cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Triplet excition-free hole interaction in pyrene

Abstract The triplet exciton-free hole interaction rate constant in pyrene has been measured. The value of 1.3×10 −10 3 sec −1 suggests that the annihilation process may not be diffusion limited.
Melting of Diamond

Radiation from a Q-switched YAG laser, focused on the (100) face of a single crystal diamond anvil in a high-pressure diamond cell, caused a portion of the diamond anvil face to melt. Potassium bromide mixed with graphite was under pressure between the anvils when melting occurred. The diamond surface melted at pressures greater than ∼120 kilobars and graphitized at lower pressures. Evidence for the melting and graphitization of the diamond was obtained by optical and scanning electron microscopy.
Parametric Study of Roof Geometry and Roof Rack Crossbar Effects on the Performance of Multi-Band Vehicle Antennas

A parametric study of the roof geometry and roof rack crossbar interactions with a multi-antenna module is presented. The effects of varying roof curvatures on the antenna performance are analyzed and compared to a flat roof. In addition, roof rack interactions for varying roof rack crossbar locations relative to the antenna are studied for different roof curvature cases. The results for GPS and SDARS will be presented.
Excitation of non-degenerate resonances through breaking of mirror symmetry in photonic crystal slabs

Non-degenerate resonances in a photonic crystal slab that are uncoupled in a symmetric structure are excited in a mirror symmetry lacking structure. The coupling to these resonances is controlled by the degree of asymmetry.
Inner-city hospital closures/relocations: race, income status, and legal issues.

Abstract Hospital closures/relocations are occuring with increasing frequency in the United States and these actions are alleged to have adverse consequences for racial-minorities and low-income individuals. This paper through an examination and review of the literature discusses the reasons why hospitals close/relocate, examines the legal issues and questions that have arisen over decisions leading to hospital closures/relocations and discusses the implications of hospital closures/relocations on the health care of inner-city minorities and low-income individuals. The conclusion suggests that for inner-city indigents hospital closure/relocations means only one thing—a decline in hospital care. If the present trend in hospital closures/relocations continues, a few for-profit hospital chains may have the responsibility for determining community health needs based on what services are most profitable and who will be the recipient of these services.
Is emergency preparedness a ‘disaster’ for people with disabilities in the US? Results from the 2006–2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

This study compared emergency preparedness of people with activity limitations, with limitations who use specialized equipment, and with mental health conditions with that of people without these disabilities. Results of chi-square analysis and logistic regression analysis showed that people with activity limitations and/or mental health conditions were significantly less prepared for emergencies than people who used specialized equipment or persons without disabilities. Having an activity limitation and/or severe mental health conditions, and being non-white, uncoupled, female, and below the poverty line increases the likelihood of not being prepared. Suggestions for increasing preparedness related to training and policy development were discussed.
Molecular Characterization of HIV-1 Isolated from a Serum Collected in 1976: Nucleotide Sequence Comparison to Recent Isolates and Generation of Hybrid HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (Z321 designate, HIV-1Z321), the oldest known HIV, was isolated from a serum sample collected in Zaire in 1976 and was molecularly cloned. Restriction enzyme analysis of unintegrated viral DNA revealed the presence of conserved restriction enzyme cleavage sites in the long terminal repeat sequences. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the 3′ end of the viral DNA revealed a pattern similar to other HIV-1 isolates described. However, some of the common restriction sites present in other isolates were absent in HIV-1Z321. The extent of differences between HIV-1Z321 and recent isolates from North America and Zaire was 17.86–18.36% on the nucleotide sequence level and 26.5–33.2% difference in the predicted amino acid sequence in the envelope gene. Differences were also noted in 3′-orf (nef: according to HIV gene nomenclature; see Ref. 42) gene and U3 region of the long terminal repeat sequences of HIV-1Z321 and other isolates. Nucleotide sequence of a HIV-1 isolate, 12 years apa...
Stability of Filter- and Wrapper-Based Feature Subset Selection

High dimensionality (too many features) is found across many data science domains. Feature selection techniques address this problem by choosing a subset of features whichare more relevant to the problem at hand. These technique scan simply rank the features, but this risks including multiple features which are individually useful but which contain redundant information, subset evaluation techniques, on the other hand, consider the usefulness of whole subsets, and therefore avoid selecting redundant features. Subset-based techniques can either be filters, which apply some statistical test to thesubsets to measure their worth, or wrappers, which judgefeatures based on how effective they are when building a model. One known problem with subset-based techniques is stability: because redundant features are not included, slight changes to the input data can have a significant effect on which features are chosen. In this study, we explore the stability of feature subset selection, including two filter-based techniques and five choices for both the wrapper learner and the wrapper performance metric. We also introduce a new stability metric, the modified Kuncheva's consistency index, which is able tocompare two feature subsets of different size. We also considerboth the stability of the feature selection technique and the average/standard deviation of feature subset size. Our results show that the Consistency feature subset evaluator has thegreatest stability overall, but CFS (Correlation-Based Feature Selection) shows moderate stability with a much smaller standard deviation of feature subset size. All of the wrapper-basedtechniques are less stable than the filter-based techniques, although the Naive Bayes learner using the AUC performancemetric is the most stable wrapper-based approach.
Multiple forms of isocitrate lyase in the matrix of Turbatrix aceti mitochondria

