cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discernment of possible mechanisms of hepatotoxicity via biological processes over-represented by co-expressed genes

Hepatotoxicity is a form of liver injury caused by exposure to stressors. Genomic-based approaches have been used to detect changes in transcription in response to hepatotoxicants. However, there are no straightforward ways of using co-expressed genes anchored to a phenotype or constrained by the experimental design for discerning mechanisms of a biological response. Through the analysis of a gene expression dataset containing 318 liver samples from rats exposed to hepatotoxicants and leveraging alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a serum enzyme indicative of liver injury as the phenotypic marker, we identified biological processes and molecular pathways that may be associated with mechanisms of hepatotoxicity. Our analysis used an approach called Coherent Co-expression Biclustering (cc-Biclustering) for clustering a subset of genes through a coherent (consistency) measure within each group of samples representing a subset of experimental conditions. Supervised biclustering identified 87 genes co-expressed and correlated with ALT in all the samples exposed to the chemicals. None of the over-represented pathways related to liver injury. However, biclusters with subsets of samples exposed to one of the 7 hepatotoxicants, but not to a non-toxic isomer, contained co-expressed genes that represented pathways related to a stress response. Unsupervised biclustering of the data resulted in 1) four to five times more genes within the bicluster containing all the samples exposed to the chemicals, 2) biclusters with co-expression of genes that discerned 1,4 dichlorobenzene (a non-toxic isomer at low and mid doses) from the other chemicals, pathways and biological processes that underlie liver injury and 3) a bicluster with genes up-regulated in an early response to toxic exposure. We obtained clusters of co-expressed genes that over-represented biological processes and molecular pathways related to hepatotoxicity in the rat. The mechanisms involved in the response of the liver to the exposure to 1,4-dichlorobenzene suggest non-genotoxicity whereas the exposure to the hepatotoxicants could be DNA damaging leading to overall genomic instability and activation of cell cycle check point signaling. In addition, key pathways and biological processes representative of an inflammatory response, energy production and apoptosis were impacted by the hepatotoxicant exposures that manifested liver injury in the rat.
Organization Sponsorship and Influence Reputation of Social Influence Associations

This paper draws from a resource-dependence perspective on relations among organizations to consider this question: What effect does diversity among organizations which contribute resources to social influence associations, have on the capacity of such associations to maintain their autonomy (as indicated by their reputations for influence) while pursuing public policy objectives? Data from 70 Indianapolis associations and organizations reveal a substantial impact of sponsorship on reputation, controlling for network social position and association attributes. In turn, association members' ratings of goal effectiveness seem to be most affected by influence reputation and only indirectly by resource sponsorship.
The Gendering State and Citizens' Attitudes toward Women's Roles: State Policy, Employment, and Religion in Germany

This study explores how the state genders citizens’ attitudes toward women by examining differences between East and West Germany in gender role attitudes since unification. Compared to the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was a stronger supporter of women’s employment, although the two countries did not differ greatly in their policies on women’s roles within the family. Using four waves of the German Social Survey, I examine whether East‐West differences in gender role attitudes are explained by: 1) institutional learning (socialization under a particular regime) or 2) compositional effects (variation in the distribution of causal factors, specifically women’s employment or religious affiliation). Analyses suggest that both types of factors influenced East‐West differences in gender role attitudes. Even when other characteristics are included in the model, East and West Germans continue to differ in their gender role attitudes. Women’s employment and religiosity—both heavily influenced by GDR policies—continue to play a large role in determining gender role attitudes even 15 years after unification. The results suggest that gendered state policies are reflected in citizens’ gender role attitudes both directly and through changes in the social characteristics of the population.
Dynamic Scheduling with Process Migration

Process migration is essential for runtime load balancing. In Grid and shared networked environments, load imbalance is not only caused by the dynamic nature of underlying applications, but also by the fluctuation of resource availability. In a shared environment, tasks need to be rescheduled frequently to adapt the variation of resources availability. Unlike conventional task scheduling, dynamic rescheduling has to consider process migration costs in its formulation. In this study, we first model the migration cost and introduce an effective method to predict the cost. We then introduce a dynamic scheduling mechanism that considers migration cost as well as other conventional influential factors for performance optimization in a shared, heterogeneous environment. Finally we present experimental testing to verify the analytical results. Experimental results show that the proposed dynamic scheduling system is feasible and improves the system performance considerably.
Fast Photometric Imaging Using Orthogonal Linear Arrays

A new optical instrument has been developed that captures 2-D images at high speed and high sensitivity using 1-D photomultiplier tube arrays. The arrays are orthogonally aligned, and using a coaligned video-speed imager, fast images can be reconstructed using matrix inversion techniques. The instrument can be used to make measurements of optical signatures of energetic electron precipitation induced by discrete waves (e.g., lightning discharges and very-low-frequency transmitter pulses), as well as measurements of high-speed high-altitude glow discharges in the upper atmosphere known as sprites, halos, and ELVES. In this paper, we introduce the instrument and present some first results of sprites and ELVES, and we discuss how the instrument can improve upon current observations in other experiments.
Creativity and Innovation in the Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

