cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insight into the permeation barrier of glued Langmuir-Blodgett bilayers.

Permeation measurements have been made for He, CO2, and N2 across single Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) bilayers derived from 1,2,4,5-tetrakis[(N-(undecanoamidoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium) methyl]benzene tetrabromide (2) and 1,2,4,5-tetrakis[(N-(perfluoroundecanoamidoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium)methyl]benzene tetrabromide (3) in the absence and in the presence of entrapped poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). In the absence of PAA, single LB bilayers of 3 show a higher permeance for He and N2 but a lower permeation rate of CO2, as compared with analogous LB bilayers made from 2. The relatively low permeation rate of CO2 for the former has been attributed to reduced associative interactions with the fluorocarbon-rich bilayer. The same behavior has also been observed for LB bilayers containing PAA, formed under conditions that yield glued bilayers of 2 and 3 having similar diffusional pathways, as judged by He/N2 selectivities. These results, together with the fact that glued bilayers of 2 (having a thinner PAA layer as com...
Saddlepoint approximation for sensor network optimization

The task of detection optimization in sensor networks is hindered by the large computational cost of evaluating the performance criteria, e.g. the probability of making wrong decisions. We present an approach that avoids these obstacles by considering a rather accurate approximation to computing the detection performance. We propose the saddlepoint approximation and provide results that demonstrate its high accuracy and low complexity. The results are used to show that, for a range of problems, the optimal fusion rule is equivalent to a simple majority rule.
EH Domain Proteins Regulate Cardiac Membrane Protein Targeting

Rationale: Cardiac membrane excitability is tightly regulated by an integrated network of membrane-associated ion channels, transporters, receptors, and signaling molecules. Membrane protein dynamics in health and disease are maintained by a complex ensemble of intracellular targeting, scaffolding, recycling, and degradation pathways. Surprisingly, despite decades of research linking dysfunction in membrane protein trafficking with human cardiovascular disease, essentially nothing is known regarding the molecular identity or function of these intracellular targeting pathways in excitable cardiomyocytes. Objective: We sought to discover novel pathways for membrane protein targeting in primary cardiomyocytes. Methods and Results: We report the initial characterization of a large family of membrane trafficking proteins in human heart. We used a tissue-wide screen for novel ankyrin-associated trafficking proteins and identified 4 members of a unique Eps15 homology (EH) domain–containing protein family (EHD1, EHD2, EHD3, EHD4) that serve critical roles in endosome-based membrane protein targeting in other cell types. We show that EHD1-4 directly associate with ankyrin, provide the first information on the expression and localization of these molecules in primary cardiomyocytes, and demonstrate that EHD1-4 are coexpressed with ankyrin-B in the myocyte perinuclear region. Notably, the expression of multiple EHD proteins is increased in animal models lacking ankyrin-B, and EHD3-deficient cardiomyocytes display aberrant ankyrin-B localization and selective loss of Na/Ca exchanger expression and function. Finally, we report significant modulation of EHD expression following myocardial infarction, suggesting that these proteins may play a key role in regulating membrane excitability in normal and diseased heart. Conclusions: Our findings identify and characterize a new class of cardiac trafficking proteins, define the first group of proteins associated with the ankyrin-based targeting network, and identify potential new targets to modulate membrane excitability in disease. Notably, these data provide the first link between EHD proteins and a human disease model.
Energy partitioning in terrestrial orchids—a model for assessing their performance

A model of the within-season growth of terrestrial orchids is presented. The model predicts the size of the tubers of Dactylorhiza majalis and Dactylorhiza fuchsii. Therefore, destructive methods can be avoided when sampling these rare orchids. The correlation coefficient and the slope of the relation between two consecutive measurements of leaf area early in the season are good indicators of plant performance. The average tuber size is indicated by the correlation coefficient and the maximum photosynthetic activity of the plants by the maximum slope of this relation. Data are presented on the seasonal growth of leaves and inflorescence of D. majalis. This was obtained by monitoring the above ground growth of a large number of individual plants. The model predictions are compared with empirical data from the literature and new data.
Birefringence in gas-assisted tubular injection moldings: Simulation and experiment

The influence of the processing variables on the birefringence and polymer/gas interface distribution is analyzed for polystyrene moldings obtained by gas-assisted injection molding (GAIM) under various processing conditions. The processing variables studied were: melt and mold temperatures, shot size, gas pressure, injection speed, and gas-delay time. Measurements and viscoelastic simulations of the radial distribution of birefringence components, Δn and nrr − nθθ, the variation of the average birefringence, 〈nzz − nθθ〉, along the molding and polymer/gas interface along the length of spiral-shaped tubular moldings are presented. The polymer/gas interface distribution and flow stresses were simulated using a numerical scheme based on a hybrid finite element/finite difference/control volume method. The birefringence was calculated from the flow-induced stresses using the stress-optical rule. Simulations qualitatively agreed with measurements and correctly described theeffect of the processing variables on the birefringence andthe polymer/gas interface distribution in GAIM moldings. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Continuity in the development of ultra shallow junctions for 130-45 nm CMOS: the tool and annealing methods

