cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rebaudioside A and Rebaudioside D bitterness do not covary with Acesulfame K bitterness or polymorphisms in TAS2R9 and TAS2R31.

In order to reduce calories in foods and beverages, the food industry routinely uses non-nutritive sweeteners. Unfortunately, many are synthetically derived, and many consumers have a strong preference for natural sweeteners, irrespective of the safety data on synthetic non-nutritive sweeteners. Additionally, many non-nutritive sweeteners elicit aversive side tastes, such as bitter and metallic, in addition to sweetness. Bitterness thresholds of acesulfame-K (AceK) and saccharin are known to vary across bitter taste receptor polymorphisms in TAS2R31. Rebaudioside A (RebA) has been shown to activate hTAS2R4 and hTAS2R14 in vitro. Here, we examined the bitterness and sweetness perception of natural and synthetic non-nutritive sweeteners. In a follow-up to a previous gene association study, participants (n = 122) who had been genotyped previously rated sweet, bitter, and metallic sensations from RebA, rebaudioside D (RebD), aspartame, sucrose, and gentiobiose in duplicate in a single session. For comparison, we also present sweet and bitter ratings of AceK collected in the original experiment for the same participants. At similar sweetness levels, aspartame elicited less bitterness than RebD, which was significantly less bitter than RebA. The bitterness of RebA and RebD showed wide variability across individuals, and bitterness ratings for these compounds were correlated. However, RebA and RebD bitterness did not covary with AceK bitterness. Likewise, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) shown previously to explain the variation in the suprathreshold bitterness of AceK (rs3741845 in TAS2R9 and rs10772423 in TAS2R31) did not explain the variation in RebA and RebD bitterness. Because RebA activates hT2R4 and hT2R14, an SNP in TAS2R4 previously associated with variation in bitterness perception was included here; there are no known functional SNPs for TAS2R14. In the present data, a putatively functional SNP (rs2234001) in TAS2R4 did not explain the variation in RebA or RebD bitterness. Collectively, these data indicate that the bitterness of RebA and RebD cannot be predicted by AceK bitterness, reinforcing our view that bitterness is not a simple monolithic trait that is high or low in an individual. This also implies that consumers who reject AceK may not find RebA and RebD aversive, and vice versa. Finally, RebD may be a superior natural non-nutritive sweetener to RebA, as it elicits significantly less bitterness at similar levels of sweetness.
A Novel Classification Instrument for Intraoperative Awareness Events

BACKGROUND:Intraoperative awareness with explicit recall occurs in approximately 1–2 cases per 1000. Given the rarity of the event, a better understanding of awareness and its sequelae will likely require the compilation of data from numerous studies. As such, a standard description and expression o
Fully phase-encoded techniques for optical security and encryption

A fully phase image encryption technique which uses double random phase encoding method is presented. The encryption method can be implemented optically. Robustness of the fully phase encryption and amplitude based encryption in the presence of noise is investigated. Using computer simulations, mean squared error for the decrypted images are obtained. The fully phase based encryption is shown to be robust with respect to the additive noise added to the encrypted image in terms of the mean squared metric. Based on the tests conducted in this paper, the fully phase based encryption method shows better performance than the amplitude based encryption in terms of mean square error metric.
Importance of capturing heliospheric variability for studies of thermospheric vertical winds

[1] Using the Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model with observed real-time heliospheric input data, the magnitude and variability of thermospheric neutral vertical winds are investigated. In order to determine the role of variability in the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) and solar wind density on the neutral wind variability, the heliospheric input data are smoothed. The effects of smoothing the IMF and solar wind and density on the vertical winds are simulated for the cases of no smoothing, 5-minute, and 12-minute smoothing. Various vertical wind acceleration terms, such as the nonhydrostatic acceleration, are quantified. Polar stereographic projections of the variabilities of vertical wind and ion flows are compared to highlight existing correlations. Overall, the smoother, that is, the less variable the IMF and solar wind parameters are, the weaker are the magnitude and the variability of the thermospheric vertical winds. Weaker IMF variability leads to smaller variability in ion flows, which in turn negatively impacts the variability and the magnitude of Joule heating. Small-scale temporal variation of the vertical wind acceleration, and thus the variability of the vertical wind, is dominated by the nonhydrostatic term that is controlled primarily by the temporal variation of the Joule heating, which in turn is related to ion flow variations that are shaped by the IMF in the high-latitude thermosphere. Wavelet analysis of the vertical wind data shows that gravity waves of � 5 and � 10-minute periods are more prominent when the model is run with high-resolution real-time IMF and solar wind data. Better capturing of the temporal variation of the IMF and solar wind parameters is crucial for modeling the variability and magnitude of thermospheric vertical winds.
Three-dimensional transverse fatigue crack growth in rail head

