cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Modeling Studies of an Unusual Water-Filled Pore Structure with Possible Mechanistic Implications in Family 48 Cellulases

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the possible catalytic role of an unusual conserved water-filled pore structure in the family 48 cellulase enzyme Cel48A from Thermobifida fusca. It was hypothesized that this pore serves as the pathway for the water molecules consumed in the hydrolysis catalyzed by the enzyme to reach the active site in a continuous stream to participate in the processive reactions. Theoretical mutants of this enzyme were created in which all of the residues lining the pore were made hydrophobic, which had the effect in molecular dynamics simulations of emptying the pore of water molecules and preventing any from passing through the pore on the simulation time scale. Mutants with smaller numbers of substitutions of this nature, which could be created experimentally by site-directed mutagenesis, were also identified from simulations, and these proteins were subsequently produced in Escherichia coli, expressed and purified, but were found to not fold in a manner similar to the wild type protein, preventing the determination of the importance of the water pore for activity. It is possible that the presence of a small vacuum in the pore was responsible for the instability of the mutants. In addition, alternate pathways were observed in the simulations that would allow water molecules to reach the active site of the enzyme, suggesting that the hypothesis that the pore has functional significance might be incorrect.
Implementation and performance of a particle‐in‐cell code written in Java

Plasma simulation is an important example of a high-performance computing application where computer science issues are of great relevance. In a plasma, each particle, electron or ion, interacts with the external fields and with other particles in ways that can be readily and effectively emulated using object-oriented programming. However, the great cost of plasma simulations has traditionally discouraged object-oriented implementations due to their perceived inferior performance compared with classic procedural FORTRAN or C. In the present paper, we revisit this issue. We have developed a Java particle-in-cell code for plasma simulation, called Parsek. The paper considers different choices for the object orientation and tests their performance. We find that coarse-grained object orientation is faster and practically immune from any degradation compared with a standard procedural implementation (with static classes). The loss in performance for a fine-grained object orientation is a factor of about 50%, which can be almost completely eliminated using advanced Java compilation techniques. The Java code Parsek also provides an interesting realistic application of high-performance computing to compare the performance of Java with FORTRAN. We have conducted a series of tests considering various Java implementations and various FORTRAN implementations. We have also considered different computer architectures and different Java Virtual Machines and FORTRAN compilers. The conclusion is that with Parsek, object-oriented Java can reach CPU speed performances more or less comparable with procedural FORTRAN. This conclusion is remarkable and it is in agreement with the most recent benchmarks, but is at variance with widely held misconceptions about the alleged slowness of Java. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of Screening Tools for Mental Health Problems in Chronically Ill Children

We examined the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of three different screens for child and adolescent emotional and behavioral disorders among a large group of chronically medically ill children and adolescents. The performance of the Child Depression Inventory (CDI), Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in detecting emotional or behavioral disorders was compared with the diagnoses obtained by an intensive structured psychiatric interview (Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children, Version 2.1) of 112 children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions, and their parents, recruited from a tertiary-care medical center. The CDI, PSC, and CBCL all demonstrated low sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, but high specificity. We conclude that these three commonly used screening tests performed poorly as screens because of their low sensitivity among children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions. The CDI, PSC, and CBCL should not be relied on as screening instruments for psychopathologic conditions in children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions. Although the screening measures studied may confirm a clinician's concern, the negative findings of this study suggest their use may be misleading and undermine the pediatrician's clinical judgment. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1994;148:272-278)
A method to effect physiological recruitment order in electrically activated muscle

A stimulation is used to achieve physiological recruitment order of small-to-large motor units in electrically activated muscles. The use of quasitrapezoidal pulses and a tripolar cuff electrode make selective activation of small motor axons possible, thus recruiting slow-twitch, fatigue-resistant muscle units before fast-twitch, fatigable units in a heterogeneous muscle. Isometric contraction force from the medial gastrocnemius muscle was measured in five cats. The physiological recruitment order was evidenced by larger twitch widths at lower force levels and small twitch widths at higher force levels. The force modulation process was more gradual and fused contractions were obtained at lower stimulation frequencies when the proposed stimulation method was used. Muscles activated by the method were more fatigue-resistant under repetitive activation at low force levels. This stimulation method is simpler to implement and has fewer adverse effects on the neuromuscular system than previous blocking methods. It may therefore have applications in future functional neuromuscular stimulation systems. >
Modeling Roles of Service Recovery Strategy: A Relationship-Focused View:

This study proposed and tested a theoretical model consisting of antecedents and consequences of recovery satisfaction using a scenario experimentation (2 × 2 × 2 factorial design). Each participan...
Scan-based transition test

