cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and structure of the polypeptide chains of earthworm hemoglobin

Abstract Carboxyhemoglobin from the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, separates on isoelectric focusing into a major component A, and a minor component B, which comprises 4–9% of the total. The molecular weights of all the polypeptide chains from either component have been estimated to be near 15,000–16,000 by chromatography on Sephacryl S-200 in 6 m guanidine-HCl after oxidation with performic acid. Species of higher molecular weight were not detected under these conditions. The chains remain partially aggregated, however, in 8 m urea. Electrophoresis in 8 m urea at pH 3.5 on disc gels results in the separation of four protein bands. Analysis of chromatography of either globin A or B on carboxymethylcellulose in 8 m urea indicates that three of these bands are unique polypeptides chains. The fourth, most anodic, band appears to be a product of aggregation and not a unique polypeptide chain. The amino acid composition has been determined for the three chains isolated from each component. The NH2-terminal residues for the three isolated chains of globin A have been determined to be aspartic acid, alanine, and lysine. The unfractionated globin and that from components A and B have the same NH2 termini.
Impacts assessment of PHEV charge profiles on generation expansion using national energy modeling system

High penetration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the next 5-10 years is plausible due to the benefits for both environments and end users. With the assumption of a high PHEV penetration, national energy modeling system (NEMS) software package is exploited to predict the growths of power generation plants. As an adjustable knob for the deregulated electricity market, the charging strategy of PHEVs is comparatively studied to gain a comprehensive picture of its impacts. Four typical daily charging strategies are investigated, which are: (1) uniform charging; (2) home-based charging; (3) off-peak charging; (4) vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging. Electric capacity expansions by fuel types and preferred PHEV load profiles are characterized.
Cost‐effectiveness of extended cessation treatment for older smokers

Aims We examined the cost-effectiveness of extended smoking cessation treatment in older smokers. Design Participants who completed a 12-week smoking cessation program were factorial randomized to extended cognitive behavioral treatment and extended nicotine replacement therapy. Setting A free-standing smoking cessation clinic. Participants A total of 402 smokers aged 50 years and older were recruited from the community. Measurements The trial measured biochemically verified abstinence from cigarettes after 2 years and the quantity of smoking cessation services utilized. Trial findings were combined with literature on changes in smoking status and the age- and gender-adjusted effect of smoking on health-care cost, mortality and quality of life over the long term in a Markov model of cost-effectiveness over a lifetime horizon. Findings The addition of extended cognitive behavioral therapy added $83 in smoking cessation services cost [P = 0.012, confidence interval (CI) = $22–212]. At the end of follow-up, cigarette abstinence rates were 50.0% with extended cognitive behavioral therapy and 37.2% without this therapy (P < 0.05, odds ratio 1.69, CI 1.18–2.54). The model-based incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $6324 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Probabilistic sensitivity analysis found that the additional $947 in lifetime cost of the intervention had a 95% confidence interval of −$331 to 2081; the 0.15 additional QALYs had a confidence interval of 0.035–0.280, and that the intervention was cost-effective against a $50 000/QALY acceptance criterion in 99.6% of the replicates. Extended nicotine replacement therapy was not cost-effective. Conclusions Adding extended cognitive behavior therapy to standard cessation treatment was cost-effective. Further intensification of treatment may be warranted.
CHAINS OF PROJECTIVE MODULES

We consider modules over commutative rings. We are looking for sufficient conditions for a continuous well-ordered ascending chain of projective modules that are pure in their union to have a projective union. First, we deal with countable chains without restriction on the sizes of the modules; in this case no extra hypothesis is needed provided R is an integral domain or ℵ0-noetherian (Theorem 1.3); in the latter case, the theorem covers pure-projectvity as well. We also consider chains of longer lengths over an integral domain. We establish a condition (in terms of a slightly modified κ+-freeness) for the projectivity of the union provided that the links of the chain are ≤ κ-generated and the length of the chain is κ+ for an infinite cardinal κ (Theorem 1.4). Our theorems generalize several results in the literature.
Dual Differentiation in Small Cell Carcinoma (Oat Cell Carcinoma) of the Lung

Two cases of small cell “undifferentiated” carcinoma (oat cell carcinoma) of the lung with dual neurosecretory and squamous differentiation are reported. One was treated with various regimens of chemotherapy and radiotherapy; the other was untreated at the time of biopsy. By electron microscopy, the same tumor cells showed membrane-bound, dense-core, neurosecretory-type granules and bundles of tonofibrils denoting squamous differentiation. This dual differentiation underlies the difficulty of ascribing an exclusively neural histogenesis to small cell carcinomas with neurosecretory-type granules. It is possible that entoderm-associated neuroectodermal tumors develop features of autochthonous entodermal tumors as a result of microenvironmental influences. An alternative hypothesis would be that small cell tumors are derived from basal reserve bronchoepithelial cells with pluripotentialities.
FBI-1 can stimulate HIV-1 Tat activity and is targeted to a novel subnuclear domain that includes the Tat-P-TEFb-containing nuclear speckles

