cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of bacterial hemoglobin genes to improve astaxanthin production in a methanotrophic bacterium Methylomonas sp.

Astaxanthin has been widely used as a feed supplement in poultry and aquaculture industries. One challenge for astaxanthin production in bacteria is the low percentage of astaxanthin in the total carotenoids. An obligate methanotrophic bacterium Methylomonas sp. 16a was engineered to produce astaxanthin. Astaxanthin production appeared to be dramatically affected by oxygen availability. We examined whether astaxanthin production in Methylomonas could be improved by metabolic engineering through expression of bacterial hemoglobins. Three hemoglobin genes were identified in the genome of Methylomonas sp. 16a. Two of them, thbN1 and thbN2, belong to the family of group I truncated hemoglobins. The third one, thbO, belongs to the group II truncated hemoglobins. Heterologous expression of the truncated hemoglobins in Escherichia coli improved cell growth under microaerobic conditions by increasing final cell densities. Co-expression of the hemoglobin genes along with the crtWZ genes encoding astaxanthin synthesis enzymes in Methylomonas showed higher astaxanthin production than expression of the crtWZ genes alone on multicopy plasmids. The hemoglobins likely improved the activity of the oxygen-requiring CrtWZ enzymes for astaxanthin conversion. A plasmid-free production strain was constructed by integrating the thbN1–crtWZ cassette into the chromosome of an astaxanthin-producing Methylomonas strain. It showed higher astaxanthin production than the parent strain.
Historical Trends in Global Energy Consumption

The article illustrates the historical patterns of energy use and social and economic development as a context for informing contemporary trends. It will begin with a timeline of human population estimates and the associated energy sources and quantities harnessed. It will then explore the social and economic impacts of two technology waves that were instrumental in shaping the modern developed world: agriculture and industrialization. In these sections, energy trends associated with food and industrial output will be investigated. Finally, the paper will attempt to discover whether a correlation exists between per capita energy consumption and human well-being. The overarching theme throughout will be one of allowing the past to inform the future. An analytical understanding of the historical co-evolutionary patterns can inform the choices made in the present to better manage future trajectories.
Exercise-Induced Lowering of Fetuin-A May Increase Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity

AB Introduction: Fetuin-A is a novel hepatokine, and there is preliminary evidence that it may contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Exercise reduces fetuin-A, but the specific metabolic effects particularly as they relate to the regulation of insulin resistance are unknown. This led us to examine the effect of exercise training on circulating fetuin-A in relation to skeletal muscle and/or hepatic insulin resistance in obese adults. Methods: Twenty older adults (66.3 +/- 0.9 yr; body mass index, 34.1 +/- 1.2 kg[middle dot]m-2) participated in this prospective 12-wk study and underwent supervised exercise training (5 d[middle dot]wk-1, 60 min[middle dot]d-1 at approximately 85% HRmax). Insulin resistance was assessed using the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (40 mU[middle dot]m-2[middle dot]min-1) with isotope dilution ([6,6-2H2]-glucose). Skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity (rate of glucose disposal), hepatic insulin resistance (rate of glucose appearance x fasting insulin), metabolic flexibility (respiratory quotientclamp - respiratory quotientfasting), fetuin-A, high-molecular weight adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, leptin, and body fat (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Exercise reduced body fat, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, leptin and hepatic as well as skeletal muscle insulin resistance (each, P < 0.05). Fetuin-A was decreased by approximately 8% (pre, 1.01 +/- 0.08, vs post, 0.89 +/- 0.06 g[middle dot]L-1; P < 0.05) after the intervention, and lower fetuin-A after exercise correlated with lower hepatic insulin resistance (r = -0.46, P < 0.01), increased metabolic flexibility (r = -0.70, P < 0.01) and high-molecular weight adiponectin (r = -0.57, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Fetuin-A may contribute to exercise training-induced improvements in hepatic insulin resistance, CHO utilization, and inflammation in older obese adults. Further work is required to determine the cellular mechanism(s) of action for fetuin-A because this hepatokine is related to type 2 diabetes risk.
Warm Gas in the Virgo Cluster. I. Distribution of Lyα Absorbers

