cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
'Hirelings in the Camp, the Court & the University': some figurations of US English departments, area studies and Masao Miyoshi as Blakean poet Written for the 'Imminent Questions' Conference at NYU, 29 April–1 May 2004

AbstractThis article concerns figuring forth and dismantling the poesis of area studies in the era of transnational capital and what Jack Spicer called 'the English Department of the Spirit'. I will build out from some poems, anecdotes and historical memories as well as play upon Kenzaburo Oe's figurations of Blake as visionary poet of geopolitical transformation and a revolutionary will to liberationist energies to connect the work Masao Miyoshi has done and prodded into trans/disciplinary and transnational coalition since the 1970s. I will figure forth Masao Miyoshi as a Blakean poet working to energize the refiguration and dismantling of the whole US field-imaginary of Japanese and Asian, as well as British and American area studies, which was our shared starting point in the dialectics of post-1968 history as teacher/student on the left-coast trans-Pacific US front.
Regulated release of ERdj3 from unfolded proteins by BiP

DnaJ proteins often bind to unfolded substrates and recruit their Hsp70 partners. This induces a conformational change in the Hsp70 that stabilizes its binding to substrate. By some unknown mechanism, the DnaJ protein is released. We examined the requirements for the release of ERdj3, a mammalian ER DnaJ, from substrates and found that BiP promoted the release of ERdj3 only in the presence of ATP. Mutations in ERdj3 or BiP that disrupted their interaction interrupted the release of ERdj3. BiP mutants that were defective in any step of the ATPase cycle were also unable to release ERdj3. These results demonstrate that a functional interaction between ERdj3 and BiP, including both a direct interaction and the ability to stimulate BiP's ATPase activity are required to release ERdj3 from substrate and support a model where ERdj3 must recruit BiP and stimulate its high-affinity association with the substrate through activation of ATP hydrolysis to trigger its own release from substrates. On the basis of similarities among DnaJs and Hsp70s, this is likely to be applicable to other Hsp70–DnaJ pairs.
The system pargasite-H2O-CO2: a model for melting of a hydrous mineral with a mixed-volatile fluid—I. Experimental results to 8 kbar

Abstract The stability of the amphibole pargasite [NaCa2Mg4Al(Al2Si6))O22(OH)2] in the melting range has been determined at total pressures (P) of 1.2 to 8 kbar. The activity of H2O was controlled independently of P by using mixtures of H2O + CO2 in the fluid phase. The mole fraction of H2O in the fluid ( X H 2 O ∗fl ) ranged from 1.0 to 0.2. At P X H 2 O ∗fl at constant P. Above P ≅ 4 kbar stability T increases as X H 2 O ∗fl is decreased below one, passes through a T maximum and then decreases with a further decrease in X H 2 O ∗fl . This behavior is due to a decrease in the H2O content of the silicate liquid as X H 2 O ∗fl decreases. The magnitude of the T maximum increases from about 10°C (relative to the stability T for X H 2 O ∗fl = 1 ) at P = 5 kbar to about 30°C at P = 8 kbar, and the position of the maximum shifts from X H 2 O ∗fl ≅ 0.6 at P = 5 kbar to X H 2 O ∗fl ≅ 0.4 at P = 8 kbar. The H2O content of liquid coexisting with pargasite has been estimated as a function of X H 2 O ∗fl at 5 and 8 kbar P, and can be used to estimate the H2O content of magmas. Because pargasite is stable at low values of X H 2 O ∗fl at high P and T, hornblende can be an important phase in igneous processes even at relatively low H2O fugacities.
A day in the life of women with a serious mental illness: a qualitative investigation.

Abstract Purpose Few studies have taken a holistic perspective to the lives of women with a serious mental illness (SMI). This qualitative study of women with an SMI describes and interprets women’s experiences and provides a new understanding about the nature and needs of these women. Methods A convenience sample of 30 poor, urban, predominantly African-American women with a diagnosis of an SMI was recruited from an ongoing National Institutes of Mental Health study. Data collection involved face-to-face, in-depth interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis occurred concurrently with data collection using a modified constant comparative method. Results The majority of the women self-identified as African American, single, having completed high school, and at the time of the interview were either unemployed or on disability. The most common SMI was major depression. A common topic in the women’s reflections on their lives was that of social disadvantage both before being diagnosed as well as after to their diagnosis with an SMI. Salient themes of their stories included social isolation, experiencing loss, and having a lack of control over one's own life decisions. Conclusion The findings from this study revealed varied experiences among these women as well as the complexity of their situation. The enhanced understanding of women’s situation will allow mental health professionals to improve the quality of life for women with an SMI by taking a contextual approach to the treatment of their mental illness.
GRASE (gradient- and spin-echo) MR imaging: a new fast clinical imaging technique

