cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Life Cycle Assessments of a Conventional Green Building and a Net Zero Energy Building: Exploration of Static, Dynamic, Attributional, and Consequential Electricity Grid Models

Our study assesses the differences between regional average- and marginal-electricity generation mixes as well as the variability between predicted and observed energy consumption of a "conventional green" Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building and a Net-Zero Energy Living Building (NZEB). The aim of our study was to evaluate the importance of using temporally resolved building-level data while capturing the dynamic effects a changing electrical grid has on the life cycle impacts of buildings. Two static and four dynamic life cycle assessment (LCA) models were evaluated for both buildings. Both buildings' results show that the most appropriate models ( hybrid consequential for the LEED Gold building, hourly consequential for the NZEB) significantly modified the use-phase global warming potential (GWP) impacts relative to the design static LCA (49% greater impact for the LEED Gold building; 45% greater reduction for the NZEB). In other words, a "standard" LCA would underestimate the use phase impacts of the LEED Gold building and the benefits of the NZEB in the GWP category. Although the results in this paper are specific to two case study buildings, the methods developed are scalable and can be implemented more widely to improve building life cycle impact estimates.
Surgical Quality Improvement: Working Toward Value or a Work in Progress?

Abstract Background Despite numerous national programs intended to ensure patients receive high-quality surgical care, contemporaneous quality improvement initiatives (QIIs) are limited by the challenges associated with developing universal consensus about how best to define “quality” and the identification of appropriate and actionable quality measures. Materials and methods Using the Donabedian conceptual model for the evaluation of health care quality, representative examples of existing surgical QIIs at each level of health care (i.e., structure, process, and outcome) were identified, and the effectiveness of these programs was discussed. Results Surgical volume-based measures are a common structural quality indicator. It remains unclear whether volume-based QIIs, such as “Take the Volume Pledge” and the Leapfrog Group's Evidence-Based Hospital Referral initiative, would improve surgical outcomes or potentially exacerbate existing health care disparities. QIIs focused on processes of care, such as the Surgical Care Improvement Project, are frequently effective at improving measure compliance without clearly improving care quality. Risk-adjusted outcome measures remain common quality indicators. But, relevant procedure-specific outcomes are lacking, and continuing to rely on perioperative morbidity and mortality may not provide the most robust picture of surgical quality. Conclusions Data regarding the effectiveness of existing QIIs suggest there may be important opportunities to either select measures that more accurately reflect quality surgical care or enhance the manner in which current quality indicators are measured and reported to better capture the complex dynamics of surgical services at the point of care.
Effect of Plasmonic Absorption on Photoacoustic Signal Generation

In this work, we have studied the plasmonic absorption of different metal nanoparticles (NP) in visible and near infrared (NIR) range using a unique photoacoustic (PA) detection technique utilizing piezotransistive GaN microcantilevers. To investigate the plasmonic interaction of the NPs, three different metal (Au, Ni and Pt) NPs and two different laser wavelengths (520 nm and 790 nm) were used. The lasers are pulsed to generate the PA excitation that oscillates the microcantilevers. The cantilever deflection is then transduced by an HFET at the base of the cantilever. Au and Pt NPs showed enhancement in the generated PA signal because of increased absorption while Ni showed a reduction in the PA signal. The effect of plasmonic absorption is exhibited in the difference in resonance amplitudes of the microcantilevers.
Isolated Photons at Hadron Colliders at O($\alpha alpha_s^2$) (I): Spin Averaged Case

The cross sections for isolated and non-isolated prompt photon production with unpolarized hadron beams are studied at order $\alpha\alpha_s^2$. Two methods of performing the calculations are compared. One uses purely analytic techniques and the second uses a combination of analytic and Monte Carlo techniques to perform the phase-space integrations. The results of the analytic and Monte Carlo methods are compared both before and after isolation cuts are placed on the photon. Fragmentation contributions are included at next-to-leading order in the analytic case, and the question of the infrared sensitivity of this contribution once isolation is implemented is addressed. Numerical results are presented and compared with the latest CDF data for $p\bar{p} \to \gamma+X$ using the latest parton densities for the proton.
Mapping Poverty and Slums Using Multiple Methodologies in Accra, Ghana

Providing housing to slum dwellers, protecting them from natural disasters and diseases, and connecting them to jobs and services through improved infrastructure are urgent policy issues in many Sub-Saharan African cities. Identifying the location and living conditions of slums is a critical step toward designing effective urban policies. By combining household survey data and census data with high spatial resolution satellite imagery and other geospatial data using multiple methodologies, including machine learning, we attempt to define slums quantitatively within the city of Accra. Within these defined slum areas, the patterns of monetary poverty are assessed. Poverty rates are estimated at the neighborhood level and indicate that living in slums is strongly correlated with higher monetary poverty. Poverty is more prevalent in communities in areas of lower elevation, which in Accra are generally flood-prone areas. However, the results also suggest that not all people living in slums are living in monetary poverty. These results have important policy implications and are crucial to how economic opportunities are generated in slums so that effective urban policies can be designed.
Solubility of argon, krypton and xenon in ionic liquids

