cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of customization and gender on customers' attitude

Abstract This study investigates whether customization and gender have a significant effect on consumers’ attitude towards menu options at a given restaurant. It also examines the outcome that gender has on perceived control and decision-making. Hypotheses were developed using hypothetical restaurant menu-based scenarios and surveys. Our results indicated that male customers exhibited a similar level of attitude across both ‘build-your-own’ and ‘you-pick-two’ customization conditions. However, female customers showed more overall positive attitudes toward the ‘build-your-own’ menu as compared to the ‘you-pick-two’ menu. Depending on gender based target markets for restaurants, managers should employ different menu design strategies to attract customers.
Inhibition of hemoglobin production by transferrin-gallium

Recent clinical trials evaluating gallium nitrate as a chemotherapeutic agent have reported the development of microcytic hypochromic anemia in patients treated with this agent. Because gallium is known to bind avidly to transferrin, we examined the effect of transferrin-gallium (Tf-Ga) on hemoglobin production by Friend erythroleukemia cells in vitro. Cellular hemoglobin production, as assessed by benzidine staining, cellular hemoglobin content, and 59Fe incorporation into heme, was significantly decreased following exposure of cells to Tf-Ga. Tf-Ga led to an early decrease in cellular 59Fe incorporation even before changes in hemoglobin production were detected. A marked increase in cellular transferrin receptor expression occurred following exposure of cells to Tf-Ga. Tf-Ga inhibition of hemoglobin production could be reversed and hemoglobin production could be restored to normal by addition to the media of either transferrin-iron (Tf-Fe) or iron-pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone, a compound capable of supplying iron directly to reticulocytes for heme synthesis without transferrin as a mediator. These studies provide an explanation for the development of anemia in patients treated with gallium nitrate and suggest that gallium's mechanism of chemotherapeutic action includes inhibition of cellular iron incorporation.
Prostate: Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy has the advantage of delivering a high tumoricidal dose of radiation to the target volume, while giving low doses to the surrounding normal tissues as dose falloff obeys the inverse square law. It therefore offers an elegant means of treating prostate cancer avoiding the anatomical disruption of major surgery or the more widespread radiation effects associated with external beam therapy.
Picosecond Laser Induced Fluorescence Probing of NO2 Photofragments

The UV photolysis of nitromethane has been studied extensively for many years [1–12]. It is now generally accepted that the primary photodissociation process leads to formation of the free radicals CH3 and NO2 in the reaction: \( CH_3 NO_2 \xrightarrow{{h\nu }}CH_3 + NO_2 \) We have performed 264 nm photolysis of nitromethane in the gas phase and have observed formation of ground-state NO2 product within the 5 ps pulse resolution time of our laser. This represents the first direct observation of the initial fragments of nitromethane photodecomposition with picosecond time resolution. We have employed a newly developed Nd:phosphate glass laser system, mode-locked and repetitively pulsed at 0.2 Hz [13]. The presence of NO2 radicals was probed by its fluorescence induced with a second harmonic pulse at 527 nm. Thus using picosecond-delayed laser induced fluorescence (LIF) in the gas phase (0.1 to 10 Torr), we have been able to observe ground-state product formation in the collision free regime. The technique of exciting fragment molecules to a fluorescent state has proved to be a particularly well adapted approach to detecting gas phase species at low concentrations.
Three Rs of Operations Management: Research, Relevance, and Rewards

This article presents three personal experiences and reflections on the process and objective of research in operations management. This invited OM Forum contribution is based on my Manufacturing and Service Operations Management Distinguished Fellow inaugural lecture given at Columbia University on June 18, 2012.
Plasmon-Enhanced Electron Injection in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Recent experiments have shown that the efficiency of photoinduced electron transfer from sensitizers (molecules or quantum dots) to semiconductors can be enhanced by coupling the sensitizers to plasmon resonances in metal nanoparticles. Here, we use a model-Hamiltonian approach to show theoretically that there is an optimal coupling between the sensitizer and plasmons that maximizes the electron-transfer efficiency. This optimum results from the competition between electron transfer, plasmon relaxation, and plasmon decoherence. For coupling values that exceed the optimal value, the dynamics of electron transfer from the sensitizer to the semiconductor can be significantly modified due to the sensitizer–plasmon coupling.
Function to origin: national identity and national genius emerge, c. 1700–1780

