cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ID: 79: INSULIN TREATMENT INCREASES MICROVESICULAR INSULIN-DEGRADING ENZYME IN DIABETES

Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) in the blood may play a role in insulin clearance, thus decreased IDE activity could contribute to hyperinsulinemia and possibly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We hypothesized that decreased IDE in plasma may be associated with obesity and/or T2DM. We recruited non-obese (BMI 30) and diabetic (T2DM; ICD-9 code) patients and obtained fasting blood samples. Microvesicular (containing exosomes) and soluble fractions were isolated from plasma by ultracentrifugation Insulin degrading activity was assayed by trichloroacetic acid precipitation of 125I-iodoinsulin (TCA assay), while IDE protein was detected by Western blotting. Differences were analyzed by ANOVA with a Bonferroni posttest. There was no IDE present in the soluble fraction as confirmed by both the TCA assay and Western blot. IDE activity was present in the microvesicular fraction, and the Western blot intensity correlated significantly with activity (p=.01). However, there were no significant differences in IDE activity or protein levels among the 3 groups. We then conducted a post hoc analysis byseparating the non-obese and obese patients into two groups: a healthy group (HbA1c 2 =.38; p=0.14). We saw no statistically significant correlations of degrading activity with a number of clinical parameters including: fasting glucose; triglycerides, LDL, HDL, age, eGFR, and HbA1c by linear regression. This shows that the microvesicular IDE is not affected by glucose or lipid control. We conclude: A) IDE is present in the blood, but does not significantly contribute to insulin clearance because the microvesicular fraction showed no insulin clearance unless they were first frozen and thawed. This freezing and thawing process most likely allowed the microvesicular membranes to rupture releasing the enzyme. B) enzymatically active IDE is associated with a fraction consistent with exosomes and may be decreased in pre-diabetes and diabetes; and C) insulin treatment increases microvesicular IDE. IDE in the exosomes may serve as a marker for the progression of the pre-diabetic and diabetic disease states independent of glucose control. One could speculate that inflammation and/or insulin resistance result in a decrease of vesicular IDE activity and that insulin treatment reverses this through its anti-inflammatory properties, or by overcoming insulin resistance and increasing insulin signaling.
Racket sports as a model of studying vascular adaptations: a comeback after a quarter of a century

twenty-five years ago, sinoway et al. ([13][1]) ingeniously introduced the world of physiology to a simple yet unique model of investigating exercise-induced vascular adaptations. The model consisted of the examination of dominant and nondominant arms of tennis players to elucidate the localized
Parasystole and Its Variants

Various mechanisms that cause deviations from the classical manifestations of a parasystolic rhythm are reviewed and illustrated by selected clinical electrocardiograms. They consist of: (1) Transient or continued fixed coupling of the ectopic beats, due to (a) synchronization of basic and parasystolic rhythms; (b) reversed coupling of the basic to the ectopic rhythm (unidirectional protection); (c) the operation of supernormal phase of excitability; and (d) intermittent parasystole, due to gap in the protection of the parasystolic center. (2) Irregularities in response to a regular parasystolic discharge may be caused by a second degree exit block, usually of Mobitz type II, rarely of type I. An electrophysiologic basis for the emergence and maintenance of parasystolic rhythms appears to be abnormal states of spontaneous diastolic (phase 4) depolarization in otherwise latent subsidiary cardiac pacemakers.
Airports and Competitors

The design of any large system for human use requires that we account for a most important phenomenon: the design itself influences the nature of the loads we must accommodate. This fact, which should be obvious, is constantly forgotten in the preparation of traffic forecasts. In planning airport systems, in particular, we must recognize that the distribution of traffic among airports and its level at any single facility can depend significantly on what services are available at which locations. If we are to provide the right facilities at the right time and place, we must, therefore, understand how the configuration of the airport system and its relationship to the entire transport net affects traffic patterns.
On the Evolution and Impact of Mobile Botnets in Wireless Networks

A botnet in mobile networks is a collection of compromised nodes due to mobile malware, which are able to perform coordinated attacks. Different from Internet botnets, mobile botnets do not need to propagate using centralized infrastructures, but can keep compromising vulnerable nodes in close proximity and evolving organically via data forwarding. Such a distributed mechanism relies heavily on node mobility as well as wireless links, therefore it breaks down the underlying premise in existing epidemic modeling for Internet botnets. In this paper, we adopt a stochastic approach to study the evolution and impact of mobile botnets. We find that node mobility can be a trigger to botnet propagation storms: the average size (i.e., number of compromised nodes) of a botnet increases quadratically over time if the mobility range that each node can reach exceeds a threshold; otherwise, the botnet can only contaminate a limited number of nodes with average size always bounded above. This also reveals that mobile botnets can propagate at the fastest rate of quadratic growth in size, which is substantially slower than the exponential growth of Internet botnets. To measure the denial-of-service impact of a mobile botnet, we define a new metric, called last chipper time , which is the last time that service requests, even partially, can still be processed on time as the botnet keeps propagating and launching attacks. The last chipper time is identified to decrease at most on the order of $1/\sqrt{B}$ , where $B$ is the network bandwidth. This result reveals that although increasing network bandwidth can help mobile services, it can, at the same time, indeed escalate the risk of services being disrupted by mobile botnets.
The United States in Decline? Assessing the Impact of International Challenges to American Exceptionalism

