cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Edema development and recovery in neurogenic pulmonary edema

We determined the time course of changes in extravascular lung water (EVLW) that occur after massive sympathetic activation produced by intracisternal veratrine administration in chloralose-anesthetized dogs. Three groups of dogs were studied. In the first group (n = 9), acute increases in EVLW (occurring within minutes) were determined both by measuring extravascular thermal volume and by gravimetric analysis. In the second (n = 6) and third (n = 7) groups, changes in EVLW were followed for 2-3 h after veratrine administration. Extravascular thermal volume was measured in the second group. In the third group, right atrial injections of a vascular indicator (125I-labeled serum albumin) and an extravascular indicator (3HOH) were made while blood was sampled from the pulmonary artery (PA) and left atrium, and EVLW was determined by deconvolution of the left atrial and PA concentration-time curves. Indicator-dilution and gravimetric EVLW increased acutely only in dogs in which PA pressure exceeded 60 Torr, with two- to four-fold increases in EVLW being observed in dogs that developed the highest PA pressures (maximum 94 Torr). Thus, severe edema can develop rapidly after massive sympathetic nervous system activation but requires extreme degrees of pulmonary hypertension. In several dogs after the acute increase in EVLW associated with the pulmonary hypertension, the indicator-dilution EVLW decreased with time. These decreases appear to effect clearance of edema fluid rather than alterations in perfusion.
Spatial distribution of dopant incorporation in CdTe

In this work we use state-of-the-art cathodoluminescence (CL) spectrum imaging that provides spectrum-per-pixel mapping of the CL emission to examine how dopant elements are incorporated into CdTe. Emission spectra and intensity are used to monitor the spatial distribution of additional charge carriers through characteristic variations in the CL emission based on theoretical modeling. Our results show that grain boundaries play a role in the incorporation of dopants in CdTe, whether intrinsic or extrinsic. This type of analysis is crucial for providing feedback to design different processing schedules that optimize dopant incorporation in CdTe photovoltaic material, which has struggled to reach high carrier concentration values. Here, we present results on CdTe films exposed to copper, phosphorus, and intrinsic doping treatments.
Small Molecules That Sabotage Bacterial Virulence

The continued rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections has motivated alternative strategies for target discovery and treatment of infections. Antivirulence therapies function through inhibition of in vivo required virulence factors to disarm the pathogen instead of directly targeting viability or growth. This approach to treating bacteria-mediated diseases may have advantages over traditional antibiotics because it targets factors specific for pathogenesis, potentially reducing selection for resistance and limiting collateral damage to the resident microbiota. This review examines vulnerable molecular mechanisms used by bacteria to cause disease and the antivirulence compounds that sabotage these virulence pathways. By expanding the study of antimicrobial targets beyond those that are essential for growth, antivirulence strategies offer new and innovative opportunities to combat infectious diseases.
Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to synthesis gas with controlled CO/H2 ratios

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) to simultaneously produce carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) has been achieved on carbon supported palladium (Pd/C) nanoparticles in an aqueous electrolyte. The synthesis gas product has a CO to H2 ratio between 0.5 and 1, which is in the desirable range for thermochemical synthesis of methanol and Fischer–Tropsch reactions using existing industrial processes. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy in both near-edge (XANES) and extended regions (EXAFS) and in situ X-ray diffraction show that Pd has transformed into β-phase palladium hydride (β-PdH) during the CO2RR. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the binding energies of both adsorbed CO and H are significantly weakened on PdH than on Pd surfaces, and that these energies are potential descriptors to facilitate the search for more efficient electrocatalysts for syngas production through the CO2RR.
MODELING NO-TILL ADOPTION BY CORN AND SOYBEAN PRODUCERS: INSIGHTS INTO SUSTAINED ADOPTION

No-till acreage has increased in recent years, but many farmers alternate no-till with other tillage practices, limiting public and private benefits from sustained no-till adoption. Revealed preference data are used in an ordered logit regression analysis to determine the effect of soil characteristics, climate, regions, farm characteristics, and producer demographics on producers’ choices to use continuous tillage, alternate no-till systems with tillage systems, or continuously use no-till. The model provides insight into the characteristics and conditions that are conducive to each tillage regime. The attributes found to significantly affect continuous no-till use are erodibility classification, drainage, farm size, and climate.
Outsourcing, Near-Sourcing, and Supply Chain Flexibility in the Apparel Industry (a)

