cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stochastic Thresholds: A Novel Explanation of Nonlinear Dose-Response Relationships for Stochastic Radiobiological Effects

New research data for low-dose, low-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation-induced, stochastic effects (mutations and neoplastic transformations) are modeled using the recently published NEOTRANS3 model. The model incorporates a protective, stochastic threshold (StoThresh) at low doses for activating cooperative protective processes considered to include presumptive p53-dependent, high-fidelity repair of nuclear DNA damage in competition with presumptive p53-dependent apoptosis and a novel presumptive p53-independent protective apoptosis mediated (PAM) process which selectively removes genomically compromised cells (mutants, neoplastic transformants, micronucleated cells, etc.). The protective StoThresh are considered to fall in a relatively narrow low-dose zone (Transition Zone A). Below Transition Zone A is the ultra-low-dose region where it is assumed that only low-fidelity DNA repair is activated along with presumably apoptosis. For this zone there is evidence for an increase in mutations with increases in dose. Just above Transition Zone A, a Zone of Maximal Protection (suppression of stochastic effects) arises and is attributed to maximal cooperation of high-fidelity, DNA repair/apoptosis and the PAM process. The width of the Zone of Maximal Protection depends on low-LET radiation dose rate and appears to depend on photon radiation energy. Just above the Zone of Maximal Protection is Transition Zone B, where deleterious StoThresh for preventing the PAM process fall. Just above Transition Zone B is a zone of moderate doses where complete inhibition of the PAM process appears to occur. However, for both Transition Zone B and the zone of complete inhibition of the PAM process, high-fidelity DNA repair/apoptosis are presumed to still operate. The indicated protective and deleterious StoThresh lead to nonlinear, hormetic-type dose-response relationships for low-LET radiation-induced mutations, neoplastic transformation and, presumably, also for cancer.
Role of thyroglobulin endocytic pathways in the control of thyroid hormone release.

Thyroglobulin (Tg), the thyroid hormone precursor, is synthesized by thyrocytes and secreted into the colloid. Hormone release requires uptake of Tg by thyrocytes and degradation in lysosomes. This...
Investigation of two anti-islanding methods in the multi-inverter case

As photovoltaic systems proliferate on grids, larger numbers of inverters will be interconnected with each other through their host utility. This becomes especially true if string inverters (SIs) or AC module ldquomicroinvertersrdquo are used. It will thus become increasingly important to ensure that the islanding detection methods used are effective in this so-called ldquomulti-inverter caserdquo. In this paper, two methods, one that uses classical controls concepts to obtain positive feedback (the dasiaclassical linear instability methodpsila, or CLIM), and a more recent method called the Sandia frequency shift (SFS) that applies positive feedback directly to the inverterpsilas output frequency, are investigated in multi-inverter use via MATLAB/Simulink simulation. The results indicate that the effectiveness of these two anti-islanding methods can depend on the number of inverters on the system, depending on the system configuration.
Racial Differences in Cardiac Catheterization as a Function of Patients’ Beliefs

Objectives. We examined racial differences in cardiac catheterization rates and reviewed whether patients’ beliefs or other variables were associated with observed disparities. Methods. We did a prospective observational cohort study of 1045 White and African American patients at 5 Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers whose nuclear imaging studies indicated reversible cardiac ischemia. Results. There were few demographic differences between White and African American patients in our sample. African Americans were less likely than Whites to undergo cardiac catheterization. African Americans were more likely than Whites to indicate a strong reliance on religion and to report racial and social class discrimination and were less likely to indicate a generalized trust in people but did not differ from White patients on numerous other attitudes about health and health care. Neither sociodemographic or clinical characteristics nor patients’ beliefs explained the observed disparities, but physicians’ assessments of the procedure’s importance and patients’ likelihood of coronary disease seemed to account for differences not otherwise explained. Conclusions. Patients’ preferences are not the likely source of racial disparities in the use of cardiac catheterization among veterans using VA care, but physicians’ assessments warrant further attention.
A Guided Inquiry Activity for Teaching Ligand Field Theory

This paper will describe a guided inquiry activity for teaching ligand field theory. Previous research suggests the guided inquiry approach is highly effective for student learning. This activity familiarizes students with the key concepts of molecular orbital theory applied to coordination complexes. Students will learn to identify factors that affect the ligand field splitting diagram for octahedral and other common geometries. In addition, students use this understanding of ligand field theory to explain the properties of transition metal complexes. This activity could be used in an advanced inorganic chemistry course or at a different level.
Broadband VLF measurements of lightning-induced ionospheric perturbations

[1] Very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic pulses radiated by lightning are an effective tool for probing the D region ionosphere. We detect and measure the D region ionospheric disturbances caused by the strong lightning flash by analyzing the broadband VLF spectrum from lightning that occurred just before and after a nearby intense lightning discharge. Comparing the measured electron density changes to those from previous measurements and the theoretical expectations, we find the detected perturbations are consistent with the theoretically predicted ionization changes produced directly by the lightning electromagnetic pulse.
Herpes Simplex Virus–Based Gene Therapies for Chronic Pain

