cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A zyxin–nectin interaction facilitates zyxin localization to cell–cell adhesions

Cell-cell junction remodeling is associated with dramatic actin reorganizations. Several actin regulatory systems have been implicated in actin remodeling events as cell-cell contacts are assembled and disassembled, including zyxin/LPP-VASP complexes. These complexes facilitate strong cell-cell adhesion by maintaining actin-membrane connections. It has been proposed that zyxin and LPP localize to cell-cell junctions via a well-defined interaction with alpha-actinin. This was recently confirmed for LPP, but zyxin localization at cell-cell contacts occurs independently of alpha-actinin binding. Here we seek to map the zyxin sequence responsible for localization to cell-cell contacts and identify the protein that docks zyxin at this cellular location. Previous results have shown that a zyxin fragment excluding the alpha-actin binding site and the LIM domains (amino acids 51-392) can independently localize to cell-cell contacts. Here, expression of smaller zyxin fragments show that zyxin localization requires amino acids 230-280. A yeast-two-hybrid screen, using the central region of zyxin as bait, resulted in the identification of the cell-cell adhesion receptor nectin-4 as a zyxin binding partner. Further demonstrating zyxin-nectin interactions, zyxin binds the intracellular domain of nectin-2 in vitro. Depletion of nectin-2 from L cells expressing E-cadherin results in a loss of zyxin localization to cell-cell contacts, demonstrating that the zyxin-nectin interaction plays a critical role in zyxin targeting to these sites.
Hormonal Responses to Maximal and Submaximal Exercise in Trained and Untrained Men of Various Ages

Neuroendocrine adjustments to maximal and submaximal exercise were investigated in men as a function of age and training status. Twenty-four trained cyclists and 23 sedentary men constituting a young (M = 22.9 yrs, n = 16), middle-aged (M = 44.9 yrs, n = 16), and old (M = 65.5 yrs, n = 15) group performed both a maximal (GXT) and a 45-minute submaximal exercise test (cycle ergometer) at the workload corresponding to their lactate threshold. Plasma lactate, glucose, growth hormone, cortisol, norepinephrine, and epinephrine concentrations were analyzed both at rest and during exercise. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) was lower with age; however, all trained groups had higher values for VO2 peak compared to sedentary groups, regardless of age. Lactate threshold, when expressed in absolute terms, was lower with advancing age (sedentary decreases 9 and 26%: trained decreases 19 and 35% for middle-age and old, respectively, when compared to young). Pre-exercise plasma norepinephrine levels were higher with age in both trained and sedentary subjects. Cortisol levels were lower with age for sedentary subjects and were significantly elevated in trained subjects across all age groups. Endurance training resulted in increased hormonal responses, as measured by plasma concentrations, to both maximal and submaximal exercise across all age groups. However, regardless of training status, age-related declines were observed in peak responses for lactate, growth hormone, and cortisol during the GXT. During the 45-minute submaximal exercise test, these age-related differences that had been present in the GXT were abolished. This submaximal test represented a lower absolute work load for old compared to young as well as sedentary compared to trained subjects; however, individuals were working at similar relative exercise intensities. We conclude that older individuals are capable of similar hormonal responses to submaximal exercise of identical durations and intensities as their young and middle-aged counterparts, and that chronic endurance training can enhance the hormonal response to exercise in all age groups.
17 Hydroxycorticosteroids in the stomach.

SummaryThe free 17 hydroxycorticosteroid concentrations of gastric juice were determined in 6 normal and 3 incompletely hypophysectomized dogs and compared with urine and blood levels under control conditions and following stimulation with corticotropin or cortisone. Concentration of 17 hydroxycorticosteroid in stomach aspirates was about one-third as great as blood and one-fifth as large as urine concentrations in these animals. In 6 normal dogs steroid concentrations were considerably elevated in blood and urine and only slightly increased in gastric juice in response to corticotropin or cortisone. The urine steroid values failed to rise upon stimulation in 2 of the 3 partially hypo-physectomized dogs, but the response in blood and gastric juice was comparable to the normals. The gastric juice of 3 normal dogs during the control period was analyzed chromatographically and a steroid with mobility characteristics similar to tetrahydrocortisol was found. It appears that the stomach may serve as a supplemen...
Tensile Strength of SiC Fibers

An experimental investigation has been conducted on the effects of gauge length on the tensile strength of SiC fibers. The results show that the overall strength distribution cannot be described solely in terms of the two-parameter Weibull function. The overall distribution is found to be consistent with two concurrent flaw populations, one of them being characteristic of the pristine fibers, and the other characteristic of the additional flaws introduced into the fiber during processing of the composite.
Kapitza Resistance of Mercury between 1.1 and 2.1°K

