cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Passive Remote Sensing of Cloud Ice Particles

Hurricanes, blizzards and other weather events are important to understand not only for disaster preparation, but also to track the global energy balance and to improve weather and climate forecasts. For several decades, passive radiometers and active radars on aircraft and satellites have been employed to remotely sense rain rates and the properties of liquid particles. In the past few years the relationships between frozen particles and millimeter-wave observations have become understood well enough to estimate the properties of ice in clouds. In this paper, a brief background of passive remote sensing of precipitation will be presented followed by a focused discussion of recent research at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center estimating the properties of frozen particles in clouds. The retrievals are for (1) ice that will eventually melt into rain, (2) for solid precipitation falling in northern climates, and (3) cirrus ice clouds. The electromagnetic absorption and scattering properties and differences of liquid rain versus frozen particles will be summarized for frequencies from 6 to 340+ GHz. Challenges of this work including surface emissivity variability, non-linear and under-constrained relationships, and frozen particle unknowns will be discussed. Retrieved cloud particle contents and size distributions for ice above the melting layer in hurricanes, retrieved snowfall rates for a blizzard, and cirrus ice estimates will be presented. Future directions of this work will also be described.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Simulating Phase Coarsening of Ultra-High Volume Fractions

The dynamics of phase coarsening at ultra-high volume fractions is studied based on two-dimensional phase-field simulations by numerically solving the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau and Cahn-Hilliard equations. The kinetics of phase coarsening at ultra-high volume fractions is discovered. The microstructural evolutions for different ultra-high volume fractions are shown. The scaled particle size distribution as functions of the dispersoid volume fraction is presented. The particle size distribution derived from our simulation at ultra-high volume fractions is close to Wagner's particle size distribution due to interface-controlled ripening rather than Hillert's grain size distribution in grain growth. The changes of shapes of particles are carefully studied with increase of volume fraction. It is found that more liquid-filled triple junctions are formed as a result of particle shape accommodation with increase of volume fraction at the regime of ultra-high volume fraction.
The first example of a Raddon‐like antibody as a cause of a transfusion reaction

A serum Raddon defining a low-frequency red blood cell antigen FR, and its association with the Miltenberger complex of antigens, were reported in 1977. An antibody of the same serological specificity was the cause of a transfusion reaction. The patient's reaction and serological response, as well as the frequency of Raddon and its inheritance, are described.
Low-Dose Intravenous Soybean Oil Emulsion for Prevention of Cholestasis in Preterm Neonates

Background: Premature infants depend on intravenous fat emulsions to supply essential fatty acids and calories. The dose of soybean-based intravenous fat emulsions (S-IFE) has been associated with parenteral nutrition (PN)–associated liver disease. This study’s purpose was to determine if low-dose S-IFE is a safe and effective preventive strategy for cholestasis in preterm neonates. Materials and Methods: This is a multicenter randomized controlled trial in infants with a gestational age (GA) ≤29 weeks. Patients <48 hours of life were randomized to receive a low (1 g/kg/d) or control dose (approximately 3 g/kg/d) of S-IFE. The primary outcome was cholestasis, defined as a direct bilirubin ≥15% of the total bilirubin at 28 days of life (DOL) or full enteral feeds, whichever was later, after 14 days of PN. Secondary outcomes included growth, length of hospital stay, death, and major neonatal morbidities. Results: In total, 136 neonates (67 and 69 in the low and control groups, respectively) were enrolled. B...
Exposed aluminum ions as active sites on γ-alumina

Abstract The EPR spectrum of nitric oxide which is weakly adsorbed on γ-Al 2 O 3 exhibits a strong crystal field gradient and a hyperfine structure due to exposed aluminum ions. Hydrogen sulfide is selectively adsorbed on these exposed aluminum ions, whereas H 2 O and CO 2 are not. The latter may be removed from the aluminum ions by brief evacuation at 25 °C. Quantitative results for the poisoning of the 1-butene isomerization reaction and the decrease in the EPR spectrum of NO strongly suggest that the exposed aluminum ions function as active sites for the isomerization reaction. For one sample of alumina the number of such sites is between 1 × 10 12 /cm 2 as measured from the spin concentration and 5 × 10 13 /cm 2 as measured from H 2 S poisoning experiments.
An Index of Pro-Woman Nation-States : A Comparative Analysis of 39 Countries

Pro-woman nation-states need to be identified because these states may help diminish traditional gender roles and gender stratification by providing structural opportunities for women (Wang, 2004; Wernet et al., 2005). Comparative, country-level data on multiple domains, such as female life expectancy, low fertility rates, education levels, the legal status of abortion, the percent of women in public life, female labor force participation, and family leave policies, are gathered from the Population Reference Bureau (1998) and the International Labor Organization (1997). This article explores the differential access that people in 39 countries have to the aforementioned rights and privileges in order to identify which countries have policies that are the most beneficial for women by ranking pro-woman nation-states in a comparative index.
EPR measurements showing that plasma membrane viscosity can vary from 30 to 100 cP in human epidermal cell strains

