cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for completely endophytic renal masses: a single institution experience

Objective To analyse the outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for completely endophytic renal tumours. Patients and Methods Medical records of patients who had undergone RAPN for a completely endophytic (i.e. 3 points for the ‘E’ domain of the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score) enhancing renal mass at our Centre from 2006 to 2012 were retrieved from our prospectively maintained RAPN database and used for this analysis. Demographics, surgical and early postoperative outcomes were compared with those of patients with exophytic masses (i.e. 1 point for the ‘E’ domain) and those of patients with mesophytic masses (i.e. 2 points for the ‘E’ domain). Results In all, 65 patients (mean age 56 years; mean body mass index 29.4 kg/m2; mean Charlson comorbidity index 3.2) were included in the study group, accounting for 16.7% of RAPN cases over the study period. The main surgical outcomes were: mean operative time 175 min, mean estimated blood loss 225 mL, and mean warm ischaemia time 21.7 min. Pathology showed a malignant histology in 48 cases (74%), mostly clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Two positive margins (3%) were found. Patients with a completely endophytic mass had smaller tumours on preoperative imaging (mean 2.6 vs 3.3 for mesophytic vs 3.7 cm for exophytic; P < 0.001), and higher overall R.E.N.A.L. score (mean 8.7 vs 7.6 vs 6.4; P < 0.001). There was a lower rate of unclamped cases in the endophytic group (3.1% vs 4.8% vs 18%; P < 0.001). There were no differences in intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, positive margin rate, postoperative change in estimated glomerular filtration rate, given a similar length of follow-up (mean 12.6 vs 15.7 vs 14.5 months; P = 0.3). Conclusion RAPN for completely intraparenchymal renal tumours can be safely and effectively performed in centres with significant robotic expertise, with surgical outcomes resembling those obtained in the general RAPN population.
Expression of bone morphogenetic proteins by Dupuytren's fibroblasts.

Abstract Purpose Dupuytren's fibroblasts, or myofibroblasts, are the primary cell type in Dupuytren's disease. Growth factors play a role in the differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts are specialized fibroblasts that display morphologic and biochemical features similar to smooth muscle cells. Cytokines, adhesion molecules, and extracellular matrix components are all thought to play a role in myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Recent research has shown that specific cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF-β 1 ), can modulate myofibroblast expression. We hypothesize that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play a role in the modulation of Dupuytren's fibroblasts. Methods Dupuytren's fibroblasts and normal palmar fascia fibroblasts (control) were analyzed for messenger RNA expression of BMPs (BMP-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10 and -11), their receptors (BMPR-IA, BMPR-IB, and BMPR-II), and their antagonists (follistatin and noggin) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Western blot analysis and immunostaining also were used to confirm the differential expression of BMP-4. Results With reverse-transcription PCR the expression profile for normal palmar fascia fibroblasts versus Dupuytren's fibroblasts was found to show similar expression of BMP-1 and -11; qualitatively decreased expression of BMP-6, BMP-8, BMPR-IA, BMPR-IB, and BMPR-II in Dupuytren's fibroblasts; and no expression of BMP-4 in Dupuytren's fibroblasts. There was no expression of BMP-2, -3, -5, -7, -9, and -10 in both the control fibroblasts and Dupuytren's fibroblasts. In line with the messenger RNA expression pattern BMP-4 was detected in only the control fibroblasts and not in the Dupuytren's fibroblasts, whereas BMP-8 (chosen for comparison purposes) was detectable in both cell populations. Immunostaining for BMP-8 and BMP-4 confirmed our findings with reverse-transcription PCR and Western blot analysis. Conclusions This study reports on the expression of BMPs in Dupuytren's fibroblasts. We characterized the expression of BMPs in both normal palmar fascia fibroblasts and in Dupuytren's fibroblasts through reverse-transcription PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunostaining. The most significant difference in expression profiles was in the expression of BMP-4; that is, BMP-4 was expressed in the normal fibroblasts but not in the Dupuytren's fibroblasts. Whether BMP-4 is necessary and/or sufficient for maintaining a normal palmar fascia fibroblast phenotype is not yet known. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of BMPs, and especially BMP-4, in Dupuytren's fibroblasts.
A Subband Based Hands-Free Cellular Phone With Integrated Engine Noise and Acoustic Echo Cancellatio

The objective of this paper is develop DSP algorithms for a hands-free cellular phone. Engine noise and acoustic echo are major factors in performance degradation of a hands-free cellular phone inside a car. This paper presents a subband based approach for cancellation of acoustic echo as well as engine noise in an integrated setting. Simulation results presented attest to practical usefulness of the proposed algorithms.
Blind multiuser detection for long-code CDMA systems with transmission-induced cyclostationarity

