cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Precession electron diffraction for SiC grain boundary characterization in unirradiated TRISO fuel

Abstract Precession electron diffraction (PED), a transmission electron microscopy-based technique, has been evaluated for the suitability for evaluating grain boundary character in the SiC layer of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel. This work reports the effect of transmission electron microscope (TEM) lamella thickness on the quality of data and establishes a baseline comparison to SiC grain boundary characteristics, in an unirradiated TRISO particle, determined previously using a conventional electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) scanning electron microscope (SEM)-based technique. In general, it was determined that the lamella thickness produced using the standard focused ion beam (FIB) fabrication process (∼80 nm), is sufficient to provide reliable PED measurements, although thicker lamellae (∼120 nm) were found to produce higher quality orientation data. Also, analysis of SiC grain boundary character from the TEM-based PED data showed a much lower fraction of low-angle grain boundaries compared to SEM-based EBSD data from the SiC layer of a TRISO-coated particle made using the same fabrication parameters and a SiC layer deposited at a slightly lower temperature from a surrogate TRISO particle. However, the fractions of high-angle and coincident site lattice (CSL)-related grain boundaries determined by PED are similar to those found using SEM-based EBSD. Since the grain size of the SiC layer of TRSIO fuel can be as small as 250 nm (Kirchhofer et al., 2013), depending on the fabrication parameters, and since grain boundary fission product precipitates in irradiated TRISO fuel can be nano-sized, the TEM-based PED orientation data collection method is preferred to determine an accurate representation of the relative fractions of low-angle, high-angle, and CSL-related grain boundaries. It was concluded that although the resolution of the PED data is better by more than an order of magnitude, data acquisition times may be significantly longer or the number of areas analyzed needs to be significantly greater than the SEM-based method to obtain a statistically relevant distribution. Also, grain size could be accurately determined but significantly larger analysis areas would be required than those used in this study.
Marketing Conflicts and MNC’s

The marketing practices of multinational corporations in less developed countries (LDC's) have been attacked by many groups; most of these groups are located in the developed countries. These attacks are frequently warranted to some extent and have led to changes in the marketing policies of the corporations.
Assessing the Quality of Online Peer Feedback in L2 Writing

This chapter reports on an instrument that was developed to formatively assess the quality of feedback that second language students give to one another in an online, anonymous, asynchronous learning environment. The Online Peer Feedback (OPF) Assessment was originally developed for a peer online writing center in Japan where student peer advisors jointly compose feedback for a client-writer. The OPF Assessment is composed of two rubrics: (1) a rubric that evaluates the initial feedback drafted by a peer advisor, and (2) a rubric that assesses the contribution that individual peer advisors make to the interactive process of constructing the final feedback for their client-writer. The chapter describes the assessment and discusses its potential uses in a variety of contexts as a formative tool to improve the quality of peer feedback and, ultimately, the writing proficiency of both givers and receivers of the feedback.
Reversal of intramyocellular lipid accumulation by lipophagy and a p62-mediated pathway

We have previously observed the reversal of lipid droplet deposition in skeletal muscle of morbidly obese patients following bariatric surgery. We now investigated whether activation of autophagy is the mechanism underlying this observation. For this purpose, we incubated rat L6 myocytes over a period of 6 days with long-chain fatty acids (an equimolar, 1.0 mM, mixture of oleate and palmitate in the incubation medium). At day 6, the autophagic inhibitor (bafilomycin A1, 200 nM) and the autophagic activator (rapamycin, 1 μM) were added separately or in combination for 48 h. Intracellular triglyceride (TG) accumulation was visualized and quantified colorimetrically. Protein markers of autophagic flux (LC3 and p62) and cell death (caspase-3 cleavage) were measured by immunoblotting. Inhibition of autophagy by bafilomycin increased TG accumulation and also increased lipid-mediated cell death. Conversely, activation of autophagy by rapamycin reduced both intracellular lipid accumulation and cell death. Unexpectedly, treatment with both drugs added simultaneously resulted in decreased lipid accumulation. In this treatment group, immunoblotting revealed p62 degradation (autophagic flux), immunofluorescence revealed the colocalization of p62 with lipid droplets, and co-immunoprecipitation confirmed the interaction of p62 with ADRP (adipose differentiation-related protein), a lipid droplet membrane protein. Thus the association of p62 with lipid droplet turnover suggests a novel pathway for the breakdown of lipid droplets in muscle cells. In addition, treatment with rapamycin and bafilomycin together also suggested the export of TG into the extracellular space. We conclude that lipophagy promotes the clearance of lipids from myocytes and switches to an alternative, p62-mediated, lysosomal-independent pathway in the context of chronic lipid overload (*P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, ****P<0.0001).
Locally Operated Cooperative Key Sharing (LOCKS)

