cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mass, mobility and MSn measurements of single ions using charge detection mass spectrometry

Charge detection mass spectrometry is used to measure the mass, charge, MSn and mobility of an individual ion produced by electrospray ionization of a 8 MDa polyethylene glycol sample. The charge detection mass spectrometer is an electrostatic ion trap that uses cone electrodes and a single tube detector and can detect ions for up to the full trapping time of 4.0 s. The time-domain signal induced on the detector tube by a single multiply charged ion can be complex owing to sequential fragmentation of the original precursor ion as well as increasing oscillation frequencies of the single ion owing to collisions with background gas that reduce the kinetic energy of the ion inside the trap. Simulations show that the ratio of the time for the ion to turn around inside the cone region of the trap to the time for the ion to travel through the detector tube is constant with m/z and increases with the ion energy per charge. By measuring this ratio, the kinetic energy of an ion can be obtained with good precision (∼1%) and this method to measure ion kinetic energies eliminates the necessity of ion energy selection prior to trapping for high precision mass measurement of large molecules in complex mixtures. This method also makes it possible to measure the masses of each sequential fragment ion formed from the original precursor ion. MS7 of a single multiply charged PEG molecule is demonstrated, and from these ion energy measurements and effects of collisions on the ion motion inside the trap, information about the ion mobility of the precursor ion and its fragments is obtained.
Associations between genetic and epigenetic variations in cytokine genes and mild persistent breast pain in women following breast cancer surgery

Persistent pain following breast cancer surgery is a significant problem. Both inherited and acquired mechanisms of inflammation appear to play a role in the development and maintenance of persistent pain. In this longitudinal study, growth mixture modeling was used to identify persistent breast pain phenotypes based on pain assessments obtained prior to and monthly for 6months following breast cancer surgery. Associations between the "no pain" and "mild pain" phenotypes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning 15 cytokine genes were evaluated. The methylation status of the CpG sites found in the promoters of genes associated with pain group membership was determined using bisulfite sequencing. In the multivariate analysis, three SNPs (i.e., interleukin 6 (IL6) rs2069840, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) rs4073, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) rs1800610) and two TNF CpG sites (i.e., c.-350C, c.-344C) were associated with pain group membership. These findings suggest that variations in IL6, CXCL8, and TNF are associated with the development and maintenance of mild persistent breast pain. CpG methylation within the TNF promoter may provide an additional mechanism through which TNF alters the risk for mild persistent breast pain after breast cancer surgery. These genetic and epigenetic variations may help to identify individuals who are predisposed to the development of mild levels of persistent breast pain following breast cancer surgery.
Abstract 15786: Effect of Inorganic Nitrate on Wave Reflections vs. Microvascular Dilatory Reserve: Role in Improving Aeobic Capacity in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Background: We have previously shown that a single dose of Inorganic nitrate supplementation increases peak oxygen consumption in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Inorganic n...
Exposure of dioxin-like chemicals in participants of the Anniston community health survey follow-up.

Abstract The 2014 follow-up of the Anniston Community Health Survey (ACHS II) consisted of 338 surviving participants from the 2005–2007 baseline study (ACHS) who had previous polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) measurements, were not pregnant, and were not institutionalized. Questionnaires and blood samples provided the demographic, personal history, and chemical concentration data of the Anniston residents. Approximately 51% of participants were African American, 72% were female, and the mean age was 63 years old. The objectives of this study were to provide an exposure assessment of dioxin-like chemicals in the ACHS II participants and compare the measurements with the general United States (U.S.) population via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Stratified analyses revealed significantly higher average total dioxin toxic equivalencies (TEQs) among African Americans compared to Whites (33.1 vs. 19.2 pg/g lipid), and in females compared to males (29.8 vs. 17.0 pg/g lipid). When adjusting for age, sex, and race in linear regression, we found ACHS II participants to have significantly higher total dioxin TEQ than the general 2014 U.S. population that we estimated for using half-life and NHANES 2003/04 data (most recent NHANES individual samples data), by 16.7 pg/g lipid. Principal component analyses showed that non-ortho and mono-ortho PCBs were separated from the other dioxin-like chemicals among the Anniston residents, whereas the chemicals were all clustered together for estimated NHANES 2014. The concentrations of dioxin-like chemicals, especially non-ortho and mono-ortho PCBs, in Anniston residents who resided near the former PCB production plant were higher than those in the general U.S. population. Although data strongly supported this difference, these inferences are limited because NHANES 2013/14 data were unavailable and we used estimated NHANES 2014 levels that we imputed from NHANES 2003/04 data in conjunction with half-life values estimated from Milbrath et al., 2009.
A Tale Of Two Assets Of Capital For Entrepreneurs: Evidence From China

Entrepreneurs use multiple means such as political capital and social capital to acquire resources and to better survive and thrive. In this article, we incorporated both the insights from market t...
Models of Language Learning and their Implications for Social Constructionist Analyses of Scientific Belief

