cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioactivity of methanol extracts from 14 species of plants against Sogatella furcifera Horvath and Nilaparvata lugens Stl

Bioactivity of 18 samples of crude methanol extracts from 14 species of plants extracted by cold soak method against Sogatella furcifera and Nilaparvata lugens were tested in this paper.The results showed that the leaf,seed and bark of Itoa orientalis Hemsl,the fruit of Daphniphyllum calycinum Benth and the whole plant samples of Perilla frutesens L.showed high contact toxicity with the corrected mortalities against the macropterous of S.furcifera and N.lugens both over 80%.The contact toxicity of the peel of I.orientalis and the whole plant samples of Baeckea frutescens Linn.were between 50% and 80% after treated for 48h.The sample of Cnidium monnieri(L.) Cuss had high contact toxicity to S.furcifera and moderate toxicity to N.lugens.Phytolacca acinosa Roxb.showed moderate contact toxicity to S.furcifera and low toxicity to N.lugens.The contact toxicity of the other 8 plant samples to S.furcifera and N.lugens were lower than 50%.The oviposition repellent rate of the seed and bark of I.orientalis Hemsl,the fruit samples of C.monnieri(L.) Cuss.and D.calycinam Benth.to S.furcifera and N.lugens were all over 80% while the repellent activity of the rest plant samples were all lower than 60% after treated for 72h.The antifeedant activities of the plants with high contact toxicity and repellent activity were tested.The leaf of I.orientalis Hemsl showed the highest antifeedant activity against the 4th instar nymphae of S.furcifera and N.lugens,followed by the seed of I.orientalis Hemsl,the peel of I.orientalis Hemsl,the fruits of C.monnieri(L.) Cuss and D.calycinam Benth and the bark of I.orientalis Hemsl.
527 INGUINAL HERNIA EDUCATION IN KUMASI, GHANA.

Purpose The purpose of this community medicine project was to help start an inguinal hernia education program through the Ghana Red Cross Society and to create an informative brochure to be used in educating people about hernias. This project was undertaken after spending a few weeks in the general surgery department and witnessing dozens of hernia operations—the vast majority of which required extensive bowel resections—and subsequently discovering the gross misconceptions about hernias that exist among the local population. Methods After determining that no outreach education existed on hernia prevention, a brochure was designed to answer some of the common questions and resolve many of the misconceptions people have about hernias. This information was then presented to the Ghana Red Cross Youth Educators in Kumasi who will present the information to high school age young men over the next school year. The brochure will also be used by general surgeons at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to educate their patients. Summary The youth were targeted in order to maximize preventive efforts. Training trainers through the Red Cross ensured ongoing education. Conclusions There are many reasons that Ghanaians postpone a hernia surgery until they are extremely ill. Medical costs, strong faith in herbal remedies, time constraints, and lack of information about hernias all contribute to life-threatening procrastination. If patients know that hernias cannot be repaired without surgical intervention and that acting sooner rather than later will save time, money, and possibly their lives, Ghanaians can be more empowered to make these important decisions.
Software defined multi-spectral imaging for Arctic sensor networks

Availability of off-the-shelf infrared sensors combined with high definition visible cameras has made possible the construction of a Software Defined Multi-Spectral Imager (SDMSI) combining long-wave, near-infrared and visible imaging. The SDMSI requires a real-time embedded processor to fuse images and to create real-time depth maps for opportunistic uplink in sensor networks. Researchers at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University working with University of Alaska Anchorage at the Arctic Domain Awareness Center and the University of Colorado Boulder have built several versions of a low-cost drop-in-place SDMSI to test alternatives for power efficient image fusion. The SDMSI is intended for use in field applications including marine security, search and rescue operations and environmental surveys in the Arctic region. Based on Arctic marine sensor network mission goals, the team has designed the SDMSI to include features to rank images based on saliency and to provide on camera fusion and depth mapping. A major challenge has been the design of the camera computing system to operate within a 10 to 20 Watt power budget. This paper presents a power analysis of three options: 1) multi-core, 2) field programmable gate array with multi-core, and 3) graphics processing units with multi-core. For each test, power consumed for common fusion workloads has been measured at a range of frame rates and resolutions. Detailed analyses from our power efficiency comparison for workloads specific to stereo depth mapping and sensor fusion are summarized. Preliminary mission feasibility results from testing with off-the-shelf long-wave infrared and visible cameras in Alaska and Arizona are also summarized to demonstrate the value of the SDMSI for applications such as ice tracking, ocean color, soil moisture, animal and marine vessel detection and tracking. The goal is to select the most power efficient solution for the SDMSI for use on UAVs (Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles) and other drop-in-place installations in the Arctic. The prototype selected will be field tested in Alaska in the summer of 2016.
The porous metal-surfaced heart valve. Long-term study without long-term anticoagulation in mitral position in goats.

