cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Highly Phosphorylated FOXO3A Is An Adverse Prognostic Factor in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Abstract Abstract 402 Background: Forkhead transcription factors form a superfamily (19 subclasses FOX-A to –S) of evolutionary conserved proteins that function in diverse physiological processes including cellular differentiation, tumor suppression, metabolism, cell cycle arrest, resistance and apoptosis. The members of the FOXO family (FOXO 1, 3, 4, 6), are involved with chromosomal translocations in many tumors including leukemia, and have been shown to be tumor suppressors. Their function interacts with several signal transduction pathways (Ras-Mek-Erk , PI3K-AKT) shown to be deregulated and prognostic in AML. Phosphorylation leads to inactivation via a shift from nuclear to cytoplasmic localization and increased ubiqination and protein degradation. Loss of function could therefore arise from under expression or phosphorylation. Methods: To assess the importance of FOXO3A, in AML we measured the level of total and phosphoprotein (pFOXO3A) expression, by reverse phase protein array (RPPA) in 511 newly diagnosed AML patients. Results: Expression of total and pFOXO3A was in the same range as normal CD34+ cells but the mean expression was significantly lower for both ( P = 0.0001 and 0.0025) Expression in 140 paired blood and marrow samples were similar (total p=0.12, pFOXO3A p=.022). Levels of total FOX3A were higher at relapse compared to diagnosis (p=0.0007). Levels of pFOXO3A or the ratio of phospho to total (PT) were higher in FAB M5 (p=0.000008) and lower in FAB M2 (p=0.00002). Levels of p- or PT-FOXO3A were not associated with karyotpe but were significantly higher in patients with FLT3 mutations (p=0.000004). Higher levels of p- or PT-FOXO3A were associated with increased proliferation evidenced by strong correlation with higher WBC, percent marrow and blood blasts (all p figure , p = 0.0002) compared to patients with low or middle levels (median survival 60 and 64 weeks). A high PT-FOXO3A level was adverse for patients with intermediate (p=0.034) and unfavorable (p=0.024) cytogenetics with a similar but not significant trend noted for those with favorable cytogenetics. This was independent of the presence or absence of a FLT3-ITD or D835 mutation. In multivariate analysis PT-FOXO3A was a statistically significant independent predictor (p = 0.008) along with Age ( Download : Download high-res image (130KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusion: Patients with high ratios of PT-FOXO3A have a higher proliferation rate, higher rates of primary resistance, shorter remission durations and significantly shorter survival. High levels of phosphorylation of FOXO3A are a therapeutically targetable, independent adverse prognostic factor in AML. Character count 3519 Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Rafiki: a middleware for parameter tuning of NoSQL datastores for dynamic metagenomics workloads

High performance computing (HPC) applications, such as metagenomics and other big data systems, need to store and analyze huge volumes of semi-structured data. Such applications often rely on NoSQL-based datastores, and optimizing these databases is a challenging endeavor, with over 50 configuration parameters in Cassandra alone. As the application executes, database workloads can change rapidly from read-heavy to write-heavy ones, and a system tuned with a read-optimized configuration becomes suboptimal when the workload becomes write-heavy. In this paper, we present a method and a system for optimizing NoSQL configurations for Cassandra and ScyllaDB when running HPC and metagenomics workloads. First, we identify the significance of configuration parameters using ANOVA. Next, we apply neural networks using the most significant parameters and their workload-dependent mapping to predict database throughput, as a surrogate model. Then, we optimize the configuration using genetic algorithms on the surrogate to maximize the workload-dependent performance. Using the proposed methodology in our system (Rafiki), we can predict the throughput for unseen workloads and configuration values with an error of 7.5% for Cassandra and 6.9-7.8% for ScyllaDB. Searching the configuration spaces using the trained surrogate models, we achieve performance improvements of 41% for Cassandra and 9% for ScyllaDB over the default configuration with respect to a read-heavy workload, and also significant improvement for mixed workloads. In terms of searching speed, Rafiki, using only 1/10000-th of the searching time of exhaustive search, reaches within 15% and 9.5% of the theoretically best achievable performances for Cassandra and ScyllaDB, respectively---supporting optimizations for highly dynamic workloads.
The Little Ice Age and human-environmental interactions in the Central Balkans: Insights from a new Serbian paleorecord

This paper presents a 600-year well-dated, high-resolution Central Balkan paleo-record including the Little Ice Age (LIA; 1450-1850 CE). Utilizing pollen-based REVEALS modeling estimates, geochemical indicators, rarefaction analyses and the AMS 14C-based Bacon age model, this first-hand record from the Sava Basin reveals the transformation of the Central Balkan landscape involving linkages between changing climatic and socio-political regimes. The pre-LIA interval (1370-1418 CE) in the Sava Region reveals a wooded steppe and increased cultivation under warmer/stable climatic and socio-political conditions. In contrast, the LIA interval in the region is expressed through continuous transitions between forest and grassland, extensive land erosion and stressed agriculture, potentially as a collective artifact of the climatic variability and human impact associated with socio-political stressors of the time. The post-LIA/Industrial Era interval (1850-2012 CE) in the Sava Region shows an overall increase in woodland as well as agriculture following the exit of the Ottomans. However, increased population pressures and the subsequent onset of the Industrial Revolution as well as increased trade led to intense deforestation throughout the 20th century, which continued during the Socialist period.
An Introduction to the Rule of Law in Comparative Perspective