ABSTRACTThe promise of gene therapy in chronic pain management is described. Use of the Herpes simplex virus to deliver such therapy is discussed. Clinical trials of gene-based therapy for neuropathic, cancer, and inflammatory pain are summarized. The potential role for such therapies are discussed.This feature is adapted from paineurope 2012; Issue 1, ©Haymarket Medical Publications Ltd., and is presented with permission. paineurope is provided as a service to pain management by Mundipharma International, Ltd., and is distributed free of charge to health care professionals in Europe. Archival issues can be accessed via the Web site: http://www.paineurope.com at which European health professionals can register online to receive copies of the quarterly publication.
Quantum decay of domain walls in cosmology. I. Instanton approach

This paper studies the decay of a large, closed domain wall in a closed universe. Such walls can form in the presence of a broken, discrete symmetry. We introduce a novel process of quantum decay for such a wall, in which the vacuum fluctuates from one discrete state to another throughout one half of the universe, so that the wall decays into pure field energy. Equivalently, the fluctuation can be thought of as the nucleation of a second domain wall of zero size, followed by its growth by quantum tunnelling and its collision with the first wall, annihilating both. The barrier factor for this quantum tunneling is calculated by guessing and verifying a Euclidean instanton for the two-wall system. We also discuss the classical origin and evolution of closed, topologically spherical domain walls in the early universe, through a “budding-off” process involving closed domain walls larger than the Hubble radius. This paper is the first of a series on this subject.
Simulating hurricane Gustav and Ike wave fields along the Louisiana innershelf: Implementation of an unstructured third-generation wave model, SWAN

In this study we implement the recently developed unstructured mesh SWAN for simulating wave fields during hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which made landfall along the Gulf coast of the United States during September 2008. The model is validated using NDBC buoy observations offshore and data from several WA VCIS stations along the Louisiana coast From a fundamental research perspective, the numerical output from the unstructured version of SWAN, spectral as well as bulk wave parameters, when compared to in situ observations, show excellent agreement Our study results also imply that targeted sand mining from Sabine Bank, southwest Louisiana, would lead to negligible variations in the nearshore wave field; however, extensive dredging may render the coast vulnerable to higher energy waves and, therefore, more erosion and littoral sediment transport The conclusions from our study are also useful for designing viable dredging plans for the offshore sand deposits, such as Sabine Bank, for supporting coastal restoration and maintenance projects proposed along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast.
Bacterioplankton and phytoplankton production rates compared at different levels of solar ultraviolet radiation and limiting nutrient ratios

In aquatic environments in which nutrient concentrations are low, bacteria and phytoplankton may compete for the same nutrient resources. The degree and outcome of this interaction will depend partly on the relative efficiencies with which co-occurring organisms assimilate the limiting nutrient and produce new biomass. Any factor that affects differentially the production rates of competing organisms could influence the competitive outcome. One such factor, which is likely to be relevant in sunlit environments, is ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We conducted a lake water mesocosm experiment to test the effects of UVR in environments of varying carbon + nitrogen (C + N) and phosphorus + nitrogen (P + N) concentrations and ratios on volumetric production of bacterioplankton and phytoplankton. Over the course of the 7 day experiment, only with P + N addition did UVR have a significant effect on bacterioplankton, reducing bacterioplankton production by 21%. UVR also significantly reduced phytoplankton production with P + N addition, by up to 45%. For both bacterioplankton and phytoplankton production, the stimulatory effect of P + N addition was more than 2-fold inhibition due to UVR exposure. Interaction effects of UVR and the nutrient environment were evident for both bacterioplankton and phytoplankton. Overall, the negative effect of UVR on bacterioplankton production was less than that on phytoplankton production in mesocosms in which production was stimulated by nutrients. These results suggest that, at the level of the system, with nutrient addition, UVR provided a competitive advantage to bacterioplankton. Assessments of current or future effects of UVR on aquatic ecosystems require that combined effects of UVR exposure and nutrient availability on ecological interactions be fully considered.
SEPARATING THE EFFECTS OF ACOUSTIC AND PHONETIC FACTORS IN LINGUISTIC PROCESSING WITH IMPOVERISHED SIGNALS BY ADULTS AND CHILDREN.

Cochlear implants allow many individuals with profound hearing loss to understand spoken language, even though the impoverished signals provided by these devices poorly preserve acoustic attributes long believed to support recovery of phonetic structure. Consequently, questions may be raised regarding whether traditional psycholinguistic theories rely too heavily on phonetic segments to explain linguistic processing while ignoring potential roles of other forms of acoustic structure. This study tested that possibility. Adults and children (8 years old) performed two tasks: one involving explicit segmentation, phonemic awareness, and one involving a linguistic task thought to operate more efficiently with well-defined phonetic segments, short-term memory. Stimuli were unprocessed (UP) signals, amplitude envelopes (AE) analogous to implant signals, and unprocessed signals in noise (NOI) that provided a degraded signal for comparison. Adults' results for short-term recall were similar for UP and NOI, but worse for AE stimuli. The phonemic awareness task revealed the opposite pattern across AE and NOI. Children's results for short-term recall showed similar decrements in performance for AE and NOI compared to UP, even though only NOI stimuli showed diminished results for segmentation. Conclusions were that perhaps traditional accounts are too focused on phonetic segments, something implant designers and clinicians need to consider.
Total Lightning Signatures of Thunderstorm Intensity over North Texas. Part II: Mesoscale Convective Systems

