cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of the tRNA-Dihydrouridine Synthase Family

5,6-Dihydrouridine (D) is a modified base found abundantly in the D-loops of tRNA from Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. D is thought to be formed post-transcriptionally by the reduction of uridines in tRNA transcripts. Despite its abundance, no enzymes that catalyze D-formation have been identified. Using comparative genomics and computational methods we have identified members of the cluster of orthologous genes, COG0042, as putative dihydrouridine synthase encoding genes. Escherichia coli contains three COG0042 family members (yjbN, yhdG, and yohI). Strains were created where one, two, or all three of the COG0042 genes were deleted. Purified tRNA samples were investigated from the three single and the three double knockout strains, as well as from the triple deletion strain. The results showed that the COG0042 gene family is responsible for tRNA-dihydrouridine synthase activity in E. coli. They also suggest that the COG0042-encoded family members act site-specifically on the tRNA D-loop and contain non-redundant catalytic functions in vivo.
Analysis of Three DnaK Mutant Proteins Suggests That Progression through the ATPase Cycle Requires Conformational Changes

DnaK, the bacterial homolog of the eukaryotic hsp70 proteins, is an ATP-dependent chaperone whose basal ATPase is stimulated by synthetic peptides and its cohort heat shock proteins, DnaJ and GrpE. We have used three mutant DnaK proteins, E171K, D201N, and A174T (corresponding to Glu175, Asp206, and Ala179, respectively, in bovine heat stable cognate 70) to probe the ATPase cycle. All of the mutant proteins exhibit some alteration in basal ATP hydrolysis. However, they all exhibit more severe defects in the regulated activities. D201N and E171K are completely defective in all regulated activities of the protein and also in making the conformational change exhibited by the wt protein upon binding ATP. We suggest that the inability of D201N and E171K to achieve the ATP activated conformation prevents both stimulation by all effectors and the ATP-mediated release of GrpE. In contrast, the defect of A174T is much more specific. It exhibits normal binding and release of GrpE and normal stimulation of ATPase activity by DnaJ. However, it is defective in the synergistic activation of its ATPase by DnaJ and GrpE. We suggest that this mutant protein is specifically defective in a DnaJ/GrpE mediated conformational change in DnaK necessary for the synergistic action of DnaJ+GrpE.
Impact of tumor volume-directed involved field radiation therapy integrated in the management of recurrent ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objectives Assess the role of involved field radiation therapy (IFRT) in recurrent ovarian cancer. Methods Thirty-five patients with a diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer received radiation therapy at LUMC between 1991 and 2001. Of these, 20 received tumor volume-directed IFRT for localized extraperitoneal recurrences (either as consolidation following debulking surgery or as attempted salvage if unresectable) and form the basis of this report. All patients were heavily pretreated with multiple chemotherapy regimens. Eleven patients had optimal debulking of their recurrences prior to radiation. IFRT was primarily with external beam (median dose 50.4 Gy). Appropriate statistical analyses evaluated association among disease-free (DFS), overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free (LRFS), and various prognostic factors. LRFS was defined as freedom from in-field recurrences and was considered as a measure of effectiveness of radiotherapy. Results Of 20 patients, 17 had a complete response after RT. The actuarial LRFS, OS, and DFS at 5 years from date of radiation were 66%, 34%, and 34%, respectively. The LRFS at 3 years was 89% for those with optimal resection vs. 42% for those with gross residual/unresectable tumor, which was significantly better ( P = 0.04). The corresponding 3-year DFS was 72% vs. 22% and 5-year OS was 50% vs. 19%, respectively. Acute complication of RT was mild, half had Grade 1–2 gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, three patients had Grade 3–4 late GI effects. Conclusion IFRT is effective in controlling localized recurrences of ovarian cancer, especially after they are optimally debulked (89% local control and 50% 5-year overall survival in this subgroup), and is relatively well tolerated in these heavily pretreated patients.
Effects of cognate status and language of therapy during intensive semantic naming treatment in a case of severe nonfluent bilingual aphasia.

As bilingualism becomes less exceptional in the world, and with the growing incidence of stroke and aphasia, a better understanding of how bilingualism affects aphasia recovery is increasingly important. The present study examined the effect of intensive semantic naming therapy in three phases (Spanish, English and mixed) on within- and across-language generalization for cognates and non-cognates, in a bilingual individual with chronic, severe expressive aphasia. We hypothesized that cognates would positively influence cross-linguistic generalization, which might be more likely to occur from L2 to L1. Results indicate relative increases in confrontation naming ability in the following conditions: trained versus untrained, L1 versus L2 or mixed and non-cognates versus cognates. This participant demonstrated a pattern of results consistent with a differential recovery pattern in which presentation of treatment in both languages and training of cognates may have promoted interference, thus increasing the act...
The association between parenting behaviours and marijuana use based on adolescent age

