cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Explicitly Solvated Full Atomistic Model of the Cardiac Thin Filament and Application on the Calcium Binding Affinity Effects from Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Linked Mutations

The former version of our cardiac thin filament model consisted of the troponin complex (cTn), two coiled-coil dimers of tropomyosin (Tm), and twenty-nine actin subunits. We now present the newest revision of the model to include both solvation and ionization. The model was developed to continue our study of genetic mutations in the cardiac thin filament proteins which are linked to familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathies. Binding of calcium to the cardiac troponin C subunit (cTnC) causes subtle conformational changes to propagate through the cTnC to the inhibitor subunit (cTnI) which then detaches from actin. Conformational changes propagate through to the cTnT subunit, which allow for the movement of Tm into the open position along actin. Myosin heads can bind to the seven open binding sites on actin, which upon hydrolysis of ATP leads to muscle contraction. Calcium disassociation allows for the reverse to occur, which results in muscle relaxation. Alterations in the calcium binding affinity can disrupt the natural processes of the heart. The inclusion of explicit TIP3 water solvation and an ionic concentration of 0.15 mol/L allows for the model to mimic the true conditions that the cardiac thin filament would feel. The move from implicit to explicit solvation allows us to get better individual local solvent to protein interactions; which are important when observing the N-lobe calcium binding pocket of the cTnC. We are able to compare in silica and in vitro experimental results to better understand the physiological effects from mutants, such as the R92L/W and F110V/I of the cTnT, on the calcium binding affinity compared to the wild type.
Design and Implementation of a PKM Based 5-Axis Reconfigurable Machine

In this paper we present the design and implementation of a parallel kinematics based reconfigurable machine. The machine utilizes a Tripod based module with 3 degrees-of-freedom combined with a linear X-Y stage and gantry system for 5-axis machining. The tripod module uses a unique passive link mechanism with constant length leg actuators. This architecture offers good stiffness and high accuracy. The gantry system itself is reconfigurable, allowing for changing the working characteristics of the machine. The control system is based on open architecture principles. Corresponding to the mechanical reconfiguration, the control system also needs to be reconfigured to reflect the actual state of the machine. Mechanical reconfiguration also brings with it the need to verify the accuracy of the new configuration. Also discussed in the paper is the calibration methodology that ensures high production quality in each configured mode of the machine.Copyright © 2005 by National Research Council of Canada
Ceftobiprole: First cephalosporin with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Ceftobiprole medocaril is the first member of a new series of advanced cephalosporins with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The drug received an approvable letter from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2008 and from Health Canada in June 2008 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections including diabetic foot infections. Ceftobiprole exerts its antibacterial activity by inhibiting the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) involved in cell wall synthesis. It has an established stability against hydrolysis by many gram-positive beta-lactamases and a higher affinity for various PBPs (such as PBP2a of MRSA or PBP2x of Streptococcus pneumoniae), which leads to a wider spectrum of activity compared with older beta-lactams. Ceftobiprole activity does not cover extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and some other pathogens, including Enterococcus faecium or Acinetobacter baumanii. Generally well tolerated, with nausea and taste disturbance being the most common adverse events, ceftobiprole appeared noninferior to empiric therapy in several clinical trials. Ceftobiprole is available only for intravenous administration; recommended dosage regimens have not been approved by the FDA as of this writing. However, based on the Canadian package insert, expected dosage recommendations are 500 mg as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 12 hours for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by certain gram-positive pathogens, and 500 mg as a 2-hour infusion every 8 hours when susceptible gram-negative or both gram-positive and susceptible gram-negative pathogens are involved. Dosage adjustments are indicated for patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, and dosage recommendations are expected to be 500 or 250 mg, respectively, as a 2-hour infusion every 12 hours. Several precautions regarding hypersensitivity and drug incompatibility are reported. Ceftobiprole represents a promising option for the treatment of mono- and polymicrobial infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-positive and susceptible gram-negative pathogens, but further toxicity and safety studies are warranted.
Persistent infection I. Interferon-inducing defective-interfering particles as mediators of cell sparing: Possible role in persistent infection by vesicular stomatitis virus

