cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation and dysregulation of the unfolded protein response in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background & Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are associated with known triggers of the unfolded protein response (UPR). The aims were to (1) evaluate the activity of UPR in NAFL and NASH and (2) correlate expression of UPR pathways with liver histology. Methods: Messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. Liver histology was scored using the NASH clinical research network criteria. Results: Compared with subjects with the metabolic syndrome and normal liver histology (n = 17), both NAFL (n = 21) and NASH (n = 21) were associated with increased eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF-2α) phosphorylation. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) mRNA and protein, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and growth arrest, DNA damage-34 (GADD34) mRNA were not increased in NAFL or NASH. Whereas immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein mRNA was significantly increased in NASH, unspliced X-box protein-1 (XBP-1) protein did not increase. Also, endoplasmic reticulum degradation-enhancing α-mannosidase-like protein mRNA levels were inversely related to spliced XBP-1 mRNA in NASH. NASH was specifically associated with low sXBP-1 protein and increased JNK phosphorylation. This correlated with increased TUNEL activity in NASH. The histologic severity correlated with sXBP-1 mRNA and JNK phosphorylation. Conclusions: There is a variable degree of UPR activation in NAFL and NASH. Although both NAFL and NASH are associated with eIF-2α phosphorylation, there is a failure to activate downstream recovery pathways, ie, ATF4-CHOP-GADD34. NASH is specifically associated with (1) failure to generate sXBP-1 protein and (2) activation of JNK.
Agent-Based Simulation of Labour Emergency Evacuation in High-Rise Building Construction Sites

Construction sites are vulnerable to natural and manmade disasters that impose direct threat to contractor employers. High-rise building projects are more critical in such emergency situations because of the need to evacuate a large number of laborers who are working on the different floors of the building. Occupational safety regulations require general contractors to establish employee emergency action plans that specify emergency evacuation procedures and escape route assignments. These emergency plans are usually evaluated and practiced using real life drills, which face some critical challenges related to egress practicality and changing construction environment, especially in high-rise building construction sites. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents a conceptual agent-based simulation framework that would support general contractors in evaluating labour emergency evacuation plans in high-rise building construction projects. The framework is designed to facilitate: 1) modelling of construction activities workspaces that represent the number and locations of activities crews; 2) representing labour egress behaviour using software autonomous agents; 3) modelling of the physical space and evacuation routes of the building; and 4) evaluating the performance of emergency action plans. The proposed framework should prove useful to general contractors and public safety officials in effectively analyzing emergency action plans.
Investigating dietary acculturation and intake among US-born and Thailand/Laos-born Hmong-American children aged 9-18 years

Objective: The Hmong are a growing population of South-East Asian immigrants with increasing rates of obesity and diabetes, yet little is known about their dietary consumption patterns. The present study aimed to investigate the dietary intake of Hmong children and whether acculturation and/or time lived in the USA influences dietary intake, BMI and nutritional status. Design: Two 24h dietary recalls were collected on non-consecutive days using the multiple-pass interviewing method and were averaged. Heights and weights were measured, from which BMI was calculated. An acculturation score was computed. Setting: Schools, churches, Hmong organizations, and community centres. Subjects: Three hundred and thirty-five Hmong children aged 9‐18 years from Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA. Results: Approximately half of our participants were either overweight or obese. US-born children were significantly heavier, taller, had a higher BMI, and in general consumed more energy, saturated fat and Na than those who were born in Thailand/Laos and were living in the USA for ,5 years. Children who were more acculturated to US norms including language use, social connections and dietary habits had higher BMI-for-age and consumed significantly more saturated fat, trans fatty acids, Na and Ca compared with their less acculturated counterparts. Conclusions: Diets of most Hmong children appear below the recommendations for fibre, vitamins A, D and E, Ca, P, Mg and K, and are higher in fats, sugars and Na. Living in an obesogenic US environment is a probable reason for poor dietary quality of Hmong and may be a contributing factor to the rising rates of obesity and diabetes in this population.
Missing White Woman Syndrome: How Media Framing Affects Viewers' Emotions

In this experiment, the study of missing white woman syndrome is extended to video coverage to determine whether visual framing and race have an effect on the emotions of viewers. Missing white woman syndrome relates to the idea that stories about attractive, young, white females who go missing are more prevalent in the news to the exclusion of similar stories about other demographics. This study examined the relationship between race and framing effects through a factorial design experiment and posttest questionnaire. Experimental conditions compared television news stories about women of different demographics who are portrayed differently in both visual and nonvisual frames. Results showed that visual framing did affect the emotions of viewers, but the race of the missing person did not.
Emulating natural disturbance regimes as a basis for forest management: A North American view

