cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of the large subunit of yeast transcription factor IIE reveals two regions with distinct functions

Biochemical analysis of proteins necessary for transcription initiation by eukaryotic RNA polymerase II (pol II) has identified transcription factor IIE (TFIIE) as an essential component of the reaction. To better understand the role of TFIIE in transcription, we isolated conditional alleles of TFA1, the gene encoding the large subunit of TFIIE in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mutant Tfa1 proteins fall into two classes. The first class causes thermosensitive growth due to single amino acid substitutions of the cysteines comprising the Zn-binding motif. The second mutant class is made up of proteins that are C-terminally truncated and that cause a cold-sensitive growth phenotype. The behavior of these mutants suggests that Tfa1p possesses at least two domains with genetically distinct functions. The mutations in the Zn-binding motif do not affect the mutant protein's stability at the nonpermissive temperature or its ability to associate with the small subunit of TFIIE. Our studies further determined that wild-type TFIIE can bind to single-stranded DNA in vitro. However, this property is unaffected in the mutant TFIIE complexes. Finally, we have demonstrated the biological importance of TFIIE in pol II-mediated transcription by depleting the Tfa1 protein from the cells and observing a concomitant decrease in total poly(A)+ mRNA.
The detection, treatment, and biology of epithelial ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is particularly insidious in nature. Its ability to go undetected until late stages coupled with its non-descript signs and symptoms make it the seventh leading cause of cancer related deaths in women. Additionally, the lack of sensitive diagnostic tools and resistance to widely accepted chemotherapy regimens make ovarian cancer devastating to patients and families and frustrating to medical practitioners and researchers. Here, we provide an in-depth review of the theories describing the origin of ovarian cancer, molecular factors that influence its growth and development, and standard methods for detection and treatment. Special emphasis is focused on interactions between ovarian tumors and the innate and adaptive immune system and attempts that are currently underway to devise novel immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of ovarian tumors.
Benefits of combination therapy of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents.

I N THE 40 years since their introduction, oral hypoglycemic agents have become the cornerstone of pharmacologic therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. The 5 classes of oral agents now available are sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, biguanides, and -glucosidase inhibitors. However, initial therapy with any of these agents ultimately fails as the result of a gradual loss of -cell insulin secretory response to glucose. Treatment with an oral agent is often initiated as monotherapy; as glycemic control progressively worsens, a second agent is added in combination. The reported failure rates for single oral agents—5% to 20% per year— suggest that single oral therapy in type 2 diabetes succeeds for approximately 5 years. When therapy with multiple oral agents fails, exogenous insulin is required and is usually added to 1 or more of the existing regimen of oral agents. A large body of evidence suggests that insulin therapy should be initiated earlier in diabetes treatment and in combination with an oral agent to restore and maintain glycemic control, thus possibly reducing comorbidities of diabetes and sparing the remaining -cell function. Two outcomes of the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) were the apparent difficulty in maintaining constant glycemic control with insulin alone and the association of insulin monotherapy with weight gain and hypoglycemic events. As a result, combination therapy with oral agents and insulin has been further evaluated in several studies in an effort to achieve better long-term glycemic control with reduced insulin dosage and improved weight and lipid profiles.
Quail Genomics: a knowledgebase for Northern bobwhite

Background The Quail Genomics knowledgebase (http://www.quailgenomics.info) has been initiated to share and develop functional genomic data for Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). This web-based platform has been designed to allow researchers to perform analysis and curate genomic information for this non-model species that has little supporting information in GenBank.
Shuffling your way out of change blindness.

Change detection is typically discussed in the literature as a 2-state phenomenon. Small differences between otherwise identical images are easy to detect when the images are superimposed in space and alternated in time (“shuffled”). However, change blindness results from any disruption that prevents the critical change from generating the sole salient transient. Here we show that different presentation strategies produce different degrees of change blindness for the same change. Specifically, shuffling the images supports faster change detection than viewing the same 2 images side by side, even when the images contain a number of distracting differences. In Experiment 1, pairs of photographs having a 50 % chance of containing a difference were viewed either in alternation, in a “Shuffle” condition, or simultaneously, in a “Side-by-Side” condition. Change detection was about 6 seconds faster when the images were viewed in the “Shuffle” mode. In Experiment 2, we presented two images that were slightly laterally shifted relative to each other (0–48 pixels). The RT benefit for the Shuffle viewing mode was very strong when the relative shift was small, to insignificant when there was a large difference between the two images. However, at large shifts, Shuffle maintained an accuracy advantage. It seems that changes are easier to detect when comparing images in a Shuffle condition rather than Side-by-Side. This has important implications for real world tasks like radiology where detection of change is critical.
Corrosion and Wear

