cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attitudes of Dental Students and Faculty toward Advertising

vidual dentists and dental clinics has changed attitudes compared with the surveys conducted about five years earlier. Methods Four distinct, yet typical, patientseeking advertisements representing different levels of persuasion, with and without fee listings, were devised from a synthesis of current advertise­ ments of dental services. The adver­ tisement in Figure 1 is a simple infor­ mational announcement. Figure 2 il­ lustrates persuasive language that might be developed by an advertising agency. Figure 3 lists a dentist’s fees, and Figure 4 combines leader pricing with persuasive language. A d d i­ Fig 2 ■ Persuasion. tionally, a series of attitude statements concerning the effects of dentists’ ad­ vertising was presented. Five-point Likert scales, ranging from “strongly approve” to “strongly disapprove” for the sample advertise­ ments and “ strongly agree” to “strongly disagree” for the attitude statements, were used to measure di­ rection and strength of attitudes. A sample of 100 dental students in their senior year at Tufts (73% re­ sponded) and all 56 fulltime and parttime faculty members of the de­ partment of restorative dentistry (41% responded) was surveyed. The two survey groups received questionnaires that were identical except for the final attitude question and some classifica
Evaluation of the Abbott RealTime CT/NG Assay in Comparison to the Roche Cobas Amplicor CT/NG Assay

Several commercial methods exist for the molecular detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in clinical samples. Here we evaluated the performance characteristics of the newly FDA-cleared Abbott RealTime CT/NG assay (where "CT" stands for Chlamydia trachomatis and "NG" stands for Neisseria gonorrhoeae) that uses the automated m2000 molecular platform. Results were compared to those of the Roche Cobas Amplicor CT/NG assay. A total of 926 cervical swab, 45 female urine, 6 male urethral swab, and 407 male urine specimens from 1,384 patients were examined. After resolving all Roche N. gonorrhoeae-positive results with two additional real-time PCR assays, we found that the agreement between the assays was excellent. For urine samples, there was 99.6% positive agreement and 97.7% negative agreement for C. trachomatis, and for male urine samples, there was 100% positive agreement and 99.7% negative agreement for N. gonorrhoeae. For cervical swab samples, there was 98.8% positive agreement and 98.5% negative agreement for C. trachomatis, and there was 96.6% positive agreement and 99.8% negative agreement for N. gonorrhoeae. In limiting dilution analyses, we found that the Abbot assay was more sensitive than the Roche assay for both C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae. In addition, there appeared to be an enhanced ability of the Abbott assay to detect dual infections, especially in the presence of large amounts of N. gonorrhoeae and small amounts of C. trachomatis organisms. In summary, we conclude that the Abbott RealTime CT/NG assay is an accurate and automated new addition to the available testing options for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae.
Etiological characterization of acute poisonings in the emergency department

Introduction: An investigation of emergency department (ED) poisonings was conducted to characterize poisoning demographics and evaluate correlations with select co-morbidities. Methods: The study population evaluated consisted of 649 poisoning cases admitted between 2004 and 2007 to an inner-city, level 1 emergency department. Results: Ethnicity, age, and gender had a substantial impact on the population distribution as poisoning cases were predominantly African Americans (79.9%) between 36 and 45 years old with a 1:3 male to female ratio. Intentional illicit drug overdose was the most prevalent cause of poisoning, heroin being the most frequent substance found in 35.4% ( n = 230) of cases, followed by cocaine overdose at 31.7% ( n = 206), concomitant heroin and cocaine overdose at 4.3% ( n = 28), multiple drug poisoning at 5.5% ( n = 36), and antidepressant/antipsychotic poisoning at 6% ( n = 39). Significant correlations were found between heroin poisoning and asthma (F = 20.29, DF = 1, P = 0.0001), cocaine poisoning and hypertension (F = 33.34, DF = 1, P = 0.0001), and cocaine poisoning and cardiovascular disease (F = 35.34, DF = 1, P = 0.0001). A change in the pattern of illicit drug use from injection to inhalation was detected and the resulting increase of inhalation and insufflation of illicit substances may partially explain the correlation found between heroin use and asthma. Conclusions: These results provide supporting evidence that deliberate poisoning with illicit drugs remains a serious healthcare issue that significantly aggravates co-morbidities and raises treatment costs by increasing both the rate of hospitalization and hospital length of stay.
Heavy oils—seismic properties

Heavy-oil seismic properties are strongly dependent on composition and temperature. In biodegraded oils, straight chain alkanes are destroyed and complex heavy compounds dominate. As a result, the simple empirical trends developed for light oils for fluid properties such as viscosities, densities, gas-oil ratios, and bubble points may not apply well to heavy oils.
A new view of pain as a homeostatic emotion

