cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of vitamin d receptor activity by the corepressor hairless: differential effects of hairless isoforms.

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) and its corepressor Hairless (HR) are thought to regulate key steps in the hair cycle because mutations in VDR or HR cause alopecia in humans and mice. Many mammalian cells express two major HR isoforms due to alternative splicing of exon 17. HR isoform-a encodes an 1189-amino acid protein (full-length HR), and isoform-b encodes an 1134-amino acid protein (HRΔ1072-1126). We demonstrated that both HR isoforms are expressed in primary human keratinocytes and in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. In transfected COS-7 cells, the full-length HR repressed VDR-mediated transactivation. In contrast, HRΔ1072-1126 failed to suppress and even stimulated VDR-mediated transactivation. In coimmunoprecipitation, both HR isoforms interacted with the VDR, but only the full-length HR interacted with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). Alanine mutagenesis of two conserved glutamic acids residues (E1100A/E1101A) encoded by exon 17 completely eliminated HR corepressor activity and interactions wit...
The construction and turnover of complex community models having Generalized Lotka-Volterra dynamics

Results based on Generalized Lotka-Volterra (GLV) models are presented that confirm a developmental insight: although stable complex systems may be rare in the universe of permitted systems, they can be readily constructed over time by addition and elimination of potential components (populations). Trial-and-elimination for GLV models favors positive intrinsic increase terms and positive interaction terms, but otherwise special parameter values, such as interactions arranged into cycles or loosely inter-linked blocks, are not necessary for stability. Ecological complexity may persist through the turnover of one ecological system into another.
The effect of a variable evaporation rate on the ballistics of droplets

Abstract In order to allow for the effect of the variation of evaporation rate of a liquid droplet with its Reynolds number on its velocity and diameter variations, the present analysis considers the ballistics and evaporation (Frossling's) equations simultaneously. The resultant nonlinear equation yields analytical solutions for discrete values of the viscosity to still air evaporation rate parameter, which permit ready determination of the variation of drop size and relative velocity with time or distance. The results indicate that the constant evaporation rate analysis is valid for large values of the parameter mentioned above, but should be modified for smaller values.Numerous illustrative curves are presented, and the analysis is applied to available experimental data.
Accuracy of lowtran 7 and modtran in the 2.0–5.5-μm region

lowtran 7 and modtran were evaluated in the 2.0–5.5-μm region against field-collection data at high zenith angles and long path lengths to determine the degree of uncertainty associated with these models under these conditions. Matching data sets were developed with data from the U.S. Air Force Geophysics Laboratory's Flying Infrared Signatures Technology Aircraft (FISTA) as the field reference. The percent difference between the model and the field data was determined. Agreement between the model and the field data was found to be better than 97% for most cases. Median percent difference was within 10% for zenith angles less than 90°.
Shuttle Spacesuit: Fabric/LCVG Model Validation

A detailed spacesuit computational model is being developed at the Langley Research Center for radiation exposure evaluation studies. The details of the construction of the spacesuit are critical to estimation of exposures and assessing the risk to the astronaut on EVA. Past evaluations of spacesuit shielding properties assumed the basic fabric lay-up (Thermal Micrometeroid Garment, fabric restraints, and pressure envelope) and Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) could be homogenized as a single layer overestimating the protective properties over 60 percent of the fabric area. The present spacesuit model represents the inhomogeneous distributions of LCVG materials (mainly the water filled cooling tubes). An experimental test is performed using a 34-MeV proton beam and high-resolution detectors to compare with model-predicted transmission factors. Some suggestions are made on possible improved construction methods to improve the spacesuit s protection properties.
Differential levels of specific cytochrome c biogenesis proteins in response to oxygen: analysis of the ccl operon in Rhodobacter capsulatus.

The photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus synthesizes c-type cytochromes under a variety of growth conditions. For example, under aerobic growth, c-type cytochromes are synthesized as part of an electron transport pathway, using oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor. Anaerobically in the light, R. capsulatus requires cytochrome bc1 and other c-type cytochromes for the photosynthetic electron transport pathway. It is shown here that the ccl1 and ccl2 genes of R. capsulatus are required for the synthesis of all c-type cytochromes, including the cytochrome c9 protein of unknown function but of structural similarity to cytochrome b562. Polar and nonpolar mutations constructed in each gene demonstrated that the ccl12 genes form an operon. Expression of the ccl12 genes was examined by using lacZ and phoA fusions as translational reporters. Primer extension analysis was used to determine transcriptional control and the start site of the ccl12 promoter. Finally, antiserum to the Ccl2 protein was used to quantitate levels of Ccl2 under six different growth conditions. The Ccl2 protein is present at 20-fold-higher levels under conditions where oxygen is present. In contrast, other cytochromes c biogenesis proteins, HelA and HelX, previously shown to be part of an helABCDX operon, are at relatively similar levels under these six growth conditions. This discovery is discussed in terms of the physiology and evolution of cytochromes c biogenesis, with particular attention to oxidative environments.
Voltage Contrast Inspection Methodology for Inline Detection of Missing Spacer and Other Nonvisual Defects