Abstract Total lightning data from the Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR II) research network in addition to cloud-to-ground flash data from the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) and data from the Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas, Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) station (KFWS) were examined from individual cells within mesoscale convective systems that crossed the Dallas–Fort Worth region on 13 October 2001, 27 May 2002, and 16 June 2002. LDAR II source density contours were comma shaped, in association with severe wind events within mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) on 13 October 2001 and 27 May 2002. This signature is similar to the radar reflectivity bow echo. The source density comma shape was apparent 15 min prior to a severe wind report and lasted more than 20 min during the 13 October storm. Consistent relationships between severe straight-line winds, radar, and lightning storm cell characteristics (e.g., lightning heights) were not found for cells within MCSs as was the c...
Developing meaningful freshman programs in engineering education

This workshop covers a brief background of recent findings on characteristics of freshman courses which drive students from engineering and a discussion of innovative freshman programs at selected engineering schools. Exercises in small groups which illustrate ways to help students improve their skills in open-ended problem solving, interpersonal relations, and oral and written technical communications are also covered. Brainstorming in small groups about ways to improve freshman engineering education including suggestions for future Frontiers in Education workshops and sessions is also considered. >
Minimal role of base excision repair in TET-induced global DNA demethylation in HEK293T cells

Oxidation of 5-methylcytosine by TET family proteins can induce DNA replication-dependent (passive) DNA demethylation and base excision repair (BER)-based (active) DNA demethylation. The balance of active vs. passive TET-induced demethylation remains incompletely determined. In the context of large scale DNA demethylation, active demethylation may require massive induction of the DNA repair machinery and thus compromise genome stability. To study this issue, we constructed a tetracycline-controlled TET-induced global DNA demethylation system in HEK293T cells. Upon TET overexpression, we observed induction of DNA damage and activation of a DNA damage response; however, BER genes are not upregulated to promote DNA repair. Depletion of TDG (thymine DNA glycosylase) or APEX1 (apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1), two key BER enzymes, enhances rather than impairs global DNA demethylation, which can be explained by stimulated proliferation. By contrast, growth arrest dramatically blocks TET-induced global DNA demethylation. Thus, in the context of TET-induction in HEK293T cells, the DNA replication-dependent passive mechanism functions as the predominant pathway for global DNA demethylation. In the same context, BER-based active demethylation is markedly restricted by limited BER upregulation, thus potentially preventing a disastrous DNA damage response to extensive active DNA demethylation.
Adherence to Rectal Mesalamine in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND Rectal mesalamine is an effective induction and maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis. Little is known about the adherence rates to rectal mesalamine or barriers to its use. The aim was to quantify the prevalence of nonadherence to rectal mesalamine and to identify patient-reported barriers to adherence. METHODS A cohort of patients with ulcerative colitis was prospectively enrolled in this observational study and followed for 12 months. Adherence was assessed by tracking pharmacy refills (medication possession ratio). Individual interviews were undertaken in a subset of subjects. Transcripts from the focus groups and interviews were analyzed to identify themes and links between these themes using qualitative data software (MaxQDA). RESULTS Seventy patients prescribed rectal mesalamine were prospectively enrolled in the study. At enrollment, 39 of 70 subjects (55%) self-reported "occasional nonadherence" to rectal mesalamine. Over the 12-month follow-up period, only 20 subjects (26%) completed 3 or more refills. Males, or subjects prescribed a once-a-day suppository, were significantly more likely to refill than females (odds ratio = 3.3, 95% confidence interval, 1.1-10.9) or those prescribed suppositories more than once a day (odds ratio = 1.3, 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.7). By medication possession ratio criteria, 71% of all subjects were nonadherent with their prescribed regimen (medication possession ratio <0.6). Nonadherers were significantly older than adherent subjects: mean age 48 years in nonadherers, versus 37 in adherers, P = 0.04. Patients who were nonadherent to rectal mesalamine frequently cited the mode of administration (65%) and busy lifestyle (40%) as reasons for nonadherence. CONCLUSIONS Intentional nonadherence is common in patients who have been prescribed rectal mesalamine. Gender, age, frequency of dosing, and lifestyle factors may impact adherence.
The impact of symptom stability on time frame and recall reliability in CFS.

