cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Risk of the Hemolytic–Uremic Syndrome after Antibiotic Treatment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infections

Background Children with gastrointestinal infections caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 are at risk for the hemolytic–uremic syndrome. Whether antibiotics alter this risk is unknown. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of 71 children younger than 10 years of age who had diarrhea caused by E. coli O157:H7 to assess whether antibiotic treatment in these children affects the risk of the hemolytic–uremic syndrome and to assess the influence of confounding factors on this outcome. Estimates of relative risks were adjusted for possible confounding effects with the use of logistic-regression analysis. Results Among the 71 children, 9 (13 percent) received antibiotics and the hemolytic–uremic syndrome developed in 10 (14 percent). Five of these 10 children had received antibiotics. Factors significantly associated with the hemolytic–uremic syndrome were a higher initial white-cell count (relative risk, 1.3; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.1 to 1.5), evaluation with stool culture soon after the onset...
Dynamics of particle migration in channel flow of viscoelastic fluids

The migration of a sphere in the pressure-driven channel flow of a viscoelastic fluid is studied numerically. The effects of inertia, elasticity, shear-thinning viscosity, secondary flows and the blockage ratio are considered by conducting fully resolved direct numerical simulations over a wide range of parameters. In a Newtonian fluid in the presence of inertial effects, the particle moves away from the channel centreline. The elastic effects, however, drive the particle towards the channel centreline. The equilibrium position depends on the interplay between the elastic and inertial effects. Particle focusing at the centreline occurs in flows with strong elasticity and weak inertia. Both shear-thinning effects and secondary flows tend to move the particle away from the channel centreline. The effect is more pronounced as inertia and elasticity effects increase. A scaling analysis is used to explain these different effects. Besides the particle migration, particle-induced fluid transport and particle migration during flow start-up are also considered. Inertial effects, shear-thinning behaviour, and secondary flows are all found to enhance the effective fluid transport normal to the flow direction. Due to the oscillation in fluid velocity and strong normal stress differences that develop during flow start-up, the particle has a larger transient migration velocity, which may be potentially used to accelerate the particle focusing.
Clinical research of using Saccharomyces boulardii to prevent secondary diarrhea in hospitalized neonates

Objective To explore the effect of Saccharomyces boulardii in preventing secondary diarrhea in hospitalized neonates. Methods Hospitalized infants with no diarrhea admitted during August 1,2012 to September 30, 2012 in Hunan Children's Hospital were enrolled and randomly divided into observation group and control group. Observation group( Routine treatment plus Saccharomyces boulardii) : 202 cases with average age of 8. 06 ± 6. 90 days( 1-28 days),Male: female = 138: 64,including 75 cases of infectious disease and 127 cases of non infectious disease. Control group( Routine treatment only) : 190 cases with average age of 7. 36 ± 6. 46 days( 1-27days),Male∶female = 115∶75,including 67 cases of infectious disease and 123 cases of non infectious disease. All patients received routine stool,occult blood,rotavirus antigen and other examinations at the time of admission,as well as when diarrhea occurred. Stool culture was examined when necessary. Results The rate of secondary rotavirus enteritis in observation group and control group was 7. 43%( 15 /202) and 14. 21%( 27 /190) respectively; the difference between the two groups was statistically significant( χ2= 4. 71,P = 0. 03). The duration of diarrhea in two groups was 3. 63 ± 1. 15 days( 2-7 days) and 4. 48 ± 1. 16 days( 2-7 days) respectively, with statistically significant difference( F = 5. 545,P = 0. 023). No adverse reactions such as crying spells,rash, or secondary infection were observed. Conclusion Saccharomyces boulardii,as a probiotics,has certain effect for the prevention of secondary rotavirus gastroenteritis in hospitalized neonates,and therefore has clinical value.
Mortality and growth of cobalt-60 gamma-irradiated adult Pacific oyster,Crassotrea gigas

Effects of ionizing irradiation of γ ray on mortality and growth of one year-old Pacific oysters (Crassotrea gigas) were studied. Irradiation was conducted at 4 ℃ and without sea water, and the survival, shell length, shell width, whole wet weight and condition index of irradiated oysters were measured. A biphasic dose response effect of γ irradiation on Pacific oyster with high stimulatory response dose range to 100 Gy, and strong hormesis effects had been observed. Gamma ray induced mortality happened within 90 days after irradiation, and the relation between dosage (D) and mortality at 90 days could be described by the equation of M_90=0.0041D2-0.1816D (R2=0.9958) with an LD_50/90 of 135 Gy, indicating that the Pacific oyster has strong resistance to γ irradiation. Growth in shell length, shell width and whole wet weight of Pacific oyster were also enhanced by 60 Gy of γ ray. The condition index was also enhanced by γ irradiation in the dosage range from 40 to 100 Gy, with the maximum stimulatory response of 2.5 fold of control value at the 40 Gy dosage, suggesting that the accelerating effects of γ ray on growth of the Pacific oyster led to increase in dry meat. Results of this study showed that ionizing irradiation might be useful in the improvement of production traits in shellfish.
Quality control testing and analysis on the radiotherapy devices in Beijing

