cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of High Glucose/High Insulin and Dichloroacetate Treatment on Carbohydrate Oxidation and Functional Recovery After Low-Flow Ischemia and Reperfusion in the Isolated Perfused Rat Heart

Background— It is believed that increasing cardiac glucose metabolism in the setting of ischemia and reperfusion is protective because of the resulting decrease in fatty acid oxidation, which improves cardiac efficiency and increases glucose oxidation relative to glycolysis; however, these conclusions are based primarily on studies in which glucose is the only carbohydrate provided. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of stimulating myocardial carbohydrate use either by increasing glucose and insulin levels or by using dichloroacetate on the response to ischemia and reperfusion in hearts perfused with physiological concentrations of lactate and pyruvate plus glucose and fatty acids. Methods and Results— Metabolic fluxes were determined in hearts from male Sprague-Dawley rats perfused with 13C-labeled substrates using 13C/1H-NMR isotopomer analysis after 30 minutes of low-flow ischemia (0.3 mL/min) and 60 minutes of reperfusion. Measurements were made under control conditions: 5 mmol/L glucose...
An Isolated Circular Synthetic Jet in Cross-Flow at Low Momentum-Flux Ratio

A joint experimental and computational investigation was carried out for a round synthetic jet issuing normal to a turbulent boundary layer at a momentum-flux ratio of one. Distributions of velocity and turbulence intensity were measured by hot-wire anemometry. Numerical results were obtained using unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) computations. Time and phase-averaged flow properties were compared on the cross sectional plane at x/D = 0.53, 5 and 10 as well as on the axial plane of symmetry. Overall, the numerical results agreed well with the experimental data. CFD predicted a somewhat larger velocity deficit in regions of low-momentum fluid pulled up from the boundary layer. Phase- averaged velocity contours at the plane of symmetry indicated good match between experiments and CFD regarding the size and the position of the periodic flow structure. However, some differences occurred in details such as the shape and inclination of the low-speed flow structure.
Componentman as vice-president: A reply to Pellegrino and Lyon's analysis of “the components of a componential analysis”

Abstract In a recent issue of Intelligence (1979, 3, 169–186), Pellegrino and Lyon provided a general review and critique of a set of methods for studying intelligence that have been referred to collectively as “componential analysis.” The present article contains a response to this critique as formulated by a shadowy character named “Componentman” (who of course wears a cape with a “C” on it) and as dictated to Robert Sternberg.
The phospholipase B content of the intestines of sensitized rats challenged with varied larvae doses of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.

Abstract The effects of challenging previously infected (sensitized) groups of rats with 25, 100 and 400 Nippostrongylus brasiliensis larvae on the relation between phospholipase B activity, bone marrow eosinophilia and worm burden were studied. The results indicated that the immune expulsion of worms from sensitized rats was temporally related to an increased phospholipase B activity and bone marrow eosinophilia. All three parameters demonstrated an anamnestic-type of response in the previously infected rats when compared to the infected control animals. The results also demonstrated that the size of the worm burden influenced the induction and concentration of phospholipase B and the numbers of bone marrow eosinophilis.
Clustering and phonon effects in AlxGa1−xAsGaAs quantum-well heterostructure lasers grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract Photoluminescence data, at low and high excitation levels (pulsed and c.w., 300 and 77 K), are presented on Al x Ga 1− x As  GaAs quantum-well heterostructures (QWH's) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Continuous 300 K photopumped laser operation is demonstrated. Evidence (300 and 77 K) for phonon-assisted recombination (phonon sidebands) and for alloy clustering (confined-particle tail states) is presented and shown to be in agreement with earlier work on similar QWH's grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MO-CVD).
Pigments of a Fossil Echinoderm

SEVERAL years ago, I described1 the discovery of crystallized organic pigments (‘fringelite’) in a fossil crinoid (Millericrinus) of upper Jurassic age. Additional specimens have now been collected at the two original locations (Fringeli and Liesberg, both in north-western Switzerland). The pigments are isolated by solvent extraction and separated by repetitive chromatography and fractional crystallization. Six pigments (fringelite A–F) have been isolated : additional pigments remaining in the fossil after exhaustive extraction with pyridine can be dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid in which they exhibit an absorption spectrum similar to that of the more soluble fringelites. All these pigments are similar in respect to their absorption spectra, the colour of their solutions (red in organic solvents, green in sulphuric acid), the formation of green, insoluble sodium salts and the ease with which acetyl- and benzoyl-derivatives are formed. In all these properties the fringelites strongly resemble extended quinones of the type of aphin2 or hypericin3. They even give the characteristic aphin-reaction, a blue(-violet) colour, on treatment with acetic anhydride containing a small amount of sulphuric acid.
A Review and Updated Assessment of Florida's Anadromous Shads: American Shad and Hickory Shad

