cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Bcr sequences on the cellular function of the Bcr-Abl oncoprotein

In Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1)-positive human leukemia, the c-Abl tyrosine kinase is activated by fusion to sequences encoded by the breakpoint cluster region (bcr) gene. Two major types of Bcr-Abl fusion proteins have been found in human leukemia. Fusion of the N-terminal 426 amino acids of Bcr generates p190(Bcr-Abl) which is mostly found in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), whereas fusion of the N-terminal 902 or 927 amino acids of Bcr generates p210(Bcr-Abl) mostly found with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Previous studies have demonstrated that both the Bcr and the Abl functional domains contribute to the oncogenic activity of Bcr-Abl proteins. Present in both p190 and p210 is the N-terminal coiled-coil of Bcr (aa 1-63), which is shown here to be functionally replaceable with the leucine zipper of the yeast transcription factor GCN4. The ZIP-Bcr-Abl protein transforms Rat-1/myc cells, is autophosphorylated on tyrosine and localized predominantly to actin filaments. Thus, formation of homo-oligomers through either Bcr or GCN4 coiled-coil can activate the tyrosine kinase and F-actin binding functions of Abl. We also found that a Bcr-Abl fusion containing only Bcr amino acids (1-191) can efficiently transform Rat-1/myc cells. Fusion of additional Bcr sequences (aa 192-923) did not affect the transformation of Rat-1/myc cells but progressively reduced the disruptive effect on the actin cytoskeleton. In particular, the Dbl homology domain present in p210(Bcr-Abl) but not in p190(Bcr-Abl) contributes to the stabilization of actin fibers. The modulatory effect of Bcr sequences on actin structure may underlie the apparent pathogenic variations between the different Bcr-Abl fusion proteins.
The use of vitamin K supplementation to achieve INR stability: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose Systematically review and quantitatively synthesize evidence on use of oral vitamin K supplementation in reducing international normalized ratio (INR) variability. Data sources PubMed, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Turning Research Into Practice (TRIP), Web of Science were searched for studies meeting predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Five studies meeting criteria (three randomized trials, one quasi-experimental pre–post study, one retrospective case series) were appraised for quality and data synthesized by two reviewers. Pooled effect size of time in INR therapeutic range (TTR) was estimated using random effects meta-analysis. Conclusions Pooled effect size representing data from four studies (678 subjects) was 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.03–0.59 (Cochran Q = 7.1; p = .07; I2 = 57.8) and favored vitamin K supplementation. Given wide variability among individual studies, there is not enough evidence to advise for or against the routine use of vitamin K supplementation to achieve INR stability. However, evidence does suggest that it may be of some benefit for some patients with INR instability. Implications for practice There is insufficient evidence to support routine supplementation with vitamin K in patients on chronic anticoagulation therapy but select patients, particularly those with persistent INR instability despite known adherence to regimen and no dietary or drug–drug interactions, may benefit from the intervention. Future research is warranted.
Waiting Well: Tips for Navigating Painful Uncertainty

Waiting for uncertain news can be a source of anxiety and distraction. This paper explores the experience of waiting for news that is both uncertain and unchangeable and provides tips for waiting well under these circumstances. During difficult waiting periods people can mitigate anxiety, reduce disruptive rumination, and minimize later harm by (1) distracting themselves from their uncertainty, (2) managing their expectations, (3) looking for the silver lining in all outcomes, (4) keeping perspective regarding the news, and (5) planning ahead for the objective and psychological consequences of bad news.
Turnover of carbon isotopes in tail hair and breath CO2 of horses fed an isotopically varied diet.

