cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of early Paleogene export productivity and organic carbon burial flux for Maud Rise, Weddell Sea, and Kerguelen Plateau, south Indian Ocean

[1] Marine biological productivity has been invoked as a possible climate driver during the early Paleogene through its potential influence on atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. However, the relationship of export productivity (the flux of organic carbon (C) from the surface ocean to the deep ocean) to organic C burial flux (the flux of organic C from the deep ocean that is buried in marine sediments) is not well understood. We examine the various components involved with atmosphere-to-ocean C transfer by reconstructing early Paleogene carbonate and silica production (using carbonate and silica mass accumulation rates (MARs)); export productivity (using biogenic barium (bio-Ba) MARs); organic C burial flux (using reactive phosphorus (P) MARs); redox conditions (using uranium and manganese contents); and the fraction of organic C buried relative to export productivity (using reactive P to bio-Ba ratios). Our investigations concentrate on Paleocene/Eocene sections of Sites 689/690 from Maud Rise and Site 738 from Kerguelen Plateau. In both regions, export productivity, organic C burial flux, and the fraction of organic C buried relative to export productivity decreased from the Paleocene/early Eocene to the middle Eocene. A shift is indicated from an early Paleogene two-gyre circulation in which nutrients were not efficiently recycled to the surface via upwelling in these regions, to a circulation more like the present day with efficient recycling of nutrients to the surface ocean. Export productivity was enhanced for Kerguelen Plateau relative to Maud Rise throughout the early Paleogene, possibly due to internal waves generated by the plateau regardless of gyre circulation.
Avoiding bias when aggregating relational data with degree disparity

A common characteristic of relational data sets --degree disparity--can lead relational learning algorithms to discover misleading correlations. Degree disparity occurs when the frequency of a relation is correlated with the values of the target variable. In such cases, aggregation functions used by many relational learning algorithms will result in misleading correlations and added complexity in models. We examine this problem through a combination of simulations and experiments. We show how two novel hypothesis testing procedures can adjust for the effects of using aggregation functions in the presence of degree disparity.
The Scanning Mechanism of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation

In eukaryotes, the translation initiation codon is generally identified by the scanning mechanism, wherein every triplet in the messenger RNA leader is inspected for complementarity to the anticodon of methionyl initiator transfer RNA (Met-tRNAi). Binding of Met-tRNAi to the small (40S) ribosomal subunit, in a ternary complex (TC) with eIF2-GTP, is stimulated by eukaryotic initiation factor 1 (eIF1), eIF1A, eIF3, and eIF5, and the resulting preinitiation complex (PIC) joins the 5' end of mRNA preactivated by eIF4F and poly(A)-binding protein. RNA helicases remove secondary structures that impede ribosome attachment and subsequent scanning. Hydrolysis of eIF2-bound GTP is stimulated by eIF5 in the scanning PIC, but completion of the reaction is impeded at non-AUG triplets. Although eIF1 and eIF1A promote scanning, eIF1 and possibly the C-terminal tail of eIF1A must be displaced from the P decoding site to permit base-pairing between Met-tRNAi and the AUG codon, as well as to allow subsequent phosphate release from eIF2-GDP. A second GTPase, eIF5B, catalyzes the joining of the 60S subunit to produce an 80S initiation complex that is competent for elongation.
Time domains of neuronal Ca2+ signaling and associative memory: steps through a calexcitin, ryanodine receptor, K+ channel cascade

Synaptic changes that underlie associative learning and memory begin with temporally related activity of two or more independent synaptic inputs to common postsynaptic targets. In turn, temporally related molecular events regulate cytosolic Ca2+ during progressively longer-lasting time domains. Associative learning behaviors of living animals have been correlated with changes of neuronal voltage-dependent K+ currents, protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation and synthesis of the Ca2+ and GTP-binding protein, calexcitin (CE),and increased expression of the Ca2+-releasing ryanodine receptor (type II). These molecular events, some of which have been found to be dysfunctional in Alzheimer's disease, provide means of altering dendritic excitability and thus synaptic efficacy during induction, consolidation and storage of associative memory. Apparently, such stages of behavioral learning correspond to sequential differences of Ca2+ signaling that could occur in spatially segregated dendritic compartments distributed across brain structures, such as the hippocampus.
Self-Promotion? Intimate Connections Between APC and Prostaglandin H Synthase-2

