cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adult intensive care unit use at the end of life: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES To determine population-based rates of intensive care unit (ICU) use at the end of life in adults and describe demographic and clinical variation in end-of-life ICU use. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective, population-based cohort study set in Olmsted County, Minnesota, was performed. We identified adult residents admitted to an ICU in 1998 and determined those who were in the last year of life. Demographic data, ICU admission diagnoses, ICU interventions, and length of stay were collected. We obtained Charlson comorbidity diagnoses and indices for residents of Olmsted County to calculate condition-specific rates of end-of-life ICU use. RESULTS Of the 818 residents who had an ICU admission in 1998, 90 died in either the ICU or the hospital after having received ICU care. One in 8 decedents from Olmsted County in 1998 received ICU care during a terminal hospital admission. Six-month decedents who had received ICU care were older, had longer lengths of stay, and had a higher degree of comorbid illness compared with 6-month survivors. The ICU admission rates in the last 6 months of life increased with age and number of chronic conditions, ranging from 0.26 per 1000 person-years in the 18- to 44-year-old group to 18.5 per 1000 person-years in those 85 years or older and from 0.34 per 1000 person-years in those with no chronic conditions to 302.1 per 1000 person-years in those with 5 or more chronic conditions. CONCLUSION The rate of ICU use at the end of life increases significantly with age and with the number of coexisting chronic illnesses.
Survey of emissivity variability in thermography of urban areas

Abstract This study investigates the effects of roof emissivity variation of aerial thermogram images. Thermograms have been used to detect heat loss from residential roofs. Emissivity variation among rooftops, however, can lead to a misrepresentation of the temperatures mapped in a thermogram image. The objectives of this study were (a) to demonstrate the feasibility of a technique to use remotely sensed data to calculate surface emissivities and (b) to apply that technique, to determine the extent of emissivity variation in urban surfaces. In the first part of the experimental approach a passive technique is developed to calculate emissivity from two-band thermal infrared radiance data. Inherent limitations and sources of error associated with the technique are discussed. In the second part of the experimental approach the technique was used to measure the emissivity of 1411 roofs within the city limits of Terre Haute, Indiana. Results of this survey indicated that over 98% of the roofs surveyed were confined to a very narrow range of emissivities. It is concluded that the observed variation in rooftop emissivities has a minimal effect on the temperatures depicted in thermograms.
DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-COST SIMULATOR FOR DEMONSTRATION AND ENGINEER TRAINING

Abstract : The modification of an existing open-source flight simulator can be a useful training tool for new simulation engineers. New engineers can use this software as a starting point in the development of a full-scale flight simulator. The Modeling and Simulation Familiarization Tool (MSFT) is an ongoing project that utilizes open-source software in such a manner. The project requires engineers to design the simulator, modify the source code, and build the physical cockpit. The end products of the MSFT effort are a fully functional flight simulator with a realistic cockpit configuration and engineering training in the areas of simulation structure, computer coding/modification, simulation configuration, and cockpit design.
Shock-tube study of the induction-period kinetics of the hydrogen-oxygen reaction

Hydrogen-oxygen induction period kinetics behind shock waves, monitoring OH concentration by UV line absorption method
Different effects of surfactant and inhaled nitric oxide in modulation of inflammatory injury in ventilated piglet lungs.

Abstract Septic acute lung injury (ALI) causes high morbidity and mortality in intensive care service as a result of biotrauma and dysfunction in the lungs and other organ systems. We hypothesized that surfactant and/or inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) may have different effects in modulation of inflammatory injury in septic ALI. Twenty-four healthy, 6–9 kg piglets were anesthetized, and intraperitoneally injected with Escherichia coli, followed by a low tidal volume ventilation until sepsis and ALI developed within 4–6 h. They were then randomly treated in groups (n=6 each) as: control (C), inhaled NO at 10 ppm (NO), surfactant at 100 mg/kg (Surf), or both surfactant and iNO (SNO). A normal control group (N) was sham-injected and similarly ventilated. Over the 24 h of treatment period, both Surf, and SNO groups had significantly improved PaO2/FiO2, dynamic compliance and resistance of respiratory system. At 24 h, the best alveolar aeration and least protein leakage, the lowest wet-to-dry lung weight ratio and lung injury score were found in SNO. Activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and myeloperoxidase, interleukin 8 mRNA expression and melondialdehyde were significantly increased, and IL-10 mRNA decreased, in lung tissue of the C group, but were significantly altered in the SNO group, and moderately altered in either NO or Surf group. We conclude that the effects of lung protection by surfactant and/or iNO in this model may be different in modulation of inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression and activity of NF-κB, and iNO did not have adverse effects.
First language acquisition as a guide for theories of learning and pedagogy