Temporal stable isotope records derived from animal tissues are increasingly studied to determine dietary and climatic histories. Despite this, the turnover times governing rates of isotope equilibration in specific tissues following a dietary isotope change are poorly known. The dietary isotope changes recorded in the hair and blood bicarbonate of two adult horses in this study are found to be successfully described by a model having three exponential isotope pools. For horse tail hair, the carbon isotope response observed following a dietary change from a C3 to a C4 grass was consistent with a pool having a very fast turnover rate (t1/2~0.5 days) that made up ~41% of the isotope signal, a pool with an intermediate turnover rate (t1/2 ~4 days) that comprised ~15% of the isotope signal, and a pool with very slow turnover rate (t1/2 ~140 days) that made up ~44% of the total isotope signal. The carbon isotope signature of horse blood bicarbonate, in contrast, had a different isotopic composition, with ~67% of the isotope signal coming from a fast turnover pool (t1/2 0.2 days), ~17% from a pool with an interme- diate turnover rate (t1/2 ~3 days) and ~16% from a pool with a slow turnover rate (t1/2 ~50 days). The constituent isotope pools probably correspond to one exogenous and two endogenous sources. The exogenous source equates to our fast turnover pool, and the pools with intermediate and slow turnover rates are thought to derive from the turnover of metabolically active tissues and relatively inactive tissues within the body, respectively. It seems that a greater proportion of the amino acids available for hair synthesis come from endogenous sources compared to the com- pounds undergoing cellular catabolism in the body. Consequently, the isotope composition of blood bicarbon- ate appears to be much more responsive to dietary isotope changes, whereas the amino acids in the blood exhibit considerable isotopic inertia.
Analysis of mandibular motion following unilateral and bilateral alloplastic TMJ reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the masticatory patterns and range of motion (maximal incisal opening (MIO), protrusion and lateral excursion) in patients who have had unilateral and bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement with an alloplastic prosthesis, and compare them to each other and to normal controls. Mandibular motion was examined in 18 patients, who had undergone alloplastic TMJ reconstruction, 13 with a bilateral prosthesis and 5 with a unilateral prosthesis, and in 13 normal controls. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) for MIO and maximum lateral excursion was observed between the bilateral group and the control group. Maximum protrusion was only statistically significantly different (P < 0.05) between the bilateral group and the control group. For the unilateral group, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) was seen only with maximum contralateral excursion when compared with controls. No statistically significant difference existed in MIO and protrusion between the unilateral and bilateral groups. Even though maximum ipsilateral lateral excursion was greater for the unilateral group than either left or right maximum lateral excursion by the bilateral group, this difference was not statistically significant. This study provided an in vivo analysis of mandibular motion following alloplastic TMJ reconstruction.
Toward Development of A Laser-based Continuous Emission Monitor System for Toxic Metals in Off-gases

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectrometry (L1BS) can meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/s (EPA) proposed Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) rules requirements for Be, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Sb. However, L1BS’ current limits of detection (LODs) for As and Hg are significantly higher than the LODs that EPA is seeking. The current Laser Optogalvanic Spectrometry (LOGS) laboratory LODs for airborne metal particles are comparable to or lower than the desired EPA MACT LODs for Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Sb. We report our efforts to combine LOGS with LIBS to produce a near real-time metal emissions monitor that is capable of monitoring the volatile toxic metals that are regulated by EPA. During a field simulation test, LIBS, LOGS, and EPA Method 29 simultaneously determined the concentration of airborne metals in the off-gas. The LIBS results are found to be in reasonably good agreement with those of EPA Method 29. The LOGS real-time determinations were higher than those reported by either L1BS or EPA Method 2...
The New Wilson Reflection Treatment and the Nature of BF Aurigae

Light and radial velocity curves of the early-type close binary BF Aur are reexamined using a version of the Wilson-Devinney program which includes a new and accurate treatment of the reflection effect. This effect is expected to be important in
Modulating TRAP-mediated transcription termination by AT during transcription of the leader region of the Bacillus subtilis trp operon

An 11-subunit protein called trp RNA binding Attenuation Protein (TRAP) controls attenuation of the tryptophan biosynthetic (trpEDCFBA) operon in Bacillus subtilis. Tryptophan-activated TRAP binds to 11 (G/U)AG repeats in the 5 � leader region of trp mRNAs, and downregulates expression of the operon by promoting transcription termination prior to the structural genes. Anti-TRAP (AT) is an antagonist that binds to tryptophan-activated TRAP and prevents TRAP from binding to RNA, thereby upregulating expression of the trp genes. AT forms trimers, and multiple trimers bind to a TRAP 11mer. It is not known how many trimers must bind to TRAP in order to interfere with RNA binding. Studies of isolated TRAP and AT showed that AT can prevent TRAP from binding to the trp leader RNA but cannot dissociate a pre-formed TRAP-RNA complex. Here, we show that AT can prevent TRAP-mediated termination of transcription by inducing dissociation of TRAP from the nascent RNA when it has bound to fewer than all 11 (G/U)AG repeats. The 5 � -most region of the TRAP binding site in the nascent transcript is most susceptible to dissociation from TRAP. We also show that one AT trimer bound to TRAP 11mer reduces the affinity of TRAP for RNA and eliminates TRAPmediated transcription termination in vitro.
Role of Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus in the etiology of benign parotid tumors.

Background Pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin's tumors are the two most common benign parotid tumors. Previous studies investigating the role of viruses in tumorigenesis of these neoplasms have been conflicting. The aim of this study was to determine whether Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV) might play a role in the pathogenesis of pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin's tumors. Methods Paraffin-embedded surgical specimens of 24 pleomorphic adenomas, 10 Warthin's tumors, and 13 normal parotid tissues were obtained from the University of California–San Francisco Pathology Department. Genomic DNA was extracted from the specimens, and primers for connexin 26, a gap junction protein, were used to confirm the integrity of this DNA. The presence or absence of EBV and CMV DNA within the samples was determined with PCR-based assays, in which radiolabeled primers were used for maximal sensitivity of detection. Results PCR analysis of serially diluted control DNA revealed that using radiolabeled primers, five copies of viral DNA could be detected. By use of this method, we showed that none of the 24 pleomorphic adenomas, 10 Warthin's tumors, or 13 normal parotid samples contained EBV DNA or CMV DNA.Conclusions. These results do not support CMV or EBV as etiologic factors in pleomorphic adenomas or Warthin's tumors. In addition, normal parotid seems not to harbor either of these viruses. Future studies with larger numbers of specimens are needed to confirm these findings. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Association of Social Support and Education With Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening

Background. Disparities in breast and cervical cancer screening by socioeconomic status persist in the United States. It has been suggested that social support may facilitate screening, especially among women of low socioeconomic status. However, at present, it is unclear whether social support enables mammogram and Pap test compliance. Purpose. This study examines the association between social support and compliance with mammogram and Pap test screening guidelines, and whether social support provides added value for women of low education. Method. Data were from a countywide 2009-2010 population-based survey, which included records of 2,588 women 40 years and older (mammogram) and 2,123 women 21 to 65 years old (Pap test). Compliance was determined using the guidelines in effect at the time of data collection. Results. Social support was significantly related to mammogram (adjusted odds ratio = 1.43; 95% confidence interval [1.16, 1.77]) and Pap test (adjusted odds ratio = 1.71; 95% confidence interval ...
Shining a Light on Earth’s Oldest Toxic Threat?

Between 3.4 and 3.8 billion years ago, life happened. While scientists debate whether life first emerged on the planet’s surface in an organic “primordial soup,”1 was helped along by meteorites,2 or evolved in the ocean’s black smokers,3 there is little doubt that it developed on a planet flooded with massive amounts of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR is a highly energetic and destructive force that may have actually aided evolution. UVR-induced mutations induced in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) struck at the very heart of life, and when not lethal, may have accelerated the pace of change. (UVR may even have played a key role in the formation of RNA nucleotides, possible precursors to DNA in the earliest stages of life’s formation.)4 In either case, high mutation rates would have resulted in precarious conditions requiring protection if life was to evolve into the complex forms known today. In a highly coordinated process essential for both reproduction and survival of all living things (and viruses), DNA bonds break and reform, transferring, capturing, and storing chemical energy. Owing to their molecular structure, nucleotides like DNA and RNA are chromophores. That is, their chemical nature causes them to readily absorb UV light (more than, say, proteins), and so they are particularly susceptible to UVR, which, in sufficient amounts, breaks DNA’s bonds and modifies life’s genetic code.5 If not repaired, these UVR-induced changes cause permanent mutations or death. Today we rely on the earth’s stratospheric ozone layer to protect us from excessive UVR, but more than three billion years ago, when life first emerged, there was no ozone layer. The threat posed by UVR was far more hazardous then than it is now. This potentially lethal interaction between life’s basic genetic code and UVR makes it one of the first known physical toxicants still relevant today. As such, it is a good place to begin our exploration of the evolution of toxic defense.
Prevalence of Psychosocial Disturbances in Children With Nonorganic Visual Loss

Purpose: To report on the prevalence of psychiatric disease and psychosocial stress in children with nonorganic visual loss. Materials and methods: Case series of 71 consecutive pediatric patients with a variety of nonorganic visual signs and symptoms. Chart review of ophthalmologic findings and details of medical and social history with main outcome measures of prevalence of psychiatric disease and psychosocial stress. Results: Psychological/psychiatric disturbances in the form of anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had been previously diagnosed in 19 (26.7%) patients. We had a very high index of suspicion of psychiatric illness in another four patients. Furthermore, we uncovered significant home and school stress in 22 (31%) patients. Sixteen (22.5%) patients wanted glasses and in 10 (14.1%) patients no cause for the behavior could be determined. Of those patients who wanted glasses, girls outnumbered boys 3:1. Conclusions: An underlying psychiatric or psychosocial disturbance should be ruled out in children who present with nonorganic visual loss.
A simple method to improve the clarity and rheological properties of polymer/clay nanocomposites by using fractionated clay particles.

We present a simple method to improve the transparency and rheological properties of polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites. Such composites are typically prepared using organophilic derivatives of commercial montmorillonite (MMT) clays that contain a wide range of particle sizes. Our approach is to fractionate the native MMT clay to exclude large aggregates and then modify the fractionated clay (FMT) by a surfactant treatment (the resulting organoclay is termed o-FMT). Polystyrene nanocomposites made from the o-FMT are then compared with those made from a commercial organoclay having the same surfactant treatment. The o-FMT-based composites exhibit much better rheological properties (e.g., their elastic moduli at low frequencies are ∼10 times higher) at equivalent mass loadings. Moreover, the o-FMT-based materials also have better transparency: e.g., a 10% o-FMT sample transmits as much light as a sample with 5% commercial clay. Transmission electron microscopy confirms that these differences in propertie...
The Shadow Banking System and Its Legal Origins