The roadmap for ultra-shallow junction formation (USJ) includes implant spike anneal and solid-phase epitaxial re-growth. The roadmap for the junction contacts foresees transition from CoSi/sub 2/ to NiSi. The processes in the roadmap require extreme capabilities from RTP tools: heat-up and cool-down rates of hundreds of degrees per second, no pattern/emissivity dependence, precise temperature control, and operation at low temperature (starting from 200/spl deg/C for NiSi formation). This paper describes a tool which enables continuity in the development of USJ for current and future technology nodes. It provides high ramp rates (300-900/spl deg/C/sec), and operates in the temperature range of 100-1100/spl deg/C with precise temperature control.
Mechanistic Insights Into Risk-Informed Revision of ASME Section XI–Appendix G

The current regulations, as set forth by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), to insure that light-water nuclear reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) maintain their structural integrity, throughout their operating life, when subjected to planned normal reactor startup (heat-up) and shutdown (cool-down) transients are specified in Appendix G to 10 CFR Part 50, which incorporates by reference Appendix G to Section XI of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code. The technical basis for these regulations are generally considered to be conservative and some plants are finding it operationally difficult to heat-up and cool-down within the accepted limits. Consequently, the nuclear industry has developed, and submitted to the ASME Code for approval, an alternative risk-informed methodology that reduces the conservatism and is consistent with methods previously used to develop a risk-informed revision to the regulations for accidental transients such as pressurized thermal shock (PTS). The objective of the alternative methodology is to increase operational flexibility while continuing to provide reasonable assurance of adequate protection to public health and safety. The NRC and its contractor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are reviewing the industry proposed risk-informed methodology. Previous results of this review, have been reported at PVP, and a NRC report summarizing all results is currently in preparation. The objective of this paper is to discuss and illustrate mechanistic insights into trends shown previously associated with normal cool-down.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A Context-based Ontological Structure for Knowledge Sharing and Customization

Several research projects have recently surfaced to automate the discovery and acquisition of knowledge from information and to facilitate information sharing and reusability in the global network. However, some of these research attempts are limited in scope with respect to proper identification and delivery of customized information. This paper addresses some of these challenges by proposing a high-level ontological and context-based architecture that enables information customization and knowledge organization. The proposed model aims at managing knowledge items through the use of stand-alone computational layers. Ontology is used in this research to describe knowledge representation and structure, whereas context reflects knowledge adaptability to its hosting environment.
Ignition and Flame Propagation Modeling With an Improved Methane Oxidation Mechanism

Abstract An improved chemical mechanism for the combustion of propane has been developed which describes experimental results for a broad range of ignition and combustion phenomena. Simulations of shock tube induction times, measurements of chemical component concentrations in flow reactor experiments, flame speeds, and flame compositions have been carried out with a reasonable degree of success. The rate-determining reactions for some of the experimental simulations have been determined with “brute force” sensitivity analysis Minimum ignition energies were also calculated for spherical ignitions where the ignition energy was added in the form of internal energy which served only to increase the temperature of the gas (heat). The calculated minimum ignition energy gave reasonable agreement with the experimental value for near-stoichiometric mixtures. The H = 02 = OH + O reaction was shown to play a dominant role in determining the minimum ignition energy. This paper also attempts to correct errors which a...
Prompt gamma-ray imaging for small animals

A new imaging approach has been identified and studied in a preliminary way by simulation. The new approach is prompt gamma-ray imaging (PGI) and it is suggested for use on small animals. The approach consists of irradiating the small animal with neutrons, either in a thermal neutron beam from a nuclear reactor or with other sources like /sup 252/Cf or machine sources. The neutrons can also be used directly to provide very sensitive imaging of the small animal, which can be used for registration of the prompt gamma-ray imaging. Characteristic prompt gamma rays are emitted in coincident chains that exhibit some angular correlation. Therefore, the imaging algorithms that can be employed in this case include aspects of both SPECT and PET. However, the approach is more general in some aspects than either SPECT or PET in that one can examine elements already present in the animal, or specific elements that are injected as tracers.
Acquisition of Regulators of Complement Activation by Streptococcus pyogenes Serotype M1