Abstract This paper reviews the history of fishing, regulations, and stock assessments for Florida's anadromous shad species—American shad Alosa sapidissima and hickory shad A. mediocris—and assesses their status in Florida's St. Johns River based on a creel survey and an electrofishing survey. Historically, these anadromous shads constituted an important fishery in Florida. Landings were first reported in the 1860s, and scientific assessments occurred in the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s. Netting restrictions effectively ended the commercial fishery in the 1990s. We used recreational catch rates as a proxy for stock size and found it to be low but stable during 1993–2005. The mean length of American shad was significantly less during 2002–2005 than it was historically (1958), and the recent proportions of female American and hickory shad were significantly lower than the historical proportions. These data were interpreted as demonstrating a negative, but perhaps only an historical, effect of fishing. The...
Extraction of chromophoric humic substances from seawater

Chromophoric humic substances were extracted from seawater using hydrophobic solid-phase extraction, ultrafiltration, and a hydrophobic macroreticular resin (XAD-2). Four criteria were used to evaluate the efficiency of extraction: (1) UV-visible absorbance, (2) dissolved organic matter fluorescence, (3) capacity for photoproduction of H2O2, and (4) retention of total organic carbon. Extraction efficiencies for solid-phase media followed the order C18 > C8 > cyclohexyl (CH) > phenyl (PH)=C2. The extent of removal of humic substances from seawater decreased between 70 and 40% with volume extracted and varied with the source of water. Using our criteria, extraction of humic substances with C18 solid phase was between 22 and 84% more effective than with XAD-2. Concentration of humic substances by ultrafiltration was more efficient with membranes of molecular weight cut-off values of 500 than 5000. C18 solid-phase extraction of humic substances was as effective as ultrafiltration. Seawater reconstituted with humic substances extracted by C18 solid-phase extraction and by ultrafiltration had properties that were between 90 and 101% of those of the original water samples. Our results indicate that extraction of humic substances from seawater is most conveniently achieved by using C18 solid-phase extraction. A scaled-up version of this procedure has been used for the extraction of chromophoric humic substances from large volumes (1001) of coastal and open-ocean water.
Factor shares in OLG models of growth

Abstract In standard infinite-horizon optimizing models of balanced growth, aggregate savings are positively related to private rates of return on investment or, for a given technology, to the share of accumulated factors of production in aggregate income. A relationship of opposite sign may however obtain in overlapping-generations (OLG) models, where higher rates of return on older agents' wealth imply lower disposable income for young laborers with high saving propensity. This paper explores such issues in the context of a continuous-time OLG model, deriving simple parametric restrictions conductive to results of either type and discussing how infinite-horizon results may carry over to OLG settings.
Could salicylates in food have contributed to the decline in cardiovascular disease mortality? A new hypothesis

OBJECTIVES: The prophylactic effect of aspirin (at 80 mg/day) for the prevention of cardiovascular disease mortality has long been recognized. This study examined whether other salicylates are present in comparable quantities in the US food supply. METHODS: To estimate the order of magnitude for salicylates in the food supply, annual production data for selected synthetic salicylates were analyzed. RESULTS: Production figures for 1960 indicate exposure to salicylates of 250 mg/day per person, or 95 mg/day per person excluding aspirin. Trend data indicate a rise in the production of salicylates over time, reaching 341 mg/day per person, or 126 mg/day per person excluding aspirin, in 1970. CONCLUSIONS: The US ingestion of salicylates with aspirinlike properties may have increased to the point that many susceptible individuals have received a beneficial effect that has contributed to the decline in cardiovascular disease mortality.
Revisions to ANSI/MSE 2000, the energy management system Standard

ABSTRACT April 2005 marked the fifth anniversary of the adoption of ANSI/MSE 2000, the Management System for Energy. As required by American National Standard Institute (ANSI) procedures, this national standard was revised and again approved by a national review board during the year. To make the standard easier to understand and implement, the format was revised to a process model based on the “plan-do-check-act” process. This change keeps ANSI/MSE 2000:2005 compatible with the current ISO 9001 (quality management) and 14001 (environmental management) standards. This review of revisions includes the reasoning behind each change or addition and the application of changes. An accompanying standard, The Guide to Implementing ANSI/MSE 2000, is also presented and discussed.
An experimental study of inhomogeneous cyclic plastic deformation of 1045 steel under multiaxial cyclic loading

