cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression and physiologic significance of Kit ligand and stem cell tyrosine kinase-1 receptor ligand in normal human CD34+, c-Kit+ marrow cells.

To determine the potential role of autocrine growth factor production in regulating primitive human hematopoietic cell development, we examined highly purified CD34 + , c-Kit + marrow mononuclear cells for expression of c-Kit ligand (KL) and stem cell tyrosine kinase 1 (stkl) ligand (STK1-L). Normal marrow mononuclear cells coexpressing CD34 and c-Kit were isolated by a combination of immunomagnetic bead isolation and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Purified cells were then screened for expression of KL and stk1-L mRNA using a sensitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method. Using this approach, expression of both cytokine genes at the mRNA level was found in this highly enriched cell population. We then examined the functional significance of these mRNAS by inhibiting their expression with antisense (AS) oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN). In comparison to untreated or control ODN treated cells, inhibition of KL led to a 70% and 89% inhibition in burst-forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E) and colony-forming unit-Mix (CFU-Mix) colonies but had no significant effect on CFU-granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) cloning efficiency. In contrast, inhibition of STK1-L alone had no effect on colony formation. However, when STK1-L AS ODN was combined with KL AS ODN, additive inhibition of CFU-GM and CFU-MIX but not of BFU-E colonies was observed. These findings, along with those of our previous studies showing inhibition of primitive hematopoietic cell growth with antisense ODN directed towards the stk1 receptor, suggest the possibility that both receptor/ligand axes regulate primitive hematopoietic cell growth via an autocrine growth loop.
Epidemiological features of type A and B intestinal infectious diseases in Jiulongpo district of Chongqing in 1997-2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of type A and B intestinal infectious diseases from 1997to 2012in Jiulongpo district of Chongqing. Methods A descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze the features of type A and type B intestinal infectious diseases.Chi-square test was applied for data analysis. Results The average annual incidence of type A and type B intestinal infectious diseases was 155.79per 100 000population,which accounted for 37.13%of the total reported cases.The mortality rate was 0.02per 100 000.The most common disease was found to be bacteria dysentery accounting for 80.97% of cases,while,hepatitis A only accounted for 11.56%.34.58% cases appeared in July to September.The number of patients from rural areas was significantly higher than those from urban areas with the ratio of 2.21∶1(χ2=1 791.98,P0.01).A quarter of patients were children aged 0-4years and 38.32% cases were adults aged 20-49years.The ratio of male to female cases was 1.16∶1and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=106.93,P0.01). Conclusion The overall incidence of type A and type B intestinal infectious diseases in Jiulongpo district shows a downward trend from 1997to 2012.Bacteria dysentery is still the major infectious disease needed to be effectively controlled.
Vectors surveillance report in Xihu district,Nanchang,2010-2012

Objective Find out the population composition and seasonal fluctuation of vectors in Xihu District,provide effective prevention measures for prevention and control of local vectors and vector borne diseases.Methods Adult mosquito density was investigated using light trap method,flies density was investigated using density cage trap method,rat density was investigated using night trapping,cockroach density was investigated using sticky recapture method.Results From 2010 to 2012,6763 mosquitoes were captured,with an average density of 2.62 /( lamps.Hours),Culex quinquefasciatus account for90.61% and Tres Culex account for 6.66%.186 flies were captured,with the average density of 1.02 / cage,mainly composed of musca( 33.75%),Lucilia( 17.5%),city flies( 13.75%),flies aeruginosa( 12.5%) and megacephala( 10.00%); 9955 cockroaches were caught with the average density of 4.83 / sheet,all of them are the German cockroach; 64 rodents were captured,the average density was 1.66%,mainly composed of Rattus norvegicus( 95.65%) and Mus musculus( 4.35%).Conclusion Culex mosquitoes,houseflies,German cockroach,Rattus norvegicus were the dominant species.April is the peak of mosquito activity; Between May and October flies activity shows four peaks,among which the highest appear in August;Between May and July cockroaches activity shows two peaks,the higher appear in July; The seasonality of rodents activity is not obvious due to deratization in spring and autumn.
Research on Morphological Mechanism for High-yielding of Two New Inter-subspecific Rice Combinations

Major morphological indexes,length and width of the third leaf from top,bend degree of leaf and curly degree of leaf and their correlation to yield were studied with Pei'ai 64S/R292,Y58S/R292 and Fengyuanyou 299(CK) as materials.The results showed that the space of the leaves of Pei'ai64S/R292 and Y58S/R292 was higher,the curly degree of leaves was larger,the leaves were straighter,the effective photosynthesis area was larger and photosynthetic situation was better.The correlation analysis showed that significant positive correlation existed between yield and length and width of the third leaf from top and the curly degree of leaf,while significant negative correlation existed between yield and bend degree of leaf.
146 PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN SCHOOLS AND FACTORS AFFECTING THAT KNOWLEDGE.