We consider blind channel identification and signal separation in long-code CDMA systems. First, by modeling the received signals as cyclostationary processes with modulation-induced cyclostationarity, long-code CDMA system is characterized using a time-invariant system model. Secondly, based on the time-invariant model, multistep linear prediction method is used to reduce the intersymbol interference introduced by multipath propagation, and channel estimation then follows by utilizing the nonconstant modulus precoding technique with or without the matrix-pencil approach. The channel estimation algorithm without the matrix-pencil approach relies on the Fourier transform and requires additional constraint on the code sequences other than being a nonconstant modulus. It is found that by introducing a random linear transform, the matrix-pencil approach can remove (with probability one) the extra constraint on the code sequences. Thirdly, after channel estimation, equalization is carried out using a cyclic Wiener filter. Finally, since chip-level equalization is performed, the proposed approach can readily be extended to multirate cases, either with multicode or variable spreading factor. Simulation results show that compared with the approach using the Fourier transform, the matrix-pencil-based approach can significantly improve the accuracy of channel estimation, therefore the overall system performance.
A Renewal Decision Problem

A system e.g., a motor vehicle must operate for t units of time. A certain component e.g., a battery is essential for its operation and must be replaced each time it fails. There are n types of replacement components. A type i replacement costs Ci and has a random life with distribution depending on i. There is no salvage value associated with the particular component in use when the system terminates. The problem is to assign the initial component and subsequent replacements from among the n types so as to minimize the total expected cost of providing an operative component for the t units of time. This paper treats this problem when the life distributions are exponential for each type and when t is fixed or has a truncated exponential distribution. Related problems are also considered.
Moving forward in smoking cessation: issues for psychiatric nurses.

Although smoking has long been identified as the most important preventable cause of illness (Schroeder, 2007a), for a variety of reasons it has been generally ignored by the mental health community. But, as exemplified by this issue of the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the case for intervention has now become sufficiently strong to overcome that previous reluctance. Understanding the remaining issues and obstacles could help psychiatric nurses do better in helping smokers quit.
Visualization of implantable defibrillator patches by two‐dimensional echocardiography

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are being used with increasing frequency for the management of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. In order to determine whether the titanium mesh of the defibrillator patch causes ultrasonographic acoustical interference, 30 patients underwent prospective serial echocardiographic examination. In addition, studies were reviewed to determine whether the defibrillator patches could be visualized with standard two-dimensional echocardiography. In no patient did the anterior patch produce acoustical interference, and, unless specific measures were utilized (such as a standoff pad, a zoom feature, or a 5-MHz transducer), the patches were rarely visualized. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Characterization of LORF11, a unique gene common to the three Marek's disease virus serotypes.

SUMMARY. The unique open reading frame 11 (LORF11) of Marek’s disease virus (MDV) is present in all three serotypes of MDV and is located in the unique long region of the MDV genome. In the serotype 1 Md5 genome, LORF11 comprises 2711 nucleotides and encodes a predicted protein of 903 amino acids. In order to study the biological function of LORF11 we deleted it from the MDV cosmid A6 by using the RecA-assisted restriction endonuclease cleavage method. The recombinant cosmid, A6DLORF11, was transfected into duck embryo fibroblasts (DEF) in conjunction with parental SN5, P89, SN16, and B40 cosmid clones. Recombinant rMd5DLORF11 plaques were evident at 12–13 days after transfection. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of DEF cells infected with rMd5DLORF11 viruses confirmed the deletion of a 2.57-kb fragment resulting in a 296bp fragment. Three rMd5DLORF11 mutants were generated and their biological functions were studied in vitro and in vivo. In vitro growth characteristics of rMd5DLORF11 viruses were similar to those of parental rMd5, indicating that LORF11 is not essential for replication in vitro. In vivo studies of rMd5DLORF11 mutants showed that they were impaired in viral replication in the lymphoid organs and had 1003 lower viremia than chickens infected with the parental rMd5 virus. Furthermore, rMd5infected chickens horizontally transmitted the virus to contact controls whereas no horizontal transmission occurred in rMd5DLORF11-infected chickens. Three independent deletion mutants were tested and showed the same phenotypes, so it is unlikely that the observed phenotype is because of any random mutation in the genome. Therefore the LORF11 gene of MDV is essential for normal virus replication in chickens and deletion of LORF11 renders an attenuated virus.
Dual junction GaInP/GaAs solar cells grown on metamorphic SiGe/Si substrates with high open circuit voltage

Dual junction GaInP/GaAs solar cells have been grown and fabricated on Si substrates using relaxed, compositionally graded SiGe buffer layers that provide a nearly lattice-matched low threading dislocation Ge surface for subsequent cell growth. The dual junction cells on SiGe/Si displayed high open circuit voltages in excess of 2.2 V, compared to 2.34 V for control cells on GaAs, that are consistent with maintaining the 1.8/spl times/10/sup 6/ cm/sup -2/ threading dislocation density throughout the cell structure. Even with total current output limited by large grid coverage and high reflectance, total area AM1.5G efficiency is 16.8%, with active area efficiency at 18.6%. The high V/sub oc/ establishes that SiGe metamorphic buffers are viable for integrating III-V multijunction cells on Si in a monolithic process.
Inhibition of the in vitro formation of irreversibly sickled cells by cepharanthine

