cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of three regionalization techniques for predicting streamflow in ungaged watersheds in Nebraska, USA using SWAT mode

This study compared three approaches, regional averaging, nearest neighbor, and donor techniques, to regionalize parameters in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) on eleven watersheds located in the Dissected Plains, Plains, and Rolling Hills Landforms in the eastern portion of the State of Nebraska, USA. Within the Rolling Hills Landform, three watersheds were randomly selected as calibration watersheds while two were randomly selected as validation watersheds. Two watersheds were randomly selected as calibration watersheds while one was randomly selected as a validation watershed within each of the Dissected Plains and Plains Landforms. The seven calibration watersheds were used to provide the necessary calibrated parameter sets to execute each of the regional approaches, while the four validation watersheds were used to assess the impact of applying each of these approaches to an uncalibrated watershed. Percent Bias (PBIAS) and the Nash Sutcliffe Coefficient of Efficiency (NSE) were used to assess model performance. Test results of this study show that all three methods performed poorly, since the majority of watersheds among each method tested exhibited PBIAS values greater than ±25% and/or NSE values less than 0.50, which were considered to be unsatisfactory in terms of model performance. The average regionalization, nearest neighbor and donor methods resulted in only four (two calibration and two validation), zero and one satisfactory set of simulated watershed results, respectively. The findings from this study indicate that although each watershed was successfully calibrated with NSE values ranging from 0.51 to 0.84, none of the three regionalization methods provided suitable calibration data sets to define parameter values for performing satisfactory simulations on ungaged watersheds across the eastern Nebraska landscape. Keywords: SWAT model, watersheds, hydrology, model calibration, parameter regionalization, Nebraska ungaged watersheds DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181103.3528 Citation: Van Liew M W, Mittelstet A R. Comparison of three regionalization techniques for predicting streamflow in ungagged watersheds in Nebraska, USA using SWAT model. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(3): 110–119.
Americium, its Early History and Gram-Scale Separation

For this 40th Anniversary Discovery Celebration, Tshe early contributions of the americium group at Los Alamos, established in 1948, are reviewed. They include the first major isolation of americium from impure plutonium, and significant expansion of americium chemistry.
Measurements of Ω- branching fractions

Using ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ annihilation data taken with the CLEO-c detector, measurements of two major ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ branching fractions have been made using the reaction $\ensuremath{\psi}(2S)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}}^{+}$. The ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ decay channels are identified through momentum distributions of charged particles, and systematics of the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ branching fractions have been studied. The results are $\mathcal{B}({\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}^{0}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}})=(68.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}9.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.3)%$ and $\mathcal{B}({\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Xi}}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}})=(19.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.2)%$.
Propene as an Atom-Economical Linchpin for Concise Total Synthesis of Polyenes: Piericidin A.

A concise and convergent total synthesis of piericidin A is disclosed. The synthesis hinges on the utilization of propene as a synthetic linchpin to merge the properly elaborated alkyne fragments, leading to the 1,3,6-triene motif of piericidin A. Utilization of propene as a unique alkene, capable of sequential coupling with two alkynes, is further illustrated in the context of various 1,3,6-triene products. The latter process proceeds with high atom economy and efficiently gives rise to complex frameworks from readily accessible alkyne substrates. This strategic C–C bond formation offers an orthogonal paradigm in the design of synthetic routes, leading to higher step economy and more efficient syntheses of polyunsaturated natural products.
An ER-Golgi tether facilitates ceramide transfer out of the ER and alleviates ceramide toxicity

Ceramide is key intermediate for synthesis of sphingolipids, It is also an important second messenger in signal transduction. However, overproduction of ceramide triggers apoptosis and causes cell ...
Learning Effects and the Sensory Organization Test: Influence of a Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Impairment.

Purpose Healthy young controls exhibit a learning effect after undergoing repeated administrations of the sensory organization test (SOT). The primary objective of the present experiment was to determine if an SOT learning effect is present in individuals with a unilateral vestibular impairment (UVI), and if so, whether it is different from healthy controls. The secondary objective was to determine if the learning effect is dependent on the time frame of repeated SOT assessments. Method Eleven individuals diagnosed with a UVI and 11 controls underwent 6 repetitions of the SOT over 2 visits (3 per visit all within 1 week). A second control group underwent 3 SOT repetitions, with each repetition separated by 1 week, to evaluate the time course of the SOT learning effect. Results No statistically significant differences were found between the UVI group and the control group. In addition, the magnitude of the learning effect was found to be similar regardless of the length of time that separated the repetitio...
Temporal control of Drosophila central nervous system development

