cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remodeling of myofibrils: subcellular distribution of myosin heavy chain mRNA and protein

Myofibril remodeling occurs during the normal life, in growth and development, and in the special case when isoform switching occurs. In this review we concentrate on the ultrastructural aspects of how myosin is incorporated into the A-band. Anatomic methods of study are emphasized that include isotope and immunochemical labeling as well as in situ hybridization. We conclude that the mechanism of remodeling is one of continual orderly exchange between a monomeric myosin pool and the thick filament. Myosin mRNA distribution is intermyofibrillar and nonsarcomeric, which suggests that newly translated myosin is released before diffusion and insertion in the A-band of the myofibrillar lattice.
The FirstOrder Delta Sigma Modulator

This chapter contains sections titled: Quantizers and Quantization Noise MOD1 as an ADC MOD1 as a DAC MOD1 Linear Model Simulation of MOD1 MOD1 under DC Excitation Stability of MOD1 The Effects of Finite Op-Amp Gain Decimation Filters for MOD1 Conclusions This chapter contains sections titled: References
An Ontological Approach to Requirements Elicitation Technique Selection

Too many systems constructed by the software industry fail to meet users’ needs. Requirements elicitation is the set of activities performed to understand users’ needs for a system. Although most texts focus on a few elicitation techniques, there are numerous variations of these basic techniques. So, the question arises, how can an analyst understand all these techniques and their variations? Moreover, most experts today agree that the selection of an appropriate technique must be a function of the situation. But, a seemingly infinite number of situational characteristics exist. So, how can an analyst know which of these many situational characteristics should be taken into account when trying to select elicitation techniques? And, how does an analyst select a technique that makes sense given those situational characteristics?
Plotter: Operationalizing the Master Book of All Plots.

Pulp fiction author William Wallace Cook published Plotto: The Master Book of All Plots in 1928, which contains almost 2000 plot fragments and relatively formal instructions on how human authors could combine them to produce plots behind novels. In this paper we show one way that the methods in this book can be used to computationally generate plots from the fragments. We also show sample plots generated by our system called Plotter that uses this method. Finally we use them to discuss idiosyncrasies and limitations of the book.
High accuracy directional/hemispherical measurement system for large samples

The optical characterization of reflectance materials is usually performed by commercial spectrophotometers. Typical measurements are the specular and diffuse reflectance as function of wavelength. To better investigate the optical properties of those materials, it is useful to know their directional/hemispherical reflectance.
Gaussian Elimination in Integer Arithmetic: An Application of the L-U Factorization

(1993). Gaussian Elimination in Integer Arithmetic: An Application of the L-U Factorization. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 67-71.
Early diagnosis and management of gastric lesions.

An attempt is made to point out the dangers in medical treatment of gastric lesions, drawing a clear distinction between gastric and duodenal lesions as to the possibility of medical treatment. Cases are cited to emphasize different types of delay in operation on gastric lesions which help to represent the high mortality from gastric carcinoma. Some suggestions are made as to the possibility of reducing this high mortality.
PLA2 PROMOTES FUSION BETWEEN PMN-SPECIFIC GRANULES AND COMPLEX LIPOSOMES

Neutrophil stimulation results in the activation of a variety of phospholipases, including phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which releases arachidonic acid from the 2 position of membrane phospholipids, leaving a lysophospholipid. Because arachidonic acid is known to be a potent fusogen in vitro, we examined the effect of metabolism by PLA2 on the fusion of complex liposomes (liposomes prepared with a phospholipid composition similar to that found in neutrophil plasma membrane). We observed that PLA2 augmented the fusion of complex liposomes with each other as well as with specific granules isolated from human neutrophils, lowering the Ca2+ requirement for fusion by three orders of magnitude. Furthermore, although lysophospholipids inhibited fusion, the incorporation of arachidonic acid into liposome membranes overcame the inhibitory effects of the lysophospholipids. Thus with PLA2 and annexins we were able to obtain fusion of complex liposomes at concentrations of Ca2+ that are close to physiological. Our data suggest that the activation of PLA2 and the generation of arachidonic acid may be the major fusion-promoting event mediating neutrophil degranulation.
Fetal Heart Rate Baseline Patterns

The widespread use of continuous FHR monitoring has brought to the fore the relevance of continuous observation and has revealed a variety of changing patterns and phenomena, the interpretation of which is still not completely clear. The appropriate interpretation of what is known of FHR changes has facilitated better care and judgment of pathologic clinical conditions, thereby improving overall neonatal outcome of selected populations managed by well-trained personnel. However, most monitored patients have not had full benefit from the potential advantages of continuous recording of intrapartum FHR and uterine contractions because of lack of in-depth education and training of personnel. The consequence has been an increase in the incidence of operative deliveries, without improvement in the neonatal outcome, when compared to nonmonitored groups of patients.
Aspects of Juvenile and Adolescent Environment Predict Aggression and Fear in 12-Month-Old Guide Dogs.