A novel technique of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, which combines gradient-echo and spin-echo (GRASE) technique, accomplishes T2-weighted multisection imaging in drastically reduced imaging time, currently 24 times faster than spin-echo imaging. The GRASE technique maintains contrast mechanisms, high spatial resolution, and image quality of spin-echo imaging and is compatible with clinical whole-body MR systems without modification of gradient hardware. Image acquisition time is 18 seconds for 11 multisection body images (2,000/80 [repetition time msec/echo time msec]) and 36 seconds for 22 brain images (4,000/104). With a combination of multiple Hahn spin echoes and short gradient-echo trains, the GRASE technique overcomes several potential problems of echo-planar imaging, including large chemical shift, image distortions, and signal loss from field inhomogeneity. Advantages of GRASE over the RARE (rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement) technique include faster acquisition times and lower deposition of radio-frequency power in the body. Breath holding during 18-second GRASE imaging of the upper abdomen eliminates respiratory-motion artifacts in T2-weighted images. A major improvement in T2-weighted abdominal imaging is suggested.
Terrestrial and Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Mapping in Fire Island National Seashore Using High Spatial Resolution Remote Sensing Data

The vegetation communities and spatial patterns on the Fire Island National Seashore are dynamic as the result of interactions with driving forces such as sand deposition, storm-driven over wash, salt spray, surface water, as well as with human disturbances. We used high spatial resolution QuickBird-2 satellite remote sensing data to map both terrestrial and submerged aquatic vegetation communities of the National Seashore. We adopted a stratified classification and unsupervised classification approach for mapping terrestrial vegetation types. Our classification scheme included detailed terrestrial vegetation types identified by previous vegetation mapping efforts of the National Park Service and three generalized categories of high-density seagrass, low-density seagrass coverages, and unvegetated bottom to map the submerged aquatic vegetation habitats. We used underwater videography, GPS-guided field reference photography, and bathymetric data to support remote sensing image classification and informatio...
P68 RNA Helicase Mediates PDGF-Induced Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition by Displacing Axin from β-Catenin

The nuclear p68 RNA helicase (referred to as p68) is a prototypical member of the DEAD box family of RNA helicases. The protein plays a very important role in early organ development. In the present study, we characterized the tyrosine phosphorylation of p68 under platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation. We demonstrated that tyrosine phosphorylation of p68 at Y593 mediated PDGF-stimulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We showed that PDGF treatment led to phosphorylation of p68 at Y593 in the cell nucleus. The Y593-phosphorylated p68 (referred to as phosphor-p68) promotes beta-catenin nuclear translocation via a Wnt-independent pathway. The phosphor-p68 facilitates beta-catenin nuclear translocation by blocking phosphorylation of beta-catenin by GSK-3beta and displacing Axin from beta-catenin. The beta-catenin nuclear translocation and subsequent interaction with the LEF/TCF was required for the EMT process. These data demonstrated a novel mechanism of phosphor-p68 in mediating the growth factor-induced EMT and uncovered a new pathway to promote beta-catenin nuclear translocation.
Omissions and Byproducts across Moral Domains

Research indicates that moral violations are judged less wrong when the violation results from omission as opposed to commission, and when the violation is a byproduct as opposed to a means to an end. Previous work examined these effects mainly for violent offenses such as killing. Here we investigate the generality of these effects across a range of moral violations including sexuality, food, property, and group loyalty. In Experiment 1, we observed omission effects in wrongness ratings for all of the twelve offenses investigated. In Experiments 2 and 3, we observed byproduct effects in wrongness ratings for seven and eight offenses (out of twelve), respectively, and we observed byproduct effects in forced-choice responses for all twelve offenses. Our results address an ongoing debate about whether different cognitive systems compute moral wrongness for different types of behaviors (surrounding violence, sexuality, food, etc.), or, alternatively, a common cognitive architecture computes wrongness for a variety of behaviors.
T lymphocyte differentiation in the periphery

The development of immune responses is significantly influenced by emerging patterns of cytokine expression in activated CD4+ T cells. Recent efforts have clarified both cellular and molecular mechanisms, and within the past year include significant observations on potential sources of IL-4 leading to Th2 development against certain pathogens, and insights into early responses and genetic susceptibility to experimental murine Leishmaniasis and transcriptional regulation of the IL-4 locus. Advances in Th1 development have included greater understanding of IL-12 receptors in Th1 development, data regarding IFN-γ gene expression and clarification of the action of the new cytokine IL-18.
Specific changes in food intake elicited by blockade or activation of glutamate receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell

Blockade of non-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) ionotropic glutamate receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) with 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) elicits intense feeding in satiated rats. In order to determine whether or not this feeding is part of a general behavioral activation, we observed the effect of intra-AcbSh DNQX injections on intake of solid food, liquid food, and water, and on gnawing behavior. In addition, we investigated the possibility that activation of a subset of these receptors with (±)-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) could suppress feeding. DNQX significantly increased intake of solid and liquid food, but did not significantly affect water intake or gnawing behavior. Furthermore, injections of AMPA into the AcbSh suppressed deprivation-induced feeding and intake of a palatable 5% sucrose solution without affecting water intake in water-deprived rats. Taken together, these data suggest that DNQX is acting on a system specifically involved with the regulation of food intake.
Seeking a science of instruction

