cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence and significance of a "step-down" in oxygen saturation from superior vena cava to pulmonary artery.

Abstract Several studies 1–4 have assessed the normal variability of oxygen saturations in blood from the right-sided heart chambers. An increase in saturation from the peripheral to the central chambers that exceeds this variability suggests left-to-right intracardiac shunting. In some subjects, a decrease in saturation from the superior vena cava (SVC) to the central right-sided chambers occurs. In previous studies, 5,6 such a "step-down" was often observed in patients with shock. This study was performed to assess the incidence of a step-down in oxygen saturation of ≥5% from the SVC to the pulmonary artery (PA) and to determine if such a step-down is associated with cardiac or renal dysfunction.
The Functional Idiographic Assessment Template-Questionnaire (FIAT-Q): Initial Psychometric Properties.

The evidence based assessment (EBA) movement stresses the importance of psychological measures with strong psychometric properties and clinical utility. The Functional Idiographic Assessment Template system (FIAT; Callaghan, 2006) is a functional analytic behavioral approach to the assessment of interpersonal functioning for use with therapies like Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP; Kohlenberg & Tsai, 1991). While research has begun to demonstrate the clinical utility of the FIAT, its psychometric properties have not been explored. The present study examines the Functional Idiographic Assessment Template-Questionnaire (FIAT-Q), a self-report measure contained in the FIAT. Two different approaches are used to explore the psychometric properties and structure of the FIAT-Q, and test–retest reliability is examined. These methods are discussed along with the use of the FIAT-Q as an alternative to nosological assessment of client behaviors.
Liposome-encapsulated alginate: controlled hydrogel particle formation and release

Large unilamellar liposomes of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine have been employed as reaction sites for calcium alginate gelation. Encapsulation of sodium alginate was accomplished by extrusion of phospholipid dispersions through polycarbonate filter of uniform pore size followed by incubation with high concentrations of calcium chloride. The diffusion of calcium into the liposome interior resulted in alginate gelatin within the liposome. Detergent treatment of the liposomes resulted in solubilization of the lipid bilayer with subsequent release of the alginate beads which were measured by laser light scattering and electron microscopy. The release profiles of both the liposomes with entrapped alginate beads and the alginate beads (released by detergent treatment of the liposomes) were determined using cytochrome-c as a marker for release. The release profiles show a rapid release of cytochrome-c over the first 2 for both preparations with slower subsequent release rates for the liposomes with encapsulated alginate beads. The similar early profile may be due to the release of cytochrome-c from bound calcium alginate adsorbed to the outer leaflet of the liposome. This is also supported by calorimetric results which indicate a marked reduction in the enthalpy of the main gel to liquid crystalline phase transition of multilamellar and large unilamellar dispersions of the lipid. This method results in the fabrication of easily controlled, unimodal submicron hydrogel particles which may be used for controlled-release applications.
The PDZ Domain of the LIM Protein Enigma Binds to β-Tropomyosin

PDZ and LIM domains are modular protein interaction motifs present in proteins with diverse functions. Enigma is representative of a family of proteins composed of a series of conserved PDZ and LIM domains. The LIM domains of Enigma and its most related family member, Enigma homology protein, bind to protein kinases, whereas the PDZ domains of Enigma and family member actin-associated LIM protein bind to actin filaments. Enigma localizes to actin filaments in fibroblasts via its PDZ domain, and actin-associated LIM protein binds to and colocalizes with the actin-binding protein alpha-actinin-2 at Z lines in skeletal muscle. We show that Enigma is present at the Z line in skeletal muscle and that the PDZ domain of Enigma binds to a skeletal muscle target, the actin-binding protein tropomyosin (skeletal beta-TM). The interaction between Enigma and skeletal beta-TM was specific for the PDZ domain of Enigma, was abolished by mutations in the PDZ domain, and required the PDZ-binding consensus sequence (Thr-Ser-Leu) at the extreme carboxyl terminus of skeletal beta-TM. Enigma interacted with isoforms of tropomyosin expressed in C2C12 myotubes and formed an immunoprecipitable complex with skeletal beta-TM in transfected cells. The association of Enigma with skeletal beta-TM suggests a role for Enigma as an adapter protein that directs LIM-binding proteins to actin filaments of muscle cells.
Circuit switching under the radar with REACToR

The potential advantages of optics at high link speeds have led to significant interest in deploying optical switching technology in data-center networks. Initial efforts have focused on hybrid approaches that rely on millisecond-scale circuit switching in the core of the network, while maintaining the flexibility of electrical packet switching at the edge. Recent demonstrations of microsecond-scale optical circuit switches motivate considering circuit switching for more dynamic traffic such as that generated from a top-of-rack (ToR) switch. Based on these technology trends, we propose a prototype hybrid ToR, called REACToR, which utilizes a combination of packet switching and circuit switching to appear to end-hosts as a packet-switched ToR.In this paper, we describe a prototype REACToR control plane which synchronizes end host transmissions with end-to-end circuit assignments. This control plane can react to rapid, bursty changes in the traffic from end hosts on a time scale of 100s of microseconds, several orders of magnitude faster than previous hybrid approaches. Using the experimental data from a system of eight end hosts, we calibrate a hybrid network simulator and use this simulator to predict the performance of larger-scale hybrid networks.
Understanding the Symbolic Value of Medications: A Brief Review