Abstract An experimental study was conducted on the inhomogeneous cyclic plastic deformation of 1045 steel under multiaxial cyclic loading. Thin-walled tubular specimens were used and small strain gages were bonded on the specimen surface to characterize the local deformation. The controlled loading paths included cyclic tension–compression, cyclic torsion, proportional axial-torsion, 90°-out-of-phase axial-torsion, and fully reversed torsion with a constant axial stress. The maximum stress in each experiment was lower than the lower yield stress of the material. It was found that the cyclic plastic deformation within the gage section of the specimen under multiaxial stress state followed the three-stage process that was observed from uniaxial loading, namely, incubation, propagation, and saturation. The plastic deformation was significantly inhomogeneous during the propagation stage, and the inhomogeneity continued through the saturation stage. The duration of each stage and the saturated strains were dependent on the cyclic stress amplitude and the loading path. Multiaxial stress state reduced the incubation stage. With identical equivalent stress magnitude, the nonproportional loading path resulted in the shortest incubation and propagation stages, and the saturated equivalent plastic strain magnitude was the smallest. Although the deformation over the gage section was inhomogeneous, the plastic deformation in a given local area was found to be practically isotropic.
The El Niño/Southern Oscillation and Precipitation Variability in Baja California, Mexico

This study evaluates precipitation variability in Baja California in relation to the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) using the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). To evaluate precipitation climatology, data for 102 weather stations were analyzed. Data were directly averaged for stations with records longer than 30 years, but normalized for stations with shorter records. To test for uniformity of precipitation departures, the SOI was compared with average precipitation departures for long-term stations (established before 1960), in eight subregions of Baja California. The results revealed that, unlike California, the interannual variability of both annual and monthly precipitation is strongly linked to SOI. During El Nino events, above-normal precipitation occurs largely in February and March; but precipitation amounts are subnormal during La Nina events, and mostly limited to December and January. Gradients of precipitation departure tend to be uniform across Baja California during individual years. The variability of precipitation is attributed to the interannual dislocation by ENSO of the polar-front jet stream along the Pacific coast, as described in other studies. In El Nino events, the circulation acquires a positive-phase Pacific-North America (PNA) pattern, with an enhanced Tropical Northern Hemisphere (TNH) teleconnection mode expressed in a southern-branch jet stream across Baja California. There is strong on-shore advection of moist surface westerlies on the West coast of North America. In La Nina events, the composite circulation acquires a negative-phase PNA pattern, and the jet stream is mostly poleward of Baja California and California. This results in weak on-shore advection by moist surface westerlies. Seasonal shifts in precipitation anomalies may be related to geographic shifts in diabatic forcing from the equatorial warm pool, and consequent teleconnections into the extra-tropical wave-train in the Pacific-North American region. The annual uniformity of precipitation departures across the eight subregions of Baja California suggests that frontal storms do not produce anomalous orographic precipitation gradients during El Ninos. Timely, long-term precipitation forecasts could help accommodate the region's landuse to its cyclical pattern of drought and flood.
Cross L-intersecting families on set systems

Let L={l"1,l"2,...,l"s} be a set of s positive integers. Suppose that A={A"1,A"2,...,A"m} and B={B"1,B"2,...,B"m} are two collections of subsets of [n]={1,2,...,n} such that |A"i@?B"j|@?L whenever i j. If the set systems satisfy one of the following conditions: (1) |A"i@?B"i|@?L implies A"i=B"i (2) |A"i@?B"j|@?|A"j@?B"j| with equality possible only when |A"i@?B"i|>|A"j@?B"j| for i j, then we bound m as m@?n-1s+n-1s-1+...+n-10. This result extends Snevily's theorem to cross L-intersecting two families.
Application of marine reserves to reef fisheries management

Abstract Establishing permanent ‘no-take’ marine reserves, areas where fishing and all other extractive activities are prohibited, is an attractive but under-utilized tool for fisheries management. Marine reserves could potentially deal with many fishery problems that are not effectively addressed by other traditional management measures; they also offer numerous social, economic, and scientific benefits not directly related to fisheries. Limited but growing research has shown beneficial biological and economic effects of marine reserves on fisheries. More research is needed, especially at larger scales, to determine the ideal marine reserve size, number and location necessary to optimize fisheries productivity and resource conservation. Sufficient evidence is available to justify the expanded use of marine reserves in an adaptive approach to fisheries management.
The human genome has 49 cytochrome c pseudogenes, including a relic of a primordial gene that still functions in mouse.

Using a computational approach, we have identified 49 cytochrome c (cyc) pseudogenes in the human genome. Analysis of these provides a detailed description of the molecular evolution of the cyc gene. Almost all of the pseudogenes are full-length, and we have concluded that they mostly originated from independent retrotransposition events (i.e. they are processed). Based on phylogenetic analysis and detailed sequence comparison, we have further divided these pseudogenes into two groups. The first, consisting of four young pseudogenes that were dated to be between 27 and 34 Myr old, originated from a gene almost identical to the modern human cyc gene. The second group of pseudogenes is much older and appears to have descended from ancient genes similar to modern rodent cyc genes. Thus, our results support the observation that accelerated evolution in cyc sequence had occurred in the primate lineage. The oldest pseudogene in the second group, dated to be over 80 Myr old, resembles the testis-specific cyc gene in modern rodents. It is likely that the mammalian ancestor had both the somatic and the testis-specific cyc genes. While the testis-specific gene is still functional in modern rodents, the human has lost it, retaining only a pseudogene in its place. Thus, our study may have identified a pseudogene that is a dead relic of a gene that has completely died off in the human lineage. q 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Zur Epimerisierung von Galanthamin

