cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fault kinematics in the 1989 Loma Prieta rupture area during 20 years before that event

The Loma Prieta (LP) compressional bend of the San Andreas fault zone (SAF) appears to be multi-stranded and vertically segmented; thus, faults in this segment other than the one that ruptured in 1989 may: 1) be the source of prior large events associated with this portion of the SAF and 2) be highly stressed after the 1989 LP event. The fault that ruptured in 1989 was remarkably aseismic during the preceding 20 years; seismicity occurred on some of the neighboring faults of the system, but others remained aseismic. The Lake Elsman burst of seismicity within 1.6 years of the main shock is on a set of secondary faults within the foot-wall of the rupture. The shallow (≤5 km) portion of the SAF, morphologically and structurally characterized as steep and predominantly strike-slip, and the imbricate thrust zone to the northeast were also quiescent. These upper crustal faults may partition the oblique motion accomplished by LP-like ruptures in the lower crust into fault-parallel (transcurrence) and fault-normal motion (convergence), respectively. While the overall level of seismicity in the region around LP increased over the 20 years before 1989, the level of seismicity (number of events) on the creeping portion of the SAF next to the LP segment decreased. Moreover, the level of background seismicity on this and other fault segments varied dramatically, both up and down, in conjunction with major regional earthquakes on other segments. Thus, improved models for precursory patterns of seismicity should account for mechanistically more realistic changes than simple seismicity increase or decrease everywhere around an impending rupture.
Univariate right fractional Ostrowski inequalities

Very general univariate right Caputo fractional Ostrowski inequalities are presented. One of them is proved sharp and attained. Estimates are with respect to kk p ; 1 p 1:
Social attributes and associated performance measures in marmots: bigger male bullies and weakly affiliating females have higher annual reproductive success

Studying the structure of social interactions is fundamental in behavioral ecology as social behavior often influences fitness and thus natural selection. However, social structure is often complex, and determining the most appropriate measures of variation in social behavior among individuals can be difficult. Social network analysis generates numerous, but often correlated, measures of individual connectedness derived from a network of interactions. We used measures of individual connectedness in networks of affiliative and agonistic interactions in yellow-bellied marmots, Marmota flaviventris, to first determine how variance was structured among network measures. Principal component analysis reduced our set of network measures to four “social attributes” (unweighted connectedness, affiliation strength, victimization, and bullying), which revealed differences between patterns of affiliative and agonistic interactions. We then used these extracted social attributes to examine the relationship between an individual’s social attributes and several performance measures: annual reproductive success, parasite infection, and basal stress. In male marmots, bullying was positively associated with annual reproductive success, while in females, affiliation strength was negatively associated with annual reproductive success. No other social attributes were significantly associated with any performance measures. Our study highlights the utility of considering multiple dimensions when measuring the structure and functional consequences of social behavior.
Chronic toxicity of Yellow AB (1-phenylazo-2-naphthylamine) and Yellow OB (1-o-tolylazo-2-naphthylamine).

Abstract The results of two-year oral toxicity studies with rats at feeding levels of 2500, 1000, and 500 ppm and one-year studies with dogs at 5000, 1000, and 500 ppm for Yellow AB or Yellow OB have been presented. Subcutaneous injection studies with rats and mice also have been reported. Yellow AB and Yellow OB at 2500 ppm of the diet of rats produced high mortality and growth inhibition. Anemia was sometimes present. One or more of subcutaneous edema, hydrothorax, or ascites were seen frequently. In the heart, right-sided hypertrophy, dilatation of the ventricle and atrium, and thrombi were observed. Changes were also observed in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and testis. Slight but definite effects were caused at the 1000 ppm feeding level, whereas the 500 ppm level produced no demonstrable effects. At 5000 ppm both colors produced marked weight loss and appetite loss in the dogs. One death occurred at the 5000 ppm level of Yellow OB, and another at the 1000 ppm feeding level of Yellow AB. The 1000 ppm level of Yellow OB caused minor effects in 1 of 2 dogs, but 500 ppm of either color was without effect. In limited subcutaneous injection experiments on mice, neither color was carcinogenic. In a two-year experiment on rats with weekly subcutaneous injections of 1.5 mg of color, the results with Yellow AB were considered negative, whereas Yellow OB was considered a mild carcinogen.
Generalized ghost-free gauges

Abstract The class of known, ghost-free gauges is expanded by considering gauge constraints on the nonabelian electric ( E ) field configurations. The explicit form of the effective hamoltonian is presented in a new transverse E gauge.
Epididymal metastasis from prostatic carcinoma.

