cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential gene expression detection using penalized linear regression models: the improved SAM statistics

Summary: Differential gene expression detection using microarrays has received lots of research interests recently. Many methods have been proposed, including variants of F-statistics, non-parametric approaches and empirical Bayesian methods etc. The SAM statistics has been shown to have good performance in empirical studies. SAM is more like an ad hoc shrinkage method. The idea is that for small sample microarray data, it is often useful to pool information across genes to improve efficiency. Under Bayesian framework Smyth formally derived the test statistics with shrinkage using the hierarchical models. In this paper we cast differential gene expression detection in the familiar framework of linear regression model. Commonly used test statistics correspond to using least squares to estimate the regression parameters. Based on the vast literature of research on linear models, we can naturally consider other alternatives. Here we explore the penalized linear regression. We propose the penalized t-/F-statistics for two-class microarray data based on $${\mathcal{L}}_{1}$$ penalty. We will show that the penalized test statistics intuitively makes sense and through applications we illustrate its good performance. Availability: Supplementary information including program codes, more detailed analysis results and R functions for the proposed methods can be found at http://www.biostat.umn.edu/~baolin/research Contact: baolin@biostat.umn.edu Supplementary information: http://www.biostat.umn.edu/~baolin/research
Cancer Nanotechnology: Emerging Role of Gold Nanoconjugates

Over the last few decades, the study of nanotechnology has grown exponentially. Nanotechnology bridges science, engineering and technology; it continues to expand in definition as well as practice. One sub-set of nanotechnology is bionanotechnology, this will be the focus of this review. Currently, bionanotechnology is being studied and exploited for utility within medicinal imaging, diagnosis and therapy in regard to cancer. Cancer is a world-wide health problem and the implication rate as well as the death rate increase year to year. However promising work is being done with gold nanoparticles for detection, diagnosis and targeted drug delivery therapy. Gold nanoparticles can be synthesized in various shapes and sizes, which directly correlates to the color; they can also be manipulated to carry various antibody, protein, plasmid, DNA or small molecule drug. Herein we summarize some of the very influential research being done in the field of Cancer Nanotechnology with an emphasis on gold nanoparticles.
Statistical modeling and EM clustering of white matter fiber tracts

A statistical model of the fiber bundles is calculated as the average and standard deviation of a parametric representation of the fiber tracts, using the coefficients of the 3D quintic B-spline representation of the tracts. An atlas of the fiber tracts is constructed by averaging the bundle models over a population with the fiber tracts mapped onto the atlas coordinate. Using the model representation and with the atlas as the prior map, expectation-maximization (EM) is performed to cluster the fiber tracts in a mixture model framework. As an application, the method is applied to cluster the corpus callosum fiber tracts into its subdivisions and to calculate quantitative parameters for each region.
Real time adaptive fuzzy control of inverted pendulum

In this paper, we provide a real-time adaptive fuzzy controller utilized for balancing a self-erecting inverted pendulum with time-varying mechanical parameters. One learning algorithm is based upon truncated temporal backpropagation and weight perturbation suitable for realization in hardware. Main focus was the ability to learn from trials and the possibility to implement the functions in hardware for on-chip learning. The simulations and testing were done using hardware-in-the-loop, the robustness and adaptivity of the controller are shown from simulation traces.
The Agrobacterium rhizogenes GALLS Gene Encodes Two Secreted Proteins Required for Genetic Transformation of Plants

Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Agrobacterium rhizogenes are related pathogens that cause crown gall and hairy root diseases, which result from integration and expression of bacterial genes in the plant genome. Single-stranded DNA (T strands) and virulence proteins are translocated into plant cells by a type IV secretion system. VirD2 nicks a specific DNA sequence, attaches to the 5' end, and pilots the DNA into plant cells. A. tumefaciens translocates single-stranded DNA-binding protein VirE2 into plant cells where it likely binds T strands and may aid in targeting them into the nucleus. Although some A. rhizogenes strains lack VirE2, they transfer T strands efficiently due to the GALLS gene, which complements an A. tumefaciens virE2 mutant for tumor formation. Unlike VirE2, full-length GALLS (GALLS-FL) contains ATP-binding and helicase motifs similar to those in TraA, a strand transferase involved in conjugation. GALLS-FL and VirE2 contain nuclear localization signals (NLS) and secretion signals. Mutations in any of these domains abolish the ability of the GALLS gene to substitute for virE2. Here, we show that the GALLS gene encodes two proteins from one open reading frame: GALLS-FL and a protein comprised of the C-terminal domain, which initiates at an internal in-frame start codon. On some hosts, both GALLS proteins were required to substitute for VirE2. GALLS-FL tagged with yellow fluorescent protein localized to the nucleus of tobacco cells in an NLS-dependent manner. In plant cells, the GALLS proteins interacted with themselves, VirD2, and each other. VirD2 interacted with GALLS-FL and localized inside the nucleus, where its predicted helicase activity may pull T strands into the nucleus.
Contact angle and surface tension measurements of a five-ring polyphenyl ether