It is widely accepted that for many North American forest ecosystems, changes in species composition and structure are associated with departures from natural disturbance regimes (e.g., fire exclusion). It also widely accepted that restoration of species composition and structure, similar to those which existed under natural disturbance regimes, will in turn restore and maintain: (1) ecosystem resilience to a broad range of environmental challenges; (2) important elements of ecosystem function; and (3) disturbance-adapted species assemblages and thus conservation of biodiversity. Much of the research relevant to emulating natural disturbance regimes (ENDR) in North America has focused on natural fire regimes, particularly those characterized by frequent/low-severity fires. Increasingly, attention is being focused on natural disturbance regimes other than fire and on interactions between different disturbance types. However, the greatest challenges to implementation of ENDR are socioeconomic rather than ecological. There is, for example, limited social acceptance of management based on highseverity natural disturbance regimes. And while there is much broader acceptance of ENDR based on frequent/low-severity disturbance regimes, there is nevertheless strong disagreement concerning how ENDR is to be implemented.
Immunotype and Immunohistologic Characteristics of Tumor Infiltrating Immune Cells are Associated with Clinical Outcome in Metastatic Melanoma

Immune cells infiltrating the microenvironment of melanoma metastases may either limit or promote tumor progression, but the characteristics that distinguish these effects are obscure. In this study, we systematically evaluated the composition and organization of immune cells that infiltrated melanoma metastases in human patients. Three histologic patterns of immune cell infiltration were identified, designated immunotypes A, B, and C. Immunotype A was characterized by no immune cell infiltrate. Immunotype B was characterized by infiltration of immune cells limited only to regions proximal to intratumoral blood vessels. Immunotype C was characterized by a diffuse immune cell infiltrate throughout a metastatic tumor. These immunotypes represented 29%, 63%, and 8% of metastases with estimated median survival periods of 15, 23, and 130 months, respectively. Notably, from immunotypes A to C, there were increasing proportions of B cells and decreasing proportions of macrophages. Overall, the predominant immune cells were T cells (53%), B cell lineage cells (33%), and macrophages (13%), with natural killer and mature dendritic cells only rarely present. Whereas higher densities of CD8(+) T cells correlated best with survival, a higher density of CD45(+) leukocytes, T cells, and B cells also correlated with increased survival. Together, our findings reveal striking differences in the immune infiltrate in melanoma metastases in patients, suggesting microenvironmental differences in immune homing receptors and ligands that affect immune cell recruitment. These findings are important, not only by revealing how the immune microenvironment can affect outcomes but also because they reveal characteristics that may help improve individualized therapy for patients with metastatic melanoma.
Directing Transport of CoFe2O4‐Functionalized Microtubules with Magnetic Fields

Control of the transport and organization of nano- and microscale materials and molecules is a continuing challenge in nanoscience and bio-microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) research. In eukaryotic cells these tasks are faithfully carried out by kinesin motor proteins and their associated microtubule tracks, which makes this motor an attractive candidate for actuation and transport in hybrid biological devices. However, control of the direction of microtubules transported by immobilized kinesin motors is a key hurdle to the implementation of this system. Magnetic fields are ideal for mechanically perturbing biological systems because they are easily controlled and noninvasive, but labeling proteins with magnetic particles can disrupt their biological function. Here we show that by selectively functionalizing microtubule segments with 20-nm CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles, external magnetic fields can be used to control the transport direction of gliding microtubules without affecting their transport speed. These findings demonstrate a novel approach for manipulating kinesin-driven microtubule movements in vitro that can be extended to other protein systems. In cells, kinesin motor proteins convert chemical energy derived from the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into mechanical energy to move intracellular cargo along microtubules, cylindrical polymers (25 nm in diame
Patterned Soft Underlayers for Perpendicular Magnetic Recording

This paper will present an unconventional way to answer the above questions. In contrast to the conventional flat geometry of SUL, it is proposed to use a patterned SUL. FEM-based simulations will be performed to illustrate many key benefits of the use of a patterned SUL.
Representing the Logic of Statutory Rules in the United States

This chapter presents one method of representing the logical structure of systems of legal rules , as they are established by statute in the United States. The chapter uses default logic and “rule trees” to reflect the dynamic and pragmatic context in which legal rules are used, as well as the interplay among legal rules , policy objectives and evidence. Rule trees also capture such important sub–structures as relevant–factor rules and legal presumptions. They are also operational structures available for software computation or for exchange in digital form, and help legal practitioners organize evidence and arguments. Examples throughout are drawn from the statute governing the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), which provides compensation to persons who have sustained vaccine–related injuries. Although the examples are from this particular statute, the default–logic framework is applicable to any other statute in the United States and to those in many other jurisdictions.
Stability of drug additives to peritoneal dialysate

ObjectiveThe primary literature was reviewed to determine the stability of drug additives in peritoneal dialysis solutions.Data SourcesA MEDLINE search and retrieval, covering the period 1981 to 19...
Susceptibility‐based time‐resolved whole‐organ and regional tissue oximetry