Abstract This work presents the results of argon, krypton and xenon solubility measurements in a series of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) with the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([TFSI]-), 2-cyanopyrrolide ([2CNPyr]-) and hexafluorophosphate ([PF6]-) anions, as well as ILs with the trihexyltetradecylphosphonium ([P66614]+) cation paired with 2-cyanopyrrolide ([2CNPyr]-) and 1,2,4-triazolide ([4-triaz]-) anions. The solubility of Ar was measured at 295 K and pressures up to 9 MPa, Kr was also measured at 295 K and pressures up to 5 MPa, and Xe was measured at temperatures from 295 K to 333 K and pressures up to 0.3 MPa. Noble gases are simple nonpolar, spherical atoms with varying sizes and polarizabilities. While their separation, especially from air, is relevant because they have uses in providing inert atmospheres and in fluorescent lights, the main purpose of this study is to gain fundamental understanding of the influence of size and polarizability on gas solubility in ILs. As a result, the temperature effects on the dissolution of argon and xenon were investigated in order to determine enthalpies of dissolution. The solubilities of noble gases correlate strongly with the IL molar volume, indicating the importance of entropic interactions, because free volume generally correlates with molar volume. While van der Waals interactions are the dominant forces between smaller noble gas (like Ar) and the IL, Xe has sufficiently high polarizability that both van der Waals and induced dipole-dipole interactions contribute to its dissolution.
Volume stabilization via α′ corrections in type IIB theory with fluxes

We consider the type IIB string theory in the presence of various extra 7/-brane pairs compactified on a warped Calabi-Yau threefold that admits a conifold singularity. We demonstrate that the volume modulus can be stabilized perturbatively at a non-supersymmetric AdS4/dS4 vacuum by the effective potential that includes the stringy (α')3 correction obtained by Becker et al. together with a combination of positive tension and anomalous negative tension terms generated by the additional 7-brane-antibrane pairs.
Self-Rated Mental and Physical Health of U.S. Gulf Coast Residents.

Repeated exposure to hurricanes and tropical storms likely impacts the mental and physical health of populations living along the U.S. Gulf Coast. In this study, the self-rated physical and mental health of residents in the U.S. Gulf Coast was estimated and factors associated with differences in self-rated health were identified. The 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) was administered online to a sample of 3030 residents of the U.S. Gulf Coast in December 2017. Responses were scored to calculate mental component summary scores and physical component summary scores. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to identify predictors of self-rated health among the residents. Residents of U.S. Gulf Coast States have poorer self-rated physical and mental health compared to the U.S. population. Women and respondents reporting higher perception of flood risk had worse self-rated mental health, while hurricane evacuees, adults of at least 25 years of age, those with self-reported hurricane damage, and respondents reporting higher perception of surge risk had worse self-rated physical health. Residents of U.S. Gulf Coast States have poorer self-rated health compared to national standards. These findings may have practical implications for hurricane-associated physical and mental health services planning and delivery.
Power and Accuracy Co-Optimization of an Optical Full Adder via Optimization Algorithms

In this paper, we propose methods to reduce modulation depth requirements of optical modulators in an optical full adder while still maintain the accuracy by optimizing parameters using algorithms. Results show that it is capable of reducing power consumption effectively.
Numerical analysis of flyer plate experiments in granite via the combined finite–discrete element method

In this study, the combined finite–discrete element method (FDEM), which merges the finite element-based analysis of continua with discrete element-based transient dynamics, contact detection, and contact interaction solutions, is used to simulate the response of a flyer plate impact experiment in a Westerly granite sample that contains a randomized set of cracks. FDEM has demonstrated to be a strongly improved physical model as it can accurately reproduce the velocity interferometer system for any reflector plot and capture the spall region and spall strength obtained from flyer plate experiments in granite. The number and the distributions of preexisting fractures have also been studied to get better understanding of the effect of structural cracks on the mechanical behavior and the failure path of Westerly granite under high strain rate impact. These FDEM capabilities, in the context of rock mechanics, are very important for two main reasons. First, the FDEM can be further applied to many complex large-scale problems such as planetary impact, rock blasting, seismic wave propagation, characterization of material failure around explosive crater formations, and detection of hydrocarbon flow in petroleum industry. Second, it can be used to validate high strain rate impact experiments and essentially, via virtual experimentation, replace these high-cost experiments by very cost- and time-effective simulations.
Post Dural Puncture Headache, Managed with Epidural Blood Patch, Is Associated with Subsequent Chronic Low Back Pain in Patients: a Pilot Study

Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a relatively common complication which may occur in the setting of inadvertent dural puncture (DP) during labor epidural analgesia and during intentional DP during spinal anesthetic placement or diagnostic lumbar puncture. Few publications have established the long-term safety of an epidural blood patch (EBP) for the treatment of a PDPH. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the association of chronic low back pain (LBP) in patients who experienced a PDPH following labor analgesia and were treated with an EBP. A total of 146 patients were contacted and completed a survey questionnaire via telephone. The EBP group was found to be more likely to have chronic LBP (percentage difference 20% [95% CI 6–33%], RR 2.6 [95% CI 1.3–5.2]) and also LBP < 6 (percentage difference 24% [95% CI 9– 37%], RR 2.3 [95% CI 1.3–4.1]). There were no significant differences in the severity and descriptive qualities of pain between the EBP and non-EBP groups. Our findings suggest that PDPH treated with an EBP is associated with an increased prevalence of subsequent low back pain in parturients. The findings of this pilot study should spur further prospective research into identifying potential associations between DP, EBP, and chronic low back pain.
Crystal and magnetic structures of magnetic topological insulators MnBi 2 Te 4 and MnBi 4 Te 7

Using single-crystal neutron diffraction, we present a systematic investigation of the crystal structure and magnetism of the van der Waals topological insulators ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{4}$ and ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{4}{\mathrm{Te}}_{7}$, where rich topological quantum states have been recently predicted and observed. Structural refinements reveal that considerable Bi atoms occupied on the Mn sites in both materials, distinct from the previously reported antisite disorder. We show unambiguously that ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{4}$ orders antiferromagnetically below 24 K, featured by a magnetic symmetry ${R}_{I}\text{\ensuremath{-}}3c$, while ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{4}{\mathrm{Te}}_{7}$ is antiferromagnetic below 13 K with a magnetic space group ${P}_{c}\text{\ensuremath{-}}3c1$. They both present antiferromagnetically coupled ferromagnetic layers with spins along the $c$ axis. We put forward a stacking rule for the crystal structure of an infinitely adaptive series ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{2n}{\mathrm{Te}}_{3n+1}$ ($n\ensuremath{\ge}1$) with a building unit of $[{\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{3}]$. By comparing the magnetic properties between ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{4}$ and ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{4}{\mathrm{Te}}_{7}$, together with recent density-functional theory calculations, we concluded that a two-dimensional magnetism limit might be realized in the derivatives. Our work may promote theoretical studies of topological magnetic states in the series of ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{2n}{\mathrm{Te}}_{3n+1}$.
Analysis of structure-property gradients in orthogonally machined chips and workpiece subsurface

Abstract Production of machined surfaces with optimized mechanical properties requires fundamental process-structure-property knowledge. In this work we focus on structure-property gradients in orthogonally cut OFHC Copper chips and the workpiece subsurface. We utilize orientation imaging microscopy and statistical spatial correlation metrics to quantify the microstructure. Constitutive elastic-plastic properties of the workpiece subsurface and chips are measured using spherical nanoindentation. Analysis of the data reveals significant structure and property gradients in both regions. Differences and similarities in structure and property gradients near the workpiece surface and tool-chip interface, and in the chip middle are discussed and explained.
The Persistence of Racial Cues and Appeals in American Elections

This article reviews the literature on the persistence of racial cues and appeals in American elections. I focus on three central themes: racial priming, the influence of the Obama presidential cam...
Real-time Machine Learning Based on Hoeffding Decision Trees for Jamming Detection in 5G New Radio

Real-time detection and mitigation of jamming attacks in 5G new radio (NR) is an urgent need. Over the past decade, jamming detection has been studied by many researchers using different methods including machine learning. However, nearly all the previous detection methods do not support real-time, which can result in delaying the mitigation and thereby degradation of the overall network performance. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a real-time jamming detection approach based on Hoeffding decision trees in 5G NR. First, we investigate the efficiency of decision trees in detecting jamming and use it as a baseline to validate the performance of the proposed approach. These models have been trained on a dataset built from 5G NR simulation, and the communication link is targeted by a malicious jammer. These models are then evaluated using metrics such as the probability of detection, probability of false alarm, accuracy, and training time. The preliminary results showed that HT can achieve an overall accuracy as high as 82% while traditional decision trees can achieve an accuracy as high as 100%. However, Hoeffding decision trees have the advantages of being trained online while traditional decision trees based models require the complete labeled dataset readily before training which delays the detection process.
Racial and ethnic disparities in H1N1 vaccine uptake in Medicaid: Lessons learned for a COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Abstract Background Racial and ethnic minorities in the US have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk for disparities in COVID-19 vaccinations. The H1N1 flu vaccine experience provides lessons learned to address and prevent racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccinations. We aim to identify racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in H1N1 vaccinations among Medicaid enrollees to inform equitable COVID-19 vaccination policies and strategies. Methods The study population included people under 65 who were continuously enrolled in Medicaid in 2009 and 2010 from 28 states and the District of Columbia. H1N1 vaccinations were identified from Medicaid outpatient claims. Vaccination rates were calculated for the overall sample and subpopulations by race/ethnicity and state. Results 3,708,894 (12.3%) Medicaid enrollees in the sample were vaccinated for H1N1 in 2009–2010. Race-specific vaccination rates ranged from 8.1% in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) to 19.8% in Asian/Pacific Islander Medicaid enrollees. NHB enrollees had lower vaccination rates than non-Hispanic White (NHW) enrollees in all states, with the exceptions of Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, and Washington. The largest disparity between NHB and NHW was in Pennsylvania (1.0% vs. 7.0%), while the largest absolute difference between NHB and NHW enrollees was in Georgia (17.4% vs. 30.7%). Conclusions Our study found huge variation in H1N1 vaccinations across states and racial/ethnic disparities in H1N1 vaccinations within states. In most states, NHB and AI/AN Medicaid enrollees had lower vaccination rates than Whites. Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander Medicaid enrollees in most states had higher vaccination rates than Whites.
Cross-species transcriptomic signatures predict response to MK2 inhibition in mouse models of chronic inflammation