Contact angle measurements were performed for a five-ring polyphenyl ether isomeric mixture on M-50 steel in a dry nitrogen atmosphere. Two different techniques were used: (1) a tilting plate apparatus, and (2) a sessile drop apparatus. Measurements were made for the temperature range 25 to 190 C. Surface tension was measured by a differential maximum bubble pressure technique over the range 23 to 220C in room air. The critical surface energy of spreading (gamma (sub c)) was determined for the polyphenyl ether by plotting the cosine of the contact angle (theta) versus the surface tension (gamma (sub LV)). The straight line intercept at cosine theta = 1 is defined as gamma (sub c). Gamma (sub c) was found to be 30.1 dyn/cm for the tilting plate technique and 31.3 dyn/cm for the sessile drop technique. These results indicate that the polyphenyl ether is inherently autophobic (i.e., it will not spread on its own surface film until its surface tension is less than gamma (sub c). This phenomenon is discussed in light of the wettability and wear problems encountered with this fluid.
Understanding Heterosexual Condom Use Among Homeless Men

This study uses an event-based approach to examine individual, relationship, and contextual correlates of heterosexual condom use among homeless men. Structured interviews were conducted with a predominantly African American sample of 305 men recruited from meal lines in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles. Men reported on their most recent heterosexual event involving vaginal or anal intercourse. Adjusting for demographic characteristics only, condom use was more likely when men had higher condom use self-efficacy, greater HIV knowledge, or talked to their partner about condoms prior to sex. Condom use was less likely when men held more negative attitudes towards condoms, the partner was considered to be a primary/serious partner, hard drug use preceded sex, or sex occurred in a public setting. Condom attitudes, self-efficacy, partner type, and communication were the strongest predictors of condom use in a multivariate model that included all of the above-mentioned factors. Associations of unprotected sex with hard drug use prior to sex and having sex in public settings could be accounted for by lower condom self-efficacy and/or less positive condom attitudes among men having sex under these conditions. Results suggest that it may be promising to adapt existing, evidence-based IMB interventions for delivery in non-traditional settings that are frequented by men experiencing homelessness to achieve HIV risk reduction and thus reduce a significant point of disparity for the largely African American population of homeless men.
The 1933 German Protestant Church Elections : Machtpolitik or Accommodation?

On 23 July 1933, the pro-Nazi German Christian movement won a stunning victory in the elections for representatives to local parish councils of the German Evangelical Church. In many areas, especially north and eastern Germany where the National Socialist party itself was strongest, the German Christians attracted as much as 75 percent of the vote. The Old Prussian Union church, which embraced most of the political unit of Prussia, felt the effects most profoundly. Upon filling the higher synods after the parish elections, the German Christians were the majority in seven of eight provincial representative bodies. Only the provincial synod in Westphalia retained a non-German Christian majority. Yet this resulted less from a lack of a strong German Christian following in the parishes than from an intentionally undemocratic filtering system that protected higher synods from the Nazi sympathizers.1 The devastated opponents of the German Christians charged the victors with having won by unchurchly means: exploiting the resources of the Nazi party, mass political campaign tactics, even unseemly threats and intimidation. In succeeding years, historians and survivors alike have accepted that view virtually without question.2 The Confessing Church, the chief source of Protestant opposition to National Socialism and the German Christians, argued it most forcefully. This large group of pastors, articulate laymen and prominent church officials used the character of the 1933 campaign to
SAT-based algorithms for logic minimization

We introduce a new method for two-level logic minimization. Unlike previous approaches, the new method uses a SAT solver as an underlying engine. While the overall minimization strategy of the new method is based on the operators as defined in ESPRESSO-II, our SAT-based implementation is significantly different. The new minimizer SAT-ESPRESSO was found to perform 5-20 times faster than ESPRESSO-II and 3-5 times faster than BOOM on a set of large examples.
A Brief History of CME Science

We present here a brief summary of the rich heritage of observational and theoretical research leading to the development of our current understanding of the initiation, structure, and evolution of Coronal Mass Ejections.
Interactionism and physicality

Substance-dualist interactionism face two sorts of challenge. One is empirical, involving the alleged incompatibility between interactionism and the supposed closure of the physical world. Although widely considered successful, this challenge gives no reason for preferring materialism to dualism. The other sort of challenge holds that interactionism is conceptually impossible. The historically influential version of the conceptual challenge is now discredited, but recent discussions by Chomsky and by Crane and Mellor suggest a new revision. In brief, the argument is that anything that interacts causally with physical things would have to be sanctioned by physics, and anything sanctioned by physics is ipso facto (as a matter of conceptual necessity) physical. I focus on the second premise. I show that plausible arguments for it are in fact fallacious and that counterexamples undermine it. Thus the argument fails: substance-dualist interactionism cannot be ruled out on conceptual grounds alone
Effects of georeferencing effort on mapping monkeypox case distributions and transmission risk