The composition and physical integrity of a solid material are altered in a corrosive environment. In chemical corrosion, the material is dissolved by a corrosive liquid. In electrochemical corrosion, metal atoms are removed from the solid material as the result of an electric circuit that is produced. Metals and certain ceramics react with a gaseous environment, usually at elevated temperatures, and the material may be destroyed by formation of oxides or other compounds. Polymers degrade when exposed to oxygen at elevated temperatures. Materials may be altered when exposed to oxygen at elevated temperatures. Materials may be altered when exposed to radiation or even bacteria. Finally, a variety of wear and wear-corrosion mechanisms alter the shape of materials. Billions of dollars are required to repair the damage done by corrosion each year.
Forecasting Travel on Regional Highway Network

This study attempts to develop an appropriate predictive technique for estimating traffic on a regional highway network without resorting to a regionwide origin-destination survey. Models for the trip generation and distribution phases of the traffic estimation procedure were synthesized for a four-county region in the Piedmont Crescent of North Carolina. The fabricated distribution of traffic was then assigned to the network and volumes on appropriate links were compared with actual traffic volumes. Based upon the percent root-mean-square error for different volume groups, the accuracy with which existing travel patterns was duplicated appears to be very promising for purposes of regional thoroughfare planning.
ATTN-SPAN

ATTN-SPAN is a digital content summarization and contextualization platform designed to compile video footage into personalized episodes. Viewers are able to associate opinions and externally sourced static content to moments within the video, creating a far richer viewing experience and supporting a community knowledge base around civic information. The pilot project utilizes C-SPAN footage to create daily episodes for each user of the system based on his or her political interests.
Nonlinear Modeling of Unstable Gas Turbine Combustor Dynamics Using Experimental Data

This paper is concerned with the development of empirical models of the dynamics of unstable combustion systems using measured time series data (e.g., pressure data). This paper first proposes a basic nonlinear, stochastic model structure with which to "fit" data. This model structure is based upon prior work by Zinn and Culick and assumes that the combustor dynamics can be described by a set of coupled, nonlinear oscillator equations. The paper then describes a methodology for estimating the coefficients in a second order nonlinear oscillator equation. This methodology is suitable for a time series composed of the oscillations of a single harmonic mode. The methodology is demonstrated upon pressure data measured at Georgia Tech and the National Energy Technology Laboratory. Moving average estimates of these coefficients show that they fluctuate about a mean with a variance that reduces with increasing size of the averaging "window" in a manner consistent with that expected from ensemble averaging random disturbances. It was also found that the methodology has difficulty distinguishing between different linear and nonlinear terms that control the instability amplitude. Analogous results were also found regarding the terms controlling the instability phase. These results indicate that the approach is promising but requires more analysis to clarify sources of error.
SP0036 Where Does Polymyalgia Rheumatica Fit in the Spectrum of Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease of the elderly; incidence of 700/100,000 in persons over the age of 50 years. Accurate diagnosis is difficult in PMR because proximal pain and stiffness syndrome, a commonly accepted phenotype of PMR, can occur in many other rheumatologic and inflammatory illnesses. There is significant overlap in the pathobiology of the disease with other rheumatic diseases, including synovitis, vasculitis inflammatory mechanisms and genetics. Polymyalgia symptoms are not uncommon as presenting manifestations of a wide spectrum of systemic conditions. These include malignancies, giant cell arteritis and other forms of vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthritis, metabolic and crystalline disorders and systemic infections. Special concern about the presence of diseases different from PMR or GCA must be considered in patients presenting with atypical symptoms of PMR. Similarities in initial clinical presentation often delays diagnosis, and over time, approximately 10 to 30% of patients initially diagnosed with PMR are found to have an alternative diagnosis. Laboratory tests tend to be unhelpful, although a positive rheumatoid factor or ACPA might indicate RA, and the presence of HLA-DRB1*04 may indicate underlying rheumatoid arthritis or giant cell arteritis. Response to corticosteroids is not a useful diagnostic test. Development of the EULAR/ACR provisional classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica have substantially improved disease classification and served to define the place of PMR among rheumatic diseases. There is a trade-off between sensitivity and specificity of the criteria. From the perspective of the patient, should we err on the side of overdiagnosing, or underdiagnosing PMR? Over diagnosis means subjecting patients to unwanted side effects of corticosteroids, while underdiagnosis may mean failure to treat correctly, with the attendant consequences. The morbidity of the disease and its limited treatment options are compelling reasons for better defining the place of PMR in the spectrum of systemic rheumatic diseases. Dasgupta B et al. American College of Rheumatology provisional classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica. Ann Rheumatic Dis,2012;71:484-492 doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2011-200329 and Arthritis Rheum 2012; 64(4):943 Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.6139
Irradiation spectrum and ionization-induced diffusion effects in ceramics