Das kurzlich als 2-Hydroxy-4.5-epoxy-6-O-methyl-tetrahydro-apogalanthamin beschriebene Abbauprodukt aus Galanthamin wurde als (–)-Epigalanthamin identifiziert.
Building Energy Benchmarking with Building Information Modeling and Wireless Sensor Technologies for Building Retrofits

Opportunities for improving energy efficiency can be recognized in many different ways. Energy benchmarking is a critical step of building retrofit projects because it provides baseline energy information that could help building stakeholders identify energy performance, understand energy requirements, and prioritize potential retrofit opportunities. Sub-metering is one of the important energy benchmarking options for owners of aging commercial buildings in order to obtain critical energy information and develop an energy baseline model; however, it oftentimes lacks baseline energy models collecting granular energy information. This paper discusses the implementation of cost effective energy baseline models supported by wireless sensor networks and Building Information Modeling (BIM). The research team focused on integrating the theories and technologies of BIM, wireless sensor networks, and energy simulations that can be employed and adopted in building retrofit practices. The research activities conducted in this project provide an understanding of the current status and investigate the potentials of the system that would impact the future implementation. The result from a proof of concept project is summarized in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system.
Resveratrol inhibition of herpes simplex virus replication

Resveratrol, a phytoalexin, was found to inhibit herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) replication in a dose-dependent, reversible manner. The observed reduction in virus yield was not caused by the direct inactivation of HSV by resveratrol nor inhibition of virus attachment to the cell. The chemical did, however, target an early event in the virus replication cycle since it was most effective when added within 1 h of cell infection, less effective if addition was delayed until 6 h post-infection and not effective if added 9 h post-infection. Resveratrol was also found to delay the cell cycle at S-G2-M interphase, inhibit reactivation of virus from latently-infected neurons and reduce the amount of ICP-4, a major immediate early viral regulatory protein, that is produced when compared to controls. These results suggest that a critical early event in the viral replication cycle, that has a compensatory cellular counterpart, is being adversely affected.
Left ventricle global motion and shape from CT volumetric data

The authors address the problem of estimating left ventricle (LV) global motion and shape from CT (computed tomography) volumetric data based on surface modeling. An improved approach able to estimate the global motion and deformation as well as to construct a parametrized global shape of the LV has been developed. The global rigid motion of the LV is computed from the position and orientation change of an estimated time-varying and object-centered coordinate system, while the global deformations are obtained through the fitting of global shape modeling primitives to the given digital volumes of the LV. Major improvements over the initial effort (C.W. Chen and T.S. Huang, 1992) include a robust algorithm for the LV long axis estimation and the implementation of weighted surface fitting based on the original image statistics of the boundary points. >
Decision support tools for trading in deregulated energy systems

Summary form only given. In a competitive environment, trading of electric energy is conducted through bilateral and spot markets. Players representing the supply side and demand side compete based on the market rules. The scope of traditional energy management systems do not incorporate trading functions in today's market environment. To meet the needs, the University of Washington has worked on a number of important decision support tools related to trading decision making in the market environment. Some decision making applications are: optimization techniques to determine the contract amount and price; risk assessment in the presence of uncertainties; pricing of flexible contracts; volatility of prices; and analysis of strategic behaviors in the transmission grids. This panel discussion provides an overview of the highlights. However, more emphasis is placed on the first two topics.
By Hook or Crook: Was the Authoritarian Moment in Russia as Early as the 1999-2000 Elections?

If states have to ‘build’ democracy, and this can be documented, then why can’t we also document the building of its opposite? If Russia is no longer a democracy, then when did those ‘founding events’ in the building of Russia’s contemporary authoritarian system begin? The evidence presented below suggests that from the very first Putin elections in 1999 and 2000 there was substantial fraud designed to swing the election to Putin, irrespective of its legality. The argument is that there was a combination of criminal fraud, the use of Kremlin advantage, and the application of rules to significantly disadvantage the opposition, all of which resulted in an election whose outcome was different than it would have been otherwise. The author argues that Putin, most likely, was no 'accidental autocrat.'
Multifocal Fibrosclerosis with Subcutaneous Involvement

A 30-year-old woman developed progressive inferior and superior vena caval obstruction over a 5-month period. This was followed by evidence of hepatic dysfunction and, shortly before her death, by renal failure. The autopsy findings included mediastinal and retroperitoneal fibrosis with obstruction of both vena cavae and the renal, portal, and hepatic veins. The intrahepatic bile ducts were surrounded by scar tissue. The unique feature of this case was fibrosis of the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue, a finding previously unreported. The fibrosclerotic diseases are morphologic inflammations which clinically occasionally behave in an aggressive fashion simulating malignant neoplasms. In spite of considerable speculation concerning their pathogenesis, they remain idiopathic.
Skull Fractures and Structural Brain Injuries