Abstract The localization of five separate forms of isocitrate lyase (EC 4.1.3.1) in the free-living nematode Turbatrix aceti was determined by analyzing their distribution among subcellular fractions with continuous (Tris-acetate, pH 7.5) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Enzyme activity on gels was detected either by substrate-dependent Schiff's-aldehyde staining or absorbance of phenylhydrazone at 324 nm. Following rate sedimentation of worm homogenates, the highest specific activity for isocitrate lyase was recovered in the pellet containing intact mitochondria. Glyoxysomes (microbodies) were not observed by electron microscopy in this or any other fraction. Selective removal of mitochondrial outer membranes (and hence components in the intermembrane space) was accomplished by two different procedures: (1) passage of mitochondria in a hypersomotic medium through a French pressure cell at 1500 psi, or (2) treatment with 0.6 mg digitonin mg protein. Electron microscopy revealed essentially complete removal for the former procedure, but only partial removal following digitonin treatment. Equilibrium centrifugation on sucrose gradients was necessary to strip the residual outer membranes from the digitonin-treated mitochondria. Mitoplasts resulting from the two procedures were subfractionated into matrix and inner membrane components by high-pressure disruption (14,000 psi) and subsequent rate sedimentation (144,000 g , 60 min). Identical electrophoretic patterns were found using both slab and disc gels, whether stained with Schiff's reagent or scanned at 324 nm, in samples taken from clarified homogenates, intact mitochondria, mitoplasts, or matrix fractions. The results indicate that all five forms of the enzyme occur together in the mitochondrial matrices. Their individual functions are not yet known, but they may be involved in the regulation of isocitrate metabolism common to the tricarboxylic acid and glyoxylate cycles occurring within the same mitochondria.
Strawberry-Flavored Baits for Pharmaceutical Delivery to Feral Swine

More effective methods to control feral swine (Sus scrofa) damage are needed. We evaluated 8 oral delivery systems designed to deliver pharmaceuticals to feral swine on 2 properties in southern Texas, USA. We used modified PIGOUT® feral pig bait (Animal Control Technologies Australia P/L, Somerton, Victoria, Australia) throughout our trials to compare species-specific visitation and removal rates. Given our consistent finding of high nontarget removal of baits intended for feral swine, we question whether a swine-specific oral delivery system exists for this region.
Electrical properties of neurons in the intact rat major pelvic ganglion.

Abstract The aim of this investigation was to characterize the electrical properties of neurons in the rat major pelvic ganglia (MPG) using intracellular recording techniques. MPG were dissected from male rats euthanized by isoflurane and thoracotomy. Neurons were classified as “phasic” or “tonic” according to their rate of accommodation during a 500-ms depolarizing current pulse. Phasic cells were further subdivided into rapidly or slowly adapting. The firing pattern of tonic cells was divided into regular high frequency, low frequency or irregular firing. In tonic cells, onset spikes showed TTX-resistant discharges; whereas sustained spikes were TTX sensitive. Changing the current pulse amplitude or the stimulation interval could alter the firing pattern in both types of neurons. Subthreshold membrane potential oscillations (SMPOs) were primarily observed when neurons were depolarized. SMPOs were Na + dependent and TTX sensitive. The majority of tonic and phasic neurons generated rebound spikes, most of which were partially Na + dependent. A small percentage (
Pregnancy outcomes after recovery from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome.

experience. RESULTS: In the Oklahoma Registry, 3 of 7 (43%) women with idiopathic TTP-HUS, 2 of 11 (18%) women who were pregnant/postpartum, and 0 of 1 (0%) woman with a bloody diarrhea prodrome at their initial presentation were diagnosed with TTP-HUS during a subsequent pregnancy; all 5 women recovered. In published reports, 10 of 11 (91%) women with idiopathic TTPHUS and 11 of 18 (61%) women who were pregnant/ postpartum at their initial presentation, and all 11 (100%) women with congenital TTP-HUS were diagnosed with TTP-HUS during a subsequent pregnancy. Rates of recurrence in the Oklahoma Registry may be less because of case report bias for exceptional patients. Recurrent TTP-HUS was difficult to diagnose because other pregnancy-related complications were frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Although pregnancies in these women were often complicated, a future pregnancy may be a safe and appropriate decision for women who have recovered from TTP-HUS.
Dietary fatty acids modulate chronic colitis, colitis-associated colon neoplasia and COX-2 expression in IL-10 knockout mice.