Pain is conventionally viewed as a pattern of convergent activity within the somatosensory system that represents the exteroceptive sense of touch. Accumulating functional, anatomical and imaging findings indicate that pain is generated by specific sensory channels that ascend in a central homeostatic afferent pathway. Phylogenetically new thalamocortical projections in primates provide a sensory image of the physiological condition of the body and, in addition, direct activation of limbic motor cortex. These findings indicate that the human feeling of pain is both a distinct sensation and a motivation - that is, a specific emotion that reflects homeostatic behavioral drive, similar to temperature, itch, hunger and thirst.
Sensor management and provisioning for multiple target radar tracking systems

System provisioning is the problem of determining the number of resources required to accomplish a complicated system level task, e.g. tracking or discriminating between N targets. This is a central problem in multi-target tracking with synthetic aperture radars where the number of targets can easily exceed the available resources. This paper treats the following conservative sensor provisioning problem: dynamically assign R platforms to process N moving targets in a way that guarantees that the radar maintains track on all targets. We propose a solution to this problem that guarantees a prescribed level of system performance, e.g., multiple target detection and position uncertainty levels, regardless of the scenario. The operational context of the paper is computational provisioning in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that dynamically assigns different computers to tracking different targets.
Bacterial and Fungal Contributions to Carbon Sequestration in Agroecosystems

This paper reviews the current knowledge of microbial processes affecting C sequestration in agroecosystems. The microbial contribution to soil C storage is directly related to microbial community dynamics and the balance between formation and degradation of microbial byproducts. Soil microbes also indirectly influence C cycling by improving soil aggregation, which physically protects soil organic matter (SOM). Consequently, the microbial contribution to C sequestration is governed by the interactions between the amount of microbial biomass, microbial community structure, microbial byproducts, and soil properties such as texture, clay mineralogy, pore-size distribution, and aggregate dynamics. The capacity of a soil to protect microbial biomass and microbially derived organic matter (MOM) is directly and/or indirectly (i.e., through physical protection by aggregates) related to the reactive properties of clays. However, the stabilization of MOM in the soil is also related to the efficiency with which microorganisms utilize substrate C and the chemical nature of the byproducts they produce. Crop rotations, reduced or no-tillage practices, organic farming, and cover crops increase total microbial biomass and shift the community structure toward a more fungal-dominated community, thereby enhancing the accumulation of MOM. A quantitative and qualitative improvement of SOM is generally observed in agroecosystems favoring a fungal-dominated community, but the mechanisms leading to this improvement are not completely understood. Gaps within our knowledge on MOM-C dynamics and how they are related to soil properties and agricultural practices are identified.
Membrane Topology and DNA-Binding Ability of the Streptococcal CpsA Protein

Many streptococcal pathogens require a polysaccharide capsule for survival in the host during systemic infection. The highly conserved CpsA protein is proposed to be a transcriptional regulator of capsule production in streptococci, although the regulatory mechanism is unknown. Hydropathy plots of CpsA predict an integral membrane protein with 3 transmembrane domains and only 27 cytoplasmic residues, whereas other members of the LytR_cpsA_psr protein family are predicted to have a single transmembrane domain. This unique topology, with the short cytoplasmic domain, membrane localization, and large extracellular domain, suggests a novel mechanism of transcriptional regulation. Therefore, to determine the actual membrane topology of CpsA, specific protein domains were fused to beta-galactosidase or alkaline phosphatase. Enzymatic assays confirmed that the predicted membrane topology for CpsA is correct. To investigate how this integral membrane protein may be functioning in regulation of capsule transcription, purified full-length and truncated forms of CpsA were used in electrophoretic mobility shift assays to characterize the ability to bind the capsule operon promoter. Assays revealed that full-length, purified CpsA protein binds specifically to DNA containing the capsule promoter region. Furthermore, the large extracellular domain is not required for DNA binding, but all cytoplasmic regions of CpsA are necessary and sufficient for specific binding to the capsule operon promoter. This is the first demonstration of a member of this protein family interacting with its target DNA. Taken together, CpsA, as well as other members of the LytR_cpsA_psr protein family, appears to utilize a unique mechanism of transcriptional regulation.
Nitrogen mineralization by bacterial-feeding nematodes: verification and measurement

Bacterial feeding nematodes excrete N assimilated in excess of that required for growth. Because metabolic and developmental rates differ among nematode species, we hypothesized that their contribution to N mineralization in soil would differ. Sand-column microcosms amended with an organic substrate, bacteria, and with or without bacterial-feeding nematodes, were leached at 3-d intervals. Cumulative N, as NH 4 + or NO 3 - , leached from columns containing nematodes was consistently greater than from columns without nematodes. Maximum N-mineralization rates for populations of rhabditid nematodes, which predominated in field soils early in the summer were at lower temperatures than those for cephalobid nematodes, which predominated later in the summer. For an organic substrate with C-to-N ratio of 11:1, rates of N mineralization among species of different body size were similar, ranging between 0.0012 and 0.0058 μg-N nematode-1 d-1, mainly as NH 4 + . Smaller nematodes mineralized more N per unit of body weight than larger nematodes. We hypothesized that at low C-to-N ratios of the organic substrate, bacterial growth is C-limited and N-immobilization will be minimal; at high C-to-N ratios bacterial growth will be N-limited and there may be rapid immobilization of newly-mineralized N. Consequently, net N mineralization in the presence of nematodes will be lower when the organic substrate has a high C-to-N ratio. In experiments with different nematode species, net mineralization and the nematode contribution to mineralization generally decreased with increasing C-to-N ratio, consistent with the hypothesis; however, there were exceptions.
Hypotension with Dobutamine: β-Adrenergic Antagonist Selectivity at Low Doses of Carvedilol

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of marked hypotension resulting from the concomitant use of low-dose carvedilol and intravenous dobutamine.CASE SUMMARY:A 54-year-old white man with severe heart failure was placed on carvedilol 3.125 mg orally twice a day; three days later the dosage was increased to 6.25 mg orally twice a day. His symptoms of heart failure worsened with increasing fluid retention, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. He was admitted for treatment of decompensated heart failure with intravenous dobutamine. With each increase in intravenous dobutamine, systolic blood pressure fell. Dobutamine was discontinued when systolic blood pressure reached 56 mm Hg. In a subsequent admission for decompensated heart failure, when the patient was not taking carvedilol, he was treated with intravenous dobutamine and systolic blood pressure increased.DISCUSSION:Although carvedilol is a nonselective β-adrenergic antagonist, at low doses it is a selective β1-a...
Synthesis and Characterization of Thermally and Chemically Gelling Injectable Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering

Novel, injectable hydrogels were developed that solidify through a physical and chemical dual-gelation mechanism upon preparation and elevation of temperature to 37 °C. A thermogelling, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based macromer with pendant epoxy rings and a hydrolytically degradable polyamidoamine-based diamine cross-linker were synthesized, characterized, and combined to produce in situ forming hydrogel constructs. Network formation through the epoxy-amine reaction was shown to be rapid and facile, and the progressive incorporation of the hydrophilic polyamidoamine cross-linker into the hydrogel was shown to mitigate the often problematic tendency of thermogelling materials to undergo significant postformation gel syneresis. The results suggest that this novel class of injectable hydrogels may be attractive substrates for tissue engineering applications due to the synthetic versatility of the component materials and beneficial hydrogel gelation kinetics and stability.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of human visual cortex during face matching: a comparison with positron emission tomography

Cortical areas associated with the perception of faces were identified using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). T2*-weighted gradient echo, echo-planar MR images were obtained using a modified 1.5-T GE Signa MRI. In all nine subjects studied, performance of a face-matching task was associated with a region of significantly increased MR signal in the ventral occipitotemporal cortex, extending from the inferior occipital sulcus to the lateral occipitotemporal sulcus and fusiform gyrus. Smaller and more variable signal increases were found in dorsolateral occipitoparietal cortex near the intraparietal sulcus. Signal decreases were found in the angular gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex. Single-subject fMRI analyses revealed discrete areas of activation with well-defined borders. Group analyses of spatially smoothed fMRI data produced results that replicated most aspects of previous studies of face processing using positron emission tomography (PET). These results show that PET and fMRI identify functional areas with similar anatomical locations. In addition, fMRI reveals interindividual variation in the anatomical location of higher-level processing areas with greater anatomical precision.
Circadian Blood Pressure Variation in Hypertensive Patients With Primary Hyperaldosteronism

A less-than-normal decline in nocturnal blood pressure (BP) has been associated with excessive hypertensive complications. This is concerning because secondary hypertension is often associated with this so-called nondipper BP profile. A nondipping pattern is more frequently found in the presence of pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, and sleep apnea syndrome, but the prevalence is unclear in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism. We therefore studied ambulatory BP profiles in 16 hypertensive patients with primary hyperaldosteronism and an equal number of essential hypertensive subjects. The awake-sleep BP difference of the hyperaldosteronism patients was similar to that of essential hypertensives (15/14 +/- 3/2 versus 14/9 +/- 3/2 mm Hg, P=NS). The prevalence of dippers and nondippers (according to two distinct criteria) in the two groups was similar. Repeat ambulatory BP monitoring in 12 subjects with primary hyperaldosteronism after specific intervention (3 after surgical removal of an adrenal adenoma and 9 after commencement and titration of spironolactone therapy) showed highly significant reductions in office BP (22/10 +/- 6/4 mm Hg, P<.05) and awake and sleep BP. However, the extent of nocturnal BP decline was unchanged between the two studies (17/16 +/- 3/3 versus 16/12 +/- 2/2 mm Hg, P=NS). There was no correlation between the awake-sleep difference and serum or urinary aldosterone levels or the aldosterone-to-renin ratio. In this study, we did not detect any differences in the awake-sleep differences between a group of hypertensives with primary hyperaldosteronism and a control group of essential hypertensives.
Detection of variable message lengths for NATO Improved Link Eleven using CRC codes

An unconventional approach to the problem of binary message boundary determination is investigated for possible use on the NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE), and compared with more familiar approaches. NILE is a HF/UHF data link between tactical computers. Frame check sequences (FCS), which are the error-detecting parity bits generated by cyclic redundancy check (CRC) codes, are used to determine between a small number of allowable message lengths. This is done by checking the validity of the FCS at each potential message length. An invalid FCS could mean either an incorrect message length, or a correct length with at least one bit error. The need to determine between these two possibilities leads to the development of several candidate algorithms for choosing the correct message length based on this information. The feasibility of these algorithms is demonstrated, and they are compared with a variety of conventional methods. >
The Effects of School-Based Writing-to-Learn Interventions on Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analysis

Since the early 1970s, many educators have touted writing as a means of enhancing learning. Several reasons have been suggested for this purported enhancement: that writing is a form of learning, that writing approximates human speech, that writing supports learning strategies. Alternatively, some researchers have cautioned that the educative effects of writing may be contingent on the contexts in which it occurs. The research on writing’s effects on learning is ambiguous. This meta-analysis of 48 school-based writing-to-learn programs shows that writing can have a small, positive impact on conventional measures of academic achievement. Two factors predicted enhanced effects: the use of metacognitive prompts and increased treatment length. Two factors predicted reduced effects: implementation in Grades 6–8 and longer writing assignments
Statistical Analysis of Capacitance Coupling Effects on Delay and Noise

Statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) tools have mostly addressed the process variations of devices and lumped interconnect RC effects. This paper provides an overview of interconnect process variations of capacitive coupling and its effect on crosstalk delay and noise. The correlations among parallel plate, lateral and total capacitance is shown. Correlations between resistance and capacitance are illustrated to enable development of a simple and efficient model for delay and noise analysis. Experimental results are shown to validate the assumptions on the linearity of sensitivity of delay and noise to process variations. A methodology to account for process variations in crosstalk delay and noise is proposed.
Esophageal manometry in scleroderma.

Esophageal manometry was performed in 21 cases of scleroderma, including a number of patients with mild diseases. Previous reports have emphasized aperistalsis in the lower esophagus as the most characteristic feature but it was found that weakness of contraction was the most common feature. This was often coupled with aperistalsis. Abnormalities of the lower sphincter were common, as was absence of an end-expiratory gastroesophageal gradient. Multiple peaking of responses and segmental weakness were also seen.Most of the abnormalities seen are non-specific. Scleroderma can only be diagnosed manometrically when very marked changes coupled with a negative Mecholyl test are present.
A FIELD‐COMPATIBLE METHOD FOR EXTRACTION OF FINGERPRINT‐QUALITY DNA FROM MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1

A method for extracting DNA from laminarialean algae resulting in DNA of sufficient quantity and purity for DNA fingerprints is presented. The method both eliminates the use of liquid N2 and delays the use of toxic chemicals in the initial extraction steps; thus, it is appropriate for use in remote field locations. The algal samples were ground in a solution of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP) at room temperature and then stored for 1 week in the CTAB-PVPP solution at room temperature before extraction with chloroform-isoamyl alcohol and purification by cesium chloride ultracentrifugation. No degradation of DNA was observed. Hybridization of RsaI-digested Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Ag. DNA with the M13repeat probe yielded a DNA fingerprint with 12 discrete bands 4–19 kb in molecular size.
Attitudes Toward Hiring Offenders The Roles of Criminal History, Job Qualifications, and Race

Occupational functioning is an important factor in the success of offenders reentering society. Yet few studies have empirically examined the factors influencing job obtainment of offenders. This study endeavors to begin to fill this gap by examining attitudes in hiring applicants charged with a crime. To accomplish this goal, 275 college students read a job description for a cashier position and then read 1 of 12 descriptions of an applicant varied by criminal history, qualifications, and race. Participants rate the applicants across dimensions relevant to hiring decisions. Results indicate that applicants with drug possession charges and low qualifications were less likely to be referred for hire. Severity of charges influences employability. Among applicants with a misdemeanor, qualifications increase employability, but qualifications have no influence for applicants with a felony. Implications of these findings for policy and vocational rehabilitation programming are discussed.
Diurnal Versus Nocturnal Surveys for California Red-Legged Frogs

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) federally listed the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii; Shaffer et al. 2004) as a threatened species in June 1996 (USFWS 1996). The listing justification stated that a variety of human activities, including urban encroachment, construction of reservoirs and water diversions, introduction of exotic predators and competitors, livestock grazing, and habitat fragmentation, had extirpated redlegged frogs from 70% of their former range and continue to be a threat (see also Fellers 2005). Because the Endangered Species Act of 1973 now protects this frog, biologists must conduct surveys prior to any federally permitted habitat modifications or any activity on federal lands that has the potential to affect this species. In February 1997, USFWS provided guidelines for conducting red-legged frog surveys, including general guidelines for conducting both diurnal and nocturnal surveys (USFWS 1997). The USFWS updated these guidelines in 2005 (USFWS 2005) and gave detailed requirements for both the qualifications of biologists conducting surveys and the techniques for carrying out field surveys. The goal of our study was to compare diurnal and nocturnal surveys for California red-legged frogs to determine whether there was a difference in detections. We conducted paired diurnal and nocturnal surveys for adult and subadult California redlegged frogs at sites in the California Coast Range and Sierra Nevada foothills.
Laser‐ and Optical‐Based Techniques for the Detection of Explosives

A wide variety of optical- and laser-based techniques have been and are currently being investigated as means of identifying and characterizing explosive materials. These efforts are hampered by the very low volatility of explosive compounds at room temperature and their tendency to ignite at higher temperatures where their vapor pressures are beginning to reach a regime where the species can be readily detected. Traditional, condensed-phase absorption spectroscopy (both infrared (IR) and ultraviolet/ visible (UV/VIS)) requires larger samples than are frequently available and, although useful as confirmatory techniques, do not provide signatures that enable unique identification of species. The choice of nontraditional techniques for analysis of explosive materials is dependent upon the amount of sample available, the sample matrix, and sample-imposed constraints upon the measurement. Raman spectroscopy can identify and quantify condensed phase explosive materials, but the detection limit depends upon substrate, excitation wavelength, and illumination area: limits of detection (LODs) vary from 0.05 ng for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) on glass to 10 µg for nitroglycerin (NG) on silica gel. The other detection techniques considered require volatilization of either the explosive compound itself or more often of characteristic decomposition products, such as NO, NO2, or N2O. Using IR irradiation, researchers have demonstrated that photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) has detection limits ranging from 0.55 ppb (parts per billion) for vapor-phase NG with 9 mm excitation to 220 ppm (parts per million) for vaporphase 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) with 6-µm excitation. IR laser differential absorption detection of dissociation products NO, NO2, and/or N2O can achieve detection limits of a few picograms. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection of the photofragments (typically NO) of explosive compounds yields detection limits in the tens to hundreds of ppb (by weight) range. Low LODs can be achieved using ion detection techniques: resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectrometry is capable of LODs for detecting vapor-phase explosives compounds in the hundredths to tens of ppb range; ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has vapor-phase detection limits for common explosive compounds of typically 200 pg, but for some species can be significantly lower: for example, 1 pg for TNT.
THE LENS MODEL: COMPUTATIONAL PROCEDURES AND APPLICATIONS

This paper is a general introduction to the lens model, written primarily for individuals in a variety of applied areas (Clinical Psychology, Nursing, Public Administration, Clinical Pharmacology, ...
A Survey of Activity Network‐Based Process Models for Managing Product Development Projects

Given the crucial role of process modeling in product development (PD) project management research and practice, and the variety of models proposed in the literature, a survey of the PD process modeling literature is timely and valuable. In this work, we focus on the activity network-based process models that support PD project management and present a comprehensive survey of the literature published in the last decade. To organize our survey, we use a framework based on the purposes of PD process models: project visualization, project planning, project control, and project development. For each purpose, we provide an overview of the relevant models, highlight their key assumptions and findings, synthesize key insights, and illuminate avenues for further research. Although the survey reveals many insights and opportunities, five major areas for future study became apparent: activity interactions, global process improvements, process models as an organizing structure for knowledge management, modeling in cases of uncertainty and ambiguity, and determining the optimum amount of process prescription and structure for an innovative project.
Preparation of cardioplegic solutions

The manufacturing methods and quality control procedures for two cardioplegic solutions are described. Procedures for preparing individual bottles or batches of two cardioplegic solutions (one with and one without albumin) and a carbonate-bicarbonate buffer solution are described. Final buffered cardioplegic solutions with albumin are stable for seven days. Cardioplegic solutions without albumin and buffer are stable for 30 days. The chemical and physiological factors affecting the content and preparation of cardioplegic solutions used during intracardiac surgery are reviewed. Because consistency is attained more readily, and because control procedures, including quarantining, are applied more readily to batch production of cardioplegic solutions, it is advised that this method be used.
pH Sensitivity of Voltage Sensing Domain Relaxation

Voltage sensing domain (VSD) relaxation is a process involving a voltage-independent transition from the activated state into the relaxed state. This process has been shown to shift the voltage dependence for sensing charge movement (sensing current) in the voltage sensitive phosphatase (VSP) known as Ci-VSP and to slow down the deactivation of potassium currents in Shaker and Kv1.2. Given the effect of VSD relaxation on the dynamics of these voltage sensitive proteins, it is thought that the relaxed and the active states are comprised of different set of conformations. Thus, it is possible that these states are sensitive to different physiological parameters. Here, it is shown that VSD activation and relaxation in Ci-VSP display different sensitivity to external pH (pHEXT). Sensing currents of Ci-VSP recorded during activation slowed down as pHEXT was decreased. Noteworthy, the kinetic of deactivating sensing currents was less affected, suggesting that the initial activation of the VSD involved a pHEXT-sensitive, rate-limiting step. In spite of these observations, the voltage dependence of activating sensing currents was almost unaltered by pHEXT (6.5 to 9.0). In contrast, voltage dependence was strongly modulated by pHEXT after VSD relaxation. In fact, the shift in voltage dependence for sensing current was 30 mV larger at pHEXT 6.5 with respect to 9.0. These observations indicated that the equilibrium between the resting and active states was pHEXT insensitive. Conversely, the equilibrium between the relaxed and the relaxed-resting states was unambiguously pHEXT sensitive. Furthermore, given that decreasing pHEXT slowed sensing currents, this observation suggests that the energy barrier between the resting and active states, rather than the difference in energy between these states, was modulated by pHEXT. In contrast, for the relaxed VSD, pHEXT strongly modulated the difference in energy between the relaxed and the relaxed-resting states.
Vitamin E succinate induced protective autophagy in human gastric cancer cells SGC-7901 via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether vitamin E succinate(VES) could induce autophagy in SGC-7901,and to explore the role of autophagy in cell proliferation inhibited by the VES. METHODS:Human gastric cancer cells SGC-7901 were treated with VES. Electron microscopy was used to study autophagosome morphology,and fluorescence microscopy for intracellular punctuate fluorescence of green fluorescence protein-LC3(GFP-LC3). Western blot evaluated the level of autophagy marker protein LC3,and the activities of Akt and mTOR,the critical targets of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. SGC-7901 cells were pre-treated with autophagy inhibitor,chloroquine(CQ) and 3-methyladenine(3-MA),then we used MTT to detect the suppression of cell growth. RESULTS:Typical autophagic vesicles and autolysosome in VES treatment groups were identified. With increasing doses of VES,the punctuate fluorescence began to gather and intensity. LC3-II protein levels increased in cells treated with VES,suggested that VES may probably induce autophagy in SGC-7901. VES down-regulated the activities of the phosphory-Akt and phosphorymTOR,suggested that the activity of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was inhibited by VES. Combined action of VES+CQ group and VES+3-MA group significately suppressed cell growth compared with VES alone(P0.05). When autophagy was inhibited,the rate of cell proliferation was greatly reduced,suggesting that VES-induced autophagy had a protective effect on cell proliferation. CONCLUSION:Vitamin E succinate induced protective autophagy in human gastric cancer cells SGC-7901 via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Throttle Shaft on the Parameters of Natural Gas

Underground natural gas process,the use of restrictor to prevent hydrate formation.In this paper,the preliminary design of cutting down into the nozzle diameter and depth,the wellbore pressure after the throttle on the underground temperature profile give a specific formula,to test the cutting diameter of the mouth and down into the depths is reasonable to judge
Gastric ‘Freezing’: The Life and Death of a Myth

Data from animal experiments and clinical trials seemed to support the “freezing” approach to duodenal ulcer, yet soon after its introduction a properly controlled study showed that it was of no va...
Penalized eigendecompositions: motivations from domain adaptation for calibration transfer

Maintaining multivariate calibrations involves keeping models developed on an instrument applicable to predicting new samples over time. Sometimes, a primary instrument model is needed to predict samples measured on secondary instruments. This situation is referred to as calibration transfer. Sometimes, a primary instrument model is needed to predict samples that have acquired new spectral features (chemical, physical, and environmental influences) over time. This situation is referred to as calibration maintenance. Calibration transfer and maintenance problems have a long history and are well studied in chemometrics and spectroscopy. In disciplines outside of chemometrics, particularly computer vision, calibration transfer and maintenance problems are more recent phenomena, and these problems often go under the umbrella term domain adaptation. Over the past decade, domain adaptation has demonstrated significant successes in various applications such as visual object recognition. Since domain adaptation already constitutes a large area of research in computer vision and machine learning, we narrow our scope and report on penalty-based eigendecompositions, a class of domain adaptation methods that has its motivational roots in linear discriminant analysis. We compare these approaches against chemometrics-based approaches using several benchmark chemometrics data sets.
Speed-curvature relation for a discrete model of myocardium

The authors derive the curvature relation (the dependence of the wave speed on wavefront curvature) for a discrete model of an excitable medium allowing inhomogeneities in the limiting case of a medium with no recovery process. The model incorporates an element weighting distribution w that is varied locally to match the required values of the local plane wave speed, critical curvature, and effective diffusion constant. The authors successfully linked their discrete model to myocardium using valves obtained from the Luo-Rudy model.
Method for testing sustained attention in touchscreen operant chambers in rats.

Abstract Background Sustained attention, the ability to detect rare and unpredictable events, is central to cognitive performance. This construct can be tested in rodents using a Sustained Attention Task (SAT), where rats are trained to detect an unpredictably occurring signal (a brief light presentation) from non-signal events. The traditional version of this task utilizes an operant chamber with a central panel light for the signal and two retractable response levers. Adaptation of SAT to the increasingly popular touchscreen operant chambers, which do not have levers or fixed lights, could enhance the versatility of the task. New method Here we developed a touchscreen version of SAT where the light signal is presented in the center of the touchscreen, followed by a tone to indicate the beginning of the response period. Rats indicate their choice during this period by touching their nose to one of two touchscreen response areas. The remaining parameters were kept similar to the traditional version. Results Rats acquired touchscreen SAT at a similar rate to the traditional version. As with the traditional version, shorter stimulus durations on the signaled trials reduced accuracy and the presence of a distractor (a flashing houselight) disrupted performance on the touchscreen version. Comparison to existing method Collectively, these data suggest that the touchscreen version is comparable to the traditional version of the SAT, and is an equally valid way of measuring sustained attention. Conclusions Many researchers with touchscreen chambers could easily implement our modifications in order to study sustained attention.
Looking for a Location: Dissociated Effects of Event-Related Plausibility and Verb-Argument Information on Predictive Processing in Aphasia.

Purpose This study examined the influence of verb–argument information and event-related plausibility on prediction of upcoming event locations in people with aphasia, as well as older and younger,...
Noise and impedance of the SIROF utah electrode array

Implantable microelectrode arrays are key to gaining a better understanding of the brain and neural circuits, through large-scale stimulation and recording of neural activity. Sputtered iridium oxide film (SIROF) electrodes are optimized for efficient charge delivery during stimulation, but their recording properties have not been well studied. Noise and impedance are fundamental properties that have not been thoroughly characterized, but they are critical to the fidelity achievable with appropriately designed interface electronics. This report presents correlated noise and impedance measurements of a SIROF Utah Electrode Array (UEA). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time these properties have been examined together for the UEA.
1992 Working Memory

There are different types of short-term memory (STM), of which working memory is one. Working memory facilitates cognitive functions such as understanding language and reasoning. As a type of working memory, STM gives animals a way of storing important but transitory information for a limited amount of time.
1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy metabolite profiles of neonatal rat hippocampus and brainstem regions following early postnatal exposure to intermittent hypoxia

Most premature infants born at less than 30 weeks gestation are exposed to periods of mild intermittent hypoxia (IH) associated with apnea of prematurity and periodic breathing. In adults, IH associated with sleep apnea causes neurochemical and structural alterations in the brain. However, it is unknown whether IH in the premature infant leads to neurodevelopmental impairment. Quantification of biochemical markers that can precisely identify infants at risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome is essential. In vivo 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) facilitates the quantification of metabolites from distinct regions of the developing brain. We report the changes in metabolite profiles in the brainstem and hippocampal regions of developing rat brains, resulting from exposure to IH. Rat pups were chosen for study because there is rapid postnatal hippocampal development that occurs during the first 4 weeks in the developing rat brain, which corresponds to the first 2–3 postnatal years of development in humans. The brainstem was examined because of our interest in respiratory control disorders in the newborn and because of brainstem gliosis described in infants who succumb to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Metabolite profiles were compared between hypoxia treated rat pups (n = 9) and normoxic controls (n = 6). Metabolite profiles were acquired using the Point-RESolved spectroscopy (PRESS) MRS sequence and were quantified using the TARQUIN software. There was a significant difference in the concentrations of creatine (p = 0.031), total creatine (creatine + phosphocreatine) (p = 0.028), and total choline (p = 0.001) in the brainstem, and glycine (p = 0.031) in the hippocampal region. The changes are consistent with altered cellular bioenergetics and metabolism associated with hypoxic insult.
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a meta-analysis accounting for exposure levels

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most commonly used selective herbicides in the world. A number of epidemiology studies have found an association between 2,4-D exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) but these results are inconsistent and controversial. A previous meta-analysis found no clear association overall but did not specifically examine high-exposure groups. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies of the associations between 2,4-D and NHL, with a particular focus on high-exposure groups, and evaluations of heterogeneity, dose-response, and bias. A total of 12 observational studies, 11 case-control studies, and one cohort study, were included. The summary relative risk for NHL using study results comparing subjects who were ever versus never exposed to 2,4-D was 1.38 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07-1.77). However, in analyses focusing on results from highly exposed groups, the summary relative risk for NHL was 1.73 (95% CI, 1.10-2.72). No clear bias based on study design, exposure assessment methodology, or outcome misclassification was seen. Overall, these findings provide new evidence for an association between NHL and exposure to the herbicide 2,4-D.
A weight of evidence framework for environmental assessments: Inferring qualities

