cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chromatin effects in nutrition, cancer, and obesity.

Nutrigenomics is a recently coined term1 for a fusion of traditional nutrition science studies with genome sequence–based data and methods. The impact of nutrition on normal health and disease has, of course, been long recognized. In daily application to human health and public policy, epidemiologic methods have been of great importance. However, comprehensive genome data, DNA microarrays for transcriptional profiling, chromatin-immunoprecipitation assays of histone modification, genome-wide cataloging of DNA methylation patterns—in short, the “epigenome”— will revolutionize our understanding of the interplay between variations in nutrient composition in diet and inborn variations in metabolic capacities. In this review we focus on aspects of how chromatin structure (and thereby gene regulatory state) is altered by nutrition state in relation to cancer, obesity, and its converse, calorie restriction (CR). We discuss several examples from the human clinical literature, analyses of human cancer cells in culture, and a variety of model organism studies that together illustrate some of the issues and future prospects in the emerging field of “nutrigenomics.”
Formation of the stratified ocean of the core: A ternary alloy model

Abstract A light fluid accumulation on the Core–Mantle Boundary due to barodiffusion is considered in an earlier paper [S.I. Braginsky. Formation of the stratified ocean of the core. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 243 (2006) 650–656], assuming that the Earth's core consists of binary solution of iron and some light admixture. The accumulated light fluid forms on the Core–Mantle Boundary a stably stratified layer; we call this layer the Stratified Ocean of the Core (SOC). In this paper a similar mechanism of the SOC formation is considered assuming that the core material is a ternary alloy of iron and two light components, in conformity with the new information about the core chemical physics.
Into the wild: studying real user activity patterns to guide power optimizations for mobile architectures

As the market for mobile architectures continues its rapid growth, it has become increasingly important to understand and optimize the power consumption of these battery-driven devices. While energy consumption has been heavily explored, there is one critical factor that is often overlooked -- the end user. Ultimately, the energy consumption of a mobile architecture is defined by user activity. In this paper, we study mobile architectures in their natural environment -- in the hands of the end user. Specifically, we develop a logger application for Android G1 mobile phones and release the logger into the wild to collect traces of real user activity. We then show how the traces can be used to characterize power consumption, and guide the development of power optimizations. We present a regression-based power estimation model that only relies on easily-accessible measurements collected by our logger. The model accurately estimates power consumption and provides insights about the power breakdown among hardware components. We show that energy consumption widely varies depending upon the user. In addition, our results show that the screen and the CPU are the two largest power consuming components. We also study patterns in user behavior to derive power optimizations. We observe that majority of the active screen time is dominated by long screen intervals. To reduce the energy consumption during these long intervals, we implement a scheme that slowly reduces the screen brightness over time. Our results reveal that the users are happier with a system that slowly reduces the screen brightness rather than abruptly doing so, even though the two schemes settle at the same brightness. Similarly, we experiment with a scheme that slowly reduces the CPU frequency over time. We evaluate these optimizations with a user study and demonstrate 10.6% total system energy savings with a minimal impact on user satisfaction.
Receptor Heterodimerization: Essential Mechanism for Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Induced Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation

Previous studies showed that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can be transactivated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation and that EGFR transactivation is required for PDGF-stimulated cell migration. To investigate the mechanism for cross talk between the PDGF beta receptor (PDGFbetaR) and the EGFR, we stimulated rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) with 20 ng of PDGF/ml. Transactivation of the EGFR, defined by receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, occurred with the same time course as PDGFbetaR activation. Basal formation of PDGFbetaR-EGFR heterodimers was shown by coimmunoprecipitation studies, and interestingly, disruption of this receptor heterodimer abolished EGFR transactivation. Breakdown of the heterodimer was observed when VSMC were pretreated with antioxidants or with a Src family kinase inhibitor. Disruption of heterodimers decreased ERK1 and ERK2 activation by PDGF. Although PDGF-induced PDGFbetaR activation was abolished after pretreatment with 1 microM AG1295 (a specific PDGF receptor kinase inhibitor), EGFR transactivation was still observed, indicating that PDGFbetaR kinase activity is not required. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the PDGFbetaR and the EGFR form PDGFbetaR-EGFR heterodimers basally, and we suggest that heterodimers represent a novel signaling complex which plays an important role in PDGF signal transduction.
Zyxin Regulates Cell Migration and Differentiation in EMT during Chicken AV Valve Morphogenesis