AbstractStudy aims: The purpose of this study was to determine whether youth marijuana use (past year and past month) differed based on the frequency of positive parenting behaviours. Methods: The present study performed a secondary data analysis of the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. A national sample of youth in the United States (N = 17,399) aged 12–17 years completed the survey. Findings: Results indicated 14.3% of students used marijuana in the past year while 7.8% used marijuana in the past month. Neither past year nor past month marijuana use differed based on the sex, but both did differ based on the age. Older students were more likely to have used marijuana than were younger students. Past year and past month use also differed based on the frequency of positive parenting behaviours. Students at highest risk for use were those with parents who never/seldom engaged in positive parenting behaviours. While frequency of positive parenting protected all age groups against marijuana use, t...
Subunit structure and localization of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels in mammalian brain, spinal cord, and retina.

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies that recognize the α 2 δ subunits of calcium channels from skeletal muscle immunoprecipitate a complex of α 1 , α 2 δ , β , and γ subunits. They also immunoprecipitate 64% of rabbit brain dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels. Iodination of partially purified brain calcium channels followed by immunoprecipitation reveals α 1- , α 2 δ -, and β-like subunits that have apparent molecular masses of 175, 142, and 57 kd, respectively. A polypeptide of 100 kd is also specifically immunoprecipitated. Immunocytochemical studies identify dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels in neuronal somata and proximal dendrites in rat brain, spinal cord, and retina. Staining of many neuronal somata is uneven, revealing relatively high densities of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels at the base of major dendrites. L-type calcium channels in this location may serve to mediate long-lasting increases in intracellular calcium in the cell body in response to excitatory inputs to the dendrites.
Using Dual Tasks to Test Immediate Transfer of Training Between Naturalistic Movements: A Proof-of-Principle Study

Theories of motor learning predict that training a movement reduces the amount of attention needed for its performance (i.e., more automatic). If training one movement transfers, then the amount of attention needed for performing a second movement should also be reduced, as measured under dual task conditions. The authors' purpose was to test whether dual task paradigms are feasible for detecting transfer of training between two naturalistic movements. Immediately following motor training, subjects improved performance of a second untrained movement under single and dual task conditions. Subjects with no training did not. Improved performance in the untrained movement was likely due to transfer, and suggests that dual tasks may be feasible for detecting transfer between naturalistic actions.
Engagement of Fusiform Cortex and Disengagement of Lateral Occipital Cortex in the Acquisition of Radiological Expertise

The human visual pathways that are specialized for object recognition stretch from lateral occipital cortex (LO) to the ventral surface of the temporal lobe, including the fusiform gyrus. Plasticity in these pathways supports the acquisition of visual expertise, but precisely how training affects the different regions remains unclear. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure neural activity in both LO and the fusiform gyrus in radiologists as they detected abnormalities in chest radiographs. Activity in the right fusiform face area (FFA) correlated with visual expertise, measured as behavioral performance during scanning. In contrast, activity in left LO correlated negatively with expertise, and the amount of LO that responded to radiographs was smaller in experts than in novices. Activity in the FFA and LO correlated negatively in experts, whereas in novices, the 2 regions showed no stable relationship. Together, these results suggest that the FFA becomes more engaged and left LO less engaged in interpreting radiographic images over the course of training. Achieving expert visual performance may involve suppressing existing neural representations while simultaneously developing others.
Modular robotics as tools for design

Design is fundamental. In various forms, it permeates engineering, management, architecture and the arts. Design aptitude separates the visionary from the technician. Although many skills, like math or technical writing, are straightforward to quantify and teach, the creativity and processes inherent in design are both more difficult to instill and more difficult to understand.Unconstrained design is almost impossible. Noted late graphic designer Paul Rand speaks to the benefits of a constrained system as something "without which fruitful and creative work is extremely difficult." [2] Papert addresses this with his concept of the Microworld, [1] a domain-specific constrained environment for experimentation and design education. Microworlds have been shown to be effective tools for design education in domains from creative art to mathematics.The advent of tiny microcontrollers and inexpensive rapid prototyping technologies has made it easier to create tangible Microworlds outside of the computer screen.My research focuses on the design of modular robotic systems that allow users to play and experiment freely in computational domains.roBlocks [3] (http://www.roblocks.org) is a computational construction kit that allows children as young as nine to design and build functional robots by snapping together magnetized plastic modules. roBlocks is a distributed system, with a microcontroller embedded in each 40mm cube. Assembling combinations of Sensor, Actuator and Operator blocks exposes young users to advanced ideas like feedback control, logic and kinematics before they learn to solder or program in C. Advanced users can reprogram the behavior of each module, exploring distributed control.StickyBricks is a mobile modular robotic system designed as a tangible tool to explore locomotion constraints. Each StickyBrick is a 30mm cube with two circumferential adhesive belts powered by a tiny geared DC motor. Users write simple Python instructions to control the movements of each module, exploring the integrity of various configurations and lattice structures.I developed the Egglet to enable musicians to add additional dimensions of expression to extant instruments of any type. Comprised of an 8cm plastic egg-shaped "brain" into which various sensors can be plugged, the Egglet is a wireless, battery-powered system that uses a microcontroller to synthesize input from a simple sensor network in order to control audio, video or MIDI data. Musicians with little technical knowledge snap together various sensors and use motion, light, and touch to control the parameters of audio effect.These three projects represent an effort to understand the design process -- on one hand, the design of modular robotic systems and on the other hand, designs within the constrained environments they create.
A tuning algorithm for digitally programmable continuous-time filters