Between 1.1 and 2.1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, measured values of the Kapitza resistance $R$ of several Hg samples fall in the range $2.2lR{T}^{3}l6.3$ ${\mathrm{deg}}^{4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/W, where $T$ is the absolute temperature. The temperature dependence of $R$ can be accounted for by the Khalatnikov theory as modified to include the lattice specific heat of Hg. The observed magnitude of $R$ is about one-fourth the predicted magnitude. $R$ is different for the normal and superconducting states, showing that electronic processes do make a contribution to the thermal conductance of a Hg-He II interface.
A decrease in the malate-aspartate shuttle and glutamate translocase activity in heart mitochondria from alloxan-diabetic rats

Abstract The malate-aspartate shuttle in heart mitochondria prepared from fed, fasted and alloxan-diabetic rats was evaluated by measuring the incorporation of l -[U- 14 C]malate into aspartate. A marked decrease in the rate of l -[U- 14 C] malate incorporation into aspartate was observed with mitochondria from alloxan-diabetic rats, in comparison to fed and fasted controls. Mitochondria from fasted rats (48 h) exhibited a significant increase above fed controls. A small decrease (8%) was observed in the ADP:O ratio of mitochondria from alloxandiabetic rats as compared to control animals. A more substantial decrease was observed in the Q o 2 (46%) and RCR values (48%) for the mitochondria isolated from diabetic rats suggesting that a defect existed in the rate of utilization of substrate rather than in impairment of oxidative-phosphorylation. Fasted controls did not exhibit a change in the ADP:O ratio. The rate of mitochondrial aspartate production from glutamate was measured. A significant increase in aspartate production was found with mitochondria from fasted animals compared to the fed animals. A marked decrease in the rate of aspartate production from glutamate was observed with mitochondria from alloxan-diabetic rats compared to fed controls. Studies were carried out to determine the rate of glutamate uptake and evidence is presented indicating a decrease in the V max of glutamate translocase in mitochondria from alloxan-diabetic rats. Intraperitoneal administration of crystalline insulin 1 h before sacrifice resulted in an increase in aspartate production to or toward normal, indicating that the effects observed were due to the lack of insulin.
The Nutritional Enhancement of Plant Foods in Europe ‘NEODIET’

Abstract The NEODIET concerted action, funded under the EU FAIR programme, has focussed for the past two years on evaluating the strategies for the improvement of the nutritional quality of plant foods. These strategies involve the enhancement of key metabolites through the application of conventional plant breeding and genetic engineering, as well as the application of newer approaches to food processing. This paper focuses on the benefits of improving the nutritional quality of plants by the enhancement of the beneficial phytochemicals directly in the plant rather than by the addition of essential nutrients to processed foods as has been conventionally undertaken. Examples of the disadvantages of fortifying plant foods are given. The role of food technology in improving the bioavailability of some nutritional constituents, and thereby improving the overall quality of the food, is illustrated with reference to the carotenoids. The importance of structure of the plant metabolite in determining nutritional quality is also illustrated with reference to the effects of structure on the bioavailability and biological effectiveness of plant flavonoids.
Isolation of a human thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) complementary DNA with a single nucleotide transition A719G (TPMT*3C) and its association with loss of TPMT protein and catalytic activity in humans

Objective Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the S-methylation of mercaptopurine, azathioprine, thioguanine and most of their nucleotide metabolites. TPMT exhibits genetic polymorphism, with about 10% of individuals having intermediate TPMT activity because of heterozygosity at the TPMT locus and about 1 in 300 inheriting TPMT deficiency as an autosomal recessive trait. Although several mutant alleles have now been associated with inheritance of TPMT deficiency in humans, the expression of only TPMT*2 and TPMT*3A has been established by isolation and characterization of complementary DNA (cDNA) from individuals with low TPMT activity. Methods Radiochemical assay, Western blot analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping, and cDNA sequencing were used to analyze TPMT activity and protein levels in erythrocytes and to determine TPMT genotype. Results We established expression of another common mutant allele, TPMT*3C (containing only the A719G mutation), by sequence analysis of cDNA isolated from an individual with a heterozygous TPMT phenotype (7 units/ml packed erythrocytes). The TPMT*3C allele was also confirmed in an unrelated individual by sequencing TPMT coding exons after PCR amplification of genomic DNA. Moreover, Western blot analysis of erythrocytes obtained from five heterozygous individuals with the TPMT*3C allele (i.e., TPMT*1/TPMT*3C) exhibited about 50% less immunodetectable TPMT protein compared with homozygous wild-type individuals, and a TPMT-deficient individual with a TPMT*3A/TPMT*3C genotype had no immunodetectable TPMT protein. Conclusion These data establish that the TPMT*3C allele is expressed in humans and is associated with lower immunodetectable TPMT protein and catalytic activity. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1998) 64, 46–51; doi:
Environmental justice: Environmental adult education at the confluence of oppressions

Environmental adult education contributes to environmental justice learning by mobilizing citizen participation, popular activism, and direct action which are essential for democracy and for healthy people and ecosystems.
PROBABILISTIC SPEED-ESTIMATION MEASUREMENT ERRORS THROUGH VIDEO IMAGES