There are two main components to the irradiation spectrum which need to be considered inradiation effects studies on nonmetals, namely the primary knock-on atom energy spectrum and ionizing radiation. The published low-temperature studies on A12O3 and MgO suggest that the defect production is nearly independent of the average primary knock-on atom energy, in sharp contrast to the situation for metals. On the other hand, ionizing radiation has been shown to exert a pronounced influence on the microstructural evolution of both semiconductors and insulators under certain conditions. Recent work on the microstructure of ion-irradiated ceramics is summarized, which provides evidence for significant ionization-induced diffusion. Polycrystalline samples of MgO, A12O3, and MgAl2O4 were irradiated with various ions ranging from 1 MeV H+ to 4 MeV Zr+ ions at temperatures between 25 and 650°C. Cross-section transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the depth-dependent microstructure of the irradiated specimens. Dislocation loop nucleation was effectively suppressed in specimens irradiated with light ions, whereas the growth rate of dislocation loops was enhanced. The sensitivity to irradiation spectrum is attributed to ionization-induced diffusion. The interstitial migration energies in MgAl2O4 and A12O3 are estimated to be ≤0.4 eV and ≤0.8 eV, respectively for irradiation conditions where ionization-induced diffusion effects are expected to be negligible.
Supramolecular Conjugated Block Copolymers

While the performance of polymer–polymer bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics (OPVs) is poor compared with polymer–fullerene OPVs, reducing or eliminating micrometer-scale phase separation in all-polymer OPVs may dramatically improve performance. Herein, we demonstrate that 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy) quadruple hydrogen bonding interactions can be used to prevent micrometer-scale phase separation at temperatures and processing conditions typically used to prepare bulk heterojunction OPVs. UPy-terminated polymers are synthesized by coupling hydroxyl or primary amine terminated polymers to a reactive isocyanate–UPy group in a one-step reaction. Polymer blend films are subsequently prepared by solution blending, casting onto a surface, and thermal and/or solvent annealing. Film microstructure including the presence of phase-separated domains and polymer crystallinity is analyzed by optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS). In con...
Some New Species of Deltocephaloid Leafhoppers (Homoptera Cicadellidae)

In size and form resembling abbreviata but with short wings, distinct coloration and distinct genital characters. Length, 3-3.2 mm. Vertex one-third longer than width between eyes, twice as long as pronotum. Elytra short, covering only the first three or four abdominal segments.
Analysis of uncertainty in determination of Pb in tea by graphite furnace atomic absorption

[Objective]To determine the uncertainty of Pb in tea by graphite furnace atomic absorption.[Methods]According to the methods and formulas of " Uncertainty in Measurement and representation ",the uncertainty of the method was analyzed. [Results]The analysis showed the uncertainty introduced by standard curve equation was 0.015 8,0. 000 16 of electronic weighing scales,0. 015 5 of repeated determination of the sample,0. 000 74 of sample digestion liquid volume,0. 001 5 of standard stock solution,0. 014 4 of standard solution dilution volume in the process.[Conclusion]The uncertainty introduced by standard curve equation possesses the maximum effect on the test results
Endovascular surgery: threat or opportunity?

Although the fundamentals of Endovascular Surgery were set down over 30 years ago, only recently has the potential impact of this therapy become readily apparent. Endovascular therapies with new instrumentation for the treatment of arterial aneurysms, occlusions, trauma, and venous thrombotic disorders have progressed dramatically over the past 5 years. Guidewire and catheter techniques for endovascular instrumentation of vessels have also been shown to compliment standard vascular surgical interventions. The need for vascular surgeons to obtain the knowledge and professional skills to perform wire and catheter techniques is essential to convert the professional "threat" of endovascular surgery to a future of "opportunity."
A Polemical Digression

For those who feel that the controversies, in the literature, on Keynesian economics have been carried on ad nauseam, this chapter will be of little interest. However, economists should be absolutely clear about their theoretical foundations. It is true that some rare individuals have great intuitive insight into economic problems and do not find it necessary to rely on rigorous theoretical analysis, but there is nothing more tragic than an economist floundering in the field of economic policy because his theory is confused. This chapter is designed as an attempt to clear away some confusions in theoretical economics and should be of interest to those who take economics as a serious affair.
Moving Forward by Stimulating the Brain: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Post-Stroke Hemiparesis

Stroke remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, with a majority of survivors experiencing long term decrements in motor function that severely undermine quality of life. While many treatment approaches and adjunctive strategies exist to remediate motor impairment, many are only efficacious or feasible for survivors with active hand and wrist function, a population who constitute only a minority of stroke survivors. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a type of non-invasive brain stimulation, has been increasingly utilized to increase motor function following stroke as it is able to be used with stroke survivors of varying impairment levels, is portable, is relatively inexpensive and has few side effects and contraindications. Accordingly, in recent years the number of studies investigating its efficacy when utilized as an adjunct to motor rehabilitation regimens has drastically increased. While many of these trials have reported positive and promising efficacy, methodologies vary greatly between studies, including differences in stimulation parameters, outcome measures and the nature of physical practice. As such, an urgent need remains, centering on the need to investigate these methodological differences and synthesize the most current evidence surrounding the application of tDCS for post-stroke motor rehabilitation. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed overview of the most recent tDCS literature (published 2014-2015), while highlighting these variations in methodological approach, as well to elucidate the mechanisms associated with tDCS and post-stroke motor re-learning and neuroplasticity.
Vicious competitiveness and the desire to win