FBI-1 is a cellular POZ-domain–containing protein that binds to the HIV-1 LTR and associates with the HIV-1 transactivator protein Tat. Here we show that elevated levels of FBI-1 specifically stimulate Tat activity and that this effect is dependent on the same domain of FBI-1 that mediates Tat-FBI-1 association in vivo. FBI-1 also partially colocalizes with Tat and Tat's cellular cofactor, P-TEFb (Cdk9 and cyclin T1), at the splicing-factor–rich nuclear speckle domain. Further, a less-soluble population of FBI-1 distributes in a novel peripheral-speckle pattern of localization as well as in other nuclear regions. This distribution pattern is dependent on the FBI-1 DNA binding domain, on the presence of cellular DNA, and on active transcription. Taken together, these results suggest that FBI-1 is a cellular factor that preferentially associates with active chromatin and that can specifically stimulate Tat-activated HIV-1 transcription.
Quality assurance of global vegetation index compositing algorithms using AVHRR data

The quality control aspects of the vegetation index produced by the MODIS (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) algorithm were evaluated and compared with the results of the currently used maximum value composite (MVC), which chooses the highest NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) over a certain time interval. The composite scenarios were evaluated with respect to: 1) quality flags related to data integrity, cloud cover and composite method, 2) temporal evolution of the VI for different continents and vegetation cover types, and 3) accuracy of the standardization of reflectance values to standard view angles (nadir). On a continental scale the composited NDVI results from the MODIS algorithm were 1 to 24% lower than the off-nadir NDVI results based on the MVC criteria. A simple BRDF (Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) model was adequate to produce nadir equivalent reflectance values from which the NDVI could be computed. The temporal evolution of the NDVI derived with the MODIS algorithm was similar to or smoother than the NDVI derived from the MVC algorithm. The composite method applied in the MODIS algorithm, was dependent on the global position and season, e.g. the BRDF interpolation was most frequently applied in arid and semi-arid regions and during the dry season over tropical rain forests. Examples of a global NDVI and quality flags were displayed using a pseudo color bit mapping scheme.
The Interface Between Ethnic and Social System Attachment: The Differential Effects of Hierarchy‐Enhancing and Hierarchy‐Attenuating Environments

Social dominance theory distinguishes between hierarchy-enhancing environments, which promote inequality between groups (e.g., American society), and hierarchy-attenuating environments, which promote equality between groups (e.g., universities). Consistent with predictions derived from this distinction, a panel study that assessed attitudes prior to university exposure and after one year of university exposure yielded three findings: (1) exposure to the university decreased antiegalitarian attitudes; (2) at the end of their first year of college, European Americans exhibited greater national attachment than Asian Americans, Latinos, and African Americans, but members of all groups exhibited similar levels of university attachment; and (3) European Americans exhibited a more positive association between ethnic attachment and national attachment than members of the other three groups, but members of all groups exhibited similar relationships between ethnic attachment and university attachment.
The Relation of Obesity to Egg Production in Broiler Breeders

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of carcass fat on egg production in broiler breeder hens. Two groups of birds were brought into production at the same time (after a similar period of delay) but with widely different levels of carcass fat. This was accomplished by subjecting one group to restricted dietary energy and increasing daylength and the other to full feed but declining daylength. After reaching peak production the birds were subjected to a 0, 10 or 20% reduction in energy intake for the remainder of a 36 week production period. Carcass samples taken at sexual maturity, at peak production and after 24 and 36 weeks of lay indicated that the level of carcass fat did not affect egg production adversely. A 20% reduction in energy intake reduced production of total and settable eggs significantly during the cold winter months but had no effect on production during the summer months. There was a slight but non-significant improvement in egg production and feed efficiency when energy was restricted by 10% in the summer. Egg size was not affected significantly by energy restriction in either experiment. Under the conditions of these experiments carcass fat had no significant effect on egg production. Egg production and carcass fat were roughly related to energy intake depending upon the season of the year.
Ethics, values, and world culture: the impact on rehabilitation.