Abstract A rigorous technique for the measurement of human membrane viscosity by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has been developed by designing a sample preparation procedure to optimize the spin labeling process and using a special (grown in essential fatty acid free medium) epidermal cell strain. The essential fatty acid deficient cell strains (keratinocytes) were also grown in fatty acid supplemented media formulated to alter the fatty acid composition of the phospholipids that form the cell membrane. Fatty acid free bovine serum albumin was used as a carrier for the spin label (16-doxyl stearate methyl ester) at an approximately equimolar ratio. Monolayers grown in T-75 flasks were labeled for 15 min at 4°C with 12 μM bovine serum albumin plus 20 μM spin label. The cells were then washed and transferred (at 4°C) to a flatcell for EPR studies at 37°C. The spectra were computer simulated and the results were interpreted by comparison with a “standard curve” obtained from the EPR spectra of the spin label in oil at multiple temperatures. Arguments are presented for preferring this measurement technique over the more conventional use of order parameters and over the use of some other spin labels. The EPR spectra were completely insensitive to the effects of molecular dioxygen in the growth medium and cytoplasm, but remarkabley sensitive to the fatty acid composition of the cellular phospholipids. Fatty acid modified epidermal cells showed a very strong correlation between membrane fluidity (a three-fold change in the membrane viscosity) and a fatty acid double bond index.
Pattern Recognition and Track Fitting in Central Trackers

We present a fully object-oriented framework which provides the tools for track finding and fitting in a particle physics detector. The software is modular and extensible so that it can be applied to a wide range of detectors and can be finely tuned to optimize performance. We believe that this package can provide a common solution to the requirements of the Linear Collider simulation community.
The Utilization of Non-Protein Nitrogen by Laying Hens

Abstract NON-PROTEIN nitrogen (N.P.N.) is known to be a good source of protein for ruminant animals where the rumen bacteria are able to convert the nitrogen to protein. However, little work has been done to study the possibilities of using N.P.N. sources as a partial protein substitute for the laying hen. Under specific conditions, it has been shown that some monogastric animals are able to utilize the nitrogen from N.P.N. sources to a limited extent. Rose et al. (1949) were the first to show that N.P.N. could be utilized by the rat by feeding a diet containing all the essential amino acids supplemented with ammonium salts, glycine, l -glutamic acid or urea. l -glutamic acid, diammonium citrate (D.A.C.) and ammonium acetate were utilized under these conditions. Lardy and Feldott (1949) and Frost and Sandy (1951) were able to confirm the findings of Rose et al. (1949). Birnbaum et al. (1957) and Rechcigl et al. …
Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections: Facts, Current Practice, and the Unanswered Questions

Over the last 2 decades, there has been a surge in newly implanted cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This is largely due to the increasing indications for these devices and their role in improving both survival and quality of life among certain groups of patients with heart disease. However, the net benefit of these devices is affected by adverse events and complications. CIED infection is one of these complications that increase morbidity and mortality. Patients with CIED infection can present with pocket infection or endovascular infection. Management usually involves CIED removal and antibiotic therapy. Despite its importance, many questions remain unanswered. Longitudinal studies and randomized clinical trials are needed to better define risk factors for CIED infections and outcomes and to help assess best practices to prevent this complication.
Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Combining Sorafenib and Transarterial Locoregional Therapy: State of the Science

The potential for increased efficacy with combined transarterial chemoembolization and sorafenib is a topic of increased interest to specialists who care for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. There is strong scientific rationale for combination therapy: transarterial chemoembolization produces ischemia and stimulates hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, resulting in a local and systemic upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which can increase tumor angiogenesis. This upregulation can theoretically be counteracted with the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, which is thought to act directly on platelet-derived growth factor, Raf kinase, and VEGF receptors. The potential of this approach has not yet been fully realized in clinical trials, and many unanswered questions remain. This review article discusses the state of the science of arterial locoregional therapies and sorafenib.
Provable Data Possession Using Sigma-protocols