A method was developed to prepare irreversibly sickled cells (ISC) in vitro under a physiological condition. By exposing sickle red cells to repeated deoxygenation-reoxygenation cycles for 15 h at 37 degrees C, 20-30% of the red cells formed ISC. These cells were separated from biconcave-shaped cells by a gradient density centrifugation. The percentage of the formation of ISC was determined spectrophotometrically after cells were haemolysed. Cepharanthine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, was found to inhibit this in vitro formation of irreversibly sickled cells by 50% at 15 microns. This concentration was much lower than that required to inhibit the in vitro sickling.
Broadband quasi-optical SIS mixers with large area junctions

A broadband quasi-optical superconducting tunnel junction (SIS) mixer with integrated tuning elements was designed and tested. We are able to achieve very low noise performance using commercially available niobium integrated circuit (IC) technology. The low critical current density (980 A/cm/sup 2/) and large area (12 /spl mu/m/sup 2/) of the commercial SIS's is compensated by the ability to fabricate accurate integrated tuning structures in the mature niobium IC process available from Hypres, Inc. Noise measurements were made in the frequency range from 70 to 105 GHz. The best uncorrected double sideband receiver noise is 38 K at 77 GHz, with receiver noise temperatures less than 100 K from 75 to 102 GHz. >
Non-zero sum Nash Q-learning for unknown deterministic continuous-time linear systems

This work proposes a novel Q-learning algorithm to solve the problem of non-zero sum Nash games of linear time invariant systems with N -players (control inputs) and centralized uncertain/unknown dynamics. We first formulate the Q-function of each player as a parametrization of the state and all other the control inputs or players. An integral reinforcement learning approach is used to develop a model-free structure of N -actors/ N -critics to estimate the parameters of the N -coupled Q-functions online while also guaranteeing closed-loop stability and convergence of the control policies to a Nash equilibrium. A 4th order, simulation example with five players is presented to show the efficacy of the proposed approach.
In situ electrochemical-electron spin resonance investigations of multi-electron redox reaction for organic radical cathodes

Abstract The multi-electron redox reaction of an organic radical based composite cathode comprised of poly(2,2,6,6- tetramethylpiperidinyloxy-4-yl methacrylate) (PTMA)-Ketjenblack is investigated using an in situ electrochemical-electron spin resonance (ESR) methodology. The experiments allow each electrochemical state to be associated with the chemical state (or environment) of the radical species upon the cell cycling. In situ ESR spectra of the composite cathode demonstrate a two-electron redox reaction of PTMA that is from an aminoxy anion (n-type, at 2.5–2.6 V vs . Li/Li + ) via a radical (at 3.2–3.5 V vs . Li/Li + ) to an oxoammonium cation (p-type, at 3.7–4.0 V vs . Li/Li + ). In particular, an adjustable n-type doping process of PTMA is first observed during the discharging process. Moreover, two different local environments of radical species are found in the PTMA-Ketjenblack composite electrode that includes both concentrated and isolated radicals. These two types of radical species, showing similarities during the redox reaction process while behaving quite different in the non-faradic reaction of ion sorption/desorption on the electrode surface, govern the electrochemical behavior of PTMA based composite electrode.
Mycoplasma hominis Septic Arthritis: Two Case Reports and Review

Mycoplasma hominis is normally a commensal of humans. When the organism is pathogenic, it primarily causes disease in the genitourinary tract. Septic arthritis caused by M. hominis is a rare condition that occurs chiefly in the postpartum period, in immunosuppressed hosts, or in patients who have recently undergone urinary tract manipulation. Arthritis caused by M. hominis is clinically indistinguishable from septic arthritis caused by other bacteria. Diagnosis is often delayed because infection with this organism is not suspected or because it grows slowly, if at all, in routine culture media. Appropriate therapy often leads to a good outcome, although relapses and resistance have been reported.
Group parent-child interaction therapy: A randomized control trial for the treatment of conduct problems in young children.

Although efficacious interventions exist for childhood conduct problems, a majority of families in need of services do not receive them. To address problems of treatment access and adherence, innovative adaptations of current interventions are needed. This randomized control trial investigated the relative efficacy of a novel format of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), a treatment for young children with conduct problems.Eighty-one families with 3- to 6-year-old children (71.6% boys, 85.2% White) with diagnoses of oppositional defiant or conduct disorder were randomized to individual PCIT (n = 42) or the novel format, Group PCIT. Parents completed standardized measures of children's conduct problems, parenting stress, and social support at intake, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up. Therapist ratings, parent attendance, and homework completion provided measures of treatment adherence. Throughout treatment, parenting skills were assessed using the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System.Parents in both group and individual PCIT reported significant improvements from intake to posttreatment and follow-up in their children's conduct problems and adaptive functioning, as well as significant decreases in parenting stress. Parents in both treatment conditions also showed significant improvements in their parenting skills. There were no interactions between time and treatment format. Contrary to expectation, parents in Group PCIT did not experience greater social support or treatment adherence.Group PCIT was not inferior to individual PCIT and may be a valuable format to reach more families in need of services. Future work should explore the efficiency and sustainability of Group PCIT in community settings. (PsycINFO Database Record
Development of Xylocoris flavipes (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on Eggs of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae) Killed by Gamma Radiation or by Freezing

Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) were reared from egg to adult on diets of either gamma-irradiated (150 krad or 1.75 Mrad) or frozen Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) eggs. More X. flavipes survived to the adult stage when the Plodia eggs were provided in multiple feedings than when all of the Plodia eggs were placed in the cage at the beginning of the test period. Diets of neither irradiated nor frozen P. interpunctella eggs affected oviposition of the P1 X. flavipes .
Crystal Structures, Phase Stability, and Decomposition Reactions in the Quaternary Mg–B–N–H Hydrogen Storage System

Using the combination of DFT-based computational approaches and experimental measurements, we have studied the crystal structure, phase stability, and decomposition products of mixed Mg(NH2)2/Mg(BH4)2 materials. We find the following: (i) DFT crystal structure prediction calculations (0 K) show the existence of a mixed Mg(NH2)2/Mg(BH4)2 phase, which is thermodynamically stable relative to its separated phases [Mg(NH2)2 and Mg(BH4)2]. (ii) The DFT calculated phonon density of states of Mg(NH2)(BH4) is in good agreement with the peak positions from experimental PAS IR measurements (at the room temperature) of a ball-milled Mg(NH2)2/Mg(BH4)2 mixture, suggesting the mixture is not merely a physical mixture of the individual compounds. (iii) The experimentally measured dehydrogenation temperature of the mixed Mg(NH2)2/Mg(BH4)2 phase is lower than that of Mg(NH2)2 or Mg(BH4)2, which further confirms that it is not a simply physical mixture of Mg(NH2)2 and Mg(BH4)2. The observed amount of H2 release is 3.4 wt % ...
Daily encounters with heterosexism: a week in the life of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.

Abstract Descriptive information is provided about lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals' everyday experiences with heterosexism. Comparisons are made with participants' experiences with non-heterosexist hassles and with previous research on other types of everyday discrimination. Heterosexist hassles were most likely to be in the form of verbal comments whereas nonheterosexist hassles in the form of behaviors. Compared with nonheterosexist hassles and previous research on other forms of discriminatory hassles, heterosexist hassles were more likely to involve fear of heterosexism. The degree to which LGB members were “out” and whether participants were bisexual were associated with reporting fear of heterosexism and the total amount of heterosexism experienced, respectively.
Treatment of bleeding varices: controversy and opportunity.

Several treatment options, both surgical and nonsurgical, are available for management of bleeding varices that do not respond to conventional therapy. The more promising of these interventions are discussed.
Thigpen, JenniferIsland Queens and Mission Wives: How Gender and Empire Remade Hawai'i's Pacific World Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press 184 pp., $37.50, ISBN 978-1469614298 Publication Date: March 2014

Jennifer Thigpen's Island Queens and Mission Wives: How Gender and Empire Remade Hawai'i's Pacific World analyzes the relationship between female Hawaiian royalty and the wives of the American miss...
Seteroid Hormone Receptor Interactions with PAK6, a Member of the P21 Activated Kinase Family

Steroid hormone receptors have been shown to interact with large numbers of nuclear proteins that can function as coactivators, compressors, or otherwise modulate their transcriptional activity. However, as detailed in this volume, certain effects of steroid hormones appear to be mediated by receptors in the cytoplasm, and must be mediated by interactions between these receptors and cytosolic signaling protein. One such candidate cytosolic steroid hormone receptor associated signaling proteins is PAK6, a member of the p21 activated kinase (PAK) family of serine/threonine kinases. PAK6 was isolated independently by two groups as an androgen receptor (AR) interacting protein in yeast 2-hybrid screens using prostate cDNA libraries and the AR ligand binding domain as bait (Yang et al., 2001; Lee et al., 2002). PAK6 also binds to the estrogen receptor α (ERα) ligand binding domain and binding to both the AR and ERα are hormone independent. PAK6 expression is highest in brain and testes, with lower levels in prostate, breast, and other tissues, but the specific cell types expressing PAK6 and the biological role of the AR and ERα interactions remain to be determined.
Prognosis Following Mild Head Injury in Children.

