cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Absence d’influence de l’offset fémoral sur la micromobilité à l’interface os-prothèse dans un modèle expérimental

Abstract Background In total hip replacement (THR), the femoral offset (FO) is assessed preoperatively, and the surgeon must determine whether to restore, increase, or decrease the FO based on experience and the patient's clinical history. The FO is known to influence the abductor muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), gait, and hip pain after THR; however, the true effect of FO on bone implant micromotion is unclear. Therefore, we investigated to assess: (1) the muscle loading response during gait, (2) whether FO affects bone implant micromotion during gait. Hypothesis A variation of ± 10 mm from the anatomical FO affects the muscle loading forces. Materials and methods We modified a personalized musculoskeletal model of the lower extremity to determine the 3-dimensional contact forces at the hip joint in the presence of a stem with varying offsets during a gait cycle. A detailed finite element (FE) model was then constructed for increased, restored, and decreased FOs. The maximum load obtained during normal walking gait from the musculoskeletal model was applied to the respective FE models, and the resultant stem-bone micromotion and stress distribution were computed. Results Increasing the FO to +10 mm decreased the peak force generated by the abductor muscles during the cycle by 15.0 % and decreasing the FO to −10 mm increased the von Mises stress distribution at the distal bone by 77.5 % ( P P > 0.05) and peak stresses ( P > 0.05). Discussion Coupling the musculoskeletal model of the gait cycle with FE analysis provides a realistic model to understand how FO affects bone implant micromotion. We found that there was no effect of FO on bone implant micromotion; thus, a surgeon does not need to evaluate the implications of FO on micromotion and can determine a FO that best decreases the work load of abductor muscles, increases ROM, and reduces hip pain. Level of evidence IV, biomechanical study.
Membraneless organelles: Phasing in and out.

The low-complexity-protein, liquid phases of membraneless organelles have now been established to selectively partition biomolecules. The specialized microenvironment that they provide differs chemically from the surrounding medium and enables specific nucleic-acid remodelling reactions.
Do Criminal Politicians Affect Firm Investment and Value? Evidence from a Regression Discontinuity Approach

We provide evidence on the effects of criminal/corrupt politicians on firm value and investments. Using a regression discontinuity approach, we focus on close elections to establish a causal link between election of criminal-politicians and firms’ value and investment decisions. We utilize unique datasets on the criminal background of Indian politicians and details on investment projects in their districts. Election of criminal-politicians leads to lower election-period and project-announcement stock-market returns for local private-sector firms. There is sharp decline in total investment by private-sector firms in criminal-politician districts: Interestingly, the decline in private-sector investment is offset by a roughly equivalent increase in investment by state-owned firms. Corrupt politicians are less destructive when the overall corruption in the state is lower and when they belong to a political party that is in power at the state or national level.
Effects of stable and unstable stacking fault energy on dislocation nucleation in nano-crystalline metals

Dislocation nucleation from grain boundaries (GB) can control plastic deformation in nano-crystalline metals under certain conditions, but little is known about what controls dislocation nucleation, because when data from different materials are compared, the variations of many interacting properties tend to obscure the effects of any single property. In this study, we seek clarification by applying a unique capability of semi-empirical potentials in molecular dynamics simulations: the potentials can be modified such that all significant material properties but one, are kept constant. Using a set of potentials developed to isolate the effects of stacking fault energy, we show that for a given grain boundary, loading orientation and strain rate, the yield stress depends linearly on both the stable and unstable stacking fault energies. The coefficients of proportionality depend on the GB structure and the value of the yield stress is related to the density of the E structural units in the GB. While the impact of the stable stacking fault energy is easy to understand, the unstable stacking fault energy requires more elucidation and we provide a framework for understanding how it affects the nucleation and propagation process.
Assessing climate change vulnerability of microgrid systems

In this paper, we build a framework to assess climate-change impacts on a power system. In order to appropriately capture the uncertainty of the climate change's multi-dimensional impacts, we argue that the multiple representative scenarios need to be set. Therefore, we developed a data-driven method to select representative scenarios instead of using the random-sampling method. We explain why the data-driven method is more appropriate for the research on the climate change than the random-sampling method. We adopt our framework to analyze an island nation's micro grid system. The research demonstrates that the climate change can significantly impacts this nation's electricity generation cost, energy security, and environmental performance.
Mechanically flexible photonic-crystal cavities on strained germanium fabricated by nanomembrane assembly

Mechanically flexible photonic-crystal cavities consisting of disconnected Si-column arrays are fabricated on Ge nanomembranes by a novel membrane assembly approach. Photonic-crystal cavity resonances are clearly observed in the strain-enhanced photoluminescence spectra.
Sparse targets in hydroacoustic surveys: Balancing quantity and quality of in situ target strength data