Objective To investigate the basic status of quality control of radiotherapy devices in Beijing,therefore to promote and guide the radiation protection work efficiently.Methods 24 radiotherapy devices belonged to 18 typical hospitals,including 16 medical accelerators,3 60Co teletherapy facilities,2 γ-knives and 3 afterloading brachytherapy devices,were selected as the research objects.The key performance indicators of devices were determined and tested by using the appropriate instruments such as PTW UNIDOS.National related technical criterions and radiation protection standards were also enrolled in indicators evaluation.Results The total qualified rate of 4 sorts of radiotherapy devices was 70.8% in initial testing.The original qualified rates for medical accelerator,afterloading brachytherapy device,γ-knife and 60Co teletherapy facility were 75.0%,100%,50% and 33.3% respectively.The total qualified rate of all the devices was 91.7% after being calibrated.The actual status of radiotherapy quality control was objectively reflected through investigating on the radiotherapy institutions and the performance of their equipments in Beijing.Conclusion The status of radiotherapy devices was not optimistic during the first time testing in Beijing.It was still necessary to strengthen the quality control testing for radiotherapy devices.
Specificity of Gene Expression and Insertional Mutagenesis in Transgenic Mice

Transgenic mice constitute an ideal system for determining the spatial and temporal control of gene expression in every conceivable tissue of the mammalian organism. A wide variety of gene constructs have been inserted in the mouse germ line, and the initial data compiled with this system have recently been reviewed by Gordon and Ruddle (1985) and by Palmiter and Brinster (1985). One of the most important conclusions from this initial work has been that expression of transferred genes may be directed to specific organs and tissues of the transgenic mouse, irrespective of the site of integration in the genome. In addition, a number of chimeric genes containing a 5′ flanking region of gene A and the coding sequence of gene B were found to express gene product B in the target tissue determined by gene A. Examples from our own laboratories that corroborate this fact include chimeric gene constructs composed of untranslated control regions of the mouse αA crystallin gene, mouse α2(I) collagen gene, or avian Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and the bacterial sequence that encodes chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). In each instance, the upstream sequences exerted specific spatial and temporal controls on CAT expression in the transgenic mouse. A case in point is the αA crystallin control region that was found to produce the CAT enzyme selectively in the lens of the eye (Overbeek et al., 1985).
Eyeworm infections of Oxyspirura petrowi, Skrjabin, 1929 (Spirurida: Thelaziidae), in species of quail from Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, USA

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and Scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) have been declining steadily throughout much of their historical range over the past few decades. Even the Rolling Plains of Texas, historically rich with wild quail and one of the last remaining quail strongholds, has been suffering a population decline, most notably since 2010. Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) have also been experiencing their own decline throughout their respective range, but not as significant as that of other species of quail. Eyeworms (Oxyspirura petrowi) in quail have been recognized for years but not thoroughly studied until recently. New research reveals that O. petrowi infection can cause inflammation, oedema, and cellular damage to the eye of the quail host. The objective of this research was to better understand the prevalence of the eyeworm infection in different quail species, expand on known distribution, and determine if there is a relationship between location and species infected with eyeworms. Northern bobwhite, Scaled quail and Gambel's quail were hunter-donated from one county within Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, and examined for the prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity of eyeworm infection from November 2013 to February 2014. Quail from every location were found to have individuals with a varying degree of eyeworm infection. This is the first study to document eyeworm infection in Gambel's quail and in quail in New Mexico and Arizona, and reports the highest eyeworm infection found in Northern bobwhite and Scaled quail.
Mechano-switchable, luminescent gels derived from salts of a long-chained, fatty-acid gelator

Stimulus-responsive molecular gel systems, based on metal salts of a luminescent gelator, 9,10-dioxooctadecanoic acid (DODA), are reported. These salts are structurally the simplest metallo-gelators of which we are aware that exhibit controllable mechano-responsive and luminescent properties. Aggregation is more favored by the metal salts than for DODA itself. However, gelation ability differs dramatically depending on the metal ion: whereas the salts with zinc(II) and calcium(II) are inefficient gelators, those with nickel(II) and copper(II) can gelate various aromatic liquids, alkanes, and long-chained alcohols. Unlike the DODA gels, no aggregation-induced shift in the positions of the emission spectra of the metal salts could be observed as the sols were transformed to their gel phases. Gels of both nickel(II) and copper(II) salts in benzonitrile are among the few known examples with crystalline networks and exhibiting thixotropic behavior. However, there are significant differences in their abilities to recover the initial viscoelastic properties. Structural data for the solid and gel states lead us to conclude that differences among the gelating abilities can be attributed principally to the specific nature of interactions of the salts at their head groups. They appear to control the mechanical and emissive properties of the gels as well as whether the initial aggregation of the salts in the sol phases will support the growth of 1D objects that are capable of maintaining strong contacts, leading to 3D networks and gel formation. Overall, the results provide a facile strategy for the design of luminescent materials with controllable mechano-responsiveness by modifying the metal ions within fibrillar assemblies.
Feasibility of Micro-SPECT/CT Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaques in a Transgenic Mouse Model

