cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Findings of tributyltin, dibutyltin and monobutyltin in bivalves from selected U.S. coastal waters

A method is presented for determining trace levels of tributyltin (TBT) and its degradation products dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) and the TBT manufacturing impurity tetrabutyltin (TTBT) in bivalve mollusc tissue. Butyltin compounds were analyzed in bivalve molluscs collected from selected near-shore sites of the U.S. east and west coasts. All bivalves from the sites investigated were contaminated with TBT, DBT and, sporadically, MBT. The ratio of TBT/DBT in sentinel organism tissue appears to be a species-specific equilibrium value, with average values for Mytilus edulis of 2.5 and Mytilus californianus of 11.6.
Differences in morbidity measures and risk factor identification using multiple data sources: The case of coronary heart disease

The NHANES I Epidemiologic Followup Study contains several sources of information that can be used to define case status. Incidence rates and relative risks associated with selected, documented risk factors for heart disease were estimated using nine different case definitions. Despite wide variation in the estimates of incidence, the characteristics of the cases were remarkably similar as were the risks associated with heart disease incidence. The main difference occurred when cases were defined on the basis of death certificate information. Cases defined this way are more severe and models based on this definition result in relative risks of greater magnitude.
The Lagrangian and the energy-momentum tensors in the perturbation theory of classical electrodynamics

Abstract The theory of infinitesimal transformations is incorporated in the variational principle for the solution of perturbation problems in classical electrodynamics. Every variable quantity is transformed to the unperturbed coordinate system and expanded into a power series of a small perturbation parameter. The Lagrangian of any given order of magnitude in the unperturbed coordinate system characterizes a closed physical system. This is proved by showing that the total energy-momentum tensors of the first and second orders are symmetric. The proof for the higher orders is obtained by deduction. Sturrock's asymmetric tensor is recognized as being the result of using an incomplete Lagrangian. Small-amplitude solutions can also be obtained by first applying variation to the total Lagrangian function and then transforming and expanding the results in different orders of magnitude. This method, as exemplified by the proof of the symmetry of the second-order energy-momentum tensor, is in many cases more convenient.
A New Basis for Shifters in General-Purpose Processors for Existing and Advanced Bit Manipulations

This paper describes a new basis for the implementation of the shifter functional unit in microprocessors that can implement new advanced bit manipulations as well as standard shifter operations. Our design is based on the inverse butterfly and butterfly data path circuits, rather than the barrel shifter or log-shifter designs currently used. We show how this new shifter can implement the standard shift and rotate operations, as well as more advanced extract, deposit, and mix operations found in some processors. Furthermore, it can perform important new classes of even more advanced bit manipulation instructions like arbitrary bit permutations, bit gather (or parallel extract), and bit scatter (or parallel deposit) instructions. Thus, our new functional unit performs the functionality of three functional units-the basic shifter, the multimedia-mix unit, and the advanced bit manipulation functional unit, while having a latency only slightly longer than that of the log-shifter. For performing only the existing functions of a shifter, it has significantly smaller area.
A statistical framework for Illumina DNA methylation arrays

Motivation: The Illumina BeadArray is a popular platform for profiling DNA methylation, an important epigenetic event associated with gene silencing and chromosomal instability. However, current approaches rely on an arbitrary detection P-value cutoff for excluding probes and samples from subsequent analysis as a quality control step, which results in missing observations and information loss. It is desirable to have an approach that incorporates the whole data, but accounts for the different quality of individual observations. Results: We first investigate and propose a statistical framework for removing the source of biases in Illumina Methylation BeadArray based on several positive control samples. We then introduce a weighted model-based clustering called LumiWCluster for Illumina BeadArray that weights each observation according to the detection P-values systematically and avoids discarding subsets of the data. LumiWCluster allows for discovery of distinct methylation patterns and automatic selection of informative CpG loci. We demonstrate the advantages of LumiWCluster on two publicly available Illumina GoldenGate Methylation datasets (ovarian cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma). Availability:R package LumiWCluster can be downloaded from http://www.unc.edu/~pfkuan/LumiWCluster Contact: pfkuan@bios.unc.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
On Study of Achievable Capacity with Hybrid Relay in Cognitive Radio Networks

This work studies the capacity limits of Cognitive Radio (CR) networks with a hybrid relay scheme in which PRimary (PR) nodes dominate the spectrum usage, while coordinating with secondary or CR nodes in forwarding packets. This is in contrast to previous efforts that are focused on the analysis with cooperative relay scheme where only secondary (CR) nodes participate in relay operation [1]-[3]. Intuitively, it is expected that the hybrid scheme can improve network capacity because primary nodes have higher power and transmission capacity compared to CR nodes and data transmission with hybrid relay scheme can be much faster and more reliable. Therefore, we aim to investigate such potential benefits with respect to cooperative relay. However, we find that given the total data rate W, number of usable channels ||C|| and the number of CR nodes n in a network, the achievable capacity of CR networks with hybrid relay is of the order of Θ(W/||C||n). This result is much lower than the capacity of cooperative relay, which is of the same order as the capacity of multi-channel wireless networks (e.g., multi-channel multi-radio (MC-MR) networks), Θ(W1/√n log n). It is plausible that PR nodes can potentially become bottlenecks when they are used as high-priority relay nodes in the hybrid scheme. Thus, our study suggests that for delay-sensitive applications such as realtime traffic, hybrid relay is a good option; otherwise, cooperative relay is preferred.
Radiation Resistance of Concentric Conductor Transmission Lines

