cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Permeation rates of penicillins indicate that Escherichia coli porins function principally as nonspecific channels

Small, hydrophilic compounds such as β-lactams diffuse across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria through porin channels, which were originally thought to be nonspecific channels devoid of any specificity. However, since the discovery of an ampicillin-binding site within the OmpF channel in 2002, much attention has been focused on the potential specificity of the channel, where the binding site was assumed either to facilitate or to retard the penetration of β-lactams. Since the earlier studies on porin permeability were done without the knowledge of the contribution of multidrug efflux pumps in the overall flux process across the cell envelope, in this study we have carefully studied both the porin permeability and active efflux of ampicillin and benzylpenicillin. We found that the influx occurs apparently by a spontaneous passive diffusion without any indication of specific binding within the concentration range relevant to the antibiotic action of these drugs, and that the higher permeability for ampicillin is totally as expected from the gross property of this drug as a zwitterionic compound. The active efflux by AcrAB was more effective for benzylpenicillin due to the stronger affinity and high degree of positive cooperativity. Our data now give a complete quantitative picture of the influx, efflux, and periplasmic degradation (catalyzed by AmpC β-lactamase) of these two compounds, and correlate closely with the susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains used here, thus validating not only our model but also the parameters obtained in this study.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide: A neurotrophic releasing agent and an astroglial mitogen

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) increases neuronal survival in dissociated spinal cord cultures during a critical period of development. In the present study, two mechanisms contributing to this action of VIP have been observed: 1) VIP was shown to be a secretagogue for neuron survival-promoting activity; and 2) VIP was found to be an astroglial mitogen. A high molecular weight substance (greater than 30 kDa), which increased neuronal survival in tetrodotoxin (TTX)-treated spinal cord cultures, was detected in the medium from nonneuronal cells incubated for 1 hr with 0.1 nM VIP. In addition, 3H-thymidine autoradiography and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) immunocytochemistry were used to show that a 5 day treatment with (VIP) increased astroglial mitosis. This effect was specific for astroglia, as silver grain-positive cells not exhibiting GFAP immunoreactivity did not increase in number after VIP treatment. The dual action of VIP may regulate glial-derived trophic substances that are important for neuronal survival during the course of development.
P-glycoprotein (PGP) Polymorphisms and Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients With Depression and SSRI-Associated Sexual Side Effects

Sexual dysfunction is common with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use for major depressive disorder. Studies have shown associations between genetic variation in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette, subfamily B, member 1 gene (ABCB1), which encodes the drug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (PGP), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor response. This study measured functionally implicated ABCB1 variants (rs2235015, rs1128503, rs2032582, and rs1045642) and sexual dysfunction using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire. This study included outpatients (18-40 years of age) treated for major depressive disorder with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor for 6 weeks. Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire outcomes were stratified by ABCB1 genotype and PGP substrate status. The authors recruited 82 individuals (22 men and 57 women). Women receiving a PGP substrate with a rs1128503 TT genotype had a significantly lower Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire total score (37.2 ± 5.4), indicating greater sexual dysfunction, than did those with the CT (42.9 ± 6.3) or CC genotypes (46.6 ± 5.6), F(2) = 6.00, p = .005, p = .02, with multiple testing correction. The results indicate a relationship between genotypes at rs1128503, total sexual dysfunction, and PGP substrates use for women and may explain some of the sexual dysfunction variability seen with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment. Results need to be confirmed with a larger sample size that includes men.
Effect of the Volume Phase Transition on Diffusion and Concentration of Molecular Species in Temperature-Responsive Gels: Electroanalytical Studies

Effect of the volume phase transition on the diffusion and concentration of molecular probes was studied in temperature-responsive polymeric hydrogels. Results were compared for two gels, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), NIPA, and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid), NIPA-AA. These gels undergo discontinuous, reversible volume phase transition as a response to temperature changes; this transition results in release of approximately 40% and 90% of the solution/solvent from NIPA-AA and NIPA gel phases, respectively. 1,1-Ferrocenedimethanol, Fc(MeOH)2, served as an electroactive and spectroscopic probe. Diffusion of Fc(MeOH)2 was investigated using voltammetry and chronoamperometry with platinum disk electrodes, while UV-vis supported electroanalytical techniques to determine the concentration of that probe in the gel. The diffusion coefficient of Fc(MeOH)2 was inversely proportional to the concentration of the polymer in both NIPA and NIPA-AA swollen gels for temperatures below the volume phase transition, and differed from that in an aqueous solution. The diffusion coefficient was 16 and 46% smaller than that in an aqueous solution for 3% NIPA and NIPA-AA gels at 25C, respectively. As a result of the volume phase transition, after the gel collapses, no significant changes in the diffusion coefficient values were observed for NIPA-AA gels. However, for NIPA gels, the diffusion coefficient of a probe decreases approximately two orders of magnitude. The volume phase transition also resulted in a change of the concentration of a probe in the collapsed gel phase. The concentration of Fc(MeOH)2 in collapsed NIPA gel was as much as 4.5 times higher than that in the original swollen gel, while for NIPA-AA gel that increase in concentration was only 20%.
An Analysis of Empirical Studies Examining the Impact of the Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment of an Adult on Family Functioning

