cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exome sequencing identifies novel and recurrent mutations in GJA8 and CRYGD associated with inherited cataract

Background: Inherited cataract is a clinically important and genetically heterogeneous cause of visual impairment. Typically, it presents at an early age with or without other ocular/systemic signs and lacks clear phenotype-genotype correlation rendering both clinical classification and molecular diagnosis challenging. Here we have utilized trio-based whole exome sequencing to discover mutations in candidate genes underlying autosomal dominant cataract segregating in three nuclear families. Results: In family A, we identified a recurrent heterozygous mutation in exon-2 of the gene encoding γD-crystallin (CRYGD; c.70C > A, p.Pro24Thr) that co-segregated with ‘coralliform’ lens opacities. Families B and C were found to harbor different novel variants in exon-2 of the gene coding for gap-junction protein α 8( GJA8; c.20T > C, p.Leu7Pro and c.293A > C, p.His98Pro). Each novel variant co-segregated with disease and was predicted in silico to have damaging effects on protein function. Conclusions: Exome sequencing facilitates concurrent mutation-profiling of the burgeoning list of candidate genes for inherited cataract, and the results can provide enhanced clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling for affected families.
Titanium versus Nontitanium Prostheses in Ossiculoplasty

Objectives/Hypothesis: To compare the hearing outcomes and complications observed using either titanium or nontitanium prostheses in a 7-year consecutive series of ossiculoplasties performed by a single surgeon. Study Design: Retrospective. Methods: A database of ossicular reconstruction surgeries was reviewed for preoperative and postoperative audiometric data including air and bone conduction thresholds at four frequencies and speech reception thresholds. Outcomes were evaluated at time points less than and greater than 6 months postoperatively. Baseline demographic and surgical characteristics and postoperative complications were also noted. Results: A total of 105 cases had sufficient audiometric data available for analysis, including 80 performed with titanium and 25 with nontitanium implants. Follow-up ranged from 1.2 to 74.2 months, with a mean of 14.9 months. Mean air-bone gap at initial follow-up was 21.7 dB in the nontitanium group and 15.4 dB in the titanium group; this difference was significant (P = .01). Postoperative air-bone gap of less than 20 dB at initial follow-up was achieved in 50.0% of nontitanium cases and 77.1% of titanium cases (P = .012). This difference in “success” rates persisted at longer follow-up but did not achieve statistical significance. Mean speech reception thresholds at .05). Conclusions: Titanium ossicular prostheses provide hearing outcomes superior to those of nontitanium prostheses when evaluated within 6 months after ossiculoplasty.
Magnetoresistive properties of 1st AFM Co/Cu multilayers sputtered in an Ar+O2 atmosphere

Sputter-deposited Co/Cu multilayers at the 1st antiferromagnetic maximum (tCu= 9A) exhibit large magnetoresistance and low relative hysteresis and are attractive for use in many position sensor applications. Unfortunately, their large magnetoresistance values can be hard to reproduce, perhaps a consequence of the difficulties in growing flat, pin-hole free layers. In this study we demonstrate that their magnetoresistive properties can be improved with the addition O2 to the Ar sputtering gas. A sequence of [Co(15A)/Cu(9A)]20 multilayers were made using magnetron sputtering in a 2mTorr Ar+O2 atmosphere, with the O2 concentration ranging from <1 ppm to 10,000 ppm. For films sputtered in our purest Ar, the magnetoresistance was typically less than 10%. Adding small amounts of O2 to the Ar improved the magnetoresistance, and at 1000 ppm O2 concentration it reached an optimal value of ~45% and was found to be quite reproducible. The largest saturation fields were also achieved at 1000 ppm O2. Increasing the O2 concentration beyond 1000 ppm degraded the magnetoresistance and reduced the saturation fields. Magnetic measurements indicate that the improved magnetoresistance for films sputtered in Ar + O2 is primarily a consequence of more complete antiferromagnetic ordering at low fields. Auger depth profiling revealed no evidence for the O2 incorporation into the films, even for those fabricated in 10,000 ppm O2. Influence of the O2 on the microstructure of the multilayers is discussed.
Intrinsic and extrinsic competitive interactions between two larval parasitoids of Heliothis virescens

Summary 1. Competition between parasitoid species may be a key factor in the community dynamics of plant–herbivore-parasitoid systems and is an important consideration in the selection and management of effective biological control agents. 2. Interspecific competition can occur between adult parasitoids searching for hosts (extrinsic competition) and between multiple parasitoid larvae developing within a single host individual (intrinsic competition). A model system comprising the lepidopteran pest Heliothis virescens and two key hymenopteran endoparasitoids, Microplitis croceipes and Cardiochiles nigriceps, was employed to explore parasitoid host-location strategies and the consequences of intrinsic and extrinsic competitive interactions between parasitoid species. 3. The less specialised of the two parasitoids, M. croceipes, was found to have a shorter hatching time and to dominate intrinsic competition, except when its oviposition followed that of the more specialised parasitoid, C. nigriceps, by 16 h or more. This interval corresponded to the differential in hatching time between the two species. 4. Cardiochiles nigriceps, however, displayed superior host-searching efficiency that may compensate for its disadvantage in intrinsic competition. This parasitoid was more effective at detecting host infestation sites via airborne odours and at locating and attacking early instar host larvae than was M. croceipes.
The Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire

Purpose To determine the change in score required in various domains of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) to indicate meaningful patient improvement, or the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), for 3 common hand conditions: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and distal radius fracture (DRF). Methods The MHQ was administered to patients at 2 time points. Patient satisfaction was defined as a satisfaction score ≥80% of the standard deviation of that patient sample. The minimal change in score in specific MHQ domains that corresponded with patient satisfaction was determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results For CTS patients, MCIDs of 23, 13, and 8 were identified for the pain, function, and work domains, respectively. For RA patients, pain and function were also identified as having discriminative ability, with MCIDs of 11 and 13, respectively. An MCID of 3 was identified for the activities of daily living domain. For DRF patients, no MHQ domains showed discriminative ability because of the ceiling effect at the 3-month assessment period. Conclusions Individual domains of the MHQ can be used to discriminate between patients who are satisfied and those who are not after either carpal tunnel release or silicone arthroplasty of the metacarpophalangeal joints for RA. Pain and function are the domains of the MHQ that are best able to discriminate between patients who are satisfied and those who are not. The identical function MCID for both RA patients and CTS patients, despite markedly different preoperative values, indicates that a standard amount of functional change may indicate patient satisfaction. High postoperative satisfaction, even only 3 months after surgery, prevented any domains from showing discriminative ability for the DRF patients. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic III.
Investigation of Phase Transition-Based Tethered Systems for Small Body Sample Capture

Abstract This paper summarizes the modeling, simulation, and testing work related to the development of technology to investigate the potential that shape memory actuation has to provide mechanically simple and affordable solutions for delivering assets to a surface and for sample capture and possible return to Earth. We investigate the structural dynamics and controllability aspects of an adaptive beam carrying an end-effector which, by changing material equilibrium phases, is able to actively decouple the end-effector dynamics from the spacecraft dynamics during the surface contact phase. Asset delivery and sample capture and return are at the heart of several emerging potential missions to small bodies, such as asteroids and comets, and to the surface of large bodies, such as Titan.
NMR solution conformation of heparin-derived tetrasaccharide.

The solution conformation of homogeneous, heparin-derived hexasaccharide (residues A, B, C, D, E, F) has been investigated by using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Intra-ring conformations have been defined by J-coupling constants and inter-proton nuclear Overhauser effects (NOEs), and the orientation of one ring with respect to the other has been defined by inter-ring NOEs. NOE-based conformational modelling has been done by using the iterative relaxation matrix approach (IRMA), restrained energy minimization to refine structures and to distinguish between minor structural differences and equilibria between various intra-ring forms. All glucosamine residues B, D and F are in the 4C1 chair conformation. The uronate (A) residue is mostly represented by the 1H2 form, whereas internal iduronates (C and E) exist in equilibrium between the chair and skewed boat forms. Deviations in some NOEs indicate a minor contribution of the 2H1 form to the A ring. Glycosidic dihedral angles, which define the overall oligosaccharide conformation, were further refined by combining in vacuo energy map calculations and restrained energy minimization in explicit solvent water. Conformational stability was further assessed by subjecting NOE and IRMA-derived structures to 600 ps of unrestrained molecular dynamics in explicit solvent.
Analysis and simulation of regional subsidence accompanying groundwater abstraction and compaction of susceptible aquifer systems in the USA

Regional aquifer-system compaction and land subsidence accompanying groundwater abstraction in susceptible aquifer systems in the USA is a challenge for managing groundwater resources and mitigating associated hazards. Developments in the assessment of regional subsidence provide more information to constrain analyses and simulation of aquifer-system compaction. Current popular approaches to simulating vertical aquifer-system deformation (compaction), such as those embodied in the aquitard drainage model and the MODFLOW subsidence packages, have proven useful from the perspective of regional groundwater resources assessment. However, these approaches inadequately address related local-scale hazards—ground ruptures and damages to engineered structures on the land surface arising from tensional stresses and strains accompanying groundwater abstraction. This paper presents a brief overview of the general approaches taken by the U.S. Geological Survey toward understanding aquifer-system compaction and subsidence with regard to a) identifying the affected aquifer systems; b) making regional assessments; c) analyzing the governing processes; and d) simulating historical and future groundwater flow and subsidence conditions. Limitations and shortcomings of these approaches, as well as future challenges also are discussed.
Extending algorithm-based fault tolerance to tolerate fail-stop failures in high performance distributed environments

