cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ras-Related Small GTPases RalA and RalB Regulate Cellular Survival After Ionizing Radiation

Purpose Oncogenic activation of Ras renders cancer cells resistant to ionizing radiation (IR), but the mechanisms have not been fully characterized. The Ras-like small GTPases RalA and RalB are downstream effectors of Ras function and are critical for both tumor growth and survival. The Ral effector RalBP1/RLIP76 mediates survival of mice after whole-body irradiation, but the role of the Ral GTPases themselves in response to IR is unknown. We have investigated the role of RalA and RalB in cellular responses to IR. Methods and Materials RalA, RalB, and their major effectors RalBP1 and Sec5 were knocked down by stable expression of short hairpin RNAs in the K-Ras-dependent pancreatic cancer-derived cell line MIA PaCa-2. Radiation responses were measured by standard clonogenic survival assays for reproductive survival, γH2AX expression for double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs), and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage for apoptosis. Results Knockdown of K-Ras, RalA, or RalB reduced colony-forming ability post-IR, and knockdown of either Ral isoform decreased the rate of DSB repair post-IR. However, knockdown of RalB, but not RalA, increased cell death. Surprisingly, neither RalBP1 nor Sec5 suppression affected colony formation post-IR. Conclusions Both RalA and RalB contribute to K-Ras-dependent IR resistance of MIA PaCa-2 cells. Sensitization due to suppressed Ral expression is likely due in part to decreased efficiency of DNA repair (RalA and RalB) and increased susceptibility to apoptosis (RalB). Ral-mediated radioresistance does not depend on either the RalBP1 or the exocyst complex, the two best-characterized Ral effectors, and instead may utilize an atypical or novel effector.
A BEAM-Inspired Lyapunov-Based Strategy for Obstacle Avoidance and Target-Seeking

We consider a hypothetical dimensionless robot operating in an unknown, obstacle-ridden planar environment. The robot is capable of rotational and translational motion, and is equipped with a limited sensor suite that includes a single short-range monocular obstacle sensor and finite-range target sensor. A purely analog robotic motion control scheme is developed for obstacle avoidance and target-seeking using an innovative dynamical systems architecture that incorporates a nonlinear controller derived using Lyapunov techniques. A possible application is in the control of extremely lightweight autonomous machines in the style of Braitenberg vehicles or Tilden's BEAM robots. Simulations and animations (available at the URL indicated in the Simulations Section) are provided.
A single chip for imaging, color segmentation, histogramming, and pattern matching

128(H)/spl times/64(V)/spl times/RGB CMOS imager is integrated with region-of-interest selection, RGB-to-HSI transformation, HSI-based pixel segmentation, 36-bins/spl times/12b HSI histogramming, and sum-of-absolute-difference template matching. 32 learned color templates are stored and compared to each frame. At 30 frames/s, it uses 1 mW.
Trust Your Model - Verifying Aerospace System Models with Java Pathfinder

Model Driven Development (MDD) is rapidly becoming a mainstream practice for the development of complex aerospace systems. UML has emerged as the de facto standard for modeling languages, supporting a wide range of modeling aspects and refinement levels. As a consequence, models can easily become too complex for manual verification and simple static analysis.
A Survey for QoS and Power Management Algorithms in Wireless Transmission

This paper surveys research methodologies different QoS and power management algorithms that guarantee enhancement of services in modern wireless communication systems. Power management is one of the most important system requirements for any wireless transmission to guarantee QoS. In this paper we will show different approaches, which solves QoS issues with respect to power management for wireless transmission. We will define the power management problems and requirements for all types of wireless technologies and what researcher should focus on, regarding power management to guarantee QoS in wireless transmission.
Enhanced toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3A δ-endotoxin in coleopterans by mutagenesis in a receptor binding loop

We used site-directed mutagenesis to modify the Bacillus cry3A gene in amino acid residues 350-354. Two mutant toxins, A1 (R345A, Y350F, Y351F) and A2 (R345A,DeltaY350, DeltaY351, showed significantly improved toxicity against Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm). The mutant toxin A1 was also more potent against both Leptinotarsa decemlineats (Colorado potato beetle) and Chrysomela scripta (cottonwood leaf beetle), while A2 displayed enhanced toxicity only in L. decemlineata. Competitive binding assays of L. decemlineata brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) revealed that binding affinities for the A1 and A2 mutant toxins were ca. 2.5-fold higher than for the wild-type Cry3 toxin. Similar binding assays with C. scripta BBMV revealed a ca 5-fold lower dissociation rate for the A1 mutant as compared to that of Cry3A.
Interference-Aware Minimum Energy Path Routing in Multi-Hop Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

