cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frailty selection in bivariate survival models: a cautionary note.

One problem that researchers face in analyzing the survival times of groups of related individuals is selecting how the distribution of frailty—an unobserved (or not adequately observed) random factor— should be specified. Several distributions have received attention—for instance, the gamma distribution and a nonparametric N‐point, discrete probability distribution. Researchers have selected these distributions more for mathematical convenience than for their ability to represent biological, social, or economic reality, and the implications of choosing one functional representation of frailty over alternative choices have not been studied extensively. In particular, researchers have paid little attention to the type of association that exists among survival times of individuals in a group or between those of a pair under specific frailty distributions. This research paper explores the association among survival times under gamma, inverse Gaussian, nonparametric N‐point, and Poisson distributions. It show...
Functional Site-Directed Fluorometry

Initially developed in the mid-1990s to examine the conformational changes of the canonical Shaker voltage-gated potassium channel, functional site-directed fluorometry has since been expanded to numerous other voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels as well as transporters, pumps, and other integral membrane proteins. The power of functional site-directed fluorometry, also known as voltage-clamp fluorometry, lies in its ability to provide information on the conformational changes in a protein in response to changes in its environment with high temporal resolution while simultaneously monitoring the function of that protein. Over time, applications of site-directed fluorometry have expanded to examine the interactions of ion channels with modulators ranging from membrane potential to ligands to accessory protein subunits to lipids. In the future, the range of questions answerable by functional site-directed fluorometry and its interpretive power should continue to improve, making it an even more powerful technique for dissecting the conformational dynamics of ion channels and other membrane proteins.
Relation of Structure to Properties in Polyurethanes. Crosslinking Studies

Abstract The present work was undertaken to assess the effect of crosslink structure on the properties of the elastic network derived from a linear polyetherurethane elastomer. In order to study this effect, a polyetherurethane was synthesized which contained two types of reactive sites suitable for establishing crosslinks— pendant hydroxyl groups for reaction with diisocyanate curatives and pendant double bonds for vulcanization with sulfur. Incorporation of both types of curing sites within the same linear polymer served to hold constant variables which might otherwise influence vulcanizate properties. Thus, the elastic networks formed by both curing systems were produced from the same polymer, and such factors as polymer molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, interchain forces and cure site distribution remained constant. Furthermore, the curing sites have been placed on pendant groups, well removed from the main polymer chain, in order to avoid degradation of the polymer by side reactions...
Slavery, Race, and Conquest in the Tropics: Lincoln, Douglas, and the Future of Latin America. By Robert E. May. (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2013. Pp. xi, 296. $26.99.)

Slavery was at the heart of the Lincoln‐Douglas debates during the Illinois Senate race of 1858 but so was territorial expansion into Latin America and the Caribbean, as the author of this book per...
Partitioning of Functional Monomers in Emulsion Polymerization: Distribution of Hydroxy (Meth)acrylate Monomers between Water and Single and Multimonomer Systems

We have studied the partitioning behavior of a series of hydroxy acrylate monomers (2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) between water and a varie...
Optical Characterization of Nozzle-Wall Mach-6 Boundary Layers

This paper presents the results of experimental investigation of aero-optical distortions caused by turbulent and laminar boundary layers in the Boeing/AFOSR Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel at Purdue University. Using optical window inserts installed in the test section, aerooptical distortions of the turbulent boundary layer at different freestream pressures were measured with a high-speed wavefront sensor at sampling speeds up to 1 MHz. Temporal and spatial statistics of the related aero-optical structure were measured and found to be quite similar to the ones at subsonic and low supersonic speeds. The existing model was found to under-predict the experimentally-measured levels of aero-optical distortions for turbulent boundary layers by 20%; possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Intermittent turbulent spots and single-mode transitional events in the laminar boundary layers were observed and briefly analyzed.
Gold/Benzenedithiolate/Gold Molecular Junction: A Driven Dynamics Simulation on Structural Evolution and Breaking Force under Pulling

Dynamic evolutions of molecular binding structures and breaking forces of gold/thiolate molecular junctions under pulling are still not well understood. We perform driven dynamics simulations to sh...
Boron's effect on quenching and backfire performance of low C and low alloy mixing steel

By experiments of backfire brittleness and stability of low C steel, we knows that adding Boron into the mixing alloy will increase the backfire brittleness and stability of low C steel.
Stabilization of a Zn(II) hydrosulfido complex utilizing a hydrogen-bond accepting ligand

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has gained recent attention as an important biological analyte that interacts with bioinorganic targets. Despite this importance, stable H2S or HS− adducts of bioinorganic metal complexes remain rare due to the redox activity of sulfide and its propensity to form insoluble metal sulfides. We report here reversible coordination of HS− to Zn(didpa)Cl2, which is enabled by an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the zinc hydrosulfido product and the pendant tertiary amine of the didpa ligand.
[Role of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 on DNA methylation variation induced by B(a)P in human bronchial epithelial cell].

