cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceptual organization in motion correspondence

Geometrical cues for motion correspondence are addressed. Ullman's (1979) minimal distance mapping solution to motion correspondence suffers from a preponderance of global matches with near optimal values. This presence of a number of local minima is problematic for neural-network-based optimization schemes. Perceptual organization is used to provide additional constraints on the correspondence process. These proximity and co-curvilinearity constraints act to increase the difference between the local minima obtained from the minimal distance mapping and the global optimum. This leads to substantially improved performance of the optimization scheme used for constraint satisfaction. >
SVM for automatic rodent sleep-wake classification

This work examines the application of a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier to automatically detect sleep and wake behaviors in mice based on pressure signals generated by contact with the cage floor. Previous works employed Neural Networks (NN) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to classify sleep and wake behaviors. Although the LDA was successful in distinguishing between the sleep and wake behaviors, it has several limitations, which include the need to select a threshold and difficulty separating additional behaviors with subtle differences, such as sleep and rest. The SVM has advantages in that it does not require an independent threshold determination and offers greater degrees of freedom than the LDA for working with complex data sets. In addition, the SVM has direct methods for limiting overfitting for the training sets (unlike the NN method). This paper develops an SVM classifier using a variety of features extracted from the power spectrum, autocorrelation function, and generalized spectrum (autocorrelation of complex spectrum). A genetic algorithm (GA) optimizes the SVM parameters and determines a combination of 5 best features. Experimental results from over 14 hours of data scored by human observation indicate a 95% classification accuracy for SVM.
Meat intake and bladder cancer risk in 2 prospective cohort studies

Background:Nitrosamines,whichareknownbladdercarcinogens, or their precursors are found in certain meat items, and concentrationsofthesecompoundsareespeciallyhighinbacon.Only3cohort studies, all with 100 case subjects, have examined the relation between meat intake and bladder cancer, and few studies have examined the relation of different meat types with bladder cancer. Objective:Theaimwastoexaminetheassociationbetweenspecific meat items and bladder cancer in 2 large prospective studies. Design: We analyzed data from 2 cohorts with up to 22 y of follow-up and 808 incident bladder cancer cases. Detailed data on meat were obtained from multiple food-frequency questionnaires administered over time. Multivariate relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated by using Cox proportional hazards models with control for potential confounders, including detailed smoking history. Results:Menandwomenwithahighintakeofbacon(5servings/ wk)hadanelevatedriskofbladdercancercomparedwiththosewho never ate bacon (multivariate RR 1.59; 95% CI 1.06, 2.37), although the overall association was not statistically significant (P fortrend0.06).However,theassociationwithbaconwasstronger and became statistically significant after the removal of individuals who indicated having “greatly” changed their red meat (men) or bacon (women) intake during the 10 y before baseline (multivariate RR 2.10; 95% CI 1.24, 3.55; P for trend 0.006). A positive association was also detected for intake of chicken without skin, but not for chicken with skin or for other meats, including processed meats, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Conclusions:Inthese2cohortscombined,frequentconsumptionof bacon was associated with an elevated risk of bladder cancer. Other studieswithdataonspecificmeatitemsarenecessarytoconfirmour findings. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;84:1177–83.
An Evaluation of the Hydraulic Fracturing Literature for the Determination of Cause–Effect Relationships and the Analysis of Environmental Risk and Sustainability

As hydraulic fracturing has increased in recent years, debate has arisen as to its sustainability. In the chapter, we analyzed recent peer-reviewed and nonpeer-reviewed literature involving the environmental effects of hydraulic fracturing. The analysis was based on several factors. The first was for the establishment of cause–effect relationships for meeting the requirements for a probabilistic risk assessment. To accomplish this goal a generic conceptual model was proposed to describe potential cause–effect relationships. Second, we examined the technical literature for potential systemic bias. We then conducted a search for human health and ecological risk assessments. An evaluation of the current data points pointed to several areas of uncertainty in describing a cause–effect pathway suitable for a risk assessment. The results also indicated that while bending science was not widespread in the literature, signs of it were visible from every funding category, on every side of the debate, and by every bending strategy looked for. Finally, although hydraulic fracturing is a widely used technique, the search for risk assessments revealed that while there is much discussion of the need for risk assessments, only three have been done to date.
Smooth Finite Dimensional Embeddings

We give necessary and sufficient conditions for a norm-compact subset of a Hilbert space to admit a embedding into a finite dimensional Euclidean space. Using quasibundles, we prove a structure theorem saying that the stratum of -dimensional points is contained in an -dimensional submanifold of the ambient Hilbert space. This work sharpens and extends earlier results of . Glaeser on paratingents. As byproducts we obtain smoothing theorems for compact subsets of Hilbert space and disjunction theorems for locally compact subsets of Euclidean space.
Bionomics of Amapsocus Amabilis (Walsh) (Corrodentia, Psocidae)

