cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prothymosin α is a component of a linker histone chaperone

Linker histone H1 binds with high affinity to naked and nucleosomal DNA in vitro but is rapidly exchanged between chromatin sites in vivo suggesting the involvement of one or more linker histone chaperones. Using permeabilized cells, we demonstrate that the small acidic protein prothymosin α (ProTα) can facilitate H1 displacement from and deposition onto the native chromatin template. Depletion of ProTα levels in vivo by siRNA-mediated mRNA degradation resulted in a decreased rate of exchange of linker histones as assayed by photobleaching techniques. These results indicate that ProTα is a component of a linker histone chaperone.
Gas manifold for olefin polymerization and a convenient reactor design for the parallel screening of catalysts

Theprocedure typically involves loading the reactor withcatalyst, cocatalyst (if required), and solvent generallyunder inert atmosphere conditions and then pressur-izing with monomer. This becomes a time-consumingprocess especially if a series of catalysts, cocatalysts, andreaction conditions all need to be evaluated in atraditional sequential series of reactions followed bysubsequent correlation of the results to polyolefinproperties. The use of combinatorial methodology andhigh-throughput reaction screening has led to the rapididentification of new catalysts and materials.
Aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia: a review

Though aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are an essential part of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer therapy, many patients discontinue the medicine before their adjuvant therapy is completed because of the arthralgia which often accompanies the medicine. Up to half of women on AI therapy experience joint pain, and up to 20% will become non-compliant with the medicine because of the joint pain. Yet, very little is known about what causes AI-induced arthralgia (AIA), and there is no established, effective treatment for this difficult problem. It compromises survivors' quality of life and leads to non-compliance. This paper will discuss AIA in depth, including potential etiologies, clinical significance, risk factors, and possible management solutions. Of note, this article presents one of the first proposed algorithms which clearly lays out a treatment plan for AIA, incorporating a variety of interventions which have been proven by the available literature.
The lipopolysaccharide modification regulator PmrA limits Salmonella virulence by repressing the type three-secretion system Spi/Ssa

The regulatory protein PmrA controls expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modification genes in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, the etiologic agent of human gastroenteritis and murine typhoid fever. PmrA-dependent LPS modifications confer resistance to serum, Fe3+, and several antimicrobial peptides, suggesting that the pmrA gene is required for Salmonella virulence. We now report that, surprisingly, a pmrA null mutant is actually hypervirulent when inoculated i.p. into C3H/HeN mice. We establish that the PmrA protein binds to the promoter and represses transcription of ssrB, a virulence regulatory gene required for expression of the Spi/Ssa type three-secretion system inside macrophages. The pmrA mutant displayed heightened expression of SsrB-dependent genes and faster Spi/Ssa-dependent macrophage killing than wild-type Salmonella. A mutation in the ssrB promoter that abolished repression by the PmrA protein rendered Salmonella as hypervirulent as the pmrA null mutant. The antivirulence function of the PmrA protein may limit the acute phase of Salmonella infection, thereby enhancing pathogen persistence in host tissues.
Theory of Compton scattering in ignited thermonuclear plasmas

Inertially confined, ignited thermonuclear deuterium-tritium plasmas will produce intense blackbody radiation at temperatures of T≳20 keV; it is shown that the injection of GeV electrons into the burning core can efficiently generate high-energy Compton scattering photons, as the high blackbody photon density alleviates the small interaction cross section. Moreover, it is shown that the spectrum scattered in a small solid angle can be remarkably monochromatic, due to kinematic pileup; peak brightness in excess of 1030 photons/(mm2mrad2 s 0.1% bandwidth) are predicted. These results are also discussed within the context of the Schwinger field and the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect.
Tunable lumped components with applications to reconfigurable MEMS filters

This paper presents a novel design scheme for tunable coplanar waveguide components with applications to compact lumped-element MEMS reconfigurable filters. Shunt MEMS switches are employed for tuning the values of lumped components frequently encountered in microwave integrated circuits. In particular, shunt capacitors, series inductors and shunt inductive stubs are the main tunable circuit elements utilized in this work. Furthermore, accurate equivalent circuits that include the most important parasitics introduced by the tuning mechanism are provided. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the design and implementation of very compact low-pass and bandpass tunable filters. The very high tunability range, the compactness of the resulting networks and their very wideband response constitute the main advantages of this technique.
The Fundamental Group

Until now we have been working with simply connected spaces, but this chapter takes up the question of the fundamental group and its relation to differential forms. The notion of a 1-minimal model is introduced, and it is shown that every connected DGA has a 1-minimal model, unique up to isomorphism. The dual of this is a tower of nilpotent Lie algebras. We then turn to the nilpotent quotients of the fundamental group. The main result is that the tower of nilpotent rational Lie algebras associated with tower of nilpotent Lie group quotients of the fundamental group of a space is dual to the 1-minimal model of the p.l. forms on the space.
Production of Die-Forged Discs from BT9 Alloy Powder

