cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the cutkosky-leon normalization conditions

The Cutkosky-Leon normalization conditions for Bethe-Salpeter amplitudes play an important role in relativistic bootstrap models. These normalization conditions are here derived in several elementary ways for ordinary quantum mechanics with an energy-dependent potential, thereby exploiting the well-known and useful similarity between the techniques used for the relativistic Bethe-Salpeter theory of composite particles and the familiar methods of ordinary nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. We hope that, in further exhibiting the very simple intuitive content of the bootstrap equations in a clear fashion, this rather elementary discussion will be useful to others.
Modeling fibrosis using fibroblasts isolated from scarred rat vocal folds

Following injury, pathologically activated vocal fold fibroblasts (VFFs) can engage in disordered extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, leading to VF fibrosis and impaired voice function. Given the importance of scar VFFs to phenotypically appropriate in vitro modeling of VF fibrosis, we pursued detailed characterization of scar VFFs obtained from surgically injured rat VF mucosae, compared with those obtained from experimentally naive, age-matched tissue. Scar VFFs initially exhibited a myofibroblast phenotype characterized by increased proliferation, increased Col1a1 transcription and collagen, type I synthesis, increased Acta2 transcription and α-smooth muscle actin synthesis, and enhanced contractile function. These features were most distinct at passage 1 (P1); we observed a coalescence of the scar and naive VFF phenotypes at later passages. An empirical Bayes statistical analysis of the P1 cell transcriptome identified 421 genes that were differentially expressed by scar, compared with naive, VFFs. These genes were primarily associated with the wound response, ECM regulation, and cell proliferation. Follow-up comparison of P1 scar VFFs and their in vivo tissue source showed substantial transcriptomic differences. Finally, P1 scar VFFs responded to treatment with hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor-β3, two biologics with reported therapeutic value. Despite the practical limitations inherent to working with early passage cells, this experimental model is easily implemented in any suitably equipped laboratory and has the potential to improve the applicability of preclinical VF fibrosis research.
Can upstaging of ductal carcinoma in situ be predicted at biopsy by histologic and mammographic features

Reducing the overdiagnosis and overtreatment associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) requires accurate prediction of the invasive potential at cancer screening. In this work, we investigated the utility of pre-operative histologic and mammographic features to predict upstaging of DCIS. The goal was to provide intentionally conservative baseline performance using readily available data from radiologists and pathologists and only linear models. We conducted a retrospective analysis on 99 patients with DCIS. Of those 25 were upstaged to invasive cancer at the time of definitive surgery. Pre-operative factors including both the histologic features extracted from stereotactic core needle biopsy (SCNB) reports and the mammographic features annotated by an expert breast radiologist were investigated with statistical analysis. Furthermore, we built classification models based on those features in an attempt to predict the presence of an occult invasive component in DCIS, with generalization performance assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Histologic features including nuclear grade and DCIS subtype did not show statistically significant differences between cases with pure DCIS and with DCIS plus invasive disease. However, three mammographic features, i.e., the major axis length of DCIS lesion, the BI-RADS level of suspicion, and radiologist’s assessment did achieve the statistical significance. Using those three statistically significant features as input, a linear discriminant model was able to distinguish patients with DCIS plus invasive disease from those with pure DCIS, with AUC-ROC equal to 0.62. Overall, mammograms used for breast screening contain useful information that can be perceived by radiologists and help predict occult invasive components in DCIS.
Bile acid metabolism and signaling in liver disease and therapy

Abstract Bile acids play a critical role in the regulation of glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism through activation of the nuclear bile acid receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and membrane G protein-coupled bile acid receptor-1 (Gpbar-1, aka TGR5). Agonist activation of FXR and TGR5 improves insulin and glucose sensitivity and stimulates energy metabolism to prevent diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Bile acids have both pro- and anti-inflammatory actions through FXR and TGR5 in the intestine and liver. In the intestine, bile acids activate FXR and TGR5 to stimulate fibroblast growth factor 15 and glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion. FXR and TGR5 agonists may have therapeutic potential for treating liver-related metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and NAFLD.
In Vitro Study of Receptor-Mediated Silica Nanoparticles Delivery across Blood-Brain Barrier.