The generic name Pseudopsocus Chapman 1930 (1) is preoccupied by Pseudopsocus Kolbe 1882 (2); therefore a new name, Amapsocus , is here proposed for Chapman's name since it is quite distinct from Kolbe's Pseudopsocus .
Comparing Outcomes of Transferred Versus Direct-Admit Ischemic Stroke Patients at a Large Comprehensive Stroke Center (P01.034)

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of ischemic stroke (IS) patients, including sub acute IS and IV rt-PA patients transferred to a large Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), as compared to patients directly admitted through the CSC9s ED. Background Although many IS patients are transferred to Stroke Centers, particularly CSCs, it is unclear whether this is beneficial. Given the substantial resources required for transfer, an analysis of outcomes of these patients is important. Also, if transferred patients are significantly different from direct ED admits, this could influence performance metrics, which are increasingly being used by regulatory authorities 1 . Design/Methods: Retrospective study of all consecutively treated IS patients between 7/2006-12/2010 either through the CSC9s ED or transferred. Outcomes measures included admit and discharge NIHSS, mortality and length of stay (LOS). Results: From 7/2006-12/2010, 1305 IS patients were evaluated. 77% were ED admits and 23% transferred patients. Transferred patients were 51% female, younger (mean 67yr vs. 75yr for ED patients), and had more severe strokes with a mean admission NIHSS of 10 vs. 6 for direct admits (p=0.0001). Transferred patients showed greater functional improvement between admission and discharge NIHSS (difference between pre- and post-NIHSS 3.2 vs. 1.3 for direct admits, p=0.0001), but had longer LOS (6.9d vs. 4.5d for ED patients). Mortality risk was greater among transfers (OR 2.5 95% CI 1.6 – 3.9, p=0.0001). Conclusions: Despite having more severe strokes, transferred patients had greater improvement during hospitalization than directly admitted patients. However, transfers had substantially longer LOS and higher mortality despite being significantly younger. These data suggest important differences between transferred and non-transferred IS patients, which may have important implications for stroke center performance metrics. Nevertheless, these data support the transfer of stroke patients to tertiary centers or CSCs, given the overall improved outcomes. Supported by: References: 1. Leifer, D, et al. Stroke 2011; 42: 849-877. Disclosure: Dr. Barazangi has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech Inc. Dr. Grosvenor has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bedenk has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rose has received personal compensation for activities with Boehringer Ingelheim as a speaker. Dr. Tong has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech, Inc. as a speaker.
Design of home security alarm system based on single chip microcomputer

Aiming at the spider thieves(falling from roofs and breaking in through the windows)appearing recently,a home security alarm system is designed.This system consists of a 51 single-chip microcomputer,pyroelectric infrared sensor and GSM wireless alarm module.When the pyroelectric infrared sensor detects someone is passing through its detecting area,the single-chip microcomputer controls the alarm circuit to alarm and send a message to the owner's mobile phone through the GSM wireless alarm module.This design includes two parts:hardware and software.The hardware part is presented including single chip microcomputer control circuit,infrared detecting circuit,alarm circuit and others.And the software flow is given too.The whole system works under the control of the software.
The structure and function of the replication terminator protein of Bacillus subtilis: identification of the ‘winged helix’ DNA-binding domain.

Abstract The replication terminator protein (RTP) of Bacillus subtilis impedes replication fork movement in a polar mode upon binding as two interacting dimers to each of the replication termini. The mode of interaction of RTP with the terminus DNA is of considerable mechanistic significance because the DNA-protein complex not only localizes the helicase-blocking activity to the terminus, but also generates functional asymmetry from structurally symmetric protein dimers. The functional asymmetry is manifested in the polar impedance of replication fork movement. Although the crystal structure of the apoprotein has been solved, hitherto there was no direct evidence as to which parts of RTP were in contact with the replication terminus. Here we have used a variety of approaches, including saturation mutagenesis, genetic selection for DNA-binding mutants, photo cross-linking, biochemical and functional characterizations of the mutant proteins, and X-ray crystallography, to identify the regions of RTP that are either in direct contact with or are located within 11 angstroms of the replication terminus. The data show that the unstructured N-terminal arm, the alpha3 helix and the beta2 strand are involved in DNA binding. The mapping of amino acids of RTP in contact with DNA, confirms a 'winged helix' DNA-binding motif.
Endothelium-dependent ANF secretion in vitro.

