cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Receptor Databases and Computational Websites for Ligand Binding

Ligand binding to receptors is a key step in the regulation of cellular function by neurotransmitters, hormones, and many drugs. Not surprisingly then, genome projects have found that families of receptor genes form the largest groups of functional genes in mammalian genomes. A large body of experimental data have thus been generated on receptor-ligand interactions, and in turn, numerous computational tools for the in silico prediction of receptor-ligand interactions have been developed. Websites containing ligand binding data and tools to assess and manipulate such data are available in the public domain. Such Websites provide a resource for experimentalists studying receptor binding and for scientists interested in utilizing large data sets for other purposes, which include modeling structure-function relationships, defining patterns of interactions of drugs with different receptors, and computational comparisons among receptors. The Websites include databases of receptor protein and nucleotide sequences for particular classes of receptors (such as G-protein-coupled receptors and nuclear receptors) and of experimental results from receptor-ligand binding assays, as well as computational tools for modeling the interactions between ligands and receptors and predicting the function of orphan receptors. In this chapter, we provide information and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) for Websites that facilitate computational and experimental studies of receptor-ligand interactions. This list will be periodically updated at https://sites.google.com/site/receptorligandbinding/.
Diabetes Device Use and Glycemic Control among Youth with Type 1 Diabetes: A Single-Center, Cross-Sectional Study

Aim. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the rates of diabetes device use (insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM)) and association with glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes in a large, diverse pediatric center. Methods. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from 1992 patients who met the eligibility criteria (age for both). Female patients had higher rates of pump use only ( ). Private health insurance, NH white race/ethnicity, and CGM use were each associated with lower HbA1c ( , <0.001, and <0.008, resp.). Conclusion. At a large, diverse, pediatric diabetes center, disparities in diabetes device use were present across sex, race/ethnicity, health insurance coverage, and primary language of parent(s). CGM use was associated with lower HbA1c. Quality improvement efforts are underway to ensure improved access, education, and clinical programs for advanced diabetes devices for T1D patients.
Nuclear lamina dysfunction triggers a germline stem cell checkpoint

LEM domain (LEM-D) proteins are conserved components of the nuclear lamina (NL) that contribute to stem cell maintenance through poorly understood mechanisms. The Drosophila emerin homolog Otefin (Ote) is required for maintenance of germline stem cells (GSCs) and gametogenesis. Here, we show that ote mutants carry germ cell-specific changes in nuclear architecture that are linked to GSC loss. Strikingly, we found that both GSC death and gametogenesis are rescued by inactivation of the DNA damage response (DDR) kinases, ATR and Chk2. Whereas the germline checkpoint draws from components of the DDR pathway, genetic and cytological features of the GSC checkpoint differ from the canonical pathway. Instead, structural deformation of the NL correlates with checkpoint activation. Despite remarkably normal oogenesis, rescued oocytes do not support embryogenesis. Taken together, these data suggest that NL dysfunction caused by Otefin loss triggers a GSC-specific checkpoint that contributes to maintenance of gamete quality.
Development and Implications of an Evidence-based and Public Health-relevant Definition of Complicated Appendicitis in Children.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the influence of intraoperative findings on complications and resource utilization as a means to establish an evidence-based and public health-relevant definition for complicated appendicitis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Consensus is lacking surrounding the definition of complicated appendicitis in children. Establishment of a consensus definition may have implications for standardizing the reporting of clinical research data and for refining reimbursement guidelines. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of patients ages 3 to 18 years who underwent appendectomy from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014 across 22 children's hospitals (n = 5002). Intraoperative findings and clinical data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric Appendectomy Pilot Database were merged with cost data from the Pediatric Health Information System Database. Multivariable regression was used to examine the influence of 4 intraoperative findings [visible hole (VH), diffuse fibrinopurulent exudate (DFE) extending outside the right lower quadrant (RLQ)/pelvis, abscess, and extra-luminal fecalith] on complication rates and resource utilization after controlling for patient and hospital-level characteristics. RESULTS At least 1 of the 4 intraoperative findings was reported in 26.6% (1333/5002) of all cases. Following adjustment, each of the 4 findings was independently associated with higher rates of adverse events compared with cases where the findings were absent (VH: OR 5.57 [95% CI 3.48-8.93], DFE: OR 4.65[95% CI 2.91-7.42], abscess: OR 8.96[95% CI 5.33-15.08], P < 0.0001, fecalith: OR 5.01[95% CI 2.02-12.43], P = 0.001), and higher rates of revisits (VH: OR 2.02 [95% CI 1.34-3.04], P = 0.001, DFE: OR 1.59[95% CI 1.07-2.37], P = 0.02, abscess: OR 2.04[95% CI 1.2-3.49], P = 0.01, fecalith: OR 2.31[95% CI 1.06-5.02], P = 0.04). Each of the 4 findings was also independently associated with increased resource utilization, including longer cumulative length of stay (VH: Rate ratio [RR] 3.15[95% CI 2.86-3.46], DFE: RR 3.06 [95% CI 2.83-3.13], abscess: RR 3.94 [95% CI 3.55-4.37], fecalith: RR 2.35 [95% CI 1.87-2.96], P = < 0.0001) and higher cumulative hospital cost (VH: RR 1.97[95% CI 1.64-2.37], P < 0.0001, DFE: RR 1.8[95% CI 1.55-2.08], P = < 0.0001, abscess: RR 2.02[95% CI 1.61-2.53], P < 0.0001, fecalith: RR 1.49[95% CI 0.98-2.28], P = 0.06) compared with cases where the findings were absent. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE The presence of a visible hole, diffuse fibrinopurulent exudate, intra-abdominal abscess, and extraluminal fecalith were independently associated with markedly worse outcomes and higher cost in children with appendicitis. The results of this study provide an evidence-based and public health-relevant framework for defining complicated appendicitis in children.
Protective stepping in multiple sclerosis: Impacts of a single session of in-place perturbation practice.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the impact of a single day of protective stepping practice in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Background Multiple Sclerosis is a leading cause of disability among young adults in the United States. Gait and balance dysfunction are both widespread in MS and strong predictors of falls, disability, and quality of life among those with MS. Method Fourteen participants with MS and 11 neurotypical, age-matched control participants were exposed to repeated support surface perturbations over the course of 2 days: one “training” day and one “retention” day. Perturbations were elicited on an instrumented treadmill and marker data were collected to evaluate five outcomes (Margin of Stability, Step Length, Step Latency, Leg Angle, and Trunk Angle). Analytic Method Repeated measures data were analyzed using linear growth models and mixed effects models to evaluate the effects of group (MS or Control), trial, and the interaction of group by trial. Results Significant improvements in Step Length and Leg Angle and a trend for improvement in Margin of Stability among those with MS were observed. Step Latency and Trunk Angle did not show significant changes. Retention analyses revealed significant retention of improvements in Step Length and Leg Angle among MS participants. Discussion Protective step characteristics have been shown to be important predictors of fall risk in populations affected by neurological disorders. The present study indicates that these characteristics may be amenable to intervention through exposure to repeated, perturbations requiring protective stepping. Further research is needed to establish the predictive utility of these biomechanical markers for falls in MS specifically; however, the present findings suggest that perturbation training may be a valuable means of decreasing fall risk among those affected by MS.
Learning and Memory: Brain Systems

