cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Machiavellian Politics, Modern Management and the Rise of Donald Trump

Machiavelli replaces the distinction between the few and the many with a division on the basis of the two humors: the desire not to be ruled and the desire to rule. In teaching princes how to rule those with the princely humor and satisfy those of the popular humor, Machiavelli introduces the notion of managing and management. Since Machiavelli’s time, the direction of princely acquisition toward market activities has increased the range of activities that require “management,” making management a universal phenomenon. The management theories of Frederick Winslow Taylor and Peter Drucker show that, in becoming a universal phenomenon of business enterprise, management has changed character decisively. In place of one people satisfied by the prince, the popular humor is diffused and fragmented throughout many corporations and industries. The “populism” of Donald Trump and similar politicians can be located in response to this popular fragmentation.
Phenology of California Grasslands

By comparison with many other plant com-munities, the annual grasslands of California are considered phenologically simple and relatively uniform. Both within and among different grasslands, the relationship between climate and plant growth and development follows a repeated pattern: The herbaceous vegetation (of the San Joaquin Experimental Range) is almost entirely annual plants, most of which germinate after the first rains in the fall, grow slowly during winter, then grow rapidly in spring. The annual plants mature and die when soil water becomes depleted, usually in April or May (Woodmansee and Duncan 1980). The seasonal growth pattern (at the Hopland Field Station) proceeds from germination, usually in November, through a short period of moderate growth, then a longer winter period when growth is slow, and finally ends with about a month of fast growth in April and May (Heady 1958). In California annual grasslands, flowering and seed set occur during spring when soil water conditions change rapidly due to increased plant growth, high evapotranspiration, and infrequent rainfall… (Ewing and Menke 1983b). (Plants of the annual grasslands) begin to germinate in the fall with the first rains exceeding about 15 mm, grow slowly through the winter, grow rapidly in the spring, and mature between late April and June (Heady 1977).
Incorporating user behavior information in IR evaluation

Many evaluation measures in Information Retrieval (IR) can be viewed as simple user models. Meanwhile, search logs provide us with information about how real users search. This paper describes our attempts to reconcile click log information with user-centric IR measures, bringing the measures into agreement with the logs. Studying the discount curve of NDCG and RBP leads us to extend them, incorporating the probability of click in their discount curves. We measure accuracy of user models by calculating ‘session likelihood’. This leads us to propose a new IR evaluation measure, Expected Browsing Utility (EBU), based on a more sophisticated user model. EBU has better session likelihood than existing measures, therefore we argue it is a better user-centric IR measure.
Techniques for MR Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Outside the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), most techniques for myocardial perfusion imaging rely on the direct detection of injected tracers. Examples are tracers that emit γ-rays for single photon emission tomography or tracers that scatter ultrasound waves, such as injected gas-filled bubbles. With MRI, blood-borne contrast agents can be used to assess myocardial perfusion. The presence of the contrast agent in tissue is detected through the effects of the contrast agent on the signal from 1H nuclei.
Photoluminescence enhancement in porous silicon layers

Porous silicon samples were prepared on diamond scratched n-type and p-type silicon substrates with various resistivities. Photoluminescence studies performed on these porous silicon layers indicated an enhancement of photoluminescence intensity as well as red-shifting for diamond scratched samples compared to unscratched samples. © 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers
A First Glimpse of Nucleation of Phase Transitions in Living Cells.

Prion formation and propagation involve the nucleation and growth of protein-based supramolecular assemblies. In this issue of Molecular Cell, Khan et al. (2018) report novel methods that enable quantitative, high-throughput analyses of nucleation of supramolecular assemblies by prion-forming proteins in living cells. Their approaches turn living cells into veritable test tubes for biophysical investigations.
Betriebsführung und Arbeitsmoral

Die Theorien, mit denen wir uns im letzten Kapitel beschaftigt haben, versagten bei der Behandlung der kooperativen Probleme, mit denen sich ein Unternehmungsleiter intuitiv auseinandersetzen mus. Das gilt aber nicht fur alle Ergebnisse sozialwissenschaftlicher Forschung. Einige Theorien wurden in praktischen Zusammenhangen entwickelt, die denen des Geschaftslebens vergleichbar sind.
Exome Sequencing of Fresh-frozen or Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded B6C3F1/N Mouse Hepatocellular Carcinomas Arising Either Spontaneously or due to Chronic Chemical Exposure:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide; however, the mutational properties of HCC-associated carcinogens remain largely uncharacterized. We hypothesized that mechanisms underlying chemical-induced HCC can be characterized by evaluating the mutational spectra of these tumors. To test this hypothesis, we performed exome sequencing of B6C3F1/N HCCs that arose either spontaneously in vehicle controls ( n = 3) or due to chronic exposure to gingko biloba extract (GBE; n = 4) or methyleugenol (MEG; n = 3). Most archived tumor samples are available as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks, rather than fresh-frozen (FF) samples; hence, exome sequencing from paired FF and FFPE samples was compared. FF and FFPE samples showed 63% to 70% mutation concordance. Multiple known (e.g., Ctnnb1T41A, BrafV637E) and novel (e.g., Erbb4C559S, Card10A700V, and Klf11P358L) mutations in cancer-related genes were identified. The overall mutational burden was greater for MEG than for GBE or spontaneous HCC samples. To characterize the mutagenic mechanisms, we analyzed the mutational spectra in the HCCs according to their trinucleotide motifs. The MEG tumors clustered closest to Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer signatures 4 and 24, which are, respectively, associated with benzo(a)pyrene- and aflatoxin-induced HCCs in humans. These results establish a novel approach for classifying liver carcinogens and understanding the mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinogenesis.
Conclusions, Conjectures, and Future Studies