The first systematic study of the warm gas (T = 10{sup 4-5} K) distribution across a galaxy cluster is presented using multiple background QSOs in and around the Virgo Cluster. We detect 25 Ly{alpha} absorbers (N{sub HI} = 10{sup 13.1-15.4} cm{sup -2}) in the Virgo velocity range toward 9 of 12 QSO sightlines observed with the Cosmic Origin Spectrograph, with a cluster impact parameter range of 0.36-1.65 Mpc (0.23-1.05 R{sub vir}). Including 18 Ly{alpha} absorbers previously detected by STIS or GHRS toward 7 of 11 background QSOs in and around the Virgo Cluster, we establish a sample of 43 absorbers toward a total of 23 background probes for studying the incidence of Ly{alpha} absorbers in and around the Virgo Cluster. With these absorbers, we find (1) warm gas is predominantly in the outskirts of the cluster and avoids the X-ray-detected hot intracluster medium (ICM). Also, Ly{alpha} absorption strength increases with cluster impact parameter. (2) Ly{alpha}-absorbing warm gas traces cold H I-emitting gas in the substructures of the Virgo Cluster. (3) Including the absorbers associated with the surrounding substructures, the warm gas covering fraction (100% for N{sub HI} > 10{sup 13.1} cm{sup -2}) is in agreement with cosmological simulations. We speculatemore » that the observed warm gas is part of large-scale gas flows feeding the cluster both in the ICM and galaxies.« less
Percutaneous Internal Fixation of Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Jones Fractures (Zones II and III) With Charlotte Carolina Screw and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate An Outcome Study in Athletes

Background: Internal fixation is a popular first-line treatment method for proximal fifth metatarsal Jones fractures in athletes; however, nonunions and screw breakage can occur, in part because of nonspecific fixation hardware and poor blood supply.Purpose: To report the results from 26 patients who underwent percutaneous internal fixation with a specialized screw system of a proximal fifth metatarsal Jones fracture (zones II and III) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate.Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods: Percutaneous internal fixation for a proximal fifth metatarsal Jones fracture (zones II and III) was performed on 26 athletic patients (mean age, 27.47 years; range, 18-47). All patients were competing at some level of sport and were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and SF-12 outcome scores. The mean follow-up time was 20.62 months (range, 12-28). Of the 26 fractures, 17 were traditional zone II Jones fractures, and the remaining 9 ...
Influence of the Menstrual Cycle on Sympathetic Activity, Baroreflex Sensitivity, and Vascular Transduction in Young Women

Background—Our goal was to test sympathetic and cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity and the transduction of sympathetic traffic into vascular resistance during the early follicular (EF) and midluteal (ML) phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods and Results—Sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity was assessed by lowering and raising blood pressure with intravenous bolus doses of sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine. It was defined as the slope relating muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; determined by microneurography) and diastolic blood pressure. Cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity was defined as the slope relating R-R interval and systolic blood pressure. Vascular transduction was evaluated during ischemic handgrip exercise and postexercise ischemia, and it was defined as the slope relating MSNA and calf vascular resistance (determined by plethysmography). Resting MSNA (EF, 1170±151 U/min; ML, 2252±251 U/min; P<0.001) and plasma norepinephrine levels (EF, 240±21 pg/mL; ML, 294±25 pg/mL; P=0.025) were sig...
Late Complications Following the Arterial Switch Operation

The arterial switch operation has been the principal treatment for transposition of the great arteries and its variants for the last 25 years. Early mortality has decreased significantly over time, but long-term complications include pulmonary artery stenosis, coronary artery obstruction, neoaortic valvar insufficiency, arrhythmia, and aortic arch obstruction. This article provides an overview of the history, anatomic patterns, surgical results, and possible operative solutions discussed in the literature for patients with transposition of the great arteries who undergo arterial switch operations that result in late complications. Published journal articles were identified through PubMed literature search. The authors selected 72 articles for analysis. It is concluded that modifications can be made to the arterial switch operation in an effort to meet the challenges presented by late complications.
Introduction to Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine cells are characterized by the production of a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, or neuropeptide hormone, the presence of dense-core secretory granules from which the hormones are released by exocytosis in response to external stimulus and also, the absence of axons and synapses
Hypoxia Triggers AMPK Activation through Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Activation of Calcium Release-Activated Calcium Channels

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor activated by increases in [AMP] or by oxidant stress (reactive oxygen species [ROS]). Hypoxia increases cellular ROS signaling, but the pathways underlying subsequent AMPK activation are not known. We tested the hypothesis that hypoxia activates AMPK by ROS-mediated opening of calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels. Hypoxia (1.5% O2) augments cellular ROS as detected by the redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (roGFP) but does not increase the [AMP]/[ATP] ratio. Increases in intracellular calcium during hypoxia were detected with Fura2 and the calcium-calmodulin fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor YC2.3. Antioxidant treatment or removal of extracellular calcium abrogates hypoxia-induced calcium signaling and subsequent AMPK phosphorylation during hypoxia. Oxidant stress triggers relocation of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ sensor, to the plasma membrane. Knockdown of STIM1 by short interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuates the calcium responses to hypoxia and subsequent AMPK phosphorylation, while inhibition of L-type calcium channels has no effect. Knockdown of the AMPK upstream kinase LKB1 by siRNA does not prevent AMPK activation during hypoxia, but knockdown of CaMKKβ abolishes the AMPK response. These findings reveal that hypoxia can trigger AMPK activation in the apparent absence of increased [AMP] through ROS-dependent CRAC channel activation, leading to increases in cytosolic calcium that activate the AMPK upstream kinase CaMKKβ.
Climatic Response of Oak Species across an Environmental Gradient in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, USA

