cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmental Evidence for Modality‐Dependent P300 Generators: A Normative Study

The behavior of the early and late components of the event-related brain potential (ERP) elicited by auditory and visual stimuli was studied in 40 normal females between the ages of 7 and 20. The ERPs were collected using two different tasks (i.e.,count and reaction time) in an oddball paradigm. Analysis of the early component (i.e., N1, P2, N2) latencies revealed small but significant decreases with age in the visual modality but no change in the auditory modality. Except for the visual N1, early component amplitudes did not change significantly over this age range. The results showed that auditory and visual P300 latencies, but not amplitudes, changed at significantly different rates over this age range. P300 latencies in the auditory modality showed a relatively abrupt change around age 12, after which P300 latencies changed little and were essentially at their adult levels. The latencies of visual P300s showed a much smaller and more steady decrease with age. Thus visual P300 latencies were shorter than auditory P300s in young children but longer than auditory P300s in older children. Significantly different scalp distributions were found for auditory and visual P300s. Although all P300 activity was maximal over parietal scalp, visual P300s were significantly larger than auditory P300s over central and frontal scalp. The developmental differences, combined with the presence of significantly different scalp topographies for auditory and visual P300s, provide convergent evidence that P300 activity is not independent of the modality of the eliciting stimulus.
2‐[2‐[(Benzyloxy)ethyl]‐6,6‐dimethylbicyclo[3.3.1]‐3‐nonyl]‐9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane

[81971-15-5] C26H39B (MW 378.41) InChI = 1S/C26H39BO/c1-26(2)20-16-24(26)23(14-15-28-18-19-8-4-3-5-9-19)25(17-20)27-21-10-6-11-22(27)13-7-12-21/h3-5,8-9,20-25H,6-7,10-18H2,1-2H3/t20-,21?,22?,23+,24+,25+/m1/s1 InChIKey = OTFFBHKQLFFQNX-TUDJXYBHSA-N (asymmetric reducing agent1) Alternate Name: NB-Enantrane®. Solubility: sol most organic solvents. Form Supplied in: 0.5M solution in THF; commercially available. Preparative Method: NB-Enantrane2 may be prepared by hydroboration of nopol benzyl ether (commercially available, or from nopol and benzyl bromide1a) with 9-Borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9-BBN) (eq 1). (1) Handling, Storage, and Precautions: NB-Enantrane is an air-sensitive reagent and must be handled under an inert atmosphere. Use in a fume hood.
Male Megacyllene robiniae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Use Multiple Tactics When Aggressively Competing for Mates

Adult male Megacyllene robiniae (Forster) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) that are paired with a female often are challenged by conspecific males that attempt to displace them. In staged laboratory bouts, challenging males used seven distinct tactics to displace defending males, including wedging their head between the defender and the female (termed wedging), straddling the mated pair and pulling the defender off (prying), pulling it with the mandibles, batting it with the antennae, or pushing, biting, or kicking the defender. Individual challengers attempted as many as six different tactics in a single bout, repeating certain tactics multiple times. They often attempted tactics that were not very effective. For example, prying was one of the most common attempted tactics but was rarely effective. However, few challengers attempted to push defenders off the female, even though that tactic often was effective. Challengers apparently were influenced by context in their choice of particular tactics. For example, males that approached the mated pair from the side were likely to use wedging, whereas those approaching head on were more likely to bat with the antennae. Choice of tactic apparently was not influenced by absolute size of challengers, nor was it strongly influenced by relative size of defenders. However, the effectiveness of tactics varied significantly with relative body size: larger challengers were most successful when prying or pushing, while smaller challengers were most successful when biting and kicking. By using different tactics, relatively small males were as adept as larger males at displacing rivals.
Contrast enhanced photoresists—processing and modeling

This paper will describe a new concept for the production of high contrast photopatterns. The method is designed to produce good quality patterns with very low contrast illumination through the use of photobleachable materials in conjunction with standard photoresists. A very thin bleachable layer is first applied to the photoresist surface. Following conventional exposure, the layer is removed and the resist developed in the ordinary way. As a result of the presence of the bleachable material, the contrast of the illumination that reaches the photoresist is increased. It is for this reason that the technique is called contrast enhancement. The degree to which the contrast is enhanced depends on both the photochemical properties of the bleachable material and the dose required to expose the underlying resist. The paper will discuss properties required of the bleachable material in order to make the technique feasible, such as the magnitudes of the extinction coefficient and the quantum yield. Bleaching experiments on candidate materials for the characterization of these parameters will be described. Also to be discussed is a model of the bleaching dynamics, which was used to calculate the improvements in contrast that are achieved as a function of base resist sensitivity. The extra processing steps required by the presence of the bleachable layer will be covered. Submicron resist patterns that demonstrate the resulting improvement in contrast will also be shown.
Anomalous Papillary Muscle as a Cause of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction in an Adult