An expression for the radiation resistance of a cylinder is derived, following the "tangential field" or "induced electromotive force" method as adapted by Pistolkors. The result is used to determine the radiation resistance of a segment of a concentric cylinder transmission line, as used in ultra-high-frequency oscillator circuits. A comparision is made with the more conventional parallel wire line segment. Numerical computations are made for the case of a line one-half wavelength long, with a radius (for the concentric line) and a spacing (for the open line) of one-twentieth of a wavelength. These are believed to be the largest dimensions to be encountered in practice. The resistances are, respectively, 0.086 ohm and 3.02 ohms, showing the concentric line to be definitely superior as far as radiation losses are concerned.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics Of Nucleoside Antiretroviral Agents

The rapid clinical evaluation of new drugs active against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) requires that pharmacologic properties be carefully considered to determine optimal exposure profiles in patients. The published pharmacokinetic data for the nucleoside antiretroviral agents zidovudine, didanosine, zalcitabine, stavudine, and lamivudine show that administration of fixed doses of certain agents results in a considerable degree of between-patient variability in in vivo drug exposure. Pharmacologic treatment of HIV infection requires development of strategies for individualized adjustment of doses of certain agents with a high degree of interpatient variability
Protein traffic in polarized epithelial cells: the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor as a model system

As a model system to study protein traffic in polarized epithelial cells, we have used the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor. This receptor travels first to the basolateral surface, where it can bind polymeric IgA or IgM. The receptor is then endocytosed and delivered to endosomes. The receptor is sorted into transcytotic vesicles, which are exocytosed at the apical surface. The 103-amino acid cytoplasmic domain of the receptor contains several sorting signals. The 17 residues closest to the membrane are an autonomous signal that is necessary and sufficient for basolateral sorting. For rapid endocytosis there are two independent signals, both of which contain critical tyrosine residues. Finally, transcytosis is signaled by phosphorylation of a particular serine.
DSPs for energy harvesting sensors: applications and architectures

Energy harvesting from human or environmental sources shows promise as an alternative to battery power for embedded digital electronics. Digital signal processors that harvest power from ambient mechanical vibration are particularly promising for sensor networks.
Architecture and technology of FPGAs-an overview

FPGA technology is described based on two main features: architecture and programming technology. Four basic FPGA architectures are presented, along with programming technologies used by different manufacturers. Advantages and disadvantages of different programming approaches are pointed out and relationship between architecture and programming technology is discussed.
Binary Encoding of Multiplexed Images in Mixed Noise

Binary coding of multiplexed signals and images has been studied in the context of spectroscopy with models of either purely constant or purely proportional noise, and has been shown to result in improved noise performance under certain conditions. We consider the case of mixed noise in an imaging system consisting of multiple individually-controllable sources (X-ray or near-infrared, for example) shining on a single detector. We develop a mathematical model for the noise in such a system and show that the noise is dependent on the properties of the binary coding matrix and on the average number of sources used for each code. Each binary matrix has a characteristic linear relationship between the ratio of proportional-to-constant noise and the noise level in the decoded image. We introduce a criterion for noise level, which is minimized via a genetic algorithm search. The search procedure results in the discovery of matrices that outperform the Hadamard S-matrices at certain levels of mixed noise. Simulation of a seven-source radiography system demonstrates that the noise model predicts trends and rank order of performance in regions of nonuniform images and in a simple tomosynthesis reconstruction. We conclude that the model developed provides a simple framework for analysis, discovery, and optimization of binary coding patterns used in multiplexed imaging systems.
The Effects of Country of Origin on Trust and Ethical Perceptions of Legal Services

The impact of nationality on perceptions on ethicality and trust towards an American service professional are examined using data from 122 individuals who had either attended a seminar or an initial consultation with an immigration lawyer. Perceptions of trust are found to differ significantly between people from nations characterised by high and low individualism. Significant differences in ethical perceptions are also noted between individuals from high versus low power distance nations. Although this research was conducted regarding a onetime interaction with an immigration lawyer; results and managerial implications may have meaning to other professional service providers.
The development of an intelligent nuclear maintenance robot