A brain drug delivery system has been demonstrated by attaching lactoferrin (Lf) on the silica nanoparticles (Si NPs). The nanoparticle surface was modified with polyethylene glycol to reduce protein adsorption. The transport efficiency of Lf attached Si NPs was studied using an in vitro blood–brain barrier (BBB) model consisting of three distinct types of cells: endocytes, pericytes, and astrocytes. Transfer of NPs from the apical side to the basolateral side is observed. The results indicated that Lf attached Si NPs demonstrated enhanced transport efficiency across the BBB with size-dependence compared to bare Si NPs. The maximum transport efficiency of lactoferrin conjugated silica nanoparticle was observed for 25 nm diameter particles. This receptor-mediated transcytosis of Si NPs across the cerebral endothelial cells can be employed to deliver drugs and imaging probes to the brain.
Initial Movements of Re- introduced Elk in the Missouri Ozarks

Initial movements of re- introduced wildlife populations can determine short-term restoration success. Managers need ways to encourage release site fidelity to mitigate suboptimal breeding, reduce mortality rates, and minimize human-wildlife conflicts. We studied initial movement ecology of elk (Cervus elaphus) fitted with GPS collars and re- introduced to the Missouri Ozarks in 2011 (n = 32), 2012 (n = 21), and 2013 (n = 31) for 6 mo post release. We assessed maximum displacement from the release site, range shifts, and range size across four sequential time frames (0–10 d, 11–31 d, 32–61 d, and 62–183 d). Compared to other elk restorations in eastern North America, site fidelity was high, with maximum distance from the release site 62–183 d post release ≤10 km for 94% of 2011 animals, 57% of 2012 animals, and 97% of 2013 animals. Elk range sizes were similar during the first 61 d post release but doubled in size 62–183 d post release to an average of 26.2 km2 (range: 4.0–218.8 km2). The average range overlap for individual elk in sequential time periods was between 23–26% across years, indicating elk used different areas over time. Release site had the greatest influence on initial movements; one site used in 2012 was associated with greater release site displacement and range sizes. Maternal cows also demonstrated higher site fidelity to the release site than nonmaternal cows. High site fidelity and small home ranges in elk recently restored to Missouri may be attributed to soft release, minimal human disturbance, quality habitat, and release groups of mature females.
The effect of surface treatment on nickel leaching from nitinol

Nitinol is widely used as a biomaterial for implantable medical devices but can be susceptible to nickel leaching. Our research was aimed at determining nickel leaching from surface treated Nitinol samples, treated as follows: mechanical polishing (untreated), oxidation, and nitriding+oxidation (5 different nitriding temperatures). Five specimens from each category were immersed in 40 mL PBS solution and incubated at 37°C over 91 days. Nickel concentration readings were taken at regular intervals. After 91 days, the average nickel concentration in the PBS solution was (a) 0.223 mg/L, SD 0.017, untreated, (b) 7.68 mg/L, SD 6.405, 1000°C nitriding+oxidation, and (c) 3.914 mg/L, SD 1.78, oxidation-only. The concentration readings had large standard deviations implying differences in surface characteristics after treatment. The increased nickel leaching from treated samples was thought to be due to atomic diffusion and exposure of the nickel-rich sublayers to PBS after oxide layer delamination. These sublayers formed after formation of thick (>1 µm) TiO2 layers during oxidation.
Compression Rates and Spatial Judgment Biases Made from Synthetic Vision Perspective Displays

In this work, the relationship between error in human spatial judgments made from perspective displays with the compression rates used to represent the judged spatial quantities was investigated. Two-dimensional perspective displays are often used to represent three-dimensional information to humans. Such displays can use different compression rates (actual distance conveyed per unit of screen distance) for identical spatial quantities. An existing data set was used, in which spatial judgments (relative distance, angle, and elevation) were made about the relative location of a terrain point shown on a simulated aircraft synthetic vision systems display. The correlations between compression rates and associated judgment error were then measured. Correlations were computed for average participant judgments as well as for each participant, from which an average correlation was computed. Significant negative correlations were found between compression rates and judgment error for all of the analyzed spatial j...
The Cryogenic Gyro

The development of inertial guidance systems depends on finding methods to eliminate all unpredictable forces from the inertial element. In the gyro field, engineering techniques have been pushed almost to the limit in the design of mechanical rotor supports that minimize friction, A promising alternative to mechanical suspension is the use of the pressures exerted by electromagnetic fields.
Spray Irrigation of Citrus Waste

Land application of wastewater is an old practice — it was used by the Greeks in Athens and was begun in the United States over 100 years ago. Hundreds of communities throughout the nation currently use one form or another of land application with varying degrees of success. The application of wastewater to the land brings into play elements of climate, air, land, irrigation and water so that understanding and analysis of its many aspects requires a multi-disciplinary approach. There are three generally accepted approaches to land application. These are:1. Irrigation2. Overland Flow3. Infiltration PercolationPaper published with permission.Compilation Copyright © 2018 ASME
Effects of Ambient Noise on Sleep in New York City

