cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marinade with thyme and orange oils reduces Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter coli on inoculated broiler breast fillets and whole wings

Essential oils have been reported to possess antimicrobial properties and therefore have potential usage as natural antimicrobials in food. In a previous study, thyme orange essential oil combination (TOC) used at the 0.5% level as a dip application on chicken cut-up parts had a significant antibacterial effect against Salmonella and Campylobacter. A study was designed to evaluate the effect of salt-phosphate marinade solution containing 0.5% TOC to 1) reduce Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter coli numbers on broiler breast fillets and whole wings marinated by vacuum tumbling, and 2) reduce cross-contamination of both pathogens between inoculated and uninoculated parts during marination. A total of 52 skinless breast fillets and 52 whole wings were used for the 2 replications. For each replication, each cut-up part was randomly assigned to 1 of 5 groups: treatment 1: uninoculated parts marinated without TOC; treatment 2: inoculated parts marinated without TOC; treatment 3: uninoculated parts marinated with TOC; treatment 4: inoculated parts marinated with TOC; and control: nonmarinated inoculated parts. Samples were dipped in an inoculum containing a mixture of Salmonella Enteritidis and C. coli. The treatment samples were marinated by vacuum tumbling. All samples were immediately evaluated to determine Salmonella Enteritidis and C. coli numbers. Results indicated that TOC at the 0.5% level in the marinade solution applied by vacuum tumbling significantly reduced (P < 0.05) numbers of viable Salmonella Enteritidis by 2.6 and 2.3 log cfu/mL on broiler breast fillets and C. coli by 3.6 and 3.1 log cfu/mL on whole wings. Cross-contamination was observed as the uninoculated chicken parts marinated with inoculated parts were positive. However, the number of bacterial cells recovered from the TOC treated samples were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the numbers recovered from the untreated samples. Marination with a salt phosphate formulation containing 0.5% TOC successfully reduced Salmonella and Campylobacter numbers on poultry products.
Fecal and saliva IgA secretion when feeding a concentrated mannan oligosaccharide to neonatal dairy calves

ABSTRACT The influence of supplementing milk replacer with a mannan-rich fraction (MRF) on adaptive immunity and growth of neonatal dairy calves was investigated using 2 groups of 30 heifer calves. In conjunction, the potential of measuring salivary and fecal IgA as an indicator of mucosal health was studied. Milk replacer was supplemented with 0 or 1 g/d of yeast-derived MRF (Actigen; Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY) and fed through weaning at 6 wk of age. Average daily gain tended to be greater for calves fed MRF (517 vs. 411 g/d; P
Expected complexity in hierarchical representations for random fields

The soft-linked quadtree is proposed as a hierarchical representation paradigm for random fields. It is shown that, through the use of such a model, a priori information can be obtained on the complexity of a quadtree. Because of this property, a parametric analysis can be substituted for simulation. However, this capability is only one of the many such features of a soft-linked model. Almost all the concepts defined over a conventional quadtree, e.g., neighbor and neighbor finding, perimeter and area, etc., can be revisited. Since the notions of state probability and link strength are means of expressing confidence in assigned labels, the soft-linked model can be further developed into a hierarchical representation paradigm for uncertainty. >
Dissection of the nucleotide and metal-phosphate binding sites in cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

The catalytic (C) subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAPK) is more stable by several criteria when it is part of a holoenzyme complex. By measuring the thermal stability of the free C subunit in the presence and absence of nucleotides and/or divalent metal ions, it was found that most of the stabilizing effects associated with the type I holoenzyme could be attributed to the nucleotide. The specific requirements for this enhanced stability were further dissected: Adenosine stabilized the C subunit up to 5 degrees C; however, divalent cations (i.e., Mg2+, Ca2+, and Mn2+) do not increase heat stability in combination with adenosine and adenine (1). Divalent cations as well as ATP and ADP have no effect by themselves (2). The enhanced stability derived from both ATP and ADP requires divalent cations. MnATP (12 degrees C) shows a much stronger effect than CaATP (7 degrees C) and MgATP (5 degrees C) (3). In the holoenzyme complex or the protein kinase inhibitor/C subunit complex, metal/ATP is also required for enhanced stability; neither the RI or RII subunits nor PKI alone stabilize the C subunit significantly (4). For high thermal stability, the occupation of the second, low-affinity metal-binding site is necessary (5). From these results, we concluded that the adenine moiety works independently from the metal-binding sites, stabilizing the free C subunit by itself. When the beta- and gamma-phosphates are present, divalent metals are required for positioning these phosphates, and two metals are required to achieve thermostability comparable to adenosine alone. The complex containing two metals is the most stable. A comparison of several conformations of the C subunit derived from different crystal structures is given attributing open and closed forms of the C subunit to less and more thermostable enzymes, respectively.
Implementation of a Mesomechanical Material Model for IAD Fabrics within LS-DYNA

