cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
VHF communication radio power spectra

The power spectral analysis of very high frequency (VHF) communication radios is important to understanding how they affect each other and how they affect VHF surveillance radios. In this paper, we propose an analytical method for lower-bound radio frequency (RF) power spectrum estimation with the consideration of both power amplifier nonlinearity and broadband noise. We then demonstrate how to apply the proposed spectral estimation method to compute the lower-bound power spectra of VHF digital link mode 2 (VDL-2), plain old ACARS (POA) and double-sideband-amplitude-modulated (DSB-AM) voice signals. Finally we present the estimated lower-bound power spectra and shed light on where the discrete spectral line component comes from and how the nonlinearity of a power amplifier leads to the spectral regrowth.
QR Obeys Superiority: Frozen Scope and ACD

The phenomenon of “frozen scope” in double object and spray-load constructions is shown to hold robustly across contexts, constructions, and quantifier types. Nevertheless, frozen scope is not absolute, holding only between two objects but not between an object and a subject or an object and some other operator. The rigidity of two object quantifiers follows the pattern of multiple instances of movement cross linguistically (multiple wh-movement, multiple A-scrambling, multiple object shift): movement paths cross, recreating the hierarchical order of the moving elements (Richards 1997). Hypothesizing that quantifier scope is derived by quantifier-specific syntactic movement, movement that is constrained in the same way as other types of movement, permits these phenomena to be unified under accounts of Relativized Minimality effects generally.
Association of Localized Ca2+ Gradients With Redistribution of Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa and F-actin in Activated Human Blood Platelets

Abstract We monitored the intracellular distribution of ionized free Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in individual human platelets by digital imaging fluorescence microscopy with fura 2 during platelet activation induced by surface contact or a soluble platelet agonist (thrombin). Contact of platelets with glass resulted in pseudopod formation and spreading, accompanied by a nonuniform rise in [Ca 2+ ] i . The rise in [Ca 2+ ] i was maximal during pseudopod formation. Locally elevated [Ca 2+ ] i was frequently found in pseudopodia and at the edge and core of spread platelets. This pattern was faithfully duplicated by the local pattern of distribution of the cytoskeletal components F-actin, gelsolin, and surface glycoproteins (GP) IIb-IIIa but not by calmodulin. Platelets stimulated by thrombin also showed an inhomogeneous rise in [Ca 2+ ] i , which was well correlated with the staining of F-actin and GPIIb-IIIa. Cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of actin polymerization, inhibited the inhomogeneous increase or redistribution of F-actin and GPIIb-IIIa but did not inhibit the rise in mean [Ca 2+ ] i . These observations suggest that a localized change in [Ca 2+ ] i may be associated with cytoskeletal reorganization and redistribution of GPIIb-IIIa in activated platelets.
A model of episodic memory: Mental time travel along encoded trajectories using grid cells

The definition of episodic memory includes the concept of mental time travel: the ability to re-experience a previously experienced trajectory through continuous dimensions of space and time, and to recall specific events or stimuli along this trajectory. Lesions of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex impair human episodic memory function and impair rat performance in tasks that could be solved by retrieval of trajectories. Recent physiological data suggests a novel model for encoding and retrieval of trajectories, and for associating specific stimuli with specific positions along the trajectory. During encoding in the model, external input drives the activity of head direction cells. Entorhinal grid cells integrate the head direction input to update an internal representation of location, and drive hippocampal place cells. Trajectories are encoded by Hebbian modification of excitatory synaptic connections between hippocampal place cells and head direction cells driven by external action. Associations are also formed between hippocampal cells and sensory stimuli. During retrieval, a sensory input cue activates hippocampal cells that drive head direction activity via previously modified synapses. Persistent spiking of head direction cells maintains the direction and speed of the action, updating the activity of entorhinal grid cells that thereby further update place cell activity. Additional cells, termed arc length cells, provide coding of trajectory segments based on the one-dimensional arc length from the context of prior actions or states, overcoming ambiguity where the overlap of trajectory segments causes multiple head directions to be associated with one place. These mechanisms allow retrieval of complex, self-crossing trajectories as continuous curves through space and time.
Imperial ‘deep play’: reading sport and visions of the five empires of the ‘New World’, 1919–1941

In the period between the First World War and the Second World War the US became the globe’s leading power and sought to extend its cultural influence, particularly around the Pacific Rim and in Latin America. Following the lead of Great Britain, the US employed sport as a tool of empire. In the process an emerging American empire came into sporting conflicts with the remnants of older Iberian and Chinese empires, the outposts of a still significant British Empire, and the rising power of a new Japanese empire. In confronting imperial competitors American conceptions of the cultural power of sport shaped a series of fascinating interchanges. These exchanges were far more than mere amusements. In fact, the ‘deep play’ of these empires reveals the contours of the international cultural and political transitions that reshaped global relations in an era of rapid transitions. In the process, sport revealed imperial and national patterns and trends.
A Symposium on the Future of Dentistry Report: Implications for the Public Sector: Dentistry's Blueprint for the Future