During heart valve development, epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is a key process for valve formation. EMT leads to the generation of mesenchymal cells that will eventually become the interstitial cells (fibroblasts) of the mature valve. During EMT, cell architecture and motility change markedly; significant changes are also observed in various signaling pathways. Here we systematically examined the expression, localization, and function of zyxin, a focal adhesion protein, in EMT during atrioventricular (AV) valve morphogenesis. Expression and localization studies showed that zyxin was expressed in the AV canal region during crucial stages of valve development. An in vitro 3D collagen gel culture system was used to determine zyxin function either after siRNA gene knockdown or after overexpression. Our studies revealed that zyxin overexpression inhibited endocardial cell migration and cell differentiation and also led to a decrease in the number of migrating mesenchymal cells. Moreover, correlative cytoskeletal changes were apparent in response to both overexpression and knockdown treatments. Thus, zyxin appears to play a role as a regulator of cell migration and differentiation during EMT in chicken AV valve formation.
Über die vernetzung eines ungesättigten äthylen-propylen-terpolymer-kautschuks

Der Verlauf sowie der Mechanismus der Schwefelvulkanisation von „Nordel” Kohlenwasserstoffkautschuk, einem ungesattigten Athylen-Propylen-Terpolymer-Kautschuk, wird von verschiedenen Standpunkten aus behandelt. Die chemischen Veranderungen der Beschleuniger wahrend der Vulkanisation sind denen analog, die man bei Natur- und Styrol-Butadienkautschuk beobachtet. Wahrend der Vulkanisation werden ungefahr 50% der Doppelbindungen abgesattigt, und fur je zwei ursprunglich vorhandene Doppelbindungen wird eine Vernetzungsstelle gebildet. Die Art der Vernetzungsstelle wurde untersucht und die Kinetik der Vulkanisation mit Hilfe des Monsanto-Rheometers studiert. The various aspects of the sulfur vulcanization chemistry and mechanism of „Nordel” hydrocarbon rubber, an ethylene-propylene terpolymer, are discussed. The chemical nature of the reactions undergone by the accelerators has been found to be analogous to those observed for natural rubber and SBR. During vulcanization approximately 50% of the double bonds are saturated, and approximately one crosslink is formed for each two double bonds initially present. The type of crosslink formed has been examined and the vulcanization kinetics studied with the aid of a Monsanto rheometer.
Centrality Measures in Text Mining: Prediction of Noun Phrases that Appear in Abstracts

In this paper, we study different centrality measures being used in predicting noun phrases appearing in the abstracts of scientific articles. Our experimental results show that centrality measures improve the accuracy of the prediction in terms of both precision and recall. We also found that the method of constructing Noun Phrase Network significantly influences the accuracy when using the centrality heuristics itself, but is negligible when it is used together with other text features in decision trees.
The Scientific Basis for Protocol-Directed Respiratory Care

As defined by the American Association for Respiratory Care, respiratory care protocols are “guidelines, usually written in algorithmic form, for providing respiratory therapy services.” The need for protocols has been framed by the frequent occurrence of misallocation of respiratory care, consisting both of over-ordering (ie, prescribing respiratory care that is unlikely to confer benefit) and under-ordering services (ie, failing to prescribe services that would be expected to offer benefit). In this context, the current paper reviews available studies regarding the effectiveness of respiratory care protocols. Such studies can be organized into those assessing respiratory care treatments in the ICU, and those addressing non-ICU respiratory care. In the ICU, studies have addressed sampling both ABGs and liberating patients from mechanical ventilation; in the latter activity, multiple concordant randomized controlled trials have shown that weaning protocols implemented by respiratory therapists and/or nurses can accelerate patients' liberation from mechanical ventilation, with shorter stay and lower cost. Outside of the ICU, studies have addressed the effectiveness of respiratory care protocols in guiding the use of supplemental oxygen, bronchopulmonary hygiene, bronchodilator use, and of assessing patient for step-down unit placement. All such studies have shown that respiratory care protocols are effective. Furthermore, 2 concordant randomized controlled trials have shown that comprehensive respiratory care protocol programs can enhance the allocation of respiratory care services, with concomitant savings and no excess adverse outcomes. Overall, while the overwhelming weight of available evidence supports the effectiveness of respiratory care protocols, gaps in current understanding remain, especially regarding settings outside the acute care hospital (eg, geriatric care, palliative care, and extended care facilities). In the same spirit that engendered the Sugarloaf Conference to assess the effectiveness of respiratory care, further assessment of the effectiveness of respiratory care protocols is encouraged and expected.
A Review of “The Unmaking of Israel”

On 26 June 2012, the evacuation of the West Bank settlement of Ulpana began on the orders of the Israeli Supreme Court. Some of the settlement's buildings had been built on private Palestinian land...
Partnering with K-12 institutions to prepare school teachers for engineering education

