cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vitamin C in human and guinea pig aqueous, lens and plasma in relation to intake.

PURPOSE. Given the recent correlation between nutrition and risk for eye disease, there is keen interest in a possible correlation between nutrient intake and eye-tissue nutrient levels. In this work, the objective was (1) to determine, for the first time, the relation between dietary intake of vitamin C and eye tissue levels of the vitamin in free-living humans, (2) to determine the relation between levels of the vitamin in plasma, lens and aqueous, and (3) to compare this information to data gathered for a carefully reared group of guinea pigs that were fed different levels of vitamin C. METHODS. Two hundred sixty-five cataract patients (mean age = 72 years) from a clinical practice were recruited for this study. One hundred thirty-two patients provided the dietary intake data via a food frequency questionnaire, which we used for this work. Plasma, aqueous humor, and lens samples were obtained at the time of lentectomy and preserved for vitamin C analysis. Comparable samples were obtained from male Hart...
Retinoid-enhanced gap junctional communication is achieved by increased levels of connexin 43 mRNA and protein.

Natural and synthetic retinoids are potent inhibitors of experimental carcinogenesis in animals and cause reversion of premalignant lesions in humans. In the model C3H 10T1/2 cell system, retinoids enhance postconfluent growth control, reversibly inhibit carcinogen-induced transformation, and enhance gap junctional intercellular communication. These effects are highly correlated. 10T1/2 cells were found to express low levels of connexin 43, a gap junctional protein first found in the heart. After treatment of confluent 10T1/2 cells with the synthetic retinoid tetrahydrotetramethylnapthalenylpropenylbenzoic acid (TTNPB), levels of connexin 43 mRNA and protein increased within 6 h of treatment, while elevation of junctional communication was detected within 12-18 h. The maximally effective concentration of TTNPB (10−8 M) caused an approximate 10-fold elevation of connexin 43 gene transcripts after 72 h. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using a polyclonal antibody to the synthetic C-terminal region of connexin 43 demonstrated that TTNPB induced many fluorescent plaques in regions of cell-cell contact. These results provide a molecular basis for the retinoid-enhanced junctional communication in 10T1/2 cells. It is proposed that one action of retinoids is to modulate the intercellular transfer of signal molecules. These could mediate many of the physiological actions of retinoids on growth control and carcinogenesis.
Separation of contributions to the third-order signal: ultrafast frequency-selected vibrational echo experiments on a metalloporphyrin-CO

Abstract One-dimensional and frequency-selected vibrational echo experiments on the CO stretching mode of a metalloporphyrin carbonyl compound (model heme) in poly-methylmethacrylate (PMMA) and in 2-methylteterahydrofuran (2-MTHF) are compared. Spectrally resolving the vibrational echo signal and observing the decay at selected wavelengths, permits the independent detection of the 0–1 and 1–2 vibrational level dephasing dynamics, eliminating cross terms and anharmonic beats. In the high temperature 2-MTHF liquid, 0–1 and 1–2 dephasing dynamics are identical within experimental error. The decays are non-exponential, demonstrating that the CO stretching mode absorption spectrum is not a completely homogeneous, motionally narrowed line.
Terms of attachment: SPARC and tumorigenesis

Inhibition of SPARC expression suppresses the tumorigenicity of human melanoma Cells in nude mice (pages 171–176).
Wireless power transfer system for delivery truck connected to energy management system / smart grid

Wireless power transfer (WPT) system for delivery truck is newly developed and evaluated at smart grid field test in Toyota city [1]. The truck is equipped with electrical refrigerator and on board battery to keep frozen foods, which is operated at idling stop mode. In order to keep capacity of on board battery small, driver must charge the battery occasionally when the truck stops at several delivery places. WPT, which transfers 4.5kW electricity over 300mm, reduces driver's effort for charging, such as plug in, plug out and put cables in order. WPT also allows misalignment at parking 100mm in longitudinal direction and 200mm in lateral direction. Therefore it's easy for drivers to park the truck at an appropriate position. Field test proves that WPT also saves more than 80% of driver's operation time for charging preparation. Concept and experimental results of WPT for delivery truck are shown in this paper.
Big Data and historical social science

“Big Data” can revolutionize historical social science if it arises from substantively important contexts and is oriented towards answering substantively important questions. Such data may be especially important for answering previously largely intractable questions about the timing and sequencing of events, and of event boundaries. That said, “Big Data” makes no difference for social scientists and historians whose accounts rest on narrative sentences. Since such accounts are the norm, the effects of Big Data on the practice of historical social science may be more limited than one might wish.
Floral Reversion in Arabidopsis suecica Is Correlated with the Onset of Flowering and Meristem Transitioning