It has been proved in previous algorithm-based fault tolerance that, for matrix matrix multiplication, the checksum relationship in the input checksum matrices is preserved at the end of the computation no mater which algorithm is used. However, whether this checksum relationship can be maintained in the middle of the computation or not remains open. In this paper, we first demonstrate that this checksum relationship is not maintained in the middle of the computation for most algorithms for matrix matrix multiplication. We then prove that, however, for the outer product version matrix matrix multiplication algorithm, this checksum relationship can be maintained in the middle of the computation. Based on this checksum relationship maintained in the middle of the computation, we demonstrate that fail-stop process failures (which are often tolerated by checkpointing or message logging) in the outer product version matrix-matrix multiplication can be tolerated without checkpointing or message logging.
Thiamine Supplementation Attenuated Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Atp7b Mouse Model of Wilson's Disease

Background: Wilson's disease is caused by a genetic defect in P-type Cu 2+ -ATPase (Atp7b), resulting in Cu 2+ accumulation in the liver, toxicity, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Exposure of HepG2 cells, and livers of Atp7b mutant mice to toxic Cu 2+ resulted in oxidation, (KGDH) and (PDH) enzyme inhibition, and death that was attenuated by thiamine. Materials and Methods: The effect of oral thiamine supplementation (2%) on hepatocellular carcinoma induced by Cu 2+ accumulation in the livers of Atp7b animals at 4, 6, 9, 12, 16, and 21 months was demonstrated using gross morphology and multi-nucleate analysis. Results: By 16 months of age, untreated Atp7b animals became moribund, their livers were >180% the weight of controls and >75% of their liver was cancerous. At 16 months the livers of thiamine treated Atp7b mice were <130% the weight of controls and <30% cancerous, and at 21 months the mice were still active. However thiamine was ineffective in a subcutaneous xenograft model. Conclusion: This study suggests that thiamine may constitute a prophylactic for Wilson's disease-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. The essential trace metal copper is highly redox-active, a property required for its co-factor function in electron transfer by key proteins: cytochrome c oxidase for electron transport in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, Cu 2+ /Zn 2+ superoxide dismutase for defense against free radicals, and ceruloplasmin for iron homeostasis. Although this redox property of Cu 2+ is essential for life, the same property can lead to toxicity and cause deleterious oxidation of lipids,
Mixture trees for modeling and fast conditional sampling with applications in vision and graphics

We introduce mixture trees, a tree-based data-structure for modeling joint probability densities using a greedy hierarchical density estimation scheme. We show that the mixture tree models data efficiently at multiple resolutions, and present fast conditional sampling as one of many possible applications. In particular, the development of this data-structure was spurred by a multi-target tracking application, where memory-based motion modeling calls for fast conditional sampling from large empirical densities. However, it is also suited to applications such as texture synthesis, where conditional densities play a central role. Results are presented for both these applications.
Fast stochastic power control algorithms for nonlinear multiuser receivers

Uplink communication in a cellular radio network is considered where the base station in each cell employs linear or nonlinear (decision feedback) multiuser receivers. For any such receiver, the problem of interest is that of minimizing the total transmit power under the constraint that all the users of the network achieve their quality-of-service objective in terms of signal-to-interference ratio (SIR). When the solution is feasible for the desired SIR requirements, the optimum powers are computed with a distributed iterative power control strategy suitable for implementation at each base station. While the deterministic algorithm requires both in-cell and out-of-cell user information, the stochastic algorithm proposed in this paper can be implemented at the base stations in a truly distributed manner requiring knowledge of only in-cell parameters. Such an algorithm was proposed previously for the case where base stations use linear (single user) matched filter (MF) receivers. However, the feasibility region in terms of attainable SIRs for a well-designed multiuser receiver, particularly for a nonlinear receiver that employs decision feedback, is generally much larger than it is for the linear MF receiver. The stochastic power control algorithm in this paper, for linear or nonlinear multiuser receivers, converges in the mean-square sense to the minimal powers when the target SIRs are feasible. The second major focus of this paper is to improve the convergence properties of the conventional stochastic approximation based power control strategy by using the more recent results on averaging. Convergence issues of both the "nonaveraged" and "averaged" algorithms are investigated, and numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance improvement due to averaging.
Diel, size-differential drift patterns of three macroinvertebrate species in the lower Mississippi River, Louisiana (USA)

We explored macroinvertebrate size-differential drift in the lower Mississippi River (a 9th order system). Because this river system is highly turbid, we hypothesized that visually-dependent vertebrate predators feeding on drifting organisms would be at a disadvantage. Thus, size-differential drift should not occur. For one 24-hour period in both January and April, six drift nets were used to sample surface drift. Nets were emptied once every four hours. Individual intra-ocular distances of three macroinvertebrate species (Hydropsyche orris: Trichoptera, Hexagenia limbata: Ephemeroptera, Macrobrachium ohione: Crustacea) were measured. Percentages of size classes in the drift were determined. In both months, large individuals of H. orris and H. limbata were prevalent in the nocturnal but scarce in the diurnal drift. In January, large M. ohione drifted regardless of time. In April, large M. ohione predominated the nocturnal drift. Our results could not be attributed solely to vertebrate predator avoidance. Other mechanisms such as diel microhabitat migration and current velocity may have accounted for the results.
Measurement of Advertising Effectiveness Using Alternative Measures of Advertising Exposure