We introduce a scheme for Provable Data Possession (PDP) that allows a client which has stored data at an untrusted server to verify that the server possesses the original data that it stored without retrieving it. This work is the first attempt to build a PDP scheme using the concept of sigma protocols. The client maintains a constant amount of data to verify the proof. The challenge-response protocol that is derived from the sigma protocol transmits a small, constant amount of data. This minimizes network communication. We present a provably-secure Sigma-PDP scheme that is more efficient than previous solutions in terms of both computation and communication complexity because of a major reduction in the number of exponentiations involved in the proof of possession. In addition to minimizing computation at the server we reduce client computation. We eliminate any exponentiation at the server while the previous solutions have a fixed set of at least c exponentiations to generate the proof, where c is a constant that is approximately equal to 500. We limit the exponentiations at the client to 5, irrespective of the challenge size while the previous solution needs at least c exponentiations in order to check the validity of the proof.
Applications of Telemedicine and Telecommunications to Disaster Medicine: Historical and Future Perspectives

Disaster management utilizes diverse technologies to accomplish a complex set of tasks. Despite a decade of experience, few published reports have reviewed application of telemedicine (clinical care at a distance enabled by telecommunication) in disaster situations. Appropriate new telemedicine applications can improve future disaster medicine outcomes, based on lessons learned from a decade of civilian and military disaster (wide-area) telemedicine deployments. This manuscript reviews the history of telemedicine activities in actual disasters and similar scenarios as well as ongoing telemedicine innovations that may be applicable to disaster situations. Emergency care providers must begin to plan effectively to utilize disaster-specific telemedicine applications to improve future outcomes.
Observed Herring Gull Kleptoparasitism of American Black Ducks

Abstract Herring gulls Larus argentatus were observed to kleptoparasitize American black ducks Anas rubripes feeding on fiddler crabs Uca pugnax in coastal New Jersey. Although widespread in Laridae, kleptoparasitism has never been described between these two species. Over two winters of intensive 24-hour behavioral observations, this interaction was observed on two occasions during similar tidal conditions. Although this appears to be a rare interaction with limited energetic consequences, we note that quantifying these uncommon interspecific interactions is a benefit of thorough behavior observations, which may refine estimates of daily energy expenditure.
Characterization of ammonium nitrate by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Mass spectra of ammonium nitrate were recorded in both positive- and negative-ion mode by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry with collision-induced dissociation (ESI-MS/MS-CID). Characterization of ammonium nitrate by a series of typical cluster ions was further confirmed by using isotopically labeled ammonium nitrate (ammonium-15N, nitrate-15N, nitrate-18O) and deuterated water. It was found that, at heated capillary temperatures in the range 55–150 °C, in the positive-ion mode, cluster ions of the type [(NH4NO3)nNH4]+(n = 1–3) were dominant in the mass spectrum, which enables the characterization and identification of the integral ammonium nitrate molecule. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural Immunity to Ebola Virus in the Syrian Hamster Requires Antibody Responses

Most ebolaviruses can cause severe disease in humans and other primates, with high case fatality rates during human outbreaks. Although these viruses have been studied for almost 4 decades, little is know regarding the mechanisms by which they cause disease and what is important for protection or treatment after infection. Because of the sporadic nature of the outbreaks and difficulties accessing the populations affected by ebolaviruses, little is also known about what constitutes an appropriate immune response to infection in humans that survive infection. Such knowledge would allow a targeted approach to therapies. In contrast to humans, rodents are protected from disease on infection with ebolaviruses, although adapted versions of some of the viruses are lethal in mice, hamsters and guinea pigs. Using the recently described hamster model, along with T-cell depletion strategies, we show that CD4(+) T cells are required for natural immunity to Ebola virus infection and that CD4-dependent antibody responses are required for immunity in this model.
Reconstruction of Transition Firing Sequences Based on Asynchronous Observations of Place Token Changes

This paper proposes a methodology for reconstructing the possible transition firing sequences in a given Petri net based on asynchronous observations of token changes at different places of the Petri net. The observed sequences of token changes are provided by local sensors and are asynchronous, i.e., they only contain partial information about the ordering of the token changes that occur due to the firing of transitions. The task of a centralized observer is to optimally combine this information and reconstruct all transition firing sequences that are consistent with the structure of the Petri net. More specifically, given the observed sequences of token changes (for different sets of places in the net), the paper develops an algorithm that is able to reconstruct all firing sequences that are consistent with the asynchronous observations and the structure of the given Petri net. Since Petri nets are a powerful tool to model, analyze, and control large-scale dynamic systems, the proposed method is useful for event reconstruction and fault monitoring based on asynchronous observations.
Daughter Cell Separation by Penicillin-Binding Proteins and Peptidoglycan Amidases in Escherichia coli