Abstract Results are given in terms of crack growth area and tonnage of train load. A three-dimensional finite element procedure is developed for analyzing multiple-mode transverse fatigue crack growth in a rail section. Stress and failure analysis are performed for each increment of non-self-similar crack growth up to the point of global instability that is assumed to be governed by the fracture toughness of the rail steel. The strain energy density criterion is adopted to predict the crack profiles developed from a two-stage fatigue loading cycle where both Mode I and III crack extension are present. Use is made of the material data obtained from the past and present TSC programs for predicting the remaining life of a 132 lb/ft rail head with an initial transverse circular crack of 0.50 in. in diameter. The number of cycles to failure are estimated for four different vertical load and initial crack positions.
Subintimal arterial flossing with antegrade-retrograde intervention (SAFARI) for subintimal recanalization to treat chronic critical limb ischemia.

PURPOSE To describe the technique of subintimal arterial flossing with antegrade–retrograde intervention (SAFARI) to improve technical success for the performance of subintimal recanalization when there is failure to reenter the distal true lumen or when there is a limited segment of patent distal target artery available for reentry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Subintimal recanalization was attempted in an antegrade direction in all patients. If reentry into the distal true lumen was unsuccessful or a short segment of target artery was present, retrograde access was obtained in the distal target artery (popliteal, anterior tibial/dorsalis pedis, or posterior tibial) and a retrograde subintimal channel was created. A guide wire was used to connect the retrograde and antegrade subintimal channels simultaneously to create a "flossing" guide wire. The subintimal tract was dilated with balloon angioplasty with or without stent implantation. Limb salvage, amputation-free survival, and survival rates over time were determined. RESULTS The SAFARI technique resulted in successful subintimal recanalization creating straight-line flow to the foot in all 21 limbs in 20 patients in which the technique was attempted. Antegrade–retrograde access was performed with the femoral artery and the following vessels: popliteal, n = 11; anterior tibial/dorsalis pedis, n = 10; and posterior tibial, n = 2 (two limbs involved multiple accesses). All procedures were successful. The limb salvage rate with SAFARI was 90% (95% CI, 74%–100%) at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS The SAFARI technique can be useful for completing subintimal recanalization when there is failure to reenter the distal true lumen from an antegrade approach or when there is limited distal target artery available for reentry. The SAFARI technique improves technical success in the performance of subintimal recanalization. Limb salvage rates are comparable to those with antegrade subintimal recanalization.
Does labour respond to cyclical fluctuations? The case of Italy

The aim of this paper is to analyse whether labour mobility is likely to act as a sufficient adjustment mechanism in the face of asymmetric shocks in Italy. In particular, the paper examines if the interregional migration responds, among other factors, also to the GDP's regional cyclical component. The results show that interregional labour mobility appears to respond adequately to current and past cyclical fluctuations.
PREDICTORS OF MSW EMPLOYMENT IN GERONTOLOGICAL PRACTICE

As the number of elders continues to grow, the supply of masters-level gerontological social workers falls short of the documented need. Using symbolic interactionism as the theoretical framework, this study explored factors influencing graduate social work students' employment in aging-related jobs following graduation. The impact of gerontological education, aging attitudes and anxiety, extent and quality of elder contact, perceptions of gerontological social work, and student demographics were examined. Additionally, degree of contact with elders and the need for gerontological knowledge in their current jobs was examined for graduates in both aging and non-aging positions. Surveys were completed by second year MSW students one month prior to graduation and again six months post-graduation. Results indicate that 20% of all graduates were employed in aging-related positions and that the majority of all graduates had contact with elders and used gerontological knowledge in their jobs, regardless of their...
Two contrasting views of multidecadal climate variability in the twentieth century

The bulk of our knowledge about causes of twentieth century climate change comes from simulations using numerical models. In particular, these models seemingly reproduce the observed nonuniform global warming, with periods of faster warming in 1910–1940 and 1970–2000, and a pause in between. However, closer inspection reveals some differences between the observations and model simulations. Here we show that observed multidecadal variations of surface climate exhibited a coherent global-scale signal characterized by a pair of patterns, one of which evolved in sync with multidecadal swings of the global temperature, and the other in quadrature with them. In contrast, model simulations are dominated by the stationary—single pattern—forced signal somewhat reminiscent of the observed “in-sync” pattern most pronounced in the Pacific. While simulating well the amplitude of the largest-scale—Pacific and hemispheric—multidecadal variability in surface temperature, the model underestimates variability in the North Atlantic and atmospheric indices.
Growth and nutritional status in infants with short-bowel syndrome after the serial transverse enteroplasty procedure.

Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the long-term nutritional outcomes of 4 patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who underwent a newly described bowel-lengthening procedure, the serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) procedure. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of 4 children who underwent STEP at 1 center. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of total dietary energy received by the enteral route before and after STEP. Other outcome measures were weight and height Z scores and body composition, as measured by arm anthropometric values. Results: Four children with SBS were identified, all of whom had been dependent on parenteral nutrition since birth. The mean preoperative follow-up period was 234 days (range, 63–502 days), and the mean postoperative follow-up period was 362 days (range, 252–493 days). By using model-based mean estimates, the mean enteral nutrition intake was 48% preoperatively vs 62% postoperatively ( P = .02). The model mean weight for age Z score increased by .7 SDs postoperatively ( P = .01), and the model mean weight for height increased by .6 SDs ( P P = .03), and the percent standard triceps skinfold increased by 24.5% postoperatively ( P Conclusions: The STEP procedure was associated with improved growth and body composition among 4 children with SBS in the face of a decreasing need for parenteral nutrition. Among patients with refractory SBS and dilated small intestine, the STEP procedure is associated with improved clinical and nutritional outcomes in the first year after surgery.
Could the fornix be used to predict cognitive impairment in the elderly

The answer is “yes, it’s conceivable”. The question suggests an attractive possibility that could become feasible with much more research. In addition, perhaps even more importantly, it implies a shift in early-stage indicators of possible future cognitive impairment, from brain gray matter pathology to early, subtle changes in the white matter. It beckons to a deeper understanding of how the brain maintains its communication networks and how these networks begin to fail. Such a shift could yield important pieces in the develop ing picture of aging brain processes, including trajectories leading to cognitive impairment. It could also provide clues for lifestyle and intervention s trategies to minimize such an outcome. But to realize these goals – to use brain structures as clinically relevant predictors and to extend our understanding of brain dynamics in early cognitive decline – current questions about the technology to acquire and analyze brain white matter imaging will have to be resolved. The fornix is a small, wishbone-shaped brain structure providing a main efferent pathway from the hippocampi to the rest of the brain [1]. It is well known that the hippocampi are involved in creating spatial and episodic memory. The fornix consists mainly of myelinated axons from neuron cell bodies in specific areas of the hippocampi [2], connecting them to the mammillary bodies, which, in turn, connect to the thalamic nuclei as part of the Papez circuit [1]. Linking hippocampal output to the rest of the brain, the fornix is crucial in the formation of episodic memory (recall of specific events or things) but interestingly, not so much for familiarity, which seems to be implemented by another circuit (think of the experience of seeing a face that looks familiar, but being unable to recall the person’s name. While common in healthy people, this may be accentuated in those with fornix damage) [3,4]. As the fornix is involved in memory, it should not be surprising that it is also involved in cognitive impairment. Recent articles have shown that among subjects who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the state of the fornix may be a predictor of whether they will later progress to full Alzheimer’s disease (AD) [5,6]. The fornix of subjects with AD differs significantly from that in normal healthy subjects [7]. An article from our laboratory has now extended the predictive sensitivity of the fornix to earlier in the trajectory
Coupling the speaker to the output stage

Discusses the use of loudspeakers in sound reproduction systems. Identifies its major components, obstacles to reproduce sound, and major characteristics that enable sound quality.
The Effect of the Statewide Sharing Variance on Geographic Disparity in Kidney Transplantation in the United States

Background and objectives The Statewide Sharing variance to the national kidney allocation policy allocates kidneys not used within the procuring donor service area (DSA), first within the state, before the kidneys are offered regionally and nationally. Tennessee and Florida implemented this variance. Known geographic differences exist between the 58 DSAs, in direct violation of the Final Rule stipulated by the US Department of Health and Human Services. This study examined the effect of Statewide Sharing on geographic allocation disparity over time between DSAs within Tennessee and Florida and compared them with geographic disparity between the DSAs within a state for all states with more than one DSA (California, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin). Design, setting, participants, & measurements A retrospective analysis from 1987 to 2009 was conducted using Organ Procurement and Transplant Network data. Five previously used indicators for geographic allocation disparity were applied: deceased-donor kidney transplant rates, waiting time to transplantation, cumulative dialysis time at transplantation, 5-year graft survival, and cold ischemic time. Results Transplant rates, waiting time, dialysis time, and graft survival varied greatly between deceased-donor kidney recipients in DSAs in all states in 1987. After implementation of Statewide Sharing in 1992, disparity indicators decreased by 41%, 36%, 31%, and 9%, respectively, in Tennessee and by 28%, 62%, 34%, and 19%, respectively in Florida, such that the geographic allocation disparity in Tennessee and Florida almost completely disappeared. Statewide kidney allocations incurred 7.5 and 5 fewer hours of cold ischemic time in Tennessee and Florida, respectively. Geographic disparity between DSAs in all the other states worsened or improved to a lesser degree. Conclusions As sweeping changes to the kidney allocation system are being discussed to alleviate geographic disparity—changes that are untested run the risk of unintended consequences—more limited changes, such as Statewide Sharing, should be further studied and considered.
The Conflict between Endangered Species and the State Water Plan: Will New Listings under the Endangered Species Act Thwart the State Water Planning Process?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the “Service”) -- the primary federal agency charged with implementing the Endangered Species Act -- is required by a court order to decide the regulatory fate of more than 700 species of plants and animals by the end of 2018. As part of a 2011 settlement agreement between the Service and environmental groups, the agency must decide whether to list certain species as “endangered” or “threatened,” thereby invoking the suite of federal protections that apply to listed species. Approximately twenty of the species on the Service’s list (the “work plan”) occur in Texas; sixteen of them are aquatic species living in the rivers and springs of Texas. As a result of voters approving Proposition 6, the state has new resources with which to fund water infrastructure projects to address projected future water demands. This paper examines whether water projects included in the Regional Water Plans and the State Water Plan and certain potential surface and groundwater withdrawals could impact any of the sixteen aquatic species in Texas that may be listed by the Service. The question, in broad terms, is whether the listings of the species could throw a wrench in the State Water Plan. The bulk of the water projects recommended in the State Water Plan and the Regional Plans focus on surface water, and the majority of the work plan species depend on groundwater for survival. For those projects that involve groundwater, the projects are in locations where species on the work plan are not found. Consequently, the authors conclude that, overall, the listing of aquatic species on the work plan will not impede the State water planning process, as the listings will only impact a small number of water projects recommended in the State Water Plan. The authors found that intersections between the listing of a species and a potential water project are limited to those projects planned in the upper Brazos River, where the possible listing of the sharpnose and smalleye shiners could affect construction of several reservoirs recommended in the State Water Plan, and in the Rio Grande River, where the possible listing of the Texas hornshell could impact construction of a low water weir.
Identification of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis gene expression signals

