cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of SIV and HIV-1 Genomic RNA Structures Reveals Impact of Sequence Evolution on Conserved and Non-Conserved Structural Motifs

RNA secondary structure plays a central role in the replication and metabolism of all RNA viruses, including retroviruses like HIV-1. However, structures with known function represent only a fraction of the secondary structure reported for HIV-1NL4-3. One tool to assess the importance of RNA structures is to examine their conservation over evolutionary time. To this end, we used SHAPE to model the secondary structure of a second primate lentiviral genome, SIVmac239, which shares only 50% sequence identity at the nucleotide level with HIV-1NL4-3. Only about half of the paired nucleotides are paired in both genomic RNAs and, across the genome, just 71 base pairs form with the same pairing partner in both genomes. On average the RNA secondary structure is thus evolving at a much faster rate than the sequence. Structure at the Gag-Pro-Pol frameshift site is maintained but in a significantly altered form, while the impact of selection for maintaining a protein binding interaction can be seen in the conservation of pairing partners in the small RRE stems where Rev binds. Structures that are conserved between SIVmac239 and HIV-1NL4-3 also occur at the 5′ polyadenylation sequence, in the plus strand primer sites, PPT and cPPT, and in the stem-loop structure that includes the first splice acceptor site. The two genomes are adenosine-rich and cytidine-poor. The structured regions are enriched in guanosines, while unpaired regions are enriched in adenosines, and functionaly important structures have stronger base pairing than nonconserved structures. We conclude that much of the secondary structure is the result of fortuitous pairing in a metastable state that reforms during sequence evolution. However, secondary structure elements with important function are stabilized by higher guanosine content that allows regions of structure to persist as sequence evolution proceeds, and, within the confines of selective pressure, allows structures to evolve.
It's Not Just the Kids Anymore: How to Cope with Employee Drug Abuse.

It has been estimated that, on any given day in any given school system, about eight percent of the employees are working under the influence of alcohol. Here's one plan for helping such peo ple.
Metalaxyl and other fungicides for control of Phytophthora infestans on potato in northwest Washington State

In northwest Washington State, fungicidal control of late blight caused byPhytophthora infestons was evaluated for three years. During 1977, a high rainfall year with supplemental sprinkler irrigations, all metalaxyl and chlorothalonil treatments reduced tuber rot at harvest, but only metalaxyl extended control of tuber rot after 4 months’ storage. During 1978, a high rainfall year, one application of metalaxyl sprayed over or dusted on potato seed pieces at planting or applied five times to foliage at 2 or 4 wk intervals gave excellent blight control equal to that with chlorothalonil applied to foliage every 2 wk. In 1979, a low rainfall year,P. infestons did not kill plants in untreated plots until October. Five applications of metalaxyl sprayed every 2 wk on foliage did not control foliage blight. However, metalaxyl reduced foliage blight when dusted on cut potato seed pieces. Mancozeb sprayed every 2 wk also gave excellent control. The possibility that metalaxyl applied to foliage is effective in late blight control only when washed into the soil by rainfall or irrigation for uptake by roots is discussed. Yields and percent U.S. No. 1 grade tubers were not significantly affected by any treatment in these 3-year trials.
Passive ranging of a low observable ballistic missile in a gravitational field

In this paper we present an estimation algorithm for tracking the motion of a low-observable target in a gravitational field, for example, an incoming ballistic missile (BM), using angle-only measurements. The measurements, which are obtained from a single stationary sensor, are available only for a short time. Also, the low target detection probability and high false alarm density present a difficult low-observable environment. The algorithm uses the probabilistic data association (PDA) algorithm in conjunction with maximum likelihood (ML) estimation to handle the false alarms and the less-than-unity target detection probability. The Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) in clutter, which quantifies the best achievable estimator accuracy for this problem in the presence of false alarms and nonunity detection probability, is also presented. The proposed estimator is shown to be efficient, that is, it meets the CRLB, even for low-observable fluctuating targets with 6 dB average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). For a BM in free flight with 0.6 single-scan detection probability, one can achieve a track detection probability of 0.99 with a negligible probability of false track acceptance.
Shear response of monodomains of flow-aligning nematic liquid crystals: TIF model comparisons and effect of pre-tilt

This work is the continuation of a previous study [Van Horn BL, Winter HH (2000) Dynamics of shear aligning nematic liquid crystal monodomains. Rheol Acta 39:294–300] on the shear dynamics of monodomains of shear aligning nematic liquid crystals [NLC]. The strain dependence of director orientation has been experimentally investigated for monodomains of a NLC with various initial orientations. Comparison of experimental results to predictions using Ericksen's transversly isotropic fluid [TIF] model supports the validity of the TIF model for systems of low molecular weight NLCs. The TIF model has been used to examine the effect of pre-tilt on the dynamics of flow-aligning NLC monodomains. It is shown that small deviations from planar alignment (no pre-tilt) have a large effect on orientation dynamics.
Amine-free reversible hydrogen storage in formate salts catalyzed by ruthenium pincer complex without pH control or solvent change.

