cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Making Do with Fewer Nurses in the United States, 1945–1965

Purpose: To analyze the perceptions that nurses and hospital administrators had about the nursing shortage between 1945 and 1965 and the actions they took. Reasons nurses' wages remained low during this period of shortages and high demand were also examined to expand knowledge of nursing labor during a critical time in nursing history. Method: Historical analysis of primary and secondary sources generated between 1945 and 1965 including: (a) American Nurses' Association's (ANA) central files in Washington, DC; (b) ANA archives at the Mugar Memorial Library, Boston University; (c) official proceedings oftheANA's and American Hospital Association's (AHA) conventions; (d) nursing and hos pital journals; (e) ANA and US. Government statistical documents and reports on the status of nursing labor; and (g) monographs on nursing, hospitals, the history of women's labor and the history of women in the 19405, 1950s, and 1960s. Findings: Hospital administrators and nurses disagreed on the causes of the nursing shortage and its remedies in the 20 years after World War II. Hospital managers believed the shortage occurred because many nurses left the work force to remain at home with their families. Nurses, however, identified low wages and deplorable working conditions as the cause. Conclusions: Hospital managers were successful at easing the shortage and controlling nursing costs by employing ancillary workers to replace RNs. Nurses took several different actions to deal with poor working conditions: initiating the ANA Economic Security Program, joining unions, and leaving hospital nursing.
Genome Sequences of Eight Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovars Isolated from a Single Dairy Farm

ABSTRACT Here, we report draft genome sequences of 26 isolates of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, representing eight serotypes, which were isolated from cows in a Pennsylvania dairy herd, the farm on which they were reared, and the associated off-site heifer-raising facility over an 8-year sampling period.
On the analysis of semi-hard real-time control systems

In this paper we investigate systems which combine the timing requirements of real-time processing with the complexity of knowledge processing. In such real-time environments it cannot be guaranteed that all processes meet their deadlines but it is possible to isolate a subset of critical processes which must meet their deadlines. We call such systems semi-hard real-time control systems. The behavior of critical processes in terms of resource utilization is known in advance but there are non-critical processes whose behavior is subject to change. Though priority scheduling is used, the execution times of critical processes has to be determined by a non-deterministic analysis which takes into account contention for system resources with non-critical processes. A subset of system resources do not allow preemption, for example a process running into a critical section must complete its function. The structure and the performance of a class of such systems, namely the data acquisition and analysis systems are analyzed in case of procedure oriented as well as in the case of message oriented design. A methodology for system modeling and the approximations needed are discussed. Even in the simple case of a system with only one critical process the analysis is non-trivial; due to priority scheduling the system model is non-separable hence does not have a product form solution.
Photodissociation dynamics of dichlorocarbene at 248 nm.

The dynamics of the 248 nm photodissociation of the CCl2 molecule have been investigated in a molecular beam experiment. The CCl2 parent molecule was generated in a molecular beam by pyrolysis of CHCl3, and both CCl2 and the CCl photofragment were detected by laser fluorescence excitation. The 248 nm attenuation cross sections was estimated from the reduction of the CCl2 signal as a function of the photolysis laser fluence. The internal state distribution of the CCl photofragment was derived from analysis of laser fluorescence excitation spectra in the A 2Δ − X 2Π band system. The CCl(X 2Π, v = 0) rotational state distribution was found to be bimodal, with maximum populations at N ≈ 10 and 85, and was dependent upon the source backing pressure, and hence upon the internal state distribution of the CCl2 precursor. The 248 nm photodissociation dynamics appears to involve two separate channels, namely nearly impulsive rotational energy release and predissociation with little rotational energy imparted to the CCl fragment.
Novel hypothalamic and preoptic sites of prepro-melanin-concentrating hormone messenger ribonucleic Acid and Peptide expression in lactating rats.

The deduced structure of the rat melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) precursor predicted the existence of at least two peptides that may be processed from it, one similar to teleost MCH and a second novel neuropeptide, NEI. Cellular localization studies confirmed that prepro-MCH (ppMCH) mRNA and the MCH and NEI peptides are expressed predominantly in cells in the zona incerta and caudal lateral hypothalamic area with minor contingents seen in the olfactory tubercle and pons. A moderate MCH-and NEI-immunoreactive axonal projection to the median eminence and, particularly, to oxytocin-rich regions of the posterior pituitary suggested some anatomical heterogeneity of ppMCH-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus, and an involvement in neuroendocrine function. In the present study, immunohistochemical and hybridization histochemical methods were used to follow MCH gene and peptide expression as a function of reproductive status in female rats. Nursing dams sacrificed after 8 to 21 days of lactation consistently displayed ppMCH mRNA and MCH and NEI immunoreactivity in a discrete and contiguous band, encompassing the ventral aspect of the medial part of the medial preoptic nucleus, the periventricular preoptic nucleus, and the most rostral aspects of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). Combined immunohistochemical (for oxytocin) and hybridization histochemical (for ppMCH mRNA) staining failed to reveal a significant degree of congruence in the two chemically-specified cell populations in the PVH of lactating dams. The apparent induction of ppMCH-derived peptides and mRNA in the preoptic area and PVH was not apparent in animals sacrificed 4 to 8 days after weaning, during late pregnancy, or at any point in the estrous cycle. Moreover, no frank alterations in ppMCH mRNA were evident in the principal sites at which ppMCH is expressed at constitutively high levels, i.e. in the lateral hypothalamic area and zona incerta, as a function of reproductive status. The loci and apparent state-dependency of the induction of ppMCH mRNA and peptide expression suggests a role for these gene products in the control of lactation.
A model system of development regulated by the long-distance transport of mRNA

