cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and COPII generate LC3 lipidation vesicles from the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment

Formation of the autophagosome requires significant membrane input from cellular organelles. However, no direct evidence has been developed to link autophagic factors and the mobilization of membranes to generate the phagophore. Previously, we established a cell-free LC3 lipidation reaction to identify the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) as a membrane source for LC3 lipidation, a key step of autophagosome biogenesis (Ge et al., eLife 2013; 2:e00947). We now report that starvation activation of autophagic phosphotidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) induces the generation of small vesicles active in LC3 lipidation. Subcellular fractionation studies identified the ERGIC as the donor membrane in the generation of small lipidation-active vesicles. COPII proteins are recruited to the ERGIC membrane in starved cells, dependent on active PI3K. We conclude that starvation activates the autophagic PI3K, which in turn induces the recruitment of COPII to the ERGIC to bud LC3 lipidation-active vesicles as one potential membrane source of the autophagosome.
Use of site-directed mutagenesis to destabilize native apomyoglobin relative to folding intermediates

Site-directed mutagenesis has been used to study the effect on the stability of human apomyoglobin (apoMb) of modifying the size, hydrophobicity, and charge of a central residue in the G.B helix-helix packing interface. Some stability measurements have also been made on the corresponding holomyoglobins (heme present). Cys-110, a central helix pairing residue in the G helix, has been changed to Ala, Ser, Asp, and Leu. Stability to low-pH-induced unfolding has been measured for both native apoMb and the compact folding intermediate discovered by Griko et al. (Griko, Y. V., Privalov, P. L., Venyaminov, S. Y., & Kutyshenko, V. P. (1988) J. Mol. Biol. 202, 127-1381. As judged by its circular dichroism spectrum, this intermediate has a substantial helix content (about 35%). Whether or not this inferred helical structure is closely related to the myoglobin structure is not yet known. The mutational evidence shows that integrity of GOB helix pairing is important for the stability of apoMb as well as of myoglobin and that this helix pairing site is very sensitive to both steric and electrostatic disruption. Our results also suggest that G.B helix pairing does not stabilize the compact intermediate; hence, disrupting this site destabilizes the native protein relative to the compact intermediate. Such selective destabilization of the native state relative to equilibrium folding intermediates is not restricted to acid denaturation: urea denaturation of the Leu mutant appears to display at least one stable intermediate, while wild-type and the remaining mutant apoMbs undergo two-state urea unfolding transitions.
Developmental Issues and Milestones

Autism has been described as a lifelong disorder that emerges in the first year or two of life (Kanner, 1943). Whereas Kanner’s longitudinal assessment of his original cohort (Kanner & Eisenberg, 1956) and the few follow-up studies that have been conducted through to adulthood suggest a generally stable diagnosis, recent literature challenges the notion that autism is definitively stable in all individuals diagnosed earlier in life. Prior studies indicate that most individuals diagnosed with autism continue to exhibit symptoms, whether profound or residual, through developmental stages; however, specific information about patterns of symptom change continues to be limited. In part, this is because research focused on examining symptomatology over the life course is inherently impeded by changes in diagnostic methodology, limitations of currently available assessment technology (particularly for older individuals), and other factors that may influence our ability to measure changes in the presentation of autism symptoms over time. This chapter explores the extant literature on symptom presentation across various developmental stages, ranging from onset during infancy, patterns of onset that include developmental regression, preschool through school-age years, and the adolescent/adulthood period. The chapter will focus on autistic disorder, but will consider the fuller spectrum that includes pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome (AS), particularly in the discussion of diagnostic stability. The term autism spectrum disorders (ASD) will be used when collectively referencing this group of disorders.
Inverse Suspension Polymerization of Partially Neutralized and Lightly Cross‐Linked Acrylic Acid: Effect of Reaction Parameters

An inverse suspension polymerization was carried out in laboratory in one Liter Buchi glass reactor to produce superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) based on acrylic monomers for hygiene applications. Strongly water absorbing polymers, based on acrylic acid, sodium acrylate were prepared by copolymerization using potassium per sulfate as initiator and N-N' methylene-bisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinking agent. The effect of varying monomer, crosslinker, initiator, dispersant concentration, time of reaction and degree of neutralization, on absorption capacities was investigated. In the present studies, the continuous hydrocarbon phase was taken as 50 : 5 0 mixture of n-heptane and cyclohexane (aliphatic-alicyclic) because the availability of crosslinker in the aqueous phase is controlled by the partition coefficient of the crosslinker between the aqueous phase and the continuous hydrocarbon phase. The SAPs were evaluated for their free absorption capacities in distilled water, saline (0.9% NaCl), and also absorption under load (AUL). The experimental results show that these SAPs have good absorbency both in water and NaCl solutions. It was observed that SAP synthesized from acrylic acid with about 70% degree of neutralization, containing 1% cross-linker, and 0.5-1.0% initiator concentration with 10% dispersant exhibited absorption capacities in water, saline and AUL as 220 g/g, 7 0 g/g and 27 g/g respectively.
Modified Approach for Robotic Retroauricular Thyroidectomy: Preclinical Simulation and a Surgical Case.