Skewed-load transition test is a form of scan-based transition test where the second vector of the delay test pair is a one bit shift over the first vector in the pair. This situation occurs when testing the combinational logic residing between scan chains. In the skewed-load test protocol, in order not to disturb the logic initialized by the first vector of the delay test pair, the second vector of the pair (the one that launches the transition) is required to be the next (i.e., one-bit-shift) pattern in the scan chain. Although a skewed-load transition test is attractive from a timing point of view, there are various problems that may arise if this strategy is used. Here, several issues of skewed-load transition test are investigated. Issues such as transition test calculus, detection probability of transition faults, transition fault coverage, and enhancement of transition test quality are thoroughly studied. >
The Situated Inference Model An Integrative Account of the Effects of Primes on Perception, Behavior, and Motivation

The downstream consequences of a priming induction range from changes in the perception of objects in the environment to the initiation of prime-related behavior and goal striving. Although each of these outcomes has been accounted for by separate mechanisms, we argue that a single process could produce all three priming effects. In this article, we introduce the situated inference model of priming, discuss its potential to account for these divergent outcomes with one mechanism, and demonstrate its ability to organize the priming literatures surrounding these effects. According to the model, primes often do not cause direct effects, instead altering only the accessibility of prime-related mental content. This information produces downstream effects on judgment, behavior, or motivation when it is mistakenly viewed as originating from one’s own internal thought processes. When this misattribution occurs, the prime-related mental content becomes a possible source of information for solving whatever problems are afforded by the current situation. Because different situations afford very different questions and concerns, the inferred meaning of this prime-related content can vary greatly. The use of this information to answer qualitatively different questions can lead a single prime to produce varied effects on judgment, behavior, and motivation.
How Can We Best Prevent Pertussis in Infants

pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to mothers and other close household contacts before postpartum hospital discharge. Earlier reports demonstrated that nearly 75% of pertussis cases in young infants resulted from exposure to an asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic household member, with the mother identified as the source of the infection in 33% of the cases [ 4 , 5 ]. Thus, it was postulated that cocooning could protect the infant from household contagion in up to 75% of cases. Computer simulations were used to
Are former late-preterm children at risk for child vulnerability and overprotection?

Abstract Background Parent perception of child vulnerability (PPCV) and parent overprotection (POP) are believed to have serious implications for age appropriate cognitive and psychosocial development in very low birth weight preterm children. Aim With recent concerns about suboptimal developmental outcomes in late-preterm children, this study was aimed at examining the relationship between history of late-preterm birth (34-36 6/7weeks gestation), and PPCV, POP, and healthcare utilization (HCU). Study design This was a cross-sectional observational design. Participants Study participants were mothers of 54 healthy singleton children recruited from community centers including Women and Children Clinics (WIC), primary care clinics and daycare centers in the upper Midwest region. Outcome measures Outcome measures included Forsyth Child Vulnerability Scale (CVS), Thomasgard Parent Protection Scale (PPS) scores, and healthcare utilization (HCU). Potential covariates included history of life-threatening illness, child and maternal demographics, and maternal stress and depression using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Results HCU (p=0.02) and the PPS subscales of supervision (p=0.003) and separation (p=0.03) were significant predictors of PPCV in mothers of 3–8years old children with late-preterm history. Age of the child (p=0.008) and CVS scores (p=0.005) were significant predictors of POP. Maternal age (p=0.04), stress (p=0.04), and CVS scores (p=0.003) were significant predictors of HCU. Dependence, a subscale of the PPS, correlated with the child's age and gender even after controlling for age. Conclusion History of late-preterm did not predict MPCV, MOP, or HCU in healthy children. Future research is needed in larger more diverse samples to better understand causal relationships and develop strategies to lessen risks of MPCV and MOP.
Electronic cigarettes in the USA: a summary of available toxicology data and suggestions for the future

Objective To review the available evidence evaluating the toxicological profiles of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in order to understand the potential impact of e-cigarettes on individual users and the public health. Methods Systematic literature searches were conducted between October 2012 and October 2013 using five electronic databases. Search terms such as ‘e-cigarettes’ and ‘electronic delivery devices’ were used to identify the toxicology information for e-cigarettes. Results As of October 2013, the scientific literature contains very limited information regarding the toxicity of e-cigarettes commercially available in the USA. While some preliminary toxicology data suggests that e-cigarette users are exposed to lower levels of toxicants relative to cigarette smokers, the data available is extremely limited at this time. At present, there is insufficient toxicological data available to perform thorough risk assessment analyses for e-cigarettes; few toxicology studies evaluating e-cigarettes have been conducted to date, and standard toxicological testing paradigms have not been developed for comparing disparate types of tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. Conclusions Overall, the limited toxicology data on e-cigarettes in the public domain is insufficient to allow a thorough toxicological evaluation of this new type of tobacco product. In the future, the acquisition of scientific datasets that are derived from scientifically robust standard testing paradigms, include comprehensive chemical characterisation of the aerosol, provide information on users’ toxicant exposure levels, and from studies replicated by independent researchers will improve the scientific community9s ability to perform robust toxicological evaluations of e-cigarettes.
Radiocarbon dating of planktonic foraminifer shells: A cautionary tale