Concussion, also referred to as mild traumatic brain injury, is a common injury in children. It is defined as a transient disturbance in mental status following head trauma, and it can cause a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional sequelae. Symptoms continuing for more than 28 days after the initial trauma are referred to as persistent postconcussion symptoms and affect approximately one-third of children with concussion.
Chapter 21 – Genomes, Transcriptomes, Proteomes, and Bioinformatics

Genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics are intimately linked by the central dogma of molecular biology. Most recently, RNA-Seq, an amalgam of standard molecular biology techniques and computational methodologies, has emerged as the premier tool to identify and quantify gene expression. The utility and popularity of RNA-Seq as a transcriptomics tool is a based on the high-throughput character of next-generation sequencing (NGS), of which RNA-Seq is an excellent example. RNA-Seq has revolutionized and invigorated mining of the transcriptome for its secrets by providing much greater latitude in experimental design to look at the makeup of the transcriptome at heretofore unknown levels of detail and to further refine the current models of gene expression. To date, a major impediment for many laboratories has been the cost of whole transcriptome sequencing. Bioinformatics is a unique blend of basic biology, genetics, and information sciences and it refers to the use of digital technology to analyze DNA sequence data, RNA (and cDNA) sequence data, and protein sequence information. Genomics elucidates the precise stretches of DNA that constitute discrete genes. One of the primary methods used to accomplish this goal is to examine sequencing data for an open reading frame (ORF). Proteomics as a discipline has an important role in discerning gene function, and has evolved into the global study of patterns of protein expression in cells and tissues, rather than the analysis of one protein at a time. Metabolomics, essentially compound profiling in the cell, in the blood, or in another fluid, is the logical extension of proteomics. Unlike proteomics, metabolomics is concerned with the changes that are wrought by the various proteins produced by the cell. These changes correlate directly with the precise posttranslational modification(s) of the protein and the local environment. The field of metabolomics originated more than three decades ago, and is now enjoying something of a resurgence because of the large amount of protein sequencing information being added to protein databases daily. Protein informatics has become a specialized, formidable subdivision of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics tools are also used to predict the folding of proteins, based on the 1° structure (the order of amino acids), from which it may be possible to infer function.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Biosensors: For the Early, Rapid Detection of Pathogens, Biomarkers, and Toxins in Clinical, Environmental, or Food Samples

Early detection of pathogens, biomarkers, or toxins in clinical, environmental, or food samples is of great interest, and it continues to be a challenge in disease diagnosis as well as in environmental and food-safety monitoring. A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) is a polymer capable of mimicking the function and structure of antibodies and biological receptors to recognize target molecules with high sensitivity and selectivity. As a critical component of polymeric sensors, MIP can be incorporated into a variety of signal amplification or transduction platforms to fabricate polymeric sensors. These polymeric sensors have been investigated and shown promising potential in the detection of target molecules. In this article, we summarize and discuss the recent advances of MIP-based polymeric sensors.
Unique Heterogeneous Topological Pattern of the Metabolic Landscape in Rabbit Fetal Lungs following Tracheal Occlusion.

Introduction Fetal tracheal occlusion (TO) is currently an experimental approach to drive accelerated lung growth. It is stimulated by mechanotransduction that results in increased cellular proliferation and growth. However, it is currently unknown how TO affects the metabolic landscape of fetal lungs. Materials and methods TO or sham was performed on fetal rabbits at 26 days followed by lung harvest on day 30. Mass spectrometry was performed to evaluate global metabolic changes. Fluorescence lifetime intensity microscopy (FLIM) was performed to estimate local free/bound NADH relative ratio as an indicator of aerobic glycolysis versus oxidative phosphorylation (glycolysis/OXPHOS). Results TO results in a metabolic shift from tricarboxylic acid cycle towards glycolysis. FLIM reveals uniform structures in control lungs characterized by similar ratios of free/bound NADH indicating a homogenous topological pattern. Similar uniform structures are observed in shams with some variability in the glycolysis/OXPHOS ratio. In contrast, lungs following TO demonstrate different types of unique distinct topological zones: one with enlarged alveoli and a shift towards glycolysis; the other maintains balance between glycolysis/OXPHOS similar to control lungs. Conclusion We demonstrate for the first time a unique variable topological pattern of metabolism in fetal lungs following TO with a wide variation of metabolism between zones.
Addiction vulnerability trait impacts complex movement control: Evidence from sign-trackers

Abstract Cognitive-motivational vulnerability traits are associated with increased risk for substance addiction and relapse. Sign-tracking (ST) behavior in rats is associated with poor attentional control, mediated by an unresponsive basal forebrain cholinergic system, and an increased risk for substance addiction/relapse. A separate literature links poor attentional control and cholinergic losses to increased fall risk in Parkinson’s disease. Here we tested the hypothesis that the relatively inferior attentional control of STs extends to complex movement control and a propensity for falls. STs were found to fall more often than goal-trackers (GTs) while traversing a straight rotating rod and, similar to human fallers, when taxed by a secondary task. Furthermore, STs fell more often while traversing a rotating zig-zag rod. GTs exhibited fewer falls from this rod by avoiding entry to the rotating zig-zag sections when in, or rotating toward, a difficult traversal state. Goal-tracking rats approached risky movement situations using strategies indicative of superior top-down control. These results suggest that the impact of opponent cognitive-cholinergic traits extends to complex movement control, and that impairments in the cognitive-motor interface are likely to be comorbid with addiction vulnerability. Sign-tracking indexes an endophenotype that may increase the risk for a wide range of neurobehavioral disorders.
Optimal Location of School Facilities

The location of educational facilities may be formulated in many different ways depending how the main components are considered and the nature of the decision process whose optimal solution is pursued.
Going beyond PBD: A play-by-play and mixed-initiative approach

