cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Separation of brain-damaged from psychiatric patients with ability and personality measures.

Previous research indicates that many brain-damage screening tests lack the ability to separate organic from functional patients at a satisfactory level. However the Smith Symbol-Digit Modalities Test, the Benton Visual Re tention Test, the Background Interference Procedure variation of the Minnesota Percepto-Diagnostic Test, and the MMPI Psychiatric-Organic scale have shown some promise in earlier studies. Their abilities to separate brain damaged patients from five functional samples in a psychiatric setting were compared here. The Smith proved capable of discrimination organics from all functional samples both before and after demographic matching. The Benton and the Minnesota Percepto-Diagnostic Test separated our organics from our functional groups before matching, but results with them after matching were unencouraging. The P-O scale separated the organics from four of the five functional samples before matching and two afterward. The combined use of the P-O and Smith provided a higher level of discrimination than that attained with either alone, correctly identifying 90% of the organics and 79% of the functional Ss.
A Note on Flow and Separation in a Centrifugal Spectrometer

Results of preliminary tests with a prototype machine show excellent fractionation of a mixture according to settling velocity, and they establish the concept of centrifugal spectroscopy as broadly applicable and commercially feasible. Since operation of the centrifuge is truly nonstop, a completed system will efficiently process the large volume of fluid typically involved in a technological application that requires a mixture to be both separated and sorted according to size or density differences with a high, assured degree of purity.
Visible-light-driven photoreactions of [(bpy)2Ru(II)L]Cl2 in aqueous solutions (bpy = bipyridine, l = 1,2-bis(4-(4'-methyl)-2,2'-bipyridyl) ethene).

Visible-light-induced photoreactions of [(bpy)2Ru(II)L]Cl2 (bpy = bipyridine, L = trans-1,2-bis(4-(4‘-methyl)-2,2‘-bipyridyl) ethene) in aqueous solution are examined. From pH titrations, it is found that the Ru complex is a stronger base (pKa* = 6) in the excited state than in the ground state (pKa = 4). Photolysis of the [(bpy)2Ru(II)L] complex in solutions at pH 7 and 12 led to formation of species with increased emission quantum yields, ∼55 nm blue-shift of the emission maximum to 625 nm, and disappearance of the absorption band at 330 nm, the latter arising from the olefinic bond of the L ligand. No spectral changes are observed in solutions at pH ≤ 4. With the help of chromatography, mass spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and NMR, photoproducts formed at neutral pH have been analyzed. It is found that the major product is a dimer of [(bpy)2Ru(II)L], dimerizing around the double bond. Photoreactions do not occur in the dark or in the aprotic solvent acetonitrile. We propose that a Ru(III) radical int...
Vibration Control of a Smart Structure Using Fixed Order Dynamic Compensation

The use of direct contact type sensors and actuators for structural vibration control offers the advantage of adding less mass to the structure and permits a wide fre quency range of control, facilitating a means of tunability for structural systems that age or change. The design of a controller using output feedback for such systems is considered in this paper. A recently developed loop transfer recovery procedure for designing fixed- order dynamic compensators that improve both performance and robustness has been applied in the controller design for active vibration control of a cantilever beam with bonded piezoceramic sensors and actuators. For a given order of the compensator, the trade-off between performance and robustness is investigated.
Ropeless Elevator With Linear Switched Reluctance Motor Drive Actuation Systems

Linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) drives are investigated and proved in this study as an alternative actuator for vertical linear transportation applications such as a linear elevator. A one-tenth-scaled prototype elevator that is focused on a home elevator with LSRMs is designed, and extensive experimental correlation is presented for the first time in this paper. The proposed LSRM has twin stators and a set of translator poles without yoke placed between the two stators. The features of the LSRM and the prototype elevator are described. Furthermore, a control strategy for the prototype elevator is introduced consisting of four control loops, viz., (1) current, (2) force, (3) velocity, and (4) position feedback control loops. Force control of the experimental prototype elevator employs the proposed force distribution function. A trapezoidal velocity profile is introduced to control vertical travel position smoothly during ascent, descent, and stop of the elevator. Conventional proportional-integral controller is used for the current and velocity control loops and their designs are described. The proposed control strategy is dynamically simulated and experimentally correlated. The analytical and experimental results of this paper prove that LSRMs are one of the strong candidates for linear elevator propulsion drives.
Novel application of hot-melt extrusion for the preparation of monolithic matrices containing enteric-coated particles