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)is the leading cause of disability and mortality for both men and women in the United States and other developed countries. About 80%of myocardial infarctions and strokes are due to the rupture of unstable coronary and carotid plaques that are not detected by current diagnostic methods. The identification and treatment of vulnerable plaque prior to rupture will have a significant impact on health care.
Apolipoprotein L1 Genetic Variants Are Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease but Not with Cardiovascular Disease in a Population Referred for Cardiac Catheterization

Background: While the association between APOL1 genetic variants and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been established, their association with
[83-OR]: Altered methylation in natural cytotoxicity triggering Receptor 1 (NCR1/NKp-46) gene associated with preeclampsia at delivery

Objectives Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the establishment/maintenance of normal pregnancy (NL), as well as in preeclampsia (PE). NK cells make up 5–10% of peripheral leukocytes, but comprise >70% at the uteroplacental interface. They regulate trophoblast invasion and alter the T helper 1/2 cytokine balance in NL and PE. Natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCR) are unique to the NK cell surface and lead to direct cytotoxicity as well as indirect inflammatory pathways via secreted cytokines and angiogenic factors. Acute PE has been associated with decreased expression of NCR1/NKp46 compared with NL. DNA methylation in CpGs at transcription start sites (TSS) can be inversely correlated with gene transcription. We characterized methylation patterns in the NCR1 gene in NL and PE. Methods The methylation profile of 2 CpG sites in the NCR1 gene was analyzed in leukocyte DNA in a discovery cross-sectional cohort of 14 NL + 14 PE at delivery (D) and in a longitudinal replication cohort of 17NL + 6 PE (D v. postpartum (PP)). Genomic DNA was derived from buffy coat, bisulfite modified, then run on an Illumina Methylation Assay. Mean methylation levels at each CpG site were compared using an appropriate t -test. Results One of the two CpG sites at the TSS showed significant methylation differences in PE versus NL controls at the time of D (0.53 v. 0.47; absolute difference of 6%; p p Conclusions Our results suggest that the changes in NCR1 expression and ultimately NK functionality that are associated with NL pregnancy yet altered in PE may be controlled by epigenetic mechanisms. Disclosures W.M. White: None. K. Borowski: None. B. Brost: None. N. Davies: None. C. Rose: None. Z. Sun: None. T. Weissgerber: None. V.D. Garovic: None.
Investigations into the carbonic anhydrase inhibition of COS-releasing donor core motifs.

Abstract Carbonyl sulfide (COS) releasing scaffolds are gaining popularity as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors through exploitation of the carbonic anhydrase (CA)-mediated hydrolysis of COS to H2S. The majority of compounds in this emerging class of donors undergo triggerable decomposition (often referred to as self-immolation) to release COS, and a handful of different COS-releasing structures have been reported. One benefit of this donation strategy is that numerous caged COS-containing core motifs are possible and are poised for development into self-immolative COS/H2S donors. Because the intermediate release of COS en route to H2S donation requires CA, it is important that the COS donor motifs do not inhibit CA directly. In this work, we investigate the cytotoxicity and CA inhibition properties of different caged COS donor cores, as well as caged CO2 and CS2 motifs and non-self-immolative control compounds. None of the compounds investigated exhibited significant cytotoxicity or enhanced cell proliferation at concentrations up to 100 μM in A549 cells, but we identified four core structures that function as CA inhibitors, thus providing a roadmap for the future development of self-immolative COS/H2S donor motifs.
High Spatial Resolution Imaging of Mouse Pancreatic Islets Using Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization mass spectrometry imaging (nano-DESI MSI) enables ambient imaging of biological samples with high sensitivity and minimal sample pretreatment. Recently, we developed an approach for constant-distance mode MSI using shear force microscopy to precisely control the distance between the sample and the nano-DESI probe. Herein, we demonstrate the power of this approach for robust imaging of pancreatic islets with high spatial resolution of ∼11 μm. Pancreatic islets are difficult to characterize using traditional mass spectrometry approaches due to their small size (∼100 μm) and molecular heterogeneity. Nano-DESI MSI was used to examine the spatial localization of several lipid classes including phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), sphingomyelin (SM), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylserine (PS) along with fatty acids and their metabolites (e.g., prostaglandins) in the individual islets and surrounding tissue. Several lipids were found to...
Low-fidelity scale factor improves Bayesian multi-fidelity prediction by reducing bumpiness of discrepancy function

