cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Benefits of Decision Support Using Soft Computing

Soft Computing allowed developers at General Electric to maximize the benefits and minimize the costs of the Decision Support Systems they have created. Soft Computing techniques can be used for designing, automating, maintaining, and maximizing the value of the decision process. These benefits were shown in two applications. The first application used fuzzy rule-based and case-based reasoning to create a decision system that is able to automatically determine risk categories for insurance applications. This second application used fuzzy information fusion for selecting replacement parts required to repair medical imaging machines, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging system.
Quantum critical behavior of a three-dimensional superfluid-Mott glass transition

The superfluid to insulator quantum phase transition of a three-dimensional particle-hole symmetric system of disordered bosons is studied. To this end, a site-diluted quantum rotor Hamiltonian is mapped onto a classical (3+1)-dimensional $XY$ model with columnar disorder and analyzed by means of large-scale Monte Carlo simulations. The superfluid-Mott insulator transition of the clean, undiluted system is in the four-dimensional $XY$ universality class and shows mean-field critical behavior with logarithmic corrections. The clean correlation length exponent $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/2$ violates the Harris criterion, indicating that disorder must be a relevant perturbation. For nonzero dilutions below the lattice percolation threshold of ${p}_{c}=0.688\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}392$, our simulations yield conventional power-law critical behavior with dilution-independent critical exponents $z=1.67(6)$, $\ensuremath{\nu}=0.90(5)$, $\ensuremath{\beta}/\ensuremath{\nu}=1.09(3)$, and $\ensuremath{\gamma}/\ensuremath{\nu}=2.50(3)$. The critical behavior of the transition across the lattice percolation threshold is controlled by the classical percolation exponents. Our results are discussed in the context of a classification of disordered quantum phase transitions, as well as experiments in superfluids, superconductors, and magnetic systems.
Pet-N-Punch: upper body tactile/audio exergame to engage children with visual impairments into physical activity

Individuals with visual impairments have significantly higher levels of obesity and often exhibit delays in motor development, caused by a general lack of opportunities to be physically active. Tactile/audio based exergames that only involve motions of the dominant arm have been successfully explored to engage individuals with visual impairments into physical activity. This paper presents an accessible exergame called Pet-N-Punch that can be played using one or two arms. A user study with 12 children who were blind showed that they were able to achieve light to moderate physical activity, but no significant difference in energy expenditure was detected between both versions. The two arm version had a significantly higher error rate than the one arm version, which shows that the two arm version has a significantly higher cognitive load. Players were found to be able to respond to tactile/audio cues within 2500ms.
Preventing skin cancer through behavior change : implications for interventions

Sun exposure is the only major causative factor for skin cancer for which prevention is feasible. Both individual and community-based interventions have been effective in changing sun exposure knowledge and attitudes but generally have not been effective in changing behaviors. An integrative model of behavior change is described that has been successful in changing behavior across a wide range of health conditions. This model holds promise for developing a rational public health approach to skin cancer prevention based on sound behavioral science.
Biodiversity and Residential Development Beyond the Urban Fringe

This chapter describes the impacts of rural exurban development on the abundance and variety of plants and animals in North American ecosystems. The principles of landscape ecology provide a framework for considering the ways that exurban development can impact biodiversity. We survey the literature and describe the responses of varying components of biodiversity to rural exurban development in North America. Results suggest that habitat loss and landscape fragmentation have relatively minor impacts on exurban biodiversity, except at the highest housing densities. In contrast, perforation edge effects and land-use changes are highly important in most cases. Positive perforation effects include the provision of resources such as water and shade that otherwise can be scarce in natural habitats. Negative perforation effects include competition, predation, and nest parasitism from household pets and other human commensal species and escapes of exotic vegetation from landscaped areas into adjacent natural ecosystems. The chapter concludes by suggesting ways in which planners and property owners can mitigate or avoid impacts on habitat and wildlife.
Overview of Current Type I/II Kinase Inhibitors

Research on kinase-targeting drugs has made great strides over the last 30 years and is attracting greater attention for the treatment of yet more kinase-related diseases. Currently, 42 kinase drugs have been approved by the FDA, most of which (Wilson et al., Cancer Research 78(1):15–29, 2018) are Type I/II inhibitors. Notwithstanding these advances, it is desirable to target additional kinases for drug development as more than 200 diseases, particularly cancers, are directly associated with aberrant kinase regulation and signaling. Here, we review the extant Type I/II drugs systematically to obtain insights into the binding pocket characteristics, the associated features of Type I/II drugs, and the mechanism of action to facilitate future kinase drug design and discovery. We conclude by summarizing the main successes and limitations of targeting kinases for the development of drugs.
Behavioral science in medical education: a 1985-1987 bibliography.