Abstract The ninth case of prostatic carcinoma metastasizing to the epididymis is presented, and we review the literature.
The Postpericardiotomy Syndrome and Antiheart Antibodies

In a prospective, double-blind study, heart-reactive antibody in high titer was detected, using an indirect immunofluorescent technique, in the serum of patients in whom the postpericardiotomy syndrome developed after intrapericardial surgery. The syndrome occurred in 26 of 86 consecutive longterm survivors of such surgery, an incidence of 30%. Presence of antibody correlated closely with the clinical syndrome. Demonstration of this antiheart antibody in high titer appears to offer laboratory confirmation of the syndrome.
A complex-valued associative memory for storing patterns as oscillatory states

A neuron model in which the neuron state is described by a complex number is proposed. A network of these neurons, which can be used as an associative memory, operates in two distinct modes: (i) fixed point mode and (ii) oscillatory mode. Mode selection can be done by varying a continuous mode parameter, \(\nu\), between \(0\) and \(1\). At one extreme value of \(\nu\) (\(=0\)), the network has conservative dynamics, and at the other (\(\nu = 1\)), the dynamics are dissipative and governed by a Lyapunov function. Patterns can be stored and retrieved at any value of \(\nu\) by, (i) a one-step outer product rule or (ii) adaptive Hebbian learning. In the fixed point mode patterns are stored as fixed points, whereas in the oscillatory mode they are encoded as phase relations among individual oscillations. By virtue of an instability in the oscillatory mode, the retrieval pattern is stable over a finite interval, the stability interval, and the pattern gradually deteriorates with time beyond this interval. However, at certain values of \(\nu\) sparsely distributed over \(\nu\)-space the instability disappears. The neurophysiological significance of the instability is briefly discussed. The possibility of physically interpreting dissipativity and conservativity is explored by noting that while conservativity leads to energy savings, dissipativity leads to stability and reliable retrieval.
Experimental Unilateral Renal Artery Constriction in the Dog

Chronic hypertension caused by unilateral constriction of the renal artery in the presence of the opposite untouched kidney can be produced in the dog by progressive plication of the renal artery over a period of several hours. Twenty-three female dogs were studied. Mean arterial blood pressure was measured in the unanesthetized recumbent dog by direct puncture of the femoral artery. Reproducible control blood pressure readings were obtained only after daily training of the animals for at least 2 months. Mean arterial blood pressure for the whole group of animals was 98.25 ± 7.45 (SD) mm Hg prior to constriction. Three months after constriction, the mean arterial blood pressure of the group of dogs with a 50-63% reduction in renal blood flow was 132.4 ± 5.51 (SD) mm Hg (P < 0.001); for the group with a 78-86% reduction in renal blood flow it was 144.68 ± 10.68 (SD) mm Hg (P < 0.001). Six dogs from these two groups underwent ipsilateral nephrectomies 4-16 months after constriction, and their elevated arter...
Blink‐induced saccadic oscillations

A patient with a neurodegenerative disease had abnormal saccades only when he blinked. These saccades were hypermetric and were followed immediately, without any intersaccadic interval, by a large, oppositely directed saccade (dynamic overshoot). To explain these findings, we hypothesize that a blink-related neural signal can modulate the activity of pause cells that normally inhibit saccadic burst neurons during fixation. In pathological circumstances, abnormal function of pause cells could lead to large-amplitude saccadic oscillations. In normal subjects, blinks could induce short bursts of low-amplitude flutter.
Time-evolution of carriers after multiphoton ionization of bulk dielectrics

Using the unique characteristics of multiphoton ionization with focused femtosecond pulses, we report on a pump and probe metrology to analyze carrier dynamics inside dielectrics. We characterize the sub-picosecond trapping of carriers inside fused SiO 2 .
Patient’s age as a factor in the use of diagnostic tools and evidence based therapies in patients with heart failure

Address for correspondence: Irmina Gradus-Pizlo, MD, FACC, Associate Professor of Medicine, Director, Heart Failure Program, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, 1801 N. Senate Blvd, MPC-2 Suite D4081, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA, tel: 317 962 0533, fax: 317 962 0116, e-mail: igradus@iupui.edu Patient’s age as a factor in the use of diagnostic tools and evidence based therapies in patients with heart failure
A Study of Deviance as a Retaliatory Response to Organizational Power

In a time when ethical scandals are commonplace in the media, one begins to wonder just what organizations are doing wrong. This article analyzes the Fall 2006 boardroom spying scandal at Hewlett–Packard to determine whether the workplace deviance observed can be linked to a retaliatory response to organizational power. A summary of the events leading up to, during, and the fall-out of the scandal is reported.
The relationship between cigarette smoking and quality of life after lung cancer diagnosis.