A complex nervous system requires precise numbers of various neuronal types produced with exquisite spatiotemporal control. This striking diversity is generated by a limited number of neural stem cells (NSC), where spatial and temporal patterning intersect. Drosophila is a genetically tractable model system that has significant advantages for studying stem cell biology and neuronal fate specification. Here we review the latest findings in the rich literature of temporal patterning of neuronal identity in the Drosophila central nervous system. Rapidly changing consecutive transcription factors expressed in NSCs specify short series of neurons with considerable differences. More slowly progressing changes are orchestrated by NSC intrinsic temporal factor gradients which integrate extrinsic signals to coordinate nervous system and organismal development.
SAT0095 MEDICATION NECESSITY AND CONCERN BELIEFS ARE DISTINCT, INTERACTIVE PREDICTORS OF TREATMENT ADHERENCE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background Medication adherence is instrumental for the successful management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to a goal of remission. Awareness of medication necessity and concerns regarding its use influence adherence and respectively foster or undermine the achievement of treatment goals. Objectives We explored the unique and interactive roles of patient beliefs about the necessity of RA medications and concerns about them in predicting adherence to prescribed treatments. Methods We evaluated 316 patients with established RA from a single center. Beliefs about the necessity of RA medications and concerns regarding their use were evaluated with the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire-Specific (BMQ) Necessity and Concerns scales (range 5-25). Self-reported rheumatoid arthritis treatment adherence was assessed using the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ, range 0-6). Multivariable linear regression evaluated the effects of necessity, concerns and their interactions with adherence. A latent profile analysis (LPA) subsequently classified patients in groups according to patterns of necessity and concerns; adherence scores were then compared across latent groups using ANCOVA. Results Full adherence (SMAQ score 6/6) was reported by 101 (32%) patients. Necessity and concerns had independent and opposing contributions to adherence (β=0.21 and β=-0.28 respectively, p Conclusion The relationship between necessity and concern beliefs regarding RA medications significantly influences adherence behavior and may further direct physicians to effectively target their education efforts. A message aimed at reducing concerns might be more effective in the ambivalent subgroup, whereas emphasizing medication necessity may be more fruitful in the skeptical group. Disclosure of Interests George Karpouzas Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant for: Sanofi-Genzyme-Regeneron, Janssen, Roche-Genentech, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: BMS, Sanofi-Genzyme-Regeneron, Janssen, Roche-Genentech, Elizabeth Hernandez: None declared, Vibeke Strand Consultant for: AbbVie, Amgen, Bayer, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Celltrion, CORRONA, Crescendo, EMD Serono, Genentech/Roche, GSK, Horizon, Inmedix, Janssen, Kezar, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Samsung, Sandoz, Sanofi, Servier, UCB., Sarah Ormseth: None declared
Acoustofluidic methods in cell analysis.

Abstract Cellular analysis is a central concept for both biology and medicine. Over the past two decades, acoustofluidic technologies, which marry acoustic waves with microfluidics, have significantly contributed to the development of innovative approaches for cellular analysis. Acoustofluidic technologies enable precise manipulations of cells and the fluids that confine them, and these capabilities have been utilized in many cell analysis applications. In this review article, we examine various applications where acoustofluidic methods have been implemented, including cell imaging, cell mechanotyping, circulating tumor cell phenotyping, sample preparation in clinics, and investigation of cell-cell interactions and cell-environment responses. We also provide our perspectives on the technological advantages, limitations, and potential future directions for this innovative field of methods.
Experimental Microwave Target Identification Using Machine Learning

Electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range has been recently used in a wide range of biomedical applications due to the reasonable penetration depth, resolution, and relatively low cost of equipment in this frequency range. This paper summarizes our progress in developing an experimental microwave system that can be utilized for the noncontact biometric identification of different individuals. The microwave system consists of 8 antennas, arranged in a circular array around the target to be identified, and interfaced to a Vector Network Analyzer using a switching network. The scattered data from ten different cylindrical targets, with different cross-sections, where measured and machine learning techniques were employed to identify these targets with high accuracy. Future work will include upgrading the system and the classification algorithms for the biometric classification of human subjects.
Adult primary high-grade spinal glioma: a nationwide analysis of current trends in treatment and outcomes.

