cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between allelic variants in the glucagon-like peptide 1 and cholecystokinin receptor genes with gastric emptying and glucose tolerance.

BACKGROUND Nutrient-mediated release of cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) regulates gastric emptying (GE) via duodenogastric feedback mechanisms; GLP-1 also regulates postprandial insulin secretion. Some patients with functional upper gastrointestinal symptoms have impaired glucose tolerance during enteral dextrose infusion. Our hypothesis was that variants in CCK, GLP-1, and TCF7L2 (transcription factor 7-like 2 locus), which is associated with greatest genetic risk for development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, are associated with GE and independently with glucose tolerance. Our aims were to evaluate the associations between these GE, glucose tolerance, and these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). METHODS Genetic variants, scintigraphic GE of solids, plasma glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 during enteral dextrose infusion (75gm over 2 hours) were measured. GE and enteral dextrose infusion were, respectively, evaluated in 44 (27 controls and 17 patients with functional dyspepsia or nausea) and 42 (28 controls, 14 patients) participants; of these, 51 participants consented to assessment of SNPs. Four functional SNPs were studied: rs6923761 and rs1042044 at GLP-1 receptor, rs7903146 (TCF7L2), and rs1800857 (CCK receptor). KEY RESULTS Gastric emptying was normal in 38, rapid in 4, and delayed in two participants; 38 had normal, and four had impaired glucose tolerance. The T allele at rs7903146 (TCF7L2) was non-significantly associated (P = .14) with faster GE. The associations between SNPs and demographic variables, GE thalf , glucose tolerance and plasma GLP1 levels were not significant. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES There is a trend toward an association between faster GE and the diabetes-associated allele at rs7903146 in TCF7L2. However, these SNPs were not associated with plasma glucose or GLP1 concentrations during enteral dextrose infusion.
Predicting Bank Failures: Comparing and Extending Existing Models

We replicate three bank failure models (Martin (1977), Cole and White (2012), and DeYoung and Torna (2013)) and introduce a new predictive model along with several evaluation methods to compare their out-of-sample predictive accuracy. We find that the models are highly accurate individually, and despite their similarities, are significantly different. Our new model is compared to the existing models using evaluation methods which are new to the extant field of bank failure research. Our model is significantly different from and more accurate than the existing models. Our paper makes an important contribution to bank failure research by demonstrating and validating evaluation methods which allow researchers and regulators to determine if a new bank failure model is different from and better than what has already been published.
The impact of nanoparticle softness on its tracer diffusion coefficient in all polymer nanocomposites

The diffusion of nanoparticles in a polymer matrix is an area of current interest. However, a complete understanding is still limited as it is often difficult to quantify the much slower motion of nanoparticles in a polymer matrix. To combat this problem, we have developed a protocol to measure the diffusion coefficient of soft nanoparticles in a linear polymer matrix. Recently developed synthetic control over soft nanoparticle structures combined with this protocol provides a pathway to separately elucidate the effects of the molecular weight and nanoparticle softness on its diffusive behavior. These results indicate that the nanoparticle softness and deformability dictate its motion. Increasing the cross-linking density of the nanoparticle for all molecular weights increases its hardness and suppresses its motion in the linear matrix. Additionally, the nanoparticle molecular weight dependence deviates from the exponential dependence for star polymers suggesting that these nanoparticles benefit from the cooperative motion of the matrix to open pathways for the nanoparticle. Finally, comparison of these experimentally determined values to the Stokes–Einstein theory demonstrates that the nanoparticles diffuse much slower than a hard sphere. This is interpreted to indicate that there exist additional interactions between the nanoparticle and polymer matrix that are not captured by Stokes–Einstein, including threading or entanglement of the linear chain with the nanoparticle.
Association Between Subsequent Hospitalizations and Recurrent Acute Myocardial Infarction Within 1 Year After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background Patients who survive acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are at high risk for recurrence. We determined whether rehospitalizations after AMI further increased risk of recurrent AMI. Method...
In-situ tunable auxeticity in pressurized soft mechanical metamaterials

Mechanical metamaterials can be designed to give rise to exotic properties such as negative stiffness, negative Poisson’s ratio (auxeticity), and tailorable buckling by selectively designing the geometry of the host material. However, these behaviors are typically fixed and cannot be changed once the metamaterial has been fabricated. Motivated by the goal of post-manufactured application-specific adaptability, we present a soft mechanical metamaterial with pressurized circular voids for in-situ tunable mechanical properties. Prototypes are created by curing a two-component silicone rubber in a 3D printed mold. The circular voids are sealed at one end and independently connected to a pressure source on the opposite side, allowing any subset of the voids to be pressurized. Uniaxial compression tests are then conducted on a universal testing machine. Through selective pressurization of the voids, we demonstrate tunability of the material’s stiffness profiles and the critical loads that lead to the onset of auxeticity and/or buckling. Numerical investigations allow deeper insight, revealing that selective pressurization affects the qualitative shape of the first buckling mode and illustrating how pressurization can break the auxetic behavior of the nominal, unpressurized specimen. Overall, the outcomes demonstrate that soft elastomers with selectively pressurized voids can express quantitatively and qualitatively tunable responses, offering potential for new types of mechanical metamaterials with predictable, in-situ tunability.
Beta Blockers For HFrEF: Are Guidelines Being Followed?