The rule of law has a long history in the aspirations of oppressed peoples everywhere1. Developing societies seek to establish the rule of law, well-regulated societies seek to preserve it, and most governments claim to maintain it, whatever the nature of their actual practices2. This makes the rule of law a nearly universal value, endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly, for example, which has repeatedly identified “human rights, the rule of law and democracy” as “universal and indivisible core values and principles of the United Nations.”3 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, approved by the Assembly without dissent, recognized that “…it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the Rule of Law.”4 These ringing assertions, repeated or paraphrased by the European Convention on Human Rights5 the American Convention on Human Rights,6 the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights7 and numerous other regional agreements and national constitutions,8 illustrate the necessary moral component always present in appeals to the “rule of law.” The “rule of law” in its usual sense implies the fulfillment of justice and the negation of government by and for the benefit of those in charge.9
Brain derived neurotrophic factor protects human neuroblastoma cells from DNA damaging agents.

Neurotrophins are required for survival of neurons during development and may act as survival factors to cells undergoing stress. We tested whether brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protects neuroblastoma (NB) cells from cytotoxic agents using a model NB cell line, NB 1643, which expresses functional tropomyosin related kinase B (TRKB) following treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid. TRKB is the receptor for BDNF. BDNF increases the EC50 values in survival assays for cisplatin, doxorubicin, and topotecan by two to three fold. Thus, BDNF does indeed protect cells drugs that damage DNA. Cisplatin and doxorubicin are used to treat NB. Topotecan is in clinical studies for the treatment of NB. Since these drugs induce DNA damage, we also investigated whether BDNF might afford protection from γ irradiation. BDNF also induces more than a two fold resistance to γ irradiation. Since BDNF protects cells from agents with different mechanisms of damaging DNA and resistance, it seems likely that BDNF may alter a common signaling pathway required for cell death initiation by DNA damaging agents.
The Therapeutic Utility of the Pregnant Palliative Care Physician: A Case Series

Abstract Women physicians are becoming more numerous, with the majority of active hospice and palliative medicine physicians under the age of 50 being women. While this trend has appropriately led ...
Editor’s note: a new year, a new partnership

With this issue of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine ( RAPM ), we embark on a new year and a new partnership with BMJ as our publisher. This decision to break our long-standing relationship with Wolters Kluwer was not easy nor was it contemplated without due consideration for the multitude of
Phase equilibria in the ZrO2-YO1.5-TaO2.5 system at 1250 °C

Abstract The phase relationships in the ZrO2-YO1.5-TaO2.5 (ZYTO) system at 1250 °C—a temperature of interest for thermal barrier coatings applications—were investigated using precursor-derived powders. The system is bisected by a quasi-binary joining the tetragonal (t) ZrO2 and monoclinic (M’) YTaO4 solid solutions. The mutual solubility limits for these phases differ significantly depending on whether the third phase in equilibrium with t and M’ is fluorite or the orthorhombic (O) Zr6Ta2O17. More importantly, the tetragonal phase in equilibrium with fluorite is non-transformable to the monoclinic form upon cooling, whereas that in equilibrium with O, which has lower stabilizer content, is transformable. The behavior contrasts with that previously observed for the equilibrium at 1500 °C, wherein the t phase on both sides of the quasi-binary is non-transformable. The fluorite solid solution extends from the ZrO2-YO1.5 binary to the YO1.5-TaO2.5 binary at 1250 °C, as previously shown for 1500 °C.
Perceptions of water and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption habits among teens, parents and teachers in the rural south-western USA.

Objective The present research aimed to describe perceptions and behaviours around the consumption of water and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) by youths. Design A formative, qualitative study which conducted four focus groups. Transcripts were analysed and themes related to reasons youths drink SSB and water, and conversely do not drink SSB and water, were analysed to reveal thematic clusters around sensory factors, environment and policy, access, marketing and role model influences, and health risks. Setting A rural, tri-ethnic community in New Mexico, USA.ParticipantsMiddle- and high-school students, parents and teachers. Results Although youths and adults were aware of the health risks of soda, they did not translate this information to other SSB, including sports drinks and sweetened tea. Moreover, their perceptions of risks of dyes outweighed their concern with sugar. Youths and adults were aware of water's health benefits, but they focused on short-term benefits. Youths and adults perceived water as unappealing. Adults were also concerned with water safety and access. Conclusions This formative research has implications for decreasing SSB consumption and simultaneously increasing water intake among youths in rural communities. Addressing unique access and safety concerns related to water in rural communities, as well as increasing awareness of the risks of all types of SSB, can work together in a positive feedback loop to change perceptions and behaviours with long-term health consequences. Specific policy suggestions include strengthening school policies to restrict all types of SSB and water promotion efforts that address access, safety and health benefits.
Humidity and Strain Rate Determine the Extent of Phase Shift in the Piezoresistive Response of PEDOT:PSS.