Malicious actors are increasingly using TLS to evade deep packet inspection (DPI). In response, vendors and enterprises have turned to man-in-the-middle (MITM) proxies to enable security monitoring of encrypted traffic. This approach not only breaks the end-to-end authentication component of TLS but requires clients to trust a root certificate that allows the proxy to masquerade as any domain. This paper presents Locally Operated Cooperative Key Sharing (LOCKS), a novel system that enables local clients to share their TLS session keys with the enterprise security monitoring system, facilitating DPI without subverting authentication. We tested the performance and impact of our new approach to enterprise communications security. Specifically, we conducted tests on browser latency, user experience, and packet loss at the network security monitors. Latency change was statistically indistinguishable from normal network variation. While the workload of decrypting TLS added overhead to our security monitors, the impact was within manageable limits. Additionally, we deployed LOCKS in a real-world environment and performed initial alpha testing. A user study demonstrated no negative impact on usability.
Restructuring the Electric Enterprise

A model and simulation of the “Electric Enterprise” (taken in the broadest possible sense) have been developed. The model uses autonomous, adaptive agents to represent both the possible industrial components, and the corporate entities that own these components. An open access transmission application and real-time pricing has been implemented. Objectives are: 1) To develop a high-fidelity scenario-free modeling and optimization tool to use for gaining strategic insight into the operation of the deregulated power industry; 2) to show how networks of communicating and cooperating intelligent software agents can be used to adaptively manage complex distributed systems; 3) to investigate how collections of agents (agencies) can be used to buy and sell electricity and participate in the electronic marketplace; and ultimately to create self-optimizing and self-healing capabilities for the electric power grid and the interconnected critical infrastructures.
All-soft, battery-free, and wireless chemical sensing platform based on liquid metal for liquid- and gas-phase VOC detection

Lightweight, flexible, stretchable, and wireless sensing platforms have gained significant attention for personal healthcare and environmental monitoring applications. This paper introduces an all-soft (flexible and stretchable), battery-free, and wireless chemical microsystem using gallium-based liquid metal (eutectic gallium-indium alloy, EGaIn) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), fabricated using an advanced liquid metal thin-line patterning technique based on soft lithography. Considering its flexible, stretchable, and lightweight characteristics, the proposed sensing platform is well suited for wearable sensing applications either on the skin or on clothing. Using the microfluidic sensing platform, detection of liquid-phase and gas-phase volatile organic compounds (VOC) is demonstrated using the same design, which gives an opportunity to have the sensor operate under different working conditions and environments. In the case of liquid-phase chemical sensing, the wireless sensing performance and microfluidic capacitance tunability for different dielectric liquids are evaluated using analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches. In the case of gas-phase chemical sensing, PDMS is used both as a substrate and a sensing material. The gas sensing performance is evaluated and compared to a silicon-based, solid-state gas sensor with a PDMS sensing film.
An application of finite element model updating for damage assessment of a two-story reinforced concrete building and comparison with lidar:

This article investigates the performance of finite element model updating to identify the induced damage in a two-story reinforced concrete masonry-infilled building using vibration data as well a...
Mechanistic Studies on Tryptophan Lyase (NosL): Identification of Cyanide as a Reaction Product

Tryptophan lyase (NosL) catalyzes the formation of 3-methylindole-2-carboxylic acid and 3-methylindole from l-tryptophan. In this paper, we provide evidence supporting a formate radical intermediate and demonstrate that cyanide is a byproduct of the NosL-catalyzed reaction with l-tryptophan. These experiments require a major revision of the NosL mechanism and uncover an unanticipated connection between NosL and HydG, the radical SAM enzyme that forms cyanide and carbon monoxide from tyrosine during the biosynthesis of the metallo-cluster of the [Fe-Fe] hydrogenase.
Late presentation of glycogen storage disease types Ia and III in children with short stature and hepatomegaly.

Background Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are a collection of disorders related to glycogen synthesis or degradation that classically present in infancy with hypoglycemia, failure to thrive and hepatomegaly; however, their phenotype can vary significantly. Case presentation We present the cases of two children, 5 years old and 3.5 years old, who were referred to endocrinology for short stature. They were ultimately found to have hepatomegaly, fasting hypoglycemia, mild elevation of transaminases and ketosis. Laboratory and genetic studies were consistent with double heterozygosity for GSDs Ia and III, with one novel mutation discovered in each patient. Nightly, both children were treated with cornstarch, which resulted in resolution of laboratory abnormalities and improvement in their growth velocity. These cases are unusual in that GSD was diagnosed relatively late in life in patients with no previous history of severe hypoglycemia. Conclusions They highlight the importance of considering glycogen storage disease in a child presenting with short stature, as it is a treatable disease that can be diagnosed non-invasively with genetic testing.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is the pain that occurs on the anterior part of the tibia due to repetitive activity-related trauma to the tissues surrounding the tibia bone. Biomechanical irregularities such as overpronation of the foot may also cause shin splints. The pain from shin splints can be generalized across the lower two-thirds of the tibia; in contrast, pain from a stress fracture is localized to the injury. Diagnosis can be made from a detailed history and physical, and in instances where history and physical is inconclusive, an x-ray can be obtained to rule out stress fracture. The most common treatment for shin splits is rest and ice, with a gradual return to activities when the pain subsides.
Chapter 72 Total Factor Productivity Growth in Agriculture: The Role of Technological Capital