On review, all thromboembolic complications in mechanical heart valves start from a thrombus lining that covers the suture ring. The thrombus organizes to a fibrous white sheet over the suture ring, which then can protrude out over the polished surface of the valve ring flange. Pieces of the thrombus can be knocked off by the disc and cause emboli. To diminish thromboembolic complications, one must either prevent this thrombus from protruding into the groove between the suture ring and the valve flange or allow the thrombus to be organized as a thin covering with endothelium-like cells as a continuation from the suture ring over the valve flange. This type of covering was obtained during a short period of anticoagulation by applying a microporous surface to the Bjork-Shiley Monostrut mitral valve. These valves were implanted in one set of goats and the conventional Bjork-Shiley Monostrut mitral valve, with a polished surface, in another set of goats (control group). The two groups were then compared with regard to the incidence of thromboembolic complications encountered during 1 year’s follow-up without anticoagulation. The goats were put to death and examination revealed the following observations: In the control group, (1) a varying amount of thrombus formation was found in the groove between the suture ring and the flange in all nine goats and (2) thrombus formation did not start on the polished struts or discs in any of the nine goats. In the group with the microporous Monostrut mitral valve, 19 animals were put to death and examined: (1) The endothelialized covering over the suture ring, thinner when carbon coated, continued over the microporous flange, tapering off in the center of the orifice in all 19 valves on the ventricular side and in 14 of the 19 valves on the atrial side; (2) the center of the orifice and the struts were never completely covered by endothelialized tissue because of high flow; (3) there was an increased incidence of small thrombus formation on the disc-contacting microporous surface of both inflow and outflow struts. Therefore these surfaces should not be coated but left polished.
Allied Occupation and German Political Party Tradition: Preconditions for a Revival

It would be all too easy, faced with the mass of documentation that both the Allies and the German parties have left behind, to select one point arbitrarily and plunge directly into the story of political party revival. To do so would be to run several unacceptable risks: first, that the readers know how Germany was occupied; second, that they know who the individual occupiers of Germany were and how they organized their occupation; and third, that they understand the outline of German political party history that determined which parties or potential parties would confront the Allies and ask for permission to appeal to the German populace. To minimize these risks, this chapter will explain the three Allied command structures, in general terms as well as in terms specific to controlling political parties. It will then discuss the utter lack of Allied wartime planning for postwar German party politics. Finally, it will provide an overview of the parties that will appear, reappear or disappear in subsequent chapters.
Distributed or Monolithic? A Computational Architecture Decision Framework

Distributed architectures have become ubiquitous in many complex technical and socio-technical systems because of their role in improving uncertainty management, accommodating multiple stakeholders, and increasing scalability and evolvability. This departure from monolithic architectures provides a system with more flexibility and robustness in response to uncertainties that it may confront during its lifetime. Distributed architecture does not provide benefits only, as it can increase cost and complexity of the system and result in potential instabilities. The mechanisms behind this tradeoff, however, are analogous to those of the widely-studied transition from integrated to modular architectures. In this paper, we use a conceptual decision framework that unifies modularity and distributed architecture on a five-stage systems architecture spectrum. We add an extensive computational layer to the framework and explain how this can enhance decision making about the level of modularity of the architecture. We then apply it to a simplified demonstration of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) fractionated satellite program. Through simulation, we calculate the net value that is gained (or lost) by migrating from a monolithic architecture to a distributed architecture and show how this value changes as a function of uncertainties in the environment and various system parameters. Additionally, we use value at risk as a measure for the risk of losing the value of distributed architecture, given its inherent uncertainty.
The Clinical Threat Assessment of the Lone-Actor Terrorist

The Terrorist Radicalization Assessment Protocol (TRAP-18) is a structured professional judgment instrument for the assessment of individuals who present a concern for lone-actor terrorism. It consists of eight proximal warning behaviors and 10 distal characteristics. Previous research has demonstrated its interrater reliability and some concurrent and postdictive validity. In this article, TRAP-18 is retrospectively applied to the case of US Army psychiatrist and jihadist Malik Nidal Hasan, who committed a mass murder at Fort Hood, Texas in 2009. The strengths and limitations of TRAP-18 as a structured professional judgment instrument for mental health clinicians are discussed, and clinical risk management suggestions are made.
Acquisition of Cytogenetic Abnormalities (CA) Is a Very Poor Prognostic Feature in Patients (pts) with Low and Intermediate-1 (int-1) Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS),