[1] Sedimentation rate, bioturbation, winnowing, and calcite dissolution produce significant radiocarbon age offsets among multiple species of coexisting planktonic foraminifers and pteropod fragments. We compare the radiocarbon age of foraminifer species and pteropod fragments with estimates of percent calcite dissolved made with a sedimentary proxy (Globorotalia menardii fragmentation index—MFI) to delineate the effect of dissolution on radiocarbon age of foraminifers. Data from two core top transects on the Rio Grande Rise (RIO) and Ontong Java Plateau (OJP) and from down core sediments of varying sedimentation rates in the tropical Pacific (ME-27, MD98 2177, and MW91-9 56GGC) reveal that sediments with the greatest accumulation rates produce the least age offsets among coexisting species. Age offsets among coexisting foraminifers are about 3500 years on RIO, and 1000 years on OJP. Two core tops from RIO yield an age of the Last Glacial Maximum possibly due to mass displacement of younger sediments downslope. Foraminifer age increases with increasing dissolution and there is a consistent pattern of older foraminifer fragments coexisting with younger whole shells of the same species. The only exception is sediments which have experienced high dissolution where fragments are younger than whole shells. The age offset between fragments of G. menardii and its coexisting whole shells does not exceed the age offset among other coexisting foraminifer species in the same core tops.
Assertion-based repair of complex data structures

Programmers have long used assertions to characterize properties of code. An assertion violation signals a corruption in the programstate. At such a state, it is standard to terminate the program, debug it if possible, and re-execute it. We propose a new view: instead of terminating the program, use the violated assertion as a basis of repairing the state of the program and let it continue. We present a novel algorithm to repair complex data structures. Given a structure that violates an assertion that represents its integrity constraints, our algorithm performs a systematic search based on symbolic execution to repair the structure, i.e., mutate it such that the resulting structure satisfies the given constraints. Heuristics to prune search and minimize mutations enable efficient and effective repair. Experiments using libraries and applications, such as a naming architecture and a database engine, show that our prototype efficiently repairs complex structures while enabling systems to recover from potentially crippling errors.
An efficient mask optimization method based on homotopy continuation technique

In sub-wavelength lithography, traditional resolution enhancement techniques (e.g., OPC) cannot guarantee the optimality of the mask. In this paper, we present a novel inverse lithography method to solve the mask optimization problem. Recognizing that when formulated on a pixel-by-pixel basis with partially coherent optical models, the problem is a large-scale nonlinear optimization problem, we cast the optimization flow into a homotopy framework and apply an efficient numerical continuation technique. Compared to earlier pixel-based inverse lithography methods, our homotopy approach is not only more efficient, but also capable of naturally addressing the mask manufactureability problem. Experiment results in a state-of-the-art lithography environment show that our method generates high fidelity wafer images, and is 100× faster than previously reported inverse lithography method.
A new class of electrocatalysts of supporting Pt on an Engel-Brewer alloy substrate: a demonstration for oxidation of ethylene glycol.

A novel electrocatalytic surface consisting of a Pt monolayer (ML) on an Hf–Ir alloy substrate demonstrated significantly higher activity (six times) and higher selectivity to CO2 formation than bulk Pt in oxidizing ethylene glycol. This enhanced performance could be associated with the high reducibility of Hf oxide and altered electronic property of the Pt ML.
Inclusive fitness and the sociobiology of the genome

Inclusive fitness theory provides conditions for the evolutionary success of a gene. These conditions ensure that the gene is selfish in the sense of Dawkins (The selfish gene, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1976): genes do not and cannot sacrifice their own fitness on behalf of the reproductive population. Therefore, while natural selection explains the appearance of design in the living world (Dawkins in The blind watchmaker: why the evidence of evolution reveals a universe without design, W. W. Norton, New York, 1996), inclusive fitness theory does not explain how. Indeed, Hamilton’s rule is equally compatible with the evolutionary success of prosocial altruistic genes and antisocial predatory genes, whereas only the former, which account for the appearance of design, predominate in successful organisms. Inclusive fitness theory, however, permits a formulation of the central problem of sociobiology in a particularly poignant form: how do interactions among loci induce utterly selfish genes to collaborate, or to predispose their carriers to collaborate, in promoting the fitness of their carriers? Inclusive fitness theory, because it abstracts from synergistic interactions among loci, does not answer this question. Fitness-enhancing collaboration among loci in the genome of a reproductive population requires suppressing alleles that decrease, and promoting alleles that increase the fitness of its carriers. Suppression and promotion are effected by regulatory networks of genes, each of which is itself utterly selfish. This implies that genes, and a fortiori individuals in a social species, do not maximize inclusive fitness but rather interact strategically in complex ways. It is the task of sociobiology to model these complex interactions.
Association between patterns of nucleotide variation across the three fibrinogen genes and plasma fibrinogen levels: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.