Oshima et al. 1996xOshima, M, Dinchuk, J.E, Kargman, S.L, Oshima, H, Hancock, B, Kwong, E, Trzaskos, J.M, Evans, J.F, and Taketo, M.M. Cell. 1996; 87Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (2078)See all ReferencesOshima et al. 1996 have proven that COX-2 expression is an early event in the APC pathway of colon neoplasia, which suggests that drugs that inhibit COX-2 should be broadly effective in chemoprevention of colon cancer. Much remains to be learned: in the clinic, will specific inhibitors of COX-2 be more effective than those that inhibit both isoforms? Will inhibition of COX-2 be as effective in sporadic polyps and HNPCC as in FAP patients? What accounts for the residual cases of neoplasia—is it a rare event that occurs only in some early polyps, or will all of them eventually escape the inhibitory effect? How should chemoprevention with COX inhibitors be integrated into current surveillance and intervention protocols? In the laboratory, there also are important questions: how does COX-2 expression become dysregulated after loss of APC function? Is it transcriptional, and, if so, through which factors? Is COX-2 expression alone sufficient to cause colon neoplasia? What are the important products and what is the signaling pathway? Which cellular responses lead to tumors (e.g., loss of apoptosis, others)? The distance ahead shouldn't obscure how successful the journey has been already: an early, central biochemical step in colon carcinogenesis has been identified by pharmacological and genetic approaches. Also, there are safe inhibitors of the enzyme, suggesting that application to clinical practice should follow promptly.
On comparing load indices using oracle simulation

Oracle simulation is used to compare different load measures in terms of their impact on the performance of load balancing policies. During oracle simulation, the system is simulated and the performance measure of interest is evaluated in the future for each possible decision in the current state. By comparing the value of the performance measure in the future, the optimal decision for the current state can be reached. It is shown that the obvious load measures can be classified into two sets. The first set includes the instantaneous queue length, average queue length, utilization, response ratio, and total unfinished work. Any of these measures can greatly improve system performance. The other set includes arrival rate and throughput. These measures have only a slight effect on performance. The performance of practical load balancing policies that do not use future information supports the same conclusion. >
Sacralising signals for the institution and the individual: KZN and the LDS church’s approach to radio as a new medium

This study examines LDS Church discourse about radio to better understand the religion’s adoption of the medium during its formative years, namely 1922-1927. Steve Wurtzler’s transcription-signification lens is connected to LDS belief in individual and institutional revelation in order to explore the Church’s hopes and fears surrounding radio as a new communication medium. LDS leaders used radio technology discursively as a metaphor for communicating with God, as a way to explain his existence and power, and as a means for reconciling science and religion. This discourse worked effectively to balance tensions between hierarchical control and individual agency by establishing radio as a sacred and powerful means of communication and a blessing for all within the religious community.
MÖSSBAUER HYPERFINE FIELDS IN RBa2 (Cu0.97Fe0.03)3O7-x [R = Y, Pr, Er]

Room temperature 57Fe Mossbauer spectra of RBa2 (Cu0.97Fe0.03)3O7-x [R = Y, Pr, Er] were obtained from samples with varying x. A magnetically-split hyperfine field spectrum was observed for the most oxygen-deficient Y sample, for all the Pr samples, and for none of the Er samples.
Far infrared spectrum of Methanol-D 2 in the lowest torsional state (e 0 )

Abstract The infrared (IR) and far infrared (FIR) absorption spectra have been measured for the Methanol-D1 and D2 species in the wave number range of 20–1200 cm−1 at the Justus Liebig Universitat in Giessen, Germany using a Bruker Fourier Transform spectrometer at a resolution of 0.002 cm−1. The spectra looked very complicated but analyses were possible for the lower lying states. At higher wave number regions spectra of few vibrational fundamental modes were visible. In this communication, the details of the assignments and analyses of the lowest lying internal rotational state (e0) for Methanol-D2 are reported. A catalog of about 900 assigned spectral lines has been prepared and is made available from the author to conserve space. As application of this work, it was possible to assign some optically pumped FIR laser lines to quantum states. The results should be useful for “radio astronomers” and in the field of optically pumped FIR and Sub-millimeter Wave (SMMW) lasers which are used in Tokamaks for plasma diagnostics and as local oscillators in radio detection from space.
Impaired cardiac function in rats with healed myocardial infarction: cellular vs. myocardial mechanisms

The inotropic responsiveness of isolated perfused rat hearts and single left ventricular (LV) myocytes to extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o) was examined 3 wk after ligation of left main coronary artery. Myocytes isolated from myocardial infarcted (MI) hearts were 10% longer. At [Ca2+]o of 1.1 mM, cell shortening as well as intracellular Ca2+ concentration dynamics were similar between MI and sham LV myocytes. At [Ca2+]o of 4.9 mM, maximal extent of cell shortening was significantly less in MI myocytes (16 +/- 1 vs. 22 +/- 1%), and peak intracellular Ca2+ concentration was also substantially lower. Thus, under conditions of high [Ca2+]o, decreased sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release during excitation-contraction may contribute to systolic dysfunction in MI hearts. Perfused working hearts and isovolumic heart preparations with infarcted LV displayed depressed maximal systolic pressure and decreased sensitivity to the inotropic effects of [Ca2+]o. Our data also indicate that, in addition to possible abnormalities in the contractile response of single myocytes, global factors such as loss of functional myocardium, altered chamber geometry, tissue fibrosis, and/or subendocardial ischemia contributed to depressed LV function in post-MI hearts perfused at physiological [Ca2+]o.
Collaborative Scholarship in Academic Library Literature: Who, What, and When