Introduction Natural and manmade disasters have been increasingly thrust into society9s daily consciousness. With approximately one fifth of the United States population in a school setting on any given weekday, it is imperative that schools are prepared for these catastrophic events. Previous research has shown that schools are ill-prepared to manage many of these situations and parents are unaware of the disaster plans at their children9s schools. This study was performed to ascertain parents9 current knowledge of disaster preparedness plans in their children9s schools and investigate factors associated with differing levels of knowledge. Methods A previously validated survey capturing knowledge of school disaster preparedness plans, parent monitoring behaviors, and demographics was given to parents of school-aged children who presented to an urban, tertiary care children9s hospital emergency department. Results 163 parents were enrolled. Ninety-one percent of children attended public school, and 62% were in elementary school. Fifty-five percent of parents reported that their children9s school was not located at or near a potential disaster site; 37% did not know of the existence of a disaster plan at their child9s school. Of the 59% of parents who reported that their child9s school had a disaster plan, the majority of them did not know details of the plan, such as the existence of a crisis team (69%) or a post-disaster recovery plan (67%). Seventy-nine percent did not know where their child would be taken if the school needed to be evacuated. Whether or not parents knew if the school had a disaster plan was not significantly affected by their perception of the schools9 susceptibility to disaster (p = .541) or the fact that they had a plan in place at home (p = .093). Parents with lower educational levels were shown to have less knowledge of the disaster preparedness plans at their children9s school but reported that they prefer face-to-face meetings with school officials to receive disaster preparedness information. Parental monitoring techniques were not associated with levels of knowledge of school disaster plans. Conclusions Parents remain generally unaware of school disaster plans. Knowledge of plans and potential actions, along with perceptions of risk, differ among various socioeconomic, educational, and marital status groups. These factors need to be addressed to optimize interventions in this area.
Ultrastructure of Vesicourethral Innervation. I. Neuroeffector and Cell Junctions in the Male Internal Sphincter

Abstract The ultrastructure of neuroeffector and cell junctions in smooth muscle of the internal sphincter was studied in the male cat and rat. Muscle cells of the sphincter have the same features of smooth muscle elsewhere, with frequent adherens-type junctions. Neuroeffector junctions are established with sphincter muscle cells by cholinergic and/or adrenergic axons, which probably are not distributed on a 1:1 nerve muscle basis. The neuroeffector junctions are classified according to their cleft width, their overall morphology, the functional class of their axonal component, and the number of axonal and muscle cell elements involved. These observations unequivocally confirm the principle of dual cholinergic-adrenergic control of the male internal sphincter, and indicate that its mechanism of neuromuscular transmission is both direct via neuroeffector and indirect via muscle cell junctions.
TURBULENCE IN THE SOLAR WIND MEASURED WITH COMET TAIL TEST PARTICLES

By analyzing the motions of test particles observed remotely in the tail of Comet Encke, we demonstrate that the solar wind undergoes turbulent processing enroute from the Sun to the Earth and that the kinetic energy entrained in the large-scale turbulence is sufficient to explain the well-known anomalous heating of the solar wind. Using the heliospheric imaging (HI-1) camera on board NASA's STEREO-A spacecraft, we have observed an ensemble of compact features in the comet tail as they became entrained in the solar wind near 0.4 AU. We find that the features are useful as test particles, via mean-motion analysis and a forward model of pickup dynamics. Using population analysis of the ensemble's relative motion, we find a regime of random-walk diffusion in the solar wind, followed, on larger scales, by a surprising regime of semiconfinement that we attribute to turbulent eddies in the solar wind. The entrained kinetic energy of the turbulent motions represents a sufficient energy reservoir to heat the solar wind to observed temperatures at 1 AU. We determine the Lagrangian-frame diffusion coefficient in the diffusive regime, derive upper limits for the small scale coherence length of solar wind turbulence, compare our results to existing Eulerian-frame measurements, and compare the turbulent velocity with the size of the observed eddies extrapolated to 1 AU. We conclude that the slow solar wind is fully mixed by turbulence on scales corresponding to a 1–2 hr crossing time at Earth; and that solar wind variability on timescales shorter than 1–2 hr is therefore dominated by turbulent processing rather than by direct solar effects.
Evaluating the utility of serological testing in laryngotracheal stenosis.