In this chapter we compute measures of total factor productivity (TFP) growth for developing countries and then contrast TFP growth with technological capital indexes. In developing these indexes, we incorporate schooling capital to yield two new indexes: Invention-Innovation Capital and Technology Mastery. We find that TFP performance is strongly related to technological capital and that technological capital is required for TFP and cost reduction growth. Investments in technological capital require long-term (20- to 40-year) investments, which are typically made by governments and aid agencies and are the only viable escape route from mass poverty. JEL classifications: Q16, Q18, Q11, O13, O47
INTERACTION ANALYSIS IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO THE PREDICTION OF NEGOTIATED OUTCOMES.

Communication interaction has been ignored or treated as an extraneous variable in most bargaining research. The basic assumption underlying this study is that communication interaction is the esse...
Secretin activates visceral brain regions in the rat including areas abnormal in autism.

1. The aim of this study was to determine whether central networks are involved in the presumptive behavioral and autonomic regulatory actions of secretin, a gut hormone that has been reported to have ameliorative effects in autistic children.
Grafting on Solid Surfaces: “Grafting to” and “Grafting from” Methods

The grafting of polymer brushes to a solid surface provides a versatile tool for surface modification and functionalization. End-functionalized polymer chains may be grafted to the solid substrate (grafting to) or the grafting reaction can proceed by polymerization from the surface (grafting from). In both cases a thin polymer brush layer on the solid surface is formed, which determines the surface properties. The use of mixed brush layers is described, which provide switching and adaptive surface properties. A combination of surface roughness with mixed brushes can provide switchable ultra-hydrophobic surfaces.
Cerebrovascular risks with rapid blood pressure lowering in the absence of hypertensive emergency.

Abstract Study objective In the Emergency Department (ED) setting, clinicians commonly treat severely elevated blood pressure (BP) despite the absence of evidence supporting this practice. We sought to determine if this rapid reduction of severely elevated BP in the ED has negative cerebrovascular effects. Methods This was a prospective quasi-experimental study occurring in an academic emergency department. The study was inclusive of patients with a systolic BP (SBP) > 180 mm Hg for whom the treating clinicians ordered intensive BP lowering with intravenous or short-acting oral agents. We excluded patients with clinical evidence of hypertensive emergency. We assessed cerebrovascular effects with measurements of middle cerebral artery flow velocities and any clinical neurological deterioration. Results There were 39 patients, predominantly African American (90%) and male (67%) and with a mean age of 50 years. The mean pre-treatment SBP was 210 ± 26 mm Hg. The mean change in SBP was −38 mm Hg (95% CI −49 to −27) mm Hg. The average change in cerebral mean flow velocity was −5 (95% CI −7 to −2) cm/s, representing a −9% (95% CI −14% to −4%) change. Two patients (5.1%, 95% CI 0.52–16.9%) had an adverse neurological event. Conclusion While this small cohort did not find an overall substantial change in cerebral blood flow, it demonstrated adverse cerebrovascular effects from rapid BP reduction in the emergency setting.
Feasibility of using consumer-grade unmanned aerial vehicles to estimate leaf area index in Mangrove forest

As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become more popular, many studies investigate vegetation based on commercial UAV data. Although compared to satellite data, commercial UAV data can have flexible ...
E-142 Mechanical thrombectomy for basilar artery acute ischemic strokes

Background and purpose Neurointerventionists have been recently enthusiastic in performing endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic strokes of their posterior circulation(PC). Prompt repermeabilization of the PC has been linked to an increased survival rate. We aim to study the prominence, the safety and the clinical influence of PC-MT. Methods Patient medical charts were retrospectively reviewed between 2010–2017. Data on intra-venous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA) administration, National Institute Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; range, 0 to 42) at admission, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores(ASPECTS), per-procedural complications, mortality, and clinical functional status evaluated with the modified Rankin Scale(mRS0–6) at latest follow-up, was gathered. The primary outcomes were: (1) safety of PC-MT, (2) functional independence on latest follow-up (mRS score Results Of 234 patients, 22 (average age 60 years, 41% female) had a MT performed for their PC stroke and constituted our population. All our patients, except one, had a basilar artery stroke. One patient had a vertebral artery stroke. 2/22 (9%) patients had a history of atrial fibrillation and 4/22 (18%) received IV-rtPA. The average NIHSS at admission was 19(SD=8.2), the average DWI-ASPECTS score was 5.4, the average CT-ASPECTS score was 7.3. 2/22 (9%) patients had tandem embolus, and 3/22 (13.6%) patients had reocclusion after endovascular therapy. The average time from onset of symptoms to procedure was 12 hours (SD=8.8). 11/22 (50%) patients had a delayed MT beyond 8 hours from onset of symptoms. 10/22 (45.5%) patients performed their MT with just Second Generation Stent-Retrievers(SGSR), 2/22 (9%) patients received therapy with large-bore aspiration catheters, 10/22 (45.5%) patients received a salvage thrombus aspiration after failed first-line stent-retrievers thrombectomy. 10/22 (45.5%) patients had a first-pass successful vessel recanalization mTICI >2. The average time of revascularization was 61.6 min (SD=31.50). 20/22 (91%) had a mTICI >2 b. The average patient follow-up was 95 days (SD=105 days). The average mRS on latest follow-up was 2.2. None of our patients died at latest follow-up. 63% had a decreased mRS score reflecting an amelioration of their functional status on latest follow-up. Conclusions We advocate for the usage of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with PC strokes. PC-MT should be performed safely beyond 8 hours from onset of symptoms. MT would reduce long-term morbi-mortality and stroke related disability in patients with PC strokes. Disclosures E. Atallah: None. K. Hafazallah: None. N. Chalouhi: None. S. Tjoumakaris: None. N. Herial: None. M. Gooch: None. R. Rosenwasser: None. H. Zarzour: None. P. Jabbour: None.
Design and Implementation of an Optimized 100 kW Stationary Wireless Charging System for EV Battery Recharging