Background. Recently, a single remote access retroauricular robotic technique has been described for thyroid lobectomy. We aimed to explore the feasibility and safety of modifying this novel approa...
Identification of microRNAs in exosomes isolated from serum and umbilical cord blood, as well as placentomes of gestational day 90 pregnant sheep

Despite reports that circulating levels of maternal serum exosomes increase during pregnancy and that placenta-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in humans, little is known about exosomes and miRNAs during pregnancy in agriculture animals. In this study, we characterized the expression of 94 miRNAs in ovine placentomes at gestation day (GD) 90 by real-time PCR, and then investigated the presence of these miRNAs in exosome samples isolated from maternal jugular blood in non-pregnant ewes and at GD30 and GD90 and in umbilical blood collected at GD90. In maternal jugular exosome samples, 13 miRNAs were present in lower and 12 miRNAs were present in higher amounts at GD90 compared to non-pregnant (GD0) or GD30. Additionally, 12 miRNAs were present in higher amounts in umbilical venous exosomes compared to umbilical arterial exosomes; only miR-132 was lower in exosomes isolated from umbilical venous blood than from umbilical arterial blood. In placentome samples, miR-34c and miR135a abundance was higher in cotyledon tissue than in caruncle, while miR-183 and miR-379 amounts were higher in caruncle than cotyledon tissue. Only miR-379 was differentially expressed in all serum exosomes and placentome samples. Pathway analysis predicted that differentially expressed maternal serum exosomal miRNAs target Cellular Growth and Proliferation and Organ Development pathways, while umbilical serum exosomal and placentomes miRNAs were predicted to target cellular development and organismal/embryonic development.
A brief history of waveform diversity

The U.S. Air Force has set an ambitious goal to be able to anticipate, find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess - anything, anytime, anywhere [1]. We will not achieve order of magnitude improvement in detection and tracking performance solely through larger antennas and more power. Instead, advanced signal processing techniques and system concepts will be required. Achieving the sought after demanding goals will instead require a distributed network of heterogeneous sensors.
Left Without a Word: Learning Rhythms, Rhymes, and Reasons in Adoption

Traditional psychoanalytic understandings of the social, cognitive, and emotional issues in adoption are in need of updating. A narrative approach to adoption can open exploration of this topic along new lines—making room for curiosity in adoptees, adoptive families, and those called on to assist them. If we theorize that the central dilemma for the adopted child is the creation of a coherent family narrative, that neurocognitive differences in the child contribute to the cognitive challenges of mourning and internalization, and that curiosity inhibition and separation problems are interrelated, we may better account for the difficulties with separating and managing complexity evident in the diminished socioemotional functioning of many adoptees. These difficulties, predictably, result in developmental delays but not impaired outcomes. Thus, for a period of time both family and adoptee must find ways to accommodate unexpected influences—from within and without. The adoptive father's role may be crucial fo...
Increased Activity of [gamma]-Glutamylcysteine Synthetase in Tomato Cells Selected for Cadmium Tolerance

Two cell lines of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv VFNTCherry) were systematically compared for their capacity to tolerate cadmium. Unselected CdS cells died in the presence of 0.3 mM CdC12. CdR6-O cells, which were selected from CdS, survived and grew in medium supplemented with 0.3 mM CdCIZ. Growth of CdR6-O cells under this condition was accompanied by synthesis of cadmium-binding phytochelatins and maintenance of cellular glutathione (CSH) levels. CdR6-O cells also exhibited increased tolerance to buthionine sulfoximine, in both the presence and absence of 0.1 mM CdCI2. The specific activity of y-glutamylcysteine synthetase (EC 6.3.2.2) was approximately 2-fold higher in CdR6-O cells than in CdS cells, whereas there was no difference between cell lines in specific activity of CSH synthetase (EC 6.3.2.3). Increased activity of the first enzyme of CSH biosynthesis in CdR6-O cells, presumably a result of selection for increased cadmium tolerance, provides an enhanced capacity to synthesize CSH and to maintain the production of phytochelatins in response to cadmium. This adaptation may contribute to the enhanced cadmium tolerance of CdR6-O cells.
Akt blocks ligand binding and protects against expanded polyglutamine androgen receptor toxicity