The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has developed a generally applicable framework for a weight-of-evidence (WoE) process for deriving quantitative values from multiple estimates. These guidelines are intended for environmental assessments that require the generation of quantitative parameters such as degradation rates or that develop quantitative products such as criterion values or magnitudes of effects. The basic steps are to weigh evidence for the environmental quality to be quantified, generate the value by merging estimates or by identifying the best estimate, and weight the results to determine confidence in the numerical value. When multiple data sets or outputs of multiple models are available, it may be appropriate to weigh the evidence. Use of the framework to weigh multiple estimates may increase the accuracy of quantitative results compared to a single estimate from a default method. Its use can provide greater transparency compared to ad hoc weighing of evidence. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:1045-1051. Published 2017. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
The Effects of the Organ Microenvironment on Metastatic Cell Gene Signatures

The bidirectional signaling that takes place between cancer cells and its surrounding tissue plays a key role in determining tumor growth, metastasis, and sensitivity to therapy. Consequently, much effort has been directed toward an improved understanding of the cellular cross talk that takes place in the tumor microenvironment. Many cancers exhibit a predilection for spread to certain organs, but little is known regarding the alterations in gene expression that take place during site-specific metastasis. Results from recent studies suggest that cross-species hybridization of microarrays is a powerful approach for determining the patterns of gene expression in cancer cells and host cells in tumors. We have performed cross-species hybridization of microarrays on a number of human tumor xenografts growing in their corresponding primary (skin, kidney, lung, breast, colon, and prostate) and secondary (bone, brain, lung, and skin) tissues of nude mice. Analyses of those data indicate that individual cancer cell lines possess a distinct identification signature irrespective of their anatomic location. Individual cancer cell lines also express gene signatures that are unique to their metastatic sites and different from their signatures in primary organs. Different types of cancer cells growing in the same metastatic organ could also be clustered based on an overlapping pattern of gene expression. These types of analyses are beginning to shed new light on the patterns of genes that give a cancer cell its identity, as well as those genes that may enable cancer cells to thrive in their preferred organs of metastasis.
Abstract 2200: Altered Mental Status “Code Strokes” Rarely Result in Ischemic Diagnosis

Background: The clinical diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke remains challenging, especially with many diagnoses mimicking ischemia. Frequently, Code Stroke activations are initiated in patients who...
Improving the validity of theory testing in logistics research using correlated components regression

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this logistics research methods article is to empirically test and introduce correlated components regression (CCR) as a new statistical technique that will improve the accuracy and validity in testing logistics theoretical models and hypothesised relationships. The purpose of the current study is to use CCR analysis as technique to address multicollinearity. Customer satisfaction data with parcel carriers is analysed with using CCR and multiple regression. To determine the best regression model of these two approaches, cross-validation R2 values are used. In addition, comparisons are made to examine the standardised beta coefficients from both methods and to assess the possible impact from high levels of multicollinearity. Findings of the analysis suggest that CCR has a significantly higher cross-validation R2 value and thus is determined the best model of these two approaches.
A systematic review of socioeconomic status measurement in 13 years of U.S. injury research.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this review was to assess the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on injury and to evaluate how U.S. injury researchers have measured SES over the past 13 years in observational research studies. Design & methods This systematic review included 119 US injury studies indexed in PubMed between January 1, 2002 and August 31, 2015 that used one or more individual and/or area-level measures of SES as independent variables. Study findings were compared to the results of a previous review published in 2002. Results Findings indicate SES remains an important predictor of injury. SES was inversely related to injury in 78 (66%) of the studies; inverse relationships were more consistently found in studies of fatal injury (77.4%) than in studies of non-fatal injury (58%). Approximately two-thirds of the studies (n = 73, 61%) measured SES along a gradient and 59% used more than one measure of SES (n = 70). Studies that used a gradient measure of SES and/or more than one measure of SES identified significant relationships more often. These findings were essentially equivalent to those of a similar 2002 review (Cubbin & Smith, 2002). Conclusions There remains a need to improve measurement of SES in injury research. Public health training programs should include best practices for measurement of SES, which include: measuring SES along a gradient, selecting SES indicators based on the injury mechanism, using the smallest geographic region possible for area-level measures, using multiple indicators when possible, and using both individual and area-level measures as both contribute independently to injury risk. Area-level indicators of SES are not accurate estimates of individual-level SES. Practical applications Injury researchers should measure SES along a gradient and incorporate individual and area-level SES measures that are appropriate to the injury outcome under study.