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction may be caused by abnormalities of the various structures comprised by the outflow tract. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the more common causes, but many are rare anomalies, a collection of which we have compiled. We present a case of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction mimicking aortic stenosis in an adult. This was found to be due to abnormal insertion of a hypertrophied papillary muscle, successfully corrected by mitral valve replacement.
Intrinsic Differences in the Initiation of B Cell Receptor Signaling Favor Responses of Human IgG + Memory B Cells over IgM + Naive B Cells

The acquisition of long-lived memory B cells (MBCs) is critical for the defense against many infectious diseases. Despite their importance, little is known about how Ags trigger human MBCs, even though our understanding of the molecular basis of Ag activation of B cells in model systems has advanced considerably. In this study, we use quantitative, high-resolution, live-cell imaging at the single-cell and single-molecule levels to describe the earliest Ag-driven events in human isotype-switched, IgG-expressing MBCs and compare them with those in IgM-expressing naive B cells. We show that human MBCs are more robust than naive B cells at each step in the initiation of BCR signaling, including interrogation of Ag-containing membranes, formation of submicroscopic BCR oligomers, and recruitment and activation of signaling-associated kinases. Despite their robust response to Ag, MBCs remain highly sensitive to FcγRIIB-mediated inhibition. We also demonstrate that in the absence of Ag, a portion of MBC receptors spontaneously oligomerized, and phosphorylated kinases accumulated at the membrane and speculate that heightened constitutive signaling may play a role in maintaining MBC longevity. Using high-resolution imaging, we have provided a description of the earliest events in the Ag activation of MBCs and evidence for acquired cell-intrinsic differences in the initiation of BCR signaling in human naive and MBCs.
Analysis of adjacent-band interference between Earth stations and Earth-orbiting satellites

It is desirable to determine the potential for radio frequency interference between Earth stations and orbiting spacecraft. This information can be used to select frequencies for radio systems to avoid interference or to determine if coordination between radio systems is necessary. Also, it is useful for planning emission standards and filtering requirements for future telecommunications equipment. A model is developed that will determine the statistics of interference between Earth stations and elliptical orbiting spacecraft. The model uses orbital dynamics, detailed antenna patterns, and spectral characteristics to obtain accurate levels of interference at the victim receiver. The model is programmed into a computer simulation to obtain long-term statistics of interference. An example is shown to demonstrate the model. Interference from Earth-exploration satellites to a deep-space Earth station is simulated. This paper includes the effect of data asymmetry and finite transition time on the interference statistics. It is shown that moderate data asymmetry can adversely affect the interference at a deep space Earth station receiver.
Application of Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) Tubing to the Study of Human Wound Healing

Wounds are a part of daily life. They range from minor nicks and cuts to the incisions of major surgery. In the sequence of evolution the process of healing arose long before modern science. The events which we are beginning to unravel have occurred routinely for a very long time despite our lack of understanding. We have learned how to nurture healing, but how to modify healing in a positive sense is only an approaching reality. Standardized tests of human healing are a necessary part of future research in wound healing. In the Wound Healing Laboratory we have used tubes of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) as a tissue-sampling device in small, experimental, needle-stick wounds. Ingrowth into ePTFE is influenced by surface and structural characteristics. These are held constant, and "normal" values can be established and used as a base with which to study effects of various clinical states on healing in humans.
Gold Nanoring Arrays for Near Infrared Plasmonic Biosensing

Gold nanoring array surfaces that exhibit strong localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) at near infrared (NIR) wavelengths from 1.1 to 1.6 μm were used as highly sensitive real-time refractive index biosensors. Arrays of gold nanorings with tunable diameter, width, and spacing were created by the nanoscale electrodeposition of gold nanorings onto lithographically patterned nanohole array conductive surfaces over large areas (square centimeters). The bulk refractive index sensitivity of the gold nanoring arrays was determined to be up to 3,780 cm−1/refractive index unit by monitoring shifts in the LSPR peak by FT-NIR transmittance spectroscopy measurements. As a first application, the surface polymerization reaction of dopamine to form polydopamine thin films on the nanoring sensor surface from aqueous solution was monitored with the real-time LSPR peak shift measurements. To demonstrate the utility of the gold nanoring arrays for LSPR biosensing, the hybridization adsorption of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles onto complementary DNA-functionalized gold nanoring arrays was monitored. The adsorption of DNA-modified gold nanoparticles onto nanoring arrays modified with mixed DNA monolayers that contained only 0.5 % complementary DNA was also detected; this relative surface coverage corresponds to the detection of DNA by hybridization adsorption from a 50 pM solution.
On optimality of a two-stage sawpling method for binomial populations

We consider a family of two-stage sampling methods for a binomial parameter that guarantee a certain precision. It is shown that, among all such methods, one due to Birnbaum and Healy minimizes the average expected second stage sample size with respect to a certain density on the parameter space. It does not, however, minimize the average expected second stage sample size with respect to the uniform density.
Intertrial interval manipulations and passive avoidance retention in young Long-Evans hooded rats.

