cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of Chronic and Gestational Hypertension of Pregnancy: A Guide for Primary Care Nurse Practitioners

Aim The aim of this discussion paper is to outline the guidelines, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about how to manage hypertension before and during pregnancy. Primary providers lack the knowledge to initiate treatment and manage hypertension in patients who are family planning or in the early stages of pregnancy before transferring care to an obstetrician, or perhaps patients who never do transfer care for lack of accessibility or funding. This paper aims to discuss how the Family Nurse Practitioner, or other primary care providers, may safely and efficiently maintain stable blood pressures in patients with hypertension before, during, and after pregnancy. Background and implications for nursing Clinicians often defer gestational complications to obstetricians, however, it is crucial that there is a basic understanding of how to manage such issues. Primary practitioners do care for these patients during pre-gestation or fertility planning and oftentimes even during pregnancy in underserved communities with little access to obstetrical / prenatal care. Design Discussion paper of ACOG guidelines and recommendations regarding safe management of hypertension before, during and after pregnancy. Data sources Inclusion criteria utilized most current research within the past 5 years, barring one source from the American Heart Association (no more current data) from 2011. This included an examination of current standards of care regarding hypertension during and before pregnancy according to the ACOG. Utilizing keywords such as hypertension, gestational hypertension, pregnancy, pharmacological management of hypertension, ACOG guidelines, treatment of hypertension in pregnancy. The decision to utilize guidelines set forth primarily by ACOG stems from ACOG being the governing body for Obstetricians / Gynecologists. Additionally, "standardization of care improves patient outcomes, which also should translate into a reduction in medical-legal exposure" [2]. As "such guidelines have been developed by specialty organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (the college)," ACOG guidelines are nationally utilized in the care of OB/GYN patients. Conclusion It is essential for primary care clinicians to employ current research regarding hypertension surrounding pregnancy and encourage patients who are family planning to utilize all such data in order to have a healthy and successful pregnancy. In order to do so, thorough practitioners are required to care for patients throughout the spectrum of all health and wellness related situations.
Games in Senior High School Mathematics Classes

MATHEMATICS games can be classi fied as developmental, strategy, and rein forcement. The objective of developmental games is to lead the player to learn new concepts. Strategy games encourage the player to devise plans to achieve a specified goal. Reinforcement games are designed to assist learning of basic facts and acquiring skill in applying concepts already in troduced. Some games combine two or more of these classifications, but usually one mode dominates. Games can be a highly motivating me dium for learning. The desire to win, to reach a goal, tends to urge the player on. Sometimes a game decreases the amount of time a student takes to master facts and acquire skills. In addition, the use of games is one of many effective ways to initiate individualization in the classroom or to in crease the degree of individualization. Games played by two or more persons maintain an atmosphere of socialized learn ing and the feeling of belonging to a group. Why Reinforcement Games?
Conventional Imaging Modalities for the Diagnosis of Lymphedema

Typically, proper history and clinical examination can establish the diagnosis of lymphedema and differentiate the type (primary or secondary). Nevertheless, additional tests are sometimes necessary, particularly in the early stages of the disease and in edemas of combined etiology. The imaging studies primarily confirm the presence of impaired lymphatic flow and/or the typical pattern of abnormal fluid distribution within the tissues. Conventional imaging modalities like MRI, CT scan, and US provide valuable information regarding the anatomical distribution and etiology of lymphedema.
Odd-viscosity-induced stabilization of viscous thin liquid films

Thin viscous liquid films sitting on a solid substrate support nonlinear capillary waves, driven by surface shear stresses at a liquid–gas interface. When surface tension is spatially dependent other mechanisms, such as the thermocapillary effect, influence the dynamics of thin films. In this article we show that in liquids with broken time-reversal symmetry the character of the aforementioned waves and of the thermocapillary effect are significantly modified due to the presence of odd or Hall viscosity in the liquid. This is because odd viscosity gives rise to new terms in the pressure gradient of the flow thus modifying the evolution equation of the liquid–gas interface accordingly. These terms in turn break the reflection symmetry of the evolution equation leading the system to evolve from a pitchfork to a Hopf bifurcation. The odd-viscosity incipient waves can stabilize unstable thin liquid films. For instance, we show that they can suppress the thermocapillary instability. We establish the parameter ranges that odd viscosity has to satisfy in order to initiate those waves that will lead to stability.
“You” and “I” in a foreign land: The persuasive force of generic-you

Abstract Norms help people navigate their social lives, dictating what behaviors are typical, expected, or valued in a given context. Here we suggest that a subtle linguistic cue—the generic usage of the word “you” (i.e., “you” that refers to people in general rather than to one or more specific individuals) carries persuasive force, influencing how people discern unfamiliar norms. Across five experiments (N = 800), people endorsed unfamiliar behaviors described with generic-you (e.g., “You share them with your friends”) as more normatively correct than behaviors expressed with ‘I’ (e.g., “I share them with my family”) or third-person singular pronouns (“he” or “she”; e.g., “She shares them with her family”). These effects persisted even when participants were told that their informants were highly knowledgeable about the norms. Together, these findings indicate that generic-you functions as a linguistic nudge that carries persuasive force. Broadly, they add to a growing body of literature on how subtle linguistic shifts can meaningfully influence social cognition.
How attractive is it to use the internet while commuting? A work-attitude-based segmentation of Northern California commuters

Abstract We explore how the hypothetical provision of Wi-Fi on transit affects the willingness of non-transit commuters (solo drivers, ridesharers, and cyclists) in Northern California (N = 1402) to switch from their current mode to public transit with internet access (PTWIA). Beyond the prima facie interpretation of our survey results, they shed light on the heterogeneously-perceived utility of hands-free travel more generally, and, as such, speak to an automated-vehicle future. We develop latent class binary choice models of the likelihood of switching to PTWIA, stratified by current commute mode. Each model identifies two latent classes, based largely on work-related attitudes: solo drivers divide into the work-oriented (22%) and pleasure-oriented (78%); ridesharers into the over-traveled monotaskers (77%) and multitasking commuters (23%); and cyclists into work-oriented (28%) and non-work-oriented (72%). Thus, non-work-oriented commuters are a sizable majority of non-transit users, and also have a much lower weighted probability of switching to PTWIA (0.17, on average) compared to the work-oriented commuters (0.48). In sum, work-friendly hands-free travel can be an appealing alternative to those who are oriented toward working (and especially on the commute), but (1) not for all of them, and (2) such people only constitute about a quarter of the non-transit commuters (in Northern California). These results provide empirical insight into the extent to which the productive use of travel time made possible by automated vehicles will be exploited by future commuters.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Fetal Echocardiography in Congenital Heart Disease.

Background The accuracy of fetal echocardiography (FE) is not well defined, and reporting of diagnostic discrepancies (DDs) is not standardized. The authors applied a categorization scheme developed by the American College of Cardiology Quality Metric Working Group and applied it to FE. Methods A retrospective single-center study was conducted of prenatally diagnosed major structural congenital heart disease, defined as expected need for intervention within the first year of life. DDs between pre- and postnatal findings were identified and categorized. Minor DDs had no clinical impact, moderate DDs had impact without harm, and severe DDs resulted in adverse events. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with discrepancy. Results From December 2008 to September 2017, 17,096 fetal echocardiograms were obtained, among which 222 fetuses with a median gestational age at first FE of 24 weeks were included. There were 30 DDs (13.5%), of which the majority were false negatives (56.7%). Most were minor or moderate in severity, with one severe DD. The majority were possibly preventable (90%), with the most common contributing factor being technical limitations (43.3%). The most common anatomic segment involved was the ventricular septum (23%), primarily missed septal defects. Comparing cases with DDs versus those without, those with DDs were more likely to have high anatomic complexity (16.7% vs 3.6%, P = .01), maternal comorbidities (40.0% vs 22.1%, P = .03), and a younger maternal age (median, 27 vs 30 years, P = .02). They were also more likely to have later gestation at initial FE (median, 29.5 vs 24 weeks, P = .003), to have fewer total fetal echocardiograms (median, 2 vs 3, P = .002), and to have a fellow as the initial sonographer (36.7% vs 16.7%, P = .03). There were no significant differences in maternal race/ethnicity, fetal comorbidities, and interpreting physician experience between cases with DDs and those without. On multivariate analysis, variables associated with DD included high anatomic complexity, maternal comorbidities, and fellow as initial imager. A greater number of fetal echocardiograms was associated with reduced DD. Conclusions FE had a DD rate of 13.5%, mostly minor and moderate in severity. Factors associated with DD included high anatomic complexity, maternal comorbidities, fellow as the initial sonographer, and fewer fetal echocardiograms. Strategies to reduce DD could include a regular secondary review and repeat FE, particularly when anatomic complexity is high.
Intrathecally produced CXCL13: A predictive biomarker in multiple sclerosis.

BackgroundClinicians caring for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) need improved biomarkers to aid them in disease management.ObjectiveWe assessed the predictive value of the candidate biomarker...
Integrating Knowledge Tracing and Item Response Theory: A Tale of Two Frameworks

Traditionally, the assessment and learning science commu-nities rely on different paradigms to model student performance. The assessment community uses Item Response Theory which allows modeling different student abilities and problem difficulties, while the learning science community uses Knowledge Tracing, which captures skill acquisition. These two paradigms are complementary - IRT cannot be used to model student learning, while Knowledge Tracing assumes all students and problems are the same. Recently, two highly related models based on a principled synthesis of IRT and Knowledge Tracing were introduced. However, these two models were evaluated on different data sets, using different evaluation metrics and with different ways of splitting the data into training and testing sets. In this paper we reconcile the models' results by presenting a unified view of the two models, and by evaluating the models under a common evaluation metric. We find that both models are equivalent and only differ in their training procedure. Our results show that the combined IRT and Knowledge Tracing models offer the best of assessment and learning sciences - high prediction accuracy like the IRT model, and the ability to model student learning like Knowledge Tracing.
Kinetic Studies on Alkaline Phosphatase from ECHINOPLUTEI1

Using mass culture of the sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla (L.) eggs, a method was worked out for extracting fairly large quantities of the phosphomonoesterase alkaline phosphatase. The extracted enzyme showed a single ultraviolet absorbance band after elution from a Dowex 2 column, and the material that absorbed most strongly at this wave length contained alkaline phosphatase. It showed two characteristic bands in starch-gel electrophoresis. When 6.25 mM p-nitrophenyl phosphate was hydrolyzed in glycine buffer at 38C, the optimum pH was 10.5. The hydrolysis conformed to a first order reaction, and the reaction constant was 0.00864 min-1. The optimum temperature for enzymatic action was 25–30C, coinciding with the range of fluctuation of the animal's ambient temperature. The temperature–activity curve showed a close conformity to the Arrhenius equation, and the activation energy was 11,250 cal/mole. The value of Km (Michaelis constant) obtained at pH 10.5 (at 25C) is 2.197 × 10-6 M of p-NPP/liter.
An empirical model of ground‐level geomagnetic perturbations

[1] A new empirical model for predicting ground-level geomagnetic perturbations has been developed. This model is based on global measurements of the magnetic field at multiple stations in the Northern Hemisphere collected over an 8 year period, along with the simultaneous measurements of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Variations in ionospheric conductivity are implicitly contained in the measurements used in the model's construction, including the solar F10.7 index. Provided with the IMF, solar wind velocity, dipole tilt angle (for season), and F10.7 index, this model computes all three vector components of the magnetic perturbations at specified locations. The model results are consistent with the corresponding maps of the ionospheric electric potential. Interestingly, maps of the vertical component have patterns that resemble maps of the overhead, ionospheric field-aligned currents. Comparisons of model calculations with measurements at different locations show very good results, particularly at low frequencies. There are random variations at higher frequencies that are not reproduced well with the model, but they tend to occur in proportion to the predicted levels. This model could be useful for providing regional forecasts of geomagnetic activity with an approximately 1 h lead time.
Effects of Prepubertal Physical Training on Growth, Voluntary Exercise, Cholesterol and Basal Metabolism in Rats

Abstract Rats (N=180) were used as subjects in this investigation of the effects of prepubertal physical training on tibial growth, organ and body weights, serum cholesterol levels, basal metabolism, and voluntary exercise habits at puberty and 160 days postpuberty. The animals were assigned to one of three initial treatment groups: sedentary, voluntary exercise, or voluntary plus forced exercise. The sedentary animals were allowed no exercise, the voluntary-plus forced rats were allowed to run at will but also were forced to swim with weights on their tails for 30 minutes daily for 35 days just prior to puberty. At puberty 20 animals from each group were sacrificed. The remaining rats were allowed to exercise voluntarily for the next 160 days. After 160 days a second sacrifice of 10 animals from each group occurred. The trained rats at puberty had lower body weights, greater relative adrenal and testis weights, lower kidney weights, shorter tibias, lower serum cholesterol values, and lower levels of volu...
Golgi organization and the apical extension of fungal hyphae: an essential relationship

The Golgi apparatus performs crucial functions in the sorting and processing of proteins destined for secretion from eukaryotic cells. In filamentous fungi, organization of the Golgi apparatus reflects the unique challenges brought about by the highly polarized nature of hyphal growth. Recent results show that Golgi compartments are spatially segregated within hyphal tip cells in a manner that depends upon the integrity of the cytoskeleton. Moreover, loss of normal Golgi organization stops polarized hyphal extension and triggers de-polarization of the hyphal tip. These results emphasize the point that a spatially organized and dynamic Golgi apparatus represents an adaptation that is as important for hyphal extension as is the presence of a Spitzenkorper. In addition, they also identify regulatory mechanisms that could enable controlled de-polarization of hyphae during development or infection-related morphogenesis.
Prikry Forcing at $\kappa^+$ and Beyond

