cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Umiak field discovery, Northwest Territories, Canada

This paper examines the discovery process in terms of changing exploration paradigms and describes a field discovered because of this change in mindset. Prior to the Umiak discovery all wells in the Mackenzie Delta had been drilled on structural highs. Reevaluation of two 30-yr-old dry holes along with existing two-dimensional (2-D) seismic data resulted in discovery of the Umiak gas field. This reappraisal led to recognition that a stratigraphic trap might exist between these two wells drilled in the early 1970s. The Kilagmiotak M-16 well contained 290 m (951 ft) of porous sandstone in the Eocene Taglu Formation, whereas the Umiak J-37 well, up dip and 11 km (6.8 mi) to the west, had no sandstone in the same interval. Examination of 2-D seismic lines found evidence of an updip sandstone pinchout beneath an angular unconformity on a tilted fault block. Strata in the tilted fault block below the unconformity contain strong amplitudes and flat spots. Interpretation of a subsequent three-dimensional (3-D) survey supported the play. A partnership of Alberta Energy Company (operator, now Encana), Anadarko, and Gulf Canada (now ConocoPhillips Canada) drilled the Umiak N-16 discovery well during 2004. Gas and some oil was found in gently dipping Eocene Taglu shoreface and delta front sandstones, and within gently folded foreset beds of the Eocene Richards Formation above a mid-Eocene unconformity. The Umiak N-05 appraisal well drilled a year later confirmed the discovery. Together these two wells delineate the fourth largest onshore gas accumulation on the Mackenzie Delta.
Six git genes encode a glucose-induced adenylate cyclase activation pathway in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

An important eukaryotic signal transduction pathway involves the regulation of the effector enzyme adenylate cyclase, which produces the second messenger, cAMP. Previous genetic analyses demonstrated that glucose repression of transcription of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe fbp1 gene requires the function of adenylate cyclase, encoded by the git2 gene. As mutations in git2 and in six additional git genes are suppressed by exogenous cAMP, these ‘upstream’ git genes were proposed to act to produce a glucose-induced cAMP signal. We report here that assays of cAMP levels in wild-type and various mutant S. pombe cells, before and after exposure to glucose, show that this is the case. The data suggest that the cAMP signal results from the activation of adenylate cyclase. Therefore these ‘upstream’ git genes appear to encode a glucose-induced adenylate cyclase activation pathway. Assays of cAMP on a strain carrying a mutation in the git6 gene, which acts downstream of adenylate cyclase, indicate that git6 may function to feedback regulate adenylate cyclase activity. Thus git6 may encode a cAMP-dependent protein kinase.
Cadmium-113 NMR studies on homoleptic complexes containing thioether ligands: the crystal structures of [Cd([12]aneS4)2](ClO4)2, [Cd([18]aneS4N2)](PF6)2 and [Cd([9]aneS3)2](PF6)2

We report the measurement of 113Cd NMR chemical shift data for homoleptic thioether and related aza and mixed aza/thiacrown complexes. In a series of Cd(II) complexes containing trithioether to hexathioether ligands, we observe solution 113Cd NMR chemical shifts in the range of 225 to 731 ppm. Upfield chemical shifts in these NMR spectra are seen whenever: (a) the number of thioether sulfur donors in the complex is decreased, (b) a thioether sulfur donor is replaced by a secondary nitrogen donor, or (c) the size of the macrocycle ring increases without a change in the nature or number of the donor atoms. Changes in the identity of non-coordinating anions such as perchlorate or hexafluorophosphate have little effect upon the 113Cd NMR chemical shift in solution. We report the X-ray structure of the complex [Cd([12]aneS4)2](ClO4)2 ([12]aneS4 = 1,4,7,10-tetrathiacyclododecane) (1) which shows the first example of octakis(thioether) coordination of a metal ion, forming an unusual eight-coordinate square antiprismatic structure. We report the X-ray structure of the complex [Cd([9]aneS3)2](PF6)2 ([9]aneS3 = 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane) (3a) which shows hexakis(thioether) coordination to form a distorted octahedral structure. We have also prepared and characterized the Cd(II) complex of a mixed azathiacrown, [Cd([18]aneS4N2)](PF6)2 ([18]aneS4N2 = 1,4,10,13-tetrathia-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane) (6). Its X-ray structure shows a distorted octahedral S4N2 environment around the Cd(II) with the ligand coordinated in the rac fashion. We observe a solvent- and temperature-dependent 14N–1H coupling in the 1H NMR spectrum of the complex which is not present in analogous complexes with this ligand.
The Dynamics of Violence in Vietnam: An Analysis of the Hamlet Evaluation System (HES)*

The authors analyze a unique data source to study the determinants of violence against civilians in a civil war context. During the Vietnam War, the United States Department of Defense pioneered th...
Levene's Test for Relative Variation

