cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diallyl disulfide inhibits ethanol-induced pulmonary cell vitamin D and antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin depletion.

Abstract Ethanol has been found to affect pulmonary cells by interfering with vitamin D metabolism and pulmonary defense mechanisms. The objective of this study was to understand the mechanisms of ethanol's disruptive influence on the vitamin D pathway and inhibition of anti-microbial peptide cathelicidin (LL-37). Bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2Bs), primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs), primary human alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiCs), and human monocyte cells (THP-1s) were used in this study. These cells were cultured and exposed to different treatment groups: medium-only control, ethanol (70 mM) only, diallyl disulfide (DADS) (10 μM) -only, and a co-exposure of ethanol (70 mM) and DADS (10 μM) for 10 or 24 h. Calcidiol (50 ng/mL) and calcitriol (0.05 ng/mL) dose–response studies were conducted for 48 h. After incubation, cells were trypsinized, lysed, and centrifuged, and the cellular lysate was prepared for assay. Protein was quantified, and levels of inactive vitamin D [25(OH)D3], active vitamin D [1, 25(OH)2 D3], and anti-microbial peptides (cathelicidin/LL-37) in the samples were assayed using commercially available ELISA kits. In the ethanol-exposed group, cellular lysate concentrations of 25(OH)D3 and LL-37 were significantly reduced by 30%, and 40% in BEAS-2B cells, and 35% and 80% in HPAEpi cells respectively. Overall 1, 25(OH)2D3 cellular lysate levels were lower but followed a similar trend as the 25(OH)D3 response. LL-37 levels in primary bronchial, alveolar cells, and ThP-1 cells were statistically reduced in ethanol-exposed groups (60%, 80%, and 65%, respectively) when compared with control. Following the addition of DADS, levels of LL-37 were recovered to within control levels for all three cell types. This study establishes two clinically relevant observations: that the exposure of pulmonary epithelial and monocyte cells to physiologically relevant levels of excessive ethanol selectively disrupts the activation of pulmonary vitamin D and inhibits the presence of anti-microbial peptide (LL-37) in vitro, and the co-exposure of DADS significantly attenuates ethanol-induced intracellular LL-37 depletion.
Nanomolar-potency 'co-potentiator' therapy for cystic fibrosis caused by a defined subset of minimal function CFTR mutants

Available CFTR modulators provide no therapeutic benefit for cystic fibrosis (CF) caused by many loss-of-function mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel, including N1303K. We previously introduced the concept of ‘co-potentiators’ (combination-potentiators) to rescue CFTR function in some minimal function CFTR mutants. Herein, a screen of ~120,000 drug-like synthetic small molecules identified active co-potentiators of pyrazoloquinoline, piperidine-pyridoindole, tetrahydroquinoline and phenylazepine classes, with EC50 down to ~300 nM following initial structure-activity studies. Increased CFTR chloride conductance by up to 8-fold was observed when a co-potentiator (termed ‘Class II potentiator’) was used with a classical potentiator (‘Class I potentiator’) such as VX-770 or GLPG1837. To investigate the range of CFTR mutations benefitted by co-potentiators, 14 CF-associated CFTR mutations were studied in transfected cell models. Co-potentiator efficacy was found for CFTR missense, deletion and nonsense mutations in nucleotide binding domain-2 (NBD2), including W1282X, N1303K, c.3700A > G and Q1313X (with corrector for some mutations). In contrast, CFTR mutations G85E, R334W, R347P, V520F, R560T, A561E, M1101K and R1162X showed no co-potentiator activity, even with corrector. Co-potentiator efficacy was confirmed in primary human bronchial epithelial cell cultures generated from a N1303K homozygous CF subject. The Class II potentiators identified here may have clinical benefit for CF caused by mutations in the NBD2 domain of CFTR.
Plasma metabolomic profiling of healthy pregnant mares and mares with experimentally induced placentitis.

Background Metabolomics may represent an avenue for diagnosis of equine ascending placentitis. Objectives To characterise the plasma metabolomic profile in healthy mares and mares with induced ascending placentitis, with the goal of identifying metabolites with potential clinical value for early diagnosis of placentitis. Study design Controlled in vivo experiment. Methods Placentitis was induced in 10 late-term pregnant pony mares via Streptococcal equi subsp. zooepidemicus inoculation in five mares between days 285 and 290 of gestation, while five mares served as healthy controls. Repeated ultrasound examinations and jugular venipuncture were performed to obtain combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) and plasma for NMR spectroscopy. Mares with increased CTUP were diagnosed with placentitis and treated in accordance with published therapeutic recommendations. NMR metabolomic analysis was performed to identify and quantify plasma metabolites at each time point. Concentrations were compared using ANOVA with repeated-measures and PLS-DA analysis. Results Four hours post-inoculation, a significant increase was detected in the metabolites alanine, phenylalanine, histidine, pyruvate, citrate, glucose, creatine, glycolate, lactate and 3-hydroxyisobutyrate that returned to baseline by 12 hours. On day 4, a significant reduction in the metabolites alanine, phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, pyruvate, citrate, glycolate, lactate and dimethylsulfone was seen in infected mares compared with controls. Main limitations There were small numbers of mares within groups. In addition, this work compares healthy animals with animals treated with multimodal therapeutics following diagnosis of placentitis without an untreated cohort. Conclusions Two phases of metabolite changes were noted after experimental infection: An immediate rise in metabolite concentration involved in energy, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen metabolism within 4 hours after inoculation that was followed by a decrease in metabolite concentrations involved in energy and nitrogen metabolism at 4 days, coinciding with ultrasonographic diagnosis of placentitis.
Recommendations for caring for patients with severe and nonsevere COVID-19.