The global financial crisis cannot be understood without closely analyzing the development and the failure of the shadow banking system. Shadow banking, in turn, cannot be understood without examining how law shaped it. This article provides a definition of the shadow banking system and describes the critical role law and legal change played in shaping it. The shadow banking system describes a web of financial instruments (asset-backed securities, credit derivatives, money market mutual funds, repurchase agreements) that connected commercial and household borrowers to investors in capital markets. This system differs, however, from traditional bond markets and is marked by six features: - institutions serving a critical intermediation role;- the pooling of financial assets and risks;- “structuring,” or the unbundling and re-bundling of cash streams and risks from financial assets;- maturity transformation;- the creation of assets with theoretically low risk and high liquidity that have many of the features of “money”; and- opacity.This system provided many of the core economic functions of banking, including supplying credit while offering investors theoretically liquid and stable investments (similar to bank deposit accounts). Yet the system escaped bank regulation. This system ultimately experienced the same types of liquidity and solvency crises as banks, causing massive economic damage. The article explores how regulatory arbitrage, deregulation (broadly construed), and legal subsidies midwifed the birth of the shadow banking system and fostered its growth.
Patient-specific time to peak abdominal organ enhancement varies with time to peak aortic enhancement at MR imaging.

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the relationship between the times to peak enhancement of the liver, pancreas, and jejunum with respect to the time to peak aortic enhancement at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Materials and Methods: The committee on human research approved this study and waived written informed consent. This study was HIPAA compliant. The study retrospectively identified 141 patients (63 men, 78 women; mean age, 57 years) who underwent abdominal MR imaging by using a test bolus that was monitored approximately every second for 2 minutes with a spoiled gradient-echo T1 transverse section through the upper abdomen. The times to peak enhancement of the aorta, liver, pancreas, and jejunum were recorded and correlated with the time to peak aortic enhancement, age, and sex by means of univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. Results: The mean time to peak aortic enhancement was 21.1 seconds (range, 8.7–41.8 seconds). The times to peak enhancement of the liver, pancreas, and...
Explicit and Implicit Measures of Expectancy and Related Alcohol Cognitions: A Meta-Analytic Comparison

Implicit measures assess the influence of past experience on present behavior in the absence of respondents' awareness of that influence. Application of implicit measurement to expectancy and related alcohol cognition research has helped elucidate the links between alcohol-related experiences, the functioning of alcohol-related memory, and alcohol-related behavior. Despite these advances, a coherent picture of the role of implicit measurement has been difficult to achieve because of the diversity of implicit measures used. Two central questions have emerged: Do implicit measures assess a distinct aspect of the alcohol associative memory domain not accessible via explicit measurement; when compared with explicit measurement, do they offer unique prediction of alcohol consumption? To address these questions, the authors conducted a meta-analysis of studies using both implicit and explicit measures of alcohol expectancy and other types of alcohol-related cognition. Results indicate that implicit and explicit measures are weakly related, and although they predict some shared variance in drinking, each also contributes a unique component. Results are discussed in the context of the theoretical distinction made between the 2 types of measures.
Finding political capital for monetary tightening: Unemployment insurance and partisan monetary cycles

How do governments find the political capital to raise interest rates in pursuit of inflation stabilisation? Against common wisdom, this article shows that the ability of gov- ernments to exercise tight monetary policy largely depends on the level of unemployment insurance. Unemployment insurance is particularly useful to social democratic parties since their core constituency - labour - is the hardest hit by economic downturns. Empirical evidence from 17 OECD countries over thirty years demonstrates that high levels of unem- ployment insurance present a strong incentive for social democratic governments to respond more aggressively to positive changes in inflation. These findings resolve the puzzle of why partisan monetary cycles are not often observed in the literature and have important policy implications, given continued calls for scaling down social insurance.
Osmotic regulation of intestinal epithelial Na+-K+-Cl− cotransport: role of Cl− and F-actin

Previous data indicate that adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate activates the epithelial basolateral Na+-K+-Cl−cotransporter in microfilament-dependent fashion in part by direct action but also in...
Fundus autofluorescence and spectral domain optical coherence tomography in early detection of Plaquenil maculopathy.

Purpose.To report fundus auto fluorescence (FAF) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings in a patient with early hydroxychloroquine maculopathy.Methods.A 50-year-old man ...
Effect of alley-floor scraping frequency on Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, environmental Streptococcus species, and coliform counts

ABSTRACT The objective of this study, conducted at the University of Kentucky Cold-stream Dairy, was to determine whether increased alley-floor scraping frequency decreased environmental mastitis-causing pathogen counts. Sixteen Holstein cows were monitored during two 3-wk treatments: removing manure from the alley floors once (1 ×) or twice daily (2 ×) by a skid steer equipped with a tire scraper. Bedding, milk, and teat-end swab samples were collected twice weekly to observe changes in streptococci, Klebsiella spp., coliform, and Escherichia coli counts and SCS. Increasing alley-floor scraping frequency to 2 × decreased all bedding pathogen counts (P = 0.01); teat-end coliform, E. coli, and streptococci counts (P
Looking Backward and Moving Forward Our Feminist Imperative to Do Work That Matters