Holmes, et al. in 1985 compiled 46 studies in an updated bibliography of behavioral science in undergraduate and graduate medical education. Since then, 61 additional studies of behavioral science in medical education have been published and abstracted in Index Medicus and Psychological Abstracts, reference sources for the bibliography.
Assessment of atrioventricular conduction by echocardiography and magnetocardiography in normal and anti-Ro/SSA-antibody-positive pregnancies

Objectives The objectives of this study were, first, to evaluate the association between fetal echocardiographic atrioventricular (AV) and magnetocardiographic (fMCG) PR intervals at different gestational ages (GAs) in normal and anti-Ro/SSA-antibody-positive pregnancies; second, to determine if PR interval could be predicted by AV interval; and third, to assess the neonatal outcome of fetuses with prolonged AV and PR intervals, with the goal of developing criteria for fetal first-degree AV block (AVB-I). Methods This was a retrospective study of anti-Ro/SSA-antibody-positive pregnancies (cases) and controls that underwent fMCG and fetal echocardiography at the same recording session. Cardiac cycle length, GA and AV (by mitral inflow/aortic outflow Doppler) and PR (by fMCG) intervals were measured. We tested for significant differences between AV and PR intervals using generalized estimating equations to account for repeat measurements, and assessed whether PR interval could be predicted reliably by AV interval. After delivery, infants with fetal AV or PR interval Z-score ≥ 3 underwent 12-lead electrocardiography. Results Thirty-nine controls and 31 cases underwent 46 and 36 simultaneous fMCG and echocardiographic examinations, respectively; 101 controls and nine cases underwent fMCG only. AV and PR intervals increased with GA (P + 3 had postnatal AVB-I despite treatment. The fourth fetus, which had predominately second-degree AVB and rare periods of AVB-I, progressed to third-degree AVB despite treatment with dexamethasone. Conclusions The diagnostic threshold for AVB-I, defined by AV interval Z-score, is GA dependent. Based on the observed data, an AV interval Z-score threshold of 3 (AV interval, 151-167 ms) may be appropriate. Echocardiographic AV interval was not predictive of fMCG-PR interval. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Pharmacologic Considerations Surrounding Sedation, Delirium, and Sleep in Critically Ill Adults: A Narrative Review.

IntroductionAgitation, delirium, and sleep dysfunction in the intensive care unit (ICU) are common occurrences that result in negative patient outcomes. With the recent publication of the 2018 Clin...
Early hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves survival in a model of severe sepsis.

Sepsis is a major clinical challenge, with therapy limited to supportive interventions. Therefore, the search for novel remedial approaches is of great importance. We addressed whether hyperbaric o...
Characterizing benthic habitats in two Marine Protected Areas on the West Florida Shelf

Abstract A combined technology approach, using towed underwater video from the Camera-Based Assessment Survey System (C-BASS) and previously collected multibeam data, was used to characterize two concurrently established Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) located between 60 and 180 m on the West Florida Shelf (WFS): Madison-Swanson and Steamboat Lumps. C-BASS video was used to characterize habitats, identify reef species such as groupers and snappers, and estimate populations and assemblages. Several previously undefined habitat characteristics were identified in C-BASS video imagery in these areas and added to a Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS)-based flowchart, developed to suit towed video analysis on the WFS, including high-relief hard bottom, moderate-relief hard bottom, low-relief hard bottom, and covered low-relief hard bottom. In Madison-Swanson, the most commonly observed fishes were Lutjanidae spp., Priacanthidae spp., and Serranidae spp.; similarly, in Steamboat Lumps the most frequently encountered fishes were Lutjanidae spp. and Serranidae spp. Between the two MPAs, Madison-Swanson contained both higher abundance and diversity of fishes in the years observed with towed underwater video. Initial results of multivariate statistical analyses suggest habitat preferences of certain fish species, as well as substantial contributions from widespread sandy habitats to total fish abundance despite higher densities of fish over rocky habitats.
Temporal Ersatzism and Relativity

Temporal eliminativism is the view that the present is privileged because past and future entities do not exist. Temporal ersatzism is the view that the present is privileged because, although past...
Maternal Consistency in Recalling Prenatal Experiences at 6 Months and 8 Years Postnatal

Objective Mothers are known to be reliable reporters of smoking during pregnancy, type of delivery, and birth weight when compared with medical records. Few studies have considered whether the timing of retrospective collection affects the mother's retrospective self-report. We examined the consistency of maternal retrospective recall of prenatal experiences, behaviors, and basic birth outcomes between 6 months and 8 years postpartum. Method We examined 117 mothers (62% White, 44% living in a committed relationship, median high school education) from the Early Growth and Development Study (EGDS). EGDS is a longitudinal adoption study that includes birth mothers of children born between 2003 and 2009 who were involved in a domestic adoption. Using the modified life history calendar and a pregnancy screener, mothers reported on their prenatal health behaviors, prenatal substance use, and labor and delivery at 6 months and 8 years postpartum. Cohen κ was calculated to examine consistency, and χ tests were used to test differences by parity and maternal education. Results Mothers' recall was very good for recall of the type of delivery and good for smoking during pregnancy, medicine used for labor induction, and specific medical problems (i.e., pre-eclampsia, sexually transmitted infections, and kidney infections). Recall consistency was poor for illicit drug use, specific prenatal tests performed (i.e., amniocentesis and emergency room visits), and using drugs other than an epidural during delivery. Conclusion This study provides support for using retrospective collection of maternal self-report on some prenatal experiences up to 8 years postpartum and offers a potential way to more accurately collect self-reported prenatal experiences.
Dynasore protects ocular surface mucosal epithelia subjected to oxidative stress by maintaining UPR and calcium homeostasis