High-grade spinal glioma (HGSG) is an extremely rare, malignant neoplasm insufficiently described in the literature. We sought to investigate the effect of epidemiological risk factors and treatment strategies on the prognosis of HGSGs using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Patients with diagnosis codes specific for HGSG were queried from the NCDB during the years 2004–2016. Kaplan–Meier curves were generated with log-rank testing performed to assess factors affecting survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was also performed to investigate overall survival. 396 patients were identified with a histologically-confirmed diagnosis of HGSG between 2004–2016. The mean survival time for all patients was 24.5 months (SD: 20.3). Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis revealed that tumor size of 26–50 mm (HR 4.96, 95% CI 1.76–13.98, p < 0.01) and greater than 50 mm (HR 4.67, 95% CI 1.43–15.23, p = 0.01) were associated with worsened overall survival in comparison to lesions less than 26 mm. While quality of life was not investigated, both Kaplan–Meier log-rank testing and regression analysis failed to demonstrate an association of survival outcomes with extent of resection, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. The current study represents the largest retrospective analysis of adult primary high-grade spinal glioma to date. Our analysis found no relationship between the extent of surgical resection and survival outcomes. In addition, we failed to show any statistically significant survival benefit with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This disease process has a poor prognosis without a current modality of treatment that improves survival.
Lung protection effect of intra-aortic protamine injection in infants underwent opening heart operation by cardiopulmonary bypass surgery

Objective To study the protective effect of intraaortic protamine injection on lung in infants undergwent opening heart operation by cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Methods Sixty infants (age ≤ 1 year,weight ≤ 10 kg)who accepted opening heart operation by cardiopulmonary bypass surgery were randomly assigned into 2 groups ( n = 30 in each group) reciving intra-aortic and intra-venous protamine injection respectively. P-peak, P-plate, CL, Oxygenation Index, the number of WBC and neutrophil segregated in lungs were compared between two groups before injecting protamine and 10 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours after injecting protamine. The time of mechanical ventilation were compared as well. Results P-peak, P-plate, the number of WBC and neutrophil segregated in lungs of intra-aortic injection group significantly decreased than intra-venous injection group at 1 hour, 3 hours after injecting protamine (t =2.743, 3.512; 3.218, 3.469; 3.716, 5.243; 3.853,4. 783 respectively, Ps ＜ 0. 05 ), while the CL and Oxygenation Index increased significantly ( t = 3. 976,4. 267; 4. 557,4. 265 respectively, P ＜ 0. 05 ). The duration of mechanical ventilation follow operation in intraaortic injection group ( [8. 03 ± 5. 14] h ) was shorter compared with intra-venous injection group ( [10. 56 ±6.95]h) (t =2.599,P＜0.05). Conclusion By intra-aortic protamine injection the lung injury decreased significantly. It shows good protective effect on lung in infants underwent opening heart operation by cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Key words: Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery; Lung injury; Protamine; Infants
Offline Memory Reactivation Promotes the Consolidation Of Spatially Unbiased Long-Term Cognitive Maps

Spatial memories which can last a lifetime are thought to be encoded during ‘online’ periods of exploration and subsequently consolidated into stable cognitive maps through their ‘offline’ reactivation1–5. However, the mechanisms and computational principles by which offline reactivation stabilize long-lasting spatial representations remain poorly understood. Here we employed simultaneous fast calcium imaging and electrophysiology to track hippocampal place cells over weeks of online spatial reward learning behavior and offline resting. We describe that recruitment to persistent network-level offline reactivation of spatial experiences predicts cells’ future multi-day representational stability. Moreover, while representations of reward-adjacent locations are generally more stable across days, reactivation-related stabilization is, conversely, most prominent for reward-distal locations. Thus, while occurring on millisecond time-scales, offline reactivation counter-balances the observed multi-day representational reward-adjacency bias, promoting the stabilization of cognitive maps which comprehensively reflect entire underlying spatial contexts. These findings suggest that post-learning offline-related memory consolidation plays complimentary and computationally distinct role in learning as compared to online encoding.
POLQ suppresses interhomolog recombination and loss of heterozygosity at targeted DNA breaks.

Interhomolog recombination (IHR) occurs spontaneously in somatic human cells at frequencies that are low but sufficient to ameliorate some genetic diseases caused by heterozygous mutations or autosomal dominant mutations. Here we demonstrate that DNA nicks or double-strand breaks (DSBs) targeted by CRISPR-Cas9 to both homologs can stimulate IHR and associated copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH) in human cells. The frequency of IHR is 10-fold lower at nicks than at DSBs, but cnLOH is evident in a greater fraction of recombinants. IHR at DSBs occurs predominantly via reciprocal end joining. At DSBs, depletion of POLQ caused a dramatic increase in IHR and in the fraction of recombinants exhibiting cnLOH, suggesting that POLQ promotes end joining in cis, which limits breaks available for recombination in trans. These results define conditions that may produce cnLOH as a mutagenic signature in cancer and may, conversely, promote therapeutic correction of both compound heterozygous and dominant negative mutations associated with genetic disease.
The effect of structural changes on charge transfer states in a light-harvesting carotenoid-diaryl-porphyrin-C60 molecular triad

