cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetocrystalline anisotropy of (Nd x Sm (1-x) ) 2 (Co 0.7 Fe 0.3 ) 17

The magnetic property which limits permanent magnet application of rare earth-transition metal compounds of the R 2 TM 17 type is the relatively low coercivity compared with that of the RCo 5 compounds. Of the plentiful, light rare earths, neodymium most strongly promotes undesirable planar magnetic anisotropy in both type magnets; but in RCo 5 , Nd substituted to ∼ 20% of the rare earth content has been reported to strongly enhance coercivity[6]. In anticipation of a similar effect in R 2 TM 17 compounds, the intrinsic property, magnetocrystalline anisotropy upon which coercivity depends, was measured as a function of Nd in the series (Nd x Sm 1-x ) 2 (Co 0.7 Fe 0.3 ) 17 for x=0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 over the temperature range 100K < T < 350K. More than 50% of the Sm can be replaced by Nd before the uniaxial anisotropy reverts to planar. Therefore, the greater natural abundance of Nd and the liklihood of coercivity enhancement makes this rare earth a good candidate for substitution in 2:17 type permanent magnets.
Display motion blur: Comparison of measurement methods

— Motion blur is a significant display property for which accurate, valid, and robust measurement methods are needed. Recent motion-blur measurements of a set of eight displays by a set of six measurement devices provided an opportunity to evaluate techniques of measurement and analysis. Both the raw data waveforms collected by each device and the metrics derived from those waveforms were examined. Significant discrepancies between instruments and variability within instruments were found. A new motion-blur metric (GET) that exhibits increased robustness and reduced variability relative to existing metrics is proposed.
Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in pea seedlings.

Abstract An enzyme from pea seedlings that hydrolyzes both 2′,3′-cyclic nucleoside monophosphate and 3′,5′-cyclic nucleoside monophosphate has been partially purified from pea seedlings. It has a molecular weight of 350 000 and has optimal activity at pH 5.4–6.0. It is insensitive to methylxanthines and imidazole. It catalyzes the formation of 3′-AMP exclusively from 2′,3′-cyclic AMP and the formation of 3′-AMP and 5′-AMP from 3′,5′-cyclic AMP. The ratio of 3′-AMP to 5′-AMP in the latter case is 7 to 1. The activities toward 2′,3′-cyclic AMP and 3′,5′-cyclic AMP are quite similarly affected by pH, metal ions, sulfhydryl reagents, temperature, and urea. Furthermore, the two activities have identical physical properties. It is suggested, therefore, that a single enzyme molecule is responsible for both activities.
Examining the aging process through the stress-coping framework: application to driving cessation in later life

The aging process is marked by a series of transitions that influence multiple domains of well-being. One important transition for older adults is the process of driving cessation. Numerous studies have examined risk factors for driving cessation among older adults to identify at-risk older drivers for road safety. Recent research has focused on the consequences of driving cessation in later life for health and well-being. However, these reports have been largely empirical and are not drawn from a defined conceptual framework. Establishing a theoretical model of 'how driving cessation interacts with other processes and domains of aging' will promote synthesis of seemingly disparate findings and also link the empirical research on cessation to the broader field of gerontology. This article describes a conceptual model for articulating and examining the components of the driving cessation process based on the stress-coping paradigm. This model situates driving cessation within the context of exogenous stressors, individual vulnerabilities and coping strategies, and environmental hazards and buffers over the lifespan. This model could assist in guiding intervention strategies aimed at reducing premature driving cessation in older drivers with ameliorable impairments while assisting at-risk older drivers to reduce or stop driving in a less stressful way.
Involvement of ER stress and activation of apoptotic pathways in fisetin induced cytotoxicity in human melanoma

The prognosis of malignant melanoma remains poor in spite of recent advances in therapeutic strategies for the deadly disease. Fisetin, a dietary flavonoid is currently being investigated for its growth inhibitory properties in various cancer models. We previously showed that fisetin inhibited melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo. Here, we evaluated the molecular basis of fisetin induced cytotoxicity in metastatic human melanoma cells. Fisetin treatment induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in highly aggressive A375 and 451Lu human melanoma cells, as revealed by up-regulation of ER stress markers including IRE1α, XBP1s, ATF4 and GRP78. Time course analysis indicated that the ER stress was associated with activation of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Fisetin treated 2-D melanoma cultures displayed autophagic response concomitant with induction of apoptosis. Prolonged treatment (16days) with fisetin in a 3-D reconstituted melanoma model resulted in inhibition of melanoma progression with significant apoptosis, as evidenced by increased staining of cleaved Caspase-3 in the treated constructs. However, no difference in the expression of autophagic marker LC-3 was noted between treated and control groups. Fisetin treatment to 2-D melanoma cultures resulted in phosphorylation and activation of the multifunctional AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) involved in the regulation of diverse cellular processes, including autophagy and apoptosis. Silencing of AMPK failed to prevent cell death indicating that fisetin induced cytotoxicity is mediated through both AMPK-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Taken together, our studies confirm apoptosis as the primary mechanism through which fisetin inhibits melanoma cell growth and that activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways contributes to fisetin induced cytotoxicity.
Implementation of project change management best practice in different project environments