A test structure specifically designed to allow inline detection of missing spacer is introduced. Missing spacer is too small to be physically detected with any current inspection tool and therefore its existence must be flagged using voltage contrast for detection with an e-beam inspection system. The structure and methodology used to address this defect during the ramp of a recent technology is described. Key benefits include a dramatically faster learning cycle and much better signal-to-noise ratio for split experiment evaluation. Missing spacer is one example of a growing class of nonvisual defects which will greatly impact future semiconductor technologies. General principles for designing test structures to detect these defect types are discussed.
Manufacturer-to-Retailer Versus Manufacturer-to-Consumer Rebates in a Supply Chain

Starting with a newsvendor model (single-product, single-period, stochastic demand), we build a single-retailer, single-manufacturer supply chain with endogenous manufacturer rebates and retail pricing. The demand uncertainty is multiplicative, and the expected demand depends on the effective (retail) price of the product. A retailer rebate goes from the manufacturer to the retailer for each unit it sells. A consumer rebate goes from the manufacturer to the consumers for each unit they buy. Each consumer’s response to consumer rebates is characterized by two exogenous parameters: α, the effective fraction of the consumer rebate that the consumer values, leading to the lower effective retail price perceived by the consumer, and β, the probability that a consumer rebate will be redeemed. The type(s) of rebate(s) allowed and the unit wholesale price are given exogenously. Simultaneously, the manufacturer sets the size of the rebate(s) and the retailer sets the retail price. The retailer then decides how many units of the product to stock and the manufacturer delivers that amount by the beginning of the selling season. Compared to no rebates, an equilibrium retailer rebate leads to a lower effective price (hence, higher sales volume) and higher profits for both the supply chain and the retailer. An equilibrium consumer rebate also leads to a lower effective price and higher profits for the retailer, but not necessarily for the chain. Under our assumptions, such a consumer rebate (with or without a retailer rebate) allocates a fixed fraction of the (expected) supply chain profits to each player: The retailer gets \(\alpha/(\alpha+\beta)\) and the manufacturer gets the rest, leading to interesting consequences. However, both firms prefer that α be higher and β lower: Even though the manufacturer gets a smaller share of the chain profits, the total amount received is higher. Neither the retailer nor the manufacturer always prefers one particular kind of rebate to the other. In addition, contrary to popular belief, it is possible for both firms to prefer consumer rebates even when all such rebates are redeemed.
Facilitated vertical gastric pouch construction for gastric bypass

Background: Efforts to simplify and reduce surgical risk of gastric pouch construction in super obese patients have led to technical changes which are described. Methods: Operative technique of vertical gastric pouch construction and hand-sewn Roux gastrojejunostomy are described. Results: 171 patients with average BMI = 55 have undergone gastric bypass with the modified technique, a majority with double stapling of the gastric pouch. Staple-line dehiscence is reduced and operative morbidity is limited. Conclusions: Technical changes described have shortened operative time, reduced intraoperative frustrations, and produced limited postoperative morbidity.
Model Analysis Of An Overland Flow Waste Treatment System. I. Accumulation Of Dry Matter And Plant Nutrients With Time