The design of instruction should be guided by a research-based theory of how instruction works—that is, a theory of how instructional methods affect learning processes. This is the central premise in the science of instruction (Clark and Mayer 2008; Mayer 2009). One of our field’s most influential and most studied instructional theories is cognitive load theory (Sweller 1999, 2005), which is the subject of a thought-provoking critique by Ton de Jong (this issue). In this commentary, I explore the strengths and limitations of de Jong’s paper and explore three exemplary issues in more detail.
Calcium analysis of selected Western African foods

Because mineral composition data for Western African foods are incomplete, it is essential to obtain analyses of foods in order to assess the quality of existing food as well as to estimate dietary intake of various minerals, such as calcium. Twenty-eight Western African foods were analyzed for calcium using the method described by Ferguson et al., (1993) and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) (Padmore, 1990). Calcium concentrations were determined using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP). Calcium recovery was 94.4% of the expected value with respect to a standard reference material (corn husk). For all foods assessed, the content of calcium ranged from 3.04 to 3630 mg/100 g dry wt. Based on dry weight, the top five foods for calcium in rank order were sorrel leaves (3630 mg/100 g), amaranth leaves (3590 mg/100 g), okra leaves (2850 mg/100 g), onion leaves (2540 mg/100 g), and baobab leaves (2240 mg/100 g). Data from this study provide calcium analyses of some commonly eaten Western African foods, which should help in planning food-based intervention programs to improve mineral nutrition.
Electrostatic Properties of the Mechanosensitive Channel of Small Conductance MscS

The mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (MscS) belongs to a family of membrane proteins that are gated in response to changes in membrane tension, thereby protecting the cell from hypo-osmotic shock. Here we report on passive ion transport simulations of MscS in a POPC bilayer using a coarse-grained particle-based description based on the Boltzmann transport Monte Carlo method. Single channel current-voltage curves are computed over hundreds of nanoseconds for channel conformations derived from all-atom molecular dynamics simulations reaching an overall simulation time of over 5 μs. Channel conformations similar to that of the crystal structure exhibit low conductance, whereas conformations reached after opening the channel by means of steered molecular dynamics simulations match experimentally determined conductances. However, while experiments indicate a slight preference for anionic currents, the simulated channel strongly selects anions over cations and the direction of rectification at high voltages is opposite to what is observed in experiments. Three-dimensional maps of time-averaged ion distribution and equilibrium occupancy profiles constructed from trajectory data indicate separation of anions and cations inside and in the immediate vicinity of the large cytoplasmic domain of MscS, in accordance with earlier molecular dynamics simulations. This separation arises from the distribution of ionizable residues of MscS and suggests a specific, yet unknown, functional purpose.
Critical role for transcription factor C/EBP-beta in regulating the expression of death-associated protein kinase 1.

Transcription factor C/EBP-β regulates a number of physiological responses. During an investigation of the growth-suppressive effects of interferons (IFNs), we noticed that cebpb−/− cells fail to undergo apoptosis upon gamma IFN (IFN-γ) treatment, compared to wild-type controls. To examine the basis for this response, we have performed gene expression profiling of isogenic wild-type and cebpb−/− bone marrow macrophages and identified a number of IFN-γ-regulated genes that are dependent on C/EBP-β for their expression. These genes are distinct from those regulated by the JAK-STAT pathways. Genes identified in this screen appear to participate in various cellular pathways. Thus, we identify a new pathway through which the IFNs exert their effects on cellular genes through C/EBP-β. One of these genes is death-associated protein kinase 1 (dapk1). DAPK1 is critical for regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, and metastasis. Using site-directed mutagenesis, RNA interference, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we show that C/EBP-β binds to the promoter of dapk1 and is required for the regulation of dapk1. Both mouse dapk1 and human dapk1 exhibited similar dependences on C/EBP-β for their expression. The expression of the other members of the DAPK family occurred independently of C/EBP-β. Members of the C/EBP family of transcription factors other than C/EBP-β did not significantly affect dapk1 expression. We identified two elements in this promoter that respond to C/EBP-β. One of these is a consensus C/EBP-β-binding site that constitutively binds to C/EBP-β. The other element exhibits homology to the cyclic AMP response element/activating transcription factor binding sites. C/EBP-β binds to this site in an IFN-γ-dependent manner. Inhibition of ERK1/2 or mutation of an ERK1/2 site in the C/EBP-β protein suppressed the IFN-γ-induced response of this promoter. Together, our data show a critical role for C/EBP-β in a novel IFN-induced cell growth-suppressive pathway via DAPK1.
Design optimization of concentric tube robots based on task and anatomical constraints