Due to the intermittent nature of most renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, energy storage is increasingly required. Since electricity is difficult to store, hydrogen obtained by electrochemical water splitting has been proposed as an energy carrier. However, the handling and transportation of hydrogen in large quantities is in itself a challenge. We therefore present here a method for hydrogen storage based on a CO2 (HCO3 (-) )/H2 and formate equilibrium. This amine-free and efficient reversible system (>90 % yield in both directions) is catalyzed by well-defined and commercially available Ru pincer complexes. The formate dehydrogenation was triggered by simple pressure swing without requiring external pH control or the change of either the solvent or the catalyst. Up to six hydrogenation-dehydrogenation cycles were performed and the catalyst performance remained steady with high selectivity (CO free H2 /CO2 mixture was produced).
Science Signaling Podcast: 24 September 2013

This Podcast features an interview with Martin Miller and Chris Sander, authors of a Research Article that appears in the 24 September 2013 issue of Science Signaling. Although anticancer drug treatment may initially kill tumor cells, the cells often acquire resistance to the drug and resume proliferation. One way to reduce the likelihood of resistance and increase drug efficacy is to simultaneously treat tumors with two or more drugs that target different cellular proteins. Miller et al . found that simultaneous inhibition of CDK4 (cyclin-dependent kinase 4) and IGF1R (insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor) synergistically inhibited proliferation of two patient-derived dedifferentiated liposarcoma cell lines. Liposarcomas are tumors that develop from fat cells, and dedifferentiated liposarcoma is a subtype that is particularly aggressive and difficult to treat. The authors then used network modeling to identify the signaling pathways mediating this synergistic effect.
7-year oncological outcomes after laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy.

Purpose: Open partial nephrectomy has proven long-term oncologic efficacy. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy outcomes at 5 to 7 years of followup appear comparable to those of the open approach. We present the 10-year outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic or open partial nephrectomy for a single clinical stage cT1 7 cm or less renal cortical tumor.Materials and Methods: Of 1,541 patients treated with partial nephrectomy for a single cT1 tumor between 1999 and 2007 with a minimum 5-year followup, an actual followup of 10 years or greater was available in 45 and 254 after laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy, respectively.Results: Median followup after laparoscopic and open surgery was 6.6 and 7.8 years, respectively. At 10 years the overall survival rate was 77.2%. The metastasis-free survival rate was 95.2% and 90.0% after partial nephrectomy for clinical T1a and T1b renal cell carcinoma, respectively (p <0.0001). Baseline differences between patients treated with laparoscopic and open parti...
Hexahedral modular bioreactor for solid state bioprocesses

The design of a modular bioreactor for solid state fermentation is a promising development because it keeps the homogeneity of the bed at optimal levels. This study determines the optimum geometry of elementary modules of hexahedral bioreactors subjected to constant volume. The bioreactors have a square section and do not need an external cooling system, because the optimization limits the temperature of the bed to 35°C. The geometric optimization followed the Constructal principle of minimum heat resistance. The numerical simulations take into account the following parameters: inlet air temperature and velocity, and module volume. Once the elementary module has been selected, the total volume of the bioreactor can be calculated.
An automated approach to laser tissue welding: the Exoscope System

The Exoscope System for laser welding surgical connections between tubular tissue is designed for use in human gastrointestinal, genitourinary and vascular surgical procedures. It is asserted that excellent anastomoses can be constructed more quickly and with less technical difficulty by using the automated Exoscope System technique than with other contemporary methods and that the resulting laser-welded tissue bonds can be physiologically superior. >
Importance of illness beliefs and self-efficacy for patients with coronary heart disease.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to assess the association between coronary heart disease patients’ illness beliefs and their self-efficacy 3 years after hospital discharge. Background. Cardiac rehabilitation guidelines recommend that both the illness representation model and the concept of self-efficacy are relevant frameworks for developing effective psychological support, although little is known about what aspects of patients' illness beliefs influence their self-efficacy. Method. In a longitudinal prospective survey, consecutive patients with coronary heart disease were asked to complete questionnaires measuring illness perceptions; self-efficacy and demographic, illness characteristics; and attendance at a cardiac rehabilitation programme. The questionnaire was completed three times between 2001 and 2005. The response rates were 84% at time 1, 77% at time 2 and 72% at time 3. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the association between illness beliefs and self-efficacy. The data were collected between 2001 and 2005. Findings. The average age of the participants was 65 years, 79% were male, 50% had acute myocardial infarction, 50% had angina and 61% had no previous history of cardiac illness; 55% had been admitted as an emergency and 57% subsequently attended cardiac rehabilitation. At baseline 30% of the variance in the exercise self-efficacy at 3 years after index admission was accounted for by patients’ view of their illness being long-term. Data collected 9 months after discharge showed similar findings. Conclusion. Early interventions designed to address individuals’ sense of control, beliefs about the length of illness and the management of perceived symptoms before hospital discharge could increase rehabilitation programmes effectiveness in sustaining patients’ long-term lifestyle changes.
The air medical crew: Is a flight physician necessary?