The diagnosis of cancer is a family affair. Programs of research that evaluate the impact of the cancer diagnosis and treatment on thefamily system can be used to promote more effective physical and psychosocial adjustment of individual family members and the family as a whole. The purpose of this article is to describe an analysis of published empirical studies examining the impact of the cancer diagnosis and treatment of an adult on family functioning. The theoreticalframework, sample, the unit of analysis, measures, and selectedfindings are identified for each study. Feetham's criteriafor research offamilies are applied to evaluate the studies. Implicationsforfuture theory development and research are also presented.
The time machine: A novel spike-based computation architecture

A novel spike-based computation architecture has been developed which represents synaptic weights in time. An analog chip with 32 neurons, 1024 synapses and an AER block has been fabricated in 0.5µm technology. A digital implementation of the architecture having 6,144 neurons and 100,352 synapses on an FPGA is also described. A digital controller for routing spikes can processes up to 34 million synapses per second. The architecture is called the time machine as it operates on timing events and uses time to store weights. The time machine is general enough for implementing many spike-based algorithms yet provides flexibility and configurability.
Topographic mapping using a multibeam radar altimeter

An airborne radar altimeter operating at 36 GHz is uniquely capable of measuring the topography of water, land, and ice surfaces. The Multimode Airborne Radar Altimeter (MARA) was designed to combine a narrow transmitted pulsewidth, a high transmitted power level, and a narrow antenna beam to produce a high-precision ranging capability at the nadir of the aircraft platform and at four fixed off-nadir angles out to 12/spl deg/ in the multibeam mode described in this paper, or a single beam scanning between /spl plusmn/22/spl deg/ in the scanning radar altimeter mode. Data collected over water and land surfaces are presented to demonstrate the potential of MARA for topographic mapping with accuracies and precisions of value in dynamic oceanography, geodesy, geology, hydrology, biogeochemistry, biogeography, and glaciology. >
Standard Deviation of Scatterometer Measurements from Space

The standard deviation of scatterometer measurements has been derived under assumptions applicable to spaceborne scatterometers. Numerical results are presented which show that, with sufficiently long integration times, input signal-to-noise ratios below unity do not cause excessive degradation of measurement accuracy. The effects on measurement accuracy due to varying integration times and changing the ratio of signal bandwidth to IF filternoise bandwidth are also plotted. The results of the analysis may resolve a controversy by showing that in fact statistically useful scatterometer measurements can be made from space using a 20-W transmitter, such as will be used on the S-193 experiment for Skylab-A.
A generalized network modeling system for scheduling

NETSYS is an intelligent system for creating and solving generalized network models with substantial knowledge of generalized networks. It uses that knowledge to create networks and to investigate their feasibility. This system uses a very powerful and easy-to-use user interface. A user of NETSYS would first create node sets and then arc sets by taking cross products and using one-to-one mappings with subsets of those sets. Default data, associated with the nodes and arcs at the time of creation, can be easily edited before problem solution. It is not required for the user to learn the syntax of a modeling language before this system can be used. >
Annual emissions of mercury to the atmosphere from natural sources in Nevada and California

The impact of natural source emissions on atmospheric mercury concentrations and the biogeochemical cycle of mercury is not known. To begin to assess this impact, mercury emissions to the atmosphere were scaled up for three areas naturally enriched in mercury: the Steamboat Springs geothermal area, Nevada, the New Idria mercury mining district, California, and the Medicine Lake volcano, California. Data used to scale up area emissions included mercury fluxes, measured in-situ using field flux chambers, from undisturbed and disturbed geologic substrates, and relationships between mercury emissions and geologic rock types, soil mercury concentrations, and surface heat flux. At select locations mercury fluxes were measured for 24 h and the data were used to adjust fluxes measured at different times of the day to give an average daily flux. This adjustment minimized daily temporal variability, which is observed for mercury flux because of light and temperature effects. Area emissions were scaled spatially and temporally with GIS software. Measured fluxes ranged from 0.3 to approximately 50 ng m–2 h–1 at undisturbed sites devoid of mercury mineralization, and to greater than 10,000 ng m–2 h–1 from substrates that were in areas of mercury mining. Area-averaged fluxes calculated for bare soil at Steamboat Springs, New Idria, and Medicine Lake of 181, 9.2, and 2 ng m–2 h–1, respectively, are greater than fluxes previously ascribed to natural non-point sources, indicating that these sources may be more significant contributors of mercury to the atmosphere than previously realized.
Modulation of Westerly Wind Bursts by Sea Surface Temperature: A Semistochastic Feedback for ENSO