We investigated the climatic sensitivity of oak species across a wide elevation range in the southern Appalachian Mountains, an area where greater knowledge of oak sensitivity is desired. We developed three tree-ring chronologies for climatic analyses from oak cores taken from the Jefferson National Forest, Virginia, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. We statistically compared the three chronologies with monthly climatic data from 1930 to 2005. The results of our analyses suggest that oak species in the southern Appalachian Mountains require a cool, moist summer for above average-growth to occur. The climate signal increased in duration from high to low elevational and latitudinal gradients, indicating a strong moisture-preconditioning signal during the previous fall at our lowest elevation site. A notable finding of this research was the degree of responsiveness in oaks that are growing in forest interior locations where strong climate sensitivity would not be expected because of the effects of internal stand dynamics. Furthermore, the relationships between evapotranspiration rates and the geographic factors of elevation, latitude, and aspect influence the climate signals at the three sites. Our research suggests that oaks located in a warm and xeric climate experience more physiological stress and put forth a more varied climatic response.
Empirical-Mechanistic Method Based Stochastic Modeling of Fatigue Damage to Predict Flexible Pavement Cracking for Transportation Infrastructure Management

In the purely theoretical approach of pavement design, percentage fatigue cracking is related to damage in a probabilistic manner according to the Miner's law. Two methods that are currently widely in use are based on assumptions of damage distribution. One method assumes fatigue damage being normally distributed, while the other one assumes fatigue damage being lognormally distributed. Since mechanistic-empirical pavement design and pavement management require precise forecasting of pavement fatigue cracking, much effort should be taken to characterize and predict fatigue cracking in terms of damage distribution. In this paper, we formulate the probability density distribution of fatigue damage of flexible pavements according to the underlying structure of fatigue cracking equations so that pavement fatigue-cracking damage can be interpreted in a more meaningful way. Numerical computation is conducted for a case study. It is found that damage is neither normally nor lognormally distributed. It is therefore recommended that methodology and damage distribution model established in this paper be used in practice to predict damage distribution and percentage cracking so that a better estimation of fatigue cracking can be made.
Wife Battering in Asian American Communities Identifying the Service Needs of an Overlooked Segment of the U.S. Population

Although previous research has revealed that wife battering transcends all boundaries, little research has been done on the problem of wife battering in Asian communities in the United States. Drawing from interviews conducted with 18 Asian community activists and service providers throughout the United States, this article examines the specific needs of Asian women who are battered and explores the various structural and cultural constraints that inhibit Asian women from securing help from mainstream social service providers. Results of this study indicate that Asian women who are battered, particularly recently arrived immigrant and refugee women, have needs that differ markedly from most battered women in the general U.S. population. These needs center around language issues, cultural issues, immigration issues, and structural issues. The article concludes by identifying some of the specific needs of battered Asian women and providing recommendations for social service providers to better meet these needs.
Capillary recruitment in a theoretical model for blood flow regulation in heterogeneous microvessel networks.

In striated muscle, the number of capillaries containing moving red blood cells increases with increasing metabolic demand. This phenomenon, termed capillary recruitment, has long been recognized, but its mechanism has been unclear. Here, a theoretical model for metabolic blood flow regulation in a heterogeneous network is used to test the hypothesis that capillary recruitment occurs as a result of active control of arteriolar diameters, combined with unequal partition of hematocrit at diverging microvascular bifurcations. The network structure is derived from published observations of hamster cremaster muscle in control and dilated states. The model for modulation of arteriolar diameters includes length-tension characteristics of vascular smooth muscle and responses of smooth muscle tone to myogenic, shear-dependent, and metabolic stimuli. Blood flow is simulated including nonuniform hematocrit distribution. Convective and diffusive oxygen transport in the network is simulated. Oxygen-dependent metabolic signals are assumed to be conducted upstream from distal vessels to arterioles. With increasing oxygen demand, arterioles dilate, blood flow increases, and the numbers of flowing arterioles and capillaries, as defined by red blood cell flux above a small threshold value, increase. Unequal hematocrit partition at diverging bifurcations contributes to recruitment and enhances tissue oxygenation. The results imply that capillary recruitment, as observed in the hamster cremaster preparations, can occur as a consequence of local control of arteriolar tone and the resulting nonuniform changes in red blood cell fluxes, and provide an explanation for observations of sequential recruitment of individual capillaries in response to modulation of terminal arteriolar diameter.
Active Flow Control at Low Reynolds Numbers on a NACA 0015 Airfoil

