cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use the force

Traumatic injury to skeletal muscle typically results in fibrosis, scarring, and loss of function. In principle, skeletal muscles are capable of regenerating completely and do so after minor injuries. Nevertheless, for severe injuries, existing treatments, such as surgical reconstruction, often lead to patient morbidity. Tissue engineering approaches based on implanting drugs, scaffolds, or cells have also had mixed success. An intriguing alternative, described in a recent article by Cezar et al. , is inspired by massaging or mechanical loading of the injury site, which shows some clinical efficacy even in the absence of biologics. The authors implanted a composite polymeric hydrogel with magnetic nanoparticles at the site of muscle injury in a mouse model of myotoxin-induced damage and hind limb ischemia. In response to magnetic fields, this remotely controlled biomaterial applied cyclic mechanical compression to the damaged tissue. This mechanical stimulation resulted in enhanced regeneration of muscle structure and function as well as reduced inflammation and fibrous capsule formation relative to controls animals either unstimulated or with a pressure cuff that acted outside the skin. A pressurized biomaterial represents a new tool for tissue engineering, complementing existing approaches that deliver biologics or other drugs locally. Other than a mechanical benefit to the damaged tissue, this biocompatible biomaterial also drives fluid flows through the tissue, which could enhance molecular transport. Moving on, it may be possible to enhance regeneration in other muscle tissues, including the heart and visceral muscle. C. A. Cezar et al ., Biologic-free mechanically induced muscle regeneration. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 10.1073/pnas.1517517113 (2016). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2016/01/20/1517517113.abstract
Determinants of Demand for Sports Lottery: Insights from a Multilevel Model

Sports lottery, as a distinct sport product, has gained increasing popularity throughout the world. Drawing upon various theories developed over the years explaining the lottery gaming behavior, this study empirically examined the demand for the Shengfu lottery game, a popular soccer betting lottery in China. Specifically, this study examined the relationships between lottery demand and socio-demographic variables, and lottery attributes through a multilevel modelling procedure. The main finding are that (a) ticket composition has considerable impact on demand; (b) easiness of winning a game is positively related to the demand; (c) the provinces with higher income levels have higher demand for sports lotteries; (d) people with higher financial and social burdens tend to buy more lottery tickets; (e) venue accessibility has a positive impact on sales.
Sanitation: A Global Estimate of Sewerage Connections without Treatment and the Resulting Impact on MDG Progress

Progress toward the sanitation component of Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Target 7c was reassessed to account for the need to protect communities and the wider population from exposure to human excreta. We classified connections to sewerage as "improved sanitation" only if the sewage was treated before discharge to the environment. Sewerage connection data was available for 167 countries in 2010; of these, 77 had published data on sewage treatment prevalence. We developed an empirical model to estimate sewage treatment prevalence for 47 additional countries. We estimate that in 2010, 40% of the global population (2.8 billion people) used improved sanitation, as opposed to the estimate of 62% (4.3 billion people) from the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), and that 4.1 billion people lacked access to an improved sanitation facility. Redefining sewerage-without-treatment as "unimproved sanitation" in MDG monitoring would raise the 1990 baseline population using unimproved sanitation from 53% to 64% and the corresponding 2015 target from 27% to 32%. At the current rate of progress, we estimate a shortfall of 28 percentage points (1.9 billion people) in 2010 and a projected 27 percentage point shortfall in 2015.
Ultrafast X-ray Measurments of Coherent Atomic-Motion and Bond Softening in Bismuth.

We measure ultrafast dynamics of coherent atomic-motion and impulsive softening of the interatomic forces of photo-excited bismuth. Femtosecond and picometer resolution was achieved with random sampling of x rays from the Subpicosecond Pulse Source.
Effect of Rice Cultivar Height on Infestation by the Least Skipper, Ancyloxypha numitor (F.) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)

Populations of immature Ancyloxypha numitor (F.) were monitored in 1979 and 1981 on three dwarf (60 to 75 cm) and three tall (118 to 122 cm) cultivars of rice. Significant (P < 0.05) differences in the number of A. numitor larvae per 100 tillers (1979) and the number of eggs, larvae, and total immatures per 100 tillers (1981) were noted between dwarf and tall cultivars. Similarly, a significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation existed between eultivar height and x total larvae (r = −0.85,4, df), and a highly significant (P < 0.01) negative correlation existed between cultivar height and x total pupae (r = −0.92, 4 df). The hymenopterous parasites Agathis n. sp., Pediobus n. sp., and Elachertus n. sp. were recovered from infested A. numitor larvae. Overall, A. numitor parasitism varied from 3.7 to 48.0%. Agathis n. sp. was the dominant parasite, comprising from 72 to 100% of the total parasite population. The increased A. numitor immature populations and defoliation on the dwarf rice cultivars evaluated here suggest the need for identification and development of dwarf eultivars with A. numitor resistance.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES TO THE EVOLUTION OF COMPETITIVE ABILITY IN TWO COMPETING SPECIES OF DROSOPHILA.