AbstractThis paper discusses the nature of competitiveness and argues (contra Jones 2015) that being competitive does not essentially involve a strong desire to win or to outperform others. The appeal of the ‘desire-to-win’ analysis of competitiveness can be explained away provided we distinguish between virtuous and vicious competitiveness. It is conceivable (even if it is not typical) that a virtuously competitive athlete lack a strong desire to win or to outperform others. Moreover, there is empirical evidence that virtuous competitiveness and vicious competitiveness are distinct character traits. If being virtuously competitive does not require a strong desire to win, then being competitive simpliciter does not require this. Other recent accounts, e.g. Kretchmar 2012 and Russell 2014, may appear to support the desire-to-win analysis, but careful reflection reveals that this is not the case.
Algal-microbial community collaboration for energy recovery and nutrient remediation from wastewater in integrated photobioelectrochemical systems

Abstract Integration of algae and cyanobacteria with microbial fuel cell bioelectrochemical systems (BES) can significantly improve energy recovery and nutrient remediation in wastewater treatment. One innovative option is an integrated photobioelectrochemical system (IPB). Algae can contribute to BES function as an organic feedstock to support bacterial growth, by assisting anode bacteria to generate electricity, by providing oxygen from photosynthesis as a cathode electron acceptor, and by removing N and P from effluent water. However, critical interactions among bacteria-algae communities are poorly understood and practical questions such as light and pH conditions and taxa selection need more research to optimize microbial interactions and promote IPB function. Only a few ‘lab weed’ algal and cyanobacterial taxa have been tried in IPB systems but algae offer additional metabolic flexibility such as mixotrophy, to further process organic carbon, and nutrient hyperaccumulation, which have yet to be examined for potential in wastewater IPB treatment systems. This review aims to serve as a guide for wastewater bioenergy engineers to address challenges in IPB systems, and identifies a need for more collaboration between algal biologists and engineers to optimize algal-microbial community collaboration and work towards improved sustainability of wastewater treatment.
Quantitative autoradiography of radiolabeled acetate in mouse xenografts of human prostate cancer

1584 Objectives: To determine the level and extent of radiolabeled acetate localization in xenografts of human prostate cancer in castrated and noncastrated mice using quantitative autoradiography. Methods: We implanted androgen-sensitive (CWR22) and androgen-independent (PC3) human prostate cancer cells at a concentration of 10x106 cells per 0.2 mL in the hindleg and in the shoulder, respectively, of 4-6 week old, 20-30 g, castrated (n=2) and non-castrated (n=3) male athymic mice (BALB/c nu/nu). The tumors were allowed to grow to 1 cm3. The mice were euthanized 10 minutes after tail vein administration of 5 μCi C-14 acetate. The mice were then frozen in block ice and prepared for quantitative autoradiography (Packard Instrument Company, Inc., Downers Grove, IL). The density light units of the tumors (excluding necrotized photopenic areas), organs, and whole-body regions of interest over 6 image slices (50 μ thickness per each slice) that were generated by the autoradiography Optiquant software were converted to the units of radioactivity (normalized to injected activity and expressed in nCi/mm2) using calibration against a standard reference (Amersham Biosciences). Results: In noncastrated mice, the quantitative radiolabeled acetate localization (mean+/-s.d.) were, in the descending order, kidney (37.1+/-9.2 nCi/mm2), brain (32.3+/-5.5 nCi/mm2), liver (24.6+/-1.9 nCi/mm2), muscle (18.9+/-2.1 nCi/mm2), CWR22 tumor (18.1+/-4.7 nCi/mm2), and PC3 tumor (15.7+/-1.2 nCi/mm2). In the castrated mice, the average quantitative radiolabeled acetate localization were, in the descending order, kidney (25.7+/-0.1), brain (23.3+/-4.6 nCi/mm2), liver (21.5+/-3.9 nCi/mm2), PC3 tumor (15.8+/-1.3 nCi/mm2), muscle (13.3+/-1.7 nCi/mm2), and CWR22 tumor (12.2+/-0.4 nCi/mm2). The mean noncastrated-to-castrated tumor acetate uptake ratios, normalized to the corresponding background muscle uptake values, were 0.70 for PC3 tumor, and 1.05 for CWR22 tumor, respectively. The mean PC3-to-CWR22 tumor acetate uptake ratios were 0.87 in noncastrated mice and 1.30 in castrated mice. Conclusions: Acetate uptake by the human prostate cancer xenografts is only modest to a level similar to or slightly higher than that in the muscle. However, acetate accumulation by the androgen-sensitive tumor is dependent on the androgen presence and stimulation. This dependence supports the notion that radiolabeled acetate PET may be useful in the imaging evaluation of androgen deprivation therapy and in the early identification of androgen-independent tumor sites. Research Support (if any): This work was supported by grants from the Wright Foundation and the NIH/NCI (1-R01-CA111613).
Review of "Communicating Mobility and Technology: A Material Rhetoric for Persuasive Transportation," by Pflugfelder, E. H. (2017). New York: Routledge, 2017