Highest Scoring Abstract: Undergraduate/Masters Background Noise can be harmful to health. One effect of noise is disrupted sleep and poorer daytime cognitive performance. New York City (NYC) adults were surveyed to examine the frequency and sources of ambient noise that cause sleep disturbance, physical (e.g., wearing earplugs) or medical (e.g., using sleep medications) measures taken to reduce noise exposure, and effect on concentration due to poor sleep. Methods The data were obtained from a 2017 automated telephone survey using a Redirected Inbound Call Sampling method. Participants were screened to be 18 years and older and live in a NYC borough. Imputation was used for missing demographic variables and missing or “prefer not to answer” responses of key noise questions. SAS was used to calculate frequencies and perform logistic regression. Results An estimated 2,650,000 NYC adults reported being disturbed from sleep by noise at least once per week. Of them, 78% were disturbed three or more nights per week. Traffic caused 53% of sleep disturbances of three or more nights per week, with sources consisting of subways (7%), buses (9%), sirens (15%), garbage trucks (11%), and other traffic (12%). 75% of New Yorkers with noise-disrupted sleep three or more nights per week reported difficulty concentrating due to poor sleep at least once per week. Regression analysis showed that significant associations of having noise-disrupted sleep at least once per week were: sleep disturbed by light (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.9–4.3, p Conclusions Noise pollution, frequently due to traffic, is common in urban environments. It has detrimental effects on sleep, leading to perceived concentration difficulty, even with attempts to reduce it. Additionally, in NYC, there are disparities in noise exposure by race/ethnicity, possibly related to inequities in the concentration of non-white residents in under-resourced neighborhoods. Although NYC has a noise code that sets decibel limits and quiet times, additional ways to reduce noise pollution are needed to complement the regulatory approach.
An adolescent with an eating disorder.

Physicians have a responsibility to balance patient confidentiality and full disclosure to the family of adolescent patients with eating disorders in order to provide optimal treatment. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Possible role of neuropeptide Y in experimental cancer anorexia.

Anorexia and the concomitant depletion of host tissue (cachexia) are commonly observed in cancer patients.1 As many as 75% of cancer patients will exhibit anorexia,2 and this was recognized as early as 1930 as a major contributor to death of cancer patients.3 These aspects of cancer present very difficult problems for both the patient and physician in that the aggressive use of various therapies is severely limited in the cachectic patient.4 In addition, the development of anorexia in cancer patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.5
A cancer specific middle-range theory of symptom self-care management: A theory synthesis

Aim This article describes the development of a middle-range theory of symptom self-care management for adults with cancer. Background Current evidence indicates that people with cancer may benefit from engagement in self-care management behaviours, one of which is symptom management. A middle-range theory that explains and guides symptom self-care management in people with cancer is lacking. Design This paper combines and expands prior work related to symptom management and self-care management to introduce a newly synthesized theory of symptom self-care management for adult people with cancer. Walker and Avant's methodological approach was used to guide this theory synthesis. Data sources PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases of peer reviewed journal articles published before 15 March 2018. Implications for nursing The newly synthesized theory conceptualizes cancer as a chronic illness with related symptoms that persist beyond the acute phase of treatment. This theory sheds the light on self-care management as an essential approach to managing cancer-related symptoms and underscores the importance of empowering and enabling people with cancer to manage their symptoms in partnership with healthcare providers. Conclusion The new theory offers a comprehensive conceptualization of symptom self-care management behaviours in adults with cancer. It clarifies potential determinants and effects of cancer-related symptoms and puts forth factors that may influence patient adherence to symptom self-care management behaviours. This new theory may influence the development of symptom management interventions across the phases of the cancer self-care continuum. Research to test the new theory is warranted.
Lighting the Way or Stealing the Shine? Assessing Star Employees' Effects on Colleague Performance

Do star employees enhance or constrain the performance of other employees in an organization? Data from 456 biotechnology firms, between 1973 and 2003, highlight the duality of star employees’ effe...
THU0678 Trend of venous thromboembolism among select rheumtologic diseases: an audit of large national us database

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is 3rd commonest cause of cardiovascular deaths and encompasses deep-venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Rheumatologic diseases have been found to be associated with an increased risk of VTE among hospitalised patients. Objectives To describe the trend of VTE among select rheumatologic diseases over 15 years. Methods We used National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for years 2000–2014 to identify adults≥18 years with select rheumatologic diseases and VTE based on ICD-9 codes. Prevalence was age-sex adjusted against US census population data. STATA was used for querying database and Joinpoint regression was used to analyse annual trends of prevalence in terms of annual percentage change (APC). Logistic regression with survey command was used to derive adjusted odds of VTE association for all years combined. Results We included a total of 461,089,203 hospitalizations among which 8,822,456 (1.91%) had VTE (table 1). An upward trend in the prevalence of VTE (APCs 2.45–4.16) (and PE subset) was noted in most of the rheumatologic disease groups (figure 1). DVT, however, had a decreasing or non-significant increasing trend among most disease groups (data for DVT and PE not shown). The adjusted odds of VTE association was highest among SLE group (aOR=2.2, CI=2.17–2.3) followed by DM/PM (aOR=2.0, CI=1.9–2.2) (table 1). Table 1 Frequency counts of rheumatologic diseases and controls; prevalence of VTE and adjusted regression analysis of VTE association Conclusions Inflammatory rheumatologic diseases seem to be associated with higher prevalence and odds of having VTE among hospitalised patients and the overall trend is rising. This might indicate some lag in following of guidelines for VTE prophylaxis. Closer look into the implications of stricter prophylaxis among rheumatologic patients is a matter of further studies. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Discrete Configuration Space Methods for Determining Modular Connector Area of Acceptance in Higher Dimensions