The US Department of Energy has provided support to four universities and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to pursue research leading to the development and deployment of robotic system(s) for advanced nuclear power stations. The scope of the program and the R&D effort contributed by ORNL are reported. >
There Is No "I" in "Robot": Robots and Utilitarianism

In this article, the author uses the 2004 film I, Robot as a philosophical resource for exploring several issues relating to machine ethics. Though the author did not consider the film particularly successful as a work of art, it offers a fascinating conception of machine morality and raises questions that are well worth pursuing. Through a consideration of the film's plot, the author examines the feasibility of robot utilitarians, the moral responsibilities that come with creating ethical robots, and the possibility of a distinct ethic for robot-to-robot interaction as opposed to robot-to-human interaction
Selective kallikrein-kinin system activation in inbred rats differentially susceptible to granulomatous enterocolitis

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Crohn's disease is characterized by unrestrained inflammation with a genetic component. Genetic susceptibility and activation of the kalli-krein-kinin (contact) system were investigated in experimental enterocolitis and extraintestinal inflammation induced by bacterial polymers. METHODS: Kinetics of inflammation in inbred Lewis and Buffalo rats injected subserosally with peptidoglycan- polysaccharide polymers were correlated with in vivo and in vitro activation of the contact system. RESULTS: Lewis rats had a biphasic course of enterocolitis. Acute inflammation peaked 1 day after injection, gradually decreasing until day 14 when intestinal inflammation spontaneously reactivated and persisted for 16 weeks, accompanied by arthritis, granulomatous hepatitis, anemia, and leukocytosis. Self-limited acute enterocolitis in Buffalo rats resolved by 24 days without extraintestinal involvement. Consumption of the precursor proteins prekalli-krein and high-molecular-weight kininogen indicated activation of the plasma contact system in Lewis rats and closely correlated with chronic intestinal inflammation. Contact system activation did not occur in Buffalo rats, even during acute inflammation. In vitro studies showed a decreased rate of kininogen cleavage in Buffalo plasma. CONCLUSIONS: Selective in vivo and in vitro activation of the contact system in susceptible Lewis rats suggests that this pathway is one determinant of genetic susceptibility to granulomatous enterocolitis and systemic complications. (Gastroenterology 1996 May;110(5):1467-81)
The Interaction of Light and Abscisic Acid in the Regulation of Plant Gene Expression

Extended dark treatments of light-grown plants of both Lemna gibba and Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in substantial increases in abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations. The concentration of ABA could be negatively regulated by phytochrome action in Lemna. As has been noted in other species, ABA treatment reduced Lemna rbcS and Lhcb RNA levels, which are positively regulated by phytochrome in many species. In view of these observations, the possibility that phytochrome effects on gene expression may be mediated primarily by changes in ABA was tested using a transient assay in intact plants. The phytochrome responsiveness of the Lemna Lhcb2*1 promoter was still apparent in the presence of exogenous ABA. Additionally, when 2-bp mutations were introduced into this promoter so that phytochrome responsiveness was lost, a response to exogenous ABA was still present. We conclude that phytochrome- and ABA-response elements are separable in the Lhcb2*1 promoter. We tested whether the effects of ABA on RNA abundance could be inhibited by treatment with gibberellin and found no evidence for such an inhibition. We have also found that the ABA-responsive Em promoter of wheat can be negatively regulated by phytochrome action. It is likely that this regulation is mediated at least in part by phytochrome-induced changes in ABA levels. Our results demonstrate that it is essential to take into account that dark treatments and the phytochrome system can affect ABA levels when interpreting studies of light-regulated genes.
Antifungal Susceptibility Survey of 2,000 Bloodstream Candida Isolates in the United States

Candida bloodstream isolates (n = 2,000) from two multicenter clinical trials carried out by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group between 1995 and 1999 were tested against amphotericin B (AMB), flucytosine (5FC), fluconazole (FLU), itraconazole (ITR), voriconazole (VOR), posaconazole (POS), caspofungin (CFG), micafungin (MFG), and anidulafungin (AFG) using the NCCLS M27-A2 microdilution method. All drugs were tested in the NCCLS-specified RPMI 1640 medium except for AMB, which was tested in antibiotic medium 3. A sample of isolates was also tested in RPMI 1640 supplemented to 2% glucose and by using the diluent polyethylene glycol (PEG) in lieu of dimethyl sulfoxide for those drugs insoluble in water. Glucose supplementation tended to elevate the MIC, whereas using PEG tended to decrease the MIC. Trailing growth occurred frequently with azoles. Isolates were generally susceptible to AMB, 5FC, and FLU. Rates of resistance to ITR approached 20%. Although no established interpretative breakpoints are available for the candins (CFG, MFG, and AFG) and the new azoles (VOR and POS), they all exhibited excellent antifungal activity, even for those strains resistant to the other aforementioned agents.
Vertical distribution and diversity of bacteria and archaea in sulfide and methane-rich cold seep sediments located at the base of the Florida Escarpment.

