cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of serum neuron specificity enolase and S100BB protein in newborn with hyperbilirubinaemia

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of serum neuron specificity enolase(NSE) and S100BB protein in newborn with hyperbilirubinaemia.Methods:103 newborns with hyperbilirubinaemia(experimental group) and 48 health controls(control group) were studied.TSB and ALB were measured by diazo method and BCG method,respectively.The B/A ratio was calculated according to the values of TSB and ALB.ELISA was applied for measuring the serum levels of NSE and S100BB,respectively.Results:The serum NSE and S100BB levels of experimental group were 17.98±3.22 μg/L and 0.145±0.039 μg/L,respectively.Both values were significantly higher than that of control group,which were 9.48±3.48 μg/L and 0.063±0.018 μg/L,respectively.The B/A ratio of experimental group was 0.96±0.21,it′s also significantly higher than that of control group(0.14±0.05).Conclusion:The serum levels of NSE and S100BB protein are increased earlier than the TSB level and B/A ratio in the newborn with hyperbilirubinaemia.The serum levels of NSE and S100BB protein can predict early the risk of brain disease in newborn with hyperbilirubinaemia than that of TSB and B/A ratio.
Investigation of AIDS-related knowledge and behavior among people with HIV/AIDS in epidemic areas,Anhui province

Objective To identify the levels of AIDS knowledge among people living with HIV/AIDS(PLWHAs) in nine AIDS epidemic areas in Anhui,and evaluate the effectiveness of AIDS education program and implementation of five-year project.Methods Using cluster sampling method,1 226 PLWHAs were interviewed in nine AIDS epidemic areas.A structured questionnaire was anonymously administered face-to-face for each participant.Results Among 1 226 participants,1 005 answered correctly to 8 questions(81.97%).Doctor,TV and free promotional materials were the main sources to obtain AIDS related knowledge for PLWHAs.Compared with the 2008 survey results,the correct answer rates of "non-remunerated blood donation will not transmit AIDS" increased from 84.3% to 94.7%(χ2=60.435,P0.001),and "blood donation is harmless to the body more than once every six months" increased from 84.4% to 93.2%(χ2=41.011,P0.001).The proportion of PLWHAs using condom with spouse was 98% at last intercourse,which was higher than that of 2008 survey(93.6%)(χ2=38.163,P0.001).92% of them used condoms consistently at last 3 intercourse,which was higher than that of 2008 survey(80.9%)(χ2=14.765,P0.001).Conclusion Compared to the results of 2008 survey,the awareness rate of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and voluntary blood donation was increased in AIDS epidemic areas.The rate of consistent condom use was greatly improved.The way to obtain AIDS related knowledge for PLWHAs was single,and the discrimination still existed.In our future work,we should focus on "eliminating discrimination,getting to zero".
Effect of hypoxic preconditioning on electroencephalogram in brain ischemic rats

Objective To observe the electroencephalogram(EEG)changes of asphyxial cardiac arrest(ACA)after hypoxic preconditioning(HP)in rats and investigate the activity of EEG in brain ischemic tolerance.Methods Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups:①ACA group(n=20),the rats were subjected to 1 min of ACA and then resuscitated;② HP+ACA group(n=20),the rats were pretreated with 4 times of 1 min HP 24 h before ACA;③HP group(n=20),the rats were treated with 4 times of 1 min HP.The mortality,EEG,time from initiation of asphyxia to CA(TCA)and time from resuscitation to restoration of spontaneous circulation(TROSC)were recorded;neuro-functional outcome was assessed by neurodeficit score(NDS).Results The mortality was 5% in HP+ACA group and 30% in ACA group(P0.01);compared with ACA group,the rats in HP+ACA group showed much shorter TCA and significant longer TROSC(P0.01).NDS in HP+ACA group was greatly better than in ACA group(P0.01);the time to EEG silence and restoration of EEG were significantly shorter in HP+ACA group(P0.05).Conclusion Hypoxic preconditioning can induce brain ischemic tolerance through EEG activity modulation.
Function spaces and distributions

This chapter is devoted to function and distribution spaces. We first recall definitions of some well-known classical function and distribution spaces, simultaneously introducing the terminology and notations used in this book. Then we introduce (see Section 1.10) a new class of test functions and the corresponding space of distributions (generalized functions), which play an important role in the theory of pseudo-differential operators with singular symbols introduced in Chapter 2 By singular symbols we mean, if not otherwise assumed, symbols singular in dual variables.
The fibroblast growth factors: an emerging family of neural growth factors.