The configuration of the air medical crew has been debated since the inception of hospital-based programs in the 1970s. Today, the majority of programs use non-physician crew members with a nurse/paramedic mix as the most common team. The medical literature contains little scientific basis to support or reject the use of physicians as crew members. The key to an effective air medical team, despite the configuration, is adequate training and ongoing flight experience. Unless future studies define the role of physicians on the medical team, the air medical crew configuration will be determined by each flight program based on their perception of individual needs and available resources.
Forecasts of Near-Global Sea Surface Temperatures Using Canonical Correlation Analysis

The skill of global-scale sea surface temperature forecasts using a statistically based linear forecasting technique is investigated. Canonical variates are used to make monthly sea surface temperature anomaly forecasts using evolutionary and steady-state features of antecedent sea surface temperatures as predictors. Levels of forecast skill are investigated over several months’ lead time by comparing the model performance with a simple forecast strategy involving the persistence of sea surface temperature anomalies. Forecast skill is investigated over an independent test period of 18 yr (1982/83‐1999/2000), for which the model training period was updated after every 3 yr. Forecasts for the equatorial Pacific Ocean are a significant improvement over a strategy of random guessing, and outscore forecasts of persisted anomalies beyond lead times of about one season during the
Consumer Perception of Genetically Modified Organisms and Sources of Information

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been available for commercial purchase since the 1990s, allowing producers to increase crop yields through bioengineering that creates herbicide-resistant and insect-resistant varieties. However, consumer knowledge about GMOs has not increased at the same rate as the adoption of GMO crops. Consumers worldwide are displaying limited understanding, misconceptions, and even unfamiliarity with GMO food products. Many consumers report that they receive information about GMO food products from the media, Internet, and other news sources. These sources may be less reliable than scientific experts whom consumers trust more to present the facts. Although many in the United States support mandatory GMO labeling (similar to current European standards), consumer awareness of current GMO labeling is low. A distinction must also be made between GMO familiarity and scientific understanding, because those who are more familiar with it tend to be more resistant to bioengineering, whereas those with higher scientific knowledge scores tend to have less negative attitudes toward GMOs. This brings to question the relation between scientific literacy, sources of information, and overall consumer knowledge and perception of GMO foods.
MITIGATING OPERATIONAL AIRCRAFT NOISE IMPACT BY LEVERAGING ON AUTOMATION CAPABILITY

have been adopted and implemented. These measures include directing aircraft over unpopulated areas, phasing out noisier aircraft, enforcing nighttime curfews on the operation of certain aircraft, publicizing airlines noise mitigation efforts, and utilizing advanced engine technology to reduce source noise. While these measures have contained the impact of aircraft noise, the increased demand for air transportation has not been matched by increased capacity, thus resulting in greater delays and congestion at major airports during this past decade. Advanced approach noise abatement procedures enabled by flight guidance technologies such as GPS and FMS have been shown to reduce the impact of noise in communities near airports. The implementation of these procedures, however, is hindered by the inability of air traffic controllers to separate aircraft that are decelerating at significantly different rates. This is especially problematic when the traffic density is high or when atmospheric conditions are turbulent. This paper discusses the factors that limit the ability of air traffic controllers to separate aircraft without automation aids, and offers an automation infrastructure that utilizes flight operation uncertainties observed from an experimental pilot-inthe-loop simulation study to predict the initial separations necessary for aircraft to maintain the required minimum separation throughout the approach.
Increasing post-myocardial infarction heart failure incidence in elderly patients a call for action.

The impact of heart failure on the global health care community has long been recognized. Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of heart failure. In the last 30 years there have been dramatic advances in the management of ischemic heart disease in general and acute myocardial infarction (MI)
The earthquake sequence near Danville, California, 1970

abstract Several thousand small earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging up to 4, occurred near Danville, California, during May, June, and July 1970. Seven temporary seismographs were installed near the epicentral region to augment an existing telemetered network within 1 day after the first felt earthquake. The dense concentration of 10 seismographs within 12 km of the seismic activity and the existence of a reversed seismic-refraction profile through the region permitted a very detailed study of this earthquake sequence. Over 400 events with magnitude greater than 0.5 were located with an average accuracy of ±1 km. The main earthquake region was approximately spherical: 1 km in radius, 6 km deep, and centered about 5 km southeast of Danville, 40 km east of San Francisco. Fault-plane solutions indicate that faulting associated with the earthquakes was of the right-lateral strike-slip type, with a strike of N 35°W. The earthquakes cannot readily be related to any previously identified geological structure or fault. They suggest that active right-lateral faulting is not restricted to the mapped fault trace of the Calaveras fault. This result implies that not all of the sources of future earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay region can be indentified by surface mapping alone. The use of small earthquakes to map active faulting at depth may help to identify areas of potential earthquake hazards.
Transient receptor potential melastatin 3 is a phosphoinositide-dependent ion channel