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis promoter-containing clones were isolated from a genomic DNA library constructed in the transcriptional-translational fusion vector pYUB76. The promoter-containing DNA fragments were identified in the surrogate host Mycobacterium smegmatis by expression of the promoterless lacZ reporter gene of pYUB76. The expression signals exhibited a wide range of strengths, as indicated by their corresponding beta-galactosidase activities. Eight clones were sequenced and characterized further. Predicted open reading frames and codon usage were identified by computer analysis. Database searching for related sequences using the BLAST method revealed no homologies. Transcriptional activity was measured by slot-blot hybridization with steady-state RNA isolated from lacZ+ M. smegmatis clones. Primer extension analysis identified the transcription start sites within the cloned fragments. The promoter regions characterized in this study were used to establish a consensus promoter sequence for M. paratuberculosis. M. paratuberculosis consensus hexanucleotide sequences of TGMCGT and CGGCCS centred approximately 35 and 10 bp upstream from the transcription startpoints do not correspond to the consensus hexanucleotides of Escherichia coli promoters.
Late Cretaceous paleogeography of Wrangellia: Paleomagnetism of the McColl Ridge Formation, southern Alaska, revisited: Comment: COMMENT

Introduction. [Stamatakos et al. (2001)][1] revisited the paleomagnetism of the MacColl Ridge Formation in Alaska, finding smaller northerly transport than a prior study, concluding that their result is incompatible with studies supporting large-scale transport of Coast-Cascade Belt terranes along
Experimental validation of the effects of microvasculature pigment packaging on in vivo diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.

Background Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) uses the steady-state diffuse reflectance measured from the tissue surface to determine absorption and scattering properties of sampled tissue. Many inverse models used to determine absorber properties have assumed a homogeneous distribution of blood. However, blood in tissue is confined to blood vessels that occupy a small fraction of the overall volume. This simplified assumption can lead to large errors when measuring optical properties. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of confining absorbers to small volumes, such as the microvasculature, on in vivo DRS. Study Design We fabricated multi-layer microfluidic devices to mimic blood vessels with a size similar to skin microvasculature. We studied the effect of varying channel size (diameter = 22 and 44 µm) and absorber concentration (10–80% food color dye in water) on diffuse reflectance measurements. We also examined the in vivo reflectance from normal skin and non-melanoma skin cancer on 14 patients. Results Our results demonstrate that both absorption coefficient and vessel diameter affect the diffuse reflectance spectra. An empirically calculated packaging correction factor based on our experiments shows good agreement with previous theoretical derivations of the same factor. In vivo measurements on normal skin and basal cell carcinoma show that incorporating a correction factor greatly improves the fit of the inverse model to the spectra. In addition, there were statistically significant differences in measured mean vessel diameter and blood volume fraction between normal skin and basal cell carcinoma. Conclusion We have demonstrated experimentally the effect of pigment packaging in blood vessels over a physiologically relevant range of blood vessel size and absorption. The correction factors implemented to account for the packaging effect could potentially be used as diagnostic parameters for diagnosing skin cancers. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:680–688, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of Boundary Spanning Communication on the Sociopolitical Delegitimation of an Organization