We present a detailed study of charge transfer (CT) excited states for a large number of configurations in a light-harvesting Carotenoid-diaryl-Porphyrin-C60 (CPC60) molecular triad. The chain-like molecular triad undergoes photoinduced charge transfer process exhibiting a large excited state dipole moment, making it suitable for application to molecular-scale opto-electronic devices. An important consideration is that the structural flexibility of the CPC60 triad impacts its dynamics in solvents. Since experimentally measured dipole moments for the triad of ∼110 D and ∼160 D strongly indicate a range in structural variability in the excited state, studying the effect of structural changes on the CT excited state energetics furthers the understanding of its charge transfer states. We have calculated the variation in the lowest CT excited state energies by performing a scan of possible variation in the structure of the triad. Some of these configurations were generated by incrementally scanning a 360° torsional (dihedral) twist at the C60-porhyrin linkage and the porphyrin-carotenoid linkage. Additionally, five different CPC60 conformations were studied to determine the effect of pi-conjugation and particle-hole Coulombic attraction on the CT excitation energies. Our calculations show that configurational changes in the triad induces a variation of ∼0.6 eV in CT excited state energies in the gas-phase. The corresponding calculated excited state dipoles show a range of 47 D-188 D. The absorption spectra and density of states of these structures show little variation except for the structures where the porphyrin and aryl conjugation is changed.
Explaining Demand for Green Electricity Using Data From All U.S. Utilities

Green electricity programs enable households to voluntarily contribute to the development of renewable electricity by purchasing green electricity through their local utility. Using a dataset of all utilities in the United States, this paper explores the utility, consumer, and program characteristics that influence participation levels in green electricity, as well as whether a utility chooses to offer a program. Among other results, we find that the key determinants of program participation are the education of the consumer base and the affordability of the green electricity program. Our results enhance understanding of private provision of environmental public goods and could aid in ex ante evaluations of whether a green electricity program is likely to cover its administrative costs or be a cost-effective way of improving environmental quality.
R Around the World: New Theory and New Tests

Morck, Yeung and Yu (2000) show that R and other measures of stock market synchronicity are higher in countries with less developed financial systems and poorer corporate governance. We develop a model that explains these results and generates additional testable hypotheses. The model shows how control rights and information affect the division of risk bearing between inside managers and outside investors. Insiders capture part of the firm’s operating cash flows. The limits to capture are based on outside investors’ perception of the value of the firm. The firm is not completely transparent, however. Lack of transparency shifts firm-specific risk to insiders and reduces the amount of firm-specific risk absorbed by outside investors. Our model also predicts that “opaque” stocks are more likely to crash, that is, to deliver large negative returns. Crashes occur when insiders have to absorb too much firm-specific bad news and decide to give up. We test these predictions using stock returns from 40 stock markets from 1990 to 2001. We find strong positive relations between R and several measures of opaqueness. These measures also explain the frequency and magnitude of large negative returns. JEL classification: G12, G14, G15, G38, N20
The Role of the Rad55–Rad57 Complex in DNA Repair

Homologous recombination (HR) is a mechanism conserved from bacteria to humans essential for the accurate repair of DNA double-stranded breaks, and maintenance of genome integrity. In eukaryotes, the key DNA transactions in HR are catalyzed by the Rad51 recombinase, assisted by a host of regulatory factors including mediators such as Rad52 and Rad51 paralogs. Rad51 paralogs play a crucial role in regulating proper levels of HR, and mutations in the human counterparts have been associated with diseases such as cancer and Fanconi Anemia. In this review, we focus on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad51 paralog complex Rad55–Rad57, which has served as a model for understanding the conserved role of Rad51 paralogs in higher eukaryotes. Here, we discuss the results from early genetic studies, biochemical assays, and new single-molecule observations that have together contributed to our current understanding of the molecular role of Rad55–Rad57 in HR.
The relationship between thermal inertia and degradation state of craters in areas of low surface dust cover on Mars

Abstract On Mars, impact craters that are proximal can exhibit vastly different thermal inertia values on their rims, even where the target lithology appears to be the same. Degradation of crater rims produces fine-grained regolith over time through comminution, and we investigated whether this process affects crater rim thermal inertia in regions with low dust cover. We used a series of regression analyses to test for correlations between crater rim thermal inertia and rim irregularity, an indicator of degradation state, in three martian study locations. The results of these analyses support the interpretation that crater rim thermal inertia is a function of crater degradation state in all three study areas. Therefore, rim thermal inertia could be used as a quick way to estimate impact crater degradation states and relative ages in areas on Mars with low dust cover and similar target properties. In contrast, crater rim thermal inertia in regions with high dust cover is a function of the amount of dust mantling the crater rims.
Clinical Factors Contributing to Anastomotic Leak After Mid-to-High Colorectal Anastomosis.