Background: Maps of disease occurrences and GIS-based models of disease transmission risk are increasingly common, and both rely on georeferenced diseases data. Automated methods for georeferencing disease data have been widely studied for developed countries with rich sources of geographic referenced data. However, the transferability of these methods to countries without comparable geographic reference data, particularly when working with historical disease data, has not been as widely studied. Historically, precise geographic information about where individual cases occur has been collected and stored verbally, identifying specific locations using place names. Georeferencing historic data is challenging however, because it is difficult to find appropriate geographic reference data to match the place names to. Here, we assess the degree of care and research invested in converting textual descriptions of disease occurrence locations to numerical grid coordinates (latitude and longitude). Specifically, we develop three datasets from the same, original monkeypox disease occurrence data, with varying levels of care and effort: the first based on an automated web-service, the second improving on the first by reference to additional maps and digital gazetteers, and the third improving still more based on extensive consultation of legacy surveillance records that provided considerable additional information about each case. To illustrate the implications of these seemingly subtle improvements in data quality, we develop ecological niche models and predictive maps of monkeypox transmission risk based on each of the three occurrence data sets. Results: We found macrogeographic variations in ecological niche models depending on the type of georeferencing method used. Less-careful georeferencing identified much smaller areas as having potential for monkeypox transmission in the Sahel region, as well as around the rim of the Congo Basin. These results have implications for mapping efforts, as each higher level of georeferencing precision required considerably greater time investment. Conclusions: The importance of careful georeferencing cannot be overlooked, despite it being a time- and labor-intensive process. Investment in archival storage of primary disease-occurrence data is merited, and improved digital gazetteers are needed to support public health mapping activities, particularly in developing countries, where maps and geographic information may be sparse.
Influence ofMyriophyllum aquaticum cover onAnopheles mosquito abundance, oviposition, and larval microhabitat.

The surface cover produced by aquatic macrophytes is the primary habitat for immature stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae) ofAnopheles mosquitoes. We hypothesized that both the abundance of immatureAnopheles and the recruitment ofAnopheles (from oviposition or larval movement) is positively related to the amount of surface cover present. Field sampling documented a positive correlation betweenAnopheles egg and larval abundance and the amount of vegetative cover present (measured as the number of emergent stems m-2) in monospecific beds ofMyriophyllum aquaticum in a California, USA, wetland. Experiments conducted to determine the influence ofMyriophyllum stem density on selection of oviposition sites by adultAnopheles females clearly indicate that oviposition rate (eggs m-2 d-1) increases as stem density increases from 0 to 1000 stems m-2 but decreases as stem density approaches 2000 stems m-2. In selecting microhabitats,Anopheles larvae preferred patches with high stem densities over patches with few or no plant stems; this preference correlates with differences in habitat quality (e.g., increased refuge from predation and enriched food sources). The optimal habitat for anopheline mosquitoes apparently occurs above a threshold plant density of approximately 500Myriophyllum stems m-2. Habitat heterogeneity produced by variability in the distribution and structure of aquatic vegetation strongly influences the local distribution and abundance of anopheline mosquitoes.
Tissue Repair Response as a Function of Dose during Trichloroethylene Hepatotoxicity

Abstract Trichloroethylene (TCE), a widely used organic solvent and degreasing agent, is regarded as a hepatotoxicant. The objective of the present studies was to investigate whether the extent and timeliness of tissue repair has a determining influence on the ultimate outcome of hepatotoxicity. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (200–250 g) were injected with a 10-fold dose range of TCE and hepatotoxicity and tissue repair were studied during a time course of 0 to 96 h. Light microscopic changes as evaluated by H&E-stained liver sections revealed a dose-dependent necrosis of hepatic cells. Maximum liver cell necrosis was observed at 48 h after the TCE administration. However, liver injury as assessed by plasma sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) showed a dose response over a 10-fold dose range only at 6 h, whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT) did not show a dose response at any of the time points studied. A low dose of TCE (250 mg/kg) showed an increase in SDH at all time points up to 96 h without peak levels, whereas higher doses showed peak only at 6 h. At later time points SDH declined but remained above normal. In vitro addition of trichloroacetic acid, a metabolite of TCE to plasma, decreased the activities of SDH and ALT indicating that metabolites formed during TCE toxicity may interfere with plasma enzyme activities in vivo. This indicates that the lack of dose-related increase in SDH and ALT activities may be because of interference by the TCE metabolite. Tissue regeneration response as measured by [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation into hepatocellular nuclear DNA was stimulated maximally at 24 h after 500 mg/kg TCE administration. A higher dose of TCE led to a delay and diminishment in [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation. At a low dose of TCE (250 mg/kg) [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation peaked at 48 h and this could be attributed to very low or minimal injury caused by this dose. With higher doses tissue repair was delayed and attenuated allowing for unrestrained progression of liver injury. These results support the concept that the toxicity and repair are opposing responses and that a dose-related increase in tissue repair represents a dynamic, quantifiable compensatory mechanism.
Experimental infection of American winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) with Glugea stephani (Microsporida)

Young-of-the-year Pseudopleuronectes americanus were captured in Sandy Hook Bay, New Jersey and maintained in aquaria at 16–19° C for 115 days in 1982 and 127 days in 1983. Half of them were experimentally exposed to Glugea stephani and the others were sham exposed. During the course of these experiments fish from both groups died as a result of G. stephani infection, demonstrating Glwgea-induced mortality in this species. Infections were found in both control and experimentally exposed fish. Mortality of Glwgea-infected fish in the exposed group was 63% while that in the controls was 28.5%.
Juxtamedullary afferent arteriolar responses to P1 and P2 purinergic stimulation.

