cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coccidioidomycosis: A regional disease of national importance: Rethinking approaches for control

Coccidioidomycosis is an increasingly important health problem because of the migration of large numbers of persons to portions of the southwestern United States in which the disease is endemic and because of the increasing numbers of immunosuppressed patients. Most infections due to Coccidioides immitis, although causing significant illness, are self-limited and resolve over a period of weeks to months without specific treatment. It is not known whether antifungal treatment of early infections hastens resolution of the primary illness or prevents complications. Even so, diagnosis of early infections is of value for allaying patient anxiety, lessening the need for further diagnostic studies, decreasing empirical use of antibacterial agents, and facilitating early identification of patients with complications that are more serious. Patients who develop chronic coccidioidal pneumonia or extrapulmonary infection often have complicated courses that require the involvement of various medical, surgical, and radiologic subspecialties for management. Improvement of the ability to control the problem of coccidioidomycosis will require research into the molecular and cellular biology of C. immitis, vaccine development to prevent coccidioidal infection, a better understanding of the soil ecology that supports the fungus in its endemic regions, and discovery of new antifungal drugs. In addition, government agencies, colleges, the military, and employers could improve public health by initiating education programs about the most common manifestations of the disease among persons at risk for infection.
Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Balance and Emissions of a Wind Energy Plant

Life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology was used to perform a quantitative, comparative analysis and rating of the construction and operation of a wind energy plant. For this case study, the Glacier Hills Wind Park (90 1.8-MW turbines in south-central Wisconsin) was evaluated. Significant environmental and economic benefits are often advertised with the installation of new wind energy facilities, although independent and comprehensive LCA and sustainable energy science are typically not implemented. Hence, a quantitative demonstration with LCA methodology of the life cycle emissions and environmental impact, from construction through operations, can greatly assist in highlighting significant areas of energy consumption and emissions during manufacturing, transportation, and construction of a wind farm. Results portray the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption/generation over the life cycle of the wind park. Transportation of large components from overseas led to the consumption of considerable quantities of fossil fuel, responsible for up to 22 % of the total greenhouse gas emissions due to transportation. The energy payback ratio (25.5), energy payback time (12.3 months) and the total grams of equivalent CO2(eq) per kWh of energy (16.9) produced were calculated over the life time of this onshore wind farm.
Word processing for Arabic language: A reappraisal of morphology induction through adaptive memory self-organisation strategies

Modelling the mental lexicon focuses on processing and storage dynamics, since lexical organisation relies on the process of input recoding and adaptive strategies for long-term memory organisation. A fundamental issue in word processing is represented by the emergence of the morphological organisation level in the lexicon, based on paradigmatic relations between fully-stored word forms. Morphology induction can be defined as the task of identifying morphological formatives within morphologically complex word forms. In the computational framework we propose here (TSOMs), based on Self-Organising Maps with Hebbian connections defined over a temporal layer, the identification/perception of surface morphological relations involves the alignment of recoded representations of morphologically-related input words. Facing a non-concatenative morphology such as the Arabic inflectional system prompts a reappraisal of morphology induction through adaptive organisation strategies, which affect both lexical representations and long-term storage. We will show how a strongly adaptive self-organisation during training is conducive to emergent relations between stored word forms, and to high accuracy rates in generalising knowledge of stored words to unknown forms.
Computational gene expression modeling identifies salivary biomarker analysis that predict oral feeding readiness in the newborn.

Objective To combine mathematical modeling of salivary gene expression microarray data and systems biology annotation with reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction amplification to identify (phase I) and validate (phase II) salivary biomarker analysis for the prediction of oral feeding readiness in preterm infants. Study design Comparative whole-transcriptome microarray analysis from 12 preterm newborns pre- and postoral feeding success was used for computational modeling and systems biology analysis to identify potential salivary transcripts associated with oral feeding success (phase I). Selected gene expression biomarkers (15 from computational modeling; 6 evidence-based; and 3 reference) were evaluated by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction amplification on 400 salivary samples from successful (n = 200) and unsuccessful (n = 200) oral feeders (phase II). Genes, alone and in combination, were evaluated by a multivariate analysis controlling for sex and postconceptional age (PCA) to determine the probability that newborns achieved successful oral feeding. Results Advancing PCA ( P P = .05) positively predicted an infant's ability to feed orally. A combination of 5 genes, neuropeptide Y2 receptor (hunger signaling), adneosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (energy homeostasis), plexin A1 (olfactory neurogenesis), nephronophthisis 4 (visual behavior), and wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 3 (facial development), in addition to PCA and sex, demonstrated good accuracy for determining feeding success (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve = 0.78). Conclusions We have identified objective and biologically relevant salivary biomarkers that noninvasively assess a newborn's developing brain, sensory, and facial development as they relate to oral feeding success. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the development of oral feeding readiness through translational and computational methods may improve clinical decision making while decreasing morbidities and health care costs.
Pit connections in Bangia fuscopurpurea