Land application is widely used for treatment of animal waste. One of the methods is overland flow treatment where soil properties favor surface runoff over infiltration. In these systems the land is graded to a uniform slope on which a grass cover is established. The grass is then harvested periodically. In this article an empirical model is used to describe accumulation of dry matter and plant nutrients with time. Data from a field study are used to illustrate the procedures for model parameter evaluation. Treatments of the study included a control, inorganic fertilizer, and three loading rates with effluent from a swine lagoon. The empirical model of crop growth provides a relatively simple means of accounting for accumulation of plant biomass and nutrients over the season. #Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. R-08843.
Prehospital Naloxone Administration as a Public Health Surveillance Tool: A Retrospective Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Abuse or unintended overdose (OD) of opiates and heroin may result in prehospital and emergency department (ED) care. Prehospital naloxone use has been suggested as a surrogate marker of community opiate ODs. The study objective was to verify externally whether prehospital naloxone use is a surrogate marker of community opiate ODs by comparing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) naloxone administration records to an independent database of ED visits for opiate and heroin ODs in the same community. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of prehospital and ED data from July 2009 through June 2013 was conducted. Prehospital naloxone administration data obtained from the electronic medical records (EMRs) of a large private EMS provider serving a metropolitan area were considered a surrogate marker for suspected opiate OD. Comparison data were obtained from the regional trauma/psychiatric ED that receives the majority of the OD patients. The ED maintains a de-identified database of narcotic-related visits for surveillance of narcotic use in the metropolitan area. The ED database was queried for ODs associated with opiates or heroin. Cross-correlation analysis was used to test if prehospital naloxone administration was independent of ED visits for opiate/heroin ODs. RESULTS: Naloxone was administered during 1,812 prehospital patient encounters, and 1,294 ED visits for opiate/heroin ODs were identified. The distribution of patients in the prehospital and ED datasets did not differ by gender, but it did differ by race and age. The frequency of naloxone administration by prehospital providers varied directly with the frequency of ED visits for opiate/heroin ODs. A monthly increase of two ED visits for opiate-related ODs was associated with an increase in one prehospital naloxone administration (cross-correlation coefficient [CCF]=0.44; P=.0021). A monthly increase of 100 ED visits for heroin-related ODs was associated with an increase in 94 prehospital naloxone administrations (CCF=0.46; P=.0012). CONCLUSIONS: Frequency of naloxone administration by EMS providers in the prehospital setting varied directly with frequency of opiate/heroin OD-related ED visits. The data correlated both for short-term frequency and longer term trends of use. However, there was a marked difference in demographic data suggesting neither data source alone should be relied upon to determine which populations are at risk within the community. Lindstrom HA , Clemency BM , Snyder R , Consiglio JD , May PR , Moscati RM. Prehospital naloxone administration as a public health surveillance tool: a retrospective validation study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(4):1-5. Language: en
Stable PDM control in the presence of state dependent noise

Pulse duration modulation (PDM), often referred to as pulse width modulation (PWM), is a simple and effective means of remotely controlling linear autonomous dynamical systems. [1]-[6] However, state-dependent noise can cause a PDM control policy to become unstable. Sufficient conditions which guarantee asymptotic PDM controller stability, in the large, with probability one, are presented.
Coping and Defense Mechanisms: What's the Difference?

Defense mechanisms and coping strategies are discussed as two different types of adaptational processes. They may be clearly differentiated on the basis of the psychological processes involved, but not on the basis of their relation to outcome measures. Criteria that critically differentiate between defense and coping processes include the conscious/unconscious status and the intentional/nonintentional nature of the processes. Criteria based on the dispositional or situational status of the process, and on the conceptualization of the processes as hierarchical, are found to be more a matter of emphasis than of critical difference. A criterion that attempts to differentiate between defense and coping processes on the basis of their relation to psychological or physical health is found to be without support once the bias in self-report outcome measures is recognized.
StereoCut: Consistent interactive object selection in stereo image pairs

Methods of interacting with stereo image pairs are important for handling the increasing amount of stereoscopic 3D data now being produced. In this paper, we introduce a framework for interactively selecting objects in two stereo images simultaneously using graph cut. A key contribution of our method is the use of stereo correspondence probability distributions to govern the strength of the connection between the two images. This allows information from arbitrary stereo matching algorithms to be utilized by our method. We show how to enforce consistency in these distributions to improve the results. For comparisons, we introduce a new dataset of stereo images and ground truth selections. We evaluate different correspondence distributions and show that our method is effective in selecting objects from stereo pairs.
Differential activation of the tcpPH promoter by AphB determines biotype specificity of virulence gene expression in Vibrio cholerae.

ABSTRACT Vibrio cholerae strains of the classical biotype express the genes encoding cholera toxin (CT) and toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) under a variety of environmental conditions in vitro, whereas El Tor biotype strains express these genes only under specialized culture conditions. We show here that a single base-pair difference at positions −65 and −66 of the classical and El TortcpPH promoters, respectively, is responsible for the differential regulation of virulence gene expression in these two disease-causing biotypes. Analysis of tcpP-lacZ fusions in both V. cholerae and Escherichia coli indicated that transcriptional activation of the El Tor tcpPHpromoter by the LysR regulator AphB was significantly reduced relative to that of the classical promoter. Reciprocal exchange of thetcpPH promoter between the two biotypes in V. cholerae showed that the ability to activate the transcription oftcpPH is not dependent on the biotype of the strain per se but on the tcpPH promoter itself. Classical and El TortcpP-lacZ promoter chimeras in E. colilocalized the region responsible for the differential activation oftcpPH by AphB to within 75 bp of the transcriptional start site. Individual base-pair changes within this region showed that the presence of either an A or a G at position −65 or −66 conferred the classical or El Tor, respectively, pattern of tcpPHactivation by AphB. Reciprocal exchange of these base pairs between biotypes in V. cholerae switched the biotype-specific pattern of expression of tcpPH as well as the production of CT and TCP in response to environmental stimuli.
Histamine Formation in Abusively Stored Pacific Mackerel: Effect of CO2‐Modified Atmosphere

