cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinician Perspectives on Delaying Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy for Clinically Eligible HIV-Infected Patients.

Objectives: Guidelines for antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation have evolved, but consistently note that adherence problems should be considered and addressed. Little is known regarding the reasons providers delay ART initiation in clinically eligible patients. Methods: In 2009, we surveyed a probability sample of HIV care providers in 582 outpatient facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico with an open-ended question about nonclinical reasons for delaying ART initiation in otherwise clinically eligible patients. Results: Very few providers (2%) reported never delaying ART. Reasons for delaying ART were concerns about patient adherence (68%), patient acceptance (60%), and structural barriers (33%). Provider and practice characteristics were associated with reasons for delaying ART. Conclusion: Reasons for delaying ART were consistent with clinical guidelines and were both patient level and structural. Providers may benefit from training and access to referrals for ancillary services to enhance their ability to monitor and address these issues with their patients.
ESTIMATING THE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF A PORT SHUTDOWN: THE SPECIAL ROLE OF RESILIENCE

This paper develops a methodology for the estimation of the total economic consequences of a seaport disruption, factoring in the major types of resilience. The foundation of the methodology is a combination of demand-driven and supply-driven input–output analyses. Resilience is included through a series of ad hoc adjustments based on various formal models and expert judgment. Moreover, we have designed the methodology in a manner that overcomes the major shortcomings of the supply-driven approach. We apply the methodology to a 90-day disruption at the twin seaports of Beaumont and Port Arthur, Texas, which is a major port area that includes a petrochemical manufacturing complex. We find that regional gross output could decline by as much as $13 billion at the port region level, but that resilience can reduce these impacts by nearly 70%.
Visual servoing of a miniature robot toward a marked target

The paper describes a system that servos a miniature robot toward a marked target based on visual information from the robot's own camera. This task is divided into two subtasks: recognition of the target and driving toward it. The system deals with the problems introduced by noisy camera images and unstructured, non-static backgrounds. A description of the control software is given and experimental results are discussed.
Comparative Analysis of the Properties and Ligand Binding Characteristics of CspZ, a Factor H Binding Protein, Derived from Borrelia burgdorferi Isolates of Human Origin

Borrelia burgdorferi CspZ (BBH06/BbCRASP-2) binds the complement regulatory protein factor H (FH) and additional unidentified serum proteins. The goals of this study were to assess the ligand binding capability of CspZ orthologs derived from an extensive panel of human Lyme disease isolates and to further define the molecular basis of the interaction between FH and CspZ. While most B. burgdorferi CspZ orthologs analyzed bound FH, specific, naturally occurring polymorphisms, most of which clustered in a specific loop domain of CspZ, prevented FH binding in some orthologs. Sequence analyses also revealed the existence of CspZ phyletic groups that correlate with FH binding and with the relationships inferred from ribosomal spacer types (RSTs). CspZ type 1 (RST1) and type 3 (RST3) strains bind FH, while CspZ type 2 (RST2) strains do not. Antibody responses to CspZ were also assessed. Anti-CspZ antibodies were detected in mice by week 2 of infection, indicating that there was expression during early-stage infection. Analyses of sera collected from infected mice suggested that CspZ production continued over the course of long-term infection as the antibody titer increased over time. While antibody to CspZ was detected in several human Lyme disease serum samples, the response was not universal, and the titers were generally low. Vaccination studies with mice demonstrated that while CspZ is immunogenic, it does not elicit an antibody that is protective or that inhibits dissemination. The data presented here provide significant new insight into the interaction between CspZ and FH and suggest that there is a correlation between CspZ production and dissemination. However, in spite of its possible contributory role in pathogenesis, the immunological analyses indicated that CspZ is likely to have limited potential as a diagnostic marker and vaccine candidate for Lyme disease.
The role of quantitative feedback in coronary angiography radiation reduction

Objective. To evaluate the benefits of radiation education with and without feedback reporting in altering clinician radiation use behaviour in performing coronary angiography (CA).
Reducing the unwanted draining vein BOLD contribution in fMRI with statistical post-processing methods

Recent BOLD fMRI data analysis methods show promise in reducing contributions from draining veins. The phase regressor method developed by [Menon, R.S., 2002. Post-acquisition suppression of large-vessel BOLD signals in high-resolution fMRI. Magn. Reson. Med., 47, 1-9] creates phase and magnitude images, regresses magnitude as a function of phase, and subtracts phase-estimated magnitudes from the observed magnitudes. The corrected magnitude images are used to compute cortical activations. The complex constant phase method, developed by [Rowe, D.B., Logan, B.R., 2004. A complex way to compute fMRI activation. NeuroImage, 23, 1078-1092], uses complex-valued reconstructed images and a nonlinear regressor model to compute magnitude cortical activations assuming temporally constant phase. In both methods, the usage of the phase information is claimed to bias against voxels with task-related phase changes caused by some draining veins. The behavior of the statistical methods in data with several task-related magnitude and phase changes is compared. The power of the statistical methods for determining voxels with specific task-related magnitude and phase change combinations are determined in ideal simulated data. The phase regressor and complex constant phase activation determination techniques are examined to characterize the responses of the models to select task-related phase and magnitude change combinations in representative simulated time series. Possible draining veins in human preliminary data are discussed and analyzed with the models and the current challenges which prevent these methods from being reliably implemented are discussed.
Certification of Standard Reference Material 970, Ascorbic Acid in Serum, and Analysis of Associated Interlaboratory Bias in the Measurement Process