Results of several studies indicate that young rats generally require more training than do adults to reach comparable criterion levels of passive avoidance behavior. In addition, younger rats generally show poorer retention performance than adults. In the present study, preweanling and weanling Long-Evans rats were given passive avoidance training at intertrial intervals (ITI) of 2 min, 1 hr, or 24 hr until a 600-s criterion was obtained. A 2-week retention test also was given to each subject. Results indicate that ITI had little effect on rate of acquisition or retention. Acquisition and retention performance did improve with age, as is typically reported with other strains of rats. The present results support previous acquisition and retention studies indicating that the ability to acquire and retain a passive avoidance task for weanling and preweanling rats increases with age. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 41: 197–204, 2002. Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/dev.10068
Transmission Electron Miscroscopy Study of the Fused Silicon/Diamond Interface

Bonding of polished, polycrystalline diamond films to silicon was performed in ultra high vacuum at 32 MPa of applied uniaxial stress. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigation revealed that the interface of all bonded samples was non-uniform. An abrupt boundary between the two wafers existed only in some parts of the interface, while other parts contained an amorphous interlayer of up to 40 nm in thickness. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) revealed that this interlayer consisted of oxygen, carbon and silicon. Based on comparison of the microstructure and chemical composition of the interface formed at different bonding temperatures, we propose a model for the silicon/diamond wafer fusion process.
Precision farming from Rockwell

The Rockwell Vision System is the most advanced, integrated crop management and analysis tool available on the market today. This system includes software and hardware that utilizes differential Global Positioning System (GPS) to capture field data, including yield, crop moisture, topography, soil type, soil chemistry, and weed infestation (up to 256 layers of data). As a result, the farmer can see layer after layer of precise data on each piece of ground. Highly capable geographic information system (GIS) software enables the farmer and crop consultant to analyze each field's productivity and manage crop inputs (seed, fertilizer, and chemicals) to achieve economic and environmental benefits. The Vision System hardware consists of the vision receiver, the vision computer display, and associated installation kits.
Routability-driven repeater block planning for interconnect-centric floorplanning

In this paper, we present a repeater block planning algorithm for interconnect-centric floorplanning. We introduce the concept of independent feasible regions for repeaters and derive an analytical formula for their computation. We develop a routability-driven repeater clustering algorithm to perform repeater block planning based on iterative deletion. The goal is to obtain a high-quality solution for the repeater block locations so that performance-driven interconnect synthesis at the routing stage can be carried out with ease while minimizing the chip area. Experimental results show that our method increases the percentage of all global nets that meet their target delays from 67.5% to 85%. Moreover, our approach minimizes the expected routing congestion, making it easier for performance-driven routers to synthesize global nets that require the insertion of repeaters to meet timing constraints.
From Thought to Action: Effects of Process-Versus Outcome-Based Mental Simulations on Performance

Mental simulations enhance the links between thought and action. The present research contrasted mental simulations that emphasize the process required to achieve a goal versus the outcome of goal achievement. For 5 to 7 days prior to a midterm examination, college freshmen mentally simulated either the process for doing well on the exam (good study habits) or simulated a desired outcome (getting a good grade) or both. A self-monitoring control condition was included. Results indicated that process simulation enhanced studying and improved grades; the latter effect was mediated by enhanced planning and reduced anxiety. Implications of process and outcome simulations for effective goal pursuit are discussed.
Cochlear implantation in patients with substantial residual hearing.

Objectives: Cochlear implantation is an effective means for providing auditory rehabilitation in adult patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. It has been hypothesized that patients with substantial, preoperative residual hearing would be excellent cochlear implant candidates because of surviving neural populations and a lack of auditory deprivation. The purpose of this study is to describe the outcomes of patients with substantial residual hearing who have undergone cochlear implantation. Study Design: Retrospective chart review of patients with substantial preoperative residual hearing who underwent cochlear implantation. Methods: Chart reviews were completed for patients with substantial residual hearing who underwent cochlear implantation (City University of New York Sentence Test [CUNY] > 60%, Hearing in Noise Test sentences presented in quiet [HINTQ] > 50%, or Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant [CNC] > 20% in the ear to be implanted). Preoperative and postoperative measures of audiologic performance as well as complications were assessed. Results: All 12 patients who met inclusion criteria ultimately surpassed their preoperative aided performance level after implantation and gained significant benefit from their cochlear implant. At 6 months postimplantation, mean CUNY, HINTQ, and CNC scores were 93%, 78%, and 48% in the implant ear alone, respectively. However, progress was slower than expected for many patients, and at least one patient took 1 year to surpass his preoperative performance level. There were no complications from surgery in this selected group of patients. Conclusions: Patients with some degree of residual hearing do benefit from cochlear implantation. However, there may be an initial decline in performance as compared with preoperative levels. This decline is overcome in time in this patient population. These patients need to be counseled accordingly.
Cement hydration: building bridges and dams at the microstructure level