This study explores why the use of the low-fidelity scale factor can substantially improve the accuracy of the Bayesian multi-fidelity surrogate (MFS). It is shown analytically that the Bayesian MFS framework utilizes the scale factor to reduce the waviness and variation of the discrepancy function by maximizing the Gaussian process-based likelihood function. Less wavy functions are more accurately fitted, and variation reduction mitigates the effect of fitting error. Bumpiness is another way used to combine waviness and variation. Two examples, Borehole3 and Hartmann6, illustrated that indeed the Bayesian MFS reduced bumpiness using the scale factor. The finding may be useful for MFS using surrogates lacking uncertainty structure, so that likelihood is not an option, but bumpiness may be.
Pathogenesis and Management of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a universal complication in patients with CKD and occurs early in the development of renal failure. As GFR declines, reduction in serum calcitriol levels, moderate decreases in ionized calcium, and reduced excretion of serum phosphorus contribute to the development of SHPT. Traditional approaches in the treatment of SHPT have focused on phosphorus control, through dietary phosphate restriction, calcium and non-calcium-based phosphate binders, and vitamin D sterols. In cases of severe hyperaparathy-roidism resistant to traditional therapies, parathyroidectomy was the treatment of choice. However, now with the introduction of the calcimimetic agent cinacalcet, additional medical therapy is available as an alternative to surgery. The importance of controlling PTH, serum phosphorus, and calcium goes beyond treatment of bone disease and may have a significant impact on other organ systems and ultimately cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Prospective, randomized trials to test the value of vitamin D therapies and calcimimetics in reducing cardiovascular and all-cause mortality need to be pursued.
Outpatient oral analgesics in dogs and cats beyond nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: an evidence-based approach

This article evaluates the current literature on oral analgesics and analgesic adjuncts in dogs and cats. An overview of how dosing recommendations are made covering controlled clinical trials, experimental study design, and pharmacokinetic studies is included. The weight of evidence for each drug is reviewed and compared with the gold standard, controlled clinical trials. Other evidence such as experimental studies, extrapolation of pharmacokinetic studies, and case reports/series is also considered. It important to know from what data dosing recommendations are derived and how much evidence supports the use of oral analgesics and analgesic adjuncts in dogs and cats.
Sodium cation complexation in a macrocycle containing thymines as sidearm donor groups

Previous studies of macrocycles having alkyl sidearms terminated in adenine or thymine have been focused on intermolecular association. Electrospray mass spectrometric analyses suggested that sodium complexation could be a major alternative process in the presence of the appropriate cation. Sodium cation complexation by N,N′-bis(3-(1-thyminyl)propyl)-4,13-diaza-18-crown-6 has been confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. A sodium cation is bound in the center of the macroring. The four ether oxygens and two thyminyl carbonyl donors have the shortest contacts with the two, macroring nitrogen atoms being somewhat more remote. Neither the iodide counterion nor an acetone of solvation appears to interact with the sodium cation. Crystal Data: Triclinic, \(P_{\bar 1} \) , a = 11.9371(12), b = 12.1588(13), c = 13.7885(14) A, α = 78.083(2)°, β = 83.213(2)°, γ = 78.997(2)°, and Dcalc = 1.392 g cm−3, Z = 2.
Working Closets: Mapping Queer Professional Discourses and Why Professional Communication Studies Need Queer Rhetorics:

This article examines the importance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rhetorical approaches in professional communication theory, introducing the theory of working closets as centr...
Accelerating of High Performance Data Centers Using Silicon Photonic Switch-Enabled Bandwidth Steering

We demonstrate significant performance improvements for data centers and high-performance computing systems through dynamic bandwidth steering enabled by silicon photonic switches on a physical testbed. Experimental running the GTC benchmark on the testbed showed >30% reduction in total execution time.
Artificially low mild cognitive impairment to normal reversion rate in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

Abstract Introduction We examined reasons for low mild cognitive impairment (MCI)-to-cognitively normal (CN) reversion rates in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Methods CN and MCI participants were identified as remaining stable, progressing, or reverting at 1-year of follow-up (Year 1). Application of ADNI's MCI criteria at Year 1 in addition to Alzheimer's disease biomarkers by group were examined. Results The MCI-to-CN reversion rate was 3.0%. When specific components were examined, 22.5% of stable MCI participants had normal memory performance at Year 1 and their Alzheimer's disease biomarkers were consistent with the stable CN group. At Year 1, when all MCI criteria were not met, the more subjective Clinical Dementia Rating rather than objective memory measure appeared to drive continuation of the MCI diagnosis. Discussion Results demonstrate an artificially low 1-year MCI-to-CN reversion rate in ADNI-diagnosed participants. If the Logical Memory cutoffs had been consistently applied, the reversion rate would have been at least 21.8%.
Ferroptosis: A Companion of ROS in Fighting Magnaporthe in Rice.

Invasion of plant tissues by pathogens is well known to activate localized reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell death. However, the sources of ROS production and their role in triggering cell death are enigmatic. A recent study by [ Dangol et al. (2019) ][1] shows that, in rice ( Oryza
Why Residents Quit: National Rates of and Reasons for Attrition Among Emergency Medicine Physicians in Training.