Recent presentations of the social-constructionist and social-relativist analyses of scientific belief have correctly invoked the emphasis on the underjustification of both “fact”-establishment and theory choice in post-positivist philosophies of science. Accompanying this is an emphasis on the role of language in forming the categories and causal scenarios of perception and interpretation, for ordinary perception, folk-classifications, and science. Examples of the latter can be found in: Knorr-Cetina & Mulkay (1983), Barnes (1983), Bloor (1983), and Collins (1985).
On Crack Closure and Crack Tip Shielding During Fatigue Crack Growth

Fatigue crack growth can be strongly influenced by crack closure, i. e., the contacting of the opposing faces of a fatigue crack above the minimum load in a loading cycle. This crack closure shields the crack tip from the full stress field, but different views are held regarding the extent of this shielding. The type of closure, whether it be plasticity-induced, or roughness-induced may also play a role. According to Elber, who considered plasticity-induced closure, the crack is effectively closed as soon as the first detectable closure is developed in the wake of the crack tip. However, Otto Buck and his colleagues, who used ultrasonic waves to investigate crack closure, have been in the forefront of those who claim that the crack tip continues to close even after the first closure contacts have been made, thereby leading to a lesser degree of shielding than in Elber’s view. The purpose of the present paper is to review the extensive work in the area highlighting the ultrasonic approaches as well as the current state of the art concerning crack closure, and to discuss the various views concerning the extent of shielding provided by crack closure.
Epibatidine: impact on nicotinic receptor research.

Epibatidine is a natural product that was isolated and identified by Daly and coworkers in 1992. Since that time, it has had a profound influence on the investigation of α 4β 2 nicotinic cholinergic (nACh) receptor pharmacophore models, and has inspired the development of novel agents with therapeutic potential in CNS disorders. Apart from acetylcholine and nicotine, probably no other agent has had as much recent impact on nACh research as has epibatidine.
Justicia y ciudadanía realmente existentes

In order to explain the limits of judicial reforms in America Latina, this article assumes a non-judicial perspective to discuss some aspects of the political regime that are determinant to judicial issues. In particular, it examines the process of judicial production and the conditions for exercising citizenship, indicating their consequences on the judicial realm. The article concludes by offering a hypothesis on the production of varipis forms of citizenships in Latin American countries.
Genetic Contributions to Kindling: An Experimental Approach

The development of kindled seizures has been shown to be influenced by genetic factors. The establishment of kindling-prone and kindling-resistant rat populations through selective breeding, along with the reported variations in kindling rates among inbred strains of mice strongly suggests the contribution of genetics to kindling [2,6,17,18]. The rapid kindling rates of genetically epilepsy prone rats [29] and El mice [13] in comparison with appropriate controls provide additional examples of the influence of genetic factors on kindled seizure development. However, to date, no systematic analysis of these factors has been reported for kindling-induced seizures.
Biotechnology for the Improvement of Cereal and Other Grass Crops

This paper briefly summaries the research carried out in the author’s laboratory on the cell culture of gramineous species, and highlights the importance of the developmental and physiological state of the expiant, the role of endogenous plant growth regulators in the control of morphogenic competence of the expiants, and the early recognition and selection of competent cells in obtaining efficient regeneration of plants by somatic embryogenesis. The significance of embryogenic cell cultures in the recovery of normal plants, and in the establishment of regenerable cell suspension and protoplast systems is discussed. The successful use of gramineous protoplasts in obtaining somatic hybrids, and genetic transformation is also described.
Mechanisms underlying modulation of podocyte TRPC6 channels by suPAR: Role of NADPH oxidases and Src family tyrosine kinases

Abstract The soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and may function as a circulating “permeability factor” driving primary focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Here we examined the mechanisms whereby suPAR causes mobilization and increased activation of Ca 2+ -permeable TRPC6 channels, which are also implicated in FSGS. Treatment of immortalized mouse podocytes with recombinant suPAR for 24 h caused a marked increase in cytosolic reactive oxygen species (ROS) that required signaling through integrins. This effect was associated with increased assembly of active cell surface NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) complexes and was blocked by the Nox2 inhibitor apoycynin. Treatment with suPAR also evoked a functionally measurable increase in TRPC6 channels that was blocked by concurrent treatment with the ROS-quencher TEMPOL as well as by inhibition of Rac1, an essential component of active Nox2 complexes. Elevated ROS evoked by exposing cells to suPAR or H 2 O 2 caused a marked increase in the abundance of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins including Src, and suPAR-evoked Src activation was blocked by TEMPOL. Moreover, mobilization and increased activation of TRPC6 by suPAR or H 2 O 2 was blocked by concurrent exposure to PP2, an inhibitor of Src family tyrosine kinases. These data suggest that suPAR induces oxidative stress in podocytes that in turn drives signaling through Src family kinases to upregulate TRPC6 channels. The combination of oxidative stress and altered Ca 2+ signaling may contribute to loss of podocytes and progression of various forms of CKD.
An Instruction Driven Adaptive Clock Phase Scaling with Timing Encoding and Online Instruction Calibration for a Low Power Microprocessor