The implementation and evaluation of a high fidelity material model for dry fabrics is the main objective of this paper. Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (IADs) and other airinflated structures quite often utilize woven fabrics due to their lightweight and high loading carrying capabilities. Design optimization of these inflated structures relies on a detailed understanding of the woven fabric mechanics. Woven fabrics are composite orthotropic materials that respond differently under load from traditional solid mechanics. While lowfidelity fabric materials usually assume a continuous medium, a higher fidelity model needs to account for the reorientation of yarns and weave geometry. An existing mesomechanical material model within the LS-DYNA  commercial non-linear finite element software package is utilized. In this paper, experimental stress-strain data for Kevlar  129 samples are validated against numerical simulations of models with matching geometry and loading conditions.
Quantifying the security of preference-based authentication

We describe a technique aimed at addressing longstanding problems for password reset: security and cost. In our approach, users are authenticated using their preferences. Experiments and simulations have shown that the proposed approach is secure, fast, and easy to use. In particular, the average time for a user to complete the setup is approximately two minutes, and the authentication process takes only half that time. The false negative rate of the system is essentially 0% for our selected parameter choice. For an adversary who knows the frequency distributions of answers to the questions used, the false positive rate of the system is estimated at less than half a percent, while the false positive rate is close to 0% for an adversary without this information. Both of these estimates have a significance level of 5%.
Variability in Leaf Area and Stemwood Increment Along a 300-year Lodgepole Pine Chronosequence

Large disturbances such as the 1988 Yellowstone fires produce considerable spatial heterogeneity in ecosystem processes across landscapes, in part by affecting vegetation structure. However, the persistence of this heterogeneity with time since disturbance, and thus the role of large disturbances in shaping the heterogeneity of ecosystem processes over large spatial and temporal scales, remains unclear. Such an inquiry requires that variability as well as mean conditions of forest structure and growth be examined if changes are to be projected for heterogeneous postdisturbance landscapes. We studied a chronosequence of unburned, mature lodgepole pine stands (stand ages ranging from 50 to 300 or more years) to examine the variability in stand density, leaf-area index (LAI), and stem growth [basal area increment (BAI), a surrogate for aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP)] with stand age, the relationships between these factors, and how these factors were related to stand and site characteristics. Variation in LAI and BAI was explained primarily by differences in stand density and age (r 2 = 0.51 for both LAI and BAI), and both LAI and BAI were most variable in the youngest age class [coefficient of variation (CV), 38% and 41% for LAI and BAI]. The relationship between LAI or BAI and stand density was significantly weaker (r 2 < 0.20) at stand ages characterized by canopy closure (50–175 years), suggesting that stand structure and production are closely linked. Thus, the spatial variability of stand production, which is initially very high following large fires in this landscape, is detectable for over a century before successional changes in forest structure greatly affect the initial postdisturbance landscape pattern of stand production. Given the recent focus on spatial heterogeneity of ecosystem processes across large landscapes, projecting changes in postdisturbance patterns of stand production has very strong significance for ecosystem science.
Nose to Tail: Using the Whole Employment Relationship to Link Worker Participation to Operational Performance

Abstract Although many employers continue to adopt various forms of worker participation or employee involvement, expected positive gains often fail to materialize. One explanation for the weak or altogether missing performance effects is that researchers rely on frameworks that focus almost exclusively on contingencies related to the workers themselves or to the set of tasks subject to participatory processes. This study is premised on the notion that a broader examination of the employment relationship within which a worker participation program is embedded reveals a wider array of factors impinging upon its success. I integrate labor relations theory into existing insights from the strategic human resource management literature to advance an alternative framework that additionally accounts for structures and processes above the workplace level – namely, the (potentially implicit) contract linking employees to the organization and the business strategies enacted by the latter. The resulting propositions suggest that the performance-enhancing impact of worker participation hinges on the presence of participatory or participation-supporting structures at all three levels of the employment relationship. I conclude with implications for participation research.
Buckling of Composite Material Shells

Analogous to Chapter 11, treating the buckling of shells of isotropic materials, this Chapter presents analogous results for the buckling of shells which involve anisotropic, layered composite construction. Cylindrical shells are treated herein, unless otherwise specifically noted. All of the equations presented herein emanate from Reference 20.1.
When will they ever Learn? Learning and Teaching from Mistakes in the Clinical Context