As one of the final steps in the bacterial growth cycle, daughter cells must be released from one another by cutting the shared peptidoglycan wall that separates them. In Escherichia coli, this delicate operation is performed by several peptidoglycan hydrolases, consisting of multiple amidases, lytic transglycosylases, and endopeptidases. The interactions among these enzymes and the molecular mechanics of how separation occurs without lysis are unknown. We show here that deleting the endopeptidase PBP 4 from strains lacking AmiC produces long chains of unseparated cells, indicating that PBP 4 collaborates with the major peptidoglycan amidases during cell separation. Another endopeptidase, PBP 7, fulfills a secondary role. These functions may be responsible for the contributions of PBPs 4 and 7 to the generation of regular cell shape and the production of normal biofilms. In addition, we find that the E. coli peptidoglycan amidases may have different substrate preferences. When the dd-carboxypeptidase PBP 5 was deleted, thereby producing cells with higher levels of pentapeptides, mutants carrying only AmiC produced a higher percentage of cells in chains, while mutants with active AmiA or AmiB were unaffected. The results suggest that AmiC prefers to remove tetrapeptides from peptidoglycan and that AmiA and AmiB either have no preference or prefer pentapeptides. Muropeptide compositions of the mutants corroborated this latter conclusion. Unexpectedly, amidase mutants lacking PBP 5 grew in long twisted chains instead of straight filaments, indicating that overall septal morphology was also defective in these strains.
Embedded Nanofibers Induced by High‐Energy Ion Irradiation of Bulk GaSb

Semiconductor nanostructures have attracted widespread attention for their unique quantum-confined nanoscale properties. In particular, the luminescence properties of nanoscale semiconductors are seen as a key to the future of optoelectronic microdevice fabrication. Although numerous techniques exist for the formation and modification of nanostructures on material surfaces, fabrication of such structures embedded within the material have proved elusive. In this work, we present the formation of embedded nanofiber layers within GaSb by high energy Au+ ion irradiation, and we analyze the distinct regions of the fiber layers formed as a result. Using growth models for low energy ions, a modified growth model is presented to interpret the presence of these observed fiber regimes. Furthermore, methods for tailoring the relative sizes of the fiber layers are presented. An additional model is proposed to account for the removal of the surface layer at increasing ion fluence.
Role of atrial peptide system in renal and endocrine adaptation to hypotensive hemorrhage

Hypotensive hemorrhage (HH) is characterized by intravascular volume depletion, avid renal sodium retention, and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The current studies were designed to investigate whether intravascular volume depletion would modulate circulating atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and, further, to examine what contribution, if any, a decrease in ANF would have in mediating the antinatriuresis and RAAS stimulation associated with HH. Two groups of anesthetized dogs underwent controlled arterial hemorrhage to reduce mean arterial pressure by 15-20 mmHg. Data were collected before and immediately after HH. One group (n = 6) underwent hemorrhage alone, whereas a second group (n = 5) underwent HH with simultaneous administration of alpha-human ANF (2.5 ng.kg-1.min-1), a dose calculated to prevent a reduction in ANF. In the untreated group, circulating ANF was significantly reduced after hemorrhage (79.4 +/- 7.4 to 57.2 +/- 3.4 pg/ml, P less than 0.05), whereas in the treated group ANF increased significantly (73.5 +/- 12.2 to 147.4 +/- 17.2 pg/ml, P less than 0.05). Despite differences in circulating ANF, both groups had similar reductions in urinary sodium excretion and renal blood flow, and similar increases in plasma renin activity. These studies demonstrate that circulating ANF is significantly reduced in HH; however, the mechanism of antinatriuresis and activation of the RAAS is independent of the reduction in circulating ANF.
Doctorate theses reported by graduate departments of health, physical education and recreation, 1930-1946, inclusively

(1949). Doctorate Theses Reported by Graduate Departments of Health, Physical Education and Recreation 1930–1946, Inclusively. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 21-59.
Elicitive Conflict Transformation and New Media: In Search for a Common Ground

Advocates of elicitive conflict transformation (ECT) maintain that the parties to a conflict are the most important resource in efforts to render that conflict less violent. According to them, the transformation of the conflict is immanent to the conflict itself. The claim of ECT theorists is that classical conflict resolution has mostly aimed at overcoming a conflict by means of neutral mediation, while conflict transformation is not primarily concerned with terminating a conflict and considers the conflict worker as part of the conflict system. Although ECT is a communication-based model of conflict management and relies on human media, its media-theoretical aspects are not made explicit, raising the question of what role technological media play in the communicative processes that make up ECT techniques. Through an examination of the claimed differences between conflict resolution and conflict transformation, and focusing on the common roots of new media and the elicitive model in systems and cybernetic theory, this paper asks whether any peacebuilding potential of new media could be found in a specific anti-propagandistic quality of distributed technological media. It concludes by looking at any such potential in social media.
Berit J. Sellevold (ed.): Old Bones: Osteoarchaeology in Norway: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Old Bones: Osteoarchaeology in Norway: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow is an edited conference publication, and it privileges the inclusion of a range of voices and perspectives over offering a clear...
Coccidioidal Granuloma and Blastomycosis in the Central Nervous System