The Texas Tech University College of Engineering has been working for five years to develop and implement our pre-college engineering/architecture academy program for K-12 institutions, but it was only when we began a teacher training program did the academy begin to solidify into a program that empowers teachers to integrate engineering concepts and principles into the K-12 classroom. The Glenn Commission Report (2000), the 2004 ASEE K-12 Workshop (2004), NSF funding trends, and a growing number of other sources indicate wide consensus that the quality of K-12 teacher preparation needs to be improved- especially in the areas of math and science - and that the number of teachers teaching out of their disciplines is alarmingly high. In addition, very few public school teachers have a clear concept of the knowledge, skills, and disciplinary areas that define engineering, so teachers are typically ill-equipped to advise students about engineering careers and almost certainly lack the skills to develop hands-on activities that demonstrate engineering concepts. As an engineering college we found our expertise in developing engineering course content that worked within the myriad of constraints of K-12 environments is limited, at best. Hiring K-12 teachers to work with us in developing engineering resources within the core K-12 disciplines - math, science, language arts, and social sciences - has allowed us to train teachers to incorporate engineering content that aligns with state standards, so teachers are not required to create new courses, but to incorporate engineering into what they are already teaching. By partnering with K-12 institutions in Texas, we have been able to form a cadre of teachers to develop and teach the workshops as well as develop resource guides that align engineering content to state standards. This paper discusses forming this cadre of teachers and developing the resources that support teacher training
Aspect Induced Differences in Vegetation, Soil, and Microclimatic Characteristics of an Appalachian Watershed

This study evaluates and quantifies the variation in vegetation, plant nutrients, and microclimate across four topographic aspects in an Appalachian watershed (398399430N, 798459280W). The study found that the north and east aspects were 27–50% more productive than the west and southwest aspects. Species groups that showed strong aspect preference included yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), black cherry (Prunus serotina), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), and white oak (Quercus alba); the former two being dominant on the north and east aspects while the latter two dominate the west and southwest aspects. Red oak (Quercus rubra) and red maple (Acer rubrum) showed mild aspect preference indicating their broad ecological amplitude. Although the north and east aspects had greater biomass, the west and southwest aspects had about 23% more stems per hectare. There were large differences in microclimate among the four aspects. Air temperature during midday period averaged 25.28C, 24.98C, 30.58C, and 29.48C for the north, east, west and southwest aspects respectively. The maximum temperature difference between the mesic (north and east aspects) and xeric (west and southwest aspects) sites was 5.558C and was observed at noon. The relative humidity at the xeric site was about 25% lower than that at the mesic site during midday periods. Plant water stress as measured by vapor pressure difference was about 37% higher on west and southwest aspects than on north and east aspects. Plant nutrients only showed minor differences with concentrations being higher on the north and east aspects except for phosphorus, which was higher on the west and southwest aspects.
The leukotoxin of Pasteurella haemolytica binds to β2 integrins on bovine leukocytes

The putative receptor proteins of Pasteurella haemolytica leukotoxin were isolated from bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophil lysate by affinity chromatography on a leukotoxin-specific monoclonal antibody column to which the leukotoxin was pre-bound. SDS-PAGE of the purified proteins showed four bands at 180 kDa, 170 kDa, 150 kDa and 95 kDa, in addition to the expected 102-kDa leukotoxin band and a series of bands with molecular masses lower than 102 kDa representing the disintegrated leukotoxin. N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the 170-kDa band showed homology with human and murine CD11b. The purified proteins reacted specifically with monoclonal antibodies specific for CD11a, CD11b, CD11c (the α chains of β2 integrins), and CD18 (the β chain of β2 integrins). Pre-incubation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils with a monoclonal antibody specific for CD18 reduced the cytotoxicity of the leukotoxin to the cells. These results indicate that the leukotoxin binds to the β2 integrins on bovine leukocytes, very likely via CD18.
Paths to the Practices of Citizenship: Political Discussion and Socialization among Mexican-heritage Immigrants in the US

Building on research on immigrant political socialization and social connections in politics, I advance a theoretical model for how immigrants develop their sense of political discussion in a new nation. This model, the Social Contact Model of Immigrant Political Socialization, focuses on the influences coming from close-knit social groups and wider-ranging social networks. I apply the model through a qualitative study of Mexican-heritage immigrants in the US and the likely sources of socialization that influence their political discussion behavior. The findings provide some support for the theoretical model and suggest there are important differences between Latino immigrants and native-born Whites in how they learn to engage in political discussion.
Suppression of Population Growth of the Soybean Aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, by Predators: The Identification of a Key Predator and the Effects of Prey Dispersion, Predator Abundance, and Temperature

