cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimates for the stability of low-pass filters

A measure of stability is defined for digital filters. It is shown that the stability of low-pass filters goes to zero as the filter characteristics approach that of an ideal low-pass filter. More precisely, estimates for the rate of convergence are given. It is shown that, except for constants, the stability of a low-pass filter is no greater than the square root of the reciprocal of the logarithm of the transition bandwidth. For linear phase filters the square root may be removed. These estimates are shown to be optimal for the case of linear phase filters.
Does the introduction of a new player, the endoplasmic reticulum, create more or less confusion in understanding the mechanism(s) of pigmentary organelle translocations ?

In 1925, Wilson listed, in his classic third edition of Cell in Development and Heredity, four theories for the morphological and physiological characteristics of cytoplasm; each theory provided some sort of explanation as to the mechanism(s) of organelle translocations. During the past twenty years, cell biologists have focused their attentions on the cell's cytoskeleton, microtrabecular lattice, and associated mechanochemical motors which drive organelles along cytoskeletal tracks. A number of cell types have been used to study organelle translocations, but chromatophores, pigment cells, from cold-blooded vertebrates have been one of the more popular models. This article reviews some of the research findings during the past twenty years, particularly those involving cytoplasmic elements: i.e, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules, and mechanochemical motors. In addition, it contrasts the proposed involvement of these elements in organelle translocations with the endoplasmic reticulum, a tubulovesicular organelle, which we recently demonstrated is responsible, through its elongation or retraction, for the translocations of carotenoid droplets in goldfish xanthophores and swordtail fish erythrophores. Here, the carotenoid droplets are not free in the cytoplasm and do not translocate via cytoskeletal tracks, but instead are attached to or are a part of the endoplasmic reticulum. On the other hand, carotenoid droplets of squirrel fish erythrophores are free in the cytoplasm and appear to translocate via microtubules. Finally, the rates of pigmentary organelle translocations are reviewed in light of the participation of the cytoskeletal elements with the endoplasmic reticulum.
Injection seeding. I. Theory

Injection seeding has proven to be a practical method of controlling the spectral output of a laser in an efficient and reliable manner. To achieve satisfactory injection seeding performance, a sufficiently large seed must be employed. To characterize the required seed, an injection seeding theory is developed here which establishes two interrelated concepts, threshold for injection seeding and spectral purity of the laser output. Rather than utilizing numerical techniques to solve the differential equations, closed-form expressions for the threshold are developed for not only common continuous wave injection seeding but pulsed injection seeding as well. In addition, effects of alignment of the seed to the resonator, both in position and angle, and effects of frequency mismatch, or difference between the seed and the resonant frequencies of the resonator, are taken into account. Expressions for the threshold utilize readily measurable experimental parameters. Spectral purity of the laser output and its consequences on the required seed power or energy are also explored. >
E1A can provoke G1 exit that is refractory to p21 and independent of activating Cdk2

E1A can evoke G1 exit in cardiac myocytes and other cell types by displacing E2F transcription factors from tumor suppressor "pocket" proteins and by a less well-characterized p300-dependent pathway. Bypassing pocket proteins (through overexpression of E2F-1) reproduces the effect of inactivating pocket proteins (through E1A binding); however, pocket proteins associate with a number of molecular targets apart from E2F. Hence, pocket protein binding by E1A might engage mechanisms for cell cycle reentry beyond those induced by E2F-1. To test this hypothesis, we used adenoviral gene transfer to express various E2F-1 and E1A proteins in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes that are already refractory to mitogenic serum, in the absence or presence of several complementary cell cycle inhibitors-p16, p21, or dominant-negative cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (Cdk2). Rb binding by E2F-1 was neither necessary nor sufficient for G1 exit, whereas DNA binding was required; thus, exogenous E2F-1 did not merely function by competing for the Rb "pocket." E2F-1-induced G1 exit was blocked by the "universal" Cdk inhibitor p21 but not by p16, a specific inhibitor of Cdk4/6; p21 was permissive for E2F-1 induction of cyclins E and A, but prevented their stimulation of Cdk2 kinase activity. In addition, E2F-1-induced G1 exit was blocked by dominant-negative Cdk2. Forced expression of cyclin E induced endogenous Cdk2 activity but not G1 exit. Thus, E2F-1-induced Cdk2 function was necessary, although not sufficient, to trigger DNA synthesis in cardiac muscle cells. In contrast, pocket protein-binding forms of E1A induced G1 exit that was resistant to inhibition by p21, whereas G1 exit via the E1A p300 pathway was sensitive to inhibition by p21. Both E1A pathways-via pocket proteins and via p300-upregulated cyclins E and A and Cdk2 activity, consistent with a role for Cdk2 in G1 exit induced by E1A. However, p21 blocked Cdk2 kinase activity induced by both E1A pathways equally. Thus, E1A can cause G1 exit without an increase in Cdk2 activity, if the pocket protein-binding domain is intact. E1A also overrides p21 in U2OS cells, provided the pocket protein-binding domain is intact; thus, this novel function of E1A is not exclusive to cardiac muscle cells. In summary, E1A binding to pocket proteins has effects beyond those produced by E2F-1 alone and can drive S-phase entry that is resistant to p21 and independent of an increase in Cdk2 function. This suggests the potential involvement of other endogenous Rb-binding proteins or of alternative E1A targets.
Potassium conductance in Müller cells of fish