The objective of this study is to examine the impacts of alternative measures of advertising exposure on the evaluation of advertising effectiveness. This study used quarterly data of post-buy actual GRPs and corresponding advertising expenditures for the New York City fluid milk market. First, the correlation was tested between GRP and expenditure series. Then, advertising effectiveness was evaluated using these two series. Correlation tests suggested no correlation between GRP and expenditure variables was highly unlikely. The econometric analysis, however, found that the two alternatives produced quite different advertising elasticities and rates of return. The results indicate that the choice of advertising exposure measure may provide researchers with different evaluation results. [Econ-Lit citations: Q130, M300, M370] © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Algebraic Model Checking for Boolean Gene Regulatory Networks

We present a computational method in which modular and Groebner bases (GB) computation in Boolean rings are used for solving problems in Boolean gene regulatory networks (BN). In contrast to other known algebraic approaches, the degree of intermediate polynomials during the calculation of Groebner bases using our method will never grow resulting in a significant improvement in running time and memory space consumption. We also show how calculation in temporal logic for model checking can be done by means of our direct and efficient Groebner basis computation in Boolean rings. We present our experimental results in finding attractors and control strategies of Boolean networks to illustrate our theoretical arguments. The results are promising. Our algebraic approach is more efficient than the state-of-the-art model checker NuSMV on BNs. More importantly, our approach finds all solutions for the BN problems.
Comparison of PI and PID Controlled Wind Generator Fed Γ- Z Source based PMSM Drives

The steady state response of the Γ-Z source inverter implementing in the field of wind energy conversion systems is investigated in this paper. The Propotional Integral (PI) and Propotional Integral Derivative (PID) controller are employed to find the responses of the system by using the rectifier output voltage as feedback for closed loop operation. The proposed system is designed and simulated using the blocks of MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation results help to compare the controllers in terms of rise time, steady state error and peak over shoot.
Politics as a Peculiar Business: Preface

This is the Preface to the preliminary draft of my eight-chapter book, Politics as a Peculiar Business: Public Choice in a System of Entangled Political Economy. The Preface undertakes two tasks. First, it explains primary differences between the framework this book adopts and that adopted by most other work in public choice an political economy. Those differences revolve mainly around my joint embrace of systems theory in conjunction with ecological or non-equilibrium modeling where polity and economy are entangled and not distinct entities. Second,, it sets forth the logic of the book’s development by sketching the topics each of the eight chapters treats, finishing with an extended table of contents.
ICU Research— One Decade From Now

Good planning requires insight and a clear vision of what lies ahead. But in a rapidly changing world, any attempt to make predictions over a long interval may be a fool’s errand. (‘Only two things are certain: Death and taxes’). Knowing this to be the assignment and perhaps our fate, our approach is to fi rst describe the strong forces that appear currently to be shaping our intensive care unit (ICU) practice, to speculate on future opportunities and needs, and to extrapolate from this base to their implications for future conduct of research in critical care 10 years hence. Our collaboration in developing this projection blends the thoughts of two intensivists, who share clinical responsibilities and research interests, but who practice in different ICU venues (medical [JJM] and surgical [DJD]). The ideas expressed clearly represent our own perspective and stem from personal experience, gathered in the idiosyncratic environments in which we practice. Others undoubtedly hold radically different views of what lies ahead, shaped by their own experience and circumstances.
The relationship between skin symptoms and the scleroderma modification of the health assessment questionnaire, the modified Rodnan skin score, and skin pathology in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objective To determine how well skin symptoms considered specific to SSc are captured by patient reported outcomes currently used for assessing patients with SSc, the SHAQ, or skin disease, the Skindex-29; and how well these symptoms correlate with the extent of skin disease on physical exam and skin pathology. Methods SSc patients completed the scleroderma modification of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ), Skindex-29 and a Skin Symptom Assessment questionnaire developed for this study. Correlations were assessed between the Skin Symptom Assessment and SHAQ, Skindex-29, modified Rodnan skin score, and skin pathological features including myofibroblast staining completed on the same date. Results Tight, hard and rigid/stiff skin symptoms correlated moderately highly with the modified Rodnan skin score (r = 0.445, P = 0.0008; r = 0.486, P = 0.0002; and r = 0.488, P = 0.0002, respectively). Tight skin symptoms correlated moderately with myofibroblast infiltration (r = 0.544, P = 0.0023) and hyalinized collagen (r = 0.442, P = 0.0164), while both hard and rigid/stiff skin correlated moderately with inflammation (r = 0.401, P = 0.0310 and r = 0.513, P = 0.0045), myofibroblast infiltration(r = 0.480, P = 0.0084 and r = 0.527, P = 0.0033) and hyalinized collagen (r = 0.453, P = 0.0137 and r = 0.478, P = 0.0087), while the SHAQ was not found to correlate with any of these pathological changes. In contrast, painful skin symptoms correlated moderately with the SHAQ (r = 0.413, P = 0.0073), and with the three domains of Skindex-29: Symptoms, Emotions and Functioning. Skindex-29 indicates that dcSSc patient skin symptoms are nearly as severe as those of patients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Conclusion Patient reported skin symptoms correlate with clinical and pathological measures in the skin. A validated patient reported skin symptom instrument might considerably improve evaluation of SSc skin disease.
The Information Content of Unfunded Pension Obligations for Municipal Bond Ratings