Coculture of endothelial cells with atrial cells (R. A. Lew and A. J. Baertschi. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 163: 701-709, 1989) increased atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) release to 205 +/- 15% (n = 33 experiments) of basal secretion (2.02 +/- 0.33 ng/ml). Stimulation of ANF release by endothelial cells was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by addition of the calcium channel antagonist nicardipine (Nic, 100 nM; by 69 +/- 4%), the guanylate cyclase activator sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 1 microM; by 97 +/- 27%), or acetylcholine (ACh, 10 microM; by 55 +/- 13%). Endothelial cell-conditioned medium elicited a 62 +/- 10% (n = 10) increase in ANF release. Rat and porcine endothelin (0.1-100 nM) each elicited a dose-dependent increase in ANF release [up to 84 +/- 14% (n = 18) over baseline]. The activity of conditioned medium was not affected by heat or trypsin treatment, but was significantly reduced by addition of Nic or SNP and was attenuated by ACh. Stimulation of ANF by 1 nM synthetic rat or porcine endoth...
Heavy-chain subclass of round antiplatelet IgG in autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura

The gamma heavy-chain subclass of bound antiplatelet antibody was examined in six patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP) by a solid-phase radioimmunoassay. Monospecific antisera for gamma G1, gamma G2, gamma G3, and gamma G4 subclasses were employed in a “sandwich” technique, utilizing the binding of 126I-staphylococcal protein A. We have previously reported that serum antiplatelet antibody was restricted to be gamma G3 subclass in ATP. In contrast, all 4 IgG subclasses were found bound to platelets of ATP patients in the same distribution as that present in normal serum. It is suggested that the differences noted between serum antiplatelet IgG and platelet-bound IgG may represent different mechanisms of platelet injury.
IV, Gastric Tube, Arterial & Central Line Placement Techniques

Learn anatomy, indications, and techniques associated with line placement Understand the complications associated with invasive lines Know how to select a site for cannulation
Teachers' Visions: The Role of Personal Ideals in School Reform

This paper explores how the concept of ``teachers' vision'' – or, teachers' images of ideal classroom practice – may be used to help us better understand the development of teachers' work and their careers. Drawing upon data from surveys and interviews with high school teachers, the author describes four different types of visions. By examining differences in the focus, range and distance of those visions, she shows how vision can serve as a guide for directing practice as well as a means of measuring how far teachers may be from their ideals. In the process, she suggests that teachers' visions can help explain what assumptions teachers make; what they learn about those assumptions; why and how they may choose to change their practice; and even whether or not they elect to remain in the profession. In conclusion, the paper considers how vision might function as a powerful tool for helping teachers surface and interrogate their beliefs as well as to imagine and elaborate pathways to promising new practices.
High-level hardware-software co-design of an 802.11a transceiver system using Zynq SoC

Modern-day wireless communications standards are constantly evolving to meet the needs of an increasing number of devices. To adapt to these trends, software-defined radio has garnered more interest. In order to adapt to evolving standards while maintaining strict timing constraints, heterogeneous computing has been explored. In this demonstration, we take a new approach to the design of an 802.11a transceiver system on a heterogeneous system, the Zynq SoC. We take high-level Simulink models and develop several variants to enact different boundaries between components targeted for hardware and software. We then auto-generate C code from the software components and HDL code from the hardware components and use this to build both a CPU executable and an FPGA bitstream. We validate, profile, and analyze the models using metrics such as maximum step time per frame and FPGA resource utilization. Our results demonstrate how to select a co-design configuration for optimal operation of the 802.11a wireless standard.
MoS2 transistors with 1-nanometer gate lengths

Scaling of silicon (Si) transistors is predicted to fail below 5-nanometer (nm) gate lengths because of severe short channel effects. As an alternative to Si, certain layered semiconductors are attractive for their atomically uniform thickness down to a monolayer, lower dielectric constants, larger band gaps, and heavier carrier effective mass. Here, we demonstrate molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) transistors with a 1-nm physical gate length using a single-walled carbon nanotube as the gate electrode. These ultrashort devices exhibit excellent switching characteristics with near ideal subthreshold swing of ~65 millivolts per decade and an On/Off current ratio of ~106 Simulations show an effective channel length of ~3.9 nm in the Off state and ~1 nm in the On state.
Rehabilitation Practitioners' Prioritized Care Processes in Hip Fracture Post-Acute Care.

ABSTRACTAims: Occupational and physical therapy in post-acute care (PAC) has reached the point where quality indicators for hip fracture are needed. This study characterizes the practitioners' prioritized hip fracture rehabilitation practices, which can guide future quality improvement initiatives. Methods: Ninety-two practitioners participating in a parent mixed methods study were asked to rank a series of evidence-based best practices across five clinical domains (assessment, intervention, discharge planning, caregiver training, and patient education). Results: Prioritized practices reflected patient–practitioner collaboration, facilitating an effective discharge, and preventing adverse events. The highest endorsed care processes include: developing meaningful goals with patient input (84%) in assessment, using assistive devices in intervention (75%) and patient education (65%), engaging the patient and caregiver (50%) in discharge planning, and fall prevention (60%) in caregiver education. Conclusions:...
Midlatitude F-region densities and temperatures at sunspot minimum