How do psychotropic medications function symbolically and chemically? Scholars from disciplines as far reaching as psychoanalysis, business and marketing, and media studies have begun to explore the complex cultural meanings accrued by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mood stabilizers, and other drugs commonly prescribed by psychiatrists. This article provides an overview of this growing body of literature and its relevance to clinical practice, followed by a discussion of how psychotropic medications have been shown to demonstrate symbolic properties at the contextual, economic, and cultural levels. Such lines of inquiry have led to understanding of these medications as transitional objects, commodities, metaphors, and icons. Ways in which understanding the symbolic function of psychotropic medications is important for addressing adherence, satisfaction, outcome, and a host of other important clinical issues are described. Awareness of these symbolic meanings can help identify issues that arise in instances when a discussion of medication, a seemingly fixed object, involves a host of elusive expectations that patients and doctors bring to the examination room. Focus Points •This article explores the complex cultural meanings accrued by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mood stabilizers, and other psychotropic medications. •Psychotropic medications have been shown to demonstrate symbolic properties at the contextual, economic, and cultural levels. Such lines of inquiry have led to understanding of these medications as transitional objects, commodities, metaphors, and icons. •Awareness of popular representations of psychotropic drugs can help patients and doctors think about the role of culture in shaping their own notions of health and illness. •Understanding the symbolic function of psychotropic medications is important for addressing adherence, satisfaction, outcome, and a host of other important clinical issues.
Glucose counterregulation: prevention and correction of hypoglycemia in humans

The prevention or correction of hypoglycemia in humans is the result of both dissipation of insulin and activation of glucose counterregulatory (glucose-raising) systems. Whereas insulin is the dominant glucose-lowering factor, there are redundant glucose counterregulatory factors. Furthermore, there is a hierarchy among the glucoregulatory factors. The first defense against a decrement in plasma glucose is decreased insulin secretion; this occurs with glucose decrements within the physiological range at a glycemic threshold of 4.6 +/- 0.2 mmol/l. However, biological glucose recovery from hypoglycemia can occur despite mild (approximately 2-fold) peripheral hyperinsulinemia and can occur in the absence of portal hypoinsulinemia. Thus additional (glucose counterregulatory) factors must be involved. Critical glucose counterregulatory systems are activated at glycemic thresholds of approximately 3.8 mmol/l (the level at which brain glucose uptake is first measurably reduced), well above the thresholds for symptoms of hypoglycemia (approximately 3.0 mmol/l) and those for cognitive dysfunction resulting from neuroglycopenia (approximately 2.7 mmol/l). Among the glucose counterregulatory factors, glucagon plays a primary role. Indeed, it may be that hypoglycemia does not occur if the secretion and actions of both glucagon and insulin, among the glucoregulatory hormones, are normal. Epinephrine is not normally critical, but it becomes critical to glucose counterregulation when glucagon is deficient. Because hypoglycemia develops or progresses when both glucagon and epinephrine are deficient and insulin is present, these three hormones stand high in the hierarchy of redundant glucoregulatory factors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Colonic H-K-ATPase β-subunit : identification in apical membranes and regulation by dietary K depletion

P-type ATPases require both α- and β-subunits for functional activity. Although an α-subunit for colonic apical membrane H-K-ATPase (HKcα) has been identified and studied, its β-subunit has not bee...
Response of Heliothis Populations to Insecticides Applied in an Area-Wide Reproduction Diapause Boll Weevil Suppression Program

Applications of malathion and azinphosmethyl to cotton during the fall to reduce prehibernating populations of Anthonomus grandis Boheman produced an immediate ecological disruption as evidenced by the increase of nontarget pests, Heliothis zea (Boddie) and H. virescens (F.) At peak densities, Heliothis populations were 4-, to 12-fold greater in treated than in untreated fields and commonly reached higher levels in cotton fields treated with azinphosmethyl. However, these populations caused little, if any, economic damage since the Heliothis feeding damage was confined largely to immature cotton fruits which had little chance of attaining harvest maturity. Further, no carry-over effect of the late-season Heliothis buildup was detected during the subsequent spring and summer. The late season supperssion of prehibernating boll weevils is probably the only insecticidal control method for boll weevils which does not frequently provoke economically damaging outbreaks of nontarget pests such as Heliothis . However, variables such as ecological stability, insecticide type, and timing of treatment will determine the degree of impact the control treatments have on these pests and thus should be considered before this control method is used as a wide scale management tactic.
Multinomial Logit Analysis of the Effects of Chemical Mixtures

