cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extending the Minimum Necessary Standard to Uses and Disclosures for Treatment: Currents in Contemporary Bioethics:

Encouraged by the financial incentives in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 (HITECH Act), electronic health record (EHR) adoption is on the rise. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in 2014, 78% of office-based physicians had adopted some type of EHR system, up from 18% in 2001. Implementation of EHRs able to support the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) “meaningful use” requirements has also significantly increased since 2010. Such a growth in EHR adoption with the capacity to achieve “meaningful use” standards suggests that the goal of nationwide, interoperable health records is moving closer to a reality. While movement toward a system-wide, interoperable EHR promises benefits of such an electronic information management tool, the risks related to patients’ privacy of their health information remains a concern.
Characterization of an SH2 containing protein tyrosine phosphatase in rat parotid gland acinar cells.

Abstract Rat parotid glands were shown to possess protein phosphatase activity capable of catalyzing the dephosphorylation of several model phosphotase substrates, including p-nitrophenyl phosphate, tyrosine phosphorylated myelin basic protein and serine phosphorylated casein. A portion of this activity closely resembled dephosphorylation patterns of known protein tyrosine phosphatases. The reaction showed sensitivity to sodium orthovanadate, proceeded efficiently in the presence of metal chelators and favored acidic pH for optimum activity. Cell lysates from EGF-or isoproterenol-stimulated parotid glands, when immunoprecipitated with anti-Syp antibody, showed the induction of protein tyrosine phosphatase activity significantly higher than the unstimulated controls. The protein of Mr = 65kDa also had elevated levels of tyrosine phosphorylation following isolation from cells treated to undergo proliferation. Thus parotid gland acinar cells possess protein tyrosine phosphatase activity of the PTPase 1D class associated with inducible cell growth, in addition to other phosphatases.
Distributed multimedia information systems: an end-to-end perspective

Emerging Web-based applications require distributed multimedia information system (DMIS) infrastructures. Examples of such applications abound in the domains of medicine, entertainment, manufacturing, e-commerce, as well as military and critical national infrastructures. Development of DMIS for such applications need a broad range of technological solutions for organizing, storing, and delivering multimedia information in an integrated, secure and timely manner with guaranteed end-to-end (E2E) quality of presentation (QoP). DMIS are viewed as catalysts for new research in many areas, ranging from basic research to applied technology. This view is a result of the fact that no single monolithic end-to-end architecture for DMIS can meet the wide spectrum of characteristics and requirements of various Web-based multimedia applications. One size does not fit all in this medium of communication. Management of integrated end-to-end QoP and ensuring information security in DMIS, when viewed in conjunction with real world constraints and system-wide performance requirements, present formidable research and implementation challenges. These challenges encompass all the sub-system components of a DMIS. The ultimate objective of achieving a comprehensive end-to-end QoP management relies on the performance and allocation of resources of each of the DMIS sub-system components including networks, databases, and end-systems. In this paper, we elaborate on these challenges and present a high level distributed architecture aimed at providing the critical functionality for a DMIS.
Post-herniorrhaphy pain in outpatients after pre-incision ilioinguinal-hypogastric nerve block during monitored anaesthesia care.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an ilioinguinal-hypogastric nerve block (IHNB) with bupivacaine 0.25% on the postoperative analgesic requirement and recovery profile in outpatients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy with local anaesthetic infiltration. Thirty consenting healthy men undergoing elective unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy procedures were randomly assigned to receive an IHNB with either saline or bupivacaine according to a double-blind, IRB-approved protocol. All patients received midazolam, 2 mg iv, and fentanyl 25 μg iv, prior to injection of 30 ml of either bupivacaine 0.25% or saline through the oblique muscle approximately 1.5 cm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine. Subsequently, the surgeon infiltrated the incision site with a lidocaine 1% solution. Sedation was maintained during the operation with a variable-rate propofol infusion, 25–140 μg · kg−1 · min−1. No significant differences were noted in the intraoperative doses of lidocaine, propofol and fentanyl in the two treatment groups. However, the pain visual analogue score at 30 min after entering the PACU was lower in the bupivacaine (versus saline) group (P < 0.05). Although the times to ambulation (86 ± 18 vs 99 ± 27 min) and being judged “fit for discharge” (112 ± 49 vs 126 ± 30 min) were similar in the two groups, the bupivacaine-treated (vs saline) patients required less oral analgesic medication after discharge (46% vs 85%). We concluded that the use of an ilioinguinal-hypogastric nerve block with bupivacaine 0.25% as an adjuvant during inguinal herniorrhaphy under monitored anaesthesia care decreased pain in the PACU and oral analgesic requirements after discharge from the day-surgery unit.
The faith of pastoral counseling: Power to change