The piezoresistive response of PEDOT:PSS is sensitive to changes in its morphology when exposed to humidity and in response to different strain rates. The piezoresistive response of as-cast PEDOT:P...
Effect of growth media and phase on Raman spectra and discrimination of mycobacteria

When developing a Raman spectral library to identify bacteria, differences between laboratory and real world conditions must be considered. For example, culturing bacteria in laboratory settings is performed under conditions for ideal bacteria growth. In contrast, culture conditions in the human body may differ and may not support optimized bacterial growth. To address these differences, researchers have studied the effect of conditions such as growth media and phase on Raman spectra. However, the majority of these studies focused on Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. This article focuses on the influence of growth media and phase on Raman spectra and discrimination of mycobacteria, an acid-fast genus. Results showed that spectral differences from growth phase and media can be distinguished by spectral observation and multivariate analysis. Results were comparable to those found for other types of bacteria, such as Gram-positive and Gram-negative. In addition, the influence of growth phase and media had a significant impact on machine learning models and their resulting classification accuracy. This study highlights the need for machine learning models and their associated spectral libraries to account for various growth parameters and stages to further the transition of Raman spectral analysis of bacteria from laboratory to clinical settings.
Star spotting science

Exoplanets are abundant near M dwarfs, the galaxy's smallest stars. Infrared technology may help us learn more about these planets' surfaces, writes Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Complexities of Microtubule Population Dynamics within the Mitotic Spindle

Abstract The mitotic spindle functions to move chromosomes to alignment at metaphase, then segregate sister chromatids during anaphase. Analysis of spindle microtubule kinetics utilizing fluorescence dissipation after photoactivation described two main populations, a slow and a fast turnover population, historically taken to reflect kinetochore versus non-kinetochore microtubules respectively. This two component demarcation seems likely oversimplified. Microtubule turnover may vary among different spindle microtubules, regulated by spatial distribution and interactions with other microtubules and with organelles such as kinetochores, chromosome arms, and the cell cortex. How turnover among various spindle microtubules is differentially regulated and its significance remains unclear. We tested the concept of kinetochore versus non-kinetochore microtubules by disrupting kinetochores through depletion of the Ndc80 complex. In the absence of functional kinetochores, microtubule dynamics still exhibited slow and fast turnover populations, though proportions and timings of turnover were altered. Importantly, the data obtained following Hec1/Ndc80 depletion suggests other sub-populations, in addition to kinetochore microtubules, contribute to the slow turnover population. Further manipulation of spindle microtubules revealed a complex landscape. Dissection of the dynamics of microtubule populations will provide a greater understanding of mitotic spindle kinetics and insight into roles in facilitating chromosome attachment, movement, and segregation during mitosis.
Large-scale state-dependent membrane remodeling by a transporter protein

That channels and transporters can influence the membrane morphology is increasingly recognized. Less appreciated is that the extent and free-energy cost of these deformations likely varies among different functional states of a protein, and thus, that they might contribute significantly to defining its mechanism. We consider the trimeric Na+-aspartate symporter GltPh, a homolog of an important class of neurotransmitter transporters, whose mechanism entails one of the most drastic structural changes known. Molecular simulations indicate that when the protomers become inward-facing, they cause deep, long-ranged, and yet mutually-independent membrane deformations. Using a novel simulation methodology, we estimate that the free-energy cost of this membrane perturbation is in the order of 6-7 kcal/mol per protomer. Compensating free-energy contributions within the protein or its environment must thus stabilize this inward-facing conformation for the transporter to function. We discuss these striking results in the context of existing experimental observations for this and other transporters.
Review of Wireless Charging Systems for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are increasingly used for undersea exploration. The endurance of AUVs is limited by the onboard energy storage among which the battery systems dominate. Various underwater recharging methods are employed to increase the AUV range and autonomy. Currently, contact-based underwater recharging utilizes the wet-mate connector technology that requires a high-precision AUV docking, and is prone to electrical safety issues. To overcome these limitations, underwater wireless recharging techniques for AUVs have been explored in recent years. Wireless charging offers a safe and reliable method for autonomous power transfer between a charging station and a vehicle. This article reviews the state-of-the-art inductive wireless power transfer (IWPT) solutions for underwater applications and discusses the engineering challenges of the IWPT system design. Underwater environmental factors, such as seawater conductivity, temperature, pressure, water currents, and biofouling phenomenon, impose constraints on IWPT systems. A comprehensive review of AUV energy storage systems, docking methods, IWPT system control methods, and compensation networks is presented in this article. Based on the main operational and constructional principles, the AUV IWPT systems are categorized as loosely coupled transformers and resonant IWPT systems. Each of the categories is illustrated through their main design principles and implementations reported in the literature so far. Technical challenges, such as integration of IWPT system into an AUV hull, interoperability, alignment and retention issues, docking station sinking and stability, the design of pressure-tolerant charging electronics, data transfer, and the battery operation in the underwater environment are discussed in this article too. The article is concluded with the best practice overview of designing an IWPT system for AUVs.
Acid exposure disrupts mucus secretion and impairs mucociliary transport in neonatal piglet airways