The evolution of components of interspecific competitive ability was examined in three different environments for three replicate pairs of Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans populations. Populations evolved enhanced competitive ability in three ways: (1) increased effectiveness at reducing the numbers of the competitor species; (2) increased resistance to the inhibitory effects of the competitor species; or (3) a combination of the two. Considerable variation was seen in the evolutionary outcomes of competition among environments, and also among replicate populations within environments. Significant replicate-by-environment interactions were also observed. The results suggest that the evolutionary routes to the evolution of enhanced competitive abilities can potentially differ among subdivided populations, creating a geographic mosaic of outcomes.
Laboratory Detection and Analysis of Common Viral Pathogens of Pig Farms in 11 Provinces during the First Half of 2010 Year

To understand the recent prevalence of several viral diseases in sick pig farms,147 tissue specimens were collected from 50 farms in 11 provinces(cities) and examined during January 2010 to May 2010 by RT-PCR and PCR methods.And 458 serum samples from 26 farms were examined for pseudorabies gE antibodies by ELISA method.The positive rate of porcine circovirus type 2(PCV2) was highest with 75.3%(70/93).The positive rate of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus(PRRSV) followed with 57.4%(78/136),and that of highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus(HP-PRRSV) was 43.5%(54/124).The positive rates of classical swine fever virus(CSFV) and pseudorabies virus(PRV) were 37.7%(52/138) and 21.0%(21/100),respectively.The positive rate of pseudorabies gE antibody was 16.4%(75/458).46.9%(69/147) of samples including two and more than two species pathogens were detected,and HP-PRRSV+PCV2,CSFV+PCV2,and CSFV+HP-PRRSV+PCV2 were three forms of the most common.PRRSV(50.0%) was the most common cause of pig reproductive disorders;CSFV(56.0%) and PCV2(48.0%) were the common causes of diarrhea in the pre /post-weaning;HP-PRRSV(53.5%),CSFV(50.7%) and PCV2(48.0%) were commonly detected in nursery pigs with high fever syndrome.The results provided references for the diagnosis,prevention and control of swine diseases.
SP0181 The Impact of Immune Check Point Inhibitors on Autoimmunity, The Endocrine Side Effects of Cancer Immunotherapy

Immune check point inhibitors represent newly introduced drugs used in the treatment of cancer. These agents are antibody-based therapies targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). These agents, despite their high selectivity, are characterized by new typical endocrine side-effects in particular on autoimmunity. The spectrum of endocrine diseases experienced by patients treated with these drugs includes most commonly hypophysitis, more rarely thyroid diseases or abnormalities in thyroid function tests, and occasionally primary adrenal insufficiency. Hypophysitis represents a distinctive side effect of CTLA4-blocking antibodies and is a new form of autoimmune pituitary disease. In initial trials, the incidence of hypophysitis induced by anti-CTLA4-mAbs (ipilimumab and tremelimumab) varied considerably and seemed to be dose-dependent. Higher rate of hypophysitis has been reported with the administration of ipilimumab in combination with bevacizumab. Presenting symptoms of mAbs-induced hypophysitis are not specific, including headache, fatigue, weakness, while visual impairment may occur, but less frequently compared with classic lymphocytic hypophysitis. At MRI a pituitary swelling can appear sometimes with thickening of the stalk. As in patients with classic lymphocytic hypophysitis, high-dose glucocorticoids are used to treat anti-CTLA4- hypophysitis, but pituitary hormone deficits may be prolonged or even lifelong, despite the prompt initiation of glucocorticoid therapy. No cases of pituitary dysfunction were reported with lambrolizumab, a mAb against PD1. About thyroid function, immune checkpoint inhibitors may induce secondary hypothyroidism resulting from hypophysitis as well as these drugs are responsible for a relatively low incidence of thyroiditis. Hypoadrenalism occurs only in a few cases. In conclusion, immune check point inhibitors can alter endocrine glands in particular acting on autoimmunity. However, the precise mechanism of injury to the endocrine system triggered by these drugs is yet to be fully elucidated. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Access of maternal insulin to the rat conceptus prior to allantoic placentation.

