cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Diversity of the 28-Kilodalton Outer Membrane Protein Gene in Human Isolates of Ehrlichia chaffeensis

The Ehrlichia chaffeensis 28-kDa outer membrane protein (p28) gene was sequenced completely by genomic walking with adapter PCR. The DNA sequence of the p28 gene was nearly identical to the previously reported sequence (N. Ohashi, N. Zhi, Y. Zhang, and Y. Rikihisa, Infect. Immun. 66:132-139, 1998), but analysis of a further 75 bp on the 5' end of the gene revealed DNA that encoded a 25-amino-acid signal sequence. The leader sequence was removed from the N terminus of a 30-kDa precursor to generate the mature p28 protein. A monoclonal antibody (MAb), 1A9, recognizing four outer membrane proteins of E. chaffeensis (Arkansas strain) including the 25-, 26-, 27-, and 29-kDa proteins (X.-J. Yu, P. Brouqui, J. S. Dumler, and D. Raoult, J. Clin. Microbiol. 31:3284-3288, 1993) reacted with the recombinant p28 protein. This result indicated that the four proteins recognized by MAb 1A9 were encoded by the multiple genes of the 28-kDa protein family. DNA sequence alignment analysis revealed divergence of p28 among all five human isolates of E. chaffeensis. The E. chaffeensis strains could be divided into three genetic groups on the basis of the p28 gene. The first group consisted of the Sapulpa and St. Vincent strains. They had predicted amino acid sequences identical to each other. The second group contained strain 91HE17 and strain Jax, which only showed 0.4% divergence from each other. The third group contained the Arkansas strain only. The amino acid sequences of p28 differed by 11% between the first two groups, by 13.3% between the first and third groups, and by 13.1% between the second and third groups. The presence of antigenic variants of p28 among the strains of E. chaffeensis and the presence of multiple copies of heterogeneous genes suggest a possible mechanism by which E. chaffeensis might evade the host immune defenses. Whether or not immunization with the p28 of one strain of E. chaffeensis would confer cross-protection against other strains needs to be investigated.
Diet of Mysis diluviana reveals seasonal patterns of omnivory and consumption of invasive species in offshore Lake Michigan

Recent changes in Lake Michigan’s lower trophic levels were hypothesized to have influenced the diet of omnivorous Mysis diluviana. In this study, the stomach contents of Mysis were examined from juvenile and adults collected monthly (April–October) from a 110-m bottom depth site to describe their seasonal diet in Lake Michigan during 2010. Diatoms were the most common prey item ingested, followed by calanoid copepods, and chrysophytes. Dreissenid veligers were documented in mysid diets for the first time in the Great Lakes, and Cercopagis pengoi were not only consumed but even preferred by adults in summer. Diet proportions by weight were dominated by calanoids, although diets showed a marked shift toward cladocerans in autumn. Juvenile and adult Mysis selected primarily for cladoceran prey but also selected for some calanoid copepod taxa. Comparing available Mysis diet data from 1985 to 2010 indicated generally fewer cladocerans and rotifers per gut and less consistent differences in copepods and Peridinium consumed. The seasonal composition of phytoand zooplankton prey documented herein should be useful to those seeking to understand the trophic role of Mysis in offshore food webs, but caution should be expressed when generalizing similarities in Mysis diets across other lakes because Lake Michigan’s population seems relatively more herbivorous.
Comparative Thermostability of West Nile, St. Louis Encephalitis, and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis Viruses during Heat Inactivation for Serologic Diagnostics

During the monitoring of arbovirus seroprevalence in wild birds collected in California, we inadvertently made two isolates of western equine encephalomyelitis virus (WEEV) from California quail sera being tested by plaque reduction neutralization assay for antibodies against St Louis encephalitis (SLEV) and West Nile (WNV) viruses despite heating the sera at 56 degrees C for 30 minutes. These data prompted us to examine the thermostability of these viruses during heat treatment. The flaviviruses, SLEV and WNV, at titers up to 10(6) plaque-forming units (PFU), were readily inactivated by the standard protocol of heating at 56 degrees C for 30 minutes. In contrast, solutions containing 10(5) and 10(6) PFU of WEEV required 2 hours for complete inactivation. Occasional presence of live virus within sera could lead to false negatives using standard plaque reduction neutralization test protocols.
Masculinity, Moral Atmosphere, and Moral Functioning of High School Football Players

In order to identify factors associated with on-field moral functioning among student athletes within the unique context of football, we examined masculine gender role conflict, moral atmosphere, and athletic identity. Using structural equation modeling to assess survey data from 204 high school football players, results demonstrated that moral atmosphere (i.e., the influence of coaches and teammates) was significantly associated with participants' process of on-field moral functioning across the levels of judgment, intention, and behavior. Neither masculine gender role conflict nor athletic identity significantly predicted moral functioning, but the results indicated that participants' identification with the athlete role significantly predicted conflict with socialized gender roles. Results suggest that in the aggressive and violent sport of football, coaches can have a direct influence on players' moral functioning process. Coaches can also have an indirect effect by influencing all the players so that a culture of ethical play can be cultivated among teammates and spread from the top down. Keywords: American football; Violence Language: en
Evaluation of various selective media for the detection of Pseudomonas species in pasteurized milk