Objectives/Hypothesis Whereas mechanical (traumatic) causes of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) are identified based on history, autoimmune laryngotracheal stenosis (aLTS) and idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis (iLTS) are often more difficult to differentiate. The objective of this study was to evaluate serologic testing in a large cohort of nonmechanical LTS patients to determine which tests, if any, lead clinicians to the etiology of the LTS. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Methods This study reviewed nonmechanical LTS patients seen at a tertiary medical center from 2007 to 2014. Data were obtained on patient demographics, associated preexisting autoimmune conditions, comorbidities, intubation history, and serologic testing. Results Ninety-two records were reviewed. Twenty-three (25%) patients were found to have autoimmune disease; 69 (75%) met criteria for iLTS. A history of cigarette smoking was more significant in the aLTS group than the iLTS group (P < .001). Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was positive only in patients with known granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). All other serological testing was equivocal between the two cohorts. Conclusions Differentiating iLTS from aLTS has proven difficult. The lack of information about the two entities has resulted in variability in the diagnostic workup to distinguish them. This study's finding of a more significant smoking history in the aLTS group correlates with the literature, which suggests an inflammatory effect of smoking cigarettes and an association with autoimmune disease. The only significant cohort of patients in this study found to have positive serological testing correlated with a diagnosable condition responsible for LTS was GPA patients with positive ANCA. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1408–1412, 2017
A reflective analysis of instructional practice in an online environment

We analyzed data collected during a problem-based learning (PBL) activity implemented entirely online as part of a learning sciences course for pre-service teachers. During the activity, the first author (MD) served as the facilitator for a collaborative group of 5 students. This study was performed in the context of the eSTEP (Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education Project) research program. One focus of eSTEP is the reflective analysis of instructional practice utilizing multiple analytical frameworks and methodologies. In one previous study (Derry, Seymour, Fassnacht, & Feltovich, 2001), a novice PBL facilitator collaborated with experts to analyze her practices. This study continued in this vein and provided us with the opportunity to "experiment" with a framework, developed by Radinsky, Leimberer, and Gomez (2000), for analyzing patterns of student reflection in collaborative discourse. We analyzed data collected from an educational psychology course for preservice teachers focusing on the learning sciences. A goal of the course was to educate students to utilize the learning sciences to both analyze and design classroom instruction. The course used the eSTEP system (Derry & STEP Research Group, 2002), a web-based instructional environment that supports learning through video case analysis and instructional design activities. This study focused on a video analysis discussion that MD facilitated. In this discussion, students were instructed to utilize a small number of learning sciences concepts to interpret and analyze a video case of classroom instruction. The video analysis discussion occurred in a threaded discussion board within eSTEP.
Bilingual Pre-Service Teachers' Initial Experiences: Language Ideologies in Practice.

To address the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse student population in our U.S. schools, teacher preparation programs need to prepare bilingual pre-service teachers to view and impleme...
Applications: Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response

Abstract The Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) is an epidemiologic technique designed to provide quickly, and at low cost, household-based information about a community's needs. Gathering health and basic needs information using valid statistical methods allows public health and emergency managers to make informed decisions. CASPER data are often used to allocate resources, provide valid information to dispel rumors, support funding of projects, and for future planning purposes. CASPER can also be used whenever representative data are needed throughout the disaster life cycle. Preparedness CASPERs may focus on evacuation and household readiness plans as well as communications so that local emergency plans can be tailored to the specific needs of the community. Response CASPERs often focus on the community's immediate needs and general health status. During the recovery phase, CASPERs assess long-term and ongoing needs and can evaluate response efforts. CASPER has also proven useful for nondisaster purposes.
Polyphenols and Pyrazines in Beer during Aging1

Concentrations of 18 polyphenols and 13 pyrazines in aging bottled beer were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with a reverse phase octadecyl-silica (μ-Bondapak®C18) column. Ten ...
Animal Models of Airway Diseases

Over the past 20 years, the growing awareness that purinergic signaling events literally shape the immune and inflammatory responses to infection and allergic reactions warranted the development of animal models to assess their importance in vivo in acute lung injury and chronic airway diseases. The pioneer work conducted with the adenosine deaminase (ADA)-deficient mouse provided irrefutable evidence that excess adenosine (ADO) accumulating in the lungs of asthmatic patients, constitutes a powerful mediator of disease severity. These original studies launched the development of murine strains for the two major ectonucleotidases responsible for the generation of airway ADO from ATP release: CD39 and CD73. The dramatic acute lung injury and chronic lung complications, manifested by these knockout mice in response to allergens and endotoxin, demonstrated the critical importance of regulating the availability of ATP and ADO for their receptors. Therapeutic targets are currently evaluated using knockout mice and agonists/antagonists for each ADO receptor (A1R, A2AR, A2BR, and A3R) and the predominant ATP receptors (P2Y2R and P2X7R). This chapter provides an in-depth description of each in vivo study, and a critical view of the therapeutic potentials for the treatment of airway diseases.
Chloroquine retinopathy. Is fluorescein angiography necessary

Color fundus photographs and corresponding fluorescein angiograms from 83 patients suspected of having chloroquine retinopathy were reviewed in a retrospective masked study to determine the relative sensitivity of these two photographic methods in the diagnosis of retinal toxicity. We identified retinal toxicity on both color photographs and fluorescein angiograms in 7.6% of cases, on the color photographs but not on the corresponding angiograms in 6.1% of cases, and on the fluorescein angiograms but not on the color photographs in 1.5% of cases. Fluorescein angiography may not be as sensitive as color fundus photography (or ophthalmoscopy) in the diagnosis of chloroquine retinopathy.
Human Ranging of Aircraft: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this research was to investigate the basic ability of humans to range in-flight aircraft. The question was posed during another research study by the author for the purpose of setting a quantitative baseline for automated sense-and-avoid distance. An experimental research design was used for the study. Aircraft position was based on reported Automated Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) data which is based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) fix of the aircraft. Humans in the pilot study ranged aircraft with a mean absolute error of 50.34% at ranges between 650 and 9,738 meters.
The Search for a Practical Method for Colistin Susceptibility Testing: Have We Found It by Going Back to the Future?