Making mistakes is not only part of human nature, but an important part of how we learn. However, there are many examples of people suffering significant adverse consequences as a result of attempts to cover up mistakes, rather than facing up to them and learning from them. In clinical education, students have the benefit of practical, hands on learning, rather than purely theoretical learning as is most common in their other law school endeavors. How should clinicians maximize teaching and learning from mistakes made in practice while ensuring the client's rights are protected? In the field of clinical teaching, there is a paradox. Students who know little or nothing about the practice of law have significant responsibility in representing real clients. It is a given that clinic students (and their instructors) will make mistakes, and we want them to learn from mistakes, yet our clients expect that as professionals, we will not make mistakes that harm their interests. Clinicians are challenged to resolve this paradox in a manner that allows students and clinicians to engage in the positive discovery and learning that results from making mistakes, while avoiding the disasters that harm the client. In this paper I will examine clinical pedagogy and the triangular relationship between the clinician, student, and client through the lens of the theory underpinning the study of human error. There is a significant push in the field of medicine to address physicians' mistakes in a forthright manner and to teach new physicians to own up to and learn from their mistakes. Similarly, clinicians ought to devote a part of their formal curriculum to teaching their students how to effectively deal with and learn from mistakes. In Section I of this paper, I explore the theory regarding the psychological root of human error, including different types of error and how we learn from mistakes. Specifically, I examine the framework for understanding human error espoused by James Reason, Professor of Psychology at the University of Manchester, England. I also draw parallels between Reason's work on human error and the work of others in the field of professional education, including Donald Schon and John Dewey. In Section II, I discuss how the consequences of mistakes can most effectively be managed, and set forth a protocol for students for handling and learning from mistakes. In Section III, I apply Reason's theory to the clinical context, and discuss how mistakes, particularly the disastrous kind, can best be avoided. In Section IV, I discuss how latent errors inherent in the many systems we set up in our clinics might contribute to student error. I further argue that such systemic weaknesses must be identified and incorporated into the process of analyzing, preventing, and learning from mistakes. I conclude that learning from mistakes in practice and providing excellent service to clients are not mutually exclusive.
TNF-α mediates choroidal neovascularization by upregulating VEGF expression in RPE through ROS-dependent β-catenin activation

Purpose Inflammation, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis have been proposed to interact in age-related macular degeneration. It has been postulated that external stimuli that cause oxidative stress can increase production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), contributed to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by upregulating VEGF in RPE through intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent signaling and sought to understand the mechanisms involved.
Historicism, Truth Claims, and the Teaching of Ethics

This article analyzes the impact of postmodernism on the meaning, truth, and justification of claims in contemporary theology and ethics. It argues that historicist premises do not lead inexorably from a naive objectivism in ethics to ethical relativism, as Sheila Greeve Davaney and Richard Rorty suggest. Instead, as the work of Carol Christ and Jeffrey Stout has argued, theologians and ethicists are justified in making indirect, web-of-belief related claims to ontological truth. Christ's theological realism and Stout's modest pragmatism both appear able to support meaningful discussions of truth, while avoiding the related dangers of relativism, skepticism, and nihilism. Paying careful attention to these methodological issues in a course on Religious Ethics and Moral Issues has proved very effective in overcoming student acquiescence to a relativist perspective, and in enabling them to propose and defend their own moral views with greater confidence.
The Migrations of Allen's and Other Hummingbirds

tually migrates southward in numbers in late spring; further, its route soon veers away, geographically and ecologically, from the northward return route used chiefly in winter. Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) is remarkable in that it breeds only in California, barely overlapping that State's borders, and normally (at least until recent years) only in a narrow coastal strip. Of the few endemic California species, it is the only wholly migratory one! This distinction belongs to the northern, nominate race. The southern S. s. sedentarius Grinnell has the opposite distinction of being the only virtually sedentary hummingbird or nectar-feeder of any kind in the continental United States (see below). These amazing, somewhat elliptical migrations at the wrong seasons remain unappreciated because of: (1) the few records, mostly unpublished, between early September and mid-February; (2) reluctance to admit migrations in Californian endemics or ignorance in official check-lists (cf. for example, Swarth 1914:38, 90, on both Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds, Calypte anna, in Arizona); (3) their seasonal displacement; and (4) failure to distinguish age/sex classes, or even the species (vs. the extremely similar Rufous Hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus), whose migrations are asynchronous. Authorities disagree widely on migrations and winter ranges (see A.O.U. 1931, 1957, Berlioz 1932, Friedmann et al. 1950). Loye H. Miller first pointed out (in Willett 1933:97) that even adult males of Allen's Hummingbird are not always safely distinguishable in color. This important fact is still generally overlooked; Peterson and Chalif (1973), Robbins et al. (1966), and Stiles (1972:31) all described the back of adult male S. rufus as rufous, or "sometimes with scattered green feathers," thus not contrasting to the rufous tail and coverts as in S. sasin. But
On the Test-Retest Reliability of the Preference for Numerical Information Scale:

Preference for numerical information has been defined as a proclivity toward using numerical information and engaging in thinking involving numerical information and a scale was developed to measure this construct. Test-retest reliability of the scale over a 12-wk. interval was examined here. A correlation of .73 between test and retest suggests that measurement is moderately stable over time.
Chemical control of semiconductor nanowire kinking and superstructure.