This paper presents an adaptive clock phase scaling operation based on the dynamic instruction timing variation for a low power microprocessor. Through the use of instruction timing encoding and multi-phase all-digital PLL, a dynamic clock phase modulation is realized at the granularity of instruction level. In addition, an online instruction calibration scheme is proposed to characterize the instruction timing under PVT variations, which is also integrated with conventional DVFS. The implementation on a 55nm ARM core design shows a 15% performance improvement from proposed clock scheme, and additional 5% improvement from online calibration. The performance improvement can be equivalently converted to up to 28% energy saving benefit.
Disembedded Politics: Neoliberal Reform and Labour Market Institutions in Central and Eastern Europe

Defying predictions of radical liberalization, labour market institutions in post-socialist Central and Eastern Europe are characterized by relatively protective employment legislation, sometimes combined with collective bargaining rights. However, not all protective employment regimes survived political attack by neoliberal reformers. Existing theories in comparative political economy suggest that employment regimes reflect the relative political power of producer groups. Others have suggested that in Central and Eastern Europe the content of labour market reform was determined by the coercive influence of transnational actors. Through a comparative analysis of labour market reform in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia, this article finds that trade unions played a key role in early institutional settlements over labour markets. However, in Romania and Slovakia, these institutional settlements were subsequently undermined by attacks by ideologically motivated domestic elites in episodes of disembedded politics. The article develops the concept of disembedded politics and demonstrates its importance in post-socialist institutional change.
Friends with benefits: Case significance, amicus curiae, and agenda setting on the U.S. Supreme Court

Abstract The Supreme Court enjoys nearly complete discretion when it makes its initial agenda-setting decisions. In 1988, Greg Caldeira and John Wright published an important study that showed amicus curiae briefs signal the underlying significance of a case and increase the likelihood that the Supreme Court will grant review. We reassess this relationship using additional data and enhanced measures. Our results confirm the importance of case significance in the Court's agenda-setting decision making.
Toward a theory of voluntary control of response patterns in the cardiovascular system

This chapter explains speculations as to how various physiological, environmental, and cognitive constraints can influence the learned control of patterns of cardiovascular activity. Contrary to this evolutionary, biological approach to cardiovascular activity, most of the recent research on the voluntary control of physiological responses through feedback and reward has assumed, and emphasized, the similarity of all bodily processes. However, more important was the fact that acceleration during the pre-feedback voluntary control period did predict success during both feedback and post-feedback. Blood pressure is an integrated measure, at all times the sum total of the state of the plumbing of the cardiovascular system. Dissociation of systolic blood pressure from heart rate was subsequently replicated in a series of studies in humans although the magnitude of the effects were smaller than those obtained in the curarized rat. The first published report demonstrating operant control of blood pressure was performed in rats paralyzed by curare.
Panchromatic Spectra of Exoplanet Host Stars

The spectral energy distribution (SED) emitted by a host star’s photosphere, chromosphere, and corona is essential input for models of the chemistry and mass loss from exoplanet atmospheres. This chapter describes typical SEDs of different types of stars including spectral line and continuum radiation from the X-ray region to the infrared.
Effect of Organic Inputs and Solarization for the Suppression of Rhizoctonia solani in Woody Ornamental Plant Production.

Soilborne diseases are the most economically significant problem faced by Southern region nursery producers. The goal of this research was to improve Rhizoctonia root rot disease management through the use of soil solarization alone and in combination with biofumigant cover crops—arugula ‘Astro’ (Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa), mustard green ‘Amara’ (Brassica carinata), and turnip ‘Purple top forage’ (B. rapa); good quality compost and mustard meal amendment. The experiments were established as on-farm trials in 2016 and 2017 with prevalent Rhizoctonia solani population in propagation beds. All three biofumigant cover crops, arugula ‘Astro’, mustard green ‘Amara’, and turnip ‘Purple top forage’ in combination with solarization were able to reduce the Rhizoctonia root rot in flowering cherry ‘Kwanzan’ plants in nursery propagation beds. Compost amendment increased the flowering cherry rooted cuttings growth (plant weight, root weight, and plant height) compared to other treatments. Soil solarization in combination with cover crops and organic inputs could be used as part of an integrated approach to manage Rhizoctonia root rot in nursery crop propagation beds.
Novel high thermal stability LiF–Na2CO3–K2CO3 eutectic ternary system for thermal energy storage applications