The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of peptide growth factors that share a number of biochemical and biological properties. The FGFs were originally identified as peptides containing mitogenic activity for fibroblasts and existing at high levels in brain extracts (Gospodarowlcz 1974). We now know that the members of the FGF gene family can regulate a number of distinct biological activities. The group of proteins that are known as the FGFs has been discovered, rediscovered, and purified under a number of different names reflecting either the tissue of origin or the biological activity that was used to monitor their purification (for a partial list see Gosrodarowicz et al. 1987). From the work of a number of laboratories dating from 1983, it as now become apparent that members of the FGF family, in addition to their other biological effects, are potent neural growth factors that have specific effects on the division, differentiation, and survival of specific classes of nerve cells. This review will focus on the effects of the FGFs on nerve cells, but the reader should clearly be aware that these peptides affect a number of other cell types and that a meaningful understanding of their role in development and differentiation can occur only in the context of the constellation of effects under control of these molecules.
Dependence of stress on length, Ca2+, and myosin phosphorylation in skinned smooth muscle

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of developed stress and tissue length (and presumably filament overlap) on stress hysteresis in skinned vascular smooth muscle. Stress hysteresis is defined as the level of "extra" stress maintained with reduced myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation after decreasing the [Ca2+] from a higher to a lower concentration and was postulated to reflect the formation of dephosphorylated, attached, slowly cycling latch bridges in smooth muscle. Detergent skinned tissues of swine carotid media were used for measurement of isometric force and MLC phosphorylation levels. The tissues were either contracted with various [Ca2+] or were first contracted with 7-10 microM Ca2+ and then exposed to a lower [Ca2+]. These two protocols were used at three tissue lengths; 0.7, 1.0, and 1.4 times the optimum length for force development (Lo). The following results were obtained: 1) the order of developed stress was 1.0 greater than 1.4 greater than 0.7 Lo; 2) the Ca2+ sensitivity of developed stress was similar at 0.7 and 1.0 Lo and decreased at 1.4 Lo; 3) the Ca2+ sensitivity and relative magnitude of stress hysteresis were similar at 0.7 and 1.0 Lo with no evidence of stress hysteresis at 1.4 Lo; and 4) the relationship between stress and MLC phosphorylation was affected by tissue length, but the Ca2+ sensitivity of MLC phosphorylation was not. These results suggest that stress maintenance by dephosphorylated crossbridges may be abolished at 1.4 Lo and that the active stress-MLC phosphorylation relationship is altered at long tissue lengths.
Security by Insurance for Services

It is hard to guarantee proper protection in the Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), when a client outsources a part of its business or sends private data to a services provider. Various solutions proposed so far mostly require evidences of proper protection (e.g., source code for verification or execution traces for monitoring), which are to be provided by the service provider itself, and thus are not fully trusted by the client. In this paper we describe both conceptually and formally an approach for guaranteeing proper protection of outsourced data or business using cyber insurance. We discuss several variants of applications of the approach depending on the degree of involvement of different parties. We provide mathematical evidences of benefits of the approach for both client and provider and show how the parameters for the interactions should be computed.
Conservation of coastal marine environments

The intertidal zones of the Central American coasts are here classified as 1) cliffed or rocky headlands, 2) sandy beaches and 3) low-lying alluvial coasts. The ecosystems associated with these zones are among the most complex and biologically productive, but least understood, of the biosphere. Emphasis is placed on the importance of estuarine alluvial coasts with tidal, or mangrove, forests, which comprise approximately 30 percent of the Central American coastline. As demonstrated by studies in southern Florida, estuarine mangroves play a key role in the maintenance of juvenile forms of marine life by controlling the availability of nutrients through the accumulation of decaying detritus and the growth of organisms on the stilt roots. Thus the preservation of mangrove is essential for the maintenance of much of the offshore fishing resources. But in various parts of the Central American coast, mangrove is endangered by overcutting, industrial pollution, and urban resort development. Although less vulnerable than the mangrove coast, sand beaches and cliffed headlands deserve conservational consideration because of both their biologic and touristic value. The establishment of national parks and wildlife refuges along various parts of the Central American littoral may be a first step in the conservation of that region's coastal resources.
Measurement of k∞ and Relative Reaction Rates in an H2O-Moderated UO2-PuO2 Particulate Fueled Lattice

The neutron multiplication factor, k∞, and relative reaction rates have been measured at room temperature in the Physical Constants Testing Reactor (PCTR) for a water-moderated lattice fueled with Zircaloy-clad UO2-PuO2 fuel rods. The plutonium content in different sets of fuel rods ranged from 0.9 to 2.5 wt% PuO2 in UO2. These experiments provide neutronics data for uniform lattices of mixed-oxide fuels which contain plutonium oxide distributed throughout the uranium oxide as finite-sized particles. The PuO2 particle sizes in different sets of fuel rods ranged between 0 and 328 µm in diameter. Knowledge of the effect that plutonium particle size has on neutron multiplication is important for the economic utilization of plutonium. An experiment-theory correlation provides a basis for assessing the adequacy of calculational techniques.
Wichita's Gay Rights Ordinance No. 35-242: Back in the Closet

Throughout the 1970s, several jurisdictions in the United States outlawed discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. At the same time, a major shift regarding policy in LBGT (Lesbian Bisexual Gay Transgender) issues occurred. On one side there were advocacy groups that sought to formalize the protection of homosexuals against discrimination in housing and employment. 286 There were equally vocal arguments from those who opposed these anti-discriminatory laws, sometimes resulting in their repeal.
Modulus- and Surface-Energy-Tunable Thiol-ene for UV Micromolding of Coatings.