BEL1-like transcription factors are ubiquitous in plants and interact with KNOTTED1-types to regulate numerous developmental processes. In potato, the RNA of several BEL1-like transcription factors has been identified in phloem cells. One of these, StBEL5, and its Knox protein partner regulate tuber formation by targeting genes that control growth. RNA detection methods and grafting experiments demonstrated that StBEL5 transcripts move across a graft union to localize in stolon tips, the site of tuber induction. This movement of RNA originates in source leaf veins and petioles and is induced by a short-day photoperiod, regulated by the untranslated regions, and correlated with enhanced tuber production. Addition of the StBEL5 untranslated regions to another BEL1-like mRNA resulted in its preferential transport to stolon tips leading to increased tuber production. Upon fusion of the untranslated regions of StBEL5 to a beta-glucuronidase marker, translation in tobacco protoplasts was repressed by those constructs containing the 3' untranslated sequence. The untranslated regions of the StBEL5 mRNA are involved in mediating its long-distance transport and in controlling translation. The 3' untranslated sequence contains an abundance of conserved motifs that may serve as binding motifs for RNA-binding proteins. Because of their presence in the phloem sieve tube system, their unique untranslated region sequences and their diverse RNA accumulation patterns, the family of BEL1-like RNAs from potato represents a valuable model for studying the long-distance transport of full-length mRNAs and their role in development.
Life Events and High-Trait Reactivity Together Predict Psychotic Symptom Increases in Schizophrenia

Psychotic symptoms are exacerbated by stressful life events in schizophrenia patients as a group. Some individuals appear to be more vulnerable than others in this regard. This study tested whether schizophrenia patients are highly emotionally reactive compared with controls and whether the level of trait emotional reactivity in patients influences the degree to which they respond to life stressors with exacerbations of psychosis. Schizophrenic outpatients and nonpsychiatric controls were assessed for levels of trait emotional reactivity, arousability, and trait anxiety. Severity of symptoms was also rated in the patients. Patients were then followed up 9 months later, assessed for independent stressful life events occurring during the month before the follow-up session, and reassessed for symptom levels. The patients scored higher than the control subjects on all 3 measures of reactivity at the initial assessment. At follow-up, the occurrence of potentially stressful life events predicted increases in psychotic symptoms in patients, and there was a significant interaction between level of initial trait reactivity and the occurrence of life events in the prediction of these increases. High-trait-reactive patients showed increases in psychotic symptoms in response to life stressors, whereas low-trait-reactive patients did not. These findings support the idea that patients as a group have higher than normal levels of trait reactivity and also that patients with very high levels of trait reactivity are at elevated risk of psychotic relapse under stress. Such patients might benefit particularly from interventions designed to assist them in coping with potentially stressful life events and circumstances.
Fractional-N Direct Digital Frequency Synthesis with a 1-Bit Output

A novel digital frequency synthesis (DDS) architecture with a 1-bit output is proposed, simulated, and demonstrated. A new noise shaping quantization algorithm is also evaluated and used within the proposed DDS system. Large tuning ranges and rapid (open loop) response characteristics are achieved with only a static reference frequency input, without the use of analog components, allowing easy integration in digital CMOS processes. Across a tuning range of 10% fref, a noise floor of -80 dBc/Hz and spurious tones lower than -50 dBc are possible with this system.
Web‐Based Memorializing After September 11: Toward a Conceptual Framework

Web-based memorializing is an emerging set of social practices mediated by computer networks, through which digital objects, structures, and spaces of commemoration are produced. Based on in-depth analysis of eight Web sites produced to memorialize victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, we demonstrate that Web-based memorializing bears a diverse array of characteristics, only some of which are consistent with offline memorializing. Our analysis suggests that although Web sites produced by institutions or organizations may differ somewhat in form and content from those produced by individuals, public and private modes of memorializing observed offline are interpenetrated on the Web. Finally, we identify communal functions served and contributions to public memory made via Web-based memorializing, and propose a conceptual framework for use in future studies of Web-based memorializing practices.
Influence of intracellular chelating agents on formation of spike-like pseudopods by human platelets.