If an average Lowland Scottish gentleman were approached around 1700 and asked to play “One of these things is not like the others” with the list of tunes I presented in my Introduction, he would almost certainly have singled out neither of the two pieces we might choose today – not the French air (the only piece from outside of Scotland) and not the fiddle dance (arguably the only real “folk” tune in modern parlance). Instead, he would probably pick the bagpipe pibroch. He would most likely find this bagpipe music extremely foreign, even strange (whereas he might well know a version of the Lully tune, which circulated around Europe in different forms). Even in the unlikely event that this particular Lowland gentleman just happened to possess enough Highland connections to have a passing familiarity with the pibroch genre and its stylized ornaments and repetitions, he would probably still consider the bagpipe piece the odd one out. Unlike the other two melodies, the pibroch was an occasional piece with a rigid set of performance rules, and it did not lend itself to dancing. In other words: for the purpose of categorizing the pieces, the Lowland gentleman would not really care who wrote them, or even where they came from. He would want to know how they functioned , how they were being used in a specific circumstance.
An extension to empirical likelihood for evaluating probability weighted moments

Abstract The scientific literature has addressed widely the theoretical and applied framework based on probability weighted moments (PWMs). PWMs generalize the concept of conventional moments of a probability function. These methods are commonly applied for modeling extremes of natural phenomena. We propose and examine empirical likelihood (EL) inference methods for PWMs. This approach extends the classical EL technique for evaluating usual moments, including the population mean. We provide an asymptotic proposition, extending a well-known nonparametric version of Wilks theorem used to evaluate the Type I error rates of EL ratio tests. This result is applied in order to develop a powerful nonparametric EL ratio test and the corresponding distribution-free confidence interval (CI) estimation of the PWMs. We show that the proposed method can be easily employed towards inference of the Gini index, a widely used measure for assessing distributional inequality. An extensive Monte Carlo (MC) study shows that the proposed technique provides a well-controlled Type I error rate, as well as very accurate CI estimation, that outperforms the CI estimation based on the classical schemes to analyze the PWMs. These results are clearly observed in the cases when underlying data are skewed and/or consist of a relatively small number of data points. A real data example of myocardial infarction disease is used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method.
Low-noise low-mass front end electronics for low-background physics experiments using germanium detectors

A low-noise resistive-feedback front-end electronics assembly has been developed for use with p-type point contact (PPC) Ge detectors in low background experiments. The front end was designed to have a low mass and potentially low radioactivity. It is fabricated on a fused silica substrate, and consists of a low-noise JFET, a feedback resistor formed from an amorphous Ge thin film, and feedback capacitor based on the stray capacitance between circuit traces. The substrate provides the appropriate thermal impedance to allow the FET to operate at the optimal temperature from self-heating when one side of the substrate is held at liquid nitrogen temperature. A noise level of 85 eV FWHM at 20 us peaking time has been observed in combination with a small PPC detector, the 1/f contribution being as low as 30 eV for the front end alone. This approach of employing ultra-low-mass and low-noise front-end electronics in combination with larger-size PPC detectors can be an enabling technology towards the observation of particles and processes such as neutrino-less double-beta, coherent neutrino scattering or cold dark matter.
Crafting for spirituality: projected light as a model for the cultural imagination

The increasing visibility of works in public settings using projection systems creates a range of potentials for the arts and cultural communities.Projection and projection mapping systems offer new possibilities for the display and visibility of media imagery, and they do so in forms which are not subject to the teleological constraints of screens as display surfaces.The shift from the framed, determined space of the screen to a potentially infinite range of image spaces, has implications for representation at its most fundamental levels.In contrast to the fixed, culturally determined praxis of the image within the "frame" of the screen, projection is both a transformation of objects and spaces, and a perpetually liminal process. Between the virtual and the extant, projected light is indeterminate both spatially and temporally. Projection operates as a series of potentials, modeling a metaphysics that breaks with Cartesian duality.Projected light, in breaking with the language of the screen, offers a model of the media text as neither fixed or persistent, providing both a cue to the imagination and a perspective for metaphysical inquiry.
Extrinsic visual feedback and additional cognitive/physical demands affect single-limb balance control in individuals with ankle instability

Extrinsic visual feedback and additional cognitive/physical demands affect single-limb balance control in individuals with ankle instability
Long-standing Crohn’s disease and its implication on anal squamous cell cancer management

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is rare, accounting for only 1% of gastrointestinal malignancies. We sought to better understand management strategies for ASCC in the setting of Crohn’s disease (CD). A retrospective chart review from 2001 to 2016 was conducted using ICD-9/10 codes for CD (555.9/K50) and ASCC (154.3/C44.520). Adult patients with a diagnosis of CD at the time of ASCC diagnosis were included. Seven patients (five female) were included with a median age of 50 years. The majority presented with perianal pain (three) and bleeding (four). Mean duration of CD was 20 years. Five patients had active perianal fistulizing disease at the time of ASCC diagnosis. Clinical stage at diagnosis of ASCC was stage 0 (n = 1), stage I (n = 1), stage II (n = 1), stage III (n = 2), stage IV (n = 1), and unknown (n = 1). All patients were treated with radiation and chemotherapy. Three patients experienced complications during radiation therapy: fistulizing disease, stenotic disease, and flap necrosis. Two patients had persistent disease at 6 months; one patient underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR) and the other chemotherapy and radiation. Two patients developed locally residual and metastatic disease and died within 1 year of diagnosis. Five-year disease-free survival was 56%. While the standard Nigro protocol remains standard of care in patients with ASCC, in the setting of CD, patients may be best approached as a case-by-case basis and may even require an operation first due to complications from radiation and aggressive nature of disease. Due to poor treatment outcomes, surveillance guidelines for this patient population are necessary.
Growth and Development

