cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein networks reveal organ-specific defense strategies in maize in response to an aboveground herbivore

Many of the proteins and defense pathways in maize that are activated in an organ-specific manner in leaves and roots during aboveground caterpillar attack have not yet been identified. In this study, we examined systemic and organ-specific defenses in the insect-resistant maize genotype, Mp708, when infested aboveground with fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda). We used proteomic and network biology analyses and then integrated these data with known FAW resistance QTL to create a protein abundance QTL (pQTL) subnetwork. Using 10-plex tandem mass spectrometry tags (TMT) proteomics technique, we identified a total of 4675 proteins in leaves and roots of control and FAW-infested plants. Among the identified proteins, 794 had significant differences in abundance in response to FAW herbivory. Proteins that were upregulated in leaves during FAW infestation included jasmonic acid biosynthetic enzymes, cysteine proteases, protease inhibitors, REDOX-related proteins, and peroxidases. In roots, highly abundant proteins were involved in ET biosynthesis, DNA expression regulation, and pyruvate biosynthesis. We found many proteins that possibly contribute different defense functions to FAW resistance in Mp708. One potential resistance mechanism identified was that trade-offs between growth and defense responses were reduced in Mp708. Some of the proteins involved in this trade-off that were found within the pQTL subnetwork were the Kinesin-like protein (GRMZM2G046186_P01) and Pi starvation-induced protein (GRMZM2G118037_P01). We proposed other mechanisms contributing to resistance that suggest that jasmonic acid and ethylene control the local accumulation of insecticidal cysteine protease (MIR1-CP) in leaves, while ethylene controlled the systemic accumulation of MIR1-CP in roots. Finally, we hypothesized that receptor kinases such as receptor protein kinase 1 (GRMZM2G055678) could be involved in the activation of root-specific defense responses during aboveground insect infestation.
Fail-safe and safe-to-fail adaptation: decision-making for urban flooding under climate change

As climate change affects precipitation patterns, urban infrastructure may become more vulnerable to flooding. Flooding mitigation strategies must be developed such that the failure of infrastructure does not compromise people, activities, or other infrastructure. “Safe-to-fail” is an emerging paradigm that broadly describes adaptation scenarios that allow infrastructure to fail but control or minimize the consequences of the failure. Traditionally, infrastructure is designed as “fail-safe” where they provide robust protection when the risks are accurately predicted within a designed safety factor. However, the risks and uncertainties faced by urban infrastructure are becoming so great due to climate change that the “fail-safe” paradigm should be questioned. We propose a framework to assess potential flooding solutions based on multiple infrastructure resilience characteristics using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) analytic hierarchy process algorithm to prioritize “safe-to-fail” and “fail-safe” strategies depending on stakeholder preferences. Using urban flooding in Phoenix, Arizona, as a case study, we first estimate flooding intensity and evaluate roadway vulnerability using the Storm Water Management Model for a series of downpours that occurred on September 8, 2014. Results show the roadway types and locations that are vulnerable. Next, we identify a suite of adaptation strategies and characteristics of these strategies and attempt to more explicitly categorize flooding solutions as “safe-to-fail” and “fail-safe” with these characteristics. Lastly, we use MCDA to show how adaptation strategy rankings change when stakeholders have different preferences for particular adaptation characteristics.
Determination of the possibility of ac voltage stabilization using a pulsed polarity-inverting converter. Part 1

Details are investigated of the operation of an ac voltage stabilizer, a polarity-inverting pulsed converter, in the absence of input-voltage waveform distortions. The stabilizer performance was determined on the basis of a limit continuous model thereof corresponding to a vanishingly small switching period. It has been found that, in the steady-state harmonic mode, the inverting pulsed converter can be considered as an adjustable voltage source with output resistance proportional to the choke impedance. The possibility is shown of stabilizing the output voltage when the input voltage varies in a wide range without its preliminary biasing. To meet practical requirements for smoothness of output-voltage high-frequency pulsations expression have been obtained for calculating the choke inductance and condenser capacity taking into account the admissible range of choke current and output-voltage pulsations at a selected switching frequency. A technique of voltage stabilization is investigated that is based on control of the perturbation impact by way of regulating the relative time that the key stays in extreme positions, which depends on the ratio between the actual and preset voltage amplitudes. Unlike in the case of control based on deviation (a closed-loop contour), in this case ensuring stability is not a problem because the cause of the change of output voltage is dealt with rather than the consequence. It is established that, at sufficiently high structure switching frequency, control by perturbation provides sufficient accuracy of voltage stabilization because of low choke resistance.
Application of Quantitative Dose–Response Data in Risk Assessment and the Incorporation of High-Throughput Data