Abstract Westerly wind bursts (WWBs) in the equatorial Pacific are known to play a significant role in the development of El Nino events. They have typically been treated as a purely stochastic external forcing of ENSO. Recent observations, however, show that WWB characteristics depend upon the large-scale SST field. The consequences of such a WWB modulation by SST are examined using an ocean general circulation model coupled to a statistical atmosphere model (i.e., a hybrid coupled model). An explicit WWB component is added to the model with guidance from a 23-yr observational record. The WWB parameterization scheme is constructed such that the likelihood of WWB occurrence increases as the western Pacific warm pool extends: a “semistochastic” formulation, which has both deterministic and stochastic elements. The location of the WWBs is parameterized to migrate with the edge of the warm pool. It is found that modulation of WWBs by SST strongly affects the characteristics of ENSO. In particular, coupled fe...
An Unlikely Combination of Experiments with a Novel High-Voltage CIGS Photovoltaic Array

A new high-voltage array comprising bipolar strings of copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) photovoltaic (PV) modules was inaugurated in 2005. It is equipped with a unique combination of tests, which likely have never before been deployed simultaneously within a single array: full current-voltage (I-V) traces, high-voltage leakage current measurements, and peak-power tracking or temporal stepped-bias profiling. The array nominally produces 1 kW power at 1 sun. The array's electrical characteristics are continuously monitored and controlled with a programmable electronic load interfaced to a data acquisition system (DAS), that also records solar and meteorological data. The modules are mounted with their frames electrically isolated from earth ground, in order to facilitate measurement of the leakage currents that arise between the high voltage bias developed in the series-connected cells and modules and their mounting frames. Because the DAS can perform stepped biasing of the array as a function of time, synchronous detection of the leakage current data with alternating bias is available. Leakage current data and their dependence on temperature and voltage are investigated. Array power data are analyzed across a wide range of varying illuminations and temperatures from the I-V traces. Array performance is also analyzed from an energy output perspective using peak-power tracking data
Involvement of potD in Streptococcus pneumoniae Polyamine Transport and Pathogenesis

Polyamines such as putrescine, spermidine, and cadaverine are small, polycationic molecules that are required for optimal growth in all cells. The intracellular concentrations of these molecules are maintained by de novo synthesis and transport pathways. The human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae possesses a putative polyamine transporter (pot) operon that consists of the four pot-specific genes potABCD. The studies presented here examined the involvement of potD in polyamine transport and in pneumococcal pathogenesis. A potD-deficient mutant was created in the mouse-virulent serotype 3 strain WU2 by insertion duplication mutagenesis. The growth of the WU2ΔpotD mutant was identical to that of the wild-type strain WU2 in vitro in rich media. However, WU2ΔpotD possessed severely delayed growth compared to wild-type WU2 in the presence of the polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors DFMO (α-dimethyl-fluroornitithine) and MGBG [methylgloxal-bis (guanyl hydrazone)]. The mutant strain also showed a significant attenuation in virulence within murine models of systemic and pulmonary infection regardless of the inoculation route or location. These data suggest that potD is involved in pneumococcal polyamine transport and is important for pathogenesis within various infection models.
Donation after cardiac death in abdominal organ transplantation.

This article reviews the field of donation after cardiac death, focusing on the history, ethicolegal issues, clinical outcomes, best practices, operative techniques, and emerging strategies to optimize utilization of this resource. Donation after cardiac death is one effective way to decrease the organ shortage and has contributed the largest recent increase in abdominal organ allografts. Currently, donation after cardiac death organs confer an increased risk of ischemic cholangiopathy after liver transplant and of delayed graft function after kidney transplant. As this field matures, risk factors for donation after cardiac death organ transplant will be further identified and clinical outcomes will improve as a result of protocol standardization and ongoing research. Mt Sinai J Med 2012 DOI: 10.1002/msj.21309
Vibration induced settling of a sphere in a Herschel-Bulkley fluid

Abstract Settling of spheres suspended in a Herschel-Bulkley fluid with a yield stress under the influence of vibrations is of great practical significance while transporting liquid food systems such as soups, sauces and jams. A dimensionless equation has been developed to predict the settling time of a sphere in a Herschel-Bulkley fluid subjected to sinusoidal vibration. The model was used to determine the effect of random vibrations as induced in a shipping environment. A separation criterion has been developed to determine whether a particle will settle. Methods described in this paper can also be used to characterize non-Newtonian fluids.
Top-Down Processing and Visual Reorientation Illusions in a Virtual Reality Environment