During several years recently there have been reported numerous cases of two closely related groups of an unusual form of chronic infectious disease belonging pathologically to the granulomata and resembling in many features tuberculosis. I refer to coccidioidal granuloma and blastomycosis. The cases of coccidioidal granuloma have been described mostly in California, and by far the greater proportion of the cases of blastomycosis have been studied in Chicago. The most striking biological feature of these organisms is that in the tissues they always appear in the one case as sporulating organisms (coccidioidal), in the other as budding fungi (blastomycetes); while in artificial culture they have an entirely different appearance, both organisms invariably growing as molds.
The Role of Pharmacy in the Management of Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain

Abstract Objective To provide information regarding the current understanding of the etiology and treatment, both nonpharmacologic and, pharmacologic, of orofacial pain conditions including temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This review briefly discusses the etiology and pathophysiology underlying the development of TMDs, generally accepted non pharmacologic methods of treatment, and the most common current pharmacologic management approaches. Data Sources Current medical literature and the authors' clinical experiences. Data Synthesis TMDs encompass a number of diagnostic subgroups that involve the masticatory musculature, the temporomandibular joint(s), and associated structures. More than 10 million individuals in the United States are affected by TMDs. Most current pharmacologiC management approaches in the treatment of orofacial pain conditions, including TMDs, involve the use of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusion Inclusion of pharmacists who are knowledgeable in the non pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment approaches on the TMD management team would improve therapeutic monitoring, follow-up, and outcomes in these patients.
Cotranslational microRNA mediated messenger RNA destabilization

DNA encodes instructions to make proteins. The DNA is first copied to make molecules of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) that are then “translated” into proteins by large particles known as ribosomes. MicroRNAs are a type of very small RNA molecule that can reduce the amount of protein produced from mRNAs in animals and other eukaryotic organisms. However, the mechanism by which microRNAs achieve this has been unclear. Many groups of researchers have shown that microRNAs promote the degradation of particular mRNAs. Others have shown that the mRNAs that are targeted by microRNAs are generally bound to active ribosomes. Since the degradation of mRNAs is widely believed to occur away from the ribosomes, these two sets of observations have been considered to be incompatible with each other. Tat et al. set out to resolve this paradox by studying how microRNAs work in fruit fly cells. The experiments showed that microRNAs do indeed promote the degradation of the mRNAs they bind to and that these mRNAs are exclusively associated with active ribosomes. Furthermore, this process uses the same cellular machinery that is used for the normal destruction of mRNAs. MicroRNAs help to recruit this machinery to their target mRNAs and thereby enhance mRNA break down. Tat et al.’s findings provide an explanation for a longstanding puzzle in microRNA research. However, although this mechanism is widely used, it does not appear to apply to all mRNAs targeted by microRNAs, so a future challenge is to understand how these other mRNAs are broken down.
THE FLY EYE: A MODEL FOR RETINAL DEGENERATION

![][1] According to the World Health Organization, age-dependent macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in industrialized countries. Fortunately, the fruit fly's compound eyes, each containing ~800 eye units, offer an exceptional model in which to uncover the
Optimization of the Extraction Technique of Total Flavonoids from Smilax Glabra Roxb. by Quadratic Regression General Rotary Unitized Design

Objective:To optimize the extraction technique of total flavonoids from Smilax glabra Roxb.(TFSG) by quadratic regression general rotary unitized design.Methods:The method of response surface analysis with 4 factors and 3 levels was adopted according to the Box-Behnken center-united experimental design principles and one-factor tests.Then the factors influencing the technological parameters were determined by means of regression analysis.Response surface and contour were finally graphed with the extraction rate of TFSG(%)as the response value.Results:The factors which influence the extraction rate of TFSG according to priority was ethanol concentration,ultrasonic power,ultrasonic extraction time,and solid/liquid ratio.The optimum conditions of TFSG extraction were:the ethanol concentration of 57%,the ultrasonic power of 500 W,the ultrasonic extraction time of 34 min,the solid/liquid ratio of 1:21,and the extraction rate of TFSG was up to 2.32 %.Conclusion:The mathematical model that the present study established was significant(P0.01),and it might be applied to analysis and prediction the extraction technique of TFSG.
Supportive personnel training program based at a technical college