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), has recently invaded North America from Asia and has become a major pest in soybean. Using field surveys and cage exclusion techniques, we identified the effect of natural enemies and abiotic factors on the growth of soybean aphid populations in 2004 and 2005. The soybean aphid population was significantly limited by natural enemies in the field. Generalist predators dominated the natural enemy community. One species, Orius insidiosus Say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) represented 85–90% of predators found. There was a significant negative relationship between aphid population growth and O. insidiosus abundance. For other predators, there were no relationships between abundance and aphid population growth. The spatial distribution of aphids among plants affected the impact of O. insidiosus on aphid population growth. When aphids were distributed in a clumped manner, increases in O. insidiosus numbers resulted in lower aphid growth rates. For randomly distributed aphids, there was no effect of O. insidiosus abundance on aphid population growth. Finally, we found no relationship between aphid population growth and degree-day accumulations. The potential of O. insidiosus to suppress soybean aphid population growth at low aphid numbers and the importance of the predator to soybean aphid integrated pest management are discussed.
Consumer trends in the 1990s: implications for health promotion.

The most critical consumer trend of the 1990s will be time control, ~’~’6’12 Consumers will have unsurpassed freedom and ability to tailor their daily schedules to meet their needs rather than having imposed schedules on them. Technological innovations such as the VCR, FAX, telephone answering machine, and automatic teller machine are transforming our society to one of convenience, not routine. The culture of convenience means that people will not have to venture out of their homes in order to be entertained or to participate in many activities of daily living. How will the usual health offerings -lectures at social clubs, group meetings at community centers, appointments between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. -compete in this environment? Not well. And it won’t be because people are not interested in health promotion, it will be because health promotion is neither interesting nor convenient for the time it requires. The temporal price that products and services cost consumers, not the fiscal outlay, is what health promoters must carefully consider in their product/service mix.
Making Sense of the Intellectual Property Clause: Promotion of Progress as a Limitation on Congress's Intellectual Property Power

The Article elucidates the Intellectual Property Clause by studying the neglected record from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 pertaining to it. This record consists of proposals by James Madison and Charles Pinckney for congressional power to grant patents, copyrights, and encouragements (bounties), and to establish universities. By tracking the textual transition from the initial proposals to the eventual text of the Clause and by putting this transition in its contemporaneous context, this Article makes two major contributions to our understanding of the Clause. First, the Article takes a stand in a current controversy by providing three direct indications that the Framers intended the first part of the Clause- "to promote the progress of science and useful arts"-to be a limitation on Congress's intellectual property power It thus refutes a widely held belief that the Framers intended this language as a non-binding preamble. Second, the analysis solves a current puzzlement among courts and commentators about the enigmatic ends/means structure of the Clause. It shows that the Clause's unique text reflects the Framers' intent to have each of the Clause's parts participate in defining and limiting the power it confers. The Article reviews the applications of its findings for originalism, for different readings of the Clause, and for recent (e.g., Eldred v. Ashcroft) and pending (e.g., Kahle v. Gonzales, Golan v. Gonzales) constitutional intellectual property litigation. It ends by suggesting ways in which the legal community can move toward forming a concept of progress as a constitutional limitation. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Macrophage SR-BI mediates efferocytosis via Src/PI3K/Rac1 signaling and reduces atherosclerotic lesion necrosis.

Macrophage apoptosis and efferocytosis are key determinants of atherosclerotic plaque inflammation and necrosis. Bone marrow transplantation studies in ApoE- and LDLR-deficient mice revealed that hematopoietic scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) deficiency results in severely defective efferocytosis in mouse atherosclerotic lesions, resulting in a 17-fold higher ratio of free to macrophage-associated dead cells in lesions containing SR-BI−/− cells, 5-fold more necrosis, 65.2% less lesional collagen content, nearly 7-fold higher dead cell accumulation, and 2-fold larger lesion area. Hematopoietic SR-BI deletion elicited a maladaptive inflammatory response [higher interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α lower IL-10 and transforming growth factor β]. Efferocytosis of apoptotic thymocytes was reduced by 64% in SR-BI−/− versus WT macrophages, both in vitro and in vivo. In response to apoptotic cells, macrophage SR-BI bound with phosphatidylserine and induced Src phosphorylation and cell membrane recruitment, which led to downstream activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) for engulfment and clearance of apoptotic cells, as inhibition of Src decreased PI3K, Rac1-GTP, and efferocytosis in WT cells. Pharmacological inhibition of Rac1 reduced macrophage efferocytosis in a SR-BI-dependent fashion, and activation of Rac1 corrected the defective efferocytosis in SR-BI−/− macrophages. Thus, deficiency of macrophage SR-BI promotes defective efferocytosis signaling via the Src/PI3K/Rac1 pathway, resulting in increased plaque size, necrosis, and inflammation.
Development of a Low-Cost Experimental Quadcopter Testbed Using an Arduino Controller and Software