Grey parrots are known to have communication skills roughly comparable to a 1.5–2 year old human child and the intellectual capacities of a 5–6 year old child, but little has been reported regarding other aspects of their cognitive and communicative abilities: in particular, creativity and innovation. This chapter thus centers on Grey parrot vocal and cognitive creativity and innovation: how these birds learn, adapt, and transfer their knowledge of speech and concepts across various cognitive domains.
Effect of Pad Flexibility on the Performance of Tilting Pad Journal Bearings: Benchmarking a Predictive Model

Tilting pad journal bearings (TPJBs) supporting high-performance turbomachinery rotors have undergone steady design improvements to satisfy ever stringent operating conditions that include large specific loads, due to smaller footprints, and high surface speeds that promote flow turbulence and hence larger drag power losses. Simultaneously, predictive models continuously evolve to include minute details on bearing geometry, pads and pivots' configurations, oil delivery systems, etc. In general, predicted TPJB rotordynamic force coefficients correlate well with experimental data for operation with small to moderately large unit loads (1.7 MPa). Experiments also demonstrate bearing dynamic stiffnesses are frequency dependent, best fitted with a stiffness-mass like model whereas damping coefficients are adequately represented as of viscous type. However, for operation with large specific loads (>1.7 MPa), poor correlation of predictions to measured force coefficients is common. Recently, an experimental effort (Gaines, J., 2014, “Examining the Impact of Pad Flexibility on the Rotordynamic Coefficients of Rocker-Pivot-Pad Tiling-Pad Journal Bearings,” M.S. thesis, Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX) produced test data for three TPJB sets, each having three pads of unequal thickness, to quantify the effect of pad flexibility on the bearings' force coefficients, in particular damping, over a range of load and rotational speed conditions. This paper introduces a fluid film flow model accounting for both pivot and pad flexibility to predict the bearing journal eccentricity, drag power loss, lubricant temperature rise, and force coefficients of typical TPJBs. A finite element (FE) pad structural model including the Babbitt layer is coupled to the thin film flow model to determine the mechanical deformation of the pad surface. Predictions correlate favorably with test data, also demonstrating that pad flexibility produces a reduction of up to 34% in damping for the bearing with the thinnest pads relative to that with the thickest pads. A parametric study follows to quantify the influence of pad thickness on the rotordynamic force coefficients of a sample TPJB with three pads of increasing preload, r¯p = 0, 0.25 (baseline) and 0.5. The bearing pads are either rigid or flexible by varying their thickness. For design considerations, dimensionless static and dynamic characteristics of the bearings are presented versus the Sommerfeld number (S). Pad flexibility shows a more pronounced effect on the journal eccentricity and the force coefficients of a TPJB with null pad preload than for the bearings with larger pad preloads (0.25 and 0.5), in particular for operation with a small load or at a high surface speed (S > 0.8).
Myocardial Po2 does not limit aerobic metabolism in the postischemic heart.

The present study found that postischemic myocardial Po2 is a mere reflection of the O2 supply-demand balance, devoid of a regulatory role, which implies that the intramyocellular O2 gradient is re...
Host Factors Promoting Viral RNA Replication

Plus-stranded RNA viruses, the largest group among eukaryotic viruses, are capable of reprogramming host cells by subverting host proteins and membranes, by co-opting and modulating protein and ribonucleoprotein complexes, and by altering cellular pathways during infection. To achieve robust replication, plus-stranded RNA viruses interact with numerous cellular molecules via protein–protein, RNA–protein, and protein–lipid interactions using molecular mimicry and other means. These interactions lead to the transformation of the host cells into viral “factories" that can produce 10,000–1,000,000 progeny RNAs per infected cell. This chapter presents the progress that was made largely in the last 15 years in understanding virus–host interactions during RNA virus replication. The most commonly employed approaches to identify host factors that affect plus-stranded RNA virus replication are described. In addition, we discuss many of the identified host factors and their proposed roles in RNA virus replication. Altogether, host factors are key determinants of the host range of a given virus and affect virus pathology, host–virus interactions, as well as virus evolution. Studies on host factors also contribute insights into their normal cellular functions, thus promoting understanding of the basic biology of the host cell. The knowledge obtained in this fast-progressing area will likely stimulate the development of new antiviral methods as well as novel strategies that could make plus-stranded RNA viruses useful in bio- and nanotechnology.
Porous Si sensors with integrated photonic circuits and a bias-free RF transmitter for sensor networks

We present an integrated RF-photonic sensor module that combines a porous silicon sensor with DBR structure, polymer-based waveguide-array, and a bias-free, optically-powered RF transmitter. The sensor output was encoded in the frequency shift of RF-radiation.
Carbon Fiber Cement-Matrix Composites