Change orders are ubiquitous in construction projects, and effective and efficient control of changes is critical to project success. There have been many empirical suggestions as to how to manage ...
Strategies for Working with Digital Medical Images

Medical images are a critical component of the healthcare system with great impact on the societys welfare. Traditionally medical images were stored on film but the advances in modern imaging modalities made it possible to store them electronically. Thus, this research proposes a novel framework for classifying various strategies for storing, retrieving and processing digital medical images. In addition to a detailed discussion, the assessment of the classification framework includes a potential usage scenario of the framework. For researchers, this study identifies important strategies and points out future research directions while, for practitioners, the proposed framework might help medical users develop a lucid understanding of the different approaches and their advantages and disadvantages.
Age-dependent regulation of rat intestinal type IIb sodium-phosphate cotransporter by 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3

The current studies were designed to characterize type IIb sodium-inorganic phosphate (Pi) cotransporter (NaPi-IIb) expression and to assess the effect of 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 on NaPi-IIb gene exp...
A Histochemical Study of the Metabolism of Rat Renal Arteries and Arterioles

A histochemical study of the metabolism of rat renal arteries and arterioles. Rat renal arteries and arterioles were examined histochemically to determine their metabolic profiles. Succinate, malate and NAD-isocitrate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase and ubiquinone were assessed to determine aerobic metabolism. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and DPN diaphorase were evaluated to determine hexosemonophosphate-shunt activity. Anaerobic metabolism was evaluated via lactate dehydrogenase, and the substrate, glycogen. Gomori's lipase, β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and amounts of neutral fat and free fatty acids were assessed as indicators of lipid utilization. Myosin ATPase activity was evaluated as an index of ATP utilization for contraction. Deoxyribonucleic and ribonucleic acids were appraised as indicators of protein synthesis. In general, the oxidative enzymes and myosin ATPase demonstrate considerable activity in renal arteries and arterioles which suggests aerobic metabolism and ATP usage. Renal ar...
Degradation and migration of vinclozolin in sand and soil

The migration of the dicarboximide fungicide vinclozolin and its principal degradation products through porous media was experimentally determined by simulating pesticide applications to a 23–30 mesh Ottawa sand and a North Carolina Piedmont aquic hapludult soil in laboratory columns. The mass of vinclozolin and its degradates were measured in the porous media 24, 168, and 504 h after fungicide application, varying pore fluid pH and size of simulated rain events. Degradation in the soil was near detection limits under all experimental scenarios. In sand at pH 8.8, vinclozolin degraded along two pathways. The degradation to the butenoic acid degradate was faster than the degradation to vinclozolin's enanilide degradate. The presence of the enanilide pathway had not previously been observed in solutions with pH > 7, indicating that the presence of particles plays a role in the rate and pathway of vinclozolin degradation. Thus, the direct extrapolation of dicarboximide chemistry from solution studies to agri...
Field Test and Finite-Element Modeling of a Three-Span Continuous-Girder Bridge

AbstractA live-load test and a three-dimensional (3D) finite-element (FE) model of a three-span continuous prestressed–concrete girder bridge are described in this paper. The precast prestressed-concrete simple-span girders are made continuous by pouring a continuity diaphragm between the girders ends. Special reinforcement is extended from the girders’ bottom flanges into the diaphragm to ensure continuity under positive moments that result from time-dependent effects such as creep, shrinkage, and temperature gradient. This detail was adopted in a recently constructed bridge. The bridge has been instrumented with embedded and surface-mounted sensors and was monitored for over 2 years to evaluate the performance of the new continuity detail. A live-load test was carried out to evaluate the response of the new detail under truck loads. Field test data were used to validate a 3D FE model that was developed for the entire monitored segment. Once the FE model was validated, it was used to investigate the effi...
Chemical engineering and virology: Challenges and opportunities at the interface

