cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation increases the rate of muscle protein synthesis in older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Loss of muscle mass with aging is a major public health concern. Omega-3 (n–3) fatty acids stimulate protein anabolism in animals and might therefore be useful for the treatment of sarcopenia. However, the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on human protein metabolism is unknown. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the rate of muscle protein synthesis in older adults. Design: Sixteen healthy, older adults were randomly assigned to receive either omega-3 fatty acids or corn oil for 8 wk. The rate of muscle protein synthesis and the phosphorylation of key elements of the anabolic signaling pathway were evaluated before and after supplementation during basal, postabsorptive conditions and during a hyperaminoacidemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Results: Corn oil supplementation had no effect on the muscle protein synthesis rate and the extent of anabolic signaling element phosphorylation in muscle. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation had no effect on the basal rate of muscle protein synthesis (mean 6 SEM: 0.051 6 0.005%/h compared with 0.053 6 0.008%/h before and after supplementation, respectively; P = 0.80) but augmented the hyperaminoacidemia-hyperinsulinemia–induced increase in the rate of muscle protein synthesis (from 0.009 6 0.005%/h above basal values to 0.031 6 0.003%/h above basal values; P , 0.01), which was accompanied by greater increases in muscle mTOR Ser2448 (P = 0.08) and p70s6k Thr389 (P , 0.01) phosphorylation. Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids stimulate muscle protein synthesis in older adults and may be useful for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. This trial was registered at clinical trials.gov as NCT00794079. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;93:402–12.
A gas chromatographic method for the determination of lactic acid in blood.

A method for the determination of lactic acid concentration in blood by gas chroma tography is described. Lactic acid in a protein-free filtrate is oxidized by ceric sulfate to acetaldehyde. The latter compound is introduced into the gas chroma tographic column by vapor phase injection, and is quantitatively measured within 3 min. The method is specific, precise, and not affected by compounds that may interfere with the determination of lactic acid by colorimetric or enzymatic methods. A method for preserving blood samples up to 24 hr. without change in lactic acid concentration is also described.
Solving writing issues related to non-native writers of English

Non-native writers of English often have considerable difficulty in creating English language texts. This presents even more problems for scientists and engineers who prepare texts for other subject-area specialists. Typically, solutions to these problems have considered only the nuts-and-bolts approach of 'fixing " the grammar issues. However, the problems are certainly farther reaching in scope, especially for writers of scientific and technical texts. Such issues as tone, specialized terminology, paragraph logic, quantifiers and measurement systems, the writing process, and style and grammar all need to be considered. This work presents the results of several years research involving both academic and professional non-native writers; in doing so, we offer some useful suggestions to help this audience achieve better communication results.
Urine dipstick analysis for identification of runners susceptible to acute kidney injury following an ultramarathon

Abstract This study examined whether urine dipstick testing might be useful to predict the development of acute kidney injury after an ultramarathon. Participants in the 2011 161-km Western States Endurance Run underwent post-race blood and urine dipstick analyses. Of the 310 race finishers, post-race urine dipstick testing was completed on 152 (49%) and post-race blood also was obtained from 150 of those runners. Based on “injury” and “risk” criteria for acute kidney injury of blood creatinine 2.0 and 1.5 times estimated baseline, respectively, 4% met the criteria for injury and an additional 29–30% met the criteria for risk of injury. Those meeting the injury criteria had higher creatine kinase concentrations (P < 0.001) than those not meeting the criteria. Urine dipstick tests that read positive for at least 1+ protein, 3+ blood, and specific gravity ≥ 1.025 predicted those meeting the injury criteria with sensitivity of 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54–1.00), specificity of 0.76 (95% CI 0.69–0....
Reply to “Expanding the Conversation on High-Throughput Virome Sequencing Standards To Include Consideration of Microbial Contamination Sources”

WethankStrongetal.(1)forthisopportunitytocontinuethe discussion of high-throughput (HT) sequencing standards for viruses. Along with colleagues from several other genome sequencing centers, we recently published an editorial proposing a common nomenclature for describing levels of finishing for viral genomes assembled with HT sequencing data (2). In addition, we discuss two ways of characterizing viral samples that go beyond consensus genome assembly, namely, the description of population-level diversity and the identification of contaminants or adventitious agents. Due to limitations of space, we focused primarily on the importance of these types of characterizations and the strengths of HT sequencing for conducting such analyses. Strong et al. (1) expanduponthisdiscussionbyraisinganissueassociatedwiththe interpretation of contaminating reads, specifically in relation to theirtruesource.Theyrightlypointoutthatthehighsensitivityof HT sequencing, which is one of its primary strengths, can also be a liability since low levels of microbial nucleic acids introduced from reagents during library preparation will often be detected, and without a proper understanding of the types and sources of suchcontamination,thepresenceofthesereadscanleadtoincorrect interpretations. We completely agree. While HT sequencing is an incredibly powerful and transformative technology, caution needs to be taken in the interpretation of all HT sequencing results, especially when basing conclusions on reads or variants present at low frequencies.Asimilarbutdistinctsourceofpotentialcontamination,
Response to Sympathetic Activity and Clinical Outcome in Dialysis Patients

Siddiqi and Blankestijn1 suggest that inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system may provide an additional explanation for cardiovascular benefits among hemodialysis patients. Randomized trials currently available in hemodialysis patients do not …
Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy of RNA folding.