The concurrent goals of cement hydration are to percolate (bridge) the original cement particles into a load-bearing network and to depercolate (dam) the original water-filled capillary porosity. The initial volume, particle size distribution, and flocculation/dispersion state of the cement particles have a large influence on both hydration rates and microstructure development. Likewise, the capillary porosity as characterized by its pore size distribution, percolation state, and saturation state also influences both hydration kinetics and microstructure. In this paper, experimental techniques and computer modeling are applied to further understanding several of the critical connections between these physical parameters and performance properties. First, the setting or bridging process is explored via a combination of needle penetration and rheological measurements, in concert with three-dimensional microstructural modeling. Second, low temperature calorimetry is shown to be a valuable indicator of the percolation state or damming of the water-filled pores with various size entryways in the three-dimensional microstructure. Porosity percolation (or depercolation) is shown to be strongly influenced by both curing conditions and the alkali content of the cement pastes. Finally, it is proposed that future efforts in this field be directed towards a greater understanding of the (nano)structures of cement hydration products, particularly the calcium silicate hydrate gel, and their influence on performance properties.
Dual role of signaling pathways leading to Ca2+ and cyclic AMP elevation in host cell invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi

Cell invasion by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi involves activation of host signaling pathways and the recruitment and fusion of lysosomes at the parasite entry site. A major signaling pathway regulating invasion of fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and myoblasts involves mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and requires the activity of a T. cruzi serine peptidase, oligopeptidase B (OPB). Deletion of the OPB gene results in a marked defect in trypomastigote virulence, consistent with a greatly reduced cell invasion capacity. Here we show that uptake by macrophages, on the other hand, is largely independent of OPB expression and sensitive to inhibition of by cytochalasin D. The residual invasion capacity of OPBnull trypomastigotes in fibroblasts still involves lysosome recruitment, although in a significantly delayed fashion. Transient elevations in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations were observed in host cells exposed to both wild-type and OPBnull trypomastigotes, but the signals triggered by the mutant parasites were less vigorous and delayed. The capacity of triggering elevation in host cell cyclic AMP (cAMP), however, was unaltered in OPBnull trypomastigotes. Modulation in cAMP levels preferentially affected the residual cell invasion capacity of OPBnull parasites, suggesting that this signaling pathway can play a dominant role in promoting cell invasion in the absence of the major OPB-dependent pathway.
GENETIC CONTROL OF THE CELL DIVISION CYCLE IN YEAST: V. GENETIC ANALYSIS OF cdc MUTANTS

One hundred and forty-eight temperature-sensitive cell division cycle (cdc) mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been isolated and characterized. Complementation studies ordered these recessive mutations into 32 groups and tetrad analysis revealed that each of these groups defines a single nuclear gene. Fourteen of these genes have been located on the yeast genetic map. Functionally related cistrons are not tightly clustered.Mutations in different cistrons frequently produce different cellular and nuclear morphologies in the mutant cells following incubation at the restrictive temperature, but all the mutations in the same cistron produce essentially the same morphology. The products of these genes appear, therefore, each to function individually in a discrete step of the cell cycle and they define collectively a large number of different steps.The mutants were examined by time-lapse photomicroscopy to determine the number of cell cycles completed at the restrictive temperature before arrest. For most mutants, cells early in the cell cycle at the time of the temperature shift (before the execution point) arrest in the first cell cycle while those later in the cycle (after the execution point) arrest in the second cell cycle. Execution points for allelic mutations that exhibit first or second cycle arrest are rather similar and appear to be cistron-specific. Other mutants traverse several cycles before arrest, and its suggested that the latter type of response may reveal gene products that are temperature-sensitive for synthesis, whereas the former may be temperature-sensitive for function.The gene products that are defined by the cdc cistrons are essential for the completion of the cell cycle in haploids of a and alpha mating type and in a/alpha diploid cells. The same genes, therefore, control the cell cycle in each of these stages of the life cycle.
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are eating disorders characterized by pathological alterations in food intake. These disorders are more common among young females, although they can also affect males and older females. Rigid restriction of food intake, which can alternate with loss of control in the drive to eat, is the most striking behavioral change seen in patients with AN and BN, respectively. Some of the endocrine changes and clinical outcomes of patients with eating disorders are a mechanism to save energy and promote survival. Hypogonadism is the most striking endocrine change in patients with eating disorders, with amenorrhea as the main manifestation. Other endocrine alterations may include low T3 syndrome, hypercortisolism, loss of bone mineral density, and changes in the somatotropic axis and the glucose homeostasis. Hypoleptinemia, caused by food restriction and by the decrease of adipose tissue mass, seems to be the mediator of these endocrine changes. However, other adipocytokines and hormones involved in the regulation of food intake may also play a role in the development of the endocrine outcomes.
Thixotropic Characteristics of Compacted Clays