AbstractThis study is an investigation of the potential impact of perceived symptom stability on the recall reliability of symptom severity and frequency as reported by individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Symptoms were recalled using three different recall time frames (the past week, the past month, and the past six months) and at two assessment points (with one week in between each assessment). Participants were 51 adults (45 women and 6 men), between the ages of 29 and 66 with a current diagnosis of CFS. Multilevel Model Analyses were used to determine the optimal recall time frame (in terms of test–retest reliability) for reporting symptoms perceived as variable and as stable over time. Headaches were recalled more reliably when they were reported as stable over time. Furthermore, the optimal time frame in terms of test–retest reliability for stable symptoms was highly uniform, such that all Fukuda CFS symptoms were more reliably recalled at the six-month time frame. Furthermore, the optim...
High-fat diet amplifies renal renin angiotensin system expression, blood pressure elevation, and renal dysfunction caused by Ceacam1 null deletion

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAMl), a substrate of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, regulates insulin action by promoting insulin clearance. Global null mutation of Ceacam1 gene (Cc1(-/-)) results in features of the metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, visceral adiposity, elevated blood pressure, and albuminuria. It also causes activation of the renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that high-fat diet enhances the expression of RAS components. Three-month-old wild-type (Cc1(+/+)) and Cc1(-/-) mice were fed either a regular or a high-fat diet for 8 wk. At baseline under regular feeding conditions, Cc1(-/-) mice exhibited higher blood pressure, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and renal expression of angiotensinogen, renin/prorenin, angiotensin-converting enzyme, (pro)renin receptor, angiotensin subtype AT1 receptor, angiotensin II, and elevated PI3K phosphorylation, as detected by p85α (Tyr(508)) immunostaining, inflammatory response, and the expression of collagen I and collagen III. In Cc1(+/+) mice, high-fat diet increased blood pressure, UACR, the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II, PI3K phosphorylation, inflammatory response, and the expression of collagen I and collagen III. In Cc1(-/-) mice, high-fat intake further amplified these parameters. Immunohistochemical staining showed increased p-PI3K p85α (Tyr(508)) expression in renal glomeruli, proximal, distal, and collecting tubules of Cc1(-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. Together, this demonstrates that high-fat diet amplifies the permissive effect of Ceacam1 deletion on renal expression of all RAS components, PI3K phosphorylation, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Normalizations of the Proposal Density in Markov Chain Monte Carlo Algorithms

We explore the effects of normalizing the proposal density in Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms in the context of reconstructing the conductivity term $K$ in the $2$-dimensional heat equation, given temperatures at the boundary points, $d$. We approach this nonlinear inverse problem by implementing a Metropolis-Hastings Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm. Markov Chains produce a probability distribution of possible solutions conditional on the observed data. We generate a candidate solution $K'$ and solve the forward problem, obtaining $d'$. At step $n$, with some probability $\alpha$, we set $K_{n+1}=K'$. We identify certain issues with this construction, stemming from large and fluctuating values of our data terms. Using this framework, we develop normalization terms $z_0,z$ and parameters $\lambda$ that preserve the inherently sparse information at our disposal. We examine the results of this variant of the MCMC algorithm on the reconstructions of several $2$-dimensional conductivity functions.
ELASTIC AND INELASTIC SCATTERING OF $alpha$ PARTICLES FROM $sup 138$Ba.

Differential cross sections for the elastic scattering and inelastic scattering to the low-lying states in $^{138}\mathrm{Ba}$ have been measured using 50-MeV $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles. The angular distributions are analyzed in the distorted-wave Born approximation, employing collective-model form factors. Spin and parity assignments of ${2}^{+}$, ${4}^{+}$, and ${3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ are verified for states at 1.436, 1.898, and 2.880 MeV. Assignments of ${2}^{+}$ and ${4}^{+}$ are made for states at 2.19 and 2.27 MeV. Tentative assignments of ${2}^{+}$ and ${4}^{+}$ are made for members of unresolved multiplets at 3.34 and 3.50 MeV. Values of ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{l}{R}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ are obtained for all observed levels. Reasonable agreement for excitation energies and ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$ assignments has been obtained between the present results and previous experimental measurements and with recent theoretical calculations. A comparison of available isoscalar and electromagnetic transition rates in the mass region $115lAl150$ indicates that, for the lowest ${2}^{+}$ states, the ratio of the neutron-to-proton contributions to the isoscalar matrix elements is in the ratio $\frac{N}{Z}$ as predicted by the collective vibrational model, except for the $N=82$ region. A similar result has previously been observed at the $N=28$ shell closure.
The Influence of Instructions on Respondent Error

Survey researchers are often confronted with questions about the credibility of information received from respondents, who may inadvertently give false information or deliberately conceal lack of knowledge, or attempt to "help" the researcher. Some studies have attempted to ascertain the factors which account for false responses [1 and 2]. One technique often used to measure respondent error in advertisement recognition tests is inserting bogus advertisements among real ones. False recognition of bogus advertisements suggests false recognition of real advertisements. Previous studies have estimated the level of error in recognition studies [3]. Some researchers feel that inserting bogus advertisements without informing the respondent is misleading [4 and 5]. Starch, for example, states that telling respondents that bogus advertisements are included will materially lessen the amount of confusion or erroneous recognition [5]. It follows that recognition error may be reduced by telling respondents that bogus items may have been included even when they are not. This note reports the results of a study designed to test this proposition using trademarks, which are similar to advertisements in characteristics and uses.
Feminist originalism: Intersectionality and the politics of reading