Abstract Defective-interfering (DI) particles have been implicated in modulating the lethal action of infectious virus during persistent infection. However, in the case of vesicular stomatitis (VS) virus, conventional [−]RNA DI particles (nonlethal themseleves) do not block the lethal action of infectious or cell-killing (CK) particles of VS virus, even though no new infectious virus is produced. The discovery of a class of interferon-inducing defective-interfering (DI → IF) particles with covalently linked, self-complementary [±]RNA, and the capacity of a single such particle to induce interferon, coupled with the demonstration that interferon action prevents cell killing by VS virus, led us to postulate that defective-interfering particles of the [±]RNA class present initially or arising during infection might activate the interferon system and prevent CK particle activity and hence contribute to the establishment and possible maintenance of persistent infection in some cell systems. We provide evidence to support this hypothesis: Single cell survival experiments established that GMK-BSC or mouse L cells retain the capacity to form colonies, i.e., are spared from killing, if they are pretreated with interferon-inducing [±]RNA DI-011 particles 24 hr prior to challenge with either homologous or heterologous viruses. Mouse interferon antiserum present during the pretreatment phase eliminated cell sparing. Pretreatment with DI-011 particles of GMK-Vero cells, which lack the capacity to produce interferon, did not spare these cells from the lethal action of VS virus. Activation of the interferon system by the [±]RNA class of defective-interfering particles provides a means whereby normally susceptible cells may survive in the presence of lethal virus — an aspect of persistent infection by VS virus not satisfactorily accounted for by current models.
Calibration methodology for a dual-ended readout silicon photomultiplier based depth-of-interaction PET detector module

We developed a novel calibration methodology for a PET detector with dual-ended readout of an LYSO array by two silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). By introducing a detector gain balancing step in the calibration process, improved depth-of-interaction calibration uniformity and accuracy can be achieved. The entire calibration process has four steps: scintillation crystal array mappings for two SiPM readouts, detector gain balancing, energy calibration, and depth-of-interaction calibration. This document provides a detailed description on the detector calibration system setup.
Changes in drug use prevalence in rap music songs, 1979–1997

This article explores the role of changing images of drug use in rap music from the 1970s to the 1990s. A sample of 341 rap music lyrics were coded for drug mentions, behaviours and contexts; drug attitudes and consequences; and music genres. The results show that from 1979–1997, songs with references to drugs increased over 6-fold; those exhibiting positive attitudes and consequences rose substantially and that references to particular drug types changed significantly. In addition, there were significant changes in the social context of drug use such as increased references to using drugs to signify glamour, wealth and sociability. The article examines potential explanations of the increasing focus on drug use rap music which includes the rise of the drug war; changes in the drug use habits of rappers and listeners; rise of gangsta rap and other rap music genres, and changing social images of drugs in American society.
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer on Terra: limitations for ocean color applications

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is currently flying on both the Terra and Aqua satellite platforms. The Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is producing operational ocean color products from the MODIS-Aqua sensor; however, documented uncertainties and instabilities in the prelaunch and on-orbit characterization have inhibited the production of similar products from MODIS-Terra. In particular, the radiometric response of the 412-nm band has degraded by more than 40% over the 7-year mission lifespan, with similar though less extreme changes in the longer wavelengths. While such variability may be fully correctable through the on-board calibration system, it suggests that the optical properties of the scan mirror have changed significantly since launch. Furthermore, the degradation trends are substantially different between the two mirror sides, which is likely a result of asymmetric damage done to the mirror during prelaunch testing. These effects contribute to uncertainty in our knowledge of instrument response versus incidence angle on the mirror and sensitivity with respect to polarization of the observed radiance. In this paper, we examine the impact of apparent MODIS-Terra instrument characterization errors on the derived ocean color products and show that residual errors in the current operational calibration give rise to significant cross-scan artifacts, mirror-side differences, and detector-to-detector striping in the retrieved water-leaving radiances. In addition, we describe OBPG efforts to reduce these artifacts through statistical and vicarious instrument characterization, and show the quality of the resulting water-leaving radiance retrievals relative to those derived from MODIS-Aqua.
A view from 20 year as a historian of computing

The author's reflections go back to the late 1970s when the electronic, stored program was itself only a few decades old and the challenge, in the history of computing field, was to convey computer history's significance and reach. The contemporary challenge is to maintain historical standards, objectivity, and distance while keeping abreast of technology's rapid changes. To survive, the field must also defend that the study of computing is separate from the computing that permeates modern life via the Web.
Validation and analysis of wind power plant models using short-circuit field measurement data

This paper describes the use of field measurements to validate a wind power plant model. A three-phase time-domain wind power plant model, based on the Western Electricity Coordinating Council generic model, has been developed with this validation in mind. The available fault data consists of the three-phase voltages and currents measured at the point of interconnection (POI) of the wind plant with the grid. For validation, the measured voltage data is injected into the simulation model and the current response from the model is compared to the measured current data from the real-world wind plant. Real power and reactive power flows calculated from the measured data and the model output are compared. The advantage of this validation method, namely use of currents in addition to real and reactive power flows, is also discussed. Comparison with a positive-sequence model is also provided.
Totalitarianism: German Military Chaplains in World War II and the Dilemmas of Legitimacy