The distribution of potassium conductance across the surface of retinal glial (Muller) cells was determined in three species of fishes: two teleosts, the goldfish (Carassius auratus) and the alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), and an elasmobranch, the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). Potassium conductance was measured by monitoring cell depolarizations evoked by focal ejections of a 15 mEq/L K+ solution onto the surface of freshly dissociated cells. The K+ conductance distributions observed in these three species resembled those found previously in other animals with avascular retinas. In both alewife and dogfish, K+ conductance was highest in the endfoot; K+ conductance in the distal half of these cells ranged from 7.0 to 22.9% of the endfoot conductance. In goldfish, in contrast, K+ conductance was highest in the proximal region of the proximal process (114% of the endfoot conductance). As in the two other species, however, K+ conductance in goldfish was low in the distal half of the cell (7.6 to 40.1% of endfoot conductance). Mean input resistance values of isolated cells were as follows: goldfish, 12.5 M omega; alewife, 26.4 M omega; dogfish, 38.0 M omega. The high resistance of dogfish Muller cells lacking their endfeet (749 M omega) indicates that 95% of the cell membrane conductance is located in or near the endfoot in this species.
A Review of Chemical and Physical Properties as Indicators of Forest Soil Quality: Challenges and Opportunities

Foresters have always relied on a knowledge of chemical and physical properties of soils to assess capacity of sites to support productive forests. Recently, the need for assessing soil properties has expanded because of growing public interest in determining consequences of management practices on the quality of soil relative to sustainability of forest ecosystem functions in addition to plant productivity. The concept of soil quality includes assessment of soil properties and processes as they relate to ability of soil to function effectively as a component of a healthy ecosystem. Specific functions and subsequent values provided by forest ecosystems are variable and rely on numerous soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes, which can differ across spatial and temporal scales. Choice of a standard set of specific properties as indicators of soil quality can be complex and will vary among forest systems and management objectives. Indices of forest soil quality which incorporate soil chemical, physical, and biological properties will be most readily adopted if they are sensitive to management-induced changes, easily measured, relevant across sites or over time, inexpensive, closely linked to measurement of desired values, and adaptable for specific ecosystems. This paper traces development of the concept of soil quality, explores use of soil chemical and physical properties as determinants of forest soil quality, and presents challenges and opportunities for forest soil scientists to play a relevant role in assessment and advancement of sustainable forest management by developing the concept of soil quality as an indicator of sustainability.
Representation of behavioral methodology in experimental psychology textbooks

Aswillbefamiliar tomostreaders ofthis journal, behavior analysis may bedefined, atleast inpart, byhowit interprets behavioral phenomenaand byitsmethodofscientific investigation. Behavior analysts seekexplanations "inthehistory ofbehavior-environment interactions, withtheeventualgoalbeingparsimonious, quantitative explanations basedona small numberofprinciples. Theseprinciples aredescribed intermsoffactors that aresubject (atleast inprinciple) todi
When Sexual and Religious Orientation Collide: Considerations in Working with Conflicted Same-Sex Attracted Male Clients

The debate among scholars and gay activists and religious/political activists about the appropriateness and efficacy of conversion therapy has left out a number of individuals for whom neither gay-affirmative nor conversion therapy may be indicated. The present discussion, through the use of case material, offers considerations for the practitioner who seeks to assist same-sex attracted male clients in the integration of their conflicting religious and sexual selves. Issues of attachment, social and family considerations, religious and spiritual factors, and developing familiarity with the gay community are considered. Ethical considerations of treatment are discussed.
Gender differences in patenting activity: An examination of the US biotechnology industry

The gender gap in science and technology has received considerable attention by both researchers and policy makers. In an effort to better understand the quantity, quality, and underlying characteristics of female research efforts, I integrate three existing databases to uncover how female patenting activities differ from men’s in the US biotechnology industry. Data on how much science the patents build upon, the author institutions of that science, and who funded the papers in which the science appears are all examined. In addition, using the NBER Patent Citation Data Files, I propose a possible gender-based life cycle model for patenting activity. The policy implications of my findings are also discussed.
Enhancement and verification among newly married couples

Traditionally, self-enhancement and self-verification are seen as competing motives. This presumption has typically resulted in tests of people's preference between them rather than an examination of their unique effects. The current study seeks to differentiate between the effects of self-enhancement and self-verification for measures of individual self-esteem and trust in one's spouse. Results indicate that separate unique effects do exist on self-esteem for wives, but only an effect for self-verification was found for husbands. In contrast, neither variable was found to exert an effect on wives' or husbands' trust in their spouse. The theoretical implications of these findings, along with some potential limitations, are discussed.
Reel‐to‐Reel Continuous Chemical Solution Deposition of Epitaxial Gd2O3 Buffer Layers on Biaxially Textured Metal Tapes for the Fabrication of YBa2Cu3O7−δ Coated Conductors

