cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variable Fidelity Optimization Using a Kriging Based Scaling Function

Solving design problems that rely on very complex and computationally expensive calculations using standard optimization methods may not be feasible given design cycle time constraints. Variable fldelity methods address this issue by using lower fldelity models and a scaling function to approximate the higher fldelity models in a provably convergent framework. In the past, scaling functions have mainly been either flrst order multiplicative or additive corrections; recently these have been extended to second order. In this work a kriging based scaling function is introduced to better approximate the high fldelity response on a more global level. An adaptive hybrid method is also studied. It combines the additive and multiplicative approaches so that the designer doesn’t have to determine which is better before optimization. The difierent methods are theoretically described and then compared using two demonstration problems. The flrst problem is analytic, while the other is a design of a supercritical high-lift airfoil. The results show that the warm-started kriging based scaling methods have the potential to improve computational expense by lowering the number of high fldelity function calls required for convergence. The results also indicate the hybrid method is efiective.
Induction of cell proliferation in avian inner ear sensory epithelia by insulin‐like growth factor‐I and insulin

Postembryonic production of inner-ear hair cells occurs both normally and after insult in lower vertebrates and avians. To determine how this proliferation is controlled, several growth factors were tested for effects on progenitor-cell division in cultured avian vestibular sensory epithelium. Mitogenic effects of bombesin, epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), insulin, and transforming growth factor-alpha were assayed in organo-typic cultures of utricles from the mature, undamaged (normal) chicken inner ear. Tritiated thymidine and autoradiographic techniques and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunocytochemistry were used to identify cells synthesizing DNA. IGF-I stimulated DNA synthesis in the vestibular sensory receptor epithelium in a dose-dependent manner. DNA synthesis was also stimulated by insulin. These results suggest that stimulation of the IGF-I receptors by IGF-I or insulin binding stimulates cell proliferation in the mature avian vestibular sensory epithelium.
The relationship between age and performance of engineers: A replication and extension

Abstract A particularly revealing study of how job performance rankings of engineers changed with chronological age was published in 1975. Until now it has remained unique. The current study used the same design to learn whether another investigation would yield similar results. Also the prior study is extended by the use of a longer age interval and by examining in greater detail when performance changes occur. Previous results were confirmed. Most high and low performance rankings are stable over time. Middle performance is more variable. A brief history of age-performance studies of engineers is presented. Suggestions are made that point to areas and suggest ways in which performance of engineers may be improved.
AMPHIBIAN OCCUPANCY IN FLOOD‐CREATED AND EXISTING WETLANDS OF THE LOWER MISSOURI RIVER ALLUVIAL VALLEY

During the previous century, the wetland area in the lower Missouri River alluvial valley was reduced by 39% because of river channelization and bank stabilization projects. The Great Flood of 1993 reversed the trend of wetland loss by creating 466 new wetlands in the alluvial valley between Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri. We estimated amphibian occupancy, detection probability and number of species exhibiting evidence of reproduction in eight flood-created and 16 pre-flood existing wetlands from 1996 through 1998. We also evaluated whether hydroperiod (the number of days any water was present in a wetland from 20 February through 31 August) and distance to river predicted those values. Detection probabilities for adult amphibian species were relatively constant across years and ranged from 0.013 [Great Plains toad (Anaxyrus cognatus)] to 0.280 [Woodhouse's toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii woodhousii)]. Occupancy of adult amphibians differed across years and was not correlated with habitat features. Estimated occupancy probabilities for amphibian species ranged from 0.126 [Plains spadefoot (Spea bombifrons)] to 0.896 [boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata)]. Almost double the number of amphibian species showed evidence of reproduction in existing wetlands (wetlands created before the Great Flood of 1993) when compared with that in flood-created wetlands. Similarly, temporary wetlands had nearly double the number of amphibian species showing evidence of reproduction when compared with permanent wetlands. Finally, the highest number of species showed evidence of reproduction in wetlands with spring–summer hydroperiods between 135 and 140 days. All these relationships suggest that the invasion and persistence of predators in wetlands negatively influence amphibian reproduction. If the Missouri River is allowed to reconnect with the alluvial valley, more predators may be introduced into wetlands, leading to reduced amphibian occupancy and reproduction. However, this connection will not likely occur over the entire alluvial valley and, therefore, should not adversely impact amphibians that find refuge in higher-elevation, non-connected regions of the alluvial valley. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
General Electric's Quest for Global Competitive Advantage: In Search of Structural and Strategic Alignment