The mucosal epithelia of the ocular surface protect against external threats to the eye. Using a model of human stratified corneal epithelial cells with mucosal differentiation, we previously demonstrated that a small molecule inhibitor of dynamin GTPases, dynasore, prevents damage to cells and their transcellular barriers when subjected to oxidative stress. Investigating mechanisms, we now report the novel finding that dynasore acts by maintaining Ca+2 homeostasis, thereby inhibiting the PERK branch of the unfolded protein response (UPR) that promotes cell death. Dynasore was found to protect mitochondria by preventing mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening (mPTP), but, unlike reports using other systems, this was not mediated by dynamin family member DRP1. Necrostatin-1, an inhibitor of RIPK1 and lytic forms of programmed cell death, also inhibited mPTP opening and further protected the plasma membrane barrier. Significantly, necrostatin-1 did not protect the mucosal barrier. Oxidative stress increased mRNA for sXBP1, a marker of the IRE1 branch of the UPR, and CHOP, a marker of the PERK branch. It also stimulated phosphorylation of eIF2α, the upstream regulator of CHOP, as well as an increase in intracellular Ca2+. Dynasore selectively inhibited the increase in PERK branch markers, and also prevented the increase intracellular Ca2+ in response to oxidative stress. The increase in PERK branch markers were also inhibited when cells were treated with the cell permeable Ca2+ chelator, BAPTA-AM. To our knowledge, this is the first time that dynasore has been shown to have an effect on the UPR and suggests therapeutic applications.
Evolving Criteria for Adult and Pediatric Cochlear Implantation.

The indications for cochlear implantation have gradually expanded as advancements in technology have evolved, resulting in improved audiologic outcomes for both adult and children. There remains a significant underutilization of cochlear implant technology in the United States, and recognition of the potential benefits of cochlear implantation for non-traditional indications is critical for encouraging the evolution of candidacy criteria. Adult cochlear implantation candidacy has progressed from patients with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) to include patients with greater degrees of residual hearing, single-sided deafness and asymmetric hearing, and atypical etiologies of hearing loss (eg, vestibular schwannoma, Meniere's disease, and otosclerosis). Indications for pediatric cochlear implantation have similarly evolved from children with bilateral severe to profound SNHL to implanting children at a younger age, including those with residual hearing, asymmetric hearing loss, inner ear malformations, as well as cochlear nerve deficiency. In this editorial, the literature investigating cochlear implantation for nontraditional indications is reviewed with an aim to use the best available evidence to encourage the evolution of candidacy criteria.
Menu-Dependent Food Choices and Food Waste

Abstract We use a combination of randomized field experiments and online surveys to test how the menu design affects food choices and food waste. In our field experiment, participants face one of two menus: a narrow menu that only displays a small portion of food, or a broad menu that also contains bigger portions. While all options are equally available in both menus, they differ in how easy and fast the different choices can be made. Our results show that, compared to the broad menu, participants in the narrow menu ordered smaller portions of food. Importantly, food intake was similar across conditions, leading to significant food waste reduction under the narrow menu. Our online survey experiments suggest that these results are consistent with a combination of anchoring and menu-dependent self-control theories. We discuss the implication of our results to menu design in real world settings.
Residential racial segregation and social distancing in the United States during COVID-19

Abstract Background Our objective is to examine whether residential racial segregation may be constraining capacities for social distancing thus leaving African Americans potentially more exposed to contracting COVID-19. We hypothesized that residential racial segregation constrains African Americans' spatial mobility when the whole population is locked down but increases their need for moving under reopening orders. Methods We employ a Black/White dissimilarity index as our independent variable and county-level mobility ratios as our dependent variable. Using generalized estimating equations for longitudinal data, we analyzed the effects of Black/White segregation on population mobility by counties across the United States from March 8 to August 7, 2020 under two different COVID-19 related policy conditions: lockdown and reopening. Findings While higher county-wide levels of segregation were significantly associated with decreased mobility under lockdown and stay-at-home orders, we found that this relationship between segregation and mobility dissipated under reopening orders. Interpretations Investigating the effects of health policy without considering differing effects due to structural racism will likely ignore complexities that may create unintended consequences of health policy. Our conclusions suggest African Americans may face structural limitations to effective social distancing as evidenced by higher rates of mobility after reopening policies go into effect.
Motivational and Psychological Triggers in Social Engineering