Pseudomonas spp. are common gram-negative, post-pasteurization contaminants that contribute to spoilage of pasteurized dairy products. This study evaluated 5 common selective media for detecting Pseudomonas spp. in pasteurized milk. The performance of each selective medium for recovering 12 different Pseudomonas isolates (selected to represent a diversity of pasteurized milk isolates) was compared with that of standard plate count agar pour plates. Pseudomonas isolates showed varying abilities to produce colonies on different selective media. For 2 of 12 isolates, a 48-h incubation time was required for colony formation on any of the media tested. Violet red bile agar and coliform Petrifilm (3M, St. Paul, MN) were less effective than standard plate count agar pour plates at recovering Pseudomonas, regardless of incubation time, and MacConkey agar showed poor detection efficiency compared with SPCP after a 48-h incubation (R(2) = 0.26). Therefore, the use of violet red bile agar, MacConkey agar, or coliform Petrifilm may not be sufficient for detecting common Pseudomonas spp. in milk. The methods showing the highest detection efficiencies were crystal violet tetrazolium agar (CVTA) pour plates (R(2) = 0.95) and CVTA plates inoculated by spiral plating (R(2) = 0.89) incubated at 32 °C for 48 h. Overall, plating milk samples on CVTA followed by a 48-h incubation at 32 °C was the most effective selective method for recovering a diversity of Pseudomonas spp. from milk.
Non-Rigid Object Alignment with a Mismatch Template Based on Exhaustive Local Search

Non-rigid object alignment is especially challenging when only a single appearance template is available and target and template images fail to match. Two sources of discrepancy between target and template are changes in illumination and non-rigid motion. Because most existing methods rely on a holistic representation for the alignment process, they require multiple training images to capture appearance variance. We developed a patch-based method that requires only a single appearance template of the object. Specifically, we fit the patch-based face model to an unseen image using an exhaustive local search and constrain the local warp updates within a global warping space. Our approach is not limited to intensity values or gradients, and therefore offers a natural framework to integrate multiple local features, such as filter responses, to increase robustness to large initialization error, illumination changes and non-rigid deformations. This approach was evaluated experimentally on more than 100 subjects for multiple illumination conditions and facial expressions. In all the experiments, our patch-based method outperforms the holistic gradient descent method in terms of accuracy and robustness of feature alignment and image registration.
Structure of RiVax: a recombinant ricin vaccine

RiVax is a recombinant protein that is currently under clinical development as part of a human vaccine to protect against ricin poisoning. RiVax includes ricin A-chain (RTA) residues 1–267 with two intentional amino-acid substitutions, V76M and Y80A, aimed at reducing toxicity. Here, the crystal structure of RiVax was solved to 2.1 A resolution and it was shown that it is superposable with that of the ricin toxin A-chain from Ricinus communis with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.6 A over 258 Cα atoms. The RiVax structure is also compared with the recently determined structure of another potential ricin-vaccine immunogen, RTA 1–33/44–198 R48C/T77C. Finally, the locations and solvent-exposure of two toxin-neutralizing B-cell epitopes were examined and it was found that these epitopes are within or near regions predicted to be involved in catalysis. The results demonstrate the composition of the RiVax clinical material and will guide ongoing protein-engineering strategies to develop improved immunogens.
Measuring non-pharmacological caregiving.

In the current issue of Annals of Palliative Medicine , Lindquist et al . publish a prospective, descriptive study conducted in 16 palliative care programs in 9 countries.
Annotating Causal Language Using Corpus Lexicography of Constructions

Detecting and analyzing causal language is essential to extracting semantic relationships. To that end, we present an annotation scheme for English causal language (not metaphysical causality), and discuss two methodologies for annotation. The first uses only a coding manual to train annotators in distinguishing causal from non-causal language. To address low inter-coder agreement, we adopted a second methodology, in which we first created a causal language constructicon based on corpus analysis, then required annotators only to annotate instances based on the constructicon. (This resembles the methodology used for annotating the FrameNet and PropBank corpora.) Our contributions, in addition to the annotation scheme itself, are methodological: we discuss when constructicon-based methodology is appropriate, and address the validity of annotation schemes that require expertlevel metalinguistic awareness.
Secular Pay-Offs to Religious Origins: Gender Differences Among American Jews