The idea of American exceptionalism has lived a long and vibrant life in U.S. politics. In recent years, however, many have suggested that the United States might be losing its edge in world affairs. Little research has sought to examine the effects that these explicit challenges to American exceptionalism might have on U.S. public opinion. With this in mind, we conducted an experiment in which a large sample of U.S. adults was exposed to such messages. Specifically, drawing on social identity theory, we explore the psychological dynamics that shape how U.S. adults might respond to messages that directly challenge the idea of American exceptionalism depending on whether these challenges come from competitor countries (e.g., China and Britain) or noncompetitor countries (e.g., Australia and Mexico). Our findings suggest that challenges to this idea have a significant impact on (1) U.S. adults’ sense of American exceptionalism, (2) their willingness to actively degrade other countries, and (3) their attributions of responsibility for the United States’ perceived decline. We reflect on the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Influence of pathologist experience on positive surgical margins following radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Background A positive surgical margin (PSM) following radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer is associated with increased risk of biochemical recurrence. We sought to examine whether the pathologist is an independent predictor of PSMs. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 3,557 men who underwent RP for localized prostate cancer at our institution from 2003 to 2015. We evaluated 29 separate pathologists. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to test variables previously shown to influence PSM rates. Results Overall rate of PSM was 18.9%. Compared with patients without PSM, patients with PSM had higher body mass index (mean: 28.8 vs. 28.3), Gleason score≥7 (84% vs. 66%), extracapsular extension (51% vs. 20%), and median prostate-specific antigen (5.9 vs. 5.1 ng/ml) (all P P Fig. 2 ). Conclusions Greater pathologist experience appears to be associated with greater odds of PSMs following radical prostatectomy, even after controlling for case mix, pathologist fellowship training, and surgeon experience. Based on these findings, pathologists with less experience reviewing RP specimens may consider requesting rereview by a dedicated genitourinary pathologist.
Synthesis and characterization of high performing Fe-N-C catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in Alkaline Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract In this article, three different Fe-N-C oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts derived from different organic molecules i.e. Fe-NMG, Fe-NMP, Fe-MBZ have been synthesized, characterized by physical-chemical methods and studied in the reaction of oxygen reduction (ORR). It is found that Fe-NMG shows higher ORR performance than Fe-NMP and Fe-MBZ, by both rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) and fuel cell tests. From characterization and surface analysis, it can be explained that the presence of higher amount of surface oxides and pyridinic nitrogen is the main reason for better performance towards ORR in alkaline media. To achieve the highest performance in alkaline exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC), the optimization of catalyst layer composition using various concentrations of ionomer (Tokuyama, AS4) was performed. At the optimum cathode layer configuration utilizing Fe-NMG produces the peak power density of 218 mWcm −2 , which is one of the highest values presented in the open literature.
Abstract 20226: Meta-Analysis of Complications and Success of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Octogenarians

Introduction: The population of the United States is aging and thus the prevalence and incidence of atrial fibrillation are increasing. Morbidity and mortality from this arrhythmia positively corre...
Photonic Upconversion via Cooperative Energy Pooling in Solid-State Molecular Materials

Here we present demonstrations and kinetic models of Cooperative Energy Pooling, which is a mechanism for photonic upconversion in organic thin films via simultaneous transfer of excitons from sensitizers to two-photon absorbing acceptor molecules.
Vitamin D and Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, vitamin D appears to have immunomodulatory effects, shifting balance from Th-1 pro-inflammatory cytokines to Th-2 cytokines. Vitamin D supplementation in utero or early life reduces future risk of developing type 1 diabetes. However, supplementation after disease is established does not have benefit on preserving beta cell function or improving glycemic control.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma.