e live in an interesting time where chemical engi-neering research and applications are focusingever-greater efforts toward the design, synthesisand characterization of materials at the nanometer scale. Atthe same time, cellular and molecular biology, which havehistorically worked to elucidate how the molecules of the cellwork, increasingly seek to explain how interactions amongthese molecular parts deﬁne integrated processes that areessential for life. As chemical engineering and biology con-verge, engineers and scientists from both ﬁelds are enrichedand inspired. Here we highlight how virology—the study ofviruses—is opening new challenges and opportunities inchemical engineering research.Viruses are naturally occurring nanometer-scale particlesmade by living cells. They cause a variety of human diseasesincluding acquired immunodeﬁciency syndrome (AIDS),inﬂuenza, hepatitis, cancer and the common cold. The major-ity of viruses fall in a size range from 10 to 200 nanometers indiameter, where each virus particle carries its own genomemade of either DNA or RNA. These genomes are protectedfrom the environment by an outer shell composed of multiplecopies of the same or similar proteins.Are viruses alive? The answer depends on how one deﬁnes‘‘alive.’’ Viruses certainly share features with established lifeforms: they reproduce, they carry genomes that encode essen-tial functions for their growth, and their populations evolve tochanging environmental conditions. However, unlike micro-bial cells all viruses need externally provided pools of rawmaterials, such as amino-acid monomers to make proteins andnucleic-acid monomers to make DNA or RNA. Bacteria cansynthesize these components from simple carbon and nitrogensources, such as glucose and ammonia, but viruses cannot.Moreover, all viruses need to make proteins, but none carry orencode the complex machinery that bacteria and higher organ-isms make and use for manufacturing proteins. Thus, virusesgrow and persist by a ‘‘hand-to-mouth’’ strategy that relies onpirating the material and energy resources of their living cellu-lar hosts (Figure 1).
THYMIDINE UTILIZATION BY tut MUTANTS AND FACILE CLONING OF MUTANT ALLELES BY PLASMID CONVERSION IN S. CEREVISIAE

Plasmid pJM81 contains a Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) gene that is expressed in yeast. Cells containing the plasmid utilize thymidine (TdR) and the analogue 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) for specific incorporation into DNA. TdR auxotrophs, harboring plasmid pJM81 and a mutation in the yeast gene TMP1 require high concentrations of TdR (300 µg/ml) to support normal growth rates and the wild-type mitochondrial genome (ρ +) cannot be maintained. We have identified a yeast gene, TUT1, in which recessive mutations allow efficient utilization of lower concentrations of TdR. Strains containing the mutations tmp1 and tut1, as well as plasmid pJM81, form colonies at 2 µg/ml TdR, grow at nearly normal rates and maintain the ρ+ genome at 50 µg/ml TdR. These strains can be used to radiolabel DNA specifically and to synchronize DNA replication by TdR starvation. In addition, the substitution of BUdR for TdR allows the selective killing of DNA-synthesizing cells by 310-nm irradiation and allows the separation of replicated and unreplicated forms of DNA by CsCl equilibrium density banding. We also describe a unique, generally applicable system for cloning mutant alleles that exploits the fact that Tk+ yeast cells are sensitive to 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR) and that gene conversions can occur between a yeast chromosome and a TK-containing plasmid.
Broadening the ecological context of ungulate–ecosystem interactions: the importance of space, seasonality, and nitrogen

Spatial heterogeneity of soil resources, particularly nitrogen availability, affects herbaceous-layer cover and diversity in temperate forest ecosystems. Current hypotheses predict that ungulate herbivores influence nitrogen availability at the stand scale, but how ungulates affect nitrogen availability at finer spatial scales that are relevant to the herb layer is less understood. We tested the hypothesis that ungulate exclusion reduces the spatial complexity of nitrogen availability at neighborhood scales (1-26 m) apart from mean stand scale effects. This outcome was expected due to a lack of ungulate nitrogenous waste deposition within exclosures and seasonally variable ungulate habitat use. To test this hypothesis we examined spatial patterning of ammonium and nitrate availability, herb-layer cover and diversity, and under-canopy solar radiation using geostatistical models. Our study sites included six stands of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) forest: three where white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were excluded and three that were accessible to deer. Where deer were present, patch sizes of ammonium availability, cover, and diversity were smaller compared to deer exclosures, whereas mean site-level effects were not significant. Within deer exclosures cover and solar radiation were more similar in patch size than were cover and nitrogen availability. Our results suggest that browsing ungulates affect spatial patterns of herb-layer cover and diversity through the excretion of nitrogenous wastes in small, discrete patches. Ungulate-excreted nitrogen deposition and herbivory were concentrated in the dormant season, allowing herb-layer plants a greater opportunity to benefit from nitrogen additions. Therefore, the impact of ungulates on nitrogen cycling in forest ecosystems varies with spatial scale and the seasonal timing of ungulate impacts. In this way, ungulates may function as a seasonally dependent link between fine-scale and landscape-level ecological processes.
Environmental Hazard and Institutional Betrayal Lay-Public Perceptions of Risk in the San Luis Obispo County Oil Spill

In this in-depth case analysis of the massive Guadalupe Dunes oil field spill in California’s San Luis Obispo County, it is argued that understanding community members’ interpretations of risk requ...
Planarity testing in parallel

We present a parallel algorithm based on open ear decomposition to construct an embedding of a graph onto the plane or report that the graph is nonplanar. Our parallel algorithm runs on a CRCW PRAM in logarithmic time with a number of processors bounded by that needed for finding connected components in a graph and for performing bucket sort.
The Research, Development, Commercialization, and Adoption of Drought and Stress-Tolerant Crops

