cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Contribution of Soiled Surfaces Within Feather Picking Machines to Campylobacter Counts on Broiler Carcasses

Abstract Numbers of Campylobacter detected on broiler carcasses decrease due to scalding but rebound during defeathering. Earlier research indicated that escape of gut contents during defeathering is an important contributor to the increase in Campylobacter numbers, whereas aerosols created by feather picking machines are not. The objective of this study was to determine if contact with surfaces in naturally contaminated commercial feather picking machines contributes to the increased counts of Campylobacter on broiler carcasses. Fully processed chilled carcasses with low numbers of Campylobacter were used as a platform to measure numbers after picking. Chilled carcasses were hung on shackles and allowed to proceed through 3 empty feather picking machines in a commercial processing plant that had been previously soiled by about 20,000 broilers. In 4 of 5 replications, although Campylobacter numbers increased on plant run control birds during defeathering, no increase in Campylobacter numbers was noted on chilled carcasses due to passage through the pickers. In one replication, however, a significant increase was observed. It is possible for contact with soiled surfaces within feather picking machines to increase Campylobacter numbers detected on broiler carcasses. However, overall these data suggest that naturally contaminated surfaces of feather picking machines are not a primary cause of the reported increase in Campylobacter numbers during defeathering.
Structural and physicochemical aspects of silica encapsulated ZnO quantum dots with high quantum yield and their natural uptake in HeLa cells

Photoluminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are of significant interest for bioimaging and fluorescence labeling. In this regard, we describe here the design of high sensitivity and high specificity non-toxic ZnO QDs (∼5 nm) with long-term stability of up to 12 months. The embedding of ZnO QDs on silica nanospheres led to significant increase in photoluminescence intensity rendering them highly bright QD-based probes. The QDs were characterized in vitro with respect to cancer cells (HeLa) and evaluated in terms of viability, fluorescence and cytoskeletal organization. The immobilization of ZnO QDs on silica nanospheres promoted the internalization and enhanced fluorescence emission of HeLa cells. The fluorescence emission from QDs was stable for 3 days, indicating excellent stability toward photobleaching. Cytoskeletal reorganization was observed after internalization of QDs such that the ZnO QDS on silica nanospheres resulted in broadening of the actin cytoskeleton. The study underscores that ZnO QDs immobilized on Si nanospheres are promising for tracking cancer cells in cell therapy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2934–2941, 2014.
A comparison of the effects of prenatal exposure of CD-1 mice to three imidazolium-based ionic liquids.

BACKGROUND: Ionic liquids (ILs; salts with melting points below 100°C) exhibit wide liquid ranges, non-flammability, and thermal stability among other properties. These unique salts are best known as “green” alternatives to traditional volatile organic solvents, which are utilized in both academia and industry. Our current study compares the developmental toxicity potential of three representative ionic liquids, with various chain lengths: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C2mim]Cl), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl), and 1-decyl-3methylimidazolium chloride ([C10mim]Cl). METHODS: From gestation days (GD) 6-16, mated CD-1 mice were orally dosed with one of the following: 1,000, 2,000, or 3,000 mg/kg/day [C2mim]Cl; 113, 169, or 225 mg/kg/day [C4mim]Cl; 50, 75, or 100 mg/kg/day [C10mim]Cl; or the vehicle only. Dams were sacrificed on GD 17, and their litters were examined for adverse effects. RESULTS: Fetal weight was significantly decreased in the two highest dosage groups exposed to [C4mim]Cl and [C10mim]Cl in comparison with their controls, but the [C2mim]Cl treated groups were not affected. An apparent teratogenic effect was associated with both [C4mim]Cl and [C10mim]Cl, as the offspring exhibited certain uncommon morphological defects. However, the incidences of malformations were low and no correlation between incidence and dosage could be made. No morphological defects were observed in any of the [C2mim]Cl-treated groups, despite maternal morbidity at the highest dosage level. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that [C4mim]Cl and [C10mim]Cl may have adverse effects on development at high maternal exposures and strongly supports the supposition that the toxicity of imidazolium-based ILs is influenced by alkyl chain length. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 89:233–238, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Duplex DNA as a Self-Assembling Template for the Identification of Bidentate Protein-Binding Agents

This paper reviews the versatile self-assembly of bidentate protein-binding agents on a duplex DNA scaffold, as demonstrated using the biotin-streptavidin system. The preferential binding and stabilization of bidentate biotin-containing duplexes is reflected in a 12°C increase in the melting temperature of the duplex in the presence of streptavidin.
A coolability model for postaccident nuclear reactor debris

A one-dimensional model is developed for boiling heat removal and dryout in particulate debris. The model can be used for predicting the coolability of postaccident debris from a nuclear reactor (either light water or liquid-metal fast breeder). The model includes the effects of both laminar and turbulent flow, two-phase friction, gravity, capillary force, and channels at the top of the debris. The model is applicable to debris on permeable supports with liquid entering the debris bottom or to debris on impermeable plates. In the latter case, the plate can be either adiabatic or cooled on the bottom.The model predicts channel length, the liquid fraction within the debris as a function of elevation, the incipient dryout power, the dry zone thickness as a function of power, and the existence of downward heat removal by boiling (in bottom-cooled debris), all for both uniform and stratified debris.
Pulmonary Talc Granulomatosis in a Cocaine Sniffer