Many data-collection methods are available from simple manual methods to advanced automatic image processing techniques. For many practical purposes video recording has become a widely used tool. Though this method is simple and is extensively used, accuracy in estimating actual speed and associated measurement errors have not been quantitatively examined. This paper investigates the mathematical properties of measurement error in vehicular speed data reduced from video images. Primary focus was on the measure­ ment-error probability function, which incorporates the effects of the embedded video camera time-base reso­ lution, fiducial mark interval, and actual vehicle speed. Mathematical derivations of the probability density function (PDF) are presented, and a Monte Carlo simulation technique was applied verifying the mathematically derived probability function. Both graphical comparisons and goodness-of-fit tests demonstrated very good agree­ ment. The probability function presented in this paper provides a very useful tool because it allows traffic engineers to quantify in advance the probability of occurrence of certain measurement-error magnitudes and to adjust the data-collection plan accordingly.
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus During the Neonatal and Childhood Periods

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus may be related to maternal autoantibody production in the neonatal lupus syndrome, or may occur later in childhood, with or without findings of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the first section, we will discuss the transient, passively transferred neonatal disease, and in the second, we will discuss the persistent, actively acquired forms of lupus erythematosus in childhood.
Feature Cluster Selection for High-Throughput Data Analysis

Although feature selection has proven effective in sample class prediction, it is not adequate for identifying leads for potentially useful biomarkers by high-throughput biological data analysis. The large number of equally good predictive sets and the disparity among them reveals the gap between feature selection and biomarker identification. We propose to bridge this gap by a new data mining task, feature cluster selection, which aims to select and group all relevant features in a data set into a small number of coherent clusters. We provide both theoretical framework and empirical formulation for the new problem, and propose the 3M algorithm. Experiments on microarray data show that the algorithm can select highly predictive representative gene sets and discover gene clusters with statistical significance.
Open for Learning: The CMS and the Open Learning Network

The course management system (CMS) reinforces the status quo and hinders substantial teaching and learning innovation in higher education. It does so by imposing artificial time limits on learner access to course content and other learners, privileging the role of the instructor at the expense of the learner, and limiting the power of the network effect in the learning process. The open learning network (OLN)—a hybrid of the CMS and the personal learning environment (PLE)—is proposed as an alternative learning technology environment with the potential to leverage the affordances of the Web to dramatically improve learning. Keywords: course management system; higher education; open learning network; personal learning environment; technology; internet
A tree search approach to target tracking in clutter

A novel approach to target tracking using tree search techniques is presented. The tracking problem is framed as a generalized sequential detection problem in which every possible sequence of target states is mapped to a path through the search tree. The stack algorithm for depth-first tree search is then employed to navigate the tree and identify the most likely path, or equivalently the most likely sequence of target states, by extending a single promising path in each iteration. The tree-search tracking technique can be viewed as approximating the full Bayesian inference approach by computing the posterior distribution only in regions in which it has significant mass. Unlike approaches that build on Kalman filtering techniques, the proposed stack-based tracker suffers no performance loss in the presence of nonlinear and/or non-Gaussian motion and measurement models. Simulation results show that the stack-based tracker can achieve significant performance gains over the extended Kalman filter for both linear and nonlinear motion models.
Abstract 189: Surveillance and Management of Lymphoma Patients Receiving Anthracycline Based Chemotherapy

Background: Cardiotoxicity is one of the most common and devastating complications of anthracyline-based chemotherapy (AC). The AHA recommends routine surveillance, early diagnosis and treatment of AC induced cardiomyopathy (CMP). We assessed the pattern of surveillance of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and management of AC-CMP. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a cohort of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients evaluated by the Emory Lymphoma program who received AC between 1992 and 2013. We assessed cardiac function by echocardiogram or equilibrium radionuclide imaging. We also examined the prevalence of AC-CMP (defined as an absolute decrease in LVEF > 10% with a decline 50%) and quality of care of AC-CMP based on AHA heart failure guidelines including treatment with beta-blockers and ACE-inhibitors. Finally, we reviewed echocardiograms to assess echocardiographic measures of diastolic function. Results: Of 218 patients who received AC (median dose 300 mg/m2), 41% (89 of 218) had imaging surveillance before and after AC (Table 1). LVEF was evaluated by limited echo in 52% (46 of 89), comprehensive echo in 32% (29 of 89) and MUGA in 16% (14 of 89) of patients. Diastolic function was evaluated in only 20% (15 of 75) of patients. Twenty seven percent of patients (24 of 89) had AC-CMP, out of which 17% (15 of 89) had moderate-severe decrease in LVEF < 45%. Of patients with LVEF < 45%, only 47% (7 of 15) received ACE Inhibitors, 40% (6 of 15) received beta-blockers and 40% (6 of 15) had repeat assessment of LVEF. Notably, 46% (11 of 24) of patients with AC-CMP were asymptomatic and 42% (10 of 24) were symptomatic. Conclusions: Less than half of NHL patients treated with AC receive surveillance and treatment according to AHA guidelines. There is substantial opportunity for collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists to improve the care of oncology patients receiving AC . ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
The impact of the Solution Based Casework (SBC) practice model on federal outcomes in public child welfare.