This paper explains the integration process of an autonomous quadcopter platform and the design of Arduino based novel software architecture that enables the execution of advanced control laws on low-cost off-the-shelf products based frameworks. Here, quadcopter dynamics are explored through the classical nonlinear equations of motion. Next, quadcopter is designed, built and assembled using off-the-shelf, low-cost products to carry a camera payload which is mainly utilized for any type of surveillance missions. System identification of the quadcopter dynamics is accomplished through the use of sweep data and CIFER r to obtain the dynamic model. The unstable, non-linear quadcopter dynamics are stabilized using a generic control algorithm through the novel Arduino based software architecture. Experimental results demonstrate the validation of the integration and the novel software package running on an Arduino board to control autonomous quadcopter flights.
Adaptation of Terrestrial Mountaineering Equipment and Training Methods for Planetary EVA Operations

An eventual return to colonize the Moon or the launch of a human exploration mission to Mars will drive the need for developing novel surface Extravehicular Activity (EVA) technologies as well as require new operational and planning techniques. These advances are necessary to enable safe EVA access to the planetary surface locales that are most likely to yield exciting scientific knowledge, such as in the sedimentary deposit regions recently found on Mars or within and around large craters formed from asteroid collisions; as these represent the areas thought most likely to contain fossilized evidence of life or geological information pertaining to the origins and age of the planets. These sites, while rich in potential for scientific discovery, also introduce challenging terrain for exploration by surface EVA teams. In order to gain access to these areas, EVA systems will be needed to assist astronauts in negotiation of high-angle slopes and vertical terrain in a safe and efficient manner. In addition, unique evacuation methods need to be considered for rescue operations should an accident occur during an excursion. Mountaineering and mountain rescue techniques established for use on Earth can serve as a basis for developing equipment appropriately modified for these novel (Lunar or Martian) terrains, as well as be useful for establishing effective simulation and training techniques. Systems integration and risk management methodologies also need to be incorporated for developing a concept of operations that will minimize risk during the EVA. This paper outlines a set of guidelines and provides suggestions for establishing hardware and training requirements for nominal and contingency planetary surface EVA operations, including necessary adaptations uniquely related to space suit capabilities and constraints.
Effects of Successive and Simultaneous Stimulus Presentations on Absolute and Relational Stimulus Control in Adult Humans

Human participants can readily learn to demonstrate absolute or relational stimulus control, but little is known about human’s tendencies toward one form of control or another in situations that allow either form of control to be expressed. To examine these tendencies, we combined elements of the procedures used to study peak shift and stimulus transposition. In Experiment 1, half of the 40 participants received successive discrimination training and the other half received simultaneous discrimination training with line-length stimuli. All participants then received both a generalization test and a transposition test. Absolute stimulus control predominated except under the combination of simultaneous discrimination training and a transposition test. In Experiment 2, 40 additional participants were trained with 2 pairs of training stimuli instead of 1 in what was otherwise an identical procedure. The results suggested a shift toward relational control. A novel form of relational control was observed in some participants (chiefly those who received successive discrimination training) that involved selective stimulus transposition. Specifically, participants selected the stimulus that matched the relation of S+ to S-, but only when both test lines were similar to the S + s.
Effect of Sn and Sb element on the magnetism and functional properties of Ni–Mn–Al ferromagnetic shape memory alloys

Abstract We have replaced Al partially with Sb and Sn in Ni–Mn–Al systems and investigated its effect on magnetism, entropy change and magnetoresistance in the vicinity of martensitic transformation. Both the samples had identical lattice parameters and Mn contents, which are mostly responsible for magnetism in these systems, yet there were marked changes in magnetic and functional properties of these systems. It was found that the magnetization increased in Sb alloy, while entropy change and magnetoresistance decreased as compared to Sn alloy. These changes are attributed to the change in antiferromagnetic interaction as a result of variation in the Ni d–Mn d hybridization arising due to presence of different sp elements.
Nonparametric and Parametric Tests

The Wilcoxon two-sample test is one of a largeclassof tests known as nonparametric tests. Even though well-established in the statistical literature, the termnonparametricis rather unfortunate. So-called nonparametric methods can be used to test hypotheses about relevant population parameters, and, as we shall see, they furnish point estimates and confidence intervals for population parameters.
Rapid serological methods for the demonstration of Entamoeba histolytica activity.