Author(s): Lu, Dave W.; Hartman, Nicholas D.; Druck, Jeffrey; Mitzman, Jennifer; Strout, Tania D. | Abstract: Introduction: Recruiting and retaining residents who will complete their emergency medicine (EM) training is vital, not only because residency positions are a limited and costly resource, but also to prevent the significant disruptions, increased workload, and low morale that may arise when a resident prematurely leaves a program. We investigated national rates of EM resident attrition and examined the reasons and factors associated with their attrition. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study we used national data from the American Medical Association National Graduate Medical Education Census for all residents who entered Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited EM programs between academic years 2006-2007 and 2015-2016. Our main outcome was the annual national rate of EM resident attrition. Secondary outcomes included the main reason for attrition as well as resident factors associated with attrition. Results: Compared to the other 10 largest specialties, EM had the lowest rate of attrition (0.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.7-0.9]), or approximately 51.6 (95% CI [44.7-58.5]) residents per year. In the attrition population, 44.2% of the residents were women, a significantly higher proportion when compared to the proportion of female EM residents overall (38.8%, p=0.011). A greater proportion of Hispanic/Latino (1.8%) residents also left their programs when compared to their White (0.9%) counterparts (pl0.001). In examining reasons for attrition as reported by the program director, female residents were significantly more likely than male residents to leave due to “health/family reasons” (21.5% vs 9.6%, p=0.019). Conclusion: While the overall rate of attrition among EM residents is low, women and some under-represented minorities in medicine had a higher than expected rate of attrition. Future studies that qualitatively investigate the factors contributing to greater attrition among female and some ethnic minority residents are necessary to inform efforts promoting inclusion and diversity within the specialty.
Basic, Advanced, and Novel Metrics to Guide Antibiotic Use Assessments

This review illustrates relevant and current antibiotic use (AU) metrics and demonstrates their differences. The authors also highlight novel, increasingly complex AU metrics proposed for use in antibiotic stewardship research. Many common antibiotic use metrics (e.g., days of therapy, length of therapy) are well defined, widely generalizable, and commonly used by antimicrobial stewardship programs. Multiple measures are required to comprehensively capture real-world AU, though utilization metrics often lack important contextual information needed to inform antibiotic stewardship strategy. Combining standard AU metrics with meaningful characterization of antibiotic prescriptions, including appropriateness of therapy or antibiotic spectrum, provides important information for developing strategy. Current antibiotic use metrics are limited by an inability to convey meaningful context. Future research should aim to define generalizable measures that illustrate improved prescribing in addition to volume of use.
Partial discharge inception and extinction studies in polymer film structures impregnated with compressed SF 6 gas

1. Good consistency has been achieved in the discharge and breakdown performance of six-inch size coils wound on a new, specially-designed winding apparatus. 2. Normal probability plots indicate a single mode of breakdowns, partly determined by the conductor edge finish and partly by chance residual particles. 3. The validity of using multiple-sample test coils has been demonstrated. 4. There has been no evidence for conditioning effects on discharge behavior in tests in air or SF 6 gas using coils constructed with precision slit aluminum. 5. Discharge inception and extinction are affected by gas pressure in short-time tests; breakdown is not.
Tactile Iconicity: Signs Rated for Use with Deaf-Blind Children

Signs selected from lists used in studies with mentally retarded and autistic children and previously rated for visual iconicity were presented tactilely to 13 blind persons. Visual and tactile ratings were found to be very similar across blind, deaf, and hearing-sighted adults, and hearing-sighted children. Findings suggest that developmental language theory can account not only for the similarity in subjects' responses, but also for the particular signs that are most likely to be perceived as iconic. Sign rankings are provided, indicating the signs that should be most salient to deaf-blind children.
Tet2 negatively regulates memory fidelity

Despite being fully differentiated, DNA methylation is dynamically regulated in post-mitotic glutamatergic neurons in the CA1 of the hippocampus through competing active DNA methylation and de-methylation, a process that regulates neuronal plasticity. Active DNA methylation after learning is necessary for long-term memory formation, and active DNA de-methylation by the TET enzymes has been implicated as a counter-regulator of that biochemical process. We demonstrate that Tet2 functions in the CA1 as a negative regulator of long-term memory, whereby its knockdown across the CA1 or haploinsufficiency in glutamatergic neurons enhances the fidelity of hippocampal-dependent spatial and associative memory. Loci of altered DNA methylation were then determined using whole genome bisulfite sequencing from glutamatergic Tet2 haploinsufficient CA1 tissue, which revealed hypermethylation in the promoters of genes known to be transcriptionally regulated after experiential learning. This study demonstrates a link between Tet2 activity at genes important for memory formation in CA1 glutamatergic neurons and memory fidelity.
Menu Analysis: Review and Evaluation