Forms of Levene's test for evaluating relative variation (univariate) are compared by simulation, along with the F-test of ratios of squared coefficients of variation, the F-test of ratios of variances of logarithms, and Bartlett's test on logarithms. Only the Levene's tests using the medians were always robust. These consisted of transforming each of a set of sample variates Xi to Y, = X - Md(X,) I /Md(X,) or to Y, = ln X, - Md(ln X,) I for comparison by ANOVA, where the Md's represent the medians. The use of medians with the log transformation was slightly more powerful when the underlying distributions were positively skewed, while the use of the untransformed ratio form of the test was slightly more powerful when the distributions were symmetrical or negatively skewed. Recommendations and some problems that remain are dis- cussed. (Levene's test; relative variation; coefficient of variation; F-test.) Biologists are often interested in com- paring differences in relative variation be- tween two or more samples (i.e., variation independent of any differences in sample means or of differences in the units of measurement employed). To borrow the examples given by Sokal and Rohlf (1981), one may wish to compare variation in tail length between elephants and mice, or compare variation in weight versus blood sugar content within a sample group of rats. Relative variation has been particu- larly important in the systematics litera- ture, where applications include compar- ing a set of characters within a given population with respect to their intrinsic variation and/or comparing a given char- acter or set of characters between popula- tions or species. One may, for example, be seeking the most reliable taxonomic char-
A survey of ultraviolet-bright sources behind the halo of M31

We have performed a wide-area ultraviolet (UV) imaging survey using the GALaxy Evolution eXplorer (GALEX) to search for bright, point-like UV sources behind M31’s extended halo. Our survey consisted of 46 pointings covering an effective area of � 50deg 2 , in both the far-UV and near-UV channels. We combined these data with optical R -band observations acquired with the WIYN Mosaic-1 imager on the Kitt Peak National Observatory 0.9m WIYN telescope. An analysis of the brightness and colors of sourc es matched between our photometric catalogs yielded � 100 UV-bright quasar candidates. We have obtained discovery spectra for 76 of these targets with the Kast spectrometer on the Lick 3m telescope and confirm 30 active galactic nuclei and quasars, 29 galaxies at z > 0:02 including several early-type systems, 16 Galactic stars (hot main-sequence stars), and one featur eless source previously identified as a BL Lac object. Future UV spectroscopy of the brightest targets with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope will enable a systematic search for diffuse gas in the extended halo of M31.
Real-time estimation of the ECG-derived respiration (EDR) signal using a new algorithm for baseline wander noise removal

Numerous methods have been reported for deriving respiratory information such as respiratory rate from the electrocardiogram (ECG). In this paper the authors present a real-time algorithm for estimation and removal of baseline wander (BW) noise and obtaining the ECG-derived respiration (EDR) signal for estimation of a patient’s respiratory rate. This algorithm utilizes a real-time “T-P knot” baseline wander removal technique which is based on the repetitive backward subtraction of the estimated baseline from the ECG signal. The estimated baseline is interpolated from the ECG signal at midpoints between each detected R-wave. As each segment of the estimated baseline signal is subtracted from the ECG, a “flattened” ECG signal is produced for which the amplitude of each R-wave is analyzed. The respiration signal is estimated from the amplitude modulation of R-waves caused by breathing. Testing of the algorithm was conducted in a pseudo real-time environment using MATLABTM, and test results are presented for simultaneously recorded ECG and respiration recordings from the PhysioNet/PhysioBank Fantasia database. Test data from patients were chosen with particularly large baseline wander components to ensure the reliability of the algorithm under adverse ECG recording conditions. The algorithm yielded EDR signals with a respiration rate of 4.4 breaths/min. for Fantasia patient record f2y10 and 10.1 breaths/min. for Fantasia patient record f2y06. These were in good agreement with the simultaneously recorded respiration data provided in the Fantasia database thus confirming the efficacy of the algorithm.
Design of mixed H2/mu controllers using a separation principle

This paper considers the design of H2/mu controllers. These controllers guarantee both stability and a minimum level of H2 performance for allowable levels of uncertainty. The controllers have previously been derived via the solution to a convex linear matrix inequality problem. This paper presents an alternative derivation for the controllers which relies upon separating the problem into a full state feedback problem and an output estimation problem. This leads to a set of three coupled Riccati equations, which, in some cases, are shown to be able to be solved more quickly than the comparable LMI problem. (Author)
A Meta-Analysis and an Experiment Investigating the Effects of Speaker Disfluency on Persuasion

A meta-analysis of the speech disfluency literature suggested that the relationship between speaker disfluencies and competence judgments may be mediated. The theory of elaborative resistance production (TERP; Turner & Banas, 2007) was then applied to the effects of disfluencies on speaker persuasiveness. An experiment was conducted such that 240 undergraduate students watched a short video in which a speaker was either high or low reward and produced 0, 1, or 2 verbal disfluencies. Evidence was found consistent with a causal chain running from speaker disfluency to attitude-defensive cognitions, then to ratings of speaker credibility, and then to message acceptance.
Full-order high-gain observers for minimum phase nonlinear systems

This paper studies the design of a full-order, high-gain observer for a class of minimum-phase nonlinear systems. The dynamic state feedback design is modified to include the observer for the internal dynamics. It is shown that the performance of such a dynamic partial-state feedback control can be recovered by the output feedback control using a sufficiently fast high-gain observer, in the presence of model uncertainty.
IfkA, a presumptive eIF2α kinase of Dictyostelium, is required for proper timing of aggregation and regulation of mound size