The bacterial and archaeal communities of the sediments at the base of the Florida Escarpment (Gulf of Mexico, USA) were investigated using molecular phylogenetic analysis. The total microbial community DNA of each of three vertical zones (top, middle and bottom) of a sediment core was extracted and the 16S rRNA genes were amplified by PCR, cloned and sequenced. Shannon–Weaver Diversity measures of bacteria were high in all three zones. For the archaea, diversity was generally low, but increased with depth. The archaeal clonal libraries were dominated by representatives of four groups of organisms involved in the anaerobic oxidation of methane (ANME groups). Phylogenetic analysis of bacteria suggests the dominance of e-proteobacteria in the top zone, the e-, δ- and γ-proteobacteria in the middle zone and the δ-proteobacteria in the bottom zone of the core. Members of the Cytophaga–Flexibacter–Bacteroidetes group, the Chloroflexi/green non-sulfur bacteria, the Gram+ (Firmicutes), the Planctomyces, candidate division WS3 and Fusobacterium were also detected. Our data suggest that the community structure and diversity of microorganisms can shift greatly within small vertical distances, possibly in response to changes in the physical and chemical conditions.
Opposing Currents: The Politics of Water and Gender in Latin America

Opposing Currents: The Politics of Water and Gender in Latin America. Edited by Vivienne Bennett, Sonia Davila-Poblete, and Maria Nieves Rico. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press. 2005. 264 pp. $27.95.This book represents an important contribution to a growing subfield of feminist scholarship. Moving beyond a focus on the traditional policy areas normally associated with women and politics, the authors bring a gender analysis to bear on the “politics of water” in Latin America. Not only is this a policy issue not usually linked to women's rights, but, as the editors argue, even the national-level women's policy agencies created in many Latin American countries have overlooked the way gender discrimination impacts the heightening water crisis facing much of the region. Nevertheless, they maintain that “the right to water underpins all other social rights” (p. 15) and that “a gender perspective is not only possible but essential for effective water management” (p. ix).
Economic Variation of Ancient Maya Residential Settlement in the Upper Belize River Area

Regional settlement studies in the Maya area have provided a basis for understanding the importance of subsistence strategies, but have not addressed the issue of how the settlements themselves are differentiated. This article examines Maya settlement patterns of the Belize River area and uses data from residential-unit midden tests to identify aspects of settlement variation. These variations are examined with respect to general landform characteristics. Much of the variation appears to relate to the productive capacity of agricultural resources in the area. This is no surprise, since the ancient Maya were an agrarian society.
Modulation of N-type calcium channels in bullfrog sympathetic neurons by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone: kinetics and voltage dependence

Inhibition of Ca channel current by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) was studied in freshly dissociated bullfrog sympathetic ganglion neurons using whole-cell recording. LHRH inhibited up to 80% of the high-threshold Ca channel current with a half-maximally effective concentration of about 20 nM. LHRH inhibited omega-conotoxin- sensitive but not nimodipine-sensitive current and also did not inhibit Bay K 8644-enhanced currents, suggesting that LHRH inhibits N-type but not L-type channels. Inhibition was faster at higher concentrations of LHRH, reaching a limiting time constant of 2 sec at 0.3-3 mM LHRH. The rate of recovery from block (tau approximately 19 sec) was independent of LHRH concentration. Inhibition of N-type current by LHRH was highly sensitive to the gating state of the channel. Though strongly effective if applied when channels were mostly in the resting state, LHRH had little effect if applied rapidly during a long depolarization that opened the channels. Inhibition could be relieved if channels were activated by short, large test depolarizations or by long, smaller depolarizations. The state-dependent properties of LHRH block could be simulated by a model that assumes that inhibition by LHRH results from activated G-proteins binding to N-type channels and that (1) G-protein binding stabilizes closed gating states and (2) activation of G-protein- bound channels destabilizes the binding of the G-protein to the channel.
Uso da TV Digital na Educação a Distância

Resumo: Este artigo tem por objetivo discutir sobre o uso da TV Digital como possibilidade de apoio a Educacao a Distância, abordando alguns conceitos basicos e as vantagens dessa utilizacao em conjunto. Sera tratado mais especificamente da integracao do ambiente virtual de aprendizagem Moodle com a TV Digital Brasileira e, por fim, sera mostrado um exemplo de aplicacao desenvolvido no Instituto Federal do Espirito Santo. Abstract: This article has as objective to discuss about the use of the Digital TV as possibility of support to the Distance Education, approaching some basic concepts and the advantages of this use together. It will be dealt with more specifically the integration of the learning virtual environment Moodle with Brazilian Digital TV and, finally, will be shown an example of application developed in the Instituto Federal do Espirito Santo.
Frequently Asked Questions and Selected Resources on Cyrillic Multilingual Computing