The focus of this research paper is to perform a structural analysis of General Electric (GE) as it strives to attain global competitive advantage in light of new leadership strategies. In addition, the paper presents recommendations to enable a structural design that establishes alignment between General Electric's (GE's) structure and its newly established strategies. GE's new strategies focus on customer value, innovation, leadership in technology, commercial excellence, globalization, and market segmentation based on growth leadership. First, the analysis will focus on factors that influence the level of synthesis between GE's technical core and its peripheral components. Second, the paper identifies and evaluates several interrelated sub-systems relationships that impacts the synergistic alignment between GE's technical core and its peripheral components. These interrelated sub-system relationships provide the key to establishing a foundation for determining an optimal structure aligned with GE's strategies. In summary, this paper evaluates GE's current technical core and peripheral components from a systems perspective to make structural recommendations on how to best align GE's structure with its newly established strategies.
A Test of Gamson's Theory of Political Trust Orientation1

Two issues derived from Gamson's theory of political trust are examined and tested. Essentially, this theory hypothesizes that prior probability of success and type of available influence technique determine the extent to which political partisans will attempt to influence decisions made by authorities. Further, the theory suggests that prior probability of success, type of influence technique, and the partisans' success or failure in getting preferred outcomes will determine the level of political trust toward the authorities. The present study reports data relevant to these predictions. These data show that type of influence technique strongly determines the extent of influence usage, while prior probability of success is a significant, hut weaker determinant. Although all three independent variables affect political trust orientation, the effect of success-failure is particularly strong, while that of type of influence technique is weak. There are no significant interactions among these three independent variables. In general, the findings support some aspects of Gamson's theory, while disconfirming others.
Adaptive analog equalization and receiver front-end control for multilevel partial-response transmission over metallic cables

This paper deals with multilevel partial-response class-IV (PRIV) transmission over unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cables. Specifically, transmission at a rate of 155.52 Mb/s over data-grade UTP cables for local-area networking is considered. As a low-complexity method used to compensate for cable-length dependent signal distortion, adaptive analog equalization with two controlled parameters is proposed: one parameter determines a frequency-independent receiver gain, the other parameter controls the transfer characteristic of a variable analog receive-filter section. For the stepwise design of the transmit and receive filters, a combination of analytic techniques and simulated annealing is employed. First, the variable equalizer section, then the remaining fixed analog receive filter section are developed and finally the analog transmit filter is determined. The paper also describes the adjustment of the equalizer section, and the control of the sampling phase in the receiver front-end. The two equalizer parameters are controlled by an algorithm that operates on the sampled signals and adjusts these parameters to optimum settings independently of the sampling phase. The latter is controlled by a decision-directed phase-locked loop algorithm that becomes effective when equalization has been achieved. The dynamic behaviour and mean-square error in steady-state obtained with these control algorithms are investigated.
Effect of Surface Roughness on Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Characteristics at Low Reynolds Numbers in Small Diameter Tubes

The effect of surface roughness on pressure drop and heat transfer in circular tubes has been extensively studied in literature. The pioneering work of Nikuradse [1] established the sand grain roughness as a major parameter in defining the friction factor during laminar and turbulent flows. Recent studies have indicated a transition to turbulent flows at Reynolds number values much below 2300 during single-phase flow in channels with small hydraulic diameters. In the present work, a detailed experimental study is undertaken to investigate the roughness effects in small diameter tubes. The roughness of the inside tube surface is changed by etching it with an acid solution. Two tubes of 1.032 mm and 0.62 mm inner diameter are treated with acid solutions to provide three different roughness values for each tube. The Reynolds number range for the tests is 500-2600 for 1.067 mm tube and 900-3000 for 0.62 mm tube.
Affective style and depressive symptoms in youth of a North American Plains tribe: The moderating roles of cultural identity, grade level, and behavioral inhibition

Davidson’s (1998) theory predicts that low behavioral activation system (BAS) sensitivity is linked to depressive symptoms. Empirical findings, however, have been ambiguous, and few studies have investigated this relationship in youth. Additionally, there has been little investigation of potential moderators of this relationship. This study examined the relationship between affective style and depressive symptoms among youth of a North American Plains tribe, and the potential moderating effects of cultural identity, grade level, and BIS. Surveys were completed by 151 adolescents in grades 7 through 12. Results indicated that BAS and Native Cultural Identification were each significantly associated with depression. However, the relationship between BAS and depression depended on cultural identification, grade level, and perhaps BIS. Overall, these findings provide support for the roles of affective style, cultural identification, and grade level in youth depression amongst Native Americans.
Geochemical Evolution in the Cambrian-Ordovician Sandstone Aquifer, Eastern Wisconsin: 1. Major Ion and Radionuclide Distribution