Recent reports have suggested that spike-like pseudopods develop on platelets loaded with intracellular chelating agents during glass activation, and proposed that the extensions are caused by an unusual organization of newly assembled actin filaments. The present study has reexamined this hypothesis. Platelets loaded with one of the chelating agents, Quin II or BAPTA, seldom formed spike-like pseudopods when exposed to glass at 37°C for 30–60 min. However, when chilled and rewarmed the Quin II-or BAPTA-loaded platelets readily developed one or several spike-like extensions after a 30–60-min exposure to glass or on shaking in suspension. Thin section and negative-stain electron microscopy demonstrated that the major constituents of spike-like pseudopods were microtubules. Unusual coils of actin filaments were not observed. The observation was confirmed by immunofluoresence microscopy employing an anti-tubulin antibody and fluorescein-conjugated antimouse IgG. Cytochalasin B, an agent that inhibits new act...
STREAMIT: Dynamic visualization and interactive exploration of text streams

Text streams demand an effective, interactive, and on-the-fly method to explore the dynamic and massive data sets, and meanwhile extract valuable information for visual analysis. In this paper, we propose such an interactive visualization system that enables users to explore streaming-in text documents without prior knowledge of the data. The system can constantly incorporate incoming documents from a continuous source into existing visualization context, which is “physically” achieved by minimizing a potential energy defined from similarities between documents. Unlike most existing methods, our system uses dynamic keyword vectors to incorporate newly-introduced keywords from data streams. Furthermore, we propose a special keyword importance that makes it possible for users to adjust the similarity on-the-fly, and hence achieve their preferred visual effects in accordance to varying interests, which also helps to identify hot spots and outliers. We optimize the system performance through a similarity grid and with parallel implementation on graphics hardware (GPU), which achieves instantaneous animated visualization even for a very large data collection. Moreover, our system implements a powerful user interface enabling various user interactions for in-depth data analysis. Experiments and case studies are presented to illustrate our dynamic system for text stream exploration.
Microwave-Specific Enhancement of the Carbon–Carbon Dioxide (Boudouard) Reaction

The Boudouard reaction, which is the reaction of carbon and carbon dioxide to produce carbon monoxide, represents a simple and straightforward method for the remediation of carbon dioxide in the environment through reduction: CO2(g) + C(s) ⇌ 2CO. However, due to the large positive enthalpy, typically reported to be 172 kJ/mol under standard conditions at 298 K, the equilibrium does not favor CO production until temperatures >700 °C, when the entropic term, −TΔS, begins to dominate and the free energy becomes negative. We have found that, under microwave irradiation to selectively heat the carbon, dramatically different thermodynamics for the reaction are observed. During kinetic studies of the reaction under conditions of flowing CO2, the apparent activation energy dropped from 118.4 kJ/mol under conventional convective heating to 38.5 kJ/mol under microwave irradiation. From measurement of the equilibrium constants as a function of temperature, the enthalpy of the reaction dropped from 183.3 kJ/mol at ∼1...
Asking the Right Questions The Key to Discovering What Works in Home Care

Discovering what works in home care begins with asking the right questions. Two principles from the evaluation research field are useful in understanding what results should be expected of home care: First, examination of program activities may be the key to discovering program objectives (Deutscher, 1977); second, evidence of immediate effects of programs is much more likely to be found than evidence of less proximate effects (Rossi, Freeman, & Lipsey, 1999). Therefore, to understand what home care is likely to accomplish, we should start by examining the specific tasks involved in home care and focus on immediately achievable program objectives. The core set of home care activities consists of personal assistance services intended to compensate for self-care limitations largely as reflected in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) measures. Home care does for those with self-care limitations what they cannot do for themselves. More specifically, home care provides assistance with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, shopping, and so on for those who cannot perform these tasks independently. The immediate aim of personal assistance, therefore, is to assure that recipients have adequate solutions to challenges of daily living (Caro, 1981). I have come to use the term “quality of circumstances” to describe largely objective measures of the adequacy of solutions to problems of daily living. (I avoid the term “quality of life ” because it is typically conceived of as an entirely subjective construct.) Some examples of quality-of-circumstance content may be helpful. In the quality-of-circumstance framework, a highly favorable outcome for assistance with mobility is evidence that the recipient moves around in the living environment at will day and night with full access to all rooms in the residence and does so without experiencing injury. For those whose home care addresses inability to prepare meals, the quality-of-circumstance framework documents eating experiences from both a nutritional and enjoyment perspective. The nutritional aspect includes weight gain or loss, dietary balance, quantity of food available, and frequency of eating opportunities. Enjoyment of the eating experience includes the social context, satisfaction with the types and variety of food available, and satisfaction with the eating environment. For those who are unable to shop, the adequacy of assistance with shopping is measured by how fully the household is supplied with regularly needed items and how rapidly missing items are obtained. The quality-of-circumstance framework has content that corresponds to each ADL and IADL item.
Satellite Remote Sensing of Evaporation over Sea