A nonvacuum reel-to-reel dip-coating system has been used to continuously fabricate epitaxial Gd 2 O 3 buffer layers on mechanically strengthened, biaxially textured Ni-(3 at.% W-1.7 at.% Fe), defined as Ni-alloy, metal tapes. Because of its significance as a seed layer, optimum processing conditions (postannealing speed and temperature) of Gd 2 O 3 buffer layers have been studied. Highly textured films were obtained under reducing (96% Ar + 4% H 2 ) atmosphere at temperatures between 1100° and 1150°C; postannealing speed did not significantly affect the crystalline quality of the Gd 2 O 3 . Scanning electron microscopy revealed a continuous, dense, and crack-free surface morphology for these dip-coated buffers. The Gd 2 O 3 layer thickness led to pronounced differences in the growth characteristics of the subsequent YSZ and CeO 2 layers deposited by rf-magnetron sputtering. Epitaxial YBCO films grown by pulsed laser deposition on the short prototype CeO 2 /YSZ/Gd 2 O 3 /Ni-(3 at.% W-1.7 at.% Fe) conductors yielded self-field critical current densities (J c ) as high as 1.2 x 10 6 A/cm 2 at 77 K. Pure Ni tapes were used to assess the viability of dip-coated buffers for long length coated conductor fabrication. The YBCO films, grown on 80 cm long and 1 cm wide CeO 2 /YSZ/Gd 2 O 3 buffered Ni tapes by the industrially scalable ex situ BaF 2 precursor process, exhibited end-to-end self-field J c values of 6.25 x 10 5 A/cm 2 at 77 K. These results demonstrate the reproducible epitaxy of solution-derived seed layers on pure Ni and Ni-alloy tapes as well as underscore the viability of solution approaches for the production of long length YBCO-based coated conductors.
Symbiosis of Paramecium and Oikomonas

Workers attempting to obtain persistent laboratory cultures of various organisms frequently run into the difficulty of being unable to persuade a certain species to grow when it is freed of other, undesired organisms which accompany it in nature. If obtaining a culture of the species in question is not the primary end of the investigation, then, when such difficulty is encountered, it is not unlikely that the investigator will discard the refractory organism and seek another, thus, possibly, passing up an opportunity of discovering symbiotic relationships of different species of organisms. The present report concerns symbiosis of the ciliate Paramecium multimicronucleatum Powers and Mitchell ('10) and the flagellate Oil.omionas term o Kent ('80), the term symbiosis being used in its most general sense to signify "living together." The influence of the flagellate upon the ciliate was discovered when, preparatory to another investigation, an attempt was made to free a stock culture of ciliates of the contaminating flagellates. It was soon found that, although bacteriacontaining cultures of Paramecium contaminated with Oikom,,tonas nearly always flourished, cultures of the ciliate with only the bacteria universally perished in a few days. This was rather striking in view of the fact that so many investigators had previously succeeded in obtaining persistent Paramecihm-bacteria cultures. As a result of further studies it was possible to partially define the conditions under which i1komnonas exerts such a beneficial effect upon Paramecium; however, the situation was never made competely clear, as will be brought out in the discussion following the presentation of the experimental data.
Efficient parallel algorithms for functional dependency manipulations

Given a set of functional dependencies Sigma and a single dependency sigma , it is shown that the algorithm to test whether Sigma implies sigma is log-space complete in P. The functional dependencies Sigma are represented as a directed hypergraph H/sub Sigma /. A parallel algorithm is presented which solves the above implication problem using P processors on an exclusive-read, exclusive-write parallel random access machine (EREW-PRAM) in O(e/P+n log P) time and on a concurrent-read, concurrent-write PRAM (CRCW-PRAM) in O(e/P+n) time, where e and n are the number of arcs and nodes of the graph H/sub Sigma /. For graphs H/sub Sigma / with fixed degree and diameter, it is shown that the closure H/sub Sigma //sup +/ can be computed in NC. NC algorithms are presented to obtain a nonredundant and a LR-minimum cover for the set of functional dependencies Sigma . All the algorithms on an n-node directed hypergraph with fixed degree and diameter can be implemented to run in O(log/sup 2/ n) time with M(n) processors on a CREW-PRAM model, where M(n) is the cost of multiplying two binary matrices. The algorithms are efficient based on the transitive closure bottleneck phenomenon. >
Thin film electroluminescent displays

Abstract Thin film electroluminescence (EL) as exploited in display devices is discussed from the standpoint of a display user and a display technologist or engineer. An attempt is made to relate the characteristics of importance for displays to the electrical properties of the device and to the underlying physical processes or mechanisms. Particular emphasis is given to the widely used case of ZnS:Mn in a double-insulated sandwich structure. Some recent innovations relevant to display application are also described.
Function through bio-inspired, synthesis-informed design: step-economical syntheses of designed kinase inhibitors