Based on recent developments in the institutional literature on organization/environment relations, this study explores the relationship between the boundary spanning communication of individual organization members and organizational legitimacy. The research examined this topic in the context of a specific case of organizational conflict between two individual members of the same organization: the head of one of New York State's largest agencies and a dissenting member of that organization's professional staff. Public disagreement between these organization members resulted in substantial opposition to the agency head—a reflection of organizational delegitimation—from an external political coalition. Responding to the primary research question posed in the study, analysis of interview and survey data revealed that perceptions regarding the nature of the boundary spanning communication of the agency head and the staff scientist contributed importantly to the sociopolitical delegitimation of the organization.
Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve Inference from a Sample with a Limit of Detection

The receiver operating characteristic curve is a commonly used tool for evaluating biomarker usefulness in clinical diagnosis of disease. Frequently, biomarkers being assessed have immeasurable or unreportable samples below some limit of detection. Ignoring observations below the limit of detection leads to negatively biased estimates of the area under the curve. Several correction methods are suggested in the areas of mean estimation and testing but nothing regarding the receiver operating characteristic curve or its summary measures. In this paper, the authors show that replacement values below the limit of detection, including those suggested, result in the same biased area under the curve when properly accounted for, but they also provide guidance on the usefulness of these values in limited situations. The authors demonstrate maximum likelihood techniques leading to asymptotically unbiased estimators of the area under the curve for both normally and gamma distributed biomarker levels. Confidence intervals are proposed, the coverage probability of which is scrutinized by simulation study. An example using polychlorinated biphenyl levels to classify women with and without endometriosis illustrates the potential benefits of these methods.
Concurrent Task Management and Prospective Memory: Pilot Error as a Model for the Vulnerability of Experts:

In five of the 27 major U.S. airline accidents between 1987 and 2001 in which the NTSB found crew error to be a causal factor, inadvertent omission of a normal procedural step played a pivotal role. Such omissions are a form of prospective memory error. My research group is attempting to link real-world prospective memory phenomena with task demands and with underlying cognitive processes. I briefly summarize studies from three quite different but complementary approaches: ethnographic studies, analyses of accident and incident reports, and laboratory studies. Five types of situation presented prospective memory challenges: episodic tasks, habitual tasks, atypical actions substituted for habitual actions, interrupted tasks, and interleaving tasks/monitoring. An experimental study found that inadequate encoding, inadequate cueing, and competing demands for attention make individuals vulnerable to forgetting to resume interrupted tasks.
Interferon-γ Expression in Jejunal Biopsies in Experimental Human Cryptosporidiosis Correlates with Prior Sensitization and Control of Oocyst Excretion

To investigate the role of interferon (IFN)-gamma in human cryptosporidiosis, jejunal biopsies from experimentally infected volunteers and chronically infected AIDS patients were examined for IFN-gamma expression by in situ hybridization. IFN-gamma expression was compared with oocyst excretion, baseline serum anti-Cryptosporidium antibody, and symptoms. IFN-gamma mRNA was detected in biopsies from 13 of 26 volunteers after experimental infection but not in biopsies taken before C. parvum exposure or in biopsies from patients with AIDS-associated cryptosporidiosis. After challenge, 9 of 10 volunteers with baseline C. parvum antibody produced IFN-gamma, compared with 4 of 16 volunteers without baseline antibody (P<.01). Furthermore, IFN-gamma mRNA was detected in 9 of 13 volunteers who did not excrete oocysts, compared with 4 of 13 with organisms (P<.05). Thus, expression of IFN-gamma in the jejunum was associated with prior sensitization and absence of oocyst shedding. IFN-gamma production may explain the resistance to infection noted in sensitized persons but may not be involved in control of human primary infection.
Freshwater Fishing Participation Patterns of Racial and Ethnic Groups in Texas

Abstract The goal of this paper was to understand differences in the recreational fishing behavior of African-American, Mexican-American, and Anglo anglers in Texas. Hypotheses about different behaviors in recreational fishing were generated from documented differences in the cultural patterns of these groups as well as alternative theories of outdoor recreation behavior. Data from four Texas statewide angler surveys were used to test hypotheses. Twelve measures of participation were identified as subject to racial and ethnic differentiation. Except for the rate of licensed participation, only males were included in group comparisons because of the limited sample size of minority female anglers. Results indicated significant differences among racial and ethnic groups for 10 participation variables, all of which were generally consistent with what was expected from previous research. Anglo males were more likely than all other racial and gender groups (African-American males, African-American females, and ...
Novel Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Renewable-Resource Based Carbon-Magnetite Nanocomposites