The Bangia and Conchocelis-phases of Bangia fuscopurpurea were studied light and electron microscopically. Typical florideophycean algal pit connections were found in the Conchocelis-phase and were lacking in the Bangia-phase. Electron microscopy has revealed that these dumbell-shaped structures are membrane bound plugs continuous between adjacent cells. The presence of such entities in one stage of the life cycle of a bangiophycean alga, once thought to be unique to the higher red algal subclass Florideophycidae, indicates closer evolutionary ties between the two subclasses.
Depletion of melamine and cyanuric acid in serum from catfish Ictalurus punctatus and rainbow trout Onchorhynchus mykiss.

Abstract Melamine and its triazine analogs, such as cyanuric acid, have been used to artificially inflate protein content both in animal feed ingredients, as well as in milk products produced for human consumption. We report here a LC–MS/MS method to quantify and confirm melamine and cyanuric acid in serum from channel catfish and rainbow trout with a limit of quantification of 0.8 μg/mL. The method was applied to serum samples from a residue depletion study in which fish were given a single oral dose of 20 mg/kg body weight melamine, cyanuric acid, or both compounds together. Samples were taken at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days (an additional 42 day was added for trout). When given alone or in combination with cyanuric acid, melamine residues were highest on day 1 in both catfish and trout. Cyanuric acid was only quantifiable at day 1 in trout when given alone, and not at all in catfish. The serum half life of melamine in catfish was 1.50–1.62 days and 3.09–3.67 days in trout. This work highlights the differences of depletion kinetics in fish, which can be measured in days, as compared to the depletion in mammals, measured in hours.
The evolution of papain

Abstract Papain possesses several regions of internal homology and similar shape. The enzyme probably formed through a series of gene doublings.
Exclusive tear sets for flowsheets

A new implicit enumeration algorithm locates the minimum weighted tear sets among those which belong to the nonredundant families of Upadhye and Grens (1975). Theoretical developments support the algorithm and give a new insight relating nonredundancy to the tearing of unit loops in a flowsheet. If all loops can be torn exactly one time, the nonredundant family is unique and a member of it is trivial to find. If not possible, two or more nonredundant families exist and the above algorithm discerns among them, picking a tear set which minimizes the maximum number of times any unit loop is torn.
Predictors and moderators of treatment outcome in the Pediatric Obsessive Compulsive Treatment Study (POTS I)

Objective To identify predictors and moderators of outcome in the first Pediatric OCD Treatment Study (POTS I) among youth (N = 112) randomly assigned to sertraline, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), both sertraline and CBT (COMB), or a pill placebo. Method Potential baseline predictors and moderators were identified by literature review. The outcome measure was an adjusted week 12 predicted score for the Children's Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS). Main and interactive effects of treatment condition and each candidate predictor or moderator variable were examined using a general linear model on the adjusted predicted week 12 CY-BOCS scores. Results Youth with lower obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) severity, less OCD-related functional impairment, greater insight, fewer comorbid externalizing symptoms, and lower levels of family accommodation showed greater improvement across treatment conditions than their counterparts after acute POTS treatment. Those with a family history of OCD had more than a sixfold decrease in effect size in CBT monotherapy relative to their counterparts in CBT without a family history of OCD. Conclusions Greater attention is needed to build optimized intervention strategies for more complex youth with OCD. Youth with a family history of OCD are not likely to benefit from CBT unless offered in combination with an SSRI. Clinical Trials Registration Information Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00000384.
Contribution of osmium tetroxide to the image quality and detectability of iron in cells studied by electron spectroscopic imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy

The detection of elemental distributions within ultrastructural cellular components presents a number of challenges. There are many technical questions that need to be resolved including optimal fixation protocols. Another is the impact of heavy metals, such as osmium tetroxide (OsO4), on the detectability of other elements when OsO4 is used in chemical fixation protocols for biological samples. OsO4 was examined by varying its concentrations from 0% to 1% and time of fixation from 5 to 30 minutes with hamster alveolar macrophages. The morphological quality of cellular images observed and the detectability of iron using electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) were evaluated. One percent OsO4 for 30 minutes in the chemical fixation protocol enhances the quality of the ESI and does not interfere with the ESI or EELS signal of iron. Positive results from both methods indicate the presence of the specific element. The loss of 59Fe during the chemical fixation procedure was also studied. Less than 10% was lost during the primary fixation step, but minimal losses occurred through dehydration, embedding, and sectioning. Careful technical assessment of the presence of an element as well as factors which might interfere with its detection is an important step in the application of any analytical microscopic technique.
Jewish Women Authors and the Exile Experience: Claire Goll, Veza Canetti, Else Lasker‐Schüler, Nelly Sachs, Cordelia Edvardson