Micromolding of UV-curable materials is a patterning method to fabricate microstructured surfaces that is an additive manufacturing process fully compatible with roll-to-roll systems. The development of micromolding for mass production remains a challenge because of the multifaceted demands of UV curable materials and the risk of demolding-related defects, particularly when patterning high-aspect-ratio features. In this research, a robust micromolding approach is demonstrated that integrates thiol–ene polymerization and UV LED curing. The moduli of cured thiol–ene coatings were tuned over 2 orders of magnitude by simply adjusting the acrylate concentration of a coating formulation, the curing completed in all cases within 10 s of LED exposure. Densely packed 50-μm-wide gratings were faithfully replicated in coatings ranging from soft materials to stiff highly cross-linked networks. Further, surface energy was modified with a fluorinated polymer, achieving a surface energy reduction of more than a half at ...
Austrian Economics and Verifiability

The Austrian objection to mathematical and statistical work in economics, because of the absence of constants, is re-examined in the light of large micro-data sets available today. The negative evidence regarding the Law of one Price is described and then expanded to a critique of the practice whereby data points are interpreted as equilibrium values. The importance of speeds of adjustment is potentially an Achilles heel for the project of an empirical economics. It is concluded that even though some empirical regularities may exist, none can be shown to be of permanent value and we cannot dispense with the need for a priori judgements.
Development and impact of a simplified approach to didactic powerpoint presentations performed in a drug information course.

Abstract Introduction To describe multimedia presentation development and assess impact of use on student and educator performance in a drug information course. Methods Slides were modified from bullet-point format to simplified pictorial format and three-slide handouts became outlined Word documents. Student performance, via exam scores and class average, and educator evaluation scores were compared between 2013 and 2014. Results Presentation revision resulted in a similar number of slides per presentation and smaller handout packets. Class average and final exam scores decreased (86.65% vs. 85.91%, p = 0.222; 84.88% vs. 84.08%, p = 0.053) while midterm exam scores improved (85.81% vs. 87.80%, p = 0.007). Assessment of teacher effectiveness (scale of 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree) rose from a median of 3–4 (p = 0.06). Conclusion Simplifying presentations provided anecdotal value but did not impact student performance nor student perception of educator effectiveness.
Digital Rights Management: The Librarian’s Guide, by Catherine A. Lemmer and Carla P. Wade (Eds.): Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2016, 214pp., $55.00 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-4422-6375-8

Digital rights management (DRM) allows for the control of ownership and access to electronic materials. It is a part of daily life; for example, consider the last time you helped a patron access el...
Formation of H(2p) and H(2s) in Collisions of 1-25 keV Hydrogen Atoms with the Rare Gas.

Cross sections have been measured for the emission of Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ radiation in collisions of 1-25-keV hydrogen atoms with He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe owing to excitation of the fast atom to the $2p$ and $2s$ states. The intensity of Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ emitted spontaneously from collisionally excited $\mathrm{H}(2s)$, was measured at 54.7 or 125.3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} with respect to the H beam in an essentially field-free collision chamber with an oxygen-filtered photometer calibrated by reference to previous results for ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ on Ar. After a small correction for cascade effects, the data yield the cross sections for population of the $2p$ state in these collisions. An electric field, oriented in the direction of the beam, was applied within the collision chamber to quench collisionally excited $\mathrm{H}(2s)$, and the resulting increase in Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ radiation has been used to derive the cross sections for formation of the $2s$ state. The viewing geometry and the electric field orientation were designed to minimize the effects of polarization of the light emitted from $\mathrm{H}(2p)$ and $\mathrm{H}(2s)$, and of changes in polarization when the quenching electric field was applied that might otherwise lead to large errors in the $2s$ cross section. The cross sections increase in magnitude and degree of structure with increasing atomic number of the target. Except for collisions with Ne, excitation of $\mathrm{H}(2p)$ is always more probable than excitation of $\mathrm{H}(2s)$. A relationship between the emission and stripping cross sections is presented, the relative probabilities of excitation and stripping being rather independent of target. Our results are compared with previous measurements made at higher energies and with theoretical estimates of these cross sections. The present extension of previous results to lower energy has revealed new structure in the energy dependence of the cross sections for the heavier targets. Existing theoretical treatments of these collisions fail to yield either the magnitude or energy dependence of the cross sections at energies below 5 keV.
Video Games, Learning, and “Content”

In this paper, I argue both that good video games recruit good leaming and that game design is inherently connected to designing good leaming for players. Good game design has a lot to teach us about good leaming and contemporary leaming theory has something to teach us about how to design even better and deeper games. I view leaming in games as a form of “experiential leaming” and discuss the conditions—often met in good games—under which leaming from experience is most effective for leaming.
Some Thoughts on Ukrainian Secessions

This article discusses the issue of possible future Ukrainian secessions from the broader perspective of political philosophy.
Evaluation of Digital Image Recognition Methods for Mass Spectrometry Imaging Data Analysis.