Abstract Hydroacoustic sampling of low-density fish in shallow water can lead to low sample sizes of naturally variable target strength (TS) estimates, resulting in both sparse and variable data. Increasing maximum beam compensation (BC) beyond conventional values (i.e., 3 dB beam width) can recover more targets during data analysis; however, data quality decreases near the acoustic beam edges. We identified the optimal balance between data quantity and quality with increasing BC using a standard sphere calibration, and we quantified the effect of BC on fish track variability, size structure, and density estimates of Lake Erie walleye (Sander vitreus). Standard sphere mean TS estimates were consistent with theoretical values (−39.6 dB) up to 18-dB BC, while estimates decreased at greater BC values. Natural sources (i.e., residual and mean TS) dominated total fish track variation, while contributions from measurement related error (i.e., number of single echo detections (SEDs) and BC) were proportionally low. Increasing BC led to more fish encounters and SEDs per fish, while stability in size structure and density were observed at intermediate values (e.g., 18 dB). Detection of medium to large fish (i.e., age-2+ walleye) benefited most from increasing BC, as proportional changes in size structure and density were greatest in these size categories. Therefore, when TS data are sparse and variable, increasing BC to an optimal value (here 18 dB) will maximize the TS data quantity while limiting lower-quality data near the beam edges.
The ethnobotany of sweet flag,acorus Calamus (Araceae)

Sweet flag,Acorus calamus, one of the few extratropical members of the Araceae, is a semi-aquatic component of aquatic habitats throughout the temperate to sub-temperate regions of Eurasia and the Americas. The plant has a rich ethnobotanical history dating back possibly to the time of Moses in the Old Testament of the Bible and in early Greek and Roman medicine. Sweet flag, thought to be indigenous to India and spread along trade routes, has been valued for its rhizome and fragrant oils which have been used medicinally, in alcoholic beverages, as a fragrant essence in perfumes and oils, and for insecticidal properties. Current research investigates sweet flag’s value as an insecticidal, antibacterial and antifungal agent. This paper is a comprehensive survey of the past, present and future uses of sweet flag.
Assessment of histone tail modifications and transcriptional profiling during colon cancer progression reveals a global decrease in H3K4me3 activity

During colon cancer, epigenetic alterations contribute to the dysregulation of major cellular functions and signaling pathways. Modifications in chromatin signatures such as H3K4me3 and H3K9ac, which are associated with transcriptionally active genes, can lead to genomic instability and perturb the expression of gene sets associated with oncogenic processes. In order to further elucidate early pre-tumorigenic epigenetic molecular events driving CRC, we integrated diverse, genome-wide, epigenetic inputs (by high throughput sequencing of RNA, H3K4me3, and H3K9ac) and compared differentially expressed transcripts (DE) and enriched regions (DER) in an in-vivo rat colon cancer progression model. Carcinogen (AOM) effects were detected genome-wide at the RNA (116 DE genes), K9ac (49 DERs including 24 genes) and K4me3 (7678 DERs including 3792 genes) level. RNA-seq differential expression and pathway analysis indicated that interferon-associated innate immune responses were impacted by AOM exposure. Despite extensive associations between K4me3 DERs and colon tumorigenesis (1210 genes were linked to colorectal carcinoma) including FOXO3, GNAI2, H2AFX, MSH2, NR3C1, PDCD4 and VEGFA, these changes were not reflected at the RNA gene expression level during early cancer progression. Collectively, our results indicate that carcinogen-induced changes in gene K4me3 DERs are harbingers of future transcriptional events, which drive malignant transformation of the colon.
Electrocatalytic hydrogen gas generation by cobalt molybdenum disulfide (CoMoS2) synthesized using alkyl-containing thiomolybdate precursors

Abstract Cobalt molybdenum disulfide, (CoMoS2) catalysts are evaluated as active electrocatalysts for the production of hydrogen gas in acidic aqueous media. These highly-active hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts are obtained from pretreatment of ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATM) with different amines precursors, and characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their surface areas are determined by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analyses. Electrochemical studies indicate that these CoMoS2 materials exhibit enhanced catalytic performance for hydrogen gas production with overpotentials ranging from 0.127 to 0.144 V, which are significant less than CoMoS2 synthesized directly from ATM under the same synthetic techniques (0.173 V). These CoMoS2 catalysts are also stable in the presence of strong acidic media after a considerably long period of time (10 h) for maintaining their efficiencies for hydrogen gas evolution.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition and Parathyroid Hormone Secretion

Background. Prior studies suggest that renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors decrease parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. Objective. To evaluate the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) on serum PTH in participants with and without primary hyperparathyroidism (P-HPT). Methods. An open-label, single-arm, pilot study whereby participants with and without P-HPT had PTH were evaluated before and after 1 week of maximally tolerated lisinopril therapy. Results. A total of 12 participants with, and 15 participants without, P-HPT successfully completed the protocol. Following 1 week of lisinopril, participants with P-HPT had a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (−6.4 mmHg, ), an increase in plasma renin activity (PRA) (+1.50 ng/mL/h, ), and a decrease in PTH (79.5 (21.6) to 70.9 (19.6) pg/mL, pg/mL, ); however, serum and urine calcium did not change. In contrast, although 1 week of lisinopril significantly decreased SBP and increased PRA among participants without P-HPT, there were no changes in PTH or calcium. Conclusion. In this short pilot investigation, 1 week of maximally titrated ACEi did not impact PTH in participants without P-HPT, but resulted in a modest and marginally significant reduction of PTH but not calcium, among participants with P-HPT. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01691781 .
Long QT Syndrome Unveiled by a Fatal Combination of Medications and Electrolyte Abnormalities