It is well known that one of the problems connected with the production of a homogeneous structure with good properties is to remove segregation associated with a cast structure. Increased productivity and reduced initial cost of the product calls for the use of high-capacity equipment and consequently leads to an increase in ingot size. However, an increased ingot diameter leads to increased heterogeneity of chemical composition, due to the processes of solidification and segregation and associated increased grain size and coarser second phases. Despite the fact that an increase in the ingot size results in an increase in the total reduction accompanying the fabrication of a given type of semi-finished product, the casting defects of a large-size ingot are generally liable to affect the product quality. The use of a powder approach eliminates completely the problem of segregation and coarse phases, since the as-cast powder structure may be optimum. It is formed in conditions of high solidification and cooling rates and results in homogeneous properties (Fig. 1). In addition, the fabrication of products from titanium alloys using the powder metallurgy approach makes it possible to reduce cost due to a lower labor consumption and higher output.
Genetic Search for Optimal Representations in Neural Networks

An approach to learning in feed-forward neural networks is put forward that combines gradual synaptic modification at the output layer with genetic adaptation in the lower layer(s). In this “GA-delta” technique, the alleles are linear threshold units (a set of weights and a threshold); a chromosome is a collection of such units, and hence defines a mapping from the input layer to a hidden layer. The fitness is evaluated by measuring the error after a small number of delta rule iterations on the hidden-output weights. Genetic operators are defined on these chromosomes to facilitate search for a mapping that renders the task solvable by a single layer of weights. The performance of GA-delta is presented on several tasks, and the effects of the various operators are analyzed.
An efficient algorithm for capacitated assortment planning with stochastic demand and substitution

Abstract The ever increasing product variety in grocery retailing is in conflict with the limited shelf space. Managing the assortment and regular order quantity for perishable and non-perishable products is therefore a core task for retailers. Retailers want to maximize profit by considering potential revenues, purchase costs, diminishing profits for products and opportunity costs for unfulfilled demand when determining assortment sizes and order volume to meet stochastic consumer demand. We considered a newsvendor-based decision model that jointly optimizes assortment size and the associated order volumes for listed items. The model considers out-of-assortment (OOA) and out-of-stock (OOS) substitution effects. The model is a structural equivalent to the model described in Kok and Fisher (2007) and solved there via a heuristic procedure. We develop an optimal solution procedure and a time-efficient heuristic that solves the model. The heuristic suggested is applicable for practically relevant, large-scale problem instances. Numerical tests reveal that the heuristic procedure produces close-to-optimal solutions and outperforms the Kok and Fisher heuristic with regard to both computational time and solution quality. A simulation study with discrete demand justifies our approach with using continuous demand distributions. The numerical analyses show that considering substitution effects in a decision-based model has a significant impact on the total profit and solution structure. Further managerial insights are presented with regard to assortment heterogeneity when shelf size, substitution and demand variability are varied.
Third Order Fermionic and Fourth Order Bosonic Operators

This paper continues the work of our previous paper (Ding et al., Higher Order Fermionic and Bosonic Operators, Springer Series), where we generalize kth-powers of the Euclidean Dirac operator Dx to higher spin spaces in the case the target space is a degree one homogeneous polynomial space. To generalize the results in (Ding et al., Higher Order Fermionic and Bosonic Operators, Springer Series) to more general cases, i.e., the target space is a degree k homogeneous polynomial space, we reconsider the generalizations of \(D_x^3\) and \(D_x^4\) to higher spin spaces in the case the target space is a degree k homogeneous polynomial space in this paper. Constructions of 3rd- and 4th-order conformally invariant operators in higher spin spaces are given; these are the 3rd-order fermionic and 4th-order bosonic operators. They are consistent with the 3rd- and 4th-order conformally invariant differential operators obtained in our paper (Ding et al., J. Geometric Anal. 27(3), 2418–2452 (2017)) with a different technique. Further, we point out that the generalized symmetry technique used in (De Bie et al., Potential Analysis 47(2), 123–149 (2017); Eelbode and Roels, Compl. Anal. Oper. Theory, 1–27 (2014)) is not applicable for higher order cases because the computations are infeasible. Fundamental solutions and intertwining operators of both operators are also presented here. These results can be easily generalized to cylinders and Hopf manifolds as in Ding et al. (J. Indian Math. Soc. 83(3-4), 231–240 (2016)). To conclude this paper, we investigate ellipticity property for our 3rd- and 4th-order conformally invariant operators.
Sensor Fusion for Long-Range Airborne Reconnaissance