This algorithm is based on estimates of filter characterization parameters based on the results of a system identification and subsequently calculated adjustments of the modeled controlling components. Simulations show this algorithm converges to a solution after iterations in the ideal case and attains good speed and accuracy even when parasitic effects are included in the system model. Simulations of the tuning of a sixth-order elliptic lowpass filter with 0.5-dB passband ripple designed to have a normalized cutoff frequency at 1 (rad/s) indicate that 0.501-dB passband ripple and 0.015% accuracy in the 3 dB band-edge can be achieved in the presence of typical parasitics. >
Mixed-time parallel evolution in multiple quantum NMR experiments: sensitivity and resolution enhancement in heteronuclear NMR

A new strategy is demonstrated that simultaneously enhances sensitivity and resolution in three- or higher-dimensional heteronuclear multiple quantum NMR experiments. The approach, referred to as mixed-time parallel evolution (MT-PARE), utilizes evolution of chemical shifts of the spins participating in the multiple quantum coherence in parallel, thereby reducing signal losses relative to sequential evolution. The signal in a given PARE dimension, t1, is of a non-decaying constant-time nature for a duration that depends on the length of t2, and vice versa, prior to the onset of conventional exponential decay. Line shape simulations for the 1H–15N PARE indicate that this strategy significantly enhances both sensitivity and resolution in the indirect 1H dimension, and that the unusual signal decay profile results in acceptable line shapes. Incorporation of the MT-PARE approach into a 3D HMQC-NOESY experiment for measurement of HN–HN NOEs in KcsA in SDS micelles at 50°C was found to increase the experimental sensitivity by a factor of 1.7±0.3 with a concomitant resolution increase in the indirectly detected 1H dimension. The method is also demonstrated for a situation in which homonuclear 13C–13C decoupling is required while measuring weak H3′–2′OH NOEs in an RNA oligomer.
Covert flow trees: a visual approach to analyzing covert storage channels

The authors introduce a technique for detecting covert storage channels using a tree structure called a covert flow tree (CFT). CFTs are used to perform systematic searches for operation sequences that allow information to be relayed through attributes and eventually detected by a listening process. When traversed, the paths of a CFT yield a comprehensive list of operation sequences which support communication via a particular resource attribute. These operation sequences are then analyzed and either discharged as benign or determined to be covert communication channels. Algorithms for automating the construction of CFTs and potential covert channel operation sequences are presented. To illustrate this technique, two example systems are analyzed and their results compared to two currently accepted analysis techniques performed on identical systems. This comparison shows that the CFT approach not only identified all covert storage channels found by the other analysis techniques, but discovered a channel not detected by the other techniques. >
The Effect of Feeding Isopropanol Extracted Cottonseed Meal on the Storage Quality of Eggs

Abstract ALTHOUGH cottonseed meal contains a high quality protein, it is not generally recommended as a feed for laying hens because the eggs develop objectionable colors on storage. Descriptions of such eggs can be found in the reports of the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station (1927), Sherwood (1928, 1931), Sipe (1930), and Kempster (1930). Two distinct types of discoloration have been observed. An abnormal olive color of the egg yolks was attributed to either free or bound gossypol by Schaible, Moore and Moore (1933, 1934). Confirming evidence has been reported by Lorenz (1939), and Swensen, Feiger and Upp (1942). The stored eggs may also develop a pink color in the albumen. Lorenz and Almquist (1934) and Lorenz (1939) have demonstrated that the pink color is not caused by gossypol but by an unidentified substance common to plants of the Malvaceae family. Since the gossypol content of cottonseed meal varies greatly with . . .
Periodontal Considerations in Removable Partial Dentures

The importance of frequent recall examinations and maintenance of removable partial dentures were emphasized to maximize the longevity of supporting tissues as well as of the removable denture.
Another Look at Mutations in Ribosomal Protein S4 Lends Strong Support to the Domain Closure Model