The transition from growth to development in Dictyostelium is initiated by amino acid starvation of growing amobae. In other eukaryotes, a key sensor of amino acid starvation and mediator of the resulting physiological responses is the GCN2 protein, an eIF2α kinase. GCN2 downregulates the initiation of translation of bulk mRNA and enhances translation of specific mRNAs by phosphorylating the translation initiation factor eIF2α. Two eIF2α kinases were identified in Dictyostelium and studied herein. Neither of the eIF2α kinases appeared to be involved in sensing amino acid starvation to initiate development. However, one of the kinases, IfkA, was shown to phosphorylate eIF2α from 1 to 7 hours after the onset of development, resulting in a shift from polysomes to free ribosomes for bulk mRNA. In the absence of the eIF2α phosphorylation, ifkA null cells aggregated earlier than normal and formed mounds and ultimately fruiting bodies that were larger than normal. The early aggregation phenotype in ifkA null cells reflected an apparent, earlier than normal establishment of the cAMP pulsing system. The large mound phenotype resulted from a reduced extracellular level of Countin, a component of the counting factor that regulates mound size. In wild type cells, phosphorylation of eIF2α by IfkA resulted in a specific stabilization and enhanced translational efficiency of countin mRNA even though reduced translation resulted for bulk mRNA. IfkA is an eIF2α kinase of Dictyostelium that normally phosphorylates eIF2α from 1 to 7 hours after the onset of development, or during the preaggregation phase. This results in an overall reduction in the initiation of protein synthesis during this time frame and a concomitant reduction in the number of ribosomes associated with most mRNAs. For some mRNAs, however, initiation of protein synthesis is enhanced or stabilized under the conditions of increased eIF2α phosphorylation. This includes countin mRNA.
Paleontología de vertebrados en América Central: 30 años de progreso

Vertebrate paleontology began in Central America in 1858 with the first published records, but the last 30 years have seen remarkable advances. These advances range from new localities, to new taxa to new analyses of diverse data. Central American vertebrate fossils represent all of the major taxonomic groups of vertebrates—fishes, amphibians, reptiles (especially turtles), birds and mammals (mostly xenarthrans, carnivores and ungulates)—but coverage is very uneven, with many groups (especially small vertebrates) poorly represented. The vertebrate fossils of Central America have long played an important role in understanding the great American biotic interchange. New data and analyses identify a Miocene Central American peninsula that extended from Guatemala to Panama, and suggest the possibility of a Central American province of vertebrate endemism and evolution. The Central American record of vertebrate fossils needs augmentation, especially of microvertebrate fossils, and a more detailed chronological framework to enhance our current understanding of vertebrate evolution and biogeography in the New World
Using local correlation tracking to solar spectral information from a slitless spectrograph

The Multi-Order Solar EUV Spectrograph (MOSES) is a sounding rocket instrument that utilizes a concave spherical diffraction grating to form simultaneous solar images in the diffraction orders m = 0, +1, and −1. The large 2D field of view allows a single exposure to capture spatial and spectral information for large, complex solar features in their entirety. Most of the solar emission within the instrument passband comes from a single bright emission line. The m = 0 image is simply an intensity as a function of position, integrated over the passband of the instrument. Dispersion in the images at m = ±1 leads to a field-dependent displacement that is proportional to Doppler shift. Our goal is to estimate the Doppler shift as a function of position for every exposure. However, the interpretation of the data is not straightforward. Imaging an extended object such as the Sun without an entrance slit results in the overlapping of spectral and spatial information in the two dispersed images. We demonstrate the use of local correlation tracking as a means to quantify the differences between the m = 0 image and either one of the dispersed images. The result is a vector displacement field that may be interpreted as a measurement of the Doppler shift. Since two dispersed images are available, we can generate two independent Doppler maps from the same exposure. We compare these to produce an error estimate.
Crystal structure of [μ2-3,3-dimethyl-4-(propan-2-yl­idene)thietane-2,2-dithiol­ato-κ4S:S′:S:S′]bis[tricarbonyl­iron(I)](Fe—Fe)

The title complex, [Fe2(C8H12S3)(CO)6] or [{Fe(CO)3}2(μ-L)] [L = 3,3-dimethyl-4-(propan-2-yl­idene)thietane-2,2-bis­(thiol­ato)], consists of two Fe(CO)3 moieties double-bridged by a di­thiol­ate ligand. Each of the two FeI atoms has a distorted anti-prismatic coordination environment consisting of three carbonyl groups, two S atoms of the di­thiol­ate ligand and the neighboring FeI atom [Fe—Fe = 2.4921 (4) A]. Weak C—H⋯O inter­molecular inter­actions result in the formation of dimers. This is the second crystal structure reported with the 3,3-dimethyl-4-(propan-2-yl­idene)thietane-2,2-bis­(thiol­ate) ligand and the first in which it bridges two metal atoms.
Deep learning of tissue fate features in acute ischemic stroke