The development of pulmonary granulomatosis following intravenous injection of medications intended for oral use has been well described previously. Talc is the most commonly implicated agent. We present a case of talc granulomatosis which developed in a patient following cocaine sniffing and suggest that this may be the cause of development of granulomata in drug addicts who deny any history of intravenous drug abuse.
Bdellovibrio IN FOODS

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is a unique parasitic microorganism that is capable of inhabiting and growing in the intraperiplasmic space of other bacteria. The ecological role of this organism has been reported in soil, sewage and polluted rivers. The analysis of various foods revealed parasitic organisms, but no Bdellovibrio. The inoculation of Bdellovibrio into foods resulted in a slight increase or decrease of the parasite and no apparent effect on the host cell population.
The general theory of 3-transposition groups

A set D of 3-transpositions in the group G is a normal set of elements of order 2 such that, for all d and e in D, the order of the product de is 1, 2, or 3. If G is generated by the conjugacy class D of 3-transpositions, we say that (G, D) is a 3-transposition group or (loosely) that G is a 3-transposition group. The study of 3-transposition groups was instituted by Bernd Fischer [6, 7, 8] who classified all 3-transposition groups which are finite and have no non-trivial normal solvable subgroups. Recently the present author and H. Cuypers[5] extended Fischer's result to include all 3-transposition groups with trivial centre. For this classification the present paper provides the extension of Fischer's paper [8] where he gave two basic reductions, the Normal Subgroup Theorem and the Transitivity Theorem stated below. Other results of help in the classification are also presented here.
Redox catalysis of absorption from reactive bubbles near electrodes

Electrolyzing sparingly soluble gases as they are absorbed from bubbles can be significantly facilitated by addition of a soluble redox couple which serves to increase both mass and charge transfer rates. A diffusion layer model is used to calculate reaction-catalyzed mass transfer rates in regions of boundary layer penetration by reactive bubbles for the case of (m, n)-order irreversible homogeneous reaction. The dissolved redox catalyst is continuously regenerated at the solid electrode surface. Approximate solutions, which relate surface flux to concentration driving force, are in excellent agreement with the numerical solutions under conditions of fast homogeneous reaction and concentrated catalyst (modified Damkohler number and dimensionless catalyst concentration greater than 3). Diffusion layer thickness is calculated from the mass transfer coefficient kp in penetrated regions. A model based on spherical penetrating bubbles is used to determine kp and specific surface area ap of penetrated regions from kpap values that have been measured in gas-liquid flow through a packed bed. The mass transfer behavior provides useful insight into why the penetration process is so effective in increasing overall reaction rates.
Effect of barium meals on gastric electromechanical activity in man. A fluoroscopic-electrogastrographic study.

The relationship between the cutaneously recorded electrogastrogram (EGG) and gastric contractions in man is unclear. We investigated: (1) the relationship between the electrogastrogram (EGG) signals and gastric contractions elicited by barium meals and (2) the effects of barium meals on frequency and amplitude of EGG signals. As documented by fluoroscopy in four healthy subjects, barium meals stimulated three per minute gastric peristalsis which corresponded with simultaneously recorded three cycle per minute (cpm) EGG waves. Eighteen other healthy volunteers ingested 45% (w/v) or 60% barium suspensions. As determined by Fourier analysis, the dominant EGG frequency before barium was 3 cpm in 16 subjects; two subjects had no distinct frequency peaks. After barium ingestion, the mean amplitude or power at 3 cpm and 1 cpm increased, but the increase was significant only after 45% barium. In conclusion: (1) individual EGG waves after barium reflect gastric peristaltic sequences, which are reflected in increases in amplitude or power of 3 cpm EGG activity; (2) density or viscosity of the barium meal affects the gastric myoelectric response; and (3) mechanical correlates of 1 cpm EEG activity are unknown.
Evaluation of a pictograph enhancement system for patient instruction: a recall study

Objective We developed a novel computer application called Glyph that automatically converts text to sets of illustrations using natural language processing and computer graphics techniques to provide high quality pictographs for health communication. In this study, we evaluated the ability of the Glyph system to illustrate a set of actual patient instructions, and tested patient recall of the original and Glyph illustrated instructions. Methods We used Glyph to illustrate 49 patient instructions representing 10 different discharge templates from the University of Utah Cardiology Service. 84 participants were recruited through convenience sampling. To test the recall of illustrated versus non-illustrated instructions, participants were asked to review and then recall a set questionnaires that contained five pictograph-enhanced and five non-pictograph-enhanced items. Results The mean score without pictographs was 0.47 (SD 0.23), or 47% recall. With pictographs, this mean score increased to 0.52 (SD 0.22), or 52% recall. In a multivariable mixed effects linear regression model, this 0.05 mean increase was statistically significant (95% CI 0.03 to 0.06, p<0.001). Discussion In our study, the presence of Glyph pictographs improved discharge instruction recall (p<0.001). Education, age, and English as first language were associated with better instruction recall and transcription. Conclusions Automated illustration is a novel approach to improve the comprehension and recall of discharge instructions. Our results showed a statistically significant in recall with automated illustrations. Subjects with no-colleague education and younger subjects appeared to benefit more from the illustrations than others.
A Trans-tail Histone Code Defined by Monomethylated H4 Lys-20 and H3 Lys-9 Demarcates Distinct Regions of Silent Chromatin