Concentric tube robots are a novel continuum robot technology that is well suited to minimally invasive surgeries inside small body cavities such as the heart. These robots are constructed of concentrically combined pre-curved elastic tubes to form 3D curves. Each telescopic section of the robot is either of fixed or variable curvature. One advantage of this approach is that the component tube curvatures, lengths and stiffnesses can easily be fabricated to be procedure- and patient-specific. This paper proposes an optimization framework for solving the robot design problem. Given a 3D description of the constraining anatomy, the number of fixed and variable curvature robot sections and a tip workspace description, the algorithm solves for the robot design that possesses the desired workspace, remains inside the anatomical constraints and minimizes the curvature and length of all sections. The approach is illustrated in the context of beating-heart closure of atrial septal defects.
Sixteenth-Century Depopulation: A View from the Mohawk Valley

An attempt is made to analyze demographic trends among the American Indian population of the Mohawk Valley in the sixteenth century using archeological methodology. Specifically the method employed uses an average number of square meters per Mohawk village inhabitant to estimate total village population size from the area of the village. The impact of epidemics warfare and emigration on population trends is discussed. (ANNOTATION)
Component analysis of verbal versus spatial working memory training in adolescents with ADHD: A randomized, controlled trial

Adaptive training of working memory (WM) using the Cogmed-RM intervention has recently shown some efficacy as an alternative treatment for ADHD, but this intervention may not be optimally designed. A recent component analysis of WM has suggested that maintenance in primary memory (PM) appears to be largely intact whereas recall from secondary memory (SM) appears to be deficient in ADHD relative to age-matched controls. However, extrapolating from basic research, there is reason to believe that Cogmed-RM may target the PM component more than the SM component; though training with spatial exercises may target the SM component more than training with verbal exercises. To investigate, participants diagnosed with ADHD were randomly assigned to either a verbal training condition (n = 24) or a spatial training condition (n = 23) using a randomized, controlled design, and both groups were instructed to complete at least 20 days of training. The PM and SM components of WM were assessed immediately before and after training using both verbal and spatial free recall tasks. The main findings showed that both versions of the intervention enhanced the maintenance of information in PM regardless of test modality, but not the recall of information from SM. Therefore, the component of WM that is improved by Cogmed-RM is not the same component of WM that is deficient in ADHD.
CT Coronary Angiography: Where Does It Fit?

In the last 3 y, we have witnessed an impressive injection of new imaging technology for the evaluation of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Indeed, the introduction of multidetector CT scanners with submillimeter spatial resolution and subsecond gantry rotations made
Spinal cord injuries in children and adolescents

This chapter provides an overview of spinal cord injuries (SCI) in children and adolescents, including epidemiology, medical and musculoskeletal complications, rehabilitation and psychosocial aspects. Males are more commonly affected than females during adolescence; however, as the age at injury decreases, the preponderance of males becomes less marked, and by 3 years of age the number of females with SCIs equals that of males. The neurologic level and degree of completeness varies with age; among children injured prior to 12 years of age approximately two-thirds are paraplegic and approximately two-thirds have complete lesions. Among adolescents, approximately 50% have paraplegia and 55% have complete lesions. Management of pediatric-onset SCI should be family centered and developmentally based, responsive to the dynamic changes that occur during growth and development. Distinctive anatomical and physiological features of children and adolescents, along with growth and development, are responsible for unique manifestations and complications of pediatric SCI. SCI without radiological abnormalities (SCIWORA), birth injuries, lap-belt injuries, upper cervical injuries, and the delayed onset of neurological deficits are relatively unique to pediatric SCI. Children who sustain their SCI before puberty experience a higher incidence of musculoskeletal complications, such as scoliosis and hip dislocation.
FLUCTUATING ASYMMETRY IN A SALIX HYBRID SYSTEM: THE IMPORTANCE OF GENETIC VERSUS ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES.

To examine the effects of hybridization and environmental stress on developmental instability, we examined fluctuating asymmetry (FA), the variance in random deviations from perfect symmetry in bilaterally symmetrical traits, for leaf symmetry in a Salix hybrid system. An abiotic environmental stress (water stress), an interspecific biotic stress (pathogen attack), and an intraspecific biotic stress (competition) were examined to determine which factors increase developmental instability. None of these three environmental stressors significantly increased FA. However, genetic stress through hybridization was detected; hybrid plants showed significantly higher levels of FA than parental species. In contrast to hybridization providing greater developmental stability through heterozygosity, these results suggest that complex, nonadditive interactions provided developmental stability and that developmental instability increased when coadapted gene complexes were disrupted through hybridization. In addition, plant biomass was significantly, negatively correlated with FA, suggesting that those individuals that were more able to buffer themselves against the disruptive effects of environmental stress may have a selective advantage over those that are less able to buffer themselves against these disruptive effects.
‘What is wrong with a woman being chief?’ Women Chiefs and Symbolic and Substantive Representation in Botswana:

Across the globe women are accessing national legislatures and executives in unprecedented numbers. Over the last 25 years several African countries have led the way in women’s representation in pa...
Evaluation of turbulence models for high-lift military airfoil flowfields

An incompressible Navier-Stokes solver was used to evaluate the Baldwin-Barth and Spalart-AUmaras one equation turbulence models and the SST two-equation turbulence model for a military high-lift multi-element airfoil. Computed lift coefficients, surface pressure coefficients and flowfield stagnation pressure profiles were compared to data obtained from recent experiments performed in the NASA Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel. The lift coefficient was predicted within 3% of the experiment up to and including stall angles-of-attack. Each model accurately predicted the experimental stall angle-of-attack. Although less accurate, the models were also capable of predicting the post stall trends in lift. The stagnation pressure was predicted reasonably well by all three models at several flowfield survey locations. All three models under-predicted the level of wake mixing in the confluent boundary layer over the trailing edge flap.
Microstructure and Mechanical Bevavior of Ni3Al-Matrix Composites

An aluminum oxide particulate-reinforced nickel-aluminide composite was fabricated by vacuum hot pressing and hot extrusion. Room temperature three point bend tests were conducted after 1 and 100 h at 1000 °C. The composite exhibited a decrease in yield strength from 772 to 517 MPa after 100 h while the ultimate fracture stress decreased from 1174 to 998 MPa. The strain to failure increased from 4.6% to 6.0% after the same exposure. Saphikon single crystal Al 2 O 3 fibers were used to demonstrate the materials' compatibility. The fracture surfaces of the failed composites indicated ductile failures in the matrix and decohesion between the particles and matrix.
[Endarterectomy and carotid angioplasty: surgical perspective].

INTRODUCTION Carotid endarterectomy (CE) is a well-established operation, although recently it has been challenged by newer, less invasive procedures such as carotid angioplasty with or without insertion of a stent. DEVELOPMENT In this article the author gives his views on the use of CE in patients with carotid stenosis, both those with and those without symptoms, and also those in whom no definite indication has yet been established. In symptomatic carotid stenosis it had been clearly shown that CE is an effective procedure for the prevention of strokes and death from strokes in patients with carotid stenosis of over 70%, provided that the patients have reasonable general health and life expectation. There is only minor benefit from surgery in patients with asymptomatic disease of the carotid arteries and much less than in those with symptomatic carotid disease. Therefore endarterectomy is recommended when there is obvious progression of the degree of stenosis, especially when the stenosis has reached 70% or the patient begins to complain of symptoms. One of the most serious complications of CE is acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION It is a good time to design careful randomised studies to compare endarterectomy with angioplasty, probably with stenting, in a selected group of patients at greater risk than those accepted for endarterectomy.
Phenomenology and Its Implications

As. sit down to write this chapter, one of my friends who struggled with addiction has just died. He was, like many who considered themselves addicts,. man of many faces. In our conversations he was self-deprecating and funny, but expressed. deep fear of rejection. Every comment or suggestion was qualified with as many as. dozen iterations of phrases such as “this is just my opinion,” “I don’t speak for everyone,” “everyone is different, of course.” And yet when his obituary was publicized, it revealed things that most of his friends didn’t know, including that he was. highly educated, highly successful professional in at least two or three very diverse fields. He had not used alcohol for over. decade. Unlike the addicts that Gabor Mate profiles so sensitively in his In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. many of the people whom. have met in the groups that. have visited are doctors, lawyers, professors, chemists, judges, actors, and artists, respected in their public lives, reserving their addiction for only those very dark corners of their private lives. Most think that they have no friends, while they are surrounded by supporters and admirers, and although many have underlying social anxiety issues, they are often charming and influential among those with whom they interact. All this is to say that when you think you have. handle on addiction and addicts, you probably don’t.
Objectives of the Secondary Analysis of Electronic Health Record Data

Clinical medicine relies on a strong research foundation in order to build the necessary evidence base to inform best practices and improve clinical care, however large-scale RCTs are expensive and sometimes unfeasible. Fortunately, there exists expansive data in the form of electronic health records (EHR).
Modulation of micro RNA/RNAi pathway