Social engineering is a type of cybersecurity attack vector that depends on human interaction to manipulate individuals to perform certain actions or provide access to confidential information. The methods in social engineering can be very simple to convince individuals to reveal confidential information or data that can be used to cause a lot of damage to organizations and individuals. Social engineering is on the rise because individuals are almost always the weakest link when it comes to protecting confidential information or data. Cybercriminals that conduct social engineering exploit human psychology to have a higher chance of getting the information requested. This paper will demonstrate that social engineering depends on human psychology to be successful. First, this paper will discuss the methods cybercriminals use to conduct social engineering. Second, examine what motivates cybercriminals to conduct social engineering and the psychological triggers behind social engineering. Lastly, discuss trends and ways to defend against social engineering attacks.
Policy Diffusion in a Redistributive Policy: Affordable Housing and State Housing Trust Funds:

Diffusion models explore the reasons policies transfer across governments. In this study, we focus on U.S. state level efforts in affordable housing. Drawing predominately from policy diffusion lit...
It's Not Denial, It's Stigma: A Case Study.

ABSTRACT Addictions nurses often encounter barriers to care for clients such as stigma, especially in settings outside addictions specialty care. This article utilizes a case-study format to show and discuss concepts related to client engagement in recovery and overcoming stigma. Laura, a 65-year-old woman, presents with a worsening of her alcohol use disorder in the setting of a recent retirement, worsening symptoms of major depressive disorder, and the stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. She presents with her depression and is reluctant to discuss her alcohol use, after a past experience in a program that utilized a confrontational approach. Her primary care provider describes her as "in denial," but this case study will discuss elements including stigma, self-stigma, and the culture of addictions treatment and their impact on recovery. Finally, this presentation will describe how the addictions nurse can leverage a person-centered and recovery-oriented approach to promote engagement and positive problem solving with the client and the care team.
LGBTQ+ People and Discrimination: What We Have and Continue to Face in the Fight for Our Lives

This chapter will examine the experiences of discrimination on LGBTQ+ people, particularly LGBTQ+ Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). We will describe the negative impact of discrimination on mental health and physical health, while also highlighting the ways that LGBTQ+ people have demonstrated resilience and other coping skills to effectively navigate systems of oppression. Finally, a case study will highlight the many ways that LGBTQ+ may experience discrimination, as well as the ways that psychologists and others may assist them.
Lipid metabolism of rumen ciliates and bacteria. I. Uptake of fatty acids by Isotricha prostoma and Entodinium simplex.

Washed suspensions of the ruminal ciliates, Isotricha prostoma and Entodinium simplex, concentrated C14-labeled oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids within the cells during short incubation periods. Radioautographs demonstrated that oleic acid-1-C14 was hydrogenated to stearic acid by I. prostoma, and Warburg manometric data showed that the sodium salts of oleic, valeric, caproic, and acetic acids, and methyl myristate, methyl laurate, and the triglyceride tributyrin stimulated fermentation of I. prostoma. The total lipid and free fatty acid contents of I. prostoma were determined.
A Coh-Metrix Analysis of Variation among Biomedical Abstracts

Using the already validated Coh-Metrix tool, this study examines whether there are significant linguistic and discourse differences between biomedical abstracts for American and Korean English. Also, the current study accounts for variation among journals’ countries of origin, distinguishing between biomedical journals published in the United States from biomedical journals published in South Korea. The significance of these studies regards the growing number of second language (L2) biomedical researchers attempting to publish their research in national and international English-language journals, but who find themselves locked out of the discussion because of differences in linguistic and discourse conventions. The present study aims to provide a more thorough and quantitative understanding of the prototypical linguistic components in biomedical rhetoric, and to suggest how word-, sentence-, and discourse-level structures can be researched, taught, and developed into materials. This improved understanding is expected to provide a powerful apparatus for the promotion of L2 English writers in the biomedical field.
Evaluation of DOD Army Aviation Filters

Abstract : This program was divided into two phases: 1) comparison of DOD and API approved coalescer/separators and 2) determination if any current DOD coalescer/separators could pass API/IP 1581 5th Edition using the DOD 80-gpm and 350-gpm housings. In Phase I, seven evaluations were performed according to an approved design of experiment to compare the water removal efficiencies for the current DOD system and an equivalent references American Petroleum Institute/Institute of Petroleum (API/IP) system. DOD evaluations were performed with and without water bottoms. These evaluations demonstrated that an equivalent API system out performs the current DOD system. In Phase II, ten evaluations were performed with products provided by three different manufacturers. Two manufacturers were able to pass API/lP 1581 5th Edition by improving the separator's water shedding performance.
Improving Polymer Solar Cell Through Efficient Solar Energy Harvesting

In the last few years, several effective approaches have been developed to improve polymer solar cell performance. In this chapter, we summarized several of the efforts conducted in UCLA on polymer solar cells, of which each is associated to efficient light harvesting. We first discussed effective approaches to improve morphology and nanoscale structure control on the polymer active layer through (a) solvent annealing and (b) mixed solvent approaches, in order to enhance the crystallinity of polymer for enhancing absorption, charge transport, and efficiency in the RR-P3HT:PCBM system. Interface engineering work has led to the demonstration of novel inverted solar cell structure, which might have advantages over conventional device structure in solution electrode, transparent solar cell, and/or tandem structure. The third section is focused on the newly developed low bandgap polymers, which show 5.6% solar cell efficiency – a significant improvement over the model RR-P3HT:PCBM solar cell. The results are good representative of the recent progress in the field of organic solar cell.
An Empirical And Qualitative Study Of The Strategic Planning Process Of A Higher Education Institution