The magnetism of hemoglobin - being paramagnetic in its deoxy and diamagnetic in its oxy state - offers unique opportunities to probe oxygen metabolism in blood and tissues. The magnetic susceptibility χ of blood scales linearly with blood oxygen saturation, which can be obtained by measuring the magnetic field ΔB of the intravascular MR signal relative to tissue. In contrast to χ, the induced field ΔB is non-local. Therefore, to obtain the intravascular susceptibility Δχ relative to adjoining tissue from the measured ΔB demands solution of an inverse problem. Fortunately, for ellipsoidal structures, to which a straight, cylindrically shaped blood vessel segment conforms, the solution is trivial. The article reviews the principle of MR susceptometry-based blood oximetry. It then discusses applications for quantification of whole-brain oxygen extraction - typically on the basis of a measurement in the superior sagittal sinus - and, in conjunction with total cerebral blood flow, the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2 ). By simultaneously measuring flow and venous oxygen saturation (SvO2 ) a temporal resolution of a few seconds can be achieved, allowing the study of the response to non-steady-state challenges such as volitional apnea. Extensions to regional measurements in smaller cerebral veins are also possible, as well as voxelwise quantification of venous blood saturation in cerebral veins accomplished by quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) techniques. Applications of susceptometry-based oximetry to studies of metabolic and degenerative disorders of the brain are reviewed. Lastly, the technique is shown to be applicable to other organ systems such as the extremities using SvO2 as a dynamic tracer to monitor the kinetics of the microvascular response to induced ischemia. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Localized Fabrication of Mental Contacts and Electrical Measurements on Multi walled Carbon Nanotubes

A Focused Ion Beam (FIB) microscope was to locally deposit platinum contacts on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNTs) for resistance and current carrying capability measurements. We have determined the resistivity of these ultra-thin Pt lines and the MWNT-Pt contact resistance to account for contributions to the MWNT measurements. We have studied the effects of secondary mental deposition around the contacts (‘halo’ effect) on the MENT electrical measurements as well as effects of ion beam exposure and possible ways to avoid/minimize them. Transmission Electron Microscopy data was used to evalutate MWNT surface modifications due to ion beam exposure and Pt deposition.
Catheter ablation of accessory atrioventricular pathways (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome) by radiofrequency current.

Background Surgical or catheter ablation of accessory pathways by means of high-energy shocks serves as definitive therapy for patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome but has substantial associated morbidity and mortality. Radiofrequency current, an alternative energy source for ablation, produces smaller lesions without adverse effects remote from the site where current is delivered. We conducted this study to develop catheter techniques for delivering radiofrequency current to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with accessory-pathway ablation. Methods Radiofrequency current (mean power, 30.9 +/- 5.3 W) was applied through a catheter electrode positioned against the mitral or tricuspid annulus or a branch of the coronary sinus; when possible, delivery was guided by catheter recordings of accessory-pathway activation. Ablation was attempted in 166 patients with 177 accessory pathways (106 pathways in the left free wall, 13 in the anteroseptal region, 43 in the posteroseptal region, and 15 in the right free wall). Results Accessory-pathway conduction was eliminated in 164 of 166 patients (99 percent) by a median of three applications of radiofrequency current. During a mean follow-up (+/- SD) of 8.0 +/- 5.4 months, preexcitation or atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia returned in 15 patients (9 percent). All underwent a second, successful ablation. Electrophysiologic study 3.1 +/- 1.9 months after ablation in 75 patients verified the absence of accessory-pathway conduction in all. Complications of radiofrequency-current application occurred in three patients (1.8 percent): atrioventricular block (one patient), pericarditis (one), and cardiac tamponade (one) after radiofrequency current was applied in a small branch of the coronary sinus. Conclusions Radiofrequency current is highly effective in ablating accessory pathways, with low morbidity and no mortality.
The Relative Toxicity of Some 2,4-Dinitro-6-R-Phenols1

In studies of numerous nitrated phenols, it has become apparent that the 2,4-dinitro-6-alkylphenols and cycloalkyl-phenols possess relatively higher toxicity to insects and mites than some of their closely related isomers. Because of the practical significance to economic entomology of several of these nitrated phenols, it has been considered worth while to present certain information concerning the relative toxicity of some members of this group of compounds to insects and mites.
Metal-Catalyzed Reduction of HCONR′2, R′ = Me (DMF), Et (DEF), by Silanes to Produce R′2NMe and Disiloxanes: A Mechanism Unraveled