Pension data for local governments are generally unavailable. Hence, prior re­search has relied on pension ratios as proxies for underfunding. In this paper, we utilize data from Pennsylvania where local governments are required to report unfunded obligations on an actuarial basis to a state agency. The advantage of a within-state sample is that it avoids confounding state-to-state differences relating to the potential for diminution or a state bail-out of pension obligations. In contrast to prior research, we report that unfunded pension obligations do have information content for municipal rating decisions.
Effects of Surfactant Modification on the Sorption Behavior of Natural Zeolites for Strontium(2+) and Uranium(6+)

Natural zeolite minerals have strong ion exchange selectivity for alkali and alkaline earth radionuclides, such as strontium and cesium, but only limited sorption affinity for actinides such as uranium. In a previous study, surfactant-modification of the zeolite surface was shown to enhance uranium(6+) sorption at solution pHs greater than about 6. In this study, experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of surfactant-modified zeolite (SMZ) to sorb both strontium(2+) and uranium(6+). A surfactant-modified zeolite was prepared by treating specimens composed mainly of clinoptilolite with the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium-bromide (HDTMA). The surfactant-modified clinoptilolite was reacted with strontium solutions having a range of strontium concentration, and with a mixed solution of strontium and uranium. Experiments were conducted as a function of pH and in equilibrium with atmospheric CO2(g). Surfactant-modification of clinoptilolite decreases the ion exchange selectivity of clinoptilolite for strontium at acidic to near-neutral pH. Strontium exchange data were compared to previously developed model predictions of strontium ion exchange behavior on clinoptilolite. The presence of both uranium and strontium in solution had little effect on either the ion exchange selectivity of the surfactant-modified clinoptilolite for strontium or on the enhanced sorption of uranium by SMZ at pH greater than 6.
Transfer and decline of maternal infectious canine hepatitis antibody in puppies.

SummaryMaternal serum antibody titers have been shown to be correlated with puppy serum antibody titers when the full complement of maternal antibody, principally in the form of colostrum, has been acquired. Maximal titers were estimated to occur at or before 72 hours, but not 8 to 12 hours after birth. The relationship between puppy antibody titers and the maternal antibody titer could be expressed as: log10 puppy titer = − .16 + .92 log10 mother titer. The rate of maternal antibody decline in puppies was regular, and the half-life of ICH virus neutralizing antibody was calculated to be 8.6 days. A relationship also was established between the puppy titer as a proportion of the log10 maternal titer, and rate of antibody decay. This could be expressed as: Puppy titer = Mother titer −.25 T (age in weeks).
Effect of sodium bicarbonate upon myxoma virus plaque morphology.

SummaryTwo morphologically distinct types of MV plaques were produced on mono-layers of RK13 cells under agar; the appearance of these plaques depended upon the presence or absence of sodium bicarb...
A Simplified Method for the Geometrically Nonlinear Analysis of the Single Lap Joint

A simplified method for the geometrically nonlinear analysis of the single lapjoint is presented. The method consists of first finding the force/moment boundary conditions at the joint overlap ends. This is achieved by solving the differential equations that relate the resulting moment to the applied load and the unknown transverse deflection. The solution for the deflection is eventually reduced to the solution of a system of six linear equations in six unknown coefficients. Once the force/moment boundary conditions for a given load are known, a linear finite element analysis is used to find thejoint stresses using only the overlap region of the joint. Since in many practical joints adhesive fillets exist at the ends of the overlap, the existence of these fillets is taken into account in the formulation. Also, to allow for various support conditions of the grips of the testing machine, solutions are presented for both simply supported and clamped-clamped end supports. Additional boundary conditions on th...
Discordance between resident and faculty perceptions of resident autonomy: can self-determination theory help interpret differences and guide strategies for bridging the divide?