We introduce time-resolved infrared spectroscopy as a powerful method to study the kinetics of RNA folding and unfolding transitions. A laser-induced temperature jump is used to initiate a perturbation in the RNA structure. A probe laser, tuned to a specific infrared absorption of the RNA, is then used to monitor the subsequent relaxation kinetics. A 10-ns pump pulse permits the investigation of fast, nanosecond events. In this work we probe two vibrational transitions, one at 1620 cm−1 and one at 1661 cm−1. The former transition reports mainly on the dynamics of A and U interactions, the latter is attributed to mainly G and C interactions. Our results reveal three distinct kinetic phases for each vibrational transition probed. We propose two models to describe the data. In one mechanism, the unfolded state partitions into two separate populations; each is conformationally biased to proceed via one of two distinct pathways. In an alternative model, folding proceeds through a series of sequentially populated intermediates. In both cases, the first step in the proposed folding mechanism is rate limiting (hundreds of microseconds) and involves a collapse into incorrectly folded intermediate populations. Two faster kinetic phases (tens of microseconds and hundreds of nanoseconds) follow in which the intermediate populations undergo localized reorganizational motions in the search for native contacts.
Limits for Reduction of Effective Focal Volume in Multiple-Beam Light Microscopy

Employing interference patterns for illumination has been shown to reduce the focal volume in fluorescence microscopy. For example, the 4Pi technique employs two interfering laser beams and significantly decreases the focal volume, as compared to conventional microscopy. We study theoretically the effect of using multiple interfering laser beams on the focal volume. In realistic setups with three or four beams, the focal volume is about half of that from the 4Pi case. This improvement reaches a limit quickly as more beams are added, and for the idealized case of an infinite number of beams the focal volume is rather close to the three- or four-beam cases. Thus, our study suggests a limit for the possible reduction of the focal volume in a purely optical far-field setup.
Study of interfacial kinetics for liquid-liquid systems—II: Intrinsic kinetics of the copper chelation reaction with an oxime-based reagent

The interfacial chelation of copper from copper sulfate-sulfuric acid solutions by the commerical oxime extractant LIX65N in toluene is studied using the liquid jet recycle reactor. The intrinsic initial rate of copper chelation by LIX65N is found to be represented in mol. cm−2-sec−1 by the expression R = 1.22 × 10−8{Cu2+}[LIX65N]{H+} + 0.0288[LIX65N] where {Cu2+} and {H+} are the cupric and hydrogen activities. The interfacial rate expression above is determined as free from diffusional contributions by using a numerical solution to model mass transfer with interfacial reaction in the LJRR. The above expression is selected on statistical and physical grounds from a set of models systematically generated from the most probable reaction pathways. The liquid jet technique has been shown to be an effective and accurate (±6% experimental error) technique for the study of liquid-liquid interfacial reactions.
hp-rare 1.0: a computer program for performing rarefaction on measures of allelic richness

The number of alleles in a sample (allelic richness) is a fundamental measure of genetic diversity. However, this diversity measure has been difficult to use because large samples are expected to contain more alleles than small samples. The statistical technique of rarefaction compensates for this sampling disparity. Here I introduce a computer program that performs rarefaction on private alleles and hierarchical sampling designs.
Low dispersion penalty at 10 Gb/s, over 75 km, using a quantum-well-intermixed electroabsorption-modulator/widely-tunable laser transmitter

10 Gb/s low power penalty (<0.5 dB) error-free transmission was achieved through 75 km using a high-performance widely-tunable EAM/laser transmitter operating under negative chirp conditions. An integration-oriented quantum-well-intermixing process was employed for the realization of these devices.
Bursting of shielded pressure vessels subject to hypervelocity impact