In his memoir, German chaplain Hans Leonhard describes a visit to a military hospital during World War II. Leonhard entered a ward full of men with sexually transmitted diseases. “So you're a pastor?” one patient jeered. “We don't need one of them. You just want to tell us those stories about cattle breeders and pimps.” The phrasecame from the Nazi ideologue Alfred Rosenberg. In The Myth of the Twentieth Century, he dubbed the Old Testament a collection of “stories of pimps and cattle traders.” Members of the pro-Nazi “German Christian” movement popularized Rosenberg's phrase in church circles. Leonhard, accustomed to hostile reactions, answered the taunt with a challenge: “Tell me just one such story,” he said to the man. “If you can tell me even one, I'll leave the room immediately and never bother you again.” All the patients looked at their comrade. “I can't think of any right now,” he finally said. The others laughed, but he did not give up. “You probably want to tell us something about praying,” he accused Leonhard. “Well, a real man doesn” The chaplain countered with another question: “Were you at the front?” he wanted to know. There was a pause before the man muttered, “We from the reserves have done our duty, too.” According to Leonhard, that admission ended the exchange. The chaplain sat down with the rest of the men and talked about the Old Testament and about prayer.
Targeting Transcription Through Inhibition of TBP

Thaddeus T. Schug * National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training, Cellular, Organ and Systems Pathobiology Branch, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA Received: February 28, 2011; Accepted: March 1, 2011; Published: March 1, 2011; Correspondence: Thaddeus T. Schug, e-mail: // //
A meta-analysis of the Dimensional Change Card Sort: Implications for developmental theories and the measurement of executive function in children.

Abstract The Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) is a widely used measure of executive function in children. In the standard version, children are shown cards depicting objects that vary on two dimensions (e.g., colored shapes such as red rabbits and blue boats), and are told to sort them first by one set of rules (e.g., shape) and then by another (e.g., color). Most 3-year-olds persist in sorting by the pre-switch rules, whereas 5-year-olds switch flexibly. We conducted a meta-analysis of standard and experimental versions of the task (N = 69 reports, 426 conditions) to examine the influence of diverse task variations on performance. Age, how the test stimuli were labeled for the child, emphasis on conflict in the verbal introduction of the post-switch rules, and the number of pre-switch trials each independently predicted switching on the standard DCCS, whereas pre-switch feedback, practice, and task modality did not. Increasing the relative salience of the post-switch dimension was associated with higher rates of switching, and, conversely, decreasing post-switch salience was associated with lower rates of switching, and under both kinds of manipulation performance continued to be associated with age. Spatially separating the dimensional values was associated with higher rates of switching, and it was confirmed that the degree of spatial separation matters, with children benefiting most when the dimensional values are fully spatially segregated.Switch rates tended to be higher in versions on which children were prompted to label the stimuli compared to when the experimenter provided labels, and lower when reversal instructions were used in conjunction with the standard task stimuli. Theoretical and practical implications for the study and measurement of executive function in early childhood are discussed.
Formation damage resulting from biocide/corrosion inhibitor squeeze treatments

To control sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) populations, and minimize operational problems noted in the water supply wells, a biocide/corrosion inhibitor squeeze program was applied. Because of the weak nature of the formation and potential sand production, an extensive coreflood study was conducted to determine the effect of a commercial biocide (formaldchyde, nitrogen and phosphorous compounds) and a biocide-enhanced corrosion inhibitor on the permeability of reservoir core plugs. Coreflood experiments were conducted using reservoir core plugs at reservoir temperature (50 °C) and pressure (2000 psi). The results obtained indicated that high concentrations of the biocide or the biocide enhanced corrosion inhibitor caused up to 90% reduction in the initial permeability of reservoir cores. Several damaging mechanisms were identified: dissolution of the cementing material by the biocide (acidic). swelling of montmorillonite present in the formation and precipitation of calcium sulfate. Based on lab results, a detailed biocide squeeze treatment was designed to treat water supply wells. The treatment was able to control SRB populations while maintaining the integrity of the formation. This paper examines the design of the treatment and the results obtained from extensive lab testing and field trials.
Spectrum markets: motivation, challenges, and implications

It is widely recognized that the centralized approach to spectrum management currently used in most countries has led to highly inefficient allocations. It is also recognized that more efficient allocations could be achieved through spectrum markets; however, most discussions have so far focused on secondary markets, which are managed by licensees. Here we take a more expansive view, and discuss some challenges and implications of implementing extensive spectrum markets across locations, time, and diverse sets of applications. The discussion is motivated by first examining the fundamental question: Is spectrum scarce or abundant? Given that spectrum is indeed scarce, and that spectrum property rights are appropriately defined, we speculate on the emergence of a two-tier market; the upper tier consists of spectrum owners that trade spectrum assets analogous to land rights, and the lower tier consists of spot markets for limited-duration rentals of spectrum assets from owners at particular locations. The changes such spectrum markets could bring to the provision of wireless services and wireless network design are discussed along with methods for addressing related interference management issues.
On filtering irrelevant results in peer-to-peer search

To improve Peer-to-Peer (P2P) search accuracy, we identify multiword entities in user queries using an entity corpus constructed based on n-gram statistics collected from LimeWire users. We show that by using a statistical function, we can build a reliable corpus and successfully parse each user query to its correct entities. Our hypothesis: With entity matching, overall precision can be significantly improved, while only slightly decreasing recall.
Novel druggable hot spots in avian influenza neuraminidase H5N1 revealed by computational solvent mapping of a reduced and representative receptor ensemble.