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by an expansion of the polyglutamine tract in the androgen receptor (AR). Here, we investigated the regulation of AR phosphorylation in order to understand factors that may modify SBMA disease progression. We show that expanded polyglutamine AR is phosphorylated by Akt. Substitution of the AR at two Akt consensus sites, S215 and S792, with aspartate, which mimics phosphorylation, reduces ligand binding, ligand-dependent nuclear translocation, transcriptional activation and toxicity of expanded polyglutamine AR. Co-expression of constitutively active Akt and the AR has similar consequences, which are blocked by alanine substitutions at residues 215 and 792. Furthermore, in motor neuron-derived MN-1 cells toxicity associated with polyglutamine-expanded AR is rescued by co-expression with Akt. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) stimulation, which activates several cell survival promoting pathways, also reduces toxicity of the expanded polyglutamine AR in MN-1 cells, in a manner dependent upon phospho-inositol-3-kinase. IGF-1 rescue of AR toxicity is diminished by alanine substitutions at the Akt consensus sites. These results highlight potential targets for therapeutic intervention in SBMA.
Observed Decadal North Atlantic Tripole SST Variability. Part I: Weather Noise Forcing and Coupled Response

AbstractThe mechanisms responsible for the decadal variability of the tripole mode of North Atlantic SST during the latter half of the twentieth century are diagnosed using a new technique. The SST and associated ocean variability are reconstructed by forcing an interactive ensemble coupled GCM by the surface fluxes resulting from weather noise. The weather noise surface fluxes are obtained from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis by removing the simulated atmospheric feedback to the observed SST evolution. Simulations are performed to reconstruct and estimate the contributions of the local weather noise heat flux and wind stress to the observed evolution of the tripole pattern. The results indicate that the North Atlantic tripole pattern is forced primarily by the local weather noise surface heat flux. The roles of several types of ocean circulation variability, including gyres forced by the wind stress weather noise, the wind stress feedback to the SST, and the meridional overturning circulation, are also examined...
The Nuclear Receptor Corepressor Deacetylase Activating Domain Is Essential for Repression by Thyroid Hormone Receptor

Nuclear receptor corepressor (N-CoR) mediates repression by thyroid hormone receptor (TR) as well as other nuclear hormone receptors and transcription factors. N-CoR contains several repression domains that repress transcription when fused to a heterologous DNA binding domain, but their relative importance in the full-length N-CoR molecule is unknown. Here we addressed this important issue by depleting N-CoR in human cells and replacing it with mutant and wild-type murine N-CoR. Although the N-terminal RD binds transducin β-like protein 1 (TBL1), TBLR1, and mSin3, deletion of this region did not affect the ability of N-CoR to mediate repression by TR. By contrast, deletion of the deacetylase activating domain (DAD) that binds and activates histone deacetylase 3 dramatically hampered N-CoR’s function as a TR corepressor. Introduction of a single amino acid mutation in the DAD similarly disabled the corepressor function of N-CoR. Thus, the DAD domain of N-CoR is singularly essential for repression by TR.
Post-fire geomorphic response in steep, forested landscapes: Oregon Coast Range, USA

Abstract The role of fire in shaping steep, forested landscapes depends on a suite of hydrologic, biologic, and geological characteristics, including the propensity for hydrophobic soil layers to promote runoff erosion during subsequent rainfall events. In the Oregon Coast Range, several studies postulate that fire primarily modulates sediment production via root reinforcement and shallow landslide susceptibility, although few studies have documented post-fire geomorphic response. Here, we describe field observations and topographic analyses for three sites in the central Oregon Coast Range that burned in 1999, 2002, and 2003. The fires generated strongly hydrophobic soil layers that did not promote runoff erosion because the continuity of the layers was interrupted by pervasive discontinuities that facilitated rapid infiltration. At each of our sites, fire generated significant colluvial transport via dry ravel, consistent with other field-based studies in the western United States. Fire-driven dry ravel accumulation in low-order valleys of our Sulphur Creek site equated to a slope-averaged landscape lowering of 2.5 mm. Given Holocene estimates of fire frequency, these results suggest that fire may contribute 10–20% of total denudation across steep, dissected portions of the Oregon Coast Range. In addition, we documented more rapid decline of root strength at our sites than has been observed after timber harvest, suggesting that root strength was compromised prior to fire or that intense heat damaged roots in the shallow subsurface. Given that fire frequencies in the Pacific Northwest are predicted to increase with continued climate change, our findings highlight the importance of fire-induced dry ravel and post-fire debris flow activity in controlling sediment delivery to channels.
Toward a standard IEEE Mover

It is noted that, since the early work on the IEEE Mass Storage System Reference Model (MSSRM) in the fall of 1983, mover functionality was recognized as an important part of a data storage system. After giving a brief overview of the Version 4 Mover, the changes and enhancements worked out by the Mover Subcommittee in the process of upgrading the Mover to Version 5, along with the rationale for these changes, are described. In Version 5 of the MSSRM, the Mover has changed from being almost totally dependent on an intimate connection to either the Storage Server or the Bitfile Client to being an independent, self-contained entity. The new Mover also has become somewhat of a guardian of the physical devices in a storage system and the bitfiles stored there. By adding security features and client authentication, the Mover now has the ability to protect data and allow various types of restricted access to devices. The author also discusses some of the issues that still need to be worked out by the IEEE Storage System Standards Working Group in integrating the Mover into the overall model and working toward a standard. >
Spectrum-Line Profile Analysis of a Magnesium Aluminate Spinel Sapphire Interface