Abstract During the 30-year lifetime of the Space Station, NASA is concerned that a large piece of orbital debris could strike one of the inhabited or laboratory modules. The modules are basically cylindrical pressure vessels, 4.3 meters in diameter and 9.1 meters long, made of Al 2219-T87. There is a potential for unstable crack growth (“unzipping”) in these pressure vessels if a sufficiently-long crack were formed in the pressure vessel wall. The ragged hole generated when debris strikes an exterior shield and impulsively loads the pressure vessel wall could lead to such a crack. The central concern of this research is quantifying the minimum crack length (critical crack length) to initiate unstable crack growth. This paper reports on a two-part investigation into this problem: 1) fracture experiments and analyses aimed at determining the fracture resistance and critical crack length of the module walls, and 2) examination of impact data to determine the impact conditions that could cause the critical crack length to be exceeded. Al 2219-T87 was found to be a modestly rated sensitive material, exhibiting an increase in both ultimate strength and fracture toughness at high strain rates. The results of the conservative linear elastic fracture mechanics analyses indicate critical cracks at least 22.9 cm in length are required for unzipping (3.17-mm thick wall), and 45.7-cm length (for 4.83-mm thick wall). The dynamic analysis results indicate that the critical crack lengths are even longer, about 48.3 to 61.0 cm in length. Examination of the rather limited experimental database indicates that the dynamic analysis values are more realistic, and that under certain conditions of projectile size, wall stress, and shield design the critical crack length can be exceeded.
Influence of harmonics on power distribution system protection

The effects of nonsinusoidal voltages and currents on the performance of static underfrequency and overcurrent relays are experimentally studied. The tests were conducted in such a way that the frequency, amplitude and phase shift of individual harmonics could be adjusted in a controlled manner by using a waveform generator with a phase-locking circuit. The relationship between the harmonic currents and voltages was modeled in terms of the power system impedance within residential distribution systems. It was found that for harmonic voltage and current amplitudes (as they occur in distribution systems), underfrequency relays and the time delay operation of overcurrent relays show a marked deterioration in performance. The instantaneous operating characteristics of overcurrent relays, however, are hardly affected by the presence of harmonic currents. >
Facial palsy in Kawasaki syndrome

Facial nerve palsy, a very rare complication of Kawasaki syndrome, has been reported in only 25 patients. We treated a 12-week-old boy with bilateral coronary artery aneurysms due to Kawasaki syndrome who developed marked unilateral peripheral facial nerve palsy on day 36 of illness. None of the 25 previously reported patients with this complication were treated with immunoglobulin; they required 7 to 90 days to recover. In our patient, treatment with this agent was associated with complete resolution of facial nerve palsy within 36 hours. Review of prior cases demonstrates that children with Kawasaki-associated facial nerve palsy have more than twice the risk for coronary artery aneurysm (52% vs <25%) as that of children who do not develop this neurological complication. Unexplained facial nerve paralysis in young children with a prolonged febrile illness should provoke consideration of Kawasaki syndrome and of echocardiography to exclude coronary artery aneurysms. Although facial palsy appears likely to resolve in all patients that survive the acute phase of Kawasaki syndrome, treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin appears to considerably shorten the time to full recovery and provides an important clue to the mechanisms of neurological injury in this illness.
Concrete Geometry: Playing with Blocks

This article describes a design/build exercise conducted in an Architectural Materials and Methods class to achieve three interrelated objectives: (1) to apply physically the semester's theoretical focus on the constituent process and languages of architecture investigations, (2) to capitalise on the physical and aesthetic properties of concrete masonry to explore fabrication and detailing in the design process, and (3) to examine preconceptions about solo work and team work in architectural education and practice. What makes this project unique among other design/build projects is its emphasis on Concrete Masonry Units (known as CMU in the USA) and their visual, tactile and functional properties. The junior and senior students were allowed three building elements: an 8′ cube of space, an unlimited number of concrete blocks, and the visual ecology of a site. The structural vocabulary that Frank Lloyd Wright developed consisted of a three-dimensional field of lines through which the solid elements of the building were located, enabling the voids to be integral to the whole and equally meaningful. Using these elements, students were asked to design/build temporary structures in a field next to the airport hangar on campus. The pedagogical objective was to adopt Wright's creative spirit, as opposed to quoting his architectural language.
A Model for Selecting Leadership Styles

Occupational therapists lead a variety of groups during their professional activities. Such groups include therapy groups, treatment teams and management meetings. Therefore it is important for each therapist to understand theories of leadership and be able to select the most effective style for him or herself in specific situations. This paper presents a review of leadership theory and research as well as therapeutic groups. It then integrates these areas to assist students and new therapists in identifying a style that is effective for a particular group.
12/15-lipoxygenase, oxidative modification of LDL and atherogenesis.