Uses of a multinomial logit model for investigations of chemical interactions were investigated. The probabilities of four types of effects when mixtures of benzoylphenylureas (BPUs; diflubenzuron or trillumuron) or a juvenile hormone analogue (JHA; methoprene) with selected pyrethroids (fenvalerate or permethrin) were compared. Bioassays were done on fourth- or sixth-instar western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman). When sprayed on fourth instars, mixtures of methoprene + fenvalerate, trillumuron + fenvalerate, and dillubenzuron + permethrin produced effects significantly different from those predicted by the hypothesis of additive effectiveness. When sprayed on sixth instars, only mixtures of the BPUs with fenvalerate produced effects significantly different from this hypothesis. We conclude that the multinomiallogit model may be useful to identify interactions between chemicals that merit biochemical investigation.
Effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on rough endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes of rat liver

In the absence of amino acids and insulin, ribosome-free regions of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) invaginate to form an autophagosome, which matures into an autolysosome (W. A. Dunn, Jr., J...
Color Scintiphotographic Radionuclide Angiography: An Aide to Isotope Ventriculography

Various anatomic cardiac structures can be evaluated very simply by means of radionuclide angiography. Data acquisition of the initial radionuclide injection should be performed on all patients undergoing equilibrium-radionuclide ventriculography. With the use of a gamma camera, a computer, and color display, the acquired data can be separated into individual frames and color enhanced. Superimposition of these color frames provides a more accurate clinical evaluation of these procedures.
A Prediction-based Dynamic Cluster Target-tracking Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks

Sensor network is a hot topic in research field,and in many practical applications of wireless sensor networks,the tracking of moving targets is a basic function.In this paper,a new target-tracking algorithm,prediction-based dynamic cluster(PDC),is proposed.It improves the disadvantages of inaccurate in target tracking algorithm for prediction.PDC algorithm uses a relatively energy-efficient dynamic cluster network model and principles of distributed computing.Dynamic clusters with the target trajectory early wakes up the sensing target within the radius of the target node ready to monitor.It avoids the node to wake up blindly and consumes the unnecessary energy,on the other hand,reduces the response delay.Dynamic clusters around the goal form a node group with cluster approach to dynamic management.Dynamic clusters calculate targeting with the approach of mass center,not only to improve the accuracy of the positioning but also to reduce the target loss rate.
Incidence and management of cerebrospinal fluid fistulas in 336 multilevel laminectomies with noninstrumented fusions.

Background The incidence (e.g., 3-27%) and the types of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas occurring during multilevel lumbar laminectomy with noninstrumented spinal fusions varies. Methods From 2000 to 2015, we retrospectively evaluated the incidence/etiologies of CSF fistulas occurring for 336 patients undergoing average 4.7 laminectomies with average 1.4 level noninstrumented fusions over a 15 year period. The varied etiologies of CSF leaks included; ossification of the yellow ligament (OYL) extending through the dura, postoperative surgical scar, iatrogenic traumatic leak, epidural steroid injections (ESI), resection of synovial cysts, and the removal of intradural tumors. Techniques for primary repairs included combinations of; 7-0 Gore-Tex (Newark, Delaware, USA) sutures, micro-dural staples, muscle patch/other (e.g., bovine pericardial) grafts, fibrin sealants/glues (e.g., Tisseel; Baxter International Inc., Westlake Village, CA, USA), and Duragen (Integra LifeSciences, Hawthorne, NY, USA) including both the thin and suturable types. Results The etiologies of CSF fistulas in descending order included: Epidural spinal injections (ESI) (7 patients), synovial cysts (6 patients), OYL (5 patients), and equally for postoperative scar and intradural tumors (3 patients). CSF fistulas occurred in 24 (7.14%) of 336 patients; this frequency was reduced to 4.2% when ESI and intradural tumors were excluded. Conclusion CSF fistulas occurred in 7.14% of 336 patients undergoing average 4.7 multilevel laminectomies with average 1.4 level noninstrumented fusions attributed to a lumbar stenosis with mild/moderate instability. The dural repair addressed seven prior ESI, six synovial cysts, five OYL, and operative scarring and intradural tumors (three apiece). Knowing the pathologies contributing to CSF fistulas should help the surgeon to better anticipate and treat these fistulas.
Chapter Twenty-Three – Column Methods

Publisher Summary Either a liquid mobile phase or a gas mobile phase is used in column chromatography. This chapter discusses column adsorption and partition processes employing liquid mobile phases. Ion exchange and exclusion chromatography are also carried out in columns. Chromatographie tubes come in different sizes, shapes, and designs and are made from glass or some other chemically inert material. The main goal for all of these is that they support the stationary phase in a column and permit control of solvent input and effluent collection. In all applications of liquid column chromatography, the mixture is separated and is introduced as a small concentrated sample at the top of the column followed by the addition of the liquid mobile phase. If the separation is because of adsorption, it is dependent on the interactions between the solute and the absorbent surface and solvent. If the separation is because of partition, it is dependent on solute distribution between the mobile and stationary liquid phase. Therefore, successful separation in both cases requires a careful selection of column dimensions, mobile liquid phase, and stationary phase.
Analysis of Instructor Facilitation Strategies and Their Influences on Student Argumentation: A Case Study of a Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning Physical Chemistry Classroom