In acute ischemic stroke treatment, prediction of tissue survival outcome plays a fundamental role in the clinical decision-making process, as it can be used to assess the balance of risk vs. possible benefit when considering endovascular clot-retrieval intervention. For the first time, we construct a deep learning model of tissue fate based on randomly sampled local patches from the hypoperfusion (Tmax) feature observed in MRI immediately after symptom onset. We evaluate the model with respect to the ground truth established by an expert neurologist four days after intervention. Experiments on 19 acute stroke patients evaluated the accuracy of the model in predicting tissue fate. Results show the superiority of the proposed regional learning framework versus a single-voxel-based regression model.
Rapid and simultaneous detection of alpha/beta radioactivity in food by solid phase extraction liquid scintillation counting

The purpose of this study was to develop a practical radioanalytical method suitable for screening for beta- and alpha-emitting radioactive contamination in a large number and wide variety of foods in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency. Simple and rapid solid-phase extraction was used to overcome matrix and radiometric interferences that occurred during food analysis. Benefiting from discriminative liquid scintillation counting, simultaneous detection of alpha and beta radioactivity was achieved with negligible quench effects and ~95 % counting efficiencies. Method limits of detection were ~0.06 Bq/kg for alpha and ~0.4 Bq/kg for beta radioactivity and the results were within ±20 % of the known values.
The Effectiveness of Reading Instruction in the Modification of Attitudes of Adolescent Delinquent Boys

AbstractThe problem was to evaluate changes of adolescent delinquent boys In their behavior and attitude" toward authority figures after the boys received rending Instruction, The 37 subjects were divided Into three groups and were equated for age, I.Q., ethnic background, and reading ability. The groups were given either reading Instruction, swimming instruction, or no Instruction. A follow-up study was done on each subject 18 months after the termination of the experiment to determine court involvement. The magnitude of improvement In changes in attitude was significantly greater (.001 level of confidence) In the Reading Group than in the other two groups, ft may be concluded that leading Instruction is effective In modifying certain attitudes of adolescent delinquents toward authority figures.
Autophagy initiation correlates with the autophagic flux in 3D models of mesothelioma and with patient outcome

Understanding the role of autophagy in cancer has been limited by the inability to measure this dynamic process in formalin-fixed tissue. We considered that 3-dimensional models including ex vivo tumor, such as we have developed for studying mesothelioma, would provide valuable insights. Using these models, in which we could use lysosomal inhibitors to measure the autophagic flux, we sought a marker of autophagy that would be valid in formalin-fixed tumor and be used to assess the role of autophagy in patient outcome. Autophagy was studied in mesothelioma cell lines, as 2-dimensional (2D) monolayers and 3-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroids (MCS), and in tumor from 25 chemonaive patients, both as ex vivo 3D tumor fragment spheroids (TFS) and as formalin-fixed tissue. Autophagy was evaluated as autophagic flux by detection of the accumulation of LC3 after lysosomal inhibition and as autophagy initiation by detection of ATG13 puncta. We found that autophagic flux in 3D, but not in 2D, correlated with ATG13 positivity. In each TFS, ATG13 positivity was similar to that of the original tumor. When tested in tissue microarrays of 109 chemonaive patients, higher ATG13 positivity correlated with better prognosis and provided information independent of known prognostic factors. Our results show that ATG13 is a static marker of the autophagic flux in 3D models of mesothelioma and may also reflect autophagy levels in formalin-fixed tumor. If confirmed, this marker would represent a novel prognostic factor for mesothelioma, supporting the notion that autophagy plays an important role in this cancer.
Investigation of iodine nutritional status and thyroid function of lactating women in coastal salt-producing areas and coastal non-salt-producing areas of Xiamen city

Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status and thyroid function of lactating women in coastal salt-producing areas and coastal non-salt-producing areas in Xiamen city,and provide the evidence for taking the measurements of IDD control.Methods The Xiangan salt-producing areas and the Jimei non-salt-producing areas were chosen as research spots,the iodine content of household drinking water,coverage rate of iodized salt,proportion of households using adequately iodized salt,urine-iodine and blood thyroid hormone levels in lactating women were investigated.Results The edible qualified iodinated salt rate in salt-producing areas and in non-salt-producing areas was 91.18% and 96.67%,respectively.The median of urinary iodine of the lactating women was 131.20 μg/L and 104.35 μg/L,the proportion of urine-iodine level 100 μg/L was 35.29% and 46.66%,All the medians of thyroid hormones including TPOAb,TgAb,TT3,TT4,FT3,FT4,TSH and Tg of lactating women in both salt-producing areas and non-salt-producing areas were in normal ranges,but there were some subjects with hypothyroidism detected in our study,the proportion in salt-producing areas were higher than those of non-salt-producing areas.Conclusions The existing salt iodine level was appropriate for lactating women in both salt-producing areas and non-salt-producing areas,but there were insufficient iodine nutrition in this region and hypothyroidism had not been fully eradicated.Routine monitoring of urinary iodine and thyroid function should be carried out among lactating women.Additional supplement of iodine should be taken to prevent and control the occurrence of IDD.
Alpha-synuclein modulates dopamine neurotransmission