The previous chapter summarized the cellular and molecular mechanisms of memory and explained that individual neurons contain complex machinery capable of altering membrane excitability and synaptic strength. These neuronal building blocks are the fundamental basis of plasticity, and this plasticity supports behavior through memory systems, complex circuits involving a large number of interconnected neurons. The present chapter focuses on the major memory systems of the brain and considers how each system supports learning. The chapter begins with a brief introduction to the concept of multiple forms of memory and follows with a summary of the hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum, amygdala, and cerebral cortex from a memory systems perspective. The final section considers how these systems might work in concert to support learned behaviors.
Cardiac Pacemaker:: A New Indication for Cervical Plexus Block

Cervical plexus block with bupivacaine 0.375% was evaluated in 26 patients undergoing cardiac pacemaker insertion or battery change. Twenty-three patients (88%) had complete anesthesia, and six patients (23%) complained of discomfort or mild pain during the distal dissection of the pocket, most likely due to stimulation of T2. However, analgesia was required in only three of the patients. Cervical block offers an effective alternative anesthetic approach to local infiltration for pacemaker surgery.
Complications of total joint arthroplasty in solid organ transplant patients versus a large control group

Abstract Background Solid organ transplant patients are theoretically at increased risk for complications after total joint replacement due to immunosuppressive medication regimens and multiple medical co-morbidities. There are a number of studies that report on outcomes of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) following solid organ transplant, however, the results are heterogeneous. This study evaluated the outcomes of TJA in solid organ transplant patients as compared to non-organ transplant controls at one academic medical center. Methods This study was a single institution retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients who underwent joint replacement following solid organ transplant as compared to a control cohort over a 10-year period. Univariable and multivariable generalized linear mixed effects models were used to compare the odds of readmission, infection, mortality, and being discharged home between transplanted (cases) and non-transplanted (control) patients. Results Transplant and non-transplant cohorts had similar BMI, although transplant patients were younger (61 versus 65 years) and had a higher incidence of Diabetes (55% vs. 16%). On multivariable analysis, there was no difference in the odds of re-admission or rate of infection, but there was an increased risk of death and admission to a rehab facility in the transplant cohort. Conclusion Overall, this study demonstrates that solid organ transplant alone does not increase the risk of peri-operative complications in patients who underwent hip and knee replacement. However, it should be expected that these patients have a higher mortality rate and that many of them will need to be discharged to a post-acute care facility.
Efficient production of GGTA1 knockout porcine embryos using a modified handmade cloning (HMC) method.