We demonstrate that using Mo(CO)(6), Mo(CO)(5)NMe(3), and (η(5)-C(5)H(5))Mn(CO)(3) as catalysts for the silane, R(3)SiH, reduction of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and N,N-diethylformamide (DEF), we can observe, intercept, and isolate, the important siloxymethylamine intermediates, R(3)SiOCH(2)NR'(2), R' = Me, Et, for the first time. In the presence of excess DMF such intermediates thermally react with a variety of silanes to form the corresponding disiloxanes in the absence of a metal catalyst. We also show that the germanium hydrides, Et(3)GeH and Bu(3)GeH, also reduce DMF to form trimethylamine and the corresponding digermoxane but observe no intermediates R(3)GeOCH(2)NMe(2). Bu(3)SnH reduces DMF, but along with the low yields of Bu(3)SnOSnBu(3) (but no Bu(3)SnOCH(2)NMe(2)) significant side products are obtained including (Bu(3)Sn)(2) and Bu(4)Sn. In the absence of DMF the siloxymethylamines can undergo metal-catalyzed reactions with silanes, germanes and stannanes to form disiloxanes, and R(3)SiOER(3) E = Ge, Sn, respectively. To date, the most efficient catalyst for this latter process is (η(5)-C(5)H(5))Mo(CO)(3)CH(3) via a photochemical reaction.
Beyond the Mean: Biological Impacts of Cryptic Temperature Change

Studies have typically used shifts in mean temperatures to make predictions about the biotic impacts of climate change. Though shifts in mean temperatures correlate with changes in phenology and distributions, other hidden, or cryptic, changes in temperature, such as temperature variation and extreme temperatures, could pose greater risks to species and ecological communities. Yet, these cryptic temperature changes have received relatively little attention because mean temperatures are readily available and the organism-appropriate temperature response is often elusive. An alternative to using mean temperatures is to view organisms as physiological filters of hourly temperature data. We explored three classes of physiological filters: (1) nonlinear thermal responses using performance curves of insect fitness, (2) cumulative thermal effects using degree-day models for corn emergence, and (3) threshold temperature effects using critical thermal maxima and minima for diverse ectotherms. For all three physiological filters, we determined the change in biological impacts of hourly temperature data from a standard reference period (1961-90) to a current period (2005-10). We then examined how well mean temperature changes during the same time period predicted the biotic impacts we determined from hourly temperature data. In all cases, mean temperature alone provided poor predictions of the impacts of climate change. These results suggest that incorporating high frequency temperature data can provide better predictions for how species will respond to temperature change.
Cardiopulmonary dysfunction produced by reoxygenation of immature hypoxemic animals supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. Prevention by intravenous metabolic pretreatment.

This study tests the hypothesis that reoxygenation injury is produced when cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated in immature hypoxemic piglets and that it causes cardiopulmonary dysfunction that can be avoided by intravenous metabolic treatment before and during cardiopulmonary bypass. Of 18 immature Yorkshire-Duroc piglets (aged
Cortical activity during cued picture naming predicts individual differences in stuttering frequency.

Abstract Objective Developmental stuttering is characterized by fluent speech punctuated by stuttering events, the frequency of which varies among individuals and contexts. Most stuttering events occur at the beginning of an utterance, suggesting neural dynamics associated with stuttering may be evident during speech preparation. Methods This study used EEG to measure cortical activity during speech preparation in men who stutter, and compared the EEG measures to individual differences in stuttering rate as well as to a fluent control group. Each trial contained a cue followed by an acoustic probe at one of two onset times (early or late), and then a picture. There were two conditions: a speech condition where cues induced speech preparation of the picture’s name and a control condition that minimized speech preparation. Results Across conditions stuttering frequency correlated to cue-related EEG beta power and auditory ERP slow waves from early onset acoustic probes. Conclusions The findings reveal two new cortical markers of stuttering frequency that were present in both conditions, manifest at different times, are elicited by different stimuli (visual cue, auditory probe), and have different EEG responses (beta power, ERP slow wave). Significance The cue-target paradigm evoked brain responses that correlated to pre-experimental stuttering rate.
Conversion of Dinuclear, Diamagnetic [MoV2O3(NCS)8]4- into Mononuclear, Paramagnetic [MoVO(NCS)5]2- through Photolytic Ligand Redistribution

Dinuclear [MoV2O3(NCS)8]4- (14-) has been prepared as [NMe4]+ and [NEt4]+ salts in good yield by reduction of [MoVIO2(NCS)4]2- with 0.5 equiv of PMe2Ph in tetrahydrofuran. A Beer's law plot of the band at 513 nm (e = 22 500 mol-1 L cm-1) from concentrations of 1 × 10-4−1 × 10-3 mol L-1 established that 14- does not participate in thermal disproportionation equilibria with mononuclear Mo(VI) and Mo(IV) species. A single crystal diffraction study has established that dark crystals containing 14- and a noncoordinating [NMe4]+ counterion crystallize from acetone as the solvate [NMe4]4[MoV2O3(NCS)8]·2Me2CO in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 9.455 (2) A, b = 11.831 (2) A, c = 12.772 (3) A, α = 110.52 (3)°, β = 105.17 (3)°, γ = 98.63 (3)°, and Z = 1. The anion in these crystals has an anti orientation of the terminal oxo groups similar to that observed previously for a hydrate of the K+ salt. Ion pairing in the K+ salt has surprisingly modest effects on anion parameters for the anion, largely confined to ...
Probing Intrinsic Resting-State Networks in the Infant Rat Brain