Maturational changes in behavior, and the possible influence of the puppy-raising environment on behavioral development, were investigated in a total sample of 978 prospective guide dogs belonging to 4 different breeds/crosses. All dogs belonged to the same guide dog organization, and had been exposed to similar early environmental influences prior to being assigned to puppy-raising households at 7-8 weeks of age. Behavioral data were collected from puppy-raisers when the dogs were 6 and 12 months old using the C-BARQ©, a standardized, validated, and widely used survey instrument that measures the frequency and/or severity of most common behavior problems in dogs. Information about the puppy-raising environment was obtained from puppy-raisers using a standardized questionnaire shortly before the dogs were returned to the guide dog organization for training. Data were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate statistics (binary logistic Generalized Estimating Equations modeling and Generalized Linear Modeling). The findings demonstrated specific maturational changes in behavior between 6 and 12 months of age. In particular, German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) displayed an increase in stranger-directed aggression compared with the other breeds/crosses between 6 and 12 months of age. Several aspects of the puppy raising environment were associated with puppies’ C-BARQ scores at 12 months of age. Being reared by more experienced puppy-raisers, and living in households with at least one other dog, were associated with positive effects on a number of puppy behaviors. In contrast, puppies that had been frightened by a person or threatened by another unfamiliar dog, showed significantly worse scores for fear of strangers and dogs, respectively. Being frightened by a person, being reared by less experienced puppy-raisers, and/or in households without other pets was associated with less successful training outcomes. The relevance of these findings to current guide dog breeding and husbandry practices is discussed.
Discordant vs. Harmonious Selves: The Effects of Identity Conflict and Enhancement on Sales Performance in Employee–Customer Interactions

Across multiple studies, we examine how identity conflict and enhancement within people affect performance in tasks that involve interactions between people. We also examine two mechanisms: role-im...
Neuropsychiatric aspects of concussion: acute and chronic sequelae

Concussion – also known as mild traumatic brain injury – is a transient disturbance of neurological function resulting from traumatic forces imparted to the brain that often produce cognitive, behavioral and systemic symptoms. In this review of the literature, we discuss the pathophysiology of both acute and chronic neuropsychiatric sequelae of concussions, followed by a brief overview of evaluation and management of these sequelae.
Tracking Dynein Stepping along Microtubules using Multi-Color High Resolution Imaging

Cytoplasmic dynein is a minus-end directed microtubule-based motor that belongs to the AAA family of proteins and is responsible for the transport of many cargos in cells. The dynein dimer is known to have a highly variable stepping pattern along microtubules: it can take alternating or non-alternating steps in time, and may walk in an inchworm fashion, where one head is always behind the other, or with the ‘hand-over-hand’ mechanism, where the heads pass each other. These stepping patterns were revealed by 2-color single-molecule microscopy studies of a dimer, in which the AAA ring of each head was labeled in a different color (DeWitt et al., 2012; Qiu et al., 2012).
QUANTUM EFFECTS IN WEAKLY COUPLED SUPERFLUID LIQUIDS.

Abstract The boson method is applied to the study of two superfluid liquids joined together by a weak link. A microscopic derivation of experimental results is presented.
Nature, nurture, and capital punishment: How evidence of a genetic-environment interaction, future dangerousness, and deliberation affect sentencing decisions.

Research has shown that the low-activity MAOA genotype in conjunction with a history of childhood maltreatment increases the likelihood of violent behaviors. This genetic-environment (G × E) interaction has been introduced as mitigation during the sentencing phase of capital trials, yet there is scant data on its effectiveness. This study addressed that issue. In a factorial design that varied mitigating evidence offered by the defense [environmental (i.e., childhood maltreatment), genetic, G × E, or none] and the likelihood of the defendant's future dangerousness (low or high), 600 mock jurors read sentencing phase evidence in a capital murder trial, rendered individual verdicts, and half deliberated as members of a jury to decide a sentence of death or life imprisonment. The G × E evidence had little mitigating effect on sentencing preferences: participants who received the G × E evidence were no less likely to sentence the defendant to death than those who received evidence of childhood maltreatment or a control group that received neither genetic nor maltreatment evidence. Participants with evidence of a G × E interaction were more likely to sentence the defendant to death when there was a high risk of future dangerousness than when there was a low risk. Sentencing preferences were more lenient after deliberation than before. We discuss limitations and future directions.
Habitus of Blackness and the Confluence of Middle Class-ness

