion about how our Constitution should be interpreted.
Lipid Regions of Na,K-ATPase Examined with Fluorescent Lipid Probes

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the interactions between lipids and Na, K-ATPase without disruption of the native membrane lipid. Fluorescent derivatives of cholesterol (dehydroergosterol, DHE) and phospholipids ([ 3 H]dansylphosphatidylethanolamine, DNS-PE; and [ 3 H] dansylphosphatidylserine, DNS-PS) were synthesized and incorporated into Electrophorous electricus Na, K-ATPase using a phospholipid exchange protein (PLEP) preparation. From data gathered on fluorescent lipid probes, the chapter (1) describes interactions between membrane lipid and Na, K-ATPase, and (2) compares Na, K-ATPase with E. electricus membranes enriched in acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and with erythrocyte ghosts to determine if these interactions are specific for the Na, K-ATPase or if they can be generalized to other membrane proteins. Lipid probes were transferred to Na, K-ATPase by incubating the lipid vesicles and Na, K-ATPase with PLEP. Na, K-ATPase was pelleted by centrifugation. Nonspecific “adherence” of lipid substrate to Na,K-ATPase membranes was calculated from the loss of [ 14 C] triolein in the supernatant. Greater than 80% of the Na, K-ATPase activity was recovered. The chapter also graphically represents the polarization of the lipid probes in a membrane, which is because of membrane protein or for probing concentration. Fluorescence polarization was determined in an SLM 4800 nanosecond spectrofluorometer.
Polyserositis Induced by Escherichia coli in Gnotobiotic Swine.

Abstract The oral administration of an 18-hr broth culture of Escherichia coli 06: isolated from a cat to 3-day-old gnotobiotic (germ-free) piglets resulted in bacteremia and polyserositis. Sixteen pigs, selected from four litters, were used in the study. E. coli of the same serotype employed was the only bacterial agent demonstrable and recovered from moribund and dead piglets. Attempts to recover virus or PPLO (mycoplasma) from these animals were unsuccessful. A polyserositis syndrome was not encountered among neonatal pigs in experiments with 14 other serotypes of E. coli; hence it was considered to be a syndrome closely associated with the infection caused by this particular strain of E. coli.
Asymptotic properties of the Eulerian truncation approximation: Analysis of the perfectly stratified transport problem

It is well known that stochastic groundwater problems are difficult to solve without making approximations of one kind or another. A popular approximation used in both subsurface flow and transport applications is the so-called "Eulerian truncation." This approximation, which relies on a perturbation expansion of the governing equation, neglects certain terms involving products of small fluctuations. Several recent publications [e.g., Dagan and Neuman, 1991; Neuman and Orr, 1993; Neuman, 1993] question the validity of Eulerian truncation, arguing that it is inconsistent because neglected terms are of the same order as those retained. In this paper we analyze the asymptotic properties of the Eulerian truncation solution, using a Taylor series approach which clearly reveals the properties of different order approximations. We show that the Eulerian truncation does, in fact, generate an asymptotic ensemble mean expansion for the perfectly stratified example considered by Dagan and Neuman [1991]. Moreover, we show that the Eulerian truncation solution to this problem is identical to the well-known cumulant expansion approximation, which is also based on an asymptotic expansion.
Cognitive Predictors of Depression and Suicide Ideation

A total of 136 adult subjects who met the Research Diagnostic Criteria for major (unipolar) depression were assessed for intensity of depressive symptomatology (using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Beck Depression Inventory) and for lethality of current suicide ideation (using the Scale for Suicide Ideation). In addition, they were administered a variety of questionnaires assessing cognitive variables presumed to mediate depression and suicidality. Multiple regression analyses indicated that depressive symptomatology was best predicted by Beck's Hopelessness Scale in combination with the Detachment factor of the Crandell Cognitions Inventory. In addition, suicidality was significantly predicted by the Selective Abstraction and Overgeneralization factors of Lefebvre's Cognitive Error Questionnaire, when the effects of the Beck Depression Inventory were partialed out. The practical implications of these findings for discriminating suicidal from nonsuicidal depressives are discussed.
Indigenous Music Mediation with Urban Khmer: Tampuan Adaptation and Survival