ABSTRACT Polymyxins are relied upon for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections, but polymyxin resistance is increasing. Only broth microdilution is recommended for polymyxin susceptibility testing, but this method is impractical for most clinical microbiology laboratories. An article in this issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology (P. J. Simner, Y. Bergman, M. Trejo, A. A. Roberts, R. Marayan, T. Tekle, S. Campeau, A. Kazmi, D. Bell, S. Lewis, P. D. Tamma, R. Humphries, and J. A. Hindler, J Clin Microbiol 57:e01163-18, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.01163-18) found that colistin broth disk elution, a method that requires only colistin disks and broth, had excellent performance compared to broth microdilution for all strains except mcr-positive Escherichia coli strains.
Fear of Failure and Entrepreneurial Risk Perception

The present study provides an understanding of the role of fear of failure in entrepreneurial decision making by examining the mediating role of appraisal dimensions through the study of the impact of fear (state and trait) on entrepreneurial risk perception and using the cognitive-motivational-relational process and the Appraisal Tendencies Framework as based theories. Using a sample of students, we confirmed that trait fear is significantly related with higher entrepreneurial risk perception and this relation is mediated by cognitive appraisal dimensions especially the certainty theme. The same relationship is not confirmed for the state fear, even the statistical difference between students in entrepreneurial risk perception due to state fear condition.
Abstract 45: Treatment Trends and Clinical Outcomes for Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms in High vs Low Volume Centers

Background: Prior studies have suggested that unruptured cerebral aneurysm (CA) treatments have spread from high-volume centers into lower-volume centers in the past decade, coinciding with the inc...
Distributed Control Strategy to Achieve Synchronized Operation of an Islanded MG

To seamlessly transition a microgrid (MG) from islanded to grid-connected mode, it is necessary to synchronize the magnitude, frequency, and phase of the MG voltage to the voltage of the main grid. In this paper, we propose a distributed control strategy to achieve synchronized operation of an islanded MG supported by multiple controllable distributed generators (DGs). The proposed method utilizes a pinning-based consensus algorithm to ensure explicit coordination between magnitude, frequency, and phase angle regulation while ensuring proportional power sharing. System frequency is regulated by all the DGs in proportion to their capacity, while a selected DG eliminates the phase and magnitude regulation errors. Controller design criteria is based on small-signal stability analysis. The proposed control strategy is implemented in hardware controllers and its effectiveness is demonstrated using a real-time hardware-in-the-loop MG testbed.
Heath Status of U.S. Immigrants and the Process of Becoming a Legal Permanent Resident Alien

Using the first round of the 2003 cohort of the New Immigrant Survey, a nationally representative sample of new legal immigrants to the United States, we investigate the relationship between the process of becoming a legal permanent resident alien (the process of obtaining a green card) and the self-reported health status of U.S immigrants. Results from ordered-logitistic regressions indicate that immigrants who felt sad, blue or depressed because of the process of becoming a legal permanent resident in the U.S. were more likely to report a lower health status.
Long-Term Impact of a Culturally Tailored Patient Navigation Program on Disparities in Breast Cancer Screening in Refugee Women After the Program's End.

Abstract Purpose: To examine the long-term effects of a patient navigation (PN) program for mammography screening tailored to refugee women and to assess screening utilization among these women aft...
“Don’t Make Me Feel Dumb”: Transfer Students, the Library, and Acclimating to a New Campus

Abstract Objective – This qualitative study sought to delineate and understand the role of the library in addressing the barriers transfer students experience upon acclimating to their new campus. Methods – A screening survey was used to recruit transfer students in their first semester at Brooklyn College (BC) to participate in focus groups. The participants discussed the issues they encountered by answering open-ended questions about their experiences on campus, and with the library specifically. Results – Transfer students desired current information about campus procedures, services, and academic support. They often had to find this information on their own, wasting valuable time. Students felt confused and stressed by this process; however, strategic library involvement can help alleviate this stress. Conclusion – Involving the library more fully in orientations could ease students’ confusion in their transitional semester. Students desired local knowledge, and the library is in a key position to disseminate this information.
Individuals with cochlear implants use feedback from their own productions to alter the pitch of their voice