Angiosperm flowers are usually determinate structures that may produce seeds. In some species, flowers can revert from committed flower development back to an earlier developmental phase in a process called floral reversion. The allopolyploid Arabidopsis suecica displays photoperiod-dependent floral reversion in a subset of its flowers, yet little is known about the environmental conditions enhancing this phenotype, or the morphological processes leading to reversion. We have used light and electron microscopy to further describe this phenomenon. Additionally, we have further studied the phenology of flowering and floral reversion in A. suecica. In this study we confirm and expand upon our previous findings that floral reversion in the allopolyploid A. suecica is photoperiod-dependent, and show that its frequency is correlated with the timing for the onset of flowering. Our results also suggest that floral reversion in A. suecica displays natural variation in its penetrance between geographic populations of A. suecica.
Does M&A Pay? A Survey of Evidence for the Decision-Maker

In the wake of the largest M&A wave in history, it is appropriate to assess the evidence on the profitability of this activity. One popular view is that merger activity is highly unprofitable. Does research sustain this view? This paper reflects on what it means for M&A to 'pay' and summarizes the evidence from 14 informal studies and 100 scientific studies from 1971 to 2001. The review comments on various research approaches and highlights findings for the broad activity as well as niches of special note. The mass of research suggests that target shareholders earn sizable positive market-returns, that bidders (with interesting exceptions) earn zero adjusted returns, and that bidders and targets combined earn positive adjusted returns. On balance, one should conclude that M&A does pay. But the broad dispersion of findings around a zero return to buyers suggests that executives should approach this activity with caution.
The Marketing of Consumer Information

W E welcome this opportunity to restate our case in support of the value of a marketing perspective being used to guide the development of consumer information programs. We are somewhat distressed that our original article was so severely misinterpreted by Sarel (1983), and will attempt to clarify our position by briefly summarizing and then responding in detail to his critique of our earlier paper. Then we will restate our position in more general terms, thus providing a context within which to evaluate the model and methodology we proposed in the (Capon and Lutz) 1979 paper.
Hydrogen Enriched Confined Methane Flame Behavior and Flashback Modeling

Most gas fueled power generation units presently operate on natural gas and many of them would need to tackle the challenges due to a fuel switch towards syngas in the near future. Operating regime of a gas turbine combustor is sensitive to the changes in the fuel composition. Behavior of a premixed enclosed methane-hydrogen flame is studied with regard to thermo-acoustic instability induced flame flashback, emissions, flammability limits and acoustics over a wide range of operating conditions. Hydrogen addition extends the lean flammability limits and enables lower NOx emissions levels to be achieved. However increased RMS pressure fluctuation levels and higher susceptibility to flashback is observed with increasing hydrogen volume fraction. This is associated with higher burning speeds of hydrogen in comparison to methane. Furthermore flashback in the experimental facility is triggered by thermo-acoustic oscillations. Therefore, an analytical model has been developed to capture the flame holding and thermo-acoustically induced flashback dynamics for a pre-mixed gas turbine combustor. A simple linearized acoustic model is derived from the basic conservation laws, and a front-tracking algorithm based on the Markstein's G-equation is coupled to combustor acoustics it in order to track the flame-front which yields in an understanding of dynamic flame holding and flashback behavior. Due to the non-linear nature of the coupling between acoustic velocity and heat release a limit cycle behavior in the flame front movement is observed during simulations. Sets of experiments including phase locked CH radical imaging have been performed in order to time resolve the flame initiation front behavior. Numerical simulations are performed to study flashback and combustor acoustics together and it is found that these are in good qualitative agreement with the experiments.
Characterizing Bone Tunnel Placement in Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Using Patient-Specific 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Modeling:

Background:Medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) reconstruction is successful in restoring valgus elbow stability, but variability in bone tunnel characteristics exists among surgical techniques.Hypothesis:Tunnel parameters such as diameter, drill angle, and starting location in MUCL reconstruction affect tunnel length and bone bridge size between tunnels.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Three-dimensional models were created from elbow computed tomography scans of 10 throwing athletes and analyzed using Mimics (Materialise) software. The MUCL reconstructions were simulated on each elbow with 3 techniques: Jobe, humeral docking, and DANE TJ. Humeral central tunnels were modified by diameter, medial-lateral epicondylar starting point, and angle with respect to the humeral axis. Ulnar tunnels were varied by diameter and angle with respect to the ulnar axis. Humeral tunnel length, humeral and ulnar bone bridge sizes, and ulnar tunnel aperture and distance from the articular surface of the o...
Mathematics and the "Dark Matter" Puzzle

Surprisingly, aspects of the compelling mystery of “dark matter”—the mysterious, undiscovered material that supposedly consumes most of a spiral galaxy’s mass—are mathematical issues rather than as...
The Program of Assertive Community Treatment and the University of Wisconsin Psychiatry Residency