The remote sensing of evaporation over sea mainly requires to derive three quantities from satellite data: Sea surface temperature, surface wind speed and specific air humidity. The sea surface temperature is derived from infrared imagery of the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), flown on the NOAA polar orbiters and from the Along Track Scanning Radiometer (ATSR) operated on the ERS-1 satellite. Split- and dual-window techniques are employed in order to correct the satellite-measured brightness temperatures for atmospheric effects, mainly due to water vapors. Recent techniques include nonlinear terms and information from other radiometers improving the retrieval accuracy. Attention must be paid to the difference between bulk and skin surface temperatures which can be as great as ± 1K due to the skin cooling and the diurnal thermocline. This difference is of the order of the retrieval accuracy achieved nowadays and must be known when interpreting satellite-derived sea surface temperatures. Surface wind speed and near-surface humidity are obtained from passive microwave measurements of the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) that is part of the DMSP satellite series. While the surface wind speed is derived from brightness-temperature variations induced by emissivity changes in resposne to surface roughness and foam coverage the determination of the surface air humidity is related to the water-vapour columns that can be retrieved from multi-channel retrieval schemes applied to the satellite-measured microwave data. Recent investigations show that the SSM/I not only allows to retrieve the total precipitable water but also the water-vapour column of the lower 500 m which is closer related to the surface air humidity than the total water-vapour column. The retrieval methods are developed by means of radiative transfer simulations and subsequent multivariate analysis. An application of the theoretically developed techniques to real satellite data and comparisons with in-situ measurements are performed to test the single parameter retrievals. A subsequent intercomparison of the latent heat fluxes dared from satellites with those obtained from from ship measurements sheds light on the retrieval accuracy and on the differences between various methods in use. For single match-ups the standard deviation between ship and satellite measurements is about 30 W/m2 leading to monthly mean errors less than 10 W/m2.
Weathering the Perfect Storm or Thriving in a New Environment: Assessing a Proficiency Based Economics Major

Increased pressure from institutional accrediting agencies has required economic departments to develop program assessment plans. Episodic program reviews that focus on departmental inputs are no longer acceptable in an environment that stresses student outcomes and continuous improvement processes. Yet there is little specific guidance on how to construct and implement an effective assessment process for the economics major. We provide such guidance based on good practices from the general program assessment literature and the best standards of the economic discipline. Practical implementation issues are also discussed. The plan, which embraces Hansen's student outcome proficiencies, embeds formative and summative assessment in the curriculum, captures data in student portfolios and a capstone experience for all majors.
Carrier detection in classic hemophilia by combined measurement of immunologic (VIII AGN) and procoagulant (VIII AHF) activities.

Accurate carrier detection in classic hemophilia has been difficult because of (1) technical problems related to the performance of both immunologic (VIII AGN) and procoagulant (VIII AHF) determinations, and (2) statistical problems related to the analysis of these data. VIII AHF was determined by a one-stage assay based on the partial thromboplastin time (PTT). VIII AGN was measured by the method of quantitative Immunoelectrophoresis. The discriminant function U. = 0.67 In (AHF) – 3.17 AGN × 10–3 was calculated for a validation group of 20 normal persons and for seven obligate carriers, and tested for accuracy of prediction on a cross-validation group of seven additional normal women and ten additional obligate carriers. A U. score of ≥2.54 correctly identified 25 of 27 normal persons. Sixteen of 17 obligate carriers had U. scores below 2.54. In addition, of seven possible carriers, four were identified as normal and three as carriers. Five normal women taking oral contraceptives had disproportionately high U. scores. It is concluded that detection of carriers of classic hemophilia should be possible in the clinical laboratory by calculation of a discriminant function from combined measurements of VIII AGN and VIII AHF.
Sterilized Codling Moths: Effect of Releases in a 20-Acre Apple Orchard and Comparisons of Infestation to Trap Catches