Analyzing mass spectrometry imaging data can be laborious and time consuming, and as the size and complexity of datasets grow, so does the need for robust automated processing methods. We here present a method for comprehensive, semi-targeted discovery of molecular distributions of interest from mass spectrometry imaging data, using widely available image similarity scoring algorithms to rank images by spatial correlation. A fast and powerful batch search method using a MATLAB implementation of structural similarity (SSIM) index scoring with a pre-selected reference distribution is demonstrated for two sample imaging datasets, a plant metabolite study using Artemisia annua leaf, and a drug distribution study using maraviroc-dosed macaque tissue.
U.S. Maxillofacial prosthetics programs: Fellows' and directors' perspectives

Maxillofacial prosthetics (MFP) programs in the U.S. select only a limited number of applicants for fellowship positions. The aims of this study were to survey MFP fellows about which factors influenced their choice of programs and to survey MFP directors about what they considered critical factors in the selection process. Surveys were sent to all eight directors and 13 fellows at all eight U.S. MFP programs in June 2015. The directors' questions asked about general information, resident selection process, letters of recommendation, interview process, and decision process. The fellows' questions addressed their demographics, program-related factors, and future goals. The directors' surveys were sent directly to the directors, and the fellows' surveys were sent to the directors for distribution. The survey response rate for the directors was 87.5% (N=7), and that of the fellows was 53.8% (N=7). In selecting fellows for programs, responding directors reported the interview process was most important, followed by letters of recommendation, personal statement, and prosthodontic program grades. Responding fellows reported that location, variety of treatment, patient volume provided, and clinical education were crucial components in their choice of program. This information may be useful to MFP programs and fellows in the continuing development of this specialty.
Ecophenotypic shape variability within Astarte (Class: Bivalvia) from the Pliocene of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, U.S.A.: A study using geometric morphometrics

Abstract The Atlantic Coastal Plain has long been recognized as a natural laboratory useful for testing hypotheses surrounding the environmental and ecological effects on marine fauna. To conduct these studies in a rigorous manner, a reliable taxonomy must be established for the organisms within this physiographic province. In this study, we focus on the bivalve genus Astarte, which is commonly found in this region, and has many formally recognized species. We test between two competing hypotheses for the unusually high species richness of this genus: 1) taxonomy – the presence of discrete morphotypes represent valid species within this genus; and, 2) ecology – the many recognized ‘species’ in this genus in fact represent ecophenotypic variants of a smaller number of species, and thus richness is inflated. We test between these two hypotheses using a geometric morphometric analysis of landmarks placed on 646 shells, representing six different taxa from the Pliocene of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. We performed Procrustes transformation and Principle Components Analysis (PCA) on landmark data, allometric residuals, and outline harmonics to fully understand the variability of morphologies present. All PCA results show large amounts of overlap between all species. It is likely some of these species are valid taxonomic groups within the genus but should be classified as sub-species instead of separate species. These results provide strong support for our ‘ecology’ hypothesis, and suggests the genus Astarte needs revision. Future studies incorporating detailed sedimentological characteristics or ecological information (e.g., drilling frequency) will further elucidate palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental drivers of ecophenotypic variation present in this genus. Further, the accurate identification of fossil species has important implications for our ability to reconstruct biodiversity trends in relation to the emergence of the Central American Isthmus and subsequent changes in ocean circulation.
Computational Procedures for Bounded-Influence Regression

The ordinary least-squares (OLS) estimator of the coefficients in the classical linear regression model is efficient when the appropriate assumptions are valid. However, even small departures from the standard assumptions on the model may seriously damage OLS, causing inefficiency, bias, inconsistency, and incorrect tests of significance. Bounded-influence estimators attempt to insure that no small fraction of the data is overly influential in the determination of the estimated parameters or fitted values. In this paper we describe algorithms for computing several bounded-influence regression procedures. Although the kernel of the bounded-influence regression package (BIF) is written in portable FORTRAN, it is currently operational in fully interactive form in TROLL (a large statistical modeling system) providing the user with a variety of ways to get diagnostic information. Considerable output results from bounded-influence regression (data weights, robust distances in explanatory variable space, etc.) and we provide some graphical ways to present this information. The paper concludes with an example of the use of the above procedures.
Intraoperative Electrocochleography in Patients With Menière's Disease Undergoing Endolymphatic Sac Decompression and Shunt Surgery.