Timm Veizenburg is an entrepreneur who is reviving his family's tradition of dress-shirt making. He realizes that an issue that initially looked like a markdown management problem may, in fact, be rooted in procurement. Operating in the modern data-rich environment, Timm asks an associate to prepare data about one product line, and together they examine the company's current procurement practice, where the production is outsourced to supply chain partners in western Ukraine, as well as two alternatives, with local sourcing and supply chain flexibility. The case presents a realistic dataset students can work with to master their data-analysis and modeling skills, with an application to operations and supply chain analytics. The case works well in business analytics electives within an MBA program, in specialized business analytics programs, as well as in Executive Education, and is effective in demonstrating approaches to data-driven decision making in managing operations and supply chains. Excerpt UVA-QA-0854 Oct. 14, 2016 Outsourcing, Near-sourcing, and Supply Chain Flexibility in the Apparel Industry(A) “There is probably something to it…,” Timm Veizenburg mumbled quietly, as the team of consultants continued their markdown strategy report. “Put the markdowns aside; we have to rethink procurement!” he said much more firmly, just a minute later. . . .
A 7-Gene Signature as a Potential Clinical Molecular Assay to Predict Recurrence of Dukes’ B Colon Cancer

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 5668 Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies and the second cause of death from cancer in the US. The 5-year survival rate for patients with Dukes’ B colon cancer is approximately 75%. Currently, there is no clinical test available to determine the 25% of the patients with high-risk of recurrence. We have previously identified a 23-gene signature that predicts individual risk for recurrence. However, this discovery result was from a case-control study and has not been tested in a representative patient group of Dukes’ B colon cancer. The present study tests this gene signature in an independent group of Dukes’ B patients. We analyzed the total RNA of frozen tumor samples from 123 Dukes’ B patients of two independent sources and applied the 23-gene signature to the patient group in order to determine the risk of recurrence for each individual patient. In the independent set of 123 patients, the 23-gene signature proved to be highly informative in identifying patients with distant recurrence in both univariate (hazard ratio, HR 2.56; 95% confidence interval CI, 1.01 - 6.48) and multivariate analyses (HR, 2.73; 95% CI, 0.97 - 7.73). Furthermore, we have simplified the 23-gene signature to a 7-gene signature due to the composition of this representative patient group, and developed a real time quantitative (RTQ)-PCR assay for this gene signature using archived standard clinical FPE samples of 110 Dukes’ B colon tumor patients. The 7-gene signature was a strong prognostic factor in both univariate (HR, 6.55; 95% CI, 2.89 - 14.8) and multivariate analyses (HR, 13.9; 95% CI, 5.22 - 37.2). Our results clearly demonstrate the prognostic value of the pre-defined gene signature for Dukes’ B colon cancer patients and show the feasibility of performing the test in clinic. The ability to identify colon cancer patients with an unfavorable outcome may help physicians and patients to seek more aggressive therapies.
The Law and Economics of Contracts

This paper, which will appear as a chapter in the forthcoming Handbook of Law and Economics (A.M. Polinsky & S. Shavell, eds.), surveys major issues arising in the economic analysis of contract law. It begins with an introductory discussion of scope and methodology, and then addresses four topic areas that correspond to the major doctrinal divisions of the law of contracts. These areas include freedom of contract (i.e., the scope of private power to create binding obligations), formation of contracts (both the procedural mechanics of exchange, and rules that govern pre-contractual behavior), contract interpretation (what consequences follow when agreements are ambiguous or incomplete), and enforcement of contractual obligations. For each of these sections, we address the economic analysis of particular legal rules and institutions, and, where relevant, connections between legal arrangements and associated topics in microeconomic theory, including welfare economics and the theory of contracts.
Abstract WP173: Mexican Americans Less Likely to Return to Work Following Stroke

Introduction: Lost earnings are the largest driver of the projected $2.2 trillion in stroke costs over the next 4 decades. Mexican Americans (MA) are more likely to have a working age stroke and suffer greater post-stroke disability than non-Hispanic whites (NHW). Thus, we explored ethnic differences in post-stroke return to work and whether sociodemographics and stroke severity contribute to ethnic differences. Methods: Ischemic stroke patients were identified from the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) study from August 2011-December 2013. Employment status was obtained at baseline and 90-day interviews conducted with patients or proxies. Sequential logistic regression models were built to assess ethnic difference in return to work after accounting for: 1) age ( Results: Of the 729 MA and NHW stroke survivors who completed the baseline interview, 197 (27%) were working at the time of their stroke of which 125 completed the 90-day outcome interview. There were no ethnic differences in sex or the proportion over the age of 65. MAs had less education (5% vs. 24% college graduate, p Conclusion: MAs are less likely to return to work after stroke than NHWs. This finding is important given that MAs are younger and poorer at the time of their stroke suggesting a crucial public health problem. Future work should consider including return to work as part of patient centered outcomes and efforts to optimize stroke recovery.
Addressing the dark side of vision research: storage

Data access is swiftly becoming a bottleneck in visual data processing, providing an opportunity to influence the way visual data is treated in the storage system. To foster this discussion, we identify two key areas where storage research can strongly influence visual processing run-times: efficient metadata storage and new storage formats for visual data. We propose a storage architecture designed for efficient visual data access that exploits next generation hardware and give preliminary results showing how it enables efficient vision analytics.
Metalloprotease-dependent activation of EGFR modulates CD44+/CD24- populations in triple negative breast cancer cells through the MEK/ERK pathway.