Abstract Objective The effects of different dietary oils on the development of colitis-associated colon cancer have not been studied. The present study examined the effect of different dietary oils on the severity of chronic colitis, development of colitis-associated premalignant changes, and colonic expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in interleukin-10 knockout (IL-10 −/− ) mice. Methods IL-10 −/− mice were fed chow supplemented with corn oil (CO; control, n = 28), olive oil (OO; n = 29), or fish oil (FO; n = 35) for 12 wk and their colons were studied for colitis score, premalignant changes, and COX-2 expression. Results The average colitis score was higher in the FO than in the CO group. Similarly, the incidence of severe colitis (score ≥ 3) was significantly higher in the FO than in the CO and OO groups (50% versus 7.7% and 3.7%, respectively, P P P Conclusions In IL-10 −/− mice, fish oil exacerbates chronic colitis and colitis-associated premalignant changes. Conversely, olive oil inhibits COX-2 immunostaining and decreases the risk of neoplasia associated with chronic colitis.
Description of a New Dermacentor (Acari: Ixodidae) Species from Thailand and Vietnam

A new tick species belonging to the genus Dermacentor Koch, 1844, namely, Dermacentor filippovae n. sp., is described. All stages of this species are similar to those of D. auratus Supino, 1897, D. compactus Neumann, 1901, and D. limbooliati Apanaskevich and Apanaskevich, 2015 with which it was previously confused. Males of D. filippovae may be distinguished from those of D. auratus, D. compactus, and D. limbooliati by the following suite of characters: conscutum broadly oval with convex lateral sides, widest posteriorly; trapezium-like shape of pseudoscutum; central brown patch on conscutum indistinct; coxa I with internal spur narrowly triangular with tapering apex and external spur fairly long, narrowly triangular with tapering apex; numerous internal spurs on coxa IV; and trochanter I with moderate, broadly triangular spur with tapering apex. Females of D. filippovae may be distinguished from those of D. auratus, D. compactus, and D. limbooliati by the following suite of characters: central patch of scutum narrow, distinct line interrupted around midlength; more rounded shape of scutum; long and distinct alloscutal setae; moderately broad U-shaped genital aperture with preatrial fold bulging anteriorly and thereafter sharply sloping to flat surface posteriorly; coxa I with internal spur narrowly triangular with tapering apex and external spur fairly long, narrowly triangular with tapering apex; and trochanter I with moderate, broadly triangular spur with tapering apex. Dermacentor filippovae is known from Thailand and Vietnam where the adults were collected from wild boar, Sus scrofa L., and vegetation.
An Abraded Tooth of Edestus (Chondrichthyes, Eugeneodontiformes): Evidence for a Unique Mode of Predation

The paired symphyseal tooth whorls of the Carboniferous chondrichthyan Edestus are perhaps the most enigmatic dental structures of any known vertebrate. The tooth whorls have been compared to scissors or to saw blades. It is commonly held that the tooth whorls were used in opposition, to cut prey caught between them. However, the curvature of the whorls makes such a function inefficient and therefore implausible. A symphyseal tooth of Edestus minor from the Pennsylvanian of Texas provides the first new information bearing on the function of Edestus tooth whorls in over a century. The tooth is truncated apically, and the surface of the surviving portion is worn smooth. The orientation of the abraded surface, perpendicular to the axis of the crown, suggests that the tooth whorls were used to slash prey with a vertical motion of the anterior part of the body. Such a mode of predation apparently has not been reported in any other organism, extinct or extant. In contrast to Edestus, wear to the symphyseal teet...
Understanding how visual representations of location feeds affect end-user privacy concerns

While past work has looked extensively at how to design privacy configuration UIs for sharing current location, there has not yet been work done to examine how visual representations of historical locations can influence end-user privacy. We present results for a study examining three visualization types (text-, map-, and time-based) for social sharing of past locations. Our results reveal that there are important design implications for location sharing applications, as certain visual elements led to more privacy concerns and inaccurate perceptions of privacy control.
The Nature–Nurture Debates: 25 Years of Challenges in Understanding the Psychology of Gender

Nature-nurture debates continue to be highly contentious in the psychology of gender despite the common recognition that both types of causal explanations are important. In this article, we provide a historical analysis of the vicissitudes of nature and nurture explanations of sex differences and similarities during the quarter century since the founding of the Association for Psychological Science. We consider how the increasing use of meta-analysis helped to clarify sex difference findings if not the causal explanations for these effects. To illustrate these developments, this article describes socialization and preferences for mates as two important areas of gender research. We also highlight developing research trends that address the interactive processes by which nature and nurture work together in producing sex differences and similarities. Such theorizing holds the promise of better science as well as a more coherent account of the psychology of women and men that should prove to be more influential with the broader public.
(200) Self-efficacy as a Mediator of Depression and Pain-Related Disability in Three Samples of Chronic Pain Patients