Physical connectors with self-aligning geometry aid in the docking process for many robotic and automatic control systems such as robotic self-reconfiguration and air-to-air refueling. This self-aligning geometry provides a wider range of acceptable error tolerance in relative pose between the two rigid objects, increasing successful docking chances. We present a new method for computing the error range (or area of acceptance) for a pair of rigid connector objects with self-aligning geometry capable of higher dimensional analysis which was previously limited to three. The method is based on the configuration space obstacle model, which gives us a representation of the space of contact states between the two objects. Using an approach direction as analogous to gravity, and assuming the target docked configuration is stable, the set of misaligned points that lead to docking is the target configuration's watershed for an arbitrarily dimensioned configuration space obstacle. It is well known that the watershed of a height map on a discrete grid can be found using any number of algorithms from image segmentation. We present an implementation based on Meyer's flooding algorithm to determine this watershed and measure the AA for simple connectors in 2D and 3D. Results are presented for systems including unconstrained motion in SE(2) and motion constrained to four dimensions (ie. x,y,z,pitch) in SE(3).
On the validity of strain energy density criterion for mixed mode I/II fracture analysis of notched shape memory alloy components

Abstract This paper investigates the fracture behavior of notched polycrystalline shape memory alloy components utilizing the strain energy density (SED) approach and considering combined tensile/shear loading for the first time. The SED approach has been widely used to explore fracture paths and the onset of fracture in notched components made of conventional ductile metals (e.g., aluminum) as well as brittle and quasi-brittle materials, but its application to shape memory alloys has heretofore not been addressed. For a notched polycrystalline shape memory alloy component subjected to thermomechanical loading, the effects of different material parameters including maximum transformation strain, Young’s modulus, and temperature on the SED distribution around notch tip and the fracture angle are explored and discussed. The validity of the theoretical formulations deployed for estimation of the transformation zones and strain fields are examined by comparing closed-form solutions with the results obtained from comparable finite element calculations. It is shown that the efficiency of the SED approach is limited as the ratio of the normalized maximum transformation strain to the normalized effective notch stress intensity factor exceeds a critical value; such conditions have not been previously reported for non-transforming metals. Finally, the effects of the notch tip radius on the fracture angle and SED distribution around the notch tip are evaluated.
Pediatric Appendicitis-Factors Associated With Surgical Approach, Complications, and Readmission.

Abstract Background Laparoscopic appendectomy is a preferred approach in children with appendicitis. Patient characteristics associated with open appendectomy are poorly characterized, although such information can help optimize the care. Material and methods To characterize the factors associated with open appendectomy, we performed a retrospective analysis using the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database, capturing 49.3% of US hospitalizations. We identified surgically managed appendicitis using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification among patients aged 18 or younger. Factors associated with open appendectomy, 30-d readmission rate, and hospitalization length were assessed using logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards regression, and Poisson regression, respectively. Results Of 46,147 children with surgically managed appendicitis, 85.2% had laparoscopic appendectomy. Low-volume hospitals (odds ratio, OR: 3.01 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.81-5.01]), rural hospitals (OR: 2.36 [95%CI: 1.63-3.40]), public insurance (OR: 1.19 [95%CI: 1.03-1.36]), lower-income neighborhood residence (OR: 1.40 [95%CI: 1.06-1.86]), younger age (OR: 5.00 [95%CI: 3.64-6.86] in Conclusions Along with clinical factors, non-clinical factors including appendicitis volume and rural/teaching status of the treating hospitals play a role in the choice of surgical approach. Awareness of the patient- and hospital-level factors associated with open appendectomy may allow for future resource distribution or improvement in access to care, resulting in population-level impact.
Implement of the information

This paper presents documents toward taking some information concentrate then intricate on for that and also main information selection techniques this professional canister manipulates currently. This paper resolve too residence concentrate on revealing the benefits and restrictions of the techniques of information selection and their importance in applying Info Systems. Information Systems is an academic study of systems with a specific reference to information and the complementary networks of hardware and software that people and organizations use to collect, filter, process, create and also distribute data. That describes this and also the technique, then techniques secondhand for analysis, their significance and the potency of many style designs. Then likewise describes in what way the procedure resolve stand performed via stipulating a selected analysis technique, then how the technique stays value applying for the achievements of the IS.
PERCUTANEOUS INTERVENTION OF THE SAPHENOUS VENOUS GRAFT ARISING FROM DESCENDING AORTA TO THE LEFT CIRCUMFLEX: A RARE, TECHNICALLY COMPLICATED BUT FEASIBLE INTERVENTION