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic health condition that affects over 5 million people annually and is the cause of over one million hospitalizations annually. Patients hospitalized for HF are at high risk for all-cause rehospitalization, with a 1-month readmission rate of 25%. The ACCF/AHA 2013 guidelines made a Class I recommendation for patients with stage B HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF), to utilize specific beta blockers (carvedilol, bisoprolol and metoprolol succinate) to decrease morbidity and mortality from disease, sudden cardiac death, hospitalization rates, and improve heart failure symptoms. Hypothesis We hypothesized that evidence-based management of heart failure is not being followed on discharge for patients with heart failure with reduced EF (HFrEF) at our institution. Methods A retrospective chart review for patients discharged from the medicine service of our urban academic hospital between September 2018 and April 2019 with a primary or secondary discharge diagnosis of HFrEF. Patients with ECHO within the past year with EF 40%, patients transferred to other facilities, left AMA, expired, and those with contraindications to BB therapy (bradycardia unless with pacemaker, decompensated HF, severe hepatic failure, reactive airway disease) were excluded. Variables collected included demographics (age, gender, ethnicity), type of BB on admission, type of BB on discharge, and reasons for non-guideline concordant BB on discharge. Additionally, all internal medicine house staff were anonymously electronically surveyed to assess knowledge and barriers to prescribing the appropriate BB Results There were 267 patients discharged from the Medicine service, 226 of whom met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 110 (48.7%) were on appropriate outpatient BB therapy on admission, however only 113 (50%) were discharged on the appropriate therapy. Further review showed 18 of 110 (16%) patients on appropriate BB on admission were switched to inappropriate BB on discharge. Of those 113 patients not discharged on appropriate BB, 48 (42%) were discharged on metoprolol tartrate, and the commonly cited reasoning documented on discharge summaries for nonadherence to guidelines were discharge on home medications (27%) and hypotension (15%). A total of 64 of 94 (68%) residents completed the survey. Notably, 43 (67.2%) of respondents reported feeling “very” or “somewhat” comfortable with the use of BB for patients with HFrEF, yet only 24 (37.5%) correctly identified all three recommended guideline directed BB. Conclusion About half of the patients with HFrEF (EF
Modeling cell venting and gas-phase reactions in 18650 lithium ion batteries during thermal runaway

Abstract A numerical model is developed to study cell venting, internal pressure, and gas-phase dynamics behavior of 18650 Li-ion cells undergoing thermal runaway. A k-ϵ Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model is adopted to describe the turbulent flow out of the cells, while the fluid dynamics inside the cells is described by Darcy-Forchheimer's equation. Thermal abuse reactions and gas generation kinetics are described by a single-step lumped reaction model. Then, a series of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are conducted on a single 18650 cell at various states-of-charge (100%, 50%, 25%) to study detailed flow and thermal behavior as a function of quantity of gas generated during cell venting. Venting events are categorized into two stages: i) breaching of the cell container and ii) thermal runaway reactions. It is found that the cell response is dominated by the second stage since most of the gases are generated during thermal runaway. Also, the propensity for propagation is highly affected by state-of-charge (SOC). Cells at higher SOCs produce more heat and gas during the venting event, owing to higher mass and concentrations of reacting gases, and consequently reach higher internal cell pressures which increase the risk of side-wall breaching.
Making Sense of Ego Depletion: The Replication Crisis, a Path Forward, and Lessons for Accounting Researchers

Ego depletion, an influential social psychology theory that has been recently applied in auditing research, is embroiled in a crisis following unsuccessful attempts to replicate the phenomenon. I analyze the threats to ego depletion as a phenomenon and to the strength model of self-regulation as its theoretical explanation. Although I conclude depletion is a real phenomenon, it is likely overstated in prior literature. I further conclude that the strength model is not the best theoretical explanation for depletion. Rather, I leverage an updated view of ego depletion as transient cognitive fatigue to provide a path forward for auditing researchers to continue investigating this phenomenon. Using an experiment with senior associate auditors and a complex estimates task, I present exploratory evidence consistent with the fatigue explanation. Finally, I highlight several lessons for auditing researchers in the context of normal scientific progress that arise out of the crisis in depletion research.
DroneCOCoNet: Learning-based edge computation offloading and control networking for drone video analytics

