cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lack of evidence for high fructose corn syrup as the cause of the obesity epidemic.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is one of the most misunderstood food ingredients. HFCS was developed in the mid-1960s as an alternative to sucrose and because of its physical and functional properties, was widely embraced by the food industry. The use of HFCS grew rapidly from 1970–1999, principally as a replacement for sucrose. HFCS usage in the United States peaked in 1999 and it has been in decline since that time. At its peak, HFCS was still less consumed in the United States than was sucrose, although sucrose did have a significant decline in usage during the time that HFCS usage increased. Worldwide, sucrose is still the dominant sweetener with over nine times as much consumption as HFCS.
Applying multi-parameter runoff elasticity to assess water availability in a changing climate: an example from Texas, USA

Adaptation and mitigation efforts related to global trends in climate and water scarcity must often be implemented at the local, single-catchment scale. A key requirement is understanding the impact of local climate and watershed characteristics coupled with these regional trends. For surface water, determination of multi-parameter runoff elasticities is a promising tool for achieving such understanding, as explored here for two surface-water dependent basins in Texas. The first basin is the water supply for Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW), and exhibits relatively high precipitation elasticity (proportional change in runoff to change in precipitation) eP = 2.64, and temperature elasticity eT = − 0.41. Standard precipitation–temperature elasticity diagrams exhibit unusual concave contours of runoff change, indicating influence of additional parameters, which can be isolated using multi-parameter approaches. The most influential local parameter in DFW is unexpected reduced runoff fraction in cooler wetter years. Those years exhibit increased summer (JJA) precipitation fraction, but predominant cracking soils in DFW minimize JJA runoff, yielding negative . A comparative basin near Houston shows positive , reflecting the local impact of tropical cyclones and lesser abundance of cracking soils. Both basins exhibit positive elasticity to 1-year previous precipitation (e.g. DFW eP − 1 = 1.24), reflecting the influence of soil moisture storage. Only DFW exhibits negative elasticity to 2-year previous precipitation (eP − 2 = − 0.65), reflecting multi-year influence of vegetation growth and increased evapotranspiration. Using these elasticities, analysis of historical multi-decadal climate departures for DFW indicates the 80% decrease in runoff during the 1950–1957 drought of record was primarily caused by reduced precipitation. Runoff 56% above-normal during an unprecedented 1986–1998 wet period was primarily caused by increased precipitation. Since 2000, despite precipitation slightly above normal, runoff has decreased 20%, primarily in response to ∼ 1∘C warming. Future precipitation droughts superimposed on this new drier normal are likely to be much more severe than historical experience would indicate. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunohistochemical Characterization of Spontaneous and Acrylonitrile-induced Brain Tumors in the Rat:

Twenty-eight spontaneously occurring glial tumors (previously diagnosed as astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and gliomas) and eleven granular cell tumors (GCTs) were selected for evaluation using a panel of immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains (Ricinus communis agglutinin type 1 [RCA-1], ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 [Iba-1], OX-6/major immunohistocompatibility complex class II, oligodendrocytes transcription factor 2 [Olig2], glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], S100 beta, glutamine synthetase, neurofilament, proliferating cell nuclear antigen). In addition, nine brain tumors from a 2-year drinking water study for acrylonitrile were obtained from the Acrylonitrile Group, Inc. Based on IHC staining characteristics, Olig2+ oligodendrogliomas were the most commonly diagnosed spontaneous tumor in these animals. Many of the spontaneous tumors previously diagnosed as astrocytomas were RCA-1+, Iba-1+ and negative for GFAP, S100beta, and glutamine synthetase; the diagnosis of malignant microglial tumor is proposed for these neoplasms. Three mixed tumors were identified with Olig2+ (oligodendrocytes) and Iba-1+ (macrophage/microglia) cell populations. The term mixed glioma is not recommended for these tumors, as it is generally used to refer to oligoastrocytomas, which were not observed in this study. GCT were positive for RCA-1 and Iba-1. All acrylonitrile tumors were identified as malignant microglial tumors. These results may indicate that oligodendrogliomas are more common as spontaneous tumors, while acrylonitrile-induced neoplasms are microglial/histiocytic in origin. No astrocytomas (GFAP, S100 beta, and/or glutamine synthetase-positive neoplasms) were observed.
How materialism affects environmental beliefs, concern, and environmentally responsible behavior

Abstract This article examines the relationship between materialism, environmental beliefs, environmental concern, and environmental behaviors. The study used a random telephone survey of 337 US adults. Using a causal modeling approach, the study demonstrates that materialism has a negative effect on environmental beliefs, and these beliefs positively affect environmental concern and environmentally responsible behaviors. The article then provides implications of the results for consumer and environmental policy.
Interlanguage working without tears: blending SML with Java