Results from a low Reynolds number wind tunnel experiment on a NACA 0015 airfoil with a 30% chord trailing edge flap tested at deflection angles of 0, 20, and 40 are presented and discussed. Zero net mass flux periodic excitation was applied at the ap shoulder to control flow separation for flap deflections larger than 0. The primary objective of the experiment was to compare force and moment data obtained from integrating surface pressures to data obtained from a 5-component strain-gage balance in preparation for additional three-dimensional testing of the model. To achieve this objective, active flow control is applied at an angle of attack of 6 where published results indicate that oscillatory momentum coefficients exceeding 1% are required to delay separation. Periodic excitation with an oscillatory momentum coefficient of 1.5% and a reduced frequency of 0.71 caused a significant delay of separation on the airfoil with a flap deflection of 20. Higher momentum coefficients at the same reduced frequency were required to achieve a similar level of flow attachment on the airfoil with a flap deflection of 40. There was a favorable comparison between the balance and integrated pressure force and moment results.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF FRANCISELLA TULARENSIS AND FRANCISELLA NOVICIDA.

Owen, C. R. (U.S. Public Health Service, Rocky Mountain Laboratory, Hamilton, Mont.), E. O. Buker, W. L. Jellison, D. B. Lackman, and J. F. Bell. Comparative studies of Francisella tularensis and Francisella novicida. J. Bacteriol. 87:676-683. 1964.-Comparative studies of various properties of Francisella tularensis (= Pasteurella tularensis) and F. novicida were performed. The two organisms are very similar morphologically. Growth of both was markedly enhanced by addition of cystine to media, but F. novicida is less fastidious than F. tularensis. The virulence of F. novicida for mice and cavies is lower than that of fresh isolates of F. tularensis. In complement-fixation tests, some cross-reaction occurred when rabbit antisera were used; complement-fixation tests with cavy antisera were specific. Agglutination tests with sera from both rabbits and cavies were specific. Nonliving vaccines of the two organisms (extracts, whole dead cells) conferred no cross-protection to mice; living attenuated vaccines conferred cross-protection which was more transitory than was specific protection. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) tests were highly specific. Absorption of antisera with homologous organisms removed all PCA reactivity, while absorption with heterologous organisms left it almost intact. Hemagglutination and hemagglutination-inhibition tests were specific. It was concluded that the two organisms are sufficiently similar to belong in the same genus but sufficiently different to be retained in separate species.
Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone, and Sudden Cardiac Death Results From the Cardiovascular Health Study

Recent studies have demonstrated greater risks of cardiovascular events and mortality among persons who have lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and higher parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. We sought to evaluate the association between markers of mineral metabolism and sudden cardiac death (SCD) among the 2312 participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease at baseline. We estimated associations of baseline 25-OHD and PTH concentrations individually and in combination with SCD using Cox proportional hazards models after adjustment for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and kidney function. During a median follow-up of 14 years, there were 73 adjudicated SCD events. The annual incidence of SCD was greater among subjects who had lower 25-OHD concentrations, 2 events per 1000 for 25-OHD ≥20 ng/mL and 4 events per 1000 for 25-OHD 2-fold risk of SCD after adjustment (hazard ratio: 2.19 [95% CI: 1.17-4.10]; P=0.017) compared with participants with normal levels of PTH and 25-OHD. The combination of lower 25-OHD and higher PTH concentrations appears to be associated independently with SCD risk among older adults without cardiovascular disease.
Duodenum between the aorta and the SMA does not exclude malrotation

Sir, Malrotation, if not diagnosed promptly, can lead to disastrous consequences. Upper gastrointestinal fluoroscopy (UGI) has been considered for many years to be the radiologic standard for the diagnosis of malrotation [1, 2]. Therefore, any suggested change in this standard should be based on solid evidence. US has been proposed as an alternative to UGI [3]. In a paper published recently in this journal, Menten et al. [4] prospectively evaluated patients with suspected malrotation with both US and UGI and concluded that US should be used as the primary imaging modality. Unfortunately, the evidence they presented does not support this conclusion; thus, the title discussion section and conclusions are dangerously misleading. The problems with this study are legion. The number of children eventually diagnosed with malrotation (n06) is too low to have enough statistical power to draw any solid conclusions. US was compared to UGI without any gold standard. US diagnosed malrotation in only three (50%) children with obvious malrotation based on medical history: post Ladd surgery for malrotation, post repair of gastroschisis and omphalocele. They share the same type of rotational abnormality—“non-rotation” [1, 2] (Fig. 1). A study by Taylor [5] on the anatomy of the duodenum in 38 children who had surgery for malrotation showed that the duodenum was not behind the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) at surgery [5]. This is also the most common type of abnormal bowel rotation found incidentally in adults [6] and has low risk for midgut volvulus [2].
An HMM-based algorithm for evaluating rates of receptor–ligand binding kinetics from thermal fluctuation data