R interference (RNAi) is a well-conserved mechanism that uses small noncoding RNAs to silence gene expression posttranscriptionally. Gene regulation by RNAi has been recognized as one of the major regulatory mechanisms in eukaryotic cells. Although the major components in RNAi/miRNA pathway have been identified, little is known about the regulation of the RNAi pathway itself. To dissect cellular components modulating RNAi using chemical biology approach, we have previously developed a cell-based assay to monitor the activity of the RNAi pathway. Several potent RNAi enhancers have been identified during the pilot screening from the 8,000 diversified compounds. Among them is a small-molecule enoxacin that enhances siRNA-mediated mRNA degradation and promotes the biogenesis of endogenous miRNAs. We show that this RNAi-enhancing activity depends on the trans-activation-responsive region RNA-binding protein. Our results provide a proof-of-principle demonstration that small molecules can be used to modulate the activity of the RNAi pathway and RNAi enhancers may be useful in the development of research tools and therapeutics. In addition to enoxacin, several other structurally distinct small molecules with metal/Fe chelating activity were found to significantly enhance RNAi activity as well in iron-dependent manner. Iron is essential for fundamental metabolic processes, and its homeostasis is tightly regulated. We show that cytosolic iron regulates the activity of the miRNA pathway through poly(C)-binding protein 2 (PCBP2). PCBP2 is associated with Dicer and promotes the processing of miRNA precursors. Cytosolic iron could modulate the association between PCBP2 and Dicer, as well as the dimerization of PCBP2 and its ability to bind to miRNA precursors, which can alter the processing of miRNA precursors. Our findings not only reveal an unexpected role for iron homeostasis in the regulation of miRNA biogenesis, but also suggest potential use of iron chelators to modulate the activity of the miRNA pathway.
Analysis of cooperative systems with time delay: Application to transportation systems

In this paper, we study the stability, instability and (sustained) oscillatory trajectories of cooperative systems where in addition to the existence of communication and input delays, the agents may also have access to non-delayed local feedback information to themselves. Specifically, we analyze the relation between the portion of non-delayed local feedback information and the size of delay together with their influence to overall system's trajectories. The analysis are based on Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional approach and the roots of characteristic equation of time delay systems. The analytical results are illustrated via an example of the charging scheduling problem for electric vehicles on a highway where a consensus-based distributed scheduling algorithm is designed so that the charging resources along the highway are uniformly utilized and thus the waiting time for EVs to get charged is minimized. It is demonstrated that even though consensus is achieved, the trajectories may have (sustained) oscillations for a large delay due to a long travel distance between the service stations. Finally, a simple strategy to eliminate such undesired oscillation is presented.
Protoporphyrin IX regulates peripheral benzodiazepine receptor associated protein 7 (PAP7) and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in K562 cells.

Abstract Background Protoporphyrin IX (PP IX), the immediate precursor to heme, combines with ferrous iron to make this product. The effects of exogenous PP IX on iron metabolism remain to be elucidated. Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is implicated in the transport of coproporphyrinogen into the mitochondria for conversion to PP IX. We have demonstrated that PBR-Associated Protein 7 (PAP7) bound to the Iron Responsive Element (IRE) isoform of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). PP IX and PAP7 are ligands for PBR, thus, we hypothesized that PAP7 interact with PP IX via PBR. Methods We have examined in K562 cells, which can be induced to undergo erythroid differentiation by PP IX and hemin, the effects of PP IX on the expression of PAP7 and other proteins involved in cellular iron metabolism, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), DMT1, ferritin heavy chain (FTH), c-Myc and C/EBPα by western blot and quantitative real time PCR analyses. Results PP IX significantly decreased mRNA levels of DMT1 (IRE) and (non-IRE) from 4 h. PP IX markedly decreased protein levels of C/EBPα, PAP7 and DMT1. In contrast, hemin, which like PP IX also induces K562 cell differentiation, had no effect on PAP7 or DMT1 expression. Conclusion We hypothesize that PP IX binds to PBR displacing PAP7 protein, which is then degraded, decreasing the interaction of PAP7 with DMT1 (IRE) and resulting in increased turnover of DMT1. General significance These results suggest that exogenous PP IX disrupts iron metabolism by decreasing the protein expression levels of PAP7, DMT1 and C/EBPα.
Michaela Schrage-Früh. Philosophy, Dreaming, and the Literary Imagination.

Schrage-Fruh, Michaela. 2016. Philosophy, Dreaming and the Literary Imagination. Cham, Switzerland. Palgrave Macmillan. ix, 305 pages. Hardcover $109.00.
MyGeoHub—A sustainable and evolving geospatial science gateway

Abstract Science gateways are an integral component of modern collaborative research. They find widespread adoption by research groups to share data, code and tools both amongst collaborators on a project and the broader community. However, not unlike research groups, gateways too, face the vagaries of research funding often resulting in a bleak outlook for their maintenance beyond the original project’s conclusion. We present a sustainability model based on the HUBzero cyberinfrastructure platform that enables multiple research projects to share a single science gateway allowing for their maintenance even after the original funding source has run out. This model brings with it certain other advantages as well; general improvements to the gateway apply to all hosted projects, similar requirements across projects can often be abstracted into new general purpose capabilities for the gateway which feed back into all hosted projects. Such newly developed capabilities can also foster additional research aiding in new funding proposals that can revitalize and jumpstart hosted dormant projects. We describe a specific instance of a HUBzero science gateway, MyGeoHub, that successfully employs this sustainability model to host several geospatial research projects. We also illustrate the specific advantages of this sustainability model in the case of the MyGeoHub gateway that have led to the development of general-purpose data management and visualization software modules that have found use beyond MyGeoHub.
Complexity of preoperative blood pressure dynamics: possible utility in cardiac surgical risk assessment