A good foreign-language interface is crucial for the success of any modern programming language implementation. Although all serious compilers for functional languages have some facility for interlanguage working, these are often limited and awkward to use.This article describes the features for bidirectional interlanguage working with Java that are built into the latest version of the MLj compiler. Because the MLj foreign interface is to another high-level typed language which shares a garbage collector with compiled ML code, and because we are willing to extend the ML language, we are able to provide unusually powerful, safe and easy to use interlanguage working features. Indeed, rather then being a traditional foreign interface, our language extensions are more a partial integration of Java features into SML.We describe this integration of Standard ML and Java, first informally with example program fragments, and then formally in the notation used by The Definition of Standard ML.
Examining the relationship between diet-induced acidosis and cancer

Increased cancer risk is associated with select dietary factors. Dietary lifestyles can alter systemic acid-base balance over time. Acidogenic diets, which are typically high in animal protein and salt and low in fruits and vegetables, can lead to a sub-clinical or low-grade state of metabolic acidosis. The relationship between diet and cancer risk prompts questions about the role of acidosis in the initiation and progression of cancer. Cancer is triggered by genetic and epigenetic perturbations in the normal cell, but it has become clear that microenvironmental and systemic factors exert modifying effects on cancer cell development. While there are no studies showing a direct link between diet-induced acidosis and cancer, acid-base disequilibrium has been shown to modulate molecular activity including adrenal glucocorticoid, insulin growth factor (IGF-1), and adipocyte cytokine signaling, dysregulated cellular metabolism, and osteoclast activation, which may serve as intermediary or downstream effectors of carcinogenesis or tumor promotion. In short, diet-induced acidosis may influence molecular activities at the cellular level that promote carcinogenesis or tumor progression. This review defines the relationship between dietary lifestyle and acid-base balance and discusses the potential consequences of diet-induced acidosis and cancer occurrence or progression.
Distinguishing distress from disorder as psychological outcomes of stressful social arrangements

Some studies in the sociology of stress conceptualize their outcome variables as distress, while others treat the same outcomes as mental disorder. This article focuses on the importance of distinguishing between the two. It argues that there are fundamental differences between distress that arises in non-disordered persons and genuine mental disorder but that studies of stress typically fail to distinguish between these conditions. The article outlines the historical developments that led the field to conflate distress and disorder. Finally, it indicates some advantages for research, treatment and policy that can accrue when distress that is initiated and maintained by social conditions is distinguished from mental disorders that are dysfunctions of internal psychological mechanisms.
Tracking the motion of the outer tips of microtubules

Microtubules play numerous critical roles in a cell such as providing structural tracks for the anchoring and movement of vesicles and chromosomes. Also, the assembly of microtubules coordinates cell division and migration. Abnormal function of the assembly is involved in cancer. To date the study of the microtubule assembly dynamics has been done by visual inspection or manually. In this work we have developed a method to automatically track microtubule tips so as to enable high throughput quantitative studies. Our approach first estimates the region where a tip is expected to lie. In that region a tip feature is computed for all time and used to form the tip trajectory. Last, we evaluate our method with phantom data as well as real sequences of fluorescently tagged living cells.
The Copenhagen Interpretation

Let‘s summarize the introduction in the last few chapters to the quantum mechanical view of nature, a view that is essential to the understanding of the behavior of submicroscopic particles. It began with Max Planck who, with his formula E = hv, succeeded in developing a theory of blackbody radiation that agreed with experiment. Then Albert Einstein developed the concept of the photon in order to explain the photoelectric effect. Niels Bohr injected the idea of quantum stationary states of the electron and built a successful model of the atom on that basis.
Adaptive Requirements Prioritization ARP: Improving Decisions between Conflicting Requirements

Prioritization of requirements is a core activity of requirements engineering. Conventionally used to resolve conflicting requirements, it can be performed on a wide variety of attributes, reflecting, for example, stakeholder value, value to business, cost, connectivity, or risk. Its benefit in decision making is unquestionable, yet existing techniques are ineffective for realistic sets of requirements and consequently their adoption by practitioners is scarce, particularly in the fields of hardware-intensive systems. The present research proposes an Adaptive Requirements Prioritization ARP method that improves decision making between conflicting requirements due to its principles of multidimensionality and objective-base the right criteria are used for any particular decision, and its usability due its principles of openness it can be tailored according to specific project needs and structure requirements are grouped in subsets so that existing techniques become effective. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation for a variety of priority dimensions and priority levels.
State Laws Which Limit Competition in Agricultural Products

The growth of state and local barriers to internal trade in the United States has recently been given considerable attention. No further description of these laws will be attempted in this paper.' Instead four aspects of the problem will be briefly examined: first, the protectionist argument for state barriers, secondly, the role of the specialist, thirdly, the kind of competitive situation out of which state barriers arise, and, finally, the chief proposals for dealing with the problem.
High-Throughput Dose-Response Measurement Using a Label-Free Microarray-in-Microplate Assay Platform.

