cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prepartum 2,4-Thiazolidinedione Alters Metabolic Dynamics and Dry Matter Intake of Dairy Cows

Abstract Thiazolidinediones (TZD) are potent, synthetic ligands for peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR- γ ) that reduce plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and potentiate the action of insulin in peripheral tissues of several species. Holstein cows (n=9) entering their second or greater lactation were used to determine whether late prepartum administration of TZD would affect periparturient metabolism and milk production. Cows were limit-fed a total mixed ration (TMR) during the prepartum period to provide no more than 130% of predicted energy requirements. During the postpartum period cows were fed a common TMR for ad libitum intake. Cows were administered either 2,4-TZD (4.0 mg/kg of body weight) or saline (control) by intrajugular infusion once daily from 25 d before expected parturition until parturition. Plasma samples were collected daily from 26 d before expected parturition through 7 d postpartum. Plasma NEFA concentrations decreased during the prepartum period (d −21 to −1; 70 vs. 83±4μEq/L) and tended to be decreased during the peripartum period (d −7 to d +7; 113 vs. 205±32μEq/L) due to prepartum TZD administration. Plasma concentrations of glucose were not affected by treatment; however, plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations decreased in TZD-treated cows (8.6 vs. 10.7±1.7 mg/dL) as parturition approached, and plasma insulin concentrations increased during the peripartum period (0.65 vs. 0.38±0.07 ng/mL). Postpartum liver triglyceride and glycogen content was not affected by treatment. Prepartum TZD administration tended to increase dry matter intake during the peripartum and postpartum periods (16.6 vs. 14.6±0.8 kg/d and 20.0 vs. 17.2±1.2 kg/d, respectively). Milk yield for the first 30 d postpartum and milk composition measured on d 8 postpartum were not affected by treatment. There was no effect of prepartum TZD administration on insulin-dependent glucose utilization assessed using insulin challenge during either the prepartum or postpartum periods. These results suggest that administration of TZD during the late prepartum period has the potential to improve metabolic health and DMI of periparturient dairy cows and warrants further investigation.
Lipopolysaccharide impairs amyloid beta efflux from brain: altered vascular sequestration, cerebrospinal fluid reabsorption, peripheral clearance and transporter function at the blood–brain barrier

Defects in the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) and p-glycoprotein (Pgp) clearance of amyloid beta (Aβ) from brain are thought to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We have recently shown that induction of systemic inflammation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in impaired efflux of Aβ from the brain. The same treatment also impairs Pgp function. Here, our aim is to determine which physiological routes of Aβ clearance are affected following systemic inflammation, including those relying on LRP-1 and Pgp function at the blood–brain barrier. CD-1 mice aged between 6 and 8 weeks were treated with 3 intraperitoneal injections of 3 mg/kg LPS at 0, 6, and 24 hours and studied at 28 hours. 125I-Aβ1-42 or 125I-alpha-2-macroglobulin injected into the lateral ventricle of the brain (intracerebroventricular (ICV)) or into the jugular vein (intravenous (IV)) was used to quantify LRP-1-dependent partitioning between the brain vasculature and parenchyma and peripheral clearance, respectively. Disappearance of ICV-injected 14 C-inulin from brain was measured to quantify bulk flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Brain microvascular protein expression of LRP-1 and Pgp was measured by immunoblotting. Endothelial cell localization of LRP-1 was measured by immunofluorescence microscopy. Oxidative modifications to LRP-1 at the brain microvasculature were measured by immunoprecipitation of LRP-1 followed by immunoblotting for 4-hydroxynonenal and 3-nitrotyrosine. We found that LPS: caused an LRP-1-dependent redistribution of ICV-injected Aβ from brain parenchyma to brain vasculature and decreased entry into blood; impaired peripheral clearance of IV-injected Aβ; inhibited reabsorption of CSF; did not significantly alter brain microvascular protein levels of LRP-1 or Pgp, or oxidative modifications to LRP-1; and downregulated LRP-1 protein levels and caused LRP-1 mislocalization in cultured brain endothelial cells. These results suggest that LRP-1 undergoes complex functional regulation following systemic inflammation which may depend on cell type, subcellular location, and post-translational modifications. Our findings that systemic inflammation causes deficits in both Aβ transport and bulk flow like those observed in AD indicate that inflammation could induce and promote the disease.
Perianal candidosis--a comparative study with mupirocin and nystatin.