The specific post-translational modifications of the histone proteins are associated with specific DNA-templated processes, such as transcriptional activation or repression. To investigate the biological role(s) of histone H4 lysine 20 (H4 Lys-20) methylation, we created a novel panel of antibodies that specifically detected mono-, di-, or trimethylated H4 Lys-20. We report that the different methylated forms of H4 Lys-20 are compartmentalized within visually distinct, transcriptionally silent regions in the mammalian nucleus. Interestingly, direct comparison of methylated H4 Lys-20 with the different methylated states of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3 Lys-9) revealed significant overlap and exclusion between the specific groups of methyl modifications. Trimethylated H4 Lys-20 and H3 Lys-9 were both selectively enriched within pericentric heterochromatin. Similarly, monomethylated H4 Lys-20 and H3 Lys-9 partitioned together and the dimethylated forms partitioned together within the chromosome arms; however, the mono- and dimethylated modifications were virtually exclusive. These findings strongly suggest that the combinatorial presence or absence of the different methylated states of H4 Lys-20 and H3 Lys-9 define particular types of silent chromatin. Consistent with this, detailed analysis of monomethylated H4 Lys-20 and H3 Lys-9 revealed that both were preferentially and selectively enriched within the same nucleosome particle in vivo. Collectively, these findings define a novel trans-tail histone code involving monomethylated H4 Lys-20 and H3 Lys-9 that act cooperatively to mark distinct regions of silent chromatin within the mammalian epigenome.
In-Flight CCD Distortion Calibration for Pushbroom Satellites Based on Subpixel Correlation

We describe a method that allows for accurate inflight calibration of the interior orientation of any pushbroom camera and that in particular solves the problem of modeling the distortions induced by charge coupled device (CCD) misalignments. The distortion induced on the ground by each CCD is measured using subpixel correlation between the orthorectified image to be calibrated and an orthorectified reference image that is assumed distortion free. Distortions are modeled as camera defects, which are assumed constant over time. Our results show that in-flight interior orientation calibration reduces internal camera biases by one order of magnitude. In particular, we fully characterize and model the Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) 4-HRV1 sensor, and we conjecture that distortions mostly result from the mechanical strain produced when the satellite was launched rather than from effects of on-orbit thermal variations or aging. The derived calibration models have been integrated to the software package Coregistration of Optically Sensed Images and Correlation (COSI-Corr), freely available from the Caltech Tectonics Observatory website. Such calibration models are particularly useful in reducing biases in digital elevation models (DEMs) generated from stereo matching and in improving the accuracy of change detection algorithms.
Spatial Interpolation of Surface Air Temperatures Using Artificial Neural Networks: Evaluating Their Use for Downscaling GCMs

Many climate studies need to generate estimates of a climate variable at a given location based on values from other locations. In this research, a new method for the spatial interpolation of daily maximum surface air temperatures is presented. This new method uses artificial neural networks (ANNs) to generate temperature estimates at 11 locations given information from a lattice of surrounding locations. The out-of-sample performance of the ANNs is evaluated relative to a variety of benchmark methods (spatial average, nearest neighbor, and inverse distance methods). The ANN approach is superior both in terms of predictive accuracy and model encompassing. In 94% of case comparisons, the predictive accuracy of the ANN is superior to the benchmark methods. The ANN approach encompasses the benchmark methods in 77% of case comparisons, while benchmark methods encompass the ANN in only 2%. In light of these results, the potential to use this new method of spatial interpolation to downscale GCM temperature simulations is discussed.
Abstract 3463: Physicians' Knowledge of Driving Limitation Following Stroke or TIA is Inadequate