Abstract This article looks closely at the earliest periods of first language acquisition, and draws from this data explicit principles arguably applicable more generally to other sorts of learning, whether academic disciplines or complex skills. The principles are meant to be suggestive and to contribute to the development of a first language acquisition-based theory of learning. I argue that this theory constitutes the progressive aspect of efficacious pedagogies, but that a close look at first language acquisition also shows where progressive (immersion-like) pedagogies must be supplemented and transcended. In the end, what is needed is a theory of learning and pedagogy that is “post-progressive” in the sense of retaining the best elements of progressivism, while speaking directly to issues where first language acquisition is not a good guide for loter learning environments.
Devata?dhikara $$\underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\cdot}$}}{n}$$ a:A theological debate in the M?m?ms?-Ved?nta tradition

Les rapports de la Purva- et de l'Uttara-Mimamsa a la lumiere du role que les deux ecoles assignent aux dieux dans l'acte religieux (rituel ou meditation). Defendant l'intelligibilite intrinseque du sacrifice, la premiere minimise, du meme coup, l'importance des dieux, tandis que la seconde reinstalle les dieux comme participants dans la meditation. Le Visistadvaita, quant a lui, subordonne tout a la devotion et oriente la vie religieuse vers le temple
Effects of drift angle on model ship flow

The effects of drift angle on model ship flow are investigated through towing tank tests for the Series 60 CB=0.6 cargo/container model ship. Resistance, side force, drift moment, sinkage, trim, and heel data are procured for a range of drift angles β and Froude numbers (Fr) and the model free condition. Detailed free-surface and mean velocity and pressure flow maps are procured for high and low Fr=0.316 and 0.16 and β=5° and 10° (free surface) and β=10° (mean velocity and pressure) for the model fixed condition (i.e. fixed with zero sinkage, trim, and heel). Comparison of results at high and low Fr and previous data for β=0° enables identification of important free-surface and drift effects. Geometry, conditions, data, and uncertainty analysis are documented in sufficient detail so as to be useful as a benchmark for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation. The resistance increases linearly with β with same slope for all Fr, whereas the increases in the side force, drift moment, sinkage, trim, and heel with β are quadratic. The wave profile is only affected near the bow, i.e. the bow wave amplitude increases/decreases on the windward/leeward sides, whereas the wave elevations are affected throughout the entire wave field. However, the wave envelope angle on both sides is nearly the same as β=0°, i.e. the near-field wave pattern rotates with the hull and remains within a similar wave envelope as β=0°. The wave amplitudes are significantly increased/decreased on the windward/leeward sides. The wake region is also asymmetric with larger wedge angle on the leeward side. The boundary layer and wake are dominated by the hull vortex system consisting of fore body keel, bilge, and wave-breaking vortices and after body bilge and counter-rotating vortices. The occurrence of a wave-breaking vortex for breaking bow waves has not been previously documented in the literature. The trends for the maximum vorticity, circulation, minimum axial velocity, and trajectories are discussed for each vortex.
Unearthing the Entitled: 1 Kings, Douay-Rheims, and Samuel Butler's THE WAY OF ALL FLESH

As many scholars have noted, Samuel Butler's The Way of All Flesh is preoccupied with the authenticity of genealogical records. Through epithets, letters, newspapers, and its own meta-role as manus...
Naloxegol Treatment for Opioid-Induced Constipation in Chronic Non–Cancer Pain

Objective: To describe the effectiveness of naloxegol for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in chronic non–cancer pain patients. Data Sources: Citations in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest were obtained. Reference lists from individual articles obtained were reviewed for additional sources. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language publications available as poster presentations, abstracts, and peer-reviewed articles ranging from preclinical to phase III trials and published between 2007 and September 14, 2014, were reviewed and summarized. Data Synthesis: Naloxegol was shown to be effective for increasing the average weekly number of spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) in a single phase II trial enrolling 208 patients. Phase III trials (KODIAC-04/-05) enrolling a total of 1352 patients developed a new primary end point with a more strict responder criteria. This entailed a mean increase in SBMs, at least 3 SBMs per week, efficacy...
Perceptions about services and dropout from a substance abuse case management program

This article uses event history analysis to examine certain determinants of dropout from a case management program that serves homeless adults with substance abuse problems. The examined determinants are perceptions of conventional treatment services: (a) client perceptions concerning the value of the conventional services that case managers help them to obtain, (b) the views of use services held by social contacts, and (c) client perceptions of the legitimacy of conventional services. The findings, some of which involve statistical interactions, suggest that clients drop out of case management services more slowly (a) when they favor pursuit of particularly efficacious conventional programs; (b) when they find conventional programs to be of low legitimacy; (c) when, under special conditions, they perceive that conventional services are less caring; or (d) when social contracts do not pressure them. These findings generally imply that clients look to case management services when they are more skeptical about conventional services. The variables predicting dropout from case management poorly predict continuation in conventional substance abuse services, indicating that dropout is linked to perceptions of services in context-specific ways. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 583–602, 2007.
Evaluating cognitive tempo in the digital age