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) measures spontaneous fluctuations in blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal in the absence of external stimuli. It has become a powerful tool for mapping large-scale brain networks in humans and animal models. Several rs-fMRI studies have been conducted in anesthetized and awake adult rats, reporting consistent patterns of brain activity at the systems level. However, the evolution to adult patterns of resting-state activity has not yet been evaluated and quantified in the developing rat brain. In this study, we hypothesized that large-scale intrinsic networks would be easily detectable but not fully established as specific patterns of activity in lightly anesthetized 2-week-old rats (N=11). Independent component analysis (ICA) identified 8 networks in the 2-week-old rats. These included Default mode, Sensory (Exteroceptive), Salience (Interoceptive), Basal Ganglia-Thalamic-Hippocampal, Basal Ganglia, Autonomic, Cerebellar, as well as Thalamic-Brainstem networks. Many of these networks consisted of more than one component, possibly indicating that networks are underdeveloped at this early time point. Except for the Autonomic network, infant rat networks showed reduced connectivity with subcortical structures in comparison to previously published adult networks. Reported slow fluctuations in the BOLD signal that correspond to functionally relevant resting-state networks in 2-week-old rats can serve as an important tool for future studies of brain development in the settings of different pharmacological applications or disease.
Nitrogen Metabolism in Rhodobacter Capsulatus

A new class of R. capsulatus mutants was isolated that lacks GOGAT but grows well on N2. Because this species has no detectable GDH activity, this finding suggests that an unidentified ammonium assimilatory pathway may exist.
Membranbildung und Zytolyse

Wir wollen in diesem Kapitel zeigen, das alle hamolytischen Mittel auch die Membranbildung hervorrufen. Gewohnlich finden wir, das eine kurze Behandlung des Eies mit diesen Mitteln nur die Membranbildung bedingt, eine langere Behandlung dagegen die Zytolyse. Nach Koppe gibt es auser Elektrizitat und Warme 5 hamolytisch wirkende Agenzien, namlich 1. gewisse spezifische Stoffe, wie Glukoside (z. B. Saponin) oder gallensaure Salze, 2. eine Reihe fettlosender Stoffe, wie Benzol, Ather und Alkohol, 3. destilliertes Wasser, 4. Wasserstoffionen, 5. Hydroxylionen. Wir werden zeigen, das alle diese Stoffe die Membranbildung und bei richtiger Nachbehandlung die Entwieklung des Seeigeleies (und der Eier anderer Formen, wie wir spater sehen werden) hervorrufen. Wir konnen deshalb kurz sagen, das alle hamolytischen Agenzien entwieklungserregend wirken und das die Entwicklungserregung in einer oberflachlichen oder partiellen Zytolyse des Eies besteht.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Gecko Adhesion: A View of Its Origins and Current Directions

Although there has been long-standing interest in understanding how geckos achieve robust and repeatable adhesion across a wide range of surfaces and under many conditions, the underlying mechanisms have only come to light over the last 15 years. Biological interpretation of the significance of the system, as well as the potential for developing synthetic mimics, both rely on a more complete analysis and interpretation than currently exists of the gecko adhesion model outside of ideal circumstances. In this contribution, we explore the basic research literature on gecko adhesion and some related foundational work in the patent literature in an effort to provide a qualitative description of the major themes of basic research and the potential applications captured in associated patents. Our main analytical approach borrows from bibliometric methods and tools that are designed to reveal idea sources and development as dynamic networks among keywords, authors, and journals captured in co-citation data. Although our co-citation dataset includes over 1500 studies, themes emerging from the analysis suggest that gecko research efforts are distributed on many different fronts with unclear or weak linkage to applications as reflected in the patent literature. Our anecdotal impression that studies focusing on natural materials in the gecko adhesive system that are less well represented than those centered on other themes (e.g., structure, geometry, mechanics) is consistent with the bibliometric patterns revealed here.
The Severity of Intracranial Hemorrhages Measured by Free Hemoglobin in the Brain Depends on the Anticoagulant Class: Experimental Data

Background and Purpose. Anticoagulant therapy is broadly used to prevent thromboembolic events. Intracranial hemorrhages are serious complications of anticoagulation, especially with warfarin. Direct oral anticoagulants reduce but do not eliminate the risk of intracranial hemorrhages. The aim of this study is to determine the degree of intracranial hemorrhage after application of anticoagulants without additional triggers. Methods. Rats were treated with different anticoagulant classes (vitamin K antagonists, heparin, direct thrombin inhibitor, and factor Xa inhibitor). Brain hemorrhages were assessed by the free hemoglobin concentration in the brain parenchyma. Results. Vitamin K antagonists (warfarin and brodifacoum) significantly increased free hemoglobin in the brain. Among direct oral anticoagulants, thrombin inhibitor dabigatran also significantly increased free hemoglobin in the brain, whereas treatment with factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban did not have significant effect on the free hemoglobin concentration. Conclusions. Our data indicates that the severity of brain hemorrhages depends on the anticoagulant class and it is more pronounced with vitamin K antagonists.
Complications and 30-Day readmission rates after craniotomy/craniectomy: A single Institutional study of 243 consecutive patients.