Humans are so enmeshed in mobility systems that they identify with themselves through those systems. In Communicating Mobility and Technology: A Material Rhetoric for Persuasive Transportation, Ehren Pflugfelder (2017) uses the term "automobility" to describe both "the specific kinds of mobility afforded by independent, automobile-related movement technologies" and "the complex cultural, bodily, technological, and ecological ramifications of our dependence on separate mobility technologies" (p. 4). Given identities enmeshed in ecologies of systems involving human and nonhuman actors through which transportation emerges, automobility is described as a "wicked problem" to be solved, in part, by technical communicators and communication designers naming and revealing the persuasive power of transportation systems. Understanding this persuasive power benefits practitioners by revealing the shared agency of automobility among the car-driver assemblage, and academics, by offering a framework for recognizing transportation as persuasive and therefore rhetorical.
Obesity and Social Marginalization: When Do Organized Activities Promote or Hinder Peer Relationships?.

ABSTRACTOverweight youth are often socially marginalized and have fewer friends than their nonoverweight peers. Participation in organized activities may be one way to promote friendships for overweight youth. In this study, we used a large nationally representative sample to test whether two aspects of participation promoted friendships, namely the number of activities and the social acceptance of activity co-participants. In contradiction to our hypotheses, participating in activities with high socially accepted peers was associated with significantly fewer friendships over time for overweight adolescents. Conversely, there were small differences between overweight and nonoverweight adolescents’ friendships when they participated in activities with low socially accepted co-participants. Our findings provide new insight that activities may not be universally beneficial for overweight adolescents’ peer relationships. We discuss the various peer mechanisms that explain why certain types of activities predi...
Maternal Estrangement: Uncovering Family Crimes in Malika Mokeddem's Je Dois Tout À Ton Oubli

Malika Mokeddem’s novel Je dois tout a ton oubli is a haunting work that explores the mother-daughter relationship from a complex perspective, focusing on traumatic amnesia, repressed memories, and family secrets. This essay will concentrate on the estranged relationship between the traditional Algerian mother and the resistant daughter, Selma. As the embodiment of postmodern freedom associated with her generation, Selma rejects the conventional Islamic values her mother upholds. To examine the strained relationship between them, particular emphasis will be placed on the representation of Selma’s “bad” mother, as she holds the key to uncovering the truth about a tragic family crime. The latter part of the study will explore the larger socio-political implications of motherhood, pertaining to women’s roles in postcolonial Algeria.
Shoot Suppression of Lonicera × heckrottii ‘Goldflame’ (Goldflame Honeysuckle) Using Growth Retardants

Abstract A study conducted in 1999 and 2000 determined the effects of B-Nine/Cycocel (daminozide/chlormequat chloride) tank mixes at 2500/1500, 5000/1500 (1999 only), and 7500/1500 parts per million (ppm) and Cutless (flurprimidol) at 50, 100, and 150 ppm on shoot length and shoot number of pruned and non-pruned Lonicera × heckrottii ‘Goldflame’ (Goldflame honeysuckle). In 1999, B-Nine/Cycocel suppressed shoot lengths of pruned plants linearly throughout the study 18–30% 2 weeks after treatment (WAT), 16–28% 4 WAT, 24–35% 6 WAT, 24–34% 10 WAT, and 19–33% 14 WAT compared to untreated controls. Similar shoot length suppression was observed in non-pruned plants from B-Nine/Cycocel treatments in 2000 with shoots 8–24% (2 WAT), 7–24% (4 WAT), 7–20% (6 WAT), 5–19% (10 WAT), and 5–20% (14 WAT) shorter than those of untreated controls. Cutless was ineffective in suppressing shoot length of Goldflame honeysuckle in either experiment, but did increase shoot number compared to controls 6 through 14 WAT in 1999. B-Ni...
Fission Product Appearance Rate Coefficients in Design Basis Source Term Determinations – Past and Present

Nuclear power plant radiation protection design features are based on radionuclide source terms derived from conservative assumptions that envelope expected operating experience. Two parameters that significantly affect the radionuclide concentrations in the source term are failed fuel fraction and effective fission product appearance rate coefficients. Failed fuel fraction may be a regulatory based assumption such as in the U.S. Appearance rate coefficients are not specified in regulatory requirements, but have been referenced to experimental data that is over 50 years old. No doubt the source terms are conservative as demonstrated by operating experience that has included failed fuel, but it may be too conservative leading to over-designed shielding for normal operations as an example. Design basis source term methodologies for normal operations had not advanced until EPRI published in 2015 an updated ANSI/ANS 18.1 source term basis document. Our paper revisits the fission product appearance rate coefficients as applied in the derivation source terms following the original U.S. NRC NUREG-0017 methodology. New coefficients have been calculated based on recent EPRI results which demonstrate the conservatism in nuclear power plant shielding design.
Hurst exponent-based adaptive detection of Dc arc faults