Microarray-based binding assays facilitate the discovery of protein ligands from large collections of small molecules. Hundreds of ligands can be identified, yet only a small portion of them have interfering effects (competitive or noncompetitive) on a specific protein–receptor binding reaction. Further efficient screening of ligands for those with specific modifying effect is needed in order to take the full advantage of throughputs of microarray-based assays for drug discovery. We report a label-free “microarray-in-microplate” assay platform for simultaneous acquisition of at least 32 dose–response curves in a single experiment, each curve having 12 concentration points. When combined with ligand discovery, this makes the microarray-based platform a true high-throughout means of finding inhibitors to specific protein–receptor reactions starting from a large collection of small-molecule libraries.
Pollen dispersal and interspecific gene flow in louisiana irises

An analysis of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation was carried out for 106 individual plants from three natural populations of Louisiana irises. Two of the samples (59 individuals) represented I. brevicaulis populations. The third sample was from a population defined by allozyme markers as an area of contact between I. fulva, I. hexagona and I. brevicaulis. The cpDNA acts as a seed-specific genetic marker because it is inherited from the maternal parent. cpDNA markers were thus used to discriminate between (i) introgressive hybridization due to seed movement followed by pollen transfer and, (ii) introgression resulting from direct transfer of pollen between allopatric populations of the hybridizing taxa. Furthermore, the concurrent analysis of biparental and maternal markers for the same individuals allowed a test for any directionality in the introgression. A comparison of cpDNA results with data from previous nuclear analyses led to the conclusion that pollen flow occurred from allopatric populations of I. hexagona into an area of sympatry involving I. fulva and I. brevicaulis. In addition, the genotypes detected in the hybrid population indicate that I. fulva and I. brevicaulis have acted as both pollen and seed parents to produce introgressant individuals. The results of the present study and those of previous nuclear and cpDNA analyses suggest that pollen dispersal is the most important avenue for gene flow between these Iris species.
Association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Left Ventricular Structure by Age and Gender: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Study objectives The presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) structure and function. Our goal was to quantify the associations between LV systolic function and mass with severity of OSA in an ethnically diverse cohort, assessing variations by age and sex. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from 1,412 racially/ethnically diverse participants across 6 US communities from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who underwent both overnight polysomnography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging from 2010-2012. We evaluated the association between the obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by clinical category ( 50) and secondary measures of sleep apnea with the outcomes left ventricular (LV) mass adjusted for height, LV mass/volume ratio, and LV ejection fraction. Results After adjusting for potential confounders and mediators, LV mass was significantly increased with increasing AHI category for subjects age 65 y or younger (β = 1.84 ± 0.47 g/m, P = 0.0001). The association between the AHI and LV mass appeared stronger in whites and Chinese compared to blacks and Hispanics, although interaction terms were not statistically significant. Additionally, while both LV mass and LV mass/volume ratio were significantly associated with hypoxia, ejection fraction was not associated with any OSA severity index. Comparable associations were observed in men and women. Conclusions Independent of confounders, higher levels of AHI are significantly associated with increased LV mass in both men and women younger than 65 y from a community-based cohort.
Design of Power Recovery Experimental Table for Emulsion Pump Test

So far the original test method and equipment for emulsion pump have disadvantages,such as severe energy waste.A novel experimental table was designed based on power recovery of cylinders for emulsion pump test,after analysis of the existing methods of power recovery.The components and working principles of the hydraulic system and control system were described,and the prototype was built.This experimental table has advantages of wide application,easy control and high ratio of power recovery.
Microstructure characteristics of rock burst fracture

Though uniaxial compression experiments and field emission scanning electron microscopy experiments on dry and saturated granite and siltstone, this paper studied the rock failure morphology fracture using gray level co-occurrence matrix method. The results show that four characteristics based on GLCM values can be preferably described of rock burst fracture morphology characteristics, such as angular second moment, contrast, correlation, entropy, which provides a new quantitative idea to study the microstructure of the rock. Through the analysis of the four characteristic values, microscopic crack initiation and the direction of the force of rock will form a certain angle and direction of the force of the rock. Water has no great influence on crack development direction, but water can accelerate the development of micro crack of rock. The drying rock has large micro-fracture surface, and rupture is shallow in depth, but fracture surface becomes small, and rupture depth increases after water-saturated. The more in-depth understanding of the instability and failure mechanism of rock can be obtained from the results, which can be better serve the foundation theory research of rock disaster.
Iodine absorption in burn patients treated topically with povidone-iodine