Motivation: Abrupt reduction/resumption of thermal fluctuations of a force probe has been used to identify association/dissociation events of protein–ligand bonds. We show that off-rate of molecular dissociation can be estimated by the analysis of the bond lifetime, while the on-rate of molecular association can be estimated by the analysis of the waiting time between two neighboring bond events. However, the analysis relies heavily on subjective judgments and is time-consuming. To automate the process of mapping out bond events from thermal fluctuation data, we develop a hidden Markov model (HMM)-based method. Results: The HMM method represents the bond state by a hidden variable with two values: bound and unbound. The bond association/dissociation is visualized and pinpointed. We apply the method to analyze a key receptor–ligand interaction in the early stage of hemostasis and thrombosis: the von Willebrand factor (VWF) binding to platelet glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα). The numbers of bond lifetime and waiting time events estimated by the HMM are much more than those estimated by a descriptive statistical method from the same set of raw data. The kinetic parameters estimated by the HMM are in excellent agreement with those by a descriptive statistical analysis, but have much smaller errors for both wild-type and two mutant VWF-A1 domains. Thus, the computerized analysis allows us to speed up the analysis and improve the quality of estimates of receptor–ligand binding kinetics. Contact:jeffwu@isye.gatech.edu or cheng.zhu@bme.gatech.edu
Direct measurements of upper ocean currents and water properties across the tropical Pacific during the 1990s

Abstract Meridional sections of upper ocean zonal currents, potential temperature, and salinity are estimated at ten longitudes from 143°E to 95°W using Conductivity–Temperature–Depth and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler data from 172 synoptic sections taken in the tropical Pacific between 138°E and 86°W, mostly in the 1990s. Data reduction is carried out in a potential isopycnal and mixed layer framework to preserve a sharp pycnocline, a mixed layer, water property extrema, and velocity extrema. Mean zonal currents, potential temperatures, and salinities are produced at each longitude. The seasonal cycles of these fields are also estimated, as well as a simple El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. Zonal sections along the equator are also presented. Properties of the near-equatorial zonal currents, including transports, temperatures, and salinities, are estimated separately from the synoptic sections. The seasonal cycles of these quantities and their correlations with the Southern Oscillation Index are investigated. The work is distinguished from most existing literature in that direct estimates of zonal velocity are combined with contemporaneous temperature and salinity data, allowing trans-Pacific estimates of near-equatorial current transports and properties, including those of the northern branch of the South Equatorial Current, the New Guinea Coastal Undercurrent, and the Equatorial Undercurrent.
Biological Adaptations and Evolutionary Epistemology

Darwin Machines and the Nature of Knowledge, by Henry Plotkin. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1994. xviii + 269 pages, $27.95 hardcover. ISBN 0-674-19280-X.
The effect of tick challenge on grooming rate by impala

Grooming is among the most commonly performed parasite defence behaviour patterns and is eVective in removing ticks. Because both tick infestation and grooming activity have a cost, natural selection should favour individuals that match the current level of tick threat with an appropriate level of tick-defence grooming eVort. To test this notion, the relationship between seasonal tick challenge and grooming rate by wild, free-ranging impala, Aepyceros melampus, was investigated in Zimbabwe. Adult ticks in the vegetation showed a dramatic decrease from the warm/wet season to the hot/dry season, declining from 2·4 ticks per drag sample and 58 ticks per removal plot to virtually nil. This decline was mirrored by an associated decline in grooming rate by all impala in which self-oral and scratch grooming bouts per h decreased 30-45%. Allogrooming encounters per h (corrected for lying-down time) and total allogrooming delivered, as measured by bouts or episodes delivered per h, decreased for males but did not change for females. Overall percentage of time spent in all forms of grooming declined 37-57%. Multiple regression analysis revealed that, with the seasonal eVects of temperature and rainfall held constant, self-grooming rates were significantly and positively correlated with adult tick challenge, indicating that impala adjusted self grooming to seasonalfluctuations in adult tick threat. Allogrooming delivered was influenced by nymphal tick challenge; because the larvae and nymphs of the most abundant tick species favour the ear and neck region (where allogrooming is concentrated), allogroom- ing appears to function to remove immature ticks from body regions inaccessible to self-oral grooming. These results are what would be expected if grooming serves to remove ticks before they can attach and engorge, and supports the view that grooming is an evolved response to the threat of excessive tick burden in the impala's natural environment. ? 1995 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
Time-Dependent Properties of Liquid Water: A Comparison of Car-Parrinello and Born-Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamics Simulations