This is a review of cement-matrix composites containing short carbon fibers. These composites exhibit attractivetensile and flexural properties, low drying shrinkage, high specific heat, low thermal conductivity, high electricalconductivity and high corrosion resistance. Moreover, they facilitate the cathodic protection of steel reinforcement inconcrete, and have the ability to sense their own strain, damage and temperature. Fiber surface treatment can improve numerous properties of the composites.
A review of Morais, Santos, and Lebre’s (2016) “Psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Éxamen Geronto-Psychomoteur” and the critique of the influence of scholar literature: A call for greater responsibility

Increases in longevity, the democratization of old age, better health outcomes, and new recognition that dismisses a number of old ageist stereotypes are only a few of the positives that have come ...
Paper 16: Case for the Single-Shaft Vehicular Gas Turbine Engine

This paper reviews gas turbine cycles most favoured for vehicular use. It suggests the single-shaft turbine engine as a possible contender for a lower cost approach, where fuel economy requirements are not met by complexity of cycle but by operation at higher turbine inlet temperatures. The question, ‘Where does the engine end and the transmission begin?’ is discussed, and an example of an infinitely variable transmission is explored as a means for overcoming the performance deficiencies of the single-shaft machine. The paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of this type of turbine engine with respect to acceleration and torque characteristics, fuel consumption, engine braking, initial cost, and design for simplicity and high temperature.
Cooling the "oven": a temperature study of air and glottal tissue during laser surgery in an ex vivo calf larynx model.

OBJECTIVES Endoscopic microlaryngeal laser surgery performed with general anesthesia through a laryngoscope speculum generates heat that accumulates at the distal lumen, creating an "oven" effect and potentially causing bystander thermal damage to nontarget tissue such as the contralateral vocal fold. We report the effects of cooling on air and tissue temperatures that occurred during simulated laryngeal laser surgery with KTP and thulium lasers in an ex vivo calf model. METHODS Ten fresh excised calf larynges were studied at room temperature. Laser energy was applied to one vocal fold for 2 minutes, with or without cooling, while temperatures were monitored with sensors placed within the glottal lumen or inserted superficially into the contralateral vocal fold. A pulsed KTP laser (525 mJ) was used for 5 larynges, and a thulium laser (7 W, continuous) was used for the other 5 larynges. RESULTS Heating was slightly greater for the KTP laser than for the thulium laser with use of these parameters. The lumen temperatures for both lasers increased an average of 13.2 degrees C without cooling, but only 6.7 degrees C with cooling (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cooling with room-temperature air during laryngeal laser surgery reduces luminal air and contralateral vocal fold temperatures. This effect is believed to be due to elimination of the plume of steam and smoke that significantly heats surrounding structures.
The effect of endoscopic examinations of the respiratory tract and of the esophagus on the cardiac action.

On the basis of 40 children examined in the Apathy Children's Hospital the influence of endoscopies of the airways and of the esophagus are discussed. As an important conclusion it is stated that a proper premedication with atropin and a good team-work minimize complications.
Chemistry of the Belousov-Zhabotinskii Reaction

Oscillations in the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction are easily produced. A convenient recipe is given by Field (1972). Ingredients: initial concentrations 150ml 1M H2SO4 1M 0.175 g Ce(NO3)6(NH4)2 0.002 M 4.292 g CH2(COOH)2 0.28 M 1.415 g NaBrO3 0.063 M In a beaker equipped with stirring apparatus, dissolve malonic acid and cerium ammonium nitrate in sulphuric acid. Solution will first be yellow, then, after a few minutes, turn clear. When clear, add sodium bromate. Solution will turn yellow, then clear...then yellow, then clear..., oscillating with a period on the order of one minute, depending on the rate of stirring among other things. A more dramatic color change, between red and blue, can be produced by adding a few mls of 0.025M Ferroin (1,10 phenanthroline iron). All of these chemicals are readily available.
Outcomes and complications of triceps tendon repair following acute rupture in American military personnel.

Abstract Introduction Triceps tendon ruptures are uncommon injuries primarily occurring in young, active males or elderly individuals with various systemic diseases. Relatively little is known about the epidemiology of this injury, or the results of surgical management in high-demand populations. The purpose of this study was to define the incidence and outcomes of surgical treatment in active duty American military personnel. Patients and methods The Military Data Repository (MDR) was queried for all active duty military personnel undergoing surgical repair or reconstruction of a triceps tendon rupture between January 2012 and December 2014. The electronic health records of all patients with at least 12 months clinical follow-up were searched for demographic information, injury details, preoperative imaging findings, post-operative complications, and ability to return to duty following surgical repair. Incidence was calculated based on total active duty population in the MDR over the study period. Risk factors for postoperative complication and inability to return to duty following surgical repair were assessed using univariate analyses. Results A total of 54 acute triceps tendon ruptures were identified in the search, of which 48 had at least 12 months follow-up and complete post-operative records. The incidence of acute triceps tendon rupture was 1.1 per 100,000 person-years. Twelve patients experienced post-operative complications, six of which were traumatic re-ruptures within four months of the index surgery. No patient had a post-operative infection or atraumatic repair failure. 94% of patients were able to return to active military service following surgical repair. Enlisted rank was a significant risk factor for a post-operative complication, but no factor predicted inability to return to active duty service. Conclusions Surgical repair of acute triceps tendon ruptures reliably restores strength and function even in high-demand individuals. In our population, traumatic rerupture was the most common complication.
TGF-β inhibitors stimulate red blood cell production by enhancing self-renewal of BFU-E erythroid progenitors