Spatially resolved chemical composition and spectroscopic line profiles have been gathered from the space charge region across a spinel/sapphire interface using a dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope. The electron energy-loss spectra reveal an excess of Mg (relative to stoichiometric spinel) along with Cr segregated to the interfacial zone. A quantitative least squares decomposition of a spectrum-line profile of the Al L2, 3 absorption edge fine structures into two standard components clearly highlights the transition from sapphire into spinel; further analysis indicates that the degree of site inversion, which is the fractional occupancy of tetrahedral sites by trivalent Al, increases within 5 nm of the boundary. The overall charge neutrality at the interface is maintained by the increased concentration of negative charge, probably interstitial O anions which are also present in excess quantity relative to stoichiometric spinel and sapphire.
Diagnosis of Ageostrophic Circulations in a Two-Dimensional Primitive Equation Model of Frontogenesis

A two-dimensional primitive equation frontogenesis model is applied to the identification of dynamical mechanisms which contribute to transverse ageostrophic circulation in warm and cold advection situations. Attention is focused on conditions conducive to significant alongfront ageostrophic flow with divergence confined to the transverse plane. The circulation is partitioned as a function of forcing mechanisms accompanied by confluence, horizontal shear and the alongfront component of the ageostrophic wind. A series of diagnostic equations is defined for the transverse geostrophic circulation and instantaneous contribution from each partitioned component of the circulation are quantified. In the cold advection case, results are obtained which are consistent with positive feedback between the subsidence pattern and forcing by horizontal shear.
Abstract ED04-02: Phase 0 study design: Coming of age?

Despite ongoing advances in drug discovery science, anticancer agent development remains a laborious, time‐consuming process. Discouragingly, the overall approval rate for new oncology drugs is approximately ∼ 5%, with estimated R & D costs ranging from $0.8–1.7 billion for each new agent. Lack of efficacy, suboptimal formulation, poor bioavailability and other factors contribute to the high pre‐registration attrition rate, suggesting an urgent need for process enhancements that can facilitate earlier differentiation between viable and non‐viable candidate compounds. In January 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a guidance document on Exploratory IND Studies (a.k.a. phase 0 trials). In brief, phase 0 trials should (a) be conducted prior to traditional phase I, dose‐limiting toxicity trials; (b) involve limited human exposure (usually ≤ 30 subjects); (c) have no therapeutic or diagnostic intent; and (d) be of relatively short duration (typically ≤ 7 days). Realistic goals for phase 0 trials include: replicate preclinical mechanism(s) of action in a human intervention trial; characterize initial pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles; evaluate biodistribution patterns, based on imaging technologies. Achieving one or more of these goals in phase 0 trials would permit better selection of active versus inactive compounds for further development. By design, phase 0 trials portend lower risks to human subject than traditional phase I trials. As such, fewer preclinical supporting data are required prior to conducting a phase 0 trial. The initial agent dose depends in part on the stated trial objectives, but should be no greater than 1/50th of the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) estimated from animal toxicology testing. Validated pharmacodynamic assays, ideally with low variability in the molecular target, are suitable for application to phase 0 trials if the investigational agent can reasonably be expected to demonstrate target modulation at a non‐toxic dose. Standard operating procedures for tissue collection and biospecimen handling should be defined in advance and revised as necessary based on results of the phase 0 trial. Chemoprevention agent development is uniquely challenged by the need to identify widely acceptable, minimally toxic compounds (even when chronically administered) that favorably affect carcinogenesis when measured against surrogate biomarkers, rather than direct cancer endpoints. Methods to identify bioavailable, pharmacodynamically active candidates earlier in the drug development cycle would offer clear advantages with respect to process efficiency, resource utilization and other parameters. Natural products (or derivatives thereof) represent an attractive source for chemoprevention agent discovery and, given their oftentimes demonstrated favorable safety profile at standard doses, provide an excellent opportunity to explore potential benefits gained through the phase 0 trial paradigm. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):ED04-02.
Bowing for Forgiveness in The Brothers Karamazov

The Eastern Orthodox tradition of bowing heavily influences the work of Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and his final novel, The Brothers Karamazov, contains many instances of bowing at developmental moments for protagonists. By setting the novel’s action during the Lenten season, Dostoyevsky allows the characters to participate vicariously in the Sunday of Forgiveness, an Orthodox service of bowing and forgiveness. When viewed in light of the book’s narrative timeline and the Sunday of Forgiveness traditions, the major bows in The Brothers Karamazov can be interpreted as requests for forgiveness.
Vomiting as a Symptom and Transmission Risk in Norovirus Illness: Evidence from Human Challenge Studies.