The CD44+/CD24− cell phenotype is enriched in triple negative breast cancers, is associated with tumor invasive properties, and serves as a cell surface marker profile of breast cancer stem-like cells. Activation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) promotes the CD44+/CD24− phenotype, but the specific signaling pathway downstream of EGFR responsible for this effect is not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the MEK/ERK pathway in the expansion of CD44+/CD24− populations in TNBC cells in response to EGFR activation. Representative TNBC cell lines SUM159PT (claudin-low) and SUM149PT (basal) were used to evaluate cell surface expression of CD44 and CD24 by flow cytometry in response to EGFR and MEK inhibition or activation. EGFR and ERK phosphorylation levels were analyzed by Western blotting. The relationship between EGFR phosphorylation and MEK activation score in basal and claudin-low tumors from the TCGA database was examined. Inhibition of ERK activation with selumetinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, blocked EGF-induced expansion of CD44+/CD24− populations. Sustained activation of ERK by overexpression of constitutively active MEK1 was sufficient to expand CD44+/CD24− populations in cells in which EGFR activity was blocked by either erlotinib, an EGFR kinase inhibitor, or BB-94, a metalloprotease inhibitor that prevents generation of soluble EGFR ligands. In basal and claudin-low tumors from the TCGA database, there was a positive correlation between EGFR_pY1068 and MEK activation score in tumors without genomic loss of DUSP4, a negative regulator of ERK, but not in tumors harboring DUSP4 deletion. Our results demonstrate that ERK activation is a key event in EGFR-dependent regulation of CD44+/CD24− populations. Furthermore, our findings highlight the role of ligand-mediated EGFR signaling in the control of MEK/ERK pathway output in TNBC tumors without DUSP4 loss.
Unilateral focused ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier opening alters spatial profile of hyperphosphorylated tau in an Alzheimer's mouse model

Focused ultrasound has been shown to interact with Alzheimer's pathology and particularly to trigger the reduction of the amyloid plaque load. However, a less studied interaction is that of ultrasound with the tangle formation that has been implicated in the cognitive decline of Alzheimer's patients. With the current study we investigate the interaction of unilateral focused ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier opening with the tau distribution in an Alzheimer's mouse model.
Methods federal government agencies implement to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act: Part 1 of 3

ABSTRACTThe National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) became the first major environmental policy in the United States (US) in 1970. NEPA requires federal agencies to determine significant environmental impacts of their actions to the fullest extent possible. Each agency is given flexibility in their compliance (Congress, 1970).This study determines implementation methods employed by NEPA practitioners to integrate the Act and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations into their agency decision-making and action planning processes. Twelve federal agencies were examined for this study, and 15 interviews were conducted with federal government employees working within the US Executive Branch.This study identified four methods used by agencies to implement the NEPA process into federal decision-making. NEPA training allows decision-makers to initiate the NEPA process when an action is proposed. Programmatic environmental documents review any cumulative environmental impacts from geographical locations...
Characterization of Proteins Present in Isolated Senile Plaques from Alzheimer’s Diseased Brains by MALDI-TOF MS with MS/MS

The increase of insoluble senile plaques in the brain is a primary hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The usefulness of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) with tandem MS for the characterization of senile plaques from AD brains and the relevance of the components identified to furthering AD research using MS is discussed. Thirty-three components were reproducibly observed within tryptic aliquots of senile plaques from two different AD brains after sample preparation optimization. Additionally, this is one of the first accounts of LIFT being utilized for the direct sequencing of peptides from isolated senile plaques. While many of the species observed coisolated within senile plaques have been linked to AD etiology, if only speculatively, this is the first instance that many of them have been demonstrated to be a part of the plaques themselves. This work is the first step in determining the potential roles that the species may have in the aggregation o...
Investigation of the Low Frequency Dynamics of Heme Proteins: Native and Mutant Cytochromes P450cam and Redox Partner Complexes