We provide an overview of current long-range optical and other sensors, and present results of real-time sensor fusion for enhanced target detection during aircraft flights, using visible and hyperspectral imagery and data from electronic-signals collections.
Hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The interaction of HCV with its human host is complex and multilayered; stemming in part from the fact that HCV is a RNA virus with no ability to integrate in the host's genome. Direct and indirect mechanisms of HCV-induced HCC include activation of multiple host pathways such as liver fibrogenic pathways, cellular and survival pathways, interaction with the immune and metabolic systems. Host factors also play a major role in HCV-induced HCC as evidenced by genomic studies identifying polymorphisms in immune, metabolic, and growth signaling systems associated with increased risk of HCC. Despite highly effective direct-acting antiviral agents, the morbidity and incidence of liver-related complications of HCV, including HCC, is likely to persist in the near future. Clinical markers to selectively identify HCV subjects at higher risk of developing HCC have been reported however they require further validation, especially in subjects who have experienced sustained virological response. Molecular biomarkers allowing further refinement of HCC risk are starting to be implemented in clinical platforms, allowing objective stratification of risk and leading to individualized therapy and surveillance for HCV individuals. Another role for molecular biomarker-based stratification could be enrichment of HCC chemoprevention clinical trials leading to smaller sample size, shorter trial duration, and reduced costs.
Mite predators of the house fly: a comparison of Fuscuropoda vegetans and Macrocheles muscaedomesticae.

Fuscuropoda vegetans (De Geer) was compared with Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli) as a potential biological control agent for the house fly, Musca domestica L. Adult F. vegetans did not prey upon house fly eggs because of inability to penetrate the egg chorion. Deutonymphs and both sexes of adults were predaceous only upon the 1st-instar larva of the house fly. F. vegetans did not interfere with predation by M. muscaedomesticae. F. vegetans subsisted on 6 different foods, with the greatest reproduction occurring on a diet of ruptured house fly eggs and nematodes. F. vegetans moves slowly and has poor olfactory perception. M. muscaedomesticae moves rapidly and has well-developed olfactory perception. F. vegetans adults are gregarious feeders. The density of M. muscaedomesticae in poultry manure caged hens was maximum after 2–3 weeks of manure accumulation and declined slowly thereafter. Density of F. vegetans increased slowly, until after 5–6 weeks of manure accumulation it was the dominant or nearly dominant mite. M. muscaedomesticae was found primarily on the outermost layer and near the peak of the manure cone where fly eggs were usually accessible. F. vegetans was found in aggregations deeper within the manure cone where 1st-instar fly larvae were usually present.
Repellency of Selected Compounds against Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae)

In 3 series of field tests, 6 repellent compounds were evaluated against the black flies Simulium venustum and Prosimulium mixtum at Baxter State Park, Maine. All chemicals tested equaled the deet ( N,N -diethyl- m -toluamide) (AI3-22542) standard in effectiveness. One compound \[1-(3-cyclohexen-1-ylcarbonyl)piperidine\] (AI3-35765) provided over 8 h average protection while the deet standard averaged 7 h.
Risk of Childhood Cancer by Maternal Birthplace: A Test of the Hispanic Paradox

Importance TheHispanic epidemiologic paradoxis the phenomenon that non-US–born Hispanic mothers who immigrate to the United States have better pregnancy outcomes than their US-born counterparts. It is unknown whether this advantage extends to childhood cancer risk. Objective To determine whether the risk for childhood cancers among Hispanic children varies by maternal birthplace. Design, Setting, and Participants In this population-based case-control study conducted in June 2015, cohort members were identified through California birth records of children born in California from January 1, 1983, to December 31, 2011. Information on cancer diagnoses was obtained from California Cancer Registry records from 1988 to 2012. Cases (n = 13 666) were identified from among children younger than 6 years in the California Cancer Registry and matched to California birth certificates. Control children (n = 15 513 718) included all other children born in California during the same period. Maternal birthplace and ethnic ancestry were identified from the birth certificate. Main Exposures Maternal race/ethnicity and birthplace. Main Outcomes and Measures We used Cox proportional hazards modeling to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of childhood cancer. Results Included in the study were 4 246 295 children of non-Hispanic white mothers (51.3% male), 2 548 822 children of US-born Hispanic mothers (51.0% male), and 4 397 703 children of non-US–born Hispanic mothers (51.0% male). Compared with children of non-Hispanic white mothers, the children of non-US–born Hispanic mothers had a reduced risk for glioma (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.44-0.58), astrocytoma (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.36-0.51), neuroblastoma (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.40-0.54), and Wilms tumor (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.59-0.82). For these cancer types, the risk estimates for children of US-born Hispanic mothers fell between those of the children of US-born white and non-US–born Hispanic mothers. Children of Mexican-born mothers had a higher risk of yolk sac tumors (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.99-2.17), while children of US-born Hispanic mothers with ancestry from countries other than Mexico had a higher risk for unilateral retinoblastoma (HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.33-3.11). Conclusions and Relevance For several cancers, we observed differential risk by maternal place of birth. Examining the differences in health behaviors and environment between Hispanic groups may shed light on childhood cancer etiology.
STUDY ON SITUATION OF DISINFECTION ISOLATION,MANAGEMENT OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTION IN MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS OF GUANGXI