To date, only a few cases of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) utilizing saphenous vein graft (SVG) from descending aorta to a native coronary vessel have been reported. We present a case of percutaneous intervention (PCI) involving SVG arising from descending aorta to left circumflex artery (LCx
The genomic landscape of advanced cancer

Despite recent advances in cancer treatment, metastasis and therapy resistance remain among the major causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A recent pan-cancer study provides a comprehensive molecular profile of advanced and post-therapy tumors, integrating whole-genome and transcriptomic analysis with clinical outcomes.
Abstract 2299: Sarcoma as second cancer in pediatric cancer survivors: Large population analysis

Introduction: As the prognosis of a pediatric cancer continues to improve, the burden of long term therapy effects, including subsequent malignant neoplasm (SMN), in survivors is an increasing epidemiologic concern. The mortality rate from cancer in the pediatric population decreased from 6.5 per 100,000 in 1970 to 2.3 in 2015, indicating more chance of SMNs. Sarcoma as a SMN in pediatrics has important clinical significance and has been extensively reported globally. We quantified the percentage of sarcoma as second cancer and determined the primary cancer distribution for patients with sarcoma as second cancer. Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, which includes 28% of the U.S population and data from 18 state cancer registries (SEER-18), was probed for the overall incidence of SMN in pediatric cancer survivors and the incidence of sarcoma as the SMN specifically. Results: Our SEER database analysis found that out of 75,665 cases of primary pediatric malignancies, 1218 (1.61%) developed SMN. The second most common SMN was sarcoma, accounting for 14.37% of them in pediatric population. The breakdown of sarcoma into sub groups showed that osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma are the most common second sarcomas seen in pediatric cancer survivors. Finally, we looked at the distribution of primary cancer in pediatric cancer survivors who developed sarcoma as a SMN. We found that retinoblastoma, lymphoid leukemia, and Hodgkin lymphomas were the most common types of primary cancer. Similar results were reported among different racial groups around the world, which show a universal trend of sarcomas as second cancers in pediatric cancer survivors. Conclusion: By analyzing the SEER database, we corroborated previous findings, suggesting that about 14% of SMN after a childhood cancer is encompassed by sarcoma. The exact etiology of cancer, be it primary predisposition or secondary to exposures, is uncertain. Radiation and chemotherapies used in patients with pediatric cancers can be carcinogenic. Our study highlights the need for development of novel non-DNA damaging or alternate antineoplastic therapies to avoid the long-term potential of development of SMN. Citation Format: Monish Ram Makena, Thinh H. Nguyen, Siddhartha Yavvari, Maninder Kaur, Teresia Pham, Eduardo Urias, Narendra Panapitiya, Mohamad M. Al-Rahawan. Sarcoma as second cancer in pediatric cancer survivors: Large population analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2299.
The Context-Dependent Influence of Promoter Sequence Motifs on Transcription Initiation Kinetics and Regulation

The fitness of an individual bacterial cell is highly dependent upon temporally tuning gene expression levels when subjected to different environmental cues. Kinetic regulation of transcription initiation is a key step in modulating the levels of transcribed genes to promote bacterial survival. The initiation phase encompasses the binding of RNA polymerase (RNAP) to promoter DNA and a series of coupled protein-DNA conformational changes prior to entry into processive elongation. The time required to complete the initiation phase can vary by orders of magnitude and is ultimately dictated by the DNA sequence of the promoter. In this review, we aim to provide the required background to understand how promoter sequence motifs may affect initiation kinetics during promoter recognition and binding, subsequent conformational changes which lead to DNA opening around the transcription start site, and promoter escape. By calculating the steady-state flux of RNA production as a function of these effects, we illustrate that the presence/absence of a consensus promoter motif cannot be used in isolation to make conclusions regarding promoter strength. Instead, the entire series of linked, sequence-dependent structural transitions must be considered holistically. Finally, we describe how individual transcription factors take advantage of the broad distribution of sequence-dependent basal kinetics to either increase or decrease RNA flux.
Vitamin E alpha- and gamma-tocopherol mitigate colitis, protect intestinal barrier function and modulate the gut microbiota in mice