Previous investigations summarized; existence of thixotropic effects in compacted clays and their variation with soil composition; test data illustrating magnitude of thixotropic strength increases with time for compacted clays in normal compression tests and under repeated loading conditions; effects of thixotropy on results of tests conducted.
Energy Management-as-a-Service Over Fog Computing Platform

By introducing microgrids, energy management is required to control the power generation and consumption for residential, industrial, and commercial domains, e.g., in residential microgrids and homes. Energy management may also help us to reach zero net energy (ZNE) for the residential domain. Improvement in technology, cost, and feature size has enabled devices everywhere, to be connected and interactive, as it is called Internet of Things (IoT). The increasing complexity and data, due to the growing number of devices like sensors and actuators, require powerful computing resources, which may be provided by cloud computing. However, scalability has become the potential issue in cloud computing. In this paper, fog computing is introduced as a novel platform for energy management. The scalability, adaptability, and open source software/hardware featured in the proposed platform enable the user to implement the energy management with the customized control-as-services, while minimizing the implementation cost and time-to-market. To demonstrate the energy management-as-a-service over fog computing platform in different domains, two prototypes of home energy management (HEM) and microgrid-level energy management have been implemented and experimented.
Improving the performance of lesion-based computer-aided detection schemes of breast masses using a case-based adaptive cueing method

Current commercialized CAD schemes have high false-positive (FP) detection rates and also have high correlations in positive lesion detection with radiologists. Thus, we recently investigated a new approach to improve the efficacy of applying CAD to assist radiologists in reading and interpreting screening mammograms. Namely, we developed a new global feature based CAD approach/scheme that can cue the warning sign on the cases with high risk of being positive. In this study, we investigate the possibility of fusing global feature or case-based scores with the local or lesion-based CAD scores using an adaptive cueing method. We hypothesize that the information from the global feature extraction (features extracted from the whole breast regions) are different from and can provide supplementary information to the locally-extracted features (computed from the segmented lesion regions only). On a large and diverse full-field digital mammography (FFDM) testing dataset with 785 cases (347 negative and 438 cancer cases with masses only), we ran our lesion-based and case-based CAD schemes "as is" on the whole dataset. To assess the supplementary information provided by the global features, we used an adaptive cueing method to adaptively adjust the original CAD-generated detection scores ( S org ) of a detected suspicious mass region based on the computed case-based score ( S case ) of the case associated with this detected region. Using the adaptive cueing method, better sensitivity results were obtained at lower FP rates (≤ 1 FP per image). Namely, increases of sensitivities (in the FROC curves) of up to 6.7% and 8.2% were obtained for the ROI and Case-based results, respectively.
Policy Update: The one tragic mistake of biofuel policy that everyone can agree on: how tax exemptions with mandates subsidize oil consumption

Many controversies rage over biofuels but the most important failing of biofuels policy has hitherto been overlooked and that is fuel tax exemptions for biofuels that subsidize gasoline/diesel cons...
On-demand chest radiographs for hypoxia: impact on clinical care.

PURPOSE: To determine the therapeutic yield of on-demand chest radiographs in intubated patients experiencing acute oxygen desaturation/hypoxia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted examining all intubated intensive care unit patients over a 2 ½-year period. Subjects were included only if the patient had undergone a comparison radiograph while intubated and if the word hypoxia or an equivalent alternative had been listed in the requisition. Radiographic findings were categorized into 3 groups: no change, minor new finding, or major new finding. A major new finding was defined as one that could result in a direct change in clinical management. Therapeutic yield was defined as any new clinical intervention documented in the electronic medical record occurring within the proximate timeframe after performing an on-demand radiograph. Interventions were recorded as appropriate or not appropriate to the expected therapy for each radiographic finding. RESULTS: A total of 676 radiographic reports were studied. 55.3%, 20.4%, and 24.3% of the radiographic findings were categorized into no change, minor new finding, and major new finding groups. A major radiographic finding was more likely to have new interventions compared with a no-change radiograph [odds ratio, 6.44 (4.16-9.78)]. Most interventions were deemed appropriate for the radiographic findings. CONCLUSIONS: On-demand radiographs performed for acute hypoxic clinical events yield a high percentage of major findings, with nearly half of them potentially influencing or resulting in new therapeutic interventions. Interventions were more likely in the major finding group, with most being appropriate. These results support the efficacy of the on-demand radiograph by providing evidence of its utility in patient management decisions.
An Analysis and Improvement of Rear Axle Case Fracture in N300 Vehicle