The feedback cochlear implant (CI) users’ receive of their own voice is greatly distorted by the CI processor, which may cause these individuals to ignore that feedback. A series of studies were conducted to investigate if this is the case. In the first study, because bilateral CI users often hear rumbly sounds with one CI and squeaky sounds with the other CI, bilateral CI users were asked to produce a sustained vowel (/a/) when using either their left or right CI. Many participants produced different F0s depending on which CI they were using. In the second study, participants were presented with altered feedback, where brief shifts in the spectrum were introduced to the feedback from their own voice. Participants shifted the pitch of their voice in response. In the third experiment, stimulation patterns were shifted either apically or basally while participants completed a number of vocal tasks. Participants reliably shifted the pitch of their voice, compensating for the shifted place of stimulation. Taken together, the results indicate that CI users are monitoring their own vocal productions and using that feedback to alter their F0. Additionally, the results suggest that the place of stimulation is a key aspect of that feedback.The feedback cochlear implant (CI) users’ receive of their own voice is greatly distorted by the CI processor, which may cause these individuals to ignore that feedback. A series of studies were conducted to investigate if this is the case. In the first study, because bilateral CI users often hear rumbly sounds with one CI and squeaky sounds with the other CI, bilateral CI users were asked to produce a sustained vowel (/a/) when using either their left or right CI. Many participants produced different F0s depending on which CI they were using. In the second study, participants were presented with altered feedback, where brief shifts in the spectrum were introduced to the feedback from their own voice. Participants shifted the pitch of their voice in response. In the third experiment, stimulation patterns were shifted either apically or basally while participants completed a number of vocal tasks. Participants reliably shifted the pitch of their voice, compensating for the shifted place of stimulation. Tak...
Merging Interests: When Domestic Firms Shape FDI Policy

Why do governments open their economies to multinational enterprises (MNEs)? Some argue democratic forces promote this openness, but many citizen groups view multinational business with suspicion. Using quantitative and qualitative analysis, Bauerle Danzman demonstrates how large domestic firms push to liberalize foreign direct investment (FDI) policies to ameliorate financing constraints, often to the detriment of smaller competitors. MNE entry comes with substantial risks, such as higher labour costs and increased productivity pressures, so well-connected domestic firms will prefer to limit access to local markets when the costs of debt financing are relatively low. However, when local environments make debt financing increasingly expensive, firms will be more willing to dismantle restrictive investment policies so that they may overcome liquidity constraints with equity financing from abroad. Bauerle Danzman includes comparative analysis of Malaysia and Indonesia from 1965–2016 to illustrate how governments undertake investment policy reform, and to indicate the interest groups that influence the outcomes of these regulatory changes.
Assessment as Science and Story: A Roadmap for Christian Higher Education.

Institutions of higher education face an increasing demand for evidence that they are providing the high-quality educational experience promised in promotional materials. Accrediting bodies require...
Low serum vitamin C correlates with an increased risk of peripheral arterial disease in current smokers: Results from NHANES 2003-2004.

Abstract Background Cigarette smoking is one of the most critical risk factors for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and inversely correlated Vitamin C. Here we determine whether serum vitamin C correlates with the risk of PAD, especially among current smokers. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 2383 individuals ≥40 ​y was performed from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2003–2004), including measurement of ankle-brachial index (ABI), smoking status and serum vitamin C. We examined the interactions between plasma vitamin C and exposure to smoking on the risk of PAD. Results 912 (38.2%) were current smokers while 207 participants were diagnosed with PAD based on ABI(ABI≤0.9). Current smokers in the lowest vitamin C quartile had the highest prevalence of PAD (14.1%) compared to other quartiles. However, this trend was not significant in nonsmokers. Current smokers in the lowest quartile had a 2.32-fold risk (95% CI, 1.03–5.32; P ​= ​0.04) for PAD after weighted adjustment for potential confounders, including vitamin D and C-reactive protein. In contrast, non-smokers did not have a differing risk of PAD as a function of vitamin C (P for interaction ​= ​0.019). Conclusions As an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, low serum vitamin C appears to associates with the risk of PAD in smokers. A relationship between PAD and vitamin C in non-current smokers is not apparent. Modulating vitamin C in current smokers may help mitigate the risk of PAD and should be a target of mechanistic study.
The influence of threat and aversive motivation on conflict processing in the Stroop task

Motivated attention can be driven by the desire to maximize gains or escape punishment. In the Stroop task, when rewards can be obtained by responding quickly to certain colors, corresponding color words are prioritized and produce enhanced interference, suggesting transfer of an attentional bias from color hues to color words. In the present study, we replicated this transfer effect using reward and conducted a parallel experiment exchanging the prospect of reward (appetitive motivation) with the opportunity to avert punishment (aversive motivation). Participants were required to identify the color (hue) of color words and received electric shocks for responses to particular hues that were slow or incorrect. Shock-related words similarly impaired color-ink naming performance. In contrast to prior studies with reward, however, responding to hues associated with shock was also impaired, with threat producing an increase in error rate that ironically resulted in more frequent shocks. Our results suggest that aversive and appetitive motivation affect attention to task-relevant information differently, although each produces a common bias in automatic stimulus processing presumably driven by valence.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Sleeve Gastrectomy: Pathophysiology and Available Treatments