The model of assertive community treatment for persons with chronic and severe mental illness was developed at the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) in Madison, Wisconsin, and it remains the gold standard for team-based case management in the community. PACT has had in place a long-standing “culture of learning,” with trainees continuously in attendance. In 2010, an opportunity arose for the University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Medicine and Public Health to partner with PACT in providing both undergraduate medical education, through a Public Health elective, and graduate medical education, through a Community Psychiatry Track. The authors describe the collaboration of the medical director of PACT, the Psychiatry residency training director at UW, and the associate residency training director to create these new educational experiences.
Metabolism and Nutritional Frontiers in Pediatric Surgical Patients

The successful treatment of pediatric surgical disease requires an understanding of the acute metabolic stress response. Poor clinical outcome can result when the metabolic demands of acute injury exceed the ability of endogenous host mechanisms to compensate. Appropriate exogenous supplementation may provide the crucial metabolic and nutritional support necessary to ensure recovery. As knowledge in this area grows, more effective treatment strategies are evolving. The potential for further advances, especially in the infant critical care population, offers hope for substantial progress in the near future.
A seismic refraction study in the southern Indian Ocean

Abstract Seismic refraction profiles in the southern Indian Ocean are described. The profiles in the Transkei Basin show that its sediment thickness is 2 km over an area estimated as 300,000 km 2 . A long profile fired on the Mozambique Terrace shows that this structure is compensated, the masses of columns to depths of 30 km varying by only 2.3 per cent for the Terrace and the adjacent ocean basins.
Nursemaid’s Elbow

An injury commonly seen in children between 6 months and late preteens, although generally seen between 1 and 3 years
Shielding of a Non-Glycosylation-Dependent Strong Interaction between MMP-9 and Calreticulin by N-Glycosylation Allows Efficient Secretion of MMP-9

The secreted glycoprotein matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is a dynamic modifier of extracellular signaling targeting numerous substrates such as cell surface proteins, cryptic signaling molecule...
How Should Medical Schools Respond to Students with Dyslexia

We examine the dilemmas faced by a medical student with dyslexia who wonders whether he should "out" himself to faculty to receive the accommodations entitled by federal law. We first discuss scientific evidence on dyslexia's prevalence, unexpected nature, and neurobiology. We then examine the experiences of medical students who have revealed their dyslexia to illustrate the point that, far too often, attending physicians who know little about dyslexia can misperceive the motives or behavior of students with dyslexia. Because ignorance and misperception of dyslexia can result in bias against students with dyslexia, we strongly recommend a mandatory course for faculty that provides a basic scientific and clinical overview of dyslexia to facilitate greater understanding of dyslexia and support for students with dyslexia.
Optimized Memristor-Based Multipliers

Since memristors came to the forefront of research, minimal work has explored their application to computer arithmetic. This paper proposes two memristor-based implementations of an N-bit shift-and-add multiplier, one using IMPLY operations and a second using MAD operations. The optimized IMPLY-based implementation reduces the baseline delay from 2N 2 + 29N steps and 17N+3 memristors to 2N 2 + 21N steps and 7N+1 memristors. A second implementation is proposed that is constructed from MAD gates, a lower-area, lower-delay alternative to IMPLY logic. This design performs an N-bit multiplication in N 2 + N steps with 5N memristors and 3N+2 drivers. Both designs require fewer steps and less than 1/6 of the number of components of a traditional CMOS design. Finally, both of the implementations are extended to implement radix-2 Booth multipliers. The IMPLY design only increases by 1 step per iteration and 2N memristors and drivers. The MAD design increases by N memristors and 6N switches but maintains the same delay as the shift-and-add multiplier. Both designs maintain a lower area and lower delay than the CMOS equivalent.
Biosynthesis of Modular Ascarosides in C. elegans.

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans uses simple building blocks from primary metabolism and a strategy of modular assembly to build a great diversity of signaling molecules, the ascarosides, which function as a chemical language in this model organism. In the ascarosides, the dideoxysugar ascarylose serves as a scaffold to which diverse moieties from lipid, amino acid, neurotransmitter, and nucleoside metabolism are attached. However, the mechanisms that underlie the highly specific assembly of ascarosides are not understood. We show that the acyl-CoA synthetase ACS-7, which localizes to lysosome-related organelles, is specifically required for the attachment of different building blocks to the 4′-position of ascr#9. We further show that mutants lacking lysosome-related organelles are defective in the production of all 4′-modified ascarosides, thus identifying the waste disposal system of the cell as a hotspot for ascaroside biosynthesis.
Grass inflorescence architecture and evolution: the origin of novel signaling centers

Contents 367 I. 367 II. 368 III. 370 IV. 371 371 References 371 SUMMARY: A central goal of evo-devo is to understand how morphological diversity arises from existing developmental mechanisms, requiring a clear, predictive explanatory framework of the underlying developmental mechanisms. Despite an ever-increasing literature on genes regulating grass inflorescence development, an effective model of inflorescence patterning is lacking. I argue that the existing framework for grass inflorescence development, which invokes homeotic shifts in multiple distinct meristem identities, obscures a recurring theme emerging from developmental genetic studies in grass models, that is that inflorescence branching is regulated by novel localized signaling centers. Understanding the origin and function of these novel signaling centers will be key to future evo-devo work on the grass inflorescence.
Low-loss plasmonics via dielectric nanoparticles on metallic films