Abstract Lipoxygenases comprise a family of non-heme iron-containing dioxygenases that stereospecifically insert molecular oxygen into free or esterified polyunsaturated fatty acids. The dual specificity 12/15-lipoxygenases have been implicated in the oxidative modification of low-density lipoproteins and foam cell formation primarily based on in vitro studies. Recent in vivo data obtained with 12/15-lipoxygenase-deficient mice crossbred to apolipoprotein E-deficient mice have established a pro-atherogenic role for this pathway. In contrast, previous experiments with macrophage expressing 15-lipoxygenase transgenic rabbits have suggested an anti-atherogenic role. Possible explanations are presented that may elucidate these differences.
SEXUAL DICHROMATISM IN THE PLUMAGE OF JUVENILE BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS

Abstract We describe sexual dichromatism in the plumage of juvenile Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater obscurus) collected in Ventura County, California in 1991. The dichromatism was based on two colorimetric features. The first was the contrast between the greater underwing coverts and the remiges, with males having darker coverts, and therefore greater contrast between their underwing coverts and remiges. The second was the color and extent of pale feather edges on the underside of the distal portion of the carpometacarpal joint, with males having wider, slightly darker feather edging. Five observers were used to test the reliability of these characters in a sample of museum wings from cowbirds of known sex. They were 88–94% accurate at determining the sex of 33 juvenile cowbirds (17 males, 16 females) using these two colorimetric characters. This technique was slightly more reliable than wing chord (84.8% accurate) and tarsometatarsus (also 84.8% accurate) measurements in differentiating the sex of ...
Transient Heat Conduction in Low-Heat-Rejection Engine Combustion Chambers

Conduction de chaleur transitoire dans la chambre de combustion d'un moteur a faibles pertes de chaleur
Modeling the homogenization kinetics of as-cast U-10wt% Mo alloys

Abstract Low-enriched U-22at% Mo (U–10Mo) alloy has been considered as an alternative material to replace the highly enriched fuels in research reactors. For the U–10Mo to work effectively and replace the existing fuel material, a thorough understanding of the microstructure development from as-cast to the final formed structure is required. The as-cast microstructure typically resembles an inhomogeneous microstructure with regions containing molybdenum-rich and -lean regions, which may affect the processing and possibly the in-reactor performance. This as-cast structure must be homogenized by thermal treatment to produce a uniform Mo distribution. The development of a modeling capability will improve the understanding of the effect of initial microstructures on the Mo homogenization kinetics. In the current work, we investigated the effect of as-cast microstructure on the homogenization kinetics. The kinetics of the homogenization was modeled based on a rigorous algorithm that relates the line scan data of Mo concentration to the gray scale in energy dispersive spectroscopy images, which was used to generate a reconstructed Mo concentration map. The map was then used as realistic microstructure input for physics-based homogenization models, where the entire homogenization kinetics can be simulated and validated against the available experiment data at different homogenization times and temperatures.
Terry and Mary Day (A)

Terry and Mary Day, natives of western Canada who have been living in the United States for many years, must decide whether to move to Montreal, Quebec, where Terry would become chief of Anesthesiology at Montreal Children's Hospital and Mary would enroll in a political-science master's program at McGill University. In the A case, the couple weigh the pros and cons of the potential move, considering the implications for Terry's career, Mary's continuing education, and their sons' ability to learn French. Their decision coincides with a referendum in Quebec that threatens to separate the province from Canada. See also the B case (UVA-BC-0140).
Fibrinolysis. I. Fibrinolytic activity of extracts from non-pathogenic fungi.

SummaryA study of properties of extracts from cultures of 160 non-pathogenic fungi has shown that 4 cultures produce non protein materials able to lyse plasma clots and fibrin, both human and bovine source; at least one shows some specificity against human plasma clots.
Autoignition Behavior of Petroleum-Based and Hydroprocessed Renewable Jet Fuel Blends in a Rapid Compression Machine

A rapid compression machine (RCM) is used to study the autoignition characteristics of JP-8 and JP-5 blended in 50-50 mixtures by volume with their respective camelina-derived hydroprocessed renewable jet (HRJ) fuel at low temperature conditions. The tests employ the direct test chamber (DTC) charge preparation method which allows for high reproducibility of measurements. Ignition delay measurements are compared between the conventional military jet fuels, HRJ fuels, and the 50-50 blends. Measurements are made at compressed pressures of 5, 10, and 20 bar at an equivalence ratio of 1.0 and compressed temperatures between 625 K and 710 K. Additional ignition delay measurements are reported at reduced equivalence ratios of 0.5 and 0.25 at a compressed pressure of 20 bar and temperatures between 635 K and 720 K.
Effects of Temperature on Feed Efficiency of Broilers in Individual Cages

Abstract Three broiler feeding trials were conducted to determine the effect of environmental temperature on chicks grown in individual cages and to determine if an adjustment period is necessary when chicks are moved from brooding batteries to individual cages. Birds placed in the individual cages with temperatures comparable to that of the community brooders grew at an accelerated rate with a lower feed conversion ratio compared to birds placed in the individual cages with temperatures lower than the brooder temperatures. The birds placed in the individual cages with no added heat lost weight the first day, then grew at a slow steady rate thereafter, and their feed conversion ratios varied with the fluctuation of the outside temperature. There was no indication that an adjustment period was necessary when placing birds in individual cages if the temperature was comparable to that of the community type environment from which they were moved.
CSF-1R–Dependent Lethal Hepatotoxicity When Agonistic CD40 Antibody Is Given before but Not after Chemotherapy