Interference and energy-restriction are two of the most important technical challenges in the design of networking protocols in wireless ad hoc networks. The interference is an inherent problem for wireless communication and it is not easy to control. On the other hand, the lifetime of an ad hoc network totally relies on the power consumption of the network nodes, each of which is normally equipped with a limited power supply such as batteries. In this paper, we develop algorithms for interference-aware minimum energy path (MEP) routing in wireless ad hoc networks. The empirical results show that the interference-aware MEP tends to avoid congested core in the network and leads to better load balance and overall power savings, compared with its noninterference-aware counterparts.
Limitations of Linear Control Over Packet Drop Networks

In this paper, we investigate control across stochastic dropout channels. In particular, we consider the Mean Square Stability of a SISO plant in the case there is only one channel in the feedback loop and the case where both actuator and sensor channels are present. We seek optimal networked control schemes that are memoryless functions of channel state information and for each channel state are otherwise linear and time invariant functions of channel output. We establish a fundamental limit on the dropout probability allowable for the Mean Square Stability of the closed loop system. The maximal tolerable dropout probability is only a function of the unstable eigenvalues of the plant. When either the actuator or the sensor channel is present, we propose a receiver structure that can stabilize the system under the worst dropout probability; moreover, we can simultaneously design the optimal controller and receiver and show that they can be implemented in physically separated locations (decentralized). When both actuator and sensor channels are present in the loop, the main result is a centralized stabilization technique that always achieves the fundamental bound via noiseless acknowledgement from the actuation receiver. Finally, we extend the results to the more general case where also the acknowledgements are lost with a given probability and compute how the unreliable delivery of the acknowledgements affects the minimal quality of service required of the actuator and sensor channels.
The scaphotrapezial ligament complex: An anatomic and biomechanical study

An anatomic and biomechanical study of the ligamentous stabilizers of the scaphotrapezial trapezoidal joint was performed in 25 fresh cadaver specimens. A consistent scaphotrapezial ligament complex consisting of four entities was identified. This complex is comprised of a stout scaphotrapezial ligament on the radial and palmar aspects of the scaphotrapezial joint, weak palmar and dorsal capsules, and a scaphocapitate capsular ligament. A biomechanical study subsequently found that these structures were directly related to resisting diastasis of the scaphotrapezial trapezoidal joint. This information is helpful in understanding scaphoid tuberosity fractures, scaphotrapezial instability and arthrosis, scaphoid dislocations, and perhaps scapholunate disassociations.
Optical highlighter molecules in neurobiology

The development of advanced optical methods has played a key role in propelling progress in neurobiology. Genetically-encoded fluorescent molecules found in nature have enabled labeling of individual neurons to study their physiology and anatomy. Here we discuss the recent use of both native and synthetic optical highlighter proteins to address key problems in neurobiology, including questions relevant to synaptic function, neuroanatomy, and the organization of neural circuits.
GP120: Target for Neutralizing HIV-1 Antibodies

The glycoprotein (gp) 120 subunit is an important part of the envelope spikes that decorate the surface of HIV-1 and a major target for neutralizing antibodies. However, immunization with recombinant gp120 does not elicit neutralizing antibodies against multiple HIV-1 isolates (broadly neutralizing antibodies), and gp120 failed to demonstrate vaccine efficacy in recent clinical trials. Ongoing crystallographic studies of gp120 molecules from HIV-1 and SIV increasingly reveal how conserved regions, which are the targets of broadly neutralizing antibodies, are concealed from immune recognition. Based on this structural insight and that from studies of antibody structures, a number of strategies are being pursued to design immunogens that can elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies to gp120. These include (a) the construction of mimics of the viral envelope spike and (b) the design of antigens specifically tailored to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Distinguishing African American English from developmental errors in the language production of toddlers

This study examined the use of nonstandard forms in the language production of typically developing toddlers. Forty-four African American and White children, ages 2.5 and 3.5 years, were assigned to one of four groups based on their chronological age and linguistic background. Language sample analysis and a listener judgment task were used to evaluate nonstandard speech. Results indicated that 2.5- and 3.5-year-old toddlers from African American English backgrounds produced similar amounts of nonstandard speech. However, 2.5-year-old toddlers from standard American English backgrounds produced greater amounts of nonstandard speech than their 3.5-year-old peers.
Reconsidering Lenin: What Can Be Said about What Is to Be Done?