Cultural beliefs affect how health-care professionals and consumers interpret health, illness and disability. This discussion focuses on the therapeutic relevance of cultural beliefs; the implicati...
Expanding the Horizons of Natural Language Interfaces

Current natural language interfaces have concentrated largely on determining the literal "meaning" of input from their users. While such decoding is an essential underpinning, much recent work suggests that natural language interfaces will never appear cooperative or graceful unless they also incorporate numerous non-literal aspects of communication, such as robust communication procedures.This paper defends that view. but claims that direct imitation of human performance is not the best way to implement many of these non-literal aspects of communication; that the new technology of powerful personal computers with integral graphics displays offers techniques superior to those of humans for these aspects, while still satisfying human communication needs. The paper proposes interfaces based on a judicious mixture of these techniques and the still valuable methods of more traditional natural language interfaces.
A Separation Principle for Output Feedback Discrete-Time H2 Guaranteed Cost Control

This paper considers the output feedback H2 guaranteed cost control problem. In [1], it was observed that exploiting the solution of a discrete algebraic Riccati equation corresponding to an optimal full information control design allowed the output feedback control problem, for a fixed value of a design parameter, to be reduced to a so-called full control problem in which only filter gains of an estimator needed to be designed. However, this critical result was not proved. This paper proves this result.
The Kukui Cup: A Dorm Energy Competition Focused on Sustainable Behavior Change and Energy Literacy

The Kukui Cup is an advanced dorm energy competition whose goal is to investigate the relationships among energy literacy, sustained energy conservation, and information technology support of behavior change. Two general purpose open source systems have been implemented: WattDepot and Makahiki. WattDepot provides enterprise-level collection, storage, analysis, and visualization of energy data. Makahiki is a web application framework that supports dorm energy competitions of varying degrees of complexity, including a personalized homepage where participants can complete tasks designed to increase energy literacy that can be verified by competition administrators. The technology and approach will be evaluated in a dorm energy competition to take place in the Spring of 2011, with hundreds of University freshmen. The energy use of each pair of dormitory floors will be metered in near-realtime, and the energy literacy of participants will be assessed before and after the competition.
An equivalent Markov model for burst errors in digital channels

A hidden Markov model for burst errors is specified by a probability transition matrix P, an initial probability vector p, and the state dependent probability of error matrix B. Several procedures are available for estimating P, p and B from a given error (observation) sequence. However, even with some restrictions on the structure of the underlying Markov models, the estimation procedures are computationally intensive particularly when the observation sequence contains long strings of identical symbols. We show that, under some mild assumptions, a Markov model with an arbitrary transition matrix P is equivalent to a Markov model with a unique "block diagonal" transition matrix /spl Lambda/. We also present a computationally very efficient algorithm for estimating /spl Lambda/ from a set of observation using a modified Baum-Welch (1972) algorithm. >
EBV regulates c-MYC, apoptosis, and tumorigenicity in Burkitt's lymphoma.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) latency-associated gene expression in Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) cells is limited to a small set of gene products, none of which are known to overtly influence cell growth potential. Designated type I latency, this program of viral gene expression is characteristic of BL tumor cells in vivo and is restricted to expression of the EBNA-1 protein, the BamHI-A rightward transcripts (BARTs), and two small non-coding RNAs, EBER-1 and EBER-2 (Arrand and Rymo 1982; Rowe et al. 1986; Gregory et al. 1990; Brooks et al. 1993; Fries et al. 1997). Notably, with the exception of EBNA-1, which is required for viral genome maintenance, none of these latency-associated gene products is essential for EBV-mediated immortalization of B lymphocytes in vitro (Swaminathan et al. 1991; Robertson et al. 1994). Consequently, a direct contribution of EBV to tumorigenic potential in BL has not been established. Thus, the dominant factor presumed to be responsible for maintenance of tumorigenicity in BL is the deregulated expression of the c-MYC proto-oncogene, which occurs as a consequence of chromosomal translocation (reviewed in Magrath 1990). This assumption, however, was challenged by the work of Takada and colleagues (Shimizu et al. 1994) who found that spontaneous loss of the EBV genome in the BL cell line Akata is associated with a concomitant loss of tumorigenic potential. The main objectives of this study were to define the contribution of EBV and individual latent gene products to tumorigenicity in BL using the Akata BL cell system
Applications of periodic Accelerated Cartesian Expansions to the analysis of electrically dense frequency selective structures

The method of Accelerated Cartesian Expansions (ACE) is an O(N) tree-based algorithm similar to the well-known Fast Multipole Method (FMM) [1]. Recent work [2] has demonstrated the extension of this method to problems with periodic kernels, with a focus on demonstrating convergence with respect to the reconstruction of the Green's function as well as linear scaling in the evaluation of potentials. In this work, the integration of the periodic ACE algorithm into a fast solver for the EFIE is demonstrated, including a discussion of algorithmic changes necessary to the construction of trees on periodic domains, its break-even point relative to direct methods, and a few token applications illustrating the analysis of frequency selective structures (FSS) with electrically dense unit cells. We conclude with a discussion of further extensions and applications that will be presented at the conference.
Performance analysis of reservation media-access protocol with access and serving queues under bursty traffic in GPRS/EGPRS