Drought- and stress-tolerant crops will be one of the most significant factors to drive future agricultural productivity growth, by maintaining yields under suboptimal conditions, expanding production into marginal lands, and encouraging adoption of other complementary yield-enhancing technologies. Historically, genetic innovation has not concentrated as much on stabilizing yields as it has on increasing mean yields under optimal conditions. As a result, the market adoption of stress-tolerant varieties, and by extension, decisions about the research and development (R&D) and commercial release of such crops may be less informed by prevailing experience. To aid scientists and decision-makers, this chapter provides a brief characterization of the main institutional and economic contours of the crop genetics R&D and commercialization processes, including the selection dynamics of the R&D pipeline, relative roles of public- and private-sector institutions, and decision-making under uncertainty, including technological, intellectual property, regulatory, and market uncertainty. Factors affecting adoption of yield-enhancing technologies by farmers are explored, including (a) complementary technologies, (b) competing technologies, (c) appeal to first-time users, (d) distribution and timing of benefits to users, and (e) social perceptions of the technology.
Predicting emissions from oil and gas operations in the Uinta Basin, Utah.

ABSTRACTIn this study, emissions of ozone precursors from oil and gas operations in Utah’s Uinta Basin are predicted (with uncertainty estimates) from 2015–2019 using a Monte-Carlo model of (a) drilling and production activity, and (b) emission factors. Cross-validation tests against actual drilling and production data from 2010–2014 show that the model can accurately predict both types of activities, returning median results that are within 5% of actual values for drilling, 0.1% for oil production, and 4% for gas production. A variety of one-time (drilling) and ongoing (oil and gas production) emission factors for greenhouse gases, methane, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are applied to the predicted oil and gas operations. Based on the range of emission factor values reported in the literature, emissions from well completions are the most significant source of emissions, followed by gas transmission and production. We estimate that the annual average VOC emissions rate for the oil and gas industry...
On Total Hemolymph (Blood) Cell Counts of Insects I. Orthoptera, Odonata, Hemiptera, and Homoptera

Members of the Class Insecta appear to be quite as variable in morphology, development, physiology, life habits and other distinguishing characteristics as are members of the Class Mammalia, but relatively few developmental and physiological variations among insects have received quantitative investigation. This is particularly true with respect to the hemolymph[2][1] (blood) of insects. Many comparative studies have been made upon total red and total white blood cell counts of different species of mammals, whereas measurements of total hemolymph cell counts of different species of insects rarely have been reported. In view of the fact that the hemolymph cells (amebocytes, hemocytes, leucocytes) of insects are perhaps comparable in their morphology, embryonic origin, ameboid movements, and phagocytic activities to white blood cells of mammals, a determination of total hemolymph cell counts in different insect species should be of interest from the standpoint of comparative zoology as well as entomology and insect physiology in particular. [1]: #fn-2
European Red Mite and Two-Spotted Spider Mite Control on Apples in California

Field tests were conducted on ‘Red Delicious’ apples during the summers of 1966 and 1967 to evaluate several spray chemicals for control of the European red mite. Panonychus ulmi (Koch). The 1967 treatments were also evaluated for control of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. Morestan® (6-methyl-2,3-quinoxalineclithiol cyclic S, S-dithiocarbonate) gave long-lasting control of P. ulmi . Dicofol, EP-333 (N'-(4-chloro-o-tolyl)- N, N -dimethylformamidine hydrochloride), Lovozal® (phenyl 5,6-dichloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-benzi-Midazolecarboxylate), GS-19851 (isopropyl 4,4'-dibromobenzilate) Azodrin® (3-hydroxy- N -methy1-cis-crotonamide dimethyl phosphate), Bayer 58733 (2,2,2-trichloro- N -(pentachlorophenyl) acetimidoy1 chloride), and 2 petroleum oils also were effective. GS-19851 was the most effective material on T. urticae . Nearly as effective were Morestan, Lovozal, EP-333, and Azodrin. Bayer 58733 caused a rather severe defoliation of the trees, the only phytotoxicity observed.
Myoclonus-Dystonia Syndrome

The clinical phenotypic features of myoclonus-dystonia (M-D), including motor symptoms, psychiatric disorders, and neuropsychological deficits, were evaluated in 50 subjects from three M-D families examined at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, and other centers.
Identification and Rating of Gynecologic Oncology Applications Using the APPLICATIONS Scoring System

Abstract Background: Currently, there are thousands of medical applications (apps) on the market potentially leading to app overload. Finding useful and accurate apps may be time-consuming and frustrating to gynecologic oncologists. Introduction: The objective of this study is to identify and rate gynecologic oncology (gyn-onc) apps using the APPLICATIONS scoring system. Materials and Methods: A list of nonconsumer gyn-onc apps was identified from the Apple iTunes and Google Play Stores. Based on reliable references, inaccurate apps were excluded. The remaining apps were rated with the APPLICATIONS scoring system, which uses both objective and subjective measures. Results: Of 748 apps identified, 11 (1.5%) were found to be both useful and accurate to gyn-onc providers. The apps with the lowest scores were calculator apps, while those with the highest scores were informational apps. Discussion: We found useful and accurate calculator, screening, staging, and informational apps. However, a large number of t...
Power and energy in small biconical transmitting antennas