We have investigated the availability of circulating maternal insulin to the postimplantation rat conceptus during early organogenesis, before the insulin-impermeable allantoic placeta is established. Virtual distribution equilibrium for "tracer" quantities of 125I-porcine insulin was achieved by continuous infusions into pregnant rats on day 11 of gestation (day 10.3 of embryo development). During continuing infusion, following 210 min of iodoinsulin delivery, intact conceptuses (embryo, amnion, and yolk sac), and portions of adjacent decidua, liver, and spleen were excised, rinsed, and frozen in liquid N2 within 2 min. Subsequent analysis by trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation or immunoprecipitation revealed the presence of intact iodoinsulin in all tissues. Both analytical approaches disclosed the same pattern of iodoinsulin distribution, i.e., liver and spleen greater than decidua and conceptus. Assayable iodoinsulin could not be demonstrated in embryos excised from the intact conceptuses; however the embryo observations were limited by the amount of accessible tissue and the requisite preparative delay. Our studies indicate that during early organogenesis, before the establishment of the allantoic placenta, maternal insulin has access to at least the outer portion of the postimplantation rat conceptus, including yolk sac, where insulin-specific receptors are known to occur.
3 – Comparing cold spray with thermal spray coating technologies

Publisher Summary Cold spray has many similarities to traditional thermal spray processes. However, there are also important fundamental differences that make the cold spray process and cold-sprayed materials highly unique. In some applications, the unique features of cold spray offer significant advantages, over-coming inherent limitations of traditional thermal spray processes. In other applications, more traditional processes might offer superior capability and performance. To identify the best potential applications for cold spray, it is important to understand the similarities and differences of cold spray as compared with traditional thermal spray alternatives. This chapter provides a high-level overview of spray process technologies and discusses important similarities and differences between cold spray and traditional thermal spray. Cold spray is still an emerging, but very promising, technology. In some applications, it offers a way to overcome important limitations of traditional thermal spray technologies, such as high levels of porosity and oxide in the sprayed material. However, it is also more limited in the range of materials and substrates that are process compatible, and there are currently very limited application and property data for cold-sprayed materials as compared to traditional thermal spray processes. For this and other reasons, cold spray would not replace the traditional thermal spray processes.
Commentary on Biomarkers for Early Detection and Prognosis of AKI.

Malhotra and Siew provide a detailed and highly comprehensive review of the AKI literature that carefully delineates the major categories of AKI biomarker studies. These studies can be broadly classified as addressing questions pertaining to screening or “early detection,” prognosis, and
Confinement effect on the structure and elasticity of proteins interfacing polymers

The ordered nanostructured surfaces provide confined environments that allow functionalization of proteins. Here, we used the nanopores of poly(methyl methacrylate) films to attach fibrinogen and lysozyme, and discussed the changes in proteins' structures and elasticity upon confinement. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of protein secondary structures reveals that fibrinogen undergoes less structural change and behaves less stiff when the pore size is close to the protein size. Lysozyme, on the other hand, retains its native-like structure, however, it exhibits the highest modulus in 15 nm pores due to the lower macromolecular crowding effect the protein faces compared to lysozyme within larger pores. These findings manifest the effect of confinement and crowding on the conformation and elasticity of different shaped proteins tethered on surfaces.
“It’s Not Balancing out Like It Should Be”: Perceptions of Local Climate Variability in Native Oklahoma

AbstractFieldwork was conducted in 2009–11 with Native American agriculturalists and traditionalists in southwestern Oklahoma on the form and use of their weather and climate knowledge: how it is constituted, how it is used in agricultural decision-making, and the extent to which their own weather knowledge is valued in light of other forms of weather information available. Conversations rekindled memories of knowledge imparted and stories told by previous generations and illuminated observational signs some still rely upon. Conversations also revealed that while the agriculturalists and traditionalists are acculturated into contemporary society, they still hold tightly to culturally important ways of knowing about and being in the world and are keen observers of their local environments. Given the contemporary relevance of climate change and its impacts on Indigenous peoples, this paper focuses on their observations and thoughts about climate variability: Have you noticed changes? What impacts do these c...
Ultrafast Microscopy of Electronic Excitations in Nanostructured Materials

I describe ultrafast microscopy on the femto-nano scale of plasmonic resonances in Ag nanocrystals grown on Si substrates by broadly tunable (IR-UV) femtosecond NOPA multi-photon excitation and aberration corrected photoemission electron microscopy imaging.
The Perfect Storm Is on the Horizon

Purpose Provide analysis of data identifying the impending mass turnover of Directors and Coordinators of General Surgery residency programs and the potential effect on successful continuing accreditation including the ACGME Next Accreditation System (NAS) and associated self study. Methods The Association of Residency Coordinators in Surgery, Executive Committee (ARCS EC) anonymously surveyed 254 general surgery Program Coordinators in September/October 2016. This represents 60`% of all the members within the Association of Residency Coordinators in Surgery. Survey was accomplished using SurveyMonkey. Questions included demographics and experience of the Director and Coordinator, accreditation status, significant job stressors, and potential retirements or position changes planned or possible. Results 153 (60%) respondents completed the survey. Data from the survey indicates that 67% of Program Directors have been in their position less than six (6) years. 34% of Program Coordinators have been in their position less than five (5) years. 56% of coordinators have been on the job less than ten (10) years. Coordinators in 76% of programs reported significant levels of burnout. 59% have considered resigning from their position in the past year. Participants consistently reported increasing responsibilities and expectations combined with declining or inadequate levels of support as sources of job stress. Other contributors to Coordinator burnout were identified as related to the additional ACGME accreditation requirements and salaries not commensurate with workload. Conclusion This survey represents a sentinel preliminary look at the possible impending manning crisis in general surgery residency program leadership. A Program Director is supported by a Program Coordinators who are burned out and considering a job change. The resultant potential turnover in personnel and loss of collective program knowledge may have devastating ramifications to program accreditation. Subsequent survey of the workforce will evaluate proposed solutions and interventions to prevent this outcome and secure the future success of general surgery programs.
Representation of Linear Transformations