Botanical, zoological, and geological evidence (volcanoes and the presence of boleite crystals) have convinced us that the Voynich Codex is a sixteenth century Mexican manuscript. Despite partial success in deciphering some nouns and Nahuatl cognates, the bulk of the manuscript remains undeciphered, suggesting that other Mesoamerican languages or a mixed synthetic language might be involved. The illustrator and author of the codex are conjectured to be Juan Gerson and Gaspar de Torres based on the name of the former and the ligated initials of the latter embedded in the first botanical illustration. Iconographic evidence demonstrates that the Voynich Codex fits the genre of work by Nahua-trained authors and artists in the sixteenth century. Evidence to the contrary was not convincing, including alternative plant identifications, the medieval clothing of the Sagittarius archer in the zodiac, swallowtail merlons in the monastery fortress at Huejotzingo, and interpretations of astronomical circles. We conclude that the Voynich Codex is an encyclopedic work, which was in large part a medicinal herbal that was expanded to include religious (ritual bathing, kabbalah), astrological (zodiac), and cosmological (astronomical observations) features. It remains an important historical document of sixteenth century Mesoamerica that was unfiltered by Spanish or Inquisitorial censors.
Uremic Toxins Activates Na/K-ATPase Oxidant Amplification Loop Causing Phenotypic Changes in Adipocytes in In Vitro Models.

Background: Oxidant stress plays a key role in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Experimental CKD leads to accumulation of uremic toxins (UT) in the circulation resulting in increased ROS production, which in turn, is known to activate the Na/K-ATPase/ROS amplification loop. Studies in a murine model of obesity have shown that increased oxidative stress in plasma is due to increased ROS and cytokine production from dysfunctional adipocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that adipocytes exposed to UTs will activate the Na/K-ATPase oxidant amplification loop causing redox imbalance and phenotypic alterations in adipocytes. We also aimed to demonstrate that the Na/K-ATPase signaling antagonist, pNaKtide, attenuates these pathophysiological consequences. Methods: In the first set of experiments, 3T3-L1 murine pre-adipocytes were treated with varying concentrations of UTs, indoxyl sulfate (IS) (50, 100 and 250 µM) and p-cresol (50, 100 and 200 µM), with or without pNaKtide (0.7 µM) for five days in adipogenic media, followed by Oil Red O staining to study adipogenesis. RT-PCR analysis was performed to study expression of adipogenic, apoptotic and inflammatory markers, while DHE staining evaluated the superoxide levels in UT treated cells. In a second set of experiments, visceral fat was obtained from the West Virginian population. MSCs were isolated and cultured in adipogenic media for 14 days, which was treated with indoxyl sulfate (0, 25, 50 and 100 µM) with or without pNaKtide (1 µM). MSC-derived adipocytes were evaluated for morphological and molecular analysis of the above markers. Results: Our results demonstrated that 3T3-L1 cells and MSCs-derived adipocytes, treated with UTs, exhibited a significant decrease in adipogenesis and apoptosis through activation of the Na/K-ATPase/ROS amplification loop. The treatment with pNaKtide in 3T3-L1 cells and MSC-derived adipocytes negated the effects of UTs and restored cellular redox in adipocytes. We noted a varying effect of pNaKtide, in adipocytes treated with UTs, on inflammatory markers, adipogenic marker and superoxide levels in 3T3-L1 cells and MSC-derived adipocytes. Conclusions: This study demonstrates for the first time that the Na/K-ATPase/ROS amplification loop activated by elevated levels of UTs has varying effect on phenotypic alterations in adipocytes in various in vitro models. Thus, we propose that, if proven in humans, inhibition of Na/K-ATPase amplification of oxidant stress in CKD patients may ultimately be a novel way to combat adipocyte dysfunction and metabolic imbalance in these patients.
God and the illegal alien: United States immigration law and a theology of politics

In God and the Illegal Alien, Robert W. Heimburger identifies and addresses two gaps in existing scholarship on undocumented immigration. He argues persuasively that what is needed is a fuller hist...
Directed Evolution of a Cytochrome P450 Carbene Transferase for Selective Functionalization of Cyclic Compounds.

Transfers of carbene moieties to heterocycles or cyclic alkenes to obtain C(sp2)–H alkylation or cyclopropane products are valuable transformations for synthesis of pharmacophores and chemical buil...
Physical Activity, Sitting Time, and Risk of Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and Other Myeloid Malignancies.