Opsonization of bacteria by complement proteins is an important component of the immune response. The pathogenic bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes has evolved multiple mechanisms for the evasion of complement-mediated opsonization. One mechanism involves the binding of human regulators of complement activation such as factor H (FH) and FH-like protein 1 (FHL-1). Acquisition of these regulatory proteins can limit deposition of the opsonin C3b on bacteria, thus decreasing the pathogen's susceptibility to phagocytosis. Binding of complement regulatory proteins by S. pyogenes has previously been attributed to the streptococcal M and M-like proteins. Here, we report that the S. pyogenes cell surface protein Fba can mediate binding of FH and FHL-1. We constructed mutant derivatives of S. pyogenes that lack Fba, M1 protein, or both proteins and assayed the strains for FH binding, susceptibility to phagocytosis, and C3 deposition. Fba expression was found to be sufficient for binding of purified FH as well as for binding of FH and FHL-1 from human plasma. Plasma adsorption experiments also revealed that M1+ Fba+ streptococci preferentially bind FHL-1, whereas M1− Fba+ streptococci have similar affinities for FH and FHL-1. Fba was found to contribute to the survival of streptococci incubated with human blood and to inhibit C3 deposition on bacterial cells. Streptococci harvested from log-phase cultures readily bound FH, but binding was greatly reduced for bacteria obtained from stationary-phase cultures. Bacteria cultured in the presence of the protease inhibitor E64 maintained FH binding activity in stationary phase, suggesting that Fba is removed from the cell surface via proteolysis. Western analyses confirmed that E64 stabilizes cell surface expression of Fba. These data indicate that Fba is an antiopsonic, antiphagocytic protein that may be regulated by cell surface proteolysis.
Impact of information technology on users' work environment: a case of computer aided design (CAD) system implementation

Abstract Study of the possible impacts of a new information system or technology on its users is an important area of MIS research. Understanding and identifying favorable and unfavorable impacts of implementation on users should be helpful in developing better design guidelines and choices to take full advantage of the potential of information technology, while minimizing the possible negative consequences for users. This paper presents the details of impacts created by the implementation of a computer aided design (CAD) system for part designers at an automotive parts manufacturer. The paper employs equity–implementation (E–I) model as a framework to help identify and analyze the impacts of CAD technology implementation on part designers' work environment. The paper identifies changes in the designers' inputs and outcomes as a result of CAD implementation. On the whole the impacts were found to be favorable for designers, the manufacturing organization, and its customers. The paper concludes that the E–I model provides a useful framework to help assess the nature of impacts created by the new system. The reactions of designers to the new system were also found to be consistent with the E–I model.
SYMPTOM DISTRESS CHECKLISTS AS A COMPONENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE MEASUREMENT: COMPARING PROMPTED REPORTS BY PATIENT AND PHYSICIAN WITH CONCURRENT ADVERSE EVENT REPORTS VIA THE PHYSICIAN

The official definition of “safety” in a clinical trials context relies upon the physician to detect signs of illness or injury, and upon the patient to volunteer adverse event data to the physician. For regulatory purposes, this convention works. But patient and physician filter and perhaps distort information.In two parallel randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical comparisons of quality of life under treatment with antihypertensive agents, the following were collected concurrently: 1. the usual adverse event information through physician interviews and laboratory reports, 2. the responses of 1,018 patients to a Symptom Distress Checklist (SDC) administered at five office visits, and 3. concurrent physician responses to a parallel form of the SDC. The SDC required the respondent to state for each of 51 symptoms (A) whether the patient had experienced it during the past month; (B) if so, how often; and (C) with how much associated distress.Of the symptoms to which the typical patient confessed in h...
Claiming Rights across Borders: International Human Rights and Democratic Sovereignty

The status of international law and transnational legal agreements with respect to the sovereignty claims of liberal democracies has become a highly contentious theoretical and political issue. Although recent European discussions focus on global constitutionalism, there is increasing reticence on the part of many that prospects of a world constitution are neither desirable nor salutary. This article more closely considers criticisms of these legal transformations by distinguishing the nationalist from democratic sovereigntiste positions, and both, from diagnoses that see the universalization of human rights norms either as the Trojan horse of a global empire or as neocolonialist intentions to assert imperial control over the world. These critics ignore “the jurisgenerativity of law.” Although democratic sovereigntistes are wrong in minimizing how human rights norms improve democratic self-rule; global constitutionalists are also wrong in minimizing the extent to which cosmopolitan norms require local contextualization, interpretation, and vernacularization by self-governing peoples.
Efficiency of Suction Sampling for Rhinocyllus conicus and a Comparison of Suction and Visual Sampling Techniques