Two rapid tests for anti-Entamoeba histolytica antibody, cellulose acetate diffusion, and latex agglutination have been contrasted with the more commonly employed agar gel diffusion and indirect hemagglutination tests. The indirect hemagglutination test remains the most sensitive indicator of the presence of antibody; however, it is poorly adapted to testing occasional single serum specimens. The three remaining tests are easily applicable to single serum testing. Latex agglutination is the most sensitive, but in its current form it is the least competitive in regards to cost and shelf life of reagents when applied to occasional single serum specimens. Agar gel diffusion is simple and inexpensive but requires 48 to 72 hr to complete. Cellulose acetate diffusion at this time best combines the features of adequate sensitivity, speed of performance, applicability to single serum specimens, and unit cost, and is the recommended test for routine testing of single serum specimens.
Lighting and Nurses at Medical–Surgical Units Impact of Lighting Conditions on Nurses’ Performance and Satisfaction

Objective:This study investigates the perception of nurses about their lighting environment at medical–surgical hospital units in order to understand areas of improvement for lighting at these units.Background:The bulk of the research about nurses and lighting is focused on nighttime nursing, exploring the disruptions of nurses’ circadian rhythm and maintaining alertness. The understanding of nurses’ perception about lighting and its impact on nurses’ task performance and patient examination remains imprecise.Methods:This study used an online survey to ask a set of questions about lighting in medical–surgical units at five key locations including centralized nurse stations, decentralized nurse stations (DCNS), patient bedsides, patient bathrooms, and corridors from 393 survey participants. It then explored the survey findings in more depth through conducting focus groups with eight volunteer nurses.Results:Lighting conditions at patient besides and DCNSs were significantly less desirable for nurses compar...
Binary Data Transmission Performance of Sub-20 nm Indium Antimonide Nanowires

We investigated the data transmission performance of indium antimonide (InSb) nanowires (NWs) synthesized on InSb (100) substrate using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) having diameters of 20 nm and below. The results indicate that the data transmission performance of NWs suffer from low mobility values on the order of 10-to-15 cm2V-1s-1 because of the scattering due to their small diameters, crystal defects and oxidation occurs during growth and cooling. The 20 nm NWs can sustain data rates up to 5 mega bits per second (Mbps) without any impedance matching and de-embedding of the parasitic parameters coming from the measurement system with a bit error rate (BER) level of 10-8. The data rate is directly proportional to the diameter of the NWs.
Force-matching-based parameterization of the Stillinger-Weber potential for thermal conduction in silicon

A force-matching method is employed to optimize the parameters of the Stillinger--Weber (SW) interatomic potential for calculation of the lattice thermal conductivity of silicon. The parameter fitting is based on first-principles density functional calculations of the restoring forces for atomic displacements. The thermal conductivities of bulk crystalline Si at 300--500 K estimated using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics with the modified parameter set show excellent agreement with existing experimental data. We also briefly discuss how the force-matching-based parameterization can provide the improved estimation of thermal conductivity, as compared to the original SW parameter set, through analysis of phonon density of states and phonon dispersion relations.
COMPOSITION OF BUTIERFLIES AND ITS EVOLUTION IN THE JINFO MOUNTAIN NATURAL RESERVE AREA

This paper presents a record of 152 species of 10 families and 82 genera of butterfly in the Natural Reserve Area in the Jinfo Mountains.The record shows that oriental species constitute the main types of the butterfly fauna.A comparative analysis of the past and the present status of the butterflies in this area reveals that the composition of butterflies has undergone considerable changes.Although the oriental species remain the main types,their proportion has decreased while widely distributed species have increased.The natural environment in the Jinfo Mountains seems to be developing in the direction favorable to widely distributed species.
Analysis on severe cases of hand-foot-mouth disease in Lianyungang from 2009 to 2012

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the severe cases of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD), in order to provide scientific evidence for preventing the severe HFMD. Methods Descriptive epidemiology and logistics were used to analyze the data of the severe HFMD cases occurred from 2009 to 2012. Results Among all the severe HFMD cases, 84.39% of the cases were kids less three years old and 92.48% of the cases were scattered children. There were more severe HFMD cases in male than in female. The incidence peak of severe HFMD cases was from April to August. The severe HFMD cases occurred in eight counties and districts each year. Among all severe HFMD cases, 61.85% of the cases were caused by EV71. Conclusion HFMD was the major infectious disease among children in Lianyungang. It was necessary to develop the awareness among the population of children less than three years old, boost the capabilities of HFMD early diagnosis and the early detection of risk factors, in order to reduce the severe HFMD cases and mortality.
Is maternal disclosure of HIV serostatus associated with a reduced risk of postpartum depression