Abstract Magnetic carbon-iron oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using tannin, a renewable resource material, in combination with a microwave-based thermolytic process without the addition of any inert or reducing gas during the synthesis. The predominant iron oxide species present in these particles has been determined by XRD and FT-IR to be magnetite (Fe3O4). These iron oxide nanoparticles are embedded within a carbon matrix in small clusters generally ≤100 nm in size. The resulting powder is approximately 48% (w/w) magnetite, and has been characterized by magnetic susceptibility and SQUID analysis.
Magnetoelectrostatic Confinement of Maxwellian and NonMaxwellian Plasmas

Abstract The unique features of the improved plasma confinement discovered earlier using automated optimization software have been explored. Reduced performance was associated with nonMaxwellian electron and ion distributions which are not electrostatically well confined. Enhanced confinement corresponds to Maxwellian electron and ion distributions.
Simulating the Fate of Fall‐ and Spring‐Applied Poultry Litter Nitrogen in Corn Production

Knowledge of the fate of manure N is important to effectively manage it and minimize its environmental impact. The system model RZWQM2 was calibrated and evaluated using 3 yr of data to simulate the mineralization and fate of fall- and spring-applied poultry litter N. Litter (18 Mg ha) and, for comparison, NHNO (202 kg N ha) were applied in fall and spring from 2006 to 2008 in a corn (L.) field near Starkville, MS. The model estimated that 57% (279 kg ha) of the total litter N applied in the fall and 51% (249 kg ha) of that applied in the spring had mineralized by the end of the first year in November. The loss of mineralized litter N by the end of the first year was 24 vs. 9% of the total applied for the fall vs. spring applications, respectively. At the end of the experiment in November 2008, 88% of the total 1507 kg ha litter N applied in the previous three falls and 72% of that applied in the previous three springs was mineralized. The loss of mineralized litter N averaged across the 3 yr was 162 kg ha (37% of the total mineralized) if applied in the fall and only 55 kg ha (15% of the total mineralized) if applied in the spring. The primary avenue of litter N loss was leaching if applied in the fall and denitrification if applied in the spring. These results clearly demonstrate that spring is the best time to apply litter in the southeastern United States.
Nephron segment specific microRNA biomarkers of pre-clinical drug-induced renal toxicity: Opportunities and challenges

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is a common drug development complication for pharmaceutical companies. Sensitive, specific, translatable and non-invasive biomarkers of renal toxicity are urgently needed to diagnose nephron segment specific injury. The currently available gold standard biomarkers for nephrotoxicity are not kidney-specific, lack sensitivity for early detection, and are not suitable for renal damage localization (glomerular vs tubulointerstitial injury). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly gaining momentum as promising biomarkers of various organ toxicities, including drug induced renal injury. This is mostly due to their stability in easily accessible biofluids, ease of developing nucleic acids detection compared to protein detection assays, as well as their interspecies translatability. Increasing concordance of miRNA findings by standardizing methodology most suitable for their detection and quantitation, as well as characterization of their expression pattern in a cell type specific manner, will accelerate progress toward validation of these miRNAs as biomarkers in pre-clinical, and clinical settings. This review aims to highlight the current pre-clinical findings surrounding miRNAs as biomarkers in two important segments of the nephron, the glomerulus and tubules.
Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) for Suicidality in Military Populations

This article describes a set of “common elements” underlying a new approach to the clinical management and treatment of suicidality and provides a general description of brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) in treating suicidality in military populations. BCBT was developed and adapted to the unique treatment environment of a military setting, one that limits the ability to offer intensive and enduring psychotherapy. BCBT offers a unique alternative to traditional psychotherapy, to reduce suicidal behavior and improve the patient's ability to more fully participate in longer-term therapy for targeted Axis I and II disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder and/or major depression.
Evaluation of a sequential extraction process used for determining mercury binding mechanisms to coal combustion byproducts.

Abstract Leaching of mercury from coal combustion byproducts is a concern because of the toxicity of mercury. Leachability of mercury can be assessed by using sequential extraction procedures. Sequential extraction procedures are commonly used to determine the speciation and mobility of trace metals in solid samples and are designed to differentiate among metals bound by different mechanisms and to different solid phases. This study evaluated the selectivity and effectiveness of a sequential extraction process used to determine mercury binding mechanisms to various materials. A six-step sequential extraction process was applied to laboratory-synthesized materials with known mercury concentrations and binding mechanisms. These materials were calcite, hematite, goethite, and titanium dioxide. Fly ash from a full-scale power plant was also investigated. The concentrations of mercury were measured using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry, whereas the major elements were measured by ICP atomic ...
Attosecond Electronic Band Dynamics

High harmonic extreme ultraviolet pulses are used to investigate time dynamics in oxide materials and conduction bands by probing the metal edges following pulsed visible excitation of carriers across the band gap.
Comparative Study about Wetland Eco-Security Assessment Model