Lorick-Wilmot presents a microanalysis of the habitus of blackness and the confluence of middle class-ness for the MSGCIs. Specifically, she examines social class in the United States, including its various sociological meanings and conceptions of mobility and the ways race, color and economic factors help determine one’s class position and status. Extending the analysis of sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s work on cultural capital, Lorick-Wilmot argues this confluence is a residual of the racial and economic hierarchy of colonial times that still persists today. Lorick-Wilmot also presents the complex, reflexive stories the MSGCIs shared, including how they use cultural capital, how they see themselves as similar to and different from their immigrant parents, and what their own intentions and prejudices are as black middle class and children of immigrants.
Preoperative contralateral lung radiation dose is associated with postoperative pulmonary toxicity in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with trimodality therapy

Abstract Purpose In patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who undergo trimodality therapy (chemoradiation followed by surgical resection), it is unknown whether limiting preoperative radiation dose to the uninvolved lung reduces postsurgical morbidity. This study evaluated whether radiation fall-off dose parameters to the contralateral lung that is unaffected by NSCLC are associated with postoperative complications in NSCLC patients treated with trimodality therapy. Methods and materials We retrospectively reviewed NSCLC patients who underwent trimodality therapy between March 2008 and October 2016, with available restored digital radiation plans. Fischer's exact test was used to assess associations between patient and treatment characteristics and the development of treatment-related toxicity. Spearman rank correlation was used to measure the strength of association between dosimetric parameters. Results Forty-six patients were identified who received trimodality therapy with intensity modulated radiation (median, 59.4 Gy; range, 45-70) and concurrent platinum doublet chemotherapy, followed by surgical resection. The median age was 64.9 years (range, 45.6-81.6). The median follow-up time was 1.9 years (range, 0.3-8.4). Twenty-four (52.2%) patients developed any-grade pulmonary toxicity and 14 (30.4%) patients developed grade 2+ pulmonary toxicity. There was an increased incidence of any-grade pulmonary toxicity in patients with contralateral lung volume receiving at least 20 Gy (V20) ≥7% compared with P = .01). Similarly, contralateral lung V10 ≥20% was associated with an increased rate of any-grade pulmonary toxicity compared with V10 P = .01). Pneumonectomy/bilobectomy was associated with grade 2+ pulmonary toxicity ( P = .04). Conclusions Patients who received a higher radiation fall-off dose volume parameter (V20 ≥7% and V10 ≥20%) to the contralateral uninvolved lung had a higher incidence of any-grade postoperative pulmonary toxicity. Limiting radiation fall-off dose to the uninvolved lung may be an important modifiable radiation parameter in limiting postoperative toxicity in trimodality patients.
Naïve realism: a simple approach

Naive realism is often characterized, by its proponents and detractors alike, as the view that for a subject to undergo a perceptual experience is for her to stand in a simple two-place acquaintance relation toward an object. However, two of the leading defenders of naive realism, John Campbell and Bill Brewer, have thought it necessary to complicate this picture, claiming that a third relatum is needed to account for various possible differences between distinct visual experiences of the same object (for example, differences that result from changes in the object’s spatial orientation relative to the subject, or from changes in the intensity with which the subject focuses her attention on the object). This, I argue, is a mistake. Once it is acknowledged that a subject’s visual experience acquaints her with more than just a single object, all of the relevant facts can be explained from within the simpler naive realist framework.
Joint Sequential Simulation of MultiGaussian Fields

The sequential simulation algorithm can be used for the generation of conditional realizations from either a multiGaussian random function or any non-Gaussian random function as long as its conditional distributions can be derived. The multivariate probability density function (pdf) that fully describes a random function can be written as the product of a set of univariate conditional pdfs. Drawing realizations from the multivariate pdf amounts to drawing sequentially from that series of univariate conditional pdfs. Similarly, the joint multivariate pdf of several random functions can be written as the product of a series of univariate conditional pdfs. The key step consists of the derivation of the conditional pdfs. In the case of a multiGaussian fields, these univariate conditional pdfs are known to be Gaussian with mean and variance given by the solution of a set of normal equations also known as simple cokriging equations. Sequential simulation is preferred to other techniques, such as turning bands, because of its ease of use and extreme flexibility.
Long Tails and Ethics: Thinking about the Unthinkable (2010)

W e have long lived in the faith that “nature does not set booby traps for unwary species,” as Robert Sinsheimer (1978) once noted. Whether nature does or not, we humans do, and we have nearly trapped ourselves by exploiting large pools of carbon found in soils, forests, coal, oil, and gas. The result is a rapid change in the chemistry of the atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures, destabilization of virtually every part of the biosphere, and the looming prospect of global catastrophe. The effect of climatic disruption now gathering momentum is a tsunami of change that will roll across every corner of the Earth, affect every sector of every society, and worsen problems of insecurity, hunger, poverty, and societal instability. We live now in the defining moment of our species that will determine whether we are smart enough, competent enough, and wise enough to escape from a global trap entirely of our own making.
Hysterectomy and Other Gynecological Surgeries: A Psychological View