This report deals with a three-year study by the American Dental Association pertaining to the Future of Dentistry. The report covers environment of dentistry, dental research, dental manpower, public and professional concerns, dental education, and dental practice. It concludes with the following recommendations: 1. Convert public unmet need into demand for dental services. 2. Prepare practitioners (existing and future) to be more patient/market oriented. 3. Broaden practitioner's clinical skills and mix of services offered to the public. 4. Influence the quality and quantity of the manpower supply. 5. Stimulate research and development. 6. Improve the profession's ability to favorably influence public policy.
Electron density and path latitude determination from v.l.f. emissions

Abstract A new technique has been developed for determining nose frequencies and time delays at the nose frequency for propagation paths in the outer magnetosphere. The computed normalized whistler shape is plotted on a log-log scale, allowing the nose frequency and nose time delay to be found very simply by an overlay method, from measurements of time delays at any two other frequencies. The versatility and simplicity of this method make it particularly suited for use with periodic v.l.f. emissions.
Action theory and the training and performance application: performance templates

Purpose – This paper sets forth a description and explanation of how action theory serves as the foundation for the training and performance management approach, performance templates (P‐T). In recent years the efficacy of performance templates, given its limitations, has been demonstrated; however, the theory base for the P‐T approach had not been sufficiently developed. This paper aims to examine the content and efficacy of performance templates.Design/methodology/approach – The P‐T method is set forth in detail with some examples. The theoretical bases of the P‐T approach, a training and development partnership among trainers, managers, and employees, are explained in detail.Findings – The layered features of the action theory of Michael Frese fit very well with the interpersonal and intrapersonal events that make up the creation and use of performance templates. The P‐T method requires considerable mental work and the action theory helps explain the cognitive events that occur.Practical implications –...
A Graphical Method for Estimating Overshoot in Convective Stellar Atmospheres

A graphical method for estimating convective overshoot in stellar atmospheres is proposed. Applying the method to the solar atmosphere, we find that a convective element which starts at a depth of about 1000 km below the top of convection zone can penetrate to a height about 300 km above it.
A Novel Microfluidic Device for Male Subfertility Screening

Purpose: To our knowledge no simple, disposable and accurate test of semen quality currently exists. A novel technique to assess the motile sperm concentration of the human ejaculate has been designed and its results are presented.Materials and Methods: In a micromachined device fluorescently labeled motile sperm traverse a hydrostatic microfluid line to a target detection cuvette. A microfluorometer assesses the fluorescence signal generated by sperm accumulating there throughout a 50-minute study period. A total of 21 semen specimens from men presenting to our university based reproductive endocrinology and infertility center were tested a total of 67 times. Semen parameters determined by computer assisted semen analysis were compared to the signal reported by the microfluidic device.Results: The fluorescence signal increased throughout the data collection period for all samples. Pearson r values relating the device signal to total and progressive motile concentration were 0.79 and 0.80, respectively (e...
The Food Budget of English Workers: A Comment on Shammas

Carole Shammas advanced the notion in this JOURNAL that from the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries English laborers allocated only about half their income to the purchase of food.' She made the estimate, which challenges the common wisdom that this budget share was closer to 75 percent, on the basis of English wage assessments. The prescribed maximum amount that could be paid laborers who worked exclusively for a money wage (X) was compared with the prescribed amount to be paid those who worked for a combination of a money wage (Y) and a food ration (F). By subtracting the latter money wage from the former (X - Y), she obtains an estimate of the value of the food ration (F), and the share of food consumption in total income becomes PIX. According to Shammas, this share ". . . fell into the 50-60 percent range for the laboring classes rather than the 80 percent often used in cost of living indices."2 It appears, however, that this procedure results in an unrealistic lower limit to the expenditure on food because a portion of the wage (Y) was spent on food purchases during Sundays, holidays, and when the worker was either sick or unemployed. A typical worker was not likely to work on Sundays and had to spend at least a few additional days in nonmarket activities. The number of days a laborer worked annually probably did not exceed 275. With this assumption the share of the budget devoted to food can be derived as follows. Annual food expenditure was 365.25 x F. Annual money income was 275 x X. The annual share of the budget devoted to food consumption becomes (365.25 x t)l (275 x X). This correction raises the share of the budget devoted to food to about 70 percent. In this exercise laborers already work the maximum plausible number of days annually. Consequently they are not likely to earn any additional income. Finally, note that in order to raise the share of the budget devoted to food consumption to 75 percent, one only has to reduce the number of days worked annually to 258. The suggestion that English workers devoted only about a half of their income to food purchases during the hard times of the seventeenth century becomes even more implausible if one considers that such was the approximate share that Massachusetts and British workers spent on nourishment during the much better times of the late nineteenth century.3 Moreover, because the estimate is so sensitive to the assumption regarding the annual number of days worked, one cannot have much confidence in the estimating procedure without further empirical evidence on this variable. Thus, the suggestion that the share of income devoted to food was as low as one-half during the period under discussion appears to be premature.
A dynamic programming approach to maximizing a statistical measure of the lifetime of sensor networks