Background: The accurate and reproducible measurement of ascorbic acid is essential in delineating the role of ascorbic acid as a diagnostic tool for human disease and for the comparison of data acquired by different laboratories. A stabilized pair of standards of ascorbic acid in human serum, which is compatible with most analytical methods, have been prepared. Methods: The certification was based on the gravimetric addition of ascorbic acid to metaphosphoric acid-stabilized, ascorbic acid-depleted serum and NIST liquid chromatography–electrochemical measurements. The NIST results were analyzed statistically for homogeneity, and the expanded uncertainty of each SRM was calculated using all of the NIST data. An interlaboratory comparison exercise was also performed. Results: These materials, Standard Reference Material (SRM) 970 Ascorbic Acid in Serum, Level I and Level II, are homogeneous and are certified to contain (10.07 ± 0.21) and (30.57 ± 0.28) mmol ascorbic acid/L of solution (expanded uncertainty), respectively. In the interlaboratory comparison (n = 17), the relative SDs for the two materials were 22% and 19%. Conclusions: Two lots of serum, each containing different amounts of ascorbic acid stabilized in metaphosphoric acid, have been prepared and characterized. Many laboratories provide inaccurate results.
System cultivation: application to a liquid-liquid heat exchanger

A major problem in process control is that the many multivariable relationships in a process are not easily discernible from the raw data. System cultivation is a scheme for defining and monitoring these multivariable relationships on a daily basis. Through these relationships a systematic framework for identifying system problems can be defined. An application of the basics of system cultivation to a simple process is presented. >
Spacecraft Autonomy: Intelligent software to increase crew, spacecraft and robotics autonomy

[Abstract] In space exploration, intelligent software, having state-determination, decision-making and execution capabilities, has long been the domain of unmanned spacecraft and planetary rovers. However, the functionality offered by intelligent software is applicable to many areas of space exploration. As NASA embarks on an ambitious expansion of human presence in the solar system, while expanding operations on board the International Space Station, the broader need for intelligent software becomes more apparent. In this paper, we briefly describe ongoing work on developing intelligent software capabilities in support of NASA’s exploration goals. We describe the core capabilities being developed and the planned applications in mission operations, in on-board crew support, in spacecraft operations and in Lunar robotic operations. I.Introduction NASA’s vision for Space Exploration calls for an unprecedented push for long-term human space exploration that will culminate in extensive human exploration of the Moon and later Mars. Implementing this vision in a sustainable manner requires extensive use of adaptable automation. In this paper, we discuss key work that is ongoing in the development of automation and intelligent software. This effort, a collaboration between four NASA centers and a number of subcontractors, will impact future exploration operations in four key areas: ∞ Mission Operations: The ground support, both in terms of humans and systems, for managing spacecraft operations. ∞ Crew Autonomy: The ability of a crew to manage their own spacecraft, both in nominal operations and in response to off-nominal events. ∞ Spacecraft Autonomy: The technology needed to enable spacecraft to operate with less intervention from ground.
Effect of cycloheximide on eclosion hormone sensitivity and the developmental appearance of the eclosion hormone and cGMP regulated phosphoproteins in the CNS of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta.

AbstractThe neuropeptide, eclosion hormone (EH), triggers ecdysis behavior at the end of each molt in Manduca sexta. Previous studies have shown that the action of EH is mediated by an increase in cGMP and is associated with the phosphorylation of two proteins, named the EGPs. The ability of insects to respond to EH is developmentally regulated with sensitivity being first seen at about 8 hr prior to the normal time of ecdysis. The EGPs are also first detectable in the CNS at 8 hr prior to ecdysis, suggesting that it is their synthesis which determines EH sensitivity.The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide was used to study the development of the events leading to pupal ecdysis in Manduca. The results of these experiments suggest that protein synthesis is necessary about 10 hr before ecdysis for both the development of EH sensitivity and for the appearance of the EGPs.
Separation Response and Nursery School Adaptation

Abstract Separation and adaptation to nursery school was studied in 20 3-year-old children. The results of this study suggest that nursery school children's separation difficulties must be viewed in terms of when they occur and how they are expressed. Observation of the simple occurrence or nonoccurrence of separation distress at initial nursery school entry does not do justice to the complexity of this phenomenon. We suggest that some problematic separation responses occur at points other than actual leave-taking from the parent, and thus may be overlooked by observations focused solely on the separation event itself.
Reliability of information systems based on the critical success factors - formulation