The theory which equates the presence and stability of the uterus with a woman’s identity has its origins in antiquity. The Egyptians and the Greeks attributed emotional disturbance in women to the peregrinations of a disturbed womb. The Greek word for the uterus was hystra. An indication of the temporary importance of this word which symbolizes femininity is the use of the term hysteria. Hysteria describes a type of personality structure (usually attributed to women) characterized by emotional excitability, suggestability, dramatism, and narcissism.
Laparoscopic Renal Ablation

Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) is accepted as the treatment of choice in patients with solitary kidney, bilateral renal masses, and in patients with renal insufficiency (1,2). In patients with renal tumors less than 4 cm and a normal contralateral kidney, NSS has been shown to have a decreased incidence of long-term renal insufficiency (2). It has also been associated with an improved quality of life (3,4). Open partial nephrectomy (OPN) is the gold standard treatment for NSS. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has recently been popularized by Gill and associates (5). Although LPN has been shown to have good oncologic outcomes at an intermediate follow-up (6); it requires advanced laparoscopic skills and has associated perioperative morbidity (7,8). A recent large multicenter retrospective study compared the perioperative outcomes between open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (9). LPN was associated with shorter operative time, decreased operative blood loss, and shorter hospital stay. Although, the incidence of intraoperative complications was comparable in the two groups LPN was associated with longer ischemia time, more postoperative complications (particularly urological), and an increased number of subsequent procedures. Overall 25.2% of patients undergoing LPN had a postoperative complication compared to 19.8% who underwent OPN. After 3 months, renal functional outcomes for laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy were similar.
The Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act: Keeping Tenants in the Loop and in Their Homes

This article discusses the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (PTFA) and the effect that the federal law has on individuals renting property that has been foreclosed upon.
Utilizing bioaugmentation to improve performance of a two-phase AnMBR treating sewage sludge

Bioaugmentation in the acid-phase of a two-phase anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treating primary sludge was investigated as a means for targeting and improving hydrolysis and acetogenesis. B...
Robustness of Second-Harmonic Generation in a Hybrid SiN/Polymer Waveguide

We design a hybrid silicon-nitride / polymer slot waveguide that employs modal phase-matching for generation of second harmonic of a 1550 nm beam, with an order-of-magnitude improvement over a channel waveguide. The performance is not degraded by waveguide bending with radius down to ∼150 μm.
Lab resource: Stem cell lineGeneration of human control iPS cell line CHOPWT9 from healthy adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The CHOPWT9 induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell line was generated for use as a control for applications such as differentiation analyses to the three germ layers and derivative tissues. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from a healthy adult female were reprogrammed using non-integrating Sendai viral vectors expressing Oct3/4, Sox2, c-Myc, and Klf4.
From America to the World: Protestant Christianity's Creation of Religious Liberty

ABSTRACT: Half the population of the world to this day still has not experienced religious freedom. Religious persecution often still occurs at many places in the world. Research studies show that there is a direct correlation between religious freedom and economic prosperity. "Prosperity is the result of freedom, therefore the best way to improve the economic prosperity of a nation is to ensure freedom for its citizens." This article will first elaborate models of the relationship between church and state, and then explain the basic principle of the Bible regarding religious freedom. It further explains why incarceration of religious freedom or of conscience by the state is wrong, despite the reasons of protecting its citizens from false religion or from a cult. This paper will also explore religious persecution from the time of early church until the birth of Protestantism, and then speaks about the struggle and the protection of religious freedom. Furthermore this article goes into what underlies the constitutional protection of religious freedom in America, and then browse through the struggle and the protection of religious freedom as a struggle of the world. KEY WORDS : religious freedom, religious conflict, heresy, early church, Protestantism, religious freedom in the United States of America.
Comparison of two continuous nebulized albuterol doses in critically ill children with status asthmaticus.

Objectives: Continuous nebulized albuterol is frequently used to treat children with status asthmaticus in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) but can have cardiovascular side effects. Limited...
A CITATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE ACCOUNTING EDUCATION LITERATURE, 1956–1990

Citations were collected for education articles published from 1956–1990. The journals selected for the study are International Journal of Accounting Education and Research (IJAER), Issues in Accou...
From new to nuanced: (Re)Considering educator professionalism and its impacts

While debates rage on regarding various approaches to educational change and improvement, there is no doubt recent decades have been marked by a shift in how these approaches are conceptualized and enacted. In the last 20 or so years many nations have applied neo-liberal principles of competition, profit, and efficiency to the public sector and to education more specifically. Beyond dramatically reshaping policies and practice, so too have they changed the very nature of what it means to be an educator. In particular, the field has seen a move from what some consider more traditional or occupational forms of professionalism to new or organizational professionalism. As a result, many argue, educators have experienced diminished efficacy, commitment, and professionalism. And yet, and as I argue in this piece, in our rush to condemn such practices, we may miss some important opportunities to shift and perhaps expand our understanding of professionalism and its effect on educational change.
Virtual Texture Generated using Elastomeric Conductive Block Copolymer in Wireless Multimodal Haptic Glove