Pastoral counseling is counseling based on a specific faith. As presented in the biblical heritage, this faith is a power to effect change in one's life. Resistance to affirming this power is basically a fear of failure. Yet failure in the scope of this faith is the prelude to victory. Resistance to admitting our defeats is supported by the cultural assumption that one can accomplish anything by will power and hard work. In contrast, the faith of pastoral counseling is based on the Good News of reconciliation with our failures. Faith functions through the faculty of imagination and is stimulated and supported by caring relationships.
A Family of Single-Isomer Chiral Resolving Agents for Capillary Electrophoresis. 2. Hepta-6-sulfato-β-cyclodextrin

A new, hydrophilic, single-isomer charged cyclodextrin, the sodium salt of hepta-6-sulfato-β-cyclodextrin has been synthesized, characterized, and used for the capillary electrophoretic separation of the enantiomers of numerous noncharged, acidic, basic, and zwitterionic analytes. Hepta-6-sulfato-β-cyclodextrin proved to be a much stronger complexing agent for all the analytes tested, in both low-pH and high-pH background electrolytes, than the previously synthesized, moderately hydrophobic heptakis(2,3-diacetyl-6-sulfato)-β-cyclodextrin. The separation selectivities of the two single-isomer, differently functionalized charged cyclodextrins often proved to be complementary. In agreement with the predictions of the charged resolving agent migration model, separation selectivity for the noncharged analytes decreased as the concentration of hepta-6-sulfato-β-cyclodextrin was increased. For acidic, basic, and zwitterionic analytes, selectivity could increase, decrease, or pass a maximum, depending on the bind...
Abstract 3328: Targeted inactivation of EZH2 by CDF inhibits pancreatic tumor growth mediated by re-expression of lost miRNAs in tumors

EZH2 plays a critical role in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation and cancer stem cell (CSC) function, contributing to tumor aggressiveness. Increased expression of EZH2 has been found in human pancreatic cancer (PC); however, the mechanism(s) by which EZH2 mediates its biological effects is not known, and there is no avenue for inactivation of EZH2. In this study, we examined the effect of CDF, a novel Curcumin analogue, on tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo and assessed whether the effect of CDF is due to inactivation of EZH2 and CSC function mediated by deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs). We found that CDF decreased cell survival, clonogenicity, formation of pancreatospheres, cell migration and invasion, and attenuated CSC function in human PC cells, which was associated with inactivation of EZH2 expression and NF-κB activity, and increased expression of miRNAs such as let-7a, b, c, d, miR-26a, miR-101, miR-146a, and miR-200b, c. Further mechanistic studies showed that the re-expression of miR-101 led to decreased expression of EZH2 and EpCAM. Moreover, CDF inhibited tumor growth in a mouse orthotopic model of PC, which was associated with decreased expression of EZH2, Notch-1, CD44, EpCAM and Nanog, and increased expression of let-7, miR-26a and miR-101 in tumor remnant. From these results, we conclude that the inhibition of tumor growth and tumor cell aggressiveness by CDF is in part due to down-regulation of EZH2, which was mediated by up-regulation of specific miRNAs, suggesting that CDF could be useful for the prevention of tumor progression and/or treatment of PC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3328. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3328
Integrating scheduling and control functions in computer integrated manufacturing using artificial intelligence

Abstract Proper integration of scheduling and control in Flexible Manufacturing Systems will make available the required level of decision-making capacity to provide a flexibly-automated, efficient, and quality manufacturing process. To achieve this level of integration, the developments in computer technology and sophisticated techniques of artificial intelligence (AI) should be applied to such FMS functions as scheduling. In this paper, we present an Intelligent Scheduling System for FMS under development that makes use of the integration of two AI technologies. These two AI technologies — Neural Networks and Expert Systems — provide the intelligence that the scheduling function requires in order to generate goodschedules within the restrictions imposed by real-time problems. Because the system has the ability to plan ahead and learn, it has a higher probability of success than conventional approaches. The adaptive behavior that will be achieved contribute to the integration of scheduling and control in FMS.
Relativism and Scepticism

MIT Press, 2006. Pp. x + 216. ISBN 978‐0‐262‐08353‐9.US$36.00 (hbk). Relativism and scepticism are often taken to be incompatible doctrines. After all, the relativist typically attempts to argue th...
Abstract B40: Mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (Sod2) confers a survival advantage to ovarian cancer cells under stress conditions by enhancing mitochondrial respiratory reserve capacity