Objective To understand the present situation of disinfection,isolation and management of nosocomial infection n medical institutions at all levels in Guangxi and to improve the level of management of nosocomial infection.Methods Field investigation was carried on to survey the present situation of management of nosocomial infection and the efficacy of disinfection in 33 medical institutions at three levels of city,county and village in the jurisdiction.Results The management in municipal medical institutions was standardized.In the medical institutions at the county and village levels,the measures in the aspects of infection control organization,training of professional knowledge,occupational protection,disinfection and sterilization facilities,medical waste and sewage disposal,the management of disinfection in gastroscope room and disinfection of the microorganism room and so on were not fully implemented.Health centers of villages and towns had not carried out routine monitoring of efficacy of disinfection.The qualified rates of indoor air,hand hygiene and the radiation intensity of ultraviolet lamps were 64.29%,86.13% and 69.77% respectively in hospitals at all levels.Conclusions In the basic-level hospitals,it is not enough to pay attention to the management of nosocomial infection.Management organization,the system and measures need to be improved,routine monitoring of disinfection efficacy must be strengthened and the conditions of disinfection facilities must be improved.
Results and influencing factors of HIV voluntary consulting and testing in Liwan district in Guanghzou from 2010 to 2013

Objective Methods The VCT for HIV was conducted based on National Guideline for Detection of HIV/AIDS in Liwan district from 2010 to 2013.The positive samples were tested for TP HCV HBV infection. The results were statistically analyzed. Results A total of6 423 persons including 2 787 males and 3 636 females aged( 32.4±10.8)years were tested. Ninety-eight were positive for HIV and 1 was also co-infected with TP, HCV and HBV, 42 were co-infected with HCV, 20 were co-infected with TP infection and8 were co-infected with HBV. Unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that the influencing factors of VCT for HIV were age, occupation and population characteristics. The age group of 21 to 60 years were the risk group. Drug users,homosexuals and positive spouses were high risk for HIV infection. Conclusion The governmental departments at various levels and other bodies should take responsibility together to improve and perfect VCT for HIV toward zero HIV infection by strengthening VCT activity.
Spatial Redistribution of U.S. Tornado Activity between 1954 and 2013

AbstractClimate change over the past several decades prompted this preliminary investigation into the possible effects of global warming on the climatological behavior of U.S. tornadoes for the domain bounded by 30°–50°N and 80°–105°W. On the basis of a warming trend over the past 30 years, the modern tornado record can be divided into a cold “Period I” from 1954 to 1983 and a subsequent 30-year warm “Period II” from 1984 to 2013. Tornado counts and days for (E)F1–(E)F5, significant, and the most violent tornadoes across a 2.5° × 2.5° gridded domain indicate a general decrease in tornado activity from Period I to Period II concentrated in Texas/Oklahoma and increases concentrated in Tennessee/Alabama. These changes show a new geographical distribution of tornado activity for Period II when compared with Period I. Statistical analysis that is based on field significance testing and the bootstrapping method provides proof for the observed decrease in annual tornado activity in the traditional “Tornado Alley...
Community as client: environmental issues in the real world. A SimCity computer simulation.

The ability to think critically has become a crucial part of professional practice and education. SimCity, a popular computer simulation game, provides an opportunity to practice community assessment and interventions using a systems approach. SimCity is an interactive computer simulation game in which the player takes an active part in community planning. SimCity is supported on either a Windows 95/98 or a Macintosh platform and is available on CD-ROM at retail stores or at www.simcity.com. Students complete a tutorial and then apply a selected scenario in SimCity. Scenarios consist of hypothetical communities that have varying types and degrees of environmental problems, e.g., traffic, crime, nuclear meltdown, flooding, fire, and earthquakes. In problem solving with the simulated scenarios, students (a) identify systems and subsystems within the community that are critical factors impacting the environmental health of the community, (b) create changes in the systems and subsystems in an effort to solve the environmental health problem, and (c) evaluate the effectiveness of interventions based on the game score, demographic and fiscal data, and amount of community support. Because the consequences of planned intervention are part of the simulation, nursing students are able to develop critical-thinking skills. The simulation provides essential content in community planning in an interesting and interactive format.
What is the pain source? A case report of a patient with low back pain and bilateral hip osteonecrosis

Low back pain is a common symptom arising from many possible sources and includes the possibility of the contribution of remote pathology. This report describes a patient with bilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral heads presenting with a primary symptom of low back pain.A 37-year-old male presented for evaluation of dominant pain that existed for approximately 6-12 months and was located in the right low back. Milder pain was also reported in the right hip. Low back and hip pain were both aggravated by weight-bearing activities. An evidence-based diagnostic evaluation revealed little indication for a primary pain source originating from low back structures. Radiographs revealed bilateral osteonecrosis with evidence of left femoral head collapse.Hip osteonecrosis may have contributed to an atypical presentation of low back pain due to aberrant localization of pain and/or combined with altered biomechanical loading of musculoskeletal structures.
Geographical dispersion of consumer search behaviour

ABSTRACTThis article investigates whether consumer search behaviour differs across zip codes within the U.S. As an application, daily gasoline price data covering virtually all gas stations within the U.S. are employed to estimate the distribution of search costs in each zip code. The results show that there are significant differences across zip codes regarding the expected number of searches achieved before consumers purchase gasoline. In order to have a systematic explanation, such differences are further connected to geographic, demographic, and economic conditions of the zip codes in a secondary analysis. The corresponding results imply several strategies for gas stations in order to maximize profits/markups; suggestions follow for policy makers and regulators to reduce redistributive effects of information barriers across locations.
Technique, Results, and Complications Related to Robot-Assisted Stereoelectroencephalography.