Haptic devices are in general more adept at mimicking the bulk properties of materials than they are at mimicking the surface properties. This paper describes a haptic glove capable of producing sensations reminiscent of three types of near-surface properties: hardness, temperature, and roughness. To accomplish this mixed mode of stimulation, three types of haptic actuators were combined: vibrotactile motors, thermoelectric devices, and electrotactile electrodes made from a stretchable conductive polymer synthesized in our laboratory. This polymer consisted of a stretchable polyanion which served as a scaffold for the polymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The scaffold was synthesized using controlled radical polymerization to afford material of low dispersity, relatively high conductivity (0.1 S cm-1), and low impedance relative to metals. The glove was equipped with flex sensors to make it possible to control a robotic hand and a hand in virtual reality (VR). In psychophysical experiments, human participants were able to discern combinations of electrotactile, vibrotactile, and thermal stimulation in VR. Participants trained to associate these sensations with roughness, hardness, and temperature had an overall accuracy of 98%, while untrained participants had an accuracy of 85%. Sensations could similarly be conveyed using a robotic hand equipped with sensors for pressure and temperature.
Chapter 7 – Normal Probability

The seventh chapter on normal probability introduces continuous random variables the normal probability distribution. This chapter also ties back in with discrete random variables, covering normal approximation to the binomial.
Phenolic compounds as antioxidants to improve oxidative stability of menhaden oil-based structured lipid as butterfat analog.

Abstract Phenolic compounds, including propyl gallate, 1-o-galloylglycerol, ferulic, gallic, caffeic, rosmarinic, and carnosic acids, tocopherols, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), were investigated as antioxidants to improve the oxidative stability of a structured lipid (SL) produced by the enzymatic acidolysis of menhaden oil with caprylic and stearic acids. SL had similar physical properties to butterfat but was more susceptible to oxidation. The above phenolic compounds were each added to SL as antioxidants. SL with 1-o-galloylglycerol, rosmarinic acid, or BHT showed the highest oxidative stability during an accelerated oxidation test with the total oxidation (TOTOX) value around 250 after 18 days. Oxidation induction time (OIT) using differential scanning calorimetry showed a good correlation with the accelerated oxidation test. A mixture of 1-o-galloylglycerol and tocopherols at 50:50 ppm had the strongest protective effect on SL (OIT = 115.1 min) compared to the other tested compounds or combinations at the same concentration (OIT
Transnational Engagements: Menstrual Health and Hygiene—Emergence and Future Directions

These transnational engagements gather together voices of representatives from key organizations from around the world to reflect on and discuss the current state of menstrual hygiene and health programming. These experts assess a decade’s worth of efforts to dissolve menstrual-related barriers through implementing different programs. They assess both the risks and rewards of this work, and the roles that organizations, donors, governments, and the media play in changing perceptions and practices. Finally, they turn to approaches and solutions that will be required to productively move forward.
A Double-Edged Sword? Understanding Support and Opposition Toward Renewable Energy Development in Rural Utah

The majority of utility-scale renewable energy facilities are constructed in rural areas where both large tracks of open land and renewable energy resources are plentiful, such as in much of the Intermountain West. Though communities in the rural West are frequently accustomed to energy development projects, renewable energy may be uniquely received due to cultural and ideological meanings assigned. This study analyzes interview transcripts with twenty-three individuals living in a rural county where significant renewable energy development has occurred to understand the factors related to support and opposition. Results indicate almost unanimous support for renewable energy, though even supportive individuals voiced substantial points of hesitation. Most relevant to residents’ support for renewable energy was economic development and appreciation of the technology’s logic. Barriers to support included the understanding that most jobs created were not permanent, neoliberal economic beliefs, hesitancy toward renewable energy’s association with liberal politics, and concern about its technical reliability as an energy source. Overall, this research suggests that the economic contribution of renewable energy is a highly salient communication strategy for rural communities. However, those seeking to foster more renewable energy development in rural places must attempt to neutralize partisan dimensions as much as possible, including the impulse to justify it on the grounds of climate mitigation.
Methane and fatty acid metabolism pathways are predictive of Low-FODMAP diet efficacy for patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Summary Objective Identification of microbiota-based biomarkers as predictors of low-FODMAP diet response and design of a diet recommendation strategy for IBS patients. Design We created a compendium of gut microbiome and disease severity data before and after a low-FODMAP diet treatment from published studies followed by unified data processing, statistical analysis and predictive modeling. We employed data-driven methods that solely rely on the compendium data, as well as hypothesis-driven methods that focus on methane and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism pathways that were implicated in the disease etiology. Results The patient's response to a low-FODMAP diet was predictable using their pre-diet fecal samples with F1 accuracy scores of 0.750 and 0.875 achieved through data-driven and hypothesis-driven predictors, respectively. The fecal microbiome of patients with high response had higher abundance of methane and SCFA metabolism pathways compared to patients with no response (p-values Conclusion Our integrated data analysis results argue that there are two types of patients, those with high colonic methane and SCFA production, who will respond well on a low-FODMAP diet, and all others, who would benefit a dietary supplementation containing butyrate and propionate, as well as probiotics with SCFA-producing bacteria, such as lactobacillus. This work demonstrates how data integration can lead to novel discoveries and paves the way towards personalized diet recommendations for IBS.
Health Equity and the Public Health Code of Ethics: Rebuilding Trust from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Sabatello et al. (2021) make a compelling case for structural racism as the root cause of the health inequities experienced by communities of color during the COVID-19 pandemic. As public health pr...
The Effect of Motorized vs Non-Motorized Treadmills on Exercise Economy during Acute Sub-maximal Bouts in Collegiate Cross-Country Female Athletes