BackgroundLow colorectal anastomoses carry a high anastomotic leak (AL) rate (up to 20%) and thus are commonly diverted. Much less is known about mid-to-high colorectal anastomosis, which carries a...
Simulation Of Nanosecond Repetitively Pulsed Plasma Assisted Counter-Flow Diffusion Flame

Plasma-assisted combustion (PAC) is a promising technology for improving combustion efficiency and extending operating conditions, such as enabling lean combustion at lower equivalence ratios 1 . Nanosecond repetitive pulsed (NRP) plasma is especially effective because it generates high concentrations of excited molecules and radicals with low energy consumption 1 . This study proposes a computationally efficient model for investigating PAC of diffusion flames using nanosecond repetitively pulsed (NRP) plasma. In the model, NRP plasma discharges are generated in the oxidizer stream of a counter-flow diffusion flame. We examine numerically the effect of changing the oxidizer flow rate into the plasma discharge region (hence increasing gas residence time in the plasma) and the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of the NRP plasma discharges on the extinction curves of the counter-flow diffusion flame. We show that plasmas with higher PRFs produce higher oxygen atom concentrations and gas temperature, which are both beneficial for combustion, can extend the extinction strain rate limit more than decreasing the oxidizer flow velocity. Increasing the PRF from 1 to 2 kHz increases the extinction strain rate limit by approximately 153%; decreasing the oxidizer flow velocity from 4 m/s to 0.25 m/s (1:16 residence time) increases the extinction strain rate limit by only 78%. Using the model to simulate the ignition of the flame with NRP plasma discharges shows that using a higher PRF requires applying more pulses to ignite the flame. For example, a PRF of 4 kHz requires 9 pulses for ignition, whereas a PRF of 8 kHz requires 12 pulses. Possible extensions of the model to a wider range of NRP-based PAC applications will be discussed.
ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF PARABOLIC QUANTUM WELLS

The interacting three-dimensional electron gas in a uniform positive background has been widely studied1 as a model for the electrons in metals and doped semiconductors. Some of the properties predicted by the model for low-density systems,2–4 however, have not been observed experimentally. One reason may be that, in the n-doped semiconductors that have been used to achieve low densities, the electrons interact strongly with the charged impurities that are inevitably present.5
A Primer on Xenotransplantation

No area of medicine stimulates as much excitement or as much controversy as transplantation. The rationale for xenotransplantation is the shortage of human organs and tissues. For several reasons, however, most in the field of xenotransplantation have abandoned the use of nonhuman primates. Therefore, instead of using primates, most in the field of transplantation focus on the use of pigs or other non-primate species. If opportunities offered by xenotransplantation are great, the hurdles, at present, appear equally so. These hurdles include (i) the immune response of the host against the graft leading to rejection of the graft, (ii) the inherent physiologic limitations of the animal tissue or organ in a human system or induced disruption of the normal functions of the recipient, and (iii) the possibility of transferring infectious agents from the transplant to the recipient and, potentially, more broadly to the general population. This chapter focuses on the hurdles to transplanting porcine organs and cells into humans. The past few years have brought significant progress in defining the hurdles to xenotransplantation and progress in overcoming the immunologic and physiologic hurdles in this field.
The Autonomic Storm

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the diagnosis and management of autonomic storm that occurs after a severe brain injury. The diagnosis of autonomic storm is based on the recognition of the regular pattern of dysautonomic spells in a patient with acute intracranial disease. It must be distinguished from other syndromes that have features of autonomic instability—such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome—malignant hyperthermia, and lethal catatonia. Lethal catatonia is most often seen in patients with psychiatric disorders but can also occur after viral encephalitis. Morphine sulfate, bromocriptine, and nonselective β-blockers—such as labetalol or propranolol—have been successfully used to treat autonomic storms. These agents may be used alone or in combination, especially during the acute phase. Once dysautonomic manifestations have been under control for several weeks, the medications may be tapered while carefully watching for symptom recurrence. Often, it is necessary to continue treatment for several months. The mechanisms by which opioids, dopamine (DA) agonists, and β-blockers improve dysautonomia remain speculative. Antiepileptic drugs are typically not helpful in true cases of autonomic storm but should be tried if questions about a possible epileptic nature of the spells persist. Systematic studies of different treatment regimens are needed to optimize outcome in patients with autonomic storm.
Compliant Control of Whole-body Multi-contact Behaviors in Humanoid Robots