We saw in the previous chapter that a matrix in Mat m×n (k) acts by left multiplication as a linear transformation from k n to km. In this chapter we shall see that in a strong sense every linear transformation of finite-dimensional vector spaces over k may be thus realized. (We say that the associated matrix represents the transformation.) In passing, we introduce the notion of a k-algebra, a rich structure that is a hybrid of both vector space and ring. We show that the set of linear transformations from an n-dimensional vector space to itself is in fact isomorphic as a k-algebra to the familiar matrix algebra M n (k).
A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Evaluating Efficacy and Safety of IGIV-C in Symptomatic Subjects with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (P1.142)

Objective: The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of IGIV-C in subjects with generalized MG on standard of care treatment at study entry in terms of improvement in MG symptoms as measured by the mean change in QMG score from Baseline (Week 0) to Week 24 as compared to placebo. Background: Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction with clinical symptoms of muscle fatigue and weakness that can be generalized across multiple muscle groups. While symptoms can be improved with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, definitive therapy requires mitigation of the autoimmune process. Treatment modalities include immunosuppressive medications, immunomodulation therapies, plasma exchange, or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). IVIg has produced improvement in MG Exacerbations, but additional clinical data are needed to confirm the effectiveness of IVIg in the treatment of MG as maintenance therapy. Grifols is evaluating the efficacy of caprylate/chromatography purified IGIV-C in a maintenance setting in terms of augmenting standard of care treatment in symptomatic MG patients. Design/Methods: This is a randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IGIV-C in subjects with MG who are symptomatic on standard of care treatment with a Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score ≥ 10 points at Screening. Subjects meeting entry criteria will be randomized 1:1 to receive IGIV-C or placebo for 21 weeks and stratified by patient’s baseline standard of care MG treatment regimen. Approximately 62 adult subjects are planned to be enrolled in the study globally. Results: The study began in August 2015 and is projected to complete in 2017. The results will be evaluated based upon protocol-specified analyses. Conclusions: The data collected in the study will provide additional information regarding the effectiveness of IVIg treatment in reducing clinical symptoms of MG long term. Study Supported by: Grifols Disclosure: Dr. Griffin has received personal compensation for activities with Grifols as an employee. Dr. Chen has received personal compensation for activities with Grifols as an employee. Dr. Hanna has received personal compensation for activities with Grifols as an employee. Dr. Mondou has received personal compensation for activities with Grifols as an employee.
Paper as a scaffold for cell cultures: Teaching an old material new tricks

Paper-based cell culture platforms have emerged as a promising approach for a myriad of biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, disease models, cancer research, biotechnology, high-throughput testing, biosensing, and diagnostics. Paper enables the generation of highly flexible, biocompatible, inexpensive, porous, and three-dimensional (3D) constructs and devices. These systems have been used to culture mammalian cells, bacteria, algae, and fungi. Studies have shown that paper is an exceptional material for applications in life sciences, materials sciences, engineering, and medicine. Paper has been employed for creating biomimetic cell culture environments by folding or stacking it into the desired 3D shapes and structures. This review discusses the use of paper-based platforms for cellular applications and provides a diverse range of examples.
Tarsal-Conjunctival Advancement Flap in Lower Eyelid Reconstruction

The tarsal-conjunctival flap is a versatile technique with many advantages for repairing large lower eyelid defects. It is fairly straightforward from a technical standpoint and takes less operative time than major flaps and free grafts. Since its introduction in the early twentieth century, several modifications have improved upon the major complications, including upper lid retraction, upper lid entropion, and eyelid margin erythema. This chapter discusses the main principles of eyelid reconstruction, the algorithm for repairing lower eyelid defects, and the step-by-step manual for performing the tarsal-conjunctival flap.
DRY EYE THERAPY: EVALUATION OF CURRENT DIRECTIONS AND CLINICAL TRIALS