Whole Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus) were abusively stored at 20°C in air or 80% CO2, balance air. Samples were analyzed for amines using a modified amino acid analyzer. Following 24 hr storage, levels of histamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine increased only slightly above the low levels observed initially. During the next 24 hr, the amine content increased dramatically. Levels in the air control samples were about twice those in the modified atmosphere samples. In a separate trial, amine levels in fish stored 3 days were higher still and similar in the two atmospheres. Thus, in neither trial did CO2-modified atmosphere storage lead to increased production of potentially toxic amines.
Numerical modeling of (D+1)-dimensional solitons in a sign-alternating nonlinear medium with an adaptive fast Hankel split-step method

We present a novel technique to numerically solve transverse and pulsed optical beam or light bullet propagation in a layered alternating self-focusing and self-defocusing medium based on the scalar nonlinear Schrodinger equation in two and three dimensions with cylindrical and spherical symmetry, respectively. Using fast algorithms for Hankel transform along with adaptive longitudinal stepping and transverse grid management in a symmetrized split-step technique, it is possible to accurately study many nonlinear effects, including the possibility of spatiotemporal collapse, or the collapse-arresting mechanism due to a sign-alternating nonlinearity coefficient. Also, by using the variational approximation technique, we can prove that stable (D+1)-dimensional soliton beams and optical bullets exist in these media.
Marine and Meteoric Diagenesis of Pleistocene Carbonates from a Nearshore Submarine Terrace, Oahu, Hawaii

ABSTRACT The nearshore slope of Oahu consists of a shallowly dipping shelf extending from the shoreline out to the -20 m contour, where there is a sharp break in slope down to -30 m. Limestones recovered in a series of short cores taken from this nearshore terrace are typical of shallow-marine reef environments and comprise either a branching-coral or massive-coral facies. The composition as well as shoreward zonation of facies suggests that the terrace represents an in situ fossil reef complex. Th-U ages of in situ corals are all Pleistocene and suggest that the bulk of the feature formed during marine oxygen isotope stage 7. Later accretion along the seaward front of the terrace occurred during marine oxygen isotope substages 5a and/or 5c. Deposition during these interglacial highstands has not previously been documented in the sea-level record on Oahu. Although the diagenetic record in the cored samples is incomplete, three periods of diagenesis are identified: early shallow marine, meteoric, and post-meteoric shallow marine. Early shallow-marine diagenesis includes cementation by aragonite and Mg calcite in an active marine phreatic zone and predominantly micritization in a stagnant marine phreatic zone. Meteoric processes occurred in the vadose zone and include precipitation of calcite (needle fibers, meniscus cements, micritic networks), neomorphism, and dissolution. All limestones are now in an active marine phreatic zone. Evidence of post-meteoric shallow-marine diagenesis is found in last-generation Mg calcite cements and internal sediments occurring directly on limestone substrates that have otherwise been stabilized to calcite. The present seafloor is undergoing extensive biological and physical erosion. No Holocene limestones were recovered. Petrographic and geochemical signatures of subaerial exposure and meteoric diagenesis are recognized within the upper several centimeters of all cores. Thus, the present seafloor in the study area is a flooded Pleistocene subaerial exposure surface.
Neural repair in facial paralysis: Clinical and experimental studies

Acute facial nerve injuries involving the total facial nerve (n = 202) and its segmental branches (n = 63) were repaired with a variety of neural (n = 225) and myofascial transfer (n = 40). A system for evaluating results based on facial symmetry and tone at rest, recovery of voluntary mimetic activity, synkinesis, and recovery of selective function in discrete facial nerve divisions is presented. The best results were achieved with immediate direct end-to-end neural-epineural anastomotic repairs. The least favorable results were seen with myofascial transpositions and long extratemporal rerouted autologous nerve grafts. A series of tissue culture and animal experiments were used to examine structural changes in neural repair. The requirements for successful motoneuron regeneration, causes of synkinesis and methods for nerve stump coaptation are elucidated. Tubulation experiments demonstrated the need for neurotrophic and neuropromotive factors. Problems associated with the use of autologous nerve grafts are discussed.
A neural model of border-ownership from kinetic occlusion.