Static strength of the rear axle case was calculated and examined by using the CAE software,and the welding procedure of case sample was confirmed and analyzed.So an improved solution of reinforced bracket and some requirements of that was proposed.
Study on Bacterial Communities and Their Fermenting Properties in Brewing Process of Yellow Rice Wine

Bacteria strains in wheat starter,ri ce-steeping water and fermented mash of yellow rice wine were isolated and identified,and the growth rate,acid-producing capability,and acidic properties of representative strains were analyzed. The results suggested that the isolated 41 bacteria strains belonged to Lactobacillus,Pediococcus,Acetobacter,and Baillus through 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Varieties of lactic acid bacteria existed in the whole brewing process and the amount of Lactobacillus brevis was the highest. The representative strains of lactic acid bacteria were evaluated from three aspects including OD600 value of biomass increment,acid-producing capability,acid-producing flavor. Among them,Lactobacillus plantarum L15 was an ideal strain because it grew fast with producing more acid and good acidic flavor. Lactobacillus paracasei L46 was also a good strain,and Lactobacillus brevis had good acid-producing capability and good biomass increment but its acidic flavor was disgusting. Other strains had the disadvantages of bad acid-producing capability.
Brief 95% O2 exposure effects on surfactant protein and mRNA in rat alveolar and bronchiolar epithelium.

In acute lung injury, a disturbed surfactant system may impair gas exchange. Previous evaluations of hyperoxia effects on surfactant proteins (SPs) followed exposures >1–2 days. To evaluate the eff...
Expansion of the RASopathies

The Ras/mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is essential in the regulation of cell cycle, differentiation, growth, cell senescence and apoptosis, all of which are critical to normal development. A class of neurodevelopmental disorders, RASopathies, is caused by germline mutations in genes of the Ras/MAPK pathway. Through the use of whole exome sequencing and targeted sequencing of selected genes in cohorts of panel-negative RASopathy patients, several new genes have been identified. These include: RIT1, SOS2, RASA2, RRAS and SYNGAP1, that likely represent new, albeit rare, causative RASopathy genes. In addition, A2ML1, LZTR1, MYST4, SPRY1 and MAP3K8 may represent new rare genes for RASopathies, but, additional functional studies regarding the mutations are warranted. In addition, recent reports have demonstrated that chromosomal copy number variation in regions encompassing Ras/MAPK pathway genes may be a novel pathogenetic mechanism expanding the RASopathies.
Human-in-the-loop optimization of shared autonomy in assistive robotics

In this paper, we propose a mathematical framework which formalizes user-driven customization of shared autonomy in assistive robotics as a nonlinear optimization problem. Our insight is to allow the end-user, rather than relying on standard optimization techniques, to perform the optimization procedure, thereby allowing us to leave the exact nature of the cost function indeterminate. We ground our formalism with an interactive optimization procedure that customizes control sharing using an assistive robotic arm. We also present a pilot study that explores interactive optimization with end-users. This study was performed with 17 subjects (4 with spinal cord injury, 13 without injury). Results show all subjects were able to converge to an assistance paradigm, suggesting the existence of optimal solutions. Notably, the amount of assistance was not always optimized for task performance. Instead, some subjects favored retaining more control during the execution over better task performance. The study supports the case for user-driven customization and provides guidance for its continued development and study.
Gender Quotas: Why and How?

In 1991, Argentina became the first country in the world to introduce a gender candidate quota to national electoral legislation. Since then, fifteen other Latin American countries followed suit (though Venezuela subsequently revoked the law). In 2014, the median country in the region – fifteen of nineteen, or 79 percent – applied gender quotas in every election. Not all the laws are perfect: in the years after adoption, many underwent reforms to facilitate implementation, add sanctions for noncompliance, and raise target percentages (see Table 2.6). Overall, the policies have led to major gains in women's presence in power in some countries; in others, the results have been less impressive. Latin America's embrace of gender quotas led world trends. Overall, some fifty-six countries (and two polities – Kosovo and the Palestinian Authority) have national laws guaranteeing women's inclusion in politics through candidate quotas or reserved seats. Some forty-five countries apply such guarantees at the local level (Paxton & Hughes, 2013). Why are so many countries adopting quotas? What is the problem that the policies are responding to? Why did some countries, but not others, introduce these measures? Did they succeed in getting more women elected? In a fascinating book, Ann Towns argues that the status of women has become a measure of civilization and a way to “evaluate and rank states in a hierarchical manner” (Towns, 2010, p. 6). Countries interested in improving their status in international society must attempt visibly to demonstrate their efforts to improve the condition of women. Policies like gender quotas offer a means for states to ascend in the global hierarchy. They adopt quotas to seem modern and to prove their credentials on democracy and human rights. In an earlier era, by contrast, it was the opposite phenomenon–women's political exclusion– that constituted an international status symbol. “Civilized” states kept women out of politics (Ibid., chapter 4). The emergence of gender quotas as a “standard of modernity” may be a necessary condition for policy adoption. But it is not sufficient. Many more states are affected by, and participate in, international society than have quota policies. International norms and hierarchies are thus an important part of the explanation for quotas but do not adequately distinguish between adopters and nonadopters. To explain variation in policy patterns, we need to look at the political agency of women politicians.
Actin-based motility of bacterial pathogens: mechanistic diversity and its impact on virulence.