The formation of cellular spheroids is considered to be an important step in the metastatic progression of ovarian cancer. These clusters of tumor cells are characterized by an enhanced survival within the peritoneal cavity, the ability to attach at secondary metastatic sites within the cavity and associated with increased chemoresistance. High expression of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (Sod2), which regulates mitochondrial redox balance, has been observed in metastatic ovarian cancer, specifically ovarian clear cell carcinomas (CCC), and in vitro, following spheroid formation. To assess the role of Sod2 in spheroid formation and ovarian cancer metastasis we utilized siRNA knock-down to decrease Sod2 expression in Ovcar3 and the CCC cell line ES-2. Surprisingly, under normal culture conditions, decreasing Sod2 levels had little effect on proliferation and spheroid formation. To elucidate the role of Sod2 on ovarian cancer mitochondrial function an extracellular flux metabolic analyzer (Seahorse Bioscience) was utilized to measure rates of cellular respiration. While the basal oxygen consumption rate remained unchanged, a decrease in Sod2 expression resulted in a concomitant decrease in respiratory reserve capacity. This reserve capacity is an important determinant of a cell9s ability to increase metabolic rate under stress conditions. Given that ovarian cancer spheroids are exposed to the hypoxic environment of the peritoneal cavity, the role of Sod2 on ovarian cancer spheroid formation was assessed under low oxygen (1%) conditions. Hypoxia increased the clonogenicity and spheroid size of control cells, which was significantly abrogated following Sod2 knock-down. These data suggest that Sod2 confers a survival advantage to ovarian cancer spheroids under stress conditions by maintaining an adequate mitochondrial respiratory reserve. Manipulating mitochondrial function and redox balance by effectively targeting mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes may enhance chemosensitivity and allow for novel therapeutic strategies against ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Usawadee Dier, Larissa Uusitalo, Corinne Giroux, Nadine Hempel. Mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (Sod2) confers a survival advantage to ovarian cancer cells under stress conditions by enhancing mitochondrial respiratory reserve capacity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B40.
Global range alignment for ISAR

A new technique is developed for range alignment in inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging. The shifts made to the echoes are modeled as a polynomial, and the coefficients of this polynomial are chosen to optimize a global quality measure of range alignment. This technique is robust against noise and target scintillation, and avoids error accumulation. In addition, the shift in the time domain is implemented by introducing a phase ramp in the frequency domain, which removes the limitation of integer steps.
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRESS IN UNDERSTANDING HIGH-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTIVITY

In this paper first the structure of the newest layered compounds is presented, which do not contain rare-earth ions, instead either Bi- or Tl-oxide layers are sandwiched between the copper-oxide layers. The latter consist of either corner-connected octahedra, pyramids or planar squares: the transition temperature T/sub c/ increases with the density of copper-oxide layers per unit cell and is accounted for by single-electron interlayer tunneling. The Bi- or Tl-oxide layers can either be double or single, with the former having the higher T/sub c/. Of considerable scientific interest is the discovery of a cubic perovskite with a high T/sub c/ of 29.6 {Kappa} which contains no copper. Ba/sub 1-x/K/sub x/BiO/sub 3/. Owing to its doping with K/sup +/ for Ba/sup 2+/, holes must again be present. If they are on the oxygens, this would be a common feature with the cuprates. This paper is aimed at determining the superconducting gap {Delta} and its anisotropy. Some measurements of infrared reflectivity on single crystals and nuclear magnetic resonance in powders indicate that the ratio is 2{Delta}/{kappa}T/sub c/ {ge} 7. Infrared data supporting this ratio in BaY/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ have now been extended. Others however yield values near the BCS weak couplingmore » limit of 3.5. Determination of this ratio is important, because it indicates whether the coupling is weak or strong. A Kramer-Kronig analysis of IR data in the normal-conducting regime supports intermediately strong coupling, but weaker than in many fermion systems. It is also pointed out that the tunneling experiments yield gaps which are somewhat too low because {Delta} is depressed at the surface owing to the intrinsic short coherence lengths.« less
How to manage patients with cardiopulmonary disease

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a connective tissue disease characterized by the formation of autoantibodies and immune complexes. The heart and lungs are among the organ systems commonly affected in SLE. Pericarditis, premature coronary atherosclerosis, pleuritis and pulmonary infections are the most prevalent cardiopulmonary manifestations. Other rare associations include myocarditis, coronary arteritis, acute lupus pneumonitis/pulmonary haemorrhage, acute reversible hypoxaemia and 'shrinking lung' syndrome. Current imaging modalities may provide earlier detection of subclinical disease, which may aid in preventing these potentially fatal complications. The response to treatment varies, depending on the presentation of disease. In this chapter we address the frequency, diagnosis and monitoring, and treatment regimens of cardiac and pulmonary involvement in patients with SLE.
The Azerbaijani cashiq and his performance of a dästän

(1976). The Azerbaijani cashiq and his performance of a dastan. Iranian Studies: Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 220-247.
Efficacy of Single and Dual Gene Cotton Gossypium hirsutum Events on Neonate and Third Instar Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda Development Based on Tissue and Meridic Diet Assays1