This paper discusses whether there are differences in performance based on differences in strategy. First, an attempt was made to determine whether the institution had a strategy, and if so, did it follow a particular model. Major models of strategy are the industry analysis approach, the resource based view or the RBV model and the more recent, relational model. The next step was determining whether the institution actually implemented the strategy by allocating resources. Finally an attempt was made to find out whether any of the models influenced the performance of one higher education institution and whether one model resulted in greater performance than another. Performance was defined as improvements in enrollment, operating surpluses, investments in physical assets and capital structure. The research design was the case study approach. The methods of analysis were qualitative, using content analysis, as well as quantitative. The results showed that there were significant differences in performance between the institution with the well-defined and implemented strategy and other institutions in the same religious and geographic classification. This research should add to the knowledge base in seeking to improve Higher Education.
Reproduction, Mastitis, and Body Condition of Seasonally Calved Holstein and Jersey Cows in Confinement or Pasture Systems

Dairy cows in confinement and pasture-based feeding systems were compared across four spring-calving and three fall-calving replicates for differences in reproduction, mastitis, body weights, and body condition scores. Feeding systems and replicates included both Jersey and Holstein cows. Cows in confinement were fed a total mixed ration, and cows on pasture were supplemented with concentrates and provided baled hay or haylage when pasture supply was limiting. Breeding periods were for 75 d in spring or fall. Reproductive performance did not differ significantly due to feeding system or season. Jerseys had higher conception rates (59.6 vs. 49.5 ± 3.3%) and higher percentages of cows pregnant in 75 d (78.1 vs. 57.9 ± 3.9%) than Holsteins. Cows in confinement had 1.8 times more clinical mastitis and eight times the rate of culling for mastitis than did cows on pasture. Jerseys had half as many clinical cases of mastitis per cow as Holsteins. Only 41 ± 5% of confinement Holsteins remained for a subsequent lactation, starting within the defined calving season compared with 51 ± 5% of pastured Holsteins and 71 and 72 ± 5% of Jerseys, respectively. Body weights and condition scores were generally higher for confinement cows than pastured cows, and Jerseys had higher condition scores and lower body weights than Holsteins. In summary, pastured cows had fewer clinical cases of mastitis, lower body condition scores, and lower body weights than confinement cows. Holsteins were less likely to rebreed, had more mastitis, higher culling rates, and lower body condition scores than Jerseys.
Astringent Subqualities in Acids

Astringency, astringent subqualities (drying, roughing and puckering) and sourness were compared among six acids: hydrochloric, lactic, citric, acetic, fumaric and malic acids. The attribute profiles of organic acids were similar to each other but different from hydrochloric acid, the only inorganic acid, which was the most astringent and the least sour. In a second experiment, two inorganic acids (hydrochloric and phosphoric) and two organic acids (citric and malic) were tested at three concentration levels. At approximately equal levels of overall sensory impact, the inorganic acids were alike in astringency and sourness, receiving higher ratings for roughing and drying, and lower ratings for sourness than the organic acids. Interactions with concentration (differences in psychophysical functions) for the subquality of drying were noted, in addition to the differences in the astringent subqualities of roughing and drying seen across acids in both experiments. The higher level of astringency for inorganic acids suggests that the current model for tannin binding to salivary proteins as an explanation of astringency needs to be extended to include a direct pH-dependent effect.
Norepinephrine turnover in brown fat, skeletal muscle and spleen of cold exposed and cold acclimated Alaskan red-backed voles

Abstract 1. 1.After subcutaneous infection of l -[3H]nonrepinephrine ([3H]NE) into Alaskan red-backed voles (Clethrionomys rutilus dawsoni), the NE turnover rate (μg NE/g.h), an index of the sympathetic nerve activity, was estimated in interscapular brown fat, skeletal muscle and spleen. 2. 2.In 20°C acclimated voles at 20°C, NE turnover in brown fat and spleen was similar (0.125 μg NE/g.h) and 6 times higher than that in muscle. In 20°C acclimated voles at 0°C, NE turnover was increased 1.4× in brown fat and 1.8× in muscle. 3. 3.After acclimation to 5°C for 2 months, NE turnover was increased in muscle and spleen but not in brown fat (compared to 20°C acclimated voles at 20°C). In 5μC acclimated voles at 0°C, NE turnover in brown fat was increased to the same level as in 20°C acclimated voles at 0°C. 4. 4.Endogenous NE (μg NE/g) remained unchanged in tissues of all groups exposed to cold. 5. 5.The results indicate that red-backed voles show increased sympathetic activity in certain tissues during cold exposure which resembles that of rats and hamsters. However, the capacity of warm acclimated red-backed voles to maintain a steady state level of NE in these tissues during acute cold exposure suggests an adaptation to colder latitudes which may not be shared by temperate zone small mammals.
Maternal Postpartum Sleepiness and Fatigue: Associations with Objectively Measured Sleep Variables