Background In the US, noroviruses are estimated to cause 21 million cases annually with economic losses reaching $2 billion. Outbreak investigations frequently implicate vomiting as a major transmission risk. However, little is known about the characteristics of vomiting as a symptom or the amount of virus present in emesis.
Application of computer graphics to detection of transformer winding deformation with FR data

To improve the effect in detection of the transformer winding deformation with FRA,based on the feature of FRA,mathematical morphology is used. The FR data are expressed with image. The key block is got after treatment with mathematical morphology method. Frequency band and morphology parameters of key block are defined. The difference between FR data can be expressed by them. The criterion of the method is given. The state of the transformer winding can be detected using the numbers and the morphology parameters of the key block. An example is given in the paper. For testing the effect of the method,the correlation coefficient method is compared with some cases. The method provides a new way to analyze the transformer winding deformation with FRA.
Acute abdominal pain in the pregnant patient due to pancreatitis, acute appendicitis, cholecystitis, or peptic ulcer disease.

Pregnancy is accompanied by maternal physiologic and anatomic changes that may alter the symptoms and normal response to intraabdominal disease. This discussion reviews the common causes of abdominal pain in the gravid patient which are unrelated to pregnancy. If not diagnosed and managed early, these conditions may be associated with increased maternal and fetal mortality.
Analysis of ICRF ferrite tuner

This paper describes the analysis following the breakdown of an ICRF tuner purchased from AFT. The codes used in the analysis were CST and COMSOL. These codes use the standard gyromagnetic model for the ferrite which gives results that are largely in error when compared to measurements at ICRF and Lower Hybrid frequencies. We have measured a slab of the ferrite used in the ICRF tuner provided by AFT and from these measurements we have constructed a tabular model of the ferrite and inserted it into the COMSOL code. The results give performance which closely agrees with the performance specifications issued by AFT. We then used this modified code to correlate the simulation with the destructive evidence found in the tuner. The correlation was good between the destruction spot and the peak of the standing electric field. Pictures of the destruction and the heating in the tuner and the standing field results from the simulation will be given.
Urinary incontinence in the elderly.

SUMMARY Although often unreported, urinary incontinence is a common problem confronting primary care physicians caring for the elderly. Most patients with urinary incontinence can be cured or improved through proper diagnosis and management. Many incontinent patients can be treated based on history, physical examination, and simple laboratory and bedside testing. Efforts are currently underway to determine the best method for selecting patients who require referral for urologic evaluation and urodynamic testing. Behavioral therapy, drugs, and surgery, alone or in combination, will result in marked improvement for many patients. For others, careful attention to environmental support may minimize the impact of incontinence. An optimistic and enthusiastic attitude on the part of the treating physician is important in improving patient compliance with long-term therapy.
More Than Friends and Family? Estimating the Direct and Indirect Effects of Religiosity on Substance Use in Emerging Adulthood

Religiosity tends to negatively influence substance use among emerging adults because religious communities can serve as pro-social reference groups and provide alternative resources for coping with stress and negative life events. The relationship may also be mediated, however, by differences in family attachments and drug- and alcohol-using peer associations. With data from a nationally representative panel study, I implemented longitudinal structural equation modeling to simultaneously assess both direct and indirect effects of religiosity on substance use. While a substantive portion of its effect is mediated by substance-using peers, it is mostly direct, and increasingly so as individuals transition from late adolescence to emerging adulthood. Furthermore, religion appears to be a particularly effective social institution, as religiosity decreases contemporary substance use but is not itself affected by prior substance use. Religiosity may thus be beneficial with regard to certain short- and long-ter...
A copper removal process for water based upon biosynthesis of yersiniabactin, a metal-binding natural product

Abstract Selective metal removal from aqueous samples has wide-spanning environmental applications as well as implications in precious or rare metal recycling. In this work, a heterologous biosynthetic system was used to produce the natural product yersiniabactin (Ybt) for incorporation into a metal removal water treatment operation. Specifically, Ybt was adsorbed to resin within a packed-bed column prototype to continuously remove copper from water samples with results that included: 1) >80% removal capability; 2) variation in removal across pH levels, providing an opportunity for in situ resin regeneration and metal recovery; 3) selective removal from a copper-zinc mixture; and 4) application to environmental field water samples. In summary, the combined biosynthetic and recovery processes offer an alternative opportunity for selective removal of copper and other metals contaminating water samples.
The Intersection of Road Traffic Safety and Public Health

Publisher Summary Public health is the science and practice of protecting and improving the health of populations. Public health uses education, public policy, environmental protection, product safety, and regulation to achieve population health goals. From the standpoint of preventable morbidity and mortality, public health has much to offer traffic safety. The field of public health has resources, skilled workers, and close connections to the community. Most people recognize public health as an essential government function, and it carries with it certain responsibilities to protect the public from unreasonable threats to health. These features can be marshaled to justify efforts to reduce traffic injury, but only if there is a recognition that, like diseases, traffic injuries are predictable, and therefore, preventable. Although traffic crashes clearly have a public health impact on both the individual and society, they are often viewed as a transportation issue rather than a public health issue. Improving road safety means improving public health. Public health and traffic psychology have important roles to play in improving traffic safety and reversing the worldwide upward trend of traffic injury and death. Integrating more fully the public health function with those in traffic and transportation psychology can yield positive benefits. At the community level, traffic injury prevention can become a regular part of community health, community psychology, and primary care, and can be integrated into all preventive health services.
Endocrinology and Behavior: Methods