Academic librarianship is very much concerned with the scholarship of others, but what do we know about the scholarship of librarians? This empirical study examines the relationship between author demographics, article topic, and, in particular, faculty and librarian authorship collaboration in the academic library literature. Extensive data collection facilitated the analysis of trends, correlations, and frequencies. Significant findings were found regarding the number of authors, article type, and paper topic in the context of faculty and librarian authorship collaboration.
Thin Film Multichip Packaging for High Temperature Digital Electronics

Digital silicon carbide integrated circuits provide enhanced functionality for electronics in geothermal, aircraft and other high temperature applications. A multilayer thin film substrate technology has been developed to interconnect multiple SiC devices along with passive components. The conductor is vacuum deposited Ti/Ti:W/Au followed by an electroplated Au. A PECVD silicon nitride is used for the interlayer dielectric. Adhesion testing of the conductor and the dielectric was performed as deposited and after aging at 320°C. The electrical characteristics of the dielectric as a function of temperature were measured. Thermocompression flip chip bonding of Au stud bumped SiC die was used for electrical connection of the digital die to the thin film substrate metallization. Since polymer underfills are not compatible with 300°C operation, AlN was used as the base ceramic substrate to minimize the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the SiC die and the substrate. Initial die shear results are...
What they fight for: Specific territorial issues in militarized interstate disputes, 1816–2001

This paper provides a multifaceted classification of the primary issue for each state involved in territorial disputes between 1816 and 2001. I differentiate principally between cases in which ownership of the territory is disputed and cases over which status quo distributions of territory are acknowledged. I also consider the location of disputed territories—homeland vs other territories—and the types of actions in the dispute. This classification scheme produces categories such as (1) disputed ownership, (2) general border issues, (3) opportunity-based conflict, (4) state-system changes, (5) border violations, and (6) fishing rights and the hot pursuit of rebels. My analyses find that there is significant variation across types of territorial disputes, and serious conflicts are overwhelmingly concentrated in fights over bordering territories with disputed ownership claims. I suggest several ways in which this classification scheme can be used in future research.
Retrospect and prospect for blood pressure test among residents above 35 years old at first visit in Jiading district in Shanghai

Objective: To understand the policy development of blood pressure test blood pressure test among residents above 35 years old at first visit in Jiading district in Shanghai in order to provide a better reference for the development of the blood pressure test. Methods: Retrospect is from the following three aspects: the policy advancement of the blood pressure measurement, the progress of the work and the next step of the development of blood pressure test to first diagnosis above 35 years old. Results: The total of policy documents related to prevention and treatment of chronic disease, published by national, Shanghai municipal and Jiading District government department are 185. There are 22 policy documents aspects of the prevention and control of hypertension among these documents, and 11 involving measurement of blood pressure test in the first diagnosis patients above 35 years old, 5.95% proportion of above total policy documents. These policy documents involving blood pressure test are technical solutions. There are 3 policy documents (1 Shanghai municipal, 2 Jiading District) involving measurement of blood pressure test published in 1999 and before; and 4 policy documents (2 national, 2 Shanghai municipal) during 2000-2008; and 4 policy documents (4 national) published after 2009. At present, the work runs well in Jiading district, and the work runs better in the community health service center than the comprehensive hospital. Conclusions: More and more documents were released from the national department, provincial department and local health department so that solid policy guarantees the work of blood pressure test for residents above 35 years old at first visit in Jiading district in Shanghai. The development and use of information software provides a powerful tool for the pressure measurement. Along with the perfect of supporting measures, the work of blood pressure test to first diagnosis above 35 years old will be further developed and improved.
A Chronology of Global Assistance Funding for NCD

Abstract Funding from the global community for noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention and control in developing countries is miniscule—dwarfed by donor support for communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and other traditional health concerns in low-income countries. Yet, NCD now constitute the bulk of illness and deaths in low-income countries with, to date, only a small uptick in donor funding evident as a response. This paper describes recent magnitude and trends in the development of assistance for NCD; identifies the main sources among the 3 groupings of multilateral, bilateral, and private philanthropic funders; and discusses issues in tracking NCD donor funding, and challenges to mobilizing donor funding for NCD. Finally, it concludes with a more (slightly) optimistic outlook.
Pharmacotherapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain and quality of life: A systematic review