Youth with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders have the potential for delays or deficits in motor skills, cognitive development, and sensory processing as these are more common in autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental disorders than same-aged peers without one of these diagnoses. This chapter will explore the impact these delays and deficits have on health behaviors and BMI. Healthcare providers will need to understand the level of delay and/or deficits the youth is experiencing and services that are in place to address the delay/deficit in order to develop treatment goals to increase health behaviors that will have a positive impact on BMI.
Topology optimization for linear stationary stochastic dynamics: Applications to frame structures

Abstract This work develops some foundations of topology optimization for the robust design of structural systems subjected to general stationary stochastic dynamic loads. Three methods are explored to evaluate the dynamic response – the time domain, frequency domain, and state space methods – and the associated design variable sensitivities are derived analytically. The resulting stochastic dynamic topology optimization problem is solved using the gradient-based optimizer Method of Moving Asymptotes (MMA). Sensitivities are computed using the adjoint method and the popular Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) is used to achieve clear existence of structural members. The approach is used to design the lateral load systems of structures that minimize the variance of the system response to stationary stochastic ground motion excitation. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the differences between topologies optimized for stochastic ground motion and topologies optimized for equivalent static loading.
TRIM23 mediates virus-induced autophagy via activation of TBK1

Autophagy and interferon (IFN)-mediated innate immunity are critical antiviral defence mechanisms, and recent evidence indicated that tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins are important regulators of both processes. Although the role of TRIM proteins in modulating antiviral cytokine responses has been well established, much less is known about their involvement in autophagy in response to different viral pathogens. Through a targeted RNAi screen examining the relevance of selected TRIM proteins in autophagy induced by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and influenza A virus (IAV), we identified several TRIM proteins that regulate autophagy in a virus-species-specific manner, as well as a few TRIM proteins that were essential for autophagy triggered by all three viruses and rapamycin, among them TRIM23. TRIM23 was critical for autophagy-mediated restriction of multiple viruses, and this activity was dependent on both its RING E3 ligase and ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) GTPase activity. Mechanistic studies revealed that unconventional K27-linked auto-ubiquitination of the ARF domain is essential for the GTP hydrolysis activity of TRIM23 and activation of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) by facilitating its dimerization and ability to phosphorylate the selective autophagy receptor p62. Our work identifies the TRIM23-TBK1-p62 axis as a key component of selective autophagy and further reveals a role for K27-linked ubiquitination in GTPase-dependent TBK1 activation.
Diseases of the Pulmonary Vascular System

output, is diverted away from the lungs through the widely patent ductus arteriosus to the descending thoracic aorta [27]. Midway through gestation, pulmonary blood fl ow is approximately 3%–4% of the total combined ventricular output. This value increases progressively, reaching about 6% at 80% gestation, when the release of surface active material into lung fl uid begins and up to a maximum of 8%–10% at or near term [21,28,29]. Fetal pulmonary arterial pressure also increases with advancing gestation. At term, mean pulmonary arterial pressure is about 50 mm Hg, generally exceeding the mean descending aortic pressure by 1–2 mm Hg [28,30]. Pulmonary vascular resistance, which is extremely high in early gestation, falls progressively as pulmonary arterial development advances, which increases the cross-sectional area of the pulmonary circulation; however, the pulmonary vascular resistance of the fetus is still much higher than that of the neonate after birth [27,31]. A number of mechanisms have been implicated in the maintenance of the high pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure during fetal life. These include mechanical factors, the low oxygen tension of fetal pulmonary and systemic blood, leukotrienes, thromboxane, ET-1, NO, prostaglandin (PG) I2, plateletderived growth factor (PDGF), and K channels (32).
Anatomy of Entry in a Nascent Phase of Industry: the Ascendant Curve by Technological Traits

This research aims to theoretically identify fine-grained entry patterns in a nascent stage of a technology-intensive industry in evolutionary and problem-solving perspectives on technology. This s...
Beyond PDP: the frequency modulation neural network architecture

This paper proposes the Frequency Modulation Neural Network as an alternative to current neural-net models. This proposal is for an architecture of a heterogeneous neural-network in which information is propagated using frequency modulation of pulses oscillated by groups of neurons. The FMNN model enables operations including variable-binding, sequential recognitions and predictions. The use of FM signals for communication among neural clusters also enables the model to avoid communication bottlenecks arising in most massively parallel computer architectures.
Colorectal cancer screening in patients with spinal cord injury yields similar results to the general population with an effective bowel preparation: a retrospective chart audit.