Ribosomes employ a "kinetic discrimination" mechanism, in which correct substrates are incorporated more rapidly than incorrect ones. The structural basis of this mechanism may involve 30S domain closure, a global conformational change that coincides with codon recognition. In a direct screen for fidelity-altering mutations, Agarwal and coworkers (D. Agarwal, D. Kamath, S. T. Gregory, and M. O'Connor, J Bacteriol 197:1017-1025, 2015, doi:10.1128/JB.02485-14) isolated mutations that progressively truncate the C terminus of S4. All of these promote miscoding and undoubtedly destabilize the S4-S5 interface, consistent with the domain closure model.
The Contemplative Bow in Teaching and Learning Pastoral Care

This article elucidates theoretical underpinnings for the use of one's self in the pastoral theological classroom. The contemplative bow is developed as a capacious metaphor to describe appropriate self use and its necessary importance in the teaching and learning of pastoral arts in a theological curriculum. Central to the argument is the assumption that effective teaching and learning in pastoral care emerges from awareness and knowledge of self as well as letting go of self in beneficial service with others. Analytical engagement of educational, theological, and psychological theory informs practice for the professional school classroom.
Ear acupuncture for co-occurring substance abuse and borderline personality disorder: an aid to encourage treatment retention and tobacco cessation

Objectives Retention of individuals with co-occurring borderline personality disorder (BPD) and substance use disorders in treatment is known to be difficult. An outcome study of a tobacco-free 90-day inpatient dual-diagnosis treatment programme that uses several evidenced-based treatments in addition to ear acupuncture (acudetox) was undertaken to determine overall treatment effectiveness. Methods Between January 2009 and December 2011, 231 patients were treated in the programme, 88% with nicotine dependence and 79% with personality disorder diagnoses. All patients completing the programme were invited to enrol in a 1-year follow-up study in which they responded to monthly questionnaires to assess outcomes. Results 185 patients (80%) successfully completed the programme. There was no correlation between successful programme completion and gender, race, age, primary drug dependence diagnosis or primary psychiatric diagnosis. The use of acudetox was positively correlated with successful completion (p=0.006). Of the 78 patients with BPD, 100% of men and 83% of women successfully completed the programme. Their use of acudetox was positively correlated with successful completion (p=0.026). At the end of the year, 140 questionnaires were returned: 51 patients with BPD reported outcomes similar to the group as a whole, with 55% sober and doing well. Conclusions The use of acudetox was positively correlated with both successful completion of the programme for those with BPD as well as successful tobacco cessation, which ultimately improves the ability to maintain sobriety.
Sequential result refinement for searching the biomedical literature

Information overload is a problem for users of MEDLINE, the database of biomedical literature that indexes over 17 million articles. Various techniques have been developed to retrieve high quality or important articles. Some techniques rely on using the number of citations as a measurement of an article's importance. Unfortunately, citation information is proprietary, expensive, and suffers from ''citation lag.'' MEDLINE users have a variety of information needs. Although some users require high recall, many users are looking for a ''few good articles'' on a topic. For these users, precision is more important than recall. We present and evaluate a method for identifying articles likely to be highly cited by using information available at the time of listing in MEDLINE. The method uses a score based on Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, journal impact factor (JIF), and number of authors. This method can filter large MEDLINE result sets (>1000 articles) returned by actual user queries to produce small, highly cited result sets.
A Bibliographic Survey of the Activities and International Nature of Multiple Criteria Decision Making

One of the fascinating things about multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) is the degree to which the contributions that have built the field have come from all over the world. In this paper the international nature of the authorships of the 1216 refereed journal articles published on MCDM between 1987 and 1992, and the journals in which they have appeared, is examined. Also, an analysis of the 217 books and 31 journal special issues that have been published on MCDM, and 143 conferences that have been held on MCDM since the inception of the field, is similarly conducted. The paper concludes with a conference organizer, author and special issue guest editor index.
The Urysohn space embeds in Banach spaces in just one way

Abstract In a Master's thesis in 1985 and a subsequent paper published in 1992, the author discovered that the universal separable metric space (up to isometry) discovered by Urysohn in 1925 has a uniquely determined linear closure (up to linear isometry) when isometrically embedded in a Banach space so as to include the zero of the Banach space. The proof of this result is given in this note and the current status of some related questions is discussed.
Role of Hsp90 in biogenesis of the β-cell ATP-sensitive potassium channel complex

