cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular profile and events of US adults 20-49 years with HIV: results from the NHANES 1999-2008

The incidence of vascular events in HIV-infected individuals is increasing. We investigated whether there is a higher prevalence of vascular risk factors in the adult US population with HIV compared to uninfected controls that could explain some of the increased vascular events. We obtained prevalence estimates of vascular risk factors, stratified by the HIV status, in sampled adults aged 20-49 years from the 1999 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Estimates were weighted to account for oversampling and nonresponse. Logistic regression models with adjustment for demographic and socioeconomic status were created to adjust for confounders. The analysis included 12,339 US adults, 76 with HIV infection. The weighted seroprevalence of HIV was 0.48% (95% CI 0.33-0.65). In univariate analysis, HIV infection was more prevalent in non-Hispanic blacks (odds ratio [OR] 7.4, 95% CI 3.6-15.2), men (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.42-4.89), the physically inactive (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0-3.0), and current smokers (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.4). Increased waist circumference (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-1.0) was less common in HIV-infected individuals, although controlling for sex and ethnicity differences, this difference became nonsignificant (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-1.2). Further controlling for differences in income and education rendered the associations with smoking and physical inactivity nonsignificant, but revealed associations of HIV infection with hypertension (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.0-6.0) and diabetes (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.1-16.1). These results underscore the need to further investigate the role of cardiovascular risk factors in the growing HIV population.
Is Consciousness a Spandrel

Determining the biological function of phenomenal consciousness appears necessary to explain its origin: evolution by natural selection operates on organisms’ traits based on the biological functions they fulfill. But identifying the function of phenomenal consciousness has proven difficult. Some have proposed that the function of phenomenal consciousness is to facilitate mental processes such as reasoning or learning. But mental processes such as reasoning and learning seem to be possible in the absence of phenomenal consciousness. It is difficult to pinpoint in what way phenomenal consciousness enhances these processes or others like them. In this paper, we explore a possibility that has been neglected to date. Perhaps phenomenal consciousness has no function of its own because it is either a by-product of other traits or a (functionless) accident. If so, then phenomenal consciousness has an evolutionary explanation even though it fulfills no biological function.
The effects of mantle anelasticity on nutations, earth tides, and tidal variations in rotation rate

The paper models the effects of mantle anelasticity on luni-solar nutations, on tidal deformation, on tidal variations in rotation rate, and on the eigenfrequency of the free core nutation. The results can be used to invert observations to solve for the anelastic contributions to the shear and bulk moduli of the upper and lower mantle. Specific anelastic models are used to numerically estimate the effects of anelasticity on these geodetic observables. The nutation estimates are compared with observational results. Among the conclusions: (1) mantle anelasticity is likely to be the most important source of damping for the free core nutation; (2) present VLBI nutation results are, in principle, accurate enough to usefully bound anelasticity at diurnal periods. But the discrepancy between the VLBI observed nutations and the 1984 IAU nutation model cannot be explained by anelasticity and is not yet well enough understood to allow anelasticity to be determined from the data.
Optimal dynamic sleep time control in Wireless Sensor Networks

We present a dynamic optimization approach to save energy in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) at the link level. One of the main sources of energy waste in a WSN is idle listening, i.e., nodes consuming energy to sample an idle channel. Our approach utilizes known traffic statistics and optimally controls the sleep interval between consecutive wake-ups of the receiver so that the expected total energy spent during each transmission is minimized. We derive necessary conditions for optimality that can be numerically solved but may fail to provide the optimal solution. Thus, we also propose an alternative efficient algorithm providing an explicit discretized solution. Simulation results are included to compare fixed sleep times to our dynamic control policy.
QuickSilver distributed file services: an architecture for horizontal growth

An architecture is presented for a file service capable of supporting a very large number of users. It provides each user with a lifetime involvement with the file service while giving the appearance of a single homogeneous system. The architecture is based on the provision of an independent name space for each user and the use of hints for name resolution. File caching is supported and server callbacks are used to aid in maintaining cache consistency. Update-in-place semantics are provided for those applications that required direct access to localized parts of the files. All file service metadata are updated in atomic and recoverable ways using write-ahead logging. The file service also supports user-level distributed atomic actions based on a two-phase commit synchronization protocol. It supports user and resource reassignments in a location-independent way by using the system's user location mechanism during file name resolution. File sharing information remains valid even when participants migrate. >
Effect of strain rate on solder joint failure under mechanical load

A four-point bend test fixture and a daisy-chained test coupon with BGA mounted at 45-degree orientation were developed to evaluate solder joint failure through a simple test and finite element modeling procedure. The bending test was performed under various loading speed. The BGAs tested have 1.27 mm and 1.00 mm pitches, respectively. One of the significant findings is that the solder joints failure is highly strain rate dependent. At higher strain rate, solder joint failed at much less board deflection for some BGAs. This indicates that the common practice of quasi-static bending test is not sufficient to quantify the solder joint failure under shock load.
Evolutionary redeployment of a biosynthetic module: expression of eye pigment genes vermilion, cinnabar, and white in butterfly wing development.