Lars Lih’s explication of the intended meaning of Lenin’s What Is to Be Done? is not only the most sophisticated to date, it is also unlikely to be surpassed in the foreseeable future. Lih’s portrayal of Lenin as a democratic ‘Erfurtian’ Marxist undoubtedly poses a powerful challenge to those would suggest that Stalinism can be deduced from the arguments of the book. Nonetheless, there exists contemporary evidence to suggest that not only Mensheviks but also some Bolsheviks interpreted Lenin in a way not too dissimilar from what Lih calls the ‘textbook-interpretation’.
Fiscal Policy Outcomes and Electoral Accountability in American States

Clear fiscal policy effects appear in American state gubernatorial and legislative elections between 1968 and 1992, independent of the effects of incumbency, coattails, term limits, and macroeconomic conditions. The results show that accountability is generally stronger following a period of unified party control than under divided government. Voter reactions to taxes and spending relative to the state economy are conditional on expectations, which differ for each party. Net of these expectations, Republican gubernatorial candidates lose votes if their party is responsible for unanticipated increases in the size of the state budget; Democrats do not and, indeed, may be rewarded for small increases. Independent of this, the incumbent governor's party is punished in legislative elections for failing to maintain fiscal balance. Taken together, these results show how electoral accountability for fiscal policy outcomes is strong but highly contingent on a complex configuration of party labels, partisan control, expectations, and institutions.
Analysis of Oscillators Locked by Large Injection Signals: Generalized Adler's Equation and Geometrical Interpretation

Using the hard-limiting characteristics of transconductors, a new model for injection-locking, applicable for any strong and weak injection, is proposed. Backed by simulations, examples of the powerfulness of this new model are enumerated as proof of the concept.
The emerging global financial architecture: Tracing and evaluating new patterns of the trilemma configuration

This paper investigates how the trilemma policy mix affects economic performance in developing countries. We find that greater monetary independence can dampen output volatility, while greater exchange rate stability is associated with greater output volatility, which can be mitigated by reserve accumulation; greater monetary autonomy is associated with higher inflation, while greater exchange rate stability and greater financial openness is linked with lower inflation; pursuit of exchange rate stability can increase output volatility when financial development is at an intermediate stage. Greater financial openness, when accompanied by a high level of financial development, reduces output volatility.
Multifaceted aspects of chunking enable robust algorithms

Sequence production tasks are a standard tool to analyze motor learning, consolidation, and habituation. As sequences are learned, movements are typically grouped into subsets or chunks. For example, most Americans memorize telephone numbers in two chunks of three digits, and one chunk of four. Studies generally use response times or error rates to estimate how subjects chunk, and these estimates are often related to physiological data. Here we show that chunking is simultaneously reflected in reaction times, errors, and their correlations. This multimodal structure enables us to propose a Bayesian algorithm that better estimates chunks while avoiding overfitting. Our algorithm reveals previously unknown behavioral structure, such as an increased error correlations with training, and promises a useful tool for the characterization of many forms of sequential motor behavior.
Generating isolated outputs in a multilevel modular capacitor clamped dc-dc converter (MMCCC) for hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles

This paper presents a new technique to obtain isolated dc voltage outputs from a capacitor clamped DC-DC converter. The multilevel modular capacitor clamped converter (MMCCC) has several key features that make it possible to generate AC outputs (10 kHz) from a DC-DC converter circuit. Using those high frequency AC outputs, the MMCCC circuit can incorporate single or multiple high frequency transformers to generate isolated AC outputs. These isolated outputs can be rectified and filtered to obtain unidirectional or bi-directional DC outputs. Using another MMCCC converter stage or an active full bridge block, the AC port can be made bi-directional to transfer power in both directions. By adopting the MMCCC topology to achieve isolated outputs, it is possible to simultaneously integrate multiple DC sources in an isolated and non-isolated manner. This paper will investigate the origin of the AC outputs in the MMCCC circuit, and present an analytical approach to estimating the isolated DC output voltage. Finally, experimental results will be presented for further verification of the concept.
Electrical impedance spectroscopy in relation to seed viability and moisture content in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

A method, electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), is introduced to study seed viability non-destructively. Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds were studied by EIS to determine the most sensitive EIS parameter(s) and the optimal range of moisture content (MC) for separation of viable and non-viable seeds. Hydrated seeds exhibited two impedance arcs in the complex plane at the frequency range from 60 Hz to 8 MHz, and impedance spectra of viable and non-viable seeds differed. The hydrated seeds were best-modelled by an equivalent electrical circuit with two distributed circuit elements in series with a resistor (Voigt model). Moisture content and seed viability had strong effects on the EIS parameters. The most sensitive EIS parameters for detecting the differences between viable and non-viable seeds were the capacitance log(C 2 ), the resistance R 2 , the resistance ratio R 2 /R 1 and the apex ratio, which all represent specific features of the impedance spectrum. The highest differentiation in the EIS parameters between the viable and non-viable seeds occurred in partially imbibed seeds between MC of 40 and 45% (fresh weight basis).
Three-dimensional reconstruction of the rabbit cornea by confocal scanning optical microscopy and volume rendering