Vibrational coherence spectroscopy investigates the low frequency dynamics of cytochrome P450cam upon binding to its electron transfer partner putidaredoxin (Pd) and its camphor substrate. A strong correlation between the “detuned” coherence spectrum and the Raman spectrum is demonstrated. There is a striking appearance of a mode near 103 cm−1 in P450cam when camphor is not present in the distal pocket. This reflects a specific heme distortion, such as saddling, in the substrate free state where water is coordinated to the low-spin iron atom. A mode near 78 cm−1 intensifies when the P450cam/Pd complex is formed, suggesting a ruffling distortion, possibly related to increased electron donation from the thiolate sulfur. The L358P mutant exhibits similar spectroscopic properties to that of wild type P450cam when bound to Pd[1]. The appearance of a mode near 65 cm−1 in the coherence spectra of the L358P mutant reveals similarities to the perturbations seen in the P450cam/Pd complex, consistent with the view that the heme and its environment in the L358P mutant are similar to the Pd-bound native protein. Resonance Raman spectra are presented for both P450cam and the L358P mutant. When the native and mutant samples are compared, a ∼ 5cm−1 red-shift of the mode at ∼345 cm−1 (without substrate) and a ∼2cm−1 shift (with substrate) are observed. Such changes are due to the thiolate ligand being pushed towards the heme in the mutant sample. Vibrational coherence spectra of the 2Fe-2S cluster proteins ferredoxin (Fd) and putidaredoxin are also presented. Fd displays vibrational overtones of a mode at 44 cm−1 mode, along with a weak mode at 283cm−1 that is associated with the labile sulfur-iron stretching vibration.[1] T.Tosha et al., J.Biol.Chem., 2004, 279, 42836.
The Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio: A critical appraisal and possible successor

The well-known health effects of the long-chain, marine omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FAs) has led to a growing interest in the prognostic value that blood levels of these FAs might have vis-a-vis cardiovascular and neurocognitive diseases. The measurement and expression of n-3 FA levels is not straight-forward, however, and a wide variety of means of expression of n-3 FA status have been used in research and clinical medicine. This has led to considerable confusion as to what "optimal" n-3 FA status is. The n-6:n-3 ratio has enjoyed relatively widespread use, but this apparently simple metric has both theoretical and practical difficulties that have contributed to misunderstandings in this field. Just as the once-popular polyunsaturated:saturated FA ratio has largely disappeared from the nutritional and medical literature, it may be time to replace the n-6:n-3 ratio with a newer metric that focuses on the primary deficiency in Western diets - the lack of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA and DHA). The Omega-3 Index (red blood cell EPA+DHA) has much to recommend it in this regard.
Clinical Uses of Radiolabeled Platelets

Platelets were first successfully radiolabeled in 1953. At that time, investigators were primarily interested in developing a technique to accurately measure platelet life span in both normal and thrombocytopenic patients. Studies using platelets labeled with /sup 51/Cr have shown shortened platelet survival times in a number of diseases including idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus. More recently, labels such as /sup 111/In have been developed that allow in vivo imaging of platelets. Indium-111 platelets are being used to better understand the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism and clotting disorders, and to improve the clinical diagnosis of these diseases.
Agenda Setting, Media Effects on

Abstract Agenda setting explicates Walter Lippmann's thesis in Public Opinion that the news media are a major link between the world outside and the pictures in our heads. In the decades since the seminal Chapel Hill study, evidence of this media influence has been found worldwide for public issues, perceptions of public figures, and other topics. This evidence also explicates the underlying psychology of these agenda-setting effects and the consequences of these media effects for attitudes, opinions, and behavior.
Safety Issues Associated with Herbal Ingredients

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the safety issues associated with herbal ingredients. A wide range of conventional policies controls the availability of herbal products to the general public. The accomplishment of this depends on their derivation and their categorization as medicinals, drugs, botanicals, or dietary supplements. Herbal remedies used as medicines may be traditionally or serendipitously derived, varying in formulation, preparation and standardization, sometimes unreliable as to plant identification or to chemical composition, and depending on their cultural source, infrequently validated in conventional ways, as to efficacy or safety. The detection of adulterated or contaminated herbal products is not easy, because many policies prevent these events to be fully implemented and ways to identify the problems are not easy to achieve. The potential danger of using certain botanicals or their compounds is recognized. Use of herbal remedies by pregnant or nursing mothers can result in the transmission of certain phytochemicals to the fetus or infant. The capacity of children to absorb, distribute, metabolize, and excrete certain substances differs from that of adults. Herbal effects on absorption can also affect the bioavailability of antibiotics.
Hemodialysis-Associated Amyloid of β 2 -Microglobulin Nature