Objective To investigate DNA methylation variation in human cells induces by B (a)P, and to explore the role of PARP1 during this process. Methods The changes of DNA methylation of 16HBE and its PARP1-deficient cells exposed to B ( a ) P ( 1.0, 2. 0, 5.0, 10. 0, 15.0, 30. 0 μ mol/L ) were investigated by immunofluorescence and high performance capillary electrophoresis, and simultaneously, the expression level of PARP1 and DNMT1 were monitored dynamically. Results The percentage of methylated DNA of overall genome ( mCpG% ) in 16HBE and 16HBE-shPARP1 cells were separately (4. 04 ±0. 08) %and (9. 69 ±0. 50)%. After being treated by 5-DAC for 72 hours,mCpG% decreased to (3.15 ±0. 14)%and (6. 07 ± 0. 54 ) %. After both being exposed to B (a) P for 72 hours, the mCpG% in 16HBE group ( ascending rank ) were separately ( 5. 10 ± 0. 13 ), ( 4. 25 ± 0. 10 ), ( 3.91 ± 0. 10 ), ( 4. 23 ± 0. 27 ),(3.70 ± 0. 15 ), ( 3.08 ± 0. 07 ); while the figures in 16HBE-shPARP1 group ( ascending rank ) were respectively (10.63 ±0.60), (13.08 ±0.68), (9.75 ±0.55), (7.32 ±0.67), (6.90 ±0.49) and (6. 27 ±0. 21 ). The difference of the results was statistically significant ( F values were 61.67 and 60. 91,P＜ 0.01 ) . For 16HBE group, expression of PARP1 and DNMT1 were 141.0%, 158.0%, 167.0%,239. 0%, 149. 0% ,82. 9% and 108. 0%, 117.0%, 125.0%, 162. 0% ,275. 0% ,233.0% comparing with the control group, whose difference also has statitical significance (t values were 11.45,17. 32,32. 24,33.44,20.21 and 9. 87 ,P ＜ 0. 01 ). For 16HBE-shPARP1 group, expression of PARP1 and DNMT1 were 169.0% ,217.0%, 259.0%, 323.0% , 321.0% , 256.0% and 86.0% , 135.0% , 151.0% , 180.0%,229. 0%, 186. 0% comparing with the control group,with statitical significance (t values were 9. 06,15. 92,22. 68,26. 23,37. 19 and 21.15, P ＜ 0. 01 ). When the dose of B (a) P reached 5.0 μmol/L, the mRNA expression of DNMTI in 16HBE group (ascending rank) were 125.0%, 162. 0% ,275.0% ,233.0% times of it in control group, with statistical significance ( t values were 12. 74,24.92,55. 11,59. 07, P ＜ 0. 01 );while the dose of B(a) P reached 2.0 μmol/L, the mRNA expression of DNMT1 in 16HBE-shPARP1 group were 135.0%, 151. 0%, 180. 0% ,229.0%, 186. 0% of the results in control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 23. 82,40. 17,32. 69,74. 85,46. 76, P ＜ 0. 01 ). Conclusion The hypomethylation of 16HBE cells induced by B(a)P might be one important molecular phenomenon in its malignant transformation process. It suggests that PARP1 could regulate DNA methylation by inhibiting the enzyme activity of DNMT1, and this effect could be alleviated by PARP1-deficiency. Key words: Benzo(a) pyrene; DNA methylation; Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases; DNA ( cytosine-5 - ) -methyltransferase
Preoperative antiplatelet use does not increase incidence of bleeding after major operations.

Background This study examined the outcomes of patients holding or continuing clopidogrel during the preoperative period. Methods We reviewed all patients taking clopidogrel who underwent one of 72 different Current Procedural Terminology code procedures, representing major emergency and elective general thoracic and vascular operations from 2009–2012 at a single institution. Demographics, comorbidities, aspirin use, details of coronary stents, and perioperative events were collected. Results A total of 2,154 major operative procedures were performed on 1,851 patients during the study period. A total of 213 patients (11.5%) were taking clopidogrel at the time of their last office visit or hospital admission and were then instructed to hold or continue the drug prior to an operation. A total of 205 procedures in 200 patients comprised the final study population. Clopidogrel was held in 116 procedures for ≥5 days prior to operative intervention (56.6%, Group A), and clopidogrel was administered within 5 days of an operation in 89 procedures (43.4%, Group B). There were no differences between the 2 groups regarding estimated blood loss, units transfused, myocardial infarction, stroke, acute visceral or peripheral ischemia, or death within 30 days. Conclusion We did not identify significantly increased adverse patient outcomes in those patients who received preoperative clopidogrel within this population. We assert that it appears to be reasonable and safe to continue antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel in this population in elective situations and that preoperative clopidogrel use does not increase the risk of bleeding in emergency circumstances.
The Evaluation of Search User Interfaces