The objective was to investigate a novel application of hot-melt extrusion for the preparation of multiparticulate matrices comprising delayed-release particles. Multiparticulates of different mechanical strengths (theophylline granules, wet-mass extruded/spheronized pellets and drug-layered microcrystalline cellulose spheres) were coated with Eudragit® L30D-55 and characterized regarding potency, moisture content, dissolution properties and tensile strength. The coated particles were incorporated into a water-soluble matrix using hot-melt extrusion. Six hydrophilic polymers including polyethylene glycols, poloxamers and polyethylene oxides were studied as the carrier material for the extrusion. Dissolution testing showed that the maintenance of the delayed-release properties of the incorporated particles was independent of the particle tensile strength, but influenced by the nature of the carrier polymer. High miscibility between the carrier and the coating polymer correlated with increased film permeability and higher drug release in acidic media. Of the materials tested, poloxamer 407 exhibited lower miscibility with the Eudragit® L polymer and matrices containing up to 40% enteric pellets were compliant with the USP dissolution requirements for delayed-release dosage forms. The potential advantages of hot-melt extrusion over direct compression for the processing of soft drug granules coated with Eudragit® L polymer were demonstrated.
Past, present, and future of global aerosol climatologies derived from satellite observations: A perspective

Abstract A number of passive satellite instruments have been used to develop global climatologies of terrestrial tropospheric aerosols by analyzing the properties of sunlight reflected by the atmosphere–surface system. The outcome of these efforts are several climatologies which all purport to represent the same aerosol characteristics such as optical thickness and size. However, the quantitative differences between these climatologies have been found to far exceed the corresponding individual uncertainty claims. The magnitude of these differences is alarming and necessitates a detailed critical assessment and integrated analysis that would go far beyond simple intercomparisons of various satellite products and comparisons of satellite aerosol optical thickness results with ground-based sun-photometer data. This paper outlines the framework for a global long-term satellite climatology of aerosol properties based on a consistent combination of previous, current, and near-future satellite retrievals. We also discuss potential future strategies for deriving a much improved aerosol climatology from Earth-orbiting satellites.
Electroacupuncture improves impaired gastric motility and slow waves induced by rectal distension in dogs

Rectal distension (RD) is known to induce upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of RD on gastric slow waves (GSW) and ...
Mobile Computing: Looking to the Future

Innovations in mobile and embedded computing are transforming the way people access information and use network services.
Fallback Foods, Optimal Diets, and Nutritional Targets: Primate Responses to Varying Food Availability and Quality

Eating is a risky affair. All animals have to offset risks of feeding such as exposure to plant toxins, increased vulnerability to predation, or conspecific aggression with a food's energetic and nutritional return. What, when, and where an individual eats can impact fitness and, ultimately, species-level adaptations. Here, we explore the variables that influence primate feeding preference: food availability, chemical defense, and nutrient content. We present information demonstrating that consumers manipulate nutrient and energy intake, indicating that what may be a less-than-optimal food for one state of an animal's phenotype may not be for another. This evidence suggests that factors previously assumed to be constraints in Optimal Foraging Theory, Functional Response, and—recently—Fallback Food feeding models would be better categorized as variables. We conclude that “fallback” is not an intrinsic state of the food or the consumer and that this conclusion complicates the application of this concept to ...
Free-choice responding for ethanol versus water in alcohol preferring (P) and unselected Wistar rats is differentially modified by naloxone, bromocriptine, and methysergide.

The role of opioids, dopamine and serotonin in ethanol (EtOH) reward and preference was investigated in non-deprived, Alcohol-Preferring (P), and genetically heterogenous Wistar rats. Operant responding for ethanol was initiated using sweet-solution substitution procedures. The rats were then trained in 30-min daily sessiosn to respond for ethanol (10% v/v) versus water under a two-lever, free-choice contingency. All testing was conducted in the absence of water and food deprivation or addition of sweeteners to the ethanol drinking solution. Rats of both strains developed stable preferences in responding for ethanol over water and consumed ethanol at quantities sufficient to produce pharmacologically relevant mean blood alcohol concentrations (P-Rats: 98±19.6 mg%; unselected Wistars: 41.7±8.5 mg%). InP-rats, systemic naloxone (NAL; 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) pretreatments resulted in a dose-dependent suppression in responding for both ethanol and water, but did not alter ethanol preference (expressed as percent ethanol of total intake). In contrast, bromocriptine (BRO; 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg) produced a significant, dose-dependent shift in preference from ethanol toward water by inhibiting responding for ethanol while enhancing water consumption. Inunselected Wistar rats, NAL and BRO treatments produced changes in ethanol preference patterns similar to those observed in P-rats. However, compared to P-rats, these changes were smaller and not consistently dose dependent. No changes in ethanol preference and water or ethanol intake were observed with methysergide (MET; 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg) in either strain of rat. Together, the results suggest a possible involvement of dopaminergic mechanisms in the reinforcing properties of ethanol. In contrast, the response decrements observed with naloxone may reflect a more general depression in consummatory behavior.
Unbounded data model verification using SMT solvers

The growing influence of web applications in every aspect of society makes their dependability an immense concern. A fundamental building block of web applications that use the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern is the data model, which specifies the object classes and the relations among them. We present an approach for unbounded, automated verification of data models that 1) extracts a formal data model from an Object Relational Mapping, 2) converts verification queries about the data model to queries about the satisfiability of formulas in the theory of uninterpreted functions, and 3) uses a Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) solver to check the satisfiability of the resulting formulas. We implemented this approach and applied it to five open-source Rails applications. Our results demonstrate that the proposed approach is feasible, and is more efficient than SAT-based bounded verification.
Youth and savings in AssetsAfrica