The works and conditions of the literary production of five prominent Jewish women exile writers are examined to shed light on the question why some women authors fell silent after leaving Germany or Austria, while others continued writing. The circumstances under which Jewish women writers lived and wrote and their works themselves provide insight into the issue of literary productivity in the case of women who have traditionally lacked the kind of concrete and emotional support that typically ensured the productivity of male writers. Jewish women who continued to or began to write in exile had to identify female and in some cases specifically Jewish patterns through or against which they could establish their narrative position and shape their texts. No less aware of the political and social problems of their times than their male colleagues, they proceeded less abstractly in their criticism of the history of assimilation and Nazism. They formulated alternative paradigms empirically, on the basis of their personal experiences.
An Examination of the Effect of Customized Reading Modules on Diverse Secondary Students' Reading Comprehension and Motivation.

This research sought to add to a body of knowledge that is severely underrepresented in the scientific literature, the effects of technological tools on reading comprehension and reading motivation in diverse secondary students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study implemented an independent silent reading (ISR) program across a 5-month semester in an urban public high school and included 145 participants from nine 10th grade literature classes. The control group took part in no ISR, one treatment group participated in weekly ISR read from a textbook, and another treatment group participated in weekly ISR read from a computer module designed to address essential components of reading. Students were measured on global reading comprehension, text-specific reading assessments, and reading motivation. After controlling for initial skill and disposition levels, the results indicated that students from both ISR groups made greater gains than the control group in global reading comprehension, while the computer reading module group outperformed the textbook group and the control on text-specific assignments and increased their reading motivation to a greater degree than those in the other conditions. This research offers much-needed data on secondary students’ reading achievement and disposition and provides evidence that ISR implemented through the use of instructional technology and cognitive tools has broad potential to address development in these areas.
Institutional Contradictions, Praxis, and Institutional Change: A Dialectical Perspective

We use a dialectical perspective to provide a unique framework for understanding institutional change that more fully captures its totalistic, historical, and dynamic nature, as well as fundamentally resolves a theoretical dilemma of institutional theory: the relative swing between agency and embeddedness. In this framework institutional change is understood as an outcome of the dynamic interactions between two institutional by-products: institutional contradictions and human praxis. In particular, we depict praxis—agency embedded in a totality of multiple levels of interpenetrating, incompatible institutional arrangements (contradictions)—as an essential driving force of institutional change.
A novel method for determination of dielectric properties of materials using a combined embedded modulated scattering and near-field microwave techniques-Part II: dielectric property recalculation

The use of combined embedded modulated scattering technique and near-field microwave nondestructive testing techniques is investigated as a novel method for evaluating the dielectric properties of a material. The forward formulation for determining the reflection coefficient at the aperture of a waveguide radiating into a dielectric half-space in which a PIN diode-loaded dipole (i.e., modulated scattering technique probe) is embedded was presented in Part I of this paper. Here, in Part II, the recalculation of the dielectric properties, using the results of the forward model, is presented along with some associated experimental results.
Discussion of correlations of blood coagulation with surface properties of materials

An alternate correlation of blood coagulation time with surface properties of solids is proposed in that the work of adhesion is used rather than the surface free energy. The overall quality of the two correlations is about the same, but the new method does allow the important data point for glass to also be included. Possible useful future work of this type is discussed.
Alpha/Beta Interferons Potentiate Virus-Induced Apoptosis through Activation of the FADD/Caspase-8 Death Signaling Pathway

Interferon (IFN) mediates its antiviral effects by inducing a number of responsive genes, including the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase, PKR. Here we report that inducible overexpression of functional PKR in murine fibroblasts sensitized cells to apoptosis induced by influenza virus, while in contrast, cells expressing a dominant-negative variant of PKR were completely resistant. We determined that the mechanism of influenza virus-induced apoptosis involved death signaling through FADD/caspase-8 activation, while other viruses such as vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and Sindbis virus (SNV) did not significantly provoke PKR-mediated apoptosis but did induce cytolysis of fibroblasts via activation of caspase-9. Significantly, treatment with IFN-alpha/beta greatly sensitized the fibroblasts to FADD-dependent apoptosis in response to dsRNA treatment or influenza virus infection but completely protected the cells against VSV and SNV replication in the absence of any cellular destruction. The mechanism by which IFN increases the cells' susceptibility to lysis by dsRNA or certain virus infection is by priming cells to FADD-dependent apoptosis, possibly by regulating the activity of the death-induced signaling complex (DISC). Conversely, IFN is also able to prevent the replication of viruses such as VSV that avoid triggering FADD-mediated DISC activity, by noncytopathic mechanisms, thus preventing destruction of the cell.
Generation of a consensus protein domain dictionary