Performance modeling of the contention-based reservation protocol in the general packet radio service (GPRS)/enhanced GPRS (EGPRS) under bursty traffic is of practical use in system design. Instead of using discrete event simulation, we construct an analytical model based on stochastic Petri net formalism to investigate GPRS uplink performance efficiently. The model is built to capture the major features of a realistic system, taking into account factors such as the traffic profile, the system's capture capability, the contention persistence, the multislot capability, and the use of the access queue and the round-robin virtual serving queue. As shown in numerical results, these factors have different impacts on the performance measures, such as link-control-layer frame-blocking probability, frame delay, system throughput, and packet-channel utilization. To avoid modeling and computational complexity in a GPRS/EGPRS system model that supports several mobile terminals, we make first-order approximations and use an iterative fixed-point scheme. Comparisons with discrete event simulations are conducted and show promising agreement with the proposed analytical-numerical model. We then use the model to investigate GPRS packet-data performance under different parameter settings and present numerical results, providing insights into network design and optimization.
TWO OUT OF THREE AIN'T BAD: A COMMENT ON “THE AMBIGUITY AVERSION LITERATURE: A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT”

Al-Najjar and Weinstein (2009) propose to scrutinize the implications of recent theories of ambiguity in dynamic settings. They conclude that such implications are so unreasonable as to cast doubts on the legitimacy of the theories under consideration. The present paper argues that the seemingly unreasonable implications highlighted by Al-Najjar and Weinstein can be understood as the result of basic trade-offs that arise naturally in the presence of ambiguity. In particular, Al-Najjar and Weinstein are uncomfortable with the possibility that an ambiguity-averse individual may reject freely available information; however, this phenomenon simply reflects a trade-off between the intrinsic value of information, which is positive even in the presence of ambiguity, and the value of commitment.
Continuing Controversies in the Management of Thyroid Nodules

Although thyroid nodules are common, few are malignant and require surgery. The approach to the thyroid nodule should focus on avoiding unnecessary surgery. When fine-needle aspiration obtains an a...
Early diagnosis of cancer by electrical detection of nucleic acid biomarkers

Disease diagnosis at an early stage requires the availability of inexpensive platforms which can accurately and rapidly analyze a wide panel of biomarkers, genomic biomarkers in particular. Genetic biomarkers are typically detected through recognition of DNA hybridization events, which is typically performed using DNA microarrays, requiring overnight incubation times, and bulky and costly optical equipment. Here, we present the use of bioactivated microfluidic channels for the real time detection of DNA hybridization electrically. Our technique is several orders of magnitude faster in time compared to the use of microarrays, and two orders of magnitude lower in cost.
The Use of Adult Acquired Neuropsychological Syndromes as Models of Childhood Developmental Disorders

This paper will consider the appropriateness of using adult acquired neuropsychological syndromes as models for childhood developmental disorders. The examination of this idea is important because our usual way of thinking about disorders in children is conditioned to some extent by our experiences with adults. Even the use of words such as dyslexia or aphasia, implies a relationship between the childhood disorder and the adult disorder, even when the labels are modified by such terms as congenital or developmental. Our thinking is conditioned by reference to adult models and we need to review explicitly, whether or not this is appropriate.
The Limited Usefulness of Social Media and Digital Trace Data for Urban Social Research

Drawing on the literature on social science methodology, this paper argues the potential research contributions from studies using social media data are limited. These data sources are conceptualized as unobtrusive measures, a longstanding category of information for social research. Although useful in some respects, digital unobtrusive measures are limited by their content poverty, focus on espoused theory, and positivist assumptions about social reality. To conclude, the paper describes the limitations of all forms of social research, and the need for mixed methods and action research.
Abstract P4-08-10: Correlation of Oncotype Dx Recurrence Score with Histologic Parameters, Biomarker Expression and KI-67 Index.