This article develops reliability as a measure of information system s(IS) success based on the critical success factors (CSF). This paper constructs the hierarchical configuration of CSFs using Rockart's data on CSFs of IS executives, and checks the applicability of this configuration by using Martin's data. The article then derives IS reliability from the CSF configuration. Reliability is a quantifiable measure used in in the control and management of IS. It provides an early warning about the quality of the IS, and identifies the areas where the trouble lies. Reliability can be used to compare various information systems, and as the numerical example in this article demonstrates, this measure could be used extensively in cost/benefit analyses of computing IS investment projects.
Current Hiring Practices of Campus Recreation Directors of NIRSA Institutions

A survey of all National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) campus recreation directors was conducted to determine the hiring practices, policies, and procedures relating to professional employees, graduate assistants, and student employees in campus recreation programs throughout North America. The survey instrument, in its final form, addressed hiring practices, policies, and procedures of campus recreation directors through 28 questions relating to the following areas: (a) search and screen committees, (b) job descriptions, (c) advertisement and announcement of vacancies, (d) applications, (e) references, (f) interviews, and (g) impact/involvement of national professional organizations in the hiring process. Selected data is presented in terms of (a) entry level position (coordinator) or for mid-level positions, (b) size of institutions (small, medium, and large), (c) rural, urban, and suburban locations, and (d) public and private institutions.
Improving file transfer in FCS networks

In this paper, we compare the performance of two transport protocols, SCTP and the New-Reno variant of TCP, for file transfers in two FCS networking scenarios. We argue why SCTP is better suited for file transfers in a network prone to resource failures. To measure performance, we implemented FTP over SCTP in a FreeBSD environment. Our results indicate for our tested path configurations, (1) using SCTP as the transport for FTP significantly reduces file transfer time, and (2) FTP over SCTP is more robust to losses.
Dynamical Systems with Rigid-Body Degree-of-Freedom Oscillators

The free-vibration analysis of dynamical systems consisting of beams and spring-mass oscillators with a rigid-body degree of freedom is presented in this paper. The 1986 mathematical model of Nicholson and Bergman is considered for such dynamical systems, and an exact eigenanalysis is performed using the particular integral method. A number of numerical examples are considered to compare the accuracy and efficiency of the particular integral method with the Green’s function implementation of Nicholson and Bergman. It is observed that the computer implementation of the particular integral method requires significantly less central processing unit (CPU) time for dynamical systems with a large number of oscillators.
Harmonic limits in IEEE Std. 519: From recommendations to requirements

Most utilities in the United States use the voltage and harmonic current limits given in IEEE Std. 519 as at least the basis for how they deal with harmonic-producing customers. In this paper, rationale behind making the recommended limits into requirements is discussed so as to offer possible guidance for future decisions regarding limits. With IEEE Std. 519 completing a revision at this time, the changes are sure to spark a new round of ldquomaking recommendations into requirements.
Biphasic cytochrome c release after transient global ischemia and its inhibition by hypothermia

Hypothermia is effective in preventing ischemic damage. A caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway is involved in ischemic damage, but how hypothermia inhibits this pathway after global cerebral ischemia has not been well explored. It was determined whether hypothermia protects the brain by altering cytochrome c release and caspase activity. Cerebral ischemia was produced by two-vessel occlusion plus hypotension for 10 mins. Body temperature in hypothermic animals was reduced to 33°C before ischemia onset and maintained for 3 h after reperfusion. Western blots of subcellular fractions revealed biphasic cytosolic cytochrome c release, with an initial peak at about 5 h after ischemia, which decreased at 12 to 24 h, and a second, larger peak at 48 h. Caspase-3 and −9 activity increased at 12 and 24 h. A caspase inhibitor, Z-DEVD-FMK, administered 5 and 24 h after ischemia onset, protected hippocampal CA1 neurons from injury and blocked the second cytochrome c peak, suggesting that caspases mediate this second pha...
The application of thermogravimetry for the study of polymer degradation

Abstract Polymer degradation continues to be of great theoretical and commercial, practical import. An understanding of the mechanism of degradation permits the projection of more suitable production/processing conditions, predictions of structural modifications which may extend use range, and more meaningful estimations of expected lifetime under a variety of conditions for a range of polymeric materials. Because of its simplicity and ease of application, thermogravimetry continues to te a convenient and attractive technique for the study of polymer degradation. However, the results to be obtained using this methodology are dependent upon a great many factors which must be controlled if the results are to be meaningful. Thermogravimetry is but one of a variety of techniques which may be applied to mechanism study and is most powerful when it is used in conjunction with techniques which permit the system under study to be well-defined.
Audio-visual data mapping for GIS-based data: an experimental evaluation