Providone-iodine is used as a topical antimicrobial in burn patients. Although absorption of iodine has been thought to be negligible, several patients have recently been noted with substantial elevations of serum free iodide. Unexplained abnormalities occurred in several of these patients, renal failure, metabolic acidosis, and elevation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase. It is conceivable that the large iodide loads noted were at least in part responsible for these abnormalities.
Ultrasound for Identification of Brain Damage in Infants and Young Children

Infant skulls do not provide the severe barrier to ultrasound diagnosis that the adult skull does. Improved ultrasound instrumentation has made it possible to visualize the brains of infants and small children in detail, through the intact skull, non-invasively and non-accumulatively. This has decreased the hesitancy of physicians to request diagnostic brain studies on seriously ill babies, particularly premature and neonatal ones. The ability to provide considerable diagnostic information in children through age 3 1/2 or 4 years, when diploe start to appear in the parietal bones, adds to the usefulness of two-dimensional ultrasound brain visualization.
The Natural Vegetation of Canyon De Chelly National Monument

ABSTRACTThe vegetation of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, tentatively has been divided into seven Plant Resource Groups available to the Anasazi for exploitation. Each group is characterized briefly in terms of size, area, elevational extent, and prominent vegetational cover.
Food selection and learning in the crown‐of‐thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci (L)

The Crown‐of‐thorns starfish Acanthaster planci, shows selection for the species of coral on which it feeds. On contacting a coral, the starfish may settle on it, or it may show an avoidance response and move away. The probability of the starfish showing feeding behaviour depends on the species of coral, and the past experience of the starfish with that species. Corals with powerful nematocyst action tend to be avoided, but species on which the starfish has successfully fed become increasingly acceptable. By contrast while starfish will initially attempt to feed on plaster‐of‐Paris tablets impregnated with certain feeding inducers extracted from coral, with repeated presentation this response wanes. These forms of positive and negative adaptation of the response to food associated stimuli, we attribute to an ingestive conditioning. In this way the starfish tends to form a search image for some of the commonest species of coral, and this in turn has ecological effects upon the coral assemblages among which...
Near-field optical detection of acoustic and nanomechanical vibrations using localized surface plasmon polaritons

We explore scanning probe microscopy (SPM) to demonstrate local measurement of motion in an isolated, metal-coated silicon nanomechanical resonator actuated by a harmonic photothermal source. In the measurement, a plasmonic nanofocusing element is integrated with a SPM probe for efficient concentration of propagating surface plasmon polaritons at the apex of probe tip and confinement of light in the gap between the probe-tip and surface of the nanomechanical resonator. Upon illuminating the nanomechanical resonator with an intensity modulated laser, the light source is partially absorbed leading to heating, thermal expansion in the metal coating and the silicon substrate, and a heat-induced bending moment in the resonator. The bending motion of the resonator changes the width of the gap between the probe-tip and the resonator leading to modulation of the scattered light intensity in the far-field. We explore a heterodyne demodulation approach to suppress unwanted background scattering and resolve the mode shapes of the first and second bending modes of the resonator. The measurement technique allows for an all-optical actuation and detection of mechanical vibrations in micro- and nanostructures with sub-wavelength lateral spatial resolution. Furthermore, the measurement technique enables the actuation of nanomechanical resonators over a broad frequency range, and measurement of their steady state displacement with high frequency resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.
A survey of the thermodynamics of copper smelting

Available thermodynamic data applicable to copper smelting systems are collected and tabulated, and the important gaps are pointed out. A few examples are given of estimations which can be made from the available data. An experimental research program is proposed to supply the thermodynamic data that appear most essential to better quantitative understanding of the chemistry of copper smelting. The proposed program is designed also to shed specific light on the practical problems of slag losses and magnetite behavior.
Communication and Counterfactual Thinking

Following negative or unexpected outcomes, people frequently generate counterfactual thoughts, or thoughts of how things could have been different. This process is often automatic and viewed as a ubiquitous feature of human cognition. Therefore, it is not surprising that scholars from communication, management, political science, and psychology have sought to understand the antecedents, mechanisms, and consequences of counterfactual thinking. This entry reviews psychological approaches to counterfactual thinking and its subsequent consequences for emotion, behavior, and judgment and decision-making. Keywords: cognitive processes; counterfactual thinking; interpersonal communication; mental simulation; organizational communication
Unmasking Comorbid Pyromania and Psychosis in a Patient With Anorexia

Although psychosis is rare in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa restricting type, the possibility should be explored because it may be the underlying cause of the eating disorder.
Knee : Axial instability

The long term results of total knee replacement are among the most successful of any orthopedic procedure; however, certain patterns of failure have been identified including varus-valgus instability and anterior-posterior instability in flexion. While trauma may cause acute ligamentous injury that results in instability, the majority of cases likely result from intraoperative decisions that result in malalignment and inadequate soft tissue balancing. Failure to restore medial-lateral soft tissue balance with symmetric flexion and extension spaces may result in postoperative instability. Techniques to achieve correct soft tissue balancing and symmetric flexion and extension gaps, as well as the management of postoperative instability, are reviewed.
Quantitative analysis of intestinal stem cell dynamics using microfabricated cell culture arrays