We show that methylgermane (GeH3CH3) can induce a transition from ⟨111⟩ to ⟨110⟩ oriented growth during the vapor–liquid–solid synthesis of Ge nanowires. This hydride-based chemistry is subsequently leveraged to rationally fabricate kinking superstructures based on combinations of ⟨111⟩ and ⟨110⟩ segments. The addition of GeH3CH3 also eliminates sidewall tapering and enables Ge nanowire growth at temperatures exceeding 475 °C, which greatly expands the process window and opens new avenues to create Si/Ge heterostructures.
Increased Resistance to Organophosphorus Insecticides in the Parthenogenetic Spotted Alfalfa Aphid, Therioaphis maculata, in California

The spotted alfalfa aphid, Therioaphis maculate (Buckton), was discovered in California in 1954, and by 1956 thousands of acres of alfalfa were treated with organophosphorus insecticides. During the fall of 1956, failures to control with insecticides were reported in a number of areas in southern California. Field and laboratory studies showed that the aphid had developed a low degree of resistance to certain organophosphorus insecticides. After 1957, insecticide treatments for aphid control were markedly reduced because of: (1) increased activity by native predators, (2) establishment of aphid parasites from the Old World, (3) use of the selective insecticide, demeton (4) and the planting of resistant alfalfa varieties. However, in the Antelope Valley, California, the nonselective insecticide, parathion, was still widely used and many fields were treated more often than elsewhere in California. In 1960 and 1961, a large number of failures to control with chemicals were reported in the Antelope Valley. In 1961, very poor results were obtained when the following materials and dosages were applied per acre: demeton at 2 ounces, phosphamidon at 4 ounces, parathion at 4 and 6 ounces and Meta-Systox-R®-( O,O -dimethyl S -2-(ethylsulfinyl)ethyl phosphorothioate) at 4 ounces. Poor results were observed also, where Phosdrin® (a mixture of the alpha isomer of 2-carbomethoxy-1-methylvinyl dimethyl phosphate (not less than 60%) and related compounds (not more than 40%)) at 4 ounces, malathion at 12 ounces and parathion at 8 ounces were applied per acre. Laboratory studies in 1961 using parathion as the selective toxic agent. showed that. the spotted alfalfa aphid had developed an approximate 183-fold resistance at the LD-50 and an approximate 183-fold resistance at. the LD-90. This increased resistance from an approximate 4-fold level in 1956 to the high degree in 1961 is somewhat. unusual since in California this insect is apparently totally parthenogenetic and resistance developed by mutation. The most logical solution (or control of the resistant aphid would appear to be greater utilization of the resistant. alfalfa varieties.
Noise and Flowfield Characteristics of a Supersonic Jet Impinging on a Porous Surface

Control of the highly resonant flowfield associated with supersonic impinging jet has been experimentally investigated. Measurements were made in the supersonic impinging jet facility at AAPL for a Mach 1.5 ideally expanded jet. Measurements included unsteady pressures on the lift plate, acoustic measurements in the nearfield and beneath the impingement plane and velocity measurements using PIV. Results show that both passive control using porous surface and active control with high momentum microjet injection are effective in reducing nearfield noise and flow unsteadiness over a range of geometrical parameters, however, the type of noise reduction achieved by the two control techniques is different. The passive control reduces broadband noise whereas microjet injection attenuates high amplitude impinging tones. The hybrid control, a combination of two control methods reduces both broadband and high amplitude impinging tones and surprisingly its effectiveness is more that the additive affect of the two control techniques.
Rate of Increase in Resistance to DDT in Pink Bollworm Adults

During the past 15 years, resistance to insecticides has made the control of some of our worst insect enemies more difficult. The ability of cotton insect pests to resist insecticides was first noted in the cotton leaf worm, Alabama argillacea (Hubner) (Ivy and Scales 1954). Since 1947 when the widespread use of organic insecticides began, 20 known species of cotton insects and spider mites have developed resistance to insecticides in the United States (Entomology Research Division et al. 1963). There is further evidence that several other cotton insects have developed some tolerance to insecticides formerly used with success for their control.
β Interferon Produced by Keratinocytes in Human Cutaneous Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus

beta Interferon (IFN) was demonstrated by specific, sequential antibody-neutralization assays of vesicle fluids from patients with recurrent skin lesions due to herpes simplex virus. To determine the origin of this antiviral activity, we cultured keratinocytes from normal facial skin and infected them with three strains of herpes simplex virus. Keratinocyte cultures then developed characteristic cytopathic changes, and antiviral activity was found in culture supernatant media. All such activity from these supernatants was neutralized with specific antiserum to IFN-beta but not with antiserum to IFN-alpha. No IFN-gamma was detectable by radioimmunoassay. Immunoperoxidase staining with antiserum to IFN-beta in five biopsy specimens from culture-proven, recurrent herpes simplex lesions showed positive staining of epidermal keratinocytes but not of dermal or infiltrating cells. Thus, the primary sources of IFN-beta in recurrent herpes lesion vesicles are the virus-infected keratinocytes.
168 The evaluation of liquid disinfectants to reduce Salmonella contamination on animal food manufacturing surfaces.