Abstract As youth transition to adulthood, their ability to save and accumulate assets becomes very important as they begin to accept financial responsibilities and plan for the future. In this paper, we investigated the effects of an asset building intervention on youth asset accumulation in Masindi, a rural area in Uganda. Two waves of data were collected on youth, between 15 and 35 years of age, for both the treatment and comparison groups. We used a Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique and Difference-in-Difference model to estimate the effects of the asset building intervention. We find that the mean difference in financial assets ($763.17), total wealth ($897.75) and net-worth ($1117.83) are statistically significant in favor of the youth in the treatment group. However, the mean difference in productive assets ($3.77) is not statistically significant. The results show that youth in rural Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are able to accumulate substantial assets that may well contribute to their well-being in the long-term.
Recordar y alimentar a los ancestros en Mesoamérica

Las creencias y practicas relacionadas con la muerte y la permanencia de un difunto en la memoria social de largo plazo son fundamentales en la herencia cultural mesoamericana. Se han encontrado evidencias de que entre los mayas se recordaba, se valoraba y se alimentaba a los espiritus de los ancestros en sitios como K’axob, Belice, del Preclasico, las capitales dinasticas del Clasico y los codices del Posclasico
A thermodynamic method for investigation of radiation induced changes in the microcirculation of human tumors

Abstract A thermodynamic method to assess human and animal tumor blood flow was developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Blood flow is assessed by measuring the thermal flux occurring when a beat sink is positioned over the tumor and maintained at either a constant hyperthermic or a hypothermic temperature. The concept of the adenosine autoregulatory control of cellular oxygen tension was utilized to interpret the quality of the flow. The preliminary results obtained in human tumors using the thermodynamic method to assess blood flow has shown that: 1. (1)| Blood flow in some human tumors will increase during the first few days following a single dose of 400 to 800 rad. 2. (2)| Fractionated radiation (5000 rad in 5 weeks) causes a gradual increase in both normal and tumor tissue blood flow during treatment and inhibits the normal tissue hypothermic vasoconsriction. 3. (3)| The presence of hypothermic vasoconstriction in normal tissue and in some tumors suggests that constant vasomotion (cycles of vasoconstriction and vasodilation) may induce cycling hypoxia sufficient to affect the radiation response. It is suggested that this cycling hypoxia may account for the presence of some biologically hypoxic epithelial cells m normal skin and that inhibiton of the vasoconstrictive response by radiation may be a contributing factor towards reoxygenation in tumors which exhibit microvascular control.
p150Glued, the largest subunit of the dynactin complex, is nonessential in Neurospora but required for nuclear distribution.

Abstract Dynactin is a multisubunit complex that is required for cytoplasmic dynein, a minus-end-directed, microtubule-associated motor, to efficiently transport vesicles along microtubules in vitro. p150Glued, the largest subunit of dynactin, has been identified in vertebrates and Drosophila and recently has been shown to interact with cytoplasmic dynein intermediate chains in vitro. The mechanism by which dynactin facilitates cytoplasmic dynein-dependent vesicle transport is unknown. We have devised a genetic screen for cytoplasmic dynein/dynactin mutants in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. In this paper, we report that one of these mutants, ro-3, defines a gene encoding an apparent homologue of p150Glued, and we provide genetic evidence that cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin interact in vivo. The major structural features of vertebrate and Drosophila p150Glued, a microtubule-binding site at the N-terminus and two large alpha-helical coiled-coil regions contained within the distal two-thirds of the polypeptide, are conserved in Ro3. Drosophila p150Glued is essential for viability; however, ro-3 null mutants are viable, indicating that dynactin is not an essential complex in N. crassa. We show that N. crassa cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin mutants have abnormal nuclear distribution but retain the ability to organize cytoplasmic microtubules and actin in anucleate hyphae.
Fast parallel textured algorithms for parabolic equations

Fast linear equation solvers based on recursive multiplicative, additive textured decompositions and corresponding recursive block Jacobi methods are introduced. The basic difference between this approach and classical iterative algorithms is that different approximations of the system matrix are used in the classical approach. It is shown that, with proper composition of approximation matrices, the spectral radius of error dynamic is greatly reduced, and with proper decomposition size the spectral radius will approach a constant strictly less than one, even if the dimension of the problem tends to infinity. This enables the authors to devise a parallel algorithm with better time complexity. The associated recursive block Jacobi methods are developed and investigated, and their performance is compared with that of the textured decomposition methods. These algorithms are applied to dynamic simulation of parabolic equations. >
Modeling U-2 Flight Through Clear Air Turbulence