Abstract Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) including colitis are intestinal disorders characterized by chronic inflammation, barrier dysfunction and dysbiosis. Specific forms of vitamin E have been shown to attenuate colitis, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of α-tocopherol (αT) and γ-tocopherol-rich tocopherols (γTmT) on gut inflammation, barrier integrity and microbiota in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. We observe that αT and γTmT mitigated DSS-caused fecal bleeding, diarrhea and elevation of IL-6. These vitamin E forms inhibited colitis-induced loss of the tight junction protein occludin, and attenuated colitis-caused elevation of LPS-binding protein in the plasma, a surrogate marker of intestinal barrier dysfunction, suggesting protection of gut barrier integrity. Consistently, αT and γT mitigated TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced impairment of trans-epithelial electrical resistance in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayer. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal DNA, we observe that DSS reduced gut microbial evenness and separated microbial composition from healthy controls. In colitis-induced mice, γTmT but not αT separated gut microbial composition from controls, and attenuated DSS-caused depletion of Roseburia, which contains butyrate producing bacteria and is decreased in IBD patients. Canonical correspondence analysis also supports that γTmT favorably altered gut microbial community. In contrast, neither αT nor γTmT affected gut microbes in healthy animals. These results provide evidence supporting protective effects of αT and γT on intestinal barrier function and that γTmT caused favorable changes of the gut microbiota in colitis-induced mice.
Initial endoscopic intervention is not associated with reduced risk of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in left ventricular assist device patients.

Background Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used for mechanical support of end-stage heart failure. Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) confers a significant morbidity in LVAD patients, with rates of up to 30% at 5 years. We assessed predictors of index and recurrent GIB (rGIB) in LVAD patients to risk stratify patients and evaluate if endoscopic approach and intervention at index GIB impacted rGIB. Methods A retrospective chart review of all LVAD patients at our institution from 01/01/2006 to 31/10/2016 was completed. Predictors for index and recurrent GIB were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was created using only statistically significant dependent variables and adjusted for demographic variables. Results A total of 77/214 (36%) patients developed GIB, and 38/214 (17.8%) developed rGIB. Destination therapy (P=0.01), longer duration of LVAD (P=0.03), and low albumin (<3.5 g/dL) (P<0.001) were associated with increased risk of index GIB. Charlson Comorbidity Index, heart failure etiology, and Medicare were predictors of index GIB on univariate analysis, but this was not seen on multivariate analysis. Performing an endoscopy with/without intervention, non- angioectasia lesions, and location of bleeding were not statistically significant predictors of rGIB. Longer duration of hospitalization appeared to be protective for rGIB on univariate analysis. Conclusions Index endoscopy and intervention is not associated with reduced risk of rGIB in LVAD patients. Several independent factors are associated with the risk of index GIB. Albumin is a potentially modifiable risk factor, and likely contributes to bleeding through poor nutrition. It is a surrogate marker for systemic illness, and may have pharmacologic implications.
Never Let a Good Crises Go to Waste

A problem with temporary tax study commissions is that by the time their findings are released, changes in the political environment may have rendered their suggestions worthless. Permanent standing commissions are needed. The temporary crisis of the current pandemic, an opportunity for tax reform, illustrates this point. In this article, Professor Pomp argues for the creation of a permanent state body tasked with managing tax reform. It would perform research and analysis, educate legislatures about how current law operates, initiate proposals, and draft legislation. Being permanent, such a body would be proactive enough to respond to a temporary crisis. In the absence of institutionalized tax reform, states reacting to the pandemic have embraced changes to their tax systems motivated by emotion and politics rather than reason and sound policy. These changes are implemented before they can be fully vetted. A permanent commission could subject proposed tax incentives to rigorous scrutiny and only approve policies that survive cost-benefit analysis. Such a procedure might have saved Wisconsin from the Foxconn failure. Such a body could also help to implement combined reporting by preparing draft legislation and revenue implications in state-specific contexts. Furthermore, a commission familiar with local politics could also anticipate and counter unwise movements to eliminate specific taxes before they gain traction. Pomp calls for a sales tax on food, with a credit to low-income persons, arguing that current exemptions deprive states of billions that could be directed towards addressing the root causes of poverty. Under federal law, no state sales tax can be imposed on food. But this does nothing to deal with food insecurity. The current exemption for food found in most—but not all—states, is dealing with a problem using a shot gun and not a rifle. There is much waste in using an exemption when its benefits go to those who do not need it. Such a proposal would be far more palatable to legislatures if a permanent commission were in place to provide state-specific drafts, revenue analysis, and marshal the arguments in its favor and debunk the arguments against it.
Solid-state poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofoams. Part II: Low-temperature solid-state process space using CO2 and the resulting morphologies