The inherent many-to-one flow of traffic in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) produces a skewed distribution of energy consumption rates, leading to the early demise of those sensors that are critical to the ability of surviving nodes to communicate their measurements to the base station. Numerous previous approaches aimed at balancing the consumption of energy in wireless networks are either too complex or do not address problems unique to the flow of traffic in WSNs. In this article, we propose the use of a dynamic programming algorithm (DPA), an operational, low-complexity algorithm, used in conjunction with four different route discovery algorithms. We perform complexity analysis, statistical evaluation of changes in power consumption rates effected, and verify spatial redistribution of energy consumption of sensors in the network. Our results on multihop networks of 100 randomly placed nodes show that, on average, the two best performing variants of DPA yield a reduction of up to 28p and 36p in power consumption rate variance at the cost of raising average power consumption by 15p and 21p, respectively. Computational complexities of DPA variants range from O(N3) to O(N4), which is significantly lower than linear search of the solution space of O(NeNi). Analysis by diffusion plots shows that DPA reduces power consumption of sensors that experience the highest power consumption under the shortest path routes.
Separations, Blow-outs, and Fallout: A TREADise on the Regulatory Aftermath of the Ford-Firestone Tire Recall

This article is the second of a two-part series on the TREAD Act. The first article, entitled "Don't TREAD On Me," appeared in the Fall 2001 edition of the Buffalo Law Review. That article appeared shortly after passage of the TREAD Act and focused on three primary areas: (1) the high-profile events leading to the Ford-Firestone recalls; (2) the congressional investigations into the situation; and (3) the statutory requirements of the TREAD Act. Readers of that article will recall that, in response to Ford and Firestone's actions and inactions as well as the lack of information available to NHTSA, Congress amended the Vehicle Safety Act to require that NHTSA issue a series of implementing rulemakings to address perceived shortcomings in automotive safety law. Congress intended for NHTSA to undertake several key rulemakings to enhance its ability to carry out key provisions of the Vehicle Safety Act, namely, those provisions that allow NHTSA to identify vehicles and equipment that have safety-related defects. At the heart of these rulemakings is a three-pronged string of obligations to report: (1) overseas recalls and "other safety campaigns;" (2) "early warning" information; and (3) sales of defective or noncompliant tires. The most extensive reporting rule is "early warning," which authorizes NHTSA to require manufacturers to provide information to the extent that such information may assist in identifying safety-related defects. The purpose of requiring comprehensive early warning data is "to ensure that NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has relevant data to promptly identify possible safety defects." That some of this data would come from sources located overseas reflects congressional intent that the TREAD Act in part apply extraterritorially, which in turn requires a sensitivity to U.S. law by affected multinational companies. Since publication of the first article in Fall 2001, NHTSA has implemented the congressional directives. NHTSA has also issued various amendments and interpretations. This article examines these developments, picking up from the point in time where the first one left off. It is divided into three major sections: (1) "Background," which discusses the impact of the TREAD Act on both the automotive industry and NHTSA, as well as summarizes the congressional activities since passage of the Act; (2) "TREAD's Reporting Rules," which analyzes the requirements of TREAD's three-pronged reporting scheme; and (3) "Increased Penalties," which summarizes the increased civil and criminal penalties meant to buttress the new reporting requirements. The reader may find it helpful to reference the first article for needed supplemental historical information.
Powders Analysis by Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy

A microscopy approach is developed for quantifying second harmonic generation (SHG) activity of powders that largely decouples linear and nonlinear optical interactions. Decoupling the linear and nonlinear optical effects provides a means to independently evaluate and optimize the role of each in crystal engineering efforts and facilitates direct comparisons between experimental and computational predictions of lattice hyperpolarizabilities. In this respect, the microscopy-based approach nicely complements well-established Kurtz-Perry (J. Appl. Phys. 1968, 39, 3798) and related methods, in which collimated sources are used for powders analysis. Using a focused fundamental beam places a controllable upper bound on the interaction length, given by the depth of field. Because measurements are performed on a per-particle basis, crystal size-dependent trends can be recovered from a single powdered sample. An analytical model that includes scattering losses of a focused Gaussian beam reliably predicted several ...
Synthesis of L-Gulose from D-Glucose via Aldose Interchange