Summary. Background: Previous genotype–phenotype association studies of fibrinogen have been limited by incomplete knowledge of genomic sequence variation within and between major ethnic groups in FGB, FGA, and FGG. Methods: We characterized the linkage disequilibrium patterns and haplotype structure across the human fibrinogen gene locus in European- and African-American populations. We analyzed the association between common polymorphisms in the fibrinogen genes and circulating levels of both ‘functional’ fibrinogen (measured by the Clauss clotting rate method) and total fibrinogen (measured by immunonephelometry) in a large, multi-center, bi-racial cohort of young US adults. Results: A common haplotype tagged by the A minor allele of the well-studied FGB−455 G/A promoter polymorphism (FGB 1437) was confirmed to be strongly associated with increased plasma fibrinogen levels. Two non-coding variants specific to African-American chromosomes, FGA 3845 A and FGG 5729 G, were each associated with lower plasma fibrinogen levels. In European-Americans, a common haplotype tagged by FGA Thr312Ala and several other variant alleles across the fibrinogen gene locus was strongly associated with decreased fibrinogen levels as measured by functional assay, but not by immunoassay. Overall, common polymorphisms within the three fibrinogen genes explain < 2% of the variability in plasma fibrinogen concentration. Conclusions: In young adults, fibrinogen multi-locus genotypes are associated with plasma fibrinogen levels. The specific single nucleotide polymorphism and haplotype patterns for these associations differ according to population and also according to phenotypic assay. It is likely that a substantial proportion of the heritable component of plasma fibrinogen concentration is due to genetic variation outside the three fibrinogen genes.
Acholeplasma laidlawii infection by group 3 mycoplasmavirus

Abstract The infection of Acholeplasma laidlawii BCL-13 by a member of the group 3 mycoplasmavirus has been studied. An average of six progeny from every infected cell is found at 70 min after infection. Premature lysis experiments show that mature virus particles accumulate within infected cells prior to their release. Unlike the other known groups of mycoplasmaviruses, this virus causes the death and possible lysis of infected Acholeplasma cells.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma proliferative phenotype is modulated by proanthocyanidins: a potential prevention and treatment alternative for oral cancer

Despite the recently reported drop in the overall death rate from cancer, the estimated survival rate and number of deaths from oral cancer remain virtually unchanged. Early detection efforts, in combination with strategies for prevention and risk-reduction, have the potential to dramatically improve clinical outcomes. The identification of non-toxic, effective treatments, including complementary and alternative therapies, is critical if the survival rate is to be improved. Epidemiologic studies have suggested a protective effect from certain plant-derived foods and extracts; however, it has been difficult to isolate and identify the compounds most responsible for these observations. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the response of human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to proanthocyanidin (PAC), a plant-derived compound that may inhibit the progression of several other cancers. Using a series of in vitro assays, we sought to quantify the effects of PAC on OSCC, cervical carcinoma, and non-cancerous cell lines, specifically the effects of PAC on cell proliferation. Recent data suggest that infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) may also modulate the proliferative potential of OSCC; therefore, we also measured the effects of PAC administration on HPV-transfected OSCC proliferation. Our results demonstrated that PAC administration was sufficient to significantly suppress cellular proliferation of OSCC in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the increased proliferation of OSCC after transfection with HPV 16 was reduced by the administration of PAC, as was the proliferation of the cervical cancer and non-cancerous cell lines tested. Our results also provide preliminary evidence that PAC administration may induce apoptosis in cervical and oral cancer cell lines, while acting merely to suppress proliferation of the normal cell line control. These results signify that PAC may be a compelling candidate for testing in both animal and human models. Furthermore, these data provide adequate justification for elucidating the divergent mechanisms of PAC-induced proliferation, inhibition, and apoptosis among these and other cell lines.
The Effects of Patient Movement on Particles Dispersed by Coughing in an Indoor Environment