Abstract Multi-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems with high-resolution cameras have been found useful for operations such as smart city and disaster management. These systems feature Flying Ad-Hoc Networks (FANETs) that connect the computation edge with UAVs and a Ground Control Station (GCS) through air-to-ground wireless network links. Leveraging the edge/fog computation resources effectively with energy-latency-awareness, and handling intermittent failures of FANETs are the major challenges in supporting video processing applications. In this paper, we propose a novel “DroneCOCoNet” framework for drone video analytics that coordinates intelligent processing of large video datasets using edge computation offloading and performs network protocol selection based on resource-awareness. We present two edge computation offloading approaches, i.e., heuristic-based and reinforcement learning-based approaches. These approaches provide intelligent task sharing and co-ordination for dynamic offloading decision-making among UAVs. Our scheme handles the problem of computation offloading tasks in two separate ways: (i) heuristic decision-making process, and (ii) Markov decision process; wherein we aim to minimize the total computation costs as well as latency in the edge/fog resources while minimizing video processing times to meet application requirements. Our experimental results show that our heuristic-based offloading decision-making scheme enables lower scheduling time and energy consumption for low drone-to-ground server ratios. In comparison, our dynamic reinforcement learning-based decision-making approach increases the accuracy and saves overall time periodically. Notably, these results also hold in various other multi-UAV scenarios involving largely different numbers of detected objects in e.g., smart farming, transportation traffic flow monitoring and disaster response.
Vitamin D kinetics in nonpregnant and pregnant women after a single oral dose of trideuterated vitamin D3.

Abstract The plasma pool of the hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) is increased throughout most of human pregnancy. Mechanisms behind this adaptation are unclear, in part due to limited data on vitamin D kinetics during pregnancy. Stable isotopes make it possible to study vitamin D kinetics in vulnerable study populations like pregnant women. We conducted a pilot study of vitamin D kinetics in nonpregnant and pregnant women. We evaluated a clinical protocol and developed analytical methods to assess the serum appearance and disappearance of trideuterated vitamin D3 (d3-vitamin D3) and trideuterated 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (d3-25(OH)D3) after a single oral dose of 25 µg of [6,19,19-2H]-vitamin D3 (d3-vitamin D3). Blood was collected at baseline and 2, 4, 6, 24, 168, 264, and 456 hours post-dosing. We then described the serum kinetic profiles of d3-vitamin D3 and d3-25(OH)D3 in nonpregnant and pregnant women. Serum kinetic profiles of d3-vitamin D3 and d3-25(OH)D3 followed a time course in line with previous pharmacokinetic studies. There was marked variability between participants in the AUC of d3-25(OH)D3 over the 20-day study period. This AUC of d3-25(OH)D3 was positively correlated with the serum DBP concentration, which was higher in pregnant compared with nonpregnant women. The mean serum half-life of 25(OH)D3 was longer but not significantly different in pregnant women (18.8 days) compared with nonpregnant women (13.6 days). Our pilot study demonstrated that a single oral dose of 25 µg of d3-vitamin D3 can be used to study vitamin D kinetics. Serum DBP concentration is an important predictor of vitamin D kinetics, and more research is needed to fully understand the significance of elevated DBP concentration during pregnancy.
Elementary Topology and Applications

Sets and numbers metric and topological spaces from old to new spaces very special spaces function spaces topological groups special groups normality and precompactness the fundamental group some inequalities binomial equalities.
The RNA-binding protein Musashi-1 regulates proteasome subunit expression in breast cancer- and glioma-initiating cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor-initiating cells, similar to normal tissue stem cells, rely on developmental pathways, such as the Notch pathway, to maintain their stem cell state. One of the regulators of the Notch pathway is Musashi-1, a mRNA-binding protein. Musashi-1 promotes Notch signaling by binding to the mRNA of Numb, the negative regulator of Notch signaling, thus preventing its translation. CSCs have also been shown to downregulate their 26S proteasome activity in several types of solid tumors, thus making them resistant to proteasome-inhibitors used as anticancer agents in the clinic. Interestingly, the Notch pathway can be inhibited by proteasomal degradation of the Notch intracellular domain (Notch-ICD); therefore, downregulation of the 26S proteasome activity can lead to stabilization of Notch-ICD. Here, we present evidence that the downregulation of the 26S proteasome in CSCs constitutes another level of control by which Musashi-1 promotes signaling through the Notch pathway and maintenance of the stem cell phenotype of this subpopulation of cancer cells. We demonstrate that Musashi-1 mediates the downregulation of the 26S proteasome by binding to the mRNA of NF-YA, the transcriptional factor regulating 26S proteasome subunit expression, thus providing an additional route by which the degradation of Notch-ICD is prevented, and Notch signaling is sustained.
A Molecular Map for Neurodegeneration

Neuroimaging provides a series of snapshots of the brain and can be used to monitor the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson9s disease and Alzheimer9s disease. In a Techview, Ken Marek and John Seibyl discuss new advances and strategies in the imaging of neurodegenerative diseases.
Coronary arterial-left atrial fistula. Case with obstruction of the inferior vena cava by a giant left atrium.