Abstract Objective To test the effects of the Solution-Based Casework practice model on federal outcomes of safety, permanency and well-being. The Solution-Based Casework model combines family development theory, solution-focused skills and relapse prevention for the casework process in child protection. Method 4,559 public child welfare cases were reviewed through a CQI case review process. Results This study found that cases with high levels of fidelity to the model demonstrated significantly better outcomes in the areas of child safety, permanency and well-being and exceeded federal standards, while cases with low fidelity to the model failed to meet federal standards. Conclusion Components of the Solution-Based Casework were significant predictors of these federal outcomes and accounted for variance in these outcomes better than any other casework process factors.
Analysis of transformer-based resonator quality factor and bandwidth and the implications to VCOs

This paper studies how the reflected impedance impacts the quality factor and noise performance of transformer-based resonators. The analysis shows that in oscillators employing transformer-based resonators, the improved noise performance does not primarily come from an increase in Q, but instead from a decrease in the bandwidth of the resonator as compared to that of an equivalent inductor-based resonator.
Community-Based Approaches to Controlling Childhood Asthma

The prevalence and burden of childhood asthma remain high and are increasing. Asthma hot spot neighborhoods around the country face particular challenges in controlling the effects of the condition. Increasing attention is being paid to developing interventions that recognize the child and family as the primary managers of disease and to introducing assistance that reaches beyond the clinical care setting into the places where families live and work. A range of types of community-focused interventions has been assessed in the past decade in schools, homes, and community health clinics, and programs using electronic media and phone links have been evaluated. Stronger evidence for all these approaches is needed. However, school-based programs and community coalitions designed to bring about policy and systems changes show particular promise for achieving sustainable improvements in asthma control. Research is needed that emphasizes comparisons among proven asthma control interventions, translation of effect...
Nationwide Trends in Reported Incidence of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy from 2006 to 2012

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is believed to be an increasingly diagnosed syndrome; however, data on its incidence are limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the reported incidence of TC in the United States and to examine its trend over several years. Data was obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, created by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, for each of the years from 2006 to 2012. Hospital discharges with principal diagnosis of TC, identified using Internal Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code 429.83, were included. We tabulated estimated total numbers of discharges, incidence per 100,000 persons, mean length of stay, inhospital death rates, and diagnoses stratified by age group and gender. The reported incidence of TC based on principal diagnosis at hospital discharge increased significantly over the study period, with 315 cases ± 43 (standard error) in 2006 and 6,230 cases ± 232 (standard error) in 2012 (p 90% of diagnoses throughout the study period. In conclusion, the reported incidence of TC has increased significantly from 2006 to 2012, most likely because of increasing recognition of the syndrome.
What Grandmothers Can Teach us About Puerto Rican Culture and Community

The memorias of Puerto Rican abuelas (grandmothers) can be a valuable source for understanding how these women see themselves as members of a community and how they characterize what constitutes the Puerto Rican community in the diaspora. Project Memorias sought to elicit the memoires of a group of elderly Puerto Rican women in order to understand aspects of Puerto Rican history and culture and their roles in the migration to the mainland. In the project these abuelas puertorriquenas discussed their lives, their families in Puerto Rico, their transition to the Chicago area, and the changes they see as they observe the community around them.
Feline dermatophytosis. Recent advances and recommendations for therapy

Feline dermatophytosis is one of the most common skin diseases of cats. In the past, much of the information available on this subject stemmed from clinical observations. This article summarizes current research findings on the epidemiology, immunology, pathogenesis, and treatment of feline dermatophytosis. As a result of these studies, the authors propose new recommendations for treatment.
Dual tagged Amyloid-β Precursor Protein reveals distinct transport pathways of its N- and C-terminal fragments

The amyloid-β precursor protein (APP), a type I transmembrane protein genetically associated with Alzheimer's disease, has a complex biology that includes proteolytic processing into potentially toxic fragments, extensive trafficking and multiple, yet poorly-defined functions. We recently proposed that a significant fraction of APP is proteolytically cleaved in the neuronal soma into N- and C-terminal fragments (NTFs and CTFs), which then target independently of each other to separate destinations in the cell. Here, we prove this concept with live imaging and immunolocalization of two dual, N- and C-termini-tagged APP constructs: CFP-APP-YFP [containing the fluorescent tags, cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)] and FLAG-APP-Myc. When expressed at low levels in neuronal cells, these constructs are processed into differently tagged NTFs and CTFs that reveal distinct distributions and characteristics of transport. Like the endogenous N- and C-terminal epitopes of APP, the FLAG-tagged NTFs are present in trains of vesicles and tubules that localize to short filaments, which often immunostain for acetylated tubulin, whereas the Myc-tagged CTFs are detected on randomly distributed vesicle-like structures. The experimental treatments that selectively destabilize the acetylated microtubules abrogate the distribution of NTFs along filaments, without altering the random distribution of CTFs. These results indicate that the NTFs and CTFs are recruited to distinct transport pathways and reach separate destinations in neurons, where they likely accomplish functions independent of the parental, full-length APP. They also point to a compartment associated with acetylated microtubules in the neuronal soma—not the neurite terminals—as a major site of APP cleavage, and segregation of NTFs from CTFs.
Stable haptic interaction based on adaptive hierarchical shape matching