With the widespread use of long-term hemodialysis to maintain patients with end-stage renal disease, a number of complications have been recognized. Among them, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and osteoarthropathy have received increasing attention recently because of their persistence, severe disabling effects and unclarified etiology. Recently, amyloid has been implicated in a possible cause of these phenomena (1–13). The type (biochemical nature) of the amyloid had not been elucidated. Early in 1984 we instituted studies of hemodialysis-associated amyloid (AH), analyzed the clinical and pathologic picture, successfully identified the chemical nature of the amyloid through histochemical, immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses, and carried out some additional studies in order to elucidate its etiology (14–16). We were fortunate in the development of the chain of events that led to our conclusions and will describe them in a personal chronologic fashion.
Beyond Hybrid Systems

What does the future hold for mathematical logic? In the early 1950’s I learned all the logic then existing. Until the mid eighties I read everything published in logic and related computer science. I am a “quick study,” but the quantity of papers become enormous, and I now limit my reading. I have watched all the well-known logicians and their subjects evolve for fifty-six years. Can I say anything beyond truisms about future trends?
Fuel Cell Power Plant Systems

Fuel cell power plant systems operating on coal-derived fuels have the potential to satisfy a broad range of applications. The intent of this chapter is to place this fuel cell system potential in perspective. First, discussions of fuel cell history and basic concepts are presented to set the stage for a general understanding of why much effort has been expended on fuel cell research and development. However, the fuel cell’s initial success in the space effort led to an overselling of its commercial potential and an underselling of the efforts that would be required to enable fuel cells to fulfill this potential.
Growth-temperature dependence of conductivity at the LaCrO3/SrTiO3 (001) interface

The effect of growth conditions and postgrowth treatment on the structural and electronic properties of the polar/nonpolar LaCrO3/SrTiO3 (LCO/STO) interface has been investigated. Under low oxygen partial pressure, oxygen vacancies are formed in the STO substrate resulting in metallicity with a measured sheet carrier concentration of 1016cm−−2. Annealing postgrowth in flowing oxygen causes the sheet carrier concentration to saturate to 1013cm−−2, which is consistent with the reported values of a two-dimensional gas at other polar/STO interfaces. However, growth under nonreducing growth conditions leads to insulating behavior. High-resolution synchrotron x-ray-based structural determination of the atomic-scale structures of both metallic and insulating LCO/STO interfaces shows chemical intermixing and an interfacial lattice expansion.The effect of growth conditions and postgrowth treatment on the structural and electronic properties of the polar/nonpolar LaCrO3/SrTiO3 (LCO/STO) interface has been investigated. Under low oxygen partial pressure, oxygen vacancies are formed in the STO substrate resulting in metallicity with a measured sheet carrier concentration of 1016cm−−2. Annealing postgrowth in flowing oxygen causes the sheet carrier concentration to saturate to 1013cm−−2, which is consistent with the reported values of a two-dimensional gas at other polar/STO interfaces. However, growth under nonreducing growth conditions leads to insulating behavior. High-resolution synchrotron x-ray-based structural determination of the atomic-scale structures of both metallic and insulating LCO/STO interfaces shows chemical intermixing and an interfacial lattice expansion.
Feeding and lighting practices on small-scale extensive pastured poultry commercial farms in the United States

ABSTRACT As commercial free-range and pastured poultry production has gained increased popularity in the United States in recent years, there is a greater need to understand basic husbandry practices including feeding and lighting practices. Because husbandry practices vary greatly between individual commercial pastured poultry and free-range operations, gaining knowledge across a wide cross-section of producers is necessary to better understand current practices. Specifically, because feed is considered the most expensive part of poultry production with respect to operating cost, in collaboration with the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association, an on-line survey of commercial free-range and pastured poultry producers was conducted aimed primarily at evaluating feeding and lighting practices. Data were collected from 14 commercial pastured (n = 13) and free-range (n = 1) producers (6 broiler, 1 layer, and 7 broiler/layer facilities) across 9 U.S. states. Results showed that these operations most commonly use Cornish Cross for broiler production and ISA Brown and Australorp for egg production. Only 1 of the 14 farms calculates feed conversion ratio on a monthly basis. Estimates of Hen Month Egg Production (HMEP) resulted in HMEP percentages that were over 100% in 6 of the 7 farms that provided data. 5 of the 7 farms that have layers used supplemental lighting but do not use a lux meter. These lack of data reflect an important challenge with this segment of the poultry industry. Extension based outreach focused on enabling data collection and record-keeping and analysis are necessary. Despite its small sample size, this study's results provide some valuable insights with respect to feeding equipment and the current state of data collection for this segment of the poultry industry.
Congress as a Deviant Organization: An Application of Ermann and Lundman’s Organizational Deviance Framework