A dynamic three degrees-of-freedom simulation was developed in support of future Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) forecasting. Computational aircraft models were created and used to calculate aerodynamic coecients for use in the simulation. The simulation used longitudinal aircraft equations of motion to model an aircraft’s flight though CAT. The dynamics were modified to include non-steady relative wind conditions. Atmospheric inputs were created using wave models and other numerical simulations of CAT conditions. The results were compared to traditional turbulence sensitivity predictors, which proved to be inadequate for CAT conditions.
Faculty development in the health professions: Conclusions and recommendations

This report summarizes recent literature reviews and resource books on faculty development in the health professions and describes findings from articles not previously reviewed. Nine conclusions about faculty development in the health professions are drawn: (1) the concept of faculty development is evolving and expanding; (2) research skills are becoming a major focus of faculty development; (3) teaching skills are still a prominent aspect of faculty development; (4) fellowships are being used effectively to recruit and train new faculty; (5) the institutional environment has become a focus of faculty development; (6) faculty evaluation is an effective approach to faculty development; (7) the efficacy of faculty development needs better research documentation; (8) model curricula have been developed for different types of faculty; and (9) comprehensive faculty development centers are gaining in popularity. A set of recommendations based on the conclusions drawn is offered for those planning faculty development interventions.
Heterogeneity of Glia in the Retina and Optic Nerve of Birds and Mammals

We have recently described a novel type of glial cell that is scattered across the inner layers of the avian retina [1]. These cells are stimulated by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) to proliferate, migrate distally into the retina, and up-regulate the nestin-related intermediate filament transitin. These changes in glial activity correspond with increased susceptibility of neurons to excitotoxic damage. This novel cell-type has been termed the Non-astrocytic Inner Retinal Glia-like (NIRG) cells. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the retinas of non-avian species contain cells that resemble NIRG cells. We assayed for NIRG cells by probing for the expression of Sox2, Sox9, Nkx2.2, vimentin and nestin. NIRG cells were distinguished from astrocytes by a lack of expression for Glial Fibrilliary Acidic Protein (GFAP). We examined the retinas of adult mice, guinea pigs, dogs and monkeys (Macaca fasicularis). In the mouse retina and optic nerve head, we identified numerous astrocytes that expressed GFAP, S100β, Sox2 and Sox9; however, we found no evidence for NIRG-like cells that were positive for Nkx2.2, nestin, and negative for GFAP. In the guinea pig retina, we did not find astrocytes or NIRG cells in the retina, whereas we identified astrocytes in the optic nerve. In the eyes of dogs and monkeys, we found astrocytes and NIRG-like cells scattered across inner layers of the retina and within the optic nerve. We conclude that NIRG-like cells are present in the retinas of canines and non-human primates, whereas the retinas of mice and guinea pigs do not contain NIRG cells.
Fertility Measurement Through Cross-Sectional Surveys

Selected methodological issues encountered in efforts to measure fertility with data collected in a cross-sectional survey of women selected by marital status are presented. Concentration is on the dependent variable more specifically the ways in which that variable can be refined by collecting progressively more detailed accounts of reproductive behavior. Limitations are that important and difficult questions about the appropriate explanatory framework for reproductive behavior are neglected and fewer solutions than problems are offered. 6 sections focus on 1) the form of measures which can be calculated from data produced by official registration and enumeration systems 2) criteria for decisions concerning the definition of the universe 3) measurement problems created by the fact that the older women in a cross-section have longer reproductive histories than the younger women 4) some of the possibilities and problems in moving from gross toward net exposure 5) behavioral and motivational distinctions involved in the specification of the outcome and 6) an attempt at explanation of difficulties encountered in efforts to elicit statements of intent concerning past and future births. Some of the methodological problems encountered in the use of survey data for the purpose of fertility measurement can be resolved by judicious decisions about the ways in which the data are collected and analyzed. Others are intrinsically unmanageable because the behavior patterns under investigation are both so complex and important to both the couple and the society that attempts to obtain accurate data are thwarted. (AUTHORS MODIFIED)
Multiple conformations are a conserved and regulatory feature of the RB1 5′ UTR

Folding to a well-defined conformation is essential for the function of structured ribonucleic acids (RNAs) like the ribosome and tRNA. Structured elements in the untranslated regions (UTRs) of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are known to control expression. The importance of unstructured regions adopting multiple conformations, however, is still poorly understood. High-resolution SHAPE-directed Boltzmann suboptimal sampling of the Homo sapiens Retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) 5' UTR yields three distinct conformations compatible with the experimental data. Private single nucleotide variants (SNVs) identified in two patients with retinoblastoma each collapse the structural ensemble to a single but distinct well-defined conformation. The RB1 5' UTRs from Bos taurus (cow) and Trichechus manatus latirostris (manatee) are divergent in sequence from H. sapiens (human) yet maintain structural compatibility with high-probability base pairs. SHAPE chemical probing of the cow and manatee RB1 5' UTRs reveals that they also adopt multiple conformations. Luciferase reporter assays reveal that 5' UTR mutations alter RB1 expression. In a traditional model of disease, causative SNVs disrupt a key structural element in the RNA. For the subset of patients with heritable retinoblastoma-associated SNVs in the RB1 5' UTR, the absence of multiple structures is likely causative of the cancer. Our data therefore suggest that selective pressure will favor multiple conformations in eukaryotic UTRs to regulate expression.
A numerical method for homogenization in non-linear elasticity