Beginning in the time of Hippocrates, complaints of dry eye were treated with a number of methods, including bathing the eyes in a variety of lubricating environments. Egg white, goose fat, and warm water were each commonly used to saturate the eyes in an effort to alleviate some or all of the discomfort brought on by a lack of adequate tears. In the 18th century, herbs were boiled in vinegar or wine and prescribed as elixirs to aid in the physiological tear manufacturing process. During this time, human tears were thought to be excrement of the brain itself. In the 19th century, oils and glycerins were used, and the first balanced salt solution was developed. Gelatin was often added to these solutions for viscosity to enhance the therapeutic effect in cases of severe dry eye syndrome. As gelatin proved to be both unstable as well as an excellent medium for microbial growth, methylcellulose was developed and today remains a major constituent of many tear substitutes. Polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone are hydrophilic substances which, in general, are less viscous and widely used by dry eye patients.
The Political Feasibility of Choice No-Fault Insurance

Much of this book addresses the following two questions: (1) How does choice no-fault insurance work? and (2) What are the effects of choice no-fault under different design arrangements? These are crucial issues. Yet given how frequently even well supported automobile insurance reform efforts have collapsed in the political realm, those concerned about real-world public policy may find the following question equally important: (3) What is the political feasibility of moving to a choice no-fault system?
A Second Course in Linear Algebra

Linear algebra is a fundamental tool in many fields, including mathematics and statistics, computer science, economics, and the physical and biological sciences. This undergraduate textbook offers a complete second course in linear algebra, tailored to help students transition from basic theory to advanced topics and applications. Concise chapters promote a focused progression through essential ideas, and contain many examples and illustrative graphics. In addition, each chapter contains a bullet list summarising important concepts, and the book includes over 600 exercises to aid the reader's understanding. Topics are derived and discussed in detail, including the singular value decomposition, the Jordan canonical form, the spectral theorem, the QR factorization, normal matrices, Hermitian matrices (of interest to physics students), and positive definite matrices (of interest to statistics students).
Digital Signal Processing and Analysis of Cardiopulmonary Audio Using a Multi-Channel Stethograph System

A novel MATLAB based auscultation diagnosis program was developed to analyze audio from the heart, lungs and trachea (HLT) using digital signal processing techniques. The HLT audio were non-invasively measured using a custom built multi-channel stethograph system, which can record audio through a set of 16 microphone sensors. FIR filter, Hamming window and cross-correlation algorithm were used for signal preprocessing, data segmentation and feature extraction, respectively. In addition, a user interface that displays the processed audio in both time domain and frequency domain along with its energy spectrogram was also developed. The auscultation diagnosis program was able to filter and distinguish between good and bad quality audio, with an accuracy of 96%. The performance of the system is analyzed and presented in this paper.
Talker variability, auditory attention, and speech processing efficiency

A classic finding in speech perception is that speech is processed more efficiently from a single, continuous talker than from mixed talkers. Given enormous variation in the acoustic realization of speech, it is thought that talker adaptation is necessary to ascertain the mappings between talkers’ speech acoustics and listeners’ abstract phonological representations. However, a suite of empirical studies from our laboratory may suggest a predominately attention-based explanation for effects attributed to talker adaptation: using behavioral experiments, neuroimaging, and noninvasive brain stimulation, we have probed how speech processing efficiency under talker variability is affected by temporal, phonological, contextual, and expectational factors. We find that processing benefits from talker continuity are automatic and feedforward, depending on temporal continuity in the source of speech but not the amount of talker-specific phonetic detail or listeners’ expectations about source continuity. Correspondingly, processing costs from talker discontinuity occur even when phonetic contrasts are unambiguous across talkers but are insensitive to the magnitude of phonetic variability, amount of preceding exposure to a talker, or top-down expectation about discontinuity. We consider how domain-general models of attention and auditory streaming may parsimoniously account for these differences in the speech processing efficiency between single and mixed talkers.A classic finding in speech perception is that speech is processed more efficiently from a single, continuous talker than from mixed talkers. Given enormous variation in the acoustic realization of speech, it is thought that talker adaptation is necessary to ascertain the mappings between talkers’ speech acoustics and listeners’ abstract phonological representations. However, a suite of empirical studies from our laboratory may suggest a predominately attention-based explanation for effects attributed to talker adaptation: using behavioral experiments, neuroimaging, and noninvasive brain stimulation, we have probed how speech processing efficiency under talker variability is affected by temporal, phonological, contextual, and expectational factors. We find that processing benefits from talker continuity are automatic and feedforward, depending on temporal continuity in the source of speech but not the amount of talker-specific phonetic detail or listeners’ expectations about source continuity. Correspondi...
Molecular Interactions between Collagen and Fibronectin: A Reciprocal Relationship that Regulates De Novo Fibrillogenesis