ABSTRACT We evaluated mortality and developmental parameters of fall armyworms, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), to the single Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton trait, Bollgard® and dual Bt cotton traits (Bollgard II® and WideStrike™) by using a cotton leaf-tissue assay and by incorporating lyophilized cotton tissue into a meridic diet. Bioassays were conducted for both neonate and 3rd instars. Leaf tissue bioassays indicated that Bollgard II® and WideStrike™ are highly effective against fall armyworm neonates by causing mortality and by retarding development parameters such as larval weight, pupal duration, and time to adulthood. Bollgard® was not significantly different from non-transgenic cotton in terms of mortality or feeding, with the exception of the non—Bt (PhytoGen 425RF), which had an inherent form of resistance that is not associated with a transgenic event. Third instars evaluated with lyophilized diet bioassays were not as affected by the Bt traits to the same degree as neonates; however...
Stress and withdrawal from d-amphetamine alter 5-HT2A receptor mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex

Abstract Psychostimulant withdrawal results in emotional, behavioral, and cognitive impairments, which may be exacerbated by stress. However, little is known about the neurochemical changes that occur when these two conditions are experienced concomitantly. 5-HT 2A receptor (5-HT 2A R) mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is diminished following withdrawal from d -amphetamine (AMPH) and may underlie the emotional and cognitive impairments observed in psychostimulant withdrawal, but whether stress affects 5-HT 2A R mRNA expression during psychostimulant withdrawal is unknown. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of forced swim test (FST) exposure during AMPH withdrawal on 5-HT 2A R mRNA expression in PFC. Animals were treated 3 times a day for 4 days with escalating doses of AMPH (1–10 mg/kg) and 24 h or 4 days after the final injection, animals were subjected to FST. At 24 h of withdrawal, AMPH-treated animals showed greater immobility in FST and at 4 days of withdrawal, AMPH-treated animals did not show immobility. At 24 h of withdrawal, animals showed lower 5-HT 2A R mRNA expression in the PFC relative to saline-treated animals, and exposure to FST did not further decrease expression in these animals. At 4 days of withdrawal, AMPH-treated animals showed greater 5-HT 2A R mRNA expression relative to saline-treated animals in the PFC, an effect that was diminished by exposure to FST. These data indicate that stress and short-term AMPH withdrawal affect prefrontal 5-HT 2A R mRNA expression to a similar degree, and stress experienced during long-term AMPH withdrawal can diminish the recovery of 5-HT 2A R mRNA expression. Together, these data suggest that exposure to stress during extended AMPH withdrawal could prolong withdrawal-induced, 5-HT 2A R mRNA expression which could be related to 5-HT 2A R mediated deficits.
Comparison of Block-Shear and Whitmore Section Methods for Load Rating Existing Steel Truss Gusset Plate Connections

Many transportation agencies are now evaluating and rating their inventory of steel truss bridge gusset plate connections after the collapse of the I35W Bridge in Minneapolis. Modern design methodologies are being used to evaluate inventory gusset plate connections that were designed using allowable stress methods. One such implementation is evaluation of gusset plates using block shear, an approach that was developed well after many of the nation's truss bridges were designed. Vintage designs commonly used the Whitmore section to proportion gusset plate connections. Differences between rating outcomes from block-shear analysis at strength conditions with designs that employed allowable stresses on the Whitmore section method were identified and expected outcomes for rating of gusset plate connections are proposed. Examples are shown to highlight the similarities and differences in these two approaches to assist rating engineers in implementation and expected variabilities on the outcomes based on connection geometric proportions and material properties. DOI: 10.1061/ASCEBE.1943-5592.0000048 CE Database subject headings: Plates; Steel; Trusses; Bridge failures; Connections; Loading rates; Minnesota. Author keywords: Gusset plates; Steel truss bridges; Bridge rating; Whitmore section; Block shear.
Identification of thiols and glutathione conjugates of depsipeptide FK228 (FR901228), a novel histone protein deacetylase inhibitor, in the blood.

Four glutathione (GSH) conjugates and two thiols were detected when depsipeptide FK228, formerly FR901228, a naturally occurring potent histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, was incubated in rat or human plasma in the presence of GSH. Their structures were elucidated by the high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multi-stage mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS(n)) technique, and in some cases confirmed by accurate mass measurement. These products were also detected in rat and human blood homogenates following their incubation with FK228, but were not detected in GSH solution alone. A possible scheme for its formation is proposed. One of the thiols has recently been found to be more active as a histone deacetylase inhibitor than the parent compound.
A Risk Assessment Model of Embedded Software Systems

Assessing risk associated with safety or mission-critical embedded systems often lacks detailed considerations of software, if at all. Performing risk assessment, which considers software in its entirety, is challenging, yet necessary. This necessity stems from the need to understand the contribution of software to the risks associated with a system. We propose a modeling approach that extends dynamic flowgraph methodology via using second order decision tables to represent functions of the system, including that of the software, and the environment
Biodegradable fibrous scaffolds with tunable properties formed from photo-cross-linkable poly(glycerol sebacate).