Citation: Muckey, M. B., Huss, A. R., & Jones, C. K. (2016). The evaluation of liquid disinfectants to reduce Salmonella contamination on animal food manufacturing surfaces. Journal of Animal Science, 94, 79-79. doi:10.2527/msasas2016-168
Etiology of atypical pneumonia and treatment in children

Atypical pneumonia includes Mycoplasma pneumonia,Chlamydia pneumonia and Legionella pneumonia.They are the important causes of community-acquired pneumonia(CAP) and have different clinical characteristics.Because the three atypical organisms have the unique biologic structure,macrolide agent treatment is useful for all of them.New macrolide agent,such as azithromycin,is becoming a first line therapy choice.Administration of glucocorticoid and immunoglobulin is necessary in systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS) associated with MP pneumonia.When atypical pneumonia is combined with other virus or bacterial infections,the corresponding antibiotics should be administrated.Atypical organisms can damage the epithelial cells of airway and can avoid to be removed by cilia in a long time,so prolonged antibiotic treatment is important to prevent relapse.
Pathophysiology and treatment of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency

The pathophysiology of alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency and the use of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor therapy in the management of emphysema caused by AAT deficiency are described. AAT deficiency is the most common genetic cause of liver disease in children and emphysema in adults. However, not all patients with AAT deficiency develop hepatic or pulmonary involvement. Changes in the composition of the AAT molecule have been associated with AAT dysfunction in liver disease, whereas lung disease occurs when AAT concentrations are reduced. A definitive diagnosis can be made through serum AAT phenotype determination. Therapy for liver disease induced by AAT deficiency consists of supportive measures. Therapy for pulmonary disease due to AAT deficiency includes AAT augmentation therapy along with supportive measures. The available product, alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor, is derived from fractionated plasma and has similar biological activity to native serum AAT. Clinical trials have demonstrated a positive effect on serum and lung concentrations of AAT with few adverse events. Two recombinant forms of AAT have also been developed; however, few trials have been published evaluating their safety and efficacy in AAT-deficient patients. Many questions remain unanswered concerning AAT deficiency and replacement therapy. AAT augmentation therapy appears to reduce the progression of emphysema in some AAT-deficient patients.
Long- and short-run asymmetric responses of motor-vehicle travel to fuel price variations: New evidence from a nonlinear ARDL approach

Abstract Understanding the responsiveness of travel demand to fuel price changes has an important policy implication on fuel taxation. In this paper, we employ an asymmetric nonlinear ARDL approach to investigate the short- and long-run impacts of fuel price increases and decreases and fuel price volatility on motor-vehicle travel in Korea. Using monthly data from January 2000 to December 2013, the results show that travel responds differently depending on the direction of fuel price changes. In examining the sensitivities of travel demand, the traffic volume is significantly responsive to fuel price changes when prices fall, while it is insensitive to fuel price changes when prices rise in the long-run. The fuel price volatility has a negative long-run impact on travel demand, indicating that a rise in fuel price uncertainty can induce drivers to reduce transport fuel consumption and motor-vehicle travel. The GDP and the road length are also found to be vital factors determining travel demand. In comparing the magnitude of the short- and long-run effects of fuel price changes, the short-run elasticities tend to be smaller than the long-run elasticities in absolute value.
Distal Cholangiocarcinoma and Pancreas Adenocarcinoma: Are They Really the Same Disease? A 13-Institution Study from the US Extrahepatic Biliary Malignancy Consortium and the Central Pancreas Consortium

Background Distal cholangiocarcinoma (DC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are often managed as 1 entity, yet direct comparisons are lacking. Our aim was to use 2 large multi-institutional databases to assess treatment, pathologic, and survival differences between these diseases. Study Design This study included patients with DC and PDAC who underwent curative-intent pancreaticoduodenectomy from 2000 to 2015 at 13 institutions comprising the US Extrahepatic Biliary Malignancy and Central Pancreas Consortiums. Primary endpoint was disease-specific survival (DSS). Results Of 1,463 patients, 224 (15%) had DC and 1,239 (85%) had PDAC. Compared with PDAC, DC patients were less likely to be margin-positive (19% vs 25%; p = 0.005), lymph node (LN)-positive (55% vs 69%; p Conclusions Distal cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are distinct entities. Distal cholangiocarcinoma has a favorable prognosis compared with PDAC, yet current adjuvant therapy regimens are only associated with improved survival in PDAC, not DC. Therefore, treatment paradigms used for PDAC should not be extrapolated to DC, despite similar operative approaches, and novel therapies for DC should be explored.
Reproducibility, Pre-Analytical Variables and Effect of Aspirin On Soluble P Selectin and CD40 Ligand.