Endocrine measures can be extremely useful for animal behavior studies. Behavioral endocrinologists use endocrine measures to study stress, nutrition, reproductive condition, and other states of physiology that can often help interpret or explain certain behaviors, and conversely, behaviors can affect physiology. Endocrine measures include both hormones and hormone receptors. Traditionally, endocrine measures have been collected using blood and tissue. In captivity, some animals can be trained to give a sample voluntarily. However, getting these samples from captive animals that are difficult to train or from wild animals can be difficult and usually involves capture/restraint protocols and/or sedation. However, in the past few decades, many noninvasive endocrine measures have been developed that allow less disturbance to the animal and its natural behaviors. Noninvasive measures are especially important when working with sensitive or endangered animals and minimize the possibility of the method confounding the results. Noninvasive physiological measures are possible in a range of biological matrices such as urine, feces, saliva, blubber, and hair. Behavioral endocrinologists must carefully validate the measures they intend to use. After validating endocrine measures, behaviorists often utilize ablation-replacement experiments to test whether a particular hormone is associated with a specific behavior. This section is an introduction to some of the diverse endocrine methods that can be applied to animal behavior studies, how they can be validated, and a few common experimental manipulations that are used in behavioral endocrinology studies.
Hand rehabilitation after stroke using a wearable, high DOF, spring powered exoskeleton

Stroke patients often have inappropriate finger flexor activation and finger extensor weakness, which makes it difficult to open their affected hand for functional grasp. The goal was to develop a passive, lightweight, wearable device to enable improved hand function during performance of activities of daily living. The device, HandSOME II, assists with opening the patient's hand using 11 elastic actuators that apply extension torques to finger and thumb joints. Device design and initial testing are described. A novel mechanical design applies forces orthogonal to the finger segments despite the fact that all of the device DOFs are not aligned with human joint DOF. In initial testing with seven stroke subjects with impaired hand function, use of HandSOME II significantly increased maximum extension angles and range of motion in all of the index finger joints (P<0.05). HandSOME II allows performance of all the grip patterns used in daily activities and can be used as part of home-based therapy programs.
Does the Regulatory Environment Affect Nurse Practitioners' Patterns of Practice or Quality of Care in Health Centers?

Objective To examine the impact of state-granted nurse practitioner (NP) independence on patient-level quality, service utilization, and referrals. Data Sources/Study Setting The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey's community health center (HC) subsample (2006–2011). Primary analyses included approximately 6,500 patient visits to 350 NPs in 220 HCs. Study Design Propensity score matching and multivariate regression analysis were used to estimate the impact of state-granted NP independence on each outcome, separately. Estimates were adjusted for sampling weights and NAMCS’s complex design. Data Collection/Extraction Methods Every “NP-patient visit unit” was isolated using practitioner and patient visit codes and, using geographic identifiers, assigned to its state-year and that state-year's level of NP independence based on scope of practice policies. Nine outcomes were specified using ICD-9 codes, standardized drug classification codes, and NAMCS survey items. Principal Findings After matching, no statistically significant differences in quality were detected by states’ independence status, although NP visits in states with prescriptive independence received more educational services (aIRR 1.66; 95 percent CI 1.09–2.53; p = .02) and medications (aIRR 1.26; 95 percent CI 1.04–1.53; p = .02), and NP visits in states with practice independence had a higher odds of receiving physician referrals (AOR 1.88; 95 percent CI 1.10–3.22; p = .02) than those in restricted states. Conclusions Findings do not support a quality–scope of practice relationship.
The Tax Code as a Barrier to Entrepreneurship

This testimony analyzes the importance of entrepreneurship, evidence that entrepreneurship is in decline, how the tax system is an impediments to entrepreneurship, sources of complexity in the tax code, incremental reforms to improve the current tax system and the likely impact of major tax reform.
An evaluation of the impact of immediate compared to delayed feedback on the development of counselling skills in pharmacy students

Background: Simulation-based counselling using standardised patients (SPs) provide pharmacy students an authentic approach to training; limited data exists regarding student performance using immediate feedback approaches. Aims: To compare grades of students receiving immediate feedback verses (vs.) delayed feedback. Methods: A pre-trial assessment of student perceptions and an unblinded randomised trial comparing immediate and delayed feedback. Third year pharmacy students (n=153) counselled SPs in four clinical “experiences”; student grades were the primary outcome. Student t -test and repeated measures were used to compare grades between groups and grades over time. Results: During pre-trial surveys 50% of students preferred immediate feedback, 22% delayed, and 28% had no preference. There was no significant differences in overall student grades between groups (88.4% immediate vs. 86.6% delayed, p =0.7) or in grades over time ( p =0.276). Conclusions: Although more students preferred immediate feedback, overall grades did not differ based on method of feedback.
Superradiance in Experimentally Relevant Regimes

This paper explores the assumptions made in the semiclassical description of superradiance. Simple expressions for observable output parameters in several experimentally relevant regimes are given. Implications of these results to some possible applications of superradiance are discussed.
Thyrotropin releasing hormone. A review of the mechanisms of acute stimulation of pituitary hormone release.

Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) acutely stimulates release of thyrotropin (TSH) and prolactin from anterior pituitary cells. A considerable number of studies have been performed with neoplastic and nonneoplastic pituitary cells in culture to elucidate the sequence of intracellular events involved in this action. Although cyclic AMP was suggested as an intracellular messenger, it has been demonstrated that TRH stimulation of hormone release can be dissociated from changes in cyclic AMP concentration, thereby supporting the contention that cyclic AMP is not a required mediator. In contrast, stimulation of hormone release by TRH requires Ca2+ and it seems likely that Ca2+ is the intracellular coupling factor between TRH stimulation and hormone secretion. TRH has been shown to stimulate 45Ca2+ efflux from preloaded pituitary cells. Enhanced 45Ca2+ efflux is thought to reflect an increase in the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration which leads to hormone release; however, the source of this Ca2− is uncertain. Results are reviewed from a series of experiments in pituitary cells which attempt to determine the pool (or pools) of Ca2+ that is affected by TRH. These include the following: the effects of decreasing the extracellular Ca2− concentration on hormone release stimulated by TRH; the effect of TRH on cellular Ca2+ as monitored by chlortetracycline; the effects of TRH on Ca2+ influx; the effects of the organic Ca2+ channel blocking agents, verapamil and methoxyverapamil, on TRH-stimulated hormone release; and the effects of TRH on plasma membrane potential difference and on Ca2+-dependent action potentials. Based on these data, separate hypotheses of the early events in TRH stimulation of hormone release in mammotropes and thyrotropes are proposed. In mammotropes, TRH is thought to stimulate prolactin release optimally by elevating the free intracellular Cat+ concentration by mobilizing cellular Ca2− only. In contrast, in thyrotropes under normal physiological conditions, TRH is thought to stimulate TSH release by mobilizing Ca2 from a cellular pool (or pools) and to augment this effect by also inducing influx of extracellular Ca2+ through voltage-dependent channels in the plasma membrane.
Kinetics and mechanism of selenite reduction by zero valent iron under anaerobic condition activated and enhanced by dissolved Fe(II).

Abstract Batch test was conducted to investigate Se(IV) removal kinetics and mechanism by zero valent iron (ZVI) in presence of Fe(II) under anaerobic condition. Dissolved Fe(II) activated and enhanced Se(IV) reduction by ZVI, which also determined the removal efficiency, reduction rate, final corrosion products and their structures. Se(IV) was completely removed at initial Fe(II)/Se(IV) ≥ 1.0, and the specific rate constant significantly increased from 0.6 to 3.44 L h−1 m−2 with the augment of ratio from 1.0 to 1.4. At Fe(II)/Se(IV)
Route to Useful Metallomonomers: Step-Wise Construction of Bimetallic Triangles by Site-Specific Metalation

Three bimetallic triangles were constructed via a step-wise assembly of tailored terpyridine building blocks. Oligomeric trimer 2 was obtained by reacting ligand 1 with Ru(II). Subsequent cyclization of trimer 2 with Zn(II), Cd(II), and Fe(II) resulted in the formation of bimetallic triangles 3, 4, and 5 in high yield, respectively. All triangles were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, ESI and travelling-wave ion mobility-mass spectrometry (MS), as well as gradient MS, which provided insight into their stabilities.
The blurry spectrums of team identity threat

Abstract Team identity threat is an area of growing interest in sport consumer behaviour. Despite scholars’ calls for examinations of prolonged threat in the context of sustained team performance failure, researchers have not yet answered the call. In the current study, the authors use social identity as a theoretical lens, interviewing fans of a historically poor-performing team. Results indicate such fans cope with prolonged threat through social creativity and competition; they also perceive their social identity as distinct. More critically, the authors find that the identity threat experienced by these fans is not just unique due to the duration of threat, but also the threat’s salience and overall impact on the identity meaning. In light of findings and existing literature, the authors introduce spectrums that illustrate the different types of threat fans may experience. Because identity threat differs contextually, these spectrums are understood as blurry.
A Method to Study de novo Formation of Chromatin Domains