Objective To explore whether standardized survey instruments and objective performance measures differentiate traditional constructs of sleepiness and fatigue among a sample of postpartum mothers. Additionally, we wanted to explore the independent associations among these measures with actigraphically measured nocturnal sleep variables.
A Micromechanics-Based Fatigue Damage Process Zone

Abstract A primary issue in high cycle fatigue life prediction is the appropriate definition of damage process zone (i.e. volume influencing fatigue crack initiation) for notched components. Several definitions of the process zone have been proposed based on stress distributions obtained using homogeneous elastic or elastic-plastic finite element analysis. It is generally accepted to be the region, adjacent to the surface of the specimen, where peak stress is highest and fatigue crack initiation occurs; assumed as perhaps several mean grain diameters in spatial extent. However most of these existing techniques have not yet been related to fatigue failure mechanisms via computational micromechanics studies. Therefore they do not address the role of microstructure explicitly in fatigue life prediction. In this study, computational micromechanics is used to clarify and distinguish process zone for crack formation relative to scale of notch root radius and spatial extent of stress concentration at the notch. A new nonlocal criterion for fatigue damage process zone based on the distribution of a shear-based fatigue indicator parameter is proposed and used along with a probabilistic mesomechanics approach to obtain a new microstructure-sensitive fatigue notch sensitivity index, thereby extending notch sensitivity to explicitly incorporate microstructure sensitivity and attendant size effects via probabilistic arguments. The probabilistic approach presented in this study predicts the general trends of notch sensitivity obtained from experimental results in literature. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of ICM11
Location of the Zn2+-Binding Site on S100B As Determined by NMR Spectroscopy and Site-Directed Mutagenesis†

In addition to binding Ca2+, the S100 protein S100B binds Zn2+ with relatively high affinity as confirmed using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC; Kd = 94 ± 17 nM). The Zn2+-binding site on Ca2+-bound S100B was examined further using NMR spectroscopy and site-directed mutagenesis. Specifically, ITC measurements of S100B mutants (helix 1, H15A and H25A; helix 4, C84A, H85A, and H90A) were found to bind Zn2+ with lower affinity than wild-type S100B (from 2- to >25-fold). Thus, His-15, His-25, Cys-84, His-85, and perhaps His-90 of S100B are involved in coordinating Zn2+, which was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Previous studies indicate that the binding of Zn2+ enhances calcium and target protein-binding affinities, which may contribute to its biological function. Thus, chemical shift perturbations observed here for residues in both EF-hand domains of S100B during Zn2+ titrations could be detecting structural changes in the Ca2+-binding domains of S100B that are pertinent to its increase in Ca2+-binding ...
Comparison of antiangiogenic activities using paclitaxel (taxol) and docetaxel (taxotere)

Tumor growth requires a competent vascular supply and angiogenesis has been considered as a potential target for the treatment of several cancers. The two clinically approved taxanes, paclitaxel and docetaxel, are novel antimitotic agents that are under extensive investigation in clinical trials. Both taxanes have demonstrated significant activity against many solid tumors, but little is known about the effect of paclitaxel and docetaxel on endothelial cell function and angiogenic processes. The purpose of our study was to examine and compare the effects of these drugs on angiogenic processes in vitro and in vivo. These processes include: proliferation, migration and differentiation of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) (in vitro), capillary sprouting of rat aortic ring explants (ex vivo) and HT1080 tumor growth in vivo. Our results demonstrate that endothelial cells are 10-100-fold more sensitive to these drugs than tumor cells. Additionally, comparison of the taxanes demonstrated that angiogenesis is blocked by both drugs primarily via inhibition of proliferation and differentiation (tube assay) and induction of cell death. Docetaxel, however, appears to be more potent at inhibiting angiogenesis, with an IC(50) concentration 10x less than that of paclitaxel. We conclude that these important findings should be taken in account in clinical trials where tumor angiogenesis is being targeted.
DNA nicking by a trinuclear chromium complex

Abstract In an attempt to prepare a site-selective DNA cleavage reagent, a trinuclear Cr(III) complex, [Cr 3 O(O 2 CCH 3 ) 6 (H 2 O) 3 ] + , was tested for DNA cleavage ability. The complex was shown to nick double-stranded, supercoiled DNA in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion in the presence of H 2 O 2 . This nicking was inhibited by inclusion of glycerol in the reaction mixture, suggesting a radical-based mechanism for the DNA nicking. The nicking of the DNA by the complex could not be repaired intracellularly by repair enzymes in E. coli , resulting in E. coli cells that could not grow in the presence of ampicillin. Significantly, 2 H NMR studies demonstrate that the complex is stable in the reaction mixture over a 2 h period and further suggest that the nicking can be attributed to [Cr 3 O(O 2 CCH 3 ) 6 (H 2 O) 3 ] + . The trinuclear complex can also hydrolyze phosphate mono- and diester compounds in the presence of H 2 O 2 ; however, the mechanism to hydrolyze these compounds appears to differ from the mechanism used to nick DNA. Studies to determine the mechanism used by the complex to perform its activities reveal that no Cr(V)-O species is produced in the mixtures and that hydroxyl radicals are formed. These results suggest a homolytic cleavage of H 2 O 2 by complex, where the hydroxyl radicals are responsible for the DNA nicking and a Cr(IV)-OH species might be responsible for the phosphate ester hydrolyses.
Characterization of mitochondrial NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase from normal and genetically obese (ob/ob) mice.