Introduction: There is limited research on associations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sitting with risk of myeloid neoplasms (MN) or MN subtypes. We examined these associations in the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort. Methods: Among 109,030 cancer-free participants (mean age 69.2, SD 6.1 years) in 1999, 409 were identified as having been diagnosed with a MN (n=155 acute myeloid leukemia [AML], n=154 myelodysplastic syndromes [MDS], n=100 other ML) through June 2013. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of MVPA (MET-hours/week) and sitting (hours/day) with risk of all MN, myeloid leukemia only, MDS, and AML. Results: Compared to insufficient MVPA (>0-<7.5 metabolic equivalent [MET]-hours/week), the HR (95% CI) for meeting physical activity guidelines (7.5-<15 MET-hours/week MVPA) and risk of MN was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.56-0.98) and for doubling guidelines (15-<22.5 MET-hours/week) was 0.75 (0.53-1.07); however, there was no statistically significant association for higher MVPA (22.5+ MET-hours/week, HR=0.93, 0.73-1.20). Similarly, meeting/doubling guidelines was associated with lower risk of MDS (HR=0.57, 0.35-0.92/HR=0.51, 0.27-0.98), but there was no association for 22.5+ MET-hours/week (HR=0.93, 0.63-1.37). MVPA was not associated with risk of myeloid leukemia or AML. Sitting time was not associated with risk of any outcome. Conclusion: These results suggest that there may be a nonlinear association between MVPA and risk of MDS and possibly other MN. Impact: Further studies are needed to better understand the dose-response relationships between MVPA and risk of MDS, a highly fatal and understudied cancer.
Effects of Hardwood Biochar on Soil Acidity, Nutrient Dynamics, and Sweet Corn Productivity

ABSTRACTInterest is rising in amending agricultural soils with carbon-rich materials such as charcoal to improve soil fertility. The objectives of this field study were to evaluate sugar maple hard...
L.M. Montgomery and the Matter of Nature(s)

Jane of Lantern Hill (1937) was one of L.M. Montgomery’s last novels, but it is far and away my favorite. When Jane Stewart and her father first glimpse Lantern Hill, a little house on the north sh...
Long-term Institutional Experience with Telemedicine Services for Radiation Oncology: A Potential Model for Long-term Utilization.

Abstract Purpose With the development of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, health care practices and radiation oncology departments have begun to incorporate telemedicine services to practice social distancing and minimize the chances of disease spread. Given the severity of this pandemic, it will likely fundamentally affect the use of these services for years to come. Our institution and radiation oncology department have used telemedicine services for many years; we would like to report on our departmental experience to guide other radiation oncology practices on its long-term use for clinical evaluation and patient care. Methods and Materials Our institution’s telemedicine program provides clinical services for a number of remote locations and represents the largest telehealth network in the world, with over 300 sites and 60,000 patient encounters a year. Results Specifically for our radiation oncology department, over 200 patient encounters occur via telemedicine a year. Patients report great appreciation and satisfaction with these encounters, as they eliminate the time and energy needed for travel from long distances. It has resulted in improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness as well. Conclusions Based on our institutional experience, our long-term vision for telemedicine (after COVID-19 pandemic has hopefully subsided) is as an excellent and cost-efficient tool to provide long-term follow-up for patients, especially for those who live far away in rural or underserved areas.
The Examination of Diffusion Effects on Modern Contraceptive Use in Nigeria

This study uses data gathered for an evaluation of a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation–funded initiative designed to increase modern contraceptive use in select urban areas of Nigeria. When the initiative was conceived, the hope was that any positive momentum in the cities would diffuse to surrounding areas. Using a variety of statistical methods, we study three aspects of diffusion and their effects on modern contraceptive use: spread through mass communications, social learning, and social influence. Using a dynamic causal model, we find strong evidence of social multiplier effects through social learning. The results for social influence and spread through mass communications are promising, but we are unable to identify definitive causal impacts.
Impacts of genesurance considerations on genetic counselors' practice and attitudes

Genesurance counseling has been identified as an integral part of many genetic counseling sessions, but little is known about the workflow impacts and genetic counselor perceptions of genesurance-related tasks. In this study, we aimed to characterize how insurance and billing considerations for genetic testing are being incorporated into genetic counselors' practice in the United States, as well as describe current attitudes and challenges associated with their integration. An electronic survey was sent by email to members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC). A total of 325 American Board of Genetic Counselors-certified genetic counselors who provide direct patient care in the United States for at least 50% of their time were included in data analysis. Results showed that the frequency and timing of various insurance- and billing-related tasks were not consistent among respondents, even those practicing in similar settings. Inadequate training to complete tasks was reported by 64% of respondents, and 47% reported a lack of resources from their employer and/or institution to complete genesurance tasks. Additionally, only 38% of respondents agreed that insurance- and billing-related tasks were within the scope of the genetic counseling practice, and there was little consensus on who respondents believe is the most appropriate person to complete these tasks. When asked how genesurance considerations affected job satisfaction, 85% of respondents reported a negative impact. This study found an inconsistent genesurance workflow among genetic counselors practicing in the United States, a lack of consensus on who should be responsible for genesurance tasks, several challenges associated with completing these tasks, and identifies genesurance considerations as potential risk factors for genetic counselor burnout.
Phosphorus···Iodine Halogen Bonding in Cocrystals of Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) and p-Diiodotetrafluorobenzene (p-F4DIB)