In this paper, we present a framework allowing users to interact with geometrically complex 3D deformable objects using (multiple) haptic devices based on an extended shape matching approach. There are two major challenges for haptic-enabled interaction using the shape matching method. The first is how to obtain a rapid deformation propagation when a large number of shape matching clusters exist. The second is how to robustly handle the collision response when the haptic interaction point hits the particle-sampled deformable volume. Our framework extends existing multi-resolution shape matching methods, providing an improved energy convergence rate. This is achieved by using adaptive integration strategies to avoid insignificant shape matching iterations during the simulation. Furthermore, we present a new mechanism called stable constraint particle coupling which ensures consistent deformable behavior during haptic interaction. As demonstrated in our experimental results, the proposed method provides natural and smooth haptic rendering as well as efficient yet stable deformable simulation of complex models in real time.
Pathogenic detection of infectious diarrhea in patients in a district of Beijing from 2011 to 2013

Objective To analyze the distribution and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis(PFGE)of pathogenic bacteria causing infectious diarrhea in a district of Beijing from2011 to 2013,and provide basis for tracing infection sources.Methods A total of 1 179 stool specimens of infectious diarrhea from patients in a diarrhea outpatient department from January 2011 to December 2013 were collected,all isolated pathogens were identified by serotyping and PFGE analysis.Results 330 enteric pathogens were isolated from1 179 specimens,the top4 bacteria were Shigella spp.(28.18%,n=93),Salmonella spp.(20.91%,n=69),Vibrio parahaemolyticus(13.33%,n=44),and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli(3.33%,n=11).18 Shigella sonnei isolates were identified as 8 PFGE patterns,clustering similarity was close to 88%;69 Salmonella spp.strains belonged to 18 serotypes and41 PFGE patterns,Salmonella senftenberg and Salmonella enteritidis had dominant patterns;no dominant PFGE patterns were obviously identified among 23 strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.Conclusion The serotypes and PFGE patterns of pathogenic bacteria in infectious diarrhea in past three years showed a wide distribution characteristics,the dominant PFGE patterns of Salmonella spp.and Shigella spp.need to be paid more attention,and outbreak of infectious diarrhea caused by Salmonella spp.and Shigella spp.should be alerted.
The Legalization of Transnational Political Opportunity Structures: Mobilization of NAFTA’s Labor Citizen Petitions for Domestic Political Gain

Despite being one of the few existing international labor rights agreements, the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC) — the North American Free Trade Agreement’s (NAFTA) labor ‘side’ agreement — has garnered little appreciation from either activists or scholars. Upon NAALC’s establishment in 1994, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization’s (AFL-CIO) Lane Kirkland called the accord a ‘bad joke ... a Rube Goldberg structure of committees all leading nowhere’ (Grayson 1995: 177). The dismissal of NAALC rests above all on the accord’s absence of binding authority. Although it liberally allows individuals or NGOs to file petitions of labor rights violations before specially created quasi-judicial bodies, the latter cannot compel compliance nor issue sanctions. Despite frustrations with the process, North American activists have raised over 30 petitions from 1994 through 2007. In so doing, they have contradicted the negative assessment of NAALC by effectively using citizen petitions to mobilize added political pressure on recalcitrant local agencies, federal agencies, and private companies. For example, a petition challenging the State of Washington’s treatment of migrant apple pickers prodded the state government to increase its enforcement of health and safety regulations and one of the major packing companies to accept a card-signing initiative from the Teamsters to unionize the plant. Notwithstanding, then, NAALC’s limitations, its citizen-petition mechanism presents a significant transnational political platform for challenging neoliberal-style economic integration.
Thermal Physics: Ideal Fermi gas