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the Procedure Learning On the Web (PLOW) that demonstrates natural language (NL) is a powerful intuitive tool for end users to build Web tasks with significant complexity using only a single demonstration. The natural play-by-play demonstration that would occur in human–human teaching provides enough information for the system to generalize demonstrated actions. Mixed-initiative interaction also makes the task-building process much more convenient and intuitive. Without the system's proactive involvement in learning, the human instructor's job could become very tedious, difficult, and complex. Semantic information in NL description also makes the system more robust by letting it handle the dynamic nature of the Web. Although PLOW sheds more light on NL's roles and the collaborative problem-solving aspects in the end-user programming on the Web, significant challenges still exist and new ones will emerge as application domains are expanded. Better reasoning about tasks, broader coverage of language understanding, and more robust Web object handling will be needed to address the challenges.
Commentary: Golgin-97 Targets Ectopically Expressed Inward Rectifying Potassium Channel, Kir2.1, to the Trans-Golgi Network in COS-7 Cells.

The inward rectifying potassium channel, Kir2.1, is selected as cargo at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) for export to the cell surface through a unique signal-dependent interaction with the AP1 clathrin-adaptor, but it is unknown how the channel is targeted at earlier stages in the secretory pathway for traffic to the TGN. Here we explore a mechanism. A systematic screen of Golgi tethers identified Golgin-97 as a Kir2.1 binding partner. In vitro protein-interaction studies revealed the interaction is direct, occurring between the GRIP domain of Golgin-97 and the cytoplasmic domain of Kir2.1. Imaging and interaction studies in COS-7 cells suggest that Golgi-97 binds to the channel en route through the Golgi. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Golgin-97 prevented exit of Kir2.1 from the Golgi. These observations identify Golgin-97 as a Kir2.1 binding partner that is required for targeting the channel to the TGN. Based on our studies in COS-7 cells, we propose Golgi-97 facilitates formation of AP1-dependent export carriers for Kir2.1 by coupling anterograde delivery of Kir2.1 with retrograde recycling of AP-1 containing endosomes to the TGN.
Analysis of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals in edible seaweeds by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Drugs taken by humans and animals can end up in the hydrosphere. Bioaccumulation of drugs in aquatic plants and animals may have biological consequences and could provide a route for human exposure through dietary consumption. A robust and reproducible method using liquid extraction and HPLC coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and applied for the first time to measure illicit, behavioral and antihistamine drugs in edible seaweeds. Target analytes were identified by their product ion spectra and retention times, and quantified using mass labeled internal standards. Recoveries of target analytes ranged from 69.3 to 110.2% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.5–12.0%. The method detection limits (MDLs) for seven compounds ranged from 0.06 to 3.51 ng g−1. Average surrogate recoveries were 67 to 106% with 3 to 8% RSD. We detected two illicit drugs cocaine and methadone, and two behavioral medicines carbamazepine and diazepam. Levels of cocaine, methadone, carbamazepine and diazepam in the edible seaweeds studied were 82.9–274.8, 9.6–36.7, 5.0–5.9, and 3.4–12.4 ng g−1, respectively.
The State of Dyslexia: Recent Legislation and Guidelines for Serving School-Age Children and Adolescents With Dyslexia.

Purpose The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of recent dyslexia legislation and guidelines pertaining to services for students with dyslexia in public school settings and to descri...
Heterogeneity in human hippocampal CaMKII transcripts reveals an allosteric role for the hub domain in activity regulation

Ca2+-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) plays a central role in Ca2+ signaling throughout the body. Specifically in the hippocampus, CaMKII is required for learning and memory. CaMKII is encoded by four highly conserved genes in vertebrates: α, β, γ, and δ. All CaMKIIs are comprised of a kinase domain, regulatory segment, variable linker region, and hub domain responsible for oligomerization. The four genes differ primarily in linker length and composition due to extensive alternative splicing. Numerous questions regarding these splice variants still remain, starting with the fundamental question of which variants are expressed and how splicing affects CaMKII regulation. Here, we unambiguously report the heterogeneity of CaMKII transcripts in a complex sample of human hippocampus using Illumina sequencing. Our results show that hippocampal neurons contain a diverse collection of 56 CaMKII transcripts from all four CaMKII genes, including 25 that have not been previously annotated. We characterized the Ca2+/CaM sensitivity of hippocampal CaMKII variants spanning a broad range of linker lengths and compositions. We demonstrate that the effect of the variable linker on Ca2+/CaM sensitivity is conditional on kinase and hub domains. Moreover, we reveal a novel role for the hub domain as an allosteric regulator of kinase activity, which may provide a new pharmacological target for modulating CaMKII activity. Taken together, we propose that Ca2+/CaM sensitivity in CaMKII is gene-dependent and includes significant contributions from the hub. Our sequencing approach combined with biochemistry provides new insights into understanding the complex pool of endogenous CaMKII.
Failure modes and effects analysis for an engineering design modification in the US nuclear power industry