The organization and structure of chromatin domains are unique to individual cell lineages. Their misregulation might lead to a loss in cellular identity and/or disease. Despite tremendous efforts, our understanding of the formation and propagation of chromatin domains is still limited. Chromatin domains have been studied under steady-state conditions, which are not conducive to following the initial events during their establishment. Here, we present a method to inducibly reconstruct chromatin domains and follow their re-formation as a function of time. Although, first applied to the case of PRC2-mediated repressive chromatin domain formation, it could be easily adapted to other chromatin domains. The modification of and/or the combination of this method with genomics and imaging technologies will provide invaluable tools to study the establishment of chromatin domains in great detail. We believe that this method will revolutionize our understanding of how chromatin domains form and interact with each other.
Strategies to promote beta-cell replication and regeneration

Abstract Diabetes is a world epidemic and affects millions of individuals in the United States. Protection and regeneration of functional beta-cell mass are the ultimate goal for effectively treating diabetes. Postnatal beta-cell growth or compensation is largely attributed to beta-cell proliferation, which is regulated by a complex signaling pathway network but remains poorly understood. Here, we discussed the present knowledge on the existing models of postnatal beta-cell proliferation as well as the related regulatory signaling pathways, with a focus on the recent reports on the discovery of the governing of beta-cell proliferation by forkhead box protein M1 (FoxM1) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor signaling.
The Role of the Hospital Board of Trustees in Ensuring Quality Care

This chapter will address the call to action to board of directors and trustees of hospitals and hospital systems to become leaders in ongoing efforts to improve patient safety and overall healthcare. We explore the foundation of the board’s fiduciary duties to become involved in safety and quality and provide examples of efforts across the world to employ board-led initiatives and finally to provide concrete examples of how focused attention to quality and safety initiatives by the board of trustees and quality of care committee of the board at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, measurably improved safety, quality, and patients experience at this tertiary/quaternary teaching hospital.
Single-Logarithmic Corrections to Small-$x$ Helicity Evolution

The small-$x$ quark helicity evolution equations at double-logarithmic order, with the kernel $\sim\alpha_s\ln^2(1/x)$, have been derived previously. In this work, we derive the single-logarithmic corrections to the equations, to order $\alpha_s\ln(1/x)$ of the evolution kernel. The new equations include the effects of the running coupling and the unpolarized small-$x$ evolution, both of which are parametrically significant at single-logarithmic order. The large-$N_c$ and large-$N_c\& N_f$ approximations to the equation are computed. (Here, $N_c$ and $N_f$ are the numbers of quark colors and flavors, respectively.) Their solutions will provide more precise estimates of the quark helicity distribution at small $x$, contributing to the resolution of the proton spin puzzle.
Exploration of Risk Management Process Usage Levels and Their Relationship to Project Outcomes

Project management processes such as risk management are used in many organizations however; research shows risk management is the least mature of all project management knowledge areas. This is important because poor risk management is one of many challenges on IS/IT projects that can lead to failure. The goal of this paper is to determine if the level of actual risk management process usage is important to successful project outcomes. A research study was conducted which surveyed over 550 project management practitioners about risk management on their own virtual IS/IT project. Survey responses were analyzed and a correlation analysis was conducted to determine if a relationship existed between risk management process usage and project outcome. The results indicated there was a definite relationship and specifically the “high usage” level of risk management processes is important to successful project outcomes while other lower levels are not as important.
Information technology team achievement: An analysis of success factors and development of a team success model (TSM)

Purpose – This paper sets out o determine influences on team performance processes and develop an overall team success model (TSM).Design/methodology/approach – A total of 55 individual students grouped in 18 teams, ranging in size from two to five, were measured at several stages in semester‐long team projects. Forty‐four separate questions were studied in each measurement stage. These 44 questions were reduced to five factors through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was then used to determine the significance and interrelationships of these factors, as well as the influence of gender and grade point average (GPA).Findings – This research develops and validates a series of factors that lead to IT team success. The factors include emotions, personal processes, and team processes. The overall R2 of the final model was high at 0.601. Significant relationships were found between many factors. GPA had a positive impact on team processes, while negative emotions showed a ne...
Comparing the Ethical Attitudes of Business and Criminal Justice Students

Objectives To compare and explain differences in the ethical attitudes of criminal justice (CJ) and business students, and explore their ethical malleability. Methods Students rated the ethical acceptability of 25 scenarios using a self-administered survey. A cross-sectional comparison of the ethical responses of sophomores and seniors measured their ethical malleability. Results Business students were less willing to condemn unethical conduct than were criminal justice students, but were more receptive to corporate charity. Business students were also moderately receptive to the inculcation of ethical principles. Conclusions Self-selection and socialization are important factors explaining, respectively, ethical differences between CJ and business students and the latter's ethical malleability. However, the assumption underlying many studies that business attracts morally compromised individuals because it is immoral cannot easily accommodate conflicting findings such as that businesspeople can be charitable and ethically malleable. A more nuanced understanding of how self-selection works in business is proposed.