Objective To assess the efficacy and clinical outcome of 2% mupirocin in a polyethylene glycol base and nystatin cream as treatment regimens in diaper candidosis. Design A prospective randomized comparative study. Methods In vitro. The susceptibility of 20 clinical isolates of Candida albicans to 2% mupirocin, nystatin, and five additional antifungal agents was evaluated using the Nathan agar-well diffusion assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of mupirocin against the Candida species was determined using a tube dilution method. In vivo. Twenty patients (mean age, 12 months; range, 1 month to 4 years) with moderate to severe Monilia diaper dermatitis either had mupirocin ointment or nystatin cream applied to the infected area every 8 h or after every diaper change for a period of 7 days. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings and mycologic and microbiological cultures were performed before treatment and daily for 7 days, and progress was clinically assessed. Results In vitro. Topical mupirocin produced a greater zone of inhibition than nystatin cream, i.e. a mean of 27.2 mm (SD 1.55) compared with a mean of 17.3 mm (SD 1.08) for nystatin cream. MIC for mupirocin of 512 microg/mL in one case, 256 microg/mL in six cases, 200 microg/mL in 10 cases and 400 microg/mL in three cases were obtained for the 20 clinical isolates. C. albicans also displayed a universal sensitivity to mupirocin and nystatin. In vivo. Eradication of all Candida organisms was achieved within 2-6 days (mean, 2.6 days) in 10 patients receiving topical mupirocin therapy with rapid healing of the excoriated wounds (mean, 4.7 days). Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were eradicated from the infected area within the trial period. Ten patients received topical nystatin cream and, in each case, Candida was successfully cleared within 5 days (mean, 2.8 days). Only three wounds were clinically healed within the trial period, however. The remaining seven wounds showed evidence of improved, but ongoing excoriated dermatitis and a heavy growth of polymicrobial organisms. Conclusions Both agents eradicated Candida, the major difference being the marked response of the diaper dermatitis to mupirocin. Mupirocin should be applied topically 3-4 times daily or with each diaper change and is an excellent antifungal agent.
Laboratory and field evaluation of a new personal sampling system for assessing the protection provided by the N95 filtering facepiece respirators against particles.

Objectives: We have recently developed a new personal sampling system for the real-time measurement of the protection provided by respirators against airborne dust and microorganisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of the new sampling system in both laboratory and field conditions. Methods: The measurements were conducted using the N95 filtering facepiece respirators and the newly developed personal sampling system put on a manikin (laboratory study) or donned by a human subject (laboratory and field studies). Two inhalation flow rates (0 and 40 l min � 1 )i n conjunction with the sampling flow rate (10 l min � 1 ) were tested in the manikin-based experiments to investigate the effects of the leak location (nose, cheek and chin) and the depth of the sampling probe (0, 5, 10 and 15 mm) within the respirator. The effect of human activity on the protection factor was evaluated using a variety of head movements and breathing patterns when a human subject wore the respirator in a room-size laboratory test chamber. The field study was conducted during corn harvesting with a respirator worn by a human subject on a combine. Results: There was no significant difference in the protection factors for different leak locations, or for sampling probe depths, when the inhalation rate was 0 l min � 1 . For the inhalation rate of 40 l min � 1 , the protection factors for nose leaks were higher than those for chin and cheek leaks. Furthermore, the protection factor was the lowest and showed the least variation when the sampling probe depth was equal to 0 mm (imbedded on the respirator surface). Human subject testing showed that the grimace maneuver decreased the protection factor and changed the original respirator fit. The protection factor during breath holding was lower than that found during inhalation and exhalation. Field results showed greater variation than laboratory results. Conclusions: The newly designed personal sampling system efficiently detected the changes in protection factors in real time. The sampling flow was least affected by the inhalation flow when the sampling probe was imbedded on the respirator surface. Leak location, breathing patterns and exercises did affect the measurement of the protection factors obtained using an N95 filtering facepiece respirator. This can be attributed to the differences in the in-mask airflow dynamics contributed by the leak, filter material, sampling probe and inhalation. In future studies, it would be beneficial if the laboratory data could be integrated with the field database.
Trends in Herd Age Structure and the Relationships with Management Characteristics in Wisconsin Holstein Herds

Abstract Relationships between characteristics of dairy herds and age structure of cows were examined between 1969 and 1984 in member herds of Wisconsin Dairy Herd Improvement Cooperative. Herd totals were summarized yearly from individual lactation records of cows in 376 herds with DHI and DHIR records and 747 owner-sampler herds. Variables studied were average age, percent culled in first lactation, and turnover rate. Herd and year were associated with most of the variation in herd age structure, although, including trend in herd size, herd size, calving intervals, age at first calving, percent nonregistered cattle, average production, production trend, and production of those culled relative to herdmates explained significant variation in some variables after herd and year effects were removed. Average expected herdlife was estimated from turnover rate adjusted for changes in herd size and was 2.8 and 3.4 yr in official and owner-sampler herds. Herd age structures indicated a higher percentage of young cows than has been suggested as economically optimal. Trends for average herdlife were increasing within herd as were trends for average age and percent culled in first lactation.
Spectroscopic analyses of the parent stars of extrasolar planetary system candidates