Abstract Developmental risk is typically assessed as a threshold event, but it is more complicated than other noncancer toxicities. The reasons are as follows: species are differentially sensitive to chemical insult; the severity of developmental effects differs widely and may be inconsistently treated among risk practitioners, agencies, and programs; potentially different interpretations may be given to similar biological effects produced by different chemicals or in different species; the fetus is sensitive to chemical effects via direct contact, as well as through indirect effects on the maternal system; the interpretations of findings (and conclusions) from published reports may exceed the intent of the authors; and the often underappreciated differences between the in utero development of the human and common test species. Conclusions of developmental risk should be based on an analysis of data of the agreed-to type and quality, interpreted within the scope of the assessment conducted, and communicated within the context of the decision at hand. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of quantitative developmental risk assessment is defining adversity and identifying the types of biological measurements deemed applicable.
New evidence for nodding disease as an autoimmune reaction to Onchocerca volvulus

Over the past decade, we have seen the emergence of an enigmatic condition called nodding syndrome (1). This condition is characterized by episodes of repetitive nodding forward of head that may be the result of atonic seizure. The etiology of this seizure is unknown, although associations with other developmental conditions have been established (2,3). This syndrome is also characterized by significant brain atrophy near the hippocampal and glia matter along with cerebellar signs. The brain injury leads to life-long severe neurodisability and accompanying behavior problems, and high mortality (4).
Bound for entrepreneurship? A career-theoretical perspective on entrepreneurial intentions

Research on entrepreneurial intentions, as an important step in the decision to undertake an entrepreneurial career, tends to position career actors as choosing entrepreneurship as a first career decision. However, most scholars agree that entrepreneurs emerge from existing organizations, not from college dorm rooms. Therefore, individuals choosing to enter entrepreneurship typically do so after having made previous career decisions to work in paid-employment careers. Despite the usefulness of the accumulated knowledge of individual and contextual antecedents to entrepreneurial intentions, few studies offer a careers theory-based explanation for why some people who have previously decided to pursue paid-employment careers view moves to entrepreneurial careers as feasible and desirable as proposed by entrepreneurial intentions-based models. In this paper, we extend boundaryless and protean career orientations, established theoretical career concepts, to explain the entrepreneurial intentions of actors already working in wage-employment careers. Our theoretical integration sheds new light on entrepreneurial intentions research and fills important gaps in our understanding of the mindsets of those inclined towards entrepreneurial careers.
The Place for Emotional Growth in Professional Education

Today’s forward-looking organizations and agencies actively strive to determine what employee characteristics are of greatest value in enhancing organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Empiric...
Computer Games as Intelligent Learning Environments: A River Ecosystem Adventure

Our goal in this work has been to bring together the entertaining and flow characteristics of video game environments with proven learning theories to advance the state of the art in intelligent learning environments. We have designed and implemented an educational game, a river adventure. The adventure game design integrates the Neverwinter Nights game engine with our teachable agents system, Betty's Brain. The implementation links the game interface and the game engine with the existing Betty's Brain system and the river ecosystem simulation using a controller written in Java. After preliminary testing, we will run a complete study with the system in a middle school classroom in Fall 2005.
Time Domain Desensitized Specific Optimal System Design

A digital computer algorithm for desensitized specific optimal system design for general time-invariant nonlinear systems is presented. The algorithm utilizes a technique of partitioning and uncoupling of the original specific closed-loop system state and sensitivity equations into linear, nonlinear, and control subsystems. Results of the application of the algorithm in the design of a Saturn V Launch Vehicle analog attitude control system and an LST image motion compensation digital controller are given.
Top-Down Mass Spectrometry for Protein Molecular Diagnostics and Biomarker Discovery

Top-down mass spectrometry differs from the traditional bottom-up approach in that proteins are analyzed directly rather than enzymatically digested prior to analysis. Although the bottom-up approach tends to be faster and more readily implemented, the top-down approach has improved selectivity that enables simultaneous characterization of dynamic and hard-to-predict events such as coding polymorphisms, alternative splicing, and post-translational modifications, promising a clearer picture of biological variation that exists beyond gene translation. With the maturation of multidimensional sample processing procedures, data analysis tools, and “online” liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/MS) technologies, top-down for proteomics investigations has emerged with sensitivity and dynamic range typically associated with peptide workflows. Top-down and bottom-up often provide complementary information; therefore, as the instrumentation used for bottom-up and top-down continues to merge, top-down is becoming more accessible to the general scientific community, allowing scientists to gain a more complete understanding of dynamic living systems.
In-group/out-group bias in contagious yawning

Bias for an in-group is a social phenomenon characterized by an affinity for one’s in-group over a perceived out-group. Activation in the amygdala, which is implicated in social and emotional processes, is increased when humans view other-race faces. This increase in activation is associated with implicit racial bias as indicated by scores on an implicit attitude test. Contagious yawning is a social process that appears to subserve empathic processes enabling the inferential modeling of the mental states of others and is exhibited in few species other than humans, including chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides), dogs (Canis familiaris), and budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Despite these comparative data, little research has investigated intra-species variation in contagious yawning.
On Stabilizing the Double Oscillator by Mean Zero Noise

By similar arguments as for the single inverted pendulum it is shown that stabilization by random vibration is also possible for a family of linear double oscillators which includes the inverted double pendulum with a certain configuration for the parameters of damping, restoring and coupling.
Decision Support for an Adversarial Game Environment Using Automatic Hint Generation.