Background: Oncotype Dx (ODx) is a 21-gene RT-PCR based assay that provides prognostic and predictive information in patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive breast cancer. The test predicts the likelihood of disease recurrence in the form of a recurrence score (RS), which is categorized into low, intermediate and high-risk types. We examined the relationship between ODx RS and histologic parameters, DNA ploidy, tumor markers (ER, PR, Her2, Ki67, p53) expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Design: We identified 106 patients with HR-positive invasive breast cancer who were tested for ODx from the department files. Pathologic variables such as, tumor size, grade, histologic type, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were reviewed. Tumor markers ER, PR, Her2, p53 expression, Ki67 index (KI) and ploidy were performed as part of the patient9s diagnostic work-up using standard procedures. Scoring was done by automated image analysis. Results of biomarker expression were compared to the ODx RS. All Her2neu 3+ and 2+ results by IHC were confirmed by FISH. Ploidy was performed by the Autocyte system (Tripath) on Feulgen stained sections. Oncotype RS was reported as low ( 30). Results: Mean tumor size was 1.96 cm. Of the 106 cases, 87 (82%), 14 (13.2%) and 2(1.8%) were ductal, lobular and mixed types respectively. Grade 1, 2 and 3 comprised 35 (33.0%), 62 (58.4%) and 9 (8.5%) respectively. Twenty-one (19.8%) had LVI. Oncotype RS was low in 56 (52.8%), intermediate in 45 (42.4%) and high in 5 (4.7%). Mean tumor size in low RS group was 2.2 cm versus 1.6 cm in the intermediate/high RS group (p 14%) showed significant correlation with RS (p=0.0055). Her2neu IHC was negative in 43/49 (87.7%) and borderline in 6/49 (12.2%) and all were negative by FISH. Her2 FISH showed 100% (44/44) concordance with Her2 results by ODx. There was no association between DNA ploidy and RS (p=0.7143). P53 expression showed no significant correlation with RS (p=0.2602). Patients in the intermediate/high RS group were more likely to be treated with a combination of chemo plus anti-hormonal therapy (P Conclusions: This study shows a complete concordance between ER IHC and Her2 FISH with RT-PCR by ODx. Low PR scores and high KI predict high RS by ODx. There is a significant association between KI and ODx RS. Ki67 index identifies low and high RS groups, which correspond to the luminal A, and B subtypes of breast cancer respectively. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-08-10.
A Design Approach to Risk Engineering

This article discuss the characteristics of the risk engineering process that would need to be generated in order to properly bring a designed system to market. First, the current status of risk engineering will be discussed from a design perspective by defining and explaining what is meant by key words such as “risk” and “risk engineering process”. The general goals of the risk engineering process for an example fuel cell-based distributed cogeneration system (FC-Based DCG) will be noted before finally discussing the specific objectives, functions, procedure, & expected results of the risk engineering process for the system.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Add ARBs to injury

The 1.74 million patients who experience traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year can only be treated with supportive care and rehabilitation. Promising studies in mice, however, show that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) given at the time of TBI can mitigate the resulting brain damage. Building
Electronic structure and anisotropic Rashba spin-orbit coupling in monolayer black phosphorus

We investigate the electronic structure of the monolayer black phosphorus (BP) using density-functional methods both with and without an applied electric field. We find that a simple one-band tight-binding Hamiltonian based on the ${p}_{z}$ orbitals and nearest-neighbor hopping is sufficient to describe the band structure in the gap region rather well and justification for this is given from symmetry arguments. The anisotropic nature of the band structure leads in turn to an anisotropic Rashba effect, where the magnitude of the spin splitting caused by an applied electric field is not only momentum dependent, but also depends on the direction of $\stackrel{P\vec}{k}$. The Rashba Hamiltonian is generalized for the anisotropic case, which reads: ${H}_{R}={\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{R}(\stackrel{P\vec}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\stackrel{P\vec}{k}}^{\ensuremath{'}})\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{z}$, where the scaled momentum ${\stackrel{P\vec}{k}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ contains the anisotropy effect. The Rashba effect is studied quantitatively for BP from ab initio density-functional calculations in the presence of an applied electric field. A byproduct of this work is the demonstration that the strength of the spin-orbit coupling for the outermost electrons in the atoms, which are relevant for the solids, increases only as the Landau-Lifshitz ${Z}^{2}$ scaling with the atomic number $Z$, rather than the higher power ${Z}^{4}$ scaling, as sometimes thought.
Anti-Colonial Rebels

Between 1961 and 1974 the anti-colonial rebels considered in this chapter fought in the Portuguese colonies of Guinea, Mozambique, and Angola. Majority rule rebels who fought the white minority–dominated governments in other parts of southern Africa are the subject of the next chapter. These two categories of rebels share many features. Nowhere did armed groups win a decisive military victory, although the Partido Africano da Independencia da Guine e Cabo Verde (PAICG) came closest, capturing about 80 percent of Portuguese Guinea by the time Guinea (Bissau) declared unilateral independence in 1973. White minority rule in Rhodesia ended with rebels in control of about a third of the country's territory. Right up to the end of the South African apartheid regime, the ANC had difficulty coordinating action inside the country. International diplomatic and material support for rebels reflected the global condemnation of colonialism. Also facing the intensification of international political isolation and ever-tightening economic sanctions, the white minority regimes recognized that the apartheid system was no longer tenable and held democratic elections that ultimately led to a black majority government in 1994. Thus international support for these rebels and pressure on the governments of target states played decisive roles in shaping the path for rebel victories.
Micro- and Macroevolution

In some cases, macroevolution will likely be extrapolatable from microevolution; in other cases macroevolution will likely not be extrapolatable from microevolution.
Trend of Endurance Level Among Healthy Inner-City Children and Adolescents Over Three Decades.

