cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Results analysis of rapid detection for hand-foot-mouth disease pathogen by real-time fluorescence RT-PCR assay

[Objective]To establish the technology platform of real-time fluorescence RT-PCR assay for detection of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD),carry out the pathogenic detection of HFMD,and provide the experimental basis for HFMD prevention and control.[Methods]The nucleic acid of EV,EV71 and CA16 in HFMD cases in Hechi city from 2010 to 2011 were detected by real-time fluorescence RT-PCR assay.[Results]A total of 578 samples of diagnosed HFMD cases were detected,421 cases were positive for EV with the positive rate of 72.84%,109 were positive for EV71(25.89%),198 were positive for CA16(47.03%),and 114 cases were positive for other enterovirus(27.08%).Children under 6 years old with positive EV accounted for 99.05% of all cases.In 2010 and 2011,the positive rate of EV71,CA16 and other enterovirus was 47.86%,10.00%,18.57% and 9.59%,42.01%,20.09%,respectively.The positive rate of EV71in severe cases was 65.38%.[Conclusion]Real-time fluorescence RT-PCR assay is suitable for rapid diagnosis and routine monitoring of HFMD,especially the diagnosis for severe cases.The infected types of HFMD in different years are different.In 2010,the main pathogen was EV71,followed by other enterovirus,while in 2011 the main infected pathogen was CA16,followed by other enterovirus.Children under 6 years old are the high-risk group of EV infection,and EV71 is main pathogen of severe cases.
Analysis on Influences of Grid-Connected Wind Farm on Voltage Stability of Local Power Network Neighboring to Connection Point

Considering the randomness of wind power source and structural features of power network connected with wind farm,the main influences of connecting wind power system consisting of doubly fed induction generators(DFIG) to power grid on voltage stability of local power network neighboring to connection point are analyzed.The relationship between wind farm capacity being connected to power grid and voltage stability,transient voltage stability under large disturbance occurred in power grid and low voltage ride through of wind farm are expounded.Based on the analysis results,the measures to improve voltage stability are proposed.The improving effect of static synchronous compensator(STATCOM) on voltage stability and the selection of the capacity of STATCOM are researched.Above-mentioned issues are simulated on DigSILENT/Powerfactory platform.Simulation results show that too large capacity of wind farm being connected to power grid is adverse to voltage stability of local power network neighboring to the connection point of wind farm;to prevent voltage instability under power grid disturbance,generally wind power systems ought to possess the capability of low voltage ride through;appropriate local reactive power compensation contributes to improve voltage stability of local power network.
Veterans Health Administration Experience with Data Quality Surveillance of Continuity of Care Documents: Interoperability Challenges for eHealth Exchange Participants

As part of ongoing data quality efforts authors monitored health information retrieved through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) Health operation. Health data exchanged through the eHealth Exchange (managed by Healtheway, Inc.) between VA and external care providers was evaluated in order to test methods of data quality surveillance and to identify key quality concerns. Testing evaluated transition of care data from 20 VLER Health partners. Findings indicated operational monitoring discovers issues not addressed during onboarding testing, that many issues result from specification ambiguity, and that many issues require human review. We make recommendations to address these issues, specifically to embed automated testing tools within information exchange transactions and to continuously monitor and improve data quality, which will facilitate adoption and use.
Electroejaculation Following Retroperitoneal Lymphadenectomy

AbstractTransrectal electroejaculation was performed in 24 men who were anejaculatory from retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Of the men 23 had undergone retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy because of testis cancer. Seminal emission was achieved in all patients. In 21 patients greater than 10 × 106 progressively motile sperm with normal morphology were obtained. The average sperm count and motilities obtained were 289 × 106 and 18%, respectively, for the antegrade fractions, and 2,051 × 106 and 13%, respectively, for the retrograde fractions. Of the 3 azoospermic failures 2 had chemotherapy-induced testicular damage and 1 had carcinoma in situ of the remaining testis.A total of 19 couples underwent artificial insemination with electroejaculated sperm. There were 7 pregnancies achieved in 74 insemination cycles (36.8% of the couples conceived for a 9% cycle fecundity). Routine semen parameters could not predict which couples would be successful in achieving pregnancy. There were 2 first trimester spontaneous abo...
Different Phenotyping Approaches Lead to Dissimilar Biologic Profiles in Men With Chronic Fatigue After Radiation Therapy