We have obtained a general numerical solution for power and energy in small biconical antennas. The unique shape of biconical radiators makes possible an exact radiation solution; the solution includes the full infinite set of modes and adds to the general knowledge of radiative processes in antennas large or small. Although for this case the power and energy equations are electromagnetically complete, they are in the form of infinite sums over special spherical functions. We have overcome the practical difficulty of their evaluation and we give a detailed description of the real power, reactive power, reactive energy density, and radiation Q for biconical radiators. The real power radiated is independent of the radius. For short antennas, the reactive power is capacitive. The reactive energy per unit length is inductive at the terminal and capacitive elsewhere. The surface Q, Q/sub s/, is calculated versus antenna size for biconical antennas with two different cone angles: 1/spl deg/ and (90-)/spl deg/. These analytically exact power and energy results may be extrapolated to antennas of other shapes for which an exact solutions are not available.
Abstract 809: Dietary iron intake, genetic variants in microRNA related iron regulatory pathway genes, and the risk of non-small cell lung cancer

As an essential nutrient that facilitates DNA synthesis, cell proliferation and metabolism, iron is involved in carcinogenesis. While epidemiological studies suggest a J-shaped model for the relationship of serum iron level and cancer risk with both too low and too high levels associated with increased cancer risks, the effect of genetic variants related to intracellular iron regulatory pathway and dietary iron intake on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) risk is little known. In this study, we evaluated a panel of miRNA related genetic variants in iron regulatory pathway genes on the risk of NSCLC. In discovery phrase, 157 miRNA related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 81 genes of iron regulatory pathway were genotyped in 1656 NSCLC cases and 1486 healthy controls. Eight SNPs in 6 genes were significantly associated with risk of NSCLC. A SNP in 3’ UTR of Iron-Responsive Element Binding Protein 2 (IREB2) gene at 15q25 region was subsequently replicated in dbGaP lung cancer GWAS dataset. Combining all subjects (7,352 cases, 7,296 controls), the overall P-value was 4.9 × 10−9 (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.86). eQTL analysis showed that the SNP on IREB2 alters IREB2 gene expression (P = 3.0 × 10−11). The SNP is predicted to alter a miR-29 binding site on IREB2 gene and indeed the expression of miR-29 is inversely correlated with IREB2 expression in tumor tissues. We then determined the expression of serum miR-29a in 150 early-stage NSCLC patients and 172 healthy controls and found that miR-29a was significantly associated with higher risk of cancer (OR = 1.78, P = 0.03). By analyzing dietary intake information of the discovery population, iron intake was significantly associated with risk of NSCLC in logistic regression analysis and there was also evidence of a synergistic interaction with between the SNP and iron intake in modulating NSCLC risk (P for interaction = 0.01). Taken together, SNPs at miRNA binding sites of iron regulatory pathway genes and dietary iron intake may modify risk of NSCLC individually and jointly. Citation Format: Liren Zhang, Yuanquing Ye, Huakang Tu, Michelle A.t. Hildebrandt, John V. Heymach, Jack A. Roth, Jian Gu, Xifeng Wu. Dietary iron intake, genetic variants in microRNA related iron regulatory pathway genes, and the risk of non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 809.
Mitral valve beyond classical view – A morphometric evaluation

Abstract Introduction Different interventional procedures like annuloplasty, valvulotomy/valvuloplasty, repair and replacement of the mitral valve of heart for regurgitation or prolapse are increasing day by day. This emphasizes the need for clear understanding of the mitral valve anatomy. The present study is an endeavor to find out the real anatomy of mitral valve in Eastern Indian population. Material and methods The present study was conducted on 52 adult formalin fixed heart specimens. Morphometric parameters of mitral valves like number and location of leaflets, annular circumference and diameter, length of annular attachment of each leaflet and their height were observed and analyzed statistically. Results Among the samples 40% are having three cusps and 6% are with single cusp. Mean annular diameter and circumference were found to be 2.6 ± 0.495 cm and 9.27 ± 1.017 cm respectively. Mean length of attachment of anterior and posterior cusps along the annulus is nearly same. Mean height of anterior and posterior cusps was noted 1.87 ± 0.399 cm and 1.46 ± 0.418 cm respectively. Discussion This study will improve our understanding for structural and functional value of mitral valve complex which will enrich the existing data and help the cardiothoracic surgeons and prosthetic manufacturers during valve operations.
Caregivers' perceptions of emergent literacy programming in public libraries in relation to the National Research Councils' guidelines on quality environments for children