Study objective: To describe the relationship between cigarette smoking and quality of life (QOL) among lung cancer survivors as measured by the lung cancer symptom scale (LCSS). Design and setting: The LCSS was mailed to eligible patients (1,506 patients) between 1999 and 2002. LCSS scores (total and individual QOL components) were compared among different groups of cigarette smokers via univariate independent group testing and multivariate linear models. The modeling process examined group differences adjusted for age, gender, stage, and time of LCSS assessment. LCSS scores were transformed onto a scale of 0 to 100 points in which higher LCSS scores corresponded to a lower QOL. A 10-point difference between groups was defined a priori as being clinically significant. Results: At the time of lung cancer diagnosis, 18% of the patients were never-smokers, 58% were former smokers, and 24% were current smokers. Among survey respondents completing the LCSS at follow-up assessment (1,028 respondents), the mean age was 65.2 years (SD, 10.8 years) and 45% were women. Thirty percent of baseline current smokers continued to smoke at the time of the follow-up assessment (ie, persistent smokers). The adjusted mean total LCSS scores for never-smokers and persistent smokers were 17.6 (SD, 4.02) and 28.7 (SD, 5.09), respectively (p < 0.0001). Seven of the individual LCSS QOL components (ie, appetite, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, lung cancer symptoms, illness affecting normal activities, and overall QOL) were clinically and statistically (p < 0.001) different between never-smokers and persistent smokers. No clinically significant differences were noted for pain or hemoptysis. Former smokers had intermediate LCSS scores. No dose-response trends were observed between the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day or the total number of pack-years smoked and the adjusted scores. Conclusion: The hypothesized relationship between smoking status and QOL was supported by this correlational study. Our findings suggest that persistent cigarette smoking after a lung cancer diagnosis negatively impacts QOL scores. (CHEST 2004; 126:1733–1741)
Operational Limits of a Commercial Gate Turn-Off Thyristor for Inductive-Store Systems

This paper details the testing of a commercially available gate turn-off thyristor (GTO) for application in inductive-store power supplies. GTOs have been used as a component of inductive-store systems directly and as part of compound switches. These GTOs are generally available commercially and typically have extensive datasheets. However, the inductive-store application differs significantly from conventional switching applications, which significantly reduces the utility of the datasheets; GTOs are typically used at 100-1000 Hz in a fairly continuous manner, whereas in an inductive-store system, a GTO may be conducting for a relatively long time before doing a single turn off.
Vertical machining center accuracy characterization using laser interferometer: Part 1. Linear positional errors

Abstract This paper presents the results of accuracy characterization of a Vertical Machining Center (VMC) in the form of linear errors and temperature variation using a low powered He–Ne laser (Renishaw ® ) calibration system along with environmental controller unit. The machine investigated is Cincinnati Milacron Sabre 750 three axes CNC VMC with Acramatic 2100 CNC open architecture controller. Temperature distribution of the machine was measured using three temperature sensors strategically attached to predetermined locations on each axis guides. The accuracy of the VMC is characterized in the form of geometric and thermal errors as a function of machine tool nominal axis position, temperature distribution and environmental effect (air temperature, air pressure and relative humidity). Results show that axis drive motors are the major heat sources. Linear positional accuracy is best when the machine is in cold condition and deteriorates with increasing machine operation time for all three axes. X -axis had worst linear displacement accuracy and maximum reversal errors among the three axes being tested.
Nephrin ectodomain engagement results in Src kinase activation, nephrin phosphorylation, Nck recruitment, and actin polymerization

A properly established and maintained podocyte intercellular junction, or slit diaphragm, is a necessary component of the selective permeability barrier of the kidney glomerulus. The observation that mutation or deletion of the slit diaphragm transmembrane protein nephrin results in failure of podocyte foot process morphogenesis and concomitant proteinuria first suggested the hypothesis that nephrin serves as a component of a signaling complex that directly integrates podocyte junctional integrity with cytoskeletal dynamics. The observations made herein provide the first direct evidence to our knowledge for a phosphorylation-mediated signaling mechanism by which this integrative function is derived. Our data support the model that during podocyte intercellular junction formation, engagement of the nephrin ectodomain induces transient Fyn catalytic activity that results in nephrin phosphorylation on specific nephrin cytoplasmic domain tyrosine residues. We found that this nephrin phosphorylation event resulted in recruitment of the SH2-SH3 domain-containing adapter protein Nck and assembly of actin filaments in an Nck-dependent fashion. Considered in the context of the role of nephrin family proteins in other organisms and the integral relationship of actin dynamics and junction formation, these observations establish a function for nephrin in regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics.
Reinforcement learning with time

This paper steps back from the standard infinite horizon formulation of reinforcement learning problems to consider the simpler case of finite horizon problems. Although finite horizon problems may be solved using infinite horizon learning algorithms by recasting the problem as an infinite horizon problem over a state space extended to include time, we show that such an applica tion of infinite horizon learning algorithms does not make use of what is known about the environment structure, and is therefore inefficient. Preserving a notion of time within the environment allows us to consider extending the environment model to include, for example, random action duration. Such extentions allow us to model non-Markov environments which can be learned using reinforcement learning algorithms.
Older Hispanic Women, Health Literacy, and Cervical Cancer Screening