This paper presents the design, analyses and implementation of an optimized single stage high power wireless charging system capable of transferring 100 kW at an operating frequency of 22 kHz and a coil-to-coil distance of 5 inches. The detailed design and implementation of the power electronics including the high frequency inverter and rectifier and wireless power transfer coils along with the resonant stage are described. FEA simulation results of the coils and the resonant network analysis are validated by using a Venable frequency response analyzer. Experimental results corresponding to 50 kW operation are presented to validate the design process.
Association Between the Thickness, Width, Initial Curvature, and Graft Origin of Costal Cartilage and Its Warping Characteristics.

This study compares the degree of warping in costal cartilage specimens having different thicknesses, widths, initial curvatures, and origin relative to the central cross-section.
Rapid microsphere-assisted peptide screening (MAPS) of promiscuous MHCII-binding peptides in Zika virus envelope protein

Despite promising developments in computational tools, peptide-class II MHC (MHCII) binding predictors continue to lag behind their peptide-class I MHC counterparts. Consequently, peptide-MHCII binding is often evaluated experimentally using competitive binding assays, which tend to sacrifice throughput for quantitative binding detail. Here, we developed a high-throughput semiquantitative peptide-MHCII screening strategy termed microsphere-assisted peptide screening (MAPS) that aims to balance the accuracy of competitive binding assays with the throughput of computational tools. Using MAPS, we screened a peptide library from Zika virus envelope (E) protein for binding to four common MHCII alleles (DR1, DR4, DR7, DR15). Interestingly, MAPS revealed a significant overlap between peptides that promiscuously bind multiple MHCII alleles and antibody neutralization sites. This overlap was also observed for rotavirus outer capsid glycoprotein VP7, suggesting a deeper relationship between B cell and CD4+ T cell specificity which can facilitate the design of broadly protective vaccines to Zika and other viruses.
Survival models and health sequences.

Survival studies often generate not only a survival time for each patient but also a sequence of health measurements at annual or semi-annual check-ups while the patient remains alive. Such a sequence of random length accompanied by a survival time is called a survival process. Robust health is ordinarily associated with longer survival, so the two parts of a survival process cannot be assumed independent. This paper is concerned with a general technique—reverse alignment—for constructing statistical models for survival processes, here termed revival models. A revival model is a regression model in the sense that it incorporates covariate and treatment effects into both the distribution of survival times and the joint distribution of health outcomes. The revival model also determines a conditional survival distribution given the observed history, which describes how the subsequent survival distribution is determined by the observed progression of health outcomes.
Implementation of a Charge-Sensitive Amplifier without a Feedback Resistor for Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry Reduces Noise and Enables Detection of Individual Ions Carrying a Single Charge

Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) depends on the measurement of the charge induced on a cylinder by individual ions by means of a charge-sensitive amplifier. Electrical noise limits the accuracy of the charge measurement and the smallest charge that can be detected. Thermal noise in the feedback resistor is a major source of electrical noise. We describe the implementation of a charge-sensitive amplifier without a feedback resistor. The design has significantly reduced 1/f noise facilitating the detection of high m/z ions and substantially reducing the measurement time required to achieve almost perfect charge accuracy. With the new design we have been able to detect individual ions carrying a single charge. This is an important milestone in the development of CDMS.
Abstract I07: Multimodal evolutionary dynamics of pancreatic cancer