Summary Ommochromes are common among insects as visual pigments; however, in some insect lineages ommochromes have evolved novel functions such as integument coloration and tryptophan secretion. One role of ommochromes, as butterfly wing pigments, can apparently be traced to a single origin in the family Nymphalidae. The synthesis and storage of ommochrome pigments is a complex process that requires the concerted activity of multiple enzyme and transporter molecules. To help understand how this subcellular process appeared in a novel context during evolution, we explored aspects of ommochrome pigment development in the wings of the nymphalid butterfly Vanessa cardui. Using chromatography and radiolabeled precursor incorporation studies we identified the ommochrome xanthommatin as a V. cardui wing pigment. We cloned fragments of two ommochrome enzyme genes, vermilion and cinnabar, and an ommochrome precursor transporter gene, white, and found that these genes were transcribed in wing tissue at relatively high levels during wing scale development. Unexpectedly, however, the spatial patterns of transcription were not associated in a simple way with adult pigment patterns. Although our results suggest that the evolution of ommochrome synthesis in butterfly wings likely arose in part through novel regulation of vermilion, cinnabar, and white transcription, they also point to a complex relationship between transcriptional prepatterns and pigment synthesis in V. cardui.
Neural attractor network for application in visual field data classification.

The purpose was to introduce a novel method for computer-based classification of visual field data derived from perimetric examination, that may act as a ' counsellor', providing an independent 'second opinion' to the diagnosing physician. The classification system consists of a Hopfield-type neural attractor network that obtains its input data from perimetric examination results. An iterative relaxation process determines the states of the neurons dynamically. Therefore, even 'noisy' perimetric output, e.g., early stages of a disease, may eventually be classified correctly according to the predefined idealized visual field defect (scotoma) patterns, stored as attractors of the network, that are found with diseases of the eye, optic nerve and the central nervous system. Preliminary tests of the classification system on real visual field data derived from perimetric examinations have shown a classification success of over 80%. Some of the main advantages of the Hopfield-attractor-network-based approach over feed-forward type neural networks are: (1) network architecture is defined by the classification problem; (2) no training is required to determine the neural coupling strengths; (3) assignment of an auto-diagnosis confidence level is possible by means of an overlap parameter and the Hamming distance. In conclusion, the novel method for computer-based classification of visual field data, presented here, furnishes a valuable first overview and an independent 'second opinion' in judging perimetric examination results, pointing towards a final diagnosis by a physician. It should not be considered a substitute for the diagnosing physician. Thanks to the worldwide accessibility of the Internet, the classification system offers a promising perspective towards modern computer-assisted diagnosis in both medicine and tele-medicine, for example and in particular, with respect to non-ophthalmic clinics or in communities where perimetric expertise is not readily available.
Excellent outcome in infants and small children with thrombophilias undergoing kidney transplantation

One of the most common causes of early graft failure in children undergoing renal transplantation is vascular thrombosis. Numerous risk factors for graft thrombosis have been previously described. Children with various types of thrombophilias such as protein C, protein S and factor V Leiden deficiencies are at an increased risk for vascular thrombosis. Infants and small children with these disorders undergoing renal transplantation have not been well documented in the literature. We reviewed our experience in the diagnosis, peri-operative management and follow up of these patients at our institution. A retrospective analysis of all children undergoing renal transplantation at our institution, using data obtained from the Pediatric Transplant Registry at our institution since May 2000 was performed. The indications for renal transplant included focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, renal dysplasia and reflux nephropathy. One patient had factor V Leiden mutation and two patients had protein S deficiency. Patients were anticoagulated in the peri-operative and post-transplant period. All index transplants were performed with living donor kidneys. There were no adverse outcomes in children with thrombophilias despite having significantly lower weight at the time of transplant vs. children without thrombophilia. The incidence of graft thrombosis in the pediatric renal transplant recipients is high. We identify a potential cause of thrombosis in children not well documented in the literature. A high index of suspicion combined with preoperative screening and diagnosis of thrombophilias and an appropriate treatment plan may decrease the incidence of graft thrombosis in infants and small children undergoing renal transplantation.
Ex Vivo Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Inducibility Predicts Efficacy of Cetuximab