To prepare to write this closing editorial that caps my 6-year term as Psychology of Women Quarterly (PWQ)’s editor, I turned to my opening editorial (Yoder, 2010) with some trepidation. Because I now am a much more seasoned editor, I feared that I would find views that would make me cringe. However, I am delighted to report that the general path for considering submissions that I outlined there does accurately describe my practices. I submit that PWQ has remained ‘‘a feminist journal at the cutting edge of a psychology for women’’ (p. 1), a claim that is bolstered by our higher plateau of impact factors so far across my term. In this final editorial, I first want to look backward at the past six volumes my team and I produced and then pass on some reflections about how we as feminist authors might move forward by drawing on our feminist values to do work that matters.
Validation of Injury Thresholds for European Red Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) on ‘Yorking’ and ‘Delicious’ Apple

Injury thresholds for the European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), were validated for two major apple ( Malus × domestica Borkhauser) cultivars, ‘Yorking’ and ‘Delicious,’ in Pennsylvania. Four target injury thresholds (0, 250, 750, and 1,250 cumulative mite days [CMD] per leaf) were established on trees for 1 or 2 yr. Most of mite injury occurred during July and August. Effects of injury were determined on mean fruit weight, soluble solids, fruit firmness, fruit color, as well as return bloom, percentage of fruit set, and fruit load the year following injury. Only the target injury threshold level of 1,250 CMDs caused any reduction in yield variables, and this occurred only during the year after mite injury. These reductions occurred for return bloom, percentage of fruit set, and return fruit load and only for the cultivar ‘Yorking.’ Mite injury had no effect during current season. Adoption of an injury threshold of 750 CMDs is proposed for apples in Pennsylvania. Hypotheses are presented to help explain differences in results of our study compared with those of previous studies.
Use of a doula for labor coaching in a patient with indolent systemic mastocytosis in pregnancy.

Background Few cases of pregnancy in women with systemic mastocytosis have been reported. The effects of this disease on pregnancy have not been well documented, nor have the benefits of doula services for labor been reported for mastocytosis. Case A 35-year-old woman with indolent systemic mastocytosis sought preconception counseling regarding the effects of her disease on pregnancy and the effects of drugs and anesthesia on her disease. She then had an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery, with multidisciplinary coordination and assistance by doulas to reduce the need for medication in labor. Conclusion Mastocytosis patients can achieve normal pregnancy outcomes. Predelivery planning can help prepare staff and patients for complications. Doulas can assist with labor preparation and delivery using nonmedical approaches to relief of pain and anxiety.
Acceleration of wound healing with heterologous cartilage. Immunological considerations.

SummaryA bovine cartilage preparation which has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in accelerating wound healing in experimental animals and humans has been investigated for its potential antigenicity of the immediate type. Rabbits injected with an emulsion of this material with complete Freund's adjuvant did show the presence of precipitating antibodies while rabbits with implanted subcutaneous pellets showed no such activity. The precipitating antibodies produced did not cross react with human cartilage nor with other bovine tissues. Four groups of human subjects were tested intracutaneously with an aqueous extract of bovine cartilage. One laboratory worker with a history of clinical allergy and voluminous inhalation exposure of the material over a period of 8 years developed skin sensitizing antibody activity. Mild activity was demonstrated by 2 subjects who had received the cartilage therapeutically by topical application. These 3 subjects had no symptoms that could be attributed to sensitivity reactio...
Developing Technology Needs Assessments for Educational Programs: An Analysis of Eight Key Indicators.

As access to information and communication technology grows, educators have increasing opportunities to experiment with and to adapt both hardware and software to their current practice. Technology's integration, however, can vary widely between teachers within the same program for numerous reasons. Understanding the challenges practitioners face with technology integration is a critical first step to successful adoption and sustained use. This paper looked at eight indicators commonly found in technology needs assessment survey tools. Indicators included: self-assessed skill level, technology use and integration, teacher beliefs, barriers to access, professional development resources, leadership, needs and wants, and demographics. These core indicators were used to create a technology needs assessment survey for pre- and in-service language teachers within a US higher education setting, but the indicators are both relevant and applicable to a wide range of educational programs and teacher backgrounds. Recommendations are made for adapting the indicators and the specific survey items depending on context.
Investigation on hearing impairment among diesel locomotive and electric locomotive drivers