Tenacious mucus produced by tracheal and bronchial submucosal glands is a defining feature of several airway diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF). Airway acidification as a driving force of CF ...
Impacts of Patient Characteristics and Care Fragmentation on the Value of HIEs

We investigate the impact of health information exchange (HIE) use at the visit level on patient outcomes, such as future visit behavior and the number of procedures performed on the patient, and how the effects differ across patient and visit characteristics, for example, whether a patient has chronic conditions and whether a visit involves a hospital switch. Timely sharing of patient information is expected to decrease the fragmentation of care and improve decision‐making, diagnoses, and care plans, yet previous studies that examine the benefits of HIE use do not focus on these issues and are not unanimous in their findings in general about the benefits of HIEs. Further, prior studies generally focus on average effects with binary HIE measures, either using HIE adoption at the hospital level or whether HIE is accessed at the visit level. We argue that the benefits of HIE stem from the information contained within and are not equal across cases. We utilize a rich dataset of medical records from an HIE provider in New York. Our results show that the depth of information available for the patient in HIE use decreases the overall number of future visits, specifically, HIE use effectively reduces visits that are not preventative in nature while increases adherence to preventative care visits, aiding in the shift from treatment‐based care to preventative‐based care, that public health organizations have urged for. Further, HIE use lowers the number of procedures done at the focal visit. We have several other findings that have important implications for policymakers, healthcare providers, and patients.
Pervasive Captivity and Urban Wildlife

Urban animals can benefit from living in cities, but this also makes them vulnerable as they increasingly depend on the advantages of urban life. This article has two aims. First, I provide a detai...
The Powell Expedition: New Discoveries About John Wesley Powell’s 1869 River Journey: By DON LAGO. Reno & Las Vegas: University of Nevada Press, 2018. xix + [1], 396 pp., bibliography, about the author, index. $39.95 (HB). ISBN 978-943859-43-6.

Those who have never run the Colorado River can’t, of course, remember it. Those who have, can’t forget it. Don Lago, author of All About the Grand Canyon (2018), Where the Sky Touched the Earth: C...
Medicaid healthy behavior incentives and use of dental services

OBJECTIVE To examine changes in access to dental care in states using Section 1115 waivers to implement healthy behavior incentive (HBI) programs in their Medicaid expansion under the ACA, compared to traditional expansion states and nonexpansion states. DATA SOURCES Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2008 to 2018. STUDY DESIGN We used difference-in-differences analysis to compare changes in three Medicaid expansion states with HBI (Iowa, Indiana, Michigan) to traditional expansion (Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio) and nonexpansion states (Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming) in the same mid-Western region of the country. The sample included 32 556 low-income adults. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS NA. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We found no significant changes in dental visits associated with HBI or traditional expansion relative to nonexpansion states. HBI expansion was associated with an increase of 2.2 percentage points in reporting a dental visit in the past year for adults in urban areas (P < 0.05) while the traditional expansion was associated with a reduction of 8.5 percentage points (P < 0.01) in utilization in rural areas relative to nonexpansion states. However, after adjustment for preexisting trends, the coefficients were no longer significant, suggesting that these differences are likely due to preexisting trends. CONCLUSIONS We did not find evidence of increased utilization of routine dental care associated with HBI programs.
Research on 5G Network QoS Guarantee Technology for Energy Internet

5G can provide customized services for differentiated services of Energy Internet through network slicing technology. This paper carries out research on 5G network architecture and application requirements by studying typical service scenarios of electric power based on 5G network slicing. To ensure 5G network slicing end-to-end service quality of service (QoS) and to meet the QoS requirements of different service scenarios of Energy Internet, a network slicing resource allocation method of delay against throughput at the side of the Energy Internet radio access network is proposed.This paper provides a theoretical reference for the application of 5G technology to guarantee QoS in the electric power industry.
The Sky Is Not Falling.