This paper describes some lowland/highland Khmer points of interconnection for indigenous Tampuan communities from the highland Northeast, Cambodia. Tampuan community musicians respond constructively to a Siem Reap tourist cultural show that depicts their indigenous ethnolinguistic group. Tampuan musicians make trips to the urban center of Phnom Penh to represent themselves in a CD recording, a concert, and a TV program. I contend that some community members are expressing strong cultural values as they mediate with the national and urbanculture in spite of a history of Khmerization efforts by lowland Khmer. A strong value of mediation reinforces highland desires to communicate with outsiders perceived as having great effect on highland everyday life. Meanwhile some urban Khmer who may mourn the loss of Khmer traditional culture and support its revival have demonstrated interest in the traditional cultures of Khmer highland communities as they possibly empathize with others perceived to be experiencing levels of alienation and marginalization similar to their own.
Effect of annealing on microstructure, grain growth, and hardness of nanocrystalline Fe–Ni alloys prepared by mechanical alloying

Abstract Fe–xNi alloys from x = 0 to x = 15 with an as-milled grain size and hardness in the range of 8–11 nm and 8.5–9.5 GPa, respectively, were synthesized by ball milling. Microstructural changes, hardness, and grain growth due to annealing were characterized using X-ray diffractometry, microhardness, focused ion beam channeling contrast imaging, and optical microscopy. It was found that the composition range of single bcc phase was extended by ball milling. Subsequent annealing of MA samples resulted in reduction of hardness and extensive grain growth. It indicates that nickel has no significant effect on thermal stabilization of iron. Retained austenite was observed for Fe–8Ni and Fe–10Ni alloys annealed in the two-phase region and effect of as-milled structure on retained austenite formation was discussed.
The Effect of Interface Consistency and Cognitive Load on User Performance in an Information Search Task

Although interface consistency is theorized to increase performance and user satisfaction, previous research has found mixed and often non-significant results. By controlling for the level of task difficulty, specifically the cognitive load, it is hoped that the study will explain the contradictory findings of past research. Eighty participants will be used in a 2×2×2 between-subjects factorial design. The study will manipulate the level of interface consistency, along with intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load imposed by the task. Objective performance measures of task completion time and error-rate along with the subjective measure of user satisfaction will be analyzed. It is expected that the high interface consistency condition will perform better than low interface consistency; in contrast, it is predicted that the low cognitive load condition will outperform the high cognitive load condition. Furthermore, it is predicted that the effect of consistency and cognitive load will interact causing the l...
Dbl family guanine nucleotide exchange factors

Abstract The Dbl family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors are multifunctional molecules that transduce diverse intracellular signals leading to the activation of Rho GTPases. The tandem Dbl-homology and pleckstrin-homology domains shared by all members of this family represent the structural module responsible for catalyzing the GDP–GTP exchange reaction of Rho proteins. Recent progress in genomic, genetic, structural and biochemical studies has implicated Dbl family members in diverse biological processes, including growth and development, skeletal muscle formation, neuronal axon guidance and tissue organization. The detailed pictures of their autoregulation, agonist-controlled activation and mechanism of interaction with Rho GTPase substrates, have begun to emerge.
A Method for Extending or Repairing Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Torches

This paper includes a simple means of operationally converting conventional inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torches of the popular Scott and Fassel design to an extended configuration which is useful for excluding atmospheric gases. Entrained atmospheric N2, CO2, and O2 otherwise act as undesirable quenching agents and contaminants in the ICP atomic spectrochemical determination of the elements oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon. The simple torch extension described here excludes these entrained contaminents. The extension may be of any length and may be constructed of any nonconducting, high temperature, optically transparent material. Since the extension is not permanently sealed to the main torch, it may be conveniently installed or removed at will while the main torch remains in position in the ICP stand. The system can therefore be rapidly changed back and forth between the normal and extended modes of operation. The changeover is quickly performed without dismantling any portion of the ICP stand or torch assembly.
Staving off the global food crisis