Engineering design modifications for nuclear power plants can be extensive and complex projects involving numerous activities and multi-discipline resources. Failure modes, or risks, involved with these activities can impact project cost, schedule, or even introduce safety hazards. The identification of risks and the establishment of detection and mitigation strategies early on the project development stage can prevent future adverse effects on project cost and schedule. This paper focuses on the evaluation of risks that can arise during the development of a conceptual design modification project at a US nuclear power plant using the failure modes and effects analysis tool. The analysis evaluates a list of activities to be completed as part of a conceptual design package. Failure modes are identified for each activity and ranked for severity, the likelihood of failure, and opportunity for detection. These ranks are later used to calculate a risk priority number for each activity. This number is used to identify the activities with higher risk to assist engineers in the development of person-hour estimates for projects. The results presented in this paper are expected to support the US nuclear industry in the identification and mitigation of risks beyond what is already addressed in plant-specific procedures.
Distributed Algorithm for Volt - VAr Optimization in Unbalanced Distribution System

Conservation voltage reduction (CVR) is implemented in the distribution system to reduce the voltage along the feeder with the objective to reduce the power consumption. Due to the increased penetration of distributed generators in the distribution system the centralized control is cumbersome. Hence, in this paper, a distributed algorithm is proposed for volt-var optimization (VVO) with CVR objective in a three-phase unbalanced distribution network. The proposed method is based on alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm. Mathematically the problem is formulated as a convex optimization problem with reactive power support from smart inverters. The convexity guarantees the solution obtained using the proposed method is a converged solution. The proposed method is validated on IEEE 4-bus and 13-bus three-phase unbalanced systems.
Preserving Personalized Location Privacy in Ride-Hailing Service

Ride-hailing service has become a popular means of transportation due to its convenience and low cost. However, it also raises privacy concerns. Since riders' mobility information including the pick-up and drop-off location is tracked, the service provider can infer sensitive information about the riders such as where they live and work. To address these concerns, we propose location privacy preserving techniques that efficiently match riders and drivers while preserving riders' location privacy. We first propose a baseline solution that allows a rider to select the driver who is the closest to his pick-up location. However, with some side information, the service provider can launch location inference attacks. To overcome these attacks, we propose an enhanced scheme that allows a rider to specify his privacy preference. Novel techniques are designed to preserve rider's personalized privacy with limited loss of matching accuracy. Through trace-driven simulations, we compare our enhanced privacy preserving solution to existing work. Evaluation results show that our solution provides much better ride matching results that are close to the optimal solution, while preserving personalized location privacy for riders.
Study on the sero-epidemiology of Lyme disease from certain areas of northwestern China

莱姆病是由莱姆病螺旋体引起的一种自然疫源性疾病.我国于1986年首次在黑龙江省海林县林区发现该病~([1]),后证实莱姆病在国内分布相当广泛~([2]).为了解我国西北部分地区林区人群感染情况,在新疆、甘肃、宁夏、陕西4省区的林区进行选点调查。
Dual-Solvent Li-Ion Solvation Enables High-Performance Li-Metal Batteries

Novel electrolyte designs to further enhance the lithium (Li) metal battery cyclability are highly desirable. Here, fluorinated 1,6-dimethoxyhexane (FDMH) is designed and synthesized as the solvent molecule to promote electrolyte stability with its prolonged -CF2 - backbone. Meanwhile, 1,2-dimethoxyethane is used as a co-solvent to enable higher ionic conductivity and much reduced interfacial resistance. Combining the dual-solvent system with 1 m lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), high Li-metal Coulombic efficiency (99.5%) and oxidative stability (6 V) are achieved. Using this electrolyte, 20 µm Li||NMC batteries are able to retain ≈80% capacity after 250 cycles and Cu||NMC anode-free pouch cells last 120 cycles with 75% capacity retention under ≈2.1 µL mAh-1 lean electrolyte conditions. Such high performances are attributed to the anion-derived solid-electrolyte interphase, originating from the coordination of Li-ions to the highly stable FDMH and multiple anions in their solvation environments. This work demonstrates a new electrolyte design strategy that enables high-performance Li-metal batteries with multisolvent Li-ion solvation with rationally optimized molecular structure and ratio.
Abstract P106: Stabilization Muscles Drive Associations Between Lipoproteins And Total Abdominal Muscle And Intermuscular Adipose Tissue In The Multi-ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis

Introduction: Quality and quantity of skeletal muscle decrease with age, largely due to adipose tissue infiltration, and are important determinants of metabolic health. To inform efforts to slow ag...
Toward a People's Constitution