Encouraging students to participate in collaborative discourse allows students to constructively engage one another, share ideas, develop joint understanding of the course content, and practice making scientific arguments. Argumentation is an important skill for students to learn, but students need to be given the opportunity in class to engage in argumentation. To investigate the importance of instructor facilitation on argumentation, two iterations of one instructor’s Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) physical chemistry course were studied using the Toulmin analysis and the inquiry-oriented discursive moves frameworks. Data were collected by recording class conversations and interactions taking place in the POGIL classrooms. Initial analysis of an individual instructor’s implementation of the POGIL materials provided data regarding the nature of small group and whole class interactions and the nature and quality of student-generated arguments. The instructor was then able to make modifica...
Análisis pragmático contrastivo inglés/español de la intensificación verbal en textos literarios

El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en comparar las funciones pragmaticas de una estructura intensificadora en espanol peninsular formada con la particula venga ( venga a + infinitivo ) con estructuras intensificadoras en ingles. Para ello, analizamos los factores sintacticos, semanticos y pragmaticos que el traductor tiene en cuenta a la hora de usar esta estructura en la traduccion al espanol. El corpus lo componen fragmentos de obras literarias extraidas en Google Books. Los resultados demuestran que con esta construccion se consigue transferir al espanol no solo efectos semanticos (iteracion), sino tambien pragmaticos, como la evaluacion del hablante (desacuerdo, sorpresa, etc.).
Dose of Reality: The Effect of State Marijuana Legalizations

In November 2012 voters in the states of Colorado and Washington approved ballot initiatives that legalized marijuana for recreational use. Two years later, Alaska and Oregon followed suit. As many as 11 other states may consider similar measures in November 2016, through either ballot initiative or legislative action.Supporters and opponents of such initiatives make numerous claims about state-level marijuana legalization. Advocates think legalization reduces crime, raises tax revenue, lowers criminal justice expenditures, improves public health, bolsters traffic safety, and stimulates the economy. Critics argue that legalization spurs marijuana and other drug or alcohol use, increases crime, diminishes traffic safety, harms public health, and lowers teen educational achievement. Systematic evaluation of these claims, however, has been largely absent.This paper assesses recent marijuana legalizations and related policies in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.Our conclusion is that state marijuana legalizations have had minimal effect on marijuana use and related outcomes. We cannot rule out small effects of legalization, and insufficient time has elapsed since the four initial legalizations to allow strong inference. On the basis of available data, however, we find little support for the stronger claims made by either opponents or advocates of legalization. The absence of significant adverse consequences is especially striking given the sometimes dire predictions made by legalization opponents.
Low-Temperature Treated Lignin as Both Binder and Conductive Additive for Silicon Nanoparticle Composite Electrodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries

This work demonstrates a high-performance and durable silicon nanoparticle-based negative electrode in which conventional polymer binder and carbon black additive are replaced with lignin. The mixture of silicon nanoparticles and lignin, a low cost, renewable, and widely available biopolymer, was coated on a copper substrate using the conventional slurry mixing and coating method and subsequently heat-treated to form the composite electrode. The composite electrode showed excellent electrochemical performance with an initial discharge capacity of up to 3086 mAh g–1 and retaining 2378 mAh g–1 after 100 cycles at 1 A g–1. Even at a relatively high areal loading of ∼1 mg cm–2, an areal capacity of ∼2 mAh cm–2 was achieved. The composite electrode also displayed excellent rate capability and performance in a full-cell setup. Through synergistic analysis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman, and nanoindentation experiment results, we attribute the amazing properties of Si/lignin electrodes to the judicio...
Jak3 Kinase Domain Crystal Structures and Implications for Jak-Specific Drug Design.