Abstract In this paper, solid-state poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofoams are fabricated via a low-temperature CO2 saturation process. Nanofoams with smallest cell size in 30–40 nm range and cell nucleation densities exceeding 1014 cells/cm3 are achieved. We investigated the effect of saturation temperature on the solid-state foaming of PMMA and resulting morphologies of the foams in the range of −30 °C to 40 °C. A range of equilibrium mass% of CO2 are achieved via the different saturation temperatures, from 11.4% at 40 °C to 39.3% at −30 °C. The amount of CO2 absorbed greatly influences cellular structure of PMMA foams. We identify a critical mass% CO2 window between 30.1% and 32.6%, within which cell nucleation density rapidly increases and consequently foamed microstructure changes from microcellular to nanocellular. Nanofoams with void fraction as high as 86% are created. A transition from closed nanocellular structure to bicontinuous nanoporous structure, and also novel worm-like nanostructures have been observed.
Earth Orbital Logistics Spacecraft: Performance Aspects and Vehicle Concepts

Supersonic performance of logistics spacecraft, giving special attention to return from orbit to continental U.S.
Microwave monitoring of silver nanoparticle sintering for surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates

One of the most widely used methods for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) employs silver or gold nanoparticles either in colloidal suspension or in the dry-drop form. In such substrates the SERS amplification factors depend critically on the interparticle distances. Here, we report that microwave absorption as a function of temperature in dry-drop substrates can be used as a probe to demarcate temperature regions for thermal annealing to produce SERS substrates with very high amplification factors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Creating a market for outcomes: shopping for solutions

This article suggests that interactions between development agencies and recipient governments are mostly about inputs deemed (but not known) to contribute to improvements in living standards in recipient countries, rather than outcomes. We argue that the development marketplace is beset by market imperfections because of externalities, principal–agent problems and decision-making under uncertainty, which not only makes it difficult to achieve the right outcomes, but also takes away incentives to learn about outcomes. A fundamental rethink of responsibilities and accountabilities in the development business would make sure that development outcomes are traded in the development marketplace. It would put recipient countries in charge of contracting development agencies to provide these outcomes. Development agencies would commit to, and be held financially accountable for, outcomes, that is, real improvements in welfare indicators. We describe the role of the evaluation function in aligning incentives with...
Defining reactive power in circuit transients via local Fourier coefficients

The paper introduces the notion of reactive power during circuit transients. The definition the authors propose is based on the concept of local Hilbert space. It reduces to well known quantities in steady state, and it is applicable to systems with arbitrary number of phases. They illustrate this "dynamic" reactive power on a simple example of a linear RL circuit for which closed-form expressions can be derived.
Multi-finger cursor techniques

The mouse cursor acts as a digital proxy for a finger on graphical displays. Our hands, however, have ten fingers and many degrees of freedom that we use to interact with the world. We posit that by creating graphical cursors that reflect more of the hand's physical properties, we can allow for richer and more fluid interaction. We demonstrate this idea with three new cursors that are controlled by the user's fingers using a multi-point touchpad. The first two techniques allow for simultaneous control of several properties of graphical objects, while the third technique makes several enhancements to object selection.
Mobile Phones and Privacy

Mobile phones are a rich source of personal information about individuals. Both private and public sector actors seek to collect this information. Facebook, among other companies, recently ignited a controversy by collecting contact lists from users’ mobile phones via its mobile app. A recent Congressional investigation found that law enforcement agencies sought access to wireless phone records over one million times in 2011. As these developments receive greater attention in the media, a public policy debate has started concerning the collection and use of information by private and public actors. To inform this debate and to better understand Americans’ attitudes towards privacy in data generated by or stored on mobile phones, we commissioned a nationwide, telephonic (both wireline and wireless) survey of 1,200 households focusing upon mobile privacy issues. We found that Americans overwhelmingly consider information stored on their mobile phones to be private — at least as private as information stored on their home computers. They also overwhelmingly reject several types of data collection and use drawn from current business practices. Specifically, large majorities reject the collection of contact lists stored on the phone for the purposes of tailoring social network “friend” suggestions and providing coupons, the collection of location data for tailoring ads, and the use of wireless contact information for telemarketing, even where there is a business relationship between the consumer and merchant. Respondents evinced strong support for substantial limitations on the retention of wireless phone usage data. Respondents also thought that some prior court oversight is appropriate when police seek to search a wireless phone when arresting an individual.
Human tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 induces caspase-mediated apoptosis in a human fibrosarcoma cell line

Human TFPI-2 is an extracellular matrix-associated Kunitz-type serine proteinase inhibitor. We previously demonstrated that a human fibrosarcoma cell line, HT-1080, does not express TFPI-2, but genetic restoration of TFPI-2 expression in these cells markedly inhibited their growth and metastasis in vivo. In the present study, either full-length recombinant TFPI-2, or its mutated first Kunitz-type domain (R24K KD1), were offered to HT-1080 cells, and the degree of apoptosis assessed by nuclear fragmentation, ethidium bromide and acridine orange staining, fluorescence activated cell sorting, immunoblotting and gene expression profiling. R24K KD1 induced apoptosis in 69% of HT-1080 cells in a 48 h period compared to 39% for TFPI-2, while a KD1 preparation lacking a reactive site arginine/lysine residue (R24Q KD1) produced only an 18% apoptosis rate, suggesting that the observed apoptosis was related to proteinase inhibition. Immunoblotting experiments indicated increased caspase 3 and 9 activation, up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax and suppression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. Finally, microarray analyses of R24K KD1-treated cells indicated elevated expression of several pro-apoptotic genes and under-expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Collectively, our results demonstrate that treatment of HT-1080 cells exogenously with either TFPI-2 or R24K KD1 activates caspase-mediated, pro-apoptotic signaling pathways resulting in apoptosis.
Aortography by countercurrent injection via the radial artery in infants with congenital heart disease