Im Zusammenhang mit Untersuchungen an dem Antibioticum Bleomycin werden Gulose-Derivate beno- tigt, deren Synthese aus D-Glucose untersucht wird.
Effect of Methoprene on the Fecundity and Fertility of the Codling Moth, Cydia pomonella

Female larvae of Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) received a single topical application of a juvenile hormone mimic methoprene, at various intervals during the fifth (last) stadium. Adult survival rates were >75% when newly ecdysed, last-stadium larvae were treated with 0.01 to 1.0 μg of methoprene; however, survivorship decreased in populations treated later in that instar. The fecundity of surviving adults was reduced by 0.01 μg of methoprene applied to day 2 and day 6 5th instars.
ANTI-OBESITY PHARMACOTHERAPY AND THE POTENTIAL FOR PREVENTING PROGRESSION FROM PREDIABETES TO TYPE 2 DIABETES.

ABSTRACT Objective: Type 2 diabetes and its associated complications place heavy burdens on affected individuals, their caregivers, and society. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. Attempts to combat this problem have been extended to the treatment of obesity and prevention of progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. As such, weight loss is an important component of type 2 diabetes prevention. However, successful strategies for achieving sustained weight loss have remained elusive. Although lifestyle modification remains a cornerstone of this approach, it has become clear that changes to lifestyle alone will not suffice for many patients. A pragmatic approach includes consideration of pharmacotherapeutic options. Methods: This review discusses the different pharmacotherapeutic options for the treatment of obesity and prediabetes. Results: Approved anti-obesity therapies and antihyperglycemic agents associated with weight loss may prove effective earlier in the treatment paradigm, and other promising agents that are in clinical development for chronic weight management show promise for both weight reduction and a reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals. Conclusion: Long-term evaluation of safety and efficacy is required for many of these agents before we can begin to optimize their use in clinical practice, but treatment choices for obese or prediabetic patients are increasing. Abbreviations: AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists ADA = American Diabetes Association AE = adverse event AMA = American Medical Association BMI = body mass index CI = confidence interval CR = controlled release DPP = Diabetes Prevention Program IFG = impaired fasting glucose IGT = impaired glucose tolerance FDA = Food and Drug Administration FPG = fasting plasma glucose GLP-1 = glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1 RA = glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist HbA1c= glycosylated hemoglobin ITT-LOCF = intention-totreat with last observation carried forward LS = least squares NB = naltrexone/bupropion OR = odds ratio PHEN = phentermine PYE = patient years of exposure PYY = peptide YY SGLT-2 = sodium glucose cotransporter 2 TPM = topiramate TZD = thiazolidinedione
How much of the human protein interactome remains to be mapped

Using systematic approaches, a high-quality reference map of the human protein-protein interactome is within reach. Such a reference will help researchers connect genomic data to cellular phenotypes and enable full exploitation of the output of the genomic revolution for biomedical applications.
ADP induced depolarization of human platelet membrane potential.

The transmembrane potential of human blood platelets suspended in plasma was investigated by studying the distribution of a radiolabeled permeant ion [14C] thiocyanate. The membrane potential of resting platelets was found to be -54.50 mV +/- 9.23 S.D. with a range of -39 to -76 mV (n = 27). The possibility that platelet activation alters membrane potential or that changes in membrane potential serve as an activation trigger was investigated. Stimulation by ADP (10 microM) resulted in a significant (p less than 0.05) depolarization of the membrane potential. Preincubation with 6 mM EGTA failed to inhibit ADP-induced depolarization even though EGTA effectively prevented primary and secondary aggregation but not shape change. Preincubation with PGE1 inhibited shape change, aggregation, and the ADP-induced depolarization. No significant change in membrane potential was observed following stimulation by epinephrine (50 microM). These results suggest that the initial interaction of ADP and its receptor may involve an inward positive current which can be determined by thiocyanate distribution.
Muscular fatigue and recovery following alternating isometric contractions at different levels of force.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to document the amount and rate of muscular fatigue during alternating levels of isometric contraction similar to that found during the Simulated Aerial Combat Maneuver (SACM). In addition, the time needed to recover from such an exercise was examined. Twenty males between the ages of 22 and 35 years performed an isometric contraction of their right quadriceps muscle at alternating levels of tension (20 and 50% maximum voluntary contraction) until exhaustion. The time at each contraction level was 10 s. After each exhaustive exercise bout, subjects were assigned to one of six recovery intervals (10, 20, 40, 60, 120, and 240 min) followed by a repeat of the exhaustive exercise. All subjects were tested under each of the six recovery intervals. Results showed that the amplitude (RMS) of the myoelectric signal increased while the frequency content of the signal (MPF) decreased over the course of the fatiguing activity. Endurance time (ET) was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) recovered (90.96%) within 60 min after stopping the exercise. Although MPF returned to its prefatigue value within 10 min of rest, the RMS value had still not recovered after 4 h.
Glycosylation changes in hepatocellular carcinoma