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are genetically complex and exhibit significant inter-patient heterogeneity in disease presentation and therapeutic response. Here, we show that mouse models of IBD exhibit variable responses to inhibition of MK2, a pro-inflammatory serine/threonine kinase, and that MK2 inhibition suppresses inflammation by targeting inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils in murine models. Using a computational approach (TransComp-R) that allows for cross-species comparison of transcriptomic features, we identified an IBD patient subgroup that is predicted to respond to MK2 inhibition, and an independent preclinical model of chronic intestinal inflammation predicted to be non-responsive, which we validated experimentally. Thus, cross-species mouse-human translation approaches can help to identify patient subpopulations in which to deploy new therapies.
Transgressive stratigraphic record and possible oscillations of late Pleistocene Lake Bonneville, Northern Hogup Mountains, Utah, U.S.A.

Abstract Distinct, mappable facies changes make the stratigraphic record of the shorezone of late Pleistocene Lake Bonneville the most robust indicator for past lake level oscillations. Unfortunately, clear stratigraphic evidence of transgressive and regressive deposits has been generally lacking. New stratigraphic and chronological data within the lacustrine shorezone sediments of the Hogup Mountains of northwestern Utah provide some of the best evidence yet for oscillations within the overall transgressive phase of the lake. This study documents two previously unknown oscillations, hereby named the Lower Hogup (~ 22 cal ka) and Upper Hogup (~ 20.6 cal ka) oscillations and provides further evidence for the previously proposed U2 oscillation (~ 21.3 cal ka). The study suggests that the water level of the lake changed dramatically (up to 25% of the lake’s total volume) during the transgressive phase (~ 30–15 cal ka). With the additional oscillations documented in this study, there are seven proposed oscillatory events during the transgressive phase of the lake. These events likely correlate to rapid but short term regional climatic fluctuations during the broader climatic trends of the Last Glacial Maximum. However, it is still unknown what specific climatic drivers are causing these oscillations and if these events can be correlated to other global climatic events.
Test Validation Strategies

Validity is a critical consideration for employers who seek to use tests as the basis for employment decisions, but it is also often misunderstood and confusing to test users. The purpose of this chapter is to help provide clarity and understanding for practitioners involved in testing and assessment programs to enable better practice and more effective decisions by employers, while mitigating legal risk. This chapter provides insight into the meaning and purpose of validity along with a description of legal and professional standards for employment decisions and testing. The authors provide an overview of validity study designs and explicit guidance to practitioners on validation strategies, options, and recommendations for various situations, along with a discussion of conditions that can affect the ability to find validity evidence. In addition, the authors share several real-world case studies illustrating validation strategies and research in action. References and suggested resources are provided to facilitate additional learning.
The actin filament associated protein (AFAP-110) is overexpressed and contributes to prostate carcinoma development by regulating PKC α-mediated fibronectin expression

