cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Translational effects and coding potential of an upstream open reading frame associated with DOPA Responsive Dystonia

Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) have emerged as major post-transcriptional regulatory elements in eukaryotic species. In general, uORFs are initiated by a translation start codon within the 5' untranslated region of a gene (upstream ATG; uATG), and they are negatively correlated with translational efficiency. In addition to their translational regulatory role, some uORFs can code for biologically active short peptides. The importance of uATGs/uORFs is further underscored by human diseases associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which disrupt existing uORFs or introduce novel uORFs. Although several functional proteins translated from naturally occurring uORFs have been described, the coding potential of uORFs created by SNPs has been ignored because of the a priori assumption that these proteins are short-lived with no likely impact on protein homeostasis. Thus, studies on SNP-created uORFs are limited to their translational effects, leaving unexplored the potential cellular consequences of a SNP/uORF-encoded protein. Here, we investigate functionality of a uATG/uORF introduced by a +142C>T SNP within the GCH1 gene and associated with a familial form of DOPA Responsive Dystonia. We report that the +142C>T SNP represses GCH1 translation, and introduces a short, frame shifted uORF that encodes a 73-amino acid peptide. This peptide is localized within the nucleus and compromises cell viability upon proteasome inhibition. Our work extends the list of uATG/uORF associated diseases and advances research on peptides translated from SNP-introduced uORFs, a neglected component of the proteome.
Intentions to quit tobacco smoking in 14 low- and middle-income countries based on the transtheoretical model.

Abstract Introduction Over 80% of the world’s one billion tobacco smokers reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); therefore, it is important to understand factors that promote intention to quit smoking in these countries. This study evaluated factors associated with three stages of intention to quit tobacco smoking among adults in LMICs. Methods Data from 43,540 participants of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey in 14 LMICs were analyzed. Intentions to quit smoking were categorized into precontemplation (referent category), contemplation, and preparation stages based on the transtheoretical model. A multinomial logit model was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Approximately 82%, 14%, and 4% of the smokers were in precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages, respectively. Rural residents had increased odds of being in contemplation stage (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.09–1.83) compared to urban residents. Compared to homes where smoking was allowed, smoke-free homes were associated with increased odds of contemplation (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.41–2.23) and preparation (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.78–2.66). Exposure to anti-smoking messages in more than one media channel was associated with increased odds of contemplation (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.33–1.92) and preparation (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.28–2.33) compared to no exposure to anti-smoking messages. Conclusion The results suggest that anti-smoking media campaigns and smoke-free policies may promote intention to quit smoking in LMICs. While these suggest the need for implementation of comprehensive anti-smoking campaigns and smoke-free policies, longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings and to evaluate how intention to quit translates into quit attempts in LMICs.
Type IIP Supernovae

In this chapter concerns supernovae of Type IIP (SN IIP), the spectra of which contain conspicuous lines of hydrogen at all epochs. After a brief, bright, and as-yet-unobserved phase of shock breakout and a subsequent somewhat more lengthy fireball phase, the light curve undergoes a plateau, an extended phase of nearly constant brightness for about 100 days. During the plateau, a recombination wave propagates inward through the hydrogen envelope. Spectral features form outside the recombination wave, where the ejecta are optically thin in the continuum. When the recombination of the envelope is complete, the light curve drops rapidly by several magnitudes. During the following light-curve tail phase, the rate of decline usually is consistent with powering by radioactive cobalt-56. For some SN IIP, archival presupernova images have confirmed that the immediate supernova progenitors were red supergiants, consistent with theoretical expectation and analysis of observations, and that the initial masses of these stars were in the range of about 8–16 solar masses, with most of them near the lower end of this range.
Sustainable Management of High Seas Marine Resources: Scoping Note

Sustainable development goal 14 is to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.” This scoping note focuses on just the natural resources of the ocean’s high seas area, that is, areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), which constitute more than half of the world ocean and the world’s largest ecosystem. International law governing natural resources in areas within national jurisdiction—ocean waters landward of 200 nm (or 12 nm for states that have not claimed an Extended Economic Zone) and the seafloor landward of continental shelf boundaries, where they have been claimed—is extensive, and only partially overlaps this topic. High seas marine resources include fisheries, one of the most ancient subjects of international law, and marine genetic resources, one of the most novel. These and other vital ocean natural resources and ecosystem services exist within areas of national control and areas beyond national jurisdiction, with important transboundary effects and commons considerations. Although the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Part XII, was intended to provide a framework for the protection and preservation of the marine environment, there is divergence between the law of the sea and international marine environmental law principles. Initiatives are under way to fill gaps in the legal regime for ocean ABNJ. This note provides an overview of the value, threats and status of the ocean; a survey of the international legal terrain; state practice; and future directions.
Building Support for Recovery into an Academic Curriculum: Student Reflections on the Value of Staff Run Seminars