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common comorbidity in the obese population. Prevalence in the obese population is estimated to be around 37-72%. Therefore, GERD may be preexisting or may occur de novo after a bariatric operation. GERD results from a failure of normal anti-reflux barriers, centered around the esophagus, lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the crural portion of the hiatus, and the stomach. The pathophysiology behind obesity-related GERD appears to be the result of a multitude of anatomic and physiologic changes at the LES imposed by the central and visceral adiposity of obesity. Fundoplication has been considered the gold standard for surgical treatment of reflux disease. Beyond RYGB, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the most popular primary bariatric operation, but not in the treatment of GERD. While sleeve gastrectomy has shown good results of excess weight loss, the high pressure system of a sleeve has shown mixed results or increased rate of GERD. The effects of SG on GERD symptoms is debated, with studies showing both improvement of GERD symptoms as well as worsening or even de novo development. Severe GERD following sleeve gastrectomy is a well-established complication. Preoperative predictors of severe reflux should be used to have an informed discussion with patients regarding their best options for primary bariatric surgical technique. Medical therapy remains the primary therapy in worsening or de novo GERD after sleeve gastrectomy; however, surgical techniques such as conversion to RYGB or MSA are safe and effective.
Fast Convergent Flocking Control of Multi-Agent Systems with Switching Communication Topology

To improve the flocking convergence speed for completing some emergent tasks, e.g. search and rescue in an accident, this paper proposes a novel fast convergent flocking control method for multi-agent systems with switching communication topology. First, a new distributed per-step convergence factor (D-PCF) is defined to indicate flocking convergence speed of each agent, whose summation indicates the overall convergence speed of multi-agent systems. Then, to decrease the D-PCF and thus increase the flocking convergence speed of the overall multi-agent system, a new distributed fast synchronization (DFS) algorithm is developed to determine position-dependent and velocity-dependent adjacency weights on every communication channel of an ad hoc network with switching topologies. The simulation results show that compared with a conventional flocking control, the flocking control using the DFS algorithm with switching communication topology can significantly increase the flocking convergence speed without requiring larger control inputs.
Summary and Perspectives

To summarize, I have employed interferometric time-resolved multi-photon photoemission microscopy, combined with wavelength tunable femtosecond lasers, to study the amplitudes, phases, spins and dynamics of surface plasmon polariton fields at various nano/micro-structures ranging from epitaxially grown silver wires/islands to structured Archimedean spirals. I conclude that light of various polarizations can couple into SPP mode in two ways; when the electric field is oscillating in the surface normal direction, it couples into the transverse SPP mode, whereas when it is oscillating in the surface plane and perpendicular to the coupling edge, it couples into the longitudinal SPP mode. The coupling of two modes together can explain the general SPP excitation mechanisms, such as the SAM dependent SPPs coupling, where the plasmonic quantum spin Hall effect arises from the superposition of transversely and longitudinally coupled SPPs. In addition, the SPPs dynamics associated with differently polarized excitation light remains time-reversal symmetric in a medium, such as Ag. Next, I described the normal-incident light PEEM measurements, where I can illuminate sample surfaces with a defined phase front, to study the plasmonic vortex generation. By imaging the dynamics of the SPP waves launched from Archimedean spiral structures with both the circularly and linearly polarized light, I found that the SAM of light is not necessary to impart OAM to SPP wave fronts. The Archimedean spiral structures can be constructed with geometric charge so that the formed SPP waves still form a vortex without supplying the external SAM of light. Finally, based on numerical simulations, I found that associated with the plasmonic vortices there is a novel Bosonic quasiparticle, an optical spin Skyrmion, which is topologically stable over pulse excitation. This discovery opens a new field of ultrafast topological plasmonics that can be investigated by future generations of students.
(Mis)Understanding scientific disagreement: Success versus pursuit-worthiness in theory choice.

Abstract Scientists often diverge widely when choosing between research programs. This can seem to be rooted in disagreements about which of several theories, competing to address shared questions or phenomena, is currently the most epistemically or explanatorily valuable—i.e. most successful. But many such cases are actually more directly rooted in differing judgments of pursuit-worthiness, concerning which theory will be best down the line, or which addresses the most significant data or questions. Using case studies from 16th-century astronomy and 20th-century geology and biology, I argue that divergent theory choice is thus often driven by considerations of scientific process, even where direct epistemic or explanatory evaluation of its final products appears more relevant. Broadly following Kuhn's analysis of theoretical virtues, I suggest that widely shared criteria for pursuit-worthiness function as imprecise, mutually-conflicting values. However, even Kuhn and others sensitive to pragmatic dimensions of theory ‘acceptance’, including the virtue of fruitfulness, still commonly understate the role of pursuit-worthiness—especially by exaggerating the impact of more present-oriented virtues, or failing to stress how ‘competing’ theories excel at addressing different questions or data. This framework clarifies the nature of the choice and competition involved in theory choice, and the role of alternative theoretical virtues.
Generation of a 660–2100 nm laser frequency comb based on an erbium fiber laser