Retrospective chart audit. To compare adequacy of colonoscopy bowel preparation and diagnostic findings between persons with SCI receiving an extended inpatient bowel preparation and the general population. Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA. We reviewed an electronic database of all colonoscopies performed at a tertiary Veterans Affairs medical center between 7/12/13 and 15/10/15. Patients with SCI received a multi-day bowel preparation with magnesium citrate, and 8–10 liters of polyethylene glycol-3350 and electrolyte colonic lavage solution (PEG-ELS) over two and one half days. The control population received a standard bowel preparation consisting of magnesium citrate and 4 liters of PEG-ELS over 1 day. Two hundred and fifty-five patients were included in the study, including 85 patients with SCI. Average risk screening was a more common colonoscopy indication in patients with SCI vs. the control population (24 vs. 13% p = 0.03). There was no difference in adequacy of bowel preparation (87 vs. 85%, p = 0.73) or adenoma detection rate (55 vs. 51%, p = 0.59) when comparing patients with SCI with the control population. No difference in polyp histopathology was detected (p = 0.748). Our study demonstrated that an extended bowel preparation for patients with SCI produces similar bowel preparation results and diagnostic yield when compared to patients without SCI undergoing colonoscopy.
Beyond the Jobs versus Amenities Debate: Understanding the Migration of Educated Workers and Implications for Planning:

A skilled workforce is essential to regional growth and competitiveness, yet what is needed to attract and retain a talent base is a matter of long-standing debate. Through a qualitative longitudin...
Physiological FDG Uptake in the Uterus and Ovary

The normal FDG uptake on PET/MR for the uterus and ovaries depends upon many factors, including the patient’s age and stage of menstrual cycle. No abnormalities should be seen on corresponding MRI images.
eImage: Elements and Effects of Positive Organizational Online Identity

Businesses and individuals must appear both capable and trustworthy in order to be successful in the online environment, including electronic commerce transactions. This chapter presents recent findings and implications of these findings on the eImage paradigm first suggested by Gregg and Walczak (MIS Quarterly 32:653–670, 2008). Perceptions of capability and trustworthiness are formed using a variety of digital signals including the aesthetic and informational quality of an individual’s or organization’s website, third-party evaluations, and electronic communications, among others. Knowledge of the various factors that influence perceptions of capability and trustworthiness will enable individuals and businesses to improve their eImage or online identity. Suggestions are made for future research needed in this domain.
Multiplex tandem mass spectrometry assay for newborn screening of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, biotinidase deficiency, and galactosemia with flexibility to assay other enzyme assays and biomarkers

Abstract All States screen for biotinidase deficiency and galactosemia, and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) has recently been added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP).We sought to consolidate these tests by combining them into a single multiplex tandem mass spectrometry assay as well as to improve the current protocol for newborn screening of galactosemia.A 3 mm punch of a dried blood spot (DBS) was extracted with organic solvent for analysis of the C26:0-lysophosphatidylcholine biomarker for X-ALD.An additional punch was used to assay galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) and biotinidase.All assays were combined for a single injection for analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (2.3 min per sample).The GALT LC-MS/MS assay does not give a false positive for galactosemia if glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is deficient.The multiplex assay shows acceptable reproducibility and provides for rapid analysis of X-ALD, biotinidase deficiency, and galactosemia.The throughput and ease of sample preparation are acceptable for newborn screening laboratories.We also show that the LC-MS/MS assay is expandable to include several other diseases including Pompe and Hurler diseases (enzymatic activities and biomarkers).Because of consolidation of assays, less manpower is needed compared to running individual assays on separate platforms.The flexibility of the LC-MS/MS platform allows each newborn screening laboratory to analyze the set of diseases offered in their panel.
Cooperative halogen bonding and polarized π-stacking in the formation of coloured charge-transfer co-crystals

Red co-crystals are formed between the matched complementary electron rich halogen bond acceptors, isomeric 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenylethynylpyridines and the electron poor halogen bond donor, 1-(3,5-dinitrophenylethynyl)-2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-iodobenzene. The red 1 : 1 cocrystals exhibit strong halogen bonding and strong π-stacking. The N⋯I distances range from 2.80 to 2.85 A and the C–I⋯N angles are between 169.9 and 175.8°. In all four structures the donor and acceptor molecules are alternately π-stacked with the centroid to centroid distances between the dinitrophenyl moiety and the dimethylaminophenyl moiety ranging from 3.61 to 3.73 A. The calculated π–π stacking binding energy is −22.24 kcal mol−1 for the complex between 4-[4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenylethynyl]pyridine and 1-(3,5-dinitrophenylethynyl)-2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-iodobenzene while the calculated halogen bond binding energy between the same couple is −7.97 kcal mol−1.
Physical growth drives vocal sequence development in marmoset infants