We assessed the responsiveness of rat juxtamedullary afferent arterioles to purinergic stimulation using the in vitro blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron technique combined with videomicroscopy to allow direct measurement of arteriolar inside diameter. To minimize the contribution of endogenously formed angiotensin II, all rats were pretreated with enalaprilat (2 mg i.v.) for 30 minutes before the right kidney was isolated and prepared for study. Renal perfusion pressure was set at 110 mm Hg and held constant. Afferent arteriolar diameter averaged 20.9 +/- 0.8 microns (n = 41) under control conditions. Exposure to 1.0 microM 2-chloroadenosine induced a significant (11.1 +/- 3.2%) reduction in vessel diameter, whereas a 100 microM concentration induced an afferent vasodilation (7.6 +/- 1.5%; p less than 0.05). These data are consistent with the preferential stimulation of high affinity constrictor adenosine receptors (A1) at lower concentrations and activation of lower affinity vasodilator adenosine receptors (A2) at higher concentrations. In contrast, ATP elicited a significant afferent vasoconstriction of approximately 9.2%, 12.9%, and 10.0% at concentrations in the range of 1-100 microM (p less than 0.05). Treatment with ADP, at concentrations up to 100 microM, failed to alter vessel caliber significantly. Furthermore, the nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue alpha,beta-methylene ATP produced a rapid and potent vasoconstriction, which mimicked the response to ATP. These data reveal the presence of both adenosine-sensitive P1 and ATP-sensitive P2 purinergic receptors on rat juxtamedullary afferent arterioles and demonstrate that ATP can induce afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction directly without first requiring hydrolysis to adenosine.
A Study of Histopathological Features of Latanoprost-Treated Irides With or Without Darkening Compared With Non-Latanoprost-Treated Irides

Objectives To study the histopathological features of latanoprost-treated irides with or without darkening, compared with non-latanoprost-treated irides. Methods Iridectomy specimens and patient history forms were independently examined by 3 ophthalmic pathologists in a masked fashion. Specimens were evaluated for premalignant changes and for differences in level of pigmentation and degrees of cellularity, inflammation, and vascular abnormalities. Results The specimens consisted of 22 latanoprost-treated darkened irides, 35 latanoprost-treated irides without darkening, and 35 non-latanoprost-treated irides. There was a statistically significant decrease in the number of nuclear invaginations and prominent nucleoli in latanoprost-treated darkened irides compared with the other 2 groups (P = .004 and P = .005, respectively). The average thickness and pigmentation of the anterior border layer was greater in the latanoprost-treated darkened irides than in the other 2 groups (P = .03 and P = .02, respectively). The latanoprost-treated darkened irides had increased pigmentation of the stroma (P Conclusions There is no histopathological evidence of premalignant changes in latanoprost-treated darkened irides. The latanoprost-induced iris color changes are due to a thickening of the anterior border layer and an increased amount of melanin in the anterior border layer and within the stromal melanocytes.
CONSPECIFIC SPERM PRECEDENCE IN TWO SPECIES OF TROPICAL SEA URCHINS

Conspecific sperm precedence occurs when females are exposed to sperm from males of multiple species, but preferentially use sperm of a conspecific. Conspecific sperm precedence and its mechanisms have been documented widely in terrestrial species, in which complex female behaviors or reproductive tract morphologies can allow many opportunities for female choice and sperm competition, however, the opportunity for conspecific sperm precedence in free spawning marine invertebrates has been largely ignored. Two sea urchin species, Echinometra oblonga and E. sp. C, have high levels of interspecific fertilization in no-choice lab crosses, but no natural hybrids have been found. We performed competitive fertilization assays to test for conspecific sperm precedence and found that eggs of both species showed a marked preference for conspecific sperm when fertilized with heterospecific sperm mixtures. Strong rejection of heterospecific sperm would not have been predicted from no-choice assays and helps explain the lack of natural hybrids. We also found significant variation in hybridization success among crosses. Conspecific sperm precedence in free spawning invertebrates shows that the simple surfaces of eggs and sperm provide ample opportunity for egg choice and sperm competition even in the absence of intricate behavior or complex reproductive morphologies.
Tribbe, Matthew D. No Requiem for the Space Age: The Apollo Moon Landings and American Culture New York: Oxford University Press 288 pp., $34.95, ISBN 978-0199313525 Publication Date: July 2014

Despite all the hoopla surrounding Apollo 11's moon landing, as well as the historical significance of the event, Matthew D. Tribbe argues that the excitement and meaning of the event quickly dissi...
Clinical associations with immature breathing in preterm infants: part 2-periodic breathing.