Cancer immunotherapies are increasingly effective in the clinic, especially immune checkpoint blockade delivered to patients who have T cell-infiltrated tumors. Agonistic CD40 mAb promotes stromal degradation and, in combination with chemotherapy, drives T cell infiltration and de novo responses against tumors, rendering resistant tumors susceptible to current immunotherapies. Partnering anti-CD40 with different treatments is an attractive approach for the next phase of cancer immunotherapies, with a number of clinical trials using anti-CD40 combinations ongoing, but the optimal therapeutic regimens with anti-CD40 are not well understood. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is classically resistant to immunotherapy and lacks baseline T cell infiltration. In this study, we used a tumor cell line derived from a genetically engineered mouse model of PDA to investigate alterations in the sequence of anti-CD40 and chemotherapy as an approach to enhance pharmacological delivery of chemotherapy. Unexpectedly, despite our previous studies showing anti-CD40 treatment after chemotherapy is safe in both mice and patients with PDA, we report in this article that anti-CD40 administration <3 d in advance of chemotherapy is lethal in more than half of treated C57BL/6 mice. Anti-CD40 treatment 2 or 3 d before chemotherapy resulted in significantly increased populations of both activated myeloid cells and macrophages and lethal hepatotoxicity. Liver damage was fully abrogated when macrophage activation was blocked using anti-CSF-1R mAb. These studies highlight the dual nature of CD40 in activating both macrophages and T cell responses, and the need for preclinical investigation of optimal anti-CD40 treatment regimens for safe design of clinical trials.
(Z)-3,5,4'-Trimethoxystilbene Limits Hepatitis C and Cancer Pathophysiology by Blocking Microtubule Dynamics and Cell Cycle Progression

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes induction of several tumors/cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and is known to be a major risk factor for development of HCC. Therefore, drugs that simultaneously target viral replication and CSC properties are needed for a risk-free treatment of advanced stage liver diseases, including HCC. Here, we demonstrated that (Z)-3,5,4'-trimethoxystilbene (Z-TMS) exhibits potent antitumor and anti-HCV activities without exhibiting cytotoxicity to human hepatocytes in vitro or in mice livers. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) extensively induced expression of DCLK1 (a CSC marker) in the livers of C57BL/6 mice following hepatic injury. Z-TMS exhibited hepatoprotective effects against DEN/CCl4-induced injury by reducing DCLK1 expression and improving histologic outcomes. The drug caused bundling of DCLK1 with microtubules and blocked cell-cycle progression at G2-M phase in hepatoma cells via downregulation of CDK1, induction of p21(cip1/waf1) expression, and inhibition of Akt (Ser(473)) phosphorylation. Z-TMS also inhibited proliferation of erlotinib-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells (H1975) bearing the T790M EGFR mutation, most likely by promoting autophagy and nuclear fragmentation. In conclusion, Z-TMS appears to be a unique therapeutic agent targeting HCV and concurrently eliminating cells with neoplastic potential during chronic liver diseases, including HCC. It may also be a valuable drug for targeting drug-resistant carcinomas and cancers of the lungs, pancreas, colon, and intestine, in which DCLK1 is involved in tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 76(16); 4887-96. ©2016 AACR.
The acute toxicity of 1-methylaminoanthraquinone in dogs and rabbits and its metabolism in sheep.

Oral administration of up to 8 g/kg of 1-methylaminoanthraquinone (MAAQ) to dogs in a 24 hr period did not result in signs of intoxication, significant changes in clinical biochemical measurements made on blood or pathological changes in tissues at necropsy. Topical application of MAAQ to the skin and eyes of rabbits did not produce signs of irritation or systemic toxicity when applied at the rate of 50 mg of MAAQ/eye or 2 g of MAAQ/kg on the shaved and abraded back. Topical application of MAAQ to the shaved backs of rabbits did not result in evidence of photosensitization after exposure to a Wood's UV lamp. Colored metabolites of MAAQ were isolated from extracts of tissues and body fluids of sheep by thin-layer chromatography and quantitated by visible light absorption spectroscopy. Within 96 hr after orally dosing a sheep with 50 mg of MAAQ/kg, 27% of the dose was accounted for by MAAQ and its colored metabolites in the urine and 16% of the dose was accounted for by unmetabolized MAAQ in the feces. Major colored urinary metabolites were identified by mass spectral and NMR analysis as: 1-aminoanthraquinone, 4-hydroxy-1-aminoanthraquinone, 2-hydroxy-1-aminoanthraquinone, the glucuronic acid conjugates of each of these, and the glucuronic acid conjugate of MAAQ. Small (<1μg/g) quantities of the glucuronide conjugates of the 2-hydroxy and 4-hydroxy metabolites were detected in milk, and small quantities of the free and conjugated metabolites were found in the bile, kidney, and liver.
Rational Expectations and Newcomb’s Problem