Burst-forming unit erythroid progenitors (BFU-Es) are so named based on their ability to generate in methylcellulose culture large colonies of erythroid cells that consist of "bursts" of smaller erythroid colonies derived from the later colony-forming unit erythroid progenitor erythropoietin (Epo)-dependent progenitors. "Early" BFU-E cells forming large BFU-E colonies presumably have higher capacities for self-renewal than do "late" BFU-Es forming small colonies, but the mechanism underlying this heterogeneity remains unknown. We show that the type III transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) receptor (TβRIII) is a marker that distinguishes early and late BFU-Es. Transient elevation of TβRIII expression promotes TGF-β signaling during the early BFU-E to late BFU-E transition. Blocking TGF-β signaling using a receptor kinase inhibitor increases early BFU-E cell self-renewal and total erythroblast production, suggesting the usefulness of this type of drug in treating Epo-unresponsive anemias.
Transit Time Distribution based on the ECCO-JPL Ocean Data Assimilation

Abstract Oceanic water mass is a mixture of waters with varying ages, and the Transit Time Distribution (TTD) measures its age spectrum. We construct a model-based TTD using the data-constrained circulation fields from the ECCO-JPL Ocean Data Assimilation, and test it against the observed and directly simulated distribution of pCFC-11 from the Pacific and Atlantic basins. The ECCO-JPL circulation provides overall reliable estimates of the upper ocean ventilation rates suitable for biogeochemical studies. Observed distributions of pCFC-11 in the upper ocean thermocline are well reproduced by the convolution integral of the model-based TTD (mean bias 0.87) but there are significant regional biases in particular near the base of the thermocline and in the deep water formation regions. The model underestimates the deep pCFC-11 (> 2000 m) in the North Atlantic and in the Southern Ocean. The ratio between the mean and the spread of the age spectrum (Γ/Δ) is close to unity (mean = 1.04, median = 0.99) in the ventilated thermocline of the Pacific basin but there are significant regional variations of the ratio.
Molina, Natalia How Race Is Made in America: Immigration, Citizenship, and the Historical Power of Racial Scripts

This book provides a timely historical framework to examine current immigration issues in America. Indeed, Natalia Molina provides convincing historical evidence on how racial scripts were formed a...
Interpreting a Conversation on Culture: Conditions for Re-visitation of Black Theology’s Turn to Birmingham*

ABSTRACTJonathan Walton recommends that Black theology appropriate the theoretical legacy of Birmingham University’s Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (CCCS) to improve on Dwight Hopkins’s contrasting account of “conservative” and “prophetic” religious practices. However, Hopkins does affirm the theoretical value of the CCCS. Hopkins’s criticism of Black televisual popular culture follows from his account of how the divine has worked in history for the sake of poor and oppressed agents to combat the monopolization of power. Hopkins’s perspective can be construed, theoretically, to identify, analogously, with Stuart Hall’s account of cultural studies, particularly if Hall’s anti-theory supplements rather than replaces Black theology’s identification with the Black freedom struggle. By showing (1) how Hopkins can be understood to identify with the CCCS and (2) that he presupposes the agency of otherwise socially conservative Black religious practitioners, I offer three conditions for the re-visitatio...
Whole-body vibration: Measurement of horizontal and vertical transmissibility of an agricultural tractor seat

Abstract The seats may significantly reduce the exposures levels transmitted to the driver, but the European Directive 2002/44/EC (2002) requires only tests on the damping seat capacity along the vertical direction, whereas nothing is required for the longitudinal and transversal directions. Field tests were carried out using a 93 kW tractor to verify the vibrational comfort values given by seat with pneumatic suspension. The tests were executed with the tractor running on different surfaces, at two different forward speed and tire pressures and with different tractor masses. Three repetition were carried out for each configuration. Accelerations were always measured on both the seat and the cabin platform and the calculations were done using the ISO 2631 standard suggestions. The vibration total values and the acceleration transmissibility along the 3 perpendicular axes were calculated and analysed. Despite different boundary conditions (surface, tire pressure, forward speed and tractor mass distribution), along the Z axis the transmissibility was constantly around 0.7, to confirm that the seat worked well to damp the vertical exposures. Different were the situations for the X and the Y axes. Excluding the asphalt, on the other crossed surfaces high transmissibility values were observed (never less than 1), especially along the X axis. Relevance to industry . This paper describes the vibration transmissibility of an agricultural tractor seat. Tests were carried out with the tractor running on different surfaces and with different configurations. The seat transmissibility along the three orthogonal directions was acquired. Results suggest that the tractor manufacturer should consider, during the machine design, also the rolling and pitching movements, because the seat accelerations along the X and Y axes are influenced by them. The seat manufacturer could reduce the rolling and pitching effects using specific suspension systems along the horizontal and lateral directions.
Particle learning in online tool wear diagnosis and prognosis