In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to the alleged changes in the ways the so-called digital generation communicates and learns. Most of the commentary has been based on anecdotes, observations and opinions. The lack of empirical evidence in this matter suggests that it may be time to begin the process of gathering data to confirm these views. At the forefront is the issue of which learner characteristics have changed, if any, and, accordingly, which evaluation tools are best suited to evaluate them. One mechanism found to be valid and reliable is the matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT). Developed over thirty years ago to measure cognitive tempo on an impulsive-reflective axis, this instrument was subsequently adapted into a twenty-question version. Cairns and Cammock, the researchers who modified the original into the MFFT-20, published the results of several reliability studies to demonstrate its overall effectiveness. This preliminary study is an attempt to begin the empirical verification process of using cognitive tempo as a relevant assessment tool. Two groups of K-12 students from different eras were investigated to determine if comparing cognitive tempos between subjects who took the original MFFT-20 to those who live in the current media-centric society provides any insights as to possible differences in the visual cognitive processing skills and preferences. The results of the comparative analysis, along with possible implications for teachers and instructional designers are discussed.
Hidden Markov model parsing of video programs

This paper introduces statistical parsing of video programs using hidden Markov models (HMMs). The fundamental units of a video program are shots and transitions (fades, dissolves, etc.). Those units are in turn used to create more complex structures, such as scenes. Parsing a video allows us to recognize higher-level story abstractions. These higher-level story elements can be used to create summarizations of the programs, to recognize the most important parts of a program, and many other purposes. The paper is of interest in cinematography for summarizing programs.
STANDING AT THE CROSSROADS OF MODERNIST THOUGHT Collins, Smith, and the New Feminist Epistemologies

Recent debates between modernists and postmodernists have shaken the foundations of modern social science. The epistemological assumptions of long-established procedures for constructing and validating knowledge claims have been called into question. This article discusses how two major contributors to the “new feminist epistemologies”—Dorothy Smith and Patricia Hill Collins—selectively integrate premises of modernist and postmodernist thought into their standpoint approaches. However, the particular premises they select result in significant ontological and epistemological differences between their works. These differences reflect major controversies over materialism versus idealism, as well as essentialism versus diversity. As such, these different standpoints have important implications for feminist scholarship and political practice.
Image reconstruction techniques in tomographic imaging systems

This paper addresses the problems of image reconstruction in fan beam straight-path tomography and image reconstruction from incomplete object projections data. A method for restoring the parallel beam projections of a test object from its fan beam projections in straight-path tomography is introduced. The scheme utilizes FFT routines to accomplish the restoration task. It is shown that the approach reduces the required amount of the collected fan beam data by one-half. Moreover, a noniterative method of image reconstruction, when arbitrary segments of the object projections cannot be detected, is presented. The technique exploits the functional properties of the object projections, in conjunction with a priori information available about the test object, to restore the unknown data. The method's applications in straight-path and diffraction tomography systems are shown.
A method for determining the robustness of bio-molecular oscillator models.

Background: Quantifying the robustness of biochemical models is important both for determining the validity of a natural system model and for designing reliable and robust synthetic biochemical networks. Several tools have been proposed in the literature. Unfortunately, multiparameter robustness analysis suffers from computational limitations. Results: A novel method for quantifying the robustness of oscillatory behavior to parameter perturbations is presented in this paper. This method relies on the combination of Hopf bifurcation and Routh-Hurwitz stability criterion, which is widely applied in control system design. The proposed method is employed to calculate the robustness of two oscillating biochemical network models previously analyzed in the literature. The robustness bounds here obtained are tighter than what was previously obtained in the literature for both models. Conclusion: The method here proposed for quantifying the robustness of biochemical oscillator models is computationally less demanding than similar multiparamter variation techniques available in the literature. It also provides tighter bounds on two models previously analyzed in the literature.
Dual magnification viewfinder

The design of a camera viewfinder having dual magnification is described. Dual magnification means two modes of operation: (1) the "normal" mode in which the actual filming takes place and (2) the "focus" mode in which critical focusing is carried out. This type of viewfinder is ideally suited to camera systems that have large field formats, making it difficult for the user to view the entire field of view instantaneously yet still focus the image exactly on the film.
A deficiency in Drak2 results in a T cell hypersensitivity and an unexpected resistance to autoimmunity