Motivation: The discovery of new protein folds is a relatively rare occurrence even as the rate of protein structure determination increases. This rarity reinforces the concept of folds as reusable units of structure and function shared by diverse proteins. If the folding mechanism of proteins is largely determined by their topology, then the folding pathways of members of existing folds could encompass the full set used by globular protein domains. Results: We have used recent versions of three common protein domain dictionaries (SCOP, CATH and Dali) to generate a consensus domain dictionary (CDD). Surprisingly, 40% of the metafolds in the CDD are not composed of autonomous structural domains, i.e. they are not plausible independent folding units. This finding has serious ramifications for bioinformatics studies mining these domain dictionaries for globular protein properties. However, our main purpose in deriving this CDD was to generate an updated CDD to choose targets for MD simulation as part of our dynameomics effort, which aims to simulate the native and unfolding pathways of representatives of all globular protein consensus folds (metafolds). Consequently, we also compiled a list of representative protein targets of each metafold in the CDD. Availability and implementation: This domain dictionary is available at www.dynameomics.org. Contact: daggett@u.washington.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Gastrointestinal complications after stage I Norwood versus hybrid procedures.

Background Patients undergoing palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome are at risk for gastrointestinal complications including necrotizing enterocolitis, gastroesophageal reflux, and intolerance to oral feeding. Few data exist comparing these outcomes between patients undergoing the Norwood and hybrid procedures. Methods Forty-three patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or variants underwent 50 Norwood (n = 34) or hybrid (n = 16) procedures (2004 to 2011). Routine preoperative assessments included flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy and oral feeding evaluations. Examinations were repeated postoperatively with modified barium swallows. A retrospective review was conducted to examine the incidence, causes, and consequences of gastrointestinal complications. Results In 18 of 50 cases (38%), patients were tolerating full oral feeding at discharge; abnormal preoperative feeding evaluation predicted the inability to feed orally ( p p = 0.3), and inability to feed orally at discharge (67.5% versus 56.3%, p = not significant). Both groups had a high incidence. Postoperative abnormalities were common, namely, abnormal oral feeding evaluations (70.7%) or modified barium swallows (81.8%). Predictors of abnormal postoperative examinations included noncardiac congenital anomalies ( p = 0.08), preoperative mechanical ventilation ( p = 0.01), and younger age ( p = 0.01). Grade IIA/IIB necrotizing enterocolitis was more common among patients having hybrid procedures (26.7%, versus 2.9%, p = 0.01). Conclusions Gastrointestinal complications are common after initial palliation of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Preoperative and perioperative factors play a significant role. Despite a more "limited" intervention, patients undergoing hybrid procedures remain at high risk for feeding issues, commonly leading to a prolonged hospital course. Close attention and proactive management are essential to optimize the nutritional status in these patients.
Integrating molecular technologies for red blood cell typing and compatibility testing into blood centers and transfusion services.

Nucleic acid–based technology is now at a point where the field of transfusion medicine is ready for its widespread application. In the donor center, genotyping of red blood cell (RBC) products provides phenotype-matched products for special patient populations or antigen-negative products for patients with alloantibodies. In the immunohematology reference laboratory, molecular technologies aid in discerning blood types in the situation of a typing discrepancy and improve pretransfusion RBC testing reagents. In the hospital transfusion service, genotyping patients aids in providing phenotype-matched RBC products. In prenatal testing, genotyping for RHD aids in the decision for Rh immune globulin prophylaxis and predicting risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Before genotyping is accepted as the universal standard for pretransfusion and donor testing, important limitations of this technology must be addressed, including the fact that the genotype does not always predict the phenotype and the need for creating the ideal high-throughput platform. Clinical trials are needed to answer important questions, and a donor and patient database is needed. A stepwise plan for progressive introduction into the donor centers and transfusion services must be established. In conclusion, the field of transfusion medicine is ready to expand the use of molecular diagnostics.
Effect of Parenteral Antibiotic Administration on the Establishment of Colonization with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium in the Mouse Gastrointestinal Tract