In this work, homogenization of heterogeneous materials in the context of elasticity is addressed, where the effective constitutive behavior of a heterogeneous material is sought. Both linear and non-linear elastic regimes are considered. Central to the homogenization process is the identification of a statistically representative volume element (RVE) for the heterogeneous material. In the linear regime, aspects of this identification is investigated and a numerical scheme is introduced to determine the RVE size. The approach followed in the linear regime is extended to the non-linear regime by introducing stress–strain state characterization parameters. Next, the concept of a material map, where one identifies the constitutive behavior of a material in a discrete sense, is discussed together with its implementation in the finite element method. The homogenization of the non-linearly elastic heterogeneous material is then realized through the computation of its effective material map using a numerically identified RVE. It is shown that the use of material maps for the macroscopic analysis of heterogeneous structures leads to significant reductions in computation time.
Gas Phase Reactions of DNO3 with X-·(D2O)n, X = O, OD, O2, DO2, and O3

The gas-phase reactions of DNO{sub 3} with anions X{sup -}.(D{sub 2}O){sub n<=3}, where X = O, OD, O{sub 2}, and O{sub 3}, in helium at several temperatures within the range 185-298 K have been studied using a fast-flow apparatus operated at 0.28 Torr. At room temperature the ions O{sup -}.(D{sub 2}O){sub n=1,2}, OD{sup -}.(D{sub 2}O){sub n=1.2}, O{sub 2}{sup -}.(D{sub 2}O){sub n=0,1}, DO{sub 2}{sup -}.(D{sub 2}O){sub n=0,1}, and O{sub 3}{sup -} react rapidly with DNO{sub 3} to form mainly bare product ion NO{sub 3}{sup -}. At low temperatures, in the presence of larger hydrates of the reactant ions, the hydrated species, NO{sub 3}{sup -}.D{sub 2}O, as well as the (O{sub 2}.DNO{sub 3}){sup -} and (DO{sub 2}.DNO{sub 3}){sup -} product ions from the O{sub 2}{sup -}.(D{sub 2}O){sub n=1,2}/DNO{sub 3} and DO{sub 2}{sup -}.(D{sub 2}O){sub n=1,2}/DNO{sub 3} systems, respectively, were seen to be efficiently produced in primary reactions. These ions react further with DNO{sub 3} to form (NO{sub 3}DNO{sub 3}){sup -}. Rate constants for the observed reactions were determined. The measured rate coefficient for the association reaction of NO{sub 3}{sup -} with DNO{sub 3} shows a temperature dependence and can be represented by the expression k{sub T} = k{sub 298}(298/T){sup 3.7{+-}0.4}. 20 refs.,more » 5 figs., 4 tabs.« less
A Sleeper Amnesty: Time to Wake Up from the Dream Act

Just three months after the Senate immigration bill met its well-deserved end, amnesty advocates in the U.S. Congress resumed their efforts. The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is a nightmare. It is a massive amnesty that extends - conditional - lawful permanent resident status to the millions of illegal aliens who entered the United States before the age of 16. It is also a back-door amnesty for the millions of illegal aliens who brought their children with them to the United States. What is less known about the DREAM Act is that it also allows illegal aliens to receive in-state tuition rates at public universities discriminating against U.S. citizens from out-of-state and law-abiding foreign students. In addition to being a dream for those who have broken the law, the DREAM Act raises an even larger issue regarding the relationship between states and the federal government. States should not be allowed to undermine the efforts of the federal government to enforce the law. Only if all levels of government are working in concert to uphold the rule of law can it be fully restored.
Can attention to the intestinal microbiota improve understanding and treatment of anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by severe dietary restriction or other weight loss behaviors and exhibits the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. Therapeutic renourishment in AN is founded primarily on clinical opinion and guidelines, with a weak evidence base. Genetic factors do not fully account for the etiology of AN, and non-genetic factors that contribute to the onset and persistence of this disease warrant investigation. Compelling evidence that the intestinal microbiota regulates adiposity and metabolism, and more recently, anxiety behavior, provides a strong rationale for exploring the role of this complex microbial community in the onset, maintenance of, and recovery from AN. This review explores the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and AN and a potential role for this enteric microbial community as a therapy for this severe illness.
Effect of Molecular-Scale Features on the Polymer Coil Size of Model Viscosity Index Improvers

Temperature-induced changes in coil size have been proposed as a mechanism underlying the functionality of viscosity index improving polymers. Here, molecular dynamics simulations are used to characterize the effect of temperature on the coil size of model additive polymers. The simulations reproduce experimental observations, where only some polymers increase in size with increasing temperature. The results also reveal that the presence of oxygen atoms in the polymer structure is a key factor in determining whether the polymer expands or contracts. This new simulation approach provides a general methodology for investigating temperature-induced coil size changes in polymeric lubricant additives.
Determination of basic orange in capsicum by HPLC