Abstract A novel eutectic composition in the LiF–Na2CO3–K2CO3 ternary system was predicted using thermodynamic modeling based on Gibbs energy of fusion and designed for thermal energy storage or metal heat treatment. The Differential Calorimetry Scanning (DSC) technique was used to experimentally measure the melting point of the eutectic composition in the ternary system which was determined to be 694.40 K. Heat capacity of the eutectic composition of the ternary system was also measured using DSC from solid to liquid state and the results were plotted as function of temperature. The upper temperature limit for thermal stability of the eutectic mixture was determined in different atmospheres using the Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA). The high upper temperature limit for thermal stability ensures the large working temperature range of the LiF–Na2CO3–K2CO3 ternary system. Thermal conductivity of the ternary system was also studied by using a simplified inverse method. The relatively high thermal conductivity indicates its high efficiency of energy storage. Based on the measured thermodynamic properties, physical properties and its high energy storage density, this ternary system can be used as heat transfer fluid for thermal energy storage application.
Scaphometacarpal Space and Postoperative Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Background A common notion is that more complex techniques for treating trapeziometacarpal arthritis such as ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) better preserve the scaphometacarpal (SMC) space compared to a simple trapeziectomy and that this leads to superior functional outcomes. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the relationship between scaphometacarpal space and objective outcomes such as grip and pinch strength as well as subjective patient-reported outcomes. Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting SMC space and outcomes after surgery for carpometacarpal arthritis. The primary outcomes of these studies included any measure of postoperative scaphometacarpal space (trapezial height/trapezial index) as well as key pinch strength, grip strength, or lateral pinch strength. Studies that did not assess for association between SMC space and outcomes were excluded. Results Fourteen studies were included in this systematic review. Three (21.4%) studies found a statistically significant correlation between postoperative SMC space and postoperative pinch or grip strength. The correlation was weakly positive in one study (key pinch vs. scaphometacarpal space, r = 0.13), positive but unlisted in another (lateral pinch vs. trapezial ratio), and negative in the third study (key pinch vs. trapezial space ratio, r = −0.47). Conclusion Preservation of the SMC space postoperatively is not associated with postoperative outcomes. Further research is necessary to better characterize the importance of maintaining the SMC space in patients undergoing LRTI in order to substantiate claims by proponents of the procedure.
Macrophotogrammetry: Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry for three-dimensional structure of lichens and change over time

Photogrammetry, the use of photography to calculate measurements, includes a suite of algorithms known as Structure from Motion (SfM) that model 3D structure from standard photographic images. While use of SfM for objects or scenes at scales from centimeters to kilometers is common, studies that use macrophotography for small objects or scenes are few. This study tests methodology to optimize 3D modeling for change detection of lichen structure and community dynamics over time. Specifically, tests are performed to clarify uncertainties on software, photographic equipment, spatial control, making measurements, and the potential for accuracy and precision. Test subjects included common lichen communities on wood, bark and rock, plus a calicioid lichen community, each with two or three models over time. The commercial software PhotoScan outperformed the no-cost software alternatives VisualSfM and COLMAP. With PhotoScan, results of 3D modeling showed that while cellphone cameras are capable of producing models with sub-millimeter accuracy, DSLR cameras produce more accurate and detailed models. Photography using a narrow-angle macrolens demonstrated advantages over a wide-angle lens when working at this scale. Inclusion of a scaling object increased accuracy of spatial control relative to hand measurements. Detail and accuracy of models was sufficient to detect radial growth of a substrate tree and changes in calicioid ascomata that likely corresponded to humidity and provided evidence for hygroscopy in Chaenotheca. Models achieved accuracy as low as 0.06 mm root-mean-square-error (RMSE) and data density as high as 1.7 million points per cm2 of substrate; accuracy was non-random and may be better described as local positional bias.
The development of inhibitory control in adolescence and prospective relations with delinquency.

Abstract Introduction Despite the central role of inhibitory control in models of adolescent development, few studies have examined the longitudinal development of inhibitory control within adolescence and its prospective association with maladaptive outcomes. The current study evaluated: 1) growth in inhibitory control from early- to middle-adolescence, and 2) the relation between inhibitory control and later delinquency. Methods Participants included 387 parent-child dyads (11–13 years old at Wave 1; 55% female; USA). Across three annual assessments, teens completed the Stop Signal Task (SST), and parents completed the Inhibitory Control subscale of the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire-Revised. Teens self-reported their delinquent behaviors in early (Mage = 12.1) and middle adolescence (Mage = 14.1) and emerging adulthood (Mage = 18.2). Results Latent growth curve models indicated that SST performance improved curvilinearly from early to middle adolescence (ages 11–15), with growth slowing around middle adolescence. However, no growth in parent-reported inhibitory control was observed. Lower task-based and parent-reported inhibitory control in early adolescence predicted greater increases in delinquency from middle adolescence to emerging adulthood. However, rate of growth in task-based inhibitory control was unrelated to later delinquency. Conclusions This longitudinal study provides a novel examination of the development of inhibitory control across early and middle adolescence. Results suggest that the degree to which inhibitory control confers risk for later delinquency may be captured in early adolescence, consistent with neurodevelopmental accounts of delinquency risk. Differences across assessment tools also highlight the need for careful measurement considerations in future work, as task-based measures may be better suited to capture within-person changes over time.
Post−cesarean delivery outpatient opioid consumption and perception of pain control following implementation of a restrictive opioid prescription protocol