A mouse model of intestinal colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) was used to study the effect of different beta-lactam antibiotics on establishment of VRE colonization. A clinical VanB VRE isolate, Enterococcus faecium C68 (102 or 104 cfu), was inoculated by gastric gavage in conjunction with subcutaneous administration of antibiotics. The MIC of ceftriaxone and ticarcillin against VRE strain C68 is >10,000 microg/mL, and the MIC of piperacillin is 1250 microg/mL. Ceftriaxone and ticarcillin-clavulanate treatment groups developed persistently high levels of stool VRE compared with both the saline and the piperacillin-tazobactam (Pip-Taz) groups (P<.008). The level of stool VRE in the Pip-Taz group did not differ from that for the saline group. Thus, in this mouse model, beta-lactam antibiotics with minimal anti-enterococcal activity promoted establishment of high-level VRE colonization, but Pip-Taz (a beta-lactam antibiotic with more potent activity against VRE) did not.
Reduced middle cerebral artery velocity during cross-clamp predicts cognitive dysfunction after carotid endarterectomy.

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a useful monitor that can be utilized during carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Cognitive dysfunction is a subtler and more common form of neurologic injury than stroke. We aimed to determine whether reduced middle cerebral artery (MCA) mean velocity (MV) predicts cognitive dys- function and if so, whether a threshold of increased risk of cognitive dysfunction can be identified. One hundred twenty-four CEA patients were included in this observational study and neuropsychomet- rically evaluated preoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively. MCA-MV was measured by TCD and per- centage of baseline during cross-clamp was calculated (MVcross-clamp/MVbaseline). Patients with cognitive dysfunction had significantly lower MV during cross-clamp than those without cognitive dysfunction (33.1 ± 13.7 cm/s versus 39.6 ± 16.0 cm/s, p = 0.02). In the final multivariate model, each percent reduc- tion in MV was significantly associated with greater risk of cognitive dysfunction (odds ratio (OR): 0.05 (95% confidence interval {CI} 0.01-0.23), p < 0.001) while statin use was associated with lower risk (OR: 0.33 (95% CI 0.12-0.92), p = 0.03). Using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the Youden index identified 72% of baseline MV during cross-clamp as the cutoff of maximum discrimination. Signif- icantly more patients with MV < 72% of baseline during cross-clamp exhibited cognitive dysfunction than patients with MV P 72% of baseline (74.1% versus 27.1%, p < 0.001). Reduced MCA-MV during cross- clamp is a predictor of cognitive dysfunction exhibited 24 hours after CEA. MCA-MV reduced to <72% of baseline, or a P28% reduction from baseline, is the threshold most strongly associated with increased risk of cognitive dysfunction. These observations should be considered by all clinicians that utilize intra- operative monitoring for CEA.
Political Trust and the Health of American Democracy: Rethinking Traditional Measures and Interpretations

We believe that political scientists and pundits make inappropriately high assumptions about the level of political trust that is most beneficial to democracy. Not only is the desirability of political trust overstated, but the extent to which Americans trust government is underestimated. Working together, these two tendencies paint a far drearier picture of the health of American democracy than is warranted. We argue that that the current level of political trust (when properly conceptualized and measured) indicates a vibrant democracy. Improved measures of political trust suggest that citizens are more trusting than is generally believed, typically have attitudes and behaviors that are healthy for democracy, and are reasonably trusting that government will protect core democratic values. Thus, the often-expressed concern over current levels of political trust is likely misplaced.
Vision-Based Obstacle Avoidance for UAVs

This paper describes a vision-based navigation and guidance design for UAVs for a combined mission of waypoint tracking and collision avoidance with unforeseen obstacles using a single 2-D passive vision sensor. An extended Kalman fllter (EKF) is applied to estimate a relative position of obstacles from vision-based measurements. The stochastic z-test value is used to solve a correspondence problem between the measurements and the estimates that have been already obtained by then. A collision cone approach is used as a collision criteria in order to examine if there is any obstacle that is critical to the vehicle. A guidance strategy for collision avoidance is designed based on a minimum-efiort guidance (MEG) method for multiple target tracking. The vision-based navigation and guidance designs suggested in this paper are integrated with realtime image processing algorithm and the entire vision-based control system are evaluated in the closed-loop 6 DoF ∞ight simulation.
5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT acts in the hindbrain to reverse the sympatholytic response to severe hemorrhage.