This study investigates the influence of a moving patient on the transport characteristics of coughing particles by dy­ namic meshing and the Lagrangian particle tracking method. Through simulation, particle movement during the initial coughing, patient movement, and stationary flow phases was examined. Two different particle sizes (5 µm and 10 µm) were used and yielded small differences in the initial airflow after coughing. During the patient-moving phase, the temporal parti­ cle distribution in the upper, breathing, lower, and near-floor zones were simulated. The amplified air-velocity field induced by the moving patient enhanced the particle entrainment, thus increasing the risk of contamination (defined as particle sys­ tem entropy) in the whole room. Both temporal and final parti­ cle distribution during the stationary flow phase were studied. Walking speed affected the particle distribution in the traveling direction, but not in the vertical or lateral directions at the end of the simulation. Turbulence dispersion played a critical role in the spread of the particles through the coughing and patient- moving phases.
An automated task for the training and assessment of distal forelimb function in a mouse model of ischemic stroke

Abstract Background Behavioral models relevant to stroke research seek to capture important aspects of motor skills typically impaired in human patients, such as coordination of distal musculature. Such models may focus on mice since many genetic tools are available for use only in that species and since the training and behavioral demands of mice can differ from rats even for superficially similar behavioral readouts. However, current mouse assays are time consuming to train and score, especially in a manner producing continuous quantification. An automated assay of mouse forelimb function may provide advantages for quantification and speed, and may be useful for many applications including stroke research. New method We present an automated assay of distal forelimb function. In this task, mice reach forward, grip and pull an isometric handle with a prescribed force. The apparatus partially automates the training process so that mice can be trained quickly and simultaneously. Results Using this apparatus, it is possible to measure long-lasting impairment in success rate, force pulled, latency to pull, and latency to success up to 22 weeks following photothrombotic cortical strokes in mice. Comparison with existing method(s) This assessment measures forelimb function as do pellet reach tasks, but it utilizes a different motion and provides automatic measures that can ease and augment the research process. Conclusions This high-throughput behavioral assay can detect long-lasting motor impairments, eliminates the need for subjective scoring, and produces a rich, continuous data set from which many aspects of the reach and grasp motion can be automatically extracted.
The Ethics of Collaboration: Archaeologists and the Whydah project

The ethical dimensions of archaeological collaboration with treasure hunters are explored through a study of the Whydah salvage project. The Whydah, a pirate ship that sank off Cape Cod in 1717, has been the object of commercial salvage since 1982, which has resulted in intense ethical and legal controversy among treasure hunters, archaeologists, and public officials. The article describes the history of archaeological involvement in the salvage project and discusses the issue of collaboration from the perspective of the archaeologists who work for the treasure hunters and those in public agencies who regulate them. The ethical problems of archaeological collaboration are discussed in light of ethical standards of modern archaeology. The effects of archaeological collaboration in the Whydah project are assessed and the growing acceptance of commercial salvors in the management of underwater cultural resources is demonstrated with reference to recent projects in Boston Harbor.
Moderation of maltreatment effects on childhood borderline personality symptoms by gender and oxytocin receptor and FK506 binding protein 5 genes

In this investigation, gene-environment-gender interaction effects in predicting child borderline personality disorder symptomatology among maltreated and nonmaltreated low-income children (N = 1,051) were examined. In the context of a summer research camp, adult-, peer-, and self-report assessments of borderline precursor indicators were obtained, as well as child self-report on the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children. Genetic variants of the oxytocin receptor genotype and the FK506 binding protein 5 gene CATT haplotype were investigated. Children who self-reported high levels of borderline personality symptomatology were differentiated by adults, peers, and additional self-report on indicators of emotional instability, conflictual relationships with peers and adults, preoccupied attachment, and indicators of self-harm and suicidal ideation. Maltreated children also were more likely to evince many of these difficulties relative to nonmaltreated children. A series of analyses of covariance, controlling for age and ancestrally informative markers, indicated significant Maltreatment × Gene × Gender three-way interactions. Consideration of the maltreatment parameters of subtype, onset, and recency expanded understanding of variation among maltreated children. The three-way interaction effects demonstrated differential patterns among girls and boys. Among girls, the gene-environment interaction was more consistent with a diathesis-stress model, whereas among boys a differential-sensitivity interaction effect was indicated. Moreover, the genetic variants associated with greater risk for higher borderline symptomatology, dependent on maltreatment experiences, were opposite in girls compared to boys. The findings have important implications for understanding variability in early predictors of borderline personality pathology.
Radiation Interaction with Matter

The properties of various types of ionizing radiation will be examined in this chapter starting with particles going from the shortest range to the longest range: heavy ions; light ions; beta particles; neutrons; and gamma rays.
Naptime data meetings to increase the math talk of early care and education providers

