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Great-power competition is once again the primary threat to the security of the United States. This is reminiscent of the political warfare between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, ...

Mass spectrometry (MS) is the main technology used in proteomics approaches. However, on average 75% of spectra analysed in an MS experiment remain unidentified. We propose to use spectrum clustering at a large-scale to shed a light on these unidentified spectra. PRoteomics IDEntifications database (PRIDE) Archive is one of the largest MS proteomics public data repositories worldwide. By clustering all tandem MS spectra publicly available in PRIDE Archive, coming from hundreds of datasets, we were able to consistently characterize three distinct groups of spectra: 1) incorrectly identified spectra, 2) spectra correctly identified but below the set scoring threshold, and 3) truly unidentified spectra. Using a multitude of complementary analysis approaches, we were able to identify less than 20% of the consistently unidentified spectra. The complete spectrum clustering results are available through the new version of the PRIDE Cluster resource (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/pride/cluster). This resource is intended, among other aims, to encourage and simplify further investigation into these unidentified spectra.

Objectives The high prevalence of tobacco use at primary care safety-net clinics represents an opportunity to offer assistance with cessation. Documentation of smoking status, offering advice and medications, and referral to cessation services are important steps in supporting cessation attempts and are required elements by payors and accrediting agencies to demonstrate care quality. This study examines tobacco cessation support rates and patient characteristics using electronic medical record (EMR) data. Methods This cross-sectional study engaged eight community health centers affiliated with a county hospital system in NE Ohio where adult tobacco use rates exceed 30%. EMR data from June 2014 through May 2016 were analysed to assess rates of tobacco cessation counselling, order of cessation medications, or both. The association of tobacco cessation support with patient characteristics and quit attempts was assessed using multivariable logistic regression models. Results Among 21 702 current tobacco users, 74% had no intervention documented; 15.4% had counselling documented, 6.4% were prescribed tobacco cessation medication, and 4.2% had both documented. Males, those aged 18 to 34, and African Americans were more likely to have no documented intervention. Of current tobacco users with at least two visits, 5.6% had a quit attempt. Medication alone was associated with a greater likelihood of a quit attempt (AOR: 1.72 [95% CI: 1.36-2.17]) as well as counselling and medication combined (AOR: 1.95 [95% CI: 1.48-2.56]). Conclusions Tobacco cessation support was lacking for 74% of current smokers and was less likely in subgroups including males, younger adults, and African Americans. Ordering tobacco cessation medication combined with counselling nearly doubled the likelihood of a quit attempt.

Purpose: This paper reports the results of survey research conducted with tribal producers between 2011 and 2012 on 19 of the largest American Indian reservations in Idaho, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington. The purpose of the research was to identify potential barriers to sustainable agriculture on reservation lands. This article reports the results of this research in an effort to promote Extension professionals' understanding of these barriers, which may help to improve outreach programs on American Indian reservations. Understanding the obstacles to sustaining agriculture that American Indian tribes face may inform international agricultural outreach efforts to increase food security targeting indigenous and tribal peoples worldwide.Design/Methodology/Approach: American Indian agricultural producers comprised the study group. Study objectives included: (1) identify agricultural and natural resource issues of greatest concern to a self-selected sample of tribal agricult...

Separation and relative quantitation of complex protein mixtures remain two of the most challenging aspects of proteomics. Here an advanced technique called fluorescence difference 2-D gel electrophoresis technology (2D-DIGE) has been applied to a model system study of the Escherichia coli proteome after benzoic acid treatment. The molecular weight and charge matched cyanine dyes enable pre-electrophoretic labelling of control and treated samples which are then mixed and run in the same gel. Pooled control and treated samples labelled with Cy trade mark 3 were used as an internal standard for both Cy5 labelled control and treated E. coli samples. Together with DeCyder trade mark imaging analysis software, more accurate quantitative analysis than conventional two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was achieved. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight and quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry a total of 179 differentially expressed protein spots were identified. These included enzymes, stress related and substrate (e.g. amino acids, maltose, ribose and TRP repressor) binding proteins. Of the spots analysed, 77% contained only one protein species per spot, hence the change in protein expression measured was solely attributed to the identified protein. Many membrane proteins and protein isoforms were identified indicating both adequate solubilization of E. coli samples and potential post-translational modification. The results indicate that the regulatory mechanisms following benzoic acid treatment of E. coli are far more complicated than hitherto expected.

Australia’s energy industry has evolved around a vertically integrated structure with exploration and production (E&P) companies carrying out production, processing and development of associated infrastructure, such as pipelines. We suggest the next innovation for productivity improvements is a ‘North American model’, whereby a midstream service industry develops, owns and operates shared gas processing and transport infrastructure, allowing the E&P sector to direct limited capital to focus on exploiting and marketing the resource without necessarily building or operating the associated infrastructure. E&P companies are being challenged by the lower oil prices, and balance sheets are under strain from high debt levels. Large joint ventures are no longer the natural owners of gas processing facilities as the original gas reserves decline and other reserve owners seek to use spare capacity. Junior explorers are also challenged as capital is redirected elsewhere while oil prices remain low. Herein we demonstrate that collaboration in shared infrastructure will restore value. Benefits to E&P companies include minimising upfront capital, lower unit cost through scale and sharing of risks with other projects and partners. Midstream infrastructure owners and operators can provide additional benefits because they typically have lower rates of return expectations, lower capital costs and debt premiums, have specialist knowledge and enable sharing of production and transportation costs. Through case studies, we outline the key commercial considerations from the perspective of both the explorer and the asset owner, demonstrate the potential financial benefits and promote further debate on what is stopping the development of this midstream service industry in Australia.