The stars 1 Cnc, CrB, 16 Cyg B, 51 Peg, 47 UMa, 70 Vir, and HD 114762 have recently been proposed to harbor planetary mass companions based on small amplitude radial velocity variations. From spectroscopic analyses we derive the following values of (Fe/H) for these stars: 0.29, 0.29, 0.06, 0.21, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.60 (all with an uncertainty of 0.06 dex), respectively; the (Fe/H) value for 16 Cyg A is 0.11. The four 51 Peg-like systems, And, Boo, 1 Cnc, and 51 Peg, have a mean (Fe/H) value of 0.25. Otherwise, the abundance patterns, expressed as (X/Fe), are approximately solar. We used Fourier analysis, supplemented by line profile syn- thesis, to derive the following v sin i values: 0:66, 2:9 +13:6
Automated methods for the summarization of electronic health records

Objectives This review examines work on automated summarization of electronic health record (EHR) data and in particular, individual patient record summarization. We organize the published research and highlight methodological challenges in the area of EHR summarization implementation. Target audience The target audience for this review includes researchers, designers, and informaticians who are concerned about the problem of information overload in the clinical setting as well as both users and developers of clinical summarization systems. Scope Automated summarization has been a long-studied subject in the fields of natural language processing and human–computer interaction, but the translation of summarization and visualization methods to the complexity of the clinical workflow is slow moving. We assess work in aggregating and visualizing patient information with a particular focus on methods for detecting and removing redundancy, describing temporality, determining salience, accounting for missing data, and taking advantage of encoded clinical knowledge. We identify and discuss open challenges critical to the implementation and use of robust EHR summarization systems.
A rapid transmittance algorithm for microwave sounding frequencies

A rapid transmittance algorithm for NOAA's Advanced Microwave Sounding Units A and B and possible future instruments has been devised. Window channels, water vapor channels, and oxygen-band channels are considered separately; each uses approximations to line-wing or near-line absorption from water vapor or oxygen as appropriate. Absorption by cloud liquid water is also included. For oxygen-band channels that sound the atmosphere above 40 km, Zeeman splitting produced by the terrestrial magnetic field is significant. Because magnetic field strength varies over the Earth, channels within the Zeeman region use an algorithm in which transmittance is parameterized as a function of magnetic field strength B and angle /spl theta//sub B/ (with respect to the direction of propagation) at a frequency resolution of B/spl middot/2.22 kHz//spl mu/T; then the average over channel passbands is done on-line. >
Assembling of dense fluorescent supramolecular webs via self-propelled star-shaped aggregates.

We report a novel mechanism of assembly of dendronized rod molecules into a dense supramolecular fluorescencent web featuring selfpropelled mechanistic inward motion of star-shaped aggregates within a solution droplet. We suggest that such a motion (observed in real time) is caused by the self-repulsion of the growing star-shaped nuclei from the liquid -solid-air interface in the course of one-dimensional growth of the anchored arms. An intriguing mechanism discovered here involves microscopic (hundred micrometers) directional motion of the microscopic aggregates driven by one-dimensional molecular assembly, which opens a new venue for guided assembly of dense mesoscopic supramolecular webs. Such assemblies can serve as interesting microfluidic networks, a web of optical switches, and model systems for studying intercellular communication.
FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF ALFALFA LEAF PROTEIN: FOAMING

Alfalfa leaf proteins extracted with sodium chloride (1M), sodium hydroxide (0.05M) or Tris buffer (0.1M) had poor foaming properties compared to proteins obtained by direct expression of leaf juice. Extraction of lipids from all protein extracts markedly improved both foam formation and foam stability. Foam expansion of alfalfa leaf protein surpassed that of ovalbumin but the foam was less stable. The pH foam expansion profile resembled the solubility pattern of this protein. The delipidated protein preparations showed little pH effect being rather constant between pH 2–10. Foam stability of all preparations was markedly pH dependent showing minima in the isoelectric range around pH 3.5. Both sucrose and sodium chloride reduced the foaming of leaf proteins.
Construction of lacIts and lacIqts expression plasmids and evaluation of the thermosensitive lac repressor.

Abstract To characterize a thermosensitive laclts mutant isolated by Bukrinsky et al. [Gene 70 (1989) 415–417] and to adapt it as a convenient control element, we have (i) mapped the mutation to the inducer-binding domain of the LacIts repressor, (il) determined that the mutation resulted in the loss of a HaeIII site in laclts due to a GaA transition, leading to a Gly187a Ser substitution, (iii) removed extraneous lacZop DNA downstream of lacI, and (iv) cloned laclts (in plasmids based on ori of either ColE1 or P15A) under control of the wild-type or lacIq promoters. The LacIts repressor is insensitive to IPTG. The repression of lacZop by LacIts is very efficient at 30°C and total induction was achieved at 42°C, providing that the LacIts concentrations are not excessive and that repressor-to-operator ratios are not too high.
Are molecular data supplanting morphological data in modern phylogenetic studies