Abstract A 64 year old man with a life-long history of known heart disease and irregular heart action presented with a continuous parasternal bruit, a massively enlarged heart and incomplete inferior vena cava obstruction. Angiocardiograms demonstrated marked distortion of all of the heart chambers, particularly the right atrium, and partial obstruction of the inferior vena cava by a large mass presumably invading the heart. Aortogram demonstrated a large anomalous branch of the right coronary artery, but it was not possible to determine angiographically the termination of the vessel. On exploratory thoracotomy, the mass distorting the heart was determined to be a giant left atrium that was presumably the result of a coronary arteriovenous fistula between the right coronary artery and the left atrium. The angiocardiographic findings are presented in detail, and the postulated factors in the development of giant atriomegaly are discussed.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of C60‐Diphenylaminofluorene Dyad and Multiads

Abstract One mono‐adduct and three novel multi‐adduct analogs of C60‐diphenylaminofluorene C60(>DPAF) n derivatives were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic methods. Optical absorption of these samples indicated a systematic increase in relative intensity of the fluorene band centered at 415 nm as the number of DPAF addend increases. Fluorescence of DPAF chromophore in all C60(>DPAF) n derivatives 4 (n = 1), 5 (n = 2), 6 (n = 3), and 7 (n = 4) in o‐dichlorobenzene and chloroform was found to be efficiently quenched as the direct covalent bond attachment of DPAF moieties to the fullerene cage facilitates efficient intramolecular electron or energy transfer processes.
The Loss of Oil: Constituting Disaster in Amazonian Ecuador

Resumen Existen pocos objetos que provocan tanta discusion de finales radicales que el petroleo, la materia prima industrial mas importante del mundo. En este articulo, examino la perdida asociada con el petroleo a traves de una exploracion de la medida en la que su extraccion llega a ser “desastrosa” para las vidas y las tierras de los pueblos que habitan las regiones productoras de petroleo. En Ecuador, pais miembro de la OPEP, el simbolo mas visible del poder destructivo del petroleo es el pueblo cofan. Varios articulos, documentales, sitios web y juicios representan al territorio cofan como una tierra ecologica y socioculturalmente devastada. Para contrarrestar el espiritu derrotista y el cierre analitico de las narrativas de la asolacion, propongo un marco conceptual alternativo que reconozca la presencia indeterminada del petroleo en el discurso y la practica del pueblo cofan. Mucho mas que una historia sencilla de perdida, una fenomenologia cofan del petroleo combina la realidad de la destruccion con una serie de elipsis, contradicciones y oportunidades que permiten que los cofanes nieguen su destruccion mientras que tambien la prevengan. [ecologia/medio ambiente, desarrollo, pueblos indigenas, politica, antropologia social]
The Production and Fate of Volatile Molecular Species in the Environment: Metals and Metalloids

Forms of volatile environmental metal(loid)s cannot be predicted from thermodynamic considerations of redox conditions. In their transport to and from the atmosphere, they may be degraded, sorbed, or regenerated by both chemical and biological events at rates largely unknown, though measurable. Trapping and escape of these elements at ubiquitous aquatic surface microlayers can now be reconciled with new progress in correlating molecular geometries with air-water transport and the biogeochemistry of microenvironments.
Gonadal sex differentiation and effects of dietary methyltestosterone treatment in sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)

Methods for sex control are needed to establish monosex aquaculture of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). Here we conducted the first characterization of sex differentiation by histology and hormonal sex reversal experiment in sablefish. Ovarian differentiation was first discernible at ~80 mm fork length (FL) and characterized by development of lamellar structures and onset of meiosis. Testes exhibited a dual-lobe appearance over much of their length and remained non-meiotic until males were ≥520 mm FL (2 years post-fertilization). Juveniles with undifferentiated gonads were provided diets containing 0 (control), 5 or 50 mg 17α-methyltestosterone (MT)/kg for 2 months. Following treatment, controls possessed either ovaries or non-meiotic testes, whereas MT-treated fish exhibited meiotic testes (60% of the fish), intersex gonads (~30%), or gonads that appeared sterile (~10%). A genetic sex marker revealed that all intersex fish were genetic females, although other females appeared to be completely sex reversed (i.e., neomales). One year after treatment, MT-treated fish possessed non-meiotic testes similar to control males or intersex gonads with reduced ovarian features, presumably due to atresia following MT withdrawal. Milt collected from neomales and genetic males 3 years post-treatment permitted sperm motility analyses; however, neomale sperm were virtually immotile. These results demonstrated that sablefish are differentiated gonochorists and that MT treatment from 76 to 196 mm FL induced permanent masculinization of a portion of the genetic females, but acquisition of sperm motility was impaired. Earlier administration of MT may be necessary to sex reverse a higher proportion of genetic females and reduce negative effects on fertility.
Normal responses to sexually anatomically detailed dolls