Summary A major roadblock in identifying the fundamental mechanisms underlying tissue genesis is the disparity between in vitro and in vivo observations. Differences in protein function often arise from the influence of the native molecular environment. For instance, collagen (COL) assembly proceeds spontaneously in vitro yet is strongly reliant on fibronectin (FN) in vivo. To elucidate the potential FN-COL interactions during tissue genesis, we explore their co-dependence in vitro by investigating protein binding, conformational changes, assembly kinetics, co-localization, and fiber mechanics. We find that FN accelerates COL nucleation, and in reciprocity, the presence of COL fibrils induces the formation of highly co-localized FN fibrils. Additionally, the FN-fiber-drawing process catalyzes COL incorporation at concentrations previously considered subthreshold for COL flow-induced crystallization. Our studies elucidate pathways for templating FN networks and illuminate how cells might leverage the hydrophobicity of FN and synergistic FN-COL interactions to efficiently guide production of the extracellular matrix.
Adsorption kinetics of the herbicide safeners, benoxacor and furilazole, to activated carbon and agricultural soils.

Abstract Chloroacetamide herbicides, namely acetochlor and metolachlor, are common herbicides used on corn and soybean fields. Dichloroacetamide safeners, namely benoxacor and furilazole, are commonly used in formulations containing chloroacetamide herbicides. Extensive reports on adsorption of chloroacetamide herbicides are available, yet little information exists regarding adsorption potential of co-applied safeners. Herein, the adsorption and desorption characteristics of selected herbicide safeners to granular activated carbon (GAC) and in agricultural soils are reported. Further, soil column studies were performed to understand the leaching behaviour of the herbicide Dual II Magnum. Equilibrium sorption experiments of safeners to three agricultural soils and one GAC showed that adsorption was best fitted by the Freundlich isotherm. The Freundlich adsorption constant, Kf, for benoxacor and furilazole sorption onto three agricultural soils ranged from 0.1 to 0.27 and 0.1 to 0.13 (mg/g) × (mg/L)ˆ(1/n), respectively. The Kf for benoxacor and furilazole to GAC was 6.4 and 3.4 (mg/g) × (mg/L)ˆ(1/n), respectively, suggesting more favorable sorption of benoxacor to GAC than furilazole to GAC. The sorption to soils was reversible as almost 40%–90% of both safeners was desorbed from three soils. These results were validated in four replicated soil column studies, where S-metolachlor was shown to leach similarly to the safener benoxacor, originating from the herbicide formulation. The leaching of S-metolachlor and benoxacor was influenced by soil texture. Cumulatively, these results show that safeners will move through the environment to surface waters similarly to the active ingredients in herbicides, but may be removed during drinking water treatment via GAC.
How Do Trafficking Survivors Cope? Identifying the General and Spiritual Coping Strategies of Men Trafficked into the United States

This study used a mixed method, convergent parallel design to identify the coping strategies—both general and spiritual—used by men who were internationally trafficked. A hybrid purposive/snowball ...
Fast-Time Clutter Suppression in mm-Wave Low-IF FMCW Radar for Fast-Moving Objects

A dual-DDS-based, mm-wave, heterodyne, FMCW radar with a 108-GHz center frequency, a 600-MHz bandwidth, and a 3-MHz IF was used to characterize backscatter from static clutter and a small, fast-moving target. Employing a symmetric triangular frequency-vs-time FMCW waveform with 500-us up-chirp and down-chirp durations, signals from a reusable paintball (reball) with a radial velocity of about 90 m/s were measured in an indoor, clutter-rich environment over intervals of ∼100-ms. Unambiguous estimation of the reball's range and radial velocity were derived from observations made during both the up-chirp and down-chirp observations. Specifically, when the reball's echo signal was obscured or degraded by coincident clutter (e.g. during down-chirp), estimates of its amplitude characteristics were obtained from measurements when the reball and clutter were spectrally separable (during up-chirp). Consequently, it is demonstrated that the clutter in this context can be suppressed by more than 25 dB.
Beyond the 405 and the 5: Geographic Variations and Factors Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Positivity Rates in Los Angeles County.

BACKGROUND: To highlight geographic differences and the socio-structural determinants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test positivity within Los Angeles County (LAC). METHODS: A geographic information system was used to integrate, map, and analyze SARS-CoV-2 testing data reported by the LAC Department of Public Health and data from the American Community Survey. Structural determinants included race/ethnicity, poverty, insurance status, education, and population and household density. We examined which factors were associated with positivity rates, using a 5% test positivity threshold, with spatial analysis and spatial regression. RESULTS: Between 1 March and 30 June 2020 there were 843 440 SARS-CoV-2 tests and 86 383 diagnoses reported, for an overall positivity rate of 10.2% within the study area. Communities with high proportions of Latino/a residents, those living below the federal poverty line, and with high household densities had higher crude positivity rates. Age- adjusted diagnosis rates were significantly associated with the proportion of Latino/as, individuals living below the poverty line, and population and household density. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant local variations in test positivity within LAC and several socio-structural determinants contribute to ongoing disparities. Public health interventions, beyond shelter in place, are needed to address and target such disparities.
The “Structurally Adjusted” School: A Case from New York:

This article argues that U.S. education reforms for “failing” schools are strikingly similar to a domestic Structural Adjustment Program; and that comparing the two clarifies: how K–12 schools are ...
Turbulence in compressible flows

Abstract Compressible turbulent flows commonly arise in aerospace applications and in energy-conversion and processing technologies. This chapter aims to build fundamental understanding about turbulence behavior in compressible flows. It emphasizes the physical processes operative in compressible and variable-density turbulent flows and their statistical representation. The benefits and limitations associated with density-weighted averaging are highlighted. Homogeneous compressible turbulence, shock-turbulence interaction, high-speed free-shear flows, and wall-bounded flows are discussed, with emphasis on recent progress. The roles played by acoustic communication, baropycnal energy transfer, baroclinic vorticity, and dilatational dissipation in affecting turbulence dynamics are stressed. The understanding gained from study of idealized problems is highlighted and interpreted in the context of broader applications.
Natural gas versus methane: Ignition kinetics and detonation limit behavior in small tubes

Abstract Detonation properties of methane and natural gas were studied using ZND simulations and detonation limit experiments. The experiments were performed in two tube sizes, 32 mm and 6.4 mm in inner diameter over a range of initial pressures (between 3.4 kPa and 35 kPa) and with stoichiometric fuel-oxygen compositions. The fuels considered are high purity methane, high purity methane with dopant ozone, a real natural gas, and a family of natural gas surrogates. The natural gas surrogates were developed based on North American natural gas composition variations and designed to capture the expected mean and variance of fundamental combustion properties of natural gases. All natural gases tested in this work show a substantially smaller detonation induction length (about 40%) and lower detonation pressure limit (30% in terms of limiting pressure) than high purity methane. The ozonated methane at 3000 PPMv of ozone doping performed similarly to the natural gases. Overall, the results suggest that in methane-based mixtures, a smaller induction length correlates with a more predictable detonation behavior as evidenced by a lower detonation pressure limit. As such, natural gases are expected to have a wider operating range when used as a fuel for detonation-based engines. As importantly, induction length calculation results reveal that the variability in detonation and combustion behaviors resultant from composition variability is expected to be similar between natural gases and commercial methane. Finally, the results suggest that for safety-related studies, neat methane is a poor surrogate for studying natural gas explosions.
Review of Living Walden Two: B. F. Skinner’s behaviorist utopia and experimental communities

Kuhlmann’s Living Walden Two (2005) offers a social history of the actual experimental communities that were inspired by Skinner’s (1948) utopian novel. In the course of her examination, the author presents a reasonably accurate overview of the key cultural design elements described in the novel, of behavioral philosophy applied to cultural design, and of the academic reaction to the behavioral philosophy embodied in the fictional community. She is critical of several key behavioral tenets, but generally remains analytical rather than emotional. Kuhlmann concludes that contextual and individual factors undermined the capacity of most of the experimental communities inspired by Walden Two to sustain themselves.
Corneille, classicism, and the ruses of symmetry

Prefaces Introduction 1. Mythifying matrix: Corneille's Medee and the birth of tragedy 2. Le Cid: father/time 3. Horace, classicism and female trouble 4. Cinna: empty mirrors 5. Polyeucte: seeing is believing 6. Nicomede, Rodogune, Surena: monsters, melanchology and the end of the ancien regime Notes Index.
The Effect of Menopausal Hormone Therapies on Breast Cancer: Avoiding the Risk

Estrogen and P treatment results in greater risk of breast cancer than placebo. Treatment with estrogen alone does not increase the risk of breast cancer, may be used by women who have had a hysterectomy, and may even result in a decreased risk of breast cancer. Continued research seeks to improve the understanding of the interplay between estrogen and progestogens that predispose to adverse effects on breast tissue. Caution over this hypothesized benefit is warranted until it is substantiated by data on the incidence of breast cancer in tissue selective estrogen complex users.
Effect of 2011 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Duty-Hour Regulations on Objective Measures of Surgical Training.

Objective In July 2011, new Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty-hour regulations were implemented in surgical residency programs. We examined whether differences in objective measures of surgical training exist at our institution since implementation. Design Retrospective reviews of the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination performance and surgical case volume were collected for 5 academic years. Data were separated into 2 groups, Period 1: July 2008 through June 2011 and Period 2: July 2011 through June 2013. Setting Single-institution study conducted at the Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, a tertiary-care academic center. Participants All general surgery residents, levels postgraduate year 1 through 5, from July 2008 through June 2013. Results No significant differences in the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination total correct score or overall test percentile were noted between periods for any levels. Intern case volume increased significantly in Period 2 (90 vs 77, p = 0.036). For chief residents graduating in Period 2, there was a significant increase in total major cases (1062 vs 945, p = 0.002) and total chief cases (305 vs 267, p = 0.02). Conclusions The duty-hour regulations did not negatively affect objective measures of surgical training in our program. Compliance with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty-hour regulations correlated with an increase in case volume. Adaptations made by our institution, such as maximizing daytime duty hours and increasing physician extenders, likely contributed to our findings.
Reaction kinetics and mass transfer in glucose isomerisation with collagen‐immobilised whole microbial cells