Approximately 90 million people in the United States lack basic literacy skills, which affect health behaviors. Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, yet few older Hispanic women seek screening and continue to be a high-risk group for cervical cancer. A literature review was conducted to address the relationship between cervical cancer screening, health literacy, and older Hispanic women. Eighty studies were reviewed, and nine addressed health literacy and Hispanic women. One study addressed the association between functional health literacy and Pap smear screening among older Hispanic women. Few studies have explored the association between preventive cervical cancer screening and health literacy among older Hispanic women. Nurses must assess health literacy and be prepared to provide care, which is culturally, and linguistically appropriate to improve health outcomes. Further research is needed to be inclusive of all populations including older Hispanic women.
Semiblind tracking and equalization of time-varying multipath channels

We propose a Kalman filtering based semiblind approach to tracking and equalizing time-varying multipath channels encountered in mobile communications. By using a linear precoder at the transmitter to introduce a priori known correlation into the transmitted signals, the receiver can estimate the channel second order statistics (SOS) blindly. This allows the proposed channel tracking method to be able to initialize with very short (as short as the channel order) training sequences, as compared to existing methods where frequent and long training is needed. We establish the channel SOS identifiability condition and the design constraints on the linear precoders. Linear precoders that satisfy the constraints and achieve diversities are constructed. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Manganese- and Iron-Dependent Marine Methane Oxidation

Anaerobic methanotrophs help regulate Earth’s climate and may have been an important part of the microbial ecosystem on the early Earth. The anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is often thought of as a sulfate-dependent process, despite the fact that other electron acceptors are more energetically favorable. Here, we show that microorganisms from marine methane-seep sediment in the Eel River Basin in California are capable of using manganese (birnessite) and iron (ferrihydrite) to oxidize methane, revealing that marine AOM is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to a larger variety of oxidants than previously thought. Large amounts of manganese and iron are provided to oceans from rivers, indicating that manganese- and iron-dependent AOM have the potential to be globally important.
Virtuous Creativity: The Effects of Leader Behavioural Integrity on Follower Creative Thinking and Risk Taking

Despite the preponderance of research concerning creativity and ethical leadership, the possibility of why and how a leader's ethical behaviour may stimulate follower creativity has not been examined. Employing an online experimental design, we applied a virtue ethics framework to examine associations between subordinates' perceptions of their leader's integrity and their intention to think creatively and to engage in risk taking. Subordinates' perceptions of their leader's behavioural integrity positively predicted their sense of psychological safety. Moreover, psychological safety positively predicted followers' intention to think creatively and to take risks. Copyright © 2011 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Resume Malgre le grand nombre de recherches consacrees a la creativite et au leadership ethique, la question de savoir comment et pourquoi le comportement ethique du leader stimulerait la creativite de ceux qui le suivent n'a pas retenu l'attention des chercheurs. A partir d'une conception experimentale en ligne, nous avons utilise le cadre de la vertu ethique pour examiner le lien entre les perceptions que les subordonnes ont de l'integrite de leur leader et leur intention de penser de facon critique et de prendre des risques. L'etude montre que les perceptions que les subordonnes ont de l'integrite comportementale de leur leader predisent positivement leur sens de securite psychologique. Par ailleurs, la securite psychologique predit positivement les intentions des suiveurs de penser de facon critique et de prendre des risques. Copyright © 2011 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methylphenidate in Post Liver Transplant Patients

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, manufacturer: Ciba/Geigy) has been shown effective for the treatment of depression in various medically ill populations, but to our knowledge its use in organ transplant patients has not been described. The authors retrospectively reviewed clinical records of the first eight inpatients who received methylphenidate for treatment of depressive and/or cognitive symptoms in the post liver transplant period at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Target symptoms included psychomotor and cognitive slowing as well as lack of motivation for recovery, poor rehabilitation effort, social withdrawal, and apathy. A positive response was noted in seven patients, and in one patient the response was equivocal. Side effects noted were increased blood pressure (N = 2) and subjective restlessness/agitation (N = 3). Methylphenidate appears to be an effective, rapidly acting agent in this setting at dosages of 10–20 mg/day, with minimal side effects. Methylphenidate may have a significant role in the care of an ever-increasing population of organ transplant recipients with multiple medical problems and associated disabilities.
Adrenocortical suppression and recovery after continuous hypnotic infusion: etomidate versus its soft analogue cyclopropyl-methoxycarbonyl metomidate

Introduction Etomidate is no longer administered as a continuous infusion for anesthetic maintenance or sedation, because it results in profound and persistent suppression of adrenocortical steroid synthesis with potentially lethal consequences in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that rapidly metabolized soft analogues of etomidate could be developed that do not produce persistent adrenocortical dysfunction even after prolonged continuous infusion. We hope that such agents might also provide more rapid and predictable anesthetic emergence. We have developed the soft etomidate analogue cyclopropyl-methoxycarbonyl etomidate (CPMM). Upon termination of 120-minute continuous infusions, hypnotic and encephalographic recoveries occur in four minutes. The aims of this study were to assess adrenocortical function during and following 120-minute continuous infusion of CPMM and to compare the results with those obtained using etomidate.
Some Aspects of the Influence of the Byzantine Maximos the Confessor on the Theology of East and West