Complexity measures are intended to assess the cardiovascular system’s capacity to respond to stressors. We sought to determine if decreased BP complexity is associated with increased estimated risk as obtained from two standard instruments: the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ (STS) Risk of Mortality and Morbidity Index and the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation Score (EuroSCORE II). In this observational cohort study, preoperative systolic, diastolic, mean (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) time series were derived in 147 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The complexity of the fluctuations of these four variables was quantified using multiscale entropy (MSE) analysis. In addition, the traditional time series measures, mean and standard deviation (SD) were also computed. The relationships between time series measures and the risk indices (after logarithmic transformation) were then assessed using nonparametric (Spearman correlation, rs) and linear regression methods. A one standard deviation change in the complexity of systolic, diastolic and MAP time series was negatively associated (p < 0.05) with the STS and EuroSCORE indices in both unadjusted (21–34%) and models adjusted for age, gender and SD of the BP time series (15–31%). The mean and SD of BP time series were not significantly associated with the risk index except for a positive association with the SD of the diastolic BP. Lower preoperative BP complexity was associated with a higher estimated risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and may provide a novel approach to assessing cardiovascular risk. Future studies are needed to determine whether dynamical risk indices can improve current risk prediction tools.
Orbital Decompression for Thyroid-Related Orbitopathy During the Quiescent Phase.

Purpose To describe historical and modern surgical approaches to orbital decompression in patients with thyroid-related orbitopathy in the quiescent phase. Methods A literature review of published techniques using the National Institutes of Health PubMed database. Results Historically, orbital decompression has been accomplished via transantral, transcranial, transnasal, and orbital approaches. Current techniques use predominately periocular incisions to achieve effective decompression and proptosis reduction. Based on exophthalmometry and desired proptosis reduction, the authors propose a graded surgical approach to decompression for thyroid orbitopathy beginning with fat reduction, followed by deep lateral orbit via a superior eyelid crease incision, then medial wall by retro-caruncular approach, then posterior medial orbital floor either via transconjunctival or swinging eyelid approach, and finally with lateral orbital rim removal by superior eyelid crease incision as needed. These approaches can result in a range of proptosis reduction of up to 10 mm. Conclusions A structured approach to orbital decompression results in predictable and effective outcomes in proptosis reduction.
Long-term favorable cardiovascular risk profile and 39-year development of major and minor electrocardiographic abnormalities – The Chicago Healthy Aging Study (CHAS)

Abstract Background Data are limited on long-term associations of favorable cardiovascular risk profile (i.e., low-risk) and changes in risk profile with ECG abnormality development. Methods The Chicago Healthy Aging Study (CHAS) involved re-examination of 1395 participants, ages 65–84 years in 2007–10, free of baseline major ECG abnormalities or MI in 1967–1973. Stratified sampling method was used to recruit participants based on their baseline risk profile (low-risk and not low-risk). Low-risk status was defined as untreated SBP/DBP ≤ 120/≤80 mm Hg, untreated total cholesterol Results There were 28% women, 9% blacks, and 20% with baseline low-risk status. At follow-up, 21% developed ≥1 major ECG abnormalities, and 58% developed ≥1 minor ECG abnormalities. With multivariable adjustment, compared to those with 2 + high-risk factors, odds for developing from normal to any major ECG abnormalities were lower by 57%, 49%, and 35%, respectively, in persons with low-risk, any moderate-risk, and 1 high-risk factor (P-trend = 0.002). Findings were similar for some common specific subtypes of major and minor abnormalities. Associations were mainly due to baseline smoking and BMI. Remaining free of high-risk factors, or improving risk profile over time was also associated with lower major ECG abnormality development by 70% vs. always having any high-risk factor. Conclusions Favorable CVD risk profile earlier in life and maintenance or improvement in risk profile over time are associated with lower risk of ECG abnormality development at older age.
Parameter Estimation in Mathematical Models of Biological Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the parameter identification field and highlights its applications to a variety of respiratory system problems. It focuses on an area of system science that can be expected to have increasing importance in the study of biological systems. Estimation of state variables from noisy data, determination of optimum inputs for parameter identification, and criteria for identifiability of given model structures are among the topics that are likely to influence the development of mathematical models of biological systems in the near future. The chapter reviews the basic structure of a parametric identification problem. Both parametric and nonparametric methods have been applied extensively to the identification of a variety of complex engineering systems. The identification techniques designed for systems where input and output signals can be clearly isolated may not work at all in the biological situation. The very nature of the living organism, particularly in higher animals, leads to such a complex of interconnections of subsystems that isolation of a portion of the system may destroy its natural function and, thus, lead to identification of a purely hypothetical process. On the other hand, in the cases when input and output can be isolated, often by exceedingly clever surgical procedures, and the system in question is approximately linear, frequency response methods have been applied with considerable success.
Barrier Materials: Their Influence on Surgical Wound Infections