The human kinome comprises over 500 protein kinases. When mutated or over-expressed, many play critical roles in abnormal cellular functions associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. Here we report a step-economical approach to designed kinase inhibitors inspired by the potent, but non-selective, natural product staurosporine, and synthetically enabled by a novel, complexity-increasing, serialized [5 + 2]/[4 + 2] cycloaddition strategy. This function-oriented synthesis approach rapidly affords tunable scaffolds, and produced a low nanomolar inhibitor of protein kinase C.
Ginger phytochemicals exhibit synergy to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation

Dietary phytochemicals offer nontoxic therapeutic management as well as chemopreventive intervention for slow-growing prostate cancers. However, the limited success of several single-agent clinical trials suggest a paradigm shift that the health benefits of fruits and vegetables are not ascribable to individual phytochemicals, rather may be ascribed to synergistic interactions among them. We recently reported growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing properties of ginger extract (GE) in in vitro and in vivo prostate cancer models. Nevertheless, the nature of interactions among the constituent ginger biophenolics, viz. 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, and 6-shogoal, remains elusive. Here we show antiproliferative efficacy of the most-active GE biophenolics as single-agents and in binary combinations, and investigate the nature of their interactions using the Chou-Talalay combination index (CI) method. Our data demonstrate that binary combinations of ginger phytochemicals synergistically inhibit proliferation of PC-3 cells with CI values ranging from 0.03 to 0.88. To appreciate synergy among phytochemicals present in GE, the natural abundance of ginger biophenolics was quantitated using LC-UV/MS. Interestingly, combining GE with its constituents (in particular, 6-gingerol) resulted in significant augmentation of GE's antiproliferative activity. These data generate compelling grounds for further preclinical evaluation of GE alone and in combination with individual ginger biophenols for prostate cancer management.
Judgments of Social Change: A Closer Look

Judgments of social change—the type of change judgments that will be the topic of this chapter—are frequently regarded as distinctively contemporary, and thus as saying something unique about our times. Yet despite appearances, they are far from unique. Consider change judgments about the institution of the family. As historians of the family have noted, the perception that the once-perfect institution of the family has suddenly undergone a decline has been a perennial fixture in American culture (Caplow et al., 1983; Scott & Wishy, 1982; Seward, 1978; Tufte & Myerhoff, 1979). Each generation seems to believe that theirs is the first to experience the family as a deeply troubled institution. Thus, in 1983 we heard it said that “thirty years ago the American family was still happy and spirited and intact” (Ager, 1983, p. 47). Yet, more than half a century before the time of that statement, family life was also viewed as very much in jeopardy. At that time, the Lynds, authors of a classic study of American life (Lynd & Lynd, 1929), “feared for the future of the community and its institutions. They were especially apprehensive about the family, which, it seemed to them, had lost the emotional harmony that prevailed in earlier generations and was being riven in one place by a generation gap and in another by marital instability” (Caplow et al., 1983, p. 15). In their book, the Lynds noted that the theme of the decline of the family was common to many inspirational Chautauqua speeches of the time. In the words of one such speaker: “We seem to be drifting away from the fundamentals in our home life. The home was once a sacred institution where the family spent most of its time.
Validation of a fast and easy method for the determination of residues from 229 pesticides in fruits and vegetables using gas and liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric detection

Validation experiments were conducted of a simple, fast, and inexpensive method for the determination of 229 pesticides fortified at 10-100 ng/g in lettuce and orange matrixes. The method is known as the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method for pesticide residues in foods. The procedure involved the extraction of a 15 g sample with 15 mL acetonitrile, followed by a liquid-liquid partitioning step performed by adding 6 g anhydrous MgSO4 plus 1.5 g NaCl. After centrifugation, the extract was decanted into a tube containing 300 mg primary secondary amine (PSA) sorbent plus 1.8 g anhydrous MgSO4, which constituted a cleanup procedure called dispersive solid-phase extraction (dispersive SPE). After a second shaking and centrifugation step, the acetonitrile extract was transferred to autosampler vials for concurrent analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with an ion trap instrument and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with a triple quadrupole instrument using electrospray ionization. Each analytical method was designed to analyze 144 pesticides, with 59 targeted by both instruments. Recoveries for all but 11 of the analytes in at least one of the matrixes were between 70-120% (90-110% for 206 pesticides), and repeatabilities typically <10% were achieved for a wide range of fortified pesticides, including methamidophos, spinosad, imidacloprid, and imazalil. Dispersive SPE with PSA retained carboxylic acids (e.g., daminozide), and <50% recoveries were obtained for asulam, pyridate, dicofol, thiram, and chlorothalonil. Many actual samples and proficiency test samples were analyzed by the method, and the results compared favorably with those from traditional methods.
Switchgrass recruitment from broadcast seed vs. seed fed to cattle.