Efficiency and reliability of a suction device for assessing Rhinocyllus conicus populations were determined and compared with current visual research techniques. A suction machine collected a greater proportion of weevils from thistles ranging in height from 6 cm to 1 m but was less efficient than visual searches on rosettes or plants in excess of 1 m. A single, 2-sec suction sample was as efficient as multiple samples with durations up to 6 sec. Horizontal approaches were superior to up-sweep or vertically oriented suction samples and collected 98.6 ± 1.3% of adult weevils in recapture tests. R. conicus population density increased with plant height; correlation coefficients were highest (r = 0.95) when plant height variability was greatest and all thistles except rosettes were sampled. Although ca. 15% of the potentially viable eggs per primary bloom may be dislodged during suction sampling, removal of old, dried-out egg casings resulted in counts of eggs remaining on thistle blooms which were generally more indicative of actual weevil populations.
A Case (Study) For Usability in Secure Email Communication

As a network security researcher, the author finds it very disappointing that most users can't, or simply don't, secure their everyday Internet communications. For good reason, usability in security has received a fair deal of attention in the past few years. To push the issue further, the author decided to initiate his own informal case study on the usability and practical relevance of standard security mechanisms for email communication. The author focused my attention on available public-key cryptography techniques for digitally signing and encrypting email. His first step was to establish a public-private key pair to use with email. The author chose to use Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME), a standard for signing and encrypting email, because it's already supported by popular email clients such as Apple Mail, Outlook Express, and Mozillas Thunderbird. Unlike S/MIME, the author found that pretty good privacy (PGP) and the GNU Privacy Guard (GPG) were unusable with nontechnical correspondents because it required them to install additional software. S/MIME, it seemed, was the better solution for these "everyday users", for whom the concepts of public-key infrastructure (PKI), PGP, certificates, keys, and so on remain elusive. Additionally, I decided to get my public key certified by Thawte (www.thawte.com), an online certificate authority (CA)
The Sociology of Religious Experience

This essay examines the sociology of religious experience within the broader context of how other disciplines also study the same phenomenon. It explains the principle of methodological atheism sociologists have typically employed in the study of religion, which goes back to Peter Berger's The Sacred Canopy. The principle expressly excludes the possibility that subjects of religious experience may actually be experiencing something real that contributes to their experience. As a consequence, other disciplines and even some sociologists have recently departed from methodological atheism in favor of an approach that might be called methodological agnosticism. This essay examines that shift and the research agenda thereby opened up. Keywords: near-death experiences; numinous; absolute dependence; liminality; epistemic rationality; transcendence
Subcellular Targeting of Salmonella Virulence Proteins by Host-Mediated S-Palmitoylation

Summary Several pathogenic bacteria utilize type III secretion systems (TTSS) to deliver into host cells bacterial virulence proteins with the capacity to modulate a variety of cellular pathways. Once delivered into host cells, the accurate targeting of bacterial effectors to specific locations is critical for their proper function. However, little is known about the mechanisms these virulence effectors use to reach their subcellular destination. Here we show that the Salmonella TTSS effector proteins SspH2 and SseI are localized to the plasma membrane of host cells, a process dependent on S -palmitoylation of a conserved cysteine residue within their N-terminal domains. We also show that effector protein lipidation is mediated by a specific subset of host-cell palmitoyltransferases and that lipidation is critical for effector function. This study describes a remarkable mechanism by which a pathogen exploits host-cell machinery to properly target its virulence factors.
Effect of Photoperiods on Early Growth of Gonads and on Potency of Gonadotropins of the Anterior Pituitary in Coturnix

Abstract IT IS WELL established that photoperiod influences gonadal activity in various species of birds (Farner, 1959, 1964). Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) have been suggested as especially suitable for studies on the response of gonads to photoperiod (Wilson et al., 1959). They adapt easily to use as experimental animals, and the testes and ovaries show a striking response to photoperiod (Wilson et al., 1962). Mather and Wilson (1964) reported that the weight of testes in corturnix raised under 16 hours continuous light per 24 hours, increased logarithmically until the birds were about 5 weeks of age. The present report details the effect of various photoperiods on growth of testes and ovaries in coturnix from hatch to 5 weeks of age, and the effect on gonadotropic potency of the anterior lobe of the pituitary. MATERIAL AND METHODS Japanese quail from U.C. randombred line 908 were raised in light-tight compartments. Each compartment…
Real-time parameter control in space vehicles: A parallel architecture and the protocols

A parallel processor architecture is presented in this paper for the real-time engine and vehicle guidance control in a modern spacecraft. The system is designed to be fault-tolerant and will give diagnostic messages to aid repair. The architecture is based on the multiple shared bus concept. Multiple buses increase fault-tolerance and will enable computation of complex control equations within the required time frame. Each processor stage has a priority queue and any process that requires processing is inserted into the priority queue, if the current process under execution has a higher priority than the new process. Protocols are designed to run various routines on different processor stages under a prioritized system.
Metabolic systems cost-benefit analysis for interpreting network structure and regulation