Abstract Context Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) persists months after treatment completion. Although a CRF biomarker has not yet been identified, validated self-report questionnaires are used to define and phenotype CRF in the discovery of potential biomarkers. Objectives The purposes of this study are to identify CRF subjects using three well-known CRF phenotyping approaches using validated self-report questionnaires and to compare the biologic profiles that are associated with each CRF phenotype. Methods Fatigue in men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer receiving external beam radiation therapy was measured at baseline (T1), midpoint (T2), end point (T3), and one-year post–external beam radiation therapy (T4) using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Fatigue (FACT-F) and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System–Fatigue. Chronic fatigue (CF) and nonfatigue subjects were grouped based on three commonly used phenotyping approaches: 1) T4 FACT-F 50. Differential gene expressions using whole-genome microarray analysis were compared in each of the phenotyping criterion. Results The study enrolled 43 men, where 34%–38% had CF based on the three phenotyping approaches. Distinct gene expression patterns were observed between CF and nonfatigue subjects in each of the three CRF phenotyping approaches: 1) Approach 1 had the largest number of differentially expressed genes and 2) Approaches 2 and 3 had 40 and 21 differentially expressed genes between the fatigue groups, respectively. Conclusion The variation in genetic profiles for CRF suggests that phenotypic profiling for CRF should be carefully considered because it directly influences biomarker discovery investigations.
HIV-1 Integrase Binds the Viral RNA Genome and Is Essential during Virion Morphogenesis

While an essential role of HIV-1 integrase (IN) for integration of viral cDNA into human chromosome is established, studies with IN mutants and allosteric IN inhibitors (ALLINIs) have suggested that IN can also influence viral particle maturation. However, it has remained enigmatic as to how IN contributes to virion morphogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that IN directly binds the viral RNA genome in virions. These interactions have specificity, as IN exhibits distinct preference for select viral RNA structural elements. We show that IN substitutions that selectively impair its binding to viral RNA result in eccentric, non-infectious virions without affecting nucleocapsid-RNA interactions. Likewise, ALLINIs impair IN binding to viral RNA in virions of wild-type, but not escape mutant, virus. These results reveal an unexpected biological role of IN binding to the viral RNA genome during virion morphogenesis and elucidate the mode of action of ALLINIs.
CHEMISTRY OF THE ATMOSPHERE | Observations for Chemistry ( In Situ ): Particles

The principles behind the large suite of instruments available for in situ particle observations are described. Instruments use condensation, optical scattering, electrical mobility, direct capture, absorption, and dissociation to provide highly resolved space and time measurements of aerosol number, size, mass, composition, optical properties, shape, and nucleating characteristics, when a full suite of instruments is available. Such measurements are required to fully characterize and understand the role of particles in certain aspects of heterogeneous chemistry, radiative transfer, cloud formation, and precipitation.
Influence of Varroa Mite (Varroa destructor) Management Practices on Insecticide Sensitivity in the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

Since Varroa mites may cause devastating losses of honey bees through direct feeding, transmitting diseases, and increasing pathogen susceptibility, chemical and mechanical practices commonly are used to reduce mite infestation. While miticide applications are typically the most consistent and efficacious Varroa mite management method, miticide-induced insecticide synergism in honey bees, and the evolution of resistance in Varroa mites are reasonable concerns. We treated colonies with the miticide amitraz (Apivar®), used IPM practices, or left some colonies untreated, and then measured the effect of different levels of mite infestations on the sensitivity of bees to phenothrin, amitraz, and clothianidin. Sensitivity to all insecticides varied throughout the year among and within treatment groups. Clothianidin sensitivity decreased with increasing mite levels, but no such correlation was seen with phenothrin or amitraz. These results show that insecticide sensitivity is dynamic throughout the 5 months test. In-hive amitraz treatment according to the labeled use did not synergize sensitivity to the pesticides tested and this should alleviate concern over potential synergistic effects. Since IPM practices were largely ineffective at reducing Varroa mite infestation, reliance on chemical methods of Varroa mite management is likely to continue. However, miticides must be used judiciously so the long term effectiveness of these compounds can be maximized. These data demonstrate the complex and dynamic variables that contribute to honey bee colony health. The results underscore the importance of controlling for as many of these variables as possible in order to accurately determine the effects of each of these factors as they act alone or in concert with others.
Evaluation of Genetic Predisposition for MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma

To investigate genetic predispositions for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, we performed a meta-analysis of three genome-wide association studies totaling 615 MYCN-amplified high-risk neuroblastoma cases and 1869 MYCN-nonamplified non-high-risk neuroblastoma cases as controls using a fixed-effects model with inverse variance weighting. All statistical tests were two-sided. We identified a novel locus at 3p21.31 indexed by the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs80059929 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.17 to 4.02, Pmeta = 6.47 × 10-12) associated with MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, which was replicated in 127 MYCN-amplified cases and 254 non-high-risk controls (OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.12 to 4.69, Preplication = .02). To confirm this signal is exclusive to MYCN-amplified tumors, we performed a second meta-analysis comparing 728 MYCN-nonamplified high-risk patients to identical controls. rs80059929 was not statistically significant in MYCN-nonamplified high-risk patients (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.90 to 1.71, Pmeta = .19). SNP rs80059929 is within intron 16 in the KIF15 gene. Additionally, the previously reported LMO1 neuroblastoma risk locus was statistically significant only in patients with MYCN-nonamplified high-risk tumors (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.75, Pmeta = 1.51 × 10-8; Pmeta = .95). Our results indicate that common genetic variation predisposes to different neuroblastoma genotypes, including the likelihood of somatic MYCN-amplification.
Building Capacity for Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines: Examples from the Pacific and the Caribbean Small Island Developing States