Abstract Abstract 3802 Background and Aim: The impact of the CA on prognosis and transformation into acute myeloid leukemia among pts with low and int-1 risk MDS is not known. The aims of the study were to assess the impact of CA on the natural history of pts with lower risk MDS and to identify factors associated with its development. Methods: We reviewed 721 pts clinical records of low and intermediate risk MDS pts from 2000–2010 and conducted a retrospective analysis of all pts with at least two consecutive cytogenetic analysis (365 patients, 51%). The acquisition of CA was defined by structural change or gain in at least 2 metaphases and loss in 3 metaphases, or otherwise confirmed by FISH. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fit to assess the association between transformation-free survival (TFS) or overall survival (OS) and pt characteristics. The acquisition of CA was fitted in the Cox model as a time-dependent covariate. The association between the acquisition of CA and pt characteristics was assessed through univariate and multiple logistic regression models. Results: CA was detected in 107 pts (29%) after a median follow-up of 34 months (mos). CA was observed in a median number of 4 metaphases (range, 2–30). At diagnosis, 21% and 79% of pts who acquired CA were low-and int-1risk MDS; 50% were diploid, 22% harbored chromosome 5 /7 abnormalities. At the time of acquisition of CA, the median percentage of bone marrow blasts was 4% (range, 0% to 89%), the median WBC, hemoglobin and platelets were 3.1 × 109/L, 9.5 g/dL, and 65 × 109/L, respectively; pts were low, int-1, int-2, and high-risk MDS in 3%, 42%, 26%, 29%, respectively. The median TFS and OS were 31 (95% CI: 27– 37) and 34 (95% CI: 30 – 44) mos respectively. Assessing CA as time-dependent covariate, patients with CA had a worse TFS and OS, with a median TFS and OS of 16 and 18 mos compared to 56 and 60 mos, respectively in pts without CA. Based on the multivariable Cox model and after adjusting for effects of all other covariates, pts who had acquired CA had an increased risk of transformation (HR=1.46; p-value = 0.01) or death (HR=1.50; p-value = 0.01). By multivariate analysis, female pts with prior chemotherapy had an increased risk of developing CA (OR= 5.26; p-value Conclusion: CA occurs at a rate of 29% of pts with lower risk MDS, more common among pts with previously treated malignancy, and has a significant impact on TFS and OS, possibly reflecting genomic instability in the natural history of MDS. Disclosures: Cortes: BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Photoevaporation and Disk Dispersal

Protoplanetary disks are depleted of their mass on short timescales by viscous accretion, which removes both gas and solids, and by photoevaporation which removes mainly gas. Photoevaporation may facilitate planetesimal formation by lowering the gas/dust mass ratio in disks. Disk dispersal sets constraints on planet formation timescales, and by controlling the availability of gas determines the type of planets that form in the disk. Photoevaporative wind mass loss rates are theoretically estimated to range from ~ 10−10 to 10−8M⊙, and disk lifetimes are typically ~ few Myr.
Coarctation of the Aorta as a Complication of Surgical Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in a Premature Infant

Surgical ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a commonly performed procedure. Complications are infrequent and most commonly include recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and rarely ligation of left pulmonary artery. We report a case of accidental ligation of the descending thoracic aorta leading to a clinically significant coarctation.
Impaired defenses of neonatal mouse alveolar macrophage with cftr deletion are modulated by glutathione and TGFβ1

Abstract Our understanding of the intrinsic effects of cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator ( cftr ) deletion on resident neonatal alveolar macrophage (AM) remains limited. We previously demonstrated that diminished glutathione (GSH) or excessive AM transforming growth factor beta one (TGF β 1) contributes to AM dysfunction in a variety of disease states. In this study, using a gut‐corrected cftr neonatal knockout (KO) mouse model and a siRNA‐manipulated macrophage‐like cell line (THP‐1 cell), we hypothesized (1) that cftr mutation alone increases neonatal AM oxidant stress and cellular TGF β 1 signaling via altered GSH, thereby impairing cellular function, and (2) that exogenous GSH attenuates AM alterations and dysfunction in the KO AM. In neonatal KO mice, the baseline bronchoalveolar lavage fluid demonstrated a near doubling in mixed disulfides ( P ≤ 0.05) and oxidized GSSG ( P ≤ 0.05) without concurrent inflammation compared to WT littermates. KO AM demonstrated diminished AM thiols ( P ≤ 0.05), increased AM mitochondrial ROS ( P ≤ 0.05), increased AM TGF β 1 ( P ≤ 0.05) with increased TGF β 1 signaling ( P ≤ 0.05), and impaired phagocytosis ( P ≤ 0.05). KO AM mitochondrial ROS was modulated by exogenous GSH ( P ≤ 0.05). Conversely, TGF β 1 was reduced ( P ≤ 0.05) and impaired phagocytosis was rescued ( P ≤ 0.05) by exogenous GSH in the KO AM. These results suggest that an altered neonatal AM phenotype may contribute to the initiation of lung inflammation/infection in the CF lung. Modulation of the AM in the neonatal CF lung may potentially alter progression of disease.
Maintaining sustainable and environmentally friendly fresh produce production in the context of climate change

Abstract: This chapter compares conventional and organic agricultural systems for making agriculture more sustainable in terms of conserving soil, water, energy and biological resources. Organic agricultural technologies provide numerous benefits including abundant soil organic matter and nitrogen, reduced fossil energy inputs, increased crop yields, decreased soil erosion and conservation of soil water – especially beneficial under drought conditions. Conventional agriculture can be made more sustainable and ecologically sound by adopting some of the traditional organic farming technologies.
Fragrance material review on α-damascone