DRAK2 is a member of the death-associated protein (DAP)-like family of serine/threonine kinases. Members of this family induce apoptosis in various cell types. DRAK2, in particular, is specifically expressed in T cells and B cells, and it is differentially regulated during T cell development. To determine whether DRAK2 regulates lymphocyte apoptosis, we produced Drak2−/− mice. Contrary to our expectations, Drak2−/− T cells did not demonstrate any defects in apoptosis or negative selection; however, T cells from Drak2−/− mice exhibited enhanced sensitivity to T cell receptor-mediated stimulation with a reduced requirement for costimulation. These results provide evidence that DRAK2 raises the threshold for T cell activation by negatively regulating signals through the TCR. In contrast to other models of T cell hypersensitivity, Drak2−/− mice were remarkably resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). These results expose a new pathway regulating T cell activation and highlight the intricacies of induced autoimmune disease.
Ensemble: a distributed portal for the distributed community of computing education

NSF's NSDL is composed of domain-oriented pathways. Ensemble is the pathway for computing and supports the full range of computing education communities, providing a base for the development of programs that blend computing with other STEM areas (e.g., X-informatics and Computing + X), and producing digital library innovations that can be propagated to other NSDL pathways. Computing is a distributed community, including computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information science, information systems, and information technology. Ensemble aims to provide much needed support for the many distinct yet overlapping educational programs in computing and their associated communities. To do this, Ensemble takes the form of a distributed portal providing access to the broad range of existing educational resources while preserving the collections and their associated curatorial processes. Ensemble encourages contribution, use, reuse, review, and evaluation of educational materials at multiple levels of granularity.
Temporal changes in respiratory dynamics in mice exposed to phosgene

One hallmark of phosgene inhalation toxicity is the latent formation of life-threatening, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of phosgene inhalation on respiratory dynamics over 12 h. CD-1 male mice, 25-30 g, were exposed to 32 mg/m(3) (8 ppm) phosgene for 20 min (640 mg min/m(3)) followed by a 5-min air washout. A similar group of mice was exposed to room air for 25 min. After exposure, conscious mice were placed unrestrained in a whole-body plethysmograph to determine breathing frequency (f), inspiration (Ti) and expiration (Te) times, tidal volume (TV), minute ventilation (MV), end inspiratory pause (EIP), end expiratory (EEP) pause, peak inspiratory flows (PIF), peak expiratory flows (PEF), and a measure of bronchoconstriction (Penh). All parameters were evaluated every 15 min for 12 h. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein concentration and lung wet/dry weight ratios (W/D) were also determined at 1, 4, 8, and 12 h. A treatment x time repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences between air and phosgene for EEP, EIP, PEF, PIF, TV, and MV, p < or =.05, across 12 h. Phosgene-exposed mice had a significantly longer mean Ti, p < or =.05, compared with air-exposed mice over time. Mice exposed to phosgene showed marked increases (approximately double) in Penh across all time points, beginning at 5 h, when compared with air-exposed mice, p < or =.05. BALF protein, an indicator of air/blood barrier integrity, and W/D were significantly higher, 10- to 12-fold, in phosgene-exposed than in air-exposed mice 4-12 h after exposure, p <or =.001 and p < or =.05, respectively. These results indicate that exposure to phosgene causes early bronchoconstriction, a temporal obstructivelike injury pattern, and disruption of mechanical rhythm largely regulated by the progressive production of pulmonary edema on airway flow. Potential therapeutic intervention may include compounds that produce bronchodilation and mechanical ventilation support if warranted.
Differences between RDD telephone and ABS mail survey design: Coverage, unit nonresponse, and measurement error

Using list-assisted random digit dialing (RDD) with telephone data collection and address-based sampling (ABS) with mail questionnaires are two survey designs that yield probability based inference, yet they are so different that they can yield entirely different results. The 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the effect of these different designs on a variety of survey estimates and, even more importantly, the effect on individual sources of survey error. Understanding the difference in error structure between the two designs is important to survey practitioners in order to select the optimum design, and to data users who can anticipate which results may be affected and how. We first compared estimates between the two designs and then estimated the different sources of error. In addition to identified differences in estimates, we found that for some estimates the two designs can yield similar results merely due to the effect of similar biases....
Spectral representations for rapid evaluation of periodic green’s functions

Spectral representations are developed for the Green functions of 3D problems with a 1D periodicity. The periodic Greenpsilas functions are represented in terms of continuous transverse spectrum rather than conventional discrete (Floquet) longitudinal spectrum. In the framework of these expansions, the periodic Greenpsilas functions are obtained in terms of a small number of direct source contributions, a small number of pole (Floquet mode) contributions, and a rapidly convergent integral that can be evaluated using a small number of quadrature nodes. The presented scheme works seamlessly for any practical periodicities and observer location within the periodic unit cell.
Unraveling thioredoxin-linked metabolic processes of cereal starchy endosperm using proteomics