Abstract Results obtained for F-region densities and temperatures using the Millstone Hill Ionospheric Radar for the year 1964 are presented. The measurements were made during 30-hr periods which followed at intervals of about 2 weeks throughout the year. The data obtained in each month have been averaged to yield a mean electron density profile and mean ion and electron temperature curves for each hour in the day. These curves were in turn used to construct plots showing contours of constant temperature and density as functions of altitude and time for each month. In addition, the annual variation of the midday and midnight densities and temperatures was obtained. The seasonal anomaly in the F-region peak electron density is evident though less pronounced than at years of high sunspot number. The F-region layer thickness undergoes a smooth transition from winter to summer, being greatest in summer. It is shown that the daytime temperatures exhibit no marked seasonal dependence, and hence temperature effects (e.g. on reaction rates) cannot be invoked as the cause. The most striking nighttime phenomenon is the high electron temperature encountered in winter (Te/Ti ∼ 2.0) compared with summer. Evidence is presented for the existence of a flux of fast photoelectrons arriving from the conjugate ionosphere. The nighttime heating of the F-region is thought to be caused by heat conducted down from the protonosphere together, in winter months, with the flux fast photoelectrons from the conjugate hemisphere.
Surgical, medical and developmental outcomes in patients with Down syndrome and cataracts.

Background:Individuals with Down syndrome have an increased risk for congenital cataracts, but descriptions of surgical, medical and developmental outcomes are sparse.Materials and Methods:Retrospe...
Atrioesophageal Fistula After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: A Single Center Series

Background: The incidence of atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation is reported to be 0.015%-0.04%, though it is likely underreported due to a number of factors including misdiagnosis. We report our institutional experience with AEF. Methods: Patients with confirmed diagnosis of AEF between 2004 and 2016 at our institution were identified (n=5) and their clinical characteristics and outcome were analyzed. Results: AEF occurred in 5 patients who underwent AF catheter ablation (3 ablated at our institution; 2 transferred from outside hospitals after diagnosis of AEF). Symptoms were chest pain (n=3), high fever (n=3), TIA/stroke (n=3), dysphagia (n=1), and headache (n=1). Chest pain was the earliest symptom and occurred 20-24 days post-RFA. One patient had sudden death without preceding symptoms. Findings included leukocytosis (mean WBC count 18,300) and sepsis. Chest CT was obtained in 3 patients and showed air in the left atrium or mediastinum. Three patients had evidence of multifocal stroke on MRI. Three patients died before surgery could be performed. Two patients (40%) underwent emergent surgery which included partial excision of atrial wall, closure with bovine pericardial patch and closure of esophageal lesion. Surgical outcomes were favorable (100% survival). Conclusion: Chest pain and fever were the early symptoms of AEF and occurred before the neurologic complications. Chest CT was an excellent tool for detection of AEF. All patients who were diagnosed correctly and underwent surgery survived. Early detection is imperative as prompt surgery may improve survival. Health-care community education is the key to ensure early detection and transfer to a qualified surgical center. Abbreviations: AEF = atrioesophageal fistula; AF = atrial fibrillation; RFA = radiofrequency ablation; WBC = white blood cell count
Sexually Transmitted Infections in Juvenile Offenders

An obvious question about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in juvenile offenders is: why should we be concerned? Several reasons are relevant. First, individuals have significant personal risks that include: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in females infected with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and/or bacterial vaginosis (BV); cervical cancer in females infected with the human papilloma virus (HPV); recurrent painful initial episodes and recurrences in both sexes if they are infected with the Herpes simplex virus (HSV); chronic infections leading to eventual liver cancer and liver failure in youth who have chronic hepatitis B or C infections; increased risk of HIV infection in persons who have STIs associated with genital or rectal inflammation; congenital infections in infants of mothers infected with gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, and, most seriously, HIV, syphilis, and HSV; pregnancy complications in females who are have syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis; and psychological distress and disturbance of personal relationships caused by a STI diagnosis.
Estimated and Interactively Visualized Female Breast Cancer Incidence Rates in Missouri Senate Districts: 2008-2012.

Objectives: To measure and interactively visualize female breast cancer (FBC) incidence rates in Missouri by age, race, stage and grade, and senate district of residence at diagnosis from 2008 to 2012. Methods: An observational epidemiological study. The FBC cases in counties split by senate districts were geocoded. Population database was created. A database was created within SEER*Stat. The incidence rates and the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were age standardized using US 2000 Standard Population. The Census Bureau’s Cartographic Boundary Files were used to create maps showing Missouri senate districts. Incidence results were loaded along with the maps into InstantAtlas™ software to produce interactive reports. Results: Cancer profiles were created for all 34 Missouri senate districts. An area profile and a double map that included interactive maps, graphs, and tables for the 34 Missouri senate districts were built. Conclusion: The results may provide an estimation of social inequality within the state and could provide clues about the impact of level of coverage and accessibility to screening and health care services on disease prevention and early diagnosis. Key Words: Female Breast Cancer, Incidence, Interactive Mapping, Missouri, Senate Districts.
Sensory neuropeptides, neurogenic inflammation and inflammatory cells