Why is it that particles with half-integer spin are Fermi particles whereas particles with integer spin are Bose particles? An explanation has been worked out by Pauli from complicated arguments from quantum field theory and relativity. He has shown that the two must necessarily go together … but we have not been able to reproduce his arguments on an elementary level. This probably means we do not have a complete understanding of the fundamental principle involved… R. P. Feynman, R.B. Leighton and M. Sands, Feynman Lectures on Physics , Volume 3, Chapter 4, Section 1, Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA (1963) Introduction Particles with half-integer angular momentum obey the Pauli exclusion principle (PEP) – a restriction that a non-degenerate single-particle quantum state can have occupation number of only 0 or 1. This restriction was announced by W. Pauli in 1924 for which, in 1945, he received the Nobel Prize in Physics. Soon after Pauli, the exclusion principle was generalized by P. Dirac and E. Fermi who – independently – integrated it into quantum mechanics. As a consequence half-integer spin particles are called Fermi–Dirac particles or fermions . PEP applies to electrons, protons, neutrons, neutrinos, quarks – and their antiparticles – as well as composite fermions such as He 3 atoms. Thermodynamic properties of metals and semiconductors are largely determined by electron (fermion) behavior.
Measuring Error Identification and Recovery Skills in Surgical Residents

Background Although error identification and recovery skills are essential for the safe practice of surgery, they have not traditionally been taught or evaluated in residency training. This study validates a method for assessing error identification and recovery skills in surgical residents using a thoracoscopic lobectomy simulator. Methods We developed a 5-station, simulator-based examination containing the most commonly encountered cognitive and technical errors occurring during division of the superior pulmonary vein for left upper lobectomy. Successful completion of each station requires identification and correction of these errors. Examinations were video recorded and scored in a blinded fashion using an examination-specific rating instrument evaluating task performance as well as error identification and recovery skills. Evidence of validity was collected in the categories of content, response process, internal structure, and relationship to other variables. Results Fifteen general surgical residents (9 interns and 6 third-year residents) completed the examination. Interrater reliability was high, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.78 between 4 trained raters. Station scores ranged from 64% to 84% correct. All stations adequately discriminated between high- and low-performing residents, with discrimination ranging from 0.35 to 0.65. The overall examination score was significantly higher for intermediate residents than for interns (mean, 74 versus 64 of 90 possible; p = 0.03). Conclusions The described simulator-based examination with embedded errors and its accompanying assessment tool can be used to measure error identification and recovery skills in surgical residents. This examination provides a valid method for comparing teaching strategies designed to improve error recognition and recovery to enhance patient safety.
Comments on “Pareto weights as wedges in two-country models” by D. Backus, C. Coleman, A. Ferriere and S. Lyon

Abstract Backus, Coleman, Ferriere and Lyon study how the formulations of preferences and shocks affect the behavior of macroeconomic and financial aggregates in a simple endowment economy with no frictions. Their exercise could be considered as a first step of a rich research program that can further our understanding of international business cycles. After discussing the fundamental propagation mechanisms in standard international business cycle models, I put their contribution in a broader context. I conclude with a summary of possible research questions to be explored in future work.
The role of plantigrady and heel-strike in the mechanics and energetics of human walking with implications for the evolution of the human foot

Human bipedal locomotion is characterized by a habitual heel-strike (HS) plantigrade gait, yet the significance of walking foot-posture is not well understood. To date, researchers have not fully investigated the costs of non-heel-strike (NHS) walking. Therefore, we examined walking speed, walk-to-run transition speed, estimated locomotor costs (lower limb muscle volume activated during walking), impact transient (rapid increase in ground force at touchdown) and effective limb length (ELL) in subjects (n=14) who walked at self-selected speeds using HS and NHS gaits. HS walking increases ELL compared with NHS walking since the center of pressure translates anteriorly from heel touchdown to toe-off. NHS gaits led to decreased absolute walking speeds (P=0.012) and walk-to-run transition speeds (P=0.0025), and increased estimated locomotor energy costs (P<0.0001) compared with HS gaits. These differences lost significance after using the dynamic similarity hypothesis to account for the effects of foot landing posture on ELL. Thus, reduced locomotor costs and increased maximum walking speeds in HS gaits are linked to the increased ELL compared with NHS gaits. However, HS walking significantly increases impact transient values at all speeds (P<0.0001). These trade-offs may be key to understanding the functional benefits of HS walking. Given the current debate over the locomotor mechanics of early hominins and the range of foot landing postures used by nonhuman apes, we suggest the consistent use of HS gaits provides key locomotor advantages to striding bipeds and may have appeared early in hominin evolution.
Legacy: the Past to the Present and Men to Women

A concept of this design is to revive the disappearing beauty of the kimono and to regain Japanese tradition in clothing design by mixing historical and modern elements together.
Abstract 386: 6-bomoindirubin-3’-oxime Induces Dedifferentiation of Endothelial Cells During Neovascularization