In June 2014, the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) member states adopted the International Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). The current task is now for FAO member states and all partners to implement these SSF Guidelines. While many developing countries have in principle adopted the SSF Guidelines, their implementation may not unfold if the business of reforming ocean governance at the national and local levels does not occur. Governance reform outlined in the SSF Guidelines urgently calls for greater cooperation in developing countries between different sectors and disciplines. In particular, these SSF Guidelines require multiple layers of governance dialogue so that the articles of the Guidelines are communicated to those concerned and concrete solutions for small-scale fisheries’ actors are negotiated. Articles from Part 3 of the SSF Guidelines give provisions for countries to establish local governance structures and promote networks necessary to achieve policy coherence and cross-sectoral collaboration, and implement holistic and inclusive ecosystem approaches in the fisheries sector. The policy provisions for establishing networks within the SSF Guidelines also provide provision to address the special concerns of women and vulnerable and marginalized people in small-scale fisheries governance reform at the national and local levels. This chapter gives insight into the negotiating and consensus seeking process of the SSF Guidelines and highlights existing communication gaps. Based on this analysis, the chapter suggests necessary future action in capacity building of communication and negotiation skills.
Aliphatic–Aromatic Polyols by Thiol–Ene Reactions

Aliphatic–aromatic polyols were synthesized by thiol–ene reactions (photochemical or thermal) using mercaptanized starting materials from bio-based compounds: limonene dimercaptan, thioglycerol, mercaptanized castor oil and isosorbide (3-mercaptopropyl) ether. Aromatic starting materials were phenols containing double bonds; ortho-allyl phenol (OAP, petrochemical-based) and eugenol (EUG, bio-based). The phenolic hydroxyl groups were blocked by alkoxylation with propylene oxide (PO) or glycidol (GLY) prior to use in thiol–ene reaction. The aromatic rings were attached to the mercaptans by reacting thiol groups with the double bonds of alkoxylated OAP (OAP–PO and OAP–GLY) and alkoxylated EUG (EUG–PO and EUG–GLY). These synthesized aliphatic–aromatic polyols were utilized for preparation of rigid polyurethane foams whose physical–mechanical properties were superior to those made only from bio-based aliphatic polyols. These rigid PU foams can be used in a wide range of applications; such as thermal insulation of freezers, buildings, pipes and storage tanks for food and chemical industries, as wood substitute, packaging materials and flotation materials.
Anomalous Potential-Dependent Friction on Au(111) Measured by AFM.

We present an exploratory study of the tribological properties between an AFM probe and a Au(111) surface in an aqueous environment while subjected to applied surface potentials. Using a three-electrode setup, the electrical potential and interfacial electric field on a Au(111) working electrode are controlled. Lateral force microscopy is used to measure the friction forces between the AFM probe and the Au surface. As the AFM probe approaches the surface, normal forces are also measured to gain insight into the interfacial forces. When a positive potential is applied to the Au surface, the friction is found to rise sharply at a critical potential and level off at a relatively high value. However, when a negative potential is applied, the friction forces are low, even lower compared to the open circuit potential case. These changes in friction, by a factor of approximately 35, as a function of the applied potential are found to be reversible over multiple cycles. We attribute the origin of the high frictio...
An Agent-Based Model of Evolving Community Flood Risk

Although individual behavior plays a major role in community flood risk, traditional flood risk models generally do not capture information on how community policies and individual decisions impact the evolution of flood risk over time. The purpose of this study is to improve the understanding of the temporal aspects of flood risk through a combined analysis of the behavioral, engineering, and physical hazard aspects of flood risk. Additionally, the study aims to develop a new modeling approach for integrating behavior, policy, flood hazards, and engineering interventions. An agent-based model (ABM) is used to analyze the influence of flood protection measures, individual behavior, and the occurrence of floods and near-miss flood events on community flood risk. The ABM focuses on the following decisions and behaviors: dissemination of flood management information, installation of community flood protection, elevation of household mechanical equipment, and elevation of homes. The approach is place based, with a case study area in Fargo, North Dakota, but is focused on generalizable insights. Generally, community mitigation results in reduced future damage, and individual action, including mitigation and movement into and out of high-risk areas, can have a significant influence on community flood risk. The results of this study provide useful insights into the interplay between individual and community actions and how it affects the evolution of flood risk. This study lends insight into priorities for future work, including the development of more in-depth behavioral and decision rules at the individual and community level.
A Generalized Approach to Defining Item Discrimination for DCMs

Diagnostic classification models (DCMs, also known as cognitive diagnosis models) hold the promise of providing detailed classroom information about the skills a student has or has not mastered. Sp...
Patent Landscape Analysis Using Family Based Citation