The U.S. Constitution occupies a special place in the American heart. We see the two-century-old document as defining, perfect, and talismanic. All that is good and just is thought to be found within its borders, while all that degrades and diminishes falls outside. The Constitution is not quite as potent a symbol to us as the flag, but it occupies a close second. Anyone who chose to burn a copy of this defining document in open protest would likely engender wrath similar to that experienced by Mr. Johnson after his famous flag burning in Texas.' It has been said that "to be an American is an ideal, while to be a Frenchman is a fact."2 For many of us, the American ideal is embodied in the U.S. Constitution.3 Despite our tremendous constitutional affection, there exists a rather substantial gap between Americans' love for the Constitution and our understanding and implementation of it. As anyone who has spent much time in the public arena can attest, Americans seem to know precious little about what the Constitution actually says or how it has been interpreted.4 I would
A Strategic Case Study on PepsiCo

The purpose of this paper is to provide a strategic report analysis and evaluation of PepsiCo in the beverage industry. This includes the methods of analysis of PepsiCo’s external and internal analysis, its marketing strategies, and SWOT analysis from the perspectives of value-chain, resource-based, and 3-circa analysis. The research draws attention to details on the competition of PepsiCo as a strategic competitor against Coca-Cola in the beverage-cum-snacks industry. Despite being a competitive brand that is being overshadowed by Coca-Cola regarding global marketing shares and growth, Pepsi has become one of the world’s largest selling soft drinks across national boundaries as it is liked and being patronized by people of all ages, across the globe. Dozens of resources were cited to produce this strategic report. In sum, the paper analyses PepsiCo’s strategic competitiveness against its rival – Coca-Cola in the beverage and smacks industry. The paper concludes with a summary of recommendations for consideration by PepsiCo’s corporate and business level decision-makers on how well PepsiCo should manage its strategic intent of its marketing and product diversification programs across the boundaries of the global market to reposition itself as a global giant beverage and snack business player.
SensCare: Semi-automatic Activity Summarization System for Elderly Care

The fast growing mobile sensor technology makes sensor-based lifelogging system attractive to the remote elderly care. However, existing lifelogging systems are weak at generating meaningful activity summaries from heterogeneous sensor data which significantly limits the usability of lifelogging systems in practice. In this paper, we introduce SensCare, a semi-automatic lifelog summarization system for elderly care. From various sensor information collected from mobile phones carried by elderlies, SensCare fuses the heterogeneous sensor information and automatically segments/recognizes user’s daily activities in a hierarchical way. With a few human annotations, SensCare generates summaries of data collected from activties performed by the elderly. SensCare addresses three challenges in sensor-based elderly care systems: the rarity of activity labels, the uncertainty of activity granularities, and the difficulty of multi-dimensional sensor fusion. We conduct a set of experiments with users carrying a smart phone for multiple days and evaluate the effectiveness of the automatic summary. With proper sensor configuration, the phone can continue to monitor user’s activities for more than 24 hours without charging. SensCare also demonstrates that unsupervised hierarchical activity segmentation and semi-automatic summarization can be achieved with reasonably good accuracy (average F1 score 0.65) and the system is very useful for users to recall what has happened in their daily lives.
Skin penetration and metabolism of topically applied chemicals in six mammalian species, including man: an in vitro study with benzo[a]pyrene and testosterone.

Abstract Percutaneous absorption of chemicals is generally considered a diffusional process, with the rate-limiting barrier being the nonviable stratum corneum. Because viable skin possesses enzyme activities, including those involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, the extent to which cutaneous metabolism may influence the percutaneous fate of topically applied chemicals in the skin was examined in mammalian skin maintained as short-term organ cultures. Skin samples from mouse, rat, rabbit, guinea pig, marmoset, and man were examined. The results from studies with benzo[a]pyrene (BP) and testosterone showed that, in all species, metabolic viability was a major factor involved in the in vitro skin permeation of surface-applied chemicals. Permeation was accompanied by extensive cutaneous “first pass” metabolism; both parent compounds and a full spectrum of metabolites were found in the receptor fluid from viable skin preparations. However, in previously frozen nonviable skin preparations, essentially only unchanged parent compounds were detected in the receptor fluid. Permeation of BP and testosterone was highest in mouse skin, and significant species variations in the metabolite profiles were observed. Studies with mouse skin also demonstrated that induction of cutaneous drug-metabolizing enzymes can result in a two- to threefold increase in the in vitro permeation of topical BP, and a significant reduction in permeation was observed when KCN was added to the perfusion medium. These results indicate that diffusional and metabolic processes are intimately involved in the percutaneous fate of surface-applied chemicals. The relative importance of these processes is dependent upon the physicochemical properties of the compounds and the metabolic capabilities of the skin toward the compounds in question. Furthermore, these findings suggest that meaningful in vitro studies on skin absorption should consider both diffusion and cutaneous biotransformation of the applied compound.
Gina's Beauty is Only Skin Deep

It is hard to be critical of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA). After all, it is the first federal law enacted to prohibit genetic discrimination, and passing it took 13 years of work by people whose goals I share. In analyzing the law, however, it is apparent that GINA fails to resolve or even address many of the basic concerns that drove the legislative effort. It is also clear why, despite 13 years of wrangling on Capitol Hill the final version of GINA was passed unanimously in the Senate and received only one negative vote in the Houses of Representatives - and that from inveterate naysayer, Representative Ron Paul.