Allocation and distribution of deceased organs for transplantation has been a fundamental role of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) since its inception. The regulatory statute creating the OPTN was outlined the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA), which was enacted by Congress in 1984. The OPTN has been operated since 1986 by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
La realidad in-visible y la espectacularización ‘(inter)nacionalista’ de la movida madrileña: el caso de la fotografía

Este trabajo se plantea una revision critica del grupo de fotografos consagrado bajo el colectivo de La Movida, con el objetivo de mostrar como la ideologia espectacular los banalizo y, asi, les resto cualquier posibilidad de mostrarse como arte de contenido social enlazado a una trayectoria historica. Mi argumento gira en torno a la posibilidad de ver en esta produccion fotografica un impulso que resiste a su banalizacion desde el interior de los propios parametros ideologicos (el espectaculo).
Ultraviolet photodissociation of protonated, fixed charge, and charge-reduced peptides

Abstract The fragmentation behavior of three peptides (RGAFSTFGAS, GAFSTFGASR, and GAFSTFGASS) was evaluated by collisional activated dissociation (CAD), higher energy collisional activated dissociation (HCD), and ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD). In particular, hybrid methods combining electron transfer with CAD, HCD, or UVPD were used to assess the impact of the location of a basic site at the C- or N-terminus, the presence of a fixed charge at the C- or N-terminus, and the presence of a radical site. The release of a mobilized proton occurred for those peptides modified with a quaternary amine at the C- or N-terminus, thus resulting in formation of C- and/or N-terminus fragment ions that would not otherwise be expected if the fixed charge remained static. Activation of charge-reduced peptides (i.e. peptide radical ions) resulted in simplified spectra compared to the corresponding even electron peptides. Interestingly, UVPD of the charge-reduced species generated similar spectra to CAD and HCD of the same precursor ions, suggesting a shift to dominant radical-induced dissociation rather than the more diverse pathways common upon photodissociation.
Developing Effectiveness in a Lasallian University

A synthesis of existing models for assessing institutional effectiveness and culturally relevant adapations resulted in renewed, unifying orientation to mission for the network of Lasallian universities in the Philippines.
Characterization of the standard nickel/silica catalyst EuroNi-1: III. Investigations of catalyst structure

Abstract In two earlier papers the organisational aspects of the collaborative project and the chemistry of catalyst precipitation and reduction were presented, as well as the chemical composition of the EuroNi-1 catalyst. In the present paper the results obtained by means of X-ray diffraction, electron spectroscopy, visual and electron microscopy and with magnetic measurements are presented. From these data a detailed structural image of the catalyst is evolved. Information on nickel dispersion in the catalyst reduced at 450 and at 650°C is obtained. Surface area measurements from nitrogen adsorption isotherms were carried out on the unreduced catalyst as well as on the catalyst reduced under different conditions. Agreement between laboratories was reasonable. On different reduced states the nickel surface area was determined by means of hydrogen adsorption at ambient temperature. Very different ideas on monolayer definition are present within the group. Differences in reduction procedure further contribute to divergence in nickel surface areas obtained. The author makes a choice based on a number of experimental observations. From the chosen surface area data for catalysts reduced at about 450 and 650°C average nickel crystallite sizes are calculated, with two assumptions for the shape of the nickel crystallites, hemisphere and sphere. The crystallite sizes thus obtained are compared with data obtained by means of the physical techniques mentioned above. For low temperature reduction the hemisphere model is the more successful, for the higher temperature the full sphere gives better correlation.
Intermittent Turbulence in 2D MHD Simulation

Abstract. In situ observations indicate that the dynamical processes in the space plasma environment generally entail anisotropic and localized intermittent fluctuations. Results from two-dimensional MHD simulations are presented to demonstrate the intermittency. Non-Gaussian probability distribution functions of the intermittent fluctuations are obtained and discussed. Power spectra and local intermittency measures using the wavelet analyses are presented to display the spottiness of the small-scale turbulent fluctuations.
Third and fourth degree perineal injury after vaginal delivery: does race make a difference?

Severe perineal injury (third and fourth degree laceration) at the time of vaginal delivery increases the risk of fecal incontinence, chronic perineal pain, and dyspareunia.1-5 Studies suggest the prevalence of severe perineal injury may vary by racial group.6 The purpose of the current study was to examine rates of severe perineal injury in different Asian and Pacific Islander subgroups. A retrospective cohort study was performed among all patients who had a vaginal delivery at Queens Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawai'i between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2003. Demographic and health related variables were obtained for each participant. Maternal race/ethnicity (Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, other Asian, Part-Hawaiian/Hawaiian, Micronesian, other Pacific Islander, Caucasian, multiracial [non-Hawaiian], and other) was self-reported by the patient at the time admission. The significance of associations between racial/ethnic groups and demographic and health related variables was determined using chi-square tests for categorical variables and analysis of variance for continuous factors. Multiple logistic regression was performed to adjust for potential confounders when examining severe laceration rates. A total of 1842 subjects met inclusion criteria. The proportion of severe perineal lacerations did not differ significantly between racial groups. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, operative vaginal delivery was related to both race and severe perineal laceration. However, despite adjusting for this variable, race was not associated with an increased risk of having a severe laceration (P = .70). The results of this study indicate the risk of severe perineal laceration does not differ based on maternal race/ethnicity.
Horizontal motion in elastic response to seasonal loading of rain water in the Amazon Basin and monsoon water in Southeast Asia observed by GPS and inferred from GRACE