Abstract Handmade cloning is a zona-free nuclear transfer approach and an economical, efficient, and simple micromanipulation-free alternative to dolly based traditional cloning (TC). In this study, based on handmade cloning with minor modifications, an optimized bi-oocyte fusion (BOF) cloning method was established to produce GGTA1 KO porcine embryos using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. The GGTA1 gene is responsible for the generation of Gal epitopes on the surface of porcine cells, triggering hyperacute immune rejection in preclinical porcine-to-human xenotransplantation. The purpose of the present study is to establish an efficient protocol for activation of porcine oocyte cytoplast-fibroblast fused constructs developed to GGTA1 KO blastocysts by the zona-free bi-oocyte fusion cloning method. High percentages of cleavage (90 ± 2.6%) and blastocyst rates (39 ± 4.0%) were achieved upon treatment with demecolcine-assisted oocyte enucleation followed by 6 V alternating current for proper alignment and single-step fusion technique using a single direct current pulse of 1.0 kV/cm for 9 μs duration, compared to the double-step fusion method with combined chemical activation using thimerosal and dithiothreitol. Overall blastocyst rate was higher for oocyte enucleation by demecolcine (0.4 μg/ml) and 45 min incubation (42 ± 1.5%) compared to without demecolcine incubation followed by complete chemical thimerosal/dithiothreitol activation (33 ± 1.1%). The blastocyst rate (39 ± 1.0%) was found to be significantly higher 1 h post-electrofusion, compared to at 0 and 4 h (28 ± 1.5 and 6 ± 1.5%, respectively). Blastocyst development rates for GGTA1 knockout embryos (38 ± 1.76%) were comparable to those obtained with wild-type embryos (41.1 ± 0.67%). In conclusion, we achieved high overall efficiency in production of GGTA1 KO blastocysts by modified HMC protocol.
A Man With Recurrent Fever, Episodic Rash, and Pain.

The patient presented to our clinic from out of state in October 2018. Previously, in 2014, he underwent an elective left total hip arthroplasty with a ceramic-on-polyethylene prosthesis for osteoarthritis. The surgery and recovery were uneventful. In November 2014, hives developed on his upper arms. Within weeks, the hives spread to his trunk and thighs but spared his face, palms, and soles. The symmetric, nonpruritic, nonpainful rash was without angioedema. The hives initially persisted for 5 days, followed by resolution for several days.
Research and design of precise voltage conversion unit for low-voltage output sensor

In order to solve the problem of traceability and error calibration of low-voltage output signal equipment, such as active electronic voltage transformer and voltage sensor in primary and secondary fusion equipment of distribution network, etc. In this paper, a precision voltage conversion unit which can realize reverse phase and 1:10 arbitrary proportion voltage conversion unit is developed. The feedback loop to realize differential dynamic follow of output signal to input signal and the two-stage induction coil with multistage shielding and quadratic proportional superposition are designed in this paper. The error analysis and test of the precision voltage conversion unit are carried out. The maximum output ratio error is 42ppm and the maximum angle error is 24urad at 1:1—1:10 scale.
Effective Use of Virtual Gamification During COVID-19 to Deliver the OB-GYN Core Curriculum in an Emergency Medicine Resident Conference

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has challenged medical educators on continuing to provide quality educational content in a virtual setting. The objective of this module was to create a gamified review of core obstetric and gynecology (OB-GYN) topics that residents would find educational and informative. Methods The game created was modeled after the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance?", with a warm-up and several rounds of rapid-fire OB-GYN questions and cases, eliminating teams to a final face-off. The residents were given a post-session survey to determine their attitudes and learning towards this virtual conference approach. Results Based on the post-session survey, the majority of the residents found this activity to be educational, entertaining, engaging, and better than the traditional lecture format. Conclusion This initial attempt at migrating gamification, a core component of our live conferences, into the new virtual arena, was well-received by learners as effective, educational, and engaging. This style of gamification can be incorporated into residency programs at other institutions currently limited to virtual platforms to boost resident education and engagement.
Cortical Proteins Associated With Cognitive Resilience in Community-Dwelling Older Persons.