Ground water from wells in the Cambrian-Ordovician sandstone aquifer of eastern Wisconsin often contains elevated concentrations of dissolved solids, chloride, and sulfate and locally approaches or exceeds the current drinking-water standard for combined radium activity. Samples were collected from wells located along an approximate flow line in order to gain an improved understanding of the chemical evolution of ground water in this system. The concentrations of chloride, sulfate, and sodium increase where the aquifer is confined by the Maquoketa Shale, and the highest combined radium activity is also found in this area. Charge balance calculations and geochemical modeling indicate that dissolution of trace evaporite minerals and cation exchange are important mechanisms controlling major ion distribution. Isotopic equilibrium calculations and analysis of well cuttings from one well with alpha-sensitive film indicate that the dissolved radionuclide activities are consistent with a uranium source occurring in shaly intervals of the sandstone aquifer at maximum local concentrations of 5 ppm.
EEG/MEG Source Reconstruction with Spatial-Temporal Two-Way Regularized Regression

In this work, we propose a spatial-temporal two-way regularized regression method for reconstructing neural source signals from EEG/MEG time course measurements. The proposed method estimates the dipole locations and amplitudes simultaneously through minimizing a single penalized least squares criterion. The novelty of our methodology is the simultaneous consideration of three desirable properties of the reconstructed source signals, that is, spatial focality, spatial smoothness, and temporal smoothness. The desirable properties are achieved by using three separate penalty functions in the penalized regression framework. Specifically, we impose a roughness penalty in the temporal domain for temporal smoothness, and a sparsity-inducing penalty and a graph Laplacian penalty in the spatial domain for spatial focality and smoothness. We develop a computational efficient multilevel block coordinate descent algorithm to implement the method. Using a simulation study with several settings of different spatial complexity and two real MEG examples, we show that the proposed method outperforms existing methods that use only a subset of the three penalty functions.
Flow-Based Channel Assignment in Channel Constrained Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless mesh network (WMN) technology extends the service coverage by supporting multi-hop communication and enhances the network capacity by utilizing multi-radio and multichannel. The number of multiple channels is essential for the implementation and the efficiency of channel assignment. While the number of channels is not sufficient, channel assignment needs to consider the channel sharing at certain mesh routers (MRs). The distribution of traffic flows in the network greatly affects the channel assignment. Different to a mobile ad hoc network (MANET), the traffic in a WMN is predominated by the Internet traffic. In this paper, we analyze the number of channels for a feasible conflict free channel assignment in such a network. We also propose a flow-based channel assignment in the channel constrained situation by implementing channel mergence algorithm so that MRs can appropriately share the channel resource. Extensive simulations are performed to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed scheme.
Role of extracellular zinc and copper on metallothionein regulation in cultured rat hepatocytes

Cellular and extracellular metallothionein contents of rat hepatocytes cultured in the presence of albumin (30 mumol/L) with zinc (1, 10, 50 and 100 mumol/L), copper (1, 10 and 50 mumol/L), zinc and copper (1, 10 and 50 mumol/L of each metal) or no metals in the culture medium have been measured by radioimmunoassay. Cellular metallothionein levels increased steadily with culture time regardless of the metal treatment and showed little dependence (only a twofold increase) on extracellular zinc or copper at all metal concentrations and times (up to 3 days) studied. In contrast, the presence of both metals simultaneously in the culture medium strongly increased cellular metallothionein contents, acting synergistically in some cases. Significant extracellular metallothionein was observed when copper or zinc and copper were present in the culture medium, most of which is likely a consequence of cell leakage because no evidence of physiological secretion was observed. Total metallothionein production (cellular and extracellular metallothionein levels) indicated that copper was a better metallothionein inducer than zinc in these experimental conditions. These results indicate that metallothionein regulation in the hepatocyte is different depending on the extracellular metal levels and composition and that attention must be given to metallothionein release from the hepatocyte.
Relationship between the cohesive strength and the tack of elastomers

The autohesion (tack) and cohesion of a random styrene-butadiene elastomer have been examined as a function of test temperature and speed using a T-peel geometry. Both properties have been reduced to a single master curve by horizontally shifting the data with the same set of shift factors. The cohesive strength increases with increasing reduced test rate RaT and appears to approach a plateau at the highest rates. Tack also increases with RaT but decreases abruptly at a critical rate and peeling the occurs in a stick-slip fashion. Tack again increases at sufficiently high test rates. In the range of rates where tack is maximized, its value is essentially the same as its cohesive strength. Above or below this range, tack is substantially less than the elastomer's cohesive strength. Mechanisms are proposed to explain why relative tack (i.e., tack divided by cohesive strength) is not a simple measure of the extent of completion of a tack bond and may indeed be equal to one in spite of incomplete tack bond formation.
State of the art: massive transfusion