The 3-D reconstruction of the central optical zone of the rabbit cornea in an enucleated eye was accomplished. The confocal laser scanning reflected light microscope was used to obtain 3-microm optical serial sections from which the reconstruction was made by computer graphics methods (volume rendering). This volume reconstruction of a living, semitransparent, 400-microm thick, low contrast optical element in the eye presents a new method to visualize the cornea in three dimensions.
The epistemological limits of experience-based exclusive religious belief

Alvin Plantinga and other philosophers have argued that exclusive religious belief can be rationally held in response to certain experiences – independently of inference to other beliefs, evidence, arguments, and the like – and thus can be ‘properly basic’. We think that this is possible only until the believer acquires the defeater we develop in this paper, a defeater which arises from an awareness of certain salient features of religious pluralism. We argue that, as a consequence of this defeater, continued epistemic support for exclusive religious belief will require the satisfaction of non-basic epistemic criteria (such as evidence and/or argumentation). But then such belief will no longer be properly basic. If successful, we will have presented a challenge not only to Plantinga's position, but also to the general view (often referred to as ‘reformed epistemology’) according to which exclusive religious belief can be properly basic.
Left ventricular long axis disturbances as predictors for thallium perfusion defects in patients with known peripheral vascular disease

Objective—To compare resting long axis echocardiography with adenosine thallium-201 emission tomography in detecting myocardial ischaemic abnormalities in patients before peripheral vascular surgery. Design—A prospective and blinded preoperative examination of resting left ventricular minor and long axes and myocardial perfusion during adenosine vasodilatation using thallium-201 emission tomography. Setting—A tertiary referral centre for cardiac and vascular disease equipped with invasive, non-invasive, and surgical facilities. Subjects—65 patients (40 men) with significant peripheral vascular disease, mean (SD) age 63 (10) years, and 21 control subjects of similar age. Methods—Segments were classified as normal, with fixed or reversible defects according to thallium-201 myocardial perfusion tomography. Systolic long axis abnormalities were either reduced excursion and/or abnormal shortening after A2, and diastolic abnormalities either delayed onset of lengthening > 80 ms and/or reduced peak lengthening rate < 4.5 cm/s. Segmental perfusion defects were compared with the equivalent long axes; anteroseptal for septal, inferoseptal for posterior, and lateral for left side giving a total of 195 segments. Results—Systolic long axis abnormalities predicted fixed thallium defects (sensitivity 86%, specificity 87%, positive predictive value 0.78, negative predictive value 0.93, p < 0.001), and diastolic abnormalities correlated with reversible perfusion defects (sensitivity 90%, specificity 85%, positive predictive value 0.72, negative predictive value 0.95, p < 0.001). Echocardiography characteristics of the true and false positive segments were not different in the site or the extent of abnormalities. Conclusion—Systolic long axis abnormalities predict fixed and diastolic reversible thallium perfusion defects in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Ventricular long axis may thus have a value as a screening test before peripheral vascular surgery as well as providing a means of monitoring myocardial perfusion. The high negative predictive values indicate that a negative long axis study makes significant perfusion abnormalities very unlikely in patients with high pretest probability of coronary artery disease. Keywords: peripheral vascular disease; left ventricular long axis; thallium-201; myocardial perfusion scintigraphy
Outer bounds for the MIMO interference channel

We derive several new outer bounds on the capacity of the MIMO Gaussian interference channel. Many of the bounds presented herein are extensions of the work by Etkin et al. (2007) on the single antenna interference channel. These bounds are compared with a Han and Kobayashi achievable rate region and we show the conditions when the achievable rate approaches the outer bound. We also describe the conditions when the outer bounds are concave, thus guaranteeing a computable outer bound.
Light availability indirectly limits herbivore growth and abundance in a high rocky intertidal community during the winter

Light availability and consumer pressure are fundamental factors that structure aquatic communities, but their integrated effects are rarely studied in marine benthic systems. Using a factorial experiment, I investigated the effects of light availability and grazing by limpets (Lottia digitalis) to determine the relative influence of each on the growth and abundance of producers and consumers in a rocky intertidal community during the winter. Light reduction via shading reduced the abundance of filamentous algae and reduced the abundance of the herbivorous periwinkle Littorina sitkana. The effects of limpet grazing reduced the abundance of filamentous algae, Porphyra spp., and diatom mats. Higher limpet densities were also associated with significantly lower densities of adult, but not juvenile, Littorina spp. Light and limpet density interacted to determine Lottia growth, which was high in unshaded, single-limpet enclosures but was negligible in plots with two limpets, shades, or both. Variation in bottom-up (resource-driven) and top-down (consumer-driven) forces are important determinants of abundance at both trophic levels, but the effects are complex, taxon-specific, and, for littorine snails, size-specific. Because the study species accomplish most of their growth and reproduction during the winter, the interplay of light and herbivory during this season will likely influence long-term community dynamics.
Morbid Jealousy and Sex Differences in Partner-Directed Violence