We conducted in vitro studies and a clinical trial for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) to study the relationship between FcγRIIIa polymorphisms and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). In vitro, FcγRIIIa genotype was correlated with ADCC and innate cytotoxicity using natural killer (NK) cells harvested from healthy donors. In the phase II study, patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN were treated with cetuximab (500 mg/m(2) i.v. every 2 weeks) and lenalidomide (25 mg daily). FcγRIIIa genotype and ex vivo ADCC were correlated with clinical response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). In vitro, healthy donors with a FcγRIIIa 158-V allele demonstrated more effective ADCC against two colon cancer cell lines HT29 and SW480, mean cytotoxicity: FF 16.1%, VF/VV 24.3% (P = 0.015) and FF 11.7%, VF/VV 21.0% (P = 0.008), respectively. We observed a linear relationship between ADCC response and innate cytotoxicity. In the phase II trial, 40 patients received cetuximab and lenalidomide with median PFS of 7.2 weeks and OS of 16.4 weeks. Thirty-six patients had FcγRIIIa genotype: VV (2), VF (20), and FF (14), and 25 patients had sufficient NK-cell yield to perform ex vivo ADCC. FcγRIIIa genotype was not associated with any clinical outcomes. Patients mounting ex vivo ADCC response had a higher likelihood of stable disease (P = 0.01) and showed a trend toward increased PFS: 14 weeks versus 6.8 weeks, respectively (P = 0.13). Enhanced ex vivo ADCC and innate immunity responses were more predictive of clinical response than FcγRIIIa and may offer a functional assay to select patients suitable for cetuximab therapy.
The fission yeast COP9/signalosome is involved in cullin modification by ubiquitin-related Ned8p

Background: The function of the fission yeast cullins Pcu1p and Pcu4p requires modification by the ubiquitin-related peptide Ned8p. A recent report by Lyapina et al. shows that the COP9/ signalosome (CSN), a multifunctional eight subunit complex, regulates Ned8p modification of Pcu1p. Disruption of caa1/csn1, which encodes subunit 1 of the putative S. pombe CSN, results in accumulation of Pcu1p exclusively in the modified form. However, it remained unclear whether this reflects global control of all cullins by the entire CSN complex. Results: We demonstrate that multiple CSN subunits control Ned8p modification of Pcu3p, another fission yeast cullin, which, in complex with the RING domain protein Pip1p, forms a ubiquitin ligase that functions in cellular stress response. Pcu3p is modified by Ned8p on Lys 729 and accumulates exclusively in the neddylated form in cells lacking the CSN subunits 1, 3, 4, and 5. These CSN subunits co-elute with Pcu3p in gel filtration fractions corresponding to ∼ 550 kDa and specifically bind both native and Ned8p-modified Pcu3p in vivo. While CSN does not influence the subcellular localization of Pcu3p, Pcu3p-associated in vitro ubiquitin ligase activity is stimulated in the absence of CSN. Conclusions: Taken together, our data suggest that CSN is a global regulator of Ned8p modification of multiple cullins and potentially other proteins involved in cellular regulation.
The fallacy of the BUN:creatinine ratio in critically ill patients

Background and objectives Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill patients and is associated with a high mortality rate. Pre-renal azotemia, suggested by a high blood urea nitrogen to serum creatinine (BUN:Cr) ratio (BCR), has traditionally been associated with a better prognosis than other forms of AKI. Whether this pertains to critically ill patients is unknown. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study of two cohorts of critically ill patients admitted to a single center: a derivation cohort, in which AKI was diagnosed, and a larger validation cohort. We analyzed associations between BCR and clinical outcomes: mortality and renal replacement therapy (RRT). Results Patients in the derivation cohort (N = 1010) with BCR >20 were older, predominantly female and white, and more severely ill. A BCR >20 was significantly associated with increased mortality and a lower likelihood of RRT in all patients, patients with AKI and patients at risk for AKI. Patients in the validation cohort (N = 10 228) with a BCR >20 were older, predominantly female and white, and more severely ill. A BCR >20 was associated with increased mortality and a lower likelihood of RRT in all patients and in those at risk for AKI, BUN correlated with age and severity of illness. Conclusions A BCR >20 is associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients. It is also associated with a lower likelihood of RRT, perhaps because of misinterpretation of the BCR. Clinicians should not use a BCR >20 to classify AKI in critically ill patients.
AREAL (2-D) SIMULATION OF WATER FLOOD PROCESS IN UNITE WELL PATTERN

In this project, the partialdifferential equations governing a water flood in a unit well pattern weresolved numerically and then the numerical solutions were used to construct thecontour and surface plots of reservoir pressure and water saturation. Thereservoir pressure and water saturation at a given location in the reservoir asa function of injection time were also simulated. The simulation results showthat the reservoir pressure and water saturation gradually decreases with increasingthe distance from the injection well. In addition, the reservoir pressure andwater saturation gradually increase with increasing injection time at thelocation of (20 m, 20 m) in the reservoir. The water saturation graduallyincreases with increasing injection time at the production well.
Products of a linoleic hydroperoxide decomposing enzyme of alfalfa seed