The Hint Factory is a method of automatic hint generation that has been used to augment hints in a number of educational systems. Although the previous implementations were done in domains with largely deterministic environments, the methods are inherently useful in stochastic environments with uncertainty. In this work, we explore the game Connect Four as a simple domain to give decision support under uncertainty. We speculate how the implementation created could be extended to other domains including simulated learning environments and advanced navigational tasks.
Wavelet Kernels for Support Matrix Machines

Classification of matrix variate data is a major challenge in statistics and many statistical studies like gray digital images and electroencephalography (EEG), for example. Popular methods such as support vector machines have limitations when second-order tensor or matrix is considered as input data. Using a matrix directly instead of its vector representation is efficient when matrix is the input and helps retain the data topology more efficiently. Also, for high dimensional data, matrix representation reduces significantly the number of parameters and helps dealing with overfitting issues. Wavelet techniques are very powerful approximations for non-stationary signals. Wavelet kernels were proposed recently and had emerged as valid kernels for support vector machine.
Machine Teaching by Domain Experts: Towards More Humane, Inclusive, and Intelligent Machine Learning Systems.

This paper argues that a possible way to escape from the limitations of current machine learning (ML) systems is to allow their development directly by domain experts without the mediation of ML experts. This could be accomplished by making ML systems interactively teachable using concepts, definitions, and similar high level knowledge constructs. Pointing to the recent advances in machine teaching technology, we list key technical challenges specific for such expert-centric ML systems, and suggest that they are more humane and possibly more intelligent than traditional ML systems in many domains. We then argue that ML systems could also benefit greatly from being built by a community of experts as much as open source software did, creating more inclusive systems, in terms of enabling different points-of-view about the same corpus of knowledge. Advantages of the community approach over current ways to build ML systems, as well as specific challenges this approach raises, are also discussed in the paper.
X Inactivation and Escape: Epigenetic and Structural Features

X inactivation represents a complex multi-layer epigenetic mechanism that profoundly modifies chromatin composition and structure of one X chromosome in females. The heterochromatic inactive X chromosome adopts a unique 3D bipartite structure and a location close to the nuclear periphery or the nucleolus. X-linked lncRNA loci and their transcripts play important roles in the recruitment of proteins that catalyze chromatin and DNA modifications for silencing, as well as in the control of chromatin condensation and location of the inactive X chromosome. A subset of genes escapes X inactivation, raising questions about mechanisms that preserve their expression despite being embedded within heterochromatin. Escape gene expression differs between males and females, which can lead to physiological sex differences. We review recent studies that emphasize challenges in understanding the role of lncRNAs in the control of epigenetic modifications, structural features and nuclear positioning of the inactive X chromosome. Second, we highlight new findings about the distribution of genes that escape X inactivation based on single cell studies, and discuss the roles of escape genes in eliciting sex differences in health and disease.
Modeling electrospun fibrous structures with embedded spacer particles: Application to aerosol filtration

Abstract This work presents a physics-based modeling technique to simulate the 3-D microstructure of electrospun fibrous media with embedded spacer particles. The model accepts inputs like diameter, basis weight, deposition velocity, and bending properties for the fibers as well as diameter and basis weight for the spacer particles. The model then predicts morphological parameters like filter porosity and filter thickness, among many others. The work presented in this paper is the first to report the effects of spacer particles with different diameters or basis weights on the thickness and solid volume fraction of spacer-embedded fibrous media. Such morphological information is then used for collection efficiency and pressure drop predictions when challenged with aerosol particles in the particle diameter range of 20 nm to 5 µm at a face velocity of 10 cm/s. Our results indicate that adding spacer particles to a fibrous filter can lower its collection efficiency and pressure drop, but the reduction in the pressure drop will be at a higher rate resulting in better filters, i.e., filters with better quality factors.
The Role of Spirometry and Dyspnea Index in the Management of Subglottic Stenosis.

OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the role of spirometry measures and Dyspnea Index (DI) in response to treatment of subglottic stenosis (SGS) and ability to predict need for surgery. We also assessed correlations between spirometry measures, DI, and physical SGS parameters. METHODS Thirty-seven adult female SGS patients were prospectively enrolled. Spirometry data and DI were obtained at serial clinic visits; physical SGS parameters were obtained intraoperatively. PIFR, PEFR, EDI, FEV1/FVC, and DI were compared preoperatively to postoperatively for patients who underwent operative intervention. Spirometry data, DI, and physical SGS parameters were analyzed for correlations, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created for spirometry measures and DI to determine optimal cutoffs for recommending surgery. RESULTS Means of all measured spirometry measures changed significantly from preoperative to postoperative visits (P < .05). Mean DIs changed significantly between preoperative (27.5, n = 13, SD = 8.6) and postoperative visits (8.6, n = 13, SD = 5.5, P < 5 × 10-5 ). All Pearson correlations were negligible to moderate. The area under the curve (AUC) for peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) was 0.903 (95% CI, 0.832-0.974) with cutoff at 2.10 L/s; the AUC for DI was 0.874 (95% CI, 0.791-0.956) with cutoff between 22-25; the AUC for peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was 0.806 (95% CI, 0.702-0.910) with cutoff at 2.5 L/s; all other ROC curves were less than good. CONCLUSION PIFR, PEFR, EDI, FEV1/FVC, and DIs significantly improve after treatment for SGS. No strong correlations exist between spirometry measures, DI, and physical SGS parameters. PIFR was the most sensitive and specific for predicting timing of operative intervention in our cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1b Laryngoscope, 2019.
TGF-B Inhibition Rescues Hematopoietic Defects in Fanconi Anemia

Abstract Four different combinations of double knock-out mouse strains have been created (SMAD3-/- Fancd2-/-) consisting of combinations of the individual knock-out strains on either the C57BL/6 or 129/Sv background. Sets of breeding experiments were carried out and the frequency of detection of double knock-out mice was significantly below the expected frequency of detecting DKO mice by breeding double heterozygotes (1 out of 16 or 6.25%). In fact, DKO mice were detected at a frequency ranging from 3.4% to 0.54%. Mice of all four DKO genotypes showed resistance of bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells to canonical TGF-β signaling, consistent with the SMAD3-/- parent. However, the predominant phenotype was that of the Fancd2-/- parent including reduced duration of hematopoiesis in long-term bone marrow cultures, reduced marrow stem cell competitive repopulation capacity, and retained mitomycin C and radiation sensitivity of bone marrow stromal cells. These mice should be a valuable resource for elucidating the bypass pathways involved in the reduced, but successful gestation of SMAD3-/- Fancd2-/- mice, and the interactions of the FA and TGF-β signaling pathways. Supported by the NIAID/NIH U19-A168021 and the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Gender Correctional Machine: Institutional Mechanisms that Reinforce a Patriarchal Gender Order in Correctional Facilities

Mass incarceration is a feminist struggle. Not only are women the fastest growing population in correctional facilities in the United States but they also face institutional regulations that aim at "correcting" their gender and sexual "deviance." Correction, within women's correctional facilities, refers to the structural attempt to enforce a gendered, class-based, and racialized order. The mechanism that allows the gender correctional machine to be enacted functions through two branches: correctional industries and library content. This study examines the extent to which regulatory programs, such as limited labor options and libraries, are actually constructed through male-gaze-dominated norms. By looking at the connection between vocational programs and the prison-industrial complex, it is evident that labor-oriented programs not only exploit women but do so in a gendered way. Low-waged, traditionally feminine, and potentially racialized training within the facilities showcase the regulatory mechanism to keep women "were they belong." Furthermore, this study imports the theoretical lens of Laura Mulvey's notion of the male gaze into the area of sociology of law, and seeks to understand how prison libraries enforce patriarchal norms. By looking at denied and permitted library publications in the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, this study shows that the male gaze functions as a normalizing and correcting force in the ways that gender and sexuality are visually portrayed in publications' covers. Thus, the study unveils the regulatory mechanisms of the gender correctional machine, and proposes radical resistance as an alternative to it.
Abstract ES11-2: Neoadjuvant Systemic Treatment (NST): Tailoring Response by Sub-type

Achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) is clearly associated with improved survival in breast cancer patients, especially with HER2 and triple negative subtypes. In HER2-positive breast cancer patients, the neoadjuvant platform has allowed for the unprecedented accelerated approval for pertuzumab based on improved pCR rates. The KATHERINE trial, in patients who did not achieve pCR following standard trastuzumab/pertuzumab/chemotherapy, demonstrated for the first time that switching to trastuzumab-emtansine (TDM1) led to significant benefit, creating an interesting research paradigm for these high-risk patients with residual disease. For patients with residual disease, the CREATE-X trial demonstrated survival improvement with capecitabine, especially in patients with triple negative disease. New promising agents in the metastatic setting that are being incorporated into NST include immune-check-point inhibitors and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Evolving technologies like next generation sequencing and gene expression profiles have improved our knowledge regarding the biology of residual disease, and the mechanisms behind treatment resistance, and potentially, metastases. NST allows for testing of new promising treatment regimens - both escalation and de-escalation - depending on sub-types, before surgery. The management and strategies post-NST and the management of residual disease will be discussed. Citation Format: JC Chang. Neoadjuvant Systemic Treatment (NST): Tailoring Response by Sub-type [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr ES11-2.
Fertility and 305-day production of Viking Red-, Montbéliarde-, and Holstein-sired crossbred cows compared with Holstein cows during their first 3 lactations in Minnesota dairy herds.

Three generations of crossbred cows from a 3-breed rotation of the Viking Red (VR), Montbeliarde (MO), and Holstein (HO) breeds were compared with HO herdmates in 7 high-performance, commercial dairy herds in Minnesota. The designed study was initiated in 2008 with the enrollment of 3,550 HO females. Sires of cows were proven artificial insemination bulls and were high-ranking for genetic merit within each of the VR, MO, and HO breeds. The first generation of cows calved a first time from 2010 to 2017 and consisted of 644 VR × HO and 616 MO × HO 2-breed crossbreds and their 1,405 HO herdmates. The second generation calved a first time from 2012 to 2017 and consisted of 615 VR × MO/HO and 568 MO × VR/HO crossbreds and their 1,462 HO herdmates. The third generation calved a first time from 2014 to 2017 and was composed of 466 HO × VR/MO/HO and HO × MO/VR/HO crossbreds combined and their 736 HO herdmates. Collection of data ceased on December 31, 2017, and for the duration of study, many of the 2-breed and 3-breed crossbreds and their HO herdmates had the opportunity to complete at least 3 lactations, whereas the HO-sired crossbreds and their HO herdmates had the opportunity to complete 1 lactation. The 305-d actual (not mature equivalent) production of milk, fat, and protein was estimated from test-day observations with best prediction and cows with <305 DIM were projected to 305 d. The 2-breed and 3-breed crossbred cows had superiority over their HO herdmates for all of the fertility traits measured. The 2-breed crossbreds had -9, -17, and -15 d fewer days open than their HO herdmates during first, second, and third lactation, respectively. Also, the 3-breed crossbreds had -15, -19, and -20 d fewer days open than their HO herdmates during first, second, and third lactation, respectively. Cows in these herds had young ages at first calving of 22 to 23 mo across the breed groups, and the 3-breed crossbreds had significantly younger ages at first, second, and third calving than their HO herdmates. The 2-breed crossbreds had +2% higher fat plus protein production (kg) during first lactation, but did not differ during second and third lactation, from their HO herdmates. The 3-breed crossbreds had -3% to -4% lower fat plus protein production (kg) than their HO herdmates in each of their first 3 lactations. During first lactation, the HO-sired crossbreds did not differ for fat plus protein production (kg) from their HO herdmates.
Spinal cord injury in the United States Army Special Forces.

Objective Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an area of key interest in military medicine but has not been studied among the US Army Special Forces (SF), the most elite group of US soldiers. SF soldiers make up a disproportionate 60% of all Special Operations casualties. The objective of this study was to better understand SCI incidence in the SF, its mechanisms of acquisition, and potential areas for intervention by addressing key issues pertaining to protective equipment and body armor use. Methods An electronic survey questionnaire was formulated with the close collaboration of US board-certified neurosurgeons from the Mount Sinai Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Departments of Neurosurgery, retired military personnel of the SF, and operational staff of the Green Beret Foundation. The survey was sent to approximately 6000 SF soldiers to understand SCI diagnosis and its associations with various health and military variables. Results The response rate was 8.2%. Among the 492 respondents, 94 (19.1%) self-reported an SCI diagnosis. An airborne operation was the most commonly attributed cause (54.8%). Moreover, 87.1% of SF soldiers reported wearing headgear at the time of injury, but only 36.6% reported wearing body armor, even though body armor use has significantly increased in post-9/11 SF soldiers compared with that in their pre-9/11 counterparts. SCI was significantly associated with traumatic brain injury, arthritis, low sperm count, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, tinnitus, hyperacusis, sleep apnea, posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Only 16.5% of SF soldiers diagnosed with SCI had been rescued via medical evacuation (medevac) for treatment. Conclusions A high number of SF soldiers self-reported an SCI diagnosis. Airborne operations landings were the leading cause of SCI, which coincided with warfare tactics employed during the Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other conflicts. A majority of SCIs occurred while wearing headgear and no body armor, suggesting the need for improvements in protective equipment use and design. The low rate of medevac rescue for these injuries may suggest that medical rescue was not attainable at the time or that certain SCIs were deemed minor at the time of injury.
Hypogonadism and metabolic syndrome: review and update.