The pancreatic cancer genome has been well annotated through multiple large-scale efforts. However, the extent to which specific genes correspond to specific subtypes of PDA or to specific patterns of failure remains a work in progress. Transcriptional subtypes of PDA have also emerged as an important variable for this disease, with classical-type and basal-like profiles now recognized as potential extremes of a range of phenotypes. We integrated evolutionary analysis and expression profiling in multiregion sampled metastatic pancreatic cancers, finding that squamous features are the histologic correlate of an RNA-seq defined basal-like subtype. In patients with coexisting basal/squamous and classical/glandular morphology, phylogenetic studies revealed that squamous morphology represented a subclonal population in an otherwise classical/glandular tumor. Cancers with squamous features were notable for MYC amplification. We also identify entosis, a unique form of cell competition in which one cancer cell engulfs another, as a predominant feature of squamous morphology in PDAC. Entosis is associated with profound intercellular heterogeneity for MYC copy number, suggesting a mechanistic link between MYC amplification, cell competition and the microenvironment in squamous features. These data provide a unifying paradigm for integrating basal-type expression profiles, squamous histology, and genomic alterations in the context of clonal evolution of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Christine Iacobuzio-Donahue. Multimodal evolutionary dynamics of pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2019 Sept 6-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(24 Suppl):Abstract nr I07.
Effects of single-dose protons or oxygen ions on function and structure of the cardiovascular system in male Long Evans rats

Abstract Purpose Studies are required to determine whether exposures to radiation encountered during manned missions in deep space may have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Most of the prior studies on effects of simulated space radiation on the heart and vasculature have been performed in mouse models. To provide data from a second animal species, two studies were performed to assess effects of high-energy charged particle radiation on the heart and abdominal aorta in a rat model. Materials and methods In study A, male Long Evans rats were exposed to whole-body protons (250 MeV, 0.5 Gy) or oxygen ions (16O, 600 MeV/n, 0.5 Gy), and ultrasonography was used to measure in vivo cardiac function and blood flow parameters at 3, 5, 9 and 12 months after radiation, followed by tissue collection at 12 months. In study B, male Long Evans rats were exposed to 16O (1 GeV/n, 0.01-0.25 Gy), and hearts collected at 6 to 7 and 12 months for histology and western-blots. Results Both protons (250 MeV) and 16O (600 MeV/n) caused a decrease in left ventricular posterior wall thickness at 3-5 months, but did not change echocardiographic measures of cardiac function. In Pulsed-wave Doppler assessment of the abdominal aorta, an increase was seen in mean velocity, peak velocity, and velocity time integral at 12 months after 16O (600 MeV/n), suggesting a change in vascular function. There were no significant changes in histopathology or histological quantification of total collagens in heart or aorta. On the other hand, an increase was seen in a 75 kDa peptide of collagen type III in the left ventricle of rats exposed to protons (250 MeV) and 16O (600 MeV/n and 1 GeV/n), suggesting that radiation caused remodeling of existing collagens in the heart. 16O (600 MeV/n and 1 GeV/n) caused increases in left ventricular protein levels of immune cell markers CD2, CD4, CD8, and CD68. Conclusion A single low dose of whole body protons or 16O in male Long Evans rats did not change cardiac function or induce gross pathological changes in the heart or aorta, but induced mild changes in vascular function and remodeling of existing collagens in the heart. Altogether, studies in prior mouse models and the current work in rats indicate minor changes in cardiac function and structure after a low dose of single-ion radiation.
Transphobic Femicide: An Intersectional Perspective

As the visibility of the transgender population increases, so has the anti-trans violence, especially against transgender women. This chapter applies an intersectional perspective as a means of understanding the factors that contribute to the overrepresentation of Black transgender women as femicide victims. Viewing victimization through an intersectional lens provides insights into how overlapping categories of identity impact the lives of transgender women. The analysis reveals that the existence of the different axes of domination and oppression, consisting of racism, sexism, classism, and cissexism, interlock at multiple and shifting levels, and simultaneously contribute to the disproportionate number of femicide victims among Black transgender women. This approach highlights the important role the individual identities of race, gender, class, and gender identity play to increase the vulnerability of Black transgender women to femicide. This chapter is one of the few attempts to examine transgender femicide in the United States from an intersectional perspective.
Estrogenicity of agricultural runoff: A rainfall simulation study of worst-case scenarios using fresh layer and roaster litter, and farrowing swine manure

Abstract Scientists have correlated land application of animal wastes as fertilizer with the feminization of fish. Two questions were asked. 1) Under a worst case scenario when animal waste (layer and roaster litter, or farrowing swine slurry) is applied and tilled in 24 h prior to a surface-runoff producing rainfall, will estrogenic equivalents exceed the Lowest Observable Effect Concentration (LOEC) for fish (10 ng/L)? 2) Can calcium concentrations in runoff, measured using a rapid meter-based method, be used as a sentinel of elevated estrogenic activity? In a 3-yr study wastes were surface-applied and incorporated and 24 h later, 1.5 by 3 m plots were subjected to simulated rainfall and again 1 wk. and 3 wk. later. Nutrients in runoff were also measured, and in year 1 total coliforms and E. coli. were assessed. Except for an initial preliminary test run, runoff from all plots and years never exceeded 10 ng/L E2Eq equivalent. Calcium concentrations in runoff were not related to estrogenicity, negating its use as a sentinel marker. Specific estrogens in animal waste and runoff were identified by mass spectrometry with concentrations in runoff dependant on manure source and timing of rainfall. As expected, total coliform and E. coli concentrations in runoff were increased by the application of layer litter. Concentrations of nutrients in runoff would not be expected to result in surface water concentrations higher than guidelines for protection of aquatic species. Animal wastes applied in quantities appropriate for crop nutrient requirements, tilled into the soil surface, in observance of regulations avoiding application within 24 h of a predicted rain event, should not result in estrogen levels of environmental concern.
Relationship of perceived environmental characteristics to self-efficacy and leisure time physical activity among Asian immigrants in the U.S.