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of α-damascone when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.
Panthera tigris vs homo sapiens: Conflict, Coexistence, or Extinction

Publisher Summary Tiger–human conflict is important for many reasons, not least of which is that it has defined history and will define the future with this species. This chapter frames the contemporary social and biological reality across much of the tiger's range. It also illustrates the ultimate challenge of managing landscapes where people and tigers intersect. Understanding the cause of and solution to this conflict, including the typical behavior of tigers and people, is essential to understanding how to save wild tigers. Tigers no longer kill as many people or livestock as they once did when the world had more tigers and fewer people. But tiger attacks are visceral, frightening, and tragic for people in a way that habitat degradation and poaching are not. Conflict motivates those living near wild tigers to kill them, the rest to fear them, and ultimately leads to intense political pressure to eliminate the problem. Reports suggest that conflict between tigers and people was significant and widespread in most areas where people and tigers coexisted. Common hypotheses suggests to explain why tigers attack people and livestock include: depletion of prey or inability to hunt prey effectively, hunger, old age, illness or injury, learned behavior from individual experience or from parents, older former residents that are no longer able defend a home range, and lack of aversion due to limited or ineffective retaliation.
On-Column Dimethylation with Capillary Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Online Determination of Neuropeptides in Rat Brain Microdialysate

We have developed a method for online collection and quantitation of neuropeptides in rat brain microdialysates using on-column dimethylation with capillary liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (cLC-MS2). This method addresses a number of the challenges of quantifying neuropeptides with cLC-MS. It is also a completely automated and robust method for the preparation of stable isotope labeled-peptide internal standards to correct for matrix effects and thus ensure accurate quantitation. Originally developed for tissue-derived proteomics samples ( Raijmakers et al. Mol. Cell. Proteomics 2008 , 7 , 1755 - 1762 ), the efficacy of on-column dimethylation for native peptides in microdialysate has not been demonstrated until now. We have modified the process to make it more amenable to the time scale of microdialysis sampling and to reduce the accumulation of nonvolatile contaminants on the column and, thus, loss of sensitivity. By decreasing labeling time, we have a temporal resolution of 1 h from sample loading to elution and our peptide detection limits are in the low pM range for 5 μL injections of microdialysate. We have demonstrated the effectiveness of this method by quantifying basal and potassium stimulated concentrations of the neuropeptides leu-enkephalin and met-enkephalin in the rat hippocampus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of quantitation of these peptides in the hippocampus using MS.
Evaluation of fit for 3D-printed retainers compared with thermoform retainers

Introduction In the literature, there is little information available on 3D-printed orthodontic retainers. This study examined the accuracy of 3D-printed retainers compared with conventional vacuum-formed and commercially available vacuum-formed retainers. Methods Three reference models (models 1, 2, and 3) were used to fabricate traditional vacuum-formed, commercially available vacuum-formed, and 3D-printed retainers. For each model, retainers were made using the 3 methods (a total of 27 retainers). To determine the trueness, ie, closeness of a model to a true model, the distance between the retainer and its digital model at reference points were calculated with the use of engineering software. The measurements were reported as average absolute observed values and compared with those of the conventional vacuum-formed retainers. Results Average differences of the conventional vacuum-formed retainers ranged from 0.10 to 0.20 mm. The commercially available and 3D-printed retainers had ranges of 0.10 to 0.30 mm and 0.10 to 0.40 mm, respectively. Conclusions The conventional vacuum-formed retainers showed the least amount of deviation from the original reference models and the 3D-printed retainers showed the greatest deviation. However, all 3 methods yielded measurements within 0.5 mm, which has previously been accepted to be clinically sufficient.
Volume-based feeding improves nutritional adequacy in surgical patients.

Abstract Background Critically ill surgical patients often receive inadequate enteral nutrition using traditional rate-based feeding methods. An alternative strategy is volume-based feeding, in which feeding rates are adjusted to deliver a goal volume per day. Methods This prospective quality improvement study in a single surgical, trauma, and burn ICU compared volume-based feeding to rate-based feeding in a before-and-after design. Outcomes included calories and protein delivered, length of stay, infection, and mortality. Results A total of 50 patients received volume-based feeding and 49 rate-based feeding. The volume-based group received a higher proportion of goal calories (84.5% vs. 73.4%; p = 0.005) and protein (86.2% vs. 77.4%; p = 0.01), as well as increased total daily calories (1604 vs. 1356 kcal; p = 0.02). There was no difference in length of stay, mortality, aspiration, or gastrointestinal intolerance. Conclusions Volume-based feeding improved nutritional intake in critically ill surgical patients, although this study was underpowered to determine differences in clinical outcomes.
Forest land use responses to wood product markets