If U is a normal measure on κ then we can add indiscernibles for U either by Prikry forcing [P] or by taking an iterated ultrapower which will add a sequence of indiscernibles for over M . These constructions are equivalent: the set C of indiscernibles for added by the iterated ultrapower is Prikry generic for [Mat]. Prikry forcing has been extended for sequences of measures of length by Magidor [Mag], and his method readily extends to . In this case the measure U is replaced by a sequence of measures and the set C of indiscernibles is replaced by a system of indiscernibles for : is a function such that ( κ , β) is a set of indiscernibles for ( κ , β) for each . The equivalence between forcing and iterated ultra-powers still holds true for such sequences: there is an interated ultrapower j : V → M (which is defined in detail later in this paper) such that the system of indiscernibles for j ( ) constructed by j is Magidor generic over M . The construction of the system of indiscernibles works equally well for o ( κ ) ≧ κ + . Radin has defined a variant of Prikry forcing which also works for o ( κ ) > κ + ([R]; see also [Mi82] where Radin forcing is applied specifically to sequences of measures, rather than to hypermeasures as in Radin's paper), but Radin's forcing is weaker than Magidor's extension of Prikry forcing in the sense that the system of indiscernibles generated by the interated ultrapower is not Radin generic for j ( ), but only the set . That is, an indiscernible does not belong to a specific measure, but only to the whole sequence of measures on the cardinal κ .
Relative Reactivity to Iodination of Tyrosine Residues in α-Chymotrypsin

Abstract The relative reactivity toward iodination of each of the 4 tyrosine residues in chymotrypsin was determined. The results showed that the reactivities of the tyrosine residues in native uniodinated chymotrypsin are in the order 146 g 94 g 171 g 229 with relative reactivities of 1:0.4 and 0.2:0.02, respectively. The relative reactivities indicate that one of the C chain tyrosines, namely 229, is buried since it is at most only 10% as reactive as the next least reactive tyrosine.
Entry to “HCO3- Tunnel” Revealed by SLC4A4 Human Mutation and Structural Model

Glaucoma, cataracts, and proximal renal tubular acidosis are diseases caused by point mutations in the human electrogenic Na+ bicarbonate cotransporter (NBCe1/SLC4A4) (1, 2). One such mutation, R298S, is located in the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain of NBCe1 and has only moderate (75%) function. As SLC transporters have high similarity in their membrane and N-terminal primary sequences, we homology-modeled NBCe1 onto the crystal structure coordinates of Band 3(AE1) (3). Arg-298 is predicted to be located in a solvent-inaccessible subsurface pocket and to associate with Glu-91 or Glu-295 via H-bonding and charge-charge interactions. We perturbed these putative interactions between Glu-91 and Arg-298 by site-directed mutagenesis and used expression in Xenopus oocyte to test our structural model. Mutagenesis of either residue resulted in reduced transport function. Function was “repaired” by charge reversal (E91R/R298E), implying that these two residues are interchangeable and interdependent. These results contrast the current understanding of the AE1 N terminus as protein-binding sites and propose that hkNBCe1 (and other SLC4) cytoplasmic N termini play roles in controlling permeation.
One infant's memory of Oedipus.

In their report “Infants' memory for spoken words” (26 Sept. 1997, [p. 1984][1]), my former colleague Peter W. Jusczyk and Elizabeth A. Hohne give an elegant demonstration of language memory in infants who do not yet speak but who had, of course, been exposed to speech for many months. In 1941
Projection pursuit for high dimensional feature reduction: parallel and sequential approaches

Supervised classification techniques use labeled samples in order to train the classifier. Usually the number of such samples is limited, and as the number of bands available increases, this limitation becomes more severe, and can become dominate over the projected added value of having the additional bands available. This suggests the need for reducing the dimensionality via a preprocessing method. Such reduction should enable the estimation of feature extraction parameters to be more accurate. Using a technique referred to as projection pursuit, two parametric projection pursuit algorithms have been developed: parallel parametric projection pursuit and sequential parametric projection pursuit. In the present paper both methods are presented, and an iterative procedure of the sequential approach that mitigates the computation time problem is shown.
Abelson Interactor 1 (Abi1) and Its Interaction with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein (Wasp) Are Critical for Proper Eye Formation in Xenopus Embryos *

Abl interactor 1 (Abi1) is a scaffold protein that plays a central role in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics as a constituent of several key protein complexes, and homozygous loss of this protein leads to embryonic lethality in mice. Because this scaffold protein has been shown in cultured cells to be a critical component of pathways controlling cell migration and actin regulation at cell-cell contacts, we were interested to investigate the in vivo role of Abi1 in morphogenesis during the development of Xenopus embryos. Using morpholino-mediated translation inhibition, we demonstrate that knockdown of Abi1 in the whole embryo, or specifically in eye field progenitor cells, leads to disruption of eye morphogenesis. Moreover, signaling through the Src homology 3 domain of Abi1 is critical for proper movement of retinal progenitor cells into the eye field and their appropriate differentiation, and this process is dependent upon an interaction with the nucleation-promoting factor Wasp (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein). Collectively, our data demonstrate that the Abi1 scaffold protein is an essential regulator of cell movement processes required for normal eye development in Xenopus embryos and specifically requires an Src homology 3 domain-dependent interaction with Wasp to regulate this complex morphogenetic process.
Degassing of carbon dioxide from basaltic magma at spreading centers: II. mid-oceanic ridge basalts