In this work, we present our experience of utilizing audio-visual data mappings for GIS-based information visualization. The application we choose is a GIS-based system for visualizing crime in a city. In this application, we enhance the pseudo-colored visual presentation of crime information by mapping data to several sound parameters — volume, balance, bass and treble. Our motivation for choosing sound in addition to vision is guided by our belief that data quantities mapped to various colors in a coloring scheme do not always clearly describe the information being presented for many different tasks that visualization is expected to support In many cases additional data characteristics can be conveyed to the user through sound to enhance the performance of the user on those tasks. We have conducted experiments with human users to compare the performance of users on visual data mapping alone vs. visual and sound data mappings together on several tasks including estimates of raw data values, local averaging, and global comparison. In most cases, we found that the use of bi-modal visual and sound data mappings together provided more accurate understanding of data displays
A retrospective review of clopidogrel as primary therapy for migraineurs with right to left shunt lesions

Background:The association of patient foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine headache (migraine) with aura (MA) is well established. Current research suggests a mechanistic link between platelet activation, paradoxical embolization and migraine in some patients.Methods:Clopidogrel, a platelet inhibitor, was added to existing migraine therapy, as a 4-week open-label trial in 15 women, aged 16–56 years, with severe migraine and documented right to left shunt (RLS).Results:13/15 had >50% reduction or complete elimination of migraine symptoms. After completing the trial period, five responders remain on clopidogrel with ongoing benefit at 11.9 ± 4.5 months (6.5–20), one stopped clopidogrel because of side effects. Nine other responders underwent PFO closure and clopidogrel discontinuation. Eight of nine have had ongoing benefit.Conclusions:Clopidogrel may have a primary prophylactic role in migraine/RLS patients, but may also help select candidates who would benefit from PFO closure. A randomized clinical trial is ...
Current Emotion Research in Psychophysiology: The Neurobiology of Evaluative Bivalence

Evaluative processes have their roots in early evolutionary history, as survival is dependent on an organism’s ability to identify and respond appropriately to positive, rewarding or otherwise salubrious stimuli as well as to negative, noxious, or injurious stimuli. Consequently, evaluative processes are ubiquitous in the animal kingdom and are represented at multiple levels of the nervous system, including the lowest levels of the neuraxis. While evolution has sculpted higher level evaluative systems into complex and sophisticated information-processing networks, they do not come to replace, but rather to interact with more primitive lower level representations. Indeed, there are basic features of the underlying neuroarchitectural plan for evaluative processes that are common across levels of organization—including that of evaluative bivalence.
Preliminary optimization of non-destructive high intensity focused ultrasound exposures for hyperthermia applications

Due to its high degree of accuracy and non-invasive implementation, pulsed-high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising modality for hyperthermia applications as adjuvant therapy for cancer treatment. However, the relatively small focal region of the HIFU beam could result in prohibitively long treatment times for large targets requiring multiple exposures. In this work, finite element analysis modeling was used to simulate focused ultrasound propagation and the consequent induction of hyperthermia. The accuracy of the simulations was first validated with thermocouple measurements in hydrogel phantoms. More advanced simulations of in vivo applications using single HIFU exposures were then done incorporating complex, multi-layered tissue composition and variable perfusion for an in vivo murine xenograft tumor model. The results of this study describe the development of a preliminary methodology for optimizing spatial application of hyperthermia, through the evaluation of different HIFU exposures. These types of simulations, and their validations in vivo, may help minimize treatment durations for pulsed-HIFU induced hyperthermia and facilitate the translation of these exposures into the clinic.
Space-Time Interference Alignment and Degree-of-Freedom Regions for the MISO Broadcast Channel With Periodic CSI Feedback

This paper characterizes the degree-of-freedom (DoF) regions for the multiuser vector broadcast channel with periodic channel state information (CSI) feedback. As a part of the characterization, a new transmission method called space-time interference alignment is proposed, which exploits both the current and past CSI jointly. Using the proposed alignment technique, an inner bound of the sum-DoF region is characterized as a function of a normalized CSI feedback frequency, which measures CSI feedback speed compared to the speed of user's channel variations. One consequence of the result is that the achievable sum-DoF gain is improved significantly when a user sends back both current and outdated CSI compared to the case where the user sends back current CSI only. Then, a tradeoff between CSI feedback delay and the sum-DoF gain is characterized for the multiuser vector broadcast channel in terms of a normalized CSI feedback delay that measures CSI obsoleteness compared to channel coherence time. A crucial insight is that it is possible to achieve the optimal DoF gain if the feedback delay is less than a derived fraction of the channel coherence time. This precisely characterizes the intuition that a small delay should be negligible.
Superscalar SIMD architecture

Presents a parallel computer architecture which synthesizes the notions of instruction level parallelism and data parallelism. Extending the work of Siegel and others on reconfigurable SIMD/MIMD architecture, it attains most of the advantages of those machines, via selective execution of a superscalar instruction stream, while retaining most of the cost advantage of the SIMD architectural style. Furthermore, it preserves the single instruction stream framework which makes SIMD machines simpler to program. Finally, it admits the use of compiler techniques to schedule the superscalar instruction stream, allowing the automatic utilization of the latent instruction level parallelism. >
Changes in the education of a vascular surgeon.