After a brief overview of current patent citation practice, related terms are introduced and defined. Next, two concise workflows are examined: an empirical study of Faurecia, one of the world’s leading automobile component providers, is carried out and two patent webs are obtained, which depict Faurecia’s patenting strategy in the automobile seat rail technology field. From the two resulting patent maps, improvements are observed after employing extended family based citation as a tool. Future perspectives are also summarized for further development of this family based citation analysis methodology, so that better R&D and/or design around decisions can be made by innovators.
The Measurement of Incident and Reflected Spectra Using a Least squares Method

A least squares method to separate the incident and reflected spectra from the measured co-existing spectra is presented. This method requires a simultaneous measurement of the waves at three positions in the flume which are in reasonable proximity to each other and are on a line parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Experimental investigations have shown that there is good agreement between the incident spectra calculated by the least squares method and the incident spectra measured concurrently in a side channel.
Toward a Working Theory of Language Correlated with a Philosophical Anthropology

Ricoeur’s distinctive mode of philosophizing may capture the imagination of a philosophical generation. Its significance will depend upon the person who examines it. To the phenomenologist, the significance of Ricoeur’s thought will be found in his revision of the phenomenological method. To the analytic thinker, the measure of Ricoeur’s work may be in his plunge into an analysis of language. The structuralist may find the significance of Ricoeur’s thought in his attempt to reconsider the relationship of language and speech. The hermeneut may find the measure of Ricoeur’s achievement in his attempt to incorporate a hermeneutic into a philosophical program. To those who are interested in myth and symbolism, the significance of Ricoeur’s thought may be found in his distinctive mode of interpretation of that primary phenomenon. As the introduction of this essay stated, Ricoeur’s thought, like the symbol, is multivalent. Our analysis simply has attempted to bring these multivalent themes together and thereby to understand its unity and direction.
Eucalyptol Detected by Aeration from the Eggs of the Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

To determine whether volatiles from bed bug eggs were similar to the defensive secretions from nymphs and adults, headspace volatiles from eggs of the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) were collected by aeration, daily until hatch, and subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We now report that eucalyptol (1,8-epoxy-p-menthane) was identified from all egg samples. Blank control samples containing no eggs had no evidence of eucalyptol. Positive controls, containing nymphs, adults, and fecal deposits, showed the presence of the defensive secretions (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal, but no eucalyptol. The lack of detectable (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal in viable egg samples and the detection of eucalyptol are discussed in relation to canine detection of bed bugs.
Morph-a-Dope: Using Pupil Manipulation to Spoof Eye Movement Biometrics

Eye Tracking Authentication — a mechanism where eye movement patterns are used to verify a user’s identity — is increasingly being explored for use as a layer of security in computing systems. Despite being widely studied, there is barely any research investigating how these systems could be attacked by a determined attacker. In particular, the relationship between pupil characteristics and lighting is one that could lead to vulnerabilities in improperly secured systems.This paper presents Morph-a-Dope, an attack that leverages lighting manipulations to defeat eye tracking authentication systems that heavily rely on features derived from pupil sizes. Across 20 attacker-victim pairs, the attack increased the EER by an average of over 50% as compared to the zero-effort attack by the overall population, and as much as 500% for individual victims. Our research calls for a greater emphasis on manipulation-resistant pupil size features or system designs that otherwise avoid such vulnerabilities.
An Open-Label Pilot Study of Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone in the Treatment of IgA Nephropathy at High Risk of Progression.

Introduction IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis with high risk of progression to end-stage renal disease in patients with proteinuria >1 g/24 hours. There are no known effective treatments in patients with IgAN. Methods We conducted a prospective open-label pilot study in patients with IgAN using adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) (Acthar Gel, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Bedminster, NJ) at a dosage of 80 units subcutaneously twice weekly for a total of 6 months and followed patients for a total of 12 months. Patients had to have urinary protein >1 g/24 hours despite adequate renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >30 ml/min at enrollment. Results A total of 19 patients were recruited and followed for 1 year. At baseline, the mean age was 34.9 ± 10.5 years with 11 men and 8 women, and 14 Caucasian and 5 Asian individuals. At 12 months, there was a statistically significant decline in 24-hour urinary protein from 2.6 to 1.3 g (P = 0.007) and significant increase in serum albumin (3.79 to 3.93, P = 0.02). There was no significant change in eGFR (65.5 to 61.1 ml/min, P = 0.1). There were 0 complete remissions and 8 partial remissions (42%). There were a total of 6 infections: 2 were viral and 4 required antibiotic therapy (2 sinusitis, 1 pneumonia, 1 otitis media). The most common adverse events included acne, hot flashes, soreness, and anxiety. Conclusion In summary, patients with IgAN with >1 g/24-hour urinary protein and eGFR >30 ml/min had a significant reduction in 24-hour urinary protein with stable eGFR at 12-month follow-up after being treated with 6 months of ACTH.
Sociodemographic Correlates of Food Insecurity Among New York City Tobacco Users.