The aim of this study was to understand how endurance time, a proxy for physical fitness, has changed in healthy inner-city children and adolescents in the past three decades. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. This study used exercise stress test in a laboratory of an inner-city teaching hospital. We reviewed all consecutive healthy children and adolescents who underwent an exercise Bruce protocol treadmill test from 1983 to 2010. The study population was divided into five groups of 5-year intervals based on the year of testing. Temporal trend in endurance time was analyzed, adjusting for gender, ethnicity, age, and body mass index (BMI). We analyzed the records of 435 healthy children and adolescents (mean age 12.6 ± 3.2 years, 57% males).There was a significant difference in the mean endurance time between children grouped in 5-year intervals (P < 0.001) with a significant downward trend in endurance time over the years (P < 0.001), especially after 2001. In contrast, there was no statistically significant change in the mean BMI between children grouped in 5-year intervals (P = 0.205). Multivariate linear regression model demonstrated that the date of testing was independently predictive of endurance time, adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and ethnicity (P < 0.001). Gender was the strongest independent predictor of endurance time, followed by age, BMI, and ethnicity. There is a downward trend in endurance time over the 27-year period among inner-city children and adolescents. Temporal decline in endurance time was independent of factors known to affect this parameter, such as age, gender, BMI, and ethnicity. Factors such as deconditioning due to sedentary lifestyle and lack of motivation to endure on the treadmill among later generations may have played a role in such decline.
Tunneling Negative Differential Resistance-Assisted STT-RAM for Efficient Read and Write Operations

The adoption of spin-transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM) into nonvolatile memory systems faces three major obstacles: high write energy, low sensing margin, and high read disturbance. Many designs have been suggested to resolve each of these challenges separately and at the cost of significant overhead. We propose a single low-overhead solution to all these problems without changing the underlying memory architecture by using negative differential resistance devices like tunnel diodes or tunnel field-effect transistors to assist the STT-RAM write and read process. We show through simulations that the proposed designs can dramatically improve the write and read energy efficiency and sensing margins while minimizing the read disturbance, even after accounting for process variations. Our results open a design path for energy-efficient and reliable STT-RAM technologies.
Biomass from marginal cropland: willingness of North Central US farmers to produce switchgrass on their least productive fields

If the US mandates for the use of cellulosic biofuels are ultimately enforced, cellulosic feedstock will be demanded. Native switchgrass is a cellulosic feedstock that has been of substantial interest for this purpose because it is widely grown across the USA, it can be grown on marginal cropland and thus compete minimally with food supplies, it has a low carbon footprint, and in many ways, it is a sustainable source of energy. The purpose of the research reported here is to quantify the potential willingness of producers across 358 counties in a 10-state area in North Central USA to produce this biomass. We conducted a contingent valuation survey of randomly selected farm operators in this area. From the more than 1100 responses, we found that the mean reservation price at which respondents were willing to supply switchgrass from their least productive field is a return of about $228 per acre, which translates to about $82 per dry ton. Respondents were somewhat less willing to lease out their land for this purpose, requiring an additional $3.50 per dry ton to be willing to lease. In sub-regions of counties grouped by opportunity cost, mean reservation prices are equivalent to $75 per ton, $82 per ton, and $99 per ton, very close in the first two subregions to the Department of Energy goal of $84 per dry ton delivered to the biorefinery. Thus, prospects appear favorable that substantial fractions of farmers would be willing to supply switchgrass in this area, particularly in the sub-areas with lower land costs. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Emanations of the informational state: Cyber operations and the difficulties

>The Tallinn Manual of 2013 and its second edition, the Tallinn Manual 2.0 of 2017, are NATO-funded analyses of how existing international laws of war apply to cybersecurity and cyberwarfare. The difficulties faced by the groups of legal experts who produced these works often involve fundamental aspects of what it is to be a state altogether, challenging the survival of the state as a dominant political form altogether. These developments, in turn, provide significant challenges to the survival of the Westphalian system within which states have been defined for almost 500 years. This article thinks through the Tallinn manuals from the lens of what debates over the appropriate legal treatment of cyber operations under international law tells us about how the state is being experienced and understood in the second decade of the twenty-first century. Comparative analysis of the first and second editions of the Manual shows that just what the informational state is, what it can do, and what it should be allowed to do is becoming less clear, not more, over time.
Time-resolved nonlinear refraction of indium tin oxide at epsilon near zero

Using Beam-Deflection measurements we directly measure the temporal dynamics of nonlinear refraction and transmittance of an ITO thin film in the e-near-zero regime, and find a nonlinear index 5000 times that of glass.
Automotive Power Train Control Using Minimum-Order Observers

Abstract A minimum-order observer was designed and applied to the problem of shift quality control of an automotive power train. When compared with the full-order observer, the present observer resulted in ~ 70% reduction in on-line computational requirements. The performance of the observer was investigated through computer simulations of linear and nonlinear power train models.
GOOGLE CARDBOARD INDIRECT OPHTHALMOSCOPY.