The influenza virus subtype H5N1 has raised concerns of a possible human pandemic threat because of its high virulence and mutation rate. Although several approved anti-influenza drugs effectively target the neuraminidase, some strains have already acquired resistance to the currently available anti-influenza drugs. In this study, we present the synergistic application of extended explicit solvent molecular dynamics (MD) and computational solvent mapping (CS-Map) to identify putative ‘hot spots’ within flexible binding regions of N1 neuraminidase. Using representative conformations of the N1 binding region extracted from a clustering analysis of four concatenated 40-ns MD simulations, CS-Map was utilized to assess the ability of small, solvent-sized molecules to bind within close proximity to the sialic acid binding region. Mapping analyses of the dominant MD conformations reveal the presence of additional hot spot regions in the 150- and 430-loop regions. Our hot spot analysis provides further support for the feasibility of developing high-affinity inhibitors capable of binding these regions, which appear to be unique to the N1 strain.
The Rationale for Inhibiting 5α-Reductase Isoenzymes in the Prevention and Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Androgens are essential for prostatic growth and development but they also have a significant role in prostate disease pathogenesis. Dihydrotestosterone, the primary prostatic androgen, is transformed from testosterone by types 1 and 2 5α-reductase and, thus, a potential therapeutic benefit could be achieved through the inhibition of 5α-reductase.Materials and Methods: A literature review was performed using PubMed®/MEDLINE® and congress abstracts to examine evidence supporting the potential of 5α-reductase inhibitors in the primary prevention of prostate cancer and in limiting the progression of diagnosed disease.Results: Prostate disease development is associated with increased expression of each 5α-reductase isoenzyme with over expression of type 1 of particular importance in prostate cancer development and progression. The 2 5α-reductase inhibitors currently clinically available are finasteride, a type 2 5α-reductase inhibitor, and dutasteride, a dual 5α-reductase inhibitor. Dual inhibition b...
Undoing Code Transformations in an Independent Order

A transformation applied to optimize or parallelize a program may be found to be ineffective, or may be made invalid by code changes. In this paper, we present a technique to remove such transformations. The order of undoing the transformations is independent of the application order. The technique uses post conditions of a transformation to determine whether the transformation can be immediately removed. Transformations that affect the immediate removal of a transformation must be identified and removed. Other transformations made invalid by the removal of a transformation must also be undone. The technique employs inverse primitive actions, making the technique transformation independent. The enabling and disabling interactions of transformations are used to drive the process, thereby reducing redundant analysis when undoing transformations.
Photo-induced absorption of substituted poly(phenylene vinylene)-fullerene composites for optical limiting

MEH-PPV:fullerene composites show strong nonlinear absorption in the near infrared and potential as optical limiters. The photophysics and nonlinear optics of the composites are consistent with the formation of absorbing charge carriers.
Facial Trauma Evaluation Leading to a Diagnosis of Delayed Splenic Rupture

A patient presented 48 hours after falling and sustaining facial fractures and was evaluated in an outpatient setting. The patient had been seen at 2 other hospitals, including a level I trauma center, and discharged home. While undergoing evaluation for his facial trauma, the patient became severely hypotensive. The patient was diagnosed with a delayed splenic rupture and underwent splenectomy.
USE OF OZONE TO REMEDIATE MANGANESE FROM COAL MINE DRAINAGE WATERS

Manganese is an aesthetically undesirable metallic element that is difficult to remove from mine drainage that has acidic to neutral pH. In spite of the thermodynamic prediction that oxygen in the atmosphere or in solution should oxidize dissolved manganese (Mn 2+ ) to an oxide or a hydroxide, this does not happen in acidic aqueous solutions. The capability of ozone to oxidize and precipitate manganese as an oxide was proven in bench-scale experiments at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) labs, and the process was granted U.S. patent no. 6,485,696. Ozone (O3) oxidizes Mn 2+ to MnO2 (Mn 4+ ) as follows: 3Mn 2+ + O3 + 3H2O = 3MnO2 + 6H + (1)
Multiple—Phase Economic Dynamics

We observe in economics, as in other fields, that quite different forces or relationships govern behavior in differing situations of state. Multiple—phase dynamic models formalize this fact.
Coupled Geochemical Impacts of Leaking CO2 and Contaminants from Subsurface Storage Reservoirs on Groundwater Quality.