Background: An increasing number of TIA and minor stroke patients are assessed and discharged by front-line staff in emergency or acute assessment units. As capacity to drive is affected by a strok...
How Important Is the T in POTS Using Pediatric Versus Adult Diagnostic Criteria for Postural Tachycardia? (P03.037)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether children who meet adult but not pediatric criteria (J Pediatr 2012; 60:222) for POTS represent a similar phenotype. BACKGROUND: Published reports of pediatric POTS have used adult values of heart rate increment (HRinc) or absolute HR (HRabs). However, normative pediatric data point to higher HR cut off values than adults. DESIGN/METHODS: We reviewed the records of 64 patients evaluated between April 2007-March 2011 for probable POTS by standing or head-up tilt test (HUT) or both at a Tertiary Pediatric Neurology Clinic. POTS-pc (pediatric criteria) was defined as frequent, 2 or more symptoms of OI for >3 mo and HRinc of ≥40 or HRabs ≥120 bpm ages 14-19 and HRabs ≥130 ages 8-13 y. Diagnosis of POTS-ac-only (adult criteria) used HRinc of ≥30 but RESULTS: 32 patients had POTS-pc (81% female; age 15±1.8 y); with mean duration of symptoms of 1.8 y. Pre-existing conditions included ADHD (19%), anxiety (22%), and depression (16%). Symptoms included chronic fatigue (81%), sweating disorder (59%), sleep disorder (57%), nausea (58%), abdominal pain (39%), vomiting (26%), weight loss (35%), brain fog (32%), and migraine (31%). Quantitative sudomotor axon testing was abnormal in 14 of 25 patients (56%), abnormal GI motility with gastroparesis in 5/24 (21%), and slow gastric emptying in 7/10 (70%). There were 30 patients with POTS-ac-only who had similar phenotype to the POTS-pc group without significant statistical differences in prevalence of age, sex, duration of symptoms, pre-existing conditions, symptoms, test results, or outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with POTS diagnosed using a modified pediatric criteria have a similar phenotype to those who only meet adult criteria. We propose a diagnosis of probable POTS for the latter group. Disclosure: Dr. Jarjour has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hernandez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jarjour has nothing to disclose.
Correlation of α -Amylase Inhibitor Content in Eastern Soft Wheats with Development Parameters of the Rice Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The α -amylase inhibitor content in saline extracts of 104 Eastern soft wheat cultivars was determined by assay against a purified α -amylase preparation from the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.). A two-fold range of inhibitor levels, expressed as amylase inhibitor units per gram of dry weight (AIU/g), was found across all cultivars. Inhibitory activity was lowest in cultivar ‘Augusta’ (5,084 ± 124 AIU/g) and highest in cultivar ‘Logan’ (10,410 ± 61 AIU/g). No correlation of inhibitor content with progeny production ( r = −0.161) or rate of emergence ( r = −0.292) was found among weevils reared on 30 cultivars having relatively low, medium, and high inhibitor levels, but there was a positive correlation between inhibitor content and average number of days to adult emergence ( r = 0.569). Although mean development times were significantly different on cultivars with low and high AIU/g (35.9 ± 0.2 and 36.6 ± 0.1 d, respectively), the differences were only slight and indicated that, for these cultivars of soft wheats, α -amylase inhibitors have little practical effect on initial population reductions. Nevertheless, based on a population model for S. oryzae developing on wheat at 25°C and 75% RH, the slight delay in mean development time (0.7 d) on cultivars with relatively high AIU/g results in a 20.9% reduction in total number of weevils after 180 d. Simulations also indicate that physical or biochemical resistance factors in wheat have to delay development time for about 6.2 d or reduce fecundity by about 40%to prevent wheat from being graded “weevily” 180 d after a single pair of weevils infests a hypothetical 6,000-bushel wheat bin.
Chemiluminescence as a diagnostic in studying combustion instability in a practical combustor

Abstract Prediction of combustion instability is essential in reducing development costs of large scale rocket engines. Recently, high fidelity CFD models have shown some ability to represent the stability characteristics of sub-scale experimental combustors. A challenge remains in acquiring experimental measurements of critical combusting flow properties, especially measurements of the unsteady heat addition field, for comparison to models. The chemiluminescent emission of radicals OH* and CH*, although commonly employed, may fall short due to its known dependence on pressure, strain rate, equivalence ratio, and turbulence level. Since these flame properties have large variations in an unstable rocket combustor, it is difficult to decouple the emission from all other variables except the heat release. Computations capture the local variations, and therefore can be used for a direct comparison with the measurements. The present study investigates the relationship between chemiluminescent species and heat release rate of the flame using simulations that employ detailed kinetics including the emitting species. This relationship is then compared to experimental spectral measurements captured with a fiber optic probe to check the validity of the model and to provide insight on the ability of the chemiluminescent light emission to indicate heat release in a high pressure unstable flame.
Second Language Learners' Divergence from Target Language Pragmatic Norms.