We describe the use of Google Cardboard for indirect ophthalmoscopy without dedicated ophthalmic equipment and with minimal cost. A smartphone is loaded with the camera and light extruding laterally, and the image centered on the examiner’s dominant eye. The second acrylic lens, measuring approximately 22D, serves as an indirect lens.
LPS-induced interaction between Cd300b/DAP12 and TLR4/CD14 results in the amplification of inflammation and increased mortality from sepsis.

LPS, present in gram-negative bacteria membranes, causes a strong immune cell activation following detection by TLR4, which initiates a pro-inflammatory cytokine storm that leads to a more severe immunopathology, like septic shock and, subsequently, death. Recently, the myeloid-specific Cd300b receptor was implicated in regulating the immune response to bacterial infection by an unknown mechanism. Here, we identified LPS as a ligand for Cd300b and found that wild-type ( WT ) mice, unlike Cd300b −/− mice, were highly susceptible to septic shock. WT but not Cd300b −/− mice show increased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNFa) and a reduced level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Neutralization of IL-10 in Cd300b −/− mice diminishes their survival advantage over WT mice. In vivo depletion and adoptive transfer studies identify Cd300b-expressing macrophages as the key cell type augmenting septic shock, suggesting that Cd300b amplifies the TLR4-LPS induced immune response thereby causing lethal inflammation. Indeed, Cd300b and its adaptor, DAP12, associated with TLR4/CD14 upon LPS binding, promoting MyD88/TIRAP dissociation and the recruitment and activation of Syk and PI3K. This results in the activation of AKT, which subsequently leads to a reduced IL-10 production, via a PI3K/AKT-dependent inhibition of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In sum, these findings describe a previously unidentified LPS-induced signaling complex consisting of Cd300b/DAP12/TLR4/CD14/Syk/PI3K that effectively amplifies TLR4/CD14-mediated inflammation. Furthermore, our data change the paradigm of how LPS mediates TLR4 signaling in myeloid cells and identify potential targets for future clinical intervention.
Evaluation of HCC response to locoregional therapy: Validation of MRI-based response criteria versus explant pathology.

Background and Aims This study evaluates the performance of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) response criteria for the prediction of complete pathologic necrosis (CPN) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) post locoregional therapy (LRT) using explant pathology as a reference. Methods We included 61 patients (male/female 46/15; mean age 60years) who underwent liver transplantation after LRT with transarterial chemoembolization plus radiofrequency or microwave ablation (n=56), or 90 Yttrium radioembolization (n=5). MRI was performed Results A total of 97HCCs (mean size 2.3±1.3cm) including 28 with CPN were evaluated. There was excellent inter-reader agreement (ICC 0.77–0.86, all methods). EASL, mRECIST, percentage of necrosis and qualitative DWI were all significant ( p p Conclusions EASL/mRECIST criteria and image subtraction have excellent diagnostic performance for predicting CPN in HCC treated with LRT, with image subtraction correlating best with pathologic degree of tumor necrosis. Thus, MR image subtraction is recommended for assessing HCC response to LRT. Lay summary The assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor necrosis after locoregional therapy is essential for additional treatment planning and estimation of outcome. In this study, we assessed the performance of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) response criteria (RECIST, mRECIST, EASL, percentage of necrosis on subtraction images, and diffusion-weighted imaging) for the prediction of complete pathologic necrosis of HCC post locoregional therapy on liver explant. Patients who underwent liver transplantation after locoregional therapy were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent routine liver MRI within 90days of liver transplantation. EASL/mRECIST criteria and image subtraction had excellent diagnostic performance for predicting complete pathologic necrosis in treated HCC, with image subtraction correlating best with pathologic degree of tumor necrosis.
The 60-Minute Root Cause Analysis: A Workshop to Engage Interdisciplinary Clinicians in Quality Improvement

Introduction We created a standardized workshop to engage residents in quality improvement (QI) using the root cause analysis model. The workshop allows for a robust learning experience while provi...
Application of Impact Adhesion Theory to Particle Kinetic Energy Loss Measurements

Although a number of models have been proposed to describe the adhesion of particles to surfaces, most theories are restricted to the case of the removal of precollected particles from a surface. This provides an estimate only of adhesion surface energy between the particle and substrate. In the dynamic case of an impact, it is necessary to consider the adhesion surface energy and the loss of impact kinetic energy as well as the interaction between the two mechanisms. Data from laser-Doppler measurements of kinetic energy loss were used to evaluate the few available impact-adhesion models from low impact velocities, where the major influence of adhesion surface energy is expected, up to high velocities, where plastic deformation dominates the impact.
Designer Self-Assembling Peptide Nanofiber Scaffolds