Education of the vascular surgeon has changed as the field itself has developed. Training now exists where there was none. Essentials of such training have been set and educational programs have developed to encompass those essentials. As this has occurred, vascular surgical training has bettered general surgical education and has not detracted from it. In the words of Goethe, “The history of the world must be rewritten from time to time, not because many events of the past are being rediscovered, but because new vistas are opening up, new ways of looking at things which show the past in a different light”.
REIT Size and Earnings Growth: Is Bigger Better, or a New Challenge?

Executive Summary. 1995, 1996 and 1997 were explosive growth years for real estate investment trusts (REITs) to acquire properties and grow as large as possible, as quickly as possible. Property ac...
Two components of Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcription factor IIIB (TFIIIB) are stereospecifically located upstream of a tRNA gene and interact with the second-largest subunit of TFIIIC.

Abstract A novel photocrosslinking method has been used to identify the components of transcription factor IIIB (TFIIIB) and TFIIIC that associate with DNA upstream of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SUP4 tRNATyr gene and to map these components to specific positions in DNA. When TFIIIC binds to the tRNA gene, only its second-largest subunit (135 kDa) is accessible for reaction with a photoactive nucleotide, 5-[N-(p-azidobenzoyl)-3-aminoallyl]-dUMP, inserted into DNA upstream of the transcriptional start. Formation of TFIII(C + B)-tRNA gene complexes specifically brings two additional polypeptides (90 and 70 kDa) within reach of upstream photoprobes. A collection of 13 probes has been used to map the locations of these three proteins along a 45-bp segment of DNA upstream of the transcriptional start site. Evidence is presented that the 90- and 70-kDa polypeptides are separate and distinct components of yeast TFIIIB, that they are accessible to crosslinking on opposite sides of the DNA helix in a 6-bp segment centered 35 bp upstream of the tRNATyr gene transcriptional start, and that they interact with the second-largest subunit of TFIIIC.
Prevention and Treatment of Elbow and Shoulder Injuries in the Tennis Player

Tennis injuries are common in both the upper and lower extremities. The most common, and often most difficult, upper extremity injuries are shoulder tendinitis and tennis elbow (lateral and medial). Key considerations in the treatment of tendinitis include an understanding of the injury process and the resultant character and quantity of the pathologic spectrums. Tendon degeneration rather than tendon repair is the primary pathologic entity secondary to intrinsic muscle-tendon overload. For best treatment results, the protocols of treatment, both surgical and nonsurgical, must be individualized.
Abstract 345: Outcomes Associated with Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From The Veteran’s Health Administration

Introduction: Catheter ablation has emerged as an effective intervention for atrial fibrillation (AF) in specific patient populations. However, less is known about outcomes of AF ablation in community-based cohorts and risk factors for recurrent AF hospitalization following ablation. Methods: Using nationwide administrative data from the Veteran’s Health Administration (VHA), we identified patients with a catheter ablation for AF between 2007-2012 by applying a previously validated algorithm based on outpatient and inpatient diagnosis and procedure codes. We excluded sites with fewer than 30 total procedures in the study period. We evaluated descriptive baseline characteristics, 30-day complications, and 1-year outcomes of stroke, heart failure, recurrent AF, and death. Results: The cohort consisted of 1,202 patients who were predominantly middle-aged (mean age 62.5±8.2), male (97%), and Caucasian (91%). Associated comorbidities included hypertension (76%), diabetes (30%), congestive heart failure (27%), and coronary artery disease (10%). Catheter ablation occurred at a median of 31.4 months following AF diagnosis. Medical management prior to ablation included any history of rate (21%) or rhythm (77%) control or anticoagulation therapy (91%). Following ablation, rhythm control (80%) persisted over a strict rate (18%) control strategy (n=634 patients with two years of follow-up). During the index procedure and at 30 days, vascular complications [32 (2.7%) and 63 (5.2%)] and hematomas [32 (2.7%) and 55 (4.6%)] were the most frequent procedural complications. Other rarer complications were pericardial effusion/tamponade [18 (1.5%) and 34 (2.8%)] and pneumothorax/hemothorax [1(0.08%) and 1(0.08%)]. At one year after ablation (n=885 patients with a full year of follow-up), patients were hospitalized for AF (28.9%), repeat ablation (8.5%), heart failure (4.2%), and stroke (0.5%) with an overall mortality of 2.8%. Compared to the overall cohort, recurrent AF hospitalization at one year was worse for patients less than 75 years of age (29.6%) and for those pursuing a rhythm control strategy (31.2%). Conclusion: Veterans undergoing AF ablation are typically older with more comorbidities than the general AF ablation population. Despite these variations, overall outcomes for AF ablation in the VHA are comparable to outcomes in the general population.
Fully-coupled aeroelastic computations of high Reynolds number flows; an approach using large-eddy simulation