Abstract Abstract 2255 Background: Several studies have demonstrated a significant association between platelet plasma markers (soluble CD40 ligand [sCD40L] and soluble p selectin [sPselectin]) and in-vivo platelet activation and cardiovascular events. However, the reliability and pre-analytical variation of these assays remain uncertain. We therefore sought to investigate the reproducibility of these assays, type of collection (plasma or sera), correlation between sCD40L and sPselectin, and the effect of aspirin. Methods: Following an overnight fast, 40 healthy volunteers had early morning phlebotomy during 4 consecutive weeks. Subjects took aspirin 81mg daily x7 days between weeks 3 and 4. Platelet poor plasma was obtained via centrifugation at 2500 × g for ten minutes within 15 minutes of phlebotomy while serum samples were similarly processed at 30 minutes after phlebotomy. Samples were aliquoted and stored at −80°C no more than five minutes after completion of centrifugation. Concentrations of sPselectin and sCD40L were determined in plasma and serum by quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Bender MedSystems: BMS219 & BMS293, respectively). Reproducibility over time of levels of sPselectin and sCD40L was assessed by coefficient of variation (CV). Correlation was assessed using Pearson r statistic. The difference between levels pre and post aspirin was measured with Wilcoxon Signed- Rank test. Data is presented as median [interquartile range]. Results: Soluble CD40L measurements were reproducible over time in plasma (Week 1: 0.72 ng/mL [0.35–1.63], Week 2: 0.72 [0.36–1.69], Week 3: 0.66 [0.34– 1.7]; CV: 9.6 %) and serum (Week 1: 2.43 [2.12– 2.99], Week 2: 2.26 [1.8– 2.98], Week 3: 2.44 [1.75– 3.05]; CV 8%). Soluble P-selectin measurements were also reproducible over time in plasma (Week 1: 58.9 ng/mL [46.2–70.8], Week 2: 55.5 [45.4–68.6], Week 3: 52.6 [43.8–62.8]; CV: 9.4%) and serum (Week 1: 116 ng/mL [94.6–145.5], Week 2: 113.6 [90.7–149.6], Week 3: 111.9 [94.1–148.8]; CV: 6%). Measurement of sCD40L in plasma correlated with levels in serum before aspirin (r=0.88, p Conclusions: Soluble CD40L and sPselectin are independent markers that are reproducible in both plasma and sera (CV Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Neural mechanisms of mood-induced modulation of reality monitoring in schizophrenia.

Reality monitoring is the ability to accurately distinguish the source of self-generated information from externally-presented information. Although people with schizophrenia (SZ) show impaired reality monitoring, nothing is known about how mood state influences this higher-order cognitive process. Accordingly, we induced positive, neutral and negative mood states to test how different mood states modulate subsequent reality monitoring performance. Our findings indicate that mood affected reality monitoring performance in HC and SZ participants in both similar and dissociable ways. Only a positive mood facilitated task performance in Healthy Control (HC) subjects, whereas a negative mood facilitated task performance in SZ subjects. Yet, when both HC and SZ participants were in a positive mood, they recruited medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to bias better subsequent self-generated item identification, despite the fact that mPFC signal was reduced in SZ participants. Additionally, in SZ subjects, negative mood states also modulated left and right dorsal mPFC signal to bias better externally-presented item identification. Together our findings reveal that although the mPFC is hypoactive in SZ participants, mPFC signal plays a functional role in mood–cognition interactions during both positive and negative mood states to facilitate subsequent reality monitoring decision-making.
From Heartburn to Barrett’s Esophagus, and Beyond

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects an estimated 20% of the population in the USA, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. About 10–15% of patients with GERD will develop Barrett’s esophagus (BE). The aims of this study were to review the available evidence of the pathophysiology of BE and the role of anti-reflux surgery in the treatment of this disease. The transformation of the squamous epithelium into columnar epithelium with goblet cells is due to the chronic injury produced by repeated reflux episodes. It involves genetic mutations that in some patients may lead to high-grade dysplasia and cancer. There is no strong evidence that anti-reflux surgery is associated with resolution or improvement in BE, and its indications should be the same as for other GERD patients without BE. Patients with BE without dysplasia require endoscopic surveillance, while those with low- or high-grade dysplasia should have consideration of endoscopic eradication therapy followed by surveillance. New endoscopic treatment modalities are being developed, which hold the promise to improve the management of patients with BE.
The Combined Treatment with Taurine and Niacin Blocks the Bleomycin-Induced Activation of Nuclear Factor-kB and Lung Fibrosis