A number of issues and challenges must be addressed if effective usability and accessibility standards are to be developed in the next decade. The issues addressed in this panel include: technical, regulatory, and cultural issues for accessibility standards, harmonization of national and international standards, user interface technology life-cycles and the timing of standards efforts, and the challenge of developing useful standards in an environment of rapidly evolving technology.

The distribution of drug-free plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) concentrations was studied in a sample of psychotic patients, some of whom were selected for good prognostic features. Baseline pHVA was bimodally distributed, suggesting two different patient populations. The high-pHVA patients showed periods of better functioning and/or fewer symptoms 5 years before admission (p < .05) and had a more rapid (p < .05) and complete (p < .001) subacute neuroleptic response than lower-pHVA psychotics. High-pHVA psychotics did not differ in other aspects of demographics or clinical presentation from lower-pHVA psychotics. Compared to the general population, there were more psychotics in the families of high-pHVA patients (p < .005). Rapid antipsychotic response by high-pHVA psychotics is consistent with blockade of the effects of excess synaptic dopamine at D2 receptors for these patients. Results are discussed in the context of the syndromic heterogeneity of the psychoses.

The demands on health, safety and environment (HSE) risk management professionals have never been so high. Regulators are requiring more formal demonstration that HSE risks are being properly controlled. Companies are operating in progressively more harsh and hazardous environments in the pursuit of future resources. There is frequent ‘raising of the bar’ in industry HSE standards to meet the expectations of the many stakeholders. Yet HSE risk management is relatively new compared to other professions and there is no ‘fast track’ way of bringing new professionals into the industry, unlike mature professions such as civil engineering and accountancy. Therefore those organisations that develop programmes delivering competent HSE risk management professionals are more likely to benefit from better risk-informed decisions than those organisations that simply recruit new personnel and expect them to provide good advice. This paper suggests an approach to HSE risk management learning which delivers a competent professional by combining the positive aspects of: training, with practical experience of applying risk management techniques in the real-world; formal assessment of competence and qualification; and understanding of industry-specific issues.

For the past 10 years, the military medical system costs have increased by an estimated 167 percent. Behavioral health issues and physical ailments are major contributors to the increased costs. As a result, fatigue and burnout of medical professionals are growing concerns. The Army Medical Department (AMEDD) recognizes that physical and psychological stressors adversely impact personal well-being and organizational goals. Thus, an emphasis on enhancing the individual s resiliency framework is essential to the stamina and long-term endurance to sustain the continued provision of high quality medical care. To that end, the Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) has instituted the Provider Resiliency Program. The Professional Provider Resiliency Training (PPRT) conducted by the AMEDD Center and School should be a key element of the MEDCOM Provider Resiliency Program. The PPRT provides medical professionals the opportunity to significantly develop and enhance their resiliency skills. This article includes outcome data from 172 medical professionals who attended the PPRT. Specific focus is on their perspective about resiliency training. The findings in this article revealed that the doctors (100 percent), nurses (98 percent), behavioral health providers (90 percent) and other professionals (100 percent) who attended the PPRT course valued the training and indicated that they will use the learned mind-body resiliency techniques.

A new display technology has been developed that overcomes the losses in conventional liquid crystal displays (LCDs). At the heart of this new class of displays is a digital microshutter (DMS™) that eliminates the need for a polarizer that is required in LCDs. The DMS™ also has a response time of approximately 20 times faster than that of an LCD pixel, making it possible to produce a bright field sequential direct view display with increased color gamut (up to 145% NTSC, CIE 1976).

Injuries to the peroneal tendons are relatively common worldwide but tendon rupture without significant trauma is uncommon. Ankle mechanics can be seriously affected by disruption of one or both of the peroneal tendons although complete rupture can also remain asymptomatic. Accessory ossicles are sesamoid bones and are common findings in routine radiology of the foot and ankle. Although in the vast majority these “os” are normal variants of anatomy, they can lead to painful syndromes and suffer fractures and even undergo degenerative changes in response to overuse and trauma. Although similar syndromes have been discussed in the surgical literature, there is a lack of literature describing the use of modern imaging in the accurate diagnosis and its subsequent assistance towards appropriate management of os peroneum friction syndrome complicated by sesamoid fatigue syndrome. This article presents the plain film, sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings in a case of os peroneum friction syndrome complicated by a sesamoid fatigue fracture as well as reviewing the pertinent literature.

The comparison of two-dimensional (2-D) gel images from different samples is an established method used to study differences in protein expression. Conventional methods rely on comparing images from at least 2 different gels. Due to the high variation between gels, detection and quantification of protein differences can be problematic. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (Ettan trade mark DIGE) is an emerging technique for comparative proteomics, which improves the reproducibility and reliability of differential protein expression analysis between samples. In the application of DIGE different samples are labelled with mass and charge matched spectrally resolvable fluorescent dyes and are then separated on the same 2-D gel. Using an Escherichia coli lysate "spiked" with varying amounts of four different known proteins, we have tested a novel experimental design that exploits the sample multiplexing capabilities of DIGE, by including a standard sample in each gel. The standard sample comprises equal amounts of each sample to be compared and was found to improve the accuracy of protein quantification between samples from different gels allowing accurate detection of small differences in protein levels between samples.