Dc arc faults may result in serious damage to both stationary and mobile dc power systems. This paper presents a new detection method for dc arcs using Hurst exponents. Compared to other methods such as the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and the Wavelet Transform, the proposed method is adaptive and is more immune to power electronics switching harmonics. A test setup to generate dc arcs is built and the Hurst exponent algorithm is applied. The algorithm is studied under different load conditions and noisy environments. The Hurst exponent method is shown to be effective in detecting dc arcs within hundreds of milliseconds and bot miss-triggered by step load changes, switching harmonics, and load profiles.
Evidence-Based Medicine and State Health Care Coverage: The Washington Health Technology Assessment Program.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the Washington State Health Technology Assessment Program (WHTAP). STUDY SETTING Washington State Health Technology Assessment Program proceedings in Seattle, Washington. DATA COLLECTION AND STUDY DESIGN We assessed the program through observation of its proceedings over a 5-year period, 2009-2014. We conducted detailed analyses of the documents it produced and reviewed relevant literature. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Washington State Health Technology Assessment Program is unique compared to other state and federal programs. It has successfully applied evidence-based medicine to health care decision making, limited by the strength of available data. It claims cost savings, but they are not substantiated. CONCLUSIONS Washington State Health Technology Assessment Program is a useful model for other states considering implementation of technology assessment programs. We provide key lessons for improving WHTAP's process.
Dispersing surface-modified imogolite nanotubes in polar and non-polar solvents

Furthering the development of nanocomposite structures, namely membranes for water treatment applications, requires that methods be developed to ensure nanoparticle dispersion in polar and non-polar solvents, as both are widely used in associated synthesis techniques. Here, we report on a two-step method to graft polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and a one-step method for octadecylphosphonic acid (OPA), onto the outer surfaces of imogolite nanotubes. The goal of these approaches was to improve and maintain nanotube dispersion in polymer compatible polar and non-polar solvents. The PVP coating modified the imogolite surface charge from positive to weakly negative at pH ≤ 9; the OPA made it weakly positive at acidic pH values to negative at pH ≥ 7. The PVP surface coating stabilized the nanotubes through steric hindrance in polar protic, dipolar aprotic, and chloroform. In difference to the PVP, the OPA surface coating allowed the nanotubes to be dispersed in n-hexane and chloroform, but not in the polar solvents. The lack of miscibility in the polar solvents, as well as the better dispersion in n-hexane, was attributed to the stronger hydrophobicity of the OPA polymer relative to the PVP.
Recent advances in activating silent biosynthetic gene clusters in bacteria.

The explosion of microbial genome sequences has shown that bacteria harbor an immense, largely untapped potential for the biosynthesis of diverse natural products, which have traditionally served as an important source of pharmaceutical compounds. Most of the biosynthetic genes that can be detected bioinformatically are not, or only weakly, expressed under standard laboratory growth conditions. Herein we review three recent approaches that have been developed for inducing these so-called silent biosynthetic gene cluster: insertion of constitutively active promoters using CRISPR-Cas9, high-throughput elicitor screening for identification of small molecule inducers, and reporter-guided mutant selection for creation of overproducing strains. Together with strategies implemented previously, these approaches promise to unleash the products of silent gene clusters in years to come.
The Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex and the Citric Acid Cycle

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the mechanism of pyruvate dehydrogenase and the citric acid cycle. The oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-coenzyme A occurs according to the following reaction: Pyruvate + HS · CoA + NAD + → acetyl · S· CoA + CO 2 + NADH + H + . These reactions represent the mechanism of pyruvate oxidation in animal tissues and in many microorganisms. The lipoyl reductase enzyme catalyzes the transfer of the hydroxyethyl group from hydroxyl-ethyl-TPP to lipoic acid. In the course of the transfer reaction, the hydroxyl-ethyl group is oxidized to an acetyl group with the concomitant reduction of the lipoate to dihydrolipoate. The products are enzyme-bound 6-5-acetyl-dihydrolipoate and TPP. The arsenite inhibition requires α -ketoacid to generate acyl-dihydrolipoate and coenzyme A to convert acyl-dihydrolipoate to dihydrolipoate. The latter is then rendered inactive by reaction with arsenite to form a stable cyclic thioarsenite. In the case of the bacterial enzyme, the carboxyl group of lipoic acid is in an amide linkage with an ɛ -amino group of a lysine residue.
Studies on the natural history of multiple sclerosis—8: Early prognostic features of the later course of the illness