A series of 30 ps first principles molecular dynamics simulations in the microcanonical ensemble were carried out to investigate transport and vibrational properties of liquid water. To allow for sufficient sampling, the thermodynamic constraints were set to an elevated temperature of around 423 K and a density of 0.71 g cm-3 corresponding to the saturated liquid density for the Becke−Lee−Yang−Parr (BLYP) representation of water. Four simulations using the Car−Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) technique with varying values of the fictitious electronic mass (μ) and two simulations using the Born−Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) technique are analyzed to yield structural and dynamical information. At the selected state point, the simulations are found to exhibit nonglassy dynamics and yield consistent results for the liquid structure and the self-diffusion coefficient, although the statistical uncertainties in the latter quantity are quite large. Consequently, it can be said that the CPMD and BOMD m...
Machine learning with data dependent hypothesis classes

We extend the VC theory of statistical learning to data dependent spaces of classifiers. This theory can be viewed as a decomposition of classifier design into two components; the first component is a restriction to a data dependent hypothesis class and the second is empirical risk minimization within that class. We define a measure of complexity for data dependent hypothesis classes and provide data dependent versions of bounds on error deviance and estimation error. We also provide a structural risk minimization procedure over data dependent hierarchies and prove consistency. We use this theory to provide a framework for studying the trade-offs between performance and computational complexity in classifier design. As a consequence we obtain a new family of classifiers with dimension independent performance bounds and efficient learning procedures.
Incarceration by Category: Racial Designations and the Black Borders of Indianness

Particular problems were created for “mixed” people in the United States with the development of race categories and ideologies based on hierarchies of color and blood. With “whiteness” favored above all else, mixed people often self-identified with the more phenotypically European of their ancestors in spite of prohibitive legal sanctions. For the children of Africans, African Americans, and American Indians, options were more limited and their position within society far more liminal. Due to particular rules, laws, and practices in the United States, those who could identify as Indian rarely acknowledged African descent, while those categorized as black could seldom officially identify their indigenous roots. For many AfraAmerIndians, this resulted in forms of liminality within already contested categories. Referencing examples of AfraAmerIndians in exploring racial categories as a form of incarceration, this article explores the idea that race categories are more akin to incarceration than standard ideas of social control and examines the suggestion that the descendants of Native Americans and Africans and African Americans and other non-white people of mixed ancestry may be particularly vulnerable. [African Americans, American Indians, black Indians, cultural anthropology, ethics, history and memory, identity, mixed race, racism]
A Brief Guide to Hydraulic Fracturing in New York State

Legal research article designed to assist the savvy researcher in locating some of the best available resources regarding the issue of hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking) in New York State.
Towards Antichain Algebra

We use an algebra of preference strict-orders to give a formal derivation of the standard Block-Nested Loop (BNL) algorithm for computing the best or maximal objects w.r.t. such an order. This derivation is presented in terms of antichains, i.e., sets of mutually incomparable objects. We define an approximation relation between antichains that reflects the steps taken by the BNL algorithm. This induces a semilattice and the operator computing the maximal objects of a subset can be viewed as a closure operator in an associated pre-ordered set and hence yields a characterisation of antichains in terms of a Galois connection.
National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 1995 outpatient department summary.

OBJECTIVE: This report describes outpatient department visits in the United States in 1995. Statistics are presented on selected patient and visit characteristics. METHODS: The data presented in this report were collected from the 1995 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). NHAMCS is part of the ambulatory care component of the National Health Care Survey, which measures health care utilization across various types of providers. NHAMCS is a national probability survey of visits to outpatient departments and emergency departments of non-Federal, short-stay and general hospitals in the United States. Sample data were weighted to produce annual estimates. RESULTS: During 1995, an estimated 67.2 million visits were made to hospital outpatient departments in the United States, an overall rate of 25.7 visits per 100 persons. Overall, visit rates did not vary by age. Females and black persons had higher rates of visits than males and whites, respectively. There were an estimated 7.3 million injury-related outpatient department visits in 1995. Language: en
Technologies and Applications to Support Electronic Commerce

This chapter highlights some of the technologies and applications that support e-commerce operations such as local area networks (LANs) and wide area network (WAN). A LAN is the foundation of any client–server application, such as intranets and extranets, and consists of two or more computers and other peripheral equipment connected in close proximity. Wireless LANs utilize radiated media, such as microwave, spread spectrum radio, and broadcast radio. Careful planning and a thorough assessment of the information needs of a particular organization are required to establish a LAN. The hardware, software, and personnel costs must be carefully calculated, compared, and contrasted with the benefits that a LAN system can offer. WAN does not limit itself to a certain geographical area. It may span several cities, states, or even countries. Usually several different parties own it. The geographical scope of a WAN can be intercity or across international borders. A WAN may utilize many different technologies. For example, it may use different communications media, terminals of different sizes and sophistication, multiplexers, concentrators, and so forth.
Lifestyle and Breast Cancer Incidence and Survival Emerging Evidence by Cancer Phenotype

