cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Static Air Pressure in the External Auditory Meatus on Hearing Acuity

The specific purposes of this study were to determine the effects of various static air pressures in the external auditory meatus on (1) threshold sensitivity and (2) hearing acuity at two loudness levels above threshold. To determine the effect of a pressure differential across the tympanic membrane on the threshold sensitivity, measurements were obtained by the Method of Adjustment for 10 ears at each of 41 frequencies (from 100 to 8000 cps) at each of four pressure conditions (−10, −20, +10, +20 cm H2O). For all pressures used threshold sensitivity was generally decreased for frequencies below 1500 cps. with a slight increase in sensitivity for frequencies between 1500 and 2300 cps and a general decrease in sensitivity for frequencies between 2300 and 8000 cps. To test the effect of pressure on loudness, five subjects made equal loudness balance judgments for six frequencies (200, 400, 1000, 1600, and 4000 cps) at 30 db and at 60 db above threshold under each of the four experimental pressure condition...
The South Atlantic dipole and variations in the characteristics of the South American Monsoon in the WCRP-CMIP3 multi-model simulations

This study investigates relationships between Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) and the variability of the characteristics of the South American Monsoon System (SAMS), such as the onset dates and total precipitation over central eastern Brazil. The observed onset and total summer monsoon precipitation are estimated for the period 1979–2007. SST patterns are obtained from the Empirical Orthogonal Function. It is shown that variations in SST on interannual timescales over the South Atlantic Ocean play an important role in the total summer monsoon precipitation. Negative (positive) SST anomalies over the topical South Atlantic along with positive (negative) SST anomalies over the extratropical South Atlantic are associated with early (late) onsets and wet (dry) summers over southeastern Brazil and late (early) onset and dry (wet) summers over northeastern Brazil. Simulations from Phase 3 of the World Climate Research Programme Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP-3) are assessed for the 20th century climate scenario (1971–2000). Most CMIP3 coupled models reproduce the main modes of variability of the South Atlantic Ocean. GFDL2.0 and MIROC-M are the models that best represent the SST variability over the South Atlantic. On the other hand, these models do not succeed in representing the relationship between SST and SAMS variability.
Staying in SHIP shape.

The phosphatase SHIP2 has been the focus of drug development efforts for diabetes. This distinction is based in part on work suggesting that the molecule is central to the regulation of glucose levels in tissues and blood. An analysis of a SHIP2 knockout mouse changes this viewpoint and provides new directions for therapeutic intervention (pages 199–205).
Tropical Pacific Ocean heat content variations and ENSO persistence barriers

[1] Data from the tropical Pacific Ocean for the period 1980 - 2002 are used to examine the persistence of sea surface temperature (SST) and upper ocean heat content variations in relation to El Nino and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The present study demonstrates that, unlike for SST, there is no spring persistence barrier when considering upper ocean heat content. Conversely, there is a persistence barrier for heat content in boreal winter related to a seasonal reduction in variance. These results are consistent with ENSO forecast model studies indicating that accurate initialization of upper ocean heat content often reduces the prominence of the spring prediction barrier for SST. They also suggest that initialization of upper ocean heat content variations may lead to seasonally varying enhancements of forecast skill, with the most pronounced enhancements for forecasts starting early and late in the development of ENSO events.
Pleural space irrigation and modified clagett procedure for the treatment of early postpneumonectomy empyema

Abstract Objective: The incidence of postpneumonectomy empyema is 5% to 10%. Approximately half of postpneumonectomy empyemas occur within 4 weeks of pneumonectomy. A bronchopleural fistula is found in more than 80% of the patients. The classic treatment of postpneumonectomy empyema includes parenteral antibiotics, drainage of the pleural space, removal of necrotic tissue, and open pleural packing for many weeks followed by obliteration of the empyema space with antibiotic fluid or muscle. This approach results in prolonged hospitalization, repeated operations, and significant morbidity. As a possible means of decreasing morbidity with the classic treatment of postpneumonectomy empyema, we studied the use of pleural space irrigation in these patients. Method: In a 5-year period, we treated 22 patients with early postpneumonectomy empyema. All patients had a bronchopleural fistula. All patients underwent emergency drainage of the pleural space followed by thoracotomy, debridement of necrotic tissue, closure of the bronchial stump with absorbable monofilament suture, and pleural space irrigation. After a negative Gram stain from the pleural fluid, the pleural space was filled with 2 L of debridement antibiotic solution (DAB solution) (gentamicin 80 mg/L, neomycin 500 mg/L, and polymyxin B 100 mg/L), and the irrigation and drainage catheters were removed. Results: Twenty patients had negative Gram stains on day 9, and 2 patients had a negative Gram stain on day 16. The mean duration of hospitalization was 12.9 ± 3.4 days. There was no recurrence of empyema or a bronchopleural fistula. Conclusions: Pleural space irrigation followed by obliteration of the pleural space with an antibiotic solution required one surgical procedure and resulted in significantly shorter hospitalization and decreased morbidity in patients with early postpneumonectomy empyema. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;116:943-8)
The displacement field of a triangular dislocation loop–a correction with commentary