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 2459 The actin filament-associated protein, AFAP-110, first identified as a classic substrate of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, Src, was subsequently implicated in protein kinase Cα (PKCα) signaling. Parallel with the important roles of several other Src substrates in human tumor development and progression, we demonstrate that AFAP-110 expression contributes to human prostate cancer growth. Using prostate tissue arrays, we found that AFAP-110 was absent or expressed at very low levels in normal prostatic epithelium and benign prostatic hyperplasia, but was significantly increased in prostate carcinomas. Additionally, the expression of AFAP-110 positively correlated with Gleason grades, indicating a potential role in prostate cancer progression. Down-regulation of AFAP-110 in PC3 prostate cancer cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth in vitro, as well as reduced tumor incidence and growth in orthotopic nude mouse models. Furthermore, down-modulation of AFAP-110 significantly decreased cell-matrix adhesion and migration, correlating with reduced focal adhesions. To further understand the underlying molecular mechanisms by which AFAP regulates prostate cancer growth, we utilized an extracellular matrix (ECM) and adhesion molecule mRNA microarray and identified a significant decrease in fibronectin expression in AFAP-110 down-regulated clones, accompanied by reduced protein level of major fibronectin receptor, integrin α5β1. In agreement with AFAP-110 affecting PKCα signaling, down-regulation of AFAP-110 decreased PKCα-mediated fibronectin expression. These data suggest that AFAP-110 regulates critical signaling pathways governing PKCα-mediated ECM protein expression in regulating prostate cancer cell adhesiveness and motility. Thus, AFAP-110 may be a novel prognostic marker for prostate cancer that functions, in part, by regulating cell-ECM interaction.
Understanding and Changing Environmentally Destructive Behavior

This paper describes five beliefs about environmentally destructive behavior that contain some truth, but also embody serious misconceptions. It explains what is wrong with these beliefs and outlines a set of general principles for changing anti-environmental human activity that are consistent with two decades of research and practical experience.
Inhibition of Na+-dependent phosphate transport by group-specific covalent reagents in rat kidney brush border membrane vesicles. Evidence for the involvement of tyrosine and sulfhydryl groups on the interior of the membrane.

Abstract The effects of tyrosine- and sulfhydryl-specific reagents on the Na + -dependent transport of phosphate in brush border membrane vesicles prepared from rat renal cortex were investigated. This study is the first to show that the tyrosine-specific reagents 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole and tetranitromethane inactivate the transporter in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion while the membrane impermeant tyrosine reagent, N -acetylimidazole, has no effect on phosphate uptake. The membrane permeant sulfhydryl reagent N -ethylmaleimide also caused a time and concentration-dependent inactivation of this transport process but the membrane impermeant reagents 7-chloro-4-sulfobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole and eosin-5-malemide had little effect on phosphate uptake. The inhibitory effects of both tyrosine- and sulfhydryl-specific reagents were additive, but no protection from inactivation by tyrosine-specific reagents could be achieved by preincubation of the vesicles with the substrates of the transporter or with competitive inhibitors of the transport process. These results suggest that the amino acids modified by these agents are located either within the membrane or on the cytosolic surface of the transporter. These residues may not participate in substrate binding, but may be important for the conformational change of the transporter necessary for the translocation of phosphate across these membranes. This study also shows that Na + -dependent phosphate transport can be inactivated by other reagents which covalently modify histidine, carboxyl, and amino groups on proteins.
Portage Strategies for Adapting Environmental Law and Policy During a Logjam Era

Describes strategies for updating environmental law and policy in a logjam era in which legislation is not readily available due to a blood feud between the political parties and other factors. Recommends expert consensus proposal systems as well as greater flexibility under the Chevron doctrine.
Aligning some Nicholson sheep‐blowfly data sets with system input periods

During the 1950s the Australian entomologist Alexander Nicholson studied a sheep pest, lucilia cuprina, (L cuprina), the sheep-blowfly. In laboratory experiments blowfly populations were set up in cages. They were supplied with necessary food and water and every other day counts were made of the numbers in their various stages of development. The experiments went on for over a year. Various statistical studies have been carried out on their data. Sadly, the bulk of the data appears to be lost. Recently this author made the discovery of total population counts for ten Nicholson experiments. These data were in a collection of copies of index cards he made during a trip to Australia in 1977. In eight of the experiments the input food was varied cyclically in sawtooth fashion, each experiment having a different period of application. However, and what is the concern of this article, which data set went with which period of application remains unclear. In the present study use is made of periodograms, spectrograms and seasonal adjustment to seek a one-to-one correspondence between series and period. The estimate constructed is consistent under smoothing and limiting conditions. It is time domain based, but confirmed by periodogram and spectrogram computation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Enhancements in healthcare information technology systems: customizing vendor-supplied clinical decision support for a high-risk patient population

Healthcare organizations continue to adopt information technologies with clinical decision support (CDS) to prevent potential medication-related adverse drug events. End-users who are unfamiliar with certain high-risk patient populations are at an increased risk of unknowingly causing medication errors. The following case describes a heart transplant recipient exposed to supra-therapeutic concentrations of tacrolimus during co-administration of ritonavir as a result of vendor supplied CDS tools that omitted an interaction alert. After review of 4692 potential tacrolimus-based DDIs between 329 different drug pairs supplied by vendor CDS, the severity of 20 DDIs were downgraded and the severity of 62 were upgraded. The need for institution-specific customization of vendor-provided CDS is paramount to ensure avoidance of medication errors. Individualized care will become more important as patient populations and institutions become more specialized. In the future, vendors providing integrated CDS tools must be proactive in developing institution-specific and easily customizable CDS tools.
MicroRNA-27b targets gremlin 1 to modulate fibrotic responses in pulmonary cells.