Abstract Early hospital readmission has become a proxy for quality of care and contributes significantly to high health care costs in the United States, with more than $20 billion health care dollars are spent on 30-day readmission annually. Cranial neurosurgical procedures (i.e., craniotomy, craniectomy) are associated with high readmission rates; however, studies examining readmission after cranial procedures are limited and relatively unknown. The aim of this study is to identify the drivers of 30-day unplanned readmission in consecutive patients undergoing craniotomies and craniectomies. The medical records of 243 consecutive patients undergoing either craniotomy or craniectomy at a major academic institution in 2011 were reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, intra- and post-operative complication rates were collected for each patient. We identified all unplanned readmissions within 30 days of discharge. A total of 10 (4.1%) unplanned 30-day readmissions were identified. The mean ± SD age was 58.58 ± 15.12 years. The most common indication for surgery was malignancy (63.4%) followed by Chiari malformation (10.3%), epilepsy (5.3%), and skull lesion/deformity (2.9%). The majority of patients presented to the emergency department from home (80%), while 10% were readmitted from a skilled nursing facility and 10% were readmitted from an acute rehabilitation institution. The most common presented symptoms for readmitted patients were fever/presumed infection (40%) and altered mental status (40%), followed by new sensory/motor deficits (30%). This study suggests that infection, altered mental status, and new sensory/motor deficits were the primary complications leading to unplanned 30-day readmission after cranial neurosurgery.
Observed gust wind speeds in the coterminous United States, and their relationship to local and regional drivers

Abstract Given the importance of wind gusts to structural design and the economic and ecological impacts of extreme winds, there is a need for better understanding of the spatial variability of wind gusts. Sonic anemometer wind measurements at 10-m a.g.l. from 801 US National Weather Service Automated Surface Observation System sites are used to characterize gust climates across the coterminous United States. These data indicate substantial regional and sub-regional variability across a range of gust metrics. For example, the locally-determined 95th percentile gust values exceed 16.46 ms-1 at most sites throughout the central plains, but are below 14.40 ms-1 throughout almost all of the southeastern stations. When site-specific gust metrics are conditionally sampled by the likelihood of deep convection and frequency of extra-tropical cyclones, the results indicate that gust factors tend to be lower in regions with higher convective potential, and higher in areas with a higher frequency of extra-tropical cyclones. Conversely, 1 and 10-year return period gusts are higher in the region with high convective potential, but do not exhibit consistently higher values in regions with a high frequency of extra-tropical cyclones. Terrain complexity and higher surface roughness are also found to increase gust factors but not absolute gust magnitudes.
Nine Ways That Social Relationships Matter for the Life Course

There is much to gain from infusing life course scholarship with greater attention to social networks, and vice versa. Even more, there is much to gain from actively fostering collaboration between the two fields and examining the ways in which concepts from one field can be applied in the other. This chapter argues that the influences of social networks and the life course are mutual and reciprocal. This chapter outlines nine ways that social relationships matter for the life course. This discussion provides many fruitful ideas for advancing theory and research that bridges the study of the life course with that of social networks.
Case study: a decade of changes in a small environmental engineering graduate program

For a small graduate program in environmental engineering in a rural state in the US, it is important for the program curriculum to stay in the mainstream. While resident student enrollment is approaching a steady level, international student enrollment increases steadily, this is due in part to the out-of-state tuition waiver provided to the students. Part-time students are a significant part of the program, these students have special needs that are different from traditional full-time students that must be taken into consideration in program planning. A small program provides an attentive atmosphere for students’ learning, but it also has problems that a larger program would not encounter, such as competitiveness, personal conflicts, program identity, etc. Despite success in the past, the program is likely to merge with other related programs in the university during times of budget restrictions.
Model for the spin-dependent Seebeck coefficient of InSb in a magnetic field

We develop a simple theory for the spin-dependent Seebeck effect in $n$-doped InSb in an external magnetic field. We consider spin-$1/2$ electrons in the conduction band of InSb with a temperature gradient parallel to the applied magnetic field. In the absence of spin-orbit interactions, a Boltzmann equation approach leads to a spin current parallel to the field and proportional to the temperature gradient. The calculated spin-dependent Seebeck coefficient oscillates as a function of magnetic field $B$; the peak positions are approximately periodic in $1/B$. The oscillations arise when the Fermi energy crosses the bottom of a Landau band.
Lyapunov Stability Theory Based Control of Uncertain Dynamical Systems