Biomedical researchers have become increasingly aware of the limitations of the conventional two-dimensional (2-D) tissue cell cultures where most tissue cell studies have been carried out. They are now searching and testing three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture systems, something between a Petri dish and an animal, such as a mouse. The important implications of 3-D tissue cell cultures for basic cell biology, high-content drug screening, and regenerative medicine and beyond are far-reaching. How can nanobiotechnology truly advance traditional cell biology and emerging regenerative medicine? Why nanometer scale is important in biomedical research and medical science? Of course, a nanometer is 1,000 times smaller than a micrometer, but why it matters in biology? This chapter addresses these questions. It has become more and more apparent that 3-D cell culture offers a more realistic local environment through the nanofiber scaffolds where the functional properties of cells can be observed and manipulated. A new class of designer self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffolds now provides an ideally alternative system not only for 3-D tissue culture but also for regenerative medicine and beyond.
Learning into the Wild: A Protocol for the Use of 360° Video for Foreign Language Learning

Learning a second language could be a boring task if accomplished by repeating bilingual words lists. Laboratory research demonstrated that second language learning is more efficient if the material is enriched by pictures or gestures during the encoding phase. Here we want to test the impact of 360° videos on foreign language learning. The 360° videos are spherical videos that allow a lifelike exploration of the environment, if experienced immersively (namely, by means of a Head Mounted Display). The protocol includes ten 360° videos representing natural landscapes, sport performances and adventures; each video has been enriched with a narrative that guides the subject’s attention towards the relevant elements named in English (the second language). The goals are twofold: first, we want to investigate whether the videos fruition is able to promote language learning; second, we want to verify the acceptability and perceived utility of this technology by potential users.
The NAD+-dependent deacetylase Sir2 enables evolution of new traits by regulating distinct gene sets in two yeast species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis

ABSTRACT Evolutionary adaptation increases the fitness of an organism in its environment. It can occur through rewiring of gene regulatory networks, such that an organism responds appropriately to environmental changes. We investigated whether sirtuin deacetylases, which repress transcription and require NAD+ for activity, could facilitate the evolution of potentially adaptive responses by serving as transcriptional rewiring points. If so, bringing genes under the control of sirtuins could enable organisms to mount appropriate responses to stresses that decrease NAD+ levels. To explore how the genomic targets of sirtuins shift over evolutionary time, we compared two yeast species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis that display differences in cellular metabolism and lifecycle timing in response to nutrient availability. We identified sirtuin-regulated genes through a combination of chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA expression. In both species, regulated genes were associated with NAD+ homeostasis, mating, and sporulation, but the specific genes differed. In addition, regulated genes in K. lactis were associated with other processes, including utilization of non-glucose carbon sources, heavy metal efflux, DNA synthesis, and production of the siderophore pulcherrimin. Consistent with the species-restricted regulation of these genes, sirtuin deletion impacted relevant phenotypes in K. lactis but not S. cerevisiae. Finally, sirtuin-regulated gene sets were depleted for broadly-conserved genes, consistent with sirtuins regulating processes restricted to a few species. Taken together, these results are consistent with the notion that sirtuins serve as rewiring points that allow species to evolve distinct responses to low NAD+ stress.
Are rhinoviruses implicated in the pathogenesis of sinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis exacerbations? A comprehensive review.

Background Rhinovirus (RV) infections are the most common cause of viral upper respiratory infections (URIs), and in the majority of persons they are self-limiting. However, in others, viral URIs can progress to bacterial sinusitis and induce chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) exacerbations. Methods We conducted a comprehensive Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) review through April 2018 based on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science-Science Citation Index (SCI), and Conference Proceedings Citation Index- Science (CPCI-S) using keywords: RV, respiratory virus, sinusitis, and airway epithelial cells. The goal of this systematic review was to: (1) determine the prevalence between RV and CRS, (2) study the changes that occur after experimental RV inoculation, (3) investigate the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which RV induces sinonasal inflammation, and (4) explore the treatment options available for RV-associated sinusitis. Data regarding study design, research question, intervention, subjects, outcomes, and biases was extracted. Results The initial search yielded 2395 unique abstracts, of which 614 were selected for full-text review; 147 were included in the final review. We determined that (1) the prevalence of RV infections is increased in those with CRS, (2) humans challenged in vivo with RV secrete local inflammatory mediators with radiographic mucosal thickening, (3) RV species RV-A and RV-C challenges in vitro to sinonasal epithelia produce robust cytokine responses and differential gene changes, and (4) no current therapies have produced consistent and significant resolution of disease. Conclusion RV infections are common in persons with CRS, and incite inflammatory reactions that may result in CRS exacerbations and progression of disease. Further studies assessing RV species, and the host-virome response are required to develop new strategies targeting RV-induced CRS.
Better together—Formation of the Mississippi River Health Alliance:

Two small hospital corporations in neighbouring communities came together with a shared interest in collectively delivering as much care as close to home as possible across their collective geograp...