Purpose:To identify rates and sociodemographic correlates of food insecurity among low-income smokers.Design:Cross-sectional analysis of baseline survey data from a randomized controlled trial (N =...
The role of affective orientations in promoting perceived polarization

Recent work on political divisions in the mass public has identified several manifestations of polarization linked to different types of attitudes, orientations, and behaviors. Of these, affective polarization and perceived polarization have attracted increasing attention, though we still know fairly little of the links between these variants of polarization. In this paper, we examine the association between affective and perceived polarization, with an aim toward disentangling any potential causal relationship between the two processes. Using two sets of nationally representative panel data from 1992 to 1996 and 2008 to 2009, we find evidence that affective polarization causes perceived polarization, and that perceived polarization is not related to future affective polarization. Stratifying the models by level of political information, we find that the strength and statistical significance of the relationships between past and future values of affective and perceived polarization are conditional on political sophistication: more sophisticated individuals exhibit stronger relationships.
Process-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Framework for Conceptualization and Treatment:

Process-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PB-CBT) is the integration of biological, psychological, and social factors into idiographic structural models used to conceptualize patient problems and...
The Case for Deep Space Telecommunications Relay Stations

Each future mission to Jupiter and beyond must carry the traditional suite of telecommunications systems for command and control and for mission data transmission to earth. The telecommunications hardware includes the large antenna and the high-power transmitters that enable the communications link. Yet future spacecraft will be scaled down from the hallmark missions of Galileo and Cassini to Jupiter and Saturn, respectively. This implies that a higher percentage of the spacecraft weight and power must be dedicated to telecommunications system. The following analysis quantifies this impact to future missions and then explores the merits of an alternative approach using deep space relay stations for the link back to earth. It will be demonstrated that a telecommunications relay satellite would reduce S/C telecommunications weight and power sufficiently to add one to two more instruments.
Measles-based Zika vaccine induces long-term immunity and requires NS1 antibodies to protect the female reproductive tract in the mouse model of ZIKA.

Zika virus (ZIKV) can cause devastating effects in the unborn fetus of pregnant women. To develop a candidate vaccine that can protect human fetuses, we generated a panel of live measles vaccine (MV) vectors expressing ZIKV-E and -NS1. Our MV-based ZIKV-E vaccine, MV-E2, protected mice from the non-lethal Zika Asian strain (PRVABC59) and the lethal African strain (MR766) challenge. Despite 100% survival of the MV-E2 mice, however, complete viral clearance was not achieved in the brain and reproductive tract of the lethally challenged mice. We then tested a combination of two MV-based vaccines, the MV-E2 and a vaccine expressing NS1 (MV-NS1[2]), and we observed durable plasma cell responses, complete clearance of ZIKV from the female reproductive tract, and complete fetal protection in the lethal African challenge model. Our findings suggest that NS1 antibodies are required to enhance the protection achieved by ZIKV-E antibodies in the female reproductive tract.
Disfavor or Favor? Assessing the Valence of White Americans' Racial Attitudes

When individuals' racial attitudes are associated with their judgments related to race---for example, when people with more negative attitudes toward Blacks are less likely to vote for a Black political candidate---existing studies routinely interpret it as evidence of prejudice against minorities. But theoretically, such associations can represent favoring minorities, disfavoring them, or a combination of both. We provide a conceptual framework to distinguish patterns of favoring and disfavoring against a standard of racial indifference, and test it with a pre-registered conjoint experiment. In our results, one widely-used measure---the Racial Resentment Scale (RRS)---captures favoring of Blacks substantially more than disfavoring. This finding calls for greater care in characterizing white Americans' racial attitudes and illustrates ways to improve future research designs. We also describe several extensions that integrate the distinction between favoring and disfavoring into the broader study of racial attitudes.
Carbon as an electron donor atom

Abstract There are a number of C-containing entities which can donate electrons. The C atom of the CN− anion contains a lone pair which can be transferred to a Lewis acid. Even if the acid molecule is anionic, short-range attractive forces can overcome the long-range ion-ion repulsion to approach close enough to engage in a strong bonding interaction. The CN− anion can be surrounded by a number of ligands that interact through a host of different types of bonds. The C lone pair of the MeCH2− carbanion is also available for donation. Neutral C-containing molecules can function as electron source as well. Despite the absence of any C lone pair, a CH3M unit can donate electron density from its σ-bonding orbitals to a neutral molecule within the framework of a ditetrel bond. The C lone pairs of carbenes may also be donated to form strong bonds within the covalent range. The π-systems of alkenic or aromatic molecules represent an alternate source, although generally weaker than the interactions arising from C lone pairs.
Calibrating predictive model estimates in a distributed network of patient data.