The aim of this article was to review recent developments in the resuscitation of both trauma and non-trauma patients in haemorrhagic shock. Strategies for the resuscitation of massively haemorrhaging patients and the use of massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) have been a major focus of the trauma literature over the past several years. The application of haemostatic resuscitation practices and MTPs to non-trauma populations has long been in practice, but has only recently been the subject of active research. Medline and PubMed were reviewed for 'massive transfusion' (MT) from 2012 to present. Non-English and paediatric articles were excluded. Articles were systematically reviewed for their relevance to MT. There were eight major areas of development identified. In recent MT literature, there was an increased focus on massively haemorrhaging non-trauma patients, the role of acute traumatic coagulopathy, the use of thromboelastography (TEG), and the impact of MTPs on blood product waste and efficiency of product delivery. Other developments included additional MT prediction tools and The PRospective Observational Multicenter Major Trauma Transfusion (PROMMTT) study. There was also interest in re-evaluating the clinical relevance of the current MT definition and identifying new foci for MT. These recent developments reflect efforts to better understand and manage non-traumatic haemorrhage and to address prior limitations in the trauma literature. Inevitably, new questions have been raised, which will likely direct ongoing and future research in MT.
Experimental evaluation of a fuzzy controller using a parallel integrator structure for DC-DC converters

This paper presents the design, implementation and experimental evaluations of a fuzzy controller using a linear integrator for buck and boost converters. The fuzzy controllers are designed based on expert knowledge of the converters and simulated experimental results. The fuzzy controller for the boost converter uses two different fuzzy controller configurations during transient and steady state to achieve fast and stable response, while there is only one fuzzy controller configuration used for the buck converter. The fuzzy controllers were implemented on a TI TMS320F2812 DSP. Experimental results for both the buck and the boost converter are shown to verify that the fuzzy controllers are capable of providing fast response and good rejection to disturbances.
Foundations of TMLE

An estimator of a parameter is a mapping from the data set to the parameter space. Estimators that are empirical means of a function of the unit data structure are asymptotically consistent and normally distributed due to the CLT. Such estimators are called linear in the empirical probability distribution. Most estimators are not linear, but many are approximately linear in the sense that they are linear up to a negligible (in probability) remainder term. One states that the estimator is asymptotically linear, and the relevant function of the unit data structure, centered to have mean zero, is called the influence curve of the estimator. How does one prove that an estimator is asymptotically linear? One key step is to realize that an estimator is a mapping from a possibly very large collection of empirical means of functions of the unit data structure into the parameter space. Such a collection of empirical means is called an empirical process whose behavior with respect to uniform consistency and the uniform CLT is established in empirical process theory. In this section we present succinctly that (1) a uniform central limit theorem for the vector of empirical means, combined with (2) differentiability of the estimator as a mapping from the vector of empirical means into the parameter space yields the desired asymptotic linearity. This method for establishing the asymptotic linearity and normality of the estimator is called the functional delta method (van der Vaart and Wellner 1996; Gill 1989).
Effects of Facebook Maintenance Behaviors on Partners’ Experience of Love

This study collected data from 75 heterosexual couples. Partners self-reported their own Facebook behaviors as well as their perceptions of their partner’s Facebook behaviors. Partners also completed the Partner Relationship Quality Components inventory. Analyses used a pairwise data set according to the Actor Partner Interdependence Model. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that two factors explained 59 % of the variance regarding Facebook behaviors: Partner Facebook Maintenance (PFM) and Actor Facebook Maintenance (AFM). Two structural equation models were created, one proposing that PFM and AFM would predict Actor Love and Partner Love when controlling for length of relationship, relationship status, and gender, the other proposing that Actor Love and Partner Love would predict PFM and AFM. Overall analysis indicates good model fit for both models. These results suggest that partners who perceive higher levels of love in their relationship actually participate in less Facebook Maintenance behaviors, and couples who engage in more Facebook Maintenance behaviors experience less love in the relationship. Implications for couples and therapists are discussed.
Child welfare workers’ constructions and causal explanations of poverty