Morphological data have long served as major sources ofinformation for inferring phylogenetic relationships amongtaxa. With the advent of polymerase chain reaction and modernmolecular approaches to phylogenetics, DNA has become amajor source for phylogenetic inference. Combined analyses ofmolecular and morphological (CAMM) data are not unusual.Studies examining the relative utility of morphological andmolecular data derived from plants and animal groups havebeen performed (e.g. Sanderson & Donoghue, 1989), but theresults of this research were limited by the relative noveltyof molecular data to phylogenetics at the time. Differencesof opinions exist among systematic biologists concerning theutility of morphological data (Scotland
Cytokine-Independent Upregulation of MDA5 in Viral Infection

The RNA helicases RIG-I and MDA5 detect virus infection of dendritic cells (DCs) leading to cytokine induction. Maximal sensitivity for virus detection by these helicases is obtained after their upregulation, which is thought to occur primarily through type I interferon (IFN) signaling. Here we demonstrate that in response to paramyxovirus infection, RIG-I upregulation requires type I IFN whereas MDA5 expression is increased by Sendai virus infection independently of signaling mediated by type I IFN, STAT1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, or NF-κB. This MDA5 upregulation is largely lost in IRF3 knockout DCs and is achieved in type I IFN-deficient cells expressing constitutively active IRF3.
Mechanisms and prevention of thermal injury from gamma radiosurgery headframes during 3T MR imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is regularly used for stereotactic imaging of Gamma Knife (GK) radiosurgery patients for GK treatment planning. MRI-induced thermal injuries have occurred and been reported for GK patients with attached metallic headframes. Depending on the specific MR imaging and headframe conditions, a skin injury from MRI-induced heating can potentially occur where the four headframe screws contact the skin surface of the patient’s head. Higher MR field strength has a greater heating potential. Two primary heating mechanisms, electromagnetic induction and the antenna effect, are possible. In this study, MRI-induced heating from a 3T clinical MRI scanner was investigated for stereotactic headframes used in gamma radiosurgery and neurosurgery. Using melons as head phantoms, optical thermometers were used to characterize the temperature profile at various points of the melon headframe composite as a function of two 3T MR pulse sequence protocols. Different combinations of GK radiosurgery headframe post and screw designs were tested to determine best and worst combinations for MRI-induced heating. Temperature increases were measured for all pulse sequences tested, indicating that the potential exists for MRI-induced skin heating and burns at the headframe attachment site. This heating originates with electromagnetic induction caused by the RF fields inducing current in a loop formed by the headframe, mounting screws, and the region of the patient’s head located between any of the two screws. This induced current is then resistively dissipated, with the regions of highest resistance, located at the headframe screw–patient head interface, experiencing the most heating. Significant heating can be prevented by replacing the metallic threads holding the screw with electrically insulated nuts, which is the heating prevention and patient safety recommendation of the GK manufacturer. Our results confirm that the manufacturer’s recommendation to use insulating nuts reduces the induced currents in the headframe nearly to zero, effectively preventing heating and minimizing the likelihood of thermal injury.
Models and software model checking of a distributed file replication system

With the Distributed File System Replication component, DFS-R, as the central theme, we present selected protocol problems and validation methods encountered during design and development. DFS-R is currently deployed in various contexts; in Windows Server 2003-R2, Windows Live Messenger (Sharing Folders), and Windows Vista (Meeting spaces). The journey from an initial design sketch to a shipped product required mainly the dedicated effort of several testers, developers, program managers, and several others; but in some places cute problems related to distributed consensus and software model-checking emerged. This paper presents a few of these, including a distributed garbage collection problem, distributed consensus problems for reconciling treelike data structures, using model-based test case generation, and the use of software model checking in design and development process.
Surgical aspects of rectal reconstruction: Alternatives for ultralow anastomosis

Various surgical alternatives are routinely used for neorectal reconstruction, although the medium- and long-term data concerning functional benefit is debatable. Poor functional outcomes and the incidence of low anterior resection syndrome are likely more common than reported. The causes of these problems are complex and include anastomotic dehiscence, perianastomotic sepsis, poor pouch volumes, sphincter damage during reconstruction, and the effects of radiation on the sphincter mechanism. The increasing trend toward sphincter preservation has made the assessment and reconstruction of complicated cases more important in clinical practice and has highlighted a greater emphasis on more objective assessments of postoperative quality of life parameters. This chapter outlines the data pertaining to functional outcome after low restorative proctectomy, compares the different methods of rectal reconstruction, and addresses the management approach in difficult cases.
Uses of X-Ray and Neutron Solution Scattering in Membrane Structural Studies

As illustrations of the kinds of information derived from solution scattering, studies of membranes and other lipid systems in solution serve well, since a wide range of issues and approaches have been explored. In the present discussion a range of topics from work in my laboratory will be presented. It is intended that these be taken as illustrative and not as a comprehensive statement concerning the status of the field.
Cross-Cultural Differences in the Usage of Online Experts: The Influence of Power Distance and Individualism