Camouflaged animals that have very similar textures to their surroundings are difficult to detect when stationary. However, when an animal moves, humans readily see a figure at a different depth than the background. How do humans perceive a figure breaking camouflage, even though the texture of the figure and its background may be statistically identical in luminance? We present a model that demonstrates how the primate visual system performs figure–ground segregation in extreme cases of breaking camouflage based on motion alone. Border-ownership signals develop as an emergent property in model V2 units whose receptive fields are nearby kinetically defined borders that separate the figure and background. Model simulations support border-ownership as a general mechanism by which the visual system performs figure–ground segregation, despite whether figure–ground boundaries are defined by luminance or motion contrast. The gradient of motion- and luminance-related border-ownership signals explains the perceived depth ordering of the foreground and background surfaces. Our model predicts that V2 neurons, which are sensitive to kinetic edges, are selective to border-ownership (magnocellular B cells). A distinct population of model V2 neurons is selective to border-ownership in figures defined by luminance contrast (parvocellular B cells). B cells in model V2 receive feedback from neurons in V4 and MT with larger receptive fields to bias border-ownership signals toward the figure. We predict that neurons in V4 and MT sensitive to kinetically defined figures play a crucial role in determining whether the foreground surface accretes, deletes, or produces a shearing motion with respect to the background.
Dimethyl 2,3‐Pentadienedioate

Dimethyl 2,3-Pentadienedioate reactant: 60.0 g. (0.297 mole) of diethyl acetone-1,3-dicarboxylate intermediate: dimethyl 3-chloro-2-pentenedioate product: dimethyl 2,3-pentadienedioate Keywords: elimination, dehydrohalogenation; esterification, of dicarboxylic acids; halogenation, chlorination; hydrogen chloride
Interpretation of the Infrared Spectra of Fused Silica

Abstract : A vibrational analysis was performed for fused silica assuming the existence of short range order in the glassy network. This short range order was described by an average structural unit based on the model of alpha-quartz. The analysis consisted of using a group theoretical method and the Wilson FG matrix techniques to predict sixteen normal mode vibrational frequencies based on a diagonal force field. The most probable value of the three force constants, which were obtained by making the best fit between the calculated vibrational frequencies and the measured spectral values, is: K sub r = 480,000 dynes/cm Si-0 stretching; K sub alpha = 35,000 dynes/cm 0-Si-0 bending; K sub beta = 5,000 dynes/cm Si-0-Si bending. Although adherence to the selection rules was not observed, fifteen out of the sixteen predicted frequencies were within the experimental spectra of fused silica reported in the literature. (Author)
The NREL Large-Scale Turbine Inflow and Response Experiment: Preliminary Results

The accurate numerical dynamic simulation of new large-scale wind turbine designs operating over a wide range of inflow environments is critical because it is usually impractical to test prototypes in a variety of locations. Large turbines operate in a region of the atmospheric boundary layer that currently may not be adequately simulated by present turbulence codes. In this paper, we discuss the development and use of a 42-m (137-ft) planar array of five, high-resolution sonic anemometers upwind of a 600-kW wind turbine at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). The objective of this experiment is to obtain simultaneously collected turbulence information from the inflow array and the corresponding structural response of the turbine. The turbulence information will be used for comparison with that predicted by currently available codes and establish any systematic differences. These results will be used to improve the performance of the turbulence simulations. The sensitivities of key elements of the turbine aeroelastic and structural response to a range of turbulence-sc aling parameters will be established for comparisons with other turbines and operating environments. In this paper, we present an overview of the experiment, and offer examples of two observed cases of inflow characteristics and turbine response collected under daytime and nighttime conditions, and compare their turbulence properties with predictions. *
Validation of PowerPC/sup TM/ custom memories using symbolic simulation

This paper describes the use of Symbolic Trajectory Evaluation (STE), a modified form of symbolic simulation, to verify the equivalence between RTL and transistor-level representations of on-chip custom memories for the latest PowerPC microprocessor. The validation of embedded memories and their associated control logic poses a special problem for traditional formal equivalence checking tools due to the inherently sequential and self-timed nature of the internal control logic and the large number of state-holding elements. The use of the VERSYS STE engine to validate these custom memories is illustrated. We present our array verification methodology, discuss some of the results of our approach, and outline plans for future development.
Buprenorphine/naloxone therapy for opioid refractory neuropathic pain following traumatic amputation: a case series.