Central administration of serotonergic 5-HT1A receptor agonists delays the reflex sympatholytic response to severe hemorrhage in conscious rats. To determine the region where 5-HT1Areceptor agonist...
Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Verification of the Shape Factor for Narrow Sandwich Seals

Comparison of the results of 3-dimensional (3D) and 2-dimensional (2D) finite element analyses (FEA) shows that the 2D analysis is accurate enough for calculating the shape factor for narrow sandwich seals and is considerably less expensive. The 2D analysis confirms the accuracy of an earlier approximate theoretical solution, particularly for seals with skin-to-core thickness ratios of 0.5 to 2. For seals with extremely thin or thick skin the use of 2D FEA is recommended. The FEA results show that the shape factor does not change appreciably either with the modulus ratio, Es/Ec, or with the composite Poisson's ratio, v, although it has a marked dependence on the aspect ratio of the core layer. Experimental values of the shape factor show fairly good agreement among theory, FEA, and experiment and provide confidence in the proposed theory and the 2D FEA.
Negative Feedback in Noncanonical NF-κB Signaling Modulates NIK Stability Through IKKα-Mediated Phosphorylation

Canonical and noncanonical nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling are the two basic pathways responsible for the release of NF-κB dimers from their inhibitors. Enhanced NF-κB signaling leads to inflammatory and proliferative diseases; thus, inhibitory pathways that limit its activity are critical. Whereas multiple negative feedback mechanisms control canonical NF-κB signaling, none has been identified for the noncanonical pathway. Here, we describe a mechanism of negative feedback control of noncanonical NF-κB signaling that attenuated the stabilization of NF-κB–inducing kinase (NIK), the central regulatory kinase of the noncanonical pathway, induced by B cell–activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) and lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR). Inhibitor of κB (IκB) kinase α (IKKα) was previously thought to lie downstream of NIK in the noncanonical NF-κB pathway; we showed that phosphorylation of NIK by IKKα destabilized NIK. In the absence of IKKα-mediated negative feedback, the abundance of NIK increased after receptor ligation. A form of NIK with mutations in the IKKα-targeted serine residues was more stable than wild-type NIK and resulted in increased noncanonical NF-κB signaling. Thus, in addition to the regulation of the basal abundance of NIK in unstimulated cells by a complex containing tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor (TRAF) and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP) proteins, IKKα-dependent destabilization of NIK prevents the uncontrolled activity of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway after receptor ligation.
Elevated lactic acid is a negative prognostic factor in metastatic lung cancer.

Background Hyperlactatemia with or without type B lactic acidosis is a rare complication of cancer, previously observed most often in hematological malignancies. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of lactic acid (LA) in patients with metastatic lung cancer. Methods Patients diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and extensive stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC), were included in this single center retrospective study. Arterial and venous LA level, anion gap (AG), serum LDH and presence of urine ketones were recorded for each patient and their associations with demographic and clinical data and overall survival (OS) were examined. Results Eighty-five patients (43 males, median age 74, range 45-96 years) were studied. The maximal levels of arterial or venous LA were significantly associated with presence of ≥ 2 metastatic sites (p= 0.001), ICU admission or transfer (p= 0.016), intubation (p= 0.029), elevated serum anion gap (p Conclusions The results of the study suggest that a high lactic acid level (≥ 1.4 mmol/L) is associated with significantly shorter overall survival in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and extensive stage small cell lung cancer. Hyperlactatemia is an independent predictor of poor survival in metastatic lung cancer patients.
Differences in Inventory Size Affect the Location but not the Precision of Tongue Positioning in Vowel Production

The question addressed by this study was whether native speakers of languages that have a relatively large inventory of vowels maximize the phonetic distance between those vowels by using a relatively wider range of tongue positions than speakers of small-inventory languages. Glossometry was used to measure tongue height in the Spanish vowels /i/, /u/, /a/, /e/, and /o/ and in the English vowels /i/, /u/, /a/, /eI/, and /oU/. These vowels were spoken by eight native speakers each of Spanish and English, normally and with a bite block. The effect of the bite block on average vertical tongue height was negligible, but the tongue was slightly lower in the front of the mouth and higher at the back of the mouth for vowels spoken with, than without, a bite block. Token-to-token variability for vowels spoken in a /b_bV/ context was no greater for the Spanish than for the English subjects despite the smaller vowel inventory of Spanish. The average position of the tongue for the five Spanish and the five English v...
Assessing Effects of Encapsulation on Dismounted Soldier Performance

This study examined the effects of encapsulation, from a systems development perspective using mobility, shooting performance, target identification, radio call sign recognition, and psychological performance measures. The study sought to develop a systematic and diagnostic method for evaluating the interactions between various key components of the ensemble and individual soldier tasks. The purpose was to assess the utility of using standardized facilities and tasks for taking a more integrative, systems approach to soldier-equipment compatibility. Three configurations (baseline-no encapsulation; current nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC); future land warrior) were evaluated. Dependent measures are discussed in terms of time to complete common soldier tasks, shooting performance, and cognitive workload performance.
Woodchuck Remains in Northern Arizona Caves