Background: Given the high prevalence of physical inactivity among Asian immigrants and its potential negative effects on health, more attention should be paid to identifying factors that might affect their participation in leisure time physician activity (LTPA). This study examined how perceived environmental characteristics are related to self-efficacy and LTPA among Asian immigrants in the United States. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from an on-line survey administered through Qualtrics, a web-based survey software company. In the data analysis, 512 Asian immigrants were included. As independent variables, we assessed perceived environmental characteristics with regard to the perceived accessibility of LTPA-related sites and neighborhood quality. As mediating and outcome variables, we measured self-efficacy and LTPA, respectively. Using AMOS version 22, a path analysis was conducted to measure model fit. Results: The perceived accessibility of the LTPA-related sites (b = 0.10, P = 0.04) and self-efficacy(b = 0.26, P = 0.001) were positively related to LTPA. Perceived neighborhood quality (b = 0.11,P = 0.012 was positively associated with self-efficacy, yet not directly associated with LTPA. Self-efficacy mediated the relationship between the perceived accessibility of LTPA-related sites and LTPA (estimate=0.036, 95% CI=0.015–0.067, P = 0.003). Conclusion: This study suggests that perceiving easy access to LTPA-related sites and living in quality neighborhoods can encourage people to participate in LTPA more often by increasing their self-efficacy toward LTPA. These findings highlight a need for public infrastructural investments to improve accessibility to LTPA-related resources and neighborhood quality, which can potentially increase self-efficacy and promote LTPA among Asian immigrants.
Arsenic in groundwater in the United States: research highlights since 2000, current concerns and next steps

Abstract Significant advances in arsenic (As) research have been made in the United States over the past 20 years to identify As sources, examine biogeochemical processes, develop tools to measure As, apply statistical models to predict drivers of As in groundwater, and document the influence of human activities on As mobilization. These contributions expanded our knowledge of the critical controls on As in groundwater and allowed for development of improved technology for water treatment and As detection. Research has also produced large datasets that are now available to the public, allowing for greater access to scientific data. Despite these advances, many concerns remain, especially for people in rural areas who drink domestic well water in regions known or predicted to be of high risk for As. From a public health perspective, promoting domestic well testing and methods of protective action is critical for decreasing exposure to As. Next steps for research could include collecting data in un-sampled areas for improving predictive models and promoting effective communication and education about well-water quality.
Planet of the Insurers: How Insurers Shape and Influence Law and Impact Access to Justice

Applying a New Legal Realist framework, this chapter uses the insurance field as a pathway for exploring how insurance institutions shape law in formal and informal settings. Consistent with new institutional organizational sociology studies that highlight how organizations influence the meaning of compliance, I show how the insurance field, largely through a lens anchored around risk, filters and mediates what law means through a risk-based logic. I begin by explaining how insurance exerts a regulatory force over its subjects and acts as a form of governance beyond the state. Next, I show how the presence of liability insurance often shapes how civil lawsuits are structured. I then pivot to the criminal justice system where risk assessment and actuarial techniques increasingly are used to categorize criminals with varying degrees of dangerousness. I then show how risk management now permeates and influences how many judges operate in various problem-solving courts. Finally, I reveal the processes and mechanisms through which insurer risk management techniques influence how organizations understand law and compliance. I conclude this chapter by noting that the insurance field’s shaping of law in formal and informal settings can have both positive and negative impacts for achieving access to justice.
Differential insecticidal properties of Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus isolates against corn-strain and rice-strain fall armyworm, and genomic analysis of three isolates.