Abstract From a series of 476 definite and 51 probable cases of multiple sclerosis in the U.S. Army in the World War II period, factors predictive of the later course of the illness were sought. At 10 and 15 yr after diagnosis in about 20% of the patients the disease was ‘benign’ (Disability Status Scale (DSS) score 0–2), and in about 50% ‘severe’ (DSS score 6 +, including deaths). Demographic and sociologic variables known to be related to the risk of MS did not predict the course of illness over the 15 yr after Army diagnosis. Symptoms at onset, the frequency of bouts during the first 5 yr of illness, age, and laboratory findings at diagnosis were not related to the subsequent course of illness. There were statistically significant associations between severity of illness at 10 and 15 yr after diagnosis and several aspects of the disease observed at the time of first Army diagnosis, but the correlations with later status were quite low, with multiple correlation coefficients (R) ranging from 0.2 to 0.4. In contrast, neurologic status 5 yr after onset was highly predictive of the later course. The correlation coefficients between DSS scores at 5 yr after onset and those at 10 and 15 yr after diagnosis were about 0.8 for Group B patients (onset at Army diagnosis), 0.6 for Group A patients (bouts before Army diagnosis), and 0.7 for both onset groups combined. Among men with benign disease (DSS 0–2) 5 yr after onset, 2 3 still had benign disease 15 yr after diagnosis and in only 1 10 was it severe (DSS 6 +). Among the severely affected 5 yr after onset, only one in 71 was benign 15 yr after diagnosis, and all others remained severely affected. Aside from the DSS itself, the best predictors of later course were the 5-yr pyramidal and cerebellar scores, being together nearly as good as the DSS. For patients with neither pyramidal nor cerebellar signs 5 yr after onset, the percentage with DSS scores of 0–2, 10 and 15 yr after diagnosis ranged from 55 to 80, and that with DSS of 6 +, from 0 to 6%. For those with moderate or severe involvement (scores 3 +) in both pyramidal and cerebellar systems at 5 yr, the percentage with severe impairment at follow-up was 68–94, and none had a DSS score less than 3.
INVESTIGATION INTO HEAVY METAL UPTAKE BY WASTE WATER SLUDGES

Preliminary studies conducted in our laboratory with composted sludge have shown that this material has a high affinity for metals. This metal uptake property appears to be particularly pronounced for lead, for which the material showed a retention capacity of 15% of its weight. The metal uptake process is accompanied by the release of an equivalent amount of calcium. Based on the results of this preliminary work, it appears that metal uptake by composted sludge involves phosphates. These phosphates may be associated with minerals, such as apatite, present in the sludge, and/or dead or living microorganisms, such as bacteria, also present in the sluge. It appears that calcium in the apatite is displaced by lead, forming lead phosphate mineral. On the other hand, the involvement of microorganisms can occur in three possible ways. It can involve phosphates associated with the biomass of dead bacteria and other organisms. It can also involve phosphates occurring in the system following microbial detoxification, a process which is believed to be accompanied by the release of inorganic phosphates. Lead uptake by bacteria can also be a genetic process.
Visual Priming in a Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architecture

Each moment the senses produce large quantities of sensory information. Most of this information is not important and remains unnoticed or subconsciously perceived at best, while only the relevant information reaches the focus of attention and becomes consciously perceived. Attention is controlled by various external effects, like change and novelty, stimulus strength, etc. Internal cognitive conditions like context and expectations control attention by priming; the sensitization of sensory perception for the expected entities. Sensory priming can be implemented also in artificial biologically inspired cognitive systems. As an example, priming in the biologically inspired HCA architecture and in the XCR-1 robot is described.
Resolving tradeoffs among crypsis, escape behavior, and microhabitat use in sexually dichromatic species

Variation in color pattern between populations of cryptic animals is common and typically attributed to selection pressures from visual predators combined with variation in substrate composition. However, little is known about how cryptic color pattern relates to varied rates of predation, and few studies simultaneously analyze patterns of escape behavior and microhabitat use along with variation in color pattern, even though these traits evolve in tandem. Here, we use a combination of calibrated photographs and spectrometry to examine the influence of spatial heterogeneity in rates of predation on dorsal brightness in the Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi), a cryptic and sexually dimorphic species. Simultaneously, we analyze patterns of escape behavior and microhabitat use measured in the field. The results of this study indicate that populations inhabiting environments of increased predation have less color variation and more closely match the color of local substrate than populations sampled in environments of relaxed predation. Populations exposed to increased predation also show more pronounced escape behavior and are more selective in their use of microhabitat. Interestingly, geographic variation of dorsal brightness, escape behavior, and microhabitat use were greater for females than for males. Our results not only provide empirical evidence for theories of adaptive coloration, but suggest that sexual dichromatism can be maintained by selection pressures related to predation.
Lugar que no es habido