Three new cocrystals of bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) and p-diiodotetrafluorobenzene (p-F4DIB) were studied using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Two polymorphs containing a 1:1 dppe:p-...
Legally Buddhist: monks, nuns, and legal texts in Dunhuang

Manuscripts found in the Dunhuang cave 17 inform us that ordained Buddhist monks and nuns in Dunhuang had been actively engaged in legal practices in this region as plaintiffs, defendants, witnesse...
Plant–plant interactions change during succession on nurse logs in a northern temperate rainforest

Plant-plant interactions change through succession from facilitative to competitive. At early stages of succession, early-colonizing plants can increase the survival and reproductive output of other plants by ameliorating disturbance and stressful conditions. At later stages of succession, plant interactions are more competitive as plants put more energy toward growth and reproduction. In northern temperate rainforests, gap dynamics result in tree falls that facilitate tree regeneration (nurse logs) and bryophyte succession. How bryophyte-tree seedling interactions vary through log succession remains unclear. We examined the relationships of tree seedlings, bryophyte community composition, bryophyte depth, and percent canopy cover in 166 1.0 m2 plots on nurse logs and the forest floor in the Hoh rainforest in Washington, USA, to test the hypothesis that bryophyte-tree seedling interactions change from facilitative to competitive as the log decays. Tree seedling density was highest on young logs with early-colonizing bryophyte species (e.g., Rhizomnium glabrescens) and lowest on decayed logs with Hylocomium splendens, a long-lived moss that reaches depths >20 cm. As a result, bryophyte depth increased with nurse log decay and was negatively associated with tree seedling density. Tree seedling density was 4.6× higher on nurse logs than on the forest floor, which was likely due to competitive exclusion by forest floor plants, such as H. splendens. Nurse logs had 17 species of bryophytes while the forest floor had six, indicating that nurse logs contribute to maintaining bryophyte diversity. Nurse logs enable both tree seedlings and smaller bryophyte species to avoid competition with forest floor plants, including the dominant bryophyte, H. splendens. H. splendens is likely a widespread driver of plant community structure given its dominance in northern temperate forests. Our findings indicate that plant-plant interactions shift with succession on nurse logs from facilitative to competitive and, thus, influence forest community structure and dynamics.
Ward-based continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in SARS-CoV-2.

Introduction Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy had been previously shown to reduce the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, but evidence of its efficacy in viral-induced respiratory failure is limited and is a subject of debate.1,2 An early intubation strategy without trial of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) had been previously suggested, while others have argued for timely, but not premature, intubation.3 We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of CPAP in patients with COVID-19 at a single centre. Exclusion criteria were <16 years old, pregnancy, acute-on-chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure and acute respiratory failure from an alternative diagnosis to SARS-CoV-2. Early intubation strategy was previously fiercely advocated due to concerns of exceedingly high NIV failure rate in MERS, infection transmission risks and poorer outcomes with delayed intubation.4-6 In a non-SARS-CoV-2 population, the LUNGSAFE study showed higher ICU mortality with NIV use in patients with PaO2/FiO2 <150 mmHg compared with early intubation.6 Data in SARS-CoV-2 are not available.
Addressing Common Misconceptions in Food Allergy: A Review

Background: Food allergies are common, affecting 1 in 13 school children in the United States and their prevalence is increasing. Many misconceptions exist with regards to food allergy prevention, diagnosis and management. Objective: The main objective of this review is to address misconceptions with regards to food allergies and discuss the optimal, evidence-based approach for patients who carry this diagnosis. Observations: Common misconceptions in terms of food allergy prevention include beliefs that breastfeeding and delayed introduction of allergenic foods prevent the development of food allergies. In terms of diagnosis, statements such as ‘larger skin prick tests or/and higher levels of food-specific IgE can predict the severity of food-induced allergic reactions’, or ‘Tryptase is always elevated in food-induced anaphylaxis’ are inaccurate. Additionally, egg allergy is not a contraindication for receiving the influenza vaccine, food-allergy related fatalities are rare and peanut oral immunotherapy, despite reported benefits, is not a cure for food allergies. Finally, not all infants with eczema will develop food allergies and epinephrine auto-injectors may unfortunately be both unavailable and underused in food-triggered anaphylaxis. Conclusions and relevance: Healthcare professionals must be familiar with recent evidence in the food allergy field and avoid common misunderstandings that may negatively affect prevention, diagnosis and management of this chronic disease.
A Compact Four-Channel MIMO 5G Sub-6 GHz/LTE/WLAN/V2X Antenna Design for Modern Vehicles