ABSTRACTStudying the perceptions of the causes of poverty is warranted because individual perceptions shape behavior toward poor people and actions related to poverty. Prior studies relying heavily on survey methodology fail to capture deeper and fuller meanings participants apply to poverty. This study explores how child welfare workers understand poverty by examining their definitions of, and what they see as causal explanations of, poverty. Individual interviews were conducted with 30 child welfare workers throughout a Midwestern state. Analysis indicated that workers all defined poverty as ‘not getting basic needs met,’ corresponding to the underlying assumptions of absolute poverty measures. Workers simultaneously augmented these definitions using other poverty constructions, namely the federal guidelines and more complex views – conceptually in line with relative poverty measures – that account for factors outside income or consumption. Workers’ causal explanations of poverty were multifaceted. Caus...
The role of peroxidation of mitochondrial membrane phospholipids in pancreatic β -cell failure.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by peripheral insulin resistance and pancreatic islet β-cell failure. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central contributor to β-cell failure in the pathogenesis of T2D. This review focuses on mechanisms whereby reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by β-cell in response to metabolic stress affect mitochondrial structure and function and lead to β-cell failure. Specifically, ROS oxidize mitochondrial membrane phospholipids such as cardiolipin, which impairs membrane integrity and leads to cytochrome c release and apoptosis. In addition, ROS activate UCP2 via peroxidation of the mitochondrial membrane phospholipids, which results in proton leak leading to reduced ATP synthesis and content in β-cells — critical parameters in the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Group VIA Phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β) appears to be a component of a mechanism for repairing mitochondrial phospholipids that contain oxidized fatty acid substituents, and genetic or acquired iPLA2β-deficiency increases β-cell mitochondrial susceptibility to injury from ROS and predisposes to development of T2D. Interventions that attenuate the adverse effects of ROS on β-cell mitochondrial phospholipids may prevent or retard the development of T2D.
Dispersal Losses of Early-Instar Spruce Budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Larvae in Strip Clearcut and Dense Spruce-Fir Forests of Maine

Strip clearcutting contributed to dispersal losses of early-instar larvae of the spruce budworm. Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Significantly more L1 larvae were trapped in uncut residual strips of strip clearcuts than in dense stands. Significantly more L2 larvae were trapped in cut strips than in residual strips or in dense stands. Consistently more L2 larvae were caught than L1 larvae. Mean percentages of L1 + L2 larvae trapped represented small fractions (1.4−4.0%) of initial egg populations. Proportionately more larvae were trapped in strip clearcuts (uncut residuals + Cut strips) than in dense stands. Estimated combined losses (L1 + L2) were 1.4 million larvae per ha for dense stands and 2.9 million larvae per ha for strip clearcuts.
Sexual Differences in Insecticide Susceptibility and Synergism with Piperonyl Butoxide in the Leafminer Parasitoid Diglyphus begini (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Susceptibility of males and females of the Liriomyza leafminer parasitoid Diglyphus begini (Ashmead) to methomyl, oxamyl, fenvalerate, and permethrin was Compared with laboratory bioassays. For each insecticide and five populations tested, males were more susceptible than females. Differences in LC50s between the sexes ranged from 1.3- to 15.7-fold and were greater in resistant Compared with susceptible populations. Tibia length was significantly less for male than female D. begini . Size differences ranged from 1.1- to 1.2-fold. Piperonyl butoxide synergized oxamyl and fenvalerate in males and females, suggesting that oxidative detoxification was important in both sexes. The addition of piperonyl butoxide to oxamyl affected both sexes similarly. The synergistic effect of piperonyl butoxide with fenvalerate was significantly greater for females than males, suggesting greater oxidative detoxification of fenvalerate in females than males.
Serotype and drug-resistance of 79 Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains in Dongguan