Background Robot-assisted stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) may represent a simplified, precise, and safe alternative to the more traditional SEEG techniques. Objective To report our clinical experience with robotic SEEG implantation and to define its utility in the management of patients with medically refractory epilepsy. Methods The prospective observational analyses included all patients with medically refractory focal epilepsy who underwent robot-assisted stereotactic placement of depth electrodes for extraoperative brain monitoring between November 2009 and May 2013. Technical nuances of the robotic implantation technique are presented, as well as an analysis of demographics, time of planning and procedure, seizure outcome, in vivo accuracy, and procedure-related complications. Results One hundred patients underwent 101 robot-assisted SEEG procedures. Their mean age was 33.2 years. In total, 1245 depth electrodes were implanted. On average, 12.5 electrodes were implanted per patient. The time of implantation planning was 30 minutes on average (range, 15-60 minutes). The average operative time was 130 minutes (range, 45-160 minutes). In vivo accuracy (calculated in 500 trajectories) demonstrated a median entry point error of 1.2 mm (interquartile range, 0.78-1.83 mm) and a median target point error of 1.7 mm (interquartile range, 1.20-2.30 mm). Of the group of patients who underwent resective surgery (68 patients), 45 (66.2%) gained seizure freedom status. Mean follow-up was 18 months. The total complication rate was 4%. Conclusion The robotic SEEG technique and method were demonstrated to be safe, accurate, and efficient in anatomically defining the epileptogenic zone and subsequently promoting sustained seizure freedom status in patients with difficult-to-localize seizures.
Continuous Wave and Self-Mode-Locked Operation of a Chromium-Doped YAG Laser

Continuous-wave and mode-locked operation of a chromium-doped YAG laser are described; 120-fs pulses with 440 mW were obtained at 1.52 μm.
Limit Theorems: Stochastic Matrices, Ergodic Markov Chains, and Measures on Semigroups*

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews problems on ergodicity of non-homogeneous and homogeneous Markov chains to apply several of the results on measures on semi-groups. The chapter considers limit theorems for probability measures on stochastic matrices by first showing how these problems come up naturally in studying random walks on simple geometric figures on the plane. The abstract theory is reviewed. Completely simple semi-groups are considered to study limit theorems for convolution products of probability measures, including generalizations of the well-known Paul Levy theorem on the equivalence of convergence in probability, convergence with probability one, and convergence in distribution for sums of independent random variables. An important class of semi-groups that have been widely studied by semi-groupists and probabilists is the class of completely simple semi-groups. A semi-group is called completely simple if it is simple and contains a primitive idempotent. Various theorems are proven in the chapter. Convergence problems for products of stochastic matrices naturally come up in various contexts in biology, economics, and various other applications. The chapter discusses the problem of tendency to consensus in an information exchanging operation.
Subscriber Identity Module

The subscriber identity module (SIM) is a core, mandatory component that is used in a GSM phone. SIM cards are also being utilized in CDMA phones for 4G or LTE service. A SIM is an integrated chip that stores authentication values for the subscriber. They come in different sizes and can also be embedded. Some wireless carriers allow SIM cards to be removed from one phone and used in another. SIMs may contain specific user-related data that could be evidential in nature. Users can elect to place security on the SIM's file system. The SIM may be examined independent of the mobile device, using a SIM card reader. Not all SIM file systems will contain the same values. The user-assigned phone number may or may not be stored on the SIM. For forensic Faraday purposes, a target SIM may be forensically cloned to allow access to a SIM-locked handset as well as network isolate (Faraday) the device.
Thermoelectric Properties of Zintl Antimonides

Abstract Enhancing the efficiency of thermoelectric devices is critical for their adoption in commercial large-scale applications aimed at converting heat into electricity. To compete with the present mechanical energy generators, thermoelectric materials need to be at least three times more efficient than today's commercial thermoelectrics. This high conversion efficiency corresponds to a thermoelectric figure of merit, zT , of ~ 3, which has remained elusive despite a long history of searching for new thermoelectric materials. The recent discoveries of high zT among Zintl phase compounds such as Yb 14 MnSb 11 , EuZn 2 Sb 2 , Yb 9 Mn 4.2 Sb 9 , clathrates, and the filled skutterudites show the potential of this class of compounds for more efficient thermoelectric materials. This perspective summarizes the recent progress on Zintl phases studied for thermoelectric applications with a focus on their chemistry, crystal structure, and transport properties.
Convergent evolutionary reduction of atrial septation in lungless salamanders.