The term neurogenic inflammation was first used to describe the contribution of sensory nerves to local inflammatory responses [1]. There is a large body of research dating back to the last century that documents the role of sensory nerves in vascular aspects of inflammatory responses. The sensory neuropeptides, substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are potent vasoactive peptides found in nociceptive nerve endings. Following a noxious stimulus they are released at local sites where they coordinate the activities of different cells and tissues involved in inflammatory and immune responses. In addition to their vascular effects SP and CGRP also regulate the function of leukocytes involved in immune and inflammatory responses. (The term leukocyte refers collectively to all white blood cells. This includes lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages and granulocytes.)
Solid-State Techniques for Improving Solubility

Poor aqueous solubility of a drug substance can often be attributed to strong intermolecular forces within its crystal lattice, which, in turn, prevent molecules from escaping in solution. Through the use of solid-state chemistry, it is possible to modify the crystal structure in such a way that mitigates intermolecular forces, thus improving aqueous solubility and increasing rates of dissolution. Solid-state techniques utilized for solubility enhancement include the formation of salts, polymorphic or amorphous forms, and co-crystals. Each technique has specific advantages and, in some cases, disadvantages that may prevent its successful use. The purpose of this chapter is to describe each of the methods, allowing the reader to gain an understanding of solid-state modifications available for solubility enhancement.
Circulating peripheral blood plasma cells in multiple myeloma.

The proliferation of an abnormal clone of plasma cells can produce a wide variety of human diseases such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), active multiple myeloma (MM), amyloidosis, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, and osteosclerotic myeloma (POEMS syndrome). For the patient to be optimally managed, the clinician must correctly classify the patient as MGUS, SMM, active MM, and relapsed MM (RMM). Patients with MGUS have a small population of monoclonal plasma cells; however, a recent study of 202 patients with MGUS followed for a median of 22 years found that only 19% (39/202) developed multiple myeloma [4]. Patients with SMM meet the criteria for MM but have a normal complete blood count and serum chemistries and can have a prolonged stable course without the need for chemotherapy [5]. Patients with MM and RMM have active disease and require chemotherapy.
The role of the NMDA receptor in ethanol withdrawal.

The function of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor is very sensitive to acute inhibition by ethanol. Because of the role of this receptor in processes such as synaptic plasticity and neuronal development, it may contribute to the acute cognitive deficits caused by ethanol, or to the deleterious effects of ethanol during gestation. Excessive stimulation of the NMDA receptor is believed to be involved in the generation of epileptiform seizure activity as well as in excitotoxic cell death. Our studies have demonstrated that there is an adaptive “up-regulation” of NMDA receptor function in brains of chronically ethanol-treated animals and in cultured cells that have been exposed chronically to ethanol. This up-regulation appears to contribute to ethanol withdrawal seizure activity, since withdrawal seizures can be attenuated by specific NMDA receptor antagonists, and the time course of the change in receptor number parallels the time course of withdrawal seizures. In addition, cells exposed chronically to ethanol are significantly more susceptible to glutamate-induced cell death, which is mediated by the NMDA receptor, indicating a key role of the NMDA receptor in the well-characterized neuronal damage that is observed after chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal in animals and humans. Understanding the basis for withdrawal seizures and withdrawal-induced neurotoxicity provides for the development of specific and selective therapeutic agents to ameliorate these consequences of chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal.
Ferroelectric transition in YMnO3 from first principles

We have studied the structural phase transition of multiferroic $\mathrm{Y}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ from first principles. Using group-theoretical analysis and first-principles density functional calculations of the total energy and phonons, we perform a systematic study of the energy surface around the prototypic phase. We find a single instability at the zone boundary which couples strongly to the polarization. This coupling is the mechanism that allows multiferroicity in this class of materials. Our results imply that $\mathrm{Y}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ is an improper ferroelectric. We suggest further experiments to clarify this point.
Strategy of Replication of the Viral Genome

Unlike higher organisms, viruses utilize a wide range of strategies in the replication of their genome. This is clearly a consequence of their need to deal with genomes that may be single-stranded (ss), double-stranded (ds), or partially ds; with genomes that may be composed of DNA, RNA, or both (at different stages in their life cycle); and with genomic structures which may be simple circles, simple linear molecules, single-stranded linear structures with terminal hairpin folds, ds linear structures in which the complementary strands are covalently linked at the ends, multipartite structures, and complex linear structures. In some cases the genome may also include covalently-linked proteins.
E3 Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase SMURF1 in the Nucleus Accumbens Mediates Cocaine Seeking