One article of faith of the free market argument is that the economy is basically self-correcting—that it can cure inflation and recession if left alone. The mechanism that does this, of course, is individual rationality. Consider Figure 7–1. Let us assume that the economy is at a full employment equilibrium with price level P E and real GNP Q E , which we will assume is the natural rate of output. There is a sudden demand shock to the economy and the demand curve shifts to the right. If the supply curve remains unchanged, the new equilibrium will be at Q′ E P′ E . However, this new equilibrium involves a higher price level than Q E —inflationhas set in. As rational workers learn this, they will realize that their real wages have fallen and demand higher wages. This will increase the cost of production and shift the supply curve back to S′. The economy will return to the natural rate of output, but at a higher price level.
Development of a multiplex real-time recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay for rapid quantitative detection of Campylobacter coli and jejuni from eggs and chicken products

Abstract Chicken products are known as main vehicles for human infections and foodborne illness with campylobacteriosis. This study describes a rapid and sensitive method for the detection of C. coli and C. jejuni from eggs, chicken meat, and chicken broth using the multiplex real-time recombinase polymerase amplification (Rti-RPA) and its comparison to a culture dependent method. The optimal procedure for the multiplex Rti-RPA assay was set in isothermal condition at 45 °C for 20 min and the detection sensitivity was at 1 CFU/reaction in pure culture. In the case of food applications, the detection limit of C. coli and C. jejuni using the RPA assay was 1 CFU/mL from chicken broth, 103 CFU/g from egg and chicken meat samples without a pre-enrichment procedure, and 1 CFU/g from 24 h enriched egg and chicken meat samples. Quantifications of Campylobacter spp. in spiked food samples by the RPA assay were not significantly different with the results by the culture method. This multiplex Rti-RPA assay is considerably faster than other DNA amplification methods and exhibits no losses in detection sensitivity and specificity. This multiplex Rti-RPA is a simple, rapid detection and quantification assay that is completed within a 20 min runtime. The assay is applicable in the surveillance of C. coli and C. jejuni contamination in eggs and chicken products.
Computer Based Strategic Planning for Educational Organizations

AbstractIn highly complex, uncertain times, most educational administrators are confronted with the very difficult task of developing strategic plans for their organization. Using the capability of the computer to simulate various future conditions confronting schools and colleges and the potential impact of proposed strategic policies can greatly aid administrators in the long-range planning process. The Policy Analysis and Simulation System (PASS), developed for microcomputers, is a software system specifically designed to provide such planning support.
HyStore: Hybrid energy storage for cost-efficient server power shaving in data centers

Recent studies have proposed to dynamically reshape the power demand curve of a data center (i.e., power shaving) with energy storage devices, particularly uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries. Power shaving can be used to limit the peak power demand in a data center, in order to reduce both the power infrastructure investment (i.e., cap-ex) and the electricity bills (i.e., op-ex). However, power shaving requires the UPS batteries to be frequently charged/discharged, which is known to compromise the battery lifetime and availability. This paper presents a detailed quantitative study that explores different options to integrate supercapacitor (SC) with batteries for cost-efficient energy storage. Compared with batteries, SC allows more charge/discharge cycles and has a higher power density, which are desirable for fast power shaving. However, SC also has undesirable characteristics (e.g., relatively high self-discharging rate and cost). Therefore, we quantitatively compare three possible energy storage options (i.e., Battery-only, SC-only, and Battery+SC) in detail, with different SC self-discharging rate assumption. SC options (SC-only and Battery+SC) are shown to be more cost-efficient designs, saving the energy storage cost by 34%, on average, compared with Battery-only. For a 10MW data center in a 10-year period, the saving can be converted to $3M in total cost of ownership (TCO) reduction by allowing more servers to be deployed.
Performing islanding detection in distribution networks with interconnected photovoltaic systems using a hybrid simulation tool

This paper demonstrates the capability of a hybrid simulation tool that can perform islanding detection studies in distribution networks with photovoltaic (PV) generation systems. The hybrid tool is constructed by interfacing an electromagnetic transient (EMT) tool with the Open Distribution System Simulator (OpenDSS) which is a phasor analysis tool developed by the Electric Power Systems Institute (EPRI). This hybrid simulation tool is developed in an effort to facilitate certain PV impact studies that require monitoring of high frequencies and fast transients without having to use a full transient model of the entire network which would require a long simulation time and introduces a significant computational burden. The paper offers an overview of the developed tool and its ability to detect islanding in networks with PV systems. The constraints and requirements of testing and simulating islanding detection techniques using the available simulation tools are discussed. A test case is presented where a distribution network with PV interconnection is modeled using both the hybrid tool and a full transient tool, SimPowerSystem. An island is created in both cases and the results are analyzed for validation and accuracy of the hybrid tool. The tool proved to be accurate in terms of capturing high frequency transients required for the implemented islanding detection as well as offering certain advantages over transient analysis tools.
Maintaining Competence in the Face of Resource Limitations: The Role of Schema Complexity in Aging and Communication