SOURCE CITATION: Ye Z, Rochwerg B, Wang Y, et al. Treatment of patients with nonsevere and severe coronavirus disease 2019: an evidence-based guideline. CMAJ. 2020;192:E536-45. 32350002.
A framework for clinical and translational research in the era of rigor and reproducibility.

Introduction: Rigor and reproducibility are two important cornerstones of medical and scientific advancement. Clinical and translational research (CTR) contains four phases (T1–T4), involving the translation of basic research to humans, then to clinical settings, practice, and the population, with the ultimate goal of improving public health. Here we provide a framework for rigorous and reproducible CTR. Methods: In this paper we define CTR, provide general and phase-specific recommendations for improving quality and reproducibility of CTR with emphases on study design, data collection and management, analyses and reporting. We present and discuss aspects of rigor and reproducibility following published examples of CTR from the literature, including one example that shows the development path of different treatments that address anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Results: It is particularly important to consider robust and unbiased experimental design and methodology for analysis and interpretation for clinical translation studies to ensure reproducibility before taking the next translational step. There are both commonality and differences along the clinical translation research phases in terms of research focuses and considerations regarding study design, implementation, and data analysis approaches. Conclusions: Sound scientific practices, starting with rigorous study design, transparency, and team efforts can greatly enhance CTR. Investigators from multidisciplinary teams should work along the spectrum of CTR phases, and identify optimal practices for study design, data collection, data analysis, and results reporting to allow timely advances in the relevant field of research.
Polymer 3D-Printing via Screw Extrusion

Additive manufacturing stands out among manufacturing technologies as a versatile tool for high flexibility and fast adaptability in production. It is applicable in a variety of producing industries, ranging from tissue engineering, thermoplastics, metal and ceramic fabrication. One of the most popular types of 3D printing is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), which uses filaments as raw material, which have to be precisely manufactured to achieve a good final product quality.
Self-Report Measures of Anhedonia and Approach Motivation Weakly Correspond to Anhedonia and Depression Assessed via Clinical Interviews.

Abstract Self-report scales are popular tools for measuring anhedonic experiences and motivational deficits, but how well do they reflect clinically significant anhedonia? Seventy-eight adults participated in face-to-face structured diagnostic interviews: 22 showed clinically significant anhedonia, and 18 met criteria for depression. Analyses of effect sizes comparing the anhedonia and depression groups to their respective controls found large effects, as expected, for measures of depressive symptoms, but surprisingly weak effect sizes (all less than d = 0.50) for measures of general, social, or physical anhedonia, behavioral activation, and anticipatory and consummatory pleasure. Measures of Neuroticism and Extraversion distinguished the anhedonic and depressed groups from the controls at least as well as measures of anhedonia and motivation. Taken together, the findings suggest that caution is necessary when extending self-report findings to populations with clinically significant symptoms.
Intentionally educating for the social good in computer science

As exemplified in the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, the ethical responsibility of computing professionals obliges both guiding and aspirational behaviors. The guiding aspect of this responsibility includes ethical principles focused on avoiding harm and trustworthiness, while the aspirational aspect focuses on contributing to society and human well-begin. Ethical computing is often identified with the guiding principles. Though valued, they should not overshadow the aspirational aims of ethical computing. Towards this end, we advocate for a proactive pedagogy that promotes the aspirational aspects of computing for the social good throughout the computer science curriculum. This abstract presents our efforts in this direction.
The Functional Visual Field(s) in simple visual search.