Motivation: Interpretation of bioinformatics data in terms of cellular function is a major challenge facing systems biology. This question is complicated by robust metabolic networks filled with structural features like parallel pathways and isozymes. Under conditions of nutrient sufficiency, metabolic networks are well known to be regulated for thermodynamic efficiency however; efficient biochemical pathways are anabolically expensive to construct. While parameters like thermodynamic efficiency have been extensively studied, a systems-based analysis of anabolic proteome synthesis ‘costs’ and the cellular function implications of these costs has not been reported. Results: A cost-benefit analysis of an in silico Escherichia coli network revealed the relationship between metabolic pathway proteome synthesis requirements, DNA-coding sequence length, thermodynamic efficiency and substrate affinity. The results highlight basic metabolic network design principles. Pathway proteome synthesis requirements appear to have shaped biochemical network structure and regulation. Under conditions of nutrient scarcity and other general stresses, E.coli expresses pathways with relatively inexpensive proteome synthesis requirements instead of more efficient but also anabolically more expensive pathways. This evolutionary strategy provides a cellular function-based explanation for common network motifs like isozymes and parallel pathways and possibly explains ‘overflow’ metabolisms observed during nutrient scarcity. Contact: alicia@iastate.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Serine utilization in mouse liver: Influence of caloric restriction and aging

The influence of caloric restriction (CR) on the activities of hepatic serine metabolizing enzymes in young (3 months) and old (30 months) mice was studied. Serine dehydratase (SDH) activity increased markedly with age in both diet groups and in old mice was higher in the CR group. No effects of CR were observed in the young. Serine:pyruvate transaminase (SPT) and glycerate kinase activities were unaffected by age and diet. However, glycerate dehydrogenase activity was decreased in old CR mice but not in young CR. The results of this study show that long-term CR influenced serine utilization only in the pathway catalyzed by SDH. This suggests that in mouse liver this pathway is critical for serine utilization in gluconeogenesis, while the SPT pathway plays a minor role. The increase in SDH activity with long-term CR is consistent with sustained increase in gluconeogenesis.
Size and Albedo of Irregular Saturnian Satellites from Spitzer Observations

Using MIPS onboard the Spitzer Space Telescope, we observed the thermal emission (24 and, for some targets, 70 um) of eight irregular satellites of Saturn: Albiorix, Siarnaq, Paaliaq, Kiviuq, Ijiraq, Tarvos, Erriapus, and Ymir. We determined the size and albedo of all targets. An analysis of archived MIPS observations of Phoebe reproduces Cassini results very accurately, thereby validating our method. For all targets, the geometric albedo is found to be low, probably below 10% and clearly below 15%. Irregular satellites are much darker than the large regular satellites. Their albedo is, however, quite similar to that of small bodies in the outer Solar System (such as cometary nuclei, Jupiter Trojans, or TNOs). This is consistent with color measurements as well as dynamical considerations which suggest a common origin of the said populations. There appear to be significant object-to-object albedo differences. Similar albedos found for some members of dynamical clusters support the idea that they may have originated in the breakup of a parent body. For three satellites, thermal data at two wavelengths are available, enabling us to constrain their thermal properties. Sub-solar temperatures are similar to that found from Cassini's Phoebe fly-by. This suggests a rather low thermal inertia, as expected for regolith-covered objects. This work is based on observations made with the Spitzer Space Telescope, which is operated by JPL under a contract with NASA. Support for this work was provided by NASA.
Syntheses of 10-Oxo, 10α-Hydroxy, and 10β-Hydroxy Derivatives of a Potent κ-Opioid Receptor Agonist, TRK-820

Syntheses of 10-oxo, 10α-hydroxy, and 10β-hydroxy derivatives of a potent κ-opioid receptor selective agonist, TRK-820, are described. These derivatives were supposed to be potential degradation products in formulation of TRK-820 as a result of autoxidation. 10-Oxo-TRK-820 11 was derived from 10-oxo-4,5-epoxymorphinan 14 in 10 steps in 32% overall yield. Reduction of the 10-oxo group in 4,5-epoxymorphinan with NaBH4 gave 10β-hydroxy-4,5-epoxymorphinan, exclusively. A stepwise inversion method of the 10β-hydroxy group to produce 10α-hydroxy-4,5-epoxymorphinan was established. By HPLC analyses, 10α-hydroxy-TRK-820 12 was confirmed to be one of the degradation products in developing formulation of TRK-820.
Bacterial dehalogenation of chlorobenzoates and coculture biodegradation of 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl.