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the architecture and mechanical properties of scaffolds, particularly with respect to mimicking features of natural tissues, are important for tissue engineering applications. Acrylated poly(glycerol sebacate) (Acr-PGS) is a material that can be cross-linked upon exposure to ultraviolet light, leading to networks with tunable mechanical and degradation properties through simple changes during Acr-PGS synthesis. For example, the number of acrylate functional groups on the macromer dictates the concentration of cross-links formed in the resulting network. Three macromers were synthesized that form networks that vary dramatically with respect to their tensile modulus (∼30 kPa to 6.6 MPa) and degradation behavior (∼20−100% mass loss at 12 weeks) based on the extent of acrylation (∼1−24%). These macromers were processed into biodegradable fibrous scaffolds using electrospinning, with gelatin as a carrier polymer to facilitate fiber formation and cell adhesion. The resu...
Little Magazine Interview Index

Schofer is humanities bibliographer at Memorial Library, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Richards is administrative coordinator at the Department of Special Collections, Memorial Library, University of WisconsinMadison. The eighth index to interviews appearing in little magazines collected for the Marvin Sukov Collection (Department of Special Collections, Memorial Library, University of Wisconsin-Madison) is a new installment in the project initiated in 1985. The interviews are largely recent, although the list includes a few earlier ones found in titles recently acquired for the collection. This year's crop of interviews numbers 513, a total consistent with last year's 523. Again the subjects include not only poets, novelists, playwrights, and short story writers, but also film directors, art and literary critics, and a variety of visual and performing arts figures. Although the majority are American, Canadian, or British, the range of nationalities is wide, and illustrates the ever-growing interest in the artistic and literary output from eastern European countries and South America, to give but two examples. Established, scholarly voices are heard together with those of new writers or artists often speaking from the perspective of ethnic minorities. We acquire little magazines in English, regardless oftheir place of publication. Increasingly, we encounter bilingual texts and a large number of translations from a vast linguistic landscape. We continue to note an increase in quality writing from collegeand university-sponsored journals, often presenting the work of established writers with that of beginners; the trend toward short fiction also seems firmly established. We follow a cautious approach to acquiring the proliferating New Age and science fiction publications.
The effect of pharmacological treatment on gait biomechanics in peripheral arterial disease patients.

Background: Pharmacological treatment has been advocated as a first line therapy for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) patients suffering from intermittent claudication. Previous studies document the ability of pharmacological treatment to increase walking distances. However, the effect of pharmacological treatment on gait biomechanics in PAD patients has not been objectively evaluated as is common with other gait abnormalities. Methods: Sixteen patients were prescribed an FDA approved drug (Pentoxifylline or Cilostazol) for the treatment of symptomatic PAD. Patients underwent baseline gait testing prior to medication use which consisted of acquisition of ground reaction forces and kinematics while walking in a pain free state. After three months of treatment, patients underwent repeat gait testing. Results: Patients with symptomatic PAD had significant gait abnormalities at baseline during pain free walking as compared to healthy controls. However, pharmacological treatment did not produce any identifiable alterations on the biomechanics of gait of the PAD patients as revealed by the statistical comparisons performed between pre and posttreatment and between post-treatment and the healthy controls. Conclusions: Pharmacological treatment did not result in statistically significant improvements in the gait biomechanics of patients with symptomatic PAD. Future studies will need to further explore different cohorts of patients that have shown to improve significantly their claudication distances and/or their muscle fiber morphology with the use of pharmacological treatment and determine if this is associated with an improvement in gait biomechanics. Using these methods we may distinguish the patients who benefit from pharmacotherapy and those who do not.
Tandem Mass Spectrometry Improves the Accuracy of Free Thyroxine Measurements During Pregnancy

Objective: Pregnancy is a time of rapidly changing demands on the thyroid axis, and knowledge of thyroid hormone levels, especially during the first trimester, is important for ensuring maternal and fetal health. The thyroid hormone assays currently in use become more inaccurate at extremes of binding protein concentrations and when heterophilic antibodies are present. Pregnancy is characterized by both these conditions, making accurate determination of free thyroid hormone levels by conventional direct analog immunoassay methods difficult. The objective of this study was to characterize the performance of a novel tandem mass spectrometric assay for free thyroxine during the physiologic conditions of pregnancy. Design: Healthy women without a history of thyroid abnormalities were recruited from the obstetrics and gynecology and endocrinology clinics of a university medical center and their thyroid status was monitored. Free thyroxine levels were assessed by both immunoassay and tandem mass spectrometry du...
Effect of Brown-Rot Fungi on Cellulose