[1] We find seasonal horizontal crustal motions observed by GPS positioning in elastic response to heavy rainfall in the Amazon Basin and to monsoons in Southeast Asia to be consistent with those inferred from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) gravity observations of water mass loading. Solid Earth moves toward the Amazon during heavy spring rainfall and toward Southeast Asia during summer monsoons and back away from these areas 6 months later when the water load is minimum. Vertical oscillations observed by GPS and inferred from GRACE are 2 to 3 times larger than horizontal oscillation near the margins of the areas of large mass loading. Some discrepancies between GPS and GRACE are probably caused by local effects that influence GPS measurements, because the GPS sites that show significant discrepancies also do not match nearby GPS sites. However, when the load is short wavelength, the limited spatial resolution of GRACE can cause systematic misfits.
Entropically driven phase separation of highly branched/linear polyolefin blends

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to examine the melt phase behavior of a heavily branched comb PEE polymer blended separately with two linear PEE copolymers. In this case, PEE refers to poly(ethylene-r-ethylethylene) with 10% ethylene units; therefore, the molecular architecture was the only difference between the two components of the blends. The molecular weights of the two linear random copolymers were 60 and 220 kg/mol, respectively. The comb polymer contained an average of 54 long branches, with a molecular weight of 13.7 kg/mol, attached to a backbone with a molecular weight of 10 kg/mol. Three different volume compositions (25/75, 50/50, and 75/25) were investigated for both types of blends. SANS results indicate that all the blends containing the lower molecular weight linear polymer formed single-phase mixtures, whereas all the blends containing the high molecular weight linear polymer phase-separated. These results are discussed in the context of current theories for polymer blend miscibility.
Hemoglobin M—An Early Chapter in the Saga of Molecular Pathology

Excerpt In 1947 a meeting of the Westphalian Society for Internal Medicine in Duesseldorf was presented with a remarkable paper by a young physician and a medical student, Hoerlein and Weber, who r...
HISTOGENESIS OF FERRET SOMATOSENSORY CORTEX

The ferret has emerged as an important animal model for the study of neocortical development. Although detailed studies of the birthdates of neurons populating the ferret visual cortex are available, the birthdates of neurons that reside in somatosensory cortex have not been determined. The current study used bromodeoxyuridine to establish when neurons inhabiting the somatosensory cortex are generated in the ferret; some animals also received injections of [3H]thymidine. In contrast to reports of neurogenesis in ferret visual cortex, most neurons populating the somatosensory cortex have been generated by birth. Although components of all somatosensory cortical layers have been produced at postnatal day 0, the layers are not distinctly formed but develop over a period of several weeks. A small number of neurons continue to be produced for a few days postnatally. The majority of cells belonging to a given layer are born over a period of approximately 3 days, although the subplate and last (layer 2) generated layer take somewhat longer. Although neurogenesis of the neocortex begins along a similar time line for visual and somatosensory cortex, the neurons populating the visual cortex lag substantially during the generation of layer 4, which takes more than 1 week for ferret visual cortex. Layer formation in ferret somatosensory cortex follows many established principles of cortical neurogenesis, such as the well-known inside-out development of cortical layers and the rostro-to-caudal progression of cell birth. In comparison with the development of ferret visual cortex, however, the generation of the somatosensory cortex occurs remarkably early and may reflect distinct differences in mechanisms of development between the two sensory areas.
Exploiting STT-NV technology for reconfigurable, high performance, low power, and low temperature functional unit design

Unavailability of functional units and their unequal activity makes performance bottlenecks and thermal hot spot units in general-purpose processors. We propose to use reconfigurable functional units to overcome these challenges. A selected set of complex functional units that might be under-utilized, such as a multiplier and divider, are realized in a time-multiplexed fashion using a shared programmable Look Up Table (LUT) based fabric. This allows for run-time reconfiguration and migration of their activity. LUT based implementation also allows under-utilized functional units to be dynamically reconfigured to the functional units that have a performance bottleneck and hence improving performance. The programmable LUTs are realized using Spin Transfer Torque (STT) Magnetic technology (also called STT-NV) due to its zero leakage and CMOS compatibility. The results show significant performance improvement of 16% on average across standard benchmarks, when replacing CMOS multiplier and divider with reconfigurable STT-NV LUT counterpart. In addition, reconfiguration reduces the maximum temperature of functional units by up to 27°C and almost eliminates the thermal variation across them. This comes with small power overhead and no area impact.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) suppresses biomarkers of cell stress and kidney injury in diabetic mice