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) can present with syncope and seizure-like activity in the setting of torsades de pointes (TdP) with hemodynamic instability. Electrolyte abnormalities and medications can predispose to TdP in the setting of latent LQTS. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is needed if patients with TdP continue to be symptomatic despite medical treatment. We report a case of a patient who presented with seizures and was found to have prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc). During her admission, she was treated with ondansetron. She went into torsades de pointes and continued to have prolonged QTc. She underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement and remains asymptomatic to date.
Development of a Function-Blocking Antibody Against Fibulin-3 as a Targeted Reagent for Glioblastoma

Purpose: We sought a novel approach against glioblastomas (GBM) focused on targeting signaling molecules localized in the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). We investigated fibulin-3, a glycoprotein that forms the ECM scaffold of GBMs and promotes tumor progression by driving Notch and NFκB signaling.Experimental Design: We used deletion constructs to identify a key signaling motif of fibulin-3. An mAb (mAb428.2) was generated against this epitope and extensively validated for specific detection of human fibulin-3. mAb428.2 was tested in cultures to measure its inhibitory effect on fibulin-3 signaling. Nude mice carrying subcutaneous and intracranial GBM xenografts were treated with the maximum achievable dose of mAb428.2 to measure target engagement and antitumor efficacy.Results: We identified a critical 23-amino acid sequence of fibulin-3 that activates its signaling mechanisms. mAb428.2 binds to that epitope with nanomolar affinity and blocks the ability of fibulin-3 to activate ADAM17, Notch, and NFκB signaling in GBM cells. mAb428.2 treatment of subcutaneous GBM xenografts inhibited fibulin-3, increased tumor cell apoptosis, and enhanced the infiltration of inflammatory macrophages. The antibody reduced tumor growth and extended survival of mice carrying GBMs as well as other fibulin-3-expressing tumors. Locally infused mAb428.2 showed efficacy against intracranial GBMs, increasing tumor apoptosis and reducing tumor invasion and vascularization, which are enhanced by fibulin-3.Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first rationally developed, function-blocking antibody against an ECM target in GBM. Our results offer a proof of principle for using "anti-ECM" strategies toward more efficient targeted therapies for malignant glioma. Clin Cancer Res; 24(4); 821-33. ©2017 AACR.
The Cooperative Assembly of IFI16 Filaments on dsDNA Provides Insights into Host Defense Strategy

Whether host DNA receptors have any capacity to distinguish self from nonself at the molecular level is an outstanding question in the innate immunity of mammals. Here, by using quantitative assays and electron microscopy, we show that cooperatively assembling into filaments on dsDNA may serve as an integral mechanism by which human IFN-inducible protein-16 (IFI16) engages foreign DNA. IFI16 is essential for defense against a number of different pathogens, and its aberrant activity is also implicated in several autoimmune disorders, such as Sjogren syndrome. IFI16 cooperatively binds dsDNA in a length-dependent manner and clusters into distinct protein filaments even in the presence of excess dsDNA. Consequently, the assembled IFI16·dsDNA oligomers are clearly different from the conventional noninteracting entities resembling beads on a string. The isolated DNA-binding domains of IFI16 engage dsDNA without forming filaments and with weak affinity, and it is the non–DNA-binding pyrin domain of IFI16 that drives the cooperative filament assembly. The surface residues on the pyrin domain that mediate the cooperative DNA binding are conserved, suggesting that related receptors use a common mechanism. These results suggest that IFI16 clusters into signaling foci in a switch-like manner and that it is capable of using the size of naked dsDNA as a molecular ruler to distinguish self from nonself.
ALCOHOL DRINKING INDUCED IN THE RAT AFTER CHRONIC INJECTIONS OF TETRAHYDROPAPAVEROLINE (THP), SALSOLINOL OR NORELEAGNINE IN THE BRAIN