Alfalfa seeds and seedlings contain an enzyme that catalyzes a reaction with the 13- and 9-hydroperoxides of linole- ic acid to form 13-hydroxy-10-oxo-truns-octadecenoic acid and 9-hydroxy-12-oxo-trans-lO-octadecenoic acid, respectively. When commercial lipoxygenase is used to generate the hydro- peroxides, the above acids appear in about 2:l proportions, re- spectively. The products of the action of the enzyme on the hy- droperoxides were stabilized for analysis by reduction with Hz and LiAIHr. Trimethylsilyl derivatives of reduced products were analyzed by combined gas-liquid chromatography-mass spec- trometry. Specific deuterium labeling permitted definite location of the oxo functions. 180z labeling experiments showed that the oxygens of both the oxo and the hydroxyl functions were derived from the hydroperoxide. Retention of both oxygens suggests that the reaction proceeds through a cyclic epiperoxide followed by a ketohydroxy-forming rearrangement. No products of hydro- peroxide isomerase- were found in reactions catalyzed by the crude enzyme from alfalfa seeds.
Thermodynamic properties of Fe-Mg titaniferous magnetite spinels

Reversed Fe-Mg exchange experiments between olivine and Ti-rich magnetite [(Mg,Fe)2TiOa - (Mg,Fe)Fe2Oa] show that the distribution coefficient for the exchange reaction % Mg2TiO a + th Fe2SiOa: y2 N IC*SiO + t/2 Fe2TiOA varies from approximately 2.4 to 1.8 in the range 800-lzt@'C and suggest that Fe-Mg titanium-based spinel [(Mg,Fe)TiOs.5O2] exhibits small positive deviations from ideal mixing (<170 callmol) in this temperature range. Comparison of these results with those for aluminum-based spinels suggests that the Gibbs energy of the reciprocal reaction MgAl2Oa + 1/zFe2'tiOa: FeAlzOa + t/uMg2TiOa is about 6.2 and 5,2kcaVgfw x 14@ and 8@'C, respectively. A thermodynamic formulation for R3Oa FeO-MgOFe2O3-TiO2 spinels based on a second-degree Taylor expansion in terms of composition and cation-ordering variables is calibrated. It uses the above data in combination with homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria for the FgTiO6Fe3Oa, Mg2tOa-MgFe2O4, and Fe3Oa-MgFgOa spinel binary joins. The resulting calculated activitycomposition relations and cation-ordering schemes are in accord with available experimental data and petrological constraints. This model indicates that Mg and Fez* are more strongly ordered between tetrahedral and octahedral sites in titanium-based spinels than in ferric-iron-based spinels (with Mg3+ showing a tetrahedral preference relative to Fd* in both spinels) and predicts an approximately symmetrical miscibility gap for Fd3m Mg2TOa-MgFe2Oa spinels Cfc -400'C). Calculated activity-composition relatibns indicate that the activities of both dilute and concentrated components that exhibit temperature-dependent cation distributions are typically underestimated by themodynamic models that do not make explicit provisions for such cation ordering. A calibration for the olivine-spinel Fe-Mg exchange geothermometer is presented.
A kinetic model of Phanerozoic taxonomic diversity; III, Post-Paleozoic families and mass extinctions

A three-phase kinetic model with time-specific perturbations is used to describe large-scale patterns in the diversification of Phanerozoic marine families. The basic model assumes that the Cambrian, Paleozoic, and Modern evolutionary faunas each diversified logistically as a consequence of early exponential growth and of later slowing of growth as the ecosystems became filled; it also assumes interaction among the evolutionary faunas such that expansion of the combined diversities of all three faunas above any single fauna's equilibrium caused that fauna's diversity to begin to decline. This basic model adequately describes the diversification of the evolutionary faunas through the Paleozoic Era as well as the asymmetrical rise and fall of background extinction rates through the entire Phanerozoic. Declines in diversity and changes in faunal dominance associated with mass extinctions can be accommodated in the model with short-term accelerations in extinction rates or declines in equilibria. Such accelerations, or perturbations, cause diversity to decline exponentially and then to rebound sigmoidally following release. The amount of decline is dependent on the magnitude and duration of the perturbation, the timing of the perturbation with respect to the diversification of the system, and the system's initial per-taxon rates of diversification and turnover. When applied to the three-phase model, such perturbations describe the changes in diversity and faunal dominance during and after major mass extinctions, the long-term rise in total diversity following the Late Permian and Norian mass extinctions, and the peculiar diversification and then decline of the remnants of the Paleozoic fauna during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras. The good fit of this model to data on Phanerozoic familial diversity suggests that many of the large-scale patterns of diversification seen in the marine fossil record of animal families are simple consequences of nonlinear interrelationships among a small number of parameters that are intrinsic to the evolutionary faunas and are largely (but not completely) invariant through time.
Stem and Progenitor Cell-Based Therapy of the Central Nervous System: Hopes, Hype, and Wishful Thinking