Regeneration of intestinal epithelium is fueled by a heterogeneous population of rapidly proliferating stem cells (ISCs) found in the base of the small intestine and colonic crypts. ISCs populations can be enriched by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) based on expression of combinatorial cell surface markers, and fluorescent transgenes. Conventional ISC culture is performed by embedding single ISCs or whole crypt units in a matrix and culturing in conditions that stimulate or repress key pathways to recapitulate ISC niche signaling. Cultured ISCs form organoid, which are spherical, epithelial monolayers that are self-renewing, self-patterning, and demonstrate the full complement of intestinal epithelial cell lineages. However, this conventional "bulk" approach to studying ISC biology is often semiquantitative, low throughput, and masks clonal effects and ISC phenotypic heterogeneity. Our group has recently reported the construction, long-term biocompatibility, and use of microfabricated cell raft arrays (CRA) for high-throughput analysis of single ISCs and organoids. CRAs are composed of thousands of indexed and independently retrievable microwells, which in combination with time-lapse microscopy and/or gene-expression analyses are a powerful tool for studying clonal ISC dynamics and micro-niches. In this protocol, we describe how CRAs are used as an adaptable experimental platform to study the effect of exogenous factors on clonal stem cell behavior.
A Trifurcated Model of Narcissism: On the pivotal role of trait Antagonism

Abstract In the present chapter, we answer two questions concerning Antagonism in the context of narcissism: (a) Is Antagonism the core trait of narcissism? and (b) Is the Antagonism of Grandiose narcissism the same as the Antagonism of Vulnerable narcissism? To quantify the role that Antagonism plays in narcissism, we compare its empirical correlates to those generated by factors across narcissism's three levels of organization (i.e., single factor; Grandiose and Vulnerable; Agentic Extraversion, Antagonism, and Neuroticism) using intraclass correlations (ICCs) that assess absolute similarity between correlate profiles. To assess divergences in the content of Antagonism across Grandiose and Vulnerable narcissism, we examine how levels of specific antagonistic traits vary across narcissism constructs at different levels of organization (i.e., NPD, Grandiose narcissism, Vulnerable narcissism, trifurcated factors).
Controlling the charge transport mode in permalloy films using oblique angle deposition

Abstract We have systematically studied the effect of oblique angle deposition (OAD) on the transport properties of Permalloy (Ni81Fe19) thin films. Films deposited at oblique angles larger than 50° exhibit a resistivity minimum that can be further manipulated by changing the oblique angle. A minimum in temperature dependent resistivity is manifested as a deviation from the usual phonon-scattering behavior. Furthermore, a change in the magnetic anisotropy in the films is clearly demonstrated in their magnetoresistance that shifts from negative to positive with increasing glancing angle. OAD results in the formation of columns-like microstructures on the films, while their porosity greatly enhances. The microstructural evolution induced by OAD modifies the fundamental electron scattering process in the films. The modifications in the scattering mechanism outcomes in a resistivity minimum in the films grown at high oblique angles. The possible mechanisms responsible for the observed behavior are discussed.
Effect of codon 22 mutations on substrate and inhibitor binding for human dihydrofolate reductase.

Previous studies in this laboratory have identified an altered dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzyme in the methotrexate (MTX) resistant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line Pro-3MtxRIII [1,2]. The alteration involved the replacement of the active site residue Leu (L, position 22) by Phe as the result of a base transition at nucleotide 67 in the DHFR gene [3]. Enzyme kinetic studies of the altered enzyme revealed that the Km for both substrates (H2folate & NADPH) were similar when compared with wild-type vertebrate enzyme, but the Ki for MTX was increased some 100-fold. Interestingly, previous studies by other researchers have also identified a mutation at residue 22 in MTX-resistant cell lines: a Leu to Arg mutation in the mouse line 3T6-R400 [4], and a Leu to Phe mutation in yet another CHO cell line [5]. Combined, these results suggest that codon 22 may be a “hot spot” which readily mutates to impart a MTX-resistant phenotype to its host cell. While definitive proof still awaits, it seems plausible that these or similar mutations in DHFR may be responsible for some instances of resistance in tumors of patients who receive antifolates therapeutically.
Spread Scattering and Propagation