Clinical associations with immature breathing in preterm infants: part 2—periodic breathing
Rotavirus infections in Detroit, USA, a region of low vaccine prevalence.

After a sharp drop of rotavirus (RV) infections at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, USA in 2010 season, we noted an increase in the number of cases during the 2011 season including some RV vaccine (RVV) recipients. This study was conducted to determine the circulating genotypes during 2011 season and whether the increase in RV diarrhea was caused by replacement genotypes. G and P genotypes were determined by RT PCR and nucleotide sequencing of selected strains was performed. The vaccination rate among study patients was 24 %. RV strains from 68 stool samples were genotyped including 18 from vaccinated children and 50 from unvaccinated children. The predominant G genotype was G1 (58.8 %) followed by G9 (17.7 %) and G4 (15.5 %). P[8] was the predominant P genotype (68 %) followed by P[6] (17.6 %) and P[4] (3 %). All G9 strains were associated with P[6]. The most prevalent G–P combination was G1P[8] (56 %), followed by G9P[6] (17.6 %). Similar proportions of RV genotypes were found among vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Our local data suggest that 5 years after the introduction of RVV there has been no genotype replacement. Although a small increase in G9P[6] frequency was noted, G1P[8] remained the predominant strain of RV in our inner city community in the Midwestern USA.
Identifying scale-emergent, nonlinear, asynchronous processes of wetland methane exchange

Methane (CH4) exchange in wetlands is complex, involving nonlinear asynchronous processes across diverse time scales. These processes and time scales are poorly characterized at the whole-ecosystem level, yet are crucial for accurate representation of CH4 exchange in process models. We used a combination of wavelet analysis and information theory to analyze interactions between whole-ecosystem CH4 flux and biophysical drivers in two restored wetlands of Northern California from hourly to seasonal time scales, explicitly questioning assumptions of linear, synchronous, single-scale analysis. Although seasonal variability in CH4 exchange was dominantly and synchronously controlled by soil temperature, water table fluctuations, and plant activity were important synchronous and asynchronous controls at shorter time scales that propagated to the seasonal scale. Intermittent, subsurface water table decline promoted short-term pulses of methane emission but ultimately decreased seasonal CH4 emission through subsequent inhibition after rewetting. Methane efflux also shared information with evapotranspiration from hourly to multiday scales and the strength and timing of hourly and diel interactions suggested the strong importance of internal gas transport in regulating short-term emission. Traditional linear correlation analysis was generally capable of capturing the major diel and seasonal relationships, but mesoscale, asynchronous interactions and nonlinear, cross-scale effects were unresolved yet important for a deeper understanding of methane flux dynamics. We encourage wider use of these methods to aid interpretation and modeling of long-term continuous measurements of trace gas and energy exchange.
Characterization of the [2Fe-2S] cluster of Escherichia coli transcription factor IscR.

IscR is an Fe–S cluster-containing transcription factor involved in a homeostatic mechanism that controls Fe–S cluster biogenesis in Escherichia coli. Although IscR has been proposed to act as a sensor of the cellular demands for Fe–S cluster biogenesis, the mechanism by which IscR performs this function is not known. In this study, we investigated the biochemical properties of the Fe–S cluster of IscR to gain insight into the proposed sensing activity. Mossbauer studies revealed that IscR contains predominantly a reduced [2Fe-2S]+ cluster in vivo. However, upon anaerobic isolation of IscR, some clusters became oxidized to the [2Fe-2S]2+ form. Cluster oxidation did not, however, alter the affinity of IscR for its binding site within the iscR promoter in vitro, indicating that the cluster oxidation state is not important for regulation of DNA binding. Furthermore, characterization of anaerobically isolated IscR using resonance Raman, Mossbauer, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies leads to the pro...
Predictors of Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Severity in Undergraduates Reporting Potentially Traumatic Events

Objective Individuals often struggle to understand traumatic events. For some not yet able to successfully process the trauma, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) may result, while others may report posttraumatic growth (PTG). The present study examined personality characteristics, attachment, and meaning made as predictors of PTG and PTS symptom severity. Method Undergraduates reporting potentially traumatic events (N = 229) completed measures through an online survey. Over half of participants (64%) were female, with a mean age of 19 years. Results Higher extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness and lower meaning made and attachment avoidance significantly predicted higher PTG. Lower neuroticism and attachment anxiety and higher meaning made significantly predicted lower PTS severity. The Meaning Made x Attachment Anxiety interaction significantly predicted PTS severity. Conclusion Different facets of personality and attachment style affect PTG and PTS symptom severity. Meaning made seems especially relevant to PTS severity. These constructs may be important for clinicians working with trauma survivors to help lower distress and promote growth.
Cognitive and Imagery Attributes of Parasocial Relationships