We present a controller design methodology for uncertain systems which is based on the constructive use of Lyapunov stability theory. The uncertainties, which are deterministic, are characterized by certain structural conditions and known as well as unknown bounds. As a consequence of the Lyapunov approach, the methodology is not restricted to linear or time-invariant systems. The robustness of these controllers in the presence of singular perturbations is considered. The situation in which the full state of the system is not available for measurement is also considered as are other generalizations. Applications of the proposed controller are noted.
Weed Management Programs in No-tillage Soybean

The purpose of this study was to evaluate various herbicides and application timings in no-tillage soybean for crop injury and weed control.
Fundamentals and Application of Biofilm Processes in Drinking-Water Treatment

Biofilm processes are used primarily to produce a biologically stable drinking water, which does not foster growth of microorganisms during its distribution. This article describes the characteristics of biofilms and biofilm processes. It emphasizes quantitative modeling of the phenomenon controlling the accumulation of biofilm and the removal of organic and inorganic materials comprising biological instability. The article describes a practical means, the normalized surface loading, for applying biofilm modeling to the design and analysis of biofilm processes. Special attention is given to the most common applications in drinking-water treatment: aerobic oxidation of low concentrations of biodegradable organic material, nitrification of ammonium nitrogen, and denitrification of nitrate nitrogen.
The Second-Order Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology

The Second-Order Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology generalizes the First-Order Theory presented in the author’s previous books published by CRC Press. This breakthrough has many applications in sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, optimization, data assimilation, model calibration, and reducing uncertainties in model predictions. The book has many illustrative examples that will help readers understand the complexity of the subject and will enable them to apply this methodology to problems in their own fields. Highlights: • Covers a wide range of needs, from graduate students to advanced researchers • Provides a text positioned to be the primary reference for high-order sensitivity and uncertainty analysis • Applies to all fields involving numerical modeling, optimization, quantification of sensitivities in direct and inverse problems in the presence of uncertainties. About the Author: Dan Gabriel Cacuci is a South Carolina SmartState Endowed Chair Professor and the Director of the Center for Nuclear Science and Energy, Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina. He has a Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering from Columbia University. He is also the recipient of many awards including four honorary doctorates, the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Memorial award from the U.S. Dept. of Energy and the Arthur Holly Compton, Eugene P. Wigner and the Glenn Seaborg Awards from the American Nuclear Society.
Temporal patterns of ungulate herbivory and phenology of aspen regeneration and defense

Ungulate herbivory can create strong top-down effects on forest recruitment, especially after fire. Defense strategies of tree species against ungulate herbivory include escape through vertical growth and resistance through the production of defense compounds. Using a four-way fence design and camera traps we characterized the differential impacts of ungulate herbivores (deer, elk, cattle) on aspen forest recruitment and plant defense responses and how they vary depending on the timing of herbivory. Aspen height growth was greatest between June and August and ungulate use of aspen was highest in July and August. Three years after fire, height of aspen differed among fence treatments with full ungulate exclusion > deer-only plots > native ungulate plots > fenceless plots: 108 ± 4 cm, 94 ± 4 cm, 89 ± 4 cm, and 65 ± 4 cm, respectively. Fenceless plots had the highest rates of removal of apical meristems by the end of 2014 and 2015 (61% and 53%, respectively). Native ungulate plots, and deer-only plots both had similar removal of apical meristems in 2014 (37% and 39%, respectively). The highest phenolic glycoside concentrations were associated with an 80% reduction in meristem removal and four-fold greater aspen height by the end of summer. Low nitrogen was associated with an 86% reduction in apical meristem removal and threefold greater aspen height. In conclusion, our study suggests that high ungulate abundance can have detrimental impacts on forest recruitment and that high aspen defense chemistry and lower leaf N deters ungulate herbivory, especially in the late summer.
Mindfulness and Attention: Current State-of-Affairs and Future Considerations

This review examines longitudinal studies of changes in components of attention following mindfulness training. A total of 57 retreat studies, non-randomized trials, and randomized controlled trials were identified. Employing the classical taxonomy proposed by Posner and Petersen (Annual Review of Neuroscience, 13(1), 25–42, 1990), outcome measures were broadly categorized based on whether they involved maintenance of an aroused state (alerting), selective prioritization of attention to target items (orienting), or assessed conflict monitoring (executive attention). Although many non-randomized and retreat studies provide promising evidence of gains in both alerting and conflict monitoring following mindfulness training, evidence from randomized controlled trials, especially those involving active control comparison groups, is more mixed. This review calls attention to the urgent need in our field of contemplative sciences to adopt the methodological rigor necessary for establishing mindfulness meditation as an effective cognitive rehabilitation tool. Although studies including wait-listed control comparisons were fruitful in providing initial feasibility data and pre-post effect sizes, there is a pressing need to employ standards that have been heavily advocated for in the broader cognitive and physical training literatures. Critically, inclusion of active comparison groups and explicit attention to the reduction of demand characteristics are needed to disentangle the effects of placebo from treatment. Further, detailed protocols for mindfulness and control groups and examination of theoretically guided outcome variables with established metrics for reliability and validity are key ingredients in the systematic study of mindfulness meditation. Adoption of such methodological rigor will allow for causal claims supporting mindfulness training as an efficacious treatment modality for cognitive rehabilitation and enhancement.
Unique allometry of group size and collective brain mass in humans and primates relative to other mammals