Es una de las tantas paginas memorables de Los anos sin excusa, volumen segundo de la triologia autobiografica de Carlos Barral, el protagonista se pregunta como es posible que el y Boussy tuvieran siguiera algo que compartir en los dias de Calafell...
Special Considerations in the Systematic Psychosocial Screening of Youth with Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE The American Diabetes Association recommends psychosocial screening for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The purpose of this study is to present (a) several high priority decisions that program developers may encounter when building a new psychosocial screening program and (b) both the screening development process and results of one mental health screening program within a multidisciplinary pediatric diabetes clinic, with particular emphasis on parent-youth screening agreement and changes to elevation status over time. METHODS Youth with T1D ages 12-17 and parents of youth with T1D ages 8-17 were administered mental health screeners as a part of outpatient diabetes visits over a 1-year period. Youth depression and anxiety were screened using self- and parent proxy-report versions of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). RESULTS Youth (n = 154) and parents (n = 211) completed mental health screening measures, such that 228 youth were screened. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between youth- and parent proxy-report agreement were good for the measures of depression (ICC = .787) and anxiety (ICC = .781), with parent proxy-reports significantly higher than youth self-reports of anxiety (p < .01). Of the 93 youth with follow-up screening data and no youth- or parent proxy-reported elevation on the initial screener, 16.1% had at least one elevated screener within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that questions of who to screen and how often to screen may deserve increased scrutiny, as this screening program's data suggest that there may be benefit to obtaining both youth- and parent report more often than annually.
Simulation model of CA1 pyramidal neurons reveal opposing roles for the Na+/Ca2+ exchange current and Ca2+-activated K+ current during spike-timing dependent synaptic plasticity

Sodium Calcium exchanger (NCX) proteins utilize the electrochemical gradient of Na+ to generate Ca2+ efflux (forward mode) or influx (reverse mode). In mammals, there are three unique NCX encoding genes-NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3, that comprise the SLC8A family, and mRNA from all three exchangers is expressed in hippocampal pyramidal cells. Furthermore, mutant ncx2-/- and ncx3-/- mice have each been shown to exhibit altered long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 region due to delayed Ca2+ clearance after depolarization that alters synaptic transmission. In addition to the role of NCX at the synapse of hippocampal subfields required for LTP, the three NCX isoforms have also been shown to localize to the dendrite of hippocampal pyramidal cells. In the case of NCX1, it has been shown to localize throughout the basal and apical dendrite of CA1 neurons where it helps compartmentalize Ca2+ between dendritic shafts and spines. Given the role for NCX and calcium in synaptic plasticity, the capacity of NCX splice-forms to influence backpropagating action potentials has clear consequences for the induction of spike-timing dependent synaptic plasticity (STDP). To explore this, we examined the effect of NCX localization, density, and allosteric activation on forward and back propagating signals and, next employed a STDP paradigm to monitor the effect of NCX on plasticity using back propagating action potentials paired with EPSPs. From our simulation studies we identified a role for the sodium calcium exchange current in normalizing STDP, and demonstrate that NCX is required at the postsynaptic site for this response. We also screened other mechanisms in our model and identified a role for the Ca2+ activated K+ current at the postsynapse in producing STDP responses. Together, our data reveal opposing roles for the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger current and the Ca2+ activated K+ current in setting STDP.
Lessons from the Power Company.

Empowerment as a means of school reform is a term rich with metaphor. A number of studies have used the metaphor of power in the physical science sense to describe power in the organizational sense...
Placental pathology and neonatal brain injury

Placental pathologies include placental insufficiency, infection, meconium stained, abnormal planting and placental vascular anastomosis, et al.All those can lead to fetal and neonatal hypoxia ischemia or premature birth, which can cause brain damage. Key words: Placental pathology; Neonate; Brain damage,
Use of MSCs and MSC-educated macrophages to mitigate hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome.

Innovative and minimally toxic treatment approaches are sorely needed for the prevention and treatment of hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS). Cell therapies have been increasingly studied for their potential use as countermeasures for accidental and intentional ionizing radiation exposures which can lead to fatal ARS. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are used in cell therapy that have shown promising results in preclinical studies of ARS and are being developed in clinical trials specifically for H-ARS. MSCs, MSC-educated macrophages (MEMs), and MSC-exosome–educated macrophages (EEMs) all have the potential to be used as adoptive cell therapies for H-ARS. Here, we review how MSCs have been reported to mitigate inflammation from radiation injury while also stimulating hematopoiesis during ARS. We discuss emerging work with immune cell subsets educated by MSCs, including MEMs and EEMs, in promoting hematopoiesis in xenogeneic models of ARS. We also discuss the first placental-derived MSC product to enter phase I trials, PLX-R18, and the challenges faced by bringing MSC and other cell therapies into the clinic for treating ARS. Although MSCs, MEMs, and EEMs are potential cell therapy candidates in promoting hematopoietic HRS, challenges persist in translational clinical development of these products to the clinic. Whether any of these cellular therapies will be sufficient as stand-alone therapies to mitigate H-ARS or if they will be a bridging therapy that insures survival until a curative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant can be performed are the key questions that will have to be answered.