Importance Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been reported as a serious complication of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Despite available diagnostic guidelines, it remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in this patient population. Objectives To examine the characteristics of CTCL associated with HLH and analyze the presenting signs and symptoms, therapeutic options, and outcome. Design, Setting, and Participants In this case series, patients diagnosed with CTCL and HLH who were treated at a single institution from January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2017, were studied. Exposures The HLH-2004 trial criteria, HScore, and various clinical and histopathologic variables were applied to and analyzed in the cohort. Main Outcomes and Measures Subtype of CTCL, treatment administered for HLH, and patient outcome were assessed. Results Seven patients (4 men and 3 women; median age, 50 years; range, 34-77 years) were identified from the database and included in the study. Cytotoxic subtypes of CTCL that involve the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue were most commonly associated with HLH. Four patients met 5 or more HLH-2004 trial criteria, and 5 had an HScore probability greater than 85% at presentation. Common presenting HLH symptoms were fever and malaise. Cyclosporine, polychemotherapy, and systemic corticosteroids were the most common treatments. Patients receiving allogeneic stem cell transplants had the best outcomes, with all 3 of these patients alive and in complete remission. Conclusions and Relevance Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a life-threatening complication of CTCL associated with rare cytotoxic CTCL subtypes that primarily involve the subcutaneous tissue. Because these cases may resemble a granulomatous or infectious condition, the diagnosis and appropriate management are often delayed. The results of this study demonstrate the need for high awareness of HLH in patients with panniculitic lymphomas and indicate that allogeneic stem cell transplantation may be the best option for a sustained remission.
Solution of uncertain linear systems of equations with probability-box parameters

The solution of linear systems of equations is often a component of engineering simulation and modelling. Often, the system parameters are uncertain. One representation of this uncertainty is the use of probability-boxes (or p-boxes), which do not require complete information about the probability distribution underlying the random variables. P-boxes are the bounds on allowable continuous distribution function for the random variables. Arithmetic operations on p-boxes yield guaranteed bounds on the probability distribution of the solution, regardless the nature of dependency. The solutions of p-box linear systems of equations are presented in the context of FEA of structural systems. Loading and material uncertainties are described by p-boxes. Earlier Monte-Carlo p-box approach was limited to independent uncertainties. The governing p-box linear equations are solved by an iterative approach using a fixed-point formulation. The resulting formulation gives guaranteed bounds of the probability distribution of the structural responses, at a high computational efficiency and a low overestimation level.
Hierarchical Bayesian Models for ChIP-seq Data

Histone modifications (HMs) are post-translational modifications of the nucleosome. Studying the presence or absence of these modifications in genomic regions is a central topic in modern epigenetics. HMs regulate various biological processes by overwriting the DNA-inscribed code. Experimental evidence suggests that they perform this task through a complex biological network. In other words, HMs combinatorially influence gene expression. We present two model-based approaches to decode this mechanism using ChIP-seq data. Both approaches are based on hierarchical Bayesian models. The first model derives a conditional independence structure among the HMs through a graphical model. The challenge here is to model the unobserved binary (presence/absence) status of HMs on the basis of read counts. The other critical aspect is to model the dependence between these latent binaries in a way that allows tractable posterior inference. The second model relates HMs and functional genomics through a local bi-clustering approach. Here HMs are clustered and each HM cluster gives rise to a (nested) partition of genomic loactions, with respect to that subset of HMs. These models are, to the best of our knowledge, the first model-based fully Bayesian approaches to discovering epigenetic associations. Validation with known experimental findings suggests the importance and usefulness of these approaches in our understanding of gene regulation.
Y-Chromosome DNA Testing

Unlike autosomal DNA markers, such as the 13 CODIS STRs, that are inherited from both parents and shuffled with each generation, lineage markers are uniparentally-passed from one generation to the next without changing (except for mutational events). Paternal lineages may be tracked with genetic markers on the non-recombining portion of the Y-chromosome that are passed from father to son. Maternal lineages may be followed as mothers pass their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on to their children. X-chromosome markers may also be helpful in specific situations. Genetic genealogy companies use many of the same Y-STR markers and regions of mtDNA to trace ancestry for avid genealogists. The primary advantage of Y-STRs in a forensic setting is to enable male-specific amplification from sexual assault evidence containing a mixture of male and female cells that cannot be separated by differential extraction, such as fingernail scrapings.
Humour in clinical–educational interactions between graduate student clinicians and people with aphasia