The behaviors and verbalizations of normal, preschool age boys and girls during interactions with sexually anatomically detailed (SAD) dolls were examined. A structured, nonsuggestive interview with each child was videotaped, and five behaviors and five verbalizations were coded for each of five phases of the interview. A two-way ANOVA (gender × phase) showed that during those phases when the dolls were undressed, both boys and girls showed more sexual exploratory play, aggressive behavior which was nonsexual, and active avoidance. Across all phases, nonsexual aggression accounted for 31% of the boys' and 22% of the girls' total responses. Behavioral and verbal sexual exploratory play represented 42% of the boys' responses and 50% of the girls' responses. In contrast, sexually aggressive behavior accounted for only 1% and 2% of the boys' and girls' responses, respectively. Girls interacted with the dolls more than did boys. Additionally, girls demonstrated more affection to the dolls than did the boys, and boys displayed more anxiety with the dolls than did girls. Investigators should be cautious as to inferences about preschoolers' interactions with SAD dolls, especially interactions of a sexual or aggressive nature which do not clearly depict fondling or intercourse.
Material properties of interstitial lamellae reflect local strain environments

The objective of this study was to determine if the material properties of bone at the lamellar level are related to the predominant mode and magnitude of mechanical strain experienced in situ. The tibia and first metatarsal bones of five unpaired cadaveric lower extremities were instrumented with strain gauge rosettes and subjected to repeated loading trials in an apparatus that replicates the muscle forces and external loads experienced by the foot and shank while walking. The spatial distributions of axial strain within diaphyseal cross-sections taken from each bone were subsequently determined. Nanoindentation measurements were then performed on the same cross-sections to determine the compressive elastic moduli of individual lamellae located within osteonal, interstitial, and outer circumferential microstructures. Twenty percent of the variance in interstitial elastic modulus within cross-sections of diaphyseal bone was explained by local strain magnitude. Lamellae residing in regions of compressive strain displayed significantly higher compressive elastic modulus values than those located in predominantly tensile regions (19.9±1.6 GPa compared to 17.9±1.7 GPa, p<0.05). Elastic moduli of interstitial lamellae were 11% greater than those of osteonal or outer circumferential lamellae, irrespective of strain or anatomical location (p<0.001). Differences exist in the material properties of individual bone lamellae located within different anatomical regions and different microstructures, and these differences are related to the distribution of axial strain. These findings suggest that mechanical strain, or another closely related variable, may influence the design and ultimate mechanical behavior of the extra-cellular matrix found in lamellar bone. This tissue heterogeneity is of potential importance in bone fragility and adaptation.
Economics and the study of its past

Abstract This paper argues that development in economic theory have not proved helpful in guiding economic policy. Nor can this situation be expected to improve. It is suggested that economists interested in policy should renew their faith in historical and institutional knowledge and in developing their intuition.
Thinking Meta-Theoretically about the Role of Internalization in the Development of Body Dissatisfaction and Body Change Behaviors

Internalization of societal standards of physical attractiveness (i.e., internalization of the thin ideal for women and internalization of the mesomorphic ideal for men) is a widely studied and robust risk factor for body dissatisfaction and maladaptive body change behaviors. Substantial empirical research supports internalization as both a mediator and a moderator of the relation between societal influences and body dissatisfaction. In this paper, a primer on mediation and moderation is followed by a review of literature and discussion of the extent to which internalization can theoretically fulfill the roles of both mediation and moderation. The literature review revealed a stark contrast in research design (experimental versus non-experimental design) when alternate conceptualizations of internalization are adopted. A meta-theoretical, moderated mediation model is presented. This model integrates previous research and can inform future empirical and clinical endeavors.
Neurosecretion and anterior pituitary in the dog.

Die Ablagerung von neurosekretorischem Material in der unmittelbaren Umgebung von Blutgefassen im Hypophysenstiel, die mit Gefassen des Vorderlappens in Verbindung stehen, wird beim Hund beschrieben. Aus diesem Befund wird auf die Moglichkeit geeshlossen, dass die von den Zellen der Nuclei supraopticus und paraventricularis produzierte neurosekretorische Substanz nicht nur in die Gefasse des Hypophysenhinterlappens abgeschieden wird und im Korperkreislauf die sogenannten Hinterlappenhormone abgibt, sondern auch in den Pfortaderkreislauf des Vorderlappens gelangt und dort die Absonderung von Hormonen, wie zum Beispiel ACTH, bewirkt.
Navier-Stokes Computations for Turbulent Flow Predictions in Transonic Turbine Cascade Using a Zonal Approach

Numerical results are presented for viscous flow through a transonic turbine cascade using different turbulence models and H-type grids. The explicit Navier-Stokes solver used in the solution was developed with an option of conservative zonal approach for interpolation across the periodic boundaries with minimum numerical errors. This approach allows the use of a grid that is more orthogonal and less skewed which leads to higher accuracy in the prediction of turbine blade performance. The results obtained with an algebraic and two equation turbulence models, and with two types of H grids are compared at two different flow conditions.Copyright © 1993 by ASME
An Expeditious Synthesis of C(3)−N(1′) Heterodimeric Indolines