RATIONALE: Endothelial cell (EC) de-differentiation is a major challenge to understanding neovascularization and regenerative medicine. Rapid re-entry into the cell cycle, asymmetric cell division (ACD), and migratory phenotypes are considered hallmarks of cellular de-differentiation. The ability to induce de-differentiation of resident cells at the site of injury or ischemic tissues may be a useful approach for reparative and regenerative medicine. GOAL: To test the capacity of 6-bromoindirubin-3’-oxime (BIO), an inhibitor of GSK-3β, to induce neovascularization by stimulating a transcriptional program centering the NANOG gene networks in ECs. RESULTS: We show that BIO not only induced the interaction of β-catenin with NANOG, but also increased the expression of mesenchymal and hemangioblastic cell markers NANOG, VEGFR2, BRACHYURY , and CD133, while decreasing mature EC markers von Willebrand Factor ( v WF) and PECAM-1 (CD31). Increased expression of the NANOG transcriptional network induced characteristics of mesenchymal/stem-like cellular behavior in a hanging drop assay and increased robust neovascularization in vitro and in vivo . Furthermore, microscopic analyses indicated the ability of BIO to induce ACD in these cells, a hallmark of stem cell self-renewal. In contrast, NANOG- knockdown inhibited the ability of BIO treated ECs to divide asymmetrically, to form cellular aggregates, and to undergo angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the capacity of BIO to induce dedifferentiation of ECs into “stem-like“ cells by up-regulating the expression of NANOG and NANOG gene networks. Thus, we propose that BIO could become useful not only for inducing neovascularization of ischemic tissues in situ , but also for generating a large number of cells for transplantation and regenerative medicine.
A Probabilistic Cellular Automata Framework for Assessing the Impact of WUI Fires on Communities

Abstract The ‘wildland–urban interface’ (WUI) is a term commonly used to describe areas where wildfires and the built environment have the potential to interact resulting in loss of properties and potential loss of life. Significant residential losses associated with wildland interface fires have occurred worldwide in recent years and substantial research has been conducted on developing numerical models of ignition due to convection and ember attacks. These studies provide substantial insight into the behaviour and growth of wildland fires, which have been further utilized to build fire exposure rating of structures. The FireWise program in the United States and the FireSmart manual in Canada are two key examples of provisions developed for determining fire exposure ratings for a structure. While previous studies provide significant contribution to modelling fire propagation, a much more comprehensive model is required, which would encompass all the key variables associated with WUI fires. This paper aims at extending previously conducted efforts by developing a simulation-based model. A typical fire propagation simulation requires solving the coupled fluid-thermal differential equations which results in extreme run times making it unsuitable for general purposes, however the model in this study utilizes theory of cellular automata, which reduces the processing times substantially by simplifying the underlying equations involved. Cellular automata utilize a specific set of rules to model propagation by convection as well as ember travel. In addition, the model also considers key parameters such as humidity, nature of vegetation and topology while evaluating the propagation paths. Due to the flexible nature of the model its accuracy can be tuned to a certain extent by optimizing the propagation rules using real-event data
Application of D-Q frame impedance-based stability criterion in power systems with multiple STATCOMs in proximity

Impedance-based stability criterion has been proven to be a powerful tool for small-signal stability analysis and design, derived from Nyquist stability criterion and first developed in dc-dc power electronics converter systems. Recently it has been extended to ac systems to address the issues and challenges coming with more and more power electronics based converters connected to the existing ac power grids, either in transmission or distribution level. With that, only terminal information is sufficient to judge small-signal stability, which can be from either impedance model or experimental results. Therefore, internal details of inverters are not necessary, facilitating the system operator to integrate. This paper specifically presents a case study with multiple STATCOMs in IEEE 14-bus system to illustrate the application of the d-q frame impedance-based stability criterion. It shows that the impedance-based stability criterion can predict the small-signal stability with accurate oscillatory frequency for STATCOMs' interactions, and a new instability pattern was found from the impedance point of view.
August, 1986—New York City to Combermere, Ontario

The Baroness learned of the children being deposited at the orphanage via courier. The courier had been sent from the Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, whom the Baroness answered to when she ministered to the needy who lived within the crumbling infrastructure of Harlem.
Unraveling the Semiconducting/Metallic Discrepancy in Ni3(HITP)2

Ni3(2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene)2 is a π-stacked layered metal–organic framework material with extended π-conjugation that is analogous to graphene. Published experimental results indicate that the material is semiconducting, but all theoretical studies to date predict the bulk material to be metallic. Given that previous experimental work was carried out on specimens containing complex nanocrystalline microstructures and the tendency for internal interfaces to introduce transport barriers, we apply DFT to investigate the influence of internal interface defects on the electronic structure of Ni3(HITP)2. The results show that interface defects can introduce a transport barrier by breaking the π-conjugation and/or decreasing the dispersion of the electronic bands near the Fermi level. We demonstrate that the presence of defects can open a small gap, in the range of 15–200 meV, which is consistent with the experimentally inferred hopping barrier.
Characterization of Plant Small RNAs by Next Generation Sequencing

Plant small RNAs are ∼20 to 24 nucleotide noncoding RNAs that typically have repressive regulatory roles in gene expression, functioning at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. This influence on regulation of developmental and physiological processes has direct effects on phenotype. High-throughput sequencing technologies have enabled the sequencing of millions of small RNAs. Along with decreased sequencing costs, recent improvements in small RNA library construction have facilitated the ability to use minimal amounts of input RNA for analysis. This unit describes steps to isolate total RNA from limited amounts of plant tissue to construct small RNA libraries and perform small RNA data processing. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Addressing palliative and end-of-life care needs with Native American elders.