Aseptic technique can best be described as an aggregation of reasonable practices performed in the surgical suite as part of the overall methodology in controlling or minimizing the possibility of infection. The key words in this definition are aggregation and reasonable. The real question is whether the surgical nursing community is prepared to reconsider and reassess the importance of a theoretical and reasonable, but not proven, practice that it has been advocating for almost two decades. From the evidence, it appears that a departure from the universal application of the barrier principle would not compromise the quality of care rendered to the surgical patient while at the same time prove to be economically and environmentally advantageous.
Interferons in the Treatment of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

The status of systemic therapy for metastatic RCC is reviewed with emphasis on the results of treatment with interferons and its combinations. The use of interferon in RCC represents a modest step forward in the treatment of this highly malignant disease.
The effect of single pd atoms on the energetics of recombinative O2 desorption from Au(111)

Abstract The oxidation of gold is an important step in a number of catalytic reactions and the oxidation of Au(111) with ozone has been well-studied using surface science techniques. We report that the addition of 1% Pd in the surface in the form of a Pd/Au(111) single-atom alloy dramatically alters the desorption temperature of molecular oxygen after oxidation by ozone. We use temperature programmed desorption to study the desorption kinetics and scanning tunneling microscopy to compare the structure of the oxides produced on Au(111) with and without 1% Pd. Aided by density functional theory we hypothesize that the lower temperature evolution of O2 occurs not because Pd atoms lower the O2 desorption barrier, rather than the 1% Pd disrupts the formation of the more stable 2D ordered oxide formed on Au(11). This effect is particularly pronounced when the single-atom alloy surface is treated with ozone at lower temperatures.
Organisational learning in hospitals: A concept analysis.

Aim To provide a clear definition and description of organisational learning in hospitals. Background Organisational learning is a promising strategy nurse managers, and leaders can use to improve organisational performance. A clear definition and description of organisational learning is necessary to advance theory, research and practice in this field. Methods Walker & Avant's method was used to conduct a concept analysis of organisational learning in hospitals. Data sources included 147 empirical studies, 16 review articles, three dictionary entries and three book chapters. Results Organisational learning occurs when experiences are translated into positive changes in the organisation's collective knowledge, cognition and actions. Organisational context plays a key role in the learning process. Other manifestations of the concept are identified. Conclusions This concept analysis provides a clear definition of organisational learning and a description of its defining attributes, antecedents, empirical referents and consequences. Implications for nursing management Nurse managers and leaders can improve patient and organisational outcomes by creating an environment conducive to translating experiences into organisational learning. Further research is needed to continue advancing the science of organisational learning in hospitals.
Logic Process Compatible 40NM 16MB, Embedded Perpendicular-MRAM with Hybrid-Resistance Reference, Sub-μA Sensing Resolution, and 17.5NS Read Access Time

A new MRAM reference and sensing circuit that can achieve < ±1μA resolution and 17.5nS read access from −40C to 125C is presented in this paper. A trimmable current-mode latch-type sense amplifier (CLSA) with hybrid-resistance-reference (HRR) and cell location compensation is proposed to resolve small read window of MRAM. Silicon data measurement is presented to demonstrate a logic-process compatible, fully functional 16Mb perpendicular MRAM in 40nm CMOS process.
Hold me, thrill me, kiss me, kill me: the ambivalent queer of post-network television

This essay reassesses the deregulation of the American television industry and the rise of identitarian premium cable channels in the context of a new screen presence that has, since the early-2000...
Effects of geometry and mass distribution in 3D printed metastructures for vibration mitigation

This presentation will discuss our recent progress on mechanical metastructures, which have engineered micro- and meso-scale features and are designed to have prescribed vibration mitigation properties. The goal of this work is to understand how the geometry and structure of a material can manipulate elastic wave propagation. Specifically, we developed a class of 3D printed metastructures that support low and wide band gaps, by combining periodic lattices with embedded resonant inclusions. The band gaps in these metastructures have significant shifts in frequency with small geometry changes in the unit cell design. We use finite element method simulations to calculate how band gaps in infinitely periodic metastructures depend on how the material is distributed throughout the unit cell. We study different lattice geometries that exhibit a variety of bend- and stretch-dominated deformations, as well as different volume fraction and placement of resonant inclusions. We fabricate metastructures with 3D printing and measure their frequency-dependent vibration transmission to experimentally validate their behavior. These metastructures have engineering applications in structural components that prevent the propagation of damaging structural vibrations.
Consumer Opinion of Personal Sound Amplification Products: A Preliminary Sentiment Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this study was to preliminarily investigate the sentiments associated with consumer opinions of personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). Method Online reviews of 21 pop...