Throughout this book, the merits of an interface are assessed from a usability perspective; this chapter discusses how these assessments are done. It is surprisingly difficult to design a usable new search interface, and perhaps even harder to convincingly assess its usability (Draper and Dunlop 1997). An evaluator must take into account differences in designs, tasks, participant motivation, and knowledge, all of which can vary the outcome of a study. Furthermore, as mentioned in Chapter 1, small details in the design of the interface can have a strong effect on a participant's subjective reaction to or objective success with the interface. For instance, problematic placement of controls or unintuitive text on a hyperlink can prevent a participant from succeeding in a task. Differences in font contrast and spacing can unconsciously affect a participant's subjective response to a design. What should be measured when assessing a search interface? Traditional information retrieval research focuses on evaluating the proportion of relevant documents retrieved in response to a query. In evaluating search user interfaces, this kind of measure can also be used, but is just one component within broader usability measures. Recall from Chapter 1 that usable interfaces are defined in terms of learnability, efficiency, memorability, error reduction, and user satisfaction (Nielsen 2003b; Shneiderman and Plaisant 2004).
Multiple Café au Lait Spots in a Group of Fair-Skinned Children without Signs or Symptoms of Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Background The presence of six or more cafe au lait (CAL) spots is a criterion for the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Children with multiple CAL spots are often referred to dermatologists for NF-1 screening. The objective of this case series is to characterize a subset of fair-complected children with red or blond hair and multiple feathery CAL spots who did not meet the criteria for NF-1 at the time of their last evaluation. Methods We conducted a chart review of eight patients seen in our pediatric dermatology clinic who were previously identified as having multiple CAL spots and no other signs or symptoms of NF-1. Results We describe eight patients ages 2 to 9 years old with multiple, irregular CAL spots with feathery borders and no other signs or symptoms of NF-1. Most of these patients had red or blond hair and were fair complected. All patients were evaluated in our pediatric dermatology clinic, some with a geneticist. The number of CAL spots per patient ranged from 5 to 15 (mean 9.4, median 9). Conclusion A subset of children, many with fair complexions and red or blond hair, has an increased number of feathery CAL spots and appears unlikely to develop NF-1, although genetic testing was not conducted. It is important to recognize the benign nature of CAL spots in these patients so that appropriate screening and follow-up recommendations may be made.
New treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus

New therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus are rare. This is because of the complexity of the disease and its varied presentations. There are many variables and a variety of measurement scales that must be satisfied before a new agent is approved for use in humans. Attempts are ongoing to develop biological treatments for the disease using three approaches: B cell modulation, T cell regulation and cytokine inhibition. This paper reviews the current state of these three critical areas.
How Does a Cowboy Make Money? Using Student Curiosities to Further Elementary School Inquiries

ABSTRACTThis article explores examples of student-initiated inquiries (in Grades 1 and 5) and the opportunities and challenges with engaging in them. To explore these student-initiated inquiries, we use the C3 Framework Inquiry Arc (National Council for the Social Studies, 2013) and Harvey and Daniels's (2009) Small-Group Inquiry Model to describe the actions and interactions of two elementary school teachers and their students as they take student-initiated inquiries through various stages of the inquiry process. With each classroom example we include the challenges the teachers encountered and we make recommendations for inquiry-based instruction in elementary social studies.
Feasibility of real-time location systems in monitoring recovery after major abdominal surgery

Early mobilization after major abdominal surgery decreases postoperative complications and length of stay, and has become a key component of enhanced recovery pathways. However, objective measures of patient movement after surgery are limited. Real-time location systems (RTLS), typically used for asset tracking, provide a novel approach to monitoring in-hospital patient activity. The current study investigates the feasibility of using RTLS to objectively track postoperative patient mobilization. The real-time location system employs a meshed network of infrared and RFID sensors and detectors that sample device locations every 3 s resulting in over 1 million data points per day. RTLS tracking was evaluated systematically in three phases: (1) sensitivity and specificity of the tracking device using simulated patient scenarios, (2) retrospective passive movement analysis of patient-linked equipment, and (3) prospective observational analysis of a patient-attached tracking device. RTLS tracking detected a simulated movement out of a room with sensitivity of 91% and specificity 100%. Specificity decreased to 75% if time out of room was less than 3 min. All RTLS-tagged patient-linked equipment was identified for 18 patients, but measurable patient movement associated with equipment was detected for only 2 patients (11%) with 1–8 out-of-room walks per day. Ten patients were prospectively monitored using RTLS badges following major abdominal surgery. Patient movement was recorded using patient diaries, direct observation, and an accelerometer. Sensitivity and specificity of RTLS patient tracking were both 100% in detecting out-of-room ambulation and correlated well with direct observation and patient-reported ambulation. Real-time location systems are a novel technology capable of objectively and accurately monitoring patient movement and provide an innovative approach to promoting early mobilization after surgery.
Surfactant concentration and type affects the removal of Escherichia coli from pig skin during a simulated hand wash