Nearly two thirds of the approximately 700 species of living salamanders are lungless. These species respire entirely through the skin and buccopharyngeal mucosa. Lung loss dramatically impacts the configuration of the circulatory system but the effects of evolutionary lung loss on cardiac morphology have long been controversial. For example, there is presumably little need for an atrial septum in lungless salamanders due to the absence of pulmonary veins and the presence of a single source of mixed blood flowing into the heart, but whether lungless salamanders possess an atrial septum and whether the sinoatrial aperture is located in the left or right atrium are unresolved; authors have stated opposing claims since the late 1800s. Here, we use micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) imaging, gross dissection and histological reconstruction to compare cardiac morphology among lungless plethodontid salamanders (Plethodontidae), salamanders with lungs, and the convergently lungless species Onychodactylus japonicus (Hynobiidae). Plethodontid salamanders have partial atrial septa and incomplete separation of the atrium into left and right halves. Partial septation is also seen in O. japonicus. Hence, lungless salamanders from two lineages convergently evolved similar morphology of the atrial septum. The partial septum in lungless salamanders can make it appear that the sinoatrial aperture is in the left atrium, but this interpretation is incorrect. Outgroup comparisons demonstrate that the aperture is located in a posterodorsal extension of the right atrium into the left side of the heart. Independent evolutionary losses of the atrial septum may have a similar developmental basis. In mammals, the lungs induce formation of the atrial septum by secreting morphogens to neighboring mesenchyme. We hypothesize that the lungs induce atrial septum development in amphibians in a similar fashion to mammals, and that atrial septum reduction in lungless salamanders is a direct result of lunglessness.
Surgical outcomes and failure-to-rescue events after colectomy in teaching hospitals: a nationwide analysis.

Abstract Background The relationship between failure-to-rescue (FTR) after colectomy is not well understood, particularly in teaching institutions. We sought to examine this relationship using a large national database. Methods Patients undergoing colectomy from 2010 to 2012 were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. FTR events were defined as deaths following deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, sepsis, gastrointestinal bleed, acute myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, pneumonia, respiratory failure, shock. We compared outcomes between teaching hospitals (TH) and nonteaching hospitals (NTH). Results A total of 220,369 patients underwent colectomy; 50.2% were performed at TH. Overall mortality was 3.7% with 96% of deaths attributed to at least one FTR event. More complications occurred in NTH, but there was no difference in mortality or FTR rates. However, TH had higher incidences of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and sepsis leading to postoperative mortality, whereas NTH had higher rates of acute myocardial infarction and gastrointestinal bleed. Conclusions A substantial proportion of mortality is attributed to FTR events after colectomy in both TH and NTH. Further investigation targeting specific complications is warranted.
Effect of bit wear on hammer drill handle vibration and productivity.

ABSTRACTThe use of large electric hammer drills exposes construction workers to high levels of hand vibration that may lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome and other musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this laboratory study was to investigate the effect of bit wear on drill handle vibration and drilling productivity (e.g., drilling time per hole).A laboratory test bench system was used with an 8.3 kg electric hammer drill and 1.9 cm concrete bit (a typical drill and bit used in commercial construction). The system automatically advanced the active drill into aged concrete block under feed force control to a depth of 7.6 cm while handle vibration was measured according to ISO standards (ISO 5349 and 28927). Bits were worn to 4 levels by consecutive hole drilling to 4 cumulative drilling depths: 0, 1,900, 5,700, and 7,600 cm.Z-axis handle vibration increased significantly (p<0.05) from 4.8 to 5.1 m/s2 (ISO weighted) and from 42.7–47.6 m/s2 (unweighted) when comparing a new bit to a bit worn to 1,900 cm of ...
The hypoxic tumor microenvironment in vivo selects the cancer stem cell fate of breast cancer cells

Tumor hypoxia is an independent prognostic factor associated with poor patient survival. Emerging evidence suggests that hypoxia can potentially maintain or enhance the stem cell phenotype of both normal stem cells and cancer cells. However, it remains to be determined whether cell fate is regulated in vivo by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME). We established a hypoxia-sensing xenograft model to identify hypoxic tumor cell in vivo primarily using human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF7. Hypoxic tumor cells were identified in situ by fluorescence of green fluorescence protein. They were further isolated from xenografts, purified and sorted by flow cytometry for detailed analysis of their stem cell characteristics. We have found that hypoxic tumor cells freshly isolated from xenografts contain increased subpopulations of tumor cells with cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics. The CSC characteristics of the hypoxic tumor cells are further enhanced upon re-implantation in vivo, whereas secondary xenografts derived from the non-hypoxic tumor cells remain similar to the primary xenografts. Interestingly, the phenotypes exhibited by the hypoxic tumor cells are stable and remain distinctively different from those of the non-hypoxic tumor cells isolated from the same tumor mass even when they are maintained under the same ambient culture conditions. Mechanistically, the PI3K/AKT pathway is strongly potentiated in the hypoxic tumor cells and is required to maintain the CSC-like phenotype. Importantly, the differential cell fates between hypoxic and non-hypoxic tumor cells are only found in tumor cells isolated from the hypoxic TME in vivo and are not seen in tumor cells treated by hypoxia in vitro alone. These previously unknown observations suggest that the hypoxic TME may promote malignant progression and therapy resistance by coordinating induction, selection and/or preferential maintenance of the CSC-like phenotype in tumor cells.
Transparency, Protest and Democratic Stability