The pancreatic beta-cell ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel is a multimeric protein complex composed of four inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir6.2) and four sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) subunits. K(ATP) channels play a key role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by linking glucose metabolism to membrane excitability. Many SUR1 and Kir6.2 mutations reduce channel function by disrupting channel biogenesis and processing, resulting in insulin secretion disease. To better understand the mechanisms governing K(ATP) channel biogenesis, a proteomics approach was used to identify chaperone proteins associated with K(ATP) channels. We report that chaperone proteins heat-shock protein (Hsp)90, heat-shock cognate protein (Hsc)70, and Hsp40 are associated with beta-cell K(ATP) channels. Pharmacologic inhibition of Hsp90 function by geldanamycin reduces, whereas overexpression of Hsp90 increases surface expression of wild-type K(ATP) channels. Coimmunoprecipitation data indicate that channel association with the Hsp90 complex is mediated through SUR1. Accordingly, manipulation of Hsp90 protein expression or function has significant effects on the biogenesis efficiency of SUR1, but not Kir6.2, expressed alone. Interestingly, overexpression of Hsp90 selectively improved surface expression of mutant channels harboring a subset of disease-causing SUR1 processing mutations. Our study demonstrates that Hsp90 regulates biogenesis efficiency of heteromeric K(ATP) channels via SUR1, thereby affecting functional expression of the channel in beta-cell membrane.
EWOD (electrowetting on dielectric) digital microfluidics powered by finger actuation

We report finger-actuated digital microfluidics (F-DMF) based on the manipulation of discrete droplets via the electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) phenomenon. Instead of requiring an external power supply, our F-DMF uses piezoelectric elements to convert mechanical energy produced by human fingers to electric voltage pulses for droplet actuation. Voltage outputs of over 40 V are provided by single piezoelectric elements, which is necessary for oil-free EWOD devices with thin (typically <1 μm) dielectric layers. Higher actuation voltages can be provided using multiple piezoelectric elements connected in series when needed. Using this energy conversion scheme, we confirmed basic modes of EWOD droplet operation, such as droplet transport, splitting and merging. Using two piezoelectric elements in series, we also successfully demonstrated applications of F-DMF for glucose detection and immunoassay. Not requiring power sources, F-DMF offers intriguing paths for various portable and other microfluidic applications.
Negotiating with the Past: The Art of Calligraphy in Post-Mao China

Chinese Calligraphy, an integrated form that combines language, art, philosophy, and poetry, was considered the highest art in traditional China. Although no longer used for daily communication, calligraphy manages to sustain its presence in Chinese cultural life even in the computer age. The classical forms that were canonized nearly two millenniums ago continue to command a large following while new styles and new practices have emerged in response to social, cultural and artistic influences. This paper looks at present trends in calligraphy and calligraphy-inspired practices against the backdrop of tradtions. It is apparent that even within the most radical changes that have taken place, whether in the way calligraphy is practiced or evaluated, there are strong indications that the fundamental aesthetic principles passed down from the past are still very much alive today, showing the resilience of this ancient art.
Drug Safety: One Step Forward, One Step...

The FDA's launching of the Daily Med, a regularly updated online drug reference, is a terrific decision by the agency. But the FDA's near-simultaneous launching of Drug Watch, an electronic listing of approved drugs for which the FDA is "actively evaluating early safety signals," is a less certain step because it sends mixed signals to doctors about whether they should keep prescribing the listed drugs. The FDA would do better to offer an electronic catalog of successful off-label uses of approved drugs.
Experience, Nature, and Place

One of the enduring interests in retaining some central place for ex perience in any account of how we are related to the rest of reality, is that experience seems to have the characteristic of being both something which belongs uniquely to the individual and is thus in some sense private and im mediately accessible, and also something which reaches out and gives us ac cess to objective reality. This dual characteristic has been noted by thinkers as different from each other as Locke, Hegel, and James. But the attempts to explain this characteristic, and to establish the degree of warranty one might have for any certainty claimed to arise from this characteristic of ex perience, traditionally met their fate on either the Scylla of dualism or the Charybdis of monism. A certain ambiguity, contradiction, or equivocation seemed to be demanded that appeared to doom the quest for an explanation that would clearly articulate the structure and power of experience. I would like to address myself to this issue and to suggest that there is a certain sense in which experience involves a unique kind of place, and that by considering experience in this light we will be led to a more adequate ac count of it. I do not claim, of course, that this sense of place will explain everything problematic about experience; but I will maintain that if one looks at experience in terms of this unique sense of place, it will be possible to develop an acceptable, but yet essentially ambiguous notion of experience.
Algorithmen zur Fahrspurprädiktion für Fahrerassistenzsysteme am Beispiel Adaptive Cruise Control

Eine Voraussetzung fur den Einsatz von bestimmten Fahrerassistenzsystemen, wie zum Beispiel dem Abstandsregeltempomat Adaptive Cruise Control, ist die Pradiktion der Fahrspur des eigenen Fahrzeugs. Die dafur notwendigen Informationen uber den aktuellen Krummungsradius und den Schwimmwinkel liegen im Fahrzeug nicht als Messsignal vor. Der Beitrag aus dem Hause Volkswagen beschreibt Algorithmen, die auf Basis der verfugbaren Sensorinformationen die Fahrspur modellgestutzt schatzen.
Failure Analysis and Online Eliminating to the Oil-film Oscillation for Turbo-generator Units