The effect of surfactant type and concentration on a bland soap formulations ability to remove bacteria from hands remains largely unstudied. Several combinations of surfactants and water were combined to test bacterial removal efficacy using a handwashing device (two pieces of pig skin and a mechanical motor) to simulate a handwash. A nalidixic acid resistant, non-pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) was used. Two anionic surfactants, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium stearoyl lactylate, and two nonionic surfactants, poloxamer 407 and sorbitan monostearate, each in concentrations of 2%, 5%, and 10% were studied. A slight positive (r2=0.17) but significant (p=0.03) correlation was observed between hydrophile-lipophile balance value and mean log reduction. No correlation was observed between pH of the treatment solution and the mean log reduction (r2=0.05, p=0.25). A 10% sodium lauryl sulfate mixture showed the highest log reduction (x= 1.1 log cfu reduction, SD=0.54), and was the only treatment significantly different from washing with water (p=0.0005). There was a correlation between increasing surfactant concentrations above the critical micelle concentration, and mean microbial reduction (r2=0.62, p=0.001). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Political Landscape: A New Approach to Understanding Corporate Political Activity

We propose a model that explains corporate political activity (CPA) as a landscape shaped by certain factors related to the public policy suppliers: their ideology, the larger political trends in t...
A Numerical Study on the Performance Improvement for a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine at Low Tip-Speed-Ratios

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are a promising solution for the use of renewable energy in residential areas. Compared to traditional horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs), VAWTs are usually smaller, quieter, and insensitive to the wind direction and can be installed in a wide range of urban, suburban and rural places such as top of buildings, backyard, etc. In addition, VAWTs require a lower wind speed to self-start which increases the capability of wind energy extraction in the areas with low wind speed. However, VAWTs are less efficient and the power output of VAWTs is substantially affected by the phenomenon of dynamic stall induced by the variations of angle of attack of rotating blades, especially at low tip speed ratios (λTSR<4). When the dynamic stall vortices, formed near the leading-edge, are transported downstream, it creates large and sudden fluctuations in torques. At low values of the tip speed ratio and relatively low Reynolds number (Re<105), dynamic stall occurs periodically throughout the rotation of the blades. This results a sharp drop in lift coefficient and therefore rotor torque and power output are substantially reduced. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the prospects for improving the flow performances of small VAWTs using serrated leading-edge configurations on straight blades in a conventional H-type VAWT design to control dynamic flow separation. A numerical study is carried out to obtain the detailed flow fields for analysis and visualization. The results show that the turbine blade with the serration profiles of h = 0.025c (amplitude) and λs = 0.33c (wavelength) not only increased the power generation at low TSRs, but also enhanced the capability of wind energy extraction at the optimum TSR in comparison to the baseline model. The dynamic stall was suppressed significantly in the range of the azimuth angle from 80° to 160°. The flow separation induced by large angles of attack was essentially alleviated in the modified turbine model due to the serrated configuration implemented on the blade leading-edge.Copyright © 2017 by ASME
A Quintile Rule for the Gini Coefficient

(2007). A Quintile Rule for the Gini Coefficient. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 80, No. 2, pp. 133-135.
Detaining Our Own

This chapter, Daily pairs nonfiction and immigration detention, demonstrating that twenty-first-century detainment is more dangerous, more secretive, and more destructive than previous decades owing to links to terrorism that are both spoken and implicit. Daily reads Monica Sone’s Nisei Daughter and Edwidge Danticat’s Brother I’m Dying as narratives that explore detention as central to multiple generations of immigrant experience. The detainment of immigrants on American soil is a component of certain narratives of assimilation, and Sone’s Nisei Daughter is a standout example. When paired with Sone, Danticat’s Brother I’m Dying reveals a shift in those narratives, exposing links to criminality and a move away from affiliation, instead criticizing and rejecting America on the basis of its treatment of immigrants.
IMAGING | Functional MRI in Basic Epilepsy Research

The rapidly expanding use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as a tool to investigate brain function has provided an extraordinary opportunity to study the networks involved in epilepsy. Advantages of animal fMRI studies of seizures include (1) control over seizure onset and type, (2) the ability to record convulsive seizures without significant movement artifact through the use of anesthetics and paralytics, and (3) the ability to corroborate neuroimaging signal changes by employing invasive electrophysiological techniques. Current basic fMRI investigations of epilepsy leads to an increased level of understanding of the pathophysiology of seizures and their effects on widespread brain networks.
Spectroscopic Study of the EutT Adenosyltransferase from Listeria monocytogenes: Evidence for the Formation of a Four-Coordinate Cob(II)alamin Intermediate.