A correction is made to a previous coordinate-free formulation of the displacement field of a triangular dislocation loop by Barnett [Phil. Mag. A 51 383 (1985)]. Then, taking account of the correction, it is shown that the formulation reduces to that given by Hirth and Lothe [Theory of Dislocations, 2nd edn (Wiley, New York, 1982) p. 146.], which is restricted to a specially chosen coordinate system.
Influence of graft ischemic time on outcomes following lung transplantation

Abstract Background Reperfusion injury is the most common cause of early mortality following lung transplantation. Although cold graft ischemic time has been reported to influence this injury, some lung grafts with short ischemic times develop significant reperfusion injury, whereas other grafts with more prolonged ischemic times do not develop injury. Our hypothesis was that ischemic time did not significantly influence reperfusion injury or other outcomes following lung transplantation. Methods Data on 136 patients who had lung transplantation over a 10 year period was used for analysis. Results Cold graft ischemic time ≥ 6 hours did not increase the risk of reperfusion injury, acute rejection, cytomegalovirus infection, bacterial or fungal pneumonia, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, 1-month mortality, 1-year mortality, or 5-year mortality compared with ischemic times of either Conclusions At least 20% of all patients will develop reperfusion injury regardless of cold graft ischemic time. Prolonged ischemic times up to 8 hours do not result in a significant increase in adverse short-term, intermediate, or long-term outcomes. Cautious extension of ischemic time beyond the current target of 4 to 6 hours may be warranted for geographic expansion of the donor lung pool.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation in the neonate

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a congenital condition, but because the symptoms usually do not occur until middle age, the diagnosis is often delayed. The authors report on a neonate, diagnosed at 2 weeks of age, who was treated by lobectomy at 35 months of age. This prompted a review of the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of pulmonary AVM. In the literature there are approximately 500 cases of pulmonary AVM. Special attention is given to the reports involving children. Eight cases have been reported in which the diagnosis was made in the first year of life. In two series, a chest roentgenogram showed abnormalities in all affected patients. Because of the strong association of pulmonary AVM with hereditary telangiectasia (Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome), it is recommended that family members of affected patients be screened by chest roentgenograms for pulmonary AVM.
Abstract 494: Identification and characterization of novel kinases that regulate BRCA1 expression and function

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Transcriptional and functional regulation of breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) in the pathogenesis of sporadic breast cancers is poorly understood. About 90% of all breast cancers are considered sporadic, and 30-40% of these cases exhibit decreased expression of BRCA1 in the absence of mutations at its genetic locus. Loss of BRCA1 accelerates growth of tumor cells, while expression of BRCA1 leads to growth arrest and apoptosis. These observations support further examination of regulatory pathways of BRCA1 to restore its expression and function. To identify potential regulators of BRCA1, we developed a functional assay based on the role of BRCA1 in DNA damage repair. BRCA1 acts as a central scaffold that assembles a complex of repair proteins to sites of double-strand breaks (DSBs) following exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). Immunostaining for BRCA1 reveals these repair sites as punctate ionizing radiation-induced foci (IRIF). The ability of BRCA1 to localize to DSBs depends on both its expression and phosphorylation status. We evaluated the effect of siRNAs against kinases on BRCA1 IRIF formation because 1) phosphorylation of BRCA1 regulates many of its functions, 2) bioinformatics provides BRCA1 phosphorylation sites where the kinase involved is unknown, and 3) kinases play key roles in signaling pathways to influence gene expression or phosphorylation status. A number of kinases were identified that affected the ability of BRCA1 to form IRIF. However, the mechanism of kinase influence is unclear. Secondary siRNA screening assays have validated the kinase hits and lead kinases have been selected for further characterization. We are currently determining whether the effects of the lead kinases on BRCA1 are at the transcriptional or post-translational level and how these changes affect the ability of BRCA1 to repair DSBs by homologous recombination, to regulate the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint, and to modulate expression of downstream genes. Additionally, we are elucidating the signaling pathways that explain how the lead kinases regulate BRCA1. Once completed, we will have identified and characterized the role of the lead kinases on BRCA1 expression and function. This knowledge can translate into a novel therapy for BRCA1-related sporadic breast cancers. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 494.
Prediction of Soluble Phosphorus Transport in Agricultural Runoff

Estimation de la concentration du phosphore soluble dans des eaux de ruissellement en utilisant les relations entre les cinetiques de desorption du phosphore dans le sol et la profondeur effective de cette interaction du sol avec l'eau
Ultra sensitive affinity chromatography on avidin-functionalized PMMA microchip for low abundant post-translational modified protein enrichment