A diverse spectrum of intracellular bacterial pathogens that inhabit the cytosol have evolved the ability to polymerize actin on their surface to power intracellular actin-based motility (ABM). These include species of Listeria , Burkholderia and Rickettsia , as well as Shigella and Mycobacteria . Here, we provide an overview of the roles of bacterial ABM in survival and virulence. Moreover, we survey the molecular mechanisms of actin polymerization in host cells and describe how bacterial pathogens mimic or harness the full diversity of these mechanisms for ABM. Finally, we present ABM through a new lens by comparing motility mechanisms between related species of Listeria , Burkholderia , and Rickettsia . Through these comparisons, we hope to illuminate how exploitation of different actin polymerization mechanisms influences ABM as well as pathogenicity and virulence in humans and other animals.
Assessment of muscle mass relative to fat mass and associations with physical functioning in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives To determine whether a novel measure of appendicular lean mass relative to fat mass is associated with physical functioning in RA. Methods In a cross-sectional design, three independent RA cohorts were retrospectively analysed. Whole-body DXA measures of appendicular lean mass index (ALMI, kg/m 2 ) and fat mass index (FMI, kg/m 2 ) were converted to age, sex and race-specific Z-scores using published National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reference ranges. Adiposity-adjusted ALMI Z-scores (ALMI FMI ) were determined using a published method to adjust for normal associations between ALMI and FMI Z-scores. Associations between ALMI Z-scores, ALMI FMI Z-scores and physical functioning were assessed after adjusting for age, sex and study. Functional outcomes assessed included the HAQ, Valued Life Activities assessment and Short Physical Performance Battery. Low lean for age was defined as a Z-score of -1 or less. Results Our sample consisted of 442 patients with RA. The combined cohort had a mean ALMI Z-score of - 0.51 (1.08) and a mean ALMI FMI Z-score of - 0.58 (1.53), suggesting muscle mass deficits compared with a nationally representative sample. Greater ALMI FMI Z-scores demonstrated stronger associations with better functional outcomes compared with ALMI Z-scores. Associations were not attenuated with adjustment for systemic inflammation or pain. The FMI Z-score was independently associated with physical functioning, with a stronger association seen among patients with greater FMI Z-score. Adiposity-adjusted definitions of low lean mass more clearly identified those with functional impairment. Conclusion Estimates of appendicular lean mass that are adjusted for adiposity demonstrate stronger positive associations with functional outcomes compared with unadjusted estimates.
Evidence of disordered calcium metabolism in adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes: An observational study using a dual-stable calcium isotope technique

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with skeletal abnormalities including low bone density and increased fracture risk. The pathophysiology underlying T1D related skeletal fragility remains unknown. The objective of this study was to use a dual-stable calcium isotope method to investigate the effects of T1D on calcium absorption and estimated calcium retention in adolescent females. Twenty adolescent females with T1D were admitted for a 24-h calcium absorption study using oral (44Ca) and intravenous (42Ca) stable isotopes for determination of percent gastrointestinal calcium absorption and estimated calcium retention. Five out of twenty participants were found to have negative estimated calcium retention. Participants with negative calcium retention had greater urinary calcium excretion [202mg/d (IQR: 178-213)] compared to those with positive calcium retention [101.5mg/d (IQR: 82-122)], p=0.01, but similar calcium intake and percent calcium absorption. With the exception of one outlier, 24-h urine calcium was significantly associated with hemoglobin A1c (Pearson's r=0.55, p=0.02). 50% of participants consumed less than the RDA for calcium; fractional calcium absorption was inversely correlated with calcium intake in participants not meeting the RDA (Spearman's rho -0.65, p=0.04). In conclusion, one-quarter of adolescent girls with T1D were found to have negative estimated calcium retention at a time when bone mineral accrual should be ongoing. This appeared to be the result of excess urinary calcium excretion as opposed to diminished gastrointestinal calcium absorption. Insufficient calcium availability for bone deposition during adolescence could impair bone mineral accrual and contribute to skeletal fragility. Trial registered: ClinicalTrials.gov Reg No. NCT03156179.
Clinical impact of sedentary behaviors in adult survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort study.