Janus (Jak) family non-receptor tyrosine kinases are critical for appropriate signaling of many growth factors and cytokines. The four vertebrate Jak kinase family members demonstrate differential receptor cytoplasmic tail binding associations and transduce discrete signals on extracellular binding of ligand to the transmembrane cytokine or growth factor receptor. On ligand binding, a rapid tyrosine phosphorylation mediated signaling cascade is initiated, culminating in translocation of cytosolic latent transcription factors, signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) proteins, to the nucleus and targeted activation of transcription. Dysregulation of this Jak-mediated signaling pathway is documented in a number of hematological diseases: Improper upregulation of Jak activity is seen in certain hematological malignancies [1] and inability to appropriately transduce signals from the common gamma chain, γc, through Jak3 is responsible for approximately 60% of human severe combined immunodeficiency cases [2]. In addition, Jak2 point mutation V617F is frequently documented in myeloproliferative disorders including polycythemia vera; this activating mutation may disrupt an autoinhibited conformation [3]. Therapies targeting restraint of Jak family tyrosine kinase activity may be useful for treating inappropriate activation of Jak signaling cascades or for suppressing the immune response. Advances towards structure-directed drug design of Jak-specific inhibitors were made recently with solution of the Jak3 kinase domain X-ray crystal structure [4], representing the first three-dimensional structural data for any portion of the Jak family of tyrosine kinases. Here three further crystal structures of the kinase domain of Jak3 are presented: an improved resolution co-crystal structure with staurosporine analog AFN-941 and two crystal forms of Jak3 kinase domain in complex with the kinase inhibitor small molecule compound QAD-409. Comparisons between these three solved Jak3 kinase domain crystal structures illustrate conformational flexibility between the kinase domain lobes and in the area of the catalytic cleft. Further structure analysis is also presented documenting in silico modeling of the binding of small molecule CP-690,550 [5] to the different Jak3 kinase domain crystal forms. Potential binding conformations of this inhibitor to the Jak3 kinase domain are suggested with one highly scored binding conformation predicted for all crystal forms. The crystal structures and modeling studies presented further define the extent of the Jak kinase catalytic cleft, demonstrate conformational plasticity in the active conformation Jak3 kinase domain and will aid the design of higher specificity Jak inhibitors.
Glucose deficit triggers tau pathology and synaptic dysfunction in a tauopathy mouse model

Clinical investigations have highlighted a biological link between reduced brain glucose metabolism and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies showed that glucose deprivation may influence amyloid beta formation in vivo but no data are available on the effect that this condition might have on tau protein metabolism. In the current paper, we investigated the effect of glucose deficit on tau phosphorylation, memory and learning, and synaptic function in a transgenic mouse model of tauopathy, the h-tau mice. Compared with controls, h-tau mice with brain glucose deficit showed significant memory impairments, reduction of synaptic long-term potentiation, increased tau phosphorylation, which was mediated by the activation of P38 MAPK Kinase pathway. We believe our studies demonstrate for the first time that reduced glucose availability in the central nervous system directly triggers behavioral deficits by promoting the development of tau neuropathology and synaptic dysfunction. Since restoring brain glucose levels and metabolism could afford the opportunity to positively influence the entire AD phenotype, this approach should be considered as a novel and viable therapy for preventing and/or halting the disease progression.
Rules of RNA specificity of hnRNP A1 revealed by global and quantitative analysis of its affinity distribution.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) is a multipurpose RNA-binding protein (RBP) involved in normal and pathological RNA metabolism. Transcriptome-wide mapping and in vitro evolution identify consensus hnRNP A1 binding motifs; however, such data do not reveal how surrounding RNA sequence and structural context modulate affinity. We determined the affinity of hnRNP A1 for all possible sequence variants (n = 16,384) of the HIV exon splicing silencer 3 (ESS3) 7-nt apical loop. Analysis of the affinity distribution identifies the optimal motif 5′-YAG-3′ and shows how its copy number, position in the loop, and loop structure modulate affinity. For a subset of ESS3 variants, we show that specificity is determined by association rate constants and that variants lacking the minimal sequence motif bind competitively with consensus RNA. Thus, the results reveal general rules of specificity of hnRNP A1 and provide a quantitative framework for understanding how it discriminates between alternative competing RNA ligands in vivo.
Regulation of immediate early gene expression.

From this brief overview of the regulation of the c-fos promoter, it can be seen that the regulation of early-response genes is a complex affair. Therefore, it is not easy to predict from the upstream sequence of a given early-response gene exactly which elements are responsible for responding to what signals in a given cell type. However, from studies of other early-response genes, it is clear that several of the elements found upstream of c-fos appear frequently and are important in the regulation of other early-response genes. For instance, the zif/268 gene has four separate CArG boxes that are similar to fos. These CArG boxes can function in the serum and TPA response, but interestingly, they are not imbedded in a region of dyad symmetry as in c-fos (Christy and Nathans 1989). Upstream of the c-jun oncogene is an AP-1 site that can modulate the expression and induction of this gene and is responsive to TPA (Angel et al. 1988). Moreover, other studies suggest that cAMP-mediated signals can repress induction of c-jun through this element (de Groot et al. 1991; Mechta et al. 1989). This would explain why in certain circumstances, such as depolarization of PC12 cells or in the striatum in response to cocaine, there is an uncoupling of the induction of c-jun and jun-B. Depolarization induces c-fos and jun-B but not c-jun; however, growth factors such as NGF can induce all three genes in the same cell (Bartel et al. 1989). Upstream of the jun-B gene there does not appear to be an SRE, but there is a new element that can be responsive to both cAMP and phorbol esters (de Groot et al. 1991). Genes such as c-myc, JE, and KC have no consensus SREs upstream, and the regulatory elements responsible for the induction of these genes have not been clearly identified (Rollins et al. 1988). However, there is some evidence from the c-myc gene that the E2F binding sites are important for its regulation by serum (Mudryj et al. 1990; Sacca and Cochran 1990). In addition, there are two SIF sites upstream of the c-myc proto-oncogene (B.H. Cochran and T.E. Hayes, unpublished results). Upstream of the nur-77 gene there are no SREs, but there are four potential calcium/CRE-like elements (Watson and Milbrandt 1989).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Chemical process systems analysis using thermodynamic balance equations with entropy generation