Collegiate recovery programs, such as the one administered by the Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery (CSAR) at Texas Tech University (TTU), are expected to provide recovering students with support for both recovery and academic success. In addition to the support provided by a community of fellow recovering students, community members receive resources from specific program services that are delivered primarily by CSAR administration and staff. This chapter presents a program evaluation of one of the major program components of the CSAR program: The Seminar for Recovering Students (Seminar). The goal of this evaluation was to provide information about how students were experiencing Seminar and the value they perceived they were drawing from it. As the Collegiate Recovery Community had grown dramatically, from approximately 25 to over 80 students, under the direction of Dr. Kitty Harris, the CSAR administration believed it was particularly important to determine whether existing program components, such as Seminar, which were designed at time before the expansion of the CRC, were meeting the needs of current community members. This chapter reviews the findings from this evaluation and provides a measure of social support for recovery in the collegiate context piloted during this project modifiable for use in similar recovery maintenance programs.
Reference Ranges of Coagulation Tests

Reference ranges are a set of values that correctly include most of the subjects with characteristics similar to the reference group and exclude the others. When accurate, reference ranges aid physicians to interpret results of clinical measurements and thus establish diagnosis. However, obtaining accurate reference ranges is a very demanding procedure. This chapter provides basic definitions and theories as well as a step-by-step procedure for the analysis of reference values and determination of reference ranges of coagulation, focusing on quantitative clinical laboratory assays. Preanalytical and analytical factors as well as dependence on the age influencing reference values for coagulation assays and their transference are discussed.
Efficacy of carbon-based materials for remediating polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediment.

Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent hydrophobic compounds that are present widely in the environment. Due to poorly maintained hazardous waste sites, electrical equipment leakage, and illegal disposal, PCBs were deposited in sediments present in bays and estuaries. PCBs continuously partition into the overlying water posing a long-term exposure risk to the environment and human health. This study demonstrates the efficacy of carbon-based materials in reducing the partitioning of PCBs from sediment to the water column. Both existing carbon-based materials [activated carbon (AC), black carbon (BC)] and emerging nanomaterials [graphene (GE), graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotube (CNT)] were tested to determine their efficacy to bind PCBs in sediment. The comparison between the sorbents was accomplished by examining their distribution coefficient (Ks). The magnitude of Ks provides an idea about the bioavailable fraction of PCBs in the system; the higher the Ks, the greater the strength of sorption by the sorbent and therefore, the lower the PCB bioavailability. Results from the sorption experiment indicated that CNT performed the best overall followed by AC, BC, GO and GE. Results indicated that the Ks value for CNT was 1.16, 1.15, 1.13 and 1.04 log units greater than GE, GO, BC, and AC.
Social Sercurity Disability Insurance, ADA and Temporary Disability Insurance

The work-accident fatality rate has fallen from 21 deaths per 100,000 in 1912 to 2 per 100,000 by 1995. Accidental deaths at home have fallen as well but as much: accidental home deaths fell from 28 per 100,000 in 1912 to approximately 10 deaths per 100,000 in 1995. Some of the difference between home and work accidental deaths is age related, as those over 65 experience a disproportionate number of injuries. But age does not account for most of the difference: the accidental home death rate in 1995 of those between 25 and 64 years of age is 8 per 100,000, still four times greater than the accidental death rate on the job. Also there were twice as many disabling injuries at home in 1995 as there were on the job1. Hence, both fatal and nonfatal risk of serious injury is at least as great at home as it is at most work places. However, workers’ compensation covers only job related accidents and illnesses; it does not cover disabilities suffered off the job.
Understanding Antecedents to Conflict in Geographically Distributed Research and Development Teams.

We investigate the antecedents of conflict on collocated as compared with geographically distributed teams. In our field study of 16 collocated and 20 geographically distributed research and development teams, we found little evidence that distributed teams have more conflict. However, we did find that distributed teams experienced more coordination problems and less healthy conflict handling norms which were, in turn, associated with more conflict. Contrary to our predictions, neither frequency of communication nor reliance on mediating technologies were related to increased affective or task conflict. Our findings suggest that the frequency of communication and the medium used may be less important than the content of the information that flows between group members and the group’s ability to speak openly and deal with conflict as it arises.
Idebenone is a cytoprotective insulin sensitizer whose mechanism is Shc inhibition.