We theoretically propose a pathway to low-loss plasmonics. We show that dielectric-on-metal nanoresonators scatter more strongly than is possible in all-metal or all-dielectric approaches, offer near-unity-efficiency spontaneous-emission enhancements, and are robust to quantum corrections.
File Control: The Heart Of Business Computer Management

In his study File Control: The Heart Of Business Computer Management William G. O'Brien, Assistant Professor, The School of Hospitality Management at Florida International University, initially informs you: “Even though computers are an everyday part of the hospitality industry, many managers lack the knowledge and experience to control and protect the files in these systems. The author offers guidelines which can minimize or prevent damage to the business as a whole.” Our author initially opens this study with some anecdotal instances illustrating the failure of hospitality managers to exercise due caution with regard to computer supported information systems inside their restaurants and hotels. “Of the three components that make up any business computer system (data files, programs, and hard-ware), it is files that are most important, perhaps irreplaceable, to the business,” O’Brien informs you. O’Brien breaks down the noun, files, into two distinct categories. They are, the files of extrinsic value, and its counterpart the files of intrinsic value. An example of extrinsic value files would be a restaurant’s wine inventory. “As sales are made and new shipments are received, the computer updates the file,” says O’Brien. “This information might come directly from a point-of-sale terminal or might be entered manually by an employee,” he further explains. On the intrinsic side of the equation, O’Brien wants you to know that the information itself is the valuable part of this type of file. Its value is over and above the file’s informational purpose as a pragmatic business tool, as it is in inventory control. “The information is money in the legal sense For instance, figures moved about in banking system computers do not represent dollars; they are dollars,” O’Brien explains. “If the record of a dollar amount is erased from all computer files, then that money ceases to exist,” he warns. This type of information can also be bought and sold, such as it is in customer lists to advertisers. Files must be protected O’Brien stresses. “File security requires a systematic approach,” he discloses. O’Brien goes on to explain important elements to consider when evaluating file information. File back-up is also an important factor to think about, along with file storage/safety concerns. “Sooner or later, every property will have its fire, flood, careless mistake, or disgruntled employee,” O’Brien closes. “...good file control can minimize or prevent damage to the business as a whole.”
Assessing Religion and Spirituality in Research

This chapter addresses the methodological aspects of research to be considered in selecting an instrument to assess religiosity and/or spirituality. An overview is provided of many of the measures/instruments currently available to assess spirituality and religiosity in the context of research, as distinct from clinical practice. The psychometric properties of various instruments are provided.
Soil pH and the Foliar Macronutrient/Micronutrient Balance of Green and Interveinally Chlorotic Pin Oaks

Soil pH values around chlorotic pin oaks and green pin oaks were significantly different to a depth of 55 cm. Throughout that depth, average values around green trees were 6.1–6.8; those around chlorotic trees averaged 7.2–7.4 and were within a total range of 6.7–7.9. Mean foliar concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Zn were each significantly lower in chlorotic tree foliage for at least 1 of the 3 seasonal sampling periods. Mean concentrations of P, K, and Mg were each significantly higher in chlorotic tree foliage for at least 1 of the 3 sampling periods. Eighty-six percent of all chlorotic tree samples (159) could be distinguished from all green tree samples (124) either by lower micronutrient concentrations or higher macronutrient/micronutrient ratios. As treated trees progressed from a chlorotic to a totally green condition, each underwent reductions in foliar N and P concentrations. Green trees fertilized with ammonium phosphate had significantly lower concentrations of Fe, Cu, and K + Ca + Mg concurrent wi...
Large-scale inverse model analyses employing fast randomized data reduction

When the number of observations is large, it is computationally challenging to apply classical inverse modeling techniques. We have developed a new computationally-efficient technique for solving inverse problems with a large number of observations (e.g. on the order of 107 or greater). Our method, which we call the randomized geostatistical approach (RGA), is built upon the principal component geostatistical approach (PCGA). We employ a data reduction technique combined with the PCGA to improve the computational efficiency and reduce the memory usage. Specifically, we employ a randomized numerical linear algebra technique based on a so-called “sketching” matrix to effectively reduce the dimension of the observations without losing the information content needed for the inverse analysis. In this way, the computational and memory costs for RGA scale with the information content rather than the size of the calibration data. Our algorithm is coded in Julia and implemented in the MADS open-source high-performance computational framework (http://mads.lanl.gov). We apply our new inverse modeling method to invert for a synthetic transmissivity field. Compared to a standard geostatistical approach (GA), our method is more efficient when the number of observations is large. Most importantly, our method is capable of solving larger inverse problems than the standard GA and PCGA approaches. Therefore, our new model inversion method is a powerful tool for solving large-scale inverse problems. The method can be applied in any field and is not limited to hydrogeological applications such as the characterization of aquifer heterogeneity.
Transition Blues: The Experience of Female Collegiate Student-Athletes