A variety of neurological disorders are attractive targets for stem and progenitor cell-based therapy. Yet many conditions are not, whether by virtue of an inhospitable disease environment, poorly understood pathophysiology, or poor alignment of donor cell capabilities with patient needs. Moreover, some disorders may be medically feasible targets but are not practicable, in light of already available treatments, poor risk-benefit and cost-benefit profiles, or resource limitations. This Perspective seeks to define those neurological conditions most appropriate for cell replacement therapy by considering its potential efficacy and clinical feasibility in those disorders, as well as potential impediments to its application.
Suppression of Root Diseases of Wheat by Fluorescent Pseudomonads and Mechanisms of Action

Take-all and Pythium root rot, incited respectively by Gaeumannomyces graminis (Sacc.) von Arx and Olivier var tritici Walker and several Pythium species are major constraints to wheat production in the pacific Northwest of the U.S.A. Take-all occurs mainly where wheat is grown under irrigation such as the Columbia Basin and Snake River plains and in the high rainfall region of western Washington and Oregon. The take-all fungus infects the roots, crowns, and lower stems of wheat; diseased plants are chlorotic and stunted with roots that are blackened. In the field, diseased plants may die prematurely in irregular patches due to the interruption of the transport of water to the tops by infection of the roots and crowns.
Covering Spaces of Algebraic Groups

(1976). Covering Spaces of Algebraic Groups. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 83, No. 8, pp. 614-621.
Repellency of the Lotus Leaf: Contact Angles, Drop Retention, and Sliding Angles

Much of the modeling done on repellency and super hydrophobicity has focused on surfaces with rectilinear geometries, but their wetting behavior is simpler and can be quite different from that of repellent surfaces with curved features. In this study, we model the contact angles and sliding angles exhibited by the lotus leaf, accounting for the influence of curvature and pinning. Our estimates agree reasonably well with experimental observations.
Growth and Structure of in-plane Textured MgO Thin Films Deposited on Amorphous Substrates using ion-beam-assisted E-Beam Evaporation

In-plane aligned MgO thin films (∼100A) have been obtained on various amorphous substrates by Ar+ ion-assisted electron-beam evaporation. Based on RHEED and cross-section TEM, we have shown that the MgO texture appears at a very early stage of film growth and is optimized at a thickness of around 100A. Optimal thickness is the stage at which the surface is fully covered by MgO crystallites. The planar-view TEM of grain structure evolution in samples at different stages of growth reveals the dynamics of the texture developing process. Small, (100)-faceted MgO grains were observed both in planar-view and cross-section TEM images.
Estimation of the Digestibility of Diets of Small Mammals in Natural Habitats

Two methods for determining the digestibility of the diets of pine voles ( Microtus pinetorum ) in natural habitats were evaluated. Digestion coefficients for 24 diets estimated by the lignin tracer technique were compared to the actual digestibilities as determined by the total collection method. The lignin tracer technique underestimated the actual diet digestibilities and was found to be unreliable for use with pine voles. Regression equations developed from a Van Soest chemical analysis of stomach contents of pine voles fed the same 24 diets provided reliable estimates of digestible dry matter (DDM) and digestible energy (DE) in the diets of voles. The DDM and DE estimates of the diets of three wild pine vole populations as determined by chemical analyses and prediction equations were comparable to reported digestibility values of grasses and forbs for various microtines.
Effect of γ-zein on the rheological behavior of concentrated zein solutions.

Zein, the prolamin of corn, is attractive to the food and pharmaceutical industries because of its ability to form edible films. It has also been investigated for its application in encapsulation, ...
Section 5. MORB and the Upper Mantle

My scientific career began with mid-ocean ridge basalts, although at the time they were still widely called ocean-floor, abyssal, or seafloor basalts; Stan Hart ’s ([Hart et al. , 1972][1]) MORB acronym had not yet caught on. In my second semester of graduate school, Jean-Guy Schilling assigned me
La brecha salarial entre instituciones publicas en el Ecuador (An Approximation of the Wage Gap between Public Entities in Ecuador)

Spanish Abstract: Esta investigacion evidencia las diferencias salariales que existen entre las entidades publicas del Ecuador. Se utiliza la informacion del Anexo de Relacion de Dependencia del SRI y del Registro Civil para el 2008 y 2009. El estudio realiza un modelo minceriano y un analisis por quintiles para encontrar y comparar las brechas salariales entre instituciones del Estado. En los resultados, se encuentra que la Procuraduria, Contraloria y Fiscalia tienen sueldos mas altos que los Ministerios (instituciones de referencia).English Abstract: This research shows the pay gap between public entities in Ecuador. We use the information of Annex Relation Unit of the Internal Revenue Service and the Civil Registry for 2008 and 2009. The study makes a Mincerian model and an analysis by quintiles to find and compare the wage gap between state institutions. In the results, we find that the Attorney General, Comptroller and others have higher salaries than the Ministries (reference institutions).
Investigation on mosquito species and their season growth and decay in Zhenjiang