Application of a thiol-specific probe, monobromobimane, with proteomics and enzyme assays led to the identification of 23 thioredoxin targets in the starchy endosperm of mature wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum cv. Butte), almost all containing at least two conserved cysteines. The identified targets, 12 not known to be thioredoxin-linked, function in a spectrum of processes: metabolism (12 targets), protein storage (three), oxidative stress (three), protein degradation (two), protein assembly/folding (one) and unknown reactions (two). In addition to formulating metabolic pathways functional in the endosperm, the results suggest that thioredoxin acts in redox regulation throughout the life cycle of the seed.
The Camera and the House: The Semiotics of New Guinea “Treehouses” in Global Visual Culture

One of the most frequently encountered representations of West Papuan people internationally today is a photographic or video image of a Korowai or Kombai treehouse (Figure 1). Circulation of these images first exploded in the mid-1990s. In 1994, an Arts & Entertainment Channel film about Korowai was broadcast in the United States under the title Treehouse People: Cannibal Justice, and in 1996 National Geographic published a photo essay titled “Irian Jaya’s People of the Trees.” Korowai and Kombai treehouses have since been depicted in dozens of magazine and newspaper articles and twenty television productions, made by media professionals from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, and recently West Papua itself. Some representations have had mass global distribution through programming partnerships and satellite transmission agreements, and international editions of major magazines. Recently, several reality television programs have been produced about white travelers’ stays in treehouses with Korowai or Kombai hosts. These include an episode of Tribe broadcast on BBC and Discovery in 2005, the six episodes of Living with the Kombai Tribe shown on Travel Channel and Discovery International in 2007, and an episode of Rendez-Vous En Terre Inconnue televised to much acclaim on France 2 in 2009. Treehouses were widely seen by Australian audiences in
Time-Lapse Infrared Spectroscopy

A new technique has been developed for assessing the chemical processes which take place during the formation of polymer coatings. It is capable not only of determining the reactions which take place but also when they happen. By programming the computer of a Fourier transform (or a computer controlled dispersive) infrared spectrometer to take and store spectra at frequent regular intervals, the progress of film formation can be followed in a manner similar to time-lapse photography. The computer can then be used to subtract one spectrum from another to show only the infrared band-shifts resulting from these reactions. By subsequently subtracting each spectrum from the previous one the sequence of reactions can be determined. The curing in air of a common oil-modified alkyd will be used to demonstrate this technique.
Physicians for You, LLC: Estimating Asset-Related Expenses

Students explore the variability in earnings due solely to the need to make estimates for several common financial statement asset-related expense items. They consider depreciable asset lives and residual values; estimated uncollectible accounts receivable; and temporary versus permanent losses on marketable equity security investments. The case can be used as an asset module capstone case either an undergraduate- or graduate-level introductory financial reporting/accounting course. Alternatively, it could be used to introduce the asset module of an accounting course. A new medical practice is about to be launched and is seeking investors. As one of the doctors puts the final touches on a pro forma income statement, he must make several estimates that are required/allowed under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to finalize the projected first year earnings figure.
Thermal transport across a substrate-thin-film interface: effects of film thickness and surface roughness.

Using molecular dynamics simulations and a model AlN-GaN interface, we demonstrate that the interfacial thermal resistance ${R}_{\mathrm{K}}$ (Kapitza resistance) between a substrate and thin film depends on the thickness of the film and the film surface roughness when the phonon mean free path is larger than film thickness. In particular, when the film (external) surface is atomistically smooth, phonons transmitted from the substrate can travel ballistically in the thin film, be scattered specularly at the surface, and return to the substrate without energy transfer. If the external surface scatters phonons diffusely, which is characteristic of rough surfaces, ${R}_{\mathrm{K}}$ is independent of film thickness and is the same as ${R}_{\mathrm{K}}$ that characterizes smooth surfaces in the limit of large film thickness. At interfaces where phonon transmission coefficients are low, the thickness dependence is greatly diminished regardless of the nature of surface scattering. The film thickness dependence of ${R}_{\mathrm{K}}$ is analogous to the well-known fact of lateral thermal conductivity thickness dependence in thin films. The difference is that phonon-boundary scattering lowers the in-plane thermal transport in thin films, but it facilitates thermal transport from the substrate to the thin film.
Investigating the Biophysical Basis of Mosaic Spread in Aligned Samples