Previous research suggests that individuals diagnosed with morbid jealousy have jealousy mechanisms that are activated at lower thresholds than individuals with normal jealousy, but that these mechanisms produce behavior that is similar to individuals with normal jealousy. We extended previous research documenting these similarities by investigating sex differences in partner-directed violence committed by individuals diagnosed with morbid jealousy. The results support some of our predictions. For example, a greater percentage of men than women diagnosed with morbid jealousy used physical violence, attempted to kill, and actually killed their partners, and used their hands rather than an object to kill their partners. These results replicate results generated for individuals with normal jealousy. Discussion addresses implications of the current research and highlights directions for future research on the psychology of morbid jealousy.
Helicobacter pylori Increases Proteasome-mediated Degradation of p27kip1 in Gastric Epithelial Cells

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with increased gastric epithelial cell turnover and is a risk factor for noncardia gastric cancer. H. pylori reduces the expression of p27 protein, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor of the G(1) to S-phase cell cycle transition and gastric tumor suppressor gene. Although cell cycle dysregulation associated with decreased p27 may contribute to gastric carcinogenesis, how H. pylori reduces p27 in gastric epithelial cells remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of the p27 decrease, using AGS and MKN28 gastric epithelial cells cocultured with H. pylori strains under conditions of defined cell cycle distribution. The expression of p27 protein was reduced by H. pylori in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Northern blot and pulse-chase analyses revealed that this reduction was not regulated at a transcriptional level but by accelerated p27 degradation via a proteasome-dependent pathway. Despite up-regulation of the proteasome-dependent degradation of p27 protein, neither threonine 187-phosphorylated p27 nor skp2 (the ubiquitin ligase for p27) were increased. Furthermore, H. pylori impaired p27 ubiquitination and did not increase global proteasomal function. These results indicate that H. pylori increases the degradation of p27 through a proteasomal pathway distinct from the physiological pathway that degrades p27 during cell cycle progression. Putative virulence genes of H. pylori (cagA, cagE, or vacA) played no role in reducing p27 expression. Increased degradation of p27 by H. pylori through a proteasome-dependent, ubiquitin-independent pathway may contribute to the increased risk of gastric cancer associated with chronic H. pylori infection.
Modulation of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity from bovine choroid plexus.

— The catalytic activity of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) from bovine choroid plexus has been shown to be subject to modulation by a variety of effectors. L-Alanine and L-serine not only functioned as acceptor substrates to which γ-glutamyl moieties could be transferred, but also as noncom-petitive inhibitors of the reaction in the presence of the dipeptide acceptor substrate glycylglycine. In contrast, D-alanine does not function as an acceptor substrate, but does noncompetitively inhibit the transfer of γ-glutamyl groups to glycylglycine. Similarly, borate ions inhibited y-GTP noncompetitively, while a mixture of L-serine and borate were potent uncompetitive inhibitors of the reaction with a Ki of 0.6 mM. Several dicarboxylic acids, including maleate, maleylglycine, and malonate, inhibited γ-GTP; this inhibition was acceptor substrate-dependent. The inhibition of γ-GTP by maleate was competitive with respect to the acceptor substrate glycylglycine.
Crossfading Music Education: Connections between Secondary Students' In- and Out-of-School Music Experience.

In this case study, the author investigated intersections of secondary students’ musical engagement in a Songwriting and Technology Class (STC) and outside of school. The study traces the experienc...
Highly Efficient Computation of the Basal kon using Direct Simulation of Protein–Protein Association with Flexible Molecular Models

An essential baseline for determining the extent to which electrostatic interactions enhance the kinetics of protein-protein association is the "basal" kon, which is the rate constant for association in the absence of electrostatic interactions. However, since such association events are beyond the milliseconds time scale, it has not been practical to compute the basal kon by directly simulating the association with flexible models. Here, we computed the basal kon for barnase and barstar, two of the most rapidly associating proteins, using highly efficient, flexible molecular simulations. These simulations involved (a) pseudoatomic protein models that reproduce the molecular shapes, electrostatic, and diffusion properties of all-atom models, and (b) application of the weighted ensemble path sampling strategy, which enhanced the efficiency of generating association events by >130-fold. We also examined the extent to which the computed basal kon is affected by inclusion of intermolecular hydrodynamic interactions in the simulations.
Customer service : pharmaceutical practitioner

"Customers are the foundations of business, and keep it in existence. They alone give employment." - Peter Drucker In many ways, this is also true of community pharmacies. The new management philosophy encourages employees and pharmacists in all sectors to think more creatively about ways in which to deliver quality customer service.
Broodiness and Viability