Post-translational modifications (PTM) of proteins play essential roles in cellular physiology and disease. The identification of protein substrates and detection of modification site helps understand PTM-mediated regulation in essential biological pathways and functions in various diseases. However, PTM proteins are typically present only at trace levels, making them difficult to identify in mass spectrometry based proteomics. In this paper, we report a novel and sensitive affinity chromatography on the avidin-functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microchip for enrichment of nanogram (ng) amount of PTMs. The chemical modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) surfaces yield avidin-terminated PMMA surfaces after UV radiation and consecutive EDC mediated coupling (amide reaction). This functionalized PMMA micro-device was developed to identify and specifically trap biotinylated PTM proteins of low abundance from complex protein mixture. Here we selected carbonylated protein as a representative PTM to illustrate the wide application of this affinity microchip for any PTMs converted into a tractable tag after derivatization. The surface topography, surface functional group mapping and elemental composition changes after each modification step of the treatment process were systematically measured qualitatively and quantitatively by atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Quantitative study of biotinlated carbonylated protein capture recovery and elution efficiency of the device was also studied. We also envision that this subproteome enrichment micro-device can be assembled with other lab-on-a-chip components for follow-up protein analysis.
Parasitic capacitance effects of the multilevel interconnects in DRAM circuits

The parasitic capacitance effects of the multilevel interconnects in DRAM circuits have been studied. Signal crosstalk such as intra- and inter-bit-line-to-bit-line coupling, bit-line-to-work-line coupling, and substrate noise coupling resulting from various parasitic capacitances between interconnects are presented. The intra-bit-line capacitance coupling and bit-line capacitance imbalance effects reduce the initial voltage difference between bit lines and degrade the sense amplifier sensing speed. The inter-bit-line capacitive coupling and bit-line-to-word-line signal crosstalk introduce significant array noise in multimegabit DRAMs. The depletion capacitance between n/sup +/ diffusion and p substrate offers a channel of the substrate interference noise during sense amplifier amplification. >
Sorting of yeast membrane proteins into an endosome-to-Golgi pathway involves direct interaction of their cytosolic domains with Vps35p.

Resident late-Golgi membrane proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are selectively retrieved from a prevacuolar–endosomal compartment, a process dependent on aromatic amino acid–based sorting determinants on their cytosolic domains. The formation of retrograde vesicles from the prevacuolar compartment and the selective recruitment of vesicular cargo are thought to be mediated by a peripheral membrane retromer protein complex. We previously described mutations in one of the retromer subunit proteins, Vps35p, which caused cargo-specific defects in retrieval. By genetic and biochemical means we now show that Vps35p directly associates with the cytosolic domains of cargo proteins. Chemical cross-linking, followed by coimmunoprecipitation, demonstrated that Vps35p interacts with the cytosolic domain of A-ALP, a model late-Golgi membrane protein, in a retrieval signal–dependent manner. Furthermore, mutations in the cytosolic domains of A-ALP and another cargo protein, Vps10p, were identified that suppressed cargo-specific mutations in Vps35p but did not suppress the retrieval defects of a vps35 null mutation. Suppression was shown to be due to an improvement in protein sorting at the prevacuolar compartment. These data strongly support a model in which Vps35p acts as a “receptor” protein for recognition of the retrieval signal domains of cargo proteins during their recruitment into retrograde vesicles.
Sideways walking: preferred is slow, slow is optimal, and optimal is expensive.

When humans wish to move sideways, they almost never walk sideways, except for a step or two; they usually turn and walk facing forward. Here, we show that the experimental metabolic cost of walking sideways, per unit distance, is over three times that of forward walking. We explain this high metabolic cost with a simple mathematical model; sideways walking is expensive because it involves repeated starting and stopping. When walking sideways, our subjects preferred a low natural speed, averaging 0.575 m s−1 (0.123 s.d.). Even with no prior practice, this preferred sideways walking speed is close to the metabolically optimal speed, averaging 0.610 m s−1 (0.064 s.d.). Subjects were within 2.4% of their optimal metabolic cost per distance. Thus, we argue that sideways walking is avoided because it is expensive and slow, and it is slow because the optimal speed is low, not because humans cannot move sideways fast.
Emulsifying Properties of Ethanol Soaked Soybean Flour

Soy flours prepared from soybeans soaked at 60°C for 6 hr in distilled water, 15% ethanol, or 0.1M NaHCO3 in 15% ethanol were tested for their emulsifying capacity (EC) at pH 4.5, 6.5, and 9.0. At pH 4.5 and 6.5, there were no significant differences in EC among treatments; at pH 9.0, the EC was highest for soy flour from beans soaked in water, intermediate for flour from beans soaked in 15% ethanol, and lowest for flour from beans soaked in 0.1 M NaHCO3 in 15% ethanol. The relationship between the amount of soluble protein and EC was inverse with EC decreasing sharply up to about 60 mg soluble protein/50 mL of flour dispersion. Photomicrographs of air incorporation during emulsion formation are presented.
Transdominant Inhibition of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Entry