Importance Identifying genes and proteins for cognitive resilience (ie, targets that may be associated with slowing or preventing cognitive decline regardless of the presence, number, or combination of common neuropathologic conditions) provides a complementary approach to developing novel therapeutics for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer disease and related dementias. Objective To identify proteins associated with cognitive resilience via a proteome-wide association study of the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Design, Setting, and Participants This study used data from 391 community-dwelling older persons who participated in the Religious Orders Study and the Rush Memory and Aging Project. The Religious Orders Study began enrollment January 1, 1994, and the Rush Memory and Aging Project began enrollment September 1, 1997, and data were collected and analyzed through October 23, 2019. Exposures Participants had undergone annual detailed clinical examinations, postmortem evaluations, and tandem mass tag proteomics analyses. Main Outcomes and Measures The outcome of cognitive resilience was defined as a longitudinal change in cognition over time after controlling for common age-related neuropathologic indices, including Alzheimer disease, Lewy bodies, transactive response DNA-binding protein 43, hippocampal sclerosis, infarcts, and vessel diseases. More than 8000 high abundance proteins were quantified from frozen dorsolateral prefrontal cortex tissue using tandem mass tag and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results There were 391 participants (273 women); their mean (SD) age was 79.7 (6.7) years at baseline and 89.2 (6.5) years at death. Eight cortical proteins were identified in association with cognitive resilience: a higher level of NRN1 (estimate, 0.140; SE, 0.024;P = 7.35 × 10−9), ACTN4 (estimate, 0.321; SE, 0.065;P = 9.94 × 10−7), EPHX4 (estimate, 0.198; SE, 0.042;P = 2.13 × 10−6), RPH3A (estimate, 0.148; SE, 0.031;P = 2.58 × 10−6), SGTB (estimate, 0.211; SE, 0.045;P = 3.28 × 10−6), CPLX1 (estimate, 0.136; SE, 0.029;P = 4.06 × 10−6), and SH3GL1 (estimate, 0.179; SE, 0.039;P = 4.21 × 10−6) and a lower level of UBA1 (estimate, −0.366; SE, 0.076;P = 1.43 × 10−6) were associated with greater resilience. Conclusions and Relevance These protein signals may represent novel targets for the maintenance of cognition in old age.
My Teacher Is a Machine: Understanding Students’ Perceptions of AI Teaching Assistants in Online Education

An increase in demand for online education has led to the creation of a new technology, machine teachers, or artificial intelligence (AI) teaching assistants. In fact, AI teaching assistants have a...
Prediction of Sudden Cardiac Death Using Ensemble Classifiers

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is a medical problem that is responsible for over 300,000 deaths per year in the United States and millions worldwide. SCD is defined as death occurring from within one hour of the onset of acute symptoms, an unwitnessed death in the absence of pre-existing progressive circulatory failures or other causes of deaths, or death during attempted resuscitation. Sudden death due to cardiac reasons is a leading cause of death among Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) patients. The use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems has made a wealth of medical data available for research and analysis. Supervised machine learning methods have been successfully used for medical diagnosis. Ensemble classifiers are known to achieve better prediction accuracy than its constituent base classifiers. In an effort to understand the factors contributing to SCD, data on 2,521 patients were collected for the Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD-HeFT). The data included 96 features that were gathered over a period of 5 years. The goal of this work was to develop a model that could accurately predict SCD based on available features. The prediction model used the Cox proportional hazards model as a score and then used the ExtraTreesClassifier algorithm as a boosting mechanism to create the ensemble. We tested the system at prediction point of 180 days. Our best results were at 180-days with accuracy of 0.9624, specificity of 0.9915, and F1 score of 0.9607.
Racial Disparities in Hypertension Prevalence within US Gentrifying Neighborhoods.

Racial disparities in hypertension remain a persistent public health concern in the US. While several studies report Black–White differences in the health impacts of gentrification, little is known concerning the impact of living in a gentrifying neighborhood on hypertension disparities. Data from the American Community Survey were used to identify gentrifying neighborhoods across the US from 2006 to 2017. Health and demographic data were obtained for non-Hispanic Black and White respondents of the 2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) residing in gentrifying neighborhoods. Modified Poisson models were used to determine whether there is a difference in the prevalence of hypertension of individuals by their race/ethnicity for those that live in gentrifying neighborhoods across the US. When compared to Whites living within gentrifying neighborhoods, Blacks living within gentrifying neighborhoods had a similar prevalence of hypertension. The non-existence of Black–White hypertension disparities within US gentrifying neighborhoods underscores the impact of neighborhood environment on race differences in hypertension.
HYPOTHESIS TESTING FOR ARCH MODELS: A MULTIPLE QUANTILE REGRESSIONS APPROACH

We propose a quantile regression-based test to detect the presence of autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity by combining distributional information across multiple quantiles. A chi-square-type test statistic based on the weighted average of distinct regression quantile estimators is formed. Unlike the widely used likelihood-based tests, the proposed test does not make any distributional assumptions on the underlying errors. Monte Carlo simulation studies show that the proposed test outperforms the likelihood-based tests in several aspects.
Especie nueva de sanguijuela del género Helobdella (Rhynchobdellida: Glossiphoniidae) del lago de Catemaco, Veracruz, México

A new leech species of the genus Helobdella from Catemaco Lake, Veracruz, Mexico is described based on the examination of 23 specimens. Leeches were found attached to submerged rocks and plants. The new species lacks a nuchal scute and is distinguishable from other species of the genus by the presence of a obscure dorsal surface with white spots of different size and irregularly arranged; three or five longitudinal rows of dorsal papillae; salivary glands diffused in the parenchyma; six pairs of crop caeca, the posterior pair forming post-caeca or diverticula.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Composites at Cryogenic Temperatures