Democratic rule is maintained so long as all relevant actors in the political system comply with the institutional rules of the game – democratic institutions must be self-enforcing. We examine the role of transparency in supporting a democratic equilibrium. Transparency improves the functioning of elections: in transparent polities, elections more effectively resolve adverse selection problems between the public and their rulers. Transparency increases popular satisfaction with democracy and inhibits challenges to the democratic order. We provide a game-theoretic model, test these claims, and find they enjoy empirical support. Transparency is associated with a reduction in both the probability of democratic collapse and of the irregular removal of democratic leaders. Transparency stabilizes democratic rule.
Awareness and Knowledge Among Internal Medicine Resident Trainees for Dose Adjustment of Analgesics and Neuropsychotropic Medications in CKD.

OBJECTIVES Errors in drug dosing lead to poor patient outcomes and are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Because the majority of patients with CKD are being treated by physicians specializing in internal medicine, we studied the awareness and knowledge that internal medicine resident trainees (IMRTs) have regarding the correct dosage of commonly used analgesic and neuropsychotropic medications for patients with CKD. METHODS We surveyed 353 IMRTs about their awareness of whether a medication needs dose adjustment in patients with CKD and knowledge for medication adjustment by level of glomerular filtration rate. RESULTS There were high percentages for lack of awareness and knowledge. For analgesics, this lack of awareness/knowledge was highest for acetaminophen (awareness 83.0%, knowledge 90.9%). For neuropsychotropics, this was highest for paroxetine (awareness 74.5%, knowledge 91.5%). Analyses for postgraduate year (PGY) -1 trainees and PGY-2 trainees for analgesics showed higher odds for lack of awareness for tramadol (PGY-1 odds ratio [OR] 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-4.62, P < 0.05; PGY-2 OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.16-4.72, P < 0.05) and for lack of knowledge for meperedine (PGY-1 OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.81-8.89, P < 0.05; PGY-2 OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.44-7.59, P < 0.05). Nephrology residency rotation for the neuropsychotropic medication of gabapentin showed lower odds for both lack of awareness (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.97, P < 0.05) and knowledge (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27-0.997, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Awareness and knowledge are poor among IMRTs for dose adjustments of analgesics and neuropsychotropic medication classes in patients with CKD. There should be a renewed focus during IMRTs' residency on additional nephrology exposure and formal didactic educational training to help them better manage complex treatment regimens to prevent medication dosing errors.
Demonstrating a data access-based context ontology with an online racing game controller application

The number of sensors used in the world of technology is increasing at an accelerated rate. The communication between vehicles, drivers and the environment have been leveraged to allow for easier driving with a decreased workload and risk of injury. Sensing, analyzing, predicting and reacting to road conditions are the prerequisites of a smart car. Context-awareness is the key feature of a smart car and is also an essential concept in pervasive computing. This paper uses the classification of popular modern day automobile “smart features” to demonstrate a novel context ontology that is based on ways that data is accessed in computer systems in general. An in-lab prototype was designed and implemented by way of controlling an online racing game with a custom-made game wheel, which demonstrates awareness and actuation in all of the context categories within the proposed ontology.
Activation of Primordial Follicles

The development of ovarian follicles is a protracted process. Even in rodents, it is estimated to take about 8 weeks for development from the primordial to the preovulatory stage (Hirshfield 1991), and estimates for larger mammals like humans and cattle are around 6 months (Gougeon 1996). Although follicular growth and differentiation are gradual and continuous processes, there are critical transitional points in follicular development. They include initiation of follicular growth, selection of a dominant follicle capable of ovulating, and the transformation of a preovulatory follicle into a periovulatory follicle in response to the luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) surge. This review will focus on the first of these critical transitions, the initiation of follicular growth. Understanding the signals that regulate the activation of primordial follicles is of practical importance since it could stimulate new ideas for contraceptive approaches or lead to methods to enhance fertility in women, domestic animals, and endangered species.
Resonant Modulation of Single-Contact Lasers