SUMMARY The persistence of multiple standards, both de jure and de facto, for handling text on the computer is perhaps the most perplexing problem facing those who wish to use a computer in more than one language, or even to provide access to data across more than one operating system and application platform. Using Cyrillic as an example, this article attempts to answer questions commonly asked by non-expert computer users who wish to work in more than one language.
Digit Span as Measure of Attention: Attempted Validation Studies:

Digit span performance did not correlate significantly with receptivity to subliminal visual stimulation via a tachistoscope for 120 college students. A simple clerical task and a flickering light presented at the same time the digit span test was being administered disrupted digit span performance.
Home and school influences on the behavioral and academic outcomes of low-income children of color

ABSTRACTFramed within contextual systems model, this study examines how home and school operate together to shape behavioral and academic outcomes for 544 low-income African American (56%) and Latino/a (44%) elementary school-aged children (mean age = 7.88 years, SD = 1.46, 50% male). Using data from Welfare, Children, & Families Study: A Three City Study and multiple group path analysis, we found that for children in kindergarten through third grade, the adequacy of the home resources was positively related to applied problem scores (e.g. math literacy) and negatively associated with externalizing behavior. For fourth- to sixth-graders, the adequacy of classroom resources was negatively associated with applied problem scores. For both age groups positive teacher–child relational quality was also a positive predictor of externalizing behavior. Results revealed that barriers to parental involvement in school were a negative predictor of applied problem scores for low-income children in early and later elem...
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis: Early Success But Concerning Red Flags.

Perlman et al. [(1)][1] report in this issue of JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions a series of 51 patients who underwent transfemoral or transcarotid (2 patients) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in bicuspid aortic stenosis with excellent early clinical results: reduction in the mean
Oxygen extraction and perfusion markers in severe sepsis and septic shock: diagnostic, therapeutic and outcome implications.

Purpose of review The purpose of this study is to review the recent literature examining the clinical utility of markers of systemic oxygen extraction and perfusion in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of severe sepsis and septic shock. Recent findings When sepsis is accompanied by conditions in which systemic oxygen delivery does not meet tissue oxygen demands, tissue hypoperfusion begins. Tissue hypoperfusion leads to oxygen debt, cellular injury, organ dysfunction and death. Tissue hypoperfusion can be characterized using markers of tissue perfusion (central venous oxygen saturation and lactate), which reflect the interaction between systemic oxygen delivery and demands. For the last two decades, studies and quality initiatives incorporating the early detection and interruption of tissue hypoperfusion have been shown to improve mortality and altered sepsis care. Three recent trials, while confirming an all-time improvement in sepsis mortality, challenged the concept that rapid normalization of markers of perfusion confers outcome benefit. By defining and comparing haemodynamic phenotypes using markers of tissue perfusion, we may better understand which patients are more likely to benefit from early goal-directed haemodynamic optimization. Summary The phenotypic haemodynamic characterization of patients using perfusion markers has diagnostic, therapeutic and outcome implications in severe sepsis and septic shock. However, irrespective of haemodynamic phenotype, the outcome reflects the quality of care provided at the point of presentation. Utilizing these principles may allow more objective interpretation of resuscitation trials and translate these findings into current practice.
The effect of CSN6 on proliferation of human breast cancer cells

Objective To investigate the effect of COP9 signalosome gene subunit 6(CSN6) on proliferation of human breast cancer cells. Methods The protein levels of CSN6 and PTEN were detected by Western blotting, the ability of proliferation of breast cancer cells was detected by MTT and scratch-wound assay. Results The expression of CSN6 in MCF-7 was decreased, but that of PTEN(phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) in MCF-7 was increased after shRNA-CSN6 was transfected into MCF-7. The proliferation of MDA-MB-468 cells was inhibited after PTEN was transfected into MDA-MB-468 cells, and moreover, CSN6 could reverse the inhibitory effect of PTEN. Conclusion The proliferation of breast cancer cells caused by CSN6 might be related to degradation of PTEN.
HPLC determination of 11 Kinds of Drink Additives

[Objective]To establish a method for simultaneous determination of benzoic acid,sorbic acid,acesulfame,saccharin,aspartame,caffeine,sunset yellow,lemon yellow,amaranth red,carmine,bright blue in beverage by HPLC. [Methods]The 11 beverage additives were separated by gradient elution of HPLC and the quantitative determination was performed. [Results]The linear range of the synthetic colorants ranged from 2.5~25 μg/mg while other additives' linear range was 10~100 μg/ml.The correlation coefficient of the linear regression equation was 0.999 8~0.999 9. [Conclusion]This method is simple,rapid,and suitable for the simultaneous determination of several food additives.
Research progress of environment-friendly PF based on biomaterial