A68 Increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was associated with hepatitis C (HCV) viral infection. Our study of HCC in Egypt, a country with an epidemic of HCV, identified a set of glycans as candidate markers for early detection of HCC. Glycans enzymatically released from serum proteins were analyzed by MALDI-TOF/TOF following solid phase permethylation. Analysis of less than 0.05 ml of serum allowed relative quantification of 80 glycans. Approximately half of the glycans changed significantly at p
Effectiveness of a bistatic system on high frequency radar resiliency

A paper was presented at OCEANS '15 on a new way of increasing the resiliency of a High Frequency radar network through the use of bistatic measurements. This was modeled on the Mid Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS) High Frequency Radar network. The bistatic operating system is a recent feature of the SeaSonde HF radar. The bistatic capability is a viable way of increasing resiliency with out increasing the number of antennae. It involves the separation of the transmit and receive stations, as well as GPS timing to coordinate the time of the transmission signals. This results in a switch from a radial geometry and measurement to an elliptical geometry and measurement. This allows for higher percentage of overlapping coverage, which could potentially increase accuracy and resiliency. Using the configuration found through the previous models, bistatics were implemented along the MARACOOS network. Currently three radar stations are operating bistataically and generating elliptical current maps. They are stations located in North Wildwood (WOOD), Strathmere (RATH), and Brigantine (BRMR) New Jersey. The results have shown promise that the elliptical current measurements can become part of the operational data stream for the radar network. The bistatic systems are renamed using the first two letters of the four-letter station codes. For example the Strathmere-Brigantine bistatic system is called RABR. Initial findings suggest that the RABR is getting better coverage than the RAWO station. Using bistatics in RABR has widened the coverage area. Accuracy and coverage will be closely monitored during this time.
Exploring differences in adverse symptom event grading thresholds between clinicians and patients in the clinical trial setting.

Symptomatic adverse event (AE) monitoring is essential in cancer clinical trials to assess patient safety, as well as inform decisions related to treatment and continued trial participation. As prior research has demonstrated that conventional concordance metrics (e.g., intraclass correlation) may not capture nuanced aspects of the association between clinician and patient-graded AEs, we aimed to characterize differences in AE grading thresholds between doctors (MDs), registered nurses (RNs), and patients using the Bayesian Graded Item Response Model (GRM). From the medical charts of 393 patients aged 26–91 (M = 62.39; 43% male) receiving chemotherapy, we retrospectively extracted MD, RN and patient AE ratings. Patients reported using previously developed Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) patient-language adaptations called STAR (Symptom Tracking and Reporting). A GRM was fitted to calculate the latent grading thresholds between MDs, RNs and patients. Clinicians have overall higher average grading thresholds than patients when assessing diarrhea, dyspnea, nausea and vomiting. However, RNs have lower grading thresholds than patients and MDs when assessing constipation. The GRM shows higher variability in patients’ AE grading thresholds than those obtained from clinicians. The present study provides evidence to support the notion that patients report some AEs that clinicians might not consider noteworthy until they are more severe. The availability of GRM methodology could serve to enhance clinical understanding of the patient symptomatic experience and facilitate discussion where AE grading discrepancies exist. Future work should focus on capturing explicit AE grading decision criteria from MDs, RNs, and patients.
Sexting and Youth: Concepts and Context

This opening chapter of Sexting and Youth: A Mutidisciplinary Examination of Research, Theory, and Law reviews the origins and uses of the term “sexting." The characterizations that have been commonly applied to the behavior are surveyed, as well as example typologies. Legal process and public policy issues are identified, and the chapter concludes with an examination of the moral and political assumptions that commentators and others bring to the topic, providing a contextual history of how and why opinions differ.
Correlative analysis of head kinematics and brain’s tissue response: a computational approach toward understanding the mechanisms of blast TBI