Background: Fitness equipment manufacturers have developed non-motorized treadmills (NMT) to better replicate overground running, a characteristic which motorized treadmills (MT) purportedly lack. Because NMTs are novel, limited empirical evidence exists regarding acute physiological and neuromuscular activity responses to its use. Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of walking and running on an NMT and MT on exercise economy (EE), cardiometabolic responses, lower-body muscle activity, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in division II female cross-country athletes. Methods: Thirteen female cross-country athletes volunteered to complete a treadmill protocol that consisted of a warm-up walk, a 5-min walk, a 5-min run, and a 5-min cool-down walk on an NMT and MT on two separate occasions. During both treadmill conditions, VO2, RER, neuromuscular activity, HR, and RPE were recorded and analyzed every minute. Results: VO2 (NMT= 36.8 ± 10.0 ml/kg/min; MT= 27.4 ± 6.7 ml/kg/min), RER (NMT= 1.02 ± 0.14; MT= 0.89 ± 0.08), HR (NMT= 167 ± 18 bpm; MT= 142 ± 21 bpm), and RPE (NMT= 12 ± 2; MT= 9 ± 2) measures were significantly (p<0.05 for all) greater on the NMT than the MT in walking and running. Conclusions: The greater VO2, RER, and HR experienced on the NMT indicates higher physical exertion, and the greater RPE on the NMT indicates the participants’ perception of exertion correspond to the physiological responses. While cardiometabolic demand was greater on the NMT, thereby suggesting exercise economy was greater with the MT.
A data-driven operational model for traffic at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Abstract Airports are on the front line of significant innovations, allowing the movement of more people and goods faster, cheaper, and with greater convenience. As air travel continues to grow, airports will face challenges in responding to increasing passenger vehicle traffic, which leads to lower operational efficiency, poor air quality, and security concerns. This paper evaluates methods for traffic demand forecasting combined with traffic microsimulation, which will allow airport operations staff to accurately predict traffic and congestion. Using two years of detailed data describing individual vehicle arrivals and departures, aircraft movements, and weather at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport, we evaluate multiple prediction methods including the Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) family of models, traditional machine learning models, and DeepAR, a modern recurrent neural network (RNN). We find that these algorithms are able to capture the diurnal trends in the surface traffic, and all do very well when predicting the next 30 minutes of demand. Longer forecast horizons are moderately effective, demonstrating the challenge of this problem and highlighting promising techniques as well as potential areas for improvement. Traffic demand is not the only factor that contributes to terminal congestion, because temporary changes to the road network, such as a lane closure, can make benign traffic demand highly congested. Combining a demand forecast with a traffic microsimulation framework provides a complete picture of traffic and its consequences. The result is an operational intelligence platform for exploring policy changes, as well as infrastructure expansion and disruption scenarios. To demonstrate the value of this approach, we present results from a case study at DFW Airport assessing the impact of a policy change for vehicle routing in high demand scenarios. This framework can assist airports like DFW as they tackle daily operational challenges, as well as explore the integration of emerging technology and expansion of their services into long term plans.
Tissue injury—the biology: SLE-associated vascular disease and antiphospholipid syndrome

Abstract As overall mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has improved with more effective immunomodulatory treatments, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as a leading cause of morbidity and death. Indeed, there is an imbalance between endothelial damage and repair in SLE. The drivers of this imbalance are likely multifactorial with mechanistic contributions from type I interferons, dysfunctional lipoproteins, hyperactive neutrophils, and infiltrating T cells. Further amplifying the risk of CVD in many patients with SLE is the coexistent antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). APS is a leading acquired cause of thrombotic events and is driven by autoantibodies that recognize phospholipids and phospholipid-binding proteins. These antibodies engage cell surfaces where they activate endothelial cells, platelets, monocytes, and neutrophils. Recent data suggest potentially intriguing roles for neutrophil extracellular traps and the microbiome in APS pathophysiology. In the future, new knowledge gained regarding molecular, cellular, and metabolic signatures will hopefully afford improved subphenotyping of SLE and APS. At the same time, mechanistic studies that better explain pathophysiology—especially regarding interrelatedness and importance of the various implicated pathways in an individual patient—will be a critical supplement to -omics studies.
Q-SEnSE: Quantum Systems through Entangled Science and Engineering: an NSF quantum leap challenge institute