It was one of research hotspot,and had definite effect in this research field that a novel phenolic resins(PF) with high-performance was prepared by biomaterial resources which was a reproducible,lower cost, effective and easily gained. In order to offer reference gist in fully using degradable and reproducible of biomaterial, and empoldering environment-friendly PF,so the research fruit of some active ingredients(such as tannin,vegetable oil,lignin,cellulose,saccharide and so on),which were obtained from typical biomaterial resources,were emphatically introduced in application of preparing and modifing PF.
Down regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor in human ovarian cancer cells by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Objective:To investigate the effect of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)in human ovarian cancer cells.Methods:Western blot and Northern Blot were used to determine the expression of EGFR protein and mRNA.Results:Both 1,25(OH)2D3 and its synthetic analog EB1089 decreased EGFR protein and mRNA expression in a time-dependent manner in human ovarian cancer cells.And 1,25(OH)2D3 did not decrease the half life of EGFR mRNA in the presence of an inhibitor of RNA synthesis and actinomycin D.Conclusion:1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 down regulates the expression of EGFR at transcriptional level in human ovarian cancer cells.
Juan Orol, Phantom of the Mexican Cinema

In the mid-twentieth-century Mexican cinema, one filmmaker stands out from all the rest as being almost erased from cinema history. Juan Orol is one of the most peculiar of all Mexican cineastes, often compared unjustly to Ed Wood for the poverty-stricken nature of his films, but unlike Wood, Orol’s influence was much more pervasive in Mexico during his lifetime, and he was both far more prolific and more disciplined. His accomplishments as a director are real, and lasting. It’s easy to see that Orol was a driven man, and a driven filmmaker; indeed, as he got older, the pace of his film production only increased.
Security features embedded in computer aided design (CAD) solid models for additive manufacturing

Abstract The additive manufacturing (AM) process chain relies heavily on cloud based resources and software programs that are connected to the internet. Cybersecurity has become a major concern for cloud based resources. While network security is important and is the responsibility of the information technology departments of corporations, a second line of defense is necessary if the cybersecurity is breached and the computer aided design (CAD) files are stolen. The stolen CAD files can be used to print components in exactly the same quality as the original component. The present work aims at developing design features in CAD models that can be used for the purpose of security against counterfeiting. With the introduction of these features, only a unique combination of processing and printing parameters will provide a high-quality component and any other conditions will result in a defective or inferior quality component. The high quality part will print only under a unique set of STL file resolution, slicing conditions, part orientation on the print bed and the printer operating parameters. It is recognized that these features are not off-the-shelf technologies but represent design methodologies that need to be developed for the given component design and the desired AM technique.
Masculinity, Leadership, and Liberatory Pedagogy: Supporting Men Through Leadership Development and Education

In this chapter, the authors make the case that leadership educators can support boys and young men by examining the intersections of the socialization of masculinity and leadership through the use of liberatory pedagogy.
Exploring the Dynamism between Propositional Complexity and Error Rate: A Case Study

This case study analyzed data from an asynchronous written mediated exchange between a native speaker and nonnative speaker of English. Three methods of analysis- error analysis, propositional complexity (idea units), and qualitative analysis were used to analyze learner performance over time. The results from these methods were visualized and interpreted according from Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) perspective, which allows longitudinal language production data to be interpreted from multiple perspectives so that change can be understood at both the micro and macro levels. Results from the analysis revealed patterns of linguistic change both within and between participants as they interacted over time. Several instances of continuity in language production were observed between the participants, including a drop in error rate that coincided with an increase in minor idea units during one turn of the exchange. Results from a qualitative analysis offer several explanations for this finding and are related to the implications this holds for CDST.
Caloric restriction delays age-related methylation drift

In mammals, caloric restriction consistently results in extended lifespan. Epigenetic information encoded by DNA methylation is tightly regulated, but shows a striking drift associated with age that includes both gains and losses of DNA methylation at various sites. Here, we report that epigenetic drift is conserved across species and the rate of drift correlates with lifespan when comparing mice, rhesus monkeys, and humans. Twenty-two to 30-year-old rhesus monkeys exposed to 30% caloric restriction since 7–14 years of age showed attenuation of age-related methylation drift compared to ad libitum-fed controls such that their blood methylation age appeared 7 years younger than their chronologic age. Even more pronounced effects were seen in 2.7–3.2-year-old mice exposed to 40% caloric restriction starting at 0.3 years of age. The effects of caloric restriction on DNA methylation were detectable across different tissues and correlated with gene expression. We propose that epigenetic drift is a determinant of lifespan in mammals. Caloric restriction has been shown to increase lifespan in mammals. Here, the authors provide evidence that age-related methylation drift correlates with lifespan and that caloric restriction in mice and rhesus monkeys results in attenuation of age-related methylation drift.
The UT1 and UTC Time Services Provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology

I will describe the network-based time services provided by the Time and Frequency Division of NIST. The network service is realized with approximately 20 servers located at many locations in the USA. The servers receive approximately 340,000 requests per second for time information in a number of different formats. The Network Time Protocol (NTP) receives approximately 98% of these requests. In addition to the servers that transmit UTC time, we also operate a single server that transmits UT1 time in NTP format. The UT1 server implements the offset between UT1 and UTC based on the data in the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) Bulletin A. The accuracy of the extrapolation is better than 4 ms; the accuracy of the time received by a user will depend on the stability of the network connection and is generally better than 8 ms. I will also describe the plan to improve the accuracy of the time service. This upgrade should be completed in the next few months.
Optimization of mass spectrometric parameters improve the identification performance of capillary zone electrophoresis for single-shot bottom-up proteomics analysis.