Abstract INTRODUCTION BROODINESS has been greatly reduced in all strains of chickens bred for egg production. There is general agreement that elimination of this inherited trait is one of the quickest and surest steps in increasing annual production. Hays and Sanborn (1928) reported that during the pullet year relatively fewer Rhode Island Reds broody before July 1 died after that date than birds not broody before July 1. Further evidence that the elimination of this natural phase of the reproductive cycle may result in decreased vigor was presented by Hogsett (1941). He reported that among his 1939 flock of 1,896 pullets, 105 were broody one or more times during their first laying year. Survival through the first laying year among these broody pullets was 87.6 percent while survival among the 1,791 nonbroody pullets was 74.2 percent. Now it may be reasoned that some of the so-called nonbroody pullets which died would . . .
Green-Eyed (Step)Monsters: Parental Figures’ Perceptions of Jealousy in the Stepfamily

ABSTRACTStepfamilies are complex structures made up of multiple relationships and family subsystems. Although this relational complexity is ripe for the development of jealousy, previous research has focused primarily on romantic relationships. This study explores parental figures’ perceptions of jealousy in stepfamily relationships. Twenty-one in-depth interviews revealed four key themes: strategic framing of jealousy experiences, increased levels of uncertainty and fear, anger and wishes of ill-will toward ex-relationship partners, and the central role that children play in jealousy-related family conflicts. Coping strategies reported by participants revealed a dialectical tension between confrontation and avoidance. Implications for addressing jealousy in the stepfamily are discussed.
Report of the exceptional chronic cough cases

Some children with exceptional chronic cough with reported including accidentally swallowing of milk,minute foreign bodies in the trachea and bronchi;tuberculosis of bronchial inner membrane;airway pressed by congenital abnormalities of the truncus arteriosus,congenital largngeal stridor,and thymus gland hypertrophy etc.To share the ex-prience with junior pediatrician.
Flow Cytometry of Normal and Nonneoplastic Diseases of the Bladder: An Estimate of the False Positive Rate

Abstract From July 1980 through February 1981, 100 patients with normal or nonneoplastic disease of the bladder were studied by flow cytometry. These patients had a variety of medical problems, including carcinoma of the prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy, acute and chronic cystitis and carcinoma of other sites. The results showed that inflammation and cystitis affected flow cytometry analysis and could lead to false positive diagnoses under some circumstancmces. With present criteria we estimate that the false positive rate in a urologic population is an acceptable 2 per cent.
Stable isotope physiology of stem succulents across a broad range of volume-to-surface area ratio

Volume-to-surface area ratio (V:S) across stem succulent taxa varies by almost two orders of magnitude. The broad range in V:S of cacti and other succulent species likely has considerable importance for adaptation since stem volume determines the storage capacity of water, carbon and nutrients and stem surface area is directly related to whole-stem photosynthetic capacity. We examined the intrinsic physiological tradeoffs across diverse stem morphologies in three divergent evolutionary groups where stem succulence is common: Cactoideae, Opuntioideae (Cactaceae) and Euphorbiaceae. We predicted that variation in physiological response to environmental conditions would be (1) constrained by stem V:S, and (2) detectable in the stable isotope ratios of plant tissues. Stable isotope ratios were measured in the spines/prickles of 62 stem-succulent species occurring in a common garden setting in Phoenix, AZ, USA. Biomass δ(13)C, δ(2)H and δ(18)O increased with V:S in Cactoideae only, possibly reflecting various levels of Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) strength in the other lineages. Within Cactoideae-group with the highest CAM strength and largest range in V:S-δ(13)C and δ(18)O increased 2.2 and 11.5 ‰, respectively, with a 22-fold increase in V:S. Both δ(13)C and V:S decreased with species climate-niche estimates of precipitation, indicating that stem morphology and physiology in Cactoideae may be constrained by available moisture. Taken together, these data suggest that physiological tradeoffs associated with stem V:S are detectable across broad evolutionary groups despite differences in CAM strength.
An Examination of the Differential Effects of the Modern Epidemiological Transition on Cranial Morphology in the United States and Portugal