This article examines the growing body of commemorative feminist work on intersectionality – the myriad journals and books that have marked intersectionality’s twentieth anniversary and celebrated ...
Extraction of additional data using extended simultaneous multiple source inversion

Summary A new method that is a modification of a self-truncating vibroseis extended correlation uses an inversion method instead of a cross correlation to extract simultaneous multiple source (SMS) data beyond a listening time. The process of inverting data beyond the listening time is referred as extended SMS inversion. It produces exactly the same data as the traditional SMS data if the output time after the inversion is equal to the listening time. If the inverted output time is greater than the listening time, the reduced bandwidth in recorded data also decreases the bandwidth of inverted data. Fortunately, the frequency loss due to the intrinsic-earth attenuation usually decays faster than the reduced bandwidth in recorded data. The bandwidth of the extended data is often well above the data bandwidth required for seismic explorations. In general, the reduction of data bandwidth is not an issue for typical seismic explorations and the use of extended inversion beyond the listening time typically reconstructs geological structures extremely well. The extended inversion can also be used to minimize the listening time in designing the acquisition parameter. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this method with synthetic and real data.
A Study of Tobacco Carcinogenesis. XX. Role of Catechol as a Major Cocarcinogen in the Weakly Acidic Fraction of Smoke Condensate

The weakly acidic fraction of cigarette smoke condensate was fractionated by preparative high-pressure liquid chromatography into major subfractions I-IV. Major subfractions II and III were fractionated further into subfractions A-J. Subfractions A-J were tested for cocarcinogenicity on the skin of noninbred Ha:ICR Swiss albino mice by application with 0.003% benzo[a]pyrene. Subfractions A-C and F-J showed significant cocarcinogenic activity; subfractions A, F, and H were the most active. Catechol was a major component of subfraction A and was also detected in subfractions B-D and F. Major components of the other subfractions included hydroquinone (B), coniferyl alcohol (C and H), hydroxyphenyl alcohols (D), alkyl-2-hydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-ones (C, D, and F), hydroxyacetophenones (F), phenolic cyano compounds (F), and fatty acids (F). The results demonstrate the importance of catechol as a cocarcinogen in the weakly acidic fraction of cigarette smoke condensate and indicate the presence of other cocarcinogens.
QUANTIFYING WILDLIFE USE OF CAVE ENTRANCES USING REMOTE CAMERA TRAPS

Digital infrared remote camera traps were placed at the entrance of twelve caves in Great Basin National Park, Nevada during the summer of 2013 to assess the wildlife use of cave entrances. The use of caves by surface wildlife is a major nutrient source for cave organisms that spend their entire lives underground. Cave entrances varied in size (0.9 to 50 m 2 ), cave length (10 to 1000 m), surface habitat (riparian versus pinyon/juniper), and management approach (gated versus no gate). Data from eight cave entrances are presented, with four other entrances removed from the analysis due to equipment failure. The cameras were deployed for a total of 372 trap days, with an average of 46.5 days per cave (range 28 to 62). The cameras captured 632 trap events, with separate events defined as more than an hour apart for the same species. Of the seventeen taxa documented, the most abundant species photographed were mice, chipmunks, humans, woodrats, and squirrels. Other species observed in cave entrances were cottontail rabbits, bats, skunks, foxes, insects, birds, and domestic dogs. Wildlife entered and exited caves most frequently between 1800 and 0600. Very little information has been previously documented about fauna using cave entrances, and this non-invasive, repeatable technique can help managers learn more about the dominant species using the entrance and twilight areas of the caves they manage, as well as peak use times.
Continuous quality improvement and the process of writing for academic publication.

OBJECTIVE To improve their academic publication productivity by understanding the process of writing and setting long-run productivity goals. METHODS We used the thinking and methods of continuous quality improvement and a national survey of associate professors of Family Medicine about their level of productivity at the time of their promotion to Associate Professor. RESULTS Barriers to writing vary. The process from idea to publication takes well over a year on average. The average number of publications associated with successful promotion in Family Medicine ranges from 10 to 14 with substantial variation. CONCLUSION Knowing the time until the promotion decision, the expected level of productivity, the death rates of started papers, and the duration of time between start to publication allows one to develop a long-range plan for publication productivity.
Spectral resolution of the primary electron acceptor A0 in Photosystem I.