The EutT enzyme from Listeria monocytogenes (LmEutT) is a member of the family of ATP:cobalt(I) corrinoid adenosyltransferase (ACAT) enzymes that catalyze the biosynthesis of adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) from exogenous Co(II)rrinoids and ATP. Apart from EutT-type ACATs, two evolutionary unrelated types of ACATs have been identified, termed PduO and CobA. Although the three types of ACATs are nonhomologous, they all generate a four-coordinate cob(II)alamin (4C Co(II)Cbl) species to facilitate the formation of a supernucleophilic Co(I)Cbl intermediate capable of attacking the 5′-carbon of cosubstrate ATP. Previous spectroscopic studies of the EutT ACAT from Salmonella enterica (SeEutT) revealed that this enzyme requires a divalent metal cofactor for the conversion of 5C Co(II)Cbl to a 4C species. Interestingly, LmEutT does not require a divalent metal cofactor for catalytic activity, which exemplifies an interesting phylogenetic divergence among the EutT enzymes. To explore if this disparity in the metal cofa...
Natural resonance theory of chemical reactivity, with illustrative application to intramolecular Claisen rearrangement

Abstract We describe a general approach to computational investigation of reaction pathways with Natural Resonance Theory (NRT), allowing synthetic strategies to incorporate insights from modern quantum chemical descriptors. We show how computed NRT weightings and bond orders provide resonance-type visualization of the electronic sequence and logic of complex bond rearrangements along a reaction pathway. The NRT-based approach is illustrated for a model Claisen rearrangement reaction to demonstrate how specific substituents can be logically selected to alter the transition state barrier in a desired manner.
Soliton trapping, transmission, and wake in modulationally unstable media

Interactions between solitons and the coherent oscillation structures generated by localized disturbances via modulational instability are studied within the framework of the focusing nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation. Two main interaction regimes are identified based on the relative value of the velocity of the incident soliton compared to the amplitude of the background: soliton transmission and soliton trapping. Specifically, when the incident soliton velocity exceeds a certain threshold, the soliton passes through the coherent structure and emerges on the other side with its velocity unchanged. Conversely, when the incident soliton velocity is below the threshold, once the soliton enters the coherent structure, it remains confined there forever. It is demonstrated that the soliton is not destroyed, but its velocity inside the coherent structure is different from its initial one. Moreover, it is also shown that, depending on the location of the discrete eigenvalue associated to the soliton, these phenomena can also be accompanied by the generation of additional, localized propagating waves in the coherent structure, akin to a soliton-generated wake.
Avant-garde: An automated data-driven DIA data curation tool.

Abstract Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) is a technique that promises to comprehensively detect and quantify all peptides above an instrument’s limit of detection. Several software tools to analyze DIA data have been developed in recent years. However, several challenges still remain, like confidently identifying peptides, defining integration boundaries, dealing with interference for selected transitions, and scoring and filtering of peptide signals in order to control false discovery rates. In practice, a visual inspection of the signals is still required, which is impractical with large datasets. Avant-garde is a new tool to refine DIA (and PRM) by removing interfered transitions, adjusting integration boundaries and scoring peaks to control the FDR. Unlike other tools where MS runs are scored independently from each other, Avant-garde uses a novel data-driven scoring strategy. DIA signals are refined by learning from the data itself, using all measurements in all samples together to achieve the best optimization. We evaluated the performances of Avant-garde with a calibrated sample using spiked-in standards in a complex background, a phospho-enriched dataset (Abelin et al, 2016), and two complex hybrid proteome samples for benchmarking DIA software tools. The results clearly showed that Avant-garde is capable of improving the selectivity, accuracy, and reproducibility of the quantification results in very complex biological matrices. We have further shown that it can evaluate the suitability of a peak to be used for quantification reaching the same levels of selectivity, accuracy, and reproducibility obtained with manual validation.
Outcomes of a Multidisciplinary Clinic in Evaluating Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection Patients for Fecal Microbiota Transplant: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDIs). We assessed the benefits of a multidisciplinary C. difficile clinic for screening FMT eligibility in patients with rCDI. Patients seen at the University of Virginia Complicated C. difficile Clinic (CCDC) underwent comprehensive evaluation for possible FMT. Patients were eligible for FMT if there was history of greater than two episodes of rCDI. Patients were evaluated for the outcome after evaluation in the clinic. A total of 113 patients were evaluated: 77 were eligible for FMT, of which 25 patients did not undergo FMT. The rate of recurrence at three months and all-cause mortality were 4.5% and 7% for patients who received FMT and 16.7% and 12.5% for eligible patients who did not receive FMT. There were 36 patients who were not eligible for FMT, with two or fewer recurrences and a recurrence rate of 8.8% and all-cause mortality of 6%. One in three patients screened for FMT had a nutritional deficiency diagnosed, with zinc deficiency being most common (20%). Additional diagnoses, including inflammatory bowel disease, were made during the evaluation. FMT is a highly effective treatment for rCDI, most notably in patients with multiple recurrences. A systematic approach for evaluating patients with rCDI helps identify patients who benefit most from FMT and those who have other conditions.
High-Intensity Acute Exercise and Directed Forgetting on Memory Function.