Abstract A survey conducted at three Florida library systems examines caregivers' perceptions of emergent literacy programming and how these perceptions compare with the National Research Council's features for quality programs for children. The survey results reveal that caregivers' perceptions of emergent literacy programming align with the National Research Council's features. The data demonstrates that caregivers' perceptions are very positive toward emergent literacy programming in terms of learning and the environment. Caregivers' perceptions of the environment answers were mostly strongly agree. These results were more positive than their perceptions of learning, although they strongly agree that these programs prepare children for school, reading, and social interaction. The survey results will inform public libraries as to how to design, market, and deliver emergent literacy programming to caregivers with very young children.
Enabling Graded and Large-Scale Multiplex of Desired Genes Using a Dual-Mode dCas9 Activator in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Standard approaches for dCas9-based modification of gene expression are limited in the ability to multiplex targets, establish streamlined cassettes, and utilize commonly studied Pol II promoters. In this work, we repurpose the dCas9-VPR activator to act as a dual-mode activator/repressor that can be programmed solely on the basis of target position at gene loci. Furthermore, we implement this approach using a streamlined Pol II-ribozyme system that allows expression of many sgRNAs from a single transcript. By “stepping” dCas9-VPR within the promoter region and ORF we create graded activation and repression (respectively) of target genes, allowing precise control over multiplexed gene modulation. Expression from the Pol II system increased the net amount of sgRNA production in cells by 3.88-fold relative to the Pol III SNR52 promoter, leading to a significant improvement in dCas9-VPR repression strength. Finally, we utilize our Pol II system to create galactose-inducible switching of gene expression state...
Introduction to cardiac anatomy: function and hemodynamics

The purpose of the heart is to deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues in accordance with their metabolic demands. Images of the heart, as obtained by invasive and non-invasive technologies, reflect changes in cardiac morphology and function, caused by congenital and acquired disease. To understand the radiologic changes we must first understand the mechanisms underlying normal cardiac function.
Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis and Inhibition

Most of the events in the biotransformation of toxic (and other) chemicals involve enzymatic processes. The basic principles by which enzymes achieve catalysis have been studied extensively in the last century, including the enzymes discussed here. The principles are important in understanding how the enzymes work and what they are capable of doing. Inhibition of enzymes is important in theory and practice, due to phenomena involving drug–drug interactions and also complex chemical mixtures encountered in numerous settings. Inhibition can be reversible or irreversible, and in the latter category, mechanism-based inhibition has particular consequences. Inhibitors can also be used diagnostically in basic and practical in vitro studies with many of the enzymes under investigation. Finally, some enzymes show direct stimulation by certain chemicals, and this phenomenon may be relevant in vivo.
Not Seeing Eye to Eye: Variability between Managers’ and Employees’ Perceptions of HR Practices

This study explores the unit-level performance consequences of differences between managers’ and employees’ perceptions of high-performance work systems (HPWS). We combine a meta-analysis and a fie...
Vitamin E (RRR-α-tocopherol) decreases hepatic de novo lipogenesis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a major hepatic disease in the Western world. The hallmark feature of NAFLD is steatosis, the accumulation of hepatic triacylglycerol (TG), which results from the disruption of metabolic pathways, one of which is de novo lipogenesis (DNL). RRR-α-tocopherol (αT) can reduce steatosis in animals and NAFLD patients through a yet-unknown mechanism. We aimed to identify the mechanism by which αT decreases liver TG and whether its antioxidant (AO) effect is required for this effect. HepG2 cells cultivated under high glucose medium (25 mmol/L) had a 19% increase in lipid accumulation and 2-fold increase in expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme in DNL, which were reversed by αT to control levels in a dose dependent manner (25-100 µmol/L, 48h). Similarly, 100 µmol/L of αT decreased incorporation of 14C glucose into lipids by 24%. We confirmed this effect in vivo in plasma samples from NAFLD patients (n=21), obtained before and after 4 weeks of αT supplementation (NCT01792115). Liver TG, measured by 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, decreased in 55% of the patients. The lipogenic index, the ratio of C16:0/C18:2n6 in VLDL, reflects hepatic DNL. Patients with reduction in liver TG after 4 weeks of αT also had a significant reduction in the lipogenic index compared to non-responders (p=0.01). To address if αT reduces DNL through its AO function we synthesized methoxy-αT (m-αT), a lipid-soluble αT derivate lacking the AO function and compared it to αT, trolox (water-soluble αT analogue with AO capacity), and probucol (lipid-soluble AO). In our lipogenic HepG2 model, αT, m-αT, trolox and probucol decreased lipid content by max. 18, 0, 0 and 13%, respectively. Thus, our data indicates that αT reduces hepatic DNL in vitro and in vivo through a mechanism that is likely dependent on its antioxidative activity in the lipid compartment.
Creating Digital Elevation Model Using a Mobile Device

Abstract. DEM (Digital Elevation Models) is the best way to interpret topography on the ground. In recent years, lidar technology allows to create more accurate elevation models. However, the problem is this technology is not common all over the world. Also if Lidar data are not provided by government agencies freely, people have to pay lots of money to reach these point clouds. In this article, we will discuss how we can create digital elevation model from less accurate mobile devices’ GPS data. Moreover, we will evaluate these data on the same mobile device which we collected data to reduce cost of this modeling.
Phase Transformations in Co/Nb and Co/Zr Multilayer Film Stacks.