Abstract The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a destructive crop pest native to North, Central, and South America that recently has spread to Africa and Asia. Isolates of Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV) have the potential to be developed as low-risk biopesticides for management of fall armyworm, and a commercially available formulation has been developed for control of fall armyworm in North and South America. In this study, the virulence (LC50 and LT50) of several SfMNPV isolates towards larvae of both corn-strain and rice-strain fall armyworm was assessed. Bioassays with corn-strain larvae revealed that the isolates could be organized into fast-killing (LT50 68 h post-infection) groups. Rice-strain larvae exhibited narrower ranges of susceptibility to baculovirus infection and of survival times in bioassays with different isolates. Two SfMNPV isolates with rapid speeds of kill (SfMNPV-459 from Colombia and SfMNPV-1197 from Georgia, USA) along with an isolate that killed corn-strain at relatively low concentrations (SfMNPV-281 from Georgia) were selected for the complete determination of their genome sequences. The SfMNPV-1197 genome sequence shared high sequence identity with genomes of a Nicaraguan isolate, while SfMNPV-281 formed a separate clade with a USA and a Brazilian isolate in phylogenetic trees. The SfMNPV-459 sequence was more divergent with the lowest genome sequence identities in pairwise alignments with other sequenced SfMNPV genomes, and was not grouped reliably with either the 1197 clade or the 281 clade. SfMNPV-459 contained homologs of two ORFs that were unique to another Colombian isolate, but these isolates were not placed in the same clade in phylogenetic trees. This study identifies isolates with superior properties for control of fall armyworm and adds to our knowledge of the genetics of SfMNPV.
Experimental and analytical investigation of fluid drag losses in rolling element bearings

Abstract A Four Bearing Test Rig was designed and developed to measure frictional torque of oil lubricated rolling element bearings under various operating conditions. Deep groove ball bearings and radial needle roller bearings were tested for a range of speeds and lubricants. In this investigation, the portion of frictional torque caused by fluid drag losses was determined by analyzing the difference between a fully flooded (submerged) and a minimally lubricated bearing. Ansys Fluent computational fluid dynamics software was used to corroborate and model the different bearing geometries and operating conditions evaluated in the test rig. Drag force of bearing components was calculated from the CFD simulations and compared to the experimental results. The results demonstrate that they are in good agreement. Frictional torque due to fluid drag was further compared to an empirical friction model available in open literature. The CFD model provides a physics-based estimate of fluid drag which corroborates well with the experimental results, while the open literature empirical model tends to over-predict frictional torque from fluid drag. Experimental and analytical results from this investigation suggest that bearing cage design has a small impact on overall fluid drag losses, while substantial improvements can be made by optimizing lubrication conditions and bearing type. The presented CFD model provides an efficient approach to asses fluid drag losses for various bearing geometries and operating conditions.
Local relaminarization mechanism induced by a dynamic free-slip boundary

Wall-attached dynamic free-slip surfaces effectively shift the near-wall transverse vorticity field and associated turbulent shearing motions away, creating a locally relaminarized zone in the near-wall region of the turbulent boundary layer.
Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist inhibits arthrofibrosis in a post-traumatic knee immobilization model.

Abstract Background Therapies for arthrofibrosis after knee surgery are needed to prevent loss of joint function. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonists (IL-1RA) have shown promise in treating established arthrofibrosis in pilot clinical studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of intra-articular injection of IL-1RA to prevent knee joint contracture in a post-traumatic knee immobilization model. Methods 20 male Sprague Dawley rats were block randomized into two groups: control and IL-1RA. Rats underwent intra-articular surgical trauma of the right knee with placement of an immobilization suture, securing the knees in 150° flexion. On post-operative days 1 and 8, each group received a 0.1 ml intra-articular injection of either saline (control) or anakinra (IL-1RA:single dosage; 2.63 mg/kg). Rats were euthanized fourteen days after surgery and the immobilization femorotibial angles were measured on the operative limbs with the suture and musculature intact. Subsequently, musculature was removed and femorotibial angles were measured in the operative and non-operative limbs with a defined extension moment applied with the posterior capsule intact or cut. A contracture angle was calculated as the angular difference between the operative and non-operative limb. Results The immobilization knee flexion angle did not differ (P = 0.761) between groups (control: 152 ± 9; IL-1RA: 150 ± 11). The joint contracture angles (smaller angle = improved outcome) were reduced by 12 degrees on average in the IL-1RA group compared to the control for both the capsule intact (P = 0.024) and cut (P = 0.019) states. Conclusions Intra-articular IL-1RA injection was found to diminish knee extension deficits associated with arthrofibrosis in a post-traumatic joint immobilization model.
Perturbations of Vascularization and Circulation Due to Osteosynthetic Methods

It is axiomatic to say that an adequate blood supply is necessary for initiation of the healing response (Trueta, 1963). The fracture in itself will alter blood flow and flow will be changed if treated by osteosynthetic methods. The surgeon treating fractures finds tibial fractures the most worrisome for two reasons: the tibia is so commonly a site of infection following trauma (Kelly et al., 1990) and it is a frequent site of compartment syndrome (Blick, 1986). Fixation of fractures leads to changes in bone structure. This has been principly emphasized in the tibia and in response to plate fixation. It has been postulated that this change in bone mass is secondary to alterations of fracture stability by various forms of fixation. Stated more clearly, changes in stability lead to decreased formation of bone and to increased resorption of existing bone, perhaps by decreasing the feedback mechanism of strain related potentials that may control bone remodeling, or alternatively, it may decrease transcapillary fluid flow to osteoblasts which contain necessary substrates for cell nutrition (Kelly and Bronk, 1990). Studies have shown that plates interfere with cortical remodeling (Akeson et al., 1976; Jacobs et al., 1981; Uhtoff et al., 1983). Effects of fixation on fracture healing have been recently reviewed (O’Sullivan et al., 1989). While there have been studies on the effects of intramedullary fixation on diaphyseal bone circulation (Dankwardt, 1969), no studies have systematically examined the effect of the three common forms of fracture fixation, external fixation (EF), intramedullary rod (IMR), and plate (PL), on bone remodeling and blood flow in a single study.
What are the Qualities of an Outstanding Surgical Mentor