Phosphoinositides are emerging as general regulators of the functionally diverse transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) has been reported to positively regulate many TRP channels, but in several cases phosphoinositide regulation is controversial. TRP melastatin 3 (TRPM3) is a heat-activated ion channel that is also stimulated by chemical agonists, such as pregnenolone sulfate. Here, we used a wide array of approaches to determine the effects of phosphoinositides on TRPM3. We found that channel activity in excised inside-out patches decreased over time (rundown), an attribute of PI(4,5)P2-dependent ion channels. Channel activity could be restored by application of either synthetic dioctanoyl (diC8) or natural arachidonyl stearyl (AASt) PI(4,5)P2. The PI(4,5)P2 precursor phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI(4)P) was less effective at restoring channel activity. TRPM3 currents were also restored by MgATP, an effect which was inhibited by two different phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase inhibitors, or by pretreatment with a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) enzyme, indicating that MgATP acted by generating phosphoinositides. In intact cells, reduction of PI(4,5)P2 levels by chemically inducible phosphoinositide phosphatases or a voltage-sensitive 5′-phosphatase inhibited channel activity. Activation of PLC via muscarinic receptors also inhibited TRPM3 channel activity. Overall, our data indicate that TRPM3 is a phosphoinositide-dependent ion channel and that decreasing PI(4,5)P2 abundance limits its activity. As all other members of the TRPM family have also been shown to require PI(4,5)P2 for activity, our data establish PI(4,5)P2 as a general positive cofactor of this ion channel subfamily.
A Modest Proposal to Reform Phaseouts

In light of the uncertainty surrounding effective marginal tax rates for those subject to phaseout provisions, Congress should make a virtue of necessity by issuing scratchers containing each taxpayer's marginal tax rate. Doing so would acknowledge the current state of affairs while making tax season more exciting.
A Comprehensive Set of High-Quality Point Charges for Simulations of Metal–Organic Frameworks

Most classical simulations of metal–organic frameworks model electrostatic interactions using point charges on each atom in the structure. We report atomic point charges derived from periodic density functional theory (DFT) electronic structure calculations for more than 2000 unique experimentally synthesized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). These charges are publicly available as a supplement to the Computation-Ready Experimental MOF database. These DFT-derived atomic point charges are compared to semiempirical group contribution and charge equilibration methods for assigning charges. As an example of using these charges, we examined each MOF for usefulness in the adsorptive removal of tert-butyl mercaptan (TBM) from natural gas. Monte Carlo simulations revealed many candidate MOF structures with high selectivity for TBM over CH4 and high TBM capacity. We anticipate that this public data set of atomic point charges for MOFs will facilitate high-throughput screening for a wide variety of applications in w...
Beryllium-induced ultrastructural changes in intact and regenerating liver.

Intact or partially hepatectomized male rats were given intravenous aqueous BeSO4 · 4H2O. Light microscope studies of partially hepatectomized animals examined at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after injection of 15, 30, or 60μmols BeSO4 per kilogram or given 30/μmols BeSO4 per kilogram 8, 12, and 22 hours after partial hepatectomy and killed at 28 hours, revealed liver necrosis in animals surviving 48 hours, and abolition of mitoses in animals treated 20 or 16 hours before death. Ultrastructural alterations in both intact and partially hepatectomized animals examined 24 hours following Be injection included vacuolization and dense deposits in lysosomes, loss of fibrils and appearance of dense plaques in some nucleoli, and distortion of bile canaliculi. The lysosomal changes and inhibition of mitosis correlate well with previous biochemical studies.
The Relation between Public Policy and Some Structural and Environmental Variables in the American States

What is the relationship between certain major structural aspects of state governments and the content of policies adopted in the states? Do the socio-economic environments of the states relate significantly to political structures or the type of policies enacted?The thesis advanced here is that differences in policy, at least in certain substantive areas, are more readily explained in terms of differences in the socio-economic environments of the states than by an examination of structural variables. It will also be maintained that, as policy is independent of structure, so structure is also largely independent of some major aspects of the environment. The specific structural variables to be examined are apportionment, party competitiveness, and divided party control between governors and their legislatures.Six specific propositions will be examined:Proposition 1. The more imbalance in a state's apportionment, the less likely the legislature is to pass “liberal” or welfare-oriented policies beneficial to urban groups.Proposition 2. The more imbalance in a state's apportionment, the less financial aid large cities will receive directly from the state.Proposition 3. The more imbalance in a state's apportionment, the less competitive will be its major parties.3a. the less competitive a state's two major parties, the less welfare-oriented will be the policies adopted by its legislature.Proposition 4. The more imbalance in a state's apportionment, the more likely it is that control of the executive and legislative branches will be divided between parties.4a. The more frequently control of the legislature and executive are divided, the less likely a state will be to adopt welfare-oriented policies.Proposition 5. The more industrialized a state, the more imbalance there will be in its apportionment system.Proposition 6. The more industrialized a state, the higher will be its welfare-orientation.
Diagnostic Opal Phytoliths from Rinds of Selected Cucurbita Species