Abstract Automated Tool condition monitoring is critical in intelligent manufacturing to improve both productivity and sustainability of manufacturing operations. Estimation of tool wear in real-time for critical machining operations can improve part quality and reduce scrap rates. This paper proposes a probabilistic method based on a Particle Learning (PL) approach by building a linear system transition function whose parameters are updated through online in-process observations of the machining process. By applying PL, the method helps to avoid developing a complex closed form formulation for a specific tool wear model. It increases the robustness of the algorithm and reduces the time complexity of computation. The application of the PL approach is tested using experiments performed on a milling machine. We have demonstrated one-step and two-step look ahead tool wear state prediction using online indirect measurements obtained from vibration signals. Additionally, the study also estimates remaining useful life (RUL) of the cutting tool inserts.
A Randomized Trial of Incentives for Smoking Treatment in Medicaid Members

Introduction Low-income populations are especially likely to smoke and have difficulty quitting. This study evaluated a monetary incentive intended to increase smoking treatment engagement and abstinence among Medicaid recipients who smoke. Study design Two-group randomized clinical trial of Incentive ( n =948) and Control interventions ( n =952) for smoking. Setting/participants Medicaid recipients recruited from primary care patients ( n =920) and callers to the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line ( n =980). Intervention Participants were offered five quitline cessation calls and were encouraged to obtain cessation medication (covered by Medicaid). All participants received payment for completing a baseline assessment and a 6-month smoking test. Only Incentive condition participants received compensation for taking counseling calls ($30 per call) and for biochemically verified abstinence at the 6-month visit ($40). Main outcome measures Seven-day point-prevalence smoking abstinence 6-months post study entry and cost/quit. Results Incentive condition participants had significantly higher biochemically determined 7-day point-prevalence smoking abstinence rates 6 months after study induction than did Controls (21.6% vs 13.8%, respectively, p Conclusions This study shows that fairly moderate levels of incentive payments for treatment engagement and abstinence (a total possible payment of $190) increased very low-income smokers’ engagement and success in smoking cessation treatment. Clinical registration This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov : NCT02713594.
Application of perturbed chain equation-of-state to solid–liquid equilibria: II. Binary mixtures

Abstract A perturbed chain equation-of-state was extended to the solid–fluid equilibria (SFE) of a binary mixture of chain molecules. A volume fraction-based mixing rule was applied to combine pure component segment size, chain length, and interaction energy parameters to form parameters that characterize the binary fluid–solid system. The solid–fluid equilibria (SFE) of n-alkane mixtures were correlated well with the model using only minor reliance on one binary interaction parameter. Values of the binary parameter correlated smoothly with difference in carbon number of the mixture components demonstrating potential of the model to be able to predict multi-component SFE from pure component data alone.
The ethical lessons of managed care applied to clinical trials.

With increasing experience there have developed growing concerns with the ethical consequences of managed care. Some of these concerns are with the notion of rationing limited resources while others are with assuring timely appropriate care under the direction of a doctor of the patient’s choosing. The resulting public and professional discussions have illuminated and emphasized the importance of patient rights and of the nature of the relationship between the patient and the health care provider. In this essay I shall try to extract the underlying ethical issues inherent in these concerns. I shall then apply them to another ethically troubling medical technique; the randomized clinical trial. I do this because while the concerns are similar, physician and public response is quite different; medical practitioners and the public are wary of managed care while physicians appear to embrace and the public accepts the use of randomized trials in the context of patient care.
On PMSM Model Fidelity and its Implementation in Simulation

Choosing the right fidelity of PMSM model for different applications help control engineers save time spent in developing system level models and testing the hardware. In this paper, three levels of PMSM model fidelity are explained from the simulation point of view and the temperature dependency is independently analyzed. Practical saturation and spatial harmonics PMSM modeling and workflows involving ANSYS Maxwell and Matlab Simulink are proposed in this paper for the fast creation of high fidelity models. The detailed workflow of creating a high fidelity reduced order model for a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) in Maxwell and the steps to import the ROM to Simulink for control algorithm development are also discussed.
Correction to: Completion Thyroidectomy: Revisited a Quarter of a Century Later