HYPOTHESIS Objective physiologic changes measured using electrocochleography at the round window (ECOG) are observable during endolymphatic sac decompression and shunt surgery (ELS). BACKGROUND Limited effective treatment options are available to patients with Meniere's disease (MD) who have failed conservative management, experience persistent vertigo symptoms, and have substantial residual hearing. ELS is a feasible therapeutic option for these patients. However, the efficacy of this procedure has been questioned, and objective measures assessing inner ear physiologic alterations are lacking. METHODS ECOG was measured in patients with MD undergoing ELS. Stimuli consisted of tone bursts (250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz) and 100 μs broadband clicks at various intensities (60-90 dB nHL). Cochlear microphonic (CM), summation potential (SP), compound action potential (AP), SP:AP ratio, and CM harmonic distortions were measured. RESULTS ECOG was completed in 18 patients. The mean SP magnitude at 500 Hz changed significantly from -7.1 μV before to -5.1 μV after ELS (p < 0.05). However, the mean SP:AP ratio in those tested (n = 13) did not significantly change after ELS. CM harmonic magnitudes remained unchanged from pre- to post-ELS (n = 12) across all frequencies. CONCLUSION ECOG allows detection of acute electrophysiological changes in the cochlea. However, our results indicate only small objective changes in the low-frequency SP magnitude (500 Hz) immediately after ELS, but not in other frequencies or measures tested (CM, SP:AP, CM harmonic distortions). These results suggest minimal electrophysiological changes occur in the cochlea as a result of ELS.
Risk factors for opioid use after total shoulder arthroplasty.

Hypothesis The purpose was to assess opioid use before and after anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and determine patient factors associated with prolonged postoperative opioid use. Methods Patients undergoing primary TSA (anatomic or reverse) were identified within the Humana database from 2007 to 2015. Patients were categorized as opioid-naive patients who did not fill a prescription prior to surgery or those who filled opioid prescriptions within 3 months preoperatively (OU); the OU cohort was subdivided into those filling opioid prescriptions within 1 month preoperatively and those filling opioid prescriptions between 1 and 3 months preoperatively. The incidence of opioid use was evaluated preoperatively and longitudinally tracked for each cohort. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with opioid use at 12 months after surgery, with statistical significance defined as P Results Overall, 12,038 patients (5180 in OU cohort, 43%) underwent primary TSA during the study period. Opioid use declined after the first postoperative month; however, the incidence of opioid use was significantly higher in the OU cohort than in the opioid-naive cohort at 1 year (31.4% vs. 3.1%, P Conclusion More than 40% of patients undergoing TSA received opioid medications within 3 months before surgery. Preoperative opioid use, age younger than 65 years, and fibromyalgia were independent risk factors for opioid use 1 year following anatomic and reverse TSA. Chronic preoperative opioid use conferred the highest risk of prolonged postoperative opioid use.
Management of familial hypercholesterolemia: a review of the recommendations from the National Lipid Association Expert Panel on Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

suMMaRy Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder of lipid metabolism that is characterized by a significant elevation in levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and patients are at very high risk for premature coronary heart disease (CHD). The etiology of FH includes known mutations in the gene of the LDL receptor, LDLR ; the gene of apolipoprotein B, apo B ; and the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 gene, PCSK9. The National Lipid Association Expert Panel on Familial Hypercholesterolemia has provided recommendations for the screening and treatment of patients with FH. Early identification and aggressive treatment of FH in individual patients, as well as screening of all first-degree relatives, are recommended to minimize the risk for premature CHD. Similar to patients with conventional hypercholesterolemia, patients with FH should receive statins as initial treatment, but patients with FH may require higher doses of statins, more potent statins, statin-based combination therapy, or adjunctive therapies. Patients with FH who have additional risk factors for, or existing, cardiovascular disease or those with an inadequate response to initial statin therapy should have access to higher doses of the most efficacious statins; statins used in combination with other LDL-C–lowering agents should also be supported by formularies; additional treatments, such as LDL-C apheresis or novel therapies, may also be required to achieve acceptable LDL-C levels. New treatment approaches include mipomersen, which was approved by the FDA in January 2013. Mipomersen is an oligonucleotide inhibitor of apolipoprotein B-100 synthesis (called an antisense inhibitor) indicated as an adjunct to lipid-lowering medications and diet to reduce LDL-C, apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, and non-high density lipoproteincholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels in patients with homozygous FH (HoFH). The microsomal transfer protein lomitapide has also received FDA approval for use only in patients with HoFH. Other novel treatments currently in development include PCSK9 inhibitors. Therapies such as apheresis are likely more expensive than simple therapy with a statin but may be needed to achieve long-term reductions in complications from nonfatal and fatal cardiovascular events and hospitalizations related to myocardial infarction, cardiac revascularization, and stroke in FH patients. The cost-effectiveness of this more aggressive therapy has not been determined and should be studied. Utilization of published guidelines and the recommendations from the National Lipid Association will help to optimize the management of patients with FH.
Distribution of Malathion and Methyl Parathion on Cotton/Polyester Unfinished and Durable-Press Fabrics Before and After Laundering as Determined by Electron Microscopy