This research examines the pattern of secular change in the cranial morphology of two populations experiencing the epidemiological transition associated with decreased mortality rates in children, followed by declines in infant mortality and subsequent increases in adult longevity. The two samples examined in this study come from US and Portuguese individuals. The epidemiological transition occurred at different times in the United States and Portugal, with Portugal entering into the transition later than the United States. The results of the study show that the US and Portuguese samples experienced significant changes in cranial morphology during the approximately 150 years under study. In all of the samples the cranial base morphology changes significantly over time. However, the pattern of change in the US and Portuguese samples varies in the other regions of the crania. The US samples exhibit significant changes associated with the posterior cranial fossa, which experiences the greatest growth during the fetal period and the first year of life. Conversely, in the Portuguese samples the region of the cranium that shows the greatest change is in the face and lateral cranial base, which experiences the greatest growth from three to nine years. This differential pattern may reflect differences in changing mortality patterns in the two countries. During the period under study the United States had already proceeded through the early stages of the epidemiological transition, and improvements in the juvenile mortality and juvenile growth had occurred previously. Subsequently, the United States experienced significant declines in infant mortality, and the regions of the crania that exhibit the greatest changes occur in area with maximum growth velocity under one year. However, Portugal entered into the epidemiological transition later than the United States and therefore the greatest changes in growth occurred during the juvenile period, which is reflected in the adult morphology in this group. This study demonstrates the utility of variation in growth patterns in different cranial regions to document changes in the demographic parameters in two different populations.
Ten Principles to Guide Health Reform

Americans face inevitable trade-offs between health care affordability, accessibility, and innovation. Although numerous reforms have been proposed, universal principles to guide decision-making are lacking. Solving the challenges that confront us will be difficult, owing to intense partisan divisions and a dysfunctional political process. Nevertheless, we must engage in reasoned debate that respects deeply held differences of opinion regarding our individual and collective obligations to promote healthy living and ensure affordable access to health care. Otherwise, our decisions will be expressed through political processes that reflect the preferences of narrow interests rather than the general public. Our health care system can be made more efficient and equitable by incentivizing consumers and providers to utilize high-value care and avoid low-value care. To accomplish this, we must understand the determinants of consumer and provider behavior and implement policies that encourage, but do not force, o...
Dynamic regulation of pacemaker activity by the Na + -K + pump

The role of Na+ homeostasis in cardiac pacemaking is not well established. Blocking of the Na+-K+ ATPase (NKA) to raise intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+] i ) in ventricles, thereby reducing Ca2+ removal by the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), is widely used to improve cardiac inotropy in patients with congestive heart failure. However, NKA-blocking agents have a narrow therapeutic window, and cardiotoxic effects are common, as excessive Ca2+ accumulation is pro-arrhythmic and decreases lusitropy. Here, we updated an existing mathematical model of the mouse sinoatrial node (SAN) myocyte to determine the effects of increasing [Na+] i on pacemaker cell function, and test whether high [Na+] i levels have disrupting effects similar to those of cardiac glycosides in the ventricle. Model parameter sensitivity analysis revealed that NKA modulation impacts Na+ and Ca2+ homeostasis, as well as several action potential (AP) characteristics. NKA dynamically modulates cell automaticity: upon NKA inhibition SAN firing rate instantaneously increases, due to direct effects on membrane potential (Em) dynamics, and slowly continues to increase over time, while Na+ and Ca2+ accumulate. Simulations of various degrees of block showed that Na+ overload can even stop SAN firing. Thus [Na+] i plays a fundamental role in the regulation of pacemaker activity.
Photo-electronic current transport in back-gated graphene transistor

In this work, we have studied photo-electronic current transport in a back-gated graphene field-effect transistor. Under the light illumination, band bending at the metal/graphene interface develops a built-in potential which generates photonic current at varying back-gate biases. A typical MOSFET type back-gated transistor structure uses a monolayer graphene as the channel layer formed over the silicon dioxide/silicon substrate. It is shown that the photo-electronic current consists of current contributions from photovoltaic, photo-thermoelectric and photo-bolometric effects. A maximum external responsivity close to 0.0009A/W is achieved at 30μW laser power source and 633nm wavelength.
Do Growth Mindsets in Math Benefit Females? Identifying Pathways between Gender, Mindset, and Motivation

Despite efforts to increase female representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), females continue to be less motivated to pursue STEM careers than males. A short-term longitudinal study used a sample of 1449 high school students (grades 9–12; 49% females) to examine pathways from gender and mindset onto STEM outcomes via motivational beliefs (i.e., expectancy beliefs, task value, and cost). Mindset, motivational beliefs, and STEM career aspirations were assessed between the fall and winter months of the 2014–2015 school year and math grades were obtained at the conclusion of the same year. Student growth mindset beliefs predicted higher task values in math. Task values also mediated the pathway from a growth mindset to higher STEM career aspirations. Expectancy beliefs mediated the pathway between gender and math achievement. This mediated pathway was stronger for females than for males, such that females had higher math achievement than males when they endorsed a growth mindset. Findings suggest possible avenues for improving female’s interest in STEM.
Olfactory Imprinting: A Worm’s Memory of Things Past

Summary Exposure to distinct stimuli during critical periods of development can affect behavior long-term. A new study in Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrates that changes in neuronal activity of one synaptic connection following early-life pheromone exposure are sufficient to permanently enhance specific avoidance responses.
Genomic Approaches in Earth and Environmental Sciences