Based on examination of an extensive phytolith reference collection of domesticated and nondomesticated plants, it was determined that spheroidal and hemispheroidal phytoliths with deeply scalloped surfaces of contiguous concavities can be used as indicators of selected varieties of squash in archaeological sites in the central United States. Based on this classification and the distribution of the wild buffalo gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima), squash was identified in prehistoric sites in Nebraska and Arkansas.
The Construction of Evaluation Index System of College Sports Culture in China

Through using the method of literature review,questionnaire and mathematical statistics,this paper studies the evaluation index system of college sports culture construction in China,and analyzes the data by spss17.0 software and AMOS7.0 software.The result shows that college sports culture construction evaluation index system includes the sports spiritual culture and sports system culture sports spirit,sports moral,physical education concept,sports system,sports traditional,sports target,and set up the construction of sports culture assessment index model and the rationality of the model.Through the single factor analysis of variance with different gender,family residence,grade characteristics of college sports culture construction,the author tries to find out the difference reason for college sports culture,provides certain practical guidance for college sports culture education,further constructs and formulates corresponding rules and regulations.
Commentary: Intraoperative Management of Bile Duct Injuries by Non-biliary Surgeon

Detailed commentary about and expansion of principles for avoiding biliary injury during cholecystectomy.
Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease After Acute Kidney Injury Role of Self-Perpetuating Versus Hemodynamic-Induced Fibrosis

The relative contribution of self-perpetuating versus hemodynamic-induced fibrosis to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after acute kidney injury (AKI) is unclear. In the present study, male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent right uninephrectomy and were instrumented with a blood pressure radiotelemeter. Two weeks later, separate groups of rats were subjected to 40 minutes renal ischemia–reperfusion or sham surgery and followed up for 4 or 16 weeks to determine the extent to which glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis as a result of the AKI–CKD transition (ie, at 4 weeks post AKI) change over time during the progression of CKD (ie, at 16 weeks post AKI). On average, tubulointerstitial fibrosis was ≈3-fold lower ( P P
Prediction of the mechanical behavior of human spleen under blast forces using Finite Element method

The finite element model developed was able to capture the effects of loading rate and geometry. It was found that the predicted equivalent stresses of the human spleen subject to blast loads decreased with increasing load rate, even though viscous effects were found to be negligible. Therefore, the strain or loading rate (dynamic effects) must be correctly modeled, and reported so as to allow for comparison with other research.
Drugs Acting on the Kidney

Approximately 60 – 70% of the filtered sodium and potassium ions are removed isotonically from the proximal tubule. After passing the length of the proximal tubule, the volume of the filtrate has therefore been reduced by 30 – 40%, without altering sodium and potassium ion concentrations. Actively transported species include: Example sodium potassium bicarbonate
Stretchable and Electrically Conductive Composites Fabricated from Polyurethane and Silver Nano/Microstructures

Stretchable conductive composites have received considerable research interest recently for high-end microelectronic applications. Here we report conductive and stretchable composites by incorporating various shape-modified silver fillers into polyurethane elastomer matrix. By selecting soft and hard segments of polyurethane, the polymer resin can not only provide sufficient stretchability/flexibility, but also serve to reduce the surfactants on silver surface due to the presence of hydroxyl groups. Three conductive fillers, including commercial silver flakes, synthesized silver nanowires and three-dimensional silver dendrites were employed. The conductive composites could achieve resistivity as low as 5×10-5 .cm at using 80 wt% of silver flakes. The silver nanowires, with aspect ratio higher than 100, can achieve low electrical percolation threshold. The silver dendrite were prepared by a simple solution process with the capability for scalable production at low cost. The branched nano/microstructures can be delicately controlled by tuning the feeding speed and molar ratio of the silver precursor and reducing agent. Without any surface treatment, the bulk resistivity of the printed composite films was ~ 8×10-4 .cm at 70 wt% filler loading. The design of the conductive fillers within compatible elastomers show great potentials for portable and wearable electronic devices.
Jpss support to the NOAA arctic initiative and testbed

The Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Proving Ground and Risk Reduction (PGRR) program facilitates initiatives to increase or improve the use and value of JPSS data products in user products, services, and application or service areas. Building on the success of the Fire and Smoke, River Ice and Flooding, Hydrology, and Sounding initiatives, the JPSS Arctic Initiative is the latest endeavor of the JPSS PGRR program to increase of the use of JPSS atmospheric and cryosphere products to improve NOAA's products and services in the Arctic [1]. The major participants in the Arctic Initiative to date are the JPSS program office, National Ice Center (NIC), NWS Alaska Sea Ice Program (ASIP), and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR). An evaluation of the cryosphere and atmospheric data products is being planned for 2017 within the NOAA Arctic Testbed.
Cultural Diversity and Community-Building

This chapter illustrates the greater propensity of MERCOSUR for integration in the cultural domain. Relative cultural homogeneity is conducive to MERCOSUR’s cultural integration, which is occurring even though it was not desired and envisaged during the bloc’s creation. However, alone, without a viable politico-economic agenda, cultural homogeneity is unable to sustain political and economic integration. Therefore, additional historic perspectives emphasize the common cultural base of the Southern Cone countries contrasting it with Europeanness, which has more of a political than cultural definition, at least in comparative terms.
Molecular Pathology of Endocrine Cancer

Many recent advances have been made in elucidating the molecular pathology of endocrine tumors. Multiple approaches such as fluorescence in situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction, comparative genomic hybridization, and loss of heterozygosity analyses have led to many new discoveries and allowed correlation of traditional morphological and immunohistochemical findings with new molecular discoveries. New findings have included BRAF mutations and their prognostic significance in thyroid cancers, multiple mutations including MEN2A and MEN2B in medullary thyroid carcinomas and pheochromocytomas and succinic dehydrogenase mutations in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas. Gene expression profiling and genomic analyses have provided a great deal of new information that is currently being analyzed to determine their significance in personalized medicine
Tools-Psychological Tools-Internalization-Signs

In order to begin this chapter there will be an overview of all three elements taken together and then separated and analyzed. These components make up the cultural—historical domain of Vygotsky's psychological—philosophical method.
Root-preferential mRNA accumulation in Zea mays

ZRP4, a 1.4 kb mRNA that preferentially accumulates in roots of young Zea mays L. plants, was identified by isolation of the corresponding cDNA clone. Genomic Southern analysis indicates that the zrp4 gene is represented once in the com genome. The deduced ZRP4 polypeptide of 39,558 daltons is rich in leucine, serine, and alanine. Comparison of the deduced ZRP4 polypeptide sequence to polypeptide sequences of previously cloned plant and animal genes indicates that ZRP4 may be an 0-methyltransferase. The ZRP4 mRNA preferentially accumulates in young roots and can be detected only at low levels in leaf, stem and other shoot organs. ZRP4 mRNA accumulation is developmentally regulated within the root, with very low levels of accumulation in the meristematic region, higher levels in the regions of cell elongation, highest levels in the region of cell maturation and low levels in the mature regions of the root ZRP4 mRNA is predominantiy located in the endodermis, with lower levels in the exodermis. An intriguing possibility is that the ZRP4 mRNA may code for an 0-methyltransferase involved in suberin biosynthesis.
Does the Lawyer Make a Difference? Public Defender v. Appointed Counsel

A recent study found that poor criminal defendants in Philadelphia who were represented by court-appointed private lawyers were more often found guilty and sentenced to more time in prison than similarly situated defendants represented by public defenders. In this column, we review the details of the study, its findings, and its ethical and constitutional implications.
Transformation of Pseudomonasputida with chromosomal DNA

Abstract Auxotrophic cells of P. putida strain PpGl can be transformed for a number of chromosomal markers. The frequency of transformation is low (10−6 – 10−7 at optimum DNA concentration), and prior treatment of the cells with CaCl2 is necessary. The optimum concentration of CaCl2 for the induction of competence is variable among recipients. The concentration of DNA required to produce maximal frequency of transformation is high (5 – 10 μg/ml), and only high molecular weight double-stranded DNA appears to be biologically active. Treatment of the transforming DNA with restriction endonucleases and DNase, but not RNase, heating at 100°C and quick cooling, sonication, etc., completely abolishes transformation. The integration of the transforming DNA into the recipient chromosome has been inferred from co-transformation of closely linked genetic characters.
Full waveform inversion with angle-dependent gradient preconditioning using wavefield decomposition