The manner in which consumers utilize online reviewers for a purchasing decision has increasingly become an area of interest in both marketing practice and academics. However, while most academic research in this area has taken a Western viewpoint, the majority of new online consumers have come from Eastern nations. Therefore, this article takes a cross-cultural look at how consumers from Eastern nations, such as China and India, respond to expert and non-expert online reviewers as compared to consumers from Western nations, such as the United States and Canada. Across cultures, we view the impact of online reviewer expertise on a consumer’s intention to rely on that review’s advice and the perceived risk of that reviewer. Using results from an experimental study of 134 North American respondents and 132 Asian respondents, we discover that Asians are overall more likely to rely on advice from an online reviewer than are Americans. Interestingly, further analysis reveals that North Americans are more skeptical of, and therefore less reliant on, non-expert reviewers. Meanwhile, Asians are more forgiving of non-experts and, therefore, do not necessarily distinguish between experts and non-experts when deciding on whom to rely. This article highlights a clear difference between Asian expectations of online reviewers and American expectations.
The role of perspective taking in how children connect reference frames when explaining astronomical phenomena

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the role of perspective-taking skills in how children explain spatially complex astronomical phenomena. Explaining many astronomical phenomena, especially those studied in elementary and middle school, requires shifting between an Earth-based description of the phenomena and a space-based reference frame. We studied 7- to 9-year-old children (N = 15) to (a) develop a method for capturing how children make connections between reference frames and to (b) explore connections between perspective-taking skill and the nature of children's explanations. Children's explanations for the apparent motion of the Sun and stars and for seasonal changes in constellations were coded for accuracy of explanation, connection between frames of reference, and use of gesture. Children with higher spatial perspective-taking skills made more explicit connections between reference frames and used certain gesture-types more frequently, although this pattern was evident for only some phenomena. Findi...
Laboratory Techniques for Rearing Disease-Free Insect Colonies: Elimination of Mattesia grandis McLaughlin, and Nosema sp. from Colonies of Boll Weevils

Mattesia grandis McLaughlin and a microsporidian, Nosema sp., were eliminated from laboratory colonits of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, by a system of “Unit Integrity” that is adaptable to rearing procedures for different species of insects, makes best use of available labor and facilities, and permits production of the largest possible disease-free colony per period of time. The “Unit” is the most homogeneous grouping obtainable, given the incidence and characteristics of the disease; once the insects have been placed in the unit, they are handled as an entity and are separated from all other such units to reduce danger of cross contamination. The unit used to raise a disease-free colony from weevils infected with the microsporidian was the “Family Unit” because the disease was transmited by transovum passage; selected units were reared through the F1, generation, and units containing no disease through adults of the F’ generation were considered disease free. The unit used with weevils infected with M. grandis was again the Family Unit, but these larger groups were then divided into subunits and given the less strenuous treatment of 10-day quarantine. The system produced larger numbers of healthy insects more quickly than selection of progeny from single pairs of weevils. It had the disadvantage that it was more susceptible to failure because of its design, although disease elimination was successful in the test.
Analgesia enhancing effect of thalidomide.

ConclusionBecause 2 APC + 25 mg thalidomide or + 32 mg Codeine sulfate elevated the threshold to experimentally induced pain of 10 human subjects above threshold increments which followed placebos or no treatment while 2 APC alone did not, it is concluded that the analgesic potential of APC is enhanced by added compounds in the quantities employed.
Why U.S. Consumers Support Country of Origin Labeling: Examining the Impact of Ethnocentrism and Food Safety

ABSTRACTThe legality of U.S. country of origin labeling (COOL) laws for agricultural products has been challenged by foreign countries. Isolating the reasons why consumers support COOL can help determine the efficiency of COOL as a policy. Therefore, this study investigated why consumers have a desire for COOL. Data were collected through an online survey with 566 U.S. participants. Results of a bivariate ordered probit model indicate that as consumers are more ethnocentric and more pessimistic about the safety of their food, they are more likely to support COOL for sugar and for sugar in soft drinks. Thus, policies designed to inform the public about the safety of foreign commodities could reduce their desire for COOL. Evidence is also provided that highly ethnocentric individuals support COOL in an effort to “buy American” products.
Binuclear copper(II) complexes discriminating epimeric glycosides and α- and β-glycosidic bonds in aqueous solution.