In today’s rapidly changing “TV everywhere” environment of ubiquitous and always-connected screens, and instant social media interaction around and with complex and compelling television storylines...
Clinical study of using ambroxol hydrochloride to prevent premature infant hyaline membrane disease

Objective To observe the curative effect of using ambroxol hydrochlorid to prevent premature infant hyaline membrane disease(HMD),and it's protection to respiratory system.Methods Thirty-seven premature infants in control group were performed with conventional therapy.On this basis,sixty-three cases in treatment group were performed with ambroxol hydrochlorid injection 7.5 mg·kg-1,intervenous drop infusion,once every six hours,the course of treatment was 3～5 days.Results The incidence rate of HMD and complication were lower in treatment group than these in control group(P0.05).Conclusion Early using ambroxol hydrochlorid can prevent HMD,decrease correlated complication,and protect lung function.
A Spiral of Skepticism? The Relationship Between Citizens’ Involvement With Campaign Information to Their Skepticism and Political Knowledge:

Scholars have emphasized the importance of an informed citizenry for a healthy democracy. As a result, research has examined whether campaign information fosters positive or negative democratic outcomes. This article examines the relationship between information seeking and skepticism. We also examine whether skepticism leads to democratically beneficial outcomes. We examine these relationships using survey data collected during the course of the 2012 Presidential Election. We found an over-time relationship between campaign information seeking and skepticism. We also found that skepticism leads to increased knowledge at the end of the election through information seeking.
Non-profit and Voluntary Sector Programs in Prisons and Jails: Perspectives from England and the USA

In this chapter, the author draws on qualitative interview research to examine the role that community volunteers and non-profit organizations can play in providing rehabilitative programming in prisons and jails. The chapter spans voluntary sector provision in England and California and includes the perspectives of community volunteers and incarcerated individuals who have participated in a variety of educational and faith-based programs. The chapter also examines the effect of this provision on experiences of incarceration, preparation for reentry, and on encouraging a desire to give back. The implications for self-identity, desistance, and prison culture are discussed, including particular benefits that can emerge through building bridges between prisons and outside communities. Last, the chapter considers why some facilities may be more amenable to volunteers than others.
The Structure and Catalytic Mechanism of Sorghum Bicolor Caffeoyl-CoA O-Methyltransferase

Caffeoyl-coenzyme A 3-O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) is an S-adenosyl methionine (SAM)-dependent O-methyltransferase responsible for methylation of the meta-hydroxyl group of caffeoyl-coenzyme A (CoA) on the pathway to monolignols, with their ring methoxylation status characteristic of guaiacyl or syringyl units in lignin. In order to better understand the unique class of type 2 O-methyltransferases from monocots, we have characterized CCoAOMT from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor; SbCCoAOMT), including the SAM binary complex crystal structure and steady-state enzyme kinetics. Key amino acid residues were validated with site-directed mutagenesis. Isothermal titration calorimetry data indicated a sequential binding mechanism for SbCCoAOMT, wherein SAM binds prior to caffeoyl-CoA, and the enzyme showed allosteric behavior with respect to it. 5-Hydroxyferuloyl-CoA was not a substrate for SbCCoAOMT. We propose a catalytic mechanism in which lysine-180 acts as a catalytic base and deprotonates the reactive hydroxyl group of caffeoyl-CoA. This deprotonation is facilitated by the coordination of the reactive hydroxyl group by Ca(2+) in the active site, lowering the pKa of the 3'-OH group. Collectively, these data give a new perspective on the catalytic mechanism of CCoAOMTs and provide a basis for the functional diversity exhibited by type 2 plant OMTs that contain a unique insertion loop (residues 208-231) conferring affinity for phenylpropanoid-CoA thioesters. The structural model of SbCCoAOMT can serve as the basis for protein engineering approaches to enhance the nutritional, agronomic, and industrially relevant properties of sorghum.
Skowronek, Stephen. The Politics Presidents Make: Leadership from John Adams to George Bush.

(1994). Skowronek, Stephen. The Politics Presidents Make: Leadership from John Adams to George Bush. Congress & the Presidency: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 74-77.
Interaction between ran1+ protein kinase and cAMP dependent protein kinase as negative regulators of fission yeast meiosis.

Abstract In fission yeast, meiosis is initiated by transcriptional activation of the mei3+ gene under the combined influence of the four mating type genes. The mei3+ gene product acts as a meiotic inducer by binding to and inhibiting the ran1+ protein kinase. Inactivation of ran1+ kinase is both necessary and sufficient to allow meiotic differentiation. We describe a class of mutants which are unable to undergo both normal meiosis and meiosis induced by inactivation of ran1+. In addition to these defects, the cells are sterile and unable to enter stationary phase. We have determined that the mutants define two complementation groups, designated cgs1+ and cgs2+ (continues to grow in stationary). The wild type allele of each gene has been isolated and sequence analysis of cgs1+ shows that it encodes a protein homologous to the regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase (cAPK). Biochemical studies demonstrate that in cgs1-1 containing cells, cAPK activity is unregulated by cyclic AMP (cAMP). Sequence analysis of cgs2+ shows that the predicted protein it encodes shares homology with a phosphodiesterase from Dictyostelium discoideum and biochemical studies demonstrate that cells containing a mutant allele of cgs2+ have elevated levels of cAMP. Thus, both genes encode proteins that regulate the activity of cAPK. We have previously shown that cells overproducing ran1+ kinase are meiotically defective. Here, we provide direct evidence that the meiotic defect caused by either unregulated cAPK activity or unregulated ran1+ kinase activity is due to inability to induce transcription of the mei2+ gene, which is required for meiotic initiation. We propose that the switch from vegetative growth to meiosis in fission yeast requires inactivation of ran1+ kinase and is prevented by unregulated levels of cAPK.
Characteristics of Qualitative Descriptive Studies: A Systematic Review