During a visual search for a target among distractors, observers do not fixate every location in the search array. Rather processing is thought to occur within a Functional Visual Field (FVF) surrounding each fixation. We argue that there are three questions that can be asked at each fixation and that these imply three different senses of the FVF. 1) Can I identify what is at location XY? This defines a resolution FVF. 2) To what shall I attend during this fixation? This defines an Attentional FVF. 3) Where should I fixate next? This defines an Exploratory FVF. We examine FVFs 2&3 using eye movements in visual search. In three Experiments, we collected eye movements during visual search for the target letter T among distractor letter Ls (Exps 1 and 3) or for a color X orientation conjunction (Exp 2). Saccades that do not go to the target can be used to define the Exploratory FVF. The saccade that goes to the target can be used to define the Attentional FVF since the target was probably covertly detected during the prior fixation. The Exploratory FVF is larger than the Attentional FVF for all three experiments. Interestingly, the probability that the next saccade would go to the target was always well below 1.0, even when the current fixation was close to the target and well within any reasonable estimate of the FVF. Measuring search-based Exploratory and Attentional FVFs sheds light on how we can miss clearly visible targets.
A Pragmatic, Step-by-Step Guide for Qualitative Methods: Capturing the Disaster and Long-Term Recovery Stories of Katrina and Rita

This paper commences with candid warnings about the difficulties of publishing and funding qualitative research along with a brief discussion regarding why these difficulties persist. The paper then provides a methodological tour of the qualitative portion of the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS), a mixed-method study of psychological health, coping, and adjustment during the immediate and longer term aftermath of the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Next, I provide a proven, pragmatic guide to navigate through a qualitative research project from development to completion. A guide for doing solo qualitative (“monk/nun in a cell”) work is provided (Table 1) but the article focuses on the Four-Phase, Team-Based (or “Quad-Squad”) Method. This method, originally designed for solo researchers, has been adapted for team-based application (including the extensive utilization of undergraduate and graduate students). The method is presented as a pragmatic and productive approach to publishing more valid, reliable, and rigorous qualitative research.
Nb and Ta diffusion in titanite

Abstract Chemical diffusion of Nb and Ta under anhydrous, pO 2 -buffered conditions has been measured in natural titanite. The source of diffusants were mixtures of CaSiO 3 , TiO 2 , and Al 2 O 3 powders, with either Nb or Ta oxides added. Experiments were run in evacuated sealed silica glass ampoules with solid buffers (buffered at NNO). Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) was used to measure Nb and Ta concentration profiles. The following Arrhenius parameters were obtained for Nb and Ta diffusion parallel to c over the temperature range 850–1252 °C under NNO-buffered conditions: D N b = 3.23 × 10 − 9 exp − 299 ± 12 kJ mol − 1 / R T m 2 s − 1 D T a = 4.34 × 10 − 10 exp − 281 ± 10 kJ mol − 1 / R T m 2 s − 1 . In contrast to the findings of Marschall et al. (2013) for rutile, there do not appear to be large differences between Ta and Nb diffusivities in titanite, so the likelihood of diffusive fractionation of these elements will not be great. Values for diffusion coefficients measured parallel to the a-axis for both elements are similar to those parallel to c, indicating that Nb and Ta diffusivities in titanite do not exhibit significant anisotropy. Nb and Ta diffusion in rutile is faster than diffusion of these elements in titanite at higher temperatures (by about 2 and 1.5 orders of magnitude at 700 °C for Nb and Ta, respectively), but because of the higher activation energies for diffusion of Nb and Ta in rutile, they will approach values for titanite with decreasing T. These diffusion data indicate that titanite should be moderately retentive of Nb and Ta chemical signatures, with diffusivities slower than those for Zr, O and Pb in titanite, but faster than those for the REE under most geologic conditions. These differences among diffusivities suggest that information derived from Zr thermometry, U–Pb geochronology, and geochemical tracers such as Ta, Nb and the REE may be decoupled in titanite under some conditions.
Biomagnification of p, p′-DDT and Methoxychlor by Bacteria

Aerobacter aerogenes and Bacillus subtilis accumulated p, p'-DDT and methoxychlor directly from water. Uptake of both (14)C-labeled organochlorine insecticides was rapid; 80 to 90% of the 24-h residues were reached within 30 min. Total cellular residues varied linearly with concentrations of DDT and methoxychlor in water ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 mug/liter. The residue magnification factors from water were between 1,400- to 4,300-fold, but were independent of insecticide concentrations in water. When the insecticide-exposed microbial cells were washed with pesticide-free water, DDT residues were 45% in A. aerogenes and 30% in B. subtilis, whereas the methoxychlor level decreased nearly 75% in both organisms. Subsequent washing did not further reduce the insecticide residue. Autoclave-killed bacteria also rapidly adsorbed DDT and methoxychlor from water and, in some instances, residues were higher than in the living cells. Molecular polarity and lipid solubility appear to influence the retention of the organochlorine insecticides by bacterial cells.
Immunocytochemical studies of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in brains of agnathan fishes: I. Comparisons of adult Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentata) and the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stouti)