Wetland ecological environment quality is a hot issue.Wetland ecological system integrity and sustainability can be identified and judged by wetland eco-security assessment,and the safety quality of the wetland ecosystem can be described quantitatively.Advantages and disadvantages are compared between several assessment models.Since every method has its own characteristics,the wetland assessment model should be selected appropriately for the evaluation scale so that the wetland eco-security early warning mechanism is established,wetland environment management and protective system are strengthened,and thereby the sustainable development of wetland and better wetland service to humanity are realized.
Radiological features of uncommon aneurysms of the cardiovascular system

Although aortic aneurysms are the most common type encountered clinically, they do not span the entire spectrum of possible aneurysms of the cardiovascular system. As cross sectional imaging techniques with cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging continue to improve and becomes more commonplace, once rare cardiovascular aneurysms are being encountered at higher rates. In this review, a series of uncommon, yet clinically important, cardiovascular aneurysms will be presented with review of epidemiology, clinical presentation and complications, imaging features and relevant differential diagnoses, and aneurysm management.
The Organic Corporatist Model

Whereas liberal entrepreneurs stress individual rights in a market economy, organic corporatists focus on more collectivist principles regulating the market. According to these classical ‘conservative’ values, communal obligations, order, hierarchy, and social differentiation take precedence over individual rationalism, equality, homogeneity, social leveling, and income redistribution. Societies form an organic whole, rather than an aggregate of individual atoms. Communal institutions like the church and family help preserve a society’s historical continuity. Along with the government, they maintain order amid group diversity.
Beyond the Middle Finger: Plato, Schiller and the Political Aesthetics of Ai Weiwei

The photograph of Ai Weiwei’s middle finger set against the backdrop of Tiananmen Square has become an icon of politically subversive art. But can we see beyond the middle finger? Here I argue that...
Impacts of Rotation Schemes on Ground-Dwelling Beneficial Arthropods

Crop rotation alters agroecosystem diversity temporally, and increasing the number of crops in rotation schemes can increase crop yields and reduce reliance on pesticides. We hypothesized that increasing the number of crops in annual rotation schemes would positively affect ground-dwelling beneficial arthropod communities. During 2012 and 2013, pitfall traps were used to measure activity-density and diversity of ground-dwelling communities within three previously established, long-term crop rotation studies located in Wisconsin and Illinois. Rotation schemes sampled included continuous corn, a 2-yr annual rotation of corn and soybean, and a 3-yr annual rotation of corn, soybean, and wheat. Insects captured were identified to family, and non-insect arthropods were identified to class, order, or family, depending upon the taxa. Beneficial arthropods captured included natural enemies, granivores, and detritivores. The beneficial community from continuous corn plots was significantly more diverse compared with the community in the 2-yr rotation, whereas the community in the 3-yr rotation did not differ from either rotation scheme. The activity-density of the total community and any individual taxa did not differ among rotation schemes in either corn or soybean. Crop species within all three rotation schemes were annual crops, and are associated with agricultural practices that make infield habitat subject to anthropogenic disturbances and temporally unstable. Habitat instability and disturbance can limit the effectiveness and retention of beneficial arthropods, including natural enemies, granivores, and detritivores. Increasing non-crop and perennial species within landscapes in conjunction with more diverse rotation schemes may increase the effect of biological control of pests by natural enemies.
Long-Term Prognosis of Deferred Acute Coronary Syndrome Lesions Based on Nonischemic Fractional Flow Reserve.

Abstract Background Deferring percutaneous coronary intervention in nonischemic lesions by fractional flow reserve (FFR) is associated with excellent long-term prognosis in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). Although FFR is increasingly used for clinical decision making in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with intermediate lesions, its effect on long-term prognosis has not been well established. Objectives This study investigated the clinical and prognostic utility of FFR in ACS patients with percutaneous coronary intervention deferred on the basis of nonischemic FFR. Methods We studied 206 consecutive ACS patients with 262 intermediate lesions and 370 patients with SIHD (528 lesions) in whom revascularization was deferred on the basis of a nonischemic FFR (>0.75). The primary outcome measure was a composite of myocardial infarction and target vessel failure (major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]). Results In the entire cohort, the long-term (3.4 ± 1.6 years) MACE rate was higher in the ACS group than in the SIHD group (23% vs. 11%, p Conclusions Deferring percutaneous coronary intervention on the basis of nonischemic FFR in patients with an initial presentation of ACS is associated with significantly worse outcomes than SIHD. Caution is warranted in using FFR values derived from patients with SIHD for clinical decision making in ACS patients.
Designing an Intellectually Challenging Political Science Internship Program

This paper examines three models for an academically-challenging political science internship program, and explores the extent to which these models are utilized in a small sample of existing political science internship programs.
Residual Limb Hyperhidrosis Managed by Botulinum Toxin Injections, Enhanced by the Iodine-Starch Test: A Case Report