In 2008, the US National Intelligence Council published a report listing six disruptive technologies by the year 2025. It included subjects in biology, energy, robotics, and information technology. On the subject of robotics, it reports: “Robots have the potential to replace humans in a variety of applications with far-reaching implications. [...]. The development and implementation of robots for elder-care applications, and the development of human-augmentation technologies, mean that robots could be working alongside humans in looking after and rehabilitating people”. In this spirit, we explore here a methodology to enable greater maneuverability and interactivity of robots in human environments (Figure 2.1).
Early growth response protein 1 (Egr-1): prototype of a zinc-finger family of transcription factors.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the early growth response protein (Egr) gene family and its most extensively characterized member, Egr-1, first identified as an immediate-early gene responsive to growth factors and various differentiation cues, later confirmed to be a transcriptional regulatory protein. During development, a single Egr-1 transcript is predominantly expressed in cortex, midbrain, and cerebellum; in bone, cartilage, and muscle; and at several sites of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. In addition, Egr-1 is expressed in diverse physiological contexts in particular cell types. The broad spectrum of extracellular stimuli that induce Egr-1 can be roughly subgrouped into four categories: (1) mitogens, (2) developmental or differentiation cues, (3) tissue or radiation injury, and (4) signals that cause neuronal excitation. Strong evidence for a role for Egr-1 in proliferation also comes, from the studies, with mouse skeletal muscle So18 cells. Although Egr-1 message was induced in response to mitogenic stimuli, differentiative stimuli (insulin), and other agents that caused neither proliferation nor differentiation, Egr-1 protein could be detected only in response to the mitogenic cues.
Invisibility of disability and work experience as predictors of employment among community college students with disabilities

A random sample of 200 out 597 individuals with disabilities attending a community college were surveyed by mail. The Reactions to Impairment and Disability Inventory (20), the Internal-External Locus of Control (32), and a demographics page were administered, which included items on current employment and visibility of disability. A backward logistic regression was run to explore whether the psychological variables of locus of control, acknowledgment and adjustment to disability, and the demographic variables of perceived visibility of disability, age, education, marital status, age at onset of disability, and work experience predicted individuals' employment status in this sample. The results indicated that invisibility of disability and work experience were the most-likely contributors in predicting individuals' current work-status. Though the variable of work experience was retained in the last step of the logistic regression, it had an insignificant Wald statistic. Several indicators suggested that the variable of work experience was acting as a suppressor variable. The findings that individuals with invisible disabilities were sixteen times more likely to be employed than individuals with visible disabilities were discussed in terms of stigma and visibility of disability. Implications of these findings for rehabilitation counselors were briefly suggested.
Prognosis after recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in liver transplantation: predictors for successful treatment and survival.

There are no established prognostic factors or standardized therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence in liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to investigate impact of underlying patient condition on treatment and outcomes of recurrence of HCC after LT. The medical records of 268 LT patients with HCC were evaluated. Potential prognostic factors for survival after recurrence were evaluated, including recurrent tumor characteristics, medical/radiological/surgical therapies for recurrence, and an inflammatory marker (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio). Laboratory tests at recurrence, including albumin, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), prognostic nutritional index (PNI: ALC(/μL) × 0.005 + Albumin(g/dL) × 10), were evaluated as surrogate markers for underlying patient conditions. A total of 51 (19%) patients developed HCC recurrence. The use of sirolimus and sorafenib significantly improved outcome (p = 0.007 and 0.04), and better nutritional status (PNI ≥ 40) enhanced their efficacy. On multivariate analysis, low ALC ( 1000/μL] and 4.97 [Ref. >3.5 g/dL], respectively). Low PNI (<40) showed significantly lower survival rate after adjusting the risk (p = 0.006, hazard ratio = 3.29). Underlying patient conditions and nutritional status, represented by ALC and albumin, are important to successful cancer treatment and strong prognostic markers for survival after HCC recurrence.
Assessment of faecal pollution and relative algal abundances in Lakes Oconee and Sinclair, Georgia, USA

Water quality was assessed for five subregions of Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair in Georgia, USA. The areas were chosen for their levels of human impact, including: (i) suburban development >30 years old; (ii) modern suburban development; (iii) industry; (iv) agriculture; and (v) an area of low human activity. The measured temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration and turbidity values were normal for oligotrophic lakes. Faecal pollution in the lakes was determined using the membrane filtration method (Method 1600) on mEI plates for enterococci. There was a positive correlation between turbidity and the number of faecal enterococci in the lakes. The faecal pollution level was higher for the old suburban and agricultural areas. Faecal pollution in the agricultural region of Lake Oconee exceeded EPA regulatory standards. The faecal pollution source was identified using polymerase chain reaction detection, with Bifidobacterium adolescentis being a marker of human faecal pollution, and bovine-associated Bacteroides (BoBac) as a marker of cattle faecal pollution. Human faecal pollution was detected in the agricultural, old suburban and industrial areas of the lakes. In contrast, bovine faecal pollution was detected only in the agricultural area of Lake Oconee. Measurements of chlorophyll-a and relative algal community abundance indicated the least-impacted and modern suburban areas had significantly lower numbers of primary producers, being dominated by diatoms.
Temperature dependence of the reaction of O+ with HD