Alpha-synuclein is a small, highly charged protein encoded by the synuclein or SNCA gene that is predominantly expressed in central nervous system neurons. Although its physiological function remains enigmatic, alpha-synuclein is implicated in movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and in neurodegenerative diseases such as Dementia with Lewy bodies. Here we have focused on reviewing the existing literature pertaining to wild-type alpha-synuclein structure, its properties, and its potential involvement in regulation of dopamine neurotransmission.
The shape of things to run: compiling complex stream graphs to reconfigurable hardware in lime

Reconfigurable hardware can deliver impressive performance for some applications, when a highly static hardware design closely matches application logic. Obliged to express efficient static hardware structures, hardware designers cannot currently employ abstractions using dynamic features of modern programming languages. We present the design and implementation of new features in the Lime programming language that admit construction of stream graphs of arbitrary shape using the expressive power of an imperative, object-oriented language. The Lime programmer marks computations destined for hardware, and the compiler statically checks these computations for repeatable structure. If the check succeeds, the system guarantees it can extract the static structure needed for hardware synthesis. We describe the language design in detail and present case studies of 10 Lime benchmarks, each successfully synthesized to a Xilinx Virtex 5 FPGA.
Particle image velocimetry: Application for the characterization of the flow structure in three phase fluidized beds

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the particle image velocimetry (PIV). PIV has been used in the measurement of single phase flows in many different operational modes since the late 1970s. A PIV technique operated in the low image density limit consists of a particle tracking algorithm to track individual particle images rather than groups of particles. In this case, the high resolution provided by the high image density is compromised for the ability to track individual particles over several time intervals to obtain Lagrangian type fluid dynamic information. In the low image density mode of PIV, the full field image of the illuminated flow field can be digitized directly from the actual flow field through the use of a high resolution CCD camera, from a video recording of the flow field or from a multiple exposed photograph of the flow field. The procedures to locate the digitized particle images and compute the displacements between image pairs to determine the velocity are logical computer operations so, the processing time required for the low image density PIV is less than that of the high image density mode but comes at the expense of decreased accuracy in the velocity measurement because of the loss of spatial resolution.
The Effect of Industrial Diversification on Firm Taxes

This study investigates whether there is an empirical basis for one predicted benefit from industrial diversification: whether conglomerate firms obtain greater tax savings than single industry firms. The results suggest that, on average, firms operating in multiple industries incur lower tax liabilities than stand-alone firms. However, whether a firm obtains these benefits is affected by the type of industry-based tax positions available to the firm, the firm’s demand for debt, and its overall risk strategy. For identification, the study uses a triple difference model based on two temporary tax law changes and an instrumental variables analysis from the diversification discount literature. Results from these tests are consistent with a tax advantage from diversification. Overall, the results in the study inform recurring debates in the media and between management and shareholders over the costs and benefits of diversification as a business strategy.
Cross-Study Differences in the Etiology of Reading Comprehension: a Meta-Analytical Review of Twin Studies

Numerous twin studies have examined the genetic and environmental etiology of reading comprehension, though it is likely that etiological estimates are influenced by unidentified sample conditions (e.g. Tucker-Drob and Bates, Psychol Sci:0956797615612727, 2015). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to average the etiological influences of reading comprehension and to explore the potential moderators influencing these estimates. Results revealed an average heritability estimate of h2 = 0.59, with significant variation in estimates across studies, suggesting potential moderation. Moderation results indicated publication year, grade level, project, zygosity methods, and response type moderated heritability estimates. The average shared environmental estimate was c2 = 0.16, with publication year, grade and zygosity methods acting as significant moderators. These findings support the role of genetics on reading comprehension, and a small significant role of shared environmental influences. The results suggest that our interpretation of how genes and environments influence reading comprehension should reflect aspects of study and sample.
Pirfenidone and Nintedanib for Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is one of the most common entities of the family of disorders known as the interstitial lung diseases. It is a chronic, progressive, and often-fatal disease with a median survival time of 3 to 5 years. In 2014 the US Food and Drug Administration approved pirfenidone and nintedanib, two antifibrotic agents for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Because these are the only drugs approved that can alter the course of this rare but fatal disease, this article reviews the major studies that led to the approval of these drugs and examines the indications for treatment and the expected outcomes of therapy.
Abstract 606: DPP-4 Inhibition Improves Diastolic dysfunction in obese mice fed a Western Diet