Abstract Two chiral binuclear copper(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized for the first time as efficient chemoselective catalysts for the hydrolysis of aryl glycosides and disaccharides in aqueous solution at near neutral pH. Under these conditions, discrimination of epimeric aryl α-glycopyranosides was observed by both 29-fold different reaction rates and 3-fold different proficiency of the catalyst. Additionally, large differentiation of the nature of α- and β-glycosidic bond in aryl glycosides as model compounds is apparent, but also noted in selected disaccharides. The influence of the chirality of the complexes and the role of the configuration of the carbohydrate upon interaction with the catalyst is discussed in detail. Lastly, a putative mechanism for the metal complex-catalyzed hydrolysis is derived from the experimental evidence pointing at deprotonation of the hydroxyl group at C-2 as a pre-requisite for glycoside hydrolysis.
Evaluation of Asymmetric Short Circuit Current Peak for Induction Generator Integrated into Distribution Network

The short circuit current calculation is an important foundation for planning and protection of distribution grid with distributed generation. The transient characteristics of induction generator(IG) are investigated when the unsymmetrical fault occurs in the distribution network, and the analytic formula of its stator current under unsymmetrical short circuit is derived. The impact of an IG rotor speed and the fault initial time(or phase) to the short circuit current under unsymmetrical fault are studied when the short circuit occurs. According to the equation of rotor motion and its steady-state circuits in the positive and negative sequence component networks, an evaluation method to determine the current peak of unsymmetrical short circuit for an IG in distribution grid is proposed by considering its rotor speed variations. The correctness of the method is verified by using the fifth electromagnetic transient model of IG in PSCAD/EMTDC simulation software.
Stabilizing sulfate-rich high plasticity clay with moisture activated polymerization

Abstract Cementitious soil stabilizers such as lime and cement are well known to cause swelling and, possibly, reduction in strength when used to stabilize sulfate-rich soil with high plasticity index (PI). This study explores using a moisture activated liquid polymer - a member of Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (usually addressed as MDI) family, as a substitute of cementitious stabilizers to stabilize sulfate-rich high plasticity soil. The effect of mixing method, curing time, and polymer dosage on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and free swelling potential of polymer stabilized high plasticity clay with 2% sulfate (20,000 ppm) was evaluated in this research. In addition, the susceptibility of lime and polymer stabilized sulfate-rich soils in water was compared. It was found that the mixing method has a great impact on the properties of the stabilized soil, i.e., to obtain the maximum strength the soil should first be mixed with water before the polymer is added. Under moist conditions, the UCS increased significantly with curing time until 4 days. With the determined mixing method and curing time, 0, 4, 7, 10, and 13% of polymer were added to the sulfate-rich high plasticity clay to assess the dosage effect on the UCS and swelling potential. The results showed significant increase in UCS and decrease in swelling potential of the polymer stabilized soil with the increase of polymer dosage. The study further indicated that even though lime or polymer stabilized sulfate-rich high plasticity clay samples were subjected to significant strength degradation after soaked in water for 2 days, the polymer stabilized soil had much higher residual strength.
Detection of Pseudogymnoascus destructans on Free-flying Male Bats Captured During Summer in the Southeastern USA

Abstract Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causal agent of white-nose syndrome (WNS), is commonly found on bats captured both inside and outside caves during hibernation, a time when bats are most vulnerable to infection. It has not been documented in the southeast US on bats captured outside caves or on the landscape in summer. We collected 136 skin swabs from 10 species of bats captured at 20 sites on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 12 May–16 August 2015. Three swabs were found positive for P. destructans, one from a male tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) and two from male big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). This detection of P. destructans on free-flying male bats in the southeast US during summer has potential repercussions for the spread of the fungus to novel bat species and environments. Our finding emphasizes the need to maintain rigorous year-round decontamination of field clothing and equipment until more is understood about the viability of P. destructans found on ...
A New SV2A Ligand for Epilepsy

Since the 1970s, racetams have been in use as cognitive enhancers. Levetiracetam was discovered to have antiseizure activity in animal models and was then found to bind to SV2A in synaptic and endocrine vesicles. Brivaracetam, an analog of levetiracetam, was identified in a medicinal chemistry campaign with the objective of discovering analogs with higher affinity at racetam-binding sites and greater antiseizure potency.
Cell Death Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration

There are common mechanisms shared by genetically or pathologically distinct neurodegenerative diseases, such as excitotoxicity, mitochondrial deficits and oxidative stress, protein misfolding and translational dysfunction, autophagy and microglia activation. This indicates that although the original cause may differ in individual diseases or even subtypes of certain disorders, these disrupted common cell functions and signaling, together with aging, may lead to final execution of cell death through similar pathways. The variable neurodegenerative disease symptoms are probably caused by the type, location, and connection of the cell populations that suffer from dysfunction and loss. Besides apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy, an important form of death termed parthanatos plays a prominent role in stroke and several neurodegenerative diseases, which is due to PARP-1 overactivation, PAR accumulation, nuclear translocation of the mitochondria protein AIF, and large-scale DNA cleavage. Understanding the mechanisms and interactions of cell death signaling will not only help to develop neuroprotective strategies to halt neurodegeneration, but also provide biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and recovery.
Positive solutions to a two-point higher order boundary value problem

We consider a higher order two-point boundary value problem, and establish some upper and lower type estimates for positive solutions of the problem. Sufficient conditions for the existence and nonexistence of positive solutions for the problem are obtained. An example is included to illustrate the results.
What Hu-man in Man-agement Theory? Ontological considerations for humanistic management theory.