ABSTRACTIn 1978, Ermann and Lundman put forth the most sophisticated organizational deviance framework to date. They conceptualized organizational deviance as actions by an organization that interf...
Food Webs and Graphs

The study of food webs has occurred over the last 50 years, generally by ecologists working in natural habitats with specific relatively narrow interests in mind. At the outset, a few mathematicians became interested in the graph-theoretic properties of food webs and their corresponding competition graphs; however, linkages between ecologists’, mathematicians’, and conservationists’ interests and results were few and far between. This chapter introduces food webs and various corresponding graphs and parameters to those interested in important research areas that link mathematics and ecology. A basic background on food webs and graphs is provided, with exercises to further illustrate the concepts. Numerous research questions are posed, with references to preliminary work on these questions.
The Crime of Animal Abuse in Two Nonwestern Cities: Prevalence, Perpetrators, and Pathways

Estimates the prevalence of animal abuse in Nizhni Novgorod, Russia, and Lviv, Ukraine, assesses the sociodemographic characteristics of animal abusers in these cities, and provides the first empirical test of Agnew’s (Theor Criminol 2(2):177–209, 1998) theory of the causes of animal abuse. Logistic regression and generalized structural equation models are estimated using interview data from 1435 randomly-sampled adults in 41 neighborhoods in Lviv and Nizhni Novgorod. Animal abuse was quite rare among respondents and committed mostly by males and younger individuals. Consistent with Agnew’s theory, low self-control, animal-abusing peers, justifying beliefs, and perceived benefits all were associated with statistically significantly increased likelihood of animal abuse. In addition, justifying beliefs and perceived benefits mediated a significant and substantial share of the effects of self-control and animal-abusing peers on animal abuse. Contrary to theoretical expectations, perceived costs appeared unrelated to animal abuse net of the effects of other predictors. People who abuse animals appear to do so partly because, due to low self-control and exposure to animal-abusing peers, they hold beliefs justifying the behavior and perceive greater benefits associated with it.
Distinct pattern of oculomotor impairment associated with acute sleep loss and circadian misalignment.

Sleep loss and circadianmisalignment have long been known to impair human cognitive and motor performance with significant societal and health consequences. It is well known that human reaction time to a visual cue is impaired following sleep loss and circadian misalignment, but it has remained unclear how more complex visuomotor control behaviour is altered under these conditions. In this study, we measured 14 parameters of the voluntary ocular tracking response of 12 human participants (six females) to systematically examine the effects of sleep loss and circadianmisalignment using a constant routine 24 h acute sleep-deprivation paradigm. The combination of state-of-the-art oculometric and sleep-research methodologies allowed us to document, for the first time, large changes in many components of pursuit, saccades and visual motion processing as a function of time awake and circadian phase. Further, we observed a pattern of impairment across our set of oculometric measures that is qualitatively different from that observed previously with other mild neural impairments. We conclude that dynamic vision and visuomotor control exhibit a distinct pattern of impairment linked with time awake and circadian phase. Therefore, a sufficiently broad set of oculometric measures could provide a sensitive and specific behavioural biomarker of acute sleep loss and circadian misalignment. We foresee potential applications of such oculometric biomarkers assisting in the assessment of readiness-to-perform higher risk tasks and in the characterization of sub-clinical neural impairment in the face of a multiplicity of potential risk factors, including disrupted sleep and circadian rhythms.
Managing processes/control

Abstract Along with other similarities between cellular and technological processes, major control in both environments is mediated by special devices. Open-loop configuration is preprogrammed; closed-loop design employs ongoing process information as feedback. Technological modeling with linear systems theory uses differential equations and related infrastructure in its state variable (SV) and input–output (IO) models (Chapter 4: Input into output/systems). Quantitative SV format tests of entire systems can determine controllability and observability. When choosing open- or closed-loop control and evaluating feedback contributions, IO models can be convenient. Quantifying process response to perturbation uses as measure its sensitivity. SV-feedback models yield process eigenvalues, guides for control design. Metabolic and other cellular pathways exhibit self-regulation that can be modeled top-down using metabolic control analysis (MCA). IO model informed, it represents response to perturbation of entire pathways as well as of single enzymes. MCA infrastructure centers on flux, control, and elasticity coefficients. Summation and connectivity theorems are available to calculate collective, process properties.
Tunable-with-energy intense modal interactions induced by geometric nonlinearity:

Modal interactions are distinct features of nonlinear systems that can be exploited in applications such as vibration and shock mitigation, targeted (irreversible) energy transfers (TET), and acous...
PAPER 4 – Question of Parity Conservation in Weak Interactions†*