Abstract When insulin binds insulin receptor, IRS1 signaling is stimulated to trigger the maximal insulin response. p52Shc protein competes directly with IRS1, thus damping and diverting maximal insulin response. Genetic reduction of p52Shc minimizes competition with IRS1, and improves insulin signaling and glucose control in mice, and improves pathophysiological consequences of hyperglycemia. Given the multiple benefits of Shc reduction in vivo, we investigated whether any of 1680 drugs used in humans may function as Shc inhibitors, and thus potentially serve as novel anti-diabetics. Of the 1680, 30 insulin sensitizers were identified by screening in vitro, and of these 30 we demonstrated that 7 bound Shc protein. Of the 7 drugs, idebenone dose-dependently bound Shc protein in the 50-100 nM range, and induced insulin sensitivity and cytoprotection in this same 100 nM range that clinically dosed idebenone reaches in human plasma. By contrast we observe mitochondrial effects of idebenone in the 5,000 nM range that are not reached in human dosing. Multiple assays of target engagement demonstrate that idebenone physically interacts with Shc protein. Idebenone sensitizes mice to insulin in two different mouse models of prediabetes. Genetic depletion of idebenone's target eliminates idebenone's ability to insulin-sensitize in vivo. Thus, idebenone is the first-in-class member of a novel category of insulin-sensitizing and cytoprotective agents, the Shc inhibitors. Idebenone is an approved drug and could be considered for other indications such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, in which insulin resistance occurs.
De Novo Colitis Associated With Rituximab in 21 Patients at a Tertiary Center

Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen on B lymphocytes, is commonly used in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and rheumatologic disorders.1,2 It acts to rapidly deplete the B lymphocyte population through multiple mechanisms, leading to dysregulation of the immune system.3 Rituximab has been associated with numerous adverse gastrointestinal effects including diarrhea and bowel perforation, and recent reports have associated rituximab with the development of de novo inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).4,5 To our knowledge, there have been no reports of microscopic colitis (MC) associated with rituximab therapy. We aimed to identify patients with rituximab-associated colitis, and to better characterize the clinical features and disease course of these patients.
Phase II trial of metronomic capecitabine and cyclophosphamide with lapatinib and trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

e12508Background: Metronomic chemotherapy is an emerging paradigm of cancer therapy in which low doses of chemotherapy are delivered at frequent intervals. Activity in patients with metastatic brea...
Thyroglobulin washout from cervical lymph node fine needle aspiration biopsies in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: an analysis of different expressions to use in post-total thyroidectomy follow-up.

Abstract Introduction Although frequently used as an adjunct to cytology in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers, interpretation of thyroglobulin washout remains unclear. We aim to compare the utility of different analytic tools to develop recommendations for use in post-total thyroidectomy follow-up. Methods This is an institutional review board-approved retrospective study of patients who underwent lymph node fine needle aspiration biopsy with thyroglobulin washout between 2012 and 2018, during the post-total thyroidectomy follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer. The utilities of thyroglobulin washout concentration, thyroglobulin washout/serum thyroglobulin ratio, and absolute thyroglobulin content were compared. Results Sixty-four patients underwent 79 fine needle aspirations with thyroglobulin washout of cervical lymph nodes. Fifty-two lymph nodes were found to be metastatic and 27 benign. One patient had a pathologically confirmed lymph node metastasis despite a thyroglobulin washout of 0. The optimal cutoffs of thyroglobulin washout, thyroglobulin washout/serum thyroglobulin ratio, and absolute thyroglobulin content to predict metastatic involvement were 2.5 ng/ml (94% sensitive, 100% specific), 0.1 (100% sensitive and specific), and 12.5 (94% sensitive, 100% specific), respectively. The second measure lacked utility in patients with undetectable serum thyroglobulin. Conclusion The use of thyroglobulin washout concentration or thyroglobulin washout/serum thyroglobulin ratio has drawbacks based on variations in technique and clinical scenario. Absolute thyroglobulin content is an alternative that may be a more objective expression of thyroglobulin washout.
Piloting an empirical approach to link the international classification of functioning, disability, and health to job demand classification

BACKGROUND The Social Security Administration has a thorough disability claims process, though one goal is to process claims more efficiently. This pilot described the creation and trial of a web-based tool to assist this process. OBJECTIVE To empirically link the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model to the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) with a self-reported activity measure (physical domain). METHODS ICF Activity domains and item difficulty calibrations were obtained from a self-reported ICF-Activity Measure. Three work/disability experts matched measurement constructs, job names, and item difficulties with job demands. Item difficulties were linked for "Positioning and Transfer" with O*NET data values of "Stamina"; "Trunk Strength", and "Walking and Moving" with O*NET data values of "Stamina." The system was then pilot tested with 14 adults with more than one activity challenges. RESULTS An average total of 613 jobs were generated per participant and each job was categorized into one of 16 job clusters. Person ability measures and constructs were significant predictors for numbers of job (R2 = 0.92, p < 0.05). Participants demonstrated moderate satisfaction with program usability, and reported capability in performing jobs. CONCLUSIONS The system provides a feasible means to assist disability examiners and claimants in identifying relevant job abilities and options.
"I'm using cigarettes to quit JUUL": An analysis of Twitter posts about JUUL cessation.