Background and rationale: Obesity and diabetes are associated with insulin resistance, salt sensitive hypertension and cardiovascular dysfunction. Pharmacological inhibition of dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) to increase the bioavailability of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a contemporary therapy for control of glycemia in Type2 diabetes patients. Whether DPP-4 inhibition lowers blood pressures and improves pre-diabetic cardiomyopathy in a diet induced obesity (DIO) mouse model has not been examined in detail. Methods: C57Bl/6 mice were fed high fat/high sucrose (Western diet, WD) for 16wks starting at ∼4 wks of age and treated with MK-0626 (10mg/kg/day, Merck). Results: When compared to normal chow-fed mice, Western diet-fed (DIO) mice manifested increased MAP (15-20mmHg), heart (50%) and body weight (33%), increased blood sugars (FBS) and sodium retention (urine sodium 6.9μmol/day/gBW vs. 2.3μmol/day/gBW, respectively). In addition to correcting FBS, MK-0626 lowered MAP and increased sodium excretion and corrected cardiac diastolic dysfunction ( Table ). Indeed, echocardiographic indices of diastolic function, including tissue doppler E’/A’ ratio, estimates of LV filling pressure (E/E’), isovolemic relaxation time and the Tei index, all abnormal in mice fed a WD, were improved by MK-0626. Contemporaneous with these cardiac functional abnormalities, the mTOR/S6K and ERK1/2 growth signaling pathways were activated in DIO mice and improved by 16 wks of MK-0626 treatment. Conclusion: These studies suggest that MK-0626 increases cardiac and renal bioavailability of GLP-1 and improves myocardial GLP-1R signaling, myocardial remodeling resulting in increased renal sodium excretion and improvements in cardiac diastolic function in pre-diabetic insulin resistant DIO mice. Table: Summary of 2D M-Mode, pulse wave and tissue doppler Echo measurements on 20 wk old mice on control diet (CD), Western diet (WD), or Western Diet with MK-0626 (WD-MK). Values are mean ± SE. Numbers in parentheses are sample sizes. Paired t-tests: *p
Radiation from a Source in a Baffle

Section introduced a correction for the pressure-release condition at the open end of a one-dimensional waveguide. The basis for that development is the radiation properties of a circular piston flush mounted in a wall whose extent is large. The wall is referred to as a baffle. A piston serves well as a model of real transducers that might be piezoceramics in an underwater projector.
Increased trophoblast inclusions in placentas from prematurely born infants: A potential marker of risk for preterm neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Abstract Trophoblast inclusions (TIs) are placental abnormalities of the trophoblast bilayer. Present in 2–8% of full-term placentas, they are associated with poor neurodevelopment, including autism. Although previously unstudied, examination of chorionic villi from 108 preterm births revealed a ∼4 fold increase in the frequency of TIs (30.5%). Frequency of TIs was inversely related to gestational age (GA); 43% of placentas
A Facile Cyclization Method Improves Peptide Serum Stability and Confers Intrinsic Fluorescence

Peptides are a growing class of macromolecules used in pharmaceutics. The path toward the clinical use of candidate peptides involves sequence optimization and cyclization for stability and affinity. For internalized peptides, tagging is also often required for intracellular trafficking studies, although fluorophore conjugation has an impact on peptide binding, permeability, and localization. Herein, a strategy based on cysteine arylation with tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile (4F-2CN), which simultaneously cyclizes peptides and imparts fluorescence, is reported. The 4F-2CN cyclization of an M2 macrophage-targeting peptide yields, in a single step, a peptide with improved serum stability, intrinsic fluorescence, and increased binding affinity. In a murine breast cancer model, it is demonstrated that the intrinsic fluorescence from the cyclized peptide is sufficient for monitoring biodistribution by whole-organ fluorescence imaging and cell internalization by flow cytometry.
Drop Impact Dynamics of Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Liquids

A droplet impinging on a solid substrate can result in liquid spreading, recoil, column formation/breakup, partial or complete rebound, or splash. These outcomes are governed by liquid density, viscosity, and surface tension along with surface wettability and roughness. This chapter discusses the recent developments in modeling Newtonian drop spread-recoil dynamics on a solid surface and provides a review of post-impact drop–surface interactions for aqueous surfactant and polymeric solutions. In aqueous solutions, surfactant molecules diffuse toward interfaces and are adsorbed there. As a result, the liquid–gas interfacial tension changes with surface age and the equilibrium tension is a function of surfactant concentration. The timescale of droplet deformation is often comparable to the timescale of surface tension relaxation of surfactant solutions which affects the surface deformation, spread-recoil oscillations, and column breakup. Furthermore, physisorption of surfactant molecules on the substrate alters its wettability and affects the spread-recoil phenomena. Aqueous polymeric solutions exhibit non-Newtonian viscous behavior, where their apparent viscosity is a function of the shear rate. The complex interplay between dynamic changes in interfacial properties and liquid deformation produces drop spread-recoil dynamics that is vastly different from their pure, Newtonian counterparts. Over last two decades, high-speed videography, computational simulations, and analytical modeling have provided useful understanding of droplet impact phenomena that unfolds over timescales of milliseconds or less for these complex fluids. Current understanding of the effect of dynamic changes in interfacial properties on the outcomes of droplet impact is presented in this chapter.
Risk of progression from subjective cognitive decline to mild cognitive impairment: The role of study setting

Abstract Introduction We compared risk of progression from subjective cognitive decline (SCD) to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in an academic memory clinic versus a population-based study. Methods Older adults presenting at a memory clinic were classified as SCD (n = 113) or as noncomplainers (n = 82). Participants from a population study were classified as SCD (n = 592) and noncomplainers (n = 589) based on a memory complaint score. Annual follow-up performed for a mean of 3 years. Results The adjusted hazard ratio for SCD was 15.97 (95% confidence interval: 6.08–42.02, P P = .047) in the population study, where reported "worry" about memory further increased SCD-associated risk for MCI. Discussion SCD is more likely to progress to MCI in a memory clinic than the general population; participants' characteristics vary across settings. Study setting should be considered when evaluating SCD as a risk state for MCI and dementia.
Characteristics of circulating tumor cells in newly diagnosed metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

304Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent real time dissemination of solid tumors. Historically, CTC enumeration has been challenging to perform successfully in pancreatic cancer (PCa...
Outcomes of arterial bypass preceding resection of retroperitoneal masses involving major vessels.