Abstract The effects of MS1 injection time, MS2 injection time, dynamic exclusion time, intensity threshold, and isolation width were investigated on the numbers of peptide and protein identifications for single-shot bottom-up proteomics analysis using CZE-MS/MS analysis of a Xenopus laevis tryptic digest. An electrokinetically pumped nanospray interface was used to couple a linear-polyacrylamide coated capillary to a Q Exactive HF mass spectrometer. A sensitive method that used a 1.4 Th isolation width, 60,000 MS2 resolution, 110 ms MS2 injection time, and a top 7 fragmentation produced the largest number of identifications when the CZE loading amount was less than 100 ng. A programmable autogain control method (pAGC) that used a 1.4 Th isolation width, 15,000 MS2 resolution, 110 ms MS2 injection time, and top 10 fragmentation produced the largest number of identifications for CZE loading amounts greater than 100 ng; 7218 unique peptides and 1653 protein groups were identified from 200 ng by using the pAGC method. The effect of mass spectrometer conditions on the performance of UPLC-MS/MS was also investigated. A fast method that used a 1.4 Th isolation width, 30,000 MS2 resolution, 45 ms MS2 injection time, and top 12 fragmentation produced the largest number of identifications for 200 ng UPLC loading amount (6025 unique peptides and 1501 protein groups). This is the first report where the identification number for CZE surpasses that of the UPLC at the 200 ng loading level. However, more peptides (11476) and protein groups (2378) were identified by using UPLC-MS/MS when the sample loading amount was increased to 2 μg with the fast method. To exploit the fast scan speed of the Q-Exactive HF mass spectrometer, higher sample loading amounts are required for single-shot bottom-up proteomics analysis using CZE-MS/MS.
Metabolic reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment by p62 and its partners

The concerted metabolic reprogramming across cancer and normal cellular compartments of the tumor microenvironment can favor tumorigenesis by increasing the survival and proliferating capacities of transformed cells. p62 has emerged as a critical signaling adaptor, beyond its role in autophagy, by playing an intricate context-dependent role in metabolic reprogramming of the cell types of the tumor and stroma, which shapes the tumor microenvironment to control tumor progression. Focusing on metabolic adaptations, we review the cellular processes upstream and downstream of p62 that regulate how distinct cell types adapt to the challenging and evolving environmental conditions during tumor initiation and progression. In addition, we describe partners of p62 that, in a collaborative or independent manner, can also rewire cell metabolism. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic implications of targeting p62 in cancer, considering its multifaceted roles in diverse cell types of the tumor microenvironment.
Space and time as axes in intraspecific phylogeography

Except in rare instances where DNA might be extracted from a well-preserved and well-dated fossil series, molecular genetic assays normally are confined to living organisms sampled from the present-day horizon in time. Nevertheless, temporal aspects of evolution can be recovered from extant organisms using genomic differences accumulated since shared ancestry. This temporal, phylogenetic dimension of evolution has traditionally been the province of macroevolutionary studies that deal with relationships among species and higher taxa. Phylogenetic perspectives were rarely applied, or even perceived as relevant, at the intraspecific level because of a lack of empirical approaches to assess historical relationships, and because of a widespread perception that phylogeny had no real meaning for potentially interbreeding assemblages of populations. In the last two decades, studies of mitochondrial (mt) DNA have changed this view dramatically by demonstrating that the matriarchal component of intraspecific phylogeny can be estimated empirically (Avise 1989).
The Influence of Oral Versus Silent Reading on Reading Comprehension in Students With Reading Disabilities

This study examined the effects of reading modality (oral vs. silent) on comprehension in elementary school students with a specific learning disability in reading (N = 77). A 2 (development-level)...
Assessment of forest fire vulnerability zones in Missouri, United States of America

Forest fire is one of the major disasters that distresses the terrestrial environment and causes economic disruptions for people and communities in areas prone to forest fire. Information on forest...
Associations between short-term exposure to gaseous pollutants and pulmonary heart disease-related mortality among elderly people in Chengdu, China