This paper uses the 2000-2001 National Jewish Population Study to explore potential independent connections between a variety of childhood and adolescent Jewish antecedents and subsequent 'success' in the secular adult world. The research focuses on how childhood denominational affiliation, Jewish education and friendship networks, and a variety of other factors may be independently linked with subsequent educational completion, employment, earnings, and household economic success. The focus is on explaining gender differentials in these over-time connections and in testing hypotheses suggestive of greater adult success for men and women who followed 'moderate' behavioral religious pathways in childhood and adolescence and/or have moderate contemporary religious connections as adults. Findings in several instances support the notion that 'moderate' orientations result in greater secular success, although some interesting and important gender differentials did emerge.
Features and Control Mode Analysis of Supercritical Thermal Power Unit

To guarantee long-term safe,stable and economic operation of supercritical once-through boiler,by comparing supercritical once-through boiler and steam drum boiler,its design,quality and features in operation control were summarized.In combination with multi variable,high inertial,non-linear,distributed parameter,time-variation and stronger inter-system coupling features in dynamic productive process,and some main technical problems like selection of master cylinder lever mode,water supply control,enthalpy,coal water ratio,compensation and coupling,boiler water supply control and coal water ratio control are analyzed and control strategies of supercritical boiler are proposed.
Providers’ Access of Imaging Versus Only Reports: A System Log File Analysis

Abstract Background An increasing number of technologies allow providers to access the results of imaging studies. This study examined differences in access of radiology images compared with text-only reports through a health information exchange system by health care professionals. Methods The study sample included 157,256 historical sessions from a health information exchange system that enabled 1,670 physicians and non-physicians to access text-based reports and imaging over the period 2013 to 2014. The primary outcome was an indicator of access of an imaging study instead of access of a text-only report. Multilevel mixed-effects regression models were used to estimate the association between provider and session characteristics and access of images compared with text-only reports. Results Compared with primary care physicians, specialists had an 18% higher probability of accessing actual images instead of text-only reports (β = 0.18; P P P Conclusions Consideration for differences in the need to access images compared with text-only reports based on the type of provider and setting of care are needed to maximize the benefits of image sharing for patient care.
Homeschool Parents and Satisfaction with Special Education Services.

ABSTRACTHomeschooling is controversial for a variety of reasons. One concern is whether families are sufficiently equipped to serve students with disabilities. We investigate this issue by assessing parental satisfaction with the special education services that their child is receiving in various educational sectors (e.g., homeschool, traditional public, public charter, and private). Using a nationally representative sample of U.S. households from the National Household Education Survey, we find that parents who homeschool are more satisfied than parents of children in traditional public schools and a variety of private schools with the special education services that they are receiving. Despite obvious selection bias in our sample, we view parental satisfaction as one of many important indicators for the quality of special education services. The results from this study suggest that homeschooling is a potentially beneficial option for serving students with disabilities, though additional research examini...
Linking Α to Ω: diverse and dynamic RNA-based mechanisms to regulate gene expression by 5′-to-3′ communication

Communication between the 5′ and 3′ ends of a eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) or viral genomic RNA is a ubiquitous and important strategy used to regulate gene expression. Although the canonical interaction between initiation factor proteins at the 5′ end of an mRNA and proteins bound to the polyadenylate tail at the 3′ end is well known, in fact there are many other strategies used in diverse ways. These strategies can involve “non-canonical” proteins, RNA structures, and direct RNA-RNA base-pairing between distal elements to achieve 5′-to-3′ communication. Likewise, the communication induced by these interactions influences a variety of processes linked to the use and fate of the RNA that contains them. Recent studies are revealing how dynamic these interactions are, possibly changing in response to cellular conditions or to link various phases of the mRNA’s life, from translation to decay. Thus, 5′-to-3′ communication is about more than just making a closed circle; the RNA elements and associated proteins are key players in controlling gene expression at the post-transcriptional level.
Manipulating the Anisotropic Structure of Gold Nanostars using Good’s Buffers

This paper describes a set of design parameters for manipulating the branch length, branch direction, and overall size of gold nanostars (AuNS) synthesized by a seedless process. We controlled the structure of AuNS by varying four different synthetic factors: mechanical agitation, type of Good’s buffer, concentration ratio of precursors, and pH of growth solution. We found that stirring the precursors increased the yield of branched particles. Additionally, the AuNS morphology could be controlled by changing the buffer type and concentration ratio of precursors, which tuned the localized plasmon resonances from the visible to the near-infrared. We determined that performing the synthesis at a pH less than the pKa of the buffer was critical for the stability of the AuNS; when the pH was greater than the pKa, the nanoparticles aggregated in solution. We expanded the library of Good’s buffers able to form AuNS and optimized the mechanical and chemical synthesis conditions, which improved the structural homog...
Moiré Interferometry—Past, Present and Future

Moire interferometry is introduced as an outgrowth of moire fringe multiplication. Coherent laser light enabled the practical implementation of virtual reference gratings and high-frequency specimen gratings. Reliable analysis of shear depended upon the ideas in a little-known paper. These three facets are the essence of current techniques. Present-day applications are exemplified by work in electronic packaging and composite materials. Several significant advances are forecast to further broaden the usefulness and appeal of moire interferometry.
Precipitation and Conifer Response in Semiarid Mountains: A Case From the 2012–15 Drought in the Great Basin, USA