This paper introduces the mechanism of the oil-film oscillation and the vibration signal characteristics for a steam turbine-generator unit,combined with the actual data in the starting process,gathering up on-site the signal characteristics of the oil-film oscillation fault vibration and diagnosis methods.
Air control system design of drawworks

The article takes JC70D drawwork made in LS-National Oilwell Petroleum Engineering Company as an example and introduces some aspects needed to be noticed in designing air control system of drawworks. Proper technological process is the prerequisite to make sure that it works quickly and accurately.
On the Subjective Source and Reconstruction of Network Technology Alienation

This paper gives a definition of network technology alienation and expounds its subjective source.Trapped by network technology activities,people have lost their control over network technology and their essential attribute of being human beings.The design and application of network technology is merely directed towards efficiency and utility,and as a result,human beings,as a defective existence,have gradually lost their subjective status,which is the very subjective source of network technology alienation.In order to reconstruct their subjective status and eliminate networktechnology alienation,human beings should transform from subjectivity to intersubjectivity,follow the relevant network ethics and make it their own code of conduct.
Abstract 192: Impact of Altering Definitions of Hypertension “Control” on Patient and Provider Performance Assessments

Background: Given that hypertension is one of our nations most important modifiable risk factors, many have focused on comparing provider performance based on hypertension control. However, there are multiple definitions of ‘blood pressure (BP) control’ and the impact of these alternative definitions on provider performance rankings is unclear. Methods: We evaluated rates of hypertension control among a cohort of patients with hypertension followed routinely by a cardiologist. Patients were eligible who saw the same cardiologist at least twice in a year-long assessment period. Three definitions of failure to control BP were evaluated: 1) Systolic BP (SBP ≥140) or diastolic (DBP ≥90) at the final visit, 2) Average SBP≥140 or average DBP≥90 across all visits, and 3) SBP ≥140 or DBP≥90 at over half of visits during the assessment period. Provider-specific performance was evaluated using each definition, and correlation of provider performance between definitions evaluated using linear regression. Results: A total of 5558 patients followed by 54 cardiologists were included. Overall failure to control BP rates were 30.1% using the last visit definition, 27.3% using the average BP, and 24.5% when using elevated BP during at least half of visits. For 4495 patients (81%), there was no difference in overall classification of hypertension control between the varying definitions. However, provider-specific rates of hypertension control were only modestly correlated between definitions (see table 1). Classification of outliers with respect to highest and lowest performing providers remained unchanged between definitions. Discussion: While varying the definition of BP control does not affect patient classification for the majority of patients, assesements of provider performance with respect to hypertension change as definitions of BP control vary. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Influence of Sea Ice on Arctic Marine Sulfur Biogeochemistry in the Community Climate System Model

Global climate models (GCMs) have not effectively considered how responses of arctic marine ecosystems to a warming climate will influence the global climate system. A key response of arctic marine ecosystems that may substantially influence energy exchange in the Arctic is a change in dimethylsulfide (DMS) emissions, because DMS emissions influence cloud albedo. This response is closely tied to sea ice through its impacts on marine ecosystem carbon and sulfur cycling, and the ice-albedo feedback implicated in accelerated arctic warming. To reduce the uncertainty in predictions from coupled climate simulations, important model components of the climate system, such as feedbacks between arctic marine biogeochemistry and climate, need to be reasonably and realistically modeled. This research first involved model development to improve the representation of marine sulfur biogeochemistry simulations to understand/diagnose the control of sea-ice-related processes on the variability of DMS dynamics. This study will help build GCM predictions that quantify the relative current and possible future influences of arctic marine ecosystems on the global climate system. Our overall research objective was to improve arctic marine biogeochemistry in the Community Climate System Model (CCSM, now CESM). Working closely with the Climate Ocean Sea Ice Model (COSIM) team at Los Alamos Nationalmore » Laboratory (LANL), we added 1 sea-ice algae and arctic DMS production and related biogeochemistry to the global Parallel Ocean Program model (POP) coupled to the LANL sea ice model (CICE). Both CICE and POP are core components of CESM. Our specific research objectives were: 1) Develop a state-of-the-art ice-ocean DMS model for application in climate models, using observations to constrain the most crucial parameters; 2) Improve the global marine sulfur model used in CESM by including DMS biogeochemistry in the Arctic; and 3) Assess how sea ice influences DMS dynamics in the arctic marine environment and predict how it will do so in the future.« less
Max-rate MIMO broadcast DFE transceiver design under power and SER constraints