Background and Objectives: Despite accumulating research demonstrating that acute exercise may enhance memory function, very little research has evaluated whether acute exercise can effectuate intentional directed forgetting (DF), an adaptative strategy to facilitate subsequent memory performance. Materials and Methods: A three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled intervention was employed. Participants were randomized into one of three groups, including: (1) exercise plus DF (Ex + DF), (2) DF (directed forgetting) only (DF) and (3) R (remember) only (R). The acute bout of exercise included 15 min of high-intensity treadmill exercise. The memory assessment involved the presentation of two-word lists. After encoding the first word list, participants were either instructed to forget all of those words (DF) or to remember them. Following this, participants encoded the second word list. Results: We observed a statistically significant main effect for list F(1, 57) = 12.27, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.18, but no main effect for group F(2, 57) = 1.32, p = 0.27, η2p = 0.04, or list by group interaction, F(2, 57) = 2.89, p = 0.06, η2p = 0.09. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a directed forgetting effect in that cueing an individual to forget a previously encoded list of items facilitates memory performance on a subsequent list of items. However, we failed to demonstrate any beneficial effect of acute exercise in facilitating directed forgetting. These findings are discussed in the context of directed forgetting theories, particularly the attention inhibition mechanism, as well as the timing of the acute bout of exercise.
Local Economic Development

Local economic development is concerned with the well-being of a place. ‘Local’ entails relations among processes at different scales, although it is not specific to a particular scale. ‘Economic development’ is concerned with qualitative changes in conditions and opportunities for work, although these changes can be interpreted differently. Many approaches to ‘local economic development’ are fruitfully understood in terms of different contexts, which have prompted different types of questions. Contexts dominated by exogenous processes have engendered questions about local dependency and underdevelopment. Contexts in which production systems have been restructured in situ have prompted questions about how a place can become developed by local firm and industry competitiveness—endogenous processes. Increasing globalization together with a concern for local competitiveness have prompted questions about how exogenous and endogenous processes can be effectively connected to foster local entrepreneurialism in the global economy. Reflexive thinking has resulted in a more inclusionary perspective, highlighting multiple local realities and challenging traditional presumptions about the coincidence of industrial and local development.
Use of Sensor Node Networks for Car Security

Smart cars are capable of connecting to the internet. This ability of a vehicle to connect to the internet opens up many possibilities for car security. In this paper, we introduce a new protocol to protect an automobile from theft. The proposed protocol is called the Emergency One's Complement (E1C) protocol. Simulation results demonstrated that the protocol is capable of detecting theft as well as detect and mitigate packet spoofing.
Novel Low-Cost, Low-Fidelity Hemorrhoidectomy Task Trainers.

Objective Develop and describe a set of low-cost hemorrhoidectomy task trainer prototypes in the setting of inadequate junior resident surgical skill preparation for anorectal cases. Design This is a study comparing expert and novice performance and opinions. Three task trainers were developed to simulate dissecting, knot-tying, and suturing in a confined space, like the anus. Participants were asked to dissect the peel off of an orange, tie seven 2-handed knots on a weight, and close a defect in a piece of felt with a running stitch. An 8-oz mason jar was used to simulate the confined space. Participants were asked to fill out a 5-point Likert-based evaluation regarding the skills. The primary outcome was time to complete each task in seconds. Secondary outcome measures were number of errors associated with each task, subjective achievability of tasks, and utility of tasks for improving surgical skills. Setting General surgery residency program at a safety-net academic center. Participants Forty subjects participated in this study. There were 20 experts (7 attending surgeons, 13 PGY-1-PGY-5 surgical residents) and 20 novices (11 third- and 9 fourth-year medical students). Results Experts knot-tied (59s vs 140s, p Conclusions This study demonstrated that a set of low-cost, low-fidelity prototypical hemorrhoidectomy task trainers can discriminate between experts and novices. Simulation models such as these can offer useful practice opportunities for junior general surgery trainees.
Global Positioning System (GPS)

First page of article Keywords: global positioning system (GPS); GPS concept of operation
Surveillance analysis of Yersinia eterocolitica in Gaomi City, Shandong Province

Objective To investigate the distribution of host animals and the serological distribution and virulence gene of Yersinia eterocolitica in Gaomi City. Methods Sample stools of poultry and domestic and diarrhea patients, as well as flies and chilled (frozen) poultry and domestic animal meats in Gaomi City were preliminarily identified and the suspected strains isolated were sent to Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention for further identification from 2012 to 2015. The bacteria were analyzed by the systematic biochemistry to determine the serotypes, bio-types and virulence genes[Yersinia enterocolitica adhesion aggression site gene (ail), heat-tolerance enterotoxin gene (ystA), organism type 1A enterotoxin gene (ystB), adhesin (yadA), yop regulator transcription activation action factor (virF)]. Results Eighty-five stains of Yersinia enterocolitica were detected in 2 860 specimens and the detection rate was 3.0% (85/2 860). The chicken strains accounted for 50.6% (43/85), the swine strains accounted for 20.0% (17/85), and the sheep strains accounted for 10.6% (9/85). In all the serotypes, the highest was O∶8(24.7%, 21/85), followed by O∶5 (12.9%, 11/85), the bacteria were detected in the stools of chickens, duck, and swine etc., as well as in diarrhea patients and chilled (frozen) poultry and domestic animal meats, biotype is 1A. One strain O∶3/4 was detected from swine stool with ail, ystA, yadA and virF genes. Conclusions The Yersinia enterocolitica is widely distributed and both pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains co-exist in Gaomi City; the main serological types are O∶5/1A and O∶8/1A; the pathogenic serotype is O∶3/4, and chicken, swine and sheep are the main host animals. Key words: Yersinia enterocolitica; Animal host; Serological types; Virulence gene
Holistic approach for cultural infrastructure with reference to future smart cities