The vocal sequences of marmosets exhibit many drastic changes during infancy. One of the most pronounced of these is the gradual convergence from a variety of call types in the undirected context to long distance contact calls (aka phee calls). We conjecture that such change is attributed to the interplay between the neural fluctuation and the biomechanics of the developing vocal periphery. To explore such possibility, we first quantitatively characterize vocal sequences and correlate them with animal momentary arousal levels. Based on this, we show that the diversity of respiratory and laryngeal patterns, as well as the commonly produced sequence transitions, can be generated via simple coupled oscillators with a low-dimensional input. In addition, the model predicts that as the respiratory apparatus grows, not only does the oscillatory period increase, but also the proportions of call types become biased towards phee calls. We further empirically test this hypothesis by placing the marmoset infants in a helium-oxygen (heliox) environment where the much lighter air reduces vocal effort, simulating smaller lungs. Consistent with the model prediction, the heliox manipulation reduces phee call duration and increases the proportion of other call types.The vocal sequences of marmosets exhibit many drastic changes during infancy. One of the most pronounced of these is the gradual convergence from a variety of call types in the undirected context to long distance contact calls (aka phee calls). We conjecture that such change is attributed to the interplay between the neural fluctuation and the biomechanics of the developing vocal periphery. To explore such possibility, we first quantitatively characterize vocal sequences and correlate them with animal momentary arousal levels. Based on this, we show that the diversity of respiratory and laryngeal patterns, as well as the commonly produced sequence transitions, can be generated via simple coupled oscillators with a low-dimensional input. In addition, the model predicts that as the respiratory apparatus grows, not only does the oscillatory period increase, but also the proportions of call types become biased towards phee calls. We further empirically test this hypothesis by placing the marmoset infants in a...
Gravitational and shear-associated pressure gradients in the abdomen

The abdomen has been variously characterized as a hydrostatic system, in which pressures exhibit a gravitational gradient and pressure fluctuations are spatially uniform, and as a compartment, in which pressure gradients are not simply gravitational and pressure fluctuations differ markedly from place to place. To characterize the pressures acting on the ventral abdominal wall, we used saline-filled catheters and air-filled balloons in anesthetized dogs in various body positions during spontaneous breathing and mechanical ventilation. Pressures were measured in the stomach and at multiple sites next to the abdominal wall. Under most circumstances, measurements next to the abdominal wall exhibited a hydrostatic gravitational gradient of approximately 0.89 cmH2O/cm height and pressure fluctuations were spatially homogeneous. Deviations from this hydrostatic behavior were seen when abdominal pressures were compared with gastric pressures, when measurements were made with a balloon catheter, and when the lower abdomen was constricted with a binder. Analysis of these and previously published data suggests that the abdomen does, at times, behave like a hydraulic system but can deviate from simple hydrostatic behavior to the extent that shape-stable abdominal viscera are deformed.
Enforcement of a P3P Privacy Policy.

P3P is a machine readable XML language used by enterprises to express their privacy policy on a web site. The language is well supported with a number of tools now available for creating P3P policies, browsers beginning to support P3P function, and numerous web sites including P3P policy files on them. P3P is useful for declaring privacy promises but there is little experience in enforcing P3P within applications. This paper describes our real world experiences in building and deploying a privacy framework for enterprises to enforce their P3P policy within their applications. The paper outlines some limitations we have found in the P3P language when used for enforcement. It also details how we integrate P3P enforcement into applications.
Sterically Stabilized Immunoliposomes: Formulations for Delivery of Drugs and Genes to Tumor Cells in Vivo

Immunoliposomes represent a promising strategy to achieve targeted drug delivery for the treatment of cancers overexpressing specific surface receptors. Advances in immunoliposome design have been facilitated by independent progress in the areas of antibody-based therapeutics and liposomes, which can now be utilized for tumor-targeted drug delivery Park et al., 1997a).
Treatment of Acute Graft-vs-Host Disease