This paper studies the joint design problem of a decision feedback equalizer (DFE) transceiver and bit allocation for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) broadcast channels. The design problem is formulated as a transmission rate maximization problem for given power and symbol error rate (SER) specifications. The optimal bit allocation is derived. Under some conditions, to be described later, there exists a particular class of joint triangularization (JT) which can be applied to obtain the optimal broadcast DFE transceiver for the max-rate problem with quality of service (QoS) constraints. The optimal joint design is called the maximum rate JT broadcast DFE transceiver (MRJT). A suboptimal design, the rate maximized QR broadcast DFE transceiver (RMQR), which is always possible, is also proposed. In the simulations, several numerical results are given to demonstrate the bit rate performance of the proposed MRJT and RMQR broadcast DFE transceivers under different QoS specifications. 1
Evaluation of an online training for improving self-reported evidence-based decision-making skills in cancer control among public health professionals.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the effect of the online evidence-based cancer control (EBCC) training on improving the self-reported evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) skills in cancer control among Nebraska public health professionals. Study design Cross-sectional group comparison. Methods Previously developed EBDM measures were administered via online surveys to 201 public health professionals at baseline (comparison group) and 123 professionals who took part in the training. Respondents rated the importance of and their skill level in 18 EBCC skills. Differences were examined using analysis of variance models adjusted for gender, age, years at agency, and years in position, and stratified by respondent educational attainment. Results Among professionals without an advanced degree, training participants reported higher overall skill scores ( P = .016) than the baseline non-participant group, primarily driven by differences in the partnerships and collaboration and evaluation domains. No differences in importance ratings were observed. Among professionals with advanced degrees, there were no differences in skill scores and small differences in importance scores in the expected direction ( P Conclusions EBCC led to improved self-reported EBDM skills among public health professionals without an advanced degree, though a gap remained between the self-reported skills and the perceived importance of the skills. Further research on training content and modalities for professionals with higher educational attainment and baseline skill scores is needed.
Tamper asymmetry and its effect on transmission for x-ray driven opacity simulations

This paper reports on synthetic transmission results from Lasnex [Zimmerman and Kruer, Comments Plasma Phys. 2, 51 (1975)] radiation-hydrodynamics simulations of opacity experiments carried out at Sandia National Laboratories' recently upgraded ZR facility. The focus is on experiments utilizing disk targets composed of a half-moon Fe/Mg mixture tamped on either end with 10-μm CH and an additional 35-μm beryllium tamper accessory on the end facing the spectrometer. Five x-ray sources with peak power ranging from 10 to 24 TW were used in the simulations to heat and backlight the opacity target. The dominant effect is that the beryllium behind the Fe/Mg mixture is denser and more opaque than the beryllium unshielded by metal during the times of greatest importance for the transmission measurement for all drives. This causes the simulated transmission to be lower than expected, and this is most pronounced for the case using the lowest drive power. While beryllium has a low opacity, its areal density is suffic...
Polyaniline-Based Environmental Gas Sensors

Polyaniline (PANI) is an intrinsically conducting gas sensitive polymer. The responsive nature of PANI to environmental pollutants such as NO2, CO, SO2 and other greenhouse gases, is highly dependent on the processing techniques employed. The quality and stability of PANI based sensors have been evaluated by many researchers using various nano-manufacturing techniques to discern the effects on electrical conductivity, selectivity, and sensitivity to various gas analytes. The focus of this work is to provide a brief review of these sensor technologies and the application of polyaniline for environmental monitoring applications.
Selective electrochemical generation of benzylic radicals enabled by ferrocene-based electron-transfer mediators

The generation and intermolecular functionalisation of carbon-centred radicals has broad potential synthetic utility. Herein, we show that benzylic radicals may be generated electrochemically from benzylboronate derivatives at low electrode potentials (ca. −0.3 V vs. Cp2Fe0/+) via single electron oxidation. Use of a catalytic quantity of a ferrocene-based electron-transfer mediator is crucial to achieve successful radical functionalisation and avoid undesirable side reactions arising from direct electrochemical oxidation or from the use of stoichiometric ferrocenium-based oxidants.
The Perception of Operational Sex Ratios by Voice

Adult sex ratios in a local environment are linked to a wide variety of reproductive behaviors in humans and other animals. When sex ratios are biased, the more numerous sex faces increased competition for mates and is more likely to yield to the sociosexual preferences of the less numerous sex. Despite widespread evidence of the relationship between sex ratios and behavior, we know little about whether or how sex ratios are encoded and perceived. In two experiments men and women showed perceived sex ratios that correlated with actual sex ratios after 1500 ms exposures to groups of simultaneous voices. However, men perceived more female voices than women did, and women perceived more male voices than men did. Women showed better accuracy than men, but only when sex ratios departed markedly from 50%. Increasing the number of simultaneous voices reduced accuracy, but only at extreme sex ratios. Talker age also significantly affected perceived sex ratios, suggesting that perceived operational sex ratios are adaptively linked to the reproductive viability of the local population. The results suggest that listeners automatically encode vocal sex ratio information and that perceived sex ratios are influenced by characteristics of the local population and characteristics of the listener.
Cholera toxin enhances interleukin‐17A production in both CD4+ and CD8+ cells via a cAMP/protein kinase A‐mediated interleukin‐17A promoter activation