Abstract Introduction JUUL, a small pod-based vaping device that aerosolizes nicotine salts, is popular among adolescents and young adults. Because of JUUL’s high nicotine content, JUUL users can become nicotine dependent very quickly and have difficulty quitting. Nicotine-dependent JUUL users might turn to Twitter to seek advice, share their cessation struggles, or report their success rather than confiding in friends or family. Method This study analyzed Twitter tweets (N = 3192) posted in 2018–2019 to identify common themes about quitting JUUL. Tweets containing the keywords “JUUL” and “quit” or “quitting” were analyzed qualitatively and grouped into themes. Results The most common themes were Methods to quit (25.4%), Have quit (17.8%), Want to quit (16.1%), Reasons to quit (9.6%), Difficulty quitting (7.9%), Barriers to quitting (2.9%), and Curious about quitting (2.1%). Methods to quit included evidence-based tobacco cessation methods such as nicotine replacement therapy and enrolling in a text-to-quit program, but they also included non-evidence-based strategies such as buying lower-nicotine pods online or switching to other tobacco products including cigarettes. Former JUUL users who had quit successfully generally expressed pride but also acknowledged that quitting was very difficult. Reasons for quitting included adverse health effects such as breathing problems and the financial cost of a JUUL habit. Posters mentioned their extreme difficulty quitting JUUL, numerous failed quit attempts, and numerous barriers to quitting including intense physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Some posters joked about switching to cigarettes or other drugs to quit JUUL. Conclusion Results indicate that JUUL cessation is difficult and that some JUUL users want to quit. Health communication messages are needed to direct JUUL users to effective cessation strategies.
Quantitative colour Doppler and greyscale ultrasound for evaluating prostate cancer.

IntroductionAlthough transrectal ultrasound is routinely performed for imaging prostate lesions, colour Doppler imaging visualizing vascularity is not commonly used for diagnosis. The goal of this ...
Current state of radiology report release in electronic patient portals.

Abstract Objective The aim of our study is to evaluate the current practice patterns of radiology report release into electronic patient portals. Methods A survey to assess details of radiology report release was distributed to members of The Association of Administrators in Academic Radiology across the United States. Numerical analysis was used to calculate the frequencies and percentages for the clinical site, frequency and pattern of patient portal use were calculated. Statistical analysis determined the percentages and frequencies for the clinical site, frequency and pattern of patient portal use, as well as statistical differences. Results A total of 31 (response rate = 28%, 31/108) at least partially completed surveys were received. Most (29/31, 94%) sites reported having a patient portal available with 80% (12/15) reporting 0.05) geographical differences noted in percentage utilization. Seventy-eight percent (21/27) of sites reported some form of automatic radiology report release into their portal. Mean delay was 4 days (range 0–7) from report completion to portal release. No correlation (r = 2) was seen between percentage of patient utilization of portals and timing of radiology report release. Conclusion Most academic centers across the country have patient portals, however, most of these centers report less than 50% utilization of the portals by patients. While variability in radiology report release in patient portals was noted, the majority (78%) of academic medical centers have some form of automatic report release with average delay of 4 days between report completion to portal release.
On-Orbit Inspection of an Unknown, Tumbling Target using NASA’s Astrobee Robotic Free-Flyers

Autonomous spacecraft critically depend on on-orbit inspection (i.e., relative navigation and inertial properties estimation) to intercept tumbling debris objects or defunct satellites. This work presents a practical method for on-orbit inspection and demonstrates its performance in simulation using NASA’s Astrobee robotic free-flyers. The problem is formulated as a simultaneous localization and mapping task, utilizing IMU data from an observing "chaser" spacecraft and point clouds of the observed "target" spacecraft obtained via a 3D time-of-flight camera. The relative navigation between the chaser and target is solved via a factor graph-based approach. The target’s principal axes of inertia are then estimated via a conic fit optimization procedure using a polhode analysis. Simulation results indicate the accuracy of the proposed method in preparation for hardware experiments on the International Space Station.
“Just a place to keep track of myself”: eating disorders, social media, and the quantified self

In order to better understand the functional significance of pro-eating disorder (pro-ED) online spaces for users, the current study investigates identity performance as it plays out on pro-ED Tumb...
Finding invalid signatures in pairing-based batches

This paper describes efficient methods for finding invalid digital signatures after a batch verification has failed. We present an improvement to the basic binary "divide-and-conquer" method, which can identify an invalid signature in half the time. We also present new, efficient methods for finding invalid signatures in some pairing-based batches with low numbers of invalid signatures. We specify these methods for the Cha-Cheon signature scheme of [5]. These new methods offer significant speedups for Cha-Cheon batches as well as other pairing-based signature schemes.
A one millimeter electromagnetic motor (.039