In the article Menu Analysis: Review and Evaluation by Lendal H. Kotschevar, Distinguished Professor School of Hospitality Management, Florida International University, Kotschevar’s initial statement reads: “Various methods are used to evaluate menus. Some have quite different approaches and give different information. Even those using quite similar methods vary in the information they give. The author attempts to describe the most frequently used methods and to indicate their value. A correlation calculation is made to see how well certain of these methods agree in the information they give.” There is more than one way to look at the word menu. The culinary selections decided upon by the head chef or owner of a restaurant, which ultimately define the type of restaurant is one way. The physical outline of the food, which a patron actually holds in his or her hand, is another. These descriptions are most common to the
SPINAL RANGE OF MOTION AND BACK PAIN IN FEMALE ARTISTIC GYMNASTS DURING BACK WALKOVERS AND BACK HANDSPRINGS

Background:Back pain is a common complaint among gymnasts. Gymnastics skills require large amounts of spine flexion, extension, rotation and compression. The combination of these movements in a rep...
Regulation of the neuroendocrine axis in male rats by soy-based diets is independent of age and due specifically to isoflavone action†.

Soy-based foods are consumed for their health beneficial effects, implying that the population is exposed to soy isoflavones in the diet. Herein, male rats at 21, 35, and 75 days of age were maintained either on a casein control diet, soybean meal (SBM), or control diet supplemented with daidzin and genistin (G + D) for 14 days. Feeding of SBM and G + D diets decreased testicular testosterone (T) secretion regardless of age. Altered androgen secretion was due to decreased (P < 0.05) Star and Hsd17β protein in the testes and was associated with increased (P < 0.05) Lhβ and Fshβ subunit protein expression in pituitary glands. Second, male rats were fed either a casein control diet, control diet + daidzin, control diet + genistin, or control diet + genistin + daidzin (G + D). Compared to control, feeding of all isoflavone-containing diets decreased (P < 0.05) testicular T concentrations, and more so in the G + D diet group. Interestingly, Esr1 and androgen receptor protein and pituitary Fshβ with Lhβ subunit protein were increased (P < 0.05) by feeding of genistin and G + D diets, but not the daidzin diet. However, daidzein and genistein both caused a concentration dependent inhibition (P < 0.05) of T secretion by Leydig cells in vitro with IC50 of 184 ηM and 36 ηM, respectively. Results demonstrated that altered testicular steroidogenic capacity and pituitary FSHβ and LHβ subunit expression due to soy-based diets result from specific actions by genistein and daidzein. Experiments to assess effects of isoflavone regulation of intratesticular androgen concentrations on male fertility are warranted.Graphical Abstract
4-Hydroxy-7-oxo-5-heptenoic acid lactone can induce mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal pigmented epithelial cells.

Abstract Oxidation of docosahexaenoate (DHA)-containing phospholipids in the cell plasma membrane leads to release of the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde 4-hydroxy-7-oxo-5-heptenoic acid (HOHA) lactone which is capable of inducing retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction. Previously, HOHA lactone was shown to induce apoptosis and angiogenesis, and to activate the alternative complement pathway. RPE cells metabolize HOHA lactone through enzymatic conjugation with glutathione (GSH). Competing with this process is the adduction of HOHA lactone to protein lysyl residues generating 2-(ω-carboxyethyl)pyrrole (CEP) derivatives that have pathological relevance to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We now find that HOHA lactone induces mitochondrial dysfunction. It decreases ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potentials, enzymatic activities of mitochondrial complexes, depletes GSH and induces oxidative stress in RPE cells. The present study confirmed that pyridoxamine and other primary amines, which have been shown to scavenge γ-ketoaldehydes formed by carbohydrate or lipid peroxidation, are ineffective for scavenging the α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. Histidyl hydrazide (HH), that has both hydrazide and imidazole nucleophile functionalities, is an effective scavenger of HOHA lactone and it protects ARPE-19 cells against HOHA lactone-induced cytotoxicity. The HH α-amino group is not essential for this electrophile trapping activity. The Nα-acyl L-histidyl hydrazide derivatives with 2- to 7-carbon acyl groups with increasing lipophilicities are capable of maintaining the effectiveness of HH in protecting ARPE-19 cells against HOHA lactone toxicity, which potentially has therapeutic utility for treatment of age related eye diseases.
Charlie and Joyce at the intersection of science and art.