Purpose of review The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and hypogonadism continues to rise in the United States and around the world. These two conditions are inexorably linked, and understanding their relationship with each other is key to treating men with either of these conditions. Recent findings Testosterone has been shown to be a key regulator in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. A large volume of research has found that testosterone deficiency is closely linked to metabolic syndrome through complex physiologic mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and glucose metabolism. Summary Interventions through lifestyle modification and testosterone replacement in hypogonadal men may reduce the morbidity and mortality risks associated with metabolic syndrome.
Concordance Between Patients' and Surgeons' Expectations of Lumbar Surgery.

Study design Longitudinal cohort. Objective The aims of this study were to measure concordance between patients' and surgeons' preoperative expectations of lumbar surgery, and determine which member of the dyad more closely predicted fulfillment of expectations, defined as patient-reported status postoperatively. Summary of background data Concordant patient-surgeon expectations reflect effective communication and should foster better outcomes. Methods Preoperatively patients and surgeons completed identical surveys measuring expectations for improvement in symptoms and physical/psychosocial function. Responses ranged from "complete improvement" to "do not have this expectation"; scores for each survey ranged from 0 to 100 (greatest expectations). Concordance between pairs of patient-surgeon scores was measured with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Postoperatively, fulfillment of expectations was measured from patient-reported amount of improvement received and was calculated as the proportion of patient-reported postoperative score relative to patient-reported preoperative score, and surgeon-reported preoperative score (range 0 [no expectations fulfilled] to >1.2 [expectations surpassed]). Clinical measures included patient-reported spine-related disability. Results For 402 patient-surgeon pairs, mean survey scores were 73 ± 19 (patients) and 57 ± 16 (surgeons); 84% of patients had higher scores than surgeons, mainly due to expecting complete improvement, whereas surgeons expected a lot/moderate/little improvement. The ICC for the entire sample was .31 (fair agreement); for subgroups, the greatest difference in ICC was for patients with more spine-related disability (ICC = .10, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.00-0.23) versus less disability (ICC = .46, 95% CI: 0.34-0.56). 96% of patients were contacted ≥2.0 years postoperatively. Proportions of expectations fulfilled were 0.79 (0-3.00) (patients) and 1.01 (0-2.29) (surgeons). Thus patients were less likely to anticipate subsequent postoperative status (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% CI 0.25-0.45) versus surgeons who were more likely to anticipate patient-reported postoperative status (OR 2.98, 95% CI: 2.22-4.00). Conclusion Concordance between patients' and surgeons' expectations was fair; due mostly to patients expecting complete improvement whereas surgeons expected a lot/moderate/little improvement. Compared to patients' expectations, surgeons' expectations more closely coincided with patient-reported fulfillment of expectations 2 years postoperatively.Level of Evidence: 1.
Effects of long-term cattle market conditions on continuous season-long and rotational grazing system revenues

In this study we evaluated the combination of long-term market conditions and the price slide in the cattle market on revenues associated with continuous and rotational grazing systems. A price slide is a market phenomenon in which lighter cattle sell at a higher price per unit of liveweight compared with their heavier counterparts. We used actual herd average starting and ending weights in this market analysis, and analysed the outcome using five years’ data from a continuous and rotational comparative grazing study. Despite consistently lower weight gains with rotational grazing, differences in gross revenues per steer between grazing treatments ranged from US$43.46 to minus $5.72 across the study years. We observed annual differences in the net returns across years between the two grazing systems; net returns were greater for steers in the continuous grazing treatment in three of the five years, one year with net returns that did not differ between systems, and one year in which net returns were lower with continuous grazing. These variable results showcase the complexity in having both differences in end of grazing season weight classes between the grazing systems and the differential effects of price slide among weight classes. Therefore, we argue that it may be a better management strategy for land managers to determine the optimal ending weights and the time of year to market livestock to meet the goals of an operation, rather than trying to determine which grazing system is ‘best’.
The Experiences of Family Members of Ventilated COVID-19 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study.