Abstract Background Protecting the privacy of patient data is an important issue. Patient data are typically protected in local health systems, but this makes integration of data from different healthcare systems difficult. To build high-performance predictive models, a large number of samples are needed, and performance measures such as calibration and discrimination are essential. While distributed algorithms for building models and measuring discrimination have been published, distributed algorithms to measure calibration and recalibrate models have not been proposed. Objective Recalibration models have been shown to improve calibration, but they have not been proposed for data that are distributed in various health systems, or “sites”. Our goal is to measure calibration performance and build a global recalibration model using data from multiple health systems, without sharing patient-level data. Materials and Methods We developed a distributed smooth isotonic regression recalibration model and extended established calibration measures, such as Hosmer-Lemeshow Tests, Expected Calibration Error, and Maximum Calibration Error in a distributed manner. Results Experiments on both simulated and clinical data were conducted, and the recalibration results produced by a traditional (ie, centralized) versus a distributed smooth isotonic regression were compared. The results were exactly the same. Discussion Our algorithms demonstrated that calibration can be improved and measured in a distributed manner while protecting data privacy, albeit at some cost in terms of computational efficiency. It also gives researchers who may have too few instances in their own institutions a method to construct robust recalibration models. Conclusion Preserving data privacy and improving model calibration are both important to advancing predictive analysis in clinical informatics. The algorithms alleviate the difficulties in model building across sites.
Highly sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on carbon nanotube microelectrode set

Abstract In this work, a carbon nanotube microelectrode set (CNT µ-ES) was modified, in which three electrodes based on highly densified carbon nanotube fiber (HD-CNTf) cross-sections (length ~40 µm) were embedded in an inert polymer matrix with exposed open-ended CNTs at the interface. An HD-CNTf cross-section (∼40 µm diameter) electrochemically modified with copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) was used as the working electrode; a bare HD-CNTf cross-section (∼94 µm diameter) was used as the counter electrode; and an HD-CNTf cross-section (∼94 µm diameter) electroplated with Ag/AgCl and then coated with Nafion™ was used as a quasi-reference electrode. The electrochemical activity of the CuNPs/HD-CNTf microsensor for glucose electrooxidation was examined by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry in 0.1 M NaOH solution. As shown by amperometry studies, the proposed nonenzymatic CuNPs/HD-CNTf microsensor had a remarkably low limit of detection (28 nM) and a wide linear quantification range with an excellent sensitivity (1942 nA·µM−1·cm−2). This sensitivity can be attributed to the synergetic effect of electrocatalytic CuNPs and aligned HD-CNTf, which provide excellent conductivity. The electrooxidation of glucose on the developed microsensor was free from chloride poisoning and independent of the oxygen concentration. The developed microsensor demonstrated insignificant interference from the oxidation of common interfering species and carbohydrate compounds at their physiological concentrations. Finally, the CuNPs/ HD-CNTf microsensor was successfully applied for the quantification of glucose in normal human serum and diabetic patient urine samples, demonstrating the applicability of this strategy for commercial nonenzymatic glucose sensors.
Designing effective calf vaccination programs

Vaccination is an important component for the prevention and control of bovine bacterial and viral diseases. Modified-live vaccines (MLV) have been used because of the good antibody response, longer duration of immunity, fewer doses needed per animal, and lower cost. The selective pressure from an animal’s immune response may lead to new viruses that persist and cause problems in the herd. An interesting vaccine will be the live Pasteurella multicida and Mannheimia hemolytica vaccines. Non-adjuvanted MLV vaccines also fail to booster well vaccinated animals as active vaccine-induced immunity neutralizes vaccine virus preventing the MLV from replicating and preventing a booster immune response. Improved adjuvants have increased the scope and duration of inactivated virus immunity. Inactivated vaccines generate cell-mediated response and can enhance the immune response in well-vaccinated animals. This whole process from vaccination to achieving mature immune response takes at least 3 weeks. This fully developed mature primary response can then be boosted to get a true anamnestic secondary response. There is no "single vaccination program” that will work on most farms or ranches. Each vaccine program needs to be designed based on the actual threats and needs of the farm, and not based on a company’s or neighbors suggested program.
WE‐G‐BRA‐09: Microsphere Brachytherapy Failure Mode and Effects Analysis in a Dual‐Vendor Environment