Recently, it was decided that it might be advantageous to have electric motors small enough to go in human arteries and other small places to do various jobs. The procedure followed was to carefully go from known methods step by step to the desired diameter of one millimeter. Motors were made and tested successively at 4.5 mm, 2.5 mm, 1.5 mm and 1 mm. It turned out that normal motor design methods were applicable, and the main problems were making and handling the tiny pieces. Calculation and very abbreviated tests seem to indicate that smaller motors could be made. This and previous work on very small motor designs seems to indicate that the torque goes down slightly faster than the cube of the diameter. >
The Effect of Planar Solidification on Mechanical Properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr Alloy Plate

Direct-Chill (DC) casting of aluminum ingots and billets for the subsequent manufacture of wrought product forms has been the established industry standard practice for the past 80 years. The through-thickness characteristics of aluminum products are well understood and are affected by the chemical variability introduced during DC casting by the phenomenon known as macrosegregation. In the present work, an ingot of Al-Zn-Cu-Mg-Zr was cast using a novel planar solidification approach that avoids conventional DC macrosegregation and achieves a highly uniform composition through-thickness. This ingot was fabricated to 25 mm plate and its chemical, microstructural, and mechanical characteristics are compared to a DC cast and fabricated plate of similar composition, thickness, and temper.
Colloid mobilization and transport within unsaturated porous media under transient‐flow conditions

[1] Contaminant-scavenging colloids are mobilized in the vadose zone during infiltration events, characterized by transient flow regimes. In the research reported here we develop a mathematical model in order to investigate the influences of flow transients on colloid mobilization in unsaturated media. The model solves coupled equations for unsteady pore water flow, colloid release, advective-dispersive colloid transport, and redeposition of pore water colloids. The immobile-phase colloid population is discretized into a series of compartments, each of which are assigned a value of critical moisture content (Θcr) according to a piecewise linear density function. A compartment is activated when the model-calculated moisture content exceeds the Θcr for the compartment, whereupon colloids are released at a rate proportional to the product of the pore water velocity and the colloid concentration within the compartment. We fit solutions of the model equations to data on the mobilization and transport of silica colloids within columns of unsaturated quartz sand. The model accurately reproduces measured pulse-type colloid releases induced by successive step-change increases in flow rate and moisture content. This work illuminates the important role of flow transients in colloid mobilization and, through the derivation of a model that couples pore water flow characteristics with colloid mass transfer kinetics, provides a means for quantifying the phenomenon.
An incinerator ash dissolution model for the system: plutonium oxide, nitric and hydrofluoric acids

A computer model of an air-lift dissolver was developed to predict the dissolution rates for plutonium oxide (PuO{sub 2}), dysprosium oxide (Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3}), and incinerator ash. This model combines surface kinetics with mass transfer effects to obtain overall rate expressions. The mass transfer coefficients are related to several major process variables. These predictions were compared with experimental tests at Savannah River Laboratory using simulated ash and Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3} as a surrogate for refractory PuO{sub 2}. The present version of the model over estimates the residual fluoride concentrations in dissolver effluents by {approx}50% for several reasons, which are discussed. The minimum air sparge rates to achieve liquid circulation in the dissolver are predicted quite well, within {plus minus}6%. The nonvolatile dissolved solids are estimated to within {plus minus}5 to 20%.
Glacial-interglacial variations in sediment organic carbon accumulation and benthic foraminiferal assemblages on the Bermuda Rise (ODP Site 1063) during MIS 13 to 10

glacial times. Organic d 13 C values are less negative during MIS 12 and MIS 10 than during MIS 11, which is consistent with greater glacial-stage marine productivity. High relative abundances of Oridorsalis umbonatus during glacial intervals probably records a low but sustained flux of highly degraded organic material. Large, recurrent fluctuations in the abundance of Epistominella exigua at the beginnings of the MIS 12 and MIS 10 glaciations suggest a marked increase in local phytoplankton blooms at these times and consequent delivery of phytodetritus to the seafloor. The most likely causes of these variations are changes in the position and strength of the Gulf Stream and its associated cold-ring eddies, combined with increased advection of terrigenous sediments from northerly locations during glacial lowstands.
Release of surface enzymes in Enterobacteriaceae by osmotic shock.

The process of osmotic shock, which has been used to release degradative enzymes from Escherichia coli, can be applied successfully to other members of the Enterobacteriaceae. Cyclic phosphodiesterase (3′-nucleotidase), 5′-nucleotidase (diphosphate sugar hydrolase), acid hexose phosphatase, and acid phenyl phosphatase are released from Shigella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, and Serratia strains. Some strains of Salmonella also release these enzymes. Members of Proteus and Providencia groups fail to release enzymes when subjected to osmotic shock and do not show a lag in regrowth, although they do release their acid-soluble nucleotide pools. In contrast to E. coli, release of enzymes from other members of the Enterobacteriaceae studied is affected by growth conditions and strain of organism. None of the organisms was as stable to osmotic shock in exponential phase of growth as was E. coli. Exponential-phase cells of Shigella, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter could be shocked only with 0.5 mm MgCl2 to prevent irreparable damage to the cells. These observations suggest that this group of degradative enzymes is probably loosely bound to the cytoplasmic membrane through the mediation of divalent cations.
Evidence, testimony, and the problem of individualism — a response to Schmitt