Fecal seeding by livestock may be an effective, low-cost means of rangeland restoration. We compared recruitment of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) from seed fed to cattle and deposited in dung to that of broadcast-seeded plots receiving a comparable number of unfed seed. Although germinability of seed passed through livestock (52 to 62%) was reduced relative to that of broadcast seed (85 to 91%), recruitment of switchgrass from seed in cattle feces was equal to or superior to that of broadcast seed in terms of establishment (frequency of occurrence and density), plant growth and final plant sire. The frequency of plots with emerging switchgrass plants ranged from 62 to 100% when seeds were delivered in feces, but only 2 to 40% when seeds were broadcast. After 1 year, the frequency of occurrence of switchgrass plants in fecal vs. broadcast-seeded plots was comparable for autumn trials. However, evaluations 1 year after the spring trials continue to result in higher frequency of plots with switchgrass plants from seed delivered in feces than of broadcast seedings (56 vs. 4% for May 1990, PcO.05; and 90 vs. 51% for May 1991, PI 0.01). Enhanced plant recruitment on fecal-seeded plots occurred even though broadcast-seeded plots received 1.5 to 1.7 times more pure five seed (PLS). Plants on fecal-seeded plots had a greater plant size score (based on visual ratings of height, cuhn density, and biomass) than plants on broadcast-seeded plots (P O.lO for October 1991). Results suggest significant advantages of fecal seeding over conventional broadcast seeding in terms of seedling emergence, establishment and growth
Effect of NaCl on nitrate removal from ion-exchange spent brine in the membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR)

The H(2)-based membrane biofilm reactor was used to remove nitrate from synthetic ion-exchange brine at NaCl concentrations from ∼3 to 30 g/L. NaCl concentrations below 20 g/L did not affect the nitrate removal flux as long as potassium was available to generate osmotic tolerance for high sodium, the H(2) pressure was adequate, and membrane fouling was eliminated. Operating pHs of 7-8 and periodic citric acid washes controlled membrane fouling and enabled reactor operation for 650 days. At 30 psig H(2) and high nitrate loading rates of 15 to 80 g/m(2) d, nitrate removal fluxes ranged from 2.5 to ∼6 g/m(2) d, which are the highest fluxes observed when treating 30 g/L IX brine. However, percent removals were low, and the H(2) pressure probably limited the removal flux.
Physician awareness of patient cardiac telemetry monitoring

Overuse of cardiac telemetry monitoring in the inpatient setting is widespread, contributes to alarm fatigue, and is costly for health systems. We sought to quantify the rates of provider unawareness of ongoing telemetry use and to quantify the rate of appropriate monitoring compared to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines using a survey design. Inpatient medical providers were questioned about the presence of telemetry for each of their patients. In the 870 inquiries, 47% of patients were receiving telemetry. Providers’ awareness of whether their patient was receiving telemetry was inaccurate in 26% of assessments. A guideline-appropriate indication for telemetry use was provided in only 58% of assessments. Providers are often unaware of ongoing cardiac telemetry use in their patients, and may continue use despite the lack of a guideline-appropriate indication.
Study on the situation and characteristics of high casualty fires in China based on statistics analysis

In this paper,the characteristics of high casualty fires in China from 2002to 2010are analyzed by using statistical analysis.The overall situation and spatio-temporal distribution of the high casualty fires are analyzed,and the fire causes and locations are investigated.The results indicate that the high casualty fires are in a decreasing trend with fluctuations,and they highly depend on economic factors.The fires happened more often in the beginning and end of the year than in the middle of the year,more often at nights than in the daytime.Dwelling houses account for the highest fire frequencies and deaths.Electrical fires and abuse of fires account for most of the high casualty fires.
Analysis of epidemic situation of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Ningshan county

Objective To analyze the epidemic feature and regulation of HFRS in 2013 in Ningshan county and to discuss the infection situation of murine HV,to provide the scientific basis for efficient prevention and control measures.Methods Descriptive analysis was used in official epidemic report of HFRS from 2007 to 2013 in Ningshan county.Rodent species composition,rodent density and HV antibody positive rate of blood were surveyed from 2007 to2013.Results 14 HFRS cases were reported from 2007 to 2013 in this county,average annual morbidity was 2.69 per 100 thousand,and 1 death was found.The highest morbidity occurred in 2011 with 6 cases reported,and the morbidity was 8.07 per 100 thousand,accounting for 42.86% of the total number of reported cases for 5 years.The epidemic of HFRS in the county revealed obvious season-relation,most in summer and winter.Cases mainly occur in the villages and towns along G210 and G5 highway.The epidemic of HFRS also held gender and occupation characteristics.Rural male adults were the main object and the ratio of male to female was 13 ∶ 1.Dominant field rodent was Apodemus agrarius,dominant residential rodent were Rattus tanezumi and Rattus norvegicus; specific antibody IgG positive rate of blood was 25.89%(95/367).Conclusion Disease prevention and control work should be strengthened according to the popular aspects of the disease for reduceing the damage of HFRS.The monitoring of the epidemic,prevention and research work should be further strengthened because of HV infected rodent species diversity and high infection rate in Ningshan county.
The effects of HIV-1 regulatory TAT protein expression on brain reward function, response to psychostimulants and delay-dependent memory in mice.