Qualitative description (QD) is a term that is widely used to describe qualitative studies of health care and nursing-related phenomena. However, limited discussions regarding QD are found in the existing literature. In this systematic review, we identified characteristics of methods and findings reported in research articles published in 2014 whose authors identified the work as QD. After searching and screening, data were extracted from the sample of 55 QD articles and examined to characterize research objectives, design justification, theoretical/philosophical frameworks, sampling and sample size, data collection and sources, data analysis, and presentation of findings. In this review, three primary findings were identified. First, although there were some inconsistencies, most articles included characteristics consistent with the limited available QD definitions and descriptions. Next, flexibility or variability of methods was common and effective for obtaining rich data and achieving understanding of a phenomenon. Finally, justification for how a QD approach was chosen and why it would be an appropriate fit for a particular study was limited in the sample and, therefore, in need of increased attention. Based on these findings, recommendations include encouragement to researchers to provide as many details as possible regarding the methods of their QD studies so that readers can determine whether the methods used were reasonable and effective in producing useful findings. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Radiation tolerance investigation of XAMPS detectors

Tolerance of XAMPS detectors to x-ray photons was investigated at the National Synchrotron Light Source. Two experiments were carried out: first JFETs with the same characteristics of the in pixel transistor were irradiated; then the radiation hardness of a 64×64-pixel detector was investigated. An increase of leakage current was observed and significantly reduced after a very low temperature forming gas annealing. These results confirm that this detector is suitable for application at IV generation light sources.
What One Hundred Years of Research Says About the Effects of Ability Grouping and Acceleration on K–12 Students’ Academic Achievement Findings of Two Second-Order Meta-Analyses

Two second-order meta-analyses synthesized approximately 100 years of research on the effects of ability grouping and acceleration on K–12 students’ academic achievement. Outcomes of 13 ability gro...
Effect of Chemically Adjusted Meat pH and Drying Air Velocity on some Properties of Dry Sausage

Effects of chemically adjusted meat pH (lowered by calcium chloride; raised by sodium hydroxide-sodium citrate), and velocity of air during drying on some properties of a dry type sausage were investigated. During the first 2 days of drying, sausages having initial pH values of 5.5 had a more intense cured meat color than those having initial pH values of 5.9 or 6.6. During 21 days of drying. pH 5.5 sausages showed very little change in shape, while sausages with pH values of 5.9 and 6.6 exhibited triangular and twisted triangular cross-sectional shapes. respectively. Sausages having initial pH values of 5.5 and dried with high air velocity had poor internal cured meat color and texture and developed hollow centers, but not in those having pH values of 5.5, 5.9, or 6.6 and dried with low air velocity. Peelability improved during drying.
Nanocavity Integrated van der Waals Heterostructure Light-Emitting Tunneling Diode

Developing a nanoscale, integrable, and electrically pumped single mode light source is an essential step toward on-chip optical information technologies and sensors. Here, we demonstrate nanocavity enhanced electroluminescence in van der Waals heterostructures (vdWhs) at room temperature. The vertically assembled light-emitting device uses graphene/boron nitride as top and bottom tunneling contacts and monolayer WSe2 as an active light emitter. By integrating a photonic crystal cavity on top of the vdWh, we observe the electroluminescence is locally enhanced (>4 times) by the nanocavity. The emission at the cavity resonance is single mode and highly linearly polarized (84%) along the cavity mode. By applying voltage pulses, we demonstrate direct modulation of this single mode electroluminescence at a speed of ∼1 MHz, which is faster than most of the planar optoelectronics based on transition metal chalcogenides (TMDCs). Our work shows that cavity integrated vdWhs present a promising nanoscale optoelectro...
Regulation: Working Conditions