Background During clinical interactions, clinicians and people with aphasia (PWA) use humour and laughter for a range of purposes, most of which contribute to friendly interactions in which the participants appear to develop a positive regard for one another. Moreover, humour is a vital component of facework, or the processes interactants engage in to protect their own and one another's well-respected, public personas. Aims To examine the ways in which speech-language pathology graduate student clinicians enlist humour during one-on-one therapy sessions for PWA. Methods & procedures Three dyads composed of one graduate student clinician and one person with aphasia acted as participants. We recorded six routine individual aphasia therapy sessions that were each about 60 min in length. All sessions were orthographically transcribed by a trained research assistant. Transcriptions included verbal and non-speech communication (e.g., facial expressions, gestures, writing). For analysis, we employed an ethnographic microanalysis framework. First, by focusing on laughter produced by the interactants, we identified segments in the data that involved clinician-led humour. Next, we sought to understand patterns that represented potential functions of humour. We consciously sought out instances that did not appear consistent with our developing understanding of the functions of humour. Such negative cases were used to refine our description of how graduate student clinicians use humour. Other verification procedures included member checking and peer debriefing. Outcomes & results The findings illustrate that graduate student clinicians use laughter and humour for a range of interactional purposes when interacting with clients with aphasia. Humour was used as a means of (1) softening exposure to client's errors, (2) equalizing interactional power, (3) mitigating errors made by graduate student clinicians, (4) supporting own narrative production and (5) demonstrating affiliation. Conclusions & implications The current study demonstrates that graduate student clinicians we observed, like the clinicians studied in previous investigations of humour in therapeutic encounters, possess the humour and laughter-related skills that help to foster positive interactions with PWA. Future investigations of the source of these skills should determine if students are adept because of natural abilities or if students can be taught to be better interactants via instruction. Findings emanating from these studies can be used to inform curriculum design, which will in turn help our field better meet the needs of clients.
EFFECT OF SACUBITRIL/VALSARTAN INITIATION ON 30-DAY READMISSIONS AFTER A HOSPITALIZATION FOR ACUTE DECOMPENSATED HEART FAILURE: A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF THE PIONEER-HF TRIAL

Reducing readmissions after a hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is an important goal for patients, clinicians, and policy makers. Despite this, 30-day readmission rates remain high, in part because there are limited evidence-based, in-hospital interventions that improve HF
A mixed methods study of Black Girls' vulnerability to out-of-school suspensions: The intersection of race and gender

Abstract Although the disproportionate suspension of Black boys has been a longstanding issue, the apparent vulnerability of Black girls to harsh disciplinary practices is of recent concern to educators and researchers (see Crenshaw, Ocen, & Nanda, 2015 ). We used a sequential (qual → QUANT) mixed methods design to examine the out-of-school suspension (OSS) of Black girls. In-depth, qualitative interviews explored the experiences of 10 Black middle-school girls with OSSs, their caregivers and educators to generate hypotheses for, and then expand, statewide quantitative analyses. Participants described that Black girls were sanctioned more frequently and more harshly than were whites for the same behaviors. Quantitative analysis of cross-system, administrative data of 7th grade students in the state of Minnesota found that Black girls were overrepresented in OSS relative to white, Asian, and Hispanic boys and girls, and Native girls. Furthermore, Black girls were sanctioned more harshly than were white students for disruptive, disorderly and violent behaviors. Finally, qualitative data suggested strategies to reduce disproportionality in the frequency and severity of OSSs for Black girls. Educators, especially those in leadership roles, can work to eliminate sexual harassment and bullying experienced by Black girls; and create programs to build upon their self-advocacy such as developing supportive communities of other Black girls and trusted adults at school.
Radiation Properties of a 2-D Periodic Leaky-Wave Antenna

A study of the radiation characteristics of a 2-D periodic leaky-wave antenna (LWA) [i.e., one that radiates from higher order space harmonics (Floquet waves) instead of the fundamental one] is presented here for the first time, and an optimization to produce maximum radiation at broadside is discussed. The structure consists of a 2-D periodic arrangement of narrow rectangular patches on a grounded dielectric substrate, excited by a simple source such as a slot in the ground plane. A 2-D periodic LWA can be designed to radiate a narrow pencil beam pattern at broadside by adjusting its geometric parameters. The main beam at broadside is narrower in the E-plane than in the H-plane, and there are also grating lobes introduced due to the periodicity. The structure has been analyzed theoretically using the periodic spectral-domain immittance (periodic SDI) method. The proposed antenna has also been simulated using both FEM and method of moments methods and a fabricated design has been measured. A good correlation is observed between the theoretical, simulated, and measured radiation patterns.
Successful liver transplant from a hemophilia A donor with no development of hemophilia A in recipient

Background Hemophilia A is an X-linked inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of coagulation factor VIII. Factor VIII is activated as part of the intrinsic coagulation cascade. It plays a crucial role as the cofactor in the intrinsic "tenase" complex activating factor X to assist in clot formation. Absence or mutation of this coagulation factor leads to excessive bleeding. Clinical manifestations of hemophilia relate to bleeding from impaired hemostasis, sequelae from bleeding, or complications of coagulation factor infusion. Diagnostic criteria for Hemophilia A include factor VIII activity level below 40% of normal, presence of a mutated F8 gene, and the absence of von Willebrand disease (F8 gene - Genetics Home Reference - NIH. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/F8). Patients who have this intrinsic defect in the coagulation cascade have a characteristically prolonged PTT. It is theorized that the majority of factor VIII is synthesized mainly in the liver, by way of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (Arruda VR. Haematologica. 2015;100(7):849-850). Extrahepatic production also occurs in the endothelial cells, kidneys, and lymphatic tissue. In 1969, Marchioro et al showed that transplantation of normal liver to hemophilia dog could normalize plasma factor VIII levels (Marchioro T L, Science. 1969;163(3863):188-190). These results were subsequently proven in humans. Liver transplantation from hemophilia A donors without factor VIII inhibitor is not commonly performed due to the perceived risk of developing hemophilia A in the recipient. There is currently limited literature aimed at elucidating this risk. We present a case of liver transplantation in a hemophilia A donor to a recipient with no history of hemophilia A with literature reviewis a case report, objective and method do not apply. Objective and method We did a case report and literature review of a liver transplant receipient fro ma hemohpila A donor. Results The receipient of the liver from hemophilia A donor did not develop hemophilia post transplant and had normal factor VIII levels. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is only the second case in humans of hemophilia A patient as a donor in liver transplantation. As the indications for liver transplantation have expanded, there is a need to expand the donor list, and possibly not exclude this population as viable donor option.
On Mediated Qualitative Scholarship and Marginalized Voices in Music Education