Objective To understand the serotype and antibiotics resistance of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus(VP) in Dongguan.Methods Slide serum agglutination test and the drug sensitivity test were used to detect the serotype and the antibiotics resistance of 79 strains Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from food-poisoning patients,question food and aquatic products in Dongguan in 2009 and 2010.Results Seventy-nine strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were centralized on seven serum groups:O1,O2,O3,O4,O5,O8,O10 and the main group were O3 and O1,accounting for 32.91%(26/79) and 25.32%(20/79) respectively.Five serotypes were identified for 44 strains isolated from food-poisoning patients,the total typing-rate was70.45% and the main serotypes were O3: K6 in 2009 and O1: KUT in 2010,accounting for 81.48%(20/27) and 64.71%(11/17) respectively,while 14 serotypes for 35 strains isolated from question food and aquatic products with no popular type and the total typing-rate was 40.0%.All isolated strains were highly resistant to ampicillin and cefalotin with the drug-resistance rates of 99.0% and 37.98% respectively.Conclusion The serotype constituent of Vibrio parahaemolyticus was characterized by dynamic changes with the serotypes decrease and it was multi-drug resistant to 3 kinds of drugs with the number of resistance-drugs increase in Dongguan in 2009-2010.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Is Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Background: Changes in gut bacteria play a role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hepatic steatosis. There is a lack of studies evaluating the frequency and risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients tested for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Aim: To evaluate the frequency of NAFLD and associated risk factors in patients tested for SIBO. Methods: In this case-control study, 372 eligible patients submitted to glucose hydrogen/methane breath test for SIBO who also had an abdominal imaging study were included. Patients were divided into SIBO-positive and SIBO-negative groups. Clinical, demographic and laboratory variables were evaluated in addition to the presence of NAFLD on abdominal imaging. Results: Of the 372 eligible patients, 141 (37.9%) were tested positive for SIBO (study group) and 231 (62.1%) were negative for it (control group). NAFLD occurred in 45.4% (64/141) of the study group compared to 17.3% (40/231) of the control group (p<0.001). Patients in the study group were found to have higher rates of elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (20.6% vs. 11.3%; p=0.034) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (56.0% vs. 40.7%; p= 0.039), type 2 diabetes (23.4% vs. 13.9%; p=0.041), hypertension (54.6% vs. 40.3%; p=0.046) and metabolic syndrome (78.0% vs. 60.2%; p=0.020). In the multivariate analysis, SIBO (odds ratio [OR]: 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-3.31; p=0.014), type 2 DM (OR: 3.04; 95%CI: 1.57-5.90; p=0.001) and obesity (OR: 3.58; 95%CI: 1.70-7.54; p=0.001) remained associated with NAFLD.Conclusion: Patients with SIBO have an increased risk for hepatic steatosis and may benefit from aggressive control of the risk factors for NAFLD including metabolic syndrome. Abbreviations: ALT: alanine aminotransferase; AST: aspartate aminotransferase; BMI: body mass index; CTE: computed tomography enterography; DM: diabetes mellitus; ETOH: ethanol; IL: interleukin; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; NAFLD: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; PPI: proton pump inhibitor; SIBO: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth; TLR-4: toll-like receptor 4; TMAO: trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO); TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor alpha.
Genetic Animal Models of Anxiety

Conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder cause undue suffering and economic burden on a substantial portion of our society. The prevalence and serious debilitating effects of anxiety disorders increases the necessity for fast and efficacious understanding of the neurobiological pathways associated with these maladies. While the neural underpinnings of this spectrum may have been identified, further analysis is necessary to generate pharmacologically significant data. The development of new molecular genetics techniques applied towards the generation of specific knockout models with anxietylike phenotypes have been instrumental to our understanding of anxiety spectrum disorders due to their specificity of effected targets. This chapter will discuss the individual anxiety spectrum disorders with a focus on the animal models displaying relevant phenotypes for neurobehavioral research.
Simulated Supercells in Nontornadic and Tornadic VORTEX2 Environments

AbstractThe composite near-storm environments of nontornadic and tornadic supercells sampled during the second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2) both appear to be generally favorable for supercells and tornadoes. It has not been clear whether small differences between the two environments (e.g., more streamwise horizontal vorticity in the lowest few hundred meters above the ground in the tornadic composite) are actually determinative of storms’ tornadic potential. From the VORTEX2 composite environments, simulations of a nontornadic and a tornadic supercell are used to investigate storm-scale differences that ultimately favor tornadogenesis or tornadogenesis failure. Both environments produce strong supercells with robust midlevel mesocyclones and hook echoes, though the tornadic supercell has a more intense low-level updraft and develops a tornado-like vortex exceeding the EF3 wind speed threshold. In contrast, the nontornadic supercell only produces shallow vortic...
Perfecting the Magnetic Bottle

The last chapter had a lot of information in it, so let us recapitulate. To get energy from the fusion of hydrogen into helium as occurs in the sun and other stars, we have to make a plasma of ionized hydrogen and electrons and hold it in a magnetic bottle, since the plasma will be too much hot to be held by any solid material. The way a magnetic field holds plasma particles is to make them turn in tight circles, called Larmor orbits, so that they cannot move sideways across magnetic field lines. However, the ions and electrons can move along the field lines in their thermal motions without restraint. Consequently, the magnetic container has to be shaped like a doughnut, a torus, so that the field lines can go around and around without ever running into the walls. The field lines also have to be twisted into helices to avoid a vertical drift of the particles that occurs in a torus but not in a straight cylinder. Ideally, each field line will trace out a magnetic surface as it goes around many times without ever coming back exactly on itself. The plasma is then confined on nested magnetic surfaces which never touch the wall. This ideal picture will be modified in this and later chapters as we understand more about the nature of these invisible, nonmaterial containers.
Waveform capnography: an alternative to physician gestalt in determining optimal intubating conditions after administration of paralytic agents