Strong (two-way) coupling of fluid and structure presents interest to vary engineering applications, particularly when the flow is turbulent and sensitive to structural motions. A CFD based algorithm, using large-eddy simulation, is developed for the numerical investigation of strong aeroelastic coupling. The present study concerns the influence of flow Reynolds number on the aeroelastic response of the structure. The results of the present research indicate that there is a strong coupling between fluid and structure. Also the results show that the aeroelastic response of the structure depends on the flow Reynolds number.
Specificity of Kerateine Derivatives

In a previous communication,1 it was shown that species specificity is an individual characteristic of the keratins. The suggestion was offered that the redox state and spatial arrangement of the amino acids cystine and cysteine may be intimately connected with the specificity of these proteins.In this article it will be shown that the substitution of the hydrogen in the -SH groups of reduced keratin (kerateine) with organic halogen compounds gives the protein a new immunological character dependent on the introduced “determinant group.”Since keratins contain a very high percentage of di-sulfide sulfur (10 to 15% cystine) and are readily reduced to sulphydryl proteins by alkaline thioglycolate, a large number of substituent groups may be introduced into their molecules by reaction with simple organic halogen compounds according to the following formula:Such a reaction occurs readily in a mildly alkaline environment,2 and this has been applied to proteins by Mirsky and Anson,3 and Goddard and Schubert.4 Th...
Determination of Alternate Pathway Complement Kinetics by Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy

We describe a technic that measures the kinetics of the metabolic burst of peripheral blood neutrophils (PMN) by electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping. Using this technic, a functional assay for the kinetics of the alternate pathway complement cascade is developed. PMN were stimulated by phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan (OpZym) to undergo the metabolic burst and the resulting free hydroxyl radicals generated during the burst were trapped using 5,5-dimethyl-l-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) to form a stable spin adduct. Rapid sequential measurements of the spin adduct concentration were made using a computer-controlled ESR spectrometer to follow the time course of the metabolic burst. Differences in the results obtained with OpZym and with PMN incubated with unopsonized zymosan (Zym) and serum yields information about the kinetics of opsonization. The kinetics of the alternate complement pathway opsonization in sera from normal and C8-deficient patients were compared and found not to be affected significantly by the absence of C8 complement protein.
One-Pot Fabrication of Mesoporous Core–Shell Au@PtNi Ternary Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Enhanced Efficiency for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Currently, Pt-based nanomaterials with tailorable shapes, structures, and morphologies are the most popular electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction, which is a significant cathode reaction in fuel cells for renewable energy applications. We have successfully synthesized mesoporous core-shell Au@PtNi ternary metallic nanoparticles through a one-pot reduction method for cathodic materials used as oxygen reduction reaction catalysts. The as-synthesized nanoparticles exhibited superior catalytic activities and long-term stabilities compared with mesoporous core-shell Au@Pt nanoparticles and commercial Pt/C. The unique mesoporous core-shell structures as well as the alloy shells enable the enhanced electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction performances of the Pt-based materials via the electronic effect and geometric effect, holding great promise in fuel cell application.
A conformal low resistivity fluorine free tungsten for FinFET metal gate and 3D memory applications

Tungsten has been the material of choice for contact and gate metallization, and continues to be used in FINFET architectures. In this work, we developed a low resistivity conformal Fluorine free tungsten film that can nucleate the WF6 based ALD/CVD W growth while blocking the fluorine diffusion from the bulk W fill material. It provides significant benefit in integration performance enhancement compare to common processes used for tungsten metallization.
Cause of Appearance of Negative Value in Determining Blood Glucose by Automatic Biochemical Analyzer

[Objective]To find out the cause of appearance of negative value in determining blood glucose by automatic biochemical analyzer quickly.[Methods]The original absorbance detected by the reagents with negative value to others was compared. The results were showed with chart.[Results]The appearance of negative value was due to insufficient reagent purity,finding out in original absorption curve. The reagent contained chemicals besides response theory.[Conclusion]In order to ensure the accuracy of the result,the well known brand reagents with high quality and full proof of market should be selected. The reagent can not be chosen only for its cheap price.
Research progress of propagation and regeneration of Robinia pseudoacacia cv. Idaho

Robinia pseudoacacia cv.Idaho is a drought-tolerant tree species,with its flowers bloom but infertility,drought,root and stem strong sprouting ability.R.pseudoacacia cv.Idaho has multiple propagation methods.Its propagation and regeneration is not limited by the season,high speed and high efficiency of propagation,and is the fundamental biotechnology maintaining the tree ’s super characteristics.For optimal tissue culture system,this paper reviewed research methods and experimental status at all stages,focusing on key issues and influencing factors in tissue culture.
Perinatal HIV and Neurodevelopment

The natural history of HIV disease and neurodevelopmental disorders in 21 perinatally infected children were examined in a collaborative prospective study sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, Rockville, MD.
Willingness to use a supervised injection facility among young adults who use prescription opioids non-medically: a cross-sectional study.