Objective To know the species forming of mosquitoes and their season growth and decay in Zhenjiang,and to provide scientific basis for preventing mosquitoes effectively.Methods Man-attracting method,net-attracting method,light-trapping method for adults and scoop dipping method for larvae were used.The collected larvae were taken to the lab to be classified,identified and counted.Results Seven species of four genera(2 313 mosquitoes) were collected.Culex pipiens pallens and Anopheles sinensis were the dominant taxa.The average density was 12.23 individuals per scoop in larvae,12.37 individuals per hour in adults from April to November in the whole city and the high density occurred from June to September.Conclusion The species forming of mosquitoes and their season growth and decay in Zhenjiang were preliminarily known.The study provided scientific evidence for controlling mosquitoes.
Denaturation in ultraviolet-irradiated DNA.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the nature of the inhibitory actions of blue light and the effects of near-ultraviolet radiation on growth and respiration in various prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Among the prokaryotes, visible plus near-ultraviolet radiation, primarily in the range 330–490 nm, has been reported to kill or inhibit the growth of a wide variety of bacteria. Both mixotrophic and heterotrophic growth have been shown to be sensitive either under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. The cytochromes has been found to be more sensitive to photodestruction under anaerobic than under aerobic conditions, suggesting that the photodestruction is not due to a photo-oxidative-type mechanism. Experiments done in the field of photo-inhibition suggest that the primary locus of photoinhibition lie elsewhere than in cell division. Radiation exerts a marked inhibitory effect on growth, cell division, respiration, and protein synthesis in yeast. The inhibition of respiration by visible light that occurs in the biological world is difficult to estimate, as definitive work in intact organism has been done only with the alga. If it is conceded that this phenomenon is universal, it is then intuitively obvious that most organisms must process a protective or active repair mechanism as sunlight appears to be directly detrimental to few organisms.
The Ca(2+)-dependent interaction of S100B(beta beta) with a peptide derived from p53

S100B(ββ) was found to interact with the tumor suppressor protein, p53, and inhibit its PKC-dependent phosphorylation and tetramer formation [Baudier, J., Delphin, C., Grunwald, D., Khochbin, S., and Lawrence, J. J. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89, 11627−11631]. Since PKC-dependent phosphorylation at the C-terminus of p53 is known to effect transcription and p53 tetramer formation [Sakaguchi, K., Sakamoto, H., Lewis, M. S., Anderson, C. W., Erickson, J. W., Appella, E., and Xie, D. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 10117−10124], we examined the interaction of S100B(ββ) with a peptide derived from the C-terminal regulatory domain of p53 (residues 367−388). In this paper, we report that S100B(ββ) binds to the p53 peptide (CaK3 ≤ 23.5 ± 6.6 μM) in a Ca2+-dependent manner, and that the presence of the p53 peptide was found to increase the binding affinity of Ca2+ to S100B(ββ) by 3-fold using EPR and PRR methods, whereas the peptide had no effect on Zn2+ binding to S100B(ββ). Fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy ex...
Cultural capital formation in adolescence: High schools and the gender gap in arts activity participation

Abstract Gender differences in arts consumption have early roots among adolescents. Girls have historically dominated participation in extracurricular arts activities. Yet research does not consider whether gender gaps in participation are consistent across schools and whether school-based resources might influence them. In this paper, we combine data on ninth-grade students (typically, 14–15 year-olds) at public high schools in the state of North Carolina with data from schools to examine how school-based resources influence gender gaps in arts participation. We find that the extent and direction of the gender gaps for arts participation vary significantly across schools. In particular, school location—whether rural or urban—and racial composition influence the extent of these gender gaps. Our results suggest that adolescent culture as it pertains to gender and arts participation varies across schools and that this variation likely reinforces or attenuates gender differences in cultural participation among adults that are often linked to early arts socialization.
Rethinking the Honeypot for Cyber-Physical Systems

Honeypots derive much of their value from their ability to fool attackers into believing they're authentic machines. Current cyber-physical system (CPS) honeypots fail to sufficiently capture and simulate behavior that's necessary to project this authenticity. In response, the HoneyPhy framework was developed for CPS honeypots that takes into account behavior originating in the CPS process and devices that make up the CPS itself. HoneyPhy aims to make it possible to construct honeypots for complex CPSs. Here, the authors discuss their implementation of a proof-of-concept for this framework, and show that it's possible to simulate these behaviors in real time.
Infection Control in Long-term Care

Elderly residents of long-term care facilities are especially vulnerable to certain infectious diseases such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and skin or soft tissue infections. As part of quality of care, the detection, control, and prevention of infections in long-term care facilities through an organized infection control program is a requirement of federal, state, and professional regulatory agencies. Implementation of the major components of an infection control program requires a cooperative interdisciplinary effort among the facility administration, medical director, infection control committee, infection control practitioner, staff, and local health department.
The effects of electability on US primary voters

The general consensus of the research on US primary contests is that voters consider candidates’ potential for a general election victory when choosing their party’s nominee. Yet, at the individual...
Left paralumbar laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomy in mares