In the original article's XML file, Benzon M. Dy's middle initial was tagged incorrectly. The error has been addressed with this correction.
Implications of overstepping of garnet nucleation for geothermometry, geobarometry and P–T path calculations

Abstract The composition of a porphyroblast such as garnet is not governed by equilibrium relations when it nucleates and grows after considerable overstepping. The approach followed here is to assume the composition is controlled by the maximum driving force (MDF) or parallel tangent model and to examine the potential pitfalls for assuming equilibrium. The MDF model ensures Fe-Mg partitioning equilibrium between the matrix phases and growing porphyroblast, but the net transfer equilibrium controlling grossular content has a different stoichiometry from the equilibrium relations. An important result of this study is that garnet zoning profiles generated using this model and assuming chemical fractionation are nearly identical to zoning profiles grown assuming continuous equilibrium and it is impossible to discern whether garnet grew under near-equilibrium conditions or only after considerable overstepping by examination of the zoning profile alone. Pressure–temperature paths calculated using the method of intersecting isopleths from simulations in which garnet was grown after overstepping and assuming the MDF model typically display nearly isothermal loading or loading with minor heating paths, even when the garnet was grown under isothermal and isobaric conditions. Garnet-plagioclase barometry on the garnet core and rim also suggests loading during garnet growth, even for crystals grown isothermally and isobarically. Garnet-biotite Fe-Mg exchange thermometry does, however, recover the correct temperature to within 10 °C for both the garnet core and rim. Comparison of natural samples to the theoretical calculations suggests that the local effective bulk composition in the vicinity of garnet is depleted in Na2O, in addition to FeO, MnO and CaO, thus rendering calculation schemes that rely on knowledge of the bulk composition difficult to administer. To the extent that garnet has nucleated and grown after considerable overstepping, application of methods of extracting P–T paths from the chemical zoning in garnet will yield incorrect results if those methods assume continuous equilibration with the matrix. The major discrepancy comes from calculation of the P–T conditions of the garnet core. Simulations and natural samples suggest that under typical scenarios the garnet rim is in near equilibrium with the matrix assemblage so equilibrium approaches (thermobarometry or intersecting isopleths) should recover the peak metamorphic conditions with reasonable assuredness.
Cultural and Individual Differences in Online Reviews

Internet-based consumer opinion platforms enable customers to express their views and experiences. Drawing on online review data from 43,397 airline passengers from 26 countries and 116,241 hotel g...
Teacher Judgments of Students' Reading Abilities across a Continuum of Rating Methods and Achievement Measures.

Teacher judgments about students' academic abilities are important for instructional decision making and potential special education entitlement deci- sions. However, the small number of studies evaluating teachers' judgments are limited methodologically (e.g., sample size, procedural sophistication) and have yet to answer important questions related to teachers' judgments. Thus, a primary goal of the present study was to examine unanswered questions about teacher judgments (e.g., what is the relationship between teacher judgments and students' performance on widely used reading measures) and to meaningfully improve upon earlier research methodologically (e.g., involving a large enough sample of teachers for sufficient statistical power). In doing so, teachers' perceptions of students' reading performance were examined across five different measures of reading ability, including direct measures such as the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) and state-mandated end-of-grade tests, and indi- rect measures such as a brief teacher rating scale. Findings suggested that teachers had considerable difficulty judging students' reading levels across most of the measures (e.g., DIBELS and end-of-grade tests), and were better judges of high-performing readers compared to low- and average-performing readers. Im- plications for research and practice are discussed.
“Sorry, We’re Closed”: Applying Business Models to Failed Terrorist Organizations

The application of specific, business organizational models to understand terrorism remains absent in the literature. This article argues business models can apply to understanding terrorist organi...
A quantitative investigation on criminalization of airline pilots: Consumer and pilot perspectives

Abstract The foundation of many safety programs within the aviation industry relies on voluntary safety reporting. The premise of these programs is for participants (usually all members of the organization) to feel comfortable submitting voluntary safety reports whenever there are accidents, incidents, or a safety hazard is perceived. However, around the world, the last decade has seen a rise in the calls for the criminalization of those who are perceived to be responsible for accidents. This trend is a growing concern for those in the safety profession as the short-term demand for perceived justice may be a significant detriment to long-term safety goals. Flight crewmembers fearing criminal prosecution for unintentional actions may severely reduce the number of voluntary reports they are willing to submit. The purpose of these two studies was to examine perceptions of both consumers and pilots to determine their level of agreement with the criminalization of pilots in a series of cases. Using a sample of 3,000 participants across two studies, we found significant differences in attitudes toward criminalization between consumers and pilots, along with a significant interaction. In Study 1, pilots indicated less support for criminalization in all cases compared to consumers, and consumers were less supportive of criminalization in cases where it appeared the circumstances were beyond the pilot’s control. In Study 2, pilots provided additional measures on two select cases to include the level of severity and willingness to file voluntary safety reports on themselves and others.
The impact of donor and recipient diabetes on renal transplant outcomes