One evening over sushi in late 2014, Doris Tsao and I came up with the idea of inviting Charlie Gross and Joyce Carol Oates to come to Caltech to have a public conversation about science and art (Fig. 1). The idea was received enthusiastically by our colleagues, which led to the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering and the Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences through the James Michelin Distinguished Visitors program sponsoring “At the Intersection of Art and Sciences: a conversation with Joyce Carol Oates and Charles Gross” which played to a packed house of more than 300 at Caltech on April 29, 2015. Here is one image grabbed from the video made of their conversation. Charlie and Joyce are discussing how the amnesic subject, HM, whom she learned about from Charlie, inspired her to write A Man Without A Shadow. Her novel is about a neuropsychologist who is studying HM and falls in love with him even though he cannot remember her! Their fascinating conversation can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyRuSTjQmVg.
The Freedom of Information Act and the Federal Trade Commission: A Study in Malfeasance

This comment examines information disclosure policies and practices of the Federal Trade Commission both as they were applied to a specific investigation and as they are applied generally to members of the public. The discussion will focus on the Freedom of Information Act, first outlining the legislative and executive pronouncements discerning the Act’s purpose, and then analyzing the actual implementation of the Act by the Commission.
Influence of neutron irradiation on Al-6061 alloy produced via ultrasonic additive manufacturing

Abstract Samples of aluminum alloy 6061 produced via ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) were irradiated in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) up to 17.3 dpa at ~70°C while in contact with water using perforated rabbit capsules. The irradiation campaign included as-received (AR) material, specimens subjected to various post-weld heat treatments (PWHTs, including hot isostatic pressing [HIP]), and reference (wrought) alloy samples. Mechanical tensile tests, accompanied by digital image correlation (DIC) analysis, fractography, and metallography, were performed as a part of the post-irradiation evaluation. The X- and Y-specimens (i.e., oriented in the sonotrode moving and vibration directions, respectively) showed pronounced radiation hardening and ductility decrease. Specific serration flow behavior and propagation of deformation bands were observed under various material conditions up to 3.5 dpa but disappeared at 17.3 dpa. In all cases, the fracture mechanism of X- and Y-specimens was ductile; ductile dimples dominated the fracture surface. Irradiated X- and Y-specimens showed good performance, regardless of material conditions (AR or PWHT). The performance of Z-specimens oriented in the build direction was strongly dependent on the PWHT. The AR and aged specimens showed fracture stress decrease with dose, and they experienced fracture under irradiation after 3.5 dpa; specimen cross section analysis revealed specific interface degradation that was likely related to corrosion. Recrystallization significantly improved in-reactor performance. HIP suppressed interface degradation due to recrystallization and pore removal, which led to good in-reactor performance for Z-specimens.
Bias in Self-reported Prepregnancy Weight Across Maternal and Clinical Characteristics

Prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are known determinants of maternal and child health; calculating both requires an accurate measure of prepregnancy weight. We compared self-reported prepregnancy weight to measured weights to assess reporting bias by maternal and clinical characteristics. We conducted a retrospective cohort study among pregnant women using electronic health records (EHR) data from Kaiser Permanente Northwest, a non-profit integrated health care system in Oregon and southwest Washington State. We identified women age ≥ 18 years who were pregnant between 2000 and 2010 with self-reported prepregnancy weight, ≥ 2 measured weights between ≤ 365-days-prior-to and ≤ 42-days-after conception, and measured height in their EHR. We compared absolute and relative difference between self-reported weight and two “gold-standards”: (1) weight measured closest to conception, and (2) usual weight (mean of weights measured 6-months-prior-to and ≤ 42-days-after conception). Generalized-estimating equations were used to assess predictors of misreport controlling for covariates, which were obtained from the EHR or linkage to birth certificate. Among the 16,227 included pregnancies, close agreement (± 1 kg or ≤ 2%) between self-reported and closest-measured weight was 44% and 59%, respectively. Overall, self-reported weight averaged 1.3 kg (SD 3.8) less than measured weight. Underreporting was higher among women with elevated BMI category, late prenatal care entry, and pregnancy outcome other than live/stillbirth (p < .05). Using self-reported weight, BMI was correctly classified for 91% of pregnancies, but ranged from 70 to 98% among those with underweight or obesity, respectively. Results were similar using usual weight as gold standard. Accurate measure of prepregnancy weight is essential for clinical guidance and surveillance efforts that monitor maternal health and evaluate public-health programs. Identification of characteristics associated with misreport of self-reported weight can inform understanding of bias when assessing the influence of prepregnancy BMI or GWG on health outcomes.
The Eichler mass formula

In Part II of this text, we investigated arithmetic and algebraic properties of quaternion orders and ideals. Now in Part III, continuing this investigation we turn to the use of analytic methods. In this first introductory chapter, we restrict to a special case and consider zeta functions of quaternion orders over the rationals; as an application, we obtain a formula for the mass of the class set of a definite quaternion order.
Borrower private information covenants and loan contract monitoring