Abstract Hyperhidrosis of the residual limb is a common condition affecting patients with amputations. The iodine-starch test is used by dermatologists to identify focal areas of hyperhidrosis before treatment with botulinum toxin. Here, we describe a case of a patient with a transtibial amputation with moderate-to-severe hyperhidrosis who received intradermal botulinum toxin injections to treat residual limb hyperhidrosis, with particular emphasis given to the utility of the iodine-starch test in managing this common condition. The iodine-starch test successfully identified hyperhidrotic areas before treatment as well as confirmed the physiologic anhidrotic effect of the botulinum toxin treatment. Level of Evidence V
Physician perspectives on de-intensifying diabetes medications

Guidelines for diabetes care recommend that physicians select individualized glycemic goals based on life expectancy, diabetes duration, comorbidity, and resources/support. When patients have stable hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels, guidelines lack recommendations on when diabetes medications should be de-intensified. To understand physicians’ perspectives on de-intensifying diabetes medications in patients with type 2 diabetes. Cross-sectional survey, (February–June, 2015). Academic medical center and suburban integrated health system. Primary care and endocrinology physicians. Physicians’ self-reported: awareness, agreement, and frequency of individualizing HbA1C goals; practice of de-intensifying diabetes medications; HbA1C values at which physicians de-intensify diabetes medications; and other patient factors physicians consider when de-intensifying diabetes medications. Response rate was 73% (156/213). Most physicians (78%) responded they were familiar with recommendations to individualize HbA1C goals. For patients with stable HbA1C levels, 80% of physicians reported they had initiated conversations about stopping medications; however, physicians differed in predefined HbA1C levels used to initiate conversations (HbA1C < 5.7%: 14%; HbA1C < 6.0%: 31%; HbA1C < 6.5%: 22%; individualized level: 21%). In multiple logistic regression, women physicians (odds ratio [OR] 3.0; confidence interval [CI] 1.1–8.2; P = 0.03) and physicians practicing fewer than 20 years (OR 2.8; CI 1.01–7.7; P = 0.048) were more likely to report de-intensifying diabetes medications. Individualizing glycemic goals and de-intensifying treatments are concepts well accepted by physicians in our sample. However, physicians vary considerably in reporting how they carry out recommendations to individualize and may be missing opportunities to stop or taper diabetes medications based on patients’ individualized glycemic goals.
A self-improvement to the Cauchy–Schwarz inequality

Abstract We present a self improvement to the Cauchy–Schwarz inequality, which in the probability case yields [ E ( X Y ) ] 2 ≤ E ( X 2 ) E ( Y 2 ) − ( | E ( X ) | Var ( Y ) − | E ( Y ) | Var ( X ) ) 2 . It is to be noted that the additional term to the inequality only involves the marginal first two moments for X and Y , and not any joint property. We also provide the discrete improvement to the inequality.
Abstract A62: Assessment of genetic diversity of EphB2 and its role as a genetic risk factor for prostate cancer among African American men

Our group was the first to implicate the EphB2 tyrosine kinase receptor as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer (PC), where we reported somatic inactivating mutations occurring in 5%–10% of sporadic tumors. With its role in maintaining normal epithelial architecture and functional data suggestive of a tumor suppressor in both prostate and colon cancer, EphB2 is an attractive candidate genetic risk factor for PC. First, in a screen of EphB2 coding variants in African American familial and sporadic cases and controls, we showed that the frequency of a common germline nonsense mutation (K1019X) was significantly higher in African American men with a positive family history of prostate cancer as compared to matched controls. Following on these findings, we hypothesized that there might be other common variants in EphB2 that confer risk of sporadic prostate cancer among African American men. To test this hypothesis, we genotyped 490 African American cases and 567 matched controls with 335 genetic variants mapping within the EphB2 locus. SNPs genotyped included all haplotype tagging SNPs based on the Yoruban population of Ibadan, Nigeria, International HapMap data, and several novel coding variants discovered by Sanger sequencing. Logistic regression revealed 10 variants showing statistically significant association with prostate cancer risk after correction for multiple testing, including rs4654822 (Odds Ratio = 0.59 (CI=0.47–0.74; P=4.0X10-06). Furthermore, to supplement these data, we used Next Generation Sequencing to interrogate the entire EphB2 genomic locus in a pool of 400 African American cases and controls for discovery of all EphB2 common variants in our cohort. This represents ∼200,000 basepairs of total genomic sequence in 800 haploid genomes or 160,000,000 bases of DNA sequence. Using the Applied Biosystems SOLiD system, we generated >500,000,000 bases of sequence in a single run. We are currently analyzing these data using bioinformatics tools to discover novel common and rare variants in the EphB2 gene, with a focus on regions encompassing SNPs showing association to prostate cancer. We hope to further validate SNPs showing association to prostate cancer and any nearby novel SNPs identified by our sequencing efforts in an independent cohort of men of recent African descent. These data form the basis of an extremely thorough analysis of EphB2 as a genetic risk factor for prostate cancer among men of recent African descent.