Objective To develop a novel technique for left paralumbar laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomy in standing, sedated mares. Study design Prospective descriptive clinical study. Animals Twelve client-owned mares. Methods Healthy mares with normal ovarian palpation and ultrasonographic appearance were enrolled. Horses were restrained in standing stocks and administered a variable rate infusion of sedation. A left paralumbar bilateral ovariectomy was performed with 1 laparoscopic and 3 instrument portals. Access to the right ovary was facilitated by retracting the descending colon and associated mesentery with a fan retractor. Ovaries were removed with traumatic forceps, and a blunt tip vessel sealing device. A laparoscopic portal within the 17th intercostal space provided good visualization of the right ovary and reduced interference between instrumentation. Complications were recorded during hospitalization. In addition, an owner follow-up questionnaire was used to determine complications after discharge from the hospital. Results Left paralumbar bilateral ovariectomy was successful in all 12 mares, with a mean surgical time of 76 ± 8 minutes. Postoperative complications occurred in 4/12 (33%) mares and included fever, mild colic, incisional swelling, and azotemia. Complications resolved and mares returned to full activity, with complete owner satisfaction. Conclusions Bilateral ovariectomy can be successfully achieved with minimal morbidity in standing mares with normal ovarian ultrasonographic appearance via left paralumbar laparoscopy.
"Choosing Wisely" Imaging Recommendations: Initial Implementation in New England Emergency Departments.

Introduction In June 2016, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Emergency Quality Network began its Reduce Avoidable Imaging Initiative, designed to “reduce testing and imaging with low risk patients through the implementation of Choosing Wisely recommendations”. However, it is unknown whether New England Emergency Departments (EDs) have already implemented evidence-based interventions to improve adherence to ACEP Choosing Wisely recommendations related to imaging after their initial release in 2013. Our objective was to determine this, as well as whether provider-specific audit-and-feedback for imaging had been implemented in these EDs. Methods This survey study was exempt from Institutional Review Board review. In 2015, we mailed surveys to 195 hospital-affiliated EDs in all six New England states to determine whether they had implemented Choosing Wisely-focused interventions in 2014. Initial mailings included cover letters denoting the endorsement of each state’s ACEP chapter, and were followed-up twice with repeat mailings to non-responders. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and a comparison of state differences using Fisher’s exact test. Results A total of 169/195 (87%) of New England EDs responded, with all individual state response rates >80%. Overall, 101 (60%) of responding EDs had implemented an intervention for at least one Choosing Wisely imaging scenario; 57% reported implementing a specific guideline/policy/clinical pathway, 40% had implemented provider-specific audit-and-feedback, and 28% reported implementing a computerized decision support system. The most common interventions were for chest CT in patients at low-risk of pulmonary embolism (47% of EDs) and head CT in patients with minor trauma (45% of EDs). In addition, 40% of EDs had implemented provider-specific audit-and-feedback, without significant interstate variation (range: 29-55%). Conclusion One year after release of the ACEP Choosing Wisely recommendations, most New England EDs had a guideline/policy/clinical pathway related to at least one of the recommendations. However, only a minority were using provider-specific audit-and-feedback or computerized decision support. Few EDs have embraced the opportunity to implement the multiple evidence-based interventions likely to advance the national goals of improving patient-centered and resource-efficient care.
START POINTS IN SEMI-FLOWS

Publisher Summary Semi-flows or semi-dynamical systems (SDS) are defined only for future time. Natural examples of SDS are provided by functional differential equations for which existence and uniqueness conditions hold. The SDS theory not only generalizes a substantial part of the dynamical systems theory but also gives rise to many new and interesting notions—for example, of a start point. This chapter discusses some properties of start points' sets. For a family of SDS, their product SDS is defined in a natural way. It is possible for none of the factor SDS to have a start point, but the product SDS contains start points. This gives rise to the notion of an improper start point. The chapter explores the conditions for the set of proper/improper start points to be everywhere dense. It also focuses on some of the connectedness properties of the sets of proper/improper start points.
Los servicios digitales de seguimiento de noticias bajo la mirada del derecho de autor

The article describes and analyzes follow-up services of modern news digital services and journalistic articles that are claim under contract by the companies, and which involve the search, recovery, selection, packaging and distribution of these articles, which in themselves constitute human intellectual work and therefore it is protected by copyright law. The paper describes and analyzes the digital services for tracking news that are demanded under contract by the companies. This services involve the search, recovery, selection, packaging and distribution of news, which in themselves constitute intellect work and are protected by copyright. The article reviews the international standards of protection and examine it under by Chilean intellectual property law.
Paternal developmental toxicant exposure is associated with epigenetic modulation of sperm and placental Pgr and Igf2 in a mouse model.