Abstract Background Current surgical management of retroperitoneal masses involving major vessels now includes complete en bloc resection with in situ venous, arterial, or combined reconstruction. No studies have investigated preresection arterial bypass for continuous lower extremity perfusion during definitive resection. Here, we characterize and compare the outcomes of surgery for retroperitoneal masses with major vascular involvement by a two-stage approach (femoral-femoral bypass preceding resection) and the traditional one-stage approach (consecutive resection and in situ vascular reconstruction). Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent resection of retroperitoneal masses and reconstruction of major arterial or venous structures from 2004 to 2016. Outcomes were compared with unpaired t-tests, chi-squared tests, and Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results Eight patients underwent a two-stage procedure, and seven underwent a one-stage procedure for retroperitoneal masses with vascular involvement. Mean (±SD) oncologic resection time (443 ± 215 versus 648 ± 128 min, P = 0.047) and postoperative ICU stay (0.9 ± 1.3 versus 4.4 ± 2.9 d, P = 0.018) were significantly shorter for the two-stage approach. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of a two-stage approach for resection of retroperitoneal masses with major vessel involvement. Femoral-femoral arterial bypass before definitive resection could be a viable option for improving intraoperative vascular control and decreasing perioperative complications in these complex procedures.
Detecting and Tracking Action Content

Detection and tracking of action content in the field of view of a camera is a significant step that needs to be completed prior to analysis. The detection task can be performed by either examining a single image or by analyzing the motion in a series of consecutive frames from a video. The tracking task, in contrast, requires multiple images and can be performed by association of detected objects or by iteratively estimating the motion in consecutive frames. This chapter provides insight to both tasks as they relate to the analysis of human actions.
Seroepidemiological survey on echinococcosis in primary school pupils of Liyang City of Jiangsu Province

Three towns with reported echinococcosis cases and five randomly selected towns were chosen and Echinococcus infection in pupils (7-12 years old) was investigated serologically in 2008. The sero-positive rate (IgG) was 0.9% (25/2 768). There was no significant statistical difference on the IgG positive rate between rural and urban areas (chi2 = 2.82, P > 0.05), males and females (chi2 = 0.32, P > 0.05).
A comparison of safety and outcomes with cefazolin versus nafcillin for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections

Abstract Background Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) is a frequent cause of bloodstream infections (BSI). Treatment with nafcillin (NAF) has been preferred to cefazolin (CFZ). However, comparable outcomes have been found with CFZ with possibly lower risk for side-effects. This study compared safety and effectiveness of NAF versus CFZ for MSSA BSI. Methods This single center retrospective study evaluated adults admitted with MSSA BSI who received NAF or CFZ. Patients receiving ≥24 h of antibiotics were included for safety analyses. Patients receiving NAF or CFZ for ≥75% of a 14 day minimum treatment course were assessed for clinical effectiveness. The primary safety outcome was incidence of renal toxicity with multiple secondary safety endpoints. Clinical success was defined as symptom resolution, repeat negative cultures, lack of additional therapy for presumed failure, and lack of recurrence within 30 days. Results A total of 130 patients receiving NAF (n = 79) or CFZ (n = 51) were included for safety analysis. Of those, 90 met criteria for effectiveness assessment (NAF n = 40, CFZ n = 50). Baseline characteristics were well matched. NAF was associated with a higher incidence of nephrotoxicity compared to CFZ (25% vs. 2%, RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.15–1.5, p Conclusion CFZ was associated with less nephrotoxicity and no difference in clinical success compared to NAF for MSSA BSI. A prospective study comparing NAF to CFZ for MSSA BSI should be conducted to elucidate differences in therapies.
Pauline Resonances in Luther, Derrida, and Kierkegaard

This chapter situates the trajectory of thinkers engaged in the second part. First, Dickinson considers the ambivalent legacy of Luther, whose interpretation of Paul often sets faith apart from creation and formative activity, but which is also marked by the recessive strand of his theology of the cross. Second, Dickinson turns to Derrida, who serves as a challenging interlocutor that can transform some of the tendencies of the wisdom of the cross for domination and escape. Next, Kierkegaard, more of an insider to this trajectory, opens a positive role for works. Finally, the chapter concludes by underlining how this approach goes against the dominant, abstract interpretation that usually marks all of these writers.
Lack of effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on short-term smoking cessation: Results of a randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial.