Brown-rot fungi cause the most destructive form of wood decay. These fungi secrete agents that bring about a rapid depolymerization of cellulose (to the “limit” degree of polymerization [DP]) before significant loss of wood substance occurs; in both cases attack initially is in the amorphous regions. Acid hydrolysis has a similar effect on cellulose as do several oxidants. How brown-rot fungi accomplish this feat is a perplexing biochemical question. Enzyme preparations from many brown-rot fungi can significantly degrade only cellulose that has been modified, such as carboxymethylcellulose (Highley, 1973, 1977a). Most likely the system producing the initial depolymerization of cellulose is nonenzymatic because even the smallest enzymes are far too large to penetrate the intersticies of the amorphous regions. Secretion of acids strong enough to hydrolyze the cellulose is unlikely. Cowling and Brown (1969) suggested that an oxidative system employing Fenton’s reagent (Fe+2+H2O2), which generates hydroxyl radical might be used by brown-rot fungi. Later Koenigs demonstrated that cellulose in wood is depolymerized by Fenton’s reagent. Support for an oxidative system was provided by Highley (1977b) who obtained evidence that brown-rotted cellulose contains carbonyl and carboxyl groups.
The Effects of SiO2 Thickness Variation on the Operation of Direct-Tunneling Mode MNOS Memory Transistors

The results of switching measurements on directtunneling mode MNOS (metal-nitride-oxide-silicon) memory transistors in which the thickness of the silicon dioxide layer varies from 15-27.5 A are presented. The reliability of charge storage effects in these devices is discussed.
PS1-49: Methods for Integrating Patient-Reported Outcomes Into the Electronic Health Record

Background/Aims Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide valuable information to the clinician about the patient’s symptoms and how the patient is responding to treatment. In some cases, electronic or phone-based PROs can reduce the need for office visits. In order to be maximally useful, PROs need to be integrated with electronic health record (EHR) data so providers can evaluate the PRO in the context of a patient’s complete clinical record. In this work we identified methods for integrating PROs into the EHR. We focused primarily on PROs collected through electronic interfaces such as personal health records, email, external websites and standalone apps for smartphones and tablets.
Improving TCP performance over mobile networks

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is the most commonly used transport protocol on the Internet. All indications assure that mobile computers and their wireless communication links will be an integral part of the future internetworks. In this paper, we present how regular TCP is well tuned to react to packet loss in wired networks. We then define mobility and the problems associated with it. We discuss why regular TCP is not suitable for mobile hosts and their wireless links by providing simulation results that demonstrate the effect of the high bit error rates of the wireless link on TCP performance. We discuss and illustrate the problems caused by the mobility of hosts using a graph tracing packets between fixed and mobile hosts. We then present a survey of the research done to improve the performance of TCP over mobile wireless networks. We classify the proposed solutions into three categories: link layer, end-to-end and split. We discuss the intuition behind each solution and present example protocols of each category. We discuss the protocols functionality, their strengths and weaknesses. We also provide a comparison of the different approaches in the same category and on the category level. We conclude this survey with a recommendation of the features that need to be satisfied in a standard mobile TCP protocol.
Permeability of Unconsolidated and Consolidated Marine Sediments, Gulf of Mexico

Permeability of a large number of natural marine sediment samples from the Gulf of Mexico was determined through the use of laboratory consolidation tests. The samples were divided into the following groups: Group 1, sediment consisting of more than 80% clay (material 2 μm or less in size); Group 2, sediment containing from 60 to 80% clay‐size material; Group 3, silty clays with less than 60% clay; and Group 4, silts and clays that have a significant sand‐size fraction present (more than 5% sand). The permeabilities of the groups ranged from 10−5 to 10−10 cm/s with 35% normal seawater being used as the saturating fluid. A statistical analysis of the natural log of permeability versus porosity was used to develop the permeability prediction equation for each of the groups listed. The equation for Group 1 is k =en(15.05)‐27.37. for Group 2, k=en(14. 18)‐26.50. for Group 3, k= en(15.59)‐26.65. for Group 4 k=en(17.51)‐26.93.and for all data, k = en(14.30)‐26.30; wherc n is the porosity (in decimals) and k is the coefficient of permeability. These equations are useful for predicting changes in permeability with depth in fine‐grained sediments of the Gulf of Mexico. The ability to predict permeability in a continuous sequence, where the deposition history is known, may explain the large variations that we see in the physical properties in sediments similar in grain size and mineralogy.
Location update and routing scheme for a mobile computing environment

We present a new hierarchical location update and routing scheme for a wide area mobile computing environment with scalability of network hierarchy. Our scheme provides nearly optimal routing for most communication bypassing the mobile host's home network and home agent. We use simulation to compare our scheme with other schemes in both nonhhierarchical and hierarchical network architectures. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactions between HIV-1 gp120, chemokines, and cultured adult microglial cells