I will present an overview of the newly-created NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for enhanced sensing and distribution using correlated quantum states. Under the leadership of director Jun Ye, our multi-institutional center will collaborate to explore how advanced quantum sensing can discover new fundamental physics, develop and apply novel quantum technologies, provide tools for a national infrastructure in quantum sensing, and train a quantum savvy workforce.
Post-transcription modulation of the blood-brain barrier GLUT1 glucose transporter by brain-derived factors.

Brain-derived peptides or factors in the brain-derived preparation Cerebrolysin® (CI, EBEWE, Austria) increase the expression of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) GLUT1 glucose transporter via mRNA stabilization. The post-transcriptional regulation of the BBB-GLUT1 gene is principally exerted by interaction of cis-regulatory elements located in the 3’- untranslated region of GLUT1 mRNA with cellular trans-acting factors (TAF). UV-cross linking and RNase T1 protection studies demonstrated the presence of 2 major GLUT1 RNA-TAF complexes named p88 (stabilizing) and the p44 (destabilizing). The p88 TAF was detected in cytosol of brain endothelial cultured cells (ECL) as a duplex of molecular weight of ~88kDa, which were defined A and B (high and low MW, respectively). CI markedly increased the abundance of the BBB-GLUT1 p88 TAF (complex B) in ECL cells, without changes in the levels of the p88 complex A. This was also confirmed by antisense oligomer displacement of the GLUT1 RNA-TAF complex formation. CI per se, did not bind to the GLUT1 mRNA, nor induced the expression of the destabilizing p44 TAF. Data presented here suggest that the increased stabilization of the GLUT1 transcript induced by CI is associated with augmented levels of the GLUT1 stabilizing p88 TAF.
Computing with Front Propagation: Active Contour And Skeleton Models In Continuous-Time CNN

In this paper, a linear CNN template class is studied with a symmetric feedback matrix capable of generating trigger-waves, a special type of binary traveling-wave. The qualitative properties of these waves are examined and some simple control strategies are derived based on modifying the bias and feedback terms in a CNN template. It is shown that a properly controlled wave-front can be efficiently used in segmentation, shape and structure detection/recovery tasks. Shape is represented by the contour of an evolving front. An algorithmic framework is discussed that incorporates bias controlled trigger-waves in tracking the active contour of the objects during rigid and non-rigid motion. The object skeleton (structure) is obtained as a composition of stable annihilation lines formed during the collision of trigger wave-fronts. The shortest path problem in a binary labyrinth is also formulated as a special type of skeletonization task and solved by combined trigger-wave based techniques.
Agricultural development : issues, evidence, and consequences

A comprehensive examination of data from many countries shows that in 1967-92, eighty-one percent of the world's population lived in countries where agricultural growth exceeded population growth. Moreover, that growth occurred as agricultural prices declined. Productivity gains are a dominant characteristic of agriculture for the period. Average productivity increased for land and labor. Moreover, agricultural productivity gains were greater than average productivity gains for the economy in 80 percent of the countries studied. Measuring the effects of technology choice on productivity is crucial to understanding the determinants of agricultural growth. After selectively reviewing applied production studies, the authors conclude that the choice-of-technique method, which has its roots in Tinter's early production function studies, is best suited for examining the determinants of agricultural growth. Investments in technology have yielded large gains for agriculture, and the benefits have been passed on to customers in the form of lower prices. Thus history justifies public spending on agricultural research.
An information theoretic approach to the modal estimation of switching FIR linear systems

In this paper we tackle the problem of mode estimation in switching systems. From the theoretical point of view, our contribution is twofold: creating a framework that has a clear parallel with a communication paradigm and deriving an analysis of performance. In particular, our work is restricted to the class of systems that randomly switch among a finite alphabet of discrete-time finite impulse response linear operators, therein designated as modes. In our approach, the switching system is viewed as an encoder of the mode, which is interpreted as the message, while a probing signal establishes a random code. Accordingly, the estimator, which knows the code and uses noisy measurements of the output, is constructed as a decoder whose properties can be studied by means of a modification of Shannon's theory. Using a distance function, we define an uncertainty ball where the estimates are guaranteed to lie with probability arbitrarily close to 1. The radius of the uncertainty ball is directly related to the entropy rate of the switching process. It is shown that lower rates lead to smaller uncertainty. Such distance also reflects the informativity of the probing signal (code) and as such can be used as a guide on its choice. The estimator/decoder can be implemented using a low complexity algorithm.
Chinas ICT: Progressing Toward Maturity From A Global Perspective