Over the last two decades, advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of acute GVHD (aGVHD) [1, 2] have not yet translated into significant changes in upfront management. Corticosteroids have remained the cornerstone of aGVHD therapy for the last several decades, and still, failure to respond to steroids remains the primary predictor of poor overall outcome. Several issues limit the usefulness of most retrospective reports of therapeutic intervention for aGVHD. First, we must acknowledge that the majority of series using the “temporal onset” definition of acute and chronic GvHD actually included a mix of patients with either late onset acute or early chronic GvHD, confounding their interpretation and extrapolation to recent efforts to define these syndromes on the basis of clinical features regardless of timing of onset. Second is the lack of prognostic tools to identify cohorts who may need more (vs less) aggressive induction. Third, we also must acknowledge the significant variability in clinical practice between transplant physicians, often well-founded in their efforts to individualize therapy on the basis of specific organ involvement, severity of symptoms, etc. Rather than surrendering to the potentially insurmountable task of establishing a single and perhaps suboptimal standard of care for the upfront treatment of aGVHD, advances in the field and improved patient outcomes will require modern and well-designed clinical trials supported throughout the transplant community.
Mitochondrial ADP Sensitivity and Transport: New Insights Into Diet-Induced Mitochondrial Impairments.

In the quest to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), a body of evidence representing nearly two decades of research points a finger at mitochondria as organelles of great interest (1–3). The term “mitochondrial dysfunction” was born following early reports that these organelles exhibited altered abundance and morphology (1), attenuated oxidative phosphorylation capacity (4), and an altered redox environment (5) in insulin-resistant individuals. Today, despite great efforts to understand the relationship between mitochondria and metabolic disease, there is little accord to conclusively determine if impairments in skeletal muscle mitochondrial biology are cause or consequence of insulin resistance or simply paraphenomena. High-fat feeding interventions are used extensively in the quest to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of insulin resistance and T2DM. Such feeding models recapitulate many of the metabolic features along the spectrum of insulin resistance and diabetes (e.g., adiposity, glucose intolerance, metabolic inflexibility) (6). Painstaking efforts have been made to understand the role of mitochondria in the progression of insulin resistance during high-fat feeding, but ambiguity remains. For example, Sparks et al. (7) reported a ∼90% decline in genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle of C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet, which aligns with decreased oxidative enzyme activity observed in patients …
The Role of the Nonprofit Sector Amid Political Change: Contrasting Approaches to Slovakian Civil Society

This paper focuses on the role, functions, and activities of the nonprofit sector in Slovakia from 1993 to 1998 during a critical time in the country's development, using Salamon's classification of the sector's relationships with government as opposition, partner, or agent. Relying on personal interviews with participants and observers, the paper examines two key political events to illustrate these issues—the debate about the proposed Law on Foundations, and the 1998 Parliamentary elections.
Successful Left Ventricular Assist Device Support in Patient with Bjork-Shiley Mitral Valve Replacement

There is limited clinical experience with left ventricular assist device therapy in patients with prosthetic mitral valves. We present a case of successful left ventricular assist device support in a patient with previous mechanical mitral valve replacement.
Use of Steroid-Eluting Stents after Endoscopic Repair of Choanal Atresia: A Case Series with Review:

Objective(s):To describe a single institution’s experience with the use of steroid-eluting stents after endoscopic transnasal repair of choanal atresia.Methods:A case series with review of children...
Effects of salinity, growth condition, and soil type on shoot dry matter of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) – a meta-analysis

Salinity is a spatially complex and dynamic property of soil that adversely impacts plant metabolism and rhizobium capacity for symbiotic nitrogen fixation, thus affecting alfalfa (Medicago sativa)...
Associations of long-term exposure to environmental noise and outdoor light at night with age at natural menopause in a US women cohort.

Environmental physical factors such as noise and artificial light at night have been associated with various health outcomes. A growing body of epidemiologic studies has suggested nonauditory effects of environmental noise exposure including sleep disturbance, mental disorders, and cardiovascular disease.1–5 Studies have observed associations between outdoor light at night (LAN) exposure with breast and prostate cancer.6–15 Possible mechanisms that explain the impacts of these exposure include systemic neuroendocrine disturbance from circadian disruption, emotional distress, and chronic stress.16–19 Menopause is a natural event of reproductive aging in women driven by the natural atresia of oocytes. Timing of menopause can be an important risk factor for a wide variety of diseases as younger age at menopause has been associated with a shorter life expectancy and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, although older age at menopause has been associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.20–25 Previous evidence has suggested both genetic and environmental determinants of age at menopause including smoking, excessive physical activity, low socioeconomic status, and negative life events, which were all associated with younger age at onset of menopause.20,26–31 Many of these factors may potentially alter the neuroendocrine homeostasis in humans and thus resulting in accelerated ovarian aging and earlier menopause in women.32–34 However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have considered the associations of physical factors in the environment such as noise and LAN exposure with age at menopause. In the present study, we sought to examine the associations between environmental noise and outdoor LAN with age at natural menopause in the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS II)—a large, prospective, female cohort in the United States. We also explored whether the associations varied by region, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors.
Genome Investigation of Urinary Gardnerella Strains and Their Relationship to Isolates of the Vaginal Microbiota

