cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring LDL Cholesterol: for Old and New Calculations, Is There an Optimal Formula?

Over the last 30 years, since release of the first National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP)2 Guidelines, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) has been the focus of, and basis for, therapeutic decisions, both for when to start drug therapy and for what goals to achieve (1). Although the recent American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) guidelines (2) minimize LDL-C treatment goals, the majority of guidelines throughout the world continue to recommend therapeutic targets similar to those of NCEP-ATP III (3–5). Furthermore, given the substantial controversy and debate since the release of the AHA/ACC guidelines, it is unclear how successfully they will ultimately influence physician practice regarding the use of LDL-C treatment targets (6, 7). Thus, measurement of LDL-C remains a vital component of our decision making in terms of even the new “nontarget” guidelines. From the outset, the NCEP recognized the importance of accurate and reproducible assessment for LDL-C and convened an expert panel of laboratory scientists to address the standardization of the lipid measurements included in the guidelines (8, 9). It was recognized that there was no simple and accurate method for actual LDL-C measurement, and thus calculation of LDL-C using the Friedewald formula, which was widely accepted as an accurate and cost-effective alternative to the reference method, preparative ultracentrifugation (PUC), was recommended for routine clinical purposes in patients with triglycerides (TG) <400 mg/dL (4.52 mmol/L) (8–10). The formula described and validated against PUC in 1972 calculated LDL-C using total cholesterol (TC), TG, and HDL-C (10). However, over the last 20 years, as clinical outcome trials provided additional data indicating that lower LDL-C is associated with further reductions in the risk of cardiovascular disease, treatment goals for LDL-C have been adjusted downward (3–5). In comparing the …
Supernatural agents may have provided adaptive social information

Atran & Norenzayan's (A&N's) target article effectively combines the insights of evolutionary biology and interdisciplinary cognitive science, neither of which alone yields sufficient explanatory power to help us fully understand the complexities of supernatural belief. Although the authors' ideas echo those of other researchers, they are perhaps the most squarely grounded in neo-Darwinian terms to date. Nevertheless, A&N overlook the possibility that the tendency to infer supernatural agents' communicative intent behind natural events served an ancestrally adaptive function.
Rebel Manhood The Hegemonic Masculinity of the Southern Rock Music Revival

Southern men occupy a contradictory place in U.S. culture as the rest of the country stereotypes them as backwards and deviant, yet simultaneously celebrates Southern males as quintessential exempl...
Head, Neck, and Back Pain

This chapter covers pain in the head, neck, and back regions. These are broad topics. Therefore, to be concise, the discussion in this chapter will focus on common presentations and findings in patients presenting with pain in these anatomical regions. Since back pain is one of the most common complaints among patients, this topic will be addressed first, followed by neck pain and pain in the head region. Headaches are covered in length in Chapter 27 and therefore will not be discussed under pain in the head section.
Effects of shade and feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride to finishing steers on performance, carcass quality, heat stress, mobility, and body temperature

Steers ( = 480; 22% with black hides and 78% with red hides) were used to study the effects of shade and feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on performance, carcass quality, heat stress, mobility, and body temperature (BT). A randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement was used with 4 replicates per treatment. Factors included housing type (open or shaded pens) and the feeding of ZH (0 or 8.33 mg/kg DM) the last 21 d on feed with a 3-d withdrawal. Cattle were blocked by BW into a heavy or light block and randomly assigned to pen within each block. Rumen boluses to record BT were inserted before ZH feeding. Respiration rate and panting scores were recorded daily during the ZH feeding period. Mobility scores were collected at various time points from before ZH feeding through harvest. Interactions between ZH and housing type were not significant ( > 0.26) for animal performance, carcass characteristics, and respiration or panting score. No differences ( > 0.44) were observed for DMI, ADG, or G:F on a live basis due to ZH; however, cattle fed in open pens tended ( = 0.08) to have a greater ADG than cattle in shaded pens. Cattle fed ZH had 14 kg heavier carcasses with larger LM area ( < 0.01) than control cattle. Respiration rates for cattle fed ZH were greater ( = 0.05) with no differences ( = 0.88) due to housing. Time affected ( < 0.01) mobility scores, with observations on the morning of harvest at the abattoir being the worst for all groups of cattle. An interaction ( < 0.01) was observed between ZH and housing type for BT. Cattle fed ZH, in both shaded and open pens, had lower ( < 0.05) average, maximum, and area under the curve BT than control cattle fed in the same housing type. However, the observed reduction in BT due to ZH was greater for cattle fed ZH in open pens than for cattle fed ZH in shaded pens. From these results, we conclude that ZH improved HCW with little impact on heat stress or mobility, suggesting that animal welfare was not affected by feeding ZH for 21 d at the end of the feeding period.
Convention and language