The leakage of CO2 and the concomitant brine from deep storage reservoirs to overlying groundwater aquifers is considered one of the major potential risks associated with geologic CO2 sequestration (GCS). In this work both batch and column experiments were conducted to determine the fate of trace metals in groundwater in the scenarios of CO2 and metal-contaminated brine leakage. The sediments for this study were from an unconsolidated sand and gravel aquifer in Kansas, containing 0–4 wt % carbonates. Cd (114 μg/L) and As (40 μg/L) were spiked into the reaction system to represent potential contaminants from the reservoir brine. Through this research we demonstrated that Cd and As were adsorbed on the sediments, in spite of the lowered pH due to CO2 dissolution in the groundwater. Cd concentrations in the effluent were below the Cd MCL, even for sediments without detectable carbonate to buffer the pH. Arsenic concentrations in the effluent were also significantly lower than the influent concentration, sugg...
Effector T cells adopt fatty acid metabolism in response to environmental factors present at the time of activation (TRAN3P.898)

Lymphocyte metabolism following in vivo activation remains poorly understood. Compared to naive cells, allogeneic T cells activated during graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) increased fatty acid (FA) transport (44.3 ±6.9% vs. 0.7 ±0.1%, p=0.003), up-regulated FA oxidation enzymes (e.g. carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1a)), oxidized 3-fold more fat ex vivo (p=0.0001), and increased levels of PGC-1α, an oxidation co-activator (0.9 ±0.2 vs. 0.03 ±0.01, p=0.005). We next examined whether environmental factors influenced a T cell’s metabolic adaptation. OT-I T cells were transferred into irradiated CAG.OVA mice, to recapitulate GVHD, or into naive C57Bl/6 mice challenged one day later with CAG.OVA dendritic cells (i.e. cellular immunization). Cells proliferated robustly in both models (>10 times by day 7), but only during GVHD did OT-I cells escalate FA transport (40.0 ±6.5% vs. 9.0 ±3.0%, p=0.0002) and up-regulate levels of PGC-1α (1.0 vs 0.09 (p = 0.0004)). Furthermore, inhibiting FA oxidation during GVHD decreased allogeneic T cells by 35% (5.3 ±1.5x10^6 vs.3.4 ±1.2 x10^6, (p=0.01)) and improved GVHD clinical scores, without affecting syngeneic reconstitution. In total, these data demonstrate that effector T cells adopt FA metabolism in response to environmental cues present at the time of activation (e.g. ubiquity of antigen) and we conclude that inhibiting FA oxidation may be a selective means to eliminate pathogenic T cells while preserving homeostatic immune responses.
Tracheal Reconstruction with a Pleuroperiosteal Flap

Reconstruction of extensive tracheal defects remains a difficult surgical problem. In many experiments restoration of tracheal mucosa by autogenous or homologous soft tissue grafts has usually failed because of rejection or tracheal obstruction. This experimental work employed a two-stage surgical procedure that allowed reconstruction of extensive circumferential full-thickness defects of the trachea. Stage I involved the creation of a vascularized pleuroperiosteal flap that was formed into a rigid tube around a Silastic stent. Stage II consisted of creation of a full-thickness circumferential tracheal defect and repair with the flap in those animals in which a suitable rigid tube had been formed. The results of these experiments argue strongly that a vascularized composite pleuroperiosteal flap can produce an adequate tracheal replacement.
Observation of redshifting and harmonic radiation in inverse Compton scattering

Inverse Compton scattering of laser photons by ultrarelativistic electron beam provides polarized x- to $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray pulses due to the Doppler blueshifting. Nonlinear electrodynamics in the relativistically intense linearly polarized laser field changes the radiation kinetics established during the Compton interaction. These are due to the induced figure-8 motion, which introduces an overall redshift in the radiation spectrum, with the concomitant emission of higher order harmonics. To experimentally analyze the strong field physics associated with the nonlinear electron-laser interaction, clear modifications to the angular and wavelength distributions of x rays are observed. The relativistic photon wave field is provided by the ps ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$ laser of peak normalized vector potential of $0.5l{a}_{L}l0.7$, which due to the quadratic dependence of the strength of nonlinear phenomena on ${a}_{L}$ permits sufficient effects not observed in past 2nd harmonic study with ${a}_{L}\ensuremath{\approx}0.3$ laser [, Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 054802 (2006)]. The angular spectral characteristics are revealed using $K$-, $L$-edge, and high energy attenuation filters. The observation indicates existence of the electrons' longitudinal motion through frequency redshifting understood as the mass shift effect. Thus, the 3rd harmonic radiation has been observed containing on-axis x-ray component that is directly associated with the induced figure-8 motion. These are further supported by an initial evidence of off-axis 2nd harmonic radiation produced in a circularly polarized laser wave field. Total x-ray photon number per pulse, scattered by 65 MeV electron beam of 0.3 nC, at the interaction point is measured to be approximately ${10}^{9}$.
"The Price of Legitimacy: Regulation, Risk and Uncertainty in Legal Marijuana Markets"