(1988). Evidence, testimony, and the problem of individualism — a response to Schmitt. Social Epistemology: Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 309-321.
Toward a holistic paradigm for Asian American Women's Studies: A synthesis of feminist scholarship and women of color's feminist politics

Abstract In this paper I propose a Women's Studies method for an Asian American Studies curriculum by incorporating a women-centred feminist historical approach and a holistic feminist anthropological approach with American women of color's feminist politics with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of sexism, racism, classism and homophobia in the American social systems and cultural ideologies. My work is based on the belief that an Asian American Women's Studies method must be founded on a feminist politics which is specifically derived from their own definition of themselves and feminism which are based on multiple consciousness raising and multiple identities of gender, race, ethnicity, class and sexuality.
Predicting right ventricular failure in the modern, continuous flow left ventricular assist device era.

Background In the era of destination continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), the decision of whether a patient will tolerate isolated LVAD support or will need biventricular support (BIVAD) can be challenging. Incorrect decision making with delayed right ventricular (RV) assist device implantation results in increased morbidity and mortality. Continuous flow LVADs have been shown to decrease pulmonary hypertension and improve RV function. We undertook this study to determine predictors in the continuous flow LVAD era that identify patients who are candidates for isolated LVAD therapy as opposed to biventricular support. Methods We reviewed demographic, hemodynamic, laboratory, and echocardiographic variables for 218 patients who underwent VAD implant from 2003 through 2011 (LVAD = 167, BIVAD = 51), during the era of continuous flow LVADs. Results Fifty preoperative risk factors were compared between patients who were successfully managed with an LVAD and those who required a BIVAD. Seventeen variables demonstrated statistical significance by univariate analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified central venous pressure >15 mmHg (OR 2.0, "C"), severe RV dysfunction (OR 3.7, "R"), preoperative intubation (OR 4.3, "I"), severe tricuspid regurgitation (OR 4.1, "T"), heart rate >100 (OR 2.0, Tachycardia - "T") - CRITT as the major criteria predictive of the need for biventricular support. Utilizing these data, a highly sensitive and easy to use risk score for determining RV failure was generated that outperformed other established risk stratification tools. Conclusions We present a preoperative risk calculator to determine suitability of a patient for isolated LVAD support in the current continuous flow ventricular assist device era.
Crack detection using sonic infrared imaging in steel structures: experiments and theory of heating patterns

In this paper, we present our progress on developing Sonic Infrared (IR) Imaging for structural health monitoring on steel structures. Sonic IR imaging is a fast, wide-area novel imaging NDE/SHM technique. Ultrasonic excitation was used to stimulate heating in defects, combining with Infrared Imaging to identify defects in structures. The whole process takes only about a second. We have been working on some steel specimens used in some typical steel structures. Actual heating patterns are extracted from the IR images and the actual temperature changes are mapped out. Theoretical computing is also carried out to calculate the heating pattern in the specimens with the experimental results as benchmarks.
Numerical Simulation of Carbonated Waterflooding In A Heterogeneous Reservoir

The purpose of this study is to report the development of a numerical model that can be used to predict the reservoir behavior of a carbon dioxide flood in a heterogeneous reservoir. The mathematical model is based upon the transport equations that describe the 2-dimensional, simultaneous flow of 3 phases--oil, water, and COD2U. Solubility of the COD2U in both water and the development of a free COD2U phase are allowed. This mathematical model is subject to the following assumptions: (1) 2-dimensional, time- dependent flow/ (2) no free hydrocarbon gas exists in the reservoir/ (3) solubility of COD2U in each saturated phase is a function only of pressure/ (4) phase equilibrium between oil and water containing COD2U is instantaneous/ and (5) oil and water become saturated with COD2U simultaneously.
Subclinical autoimmune disease and unexplained abortion

Although it seems likely that some patients with unexplained repeated abortions have early or subclinical autoimmune disease, there are no reports on the incidence of autoimmune serologic abnormalities in such patients by use of a series of tests. This diagnosis would suggest a treatable etiology for reproductive loss. We performed 11 serologic autoimmune tests in sera from 14 patients with three or more unexplained abortions (group II) and compared these results to those of 16 control patients with an established diagnosis for repeated abortions (group I). The groups were similar in age, gravidity, number of spontaneous abortions and live births, and in the interval from last abortion to serum sampling. A positive antinuclear antibody test plus at least one other positive test was found in four of 14 (29%) patients in group II (p
Consumer awareness of salt and sodium reduction and sodium labeling.