Upon impingement of blast waves on the head, stress waves generated at the interface of the skull are transferred into the cranium and the brain tissue and may cause mild to severe blast traumatic brain injury. The intensity of the shock front, defined by the blast overpressure (BoP), that is, the blast-induced peak static overpressure, significantly affects head kinematics as well as the tissue responses of the brain. While evaluation of global linear and rotational accelerations may be feasible, an experimental determination of dynamic responses of the brain in terms of intracranial pressure (ICP), maximum shear stress (MSS), and maximum principal strain (MPS) is almost impossible. The main objective of this study is to investigate possible correlations between head accelerations and the brain’s ICP, MSS, and MPS. To this end, three different blasts were simulated by modeling the detonation of 70, 200, and 500 g of TNT at a fixed distance from the head, corresponding to peak BoPs of 0.52, 1.2, and 2 MPa, respectively. A nonlinear multi-material finite element algorithm was implemented in the LS-DYNA explicit solver. Fluid–solid interaction between the blast waves and head was modeled using a penalty-based method. Strong correlations were found between the brain’s dynamic responses and both global linear and rotational accelerations at different blast intensities ( $$R^{2 }\ge $$ 98%), implying that global kinematic parameters of the head might be strong predictors of brain tissue biomechanical parameters.
Biochanin A improves fibre fermentation by cellulolytic bacteria.

Aims The objective was to determine the effect of the isoflavone biochanin A (BCA) on rumen cellulolytic bacteria and consequent fermentative activity. Methods and Results When bovine microbial rumen cell suspensions (n = 3) were incubated (24 h, 39 °C) with ground hay, cellulolytic bacteria proliferated, short chain fatty acids were produced and pH declined. Biochanin A (30 μg mL-1) had no effect on the number of cellulolyic bacteria or pH, but increased acetate, propionate and total SCFA production. Addition of BCA improved total digestibility when cell suspensions (n = 3) were incubated (48 h, 39 °C) with ground hay, Avicel®, or filter paper. Fibrobacter succinogenes S85, Ruminococcus flavefaciens 8, and R. albus 8 were directly inhibited by BCA. Synergistic antimicrobial activity was observed with BCA and heat killed cultures of cellulolytic bacteria, but the effects were species dependent. Conclusions These results indicate that BCA improves fiber degradation by influencing cellulolytic bacteria competition and guild composition. Significance and Impact of the Study BCA could serve as a feed additive to improve cellulosis when cattle are consuming high fiber diets. Future research is needed to evaluate the effect of BCA on fiber degradation and utilization in vivo. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The contribution of family history to the burden of diagnosed diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, and prediabetes in the United States: analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2014

Given the importance of family history in the early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes, we quantified the public health impact of reported family health history on diagnosed diabetes (DD), undiagnosed diabetes (UD), and prediabetes (PD) in the United States. We used population data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014 to measure the association of reported family history of diabetes with DD, UD, and PD. Using polytomous logistic regression and multivariable adjustment, family history prevalence ratios were 4.27 (confidence interval (CI): 3.57, 5.12) for DD, 2.03 (CI: 1.56, 2.63) for UD, and 1.26 (CI: 1.09, 1.44) for PD. In the United States, we estimate that 10.1 million DD cases, 1.4 million UD cases, and 3.9 million PD cases can be attributed to having a family history of diabetes. These findings confirm that family history of diabetes has a major public health impact on diabetes in the United States. In spite of the recent interest and focus on genomics and precision medicine, family health history continues to be an integral component of public health campaigns to identify persons at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes and early detection of diabetes to prevent or delay complications.
Curing Method and Mix Design Evaluation of a Styrene-Acrylic Based Liquid Polymer for Sand and Clay Stabilization

AbstractThe curing of soil specimens treated with a liquid polymer soil stabilizer of styrene acrylic family was studied through an extensive laboratory testing program. First, the effect of differ...
Estimation of adjustment factors for 3X milking

For iisp in genetic evaluation, records of yield traits (milk, fat, and protein) are adjusted to a 305-day lactation length, to a 2 times a day (2x) milking, and to a mature equivalent basis. If these adjustments are not accurate, the PTAs will be biased and the genetic progress will be less than expected. Adjustment factors are usually estimated from solutions of a linear model. Some covariance components are needed to use in an animal model. However, the effect of different variance component estimates when estimating adjustment factors has not been studied. The goals for this study were: 1) estimate covariance components to be used in mixed model equations: 2) test for the effect of interactions of milking frequency with parity, covariates of days in milk, and covariates of days pregnant: 3) estimate adjustment factors to correct yield records from 3x to 2x: 4) evaluate the effect of covariance component estimates on estimating adjustment factors to correct yield records from 3x to 2x. Test-day data from 10 states of the USA and a random regression model were used for estimation of adjustment factors. Three sets of covariance components were estimated from three samples of the data. Adjustment factors were estimated for each set of covariance component estimates which were used in the mixed model equations. There were three sets of adjustment factors estimated for milk, fat and protein yield. Covariance component estimates did not change the est ima tes much of adjustment factors obtained from the solutions of the mixed model equations. All contemporary group effects (herd-test-date, herd-year-season, and parity-calving-seasonstate j showed significant effects. The interactions of management group with parity, covariates of days-in-milk. and covariates of days pregnant, also, showed significant effects. A set of adjustment factors estimates, obtained by using a pool of three sets covariance component estimates in the mixed model equations, is recommended for use in dairy industry.
Volunteers’ Felt Respect and Its Associations With Volunteering Retention, Daily Affect, Well-being, and Mortality