Objective: To systematically assess the effect of pharmacologic treatments of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) on pain and quality of life. Methods: We searched PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for systematic reviews from 2011 to October 12, 2015, and PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for primary studies from January 1, 2013, to May 24, 2016. We searched Clinicaltrials.gov on March 9, 2016. Two reviewers independently evaluated studies for eligibility, serially abstracted data, and independently evaluated risk of bias and graded strength of evidence (SOE). Results: We updated a recently completed systematic review of 57 eligible studies with 24 additional published studies and 25 unpublished studies. For reducing neuropathy-related pain, the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors duloxetine and venlafaxine (moderate SOE), the anticonvulsants pregabalin and oxcarbazepine (low SOE), the drug classes tricyclic antidepressants (low SOE) and atypical opioids (low SOE), and botulinum toxin (low SOE) were more effective than placebo. We could not draw conclusions about quality of life due to incomplete reporting. All studies were short-term (less than 6 months), and all effective drugs had more than 9% dropouts from adverse effects. Conclusions: For reducing pain, duloxetine and venlafaxine, pregabalin and oxcarbazepine, tricyclic antidepressants, atypical opioids, and botulinum toxin were more effective than placebo. However, quality of life was poorly reported, studies were short-term, drugs had substantial dropout rates, and opioids have significant risks. Future studies should evaluate longer-term outcomes, use methods and measures recommended by pain organizations, and assess patients9 quality of life.
The Role of Energy Policy Beliefs

This chapter examines the role of energy policy beliefs in the generation of attitudes about the tradeoffs involved in the siting of alternative energy technologies. In this chapter we are trying to answer questions about whether perceptions of impending scarcity in the resources required for energy production, the relationship of energy production to the country’s national security, and the potential ameliorative role of technology in addressing energy issues for the United States, influence beliefs about AET tradeoffs.
SparkGIS: Resource Aware Efficient In-Memory Spatial Query Processing

Much effort has been devoted to support high performance spatial queries on large volumes of spatial data in distributed spatial computing systems, especially in the MapReduce paradigm. Recent works have focused on extending spatial MapReduce frameworks to leverage high performance in-memory distributed processing capabilities of systems such as Spark. However, the performance advantage comes with the requirement of having enough memory and comprehensive configuration. Failing to fulfill this falls back to disk IO, defeating the purpose of such systems or in worst case gets out of memory and fails the job. The problem is aggravated further for spatial processing since the underlying in-memory systems are oblivious of spatial data features and characteristics. In this paper we present SparkGIS - an in-memory oriented spatial data querying system for high throughput and low latency spatial query handling by adapting Apache Spark's distributed processing capabilities. It supports basic spatial queries including containment, spatial join and k-nearest neighbor and allows extending these to complex query pipelines. SparkGIS mitigates skew in distributed processing by supporting several dynamic partitioning algorithms suitable for a rich set of contemporary application scenarios. Multilevel global and local, pre-generated and on-demand in-memory indexes, allow SparkGIS to prune input data and apply compute intensive operations on a subset of relevant spatial objects only. Finally, SparkGIS employs dynamic query rewriting to gracefully manage large spatial query workflows that exceed available distributed resources. Our comparative evaluation has shown that the performance of SparkGIS is on par with contemporary Spark based platforms for relatively smaller queries and outperforms them for larger data and memory intensive workflows by dynamic query rewriting and efficient spatial data management.
Résultats d’une enquête sur les pratiques et attitudes des chercheurs de l’Université Concordia en matière de gestion des données de recherche

Selon les resultats d’un sondage et d’une serie d’entrevues realises aupres de professeurs a l’Universite Concordia a Montreal en 2015-2016 pour comprendre les besoins et les attitudes des chercheurs canadiens en matiere de gestion des donnees, la majorite des chercheurs souhaitent mieux gerer, preserver et partager leurs donnees de recherche et reconnaissent les avantages de ce faire. En revanche, certaines contraintes les en empechent, tels le manque de mesures incitatives ou de ressources humaines et technologiques, les problemes associes a la confidentialite ou encore la volonte de garder un certain niveau de controle sur l’utilisation des donnees par autrui.
Frontal lobe functioning during a simple response conflict task in first-episode psychosis and its relationship to treatment response

Prior functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have investigated the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive control in patients with psychosis with findings of both hypo- and hyperfrontality. One factor that may contribute to inconsistent findings is the use of complex and polyfactorial tasks to investigate frontal lobe functioning. In the current study we employed a simple response conflict task during fMRI to examine differences in brain activation between patients experiencing their first-episode of psychosis (n = 33) and age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (n = 33). We further investigated whether baseline brain activation among patients predicted changes in symptom severity and treatment response following 12 weeks of controlled antipsychotic treatment. During the task subjects were instructed to press a response button on the same side or opposite side of a circle that appeared on either side of a central fixation point. Imaging data revealed that for the contrast of opposite-side vs. same-side, patients showed significantly greater activation compared with healthy volunteers in the anterior cingulate cortex and intraparietal sulcus. Among patients, greater baseline anterior cingulate cortex, temporal-parietal junction, and superior temporal cortex activation predicted greater symptom reduction and therapeutic response following treatment. All findings remained significant after covarying for task performance. Intact performance on this relatively parsimonious task was associated with frontal hyperactivity suggesting the need for patients to utilize greater neural resources to achieve task performance comparable to healthy individuals. Moreover, frontal hyperactivity observed using a simple fMRI task may provide a biomarker for predicting treatment response in first-episode psychosis.
Discoveries in Down syndrome: moving basic science to clinical care.