Objective: To investigate hearing impairment of diesel locomotive and electric locomotive drivers.Methods: A total of 298 diesel locomotive drivers and 356 electric locomotive drivers were recruited and carried out hearing test during Sep 2011 to Sep 2012.T test and χ2test were used to analyze the results of the hearing test.Results: There were 106(35.6%) diesel locomotive drivers and 85(23.9%) electric locomotive drivers had been tested with hearing impairment,and the distribution difference was significant(χ2= 10.729,P = 0.001).The type of binaural high frequency hearing impairment enjoyed the largest number,and there were 92(30.9%) diesel locomotive drivers and 75(21.1%) electric locomotive drivers had been tested with it,with significant distribution difference(χ2= 8.202,P = 0.004).With the increasing of length of the time employed,the rate of hearing impairment rose(χ2= 7.135,P = 0.008).Conclusions: The hearing impairment during locomotive drivers was widespread,and the prevalence of diesel locomotive drivers was higher than electric locomotive drivers.The binaural high frequency hearing impairment was the type with the largest individuals.With the increasing of working years,the prevalence of hearing impairment rose.
RISC Architecture for Multiple Serials Network Communications

An industrial sector based on reduced instruction set computer(RISC) multiple serials network communications management is described.the schema in the design and application of computer monitoring and control system for hydropower plants is illustrated.The hardware architecture,software architecture,function features and practical application are explained.The device can be programmed independently regulate the secondary development.It has a certain validity project.
Appendix 1: A proposed mechanism and set of criteria for the evaluation of the scientific contribution of individual investigators in collaborative studies, including large clinical trials

Large-scale cooperative clinical trials have become a major and effective tool of medical research. Aimed at providing a scientific methodology for evaluating therapy, such trials now involve thousands of scientists and receive a high priority in government research planning and in the allocation of research funding. Proposed solutions to some of the most challenging unsolved problems in medicine are being submitted to the rigorous test of this methodology.
Cryopreserved and fresh antibiotic-sterilized valved aortic homograft conduits in a long-term sheep model. Hemodynamic, angiographic, and histologic comparisons.

There is a paucity of clinical and experimental data regarding the fate of cryopreserved valved aortic homografts. Fifteen lambs (mean age 4 months) underwent insertion of a valved aortic homograft between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. In eight animals, the homografts were treated with antibiotics for 48 hours followed by up to 4 days of 4° C storage (group A). In the other seven animals, the homografts were treated with antibiotics and cryopreserved at -196° C (group B). The 12 long-term survivors were catheterized at 6 weeks and 4 months after implantation, at which time three animals from each group were killed. The remaining six animals were catheterized and killed at 9 months. There was no significant difference in transconduit gradient (p = 0.67) or resistance indexed to weight (p = 0.81) between groups A and B. The mean increase in transconduit gradient for both groups between catheterization at 6 weeks and 4 months was 73%, and weight increased by 51%. Histologic analysis focusing particularly on valve leaflet architecture and changes in the aortic wall revealed greater differences between individual animals and according to duration of implantation than differences between groups A and B. However, focal intracuspal thrombus of unknown significance was seen only in animals from group B. Although conduit valve leaflets generally remained free of calcification, calcification was prominent within the conduit wall of all animals. In conclusion, cryopreservation does not appear to adversely affect leaflet integrity and conduit function in this accelerated animal model relative to fresh homografts. This is in contrast to past clinical experience with homografts treated by freeze-drying and irradiation.
The Impact of Minimum Quality Standard Regulations on Nursing Home Staffing, Quality, and Exit Decisions

The regulation of nursing homes in the U.S. often includes mandates that require a minimum nurse staffing level. In this paper, we exploit new minimum nurse staffing regulations by the states of New Mexico and Vermont that were implemented in the early 2000s to determine how nursing homes responded in terms of staffing, quality, and the decision to exit the market. Our identification strategy exploits the fact that some nursing homes had pre-regulatory staffing levels near the new requirement and did not need to change staffing levels. We compare these nursing homes to a group that faced binding constraints (low-staffed) and those that were significantly over the constraint (high-staffed). Low-staffed nursing homes increase staffing levels but also use less expensive nurse types to satisfy the new standard. High-staffed nursing homes decrease staffing and use fewer contracted staff. Overall, dispersion in staffing is reduced, but we find little effect by pre-regulatory staffing level on non-staffing measures of quality and the decision to exit the market.
Enhanced phenacetin metabolism in human subjects fed charcoal-broiled beef

There were marked individual differences in the plasma levels of phenacetin after oral administration of a 900-mg dose to 9 normal volunteers eating customary home diet. Feeding a diet that contained charcoal-broiled beef for 4 days prior to the administration of phenacetin markedly decreased the plasma levels of this drug without appreciably influencing the plasma concentrations of phenacetin's metabolite, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP), or the plasma half-life of phenacetin. The average peak concentration of phenacetin in plasma, after a 900-mg oral dose, fell from 1,628 ng/ml, when the subjects were fed a control diet for 7 days, to 352 ng/ml after they were fed the same diet which contained charcoal-broiled beef for 4 days. The average peak concentration of phenacetin rose to 1,885 ng/ml after the subjects were subsequently fed the control diet for 7 days. The ratios of the average concentrations of APAP in plasma to those of phenacetin markedly increased after the charcoal-broiled beef diet. The results suggest that a diet containing charcoal-broiled beef enhances the metabolism of phenacetin in the gastrointestinal tract and/or during its first pass through the liver. This effect greatly decreases the bioavailability of phenacetin.
Facial nerve evoked potentials in the cat.