Woodchucks, Marmota flaviventris , have been recorded twice in northern Arizona; these were from skeletal remains at archeological sites in the northeastern part of the state (Keet Seel and Woodchuck Cave). Woodchucks are known to be living today no closer than Kane County, Utah. Recent investigations of caves in north-central Arizona, particularly in the Grand Canyon area, have brought to light the remains of woodchucks in five other places and considerably extend the known range of Marmota flaviventris southward, indicating that the species was rather widespread in northern Arizona a few hundred years ago. The dated material found in the archeological sites has been placed as recently as A.D. 1300 and some as far back as A.D. 200 ± one hundred years. The woodchuck localities of Grand Canyon and the Navajo country lie in desert canyons of the Lower Sonoran Life-zone bordering on the Upper Sonoran. Woodchucks today tend to inhabit only higher regions where permanent green vegetation is available. Only one of our collecting sites in Government Cave, Coconino National Forest, at approximately 7,000 feet elevation is comparable to this. The other localities in Arizona are at present climatically unsuitable for the species, and the presence of woodchucks there implies a past period of moister and/or colder climate in northern Arizona. Grand Canyon localities .—The four caves described here are situated in the Redwall limestone, which forms an escarpment 500 to 600 feet high in the south wall of Grand Canyon, at elevations between 4,400 and 4,800 feet. The locations given below can be found on the east half of the Grand Canyon National Park topographic sheet. Tse-an Olje is a large limestone cave set high …
Organizational Ecology and the Movement of Nonprofit Organizations

The phenomenon of urban govern ance playing out in complex inter actions among governments, non profit organizations, and private firms is not new. Analysis of movements of people and capital and the implications of those move ments on urban governments have long been central to the study of urban politics (Gar reau 1991; Jackson 1985; Judd and Kantor 1992; Kantor, Savitch, and Haddock 1997; Lewis and Sinha 2007; Logan and Molotch 1987; Peterson 1981; E D. Wilson 1984; W. J. Wilson 1996). However, as governments increasingly turn to nonprofit organizations to help implement policies (Keast et al. 2004; Milward 1996; Osborne and Gaebler 1993), the presence of nonprofit organizations be comes even more important to state and lo cal government capacity in urban areas. This change calls for deeper analysis of shifts in those urban landscapes over time with atten tion to the interrelationships among non profit organizational factors, demographic
Research Status on Hybrid Rice and Progresses in Breeding of Hybrid Rice with Strong Heterosis in Anhui Province

The production of rice in Anhui Province is one of the most important parts in rice production of China.The research status on hybrid rice in Anhui Province was reviewed,and the main technical problems were,pointed out,the methods and technical strategies were proposed to solve these problems.And the progresses were introduced in breeding of hybrid rice with strong heterosis.
A New Research Perspective of Influencing Factors on Applicants' Justice Perceptions

Justice perceptions are defined as applicants justice perceptions about the personnel selection.Critical influencing factors on applicants' justice perceptions in the organizational justice theoretical framework include preparations before the selection,the presentation of relevant information and materials,the content,style and administration method of selective tests,and selective decision,etc.On the other hand,justice expectations are applicants' expectations for the forthcoming personnel selection.In the first place,justice expectations are positively correlated with justice perceptions.Simultaneously,it is effective to enable higher applicants' justice perceptions through improving their justice expectations at an early stage of the selection process.
Analysis of Test Results of Iodine Content in Edible Salt in Anyang City in 2009

[Objective]To understand the consumption status of edible salt among Anyang residents.[Methods]According to the sampling method of "Implementing Regulations of Iodized Salt Monitoring in Henan Province",a total of 2892 samples of edible salt were sampled.The test was based on the national standard method.[Results]Of 2892 samples of edible salt,2858 samples were iodized salt,among which 2802(98.0%)were qualified;34 samples(1.28%) were non-iodized salt.The coverage rate of iodized salt was 98.8%.The consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 96.9%.[Conclusion]The coverage rate of iodized salt,qualified rate of iodized salt and consumption rate of qualified iodized salt are all over 95%,which meet the national standards.The various indexes have reached the national standard of eliminating iodine deficiency disorders.The achievement of eliminating iodine deficiency disorders has been consolidated in Anyang City.
An Implementation Model for Multi-Granularity and Many-to-Many Associative Memory

The structures of present multimodule many-to-many associative memory models are complex,and these models can not carry out the multi-granularity association.A kind of multimodule many-to-many associative memory model based on incidence of patterns is proposed by use of introducing logic calculation network and granularity control network based on one-to-many associative memory model.Examples show that this model can achieve many-to-many associative memory and control the granularity of output patterns.Thus this model realizes multi-granularity and many-to-many associative memory.
Is Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection Necessary in All Patients with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Undergoing Total Mastectomy

When ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is found on core needle biopsy, rates of upgrade to invasive cancer of 25 per cent and nodal positivity of 10 per cent have been reported. Sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) is recommended when mastectomy is performed for DCIS. We investigated the role of SLND in DCIS patients undergoing partial and total mastectomy (TM). During the study period 2004 to 2013, 170 patients with DCIS were identified with a median age of 60 years (range 26-84 years). Of these, 58.2 per cent had partial mastectomy (PM) alone, 10.6 per cent had PM with SLND, and 31.1 per cent had TM with or without contralateral prophylactic mastectomy with SLND. Overall, SLND identified positive nodes in 4.2 per cent of patients. Upgrade to invasive carcinoma on final breast pathology was found in 8.2 per cent of patients overall, including 4.0 per cent of patients undergoing PM alone, 22.2 per cent undergoing PM with SLND, and 11.3 per cent for TM with SLND (P = 0.8). In this study, patients diagnosed with DCIS on core needle biopsy had lower than expected rates of positive sentinel nodes and upgrade to invasive carcinoma. Surgeons and patients should revisit the necessity of SLND in DCIS patients undergoing mastectomy, which could lead to decreased health expenditure, resources, time, morbidity, and emotional impact on patients.
Reproducibility and Research Integrity

Reproducibility—the ability of independent researchers to obtain the same (or similar) results when repeating an experiment or test—is one of the hallmarks of good science (Popper 1959). Reproducib...
Templated Oligosaccharide Synthesis: Driving Forces and Mechanistic Aspects

We previously communicated that high α-selectivity that can be achieved in intramolecular glycosylations using a rigid bisphenol A template supplemented with linkers of various lengths. Herein, we present our investigation of the mechanistic aspects of the templated synthesis that helped to design an improved template-linker combination. We demonstrate that bisphenol A as the template in combination with phthaloyl linker allows for superior stereoselectivity and yields in glycosylations. Several mechanistic studies explore origins of the enhanced stereoselectivity and yields achieved using the phthaloyl linker.
Understanding repeat playing behavior in casual games using a Bayesian data augmentation approach

With an estimated market size of nearly $18 billion in 2016, casual games (games played over social networks or mobile devices) have become increasingly popular. Because most casual games are free to install, understanding repeat playing behavior is important for game developers as it directly drives advertising revenue. Game developers are keenly interested in benchmarking their game versus the market average, and understanding how genre and various game mechanics drive repeat playing behavior. Such cross-sectional analysis, however, is difficult to conduct because individual-level data on competitors’ games are not publicly available, and that the casual gaming industry is highly fragmented with each firm making only a handful of games. I develop a Bayesian approach, based on a parsimonious Hidden Markov Model at the individual level in conjunction with data augmentation, to study repeat playing behavior using only publicly available data. After applying the proposed approach to a sample of 379 casual games, I find that the average daily attrition rate across game is around 36.5%, with an average “play” rate of 47.9%, resulting in an average ARPU (average revenue per user) across games of around 20.5 cents. Certain genres are linked to higher attrition rates and play rates. In addition, giving out a “daily bonus” or limiting the amount of time that gamers can play each day are associated with a 17.7% and 16.4% higher ARPU, respectively.
The potential of using biological nitrogen removal technique for stormwater treatment

Abstract Biological nitrogen removal (BNR) may provide permanent elimination of nitrogen pollutants by conversion to nitrogen gas. However, few studies have explored the potential of BNR for the removal of nitrogen from stormwater even though this technique has been broadly applied for wastewater purification. Urban runoff is characterized by its low strength and high dissolved oxygen content, which poses multiple challenges to effective BNR. In this study, mathematical modeling indicated that for most runoff input concentrations, complete nitrogen removal within a 0.5-day hydraulic retention time could be achieved if a critical organic carbon concentration is provided in the influent of steady-state bioretention systems. An appropriate amount of organic carbon is required to simultaneously create spatial aerobic and anoxic conditions for successful stormwater BNR in the layered structures of biofilms that are formed on bioretention media and inhabited with syntrophic BNR communities. Because organic carbon is normally limiting in stormwater denitrification processes, anammox becomes an especially important pathway for stormwater BNR. An analysis of influent runoff concentrations from the National Stormwater Quality Database suggested that 71.1% runoff could have nitrogen pollutant removed via partial nitritation followed by anammox. The adequacy of dissolved oxygen, ammonia and alkalinity in stormwater for successful BNR was also evaluated. It was concluded that adjusting influent organic content to a critical value determined in this study should suffice the stormwater BNR requirement of steady-state bioretention systems. Bioaugmentation is required to expedite the bioretention system startup.