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a positive-strand RNA virus and a member of the genus Pestivirus in the family Flaviviridae. To identify and characterize essential factors required for BVDV replication, a library expressing random fragments of the BVDV genome was screened for sequences that act as transdominant inhibitors of viral replication by conferring resistance to cytopathic BVDV-induced cell death. We isolated a BVDV-nonpermissive MDBK cell clone that harbored a 1.2-kb insertion spanning the carboxy terminus of the envelope glycoprotein 1 (E1), the envelope glycoprotein E2, and the amino terminus of p7. Confirming the resistance phenotype conferred by this library clone, naive MDBK cells expressing this fragment were found to be 100- to 1,000-fold less permissive to both cytopathic and noncytopathic BVDV infection compared to parental MDBK cells, although these cells remained fully permissive to vesicular stomatitis virus. This restriction could be overcome by electroporation of BVDV RNA, indicating a block at one or more steps in viral entry prior to translation of the viral RNA. We determined that the E2 ectodomain was responsible for the inhibition to BVDV entry and that this block occurred downstream from BVDV interaction with the cellular receptor CD46 and virus binding, suggesting interference with a yet-unidentified BVDV entry factor.
Genital porokeratosis: a series of 10 patients and review of the literature.

Summary Background Porokeratosis (PK) is an uncommon disorder of epidermal keratinization with a unique clinical appearance, unknown aetiology, and an unpredictable outcome. Genital PK (defined as localized PK confined to the genital area in this study) is extremely rare and is not well documented. Objectives To evaluate the clinical manifestations, histopathology, clinical course and treatment response for genital PK. Methods We reviewed the clinicohistological data from 10 patients with genital PK seen at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from 1990 to 2005. Results Seven patients had lesions only in the genital area, and three patients had genital and adjacent areas involved. All patients were male and the mean age at initial diagnosis was 46·0 years (range 36–59). All but one patient presented with pruritic lesions. Three patients (30%) had diabetes mellitus. No malignant transformation was observed. Surgical excision was the most effective treatment if it could be performed. Conclusions Genital PK appeared more frequently in the Asian population than in reports from western countries. Genital PK presented mostly as pruritic lesions in Taiwan, with a wide age distribution. Long-term follow-up might be needed.
The thermal induced helix—β transition of poly(Nε‐methyl‐L‐lysine) and poly(Nδ‐ethyl‐L‐ornithine) in aqueous solution

Uncharged poly(Ne-methyl-L-lysine) (PMLL) and its isomer, poly(Nδ-ethyl-L-ornithine) (PELO), in alkaline solution (pH ca. 12) undergo a helix-to-β transition upon mild heating at 50°C or higher in a manner similar to that of poly(L-lysine) (PLL). The rate of conversion follows the order: PMLL < PELO < PLL. The helix can be regenerated upon cooling near zero degrees, for instance, after more than 12 hr at 2°C. At concentrations less than 0.02% the β form is intramolecular, but at higher concentrations both intra- and intermolecular β forms are generated. Poly(Nδ-methyl-L-ornithine) (PMLO), an isomer of PLL, behaves like poly(L-ornithine); uncharged PMLO in alkaline solution is partially helical and becomes disordered at elevated temperatures.
Fish or Long-Chain (n-3) PUFA Intake Is Not Associated with Pancreatic Cancer Risk in a Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Long-chain (n-3) PUFA (LC-PUFA) have been hypothesized to be beneficial in preventing pancreatic carcinogenesis, but the associations of fish or LC-PUFA intake with pancreatic cancer found in epidemiologic studies have been controversial and inconclusive. To estimate the overall association of LC-PUFA or fish intake with pancreatic cancer, we performed a systematic literature search of English-language articles using PubMed and EMBASE through February 2012 and reviewed the reference lists from retrieved articles. Prospective cohort or case-control studies that reported ratio estimates and corresponding 95% CI for the associations of fish or LC-PUFA intake and pancreatic cancer were selected. Independent data extraction was performed by 2 of the authors. The pooled associations were obtained by using a random-effects model. A database was derived from 9 independent cohorts that included 1,209,265 participants (3082 events) with a mean follow-up of 9 y and 10 independent case-control studies that included 2514 cases and 18,779 controls. Compared with those having the lowest fish consumption, the pooled RR of pancreatic cancer was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.86, 1.12) for those who had the highest fish intake from 8 cohort studies and was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.21) from 9 case-control studies. We found similar results for LC-PUFA intake by combining data from 4 cohorts or 2 case-control studies. Our results do not support an overall inverse association of fish or LC-PUFA intake with risk of pancreatic cancer. Further studies that consider different species and preparation methods of fish, and additional adjustment for contaminants in fish, are warranted.
Toward a platform-independent acoustic communications and navigation system for underwater vehicles