The release of 574,850 male and female Laspeyresia pomonella (L.) (sterilized with 40 krad of gamma irradiation) into a 20-acre apple orchard near Yakima, Washington, provided comparative field data concerning the effects of season and of type trap (pheromone and light) on catches of codling moths. The 15-watt blacklight, six-watt blacklight, eight-watt bactericidal lamp, and six-watt Argon lamps in light traps were 25.4, 17.7, 14.7, and 0.94 percent as effective, respectively, as pheromone (sex) traps baited with 10 virgin females. The average correlation between the native population and subsequent entries within the orchard was 0.72. An expected infestation of 6.96 percent in 1,554,100 apples was limited to 0.51 percent (92 percent reduction) by release of the sterile codling moths.
Abstract 1350: Genetic variations in apoptosis pathway are associated with survival in late stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Dysregulation of apoptosis pathway plays an essential role in carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and resistance to chemotherapy. We hypothesized that genetic variations in genes involved in the apoptosis pathway may affect the survival in late stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. To test this hypothesis, we genotyped 583 tagging SNPs in 598 late stage NSCLC patients and analyzed their associations with survival individually and jointly. Seven SNPs were statistically significantly associated with overall survival after correction for multiple comparisons (q − 6 ). We also observed a significant cumulative effect. Compared to the reference group (patients with no more than two risk alleles), those having five or more risk alleles were much more likely to die within seven months (HR: 3.58, 95% CI: 2.55-5.04, p Citation Format: Xiang Shu, Charles Lu, Joe Y. Chang, Jack A. Roth, Xifeng Wu. Genetic variations in apoptosis pathway are associated with survival in late stage non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1350. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1350
Effects of Heated Needling Therapy on HSP70 Expression of Achilles' tendon Enthesiopathy of Rats

Objective:By comparing the expression of HSP70 in the terminal region of 1 time heated needling therapy group with 4 times group after heated needling,this paper discusses the mechanism of heated needling therapy on enthesiopathy so as to provide a theoretical basis for heated needling therapy.Method:Establishing the rat model of Achilles tendon's enthesiopathy by "electric shock jump,then treating the model rats by using heated needling.Detecting the expression of HSP70 by ABC and counting the positive cells at 40 times under the lens.Result:The positive rate of HSP70 of treat group 1 at UF and CA is higher than that of control group 1(P0.05).The positive rate of HSP70 of treat group 2 at UF and CA is higher than that of the control group 2(P0.05).The positive rate of HSP70 at CA is higher than that of control group 3(P0.05).The positive rate of HSP70 of treat group 4 at CA is higher than that of control group 4(P0.05).The positive rates of HSP70 of treat group 5 at UF and CA is significantly higher than that of control Group 5(P0.01) Conclusion:1) 1 time heated needling therapy on Achilles tendon's enthesiopathy induced a large number of synthetic of HSP70 in the terminal region at Achilles tendon,especially at UF and CA which protect the damaged tissues and cells.At the same time,it can also accelerate the restoration of the necrosis or damage tissues and cells.2) The positive rate of HSP70 at UF and CA after 4 times heated needling therapy is significantly higher than that of 1 time group,so 4 times heated needling therapy can enhance the recovery further than 1 time heated needling therapy.
The Chilling Optimum of Idaho and Arizona Ponderosa Pine Buds

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) seedlings from Idaho (var. ponderosa) and Arizona (var. scopulorum) grown in a container nursery received optimum chilling [2,010 hr (84 days) of temperatures below 5 C]. While seedlings were in the greenhouse, days required for 50% of the population to break bud were similar for both seed sources and decreased inverse exponentially from 74 to 23 days as chilling hours accumulated to the optimum. When subsequently placed into either refrigerated or frozen storage, Idaho seedlings broke bud significantly faster than Arizona seedlings when returned to favorable environmental conditions for growth. All seedlings removed from refrigerated storage broke bud faster, were less cold tolerant, and therefore less quiescent than seedlings that had been frozen.West. J. Appl. For. 17(3):117–121.
Ocular screening adherence across Hispanic/Latino heritage groups with diabetes: results from the Ocular SOL ancillary to the Miami site of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

Objective The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of ocular screening adherence among select Hispanics/Latinos living with diabetes. Research design and methods Data were obtained through an ancillary study of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (Miami site). Participants included Hispanics/Latinos aged 40+ years who underwent a baseline examination/risk factor assessment (2008–2011) and then completed a survey on vision health/knowledge (conducted October 2011–September 2013; sample n=1235; diabetic subsample=264). The dependent variable was having a dilated eye examination within the past 12 months. Covariate candidate selection for entry into sequential multivariable logistic regression models was guided by Anderson's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use and the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations. Results Participants aged 65+ were more likely to have dilated eye examinations (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.22 to 5.60) compared with those aged 40–54 years. Participants less likely to have dilated examinations had a high school degree or general educational development (GED) (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.96, compared to no degree) and those currently uninsured or never insured ((OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.83) and (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.51)) compared to those currently insured. Participants who heard or saw something about eye health from two or more sources (eg, media outlets, doctor's office, relatives/friends) compared to those who reported no sources in the past 12 months were more likely to have a dilated eye examination (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.26 to 6.28). Conclusions Lack of health insurance is strongly associated with low screening uptake in Hispanics/Latinos living with diabetes. Health promotion strategies stressing the importance of annual dilated eye examinations and increasing sources of information on eye health are other potential strategies to increase screening uptake in Hispanics/Latinos.
Mouse RAGE variant 4 is a dominant membrane receptor that does not shed to generate soluble RAGE