This paper has three objectives. The first is to show how David Lewis' influential account of how a population is related to its language requires that speakers be 'conceptually autonomous' in a way that is incompatible with content ascriptions following from the assumption that its speakers share a language. The second objective is to sketch an alternate account of the psychological and sociological facts that relate a population to its language. The third is to suggest a modification of Lewis' account of convention that will allow one to preserve the claim that there are conventions of language.
Who monitors the mentors

In a global sense it is not difficult to agree that anyone wo contributes to the growth and development be it somatic, intellectual, educational or any other form is a mentor. There is no argument that the parents, teachers, coaches, special skill instructors and other similarly engaged individuals can collectively be viewed as mentors They probably instill more important formative traits than any designated mentors, in an individual’s mature life. No intention to praise or criticize the name selection for these early mentors, even though other authors may find this a critical distinction (1). There are several recent articles, elaborating on various levels and/or environments of the formal mentoring processes in science, particularly in biomedical arena (2), similarly (3) offering a novel model of mentoring in biomedical sciences, arriving to concepts of viewing certain metrics, as well as the environmental dynamics of the mentoring process. It is worth mentioning that the current developmental sociologists view the role of family, namely the early life mentoring by the parents and grandparents, as having a critically important value. Thus for the purpose of this editorial I will define mentors as individuals who prepare those selected or assigned to them to grow, get better and ultimately excel above and beyond their mentors’ knowledge, skills and ability in a particular area or field. A failure of existence of such a system may be paramount to no progress, perhaps stagnation and potentially even regression in a particular field. In fact, this writer is on a record for stating that a lack of mentors, specifically in the field of orthodontics, inevitably would lead to a crisis in orthodontic education and leadership (4). In my many years of teaching and acting as an educational administrator, I have never met, or even heard of a person whose job title was “mentor”. Instead, the various mentoring functions are typically taken by, or given to the “chiefs” – Department Heads, Directors, Deans and similar administratively titled individuals. In some, but not many, job descriptions of these chiefs the task of mentoring members of their team is listed, however the specific tasks of doing this routinely and in a given time frame, are not included. If this task was given, it would be logical to also find the specific criteria how successes of performing in this assignProfessor and Director of Orthodontics (retired) New York University College of Dentistry New York, US
Silencing nonstandard speakers: A content analysis of accent portrayals on American primetime television

Accent is a potent cue to social categorization and stereotyping. An important agent of accent-based stereotype socialization is the media. The present study is the first quantitative content analysis to comprehensively examine accent portrayals on American primetime television. We focused our analysis on portrayals of Standard American (SA), Nonstandard American (NSA), Foreign-Anglo (FA), and Foreign-Other (FO) accents. Results provide clear evidence that American media's portrayals of different accents are biased, reflecting pervasive societal stereotypes. Whereas SA and FA speakers are over-represented on television, NSA and FO speakers are effectively silenced, by virtue of their sheer absence and gross under-representation. Moreover, when NSA and FO speakers do rarely appear on television, they tend to be portrayed less favorably on status-related traits and physical appearance than SA and FA speakers. These findings provide insight into the potential influence of media consumption on consumers’ social perceptions of different linguistic groups. (Accents, media, language attitudes, stereotypes, content analysis)*
Attitudes and interest in technology-based treatment and the remote monitoring of smoking among adolescents and emerging adults.