Background Cesarean delivery is the most common laparotomy performed in the United States and can be the first exposure to opioids for many women. Unnecessary consumption of opioids may lead to long-term addiction and further perpetuate this national health crisis. Objectives The primary objective of the study was to assess whether a quality improvement initiative by means of a restrictive opioid prescription policy decreases opioid consumption and maintains patient satisfaction after cesarean delivery. A secondary objective is to correlate opioid consumption with demographic and perioperative factors. Materials and Methods A Plan, Do, Check, Act model was used to implement a quality improvement initiative. A restrictive opioid prescribing policy was put in place in July 2017 preventing all physicians from prescribing opioids to their patients upon discharge after cesarean delivery; patients could call their providers from home to request additional analgesia (opioid or nonopioid) if pain was not sufficiently controlled. From August 2017 to February 2018, a postdischarge telephone interview assessing pain control satisfaction and opioid consumption was conducted for all English-speaking patients in our hospital who underwent a cesarean delivery. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 22.0, with P Results A total of 283 parturients were interviewed 8–33 days after cesarean delivery (mean, 16 days). After implementation of the restrictive opioid prescription policy, we observed a decrease in opioid prescriptions at discharge after cesarean delivery from 97.9% to 0%, with an 18% prescription rate after discharge. Patients reported high satisfaction with their pain control, with 89% (n = 253) stating that their pain was adequately controlled upon discharge. Although 90% (n = 256) reported that they did not need any pain medication other than ibuprofen or acetaminophen, opioids were prescribed to 18% of patients (n = 51) after discharge, with only 51% of these women (n = 27) consuming them. In response to the restrictive opioid prescribing policy, only 13% of the women (n = 37) reported that they wished that a stronger pain medication had been prescribed after hospital discharge. Factors associated with opioid consumption postdischarge included white race/ethnicity, multiparity, and opioid consumption during inpatient hospitalization. Conclusion Following implementation of the restrictive opioid prescribing policy, most women experienced adequate pain control after cesarean delivery. Patient satisfaction with pain control was high, showing that it is feasible to implement restrictive opioid prescription policies while maintaining a high satisfaction rate.
A 175.2-mW 4-Stage OTA With Wide Load Range (400 pF–12 nF) Using Active Parallel Compensation

Multistage amplifiers are a reliable method of achieving high gain in systems where the voltage supply is low. The common practice is to prefer 3-stage amplifiers over 4-stage ones when a gain of $30\times $ ) by consuming a total power of about 175 mW and occupying only 0.007 mm2. This design achieved a unity-gain frequency (UGF) > 1.18 MGz and a phase margin (PM) of > 48° for all drivable load values. The proposed design, implemented in a standard CMOS 130-nm process, can drive a wide range of load capacitors without sacrificing any aspect of performance.
Recent Contributions of the Drosophila Eye to Unraveling the Basis of Neurodegeneration

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has become a powerful research tool driven for the unique characteristics that make these small flies a unique model to study gene function. Among its many advantages, the Drosophila eye provides easy access to complex biological processes, including cell proliferation, cell signaling, cell polarity, cellular differentiation, and gene expression, among others. Small perturbations of these highly regulated cellular processes lead to detectable changes in the structure of the eye, making the eye one of the premiere assays for new discoveries. The expression of agents responsible for a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including protein amyloids and mRNAs with stable tertiary structures, causes unique perturbations in the eye, enabling the discovery of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the corresponding diseases. In the first edition of this chapter, we described the uses of the eye in the generation of Drosophila models of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review recent advances that push the technical limits to continue to exploit the exceptional features that make the eye an ideal model for genetic discoveries.
Incorporating an Increase in Plant-Based Food Choices into a Model of Culturally Responsive Care for Hispanic/Latino Children and Adults Who Are Overweight/Obese

Introduction: The national rate of obesity in US Hispanic/Latinos exceeds all other major ethnic subgroups and represents an important health disparity. Plant-based diet interventions that emphasize whole plant foods with minimal processing and less refined grains and sugar have shown great promise in control of obesity, but there is a paucity of data translating this treatment effect to disparate populations. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Healthy Eating Lifestyle Program (HELP) for accomplishing weight management in a hospital-based, family centered, culturally tailored, plant-based diet intervention for Hispanic/Latino children who were overweight or obese. Methods: Our mixed methods evaluation included: (1) A one arm study to measure changes in body mass index (BMI) from pre- to post-intervention, and (2) A stakeholder analysis of the program staff. Results: For children ages 5-12 years who were overweight/obese, we found no evidence of excess weight gain evidenced by BMI Z scores (Zpost-pre = -0.02, p = 0.11). Among the parent/guardians who were overweight or obese, we found a decrease in BMI that was stronger in men (BMI post-pre = -0.75 kg/m2, p = 0.01) than in women (BMI post-pre = -0.12 kg/m2, p = 0.30). A program strength was the cultural tailoring of the plant-based diet choices. Conclusions: The evaluation raises the possibility that incorporating intervention components of HELP (plant-based food choices, family-based, cultural tailoring) into pediatric weight management can improve the standard of care.
Characterization of Postanoxic Tonic Eyelid Opening: A Poorly Recognized Prognostic Sign.