A supportive personnel training program based at a technical college is described. During the nine-month curriculum, the students spend time in the classroom and in a laboratory on the college campus. Part of the program is taught by the college faculty, providing the students with courses on basic chemistry, anatomy and physiology, medical vocabulary, typing, and math fundamentals. The other part of the curriculum is taught by pharmacists, including courses on hospital pharmacy, pharmacology, and pharmacy mathematics. The students' first experiences with unit-dose and i.v.-admixture programs are in an artificial laboratory under controlled conditions. Later in the program, the students rotate through each of the participating hospitals for thorough on-the-job training. By combining the resources of a local technical college and the area hospitals, a uniform program of training supportive personnel has been implemented that produces enough technical support for all the participating hospital pharmacies.
Regulating food consumption: Action messages can help or hurt

Abstract Objective Previous research suggests that messages promoting active behavior change may inadvertently increase food consumption by promoting a general goal to act. We suggest that this is only the case for active-approach behaviors and that messages promoting active-avoidance behaviors may be used to effectively decrease food consumption. Methods Participants were presented with healthy eating messages pretested to vary on the dimensions of direction (approach vs. avoid) and amount (action vs. inaction) of behavior. After viewing the messages, participants selected and consumed a healthy or unhealthy snack during a taste test. Results There were no differences in snack selection (healthy vs. unhealthy) across message conditions. For messages promoting more active behavior, however, there was a significant difference in snack consumption such that participants viewing active-approach messages consumed significantly more food than participants viewing active-avoidance messages. This happened regardless of whether participants selected a healthy or unhealthy snack. For messages promoting less active behavior there was no difference in consumption between approach and avoidance based messages. Conclusions These findings suggest that when viewing health messages that promote active behavior change, individuals are sensitive to the direction of action advocated by the message (approach vs. avoidance) and modulate consumption accordingly.
Relationships between soil properties and community structure of soil macroinvertebrates in oak-hickory forests along an acidic deposition gradient

Abstract Soil macroinvertebrate communities were studied in ecologically analogous oak-hickory forests across a three-state atmospheric pollution gradient in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The goal was to investigate changes in the community structure of soil fauna in study sites receiving different amounts of acidic deposition for several decades and the possible relationships between these changes and physico-chemical properties of soil. The study revealed significant differences in the numbers of soil animals among the three study sites. The sharply differentiated pattern of soil macroinvertebrate fauna seems closely linked to soil chemistry. significant correlations of the abundance of soil macroinvertebrates with soil parameters suggest that their populations could have been affected by acidic deposition in the region. Abundance of total soil macroinvertebrates decreased with the increased cumulative loading of acidic deposition. Among the groups most sensitive to deposition were: earthworms, gastropods, dipteran larvae, termites, and predatory beetles. The results of the study support the hypothesis that chronic long-term acidic deposition could adversely affect the soil decomposer community which could cause lower organic matter turnover rates leading to an increase in soil organic matter content in high deposition sites.
Fruit quality of seedless watermelon grafted onto squash rootstocks under different production systems

The market demand for seedless watermelon has been continuously increasing because of consumer preference. Grafting is a useful tool to manage soilborne diseases in watermelon production, but the use of squash rootstocks may negatively affect watermelon fruit quality. Currently, most research has focused on seeded cultivars, while grafting effects on seedless watermelons remain largely unknown. This multi-season study was conducted to assess the effects of squash rootstocks, including both Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata and C. moschata cultivars, with intact or excised and regenerated roots, on fruit quality of seedless watermelon 'Melody' using both instrumental and sensory measurements under different production scenarios. The grafted watermelon plants were also challenged by field inoculation with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum.; Results: A combination of instrumental measurements and consumer sensory analyses suggested that fruit quality of the seedless watermelon 'Melody' was not impacted by the use of the squash rootstocks used in this study, which included soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH and most fruit sensory properties. Watermelon flesh firmness was increased by grafting but the grafting effect on lycopene content was inconclusive. Root excision and regeneration did not influence the grafting effect, whereas the grafting effect on flesh firmness varied among the rootstocks under Fusarium inoculation.; Conclusion: Overall, grafting with squash rootstocks did not reduce fruit quality attributes of 'Melody' but improved texture. Our results support incorporating grafting into integrated management programs for seedless watermelon production. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
N-glycan content modulates kainate receptor functional properties

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are tetrameric proteins with between 4 and 12 consensus sites for N-glycosylation on each subunit, which potentially allows for a high degree of structural diversity conferred by this post-translational modification. N-glycosylation is required for proper folding of iGluRs in mammalian cells, but the impact of oligosaccharides on the function of successfully folded receptors is less clear. Glycan moieties are large, polar, occasionally charged, and mediate many protein-protein interactions throughout the nervous system. Additionally, they are attached at sites along iGluR subunits that position them for involvement in the structural changes underlying gating. We show here that altering glycan content on kainate receptors (KARs) changes the functional properties of the receptors in a manner dependent on the identity of both the modified sugars and the subunit composition of the receptor to which they are attached. We also report that native KARs carry the complex capping oligosaccharide HNK-1. Glycosylation patterns likely differ between cell types, across development, or with pathologies, and thus our findings reveal a potential mechanism for context-specific fine-tuning of KAR function through diversity in glycan structure. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Philipp Frank and the Wiener Kreis: from Vienna to Exile in the USA