Introduction: Despite the public health relevance of smoking in adolescents and emerging adults, this group remains understudied and underserved. High technology utilisation among this group may be harnessed as a tool for better understanding of smoking, yet little is known regarding the acceptability of mobile health (mHealth) integration. Methods: Participants (ages 14–21 years) enrolled in a smoking cessation clinical trial provided feedback on their technology utilisation, perceptions, and attitudes; and interest in remote monitoring for smoking. Characteristics that predicted greater technology acceptability for smoking treatment were also explored. Results: Participants (N = 87) averaged 19 years old and were mostly male (67%). Technology utilisation was high for smart phone ownership (93%), Internet use (98%), and social media use (94%). Despite this, only one-third of participants had ever searched the Internet for cessation tips or counselling (33%). Participants showed interest in mHealth-enabled treatment (48%) and felt that it could be somewhat helpful (83%). Heavier smokers had more favourable attitudes toward technology-based treatment, as did those with smartphones and unlimited data. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate high technology utilisation, favourable attitudes towards technology, and minimal concerns. Technology integration among this population should be pursued, though in a tailored fashion, to accomplish the goal of providing maximally effective, just-in-time interventions.
Will Continuing Care Retirement Communities Continue

Financial viability of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and Life Care Communities (LCCs) has gained wider public attention following the 2008 financial crisis, including a Congressional inquiry about financing practices. Pennsylvania has seen high profile bankruptcies that have raised questions among current and future residents about financial transparency and accountability. This article reports on surprising regulatory developments in Pennsylvania, trends in state and national resident rights organizations, and raises questions about resident membership on governing boards as a core component of accountability.
Facing Our Feelings How Natural Coping Tendencies Explain When Hedonic Motivation Predicts Media Use

According to mood management theory, individuals are hedonically motivated to select media content that facilitates a positive mood state, which at its core, suggests a desire to escape from—to avoid—affective states that are not positive. In efforts to explain when individuals might make non-hedonic media choices, two studies examined individuals’ coping tendencies and current affect, among other measures, before making a media content choice. Results showed that mood management was most predictive for people who were naturally inclined to cope with stressors using avoidance tactics. Those who were less inclined to engage in avoidance coping strategies did not appear compelled to escape from, that is, improve, their low positive affective state with “happy” media. Findings are discussed in terms of situating mood management behaviors within the larger context of coping strategies. Implications of this research include the furtherance of entertainment theory and technology innovation with regard to tailor...
Heritability of Size: a Positive Correlate of Multiple Fitness Components in the Southern Green Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

In the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.), size, measured as the width across the pronotum, was positively correlated with four fitness components: longevity, fecundity, rate of development, and mating success. In addition, earlier studies have shown that size is positively correlated with egg size (influencing progeny survival), egg hatch rate, and success in sperm competition. Of the fitness components examined, only parasitization by the tachinid fly, Trichopoda pennipes, did not select for larger size. Significant heritability for size is nonexistent in a natural population in southern Georgia, suggesting that additive genetic variation has been exhausted through directional selection. Standardized selection differentials suggest that the intensity of directional selection for greater size derives primarily from the effects of size on fecundity in females, rate of development in both sexes, and sperm precedence in males.
Opportunistic routing with congestion diversity in wireless ad hoc networks

We consider the problem of routing packets across a multi-hop network consisting of multiple sources of traffic and wireless links while ensuring bounded expected delay. Each packet transmission can be overheard by a random subset of receiver nodes among which the next relay is selected opportunistically. The main challenge in the design of minimum-delay routing policies is balancing the trade-off between routing the packets along the shortest paths to the destination and distributing the traffic according to the maximum backpressure. Combining important aspects of shortest path and backpressure routing, this paper provides a systematic development of a distributed opportunistic routing policy with congestion diversity (D-ORCD). D-ORCD uses a measure of draining time to opportunistically identify and route packets along the paths with an expected low overall congestion. D-ORCD with single destination is proved to ensure a bounded expected delay for all networks and under any admissible traffic, so long as the rate of computations is sufficiently fast relative to traffic statistics. Furthermore, this paper proposes a practical implementation of D-ORCD which empirically optimizes critical algorithm parameters and their effects on delay as well as protocol overhead. Realistic QualNet simulations for 802.11-based networks demonstrate a significant improvement in the average delay over comparable solutions in the literature.
Ventilatory support in children with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome: proceedings from the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference.