The use of diabetic kidneys is increasing worldwide with better outcome than being on waitlist and possible reversal of diabetic changes in transplanted kidneys. But particular caution is warranted in diabetic donor-recipient combination. Total 1223 deceased donor kidney transplants were performed at our center between 2008 and 2018. 689 from non-diabetic donor (NDD) to non-diabetic recipient, 400 from non-diabetic donor to diabetic recipient, 97 from diabetic to non-diabetic recipient, and 32 from diabetic donor (DD) to diabetic recipient. The DD was older than NDDs (median age 48 vs 39 years, P < 0.0001). DD had higher BMI (35.6 vs 26.9, P < 0.0001), higher KDPI (74% vs 37%, P < 0.0001), and higher terminal creatinine (1.10 mg/dl vs 0.95 mg/dl, p 0.0046) than the NDD. Diabetes recipients were comparatively older (57 vs 54, P < 0.001). DD recipients had higher serum creatinine at 6 months (1.70 vs 1.50 mg/dl, p 0.00304) and 2 years post-transplant (1.70 vs 1.50 mg/dl P < 0.0002). DD recipients had more favorable end CPRA than NDD recipients (77.5% at 0% vs 67.4% at 0, P = 0.0074). Ten-year patient and graft survival was best in NDD-recipient pair and worse in DD-recipient pair. Diabetic donor kidneys to diabetic recipients have lower 1-, 3-, and 5-year graft survival.
Declines in the Number of Lumbar Punctures Performed at United States Children's Hospitals, 2009-2019

Objective To evaluate trends in lumbar puncture (LP) performance among US children's hospitals to assess how these trends may impact pediatric resident trainee exposure to LP. Study design We quantified LPs for emergency department (ED) and inpatient encounters at 29 US children's hospitals from 2009 to 2019. LP was defined by either a LP procedure code or cerebrospinal fluid culture billing code. Temporal trends and hospital variation in LP were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 215 030 LPs were performed during the study period (0.8% of all encounters). Twenty six thousand and five hundred twenty three and 16 696 LPs were performed in the 2009 and 2018 academic years, respectively (overall 37.1% reduction, per-year OR, 0.935; 95% CI, 0.922-0.948; P Conclusions LP rates have declined across US children's hospitals over the past decade, potentially resulting in reduced clinical exposure for pediatric resident trainees. Improved procedural simulation during residency may augment the clinical experience.
An unusual presentation of inhalation injury in a patient with high voltage electrical injury: A case report.

Abstract Background Electrical injuries comprise a minority of burn center admissions but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This is a case of a patient who suffered high-voltage electrical injury who survived despite developing several sequalae, who had an unusual presentation of inhalation injury complicated by the aspiration of metal screws. Case presentation This is a 20-year-old male who suffered electrical contact injury, and 45.5% total body surface area (TBSA) burns from electrothermal discharge and subsequent ignition of clothing, whose hospital course was complicated by rhabdomyolysis, compartment syndrome, renal failure, and inhalation injury. After cardiac arrest with successful defibrillation and intubation in the field, he was found to have metallic foreign bodies in his airway. Metal screws were retrieved using rigid bronchoscopy and lower extremity escharotomy was performed for compartment syndrome. He was placed on renal replacement therapy for persistent acidosis and severe rhabdomyolysis. On post-burn day (PBD) 3 he developed severe hypoxia and bronchoscopy showed evidence of inhalation injury. This was treated with protocolized nebulizer treatments, prone-positioning, early tracheostomy, and frequent bronchoscopy. Over his hospital course he required lower extremity amputation and numerous excision and grafting procedures. Ultimately, he exhibited renal and respiratory recovery. He was discharged on PBD 75 to a rehabilitation hospital. Conclusions This case highlights that electrical injuries are associated with serious sequelae that can be overt or occult. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for comorbid conditions with electrically injured patients given variable presentations and the need for prompt, aggressive, and complex management.
Oral vancomycin in the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis-associated pouchitis.

Pouchitis is a common complication in those with restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA). Some patients may develop chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis and its management can be challenging. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) has consistently been reported to be a risk factor for chronic pouchitis. Patients with PSC-associated pouchitis and enteritis may represent a unique phenotype [1] that usually does not respond to conventional antibiotics, such as metronidazole and ciprofloxacin. PSC-associated pouchitis has been treated with budesonide [2]. Vancomycin has been explored in the treatment of PSC [3], while the agent is routinely used for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated pouchitis [4].
Method-Using microelectrodes to explore solid polymer electrolytes