Abstract An immunocytochemical unlabeled antibody enzyme technique has been applied to localize mammalian-like immunoreactive luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (ir-LH-RH) in central nervous tissue of Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentata; anadromous spawning migrants) and of Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stouti, sexually undifferentiated and mature). Specific immunocytochemical staining was located over perikarya in the preoptic nucleus of lampreys; beaded axons containing herring body-like dilatations were stained and appeared to pass ventro-posteriorly into the infundibulum where presumed nerve endings were observed in the neurohypophysis. Cell bodies exhibiting ir-LH-RH were distinct from those, presumably vasotocinergic ones, which stained with aldehyde fuchsin. Specific staining was absent in other regions of the lamprey brain, in control preparations, and in any part of the hagfish central nervous tissues. The possible hypophysiotropic actions of ir-LH-RH in the lamprey preoptico-neurohypophysial system are unclear because no anatomical relationship is evident which might provide for transfer of hypothalamic influences to the pars distalis. However, detection of mammalian-like ir-LH-RH in brain of this primitive agnathan fish indicates that this peptide may be of great evolutionary antiquity.
The Effects of Simulation Complexity and Hypothesis-Generation Strategy on Learning

This study investigated learning with computer simulation as a function of two factors: learners’ hypothesis-generation strategy and simulation presentation format. Simulation presentation format r...
Detecting noisy instances with the rule-based classification model

The performance of a classification model is invariably affected by the characteristics of measurement data it is built upon. If quality of the data is generally poor, then the classification model will demonstrate poor performance. The amount of noisy instances present in a given dataset is a good reflection of quality of the data. The detection and removal of noisy data instances will improve quality of the data, and consequently the performance of the classification model. This study presents an attractive and user-friendly approach for detecting data noise based on Boolean rules generated from the measurement data. The approach follows a simple and replicable approach that analyzes the rules to detect mislabeled noisy instances in the training dataset. Such instances are treated as data noise, and are removed to obtain a clean dataset. A case study of a software measurement dataset with known noisy instances is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. The dataset is obtained from a NASA software project developed for realtime predictions based on simulations. It is empirically demonstrated that the proposed approach is extremely effective in detecting noise in the dataset; in fact, the approach detected 100% of the known noisy instances. The proposed approach is compared with noise filtering based on five classification filters and an ensemble filter of five classifiers. We also demonstrate that the proposed approach shows excellent promise in detecting noisy instances in several (six) independent and real-world software measurement datasets with unknown noisy instances.
Truth, effort, and the legal battle ∗

In lawsuits, relative success depends upon two main factors:the true degree of fault, and the efforts invested on eachside. A proposed Litigation Success Function displays thisdependence while satisfying other essential properties. Undertwo different protocols, Nash-Cournot and Stackelberg,solutions are obtained for the litigation efforts,proportionate success, and values of the lawsuit on each side.Outcomes are evaluated in terms of two normative criteria; (i)achieving `justice' (interpreted as equality between Defendantfault and relative Plaintiff success) and (ii) minimizingaggregate litigation cost. Achievement of these aims isdetermined by the decisiveness of litigation effort relativeto true fault.
Adhesion of an amylolytic arthrobacter sp. to starch-containing plastic films

Cells of the amylolytic bacterium KB-1 (thought to be an Arthrobacter sp.) adhered ({approx}70%) to the surface of plastic films composed of starch-poly(methylacrylate) graft copolymer (starch-PMA), but did not adhere (>10%) to films composed of starch-polymethylacrylate (PMA), polyethylene (PE), carboxymethyl cellulose, or a mixture of PE plus poly(ethylene-coacrylic acid)(EAA), starch plus PE, or starch plus PE and EAA. About 30% of the cells adhered to gelatinized insoluble starch. Dithiothreitol (5mM), EDTA (5 mM), and soluble starch (1%, wt/vol) had little effect on the adhesion of KB-1 cells to starch-PMA films. However, glutaraldehyde-fixed cells, azide-treated cells, and heat-killed cells did not bind to starch-PMA plastic, suggesting that the observed adhesion required cell viability. Culture supernatant from 5-day-old KB-1 cultures contained a proteolytic enzyme that inhibited cell adhesion to starch-PMA plastics Trypsin-treated KB-1 cells also lost their ability to bind to starch-PMA plastic. When washed free of trypsin and suspended in fresh medium, trypsin-treated bacteria were able to recover adhesion activity in the absence, but not in the presence, of the protein synthesis inhibitor chloramphenicol. These results suggested that adhesion of KB-1 to starch-PMA plastic may be mediated by a cell surface protein. Although KB-1 bacteria bound to starch-PMA plastic, they didmore » not appear to degrade starch in these films. Evidence of starch degradation was observed for starch-PE-EAA plastics, where <10% of the bacteria was bound, suggesting that cell adhesion may not be a prerequisite for degradation of some starch-containing plastics.« less
Changes in China's Media and Internet Technology: A Review Essay

Wei Yuan (1794-1856), a 19 century Chinese thinker, was deeply concerned about the threat of Western intrusion and China’s maritime defense after the First Opium War (1839-1842). He proposed to “emulate the strength of the foreigners’ technology in order to overcome them” (shi yi changji yi zhi yi). For Chinese, this means that China must employ Western science and technology to defeat the Western intruders (Leonard, 1984; Liu, 2004). Wei Yuan’s idea gave rise to two aspirations for modern China: materialist progress and national empowerment. Over the last two centuries Chinese leaders had launched reforms, revolutions and radical movements to promote economic progress and to create a strong nation in an increasingly hostile and competitive international environment.
Palliation of malignant esophageal obstruction.