Given the multiple global social and environmental crises, management theory has been questioned for some time (Ghoshal & Moran, 1996; Hart, 2005). Management theory has (at least in part) been remarkably influential despite numerous critics deploring its irrelevance (Ghoshal, 2005; Hambrick, 1994). As an example, Davis (2009) argues that management theory lead the shift from managerial capitalism towards financial capitalism in which the main objective is shareholder value maximization. He similar traces the adjustment of corporate governance structures to satisfy financial markets to the intellectual shift supported by agency theory. It has been argued consistently that the most influential ontological assumptions are those guiding agency theory (Davis, 2009; Jensen & Meckling, 1994; Khurana, 2007; Mintzberg et al., 2002). Agency theory underpins the dominant perspective on corporate governance, which in turn influences priorities in business strategy (Davis, 2009). Governance and strategy influence org...
Derivation and Validation of an In-Hospital Mortality Prediction Model Suitable for Profiling Hospital Performance in Heart Failure

BackgroundComparing heart failure (HF) outcomes across hospitals requires adequate risk adjustment. We aimed to develop and validate a model that can be used to compare quality of HF care across ho...
Retrograde Neurotrophic Signaling

Retrograde axonal transport of neurotrophic signals plays a critical role in regulating the survival and differentiation of neurons in both the central and the peripheral nervous system. Long-lasting protein complexes assembled in signaling endosomes ensure the fidelity of signals delivered to the distant cell body. To date, many neurodegenerative diseases are thought to involve disrupted neurotrophin transport.
Teapot rendering competition

Teapot Rendering Competition (TRC) is the final assignment of the graduate-level "Ray Tracing for Graphics" course at the University of Utah. In this course, students develop their own renderers using ray tracing, following a series of assignments throughout a semester. This final assignment gives students a chance to explore the kind of visually-appealing images they can produce using the renderers they develop and share them with their classmates and the local community. Examples of award-winning images from Teapot Rendering Competition events are shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Declarative Parameterizations of User-Defined Functions for Large-Scale Machine Learning and Optimization

Large-scale optimization has become an important application for data management systems, particularly in the context of statistical machine learning. In this paper, we consider how one might implement the join-and-co-group pattern in the context of a fully declarative data processing system. The join-and-co-group pattern is ubiquitous in iterative, large-scale optimization. In the join-and-co-group pattern, a user-defined function g is parameterized with a data object x as well as the subset of the statistical model Θ x that applies to that object, so that g(x|Θ x ) can be used to compute a partial update of the model. This is repeated for every x in the full data set X. All partial updates are then aggregated and used to perform a complete update of the model. The join-and-co-group pattern has several implementation challenges, including the potential for a massive blow-up in the size of a fully parameterized model. Thus, unless the correct physical execution plan be chosen for implementing the join-and-co-group pattern, it is easily possible to have an execution that takes a very long time or even fails to complete. In this paper, we carefully consider the alternatives for implementing the join-and-co-group pattern on top of a declarative system, as well as how the best alternative can be selected automatically. Our focus is on the SimSQL database system, which is an SQL-based system with special facilities for large-scale, iterative optimization. Since it is an SQL-based system with a query optimizer, those choices can be made automatically.
Suture and anchors may be retained during treatment of deep infection after rotator cuff repair: a systematic review

Importance Rotator cuff repairs (RCRs) are one of the most common orthopaedic surgeries performed, and infection is a rare but serious complication. It is important to know the ideal management of infection after RCR. Objective To systematically review the literature regarding deep infection following RCR to characterise the success and failure rates of irrigation and debridement (I & D), with particular attention focused on potential predictors of failure, retention of suture anchor hardware and the necessity for serial I & Ds. Evidence review Four databases (Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar and EBSCOHost) were screened for clinical studies involving the treatment of infection after RCR. A full-text review of eligible studies was conducted. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the searched studies. Data from the selected studies were combined for comparative analysis to elucidate factors associated with the success of I & D. Findings We identified 11 eligible studies involving 172 patients. These studies described the number of I & D procedures necessary for successful treatment of infection after RCR. The mean number of I & Ds while retaining suture anchors and suture material was 2.3, compared with 2.2 I & Ds when removing all hardware. Propionibacterium acnes was the most common organism cultured, seen in 75 of 172 (43.6%) patients. Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis accounted for 40 (23.3%) and 42 (24.4%) cases, respectively. Conclusions and relevance In managing infection following RCR, the current literature supports retaining suture anchors and suture material when the prior repair is found intact at the initial I & D. Further studies are necessary to strengthen the evidence for retaining hardware and ensuring there is not a statistically significant difference between the number of I & Ds needed to eradicate infection with the routine retention versus removal of suture anchors in this setting. Level of evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.
Computational through-wall imaging using a dynamic metasurface antenna