This paper presents a platform-independent acoustic communication (Acomms) system that enables multiple nodes (any combination of underwater vehicles, surface ships, and fixed beacons) to simultaneously exchange data and calculate inter-node ranges with O(1m) accuracy. The Acomms system supports two types of communications: standard asynchronous acoustic communication and synchronous communication, which enables navigation based on inter-node ranges derived from the one-way travel-times of acoustic messages between nodes. The Acomms system hardware is implemented with a dedicated software program, Linux host computers, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Micro-Modems, and precision reference clocks. The acoustic communications software configures the modem, manages all acoustic communication traffic, and acts as an interface between the vehicle-specific software and the modems and clocks. The software and related hardware have been installed on the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution vehicles Puma, Jaguar, and Nereus, and deployed in sea trials in the North Pacific and South Atlantic.
Candidal renal and urinary tract infection in neonates

Candida species are a common cause of urinary tract infection in newborns requiring intensive care. Renal candidiasis is frequently associated with these urinary tract infections and is manifest by "fungus balls" or renal parenchymal infiltration. Candidal urinary tract infections in high-risk newborns are often associated with candidemia, thereby warranting systemic antifungal therapy. Sonography is useful in diagnosing renal candidiasis, obstruction from "fungus balls," and abscesses. The sonographic appearance of "fungus balls" may persist long after clinical resolution of Candida infection in neonates and should not affect duration of antifungal therapy. Amphotericin B is currently the drug of choice for neonates with renal candidiasis and candidal urinary tract infection. Surgical management should be reserved for decompression of obstructive candidiasis and drainage of abscesses.
Effect of metal line geometry on electromigration lifetime in Al-Cu submicron interconnects

The dependence of electromigration lifetime on the metal line geometry in Al-Cu submicron lines was investigated. Results indicated that as the linewidth decreases, the lifetime initially decreases and then increases below a crucial width. The lifetime also decreases with increasing film thickness. Those Al-Cu submicron lines with line width comparable to or smaller than film thickness have longer electromigration lifetime than other Al-Cu fine lines. The effect of line length on electromigration lifetime was found to be small. >
Ribbons, Not Subfilaments

Sixty years ago Francis Crick proposed a stable protein structure called the alpha-helical coiled-coil. Muscle contains two classic examples of coiled-coils, tropomyosin and the long rod-domain of myosin. In situ, tropomyosin wraps around actin and is therefore a coiled-coiled-coil, but almost nothing is known about how myosin rods pack together to form the thick filament. The longest-standing theory for myosin has been that the rods from 2-4 molecules would wrap around each other, and thus also be coiled-coiled-coils, forming ∼4-nm diameter sub-filaments. Various numbers of these hypothetical sub-filaments would then pack together to give the varied symmetries observed in thick filaments from different species. Numerous low-resolution EM studies, either analysis of 2D projections or 3D reconstructions of thick filaments, have supported the idea that myosin rods might be packed into ∼4-nm diameter sub-filaments. We present a 0.5-nm resolution 3D cryo-EM structure of the thick filament from Lethocerus flight muscle in which the entire rod domain of myosin can be traced. When filtered to lower resolution and viewed in projection, our reconstruction also shows an approximate 12-fold symmetry that suggests sub-filaments; however, at full resolution it is clear that the myosin rods do not wrap around each other. We see no evidence of sub-filaments. Instead, 3-4 rods lie approximately parallel to one another forming a continuous, flat ribbon-like structure. The heads of each myosin molecule project from one side of the ribbon with the C-terminus ending at the other side. Adjacent molecules within the ribbon are axially separated by 43.5 nm. Twelve ribbons are then packed together, with adjacent ribbons staggered by 14.5 nm (= 43.5/3) axially, to give the long-observed 4-fold symmetric thick filament with crowns of myosin heads separated by 14.5 nm.
Transfer Activity in 401(k) Plans

This paper studies a newly available data set of daily net transfers in several asset classes for roughly 1.5 million 401(k) participants, during the August 1997-September 2002 period. The main stylized fact is that 401(k) transfers correlate strongly and positively with the same-day asset returns in the corresponding asset class. This result is important regardless of the direction of causality. If transfers cause returns, then being able to time the market based on 401(k) transfers would be very profitable. If returns cause transfers, then changing allocations, in response to same-day returns, can have a substantial negative effect on expected utility. Indeed, by using the identification-through-heteroskedasticity technique, we show that there is both an immediate reaction of transfers to returns and an immediate reaction of returns to transfers.
STUDY ON SOLUTION PROPERTIES OF A NEW COPOLYMER