Abstract We identify covenants in commercial loan contracts that require public borrowers to periodically disclose two types of accounting-related private information to lenders: projected financial statements for future periods and monthly historical financial statements. We hypothesize and provide evidence that: (1) loan contracts include these covenants in settings where they enhance lenders’ loan contract monitoring; (2) the covenants are positively associated with the frequency of loan contract amendments; and (3) lenders trade on the borrower private information they receive in secondary loan markets. We further show that the two types of covenants have predictably different determinants and effects.
Deactivation of iron-based catalysts for slurry phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Deactivation rates and aged catalyst properties have been investigated as a function of time on stream for iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalysts in the presence/absence of potassium, and/or silicon. There is a synergism in activity maintenance with the addition of both potassium and silicon to an iron catalyst. The addition of silicon appears to stabilize the surface area of the catalyst. Catalysts containing only iron or added silicon with or without potassium consist mainly of iron oxide at the end of the run. However, iron carbides are the dominant phase of the iron catalyst with added potassium alone. Catalyst surface areas increase slightly during synthesis. The bulk phase of the catalyst does not correlate to the catalyst activity. The partial pressure of water in the reactor is lower for potassium-containing catalysts and is not a reliable predictor of catalyst deactivation rate.
Approximate Model Checking of PCTL Involving Unbounded Path Properties

We study the problem of applying statistical methods for approximate model checking of probabilistic systems against properties encoded as PCTL formulas. Such approximate methods have been proposed primarily to deal with state-space explosion that makes the exact model checking by numerical methods practically infeasible for large systems. However, the existing statistical methods either consider a restricted subset of PCTL , specifically, the subset that can only express bounded until properties; or rely on user-specified finite bound on the sample path length. We propose a new method that does not have such restrictions and can be effectively used to reason about unbounded until properties. We approximate probabilistic characteristics of an unbounded until property by that of a bounded until property for a suitably chosen value of the bound. In essence, our method is a two-phase process: (a) the first phase is concerned with identifying the bound k 0 ; (b) the second phase computes the probability of satisfying the k 0 -bounded until property as an estimate for the probability of satisfying the corresponding unbounded until property. In both phases, it is sufficient to verify bounded until properties which can be effectively done using existing statistical techniques. We prove the correctness of our technique and present its prototype implementations. We empirically show the practical applicability of our method by considering different case studies including a simple infinite-state model, and large finite-state models such as IPv4 zeroconf protocol and dining philosopher protocol modeled as Discrete Time Markov chains.
Serum levels of a placental protein during gestation in the baboon

A placental specific protein (Sp-1) isolated from human placentas was used to establish a radioimmunoassay for measurement of a baboon protein in the sera of pregnant baboons. No reaction was observed with any known pituitary or placental hormone in this assay system. Levels of Sp-1 were detected at 17 to 18 days of gestation and reached high levels by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. A slow increase in serum levels continued thereafter until parturition. Disappearance of Sp-1 post partum was very slow and required 26 to 34 days to become undetectable in the serum. No function or role of Sp-1 in pregnancy has been suggested, but possible use of its measurement for detecting abnormal placental function deserves investigation.
Analysis of Cache Invalidation Patterns in Shared-Memory Multiprocessors

To make shared-memory multiprocessors scalable, researchers are now exploring cache coherence protocols that do not rely on broadcast, but instead send invalidation messages to individual caches that contain stale data. The feasibility of such directory-based protocols is highly sensitive to the cache invalidation patterns that parallel programs exhibit. In this paper, we analyze the cache invalidation patterns caused by several parallel applications and investigate the effect of these patterns on a directory-based protocol. Our results are based on multiprocessor traces with 4, 8 and 16 processors. To gain insight into what the invalidation patterns would look like beyond 16 processors, we propose a classification scheme for data objects found in parallel applications and link the invalidation traffic patterns observed in the traces back to these high-level objects. Our results show that synchronization objects have very different invalidation patterns from those of other data objects. We point out situations where restructuring the application seems appropriate to reduce the invalidation traffic, and others where hardware support is more appropriate. Our results also show that it should be possible to scale “well-written” parallel programs to a large number of processors without an explosion in invalidation traffic.
Statistical Properties of Mobile-to-Mobile Code Alignment in CDMA Communications

This study derives the density function of the code clock offset between two mobile stations in a cellular IS-95 CDMA system. Each mobile station is assumed to be synchronized with the cell's base station clock to within the tolerance specified by the IS-95 CDMA standard. The analysis presented is useful when considering direct mobile-to-mobile communication without intervention by the base station. Simulation results are presented that validate the theoretical results.
Effect of Irrigation with Contaminated Water by Cloth Detergent on Seed Germination Traits and Early Growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

One of the sources for irrigation is sewage. Contaminated water may affect seed germination and plant growth. A laboratory experiment and a pot experiment were conducted in 2012 to determine the effect of different doses of detergent on seed germination traits and early growth of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.). The experiments included eight doses of cloth detergent (0, 0.00002, 0.0002, 0.002, 0.02, 0.2, 2, 20 g/L). Results showed that 20 and 2 g/L of detergent severely reduced seed germination, plant height, leaf number per plant, total biomass and stem weight. 20 g/L of detergent reduced shoot length, root length, seedling weight and seed vigor. Seed germination stage was more sensitive to contaminated water than early growth stage. The results demonstrated that irrigating sunflower by contaminated water with household cleaning products at high concentration should be avoided.