Fibrosis is a chronic disease characterized by an excessive deposition of scar tissue in the affected organs. A central mediator of this process is transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which stimulates the production of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagens. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in both fibrosis as well as in TGF-β signaling, but the extent of their regulation has not been fully defined. A functional screen was conducted using a library of miRNA inhibitors to identify miRNAs that affect TGF-β-induced type I collagen expression, a key event in the development of fibrosis. The inhibition of one miRNA in particular, miR-27b, caused a significant increase in type I collagen expression. We found that miR-27b directly targets Gremlin 1 by binding to its 3′-UTR, reducing its mRNA levels. TGF-β signaling decreased miR-27b expression and caused a corresponding increase in Gremlin 1 levels, suggesting that TGF-β regulates Gremlin 1 expression in part by modulating miR-27b expression. Reducing Gremlin 1 levels by either siRNA-mediated gene silencing or by using the miR-27b mimic inhibited the expression of several genes known to be involved in fibrosis, while increasing Gremlin 1 levels by the addition of either recombinant protein or the miR-27b inhibitor enhanced the expression of these genes. In summary, we have demonstrated that miR-27b targets Gremlin 1, and that this regulation likely represents an important control point in fibrotic pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1539–1548, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identifying Cheating on Unproctored Internet Tests: The Z‐test and the likelihood ratio test

Unproctored Internet testing (UIT) is becoming more popular in employment settings due to its cost effectiveness and efficiency. However, one of the major concerns with UIT is the possibility of cheating behaviors: a more capable conspirator can sit beside the real applicant and answer test items, or the applicant may use unauthorized materials. The present study examined the effectiveness of using a proctored verification test following the UIT to identify cheating in UIT, where 2 test statistics, a Z-test and a likelihood ratio (LR) test, compare the consistency of test performance across the testing conditions. A simulation study was conducted to test the effectiveness of the two test statistics for a computerized adaptive test format. Results indicate that both test statistics have high power to detect dishonest job applicants at low Type I error rates. Compared with the LR test, the Z-test was more efficient and effective and is therefore recommended for practical applications. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Predator-Prey Interactions of Dictyostelium discoideum and Escherichia coli in Continuous Culture

Dictyostelium discoideum and Escherichia coli were aerobically propagated in mixed continuous culture in a predator-prey relationship, and the effects of temperature and holding times were examined. Oscillations developed in the concentration of glucose, the limiting substrate for E. coli, and in the densities of the two populations, but eventually steady-state populations were reached. The experimental data were analyzed according to the Lotka-Volterra model for prey-predator relationships and by the Monod model for saturation kinetics. A comparison of the adequacy of the two models in describing predation is given.
PDGFs protect hippocampal neurons against energy deprivation and oxidative injury: evidence for induction of antioxidant pathways

Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and PDGF receptors are expressed in brain, where their functions are largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that PDGFs play a role in promoting the survival of neurons exposed to metabolic and oxidative insults. Exposure of rat and mouse hippocampal cell cultures to glucose-deficient medium or the hydroxyl radical-promoting agent FeSO4 resulted in progressive neuronal loss. Pretreatment of cultures with PDGF-AA or PDGF-BB resulted in highly significant attenuation of glucose deprivation- and FeSO4-induced neuronal degeneration. In each injury paradigm the neuroprotective actions of the PDGFs were concentration dependent (3-100 ng/ml). In the case of glucose deprivation, significant protection was seen when cells were exposed to PDGFs prior to, or up to 8 hr following, the onset of glucose deprivation. Pretreatment with PDGFs was required for protection against FeSO4-induced oxidative injury. Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses demonstrated that cultured embryonic hippocampal neurons expressed both PDGF alpha- and beta-receptors. PDGFs induced tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins including a band at 180 kDa, the molecular weight of PDGF receptors. Induction of peroxide accumulation in neurons by FeSO4 was attenuated in cultures pretreated with PDGFs, suggesting that PDGFs enhanced cellular antioxidant mechanisms. Measurements of anti-oxidant enzyme activities in control and PDGF-treated cultures showed that both PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB increased both catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and PDGF-AA also increased superoxide dismutase activities. These findings suggest that PDGFs, which are widely expressed in brain and induced in response to injury, may play roles in protecting neurons against metabolic and oxidative insults.
The soluble variant surface glycoprotein of african trypanosomes is recognized by a macrophage scavenger receptor and induces IκBα degradation independently of TRAF6-mediated TLR signaling