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a multi-ligand, immunoglobulin-like receptor that has been implicated in aging-associated diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that both human and murine Ager genes undergo extensive alternative splicing that generates multiple putative transcripts encoding different receptor isoforms. Except for the soluble isoform (esRAGE), the majority of putative RAGE isoforms remain unstudied. Profiling of murine Ager transcripts showed that variant transcript 4 (mRAGE_v4), the second most abundant transcript in lungs and multiple other tissues, encodes a receptor that lacks nine residues located within the C2 extracellular section close to the trans-membrane domain. We therefore characterized mRAGEV4 isoreceptor in comparison with the full-length mRAGE (mRAGEFL). Although differing in only nine residues, mRAGEFL and mRAGEV4 display very different cellular behaviors. While mRAGEFL undergoes constitutive, extensive shedding in the cell to generate sRAGE, mRAGEV4 hardly sheds. In addition, we found that while mRAGEFL can localize to both the plasma membrane and the endosome, mRAGEV4 is exclusively localized to the plasma membrane. These very different cellular localization patterns suggest that, in addition to their roles in sRAGE production, mRAGEFL and mRAGEV4 may play distinct, spatiotemporal roles in signaling and innate immune responses. Compared to mice, humans do not have the v4 transcript. Although hRAGE, like mRAGEFL, also localizes to the plasma membrane and the endosome, its rate of constitutive shedding is significantly lower. These observations provide valuable information regarding RAGE biology, and serve as a reference by which to create mouse models relating to human diseases.
MCT (MOS controlled thyristor) reliability investigation

The authors outline some of the ruggedness features observed in recent MCTs. The MCT capabilities described cover the last stages of tests performed on devices that were production-line fabricated and aimed at 400 to 1600 V blocking levels but small enough in die size to be packaged in a TO-220 or TO-218 plastic package. The goal of 100-A operation, a 1-V forward drop at 20 A, and a 1- mu s turn-off time has been achieved in 0.2 to 0.4 cm/sup 2/ production-line-fabricated MCTs. The high-current ruggedness, including di/dt, is due to low forward drop plus uniform MOS-gated turn-on. Turn-off current ruggedness is the result of small cell size and the fact that the MCT blocking junction is flat. High-temperature capability along with excellent noise capability and virtually zero Miller gate capacitance are due to the very dense off-FET shorts and the low ( >
4EBP-Dependent Signaling Supports West Nile Virus Growth and Protein Expression

West Nile virus (WNV) is a (+) sense, single-stranded RNA virus in the Flavivirus genus. WNV RNA possesses an m7GpppNm 5′ cap with 2′-O-methylation that mimics host mRNAs preventing innate immune detection and allowing the virus to translate its RNA genome through the utilization of cap-dependent translation initiation effectors in a wide variety of host species. Our prior work established the requirement of the host mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) for optimal WNV growth and protein expression; yet, the roles of the downstream effectors of mTORC1 in WNV translation are unknown. In this study, we utilize gene deletion mutants in the ribosomal protein kinase called S6 kinase (S6K) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein (4EBP) pathways downstream of mTORC1 to define the role of mTOR-dependent translation initiation signals in WNV gene expression and growth. We now show that WNV growth and protein expression are dependent on mTORC1 mediated-regulation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein (4EBP/eIF4E) interaction and eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex formation to support viral growth and viral protein expression. We also show that the canonical signals of mTORC1 activation including ribosomal protein s6 (rpS6) and S6K phosphorylation are not required for WNV growth in these same conditions. Our data suggest that the mTORC1/4EBP/eIF4E signaling axis is activated to support the translation of the WNV genome.
Controlling viral outbreaks: Quantitative strategies.

Preparing for and responding to outbreaks of serious livestock infectious diseases are critical measures to safeguard animal health, public health, and food supply. Almost all of the current control strategies are empirical, and mass culling or “stamping out” is frequently the principal strategy for controlling epidemics. However, there are ethical, ecological, and economic reasons to consider less drastic control strategies. Here we use modeling to quantitatively study the efficacy of different control measures for viral outbreaks, where the infectiousness, transmissibility and death rate of animals commonly depends on their viral load. We develop a broad theoretical framework for exploring and understanding this heterogeneity. The model includes both direct transmission from infectious animals and indirect transmission from an environmental reservoir. We then incorporate a large variety of control measures, including vaccination, antivirals, isolation, environmental disinfection, and several forms of culling, which may result in fewer culled animals. We provide explicit formulae for the basic reproduction number, R0, for each intervention and for combinations. We evaluate the control methods for a realistic simulated outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza on a mid-sized turkey farm. In this simulated outbreak, culling results in more total dead birds and dramatically more when culling all of the infected birds.
Models and Algorithms for Least Square Interval-Valued Nucleoli of Cooperative Games with Interval-Valued Payoffs