Progressive dysphagia is common in patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma. Multiple nonsurgical techniques are available to provide palliation and improved nutrition. Simple dilatation is the oldest technique and newer methods may offer greater efficacy. Laser therapy now provides an excellent opportunity to treat obstructing tumors. Placement of an esophageal prothesis may become particularly useful when dilatation must be performed too frequently or has become ineffective or in the patient with an esophageal-pulmonary fistula. Newer techniques including BICAP tumor probe, intracavitary radiotherapy, or absolute alcohol injection offer promise. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these different palliative techniques for patients with the extremely poor prognosis associated with esophageal cancer.
Simulating Planning: SimCity as a Pedagogical Tool

Teaching with the computer simulation game “SimCity” is one way faculty can achieve some of their decision-based learning objectives. The research on attainable (and not attainable) teaching outcom...
Motivational roots of leadership: A longitudinal study from childhood through adulthood☆

Abstract The present study elucidates developmental roots of leadership motivation by investigating how motivation from childhood through adolescence is linked to motivation to lead in adulthood. Academic intrinsic motivation, the pleasure inherent in an activity for its own sake with regard to school learning, provided the construct that was assessed from childhood through adolescence, and motivation to lead comprising three aspects (affective identity, noncalculative, and social normative) was assessed during adulthood. The Fullerton Longitudinal Study (FLS) provided the data. Using structural equation modeling, results showed considerable and significant continuity between academic intrinsic motivation and, as predicted, affective identity and noncalculative motivation to lead, indicating that adults with a greater enjoyment of leadership per se, and who are motivated to lead without regard to external consequences, were significantly more intrinsically motivated from childhood through adolescence. On the other hand, also as predicted, academic intrinsic motivation was not significantly related to the social normative aspect of motivation to lead, indicating that those who are motivated to lead out of a sense of social duty were not more intrinsically motivated during their childhood years. Further, IQ played no direct role in motivation to lead. Implications for developing motivation in leaders are advanced.
Olfactory perception of the nonsocial environment by male house mice.

It has been previously shown that the most profound elicitor of urinary marking in male mice is biological or physical novelty. In the present study the frequency of urinary marking by anosmic or control males was tested when either alone or in the presence of a female. Anosmia was induced by perfusing the nasal epithelium with zinc sulfate solution and verified by a conditioned response to an odor. Marking rates of anosmic males were significantly lower in both test situations. The somewhat surprising depression of marking among isolated, anosmic males strongly suggests that olfaction is the primary modality for detecting even nonbiological novelty. A second experiment revealed that the depression of marking in anosmic males was not due solely to a reduction of locomotor activity.
Experimental cardiac tachyarrhythmias in guinea pigs

Despite years of intense research into the mechanisms of defibrillation, there remain many unanswered questions. In many fields, hypotheses are first tested in rodent models before confirming the results in larger animals. This work suggests the guinea pig as a rodent model for defibrillation. Twenty-eight guinea pigs were studied, all male retired breeders weighing over 900 g. T-wave stimuli (upper limit of vulnerability [ULVI]) were given after 15 rapid pacing beats, since the rapid pacing has been suggested to extend the tachyarrhythmia. Defibrillation (DF) was attempted after 5 seconds. The correlation between the ULV50 and DF50 in guinea pigs (0.82, n = 8) is very close to that seen in dogs (0.85). Also, the sensitivity of the DF50 to waveform is similar (476 ± 176 for monophasic vs 364 ± 94 V for biphasic P < 0.005, n = 10). The dose-response curve widths (2.3 ± 1.7 for ULV vs 1.9 ± 1.8 for defibrillation, n = 10) show the same trend of increasing curve widths for ULV, and similar magnitude to dogs (mean 1.8). We rarely (<1.5%) observed spontaneous conversion in less than 10 seconds. The guinea pig can be used as a model for defibrillation as it shows many of the same characteristics as dogs.
Utilising multichannel intraluminal impedance for diagnosing GERD: a review.