The GPI residues of soluble variant surface glycoprotein (sVSG) molecules released from the membrane of African trypanosomes during infection induce macrophage activation events. In this study, we demonstrate that the trypanosome sVSG molecule binds to the membrane of murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and activates the NF-κB cascade independently of a TLR-mediated interaction. The binding of fluorochrome-labeled sVSG molecules to macrophage membranes was saturable, was inhibited by the scavenger receptor-specific ligand maleylated BSA, and was followed by rapid intracellular uptake of the molecules and subsequent internalization to lysosomal compartments. Inhibition of cellular phagocytic and endocytic uptake processes by cytochalasin B and monodansylcadaverine, respectively, revealed that sVSG internalization was necessary for IκBα degradation and occurred by an actin-dependent, clathrin-independent process. Activation of RAW 264.7 cells by sVSG following treatment of the cells with the TRAF6 inhibitory peptide DIVK resulted in enhanced NF-κB signaling, suggesting both that TRAF6-dependent TLR activation of the pathway alone is not required for signaling and that TLR pathway components may negatively regulate expression of sVSG-induced signaling. These results demonstrate that stimulation of macrophages by sVSG involves a complex process of receptor-mediated binding and uptake steps, leading to both positive and negative signaling events that ultimately regulate cellular activation.
Identifying destinations automatically from human generated route directions

Automatic and accurate extraction of destinations in human-generated route descriptions facilitates visualizing text route descriptions on digital maps. Such information further supports research aiming at understanding human cognition of geospatial information. However, as reproted in previous work, the recognition of destinations is not satisfactory. In this paper, we show our approach and achievements in improving the accuracy of destination name recognition. We identified and evaluated multiple features for classifying a named entity to be either "destination" or "non-destination"; after that, we use a simple yet effective post-processing algorithm to improve classification accuracy. Comprehensive experiments confirm the effectiveness of our approach.
Teaching Preschoolers to Count: Effective Strategies for Achieving Early Mathematics Milestones

Attention to early childhood mathematics instructional strategies has sharpened due to the relatively poor mathematics performance of U.S. students in comparison to students from other countries and research evidence that early mathematics skills impact later achievement. Early Childhood counting skills form the foundation for subsequent mathematics learning. In this article, we discuss the milestones of counting development and examine preschool classroom mathematics observations through the lenses of two CLASS Dimensions, Concept Development and Instructional Learning Formats. Recommendations for effective instructional strategies around counting and suggestions for incorporating mathematics instruction into storybook reading are provided.
A taxonomy of emotional disturbances

We propose a taxonomy of emotional disturbances composed of (a) emotional valence disturbances, (b) emotional intensity/regulation disturbances, and (c) emotion disconnections. Our rationale for developing such a taxonomy is that it can draw additional attention to the importance of emotional disturbances and can provide a framework for organizing both what we already know and what we have yet to explore. We believe such an effort is important because emotional disturbances, which are ubiquitous among individuals with psychopatholog-ical conditions, can provide incremental predictive power above and beyond traditional diagnostic categories. We discuss the potential clinical utility of our proposed taxonomy and provide recommendations for future research.
The role of the family and physicians in decisions for incompetent patients.

We hold that the entire process of conflict resolution is governed by beneficence, not just those steps involving a lack of knowledge about patient values. Throughout our analysis, we have employed an unconventional view of beneficence that incorporates respect for patient autonomy (beneficence-in-trust) and an unconventional view of patient autonomy that incorporates respect for patient values logically prior to respect for current wishes or free actions. The reasons for employing these unconventional uses of the principles of beneficience and autonomy are complex. Among those argued in this paper are the clinical situations themselves that are often far more complex than standard, abstract principles allow, the duties of all parties to act in the patient's best interests and not their own (the ethics of proxy decisions), and the conventional misidentification of beneficence with paternalism, of acting in the best interests of someone as if their self-determination and values were not an intrinsic and undeniable part of those interests. It should be noted however, that autonomy as conventionally perceived, as free action or self-determination (without reference to values and commitments) does become in our proposal, only one of a number of important considerations in acting to preserve the best interests of patients. We have noted important caveats about thus limiting or overriding autonomous decisions by patients. Dialogue about values seems far more important than absolute respect for autonomy (conventionally perceived) when families and physicians face difficult decisions about loved ones.
Differential effect of birthplace and length of residence on body mass index (BMI) by education, gender and race/ethnicity