Abstract Background Substance use disorder is a neurobiological disease characterized by episodes of relapse despite periods of withdrawal. It is thought that neuroadaptations in discrete brain areas of the reward pathway, including the nucleus accumbens, underlie these aberrant behaviors. The ubiquitin–proteasome system degrades proteins and has been shown to be involved in cocaine-induced plasticity, but the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases, which conjugate ubiquitin to substrates, is unknown. Here, we examined E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase SMURF1 (SMURF1) in neuroadaptations and relapse behavior during withdrawal following cocaine self-administration. Methods SMURF1 and downstream targets ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA), SMAD1/5, and Runt-related transcript factor 2 were examined using Western blotting (n = 9–11/group), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (n = 6–9/group), co-immunoprecipitation (n = 9–11/group), tandem ubiquitin binding entities affinity purification (n = 5–6/group), and quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation (n = 3–6/group) (2 rats/sample). Viral-mediated gene transfer (n = 7–12/group) and intra-accumbal microinjections (n = 9–10/group) were used to examine causal roles of SMURF1 and substrate RhoA, respectively, in cue-induced cocaine seeking. Results SMURF1 protein expression was decreased, while SMURF1 substrates RhoA and SMAD1/5 were increased, in the nucleus accumbens on withdrawal day 7, but not on withdrawal day 1, following cocaine self-administration. Viral-mediated gene transfer of Smurf1 or constitutive activation of RhoA attenuated cue-induced cocaine seeking, while catalytically inactive Smurf1 enhanced cocaine seeking. Furthermore, SMURF1-regulated, SMAD1/5-associated transcription factor Runt-related transcript factor 2 displayed increased binding at promoter regions of genes previously associated with cocaine-induced plasticity. Conclusions SMURF1 is a key mediator of neuroadaptations in the nucleus accumbens following cocaine exposure and mediates cue-induced cocaine seeking during withdrawal.
Azpeitiko euskararen hiztegi dialektal bat – II

espanolEste diccionario se centra en la acentuacion y fonologia del euskera de Azpeitia. En el diccionario se describen los cambios fonologicos presentes en dicha variedad. Asimismo, los sustantivos y adjetivos aparecen en tres formas: la forma nuda, y seguidamente la forma de singular y plural en caso absolutivo. Estas tres formas se utilizaran para observar cualquier cambio de acentuacion que haya entre ellas. Los verbos aparecen en dos formas, el participio perfectivo e imperfectivo, seguido por el auxiliar de tercera persona. Las demas categorias verbales solo muestran una forma. Este trabajo es la primera mitad del diccionario dialectal. euskaraHiztegi honen ildo nagusiak Azpeitiko euskararen azentua eta fonologia dira. Hiztegian, azpeitieraz gertatzen diren aldaketa fonologikoak azaldu dira. Izenen eta izenondoen kasuetan, hiru forma aurkeztu dira. Lehena, flexiorik gabeko absolutiboko forma mugagabea da, eta ondorengo biak kopuladunak, bai singularrean bai pluralean. Hiru formak azentu aldaketa adierazteko erabili dira. Aditzen kasuan, partizipio perfektiboan eta ez-perfektiboan ageri zaizkigu, beti ‘da/du’ aditz laguntzailearekin. Bestelako hitz motak forma bakarrean datoz. Lan hau hiztegi osoaren lehen erdia da. EnglishThis dictionary focuses on the accent and phonology of Azpeitia Basque. The dictionary provides a statement of the main phonological rules of such variety. In the dictionary, nouns and adjectives are shown in three different forms: uninflected, absolutive singular and absolutive plural. The three forms are used to indicate any change in stress. Regarding verbs, two different forms are used throughout the dictionary: the perfective and non-perfective forms, followed by a third person singular auxiliary. As for the remaining word categories, only one form is given. This is the first half of the complete dictionary.
MEF2 plays a significant role in the tumor inhibitory mechanism of encapsulated RENCA cells via EGF receptor signaling in target tumor cells

Agarose encapsulated murine renal adenocarcinoma cells (RENCA macrobeads) are currently being investigated in clinical trials as a treatment for therapy-resistant metastatic colorectal cancer. We have previously demonstrated the capacity of RENCA macrobeads to produce diffusible substances that markedly inhibit the proliferation of epithelial-derived tumor cells outside the macrobead environment. This study examined the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed inhibition in targeted tumor cells exposed to RENCA macrobeads. We evaluated changes in transcription factor responses, participating intracellular signaling pathways and the involvement of specific cellular receptors in targeted tumor cells exposed to RENCA macrobeads. Factors secreted by RENCA macrobeads significantly up-regulated the activity of the MEF2 transcription factor as well as altered the transcription of MEF2b and MEF2d isoforms in targeted tumor cells. Suppression of individual or multiple MEF2 isoforms in target tumor cells markedly reduced the growth inhibitory effects of RENCA macrobeads. Furthermore, these effects were linked to the activation of the EGF receptor as attenuation of EGFR resulted in a substantial reduction of the cancer cell growth-inhibitory effect. Since interruption of the EGFR signaling cascade did not eliminate RENCA macrobead-induced growth control, our data suggests that RENCA macrobeads exert their full growth inhibitory effects through the simultaneous activation of multiple signaling pathways. In contrast to a precision medicine approach targeting single molecular abnormalities, the RENCA macrobead functions as a biological-systems therapy to re-establish regulation in a highly dysfunctional and dysregulated cancer system.
Delirium is associated with higher mortality in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: systemic review and meta-analysis.