Purpose We sought to evaluate the utility of waveform capnography (WC) in detecting paralysis, by using apnoea as a surrogate determinant, as compared with clinical gestalt during rapid sequence intubation. Additionally, we sought to determine if this improves the time to intubation and first pass success rates through more consistent and expedient means of detecting optimal intubating conditions (ie, paralysis). Methods A prospective observational cohort study of consecutively enrolled patients was conducted from April to June 2016 at an academic, urban, level 1 trauma centre in New York City. Nasal cannula WC was used to determine the presence of apnoea as a surrogate measure of paralysis versus physician gestalt (ie, blink test, mandible relaxation, and so on). Results One hundred patients were enrolled (50 in the WC group and 50 in the gestalt group). There were higher proportions of failure to determine optimal intubating conditions (ie, paralysis) in the gestalt group (32%, n=16) versus the WC group (6%, n=3), absolute difference 26, 95% CI 10 to 40. Time to intubation was longer in the gestalt group versus the WC group (136 seconds vs 116 seconds, absolute difference 20 seconds 95% CI 14 to 26). First pass success rates were higher in the WC group verses the gestalt group (92%, 95% CI 85 to 97 vs 88%, 95% CI 88 to 95, absolute difference 4%, 95% CI 1 to 8). Conclusion These preliminary results demonstrate WC may be a useful objective measure to determine the presence of paralysis and optimal in tubating conditions in RSI.
A novel thin-film blue light emitting diode via GaN-on-graphene technology

Fully functional thin-film blue LED was fabricated by novel means of (1) performing epitaxial growth of a single crystalline InGaN/GaN heterostructure on a recycled graphene/SiC substrate (2) followed by release and transfer of the heterostructure.
The Signal Transduction of Motion and Antigen Recognition: Factors Affecting T Cell Function and Differentiation

Given the central role of T lymphocytes in directing both the adaptive and non-adaptive branches of the immune system, the behavior of T lymphocytes must be tightly controlled in order to respond properly to infections without initiating autoimmune disorders. Consequently, at all stages of development, intrinsic information is integrated with complex environmental cues to guide the maturation, activation and subsequent differentiation of T lymphocytes.
The Inquiring with GIS (iGIS) Project: Helping Teachers Create and Lead Local GIS-Based Investigations

Local environmental investigations can engage students with science content, while helping link prior knowledge to new understanding. Geospatial technologies offer a powerful visualization and analysis tool for these community-based activities; however, they present many challenges for classroom teachers. The Inquiring with GIS (iGIS) project sought to take advantage of the benefits of geospatial technologies as a tool for teaching and learning while addressing these challenges. Local investigations are a valuable and effective approach to learning, and this project draws on that theory alongside established features of effective teacher professional development: focus on content knowledge, proximity to practice (including curriculum-link training), active learning, coherence, collective participation, extended duration, and access to necessary classroom resources. This approach helped ensure high participant retention and classroom implementation. The findings indicate that, with the appropriate resources, teachers new to GIS can adapt GIS-based investigations for their local communities. The results also highlight the value of integrating informal education experience within K-12 teacher professional development. Ultimately, education practitioners and researchers need to better understand the long-term impacts of technology-based professional development on teaching practices as well as understand how effective strategies support the integration of geospatial technologies in the classroom.
Towards enhancement of carbon capture by Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell through controlled thermodiffusion

Abstract The following theoretical study explores the thermodiffusion of CO 2 towards the electrolyte in the cathode gas duct of a molten carbonate fuel cell under the effect of an imposed temperature gradient. A simplified model of the diffusion process in the duct identifies the different dimensionless parameters that control the process. An analytical solution of the governing partial differential equation yields the parametric curves to capture the optimal region of operation. A preliminary investigation with different values used in commercial applications reveals that the concept might hold plenty of promise. This makes the molten carbonate fuel cell a potential candidate as an effective carbon capture device in gas fired power plants.
Poesía para Mirar: di Giorgio, Pizarnik, Berenguer

En el presente articulo, a traves del examen de algunos textos poeticos de Marosa di Giorgio, Alejandra Pizarnik y Amanda Berenguer, exploramos algunas complejas areas de interseccion entre la poesia y las artes visuales. Estas tienen que ver con los paratextos iconicos y la exploracion tipografica, asi como con las alusiones verbales, los motivos, los estilos y los procedimientos —generalmente combinados entre si—que configuran el universo original de cada poeta. Las tres conocen el caracter arbitrario del material con que tratan —el lenguaje— y parecen anorar —como Alicia— el poder instantaneo, sin mediaciones, de los artefactos visuales.
Sustained delivery of the angiogenic QK peptide through the use of polyglutamate domains to control peptide release from bone graft materials.

Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in tissue regeneration following bone-grafting procedures; however, nonautogenous graft materials typically lack critical angiogenic growth factors. While much research has focused on modifying grafts with angiogenic factors, controlled delivery of these molecules remains a challenge. The current study describes a method for sustained delivery of an angiogenic peptide from hydroxyapatite (HA), a common alloplast material. Specifically, VEGF-derived "QK" peptides were synthesized with polyglutamate domains containing varying numbers of glutamates. The rate of peptide release from HA inversely correlated with glutamate number, with diglutamate-QK (E2-QK) released first, followed by tetraglutamate-QK (E4-QK), and finally, heptaglutamate-QK (E7-QK). By coating HA with a mixture of these peptides, termed, PGM-QK (polyglutamate-modified mixture), sequential peptide release was achieved, enabling gradient QK delivery. To evaluate bioactivity, HA disks were coated with PGM-QK and then placed in fresh media for 6 days. Media containing the released peptides was collected at varying time intervals and placed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cells were evaluated for activation of angiogenic signaling pathways (ERK and Akt) and cell migration. Results showed that QK peptides were continuously released over the 6-day interval, and maintained their capacity to activate HUVECs. These findings point to a new approach for gradient delivery of an angiogenic stimulus.
Mentorship in Radiation Oncology: Role of Gender Diversity in Abstract Presenting and Senior Author Dyads on Subsequent High-Impact Publications.

Abstract Purpose To generate insights regarding the role of gender in research mentorship, we analyzed characteristics of abstracts selected for oral and poster discussion presentations at the American Society for Radiation Oncology annual meeting and subsequent high-impact publications. Methods and Materials Clinical radiation oncology abstracts selected for oral and poster discussion presentations at the American Society for Radiation Oncology annual meetings in 2014 and 2015 were reviewed. A multivariable logistic regression model evaluated factors associated with subsequent higher-impact publications among abstracts that led to manuscript publications. The primary independent variable was the presenting–senior (last) author gender dyad (divided into 4 groups based on gender of presenting and senior authors, respectively; eg, “MF” indicates male presenting and female senior). Dyads were classified as MF, FM, MM, or FF. Results Data were derived from 390 oral and 142 poster discussions. Presenting and senior author pairings were MM for 286 (53.8%), FF for 67 (12.6%), MF for 84 (15.8%), and FM for 94 (17.7%) abstracts. Overall, 403 abstracts led to subsequent publications, of which 52.1% (210) were in a higher-impact journal. Eventual publication in a higher-impact journal was significantly associated with senior author H-index (odds ratio [OR] 3.30 for H ≥ 41 vs Conclusions Although unmeasured confounding remains possible, MF and FM dyads of presenting and senior authors were more likely than MM dyads to obtain journal publication in a higher-impact journal. Institutions and the profession should support the development and maintenance of respectful, collaborative cross-gender mentorship.
Origins of cancer symposium 2016: exploring tumor complexity

Cancer has challenged researchers with its immense complexity, from initiation to progression and on to therapeutic resistance. The seventh Origins of Cancer Symposium, held on July 22, 2016, at Van Andel Research Institute, was organized around the theme “Exploring Tumor Complexity”, and the latest advances under that theme from seven leading cancer research laboratories were discussed. Here we summarize highlights from the meeting and their implications.
Ending the Silence: Utilizing Personal Experiences to Enhance a Library Mental Health Initiative

This article summarizes a panel presentation given at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Washington D.C. (June 22, 2019). The panel consisted of Sabrina Thomas, research and instruction librarian at Marshall University; Leah Tolliver, director of wellness programs and the Women’s and Gender Center at Marshall University; C. Michelle Alford, senior library IT consultant at Marshall University; and Kacy Lovelace, research and student success librarian at Marshall University. Tenikka Phillips, EAP coordinator at Cabell Huntington Hospital, worked extensively on the project but was unable to take part in the panel presentation. The following is a conversation between Sabrina Thomas and Kacy Lovelace discussing how their own personal experiences with mental health challenges and trauma served to enhance the mental health initiative in their academic library.
Endogenous viral elements integrated into the genome of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines

Sequence analysis of the genomic DNA isolated from four biotypes of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines (AG), revealed that in addition to the commonly observed retrovirus-related retrotransposons, viral sequences derived from multiple RNA and DNA viruses have integrated into the genome. Notably, sequences of more than 60 nudiviral genes were identified from de novo assembled DNA contigs, and mapped to assembled genomic scaffolds of AG, indicating that an ancient nudivirus, named Aphis glycines endogenous nudivirus (AgENV), had integrated into the AG genome. Furthermore, sequences derived from a similar endogenous nudivirus, Melanaphis sacchari endogenous nudivirus (MsENV), were identified from the genomic scaffolds of the sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari. Analysis of transcriptome and small RNA sequence data derived from AG did not provide evidence for transcription of the integrated AgENV genes. Hence, the genes of AgENV may be present as pseudogenes. Phylogenetic analysis based on nudivirus core genes indicated that these aphid ENVs belong to the genus Alphanudivirus.