The distributions of the organophosphorus pesticides malathion and methyl parathion on 50% cotton/50% polyester fabric with and without a durable-press finish were studied by electron microscopy. Osmium tetroxide was usedto tag the pesticides for the study of their distribution on the yarns and fibers by backscattered electron imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Distributions of malathion and methyl parathion on the unlaundered specimens were similar, with high concentrations present on the surfaces of both polyester and cotton fibers and in the cotton lumen. No pesticide was observed inside the polyester fibers. Laundering removed 60 to 70% of each pesticide by cleaning the surfaces of the fibers but had little effect on the concentration of pesticide in the cotton lumen. Laundering removed more malathion than methyl parathion from the surfaces of the polyester fibers. The durable-press finish had no effect on the total amount retained or on the distribution of malathion after laundering, while slightly more methyl parathion was observed on the unfinished fabric.
Chapter 2 – Natural Selection

Natural selection was Darwin's supreme insight into the living world, and it is still recognized as the only evolutionary mechanism capable of crafting adaptations in species. Adaptations are traits with a heritable basis that have become well established in species due to their positive contributions to genetic fitness. Selection is basically all negative—being against any variations that are less successful in supporting genetic fitness than alternate variations. Many deaths in nature, however, are due to stochastic processes rather than natural selection, and many individuals die due to what could be termed bad luck. Selection has been subdivided into several subcategories, some of which overlap to a degree—stabilizing selection, directional selection, disruptive selection, etc. Sexual selection is a large and important subcategory of natural selection which Darwin recognized and wrote about extensively.
Energy scheduling for task execution on intermittently-powered devices

Intermittently-powered embedded devices (IPDs) are getting wide-spread attention these days. However, running periodic real-time tasks on these devices remains a challenging problem due to the lack of support for data freshness guarantees, timekeeping, and schedulability analysis. Especially, while many sensing tasks require long atomic operations for data acquisition from sensors, most prior work on IPDs assumes compute-only workloads and disregards such sensor operations. In this paper, we present a new energy scheduling scheme to execute periodic real-time tasks with atomic sensing operations. Our scheme keeps track of time and ensures the periodic execution of sensing tasks while efficiently utilizing intermittent power sources. We provide schedulability analysis to determine if a task is schedulable in a given charging setup, and extend this idea for scheduling multiple tasks. As a proof-of-concept, we design a custom programmable RFID tag device, called R'tag, and demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed techniques in a realistic sensing application. We compare the baseline approach and the proposed scheme in both simulation and real platforms. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the baseline approach in terms of task scheduling, timekeeping, and periodic sensing.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Targeting Nucleocapsid or Spike Protein by Four High-Throughput Immunoassays Authorized for Emergency Use.

A total of 1,200 serum samples that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody using the Abbott Architect immunoassay targeting the nucleocapsid protein were run in 3 SARS-CoV-2 IgG immunoassays targeting spike proteins (DiaSorin Liaison, Ortho Vitros, and Euroimmun). Consensus-positive and consensus-negative interpretations were defined as qualitative agreement in at least 3 of the 4 assays. Agreement of the 4 individual assays with a consensus-negative interpretation (n = 610) ranged from 96.7% to 100%, and agreement with a consensus-positive interpretation (n = 584) ranged from 94.3% to 100%. Laboratory-developed inhibition assays were utilized to evaluate 49 consensus-negative samples that were positive in only one assay; true-positive reactivity was confirmed in only 2 of these 49 (4%) samples. These findings demonstrate very high levels of agreement among 4 SARS-CoV-2 IgG assays authorized for emergency use, regardless of antigen target or assay format. Although false-positive reactivity was identified, its occurrence was rare (no more than 1.7% of samples for a given assay).
Pseudomonas aeruginosa survives in epithelia by ExoS-mediated inhibition of autophagy and mTOR.

