cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Partial structural analysis of a highly basic low molecular weight protein from rat testis.

Abstract Automated Edman degradation of a testis-specific basic protein isolated from the rat gave the following NH 2 -terminal sequence of amino acids: Cleavage of the native protein with cyanogen bromide produced two fragments which were purified by gel filtration. Amino acid analysis of the smaller fragment revealed it to be the NH 2 -terminal undecapeptide resulting from cleavage at Met 11 . The partial sequence analysis of the intact protein coupled with compositional analyses of these cyanogen bromide peptides indicate that the basic testis protein contains 24 basic amino acids and a single methionine in a sequence of 54 amino acids.
Relationship building: the art, craft, and context for mobilizing the social capital necessary for systems change

Much has been written about the importance of relationship building and collaboration in community and policy change work. Yet, we know little about the process of successfully building relationshi...
Bottleneck starvation indicators for shop floor control (semiconductor manufacturing process)

A graphical tool for inventory and production control, currently in use at a major US semiconductor manufacturer, is presented. The tool supports a bottleneck starvation avoidance policy. Equations for calculating the bottleneck in a clean room manufacturing environment are presented. A new constraint which must be satisfied to ensure starvation avoidance is introduced. A technique for helping a manual decision process conform to this constraint is presented. Many graphs are given to illustrate the concepts. >
Bit-interleaved space-frequency coded modulation with iterative decoding for OFDM systems

We present a bit-interleaved space-frequency coded modulation (BI-SFCM) scheme with iterative decoding for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems over frequency-selective channels. BI-SFCM is a space-frequency trellis coding method, based on bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) and multiple transmit and receive antennas. OFDM is used to transform a frequency-selective fading channel into multiple flat fading channels, and space-frequency trellis coding combined with bit-interleaving is used to exploit space and frequency diversity. BI-SFCM can provide increased data rates and improved performance. BI-SFCM with iterative decoding (BI-SFCM-ID) is proposed to further improve performance by means of increased coding gain by employing iterative decoding between the outer convolutional code and the inner space-frequency modulation. Analytical bounds and simulations are used to evaluate the performance of BI-SFCM-ID.
intracardiac echocardiography-guided, anatomically based radiofrequency ablation of focal atrial fibrillation originating from pulmonary veins

Abstract Objectives In patients with a pulmonary vein (PV) source for atrial fibrillation (AF), we sought the use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) to evaluate PV anatomy, guide radiofrequency (RF) ablation and monitor for acute stenosis during ablation. Background A focal source for AF may be found in the proximal component of the PVs and can be effectively treated by ablative techniques. However, the procedure may be challenging due to the complex anatomy of the left atrium and PVs, uncertain catheter positioning within the PVs and difficulties in mapping atrial extrasystoles, which may be rare or repeatedly induce AF and require cardioversion. Methods Sixty-four patients were referred for RF ablation of a focal source of AF, and 56 were identified as having AF triggers in ≥1 PV. Using ICE guidance, RF lesions were applied around the circumference of the vein near the os until there was electrical isolation. Results Lesions were placed in 82 veins (36 right superior PV, 33 left superior PV, 9 left inferior PV, 4 right inferior PV); 24 ± 12 lesions per vein were necessary to create electrical isolation with a fluoroscopic time of 11 ± 4 min and a mean of 22% reduction in luminal area. After a follow-up of 13 ± 7 months, 66% of patients remained free of AF, and another 13% responded better to medications. Conclusions We describe an anatomic approach to PV electrical isolation in which ICE is used to define the anatomy, guide RF ablation and monitor for acute PV changes.
Preliminary Results for GAMI: A Genetic Algorithms Approach to Motif Inference

We have developed GAMI, an approach to motif inference that uses a genetic algorithms search and is designed specifically to work with divergent species and possibly long nucleotide sequences. The system design reduces the size of the search space as compared to typical window-location approaches for motif inference. This paper describes the motivation and system design for GAMI, discusses how we have designed the search space and compares this to the search space of other approaches, and presents initial results with data from the literature and from novel tasks. GAMI is able to find a host of putative conserved patterns; possible approaches for validating the utility of the conserved regions are discussed.
Transgenic Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Inhibits Myocardial Fibrosis and Prevents the Transition to Heart Failure in a Pressure Overload Mouse Model