The aim of this paper is to develop a new method for computing least square interval-valued nucleoli of cooperative games with interval-valued payoffs, which usually are called interval-valued cooperative games for short. In this methodology, based on the square excess which can be intuitionally interpreted as a measure of the dissatisfaction of the coalitions, we construct a quadratic programming model for least square interval-valued prenucleolus of any interval-valued cooperative game and obtain its analytical solution, which is used to determine players’ interval-valued imputations via the designed algorithms that ensure the nucleoli always satisfy the individual rationality of players. Hereby the least square interval-valued nucleoli of interval-valued cooperative games are determined in the sense of minimizing the difference of the square excesses of the coalitions. Moreover, we discuss some useful and important properties of the least square interval-valued nucleolus such as its existence and uniqueness, efficiency, individual rationality, additivity, symmetry, and anonymity.
Glycation of Lys-16 and Arg-5 in amyloid-β and the presence of Cu 2+ play a major role in the oxidative stress mechanism of Alzheimer's disease

Extensive research has linked the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide to neurological dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Insoluble Aβ plaques in the AD patient brain contain high concentrations of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) as well as transition metal ions. This research elucidated the roles of Aβ, sugars, and Cu2+ in the oxidative stress mechanism of AD at the molecular level. Mass spectral (MS) analysis of the reactions of Aβ with two representative sugars, ribose-5-phosphate (R5P) and methylglyoxal (MG), revealed Lys-16 and Arg-5 as the primary glycation sites. Quantitative analysis of superoxide [Formula: see text] production by a cyt c assay showed that Lys-16 generated four times as much [Formula: see text] as Arg-5. Lys-16 and Arg-5 in Aβ1-40 are both adjacent to histidine residues, which are suggested to catalyze glycation. Additionally, Lys-16 is close to the central hydrophobic core (Leu-17-Ala-21) and to His-13, both of which are known to lower the pKa of the residue, leading to increased deprotonation of the amine and an enhanced glycation reactivity compared to Arg-5. Gel electrophoresis results indicated that all three components of AD plaques-Aβ1-40, sugars, and Cu2+-are necessary for DNA damage. It is concluded that the glycation of Aβ1-40 with sugars generates significant amounts of [Formula: see text], owing to the rapid glycation of Lys-16 and Arg-5. In the presence of Cu2+, [Formula: see text] converts to hydroxyl radical (HO·), the source of oxidative stress in AD.
Effect of binder grade on performance parameters of asphaltic concrete paving mixtures

Abstract This study explores effect of binder grade variation on the performance parameters of stiffness, fatigue, and permanent deformation using different asphaltic concrete paving mixtures. Two penetration grade binders (40/50 and 80/100), four gradations (two wearing and two base courses) and single limestone aggregate source were used. Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) was employed to fabricate specimens for Dynamic Modulus | E ∗ | test, Repeated Load Deformation Test (Flow Number Test, FN) and Static Creep Test (Flow Time test, FT) using Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT). The | E ∗ | test was carried out for a range of temperatures (4.4–54.4 °C) and a frequency sweep (25–0.1 Hz), while FN and FT tests were performed at a single effective temperature of 54.4 °C and 300 kPa stress level. The | E ∗ | test results were subjected to the non-linear optimization technique to develop the stress-dependent master curves which reveal that the grade of bitumen significantly influences the stiffness of mixtures. The combination of the | E ∗ | and the phase angle pronounced into fatigue parameter which describes the fatigue behavior of a mix, and results indicate that the softer grade translates into higher fatigue resistance and vice versa. We observe that the 40/50 binder, ​on average, is 1.8 times more rut-resistant than the 80/100 binder. Further, this study also develops a non-linear regression model to express | E ∗ | as a function of testing temperature, loading frequency, and mixture volumetric parameter.
Addressing Mental Health in Pediatric Rheumatology

To review the current evidence for the management of mental disorders for youth with rheumatologic diseases, and elucidate gaps in knowledge requiring further investigation to improve management of mental health conditions for these patients. Depression and anxiety are common in youth with pediatric rheumatologic diseases and are associated with poor adherence, quality of life, and long-term outcomes. They have a complex etiology and require consideration of overall disease management as well as contributing psychosocial factors. Increasing evidence indicates that current screening strategies fail to fully support this patient population and that many patients with mental health problems go untreated. Effective strategies to approach mental health in pediatric rheumatology patients are likely those that incorporate both behavioral and pharmacological therapies, and include families and social support. Preliminary evidence shows that adopting screening practices in pediatric rheumatology clinics will improve detection of mental disorders and is acceptable to patients and families. Broad mental health screening strategies should be considered for youth with rheumatologic diseases. Further research is necessary to better understand which treatments are most effective for depression, anxiety, and other forms of mental disorders observed in pediatric rheumatology.
Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and video games: The new thrombophilia cocktail in adolescents