Purpose: To improve the safety and quality of a dual-vendor microsphere brachytherapy program with failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). Methods: A multidisciplinary team including physicists, dosimetrists, a radiation oncologist, an interventional radiologist, and radiation safety personnel performed an FMEA for our dual-vendor microsphere brachytherapy program employing SIR-Spheres (Sirtex Medical Limited, Australia) and Theraspheres (BTG, England). We developed a program process tree and step-by-step instructions which were used to generate a comprehensive list of failure modes. These modes were then ranked according to severity, occurrence rate, and detectability. Risk priority numbers (RPNs) were calculated by multiplying these three scores together. Three different severity scales were created: one each for harmful effects to the patient, staff, or the institution. Each failure mode was ranked on one or more of these scales. Results: The group identified 164 failure modes for the microsphere program. 113 of these were ranked using the patient severity scale, 52 using the staff severity scale, and 50 using the institution severity scale. The highest ranked items on the patient severity scale were an error in the automated dosimetry worksheet (RPN = 297.5), and the incorrect target specified on the planning study (RPN = 135). Some failure modes ranked differently between vendors, especially those corresponding to dose vial preparation because of the different methods used. Based on our findings, we made several improvements to our QA program, including documentation to easily identify which product is being used, an additional hand calculation during planning, and reorganization of QA steps before treatment delivery. We will continue to periodically review and revise the FMEA. Conclusion: We have applied FMEA to our dual-vendor microsphere brachytherapy program to identify potential key weaknesses in the treatment chain. Our FMEA results were used to improve the effectiveness of our overall microsphere program.
H63D HFE polymorphisms are associated with increased disease duration and decreased muscle superoxide dismutase-1 expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.

Introduction H63D HFE polymorphisms increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders and, specifically, may increase amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk. Investigating the physiological alterations induced by H63D polymorphisms in ALS patients may elucidate mechanisms by which this genotype alters disease. Methods Clinical measures and muscle biopsies were available from patients previously diagnosed with ALS who underwent HFE genotyping. Clinical outcomes and SOD1 protein expression were analyzed using standard statistical analyses. Results ALS patients harboring H63D HFE (n = 16) had 28.1 months longer average disease duration and 39.3% lower muscle SOD1 protein than ALS patients with wild-type HFE (n = 22). Conclusions Combined with previous reports suggesting the H63D polymorphism is associated with ALS, these results support a model wherein the H63D polymorphism is involved in ALS by means of pathways involving SOD1 but may limit cellular damage in individuals who develop disease. The association between HFE genotype and disease duration has important implications for clinical care and treatment trials. Muscle Nerve, 48: 242–246, 2013
Curve-straightening and the Palais-Smale condition

This paper considers the negative gradient trajectories associated with the modified total squared curvature functional f k2 + iv ds. The focus is on the limiting behavior as M tends to zero from the positive side. It is shown that when M = 0 spaces of curves exist in which some trajectories converge and others diverge. In one instance the collection of critical points splits into two subsets. As M tends to zero the critical curves in the first subset tend to the critical points present when M 0. Meanwhile, all the critical points in the second subset have lengths that tend to infinity. It is shown that this is the only way the Palais-Smale condition fails in the present context. The behavior of the second class of critical points supports the view that some of the trajectories are 'dragged' all the way to 'infinity'. When the curves are rescaled to have constant length the Euler figure eight emerges as a 'critical point at infinity'. It is discovered that a reflectional symmetry need not be preserved along the trajectories. There are examples where the length of the curves along the same trajectory is not a monotone fiunction of the flow--time. It is shown how to determine the elliptic modulus of the critical curves in all the standard cases. The modulus p must satisfy 2E(p)/K(p) -1 ? gl/L when the space is limited to curves of fixed length L and the endpoints are separated by the vector g.
Some physical properties of rare-earth chlorides in aqueous solution

Measurements and calculations concerned with the conductances and partial molal volumes of La, Nd, Sa, Ga, Dy, Er, and Yb chlorides are reported in the aqueous concentration range 0.02 molal to saturation. Osmotic and activity coefficient determinations for aqueous solutions of La, Ne, Sa, Ga, and Dy chlorides were also carried out in the concentration range 0.1 molal to saturation. A discussion of general theory is included along with experimental data and a bibliography comprising 144 references. (J.R.D.)
Quantitative Analysis of Ct Scans of Ceramic Candle Filters

Candle filters are being developed to remove coal ash and other fine particles (<15{mu}m) from hot (ca. 1000 K) gas streams. In the present work, a color scanner was used to digitize hard-copy CT X-ray images of cylindrical SiC filters, and linear regressions converted the scanned (color) data to a filter density for each pixel. These data, with the aid of the density of SiC, gave a filter porosity for each pixel. Radial averages, density-density correlation functions, and other statistical analyses were performed on the density data. The CT images also detected the presence and depth of cracks that developed during usage of the filters. The quantitative data promise to be a very useful addition to the color images.
Isolating the Effects of Fuel Chemistry on Combustion Phasing in an HCCI Engine and the Potential of Fuel Stratification for Ignition Control