ABSTRACTPhantom limb pain is a common consequence of limb amputation and is prevalent among the service members sustaining traumatic battlefield limb injuries during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Current treatment to relieve phantom limb pain consists of physical, behavioral, and medical modalities including opioids and adjunct medications. Treatment failure resulting in persistent pain and disability may result. This case series describes four previously healthy service members who developed phantom limb pain following traumatic amputation successfully treated with buprenorphine/naloxone after failing traditional treatment. This is the first reported case series of patients expressing improved pain control with decreased frequency of phantom limb pain with the use of buprenorphine/naloxone instead of traditional opioid agonists.
Level Up! The Role of Progress Feedback Type for Encouraging Intrinsic Motivation and Positive Brand Attitudes in Public Versus Private Gaming Contexts

Abstract With the popularity of video games and the resulting gamification of everyday activities comes an increase in in-game advertising (IGA). As a result, video game players' engagement and motivation to level-up or master a video game are becoming increasingly important for marketers hoping to increase exposure to their brands. Across two experimental studies, we provide evidence that games played publically (versus privately) are more motivating to players, and also demonstrate the important influence of feedback via building a character or completing a status bar. In study 1, we find that, for public gaming contexts, players experience more enjoyment, effort, and flow when progress is shown via building a character. Furthermore, in study 2 we extend study 1's findings and discover a moderated mediation model for brand attitudes. Specifically, the relationship between public gaming context and brand attitude is mediated by enjoyment and flow. Further, the mediation of enjoyment and flow is moderated by feedback type, where progress affects brand attitude when a character is used for game feedback, but not for status bar feedback. We examine our research questions within the context of intrinsic motivation, specifically self-determination theory.
Rhesus θ-defensin-1 (RTD-1) exhibits in vitro and in vivo activity against cystic fibrosis strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

OBJECTIVES Chronic endobronchial infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa contribute to bronchiectasis and progressive loss of lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a novel macrocyclic peptide, rhesus θ-defensin-1 (RTD-1), by characterizing its in vitro antipseudomonal activity and in vivo efficacy in a murine model of chronic Pseudomonas lung infection. METHODS Antibacterial testing of RTD-1 was performed on 41 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa obtained from cystic fibrosis patients. MIC, MBC, time-kill and post-antibiotic effects were evaluated following CLSI-recommended methodology, but using anion-depleted Mueller-Hinton broth. RTD-1 was nebulized daily for 7 days to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) F508del-homozygous mice infected using the agar bead model of chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection. In vivo activity was evaluated by change in lung bacterial burden, airway leucocytes and body weight. RESULTS RTD-1 exhibited potent in vitro bactericidal activity against mucoid and non-mucoid strains of P. aeruginosa (MIC90 = 8 mg/L). Cross-resistance was not observed when tested against MDR and colistin-resistant isolates. Time-kill studies indicated very rapid, concentration-dependent bactericidal activity of RTD-1 with ≥3 log10 cfu/mL reductions at concentrations ≥4× MIC. No post-antibiotic effect was observed. In vivo, nebulized treatment with RTD-1 significantly decreased lung P. aeruginosa burden (mean difference of -1.30 log10 cfu; P = 0.0061), airway leucocytes (mean difference of -0.37 log10; P = 0.0012) and weight loss (mean difference of -12.62% at day 7; P < 0.05) when compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that RTD-1 is a promising potential therapeutic agent for cystic fibrosis airway disease.
An iterative approach to Rank Minimization Problems

This paper investigates an iterative approach to solve the Rank Minimization Problems (RMPs) constrained in a convex set. The matrix rank function is discontinuous and nonconvex and the general RMP is classified as NP-hard. A continuous function is firstly introduced to approximately represent the matrix rank function with prescribed accuracy by selecting appropriate parameters. The RMPs are then converted to rank constrained optimization problems. An Iterative Rank Minimization (IRM) method is proposed to gradually approach the constrained rank. Convergence proof of the IRM method using the duality theory and Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions is provided. Two representative applications of RMP, matrix completion and output feedback stabilization problems, are presented to verify the feasibility and improved performance of the proposed IRM method.
A ranking of journals for the aspiring health economist

ABSTRACTThis article identifies and ranks 104 journals that might logically serve as the core for the interdisciplinary field of Health Economics. These journals are identified by analysing approximately 15 000 articles contained in the current CVs of 100 top health economists. Of the nearly 1200 journals spanned by these CVs, 104 journals were outlets for more than five of these top health economists. The 104 journals are ranked using eigenfactor and article influence scores as well as the percentile rank for each journal within its Institute for Scientific Information category. The primary intention is to create a broad-based journal list that exposes possible research outlets for aspiring health economists and to report the relative rankings of such outlets using established metrics.
Unlubricated Tribological Performance of Aromatic Thermosetting Polyester (ATSP) Coatings Under Different Temperature Conditions