The role of top-down processing on the horizontal-vertical line length illusion was examined by means of an ambiguous room with dual visual verticals. In one of the test conditions, the subjects were cued to one of the two verticals and were instructed to cognitively reassign the apparent vertical to the cued orientation. When they have mentally adjusted their perception, two lines in a plus sign configuration appeared and the subjects had to evaluate which line was longer. The results showed that the line length appeared longer when it was aligned with the direction of the vertical currently perceived by the subject. This study provides a demonstration that top-down processing influences lower level visual processing mechanisms. In another test condition, the subjects had all perceptual cues available and the influence was even stronger.
Extending tabletops to support flexible collaborative interactions

Tabletops have been used to support a range of colocated activities, from games to image sorting. However, their limited display space and resolution can restrict the kinds of collaborative interactions that take place. Our research is concerned with how to extend the tabletop by integrating it with other spaces and artifacts in the physical world. Our goal is to design workspaces that support a wider range of collaborative tasks, determining which are well suited to the tabletop and which are better performed using physical representations and spaces. We describe a physical digital space that we built for this purpose and then a study that compared how groups collaborate on a design task when using this versus solely the tabletop. The findings showed that extending the tabletop into a physical space enabled groups to collaborate more easily and flexibly.
Research Needs for TSV-Based 3D IC Architectural Floorplanning

This article presents key research needs in three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D IC) architectural floorplanning. Architectural floorplaning is done at a very early stage of 3D IC design process, where the goal is to quickly evaluate architectural designs described in register-transfer level (RTL) in terms of power, performance, and reliability. This evaluation is then fed back to architects for further improvement and/or modifications needed to meet the target constraints. We discuss the details of the following research needs in this article: block-level modeling, through-silicon-via (TSV) insertion and management, and chip/package co-evaluation. The goal of block-level modeling is to obtain physical, power, performance, and reliability information of architectural blocks. We then assemble the blocks into multiple tiers while connecting them using TSVs that are placed in between hard IPs and inside soft IPs. Once a full-stack 3D floorplanning is obtained, we evaluate it so that the feedback is provided back to architects.
Direct aspiration endometrial biopsy via flexible hysteroscopy.

Abstract Study Objective To determine feasibility and efficacy of direct aspiration endometrial biopsy via the fluid channel of a flexible diagnostic hysteroscope. Design Retrospective review (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). Setting Abnormal uterine bleeding clinic in a tertiary care center. Patients All women who underwent direct aspiration endometrial biopsy from January 2007 through August 2011 via a flexible diagnostic hysteroscope because traditional office-based endometrial biopsy using a suction piston device was not technically possible. Interventions Diagnostic hysteroscopy followed by direct aspiration endometrial biopsy, accomplished by applying suction to the fluid channel of a 3.1-mm flexible diagnostic hysteroscope via a 10-mL syringe. The hysteroscope tip was agitated within the uterine cavity to obtain a tissue sample. Measurements and Main Results The median age of the 32 identified patients was 50 years; 18 women (56%) were nulliparous, and 10 (31%) were postmenopausal. Thirty-one patients underwent hysteroscopy/direct aspiration biopsy because of abnormal uterine bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding. The vaginoscopic approach was used in 19 patients (59%). Indications for direct aspiration endometrial biopsy included cervical stenosis, inability to pass the endometrial biopsy instrument into the uterine cavity, and patient intolerance of endometrial biopsy. Adequate endometrial samples were obtained in 28 patients (87.5%). In 3 of 4 patients in whom direct aspiration endometrial biopsy did not provide sufficient tissue, hysteroscopy revealed an atrophic-appearing endometrium. The direct aspiration endometrial biopsy diagnosis was confirmed in 5 of 7 patients who subsequently underwent dilation and curettage or hysterectomy. Conclusion Direct aspiration endometrial biopsy is a simple and effective endometrial sampling method when traditional office-based endometrial biopsy is not feasible. Further prospective studies including larger populations are needed to confirm these results.
Quality Assurance Analysis of a Large Multicenter Practice: Does Increased Complexity of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Lead to Increased Error Frequency?