Recently reported SEER data revealing an increase in the number of younger women who present with advanced breast cancer at diagnosis has led to much speculation regarding epidemiological factors that play a role in breast cancer risk and that may be modifiable by lifestyle. Molecular genomics has identified biological pathways that affect breast cancer prognosis and inform treatment decisions. Depending on menopausal status and breast cancer subtype, evidence is emerging that lifestyle could be implicated not only in the risk for breast cancer but also outcomes following breast cancer diagnosis. Several biologic mechanisms have been explored explaining the physiologic role of lifestyle and cancer risk and survival. In this report, we explore the interaction between lifestyle, breast cancer phenotype, and outcomes and review potential molecular mechanisms linking lifestyle to risk and prognosis in order to establish a platform for future exploration. The cost of breast cancer treatment and breast cancer m...
Case 2: A Neonate Presenting With Poor Feeding and Cough

An 11-day-old white infant is admitted with the chief complaint of poor feeding and new-onset cough. The infant was born at 35-4/7 weeks to a 26-year-old woman who is gravida 6, para 3-2-3-3; the pregnancy was complicated by preterm labor. Maternal history is significant for herpes simplex virus infection with no active lesions during the current pregnancy; she did not receive valacyclovir during pregnancy. The mother smoked half a pack of cigarettes per day, but denied alcohol and other illicit drug use. After birth, the infant was vigorous and required warmth and tactile stimulation. Apgar scores were 8 and 9 at 1 minute and 5 minutes, respectively. The infant spent 24 hours in the neonatal intensive care unit because of prematurity and was discharged after 3 days. Ten days after birth, the mother noticed new-onset cough. Subsequently, the mother also noticed decreased oral intake, which prompted her to bring the infant to the emergency department. In the emergency department, the infant is found to have hypothermia, with a heart rate of 138 beats/min and respiratory rate of 50 breaths/min. Oxygen saturations are 65% to 75% in room air. On examination, the infant is noted to be limp, pale, and dusky, with …
Mumps Epidemic in Suining,2005-2010

Objective To understand the epidemic trend of mumps in Suining and provide an accurate basis for developing the control strategies and evaluation of implementation effects.Methods Data of mumps epidemic in Suining was analyzed by using descriptive epidemiological method.Results From 2005 to 2010,the average annual reported incidence of mumps was 39.39 /105,and the incidence reported during April to June accounted for 49.55% of total annual incidence,the seasonal peak of incidence was obvious.The average annual incidence in males was 46.33 /105,and in females was 32.17 /105(P 0.01).The reported incidence of students and preschool children accounted for 65.96% and 19.60% of the total reported incidence respectively,showed a typical peak incidence of children and adolescents.Conclusion Monitoring and early warning should be strengthened for timely detection of outbreaks.
Inkjet Printed High-Q RF Inductors on Paper Substrate With Ferromagnetic Nanomaterial

For the first time, high quality factor (Q), meander inductors are demonstrated utilizing inkjet-printing on organic paper substrates. Quality factors of up to 25, which is an order of magnitude greater than previous works, and inductance values of up to 8 nH are achieved. The high self-resonance frequency (SRF) of 8 GHz makes it possible for the inductors to be used in the 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz RFID bands, and in 5 GHz Wifi band. Furthermore, a study into the performance and miniaturization effects of inkjet-printing ferromagnetic nanomaterial onto the inductors shows increases in inductance of up to 5%. Applications for inkjet printed inductors include all-printed flexible and wearable filters, resonators, and microwave matching networks.
A multidimensional description and validation of two subtypes in the field of endogenous and melancholic depression

Background It should be possible to improve the diagnosis of endogenous or melancholic depression by applying Jaspers' multidimensional model of clinical symptoms, by considering the role of vasopressinergic activity in dysregulated stress reactions and by referring to Cloninger's personality model. Method The strategy of Robins and Guze is used to develop diagnostic concepts. Melancholic depression according to DSM-IV criteria is converted into a mixture of basic symptom dimensions and this mixture is investigated for its possible links with familial depression, time needed for complete recovery, plasma vasopressin-concentration, correlated plasma vasopressin- and cortisolconcentrations, and features of temperament and character. Results Two subtypes were found. One is a highly anxious-retarded subtype, with slow recovery, a correlation between vasopressin and cortisol, low pre-morbid self-directedness and a positive family history of depression; the other is a subtype with an above-normal plasma vasopressin concentration, an anxious-retarded phenotype without an intensity threshold, correlated vasopressin- and cortisol-concentration, low pre-morbid cooperativeness and a positive family history of depression. Conclusion A multidimensional description of clinical symptoms and personality makes it possible to integrate pathophysiological aspects into new diagnostic concepts.
The Role of Earth Observation for Managing Biodiversity and Disasters in Mesoamerica: Past, Present, and Future

Mesoamerica is a term used sometimes in cultural context, but in this article we are using it to name the land bridge between North and South America, made up of the Southern Mexico States (Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Campeche y Tabasco), Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. With an area of approximately 755,000 square kilometers, it is one of the most heterogeneous regions of the world in terms of elevation, land forms, climate, natural ecosystems and human populations. In the general context given, the potential of Earth observation (EO) to assist the management of natural resources, biodiversity and disasters in the region is clear. In this chapter, we discuss the current state of EO applications and future perspectives related to land-use change, ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity and solid-earth hazards. We hope that this contribution can identify current and future challenges related to obtaining the biggest societal benefit of EO and suggest actions to take advantage of anticipated innovations and data availability.
Work-Related Factors Considered by Sickness-Absent Employees When Estimating Timeframes for Returning to Work.