Objective:To describe the recommendations of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference for mechanical ventilation management of pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.Design:Consensus Conference of experts in pediatric acute lung injury.Methods:The Pediatric Acute Lun
The Effects of Cucurbitacin E and Genistein in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, plays in important role in proliferative disorders, particularly cancer. A decrease in apoptosis allows cancer cells to grow out of control. These conditions make the apoptosis pathway an attractive target for new strategies in cancer therapy. The purpose of this research project was to investigate the anticancer potential of two compounds that occur naturally in common plants. All our experiments utilize fluorescent molecular probes measured in a fluorescent microplate reader or with a fluorescent microscope equipped for high-resolution, real-time, digital imaging. Using human MCF-7 breast cancer cells, two compounds were tested for their anticancer potential by measuring growth inhibition and apoptosis. Cucurbitacin E, a triterpene sterol found in various plants, has exhibited concentration-dependent growth inhibition due to cytotoxic cell death and apoptosis. The second compound, genistein, is one of the primary isoflavones found in soy. A diet high in soy products, like those of many Asian countries, has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. We demonstrated that treatment with genistein resulted in concentration dependent growth inhibition with an effective concentration of 85|xM. Cells treated with genistein also exhibited significant amounts of apoptosis, as determined by DNAfragmentation and morphological characteristics. Total methanol extracts of soy, obtained from different geographical locations, were assayed in the same manner. We found that these extracts were also capable of growth inhibition and that the extent of these effects varied between the extracts. The results presented support our conclusion that cucurbitacin E is highly cytotoxic and may not be suitable for targeting the apoptosis pathway, while genistein induces significant amounts of apoptosis by an unknown mechanism.
Determination of BTEX in drinking water and water source by purge and trap with gas chromatography

Objective:To establish the determination method for BTEX in drinking water and water source by purge and trap with gas chromatography.Methods:The BTEX in drinking water and water source were determined by OI4660 purge and trap,polar capillary column(HP-INNOWAX,30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 μm) and temperature programming.Results:BTEX were separated well.The method detection limits(MDL) of BTEX were 0.587~1.65 μg/L.The linear rang of BTEX standard curve were 2~100 μg/L(r≥0.999).The relative standard deviation and the recovery of BTEX were 2%~9% and 81.0%~119%,respectively.Conclusion: The method is sensitive,accurate,rapid and simple.
421 DIFFERENCES IN SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE SEXUAL FUNCTION BETWEEN HISPANIC AND NON-HISPANIC WOMEN.

Objective Recent studies have suggested that female sexual dysfunction may be has high as 40% in the United States and yet very few studies have examined sexual dysfunction in Hispanic women. Our previous studies suggested that low testosterone levels may be associated with both subjective and objective sexual dysfunction in hypopituitary women. Are there differences in testosterone levels, subjective and objective measures of sexual function between Hispanic and non-Hispanic females? Method Subjective sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) on 15 Hispanic and 10 non-Hispanic women. Total testosterone levels were measured. Objective sexual function measurements were by duplex Doppler ultrasound to assess clitoral blood flow before and after sexual stimulation. Medoc9s GenitoSensory Analyzer-3000 was used to assess quantitative somatosensory thresholds of vibratory sensation. Results Hispanic women did have a larger BMI that was statistically significant (29.05 ± 4.32 vs 24.30 ± 4.86, p = .0115). Hispanic women did have lower total testosterone levels but the results were not statistically significant (24.02 ± 1.25 ng/dL vs 37.75 ± 24.76 ng/dL, p = .3487). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) suggested no statistically significant differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic women scores on desire, satisfaction, orgasm, arousal, lubrication, and pain. On the Female Sexual Distress Scale, Hispanic women had more personal sexual distress than non-Hispanic women as suggested by a higher score (5.33 ± 6.66 vs 0.50 ± 1.22); however, these results were not statistically significant (p = .0952). On the objective tests, Hispanic women had less vaginal sensitivity than non-Hispanic patients as suggested by measurements of vaginal vibratory thresholds (4.25 ± 1.66 vs 2.03 ± 0.88 microns) that were statistically significant (p = .04); a higher number suggests less sensitivity. Hispanic women had greater changes in clitoral blood flow after sexual stimulation (38.88 ± 17.83 cm/sec vs 18.96 ± 9.36 cm/sec); however, these results were not statistically significant (p = .0727). Conclusions There were statistically significant differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic women in BMI and vaginal vibratory sensations. Hispanic women experienced more personal sexual distress, had lower total testosterone levels, and had greater changes in clitoral blood flow after sexual stimulation.
Race, Aging and Gay In/Visibility on US Television

In this chapter, I argue that despite the increased visibility of gay men on contemporary telenarratives (both on broadcast and cable networks)people of color remain stubbornly less visible and even within those examples of white gay men who dominate the airwaves, few if any depict men over the age of 40 or gay elders over the age of retirement.This invisibility operates a heuristic that pedagogically educates viewers to interpellate gay men as perpetually young or as young adults, thereby rendering middle aged or elders as alternatively inconsequential or dangerous through their conspicuous absence. These representational absences reinforced by the fragmentation of television, operate to exacerbate existing stigmatization of gay men over the age of 40 and gay elders through the potent discourses of ageism. Thus this chapter will analyze not only the processes of exclusion but also the resulting consequences that such reinforcement predictably produces through the consumption of the messages conveyed through the popular cultural medium of television.
Pooled RCTs: After ischemic stroke or TIA, aspirin for secondary prevention reduced early recurrence and severity.