Abstract Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to improve measures of executive cognitive function and reduce cigarette consumption. Studies conducted to date have been small, and the results are mixed. Methods This randomized, double-blind, parallel arm clinical trial tested the effects of active anodal tDCS targeted to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (versus sham) on 7-day smoking cessation in 106 treatment-seeking smokers. Participants received three sessions of sham (n = 35), 1 mA (n = 35), or 2 mA (n = 36) tDCS in the context of a validated smoking lapse paradigm then received brief smoking cessation counseling and completed a monitored quit attempt. The primary outcome was total number of days of abstinence confirmed via exhaled carbon monoxide. Results During the quit period, there were no effects of dose group on days of abstinence (sham, M (SD): 2.5 days (±2.5); 1 mA: 2.5 days (±2.5); 2 mA: 2.4 days (±2.3); β = -0.08; p = 0.76) or on change in daily smoking rate (sham, M (SD): 12.6 CPD (±4.8); 1 mA: -11.8 CPD (±4.4); 2 mA: -11.7 CPD (±5.3); β = 0.42, p = 0.49), nor were there effects of dose group on latency to smoke or number of cigarettes smoked during the smoking lapse paradigm. Side effects of tDCS were generally mild ( Conclusions These results do not support the efficacy of tDCS targeted to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for smoking cessation.
After Citizens United and Speechnow.Org: Considering the Consequences of New Campaign Finance Activities

In this paper, I examine whether there was a flood of corporate money into federal campaigns after the Citizens United and SpeechNow.org decisions, whether corporate and other contributors sought out and found ways to spend money that did not require them to reveal their campaign finance activity to the public, and whether the recent changes to the campaign finance regulatory regime have fundamentally shifted the balance of power, and therefore the relative ability of various participants to speak in federal elections. There is now more corporate money in federal elections. However, the increase in corporate spending started in 2008 and continued into 2010, and the actual impact of this increase remains unclear. There was indeed a significant decrease in donor disclosure in 2010, but this too is a trend that began in 2008, so it is not a direct result of Citizens United and SpeechNow.org. And the balance of spending by various campaign finance participants has changed in recent election cycles. In 2010, for example, non-party outside spending eclipsed party spending, as more non-party (mostly corporate) money entered the system. I discuss how these findings relate to the current campaign finance regulatory landscape and to the political environment.
Teacher and School Predictors of Teacher Deprofessionalization and Demoralization in the United States

The purpose of this study is to examine changes in teachers’ perception of their work during key periods of the accountability and assessment policy movement in the United States. We utilize a teac...
Propagation of Hybrid Lilacs Using Stock Plant Etiolation

Outdoor grown stock plants of French hybrid lilacs, (Syringa vulgaris), were allowed to leaf out under dense shade. The resulting etiolated shoots were banded at the base with black tape to retain ...
Neonatal calf management

An investigation of a calf disease problem on a dairy should follow certain consistent, repeatable steps. Whether you are the attending or consulting veterinarian, it behooves you to compile baseline information so you know the purpose of the calf raising operation (replacement heifers, veal, dairy beef). Baseline information can be obtained by interview but it should be corroborated by a review of the calf records, billing slips, or laboratory data. This information becomes your initial database which is used to accurately state the problem. It is imperative that there is agreement between veterinarian and owner about what the problem is. Subsequently, the investigation of a calf disease outbreak will be problem-oriented, thus avoiding the natural tendency to target everything in an operation which is problematic or could be improved.
Comparative effectiveness of robotic and open radical prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy (RP) has undergone a remarkable transformation from open to minimally- invasive surgery over the last two decades. However, it is important to recognize there is still conflicting evidence regarding key outcomes. We aimed to summarize current literature on comparative effectiveness of robotic and open RP for key outcomes including oncologic results, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures, safety and postoperative complications, and healthcare costs. The bulk of the paper will discuss and interpret limitations of current data. Finally, we will also highlight future directions of both surgical approaches and its potential impact on health care delivery.
Monitoring analysis of adverse events following immunization of measles contained vaccine in Zhejiang from 2010 to 2012

Objective To evaluate the immunization safety of the measles contained vaccine (MCV).Methods The data of MCV adverse events following immunization (AEFI) and the vaccination data were collected through the AEFI surveillance system and China immunization monitoring information management system from 2010 to 2012.The descriptive epidemiology method was used in the study.Results From 2010 to 2012,1549 AEFI cases of MCV were reported in the surveillance system and the incidence of AEFI of MCV was 210.85 per million doses among which the common vaccine reaction incidence was 143.74 per million doses.The rare vaccine reaction incidence was 56.63 per million doses and the serious rare vaccine reaction incidence was very low.The incidence of AEFI was higher during measles and mumps combined attenuated live vaccine (MMV) booster immunization than that during routine immunization (367.08 per million doses and 134.02 per million doses,Z=20.00,P＜0.01).The sex ratio of male and female was 1.61∶1,most of the cases were younger than 3 years old.The vaccine reactions were mainly happened one day after vaccination.Conclusions AEFI of MCV reactions incidence is in expected range,and the main vaccine reactions are common.Overall,MCV has good safety. Key words: Measles; Adverse events following immunization ; Surveillance