Purpose Error reduction is an important concern in clinical medicine. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is an important advancement in radiation oncology that increases the complexity of treatment, potentially increasing the error risk. We studied the frequency and severity of errors in a large multicenter practice to ascertain the impact of quality improvement interventions over time, IMRT, and type of practice. Methods and Materials We analyzed prospective data from three academic and 16 community practice sites with 24,775 courses of radiotherapy (9,210 IMRT courses and 15,565 non-IMRT) between January 2006 and December 2009. All IMRT treatment was performed using one centralized dose planning center for all sites. Results We prospectively identified various errors or potential errors in 0.14 % vs. 0.40 % of the IMRT vs. non-IMRT courses (13/9,210 vs. 62/15,565, p = 0.0004) and excluding potential errors: 0.03 % for IMRT vs. 0.21% for non-IMRT. We developed the Clinical Radiotherapy Error Severity Scale (CRESS) to classify error severity from 1 to 10, with 1 to 3 for potential or completely correctable errors, 4 to 5 for dose variations 5%. Multivariate analyses of CRESS values, severity >4, and any error (including potential) correlated significantly reduced errors with IMRT ( p = 0.0001–0.0024) but found no significant difference between the academic and community practice sites and no change in error frequency over time despite implementation of 39 system-wide policy changes by the centralized quality improvement committee. Conclusions Despite the increase in complexity with IMRT compared with conventional radiotherapy, it can be delivered with reduced error frequency.
Songbird Relationships to Shrub‐Steppe Ecological Site Characteristics

Abstract Rangeland managers are often faced with the complex challenge of managing sites for multiple uses and for the diverse interests of stakeholders. Standardized monitoring methods that can be used and understood by different agencies and stakeholders would aid management for long‐term sustainability of rangelands. In the United States, federal land management agencies have recently based their assessments of rangeland health and integrity on state‐and‐transition models to consider management trajectories. Ecological sites provide a foundation for these efforts but have not been used to address wildlife habitat. Habitat preferences are documented for North American shrub‐steppe songbirds but have yet to be related to ecological sites and site characteristics. We characterized ecological sites at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado, using established rangeland monitoring methods to test whether 1) songbird species density and diversity differ among adjacent shrub‐steppe ecological sites and...
Ciguatera fish poisoning.

Ciguatera fish poisoning is the most common foodborne illness related to fin fish consumption and is endemic throughout the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions. The clinical picture is characterized by a variety of gastrointestinal, neurologic and, occasionally, cardiovascular symptoms. Patients with bradycardia and/or hypotension may require urgent care. Neurologic symptoms tend to be the most distinctive and enduring and include sensory changes such as generalized pruritus, circumoral numbness and reversal of hot and cold sensation. Intravenous mannitol has evolved as a unique remedy for patients with acute poisoning, but management of chronic symptoms continues to be problematic. Though difficult to implement, preventive strategies remain the best defense. Language: en
STORM INDUCED PERIODICITIES OF SUSPENDED SAND MOVEMENT

An array of electronic sensors was installed on Nauset Light Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A., in order to provide a description of the sediment movement during storm conditions. These sensors included two sediment concentration indicators (almometers) which monitor sediment movement as a function of elevation and time, one bidirectional electromagnetic current meter, and a resistive wave staff. Prior field studies performed during "normal" conditions have indicated that surf-zone suspended sediment movement is a low-frequency phenomenon, with the relatively high-frequency component (normal wave period) contributing little to the amount of total sediment transported. Development of a computational technique based upon discrete Fourier analysis and digital filtering called Spectrally Filtered Integration (SFI) provides the calculation and filtering of true units of sediment change in grams-per-liter. Moreover, the SFI technique eliminates the possibility spurious sediment information created by the presence of air bubbles in the water column. Generally, higher-frequency sediment movement is more common during storm conditions than during normal non-storm conditions. This movement is controlled not by the prevailing wave and swell periods, but by a longer period which may be due to water interactions below the surface.
Aspect-dependent soil saturation and insight into debris-flow initiation during extreme rainfall in the Colorado Front Range

Hydrologic processes during extreme rainfall events are poorly characterized because of the rarity of measurements. Improved understanding of hydrologic controls on natural hazards is needed because of the potential for substantial risk during extreme precipitation events. We present field measurements of the degree of soil saturation and estimates of available soil-water storage during the September 2013 Colorado extreme rainfall event at burned (wildfire in 2010) and unburned hillslopes with north- and south-facing slope aspects. Soil saturation was more strongly correlated with slope aspect than with recent fire history; south-facing hillslopes became fully saturated while north-facing hillslopes did not. Our results suggest multiple explanations for why aspect-dependent hydrologic controls favor saturation development on south-facing slopes, causing reductions in effective stress and triggering of slope failures during extreme rainfall. Aspect-dependent hydrologic behavior may result from (1) a larger gravel and stone fraction, and hence lower soil-water storage capacity, on south-facing slopes, and (2) lower weathered-bedrock permeability on south-facing slopes, because of lower tree density and associated deep roots penetrating bedrock as well as less intense weathering, inhibiting soil drainage.
Spectral-Angle-Based Discriminant Analysis of Hyperspectral Data for Robustness to Varying Illumination