Chronic pain is increasingly prevalent, with associated disability carrying a high economic cost and related depression having a negative effect on the quality of life for patients and their families. A growing base of research supports that self-efficacy beliefs significantly contribute to the extent that a person is disabled by their chronic pain. To help explain the circumstances under which disability develops and why so many chronic pain patients become depressed a path analytic model was tested in 3 samples conceptualizing self-efficacy as a mediator of the disability and depression that results from chronic pain. One sample included patients evaluated at a major referral center and a second sample was derived from patients at a community-based primary care and specialty clinic in a non-urban center. A third sample was obtained from both of those settings, however patients in this sample were screened in a manner that excluded patients who had a history of depression prior to the onset of their pain. All patients completed questionnaires prior to an initial consultative visit with a pain specialist at one of the two outpatient pain clinics in New England. A total of 476 participants provided complete data on all model variables, met the eligibility criteria and consented to be included in the study (Tertiary Center, n = 225; Community-based Clinic n = 136; and combined setting with No Prior Depression, n = 115). Self-efficacy was supported as a mediator and in conjunction with pain intensity contributes to over a third of the explained variance in disability and depression. Slight differences were noted in patients based on the setting, and their history of depression prior to the onset of chronic pain. These findings add to the support that the person's belief in their own abilities is a contributor to the depression and disability, that afflicts many chronic pain patients.
Relationship of Acetabular Dysplasia and Femoroacetabular Impingement to Hip Osteoarthritis: A Focused Review

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) leads to significant functional limitations and economic burden. If modifiable risk factors for hip OA are identified, it may be possible to implement preventative measures. Bony abnormalities associated with acetabular dysplasia (AD) and femoroacetabular impingement have been recently implicated as risk factors for hip OA. The purpose of this focused review is to summarize the available evidence describing the relationship between bony abnormalities and hip OA. A librarian-assisted database search with PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL was performed. Relevant articles were identified and assessed for inclusion criteria. The authors reviewed cohort and case-control studies that reported on the association between abnormal hip morphology and hip OA. The available literature suggests that an association exists between bony abnormalities found in AD and femoroacetabular impingement and hip OA, and preliminary evidence suggests that AD is a risk factor for OA; however, these conclusions are based on limited evidence. Prospective, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the causal relationship between abnormal hip morphology and the future development of hip OA.
An energy flow approach to fault propagation analysis

A complex system such as an aircraft engine, is composed of several components or subsystems which interact with each other in several ways. These constituent components/subsystems and their interactions make up the whole system. When a fault condition arises in one of the components, not only that component behavior changes but the interaction of that component with the other system constituents may also change. This might result in spreading the effect of that fault to other components in a domino like effect, until the overall system fails. This paper presents a modular methodology to analyze propagation of faults from one subsystem to the other subsystems. The application domain focuses on an aero propulsion system of the turbofan type.
Use of Li(d,n) Neutrons for Simulation of Radiation Effects in Fusion Reactors

In this paper we show that the neutron spectrum from high-energy deuteron bombardment of a thick Li target is suitable for simulation of radiation effects in a fusion reactor. Neutron spectra from 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35-MeV deuterons incident, respectively, on a 2-cm thick Li target are reported. For these spectra, a recently-developed computer code was used to evaluate damage-energy cross sections, primary recoil energy distributions, and spectrum-averaged reaction cross sections in several metals. The results indicate that a (d,n) source can simulate the energy dependence of the recoil spectra, and the rate of helium production anticipated in a real fusion reactor
Newcomer Adjustment During Organizational Socialization: A Meta- Analytic Review of Antecedents, Outcomes, and Methods

The authors tested a model of antecedents and outcomes of newcomer adjustment using 70 unique samples of newcomers with meta-analytic and path modeling techniques. Specifically, they proposed and tested a model in which adjustment (role clarity, self-efficacy, and social acceptance) mediated the effects of organizational socialization tactics and information seeking on socialization outcomes (job satisfaction, organizational commitment, job performance, intentions to remain, and turnover). The results generally supported this model. In addition, the authors examined the moderating effects of methodology on these relationships by coding for 3 methodological issues: data collection type (longitudinal vs. cross-sectional), sample characteristics (school-to-work vs. work-to-work transitions), and measurement of the antecedents (facet vs. composite measurement). Discussion focuses on the implications of the findings and suggestions for future research.
Impact of the Early Soybean Production System on Arthropod Pest Populations in Georgia