SUMMARY. The diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux is sometimes challenging, especially when symptoms are unresponsive to high-dose acid suppression. With the advent of new technology it is possible to detect and quantify nonacid or weakly acidic reflux. Multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII), introduced over 10 years ago, is gaining popularity as a reflux detection tool. The ability to detect nonacid or weakly acidic reflux events, aerophagia, and to discern true reflux events from swallows could make it more a powerful tool than pH detection alone. This is a review of the role of MII as it pertains to the diagnosis of GERD and related disorders. Studies done on normal subjects and in GERD reveal that nonacid or weakly acidic reflux occurs frequently. Several studies have been published that document types and frequency or reflux episodes comparing pH to MII. pH electrodes fail to detect the majority of nonacid or weakly acidic reflux events. MII has revealed nonacid reflux to be less common in untreated GERD subjects than in normal subjects. GERD subjects have greater degrees of liquid-type reflux events compared to normal subjects who have more gas-type reflux events. In treated GERD subjects and normal subjects, proton pump inhibitors do not seem to decrease the amount of reflux but render the reflux nonacid or weakly acidic in nature. Recently work evaluating atypical symptoms of GERD with MII has been published.
Jewish Terrorism in Israel

Ami Pedahzur and Arie Perliger provide an excellent addition to the literature on terrorism with their book. This volume is well written and valuable in a number of different areas, not the least o...
Fuzzy-logic control of parametrically excited impacting flexible system

In this article, the control of a repetitive impacting elastic link with parametrically excited base in rotational motion is considered. A fuzzy-logic controller is designed and employed to suppress the vibrations resulting after the impact with an external rigid body. The momentum balance method and an empirical coefficient of restitution is used in the collision of the two bodies. The controller is applied successfully to reduce the vibrations of the parametrically excited impacting flexible system. Simulations for several combinations of excitation and rotation parameters are provided.
Push-pull fatigue of LiF at elevated temperatures—II. Microstructures

Abstract Microstructural features associated with elevated-temperature fatigue of LiF single crystals is discussed. Debris structure predominates at 200°C. At 250°C and low strain rates, fatigue wall domains of the ‘labyrinth type’ are observed. Persistent slip bands (PSB's) are found in crystals cycled at 300°C, and typical ladder-like PSB structures are prominent at low strain rates. Cellular structures are observed at 365°C at high strain amplitudes. Cracks are found to nucleate at the intersection of slip bands, PSB's are not found at temperatures of 400°C and above. Rather elongated cellular structures are formed at high strain amplitudes. At low strain amplitude at 400°C, fatigue wall domains of the ‘block type’ are observed. Such a structure has not been observed previously. A dislocation model is proposed for the domain structure.
How to Do Research Fairly in an Unjust World

International research, sponsored by for-profit companies, is regularly criticised as unethical on the grounds that it exploits research subjects in developing countries. Many commentators agree that exploitation occurs when the benefits of cooperative activity are unfairly distributed between the parties. To determine whether international research is exploitative we therefore need an account of fair distribution. Procedural accounts of fair bargaining have been popular solutions to this problem, but I argue that they are insufficient to protect against exploitation. I argue instead that a maximin principle of fair distribution provides a more compelling normative account of fairness in relationships characterised by extreme vulnerability and inequality of bargaining potential between the parties. A global tax on international research would provide a mechanism for implementing the maximin account of fair benefits. This model has the capacity to ensure fair benefits and thereby prevent exploitation in international research.
Tetracyanoquinodimethane-mediated flow injection analysis electrochemical sensor for NADH coupled with dehydrogenase enzymes.

Abstract A flow injection analysis (FIA) sensor for the oxidation of NADH is reported. The system utilizes a graphite paste electrode modified with the electroactive material tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ). TCNQ acts as an efficient mediator for the oxidation of NADH to biologically active NAD + . Alcohol dehydrogenase/lactate dehydrogenase and NAD + were coimmobilized in TCNQ-modified graphite paste using polyethylenimine to develop a FIA sensor for ethanol/lactate. The system responded rapidly with wide linearity. Response curves for ethanol/lactate and NADH are reported,
Measurements of Momentum and Sensible Heat Fluxes Over the Open Ocean

Abstract Vertical fluxes of momentum and sensible heat have been measured above the sea surface by the direct dissipation method. Measurements were made over the open ocean from the Scripps Floating Instrument Platform (FLIP) during the Barbados Oceanographic and Meteorological Experiment (BOMEX). The results are compared with simultaneous measurements of the fluxes by the profile, dissipation, and eddy correlation methods. The momentum flux was inferred from the rate of viscous dissipation ϵ above the sea surface. The dissipation was determined by integrating the velocity derivative spectra after correcting the spectra for filter response. The friction velocity (u*) corrected for diabatic effects was 17.4 cm sec−1, corresponding to a shear stress τ=0.35 dyn cm−2. Profile measurements by the University of Washington gave the same value of u* in agreement with the present results. Measurements of momentum flux by Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of British Columbia using dissipation and edd...
Lead zirconate titanate thin film capacitors on electroless nickel coated copper foils for embedded passive applications