Ten female student-athletes in their third or fourth year of eligibility at an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) institution participated in an in-depth, semi-structured interview in order to gain a deeper understanding their transitioning experience. A better understanding of those experiences will enable administrators, coaches, support staff, and other stakeholders to make more informed decisions regarding this population to assist them in their transition into collegiate athletics and out of collegiate athletics. The primary themes emerged from the interviews involving transition included their own transition in and out collegiate sport as well as the transition of their coaches and teammates. The findings provide a foundation to increase awareness of the issues female student-athletes face out of the realm of sport and to better assist them in the collegiate experience.
Increased risk of autoimmune disorders in infertile men: analysis of US claims data

Aberrations in reproductive fitness may be a harbinger of medical diseases in men. Existing data suggest that female infertility is associated with autoimmune disorders; however, this has not been examined in men. As immune surveillance and hormonal factors can impact male fertility and autoimmunity, we sought to determine the association between male infertility and incident autoimmune disorders. We analyzed subjects from the Truven Health MarketScan claims database from 2001 to 2008. Infertile men were identified through diagnosis and treatment codes. We examined the most common immune disorders, which were identified by ICD9 diagnosis codes. Men diagnosed with an immune disorder at baseline or within 1 year of follow-up were excluded. Infertile men were compared to vasectomized men (i.e., men who are likely fertile) and to age-matched control (10 : 1) group using Cox regression analysis. A total of 33,077 infertile men (mean age of 33 years), 77,693 vasectomized men (mean age 35), and 330,770 age-matched control men (mean age 33) were assembled with a total follow-up of 1.49 M person-years. Overall, immune disorders were rare in the group with the individual conditions occurring in <0.1% of men. However, infertile men displayed the highest risk of many conditions. Infertile men had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to both vasectomized men (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.19-2.05) and age-matched controls (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02-1.62). Additionally, this higher risk was seen in general immune disorders (under which systemic lupus erythematosus is categorized) compared to vasectomized men (HR 3.11, 95% CI 2.00-4.86) and age-matched men (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.52-2.96). This same risk trend was seen in psoriasis, when compared to vasectomized men (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.09-1.50) and age-matched controls (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04-1.37). A similar trend was seen in the analysis comparing infertile men and vasectomized men in developing multiple sclerosis (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.10-3.31) and Grave's disease (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.10-1.92), as well as the higher risk of infertile men compared to the age-matched group at developing thyroiditis (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.02-2.52). The current analysis shows that infertile men have a higher risk of developing certain autoimmune disorders in the years following an infertility evaluation. Specifically, infertile men had higher rates of developing rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, thyroiditis, and Grave's disease. Given these findings, further research should focus on confirmation of these associations and elucidation of the pathways between fertility and immunity.
Racial disparity in mental disorder diagnosis and treatment between non-hispanic White and Asian American patients in a general hospital.

Abstract Purpose The present study sought to examine the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders comparing Asian American (AA) and non-Hispanic Whites (WNH) drawn from a population accessing a large general hospital for any reason. Socio-demographic predictors of diagnosis and treatment were also explored. Methods Data were obtained from de-identified medical records in the Partner Health Care System’s Research Patient Data Registry. Results The final sample included 345,070 self-identified WNH and 16,418 self-identified AA’s between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. WNH patients were more likely than AA patients to carry a diagnosis of a mental disorder (18.1% vs. 8.6%, p Conclusions Our findings on the racial disparity in mental disorder diagnosis and treatment between AA and WNH patients suggest that mental disorders are under-recognized and mental health services are under-utilized in the AA community. There remains a need for health care providers to improve screening services and to gain a better understanding of the cultural barriers that hinder mental health care among AA patients.
The Aerospace Vehicle of the Future

Although the first successful orbital flight occurred over 40 years ago, the high-price of launch remains a significant barrier to the development of all space activities. The manufacturing costs of large, complex systems will always remain high, setting a lower limit on the affordability of expendable launch vehicles. Only a fully-reusable transportation system can dramatically reduce the cost of access to space. Although the initial cost of such a system is greater than for expendable vehicles of equivalent performance, the additional development budget can be recouped after only a small number of flights. The vehicle’s reusability also drives reliability. Additional costs for more reliable systems are justified by flying the vehicle many times.
Cystic Renal Masses