Skull fractures and structural brain injuries encompass a heterogeneous set of pathologies that may confer significant morbidity and mortality in the setting of head trauma. Skull fractures can be classified according to their shape (linear, comminuted, and depressed) and if there is overlying disruption of the galea aponeurotica and skin (open vs. closed). Structural brain injuries of clinical relevance include epidural/extradural hematomas, subdural hematomas, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, and intracerebral/intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Though certainly known to occur in athletic settings, these injuries are more typically associated with motor vehicle-related accidents, significant falls, and violence as significant energy is required to cause disruption of the cranial vault’s natural structural integrity. When suspected, rapid assessment and diagnosis are critical to maximizing patient outcomes. Accurate, thorough, and focused history and physical examination can help guide the physician through selection of further workup, often with some form of neuroimaging. Treatment of many of these lesions is surgical in nature and is typically aimed at reducing mass effect on critical neural structures and repairing any disrupted anatomy.
Analysis on dietary pattern and health condition of residents in Jiangjin district Chongqing city

Objective The purpose of this study was to understand the dietary pattern and health condition of the residents in Jiangjin district, guide the residents to adjust unbalanced dietary pattern, and provide scientific basis for carrying out nutritional propaganda. Methods According to the Manual about Monitoring Chinese Residents' Nutrition and Health Condition, the dietary pattern of residents from six monitoring sites were investigated. Thirty families were randomly selected in each monitoring site. The families were asked to review the varieties and volume of food intake for three days. The height, weight, blood pressure, and so on were measured for the residents. Results Deficiency of vegetable and milk was serious among the residents. The intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate, dietary fiber and other nutrients were below the recommended level, and the intake of fat and salt were above the recommended level. For the urban residents, the proportion of energy provided by carbohydrates was 50.9%, which was lower than the recommended standard level by Chinese Society of Nutrition. However, the proportion of energy provided by fat was 37.8%, which exceeded the standard level by 30%. The rates of overweight and obesity among adults were 30.8% and 15.4% respectively. The rate of hypertension was 23.3%. The rates were above the nationwide average level in 2002. Conclusion The dietary structure for urban and rural residents was not reasonable. It is necessary to strengthen education and popularization of nutritional knowledge, in order to promote rational diet and healthy lifestyle.
Dissociation of gastric acid and serum gastrin responses to intraluminal calcium in man: influence of calcitonin and parathyroid hormone.

Intragastric calcium chloride perfusion (80 mM, 5 ml per min) caused a 3-fold increase in gastric acid output without a change in serum gastrin and serum calcium values. The acid response to intragastric calcium represented one-third of the maximal hourly output after betazole injection. This effect was suppressed by calcitonin, but not influenced by parathyroid hormone, without a change in serum gastrin and serum calcium values. Additional studies showed that perfusion of calcium into the duodenum, in an amount calculated to be the maximum leaked through the pylorus during the intragastric perfusion studies, did not cause gastric hypersecretion and gastrin release. These findings suggest that calcium can cause gastric hypersecretion by a direct effect on the parietal cell.
Experimental studies of an inertial-elastic rotating wing in air and vacuum

A two-axis rotation stage was constructed to replicate the large amplitude rotations of an insect wing. A wing was constructed with a strain gage mounted near the root to identify strain. An inerti...
Comparison of Background Parenchymal Enhancement at Contrast-enhanced Spectral Mammography and Breast MR Imaging

Purpose To assess the extent of background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) at contrast material-enhanced (CE) spectral mammography and breast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, to evaluate interreader agreement in BPE assessment, and to examine the relationships between clinical factors and BPE. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective, institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant study. Two hundred seventy-eight women from 25 to 76 years of age with increased breast cancer risk who underwent CE spectral mammography and MR imaging for screening or staging from 2010 through 2014 were included. Three readers independently rated BPE on CE spectral mammographic and MR images with the ordinal scale: minimal, mild, moderate, or marked. To assess pairwise agreement between BPE levels on CE spectral mammographic and MR images and among readers, weighted κ coefficients with quadratic weights were calculated. For overall agreement, mean κ values and bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The univariate and multivariate associations between BPE and clinical factors were examined by using generalized estimating equations separately for CE spectral mammography and MR imaging. Results Most women had minimal or mild BPE at both CE spectral mammography (68%-76%) and MR imaging (69%-76%). Between CE spectral mammography and MR imaging, the intrareader agreement ranged from moderate to substantial (κ = 0.55-0.67). Overall agreement on BPE levels between CE spectral mammography and MR imaging and among readers was substantial (κ = 0.66; 95% confidence interval: 0.61, 0.70). With both modalities, BPE demonstrated significant association with menopausal status, prior breast radiation therapy, hormonal treatment, breast density on CE spectral mammographic images, and amount of fibroglandular tissue on MR images (P < .001 for all). Conclusion There was substantial agreement between readers for BPE detected on CE spectral mammographic and MR images. © RSNA, 2016.
A pilot study examining experiential learning vs didactic education of abdominal compartment syndrome.