Abstract This review describes recent discoveries in neurobiology of Down syndrome (DS) achieved with use of mouse genetic models and provides an overview of experimental approaches aimed at development of pharmacological restoration of cognitive function in people with this developmental disorder. Changes in structure and function of synaptic connections within the hippocampal formation of DS model mice, as well as alterations in innervations of the hippocampus by noradrenergic and cholinergic neuromodulatory systems, provided important clues for potential pharmacological treatments of cognitive disabilities in DS. Possible molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this genetic disorder have been addressed. We discuss novel mechanisms engaging misprocessing of amyloid precursor protein (App) and other proteins, through their affect on axonal transport and endosomal dysfunction, to “Alzheimer-type” neurodegenerative processes that affect cognition later in life. In conclusion, a number of therapeutic strategies have been defined that may restore cognitive function in mouse models of DS. In the juvenile and young animals, these strategists focus on restoration of synaptic plasticity, rate of adult neurogenesis, and functions of the neuromodulatory subcortical systems. Later in life, the major focus is on recuperation of misprocessed App and related proteins. It is hoped that the identification of an increasing number of potential targets for pharmacotherapy of cognitive deficits in DS will add to the momentum for creating and completing clinical trials.
Stationary State Thermodynamics

Classical thermodynamics characterizes macroscopic systems at equilibrium; statistical thermodynamics generates averages of thermodynamic parameters from microscopic molecular information. Irreversible thermodynamics explores macroscopic systems displaced, but close to equilibrium. However, the majority of systems are neither at or near equilibrium. Far from equilibrium, new phenomena require a more global examination of the roles of energy and organization. Far from equilibrium, a system might settle into a meta-stable equilibrium maintained by a flow of energy or particles. Far from equilibrium, a homogeneous system might spontaneously order. Reactive systems oscillate through metastable states without coming to a single stable equilibrium. Aspects of these more complicated phenomena are introduced using some simple models.
Amorphous Grain Boundary Phases in Ferrimagnetic (Mn, Zn)Fe2O4 and Ferroelectric PZT Ceramics

Thin intergranular amorphous phases in (Mn, Zn)Fe9O4, and Pb(Zr.52 Ti.48)O3 ceramics have been studied using electron microscopy and microanalysis. The Ca-rich amorphous phase in (Mn, Zn) Fe2O4 affects the magnetic permeability, and the Pb-rich amorphous phase is shown to affect the poling in PZT.
Treatment of Bone Fractures Prior to 1960

From today’s perspective, it is hard to imagine how fractures were treated well into the 1950s and even into the 1960s. Upon arrival at the Davos Hospital, a patient with a lower leg fracture from a skiing accident was typically treated by first stabilizing the broken limb, then by placing the limb into a plaster cast, and finally by having the patient rest for many weeks in traction, in a hospital bed, until the bone healed. The traction was a complicated looking system, often with a nail put through the patient’s heel and weights attached with ropes to the extended limb. The plaster cast would have to be kept on for 8–12 weeks, during which time the patient was subject to reduced mobility. After the plaster cast was removed, patients would then have to learn how to walk again.
A novel technique for the subfascial insertion of magnetically controlled growing rods - The Alder Hey technique.

Purpose: In this study, we would like to describe a novel technique for subfascial insertion of magnetically controlled growing rods using chest drain during surgery for early-onset scoliosis. Materials and Methods: Posterior approach, surgical dissection to the spine is performed exposing the relevant anatomy to allow placement of pedicle screws always in the distal construct and pedicle screws or hooks in the proximal construct. To allow easy passage of the Magnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) rod, as well as easy maneuvering of the rod in either the cranial to caudal direction, we use a chest drain of size 24 French diameter as a tunnel. This allows surgeons to fit the nonflexible part of MAGEC rod in the middle of the deformity and cut to length passed through the chest drain from a cranial to caudal position and then chest drain is removed. Results: A total of 40 children with early-onset scoliosis had insertion of MAGEC rods using this technique. There were 21 female and 19 male patients. Early-onset scoliosis etiology is idiopathic in 20 patients, neuromuscular in 16 patients, and others in 4 patients. Median age across all groups was 7 years (range 4–13) at the time of surgery. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 56 months with a median of 24 months. Conclusion: The use of a chest drain during subfascial passage of magnetically controlled growing rod is a safe, reliable, reproducible novel technique. This shortens overall time of surgery in our experience.
AMPK-mediated activation of Akt protects renal tubular cells from stress-induced apoptosis in vitro and ameliorates ischemic AKI in vivo.