Because of the large forces encountered in large superconducting energy storage magnets, forces have to be transmitted through high strength struts to the room temperature structure. Besides strength, the material of these struts has to have a low thermal conductivity in order to minimize the refrigeration requirement for the energy storage system. The candidate materials that possess high strength-to-weight ratios and low thermal conductivities are fiberglass-epoxy and polyester composites. However, the cost of the selected material is also an important factor because of the large amount required in large superconducting magnet energy systems (SMES). Therefore, the choice of a strut material has to be based on a careful balance between the different factors involved. Fiberglass-reinforced epoxy composites have been successfully employed in different applications in fusion and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) programs and several studies were carried out to investigate the mechanical and thermal properties of these composites at low temperatures.1–3 On the other hand, fiberglass-reinforced polyester composites are cheaper.
Exercising upper respiratory videoendoscopic evaluation of 100 nonracing performance horses with abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor performance

Summary Reasons for performing study: Although well documented in racehorses, there is paucity in the literature regarding the prevalence of dynamic upper airway abnormalities in nonracing performance horses. Objective: To describe upper airway function of nonracing performance horses with abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor performance via exercising upper airway videoendoscopy. Methods: Medical records of nonracing performance horses admitted for exercising evaluation with a chief complaint of abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor performance were reviewed. All horses had video recordings of resting and exercising upper airway endoscopy. Relationships between horse demographics, resting endoscopic findings, treadmill intensity and implementation of head and neck flexion during exercise with exercising endoscopic findings were examined. Results: Dynamic upper airway obstructions were observed in 72% of examinations. Head and neck flexion was necessary to obtain a diagnosis in 21 horses. Pharyngeal wall collapse was the most prevalent upper airway abnormality, observed in 31% of the examinations. Complex abnormalities were noted in 27% of the examinations. Resting laryngeal dysfunction was significantly associated with dynamic arytenoid collapse and the odds of detecting intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) during exercise in horses with resting DDSP was only 7.7%. Exercising endoscopic observations were different from the resting observations in 54% of examinations. Conclusions: Dynamic upper airway obstructions were common in nonracing performance horses with respiratory noise and/or poor performance. Resting endoscopy was only helpful in determining exercising abnormalities with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. Potential relevance: This study emphasises the importance of exercising endoscopic evaluation in nonracing performance horses with abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor performance for accurate assessment of dynamic upper airway function.
Een gedroomde samenwerking

Dit onderzoek betreft een uitgebreide stakeholdersbevraging naar samenwerking binnen het domein van de geestelijke gezondheidszorg voor ouderen. Samenwerking is een belangrijk thema in het huidige beleidsplan geestelijke gezondheidszorg in Vlaanderen dat inzet op vermaatschappelijking van de zorg. Het overlegplatform Samenwerking Psychiatrische Initiatieven Limburg (SPIL) rekruteerde vertegenwoordigers van de eerstelijnsgezondheidszorg via de Plaatselijk Overleg Platforms (POP) en andere relevante actoren. Het onderzoek werd kwalitatief gevoerd waarbij een waarderende benadering gehanteerd werd binnen de methodiek van focusgroepen. In totaal waren er 110 deelnemers voor twaalf focusgroepen. Aan hen werd gevraagd te dromen van een ideale samenwerking. Uit de resultaten blijkt een grote bereidheid tot effectief samenwerken waarbij de patient centraal staat. Er is vooral vraag naar kennis, expertise en praktische ondersteuning van elkaar. De vraag naar een consultfunctie is reeel. De belangrijkste voorwaarde voor samenwerking is elkaar kennen. Daar is tijd en ruimte voor nodig. Een gedeeld patientendossier staat ook op de verlanglijst. De conclusie is dat er geen vraag is naar grote nieuwe projecten maar wel naar het verder inzetten op de concrete uitwerking van samenwerking.
Structure at 0.85 Å resolution of an early protein photocycle intermediate

Protein photosensors from all kingdoms of life use bound organic molecules, known as chromophores, to detect light. A specific double bond within each chromophore is isomerized by light, triggering slower changes in the protein as a whole. The initial movements of the chromophore, which can occur in femtoseconds, are tightly constrained by the surrounding protein, making it difficult to see how isomerization can occur, be recognized, and be appropriately converted into a protein-wide structural change and biological signal. Here we report how this dilemma is resolved in the photoactive yellow protein (PYP). We trapped a key early intermediate in the light cycle of PYP at temperatures below -100 degrees C, and determined its structure at better than 1 A resolution. The 4-hydroxycinnamoyl chromophore isomerizes by flipping its thioester linkage with the protein, thus avoiding collisions resulting from large-scale movement of its aromatic ring during the initial light reaction. A protein-to-chromophore hydrogen bond that is present in both the preceding dark state and the subsequent signalling state of the photosensor breaks, forcing one of the hydrogen-bonding partners into a hydrophobic pocket. The isomerized bond is distorted into a conformation resembling that in the transition state. The resultant stored energy is used to drive the PYP light cycle. These results suggest a model for phototransduction, with implications for bacteriorhodopsin, photoactive proteins, PAS domains, and signalling proteins.
The footprint of urban climates on vegetation phenology