Abstract The early soybean production system (ESPS) in the southern region of the United States is being promoted as a cropping practice that reduces the risk of drought stress to the crop. This ESPS involves planting an early-maturing soybean cultivar, ≈4–6 wk before planting the conventional later-maturing soybean cultivars. A field study was conducted in Georgia soybeans in 1997–1999 to compare arthropod pest seasonal abundance, insect-induced defoliation, and yields between ESPS and conventionally planted soybeans. The conventional soybean production system had higher populations of late season defoliators, including the velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner, and the soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker). The percentage defoliation was higher in the conventional system than in the ESPS all three years. The threecornered alfalfa hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Say), was more abundant in the ESPS in early season, but similar population densities were observed in July–August in bo...
A normalized weighting method for the connections between distribution transformers by particle swarm optimization

A normalized weighting method combined with particle swarm optimization for the connections between distribution transformers and a primary feeder is presented. A multi-objective instead of single formulation for this problem is applied. Six important objectives include power balance, feeder loss, voltage deviation, LCO current, zero and negative unbalance factor are all considered here. The proposed approach can provide a set of flexible solutions using particle swarm optimization by following the intention of decision makers. Comparative studies on actual Tai-power systems are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the phase load balancing and the improvement of operation efficiency for the proposed method.
Bottom-up Nanofabrication Using DNA Nanostructures

DNA nanostructures are ideal templates for bottom-up assembly and fabrication of nanomaterials. Their structures can be tailored for a given application and modified with pinpoint precision. They offer the best of top down and bottom up assembly. We highlight recent progress in DNA nanotechnology and in particular advances that are relevant to the materials chemistry community. Examples of using DNA nanostructure to address materials chemistry challenges are highlighted.
Noise perturbation for supervised speech separation

Speech separation can be treated as a mask estimation problem, where interference-dominant portions are masked in a time-frequency representation of noisy speech. In supervised speech separation, a classifier is typically trained on a mixture set of speech and noise. It is important to efficiently utilize limited training data to make the classifier generalize well. When target speech is severely interfered by a nonstationary noise, a classifier tends to mistake noise patterns for speech patterns. Expansion of a noise through proper perturbation during training helps to expose the classifier to a broader variety of noisy conditions, and hence may lead to better separation performance. This study examines three noise perturbations on supervised speech separation: noise rate, vocal tract length, and frequency perturbation at low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). The speech separation performance is evaluated in terms of classification accuracy, hit minus false-alarm rate and short-time objective intelligibility (STOI). The experimental results show that frequency perturbation is the best among the three perturbations in terms of speech separation. In particular, the results show that frequency perturbation is effective in reducing the error of misclassifying a noise pattern as a speech pattern.
Challenges Exist in Regulating Use of Drugs in Sports

This article discusses the increasing number of difficulties that exist when trying to regulate the use of performance enhancers in sports. While there has been success in prohibiting the use of performance enhancing drugs, such as anabolic steroids, athletes have created other performance enhancing techniques that may be harder to control. This article looks at those techniques, such as blood doping or stem cell procedures, and the problems that may be faced with trying to control their usage.
Life-History and Behavioral Studies on Micrutalis malleifera, a Vector of Pseudo-Curly Top Virus

Treehoppers ( Micrutalis malleifera Fowler) were reared from egg to adult on eggplant, Solanum melongena L. Average length of incubation period of eggs was 15 days: 1st instar nymphs, 6 days: 2nd instr nymphs, 4 days: 3rd instar nymphs, 5 days: and 4th instar nymphs, 9 days. Eggs were laid within 4 days after the final ecdysis: thus, the complete life cycle required 38 days on the average. Females laid from 22 to 130 eggs during their lives.
Predicting temperature increase through local SAR estimation by B1 mapping: A phantom validation at 7T

It has been shown that Electrical Properties d(EPs) of biological tissues can be derived from MR-based B1 measurement. A strong appeal for these `Electrical Property Tomography' (EPT) methods is to estimate real-time and subject-specific local specific absorption rate (SAR) induced by RF transmission. In order to investigate the feasibility of EPT-based local SAR estimation, following previously proposed EPT protocols, induced local SAR has been firstly estimated under one B1 shim setting for a heating sequence at 7T; whereas with the same acquired B1 information, induced local SAR under a different B1 shim setting has been further predicted. Both of the SAR results have been compared to measured temperature changes using MRI Thermometry based on the proton chemical shift.
Primary Leiomyosarcoma of the Testis

AbstractWe report a case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the testis, which was believed to originate from normal testicular structures containing smooth muscle cells, such as blood vessels and contractile cells of the seminiferous tubules. No evidence of tumor spread was found. Treatment consisted of orchiectomy with high ligation of the spermatic cord. The patient received no adjuvant therapy. There was no evidence of tumor after 2 years. The literature is reviewed and the therapeutic approach is discussed.
EWMA and DEWMA Control Charts for Poisson‐Exponential Distribution: Conditional Median Approach for Censored Data

Exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts are consistently used for the detection of small shifts contrary to Shewhart charts, which are commonly used for the detection of large shifts in the process. There are many interesting features of EWMA charts that have been studied for complete data in the literature. The aim of present study is to introduce and compare the double exponentially weighted moving average (DEWMA) and EWMA control charts under type-I censoring for Poisson-exponential distribution. The monitoring of mean level shifts using censored data is of a great interest in many applied problems. Moreover, a new idea of conditional median is introduced and further compared with the existing conditional expected values approach for monitoring the small mean level shifts. The performance of the DEWMA and EWMA charts is evaluated using the average run length, expected quadratic loss, and performance comparison index measures. The optimum sample size comparisons for the specified and unspecified parameters are also part of this study. Two applications for practical considerations are also discussed. It is observed that different censoring rates and the size of shifts significantly affect the performance of the EWMA and DEWMA charts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Behavior of Intact Biochemical Control Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the basic methods of complex biochemical systems. The phenomenon of regulation has become so familiar that it is easy to overlook the fact that many intuitive notions about the functioning of intact biochemical control systems have never been rigorously tested. By the use of the power law approach, some of these intuitive notions have been verified. But more importantly, this analysis suggests bases for a number of novel behavior patterns in intact biochemical systems. In principle, detailed knowledge of the kinetics of the individual reactions involved is suflficient for characterizing the behavior of the intact systems. However, the practical difficulties in utilizing the detailed kinetics of the individual reactions to predict system behavior are formidable, and this has not been adequately appreciated. Some form of approximation is undoubtedly necessary to understand the behavior of complex systems. The power law approximation is shown to accurately represent the general rate law over a given range about any chosen operating values of the reactant and modifier concentrations. The use of this approximation reduces the experimental effort necessary to characterize the reaction kinetics for an analysis of the intact system; the analysis itself is also greatly simplified.
The Use of the Doppler Stethoscope in the Evaluation of Varicoceles

Twenty-eight clinically detectable varicoceles of various sizes were examined with a Doppler ultrasonic stethoscope. Retrograde blood flow through the left internal spermatic vein was confirmed in all cases irrespective of size of the vascular abnormality. The Doppler stethoscope also was used to evaluate 13 patients suspected of having varicoceles but with inconclusive physical examinations. Retrograde flow through the internal spermatic vein could likewise be auscultated in 5 of these patients. Finally, the Doppler stethoscope was used to determine the adequacy of internal spermatic vein ligation in 5 postoperative patients whose seminal dysfunction persisted despite what appeared to be a surgically effective correction of aberrant gonadal venous flow.
Medical surveillance and child maltreatment incidence reporting among NICU graduates

Objective of this study is to identify background infant and maternal characteristics that predict child maltreatment (CM) incidence reporting among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) graduates by health care providers versus community sentinels with the goal of identifying ways to improve CM risk surveillance. Demographic, medical data including diagnoses and caregiving needs at discharge for infants treated in a NICU during 2005 to 2008 were obtained from the neonatology databases. CM outcome data was obtained from child welfare databases. Latent class analysis procedures were used to identify observable infant and maternal characteristics that define unobserved groups (latent classes) that predict NICU graduates CM incidence reporting among health care providers versus community sentinels. Medical surveillance (reports made by health care providers) accounted for only 37% of the CM reports made to child welfare. Infant health was more predictive of medical surveillance than maternal characteristics su...
Reply to Bistline and Blanford: Letter reaffirms conclusions and highlights flaws in previous research

Bistline and Blanford’s (1) (hereinafter BB16) comments about Jacobson et al. (2) (hereinafter J15) are incorrect or unsubstantiated, and thus affect no conclusion in J15. However, their remarks highlight the failure of previous decarbonization studies to treat many existing storage options, load reduction upon electrification, accurate wind power, and true nuclear and carbon capture costs. [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: jacobson{at}stanford.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
User view of spatial networks in spatial database systems

Spatial networks find application in the areas of transportation GIS, network analysis, city planning and others. To effectively use them, it is essential to store spatial networks inside database systems. This paper shows how a user would conceptually view and make use of spatial networks in a database. The discussion has been based on a spatial network data type called snet which can store the geometry and the semantics of a network as a single object.
Hydrogel spacer distribution within the perirectal space in patients undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer: Impact of spacer symmetry on rectal dose reduction and the clinical consequences of hydrogel infiltration into the rectal wall