Abstract Background Current surgical education relies on simulated educational experiences or didactic sessions to teach low-frequency clinical events such as abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate if simulation would improve performance and knowledge retention of ACS better than a didactic lecture. Methods Nineteen general surgery residents were block randomized by postgraduate year level to a didactic or a simulation session. After 3 months, all residents completed a knowledge assessment before participating in an additional simulation. Two independent reviewers assessed resident performance via audio-video recordings. Results No baseline differences in ACS experience were noted between groups. The observational evaluation demonstrated a significant difference in performance between the didactic and simulation groups: 9.9 vs 12.5, P = .037 (effect size = 1.15). Knowledge retention was equivalent between groups. Conclusions This pilot study suggests that simulation-based education may be more effective for teaching the basic concepts of ACS.
Learners’ Self-perception of Target Language Study in Overseas Immersion

Studies have supported the belief that study abroad (SA) is more beneficial than studying domestically in developing oral proficiency (e.g., Freed, Segalowitz, & Dewey, 2004). However, little research has focused on individual learner factors related to promoting learners’ effectiveness in language learning abroad, such as an ideal point in target language (TL) study in SA contexts. The current study investigated the learner-perception of their preferred time in TL study for oversea immersion self-reported by students themselves. Participants (N=125) studying 30 languages in 32 different countries were recruited nation-wide. The results of students’ self-reports revealed that participants preferred intermediate levels of TL proficiency than any other level of proficiency. Findings of this study, even though they are based on the self-reported data, make important contributions to SA research and to the field of international education.
HLA-DR3 transgenic mice expressing Nur77-GFP reveal early and robust activation of T cells by superantigens during Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia.

The role of superantigens (SAg) in the immunopathogenesis Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia has been shown by several indirect means. To directly demonstrate activation of T cells in vivo during staphylococcal pneumonia by SAg and to study the kinetics of T cell activation, HLA-DR3 + .Nur77-eGFP + mice were used. In these mice, rapid expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in T cells occurs only upon activation through the TCR, but not following other inflammatory stimuli. Experimental pneumonia was induced using isogenic strains of S. aureus either producing the SAg staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), or not producing any SAg. Mice were sacrificed at different time points and expression of GFP was determined by flow cytometry. As SEB primarily activates CD4 + and CD8 + T cells bearing TCR Vβ8, the expression of GFP within the TCR Vβ8 + sub-populations was examined. Strong upregulation of GFP in the TCR Vβ8 + sub-population was appreciable in both CD4 + and CD8 + T cell subsets (20–25%) even as early as 4 hours only in mice infected with S. aureus strain producing SEB (SEB+SA), but not those infected with the isogenic strain that does not produce SEB (SEB-SA). Serum cytokine/chemokine levels mirrored this finding. By 24 hours, 80–90% of the CD4 + and CD8 + T cells bearing TCR Vβ8 + expressed GFP in mice infected with SEB+SA, compared to only 1–2% in mice infected with SEB-SA. The pattern of expression of CD69 expression, an early T cell activation marker, was distinct from that of GFP. Our novel study directly demonstrated T cell activation and established their activation kinetics in vivo during staphylococcal pneumonia. These results might be useful for timing of administration of novel drugs aimed at suppressing T cell activation during pneumonia.
Sun exposure over the life course and associations with multiple sclerosis

Objective To examine sun exposure and multiple sclerosis (MS) over the life course (ages 5–15 and 16–20 years, every 10 years thereafter). Methods Cases with MS (n = 151) and age-matched controls (n = 235) from the Nurses9 Health Study cohorts completed summer, winter, and lifetime sun exposure history questionnaires. Cumulative ambient ultraviolet (UV)-B (based on latitude, altitude, cloud cover) exposure before MS onset was expressed as tertiles. Seasonal sun exposure was defined as low vs high hours per week (summer [≤9 vs >10 h/wk]; winter [≤3 vs >4 h/wk]). Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated via conditional logistic regression with adjustment for body mass index, ancestry, smoking, and vitamin D supplementation. Results Most participants were white (98%); the mean age at MS onset was 39.5 years. Living in high (vs low) UV-B areas before MS onset was associated with a 45% lower MS risk (adjusted RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42–0.73). Similar reduced risks (51%–52%) for medium or high exposure were observed at ages 5 to 15 years and at 5 to 15 years before MS onset (adjusted p Conclusion Living in high ambient UV-B areas during childhood and the years leading up to MS onset was associated with a lower MS risk. High summer sun exposure in high ambient UV-B areas was also associated with a reduced risk.
Reoperation and complications after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and cervical disc arthroplasty: a study of 52,395 cases