Genomic approaches in earth and environmental sciences , Genomic approaches in earth and environmental sciences , کتابخانه‌های دانشگاه کردستان
Health reform: funding provisions.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 include funding provisions to support the development and implementation of many of the provisions in the legislation. This article describes the timing and phasing of the funding. The article does not cover changes in the tax laws (i.e., the small business tax credits) or mandatory expansion of entitlement programs (i.e., the Medicaid expansion of individuals up to 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL) or the phasing out of the Medicare Part D donut hole). Rather, this article is intended to provide information about new funding opportunities that may be made available to North Carolina or to specific organizations within the state. This article is divided into 10 sections: insurance reform; Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); prevention; health professional workforce training and support; quality; testing new models of care; safety net; long-term care, aging, and disability; malpractice; and Indian Health Services. It is important to distinguish between appropriations and authorizations. If the provision includes a direct appropriation (or transfers funds from one program to another), it means that Congress included funds to support the specific initiative in the health reform legislation. On the other hand, if Congress only authorized the specific provision, it means that Congress will need to appropriate funds sometime in the future to support the initiative. An authorization gives some indication of the intent of Congress to support a program, but it is not the same as a direct appropriation. The following sections give a brief description of potential funding opportunities. In most instances, Congress appropriated funding (or authorized new programs) within the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The actual program rules, as well as application or request for proposals, will be issued by the various DHHS agencies. Groups interested in potential funding to keep track of grant opportunities should check the federal grants website at http://www. grants.gov.
Treatment of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: A Review.

Aim To review the diagnosis and the pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions for pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD).
Computer-aided Detection and Diagnosis

Computer-aided detection (CADe) and computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) are emerging technologies to help radiologists interpret medical images. In screening mammography, CADe can help radiologists avoid overlooking a cancer, while CADx can help radiologists decide whether a biopsy is warranted when reading a diagnostic mammogram. Even though there is much commonality in the techniques used in CADe and CADx algorithms, there are important differences in the input data and in the output of the algorithms. In particular, CADe outputs the location of potential cancers, while CADx outputs the likelihood that a known lesion is malignant. These differences affect the metrics used to evaluate their performance. Commercial CADe systems have been developed and clinical studies of CADe have indicated the ability to increase radiologists' sensitivity by approximately 10% with a comparable increase in the recall rate. Commercial CADx systems do not exist till date, but observer study results are very compelling. CADe and CADx schemes continue to evolve in terms of accuracy and user interface. It is expected that CADe and eventually CADx will play an increasingly important role in breast imaging in the future.
Principles of Environmental Modeling

We have three primary scientific tools at our disposal to evaluate transformation and transport processes in the environment or to find solutions to environmental pollution problems and make decisions based on these solutions. These are, in no particular order: (i) direct field observations; (ii) laboratory scale tests and physical modeling studies; and, (iii) mathematical modeling. We recognize that transformation and transport processes that may occur in the environment and the accurate characterization of these processes both in the physical and also the mathematical domain are extremely complex. Thus, each of these tools has its appropriate place and mutually supporting role, as well as advantages and disadvantages of its use in understanding and solving environmental pollution problems.
On Belonging: Children Respond to Trump through Play and Imagination

In this article, we describe the critical role of play in exploring issues of equity with young children. We provide examples of how we designed for play-based explorations of privilege and power in a low-income afterschool program with majority Latino students in the months before, during, and after the election of Donald Trump. In examining the play that resulted, we describe how the children explored themes of identity and belonging as a means of interrogating, interrupting, and responding to Trump’s characterizations of Mexicans in particular.
Review of Antiplatelet Agents

Development of thrombi can lead to various life-threatening cardiovascular and neurological events, and the role of platelets in thrombus formation is well known. Antiplatelet agents are used in the treatment, as well as both primary and secondary prevention, of various disease states or clinical scenarios. Mechanisms of action, reversibility, metabolism, drug interactions, duration of action, and other characteristics differ widely among the different classes of, and between individual, antiplatelet agents. An overview of the pharmacology, clinical indications, and monitoring considerations of antiplatelet drugs is included.
Predicting Power-Transformer Bushings’ Seismic Vulnerability: Mounting Stiffness and Coupling

AbstractLarge power transformers are both expensive and vulnerable to seismic failure. Excessive amplification of earthquake loading to power-transformer bushings beyond the bushings’ rated strengt...
Thermal Inactivation of Salmonella in Pâté Made from Chicken Liver

ABSTRACT The effect of heating times and temperatures on inactivation of Salmonella in pâte made from chicken liver was evaluated. Raw chicken liver (ca. 1 kg) was blended in a food processor with ...