Abstract Lead zirconate titanate (PZT, 52/48) thin film capacitors were prepared on electroless Ni coated Cu foil by chemical solution deposition for printed wiring board embedded capacitor applications. Phase development, dielectric properties, and leakage characteristics of capacitors were investigated, in particular as a function of the process temperature. Dielectric properties of the capacitors were dependent on the crystallization temperature, and capacitance densities of more than 350 nF/cm2 and loss tangent of less than 0.03 were measured for capacitors crystallized below 600 °C. Lowest leakage current densities (around 2 × 10− 7 A/cm2 at 10 V direct current (DC)) and highest breakdown fields could be obtained for capacitors crystallized at 650 °C. Capacitors with different thickness and a two-layer capacitor model were used in analyzing the interface layer between PZT and the underlying electroless Ni. From the capacitance and leakage measurements, it is suggested that the interface reaction layer has low permittivity (K around 30) and high defect concentration, which has an important effect on the electrical properties of capacitors. This interface is from the reaction of the electroless nickel layer with the adjacent PZT, and may specifically be moderated by the nickel phosphide (Ni–P) phase, transformed from amorphous Ni during the annealing step. The results have significant implications for embedded capacitors in printed wiring boards. They demonstrate that the process can be tuned to produce either voltage independent capacitors with low leakage and high breakdown fields (above 30 V DC), or the more usual hysteretic, switching, ferroelectric capacitors with higher capacitance densities.
Applied Experimental Psychology A Capstone Course for Undergraduate Psychology Degree Programs

Learning-by-doing and a transgenerational educational format are incorporated into a semesterlong undergraduate capstone course. The goal of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of applied experimental psychology (e.g., applications of methods), and using that understanding in the context of design. Students participate in seminarstyle class meetings and a weekly laboratory meeting. Every class meeting is devoted to discussing a reading assignment related to the fundamentals of aging, as well as a breadth of applied experimental psychology domains. The students are encouraged to engage in collaborative discussion to critique the main points of the reading. In the laboratory, each student learns about and applies human factors methods. The students work in teams and develop a project in which they apply their fundamental knowledge of experimental psychology to the domain of successful aging. Each team develops or redesigns a technology, device, or environment to aid o...
Steady-state spectral properties of dendrimer supermolecule as a light harvesting system

We have considered the dendrimer supermolecule as comprised of two-level systems as monomer units on the nodes of a Cayley tree. Each unit undergoes dissipation and driving by an external laser field along with nearest neighbour interaction among the monomer units. We have studied the steady-state absorption spectra. The effects of Cayley tree geometry on the spectral properties are investigated through the intensity and width of the spectra. The origin of the enhanced energy transfer mechanism of the extended dendrimer in comparison to the compact one is explained.
National hospital costs for pulmonary mycobacterial diseases in the US from 2001 to 2012

Abstract Introduction Pulmonary mycobacterial diseases describe both tuberculosis (TB) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). TB is an established public health issue and a reportable disease. Efforts in treatment and surveillance have resulted in the incidence of TB to decrease in recent years. However, the incidence of NTM is increasing, classifying NTM as an emerging public health problem in the US. Despite the increasing importance of pulmonary mycobacterial diseases, few data are available measuring the cost burden of mycobacterial diseases at the national level. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost burden and measure emerging trends in hospitalization of pulmonary TB and NTM in the US from 2001 through 2012. Methods This study was a retrospective community-based cost analysis of hospitalized patients with a principal diagnosis of pulmonary mycobacterial diseases from 2001 through 2012. Data for pulmonary TB and NTM were retrieved from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), US Department of Health and Human services. Data included in this analysis were national hospital costs, payer sources, hospital lengths of stay, in-hospital mortality, and discharge information. The statistical significance of observed trends of NTM and TB national hospital costs were calculated using Poisson log-linear regression. National hospital costs for NTM and TB were projected in relation to health care inflation for each year. A regression model was applied to test the correlation between historic and projected national hospital costs. Results From a total of 36,484,846 admissions, 20,049 hospital admissions were reported for pulmonary NTM and 69,257 for pulmonary TB in the US from 2001 through 2012. The total associated costs of these admissions was $1,337,939,745,325, an estimated $970,643,222 of which was directly associated with pulmonary NTM and $3,390,013,793 for pulmonary TB. During the study period, the national hospital costs of pulmonary NTM increased at a statistically significant rate in the US over each year (P = 0.001). A linear regression analysis demonstrated a high degree of correlation between NTM historic and projected national hospital costs (R = 0.938, P Conclusions The total estimated cost of inpatient care of pulmonary NTM in the US during the study period was almost $1 billion. The cost of NTM management year after year is likewise increasingly significantly at a rate consistent with healthcare inflation. In contrast, pulmonary TB national hospital costs were decreasing during the study period. These trends emphasize the considerable and increasing burden of pulmonary NTM in the US. Given that the majority of patients with pulmonary NTM are never admitted to the hospital, the total economic burden of this disease is tremendously higher than measured in this study. These results emphasize the importance of continued research of pulmonary NTM in order to improve current guidelines in prevention and treatment strategies.
Serotonin, social status and aggression