This chapter addresses two interrelated questions concerning some of the characteristic features that should exemplify mediated qualitative scholarship in music education and ways in which mediated qualitative scholarship can enable marginalized voices in music education to be heard. Mediated scholarship is broadly defined as scholarship undertaken and/or disseminated through the arts and contemporary media. The term “marginalized voices” refers to those subjects, perspectives, media, approaches, objectives, and modes of dissemination that are not valued, studied, or accounted for in music education research. Drawing on two examples of work utilizing film and video and published as chapters in this book, I examine the possibilities and challenges for mediated qualitative scholarship in music education that highlights the voices of those not otherwise heard.
Foundry approach for layout risk assessment through comprehensive pattern harvesting and large-scale data analysis

Semiconductor foundries typically analyze design layouts for criticality as a precursor to manufacturing flows. Risk assessment is performed on incoming layouts to identify and react to critical patterns at an early stage of the manufacturing cycle, in turn saving time and efforts. In this paper, we describe a new bottom-up approach to layout risk assessment that can rapidly identify unique patterns in layouts, and in combination with techniques like feature filters, location mapping and clustering, can pre-determine their criticality. A massive highly performant pattern database of single and multilayer patterns, along with their features and locations, forms the core of the system. While pattern analyses may be pertaining to the short range of design space, silicon defects and simulations extend to a much larger scope. Therefore, the database is extended to defect data extracted from Silicon inspection tools like Bright Field Inspection (BFI) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). When stored in an optimized manner, it can aid fast and efficient large data analysis and machine learning within critical tapeout review time which is typically a few days. Machine learning combined with design feature filters can then be used for anomaly detection and failure prediction at layout, layer and pattern levels. As a result, outlier patterns can be visually reviewed and flagged for custom targeted simulations and silicon inspection. Further, adding new layout patterns to the pattern database will make it possible to repeat this exercise for subsequent new layouts.
Branching Ratios in C 14 and N 14

The ${\mathrm{Be}}^{9}({\mathrm{Li}}^{7}, d){\mathrm{C}}^{14}$ and ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}({\mathrm{Li}}^{6}, d){\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ reactions were used as sources of gamma-emitting excited states of ${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$ and ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$. Three-parameter measurements of $E$, $\frac{\mathrm{dE}}{\mathrm{dx}}$, and ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ in 1024\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1024\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}256-channel detail were used to identify deuteron groups and the gamma rays associated with them. Radiation from six bound levels in ${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$ and from eight bound levels in ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ was analyzed to give branching ratios. Results are generally in agreement with previous measurements where they have been made. Two unbound levels in ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ are found to gamma-decay in competition with proton decay.
Entropy Stabilization of TiO2–Nb2O5 Wadsley–Roth Shear Phases and Their Prospects for Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Materials

Wadsley–Roth phases accommodate variable cation charge by crystallographic shear planes delineating blocks of the parent ReO3 structure. The homologous series TiNbxO2+2.5x provides possible new ano...
Comprehensive Analysis and Evaluation of Shandong Power Grid Station Automation Equipment

Dispatching automation system and equipment is an important infrastructure to support the dispatching agency to perform its functions. Continuous evaluation of grid automation equipment is an important means to achieve closed-loop control of safety risks and equipment life management, and an effective measure to promote lean and standardized management. Through comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the technical level, operation status and existing problems of the station equipment of Shandong Power Grid Dispatching Automation, provide evidence for solving the technical and equipment problems in the production operation, preparation of equipment overhaul, the technical transformation plan and the special control measures. This paper establishes the status evaluation index system of station automation equipment, analyzes the typical defects and problems of each application equipment, and give overall assessment of the automation equipment of Shandong Power Grid Station. The paper is of great significance to ensure the safe and reliable operation of automation systems (equipment), strengthen the operation and maintenance skills of professional teams, improve the scientific decision-making level of automatic equipment selection at the station and terminal, share the advanced experience of operation management, and promote the healthy development of automation profession.
Production and metabolic clearance rates of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 during maturation in rats: studies using a rapid, primed-infusion technique.