Paul Roberts' book The End of Food is timely, with food prices on the rise and talk of food shortages. Roberts thinks that the world's food supply system is heading for a disaster of cataclysmic proportions. Food security researcher Peter Timmer reviews the book, and our prospects. Which, with the economic forces that have got us into this mess likely to dominate in the future, are not good.
Environmental Influences on the Strength of Tropical Storm Debby (2006)

AbstractThis study uses mesoscale ensemble forecasts to compare the magnitude of nonaerosol effects of the Saharan air layer (SAL) with other environmental influences on the intensity of Tropical Storm Debby. Debby was a weak Cape Verde storm that dissipated over the tropical North Atlantic a few days after forming in August 2006. The system has received considerable attention because of its vicinity to the SAL as it struggled to intensify, which has led to speculation that the SAL helped lead to the storm’s demise. Statistical correlation is used to better understand why some ensemble members strengthen the pre-Debby wave into a hurricane and others develop only a weak vortex.Although the results here suggest that the SAL slowed intensification during the predepression to depression stages, it was not likely responsible for Debby’s dissipation. The most obvious SAL-related factor to affect long-term intensity in the ensembles is dry air above 2 km, which delays organization of the low-level vortex. Warm ...
Transport modelling of packed-tube reactors — IV: Steady-state modelling with intraparticle gradients

A data-based model of surface states in packed tubes is joined with an intraparticle diffusion–reaction model to describe reactors with significant intraparticle gradients. This modelling approach is demonstrated with steady-state simulations of the partial oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride in a packed-tube reactor with spherical particles and a tube/particle diameter ratio of 2.02. The simulation is based on a correlation of heat transport experiments performed in a unique packed-tube gas flow apparatus, and on a kinetic model taken from the literature. An orthogonal collocation scheme, using rounded Hahn polynomial zeros as axial nodes and Jacobi zeros as intraparticle nodes, allows efficient solution of the resulting detailed reactor model.
Neuronal organization of escape swimming inTritonia

1. Escape swimming behavior inTritonia diomedea consists of two major components: an initial reflexive withdrawal followed by a series of alternating ventral and dorsal flexions. The basic mechanism of generating motor neuron activity, therefore, switches from reflexive to centrally programmed. 2. Three classes of cerebral interneurons and some of their synaptic connections have been identified. 3. Reflexive withdrawal interneurons (RWI) receive direct input from sensory afferents and synapse with motoneurons in the pedal ganglion (DFN, VFN). This class of interneuron is excited during reflexive withdrawals and inhibited during the swim phase. 4. Swim interneurons (SI) are excited during reflexive withdrawals and burst during the swim phase. 5. The third set of interneurons (C2) are shown to be necessary for the normal initiation and maintenance of the cyclical swim phase. Activity in C2 neurons appears to retrigger the swim oscillator network cycle-by-cycle. 6. C2 neurons inhibit the RWI neurons during swimming thus freeing motoneurons to respond predominantly to inputs from the SI and C2 neurons. The switch from reflexive to programmed motor output is, therefore, mediated centrally by two identified C2 neurons.
Hyperleukocytic leukemias and leukostasis: a review of pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management.

Acute hyperleukocytic leukemias (AHL) are associated with a very high early mortality rate mostly due to respiratory failure or intracranial bleeding. The pathophysiological process leading to thes...
Effect of Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency on Cutaneous Sterol Synthesis

The fact that the skin is a major site of total body sterologensis, coupled both with the apparent absence of low density lipoprotein receptors on keratinocytes and with the lack of influence of serum cholesterol on epidermal sterologensis, has created the impression that epidermal lipid synthesis might be autonomous, i.e. nonregulatable. Recent studies have shown, however, that disruption of cutaneous barrier function with acetone or detergents stimulates epidermal sterologensis (J Lipid Res 26:418–427, 1985). To correlate further sterologenesis with barrier function, we measured de novo synthesis of cholesterol and total nonsaponifiable lipids in essential fatty acid-deficient (EFAD) hairless mice. Animals with defective barrier function, manifested by abnormal transepidermal water loss, demonstrated a 2-fold increase in epidermal cholesterol and total nonsaponifiable lipid synthesis over controls while synthesis in the dermis was unchanged. Epidermal sterologenesis in EFAd animals, repleted with linoleic acid either systematically or topically, returned toward normal as barrier function improved. Moreover, plastic occlusion of EFAD mouse skin normalized epidermal sterologensis at 1 and 3 days. These results provide further evidence that epidermal sterologenesis is not entirely autonomous, and can be regulated by water barrier requirements.
On Saint-Venant’s Problem for an Inhomogeneous, Anisotropic Cylinder—Part III: End Effects