Pragmatic competence is an indispensable aspect of language ability in order for second and foreign language (L2/FL) learners to understand and be understood in their interactions with both native and nonnative speakers of the target language. Without a proper understanding of the pragmatic rules in the target language, learners may run the risk of coming across as insensitive and rude. Several researchers (Bardovi-Harlig, 2001; Kasper & Rose, 2002) suggest that L2 pragmatics not only can be taught in the L2/FL classroom, but, more importantly, that explicit approaches that involve direct explanation of target pragmatic features are beneficial for learning pragmatics. Just as native speakers of a language acquire a “set of dispositions to act in certain ways, which generates cognitive and bodily practices in the individual” (Watts, 2003, p. 149), instructors can help learners to become aware of the pragmatic features that characterize the target language. Although the importance of explicit teaching of pragmatics is well recognized in the literature, learning norms and rules of pragmatics largely depends on learners’ subjectivity. Learners’ convergence or divergence from the L2 pragmatic norms, both consciously and out of awareness, sometimes depends on whether these norms fit their image of self and their L1 cultural identity. Since identity-related conflict can have significant consequences for the acquisition of second language pragmatics, failing to consider the centrality of learners’ identities will produce an inadequate understanding of SLA. This paper synthesizes studies that document the reasons why learners opt to remain foreign by resisting certain L2 practic-es. The following synthesis question was proposed: Why do language learners resist the pragmatic norms of the target language?
The influence of lung volume on pharyngeal mechanics, collapsibility, and genioglossus muscle activation during sleep.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Previous studies in both awake and sleeping humans have demonstrated that lung-volume changes substantially affect upper-airway size and pharyngeal resistance and, thus, may influence pharyngeal patency. We sought to systematically investigate the isolated effects of lung-volume changes on pharyngeal collapsibility and mechanics and genioglossus muscle activation during stable non-rapid eye movement sleep. We hypothesized that lower lung volumes would lead to increased pharyngeal collapsibility, airflow resistance, and, in compensation, augmented genioglossus muscle activation. DESIGN Nineteen normal individuals (age, 30.4 +/- 0.5 years; body mass index: 24.5 +/- 0.4 kg/m2) were studied during stable non-rapid eye movement sleep in a rigid head-out shell equipped with a variable positive/negative pressure attachment for manipulations of extrathoracic pressure and, thus, lung volume. SETTING Sleep physiology laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Normal healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS We measured change in end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) (magnetometers), genioglossus electromyogram (GGEMG) (intramuscular electrodes), pharyngeal pressure, and collapsibility of the pharynx in response to a brief pulse of negative pressure (-8 to -15 cm H2O) under the following conditions: (1) baseline, (2) increased EELV (+1 liter), and (3) decreased EELV (-0.6 liter). Reduced lung volumes led to increased inspiratory airflow resistance (7.54 +/- 2.80 cm H2O x L(-1) x s(-1) vs 4.53 +/- 1.05 cm H2O x L(-1) x s(-1), mean +/- SEM, P = 0.02) and increased genioglossus muscle activation (GGEMG peak 14.6% +/- 1.5% of maximum vs 8.6% +/- 1.5% of maximum, maximum P = 0.001) compared to baseline. The pharynx was also more collapsible at low lung volumes (4.3 +/- 0.5 cm H2O vs 5.4 +/- 0.6 cm H2O, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that upper-airway muscles respond to changes in lung volumes but not adequately to prevent increased collapsibility. These results suggest that lung volume has an important influence on pharyngeal patency during non-rapid eye movement sleep in normal individuals.
HOTCHIPS 17: Tutorial 1, part 1

This article consists of a collection of slides from the author's conference presentation. Virtual machines have emerged as a powerful tool for computer systems designers. They can be used to enhance software interoperability, mobility, and security, as well as providing means for effective hardware resource management. We survey the spectrum of VM architectures and their applications. These range from the HLL VMs as exemplified by Java, to process VMs that permit cross-platform execution of conventional binaries, to system VMs which support multiple OS environments on a single platform. We then look at some of the important VM architectures and discuss their implementations and features. We will emphasize architecture and hardware mechanisms that provide efficient support for VMs. Several case studies will be discussed, chosen from both commercial implementations and research project
Spectroscopic and Polarization-Dependent Single-Molecule Tracking Reveal the One-Dimensional Diffusion Pathways in Surfactant-Templated Mesoporous Silica

The efficiency and selectivity of catalytic reactions and chemical separations occurring in liquid-filled mesoporous materials are governed by the translational and orientational mobilities and surface interactions of the incorporated reagents and analytes. In earlier studies of these phenomena by single molecule emission polarization (SMEP) methods, perylene diimide (PDI) dyes were shown to exhibit unexpectedly strong confinement as they diffused within the one-dimensional (1D) pores of surfactant-templated mesoporous silica films. Restriction of PDI orientational motions was attributed to their confinement to the most hydrophobic regions of the micelles filling the pores. Unfortunately, no clear evidence for the location of the dye was obtained, and its confinement could also be explained by interactions with the pore walls. In this report, spectroscopic single molecule tracking (sSMT) studies using the polarity sensitive dye Nile Red (NR) are employed to determine the location of the molecules. NR exhi...
Great People, Small Moments: How the Talmud Teaches Us that Nobody is Perfect

Talmudic stories are a method used by the ancient sages to teach us about ethics and morality. This paper examines stories that teach people an important lesson in life: No person is perfect. Great people have weak moments and make mistakes. The Talmudic sages sometimes made insensitive remarks, experienced strong sexual desires, lost their temper, procrastinated, neglected their wives, and made poor political choices. Despite all this, they were great people.
Responsiveness of intraovarian dog follicles in vitro to epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor depends on ovarian donor age.