Mentoring qualities are both innate and learned. Character, integrity and professionalism are inherent in outstanding surgical mentors. Humanism complements cognitive proficiency and technical expertise. Creative strategies are needed to integrate surgical mentoring into today’s challenging medical environment. Students and residents perceive a mentor differently. Surgical residents must be trained to become mentors.
Reduction of selenate to selenide by sulfate-respiring bacteria: experiments with cell suspensions and estuarine sediments.

Abstract Washed cell suspensions of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans subsp. aestuarii were capable of reducing nanomolar levels of selenate to selenide as well as sulfate to sulfide. Reduction of these species was inhibited by 1 mM selenate or tungstate. The addition of 1 mM sulfate decreased the reduction of selenate and enhanced the reduction of sulfate. Increasing concentrations of sulfate inhibited rates of selenate reduction but enhanced sulfate reduction rates. Cell suspensions kept in 1 mM selenate were incapable of reducing either selenate or sulfate when the selenate/sulfate ratio was ≥0.02, indicating that irreversible inhibition occurs at high selenate concentrations. Anoxic estuarine sediments having an active flora of sulfate-respiring bacteria were capable of a small amount of selenate reduction when ambient sulfate concentrations were low (<4 mM). These results indicate that sulfate is an inhibitor of the reduction of trace quantities of selenate. Therefore, direct reduction of traces of selenate to selenide by sulfate-respiring bacteria in natural environments is constrained by the ambient concentration of sulfate ions. The significance of this observation with regard to the role sediments play in sequestering selenium is discussed.
Where are you

The ability of robots to quickly and accurately localize their neighbors is extremely important in swarm robotics. Prior approaches generally rely either on global information provided by GPS, beacons, and landmarks, or complex local information provided by vision systems. In this paper we provide a new technique, based on trilateration. This system is fully distributed, inexpensive, scalable, and robust. In addition, the system provides a unified framework that merges localization with information exchange between robots. The usefulness of this framework is illustrated on a number of applications.
Meta-analysis: the association of oesophageal adenocarcinoma with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 1222–1227 Abstract Background Endoscopic screening has been proposed for patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the hope of reducing mortality from oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Assessing the net benefits of such a strategy requires a precise understanding of the cancer risk in the screened population. Aim To estimate precisely the association between symptoms of GERD and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies with strict ascertainment of exposure and outcomes. Results Five eligible studies were identified. At least weekly symptoms of GERD increased the odds of oesophageal adenocarcinoma fivefold (odds ratio = 4.92; 95% confidence interval = 3.90, 6.22), and daily symptoms increased the odds sevenfold (random effects summary odds ratio = 7.40, 95% confidence interval = 4.94, 11.1), each compared with individuals without symptoms or less frequent symptoms. Duration of symptoms was also associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma, but with very heterogeneous results, and unclear thresholds. Conclusions Frequent GERD symptoms are strongly associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma. These results should be useful in developing epidemiological models of the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, and in models of interventions aimed at reducing mortality from this cancer.
Abstract 15922: Role of Polo-Like Kinase-1 in Intimal Hyperplasia in Saphenous Vein Graft: Potential Implication in Vein-Graft Disease

Coronary revascularization by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the choice of procedure in patients with multi-vessel or left main coronary artery disease. Concerns have been raised on the long term result of CABG using saphenous vein graft (SVG) as its patency significantly declines following surgery, compared to internal mammary artery (IMA), which is almost immune to restenosis. Proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is the key event in the pathogenesis of intimal hyperplasia leading to SVG failure. PDGF-BB is a major growth factor released at the site of pulsatile stretch- and shear stress-induced graft injury. Here, we examined, for the first time, the expression of PLK1 and its phosphorylation/activation in isolated human bypass graft conduits. Human SV and IMA vessels were freshly collected, SMCs isolated and cultured up to 5th passage. In cultured SMCs, effect of PDGF-BB was examined on total and phosphorylated PLK1 (pPLK1) by Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was measured usi...
Mass spectrometrists should search only for peptides they care about

A Commentary proposes that in order to improve statistical power in mass spectrometry–based proteomics data analysis, irrelevant peptides should be removed from the database prior to searching.
Communing with Magpies

Professor Dipesh Chakrabarty (University of Chicago) reflects on his life and career as a historian.