Gardnerella is a frequent member of the urogenital microbiota. Given the association between Gardnerella vaginalis and bacterial vaginosis (BV), significant efforts have been focused on characterizing this species in the vaginal microbiota. However, Gardnerella also is a frequent member of the urinary microbiota. In an effort to characterize the bacterial species of the urinary microbiota, we present here 10 genomes of urinary Gardnerella isolates from women with and without lower urinary tract symptoms. These genomes complement those of 22 urinary Gardnerella strains previously isolated and sequenced by our team. We included these genomes in a comparative genome analysis of all publicly available Gardnerella genomes, which include 33 urinary isolates, 78 vaginal isolates, and 2 other isolates. While once this genus was thought to consist of a single species, recent comparative genome analyses have revealed 3 new species and an additional 9 groups within Gardnerella Based upon our analysis, we suggest a new group for the species. We also find that distinction between these Gardnerella species/groups is possible only when considering the core or whole-genome sequence, as neither the sialidase nor vaginolysin genes are sufficient for distinguishing between species/groups despite their clinical importance. In contrast to the vaginal microbiota, we found that only five Gardnerella species/groups have been detected within the lower urinary tract. Although we found no association between a particular Gardnerella species/group(s) and urinary symptoms, further sequencing of urinary Gardnerella isolates is needed for both comprehensive taxonomic characterization and etiological classification of Gardnerella in the urinary tract.IMPORTANCE Prior research into the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis has largely focused on its association with bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, G. vaginalis is also frequently found within the urinary microbiota of women with and without lower urinary tract symptoms as well as individuals with chronic kidney disease, interstitial cystitis, and BV. This prompted our investigation into Gardnerella from the urinary microbiota and all publicly available Gardnerella genomes from the urogenital tract. Our work suggests that while some Gardnerella species can survive in both the urinary tract and vagina, others likely cannot. This study provides the foundation for future studies of Gardnerella within the urinary tract and its possible contribution to lower urinary tract symptoms.
Nanoparticle Assembly in High Polymer Concentration Solutions Increases Superlattice Stability

Polymer nanocomposites are made by combining a nanoscale filler with a polymer matrix, where polymer-particle interactions can enhance matrix properties and introduce behaviors distinct from either component. Manipulating particle organization within a composite potentially allows for better control over polymer-particle interactions, and the formation of ordered arrays can introduce new, emergent properties not observed in random composites. However, self-assembly of ordered particle arrays typically requires weak interparticle interactions to prevent kinetic traps, making these assemblies incompatible with most conventional processing techniques. As a result, more fundamental investigations are needed into methods to provide additional stability to these lattices without disrupting their internal organization. The authors show that the addition of free polymer chains to the assembly solution is a simple means to increase the stability of nanoparticle superlattices against thermal dissociation. By adding high concentrations (>50 mg mL-1 ) of free polymer to nanoparticle superlattices, it is possible to significantly elevate their thermal stability without adversely affecting ordering. Moreover, polymer topology, molecular weight, and concentration can also be used as independent design handles to tune this behavior. Collectively, this work allows for a wider range of processing conditions for generating future nanocomposites with complete control over particle organization within the material.
Les Annales, force et fragilité d’une revue modèle

Cet article interroge l’heritage, la mission et l’avenir des Annales en se concentrant sur les dix dernieres annees de la revue. Pour ce faire, il reprend quelques-uns des choix editoriaux, des themes et des articles recents afin d’explorer la facon dont ceux-ci servent a se liberer des modeles et des methodes associes au passe des Annales, tout en analysant la maniere dont certains des aspects de ce passe sont conserves. Les Annales se sont longtemps caracterisees par leur(s) approche(s) methodologique(s) plutot que par un sujet ou un theme specifique. La force de ce paradigme reside dans ses aspirations interdisciplinaires, qui ont rassemble des historiens issus d’horizons divers dans le but partage de remettre en question le statu quo. Cet accent mis sur la methode a toutefois un revers : conduire a la promotion, sinon d’un style, du moins d’une approche propre aux Annales, quitte a ossifier le paradigme et lui faire perdre sa nature proteiforme. L’article tente ainsi d’expliquer non seulement les promesses et les pieges, mais aussi les nouvelles directions que la revue pourrait prendre a l’avenir.
Dental Anesthesia for Medical Providers: A Novel Interprofessional Course.