Abstract Group living is common in mammals, particularly in primates and humans. Across species, groups are social networks where co-residing members exchange information and balance trade-offs between competition and cooperation for space, resources, and reproductive opportunities. From a macroecological perspective, species-specific group sizes are ultimately constrained by body size, population density, and the environmental supply rate of home ranges. Here, we derive an allometric null model for group size in mammals based on individual energy demands and ecological constraints. Using Bayesian phylogenetic mixed models we show that primates exhibit unique allometries relative to other mammals. Moreover, as large-bodied primates, human hunter-gatherers have among the largest social groups of any mammal. We then explore the consequences of this unique social allometry by considering how mammalian brain size scales up in social groups that differ in size across mammals. We show similarly unique allometries in what we term the collective brain mass of social groups in primates relative to all other mammals. These results show that for a given body size primates have both larger brains and larger social networks than other mammals. Consequently, proportionally larger primate brains interact in proportionally larger social networks with important consequences for group cognition. We suggest that the size, scale, and complexity of human social networks in the 21st century have deep evolutionary roots in primate ecology and mammalian brain allometry.
TLR9 activation cooperates with T cell checkpoint blockade to regress poorly immunogenic melanoma

Tumors that lack pre-existing immune infiltration respond poorly to T cell checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. These cancers often surround themselves with high densities of suppressive myeloid stroma while excluding immunostimulatory dendritic cells. Tumor-resident myeloid cells and selected lymphocyte populations retain expression of Toll-like Receptors (TLR) that sense common features of pathogens and activate innate immunity in response. We explored whether agonists of TLR9 could augment innate immunity to promote tumor regression alone or in combination with T cell checkpoint blockade. In the setting of the immunogenic B16-Ova (Ovalbumin) expressing melanoma model, local injection of the CpG oligonucleotide TLR9 agonist ODN1826 combined with systemic CTLA-4 blockade cured 45% of mice of both their treated and an untreated tumor on the opposite flank demonstrating the synergistic potential of this combination. Next, in the non-immunogenic B16-F10 melanoma model, we showed that only intra-tumoral, but not systemic TLR9 activation augments the therapeutic potential of checkpoint blockade. In this setting, intra-tumoral TLR9 activation cooperated equally with either CTLA-4 or PD-1 blockade co-administered locally or given systemically; however, the uninjected tumor rarely regressed. Anti-CTLA-4 combinations were associated with improved intra-tumoral CD8 to regulatory T cell ratios, while anti-PD-1 combinations elicited improved ratios of CD8 T cells relative to suppressive myeloid stroma. Using both a TLR9 agonist (MGN1703) and a CTLA-4 antibody (9D9-IgG2a) of increased potency cured 50% of bi-lateral B16-F10 melanoma. These findings suggest that intra-tumoral TLR9 agonists can improve sensitivity of poorly immunogenic tumors to T cell checkpoint blockade, and that newer, higher potency TLR agonists and checkpoint antibodies can raise the therapeutic ceiling for this combination therapy.
Lower serum bicarbonate is associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury

Lower serum bicarbonate levels are associated with an increased risk of kidney disease progression. Whether lower serum bicarbonate levels are associated with an increased risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) is unclear. We included 8393 patients from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) that had baseline serum bicarbonate levels and complete data available. AKI was a predetermined adjudicated adverse event that was determined by hospital admission and discharge records with AKI as a recorded diagnosis. Serum bicarbonate was examined in clinically significant cutoffs ≤ 24, 25–28 and > 28 mEq/L, with 25–28 mEq/L as the reference group. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association between serum bicarbonate and development of AKI. The mean (SD) age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and serum bicarbonate level at baseline were 68 (9) years, 77 (23) ml/min/1.73m2 and 26.3 (2.6) mEq/L, respectively. Participants with serum bicarbonate levels ≤ 24 mEq/L were more likely to be male and to have lower baseline eGFR. After a median follow-up time of 3.3 years, 293 participants developed AKI. More patients in the lower bicarbonate group developed AKI (6.1% vs 2.8% in the 25–28 mEq/L and 2.1% in the > 28 mEq/L). A bicarbonate level ≤ 24 mEq/L was associated with a significantly increased risk of AKI compared to those with a bicarbonate level of 25–28 mEq/L after full adjustment (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.1–1.8). Lower serum bicarbonate levels are an independent risk factor for the development of AKI.
Use of active learning and simulation to teach pharmacy students order verification and patient education best practices with oral oncolytic therapies

IntroductionThe primary objective of this study was to describe the incorporation of the flipped classroom model and use of real-life oncology patients to facilitate student learning of oral oncoly...