BACKGROUND Sedentary behaviors are associated with poor health outcomes in the general population, but their clinical impact on adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has not been characterized to date. In the current study, we described the prevalence of sedentary behaviors in survivors of ALL and examined associations between time spent sedentary and body composition and onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. METHODS Participants' self-reported screen time (eg, television, computer) and activity as measured by accelerometer were used to determine activity time (sedentary, light activity, and moderate or vigorous physical activity). The percentage of time spent in each activity was compared between 331 survivors of ALL and 330 controls. Associations between time sedentary and body composition were evaluated in survivors using linear regression models. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association between time sedentary at baseline and CVD risk factor onset during follow-up. RESULTS Survivors spent approximately 65% of their time sedentary, 32% in light activity, and 2% in moderate or vigorous physical activity compared with 67% (P = .04), 30% (P<.01), and 3% (P<.01), respectively, in controls. Among survivors, percentage lean body mass decreased by 1.0% ± 0.4% (P = .01) per 10% increase in time sedentary. Survivors who were sedentary ≥60% per day were found to be at an increased risk of high total cholesterol (hazard ratio, 2.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-5.64) and any CVD risk factor (hazard ratio, 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-3.30). CONCLUSIONS Sedentary behavior is associated with low lean mass and CVD risk factor development and should be limited in survivors of childhood ALL. Cancer 2018;124:1036-43. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Using Contact Theory to Assess Staff Perspectives on Training Initiatives of an Intergenerational Programming Intervention

Background and objectives Project TRIP (Transforming Relationships through Intergenerational Programs) was developed as a sustainable intergenerational community project involving child care participants and elders attending an elder care program or volunteering at the children's program. The project focused on staff development of evidence-based intergenerational practices. To enhance available intervention research, contact theory provided a theoretical framework to explore how staff members' and administrators' perceptions of the intervention influenced their ability to implement programming in social care settings. Research design and methods We used a directed content analysis approach to analyze small group and individual interviews with 32 participants from 6 program sites over 5 years. Results Participants highlighted inherent challenges and subsequent benefits of academic-community partnerships. Greater on-site presence, open communication, and relationship-building proved critical to improve community partnerships, project fidelity, and program sustainability. When interactions reflected contact theory tenets, collaborators reported positive attitudes toward and interactions with research partners. Discussion and implications Contact theory provided a useful framework to understand the researcher-practitioner partnership. Researchers should plan for partnerships that: (a) are supported by authority figures, including staff and participants, (b) utilize a shared expertise approach where partners have equal group status, (c) involve close cooperation; (d) align research and program goals, and (e) foster positive communication through frequent contact using practitioners' preferred methods and including in-person contact. We recommend future intergenerational programming interventions build on a foundation of both theory and practice.
Social work in Africa: Decolonizing methodologies and approaches:

Decolonizing social work requires becoming genuine, returning to one’s cultural roots for direction. Decolonization entails resistance to social work’s ‘West to the Rest’ movement, which seeks to ‘internationalize’ and ‘standardize’ the profession. For social work to be useful in Africa, reorientation of its methods toward facilitating holistic and indigenous intervention is mandatory. This conceptual article analyzes literature on decolonization, indigenous methodology, and social work in Africa, stressing that decolonization of social work requires challenging dominant models of practice and research, while integrating traditional values and practices that have withstood centuries of oppression into culturally consonant forms of service and inquiry.
Creation of the computer simulation archive

This paper discusses the founding of the Computer Simulation Archive at the North Carolina State University Libraries, obtaining the initial contributions to the archive, establishing endowments to support the archive, and forming the Archive Advisory Committee.
The impact of MRI on the treatment of DCIS.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to detect occult invasive breast cancers with a sensitivity of 97 per cent to 100 per cent. Mammography and ultrasonography does not accurately assess the extent of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which results in a high reoperation rate. Breast MRI can improve the surgical planning in women with DCIS, improving the adequacy of initial treatment while reducing reoperation. We examined 54 patients with predominantly DCIS (>50%) who underwent breast MRI from January 2003 to November 2004. MRI altered the surgical management in 14 (26%) patients: unilateral changed to bilateral mastectomy (5); lumpectomy or reexcision to mastectomy (3); unilateral lumpectomy or mastectomy had additional biopsies for lesions detected by MRI in the ipsilateral or contralateral breast (6). There were 8 true-positives and 7 false-positives: sensitivity 86 per cent, positive predictive value 84 per cent. MRI changed the surgical management to more appropriate therapy in 15 per cent of patients avoiding additional surgery, while 11 per cent underwent negative surgical interventions. Breast MRI is a sensitive diagnostic imaging tool in patients with DCIS. However, any suspicious finding should be biopsied before a definitive operation is planned.