The reduced state of the primary electron acceptor of Photosystem I, A0, was resolved spectroscopically in its lowest energy Qy region for the first time without the addition of chemical reducing agents and without extensive data manipulation. To carry this out, we used the menB mutant of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in which phylloquinone is replaced by plastoquinone-9 in the A1 sites of Photosystem I. The presence of plastoquinone-9 slows electron transfer from A0 to A1, leading to a long-lived A0– state. This allows its spectral signature to be readily detected in a time-resolved optical pump–probe experiment. The maximum bleaching (A0– – A0) was found to occur at 684 nm with a corresponding extinction coefficient of 43 mM–1 cm–1. The data show evidence for an electrochromic shift of an accessory chlorophyll pigment, suggesting that the latter Qy absorption band is centered around 682 nm.
What did we say they’ve said? Four encounters between theory, method and the production of data

Following Reed (2010, 2011), we can think of ethnography as the encounter between two sets of meanings: those of the ethnographer on those of the subjects whose lives are being studied. If we are able to recognize the contested, unfinished, reflexive and complex character of how people think about themselves, we should be able to imagine ourselves in the same terms and go into the field armed with a theoretical helmet with interchangeable lenses, imagining which theoretical concepts would best fit the case. In this paper, I develop how this approach finds a fruitful analogue in psychoanalysis as a practical endeavor that produces a particular kind of truth; what we can learn from that equivalency; how this epistemological approach works in parallel to Reed’s plea for theoretical pluralism; and what are then the consequences of this book for practitioners of cultural ethnography.
Simultaneous Measurement of Dissolved Oxygen Pressure and Oxyhemoglobin Spectra in Solution

The measurement of the spatial distribution of oxygen saturation (sO2) in superficial tissues using optical reflectance imaging has been useful in the clinical venue especially in temporally demanding applications such as monitoring tissue oxygenation during surgery. The measurement is based on relative spectrometry of oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin in tissues. We titrated deoxyhemoglobin with oxygen gas and simultaneously measured the dissolved oxygen pressure and the visible absorbance spectra to verify spectral shapes at different saturations. sO2 values derived from the measured pO2 are compared to those derived from the hemoglobin spectra at various stages of oxygenation.
Pre-evaluation of Occupational Hazards on A Construction Project of Reclaimed Water Station

[Objective]To put forward effective countermeasure and suggestions for occupational health protection,through the pre-evaluation of occupational hazards on the construction project of reclaimed water station.[Methods]Risk assessment method and analog investigation method were applied to conduct Identification,analysis and evaluation on the potential occupational hazards in this project.[Results]The general layout,manufacturing technique and protective measures of occupational disease basically met the requirements of "Health Standards for Design of Industrial Enterprises".However,the designs such as equipment layout,lighting and emergency rescue measures were not perfect enough.[Conclusion]The construction of this project is feasible through analysis of occupational disease prevention.
Analyzing Medical Students' Definitions of Sex

ABSTRACTAn inaccurate definition of what constitutes sex can negatively impact the sexual health and wellbeing of patients. This study aimed to determine which behaviors medical students consider to be sex. Survey questions about various sexual behaviors were administered to medical students. All participants agreed that penile-vaginal penetration is sex. More than 25% of participants did not consider genital-genital contact without penetration, oral-genital contact, foreign object in rectum, and forced vaginal/rectal penetration as sex. Nonheterosexuals were more likely to consider genital-genital contact without penetration sex. We determined there was less than complete consensus among future physicians on what activities are considered sex.
Activation of MAP kinase-activated protein kinase 2 in human neutrophils after phorbol ester or fMLP peptide stimulation.

In response to extracellular stimulation, one of the earliest events in human neutrophils is protein phosphorylation, which mediates signal transduction and leads to the regulation of cellular functions. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are rapidly activated by a variety of mitogens, cytokines, and stresses. The activated MAP kinases in turn regulate their substrate molecules by phosphorylation. MAP kinase-activated protein (MAPKAP) kinase 2, a Ser/Thr kinase, has been shown to be phosphorylated by p38 MAP kinase both in vivo and in vitro. Phosphorylation of the Thr-334 site of MAPKAP kinase 2 results in a conformational change with subsequent activation of the enzyme. To better define the role of MAPKAP kinase 2 in the activation of human neutrophils, its enzymatic activity was measured after stimulation by either a phorbol ester (phorbol myristate acetate [PMA]), a potent protein kinase C activator, or the tripeptide fMLP, which is a chemotactic factor. The in vitro kinase assays indicate that both PMA and fMLP stimulated a transient increase in the enzymatic activity of cellular MAPKAP kinase 2. The induced kinase activation was concentration-dependent and reached a maximum at 5 minutes for PMA and 1 minute for fMLP. To identify potential substrate molecules for MAPKAP kinase 2, a highly active kinase mutant was generated by mutating the MAP kinase phosphorylation site in the C-terminal region. The replacement of threonine 334 with alanine resulted in a marked augmentation of catalytic activity. Analysis of in vitro protein phosphorylation in the presence of the active kinase indicates that a 60-kD cytosolic protein (p60) was markedly phosphorylated and served as the major substrate for MAPKAP kinase 2 in human neutrophils. Based on the MAPKAP kinase 2 phosphorylation site of Hsp27, a competitive inhibitory peptide was synthesized. This competitive inhibitory peptide specifically inhibited MAPKAP kinase 2 enzymatic activity, as well as the in vitro and in vivo kinase-induced p60 phosphorylation. To asses the contribution of MAPKAP kinase 2 in neutrophil function, the oxidative burst response after manipulation of endogenous kinase activity was measured. Intracellular delivery of the competitive inhibitory peptide into human neutrophils reduced both PMA- and fMLP-stimulated superoxide anion production. Thus, the results strongly suggest that MAPKAP kinase 2 is involved in the activation of human neutrophils.
Cochlear Implantation in Sudden Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Although 1–4% of all cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) are bilateral, all such patients reported to date have experienced significant recovery of hearing in at least one ear. We rep...
Plasma Levels and Excretion of Estrogens in Urine in Chronic Liver Disease