Depression and psychostimulant abuse are common comorbidities among humans with immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. The HIV regulatory protein TAT is one of multiple HIV-related proteins associated with HIV-induced neurotoxicity. TAT-induced dysfunction of dopamine and serotonin systems in corticolimbic brain areas may result in impaired reward function, thus, contributing to depressive symptoms and psychostimulant abuse. Transgenic mice with doxycycline-induced TAT protein expression in the brain (TAT+, TAT- control) show neuropathology resembling brain abnormalities in HIV+ humans. We evaluated brain reward function in response to TAT expression, nicotine and methamphetamine administration in TAT+ and TAT- mice using the intracranial self-stimulation procedure. We evaluated the brain dopamine and serotonin systems with high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of TAT expression on delay-dependent working memory in TAT+ and TAT- mice using the operant delayed nonmatch-to-position task were also assessed. During doxycycline administration, reward thresholds were elevated by 20% in TAT+ mice compared with TAT- mice. After the termination of doxycycline treatment, thresholds of TAT+ mice remained significantly higher than those of TAT- mice and this was associated with changes in mesolimbic serotonin and dopamine levels. TAT+ mice showed a greater methamphetamine-induced threshold lowering compared with TAT- mice. TAT expression did not alter delay-dependent working memory. These results indicate that TAT expression in mice leads to reward deficits, a core symptom of depression, and a greater sensitivity to methamphetamine-induced reward enhancement. Our findings suggest that the TAT protein may contribute to increased depressive-like symptoms and continued methamphetamine use in HIV-positive individuals.
A Heterobimetallic W–Ni Complex Containing a Redox-Active W[SNS]2 Metalloligand

The tungsten complex W[SNS]2 ([SNS]H3 = bis(2-mercapto-4-methylphenyl)amine) was bound to a Ni(dppe) [dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane] fragment to form the new heterobimetallic complex W[SNS]2Ni(dppe). Characterization of the complex by single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed the presence of a short W–Ni bond, which renders the complex diamagnetic despite formal tungsten(V) and nickel(I) oxidation states. The W[SNS]2 unit acts as a redox-active metalloligand in the bimetallic complex, which displays four one-electron redox processes by cyclic voltammetry. In the presence of the organic acid 4-cyanoanilinium tetrafluoroborate, W[SNS]2Ni(dppe) catalyzes the electrochemical reduction of protons to hydrogen coincident with the first reduction of the complex.
Insulinoma Due to Multiple Pancreatic Microadenoma Localized by Multimodal Imaging

Context: Insulinomas are usually due to a solitary tumor, but they can be challenging to localize. Case Description: A 66-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of episodic neuroglycopenic hypoglycemia and was suspected of having an insulinoma. On a supervised fast, she was found to be hypoglycemic at 39 mg/dL, with an insulin of 40 μU/mL 26 hours into the fast and a proinsulin of 35 pmol/L. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging did not localize a pancreatic lesion. Intra-arterial calcium stimulation testing showed a step-up of venous insulin levels at injection of the superior mesenteric artery and proximal and mid-splenic artery, and a 68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed focal uptake in the neck of the pancreas with a standardized uptake value of 12. Despite negative intraoperative pancreatic palpation and ultrasound, the patient underwent an extended distal pancreatectomy with normalization of biochemical levels and resolution of ...
Individual Preference as the Basis of Social Choice

Social choice theory is an analytical discipline which makes extensive use of axiomatic methods. Many of its strengths and weaknesses relate precisely to this analytical character, including the strength arising from its interpretational versatility and the weakness of a tendency towards formal neglect of substantive issues. The subject of this essay is this mixed pattern of virtues and vices.
Phase II trial of the CDK4 inhibitor PD0332991 in CDK4-amplified liposarcoma.

10002 Background: CDK4 is amplified in approximately 90% of well-differentiated/de-differentiated liposarcomas (WD/DDLS). The selective CDK4/CDK6 inhibitor PD0332991 (PD) inhibits growth and induces senescence in liposarcoma cell lines and xenografts. In a phase I trial of PD, several patients with progressive WD/DDLS had prolonged stable disease for several years. To determine the safety and efficacy of PD, a phase II study was performed. Methods: Participants were patients with advanced WD/DDLS. Eligibility criteria were age≥18 years, measurable WD/DDLS (RECIST 1.1), documented progression on at least one systemic therapy directly before enrollment, CDK4 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization and retinoblastoma protein (RB) expression by immunohistochemistry (≥1+). Pts received oral PD 200mg daily for 14 consecutive days in 21-day cycles. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) at 12 weeks. Based on historical data, a promising result was defined as a 12-week PFS of ≥40% an...
The feline blood film: 2. Leukocyte and platelet morphology:

Practical relevance:Many veterinary practices have invested in quality automated hematology instruments for use in-house. However, regardless of their specific choice of analyzer, there are importa...
Abstract TP436: Precision Medicine Using Quantitative Electroencephalography for Blood Pressure Augmentation in Penumbral Salvage After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) complicates aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in 20 to 30 percent of cases. DCI is treated initially with hemodynamic augmentation to improve cerebral perfusion. AHA/ASA guidelines recommend induced hypertension in the treatment of DCI, but at the same time recognize that insufficient scientific data support this practice. There is little practical guidance on how to augment blood pressure - i.e. extent and duration of blood pressure augmentation. Oftentimes, intensivists determine blood pressure goals by serial neurologic exams, which may be limited in poor clinical grade SAH. We assessed the hypothesis that quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) has an adjunctive value to the clinical exam that can be used to monitor response to blood pressure augmentation in SAH. Three patients with aneurysmal SAH in the neurocritical care unit were connected to quantitative EEG. To detect a decline in neuronal activity, we measured the amount of EEG variability, reactivity, amplitude as well as the changes in alpha-delta ratio. Induced hypertension through fluid challenge and inotropic support was tailored to reach the clinical and/or electrographic ischemic threshold, i.e. blood pressure levels that ameliorated clinical examination or the EEG. Induced hypertension tailored to quantitative EEG data was tolerated well. We observed that neurologic examination of the patient (i.e. wakefulness, alertness, mental status, motor strength) following blood pressure augmentation correlated with quantitative EEG data. Furthermore, quantitative EEG added value to clinical exam, allowing for more precise increments in hemodynamic augmentation. Tapering of inotropic support was also done more safely and in a timely manner with EEG changes that preceded mild clinical impairments. In conclusion, we demonstrated in a case series that blood pressure augmentation can be guided by quantitative EEG data, which correlated with the neurologic exam. Further research can be done to determine if induced hypertension guided by quantitative EEG can reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with aneurysmal SAH.
Vasectomy: tips and tricks

According to data from the National Study of Family Growth, vasectomy is utilized by 6-13% of American couples for their form of contraception. Physician surveys have shown that over 500,000 men undergo vasectomies per year, and more than 75% of vasectomies are performed by urologists. This chapter provides a brief history of vasectomy, as well as recommendations for preoperative counseling, an overview of the modified no-scalpel vasectomy technique, and a brief description of the complications of vasectomy.
Conversion in Central Quintana Roo: Changes in Religion, Community, Economy and Nutrition in a Maya Village

AbstractIn this paper, I address questions formed during fieldwork in Maya villages in Quintana Roo during the summers of 2008 and 2009. In the summer of 2008, I found an interesting point of intersection between groups of Maya syncretic Catholic beliefs and evangelical Protestantism, focusing on the change from farming and community to wage labor and the rise of the individual. This change is the first conversion that may well be “conquering” the native belief systems of this area known for its participation in the Caste War and its legacy of resistance. What I am finding is that as people leave traditional religions behind, they often leave traditional foods behind as a way of publicly distancing themselves from their indigeneity. Due to minimal access to “fresh” foods at the small convenience stores in this community. breaking with tradition seems to lead to reduced nutrition.
Dynamics of Bone Trap-5b Level in Patients with Bone Metastases of Renal Cell Cancer at Combined Treatment

The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Bone TRAP-5b) for early detection of bone metastases (BM) and to investigate the efficacy of bisphosphonates (BF) (zolendronic acid-ZA) in prevention of bone metastases in patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). The 60 patients with RCC with proven BM were investigated to assess the sensitivity and specificity of Bone TRAP-5b. 95 patients with RCC with high level of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Bone TRAP-5b) (8,5±0,2 IU/L) after radical surgical treatment were divided into two groups: 1-st group: (n=44) received zolendronic acid (ZA) (BF +), and 2-nd group (n=51) patients didn’t receive ZA (BF-). Patients of both subgroups were similar by age, sex, stage of disease. The levels of Bone TRAP-5b, Ca++, alkaline phosphatase, LDG were accessed every 3 months, and MRI imaging, bone scan with 99mTc every 6 month in both groups. We determined the high correlation between bone TRAP-5b and the presence of bone metastases (r=0,9; p <0,05), but its level wasn’t dependent with the number of BM. The results showed the high sensitivity and specificity of Bone TRAP-5b at the critical value of 5.2 IU/L (98,3 % and 90,0 %), (χ 2 =64,6; p<0.01). Using BF for the prevention of bone metastases in high risk group patients with RCC provides a significant difference in the incidence of bone metastases in patients.
Realization of a topological phase transition in a gyroscopic lattice

Topological metamaterials exhibit unusual behaviors at their boundaries, such as unidirectional chiral waves, that are protected by a topological feature of their band structures. The ability to tune such a material through a topological phase transition in real time could enable the use of protected waves for information storage and readout. Here we dynamically tune through a topological phase transition by breaking inversion symmetry in a metamaterial composed of interacting gyroscopes. Through the transition, we track the divergence of the edge modes' localization length and the change in Chern number characterizing the topology of the material's band structure. This Rapid Communication provides a new axis with which to tune the response of mechanical topological metamaterials.
Remediating pornography: the On Our Backs digitization debate