Chapters 9 and 10 describe in detail the concept and performances of narrow-band subcarrier modulation of a laser diode at mm-wave frequencies based on the concept of mode-locking, alternatively known as “resonantly-enhanced modulation” (or simply “resonant modulation” for short). This technique is useful in applications where optical fiber is used for the remote transport of millimeter wave ( > 30 GHz) signals for phased-array antenna systems [107] and wireless personal communication networks [101]. Because of the fact that efficient longitudinal mode-coupling requires inhomogeneous modulation of the laser cavity in the longitudinal spatial dimension, previous demonstrations of monolithic resonant modulation such as those described in Chap. 10 were performed using split(multi)-contact laser diodes. Although the fabrication of a multi-contact structure itself is neither difficult nor intricate, the increased complexity is undesirable – considering the fact that it does require a non-standard fabrication process; rendering them unsuitable for seamless integration into a standard telecom laser fabrication line. Recent measurements of millimeter-wave propagation along the contact stripe of a semiconductor laser showed a high attenuation ( ∼ 60 dB/mm at 40 GHz) of the signal along the laser stripe [108].
A Mobile Brain-Computer Interface for Freely Moving Humans

Recent advances in mobile electroencephalogram (EEG) systems featuring dry electrodes and wireless telemetry have promoted the applications of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in our daily life. In the field of neuroscience, understanding the underlying neural mechanisms of unconstrained human behaviors, i.e. freely moving humans, is accordingly in high demand. The empirical results of this study demonstrated the feasibility of using a mobile BCI system to detect steady-state visual-evoked potential (SSVEP) of the participants during natural human walking. This study considerably facilitates the process of bridging laboratory-oriented BCI demonstrations into mobile EEG-based systems for real-life environments.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy. A role for cardiac stress determinants other than pregnancy

Abstract Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a syndrome of undetermined etiology whose most common initial symptoms are those of congestive heart failure. The syndrome carries a five-year mortality estimated at 40%. Single noxious factors, such as viral infection, have been proposed as direct precipitants of this syndrome, but none have been conclusively linked to it. The cases of two patients with identifiable cardiac stress factors who developed peripartum cardiomyopathy are presented here: one with sepsis complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and severe anemia, and a second with an otherwise normal pregnancy who engaged in strenuous aerobic exercise throughout the last trimester. A review of previously published cases reveals the frequent association of multiple nonspecific cardiac stress factors that may predispose women to peripartum cardiomyopathy. Various cardiac stress factors may act synergistically with the stress of pregnancy to precipitate peripartum cardiomyopathy in susceptible women.
The Arabidopsis ACT11 actin gene is strongly expressed in tissues of the emerging inflorescence, pollen, and developing ovules.

ACT11 represents a unique and ancient actin subclass in the complex Arabidopsis actin gene family. We have isolated and characterized the Arabidopsis ACT11 actin gene and examined its expression. Southern blotting with a 5′ gene-specific probe showed that ACT11 was a single-copy gene in the genome. Northern analysis with a 3′ gene-specific probe and reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR (RT-PCR) using gene-specific primers detected ACT11 mRNA at low levels in seedling, root, leaf, and silique tissue; at moderate levels in the inflorescence stem and flower; and at very high levels in pollen. The 5′ region of the ACT11 gene, including the promoter region, the 5′-untranslated leader, the intron within the leader, and the first 19 actin codons, was fused to a β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. The expression of the ACT11/GUS fusion was examined histochemically in numerous independent transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Strong ACT11/GUS activity was detected in rapidly elongating tissues and organs (e.g., etiolated hypocotyls, expanding leaves, stems) and in floral organ primordia. As the floral buds developed into mature flowers, strong GUS activity was gradually restricted to mature pollen and developing ovules. ACT11 appears to be the only Arabidopsis actin gene expressed at significant levels in ovule, embryo, and endosperm. The unique expression patterns in reproductive organs and the sequence divergence of the ACT11 actin gene suggest that the ACT11 isovariant plays distinct and required roles during Arabidopsis development.
Strong ultralight foams based on nanocrystalline cellulose for high-performance insulation.

Abstract Environmentally friendly, sustainable, and high-performance thermal insulators are in high demand. Petroleum-based insulator foams usually have high thermal conductivity and pose health hazards. Here, we report ultralight composite foams that are highly strong, elastic, and super-insulating. The foams are composed of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) (74 wt%), polyvinyl alcohol (7.5 wt%), and a crosslinking agent (18.5 wt%). The fabrication process is simple and uses only water. The composite foams exhibit an elastic strain of ˜13% at a modulus of 250 K Pa and a stress of 73 K Pa at 50% strain (100+ and 18 times, respectively, higher than those of pure NCC foam); both exceed the values of reported nanocellulose-based foams with no reinforcement. The foams exhibit a thermal conductivity of 0.027 Wm−1 K−1, which is superior to those of traditional insulating materials. The structural integrity is also preserved after burning. Our results show that NCC-based materials can be engineered towards high-performance insulation applications.
Newspaper Adherence to Media Reporting Guidelines for the Suicide Deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain.

This cross-sectional study examines newspaper adherence to reporting guidelines for suicide after the deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain.