cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantification of adducts formed in DNA treated with N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene or N-hydroxy-2-aminofluorene: comparison of trifluoroacetic acid and enzymatic degradation

We have examined two methods of preparation of DNA adducts from phi X174 RF DNA modified by (/sup 3/H)N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene ((/sup 3/H)NA-AAF) or N-hydroxy-2-aminofluorene ((/sup 3/H)N-OH-AF). Hydrolysis by enzymes (DNase I, snake venom phosphodiesterase and alkaline or acid phosphatase) and subsequent reverse phase h.p.l.c. of phi X174 RF DNA treated with (/sup 3/H)NA-AAF yielded 73% N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-acetylaminofluorene (dG-C8-AAF), 7% 3-(deoxyguanosin-N2-yl)-2-acetylaminofluorene (dG-N2-AAF), and a peak of unidentified radioactivity (13%). When (/sup 3/H)N-OH-AF modified phi X174 DNA was analyzed, both N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-aminofluorene (dG-C8-AF) and a large percentage of the imidazole ring-opened derivative and unidentified products were found. In contrast, when anhydrous trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) was used to degrade these DNAs, we found for the (/sup 3/H)NA-AAF modified DNA 86% N-(guanin-8-yl)-2-acetylaminofluorene (G-C8-AAF) and 6% 3-(guanin-N2-yl)-2-acetylaminofluorene (G-N2-AAF), while for (/sup 3/H)N-OH-AF modified DNA only the N-(guanin-8-yl)-2-aminofluorene (G-C8-AF) was found. When DNA was prepared from human fibroblasts treated with (/sup 3/H)NA-AAF, only the G-C8-AF product was obtained. Thus, anhydrous TFA solvolysis followed by reverse phase h.p.l.c. is a rapid and convenient method to obtain quantitative yields of DNA adducts formed with acetylaminofluorene and related compounds: quantification by this method prevents loss of G-N2-AAF adducts, the conversion of AAF adducts to AF adducts, and the production of ring openedmore » products in guanine residue.« less
Performance analysis and simulations of 32-ary cyclic code-shift keying

Cyclic code-shift keying (CCSK) is the baseband 32-ary symbol modulation scheme used by the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), the communication terminal for Link-16. CCSK is not orthogonal and an analytic expression for the probability of symbol error for CCSK has thus far been elusive. In this paper, an analytic upper bound on the probability of symbol error of CCSK is derived for the 32-chip CCSK starting sequence chosen for JTIDS. The analytically obtained probability of symbol error is compared with two different Monte Carlo simulations for additive white Gaussian noise. The results of both simulations match the analytic results very well and show that the analytic method yields a tight upper bound. A new 32-chip CCSK starting sequence which has a smaller maximum off-peak cross-correlation value than the current JTIDS starting sequence is proposed and evaluated both analytically and by simulation. The results obtained for the new CCSK starting sequence compare favorably with the CCSK starting sequence chosen for JTIDS. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Cyclic code shift keying is used in important military communications systems designed for jamming resistance. This paper provides the most accurate analysis and simulation of CCSK performance to date in addition to a proposed improvement over the CCSK employed in the widely used Link-16 tactical communications system. (This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the U.S.A.)
Wound treatment with human skin equivalent.

Skin grafting provides an effective means of closing chronic wounds. Autografts and allografts are used most often in skin grafting, but Apligraf, a tissue-engineered bilayered human skin equivalent, provides another safe and effective grafting option for treating diabetic, venous, and pressure ulcers. This skin equivalent has an epidermis and dermis similar to human skin, largely due to its derivation from neonatal foreskin. Apligraf is also easily accessible and has shown little immunoreactivity. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(1): 19-23, 2002)
Identification of apo-SAA isoforms in man and mouse

Isoelectric identification of apo-SAA isoforms in mouse and human plasma is important in analyzing function and involvement in amyloidogenesis. In this paper we show the influence of altering the pH gradient on the migration of the human isoforms and identify novel minor apo-SAA isoforms. The NH2-terminals of these isoforms are analyzed by sequencing of the isoforms electroblotted onto polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes. Integrity of the COOH-terminal is confirmed by blotting using a rabbit anti-human apo-SAA (aa 95-104) antibody. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) is compared to urea-SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis for the analysis of apo-SAA isoforms in haplotype A and B mouse strains [1,2].
Engaging Men in Couples Counseling: Strategies for Overcoming Ambivalence and Inexpressiveness

Greater attention in scholarly literature has recently been drawn to the unique mental health and clinical needs of men. This article summarizes the existing literature on engaging men in couples counseling. Specifically, strategies are presented to assist counselors to (a) address the help-seeking process for men, (b) assess the role of masculine socialization on presenting concerns and for the process of counseling, and (c) help counselors work with male discomfort with emotions. Clinical examples and vignettes are offered to highlight how these strategies can be applied in couples counseling.
Medical complications in acute rehabilitation units: deep vein thrombosis

The acute rehabilitation unit is the transitional setting of patients progressing from acute medical management to the initiation of rehabilitative therapies. There is a large population represented within the acute rehabilitation unit at increased risk of deep vein thrombosis including patients with head injury, stroke and spinal cord injury. The diagnostic accuracy of the clinical assessment of deep vein thrombosis is limited. Noninvasive techniques such as impedance plethysmography increase the sensitivity of the diagnosis substantially while venography remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Due to the potential morbidity and mortality associated with deep venous thrombosis, prophylaxis should be considered for populations at risk in the acute rehabilitation unit and treatment instituted when the diagnosis is strongly suspected or confirmed.
Biogas and CH4 productivity by co-digesting swine manure with three crop residues as an external carbon source.

Co-digesting swine manure with three agricultural residues, i.e., corn stalks, oat straw, and wheat straw, to enhance biogas productivity was investigated in this study. A 3x3 experimental design with duplicates was adopted (3 crop residuesx3 carbon/nitrogen ratios) to examine the improvement of batch digestion in terms of biogas volume produced, CH(4) content in the biogas, and net CH(4) volume. The crop residues were first cut into small sections and then ground into fine particles smaller than 40 mesh size (0.422mm) before being added to digesters. All the digesters were run simultaneously under controlled temperature at 37+/-0.1 degrees C. The length of experiment was 25days. The results showed that all crop residues significantly increased biogas production and net CH(4) volume at all C/N ratios, among which corn stalks performed the best with increase in daily maximum biogas volume by 11.4-fold as compared to the control, followed by oat straw (8.45-fold) and wheat straw (6.12-fold) at the C/N ratio of 20/1, which was found to be the optimal C/N ratio for co-digestion in the present study. In addition, corn stalks achieved the highest CH(4) content in the biogas ( approximately 68%), which was about 11% higher than that of oat straw ( approximately 57%), whereas wheat straw and the control both had produced biogas with approximately 47% CH(4) content. Wheat straw demonstrated a lower biogas productivity than corn stalks and oat straw even it had a higher carbon content (46%) than the latter two residues (39%).
Spring Onset in the Sierra Nevada: When Is Snowmelt Independent of Elevation?

Short-term climate and weather systems can have a strong influence on mountain snowmelt, sometimes overwhelming the effects of elevation and aspect. Although most years exhibit a spring onset that starts first at lowest and moves to highest elevations, in spring 2002, flow in a variety of streams within the Tuolumne and Merced River basins of the southern Sierra Nevada all rose synchronously on 29 March. Flow in streams draining small high-altitude glacial subcatchments rose at the same time as that draining much larger basins gauged at lower altitudes, and streams from north- and south-facing cirques rose and fell together. Historical analysis demonstrates that 2002 was one among only 8 yr with such synchronous flow onsets during the past 87 yr, recognized by having simultaneous onsets of snowmelt at over 70% of snow pillow sites, having discharge in over 70% of monitored streams increase simultaneously, and having temperatures increase over 128C within a 5-day period. Synchronous springs tend to begin with a low pressure trough over California during late winter, followed by the onset of a strong ridge and unusually warm temperatures. Synchronous springs are characterized by warmer than average winters and cooler than average March temperatures in California. In the most elevationdependent, nonsynchronous years, periods of little or no storm activity, with warmer than average March temperatures, precede the onset of spring snowmelt, allowing elevation and aspect to influence snowmelt as spring arrives gradually.
An inelastic substructure technique for the pseudodynamic test method

An inelastic substructure technique for the pseudodynamic test method is described. This technique requires testing of only a critical component of a multi-degree-of-freedom structure, while the remaining portion is modelled using standard inelastic analytical procedures. This is an economical method to investigate the seismic behaviour of a structure, provided a critical subassembly is found. This paper describes the development of a substructure algorithm which is verified with a numerically simulated test. The method was used to evaluate the seismic performance of moment-resisting steel frames. Modelling for an eight-storey, three-bay frame is discussed, and the boundary conditions between the analytical portion and the experimental component are evaluated. The results indicate that the selection of the critical subassembly was adequate and that the pseudodynamic response was significantly dependent on the behaviour of this experimental component. Furthermore, experimental results suggest that this information would have been difficult to obtain from quasi-static testing or from standard inelastic dynamic analysis. Therefore, this substructure pseudodynamic technique was an economical tool to investigate the seismic behaviour of ductile frames.
Single-Measurement Diagnostic Test Method for Parametric Faults of I/Q Modulating RF Transceivers

This paper presents a loop-back method for quadrature modulation transceiver circuits to diagnose parametric faults of the system, such as I/Q mismatch, baseband/RF time skew, and DC offsets. The proposed method is capable of separating the transmitter parameters from the receiver parameters in a single measurement. Digital baseband signals are used as test input and the received I/Q baseband signals are analyzed for parameter extraction. Experimental results show that the test method has 1.5% RMS error performance in the presence of thermal noise and unknown delays caused by the loop-back connection. The test technique can easily be implemented on a digital tester. Either on-chip baseband data converters or load board data converters (for transceiver circuits without digital output) can be used for interfacing the transceiver circuit under test.
Multisite protein phosphorylation makes a good threshold but can be a poor switch

Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation play a fundamental role in eukaryotic signaling. Some 30% of proteins are phosphorylated at any time, many on multiple sites, raising the question of how the cellular phosphorylation state is regulated. Previous work for one and two phosphorylation sites has revealed mechanisms, such as distributive phosphorylation, for switch-like regulation of maximally phosphorylated phosphoforms. These insights have led to the influential view that more phosphorylation sites leads to steeper switching, as proposed for substrates like cyclin E and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Sic1. An analytical study of the ordered distributive case reveals a more complex story. Multisite phosphorylation creates an efficient threshold: The proportion of maximally phosphorylated substrate is maintained close to 0 when the ratio of kinase to phosphatase activity lies below a suitable threshold, and this threshold increases with increasing numbers of sites, n. However, above the threshold, the response may not always abruptly switch between 0 and 1, as would be the case for an efficient switch, but may increase in a gradual manner, which becomes more hyperbolic with increasing n. Abrupt switching cannot be attributed merely to n being large. We point out that conventional measures of ultrasensitivity must be modified to discriminate between thresholding and switching; we discuss additional factors that influence switching efficiency and suggest new directions for experimental investigation.
Historical aspects of protandrous sex change in the anemonefish Amphiprion melanopus (Pomacentridae, Teleostei)

Gonadal structure and cellular composition were examined in juveniles, males and females of the protandric hermaphrodite, Amphiprion melanopus. Functional sex change was experimentally induced in the field and gonad structure was histologically examined both qualitatively and quantitatively at 10, 20, 30 and 45 days after its initiation. Juvenile gonads consist primarily of immature ovarian tissue. Functional male gonads are ovotestes with co-existing mature spermatogenic tissue and immature ovarian tissue, while females possess only ovarian tissue. The initiation of sex change is marked by a rapid maturation of spermatogenic tissue and proliferation of putative oogonia. Gonads were essentially female by 20 days into sex change, but evidence of mature female function (marked by the initiation of vitellogenesis) was not observed until 45 days. Considerable variation between individuals was seen in quantitative measures of gonadal change in the early stages of sex change, but not in later stages. Progress in sex change as indicated by histological indicators was, however, consistent within stages. Duet systems for gamete transport changed from the male to the female form after all male tissue had been replaced.
Two-photon imaging with diffractive optical elements.

Two-photon imaging has become a useful tool for optical monitoring of neural circuits, but it requires high laser power and serial scanning of each pixel in a sample. This results in slow imaging rates, limiting the measurements of fast signals such as neuronal activity. To improve the speed and signal-to-noise ratio of two-photon imaging, we introduce a simple modification of a two-photon microscope, using a diffractive optical element (DOE) which splits the laser beam into several beamlets that can simultaneously scan the sample. We demonstrate the advantages of DOE scanning by enhancing the speed and sensitivity of two-photon calcium imaging of action potentials in neurons from neocortical brain slices. DOE scanning can easily improve the detection of time-varying signals in two-photon and other non-linear microscopies.
Accuracy and scalability in holographic content-addressable storage

We use an experimental platform to investigate the potential accuracy and scalability that a massively-parallel holographic content-addressable storage system might have for use in searching digital databases
Novel approaches to identify protein adducts produced by lipid peroxidation

Lipid peroxidation is responsible for the generation of chemically reactive, diffusible lipid-derived electrophiles (LDEs) that covalently modify cellular protein targets. These protein modifications modulate protein activity and macromolecular interactions and induce adaptive and toxic cell signaling. Protein modifications induced by LDEs can be identified and quantified by affinity enrichment and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based techniques. Tagged LDE analog probes with different electrophilic groups can be covalently captured by click chemistry for LC-MS/MS analyses, thereby enabling in-depth studies of proteome damage at the protein and peptide sequence levels. Conversely, click-reactive, thiol-directed probes can be used to evaluate thiol damage caused by LDE by difference. These analytical approaches permit systematic study of the dynamics of protein damage caused by LDE and mechanisms by which oxidative stress contribute to toxicity and diseases.
Modeling and Signal Processing of Acoustic Gunshot Recordings

Audio recordings of gunshots can provide information about the gun location with respect to the microphone(s), the speed and trajectory of the projectile, and in some cases the type of firearm and ammunition. Recordings obtained under carefully controlled conditions can be well-modeled by geometrical acoustics. Special acoustic processing systems for real time gunshot detection and localization are used by the military and law enforcement agencies for sniper detection. Forensic analysis of audio recordings is also used to provide evidence in criminal and civil cases. This paper reviews the distinctive features and limitations of acoustic gunshot analysis using DSP techniques.
A novel Lewis-acid-catalyzed 1,2-OMe shift reaction of an acetylenic ether on a dipalladium framework. X-ray structure of [Pd2Cl2(μ−dppm)2(μ−CC(OMe)(Me))]

Treatment of [Pd2cl2(μ-dppm)2] with MeOCCMe in CH2Cl2 in the presence of catalytic amounts of HBF4 · Et2O led to the formation of [Pd2Cl2(μ-dppm)2(μ−CC(OMe)(Me))] via a 1,2-OMe shift reaction. The complex was characterized crystallographically.
Effects of end-ring/shield configuration on homogeneity and signal-to-noise ratio in a birdcage-type coil loaded with a human head.

We modeled four different end-ring/shield configurations of a birdcage coil to examine their effects on field homogeneity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at 64 MHz and 125 MHz. The configurations are defined as: 1) conventional: a conventional cylindrical shield; 2) surrounding shield: a shield with annular extensions to closely shield the end rings; 3) solid connection: a shield with annular extensions connected to the rungs; and 4) thin wire connection: a shield with thin wires connected to the rungs. At both frequencies, the coil with conventional end-ring/shield configuration produces the most homogeneous RF magnetic (B1) field when the coil is empty, but produces the least homogeneous B1 field when the coil is loaded with a human head. The surrounding shield configuration results in the most homogeneous B1 and highest SNR in the coil loaded with the human head at both frequencies, followed closely by the solid connection configura
Opposing effects of sperm viability and velocity on the outcome of sperm competition

Sperm competition is often envisaged as a raffle where differences in sperm quality ‘‘load’’ the raffle in favor of the male with the higher quality sperm. Sperm quality, however, is a complex trait, and the effects of its various components on the outcome of sperm competition are likely to depend upon their role in sperm transport, storage, and fertilization. Here, I use artificial insemination to assess the relationships between sperm viability, velocity, and storage on siring success in the swordtail Xiphophorus nigrensis (Teleostei: Poeciliidae), an internally fertilized fish with alternative reproductive tactics. Males with greater sperm viability sired more offspring than their rival, as predicted if the number of fertilization-capable sperm influences sperm competition in a numerical raffle. In contrast, males with faster swimming sperm sired fewer offspring, but only when sperm were stored prior to fertilization. Faster swimming sperm were thus a liability following sperm storage, suggesting a trade-off between sperm velocity and longevity in vivo. These results provide experimental evidence that the sign and magnitude can differ among components of sperm quality depending upon the mechanisms that mediate their effects. Key words: alternative reproductive tactics, artificial insemination, Poeciliidae, sperm quality. [Behav Ecol]
Comparative Induction of 28S Ribosomal RNA Cleavage by Ricin and the Trichothecenes Deoxynivalenol and T-2 Toxin in the Macrophage

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) and sesquiterpenoid trichothecene mycotoxins are known to bind to eukaryotic ribosomes, inhibit translation and activate mitogen-activated protein kinases. Here we compared the capacities of the RIP ricin to promote 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) cleavage with that of the trichothecenes, deoxynivalenol (DON), and T-2 toxin (T-2). In a cell-free model, exposure to ricin at 300 ng/ml for 30 min depurinated yeast 28S rRNA, however, neither DON (≤ 4 μg/ml) nor T-2 (≤ 2 μg/ml) exhibited this N-glycosidase activity. Incubation of RAW 264.7 macrophages with ricin (20–320 ng/ml), DON (250–5000 ng/ml), or T-2 (2–80 ng/ml) for 6 h, however, generated 28S rRNA-specific products consistent with cleavage sites near the 3′ terminal end of murine 28S rRNA. Oligonucleotide extension analysis of treated RAW 264.7 cells revealed that ricin evoked 28S rRNA damage at one site in the α-sarcin/ricin (S/R)-loop (A4256) and two other sites (A3560 and A4045) in the peptidyl transferase center. Although DON or T-2 did not damage the S/R loop, these trichothecenes did promote cleavage at A3560 and A4045. In addition, incubation of the cells with ricin (≥ 20 ng/ml), DON (≥ 250 ng/ml), or T-2 (≥ 10 ng/ml) induced RNase activity as well as RNase L mRNA and protein expression. These data suggest that only ricin directly damaged 28S rRNA under cell-free conditions but that ricin, DON, and T-2 promoted intracellular 28S rRNA cleavage, potentially by facilitating the action of endogenous RNases and/or by upregulating RNase expression.
Are dentists interested in the oral-systemic disease connection? A qualitative study of an online community of 450 practitioners

Background Dentists in the US see an increasing number of patients with systemic conditions. These patients are challenging to care for when the relationship between oral and systemic disease is not well understood. The prevalence of professional isolation exacerbates the problem due to the difficulty in finding expert advice or peer support. This study aims to identify whether dentists discuss the oral-systemic connection and what aspects they discuss; to understand their perceptions of and attitudes toward the connection; and to determine what information they need to treat patients with systemic conditions.
Temperature Rise at the Sliding Contact Interface for a Coated Semi-Infinite Body

In this paper, a three-dimensional model of a semi-infinite layered body is used to predict steady-state maximum surface temperature rise at the sliding contact interface for the entire range of Peclet number. A set of semi-empirical solutions for maximum surface temperature problems of sliding layered bodies is obtained by using integral transform, finite element, heuristic and multivariable regression techniques. Two dimensionless parameters, A and Dp, which relate to coating thickness, contact size, sliding speed and thermal properties of both coating and substrate materials, are found to be the critical factors determining the effect of surface film on the surface temperature rise at a sliding contact interface
Absorption, metabolism, and excretion of riboflavin-5'-phosphate in man.

Evidence is presented which indicates that riboflavin-5′-phosphate (FMN) is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of man by specialized transport rather than by passive diffusion. Oral administration of the vitamin after a meal results in more extensive absorption which appears to be primarily due to a decrease in intestinal transit rate resulting in longer retention of FMN at absorption sites in the small intestine. Both FMN and riboflavin are excreted in the urine primarily, if not solely, as free riboflavin. The urinary recovery of riboflavin is the same when equimolar amounts of either form of the vitamin are administered orally in solution. The time course of urinary excretion of riboflavin after administration of high doses of FMN, together with data available in the literature, suggest that the vitamin is subject to enterohepatic cycling.
Complete Genome Sequence of Citrobacter freundii Myophage Miller.

ABSTRACT Citrobacter freundii is a Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen that can be fatal to newborns or immunocompromised patients. Bacteriophages against this bacterium can be useful for therapeutic purposes. Here, we describe the complete genome and the key features of the pseudo T-even C. freundii bacteriophage Miller.
Influence of vessel roughness on wall shear stress in image-based blood flow modeling

Image-based blood flow modeling provides a unique way to quantify wall shear stress in 3D subject-specific geometric models. These models are constructed from medical images, inevitably using smoothing to compensate for noise and limited resolution. Moreover, the vessel is generally getting rougher due to disease or aging. However, there are few studies on influences of different levels of smoothness/roughness on wall shear stress. From the CT image of a thoracic aorta with aneurysm, we constructed 13 models: 1 original, 6 smoothed, and 6 roughened. Using computational fluid dynamics, we show qualitatively the distribution of wall shear stress varies noticeably with different levels of roughness. However, the maximal percentage difference is about 10% when averaged spatially in banded cross sections. Our study suggests the fidelity of geometry is significant in understanding the localization of wall shear stress, whereas the overall trend is relatively insensitive to the level of smoothness/roughness.
The nitrogen camera and the detection of concealed explosives

Abstract The nitrogen camera is an instrument based on a nuclear technique which is capable of imaging nitrogen concentrations with surface densities and amounts typical of currently concealed conventional explosives. Its signal is the totality of high-energy gamma rays detected in the multiscalar mode after the irradiation of a target pixel by a beam from a 50 MeV electron racetrack microtron. The sole interfering signal, from 13C, can be disentangled by two methods. Images of 180 2 × 2 cm2 pixels, which are shown, eventually will be produced in ∼ 7.2 s. Progress towards an operational nitrogen camera is discussed.
Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: EVAR

Since the advent of aortic aneurysm repair utilizing the aortic stent graft by Parodi and colleagues in the early 1990s, the endovascular management of aortic aneurysms (EVAR) has become an increasingly common treatment modality. Historically, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair involved an open abdominal or retroperitoneal approach. For the first time, in 2006, a larger percentage of aneurysms were treated in an endovascular fashion in comparison with the open repair. EVAR has proven to be a safe and minimally invasive option for many patients. Furthermore, several randomized trials (OVER, EVAR-1 and 2, and DREAM trials) comparing EVAR to open repair over the last decade have shown improved perioperative outcomes with the endovascular approach; however, long-term mortality appears to be equal with both methods, and EVAR has been shown to have a higher re-intervention rate.
Thermal Design of a Hierarchical Radially Expanding Cavity for Two-Phase Cooling of Integrated Circuits

A major challenge in the implementation of evaporative two-phase liquid-cooled ICs with embedded fluid microchannels/cavities is the high pressure drops arising from evaporation-induced expansion and acceleration of the flowing two-phase fluid in small hydraulic diameters. Our ongoing research effort addresses this challenge by utilizing a novel hierarchical radially expanding channel networks with a central embedded inlet manifold and drainage at the periphery of the chip stack. This paper presents a qualitative description of the thermal design process that has been adopted for this radial cavity. The thermal design process first involves construction of a system-level pressure-thermal model for the radial cavity based on both fundamental experiments as well as numerical simulations performed on the building block structures of the final architecture. Finally, this system-level pressure-thermal model can be used to identify the design space and optimize the geometry to maximize thermal performance, while respecting design specifications. This design flow presents a good case study for electrical-thermal co-design of two-phase liquid cooled ICs.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Classification Algorithm for Filtering E-mail Spams

In this paper we propose an incremental spam e-mail filtering using a modified Naive Bayesian classification that is simple, adaptable and efficient. Our email spam filter is a hybrid filter that combines the advantages of the various filtering techniques. We also illustrate the effectiveness of our filtering scheme by simulations.
Synthesis of Highly Stable Sub-8 nm TiO2 Nanoparticles and Their Multilayer Electrodes of TiO2/MWNT for Electrochemical Applications

Next-generation electrochemical energy storage for integrated microsystems and consumer electronic devices requires novel electrode materials with engineered architectures to meet the requirements of high performance, low cost, and robustness. However, conventional electrode fabrication processes such as doctor blading afford limited control over the electrode thickness and structure at the nanoscale and require the incorporation of insulating binder and other additives, which can promote agglomeration and reduce active surface area, limiting the inherent advantages attainable from nanoscale materials. We have engineered a route for the synthesis of highly stable, sub-8 nm TiO2 nanoparticles and their subsequent incorporation with acid-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) into nanostructured electrodes using aqueous-based layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly. Using this approach, binder-free thin film electrodes with highly controllable thicknesses up to the micrometer scale were deve...
Solvent-Induced Polymorphic Nanoscale Transitions for 12-Hydroxyoctadecanoic Acid Molecular Gels

12-Hydroxyoctadecanoic acid (12HSA) molecular gels have been reported to form self-assembled fibrillar network (SAFiNs) in organic solvents. For the first time, different polymorphic forms for 12HS...
Impact of race in using PSA velocity to predict for prostate cancer.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess whether race is a significant factor in the ability of prostate-specific antigen velocity (PSAV) for predicting high-grade prostate cancer (HGPC). Methods: Records of men who underwent prostate biopsy between January 2003 and December 2007 were retrospectively reviewed to collect demographic data, self-reported race, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) data, and pathology results. PSAV was calculated using linear regression. Subjects were stratified by the presence or absence of HGPC. Median PSA and PSAV values were compared within each racial group using receiver operating characteristic analysis and Student t test. Results: Static PSA was significantly higher in Caucasian men with HGPC (4.81 vs. 8.3 ng/mL, p = 0.0000001) while PSAV was also higher in men with HGPC (0.639 vs. 1.15 ng/mL/yr, p = 0.081). Static PSA in Asians did not perform well in predicting HGPC (5.3 vs. 9.42 ng/mL, p = 0.11), but fared much better than PSAV (0.51 vs. 0.93 ng/mL/yr, p = 0.27). PSA in African Ame...
An Intelligent Assistant for High-Level Task Understanding

People are able to interact with domain-specific intelligent assistants (IAs) and get help with tasks. But sometimes user goals are complex and may require interactions with multiple applications. However current IAs are limited to specific applications and users have to directly manage execution spanning multiple applications in order to engage in more complex activities. An ideal personal agent would be able to learn, over time, about tasks that span different resources. This paper addresses the problem of cross-domain task assistance in the context of spoken dialogue systems. We propose approaches to discover users' high-level intentions and using this information to assist users in their task. We collected real-life smartphone usage data from 14 participants and investigated how to extract high-level intents from users' descriptions of their activities. Our experiments show that understanding high-level tasks allows the agent to actively suggest apps relevant to pursuing particular user goals and reduce the cost of users' self-management.
The Innovative Study of ERP Practice Teaching System in Colleges

ERP practice teaching system is important in colleges but its present condition reveals some problems: monotonous teaching method and departure of theory and practice.It is recommended to establish independent ERP practice teaching system such as the teaching mode of combination of difference and modulation,ERP simu-lation platform,practice on sand-table and ERP authentication in order to strengthen practice link and provide students a practice teaching platform with distinctive nuance and integration.
Application of Social Mobilization Strategy in Community Health Education

Objectives To learn about the actual effect of community mobilization strategy in community health education,to explore the new mode for community health education,and to provide scientific basis for effective community health education.Methods Two communities with similar characteristics were selected as the intervention community and the control community seperately.Health education was applied to both communities.But the intervention community received social mobilization in addition.The whole process lasted for one year.Relating indicators of the two communities were collected and analyzed before and after the research programe.Results Indicators of Knowledge,Attitude and Behavior(KAP)after the intervention were better than that of before in both communities(t=7.37,6.53,5.37,P0.05).Residents' interest in health education activities in the intervention community after 1year were greater than those in the control community(χ2=129.992,156.076,P0.01).Social mobilization draw more attention from relevant community research departments,made more resources to be put into community health education,and attracted more residents to take a part.Conclusions The comprehensive intervention strategy with social mobilization and health education combined is targetive and efficent.This trategy can contribute alot to KAP,utilized the community resources more efficently.A strong community alliance was extablished and an autonomous community health education management mode was set up.All promote a sustainable development for community health education.
Breeding of aromatic soft rice two-line GMS line,Mingxiang 10S