The bearing systems in electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) require high-temperature and high-wear-resistance materials, which can improve the running life of ESPs and reduce the maintenance cost for oil wells. We report on the tribological performance of high-bearing Aromatic Thermosetting Polyester (ATSP) coatings, which were electrostatically spray-coated. ATSP coatings were tested under a sphere-on-disk configuration from room temperature to 260 °C. ATSP coatings showed “zero” wear under moderate load conditions (5 N, 70 MPa) and all temperatures and under higher loading conditions (10 N, 88 MPa) and room temperature. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the wear of the coating was mainly from burnishing of the asperity peaks of the coating. At the higher load and temperature (10 N, 260 °C), the coating failed due to cracks formed by elastic fatigue. For comparison, a commercial thermoplastic PEEK/PTFE coating was also tested under the same conditions. Unlike ATSP, PEEK/PTFE showed abrasive wear grooves and adhesive wear debris under its glass transition temperature. At temperatures higher than its glass transition temperature, PEEK/PTFE showed adhesive wear and plastic deformation.
Reality and Business Policy Decisions

The article examines assumed reality with respect to business policy decisions. The author argues that managers create the facts, truth and reality on which they base their decisions and when the d...
Preclinical Efficacy of Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine in the Brain Microenvironment

BACKGROUND Central nervous system (CNS) metastases represent a major problem in the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer because of the disappointing efficacy of HER2-targeted therapies against brain lesions. The antibody-drug conjugate ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) has shown efficacy in trastuzumab-resistant systemic breast cancer. Here, we tested the hypothesis that T-DM1 could overcome trastuzumab resistance in murine models of brain metastases. METHODS We treated female nude mice bearing BT474 or MDA-MB-361 brain metastases (n = 9-11 per group) or cancer cells grown in organotypic brain slice cultures with trastuzumab or T-DM1 at equivalent or equipotent doses. Using intravital imaging, molecular techniques and histological analysis we determined tumor growth, mouse survival, cancer cell apoptosis and proliferation, tumor drug distribution, and HER2 signaling. Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Coefficient of Determination. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS T-DM1 delayed the growth of HER2-positive breast cancer brain metastases compared with trastuzumab. These findings were consistent between HER2-driven and PI3K-driven tumors. The activity of T-DM1 resulted in a survival benefit (median survival for BT474 tumors: 28 days for trastuzumab vs 112 days for T-DM1, hazard ratio = 6.2, 95% confidence interval = 6.1 to 85.84, P < .001). No difference in drug distribution or HER2-signaling was revealed between the two groups. However, T-DM1 led to a statistically significant increase in tumor cell apoptosis (one-way ANOVA for ApopTag, P < .001), which was associated with mitotic catastrophe. CONCLUSIONS T-DM1 can overcome resistance to trastuzumab therapy in HER2-driven or PI3K-driven breast cancer brain lesions due to the cytotoxicity of the DM1 component. Clinical investigation of T-DM1 for patients with CNS metastases from HER2-positive breast cancer is warranted.
Analysis of prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Jining City from 2005 to 2009

Aim To investigate prevqlant trend and features of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) in Jining City.Methods The detection results of HIV/AIDS from 2005 to 2009 in Jining City were analyzed.Results There 190 HIV-infected patients were detected in five years,including 75 drug users with an infection rate of 7.99%;4 HIV-infected were detected from voluntary consultants with an infection rate of 0.48%;and 112 HIV-infected cases were confirmed by AIDS network laboratory with an infected rate of 47.66%.Conclusion The infection rate of HIV in Jining City is relatively low,but it is increasing quickly.Thus effective prevention and treatment measures be adopted to control the spread of HIV/AIDS in this city.
Betrayal! The 1806 English translation of Pinel's traité médico-philosophique sur l'aliénation mentale ou la manie.

The translation of important work in science and medicine into the major vernacular languages became imperative when Latin went out of fashion some two hundred years ago. Unfortunately the choice of the translators remained haphazard and without standards as to their qualifications. The only English translation of Philippe Pinel's masterpiece, the Traite medico-philosophique sur l'alienation mentale ou la manie, is a sad example of betrayal by its translator. The Traite appeared in Paris in 1800 and was issued in English in 1806 by the well-known London publishers Cadell and Davies. Why did they choose a young obstetrician from Sheffield, David Daniel Davis (1777-1841)? Fragmentary sources indicate that one Sayer Walker, M.D., who had known Pinel in Montpellier, acted as intermediary. This article investigates the flaws of the translation and the bias of the translator, with fatal consequences for the Anglo-American literature in the history of mental illness.
Association of Ambient Air Pollution with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Older Adults: Results from the NSHAP Study.