This study examines the hypothesis that a significant fraction of the CO2 in basalt supplied to mid-oceanic spreading centers escapes by degassing from magma chambers of the oceanic crust. The approach employs mass balance calculations, stepped-heating data for carbon in sea-floor mid-oceanic ridge basalts (MORBs), and the CO2 content determined in part I for transitional basalt supplied to the Erta'Ale spreading center in the Afar depression. It is also shown as part of the analysis that carbon data acquired for sea-floor MORBs by single-heating techniques give systematically high values that are difficult to reconcile with solubility data for CO2 in MORB liquid and the depths of subridge magma chambers. The results confirm the hypothesis. A conservative estimate of the average loss of CO2 during degassing from subridge magma chambers is between 30 and 65% of the CO2 initially present in the magma. The conservative estimate for CO2 degassing at depth is between two and seven times greater than the maximum amount of volcanic CO2 degassing from MORB. CO2 degassing from subridge magma chambers is sufficient to supply much (perhaps most) of the mantle carbon discharged from the global mid-oceanic spreading system to the oceans. CO2 degassing from subridge magma chambers has several important implications. It may be more important than hydrothermal stripping in supplying mantle carbon to mid-oceanic hydrothermal vents. It is an effective mechanism for removing most of the heavier rare gases (Ar, Kr, Xe, and Rn) and much of the He and Ne in magma supplied to mid-oceanic spreading centers and for transporting them and possibly other volatiles from subridge magma chambers to the ocean-atmosphere system. It should also be an effective mechanism for fractionating carbon isotopes in MORB.
Chronic recordings from the rat spinal cord descending tracts with microwires

This study investigated the feasibility of chronically recording descending signals from the rat spinal cord using microwire electrodes. Eight 25μm diameter Pt-Ir microwires were implanted in the dorsolateral rubrospinal tract (RST) bilaterally at the c5 level in each of the four adult Long Evans rats trained for food reach-to-grasp task. Signal stability was assessed by calculating the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and mean signal amplitude during the four week recording period. The results of ANOVA did not suggest significant difference between sessions for any of the electrodes, indicating stability. Immunohistology suggested minimal tissue response to these microwires during the four week implant period. The results of this study show that microwire electrodes can be used for short-term chronic recordings of signals from the descending motor tracts in experimental animals.
Germination of Twenty Forage Legumes as Influenced by Temperature

(...) Our objectives were to compare the influence of different temperatures on the germination percentage and germination rate index of 20 forage legumes. Legume seedlings were grown for 10 d in polyethylene growth pouches placed in germination chambers and held in the dark at constant temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 °C. There were major effects of temperature on germination rate and germination percentage for all 20 legume entries. If we define satisfactory germination as 80% germination at 10 d after planting, 18 of the 20 entries had satisfactory germination at some temperature between 10 and 30 °C (...)
Rethinking international social work

This chapter1 is an expose of contemporary professional culture that warrants rethinking of international social work as a liberatory praxis and a discipline of academic significance. Contemporary international social work tends to spatialize its objects of study. Since humankind’s well-being is intrinsically linked with science and social transformation, the vocabularies of change merit meaningful contextualization.
MACHINE LEARNING ON CONGESTION ANALYSIS BASED REAL-TIME NAVIGATION SYSTEM

In the metropolitan region, most congestion or traffic jams are caused by the uneven distribution of traffic flow that creates bottleneck points where the traffic volume exceeds the road capacity. ...
Phytoremediation of Fluorinated Agrochemicals by Duckweed

In natural and engineered systems, aquatic plants actively remediate agricultural wastes and chemicals. Characterization of agrochemical removal by aquatic plants is essential for improved design of phytoremediation systems for polluted surface waters. To measure removal of fluorinated agrochemicals by duckweed, duckweed was exposed to fluorinated phenols in batch reactors. Aqueous fluorinated phenol concentration was regularly sampled and analyzed (HPLC/DAD/MS). After a 50 h exposure, duckweed activity was quantified using oxygen production assessment to determine whether duckweed was inhibited. Removal of fluorinated phenols by duckweed was rapid, with pseudo-first-order uptake rates of 0.21 to 0.85 L d-1 for fluoro- and trifluoromethylphenols. Uptake rates of fluorinated phenols were compound-specific and appeared to depend on factors affecting rates of enzymatic processing. However, attempts to correlate removal rates with chemical parameters were unsuccessful. The positioning and type of fluoro-substituents on the phenol ring were the most indicative parameters of uptake rates. TFM, a lampricide used in the Great Lakes, was the only fluorinated phenol that was not uptaken by duckweed. Negligible uptake of TFM by duckweed was not attributed to presence of the nitro- or trifluoromethyl- groups, as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and 3-trifluoromethylphenol were uptaken. Although uptake rates were not easily predicted by known chemical parameters, uptake rates indicated that duckweed plays an important role in phytoremediation of fluorinated agrochemicals in surface waters.
The Language of Sites in the Politics of Space1