Background: Life-limiting illness plagues Native Americans, yet access to palliative and end-of-life care, including hospice care, is severely limited. Aim: This study aimed to explore palliative and hospice care with Native American elders and tribal health educators on a Northern Plains reservation in the US. Methods: Using a community-based participatory approach, participants discussed the cultural acceptability of palliative and hospice care in their tribal community. Monthly talking circles were held over a 5-month period. Results: Opportunities were present for improving cultural awareness and advance directive education to elders. Challenges raised were related to infrastructure, tribal government and the Indian Health Service. Needs identified included cultural awareness and language education for health-care providers and advance directive education. Conclusion: Community-based participatory research is useful when working with indigenous populations. Health professionals providing services to N...
The BioMediator system as a data integration tool to answer diverse biologic queries.

We present the BioMediator (www.biomediator.org) system and the process of executing queries on it. The system was designed as a tool for posing queries across semantically and syntactically heterogeneous data particularly in the biological arena. We use examples from researchers at the University of Washington, and the University of Missouri-Columbia, to discuss the BioMediator system architecture, query execution, modifications to the system to support the queries, and summarize our findings and our future directions. Finally, we discuss the system’s flexibility and generalized approach and give examples of how the system can be extended for a variety of objectives.
The Limone Sul Garda Gene

High density lipoproteins (HDL) are a heterogeneous group of lipoproteins noted for their negative correlation with the incidence of atherosclerosis (Barr et al., 1951; Gofman et al., 1966; Miller & Miller, 1975; Gordon et al., 1977). The mechanism by which they confer protection against atherosclerosis is unclear. In vitro experiments involving isolated erythrocytes and cultured cells suggest that HDL may be involved in the delivery of cholesterol from the peripheral tissues to the liver for disposal (Glomset & Norum, 1973; Stein & Stein, 1973; Stein et al., 1976; Bates & Rothblat, 1974). Metabolic studies in man have suggested an inverse correlation between the size of the total body cholesterol pool and plasma HDL level (Miller et al., 1976). It is also possible that HDL may simply be a marker for a certain pattern of lipid transport and metabolism that confers protection against the development of atherosclerosis.
Rhetoric, Through Everyday Things, edited by Scot Barnett and Casey Boyle

Scot Barnett and Casey Boyle open Rhetoric, Through Everyday Things by positing that “In disciplines across the humanities and social sciences, the first decade of the twenty-first century has been...
Peer support and mobile health technology targeting obesity-related cardiovascular risk in young adults with serious mental illness: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Background Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder face a higher risk of early death due to cardiovascular disease and other preventable chronic illnesses. Young adulthood is a critical window of development for lifestyle interventions to improve the long-term health and quality of life in this population. Fit Forward is an NIH-funded randomized clinical trial examining the effectiveness of a group lifestyle intervention (PeerFIT) enhanced with mobile health technology compared to one-on-one mobile lifestyle coaching with Basic Education in fitness and nutrition supported by a wearable Activity Tracking device (BEAT) in achieving clinically significant weight loss and improved cardiorespiratory fitness in young adults with SMI. Methods Fit Forward targets 144 young adults (18 to 35 years) with SMI and a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 receiving public mental health services. In a two-arm randomized clinical trial, participants will be randomly assigned with equal probability to PeerFIT or BEAT, stratified by birth sex and psychiatric diagnosis. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome is cardiovascular risk reduction indicated by either clinically significant weight loss (5% or greater) or increased fitness (>50 m on the 6-Minute Walk Test). Secondary outcomes include change in BMI, lipids, and hemoglobin A1c. Perceived self-efficacy for exercise and peer support will be evaluated as mechanisms underlying intervention effects. Conclusion If effective, PeerFIT will provide a potentially scalable approach to addressing health risks among young adults with SMI in mental health settings. Trials registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02815813 .
The Juridification of Labor Arbitration

This paper picks up on a decades old debate between Professors Theodore St. Antoine and David Feller. They disputed the value of the U.S. Supreme Court’s enchanted vision of labor arbitration announced in the Steelworker’s Trilogy in 1960. Feller thought arbitral independence to be threatened by the assimilation of law outside the collective agreement. St. Antoine argued that contract qua contract was enough to insulate labor arbitration without all the “mythology” the Court attached to the arbitral role. The author, taking a cue from the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in P&G Polymers v. Tackett, sees the arbitral role as potentially being threatened by a pure contract focus, one that would incorporate “ordinary contract” law as requisite in the analysis of collective bargaining agreements. In other words, he sees value in enchantment.