Supervised injection facilities (SIFs) are legally sanctioned environments for people to inject drugs under medical supervision. SIFs currently operate in ten countries, but to date, no SIF has been opened in the USA. In light of increasing overdose mortality in the USA, this study evaluated willingness to use a SIF among youth who report non-medical prescription opioid (NMPO) use. Between January 2015 and February 2016, youth with recent NMPO use were recruited to participate in the Rhode Island Young Adult Prescription Drug Study (RAPiDS). We explored factors associated with willingness to use a SIF among participants who had injected drugs or were at risk of initiating injection drug use (defined as having a sex partner who injects drugs or having a close friend who injects). Among 54 eligible participants, the median age was 26 (IQR = 24–28), 70.4% were male, and 74.1% were white. Among all participants, when asked if they would use a SIF, 63.0% answered “Yes”, 31.5% answered “No”, and 5.6% were unsure. Among the 31 participants reporting injection drug use in the last six months, 27 (87.1%) reported willingness to use a SIF; 15 of the 19 (78.9%) who injected less than daily reported willingness, while all 12 (100.0%) of the participants who injected daily reported willingness. Compared to participants who were unwilling or were unsure, participants willing to use a SIF were also more likely to have been homeless in the last six months, have accidentally overdosed, have used heroin, have used fentanyl non-medically, and typically use prescription opioids alone. Among young adults who use prescription opioids non-medically and inject drugs or are at risk of initiating injection drug use, more than six in ten reported willingness to use a SIF. Established risk factors for overdose, including homelessness, history of overdose, daily injection drug use, heroin use, and fentanyl misuse, were associated with higher SIF acceptability, indicating that young people at the highest risk of overdose might ultimately be the same individuals to use the facility. Supervised injection facilities merit consideration to reduce overdose mortality in the USA.
Urban Poverty, Local Governance and Everyday Politics in Mumbai, by Joop de Wit

Megacities in developing countries are often described as chaotic and haphazard. Many attribute the persistence and continued growth of urban slums to the overwhelming demand for urban housing and ...
Receptor function and ion transport in turkey erythrocytes.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the identification of the β-adrenergic receptor in the turkey erythrocyte and examination of activation of adenylate cyclase, generation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and enhanced ion transport in these cells because of the interaction of β-adrenergic catecholamines with the receptor. It further discusses the regulation by guanine nucleotides. Guanine nucleotides modulate the response of adenylate cyclase to catecholamines in avian erythrocytes and in a variety of other hormonally responsive tissues. In general, the guanine nucleotides augment the response to hormones in adenylate cyclase systems. In the turkey erythrocyte plasma membrane, 5’-guanylylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p) markedly enhances catecholamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. The chapter then reviews the effects of β-adrenergic catecholamines on ion transport. It summarizes the effects of ouabain on ion transport and cAMP in turkey erythrocytes. In turkey erythrocytes, the refractoriness to cAMP and its relief by ouabain reflect an ouabain-inhibitable depletion or inactivation of a substance that is required for the effect of the cyclic nucleotide or an ouabain-inhibitable accumulation or activation of a substance that reduces the effect of cAMP. The observations that both ouabain and cAMP alter ion fluxes in turkey erythrocytes and that ouabain can potentiate and prolong the effect of cAMP. This suggests that the mechanism through which these two agents exert their effects at some point can share a common biochemical pathway.
Head Impact Locations in U.S. High School Boys' and Girls' Soccer Concussions, 2012/13–2015/16

This study describes concussions and concussion-related outcomes sustained by high school soccer players by head impact location, sex, and injury mechanism. Data were obtained for the 2012/13-2015/16 school years from the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System, High School RIO™. This Internet-based sports injury surveillance system captures data reported by athletic trainers from an annual average of 162 US high schools. Data were analyzed to describe circumstances of soccer concussion (e.g., symptomology, symptom resolution and return-to-play time) by impact location [i.e., front- (face included), back-, side-, and top-of-the-head] and sex. Most concussions were from front-of-the-head impacts (boys: 30.5%; girls: 34.0%). Overall, 4.1±2.2 and 4.6±2.3 symptoms were reported in boys and girls, respectively. In boys, symptom frequency was not associated with head impact location (P=0.66); an association was found in girls (p=0.02), with the highest symptom frequency reported in top-of...
Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) Altered Redox/Nitrosative genes, Enhanced Systemic Stress and Cardiac dysfunction in HIV-1 Transgenic (HIV-Tg) Rats: Effects of Magnesium Supplementation (Mg-Supp)