I have adapted the primed-infusion technique for the rapid estimation of the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) and production rate (PR) of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) in chronically catheterized conscious rats. Following a bolus injection, [3H]-1,25(OH)2D3 was infused iv at a constant rate for 7 h. Steady-state [3H]-1,25(OH)2D3 levels in plasma were achieved within 3 h. HPLC-purification of plasma [3H]-1,25(OH)2D3 was necessary. This rapid, primed-infusion technique thus eliminates the need for protracted infusions to achieve steady-state plasma [3H]-1,25(OH)2D3 levels. The MCR averaged 0.201 +/- 0.003 ml.min-1.kg-1 in fed male rats weighing 200-300 g. This MCR is approximately 50% lower than that seen in other species. Overnight fasting was without effect on the MCR. The MCR increased in direct proportion to body weight in maturing rats (6-16 weeks old) weighing 150-450 g. Thus, the MCR can be normalized per kg across this age range. However, 1,25(OH)2D3 production and plasma levels both decreased by 65-67% as the rats matured. The failure of a 3-fold decrease in plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 levels to affect the MCR suggests that 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulates its own catabolism only at markedly elevated concentrations.
Adding small ruminant reproduction to your practice

Equipment needs for transcervical insemination (TCI) of whitetail deer and goats are essentially the same. Trans-cervical insemination of sheep can use the same equipment, but pregnancy rates are low in this species with TCI, and the author does not recommend this technique for use in sheep, especially with frozen-thawed semen. Laparoscopic artificial insemination requires more equipment and some practice, but can be mastered with a little practice and patience. Collecting and freezing semen is not difficult, but highly technical and requires attention to detail. Most equipment is readily available at a reasonable cost. A list of the equipment needed and comments concerning the equipment are included in this presentation.
The Disordered Spindly C-terminus Interacts with RZZ Subunits ROD-1 and ZWL-1 in the Kinetochore through the Same Sites in C. Elegans

Spindly is a dynein adaptor involved in chromosomal segregation during cell division. While Spindly's N-terminal domain binds to the microtubule motor dynein and its activator dynactin, the C-terminal domain (Spindly-C) binds its cargo, the ROD/ZW10/ZWILCH (RZZ) complex in the outermost layer of the kinetochore. In humans, Spindly-C binds to ROD, while in C. elegans Spindly-C binds to both Zwilch (ZWL-1) and ROD-1. Here, we employed various biophysical techniques to characterize the structure, dynamics and interaction sites of C. elegans Spindly-C. We found that despite the overall disorder, there are two regions with variable α-helical propensity. One of these regions is located in the C-terminal half and is compact; the second is sparsely populated in the N-terminal half. The interactions with both ROD-1 and ZWL-1 are mostly mediated by the same two sequentially remote disordered segments of Spindly-C, which are C-terminally adjacent to the helical regions. The findings suggest that the Spindly-C binding sites on ROD-1 in the ROD-1/ZWL-1 complex context are either shielded or conformationally weakened by the presence of ZWL-1 such that only ZWL-1 directly interacts with Spindly-C in C. elegans.
COLDSTART ENGINE COMBUSTION MODELLING TO CONTROL HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS

Abstract Due to the large contribution of the coldstart process to unburned hydrocarbon emissions of an internal combustion engine during FTP cycle tests, we take a new look at the production of hydrocarbons inside the combustion chamber during coldstart. To this end a model is developed which predicts the exhaust port hydrocarbon concentration, exhaust gas temperature and equivalence ratio based on a simplified, control-oriented heat release analysis of the cylinder pressure. Non-linear control algorithms are used to regulate the engine to a pre-defined exhaust profile, based on optimized catalyst-out hydrocarbon emissions. This approach is intended to make use of robust, automotive-grade exhaust hydrocarbon sensors currently in development.
Influence of injection technique, drug formulation and tumor microenvironment on intratumoral immunotherapy delivery and efficacy