Background Patients with chronic diseases that include HIV infection are at increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression. In addition, social isolation has been associated with depression among women with HIV. Yet, it is unclear whether disclosure of HIV serostatus before the birth is associated with the risk of postpartum depression. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether maternal disclosure of her positive HIV serostatus before the delivery is associated with the risk of early postpartum depression. Study Design In this retrospective cohort study, women who received obstetric care in a specialty perinatal HIV clinic (2007-2014) were stratified by whether, before the delivery, they had disclosed their HIV serostatus to (1) their sexual partner(s) or (2) at least 1 family member aside from sexual partner(s). Postpartum depression was identified initially by a positive result on a validated depression screening tool (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 or Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) at the 6-week postpartum visit and then confirmed by evaluation with a mental health professional. Postpartum depression rates were compared by disclosure status. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify whether disclosure to either sexual partner(s) or family members remained associated independently with postpartum depression after we controlled for potential confounders that included antenatal mental health disorders. Results Of the 215 women who received perinatal HIV care in this center and who had a documented disclosure status, 149 women (71.3%) had disclosed to their sexual partner(s), and 78 women (42.9%) had disclosed to at least 1 family member who was not a sexual partner. Although disclosure to sexual partner(s) was associated with a reduction in the proportion of women with postpartum depression (15.6% vs 25.5%), this difference did not reach statistical significance ( P = .126) and remained statistically insignificant after we controlled for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.15–1.41). In contrast, disclosure to family member(s) was associated with a decreased prevalence of postpartum depression (11.4% vs 24.7%; P = .03), and this difference persisted in multivariable regression (adjusted odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.13–0.95). Conclusion In this cohort, maternal disclosure of HIV serostatus to family members (other than sexual partner[s]) was associated independently with a reduction in postpartum depression by more than one-half. Disclosure of HIV serostatus to a family member may be a marker for psychosocial well-being and enhanced support that affords protection against postpartum depression.
The Role of Dilatation in the Nonlinearly Viscoelastic Behavior of PMMA under Multiaxial Stress States

In order to better understand phenomena related to “yield-like” behavior of polymers, the nonlinear thermo-mechanical behavior of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) under combined axial (tension, compression) and shear stress states (torsion) is investigated on thin walled cylindrical specimens at temperatures between 22 and 110°C. In contrast to the mutual independence of shear and dilatational response under conditions appropriate for linearized viscoelasticity, one observes an increasingly strong influence of the first stress or strain invariant on shear creep at shear strains in excess of 0.5%. While shear stresses alone elicit nonlinear response in creep (rates) as “intrinsically nonlinear shear response”, the superposition of small positive dilatation accelerates shear deformations while negative dilatation retards it in qualitative agreement with free volume arguments when comparison is effected via maximum shear. In addition, an isochronal representation of the “intrinsically nonlinear shear response” demonstrates that the nonlinear behavior becomes more pronounced the closer one approaches the glass transition temperature from below.
Predictors of outcomes in large cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the major salivary glands.

Objective Major salivary gland large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma (LCUC) is rare and has a poor prognosis. Characterization of patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and predictors of outcome have been limited by low case numbers, as well as grouped analysis with other salivary malignancies. The objective of this study was to address these issues using large-scale national data. Study Design Retrospective case series. Methods Data from the National Cancer Database, including cases diagnosed from 1998 to 2012, was analyzed, identifying 247 records of LCUC. Tumor, demographic, and survival information was extracted and analyzed retrospectively. Results Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma comprised < 1% of all major salivary gland cancers. Seventy percent of patients presented with advanced-stage disease. The incidence of occult nodal disease was 39%. Surgery followed by radiation was the most common treatment. Five-year overall survival was 36%. Comorbidity, distant metastasis, and positive surgical margins were found to be predictors of overall survival. Conclusion To our knowledge, this represents the largest reported case series of LCUC. The survival analysis demonstrates poorer survival in patients with positive surgical margins; therefore, efforts to complete resection are reasonable. Reported high rates of occult nodal disease also strongly support elective treatment of the neck. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2016
Elevated Chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) early in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of preeclampsia in obese parturients

The objective of this study is to measure plasma CCl2 and leptin early in control and obese women and associate pregnancy outcomes with these levels. We hypothesize that early elevations of plasma CCL2 will be predictive of the development of poor pregnancy outcomes.
Cardiothoracic Transplant Recipient Mycoplasma hominis: An Uncommon Infection with Probable Donor Transmission