The question of parity conservation in β decays and in hyperon and meson decays is examined. Possible experiments are suggested which might test parity conservation in these interactions.
Effect of surface coating on droplet generation in flow-focusing microchannels

Different stages of droplet generation are reported in this paper with two immiscible liquids, silicone oil and deionized water, inside a flow-focusing device for hydrophobic and hydrophilic channel walls. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic channels of identical geometry are compared. In this first set of experiments, the efficacy of the hydrophobic channel is compared with a square cross junction for a continuous oil phase with low viscosity. In the hydrophobic case, the flow-focusing design with a diverging outlet delays jetting and allows for the use of higher flow rate ratios in the squeezing regime. For the hydrophilic case, stable and well-structured droplet and slug generation can be achieved using oil and water, resulting in an inverse emulsion. However, the morphology of the fluid interface displays an unusual behavior compared to that of a hydrophobic microchannel. The droplet generation in the hydrophilic channel occurs following the formation of single and double T-junctions, a phenomenon hitherto unreported in the literature. The results demonstrate that the uncoated hydrophobic channels generate monodisperse droplets at a higher capillary number when compared to the hydrophilic channels.
Indications, Choice of Operations and Outcomes of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Children

Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) is indicated in children who have a BMI 120% of the 95th percentile with a comorbidity or 140% of the 95th percentile. This is based on significant evidence that childhood onset obesity leads to severe, progressive comorbidities and early mortality. Developmental delay and syndromic obesity are not contraindications to MBS. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertension are improved or resolved after MBS. In patients with obesity and reflux MBS is significantly better than fundoplication for the treatment of Reflux. MBS Programs should be oriented towards children and use simple educational goals to encourage lifestyle changes towards healthy eating and regular exercise. Early referral of children with severe obesity to a multidisciplinary treatment program that offers metabolic and bariatric surgery is critical to improving both quality and quantity of life in our most vulnerable population.
Genetic relationship and parentages of historical peaches revealed by microsatellite markers

Pedigrees of most historical peach cultivars in the USA, including the widely known peach ‘Elberta’, are poorly documented or speculative, as are their phylogenetic relationships. Co-dominant microsatellite markers are a reliable tool to decipher their genetic relationships and possible parentages. In this study, twenty amplification-reliable microsatellite markers were used for genotyping of forty-eight historical, foreign, or feral peach cultivars to study their genetic and parental relationships. Based on the phylogenetic tree built with the shared allele genetic distances, these materials were grouped into five clusters, which were consistent with their coordinated partitions generated by principal coordinate analysis. The genotyping results suggested that ‘Early Crawford’ was the unknown pollen parent of ‘Elberta’ rather than ‘Oldmixon Free’ or ‘Late Crawford’, two other proposed parents. The marker results also confirmed the reported pedigrees of ‘Rio Oso Germ’ as a self-pollination of ‘Late Crawford’ and ‘Cumberland’ as a hybrid of ‘Georgia Belle’ and ‘Greensboro’. In addition, ‘J. H. Hale’ and ‘Early Elberta’ appeared to be OP outcrosses of ‘Elberta’, while ‘Dwarf Elberta’ appeared to be a bud sport of ‘Elberta’. Some genotyped materials apparently were not the original historical cultivars, which would be a main impediment for conclusive inference of parentage relationship.
Systematic Isolation of Key Parameters for Estimating Skeletal Maturity on AP Hip Radiographs.

Background The ability to estimate skeletal maturity using a hip radiograph does not yet exist, but may have utility in the treatment of scoliosis, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and lower limb deformity. We sought to develop a fast, accurate, and reproducible method. Methods Fourteen hip radiologic parameters were evaluated on serial anteroposterior hip radiographs from 3 years before to 2 years after the skeletal age associated with 90% of final height, a validated skeletal maturity definition which correlates with the timing of peak height velocity. The Greulich and Pyle (GP) left hand bone age was obtained for comparison. Stepwise linear regression and generalized estimating equation analyses were used to isolate key hip and demographic parameters, creating the "optimized Oxford" skeletal maturity system. The accuracy of the optimized Oxford system in predicting years from 90% of final height was evaluated and compared with systems of demographics only, the modified Oxford, demographics+modified Oxford, and demographics+GP. Results A total of 284 hip radiographs from 41 girls (range: 7 to 15 y) and 38 boys (range: 9 to 17 y) were included. Following multivariate analyses, 5 of the original 14 hip radiographic parameters remained significant. The predictions made by the optimized Oxford model had greater accuracy and fewer outlier predictions (predictions >1 y off from actual years from 90% of final height) than the demographics only and modified Oxford only models (P 0.05). Conclusion High precision in skeletal maturity estimation can be achieved by using chronological age, sex, and 5 hip radiographic parameters. Clinical relevance We have developed a skeletal maturity system that utilizes anteroposterior hip radiographs and performs as accurately as GP.
SARS-Cov-2 Infection versus Vaccine-Induced Immunity among Veterans