Indica type two-line GMS line,SE21S,was used as female parent to cross with Nuda Shuangguang S,a sweet rice variety.A desirable variety,S426,was selected from the F4 of hybrids with good sterility and quality.A new aromatic soft two-line GMS rice line,Mingxiang10S,was successfully bred by a two-line sterility selection method from the cross between S426 and good quality aromatic type maintainer line,Yuefeng B,on high altitude and at low temperature.A new aromatic soft rice two-line hybrid rice,Mingxiang 1027,was obtained.
Liver disease in patients undergoing head and neck surgery: Incidence and risk for postoperative complications

Objectives/Hypothesis Head and neck cancer patients have multiple risk factors for liver disease. However, little is known about the incidence of liver disease or the safety of surgery in these patients. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2013. Methods We identified patients undergoing head and neck surgery and excluded them if preoperative laboratory data were missing. Patients were classified as having liver disease if their preoperative aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index was ≥ 0.7, and as having advanced liver disease if their Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium score was ≥ 10. We compared the rate of postoperative complications using multivariable logistic regression. Results Among 19,138 eligible patients, the incidence of any degree of liver disease was 6.8% for aerodigestive tract surgery and 3.3% for controls. The 30-day mortality rate after major head and neck surgery, which included composite resection; free tissue transfer; and total laryngectomy with advanced, mild, and no liver disease, was 14.6%, 3.0%, and 0.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). For nonmajor surgery, the mortality rate was 3.0%, 0.3%, and 0.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, patients with advanced liver disease experienced a six-fold higher rate of 30-day mortality (odds ratio 6.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.9–12.8). Conclusion There is a high risk to detect liver disease in patients undergoing head and neck surgery of the aerodigestive tract. Those with advanced liver disease are at high risk for perioperative mortality, and this risk should be judiciously considered in medical/surgical decision making and postoperative care. Level of Evidence 2c. Laryngoscope, 2016
Science--neglected ingredient of nutrition policy. 10th Martha F. Trulson Memorial Lecture

Programs to alleviate malnutrition in children in developing countries need revision. Intervention field trials in Thailand, Tunisia, and Guatemala, based on amino acid fortification and supplementary vitamins and minerals, have had little effect on children. In fact, it is often a misconception that frank deficiencies are common characteristics of malnutrition in developing countries.Rather, stunted growth--caused by caloric deficiency often in the presence of adequate food supplies--may be the most prevalent form of malnutrition. The situation occurs when the customary staple food--for instance, rice in Thailand--has such a high caloric density that children cannot eat enough food to meet their needs. Knowledge is not vet available on ways to solve this dilemma. Nevertheless nutritionists must come forward and be willing to contribute their knowledge and expertise in the shaping of national and international nutrition policies to improve the healthand well-being of populations.
Genetic regulation of early eye development in non-dipteran insects

Comparative analyses of eye development in Drosophila and distantly related phyla have fundamentally changed the way we think about the evolution of animal eyes today. On the one hand, it is clear that select eye-patterning mechanisms have deep evolutionary roots, such as the involvement of Pax6 and an ever-extending catalogue of additional transcription factors with selector gene-like functions in development. On the other hand, the diversity of distinct eye types in extant animals implies the evolution of lineage-specific patterning processes, superimposed onto the ancient gene interactions inherited from the prototype eye at the dawn of animal evolution. Therefore, an important question to consider is how far back the regulatory program organizing the development of the compound eye in Drosophila can be traced to arthropod evolution.
The categorization of sentential contexts

A new experimental method, involving the sorting of linguistic contexts, is shown to be effective in discriminating the contexts of polysemous words as well as the contexts of synonyms of those words. These results are interpreted as support for the claim that the method of sorting linguistic contexts is a valid technique for studying the contextual information available to support inferences about word meanings.
Synergistic anticancer potential of the combination of the novel curcumin analog EF24 and p38 MAPK inhibitors

A144 The natural polyphenol curcumin has been demonstrated to be an effective agent against human cancer cells. This anti-cancer activity has been in part attributed to the inhibition of the nuclear factor of kappa B (NFkB), a transcription factor that controls the expression of genes involved in cellular survival, the anti-apoptotic machinery, and the inflammatory response. This knowledge has been exploited to develop curcumin-derived analogs, including the fluorinated EF24 compound, with higher potency in in vitro and in vivo models. In order to determine the mechanism of this analog, we examined the contribution of major mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in EF24 induced signaling pathways and revealed the upregulated ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK. We utilized pharmacological MAPK inhibitors to determine pathways that are important for EF24-induced cell death. Interestingly, EF24 in combination with pyridinyl-imidazole p38 MAPK inhibitors elicited cytotoxic synergy based on cell viability assays, combination index (CI) analysis, and colony formation assays. The synergy was associated with the induction of apoptosis as reflected by PARP cleavage and the accumulation of the sub-G1 fraction in flow cytometery. The combination of EF24 and p38 inhibitory compounds was also effective in multiple lung cancer cell lines possibly due to general upregulation of p38 MAPK by EF24 treatment. These studies suggest that p38 MAPK has a role in the survival response of lung cancer cells and is possibly one of the major survival pathways induced by EF24. Our finding suggests a potential therapeutic approach by combining a curcumin analog, such as EF24, with a p38 MAPK inhibitors for the effective treatment of lung cancer.
VALIDATION OF AN ESTIMATION MODEL FOR URBAN SURFACE ALBEDO