Abstract Systematic analyses of chemical process systems with steady-state balance equations for Material, Energy and Entropy can yield insights about energy efficiency and property model consistency, with entropy generation being the indicator quantity. Calculations of different sets of independent overall and subsection variables can reveal inefficient locations as well as the impacts of changes in process configuration and conditions. Demonstration is also made of how the analysis tests properties models because values of entropy generation must be positive, and the sum of heat rejections and entropy generations from sections must equal those from an overall analysis. Examples focus on chemical processes with internal circulation of complex mixtures, including thermochemical decomposition of water, and three different carbon-capture processes having essentially the same flue gas feed and gaseous products. Ranking of the CO 2 capture processes is made, while negative entropy generation is encountered with some property models.
Aluminum(I) β-diketiminato complexes activate C(sp2)–F and C(sp3)–F bonds by different oxidative addition mechanisms: a DFT study

DFT computations reveal different reaction mechanisms for the oxidative addition of C(sp2)–F and C(sp3)–F bonds to the Al(I) complexes: a concerted mechanism for C(sp2)–F and a stepwise mechanism for C(sp3)–F involving fluoride transfer and the formation and recombination of an ion pair.
Learning Continuous-Time Hidden Markov Models for Event Data

The Continuous-Time Hidden Markov Model (CT-HMM) is an attractive modeling tool for mHealth data that takes the form of events occurring at irregularly-distributed continuous time points. However, the lack of an efficient parameter learning algorithm for CT-HMM has prevented its widespread use, necessitating the use of very small models or unrealistic constraints on the state transitions. In this paper, we describe recent advances in the development of efficient EM-based learning methods for CT-HMM models. We first review the structure of the learning problem, demonstrating that it consists of two challenges: (1) the estimation of posterior state probabilities and (2) the computation of end-state conditioned expectations. The first challenge can be addressed by reformulating the estimation problem in terms of an equivalent discrete time-inhomogeneous hidden Markov model. The second challenge is addressed by exploiting computational methods traditionally used for continuous-time Markov chains and adapting them to the CT-HMM domain. We describe three computational approaches and analyze the tradeoffs between them. We evaluate the resulting parameter learning methods in simulation and demonstrate the use of models with more than 100 states to analyze disease progression using glaucoma and Alzheimer’s Disease datasets.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Performance of Liquid Biopsy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A majority of patients are diagnosed at intermediate or advanced stage and are no longer candidates for curative treatment. Molecular characterization of the tumor would presumably provide valuable insights for developing novel treatments, but tissue samples are difficult to obtain, especially for nonsurgical patients. Therefore, liquid biopsy represents a noninvasive means to access the genomic information of the tumor and can easily be repeated to monitor tumor evolution. Recent technological progress and preliminary results suggest that liquid biopsy could play a central role in the future management of liver cancer.
Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Complete and Partial Nephrectomy in Children

The current gold standard for pediatric complete and partial nephrectomy is the open surgical approach. Despite its short surgical times and excellent long-term outcomes, the open surgical approach has historically been associated with increased hospital stays and morbidity. The open approach often requires the patients to be on high doses of narcotics for postoperative pain management. This, in turn, has led to increased postoperative complications of refractory pain and constipation, which could potentially lead to readmission for their treatment. Laparoscopy provides an alternative approach in performing complete and partial nephrectomy. This approach is associated with less pain, shorter hospitalization, and more rapid recovery time compared to its open counterpart. However, laparoscopy is technically more demanding, leading to potentially higher rates of intraoperative complications, surgical time, and costs.
Epidemiology of Drug Abuse: Building Blocks for Etiologic Research