Different approaches have been developed to relate the concept of space to other social phenomena. Some of these approaches are critically examined in an effort to find a theoretical framework for interpreting a wide range of events in which sites, specific pieces of space, were of crucial significance. It is argued that there is a condensation of values in special sites, and that transactions that constitute the totality of social life may be spatially mapped with sites expressing relatively durable social structure. The process of social interaction may be expressed empirically through disputes over sites and symbolically in the configuration of sites.
Electronic Spectroscopic Studies of Ni(II)-Substituted Blue Copper Proteins

The nickel(II) derivative of Rhus vernicifera stellacyanin has been prepared. The near-infrared, visible, and near-ultraviolet absorption spectra of the nickel(II) derivatives of stellacyanin and Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin are reported. Charge transfer bands in the visible and near-ultraviolet regions are assigned as follows: nickel(II)-stellacyanin, 335 nm (29,900 cnr−1) (πN(his)Ni(II)), 410 nm (24,400 cm−1) (σS(cys) Ni(II)), and 470 nm (21,300 cm−1)(πS(cys) Ni(II)); nickel(II)-azurin, 355 nm (28,200 cm−1) (πN(his)Ni(II)), 440 nm (22,700 cm−1) (σS(cys) Ni(II)), and 500 nm (20,000 cm−1) (πS(cys) Ni(II)). Relatively weak bands at 550 (18,200) and 590 nm (16,900 cm−1) (Ni(II)St) and 540 (18,500) and 565 nm (17,700 cm−1) (Ni(II)Az) are attributed to d–d excitations. No evidence for lower energy d-d bands has been found for either Ni(II)–protein. The data now in hand raise the possibility that the Ni(II) site structure differs from the flattened tetrahedral geometry exhibited by Cu(II) in these proteins.
In-situ observation of bulk 3D grain evolution during plastic deformation in polycrystalline Cu

Abstract We present a non-destructive in-situ measurement of three-dimensional (3D) microstructure evolution of 99.995 % pure polycrystalline copper during tensile loading using synchrotron radiation. Spatially resolved three-dimensional crystallographic orientation fields are reconstructed from the measured diffraction data obtained from a near-field high-energy X-ray diffraction microscopy (nf-HEDM), and the evolution of about 5000 3D bulk grains is tracked through multiple stages of deformation. Spatially resolved observation of macroscopic texture change, anisotropic deformation development, and the correspondence of different crystallographic parameters to defect accumulation are illustrated. Moreover, correlations between different crystallographic parameters, such as crystal rotation evolution, short- and long-range orientation gradient development, microstructural features, and grain size effects are investigated. The current state of data mining tools available to analyze large and complicated diffraction data is presented and challenges associated with extracting meaningful information from these datasets are discussed.
Measuring topology of low-intensity DNA methylation sites for high-throughput assessment of epigenetic drug-induced effects in cancer cells.

Abstract Epigenetic anti-cancer drugs with demethylating effects have shown to alter genome organization in mammalian cell nuclei. The interest in the development of novel epigenetic drugs has increased the demand for cell-based assays to evaluate drug performance in pre-clinical studies. An imaging-based cytometrical approach that can measure demethylation effects as changes in the spatial nuclear distributions of methylated cytosine and global DNA in cancer cells is introduced in this paper. The cells were studied by immunofluorescence with a specific antibody against 5-methylcytosine (MeC), and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) for delineation of methylated sites and global DNA in nuclei. In the preprocessing step the segmentation of nuclei in three-dimensional images (3-D) is followed by an automated assessment of nuclear DAPI/MeC patterns to exclude dissimilar entities. Next, low-intensity MeC (LIM) and low-intensity DNA (LID) sites of similar nuclei are localized and processed to obtain specific nuclear density profiles. These profiles sampled at half of the total nuclear volume yielded two parameters: LIM0.5 and LID0.5. The analysis shows that zebularine and 5-azacytidine—the two tested epigenetic drugs introduce changes in the spatial distribution of low-intensity DNA and MeC signals. LIM0.5 and LID0.5 were significantly different (p
Reinforcing polymer composites with epoxide-grafted carbon nanotubes.