AbstractThis article develops a feminist/queer ethics of digitization by considering a recent controversy surrounding the remediation of a lesbian sex magazine called On Our Backs (1984–2006) from ...
Fandom as symbolic patronage: expanding understanding of fan relationships with industry through the Veronica Mars Kickstarter campaign

ABSTRACTConversations surrounding relationships between media fans and media industries frequently categorize fans according to their degree of industrial incorporation or resistance, for instance, as either “affirmational” fans who uncritically celebrate media on industrial terms or “transformational” fans who engage in critical and non-sanctioned forms of participation. Drawing on interviews with participants in the Veronica Mars Kickstarter campaign, this article connects rhetoric used by these fans to longstanding issues around patronage in fine arts, arguing these historical discourses provide a way to deepen our understanding of how fan audiences relate to media industry interests. The complex, asymmetrical relations that exist between patrons and artists they sponsor offer a valuable model for a type of fandom experience that does not fit neatly into the existing typology.
Enhancing preservice teachers’ motivation to teach diverse learners

Abstract This two-year mixed-method case study examined if and how a teacher preparation program can change preservice teachers' motivation to teach culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Survey data from Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) candidates demonstrated statistically significant changes in MATs' self-confidence for teaching diverse learners, their self-efficacy for culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP), their perception of the value of multicultural teaching, and in their interest in teaching diverse learners. Interview and focus group data identified explicit instruction on CRP, diverse practicum opportunities, and an emphasis on culturally-oriented self-inquiry as factors that enhanced teachers’ desire to teach diverse students.
Thermal ablation of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Safety, efficacy, and factors affecting local tumor progression.

To evaluate the safety and oncologic efficacy of percutaneous thermal ablation of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and identify risk factors for local tumor progression (LTP). Retrospective review of an institutional tumor ablation registry demonstrated that 20 patients (9 males, 11 females; mean age 62.5 ± 15.8 years) with 50 ICCs (mean size 1.8 ± 1.3 cm) were treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA) between 2006 and 2015. Thirty-eight of the treated ICCs (76%) were metastases that developed after surgical resection of the primary tumor. Patient demographics, procedure technical parameters, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the risk of LTP by ablation modality. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Mean imaging follow-up time was 41.5 ± 42.7 months. Forty-four (88%) ICCs were treated with RFA, and 6 (12%) with MWA. Eleven (22%) cases of LTP developed in 5 (25%) patients. The median time to LTP among these 11 tumors was 7.1 months (range, 2.3–22.9 months). Risk of LTP was not significantly different for ICCs treated with MWA compared to RFA (HR 2.72; 95% CI 0.58–12.84; p = 03.21). Median disease-free survival was 8.2 months (1.1–70.4 months), and median overall survival was 23.6 months (7.4–122.5 months). No major complication occurred. Percutaneous thermal ablation is a safe and effective treatment for patients with ICCs and may be particularly valuable in unresectable patients, or those who have already undergone hepatic surgery. Tumor size and ablation modality were not associated with LTP, whereas primary tumors and superficially located tumors were more likely to subsequently recur.
Understanding the Consequences of Sexual Assault: What Does It Mean for Prevention to Be Trauma Informed?

Abstract This chapter offers examples of the ways that trauma-informed approaches are relevant to sexual assault risk reduction programs. A trauma-informed framework is characterized by efforts to recognize the prevalence of traumas in our communities, seeking to understand survivors’ symptoms in the context of and as adaptations to the trauma, appreciating the role that power plays in survivors’ relationships, striving for collaboration between providers and survivors, and empowering survivors. In particular, this approach encourages the developers of risk reduction programs to conceptualize the consequences of the original victimization as both adaptations to the original trauma and risk factors for revictimization. Further, a trauma-informed framework pushes the program developers to consider multiple forms of violence and developmental processes in sexual assault, as well as to acknowledge the sociopolitical context in which sexual assault occurs and the complexity of systems that survivors often have to navigate in the aftermath of sexual assault.
Mapping Protein–Protein Interactions with Phage-Displayed Combinatorial Peptide Libraries and Alanine Scanning

One avenue for inferring the function of a protein is to learn what proteins it may bind to in the cell. Among the various methodologies, one way for doing so is to affinity select peptide ligands from a phage-displayed combinatorial peptide library and then to examine if the proteins that carry such peptide sequences interact with the target protein in the cell. With the protocols described in this chapter, a laboratory with skills in microbiology, molecular biology, and protein biochemistry can readily identify peptides in the library that bind selectively, and with micromolar affinity, to a given target protein on the time scale of 2 months. To illustrate this approach, we use a library of bacteriophage M13 particles, which display 12-mer combinatorial peptides, to affinity select different peptide ligands for two different targets, the SH3 domain of the human Lyn protein tyrosine kinase and a segment of the yeast serine/threonine protein kinase Cbk1. The binding properties of the selected peptide ligands are then dissected by sequence alignment, Kunkel mutagenesis, and alanine scanning. Finally, the peptide ligands can be used to predict cellular interacting proteins and serve as the starting point for drug discovery.