Abstract: Reduction of dietary sodium by reduction of sodium in foods is a current industry target. Quantitative information on consumer knowledge of sodium and reduction of dietary sodium is limited. The objectives of this study were to characterize consumer knowledge and awareness of sodium and salt reduction in foods. Consumers (n= 489) participated in a quantitative internet survey designed to gather knowledge and attitudes towards dietary sodium, sodium in foods, and health. Eating habits and food consumption characteristics, knowledge of salt and sodium, and interest in health and wellness were probed. Saltiness believe and sodium knowledge indices were calculated based on correct responses to salt levels in food products. Kano analysis was conducted to determine the role of nutrition labels and satisfaction/dissatisfaction of foods. Consumers were aware of the presence of sodium in “salty” foods, and that sodium was part of salt. People who had a family history of certain diseases associated with a higher intake of dietary sodium did not necessarily have more knowledge of the relationship between sodium intake and a specific disease compared to consumers with no family history. Sodium content on the food label panel did not influence consumer dissatisfaction; however, sodium content did not necessarily increase consumer product satisfaction either. The addition of a healthy nutrient (that is, whole grain, fiber) into a current food product was appealing to consumers. For nutrient labeling, a “reduced” claim was more appealing to consumers than a “free” claim for “unhealthy” nutrients such as fat, sodium, and sugar. Practical Application: This study demonstrated the current state of consumer knowledge on sodium and salt reduction, and consumer perception of the relationship between diets high in sodium and many chronic diseases. Information that may contribute to consumer satisfaction on nutrition panel labeling was also determined.
Statistical Tolerance Allocation for Tab-Slot Assemblies Utilizing Tolerance-Maps

A new mathematical model for representing the geometric variations of tabs/slots is extended to include probabilistic representations of 1D clearance. The 1D clearance can be determined from multidimensional variations of the medial-plane for a slot or a tab, and from variations of both medial-planes in a tab-slot assembly. The model is compatible with the ASME/ANSI/ISO Standards for geometric tolerances. Central to the new model is a Tolerance-Map (Patent No. 6963824) (T-Map), a hypothetical volume of points that models the range of 3D variations in location and orientation for a segment of a plane (the medial-plane), which can arise from tolerances on size, position, orientation, and form. Here it is extended to model the increases in yield that occur when the optional maximum material condition (MMC) is specified and when tolerances are assigned statistically rather than on a worst-case basis. The frequency distribution of 1D clearance is decomposed into manufacturing bias, i.e., toward certain regions of a Tolerance-Map, and into a geometric bias that can be computed from the geometry of multidimensional T-Maps. Although the probabilistic representation in this paper is built from geometric bias, and it is presumed that manufacturing bias is uniform, the method is robust enough to include manufacturing bias in the future. Geometric bias alone shows a greater likelihood of small clearances than large clearances between an assembled tab and slot. A comparison is made between the effects of specifying the optional MMC and not specifying it with the tolerance that determines the allowable variations in position of a tab, a slot, or of both in a tab-slot assembly. Statistical tolerance assignment for the tab-slot assembly is computed based on initial worst-case tolerances and for (a) constant size of tab and slot at maximum material condition, and (b) constant virtual-condition size.
Chirality in anesthesia II: stereoselective modulation of ion channel function by secondary alcohol enantiomers.

Chirality has been proposed as a means for distinguishing relevant from irrelevant molecular targets of action, but the sensitivity and specificity of this test is unknown for volatile anesthetics. We applied enantiomers of two chiral anesthetic alcohols (2-butanol and 2-pentanol) that are enantiose
Sources of personal computing problems

Abstract The rapid growth of personal computing in organizations has given rise to numerous problems of information management. Broadly these problems encompass the categories of evolvability and integration of systems, cost of computing, data integrity and security, and MIS department-user department relationships. A framework is proposed linking these problem categories and three organizational factors, viz., level of use of personal computing, extent of control over personal computing, and degree of support for personal computing. Correlational, regression, and moderated regression analysis techniques are employed to test a number of hypotheses relating the organizational factors and problems categories. Results indicate that control over personal computing is the strongest predictor of the extent of personal computing problems encountered and that, while various commonly used support measures are helpful in mitigating MIS-user relationship problems, they do not seem to be effective in dealing with other types of personal computing problems. Control is found to exert both a direct and an interactive effect on problem intensity. Implications of these findings for managing personal computing in organizations are noted.
PEDF: anti-angiogenic guardian of ocular function