Based on texts and personal recollections, the paper discusses the origins and roots of Philipp Frank’s philosophy of science as it was developed in Eastern Europe and later institutionalized in the United States. It takes into account the influence of Abel Rey and V. I. Lenin, considering the idea of the “bankruptcy of science.”
Adoption of Telehealth: Remote Biometric Monitoring Among Peritoneal Dialysis Patients in the United States

We examined participant uptake and utilization of remote monitoring devices, and the relationship between remote biometric monitoring (RBM) of weight (Wt) and blood pressure (BP) with self-monitoring requirements. Participants on peritoneal dialysis (PD) (n = 269) participated in a Telehealth pilot study of which 253 used remote monitoring of BP and 255 for Wt. Blood pressure and Wt readings were transmitted in real time to a Telehealth call center, which were then forwarded to the PD nurses for real-time review. Uptake of RBM was substantial, with 89.7% accepting RBM, generating 74,266 BP and 52,880 Wt measurements over the study period. We found no significant correlates of RBM uptake with regard to gender, marital, educational, socio-economic or employment status, or baseline experience with computers; frequency of use of BP RBM by Black participants was less than non-Black participants, as was Wt RBM, and participants over 55 years old were more likely to use the Wt RBM than their younger counterparts. Having any review of the breach by a nurse was associated with reduced odds of a subsequent BP breach after adjusting for sex, age, and race. Remote biometric monitoring was associated with adherence to self-monitoring BP and Wt requirements associated with PD. Remote biometric monitoring was feasible, allowing for increased communication between patient and PD clinical staff with real-time patient data for providers to act on to potentially improve adherence and outcomes.
Social Issues and Personal Life: Considering the Environment

As an organization that promotes socially relevant research, SPSSI encourages psychologists to engage in individual behaviors—their research activities—that are connected to issues of social interest. Thus, it can be argued that one of SPSSI's goals is to strengthen the connection between social issues and personal life, broadly defined. Some of the most urgent and salient social issues currently revolve around the natural environment, climate change in particular. This is an issue which many people do not connect to their personal lives. In this article, after briefly explaining why environmental issues should be considered social issues, I discuss the way in which environmental issues relate to personal life, and use environmental issues to explore the connection between social issues and personal life. I argue that the ability to make this connection involves cognitive processes such as systems thinking, and encourage more research in this area.
Stercoral colitis complicated with ischemic colitis: a double-edge sword

Stercoral colitis is a rare inflammatory process involving the colonic wall secondary to fecal impaction with high morbidity and mortality; especially if complicated with ischemic colitis, stercoral ulcer formation and subsequent perforation. There are several case reports published on abdominal perforation resulting from stercoral colitis. However, stercoral colitis complicated by ischemic colitis is rare. The purpose of this case report is to describe the potential challenges in the diagnosis and management of stercoral colitis with ischemic colitis. An 87 years old male with history of chronic constipation presents with severe abdominal pain to the emergency department. The patient was hemodynamically stable. On physical examination, the abdomen was mildly distended with moderate tenderness. Lab work was significant for leukocytosis and lactic acidosis. Abdominal CT scan revealed large amount of retained stool in the colon, bowel wall thickening and infiltration of peri-colonic fat, which were suggestive for stercoral colitis. Patient was started on IV fluids and antibiotics. He was given an enema, followed by laxative and manual disimpaction of stool. Colonoscopy was performed and biopsies were obtained. Tissue biopsy was significant for focal active colitis with regenerative glandular changes and neural hyperplasia. Elevated lactic acid level secondary to ischemia of the bowel wall with CT scan findings aid in establishing the diagnosis of stercoral colitis complicated with ischemic colitis. Urgent treatment with laxatives and fecal disimpaction is indicated to prevent perforation and peritonitis.
Interventional therapies for relief of obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: discussion and proposed clinical algorithm