Interstitial lung fibrosis (ILF) is a potentially lethal and chronic response of the lung to injury resulting from a wide range of causes1. Regardless of the causes, ILF is invariably associated with fibrosing alveolitis characterized by inflammation, an excess number of fibroblats2 and an absolute increase in lung collagen content, and abnormality in the ultrastructural appearance and spatial distribution of collagen types3,4. A number of studies have documented that cytokines are released in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and in the animal models of lung fibrosis. Inflammatory cells such as macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils play a key role in the production of a variety of cytokines and growth factors which regulate the proliferation, chemotactism and secretary activity of the fibroblasts. Activated macrophages in the inflamed lungs in response to bleomycin (BL) instillation, synthesize increased amounts of several proinflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines that mediate an enhanced fibroproliferative response5*#x2013;7. It is commonly understood that not a single cytokine but a network of cytokines control the inflammatory processes8.
Higher-order approximation to suppress the zero-energy mode in non-ordinary state-based peridynamics

Abstract This paper presents a numerical method to control the spurious deformation mode conventionally found in a non-ordinary state-based peridynamic formulation. The proposed approach introduces a higher-order approximation for a deformation gradient tensor in order to suppress oscillations from the zero-energy mode. The results are compared to those determined by other available methods. The findings of this study well demonstrate that the proposed method provides highly effective solutions for controlling zero-energy modes in peridynamic models. Contrasting other available zero-energy control methods, the proposed method remains robust for relatively large horizon sizes. The method is incorporated by implicit weight functions in peridynamics.
Optimization of coronagraph design for segmented aperture telescopes

The goal of directly imaging Earth-like planets in the habitable zone of other stars has motivated the design of coronagraphs for use with large segmented aperture space telescopes. In order to achieve an optimal trade-off between planet light throughput and diffracted starlight suppression, we consider coronagraphs comprised of a stage of phase control implemented with deformable mirrors (or other optical elements), pupil plane apodization masks (gray scale or complex valued), and focal plane masks (either amplitude only or complex-valued, including phase only such as the vector vortex coronagraph). The optimization of these optical elements, with the goal of achieving 10 or more orders of magnitude in the suppression of on-axis (starlight) diffracted light, represents a challenging non-convex optimization problem with a nonlinear dependence on control degrees of freedom. We develop a new algorithmic approach to the design optimization problem, which we call the ”Auxiliary Field Optimization” (AFO) algorithm. The central idea of the algorithm is to embed the original optimization problem, for either phase or amplitude (apodization) in various planes of the coronagraph, into a problem containing additional degrees of freedom, specifically fictitious ”auxiliary” electric fields which serve as targets to inform the variation of our phase or amplitude parameters leading to good feasible designs. We present the algorithm, discuss details of its numerical implementation, and prove convergence to local minima of the objective function (here taken to be the intensity of the on-axis source in a ”dark hole” region in the science focal plane). Finally, we present results showing application of the algorithm to both unobscured off-axis and obscured on-axis segmented telescope aperture designs. The application of the AFO algorithm to the coronagraph design problem has produced solutions which are capable of directly imaging planets in the habitable zone, provided end-to-end telescope system stability requirements can be met. Ongoing work includes advances of the AFO algorithm reported here to design in additional robustness to a resolved star, and other phase or amplitude aberrations to be encountered in a real segmented aperture space telescope.
Nerd vs. bro: Geek privilege, idiosyncrasy, and triumphalism

Increasingly, geek culture is criticized as one that is biased; in particular, geek claims of meritocracy are thought to be naive because they do not recognize the privilege ( i.e. , unseen advantages) of extant members. But some geeks are resistant to this critique. Why? Beyond the natural tendency to be defensive and the unproductive comparison of personal suffering, there is a geek-specific reason. Geek identity is informed by the trope of geek triumphalism : early insecurity is superseded by a sense of superiority . Geeks’ intelligence, unconventional enthusiasms ( e.g. , technology and fantasy), and idiosyncratic dress contributed to their marginalization, leading them to believe they would never do the same to others. And these same characteristics, later in life, become sources of success and pride, leading them to think they are more open-minded, objective, and beyond bias.
Transradial cerebral angiography: techniques and outcomes.

Background Despite several retrospective studies analyzing the safety and efficacy of transradial access (TRA) versus transfemoral access (TFA) for cerebral angiography, this transition for neurointerventional procedures has been gradual. Nonetheless, based on our positive initial institutional experience with TRA for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients, we have started transitioning more of our cerebral angiography cases to TRA. Here we present our single institution experience. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients receiving TRA cerebral angiography at our institution between January 2016 and February 2017. We present our experience transitioning from TFA to TRA, including our criteria for patient selection, technical nuances, patient experience, complications, and operator learning curve. Results We included 148 angiograms performed in 141 people by one of four operators. No major complications were observed, and the technical success of the procedures was consistent with those of TFA. Marked improvement in operator efficiency was achieved in a short number of cases during this transition when looking at operator proficiency as a function of angiograms performed and days of exposure to TRA (4.3 vs 3.6 min/vessel, P Conclusions Safety and efficiency can be preserved while transitioning to TRA. While further investigation is necessary to support transition to TRA, these findings should call for a re-evaluation of the role of TRA in catheter cerebral angiography.
The Future of Adverse Outcome Pathways: Analyzing their Social Context