Abstract Land use measurements collected by the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program allow for monitoring and modeling changes among a detailed set of land use categories. We analyze these data in the southeastern United States to test hypotheses regarding the influence of timber and other land rents, population growth, and various topographic position variables on transitions among rural and developed land uses. This region provides a complete and recent set of land use and forest measurement, is the most important and dynamic timber production region in the world, and increasingly is the focus of international policy debates regarding wood based bioenergy. This analysis is the first to link specific land use changes with forest conditions for modeling rural land use response. While previous studies have relied on aggregate measures of timber values, the detailed forest condition measures allow for site-specific estimates of timber quasi-rents, providing new and unique insights into the influence of timber market conditions on land use changes. Results provide an empirical analysis of the influence of timber rent on transitions to all other uses and specifically show that higher timber rents reduce transitions of forests to all other rural land uses as well as to developed land uses. The latter finding is unique and provides support for the claim that stronger timber markets enhance the area of forests and alter patterns of land use change including patterns of development in the southeastern United States.
An Overview of Object-Oriented Simulation:

With an immense increase in research, development, and application of object- oriented simulation (OOS) over the past decade, there is evidence that this technology is becoming the choice for model...
How to Use the Desktop Fractal Design System

This chapter highlights the use of the desktop fractal design system. The system is invoked using the command sat. It is found that after a brief copyright message, the menu screen appears. The menu screen is the access point to the four main processes of the system. These processes are library, fractal design, maps of fractals, and education. Access to a process is obtained by first moving the yellow menu item to the desired function by repeatedly pressing the space bar and then pressing enter key. As long as the system is left in the menu screen, the chaos game algorithm runs in the background, using three-dimensional IFS of four affine transformations, to produce an image of a black spleenwort fern. It is possible to move the yellow menu item between the three functions by repeatedly pressing the space bar. It is suggested that to activate one of the functions, press the space bar until the yellow menu item is on the desired function, and then press enter key.
Capital Mobility: Challenges for Business and Government

One of the most profound changes in American business during the past decade and a half is that it is no longer just American. Neither is Japanese business simply Japanese, nor German business, German. Most lines of business activity are virtually unfettered by geopolitical boundaries. Indeed, while “global economy” is now a part of every commentator’s vernacular, it is a phrase that did not appear in the periodical indexes until 1980.
Symbolic path cost analysis for side-channel detection

Side-channels in software are an increasingly significant threat to the confidentiality of private user information, and the static detection of such vulnerabilities is a key challenge in secure software development. In this paper, we introduce a new technique for scalable detection of side- channels in software. Given a program and a cost model for a side-channel (such as time or memory usage), we decompose the control flow graph of the program into nested branch and loop components, and compositionally assign a symbolic cost expression to each component. Symbolic cost expressions provide an over-approximation of all possible observable cost values that components can generate. Queries to a satisfiability solver on the difference between possible cost values of a component allow us to detect the presence of imbalanced paths (with respect to observable cost) through the control flow graph. When combined with taint analysis that identifies conditional statements that depend on secret information, our technique answers the following question: Does there exist a pair of paths in the program's control flow graph, differing only on branch conditions influenced by the secret, that differ in observable side-channel value by more than some given threshold? Additional optimization queries allow us to identify the minimal number of loop iterations necessary for the above to hold or the maximal cost difference between paths in the graph. We perform symbolic execution based feasibility analyses to eliminate control flow paths that are infeasible. We implemented our techniques in a prototype, and we demonstrate its favourable performance against state-of-the-art tools as well as its effectiveness and scalability on a set of sizable, realistic Java server-client and peer-to-peer applications.
Childhood Acute Leukemia

Acute leukemia is the most common cancer in children but without definable causes in the majority of cases. Most cases are pre-B cell in origin, and this immunophenotype has increased in incidence over the past several decades in the Western world. Variable epidemiologic associations have been discovered between chemical exposures and childhood leukemia including parental smoking, pesticides, traffic fumes, and diet. However, much of the increase in leukemia rates is likely linked to changing patterns of infection during early childhood development. New evidence suggests that children who contract leukemia may harbor a congenital defect in immune responder status, as indicated by lower levels of constitutive neonatal IL-10 levels at birth. Medical record studies also demonstrate that childhood ALL patients received clinical care for infections within the first year of life despite having lower levels of exposure to infections.
GEOMORPHIC RESPONSE TO WILDFIRE IN AN ARID WATERSHED, CROW CANYON, NEVADA

On August 28, 1981, the Crow Canyon drainage basin in central Nevada was burned by a lightning-generated wildfire that destroyed the vegetation cover consisting primarily of juniper trees, sagebrush, and desert grasses. The geomorphic impact of the wildfire was assessed on the basis of aerial photography, measurements of sediment movement on hillslopes using charred tree trunks as erosion indicators, and surveys of the valley floor, axial channel, and alluvial fan. Aerial photographs indicate the valley floor was untrenched prior to the fire. The combination of foliage destruction and heavy runoff in the spring following the wildfire initiated channel downcutting that has now reached as much as 3.9 m in depth. Entrenchment of the valley-fill in the lower 2.2 km of the drainage network produced as much as 48, 142 m3 of sediment. Much of the channel incision occurred during 1982 and 1983, years characterized by above-normal precipitation. Approximately 17,608 m3 of sediment were deposited on a preexisting a...
Research on EPDM for ±535 kV HVDC Cable Accessories

Ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) is widely used in HVDC cable accessories. However, the mismatch of DC conductivity between EPDM and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), and the effect of space charge accumulation at different insulating interfaces, will distort the electric field distribution and seriously affect the performance of insulating material. In this paper, EPDM was developed for ±535 kV HVDC cable accessories, and the conductivity, XLPE/EPDM space charge distribution and DC breakdown electric field were tested respectively. The electric field distribution of cable accessories was calculated by COMSOL analysis software. It is shown that electric field of the stress cone is far less than the DC breakdown electric field when the EPDM conductivity is close to XLPE; Furthermore, there is a small amount of space charge accumulation at XLPE/EPDM interface and in XLPE, but little space charge in EPDM. As a consequence, the research will make a potential application for ±535 kV HVDC cable accessories.
Biosynthetic Origin of the Atypical Stereochemistry in the Thioheptose Core of Albomycin Nucleoside Antibiotics

Albomycins are peptidyl thionucleoside natural products that display antimicrobial activity against clinically important pathogens. Their structures are characterized by a thioheptose with atypical stereochemistry including a d-xylofuranose ring modified with a d-amino acid moiety. Herein it is demonstrated that AbmH is a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent transaldolase that catalyzes a threo-selective aldol-type reaction to generate the thioheptose core with a d-ribofuranose ring and an l-amino acid moiety. The conversion of l-to d-amino acid configuration is catalyzed by the PLP-dependent epimerase AbmD. The d-ribo to d-xylo conversion of the thiofuranose ring appears according to gene deletion experiments to be mediated by AbmJ, which is annotated as a radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) enzyme. These studies establish several key steps in the assembly of the thioheptose core during the biosynthesis of albomycins.
Down-regulation of MYCN protein by CX-5461 leads to neuroblastoma tumor growth suppression.

Abstract Purpose MYCN oncogene amplification is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in neuroblastoma. CX-5461 is a small molecular inhibitor that prevents initiation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis by RNA Pol I, down-regulating MYCN/MYC proteins. We hypothesize that neuroblastoma tumor growth can be suppressed by CX-5461. Methods MYCN-amplified (KELLY, IMR5) and nonamplified (SY5Y, SKNAS) neuroblastoma cells were treated with CX-5461. MYCN/MYC expression after 24–48 h was determined by Western blot. Orthotopic neuroblastoma tumors created in mice using KELLY cells were treated with CX-5461-loaded silk films implanted locally. Tumor growth was monitored using ultrasound. Histologic evaluation of tumors was performed. Results IC50 for KELLY, IMR5, SY5Y, and SKNAS cells to CX-5461 was 0.75 μM, 0.02 μM, 0.8 μM, and 1.7 μM, respectively. CX-5461 down-regulated MYCN and MYC proteins at 0.25–1.0 μM on Western blot analysis. CX-5461-loaded silk film released 23.7 ± 3 μg of the drug in 24 h and 48.2 ± 3.9 μg at 120 h. KELLY tumors treated with CX-5461-loaded film reached 800 mm3 after 7.8 ± 1.4 days, while those treated with control film reached the same size on 5.1 ± 0.6 days (p = 0.03). CX-5461-treated tumors showed collapse of nucleolar hypertrophy and MYCN protein downregulation. Conclusion We demonstrated that local delivery of CX-5461 via sustained release platform can suppress orthotopic neuroblastoma tumor growth, especially those with MYCN/MYC overexpression.
Anorectal pressures measured with high-resolution manometry in healthy people-Normal values and asymptomatic pelvic floor dysfunction.

Background High-resolution manometry (HRM) is used to measure rectoanal pressures in defecatory disorders and fecal incontinence. This study sought to define normal values for rectoanal HRM, ascertain the effects of age and BMI on rectoanal pressures, and compare pressures in asymptomatic women with normal and prolonged balloon expulsion time (BET). Methods High-resolution manometry pressures and BET were measured in 163 asymptomatic healthy participants. Women (96) and men (47) with normal BET were used to estimate normal values and the effects of age/BMI on pressures using a Medtronic 4.2-mm-diameter rectoanal catheter. Key results Age is associated with lower resting pressure, higher rectal pressure during evacuation, and a higher rectoanal gradient during evacuation in women and men. In women, the BET is also inversely correlated with age while the BMI is correlated with a higher threshold volume for discomfort and a longer BET. The anal squeeze pressure increment, squeeze duration, and HPZ length are higher in men than women. The rectoanal gradient during evacuation is also lower (ie, more negative) in asymptomatic women with an abnormal than a normal BET. Conclusions & inferences These findings provide an expanded database of normal values for anorectal HRM in men and women. Age and sex affect anal resting and squeeze pressures, respectively; rectal pressure during evacuation is also higher in older people. Less than 15% of asymptomatic people have BET >60 seconds, which is associated with manometry features of impaired evacuation.
Mobility management for smart cities professionals