The disease burden from diabetic kidney disease is large and growing. Effective therapies are lacking, despite an urgent need. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) activates Nrf2 and cellular antioxidant defenses; therefore, it may be generally useful for treating conditions that feature chronic oxidative tissue damage. Herein, we determined how periodic exposure to oxygen at elevated pressure affected type 2 diabetes mellitus-related changes in the kidneys of db/db mice. Two groups of db/db mice, designated 2.4 ATA and 1.5 ATA, were treated four times per week with 100 % oxygen at either 1.5 or 2.4 ATA (atmospheres absolute) followed by tests to assess kidney damage and function. The sham group of db/db mice and the Hets group of db/+ mice were handled but did not receive HBOT. Several markers of kidney damage were reduced significantly in the HBOT groups including urinary biomarkers neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C (CyC) along with significantly lower levels of caspase-3 activity in kidney tissue extracts. Other stress biomarkers also showed trends to improvement in the HBOT groups, including urinary albumin levels. Expressions of the stress response genes NRF2, HMOX1, MT1, and HSPA1A were reduced in the HBOT groups at the end of the experiment, consistent with reduced kidney damage in treated mice. Urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), a measure of albuminuria, was significantly reduced in the db/db mice receiving HBOT. All of the db/db mouse groups had qualitatively similar changes in renal histopathology. Glycogenated nuclei, not previously reported in db/db mice, were observed in these three experimental groups but not in the control group of nondiabetic mice. Overall, our findings are consistent with therapeutic HBOT alleviating stress and damage in the diabetic kidney through cytoprotective responses. These findings support an emerging paradigm in which tissue oxygenation and cellular defenses effectively limit damage from chronic oxidative stress more effectively than chemical antioxidants.
NBD-TMA: a novel fluorescent substrate of the peritubular organic cation transporter of renal proximal tubules.

Traditionally, the measurement of transport activity has employed radiolabeled compounds. The resulting experimental procedures do not measure transport in real time and are limited in temporal and spatial resolution. The use of epifluorescence microscopy provides the ability to measure transport activity in real time with high temporal and spatial resolution. Using epifluorescence microscopy we characterized the transport of the fluorescent organic cation, [2-(4-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-7-yl)aminoethyl]trimethylammonium (NBD-TMA+, MW 266). NBD-TMA+ has structural characteristics common to other secreted organic cations and is fluorescent (λex=458 nm; λem=530 nm). The excitation and emission spectra are insensitive to changes in [Cl–] and minimally sensitive to pH in the physiologically relevant range (pH 5.0–7.4). A microscope equipped with a photon-detection system was used to measure accumulation of NBD-TMA+ by isolated rabbit renal proximal tubules. Accumulation of NBD-TMA+ by proximal tubules was time dependent and saturable (Michaelis-Menten constant K m 12 µM). Proximal tubule accumulation of NBD-TMA+ was inhibited by the organic cations tetraethylammonium (TEA+) (apparent inhibitory constant K app TEA 134 µM), cimetidine, and N 1-methylnicotinamide (NMN). Our experimental results provide strong evidence that NBD-TMA+ is transported by one or more of the basolateral organic cation transporters involved in the renal secretion of this chemical class of compound. This fluorescent substrate provides a sensitive means of investigating organic cation transport.
Nationwide Newspaper Coverage of Immigration Reform: A Community Structure Approach

A community structure analysis compared community characteristics and nationwide coverage of immigration reform in newspapers in 21 major U.S. cities, sampling all 250+ word articles April 23, 2010 to November 12, 2013. The resulting 262 articles were coded for “prominence” and “direction” (“favorable,” “unfavorable,” or “balanced/neutral” coverage), then combined into each newspaper's composite “Media Vector” (range = .632 to −.4800). Nineteen of 21 newspapers showed favorable coverage of immigration reform. Pearson correlations yielded 4 significant results, the most powerful of which supported immigration reform. The “vulnerability” hypothesis (media “mirror” the interests of marginal/disadvantaged groups) was essentially confirmed. Higher percentages below the poverty line (r = .607, p = .003) and higher crime rates (r = .490, p = .017) correlated with more favorable coverage of immigration reform. By contrast, higher percentages of women in the workforce (r = −.543, p = .008) and higher proportions o...
Special Libraries Association (SLA) 2006 Annual Conference: Conference Report

Purpose – To report on the SLA Annual Conference held in June 2006 in Baltimore MD.Design/methodology/approach – Provides a review of some of the events of the conference.Findings – The annual conference aims to provide attendees continuing professional education, vendor presentations, invited papers and social events. Exhibits from library vendors include technology, information materials and services.Originality/value – A conference report of interest to information professionals in academia, corporate and governmental information centers and libraries.
Validation of knowledge-based systems: a reassessment of the field

The subject of validation and verification (V&V) of knowledge-based systems (KBS) has been one of decreasing importance in the last decade. Research and development in the field reduced drastically. One of the main reasons is the persistent software challenges and failures. These failures have been categorized in different ways. One initiative however, which most researchers in the field agree upon, is that the only way to eliminate these problems is by rigorously performing V&V. Although there have been vast improvements in the field of V&V methodology, studies indicate that KBS industry still lacks rigorous validation methods. In this paper, we review the most important validation paradigms described in literature for KBS during the years of their fame. Additionally, this article studies the significant methods, aims to reassess these methods in light of recent advances, and propose new future directions for validation of KBS.
Application of the hypersonic analogy for validation of numerical simulations