The sonar environment rarely produces the ideal conditions of point scattering in white (uncorrelated) Gaussian interference because the ocean is not a homogeneous medium. The salinity and temperature vary as a function of depth and location due to weather changes, solar heating, and fresh water influx from rivers and estuaries. These induce density variations that change the refractive index of the water and hence the propagation speed causing sound wave refraction. This is commonly called ray bending for sonars operating at medium to high frequency (1–100kHz) [ 1, 2, 3] and can cause a transmitted pulse and the resulting echo to propagate over several paths with different delays. Multiple boundary reflections from the surface and bottom are possible and the combined phenomenon is called multipath propagation. Figure 6.1 is an example of a summertime near surface downward refracting sound velocity profile (SVP) and raypath plot. The sun warms the surface waters generating a gradient of decreasing temperature with depth to about 100 ft depth. Thereafter temperature slowly increases with depth. Sound speed increases with water temperature causing the acoustic wavefront to refract downward near the surface but upward below creating a “duct” of converging raypaths at about 200 ft depth. Multiple reflections are also occurring at the surface and bottom.
Insights into nerve growth factor-β role in bovine reproduction - Review

Nerve growth factor-β (NGF), initially recognized as a neurotrophin involved in regulating neuronal survival and differentiation, was also later revealed as a ubiquitous seminal plasma protein in mammals. In South American camelids, NGF was initially named ovulation-inducing factor and a dose-dependent luteotropic effect was also reported in llamas. Although NGF was present in the seminal plasma of bulls, the first studies only indicated a potential role on regulation of sperm physiology. The breakthrough discovery of NGF ability to induce ovulation in camelids led to a series of studies investigating the potential functions of NGF within the female reproductive system. In the bovine, a potential luteotropic effect of NGF was perceived as potential tool to overcome the current issues with early embryonic losses attributed at least in part to luteal insufficiency and failed maternal recognition of pregnancy. The aims of this review are to discuss recent advancements in the understanding of the biological roles of NGF in the bovine species. The insights of recent studies with NGF administered in cattle include enhancement of steroidogenesis, luteal formation, and function through increased release of LH, and downstream effect of increased expression of interferon-stimulated genes. In addition, a positive association with sire conception rates; the determination that is produced in the ampulla and vesicular glands of bulls and that is secreted into the sperm-rich fraction of the ejaculate; and the absence of improved post-thaw sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity, or chromatin stability in ejaculated or epididymal derived sperm supplemented with purified NGF is also discussed.
Solving stress tensor fields around multiple pressure-loaded fractures using a linear superposition method (LSM)

Abstract The present paper presents the key steps to model internally pressurized fractures in a homogeneous elastic medium. Internal pressure in the cracks transforms the displacement field, which alters the associated stress concentration. The displacements are solved analytically using a Linear Superposition Method (LSM), and stresses are solved under the assumption of linear elasticity. The method allows for the fractures to have any location, geometry, and orientation. Additionally, each crack may be pressurized by either equal or individual pressure loads. Solution methodology are explained, and results are generated for several cases. Selected LSM model results show excellent matches against other independent methods (photo-elastics for multiple crack problems, and prior analytical solutions for single crack problems). The grid-less, closed-form LSM solution is able to achieve fast computation times by side-stepping adaptive grid-refinement, while achieving high target resolution.
“Cutting Editors Faster Than We’re Cutting Reporters”: Influences of The Athletic on Sports Journalism Quality and Standards:

Since its 2016 launch, negative attitudes toward The Athletic, a network of hyperlocal subscription sports news sites, have resonated throughout the journalism community because of the new media st...
Can Daily Audits of Ventilator Settings Help to Reduce Ventilator Associated Events

Background: A significant and unexplainable increase in ventilator-associated events (VAE) was noted in the ICU’s of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. An interdisciplinary team was formed, and LEAN A3 problem solving techniques were used to try and reduce VAEs. Multiple PDCA cycles were used to improve compliance with ventilator bundles. After compliance was verified, it was discovered that many VAEs were potentially avoidable and could be attributed to PEEP and/or FIO2 not being returned to baseline after a hypoxic event had resolved. We hypothesized that daily monitoring of ventilator settings could help to reduce unnecessary Ventilator-Associated Conditions (VAC); therefore, reducing Infection-Related Ventilator-Associated Complications (IVAC) and Possible Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (PVAP) as well. Methods: In December 2018, a standardized approach to monitor for VAE was implemented, and used a tool in the EMR that recorded the daily minimum settings for PEEP and FIO2. Frequent, preferably daily, audits of the ventilator settings compared baseline settings to current settings. If patients were at risk for “flagging” as a VAC, discussions of the current ventilator settings and plan of care occurred with the ICU care team at the bedside. Attempts to wean the PEEP and/or FIO2 back to baseline occurred if it was clinically indicated and appropriate for the patient. Results: In the 5 months prior to auditing, 23 VAE (14.17 VAE/1000 vent days) were observed. During the five months after auditing implementation, 6 VAE (4.04 VAE/1000 vent days) were observed. Infections (IVAC + PVAP) decreased from 16 (9.86/1000 vent days) without audits to 2 (1.34/1000 vent days) with audits during the same respective time periods. During the experimental period, a significant reduction in overall VAE were noted [P = .001]. Conclusions: Standardized monitoring of ventilator settings can play a role in reducing overall VAE. Referred to as weaning with a goal, weaning of the PEEP and FIO2 contributed to this reduction due to known preferable/baseline ventilator settings. Patient safety and appropriate treatment must still remain a priority in this process. Lack of knowledge about VAE guidelines was a barrier that was overcome through real-time education at the bedside. Our next step will be to continue this process to determine if these results are sustainable.
Theorizing with the help of the classics