Background:Visitor restrictions caused challenges for family members when their loved ones had coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and were ventilated. Limited studies have reported on family members’ e...
Production of polyhydroxybutyrate and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-MCL copolymers from brewer’s spent grains by recombinant Escherichia coli LSBJ

This study investigates the use of brewer’s spent grains (BSG), a major waste stream from the brewing process, for its potential as a carbon source for the fermentative production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), biodegradable polyesters. The sugars obtained from hydrolysis of raw and hot water-pretreated BSG were fermented using a recombinant Escherichia coli LSBJ harboring genes for biosynthesis of either homopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) or PHB-co-medium chain length copolymer (PHB-co-MCL). The highest biopolymer titers obtained from the BSG hydrolysate were 3.53 g/L and 3.32 g/L for PHB and PHB-co-MCL, respectively, which corresponded to process yields of 0.353 g PHB/g sugar and 0.32 g PHB-co-MCL/g sugar. Titers obtained from the BSG hydrolysate were higher compared to titers from native PHA producers observed in previous works, which was likely due to the metabolic advantages inherent to using a recombinant organism. These results demonstrate both the viability of BSG as a feedstock for production of PHB-co-MCL copolymer and the feasibility of reducing the manufacturing cost of biodegradable biopolymers by using upgraded (valorized) waste resources.
A distributed kernel for VHDL simulation

The authors describe a technique for simulating large-scale VHDL (BHSIC hardware description language) models on a distributed computer composed of independent processing units communicating via messages. The distributed VHDL simulation system consists of a scalable kernel which can support a large simulation composed of many concurrent VHDL processes. Each concurrent VHDL statement maps into a logical process in the simulated system. The kernel provides model-independent support functions that handle signal propagation and process activation in a distributed environment. The synchronization between individual logical processes in the kernel is handled using the Chandy-Misra null message protocol for distributed simulation. The distributed kernel has been implemented using the University of Virginia's Spectrum portable simulation testbed, and runs on the Intel iPSC/2 Hypercube computer. Several test circuits have been simulated to show the feasibility of simulating VHDL models in a distributed system. The test circuits include structural models of both combinational logic and sequential logic. >
Evidence for catabolite inhibition in regulation of pentose utilization and transport in the ruminal bacterium Selenomonas ruminantium

Pentose sugars can be an important energy source for ruminal bacteria, but there has been relatively little study regarding the regulation of pentose utilization and transport by these organisms. Selenomonas ruminantium, a prevalent ruminal bacterium, actively metabolizes xylose and arabinose. When strain D was incubated with a combination of glucose and xylose or arabinose, the hexose was preferentially utilized over pentoses, and similar preferences were observed for sucrose and maltose. However, there was simultaneous utilization of cellobiose and pentoses. Continuous-culture studies indicated that at a low dilution rate (0.10 h-1) the organism was able to co-utilize glucose and xylose. This co-utilization was associated with growth rate-dependent decreases in glucose phosphotransferase activity, and it appeared that inhibition of pentose utilization was due to catabolite inhibition by the glucose phosphotransferase transport system. Xylose transport activity in strain D required induction, while arabinose permease synthesis did not require inducer but was subject to repression by glucose. Since an electrical potential or a chemical gradient of protons drove xylose and arabinose uptake, pentose-proton symport systems apparently contributed to transport.
24 GHz indoor MIMO channel measurements

The demand for increased bandwidth to support modern mobile wireless services has pushed the community to explore higher carrier frequencies where spectrum is more readily available. However, relatively few studies have focused attention on bands such as 24 GHz that may support non-line-of-sight communication. This paper provides experimental measurements of multi-antenna, wideband propagation channels at 24 GHz, with emphasis on observed delay spreads, pathloss, and achieved capacity for different channel conditions.
A look at why information systems fail

With the year 2000 approaching, there is great concern about the Y2K (Year 2000) changes needed in information systems (IS) code so that these information systems will not fail or cause harm when 2000 approaches. This concern has prompted this paper to examine the work that is being done on why information systems fail. The paper provides some background on some of the leading work being conducted in this area, and then discusses the results of a recent survey by the author that looks at IS failures.
Femoral vascular complications following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Femoral vascular complications remain a significant complication of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation as a result of peri-procedural anticoagulation protocols. We investigated the effect of three different anti-coagulation regimens on the incidence of femoral vascular complications following AF ablation over a 4 year period. We performed 603 catheter ablations in 539 patients from January 2004 to January 2008. All patients were started on coumadin immediately after procedure and received enoxaparin at 1 mg/kg 4 h post procedure and again 12 h later. Three protocols for enoxaparin, administered 12 hourly, were used post-procedure: Protocol A—1 mg/kg × ten doses; Protocol B—1 mg/kg × six doses, and Protocol C—0.5 mg/kg × six doses. We documented occurrence of femoral vascular complications prior to discharge and at the 1 month post-op visit using a prospective database. A femoral vascular complication was defined as hematoma requiring prolonged hospitalization, blood transfusion or surgical intervention. There were 21 femoral vascular complications during the study period. The rate of complication fell from 5.7% (protocol A) to 1.6% (protocol C) (p < 0.03). We attribute the decrease in complication rate to the shorter anticoagulation protocol, as the reduction remained significant regardless of variation in catheter sizes. There were no new cerebral vascular events with the lower enoxaparin protocols. A shorter course of post procedure anticoagulation protocol can reduce femoral complications without contributing to increased risk of thromboembolic events.
Simulation of lidar waveforms with a time-dependent radiosity algorithm