Oriented solid-state NMR (O-SSNMR) is a powerful technique to probe the structure and dynamics of membrane proteins. One of the most popular experiments on aligned samples is PISEMA (polarization inversion spin exchange at the magic angle), which is most often used to correlate the 1H-15N dipolar coupling with the 15N anisotropic chemical shift in membrane proteins. The spectral patterns in PISEMA are directly sensitive to both the secondary structure geometry with respect to the lipid bilayer normal and the mosaic spread within aligned samples. The latter will result in an increased linewidth of the peaks. Using the drug transporter EmrE as a model protein we investigated conditions that can reduce the mosaic spread in aligned samples and therefore increase the spectral resolution. EmrE is an integral membrane protein with four transmembrane domains and 110 residues that forms an anti-parallel and asymmetric homodimer. Interestingly, we discovered that ether linked lipids as well as the presence of conservative mutations in EmrE can profoundly increase the spectral resolution and therefore sensitivity of the PISEMA experiment, which implies a direct reduction in the mosaic spread of the samples for O-SSNMR. These results improve the feasibility of employing aligned methodology to determine the tilt angles and probe the conformational dynamics of membrane proteins with respect to the lipid bilayer.
On the Legal Responsibilities of the Involved Parties in the Circular Economy of Japan

Circular economy is an economic mode aiming at sustainable development. Since 1970s, the Japanese government has adopted a mode of circular economy, with good economic and social benefits having been obtained. Legislation is a fundamental means of environmental governance in Japan, and the "Basic Law for Promoting the Creation of a Recycling-Oriented Society" has played a dominant role among the laws of interest. The law specifies the legal responsibilities of the involved parties including the central government, local governments, enterprises, and civilians. Several implications can be drawn from the law, which has exacerbated the conflicts between environmental protection and economic development by means of responsibility sharing and collaboration.
Monitoring results of iodine nutritional levels in different groups of Pingdingshan city

Objective To assess the iodine nutritional status of different groups inf Pingdingshan city. Methods The women of child-bearing age, gravidae, women at breast-feeding stage, infants aged 0~2 years and children aged 8~10 years were chosen in five county(cities) in Pingdingshan city and surveyed for iodine nutritional status by suing ammonium sulfate digestion- arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry. Results Totaslly 1 217 samples of 5 different groups were tested. The median urinary iodine level was 179.9μg/L, 151.9 μg/L、145.3μg/L, 221.1μg/L and 164.9μg/L respectively for the newly married women of childbearing age, pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants under the age of 2 years and children aged 8~10 years.. The urinary iodine level in pregnant women was less than 150μg/L(accounted for 48.6%), that of the nursing mothers was less than 100μg/L(accounted for 29.1%). Median urinary iodine of pregnant women in Yexian county was less than 150 μg/L, Median urinary iodine of infants under the age of 2 years in Lushan county was on the verge of the prescribed minimum of recommended value. Conclusions The overall level of iodine nutritional status in different groups of people in Pingdingshan city is appropriate. Insufficient iodine intake exists in some pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants, Thus it is necessary to strengthen health education, improve the low iodine nutritional status of the special population, and supply iodine with scientific methods.
The Impact of Iatrogenic Urothelial Trauma on Urinary Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-Alpha

AbstractGrowth factors are important regulators of epithelial cell biology. We postulated that iatrogenic bladder manipulations may alter urinary growth factor levels and thereby influence both normal and neoplastic urothelium. Using a rat model we studied the effects of various types of urothelial injury, corresponding to bladder catheterization, cystoscopy, fulguration, and chronic indwelling catheterization (Groups, B, C, D, and E respectively) on levels of urinary transforming growth factor-alpha (uTGFa). Urine samples collected circa the time of transurethral bladder manipulation were analyzed for protein, creatinine (Cr), and TGFa. Results in experimental groups were compared to control values (group A). Peak concentrations of uTGFa uniformly occurred on the day of surgery and represented 176%, 196%, 726%, 461% and 916% increases relative to pre-operative values in groups A, B, C, D and E respectively. Total uTGFa (nM/mg. Cr) was maximal on experimental day 0 in groups A, B, C, D and day 2 in group ...
Optical Relaxation Time Enhancement in Graphene-Passivated Metal Films.

Due to the small skin depth in metals at optical frequencies, their plasmonic response is strongly dictated by their surface properties. Copper (Cu) is one of the standard materials of choice for plasmonic applications, because of its high conductivity and CMOS compatibility. However, being a chemically active material, it gets easily oxidized when left in ambient environment, causing an inevitable degradation in its plasmonic resonance. Here, for the first time, we report a strong enhancement in the optical relaxation time in Cu by direct growth of few-layer graphene that is shown to act as an excellent passivation layer protecting Cu surface from any deterioration. Spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements reveal a 40–50% reduction in the total scattering rate in Cu itself, which is attributed to an improvement in its surface properties. We also study the impact of graphene quality and show that high quality graphene leads to an even larger improvement in electron scattering rate. These findings are expected to provide a big push towards graphene-protected Cu plasmonics.
The Rush to Drill for Natural Gas: A Five-Year Update

The authors reflect on the potential environmental and human health harms that are associated with horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing of shale (unconventional gas development) in the U.S., and it mentions a follow up on the article "The Rush to Drill for Natural Gas: A Public Health Cautionary Tale" by M.L. Finkel and A. Law which appears in a 2011 issue of the journal. The environmental and health aspects of exposure to carcinogens and other chemicals are assessed.
Transcriptional Regulation of CYP2D6 Expression