We have reported that preconditioning renal tubular cells (RTCs) with A-769662 [a pharmacological activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)] reduces apoptosis of RTCs induced by subsequent s...
Substrate selection by the proteasome through initiation regions

Proteins in the cell have to be eliminated once their function is no longer desired or they become damaged. Most regulated protein degradation is achieved by a large enzymatic complex called the proteasome. Many proteasome substrates are targeted for degradation by the covalent attachment of ubiquitin molecules. Ubiquitinated proteins can be bound by the proteasome, but for proteolysis to occur the proteasome needs to find a disordered tail somewhere in the target at which it initiates degradation. The initiation step contributes to the specificity of proteasomal degradation. Here, we review how the proteasome selects initiation sites within its substrates and discuss how the initiation step affects physiological processes.
A microchip microcontroller-based transducer controller for non-contact scanning probe microscopy with phase-locked loop, amplitude, and Q control

An inexpensive yet versatile transducer controller for non-contact scanning probe microscopy (SPM) based on a PIC32 microcontroller from Microchip Technology, Inc is described. In addition to feedback control using the amplitude or phase of the signal from the non-contact transducer, the controller includes a phase-locked loop for frequency-shift feedback, as well as fixed-amplitude, quality factor (Q) control, and self-excitation modes. Apart from the input amplifiers, output buffers, and the Q-control circuit, all other functions of the controller are instantiated in software on the microchip, enabling rapid changes in operating parameters if needed. The controller communicates with a host personal computer via a simple serial connection. The controller has been tested with a quartz tuning-fork transducer but can be used with any oscillating non-contact transducer.
Recent Advances in HIV-1 Gag Inhibitor Design and Development

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has improved the life quality of many patients since its implementation. However, resistance mutations and the accumulation of severe side effects associated with cART remain enormous challenges that need to be addressed with the continual design and redesign of anti-HIV drugs. In this review, we focus on the importance of the HIV-1 Gag polyprotein as the master coordinator of HIV-1 assembly and maturation and as an emerging drug target. Due to its multiple roles in the HIV-1 life cycle, the individual Gag domains are attractive but also challenging targets for inhibitor design. However, recent encouraging developments in targeting the Gag domains such as the capsid protein with highly potent and potentially long-acting inhibitors, as well as the exploration and successful targeting of challenging HIV-1 proteins such as the matrix protein, have demonstrated the therapeutic viability of this important protein. Such Gag-directed inhibitors have great potential for combating the AIDS pandemic and to be useful tools to dissect HIV-1 biology.
Robust Deep Reservoir Computing Through Reliable Memristor With Improved Heat Dissipation Capability

Deep neural networks (DNNs), a brain-inspired learning methodology, requires tremendous data for training before performing inference tasks. The recent studies demonstrate a strong positive correlation between the inference accuracy and the size of the DNNs and datasets, which leads to an inevitable demand for large DNNs. However, conventional memory techniques are not adequate to deal with the drastic growth of dataset and neural network size. Recently, a resistive memristor has been widely considered as the next generation memory device owing to its high density and low power consumption. Nevertheless, its high switching resistance variations (cycle-to-cycle) restrict its feasibility in deep learning. In this work, a novel memristor configuration with the enhanced heat dissipation feature is fabricated and evaluated to address this challenge. Our experimental results demonstrate our memristor reduces the resistance variation by ~ 30% and the inference accuracy increases correspondingly in a similar range. The accuracy increment is evaluated by our deep delay-feed-back reservoir computing (Deep-DFR) model. The design area, power consumption, and latency are reduced by ~48%, ~42%, and ~67%, respectively, compared to the conventional static random-access memory technique (6T). The performance of our memristor is improved at various degrees (~13%–73%) compared to the state-of-the-art memristors.
A Method for Grouping Emergency Department Visits by Severity and Complexity.