Abstract Purpose Hydrogel prostate-rectum spacers, biomaterials placed between the prostate and rectum, continue to gain interest as a method to reduce or limit rectal dose during dose escalated prostate cancer radiation therapy. Because the spacer is initially injected into the perirectal space as a liquid, the final distribution can vary. The purpose of this study was to evaluate hydrogel spacer (SpaceOAR system) implantation and distribution from a recent prospective randomized control trial and correlate spacer symmetry with rectal dose reduction as well as rectal wall infiltration (RWI) to acute and late toxicity. Methods and materials T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sets of 149 patients enrolled in a prospective clinical trial who received transperineal spacer injection were assessed for hydrogel spacer midline symmetry and RWI using a semiqualitative scoring system. Symmetry was then correlated to rectal dose reduction using a Student t test (1-tailed, paired), whereas a Fisher exact test was used to correlate RWI with acute and late rectal toxicity. All patients had control treatment plans created before spacer injection. Results Hydrogel spacer was symmetrically placed at midline for 71 (47.7%) patients at the prostate midgland as well as 1 cm superior and inferior to midgland. The remaining 78 (50.9%) patients had some level of asymmetry, with only 2 (1.3%) having far lateral distribution (ie, >2 cm) of hydrogel spacer. As the hydrogel spacer became more asymmetric, the level of rectal dose reduction relative to their control plans decreased. However, all but the most asymmetrical 1.3% had significant rectal dose reduction ( P Conclusions Significant reduction of rectal dose can still be achieved even in the setting of asymmetric hydrogel spacer placement. RWI does not correlate with patient complications.
Racial Variation in Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Treatment for Localized Prostate Cancer: Results from the CEASAR Study

Abstract Background Relatively little is known about the relationship between race/ethnicity and patient-reported outcomes after contemporary treatments for localized prostate cancer. Objective To test the hypothesis that treatment-related changes in urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal function vary by race/ethnicity. Design, setting, and participants The Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation (CEASAR) study is a prospective, population-based, observational study that enrolled 3708 men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer in 2011–2012. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Patient-reported disease-specific function was measured using the 26-item Expanded Prostate Index Composite (EPIC) at baseline and 6 and 12 mo after enrollment. Mean treatment differences in function were compared by race using risk-adjusted generalized estimating equations. Results and limitations While all race/ethnic groups reported considerable declines in scores for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy (RP) when compared to active surveillance, African-American men reported a greater difference than white men did (adjusted difference-in-differences 8.4 points, 95% confidence interval 2.0–14.8; p =0.01). No difference in bother scores was noted and the overall proportion of explained variation attributable to race/ethnicity was relatively small in comparison to primary treatment and baseline function. No clinically significant racial variation was noted for the sexual, bowel, irritative voiding, or hormone domains. Limitations include the lack of well-established thresholds for clinical significance using the EPIC instrument. Conclusion While these data demonstrate that incontinence at 1 yr after RP may be worse for African-American compared to white men, the difference appears to be modest overall. Treatment selection and baseline function explain a much greater proportion of the variation in function after treatment. Patient summary We observed that the effect of treatment for prostate cancer on patient-reported function did not vary dramatically by race/ethnicity. Compared to white men, African-American men experienced a somewhat more pronounced decline in urinary continence after radical prostatectomy, but the corresponding changes in bother scores were not significantly different between the two groups.
Somalis as Samaritans: A Glimpse into Christian–Muslim Relations in Eastern Africa from the Perspective of Evangelical Kenyan Christians

ABSTRACTLong considered – perhaps naively – a relative oasis of Christian–Muslim calm, Kenya is seeing increased tension and conflict, mainly exacerbated by al-Shabaab militants, Kenyan military an...
Effect of a Herringbone Mesostructure on the Electromechanical Properties of Piezofiber Composites for Energy Harvesting Applications

Designing piezoelectric composites with hierarchical structure is a key means of enhancing material performance in harvesting wasted mechanical energy. The authors propose a type of polymer-based meso-laminated piezoelectric composites that theoretically can offer better electromechanical properties than their component materials. Their findings demonstrate the potential of optimizing multiscale structure in this class of engineered compounds.
The role of eosinophils in rhinologic diseases

The eosinophil granulocyte, although likely first observed by Wharton Jones in 1846 in unstained preparations of peripheral blood, was so named by Paul Ehrlich in 1879 because of the intense staining of its granules with the acidic dye eosin Gleich and Adolphson (Adv Immunol 39:177–253, 1986). Since that time, the eosinophil has been the subject of extensive investigation. Its occurrence in such disparate conditions as parasitic infections, presumably for the benefit of the human host, and hypersensitivity diseases, perhaps to the detriment of the patient, although paradoxical, has become better understood as a consequence of newer information. Eosinophils are resident and nonpathologic in various organs such as gastrointestinal tract and mammary glands, and they may play roles in tissue and immune homeostasis of these organs.
Mutational sequencing for accurate count and long-range assembly