This article presents a compact vehicle antenna design that supports four-channel MIMO operations for 5G Sub-6, LTE, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications with a total volume of only 152 mm in diameter and 20 mm in height. The proposed antenna system consists of four dielectric-loaded wideband horns, a common top plate, an annular slot, and four shorting pins. It produces four vertically polarized diversity patterns in azimuth and a relatively uniform azimuthal coverage in the selection combining mode. The operating principles and the key design parameters of the proposed antenna are discussed in detail. The measurement VSWR, gain, patterns, and MIMO performance of a fabricated antenna prototype mounted on a 1 m circular ground plane are presented and compared with simulations with good agreements.
Ahead of the (ROC) Curve: A Statistical Approach to Utilizing Ex-Gaussian Parameters of Reaction Time in Diagnosing ADHD across Three Developmental Periods

Introduction Performance on executive function (EF) tasks is only modestly predictive of a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), despite the common assumption that EF deficits are ubiquitous to the disorder. The current study sought to determine whether ex-Gaussian parameters of simple reaction time are better able to discriminate between children and adults with and without ADHD, compared with traditional measures of inhibitory control. Methods Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to examine the ability of performance on two commonly used tasks of inhibitory control (i.e. stop signal reaction time (SSRT) and go-no-go tasks) to predict ADHD status in preschool (N = 108), middle childhood (N = 309), and young adulthood (N = 133). Results Across all samples, SSRT, go-no-go percentage of failed inhibits, and standard deviation of reaction (SDRT) time to "go" trials, all successfully discriminated between individuals with and without ADHD. Ex-Gaussian decomposition of the RT distribution indicated that both larger tau and larger sigma drove findings for SDRT. Contrary to predictions, traditional measures of inhibitory control were equal if not better predictors of ADHD status than ex-Gaussian parameters. Conclusions Findings support ongoing work to quantify the separate contributions of cognitive subprocesses that drive task performance, which in turn is critical to developing and improving process-based approaches in clinical assessment.
Utilization Patterns of Single Fraction and Short Course Radiotherapeutic Schedules in the Management of Bone Metastases.

Purpose/Objective(s) Bone metastases are a common oncologic development occurring in approximately 60-70% of patients with advanced malignancies. Historically, bone directed radiotherapy at doses of 30 Gy delivered over 10 daily fractions have been commonly employed. However, prospective randomized data suggests equivalent pain relief with shorter course regimens. As such, the ASTRO Choosing Wisely Campaign was created in an effort to encourage clinicians to consider shorter course palliative regimens in patients with uncomplicated bone metastases who have a limited prognosis. We performed a retrospective analysis of our large, integrated health system in an effort to assess utilization patterns of short course and single fraction radiotherapy regimens over the last 5 years. Materials/Methods We queried our internal radiation oncology electronic medical record (MOSAIQ®) from 2016-2020 for patients with bone metastasis who received palliative bone-directed radiotherapy in our network. Patients receiving Medicare approved palliative courses of radiation (30 Gy/10 fractions, 24 Gy/6 fractions, 20 Gy/5 fractions, 8 Gy/1 fraction) were included, as well as, patients receiving > 10 fractions. Treatment site was defined as academic (n = 2) versus community (n = 12). Short course treatment was defined as radiation treatment courses of ≤ 6 fractions, whereas long course included patients receiving ≥ 10 fractions. Patients were subdivided into quartiles based upon age and site of disease (spine, hip/pelvis, extremity, and other). Physicians were grouped according to their year of radiation oncology residency completion (before versus after 2010). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was completed to identify predictors of short course and single fraction treatment. Results We identified 1,004 patients with 1,768 bony metastatic lesions meeting the above criteria. The median patient age was 68 years (Interquartile range: 61-76 years). The spine was the most commonly treated site (46%) followed by pelvis/hip (26%), extremity (15%), and other (13%). Use of short course treatment increased over time from 40% in 2016 to 50% in 2020. Single fraction treatment also increased over time from 7% in 2016 to 11% in 2020. Predictors of short course treatment included: treatment at an academic center, more recent treatment year, patient age > 76 years old, non-spine anatomic site. Predictors of single fraction treatment included: treatment at an academic center, treating physician residency completion after 2010, patient age > 76 years old, and treatment to extremity or other site. Conclusion Rates of short course and single fraction bone-directed radiotherapy utilization increased within our integrated health system over time. Treatment receipt at an academic center was associated with both short course and single fraction regimens. Physicians completing residency after 2010 were more likely to deliver single fraction therapy.
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium from Wild Birds in the United States Represent Distinct Lineages Defined by Bird Type