Abstract Traditionally, transportation policymakers have not holistically managed networked mobility patterns but have instead focused their attention on segmenting and regulating individual modes: cars, taxis, transportation network companies, bikes, scooters, buses, and subways. Transportation users, on the other hand, care little about the organizational distinctions between modes. Instead, they focus their energy on stringing together the range of mobility options available to them, optimizing for cost, time, and comfort. The new era of mobility management will align policymaker concerns with the needs of their constituencies in order to develop a transportation network that allows public and private entities to share data, develop new payment and tracking systems, foster dynamic routing services, and provide better user interfaces.
Step 3 of EBP: Part 2—Evaluating Research Methods

Step 3 of EBP centers on evaluating research quality and relevance. This chapter explores sampling, measures, definitions of treatments, and the use of the correct statistical tests in EBP research evaluation. Level of measure, sampling distributions, and different types of statistics are addressed. Treatment manuals are described and illustrated. All these components of research work in tandem to yield valid and rigorous results in quantitative clinical research. Of particular interest is how relevant research methods are to the unique client. This may be important for racially, ethnically, and/or gender nonconforming clients and for immigrant clients. This chapter examines these research methods issues in depth.
Neurosyphilis Treatment Outcomes After Intravenous Penicillin G Versus Intramuscular Procaine Penicillin Plus Oral Probenecid.

Background Data comparing neurosyphilis treatment regimens are limited. Methods Participants were enrolled in a study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities in syphilis that was conducted at the University of Washington between April 2003 to May 2014. They were diagnosed with syphilis and referred by their providers due to concerns for neurosyphilis. We evaluated 150 people with CSF abnormalities who were treated with either intravenous aqueous penicillin G (PenG) or intramuscular aqueous procaine penicillin G plus oral probenecid (APPG-P). An abnormal CSF diagnosis was defined as a white blood cell (WBC) count >20/µL, a CSF protein reading >50 mg/dL, or a reactive CSF-Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL). Hazard ratios for normalization of CSF or serum measures were determined using Cox regression. Results In individuals treated with either PenG or APPG-P, CSF WBCs and CSF-VDRL reactivity normalized within 12 months after treatment, while protein normalized more slowly and less completely. There was no relationship between treatment regimen or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and likelihood of normalization of any measure. Among those living with HIV, CSF WBC counts and CSF-VDRL reactivity were more likely to normalize in those treated with antiretrovirals. Unexpectedly, CSF WBCs were more likely to normalize in those with low CD4+ T cell counts. When neurosyphilis was more stringently defined as a reactive CSF-VDRL, the relationship with the CD4+ T cell count remained unchanged. Conclusions In the current antiretroviral treatment era, neurosyphilis treatment outcomes are not different for PenG and APPG-P, regardless of HIV status. The relationship between the normalization of CSF WBC counts and CD4+ T cell counts may indicate continued imprecision in neurosyphilis diagnostic criteria, due to HIV-related CSF pleocytosis.
“Everything is not right anymore”: Buprenorphine experiences in an era of illicit fentanyl

Abstract Background Conducted in the Dayton Metropolitan area of Southwestern Ohio, this qualitative study explores the self-treatment practices of people who use illicit opioids (PWUIO) amidst the new risk environment produced by illicit, non-pharmaceutical fentanyl (NPF). We explore local perceptions of the presence of NPF in the Dayton area, and how this has both positively and negatively impacted practices of non-prescribed buprenorphine use among PWUIO. Methods This study analyzes qualitative data from 63 interviews conducted between October 2018 and June 2019. Participants were selected from a larger longitudinal study on non-prescribed buprenorphine use among individuals with opioid use disorder. Qualitative interviews were transcribed in their entirety, and their transcriptions were analyzed using NVivo software, drawing on a mix of thematic and inductive coding. Results Interview respondents ranged from 19 to 70 years old, with a mean age of 38.9 years. 54% of them were male, and 85.7% identified as non-Hispanic White. 98.4% of the sample had used heroin, and 93.7% of the sample reported use of NPF. Participants agreed NPF dominated the illicit opioids market in the area, and was perceived as both dangerous and desirable. The domination of NPF and associated overdose experiences prompted some to seek positive change and initiate self-treatment with non-prescribed buprenorphine. For others, NPF sabotaged established practices of harm reduction, as unanticipated experiences of precipitated withdrawals prompted some participants to give up non-prescribed buprenorphine use as a tactic of self-treatment. Discussion The changing nature of heroin/NPF necessarily gives rise to new beliefs surrounding self-treatment attempts, treatment seeking behaviors, and harm reduction practices. While buprenorphine treatment continues to offer promising results for treating opioid use disorders, it is urgent to reconsider how the unpredictable biochemical mixture of NPFs circulating on the streets today may impact the initiation and success of treatment.
Participation in electronic cigarette-related social media communities: Effects on attitudes toward quitting, self-efficacy, and intention to quit.