The epidemiology of substance use (SU) and substance use disorders (SUDs) provides essential information for understanding the etiology of these complex conditions. After peaking in the late 1970s, overall SU rates declined during the 1980s and then rose again during the first half of the 1990s. Since the mid/late 1990s, overall SU rates declined slowly or remained generally stable. Within this overall pattern, many specific drug epidemics were observed, including crack cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, and, recently, prescription-type drug epidemics. Onset of both SU and SUDs is typically during adolescence and rates of SU generally peak in late adolescence and early adulthood. Early onset is associated with higher rates of SUDs and worse prognosis. Patterns of SU shift across different gender, race/ethnicity and age groups, with inhalants more commonly abused by children and early adolescents than by older adolescents and adults. Polysubstance use is a typical pattern of SU, especially among youth. Strong associations of SU/SUD and psychiatric illnesses are the rule rather than the exception, especially for antisocial personality disorder (and other personality disorders) and bipolar disorder. SU and SUDs result from a complex interplay of individual-level, environmental, and developmental factors. Numerous studies have found that heritability of SUD rises with age and with progression of disorders, suggesting that genetic factors play an increasing role as individuals pass through later adolescence into adulthood and as their SU advances to heavier use and addiction. Heritability studies have also shown that much of the genetic risk is nonspecific with regard to choice of substance. In addition to genetic vulnerability to SUDs, there is evidence for genetic predisposition to a constellation of externalizing behaviors across development (e.g. conduct disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). In addition to and often interacting with genetic risk, multiple environmental factors influence the onset and progression of drug use and drug-use disorders, including: adverse family circumstances, early stress and child abuse, parenting practices (especially parental monitoring), religiosity, prenatal exposures, peer factors, school factors, and neighborhood factors (including drug availability). Key observations with potential relevance for neuroscience research include: (1) SUDs frequently overlap with other psychiatric disorders, (2) polysubstance use is a typical pattern, rather than use of single substances, (3) the environment plays a key role in shaping vulnerability and resilience factors, and (4) developmental issues are central to understanding SU and SUDs, especially in terms of early risk factor exposures and timing of drug initiation.
Role of destination competitiveness and national corruption in hotel performance: A study of developing economies of Central America

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between destination competitiveness (DC), national corruption and hotel performance (HP). A panel data analysis was applied to the Ce...
Some Auxiliary Results

In this chapter, we present some definitions and theorems that will be used in the sequel. These results concern variational inequalities, degree and index theories, and bifurcation.
Mapping the Basal Ganglia

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes how the results of in vitro and in vivo mapping studies have shaped the current understanding of the role played by the basal ganglia in the control of movement. An important factor to consider when translating the results of structural imaging studies, which identify neuronal pathways and the transmitter associated with them, in functional terms, is the fact that “inhibitory” and “excitatory” neurotransmitters do not operate in isolation. Similarly, increased activity in excitatory (glutamatergic) pathways is thought to lead automatically to the stimulation of postsynaptic neurons. In reality, each neuron in the brain is under the influence of multiple inputs containing a variety of neurotransmitters. The effect of any given input on a postsynaptic neuron depends on the membrane potential of that neuron, which is the result of its intrinsic membrane properties and of the influence of other inputs to the neurons. Anatomical and functional evidence indicates that dopaminergic neurons may influence basal ganglia output neurons, not only through their projections to the striatum but also through direct inputs to the pallidum and even to the subthalamic nucleus. The pallidum, substantia nigra, and subthalamic nucleus receive inputs from the tegmentopedunculopontine nucleus, a group of neurons in the mesencephalic reticular formation. The globus pallidus also sends direct projections to the striatum, the internal pallidum, the substantia nigra pars reticulata, and even the reticular nucleus of the thalamus. This extensive set of connections explain why changes in gene expression observed in the globus pallidus show a good correlation to changes in behavior in models of movement disorders.
Scientists from Rich and Poor Countries

The state of knowledge regarding the factors promoting or retarding the growth and development of science is still in a condition of ignorance. In the first place, when we talk about growth and development we are almost always talking about the economic, political, and sociological factors that promote development. These are presumed to be the most crucial determinants, because we certainly believe that science is possible in all groups of peoples, regardless of their geographical location. The relative neglect by experts in these scholarly disciplines has resulted in our low level of knowledge.1 Fortunately that situation is beginning to change as the sociology of science is beginning to grow and mature. At this time, however, our general impressions about the state of science and of scientific development in poor countries come from unsystematic observations.2 These observations are not incorrect, but they are necessarily limited in their generalizability and applicability.
Altered Herbicide Target Sites

Herbicides have been important tools for weed management ever since the introduction of auxin-analog herbicides in the mid-1940s. While herbicides continue to be viable weed control options, herbicide-resistant weeds are an ever-increasing concern for world agriculture (Heap, 1997; Morrison and Devine, 1994; Shaner, 1995). Herbicide resistance is defined as the inherited ability of a plant to survive and reproduce following exposure to a dose of herbicide normally lethal to wild-type plants (Anonymous, 1998). Selection for rare resistant biotypes in weed populations is believed to be responsible for the evolution of most herbicide-resistant weed populations. Recurrent selection pressure is provided by season-after-season use of herbicides that do not control the resistant biotype(s). These herbicides are most likely those with the same or similar mode of action. Herbicide resistance has been documented in 98 dicot and 67 monocot weed species worldwide, totaling 275 species-by-mode-of-action combinations to date (Heap, 2003).
Computer Simulation of Behavior in Spaces

Computer simulation techniques have been developed in as diverse areas as military science and operations research and have recently been used in behavioral research. Computer simulation is an experimenting technique that involves the testing of a hypothesis about the underlying processes of a real-world phenomenon. To the degree the data from the simulation match real-world data, the computer simulation and its conceptual structure are assumed to successfully represent the real-world process simulated.
Technology-Based Interventions, Assessments, and Solutions for Safe Driving Training for Adolescents: Rapid Review.