CYP2D6-mediated drug metabolism exhibits large interindividual variability. Although genetic variations in the CYP2D6 gene are well known contributors to the variability, the sources of CYP2D6 variability in individuals of the same genotype remain unexplained. Accumulating data indicate that transcriptional regulation of CYP2D6 may account for part of CYP2D6 variability. Yet, our understanding of factors governing transcriptional regulation of CYP2D6 is limited. Recently, mechanistic studies of increased CYP2D6-mediated drug metabolism in pregnancy revealed two transcription factors, small heterodimer partner (SHP) and Kruppel-like factor 9, as a transcriptional repressor and an activator, respectively, of CYP2D6. Chemicals that increase SHP expression (e.g., retinoids and activators of farnesoid X receptor) were shown to downregulate CYP2D6 expression in the humanized mice as well as in human hepatocytes. This review summarizes the series of studies on the transcriptional regulation of CYP2D6 expression, potentially providing a basis to better understand the large interindividual variability in CYP2D6-mediated drug metabolism.
Sepsis and Hemocyte Loss in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) Infected with Serratia marcescens Strain Sicaria

Global loss of honey bee colonies is threatening the human food supply. Diverse pathogens reduce honey bee hardiness needed to sustain colonies, especially in winter. We isolated a free-living Gram negative bacillus from hemolymph of worker honey bees (Apis mellifera) found separated from winter clusters. In some hives, greater than 90% of the dying bees detached from the winter cluster were found to contain this bacterium in their hemolymph. Throughout the year, the same organism was rarely found in bees engaged in normal hive activities, but was detected in about half of Varroa destructor mites obtained from colonies that housed the septic bees. Flow cytometry of hemolymph from septic bees showed a significant reduction of plasmatocytes and other types of hemocytes. Interpretation of the16S rRNA sequence of the bacterium indicated that it belongs to the Serratia genus of Gram-negative Gammaproteobacteria, which has not previously been implicated as a pathogen of adult honey bees. Complete genome sequence analysis of the bacterium supported its classification as a novel strain of Serratia marcescens, which was designated as S. marcescens strain sicaria (Ss1). When compared with other strains of S. marcescens, Ss1 demonstrated several phenotypic and genetic differences, including 65 genes not previously found in other Serratia genomes. Some of the unique genes we identified in Ss1 were related to those from bacterial insect pathogens and commensals. Recovery of this organism extends a complex pathosphere of agents which may contribute to failure of honey bee colonies.
Iterative Modeling Reveals Evidence of Sequential Transcriptional Control Mechanisms

Combinatorial control of gene expression is presumed to be mediated by molecular interactions between coincident transcription factors (TFs). While information on the genome-wide locations of TFs is available, the genes they regulate and whether they function combinatorially often remain open questions. Here, we developed a mechanistic, rather than statistical, modeling approach to elucidate TF control logic from gene expression data. Applying this approach to hundreds of genes in 85 datasets measuring the transcriptional responses of murine fibroblasts and macrophages to cytokines and pathogens, we found that stimulus-responsive TFs generally function sequentially in logical OR gates or singly. Logical AND gates were found between NF-κB-responsive mRNA synthesis and MAPKp38-responsive control of mRNA half-life, but not between temporally coincident TFs. Our analyses identified the functional target genes of each of the pathogen-responsive TFs and prompt a revision of the conceptual underpinnings of combinatorial control of gene expression to include sequentially acting molecular mechanisms that govern mRNA synthesis and decay.
Distinguishing Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Hybrids by Use of Field‐Based Phenotypic Characteristics

AbstractNative and nonnative salmonids within the same genus sometimes hybridize, and the hybrids are often difficult to visually distinguish from parental species. We compared phenotypic delineations (based on several visual characteristics) and genotypic screening (using seven nuclear DNA loci) for 323 fish collected from an Idaho stream where Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout O. clarkii bouvieri were introgressed with Rainbow Trout O. mykiss to evaluate our ability to visually distinguish Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout from Rainbow Trout and hybrids. Assuming that the genotypes were 100% accurate, correct phenotypic classification was highest for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (the genotype confirmed the phenotype 94% of the time), followed by hybrids (79%) and Rainbow Trout (71%). All errors were between pure and hybrid fish. All of the measured phenotypic characteristics were useful for differentiating Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout from hybrids, but the most informative characteristics were the lack of a white lea...
Is Twitter a Generalizable Public Sphere?: A Comparison of 2016 Presidential Campaign Issue Importance among General and Twitter Publics

News media often cite Twitter and other social media metrics as measures of public opinion. This study draws on a quota sample (N=420) of adult American Twitter users to determine the representativeness of the Twitter public in relation to the U.S. general population around 14 issues related to the 2016 presidential campaign, and considers implications for news media coverage of the Twitterverse and other social media populations as representations of the greater public sphere.
Semantic Modeling for Exposomics with Exploratory Evaluation in Clinical Context.