Our objective was to assess the effect of multiple scattering on lidar radiative transfer. We have developed a time-dependent radiosity-based model (RBL) to simulate the propagation of lidar pulses through forest canopies. This 3-D model enables simulation of lidar waveforms with varied topography and clumping vegetation. The incidence angle can also be specified. This new model has the potential to provide better approximations of return waveforms. The prototype is being tested using data from the Scanning Lidar Imager of Canopies by Echo Recovery (SLICER). Waveforms simulated by RBL resemble SLICER waveforms (R2 > 0.90) over a jack pine canopy and a black spruce canopy. There is also good agreement (R2 > 0.95) when the model results are compared with a time-dependent radiative transfer model. Results to date indicate that multiply scattered photons do increase the intensity of the reflected signal, especially the portion originating from the lower levels of the canopy. A sensitivity analysis enabled ass...
A stability and error analysis of block methods for the numerical solution ofy″=f(x,y)

In this paper the author continues his study [2] of a particular class of block methods for the solution ofy″=f(x,y). Stability boundaries are determined, and the accumulated error of the method is analyzed.
Methemoglobinemia--an Unusual Cause of Intraoperative Hypoxia

Patients often receive topical anesthetics in the operating room for endotracheal intubations. Acute methemoglobinemia is a rare but potentially lethal complication attributed to local anesthetics, requiring early recognition and management. In methemoglobinemia, the iron in hemoglobin is oxidized from ferrous form to ferric form, thus impairing oxygen transport. We describe a patient with acquired methemoglobinemia that developed intraoperatively after the administration of topical anesthetics. The patient had an insignificant preoperative evaluation and was selected for elective temporomandibular joint surgery under general anesthesia. The development of methemoglobinemia is an uncommon finding and may have been related to several factors, including the use of topical anesthetic spray, concomitant use of other local anesthetics, and possible alteration of protein binding and drug metabolism due to the use of other medications. The use of topical anesthetics, often containing benzocaine, is common in the practice of most maxillofacial surgeons. They are readily available and are also commonly used to anesthetize a patient’s airway before elective endotracheal intubations. Despite their widespread use, adverse reactions are seldom reported, probably owing to limited systemic absorption when applied topically. Among the adverse effects of local anesthetics, methemoglobinemia is a potentially lethal condition requiring early recognition and management. Methemoglobin (MetHb) represents the oxidized deoxy form of hemoglobin [Fe(3 )-Hb], to which oxygen can not bind. This results in impaired oxygen delivery, cyanosis, and characteristically chocolate brown blood. The reported cases on methemoglobinemia from a maxillofacial surgeon’s perspective are rare, and precise data on the incidence of the iatrogenic
Effect of pyridoxine defienciency on inducibility and circadian rhythms of some pyridoxine-dependent enzymes.

Abstract Pyridoxine-deficient animals have normal basal levels of hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase, tryptophan aminotransferase and tryptophan peroxidase, but decreased levels of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. Response of the aminotransferases to inducers is essentially normal in pyridoxal-deficient animals as is the circadian rhythm of this enzyme. The results argue against the physiological importance of induction of these enzymes by cofactor in adult animals and against the view that the circadian rhythm of tyrosine aminotransferase results from competition between norepinephrine and apoenzyme for cofactor.
Endochitinase and beta-1,3-glucanase genes are developmentally regulated during somatic embryogenesis in Picea glauca

Two cDNAs isolated from white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss] somatic embryos, are predicted to encode a basic class IV chitinase and a beta-1,3-glucanase, respectively corresponding to genes PgChi-1 and PgGlu-1. Each represents a multigene family in spruce. Transcripts homologous to PgChi-1 or PgGlu-1 genes were highly abundant in embryogenic tissues and gradually decreased after tissues were placed on abscisic acid-containing maturation medium, with lowest abundance in globular embryos. Transcripts related to PgGlu-1 became highly abundant again in early cotyledonary embryos but decreased thereafter, whereas transcripts related to PgChi-1 were also highly abundant in late cotyledonary embryos and plantlets in vitro; transcripts were either low (PgChi-1) or were not detectable (PgGlu-1) in needles. Wounding, drying and flooding stresses enhanced PgChi-1- and PgGlu-1-related gene expression. Fungal cell wall suspension enhanced PgGlu-1-related transcript accumulation, but reduced PgChi-1-related transcript abundance within 24 h. PgChi-1 and PgGlu-1 and their homologues may have roles in plant defense, and possibly developmental roles during spruce somatic embryo maturation.