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is typically considered a host generalist, however certain strains are associated with specific hosts and show genetic features of host adaptation. Here, we sequenced 131 S. Typhimurium strains from wild birds collected in 30 U.S. states during 1978-2019. We found that isolates from broad taxonomic host groups including passerine birds, water birds (Aequornithes), and larids (gulls and terns) represented three distinct lineages and certain S. Typhimurium CRISPR types presented in individual lineages. We also showed that lineages formed by wild bird isolates differed from most strains originating from domestic animal sources, and genomes from these lineages substantially improved source attribution of Typhimurium genomes to wild birds by a machine learning classifier. Furthermore, virulence gene signatures that differentiated S. Typhimurium from passerines, water birds, and larids were detected. Passerine isolates tended to lack S. Typhimurium-specific virulence plasmids. Isolates from the passerine, water bird, and larid lineages had close genetic relatedness with human clinical isolates, including those from a 2021 U.S. outbreak linked to passerine birds. These observations indicate that S. Typhimurium from wild birds in the U.S. are likely host-adapted, and the representative genomic dataset examined in this study can improve source prediction and facilitate outbreak investigation.
Modern digital design

For introductory courses in digital design, this book covers the principles of designing digital electronic circuits and presents realistic appplications using readily available integrated circuit devices.
Women and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

This chapter discusses excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) related to primary sleep disorders other than obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) and EDS secondary to other medical problems-the secondary hypersomnias.
Starprobe: to confront the Sun.

Starprobe is an advanced-technology mission that is being planned for the purpose of making a very close approach to the sun; perhaps as near as four solar radii. The scientific experiments will accurately measure the solar quadrupole moment, conduct relativity experiments, measure the fields and particles environment, and image solar features at high resolution. An effective heat shield is required, and the communications system must be capable of returning data while the spacecraft is immersed in the noisy solar environment. The spacecraft's earth-inherited angular momentum will be removed for the drop into the sun by means of a close flyby of Jupiter.
Modulation of Androgen Receptor Transcriptional Activity by the Estrogen Receptor

Estrogen/androgen receptor interactions in naturally occurring physiological systems and the effect of their respective steroid hormones on transcriptional activity remain undefined. In an attempt to delineate further the nature of the interaction between these two steroid hormone receptors we have examined the effect of cotransfection of androgen (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) cDNAs on the expression of the mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat region (MMTV-LTR) linked to the chloramphenicol-acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene. In QT6 cells, which contain neither AR nor ER, cotransfection of AR cDNA with the MMTV-LTR-CAT reporter, resulted in transactivation only in the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Treatment with 10(-8) M each of estradiol-17 beta (E2), dexamethasone, or progesterone did not enhance CAT activity, whereas treatment with the androgens DHT and mibolerone resulted in 87% and 89% CAT activity. Transfection of increasing concentrations of ER cDNA in the presence of 100 ng of AR cDNA and 10(-8) M each of DHT and E2 showed a dose-dependent decrease in CAT activity as compared to the response with DHT alone. Cotransfection of AR and ER cDNA in the presence of 10(-8) M DHT and increasing concentrations of E2 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in CAT activity. When cells were treated with increasing concentrations of DHT with 10(-8) M E2 no significant increase in CAT activity was observed. In GC cells, which contain endogenous ER but no AR, cotransfection of AR cDNA and treatment with E2 and DHT, also reduced DHT-induced CAT activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Cytosolic Termini of the β- and γ-ENaC Subunits Are Involved in the Functional Interactions between Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator and Epithelial Sodium Channel

Abstract Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) are co-localized in the apical membrane of many epithelia. These channels are essential for electrolyte and water secretion and/or reabsorption. In cystic fibrosis airway epithelia, a hyperactivated epithelial Na+conductance operates in parallel with defective Cl−secretion. Several groups have shown that CFTR down-regulates ENaC activity, but the mechanisms and the regulation of CFTR by ENaC are unknown. To test the hypothesis that ENaC and CFTR regulate each other, and to identify the region(s) of ENaC involved in the interaction between CFTR and ENaC, rENaC and its mutants were co-expressed with CFTR in Xenopus oocytes. Whole cell macroscopic sodium currents revealed that wild type (wt) αβγ-rENaC-induced Na+ current was inhibited by co-expression of CFTR, and further inhibited when CFTR was activated with a cAMP-raising mixture (CKT). Conversely, αβγ-rENaC stimulated CFTR-mediated Cl− currents up to ∼6-fold. Deletion mutations in the intracellular tails of the three rENaC subunits suggested that the carboxyl terminus of the β subunit was required both for the down-regulation of ENaC by activated CFTR and the up-regulation of CFTR by ENaC. However, both the carboxyl terminus of the β subunit and the amino terminus of the γ subunit were essential for the down-regulation of rENaC by unstimulated CFTR. Interestingly, down-regulation of rENaC by activated CFTR was Cl−-dependent, while stimulation of CFTR by rENaC was not dependent on either cytoplasmic Na+ or a depolarized membrane potential. In summary, there appear to be at least two different sites in ENaC involved in the intermolecular interaction between CFTR and ENaC.
Current Developments in SAW Oscillator Stability

The results reported were obtained with two port delay lines and resonators used in a simple feedback oscillator. The feedback oscillator employed inherently operates with the amplifier in a saturated condition and, therefore, the AM noise is suppressed. Consequently the dominant noise is FM. Generally, it can be concluded that for very narrow-band, or fixed-frequency applications, the resonator-type oscillator will give the best noise performance. For applications where tunability and linearity are important, the delay-line-type oscillator may give the best performance. There have been no significant improvements in oscillator temperature stability. The only two demonstrated materials for temperature stable SAW oscillators are ST-cut quartz and the SiO2/LiTaO3 overlay structure. Aging tests have been going on for the past two-and-a-half years and it has become obvious that the observed aging rates are largely related to cleaning and packaging.
Microbial biotransformation of retinoic acid by Cunninghamella echinulata and Cunninghamella blakesleeana.