Abstract The reaction of O+ with HD has been studied as a function of translational energy and hydrogen temperature. While no change in the total cross section as a function of temperature is observed, the branching ratios for formation of OH+ and OD+ do depend upon the HD rotational temperature. The fraction of OH+ formed is up to 6% higher at 105 K than at 305 K. The measurements are in excellent agreement with theoretical calculations of Dateo and Clary. The results indicate that entrance channel effects control the product distribution.
General Motors and the University of Michigan smart materials and structures collaborative research laboratory

The field of Smart Materials and Structures is evolving from high-end, one-of-a-kind products for medical, military and aerospace applications to the point of viability for mainstream affordable high volume products for automotive applications. For the automotive industry, there are significant potential benefits to be realized including reduction in vehicle mass, added functionality and design flexibility and decrease in component size and cost. To further accelerate the path from basic research and development to launched competitive products, General Motors (GM) has teamed with the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan (UM) to establish a $2.9 Million Collaborative Research Laboratory (CRL) in Smart Materials and Structures. Researchers at both GM and UM are working closely together to create leap-frog technologies which start at conceptualization and proceed all the way through demonstration and handoff to product teams, thereby bridging the traditional technology gap between industry and academia. In addition to Smart Device Technology Innovation, other thrust areas in the CRL include Smart Material Maturity with a basic research focus on overcoming material issues that form roadblocks to commercialism and Mechamatronic System Design Methodology with an applied focus on development tools (synthesis and analysis) to aid the engineer in application of smart materials to system engineering. This CRL is a global effort with partners across the nation and world from GM's Global Research Network such as HRL Laboratories in California and GM's India Science Lab in Bangalore, India. This paper provides an overview of this new CRL and gives examples of several of the projects underway.
Dissolution and alteration of uraninite under reducing conditions

Abstract The behavior of uraninite under hydrothermal, reducing conditions is discussed on the basis of data in the literature and the authors' investigation of samples from two natural analogue sites: Oklo, Gabon and Cigar Lake, Canada. Uraninite under reducing conditions, in the presence of saline hydrothermal solutions may be altered through dissolution, preferential loss of lead and/or Y + HREE, and coffinitization. Textural features indicative of dissolution of uraninite include embayed grain boundaries, corroded relicts of uraninite embedded in a clay matrix, and replacement of uraninite by clays and sulfides. The alteration textures and phase chemistries at Oklo and Cigar Lake are remarkably similar. Dissolution of uraninite at Cigar Lake and Oklo was associated with the precipitation of illite and was probably caused by saline, moderately acidic solutions at approximately 200°C. Increased oxygen fugacity may have occurred locally due to release of excess oxygen from uraninite during dissolution or by α-radiolysis of the solution. The formation of Pb-rich (up to 18 wt% Pb, uraninite-I) and Pb-depleted (approximately 7–8 wt% Pb, uraninite-II) uraninites at both Oklo and Cigar Lake resulted from the loss of Pb due to predominantly episodic volume diffusion related to regional geologic events. Lead loss was not associated with U mobilization. In addition to uraninite dissolution, coffinitization resulted in U, Pb, and REE release.
Multiple dioxygenation by lipoxygenase of lipids containing all-cis-1, 4, 7-octatriene moieties.

Abstract Soybean lipoxygenase-1 acting upon polyunsaturated fatty acids containing a suitably positioned all-cis-1,4,7-octatriene moiety generates bishydroperoxy derivatives while consuming approximately 2 mol of O2 per mole of substrate. The reaction has been separated into two steps: The first is marked by the rapid monohydroperoxidation of the starting material and the second is marked by the much slower hydroperoxidation of the first product. All of the compounds which are successfully converted to bishydroperoxy derivatives contain an ω6,9,12 grouping of cis double bonds. α-Linolenic acid (ω3,6,9) cannot serve as a substrate because its preferred site of oxygenation is in the center of the octatriene moiety. The Km for arachidonic acid in the reaction leading to the singly hydroperoxidized monohydroperoxide is 8.6× 10−5, m , which is approximately 200 times smaller than the Km for the monohydroperoxide in the second step leading to the bishydroperoxide. All of the substrates which undergo double dioxygenation form conjugated trienes.
10-35 nanosecond magnetoresistive memories

Experimental results demonstrate that high read output levels in the range of +or-10 mV can be achieved by increasing the MR (magnetoresistive) memory element size and using a suitable sense technique with a bridge circuit including a reference line. Large MR memory cells with a sense resistance of about 470 Omega have been synthesized by stringing eight 1.8*1.2- mu m MR elements together. These were tested in a bridge formation to obtain signal levels as large as -11 mV and +7 mV, with an approximate settling time of 35 ns in a discrete circuit. The results obtained suggest the possibility of fabricating much faster MR memories in the integrated form, and calculations have indicated that access times as low as 10 ns can be achieved. >
Get a job and keep it! High school employment and adult wealth accumulation