Electrophysiologic facial nerve testing usually involves stimulation of the peripheral nerve in order to make some indirect inference about nerve integrity at a more proximal site of lesion. In an attempt to develop a test of facial nerve function by use of across-the-lesion testing, the cat facial nerve was stimulated percutaneously at the stylomastold foramen while retrograde activity through the temporal bone and cranium was monitored with scalp electrodes. A biphasic evoked potential could be identified within 3 milliseconds of stimulation with the use of a signal-averaging computer. This potential remained when the animal was paralyzed and disappeared when the facial nerve was cut proximal to the stimulation site. A potential of similar latency and duration but larger amplitude was recorded from the subarachnold space. Mapping studies indicated its origin to be a dipole located between ipsilateral mastoid and parietal recording sites that corresponded to the region of the intracranial facial nerve. O...
Cognitive Difficulty and Format of Exams Predicts Gender and Socioeconomic Gaps in Exam Performance of Students in Introductory Biology Courses

Recent reform efforts in undergraduate biology have recommended transforming course exams to test at more cognitively challenging levels, which may mean including more cognitively challenging and more constructed-response questions on assessments. However, changing the characteristics of exams could result in bias against historically underserved groups. In this study, we examined whether and to what extent the characteristics of instructor-generated tests impact the exam performance of male and female and middle/high- and low-socioeconomic status (SES) students enrolled in introductory biology courses. We collected exam scores for 4810 students from 87 unique exams taken across 3 yr of the introductory biology series at a large research university. We determined the median Bloom's level and the percentage of constructed-response questions for each exam. Despite controlling for prior academic ability in our models, we found that males and middle/high-SES students were disproportionately favored as the Bloom's level of exams increased. Additionally, middle/high-SES students were favored as the proportion of constructed-response questions on exams increased. Given that we controlled for prior academic ability, our findings do not likely reflect differences in academic ability level. We discuss possible explanations for our findings and how they might impact how we assess our students.
Appendicitis and cancer.

An analysis of cases has shown that cancer and appendicitis are more frequently associated than was previously noted. This concurrence of the two conditions has led to mistaken diagnoses and consequent improper treatment. The association between appendicitis and cancer is reviewed according to four possible relationships and procedures outlined for proper diagnosis and early treatment.
Legislative Dysfunction and Political Accountability

Why is it so difficult for political parties to agree on policies? Some legislative disagreements reflect genuine differences in policy views, but other legislative disagreements reflect “dysfunction” — public disagreement despite private agreement. Here, I provide a theoretical account for legislative dysfunction driven by voters’ distrust of their representatives. The intuition is that in a polarized political environment, the mere act of agreement with the opposition suggests to voters that the legislator may be misaligned with the district, forcing re-election motivated legislators to disagree even on issues of shared interest. Suggestive of this type of dysfunction, Congress has increasingly turned to post-election voting to resolve critical business. I examine the voting behavior of exiting and continuing members during these recent post-election voting periods. Using a differencing approach to address member and congressional unobservables, I find that relaxing the re-election incentive increases the likelihood of agreeing on legislation, particularly for minority party members, and particularly on substantive votes. I conclude with thoughts on institutional devices that might alleviate problems of legislative dysfunction.
Creating Social Value

Does social entrepreneurship matter? A strong consensus is emerging that this question has an obvious answer. The disagreement comes over whether that answer is "yes" or "no." With reference to three cases (the Tata Group, the Aravind Eye Hospital, and Ben & Jerry's), I argue in this paper that entrepreneurs of various types create both private and social value. Private value can be assessed in terms of conventionally defined consumer surplus and producer surplus, where producer surplus is comprised of financial, reputational, and ethical "residuals." Social value derives both from potentially positive impacts on the transparency and effectiveness of governance, and from direct action to address inequities. The potential impact of social entrepreneurship, and its relevance in the context of global challenges, is enhanced by global trends toward networked production and service delivery.
Evidence of Potentially Harmful Psychological Treatments for Children and Adolescents