[1] Human activity, through changing land use and other activities, is the most fundamental source of environmental change on the Earth. Urbanization and the resultant ‘‘urban heat islands’’ provide a means for evaluating the effect of climate warming on vegetation phenology. Using data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, we analyzed urban-rural differences in vegetation phenological transition dates and land surface temperatures for urban areas larger than 10 km 2 in eastern North America. The results show that the effect of urban climates on vegetation phenology decays exponentially with distance from urban areas with substantial influence up to 10 km beyond the edge of urban land cover, and that the ecological ‘‘footprint’’ of urban climates is about 2.4 times that of urban land use in eastern North America. The net effect is an increase in the growing season by about 15 days in urban areas relative to adjacent unaffected rural areas. INDEX TERMS: 0315 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Biosphere/atmosphere interactions; 0330 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Geochemical cycles; 1615 Global Change: Biogeochemical processes (4805); 1620 Global Change: Climate dynamics (3309); 1640 Global Change: Remote sensing. Citation: Zhang, X., M. A. Friedl, C. B. Schaaf, A. H. Strahler, and A. Schneider (2004), The footprint of urban climates on vegetation phenology, Geophys. Res. Lett., 31, L12209, doi:10.1029/2004GL020137.
Measuring agility as a supporting tool for uncertainty governance in multinational enterprises: an IBM case study

Large-scale human centred systems (enterprises) have had a rather rash time in dealing with the uncertain and turbulent business environments for over several decades or so. This has given way to enterprise performance and strategic success exerting a far wider effect than the enterprise itself. A majority of the strategic initiatives appear to fall short of desired expectations, which suggests that multinational enterprises are unable to derive the targeted long-term sustainable success from their planned and implemented strategies. This paper makes a sincere effort towards bridging that gap between the environment and the enterprise through aligning the crucial factors that form the backbone of the overall enterprise functioning. We believe that an agile enterprise has the best chance of coping with the uncertain business environment, and thereby underline the critical factors in determining the enterprise agility with respect to a specific case study.
Sometimes you just have to have a lot of bitter to make it sweet : Substance abuse and partner abuse in the lives of HIV+ men who have sex with men.

Although links between partner abuse (PA) and substance abuse (SA) are well-documented in the literature, we know less about these relations among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). We conducted a qualitative study with this group (N = 28). Participants reported (1) social modeling of SA in childhood and in adult social networks, (2) initial use of substance to cope with child abuse and neglect, and (3) the reinforcement of problematic SA by experiences of PA, whereby SA led to PA, resulting in increased SA. Recommendations for clinicians working with HIV-positive MSM are discussed.
Self-handicapping and the Five Factor Model of personality: mediation between Neuroticism and Conscientiousness

Abstract The current study is an investigation of the relationship between self-handicapping and the Five Factor Model as measured by the NEO-PI-R [Costa, P. T. & McCrae, R. R. (1992). NEO-PI-R Professional Manual. Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources]. In keeping with previous findings for the construct of procrastination, we found that self-handicapping was positively related to Neuroticism and negatively related to Conscientiousness. Stepwise multiple regression indicated that the facets of Depression, Self-Consciousness, Impulsiveness, and Vulnerability contributed unique variance to self-handicapping. Additionally, the Conscientiousness facets of Competence, Dutifulness, and Self-Discipline were most strongly related to dispositional self-handicapping. Finally, analyses using partial correlation indicated that the construct of self-handicapping mediates the negative relationship between Neuroticism and Conscientiousness reported in previous studies.
Nature vs. Nurture in Deni Caries

Why are some people more resistant to dental caries than others? Certainly diet plays a part, but are there hereditary factors that affect caries development? This report explores genetic components that appear related to caries resistance and susceptibility.
Longitudinal study of social support and social conflict as predictors of depression and dysphoria among HIV‐positive and HTV‐negative gay men

Although there is an abundance of literature linking social support and mental health, less attention has been paid to the psychological effects of social conflict. In a sample of HIV-positive and HIV-negative gay men, the present study focuses on: (1) how support satisfaction and frequency of social conflict correlate with measures of depression and other aspects of mental health at study entry, and (2) whether changes in social support or social conflict are related to changes in psychological status over a 1-year period. The sample was composed of 108 asymptomatic HIV-positive and 73 HIV-negative gay men. One-year follow-up data were available on 84 HIV-positive and 63 HIV-negative men. We found that: (1) psychological disturbance was related to frequent social conflict, and to a lesser extent, dissatisfaction with social support; and (2) increased psychological disturbance over 1-year was correlated with increased social conflict, and to a lesser extent, decreased support satisfaction. The pattern of relationships over time between changes in social interaction and changes in psychological health was slightly different far the serostatus groups. Social conflict and support satisfaction may have relevance far the psychological health of gay men. Depression 2:189—199 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Verification work reduction methodology in low-power chip implementation