Sight-threatening eye diseases can be caused and exacerbated by the aberrant growth of new blood vessels. Recent work indicates that this neovascularization not only is a response to a rise in the local concentration of molecules that induce such angiogenesis but also requires a fall in the levels of endogenous molecules that inhibit angiogenesis. One of the most potent of these endogenous inhibitors is pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), which serves as a survival factor for neuronal components of the eye as well as an essential inhibitor of the growth of ocular blood vessels. Its anti-angiogenic activity is selective in that it is effective against newly forming vessels but spares existing ones, and it is reversible. The molecular basis for this delicate control of endothelial cells is beginning to be understood and strategies to test the ability of PEDF to ameliorate or prevent vessel damage in the eye are developing rapidly.
Making the case for computational offloading in mobile device clouds

In this paper, we consider an environment in which computational offoading is adopted amongst mobile devices. We call such an environment a mobile device cloud (MDC). In this work, we highlight via emulation, experimenation and real measurements, the potential gain in computation time and energy consumption that can be achieved by offoading tasks within an MDC. We also propose and develop an experimental platform to enable researchers create and experiment with novel offoading algorithms in MDCs.
Aluminum Modifies the Viscosity of Filamentous Actin Solutions as Measured by Optical Displacement Microviscometry

A microtechnique has been developed that is capable of measuring the viscosity of filamentous actin (F-actin) solutions. This method, called optical displacement microviscometry (ODM), was utilized to determine the changes in viscosity of solutions of rabbit muscle, human platelet, and maize pollen actin when measured in the absence and presence of aluminum. Measurements demonstrated that the viscosity of the different actin solutions decreased with aluminum concentration. In contrast, increases in viscosity were observed when aluminum was added to F-actin solutions containing filamin (chicken gizzard), a protein that bundles actin filaments. Confocal fluorescence imaging of pure actin solutions in the presence of aluminum showed a disrupted actin network composed of fragmented actin filaments in the form of small aggregates. In contrast, in the presence of filamin, aluminum promoted the formation of thicker actin filaments. These measurements demonstrate that aluminum can affect actin filaments differentially depending on the presence of an actin-binding protein. In addition, a strong correlation is observed between the changes in viscosity as measured by ODM and the thickness and assembled state of bundles of actin filaments.
Characterization of the ndhC-psbG-ORF157/159 operon of maize plastid DNA and of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803

The ndhC and ORF159 genes of the maize plastid DNA (ptDNA) were sequenced and maize ORF159 was used to screen a library of genomic DNA of the blue-green alga Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The cyanobacterial gene homologous to ORF159 (ORF157) was isolated and sequenced. In sequencing the region upstream of ORF157, reading frames with homology to the ndhC and psbG genes of maize ptDNA were identified. The ndhC and psbG genes overlap in the ptDNAs of maize, tobacco and Marchantia polymorpha, but are separated by a noncoding spacer in Synechocystis. Northern blot analysis showed that the ndhC, psbG and ORF157/159 genes are cotranscribed in maize and Synechocystis. The three genes occur in the same order in ptDNA of maize, tobacco, and M. polymorpha as in Synechocystis 6803. The amino acid sequences of the NDH-C, PSII-G and the ORF157/159 proteins deduced from the maize genes are 65%, 52% and 53% homologous to those of Synechocystis. However, the cyanobacterial and higher plant NDH-C protein sequences are only 23% homologous to the mitochondrial NDH-3 protein. Protein products of in vitro transcription/translation of the Synechocystis transcription unit had apparent molecular masses of 6 kDa (NDH-C), 25 kDa (PSII-G) and 22 kDa (ORF157) on lithium dodecyl sulfate (LDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. If these are components of an NADH dehydrogenase, cyanobacteria appear to resemble mitochondria more than they do Escherichia coli and Rhodopseudomonas capsulata with regard to this enzyme complex.
Heme-Enabled Electrical Detection of Carbon Monoxide at Room Temperature Using Networked Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors

The electrical detection of CO at room temperature is achieved using Cr-contacted single-walled carbon nanotube network transistors modified with thiolated heme molecules.
Exploring the role of emotion in the interaction design of digital music players

This paper documents students' interaction designs for digital music players that consider both the emotional quality of interaction as well as usability.
The Development of a “Pin-on-Twin” Scuffing Test to Evaluate Materials for Heavy-Duty Diesel Fuel Injectors

In order to meet stricter emissions requirements, advanced heavy-duty diesel fuel injection systems will be required to operate at higher pressures and temperatures and in fuels that have poorer lubricity. Scuffing, as a mode of failure, severely limits injector life, and new materials and processes are required to resist scuffing in these more stringent operating conditions. Consequently, there is a need to test the ability of candidate fuel system materials to resist scuffing in fuel-lubricated environments. This paper describes a pin-on-twin reciprocating wear test in which a cylindrical specimen slides, under load, across two fixed, parallel cylindrical specimens that are perpendicular to the axis of the upper sliding specimen. Cylinders of annealed AISI 52100 were tested dry and lubricated by Jet A fuel and on-highway #2 diesel fuel. The friction force was found to give a reliable real-time determination of the onset of scuffing as verified by the morphology of the wear scar. The scar width and surfa...