Vitamin A (retinol) is needed by higher animals for the maintenance of normal epithelium and growth, and retinoic acid (1) has been proposed to be the active metabolite. Microbial models are useful for the study of mammalian metabolism of xenobiotics. Two species of the fungal genus Cunninghamella afforded products of greater polarity than 1 when fed 1 in a two-stage fermentation procedure. The products obtained were principally the result of oxidation of the trimethylcyclohexenyl ring. Although most of the isolated metabolites of 1 have been previously seen in mammalian studies, two novel compounds, 2-hydroxyretinoic acid (2) and 2,3-dehydro-4-oxoretinoic acid (4), were isolated.
Just tourism: An ethical framework

Abstract This paper proposes an ethical framework for tourism services delivery. It makes a distinction between a paradigmatic ethic and an operational code of ethics, and offers a perspective on the evolution of ethics in general and of tourism ethics in particular. A brief review of extant literature on the subject suggests five general categories of literature that deal with ethical issues in tourism: issues related to ecological impacts, marketing, sustainable development, humanistic and social concerns, and education. Since tourism educational materials do not appear to deal adequately with ethnical issues, the paper proposes a paradigm and discusses the issue of infusing ethics into tourism education.
Role of lipid rafts in Shiga toxin 1 interaction with the apical surface of Caco-2 cells.

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli producing Shiga toxins 1 and/or 2 have become major foodborne pathogens. The specific binding of Shiga toxin 1 B-subunit to its receptor, a neutral glycolipid globotriaosylceramide Gb 3 , on the apical surface of colonic epithelium followed by toxin entry into cells are the initial steps of the process, which can result in toxin transcytosis and systemic effects of infection including hemolytic uremic syndrome. Understanding the complex mechanisms of Shiga toxin 1 binding and internalization may help to develop new strategies directed at preventing toxin internalization. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy revealed the clustering of Shiga toxin receptors Gb 3 in lipid rafts with another glycosphingolipid G M1 on the apical surface of highly polarized intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Lipid rafts disruption significantly decreased internalization of Shiga toxin 1 B-subunit. Although disruption of lipid rafts by cholesterol depletion did not affect the amount of bound Shiga toxin 1 B-subunit, lipid rafts are necessary for toxin uptake across the apical membrane of Caco-2 cells.
Cryopreservation of virulent Acinetobacter baumannii to reduce variability of in vivo studies

Background Microbiological assays require accurate and reproducible preparation of bacterial inocula. Inocula prepared on different days by different individuals can vary significantly from experiment to experiment. This variance is particularly problematic for Gram-negative bacterial infections, for which threshold effects can result in marked variations in host outcome with minor differences in inocula.
Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Ratios of Sodium and Potassium Cyanide as a Forensic Signature

Sodium and potassium cyanide are highly toxic, produced in large amounts by the chemical industry, and linked to numerous high-profile crimes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified cyanide as one of the most probable agents to be used in a future chemical terrorism event. We investigated whether stable C and N isotopic content of sodium and potassium cyanide could serve as a forensic signature for sample matching, using a collection of 65 cyanide samples. A few of these samples displayed non-homogeneous isotopic content associated with degradation to a carbonate salt and loss of hydrogen cyanide. Most samples had highly reproducible isotope content. Of these, >95% could be properly matched based on C and N isotope ratios, with a false match rate <3%. These results suggest that stable C and N isotope ratios are a useful forensic signature for matching cyanide samples.
Fracture Mechanisms of Thin Amorphous Carbon Films in Nanoindentation

Abstract The nanoindentation fracture of amorphous carbon films on silicon substrate was studied. Load-displacement curves were obtained during indentation in conjunction with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations of fractured surfaces at different loads. The fracture process was found to progress in three stages: (1) first ring-like through-thickness cracks form around the indenter by high stresses in the contact area; (2) delamination and buckling occur around the contact area at the film/substrate interface by high lateral pressure; and (3) second ring-like through-thickness cracks and spalling are generated by high bending stresses at the edges of the buck led film. The strain energy release in cracking was estimated from a step observed during the loading cycle of the load-displacement curve. An equation for calculation of fracture toughness of thin films is introduced based on the analysis of the energy release rate. The methodology is used to obtain the fracture toughness of thin films. The results show that the calculated values are in good agreement with those measured by conventional methods.
Diffusion-limited A+B-->0 reaction: Correlated initial condition.