ABSTRACTClassroom conversations about mathematics—math talk—between early care and education providers and young children have been associated with growth in mathematical thinking. However, professional development opportunities to learn about math teaching and learning are limited in many community-based child development centers. New approaches that are less costly and time consuming are needed to support providers in planning and implementing rich math experiences for young children. Professional development activities that are offered within the work site and during work hours may be most feasible for a large percentage of community-based programs. The purpose of this study was to design and test the impact of brief, data-based staff meetings during naptime in child care classrooms on providers’ math interactions with their students. Findings indicate that such meetings increase participants’ math talk in specific domains and predict growth in children’s math abilities 6 months later. The potential of...
Application of ASME PTC4-1998 to actual condition

The paper analyzed the main characteristics of ASME PTC4-1998,and discussed the method imple-menting boiler performance test and the calculation of uncertainty for testing results with it,which provides a ref-erence for technicians when it is used for performance test.
Iodine nutritive surveillance of typical population in Xinyang city

Objective To find out present status of iodine nutrition among typical population eating salt with certain iodine concentration in xinyang,and to provide the basis for formulating prevention and control strategies.Methods Two survey spots were selected separately in urban and rural areas,newly married women,pregnant women,lactating women,babies and infants,and students,were carried out using cross-sectional survey method.Results A total of 1 016 urine samples from newly married women,pregnant women,lactating women,babies and infants,and students were examined.The median of iodine level in the urine of 5 different populations were all over 100 μg/L,from high to low in the order were newly married women,lactating women,pregnant women,babies and infants,students.The level of urinary iodine of lactating women,pregnant women,babies and infants,students were appropriate,newly married women was higher than appropriate.The proportion of less than 100 μg/L of urinary iodine of the 5 kinds special groups were 13.37%,15.11%,13.1%,23.4%,20.08%,respectively,while the urinary iodine of the babies and infants,and students were relatively high.Conclusions The urinary iodine of the 5 special groups in Xinyang residents had significant differences among those populations.Current iodized salt is sufficient to ensure iodine nutrition needs for the 5 special groups.But newly married women have higher levels of iodine nutrition,indicating that the salt iodine concentration of Xinyang residents have cut space,while the 5 kinds special groups there are 17.52 % of less than 100 μg/L of urinary iodine,that full consideration of the 5 special groups differences should be taken.
Identification of Peanut Hybrids Using SSR Marker with Fluorescence Labeled M13-tailed Primer

The identification of true hybrids is important for peanut breeding programs and constructing of genetic populations. In this study, SSR primers labeled with fluorescence M13-tail were used to differentiate between hybrids and non-hybrids. Out of 41 of SSR primer pairs, 6 (14.6%) showed a polymorphism between two parents. On the basis of amplicon patterns combining with agronomic traits of F2:3 families and their resistance to web blotch, F1 plants were true hybrids with heterozygote pattern, and 4 were non-hybrids showing either as same as the pattern of female parent or new pattern. Results showed that SSR marker with fluorescence labeled M13-tailed primer is effective for identification of hybrids in peanut.
Habitat moisture is an important driver of patterns of sap flow and water balance in tropical montane cloud forest epiphytes

Microclimate in the tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF) is variable on both spatial and temporal scales and can lead to large fluctuations in both leaf-level transpiration and whole plant water use. While variation in transpiration has been found in TMCFs, the influence of different microclimatic drivers on plant water relations in this ecosystem has been relatively understudied. Within the TMCF, epiphytes may be particularly affected by natural variation in microclimate due to their partial or complete disassociation from soil resources. In this study, we examined the effects of seasonal microclimate on whole plant water balance in epiphytes in both an observational and a manipulative experiment. We also evaluated the effects of different microclimatic drivers using three hierarchical linear (mixed) models. On average, 31 % of total positive sap flow was recovered via foliar water uptake (FWU) over the course of the study. We found that precipitation was the greatest driver of foliar water uptake and nighttime sap flow in our study species and that both VPD and precipitation were important drivers to daytime sap flow. We also found that despite adaptations to withstand seasonal drought, an extended dry period caused severe desiccation in most plants despite a large reduction in leaf-level and whole plant transpiration. Our results indicate that the epiphytes studied rely on FWU to maintain positive water balance in the dry season and that increases in dry periods in the TMCF may be detrimental to these common members of the epiphyte community.
Abstract B23: CD4+ T lymphocytes promote pancreatic cancer progression by suppressing anti-tumor immune responses

Pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest human malignancies, is associated with oncogenic Kras and is most commonly preceded by precursor lesions known as Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasias (PanINs). PanIN formation is accompanied by the establishment of an immune-tolerant microenvironment. However, the immune contribution to the initiation of pancreatic cancer is currently poorly understood. Here, we show that oncogenic Kras-expressing epithelial cells drive the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment through the recruitment and activity of CD4+ T cells. We further show that CD4+ T cells functionally repress the activity of CD8+ T cells. Elimination of CD4+ T cells uncovers CD8+ T cells anti-neoplastic function, and blocks the onset of pancreatic carcinogenesis. Thus, our studies uncover essential and opposing roles of immune cells during PanIN formation, and provide rationale to explore immune-modulatory approaches in pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Yaqing Zhang, Wei Yan, Wei Yan, Esha Mathew, Filip Bednar, Shanshan Wan, Meredith A. Collins, Rebecca A. Evans, Theodore H. Welling, Robert H. Vonderheide, Marina Pasca di Magliano, Marina Pasca di Magliano. CD4+ T lymphocytes promote pancreatic cancer progression by suppressing anti-tumor immune responses. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on RAS Oncogenes: From Biology to Therapy; Feb 24-27, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2014;12(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B23. doi: 10.1158/1557-3125.RASONC14-B23
Nicotine Dependence and Alcohol Problems from Adolescence to Young Adulthood

Background: Despite the highly replicated relationship between symptoms associated with both alcohol and nicotine, little is known about this association across time and exposure to both drinking and smoking. In the present study, we evaluate if problems associated with alcohol use are related to emerging nicotine dependence symptoms and whether this relationship varies from adolescence to young adulthood, after accounting for both alcohol and nicotine exposure. Methods: The sample was drawn from the Social and Emotional Contexts of Adolescent Smoking Patterns Study which measured smoking, nicotine dependence, alcohol use and alcohol related problems over 6 assessment waves spanning 6 years. Analyses were based on repeated assessment of 864 participants reporting some smoking and drinking 30 days prior to individual assessment waves. Mixed-effects regression models were estimated to examine potential time, smoking and/or alcohol varying effects in the association between alcohol problems and nicotine dependence. Findings: Inter-individual differences in mean levels of alcohol problems and within subject changes in alcohol problems from adolescence to young adulthood were each significantly associated with nicotine dependence symptoms over and above levels of smoking and drinking behaviour. This association was consistent across both time and increasing levels of smoking and drinking. Conclusions: Alcohol related problems are a consistent risk factor for nicotine dependence over and above measures of drinking and smoking and this association can be demonstrated from the earliest experiences with smoking in adolescents, through the establishment of more regular smoking patterns across the transition to young adulthood. These findings add to accumulating evidence suggesting that smoking and drinking may be related through a mechanism that cannot be wholly accounted for by exposure to either substance.
Serological Surveillance of Avian Influenza Virus in Nepal

A serological survey for Avian Influenza Virus AIV subtype H H and H antibodies in domestic ducks was carried out in at Central Veterinary Laboratory CVL Kathmandu Nepal A total of serum samples were tested from various localities of districts of Nepal categorized as to be at high risk for the introduction of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus HPAIV of H N subtype Sero positive result against AIV H was found in three districts of eastern region with the highest prevalence in Jhapa p lt Likewise sero positive samples against AIV H were detected in Chitwan Kapilbastu Nawalparasi and Kaski districts However none of the samples was found to be sero positive against AIV H All the samples positive against H were sampled in December exclusively p lt In contrast two samples collected before September and three samples after this time until January were sero positive against AIV H Our findings indicate higher prevalence of AIV subtype H compared to H and H in duck species of Nepal
Comments on “Characterizing ENSO Coupled Variability and Its Impact on North American Seasonal Precipitation and Temperature”

AbstractEl Nino and La Nina seasonal weather anomaly associations provide a useful basis for winter forecasting over the North American regions where they are sufficiently strong in amplitude and consistent in character from one event to another. When the associations during La Nina are different than El Nino, however, the obvious quasi-linear-statistical approach to modeling them has serious shortcomings. The linear approach of L’Heureux et al. is critiqued here based on observed land surface temperature and tropospheric circulation associations over North America. The La Nina associations are quite different in pattern from their El Nino counterparts. The El Nino associations dominate the statistics. This causes the linear approach to produce results that are inconsistent with the observed La Nina–averaged associations. Further, nearly all the useful North American associations have been contributed by the subset of El Nino and La Nina years that are identifiable by an outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) ...
Validity of self-reported age at marriage in rural India.