Although birthplace and length of residence have been found to be associated with Body Mass Index (BMI)/obesity in the USA, their effects may not be the same across groups defined by education, gender and race/ethnicity. Using cross-sectional population based data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey, we investigated the associations of birthplace and US length of residence with BMI, and whether the influence of birthplace-US length of residence on BMI varied by education, gender and race/ethnicity. Our sample included 37,350 adults aged 25-64 years. Self-reported weight and height were used to calculate BMI. Birthplace and length of residence were combined into a single variable divided into five levels: US-born, foreign-born living in the United States for more than 15, 10-14, 5-9, and less than 5 years. Controlling for age, gender, marital status, race/ethnicity, education, income, fruit and vegetable consumption, current smoking and alcohol use, we found that: (1) foreign-born adults had lower BMI than US-born adults; (2) among foreign-born adults, longer residence in the United States was associated with higher BMI; and (3) the effect of birthplace-length of US residence on BMI differed by education level, gender and race/ethnicity. Specifically, longer residence in the United States was associated with the greatest percent increases in BMI among the lowest educated groups than higher educated groups, among women (vs. men) and among Hispanics (vs. other racial/ethnic groups). These findings suggest that a protective effect of foreign birthplace on BMI appears to attenuate with length of residence in the United States, and also reveal that BMI/obesity trajectories associated with length of US residence vary by education, gender and race/ethnicity. Immigrant status, independently and in combination with education, gender and race/ethnicity should be considered in future obesity prevention and reduction efforts.
The mitochondrial origin of postischemic arrhythmias

Recovery of the mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨm) is a key determinant of postischemic functional recovery of the heart. Mitochondrial ROS-induced ROS release causes the collapse of ΔΨm and the destabilization of the action potential (AP) through a mechanism involving a mitochondrial inner membrane anion channel (IMAC) modulated by the mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor (mBzR). Here, we test the hypothesis that this mechanism contributes to spatiotemporal heterogeneity of ΔΨm during ischemia-reperfusion (IR), thereby promoting abnormal electrical activation and arrhythmias in the whole heart. High-resolution optical AP mapping was performed in perfused guinea pig hearts subjected to 30 minutes of global ischemia followed by reperfusion. Typical electrophysiological responses, including progressive AP shortening followed by membrane inexcitablity in ischemia and ventricular fibrillation upon reperfusion, were observed in control hearts. These responses were reduced or eliminated by treatment with the mBzR antagonist 4′-chlorodiazepam (4′-Cl-DZP), which blocks depolarization of ΔΨm. When applied throughout the IR protocol, 4′-Cl-DZP blunted AP shortening and prevented reperfusion arrhythmias. Inhibition of ventricular fibrillation was also achieved by bolus infusion of 4′-Cl-DZP just before reperfusion. Conversely, treatment with an agonist of the mBzR that promotes ΔΨm depolarization exacerbated IR-induced electrophysiological changes and failed to prevent arrhythmias. The effects of these compounds were consistent with their actions on IMAC and ΔΨm. These findings directly link instability of ΔΨm to the heterogeneous electrophysiological substrate of the postischemic heart and highlight the mitochondrial membrane as a new therapeutic target for arrhythmia prevention in ischemic heart disease.
Z‐expansion calculations of energy levels and transition probabilities in many‐electron atoms

This paper reviews recent calculations of energy levels and transition probabilities in many-electron atoms, based on expansions in inverse powers of the nuclear charge. Emphasis is given to simple approximation methods that apply to a wide class of atomic states. It is shown that the variational screening approximation often yields an accurate estimate of energy contributions of order Z−1 and that the relativistic contributions to the energy levels of light and moderately light atoms are comparable to or greater than the nonrelativistic contributions of order Z−1 when the degree of ionization exceeds 3 or 4. A new method is described for normalizing Coulomb wave functions that figure in the approximate evaluation of electric-dipole transition integrals. It employs variational screening parameters and makes use of double perturbation theory.
The Health Benefits of Dance

296/17/2095 Zerbe, K. (1995). The body betrayed: A deeper understanding of women, eating disorders and treatment. Carlsbad, CA.
Design, synthesis and X-ray crystallographic studies of novel FKBP-12 ligands

Abstract Using the crystal structure of FKBP-12 a novel class of ligands were designed, prepared and evaluated. The crystal structure of the complex between 5 and FKBP-12 is reported.
The chemical photosensitizing ability of certified colour additives

Forty‐three certified food, drug and cosmetic colours presently allowed by the Food and Drug Administration were screened for chemical photosensitizing activity by using photogeneration of singlet molecular oxygen as an evaluation parameter. Singlet oxygen production was estimated by electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry by monitoring the conversion of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐piperidone to the N‐oxide radical. Only xanthene‐type dyes substituted with bromine or iodine (FD&C Red No. 3, D&C Red Nos. 21, 22, 27 and 28, and D&C Orange Nos. 5, 10 and 11) were found to generate singlet oxygen.
Investigating the passivation of mercury cadmium telluride by atomic layer deposition of aluminum oxide

High aspect ratio features in mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) for advanced IR sensor technologies present a challenge to deposition of electrical passivation materials. Deposition of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) onto MCT near room temperature by plasma assisted atomic layer deposition was studied. Conformal deposition was studied through SEM images of thick (ca. 150 nm) deposition onto high aspect ratio features dry etched into MCT. Minority carrier lifetime was measured by photoconductive decay transients of MCT before and after deposition, and the lifetimes compared.