A new type of hydrophobic association polymer AM-M-BACC/AM was prepared by micellar polymerization, which has a long hydrophobic group up to 18 carbon atoms, and its solution properties were studied. Results show that the reduced viscosity of aqueous solution of the copolymer has little change in the range of 20～60℃,and the critical concentration of this solution is very obvious. The viscosity increases with salt concentration under various polymer concentrations, but it raises more under the condition of lower of lower polymer concentrations. The order of the increments of the reduced viscosity for different salt is: MgCl 2CaCl 2NaCl. In addition, the influence of the type and concentration of salt on the interaction of macromolecules in solution has been investigated preliminarily on the basis of Huggins constant.
Target enrichment of thousands of ultraconserved elements sheds new light on early relationships within New World sparrows (Aves: Passerellidae)

ABSTRACT Sparrows in the nine-primaried oscine family Passerellidae represent an attractive model for studying avian diversification across North and South America. However, the lack of phylogenetic resolution at the base of the New World sparrow tree has hampered the use of the existing sparrow phylogeny to test questions about the evolution of sparrow traits. We generated phylogenomic data from 1,063 ultraconserved elements to estimate phylogenetic relationships among the major clades of New World sparrows. Concatenated and species-tree analyses of 271,830 base pairs of sequence data converged on a well-supported phylogeny that differs from previous estimates. The resolved backbone of the sparrow phylogeny provides new insight into the biogeography of this radiation by suggesting both a tumultuous biogeographic history, with many colonizations of South America, and several independent ecological transitions to different habitat types.
Reflections on a Life and Career in Student Affairs: Guideposts and Structure

AbstractThe author of this article discusses how personal and professional guideposts helped him to have a fulfilling life and a 40-plus-year career in university administration as a student affairs vice president, dean, and professor. With examples, he demonstrates how his guideposts for life and career—“Home,” “Love,” “Friends,” “Work,” “Openness to New Possibilities,” and “Peace of Mind”—helped him to serve others, strengthen university communities, and positively transform the lives of young people.
R.JIVE for exploration of multi-source molecular data.

Summary: The integrative analysis of multiple high-throughput data sources that are available for a common sample set is an increasingly common goal in biomedical research. Joint and individual variation explained (JIVE) is a tool for exploratory dimension reduction that decomposes a multi-source dataset into three terms: a low-rank approximation capturing joint variation across sources, low-rank approximations for structured variation individual to each source and residual noise. JIVE has been used to explore multi-source data for a variety of application areas but its accessibility was previously limited. We introduce R.JIVE, an intuitive R package to perform JIVE and visualize the results. We discuss several improvements and extensions of the JIVE methodology that are included. We illustrate the package with an application to multi-source breast tumor data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Availability and Implementation: R.JIVE is available via the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) under the GPLv3 license: https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/r.jive/. Contact: elock@umn.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Value Equation in Pediatric Health Care

One of the biggest buzzwords in healthcare today is “value.”. However, the definition of value in healthcare has gone through evolution since the 1960’s and has largely been defined by the healthcare industry rather than consumers. Today, the framework from which healthcare experts largely define value is the Triple Aim. First described by an economist rather than a clinician, the Triple Aim can be translated into a value equation: Value = outcome/cost. Skeptics may assume this is code for cost reduction alone. But it is the numerator that tends to resonate more with pediatricians because outcomes are dependent upon the condition of the patient and defined by improved health. Yet, there remains poor agreement about what the indicators of children’s health are or the timeframe in which those outcomes should be measured. Pediatric outcomes studies that also include cost are numerous but favor constrictions within service lines, specific disease processes, or outpatient or inpatient settings. This often limits true measurement of value because accounting for all the variables that influence the value equation are is not adequately captured. Acquiring all the data requires defining the population and aligning the providers within an agreed upon care model. Currently, there is no standard way to do this, but several models have become more prevalent including the patient- centered medical home, clinically integrated networks, and accountable care organizations. Unfortunately, published pediatric studies regarding the success or failure of these models are virtually non-existent. Efforts abound locally, regionally, and nationally to increase value in pediatric healthcare delivery. For example, pediatricians in Phoenix are putting compensation at risk to improve quality. Arkansas Children’s Hospital is establishing the country’s first statewide pediatric clinically integrated network. Congress is considering bipartisan action with The Advancing Care for Exceptional Kids Act. Time will tell which models are successful.
Reusable Launch Vehicle (Rlv) Mission/Market Model

The goal of this model was to assess the Reusable Launch Vehicle's (RLV) capability to support the International Space Station (ISS) servicing, determine the potential to leverage the commercial marketplace to reduce NASA's cost, and to evaluate the RLV's ability to expand the space economy. The presentation is in view-graph format.
Is Marriage Counseling Perceived as Scientific? Examining the Views of U.S. Adults:

Whether marriage counseling is perceived by the general public to be scientific or not has a number of implications for utilization of services, treatment outcomes, and public policy decisions. The current study used a nationally representative sample (N = 1,026) from the 2012 General Social Survey to examine two research questions. First, how scientific is marriage counseling viewed by the general public? Second, what demographic variables predict how scientific marriage counseling is perceived by the general public? The analyses indicate that marriage counseling is generally not viewed as scientific, with only 7% rating it as “very scientific” and 40% rating it as “not scientific at all.” These ratings are similar to those given for salesmanship and financial counseling. This opinion was consistent across all demographic groups measured with the notable exception of those individuals who attend religious services more frequently, who were more likely to rate marriage counseling as scientific. There was ...
Generation of p53 knock-down cell lines

In order to study the functions of a cell's endogenous mutant p53, the p53 protein levels must be knocked-down. Transient transfection of small interfering RNAs is one way to accomplish this. Another is the stable expression of short hairpin RNAs. This chapter presents a method by which a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting p53 is inserted into the genome of a cell via lentivirus infection. These p53 knock-down cell lines are stable and may be grown long term for use in a wide range of applications.
Developmental Stuttering in Children Who Are Hard of Hearing

Purpose A number of studies with large sample sizes have reported lower prevalence of stuttering in children with significant hearing loss compared to children without hearing loss. This study used...
Barriers to non-small cell lung cancer trial eligibility.

Abstract Introduction Cancer clinical trial (CCT) enrollment is low potentially threatening the generalizability of trial results and expedited regulatory approvals. We assessed whether type of initial patient appointment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with CCT eligibility. Methods Using a patient-to-accrual framework, we conducted a quasi-retrospective cohort pilot study at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), Baltimore, Maryland. 153 NSCLC patients new to SKCCC were categorized based on type of initial appointment: patients diagnosed or treated and patients seen for a consultation. CCT eligibility was determined by comparing eligibility criteria for each open trial to the electronic medical record (EMR) of each patient at every office visit occurring within 6-months of initial visit. Results We found no association between type of initial appointment and CCT eligibility (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.49–2.73). Analyses did suggest current smokers were less likely to be eligible for trials compared to never smokers (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.03–0.64), and stage 4 patients with second line therapy or greater were more likely to be eligible than stage 1 or 2 patients (OR, 5.18; 95% CI, 1.08–24.75). Additional analyses suggested most current smokers and stage 1 or 2 patients had trials available but were still ineligible. Conclusions SKCCC has a diverse portfolio of trials available for NSCLC patients and should consider research strategies to re-examine eligibility criteria for future trials to ensure increased enrollment of current smokers and stage 1 or 2 patients. We could not confirm whether type of initial visit was related to eligibility.
Medical Cannabis: The Oncology Nurse's Role in Patient Education About the Effects of Marijuana on Cancer Palliation .

Background Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is legal either medicinally or recreationally in 29 states and the District of Columbia, with a majority of the U.S. adult population now living in states where cannabis is legal for medicinal use. As an advocate for patient autonomy and informed choice, the oncology nurse has an ethical responsibility to educate patients about and support their use of cannabis for palliation. . Objectives This article aims to discuss the human endocannabinoid system as a basis for better understanding the palliative and curative nature of cannabis as a medicine, as well as review cannabis delivery methods and the emerging role of the oncology nurse in this realm. . Methods This article examines the literature and uses a theoretical-conceptual method to explore the oncology nurse's role in supporting the use of medicinal cannabis by patients with cancer. . Findings The oncology nurse can play a pivotal role in supporting patients' use of cannabis for palliation.
Graph Laplace and Markov Operators on a Measure Space

The main goal of this paper is to build a measurable analogue to the theory of weighted networks on infinite graphs. Our basic setting is an infinite σ-finite measure space (V, B, μ) and a symmetric measure ρ on (V ×V,B×B) supported by a measurable symmetric subset E ⊂ V × V .
Carnitine in Relation to Feeding Infants

The importance of carnitine in facilitating long chain fatty acid oxidation and the importance of long chain fatty acid oxidation in energy metabolism of the infant are both well documented (1). Carnitine is therefore an important nutrient for the infant. However, the physiological processes in infant metabolism facilitated by carnitine may also include oxidation of medium chain fatty acids, catabolism of branched chain amino acids, thermogenesis, ketogenesis, utilization of ketone bodies, gluconeogenesis, prevention of hyperammonemia, prevention of accumulation of toxic concentrations of acyl CoA, and regeneration of free coenzyme A (2,3). The mechanism of carnitine action in many of these physiological processes remains to be elucidated.
Observations and scaling of tidal mass transport across the lower Ganges–Brahmaputra delta plain: implications for delta management and sustainability