Aortography by countercurrent injection into the radial artery was performed for analysis of aortic arch anomalies in 12 infants with congenital heart disease. Eleven aortograms were obtained without complications, but one failed.
Air‐snow exchange investigations at Summit, Greenland: An overview

The Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 (GISP2) and Greenland Ice Core Project (GRIP) deep drilling programs at Summit, Greenland included support (both logistical and scientific) of extensive investigation of atmospheric transport and air-snow exchange processes of gases and particles relevant to the interpretation of the ice-core records. Much of the sampling for the air-snow exchange investigations was conducted at a unique solar-powered camp 30 km southwest of the GISP2 drill camp (even further from the GRIP camp) and was characterized by a high degree of international collaboration and cooperation. The wide range of expertise and analytical capabilities of the 20-plus investigators participating in these studies has provided important insight into the meteorological, physical, and chemical processes which interact to determine the composition of snow and firn at Summit. Evolving understanding of this system will allow improved reconstruction of the composition of the atmosphere over Greenland in the past from the detailed Summit ice-core records. This paper provides an overview of air-snow exchange investigations at Summit, including their development through the course of the drilling programs (1989–1993), significant findings related to both air-snow exchange issues and the present state of the Arctic free troposphere, as well as the major outstanding questions which are being addressed in ongoing experiments at Summit.
DO PEOPLE PREFER CURVED OBJECTS? ANGULARITY, EXPERTISE, AND AESTHETIC PREFERENCE

Do people prefer curved lines, shapes, and objects over angular lines, shapes, and objects? Angularity is one of the oldest variables in the psychology of aesthetics, but past research has not always controlled for potential confounds. Two experiments manipulated angularity while controlling for symmetry, prototypicality, and balance. Study 1 used arrays of circles and hexagons from the Preference for Balance Test. Study 2 used asymmetrical random polygons; each polygon was digitally rounded to create angular and curved versions. As predicted, people preferred the round circles more than the angular hexagons and the curved polygons more than the angular polygons. Both experiments explored whether individual differences in expertise in the arts moderated angularity's effect on preference. Multilevel models showed that training in the arts interacted with angularity, but the pattern of the interaction varied between the two experiments.
Micronesia's Wartime Generation: Experiences and Memories

In Micronesia, the years of World War II produced dramatic political, economic, and lifestyle shifts as Islanders experienced attacks and invasion, followed by a transition in governance. After more than three decades of colonial rule by Japan, the islands came under American control, first through military occupation administered by the U.S. Navy, then as a U.N. Trust Territory. This article examines how the impact of this historical moment—the transition in power due to military conquest—forever altered the lives of the generation that came to adulthood during the war years, and how that transition is encoded in memory.
BVOC emission from Populus × canadensis saplings in response to acute UV-A radiation.

Hybrid poplar (Populus × canadensis) saplings were subjected to acute ultraviolet-A (UV-A) irradiation (30 W m(-2) , ambient treatment, 60, 90 and 120 W m(-2) of UV-A irradiance) to determine the effects on photosynthesis and biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions in two different short-term experiments (i.e. sequential increase in UV-A irradiance and UV-A intensity-response relationships). Both intensity-response experiments showed that the UV-A ambient treatment did not affect photosynthesis and BVOC emissions. Whereas exposition at 60, 90 and 120 W m(-2) of UV-A (first experiment), increasingly inhibited photosynthesis. This increasing inhibition was also detected by decreasing trends of both photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and fluorescence yield. Isoprene emission resulted to be very sensitive to increasing UV-A irradiances. Methanol was also very sensitive to high UV-A radiation, suggesting the occurrence of strong damages of cellular structures. The second experiment, which was performed both in the middle of July and repeated towards the end of the summer, showed a temporal variations in the UV-A intensity-response relationships. In fact, there were no longer significant differences in photosynthesis, PRI and isoprene emission in response to high UV-A radiation toward the end of the summer season. The adaxial flavonoid level increased significantly over the period monitored, resulting 85% higher toward the end of the summer than during the middle of the summer. This dramatic increase in the adaxial flavonoids may have played a protective role against UV-A radiation by shielding leaves. Our findings add to the understanding of physiological processes involved in plant response to UV radiation.