Objective:To establish an HPLC method for quantitation of basic orange in capsicum.Methods:Selecting the best chromatograph conditions to determine the concentration of basic orange in capsicum and the added standard recoveries of it.Then do the HPLC methodology demonstration using the selected chromatograph conditions.Results:This HPLC method exhibited a linear relation within 0.40~100.00 μg/ml basic orange content.The regression equation was y=3.80e+004x+6.09+003(r2=0.9999) and the minimum detectable limit of this method was 0.32 mg/L.Furthermore,the recoveries of basic orange were 91.5%~108.5% while the contents of added standard were 0.40~30.00 mg/kg.Conclusion:This is a simple,accurate and reliable HPLC method for determination of basic orange in capsicum.
Evaluation on the consequences of intervention for AIDS by educational activities among high school students

Objective To evaluate the effect of AIDS intervention among high school students by educational activities organized by student social club.Methods 2000high school students were randomly selected prior to and after the intervention to complete the anonymous questionnaire survey.SPSS 18.0software was used for data analysis.Results The awareness rate of students increased from 64.2% to 92.2% after the intervention,the difference was statistically significant(χ2=229.94,P0.01).Meanwhile,much less discrimination to AIDS patients was found after the intervention among students who became more understandable and tolerant to AIDS patients.Conclusions AIDS educational activities organized by student social club are effective to teach high school students about the knowledge of HIV/AIDS and help them not discriminating AIDS patients.
Abstract 1302: A comprehensive approach to delineate FGFR2 targeted therapy response in diffuse gastric cancer

Dysregulation of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) signaling has been associated with tumorigenesis and progression in various cancers. Preclinical models have shown that FGFR2 signaling activation due to FGFR2 amplification is essential driver for specific gastric cancers. Cancer cell lines or patient-derived gastric cancer xenograft models with FGFR2 amplification are highly sensitive to AZD4547, which is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase (TRK) inhibitor that selectively targets FGFR1-3. However, recent clinical trial studies failed to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of AZD4547 in patients with FGFR2 amplification. For this study, we identified critical genetic and molecular features that determine the response to FGFR2 inhibitors in gastric cancer. To systematically delineate the pathways that modulate response to FGFR2 inhibitors, we identified CRISPR-library-based gene knockouts that result in resistance to AZD4547 in Kato III cells, a gastric cancer cell line with high sensitivity to this drug. Although majority of transduced Kato III cells undergo cell senescence upon AZD4547 treatment, a small population of resistant cells rendered by CRISPR knockout is enriched. Subsequent sequencing and pathway analysis reveal the alternative activated pathways that contribute to the cell growth in lieu of FGFR2 inhibition. Furthermore, we applied the elastic-net regression analysis to identify genetic features associated with the drug sensitivity to FGFR2 inhibition in cancer cell lines. The cell line drug response data are derived from the Cancer Therapeutic Response Portal (CTRP v2) and the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). Notably, few cancer cell lines have high FGFR2 copy numbers (CN>4). The elastic-net algorithm simultaneously integrates mutation, copy number, gene expression data, and forms multiple linear regression to learn the coefficient weights associated with FGFR2 inhibitor sensitivity. Using the method, we identify the whole spectrum of genetic and molecular features that are potential drug response markers. In summary, our study provides new insight into genetic and molecular features that implicate in the cellular response to FGFR2 inhibitors, which can facilitate the development of more effective strategies to treat patients with FGFR2 amplification. Citation Format: Jiamin Chen, Hojoon Lee, Hanlee Ji. A comprehensive approach to delineate FGFR2 targeted therapy response in diffuse gastric cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1302.
A Diguanylate Cyclase Acts as a Cell Division Inhibitor in a Two-Step Response to Reductive and Envelope Stresses

ABSTRACT Cell division arrest is a universal checkpoint in response to environmental assaults that generate cellular stress. In bacteria, the cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) signaling network is one of several signal transduction systems that regulate key processes in response to extra-/intracellular stimuli. Here, we find that the diguanylate cyclase YfiN acts as a bifunctional protein that produces c-di-GMP in response to reductive stress and then dynamically relocates to the division site to arrest cell division in response to envelope stress in Escherichia coli. YfiN localizes to the Z ring by interacting with early division proteins and stalls cell division by preventing the initiation of septal peptidoglycan synthesis. These studies reveal a new role for a diguanylate cyclase in responding to environmental change, as well as a novel mechanism for arresting cell division. IMPORTANCE While the major role of c-di-GMP signaling is to control the decision to move freely or settle in a biofilm, recent studies show a broader range of output functions for c-di-GMP signaling. This work reports an unexpected second role for YfiN, a conserved diguanylate cyclase in Gram-negative bacteria, known to contribute to persistence in the host. We find that YfiN acts as a cell division inhibitor in response to envelope stress. Unlike known cell division inhibitors, the interaction of YfiN with cell division proteins retains the Z ring at the midcell but prevents septal invagination. The new function of YfiN not only emphasizes the versatility of c-di-GMP signaling but describes a novel mechanism for a cell division checkpoint.
Correlation consistent basis sets for lanthanides: The atoms La–Lu