BackgroundWith over 40 million cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection reported in the US and discussion of both vaccine mandates as well as boosters ongoing, we aim to examine protection conferred by previous infection compared with vaccination so that citizens and policy makers can make informed decisions. ObjectivesTo compare mRNA COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity against immunity induced by previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 between June and August 2021 when the Delta variant became dominant in the US. We conducted a retrospective observational study comparing two groups whose incident vaccination or infection occurred within the first two months of 2021: (1) SARS-CoV-2-naive individuals who received a full mRNA vaccination - 2 doses of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, (2) newly infected individuals who were subdivided into those have not been vaccinated and those have been vaccinated after their infection. Matched multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was applied. We evaluated laboratory (RT-PCR) confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during follow-up, COVID-related hospitalization, and deaths. SettingVeterans Health Administration (VHA). Main outcomesPositive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, COVID-related hospitalization, and deaths. Protection was estimated from hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). ResultsA total of 9,539 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first two months of 2021 were matched to 14,458 and 23,105 patients fully vaccinated with Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines, during the same two months. 3,917 (41%) of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were subsequently vaccinated. We plan to study this group separately. Consequently, protections were estimated among those with infection but were not subsequently vaccinated and those vaccinated with a mRNA vaccine. Among seniors, Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines offered stronger protection against infection, lowering the risk by an additional 66% [HR: 0.34 (95% CI, 0.14-0.78)] and 68% [HR: 0.32 (95% CI, 0.14-0.70)]; stronger protection against hospitalization, lowering the risk by an additional 61% [HR: 0.34 (95% CI, 0.14-0.78)] and 45% [HR: 0.34 (95% CI, 0.14-0.78)]; and stronger protection against deaths lowering the risk by an additional 95% [HR: 0.05 (95% CI, 0.004-0.62)] and 99% [HR: 0.01 (95% CI, 0.001-0.44)]. Among young adults (age < 65), the protections offered by vaccines were statistically equivalent to that provided by previous infection, especially in terms of absolute incidence rate. ConclusionsAmong the elderly (age 65 or older), two-dose mRNA vaccines provided stronger protection against infection, hospitalization, and death, compared to natural immunity. Among young adults (age < 65), the protections offered between natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity were similar.
Reverse-Phase Microarray Analysis Reveals Novel Targets in Lymph Nodes of Bacillus anthracis Spore-Challenged Mice.

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, USA, grant 5R21AI099851-2. Publication of this article was funded in part by the George Mason University Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund.
Detection and Localizing Multiple Spoofing Attackers

Under a malicious spoofing attack, multiple adversaries may masquerade as the same identity and collaborate to launch a denial-of-service attack quickly. Therefore, it is important to further determine the number of attackers that masquerade as the same identity in the wireless network. Further, detecting the presence of identity-based attacks in the network provides first order information towards defending against attackers. Learning the physical location of the attackers allows the network administrators to further exploit a wide range of defense strategies. For example, we can physically visit multiple adversaries and eliminate it from the network. We then explore how to find the positions of the adversaries by integrating our attack detector into a real-time indoor localization system.
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) on Dark Web

The tragic events of September 11 have caused drastic effects on many aspects of society. Academics in the fields of natural sciences, computational science, information science, social sciences, engineering, medicine, and many others have been called upon to help enhance the government’s ability to fight terrorism and other crimes. In the area under defending against catastrophic terrorism, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), especially nuclear weapons, have been considered one of the most dangerous threats to US homeland security and international peace and prosperity. We believe the science of Intelligence and Security Informatics (ISI) can help with nuclear forensics and attribution. ISI research can help advance the intelligence collection, analytical techniques, and instrumentation used in determining the origin, capability, intent, and transit route of nuclear materials by selected hostile countries and (terrorist) groups. We propose a research framework that aims to investigate the capability, accessibility, and intent of critical high-risk countries, institutions, researchers, and extremist or terrorist groups. We propose to develop a knowledge base of the Nuclear Web that will collect, analyze, and pinpoint significant actors in the high-risk international nuclear physics and weapons communities. We also identify potential extremist or terrorist groups from our Dark Web test bed who might pose WMD threats to the USA and the international community. Selected knowledge mapping and focused web crawling techniques and findings from a preliminary study are presented in this chapter.