Objectives Volunteering is associated with improved physical and psychological well-being; volunteers feeling more respect for their work may have better well-being than their counterparts. Methods This study investigated the effects of felt respect for volunteer work on volunteering retention, daily affect, well-being (subjective, psychological, and social), and mortality. The study analyzed survey and mortality data from a national sample of 2,677 volunteers from the Midlife in the United States Study over a 20-year span. Daily affect data were obtained from a subsample of 1,032 volunteers. Results Compared to volunteers feeling less respect from others, those feeling more respect (a) were more likely to continue volunteering 10 and 20 years later, (b) had higher levels of daily positive affect and lower levels of daily negative affect, and (c) had higher levels of well-being over a 20-year period. The effect of felt respect on mortality was not statistically significant. Discussion Greater level of felt respect for volunteer work is positively related to volunteers' retention rates, daily affective experience, and well-being.
Who needs friends? Personality as a predictor of social surrogate use

Abstract Past research indicates that people can meet psychological needs for belonging through a wide array of social surrogates, including fictional characters, pets, and even food. Although previous work illustrates that such targets can provide belonging, little work has explored the everyday prevalence of social surrogacy or the extent to which personality is associated with how people fulfill social needs. We report the results of an intensive two-week study in which participants completed initial measures of personality and then reported on social surrogacy using an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach. Results indicated that social surrogacy is widely prevalent, but there is variability in the types of behaviors used. Modest support was found for the idea that traits relevant to fear of rejection (but not needs for affiliation) are associated with social surrogate use.
“Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones, But Bullying Will Get Me Bangin’”: Bullying Involvement and Adolescent Gang Joining:

Studies have shown that adolescents’ involvement in bullying (as perpetrators, victims, or both) is related to more negative outcomes than noninvolvement, and a small subset of studies has connecte...
A short environmental history of Italy: variety and vulnerability

This handy book is an environmental history of modern Italy. Its four chapters discuss developments since about 1800. The first chapter contextualizes what is to come with a brief discussion of glo...
The role of dePARylation in DNA damage repair and cancer suppression.

Abstract Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) is a reversible post-translational modification regulating various biological pathways including DNA damage repair (DDR). Rapid turnover of PARylation is critically important for an optimal DNA damage response and maintaining genomic stability. Recent studies show that PARylation is tightly regulated by a group of enzymes that can erase the ADP-ribose (ADPR) groups from target proteins. The aim of this review is to present a comprehensive understanding of dePARylation enzymes, their substrates and roles in DDR. Special attention will be laid on the role of these proteins in the development of cancer and their feasibility in anticancer therapeutics.
A Good Practice (based on ELINET criteria) of Non-formal Education Involving a Library to Improve Literacy Skills (on the example of Hungarian project)

Started in February 2014, ELINET project run for 2 years including 28 European countries. It aimed to analyse and consult on literacy policies at a local, regional, national, and trans-national level, raising awareness of literacy issues and coordinating campaigns. Ultimately, the fruit of this network was to include a European framework of good practice in raising literacy levels and a sample of corresponding examples. The paper is to present the way good practices were collected and reviewed; and introduces a good practice (run by John von Neumann University Pedagogical Faculty, “Reading belongs to everyone, even to you!”) based on the ELINET good practice framework.
A simultaneous presentation of drug-induced lupus with drug-induced ANCA vasculitis secondary to hydralazine use in a patient with sarcoidosis.

Frequently used in the management of hypertension and heart failure, hydralazine is associated with the development of adverse rheumatologic side effects. The authors highlight a unique case of dru...
Changing the Narrative: Police–Community Partnerships and Racial Reconciliation

Police–community relations are strained in the United States, especially along racial lines. This paper assesses community perceptions of crime and the police before and after the implementation of...
Ceria Nanostructured Catalysts for Conversion of Methanol and Carbon Dioxide to Dimethyl Carbonate