Background Postanoxic myoclonus is a known poor prognostic sign, and other postanoxic spontaneous movements have been reported but poorly described. We aim to describe the electroclinical phenomenon of postanoxic eyelid openings in context of its possible prognostic value. Methods We collected clinical data on postcardiac arrest patients with suspicious eyelid movements noted on continuous EEG monitoring. The eyelid movements captured on the video were correlated with the EEG findings and final clinical outcome. Neuroimaging data were reviewed when available. We also conducted a thorough literature review on this topic. Results A total of 10 patients (5 females) with average age of 56.1 (±14.4) years were included. The mean cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration was 18.9 (±11.3) minutes. Postanoxic eyelid-opening movements occurred at variable intervals (0.5–570 seconds) in each individual. Close examination of eyelid opening (available in 6 patients) revealed them to be tonic movements, lasting an average of 3 (±0.8) seconds and always succeeded the onset of burst of EEG activity in a burst-suppression background. This is a transient phenomenon, lasting a median duration of 30 (interquartile range 7.75–36) hours. MRI findings in 3 patients demonstrated diffuse cortical ischemic injury with relative sparing of the brainstem. All patients died within 2–7 days following cardiac arrest. Conclusions Contrary to previous descriptions, the postanoxic tonic eyelid openings (PATEO) are repetitive but nonperiodic, nonmyoclonic movements. Their close and specific temporal correlation with the burst of EEG activity suggests that this could be considered an ictal phenomenon requiring an intact midbrain based on MRI findings.
Widely tunable second harmonic amplification by noncollinear phase matching in bulk birefringent materials

Second harmonic amplification - a hybridization of optical parametric amplification and second harmonic generation - is a route to ultra-efficient parametric amplification. Requiring the simultaneous phase matching of two parametric wave-mixing processes, it has limited frequency coverage in the collinear geometry in bulk media. Here we show that noncollinear birefringent phase matching can provide wide frequency tunability of second harmonic amplification across the near- and mid-infrared in the materials ZnGeP2, CdSiP2, LiNbO3, β - BaB2O4, and KD2PO4 in applications designed for accommodating high-energy picosecond pulses generated by solid state lasers. We discuss practical limitations including acceptance angle, phase-matching bandwidth, spatial walk off, and parasitic processes.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding, International Normalized Ratio, and Subsequent Risk of Recurrent Thromboembolic Events among Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients

Purpose Patients have an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and thromboembolic events (TE) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We hypothesized that GIB in LVAD recipients leads to low international normalized ratio (INR) values that may predispose to increased risk of TE. Methods This study included 410 patients in the University of Rochester Medical Center LVAD Database who were implanted between 2008 and 2020 (mean age 56 ± 13 years, 80% male, 84% white). Longitudinal data on INR was categorized as therapeutic (2-3), sub-therapeutic ( 3). A TE event was defined as device malfunction, confirmed or suspected pump thrombosis, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, venous thromboembolism, or arterial non-CNS thromboembolism. The primary outcome was recurrent TE. The Anderson-Gill recurrent regression analysis was used to obtain hazard ratios and confidence intervals. Results During median follow-up of 2.07 years 83 (20%) patients had TE. After multivariate adjustment, GIB was associated with a 28% increased likelihood for subsequent sub-therapeutic INR values ( Conclusion Our findings suggest that the occurrence of GIB following LVAD implantation may predispose to increased risk of recurrent TE through sub-therapeutic INR values. INR
Segregation in Social Networks: MARKOV Bridge Models and Estimation

This paper deals with the modeling and estimation of the sociological phenomena called segregation in social networks. Specifically, we present a novel community-based graph model that represent segregation as a Markov bridge process. A Markov bridge is a one-dimensional Markov random field that facilitates modeling the formation and disassociation of communities at deterministic times which is important in social networks with known timed events. Based on the proposed model, we provide Bayesian filtering algorithms for recursively estimating the level of segregation using noisy samples obtained from the graph. Numerical results indicate that the proposed filtering algorithm outperforms the conventional hidden Markov modeling in terms of the mean-squared error. The proposed filtering method is useful in computational social science where data-driven estimation of the level of segregation from noisy data is required.
Effect of maternal overnutrition on predisposition to insulin resistance in the foal: Foal skeletal muscle development and insulin signaling.