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses alcohol drinking induced in the rat after chronic injections of tetrahydropapaveroline (THP), salsolinol, or noreleagnine in the brain. When tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives or a β-carboline are delivered directly into the brain of the rat, its voluntary consumption of alcohol increases enormously. In rats of the non-alcohol preferring Sprague-Dawley strain, THP, salsolinol, or noreleagnine was infused through a cannula implanted in the lateral cerebral ventricle. Doses of up to 4.0 μg in a volume of 4.0 μl were delivered every 30 minutes around the clock during a 12-day alcohol preference test. Water and a solution of alcohol, increased daily in systematic steps from 3-30% concentration, were offered simultaneously. Those rats infused with these aldehyde condensation products consumed significantly more of the 3-30% solutions of alcohol than rats infused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); some animals ingested a sufficient volume to produce intoxication-like behavioral signs and elevated blood alcohol levels. Symptoms of withdrawal were manifest in certain animals independent of whether alcohol was ingested.
The Mutation E242K in the Chloroplast ATP Synthase Gamma Subunit Increases the Inhibitory Binding of the Epsilon Subunit without Changing the Apparent Redox Potential of the Regulatory Dithiol

A single point mutation in the gamma subunit of the ATP synthase, E244K, was recently shown to change the apparent redox potential of a critically placed, regulatory dithiol in the gamma subunit of the photosynthetic ATP synthase in situ in thyolakoid membranes of Arabadopsis thaliana (Wu et al., 2006). The mutation resulted in loss of light-dependent activation of the ATPase activity of the ATP synthase and decreased ATP synthesis. This identified, for the first time, that the redox state of the gamma dithiol is a strong determinant of photosynthetic efficiency in higher plants. To determine how the gamma dithiol modulates ATP synthesis the effect of the E244K mutation on the redox potential of the gamma dithiol was examined in vitro using an assembled recombinant hybrid CF1 enzyme system previously described. The mutation did not significantly alter the redox potential of the gamma dithiol. It did, however, decrease the dilution-dependent activation of the ATP hydrolysis activity of the enzyme that results from release of the inhibitory epsilon subunit. This suggests that the mutation blocks the light-dependent change in epsilon conformation that leads to activation of the latent ATPase activity of CF1 in situ.
Spatial channel modeling for wireless communications

This chapter presents a novel theoretical framework for relating the small-scale fading characteristics of a wireless channel to multipath angle-of-arrival. A method is presented for reducing a multipath channel with arbitrary spatial complexity to three shape factors that have simple, intuitive geometrical interpretations. Furthermore, these shape factors are shown to describe the statistics of received signal fluctuations in a fading multipath channel. Examples demonstrate how the shape factors may be applied to real-life problems in channel measurement, level-crossing rate and average fade duration calculations, and coherence distance estimation.
A More Exact Uncertainty Principle

Quantization of action, expressed in terms of displacement, time, and force, provides an uncertainty principle, for negative energy states, which permits exact specification of one variable without requiring an infinite uncertainty in the conjugate variable. This principle is compatible with a crystalline solid model for atomic nuclei.
Building community resilience: A scalable model for hemorrhage-control training at a mass gathering site, using the RE-AIM framework.

Background In a decade, the US military reduced deaths from uncontrolled bleeding on the battlefield by 67%. This success, coupled with an increased incidence of mass shootings in the US, has led to multiple initiatives intent on translating hemorrhage-control readiness to the civilian sector. However, the best method to achieve widespread population-level hemorrhage-control readiness for civilians has not yet been elucidated. This study evaluates the implementation of American College of Surgeons Bleeding Control training at a National Football League stadium as a prospective model for general mass gathering site implementation. Methods The American College of Surgeons’ Bleeding Control Basic layperson hemorrhage-control training was implemented at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. The five domains are as follows: reach (demographics of study participants), effectiveness (correct tourniquet application after intervention), adoption (investigator, leadership, and participant efforts for sustainability of intervention), implementation (course details), and maintenance (correct tourniquet application at retention testing at 3 to 9 months). Results A total of 562 employees were included in the study. Of those included employees, 58.7% reported having taken first-aid training and 17.3% reported having taken hemorrhage-control training. There was an increased mean likelihood to help (4.39 vs 4.09, P Conclusion Achieving initial hemorrhage-control readiness and maintenance at a mass gathering site through American College of Surgeons Bleeding Control training is feasible but requires significant commitment from training staff, site leadership, and financial resources.
Beyond the trace

Even the most consequential formations will pass. Empires will fragment, booming manufacturing centres will go bust, and extractive economies will run dry. Yet as much as consequential formations p...
Direct Deposition of Crystalline Ta3N5 Thin Films on FTO for PEC Water Splitting

Tantalum nitride is a promising photoanode material for solar water splitting, but further study and practical use are constrained by the harsh conditions of the synthesis from Ta metal. Here, we r...
Gender effects on mental health symptoms and treatment in college students

AbstractPurpose: Mental health problems are a growing concern on college campuses. Although postsecondary institutions often provide mental health services to students free of charge, it is unclear...
An Activatable NIR Fluorescent Rosol for Selectively Imaging Nitroreductase Activity.