We introduce a new protocol, mutational sequencing or muSeq, which randomly deaminates unmethylated cytosines at a fixed and tunable rate. The muSeq protocol marks each initial template molecule with a unique mutation signature that is present in every copy of the template, and in every fragmented copy of a copy. In the sequenced read data, this signature is observed as a unique pattern of C-to-T or G-to-A nucleotide conversions. Clustering reads with the same conversion pattern enables accurate count and long-range assembly of initial template molecules from short-read sequence data. We explore count and low-error sequencing by profiling a 135,000 fragment PstI representation, demonstrating that muSeq improves copy number inference and significantly reduces sporadic sequencer error. We explore long-range assembly in the context of cDNA, generating contiguous transcript clusters greater than 3,000 bp in length. The muSeq assemblies reveal transcriptional diversity not observable from short-read data alone.
O-GlcNAc signaling regulates cardiac hypertrophy via NFAT activation

Calcineurin regulates the dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the cardiac hypertophy transcription factor, Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells (NFAT). O-linked beta-N-acetyl glucosamine ...
Automatically Visualizing Audio Travel Podcasts

Audio Podcasts have gained popularity because they are a compelling form of storytelling and are easy to consume. However, they are not as easy to produce since resources are invested in the research, recording, and editing process and the average length of an episode is over an hour. Some audio podcasts could benefit from visuals to increase engagement and learning, but manually curating them can be arduous and time-consuming. We introduce a tool for automatically visualizing audio podcasts, currently focused on the genre of travelogues. Our system works by first time-aligning the transcript of a given podcast, using NLP techniques to extract entities and track how interesting or relevant they are throughout the podcast, and then retrieving visual data appropriately to describe them, either through transitions on a map or professionally taken photographs with captions. By automatically creating a visual narrative to accompany a podcast, we hope our tool can provide listeners with a better sense of the podcast's topic.
Why Is Academic Promotion So Challenging for Clinicians

Despite its significance for career advancement, many clinical faculty members have negative perceptions of academic promotion and are opting out of the process. The reasons for this paradoxical situation are complex and vary among institutions, but a central issue is the increasingly awkward application of university promotion systems to modern academic medical centers. The values, priorities, and roles of clinical faculty members are very different from those of other university faculty members. Despite many significant changes, especially the introduction of non-tenure tracks, the system for academic promotion is widely perceived as poorly correlated with the roles and values of clinical faculty in both design and implementation. With escalating demands for clinical and educational activities, the time and effort required to secure an academic promotion appear of low value to many clinical faculty members.
En(countering) YA: Young Lords, shadowshapers, and the longings and possibilities of Latinx young adult literature

Recent Latinx young adult literature (YA) serves as a window into how authors narrate the promises and failures of cultural nationalism of past generations and how they imagine youth participating in revolutionary practices today, including accessing alternative forms of literature and education beyond established academia. This article places YA in its context as a US tradition in which authors have expressed particular notions about the adolescent as a subject in relation to social, state, and family structures. For example, Latinx YA, as an alternative to standard Anglo stories, which founded the medium in the United States, presents adult–child relationships as a kind of intergenerational activist legacy. Employing Richard Delgado‘s concept of counter-storytelling, and drawing on Ramon Saldivar‘s ideas about historical fantasy, this essay analyzes current Latinx literature for youth, centralizing the work of Sonia Manzano in historical fiction and Daniel Jose Older in urban fantasy.
Welmers, William E. (1916–1988)

In the field of linguistics, William E. Welmers was the first great American Africanist. He was also one of the first Africanists to focus on synchronic description rather than diachrony. Most importantly, he generously shared his wide linguistic knowledge and applied it to practical matters of teaching and literacy. A brilliant field linguist, Welmers could knock down one language for breakfast and have another one figured out by dinner. Although most of his own work was done in West Africa, he was conversant with the Bantu languages and personally researched at least one Afroasiatic language.
l-Glutamine for sickle cell anemia: more questions than answers

In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration approved 2 medications for sickle cell anemia (SCA): hydroxyurea for children and l-glutamine for children and adults. The approval of hydroxyurea was long overdue, but the approval of l-glutamine was a surprise to many. Any effective new treatment for SCA is a welcome advance, but there are few published studies of l-glutamine as a specific treatment for SCA. Accordingly, there are many unanswered questions about its efficacy, safety, and role in current therapy.
Studies on the Role of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Factor in the Control of the Menstrual Cycle

Although considerable information has been obtained concerning the effect of steroids on the pituitary’s gonadotropic response to luteinizing hormone releasing factor (LRF), only recently has the physiological import of the interactions between LRF and the gonadal steroids on the functional status of gonadotrophs been studied. We have attempted, in human investigations, to delineate the operating characteristics of the pituitary gonadotrophs, as target cells, and to sort out the independent and combined effects of the controlling inputs-LRF, ovarian steroids, and catecholamines. These studies have yielded data on the functional changes in the pituitary during the course of the menstrual cycle and have also provided information concerning the contribution of the hypothalamic component of this system.