We present a multibranch laser frequency comb based upon a 250 MHz mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser that spans more than 300 THz of bandwidth, from 660 nm to 2100 nm. Light from a mode-locked Er:fiber laser is amplified and then broadened in highly-nonlinear fiber to produce substantial power at ∼1050 nm. This light is subsequently amplified in Yb:fiber to produce 1.2 nJ, 73 fs pulses at 1040 nm. Extension of the frequency comb into the visible is achieved by supercontinuum generation from the 1040 nm light. Comb coherence is verified with cascaded f-2f interferometry and comparison to a frequency stabilized laser.
Glycosaminoglycan Modification of Decorin Depends on MMP14 Activity and Regulates Collagen Assembly.

Proper processing of collagens COL1 and COL6 is required for normal function of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Proteoglycan decorin (DCN) regulates collagen fiber formation. The amino-terminus of DCN is modified with an O-linked glycosaminoglycan (GAG), the function of which has remained unclear. Previously, non-glycanated DCN (ngDCN) was identified as a marker of adipose stromal cells. Here, we identify MMP14 as the metalloprotease that cleaves DCN to generate ngDCN. We demonstrate that mice ubiquitously lacking DCN GAG (ngDCN mice) have reduced matrix rigidity, enlarged adipocytes, fragile skin, as well as skeletal muscle hypotrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction. Our results indicate that DCN deglycanation results in reduced intracellular DCN—collagen binding and increased production of truncated COL6 chains, leading to aberrant procollagen processing and extracellular localization. This study reveals that the GAG of DCN functions to regulate collagen assembly in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle and uncovers a new mechanism of matrix dysfunction in obesity and aging.
Overnight Return, the Invisible Hand Behind The Intraday Return? A Retrospective

In an effort to extend our study on the relationship between overnight and intraday returns, we expand the study horizon to include more recent, relatively “calm” market years. We find that the autocorrelation between overnight and intraday returns persisted among smaller stocks, but not for the S&P500. Such a relationship is monotonic in nature – the stronger the overnight return, the further the opposite direction of the intraday return tends to be. We also find evidence that the market has indeed become less volatile in recent years, and the market factor plays a more significant role in stock returns.
Sulcus-Deepening Trochleoplasty for Trochlear Dysplasia:

Background:Patients who are refractory to initial management of trochlear dysplasia, which consists of bracing and physical therapy, may be candidates for trochleoplasty.Indications:Indications for...
In vivo potentiation of post-tetanic twitch across age and sex.

Twitch force potentiation of fast-twitch skeletal muscle is produced by repetitive stimulation that can be achieved from either (1) the staircase effect (continual low frequency stimulation) or (2) post-tetanic potentiation (a 1-2 s high-frequency tetanic stimulation). Previous studies examining twitch force potentiation have been conducted in vitro and shown that it is related to phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain (pRLC). We previously found, in vitro, reduced potentiation of twitch force and decreased pRLC in ovariectomized (Ovx, estrogen-deficient) compared with sham-operated (estrogen-replete) mice. Thus, we questioned whether this phenomenon occurred in vivo and whether age and sex would affect the potentiation of twitch force. Using an in vivo post-tetanic potentiation method (one twitch contraction followed by a tetanic contraction-100 Hz for 1,000 ms with 0.01 ms pulses, and two post-tetanic twitch contractions), we investigated twitch torque potentiation in C57BL/6 young and old, male and female mice. There were significant main effects of sex (P < 0.001) and age (P < 0.001) on body mass and significant main effects of sex (P < 0.001) on tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus muscle masses, with males and aged being relatively greater. Analysis of twitch torque using a three-way ANOVA across time, age, and sex showed a significant main effect of time (pre < post; P < 0.001), time × age (P = 0.038), and time × sex (P = 0.028), indicating potentiation occurred in young and old, males and females. Analysis of twitch torque potentiation (percent increase) using a two-way ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of age (young = 45.16 ± 2.04 versus old = 27.88 ± 9.96; P < 0.001) with no effect of sex (P = 0.215). In summary, enhanced generation of twitch force of skeletal muscle using a post-tetanic potentiation method does occur in vivo and is affected by age but not sex, as there is greater twitch torque potentiation in young than old mice.
TORSIONAL ANALYSIS OF CUTOUT BEAMS

The torsional deflection analysis of uniform hollow beams having a uniform cutout and subjected to a quasi-statically moving point torque is presented. An inherent deflection discontinuity is examined and a method to eliminate this incompatability problem is given. As a numerical example, a rectangular hollow beam used in an automated guideway transit application is studied.
Metabolic support of the gastrointestinal tract: potential gut protection during intensive cytotoxic therapy.