An investigation has been conducted to determine the relative magnitude of the various factors that cause changes in combustion phasing (or required intake temperature) with changes in fueling rate in HCCI engines. These factors include: fuel autoignition chemistry and thermodynamic properties (referred to as fuel chemistry), combustion duration, wall temperatures, residuals, and heat/cooling during induction. Based on the insight gained from these results, the potential of fuel stratification to control combustion phasing was also investigated. The experiments were conducted in a single-cylinder HCCI engine at 1200 rpm using a GDI-type fuel injector. Engine operation was altered in a series of steps to suppress each of the factors affecting combustion phasing with changes in fueling rate, leaving only the effect of fuel chemistry. This involved the use of two novel techniques: 1) alternate-firing operation to remove changes in wall temperature and residuals; and 2) a method for determining the effective intake temperature to remove the effect of heating/cooling during induction. Three fuels were examined. Iso-octane was found to have only a small change in autoignition chemistry with fueling rate; gasoline had a change just slightly larger than iso-octane; and PRF80 had a large change, due to its significant cool-flame chemistry. Comparison of the data with chemical-kinetic modeling showed that the detailed iso-octane mechanism matches the trends well, but that the detailed PRF mechanism does not. The experimental results indicate that engine management becomes more complicated for fuels with cool-flame chemistry. For PRF80, combustion phasing changes immediately with changes in fueling, whereas sudden changes in fueling have little effect on the combustion phasing for iso-octane or gasoline. However, the results also show that the potential for ignition control by fuel stratification is much larger for PRF80. Stratification significantly and rapidly shifts combustion phasing with PRF80, but not with iso-octane. Charge stratification was also found to be effective for improving combustion efficiency at low-load conditions.
Protein phosphorylation by semisynthesis: from paper to practice.

Abstract Deconvolution of specific phosphorylation events can be complicated by the reversibility of modification. Protein semisynthesis with phosphonate analogues offers an attractive approach to functional analysis of signaling pathways. In this technique, N‐ and C‐terminal synthetic peptides containing nonhydrolyzable phosphonates at target residues can be ligated to recombinant proteins of interest. The resultant semisynthetic proteins contain site specific, stoichiometric phosphonate modifications and are completely resistant to phosphatases. Control of stoichiometry, specificity, and reversibility allows for complex signaling systems to be broken down into individual events and discretely examined. This chapter outlines the general methods and considerations for designing and carrying out phosphoprotein semisynthetic projects.
Commentary: the paradox of analgesic medication elimination.

The health care expenditures attributed to chronic pain are important considerations for health delivery systems throughout the world. As health care costs continue to rise, it is becoming increasingly important to identify interventions for chronic pain that are not only clinically effective, but also associated with reductions in health resource utilization. In this issue of Pain Medicine , an example of such an intervention is exemplified in a prospective study by Cunningham et al. [1], wherein significant clinical improvements and a 30% reduction in medication costs were observed at 6-month follow-up among a heterogeneous sample of patients with chronic pain who participated in a 3-week, outpatient multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program. Whereas the …
Iron–Sulfur Proteins

Iron–sulfur proteins contain iron coordinated by at least one sulfur ligand and include proteins with mononuclear Fe centers with partial or complete cysteinyl sulfur ligation as well as proteins containing clusters of iron and inorganic sulfide. This review summarizes the structural, electronic, and redox properties of protein-bound mononuclear FeS centers and FeS clusters containing [2Fe2S], [3Fe4S], and [4Fe4S] cores. In addition to the ubiquitous role in mediating biological electron transport, the roles of FeS centers have proliferated to include coupling of electron and proton transfer, substrate binding and activation, determining protein structure, regulation of gene expression and enzymatic activity, disulfide reduction, and iron, electron, or cluster storage. The diverse roles of FeS clusters are illustrated by discussion of specific systems: the mitochondrial and photosynthetic electron transport chains and a wide range of soluble redox enzymes and proteins; the active sites of nitrile hydratase, aconitase-type (de)hydratases, superoxide reductase (SOR), radical-SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) enzymes, NiFe- and Fe-hydrogenase, sulfite and nitrite reductase, nitrogenase, CO dehydrogenase, and acetyl-CoA synthase; the structural FeS centers in DNA repair enzymes; the regulatory roles of FeS centers in the SoxR, fumarate–nitrate reduction (FNR), IscR/SufR, and iron-regulatory protein (IRP) proteins and in selected enzymes; the two classes of FeS cluster containing disulfide reductases typified by ferredoxin–thioredoxin reductase (FTR) and heterodisulfide reductase (HDR); and the role of 8Fe ferredoxins and polyferredoxins in iron, electron, or cluster storage. Keywords: iron–sulfur; protein; enzyme; rubredoxin; ferredoxin; nitrogenase; hydrogenase; radical-SAM; metalloregulation
Magnetic resonance imaging and multi-detector computed tomography assessment of extracellular compartment in ischemic and non-ischemic myocardial pathologies

Magnetic resonance imaging and multi-detector computed tomography assessment of extracellular compartment in ischemic and non-ischemic myocardial pathologies
Slip−Inversion−Slip Mechanism of Phosphametallocene Isomerization. Spectroscopic Characterization of an (η1-Phospholyl)titanium Complex. Synthesis and Structures of Chiral Mono(phospholyl)titanium Complexes

The first reported synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of a group 4 η1-phospholyl complex, (η1-dibenzophospholyl)tris(dimethylamido)titanium, are documented, which has an η1-phospholyl lig...