Hypertension induces dysfunctional matrix remodeling that results in the development of myocardial fibrosis. Myocardial fibrosis adversely affects compliance, electrical activity and cardiac function in patients with hypertensive heart disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a class of enzymes that regulate the remodeling of the matrix in response to pressure overload. Several studies have shown that the MMP-1/TIMP (tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase) ratio is decreased in hypertensive heart disease. However, the exact role that MMP-1 has in modulating the fibrotic response to hypertension is largely unknown. We hypothesized that cardiac expression of MMP-1 in mice would protect against the development of dysfunctional matrix remodeling during pressure overload. To investigate this, a suprarenal aortic banding model was utilized. Banded and unbanded MMP-1 transgenic mice were compared with appropriately matched wild-type mice. The banded mice were examined at 2 and 5 weeks after banding. MMP-1 attenuated the development of cardiac fibrosis, prevented left ventricular dilation and preserved cardiac function in mice that were exposed to pressure overload. Thus, MMP-1 protected the heart from the dysfunctional remodeling that occurs in response to chronic hypertension. In conclusion, these results suggest that strategies aimed at improving the MMP-1/TIMP balance in the myocardium may help to prevent the onset and progression of hypertensive heart disease.
Frequency of Development of Connective Tissue Disease in Statin-Users Versus Nonusers

Statins have pleiotropic properties that may affect the development of connective tissue diseases (CTD). The objective of this study was to compare the risk of CTD diagnoses in statin users and nonusers. This study was a propensity score-matched analysis of adult patients (30 to 85 years old) in the San Antonio military medical community. The study was divided into baseline (October 1, 2003 to September 30, 2005), and follow-up (October 1, 2005 to March 5, 2010) periods. Statin users received a statin prescription during fiscal year 2005. Nonusers did not receive a statin at any time during the study. The outcome measure was the occurrence of 3 diagnosis codes of the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification consistent with CTD. We described co-morbidities during the baseline period using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. We created a propensity score based on 41 variables. We then matched statin users and nonusers 1:1, using a caliper of 0.001. Of 46,488 patients who met study criteria (13,640 statin users and 32,848 nonusers), we matched 6,956 pairs of statin users and nonusers. Matched groups were similar in terms of patient age, gender, incidence of co-morbidities, total Charlson Comorbidity Index, health care use, and medication use. The odds ratio for CTD was lower in statin users than nonusers (odds ratio: 0.80; 95% confidence interval: 0.64 to 0.99; p = 0.05). Secondary analysis and sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. In conclusion, statin use was associated with a lower risk of CTD.
Effects of spaceflight on murine skeletal muscle gene expression

Spaceflight results in a number of adaptations to skeletal muscle, including atrophy and shifts toward faster muscle fiber types. To identify changes in gene expression that may underlie these adaptations, we used both microarray expression analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction to quantify shifts in mRNA levels in the gastrocnemius from mice flown on the 11-day, 19-h STS-108 shuttle flight and from normal gravity controls. Spaceflight data also were compared with the ground-based unloading model of hindlimb suspension, with one group of pure suspension and one of suspension followed by 3.5 h of reloading to mimic the time between landing and euthanization of the spaceflight mice. Analysis of microarray data revealed that 272 mRNAs were significantly altered by spaceflight, the majority of which displayed similar responses to hindlimb suspension, whereas reloading tended to counteract these responses. Several mRNAs altered by spaceflight were associated with muscle growth, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit p85α, insulin response substrate-1, the forkhead box O1 transcription factor, and MAFbx/atrogin1. Moreover, myostatin mRNA expression tended to increase, whereas mRNA levels of the myostatin inhibitor FSTL3 tended to decrease, in response to spaceflight. In addition, mRNA levels of the slow oxidative fiber-associated transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-associated receptor (PPAR)-γ coactivator-1α and the transcription factor PPAR-α were significantly decreased in spaceflight gastrocnemius. Finally, spaceflight resulted in a significant decrease in levels of the microRNA miR-206. Together these data demonstrate that spaceflight induces significant changes in mRNA expression of genes associated with muscle growth and fiber type.
A 2011 Survey of Clinical Practice Patterns in the Management of Graves' Disease

Context: More than two decades have passed since members from the American Thyroid Association (ATA), European Thyroid Association, and Japan Thyroid Association were surveyed on management practices for patients with hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease (GD). Objective: We sought to document current practices in the management of GD and compare these results both to those documented in earlier surveys and to practice recommendations made in the 2011 ATA/American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) hyperthyroidism practice guidelines. Lastly, we sought to examine differences in GD management among international members of U.S.-based endocrine societies. Methods: Members of The Endocrine Society (TES), ATA, and AACE were invited to participate in a web-based survey dealing with testing, treatment preference, and modulating factors in patients with GD. Results: A total of 730 respondents participated in the survey, 696 of whom completed all sections. Respondents included 641 TES members, 330 A...
A framework for implementing objects and scheduling tasks in lock-free real-time systems

We present an integrated framework for developing real time systems in which lock-free algorithms are employed to implement shared objects. There are two key objectives of our work. The first is to enable functionality for object sharing in lock-free real time systems that is comparable to that in lock based systems. Our main contribution toward this objective is an efficient approach for implementing multiobject lock-free operations and transactions. A second key objective of our work is to improve upon previously proposed scheduling conditions for tasks that share lock-free objects. When developing such conditions, the key issue is to bound the cost of operation "interferences". We present a general approach for doing this, based on linear programming.
Toward Continuous Primary Care in the United States: Differences in Patient Satisfaction Between First and Return Visits to Primary Care Physicians/Analysis of DrScore--The National e-Survey Data.