That the seventh century Byzantine theologian Maximos the Confessor had an influence on the development of Western as well as Eastern theology is well known through the work of such scholars as Sherwood, Cappuyns, Draseke, Gilson, and Altaner, for example, for the West, and of von Balthasar, von Ivanka, Grumel, Beck, Brilliantoff, Epifanovic, Hausherr, and Dalmais for the East. But although Maximos' works were apparently known throughout the entire period of Byzantine history, there remains a surprisingly great deal of research to be done to delineate the extent of his influence on specific Byzantine scholars and theologians such as Anastasius of the ninth century, Euthemius Zigabenos and Symeon the “New Theologian” of the eleventh, Nicetas Choniates in the twelfth, Patriarch Gregory of Cyprus and Pachymeres in the thirteenth, the Hesychasts Gregory Palamas and Nicholas Kabasilas and their opponents Nicephorus Gregoras and the Byzantine “Scholastic” John Cyparissiotes of the fourteenth, and, last of all, on the sixteenth century, post-Byzantine Bishop who lived in Venice, Maximos Margounios.
Clinical features and autonomic testing predict survival in multiple system atrophy

Multiple system atrophy is characterized by autonomic failure along with motor symptoms of parkinsonism and/or cerebellar ataxia. There are differing reports on the influence of certain clinical features, including motor subtype (multiple system atrophy-parkinsonism versus multiple system atrophy-cerebellar ataxia), age of onset, gender, and early autonomic symptoms, on the survival in patients with multiple system atrophy. We sought to evaluate overall survival and predictors of survival in a large cohort of patients with multiple system atrophy seen at a single referral centre where objective autonomic testing is routinely performed for this indication. All cases of multiple system atrophy evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester and assessed with an autonomic reflex screen between January 1998 and December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 685 patients were identified; 594 met criteria for probable multiple system atrophy, and 91 for possible multiple system atrophy. Multiple system atrophy-parkinsonism was the predominant subtype in 430 patients (63%). Average age of onset was earlier in multiple system atrophy-cerebellar ataxia (58.4 years) compared to multiple system atrophy-parkinsonism (62.3 years; P < 0.001). Median disease duration from symptom onset to death was 7.51 years (95% confidence interval 7.18-7.78) while time from diagnosis to death was 3.33 years (95% confidence interval 2.92-3.59). There was no difference in survival between motor subtypes of multiple system atrophy (P = 0.232). An initial motor symptom was most common (61%) followed by autonomic onset (28%) and combined motor and autonomic symptoms (11%). The initial onset of either motor or autonomic symptoms did not influence length of survival. However, a number of clinical and autonomic laboratory features predicted unfavourable survival in a univariate analysis. A multivariate model retained the following unfavourable predictors of survival: (i) falls within 3 years of onset (hazard ratio 2.31, P < 0.0001); (ii) bladder symptoms (hazard ratio 1.96, P < 0.0001); (iii) urinary catheterization within 3 years of symptom onset (hazard ratio 1.67, P < 0.003); (iv) orthostatic intolerance within 1 year of symptom onset (hazard ratio 1.28, P < 0.014); (v) older age of onset (hazard ratio 1.02, P = 0.001); and (vi) degree of autonomic failure as measured by a validated composite autonomic severity score (hazard ratio 1.07, P < 0.0023). We conclude that carefully selected clinical features can be used to predict survival in patients with multiple system atrophy. Autonomic testing adds an additional, independent predictor of survival, demonstrating its value not only in the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy but also as prognostic marker.
Cruise Control Design Using Fuzzy Logic Controller

In to days automobile industry, the cruise control is one of the most critical aspects that require a well-designed controller that can accommodate the new development in technology. In this paper, we have designed a cruise controller using the Fuzzy logic rules and a developed MATLAB code to simulate the car's engine mechanism. Fuzzy logic has expanded substantially in the field of nonlinear systems as it provides a very simplified approach to design controllers that can provide an optimum results. Hence, this paper will present a fuzzy controller that can be used to study the performance between the conventional PID controller and fuzzy controller and provide a platform that can help to identify whether fuzzy logic will help to maximize the performance or there might be rooms for improvement to reach the targeted results.
Quantification and identification of microorganisms found on shell and kernel of fresh edible chestnuts in Michigan