Using the 3rd-order Douglas-Kroll-Hess (DKH3) Hamiltonian, all-electron correlation consistent basis sets of double-, triple-, and quadruple-zeta quality have been developed for the lanthanide elements La through Lu. Basis sets designed for the recovery of valence correlation (defined here as 4f5s5p5d6s), cc-pVnZ-DK3, and outer-core correlation (valence + 4s4p4d), cc-pwCVnZ-DK3, are reported (n = D, T, and Q). Systematic convergence of both Hartree-Fock and correlation energies towards their respective complete basis set (CBS) limits are observed. Benchmark calculations of the first three ionization potentials (IPs) of La through Lu are reported at the DKH3 coupled cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples, CCSD(T), level of theory, including effects of correlation down through the 4s electrons. Spin-orbit coupling is treated at the 2-component HF level. After extrapolation to the CBS limit, the average errors with respect to experiment were just 0.52, 1.14, and 4.24 kcal/mol for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd IPs, respectively, compared to the average experimental uncertainties of 0.03, 1.78, and 2.65 kcal/mol, respectively. The new basis sets are also used in CCSD(T) benchmark calculations of the equilibrium geometries, atomization energies, and heats of formation for Gd2, GdF, and GdF3. Except for the equilibrium geometry and harmonic frequency of GdF, which are accurately known from experiment, all other calculated quantities represent significant improvements compared to the existing experimental quantities. With estimated uncertainties of about ±3 kcal/mol, the 0 K atomization energies (298 K heats of formation) are calculated to be (all in kcal/mol): 33.2 (160.1) for Gd2, 151.7 (-36.6) for GdF, and 447.1 (-295.2) for GdF3.
Sociology of Hazardous Wastes, Disasters, and Risk

Social scientists did not pay adequate attention to the toxic and hazardous wastes generated in the course of industrial production in the United States during much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. There was a general failure to closely examine the interaction among the social, technological, and natural processes that often produce hazards and major disasters. Although systematic studies of disasters in the United States can be traced back to the 1940s-1950s (e.g., Lemons, 1957; Fritz and Williams, 1957), it was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s that the issue of toxic waste began to command the attention of many sociologists and other social scientists. In 1984, James F. Short particularly challenged sociologists to get involved in the study of risks, risk analysis, and disasters.1 A series of catastrophic events during the period, involving extensive contamination and disruption of communities, loss of lives, and destruction of properties directed scholarly interest into the study of disasters and risks. Much of the emergent sociological research on disasters focused on short-term social responses to disasters of natural or human etiologies (Kreps, 1985; Kreps and Drabeck, 1996; Quarantelli and Dynes, 1977).
Effects of sweet flavorings and nicotine on the appeal and sensory properties of e-cigarettes among young adult vapers: Application of a novel methodology

Abstract Introduction Product characteristics that impact e-cigarette appeal by altering the sensory experience of vaping need to be identified to formulate evidence-based regulatory policies. While products that contain sweet flavorings and produce a “throat hit” (i.e., desirable airway irritation putatively caused by nicotine) are anecdotally cited as desirable reasons for vaping among young adults, experimental evidence of their impact on user appeal is lacking. This experiment applied a novel laboratory protocol to assess whether: (1) sweet flavorings and nicotine affect e-cigarette appeal; (2) sweet flavorings increase perceived sweetness; (3) nicotine increases throat hit; and (4) perceived sweetness and throat hit are associated with appeal. Methods Young adult vapers (N = 20; age 19–34) self-administered 20 standardized doses of aerosolized e-cigarette solutions varied according to a 3 flavor (sweet [e.g., cotton candy] vs. non-sweet [e.g., tobacco-flavored] vs. flavorless) × 2 nicotine (6 mg/mL nicotine vs. 0 mg/mL [placebo]) double-blind, cross-over design. Participants rated appeal (liking, willingness to use again and perceived monetary value), perceived sweetness and throat hit strength after each administration. Results Sweet-flavored (vs. non-sweet and flavorless) solutions produced greater appeal and perceived sweetness ratings. Nicotine produced greater throat hit ratings than placebo, but did not significantly increase appeal nor interact with flavor effects on appeal. Controlling for flavor and nicotine, perceived sweetness was positively associated with appeal ratings; throat hit was not positively associated with appeal. Conclusions Further identification of compounds in e-cigarette solutions that enhance sensory perceptions of sweetness, appeal, and utilization of e-cigarettes are warranted to inform evidence-based regulatory policies.
Simple Spikes and Complex Spikes