We find a time dependence different from that reported previously in the literature for the species concentration in the A+B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0 diffusion-limited reaction for dimensions d2 when the A-B pairs are initially correlated. Whereas an uncorrelated initial distribution leads to the well-known decay law \ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{t}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{d}/4}$ for d4 and \ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{t}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for d\ensuremath{\ge}4, a correlated initial distribution leads to the decay law \ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{t}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}(\mathit{d}+2)/4}$ for d2 and \ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{t}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for d\ensuremath{\ge}2. The decay is therefore more rapid in the correlated case and the critical dimension for ``anomalous'' behavior shifts from 4 to 2.
Ruthenium tetroxide oxidation in neutral and basic media

Abstract Details are given on the use of sodium metaperiodate-ruthenium dioxide reagent for the oxidation of hydroxylactones to ketolactones under neutral conditions and the oxidation of lactones via γ or δ-hydroxycarboxylates to ketocarboxylates. The scope and limitations of the reaction are discussed.
The effects of antimicrobials and exposure to smoking on bacterial interference in the upper respiratory tract of children

Interactions between micro-organisms that include antagonism (interference) and synergism maintain balance between members of the normal endogenous flora, and play a role in preventing colonization by potential pathogens. Bacteria with interference capability of potential respiratory tract pathogens include alpha-hemolytic streptococci, non-hemolytic streptococci, Prevotella spp. and Peptostreptococcus spp. The role of bacterial interference in the occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections and its effect on their eradication is discussed. The infections include otitis media, sinusitis and pharyngo-tonsillitis. Treatment with antimicrobial agents and direct and indirect exposure to smoking, can affect the balance between the interfering organisms and potential pathogens. Introduction into the indigenous microflora of low virulence bacterial strains that are capable of interfering with colonization and infection with virulent organisms has been used to prevent the failure of antimicrobials in the treatment of pharyngo-tonsillitis and otitis media.
Greens functions for boundary element analysis of anisotropic bimaterials

We present several Greens functions for anisotropic bimaterials for two-dimensional elasticity and steady-state heat transfer problems. The details of the various Greens functions for perfect, slipping, and cracked interfaces are given for mechanical loading conditions. Previously reported formulations for cubic materials are extended to materials with general anisotropy in which plane strain deformations can exist. We also give the steady-state Greens function for thermal loading of a bimaterial with a perfectly bonded interface. The Greens functions are incorporated in boundary integral formulations and method of fundamental solutions formulations for analysis of finite solids under general boundary conditions.
Nitrate Uptake and Assimilation following Nitrate Deprivation

MacKown, C. T. 1987. Nitrate uptake and assimilation following nitrate deprivation.—J. exp. Bot. 38: 1079-1090. Upon first exposure to NO,, the NO3 uptake and reduction capacities of dark-grown corn (Zea mays L.) roots are initially low, but increase markedly within 6 h. The development of the accelerated
Intercalation-FRET biosensor with a helical conjugated polyelectrolyte.

A biotin-tetramethylrhodamine (biotin-TMR) quencher-ligand interacts with a (phenylene-ethynylene) based helical conjugated polyelectrolyte (poly-1) via intercalation of the TMR unit into the helix. The interaction is signaled by efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the polymer to the TMR chromophore. Avidin addition to the poly-1/biotin-TMR intercalation complex does not interrupt FRET, instead resulting in the formation of avidin−biotin “cross-links”. Mixing of biotin-TMR with avidin prior to addition of the polymer efficiently disrupts the FRET signal, giving rise to a sensor with a detection limit of 100 pM for avidin. Study of the FRET response as a function of biotin-TMR and avidin concentration affords insight into the interaction of the protein with the poly-1/biotin-TMR intercalation complex.
Glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC) Inhibits Cytokine Induced iNOS Expression in Rat Hepatocytes

Background Although the accumulation of hydrophobic bile acid (e.g., glycine conjugated chenodeoxycholic acid, GCDC) is considered to be an important factor contributing to cholestatic liver dysfunction, its pathogenesis is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the bile salt GCDC on the regulation of iNOS expression, a key immune modulator during liver inflammation. Materials and methods GCDC significantly decreased cytokine-stimulated iNOS promoter activity, and both iNOS mRNA and protein expression. GCDC decreased iNOS promoter activity by preventing IκB degradation and inhibiting NF-κB DNA-binding activity. To explore the role of iNOS in bile salt induced apoptosis, we also examined the effect of NO on caspase-3 activity. Results GCDC strongly induced caspase-3 activity, and this increase was abrogated by both exogenous NO exposure and endogenous NO synthesis. Furthermore, adenoviral iNOS (AdiNOS) pre-treatment decreased acute cholestatic-induced liver injury in a rat bile duct ligation model. Conclusions These findings indicate a novel signaling pathway where potentially toxic bile salts down-regulate hepatic iNOS expression. This blockade of the iNOS mediated antiapoptotic phenotype may have important implications in certain liver disorders.