Abstract Acinetobacter sp. strain 4CB1 was isolated from a polychlorobiphenyl-contaminated soil sample by using 4-chlorobenzoate as a sole source of carbon and energy. Resting cells of Acinetobacter sp. strain 4CB1 hydrolytically dehalogenated 4-chlorobenzoate under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, but 4-hydroxybenzoate accumulated only under anaerobic conditions. Cell extracts of Acinetobacter sp. strain 4CB1 oxidized 4-hydroxybenzoate by an NADH-dependent monooxygenase to form protocatechuate, which was subsequently oxidized by both ortho- and meta-protocatechuate dioxygenase reactions. When grown on biphenyl, Acinetobacter sp. strain P6 cometabolized 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl primarily to 4-chlorobenzoate; however, when this strain was grown in a coculture with Acinetobacter sp. strain 4CB1, 4-chlorobenzoate did not accumulate but was converted to inorganic chloride. When resting cells of Acinetobacter sp. strain 4CB1 were incubated anaerobically with 3,4-dichlorobenzoate, they accumulated 4-carboxy-1,2-benzoquinone as a final product. Since 3,4-dichlorobenzoate is a product that is formed from the cometabolism of 3,4-dichloro-substituted tetrachlorobiphenyls by Acinetobacter sp. strain P6, the coculture has a potential application for dehalogenation and mineralization of specific polychlorobiphenyl congeners.
Struggles and resilience of African American women living with HIV or AIDS: A qualitative study

SummaryThis qualitative study analyzed the responses of African American women living with an HIV or AIDS diagnosis for 10 years or longer who were participants in an ongoing support group. Ten wom...
Early Definitive Closure of the Open Abdomen: A Quiet Revolution:

Contrary to the management strategy recommended only 2-3 years ago, temporarily covering the open abdomen with an absorbable mesh or a plastic sheath without preserving the peritoneal space is no longer considered in the patient's best interest. The use of the vacuum pack, in conjunction with vacuum-assisted wound management and new biological prostheses now offer patients with an open abdomen a better and simpler alternative to the giant "planned ventral hernia". With very few exceptions in the most critically ill patients, the survivors of damage control surgery or infected pancreatic necrosis should not be sent home with a huge defect only to undergo a complex reconstruction a year later. Simpler and better alternatives exist. The new concepts and technologies presented in this review, when widely adopted, will rapidly translate into safer and better management of the patient with an open abdomen.
Perspective taking in children and adults: Equivalent egocentrism but differential correction

Children generally behave more egocentrically than adults when assessing another's perspective. We argue that this difference does not, however, indicate that adults process information less egocentrically than children, but rather that adults are better able to subsequently correct an initial egocentric interpretation. An experiment tracking participants' eye movements during a referential communication task indicated that children and adults were equally quick to interpret a spoken instruction egocentrically but differed in the speed with which they corrected that interpretation and looked at the intended (i.e., non-egocentric) object. The existing differences in egocentrism between children and adults therefore seems less a product of where people start in their perspective taking process than where they stop, with lingering egocentric biases among adults produced by insufficient correction of an automatic moment of egocentrism. We suggest that this pattern of similarity in automatic, but not controlled, processes may explain between-group differences in a variety of dual-process judgments.
Improved functional outcomes following exercise rehabilitation in patients with intermittent claudication

BACKGROUND The purposes of this study were to identify predictors of increased claudication distances following exercise rehabilitation in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) patients with intermittent claudication and determine whether improved claudication distances translated into increased free-living daily physical activity in the community setting. METHODS Sixty-three patients were recruited (age, 68+/-1 years, mean +/- standard error). Patients were characterized on treadmill claudication distances, walking economy, peripheral circulation, cardiopulmonary function, self-perceived ambulatory function, body composition, baseline comorbidities, and free-living daily physical activity before and after a 6-month treadmill exercise program. RESULTS Exercise rehabilitation increased distance to onset of claudication pain by 115% (178+/-22 m to 383+/-34 m; p < .001) and distance to maximal claudication pain by 65% (389+/-29 m to 641+/-34 m; p < .001). The increased distance to onset of pain was independently related to a 27% increase in calf blood flow (r = .42, p < .001) and to baseline age (r = -.26, p < .05), and the increased distance to maximal pain was predicted by a 10% increase in peak oxygen uptake (r = .41, p < .001) and by a 10% improvement in walking economy (r = -.34, p < .05). Free-living daily physical activity increased 31% (337+/-29 kcal/day to 443+/-37 kcal/day; p < .001) and was related to the increases in treadmill distances to onset (r = .24, p < .05) and to maximal pain (r = .45, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Increased claudication distances following exercise rehabilitation are mediated through improvements in peripheral circulation, walking economy, and cardiopulmonary function, with younger patients having the greatest absolute ambulatory gains. Furthermore, improved symptomatology translated into enhanced community-based ambulation.
Adverse Event Rates, Timing of Complications, and the Impact of Specialty on Outcomes Following Adrenal Surgery: An Analysis of 30-Day Outcome Data From the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP)