Abstract The main objective of the full waveform inversion (FWI) is to deliver a velocity model which produces accurate and high resolution depth images. An integral part of FWI is the iterative optimization process aiming at minimizing an objective function describing the misfit between the observed and modelled data with respect to the velocity model parameters. However, FWI commonly suffers from local minima due to errors in data fitting and the starting velocity model. In this study, we develop a methodology to enhance convergence and mitigate the risk of having solutions falling into local minima. We employ optical flow to decompose the source and residual receiver wavefields and map them into the subsurface angle domain. Having evaluated the propagation vectors of the respective cleaner wavefields, subsurface reflection and azimuth angles can be robustly computed. Using such information we can apply angle-dependent preconditioning within the inversion algorithm. During a conventional FWI workflow, larger angles (i.e., transmission wavepaths) are mainly responsible for long wavelength velocity anomalies whereas narrow angles (i.e., reflection wavepaths) influence short wavelength velocity anomalies. In the proposed FWI methodology, we apply an optimized weighting function based on these estimated subsurface reflection angles in order to weight certain angle directions needed for gradient estimation using in parameter updating. Following a hierarchical approach, allowing for larger angles at the early stage of the FWI application, we initially solve for the smooth and longer wavelength velocity updates. Relaxing the opening angle from large to mid to narrow, the gradient direction will first estimate long wavelength velocity model updates (transmission-based wavepaths), following by short wavelength velocity model updates (reflection-based wavepaths). Moreover, angle-dependent-based gradient preconditioning can reduce cycle skips and improve convergence during FWI iterations.
Reference Electrodes with Ionic Liquid Salt Bridge: When Will These Innovative Novel Reference Electrodes Gain Broad Acceptance?

In this paper, we raise questions that researchers have to ask if they intend to replace a conventional reference electrode with an ionic liquid-based reference electrode and try to answer these questions based on our experiences and literature data. Among these questions, the most important is which ionic liquid should be used. However, beyond the chemical composition of the ionic liquid, to realize all the potential benefits of ionic-liquid based reference electrodes, there are additional, equally important considerations. Through examples we will show the importance of the (i) purity of the ionic liquid and the consequences of deviations from its stoichiometric salt composition, (ii) form of implementation of the ionic liquid-based reference electrode membrane (free-flowing salt bridge, or ionic liquid embedded in a membrane), (iii) membrane/gelling agent material and its composition, and (iv) experimental conditions (steady state or flowing conditions) under which it will be used. Finally, we recommen...
Training physicians about smoking cessation

Study objective:To test the hypotheses that physicians in private practice who receive a continuing education program (entitled “Quit for Life”) about how to counsel smokers to quit would counsel smokers more effectively and have higher rates of long-term smoking cessation among their patients. Design:Randomized trial with blinded assessment of principal outcomes. Setting:Private practices of internal medicine and family practice. Subjects:Forty-four physicians randomly assigned to receive training (24) or serve as controls (20) and consecutive samples of smokers visiting each physician (19.6 patients per experimental and 22.3 per control physician). Interventions:Physicians received three hours of training about how to help smokers quit. Physicians and their office staffs were also given self-help booklets to distribute to smokers and were urged to use a system of stickers on charts as reminders to counsel smokers about quitting. Measurements and main results:Based on telephone interviews with patients, physicians in the experimental group were more likely to discuss smoking with patients who smoked (64% vs. 44%), spent more time counseling smokers about quitting (7.5 vs. 5.2 minutes), helped more smokers set dates to quit smoking (29% vs. 5% of smokers), gave out more self-help booklets (37% vs. 9%), and were more likely to make a follow-up appointment about quitting smoking (19% vs. 11% of those counseled) than physicians in the control group. One year later, the rates of biochemically confirmed, long-term (≥9 months) abstinence from smoking were similar among patients in the experimental (3.2%) and control (2.5%) groups (95% confidence interval for the 0.7% difference: −1.7 to +3.1%). Conclusions:The authors conclude that this continuing education program substantially changed the way physicians counseled smokers, but had little or no impact on rates of long-term smoking cessation among their patients. There is a need for more effective strategies to help physicians help their patients to quit smoking.
A Fault-Tolerant Neural Network Architecture

New DNN accelerators based on emerging technologies, such as resistive random access memory (ReRAM), are gaining increasing research attention given their potential of "in-situ" data processing. Unfortunately, device-level physical limitations that are unique to these technologies may cause weight disturbance in memory and thus compromising the performance and stability of DNN accelerators. In this work, we propose a novel fault-tolerant neural network architecture to mitigate the weight disturbance problem without involving expensive retraining. Specifically, we propose a novel collaborative logistic classifier to enhance the DNN stability by redesigning the binary classifiers augmented from both traditional error correction output code (ECOC) and modern DNN training algorithm. We also develop an optimized variable-length "decode-free" scheme to further boost the accuracy under fewer number of classifiers. Experimental results on cutting-edge DNN models and complex datasets show that the proposed fault-tolerant neural network architecture can effectively rectify the accuracy degradation against weight disturbance for DNN accelerators with low cost, thus allowing for its deployment in a variety of mainstream DNNs.
An electrochemical approach to total organic carbon control in printed circuit board copper sulfate plating baths Part I: Anode performances

An electrochemical approach to decreasing high levels of total organic carbon (TOC) in printed circuit board (PCB) copper sulfate plating baths has been investigated. The organic contaminants build-up over the course of pattern plating of PCBs, and at high concentrations they interfere with the quality of the plated copper. The electrochemical approach involves destroying the organic contaminants using electrochemical oxidation. Various anode materials (glassy carbon, lead, lead dioxide, platinum, iridium dioxide and doped tin dioxide) were screened for this application. Some corrosion data is presented for these anodes and their performance for TOC removal at various current densities has been roughly quantified using an apparent first order rate constant. The three best performing anode materials gave increasing oxidation rates going from platinum to doped tin dioxide to lead dioxide, unfortunately anode stability decreased in the same order.
Interscholastic Athletics and Bone Strength: The Iowa Bone Development Study.