The aim of this study was to analyze rates of perioperative complications and subsequent cervical surgeries in patients treated for cervical degenerative disc disease with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and those treated with artificial cervical disc arthroplasty (ACDA) for up to 5-year follow-up. California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development discharge database was analyzed for patients aged 18–65 years undergoing single-level ACDF or ACDA between 2003 and 2010. Medical comorbidities were identified with CMS-Condition Categories. Readmissions for short-term complications of the procedure were identified and rates of subsequent cervical surgeries were calculated at 90-day and 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up. Multivariate regression modeling was used to identify associations with complications and subsequent cervical surgeries correcting for patient and provider characteristics. A total of 52,395 eligible cases were identified: 50,926 ACDF and 1469 ACDA. Readmission was less common in the ACDA group (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.48–1.0, p = 0.048). Subsequent cervical spine surgery was more common in the ACDF group in the immediate perioperative period (within 90 days of surgery) (ACDF 3.35% vs. ACDA 2.04%, OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44-0.92, p = 0.015). At 1-, 3-, and 5-year postoperatively, rates of subsequent cervical surgeries were similar between the two cohorts. We found no protective benefit for ACDA versus ACDF for single-level disease at up to 5-year follow-up in the largest cohort of patients examined to date. Early complications were rare in both cohorts stressing the value of large cohort studies to study risk factors for rare events. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Assessing Roadway Contributions to Stormwater Flows, Concentrations, and Loads with the StreamStats Application:

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and other state departments of transportation need quantitative information about the percentages of different land cover categories above any given s...
Patterns of opioid use and prescribing for outpatient anorectal operations

Abstract Background Surgery for anorectal diseases is thought to cause significant pain postoperatively. There is little known regarding standardized opioid-prescribing trends and patient use following surgery for anorectal diseases. We aimed to evaluate and analyze opioid-prescribing trends and patient use for outpatient anorectal operations. Materials and methods All patients who underwent outpatient anorectal surgery performed over a 1-y period at a single institution were eligible. Procedures included hemorrhoidectomy, anal fistula repair/seton, anal fissure treatment with sphincterotomy, and transanal excision of rectal tumors. Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were obtained. Patients were given a survey to determine postoperative pain control with opioid and non-narcotic analgesia use; respondents were included in analysis. Results Forty-two outpatient anorectal surgery patients were included: 13 had hemorrhoidectomy, 22 had anal fistula repair/seton, one had sphincterotomy, and six had transanal excisions. All patients had multimodality treatment with either an anal block and/or postoperative nonopioid analgesics. Ninety percent were prescribed opioids postoperatively with a median of 20 pills (range: 0-120 pills). Forty-three percent (18/42) did not fill their prescription. For those who used opioids, the median number of pills taken was four. Eighty percent of pills prescribed were not used. One patient required a refill. Greater than 60% of respondents reported good to excellent pain control on a five-point scale. Conclusions Most patients had adequate pain control after anorectal surgery with little to no use of opioids and that more than 80% of opioid pills prescribed were not consumed. We intend to standardize our prescribing opioid quantities for outpatient anorectal operations to reflect this reduced use.
Pure Likelihood Methods

As we have seen in previous chapters use of the likelihood is important in frequentist methods and in Bayesian methods. In this chapter we explore the use of the likelihood function in another context, that of providing a self-contained method of statistical inference. Richard Royall in his book, Statistical Evidence: A Likelihood Paradigm, carefully developed the foundation for this method building on the work of Ian Hacking and Anthony Edwards. Royall lists three questions of interest to statisticians and scientists after having observed some data 1. What do I do? 2. What do I believe? 3. What evidence do I now have?
Quantum Dot Nanotechnology for Prostate Cancer Research

Quantum dots (QDs), tiny light-emitting particles on the nanometer scale, are emerging as a new class of fluorescent probes for cancer cell imaging and molecular profiling. In comparison with organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, QDs have unique optical and electronic properties, such as size-tunable light emission, improved signal brightness, resistance against photobleaching, and simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors. These properties are most promising for improving the sensitivity of molecular imaging and quantitative cellular analysis by one to two orders of magnitude. Recent advances have led to multifunctional nanoparticle probes that are highly bright and stable under complex biological conditions. A new structural design involves encapsulating luminescent QDs with amphiphilic block copolymers, and linking the polymer coating to tumortargeting ligands and drug-delivery functionalities. Polymer-encapsulated QDs are essentially nontoxic to cells and animals, but their long-term in vivo toxicity and degradation need more studies that are careful. Nonetheless, bioconjugated QDs have raised new possibilities for ultrasensitive and multiplexed imaging of molecular targets in living cells, animal models, and, possibly, in human patients.
An exploratory study of the Internet as an industrial communication tool