Abstract Mountains fulfill a significant role in capturing precipitation in semiarid regions, especially during times of extended drought. The 2012–15 drought in North America was associated with increased summertime temperatures and reduced wintertime precipitation. Ecohydrological conditions during this drought in the central Great Basin were captured by a newly installed mountain observatory that is placed across a mountain elevation gradient from the valley floor at 1800 m to the ridgetop elevations at 3350 m. During the drought sequence, the seasonality of precipitation differed from year to year. The lower vegetative zones on this gradient experienced extended spring–summer periods of low shallow soil moisture, but the upper elevations did not due to higher amounts of “effective” precipitation at those altitudes. High-elevation conifer species showed xylem activity responses to summertime monsoonal relief of moisture stress, highlighting the adaptability of trees in semiarid mountains during times of significant regional drought.
233. Designing Therapeutic Strategy By Studying Interactions and Effects of Hypoxia, HIF-1α, Surrounding Fibroblasts, and Ectopic p16 Expression on Breast Cancer Mobility and Invasion

Cancer cell migration and invasion play essential roles in the metastatic cascade that transforms the local, noninvasive confined tumor cells to the motile, metastatic cancer cells moving through the extracellular matrix and basement into the circulation. Accumulated evidences suggest that intratumoral hypoxia, a characteristic of fast-growing solid tumors, promotes cancer cell motility and invasive abilities. In this study, we investigated the effects of hypoxia and HIF-1α, surrounding fibroblasts, and p16 expression on the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. We found that in general hypoxia promoted breast cancer cell migration and invasion, and cocultured fibroblasts stimulated invasiveness of breast cancer cells. Interestingly, HIF-1α from cancer cells and surrounding fibroblasts has respectively profound effects on the invasive ability of breast cancer cells. By applying both HIF-1α wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) fibroblasts and breast cancer cells and using an in vitro invasion assay through commercially precoated invasion inserts, we found that fibroblasts, regardless their HIF-1α status, stimulated cell invasion of breast cancer cells that have intact HIF-1α. In contrast, only HIF-1α-expressing fibroblasts, not HIF-1α-nonexpressing ones, stimulated HIF-1α KO breast cancer cell invasion. These results suggest the complicated and respective HIF-1α contribution from breast cancer per se and surrounding fibroblasts to the tumor invasion and malignancy. Moreover, by using a Tet-on inducible system, we found that ectopic p16 gene transfer is capable of inhibiting hypoxia-induced cell migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, and suppressing cocultured fibroblast-stimulated invasiveness of breast cancer cells. These results suggest that p16, in addition to its well-known anti-tumor proliferation function, has novel anti-cancer properties capable of suppressing hypoxia/HIF-1α-mediated cancer cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, our current ongoing study implies an interaction between p16 and HIF-1α that may elucidate a novel p16-mediated tumor suppression pathway via HIF-1α-regulated signaling. These studies together may provide new information of the convergence of several important cell-growth regulation pathways on tumor invasion that would yield potential novel targets for effective cell- or gene-therapy strategy for treatment of breast cancer.
Therapeutic Targeting of MLL Degradation Pathways in MLL-Rearranged Leukemia

Chromosomal translocations of the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene with various partner genes result in aggressive leukemia with dismal outcomes. Despite similar expression at the mRNA level from the wild-type and chimeric MLL alleles, the chimeric protein is more stable. We report that UBE2O functions in regulating the stability of wild-type MLL in response to interleukin-1 signaling. Targeting wild-type MLL degradation impedes MLL leukemia cell proliferation, and it downregulates a specific group of target genes of the MLL chimeras and their oncogenic cofactor, the super elongation complex. Pharmacologically inhibiting this pathway substantially delays progression, and it improves survival of murine leukemia through stabilizing wild-type MLL protein, which displaces the MLL chimera from some of its target genes and, therefore, relieves the cellular oncogenic addiction to MLL chimeras. Stabilization of MLL provides us with a paradigm in the development of therapies for aggressive MLL leukemia and perhaps for other cancers caused by translocations.
Bias in Hiring Applicants With Mental Illness and Criminal Justice Involvement: A Follow-Up Study With Employers:

Negative employer perceptions of job candidates with psychiatric and criminal backgrounds is one factor contributing to high unemployment rates among these groups. The current study replicated and ...
Multilayered nanoparticles for maximized forward light scattering

Computational electromagnetics modeling is presented for the design of multilayered nanoparticles for maximized forward light scattering. The design computation makes use of a recursive solution algorithm for multiscattering of light waves by multilayered core-shell nanoparticle aggregates. The algorithm is based on the analytical solution of Maxwell equations using the multipole-expansion method coupled with the translational addition and the Wigner-Eckart quantum projection theorems. Calculations are carried out to design the core-shell structured nanoparticles for maximized forward scattering. The nanostructured particles so designed are further tested by FDTD simulations for light scattering into a flat Si substrate. Computed data show that the designed multilayered particles with maximized forward scattering allows more incident light to be absorbed in the substrate than other good light scatters.
Explicating the role of empathic processes in substance use disorders: A conceptual framework and research agenda

Issues. Elucidating the role of empathic processes in developmental pathways to substance use disorders could have important implications for prevention. Approach. We searched the biomedical and social sciences literature to determine what is known about empathy and psychopathological manifestations of severe lack of empathy in the initiation, development and maintenance of psychoactive substance use. Thirty-seven empirical studies were identified and formally reviewed. Key Findings. Adults with alcohol and stimulant use disorders exhibited detectable impairments in both cognitive and affective empathy, measured behaviourally, neuroanatomically and by self-report, relative to controls. There were no developmental studies specifically designed to test the role of empathy in substance use pathways, but several studies that included measures of empathy suggest that empathy may be protective. Studies on severe empathic deficits were mixed regarding a unique role of empathy in substance use trajectories, independent of interpersonal style, impulsivity and social deviance. Implications and Conclusions. In the context of findings and methodological limitations of this review, we recommend more rigorous examination of empathy across the spectrum of substance use behaviour. Future work should utilise the following: (i) prospective assessment of empathic capacity in substance abusers during and following treatment; (ii) large, developmentally based prospective designs beginning prior to substance initiation incorporating multiple measures of empathy; (iii) assessment of the moderating role of gender, race and ethnicity; and (iv) prospective study of empathy in children at elevated risk for substance use disorders. [Massey SH, Newmark RL, Wakschlag LS. Explicating the role of empathic processes in substance use disorders: A conceptual framework and research agenda. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000-000]
Soda Consumption Among Adolescents: Implications for Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

An introduction is presented in which the author discusses an article in the journal dealing with the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and dietary habits of adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, and it mentions teenagers' health behaviors and Global School-based Health Surveys.
Social, emotional, and behavioral screening: A comparison of two measures and two methods across informants.

Abstract The current study is a correlational design comparing a multiple-gate social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) screening system with a single-gate SEB screening system using a common criterion variable. Teachers and parents of 105 preschool students completed the multiple-gate Preschool Behavior Screening System (PBSS; Feeney-Kettler, Kratochwill, & Kettler, 2009) and the single-gate Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS; Kamphaus & Reynolds, 2007). The measures were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, Pearson correlations with each other, and conditional probability indices to represent accuracy in predicting scores from the Achenbach System for Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA; Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000). Results indicated the PBSS was internally consistent (α = 0.87 to 0.97), teacher-parent agreement for both measures was in the expected range ( r = 0.05 to 0.40), and relations among scores from the measures were at the expected magnitudes and in the expected directions. Although both measures accurately predicted ASEBA results, the BESS was a better predictor for both groups of raters (i.e., teachers and parents) in most situations. The PBSS provided the advantage of also being a good predictor while providing internally consistent subscale scores that may be useful for intervention planning. The results are discussed including their implications for school psychologists seeking to select technically sound instruments that yield reliable scores from which valid inferences about SEB factors can be drawn.
Linking constructive and virtual simulation in distributed interactive simulation (DIS)

Existing Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) systems (which are a class of virtual simulations) are limited by computational power and network bandwidth in the number of vehicle platforms that can take part in a single battlefield simulation. One way to improve this limit is to integrate an aggregate constructive wargame into the DIS simulation; the constructive wargame supplies the context for a large-scale battle without adding significant computational load to the network. A critical idea in such an integration is that the events in the constructive simulation influence the events in the virtual battlefield and vice versa; this maintains the unity of the entire battlefield simulation. This paper is a tutorial on the problem of integrating constructive and virtual simulations. It describes constructive and virtual simulations, discusses motivations for integrating such simulations, and addresses general problems that must be solved by any constructive and virtual integration.
Investigation of Flexible High-Speed Video Nasolaryngoscopy.

Summary Objective High-speed videolaryngoscopy is widely used in voice practices as a complement to videostroboscopy, especially when it is desired to visualize asymmetric and nonperiodic vocal fold vibration or voice onset and offset. Because of the requirement for greater illumination at higher frame rates, the high-speed exam is usually performed with a rigid transoral laryngoscope. Although it is possible to obtain color high-speed video images with a flexible fiberoptic nasoendoscope, the results are often disappointing because of the inability to provide adequate lighting inside the larynx. This paper will present the results of a systematic exploration of tools and techniques to optimize the image brightness of flexible color high-speed videolaryngoscopy exams using the KayPENTAX Model 9710 Color High-Speed Video (CHSV) System. Methods The KayPENTAX CHSV System was used with three PENTAX flexible fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopes and a new supplemental light fiber bundle to perform high-speed examinations of healthy vocal folds. Variables of the investigation included camera frame rate, camera sensitivity (color head versus black-and-white head), optics (camera lens focal length), light coupling, nasoendoscope outer diameter, and endoscopy technique (visually perceived distance of the distal tip of scope from the glottal plane). Results and Conclusions The manipulation of camera gain, the proper selection of lens coupler focal length, and the adjustment of scope distal tip distance from the glottal plane were found to be most effective for optimizing image brightness, whereas the supplemental light fiber bundle provided minimal benefits. Other factors considered include patient comfort, practicality, and ease of use by the clinician.
Rapid Assessment of the Ce-Co-Fe-Cu System for Permanent Magnetic Applications

This work focuses on the rapid synthesis and characterization of quaternary Ce(CoFeCu)5 alloy libraries to assess their potential viability as permanent magnets. Arrays of bulk specimens with controlled compositions were synthesized via laser engineered net shaping (LENS) by feeding different ratios of alloy powders into a melt pool created by a laser. Based on the assessment of the magnetic properties of the LENS printed samples, arc-melted and cast ingots were prepared with varying Fe (5–20 at.%) and Co (60–45 at.%) compositions while maintaining constant Ce (16 at.%) and Cu (19 at.%) content. The evolution of the microstructure and phases with varying chemical compositions and their dependence on magnetic properties are analyzed in as-cast and heat-treated samples. In both the LENS printed and cast samples, we find the best magnetic properties correspond to a predominantly single-phase Ce(CoFeCu)5 microstructure in which high coercivity (Hc > 10 kOe) can be achieved without any microstructural refinement.
Improve CRUD performance on hierarchical data: Nested interval model vs. nested set model

Hierarchical data models are commonly used in databases to represent data across a multitude of disciplines. In this paper, I will examine two models that can be used to represent hierarchical data in a relational database, the nested interval model, and the nested set model. These models were analyzed on a WAMP server using various queries and CRUD operations. The purpose of this paper is to examine the advantages of using a nested interval model as compared to a nested set model in a database which needs to search quickly, create, update, and destroy large amounts of hierarchical data.
A Simple Histogram Method for Nonparametric Classification

Summary Suppose that there are l populations which are mixed in proportions p1, p2,…, pl respectively. The classification problem arises when an investigator wishes to classify an individual into one of these populations on the basis of the m-dimensional measurement on the individual. When the densities of the distributions and the mixing proportions are not specified completely, the non-error rate of any rule cannot be evaluated; nor can the optimal rule be formulated. This paper gives a Bayes risk consistent nonparametric procedure and a consistent estimate for the non-error rate when a training sample of size n is available and n becomes large. The procedure is based upon the idea of a histogram density estimator given by one of the authors [6, 11] but bypasses the direct density estimation calculations. The simplicity of the procedure is highly desirable in practical application. A Monte Carlo simulation is given here to compare the proposed procedures with the optimal rule in a variety of examples.
Optical Imaging of Primary Tumors

The rapidly emerging field of optical imaging of tumors is an exciting area of translational research. A search in PubMed for “clinical optical imaging in cancer” reveals that the first article published was in 1964 and almost half of all the articles have been published in the last 5 years. Fluorescent probes and mechanisms to target them to cancer cells were developed for in vitro experiments and rodent models of cancer. However, with improvements in hardware, targeting agents, and fluorescent agents, optical imaging is rapidly gaining new and expanded applications in preclinical and clinical research. At the forefront of this field is the discovery of monoclonal antibodies as targeting agents and fluorescent markers that can reliably be conjugated to proteins, while minimizing interference from background fluorescence. Further sophistication and flexibility of imaging systems have and will allow these techniques to move further into the clinical realm. In this chapter, we will review the basic aspects of cancer optical imaging, including therapeutic, diagnostic, and surgical applications.
The crystalline structure of calcium carbonate in the avian egg shell

The structure of the crystalline portion of the avian egg shell is described, as revealed by the electron microscopy of surface replicas. This structure differs from the microcrystalline configuration generally found in substances of biological origin. The shell consists, namely, of very large dendrites or spherulitic crystals of calcite, closely packed together. Their transverse fracture surface exhibits an interesting, crystallographically controlled cleavage pattern, very similar to that found in certain metal alloys. This cleavage pattern points to a distinct orientation of the crystals with one of their crystallographic directions parallel to the surfae of the shell. At the inside of the main portion of the shell, small, randomly oriented microcrystals of calcite occur, forming the protruding knobs of the so-called mammilla layer.
Radioisotopes--introduction. Detection and chromatographic resolution of labeled lipid intermediates formed in enzyme systems.

Abstract At present, zonal profile analysis carried out with automatic scraping equipment and liquid scintillation radioassay provides the ultimate resolution and sensitivity for detecting and quantitating labeled metabolic intermediates. The application of this approach to the analysis of metabolites involved in the biosynthesis of O-alkyl glycerolipids is illustrated in this paper.
The golden year: How functional recovery sets the stage for tendon transfer surgery among patients with tetraplegia-a qualitative analysis.

Abstract Background Tendon transfer surgery can effectively improve hand function for patients with tetraplegia but remains poorly utilized. Little is known regarding how patients’ rehabilitation experiences influence their perception of function, identity, and coping to shape their reconstructive context. Methods We performed a cross-sectional qualitative analysis of 19 participants with C4–C7 cervical spinal injuries: 9 patients had undergone reconstruction; 10 had not. Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide focusing on rehabilitation experience, the relationship between function and identity, and how patient experience evolved. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory. Results The study sample was predominantly male (79%), white (89%), and American Spinal Injury Association grades A–D (grade A: 42%; grade B: 32%; grade C: 16%; grade D: 10%). Recognizing rehabilitation's necessity, functional gains, and constructive patient–therapist relationships promoted engagement in therapy. Poor insurance coverage and financial constraints decreased rehabilitation access. Function affected identity through the degree to which it tied participants to a “patient” role. Early in recovery, patients’ function, roles, and attitudes were fluid but solidified over time; how satisfied patients were with these final positions influenced how they coped. Conclusion The balance of patients’ positive and negative coping has been found to influence patients’ progression to surgery. This study describes how function and identity contribute to coping. Participants’ function and identity evolved during a finite period we call “the golden year,” before reaching a fixed point around which they built their lives. The norms patients establish during this time may affect receptiveness to surgery.
Synthetic Fathers and Real Consequences: Social Mobility Research in Transition

Social mobility is a growing concern among academics and practitioners. As countries become more unequal internally, is inequality of opportunity also widening? The rigid stratification of society ...
Synthetic Cannabinoid Activity Against Colorectal Cancer Cells

Abstract Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and new therapeutic strategies are still required. Here we screened a synthetic cannabinoid lib...
Cumulus Friction in the Asian Monsoon of a Global Model with 7 km Mesh

Vertical transport of horizontal momentum by convective eddies (CMT) in the 7–400 km size range is examined comprehensively in data from the GEOS-5 Nature Run (G5NR), a 2-year global simulation with a 7 km horizontal mesh. This diagnosis is possible because NASA offers a coarse-grained dataset of the quadratic flux terms wu and wv in addition to the model velocity variables u, v, w. We assess the time tendency of large-scale vertically integrated shear kinetic energy (SKE) due to CMT. Negative values of a few tenths of \(1W m^{-2}\) prevail on average over warm tropical oceans, indicating that explicit convection on these scales exerts a viscous or frictional or downgradient transport effect on wind shear. However, positive as well as negative values do occur locally, based on spatial correlations u\(^\prime \)w\(^\prime \) and v\(^\prime \)w\(^\prime \) in the arrangement (“organization”) of convective motions. In the Asian monsoon, where convection and shear are both strong, the viscosity can be characterized by a regression coefficient with values of about 5% cm\(^{-1}\), meaning that convection which yields 1 cm of precipitation decrements SKE by about 5%. Adjustment of balanced monsoon flow to such a viscous effect implies adiabatic ascent to the north of existing convection, a mechanism that may be relevant to northward-propagating large-scale variability.
Lymphovascular Invasion in Endometrial Cancer: Prognostic Value and Implications on Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Use.

OBJECTIVES Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) is a known prognostic factor for endometrial carcinomas. However, LVSI as a determinant of treatment benefit has not been fully elucidated. METHODS AND MATERIALS Data from the National Cancer Database for endometrial cancer from 2004 to 2012 was obtained. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to assess the impact of LVSI on overall survival (OS). Survival analysis was performed utilizing log-rank and Kaplan-Meier analyses. The difference in OS between external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) in LVSI-positive patients was analyzed with propensity score matching. RESULTS A total of 32,150 patients with surgical stage I to III endometrial carcinomas were available for analysis with a median follow-up of 30 months. Twenty-nine percent were LVSI positive and received adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) more often than if LVSI negative (57% vs. 37%). On multivariate analysis, LVSI (hazard ratio, 1.94; P<0.01) was associated with an increased risk of death. aRT improved OS for LVSI-negative patients (87% without aRT, 90% with aRT; P=0.006). aRT was particularly effective in LVSI-positive patients: all stages of LVSI-positive patients were associated with an OS benefit (P<0.01), whereas among LVSI-negative patients, only stage III benefited from aRT (P<0.01). After propensity score match, there was no OS difference between EBRT and VBT among LVSI-positive patients (hazard ratio, 1.15; P=0.44). CONCLUSIONS LVSI is an independent prognostic factor in locoregional endometrial carcinomas. aRT benefited all stages of LVSI-positive patients, but only stage III of LVSI-negative patients. Among LVSI-positive patients, we did not find an OS difference between adjuvant EBRT versus VBT.
Transition Metal-Catalyzed [4 + 2 + 2] Cycloadditions of Bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-dienes (Norbornadienes) and Bicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5-dienes1