PurposeTo identify and interpret differences between resident and faculty perceptions of resident autonomy and of faculty support of resident autonomy.MethodParallel questionnaires were sent to pediatric residents and faculty at the University of Rochester Medical Center in 2011. Items addressed sel
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation combined with acute aerobic exercise does not alter the improved post-exercise insulin response in normoglycemic, inactive and overweight men

The aim of this study was to determine if omega-3 (n-3) supplementation combined with acute aerobic exercise would improve glucose and insulin responses in normoglycemic, inactive, overweight men. In a random order, ten inactive and normoglycemic men (30.6 ± 10 years, 85.4 ± 11 kg, 26.7 ± 4 BMI) completed a rest (R) and exercise trial (EX) without n-3 supplementation. Following 42 days of n-3 supplementation, participants again completed a rest (R + n-3) and exercise trial (EX + n-3) with continued n-3 supplementation. The exercise trial consisted of 3 days of ~70 % VO2peak for 60 min/session. N-3 supplementation entailed 4.55 g/day of n-3 (EPA 2.45 g, DHA 1.61 g). A 75 g oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) test was administered 14–16 h after each trial. Relative to R (35,278 ± 9169 pmol/L), EX without n-3 reduced the incremental area under the curve for insulin (iAUCinsulin) during an OGTT by 21.3 % (27765 ± 4925 pmol/L, p = 0.018) and 20.6 % after the EX + n-3 trial (27,999 ± 8370 pmol/L; p = 0.007). In addition, EX (96 ± 21 pmol/L; p = 0.006) reduced C-peptide by 13.5 % when compared to R (111 ± 26 pmol/L). No difference was observed between R and n-3 trials for iAUCinsulin and iAUCC-peptide. Only EX improved insulin sensitivity index by 5.6 % (p = 0.02) when compared to R. These data suggest that n-3 supplementation does not add any additional benefit beyond the exercise induced insulin responses in inactive men. Furthermore, n-3 supplementation alone does not appear to impair insulin action in normoglycemic, inactive, overweight men.
Exploration on Efficient Food Safety Supervision System

China's frequent food safety incidents pose a serious threat on the health of consumers in general.In order to find efficient new system of food safety supervision so as to achieve food safety of our country's fundamental purpose,this paper analyzed the current situation of China's food safety,performed an in-depth discussion on the existed problem,and put forward the countermeasures of our country's food safety supervision system.
In situ visualization of bronchial submucosal glands and their secretory response to acetylcholine.

Airway submucosal glands secrete both macromolecules and liquid, yet the mechanisms by which these substances are secreted are not well understood. In this study, a video microscope was used to dir...
Alcoholic foamy degeneration and a markedly elevated GGT: a case report and literature review.

Alcoholic liver disease covers a spectrum of pathologic appearance ranging from fatty liver disease to acute sclerosing hyaline necrosis (ASHN) to cirrhosis (1). In 1983, Uchida et al described a group of 21 patients with a history of chronic alcohol ingestion who presented with a distinct liver pathology termed alcoholic foamy degeneration (AFD) (2). AFD is a noninflammatory condition seen in chronic alcoholics that was originally reported to be associated with acute hepatic decompensation and is characterized by microvesicular fatty accumulation often with a centrilobular accentuation similar to that seen in Reye’s syndrome, tetracycline toxicity, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy (2). It does not seem to be associated with a progression of hepatic fibrosis (3). In another report of 389 consecutive chronic alcoholic subjects who underwent liver biopsies, 9 patients were identified to have histological evidence of AFD (4). In this series, hepatic decompensation was not present in all of the 9 patients identified to have AFD (4). Patients in both these series showed higher serum levels of aminotransferases and serum γ -glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) than seen in ASHN, more in keeping with acute hepatic inflammation. However, patients may be asymptomatic and only have mild biochemical abnormalities (4). On the other hand, the liver histology in these patients, unlike ASHN, was more consistent with a degenerative process with minimal or no inflammation.
The Soft Power Differential: Mass Communication and Network Communication

Throughout the post-9/11 period, public diplomacy became increasingly linked to discussions of soft power or how to influence others through persuasion rather than force. Observers claimed that ineffective U.S. public diplomacy was depleting the U.S. ability to exercise its soft power in the international arena. However, while U.S. analysts lamented the decline in U.S. soft power, the soft power of nonstate actors, particularly advocacy of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), appeared to be growing. Given the inherent role of communication in the notion of soft power, this chapter explores the communication approaches of the two actors as a means for understanding the soft power differential. Post-9/11 U.S. public diplomacy appeared to be trying to “wield” soft power by relying primarily on a mass communication approach and transmission strategy. In contrast, NGOs were creating soft power through a network communication approach and connective strategy. The analysis suggests that those who master relationship-building and networking strategies will command communication power in the global communication era.
South River Virus