Post-operative delirium (POD) has been recognized as an independent risk factor for mortality. Recent studies suggest that POD is associated with higher mortality rates in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature has not been performed. This study assessed the association between POD and TAVR by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to April 2018. Included studies were prospective or retrospective cohort studies that compared mortality among patients undergoing TAVR both with and without POD. Data from each study were combined using the random-effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Seven studies consisting of 20,086 subjects undergoing TAVR (1517 with POD and 18,569 without POD) were included in this meta-analysis. POD demonstrated a trend towards higher all-cause mortality (pooled odd ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 0.98–2.37, p = 0.062, I2 = 72%). POD was associated with a significant increased long-term mortality (pooled odd ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval 1.21–3.68, p = 0.009, I2 = 62.5%). POD was associated with an increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVR. Our study suggests POD could be a potential risk factor of mortality among patients undergoing TAVR. Further studies implementing preventative and treatment strategies against delirium and its effect on POD and its associated mortality are needed.
Assessing the Impact of Holocaust Education on Adolescents’ Civic Values: Experimental Evidence from Arkansas

American adults overwhelmingly agree that the Holocaust should be taught in schools, yet few studies investigate the potential benefits of Holocaust education. We evaluate the impact of Holocaust education on several civic outcomes, including “upstander” efficacy (willingness to intervene on behalf of others), likelihood of exercising civil disobedience, empathy for the suffering of others, and tolerance of others with different values and lifestyles. We recruit students from two local high schools and randomize access to the Arkansas Holocaust Education Conference, where students have the chance to hear from a Holocaust survivor and to participate in breakout sessions with leading Holocaust experts. We find that students randomly assigned to attend the conference become more knowledgeable about the Holocaust and are more willing to act as an upstander on behalf of others. In our subgroup analysis, we find that minority students are significantly more willing to act as an upstander relative to their white peers.
Nanosheets of MoOx crystallites synthesized via chemical vapor deposition and its potential in bolometric applications

Abstract The various oxidation levels of molybdenum oxide have attracted attention in recent years due to their interesting optical and electrical properties as a function of the oxygen vacancy and stoichiometry. Specifically, the substoichiometric MoOx (2
Associations of Future Cognitive Decline with Sexual Satisfaction among Married Older Adults.

Objectives: This study sought to explore changes in longitudinal cognitive status in relation to baseline measures of intimacy and sexuality in cognitively intact, married older adults. Methods: Ba...
Study, truth, and personal formation: Reflections on John Paul II’s Pastores dabo vobis:

Although John Paul II published “Pastores dabo vobis” specifically for the formation of seminarians for Catholic priesthood, it nonetheless contains much wisdom regarding the formation of any young...
Can digital technologies reshape rural microfinance? Implications for savings, credit, & insurance

Rural microfinance must contend with the triple challenges of isolation, small‐scale transactions, and risk. These challenges result in information asymmetries and transaction costs that render markets for financial services costly or missing. This paper examines how emerging digital technologies (e.g., mobile money, digital credit scoring, and earth observation) can reshape rural markets for savings, credit, and insurance services, especially in developing countries. Although our synthesis of the literature suggests reason for hope in all three domains, the imperfections of these digital technologies require evaluation and oversight if the resulting rural financial system is to be more efficient and equitable than its predecessor. JEL CLASSIFICATION D14; F63; R51
A Deep Learning-based Audio-in-Image Watermarking Scheme.

This paper presents a deep learning-based audio-in-image watermarking scheme. Audio-in-image watermarking is the process of covertly embedding and extracting audio watermarks on a cover-image. Using audio watermarks can open up possibilities for different downstream applications. For the purpose of implementing an audio-in-image watermarking that adapts to the demands of increasingly diverse situations, a neural network architecture is designed to automatically learn the watermarking process in an unsupervised manner. In addition, a similarity network is developed to recognize the audio watermarks under distortions, therefore providing robustness to the proposed method. Experimental results have shown high fidelity and robustness of the proposed blind audio-in-image watermarking scheme.
Stimulation of de novo Synthesis of Prostaglandin H Synthetase (PHS) in Rat Tracheal Epithelial Cells by TPA Involves Activation of Protein Kinase C

Elevated prostaglandin production is believed to be involved in tumor promotion. Several tumor promoters of different chemical structure, including the best known and most potent 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), stimulate arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism in a variety of cell types (1,2). TPA-stimulated prostaglandin production as well as many other pleiotropic responses of TPA are thought to result from the activation of protein kinase C (PKC), the putative receptor for TPA (3,4).
Due Process Implications of the Rehabilitation Requirement in Character and Fitness Determinations in Bar Admissions