This paper presents a family of self-similar solutions for hypersonic flow over a flat plate with a blunt leading edge. These solutions are derived, based on the principle of hypersonic similitude, from the solutions of the point-blast problems and include modeling of energy release (or absorption) behind the main shock front. The numerical simulations were done using first- and second-order-accurate Godunov methods on a succession of grids covering the computational domain with increased density
An empirical comparison of menu selection, command entry and combined modes of computer control

Abstract Command entry and menu selection control modes, along with a combination of the two, were compared using objective performance and subjective preference measures. Experienced as well as novice users of an interactive computer aided design system participated in the study. Although command entry produced performance that was superior to the other two modes, there was a strong user preference for the combined mode. Therefore, it is recommended that combined modes of control be considered for future systems, as long as there is a means to deactivate the menus. These results dispel the notion that menus are necessarily viewed as a hindrance by experienced users of a computer system.
Distribution, metabolism and excretion of pentachloroanisole in the beagle dog and miniature pig.

Abstract Tissue distribution, excretion and metabolism studies of pentachloroanisole (PCA), an environmental metabolite of pentachlorophenol (PCP), were conducted in the beagle dog and miniature pig following single oral doses (25 mg/kg) of radiolabelled PCA. PCA was readily demethylated by both species, with a half-life of 5–8 min. The resultant PCP was the major metabolite in dogs and pigs. In the dog, an average of 21.9% of the administered radiolabel was excreted in the urine and 62.3% in the faeces during a 7-day period. Of the tissues analysed, an average of 3.2% of the radiolabel remained in the liver, and blood and muscle accounted for averages of 3.0 and 2.3%, respectively, of the dose. Free and conjugated PCP were found in the urine of dogs; no PCA or tetrachlorohydroquinone (TCH) were found. In dog faeces, PCP and a trace of polar material were observed; no PCA was excreted in dog faeces. In the miniature pig, an average of 25.8% of the administered radiolabel was excreted in the urine and 32.0% in the faeces during a 2-wk period. An average of 4.4% of the radiolabel was found in the liver, 8.8% in the blood, 7.1% in the muscle and 6.4% in the fat. In pig urine, PCP and conjugated PCP were the only metabolites observed; no PCA or TCH was found. Pig faeces contained a trace of unchanged PCA; PCP and polar metabolites were also found. Since pig tissues retained a sizeable residue 2 wk after a single dose of PCA, various agents were used in an attempt to decrease the tissue level of radiolabel in pigs; anion exchange resin was found to be the most effective.
Crystallographic and magnetic properties of several spinels containing trivalent ja-1044 manganese

Abstract Many useful ferrimagnetic oxides which crystallize with the spinel structure contain several transition metals, each of which can exist in two or more possible oxidation states. A specific formulation for many such materials is very difficult. An approach to this problem, in some cases, can be made through crystallographic studies. The tetragonal distortion from cubic symmetry exhibited by several spinels containing manganese has been attributed to characteristic properties of Mn 3+ ions occupying the octahedral positions in the lattice. Several new compositional systems containing manganese and crystallizing with the spinel structure have been prepared and studied crystallographically and magnetically. The following solid-solution systems were chosen because they appeared to present a minimum of ambiguity in composition and in the distribution of cations among tetrahedral and octahedral positions: Zn x Ge 1− x Mn 2 O 4 , Zn x Ge 1− x Co 2−2 x Mn 2 x O 4 , and Zn x Li 1− x Mn 2 O 4 . The tetragonal distortions from cubic symmetry observed for these systems can be accounted for by assuming that the octahedral sites are occupied by more than a critical fraction, 60–65 per cent, of Mn 3+ ions. A complete range of solid solutions in the system Co 3− x Mn x O 4 was prepared and formulas assigned on the basis of this rule. The configuration, for values of x between 0 and 2, appears to be Co 3+ [Co 3+ 2− x Mn x 3 ]O 4 . The observed magnetic properties (saturation magnetization at 4.3°K and Curie temperatures) can be interpreted in terms of this configuration. The magnetization measured for cubic materials is the result of Neel-type magnetic coupling between Co 2+ ions on tetrahedral sites and Mn 3+ ions on octahedral sites. Tetragonal materials apparently have a more complex magnetic structure. The configuration of Co 3 −x Mn x O 4 for values of x between 2 and 3 appears to be Co 2+ 3− x Mn 2+ x −2 [Mn 3+ 2 ]O 4 . The crystal-lattice constants, saturation magnetization (4.3°K) and Curie temperatures are given for a number of materials, including GeMn 2 O 4 , LiMn 2 O 4 , Co 3 O 4 , MnCo 2 O 4 , CoMn 2 O 4 , and Mn 3 O 4 .