In this paper, we assert that a recently developed approach to classify hyperspectral images provides substantial robustness to illumination effects for hyperspectral image analysis. The approach [angular discriminant analysis (ADA) and its variants] seeks to find lower dimensional subspaces, where class-specific information is angularly well-separated and where appropriate classifiers can then be applied. We demonstrate the ADA, and its local and kernel variants provide substantial robustness to data which is affected by such illumination differences (commonly encountered in geospatial images). We validated with two different hyperspectral datasets, both of which contain classes in well-illuminated regions and in shadows. We note that the proposed framework is suitable to the general problem of illumination variation in scenes—we validate with a specifically harsh and commonly encountered scenario where classes in an image are present in regions where they are well illuminated, and regions where they are occluded by shadows. Experimental results show that this dimensionality reduction not only enables robustness to sample size by virtue of feature reduction but also is very effective at capturing class-specific information irrespective of changes in illumination content, in the lower dimensional subspace.
Black startup experiment based on hydroelectricgenerating unit of Jingbo lake hydroelectric power plant

The feasibility of black startup scheme based on hydroelectric generating unit of Jingbo lake hydroelectric power plant was checked out by applying of the first black startup's process and data in Heilongjiang power grid and proposed suggestions about the formulation and perfection of black startup scheme,management of equipment,configuration of protection of black startup system equipment and operation program of black startup.
Factors Associated With Screening Mammography in Low-Income Women

Despite its effectiveness as a preventive measure, studies indicate that low-income and minority women are less likely to obtain screening mammograms than other groups. Using a logistic regression model to adjust for multiple variables, we examined factors associated with women age ≥40 years of age who obtained a screening mammogram in a community health center setting from 1990 to 1991 (screened, n = 3,521; nonscreened, n = 7,461). Women 50–64 were more likely to be screened than women 40–49 (adjusted relative risk [RR] = 1.57; 95% confidence interval [Cl] = 1.42, 1.73). Native American, Asian, and women of other races were less likely to be screened than Caucasian, African-American, or Hispanic women (adjusted RR = 0.66; Cl = 0.51, 0.87). Women on Medicaid were twice as likely to be screened than women who received no subsidized care (adjusted RR = 1.99; Cl = 1.68, 2.35). Women who received the majority of their care at a community-based health clinic were twice as likely to be screened than women who received care primarily at a hospital-based ambulatory care site (adjusted RR = 2.34; Cl = 2.06, 2.65). The greatest difference in adjusted RR was seen for women who had ≥4 visits per year compared to women with
Clostridium difficile Infection and Fecal Microbiota Transplant

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major source of morbidity and mortality for hospitalized patients. Although most patients have a clinical response to existing antimicrobial therapies, recurrent infection develops in up to 30% of patients. Fecal microbiota transplant is a novel approach to this complex problem, with an efficacy rate of nearly 90% in the setting of multiple recurrent CDI. This review covers the current epidemiology of CDI (including toxigenic and nontoxigenic strains, risk factors for infection, and recurrent infection), methods of diagnosis, existing first-line therapies in CDI, the role of fecal microbiota transplant for multiple recurrent CDIs, and the potential use of fecal microbial transplant for patients with severe or refractory infection.
The Impact of Treefall Gaps on the Species Richness of Invasive Plants.

Invasive plant species pose a threat to biodiversity worldwide. Ecological disturbances, such as those created by fallen trees, create conditions in which invasive plant species can establish and thrive. This study investigated whether treefall gaps have higher richness of invasive plant species than other areas within forests and potentially serve as a source for the spread of invasive species. A nine-hectare area of mature deciduous forest at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) near Edgewater, MD, was censused for invasive plant species during the summers of 2011 and 2012. The area was divided into 2m x 2m subplots, and the presence or absence of invasive plant species was recorded for each subplot. Gaps were defined as areas in which there was no canopy cover above 10m. The species richness of invasive plants in gap and non-gap areas was analyzed using ArcGIS. No significant association between invasive plant species richness and treefall gaps was found. However, there was a positive association between coarse woody debris cover and invasive plant species richness.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Sodiated Multimers of Steroid Epimers with Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry

Ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) has recently seen increased use in the analysis of small molecules, especially in the field of metabolomics, for increased breadth of information and improved separation of isomers. In this study, steroid epimers androsterone and trans-androsterone were analyzed with IM-MS to investigate differences in their relative mobilities. Although sodiated monomers exhibited very similar collision cross-sections (CCS), baseline separation was observed for the sodiated dimer species (RS = 1.81), with measured CCS of 242.6 and 256.3 A2, respectively. Theoretical modeling was performed to determine the most energetically stable structures of solution-phase and gas-phase monomer and dimer structures. It was revealed that these epimers differ in their preferred dimer binding mode in solution phase: androsterone adopts a R=O - Na+ - OH-R' configuration, whereas trans-androsterone adopts a R=O - Na+ - O=R' configuration. This difference contributes to a significant structural variation, and subsequent CCS calculations based on these structures relaxed in the gas phase were in agreement with experimentally measured values (ΔCCS ~ 5%). Additionally, these calculations accurately predicted the relative difference in mobility between the epimers. This study illustrates the power of combining experimental and theoretical results to better elucidate gas-phase structures. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
In Patients with Limb-Threatening Ischemia Who Are Not Candidates for Revascularization Do Non-operative Options Improve Outcomes Compared to Amputation?

Patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) or limb-threatening ischemia comprise a heterogenous population with varying co-morbidities that strongly influence outcomes after therapeutic intervention. Broadly, there are three treatment strategies for patients with limb-threatening ischemia: direct revascularization (open or endovascular), amputation and medical treatment with local wound care. Although many affected patients do well with surgical revascularization, disease recurrence brings many patients back with ever-diminishing surgical options. This review discusses clinical decision-making, and particularly evaluates options for patient care when arterial anatomy or patient co-morbidities do not support surgical revascularization. This topic is an increasingly important one as data indicate direct intervention is not always a reasonable clinical option and as definitions for therapeutic success progress beyond graft/stent patency and limb salvage and non-surgical options to promote wound healing improve.
Psychopathology and expressed emotion in parents of patients with eating disorders: Relation to patient symptom severity

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the current study was to examine the relation between parental psychopathology, parental expressed emotion, and patient symptom severity. One hundred twenty-six parents of 79 patients receiving treatment for an eating disorder completed measures of expressed emotion and general psychopathology, and patients completed a measure of eating disorder psychopathology. Mothers reported higher expressed emotion scores than fathers. Both mothers and fathers scored higher on general psychopathology compared to nonpatient population means. Maternal psychopathology was found to be associated with symptom severity. Parental psychopathology and expressed emotion were found to be related, and MANCOVAs revealed that maternal criticism and maternal psychopathology were associated with patient symptom severity, but fathers’ scores on the same measures were not. It is recommended that parental expressed emotion and parental psychopathology are assessed at the beginning of treatment so that appropriate...
Tissue-based analytics provide the next generation of prostate cancer risk models.

236Background: Quantitative analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) prostate samples post radical-prostatectomy (RP) can help guide management of post-operative prostate cancer (PCa) patients. We have previously published on the results of our systems (precise) pathology platform which includes integration of clinical data with immunofluorescent (IF) morphology and biomarkers to predict disease progression in post-RP patients. We extended this approach by developing quantitative image features that further refine risk discrimination by directly competing with Gleason through the incorporation of biological attributes. Methods: Tissue microarrays representing a 892 RP population from Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Henry Ford Hospital, with median 8 years follow-up were stained with a multiplex IF assay incorporating CK18 (epithelial cells), CK5/6 (basal cells), AMACR, the Androgen Receptor (AR), and Ki67. Images were captured with a Nikon i90 microscope / CRI multiplex camera and a Bayes...
Developing a Virtual Teach-To-Goal™ Inhaler Technique Learning Module: A Mixed Methods Approach

Background Most hospitalized patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease misuse respiratory inhalers. An in-person educational strategy, teach-to-goal (TTG), improves inpatients' inhaler technique. Objective To develop an effective, portable education intervention that remains accessible to hospitalized patients postdischarge for reinforcement of proper inhaler technique. Methods A mixed methods approach at an urban academic hospital was used to iteratively develop, modify, and test a virtual teach-to-goal™ (V-TTG™) educational intervention using patient end-user feedback. A survey examined access and willingness to use technology for self-management education. Focus groups evaluated patients' feedback on access, functionality, and quality of V-TTG™. Results Forty-eight participants completed the survey, with most reporting having Internet access; 77% used the Internet at home and 82% used the Internet at least once every few weeks. More than 80% reported that they were somewhat or very likely to use V-TTG™ to gain skills to improve their health. Most participants reported smartphone access (73%); half owned laptop computers (52%). Participants with asthma versus chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were more likely to own a smartphone, have a data plan, and have daily Internet use (P Conclusions V-TTG™ is a promising educational tool for improving patients' inhaler technique, iteratively developed and refined with patient input. Patients in our urban, academic hospital overwhelmingly reported access to platforms and willingness to use V-TTG™ for health education.
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections and Selective Nerve Root Blocks for the Treatment of Pain in the Rehabilitation Patient