BACKGROUND Chestnut is a relatively new cultivated crop for Michigan, and postharvest loss due to decay has been problematic as production has increased each year. In 2007, more than 25% of chestnuts were lost to postharvest decay, equivalent to approximately 5300 kg of fresh product. To determine the organisms responsible for decay, a microbiological survey was performed in 2006 and 2007 to identify microorganisms involved in postharvest shell (external surface) mold and internal kernel (edible portion) decay of chestnuts. RESULTS Filamentous fungi including Penicillium expansum, Penicillium griseofulvum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Coniophora puteana, Acrospeira mirabilis, Botryosphaeria ribis, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botryotinia fuckeliana (anamorph Botrytis cinerea) and Gibberella sp. (anamorph Fusarium sp.) were the predominant microorganisms that negatively impacted fresh chestnuts. Populations of microorganisms varied between farms, harvesting methods and chestnut parts. CONCLUSION Chestnuts harvested from the orchard floor were significantly (P < 0.05) more contaminated than chestnuts harvested directly from the tree, by more than 2 log colony-forming units (CFU) g−1. In addition, a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the microbial population was seen between chestnuts submitted by different growers, with average count ranges of fungi, mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB) and yeasts equal to 4.75, 4.59 and 4.75 log CFU g−1 respectively. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Clones derived from in vivo growing of murine ovarian epithelial cancer cell line IG-10 exhibit different phenotypes for gene expression, tumorigenicity and immune response

C12 Ovarian cancer is an aggressive disease of poor prognosis and is the fourth leading cause of death when detected at advanced stages. Due to lack of appropriate animal models, studies involving tumorigenicity, tumor immune response and tumor progression at the molecular level are limited. We have isolated many clones derived from in vivo growing of the murine ovarian epithelial cancer cell line IG-10 and found the clones displaying diverse phenotypes. Many clones were found to be deficient in multiple components of the MHC-I antigen presentation pathway, including TAP and MHC-1. Soft agarose cloning assays showed different degrees of anchorage-independent growth among clones. However, these observations did not completely correlate with clones’ tumorigenicity in the context of in vivo tumor growth, suggesting the possibility that contrasting intrinsic gene expression of tumor clones and their interaction with immune cells may play an important role in affecting tumorigenicity. To detect potential candidate genes, we carried out a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis by using a low density array mouse immune panel that contains 96 genes pertaining to cell cycling, cytokines, chemokines, etc. The genes that were expressed at different levels among clones included 7 genes (Ccl5, CD38, Col4a5, Cxcl10, IL-10, Nos2 and Socs1) potentially implicated in in vivo tumorigenicity and immune response. Thus, our animal cell model provides a useful tool in studying ovarian cancer tumorigenicity and its interaction with the immune system, as well as a source of novel therapeutic targets.
In vivo tumor regression achieved by a potent bivalent Smac mimetic (SM-164) in combination with TRAIL

C228 Background: TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) induces apoptosis in some but not in all cancer cells. X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (XIAP) and other IAPs are believed to cause TRAIL-resistance of cancer cells by blocking caspases activity. Smac/DIABLO (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases/direct IAP binding protein with low pI) binds to XIAP and other IAP proteins and overcomes the anti-apoptotic activity of IAP proteins. Recently, a potent bivalent Smac mimetic, SM-164 was developed in our laboratory, which binds to XIAP and other IAP proteins with extremely high affinity. The aim of this study was to determine whether SM-164 can achieve synergistic activity with TRAIL in human breast and prostate cancer models in vitro and in vivo. Procedures: The levels of XIAP and other IAPs were detected using Western blotting method in a panel of human breast and prostate cancer cell lines. Cellular targets of SM-164 were probed by biotin-streptavidin pull-down assays using a biotinylated SM-164 (BL-SM-164) and competition assays using unlabeled Smac mimetics. A WST-based assay and trypan blue exclusion analysis were used to determine the cellular activities of TRAIL, Smac mimetics and their combination on cell growth inhibition and cell viability in a panel of cancer cell lines. Cleavage of caspase-3, -8, -9, and PARP was analyzed by Western blotting and the role of these caspases was further analyzed using pharmacological inhibitors of these caspases and small intensifying RNA technique. The in vivo antitumor activity of SM-164 was determined using human cancer xenografts in nude mice. The pharmacodynamic study of the tumor tissue was performed using TUNEL method. Results: IAPs were expressed with high levels in all the tested cancer cell lines. BL-SM-164 dose-dependently pulled-down XIAP and cIAP1 and cIAP2 in the 2LMP cell line, while SM-164 efficiently competed off these IAPs from the binding with BL-SM-164. Furthermore, 2LMP cell line was sensitive to TRAIL, while MDA-MB-453, BT549, PC-3, DU-145 and CL-1 were resistant to TRAIL in both cell growth and cell viability assays. SM-164 dramatically sensitized all these cancer cell lines to TRAIL in apoptosis induction and activation of caspases -3, -9 and -8 and cleavage of PARP. SM-164 in combination with subtoxic concentration of TRAIL completely induced tumor regression on human 2LMP breast cancer in xenografts nude mice. The TUNEL study showed that SM-164 induced apoptosis in tumor cells but not in normal tissues. Conclusion: Our study demonstratesthat SM-164 is highly effective in overcoming TRAIL-resistance in human breast and prostate cancer cell lines. SM-164 represents a promising lead compound and warrants further investigation for its therapeutic potential for the treatment of human cancer.
Physics-Based Analysis of Horseshoe Plasma Actuator for Improving Film Cooling Effectiveness