To take the initiative of smart cities to new heights is a responsibility of every citizen. Bona fide progress will be seen when people's approach towards their city will change through awareness and education about the prevalent systems. This paper focuses on improving the cultural aspects of a smart city, especially visually, and on improving governance with reference to the 21st century. A majority of the information deals with the must-haves of smart city, later moving on to more specific problems. In the following paper, evaluation, analysis, ideas, innovative solutions along with comparisons and examples from life have been suggested with a view of enhancing the pre-existent, and further developing the cultural infrastructure of a smart city. This is proposed in a way that will help old traditions and historical heritage keep pace with modernism and other urban developments in the age of internet without changing their essence. This, in turn, will lead to touristic developments. Attention has also been paid to heritage restoration and its methods. Special focus has been given to the aesthetics of proposed, self-designed signage systems of the city. It is hoped that the insights presented herewith encourage greater enthusiasm towards art and encourage appreciation towards the culture and heritage of a smart city. This will add value to the quality of life of its citizens.
In-depth analysis of proteomic and genomic fluctuations during the time course of human embryonic stem cells directed differentiation into beta cells

Abstract Pluripotent stem cells (PSC) endocrine differentiation at a large scale allows sampling of transcriptome and proteome with phosphoproteome (proteoform) at specific time points. We describe the dynamic time course of changes in cells undergoing directed beta-cell differentiation and show target proteins or previously unknown phosphorylation of critical proteins in pancreas development, NKX6-1, and Chromogranin A (CHGA). We describe fluctuations in the correlation between gene expression, protein abundance, and phosphorylation, which follow differentiation protocol perturbations of cell fates at all stages to identify proteoform profiles. Our computational modeling recognizes outliers on a phenomic landscape of endocrine differentiation, and we outline several new biological pathways involved. We have validated our proteomic data by analyzing two independent single-cell RNA sequencing datasets for in-vitro pancreatic islet productions using the same cell starting material and differentiation protocol and corroborating our findings for several proteins suggest as targets for future research. Moreover, our single-cell analysis combined with proteoform data places new protein targets within the specific time point and at the specific pancreatic lineage of differentiating stem cells. We also suggest that non-correlating proteins abundances or new phosphorylation motifs of NKX6.1 and CHGA point to new signaling pathways that may play an essential role in beta-cell development. We present our findings for the research community’s use to improve endocrine differentiation protocols and developmental studies.
Thin-Film Lithium Niobate Based Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasound Transducers

This work presents the first thin-film lithium niobate (LiNbO3) based piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducers (PMUT). Efficient flexural mode excitation is achieved using a proposed lateral field excited (LFE) structure. Thanks to the significant piezoelectricity and low loss in LiNbO3, the implemented device shows an out-of-plane mode at 7.6 MHz, with high electromechanical coupling of 4.2%. The measured $Q$ in vacuum is 2605 indicating the low structural loss, while the measured Q in air is 264 suggesting the ultrasound radiation. Upon further optimizations, LiNbO3-based PMUTs are promising candidates for miniature ultrasound applications.
Maximum Power Point Tracking of PV System under Uniform Irradiance and Partial Shading Conditions using Machine Learning Algorithm Trained by Sailfish Optimizer