The albedo measurements of Aida (1982), made over simulated urban surfaces constructed from arrangements of concrete blocks into canyon and grid configurations, are used to evaluate the performance of the urban canyon radiation model of Arnfield (1976a, 1982). The model is shown to be capable of producing acceptable estimates of surface albedo for city land-use zones consisting predominantly of canyons with lengths considerably greater than their width, especially for high sun (high irradiance) conditions. For the data best suited to model validation, about half the albedos were estimated to within ±5% and all were within ±10%. For grid canyon configurations, the method yields less satisfactory results but it is argued that errors will be less significant for surface geometries more realistic than those employed by Aida which possessed very short block lengths in relation to street widths. [Key words: urban climate, energy-budget climatology, albedo, radiation model.]
X-ray phosphors and screens

Most radiologic imaging utilizes a phosphor as the primary X-ray absorber. The absorption of the X-ray, subsequent X-ray fluorescence and Auger relaxation, and the diffusion and scattering of secondary electrons influencethe effective X-ray absorption and the picture noise. Scattering, diffusion, and absorption of the light within the phosphor layer and at its surfaces, and the optical coupling to the photoemitter, photoconductor, or photographic film, influence the sensitivity, noise level, contrast, and resolution of the imaging system. The best X-ray phosphors convert about 20 to 25 percent of the energy of an X-ray into useful radiant energy. The "speed" of phosphor layers has been increased about four times in the past decade. Our understanding of the limitations on their efficiency is incomplete but it is unlikely that materials having efficiencies much in excess of 25 percent can be found. The quantum absorption in X-ray phosphor screens is clearly important to reducing the statistical noise, or the X-ray dose. While the need for good quantum efficiency is generally well understood, it is less well known that the variability of the amount of light detected between separate X-ray events can seriously reduce the signal-to-statistical noise ratio, even when the quantum absorption is nearly unity. A variation from pulse to pulse causes an additional statistical fluctuation so that the X-ray receptor behaves as though it were absorbing a smaller percentage of the X-ray quanta. The "noise-equivalent absorption" is the most meaningful measure of the degree to which an X-ray receptor preserves statistical information present in the X-ray signal incident on the device. The X-ray absorption is maximized by choosing a phosphor host which has elements with X-ray absorption edges in the most useful energy range, the greatest density, and the greatest thickness possible. Since the modulation transfer function and the limiting resolution decrease monotonically with layer thickness, a compromise between X-ray absorption and resolution must be made. Techniques are now being developed for fabricating screens containing isolated phosphor columns which can "pipe" the light through a thick layer without losing resolution.
Diet quality of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) afflicts approximately 1.5 million American adults and is a major cause of disability. As disease severity worsens, individuals with RA may experience functional decline that can impact dietary intake.Objective:The objective of this study is to assess the diet quality of individuals with RA using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010 and examine associations between diet quality and disease activity and functional status.Methods:This cross-sectional study assessed diet quality and disease activity and functional status in adults with RA. Participants completed seven-day weighed food records, which were scored using the HEI-2010. Participants had a fasting blood draw and completed the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire to determine disease activity and functional status.Results:The mean age of individuals with RA (N = 84) was 53 ± 14 years, and 86.9% were female. The mean HEI-2010 total score was 58.7 ± 15.9, with 7.1% of participants scoring “good”, 58.3% “...
Experimental evaluation of Peromyscus leucopus as a reservoir host of the Ehrlichia muris -like agent

The Ehrlichia muris-like agent (EMLA) is a newly recognized human pathogen in the North Central United States. Although blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) have been identified as capable vectors, wild reservoirs have not yet been established for EMLA. As key hosts for I. scapularis, white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) are important reservoirs for various tick-borne pathogens, and potentially, for EMLA. The objective of this study was to evaluate reservoir competence in P. leucopus using a natural vector. Mice acquired EMLA infection from feeding ticks and were able to transmit infection to naive ticks. Transmission between simultaneously feeding tick life stages was also demonstrated. Infections in mice were acute and severe, with systemic dissemination. Limited host survival and clearance of infection among survivors resulted in a narrow interval where EMLA could be acquired by feeding ticks. Peromyscus leucopus is a competent reservoir of EMLA and likely to play a role in its enzootic transmission cycle. The duration and severity of EMLA infection in these hosts suggests that tick phenology is a critical factor determining the geographic distribution of EMLA in North America.