Background Intratumoral delivery of immunotherapeutics represents a compelling solution to directly address local barriers to tumor immunity. However, we have previously shown that off-target delivery is a substantial problem during intratumoral injections; this can lead to diminished drug efficacy and systemic toxicities. We have identified three variables that influence intratumoral drug delivery: injection technique, drug formulation and tumor microenvironment. The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of modifications in each variable on intratumoral drug delivery and immunotherapy efficacy. Methods Intratumoral injections were performed in a hybrid image-guided intervention suite with ultrasound, fluoroscopy and CT scanning capabilities in both rat and mouse syngeneic tumor models. Intratumoral drug distribution was quantified by CT volumetric imaging. The influence of varying needle design and hydrogel-based drug delivery on the immune response to a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist was evaluated using flow cytometry and single cell RNA sequencing. We also evaluated the influence of tumor stiffness on drug injection distribution. Results Variations in needle design, specifically with the use of a multiside hole needle, led to approximately threefold improvements in intratumoral drug deposition relative to conventional end-hole needles. Likewise, delivery of a STING agonist through a multiside hole needle led to significantly increased expression of type I interferon-associated genes and ‘inflammatory’ dendritic cell gene signatures relative to end-hole STING agonist delivery. A multidomain peptide-based hydrogel embedded with a STING agonist led to substantial improvements in intratumoral deposition; however, the hydrogel was noted to generate a strong immune response against itself within the target tumor. Evaluation of tumor stroma on intratumoral drug delivery revealed that there was a greater than twofold improvement in intratumoral distribution in soft tumors (B16 melanoma) compared with firm tumors (MC38 colorectal). Conclusions Injection technique, drug formulation and tumor stiffness play key roles in the accurate delivery of intratumoral immunotherapeutics.
Internet of Things-enabled Passive Contact Tracing in Smart Cities

Abstract Contact tracing has been proven an essential practice during pandemic outbreaks and is a critical non-pharmaceutical intervention to reduce mortality rates. While traditional contact tracing approaches are gradually being replaced by peer-to-peer smartphone-based systems, the new applications tend to ignore the Internet-of-Things (IoT) ecosystem that is steadily growing in smart city environments. This work presents a contact tracing framework that logs smart space users’ co-existence using IoT devices as reference anchors. The design is non-intrusive as it relies on passive wireless interactions between each user’s carried equipment (e.g., smartphone, wearable, proximity card) with an IoT device by utilizing received signal strength indicators (RSSI). The proposed framework can log the identities for the interacting pair, their estimated distance, and the overlapping time duration. Also, we propose a machine learning-based infection risk classification method to characterize each interaction that relies on RSSI-based attributes and contact details. Finally, the proposed contact tracing framework’s performance is evaluated through a real-world case study of actual wireless interactions between users and IoT devices through Bluetooth Low Energy advertising. The results demonstrate the system’s capability to accurately capture contact between mobile users and assess their infection risk provided adequate model training over time.
Mechanochemical synthesis insights and solid-state characterization of quininium aspirinate, a glass-forming drug-drug salt

Quinine (an anti­malarial) and aspirin (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) were combined into a new drug–drug salt, quininium aspirinate, C20H25N2O2+·C9H7O4−, by liquid-assisted grinding using stoichiometric amounts of the reactants in a 1:1 molar ratio, and water, EtOH, toluene, or heptane as additives. A tetra­hydro­furan (THF) solution of the mechanochemical product prepared using EtOH as additive led to a single crystal of the same material obtained by mechanochemistry, which was used for crystal structure determination at 100 K. Powder X-ray diffraction ruled out crystallographic phase transitions in the 100–295 K inter­val. Neat mechanical treatment (in a mortar and pestle, or in a ball mill at 20 or 30 Hz milling frequencies) gave rise to an amorphous phase, as shown by powder X-ray diffraction; however, FT–IR spectroscopy unambiguously indicates that a mechanochemical reaction has occurred. Neat milling the reactants at 10 and 15 Hz led to incom­plete reactions. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry indicate that the amorphous and crystalline mechanochemical products form glasses/supercooled liquids before melting, and do not recrystallize upon cooling. However, the amorphous material obtained by neat grinding crystallizes upon storage into the salt reported. The mechanochemical synthesis, crystal structure analysis, Hirshfeld surfaces, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, FT–IR spectroscopy, and aqueous solubility of quininium aspirinate are herein reported.
Class Time of Day: Impact on Academic Performance

College faculty and students often believe that student performance can be impacted by the time of day that a course is offered and may schedule their courses based on personal preference. This paper examines the relationship between the time of day for course offering and academic success, controlling for course characteristics and instructor variability. Data from a medium-sized private university was studied for a course that was taught by three professors over a period of 13 years. The content of the course was consistent, and the assignments and examinations followed a standard format. Results show that the time of day did not impact the academic performance of students when the instructor variable was controlled.
Examination of Health Information Needs of Caregivers of and Individuals with Burn Injuries.

Burns are a leading cause of trauma worldwide with about 450,000 burn injuries being treated at medical facilities in the United States each year. Finding relevant information on the long-term consequences of burn injuries is a significant challenge for many individuals with burn injuries and their caregivers. This qualitative study aimed to identify how individuals with burn injuries and caregivers of individuals with burn injuries prefer to access and use health information, identify obstacles to accessing useful information, and identify information most needed by burn survivors and caregivers. Participants were recruited through hospital listservs, websites, social media, and word of mouth from across the United States. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-three individuals, 12 with burn injuries and 11 caregivers of individuals with burn injuries. Three specific needs were identified: (1) more direction from health professionals in finding health information relevant to burn injuries; (2) more internet-based access points that connect individuals to appropriate support networks; and (3) more support for long-term consequences of burn injuries, specifically with psychological, social, and other chronic physical issues. Participants identified various needs in finding relevant health information, thereby highlighting gaps in current literature and the dissemination of current literature. One potential way to address these deficiencies is to consider user-centered design principles in developing research, by more directly involving individuals with burn injuries and caregivers as part of the research team.
Oncornavirus of guinea pigs: I. Morphology and distribution in normal and leukemic guinea pig cells