Author(s): Petrovick, JG; Anderson, GC; Kushner, DI; Danilovic, N; Weber, AZ | Abstract: Solid polymer electrolytes are an emerging technology in electrochemistry driven by their use in energy applications such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and solid-state batteries. Compared to traditional liquid electrolytes, solid polymer electrolytes provide safer, cheaper, and potentially improved device performance. However, there is a lack of standard experimental methods for studying solid electrolytes. Microelectrodes have inherent benefits capable of filling this experimental gap due primarily to their integration into model electrochemical cells with solid electrolytes that represent complex interfaces, enabling additional insight into reaction processes. In this tutorial review, we explore the use of microelectrodes to study solid polymer electrolytes, beginning with a brief history of the field including common experimental cell designs and their benefits and drawbacks. Methods of evaluating essential kinetic and mass-transport parameters are then examined. In addition, the key studies of the past 30 years utilizing microelectrode cells and solid polymer electrolytes are summarized, with important results highlighted and compared. Finally, future studies of solid polymer electrolytes with microelectrodes and potential new avenues of research are commented on.
Thermal ignition by vertical cylinders

Abstract In this work, thermal ignition of laminar external natural convection flows by vertical cylinders is investigated. Effects of cylinder size are studied, with cylinder height ranging from 12.7 to 25.4 cm, and cylinder surface areas varying from 25 to 200 cm2. The minimum ignition threshold for a stoichiometric hexane-air mixture is 1019 K for a cylinder 25.4 cm long and 200 cm2 in surface area. The ignition threshold is found to have a weak dependence on surface area, in contrast to historical data. The ignition results are consistent with ignition temperature decreasing inversely with the logarithm of surface height. Experiments are performed with multi-component, heavy-hydrocarbon fuels including POSF-4658 Jet A and two surrogate fuels, Aachen and JI, as well as hexane. The setup is heated for multi-component fuel testing. POSF-4658 Jet A has an ignition temperature of 971 K at an ambient temperature of 333 K. All fuels investigated were found to have ignition thresholds within 38 K of the POSF-4658 Jet A ignition threshold. JI is found to be the most appropriate surrogate for POSF-4658 Jet A.
Neurobehavioral and Imaging Correlates of Hippocampal Atrophy in a Mouse Model of Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is the second most common cause of dementia. Reduced cerebral blood flow is thought to play a major role in the etiology of VCI. Therefore, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion has been used to model VCI in rodents. The goal of the current study was to determine the histopathological and neuroimaging substrates of neurocognitive impairments in a mouse model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion induced by unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (UCCAO). Mice were subjected to sham or right UCCAO (VCI) surgeries. Three months later, neurocognitive function was evaluated using the novel object recognition task, Morris water maze, and contextual and cued fear-conditioning tests. Next, cerebral perfusion was evaluated with dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using an ultra-high field (11.75 T) animal MRI system. Finally, brain pathology was evaluated using histology and T2-weighted MRI. VCI, but not sham, mice had significantly reduced cerebral blood flow in the right vs. left cerebral cortex. VCI mice showed deficits in object recognition. T2-weighted MRI of VCI brains revealed enlargement of lateral ventricles, which corresponded to areas of hippocampal atrophy upon histological analysis. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the UCCAO model of chronic hypoperfusion induces hippocampal atrophy and ventricular enlargement, resulting in neurocognitive deficits characteristic of VCI.
Parallel Algorithm and Processor Selection Based on Fuzzy Logic

The face of parallel computing has changed in the last few years as high performance clusters of workstations are being used in conjunction with supercomputers to solve demanding computational problems. In order for a user to effectively run an application on both tightly coupled and network based clusters, he must often use different algorithms that are suited to the network available on the computing platform. An application may also be able to effectively utilize a different number of processing nodes with a particular algorithm and processor configuration. It is difficult for a user to determine which set of parameters to select in order to customize the application for an available computing environment. The principal aim of this research is to show that fuzzy logic can be used to select the most efficient algorithm and an optimal number of processors for a parallel application. In this paper we examine three algorithms for image convolution which each have advantages depending on the available architecture and problem size. A fuzzy logic technique is developed which is able to make effective selections, freeing the user from an otherwise daunting task. The fuzzy logic selection system is easy to set up and these results can be extended to additional applications.
Studying ligand efficacy at G protein-coupled receptors using FRET.

Drug "ligands" that bind G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can either stimulate, fully (full agonists) or partially (partial agonists), or reduce (inverse agonists) basal receptor activity, by stabilizing different receptor conformations. The term "intrinsic efficacy" was introduced as a parameter to express the ability of a ligand to activate its receptor and to differentiate the varying signaling capacity of diverse ligands when they occupy the same fraction of a single receptor. Most methods use downstream biochemical and physiological responses as proxies of "intrinsic efficacy" but cannot measure it directly at the level of the receptor. Here I describe the development of a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach that permits the rigorous measurement of the intrinsic efficacy of a ligand directly at the level of a GPCR and independent from variation in experimental conditions. This approach also allows intrinsic efficacies of ligands to be linked with the effects of receptor polymorphisms or receptor heterodimerization.