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a disease formerly thought rare in clinical practice, is now believed to affect as many as 1 in 300 individuals, regardless of race or gender. Rising awareness, coupled with advanced imaging and the development of dedicated HCM centers of excellence, has led to more patients coming to clinical presentation. While some are diagnosed at a young age, others are diagnosed in middle age or well into advanced age. Unfortunately, many such patients have progressed clinically to overt heart failure, or have some combination of advanced symptoms including dyspnea, angina, pre-syncope or syncope, palpitations, and edema. Anatomic subsets, including those with mid-ventricular obstruction or apical disease, with or without apical aneurysm, have also been seen in increasing frequency. Fortunately, both percutaneous and surgical invasive options are available across the spectrum of disease severity and anatomy, with outcomes continuing to improve as the techniques and experience evolve. Advances in both approaches allow targeted and individualized treatment of the majority of these patients. This review will focus on interventional approaches to relief of obstruction, and will provide a current clinical algorithm from our center for determining when an interventional approach may be recommended or optimal over a surgical approach, and vice versa.
Prospective Open-label Trial of Early Concomitant Vasopressin and Norepinephrine Therapy versus Initial Norepinephrine Monotherapy in Septic Shock

Purpose Delays in achieving target mean arterial pressure (MAP) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with septic shock. This trial was conducted to test the hypothesis that early concomitant treatment with vasopressin and norepinephrine reduces the time to achieve and maintain target MAP compared with initial norepinephrine monotherapy. Methods A single-center prospective open-label trial was conducted in patients with septic shock between November 2015 and June 2016 at a medical intensive care unit in an academic medical center. Initial norepinephrine monotherapy was initiated between November 2015 and February 2016. Between March and June 2016, vasopressin was initiated within 4 hours of norepinephrine. The primary outcome was time to achieving and maintaining MAP of 65 mm Hg for at least 4 hours that was compared between groups using the Student t test and examined using the Kaplan-Meier curve (Clinical Trials registration: NCT02454348). Results Eighty-two patients were included (41 in each group). Patients treated with early concomitant vasopressin and norepinephrine more frequently had a positive culture (59% vs 37%, p=0.05) and grew nonlactose fermenting gram-negative bacilli (34% vs 10%, p=0.01) compared with patients treated with norepinephrine monotherapy, respectively. The median time to achieve and maintain MAP occurred faster in the early concomitant vasopressin and norepinephrine group, at 5.7 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 1.7-10.3 hrs), compared with 7.6 hours (IQR 3.6-16.7 hrs, p=0.058) in the norepinephrine group. Durations of therapy for norepinephrine or vasopressin, amount of norepinephrine received in the first 24 hours, norepinephrine dosage when MAP was achieved and maintained, maximum norepinephrine dosage, and mortality were similar between groups. Conclusion Patients treated with early concomitant vasopressin and norepinephrine achieved and maintained MAP of 65 mm Hg faster than those receiving initial norepinephrine monotherapy, suggesting that overcoming vasopressin deficiency sooner may reduce the time patients spend in the early phase of septic shock.
Mediation and medical malpractice: problems with definition and implementation.

An important aspect of the perceived problem with medical malpractice litigation is the manner in which malpractice claims are resolved.' Following the first medical malpractice crisis in the mid-1970s and the more recent difficulties with insurance costs and availability, the majority of states enacted legislation affecting the procedures used to resolve malpractice claims. 2 Procedural reforms have been motivated by a variety of concerns, including: (1) perceptions of an increasing number of medical malpractice claims filed; (2) fear that a large number of small claims are never filed because of the high transaction costs associated with litigation; (3) the unpredictability of litigated outcomes; (4) the perceived inconsistency of jury damage awards; and (5) the potential impact of the litigation system on the availability of malpractice insurance and the delivery of medical care. The procedural changes vary considerably. Some reforms were intended to have substantive effects; 3 other
Vedolizumab as a rescue therapy for patients with medically refractory Crohn's disease

Aim Vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody resulting in gut-selective anti-inflammatory activity, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2014 for use in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of vedolizumab as a rescue therapy when other medical therapies have failed. Method A retrospective review was performed on consecutive patients with CD receiving vedolizumab at the Penn State Hershey IBD Center between May 2014 and March 2016. These patients were unresponsive or intolerant to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist therapy, and previously would have been candidates for surgery. Outcomes included surgical intervention, clinical response and endoscopic improvement. Results A total of 48 patients with medically refractory CD receiving vedolizumab were included. The median length of follow-up was 69 weeks (range 15-113 weeks). A majority (81%) of patients previously failed at least two TNF antagonists, and 77% had prior surgery for CD. Surgical intervention was required in 21 (44%) patients and 13 (27%) patients required intra-abdominal operations. At the conclusion of the study, 23 (48%) patients reported continued improvement of symptoms, and 22 of 37 (59%) patients undergoing endoscopy showed improvement. Patients with the inflammatory CD phenotype were more likely to improve clinically and avoid surgery. Conclusion Vedolizumab alone or in combination with immunomodulators or steroids may be used as a rescue therapy in patients with medically refractory CD and may decrease the rate of surgical intervention. Patients with the inflammatory CD phenotype had the best clinical response and decreased need for surgery, suggesting that vedolizumab is most effective in the inflammatory phenotype.