An in situ functionalization method was used to graft epoxide onto single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and improve the integration of SWNTs into epoxy polymer. The characterization results of Raman, FT-IR and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) validated the successful functionalization with epoxide. These functionalized SWNTs were used to fabricate nanocomposites, resulting in uniform dispersion and strong interfacial bonding. The mechanical test demonstrated that, with only 1 wt% loading of functionalized SWNTs, the tensile strength of nanocomposites was improved by 40%, and Young's modulus by 60%.These results suggested that efficient load transfer has been achieved through epoxide-grafting. This investigation provided an efficient way to improve the interfacial bonding of multifunctional high-performance nanocomposites for lightweight structure material applications.
Computer Game-Based Learning: Perceptions and Experiences of Senior Chinese Adults

The purpose of this study was to investigate senior Chinese adults' potential acceptance of computer game-based learning (CGBL) by probing their perceptions of computer game play and their perceived impacts of game play on their learning of computer skills and life satisfaction. A total of 60 senior adults from a local senior adult learning center in Lishui, China participated in this study. Multiple data collection methods were applied, including a survey and a follow-up interview. The interview data was reported as a descriptive story to augment the survey findings. Results of the study disclosed that most participants perceived computer game play positively. They believed playing computer games contributed to their learning of computer skills and improved their life satisfaction.
A pocket guide to explorations of the defensin field.

Antimicrobial peptides are among the most ancient effectors of host defense. Intersecting lines of research demonstrate that life forms as diverse as plants, insects, and vertebrates employ antimicrobial peptides to kill or neutralize a wide variety of microbial species. Defensins, of which there are three structural sub-families, constitute a major category of host defense peptides in vertebrates. Presented here is a brief history of the emergence of the defcnsin field with an emphasis on the role of these peptides in mammalian innate immunity.
O movimento do construcionismo social na psicologia moderna

Social constructionism views discourse about the world not as a reflection or map of the world but as an artifact of communal interchange. Both as an orientation to knowledge and to the character of psychological constructs, constructionism forms a significant challenge to conventional understandings. Although the roots of constructionist thought may be traced to long-standing debates between empiricist and rationalist schools of thought, constructionism attempts to move beyond the dualism to which both of these traditions are committed and to place knowledge within the process of social interchange. Although the role of psychological explanation is rendered problematic, a fully developed constructionism could furnish a means for understanding the process of science and invites the development of alternative criteria for the evaluation of psychological inquiry.
A Barrel of Oil or a Bottle of Wine: How do Global Growth Dynamics Affect Commodity Prices?

This paper investigates the causes of extreme fluctuations in commodity prices from 1990 to 2010 Analyzing two very distinct commodities-crude oil and fine wine, we find that macroeconomic factors are the main determinants of commodity prices. Although supply constraints have the expected effect, aggregate demand growth is the key factor. The empirical results show that while advanced economies account for more than half of global consumption, emerging economies make up the bulk of the incremental change in demand, thereby having a greater weight in commodity price formation. The results also show that the shift in the composition of aggregate commodity demand is a recent phenomenon.
Ten years of Nature Physics : Jack of all trades

Over the past decade, ultracold polar molecules have found application in hybrid quantum computation and quantum simulation, directions established in three early papers published in Nature Physics.
Conjoint high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol across generations. Analysis of proband hypertriglyceridemia and lipid/lipoprotein disorders in first-degree family members.

BACKGROUNDTo discern whether hypertriglyceridemia (hyper-TG, TG > 95th percentile) and hypoalphalipoporteinemia (hypoalpha, high-density lipoprotein [HDL-C] 99th percentile in a previous visit) and their 2072-first-degree relatives in the Lipid Research Clinics' Family Study. Repeat TG measurement, with exclusion criterion of TG 95th percentile, HDL-C 95th percentile, HDL-C > 10th percentile, n = 80). Hyper-TG was expressed in 24.2% of first-degree relatives of proba...
Using data from computerized circulation and cataloging systems for management decision making in public libraries

The computerized data now becoming available in public libraries have immense potential for managerial use. This article proposes how these data might be organized and used for management decision making. A linear programming algorithm is proposed for use in preparing materials acquisition budgets. Methods are proposed for producing inputs to the algorithm, including empirical estimates of materials use and cost. Methods are proposed for making stock and circulation forecasts, and for estimating future stock and circulation given alternative policy scenarios
Solubilities and solid state properties of the sodium salts of drugs

The solubilities in water of a number of sodium salts of weakly acidic drugs were determined. The compounds examined included barbiturates, sulfonamides, and hydantoins. When the logarithm of the aqueous solubilities of the salts were plotted against their melting points, an inverse relationship was observed; however, a good correlation was not immediately apparent. Further studies were conducted on the solid phases of the drugs after equilibration with water, using calorimetric, spectrophotometric, and gravimetric methods. In many cases, hydrate formation was evident and, for some compounds, the stoichiometric amount of water in the crystal was different before and after equilibration with water. Multivariate analysis of the data indicated that the logarithms of the molar solubilities were inversely related to both the melting points and the stoichiometric amounts of water in the crystal hydrates, but were unrelated to the polarity of the corresponding acid forms of the drugs. Therefore, for the sodium salts of these drugs, the solubility is primarily controlled by the properties of the solid phase which exists in equilibrium with the solution phase.
Assembly and mechanism of a group II ECF transporter