We numerically test horseshoe plasma actuator for film cooling enhancement in gas turbines. We solved three-dimensional plasma governing equations using finite element based MIG flow code instead of using phenomenological model or reduced order model as before. Two problems are considered in the present study. The first problem is to find the best case of using horseshoe plasma actuator for improving film cooling. The second problem is to simulate a turbine case of a single row of 35 degree round holes on a flat plate from Sinha’s experiment. We utilize the electric force density which is calculated from plasma governing equations for effective flow control. Such electric force induces attachment of cold jet to the work surface by actively altering the body force in the vicinity using a horseshoe plasma actuator. We have shown a progressive improvement of centerline effectiveness as the electric force density increases from 0 (no force) to 8 MN/m 3 (maxima). Fluid flow predictions with finite volume based simulation are performed using standard turbulence models. All the cases are simulated here for a unit blowing ratio. Results are compared with the published experimental data and other numerical predictions for the latest film cooling technology to identify effectiveness improvement. The numerical results show an improvement of effectiveness well above 100% over the standard baseline design.
Performance and Size Optimization of Compression Refrigeration Systems Employing Two-Phase Expanders

*† ‡ The use of two-phase expansion devices as throttle valve replacements in vaporcompression refrigeration systems has many advantages of which the potential increase in the system coefficient of performance and the decrease in the size of the system are of most significance. This paper deals with the optimization of the performance and size of vaporcompression refrigeration systems as a function of the degree of subcooling the refrigerant experiences in the system’s condenser. It is the degree of subcooling that determines the necessary area of the heat exchanger required. This ultimately affects the size and the weight of a refrigeration system. The degree of subcooling also influences the size of the expander required to expand the refrigerant from the condenser pressure to the evaporator pressure. As the degree of subcooling increases, the resultant ratio between the outlet and inlet specific volumes decreases, and hence the built-in volume ratio of the expander would decrease. A decrease in the latter causes a reduction in the expander size and weight. The work output of the expander is also greatly influenced by the degree of subcooling. The penalties associated with the increase in the heat exchanger area, and the decrease in the expander power output should be minimized, while the benefits of the increasing refrigerating effect and decreasing volumetric ratio of the expander should be maximized.
Purification of Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus by Ultracentrifugation and Maintenance of Its Activity with Cysteine

SummaryThe virus of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis may be concentrated and partially purified by ultracentrifugation. M/10 cysteine retards spontaneous inactivation of the ultracentrifuge purified virus.
Relationship between Transitional Acceleration of the Whole Body Center-Of-Mass and Friction Demand Characteristic during Gait

A laboratory study was conducted to examine the gait changes associated with aging and the effect of these changes on initiation of slips, initial friction demand, and slip distance utilizing newly defined biomechanical parameters of slips and falls. Twenty-eight subjects from two age groups (young and old) walked around a circular track at a comfortable pace wearing a safety harness. Slippery floor surface was automatically placed on the walking track over force platforms at “unexpected” random time intervals utilizing remote controlled floor changer. Synchronized kinetic and kinematic measures were obtained on both slippery and non-slippery floor surfaces. The results indicated that older subjects step length was significantly shorter, and transitional acceleration of the whole body center-of-mass (COM) was significantly slower than their younger counterparts. Older subjects initial friction demand as measured by required coefficient friction (RCOF) was not significantly different than their younger cou...
Hepatic fatty acid synthase gene transcription is induced by a dietary copper deficiency

A dietary copper (Cu) deficiency is associated with a twofold increase in hepatic fatty acid biosynthesis. We hypothesized that the induction of hepatic lipogenesis associated with a dietary Cu deficiency reflected an enhanced expression of genes encoding lipogenic enzymes, i.e., fatty acid synthase (FAS). Male weanling rats were pair-meal fed for 42 days a high-sucrose diet that was Cu deficient (CuD; 0.7 microgram Cu/g) or Cu adequate (CuA; 5.0 micrograms Cu/g). The CuD diet increased FAS enzymatic activity twofold (P < 0.05). This rise in enzymatic activity was accompanied by a threefold increase in FAS mRNA and a 2.5-fold increase in FAS gene transcription (P < 0.05). Neither the mRNA abundance nor the rate of gene transcription for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase or beta-actin was affected by the CuD diet. The induction of FAS gene transcription was associated with a 65-85% increase in hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH; P < 0.05). When hepatic GSH synthesis was suppressed by treating CuD rats with L-buthionine sulfoximine, the induction of FAS expression was completely prevented. Similarly, feeding N-acetylcysteine to CuA rats increased hepatic GSH levels 2.5-fold, and this was accompanied by a significant induction in FAS expression. These data indicate that the increase in hepatic lipogenesis associated with a Cu deficiency reflects an induction in hepatic lipogenic gene transcription (i.e., FAS) and that the rate of gene transcription may be dependent on hepatic thiol redox.
Supporting community annotation and user collaboration in the integrated microbial genomes (IMG) system.