Sociologists have challenged economic approaches to price on macro and micro-levels, taking issue with economists’ focus on "the invisible hand" that brings supply and demand together and the proba...
Cold Acclimation-Induced Changes in Freezing Resistance,the Contents of Soluble Protein and Proline and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Populus euphratica Calli

Populus euphratica olivea is the only arbor species which can survive and form forest in semi-arid areas in Northwest China and is famous for its high tolerance against the adverse conditions such as drought,salt and low temperature.Populus euphratiaca calli were induced from plantlets used as the material in this study.The changes in the freezing resistance,the contents of soluble protein and proline,the activities of SOD,CAT and POD were determined in the calli of Populus euphratica during cold acclimation.The results showed that cold acclimation(2℃) not only increased the freezing resistance,the contents of proline and soluble protein,but also enhanced the activities of SOD and CAT,whereas the activity of POD decreased.
Leukemia: a spectrum of diseases.

SUMMARY A number of advances that have appeared with regard to acute and chronic leukemias in the hematologic literature of the last several years have been reviewed. This field is rapidly expanding, and major advances are being made on a regular basis. Hopefully, in the future the use of the word “cure” can be used without apprehension in larger numbers of patients with these disease processes.
Seeing Red (1917)

In January 1917, the internal situation in Russia worsened. In the face of unrest and complete collapse of the tsarist regime, including the military command structure, the leaders of the recently dissolved Duma, the assembly, formed on March 12 a provisional committee to govern the country. The same day, a rival government, dominated by the Menchevik socialists and their sympathizers, was set up in Petrograd, and it styled itself the workers’ soviet, soviet meaning “council.”1
Integrating a Question Prompt List on an Inpatient Oncology Unit to Increase Prognostic Awareness

Background:Many patients with incurable cancer do not accurately understand their prognosis, which can lead to aggressive and, often, futile treatment. Improved prognostic awareness can help patients to appropriately de-escalate aggressive treatment sooner in an illness trajectory.Objectives:The pur
Specific Features of the Radiation Brittleness of EI-852 and EP-450 Steels Irradiated Up to Doses of 10–100 DPA

The mechanisms of radiation brittleness and the microstructure of deformed stainless steels, such as EP-450 ferritic-martensitic steel EI-852 and ferritic steel, irradiated to doses of 10–100 dpa are investigated by the method of imitation of the effect of reactor irradiation with the help of accelerators of charged particles. The specific features of the development of the processes of plastic instability and crack initiation are established. The accumulated results are compared with the results obtained for the austenitic steel irradiated and deformed under similar conditions.
Personal Disaster and Emergency Support Networks of Older Adults in a Rural Community: Changes After Participation in a Preparedness Program

Objective Personal disaster and emergency support networks of rural older adults are described before and after participation in a disaster preparedness intervention, PrepWise. Methods At baseline, a total of 194 disaster support network members were identified by 27 older adults in a rural Midwest community. After the intervention, these participants identified 232 support network members. Multilevel logistic regression models were constructed to identify characteristics of the network members and social interactions associated with support providers at baseline as well as newly added support sources after the PrepWise intervention. Results Member and interaction characteristics associated with being identified as emergency support sources at baseline were as follows: family, lived in close proximity, weekly or more frequent contact, and being someone whom participants shared concerns with, trusted, and exchanged emotional support with. After receiving PrepWise, participants on average identified 3 new sources of emergency support within their networks. Support sources added at follow-up tended to be nonfamily members and those participants trusted. Conclusions Enhancements in personal emergency support networks occurred after the intervention. Understanding characteristics of the network members and social interactions may assist in identifying additional emergency support sources. Larger studies investigating the impacts of enhanced support networks on disaster-related behaviors and outcomes will be beneficial. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:110-119).
Earthworks rising: exploring, sharing, researching, and building community through teachers, parents, and learners