Background: As stated by Donabedian, the father of quality assurance, satisfaction is an integral component of quality in medical care. Patient satisfaction is an important predictor of health-related behaviors, use of medical services, and health outcomes. Impressive literature exists in examining various aspects of patient satisfaction, however, no study thus far has examined differences in patient satisfaction between first and return visits to primary care physicians. Objective: Our interest is to determine whether there are differences in patient satisfaction between first and return visits to primary care physicians, with the hypothesis that patients returning for their visits have a higher satisfaction level compared to their first initial visit. Methods: The authors conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the national Web-based survey DrScore. Via DrScore, patients anonymously rated their physician on the basis of treatment satisfaction received from their most recent outpatient visit. The associa...
To smooth or not to smooth? ROC analysis of perfusion fMRI data

Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast has been widely used for visualizing regional neural activation. Temporal filtering and parameter estimation algorithms are generally used to account for the intrinsic temporal autocorrelation present in BOLD data. Arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging is an emerging methodology for visualizing regional brain function both at rest and during activation. Perfusion contrast manifests different noise properties compared with BOLD contrast, represented by the even distribution of noise power and spatial coherence across the frequency spectrum. Consequently, different strategies are expected to be employed in the statistical analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data based on perfusion contrast. In this study, the effect of different analysis methods upon signal detection efficacy, as assessed by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) measures, was examined for perfusion fMRI data. Simulated foci of neural activity of varying amplitude and spatial extent were added to resting perfusion data, and the accuracy of each analysis was evaluated by comparing the results with the known distribution of pseudo-activation. In contrast to the BOLD fMRI, temporal smoothing or filtering reduces the power of perfusion fMRI data analyses whereas spatial smoothing is beneficial to the efficacy of analyses.
DENIM: finding a tighter fit between tools and practice for Web site design

Through a study of web site design practice, we observed that web site designers design sites at different levels of refinement—site map, storyboard, and individual page—and that designers sketch at all levels during the early stages of design. However, existing web design tools do not support these tasks very well. Informed by these observations, we created DENIM, a system that helps web site designers in the early stages of design. DENIM supports sketching input, allows design at different refinement levels, and unifies the levels through zooming. We performed an informal evaluation with seven professional designers and found that they reacted positively to the concept and were interested in using such a system in their work.
Comparative Injury and Fatality Risk Analysis of Building Trades

Occupational injury and fatality risk analysis was performed on 16 building trades in the study reported herein. The approach was based on defining risk fundamentally as the product of probability (frequency) and severity, and using the risk plane concept to evaluate and rank the trades in terms of nonfatal injury rates. A parameter named index of relative risk was then used for fatality rate based ranking, and the results separately obtained from these analyses were integrated into a combined risk score for arriving at final rankings. Bureau of Labor Statistics data was used in the study. The risk analysis methodology included both frequency and severity considerations associated with nonfatal injuries. It was observed that simultaneous consideration of frequency and severity gives more comprehensive results than performing risk analysis based exclusively on either frequency or severity. The findings of the study indicated that ironworkers and roofers were the highest risk trades. The information derived from the methodology presented in this paper should be particularly valuable for risk managers, legal and liability experts, and project managers.
The Changing Politics of Supreme Court Confirmations

Senate voting on Supreme Court nominees offers a window into macro-political continuity and change. Clashes over confirmations once were reserved for a handful of exceptional cases, but recently ha...
Role of Androgens in Mediating Renal Injury in Aging SHR

Men have an increased risk of cardiovascular and renal diseases and develop greater renal injury despite similar levels of blood pressure when compared with women. The mechanisms responsible for this predisposition are unknown. Using the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), we have found that androgens play an important role in the development of hypertension in young male SHR. However, the role that androgens play in age-related renal injury and dysfunction in SHR is unknown. Our hypothesis was that despite reductions in serum testosterone with age, androgens mediate renal injury and dysfunction in male SHR. Male SHR were castrated at 8 months of age, studied at 18 months of age, and compared with age-matched, intact males and young intact males (4 months). Serum testosterone was reduced by 30% in aging males compared with young SHR. With castration, blood pressure (mean arterial pressure [MAP]) was decreased by >20 mm Hg compared with old males, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was increased by >35%, and renal vascular resistance (RVR) was reduced by >40%. MAP, GFR, and RVR in castrated, old males were similar to values in young males. With castration, glomerular sclerosis was reversed and proteinuria was also decreased by >80% when compared with old intact males. In addition, in castrated old males, plasma renin activity was decreased by 30% compared with old males and by 60% compared with young rats. The data support the hypothesis that despite a reduction in testosterone with age, androgens play an important role in age-related renal injury and dysfunction in SHR.
Racial/Ethnic and Age Differences in Crack Use within Neighborhoods

Summary overviews of crack use in the U.S. indicate that the lifetime prevalence of crack use for African-Americans is 2-3 times that of White-Americans. However, a recent study that used interview data from the 1988 National Household Survey of Drug Abuse (NHSDA) found no racial/ethnic differences, once neighborhood was held constant. In light of an observed increase in crack use among African-Americans since 1988, we set out to determine whether differences existed between race/ethnicities, using data from the 1990 NHSDA. Employing a post-stratification procedure, we found no overall differences in lifetime prevalence of crack use for African-Americans relative to White-Americans (RO = 1.37, 95% CI = 0.82-2.29) but found that Hispanic-Americans had lower odds than whites (RO = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.28 - 0.96). However, stratification by age group indicated that African-Americans 30-34 years old had significantly higher odds of lifetime crack use than White-Americans in the same age strata when neighborhood i...
Inter-turn fault modeling of a variable speed pm wind generator using physics-based approach

Model-based approaches to the inter-turn fault diagnosis of electrical machinery cover three main categories: fault modeling, feature extraction, and classification. In this paper, the modeling of a PM generator with the internal permanent short circuit fault under speed variation is presented. For this purpose, the geometrical dimensions, winding arrangement, material, and phase resistance of a typical PM machine are designed. The designed values are used to create a physics-based phase variable model of the PM generator. The Physics-based phase variable model of the machine is created using the back emf's and inductances obtained from a nonlinear transient FE analysis of the machine. The permanent fault is modeled as a parallel resistance with some turns in one of the phases. The physics-based model of the machine includes information about the fault location and the number of turns which are shorted. The Physics- based phase variable generator model is then placed in a network consisting of a rectifier, dc bus, DC/AC converter, and a balanced AC load. The effects of variation in the number of shorted-turns, fault resistance, and speed on the voltages terminals of generator were studied. The simulated results show promising information for the identification of inter-turn faults and their classification for the diagnostic studies of a variable speed wind PM machine.
Influence of exothermic chemical reactions on laser-induced shock waves.

Differences in the excitation of non-energetic and energetic residues with a 900 mJ, 6 ns laser pulse (1064 nm) have been investigated. Emission from the laser-induced plasma of energetic materials (e.g. triaminotrinitrobenzene [TATB], cyclotrimethylene trinitramine [RDX], and hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane [CL-20]) is significantly reduced compared to non-energetic materials (e.g. sugar, melamine, and L-glutamine). Expansion of the resulting laser-induced shock wave into the air above the sample surface was imaged on a microsecond timescale with a high-speed camera recording multiple frames from each laser shot; the excitation of energetic materials produces larger heat-affected zones in the surrounding atmosphere (facilitating deflagration of particles ejected from the sample surface), results in the formation of additional shock fronts, and generates faster external shock front velocities (>750 m s−1) compared to non-energetic materials (550–600 m s−1). Non-explosive materials that undergo exothermic chemical reactions in air at high temperatures such as ammonium nitrate and magnesium sulfate produce shock velocities which exceed those of the inert materials but are less than those generated by the exothermic reactions of explosive materials (650–700 m s−1). The most powerful explosives produced the highest shock velocities. A comparison to several existing shock models demonstrated that no single model describes the shock propagation for both non-energetic and energetic materials. The influence of the exothermic chemical reactions initiated by the pulsed laser on the velocity of the laser-induced shock waves has thus been demonstrated for the first time.
Effects of cross talk on fidelity in page-oriented volume holographic optical data storage

Using numerical simulation, we quantitatively examine the effects of cross talk on the recall fidelity of stored binary data in a page-oriented volume holographic memory system. We discuss the trade-off between the signal-to-noise ratio of the reconstructed bits and the optical throughput of the system (i.e., the fraction of the incident beam that is diffracted to the detector plane). We show that significant gains in the signal-to-noise ratio can be achieved with modest decreases in optical throughput in the region where the highest throughput occurs. The magnitude of this trade-off is influenced by both beam degeneracy and coherent recording cross talk. At low optical throughputs an upper limit to the signal-to-noise ratio is set by the cross talk caused by angular sidelobe overlap, which in turn is a function of the angular isolation of the angularly multiplexed data pages.
Analysis of shoot apical organization in six species of the Cupressaceae based on chimeric behavior.

Six species of the Cupressaceae, the variegated Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii‘Silver Dust’), savin ( Juniperus sabina variegata Laws), davurian juniper (Juniperus davurica ‘expansa variegata’), California incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens ‘Aureovariegata’), the American arbor vitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘lutae zebrina’ Kent), and the sawara false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘nana aureovariegata’) were examined for the behavior of albino-green shoot chimeras. The fate of the variegations in these six plants is the same in two important respects. First, the majority (89%) of sprays with an original sector become completely white. Second, sectorial branch sprays of the original sectorial sprays become either completely green or white in a 1 : 1 ratio. Based on the first finding it is concluded that there is one rather than the two to four apical initials in the shoot apex, as generally postulated. This single apical initial, actually an apical cell lineage, residing in the tunica layer can both form the leaf epidermis and by rare periclinal divisions form sectorial chimeras. The second finding is that there is no selection advantage of either type, a feature also postulated by others.
On the consideration of automatic as well as controlled psychological processes in aggression.

::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::: :::::::::::: Without slighting the important role played by controlled psychological processes in human aggression, this paper recommends that considerable systematic attention should also be given to the operation of automatic processes in bringing about this behavior. The concepts of automaticity and impulsivity are discussed briefly and it is proposed that many impulsive actions, particularly antisocial ones, are due to failures of restraint after they were initiated involuntarily. A number of experiments are reviewed in which situational stimuli automatically instigated or heightened aggressive inclinations. These have to do with associations in hostility displacement, reactions to stigmatized persons, and association in aggressive reactions to media violence. The lastmentioned studies deal especially with factors affecting the selection of the target for aggression. In discussing these findings it is suggested that after the crucial situational features had automatically initiated the sequence of determinants, the aggression displayed could have been due either to a hostile appraisal of the target or the activation of aggression-related bodily reactions as well as hostile ideas. It is also hypothesized that in at least one of the studies, an experienced negative affect might have instigated the aggression independently of any appraisals. Aggr. Behav. 34:117–129, 2008. r 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Rapid Method to Quantify Fungicide Sensitivity in the Brown Rot Pathogen Monilinia fructicola

Cox, K. D., Quello, K., Deford, R. J., and Beckerman, J. L. 2009. A rapid method to quantify fungicide sensitivity in the brown rot pathogen Monilinia fructicola. Plant Dis. 93:328-331. Management of brown rot of stone fruit relies upon the application of effective fungicides that may be compromised by the development of fungicide resistance. We evaluated fungicide resistance in the brown rot pathogen, Monilinia fructicola, using Alamar blue (AB) dye, or resazurin, a chromogenic substrate that can be used as an indicator of respiration, in a 96-well microtiter format. We compared the AB method to traditional mycelial growth assays for resistance screening using 10 isolates of M. fructicola that represented a range of sensitivities to fenbuconazole. Using traditional mycelial growth assays, isolate sensitivity ranged from 17.7 to 115.3% growth on medium amended with fenbuconazole at 0.03 µg/ml relative to that on nonamended medium. Concordant results between both assays were obtained (R2 = 0.9943, P < 0.0001), but the AB method provided results within 24 h, as opposed to the 3- to 5-day period required for mycelial growth assays. We found that sensitive isolates reduced AB less than resistant isolates in the presence of fungicide. Spore density influenced the reduction of AB by M. fructicola; spectrophotometric discrimination of fungicide sensitivity was best achieved at a density of 105 spores/ml.
ON THE FORMATION OF TYPHOONS

Abstract A typical example of cyclogenesis in the western tropical Pacific Ocean is investigated. In the low troposphere, data do not support the concept of an equatorial front extending across the entire Pacific Ocean. They indicate the presence of several large clockwise-rotating eddies in the equatorial trough. Typhoon development begins in consequence of instability of the northern-hemisphere trades, not as a result of interaction between currents from northern and southern hemispheres. No evidence can be adduced in the low troposphere that suggests a reason for this instability. Large vortices are found at 200 mb instead of the easterlies characteristic of low levels. Their spacing and speed are studied, and it is found that they are systems of the order of magnitude of long waves in the westerlies. After computations on the structure of the basic zonal current in the trade-wind belt, relations between high-tropospheric vortices and waves in the easterlies are discussed. These two types of perturbati...
New drugs for myelofibrosis

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Myelofibrosis (MF) is a clonal myeloid neoplasm associated with cytopenias, significant symptom burden and risk of transformation to acute leukemia. Discovery of the JAK2V617F mutation in the majority of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms led to the development and approval of ruxolitinib, the first JAK1/2 inhibitor for use in clinical practice. Better understanding of the molecular biology of MF has led to the development of a variety of new drugs that are currently undergoing testing for MF.Areas covered: Here we discuss the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with MF. We review the use of ruxolitinib, ongoing studies in combination with this agent, and examine the spectrum of therapies under investigation for MF.Expert opinion: Ruxolitinib represents an important step in the treatment of MF; it can effectively alleviate symptomatic burden and reduce splenomegaly, unfortunately it does not lead to disease remissions. As a result, several new JAK inhibitors are und...
Report on detection of London Salmonella for the first time in Xishan district of Wuxi city

Objective To investigate the contamination status of salmorollas in samples which were detected from ex- ternal environment in Xishan district of Wuxi city. Methods The specimens in external environment were collected for isolation and culture in order to detect Salmonella according to "National food safety standard Food microbiological ex- amination: Salmonella" GB4789.4-2010. Meanwhile the biochemical event, serological test and susceptibility test were tested in isolates. Results London Salmonella were detected from a sample of commercial raw spiral shell. Conclusion There is a variety of salmonellas exist widely in nature. It has important guiding significance for the control and pre- vention of and public health emergency caused by salmonella that monitoring, detect and find new type of salmonella.
Clinical distribution of acinetobacter baumanniiin PICU and trend of antibiotics resistance

OBJECTIVE To investigate the distribution of clinical strains and antibiotic resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii(ABA) in the pediatric intensive care unit(PICU) and to provide evidence for reasonable use of antibiotics.METHODS VITEK-32 automicroscan was used to identify the species.Susceptibility was tested by Kirby-Bauer method.The results were interpreted according to the guideline of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.RESULTS 329 clinical strains of ABA were isolated from 2007 to 2009,(45 in 2007(9.57%),74 in 2008(12.67%) and 210 in 2009(24.33%)).The strains of ABA were mainly isolated from sputum and tracheal aspirates(89.36%),and pneumonia was the most common basic disease in PICU(80.24%).The results of drug susceptibility tests indicated that the antibiotic resistance rate of ABA was generally high and increased by years.Amikacin,Levofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin had the lowest drug-resistance(3%),followed by Cefoperazone-sulbactam(17.14%).To the other antibiotics such as Penicillins and Cephalosporins,the rates of drug-resistance were more than 70%.The average rate to Imipenem and Meropenem was higher than 60.0%.CONCLUSIONS The infection of multidrug-resistant ABA has increasing tendency in PICU.It should continue to strengthen the monitoring of the antibiotic resistance and select antibiotics according to the drug sensitivity test.Meanwhile the disinfection should be strengthened for hospital environment in order to control the existence and spread of ABA in PICU.
A reactive coarse-grained model for polydisperse polymers

Abstract Most existing particle-based polymeric models are non-reactive, and usually constructed to be monodisperse. This deficiency limits the utilization of these models to understand the dependency of polymer properties on polydispersity. Here we report a coarse-grained model with pairwise interactions, yet is reactive and capable of in silico synthesis of polydisperse polymers in a step-wise manner. The polymerization of linear, branched, cross-linked and network polymers can be described by this reactive model. The chain length distribution of the resulting linear polymer agrees well with the Flory-Schulz distribution. The importance of polydispersity in polymer behaviors is highlighted in terms of kinetic (self-diffusivities of linear polymer melts) and mechanical properties (stress-strain responses of linear polymer glasses under uniaxial tension).
pH-Responsive Micelle Sequestrant Polymers Inhibit Fat Absorption.

Current antiobesity therapeutics are associated with side effects and/or poor long-term patient compliance, necessitating development of more efficacious and safer alternatives. Herein, we designed and engineered a new class of orally acting pharmaceutical agents, or micelle sequestrant polymers (MSPs), that could respond to the pH change in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and potentially sequester lipid micelles; inhibiting lipid absorption through a pH-triggered flocculation process. These MSPs, derived from poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate) and poly(2-(dibutylamino)ethyl methacrylate), were soluble in acidic media, but they transitioned to become insoluble around pH 7.2 and 6.1, respectively. MSPs showed substantial bile acid and triglyceride sequestration capacity with fast pH response tested in vitro. In vivo study showed that orally dosed MSPs significantly enhanced fecal elimination of triglycerides and bile acids. Several MSPs increased fecal elimination of triglycerides by 9–10 times c...
1.11 Process in Geomorphology

Geomorphic processes typically are viewed as manifestations of mechanical stresses operating on earth materials to produce various forms of strain. This conception is embedded within physics generally and mechanics specifically. Initially, the concept of process was associated with open systems and a time-independent view of process-form adjustments. Over time, the concept has been expanded to encompass nonlinear behavior and time-dependent dynamics. The mechanistic conception of process has considerable epistemic value; however, an ontology of process grounded on mechanistic materialism is problematic. Process metaphysics offers an alternative conception that places process, rather than mechanics, in a position of ontological primacy.
The Orbital Veins

The orbital venous system is complex, highly variable, and confusing. In the orbit, unlike other parts of the body, there is no direct correspondence between the arteries and veins, except for the superior ophthalmic vein which has some correspondence with the ophthalmic artery. Also, the orbital veins, unlike the orbital arteries, have a highly variable and inconstant pattern and formation of venous networks at several places, resulting in marked uncertainty and controversy as to their number, nomenclature, and pattern. The latest detailed studies on the orbital venous system are those of Henry [1] and Cheung and McNab [2].
The Gaussian integers

The Gaussian integers ℤ[i] are the simplest generalization of the ordinary integers ℤ and they behave in much the same way. In particular, ℤ[i] enjoys unique prime factorization, and this allows us to reason about ℤ[i] the same way we do about Z. We do this because ℤ[i] is the natural place to study certain properties of ℤ. In particular, it is the best place to examine sums of two squares, because in ℤ[i] we can factorize a sum of two integer squares into linear factors: x2+y2 (x−yi)(x+yi).
Service life, reliability and maintenance of civil structures

Abstract: Application of maintenance to extend the service life of civil structures is an important issue for civil structure managers. In order to establish an optimal maintenance strategy under uncertainty, it is essential to understand the concept of service life based on reliability of structures. In this chapter, concepts and applications of structural reliability and service life considering uncertainty are discussed. In addition, the general concept of optimization with conflicting objectives is introduced in order to extend the service life of structures more efficiently.
Ab initio study of the ferroelectric transition in cubic Pb 3 GeTe 4

In the substitutionally disordered narrow-gap semiconductor ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{x}\mathrm{Te},$ a finite-temperature cubic-to-rhombohedral transition appears above a critical concentration $x\ensuremath{\approx}0.005.$ As a first step towards a first-principles investigation of this transition in the disordered system, a (hypothetical) ordered cubic ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{3}{\mathrm{GeTe}}_{4}$ supercell is studied. First-principles density-functional calculations of total energies and linear-response functions are performed using the conjugate-gradients method with ab initio pseudopotentials and a plane-wave basis set. Unstable modes in ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{3}{\mathrm{GeTe}}_{4}$ are found, dominated by off-centering of the Ge ions coupled with displacements of their neighboring Te ions. A model Hamiltonian for this system is constructed using the lattice Wannier function formalism. The parameters for this Hamiltonian are determined from first principles. The equilibrium thermodynamics of the model system is studied via Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations. The calculated transition temperature, ${T}_{c},$ is approximately 620 K for the cubic ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{3}{\mathrm{GeTe}}_{4}$ model, compared to the experimental value of ${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\approx}350\mathrm{K}$ for disordered ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{0.75}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{0.25}\mathrm{Te}.$ Generalization of this analysis to the disordered ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{x}\mathrm{Te}$ system is discussed.
Applications of disorder-induced melting concept to critical-solute-accumulation processes

Abstract A generalized version of the Lindemann melting criterion has recently been used to develop a unified thermodynamic description of disorder-induced amorphization and heat-induced melting. This concept of amorphization as a melting process is based on the fact that the melting temperature of a defective crystal driven far from equilibrium will decrease relative to that of its defect-free equilibrium state. The broader view of melting provides a new perspective of damage-accumulation processes such as radiation damage, ion implantation, ion beam mixing, plastic deformation, and fracture. For example, within this conceptual framework, disorder-induced amorphization is simply polymorphous melting of a critically disordered crystal at temperatures below the glass transition temperature. In the present communication, we discuss the application of the concept to two specific cases: amorphous phase formation during ion implantation and solute segregation-induced intergranular fracture.
Deciphering the Biophysical Effects of Oxidizing Sulfur-Containing Amino Acids in Interferon-beta-1a using MS and HDX-MS

Introduction of a chemical change to one or more amino acids in a protein's polypeptide chain can result in various effects on its higher-order structure (HOS) and biophysical behavior (or properties). These effects range from no detectable change to significant structural or conformational alteration that can greatly affect the protein's biophysical properties and its resulting biological function. The ability to reliably detect the absence or presence of such changes is essential to understanding the structure-function relationship in a protein and in the successful commercial development of protein-based drugs (biopharmaceuticals). In this paper, we focus our attention on the latter by specifically elucidating the impact of oxidation on the HOS, structural dynamics, and biophysical properties of interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a). Oxidation is a common biochemical modification that occurs in many biopharmaceuticals, specifically in two naturally-occurring sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine. To carry out this work, we used combinations of hydrogen peroxide and pH to differentially oxidize IFNβ-1a (to focus on only methionine oxidation versus methionine and cysteine oxidation). We then employed several analytical and biophysical techniques to acquire information about the differential impact of these two oxidation scenarios on IFNβ-1a. In particular, the use of MS-based techniques, especially HDX-MS, play a dominant role in revealing the differential effects. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
Primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator in patients with reduced ejection fraction: for ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy or both?