End effects or displacements and stresses of a self-equilibrated state in an inhomogeneous, anisotropic cylinder are represented by eigendata extracted from an algebraic eigensystem. Such states are typical of traction and/or displacement boundary conditions that do not abide by the distributions according to Saint-Venant's solutions, whose construction were discussed in the first paper of this series of three. This type of analysis of end effects quantitifies Saint-Venant's principle, and the algebraic eigensystem providing the eigendata is based on homogeneous displacement equations of equilibrium with an exponential decaying displacement form. The real parts of the eigenvalues convey information on the inverse decay lengths and their corresponding eigenvectors are displacement distributions of self-equilibrated states. Stress eigenvetors can be formed by appropriate differentiation of the displacement eigenvectors. The eigensystem and its adjoint system provide complete sets of right and left-handed eigenvectors that are interrelated by two bi-orthogonality relations. Displacement and stress end effects can be represented by means of an expansion theorem based on these bi-orthogonality relations or by a least-squares solution. Two examples, a beam with a homogeneous, isotropic cross section and the other of a two layer beam with a ±30 deg angle-ply composite cross section, are given to illustrate the representation of various end effects.
Computational thermodynamic modeling of the Mg-B system

Abstract It has been recently discovered that the compound MgB 2 possesses superconductivity at 39K. To better design and control the fabrication of the MgB 2 compound, a complete thermodynamic description of the system is desirable. In the present work, the phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the binary Mg-B system were analyzed and a complete thermodynamic description of the binary system was obtained by means of the CALPHAD technique using a computerized optimization procedure. The thermodynamic descriptions of pure Mg and B elements were taken from the literature. Based on the experimental data, three binary intermetallic compounds, MgB 2 , MgB 4 and MgB 6 , were considered. Good agreement was obtained between the calculated results and the available experimental data in the literature.
Cholesterolosis of the anterior chamber.

To the Editor. —The letter by Drs Hemady and Foster 1 brought back some fond memories. In 1973, as a first-year resident in the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary General Eye Clinic, Boston, I saw an eye with beautiful golden crystals shimmering and floating in the anterior chamber, exactly as depicted in a picture sent by Drs Hemady and Foster. All the residents and attending surgeons gathered to examine this patient. This ocular finding was deemed to be of sufficient interest and rarity to warrant reporting, which was duly done. 2 However, continued curiosity with this case led me to further research. We reviewed almost 11000 records (1964 to 1974) from the Ocular Pathology Laboratory at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Cholesterol crystals were noted in only 12 eyes. All 12 eyes had no useful vision, all had previous ocular injury, and all had a retinal detachment. Three eyes
Solvent extraction of athabasca oil-sand in a rotating mill Part 2. Solids—liquid separation and bitumen quality☆

Abstract An important aspect of solvent extraction processes rests in the ability to effect a satisfactory separation of the phases on completion of extraction. In previous work the solvent extraction of bitumen from Alberta oil-sands has been described in detail. This work extends the study to describe the effect of changes in the extraction process on a subsequent separation step. A comparison is drawn between a conventional screening operation and a separation based on the spherical agglomeration process. The results show that in order to achieve an optimum overall process the conditions in the extraction mill must be carefully selected.
Use of thermodynamic parameters for design of double-walled microsphere fabrication methods.