Abstract Skeletal muscle plays an integral role in the ability of a horse to perform at high levels. Shifts in skeletal muscle development in response to maternal plane of nutrition may have substantial and lasting impacts on athletic performance and whole-body metabolism. Therefore, sixteen Quarter Horse mares were used in a completely randomized design and maintained at a body condition score (BCS) 6 until start of third trimester. On d 235 of gestation, mares were randomly assigned to receive one of two dietary treatments with a diet formulated to meet requirements during late gestation (CON; n = 8), and an overfed diet (HIGH; n = 8) where mares received an additional 40% above CON. Five h after parturition, foals were euthanized, and gluteus medius, triceps brachii, and semitendinosus were harvested for analyses. Gene expression was determined by qPCR and western immunoblotting was used to quantify total and phosphorylated forms of proteins involved in skeletal muscle metabolism with tubulin as the loading control. All data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Foals from HIGH mares exhibited larger skeletal muscle fibers by area (P 0.14). These data indicate hypertrophy of skeletal muscle fibers and a shift towards type I slow twitch fibers in HIGH foals. Furthermore, this study identifies muscle specific changes in gene expression and downstream insulin receptor signaling, which may contribute to future metabolic abnormalities in response to maternal overnutrition.
Teprotumumab for the treatment of thyroid eye disease: Clinical experience from expanded access program (EAP)

Purpose : Teprotumumab was approved in January of 2020 for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED). The purpose of this study was to evaluate additional efficacy parameters in patients receiving teprotumumab in the EAP (NCT04040894), which was initiated prior to the drug's approval by the US. Food and Drug Administration. Methods : This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who received teprotumumab at one study center. Eligible patients included those who were at least 18 years old with a clinical diagnosis of active, moderate-to-severe TED with a clinical activity score (CAS) equal to/greater than 4 with onset of TED within 12 months. Patients were provided 8 infusions (10 mg/kg first infusion, 20 mg/kg thereafter) every 3 weeks over course of 21 weeks. End points included changes in proptosis, intraocular pressure (IOP), extraocular motility deficit, CAS, photophobia score (visual light sensitivity questionnaire-8 [VLSQ-8]), basic secretion test, volumetric analysis of facial compartments (Canfield Vectra H2 camera). Paired t-tests were used to evaluate statistical significance from baseline. Results are presented for the more severe (study) eye. Results : 13 patients (4 males, 9 females) were included in the analysis. 10/13 patients were Caucasian. Average age was 46.5±15.9 years with a mean TED duration of 7.1±3.0 months. 10/13 (77%) received the complete set of 8 infusions (3 discontinued due to COVID-19, personal choice, and hyperglycemia). At week 21, the change from baseline (CFB) was -4.6±2.1 mm (n=11) for proptosis and -4.0±1.6 (n=11) for CAS (both p<0.001), -9.1±5.0 (n=11;p<0.001) for light sensitivity, and -3.6±3.4 mmHg (n=9;p<0.05) for IOP. 6 patients (n=12) had abnormal wetting test at eligibility visit, compared to 3 at week 21 (n=10). 6 patients had manifest strabismus, 5 of who had complete data. Out of the 5 patients, all but one patient had improvements in either extraocular motility or strabismus measurements. Facial volumetric analysis demonstrated reductions in both upper (CFB: -1.4±0.7 cc;n=4;p=0.03) and lower lid volume (CFB: -2.2±1.3 cc;n=4;p=0.04). Conclusions : These results support previously reported teprotumumab improvements in proptosis and CAS. Data from this cohort of patients suggest that teprotumumab may also be effective in improving light sensitivity, IOP, motility deficit, dry eyes, and periorbital edema.
Adverse Perinatal Outcomes Associated with Stage 1 Hypertension in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE To determine if women who newly met criteria for stage 1 hypertension in early pregnancy were at increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes compared with normotensive women. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women who had prenatal care at a single institution and subsequently delivered a live infant between December 2017 and August 2019. Women with a singleton gestation who had at least two prenatal visits prior to 20 weeks of gestation were included. We excluded women with known chronic hypertension or other major maternal illness. Two groups were identified: (1) women newly diagnosed with stage 1 hypertension before 20 weeks of gestation (blood pressure [BP] 130-139/80-89 on at least two occasions) and (2) women with no known history of hypertension and normal BP (<130/80 mm Hg) before 20 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy; secondary outcomes were indicated preterm birth and small for gestational age. Generalized linear models were used to compare risk of adverse outcomes between the groups. RESULTS Of the 1,630 women included in the analysis, 1,443 women were normotensive prior to 20 weeks of gestation and 187 women (11.5%) identified with stage 1 hypertension. Women with stage 1 hypertension were at significantly increased risk for any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-3.04) and indicated preterm birth (aRR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.12-3.02). Black women and obese women with stage 1 hypertension were at increased for hypertensive disorder of pregnancy compared with white women and nonobese women, respectively (aRR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.11-1.57; aRR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.39-2.06). CONCLUSION These results provide insight about the prevalence of stage 1 hypertension and inform future guidelines for diagnosis and management of hypertension in pregnancy. Future research is needed to assess potential interventions to mitigate risk. KEY POINTS · Stage 1 hypertension increased risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and indicated preterm birth.. · Among women with stage 1 hypertension, risk of severe preeclampsia was 2.6 times higher than normotensive women.. · Black and obese women with stage 1 hypertension were at additional risk for adverse outcomes..
Impacts of variability in coefficient of thermal expansion on predicted concrete pavement performance