Within the Earthworks Rising (EWR) website, the player is a researcher seeking to understand what earthworks are, their purpose, their function, and their value, both to those who created them 2,000 years ago and to those who walk the earth now. Indigenous people built a myriad of structures: burial mounds, geometric shapes, walls, large complexes, and effigies. This website creates a path through five sections. Each section is non-linear and accessed by selecting virtual "explore" and "challenge" cards. The cards reflect four concepts identified as integral to understanding the context of the earthworks as defined by our American Indian Advisory Committee (AIAC): Awe, Earth, Connections, and Sovereignty. As we continue to develop the site with input from users (and further findings), more interactives or "mini-games" will support the learner's journey; our process of development weaves together ideas, concepts, and intrigue to create pieces for a larger game and user experience: Earthworks Journey. Learners will be encouraged to share their discoveries with other learners, creating connections among classrooms taught by American Indian teachers.
Calling on the Divine and Sacred Energy of Queens: Bringing Afrikan Indigenous Wisdom and Spirituality to the Academy

Tolliver Atta discusses how her praxis as an African-centered educator and facilitator of learning has been influenced by the authentic lived experiences of African women, “Queens,” in her life. She shares stories of her mother, grandmothers and great-grandmother, whom she refers to as Mommas to the 4th power, to illustrate how their examples of complementarity, creativity, character, celebration and cultural groundedness have manifested in her professional life in her efforts to support transformative learning in the lives of her students. Tolliver Atta also explores the healing and transformative impact that an African-centered pedagogy has had on learners with whom she has worked in the USA, in Ghana and in Kenya.
CMOS beyond Si: Nanometer-Scale III-V MOSFETs

CMOS electronics constitutes the backbone of our information society. The extraordinary success of CMOS is based on the unique scaling properties of the Si MOSFET. Over the last decade, increasing concerns have been expressed about the ability of the Si MOSFET to continue its historical scaling path. This threatens the future of Moore's Law and its trifecta of benefits: cost, power and performance. For about a decade now, III-V compound semiconductors have been under intensive research in an effort to push Moore's Law beyond the point that Si can reach. How far have we come in this quest? This paper summarizes the state of the art of III-V compound semiconductor MOSFETs for future CMOS.
Comparison of risk factors and outcomes of daptomycin-susceptible and -nonsusceptible vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections in liver transplant recipients.

Background Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) infections are common in liver transplant recipients (LTRs). Daptomycin (DAP) is an important treatment for such infections; however, DAP-nonsusceptible VRE (DNS-VRE) are increasingly frequent. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes of LTRs with infections due to DNS-VRE and DAP-susceptible VRE (DS-VRE). Methods A single center, retrospective review of patients who underwent liver transplantation between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015 and developed infections due to DS-VRE or DNS-VRE post transplant was performed. Patients with DNS-VRE and DS-VRE infections were compared using univariate and logistic regression analysis. Results Fourteen LTRs developed DNS-VRE and 20 LTRs developed DS-VRE infection post-transplantation. No significant differences were observed in demographics, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, causes of end-stage liver disease, or rate of pre-transplant perirectal VRE colonization between groups. Bleeding complications and renal replacement therapy were more common in the DNS-VRE group than in the DS-VRE group. The duration of transplant hospitalization and post-transplant intensive care unit (ICU) admission was longer in the DNS-VRE group than in the DS-VRE group. The 30-day and 6-month mortality rate associated with DNS-VRE infection was similar to that associated with DS-VRE infection. Conclusions Liver transplant recipients who develop DNS-VRE infection have higher bleeding complications and longer, more complex hospitalizations compared to those who develop DS-VRE infection post transplantation; however, mortality at 30 days and 6 months is not significantly worse. Further study is needed to determine optimal strategies for the prevention and treatment of DNS-VRE infections in LTRs.
Intervention Techniques Used With Autism Spectrum Disorder by Speech-Language Pathologists in the United States and Taiwan: A Descriptive Analysis of Practice in Clinical Settings.

Purpose This study examined intervention techniques used with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States and Taiwan working in clinic/h...
RNA Binding by Single Zinc Fingers

RNA-protein complexes have important functions in gene expression and regulation. Zinc fingers of the Cys-Cys-His-His (C2H2) class that bind RNA do so via contacts with amino acid side chains in the α-helical portion of the zinc finger, similar to their interaction with DNA. In general, two or more tandem zinc fingers are present in naturally occurring zinc finger proteins. In vitro selection and recombination techniques have isolated single zinc fingers that bind complex RNA structures with high affinity and specificity. These zinc fingers may ultimately find use as pharmaceutical or agricultural agents designed specifically to modify the function of cellular or viral RNA.
Pre-operative characteristics and their role in prolonged intubation following abdominal wall reconstruction

Patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) are at an increased risk of developing respiratory complications. Previous studies have demonstrated that postoperative findings, such as an increase in plateau pressure greater than 6 cm H2O following fascial closure, creates an increased risk of postoperative respiratory complications. The purpose of this study is to determine if specific preoperative characteristics are an indicator for postoperative respiratory failure. The 2005–2013 ACS-NSQIP participant use data were reviewed to evaluate post-operative intubation status following AWR procedures for ventral hernias. Prolonged intubation, defined as intubation up to 48 h post-operatively, was evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for patient demographics and comorbidities. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported as appropriate using SPSS. 4378 patients were identified. Majority (51%) of patients were female. 2.96% of patients experienced a prolonged intubation. Factors such as a history of severe COPD, ASA 3 or 4, current smoker within 1 year, and a BMI of 40 were all found to have a significant association with a prolonged intubation. Post-operative prolonged intubation is a known complication of AWR. We have demonstrated that pre-operative factors, such as a history of COPD, ASA 3 or 4, current smoker, and a BMI > 40 kg/m2 are factors associated with a prolonged intubation. Optimization of each may allow for a reduction in the risk of prolonged intubation in patients undergoing AWR.
Driving and Visual Acuity in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Purpose To assess driving status, habitual visual acuity (VA) in the better-seeing eye, and self-reported driving difficulty among patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Design Cross-sectional cohort study of 553 AMD patients’ habitual VA, self-reported driving status, and driving difficulty at time of interview. Participants Patients diagnosed with AMD and recruited into the University of Colorado registry. Methods Measurement of habitual VA by median logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and Snellen equivalent, as well as 3 categories: 20/40 or better, 20/50 or 20/60, and worse than 20/60. Driving difficulty was self-reported on the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Main Outcome Measures Self-reported driving status and driving difficulty. Results A total of 394 patients (71.2%) reported currently driving at time of study interview. Drivers were significantly younger than nondrivers (mean age, 76.7 years vs. 83.9 years; P Conclusions In our study, most patients with AMD who were currently driving had at least 20/40 VA in the better-seeing eye. However, 12.4% of patients had VA of 20/50 or worse and reported more difficulties with driving. As the aging population continues to grow with increasing lifespan, the number of patients with AMD will increase, and discussion of driving and VA will become more clinically and legally pertinent.
Leveraging cognitive consistency to nudge conservative climate change beliefs

Abstract People feel motivated to maintain consistency across many domains in life. When it comes to climate change, many find themselves motivated to maintain consistency with others, e.g., by doubting climate change to cohere with friends' and neighbors' beliefs. The resulting climate skepticism has derailed discussions to address the issue collectively in the United States. To counteract these social consistency pressures, we developed a cognitive consistency intervention for climate skeptics. We first demonstrated that most people share substantial faith in a variety of scientific findings, across disciplines ranging from medicine to astronomy. Next, we showed that conservative participants who first acknowledged several general contributions of science subsequently reported significantly stronger beliefs in climate science (as compared to conservatives who were asked only about their climate science beliefs). These findings provide an encouraging proof-of-concept for how an inclusive climate conversation might be initiated across the political divide.
Chapter 18 – Measures of Function and Health-Related Quality of Life

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses approaches and commonly used measures to assess health-related quality of life (QOL) and functional activity. There has been much recent interest in evaluating what constitutes meaningful and valued daily activity within the context of an individual's life. In the health care literature, QOL is linked with domains of function and/or health status. Health status is a term that refers to the degree to which an individual has a disease or symptom. Health status measurements quantify the severity or degree of illness. QOL measures usually use self-reports that incorporate symptoms with aspects of physical, mental, social function, and often demographic, vocational, and environmental impact on life questions. The universal application of the controlled clinical trial has established a standard by which the efficacy of therapeutic interventions is judged. These trials are essential for determining whether a treatment works. However, there remains some unanswered questions and some deficiencies in the state of QOL development, its methodologies, and applications.
Applications of Polyetheretherketone in Craniomaxillofacial Surgical Reconstruction

Abstract Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) reconstruction is a dynamic field that has been changing for centuries. Over the last 400 years, the approach to CMF reconstruction has evolved from using silver and gold plates in ancient civilizations (Incas, Polynesians, Celts) to autografts, allografts, xenografts, and metallic and nonmetallic alloplastic bone substitutes. More recently, polymeric and metallic-based (such as titanium) materials have gained popularity. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is strong and highly thermoplastic, enables precise intraoperative fitting, and is able to undergo aggressive sterilization procedures. Implants made from PEEK are also closer in strength to bone than titanium, and provide the advantage of being radiolucent and nonmagnetic, allowing for improved postoperative imaging. New generations of computational technology, such as three-dimensional computed tomography scanning, have led to significant advances in patient-specific implant manufacturing, resulting in implants that mimic the patient’s own facial structure and decreased rates of infection. Although limited, studies examining the use of PEEK in maxillofacial applications have also shown optimistic results. Clinical reports indicate the superiority of PEEK over titanium and show lower overall complication rates, improved cognitive performance, and high rates of patient satisfaction. The continued increase of PEEK for cranial implants is expected to lead to better clinical outcomes for patients as well as lower complication rates.