Solar energy is a viable solution to the damage caused by the conventional power sources to the environment. Temperature and irradiance levels have a high impact on the power generation of photovoltaic modules, but due to non-uniform irradiance levels, PV modules generate non-linear P-V curves. Maximum power point tracking control is introduced to harvest maximum power from PV modules. In this paper, a general regression neural network trained with sailfish optimizer (GRNN-SFO), a hybrid MPPT technique is presented. Highly effective global optimization of sailfish optimizer combined with precise estimation capability of the general regression neural network makes GRNN-SFO highly effective for MPPT control. Comparison is made with GRNN-PSO and GRNN-P&O to check the performance of the proposed technique. Two cases are presented in order to validate the superior performance of GRNN-SFO. The comparison shows that GRNN-SFO tracks the global maxima with greater than 99.9% efficiency and 12 ms faster tracking time under fast varying irradiance and partial shading condition. The analysis of statistical data has also been exhibited in order to examine the robustness and responsiveness of the proposed technique.
Identification and Characterization of Rapidly Accumulating sch9Δ Suppressor Mutations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Nutrient sensing is important for cell growth, aging, and longevity. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Sch9, an AGC-family protein kinase, is a major nutrient sensing kinase homologous to mammalian Akt and S6 kinase. Sch9 integrates environmental cues with cell growth by functioning downstream of TORC1 and in parallel with the Ras/PKA pathway. Mutations in SCH9 lead to reduced cell growth in dextrose medium; however, reports on the ability of sch9Δ mutants to utilize non-fermentable carbon sources are inconsistent. Here we show that sch9Δ mutant strains cannot grow on non-fermentable carbon sources and rapidly accumulate suppressor mutations, which reverse growth defects of sch9Δ mutants. sch9Δ induces gene expression of three transcription factors required for utilization of non-fermentable carbon sources, Cat8, Adr1, and Hap4, while sch9Δ suppressor mutations, termed sns1 and sns2, strongly decrease the gene expression of those transcription factors. Despite the genetic suppression interactions, both sch9Δ and sns1 (or sns2) homozygous mutants have severe defects in meiosis. By screening mutants defective in sporulation, we identified additional sch9Δ suppressor mutants with mutations in GPB1, GPB2, and MCK1. Using library complementation and genetic analysis, we identified SNS1 and SNS2 to be IRA2 and IRA1, respectively. Furthermore, we discovered that lifespan extension in sch9Δ mutants is dependent on IRA2 and that PKA inactivation greatly increases basal expression of CAT8, ADR1, and HAP4. Our results demonstrate that sch9Δ leads to complete loss of growth on non-fermentable carbon sources and mutations in MCK1 or genes encoding negative regulators of the Ras/PKA pathway reverse sch9Δ mutant phenotypes.
In vitro metabolism of the REV-ERB agonist SR-9009 and subsequent detection of metabolites in associated routine equine plasma and urine doping control samples

SR-9009 is a synthetic compound widely available to purchase online as 'supplement' products due to its potential performance-enhancing effects, presenting a significant threat with regard to doping control in sport. In vitro metabolism with equine liver microsomes was performed to identify potential targets for detection of SR-9009. Six metabolites were identified, with the most abundant consisting of N-dealkylated metabolites (M1-M3). The addition of the identified metabolites to high-resolution accurate mass databases resulted in a positive finding for the N-dealkylated metabolite M1 of SR-9009 in an associated plasma and urine doping sample. Liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to verify the presence of the N-dealkylated metabolite (M1) in both matrices, with a low concentration of the parent compound and additional N-desalkyl metabolites (M2 and M3) detected in the plasma sample as supporting evidence of administration. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of an adverse analytical finding in an equine sample for SR-9009 or its metabolites in equine doping control.
Functional Groups in Ovine Luteinizing Hormone and Their Receptor Site Interactions

Selective chemical reactions have long been used in the field of hormone research for the study of functional group relationships to biological activity. An early example of such a study applied to ovine LH is that of Li, Simpson and Evans (1) who employed ketene to acetylate LH (ICSH) and found that acetylation under very mild conditions inactivated the hormone. Geschwind and Li (2) found periodate oxidation inactivated ovine LH. Although in that study periodate was selected for its attack on vicinal hydroxyl groups in the carbohydrate moiety, these authors appreciated that other reactions might be taking place. In a later study from that same laboratory Gan et al. (3) demonstrated that periodate oxidation of ovine LH not only attacked the carbohydrate moiety but also the disulfide bonds in the molecule. Thus, although periodate oxidation inactivates ovine LH it is not known whether this inactivation results from destruction of the carbohydrate moieties, destruction of the disulfide bonds, or both. Our own laboratory made an extensive study of the effect of several reagents and various conditions upon the activity of ovine LH (4). Included in those studies were some on the effects of oxidation by performic acid which attacks the disulfide bonds and the thioether group of methionine. This reagent completely inactivated ovine LH. We also studied the effect of reduction with sodium and liquid ammonia on the biological activity of the hormone. Although the hormone was virtually inactivated by this treatment, it is difficult to be certain in such an experiment that there was not some reoxidation to the native hormone to account for the small residual activity observed. There are also other technical difficulties in dealing with a hormone in the reduced form at the very dilute concentrations which must be used for bioassay.
The Need for Clarity of Terminology

Abstract The lack of clarity in the terms used in the alcohol/drug field negatively impacts policies and programs. To gain societal support for prevention, intervention, and treatment, the terms need to be clearly and precisely defined.
Thermal-hydraulic study of the ESPRESSO blanket for a tandem mirror reactor

This paper deals primarily with the thermal-hydraulic design and some critical thermomechanical aspects of the proposed ESPRESSO blanket for the tandem mirror fusion reactor. This conceptual design was based on the same physics used in the MARS study. A computer code was developed to perform self-consistent calculations of the geometry, first-wall stresses, and canister thermal-hydraulic parameters. The neutronic data used as input were obtained from three-dimensional Monte Carlo computations. The design code also includes a simple steam power plant model to calculate the steam cycle thermal efficiency and the electrical power produced, as well as a cost subroutine for estimating the central cell contribution to the cost of electricity. Two different breeder/neutron multiplier configurations were finally chosen for detailed study based on their attractive overall potential:natural lithium oxide with no multiplier (case I) and 30% enriched gamma-lithium aluminate with a beryllium multiplier (case IV).