PURPOSE To limit the use of opioids for nontraumatic dental conditions in emergency settings, the physician assistant (PA) and dental faculty at A.T. Still University designed a course that teaches PA students to administer dental anesthesia. METHODS Dental faculty and teacher assistants taught PA students proper dental anesthesia. The course consisted of a recorded, prelaboratory lecture and in-person lab. During the laboratory, students rotated through 3 stations where they reviewed dental anatomy, practiced injections on dental anesthesia manikins, and simulated injections on student volunteers using the Safe-D-Needle. Students completed verbal and hands-on assessments. RESULTS Ninety-seven percent of students passed the assessments on their first attempt. Course evaluations suggested the course had a positive effect on students' attitudes toward oral pain management. CONCLUSION This educational model allowed PAs to expand their emergency medicine toolbox. In the future, this model should be adapted to incorporate other healthcare professionals as well.
Classic Filter Design

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Classic Analog Filters Prototype Analog Filters Butterworth Prototype Filter Chebyshev Prototype Filter Elliptic (Cauer) Prototype Filter Prototype to Filter Conversion Other IIR Filter Forms Prony's (Pad??) Method Yule-Walker
INDETERMINATE LIMITS WITHOUT L'HÔPITAL'S RULE

ABSTRACT Some of the most useful indeterminate limits of undergraduate mathematics can be evaluated without recourse to L'Hopital's Rule. This article describes some alternative methods which, while lacking the generality of L'Hopital's rule, may evoke a deeper understanding of the limit concept.
SPC Q charts for start-up processes and short or long runs

Classical control charts are designed for processes where data to estimate the process parameters and compute the control limits are available before a production run. For many processes, especially in a job-shop setting, production runs are not necessa..
Manufacturing GaAs digital ICs with 100 mm substrates-the smooth transition

The strategy, implementation, and difficulties associated with the complete conversion of an existing 3-in GaAs digital IC manufacturing line to 100-mm substrates are described. The conversion costs are shown to be almost two orders of magnitude lower than the cost of a new 100-mm manufacturing line with similar capability. The electrical quality of 100-mm substrates is shown to be as good as or better than that of current 3-in materials. This comparison is based on the evaluation of thirty 100-mm boules from eight different manufacturers and thirty 3-in boules from five different manufacturers. The majority of the 100-mm process steps required almost no modification or optimization in order to match the results routinely obtained on 3-in production wafers. One exception was the rapid thermal annealing process, as this process required significant hardware upgrades for optimal results. However, the outcome of these upgrades was an RTA process which completely eliminated slip and wafer distortion following high-temperature annealing. Initial process runs have demonstrated excellent parametric control and uniformity over the full 100-mm wafer surface. >
How Life Affects the Atmosphere

The impact of life on the atmosphere is examined through a discussion of the budgets of important atmospheric constituents and the processes that control their concentrations. Life profoundly influences oxygen and a number of minor atmospheric constituents, but many important gases, including those with the greatest effect on global climate, appear to be little altered by biological processes, at least in the steady state.
The Use of Full-Scale Testing for Establishing and Validating Structural Performance Requirements

Two test programs performed by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) in 1970 and 1971 on wood-framed houses are discussed as cases in point of the use of full-scale testing for establishing and validating structural performance requirements. In one study, 2 field tests were conducted on an as-built single-family detached house to measure its deflection characteristics under lateral loading. The test data were used to determine whether the drift limitations required in the design of medium- and high-rise buildings are applicable to low-rise buildings. A series of tests was conducted to determine the stiffness of the house when subjected to simulated wind loading. Load was applied alternately at the second floor level and at the eave line of the two-story house. Horizontal and vertical movements of the building were measured at discrete points on the two levels, for the two loading applications and superposition was used to determine the combined effect. As a result of the two test series, it was concluded that: "The measured second-story drift for the house was considerably less than that derived using the drift limits specified for medium- and high-rise buildings in most areas of the United States." In the second study, 3 a series of laboratory tests was conducted on a 3.7-m wide by 18.3 m long (12-ft wide by 60-ft long) factory-built housing module. The tests were to determine the strength and stiffness of a typical wood-frame housing unit and to provide baseline data against which the performance of less traditional construction could be compared. Four of the six tests in the series involved the application of lateral load: (1) monotonic racking, (2) repeated racking, (3) reversals of racking, and (4) racking of capacity. Load was applied perpendicular to the long walls at the eave line of the one-story module using a series of hydraulic jacks to simulate the effects of either wind or earthquake loading. Horizontal and vertical displacements were measured at a number of discrete points. The measured response at various design load levels was compared to the limit states specified in design criteria prepared by NBS for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Operation Breakthrough. Based on an analytical model used to condition the test results, it was concluded that 1.01 kN/m 2 (21 psf) was the maximum static wind pressure at which the housing system could satisfy the conventional drift limitation (that is, h/500, where h connotes height above ground level) applied to medium- and high-rise buildings.