Abstract A thorough understanding of the impact of the Internet on industrial purchase decisions is of critical importance for industrial marketers seeking to incorporate the Internet in their overall communication strategy. Accordingly, this study examines (1) the degree to which purchasing professionals perceive the Internet as useful, (2) how purchasing professionals are using the Internet for communication activities, (3) how the Internet compares to other promotional tools in influencing buyers' purchase decisions, and (4) whether differences among buyers can be identified relative to the perceived influence of suppliers' websites. The results provide some practical implications for industrial marketers regarding the use of the Internet relative to other promotional tools.
Microwave Devices Using Anisotropic and Gyrotropic Media

In this chapter, the theory that is introduced in the previous chapters for isotropic, anisotropic and gyrotropic materials finds an application. Application examples using isotropic, anisotropic and gyrotropic materials will be introduced with detail. Most of the design examples have analytical stage involving theory of the operation, simulation stage for verification of the design and experimental stage for implementation. The device performance using these three types of materials will be compared to understand the effect of anisotropy or nonreciprocity. The devices that will be analyzed, simulated and designed including waveguides, directional couplers, microwave filters, and nonreciprocal phase shifters.
Transcendental Argument and the Underpinnings of Moral Discourse

Intuitionist ethics has seemed to some philosophers to be dogmatic. This is particularly so insofar as it claims self-evidence as a status of its major normative principles. After all, one might think, there should be no questioning of what is self-evident, and one should be able to state it, if not categorically, then with no need for explanation to anyone who understands it. I have long opposed this stereotype of the self-evident and, correspondingly, of intuitionism, as dogmatic. But particularly because such major twentieth-century intuitionists as G. E. Moore and W. D. Ross considered the self-evident neither in need of proof nor provable, these stereotypes have proved to be quite resilient.
Private and Atomic Exchange of Assets over Zero Knowledge Based Payment Ledger

Bitcoin brings a new type of digital currency that does not rely on a central system to maintain transactions. By benefiting from the concept of decentralized ledger, users who do not know or trust each other can still conduct transactions in a peer-to-peer manner. Inspired by Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies were invented in recent years such as Ethereum, Dash, Zcash, Monero, Grin, etc. Some of these focus on enhancing privacy for instance crypto note or systems that apply the similar concept of encrypted notes used for transactions to enhance privacy (e.g., Zcash, Monero). However, there are few mechanisms to support the exchange of privacy-enhanced notes or assets on the chain, and at the same time preserving the privacy of the exchange operations. Existing approaches for fair exchanges of assets with privacy mostly rely on off-chain/side-chain, escrow or centralized services. Thus, we propose a solution that supports oblivious and privacy-protected fair exchange of crypto notes or privacy enhanced crypto assets. The technology is demonstrated by extending zero-knowledge based crypto notes. To address "privacy" and "multi-currency", we build a new zero-knowledge proving system and extend note format with new property to represent various types of tokenized assets or cryptocurrencies. By extending the payment protocol, exchange operations are realized through privacy enhanced transactions (e.g., shielded transactions). Based on the possible scenarios during the exchange operation, we add new constraints and conditions to the zero-knowledge proving system used for validating transactions publicly.
Impact Mitigation Properties of Women’s Lacrosse Headgear

Recently, protective headgear has been released for women’s lacrosse despite the fact that contact to the head is illegal. The purposes of this study were to (1) compare the linear and rotational impact attenuation properties of 2 brands of lacrosse headgear at 4 different locations during laboratory pendulum impacts and (2) determine impact dissipation of new and used lacrosse headgear. We measured peak rotational acceleration (PRA; rad/s2) and linear acceleration (PLA; g) at 4 impact locations (side, rear boss non-centric (NC), front boss, and front) in two headgear brands (Cascade LX, Hummingbird). Two headgear service lives (new headgear, used headgear) were included for the second analysis. During the slower speed, there was a significant interaction between impact location and helmet brand (p = 0.002) for PLA. No other findings were significant. While the Hummingbird headgear reduced linear and rotational accelerations of the headform better than the Cascade headgear during slow velocity impacts to the front and front boss locations, it did so due to extreme motion of the helmet upon impact that we believe may compromise protection of the head and face from lacerations and other injuries.
High intratumoral tryptophan metabolism is a poor predictor of response to pembrolizumab (pembro) in metastatic melanoma (MM): Results from a prospective trial using baseline C11-labeled alpha-methyl tryptophan (C11-AMT) PET imaging for response prediction.

3556Background: Molecular imaging of metabolic pathways critical for effector T cell response other than glucose could predict response to PD1 inhibitors. We have previously shown that high express...
Phase Imaging with Computational Specificity (PICS)

We present a new microscopy concept, where the process of retrieving computational specificity is part of the acquisition software, performed in real-time. We demonstrate it with various fluorescence tags and operation on live cells as well as tissue pathology.