BACKGROUND Potentially curative options involving cytoablative therapies are now available for the treatment of almost all human tumors, but major toxicities represent the rate-limiting step in achieving a cure with these therapies. With successful hematoprotective strategies now in use, it is apparent that the gastrointestinal tract will be the rate-limiting organ system that prevents further dose escalation in many cancer patients. METHODS A review of the English language literature was conducted. Paperchase, a computer-based application that reviews the data bases of the National Library of Medicine and the National Cancer Institute, was used to obtain pertinent literature. RESULTS A variety of gut-protective nutrients and growth factors were identified. These substances may be useful in preventing dose-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms. Animal studies and some patient data suggest that the amino acid glutamine stimulates mucosal growth and promotes gut health. When nutrient administration is coupled with growth factors, such as growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, glucagon-like peptide-2, and interleukin-11, a high level of bowel protection should be attained. CONCLUSIONS Therapy is evolving that may be useful in protecting the intestinal mucosa and preventing dose-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms. Cancer 1997; 79:1794-803. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
STUDIES ON CHRONIC MEMBRANOPROLIFERATIVE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS WITH HYPOCOMPLEMENTEMIA

CMPGN with hypocomplementemia appears to be one identifiable form of progressive and destructive glomerulonephritis, but whether this is a specific pathogenetic entity has not been proven. The clinical features of the "disease" include presentation with either asymptomatic proteinuria and hematuria, nephrotic syndrome, or gross hematuria and an acute nephritic syndrome. Morphologic studies reveal extensive mesangial cell proliferation and increased matrix with thickening of the glomerular capillary. Deposits of C3 and properdin uniformly are found predominantly in a peripheral lobular distribution by immunofluorescent microscopy; immunoglobulins are seen less consistently. These deposits are different from those seen in other glomerular diseases. Serum complement abnormalities have also been demonstrated: depression of C3t (and s1C/s1A) with relatively normal earlier components, evidence for in vivo breakdown of C3 by labeled isotope studies and elevated α2D, presence of a serum inhibitor that inactivates guinea pig C3t and a pseudoglobulin lytic factor that in combination with a normal serum cofactor enzymatically cleaves C3 to α2D and s1A. The terminal complement inactivation and the uniform presence of properdin in these deposits suggesting an alternate pathway of immune injury must be balanced against immunopathologic observations which demonstrate glomerular deposits of immunoglobulins and earlier complement components. It is possible that both mechanisms may be operative in CMPGN.
Diffusion in zeolites

Abstract Recent developments in the study of intracrystalline diffusion in zeolites by novel macroscopic methods and the results obtained by some of these methods are reviewed. For many systems there is a significant discrepancy between the macroscopic and microscopic (QENS, PFG NMR) diffusivity values. A possible explanation is suggested.
The 183-WSL fast rain rate retrieval algorithm: Part I: Retrieval design

Abstract The Water vapour Strong Lines at 183 GHz (183-WSL) fast retrieval method retrieves rain rates and classifies precipitation types for applications in nowcasting and weather monitoring. The retrieval scheme consists of two fast algorithms, over land and over ocean, that use the water vapour absorption lines at 183.31 GHz corresponding to the channels 3 (183.31 ± 1 GHz), 4 (183.31 ± 3 GHz) and 5 (183.31 ± 7 GHz) of the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit module B (AMSU-B) and of the Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) flying on NOAA-15-18 and Metop-A satellite series, respectively. The method retrieves rain rates by exploiting the extinction of radiation due to rain drops following four subsequent steps. After ingesting the satellite data stream, the window channels at 89 and 150 GHz are used to compute scattering-based thresholds and the 183-WSLW module for rainfall area discrimination and precipitation type classification as stratiform or convective on the basis of the thresholds calculated for land/mixed and sea surfaces. The thresholds are based on the brightness temperature difference Δ win = T B89 − T B150 and are different over land (L) and over sea (S): cloud droplets and water vapour (Δ win win win win win > 10 K L and S). The thresholds, initially empirically derived from observations, are corroborated by the simulations of the RTTOV radiative transfer model applied to 20000 ECMWF atmospheric profiles at midlatitudes and the use of data from the Nimrod radar network. A snow cover mask and a digital elevation model are used to eliminate false rain area attribution, especially over elevated terrain. A probability of detection logistic function is also applied in the transition region from no-rain to rain adjacent to the clouds to ensure continuity of the rainfall field. Finally, the last step is dedicated to the rain rate retrieval with the modules 183-WSLS (stratiform) and 183WSLC (convective), and the module 183-WSL for total rainfall intensity derivation. A comparison with rainfall retrievals from the Goddard Profiling (GPROF) TRMM 2A12 algorithm is done with good results on a stratiform and hurricane case studies. A comparison is also conducted with the MSG-based Precipitation Index (PI) and the Scattering Index (SI) for a convective-stratiform event showing good agreement with the 183-WSLC retrieval. A complete validation of the product is the subject of Part II of the paper.