We present a study of computational through-wall imaging using a dynamically reconfigurable metasurface antenna (DMA). The DMA consists of a single-feed, electrically-large microstrip line, loaded with individually addressable metamaterial radiators. Each metamaterial resonator is integrated with a diode, enabling it to be switched on (radiating) or off (non-radiating) by an externally applied voltage. By switching subsets of the array of elements on or off, spatially diverse radiation patterns are formed that are scattered by the wall and structures beyond the wall. Images can be reconstructed from these measurements, using a combination of range migration algorithms and wall compensation algorithms, with minimal frequency bandwidth requirements; even single frequency measurements are possible in conjunction with the DMA. We investigate imaging through a variety of wall materials at K-band frequencies (18-26.5 GHz), including homogeneous media with known properties and inhomogeneous materials such as plywood. We further investigate single-frequency performance against full-bandwidth measurements. The DMA used here is electrically large in one dimension, over which many spatially diverse measurements can be taken. By scanning the DMA in the perpendicular direction, full two-dimensional scans can be acquired with minimal cost and time, making the one-dimensional DMA attractive as the basis for future through-wall scanning systems.
Effects of pre- and postnatal protein restriction on maternal and offspring metabolism in the nonhuman primate

Women in low- and middle-income countries frequently consume a protein-deficient diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The effects of gestational malnutrition on fetal and early postnatal development can have lasting adverse effects on offspring metabolism. Expanding on previous studies in rodent models, we utilized a nonhuman primate model of gestational and early-life protein restriction (PR) to evaluate effects on the organ development and glucose metabolism of juvenile offspring. Offspring were born to dams that had consumed a control diet containing 26% protein or a PR diet containing 13% protein. Offspring were maintained on the PR diet and studied [body and serum measurements, intravenous glucose tolerance tests (ivGTTs), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans] up to 7 mo of age, at which time tissues were collected for analysis. PR offspring had age-appropriate body weight and were euglycemic but exhibited elevated fasting insulin and reduced initial, but increased total, insulin secretion during an ivGTT at 6 mo of age. No changes were detected in pancreatic islets of PR juveniles; however, PR did induce changes, including reduced kidney size, and changes in liver, adipose tissue, and muscle gene expression in other peripheral organs. Serum osteocalcin was elevated and bone mineral content and density were reduced in PR juveniles, indicating a significant impact of PR on early postnatal bone development.
Contribution of social factors to readmissions within 30 days after hospitalization for COPD exacerbation.

To investigate whether, in patients hospitalized for COPD, the addition of social factors improves the predictive ability for the risk of overall 30-day readmissions, early readmissions (within 7 days after discharge), and late readmissions (8–30 days after discharge). Patients (aged ≥40 years) hospitalized for COPD were identified in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey from 2006 through 2012. With the use of 1000 bootstrap resampling from the original cohort (training-set), two prediction models were derived: 1) the reference model including age, comorbidities, and mechanical ventilation use, and 2) the optimized model including social factors (e.g., educational level, marital status) in addition to the covariates in the reference model. Prediction performance was examined separately for 30-day, early, and late readmissions. Following 905 index hospitalizations for COPD, 18.5% were readmitted within 30 days. In the test-set, for overall 30-day readmissions, the discrimination ability between reference and optimized models did not change materially (C-statistic, 0.57 vs. 0.58). By contrast, for early readmissions, the optimized model had significantly improved discrimination (C-statistic, 0.57 vs. 0.63; integrated discrimination improvement [IDI], 0.018 [95%CI, 0.003–0.032]) and reclassification (continuous net reclassification index [NRI], 0.298 [95%CI 0.060–0.537]). Likewise, for late readmissions, the optimized model also had significantly improved discrimination (C-statistic, 0.65 vs. 0.68; IDI, 0.026 [95%CI 0.009–0.042]) and reclassification (continuous NRI, 0.243 [95%CI 0.028–0.459]). In a nationally-representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for COPD, we found that the addition of social factors improved the predictive ability for readmissions when early and late readmissions were examined separately.
Diagnostic performance of skeletal survey versus 18F-FDG-PET/CT for detecting lytic lesions in smoldering multiple myeloma.

8532Background: Per NCCN Guidelines for smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), whole body radiography, i.e. skeletal survey (SS), should be used to rule out osteolytic bone lesions. If negative, more s...
New Therapies for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Updated Review of Clinical Trials

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are the most costly and serious complication for patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Among patients with DM, 4% annually and up to one third in their entire lifetime may experience a DFU. The majority of DFU do not heal in a timely fashion and non-healing is associated with complications including skin, soft tissue, bone and systemic infection as well as the need for amputation. While education and advances in standard care for DFU have occurred, more research is critical to identify new and better therapies for patients with DFU. In this review, we examine ongoing clinical trials (through clinicaltrials.gov) on treatments for DFU. Our review focuses on new, upcoming therapies, including topical agents, dressings, engineered tissue, cell therapy, growth factors, devices, and herbal/natural remedies. The preclinical background information for each of these new therapies is also reviewed and discussed.