Working conditions range from the terms under which workers enter the employment relationship to the environment in which they perform their tasks. This article addresses how working conditions are shaped by regulation. The most common purpose of the regulation of working conditions is to establish labor standards, that is, set minima for wage, hours, or health and safety conditions. Also, regulation can permit the formation of structures for negotiation that contribute to shaping working conditions. Most narrowly, regulation is understood as emanating from government through laws as well as administrative rules (executive). Courts help enforce laws. Also, the relative bargaining power of labor unions and other organizations affects the ability of workers to bargain for improvements, to achieve thorough enforcement, and to obtain new legislation. Lastly, social norms along with worker relative bargaining power are reflected in personnel policies and these also affect working conditions. Some see labor standards as an externally imposed cost and/or as having a distorting effect on the labor market. Others see regulation as a reflection of social norms and of power relations between employers and workers. In this view, regulation may allow, hinder, add costs to, or facilitate greater efficiency in production; its effects are not unidirectional. Two recent trends—the emergence of new employment arrangements and the expansion of cross-national production—challenge the ability of national governments to regulate working conditions and require further research.
Vitamin A (Retinoids)

All vertebrates and some invertebrates require vitamin A, all- trans -retinol (atROH), for vision, fertility, embryogenesis, growth, and optimum neurological and immune function. atROH metabolism generates the visual pigment, 11- cis -retinal, and the humoral effectors all- trans -retinoic acid (atRA) and 9- cis -RA (9cRA). Transport and metabolism of atROH rely on serum and cellular chaperones (retinoid-binding proteins (RBPs)), which have evolved to maximize efficiency and impose specificity on use of the scarce but essential resource, vitamin A. Cleavage of carotenoids in the intestinal enterocyte, catalyzed by carotenoid monooxygenase 1 (CMO1), produces all- trans -retinal. The retinoid-specific binding-protein cellular retinol-binding protein II (CRBPII) binds all- trans -retinal and retinol, and promotes efficient reduction of retinal into retinol and esterification of retinol into all- trans -retinyl esters (atREs). atREs are incorporated into chylomicra for delivery to liver and adipose. atRE storage occurs mostly in liver stellate cells, but also in adipose, and in smaller amounts in many other tissues. Liver releases atROH only bound with serum RBP (aka Rbp4). In extra-intestinal tissues, CRBPI binds atROH and allows re-esterification. atRA biogeneration occurs in multiple tissues and cell types. atROH, either generated by hydrolysis of atRE by retinyl ester hydrolase or from serum, binds with CRBPI and undergoes dehydrogenation by microsomal short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs). The all- trans -retinal produced undergoes dehydrogenation into atRA, catalyzed by retinal dehydrogenases (Raldh). The complex cellular RA-binding protein II (CRABPII) with atRA transports atRA to retinoic acid receptors, whereas the complex CRABPI-atRA has higher enzymatic efficiency for atRA degradation than does free atRA. Cytochromes P-450 initiate atRA degradation through C4 and C18 hydroxylation and 5,6-epoxydation. Primary regulators of atROH homeostasis include apo-CRBPI, which inhibits esterification of atROH and accelerates hydrolysis of atRE, and atRA, which induces its own catabolism. The visual cycle starts in the retinal pigment epithelium, where RPE65-isomerohydrolase (RPE65-IMH) catalyzes concerted atRE hydrolysis and conversion into 11- cis- retinol. Retinal SDRs convert 11- cis- retinol into 11- cis -retinal. 11- cis -Retinal crosses the interphotoreceptor matrix and enters the rod outer segments, where it binds covalently with opsin to form rhodopsin. Light isomerizes 11- cis -retinal into all- trans -retinal, changing the conformation of rhodopsin and generating a nerve impulse. The transporter ABCR aids leaching of all- trans -retinal from rhodopsin. Other SDRs reduce all- trans -retinal into atROH. atROH crosses the interphotoreceptor space, rebinds with CRBP in the retinal pigment epithelium, and undergoes re-esterification.
State Estimation for Water Distribution Networks in the Presence of Control Devices with Switching Behavior

Abstract In process monitoring and control, state estimation is the fundamental tool for processing redundant and noise-corrupted measurements in order to provide reliable estimates of the state of a system. In the context of water distribution networks (WDNs), state estimation has been proposed as the core technology which can enable various applications ranging from real-time monitoring and control to anomaly diagnosis, such as leak detection and localization. Measurements are typically available from sparse and often scarce telemetry sensors, such as flow at the inlet of a district metered area (DMA) and pressure at some nodes, or from utility estimates, for example prior estimates of the nodal demands. The problem consists of using the available measurements to reconstruct an estimate of the state variables and is solved iteratively by minimizing the weighted least squares (WLS) of the differences between the measurements and model predictions, typically with gradient methods. WDN state estimation in the presence of control devices, such as pressure reducing valves, remains an open problem due to the complexity in modeling efficiently their switching behavior. Control elements prevent from obtaining an explicit function of the measurements with respect to the state variables for all possible switching statuses. In this paper, an extension to traditional state estimation methods is proposed, which only requires a minor modification of existing WLS solvers based on gradient methods. Based on residual analysis, conditions are given in order to verify correct convergence at the end of a state estimation or to identify changes in connectivity due to opening/closing of control elements before proceeding to a new run. The method does not require including explicit binary variables to model the state of control elements, which would require complex heuristic-based solvers and would present scalability challenges for large networks with many such elements. Results on a real-world test case with two PRVs are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness and of the proposed method.