Background: Safe driving training for adolescents aims to prevent injury and promote their well-being. In that regard, information and communication technologies have been used to understand adolescent driving behavior and develop interventions. Objective: The purpose of this review is to explore and discuss existing approaches to technology-based driving interventions, driving assessments, and solutions in the literature. Methods: We searched the Web of Science and PubMed databases following a review protocol to collect relevant peer-reviewed journal articles. Inclusion criteria were (1) being published in the English language, (2) being published in a peer-reviewed journal, (3) testing the driving behavior of teens with technology-based intervention methods, and (4) being published between January 2000 and March 2018. We appraised the articles by reading their abstracts to select studies matching the inclusion criteria and reading the full text of articles for final refinement. Results: Initial keyword searches on technology-based solutions resulted in 828 publications that we refined further by title screening (n=131) and abstract evaluation against inclusion criteria (n=29). Finally, we selected 16 articles that met the inclusion criteria and examined them regarding the use of technology-based interventions, assessments, and solutions. Use of built-in tracking devices and installation of black box devices were widely used methods for capturing driving events. Smartphones were increasingly adapted for data collection, and use of gamification for intervention design was an emerging concept. Visual and audio feedback also were used for intervention. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that social influence is effective in technology-based interventions; parental involvement for promoting safe driving behavior is highly effective. However, the use of smartphones and gamification needs more study regarding their implementation and sustainability. Further developments in technology for predicting teen behavior and programs for behavioral change are needed.
Social Learning and Network Externalities: Replicating Gilchrist and Sands (2016)

Social learning plays a limited role in determining movie sales momentum according to recent research by Gilchrist and Sands (2016), who instead emphasize the importance of network externalities. Narrow replication of their robustness test for social learning, which compares sales momentum for high- and low-quality movies, reveals no evidence of network externalities and strong evidence of social learning. Results from a wider replication are less conclusive. While we can confirm two additional implications from a model of social learning, replications of their primary test for social learning with alternative measures of movie quality reveal evidence of both learning and network externalities. We conclude that social learning plays a larger role than Gilchrist and Sands' (2016) findings imply, even though the existence of network externalities cannot be ruled out.
Bandwidth Extension on Spectrum Modeling of Cross-Modulation for Dual-Band Amplification of OFDM Signals

The recent research on mobile communication systems has triggered increasing interest in multi-band transmitters. Our recent work advanced the spectrum modeling to cross-modulation of dual-band amplified orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. However, it was limited to an assumption that the signal bandwidth in one band cannot be more than twice the signal bandwidth in the other band. This assumption may not always be valid; for example, the bandwidth for one long-term evolution signal could be multiple times wider than the bandwidth for the adjacent channel. In this paper, we extend the amplified spectrum model beyond that assumption. Together with the earlier work, this comprehensive model allows RF designers to predict the amplified dual-band spectrum of OFDM signals with no bandwidth restriction. The experimental measurements match well the analytic predictions.
Spatial and temporal variations of PM 2.5 mass closure and inorganic PM 2.5 in the Southeastern U.S.

Fine particulate matter (i.e., PM2.5) has gained extensive attention owing to its adverse effects. The impacts of PM2.5 may vary in time and space due to the spatiotemporal variations of PM2.5 number size distribution and chemical compositions. This research analyzed the latest PM2.5 chemical compositions measurements with an aim to better understand the dynamic changes of PM2.5 in response to emission reductions due to the new regulations. The particulate measurements from the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization (SEARCH) network between 2001 and 2016 were analyzed for the spatiotemporal variations of PM2.5 and inorganic PM2.5 (iPM2.5 = SO42− + NH4+ + NO3−) chemical compositions in the Southeastern United States (U.S.). It was discovered that PM2.5 and iPM2.5 mass concentrations exhibited significant downward trends in 2001–2016. Both PM2.5 and iPM2.5 mass concentrations were higher at urban and inland sites than rural/suburban and coastal sites. The higher iPM2.5 concentrations at agricultural sites were attributed to the influences of ammonia (NH3) emissions from animal feeding operations (AFOs). The iPM2.5 was the dominant contributor to PM2.5 in 2001–2016 at the coastal sites, whereas organic carbon matter (OCM) was the major contributor to PM2.5 after 2011 at the inland sites. Our data analysis suggests that significant decrease of PM2.5 concentrations is attributed to the reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions in 2001–2016. Findings from this research provide insights into the development of effective PM2.5 control strategies and assessment of air pollutants exposure.