Despite being questioned as a survey measurement tool, self-reported age at marriage appeared valid in rural India, where a lack of birth records persists.
On the Social Validity of Behavior-Analytic Communication: a Call for Research and Description of One Method

It has often been suggested that nonexperts find the communication of behavior analysts to be viscerally off-putting. We argue that this concern should be the focus of systematic research rather than mere discussion, and describe five studies that illustrate how publicly available lists of word-emotion ratings can be used to estimate the responses of general-audience listeners. Our results provide support for the hypothesis that some of the ways in which behavior analysts tend to discuss their discipline can be unpleasant, but also illustrate inter- and intraindividual variations in pleasantness. Although our methods are atypical for behavior-analytic research, they are appropriate to the topic and sufficient to suggest many directions for additional research through which a field that considers itself sophisticated in matters of verbal behavior might shed light on its own disciplinary communication challenges.
Ligands and d -Block Metal Complexes

This chapter deals with one of the most exciting aspects of coordination chemistry. Before we explore further, it is very important to understand the fundamentals of this subject. New terminologies such as “ligands”, “complexes”, and “isomerism” are introduced. The applications of coordination chemistry are enormous in both biology and materials science. The existence of life on this planet is due to these wonderful metal complexes and their involvement ranges from photosynthesis in plants to oxygen transport in our body. This section gives an insight into the formation, electronic structure, oxidation states, and isomerism of these complexes.
Directing block copolymer self-assembly with permanent magnets: photopatterning microdomain alignment and generating oriented nanopores

Magnetic fields are useful for directing block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly, but to date such a field alignment has required large fields (>5 T) necessitating the use of superconducting magnets. We report an approach that circumvents this limitation by introducing labile reactive mesogens into a liquid crystalline (LC) BCP based on a norbornene backbone with a poly(lactide) minority block that forms hexagonally packed cylinders. The free mesogens co-assemble with the smectic A mesophase of the BCP and enable alignment at fields as low as 0.5 T. The remarkable field response originates from the combined effects of enhanced mobility and decreased segregation strength, and the presence of large micron-scale grains in the system. We demonstrate a robust alignment of mesogen-blended samples using simple permanent magnets. The etching of poly(lactide) yields nanoporous films, while the spatially selective microdomain immobilization by UV-induced crosslinking through a photomask provides a versatile mechanism for creating alignment patterns. We anticipate that the nanoporous materials as generated here may find application in membrane fabrication or BCP lithography, while the ability to spatially pattern alignment is promising for the design of mechanical metamaterials exploiting the shape memory effect of LC elastomers.
Nanoparticles for CRISPR–Cas9 delivery

The DNA mutation that causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mice can be corrected, with minimal off-target effects, by gold nanoparticles carrying the CRISPR components.
Media Representations of Multiracial Athletes

There is a substantial body of research examining racialized narratives about Black and White athletes. However, there is an absence of literature that has specifically explored multiracial identit...
Phasor measurement unit integration: A review on optimal PMU placement methods in power system

The Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) is an imperative part for monitoring, protecting and controlling the current power system. For the current power systems, PMUs not only offer the synchronized measurements of real-time data of voltage but also the current and frequency. Placement of PMUs in each bus for monitoring the system is not feasible from economic point of view and also for big data handling. So it is an obligatory matter to reduce the number of PMUs in the bus system with the aim of attaining the maximum power system observation. Different techniques are being applied from past to present to solve this optimum PMU placement (OPP) problem such as heuristic method, mathematical programing. Heuristic method is a quick experience-based technique for solving the optimization problems. Various optimization methods for solving the OPP problems are being reviewed in this paper.
Jacobites: A New History of the ’45 Rebellion. By Jacqueline Riding. (New York, NY: Bloomsbury Press, 2016. Pp. xiii, 592. $30.00.)

Although conversant with the historiographical literature, Jacqueline Riding does not get bogged down in the scholarly debate over the nature and extent of Jacobitism, but instead draws extensively...
Cost Effective Profiling of Neodymium-Doped Vanadate Laser Pulses

As environmental conditions and component degradation and failure are known to affect the performance of ultrafast lasers, it is important to monitor their state in any nonlinear optical study. This may be achieved by measuring the temporal width of the laser pulses using an autocorrelator. In this work, an autocorrelator for measuring the pulsewidth of mode-locked lasers was custom-built using pieces of equipment usually found in a typical ultrafast optics laboratory. The assembled equipment was tested using SESAM (Saturable Semiconductor Absorber Mirror) mode-locked neodymium-doped vanadate (Nd:YVO 4 ) laser having manufacturer specified average output power of 1.6 W and 10 ps pulsewidth. Using the background-free autocorrelation technique, the pulse width of the laser was measured to be 10.4 ps. This type of autocorrelator is cost effective and may be handy in situations where research funds are limited; a scenario commonly experienced in research laboratories of developing countries. Additionally, the processes involved in assembling the autocorrelator provide a useful learning experience for new researchers. The study also outlined the processes involved in modifying an existing autocorrelation setup in order to measure laser beam spot size; a useful parameter in nonlinear optical studies.