The transition-metal-catalyzed [4 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of norbornadienes, bicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5-diene, and benzobarrelene with 1,3-butadienes proceed in excellent yields using cobalt-based catalytic systems. Two key distinctions between these [4 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions and the corresponding transition-metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 +2] reactions of norbornadiene are the requirement of a bimetal catalytic system with a bisphosphine ligand for the former and exclusive regioselectivity in the [4 + 2 + 2] reaction of 2-substituted norbornadienes to produce 1-substituted adducts. These distinctions may indicate two distinct mechanisms for the [4 + 2 + 2] and [2 + 2 + 2] reactions.
Alert Correlation for Cyber-Manufacturing Intrusion Detection

Abstract With the deployment of intrusion detection systems (IDS) in Cyber-Manufacturing System (CMS), both cyber alerts and physical alerts need to be managed effectively. In this research, an alert correlation method based on temporal and attribute-based similarity analyses is presented. Intrusion detection message exchange format (IDMEF) is introduced, along with a new physical intrusion detection alert (PIDA) format for reporting and correlating physical alerts with cyber alters. A five-step alert correlation process has been developed for cyber-physical alert correlations in CMS. To test the alert correlation method, an experiment has been carried out on a CMS security testbed. SQL injection and Nmap scanning tool are used for cyber-attacks and interferences; CNC milling and heat treatment processes are adopted as physical attack targets. The results show that the alert correlation method can reduce the false alerts significantly.
Wind increases blinking behavior in great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus)

Animals often adjust their behavior and physiology in response to extreme weather. One reason they do so is because weather can cause sensory impairments but our understanding of this topic is limited. We therefore tested whether wind, a common component of extreme weather, impairs sensory abilities in captive great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus). In particular, we examined whether wind influences their blinking behavior, a fundamental aspect of visual processing that limits information intake. We exposed the grackles to simulated wind while recording their blinking behavior. We found that the grackles exhibited higher blink rates and longer blink durations when experiencing windy versus calm conditions. These results indicate that wind influences visual processing in birds and can potentially impair information gathering.
Self-regulation of single-stranded DNA wrapping dynamics by E. coli SSB promotes both stable binding and rapid dissociation

E. coli SSB (EcSSB) is a model protein for studying functions of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding proteins (SSBs), which are critical in genome maintenance. EcSSB forms homotetramers that wrap ssDNA in multiple conformations in order to protect these transiently formed regions during processes such as replication and repair. Using optical tweezers, we measure the binding and wrapping of a single long ssDNA substrate under various conditions and free protein concentrations. We show that EcSSB binds in a biphasic manner, where initial wrapping events are followed by unwrapping events as protein density on the substrate passes a critical saturation. Increasing free EcSSB concentrations increase the fraction of EcSSBs in less-wrapped conformations, including a previously uncharacterized EcSSB8 bound state in which ~8 nucleotides of ssDNA are bound by a single domain of the tetramer with minimal substrate deformation. When the ssDNA is over-saturated with EcSSB, stimulated dissociation rapidly removes excess EcSSB, leaving an array of stably-wrapped EcSSB-ssDNA complexes. We develop a multi step kinetic model in which EcSSB tetramers transition through multiple wrapped conformations which are regulated through nearest neighbor interactions and ssDNA occupancy. These results provide a mechanism through which otherwise stably bound and wrapped EcSSB tetramers can be rapidly removed from an ssDNA substrate to allow for DNA maintenance and replication functions while still fully protecting ssDNA over a wide range of protein concentrations.
The visual array task: A novel gaze‐based measure of object label and category knowledge

Visual attention measures of receptive vocabulary place minimal task demand on participants and produce a more accurate measure of language comprehension than parent report measures. However, current gaze-based measures employ visual comparisons limited to two simultaneous items. With this limitation, the degree of similarity of the target to the distractor can have a significant impact on the interpretation of task performance. The current study evaluates a novel gaze-based paradigm that includes an eight-item array. This visual array task (VAT) combines the theoretical frameworks of the Intermodal Preferential Looking Paradigm (IPLP) and looking-while-listening (LWL) methods of language comprehension measurement but using a larger array of simultaneously presented items. The use of a larger array of items and the inclusion of a superordinate category contrast may provide a more sensitive measure of receptive vocabulary as well as an understanding of the extent to which early word comprehension reflects knowledge of broader categories. Results indicated that the tested VAT was a sensitive measure of both object label and category knowledge. This paradigm provides researchers with a flexible and efficient task to measure language comprehension and category knowledge while reducing behavioral demands placed on participants.
Using susceptibility claims to motivate behaviour change in IT security

Organisations face growing IT security risks with substantial consequences for missteps in business continuity, data loss, reputational harm, and future competitive advantage. To improve precaution...