Pulmonary heart disease (PHD) has become a global burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries. However, very few studies have assessed the influence of air pollution on PHD. This is the first study to explore the association between gaseous pollutants and PHD-related mortality in the central Sichuan Basin of southwestern China. Data on PHD-related mortality among elderly people (aged 60 and older) from 2013 to 2017 were collected from the Population Death Information Registration and Management System (PDIRMS). Data on air pollutants were collected from all 24 Municipal Environmental Monitoring Sites in Chengdu, and data on daily temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure were collected from the Chengdu Municipal Meteorological Bureau. An epidemiological design of time-stratified case-crossover was conducted to assess the association between short-term exposure to ambient gaseous pollutants and PHD-related mortality among elderly people. About 54,920 PHD-related deaths among people aged 60 and older were reported. After controlling for daily temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure, an IQR concentration increase in levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) (13 μg/m3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (17 μg/m3), and ozone (O3) (74 μg/m3) was associated with 7.8, 6.2, and 5.5% increases in PHD-related mortality in people aged 60 and older, respectively. People over age 70 might have even higher susceptibility to PHD-related mortality associated with SO2, NO2, and O3. Females and individuals with alternative marital statuses (widowed, divorced, or never married) had twice and more than twice the PHD-related mortality risk associated with SO2 and NO2 than males and married individuals, respectively. Increased concentrations of ambient SO2, NO2, and O3 were significantly and positively associated with PHD-related mortality in Chengdu, China. Sociodemographic factors – including gender, age, and marital status – may modify the acute health effects of gaseous pollutants.
Clinical Ethics Expertise: Beyond Justified Normative Recommendations?

In their introduction to “Taxonomizing Views of Clinical Ethics Expertise,” Brummet and Salter (2019) pose two important questions: (1) Are clinical ethicists actually experts? (2) If so, what is t...
A Genetic Algorithm Approach to Optimize Dispatching for A Microgrid Energy System with Renewable Energy Sources

Distributed network reconfiguration techniques are used widely to optimize power distribution systems. As renewable energy generation are very stochastic in nature, network reconfiguration with this stochastic nature does not provide the optimal solution. To address this problem a threeobjective genetic algorithm approach has been taken in this project to find the optimal solution of energy scheduling throughout a day, simultaneously using the concept of network reconfiguration. In this research paper, we have applied a genetic algorithm approach, in order to optimize dispatching power with reconfiguring the network and scheduling the power sources. Our proposed methods shows that, it is possible to get 1MW less line lose compared to general condition.
Human Fibrosis: Is There Evidence for a Genetic Predisposition in Musculoskeletal Tissues?

Abstract Background Pathologic fibrosis is characterized by dysregulation of gene expression with excessive extracellular matrix production. The genetic basis for solid organ fibrosis is well described in the literature. However, there is a paucity of evidence for similar processes in the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of existing evidence of genetic predisposition to pathologic fibrosis in the cardiac, pulmonary, and MSK systems, and to describe common genetic variants associated with these processes. Methods A comprehensive search of several databases from 2000 to 2019 was conducted using relevant keywords in the English language. Genes reported as involved in idiopathic fibrotic processes in the heart, lung, hand, shoulder, and knee were recorded by 2 independent authors. Results Among 2373 eligible studies, 52 studies investigated genetic predisposition in terms of variant analysis with the following organ system distribution: 36 pulmonary studies (69%), 15 hand studies (29%), and 1 knee study (2%). Twenty-two percent of gene variants identified were associated with both pulmonary and MSK fibrosis (ie, ADAM, HLA, CARD, EIF, TGF, WNT, and ZNF genes). Genetic variants known to be involved in the MSK tissue development or contractility properties in muscle were identified in the pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusion Despite shared genetic variations in both the lung and hand, there remains limited information about genetic variants associated with fibrosis in other MSK regions. This finding establishes the necessity of further studies to elucidate the genetic determinants involved in the knee, shoulder, and other joint fibrotic pathways. Level of evidence Level III.
How rests and cyclic sequences influence performance in tone-scramble tasks.

When classifying major versus minor tone-scrambles (random sequences of pure tones), most listeners (70%) perform at chance while the remaining listeners perform nearly perfectly. The current study investigated whether inserting rests and cyclic sequences into the stimuli could heighten sensitivity in such tasks. In separate blocks, listeners classified tone-scramble variants as major versus minor (“3” task) or fourth versus tritone (“4” task). In three “Fast” variants, tones were played at 65 ms/tone as a continuous, random stream (“FR”), or with a rest after every fourth tone (“FRwR”), or as a repeating sequence of four tones with a rest after every fourth tone (“FCwR”). In the “Slow” variant, tones were played at 325 ms/tone in random order. In both the 3 and 4 tasks, performance was ordered from best to worst as follows: FRwR > FR > FCwR > Slow. Post hoc analysis revealed that performance was suppressed in the Slow and FCwR task-variants due to a powerful bias inclining listeners to respond “major” or “fourth” (“minor” or “tritone”) if the 4-note sequence defining the stimulus ended on a high (low) note. Overall, the results indicate that inserting regular rests into random tone sequences heightens sensitivity to musical mode.