Applicants to a state bar must, in addition to passing an examination of legal skills and knowledge, produce satisfactory evidence of their moral character and fitness to practice law. Applicants with disqualifying behavior in their past may still gain admission to a state bar by providing evidence of rehabilitation. Such evidence requires proof of more than just living as an ordinary citizen should; applicants must show rehabilitation through exemplary activities and service. Recent decisions, however, show a tendency of bar examiners and courts toward arbitrary and capricious decisions in their determinations of rehabilitation. In this article, I discuss these recent decisions that indicate there may be some past transgressions for which there can never be rehabilitation sufficient for admission to a state bar. I also explore the possible due process implications in permanently barring applicants from reapplying for admission, and offer suggestions for giving applicants fair notice of potentially disqualifying past misconduct.
12C(6Li, d)16O and16O(6Li, d)20Ne at E(6Li) = 42 MeV

Abstract Spectra up to 25 MeV excitation in 16O have been obtained from 12C(6Li, d) at 42 MeV bombarding energy. Angular distributions have been measured for ten states, including two Jπ = 1− states of astrophysical interest, and appear to be mostly direct α-transfer. In addition, data for 16(6Li, d)20Ne(g.s.) and 20Ne∗(2+) have been obtained. Excitation energies and widths have been extracted for states in 16O, including several states at Ex > 15 MeV. Alpha spectroscopic factors, Sα, and reduced α-widths, γ2α and θ2α have been deduced for levels in 16O and 20Ne and compared with theoretical predictions. The Jπ = 1− levels in 16O at 7.12 and 9.6 MeV excitation appear to have comparable Sα and γ2α values, viz. γ 2 α (7.12 MeV) γ 2 α (9.6 MeV ) = 0.6 +1.7 −0.3 . Both states have apparent Sα and γ2α values smaller than that for the Jπ = 2+ “α-cluster” state at 6.9 MeV however. Furthermore, the observed line shape for the Jα = 1−, 9.6 MeV level indicates Γc.m. = 400 ± 50 keV, which is substantially less than the accepted width for this level Γc.m. = 510±60 keV). The possible implications of these results for stellar helium burning calculations are discussed.
Water-Hammer Charts for Various Types of Valves

The importance of the valve closure mode on the magnitude of the water-hammer pressure produced by valve closure is demonstrated by means of an example. It is also shown that the use of various approximate equations to compute this pressure can lead to very poor and unsafe estimates of the maximum transient pressure. Because reasonable estimate of this effect is often essential to good pipeline design, a series of charts are presented which can be used to give an accurate determination of the water-hammer pressure generated by a valve closure. These charts give the maximum value of the transient pressure as a function of the valve closure time, the initial conditions and the pipeline geometry. A number of standard valves are considered in this study encompassing a wide variety of closure modes.
Electron microscopic demonstration of insulin receptors on adipocyte plasma membranes utilizing a ferritin-insulin conjugate.

Abstract Ferritin was conjugated to porcine insulin with glutaraldehyde without altering the immunological or biological properties of the hormone. The former was determined by radioimmunoassays and the latter by measuring stimulation of the glucose oxidation and the inhibition of epinephrine-in duced lipolysis of adipocytes or the stimulation of the Mg2+ ATPase. The conjugate was purified by differential centrifugation, gel filtration on Sephadex G-75, and affinity chromatography to remove essentially all unconjugated insulin and the vast majority of free ferritin. The hormone did not dissociate from the ferritin during storage or incubation. Electron microscopic observations revealed the ferritin-insulin to bind specifically and irregularly to only one side of purified fat cell plasma membranes. This binding was prevented by excess unconjugated insulin while ferritin alone did not bind to the plasma membranes. The ferritin-insulin did not bind to adipocyte mitochondria. The complex was not observed free inside the plasma membrane vesicles, suggesting that the complex was not capable of crossing the membrane. These biochemical and electron microscopic studies support the concept that penetration of the insulin into the cytosol of the cell is not necessary for the hormone to exert its biological effects on adipocytes. The hormone may enter the cell in a specialized compartment since occasionally the ferritin-insulin complex was observed specifically bound to the inside of pinocytotic-like microvesicles arising from the plasma membrane. The physiological significance of this latter observation remains unexplained.
An adaptive fault-tolerant control framework with agent-based systems

SUMMARY An adaptive hierarchical framework for process supervision and fault-tolerant control with agent-based systems is presented. The framework consists of modules for fault detection and diagnosis (FDD), system identification and distributed control, and a hierarchical structure for performance-based agent adaptation. Multivariate continuous process monitoring methodologies and several fault discrimination and classification techniques are implemented in the FDD modules to be used by multiple agents. In the process supervision layer, the continuous intramodular communication between FDD and control modules communicates the existence of an abnormality in the process, type of the abnormality, and affected process sections to the distributed model predictive control agents. In the agent management layer, the performances of all FDD and control agents are evaluated under specific process conditions. Performance-based consensus criteria are used to prioritize the best-performing agents in consensus decision making in every level of process supervision and fault-tolerant control. The collective performance of the supervision system is improved via performance-based consensus decision making and adaptation. The effectiveness of the proposed adaptive agent-based framework for fault-tolerant control is illustrated using a simulated continuous stirred-tank reactor network. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.