In order to achieve satisfactory verification for complicated low-power demands in green products, we propose a verification work reduction methodology. It consists of three step, namely virtual, direct actual, and actual model simulations. Virtual low-power simulation inserts low-power cells, such as isolators or level shifters, virtually and simulates logical behavior for design under test (DUT) based on user-defined power mode. Direct actual low-power simulation replaces behavior models without non-logical pins for some of modules with actual models with non-logical pins, which are Vdd and Gnd, and simulates DUT in mixed level. Actual low-power simulation simulates DUT by using actual models with non-logical pins for all cells and hard macros. We introduce techniques which classify the type of the bugs on which we focus at each verification step and prevent the concerned bugs from leaking to the latter verification step as much as possible.We applied our methodology to an actual chip and could reduce the total simulation period until tape-out by 38.8p and the total chip development period by 10p, compared with the conventional methodology.
Use of Cassegrain System for in Situ Raman Scattering Study of Cyanide Ions on a Palladium Electrode

The nonenhanced Raman scattering spectra from CN- ions adsorbed at the electrolyte/Pd electrode interface has been obtained with the use of a combination of a Cassegrain lens and a multichannel detector. Previously reported FT-IR spectra under similar conditions were used to help interpret the Raman-scattering results. The scattering results are explained on the basis of five bands assigned to the CN stretches. The position of these bands at 1950, 2060, 2090, 2150, and 2220 cm−1 are assigned to the covalent bond to a bridge site, covalent bond to an atop site, and ionic bond to Pd, Pd(CN)42-, and Pd(CN)2. This study shows that it is possible to obtain an enhancement of about 103 by use of the Cassegrain system described here.
Elastic composite beams

Abstract In this paper, an application of the model of the analog-beam for the analysis of composite beams is presented for the case of a simply-supported beam with a uniformly distributed load. These beams are composed of an upper slab and a lower beam, connected at the interface by shear transmitting studs. The sixth-order differential equation of equilibrium for the vertical displacement is solved for two different sets of boundary conditions: (1) with rigid shear restraints at both the end sections of the beam and (2) with no shear restraints. The results (displacements, rotations, normal stresses and internal shear forces) are compared with those obtained using an equivalent classical Navier beam. The importance of the effectiveness of the interaction between the upper slab and the lower beam is emphasized. By imposing perfect bonding between the two subbeams, the analog-beam model presents the same behavior as the equivalent Navier beam.
Vasoconstriction Increases Pulmonary Nitric Oxide Synthesis and Circulating Cyclic GMP

Vascular shear stress increases when blood flow or blood viscosity increases or when vessel diameter decreases. In the systemic circulation, shear stress is a potent stimulus for endothelial nitric oxide synthesis. We studied isolated rat lungs to determine whether increasing shear stress increases nitric oxide synthesis in the pulmonary circulation. Lungs were given the vasoconstrictor, U46619 (a thromboxane analogue), and perfused at constant flow rates or at constant pressure, since constant pressure perfusion minimizes changes in shear stress with vasoconstriction. The subsequent effect of the NOS inhibitor, N omega-methyl-L-arginine (LMA), or the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinodione (LY83583) was assessed. Changes in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), pulmonary vascular compliance, and perfusate cyclic GMP concentration were measured as indicators of nitric oxide synthesis. The effect of the cyclic GMP-specific (type V) phosphodiesterase inhibitor, zaprinast, on perfusate cyclic GMP concentrations was also examined. An infusion of U46619 consistently increased PVR and decreased compliance. LMA and LY83583 also increased PVR in U46619-treated lungs perfused at constant flow rates, primarily by increasing precapillary resistance. LMA had no effect in U46619-treated lungs perfused at constant pressure. Perfusate cyclic GMP concentrations increased significantly after U46619 in lungs perfused at constant flow rates, but cyclic GMP levels did not change after U46619 in lungs perfused at constant pressure. Zaprinast also increased perfusate cyclic GMP, demonstrating that increases in intracellular cyclic GMP are reflected in circulating cyclic GMP concentrations. We conclude that vasoconstriction with U46619 increases nitric oxide synthesis in isolated rat lungs. Lungs perfused at constant pressure respond differently to NOS inhibitors compared to those perfused at constant flow, suggesting that shear stress may increase nitric oxide synthesis in the lung. Perfusate concentrations of cyclic GMP reflect activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase in this model.
An intermittency model for bypass transition

Abstract An intermittency model is proposed for representing bypass transition in Reynolds averaged computations. It is formulated in local variables. No external data correlation is used to fix transition. Transition is initiated by diffusion and a source term carries it to completion. The source is a function of a wall-distance Reynolds number and turbulence scale.
Assistive Technology Approaches for Large-Scale Assessment: Perceptions of Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments

Assistive technology approaches to aid students with visual impairments are becoming commonplace in schools. These approaches, however, present challenges for assessment because students' level of access to different technologies may vary by school district and state. To better understand what assistive technology tools are used in reading instruction and assessment, we surveyed 197 teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) to determine the extent and types of assistive technology used by students with visual impairments. Results from this survey indicate that what might be considered “accommodations” on large-scale assessments are commonplace in special and general education classrooms where students with visual impairments receive instruction. Both high- and low-tech approaches to reading are used by TVIs, most likely for different purposes and at different times.
Yields of Mine Fuel under the Heat Effect of Fire Flame when Methane Explosions

Abstract In order to study the mechanism of second-fire induced by methane explosions, the yields of several main fuels in mine were studied through doing some fast pyrolysis experiments. Use courier point fast pyrolysis system and GC to do this experiment. All experiment conditions fulfill methane explosions environment thoroughly. The experiment results show that the yields mainly include CH4, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, C3H8, C4, C5, CO, CO2 etc. Where, CH4, C2H4, C3H6, C4, C5, CO, CO2 yields are larger than others. Only supporting wood has H2, and only PVC has HCl but others. And include some dangerous flammable gas such as CH4, CO, H2 etc. The model and influence factors show that temperature and heating rate have great influence on yields but pressure, especially temperature. All results show that methane explosions could produce some flammable gas which out of fuel, and could induce second fire.
Hybrid/electric vehicle battery manufacturing: The state-of-the-art

Automotive battery manufacturing has become more and more important due to the need of alternative energy storage device to replace gasoline powered engines. The increasing market of hybrid and electric vehicles has intrigued the demand for large volume battery manufacturing. In this paper, we present a summary of recent advances in the area, review some commonly used battery technologies, their manufacturing processes, and related recycling and environmental issues.
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli: Traveler's Diarrhea Comes Home

genic Escherichia coli (ETEC) further documents the emergence of ETEC as a significant diarrheal pathogen in the United States. The main contribution of the article by Beatty and colleagues is that it describes one of the largest foodborne outbreaks ever reported in the United States (an estimated 3600 persons became ill). ETEC is the most common cause of traveler's diarrhea, which is often related to travel to developing countries (commonly referred to as "Montezuma's revenge," "Bali belly," "Tijuana trot," and "Turista"). Recent data, however, suggest that Americans no longer have to travel to developing countries to become exposed to this toxin-mediated, cholera-like infection [2, 3]. ETEC was first recognized as a cause of human illness in the 1960s [4]. The noninvasive organism colonizes the small intestine without causing mucosal damage. ETEC causes acute, self-limited, secretory diarrhea mediated through the action of heat-stable and heat-labile enterotoxins. The duration of illness is typically 3-5
Planning Beats the Market: The Case of Pacific Greyhound Lines in the 1930s:

Pacific Greyhound Lines, one of the two most successful of the Greyhound subsidiaries, arose out of a competitive environment of small entrepreneurs to monopolize most intercity bus markets within California. During the hard times of the 1930s it earned a substantial 30% return on its investment. Its success derived not from conspiracy between Southern Pacific Company and General Motors Corporation to loot lucrative rail markets, as is commonly believed, but by corporate planning that stressed cost control and economies of scope. Because of such economies, achieved through planning, it contributed more to public welfare than small, competitive bus entrepreneurs of the type favored by adherents of deregulation.
The guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Ect2 is an oncogene in human cancer.

Ect2 is an oncogene in multiple human cancers. Ect2 is aberrantly overexpressed and mis-localized in multiple human tumor types, often as a result of targeted amplification of the ECT2 gene as part of the 3q26 amplicon. Ect2 is important for proliferation, migration and invasion of various types of cancer cells in vitro, and for NSCLC tumorigenicity in vivo. The role of Ect2 in cellular transformation is distinct from its physiologic role in cytokinesis, and many tumor cells appear to have evolved Ect2-independent cytokinesis mechanisms. In NSCLC cells, the ability of Ect2 to support transformation is linked to its mislocalization to the cytoplasm and activation of a Rac1-Pak-Mek1,2-Erk1,2 signaling axis that is regulated through its binding to the oncogenic PKCι/Par6α complex (Figure 4). Therefore, Ect2 and PKCι are genetically linked due to their frequent co-amplification as part of the 3q26 amplicon, and functionally and biochemically linked through formation of an oncogenic PKCι-Par6-Ect2 complex that drives transformation. Further experiments will be required to determine if Ect2 and PKCι are similarly linked in other tumors, particularly those harboring 3q26 amplification. In addition, further work is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that regulate the formation, dynamics and activity of the oncogenic PKCι-Par6α-Ect2 complex. These studies hold the promise of identifying novel therapeutic approaches to cancer treatment based on inhibiting Ect2 function in cancer cells. Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the PKCι-Par6α-Ect2 oncogenic signaling axis Acknowledgments The authors wish to thank their colleagues in the Fields laboratory for helpful suggestions and critical review of the manuscript. The authors also wish to apologize to colleagues who have made important contributions to this area, but whose work could not be cited due to space limitations. The work from the Fields laboratory discussed in this article was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (CA081436-12), the American Lung Association/LUNGevity, the V Foundation, and the Mayo Foundation to A.P.F.