Ion-beam mixing and isothermal annealing techniques were applied to induce phase transformations in Co/Nb and Co/Zr multilayer film stacks. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and x-ray diffraction(XRD) were used to characterize the microstructure of the films. Interfacial morphology and chemistry of the films were examined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry(RBS) and cross-section transmission electron microscopy(XTEM). The formation of amorphous phases was found in both systems by either technique. A comparison of the phase transformation mechanisms induced by ion-beam mixing and isothermal annealing is given. The thermodynamic and kinetic factors controlling the phase formation and stability are discussed. For the isothermal annealing, the final stable configuration is predicted by equilibrium phase diagrams.
Dislocation mobility and Peierls stress of c-type screw dislocations in GaN from molecular dynamics

Abstract Motion of a single c-type screw dislocation, with [ 0 0 0 1 ] Burgers vector, in single crystal GaN is explored using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with both Tersoff and Stillinger-Weber (SW) interatomic potentials. Three different dislocation core structures (full, small void, and open) along two distinct glide planes ( ( 1 1 ¯ 0 0 ) and ( 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 2 0 ) ) are studied. The system is sheared by applying opposing forces to atoms near the surface, with interior atoms maintained at a temperature of 1300 K. This results in glide for screw dislocations with a full core structure, with velocities dependent on the choice of interatomic potential. Full core dislocation glide also results in the nucleation of void defects for both potentials. Small void dislocations glide cleanly with no debris using the SW potential, but glide is not observed for the Tersoff potential. The difference between the potentials is most fully demonstrated from the response of open core dislocations in the ( 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 2 0 ) slip system. For the Tersoff potential, full core screw dislocations are nucleated from the surface of the open core dislocations, while dislocation glide loops are nucleated for the SW potential. The discrepancy in results using the different potentials is discussed, and attributed to the short cut off distance of the Tersoff potential. Finally, a dislocation dipole system is used to calculate the Peierls stress of the { 1 1 ¯ 0 0 } 〈 0 0 0 1 〉 full core screw dislocation, and compared to experimental results.
A new symptom measure in gastrointestinal stomal tumors.

e17508 Background: Symptom burden is the combined impact of disease- and treatment-related symptoms on daily functioning. A major barrier to effective symptom management in gastrointestinal stromal...
Driving behaviors associated with emergency service vehicle crashes in the U.S. fire service

Objective: Emergency service vehicle incidents are a leading cause of firefighter fatalities and are also hazardous to civilian road users. Modifiable driving behaviors may be associated with emergency service vehicle incidents. The goal of this study was to use telematics to identify driving behaviors associated with crashes in the fire service.Methods: Forty-three emergency service vehicles in 2 fire departments were equipped with telematics devices (12 in Department A and 31 in Department B). The devices collected vehicle coordinates, speed, and g forces, which were monitored for exceptions to driving rules established by the fire departments regarding speeding, harsh braking, and hard cornering. Fire department administrative reports were used to identify vehicles involved in crashes and merged with daily telematics data. Penalized logistic regression was used to identify driving rules associated with crashes. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to gener...
Slow-releasing permanganate ions from permanganate core-manganese oxide shell particles for the oxidative degradation of an algae odorant in water

Abstract In this work, potassium permanganate particles (KMnO4) were modified with a manganese oxide (MnOx) shell comprising passages for the slow release of permanganate ions (MnO4 –) in aquatic systems. The bare particle (KMnO4) and KMnO4 core-MnOx shell particles (CP-60) were characterized by attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The CP-60 were evaluated as a slow source of MnO4− for the oxidative treatment of pure and lake water containing dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), a water odorant produced by cyanobacteria in many eutrophic waters. XPS and ATR-FTIR results confirmed the presence of MnOx surface shell (diameter ∼ 1 μm) on CP-60. SEM images revealed cracks on CP-60, which serve as outlets for MnO4−. Approximately 0.76 ± 0.07 g KMnO4/g of CP-60 was released from the core of CP-60 after 120 min. The CP-60 degraded 88.9 ± 2.5% and 70.8 ± 6.3% of DMTS in pure water and lake water matrix within 120 min, respectively. The degradation was slightly more effective than the degradation using aqueous KMnO4 (74.2%) reported in literature. The release kinetics of the particles is consistent with a pseudo-first order equation with correlation coefficients of 0.99 and 0.97 in pure water and lake water matrix, respectively. The CP could serve as low cost slow-release particles for the degradation of micropollutants, even in cyanobacteria laden water. Notably, the in situ MnOx formed during the KMnO4 oxidation reaction can facilitate adsorption of organics and metal ions, improving water quality.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections.