Abstract Research published recently has emphasized the importance of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for characterizing concrete behavior in the field. This study defined the sensitivity of CTE, based on pavement design analyses using material and data samples from the field projects. The CTE’s level of precision was examined along with its impacts on the predicted distresses, service life, and pavement thickness for the desired design life. A precision of ±0.5 μe/°C was found to have minimal impact (±1.3 cm) on the optimized pavement thicknesses predicted. Also, observed differences in predicted service life further demonstrate the sensitivity of the CTE.
Centralization, Stratification, and Incorporation: Case Studies from Northeastern Uganda

RESUMELes Abwor (ou Labwor) et les Lira Palwo du nord-est de l'Ouganda sont des societes pluralistes qui, des leurs origines, ont connu des interactions entre clans appartenant a trois traditions linguistiques au moins. La presence d'un roi a Lira Palwo et la stratification socio-politique qui en decoule constituent la principale difference entre les deux societes. L'etude historique comparee de leur developpement suggere que ces differences de structure ont influence la maniere dont elles incorporaient ou assimilaient leurs divers clans et groupes. Les rois de Lira Palwo ont reussi a incorporer leurs peuples dans une structure politique unifiee un siecle avant que la societe labwor reussiste a atteindre un degre equivalent de stabilite. Neanmoins, dans la societe abwor non stratifiee, les clans sont aujourd'hui plus parfaitement assimiles. Ceci suggere que la centralisation et la stratification ont certes pu faciliter le processus initial d'incorporation dans les societes africaines traditionnelles, mais...
Phorbol Myristate Acetate-induced Adherence of Walker 256 Carcinosarcoma Cells

Treatment of nonadherent Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) causes these cells to become adherent to noncellular foreign surfaces such as nylon fibers and plastic culture dishes and to monolayers of endothelial cells. Increased adherence is first observed after a short lag period (5 to 15 min) and is transient. Other tumor-promoting analogs of PMA also induce this response, while inactive analogs of PMA do not. Simultaneous treatment of the cells with 2-deoxyglucose, colchicine, cytochalasin B, and cycloheximide indicates that the adherence response of the cells is an energy-dependent process that requires an intact cytoskeleton but does not require protein synthesis. Inhibitors of phospholipid and arachidonic acid metabolism including indomethacin, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, and p -bromophenacyl bromide greatly inhibit PMA-induced adherence, but acetylsalicylic acid is much less effective. PMA also increases the rate of attachment to plastic dishes of cells which would normally attach, although slowly, and grow as substrate-attached cells. However, PMA treatment has no effect on the subsequent degree of susceptibility of these cells to release from plastic dishes mediated by proteolytic enzymes. These findings suggest ( a ) that PMA may be useful in delineating the initial events involved in the adherence of cells to cellular and noncellular surfaces and ( b ) that PMA may stimulate tumor cell adherence in a manner similar to that of chemotactic peptides and may be useful in delineating the events associated with chemotactic factor stimulation of these cells.
Self-assembling monolayers on SAW devices for selective chemical detection

The authors have utilized gold-coated, 98-MHz surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices on ST-cut quartz substrates to monitor in real time the self-assembly of organized alkanethiol monolayer films. The kinetics of assembly of these films indicate that the self-assembly process is dominated by the interaction between the thiol head group and the gold layer, rather than interactions between adjacent alkanethiol molecules. SAW devices modified with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of mercaptoundecanoic acid provide a response specific to the presence of organophosphonates (OPs) relative to water and a range of common volatile organic compounds (VOCs): the OP response is characteristic of increased mass loading of the device, while water and VOCs yield responses indicative of changes in the mechanical properties of the SAM film. >
Does Exchange Rate Exposure Matter

Previous literature finds mixed empirical support for a relation between exchange rate exposure and its theoretical determinants and that exposure is of negligible economic importance. To re-examine the nature and the economic significance of the exchange rate to firm value relation, we construct an international database of over 17,000 non-financial firms from 18 countries. We find that firms' foreign activity is broadly and significantly related to exchange rate exposure and that after controlling for this activity, large firms are more sensitive to currency movements than small firms. Using a portfolio approach to investigate the economic importance of these effects, we find that firms with high international sales outperform those with no international sales during periods of large currency depreciations by 0.72 percent per month, whereas they underperform by 1.10 percent per month during periods of large currency appreciations. Exchange rate movements have an economically significant impact on firm value in ways that are consistent with theory.