This article addresses the issue of how to theorize with the help of the classics in sociology; and it is pointed out that the main difficulty involved is that Weber et al have told us next to noth...
Enhancing Situational Assessment of Critical Infrastructure Following Disasters Using Social Media

AbstractSocial media, a near-real-time information source, has been widely used to provide timely infrastructure-related insights following disasters. However, most previous social media–based stud...
Comparative Effects of Computer-Based Reading Programs on the Early Literacy Skills of At-Risk Students:

Students displaying reading difficulties/disabilities at the end of third grade are unlikely to succeed in content areas and graduate from high school. One alternative to meeting the learning needs...
Loss of Primary Cilia Induces the Appearance of a Non-Selective Cation Channel in the Apical Membrane of Mouse CCD Principal Cells

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a ciliopathic disorder, which produces gross abnormalities in the kidney, making the initial events in the disease difficult to study. Cysts in PKD arises mostly ...
B Cell Rab7 Mediates Induction of Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase Expression and Class-Switching in T-Dependent and T-Independent Antibody Responses

Class switch DNA recombination (CSR) is central to the maturation of the Ab response because it diversifies Ab effector functions. Like somatic hypermutation, CSR requires activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), whose expression is restricted to B cells, as induced by CD40 engagement or dual TLR-BCR engagement (primary CSR-inducing stimuli). By constructing conditional knockout Igh(+/C)γ(1-cre)Rab7(fl/fl) mice, we identified a B cell-intrinsic role for Rab7, a small GTPase involved in intracellular membrane functions, in mediating AID induction and CSR. Igh(+/C)γ(1-cre)Rab7(fl/fl) mice displayed normal B and T cell development and were deficient in Rab7 only in B cells undergoing Igh(C)γ(1-cre) Iγ1-Sγ1-Cγ1-cre transcription, as induced--like Igh germline Iγ1-Sγ1-Cγ1 and Ie-Se-Ce transcription--by IL-4 in conjunction with a primary CSR-inducing stimulus. These mice could not mount T-independent or T-dependent class-switched IgG1 or IgE responses while maintaining normal IgM levels. Igh(+/C)γ(1-cre)Rab7(fl/fl) B cells showed, in vivo and in vitro, normal proliferation and survival, normal Blimp-1 expression and plasma cell differentiation, as well as intact activation of the noncanonical NF-κB, p38 kinase, and ERK1/2 kinase pathways. They, however, were defective in AID expression and CSR in vivo and in vitro, as induced by CD40 engagement or dual TLR1/2-, TLR4-, TLR7-, or TLR9-BCR engagement. In Igh(+/C)γ(1-cre)Rab7(fl/fl) B cells, CSR was rescued by enforced AID expression. These findings, together with our demonstration that Rab7-mediated canonical NF-κB activation, as critical to AID induction, outline a novel role of Rab7 in signaling pathways that lead to AID expression and CSR, likely by promoting assembly of signaling complexes along intracellular membranes.
Plaques of Hemagglutination Inhibition by Individual Spleen Cells from Rabbits Immunized with Influenza Viruses

Spleen cells from rabbits immunized with influenza virus cause inhibition of agglutination or hemolysis or both in a plaque assay test against virus-treated avian RBC.
Nonlinear signal processing vs. Kalman filtering

A unique and powerful paradigm or methodology for the design of nonlinear dynamical systems and signal processing algorithms is reported. Some aspects of this approach are discussed, and the results of the application of this approach in signal estimation are given. The results are compared with that of Kalman filtering, which is essentially filtering using a filter with a time-varying coefficient (Kalman gain). The results indicate that the new nonlinear signal processing (NLSP) approach is superior and more robust as compared to Kalman filtering. >
Richards, Dickinson Woodruff

1895–1973 American physician who shared the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1956. He is most famous for introducing cardiac catheterization. Keywords: heart; lungs; cardiac catheterization; cardiopulmonary
Re-inventing the Limited Liability Company