Background:Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is among the most prevalent sources of environmentally induced inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are implicated in the pathogenesis...
Developing Conservative Mechanical Shock Specifications

Mechanical shock testing and analysis are integral parts of developing new high-value items and ensuring their capability to withstand the environments to which they will be exposed. Most conventional methods for specifying mechanical shock environments provide no mathematically defensible correlation between their parameters and the damage-causing potential of the environment, thus warranting the study of new methods to specify shock environments. In this paper, a variety of parameters that correlate to the damage-causing potential of a shock environment are identified. The parameters investigated are restricted to those that can be constrained during a real-time laboratory test. An analytical study using a sensitivity analysis determined the effect of each parameter on the damage-causing potential of a shock environment. These parameters are used to create shock specifications and investigate the simulated response of a structure. The parameters generated in this study improve mechanical shock testing by providing a strong correlation between the shock environment and the damage-causing potential of a mechanical shock.
Heterogeneous structures formed by conserved RNA sequences within the HIV reverse transcription initiation site.

Reverse transcription is a key process in the early steps of HIV infection. This process initiates within a specific complex formed by the 5′ UTR of the HIV genomic RNA (vRNA) and a host primer tRNALys3. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, we detect two distinct conformers adopted by the tRNA/vRNA initiation complex. We directly show that an interaction between the conserved 8-nucleotide viral RNA primer activation signal (PAS) and the primer tRNA occurs in one of these conformers. This intermolecular PAS interaction likely induces strain on a vRNA intramolecular helix, which must be broken for reverse transcription to initiate. We propose a mechanism by which this vRNA/tRNA conformer relieves the kinetic block formed by the vRNA intramolecular helix to initiate reverse transcription.
Blocking change: facing the drag of status quo fisheries institutions

Under what conditions can international environmental institutions survive changing power alignments? This article argues that relatively declining powers and private domestic actors play an important role in preserving the status quo because they are eager to retain advantages that existing institutions afford them. This effort to block change affects fisheries negotiations, in particular, by allowing powerful actors to avoid new rules once an institution is in place. I hypothesize, first, that relatively declining fishing powers attempt to retain past institutional successes, while emerging fishing powers seek to alter the status quo. Second, negotiating positions reflect not only a country’s position in the world, but also the access provided to domestic stakeholders who wish to gain, or fear losses, from new agreements. Therefore, I hypothesize that powerful beneficiaries in domestic politics push relatively declining powers to support the status quo when those private actors benefit from highly legalized past agreements and participate in foreign policy decisions. I test these hypotheses by exploring US and EU approaches to fisheries treaty negotiations through archival research and interviews with fisheries negotiators. The evidence supports hypotheses that status quo powers seek to protect earlier deals more intensely when they negotiate with rising fishing powers, and when private parties are most influential. As hypothesized, both governments are particularly protective of the most complex earlier agreements under these conditions.
Threshold of Calcium Influx After Global and Focal Ischemia: Implications for the Window of Therapeutic Opportunity

Extensive experimental evidence has confirmed that the early events of ischemia-induced neuronal damage are characterized by excessive influx of calcium [13, 14]. Activation of calcium-dependent enzymes such as protein kinase C, calmodulin (CaM) kinase II, calpain I, calcineurin, and phospholipase A2 is believed to play a major role in neuronal excitotoxicity [2, 4, 5, 16]. In addition, therapeutic intervention with agents which target either voltage- or receptor-mediated ion channels are found to have neuroprotective affects in animal models of focal and global ischemia [6, 7, 12, 14]. Despite these findings, the results of clinical therapeutic trials using these agents have thus far been inconclusive in human stroke patients [1]. Possible explanations for these results include differences in vulnerability between human and animal neurons, lower dose tolerance due to coexisting cardiovascular disease, and insensitivity in methods of detecting modest neuronal protection in humans.
The Core Anytown Design and Development Process

This chapter provides an in-depth description of the design process used to create the Anytown literacy learning game. Here, we detail the ADDIE model approach used to broadly guide the creation of content in order to match a social constructivist pedagogy with the learning affordances of game. We explain the virtual and real world relationships that were expected to contextualize learning and foster transfer between the digital environment and real world practices.
Nanoscale characterization of forensically relevant epithelial cells and surface associated extracellular DNA

Atomic force microscopy provides a novel morphological and physico-chemical perspective to analyze epithelial cell samples in forensic investigations. As a nanoscale, single cell tool, it allows the investigation of scarce samples in a non-destructive fashion. Using chemical force spectroscopy, it permits the identification of specific functional groups or surface molecules. Of specific interest is the presence of extracellular DNA (eDNA) on the surface of epithelial cells that line the exterior skin and interior cavities of human bodies, and can transfer onto surfaces through contact with skin and saliva. To date, this eDNA has only been measured a bulk level. Here, using nanoscale imaging, we first describe the unique differences between keratinized epithelial cells and non-keratinized buccal cells. Then via a force mapping technique, we show how eDNA can be spatially located and quantified on the cell surface. Our results suggest that presence and relative quantity of surface-associated, extracellular DNA signatures can be analyzed on individual epithelial cells from different tissue sources, providing a new tool in the forensic analysis of touch samples.