Rates of venous thromboembolism have increased in the adolescent population over the last two decades, likely due to advanced diagnostics, increased use of central venous catheters, chronic medical conditions, obesity, and oral contraceptive use. Of these factors, a modifiable risk factor for adolescents is obesity. Sedentary lifestyle and prolonged immobilization are additional prothrombotic risk factors that are often associated with obesity. With ever-increasing screen time, sedentary behavior has risen accordingly, especially among gamers. We present four cases of adolescents who developed life-threatening venous thromboembolic events in the setting of obesity, sedentary lifestyle and/or immobilization, and prolonged video game use.
A Paradigm of Philosophy: The Adversary Method

It is frequently thought that there are attributes, or kinds of behavior, that it is good for one sex to have and bad for the other sex to have. Aggression is a particularly interesting example of such an attribute. This paper investigates and criticizes a model of philosophic methodology that accepts a positive view of aggressive behavior and uses it as a paradigm of philosophic reasoning. But before I turn to this paradigm, I want to challenge the broader view of aggression that permits it positive connotations.
The seasonal fingerprint of climate change

The identification of anthropogenically forced climate change from observational data is challenging. Climate-change effects over the time scale of decades are relatively small compared to natural variability but become progressively larger and influential as time proceeds. Detection of an evolving forced climate signal in observational data is often based on identifying characteristic space-time patterns; this approach is referred to as fingerprint or optimal detection studies. On page 245 of this issue, Santer et al. ( 1 ) identify a previously undetected fingerprint in the mid-latitude seasonal temperature cycle of temperature sensed by satellites over the past four decades. The work adds to the rigorous evidence for human influence on observed atmospheric changes.
The Flow and Ebb of Public Support for Higher Education in America

A massive increase in public investment transformed American higher education in the decade before Change was launched in 1969. That public investment was sustained and gradually increased for thir...
Structured Design Methodology to Achieve a High SNR Electrical Impedance Tomography

In this paper, we present a methodology for designing the main circuit building blocks of an electrical impedance tomography (EIT) system. In particular, we derive equations that map system-level EIT specifications to the performance requirements of each circuit block. We also review the circuit architectures that are best suited for meeting a given set of performance requirements. Our proposed design methodology is focused on maximizing the EIT system's signal-to-noise ratio while minimizing total power consumption.
Evaluating the effects of design parameters on the performances of phase I trial designs

Numerous designs have been proposed for phase I clinical trials. Although studies have compared their performances, few have considered the effects of changing design parameters. In this article, we review a few popular designs, including the 3 + 3, continuous reassessment method (CRM), Bayesian optimal interval (BOIN) design, and Keyboard design, and evaluate how varying design parameters (such as number of dose levels, target toxicity rate, maximum sample size, and cohort size) could impact the performances of each design through simulations. Excluded from our analysis is the mTPI-2 design, which operates in the same way as the Keyboard. Our results suggest that regardless of the choices of design parameters, the 3 + 3 design performs worse than the other ones, and BOIN and Keyboard have comparable performance to CRM. For any design, the performance varies with the choice of parameters. In particular, it improves as sample sizes increase, but the magnitude of benefit from increasing sample sizes varies substantially across scenarios. The impact of cohort size on design performances seems to have no clear direction. Therefore, BOIN and Keyboard designs are generally recommended due to their simplicity and good performance. With regard to choices of sample size and cohort size in designing a trial, it is recommend that simulations be performed for the particular clinical settings to aid decision making.
Characterization of a dimer preparation method for nanoscale organic aerosol

AbstractNanoscale dimers have application in studies of aerosol physicochemical properties such as aerosol viscosity. These particle dimers can be synthesized using the dual tandem differential mob...
Design and fabrication of dual-spot-size medical laser-handle prototype

In this paper, we report on the design, modeling, and fabrication of a prototype of a dual-spot-size laser-handle for medical hair/tattoo removal. The developed laser-handle gives the operator a choice between large, rectangular (24×32 mm2) spot or a small, elliptical (7×11mm2) spot. The change in spot size is instantaneous and does not require any alteration concerning the optical system. It does not involve adding or removing accessories from the device, which keeps the design compact, cost-efficient and user friendly. The design was optimized using an industry-standard ray-tracing code. Simulation results were corroborated by an experimental implementation. The final handle package was designed using AutoCADTM and the structure was built using a high-quality 3D printer. The handle performance was then evaluated for ease of use, responsivity, and output fidelity. Results show an excellent agreement with the initial design requirements, which make this prototype a successful proof-of-concept which opens the path for further improvements.