This chapter provides an overview of the classification, description, hosts, key developments, and diagnostic techniques for the South River virus. The virus belongs to the Bunyaviridae family and is a part of the Bunyavirus genus. It is a member of the California group of viruses. Insufficient information is available regarding the area that is free from the virus. The virus was first isolated in 1960 from Anopheles crucians mosquitoes collected in New Jersey. Additional isolations of the virus have been made from Culex pipiens, C. salinarius, and Culiseta melanura collected in Pennsylvania. Information is insufficient to postulate a natural cycle for the virus. Inoculation of tissue culture with confirmation by fluorescent antibody technique is the preferred method for the viral detection. In some instances, the more expensive but sensitive method of intracerebral suckling mouse inoculation may be required to obtain an isolate. Specific neutralization tests may be required for virus identification of isolates that come from areas where other closely related California group of viruses occur. In serological diagnosis, the preferred method is plaque reduction neutralization.
Diagnostic paracentesis: A potent clinical tool

Diagnostic paracentesis is a potent diagnostic tool capable of rapidly detecting portal hypertension and peritonitis. Gram's stain and chemical analysis of ascitic fluid add additional information by determining the predisposition to SBP, the presence of organisms, and the severity of peritonitis. In patients with a narrow A-GRAD, the chemical analysis, cell count and differential, and cytology will add direction for the work-up if the etiology is not apparent and confirmation if it is. This information should be available within a few hours of admission if the paracentesis and blood are obtained immediately. The results should optimize patient care and minimize costs.
Assessment of Performance Validity Using Embedded Saccadic and Manual Indices on a Continuous Performance Test.

OBJECTIVE In addition to manual (i.e., "button press") metrics, oculomotor metrics demonstrate considerable promise as tools for detecting invalid responding in neurocognitive assessment. This study was conducted to evaluate saccadic and manual metrics from a computerized continuous performance test as embedded indices of performance validity. METHOD Receiver operating characteristic analyses, logistic regressions, and ANOVAs were performed to evaluate saccadic and manual metrics in classification of healthy adults instructed to feign deficits ("Fake Bad" group; n = 24), healthy adults instructed to perform their best ("Best Effort" group; n = 26), and adults with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) who passed a series of validity indices ("mTBI-Pass" group; n = 19). RESULTS Several saccadic and manual metrics achieved outstanding classification accuracy between Fake Bad versus Best Effort and mTBI-Pass groups, including variability (consistency) of saccadic and manual response time (RT), saccadic commission errors, and manual omission errors. Very large effect sizes were obtained between Fake Bad and Best Effort groups (Cohen's d range: 1.89-2.90; r range: .75-.78) as well as between Fake Bad and mTBI-Pass groups (Cohen's d range: 1.32-2.21; r range: .69-.71). The Fake Bad group consistently had higher saccadic and manual RT variability, more saccadic commission errors, and more manual omission errors than the Best Effort and mTBI-Pass groups. CONCLUSIONS These findings are the first to demonstrate that eye movements can be used to detect invalid responding in neurocognitive assessment. These results also provide compelling evidence that concurrently measured saccadic and manual metrics can detect invalid responding with high levels of sensitivity and specificity.
'QL'-a new thermoplastic ribbon die attach adhesive

Summary form only given. A thermoplastic ribbon die-attach adhesive, QL, has been developed. This adhesive is a family of thermoplastic polymers supplied in ribbon form, 1.5 mils thick, in widths of 50-500 mils. The product is available as the polymer alone, and as a filled polymer having various degrees of thermal and electrical conductivity. A detailed discussion of the performance, tensile and modulus properties, application parameters, and proposed bonding mechanism for QL ribbon die-attach adhesive is presented. A review of the processing conditions used on different automatic die-bonding machines using several chip sizes and different lead frames is also presented. >
The Appropriate Variable to Compare Wear in Total Hip Prostheses: Commentary on an article by Donald W. Howie, MBBS, FRACS, PhD, et al.: "The Wear Rate of Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Total Hip Replacement Is Not Increased by Large Articulations. A Randomized Controlled Trial".

An important limiting factor in the longevity of any total joint replacement is its propensity to wear. Unlike bearings such as ball bearings and hydrodynamically lubricated bearings that produce virtually no wear, sliding bearings that have contact surfaces with relative motion will always wear. For total hip replacement prostheses, wear occurs with all of the currently used technologies. We study wear in these prostheses because of the 2 failure modes associated with it: loss of mechanical integrity and, more commonly, wear-induced biological failure. The latter failure mode is the most important clinical problem facing the bearing designer, the treating surgeon, and the patient. It is, therefore, important that the models used to predict the longevity of a particular bearing design are based on the most logical scientific evidence available. The most valuable evidence for predicting longevity is based on clinical observation. Toward this end, …
Prediction of TiRhAs as a Dirac nodal line semimetal via first-principles calculations