Hypoxia (pO2 ≤ ~1.5%) is an important characteristic of tumor microenvironments that directly correlates with resistance against first-line therapies and tumor proliferation/infiltration. The ability to accurately identify hypoxic tumor cells/tissue could afford tailored therapeutic regimens for personalized treatment, development of more-effective therapies, and discerning the mechanisms underlying disease progression. Fluorogenic constructs identifying aforesaid cells/tissue operate by targeting the bioreductive activity of primarily nitroreductases (NTRs), but collectively present photophysical and/or physicochemical shortcomings that could limit effectiveness. To overcome these limitations, we present the rational design, development, and evaluation of the first activatable ultracompact xanthene core-based molecular probe (NO 2 -Rosol) for selectively imaging NTR activity that affords an "OFF-ON" near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence response (> 700 nm) alongside a remarkable Stokes shift (> 150 nm) via NTR activity-facilitated modulation to its energetics whose resultant interplay discontinues an intramolecular d-PET fluorescence-quenching mechanism transpiring between directly-linked electronically-uncoupled π-systems comprising its components. DFT calculations guided selection of a suitable fluorogenic scaffold and nitroaromatic moiety candidate that when adjoined could (i) afford such photophysical response upon bioreduction by upregulated NTR activity in hypoxic tumor cells/tissue and (ii) employ a retention mechanism strategy that capitalizes on an inherent physical property of the NIR fluorogenic scaffold for achieving signal amplification. NO 2 -Rosol demonstrated 705 nm NIR fluorescence emission and 157 nm Stokes shift, selectivity for NTR over relevant bioanalytes, and a 28-/12-fold fluorescence enhancement in solution and between cells cultured under different oxic conditions, respectively. In establishing feasibility for NO 2 -Rosol to provide favorable contrast levels in solutio/vitro, we anticipate NO 2 -Rosol doing so in preclinical studies.
Neural correlates of auditory sensory memory dynamics in the aging brain.

Abstract The auditory system allows us to monitor background environmental sound patterns and recognize deviations that may indicate opportunities or threats. The mismatch negativity and P3a potentials have generators in the auditory and inferior frontal cortex and index expected sound patterns (standards) and any aberrations (deviants). The mismatch negativity and P3a waveforms show increased positivity for consecutive standards and deviants preceded by more standards. We hypothesized attenuated repetition effects in older participants, potentially because of differences in prefrontal functions. Young (23 ± 5 years) and older (75 ± 5 years) adults were tested in 2 oddball paradigms with pitch or location deviants. Significant repetition effects were observed in the young standard and deviant waveforms at multiple time windows. Except the earliest time window (30–100 ms), repetition effects were absent in the older group. Repetition effects were significant at frontal but not temporal lobe sites and did not differ among pitch and location deviants. However, P3a repetition was evident in both ages. Findings suggest age differences in the dynamic updating of sensory memory for background sound patterns.
Incidence of Cutaneous Melanoma of Eyelid Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database.

Purpose The aim of this work was to report the annual incidence, incidence trend, histological types, and cause-specific survival of cutaneous melanoma of the eyelid from 1975 through to 2017. Methods Cases were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database using the ICD-0-3 standard codes for diagnosis and anatomic location. Cutaneous melanomas of the face and scalp/neck were studied as comparison groups. Incidence rates were calculated using the SEER*Stat statistical analysis software with 95% confidence intervals. Melanoma-specific survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limited method. Results There was an increase in annual incidence of eyelid melanoma over the 43-year study period, ranging from a low of 0.2 × 106 population in 1978 (95% CI 0.04-0.6) to a high of 1.0 × 106 population in 2016 (95% CI 2.3-3.5). The average annual percent change was 1.2% (95% CI 0.5-1.8). Cause-specific survival of melanoma of the eyelid and facial skin were almost identical (approx. 91.7%) at 60 months but significantly worse for melanoma of the scalp/neck (p Conclusions Cutaneous melanoma of the eyelid is uncommon compared to melanoma of facial skin and the scalp/neck. This can be explained in part by the comparatively small surface area at risk. Like melanomas elsewhere, the annual incidence of eyelid melanoma has risen over the last 4 decades, but less than of facial skin and the scalp/neck. Over the span of this study, cause-specific survival from eyelid melanoma was comparable to that of facial skin and better than that of the scalp/neck.
The presence of diabetes impacts liver fibrosis and steatosis by transient elastography in a primary care population.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Noninvasive liver assessment in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in a primary care population identifies higher risk non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to evaluate the association of T2DM with liver fibrosis and steatosis by transient elastography (TE). MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study of a TE referral program where primary care physicians were able to order TE. Patients with alcohol abuse were excluded. TE and Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) scores were obtained. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to adjust for confounders. RESULTS 28% had T2DM. The mean TE score in T2DM patients was 8.3 (±6) kilopascal (kPa) and 6.4 (±3.7) kPa in those without T2DM (p = 0.0001). Those with T2DM had a higher CAP (322 ± 51 dB/m vs. 296 ± 57 dB/m, p < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, T2DM was associated with TE score (β: 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-3.1, p = 0.001) and CAP (β: 2.8, 95% CI: 9.3-36.2, p = 0.001). Patients with T2DM had higher-risk TE scores and more steatosis by CAP. CONCLUSION T2DM is associated with liver fibrosis and steatosis by TE within a primary care population. A TE referral pathway may be utilized for T2DM patients who are at higher risk of NAFLD and its complications.
Novel Monitoring System for Detecting Malfunctioning In-Canopy Sprinklers on a Center Pivot Irrigation System