Abstract Mitochondrial NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase has been purified from both normal ( C 57 B 1 6 J ) and obese ( ob ob on a C 57 B 1 6 J background) mice. The enzymes appear identical with respect to molecular weight (83,000), apparent Km value of l s-isocitrate (7.2–7.4 × 10−6 m ) apparent Km value of NADP (4.3–4.6 × 10−6 m ), isoelectric point (6.7–6.8), electrophoretic mobility, behavior during purification, and inhibition by α-ketoglutarate. We therefore conclude that activity differences found between obese and normal mice are due to metabolic regulation rather than to differences in the primary structure of the enzyme. The relationship between hypothyroidism, characteristic of the obese mouse, and the activity of m-IDH-NADP is discussed.
The effect of malonate on the dissolution kinetics of albite, quartz, and microcline as a function of pH at 70°C

Abstract The effect of malonate on the dissolution rate of the reservoir minerals: albite, quartz, and microcline has been examined. The effect of pH on rate has been decoupled from the effect of the ligand by controlling pH using dilute buffer solutions at values of pH 4 through pH 10 at 70°C. Any effect of the buffer ligands (acetate and borate) or alkali cation (Na) on rate was accounted for by comparing the measured dissolution rates in buffer solutions with and without malonate. Flowing reactors were used and malonate concentration was varied from 1 to 100 mmolal. As malonate anion concentration is increased, the dissolution rate of these minerals also increases. At moderately acidic to near neutral pH in the solutions containing the highest malonate concentration, malonate most significantly increases the dissolution rate of the silicates over that expected due to simple hydrolysis. At alkaline pH the effect of malonate on the dissolution rate of these silicates is not significant, compared to the dissolution rate due to simple hydrolysis alone.
Effective Magnetic Field in Metals

A calculation is made of the effective local magnetic field seen by one electron in a metal. The model is a Fermi gas with an external applied magnetic field. The local field is obtained by evaluating the current-current interaction in a Hartree approximation. The local field is found to be ${H}_{l}=4\ensuremath{\pi}M\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}(\frac{8}{3}){({k}_{F}{R}_{s})}^{2}$, where ${k}_{F}$ is the Fermi momentum and ${R}_{s}$ is the screening distance. For ${R}_{s}=\frac{0.61}{{k}_{F}}$, the local field will be just $4\ensuremath{\pi}M$.
sRNA Antitoxins: More than One Way to Repress a Toxin

Bacterial toxin-antitoxin loci consist of two genes: one encodes a potentially toxic protein, and the second, an antitoxin to repress its function or expression. The antitoxin can either be an RNA or a protein. For type I and type III loci, the antitoxins are RNAs; however, they have very different modes of action. Type I antitoxins repress toxin protein expression through interacting with the toxin mRNA, thereby targeting the mRNA for degradation or preventing its translation or both; type III antitoxins directly bind to the toxin protein, sequestering it. Along with these two very different modes of action for the antitoxin, there are differences in the functions of the toxin proteins and the mobility of these loci between species. Within this review, we discuss the major differences as to how the RNAs repress toxin activity, the potential consequences for utilizing different regulatory strategies, as well as the confirmed and potential biological roles for these loci across bacterial species.
Abstract A57: Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4(CSPG4) Mediates Melanoma Cell Survival During PI3K and mTOR Inhibition

Background: Early development of resistance to therapy remains a major cause of cutaneous malignant melanoma treatment failure. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) is robustly expressed in a majority of metastatic melanomas. Previous work has shown CSPG4 to promote MAPK, PI3K and FAK activation, suggesting that CSPG4 represents a potential avenue for oncogenic growth and cell survival in response to chemotherapy. The PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway regulates the cell growth and motility in the presence of nutrients. The inhibition of AKT and mTOR independently was shown to reduce the melanoma cell survival and enhanced the sensitivity of these cells to cisplatin. PF-05212384 (PKI-587) is a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor in clinical trials. We hereby report that the expression of CSPG4 on the melanoma cells caused them to become less responsive to the therapy with a dual PF-05212384. Material and methods: Melanoma cell lines that stably expressed CSPG4 were selected for this study. The expression of CSPG4 was knocked down by using lentivirus-transduced shRNA. Cell survival assays were performed to compare the inhibitory effects of the drug in CSPG4 expressing and non-expressing cell line. Wound healing migration assays were performed to examine the cell motility and migration. The activation of PI3K-mTOR pathway was analyzed by phosphorylation of downstream effectors for their activation using Western blotting. Results: Melanoma cells expressing active CSPG4 showed less sensitivity to the inhibitor. The average cell viability after treatment with maximum dose was 47.94% and 35.76% for CSPG4 positive 1205LU and WM1341D melanoma cell lines respectively, while the CSPG4 negative WM1552C showed an average cell viability of 19.07%. The difference in cell viability was statistically significant.(p Conclusion: This data supports the hypothesis that the CSPG4 is involved in inducing resistance in melanoma cells in response to the therapeutic challenge with the dual PI3k/mTOR inhibitor. The study highlights the need of using multiple treatment strategies to treat melanoma.
Resveratrol Preconditioning Protects Against Cerebral Ischemic Injury via Nuclear Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2.