Preterm birth (PTB), parturition prior to 37 weeks' gestation, is the leading cause of neonatal mortality. The causes of spontaneous PTB are poorly understood; however, recent studies suggest that this condition may arise as a consequence of the parental fetal environment. Specifically, we previously demonstrated that developmental exposure of male mice (F1 animals) to the environmental endocrine disruptor 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was associated with reduced sperm quantity/quality in adulthood and control female partners frequently delivered preterm. Reproductive defects persisted in the F2 and F3 descendants, and spontaneous PTB was common. Reproductive changes in the F3 males, the first generation without direct TCDD exposure, suggest the occurrence of epigenetic alterations in the sperm, which have the potential to impact placental development. Herein, we conducted an epigenetic microarray analysis of control and F1 male-derived placentae, which identified 2171 differentially methylated regions, including the progesterone receptor (Pgr) and insulin-like growth factor (Igf2). To assess if Pgr and Igf2 DNA methylation changes were present in sperm and persist in future generations, we assessed methylation and expression of these genes in F1/F3 sperm and F3-derived placentae. Although alterations in methylation and gene expression were observed, in most tissues, only Pgr reached statistical significance. Despite the modest gene expression changes in Igf2, offspring of F1 and F3 males consistently exhibited IUGR. Taken together, our data indicate that paternal developmental TCDD exposure is associated with transgenerational placental dysfunction, suggesting epigenetic modifications within the sperm have occurred. An evaluation of additional genes and alternative epigenetic mechanisms is warranted.Summary SentenceDevelopmental dioxin exposure of the paternal parent was associated with changes in the sperm and placental epigenome in association with impaired placental function; selected genes were also found to be differentially methylated in sperm and placentae of progeny without direct toxicant exposure.
A Statistical Evaluation of Inverse Iteration

The eigenvalues of a symmetric tridiagonal matrix can be computed by bisection using Sturm sequences and their corresponding eigenvectors found by inverse iteration. The independent computing tasks comprising this combination are especially appropriate for implementation on a distributed memory multiprocessor, but the parallel efficiency of bisection and inverse iteration is not enough to recommend their use in general. Bisection produces eigenvalues to high accuracy. Inverse iteration results in eigenvectors with quality dependent on the spacing of the eigenvalues and on the starting vector. This paper examines the factors influencing the accuracy of inverse iteration. The effects of random starting vectors are discussed, and some uses of statistical analysis in the design of an inverse iteration algorithm are presented.
A Framework for Estimating Mold Performance Using Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Injection Mold Tooling Prototypes

Additive Manufacturing (AM), 3D printing, rapid prototyping, or rapid tooling refer to a range of technologies that are capable of translating virtual CAD model data into physical model. It is executed in growing number of applications nowadays. A wide range of materials are currently being used to produce consumer products and production tools. AM has brought in revolutionary changes in traditional manufacturing practices. Yet, there are certain drawbacks that hinder its advancement at mass manufacturing. High cost associated with AM is one of them. Using 3D printed tooling can provide long-time cost effectiveness and better product quality. Additively manufactured injection molds can increase the cooling performance, reduce production cycle time, and improve surface finish and part quality of the final plastic product. Yet, manufacturers are still not using the printed molds for industrial mass production. Numerical analysis can provide approximation of such improved performance, but, factual experimental results are necessary to satisfy performance criteria of molds to justify the large investment into tooling for existing industries. In this research work, a desktop injection molding machine is used to evaluate performance of 3D printed molds to develop a cost and performance analysis tool. It serves as a baseline to predict the performance of molds in real-time mass manufacturing of consumer products. The analysis describes how appropriate the estimation can be from any simulation study of molds, how much the scaling down of tool and molding system can affect the prediction of actual performance, what correction factors can be used for better approximation of performance matrices. Several “scaled down” prototypes of injection molds have been used. They have design variations as: with or without cooling system, conformal or straight cooling channels, solid or lattice matrix, and metal or tough resin as the mold material. The molds are printed in in-house printing machines and can also be printed online with limited charges. This also provides an excellent demonstration of using inexpensive material and manufacturing process, such as resin to estimate the performance of highly expensive 3D printed stainless steel molds. The work encompasses a framework to reduce overall cost of implementing AM, by lowering time and monetary expenses during the research and development, and prototyping phases.
Eunoia: Dynamically Control Thermochromic Displays for Animating Patterns on Fabrics

To expand the possibilities of thermochromic displays, we design Eunoia, which is a series of animations on textiles patterns that control the area and time of the color change activation by using the properties of fabrics, thermochromic pigments and conductive threads. The six different design patterns are related to the length of the conductive threads, voltage regulation, fabric density, the temperature of thermochromic pigment, fade-in and fade-out time, and maintenance time. For example, we could control the changing color area around a conductive thread by regulating the giving voltage or we could control the time that a pattern is activated by using different fabrics. We collaborate with a graphic artist to design the animations using each of these properties and. aim to provide some guidance to graphic designers, fashion designers, and artists to create new ways of dynamic fabrics. In this way, we aim that Eunoia will provide guidance to graphic designers, fashion designers, and artists to create novel ways of dynamic fabrics.