AbstractThe preservation of limited aquifer resources in the US Great Plains has driven the innovation and deployment of more efficient sprinkler packages for center pivot irrigation systems. One o...
Do Integral Emotions Affect Trust? The Mediating Effect of Emotions on Trust in the Context of Human-Agent Interaction

Prior efforts have noted the effect of reliability, risk, and degree of anthropomorphism on trust in the context of human-agent interaction. However, the effects of these factors on resulting emotions while interacting with autonomous agents and their influence on trust are not clear. Towards that, we designed a 2 (partner: automation/human) × 2 (risk: low/high) × 2 (reliability: low/high) between-group study to identify relevant discrete emotions and their (emotions’) influences on users’ trustworthiness perceptions (ability, integrity, and benevolence). The results identified four emotion factors (positive emotions, hostility, anxiety, and loneliness) related to human-agent interaction. Although the reliability condition affected all four emotion factors, the mediating effects of the emotion factors on reliability and trustworthiness perceptions relationships differed for the varying emotion factors. The implications of our findings for trust calibration in the context of designing interactive systems are discussed in the paper.
Endoscopic Surgical Platforms

With the development of advanced minimally invasive therapy, the role of endoscopic involvement in therapeutic procedures in the gastrointestinal tract has substantially increased. The trend of minimizing access trauma has stimulated gastroenterologists and surgeons to use interventional endoscopic technology to replace a number of procedures, which were a mainstay in open surgery and even some in laparoscopic surgery. An endoscopic surgical platform should be able to maneuver within the gut with its intraluminal restrictions and at the same time carry the potential to be used for basic surgical tasks such as cutting, dissecting, traction, and countertraction as well as suturing. A number of new technologies have been demonstrated. Further developments in endoscopic, surgical, and multifunctional platforms are necessary in the future. Optimal multitasking platforms should have changeable end-effectors, image guidance, possibility of traction, and countertraction, as well as sufficient triangulation and at the same time steerable stability to increase precision in manipulations.
Short Length High-Power Water Filled Coaxial Transmission Line for Long Pulses

The Electrical and Computer Engineering department at the University of New Mexico is conducting basic physics research on charged particle beam driven High Power Microwave (HPM) sources, high brightness Bremsstrahlung sources and pulsed power drivers. In addition to the High Energy Long Pulse Marx bank a High-Power water transmission line was developed for delivering energy to the low impedance MILO load. The transmission line was designed to operate in a confined space, with long high-power pulses exceeding 500ns, and to match the impedance of the driving Marx bank to the low impedance load with low losses. The following paper details the electrical and mechanical design decisions made as well as numerical SPICE and electrodynamic models validating these decisions. The paper also presents initial characterization of the output at various voltages and various loads of different impedances.
An Outline of the Spectral Theory of Propagators

After indicating recent improvements in the propagator theory of Hilbertian varieties and some applications to Banach algebras, we outline the spectral theory of propagators.
Visualization of RNA synthesis on chromosomes.

Publisher Summary The numerous electron microscope autoradiographic studies of eukaryotic cells show that RNA synthesis is localized in dispersed chromatin in both nucleolar and non-nucleolar compartments of the nucleus. Alternatively, autoradiography of thin sections of pulse-labeled bacteria shows the localization of RNA synthesis near the interface of the ribosome-containing areas of the cell and the nucleoid regions that contain most of the bacterial DNA. An example of the structural resolution of genetic activity obtainable by thin-sectioning methods is presented in this chapter. In none of the thin-section studies with either eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells, however, could a distinct genetic unit be resolved within the regions active in RNA synthesis. More recently, direct visualization of the fine structure of individual, active genes in both cell types has been accomplished through novel isolation techniques. This chapter discusses the current status of these studies. Structural aspects of the activity of specific genes are demonstrated here using representatives of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell types. In both cases, inherent characteristics of the cells permitted the use of relatively simple techniques for isolating portions of active genomes.
Purification and characterization of enzymes from yeast: An extended undergraduate laboratory sequence for large classes

Providing a project-based experience in an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory class can be complex with large class sizes and limited resources. We have designed a 6-week curriculum during which students purify and characterize the enzymes invertase and phosphatase from bakers yeast. Purification is performed in two stages via ethanol precipitation and anion exchange chromatography, and students perform both direct and coupled enzyme assays. By completion of the experimental series, students are able to identify which enzymes they have purified and have obtained kinetic parameters for one. This experimental series requires minimal instructor preparation time, is cost effective, and works with multiple sections of large groups of students. Students participating in this sequence showed increases in conceptual understanding of biochemical concepts as measured through in-class assessments and anonymous surveys.
TIMING OF REDD CONSTRUCTION BY FALL CHINOOK SALMON IN THE HANFORD REACH OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER

Spawning habits of fall Chinook salmon in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River have been documented with annual aerial surveys since 1948. We developed a series of models analysing these data, exploring the influence of environmental factors on the timing of redd construction. These models included a logistic regression and a dynamic modelling approach, with combinations of day of year (as a surrogate for environmental cues such as day length), water temperature and discharge as potential explanatory factors. Results of these analyses indicate that day of year was the strongest predictor of the timing of redd construction, but with significant modifying effects of water temperature and discharge. The dynamic modelling approach provides substantial advantages over a traditional logistic regression, including (1) the ability to treat data collected at non-synchronous time intervals in a consistent fashion and (2) the ability to easily implement complex functions (e.g., threshold responses) relating behaviour to environmental cues. Evaluation of the series as a whole indicates that the median date of redd construction has increased over time, from approximately day 299 in 1950 to day 307 in 2010, as has the temperature on Oct 1 (16.3 °C–18.1 °C). The degree to which these changes are caused by climate change or dam operations is uncertain, however. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circuit theory and interconnect analysis for DSM chip design

Summary form only given. With deep submicron (DSM) ICs, it is known that interconnect introduces critical problems on signal integrity for chip design. Interconnect delay dominates the gate delay. Other problems are the IR drop and crosstalk. As we reach frequencies approaching one gigahertz, it is necessary to model the interconnect as transmission lines. Clearly, new models for interconnect are necessary for analysis and design. The SPICE simulator is no longer adequate because of its limitation in speed and the size of the circuit. During the past ten years, researchers have begun to take a fresh look at circuit simulation for DSM chip design.
Dynamic Partitioning of Large Discrete Event Biological Systems for Hybrid Simulation and Analysis

Biological systems involving genetic reactions are large discrete event systems, and often contain certain species that occur in small quantities, and others that occur in large quantities, leading to a difficulty in modelling and simulation. Small populations inhibit the usefulness of utilizing differential equations to represent the system, while the large populations cause stochastic discrete event simulation to become computationally intensive. This paper presents an algorithmic approach for the dynamic partitioning and stochastic hybrid simulation of biological systems. The algorithm uses a Poisson approximation for discrete event generation and a Langevin approximation for continuous behaviour. The populations are dynamically partitioned so that some populations are simulated in a discrete stochastic fashion, while others are simulated by continuous differential equations, and this partition between discrete and continuous behaviour is updated at regular intervals. The hybrid model of a simple biological toggle switch yields promising results, and a more complex example is explored.
On Minimizing In-Service Retirement.

(1973). On Minimizing in-Service Retirement. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 31-54.
Effect of Relative Decrease in Blood Hemoglobin Concentrations on Postoperative Morbidity in Patients Who Undergo Major Gastrointestinal Surgery

Importance Delta hemoglobin (ΔHb), defined as the difference between the preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level and the nadir Hb level during a patient’s hospitalization, may be associated with adverse outcomes even if the absolute level of Hb remains greater than the transfusion threshold of 7 g/dL. Objective To evaluate the association between ΔHb and morbidity in patients who undergo major gastrointestinal surgery as an independent factor or combined with the nadir Hb concentration. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective review of prospectively collected data on patients who underwent pancreatic, hepatic, or colorectal resection from January 1, 2010, through April 30, 2014, at Johns Hopkins Hospital were included in the study. Data regarding the ΔHb concentration following surgery, nadir Hb level, and overall perioperative blood use were obtained and analyzed. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to identify the preoperative factors associated with ΔHb and the effect of ΔHb on perioperative morbidity. The study and data analysis took place from January 22 through February 20, 2015. Interventions Major gastrointestinal surgery and packed red blood cell transfusion. Main Outcomes and Measures Overall morbidity and ischemic-specific complications. Results Of the 4669 patients who underwent major gastrointestinal surgery, the median ΔHb level after surgery was 40%. Patients with multiple comorbidities (American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status score of 3-4: odds ratio [OR], 1.96; 95% CI, 1.30-2.97; P P = .001) and those who underwent pancreatic surgery (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.18-3.33; P = .01) were at increased risk of having a ΔHb of 50% or greater. Compared with patients who had a ΔHb level of less than 50% and a nadir Hb level of 7 g/dL or greater, patients with a ΔHb level of 50% or greater whose nadir Hb level was less than 7 g/dL were at a high risk of developing postoperative complications (OR, 6.60; 95% CI, 4.34-10.03; P P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance A ΔHb level of 50% or greater following gastrointestinal surgery was associated with complications, especially ischemic adverse events, even if the nadir Hb level remained at 7 g/dL or greater.
Propaganda vs. Political Persuasion in Politics: Public Beware