To the editor,In a recent review in the present journal, double carbapenem therapy against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) bloodstream infections was concluded to show lower mortality...
The Total Mass and the Topology of an Asymptotically Flat Space-Time

Exactly ten years ago, I met Professor Chern in Hong Kong for the first time. Since then, his teaching and his encouragement have had a tremendous influence on me. I dedicate this article to him in appreciation of his generous help.
Target Cuts from Relaxed Decision Diagrams

The most common approach to generate cuts in integer programming is to derive them from the linear programming relaxation. We study an alternative approach that extracts cuts from discrete relaxati...
Metabolomic Diversity and Identification of Antibacterial Activities of Bacteria Isolated From Marine Sediments in Hawai’i and Puerto Rico

Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern worldwide and consequently metabolomic tools are being applied increasingly in efforts aimed at identifying new antimicrobial compounds. Marine bacteria-derived compounds have shown great promise in this area. A metabolomics-based study was undertaken to study the diversity of secondary metabolites from marine sediment bacteria isolated from different locations of Hawai'i and Puerto Rico. This effort included characterizing the biodiversity in the sediment samples and searching for antibacterial activity and associated compounds. Bacterial strains were isolated using several different nutrient agars and culture conditions. DNA sequencing (16s rDNA) was used for phylogenetic characterization. Antibacterial activity was assessed against antibiotic-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Ethyl acetate extracted bacterial secondary metabolites were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, processed in Progenesis QI and further analyzed by partial least squares-discriminant analysis using MetaboAnalyst 3. Among the strains (n = 143) that were isolated from these two geographical areas and tested for antibiotic activity, 19 exhibited antibacterial activity against at least one antibiotic-resistant human pathogen. One strain from Hawai'i possessed broad-spectrum activity against all five pathogens. Metabolite profiles were diverse and separated the strains into two clusters in PCA analysis that mirrored geographical origin of the isolated strains. A diversity of bacteria and potential antibacterial compounds were observed in this study. Marine environments represent an opportunity to discover a rich diversity of antibacterial compounds for which resistance mechanisms may be uncommon in human pathogens.
Sequential games and strategic moves

Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards. Soren Kierkegaard, 1843 IN MANY interactive situations, the main concern is for each player to figure out how others will respond to one's own moves and anticipate where their decisions will eventually lead. The games introduced so far have not been adequate at elucidating how a series of moves by each player produces an outcome, as players move at the same time. In a game where players make their decisions simultaneously without knowing the other player's decision, it is interactive only with their current thinking about the other's present move and vice versa. If actions are arranged in a determined temporal order, the sequence of play can be represented in an extensive form displaying a choice at every decision point. It is an important departure from simultaneous games represented in the form of a payoff matrix. In general, a strategy in an extensive form game is constituted by a sequence of actions referred to as moves. In this chapter our main focus is on sequential games that allow the players to move one after another. In tacit bargaining, nonverbal cooperation on a particular solution can arise from a process based on a move and a countermove. The choices of later players are contingent upon the moves made earlier by the other player. This time difference in actions has a strategic effect, as illustrated in the extensive form of a game of Chicken and Battle of the Sexes. At the same time, a player may devise a move outside the defined actions of a given game to gain a strategic advantage. As revealed in the chapter's last section, a chance element needs to be incorporated in the event that players are not able to see all the prior moves made by other players. Sequential games In a sequential-move game, each player sees what their opponent has done before choosing their next action. Having the knowledge of the other players' previous move makes all the difference in a strategic interaction. The order of moves is encapsulated in a decision tree which represents how a game is to be played out over the course of a particular event (O'Neill 1999). A game tree reveals who moves when, and which sequences of actions result in what kind of outcomes.
Obstetrician-gynecologist willingness to provide medication abortion with removal of the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone

Abstract Objective To estimate obstetrician-gynecologists’ (ob-gyns) willingness to provide medication abortion if the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone were removed. Study design We analyzed a subsample (n = 868) from a 2016 to 2017 national survey of ob-gyns, focusing on questions related to provision of medication abortion. Results In the survey, 164 (19%) ob-gyns reported providing medication abortion in the prior year. When we asked those not providing medication abortion if they would offer the method to their patients if the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone were removed, 171 (24%) ob-gyns reported they would, suggesting a potential doubling of providers (+104%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 97%−112%). The largest theoretical increases were in the Midwest (+189%, 95% CI: 172%−207%) and South (+118%, 95% CI: 103%−134%). In multivariable regression analysis, female ob-gyns and those in university faculty practices had higher odds of reporting they would start providing medication abortion if the dispensing requirement were removed, while those in practice >10 years had lower odds. Conclusions Removal of the in-person dispensing requirement could increase provision of medication abortion, including in regions with limited abortion access. Implications In order to improve access to medication abortion, the mifepristone Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy should be modified or removed to allow clinicians to prescribe the medication with dispensing by pharmacies, including mail-order pharmacies.