Background and Purpose— Nuclear erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an astrocyte-enriched transcription factor that has previously been shown to upregulate cellular antioxidant systems in response to ischemia. Although resveratrol preconditioning (RPC) has emerged as a potential neuroprotective therapy, the involvement of Nrf2 in RPC-induced neuroprotection and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production after cerebral ischemia remains unclear. The goal of our study was to study the contribution of Nrf2 to RPC and its effects on mitochondrial function. Methods— We used rodent astrocyte cultures and an in vivo stroke model with RPC. An Nrf2 DNA binding ELISA and protein analysis via Western blotting of downstream Nrf2 targets were performed to determine RPC-induced activation of Nrf2 in rat and mouse astrocytes. After RPC, mitochondrial function was determined by measuring reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial respiration in both wild-type and Nrf2 −/− mice. Infarct volume was measured to determine neuroprotection, whereas protein levels were measured by immunoblotting. Results— We report that Nrf2 is activated by RPC in rodent astrocyte cultures, and that loss of Nrf2 reduced RPC-mediated neuroprotection in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia. In addition, we observed that wild-type and Nrf2 −/− cortical mitochondria exhibited increased uncoupling and reactive oxygen species production after RPC treatments. Finally, Nrf2 −/− astrocytes exhibited decreased mitochondrial antioxidant expression and were unable to upregulate cellular antioxidants after RPC treatment. Conclusions— Nrf2 contributes to RPC-induced neuroprotection through maintaining mitochondrial coupling and antioxidant protein expression.
Theory of grain boundary migration rate

Abstract The migration rate of a grain boundary is calculated as a function of the orientation of the two grains relative to the grain boundary and the thermodynamic constants (driving force, enthalpy of migration etc.). The calculation is based on the model that grain boundary migration occurs by the movement of kinked steps on the surface of the two grains, forming the grain boundary. The results of this calculation are compared with the experimental observations on migrating grain boundaries of different orientations. Some relationships with other metallurgical processes are considered (formation of textures, migration of other interfaces, phase changes).
Vagally induced tachycardia in atropinized dogs: Effect of β-adrenergic blockade

Abstract This study was undertaken to more fully examine the characteristics of vagally induced tachycardia (VIT). Anesthetized dogs were prepared for electrical stimulation of the right vagosympathetic trunk and the right ansa subclavia. After atropine, vagosympathetic trunk stimulation elicited a 41±7% increase in heart rate. This response was characterized by a short latency and long recovery time. Ansa subclavia Stimulation elicited a 61±5% increase in heart rate and was characterized by a short latency and a short recovery time. The VIT consists of a ‘fast’ component accounting for the short latency and a ‘slow’ component accounting for the prolonged recovery time. Practolol virtually eliminated the ansa subclavia response and the ‘fast’ component of VIT. The ‘slow’ component of VIT persisted but with a long latency. It was concluded that vagal cardioaccelerator pathways may not depend on activation of β-adrenergic receptors.
Effects of 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol on Recovery and Resolution of Late Transient Neonatal Hypocalcemia

Background. Late transient neonatal hypocalcemia with hyperphosphatemia is potentially life-threatening. The use of dihydroxycholecalciferol in the management of neonatal hypocalcemia is unexplored. Objective. We hypothesized adding dihydroxycholecalciferol to intravenous continuous calcium infusion (CaI) will achieve accelerated correction of hypocalcemia. Design/Methods. A controlled double-blind randomized placebo group was organized to compare the addition of dihydroxycholecalciferol to CaI in 3–14 day old neonates presenting with hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and seizures. Ionized calcium and phosphorus were measured to adjust CaI and maintain eucalcemia. Time to resolution of hypocalcemia was defined as time from starting CaI to the first ionized calcium of mmol/L. CaI was discontinued when ionized calcium levels were mmol/L on two measurements and the infant tolerated feeds. Results. Fourteen neonates were studied without statistical difference between groups. Time to correction of hypocalcemia for 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol versus placebo was versus hours respectively ( ). The duration of CaI was versus hours respectively ( ). Conclusions. The addition of dihydroxycholecalciferol to standard CaI therapy reduced the duration of CaI, but did not reduce the time to correct hypocalcemia in neonates with late transient hypocalcemia.