Even though the accurate diagnosis of a cystic renal mass is multifactorial, the quality of the examination (CT or MR imaging) is often not emphasized, and yet it is a significant factor in making a correct diagnosis. The techniques for high-quality CT and MR imaging have been reviewed and their role in the characterization of cystic renal masses has been summarized. The Bosniak renal cyst classification has proven helpful in classifying renal cysts into surgical and nonsurgical lesions and its application to MR imaging appears promising. In the future, with further experience using state-of-the-art CT and MR imaging, our ability to diagnose and manage complex cystic renal masses will further advance, leading to improved patient care.
A non-destructive analytical technique for low level detection of praseodymium using epithermal neutron activation analysis and compton suppression gamma-ray spectroscopy

When NAA is used to analyze geological samples a common issue arises in which certain radioisotopes produce gamma-ray peaks and Compton plateaus that ultimately overshadow the peaks of interest. This is the case when analyzing geological samples for trace concentrations of the rare earth element praseodymium. We report for the first time the determination of the rare earth element praseodymium using the 141Pr(n,γ)142Pr reaction with its only single 1575.6 keV gamma ray and 19.12 h half-life using a 5–10 min epithermal neutron irradiation and Compton suppressed gamma-ray spectroscopy. Preliminary results using this method have shown a minimum detectable concentration of 5 μg/g.
An Empirical Method of Forecasting Tornado Development

The frequency distribution of tornadoes in the United States is discussed briefly and an empirical method of forecasting these and allied severe local storms is described. It is shown that the formation of such storms can be forecast by evaluating certain empirical criteria related to the stability of the air column, the horizontal and vertical distributions of the moisture content and the wind. A typical tornado development is discussed from a synoptic point of view. An unusual situation and the verification of 35 experimental forecasts are briefly described.
Utility of Routine Spirometry Measures for Surveillance of Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis.

Importance Because of the recurrent nature of idiopathic subglottic stenosis, routine follow-up is necessary for monitoring progression of stenosis. However, no easily accessible, standardized objective measure exists to monitor disease progression. Objective To determine whether peak expiratory flow (PEF) can be used as a reliable and easily accessible biometric indicator of disease progression relative to other validated spirometry measures in patients with idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Design, setting, and participants Prospectively collected data on PEF, expiratory disproportion index (EDI), and total peak flow (TPF) from 42 women with idiopathic subglottic stenosis without comorbid lower airway or parenchymal lung disease who were treated at a single tertiary referral center between 2014 and 2018 were analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 18.2 months (range, 2-40 months). Ten patients initially screened were not included in the analysis owing to comorbid glottic or supraglottic stenosis or nonidiopathic etiology. Main outcomes and measures Measurements of PEF, EDI, and TPF were taken at preoperative visits and at all other visits. Results Forty-two women (mean age, 51.5 years; 98% white [n = 41]) met the inclusion criteria. The area under the curve for PEF was 0.855 (95% CI, 0.784-0.926). The optimal cutoff value was 4.4 liters per second (264 L/min), with a sensitivity and specificity of 84.4% and 82.0%, respectively. The area under the curve for EDI was 0.853 (95% CI, 0.782-0.925). For TPF, this was 0.836 (95% CI, 0.757-0.916). Conclusions and relevance This study provides evidence supporting the use of PEF as a simple, efficient, and accessible way of monitoring progression of idiopathic subglottic stenosis and predicting receipt of surgical intervention. Sensitivity and specificity of PEF were comparable to those of the more complex measures of TPF and EDI.
Within-subject effects of environmental and social stressors on pre- and post-partum obesity-related biobehavioral responses in low-income Hispanic women: protocol of an intensive longitudinal study

Disproportionately high rates of maternal overweight and obesity among the Hispanic population before, during, and after pregnancy pose serious health concerns for both mothers (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, weight retention) and children (e.g., elevated lifelong obesity risk). A growing body of evidence implicates environmental exposures (e.g., air pollution, metals) and social stressors (e.g., poverty, violence) in contributing to obesity-related biobehavioral processes, such as physical activity, dietary intake, perceived stress, and cortisol regulation. However, current understanding of the role of environmental exposures and social stressors on obesity-related biobehavioral processes is limited by infrequent, inter-individual measurement, and lack of personal exposure monitoring. The “Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors” (MADRES) real-time and personal sampling study examines the within-subject day-level effects of environmental and social stressors on maternal pre- and post-partum obesity-related biobehavioral responses. Among a cohort of 65 low-income, Hispanic women in urban Los Angeles, this study uses innovative personal, real-time data capture strategies (e.g., ecological momentary assessment [EMA], personal exposure monitoring, geolocation monitoring, accelerometry) to repeatedly assess obesity-related processes during the 1st and 3rd trimester, and at 4–6 months postpartum. Day-level effects of environmental exposures and social stressors on women’s physical activity, diet, perceived stress and salivary cortisol measured across repeated days will be tested using multilevel modeling. Hispanic women of childbearing age bear a disproportionately high burden of obesity, and this population is also unduly exposed to numerous obesogenic settings. By using innovative real-time data capture strategies, the current study will uncover the daily impacts of environmental and social stressor exposures on women’s obesity-related biobehavioral responses, which over time can lead to excessive gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention and can pose serious consequences for both mother and child. Findings from the real-time and personal sampling study will identify key mechanistic targets for policy, clinical, and programmatic interventions, with the potential for broad-reaching public health impacts.
Modeling the Transient Response of Tropical Convection to Mesoscale SST Variations