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines recommend implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (1,2).
“The Miserable Supper”: César Vallejo and the Poetics of Communion

This essay examines the image of the Eucharist in the poetry of the Peruvian writer Cesar Vallejo (1892-1938). I argue that unlike his modernista forebears, Vallejo regularly employs the Eucharist not as an image of the ecstasy of sexual union, but instead as an image of guilt, melancholy, frustration, and loss. In one sense, such images can be read as deliberately blasphemous distortions of the Christian picture of the Eucharist Vallejo imbibed as a child. My central thesis, however, will be that the same images can also be read, perhaps in part against Vallejo's own intentions, not as distortions of the Eucharist but as offering insights into the nature of the sacrament itself. I develop this thesis in two parts. First, I argue that despite the centrality to eucharistic theology of the themes of communion, spiritual intimacy, and “real presence”—themes that made it an almost irresistible poetic symbol of sexual desire—the Eucharist itself is also and fundamentally a sacrament of absence, delay, and failure. Second, I suggest that by drawing, however implicitly, on these latent elements of eucharistic theology, Vallejo's poetry opens up a space to think about certain aspects of the sacrament which the modernistas’ erotic exuberance tended systematically to obscure.
Naltrexone alters alcohol self-administration behaviors and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in a sex-dependent manner in rats.

Abstract Background The mu-opioid antagonist, naltrexone (NTX), is a FDA-approved treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD); however, the data on whether it differentially affects males vs. females are mixed. NTX increases hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity that associates with subjective responses to alcohol and craving in individuals with AUD. The present study tested for sex differences in the ability of NTX to decrease appetitive and consummatory behaviors in rats in operant alcohol self-administration. Because the opioid system and HPA axis are sexually dimorphic, we examined NTX's effect on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels. Methods Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (n's = 6–8) were trained to lever press for alcohol (10% v/v) under a fixed-ratio 2 schedule of reinforcement. NTX doses (0, 0.1–10 mg/kg) were assessed in tests conducted under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. Separate groups of alcohol and water drinking rats (n's = 8) were used to assess NTX's (10 mg/kg) effects on HPA axis hormones. Results NTX decreased consummatory behaviors for alcohol in a dose-related manner, but not appetitive behaviors in males. In females, NTX decreased appetitive behaviors for alcohol in a dose-dependent manner, but only decreased consummatory behaviors at the highest (10 mg/kg) NTX dose. NTX increased ACTH levels in alcohol drinking females in diestrus, but not in other groups. However, NTX increased CORT levels for longer durations in alcohol drinking males relative to alcohol drinking females in diestrus. Conclusions Our findings suggest that NTX selectively reduces consummatory behaviors for alcohol in males and appetitive behaviors in females, while also showing differential sex effects on HPA hormones.
Investigation of the Live-Load Effects on Long-Span Bridges under Traffic Flows

AbstractDifferent from short-span girder bridges, long-span bridges support a large amount of traffic, which significantly influences the dynamic performance of the bridge. The design live load on ...
Biological and structural pleomorphism of the oncornavirus envelope glycoprotein, gp70.

It has been postulated that oncornaviruses play a role in development and differentiation, and that neoplasia is an unforunate consequence of an otherwise important symbiosis (Huebner and Todaro, 1969; Huebner et al., 1970). These concepts are attractive on a theoretical basis, but remained unproved. Nevertheless, the relationship between viral gene expression and normal host-cell functions has been studied in some detail, especially in the case of the interactions between the oncornaviruses and lymphoid cells of the mouse (Tooze, 1973; Gross, 1970). Conceptually, one of the major advances in understanding this relationship has been the demonstration that a protein related to the major envelope glycoprotein of the MuLV gp70 can be a component of normal cells, even in the absence of detectable virus (Del Villano et al., 1975; Tung et al., 1975; Kennel and Feldman, 1976). In this chapter, we review our data which led to this conclusion.
IoT edge device based key frame extraction for face in video recognition

Following the development of computing and communication technologies, the idea of Internet of Things (IoT) has been realized not only at research level but also at application level. Among various IoT-related application fields, biometrics applications, especially face recognition, are widely applied in video-based surveillance, access control, law enforcement and many other scenarios. In this paper, we introduce a Face in Video Recognition (FivR) framework which performs real-time key-frame extraction on IoT edge devices, then conduct face recognition using the extracted key-frames on the Cloud back-end. With our key-frame extraction engine, we are able to reduce the data volume hence dramatically relief the processing pressure of the cloud back-end. Our experimental results show with IoT edge device acceleration, it is possible to implement face in video recognition application without introducing the middle-ware or cloud-let layer, while still achieving real-time processing speed.
Monogenic and Polygenic Contributions to Hypertension

This chapter provides an overview of the genetics of hypertension, reviewing what is known about rare Mendelian forms of hypertension, which can be explained by mutations in single genes, as well as the genetics of primary hypertension. Different approaches such as candidate gene approaches, linkage studies, and genome-wide association studies are discussed. It is hoped that this chapter will provide a concise primer for reading the literature in the area of genetics and hypertension.