Abstract Wealth inequality receives substantial scholarly attention, but mounting evidence suggests that childhood and adolescent traits and experiences contribute to financial disparities in the United States. This study examines the relationship between adolescent labor force participation and adult wealth accumulation. I argue that employed high school students gain practical life skills, abilities, and knowledge from work experience and business exposure that shape investment decisions and affect overall net worth. I use the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 cohort , to empirically explore this idea. This study extends the wealth literature by identifying adolescent employment as an important mechanism that improves adult net worth and financial well-being.
A gene X environment interaction between DRD2 and religiosity in the prediction of adolescent delinquent involvement in a sample of males

Human behavioral phenotypes are the result of complex interactions between genotype and the environment. Still, much remains unknown about the gene X environmental basis to adolescent delinquent involvement. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we examine whether a polymorphism in the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene interacts with religiosity to predict variation in adolescent delinquent involvement. The results of the analyses revealed a gene X environment interaction between the A-1 allele of DRD2 and religiosity in the prediction of adolescent delinquency. Limitations are noted, and the implications of the findings are discussed.
Sequencing sliced ends reveals microRNA targets.

Global sequencing of cleaved mRNAs enables identification of the targets of microRNA silencing.
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Control of C-terminal Binding Protein-1 Stability Regulates Expression of Intestinal Retinol Dehydrogenases

Mutations in the human adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene are thought to initiate colorectal tumorigenesis. The tumor suppressor function of APC is attributed primarily to its ability to regulate the WNT pathway by targeting the destruction of β-catenin. We report here a novel role for APC in regulating degradation of the transcriptional co-repressor C-terminal-binding protein-1 (CtBP1) through a proteasome-dependent process. Further, CtBP1 suppresses the expression of intestinal retinol dehydrogenases, which are required for retinoic acid production and intestinal differentiation. In support of a role for CtBP1 in initiation of colorectal cancer, adenomas taken from individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis contain high levels of CtBP1 protein in comparison with matched, uninvolved tissue. The relationship between APC and CtBP1 is conserved between humans and zebrafish and provides a mechanistic model explaining APC control of intestinal retinoic acid biosynthesis.
Use of metastable ions for a soft X-ray laser

Abstract A two-step excitation mechanism involving metastable ions of the Li+ like series of ions (Li+, Be2+, B3+, C4+, etc.) is proposed with lasing frequencies in the range of 200-40 A. A particular design feature allows repetitive excitation leading to true cavity lasing with a maximum output of 10-6 J per pulse in a pulse train.
Isosbestics in infrared aerosol spectra: Proposed applications for remote sensing

Abstract When only two substances, in equilibrium with each other, are responsible for all absorption in a given wavelength region, there must exist at least one point in the spectrum where the absorption coefficient will be independent of the ratio of the concentrations of the two substances. The wavelength at which this occurs is called the isosbestic point, which is uniquely satisfactory for quantitative determinations of the amounts of the two substances present and provides an internal standard to which absorption coefficients at other wavelengths can be compared. Isosbestic points are found in many spectra of droplet aerosols, and it is shown that it should be feasible to use them for remote spectral monitoring and quantitative analyses of droplet solution and chemical reactions if the complex indices of refraction are known. The technique seems most applicable in the Rayleigh regime.
Evidence-based practice in perioperative nursing.

Evidence-based practice provides a helpful framework for clinicians in perioperative settings to use research in their practice settings. This article discusses the evolution of practice patterns within perioperative settings and the movement toward evidence-based decision making. A discussion of how evidence-based protocols are developed and established is also provided. A number of pertinent Web-based and print resources are described, and specific examples of available clinical practice guidelines are provided. Health care clinicians and providers make patient care decisions based on traditions, clinician expertise, personal experiences, or an author’s expert opinion rather than research findings. Consider the fact that many current health care fundamentals and procedural textbooks do not reference or incorporate evidence in a consistent manner. Furthermore, many practices in the operating room and other perioperative settings emerged from efforts to try to improve the environment of care and patient outcomes without the benefit of standard research methods. On occasion, clinicians collected evidence and analyzed it in a systematic manner, but most often, they changed practice based on anecdotal information, limited data collection, or practitioner preference. For example, the use of surgical gloves emerged as a practice to protect hands from the skin injuries experienced when practitioners dipped their hands in carbolic acid before surgery. Routine glove use increased and infection rates decreased quite unexpect-