AbstractA cloud-resolving model coupled to a mixed layer ocean with an initial 500-km-wide, +3-K sea surface temperature (SST) patch is used to demonstrate the relationship between tropical mesosca...
Tensor renormalization group centered about a core tensor

We propose a modified form of tensor renormalization-group algorithm for evaluating partition functions of classical statistical mechanical models on two-dimensional lattices. This algorithm coarse-grains only the rows and columns of the lattice adjacent to a single core tensor at each step, such that the lattice size shrinks linearly with the number of coarse-graining steps as opposed to shrinking exponentially as in the usual tensor renormalization group (TRG). However, the cost of this approach only scales as $O({\ensuremath{\chi}}^{4})$ in terms of the bond dimension $\ensuremath{\chi}$, significantly cheaper than the $O({\ensuremath{\chi}}^{6})$ cost scaling of TRG, whereas numerical benchmarking indicates that both approaches have comparable accuracy for the same bond dimension $\ensuremath{\chi}$. It follows that the algorithm can allow for more accurate investigation of classical models on modestly sized lattices than is possible with standard TRG.
Pharmacist Survey: Pharmacist Perception of Vancomycin Area Under the Curve Therapeutic Drug Monitoring.

Background:Evidence suggests the standard vancomycin trough goal of 15 to 20 mg/L for serious Staphylococcus aureus infections is associated with acute kidney injury, whereas appropriate monitoring...
Amygdala-Based Altered miRNome and Epigenetic Contribution of miR-128-3p in Conferring Susceptibility to Depression-Like Behavior via Wnt Signaling

Background Recent studies suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs) can participate in depression pathogenesis by altering a host of genes that are critical in corticolimbic functioning. The present study focuses on examining whether alterations in the miRNA network in the amygdala are associated with susceptibility or resiliency to develop depression-like behavior in rats. Methods Amygdala-specific altered miRNA transcriptomics were determined in a rat depression model following next-generation sequencing method. Target prediction analyses (cis- and trans) and qPCR-based assays were performed to decipher the functional role of altered miRNAs. miRNA-specific target interaction was determined using in vitro transfection assay in neuroblastoma cell line. miRNA-specific findings from the rat in vivo model were further replicated in postmortem amygdala of major depressive disorder (MDD) subjects. Results Changes in miRNome identified 17 significantly upregulated and 8 significantly downregulated miRNAs in amygdala of learned helpless (LH) compared with nonlearned helpless rats. Prediction analysis showed that the majority of the upregulated miRNAs had target genes enriched for the Wnt signaling pathway. Among altered miRNAs, upregulated miR-128-3p was identified as a top hit based on statistical significance and magnitude of change in LH rats. Target validation showed significant downregulation of Wnt signaling genes in amygdala of LH rats. A discernable increase in expression of amygdalar miR-128-3p along with significant downregulation of key target genes from Wnt signaling (WNT5B, DVL, and LEF1) was noted in MDD subjects. Overexpression of miR-128-3p in a cellular model lead to a marked decrease in the expression of Dvl1 and Lef1 genes, confirming them as validated targets of miR-128-3p. Additional evidence suggested that the amygdala-specific diminished expression of transcriptional repressor Snai1 could be potentially linked to induced miR-128-2 expression in LH rats. Furthermore, an amygdala-specific posttranscriptional switching mechanism could be active between miR-128-3p and RNA binding protein Arpp21 to gain control over their target genes such as Lef1. Conclusion Our study suggests that in amygdala a specific set of miRNAs may play an important role in depression susceptibility, which could potentially be mediated through Wnt signaling.
Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treated with Endovascular Repair in a Patient with Active COVID-19 Infection during the Pandemic.