Introduction: Triage functions to quickly prioritize care and sort patients by anticipated resource needs. Despite widespread use of the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), there is still no universal standard for emergency department (ED) triage. Thus, it can be difficult to objectively assess national trends in ED acuity and resource requirements. We sought to derive an ESI from National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) survey items (NHAMCS-ESI) and to assess the performance of this index with respect to stratifying outcomes, including hospital admission, waiting times, and ED length of stay (LOS).Methods: We used data from the 2010-2015 NHAMCS, to create a measure of ED visit complexity based on variables within NHAMCS. We used NHAMCS data on chief complaint, vitals, resources used, interventions, and pain level to group ED visits into five levels of acuity using a stepwise algorithm that mirrored ESI. In addition, we examined associations of NHAMCS-ESI with typical indicators of acuity such as waiting time, LOS, and disposition. The NHAMCS-ESI categorization was also compared against the “immediacy” variable across all of these outcomes. Visit counts used weighted scores to estimate national levels of ED visits.Results: The NHAMCS ED visits represent an estimated 805,726,000 ED visits over this time period. NHAMCS-ESI categorized visits somewhat evenly, with most visits (42.5%) categorized as a level 3. The categorization pattern is distinct from that of the “immediacy” variable within NHAMCS. Of admitted patients, 89% were categorized as NHAMCS-ESI level 2-3. Median ED waiting times increased as NHAMCS-ESI levels decreased in acuity (from approximately 14 minutes to 25 minutes). Median LOS decreased as NHAMCS-ESI decreased from almost 200 minutes for level 1 patients to nearly 80 minutes for level 5 patients.Conclusion: We derived an objective tool to measure an ED visit’s complexity and resource use. This tool can be validated and used to compare complexity of ED visits across hospitals and regions, and over time.
Preliminary Assessment of the Healthy Beverage Index for US Children and Adolescents: A Tool to Quantify the Overall Beverage Intake Quality of 2- to 19-Year Olds.

Abstract Background Improving beverage patterns of children and adolescents is recommended for combatting obesity and reducing disease risk. Therefore, it is important to assess beverage intake quality in this population. For adults, the Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) was created to assess beverage intake quality, but a similar tool did not exist for children and adolescents. Objective The objective was to develop an HBI for US Children and Adolescents (HBI-CA), and then assess the validity and reliability of this tool. Design Modeled after the adult HBI, age-specific, evidence-based beverage recommendations were compiled. Ten components were included to assess beverage intake quality. Validity and reliability were assessed using cross-sectional data and methods similar to those used for the evaluation of the Healthy Eating Index. Participants The 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey provided 24-hour dietary recall data for 2,874 children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years. Main outcome measures HBI-CA scores were the main outcome measure. Statistical analyses performed To assess validity, independent t tests were used to determine differences in HBI-CA component and total scores among groups, and principal component analysis was completed to examine multidimensionality of the HBI-CA. Pearson bivariate correlations were used to assess reliability. Results The HBI-CA produced a (mean ± standard error) total score of 69.2 ± 0.8, which is similar to the adult HBI mean total score of 63. Principal component analysis identified six factors, indicating the multidimensionality of the HBI-CA, with more than one combination of components contributing to variation in total scores. Most HBI-CA components were significantly correlated to the total score, with met fluid requirements, total beverage energy, sugar-sweetened beverage, and water components demonstrating the strongest correlations (r range = 0.335-0.735; P ≤ 0.01). Conclusions The results provide preliminary evidence to support the validity and reliability of the HBI-CA. If future research establishes the predictive validity and sensitivity of the HBI-CA, this tool could be useful to quantify the beverage intake quality of children and adolescents.
Negative Traffic Externalities and Infant Health: The Role of Income Heterogeneity and Residential Sorting

Road traffic is associated with a variety of negative externalities such as air pollution and environmental noise, with significant short- and long-run health impacts on infants. This paper empirically quantifies the effects of traffic negative externalities on infant health, focusing especially on how they differ across income groups. We assemble a rich micro-dataset of infant birth outcomes, parental demographics, and neighborhood characteristics to specify and estimate a health model and an equilibrium sorting model. Our results demonstrate that traffic negative externalities reduce birth weights by over two times greater in the lowest-income than in the highest-income families. In addition, the effect of change in income from the poorest to the richest group lifts average birth weights by 0.56% among exposed families, while the income change has no impact on unexposed families. We also find that policies affecting traffic pollution exposure lead to residential sorting. The self-selection of the sorting process causes the lowest-income families to allocate away from neighborhoods experiencing policy-driven environmental improvement, negating the positive benefits of environmental policy. The magnitude of the sorting effect, however, is relatively small.
Commemorating Martial Law as Treason

How and why have Polish state institutions constructed an official public memory of martial law (1981–1983) despite plural interpretations and growing apathy and amnesia in the broader society? Bet...
In vivo reduction of chromium (VI) and its related free radical generation.

Chromium (VI) compounds are widely recognized as human carcinogens. Extensive studiesin vitroand in model systems indicate that the reactive intermediate, Cr (V), generated by cellular reduction of Cr (VI), is likely the candidate for the ultimate carcinogenic form of chromium compounds. Here we review our current understanding of the in vivo reduction of Cr (VI) and its related free radical generation. Our results demonstrate that Cr (V) is indeed generated from the reduction of Cr (VI)in vivoand that Cr (V) thus formed can mediate the generation of free radicals. Cr (V) and its related free radicals are very likely to be involved in the mechanism of Cr (Vl)-induced toxicity and carcinogenesis. These studies also illustrate thatin vivoEPR spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging can be very useful and powerful tools for studying paramagnetic metal ions in chemical and biochemical reactions occurring in intact animals. (Mol Cell Biochem 222: 41-47, 2001)
Temporal and altitudinal variations in the attached algae of mountain streams in Colorado