Objective To report on 30-day adverse event rates and timing of complications following adrenal surgery; further, to investigate the impact of specialty (general surgery vs urology) on these outcomes using a large prospective multi-institutional data registry. Materials and Methods Within the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2005-2012), patients undergoing adrenalectomy were identified (CPT-codes: 60540, 60545, 60650). Outcomes evaluated included complications, blood transfusion, length of stay, reintervention, readmission, and mortality. Complications were further evaluated in relation to discharge status (pre-/postdischarge). Multivariable regression models assessed association between specialty and 30-day morbidity/mortality. Results During the study period, 4844 patients underwent adrenalectomy (95.7% general surgery). The overall complication rate was 7.5% (n = 363); 43.2% of the complications occurred postdischarge with a substantial proportion of major complications, including cardiac, pulmonary, renal, neurologic, septic, and deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism also occurring postdischarge (29.9%). The overall blood transfusion, reintervention, readmission, and mortality rates were 3.9%, 2.0%, 6.4%, and 0.6%, respectively. In adjusted analyses, specialty did not have an effect on any of the outcomes ( P > .05 all). Conclusion One in 13 patients suffers a complication postadrenalectomy. Approximately 40% of these complications occur postdischarge, primarily within the first 2 weeks of surgery. Accurate knowledge regarding 30-day adverse event rates and timing of complications that this study provides may facilitate improved patient-physician communication and encourage early patient follow-up in this critical window. Lastly, specialty does not seem to affect outcomes in American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participant hospitals.
What precipitates depression in African-American cancer patients? Triggers and stressors

Objective This study examined general and cancer-related stressors of depression that are unique to African-American cancer patients. Method The study used cohort design and mixed methods. Seventy-four breast and prostate cancer survivors including 34 depressed and 23 non-depressed African-Americans and 17 depressed whites were interviewed. Qualitative data analysis identified themes. The thematic codes were converted to a SPSS data set numerically. The Fisher's exact test was performed to examine group differences in the experience of stress. Results Significantly more depressed African-Americans experienced a dramatic reaction to a cancer diagnosis (p = 0.03) or had concerns about functional decline (p = 0.01), arguments with relatives or friends (p = 0.02), and unemployment status (p = 0.03) than did non-depressed African-Americans, who reacted to the cancer diagnosis as a matter of reality (p = 0.02). Significantly more depressed African-Americans talked about feeling shocked by a cancer diagnosis (p = 0.04) and being unable to do things that they used to do (p = 0.02) than did depressed whites. Qualitative analysis shed light on the extent of such group differences. Significance of results Distress from the initial cancer diagnosis and functional decline were likely to have triggered or worsened depression in African-American cancer patients. This study highlighted racial differences in this aspect. It is critical to screen African-American cancer patients for depression at two critical junctures: immediately after the disclosure of a cancer diagnosis and at the onset of functional decline. This will enhance the chance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of depression in this underserved population.
Interpretation of scale in paired quadrat variance methods

Question: Previous interpretations of the variance plot of paired quadrat variance method (PQV) have been incomplete. The objective of this study was to clarify the interpretation of PQV, and to shed additional light on how different quadrat variance methods can be used, in concert, to measure scale in transect data. Methods: We used artificial and real data to examine how the PQV method elucidates spatial pattern. Two-term local quadrat variance (TTLQV) and new local variance (NLV) methods, together with their three-term counterparts, were also applied to the same data sets, and the results from all methods were compared. Results: When the mean gap size equalled the mean patch size along a transect, the first peak of the variance of PQV, NLV and TTLQV corresponded with the gap size (or patch size). However, if the mean gap size and patch size were unequal, the variance plot of PQV displayed a flat-topped plateau, in which the first inflection represented the mean size of the smaller phase and the second inflection represented the mean size of the larger phase; TTLQV showed a clear peak and NLV displayed a distinct first peak while the second inflection was dampened. The results also indicated than the three-term versions of quadrat variance methods did not consistently outperform their two-term counterparts, and often confused the interpretation of scale. Conclusions: The quadrat variance methods associated with the patch-gap measurements were able to efficiently detect not only the size of patches, but also the size of gaps.
Ocular drug delivery systems: An overview