Contents We investigated the influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on in vitro follicle development within ovarian cortices recovered from pre-pubertal (≤6 months) versus peri-pubertal dogs (≥10 months). Ovarian cortices were cultured for 3 or 7 days in EGF (0 or 10 ng/ml) and VEGF (0, 0.1 or 1 ng/ml) and subjected to histological and apoptosis analyses. Fresh cortices from the same dogs served as “non-cultured controls” (NCC) and were evaluated similarly. The response of ovarian follicles to growth factors differed between pre-pubertal versus peri-pubertal tissues. For pre-pubertal dogs, percentage of structurally normal follicles in cortices cultured for 3 days in low VEGF (0.1 ng/ml) and EGF alone was comparable to that of the NCC. Follicle density declined in all cultured groups even after 3 days. Primary follicle diameter in all cortices cultured for 7 days, except in low VEGF, was smaller than that of the NCC, and percentage apoptotic follicles sharply increased in all treatment groups compared to the NCC. For peri-pubertal donors, percentages of structurally normal follicles decreased in all culture treatments at 3 and 7 days of incubation compared to the NCC. However, more normal follicles were found in cortices cultured in low VEGF and the two VEGF and EGF combinations than in the absence of growth factors or with EGF alone. Culture reduced the density of developing follicles, but follicle diameter was similar to that of the NCC. TUNEL analysis revealed that high-VEGF (1 ng/ml) treatment protected follicles against apoptosis, with the proportion of apoptotic follicles at Day 7 being comparable to that of the NCC. The findings demonstrate that the response of ovarian cortices to growth factor supplementation varied between pre-pubertal versus peri-pubertal donors.
Photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy characterization of cadmium telluride solar cells

The use of steady-state photoluminescence spectroscopy as a contactless characterization tool, suitable for inline optical characterization, has been previously demonstrated for high efficiency solar cells such as GaAs. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of PLE characterization on a thin film CdS/CdTe np heterojunction solar cell, and compare the results to measured EQE and I-V data. In contrast to previous work on high-quality GaAs, the PLE and EQE spectra do not match closely here. We still find, however, that reliable material parameters can be extracted from the PLE measurements. We also provide a physical explanation of the limits defining the cases when the PLE and EQE spectra may be expected to match.
Resistance to First-Line Antituberculosis Drugs in Washington State by Region of Birth and Implications for Latent Tuberculosis Treatment Among Foreign-Born Individuals.

Abstract The United States has a low burden of drug resistance among tuberculosis (TB) cases compared with other world regions. TB is increasingly concentrated among foreign-born individuals who have higher rates of drug resistance than U.S.-born individuals. While universal drug susceptibility testing is the standard for detecting active tuberculosis, there are limited guidelines for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment based on risk factors for drug resistance. To quantify the variable risk of drug resistance among foreign-born individuals, all TB cases in Washington State between 1994 and 2014 with drug resistance data for isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol were divided into eight regions of birth. Logistic regression was used to characterize regional differences in resistance patterns. Genotypic cluster and lineage data were compared against drug resistance in a subanalysis. Among 4,298 cases, isoniazid resistance was more common in foreign-born individuals (12.6% versus 4.8%; P < 0.001), with the highest burden among individuals from the Asia-Pacific (14.8%) region. Rifampin resistance was slightly higher among foreign-born individuals (1.9% versus 1.1%; P = 0.063). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that older age was associated with a lower risk of resistance to isoniazid and rifampin (odds ratio [OR] = 0.86, P = 0.006 and OR = 0.64, P = 0.003 for each 20-year interval, respectively). These data suggest drug resistance in LTBI will remain a challenge and that rifampin-based regimens for treatment of LTBI in non–human immunodeficiency virus–infected adults may be preferable for individuals born in regions with high levels of isoniazid resistance. However, further research is needed to demonstrate whether LTBI treatment based on region of birth further decreases TB reactivation.
A 305mV-850mV 400μW 45GSamples/J reconfigurable compressive sensing engine with early-termination for ultra-low energy target detection in 14nm tri-gate CMOS

A reconfigurable compressive sensing engine for on-die acceleration of target threshold detection, feature extraction and depth perception is fabricated in 14nm Tri-Gate CMOS, and occupies 0.022mm2. Compressed-domain processing with sort-assisted thresholding, opportunistic early-termination using 3-stop checkpointing and in-line bound estimation enable 305mV-850mV operation with peak energy-efficiency of 45GSamples/J, measured at near-threshold operation of 340mV, resulting in 73× higher efficiency over conventional Nyquist-rate sensor digital front-ends.
Patch-Clamped Liposomes

Ion-channel reconstitution and patch recording offer different but complementary experimental methods. Both can be used to help provide a molecular understanding of how ion transport activity is controlled by protein structure and regulation. On the one hand, through use of reconstitution techniques, an ion channel can be isolated, purified, and/or chemically modified and reinserted into a lipid bilayer. The result is a well-characterized membrane system in which biochemical properties likely to be important in regulating transport—subunit stoichiometry, phosphorylation, methylation, lipid composition, etc.—can be monitored and controlled. On the other hand, patch recording techniques can provide the necessary sensitivity in ion transport measurements for discrimination of changes in single channel activity that are effected by structural and regulatory alterations, and the measurements can be done in an experimental geometry that allows controlled access to the membrane of bath-soluble chemical messengers and proteins.
Mining for Micropeptides