HIV dementia (HIVD), a disease that is apparently mediated by neurotoxins and viral proteins secreted by HIV infected microglia, is characterized neuropathologically by an increased number of activated microglia in the brains of affected individuals. Consequently, the rational design of potential therapeutic strategies should take into account the mechanisms that lead to microglial activation and to their increased prominence in the adult brain. In this regard, one leading hypothesis proposes that microglia are recruited to specific sites in the central nervous system (CNS) as a result of interactions between microglial chemokine receptors and chemokines, or even the viral glycoprotein gp120, which binds chemokine receptors in the process of cellular entry. Adult microglia express the functional chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 molecules that mediate chemotaxis in these and other cell types. We determined that purified adult microglial cultures contain a heterogeneous population with respect to their ability to respond to the α- and β-chemokines, SDF1α, and MIP-1β. A mean of 14.6% of the microglia assayed responded to both α- and β-chemokines (CCR5+CXCR4+ phenotype); 45.4% of microglia were phenotyped as CCR5+CXCR4−; 12.9% of the microglia were CXCR4+CCR5−; and 27.0% of microglia did not respond to either chemokine. No increase in intracellular calcium levels was seen in the vast majority of microglia exposed to the soluble HIV envelope protein, gp120, or to HIV envelope (gp120/gp41) expressed on MLV virus pseudotypes. However, exposure of microglia to soluble fractalkine or to other chemokines resulted in an intracellular calcium flux. Our results raise the possibility of microglial heterogeneity with respect to their response to chemokines, and indicate that any effects due to gp120 are likely to be considerably less robust than the response of microglia to the natural ligands of their chemokine receptors, for example SDF1α and MIP-1β.
Chapter 26 Pumps and Currents: A Biological Perspective

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses two major lacunae: one was the mechanism of ATP generation during oxidative and photosynthetic phosphorylation, catalyzed by enzymes built into the membranes of mitochondria and chloroplasts, which defied the best efforts of a generation of biochemists. The other was the mechanism of those vectorial active transport processes, which seemed indirectly linked to ATP. As it turned out, both puzzles led to recognition of the fundamental role that ion pumps and currents play in cell physiology. It was proposed that transport of sugars across epithelial cell membranes is affected by cotransport with Na + and energized by the electrochemical potential gradient of Na + . The chemiosmotic hypothesis was soon broadened with the suggestion that the accumulation of nutrients by bacteria is linked to a proton current across the cytoplasmic membrane. With these proposals, ion pumps and ion currents ceased to be the private preserve of neurophysiologists and entered the purview of anyone concerned with how living cells work. The chapter also highlights that one consequence of the increasing interplay between ion transport and bioenergetics has been to transform the views of the functions of ion transport in cellular physiology.
Separation-Required (Heterogenous) Enzyme Immunoassay for Haptens and Antigens

Immunoassays that require separation of bound antigen from the unbound fraction have been developed for a large variety of haptens and antibodies (Avrameas,1969; Voller et al., 1976; Engvall and Carlsson,1976; O’Sullivan et al., 1979a). These immunoassay techniques may be divided into two catagories, i.e., sequential (noncompetitive) and competitive. The sequential, heterogenous immunoassay technique, otherwise known as the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay or ELISA, has been most widely adopted.
Stratification, target set reachability and incremental enlargement principle

This paper presents a brief exposition of a version of the concept of stratification, call it CST for short. In our approach to stratification, CST is a computational system in which the objects of computation are strata of data. Usually, the strata are nested or stacked with nested strata centering on a target set, T. CST has a potential for significant applications in planning, robotics, optimal control, pursuit, multiobjective optimization, exploration, search and other fields. Very simple, familiar examples of stratification are dictionaries, directories and catalogues. A multi-layer perceptron may be viewed as a system with a stratified structure. In spirit, CST has similarity to dynamic programing (DP), but it is much easier to understand and much easier to implement. An interesting question which relates to neuroscience is: Does the human brain employ stratification to store information? It would be natural to represent a concept such as chair, as a collection of strata with one or more strata representing a type of chair.Underlining our approach is a model, call it FSM. FSM is a discrete-time, discrete-state dynamical system which has a finite number of states. The importance of FSM as a model derives from the fact that through the use of granulation and/or quantization almost any kind of system can be approximated to by a finite state system. A concept which plays an important role in our approach is that of target set reachability. Reachability involves moving (transitioning) FSM from a state w to a state in target state, T, in a minimum number of steps. To this end, the state space, W, is stratified through the use of what is refer as the incremental enlargement principle. It should also be noted that the concept reachability is related to the concept of accessibility in modal logic.
“You Blame Me, Therefore I Blame Me” The Importance of First Disclosure Partner Responses on Trauma-Related Cognitions and Distress