This article observes the differences between propaganda and political rhetoric, primarily by examining the campaign tactics of Newt Gingrich during his rise to power to become House Speaker in 1994. Readers are made aware of the importance of distinguishing these differences in order to make informed political decisions based on logical reasoning rather than on irrational appeals that stem from political propaganda.
Power spectral density analysis of strain-induced InP islands on GaInP/GaAs(100)

Abstract The power spectral density (PSD) of a three-dimensionally islanded InP surface resulting from coherent Stranski-Krastanov growth is examined and interpreted by applying the mathematical formalism which describes the scattering intensity in the kinematic approximation of small-angle X-ray scattering. Specifically, the morphology of the InP surface is approximated by an ensemble of two-dimensional circles superimposed on a field of zero height, which leads directly to the mathematical equivalence of the isotropic PSD and the scattering intensity. The PSD for a simple model displays oscillations around a λ3 dependence in the limit of small wavelengths, which can be explained from a purely geometrical perspective (Porod-Debye law). Deconvolution of the spatial correlation and island size distributions requires an evaluation of the interference in terms of a “hard-sphere” radial distribution function, analogous to Percus-Yevick theory for the interparticle structure factor, and yields close agreement with real-space measurements. The radius of impenetrability (0.095 μm) implied by the power spectral density agrees with the expected value corresponding to approximately twice the average island radius.
Statistical Quality Control and Routine Data Processing for Radioimmunoassays and Immunoradiometric Assays

Numerous methods are available for the graphical display of radioimmunoassay dose—response curves, for curve-fitting and dose interpolation, for statistical quality control, and for automation and computerization of data processing. The relative merits of these approaches are discussed. Minimal requirements for radioimmunoassay data-processing systems are presented. The features of an "ideal" system are discussed.
CHOLESTEROL AND CHOLESTEROL ESTER CONTENT OF BOVINE COLOSTRUM

The total amount of cholesterol found in colostrum and milk is comparatively low. The amount of cholesterol found in colostrum declines at an ever decreasing rate as milk secretion develops until at 48 hours the cholesterol is nearly the same as that found in milk 3 months or 7 months after parturition. The morning milk differs from the evening milk in that the cholesterol bound as ester is greater in amount.
Picosecond photoreduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase by rhenium(I)-diimine wires.

In a continuing effort to unravel mechanistic questions associated with metalloenzymes, we are developing methods for rapid delivery of electrons to deeply buried active sites. Herein, we report picosecond reduction of the heme active site of inducible nitric oxide synthase bound to a series of rhenium−diimine electron-tunneling wires, [Re(CO)3LL‘]+, where L is 4,7-dimethylphenanthroline and L‘ is a perfluorinated biphenyl bridge connecting a rhenium-ligated imidazole or aminopropylimidazole to a distal imidazole (F8bp-im (1) and C3-F8bp-im (2)) or F (F9bp (3) and C3-F9bp (4)). All four wires bind tightly (Kd in the micromolar to nanomolar range) to the tetrahydrobiopterin-free oxidase domain of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOSoxy). The two fluorine-terminated wires displace water from the active site, and the two imidazole-terminated wires ligate the heme iron. Upon 355-nm excitation of iNOSoxy conjugates with 1 and 2, the active site Fe(III) is reduced to Fe(II) within 300 ps, almost 10 orders of m...
Residential Differences in the Use of Formal Services Prior to Entering a Nursing Home

The relationship between place of residence and use of formal services prior to entering a nursing home was examined in a sample of older persons within 30 days of admission. There were no residential differences in the percent reporting the use of formal services prior to admission. Among those who had been receiving services, there were no residential differences in the number of services received, the kinds of services used, or the average length of time services had been received. Residents of rural facilities were more apt to indicate that needed services were not available in their communities.
Fabrication of a model continuously graded co-electrospun mesh for regeneration of the ligament-bone interface.

Abstract Current scaffolds for the regeneration of anterior cruciate ligament injuries are unable to capture intricate mechanical and chemical gradients present in the natural ligament–bone interface. As a result, stress concentrations can develop at the scaffold–bone interface, leading to poor osseointegration. Hence, scaffolds that possess appropriate mechano-chemical gradients would help establish normal loading properties at the interface, while promoting scaffold integration with bone. With the long-term goal of investigating regeneration of the ligament–bone interface, this feasibility study aimed to fabricate a continuously graded mesh. Specifically, graded meshes were fabricated by co-electrospinning nanohydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone (nHAP-PCL) and poly(ester urethane) urea elastomer solutions from offset spinnerets. Next, mineral crystallites were selectively deposited on the nHAP-PCL fibers by treatment with a 5× simulated body fluid (5× SBF). X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive spectroscopy indicated calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite-like mineral crystallites with an average Ca/P ratio of 1.48. Tensile testing demonstrated the presence of a mechanical gradient, which became more pronounced upon treatment with 5× SBF. Finally, biocompatibility of the graded meshes was verified using an MC3T3-E1 osteoprogenitor cell line. The study demonstrates that graded meshes, for potential application in interfacial tissue engineering, can be fabricated by co-electrospinning.