Manuscript Type: Perspective Research Question/Issue: The evolution of corporate governance thinking and its implications for theory building. The 19th century concept of the corporation still underpins corporate governance practice today: If the company was re-invented to meet contemporary circumstances, what might it look like today? Research Findings/Insights: The original corporate concept was superbly simple and brilliantly successful. Subsequently, the growing diversity of corporate objectives, confused ownership structures, and complex corporate groups, has led to abuse. Society has lost the control which it originally demanded for the right to incorporate companies in which shareholders' had no liability for corporate debts beyond their equity stake. Faced with government bail-outs of failing companies, allegedly excessive executive remuneration, and a growing concern for corporate social responsibility and sustainability, the time has come to re-think the rationale, the purpose, and the governance of the joint-stock, limited-liability company. Theoretical/Academic Implications: This paper has been written in response to the editor's initiative to seek contributions that might provide alternative theoretical insights into corporate governance issues. By taking a historical, evolutionary perspective, this paper looks at corporate governance through a different lens than those of agency theory, stewardship theory, or the growing philosophical interest in corporate social responsibility. The primary theoretical call is for a taxonomy of corporate entities that differentiates them according to the way that power is exercised over them. The paper also highlights three unresolved paradoxes in corporate governance orthodoxy – governance by principles or rules, independent directors' ignorance of the business, and the unitary board's dual responsibility for both performance and conformance. Practitioner/Policy Implications: The paper offers an alternative paradigm for the governance of corporate entities introducing the concepts of the governing body, executive management, and the sakeholder liaison groups. It is also suggested that external auditors should report to regulators, not directors. The underlying argument is that limited liability is a privilege granted by society, not a right. What society grants, society can take away if it is not satisfied with the way companies are managed or governed.
Optical Focusing Criteria For Laser Fusion

Target irradiation experiments with multibeam high power lasers require careful consideration of the system optics. This paper describes some of the current methods of focusing high power laser beams, and measuring the optical quality of the laser.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prompt photon production with a polarized deuteron target

Predictions are presented of the polarization asymmetry in prompt photon production at large transverse momentum in the scattering of longitudinally polarized protons from longitudinally polarized deuteron targets. Data would provide important constraints on the polarization asymmetry of the gluon density in a nucleon. The experiments could take advantage of recent advances in the technology of polarized $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$D.
Observations on the Leaves of Species of Viburnum. II

A report is given of further studies on leaves of medicinal Viburnum species. The histology of the leaf of Viburnum trilobum is described. The results of additional studies on the vein islet numbers, palisade ratios, and stomatal indices of Viburnum prunifolium, V. rufidulum, and V. cassinoides are given.
Matrix Metalloproteinases Are Associated With Increased Blood–Brain Barrier Opening in Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Background and Purpose—Subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD) is a major form of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) due to small vessel disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are neutral proteases that disrupt the blood–brain barrier and degrade myelin basic protein under conditions of neuroinflammation. Brain tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with VCI have increased levels of MMPs. We hypothesized that patients with SIVD have increased MMPs in the CSF, which are associated with increased CSF albumin. Methods—We studied 60 patients with suspected VCI. Twenty-five were classified as SIVD, whereas other groups included mixed Alzheimer disease and VCI, multiple strokes, and leukoaraiosis when white matter lesions were present and the diagnosis of VCI was uncertain. MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CSF and plasma were measured by gel zymography and indexed to CSF and plasma albumin. MMP-3 activity was measured by fluorescent assay. Results—We found reduced MMP-2 index (P<0.001) in the CSF for the ...
Ectopic Bone in the Abdominal Cavity: A Surgical Nightmare

Introduction Heterotopic mesenteric ossification (HMO) is a rare clinical entity with less than 40 reported cases in the literature. Frequently associated with prior abdominal surgery or trauma, the precise etiology and optimal approach to its management remain undefined.
Primordial condensation of meteorite components — Experimental evidence of the state of the source medium

Mineral grains and grain aggregates in meteorites carry potential information on the conditions in the environment where they formed. To avoid model-dependent interpretations it is necessary to develop experimental criteria that uniquely reflect the environmental parameters of interest. These parameters include the various temperatures of the source medium and the temperature of grains at growth, all of which are observed to be highly differentiated in the space medium in accordance with the radiation laws.
A visual environment for distributed simulation systems

Parallel and Distributed Simulation (PADS) algorithms are typically categorized to belong to one of two categories. They are either conservative or optimistic with respect to the method of handling causality. Conservative systems strictly preserve causality, while optimistic systems detect and correct causality errors when they occur. Time Warp is the basis of optimistic algorithms where rolling back the simulation clock allows the simulation to correct for errors. The Global Virtual Time (GVT) is the variable that maintains information about simulation progress, termination decision, and for committing input/output data. In this paper the basis for an environment for visualization distributed simulations with time warp on a network of UNIX workstations is presented. The visualization environment provides a graphical overview of simulation processes, and provides insight for algorithm performance. Extensions to the visualizations are also possible for animation of simulation results.