Trauma recovery processes may be understood within a socioecological model. Individual factors (such as sex of the survivor) and microsystem factors (including trauma characteristics) have been studied extensively. However, there is a paucity of research examining the effects of macrosystem factors on the impact of trauma-especially examining how the response of the first person to whom the survivor disclosed affects trauma-related cognitions and distress. Sixty-three college student participants reported a history of disclosing at least one traumatic event in an online, anonymous survey. Participants also provided information on the first person they told about the trauma, the social reactions of that person, general social reactions to trauma disclosure, the participants' trauma-related cognitions and psychological distress (PTSD, other mental health issues), details about the traumatic event, and basic demographic information. Paired sample t tests showed that participants experienced the responses of the first person they told about their trauma as more favorable than the responses of the all of the people to whom they told about the event. Women and survivors of non-interpersonal trauma reported more supportive responses than men and survivors of interpersonal trauma. Hierarchical linear regressions showed that interpersonal trauma and victim blame on the part of the first person the survivor told were associated with more negative trauma-related cognitions. Interpersonal trauma, emotional support, and victim blame were associated with a greater degree of trauma-related distress. The results suggest that participants perceived the response of the first person they told as more beneficial than the response of the rest of their exosystem. However, the reactions of the first person the survivor told differed based on the sex of the survivor and the type of trauma they experienced. Consistent with previous research, interpersonal trauma and victim blame by the first person the survivor told about the trauma were associated with more trauma-related distress and negative cognitions. Trauma-related distress was also associated with greater emotional support by the disclosure partner. The results support the use of the socioeological model to better understand the complex nature of trauma recovery and have implications for prevention.
Feasibility of using GrindrTM to distribute HIV self-test kits to men who have sex with men in Los Angeles, California

Background: Our study aimed to determine if Grindr™ is an effective means of reaching high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) for HIV testing. In Los Angeles (LA), Black and Latino MSM have the highest rate of HIV infection, and Black MSM in LA are four-fold more likely than white MSM to not know they are infected with HIV. Those MSM are also major users of social networking apps. Grindr™ was used to provide access to free HIV self-testing. Methods: Free HIV self-test kits were advertised on Grindr™ from 13 October to 11 November 2014, consisting of 300 000 banner ads and three broadcast messages targeting a high-risk HIV population in LA. Eligible participants, Black or Latino, MSM and who were aged ≥18 years of age, were invited to take a survey 2 weeks after test delivery. Results: The website received 4389 unique visitors and 333 test requests, of which 247 (74%) were requests for mailed tests, 58 (17%) were for vouchers and 28 (8%) were for vending machines. Of the 125 participants, 74% reported at least one episode of condomless anal intercourse in the past 3 months, 29% last tested for HIV over 1 year ago and 9% had never been tested. Conclusions: It was feasible to use Grindr™ to distribute HIV self-test kits. Users are willing to provide personal information in exchange for a free self-test and found self-tests acceptable and easy to use. HIV self-testing promotion through apps has a high potential to reach untested high-risk populations.
Smart Combustors: Just Around the Corner

This paper reviews the state of the art of active control systems (ACS) for gas turbine combustors. Specifically, it discusses the manner in which ACS can improve the performance of combustors, the architecture of such ACS, and the designs and promising performance of ACS that have been developed to control combustion instabilities, lean blowout and pattern factor. The paper closes with a discussion of research needs, with emphasis on the integration of utilized engine ACS, health monitoring and prognostication systems into a single control system that could survive in the harsh combustor environment.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Application of Dynamic Line Rating System Based on Tension Monitoring in Guangdong Power Grid

The tension of lines reflects major operational status of transmission lines,therefore dynamic line rating system based on tension monitoring is designed for tension measurement.The system is composed of data collection terminal installed on poles and towers and monitoring management platform mounted at dispatching terminal and it calculates average temperature of lines,sag of each span and maximum allowable current via real-time measurement of axis tension,wind speed,wind direction,sunlight temperature and ambient temperature.Data of system operation over one week is typically sampled and analyzed,and dynamic ampacity and rated ampacity of transmission lines are in contrasted with each other.The result shows that the tension and sag are stable and accurate;in combination with ambient temperature,wind speed and wind direction in consideration of margin,the improvement of ampacity by 20% to 30% is assured for safe operation of lines.
An Open Data Maintenance Model of Dispatching Automation System

To overcome the weakness in the data access and process of the current electric power dispatching automation system,an open data maintenance model is proposed.Its basic concept,design ideas and working theory are also researched.By expanding system's database sources and enhancing its processing capacity,the data maintenance model solves not only the information island problem brought by heterogeneous database,but also the defects such as low efficiency,overload,etc.It offers a favorable real-time platform for the safe operation of the dispatching automation systems.A real-world project is developed as an example of the open database maintenance model in electric power dispatching automation systems and conclusions are drawn.