Cholera toxin (CT) is a bacterial component that increases intracellular cAMP levels in host cells and suppresses T‐cell activation. Recently, CT was reported to induce T helper type 17‐skewing dendritic cells and activate interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) production in CD4+ T cells through a cAMP‐dependent pathway. However, the underlying mechanism by which cAMP regulates IL‐17A production in T cells is not completely defined. In this study, we took advantage of a small molecule protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (H89) and different cAMP analogues: a PKA‐specific activator (N6‐benzoyl‐adenosine‐cAMP), an exchange protein activated by cAMP‐specific activator (Rp‐8‐chlorophenylthio‐2′‐O‐methyl cAMP), and a PKA inhibitor (Rp‐8‐bromo‐cAMP), to elucidate the signalling cascade of cAMP in IL‐17A regulation in T cells. We found that CT induced IL‐17A production and IL‐17A promoter activity in activated CD4+ T cells through a cAMP/PKA pathway. Moreover, this regulation was via cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB) ‐mediated transcriptional activation by using the transfection of an IL‐17A promoter–luciferase reporter construct and CREB small interfering RNA in Jurkat cells. Also, we showed that CREB bound to the CRE motif located at −183 of the IL‐17A promoter in vitro. Most interestingly, not only in CD4+ T cells, CT also enhanced cAMP/PKA‐dependent IL‐17A production and CREB phosphorylation in CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that CT induces an IL‐17A‐dominated immune microenvironment through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signalling pathway. Our study also highlights the potentials of CT and cAMP in modulating T helper type 17 responses in vivo.
INFLAMMATION | Connections between Infections and Seizures

Infections of the brain – by bacteria, viruses, and parasites – can be associated with seizures. In some cases, the seizures are a result of the infection; in other cases, the evidence suggests that the seizures are a result of the brain reaction to the infection. In the case of neurocysticercosis, the data demonstrate that a substance in the granuloma that forms around a dying parasite is a major contributor to the seizures. The mechanisms underlying the connection between seizures and infection are not known, but there is clear evidence for a contribution by inflammatory mediators.
MODE OF ACTION OF HERBICIDES THAT AFFECT CELL DIVISION

Sustained growth of plant seedlings requires a constant supply of new cells generated by cell division in the meristematic tissue of roots and shoots. Many herbicides, particularly those that are applied to the soil before weed emergence, affect plant growth by interfering with cell division. Herbicides influence cell division in two ways. In the first, mitotic cells are totally absent in the herbicide treated meristem, thus the overall effect is an inhibition of cell division. In the second, mitotic cells are present after herbicide treatment, but they are abnormal, thus cell division is disrupted. An inhibition of cell division is usually a secondary manifestation of a herbicide induced metabolic change in the plant. Metabolic changes most commonly associated with inhibition of cell division are RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis inhibition or effects on energy metabolism. Disruption of cell division is usually caused by a primary effect on the mitotic spindle apparatus. Herbicides can prevent spindle formation (e.g. trifluralin) or can disrupt spindle function (e.g. propham).
Barrett's esophagus prevalence and epidemiology.

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is considered to be a pre-malignant condition with high risk of developing adenocarcinoma. The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma in the United States has been rising since the 1970s, making this once rare malignancy one of the top 15 cancers among white males in the United States. The highest prevalence of BE is also found in middle-aged Caucasian males. BE is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal motility abnormalities and hiatal hernias, but most people with BE have less severe esophageal symptoms. Endoscopic lesions of BE are found in 25% of asymptomatic males over the age of 50 years. Recent studies indicate that 95-98% of patients with BE remain unidentified.
EQUATION OF STATE OF CRYSTALLINE AND SEMICRYSTALLINE POLYMERS

The basic assumptions of the theory for the crystal are recapitulated. Combined with melt theory, they permit a discussion of semicrystalline systems. Quantitatively successful comparisons between experiment and theory are illustrated.
Analysis of Inorganic Species by Ion Chromatography and Liquid Chromatography

This paper is a review of the currently available column liquid chromatographic approaches with specific and nonspecific detection for the determination of inorganic species. Most of the possible liquid chromatography-detection techniques already used for the analysis of inorganic species are described, and the advantages or disadvantages of each of these are mentioned and compared. The intent here is not to summarize everything that has been reported with column liquid chromatography for the analysis of species, but rather to give the reader an overview of what is possible today and perhaps tomorrow. Sufficient recent references are provided to allow the interested reader to determine which hyphenated techniques have already been used for the study and determination of specific inorganic species.