We determined if clinically used cART promoted redox/nitrosative stress and cardiac toxicity in control and HIV-Tg rats and the effects of Mg. Treatment with cART (Truvada+atazanavir/ritonavir) up to 18 weeks, induced significant hypomagnesemia (-25%), elevated plasma 8-isoprostane, and RBC GSSG 2-3 folds (at 6 wks); plasma 3-nitrotyrosine (NT) increased 3.5-fold in the HIV-Tg rats (at 18 wks). In association, liver Nrf2 mRNA (by real time RT-PCR) was down-regulated 75% along with altered expression of HmOX-1 and GST; however iNOS and TNFα mRNAs were increased 2- & 4-fold. Prominent ventricular NT staining was observed in HIV-Tg+cART rats; echocardiography detected time-dependent moderate, but significant decreases in cardiac systolic (Fractional Shortening. -17%, 18 wks) and diastolic (E/A, -26%) functions. Mg-Supp (6X normal) in diet, substantially prevented rises in levels of 8-isoprostane, GSSG, and plasma NT. Most strikingly, Mg-Supp restored expressions of Nrf2 and HmOX-1, GST close to controls in HIV-Tg rats; both iNOS and TNFα up-regulations were blunted. In association, cardiac NT staining was substantially reduced; both cardiac systolic and diastolic functional decreases were attenuated 60-70% by Mg-supp. Conclusions cART treatment synergized with HIV-1 expression in down-regulating Nrf2 pathway, but up-regulating iNOS and TNFα expression; elevation of systemic redox/nitrosative stress contributed to cardiac dysfunction. The cardiac protective effects of Mg-Supp might be mediated by its antioxidant actions at the genomic and systemic levels through the Nrf2 pathway
Daily Fluctuations of Progesterone and Testosterone Are Associated With Fibromyalgia Pain Severity

Abstract The purpose of this longitudinal blood sampling study was to examine relationships between sex hormones and fibromyalgia pain. Eight women meeting case definition criteria for fibromyalgia provided venous blood samples and reported their fibromyalgia pain severity over 25 consecutive days. All women exhibited normal menstrual cycles and were not taking oral contraceptives. Cortisol, and the sex hormones estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, were assayed from serum. A linear mixed model was used to determine if fluctuations of sex hormones were associated with changes in pain severity. In the entire sample, day to day changes in progesterone (P = .002) as well as testosterone (P = .015) were significantly and inversely correlated with pain severity. There was no relationship between estradiol and pain (P = .551) or cortisol and pain (P = .633). These results suggest that progesterone and testosterone play a protective role in fibromyalgia pain severity. Sex and other hormones may serve to increase as well as decrease fibromyalgia pain severity. Perspective Sex hormones fluctuate normally in women with fibromyalgia, but may still contribute to pain severity.
Making Fanfic: The (Academic) Tensions of Fan Fiction as Self-Publication

This article considers fan fiction as (self-)publication, particularly noting the tensions between institutional notions of textual production within academia and how fan writing works against paradigms of publishing espoused in higher education. Such tensions are indicative of institutional pressures for “legitimate” publications. Offering a fan writer’s first-person perspective on fan fiction, this article questions who defines “publishing,” how that definition affects fan creators within academia, and offers a consideration of these relationships as meaningful in ongoing conversations regarding how “publishing” is conceived.
How economic theories can negatively affect subcontractor selection

Main-contractors and subcontractors have had improved relationships and less conflict through collaborative working arrangements (CWA) defined as organisational relational agreements or partnering. Further the selection of subcontractors by main contractors was often based on the lowest bid price - a foundational tent of transaction cost economics (TCE) which is defined as organisational transactions involving transfers of goods or services. In this paper, through qualitative analysis and review of company documents, the negative consequences these practices had on subcontractor performance, which resulted in project underperformance and employee discontent, are discussed via case study. Based on these qualitative findings, a 2 × 2 matrix of theoretical considerations was posited which indicate that the desired state for a subcontractor is one who is not affiliated with the main contractor and one who offers a wide range of pertinent services.
Naming Institutionalized Racism in the Public Health Literature: A Systematic Literature Review:

Objectives:Although a range of factors shapes health and well-being, institutionalized racism (societal allocation of privilege based on race) plays an important role in generating inequities by race. The goal of this analysis was to review the contemporary peer-reviewed public health literature from 2002-2015 to determine whether the concept of institutionalized racism was named (ie, explicitly mentioned) and whether it was a core concept in the article.Methods:We used a systematic literature review methodology to find articles from the top 50 highest-impact journals in each of 6 categories (249 journals in total) that most closely represented the public health field, were published during 2002-2015, were US focused, were indexed in PubMed/MEDLINE and/or Ovid/MEDLINE, and mentioned terms relating to institutionalized racism in their titles or abstracts. We analyzed the content of these articles for the use of related terms and concepts.Results:We found only 25 articles that named institutionalized racism...