The role of infection with Mycoplasma hominis following cardiothoracic organ transplantation and its source of transmission have not been well-defined. Here, we identify and describe infection with M. hominis in patients following cardiothoracic organ transplantation after reviewing all cardiothoracic transplantations performed at our center between 1998 and July 2015. We found seven previously unreported cases of M. hominis culture positive infection all of whom presented with pleuritis, surgical site infection, and/or mediastinitis. PCR was used to establish the diagnosis in four cases. In two instances, paired single lung transplant recipients manifested infection, and in one of these pairs, isolates were indistinguishable by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). To investigate the prevalence of M. hominis in the lower respiratory tract, we tested 178 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids collected from immunocompromised subjects for M. hominis by PCR; all were negative. Review of the literature revealed an additional 15 cases of M. hominis in lung transplant recipients, most with similar clinical presentations to our cases. We recommend that M. hominis should be considered in post-cardiothoracic transplant infections presenting with pleuritis, surgical site infection, or mediastinitis. M. hominis PCR may facilitate early diagnosis and prompt therapy. Evaluation for possible donor transmission should be considered.
Coordinated Asthma Program Improves Asthma Outcomes in High-Risk Children.

Innovative approaches within primary care are needed to reduce fragmented care, increase continuity of care, and improve asthma outcomes in children with asthma. Our objective was to assess the impact of coordinated team-based asthma care on unplanned asthma-related health care utilization. A multidisciplinary asthma team was developed to provide coordinated care to high-risk asthma patients. Patients received an in-depth diagnostic and family needs assessment, asthma education, and coordinated referral to social and community services. Over a 2-year period, 141 patients were followed. At both 1 and 2 years postintervention, there was a significant decrease from preintervention rates in urgent care visits (40%, P = .002; 50%, P < .0001), emergency department visits (63%, P < .0001; 70%, P < .0001), and inpatient hospitalization (69%, P = .002; 54%, P = .04). Our coordinated asthma care program was associated with a reduction in urgent care visits, emergency department visits, and inpatient hospitalization...
O1-05-02

Background: Declines in executive function and visuospatial abilities have been suggested as specific cognitive features of dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease (PDD); however, characterization of cognitive deficits during transition between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and PDD have not been fully explored. Objective(s): To investigate different rates of cognitive decline in PDD compared to 1) nondemented PD and 2) Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Dementia groups were matched on dementia severity. Preclinical (prior to dementia diagnosis) versus post diagnosis epochs were determined from archival data. We hypothesized differential cognitive decline would reflect disease specific onset and progression as measured by Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). Methods: 338 participants enrolled in a longitudinal study of aging and dementia and followed with annual clinical and cognitive assessments were studied (PD 66, PDD 136, AD 136). Dementia was rated using the CDR. A ninety-minute psychometric battery was administered annually. Factor analyses were used to characterize a 3-factor solution (verbal, visuospatial and working memory), indicating cross-sectional and longitudinal strengths and weaknesses by domain. Results/Conclusions: Compared to PD, patients with PDD begin with significantly lower scores on all cognitive indices and their rate of progression was significantly steeper throughout the study. Compared to AD, patients with PDD experienced similar rates of verbal memory decline, although AD performance was significantly worse at all points of assessment. Visuospatial and working memory abilities in AD patients were relatively preserved until time of dementia onset/diagnosis. In contrast, PDD visuospatial and working memory declines were steeper than AD prior to dementia diagnosis and then paralleled AD after diagnosis. PDD visuospatial and working memory performance were significantly worse than AD at all times or assessment. Further, variability in the preclinical phase of PDD, an index of disease severity, was significantly greater than in the AD group. It appears that visuospatial and working memory impairments are prominent features of preclinical PDD. After dementia onset, however, these features progress in a similar manner to AD. Controlling for motor slowing and depression did not change the overall pattern of results. These data support using domain specific testing strategies to diagnose early stage PDD.
9. Application of biological effluent

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a specialized application of micro-irrigation systems— namely, use of biological effluent for crop production. The term “biological effluent” refers to wastewater that contains impurities derived from biological sources. Typical sources include human and animal metabolic waste and domestic and industrial food processing waste. Effluents from these sources contain organic and inorganic matter, in contrast to fresh water, which contains primarily inorganic matter of riparian origin. The application of the effluent back onto the grain-producing lands has conserved fresh water resources and reduced some fertilizer applications. Commonly, the livestock wastewater is applied with sprinkler or surface irrigation systems. Subsurface drip irrigation is a new technology for livestock wastewater application. This chapter considers biological effluent to be a resource. Consequently, the approach is to emphasize the efficient use of the resource rather than disposal of a waste product. Traditionally, most effluents have been applied by sprinkler or surface irrigation systems. However, continued advances in micro-irrigation system design, management, monitoring, and especially in water treatment have expanded the use of biological effluent through micro-irrigation systems. Even though effluents contain many types of materials that can readily clog emitters, the advantages strongly favor the use of such effluents for agricultural irrigation.