Serotonin, social status and aggression appear to be linked in many animal species, including humans. The linkages are complex, and, for the most part, details relating the amine to the behavior remain obscure. During the past year, important advances have been made in a crustacean model system relating serotonin and aggression. The findings include the demonstration that serotonin injections will cause transient reversals in the unwillingness of subordinate animals to engage in agonistic encounters, and that at specific synaptic sites involved in activation of escape behavior, the direction of the modulation by serotonin depends on the social status of the animal.
A Grasp From Afar: Überschau and the Givenness of Life in Husserlian Phenomenology

In this paper I explore the issue of how our personal life is given to us in experience as a whole to be actively shaped and determined. I examine in detail Husserl’s analysis of the kind of experience responsible for this achievement, which he terms Uberschau and which thus far has never been addressed by scholars of phenomenology. First, I locate Uberschau in the context of self-determination and highlight the difference between the unthematic pre-givenness of life in the phenomenon of self-awareness and the actual, i.e. thematic givenness of life in acts of Uberschau. Second, I contextualize Husserl’s discovery of Uberschau in his analyses of ethical life and the possibility of a universal epoche. I argue that for Husserl the very possibility of ethical life and of phenomenology itself rest on the totalizing apprehension of one’s life rendered possible by Uberschau. In the third section I spell out the essential characteristics of Uberschau by contrasting this peculiar kind of consciousness with reproductive forms of consciousness such as recollection and expectation, which otherwise might be easily conflated with Uberschau. In section four I reply to a possible objection to the very possibility of Uberschau based on the consideration of the infinitely open stream of time-consciousness. I argue that the possibility of Uberschau is tightly connected with the egological nature of consciousness as understood by Husserl. The ego does not coincide with its own conscious acts and thus enjoys a special vantage point on the totality of its own life. To conclude, I advance a speculative suggestion about the phenomenological origin of Uberschau in the structure of self-awareness. This opens up a variety of possible lines of research that would connect Husserl with philosophers such as Augustine or Heidegger who are more immediately associated with the issue of personal life and its unity or lack thereof.
Oxygen evolution and photoreduction in adapted Scenedesmus.

Abstract The question whether the photochemical consumption of hydrogen and carbon dioxide by adapted green algae is nothing but the sum of photosynthesis and the oxyhydrogen reaction running concurrently was investigated by means of a highly sensitive and specific method to detect oxygen, by manometric measurements, and with the aid of a continuous recording mass spectrometer. It was found that true photoreduction exists in the green alga, Scenedesmus , but that adaptation to hydrogen does not eliminate the capacity to evolve large amounts of oxygen upon illumination. Depending upon a variety of conditions to which the alga may be subjected, the photochemical consumption of hydrogen and carbon dioxide by adapted Scenedesmus may be completely a true photoreduction, practically completely photosynthesis and the oxyhydrogen reaction running concurrently, or a combination of all three processes.
Late-onset allergic reactions, including serum sickness, after insect stings

Allergic reactions after insect stings may have a delayed onset, differing from the usual immediate anaphylactic pattern. Ten patients, aged 6 to 78 years, had allergic reactions 1 to 2 weeks after an insect sting. Six patients had had multiple stings preceding the reaction. In two instances, immediate anaphylaxis also occurred. Four of the 10 patients had serum sickness-type reactions; two other patients had more severe anaphylactic symptoms, including throat edema. All patients in this group had venom-specific IgE; four of the 10 patients had serum venom-specific IgG. Eight patients subsequently received venom immunotherapy (VIT). There have been no reactions from seven re-stings. Five patients had generalized hives starting 6 to 24 hours after an insect sting. All patients in this group had venom-specific IgE; three patients have received VIT. Two other patients developed hives, one with throat edema 3 days after an insect sting. Both patients had high titers of serum venom-specific IgE; neither patient has received VIT, one patient because of extreme sensitivity. These observations suggest that after an insect sting, patients may develop delayed-onset allergic symptoms that range from typical anaphylaxis to serum sickness and are mediated by venom-specific IgE. VIT is recommended for patients with these reactions.
Cloned genomic segments of Zea mays homologous to zein mRNAs

Abstract A maize genome library was constructed using maize W22 DNA from leaf tissue nuclei and bacteriophage λCh4 as the vector. cDNA clones of zein mRNA were used to identify homologous genomic sequences in the Ch4 maize library. Each of the genomic clones identified has homology to a family of mRNAs in the zein mRNA population. This paper reports on the construction of the library, the isolation of the genomic clones and their partial characterization.
Single-sector supersymmetry breaking in supersymmetric QCD

We construct examples of single-sector supersymmetry breaking based on simple deformations of supersymmetric QCD with (weakly) gauged flavor group. These theories are calculable in a weakly coupled Seiberg dual description. In these models, some of the particles in the first two generations of quarks and leptons are composites of the same strong dynamics which leads to dynamical supersymmetry breaking. Such models can explain the hierarchies of Yukawa couplings in the standard model, in a way that predictively correlates with the spectrum of supersymmetry-breaking soft terms.