Abstract. The landscape of southwest Bangladesh, a region constructed primarily by fluvial processes associated with the Ganges River and Brahmaputra River, is now maintained almost exclusively by tidal processes as the fluvial system has migrated east and eliminated the most direct fluvial input. In natural areas such as the Sundarbans National Forest, year-round inundation during spring high tides delivers sufficient sediment that enables vertical accretion to keep pace with relative sea-level rise. However, recent human modification of the landscape in the form of embankment construction has terminated this pathway of sediment delivery for much of the region, resulting in a startling elevation imbalance, with inhabited areas often sitting >1 m below mean high water. Restoring this landscape, or preventing land loss in the natural system, requires an understanding of how rates of water and sediment flux vary across timescales ranging from hours to months. In this study, we combine time series observations of water level, salinity, and suspended sediment concentration with ship-based measurements of large tidal-channel hydrodynamics and sediment transport. To capture the greatest possible range of variability, cross-channel transects designed to encompass a 12.4 h tidal cycle were performed in both dry and wet seasons during spring and neap tides. Regional suspended sediment concentration begins to increase in August, coincident with a decrease in local salinity, indicating the arrival of the sediment-laden, freshwater plume of the combined Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna rivers. We observe profound seasonality in sediment transport, despite comparatively modest seasonal variability in the magnitude of water discharge. These observations emphasize the importance of seasonal sediment delivery from the main-stem rivers to this remote tidal region. On tidal timescales, spring tides transport an order of magnitude more sediment than neap tides in both the wet and dry seasons. In aggregate, sediment transport is flood oriented, likely as a result of tidal pumping. Finally, we note that rates of sediment and water discharge in the tidal channels are of the same scale as the annually averaged values for the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. These observations provide context for examining the relative importance of fluvial and tidal processes in what has been defined as a quintessentially tidally influenced delta in the classification scheme of Galloway (1975). These data also inform critical questions regarding the timing and magnitude of sediment delivery to the region, which are especially important in predicting and preparing for responses of the natural system to ongoing environmental change.
Public Health Surveillance of Prenatal Opioid Exposure in Mothers and Infants.

* Abbreviation: NAS — : neonatal abstinence syndrome The US opioid crisis is the public health emergency of our time and requires urgent public health action to monitor and protect the most vulnerable Americans. We have witnessed a startling death toll in 2017 with 70 237 drug overdose deaths in the United States, of which two-thirds involved opioids.1 The devastating consequences of this epidemic for mothers and infants have received less attention. Increases in opioid use and misuse in pregnancy have paralleled the increases in the general population; at delivery hospitalization, there were 4 times as many women with an opioid use disorder in 2014 compared with 1999.2 One of the most immediate and visible impacts of the opioid crisis on infants is the drug withdrawal in the newborn period, termed neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). On the basis of 2014 data, 1 newborn was diagnosed with NAS every 15 minutes in the United States, totaling about 32 000 infants annually with associated hospital costs estimated at $563 million.3 Because prevention and treatment of opioid use disorder in pregnancy is important to both maternal and infant health, there is an urgent need to expand prevention efforts and reduce barriers for medication-assisted treatment before, during, and after pregnancy. The stigma of substance exposure during pregnancy and fears of punitive consequences can be obstacles to women receiving the treatment and care they need, and studies with inadequate control of cofactors can exaggerate the specific effects of an individual substance as occurred with … Address correspondence to Margaret A. Honein, PhD, MPH, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Mailstop S106-3, Atlanta, GA 30341. E-mail: mrh7{at}cdc.gov
Palliative Care Consultation in Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Short-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Abstract Background: Little is known about palliative care consultation (PCC) for patients with cardiogenic shock requiring short-term mechanical circulatory support (STMCS). Objective: To describe...
Teaching and Learning in an Active Learning Classroom: A Mixed-Methods Empirical Cohort Study of Dental Hygiene Students.

The aim of this study was to discover how an active learning classroom (ALC) influenced the teaching and learning of dental radiology with dental hygiene students through a mixed-methods approach. A year-long observation of a dental hygiene professor who was teaching two consecutive courses in an ALC was conducted in 2015-16. Nineteen classes were recorded and transcribed, and observational notes on classroom activities were taken. Towards the end of the academic year, the professor was interviewed with use of a 13-question guide, and the students were surveyed with a 25-question survey. Moreover, five-year grades in the same two courses, including four-year historical grades earned in the traditional classrooms (TCs) and one year from the ALC, were collected along with demographic and prior academic performance data. Thirty-two of the 38 students responded to the survey, for a response rate of 84%. The results showed that 63% of the students preferred to take classes in the ALC rather than TC. They especially enjoyed the ALC’s spaciousness, mobility, unobstructed views, and ease of information-sharing and engagement in class. However, the ALC presented both the faculty and students with sensory and technique challenges. The analysis of students’ grades suggested that GPA was one of the strongest predictors for both courses’ final grades in the TCs but had weaker predicting significance in the ALC setting. Overall, the majority of students enjoyed taking classes in the ALC due to its physical charm and dynamic collaboration. Sensory and technique challenges coexisted with benefits.