Stable and active derivatives of collagen-immobilised whole microbial cells containing glucose isomerase have been successfully prepared. The degree of crosslinking, swelling behaviour, and hydrophile/hydrophobe ratio of the complex was examined, since these factors could have a strong influence on the diffusional characteristics of the membrane. The studies on efficiency of glutaraldehyde tanning and its effect on the activity of the immobilised cells provided the connecting link between the network properties and the mass transfer effects. The catalytic pathway for the reversible enzymatic conversion of glucose to fructose has been elucidated by developing a kinetic model capable of describing the observed data over the entire range of substrate concentrations. In arriving at this model, we have also found that the bulk phase mass transfer limitations are negligible. Regarding the internal transport resistance, it has been determined that the effectiveness factor is between 0.95 and 1. A reactor design equation incorporating activity, packing density, and contact efficiency correction factors has been developed. Based on this equation, computer simulations of continuous reactor operation were performed to generate concentration–space time profiles. The model was verified experimentally and a close agreement between the predicted and observed values corroborated the correctness of the proposed bioreaction mechanism, the rate expression, and the design equation. The kinetics of a competing side reaction were found to be too slow to influence significantly the overall results.
The Snouted Cobra, Naja annulifera, a valid species in southern Africa

BROADLEY, D.G. 1995. The snouted cobra, Naja annulifera, a valid species in southern Africa. J. Herpetol. Assoc. Afr. 44(2): 26–32. The two southern “races” of Naja haje (Linnaeus) represent a distinct species, Naja annulifera Peters, with a poorly defined western race N. a. anchietae Bocage. N. annulifera is readily distinguished from all other African cobras by its pointed snout and prominent rostral shield, which is recurved onto the snout and may actually separate the internasals. This is reflected in the skull, for in adults the bulbous nasal bones extend forward beyond the level of the premaxilla. It also differs from Naja haje in having lower counts for midbody scale rows (mode 17 or 19 compared with 21) and ventrals (usually below 200 in N. annulifera: usually above 200 in N. haje). Although both species are very variable in colour pattern, the strong black and yellow banded pattern, from which N. annulifera gets its name, is not found in N. haje.
Approximate solutions of radiative transfer in dusty nebulae. II. Hydrogen and helium.

The ionization structure of hydrogen and helium in dusty nebulae is discussed. The general equations for pure hydrogen nebulae are modified to include helium. An approximate analytic solution is presented for Stroemgren radii of hydrogen and helium in the absence of dust. It is shown that these results, with simple modifications, are also applicable to dusty nebulae where the effective absorption cross section of dust grains varies slowly with frequency in the 1000 to 200A range. No analytic solutions are possible if this cross section varies rapidly with frequency. In this case, however, simple coupled differential equations are derived. Approximate analytic expressions are presented for evaluation of the variation of the fraction of ionizing radiation absorbed by dust and the ratio of the volume emission measures of He II to H II regions with the spectrum of the ionizing source, helium abundance, and absorption properties of dust. The effects of dust on the He III zone are discussed. Results are restricted to spherically symmetric nebulae, but nonuniform gas and dust distributions and clumpiness can be taken into account.
ON THE CONDUCTANCE PATHWAY TRAVERSED BY STRONTIUM IN MEDIATING THE ASYNCHRONOUS RELEASE OF ACETYLCHOLINE BY MOTOR NERVE IMPULSES

A study was made to determine whether the Sr2+ dependent asynchronous release of acetylcholine by nerve impulses is mediated by the conventional Ca2+ conductance channel or, as has been suggested recently, through an alternative ion pathway. Experiments were performed on the frog neuromuscular junction by the use of standard electrophysiological techniques. Repetitive nerve stimulation in Sr2+-Ringer solutions caused a marked increase in miniature end-plate potential (m.e.p.p.) frequency which was dependent on Sr2+ concentration and inhibited in a competitive fashion by the known Ca2+ antagonists, Co2+ and Mg2+. The equilibrium dissociation constants (KdS) determined for both Co2+ (0.09 +/- 0.01 mM, mean +/- s.e. mean, n = 5) and Mg2+ (3.7 +/- 0.3 mM, mean +/- s.e. mean, n = 4) were essentially the same as the reported values for these antagonists in blocking Ca2+ -mediated transmitter release by nerve impulses. These results suggest that Sr2+ mediates asynchronous evoked transmitter release through the conventional calcium conductance channel.