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) and selective nerve root blocks (SNRB) are effective in the treatment of spine-related pain. They are utilized for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The procedure is typically performed as part of a comprehensive approach in managing symptoms of radiculopathy. They are also utilized as a diagnostic procedure when the etiology of pain is unclear. This chapter reviews the utility of transforaminal epidurals and selective nerve root blocks in relation to the pathophysiology, symptoms, and progression of spine-related pain.
Music in, as, or for therapy

Byline: Lakshmi. Sravanti There is enough scientific evidence for therapeutic effects of music, and music therapy is being increasingly acknowledged around the world as a field that requires professional expertise. However, there is still a long way to go before it becomes a regular practice to utilize music for nonpharmacological management of patients in a general hospital setting. A brief outline of various ways of employing music for alleviating distress and improving mental health is presented here. Music in Therapy Music can serve various purposes from aiding in the establishment of therapeutic alliance with children who are shy or have anxiety problems [sup][1] to rehabilitation of persons suffering from dementia.[sup][2] While playing an instrument can help improve motor skills, songwriting can enhance one's self-esteem.[sup][3] Range of its uses in therapy is really wide. Music for Therapy Music may be used for psychotherapy to engage a person in a dialog and achieve certain therapeutic goals. Like conventional psychotherapy, it can also be classified into different categories based on the underlying principle such as psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, and mindfulness-based music therapy.[sup][4],[5],[6] Music as Therapy Music as therapy refers to exploiting therapeutic potential of a piece of music played or sung, which means the effects obtained depend on the rhythm, melody of music or scale used, and so on. Ragachikitsa elaborated in ancient Indian text works on the premise that different ragas have different effects on the human body.[sup][7] One can draw a parallel between this Indian music healing system and anthroposophical music therapy, which is based on the principles of Rudolf Steiner.[sup][8] Essentially both use specific musical sequences and tonalities to address specific ailments.[sup][7],[8] Music as therapy has been used in a different sense by a subset of music therapists following Nordoff–Robbins' approach who lay emphasis on the process of healing and do not focus on applying therapeutic analysis in the process of recovery. And hence, the school promotes music therapy.[sup][9] Raga-Kriya and Laya The first five chakras or energy fields in human body, namely, Muladhara, Swadishthana, Manipura, Anahata, and Vishuddhi are associated with the five elements of nature – earth, water, fire, air, and ether. In the painting [Figure 1], they are represented by brown soil, blue waves, yellow-red flames, white bubble enclosing air, and dark blue sky, respectively. …
Mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease for investigating mucosal immunity in the intestine.

Purpose of reviewCurrently several mouse models are considered representative of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This review presents recent developments regarding the role of animal models of intestinal inflammation as research tools in IBD.Recent findingsPreclinical studies in animal models of i
Disposition and bioavailability of inulin and free sugar in untreated and dilute acid pretreated Agave tequilana leaves

Abstract Industrially, the Agave tequilana plant is most commonly associated with beverage production, which requires it to be grown for 8–10 year before harvesting. However, its robust growth characteristics and low water usage requirements suggest that it could also be utilized as a substrate for alternative fermentation processes that do not require such long crop turnover times. Therefore, a study was undertaken to characterize the feasibility of utilizing the leaves from two year-old plants as a microbial fermentation biomass substrate. Quantitative saccharification revealed the carbohydrate concentration of two year-old A. tequilana leaves to be 633 mg g−1 dry weight biomass. HPLC analysis identified the primary carbohydrates as glucans, with minor contributions from xylans, galactans, arabinanas, and mannans. Fructose was observed predominantly as inulin. The direct use of unpretreated A. tequilana leaf biomass as a sole carbon source could support yeast growth, however, dilute acid pretreatment removed sufficient levels of carbohydrates to prevent the growth of wild type or inulinase-expressing yeast strains. Up to 133.5 g kg−1 of soluble carbohydrates and 69.6 g kg−1 of soluble inulin were extracted in the pretreatment soakate and 4.0 g kg−1 of soluble carbohydrates and 1.3 g kg−1 of soluble inulin remained in the biomass post processing. Inulinase gene expression did not significantly improve yeast growth rates, but permitted up to 6.3 g kg−1 of the available soluble inulin from the dilute acid pretreatment soakate to be metabolized towards cellular growth.
An optimized design of substation-area protection in smart substation

This paper proposes a substation-area protection in smart substation to overcome the defects in conventional protection system. The protection can provide local backup protection for the whole substation with current differential principle. The current sampled values are obtained by process level Ethernet inside smart substation, also by wide-area Ethernet from adjacent substations. GOOSE messages of circuit breaker positions and primary protection tripping are used for protection function simultaneously, which will be transmitted by process level networks. A feasible scheme using Digital Signal Processor and Field Programmable Gate Array has been designed to realize the substation-area protection, which is in line with IEC 61850 standard.