Research shows that older persons have generally lower levels of processing resources (e.g., working memory capacity, processing speed) and that these processing limitations have a negative impact on language production/comprehension in older persons. On the other hand, the practical communication competence of older persons shows either no age-related deficit or better performance than that of younger people. This chapter first reviews the literature establishing age-related language processing deficits and that on age-related language competence. It then examines how social knowledge may serve to counteract the impact of processing limitations on communication competence in aging. In particular, research on age-related differences in the complexity of age stereotype schemas is reviewed along with that investigating age-related differences in the production of competent persuasive messages to older targets. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the implications for processing limitations research.
Influence of Carbon Nanotube Characteristics on Macroscopic Fiber Properties.

We study how intrinsic parameters of carbon nanotube (CNT) samples affect the properties of macroscopic CNT fibers with optimized structure. We measure CNT diameter, number of walls, aspect ratio, graphitic character, and purity (residual catalyst and non-CNT carbon) in samples from 19 suppliers; we process the highest quality CNT samples into aligned, densely packed fibers, by using an established wet-spinning solution process. We find that fiber properties are mainly controlled by CNT aspect ratio and that sample purity is important for effective spinning. Properties appear largely unaffected by CNT diameter, number of walls, and graphitic character (determined by Raman G/D ratio) as long as the fibers comprise thin few-walled CNTs with high G/D ratio (above ∼20). We show that both strength and conductivity can be improved simultaneously by assembling high aspect ratio CNTs, producing continuous CNT fibers with an average tensile strength of 2.4 GPa and a room temperature electrical conductivity of 8.5 ...
Pharmacologic Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: Synopsis of Guidance From the 2017 Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters

Description The Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters, which comprises representatives of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), formed a workgroup to review evidence and provide guidance to health care providers on the initial pharmacologic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients aged 12 years or older. Methods To update a prior systematic review, the workgroup searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 18 July 2012 to 29 July 2016 to identify studies that addressed efficacy and adverse effects of single or combination pharmacotherapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis. In conjunction with the Joint Task Force, the workgroup reviewed the evidence and developed recommendations about initial treatment approaches by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Members of the AAAAI, the ACAAI, and the general public provided feedback on the draft document, which the Joint Task Force reviewed before finalizing the guideline. Recommendation 1 For initial treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in persons aged 12 years or older, routinely prescribe monotherapy with an intranasal corticosteroid rather than an intranasal corticosteroid in combination with an oral antihistamine. (Strong recommendation). Recommendation 2 For initial treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in persons aged 15 years or older, recommend an intranasal corticosteroid over a leukotriene receptor antagonist. (Strong recommendation). Recommendation 3 For treatment of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis in persons aged 12 years or older, the clinician may recommend the combination of an intranasal corticosteroid and an intranasal antihistamine for initial treatment. (Weak recommendation).
Acute Chest Syndrome in Children with Sickle Cell Disease.

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a frequent cause of acute lung disease in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients may present with ACS or may develop this complication during the course of a hospitalization for acute vaso-occlusive crises (VOC). ACS is associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased risk of respiratory failure, and the potential for developing chronic lung disease. ACS in SCD is defined as the presence of fever and/or new respiratory symptoms accompanied by the presence of a new pulmonary infiltrate on chest X-ray. The spectrum of clinical manifestations can range from mild respiratory illness to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The presence of severe hypoxemia is a useful predictor of severity and outcome. The etiology of ACS is often multifactorial. One of the proposed mechanisms involves increased adhesion of sickle red cells to pulmonary microvasculature in the presence of hypoxia. Other commonly associated etiologies include infection, pulmonary fat embolism, and inf...
Effect of Obesity on Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review of Postoperative Complications Requiring Surgical Revision.

Abstract Total ankle arthroplasty has become an increasingly used alternative to ankle arthrodesis for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. However, despite progressive technological advances and the advent of multiple commercial implant systems, some concern remains for the relatively high complication and failure rates. The objective of the present investigation was to perform a systematic review of the incidence of complications in obese patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty. We performed a review of electronic databases with the inclusion criteria of retrospective case series, retrospective clinical cohort analyses, and prospective clinical trials with ≥15 total participants, a mean follow-up period of ≥12 months, ≥1 defined cohort with a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m 2 , and a reported incidence rate of complications requiring revisional surgery at the final follow-up point. Four studies met our inclusion criteria, with a total of 400 implants analyzed. Of these, ≥71 (17.8%) developed a complication requiring a revisional surgical procedure. The most commonly reported surgeries were revision of the metallic components and ankle gutter debridement. It is our hope that our investigation will allow foot and ankle surgeons to more effectively communicate the perioperative risk to their patients during the education and consent process.
Basal p53 expression is indispensable for mesenchymal stem cell integrity.