Plasma levels of nonconjugated estrone (E1), estradiol-17beta (E2), and estriol (E3) and excretion of these estrogens in urine in conjugated and nonconjugated forms were measured by radioimmunoassay in 17 healthy males and 33 males with alcoholic liver disease. Patients with liver disease had significantly elevated plasma levels of E1 (74.2 +/- 8.0 SE versus 26.0 +/- 1.7 pg per ml, P less than 0.001), E2 (29.3 +/- 2.2 versus 23.3 +/- 2.0 pg per ml, P = less than 0.05), and E3 (11.5 + 1.9 versus 6.5 +/- 0.7 pg per ml, P less than 0.01). Excretion of total E1, E2, and E3 in urine was significantly increased in patients with liver disease; the increase was primarily in the nonconjugated fraction. Among those patients with chronic liver disease, the presence of ascites was associated with significantly higher plasma levels of E1 and excretion of larger amounts of E1 and E2 in urine. On the other hand, no differences were observed in the small number of patients with gynecomastia. A direct correlation between the plasma level or excretion of E1 or E2 and several liver function abnormalities was observed. The relative hyperestrogenemia we report here may account for some of the clinical observations in chronic liver disease.
Heart disease and pregnancy.

Pregnancy is associated with major hemodynamic changes in the cardiovascular system that can contribute to greater morbidity and mortality in women with underlying heart disease. Therefore, the diagnosis and management of these disorders in the pregnant patient require understanding of cardiovascular physiology during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the puerperium. It is also essential to have knowledge about safety and utility of various drugs during pregnancy to treat maternal heart disease without compromising fetal well-being.
Detection of recurrent prostate cancer after primary radiation therapy: An evaluation of the role of multiparametric 3T magnetic resonance imaging with endorectal coil

Abstract Objectives The value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in staging prostate cancer (PCa) before salvage prostatectomy is currently unclear because of the minimal data comparing mpMRI results to final pathologic stage at surgery. The aim of the study is to determine the diagnostic performance of mpMRI in characterizing viable recurrent tumor and lymph node metastasis following radiation therapy (RT) failure. Methods and materials Between January 2007 and July 2014, 19 patients with biopsy-proven recurrent PCa after primary RT underwent 3T mpMRI and subsequent salvage prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymphadenectomy. mpMRI images were independently reviewed by 2 genitourinary MRI radiologists (R1 and R2), blinded to the pathology results, to evaluate extraprostatic extension (EPE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), and pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, receiver operating characteristic curves, and interobserver agreement (R1 and R2) were evaluated for each outcome on a per-patient basis. Final pathologic results were used as a gold standard for comparison in all patients. A multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between the index lesion's apparent diffusion coefficient value and its enhancement characteristics with the Gleason score. Results EPE was found in 14 (73.7%) patients, SVI in 13 (68.4%), and PLNM in 5 (26.3%). mpMRI sensitivity for PLNM was 60.0% (R1 and R2) with specificity of 85.7% (R1) and 92.8% (R2). With regards to SVI, the sensitivity was 61.5% (R1) and 76.9% (R2), with a specificity of 66.6% (R1 and R2). Sensitivity for EPE was 50.0% (R1) and 71.43% (R2), with a specificity of 80.0% (R1) and 100.00% (R2). No significant associations were found at multivariate analysis. The evaluation of PLNM, SVI, and PCa recurrence within the prostate demonstrated moderate interobserver agreement (κ, 0.51-0.57). Conclusions mpMRI has good accuracy for detecting PLNM, SVI, and EPE after RT. mpMRI provides useful information in locally recurrent PCa following primary radiation therapy.
Psychosocial support for cosmonauts.

Based on a meeting with members of the Psychological Support Group for cosmonauts, along with several referenced documents, the author summarizes the Soviet experience in dealing with psychological and interpersonal factors related to long-duration space missions. Cosmonaut selection and training procedures following the principle of "neuropsychological resistance" formulated by F.D. Gorbov. Inflight monitoring uses the macroanalysis of crew speech characteristics as an indicator of psychological state. Psychosocial problems include "asthenia" and interpersonal tension. Support efforts focus on enhancing behavioral and autonomic adaptation, planning flexible work/rest schedules, improving the space station environment, arranging relevant free time activities, and helping crews readjust to Earth postflight. Attention is paid to changes in cosmonaut preferences and sensitivities as the mission progresses. The use of support activities is believed to be positively associated with the health and performance of cosmonaut space crews.
Kinetics of Complex Formation between Human Carbonic Anhydrase B and Heterocyclic Sulfonamides