This paper describes the efficient and relatively simple synthesis of C(3)−N(1′) heterodimeric indolines from the addition of indole nucleophiles to readily available bromopyrroloindolines.
Assessing colectomies due to Clostridium difficile infection: Increases in the community, but not in the referral center

To investigate an increase in CDI-related colectomies, electronically available data were used to identify patients who underwent colectomy and were diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), with chart review to determine whether the colectomy was for CDI. The investigation found an increase in CDI-related colectomies for CDI not associated with the study institution. Electronically available data facilitated surveillance for severe CDI.
Popper's metaphysical research program for the human sciences 1

Popper has provided a model for the scientific explanation of human actions and a metaphysical theory of man which can guide scientific research. In this paper I discuss the problems of the empirical content and nomicity of the Rationality Principle and extend the method of situational analysis to the problem of explaining beliefs. The domain of applicability of the Rationality Principle is bounded on one side by cases in which behavior is determined by processes which can not be influenced by criticism and on the other side by the phenomenon of substantive creativity. However, a large part of human activity lies within its scope.
Natriuretic action of certain adrenocortical androgens.

Abstract Two androgens, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone, secreted by the adrenal cortex were found to possess natriuretic activity when administered subcutaneously to intact and adrenalectomized rats. The sodium retaining action of aldosterone was found to be at least partially antagonized by the androgens.
Transplantation: Donor risk scores: can they predict renal transplant outcomes?

In light of recent proposed changes to the deceased donor allocation policy in the USA, considerable interest has arisen in the development of assessment tools to grade donor organ quality. Kahu and colleagues have suggested a new donor risk score that incorporates 10 distinct donor characteristics, correlating their presence with baseline histologic findings and graft outcomes.
Alternative boron precursors for BGaAs epitaxy

The organometallic vapor phase epitaxy growth of zinc-blende BxGa1−xAs and BxGa1−x−yInyAs with boron concentrations (x) up to 3–5% has recently been demonstrated using diborane as a boron precursor. Growth of these alloys using diborane is complicated by many factors, such as parasitic gas-phase reactions, highly temperature-dependent boron incorporation, and limited boron incorporation before the onset of structural breakdown. These factors suggest that diborane may not be the best precursor for the growth of these alloys. We compare the use of alternative boron precursors; trimethylboron (TMB), triethylboron (TEB), and boron trifluoride (BF3), with diborane for the OMVPE growth of these boron containing III–V alloys. We find that TMB and BF3 do not result in significant boron incorporation into GaAs. TEB does result in boron incorporation in a manner very similar to diborane. Both diborane and TEB incorporate more efficiently using triethylgallium (TEG) rather than trimethylgallium (TMG), making TEG a preferred source of gallium for BGaAs epitaxy. Using TEB together with TEG, a higher boron composition (x=4–7%) has been achieved than has been previously reported, but the complicating problems observed with diborane still exist.
An Alternative View about the Role of the Secondary School in Political Socialization: A Field-Experimental Study of the Development of Civil Liberties Attitudes

Abstract Recent writing on political socialization claims that the American secondary school is an ineffective “agent” of socialization. However, this is far from surprising given the avoidance of controversy in most high schools. A more interesting question is under what conditions can secondary curricula have an impact on students' political attitudes? Field-experimental data presented here demonstrate a very noticeable impact on students' attitudes regarding civil liberties. This is so particularly when the interaction of the experimental treatment and student perceptions with regard to teacher credibility is considered. Indeed, there is evidence to show how the school can help to fill a void in an area of attitude objects that generally are of low salience in adolescents' interactions with their parents and peers.
OSSB and ODSB configurations for RoF transmission over DWDM link

Different optical modulation schemes are studied to overcome the fiber dispersion effect for transmitting radio frequency (RF) modulated signals. Novel optical single side band (OSSB) schemes are proposed and simulated. The required RF power is investigated for the schemes for different lengths of the fiber. Simulation results of suggested OSSB structures are compared with the results of an existing simulated OSSB modulator. OSSB modulators generally mitigate the dispersion effect of fiber in long haul signal transmission. Performances of the OSSB structures are compared with the double side band modulators' (ODSB). The optimal RF power settings are determined for every scheme as a crucial factor in order to enhance the link bit error rate (BER). The system is adjusted accordingly so that the best possible BER can be achieved. The performances of these optical modulators for a four dense wavelength division multiplexing (4-DWDM) network are evaluated based on the relevant eye diagrams and BERs.
Programming fundamentals and innovation taught through windows media player skin creation