Using first-principles calculations, we predict that $\mathrm{TiRhAs}$, a previously synthesized compound, is a Dirac nodal line (DNL) semimetal. The DNL in this compound is found to be protected both by the combination of inversion and time-reversal symmetry, and by a reflection symmetry, in the absence of spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Our calculations show that band velocities associated with the nodal line have a high degree of directional anisotropy, with in-plane velocities ${v}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ perpendicular to the nodal line between $1.2--2.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{5}$ m/s. The crossings along the DNL are further found to exhibit a prominent and position-dependent tilt along directions perpendicular to the nodal line. We calculate ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ indices based on parity eigenvalues at time-reversal invariant momenta and show that $\mathrm{TiRhAs}$ is topological. A tight-binding model fit from our first-principles calculations demonstrates the existence of two-dimensional drumhead surface states on the surface Brillouin zone. Based on the small gapping of the DNL upon inclusion of SOC and the clean Fermi surface free from trivial bands, $\mathrm{TiRhAs}$ is a promising candidate for further studies of the properties of topological semimetals.
Sitting versus standing makes a difference in musculoskeletal discomfort and postural load for surgeons performing vaginal surgery.

We compared musculoskeletal discomfort and postural load among surgeons in sitting and standing positions during vaginal surgery. Assessment of discomfort and posture of the primary surgeons in both positions was performed at two institutions. The primary outcome was an increase in body discomfort score after surgery as determined from subjective responses using validated tools. The secondary outcome was the percentage of time spent in awkward body postures measured objectively and stratified into awkward postures for neck, trunk, and bilateral shoulder angles. Variables were compared between sitting and standing positions using Fisher’s exact test for primary outcomes and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for secondary outcomes. Data were collected for 24 surgeries from four surgeons in sitting position and nine surgeries from nine surgeons in standing position. The standing surgeons reported a significant increase in discomfort postoperatively for bilateral wrists, thighs, and lower legs compared with the sitting surgeons. The median percentage of time spent in awkward postures was significantly lower for the trunk in the standing versus sitting position (median 0.3% vs 58.8%, p < 0.001) but was significantly higher for both shoulders in the standing versus the sitting position (right shoulder: median 17.8% vs 0.3%, p = 0.003; left shoulder: median 7.4% vs 0.2%, p = 0.003). Surgeons reported more discomfort in when performing vaginal surgery while standing. The postural load was worse for trunk but favorable for bilateral shoulders when seated. Such differences may impact a surgeon’s decision to perform vaginal surgery seated rather than standing.
New tools for MOSFET interface defect characterization: High, ultra-low, and zero magnetic field spin dependent charge pumping

We report on an approach for MOSFET interface defect characterization called spin dependent charge pumping. This approach utilizes ultra-low and high magnetic resonance resonance frequencies. We find that it is a very useful tool for interface characterization in 4H-SiC MOSFETs. We also report on a new technique called zero field spin dependent charge pumping which has the potential to be a low-cost simple interface defect characterization technique.
The value of psychometric analysis of the advanced trauma life support cognitive test: Outcome of an ACS-Accredited educational institute multisite study.

Abstract Background The Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS®) course provides a standard approach to trauma. Participants must pass the ATLS® post-test. We deployed the test online to allow ongoing psychometric item analysis and potential objective refinement. Methods A two-phase study was undertaken with the ACS COT permission. In the first phase, ATLS® post-test #2 was computerized and deployed using Qualtrics©. Data were collected from fourteen courses conducted between 2014 and 2015 (n = 306) at one ACS AEI site. In the second phase, the same post-test was administered to 238 trainees in 10 courses via secured computers at four ACS AEI sites in 2016. Results Phase 1 item analyses showed two items with very low percentages correct, and one of these also showed a low discrimination index. Phase 2 item analyses suggested four items as candidates for review and possible revision. We also found differences by learner background and by instructional site. Conclusions This study demonstrates computerized delivery of the ATLS post-test is feasible, promotes psychometric analysis, and could improve the quality of the test. Further collaboration between the ACS COT and ACS AEI would be beneficial.
A Dual-Learning Paradigm Simultaneously Improves Multiple Features of Gait Post-Stroke

Background. Gait impairments after stroke arise from dysfunction of one or several features of the walking pattern. Traditional rehabilitation practice focuses on improving one component at a time,...
Hardware-in-the-Loop Test Bed and Test Methodology for Microgrid Controller Evaluation

Increasing penetration levels of distributed energy resources are making the deployment of microgrids more feasible. Controllers that operate such microgrids are key to realizing the objectives of the microgrid owner or operator and there is a need to evaluate microgrid controller performance prior to field deployment. This paper describes a controller hardware-in-the-loop and power hardware-in-the-loop microgrid controller test bed that was designed and constructed to evaluate the capabilities of a microgrid controller for a proposed campus microgrid. This paper also presents a test methodology to evaluate microgrid controller functionality, and it describes how the controller was assessed through the application of different test scenarios. Results from the testing are presented to provide insight into the capabilities of the test bed.