AbstractThis study examined the effects of joining and actively participating in electronic-cigarette-related social media communities (SMCs), along with e-cigarette-related subjective norms, and s...
Simvastatin down-regulates osteogenic response in cultured human aortic valve interstitial cells

Abstract Background Aortic valve interstitial cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis. In response to proinflammatory stimuli, aortic valve interstitial cells undergo an osteogenic phenotypic change. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the anti-inflammatory effects of statins prevent osteogenic activity in cultured aortic valve interstitial cells. Methods Human aortic valve interstitial cells were isolated from hearts explanted for cardiac transplantation. To test whether simvastatin down-regulates TLR4-induced osteogenic response, aortic valve interstitial cells were treated with simvastatin with and without TLR4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and osteogenic markers were measured. Simvastatin's influence on in vitro calcium deposition was assessed by alizarin red staining. Knockdown of postreceptor signaling proteins (MyD88 and TRIF) was performed to determine which of 2 TLR4-associated pathways mediates the osteogenic response. Expression levels of TLR4-induced nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and TLR4 expression were assessed after treatment with simvastatin. Statistical testing was done by analysis of variance (P Results Simvastatin decreased LPS-induced ALP and Runx2 expression and inhibited in vitro calcium deposition in aortic valve interstitial cells. Knockdown of MyD88 and TRIF attenuated the osteogenic response. Simvastatin attenuated TLR4-dependent NF-κB signaling and down-regulated TLR4 levels. Conclusions Simvastatin prevented TLR4-induced osteogenic phenotypic changes in isolated aortic valve interstitial cells via down-regulation of TLR4 and inhibition of NF-κB signaling. These data offer mechanistic insight into a possible therapeutic role for simvastatin in the prevention of aortic stenosis.
A novel gene panel for prediction of lymph-node metastasis and recurrence in patients with thyroid cancer.

Abstract Background Although well-differentiated papillary thyroid cancer may remain indolent, lymph node metastases and the recurrence rates are approximately 50% and 20%, respectively. No current biomarkers are able to predict metastatic lymphadenopathy and recurrence in early stage papillary thyroid cancer. Hence, identifying prognostic biomarkers predicting cervical lymph-node metastases would prove very helpful in determining treatment. Methods The database of the Cancer Genome Atlas included 495 papillary thyroid cancer samples. Using this database, we developed a machine learning model to define a gene signature that could predict lymph-node metastasis (N0 or N1). Kruskal-Wallis tests, univariate and multivariate logistic and Cox regression models, and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to correlate the gene signature with clinical outcomes. Results We identified a panel of 25 genes and constructed a risk score that can differentiate N0 and N1 papillary thyroid cancer samples (P Conclusion This novel 25-gene panel may be used as a potential prognostic marker for accurately predicting lymph-node metastasis and disease-free survival in patients with early-stage papillary thyroid cancer.
Modelling patterns of coexistence of three congeneric headwater fishes

Mechanisms driving patterns of occurrence and co‐occurrence among North American freshwater fishes are poorly understood. In particular, the influence of biotic interactions on coexistence among stream reaches and their effects on regional species distribution patterns is not well understood for congeneric headwater fishes. Occupancy models provide a useful framework for examining patterns of co‐occurrence while also accounting for imperfect detection. Occupancy models may be extended to test for evidence that a dominant species influences the occurrence of a subordinate species and thus evaluate support for the hypothesis that species interactions drive patterns of coexistence. We examined patterns of occurrence and co‐occurrence at the stream‐reach scale among three species of darters (Percidae: Etheostomatinae) that occupy headwater streams within a Gulf Coastal Plain drainage in the south‐eastern U.S.A. We assessed species occurrences at 97 sites in first‐ to third‐order streams on one occasion each and used data from four sub‐reaches sampled with equal effort at each site to estimate species‐specific detection probabilities. Following sampling, a suite of habitat variables was collected at three equidistant points along each of the three transects established within a sub‐reach. Coarse (stream‐segment, catchment, network) scale variables were also incorporated using geospatial data. Single‐species and two‐species occupancy models were used to examine patterns of occupancy and coexistence. The occupancy of each species was influenced by distinct habitat variables. Goldstripe darters (Etheostoma parvipinne) were constrained by a stream size gradient, groundwater input appeared to influence the occurrence of Yazoo darters (Etheostoma raneyi), and local habitat heterogeneity (e.g. variation in depth and current velocity) appeared to influence the occupancy of redspot darters (Etheostoma artesiae). We found no evidence that the presence of one species influenced the occurrence of another within a stream‐reach based on two‐species occupancy models. Rather, species co‐occurrences were best explained as independent occurrences within a stream‐reach according to species‐specific habitat associations. Occupancy modelling may provide a suitable framework for evaluating the influence of biotic interactions among congeneric stream fishes along species‐specific habitat gradients at the stream reach scale. Our study offers insight into how habitat variation can influence coexistence of potential competitors across a large river system.