We report a patient who presented with acute abdominal pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. His work-up revealed rupture of a 5.8 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm. He also had fever, cough, and shortness of breath and radiologic evidence of COVID-19 infection. After careful consideration, he underwent successful endovascular repair under local anesthesia with good short-term results.
Ultrasound assessment of postplacental copper intrauterine device position 6 months after placement during cesarean delivery

Abstract Objective The objective was to describe the sonographic position of copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) 6 months after insertion during cesarean delivery. Study design This prospective, observational study followed participants who received a copper IUD during cesarean delivery. We performed pelvic examination at 6 weeks and 6 months and sonography at 6 months to determine IUD position. Patients had additional examinations as needed to address complications. Results Sixty-nine participants provided outcomes through 6 months: 41 (59%) had correctly positioned IUDs, 21 (30%) had malpositioned intrauterine IUDs, 5 experienced expulsion (3 partial, 2 complete), and 2 had elective removal; 52 (75%) had missing strings. Missing strings at 6 weeks predicted an incorrect IUD position in 22 of 52 participants (positive predictive value 42%), and visible or palpable strings predicted a correct IUD position in 7 of 12 participants (negative predictive value 58%). Conclusion Although 59% of copper IUDs placed during cesarean were correctly positioned at 6 months, nearly one third were malpositioned. Implications Ultrasound may be indicated for patients receiving a copper IUD during cesarean delivery as checking IUD strings alone does not assure correct placement. Providers offering postpartum IUDs should ensure that appropriate processes for the evaluation and management of devices with missing strings or abnormal position are available to all patients regardless of insurance status.
A Dynamic Mode Decomposition Scheme to Analyze Power Quality Events

This paper presents a new method for detecting power quality disturbances, such as faults. The method is based on the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) – a data-driven method to estimate linear dynamics whose eigenvalues and eigenvectors approximate those of the Koopman operator. The proposed method uses the real part of the main eigenvalue estimated by the DMD as the key indicator that a power quality event has occurred. The paper shows how the proposed method can be used to detect events using current and voltage signals to distinguish different faults. Because the proposed method is window-based, the effect that the window size has on the performance of the approach is analyzed. In addition, a study on the effect that noise has on the proposed approach is presented.
The origin and development of firm management

This paper examines the historical origin and diffusion of management practices. Despite their centrality in modern world, the concepts of ‘management’ developed fairly recently. Only with the Industrial Revolution, due to the increased firm size, owners needed a management structure to coordinate activities across different plants. Management soon became the subject of numerous studies in economics, sociology, and psychology to maximize firm productivity. The first large-scale programme of management practices diffusion was developed in the US during the Second World War: offering such training to US firms involved in war production boosted their performance for at least 10 years. After the Second World War, the US exported its management principles to Europe, where they have large and persistent effects on small firm productivity, and to Japan, where they interacted with the local economic conditions and originated the ‘kaizen Japanese management’, which aims at ‘continuous improvement’ in firm performance.
Antarctica Ice Sheet Melt Detection Using a Machine Learning Algorithm Based on SMAP Microwave Radiometery

Low frequency microwave measurements have been used to gain insight into what happens deep inside ice sheets for some time now. In this paper, we used a deep neural network to classify each pixel within SMAP radiometer footprints over the Antarctica ice sheet as melt or no-melt. NASA's SMAP mission offers a valuable additional set of observations. The SMAP L-band (1.4 GHz) radiometer retrievals also cover virtually the entire Antarctica ice sheet twice a day. Consistent morning and evening sampling are provided by 6 AM/PM equator-crossings of the satellite ascending and descending polar orbits. The spatial resolution of the instrument is about 40 km. The cross-entropy loss function is used in our network. To make training and test sets, we used air temperature records from available weather stations to distinguish melt and no-melt ice sheet conditions. Our results show that the ice sheet experienced extensive surface melting during the 2015–2016 melt season, and also intensive melting in 2019–2020, particularity on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Extended Multivariate Generalizability Theory With Complex Design Structures

This article extends multivariate generalizability theory (MGT) to tests with different random-effects designs for each level of a fixed facet. There are numerous situations in which the design of ...
The Asian Military Revolution: From Gunpowder to the Bomb

Records show that the Chinese invented gunpowder in the 800s. By the 1200s they had unleashed the first weapons of war upon their unsuspecting neighbours. This extraordinarily ambitious book traces the history of that invention and its impact on the surrounding Asian world - Korea, Japan, South East Asia and South Asia - from the ninth through the twentieth century. As the book makes clear, the spread of war and its technology had devastating consequences on the political and cultural fabric of those early societies although each reacted very differently. The book, which is packed with information about military strategy, interregional warfare and the development of armaments, also engages with the major debates and challenges traditional thinking on Europe's contribution to military technology in Asia. Articulate and comprehensive, this book will be a welcome addition to the undergraduate classroom and to all those interested in Asian studies and military history.
Integration of cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion in vertebrate morphogenesis

In this review, we highlight recent re-evaluations of the classical cell sorting models and their application to understanding embryonic morphogenesis. Modern genetic and biophysical techniques reveal that tissue self-assembly is not solely a result of differential adhesion, but rather incorporates dynamic cytoskeletal tension and extracellular matrix assembly. There is growing evidence that these biomechanical modules cooperate to organize developing tissues. We describe the contributions of Cadherins and Integrins to tissue assembly and propose a model in which these very different adhesive regimes affect the same outcome through separate but convergent mechanisms.