Introduction Work-related factors have been found to be influential in shaping a number of return-to-work outcomes including return-to-work expectations. Based on the idea that work-related factors have the potential for modification through workplace-based initiatives, this study involved a detailed examination of work-related factors referenced by workers as being taken into consideration when estimating timeframes for returning to work. Methods Focus groups were conducted with 30 employees, currently off work (≤ 3 months) due to a musculoskeletal condition. During the focus groups, participants wrote and spoke about the factors that they considered when forming their expectations for returning to work. Data were subjected to thematic content analysis. Results Discussions revealed that participants’ considerations tended to differ depending on whether or not they had a job to return to. Those with jobs (n = 23) referenced specific influences such as working relationships, accommodations, physical and practical limitations, as well as concerns about their ability to do their job. Those without a job to return to (n = 7) talked about the ways they would go about finding work, and how long they thought this would take. Both groups mentioned the influence of wanting to find the “right” job, retraining and being limited due to the need for income. Conclusion Findings indicate that employees reference numerous work-related factors when estimating their timeframes for returning to work, and that many of these have been previously identified as relating to other return-to-work outcomes. Findings suggest the potential to improve return-to-work expectation through addressing work-related influences, and helping people work through the tasks they need to complete in order to move forward in the return-to-work process.
PDGFRA Antibody for Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Lartruvo (olaratumab) is a monoclonal antibody against the extracellular domain of PDGFRA. Olaratumab blocks ligand binding and thereby inhibits activation of PDGFRA kinase activity. Pre-clinically, this antibody inhibited PDGFRA-dependent tumor growth. In a randomized Phase II study, adding olaratumab to doxorubicin chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival, leading to FDA approval.
Visco-Plastic Flow Predictions of Solidified Deuterium-Tritium Mixtures

Visco-plastic flow properties of hydrogenic solids are important considerations for the design and operation of continuous hydrogenic pellet extrusion systems. Prior to 2010, the visco-plastic flow...
Making the case for quality metrics for conceptual models in systems engineering

The adoption of model based systems engineering takes models and puts them front and center to support all systems engineering activities. The majority of the models are static models describing some aspects concerning the structure of the system. This paper addresses the question of what makes a good model. The paper discusses modeling languages and how quality is defined and measured in software engineering where much more work has been done. We propose developing metrics based on the systems engineering activity models to supplement quality metrics borrowed from software engineering.
Language Change Across the Lifespan

Understanding the relationship between language change and variation has progressed considerably over the last several decades, but less is known about how speakers at different life stages deal with ongoing change in their speech communities. Longitudinal studies of individuals and groups reveal three trajectory types postadolescence: stability (the most common), adopting (to some degree) a change led by younger people (the next most common trajectory), or swimming against the community current by reverting to an older pattern in later life (the least common trajectory). Declining plasticity over the life course places limits on possible trajectories, which are also subject to social and cultural influences. This article reviews relevant studies from historical linguistics as well as panel studies on African American English and dialect contact, proposing that future progress will be made by interdisciplinary research combining psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic perspectives. Lifespan trajectories in s...
Disability, Income, and Rural Poverty

The economic divide across metro and nonmetro areas in the USA is increasingly wide and high poverty persists. Fewer employment opportunities, lower employment rates, and level of educational attainment, as well as type of disability, impact further the rate of poverty among persons with disabilities in rural areas. Overwhelmingly, the unique circumstances in rural communities tend to hinder opportunities to improve income and decrease poverty. To that end, this chapter delineates an understanding of the interplay of those factors that disadvantage persons with disabilities.
Ben Wright, Rasch Measurement, and Cognitive Psychology

Ben Wright has influenced cognitive psychology both through his own work and through his training of cognitive psychologists. We provide several examples of our efforts to apply the Rasch measurement techniques Ben taught us to cognitive psychology. We describe results from studies employing fit analysis, differential item functioning analysis, Rasch item design techniques, and item linking. These studies address several aspects of human cognition, including spatial visualization, working memory, vocabulary ability, foreign language learning, and cognitive aging. None of these results would be possible without the Rasch measurement techniques we learned from Ben Wright.