One major factor that contributes to the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is its ability to reside and replicate unchallenged inside airway epithelial cells. The mechanism by which P. aeruginosa escapes destruction by intracellular host defense mechanisms, such as autophagy, is not known. Here, we show that the type III secretion system effector protein ExoS facilitates P. aeruginosa survival in airway epithelial cells by inhibiting autophagy in host cells. Autophagy inhibition is independent of mTOR activity, as the latter is also inhibited by ExoS, albeit by a different mechanism. Deficiency of the critical autophagy gene Atg7 in airway epithelial cells, both in vitro and in mouse models, greatly enhances the survival of ExoS-deficient P. aeruginosa but does not affect the survival of ExoS-containing bacteria. The inhibitory effect of ExoS on autophagy and mTOR depends on the activity of its ADP-ribosyltransferase domain. Inhibition of mTOR is caused by ExoS-mediated ADP ribosylation of RAS, whereas autophagy inhibition is due to the suppression of autophagic Vps34 kinase activity.
Scott Joplin: A Guide for Music Educators PART I—A Ragtime Life:

Scott Joplin (1868-1917) was an African American composer and pianist of singular merit and influence. Academic interest in Joplin has increased in recent years, leading to new discoveries about th...
Effects of early daily alcohol exposure on placental function and fetal growth in a rhesus macaque model.

Background Prenatal alcohol exposure is the most common cause of birth defects and intellectual disabilities and can increase the risk of stillbirth and negatively impact fetal growth. Objective To determine the effect of early prenatal alcohol exposure on nonhuman primate placental function and fetal growth. We hypothesized that early chronic prenatal alcohol would alter placental perfusion and oxygen availability that adversely affects fetal growth. Study Design Rhesus macaques self-administered 1.5 g/kg/d of ethanol (n=12) or isocaloric maltose-dextrin (n=12) daily before conception through the first 60 days of gestation (term is approximately 168 days). All animals were serially imaged with Doppler ultrasound to measure fetal biometry, uterine artery volume blood flow, and placental volume blood flow. Following Doppler ultrasound, all animals underwent both blood oxygenation level–dependent magnetic resonance imaging to characterize placental blood oxygenation and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to quantify maternal placental perfusion. Animals were delivered by cesarean delivery for placental collection and fetal necropsy at gestational days 85 (n=8), 110 (n=8), or 135 (n=8). Histologic and RNA-sequencing analyses were performed on collected placental tissue. Results Placental volume blood flow was decreased at all gestational time points in ethanol-exposed vs control animals, but most significantly at gestational day 110 by Doppler ultrasound (P Conclusion Early chronic prenatal alcohol exposure significantly diminished placental perfusion at mid to late gestation and also significantly decreased the oxygen supply to the fetal vasculature throughout pregnancy, these findings were associated with the presence of microscopic placental infarctions in the nonhuman primate. Although placental adaptations may compensate for early environmental perturbations to fetal growth, placental blood flow and oxygenation were reduced, consistent with the evidence of placental ischemic injury.
Climate justice and California’s methane super-emitters: An environmental equity assessment of community proximity and exposure intensity

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Issues of environmental justice exist with respect to toxic waste facilities, concentrated animal feeding operations, and air pollution exposure. For the first time, we aimed to...
Chapter 1 Molecular Genetic Analyses of Drosophila Kinesin

Publisher Summary Intracellular movements are necessary for the establishment of cytoplasmic order and also for communication, between the specialized compartments of the cytoplasm. These needs are partly fulfilled by a growing list of cytoskeleton-associated mechanochemical proteins. These mechanochemical proteins hydrolyze adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and move along cytoskeletal filaments, either actin or microtubules. Kinesin is a microtubule-associated mechanochemical protein complex. The occurrence of kinesin in most eukaryotic cell types suggests that kinesin plays a role in the spatial organization of the eukaryotic cytoplasm. Several kinesin-like proteins, with defined intracellular motility functions, have been discovered, using genetic and molecular genetic methods. The discovery of these kinesin-like genes suggests that there probably exists a superfamily of kinesin-like proteins with dozens of members that perform specialized intracellular motility functions. The members of this superfamily are related by possessing a common microtubule-associated mechanochemical domain. All the members of this super-family discovered, thus, have far specialized domains that are likely to associate with specific cellular components. This chapter discusses the kinesin literature relevant to kinesin structure and also discusses the results, concerning the structure, and the in vitro motility properties of genetically manipulated forms of the Drosophila kinesin heavy chain. The chapter describes the biochemical evidence that the kinesin mechanochemical head domain is a functional unit independent of additional domains to which it can be attached. The analysis explained in the chapter, with the finding that there exists a superfamily of proteins with domains that are similar to the N-terminal domain of the kinesin heavy chain, suggests that the kinesin head constitutes a functionally autonomous, microtubule-associated mechanochemical domain that is independent of additional domains to which it is attached and also of its orientation within the linear sequence of the molecule.
The Multiple Roles of Attitudes in Decision Making