This paper assesses the information and communications technology (ICT) factors governing Chinas economic expansion and its ability to sustain this expansion in the context of competing nations with similar infrastructures. This assessment utilizes a variety of selected metrics that capture the status of ICT capability of China. It provides a glimpse into the countrys ability to become a significant force in the global knowledge economy by highlighting the nations overall competitiveness rankings, juxtaposed to the standings of other nations. The timeliness of this work is noteworthy, since the success of Chinas transition towards economic and societal advancement is underpinned, to a large extent, by its total ICT investment. If a positive outcome is achieved, Chinese manufacturers will be able to adroitly weave themselves into the global supply chain by leveraging the countrys burgeoning ICT infrastructure.
Exit, Voice, and the Role of Corporate Directors: Evidence from Acquisition Performance

This study examines the characteristics of corporate boards for 82 companies that attempted 106 acquisitions during the 1980s. We find that poor performance is more likely to occur in firms that have recently experienced higher turnover of outside and lower turnover of inside directors. Companies with smaller boards, more reputable members, and larger equity holdings also outperform their counterparts. Our results suggest that outside directors resign from the board instead of challenging managerial shirking. We conclude that choosing directors for whom board exit is costly will better reduce agency costs.
Autonomic Dysfunction in Migraine: Comparison between Populations with and without Orthostatic Intolerance (S32.007)

OBJECTIVE: 1. To characterize autonomic dysfunction in a population of migraineurs suffering from orthostatic intolerance (OI) and compare it with one not suffering from OI. 2. To assess neurocardiac physiological parameters and small nerve fiber morphometrics on skin biopsy in both populations. BACKGROUND: OI is defined by any combination of the following symptoms that arise upon assuming an upright posture: tachycardia, chest discomfort, fatiguability, exercise intolerance, presyncope and syncope, inattention, anxiety, visual obscuration, acral symptoms and lower extremity weakness. OI is a symptom of autonomic imbalance that may arise from central and/or peripheral nervous system dysfunction. The presence of OI in the migraine population is under-recognized and often misdiagnosed. DESIGN/METHODS: We studied two population of adult migraineurs - the first population (n=37) complained of symptoms of OI and the second (n=22) did not. Both populations underwent head upright tilt-table (HUT) testing, clinical autonomic reflex testing, quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing (QSART), and punch skin biopsy for morphometric evaluation of small fiber nerve density. Statistical analyses were descriptive and comparitive. Associations between quantitative results were estimated with Pearson and Spearman coefficients. Group comparisons for qualitative data were performed using chi-square or Fisher9s exact test. Comparisons of quantitative data were performed using T-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: Both populations were demographically similar and overwhelmingly female. In the population with OI, 97% exhibited a positive 45 minute HUT (HUT45) while only 42% had a positive 10 minutes HUT, and 57% had a skin biopsy positive for small fiber sensory neuropathy (SFSN). In the population without OI, HUT45 was positive in 68% and 50% of this group had SFSN on skin biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical laboratory detection of autonomic dysfunction is common among migraineurs both with and without symptoms of OI. Biopsy presence of SFSN fails to differentiate the two populations of migraineurs, suggesting that central autonomic nervous system dysfunction plays a significant role. Study Supported by: Bakken Heart Brain Institute, Cleveland Clinic Disclosure: Dr. Stillman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zhou has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fouad-Terazi has nothing to disclose.
Effectiveness and Safety of Anakinra for Management of Refractory Pericarditis.

Recurrent pericarditis is a debilitating condition that can be recalcitrant to conventional therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, colchicine, and glucocorticoids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic role of the recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist anakinra in a series of adult patients with recurrent pericarditis refractory to conventional therapy. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 13 consecutive patients with treatment-refractory recurrent pericarditis who received anakinra for management of their disease. None of the patients had an identified systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease. The primary end points were symptom resolution and glucocorticoid discontinuation. Thirteen patients (10 women) treated with anakinra were followed for a median (range) of 16.8 months (1.3 to 24). All patients had chest pain. Total duration of symptoms before initiation of anakinra was 3 years (1.1 to 6.0). Pericardial thickening was detected by echocardiography in 9 patients (69%). All 13 patients (100%) experienced at least a partial and, most, a complete resolution of symptoms. Response to therapy was rapid, within 2 to 5 days. At last follow-up, 11 patients (84%) had successfully discontinued concomitant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, colchicine, and glucocorticoid therapy; 11 patients remained on anakinra at the end of the follow-up period. The only side effect was transient injection site reaction in 4 patients (31%). In conclusion, anakinra may be an effective alternative agent for the management of glucocorticoid-dependent recurrent pericarditis. Side effects were minor. A formal clinical trial to evaluate the usefulness of this agent should be considered.