Advances in computational biology and large-scale transcriptome analyses have revealed that a much larger portion of the genome is transcribed than was previously recognized, resulting in the production of a diverse population of RNA molecules with both protein-coding and noncoding potential. Emerging evidence indicates that several RNA molecules have been mis-annotated as noncoding and in fact harbor short open reading frames (sORFs) that encode functional peptides and that have evaded detection until now due to their small size. sORF-encoded peptides (SEPs), or micropeptides, have been shown to have important roles in fundamental biological processes and in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. These small proteins can act independently, for example as ligands or signaling molecules, or they can exert their biological functions by engaging with and modulating larger regulatory proteins. Given their small size, micropeptides may be uniquely suited to fine-tune complex biological systems.
The effect of boron on the grain size and texture in additively manufactured β-Ti alloys

One of the critical microstructural attributes affecting the properties of additively manufactured (AM) alloys is the growth of large columnar grains along the build direction. While most of the work in the reported literature is focused on Ti–6Al–4V and other α/β alloys, there are rather limited investigations on grain growth and texture development in AM β-Ti alloys. The addition of trace amounts of boron to these AM β-Ti alloys resulted in significant changes in the microstructure. Depending on the alloy system, a grain refinement of 50–100 times was noted. The change in the grain size has been attributed to a combined effect of constitutional supercooling, caused by boron rejection from the growing β grains, and the growth restriction factor (Q) of the grains caused by the solute elements. The addition of boron also changed the morphology of the grains from being columnar to more equiaxed, a much more pronounced change than observed in traditional α/β alloys such as Ti–6Al–4V. A change in texture of the β grains along the build direction was also noted, wherein the addition of boron randomized the texture from the typically observed strong (001)β oriented grains in AM Ti alloys. Finally, the addition of boron changed the morphology of the α precipitates in the Ti–Mo system from lath-like to more equiaxed, while preserving the Burgers orientation relationship between the α and β phases.
Can Women Entrepreneurs Plan to Prosper? Exploring the Role of Gender as a Moderator of the Planning-Performance Relationship

Women entrepreneurs have long been argued to suffer from disadvantages in initial resource stock, which makes it difficult to establish and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. Prior work suggests that planning may assist in overcoming these disparities; however, few studies have examined these relationships while considering context. We explore the role of strategic business planning activities on entrepreneurial firm performance and whether such planning activities yield greater benefit for women than men. We find that business planning provides greater performance benefits to women, which we argue may give women an opportunity to compensate for initial resource disadvantages.
Personality and its Relationship to Depression and Cognition in Older Adults: Implications for Practice.

ABSTRACTObjectives: Personality is an important contributor to an individual’s mental health and is consistently linked to the two most prevalent mental health conditions among older adults: dementia and depression. This review summarizes the current findings on personality and its association with cognitive decline and depression, as well as treatment outcomes and possible intervention strategies.Methods: Literature searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO. Search terms included ‘personality traits,’ ‘depression,’ ‘treatment,’ and ‘older adults.’Results: Cognitive decline and depressive disorders are both associated with a common personality profile: high neuroticism, and low conscientiousness, extraversion, openness, and agreeableness. Across studies, the most consistent predictor of late-life depression, its course, and treatment outcomes is higher neuroticism.Conclusions: Personality traits are associated with cognitive decline, as well as the diagnosis and course of late-life d...
Neutrophils Cause an Intravascular Traffic Jam

Neutrophil swarming is defined by large numbers of cells simultaneously and rapidly migrating to a site of injury or infection. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Lee et al. (2018) demonstrate that intravascular swarming of neutrophils occurs in response to Candida albicans infection and causes vascular occlusion and pathological sequelae.
Efficacy of Atopy Patch Testing in Directed Dietary Therapy of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Pilot Study

Atopy patch testing (APT) has shown potential for predicting dietary food triggers in studies of children and adolescents with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). To assess the efficacy of APT in adults with EoE. We conducted a prospective open-label pilot study of patients ≥ 18 years old with diagnosis of EoE at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from November 2014 to January 2016. All patients underwent patch testing using intact food products, followed by a six food elimination diet and stepwise food reintroduction. Response to elimination diet was assessed with serial endoscopy with biopsies as well as clinical symptoms. APT results were directly compared to elimination diet results for assessment of efficacy. Correlation between clinical symptoms, endoscopic score, and histology was also qualitatively evaluated. Fifty percent of the patients had a positive APT, while only 16% had an APT result confirmed histologically during food reintroduction. Sensitivity of APT was calculated to be 5.9%, with specificity of 92.0%. Furthermore, we found significant qualitative inter-patient heterogeneity in the correlation between clinical symptoms, EREFS score, and histology. APT does not reliably predict food triggers identified by food elimination diet in adult patients with EoE. As a result, APT does not have a clear role in the evaluation of patients with EoE.
Identification and validation of a novel drug target in an organoid model of esophageal cancer.

46Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas remains a particularly intractable disease due to limited therapeutic options as well as a lack of targeted therapies. The genetic landscape of eso...
A beta 2-adrenergic agonist inhibits dry air-induced injury in canine peripheral airways

We examined the effects of a beta 2-agonist on dry air-induced injury in canine peripheral airways. Dry air-induced bronchoconstriction (AIB) was assessed by measuring peripheral airway resistance in anesthetized dogs. Salbutamol reduced AIB by approximately 75% compared with control values. Colloidal carbon was used to detect bronchovascular leakage in contralateral sublobar segments that were pretreated with saline or salbutamol. About 87% of the perimeter of bronchi was damaged after dry air challenge in saline-treated segments. Salbutamol reduced mucosal damage by approximately 30% (P < 0.05). The mucosa of bronchioles was not injured. The average goblet-to-ciliated cell ratio (which reflects mucosal perturbation) in bronchi decreased from 0.38 in control bronchi to 0.15 in challenged bronchi, and this effect was also evident in bronchioles. Salbutamol did not affect this decrement. Dry air challenge also caused degranulation of mast cells located below damaged mucosa, dilation of bronchial vessels, and leakage from capillaries and venules located below normal ciliated and damaged mucosa of bronchi. Thus, we conclude that salbutamol attenuates epithelial damage and AIB but fails to inhibit mast cell degranulation and vascular hyperpermeability.
Relationship between specular returns in CryoSat-2 data, surface albedo, and Arctic summer minimum ice extent

Specular (mirror-like) reflections in radar altimeter returns are sensitive indicators of flat open water in leads and melt ponds within the Arctic sea ice cover. Here we find increased specular and near-specular returns in CryoSat-2 waveforms as the sea ice cover transitions from a high albedo snow-covered surface to a lower albedo surface dominated by ponds from snow melt. During early melt, mid-May to late June, increases in fractional coverage of specular returns (FSR) show spatial correspondence with concurrent decreases in albedo. To examine the utility of FSR we compared its efficacy with that of satellite-derived albedo in forecasting summer minimum ice extent (SMIE). Regression analysis of the area-averaged FSR ( F SR)(2011–2017) shows that ~72% of SMIE variance can be explained by the dates when F SR climbs to 0.5 within two latitudinal bands covering 70–80°N and 80–90°N. The lag between the two crossing dates provides a measure of the relative rate of the poleward progression of melt. Approximately 93% of SMIE variance can be explained by the date when albedo drops to 0.6 in these same latitudinal bands. Standard errors for these regressions are 0.37 and 0.19 . 106 km2, respectively. Calculating the regression coefficients using only 2011–2016, the 2017 SMIE was forecast with residuals of 0.06 (2% of the total extent) and –0.17 . 106 km2 (4%). Using only 2011–2015 yielded residuals that are less than 0.5 . 106 km2 (~10%) in forecasts of both 2016 and 2017 SMIE, demonstrating the robustness of the regression models. Even though large-scale changes in albedo during summer melt is a characteristic feature of the ice surface, available albedo fields have not been directly used in SMIE forecasts. While this CryoSat-2 record is short, these results suggest that both FSR and albedo could be potentially useful for enhancing forecasts of SMIE.
A mosquito salivary gland protein partially inhibits Plasmodium sporozoite cell traversal and transmission

The key step during the initiation of malaria is for motile Plasmodium parasites to exit the host dermis and infect the liver. During transmission, the parasites in the form of sporozoites, are injected together with mosquito saliva into the skin. However, the contribution of vector saliva to sporozoite activity during the establishment of the initial infection of the liver is poorly understood. Here we identify a vector protein by mass spectrometry, with similarity to the human gamma interferon inducible thiol reductase (GILT), that is associated with saliva sporozoites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes and has a negative impact on the speed and cell traversal activity of Plasmodium. This protein, referred to as mosquito GILT (mosGILT) represents an example of a protein found in mosquito saliva that may negatively influence sporozoite movement in the host and could lead to new approaches to prevent malaria.
Experimental Evaluation of Piezoelectric Self-Sensing during Terrestrial Locomotion of a Miniature Legged Robot

This paper discusses the relationship between observed locomotion of a miniature terrestrial robot and measurements from a passive on-board piezoelectric sensor. The 30 mm-wide piezoelectric robot prototype is assembled for legged locomotion under various frequencies and voltages. Onboard sensing is realized using unactuated piezoelectric elements from among the robot's legs. The relationship between the sensing signal and vertical robot foot motion is interpreted through theoretical analysis and validated with experimental measurements. Whether the sensing signal can infer longitudinal robot locomotion is discussed with some empirical evidence, observed under various actuation conditions. Furthermore, environmental influences such as ground slope and surface properties and how on-board sensing reflects these changes are investigated. Some correlation is observed between longitudinal robot speed and simple features such as sensor amplitude.