Marrow-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) serve as a functional component of the perivascular niche that regulates hematopoiesis. They also represent the main source of bone formed in adult bone marrow, and their bifurcation to osteoblast and adipocyte lineages plays a key role in skeletal homeostasis and aging. Although the tumor suppressor p53 also functions in bone organogenesis, homeostasis, and neoplasia, its role in MSCs remains poorly described. Herein, we examined the normal physiological role of p53 in primary MSCs cultured under physiologic oxygen levels. Using knockout mice and gene silencing we show that p53 inactivation downregulates expression of TWIST2, which normally restrains cellular differentiation to maintain wild-type MSCs in a multipotent state, depletes mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and suppresses ROS generation and PPARG gene and protein induction in response to adipogenic stimuli. Mechanistically, this loss of adipogenic potential skews MSCs toward an osteogenic fate, which is further potentiated by TWIST2 downregulation, resulting in highly augmented osteogenic differentiation. We also show that p53−/− MSCs are defective in supporting hematopoiesis as measured in standard colony assays because of decreased secretion of various cytokines including CXCL12 and CSF1. Lastly, we show that transient exposure of wild-type MSCs to 21% oxygen upregulates p53 protein expression, resulting in increased mitochondrial ROS production and enhanced adipogenic differentiation at the expense of osteogenesis, and that treatment of cells with FGF2 mitigates these effects by inducing TWIST2. Together, these findings indicate that basal p53 levels are necessary to maintain MSC bi-potency, and oxygen-induced increases in p53 expression modulate cell fate and survival decisions. Because of the critical function of basal p53 in MSCs, our findings question the use of p53 null cell lines as MSC surrogates, and also implicate dysfunctional MSC responses in the pathophysiology of p53-related skeletal disorders.
Machine learning approach to solving the transient stability assessment problem

In this paper, transient stability assessment is performed on a power system using a classification approach and data mining algorithms. As a first step, offline training data was collected by conducting load flow studies under normal operating conditions and faulty operating conditions at buses, at three different locations at lines and at different load levels. Twenty-three features were chosen to represent the training data for each load flow simulation. A support vector machine model was built and trained using the training data as well as a Naive Bayes model and Decision Tree model. Then an online testing model was developed and real-time data was used to test the validity of the model developed. The results indicate a higher accuracy and less time consumed by the core vector machine model compared to previous models available in literature. The IEEE 14 bus system was used for training data and for verifying the speed and accuracy of the proposed data mining algorithm.
Microstructural characterization of annealed U-12Zr-4Pd and U-12Zr-4Pd-5Ln: Investigating Pd as a metallic fuel additive

Abstract Palladium is being investigated as a potential additive to metallic fuel to control fuel-cladding chemical interaction (FCCI). A primary cause of FCCI is the lanthanide fission products moving to the fuel periphery and interacting with the cladding. This interaction will lead to wastage of the cladding and, given enough time or burn-up, eventually to a cladding breach. The current study is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization of annealed U-12Zr-4Pd and U-12Zr-4Pd-5Ln, where Ln = 53Nd-25Ce-16Pr-6La. The present study shows that Pd preferentially binds the lanthanides over other fuel constituents, which may prevent lanthanide migration and interaction with the cladding during irradiation. The SEM analysis indicates the 1:1 Pd-Ln compound is being formed, while the TEM analysis, due to higher resolution, found the 1:1 compound, as well as Pd-rich compounds Pd2Ln and Pd3Ln2.
Intention to quit smoking and polytobacco use among college student smokers.

Abstract Little is known about polytobacco use in college students. One nationally representative survey indicated 51.3% of tobacco-using college students used more than one product, which may increase risk of tobacco-related disease and premature death. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of intention to quit smoking (ITQS) cigarettes with polytobacco use status, controlling for frequency of tobacco product use and cigarette smoking intensity as measured by cigarettes per day (CPD). Data are from a larger quasi-experimental study conducted at a large state university in the Southeastern United States. Analysis is based on the combined sample of current smokers from two randomly selected cohorts surveyed two months apart. Polytobacco users (n = 52) were as likely as cigarette-only users (n = 81) to intend to quit smoking. Compared to students who used tobacco products 1–9 days per month, students using 10–29 days per month or daily reported higher ITQS. Higher intensity smokers (>10 CPD) were 71% less likely to indicate ITQS, compared to lower intensity smokers (≤10 CPD) (p = .025). College student polytobacco users were as likely as those using only cigarettes to intend to quit smoking. Interventions are needed to target college student polytobacco users as well as cigarette smokers as both groups may intend to quit. Smokers using 10 or fewer CPD and those who use tobacco products daily or 10–29 days per month may be more motivated to quit than college students who smoke with more intensity but who use tobacco products less frequently.