(Introductory paragraphs) An examination of the literature on decision making reveals a surprising neglect of the attitude construct. Although the evaluative processes that are fundamental to choice have been a basic staple of attitudes research for decades, this enormous body of work is commonly ignored in discussions of decision making. Decision theorists infrequently make references to predictive models of attitudes and behavior such as information integration theory (e.g., Anderson, 1974) and the theory of reasoned action (e.g., Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980). More significantly, research on the basic processes through which attitudes guide behavior and decisions are rarely considered in theories of choice. Generally, attitudes are not even conceived to play a role in most accounts of how decisions are made. We suggest that the neglect of attitudes theory reflects more the narrow scope of most scientific endeavor (see Kruglanski, 2001) and the lack of familiarity with the attitudes literature more than the lack of an important role of attitudes in decision making.In this chapter, we present our conceptualization of the multiple roles of attitudes in appraisal and choice. Our framework draws from work on both the attitude-behavior relation and decision making and, thus, represents an integration of the two literatures. The chapter begins with a definition of attitudes. This is followed by a discussion of the role of attitudes in appraisal and the multiple processes through which attitudes guide choice. We suggest that attitudes influence decisions not only by guiding the evaluation of choice options, but also by guiding the assessment of goals and appraisals of the situation. However, we emphasize that attitudes do not operate alone; rather they influence choice in conjunction with routines and other decision-relevant representations. As a consequence, the effect of attitudes is often dependent on the activation of these constructs. The chapter moves on to examine the co-development and functionality of global attitudes and routines. We then discuss the conditions under which attitudes influence decisions and behavior. Finally, the chapter closes with arguments for linking research on attitudes with theory on choice.
Haplotype-resolved genome sequencing: experimental methods and applications

High-throughput DNA sequencing technologies are providing an ever-expanding wealth of genome sequence data, including detailed information on human genetic variation. However, such data typically lack haplotype information (that is, the cis-connectivity of variants along individual chromosomes). This Review describes diverse recent experimental methods by which genetic variants can be resolved into haplotypes, accompanying computational methods and important applications of these methods in genomics and biomedical science.
Thermally activated magnetization fluctuations in spin valve and GMR sensors: mode theory and experimental measurements

Summary form only given. Thermal induced magnetization fluctuations in GMR sensors have recently been shown to produce measurable noise in current high density transducer designs. Because these fluctuations vary inversely with sensor volume, as the recording density is increased, this noise may dominate the system SNR and become the mechanism that limits achievable areal densities. Here, we present a new theoretical analysis that involves thermal activation of the eigenmodes of the thin film sensor. Experimental measurements of noise power spectra to about 8 GHz are also shown for a variety of spin valve heads. Comparison with theory is utilized to determine the damping constant and to show the sensitivity of this noise on transducer parameters.
Accurate DOP monitoring of several WDM channels for simultaneous PMD compensation

We demonstrate averaged-DOP monitoring of WDM channels for simultaneous PMD compensation. We achieve a significant power penalty reduction > 10 dB using this scheme. The 2%-worst-case compensated performance of averaged-BER is improved by two orders of magnitude.
Signatures of pairing and spin-orbit coupling in correlation functions of Fermi gases

We derive expressions for density-density and spin-spin correlation functions in the (greatly enhanced) pseudogap phase of spin-orbit-coupled Fermi gases. Density-density correlation functions are found to be relatively insensitive to the presence of these Rashba spin-orbit effects. To arrive at spin-spin correlation functions we derive new $f$-sum rules, valid even in the absence of a spin conservation law. Our spin-spin correlation functions are shown to be fully consistent with these $f$-sum rules. Importantly, they provide a clear signature of the Rashba band structure and separately help to establish the presence of a pseudogap.
Women's Retirement:

Tho groups of manied, working women, ages 55 to 62, (N = 149) were compared on preretirement attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors, career satisfaction, opinions about work, competitiveness, mastery, and family orientation. Group I (career women) had a mean of 30 years of employment by age 55 and Group 2 (reentry women) had a mean 11 years by age 55. Career women anticipated retiring at an earlier age and scored higher on mastery and competitiveness than reentry women and they also tended to value career over maniage, but overall, work history appeared to have little effect on career satisfaction, attitudes toward retirement or the manner in which these women made their retirement decision
Antagonism of receptor-activated biological effects mediated by second messenger pathways

Abstract It is generally held that many biologically active compounds produce their effects through a sequence of events that are initiated when the substances combine with selective receptors located on the cell surface membrane. Activation of these receptors produces a stimulus that is somehow transmitted intracellularly. The transduction between the stimulus and the response is now known to be mediated, in many systems, by an intracellular intermediary or second messenger. A model describing the relation of agonist concentration, receptor occupation, and biological response in such a system is herein extended to include antagonist binding at two target sites (i) the cell-surface receptor and (ii) the receptor for the second messenger. It is demonstrated that the shift of an agonist's dose-response curve is characteristic of the site of antagonism and that analysis of this shift can reveal the existence of a second messenger pathway or, if this is known, the site of action of the antagonist.
Intervention in ethnic and ideological civil wars: Why one can be done and the other can't

(1996). Intervention in ethnic and ideological civil wars: Why one can be done and the other can't. Security Studies: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 62-101.