University of Arizona Health Sciences CB2; BIO5 Institute; NIH [U01AI122275, HL132532, CA023074, 1UG3OD023171, 1R01AG053589-01A1, 1S10RR029030]; [U54LM008748]
Contribution of Neuroinflammation in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease

In the brain, neuroinflammation is characterized by the activation of glial cells (mainly microglia and astrocytes) and the expression and secretion of key inflammatory mediators [tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, macrophage inflammatory peptide-1α (MIP-1α), transforming growth factor (TGF)-α and TGF-β, and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM)], eicosanoids, as well as neurotoxic free radicals.
Comparison of CVR impact on transmission system load margin with aggregated and de-aggregated distribution system

In this paper, emphasis is laid on the importance of modeling de-aggregated loads in form of a whole distribution systems rather than aggregated loads while assessing the impact of changes in distribution system on the transmission system performance. This paper is an attempt to develop an accurate analysis of impact of conservation by voltage reduction (CVR) in distribution network on the transmission system voltage stability margin (VSM) or loadability. The intention is to develop analysis with de-aggregated loads and compare it with traditional aggregated load analysis. Detailed literature review related to CVR and VSM is performed that includes various adjacencies on CVR and its effects. It is observed that CVR impact on voltage stability margin has not been explored much in the literature. The present paper considers a IEEE 9-bus test system for the transmission network that is modified to include distribution system transformer with secondary taps and aggregated lumped load to perform CVR. These results are then compared with a decoupled partial co-simulation that involves an accurately modeled 123-bus distribution network with various profiles of loads in the form of ZIP parameters for CVR. The resulting net real and reactive power reductions at the substation are translated to the VSM at transmission network load. The simulation results and observations suggest that involving the distribution system analysis gives a more accurate understanding of the change in VSM with CVR and how location of performing CVR impacts the transmission system stability margin. At the end, impact of CVR with distributed generation (DG) penetration in form of solar PV is also investigated. It is observed that increase in load margin due to CVR improves with DG penetration.
Studies in adapting the modified comprehensive method for fertilizer nitrogen to block digestion/steam distillation

(...) A wide variety of reduction conditions were found satisfactory to reduce the NO 3 − nitrogen from KNO 3 . More rigorous digestion parameters, a 450°C block temperature, higher than normal salt/acid ratios, and air condensers to contain the digestion acid were found necessary to achieve full nitrogen recovery from lysine•HCl. The remaining hindrance to a successful fertilizer nitrogen block methodology is that a chromium NH 4 + complex found in the digests requires about 30 min to be broken down during the steam distillation step. This is not practical for routine analysis
Selecting an electronic medical record system for small physician practices.

BACKGROUND While electronic medical record (EMR) systems have demonstrated the potential to improve quality of care and reduce medical errors, relatively few practitioners have implemented EMR systems. This article presents a case study that explores the process by which small physician practices may select an ambulatory EMR system. METHODS We assessed the appropriate criteria small practices should use in selecting an EMR system and then evaluated a range of commercially available EMR systems according to cost, functionality, and interoperability with existing systems. RESULTS The process for selecting an EMR system starts by creating a budget for start-up costs and monthly maintenance expenses. Next, a practice should evaluate its strategic objectives and current computer infrastructure. The group should then define the appropriate functionality requirements specific for their practice. Finally, a certified ambulatory EMR system that interfaces with existing office systems can be selected. LIMITATIONS This case study explores the process of EMR selection for rural, solo physician practices. The ability to generalize the process described herein to broader types of physician practices, such as multi-specialty group practices or to those practices with larger budgets for EMR systems, may be limited. CONCLUSIONS Multiple critical and often competing factors--including cost and interoperability with existing systems, as well as organizational goals and obstacles--influence the selection of an EMR system for small physician practices. However, by following a standardized process for selecting an EMR system, small physician practices will find EMR selection to be a relatively straightforward process.
Adjuvant Systemic Therapy for Breast Cancer: An Overview

A recommendation for adjuvant systemic therapy is commonly made to women with a diagnosis of early stage breast cancer. The standard adjuvant therapies include chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and antibody therapy (i.e., trastuzumab). Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries in the United States report a reduction in breast cancer-related mortality of 7.5% since 1973, whereas during the same period, the incidence of invasive breast cancer increased by 25% [1, 2, 3, 4]. The improvement in survival for patients with early stage breast cancer coincides with the widespread use of screening mammography and the administration of systemic adjuvant therapy [5, 6, 7].