The major challenge faced by today's pharmacologist and formulation scientist is ocular drug delivery. Topical eye drop is the most convenient and patient compliant route of drug administration, especially for the treatment of anterior segment diseases. Delivery of drugs to the targeted ocular tissues is restricted by various precorneal, dynamic and static ocular barriers. Also, therapeutic drug levels are not maintained for longer duration in target tissues. In the past two decades, ocular drug delivery research acceleratedly advanced towards developing a novel, safe and patient compliant formulation and drug delivery devices/techniques, which may surpass these barriers and maintain drug levels in tissues. Anterior segment drug delivery advances are witnessed by modulation of conventional topical solutions with permeation and viscosity enhancers. Also, it includes development of conventional topical formulations such as suspensions, emulsions and ointments. Various nanoformulations have also been introduced for anterior segment ocular drug delivery. On the other hand, for posterior ocular delivery, research has been immensely focused towards development of drug releasing devices and nanoformulations for treating chronic vitreoretinal diseases. These novel devices and/or formulations may help to surpass ocular barriers and associated side effects with conventional topical drops. Also, these novel devices and/or formulations are easy to formulate, no/negligibly irritating, possess high precorneal residence time, sustain the drug release, and enhance ocular bioavailability of therapeutics. An update of current research advancement in ocular drug delivery necessitates and helps drug delivery scientists to modulate their think process and develop novel and safe drug delivery strategies. Current review intends to summarize the existing conventional formulations for ocular delivery and their advancements followed by current nanotechnology based formulation developments. Also, recent developments with other ocular drug delivery strategies employing in situ gels, implants, contact lens and microneedles have been discussed.
The roles of needs satisfaction, cognitive appraisals, and coping strategies in promoting posttraumatic growth: A stress and coping perspective.

Objective: There is growing interest in understanding people’s positive changes after their negative life experiences. Previous studies have shown that coping resources, cognitive appraisal, and coping strategies are associated with posttraumatic growth (PTG). This study aimed to extend previous fin
Analysis on Commissioning Test of ±800 kV UHVDC Transmission Project from Xiangjiaba to Shanghai

The commissioning test of ±800 kV DC transmission project from Xiangjiaba to Shanghai,which was the longest distance UHVDC transmission system with the largest capacity in the world up to now,was presented,including the calculation and analysis of the system,its commissioning scheme,the drafting of implementation schedule for system commissioning and circumstances during on-site system commissioning.The test items completed in stages during on-site commissioning were classified,and the test results of items belonging to each test category were analyzed and corresponding conclusions were given.Main technical problems appearing during the commissioning,especially the problems that were found during monopole high power test,were analyzed in detail,and the solution of these problems guaranteed the commissioning going on wheels and putting into operation on time.
Influence of Dissolved Metals on N-Nitrosamine Formation under Amine-based CO2 Capture Conditions.

As the prime contender for postcombustion CO2 capture technology, amine-based scrubbing has to address the concerns over the formation of potentially carcinogenic N-nitrosamine byproducts from reactions between flue gas NOx and amine solvents. This bench-scale study evaluated the influence of dissolved metals on the potential to form total N-nitrosamines in the solvent within the absorber unit and upon a pressure-cooker treatment that mimics desorber conditions. Among six transition metals tested for the benchmark solvent monoethanolamine (MEA), dissolved Cu promoted total N-nitrosamine formation in the absorber unit at concentrations permitted in drinking water, but not the desorber unit. The Cu effect increased with oxygen concentration. Variation of the amine structural characteristics (amine order, steric hindrance, −OH group substitution and alkyl chain length) indicated that Cu promotes N-nitrosamine formation from primary amines with hydroxyl or carboxyl groups (amino acids), but not from secondary...
Erratum to: Transmission of α-synucleinopathy from olfactory structures deep into the temporal lobe

* C E D Pi “Please download the high-resolution supplemental versions of these files at the link at the end of this article (Additional file 3) or email the corresponding author at leakr@duq.edu for access to the files and zoom in and out of the stitched montages in order to appreciate the density of the pathology, distinguish it from background, and judge the precise anatomical location.” In the Fig. 2 legend, the article [1] should have had the additional line: “For a high-resolution version of this figure, please download the image at the link at the end of this article (Additional file 3) or email the corresponding author at leakr@duq.edu for access to the files.” In the Fig. 3 legend, the article [1] should have had the additional line: “To view the pSer129 pathology in the entorhinal cortex and transentorhinal region in panel c, please
The Paradigm of the Social Sciences

The present chapter is devoted to the epistemology and knowledge characteristics of the “new” social sciences.
The Evolution and Technology Adaptations of 4G

This chapter provides a comprehensive view of the challenges facing current 4G networks and how the evolution toward 5G is expected to overcome them. We will explain many of the future requirements that can already be met with LTE Advanced Pro, and will discuss the operational and implementation challenges in current LTE networks and related end-user experiences.
Strategies of Reasoning in Spontaneous Discourse

Oral reasoning in unplanned discourse is described by an inductively derived typology of types of reasons developed from data collected in a series of discourse studies. The basic core of reasons identified remained constant across ages, individual styles, situations, cultures, and populations. The frequency of types of reasons changes with each of these. One new type of reason was added with age, one with an academic situation, and one with culture.