This paper applies the concept of potentially harmful psychotherapies (PHTs; Lilienfeld, Perspectives on Psychological Science 2(1):53–70, 2007) to concerns about potentially harmful treatments for children and adolescents (PHTCs). I propose that such treatments can be identified by methods derived from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study and from the NIS-4 study of abuse and neglect, as well as by their plausibility or congruence with established child development theory and research. Five psychological treatments for children and adolescents that have been reported as harmful are examined, using evidence from published materials, journalists’ reports, legal documents and Internet sites. Details of treatment and outcomes are compared to relevant ACE and NIS-4 criteria and to plausibility, and empirical support for the treatments is examined. The examined treatments use methods that would be considered adverse childhood experiences or abusive or neglectful care events if they occurred outside a therapeutic setting. Most, but not all, lack empirical support of effectiveness and are incongruent with established information about child development. Risks associated with PHTCs can thus be identified through close examination before children are exposed to them and harmed. Prevention or reduction of PHTC use may be possible. Public and professional education about PHTCs are essential parts of child protection in this context and are arguably an ethical obligation of both social workers and psychologists.
Real-Time Design of an Adaptive Nonlinear Predictive Controller

Abstract Based on real-time identification and using the concept of NARX models a new Adaptive Nonlinear Predictive Controller (ANPC) design is proposed. From an initial batch of input-output. data, a parsimonious NARX model structure is obtained using an orthogonalization algorithm. The obtained structure is being stored in a pointer vector and is used in the real-time control application. The control is implemented using a model predictive centrol scheme which determines the future control moves by minimizing an objective function. The Improved performance is demonstrated on a real-time laboratory scale pH waste water neutralization process.
Toward a targeted treatment for addiction

A major challenge in treating many neuropsychiatric disorders is that diagnoses are regularly based on behavior rather than on biomarkers, as well as the fact that such conditions are often not associated with gross structural brain changes. Addiction is one example of a disorder defined by pathological behavior (drug seeking despite harmful consequences) in which there is no significant loss of neurons and for which there is no cure.
Differential power processing of photovoltaic systems for high energy capture and reduced cost

Differential power processing (DPP) module integrated converters are developed to mitigate the effects of the mismatch losses in series connected photovoltaic (PV) strings. This paper focuses on the configurations used in various DPP converter topologies by categorizing them into two main classifications: 1) Maximum power point tracking configurations and 2) voltage balancing configurations. The implementation of different control approaches on the DPP configurations is discussed and the components sizing used in the different DPP topologies are driven under different mismatching scenarios. Experimental results are presented for the ladder configuration to illustrate the need for developing new DPP configurations.
Clinical Profile Associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Advent of Nervous System Dysregulation.

Background: We report the prevalence of children with multiple medical symptoms in a pediatric neurology clinic, describe their symptom profiles, and explore their association with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 100 consecutive patients from an outpatient pediatric neurology clinic. Patients were included if they were ≥5 years old and reported ≥4 symptoms that were unexplained for ≥3-months. Symptom profiles across six functional domains were recorded: (1) executive dysfunction, (2) sleep disturbances, (3) autonomic dysregulation, (4) somatization, (5) digestive symptoms, and (6) emotional dysregulation. ACEs were scored for all patients. Results: Seventeen patients reported ≥4 medical symptoms. Somatization, sleep disturbances, and emotional dysregulation occurred in 100% patients, with executive dysfunction (94%), autonomic dysregulation (76%), and digestive problems (71%) in the majority. Forty-two children reported ≥1 ACE, but children with ≥4 symptoms were more likely to report ACEs compared to other children (88% vs. 33%; p < 0.0001) and had a higher median total ACE score (3 vs. 1; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Children with multiple medical symptoms should be screened for potential exposure to ACEs. A clinical profile of symptoms across multiple functional domains suggests putative neurobiological mechanisms involving stress and nervous system dysregulation that require further study.
Preparing Learners for the Future

Book review of“Teaching in a Globally Connected World: Preparing Learners for the Future.” Edited by Ervin F. Sparapani and Pamela L. Ross McClain. Lanham, MD: Hamilton Books, 2016. ISBN: 978-0-7618-6814-9
Effects of a Reading Fluency Intervention on Middle School Students Attending a Residential Treatment Center for Youth with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

In the USA, students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) are among the most vulnerable to have reading difficulties, experience general academic failure, and drop out of school. Students with EBD who receive schooling in residential treatment centers are at even greater risk for academic difficulties. To date, very little research has examined the impact of reading interventions for students educated within a residential treatment center. The primary goal of this two-part study was to evaluate the effects of a reading intervention with four students with EBD who were attending a residential treatment center. Each student received an evidence-based reading fluency intervention to increase their reading skills, and data collected in a multiple baseline design across participants demonstrated that each student responded favorably to the intervention. Standardized reading assessments, administered pre-post, supported evidence of intervention effectiveness. Implications for applied research and practice are discussed, including the implications for using participants’ feedback to modify and enhance intervention procedures.
Unusual DNA Structures and Gene Regulation

Left-handed Z-DNA, cruciforms, purine·pyrimidine (pur·pyr) sequences, and bent DNA have been studied with supercoiled recombinant plasmids, restriction fragments, and DNA polymers. Different types of sequences of cellular and viral origin as well as synthetic polymers and plasmid inserts have been investigated.