Cerebellar Purkinje neurons communicate with downstream circuit elements by generating two distinct types of electrical activity. Purkinje neurons fire conventional action potentials, termed simple spikes, and they also intermittently fire a highly stereotyped burst of decrementing spikes, called a complex spike. Each of these types of electrical activity arises from an interaction between synaptic input and distinct excitability mechanisms intrinsic to Purkinje neurons. Simple spikes occur at very high frequencies in the range of 50 spikes per second and are driven by pacemaking ion channels expressed by Purkinje neurons. This high simple spike rate is then modulated by excitatory and inhibitory synaptic input. Complex spikes occur in response to excitatory synaptic input from the climbing fiber; these compound electrical events are driven in part by the large voltage-gated calcium conductance in the dendrites of Purkinje neurons. Finally, the two forms of excitability interact; complex spikes can exert indirect effects on simple spike firing rate. Together, these two firing behaviors endow Purkinje neurons with a range of signaling behaviors critical for cerebellar contributions to motor coordination and motor learning.
Healthcare utilization and costs associated with gastroparesis

AIM To use a national database of United States hospitals to evaluate the incidence and costs of hospital admissions associated with gastroparesis. METHODS We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample Database (NIS) for all patients in whom gastroparesis (ICD-9 code: 536.3) was the principal discharge diagnosis during the period, 1997-2013. The NIS is the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient care database in the United States. It contains data from approximately eight million hospital stays each year. The statistical significance of the difference in the number of hospital discharges, length of stay and hospital costs over the study period was determined by regression analysis. RESULTS In 1997, there were 3978 admissions with a principal discharge diagnosis of gastroparesis as compared to 16460 in 2013 (P < 0.01). The mean length of stay for gastroparesis decreased by 20 % between 1997 and 2013 from 6.4 d to 5.1 d (P < 0.001). However, during this period the mean hospital charges increased significantly by 159 % from $13350 (after inflation adjustment) per patient in 1997 to $34585 per patient in 2013 (P < 0.001). The aggregate charges (i.e., "national bill") for gastroparesis increased exponentially by 1026 % from $50456642 ± 4662620 in 1997 to $568417666 ± 22374060 in 2013 (P < 0.001). The percentage of national bill for gastroparesis discharges (national bill for gastroparesis/total national bill) has also increased over the last 16 years (0.0013% in 1997 vs 0.004% in 2013). During the study period, women had a higher frequency of gastroparesis discharges when compared to men (1.39/10000 vs 0.9/10000 in 1997 and 5.8/10000 vs 3/10000 in 2013). There was a 6-fold increase in the discharge diagnosis of gastroparesis amongst type 1 DM and 3.7-fold increase amongst type 2 DM patients over the study period (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The number of inpatient admissions for gastroparesis and associated costs have increased significantly over the last 16 years. Inpatient costs associated with gastroparesis contribute significantly to the national healthcare bill. Further research on cost-effective evaluation and management of gastroparesis is required.
The natural history of perforated marginal ulcers after gastric bypass surgery.

Although perforated marginal ulcers (pMU) following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) represent a surgical emergency, the epidemiology and outcome of this condition is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate incidence of pMU following RYGB and assess the natural history of this complication. The SPARCS administrative database was used to identify patients undergoing RYGB between 2005 and 2010. With the use of a unique identifier, we followed patients up to 2014 for subsequent admission and re-intervention (repair or revision) for perforated MU. Groups were compared using Chi square tests with exact p values based on Monte Carlo simulation, t test with unequal variances, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test when appropriate. We identified 35,080 RYGB patients; 292 patients (0.83%) developed pMU 937 (443–1546) days following RYGB [Median (Q1–Q3)]. Among these 292 patients, tobacco use was present in one-third of patients. Repair of the perforation was performed in 115 patients, while anastomotic revision was reported in 64. Patients who underwent revision were more likely to have respiratory complications. Hospital length of stay was significantly longer for patients managed with RYGB revision (Median, Q1–Q3:7, 5–14, vs 6, 4–7, days, p = 0.001). Recurrence of marginal ulcer was common after either intervention (26.09% for repair and 29.69% for revision, p = 0.726). Following RYGB, the incidence of pMU is small. Anastomotic revision for pMU is associated with prolonged length of stay compared to repair alone. Importantly, recurrence after intervention of pMU is common, suggesting possible value of a routine surveillance program for patients following pMU.
Inverted formins: A subfamily of atypical formins

Formins are a family of regulators of actin and microtubule dynamics that are present in almost all eukaryotes. These proteins are involved in many cellular processes, including cytokinesis, stress fiber formation, and cell polarization. Here we review one subfamily of formins, the inverted formins. Inverted formins as a group break several formin stereotypes, having atypical biochemical properties and domain organization, and they have been linked to kidney disease and neuropathy in humans. In this review, we will explore recent research on members of the inverted formin sub-family in mammals, zebrafish, fruit flies, and worms.