Abstract Double-walled microspheres (DWMS), with drug localized to the particle core, present a promising route for control of drug release rates, for example, by varying the degradation rate or erosion mechanism of the polymer used to form the shell or the thickness of the shell. DWMS are often difficult to fabricate, however. Thermodynamic descriptions for polymer–polymer immiscibility, drug distribution between phases and polymer–solution spreading coefficient provide predictions of appropriate solvents and polymer concentrations for efficiently producing well-formed DWMS. As an example, thermodynamic parameters for a polyphosphoester/poly( d,l -lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) DWMS system, encapsulating piroxicam, have been calculated and the predictions tested experimentally. Appropriate choices of solvents and initial polymer concentrations resulted in DWMS with the desired polyphosphoester shells and piroxicam located selectively in PLG cores.
Common components of parenting programs for children birth to eight years of age involved with child welfare services

Abstract Parent training programs have a long history of use in children's mental health and child welfare services. Several prominent models have more than 30 years of development and considerable data backing their effectiveness. Many agencies are intently seeking to provide evidence-based parenting interventions. Relying on ratings from the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare, this paper reviews the highest rated parenting interventions for children ages birth–3 and 4–8. The data show that the interventions for children birth–3 have less robust evidence behind their effectiveness but that higher rated programs share some emerging principles and a few common components. Programs designed for children 4–8 have considerably more evidence and appear to have substantial convergence of principals and common components. The authors propose that the use of the common components of parenting interventions for children 4–8 is likely to yield success even without a specific, manualized intervention that has previously been rigorously tested.
Clinical Applications of Biomedical Microdevices for Controlled Drug Delivery

Miniaturization of devices to micrometer and nanometer scales, combined with the use of biocompatible and functional materials, has created new opportunities for the implementation of drug delivery systems. Advances in biomedical microdevices for controlled drug delivery platforms promise a new generation of capabilities for the treatment of acute conditions and chronic illnesses, which require high adherence to treatment, in which temporal control over the pharmacokinetic profiles is critical. In addition, clinical conditions that require a combination of drugs with specific pharmacodynamic profiles and local delivery will benefit from drug delivery microdevices. This review provides a summary of various clinical applications for state-of-the-art controlled drug delivery microdevices, including cancer, endocrine and ocular disorders, and acute conditions such as hemorrhagic shock. Regulatory considerations for clinical translation of drug delivery microdevices are also discussed. Drug delivery microdevices promise a remarkable gain in clinical outcomes and a substantial social impact. A review of articles covering the field of microdevices for drug delivery was performed between January 1, 1990, and January 1, 2014, using PubMed as a search engine.
A chitosan/β-glycerophosphate thermo-sensitive gel for the delivery of ellagic acid for the treatment of brain cancer

We report here the development of a chitosan/beta-glycerophosphate(Ch/beta-GP) thermo-sensitive gel to deliver ellagic acid (EA) for cancer treatment. The properties of the Ch/beta-GP gels were characterized regarding chemical structure, surface morphology, and viscoelasticity. In vitro EA release rate from the EA loaded Ch/beta-GP gel and chitosan degradation rate were investigated. The anti-tumor effect of the EA loaded Ch/beta-GP gel on brain cancer cells (human U87 glioblastomas and rat C6 glioma cells) was evaluated by examining cell viability. Cell number and activity were monitored by the MTS assay. The Ch/beta-GP solution formed a heat-induced gel at body temperature, and the gelation temperature and time were affected by the final pH of the Ch/beta-GP solution. The lysozyme increased the EA release rate by 2.5 times higher than that in the absence of lysozyme. Dialyzed chitosan solution with final pH 6.3 greatly reduced the beta-GP needed for gelation, thereby significantly improving the biocompatibility of gel (p < 0.001). The chitosan gels containing 1% (w/v) of ellagic acid significantly reduced viability of U87 cells and C6 cells compared with the chitosan gels at 3 days incubation (p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively).
Fast optical binary multiplication using a sign/logarithm number system.

A new fast binary multiplication scheme based on a nonholographic optical content-addressable memory (CAM) is presented. By using a sign/logarithm number (SLN) system, the multiplication operation is performed through a binary logarithmic addition. A three-stage CAM-based multiplication scheme is proposed in which the first CAM converts input binary numbers to SLN’s, the second CAM performs a fixed-point binary addition, and the third CAM converts this SLN result back to the binary number system. The design and experimental demonstration of a 7-bit nonholographic optoelectronic CAM-based multiplier are presented.