Abstract Two morphologically distinct types of oncornavirus particles were observed in guinea pig cells. In tissues of leukemic guinea pigs, intracisternal A-type particles 90–100-nm diameter, predominated. Extracellular particles with dense core, approximately 90–110 nm in diameter, were seen only occasionally at the intercellular space of the tissues, but were predominant in plasma and sera of the same animals. Placental and fetal tissues obtained from normal guinea pigs showed only intracisternal A-type particles. Cultured guinea pig cells when treated with BrdU revealed many intracytoplasmic A-type particles 90–100-nm diameter. Budding of these A-type particles at the cell membrane to form extracellular enveloped A-type particles was observed. Extracellular virus particles with dense cores, 110–120 nm in diameter, similar to those seen in tissues and plasma of leukemic guinea pigs, were abundant in the BrdU-treated cultures. The morphology and distribution of the intracellular and extracellular virus particles in tissues and tissue cultures derived from leukemic and normal guinea pigs are compared, and the relationships between these virus particles are discussed.
Assessing the preventability of emergency hospital admissions: A method for evaluating the quality of medical care in a primary care facility

The quality of primary medical care was assessed by studying the events leading to 686 emergency admissions of patients from our hospital-based primary care practice. Independent physician reviewers determined that 59 (9 percent) of the admissions were potentially preventable; 40 were due to iatrogenic factors including inadequate follow-up and adverse drug reactions, 12 were due to lack of patient compliance, and seven were due to both iatrogenesis and noncompliance. Adverse drug reactions were the most common cause of iatrogenesis, and warfarin was the drug that most commonly caused an adverse reaction. Inadequate follow-up of abnormal physical findings, symptoms, and laboratory test results was also important. Patients with preventable admissions had more medical diagnoses (4.9 versus 4.1, p less than 0.01), were prescribed more medications (4.5 versus 3.7, p less than 0.01), and were older (66.5 years versus 60.2 years, p less than 0.01) than patients whose admissions were not preventable. It is concluded that a small percentage of emergency hospitalizations may be preventable and that systematic review of emergency hospitalizations may provide a means of measuring the quality of primary medical care.
MORE ON THE STRUCTURE OF MALE ROLE NORMS

This study assessed the structure of a widely used measure of masculinity ideology, the Male Role Norms Scale (Thompson & Pleck, 1986), using data from four samples of male college students (total ...
Geographic Indications and Farmer-Owned Brands: Why Do the US and EU Disagree?. Appellations d'origine et labels de qualite: pourquoi les USA et I'UE sont-ils en desaccord?. Geografische Angaben und landwirtseigene Marken: Warum sind sich die USA und die EU nicht einig?

Geographic Indications (GIs) identify the geographic origin of products whose quality, reputation or other characteristic can be attributed to the geographic origin. We focus on a subcategory of GIs, Farmer Owned Brands. Like GIs in general, FOBs require governmental assistance to protect the property rights of the brand owners. GIs are receiving increased attention because many countries and producer groups realize the importance of property right protection for GIs, and are negotiating such rights in international forums like the World Trade Organization. Here we explore possible reasons for US opposition to EU policies conferring special property right protection to GIs. We conclude that the most plausible explanation for the US position is the lack of a domestic constituency advocating greater GI protection, which means that the US position represents the interests only of those who stand to lose from such protection. It will take a change in US property right regulations and a widespread understanding and adoption of the concept among producer groups before the political pendulum changes within the US. This process will take several years and until then we will have the unusual situation of the US opposing the only market-based solution to the US rural development problem that we are aware of.
Monotonicity versus Efficiency for Learning Languages from Texts

One of the central, problems of learning languages from texts is: how various restrictions on the behaviour of a learner limit the learning abilities. We consider restrictions of two types. Restrictions of the first type concern monotonicity of learning. Monotonicity means actually that the learner, fed more and more positive examples of the language, produces better and better generalizations. Our second assumption is that of restricted efficiency of the learner. We consider limits on two types of efficiency: number of mind changes and (long-term) memory. Restrictions on monotonicity and efficiency are combined to answer the following question: how much one can gain in the number of mind changes, or memory, by weakening monotonicity constraints ? We show that, weakening monotonicity constraints, a (uniformly bounded) constant number of mind changes can replace indefinitely many. As concerns learning with limited memory, it turns out that, weakening monotonicity requirements from one level to another, we can gain in memory (at least) exponentially. Some open problems are also formulated.