Windows Media Player user interface "skin" creation has proven an extremely effective method to reinforce practical object oriented programming techniques. Skin creation motivated non-engineers, women and even high school students to learn XML, and Jscript scripting language. Non-computer science students were especially excited when their custom media player user interface operated as intended. Many students demonstrated their skin to potential employers as evidence of their creativity and programming prowess.This paper discusses how skin programming is related to the object oriented paradigm and may be used as an exemplary collegiate interdisciplinary design project. Examples illustrate how skin creation can emphasize design principles, fundamental programming concepts, and group software development. Software innovation is advanced via novel windows media player skins incorporating recently released features to provide an enhanced user interface for a target domain.
Quercetin transiently increases energy expenditure but persistently decreases circulating markers of inflammation in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet

Quercetin, a polyphenolic compound and a major bioflavonoid in the human diet, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been postulated to enhance energy expenditure (EE). We sought to determine whether quercetin alters body weight, body composition, EE, and circulating markers of inflammation. At 6 weeks (W) of age, 2 cohorts of C57BL/6J mice (N = 80) were placed on one of 2 diets for 3W or 8W: (1) high fat (HF) (45% kcal fat) or (2) high fat + quercetin (HF + Q) (45% kcal fat + 0.8% quercetin). Quercetin concentrations in the diet and plasma were evaluated using mass spectrometry. Body weight, composition (nuclear magnetic resonance), and food consumption were measured weekly. Energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry at 3 and 8W, and inflammatory markers were measured in plasma obtained at 8W. The presence of quercetin in the HF diet did not alter food consumption over time in the HF + Q group and did not differ from the HF group at any time point. However, circulating plasma quercetin concentrations declined between 3 and 8W. At 3W, EE was higher during both day and night phases (P < .0001) in the HF + Q group compared with the HF group; but this difference was not detected at 8W and did not translate into significant differences between the HF + Q and HF groups with respect to body weight or body composition. During the night phase, concentrations of the inflammatory markers (interferon-γ, interleukin-1α, and interleukin-4) were significantly lower when compared with HF treatment group (P < .05). Dietary supplementation with quercetin produces transient (3W) increases in EE that are not detected after 8W on the diet. A corresponding decrease in circulating quercetin between 3 and 8W suggests that metabolic adaptation may have diminished the impact of quercetin's early effect on EE and diminished its overall effect on nutrient partitioning and adiposity. However, quercetin at the levels provided was effective in reducing circulating markers of inflammation observed in animals on an HF diet at 8W.
Electromagnetic dissociation for high-Z projectiles and at ultrarelativistic energies.

Experiments to determine the characteristics of electromagnetic dissociation (ED) has been extended to high projectile charge and ultrarelativistic energies using $^{139}\mathrm{La}$ and $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ projectiles on $^{197}\mathrm{Au}$ targets. The gross features are reproduced in a Weizs\"acker-Williams calculation but significant systematic deviations appear. The results are used as a guide in extending the calculations to the regime of energies and projectiles expected for planned heavy-ion colliders where Ed effects should comprise a major fraction of the total cross section.
Alpha-Synuclein Promotes Structural Reorganization of Raft-Like Membranes

α-Synuclein is an intrinsically-disordered protein in vitro that undergoes spontaneous coil-helix transitions in the presence of large membranes causing structural disruption [1-2]. One potential membrane target for this interaction is a raft-like lipid mixture that mimics the exocytotic active zone of the neuron. Using solid-state 2D 13C magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR and electron microscopy (EM), we studied site-resolved molecular and macroscopic structural changes that occur in the presence of wild-type α-synuclein or its N-terminal (1-25) consensus sequence. The raft system is a highly-ordered, heterogeneous system composed of liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered phases. This was determined through interpretation of chemical shifts and residual magnetic dipolar couplings (RDCs). We also used a mean-torque structural model that defined average cross-sectional areas and volumetric hydrocarbon thicknesses for the lipid domains. α-Synuclein caused striking changes of the RDCs and chemical shifts of the membrane components. These perturbations suggested that α-synuclein associates interfacially with the membrane, specifically through hydrogen-bonding with EYSM and cholesterol, yielding drastic changes in the membrane hydrocarbon region. Molecular cross-sectional areas for each lipid are significantly increased, and there is a striking 6 A decrease in membrane thickness. These site-specific changes in molecular structure reflect a protein-assisted mixing of membrane components, and disruption of raft-like domains. Corroborating our NMR structural analysis, the EM images revealed a multilamellar distribution of large vesicles that is dramatically disrupted by α-synuclein. Our results define both molecular and macroscopic membrane structures, and suggest that lipid heterogeneity is an important aspect of the α-synuclein-membrane interaction that may be key in understanding the molecular pathology of Parkinson's disease [3]. [1] K. Beyer (2007) Cell Biochem. Biophys.47 285-299. [2] T. Bartels et al. (2010) Biophys. J. (in press). [3] F. Kamp et al. (2010) EMBO J. (in press).
Birefringence arising from the reorientation of the polarizability anisotropy of molecules in collisionless gases