This chapter places the development of adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) in their social context. It begins by highlighting the intense social and political polarization that currently exists around environmental regulations. Given this context, any gaps, assumptions, or uncertainties associated with AOPs are likely to receive intense scrutiny whenever they have regulatory implications that could generate adverse consequences for particular stakeholder groups. Therefore, the chapter argues that in the near future, AOPs are likely to be much more fruitful when they are employed in “win-win” contexts, such as in the design of safer chemicals or the assessment of alternative products and methods. Moreover, AOPs are likely to be more useful and more widely accepted if their development process is characterized by two principles: engagement and transparency. Following these principles has the potential to alleviate some of the conflict that has characterized recent chemical regulatory policy.
The effect of molecular structures of alkylbenzenes on ignition characteristics of binary n-heptane blends

Abstract Alkylbenzenes are major aromatic constituents of real transportation fuels and important surrogate components. In this study, the structural impact of nine alkylbenzenes on their ignition characteristics is experimentally and computationally investigated with particular emphasis on the blending effect with significantly more reactive normal alkanes. Experimental comparisons of mono-alkylbenzenes (toluene, ethylbenzene, n-propylbenzene, iso-propylbenzene) from a modified CFR engine showed that the difference in pure alkylbenzene reactivity significantly diminished when blended with n-heptane, as the strength of the radical scavenging effect of all three alkylbenzenes is similar. Among C8H10 isomers, the reactivity of pure ethylbenzene and o-xylene and their blends with n-heptane showed a complex competing effect between the difference in C H bond energy and the existence of intermediate/low-temperature chemistry caused by adjacent methyl pairs. A similar structural impact was also observed for C9H12 isomers and their blends with n-heptane, while the influence of C H bond energy was more noticeable than C8H10 molecules. Kinetic simulations of the alkylbenzene/n-heptane blends highlighted the effect caused by adjacent methyl pairs that is referred to as the “ortho effect”. Analysis of ethylbenzene and o-xylene showed that o-xylene's intermediate/low-temperature pathways initiated by benzylperoxy radical – benzylhydroperoxide isomerization (RO2 – QOOH) produce additional active radicals such as OH and CH2O, which accelerates the oxidation chemistry of more reactive n-heptane. This study provides knowledge on the blending effect of alkylbenzene compounds with n-heptane on their ignition characteristics that is useful to develop surrogates that can better mimic the reactivity of real fuels.
Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Regulation of the Rod cGMP-Phosphodiesterase β-Subunit Gene

In eukaryotic cells, gene expression is controlled at multiple levels that could be grouped in two large categories, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory events. Regulation of gene expression at the level of transcription is the major determinant of the initiation of protein synthesis and of the level of gene expression. However, there is increasing evidence of the important contribution of the post-transcriptional control mechanisms in determining and fine-tuning the final amount of the synthesized protein product. Post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms could be grouped into events that modulate mRNA stability, localization, translation, as well as protein stability and modifications.
Phenomenology/Phenomenological Geography

This article examines the turn to phenomenology, its orientation, and methodologies, advocated by humanistic geographers who have been producing works under its influence since the 1970s. Humanistic geographers decried the objectivist/naturalistic approach to geography for failing to account for lived-geography or geographical experiences. Humanistic geographers turned to phenomenology for its experiential apology and its congenial methodologies. A background to phenomenology is given discussing its historical emergence, its fundamental sense, and the substantive contributions of the major phenomenologists influencing geographers: Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Schutz, and Casey. Phenomenology, as a descriptive science opening up the material a priori field of meanings, is contrasted with the neo-Kantian explanatory science of formal a priori constructions of meanings. Geographers who have discussed the use of phenomenology in geography and have employed it in their work are presented: Relph, Tuan, Buttimer, Seamon, Ley, Pickles, and Mugerauer.
Two-Sensor Neural Network Modeling For Fault Detection

The technique described here involves training a neural network to model the internal behavior of a component or system from vibration data taken from two sensors (accelerometers) located at different positions or mounted in different directions on the component or system. The power spectral density (PSD) of the sampled time-series from one accelerometer is used as the input to the neural network, and the PSD of the sampled time-series from the other accelerometer is the desired output of the neural network. The network is trained while the signals varies over the normal range of operation when the component or system is known to be operating properly. The trained neural network is then used in a monitoring mode to predict the output sensor PSD from the input PSD, and a comparison is made between the predicted and actual output PSDs. Significant deviations indicate that the interrelationship between the input and output signals has been modified due to a change (failure) in the component or system. The usefulness of this methodology has been demonstrated in the monitoring of the operability of check valves and a pump-motor bearing.