Abstract In this study, ceria (CeO2) with three different shapes (nanooctahedra, nanocubes, nanorods) was synthesized via hydrothermal method and evaluated for carbonylation reaction. Off these three nanostructures, the nanorod ceria was doped with CaO, NiO, CuO, and CoO by wet impregnation method. The obtained catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), NH3/CO2-TPD, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and N2 physisorption to determine the crystal size and phases, acid-base properties, metal loading, and surface properties. The materials were used as catalyst for activation of CO2 and methanol carbonylation reaction to dimethyl carbonate (DMC) at 140 °C and 30 bar for a reaction duration of 3 h. Our results indicated that the shape of the nanostructured ceria influences the DMC yield with the CeO2 nanorod catalyst producing the highest DMC yield (1.6 mmol) followed by nanooctahedra (1.5 mmol) and nanocubes (1.0 mmol). Moreover, the catalytic tests showed 100% DMC selectivity and the catalytic activities showed a decreasing trend in the following order: CeO2 > CoO/CeO2 > NiO/CeO2 > CaO/CeO2 > CuO/CeO2. The materials characterization and evaluation results suggested that CeO2 nanorod (111) interface enhanced the surface basicity and activity of CO2 hydrogenation to methanol while the CeO2 octahedral sites improved the stability of catalyst. The reusability of the CeO2 was tested by conducting four consecutive cycles and it was noted that the catalytic activity of CoO/CeO2 remained relatively stable with small changes after each run.
Beyond center-based testing: Understanding and improving functioning with wearable technology in MS.

Wearable sensors are designed to be worn on the body or embedded into portable devices (e.g. smartphones and smartwatches), allowing continuous patient-based monitoring, objective outcomes measurin...
Biopsychosocial Influences on Shoulder Pain: Analyzing the Temporal Ordering of Postoperative Recovery.

Abstract Shoulder surgery is a primary intervention for shoulder pain, yet many individuals experience persistent postoperative pain. Previously, we found individuals categorized as having a high-risk phenotype (comprised of COMT variation and pain catastrophizing) had approximately double the chance of not reaching a 12-month pain recovery criterion. As a means to better understand the development of persistent postoperative shoulder pain, this study advanced our previous work by examining temporal ordering of postoperative shoulder recovery based on potential mediating factors, and expansion of outcomes to include movement-evoked pain and shoulder active range of motion. Before surgery, individuals were categorized as either high-risk (high pain catastrophizing, COMT-genotype linked to low enzyme activity [n = 41]) or low-risk (low pain catastrophizing, COMT-genotype linked to normal enzyme activity [n = 107]). We then compared potential mediating variables at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively 1) endogenous pain modulation defined by a conditioned pain modulation paradigm; and 2) and emotion factors such as anxiety, fear of movement, and depressive symptoms. At 3 months, the high-risk subgroup had higher fear and movement-evoked pain, and causal mediation analysis confirmed the direct effect of risk subgroup on 12-month movement evoked pain. However, baseline to 12-month change in depressive symptoms were found to mediate 53% of the total effect of risk subgroup on 12-month movement-evoked pain. This study introduces potential temporal components and relationships to the development of persistent postoperative shoulder pain, which future studies will confirm and assess for potential therapeutic targets. Perspective This study expands upon postoperative shoulder recovery measures to include movement-evoked pain and depressive symptoms, and provides preliminary indication of temporal ordering to postoperative shoulder recovery for a preidentified high-risk subgroup. Future studies will distinguish temporal components of shoulder surgery that may optimize treatment targets of postoperative recovery.
Revolutionary New Concepts in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease

We have reached a limit in our ability to reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) utilizing the traditional evaluation, prevention, and treatment strategies for the top five cardiovascular risk factors – hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking. Statistics show that approximately 50% of patients will have CHD or myocardial infarction (MI) despite “normal” levels of these five risk factors as traditionally defined. A more logical and in-depth understanding is required of these top risk factors, including the evaluation of a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24-hour ABM), advanced lipid testing, and more sophisticated parameters to evaluate dysglycemia and visceral obesity with effects of adipokines and of the three finite vascular responses: inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune vascular dysfunction related to numerous internal and external vascular insults. Understanding translational cardiovascular medicine to correlate the CHD risk factors to the presence or absence of vascular injury and disease with noninvasive vascular testing will allow for early identification, prevention, and treatment of CHD and CVD.
A Spanish Speaker and a Friend: Identity Transformation in Foreign Language Chat

Analysis of chat logs from a computer-mediated communication (CMC)-based tutoring project for students of Spanish as a foreign language reveals the online identity transformation of a focal student. Early in the project, the focal student presented himself as an inadequate Spanish speaker who was highly critical of his Spanish class. By the end of the project, he appeared as a content and competent learner who regularly spoke Spanish both in and out of class. Intertwined with his online transformation is evidence of a strengthening friendship with a classmate that spanned the chat room, the classroom and beyond. This case points to interpersonal relationships as a relevant factor in transfer between online and offline language learning and identity.