The exponential growth of genomic data from next generation technologies renders traditional manual expert curation effort unsustainable. Many genomic systems have included community annotation tools to address the problem. Most of these systems adopted a “Wiki-based” approach to take advantage of existing wiki technologies, but encountered obstacles in issues such as usability, authorship recognition, information reliability and incentive for community participation. Here, we present a different approach, relying on tightly integrated method rather than “Wiki-based” method, to support community annotation and user collaboration in the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) system. The IMG approach allows users to use existing IMG data warehouse and analysis tools to add gene, pathway and biosynthetic cluster annotations, to analyze/reorganize contigs, genes and functions using workspace datasets, and to share private user annotations and workspace datasets with collaborators. We show that the annotation effort using IMG can be part of the research process to overcome the user incentive and authorship recognition problems thus fostering collaboration among domain experts. The usability and reliability issues are addressed by the integration of curated information and analysis tools in IMG, together with DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) expert review. By incorporating annotation operations into IMG, we provide an integrated environment for users to perform deeper and extended data analysis and annotation in a single system that can lead to publications and community knowledge sharing as shown in the case studies.
Process Evaluation of Making HEPA Policy Practice: A Group Randomized Trial

This study examines the link between implementation of Strategies to Enhance Practice (STEPs) and outcomes. Twenty after-school programs (ASPs) participated in an intervention to increase children's accumulation of 30 minutes/day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and quality of snacks served during program time. Outcomes were measured via accelerometer (MVPA) and direct observation (snacks). STEPs implementation data were collected via document review and direct observation. Based on implementation data, ASPs were divided into high/low implementers. Differences between high/low implementers' change in percentage of boys accumulating 30 minutes/day of MVPA were observed. There was no difference between high/low implementers for girls. Days fruits and/or vegetables and water were served increased in the high/low implementation groups, while desserts and sugar-sweetened beverages decreased. Effect sizes (ES) for the difference in changes between the high and low group ranged from low (ES = 0.16) to high (ES = 0.97). Higher levels of implementation led to increased MVPA for boys, whereas girls MVPA benefited from the intervention regardless of high/low implementation. ESs of the difference between high/low implementers indicate that increased implementation of STEPs increases days healthier snacks are served. Programs in the high-implementation group implemented a variety of STEPs strategies, suggesting local adoption/adaptation is key to implementation.
Brief paper: Estimation of feedstream concentrations in cement raw material blending

Recursive estimation of cement raw material feedstream oxide concentrations is considered using information from the output raw meal X-ray analysis. A time-varying Kalman filter is developed whose outputs are these optimal estimates. The scheme is tested by application to a simulated blending process and to real data from a large cement plant and is found to be a useful part of an overall blending control scheme. A linearly independent set of flowrate time histories is found to be a prerequisite for the observability of the feedstream concentrations.
Spatial-Temporal and Language-Analytic Reasoning in Learning Math and Science

This chapter discusses new educational approach which combines early music training to enhance spatial-temporal reasoning along with new spatial-temporal methods of teaching math and science. Thus it focuses on two complementary approaches namely, spatial-temporal and the language-analytic approaches. Both spatial-temporal and language-analytic reasoning are crucial to how we think, reason, and create, and, in general, in how we go back and forth between the two. The spatial-temporal allows the child to visualize the problem and a solution, which means understanding it conceptually. Understanding the concept allows child to better solve the relevant equations for the quantitative answers in the language-analytic approach. The tragedy is that the spatial-temporal approach is almost entirely neglected in traditional school systems. This chapter presents a two-part approach to change this. The results of first part conclude that piano keyboard training in three-year-old children can enhance their ability to do spatial-temporal reasoning. The second part is to design methods using spatial-temporal reasoning to teach math concepts. Computer software has been developed and been shown to work.
Walking a Tightrope: Balancing the Risk of Diagnostic Error in Inpatient Pediatrics

Dual process theory describes 2 opposing systems that affect how we approach decisions.1–6 System I thinking enables us to make quick decisions and requires a limited number of cues and information to reach immediate conclusions. These thought processes are typically effortless, mostly correct, and allow us to function efficiently within day-to-day life; we don’t need to spend any energy thinking about turning the faucet off when the glass is full. System II thinking involves deliberate, rational thought; it is effortful and requires us to be reflective and methodical—it is what we use when thinking through detailed dilemmas. In applying this theory to diagnostic decision-making, clinicians aim to achieve a healthy balance between their fast, intuitive System I thinking and their slow, analytical System II thinking. When we overly rely on System I processes, we become vulnerable to the many cognitive biases that can affect diagnostic accuracy.4–10 On the other hand, when we spend too much time in our System II processes, we end up struggling with routine decisions that require timely answers to meet the needs of a rapid-paced medical environment. In this commentary, we present a case that highlights the dangers associated with overreliance on System I thinking and illustrates some of the factors that can impact our ability to maintain this balance in today’s inpatient climate. A 10-year-old female with a history of obesity presented to the emergency department (ED) with a 1-week history of low-grade fever associated with cough and left-sided …