The kinetics of both the association and dissociation reaction of two heterocyclic sulfonamide inhibitors ( S ), methazolamide and ethoxzolamide, with human carbonic anhydrase (carbonate hdyro-lyase, EC [4.2.1.1][1]) isoenzyme B (CA) has been studied as a function of pH, using fluorescence stopped-flow instrumentation. The dissociation rate constants are similar for the two inhibitors and are unaffected by pH changes in the range 6.0-10.0. The association rate constants exhibit bell-shaped curves as a function of pH, consistent with the rate being controlled by two ionizing groups. The evidence suggests that one is an ionizing group on the enzyme with a pK near 7.5, which controls the low-pH limb of the curve, while the other function, controlling the high-pH limb, is the ionization of the sulfonamide group of the inhibitor. The data are consistent with the enzyme-drug reaction being either CA + SH or CAH+ + S-. ACKNOWLEDGMENT We wish to thank Mr. P. C. Turner for expert technical assistance. [1]: pending:yes
The Awareness of Human’s Sedentary Behavior in the Workplace and Product Design Guidelines

Americans spend a considerable amount of their waking-hours in sedentary behavior. Among the different places where sedentary behavior occurs, the workplace is one of the primary settings for prolonged sitting which is associated with poor health outcomes. This study aimed at understanding the needs and wants of office workers in relation to the products that help sedentary employees reduce their sitting time. The research was conducted using a holistic design approach, including IRB application, online survey, and data analysis methods. The primary goal of this study was to understand the barriers and motivators to sit less in the office, and explore the employees’ attitudes and experiences of using products to reduce their sitting time. Based on the findings, the design guidelines of product design in the workplace were proposed to improve their sedentary behaviors that cause public health-related outcomes.
Minimum Trajectory Control of Robot: Part II — Control Algorithms

Numerically controlled manipulators play an important role in factory automation. One should have a good knowledge of mechanics, control systems, computers, various input devices and sensors to design effective numerically controlled manipulators [1]. Saridis [2] proposed a hierarchically intelligent control technique as a unified theoretic approach of cognitive and control systems methodologies. Krustev and Lilov [3] solved the problems of finding the end-effector time optimal motion and the end-effector motion with a prescribed velocity profile along a preplanned path. The optimal path control was studied by Egeland et al. [4] and Balashevich et al. [5]. An iterative learning control method was also investigated by Oaki and Mita [6] and Oh et al. [7], etc. Design and application of direct-drive and adaptive control robots have been discussed by Asada [8] and Walker et al. [9]. Compliant motion control of redundant manipulators was investigated by Peng and Adachi [10]. The study of manipulator inverse kinematics were presented by Cheng and Gupta [11], Raghavan and Roth [12], and Kohli and Osvatic [13]. Most recently, control of flexible robot manipulators was emphasized by Book [14], Xia and Menq [15], and Kwon and Book [16].
Kapitza Conductance of Aluminum and Heat Transport from a Flat Surface through a Large-Diameter Tube to Saturated Helium II

Heat transport from a metal to helium II is usually determined by the thermal boundary resistance at the interface. This point is particularly noticeable if the metal is a pure low-resistivity type like aluminum or copper and the distance over which the heat is to be carried by the helium is not very large. Although extensive measurements of this Kapitza resistance [1–5] have been made on a variety of materials with varying surface preparations, one cannot predict the thermal barrier for a given sample based upon existing results. This problem is due primarily to the inability to correlate surface preparation with thermal resistance.
Technologische und ökonomische Rahmenbedingungen

Im Sinne eines ganzheitlichen Systemverstandnisses ist eine Auseinandersetzung mit den technologischen und okonomischen Rahmenbedingungen der Photovoltaiktechnologie und des Konzepts der Verwertung von Produktrucklaufern sowie der integrierten Sichtweise von Kreislaufwirtschaftsmodellen notig.
Talking to your car can drive you to distraction

This research examined the impact of in-vehicle information system (IVIS) interactions on the driver’s cognitive workload; 257 subjects participated in a weeklong evaluation of the IVIS interaction in one of ten different model-year 2015 automobiles. After an initial assessment of the cognitive workload associated with using the IVIS, participants took the vehicle home for 5 days and practiced using the system. At the end of the 5 days of practice, participants returned and the workload of these IVIS interactions was reassessed. The cognitive workload was found to be moderate to high, averaging 3.34 on a 5-point scale and ranged from 2.37 to 4.57. The workload was associated with the intuitiveness and complexity of the system and the time it took participants to complete the interaction. The workload experienced by older drivers was significantly greater than that experienced by younger drivers performing the same operations. Practice did not eliminate the interference from IVIS interactions. In fact, IVIS interactions that were difficult on the first day were still relatively difficult to perform after a week of practice. Finally, there were long-lasting residual costs after the IVIS interactions had terminated. The higher levels of workload should serve as a caution that these voice-based interactions can be cognitively demanding and ought not to be used indiscriminately while operating a motor vehicle.