Pashkova, A, Hartman, JM, Letuchy, EM, and Janz, KF. Interscholastic athletics and bone strength: the Iowa bone development study. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between adolescents' participation in various interscholastic sports and differences in bone strength outcomes. Subjects (N = 380) were recruited from the Iowa Bone Development Study and categorized based on sport participation into 3 power groups: no-power, low-power, and high-power. Sports such as basketball, cheerleading/poms, gymnastics, volleyball, track, football, tennis, and soccer were considered high-power. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) was used to determine bone measures of polar stress-strain index (measure of torsion strength), cortical content (measure of cortical bone size and area at the 66% tibia site), and bone strength index (measure of compression strength based on total bone density and area at the 4% tibia site). Adjusted pairwise comparison for group least squares means high-power sport participation compared with no-power sport participation showed significant differences in all bone strength outcomes for both men and women (p value < 0.01). There was a significant difference in all bone strength measures between low-power and no-power groups for men (p value < 0.05), but not women. Because of decreasing levels of physical activity in late adolescence, the promotion of high-power sports may be particularly important for optimal bone development in the final years before peak bone mass.
Tyranny in Hotman’s Franco-Gallia

Tyranny in Hotman’s Franco-Gallia (1573). As French jurists turned away from efforts to create laws and institutions inspired by Rome, they gradually turned to their own Gallic customs and history. Hotman wrote a part-historical, part-mythical vision of an early France where the people held power and elected their own kings. If a king lacks the ability to be a leader, he is deposed. Hotman’s ideal was a government of shared powers. The king who rules against the will of his subjects is a tyrant, and he has foreign body guards.
Mild fever as a catalyst for consumption of the ischaemic penumbra despite endovascular reperfusion.

Cerebrovascular ischaemia is potentiated by hyperthermia, and even mild temperature elevation has proved detrimental to ischaemic brain. Infarction progression following endovascular reperfusion relates to multiple patient-specific and procedural variables; however, the potential influence of mild systemic temperature fluctuations is not fully understood. This study aims to assess the relationship between systemic temperatures in the early aftermath of acute ischaemic stroke and the loss of at-risk penumbral tissues, hypothesizing consumption of the ischaemic penumbra as a function of systemic temperatures, irrespective of reperfusion status. A cross-sectional, retrospective evaluation of a single-institution, prospectively collected endovascular therapy registry was conducted. Patients with anterior circulation, large vessel occlusion acute ischaemic stroke who underwent initial CT perfusion, and in whom at least four-hourly systemic temperatures were recorded beginning from presentation and until the time of final imaging outcome were included. Initial CT perfusion core and penumbra volumes and final MRI infarction volumes were computed. Systemic temperature indices including temperature maxima were recorded, and pre-defined temperature thresholds varying between 37°C and 38°C were examined in unadjusted and adjusted regression models which included glucose, collateral status, reperfusion status, CT perfusion-to-reperfusion delay, general anaesthesia and antipyretic exposure. The primary outcome was the relative consumption of the penumbra, reflecting normalized growth of the at-risk tissue volume ≥10%. The final study population comprised 126 acute ischaemic stroke subjects (mean 63 ± 14.5 years, 63% women). The primary outcome of penumbra consumption ≥10% occurred in 51 (40.1%) subjects. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were present between groups, with the exception of presentation glucose (118 ± 26.6 without versus 143.1 ± 61.6 with penumbra consumption, P = 0.009). Significant differences in the likelihood of penumbra consumption relating to systemic temperature maxima were observed [37°C (interquartile range 36.5 - 37.5°C) without versus 37.5°C (interquartile range 36.8 - 38.2°C) with penumbra consumption, P = 0.001]. An increased likelihood of penumbra consumption was observed for temperature maxima in unadjusted (odds ratio 3.57, 95% confidence interval 1.65 - 7.75; P = 0.001) and adjusted (odds ratio 3.06, 95% confidence interval 1.33 - 7.06; P = 0.009) regression models. Significant differences in median penumbra consumption were present at a pre-defined temperature maxima threshold of 37.5°C [4.8 ml (interquartile range 0 - 11.5 ml) versus 21.1 ml (0 - 44.7 ml) for subjects not reaching or reaching the threshold, respectively, P = 0.007]. Mild fever may promote loss of the ischaemic penumbra irrespective of reperfusion, potentially influencing successful salvage of at-risk tissue volumes following acute ischaemic stroke.