Attached algae were examined from eight sites in Central Colorado streams (five sites on St. Vrain Creek and three on the Snake River) between June and November, 1995. The sites ranged in elevation from 1600 m to 3500 m a.s.l.(plains zone to alpine zone). Seasonal variation in algal communities were qualified in forms of species composition and abundance (cell counts and biovolumes). The Ochiai coefficient of similarity was used to estimate degree of similarity between communities at different times, on different streams, and at different locations on the same stream. The composition of communities across streams for alpine and foothills zones was very close, but montane communities differed greatly across streams (similarity < 0.1). Temporal variability of attached algae was almost absent in the alpine zone, but was high in other zones. The composition of the alpine community in August developed downstream with a temporal shift: October in the montane and foothills zones, November in the plains zone.
Electronic recording of forceps delivery.

Abstract 1. 1. Strain gage applications on a Simpson obstetric forceps and Bill axis-traction handle were utilized to record traction and compression exerted on the fetal head in 181 deliveries. 2. 2. Total forces were best visualized by computing the time-force area as well as recording the single maximum point. 3. 3. The average maximum traction was 42.3 pounds and total 796; the average maximum compression of one blade was 4.95 pounds and total 152. 4. 4. Compression was not directly proportional to traction, was usually quite constant after application, and varied with traction primarily in premature infants and those in the occipitoposterior position. 5. 5. Traction was elevated in deliveries of first and second infants, those in the occipitoposterior position, babies weighing over 3,000 grams and those with Apgar ratings of 1 to 3; varying types of anesthesia and the time of episiotomy had little effect.
The stability of magnetohydrodynamic shear flow with transverse magnetic field

A Liapunov functional is constructed for the plane parallel flow of an inviscid, compressible, perfectly conducting fluid permeated by a transverse magnetic field. Sufficient conditions for stability to infinitesimal perturbations are obtained. TheL2-norms of certain system variables are shown to be bounded uniformly in time.
Neonatal infant mortality: Before and after the use of the air lock for the treatment of newborn infants in a large maternity hospital

Abstract 1. 1. The reduction in the forty-eight hour neonatal death rate in 1952 in the St. Joseph's Maternity Hospital has exceeded considerably the original optimistic report. 2. 2. There has occurred a reduction in the forty-eight hour neonatal death rate of the term infant in the St. Joseph's Maternity Hospital in Houston from 63 per 10,000 term deliveries in 1949 to 37 per 10,000 term deliveries in 1952 because of early and rapid oxygenation to establish respirations. This is a reduction of 41 per cent and represents a salvage of 26 infants from a former loss of 63 term infants. 3. 3. There has occurred a reduction in the forty-eight hour neonatal death rate of the premature infant in the St. Joseph's Maternity Hospital in Houston from 2,228 deaths per 10,000 premature deliveries in 1949 to 1,504 deaths per 10,000 premature deliveries in 1952, a reduction of 32.5 per cent. This represents a salvaging of 724 premature infants from a former loss of 2,228 premature infants per 10,000 premature infant deliveries. 4. 4. The primary causes for this reduction are believed at the present time to be (1) the rapid oxygenation of the anoxic infant by the air lock and (2) an increased rate of metamorphosis of the low cuboidal cells lining the alveolar sacs brought about by pressure changes in the air lock whereby these cells change to a flattened type causing an increased efficiency of the lungs through providing a greater surface of the cells lining the alveolar sacs for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The Short-Term Reaction To The Dividend Tax Reduction

With the passage of the Jobs and Growth Reconciliation Act of 2003, the maximum tax rate on dividend income was lowered from 38.6% to 15%. This eliminated the traditional tax disadvantage that dividend income had relative to capital gains income. Theoretically, this should have led a significant number of firms to increase their dividend payments. In an empirical analysis of firm dividend payments after the dividend tax reduction took effect, it was found that there was a statistically significant increase in the number of firms raising their dividends. For example, in the third quarter of 2003, 4.6% more firms increased their dividends than did so in the third quarter in 2002. Similarly, 4.9% more firms increased their dividend payments in the fourth quarter of 2003 than did so in the fourth quarter of 2002. A logit regression analysis of dividend changes showed that most of the change in the number of dividend increases was caused by the dividend tax reduction and not other factors such as earnings, earnings stability, investment opportunities or firm size. The logit regression analysis also indicated that the dividend tax reduction increased by 3.7% (4.2%) the probability that the average sample firm would increase its dividend payment in the third (fourth) quarter of 2003. It was also found that the greater a firm's blockholder share ownership the less likely the firm was to increase its dividend payment following the dividend tax reduction. CEO and other officer and director share ownership were found to be unrelated to the probability that a firm would increase its dividend payment.