Energy-coupling factor (ECF) transporters are a recently discovered family of primary active transporters for micronutrients and vitamins, such as biotin, thiamine, and riboflavin. Found exclusively in archaea and bacteria, including the human pathogens Listeria, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus, ECF transporters may be the only means of vitamin acquisition in these organisms. The subunit composition of ECF transporters is similar to that of ATP binding cassette (ABC) importers, whereby both systems share two homologous ATPase subunits (A and A′), a high affinity substrate-binding subunit (S), and a transmembrane coupling subunit (T). However, the S subunit of ECF transporters is an integral membrane protein, and the transmembrane coupling subunits do not share an obvious sequence homology between the two transporter families. Moreover, the subunit stoichiometry of ECF transporters is controversial, and the detailed molecular interactions between subunits and the conformational changes during substrate translocation are unknown. We have characterized the ECF transporters from Thermotoga maritima and Streptococcus thermophilus. Our data suggests a subunit stoichiometry of 2S:2T:1A:1A′ and that S subunits for different substrates can be incorporated into the same transporter complex simultaneously. In the first crystal structure of the A–A′ heterodimer, each subunit contains a novel motif called the Q-helix that plays a key role in subunit coupling with the T subunits. Taken together, these findings suggest a mechanism for coupling ATP binding and hydrolysis to transmembrane transport by ECF transporters.
Genetic programming in classifying large-scale data: an ensemble method

This study demonstrated potential of genetic programming (GP) as a base classifier algorithm in building ensembles in the context of large-scale data classification. An ensemble built upon base classifiers that were trained with GP was found to significantly outperform its counterparts built upon base classifiers that were trained with decision tree and logistic regression. The superiority of GP ensemble was partly attributed to the higher diversity, both in terms of the functional form of as well as with respect to the variables defining the models, among the base classifiers upon which it was built on. Implications of GP as a useful tool in other data mining problems, such as feature selection, were also discussed.
Infection Reduction Strategies Including Antibiotic Stewardship Protocols in Surgical and Trauma Intensive Care Units Are Associated with Reduced Resistant Gram-Negative Healthcare-Associated Infections

Abstract Background: Resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics by gram-negative organisms is increasing. Resistance demands more resource utilization and is associated with patient morbidity and death. We describe the implementation of infection reduction protocols, including antibiotic stewardship, and assess their impact on multi-drug-resistant (MDR) healthcare-acquired gram-negative infections. Methods: Combined infection reduction and antibiotic stewardship protocols were implemented in the surgical and trauma intensive care units at Vanderbilt University Hospital beginning in 2002. The components of the program were: (1) Protocol-specific empiric and therapeutic antibiotics for healthcare-acquired infections; (2) surgical antibiotic prophylaxis protocols; and (3) quarterly rotation/limitation of dual antibiotic classes. Continuous healthcare-acquired infection surveillance was conducted by independent practitioners using National Heath Safety Network criteria. Linear regression analysis was used to es...
The use of standard reference materials for quality assurance in inductively coupled plasma optical emission and atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract To ensure that a chemical measurement process yields accurate results, well characterized control materials such as Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) should be analysed. For inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) methods, the SRM should be similar in chemical matrix to the unknown test material of interest so that the SRM provides similar sources of potential systematic error. Such sources of error may include incomplete dissolution, loss of volatile analyte, and chemical matrix interferences in the plasma, flame or electrothermal atomizer. In addition, the SRM should be chosen so that the analyte levels match the corresponding estimated levels in the unknown and so that the uncertainties in the certified values are small enough to provide a useful test for accuracy. The measurement process itself must be designed so that sources of random error can be evaluated. Each potential source of random error should be replicated to provide for a test of its significance. The resulting data will yield estimates for these components of variance, and the overall standard error can then be calculated. Examples of experimental designs and typical results from an ICP analysis of an SRM are described. Procedures using commonly available software for evaluating components of variance and calculating the mean, standard error, and the effective number of degrees of complex variance component designs are also presented. The results of such an approach are then applied to ascertaining whether or not bias in the analytical results is detected.
Endoscopic management of retained airgun projectiles in the paranasal sinuses.

Abstract Objectives/hypothesis This article presents 3 cases to illustrate the appropriate management of airgun injuries with retained projectiles in the paranasal sinuses. The indications, techniques, and potential complications of removal of these foreign bodies from the paranasal sinuses are discussed. Study design We conducted a case series consisting of 3 patients and a review of the literature. Methods Three consecutive patients who sustained airgun injuries to the face with retained bullets in the paranasal sinuses are presented. Projectiles were present in the maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses. The literature pertaining to this subject is reviewed. Results All retained projectiles were removed endoscopically without complications. Stereotactic guidance was used in 2 cases. Conclusions Airgun injuries to the paranasal sinuses are relatively uncommon. Projectiles can safely be removed using endoscopic techniques in selected cases. When possible, foreign bodies in the paranasal sinuses should be removed to prevent long-term sequelae.