The refractive index change in a collisionless gas is evaluated from the Stark shifts of the rotational energy levels that arise from the polarizability anisotropy. For the limit of an extremely short-duration excitation, a multilevel coherent effect resulted in delayed refractive index bursts. Both stationary and transient responses of this birefringence to an optical field were considered for symmetric top molecules, with particular emphasis on the special case of linear molecules.
Termination of Sewage Biosolids Application Affects Wheat Yield and Other Agronomic Characteristics

Biosolids land application for beneficial use requires managers to use agronomic rates to avoid nutrient overapplication. Consequently, one question regarding biosolids land application is, Once application ceases, how long does it take agronomic properties associated with excessive biosolids applications to approach the agronomic characteristics corresponding to an untreated control? In a summer fallow rotation system receiving 40 dry Mg biosolids ha -1 rate per cropping (six to nine times larger than the agronomic rate) for five applications (>10 yr), we compared dryland hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. 'Vona'or 'TAM 10T) and 0- to 20-cm soil depth responses to results for an untreated, unfertilized control (0 Mg ha -1 ) for three croppings (>6 yr) following discontinuation. We applied biosolids from the Littleton/Englewood, CO, wastewater treatment plant to an Aridic Paleustoll and an Aridic Argiustoll soil at Sites A and B, respectively. Using a split plot in time design, we found differences, probably due to climatic variations, between the control and the discontinued biosolids treatment for yield and grain N, P, Zn, and Cu concentration at Site A and a significant cropping effect on all plant parameters at both sites. After five applications of biosolids exceeding the agronomic rate by six- to ninefold, the discontinued biosolids treatment produced similar soil NH 4 HCO 3 -diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (AB-DTPA) extractable P and Zn at both sites, and soil AB-DTPA Cu and electrical conductivity of a saturated soil-paste extract (EC e ) at Site A by the third cropping following termination.
HuR and Translation—The Missing Linc(RNA)

In this issue, Yoon et al. (2012) reveal that HuR influences decay of a long noncoding RNA (lincRNA-p21) that in turn hybridizes to mRNA targets and represses their translation—an indirect, but elegant explanation for the impact of HuR on translation efficiency.
Inhibition of Bax protects neuronal cells from oligomeric Aβ neurotoxicity

Although oligomeric β-amyloid (Aβ) has been suggested to have an important role in Alzheimer disease (AD), the mechanism(s) of how Aβ induces neuronal cell death has not been fully identified. The balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins (e.g., Bcl-2 and Bcl-w versus Bad, Bim and Bax) has been known to have a role in neuronal cell death and, importantly, expression levels of these proteins are reportedly altered in the vulnerable neurons in AD. However, the roles of apoptotic proteins in oligomeric Aβ-induced cell death remain unclear in vivo or in more physiologically relevant models. In addition, no study to date has examined whether Bax is required for the toxicity of oligomeric Aβ. Here, we found that treatment with oligomeric Aβ increased Bim levels but decreased Bcl-2 levels, leading to the activation of Bax and neuronal cell death in hippocampal slice culture and in vivo. Furthermore, the inhibition of Bax activity either by Bax-inhibiting peptide or bax gene knockout significantly prevented oligomeric Aβ-induced neuronal cell death. These findings are first to demonstrate that Bax has an essential role in oligomeric Aβ-induced neuronal cell death, and that the targeting of Bax may be a therapeutic approach for AD.
Organizational Restructuring: The Impact On Role Perceptions, Work Relationships, and Satisfaction

The impact of an externally imposed organizational restructuring on role per ceptions, satisfaction, and relationships among organizational members was investi gated. Representative samples, randomly selected, from a large Midwestern organization completed the annual employee opinion survey at two points in time, the first survey was conducted approximately one year before the restructuring process was officially mandated, and the second survey was conducted three months after the mandated restructuring effective date was determined. Results indicated that organization level moderated the impact of organizational restructuring on satisfaction with supervision and security. The effect for satisfaction with security was found only for those individuals who had experienced a job change within the 12 months prior to the second survey.
Three-Dimensional Synthetic Aperture Imaging and Resolution of Multi-Phase Flows

Three-dimensional multiphase fluid flows demand advanced and innovative measurement systems in order to fully resolve the flow physics. Dense bubbly multiphase flows cannot be readily imaged by traditional, non-invasive flow measurement techniques due to the bubbles occluding optical access to the interior regions of the volume of interest. We present a novel technique for imaging these flows, which allows for determination of the 3D bubble distribution and bubble sizes despite the imaging challenges. By using synthetic aperture (SA) refocusing we are able to reparameterize images captured by an array of cameras to reconstruct a 3D volumetric map of the bubble field for every time instance. The SA refocusing technique has the unique ability, over conventional imaging methods, to see-through partial occlusions in the scene due to the configuration of the camera array and reconstruction algorithms, making it an ideal tool for resolving multiphase flows. Relatively dense bubbly flows can be resolved with good accuracy. We present fundamentals of the synthetic aperture methodology, a feature detection algorithm for extracting bubble size and location, and results from application of the technique to a bubble-entraining plunging jet.Copyright © 2011 by ASME