Source Citation Rothwell PM, Algra A, Chen Z, et al. Effects of aspirin on risk and severity of early recurrent stroke after transient ischaemic attack and ischaemic stroke: time-course analysis of...
Magnetic Design Considerations of Bidirectional Inductive Wireless Power Transfer System for EV Applications

This paper presents a clear methodology for achieving the optimum design of LCL bidirectional inductive wireless power transfer system (BIWPTS) for electric vehicle applications. The proposed strategy depends on electromagnetic field computations joined with analytical models. A 3-D finite-element model for 8-kW polarized double-D power pad was modeled, optimized, and built. Moreover, the choice of the power factor correction and the impedance matching elements was investigated. Following the proposed design considerations, a BIWPTS model was developed in MATLAB Simulink and its outcomes were compared with the theoretical model results. In addition, a small scale prototype was assembled using the same design with reduced dc voltage levels. The models were tested during charging and discharging operation, and good correlation was seen between every one of them.
The Class Hierarchy Browser

The FIELD class browsercbrowsewas developed to display additional information about object-oriented programs. It is similar to the call graph visualizer in that it takes the data to be displayed from the cross-reference database using the message server and uses the BWE package GELO to manage and lay out the display.
The Promise of Early Childhood Self-Regulation for Obesity Prevention.

* Abbreviations: IYS — : Incredible Years intervention POPS — : Preschool Obesity Prevention Series We live in an obesity-promoting environment, with ubiquitous highly palatable, energy-dense foods and easy access to reinforcing sedentary activities. To navigate through the environment unscathed by these dual threats, children need adult supervision and guidance and an ability to control temptations. The latter can be a challenge for young children, who have fully developed brain reward systems combined with still-emerging executive functions that facilitate resisting immediate temptations and focusing on longer-term goals. There is a burgeoning literature on how poor self-control in young children predicts excess growth and overweight/obesity in later childhood and into adulthood,1–3 with causal pathways supported by obesity treatment studies with older children4 and the demonstration of self-regulation–related interventions’ collateral benefits on weight.5,6 Early childhood is a sensitive period for the development of self-regulation,7 highlighting an opportunity for obesity prevention research. To date, the literature had not addressed the potential of enhancing self-regulation skills in young children with the specific goal of preventing excess weight gain. Thus, the study by Lumeng et al,8 in this issue of Pediatrics , implemented in Head Start centers … Address correspondence to Leonard H. Epstein, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Farber Hall, G-56, 3435 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214. E-mail: lhenet{at}buffalo.edu
Cost-effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Versus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Usual Care Among Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

Study Design.Economic evaluation alongside a randomized trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) versus usual care alone (UC) for chronic low back pain (CLBP).Objective.To determine 1-year cost-effectiveness of CBT and MBSR compared to 33 UC.Summary o
Development of estrogen receptor beta binding prediction model using large sets of chemicals

// Sugunadevi Sakkiah 1 , Chandrabose Selvaraj 1 , Ping Gong 2 , Chaoyang Zhang 3 , Weida Tong 1 and Huixiao Hong 1 1 Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA 2 Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA 3 School of Computer Science, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA Correspondence to: Huixiao Hong, email: huixiao.hong@fda.hhs.gov Keywords: decision forest, estrogen receptor, QSAR, Mold 2 , predictive model Received: July 20, 2017 Accepted: August 27, 2017 Published: October 10, 2017 ABSTRACT We developed an ER β binding prediction model to facilitate identification of chemicals specifically bind ER β or ER α together with our previously developed ER α binding model. Decision Forest was used to train ER β binding prediction model based on a large set of compounds obtained from EADB. Model performance was estimated through 1000 iterations of 5-fold cross validations. Prediction confidence was analyzed using predictions from the cross validations. Informative chemical features for ER β binding were identified through analysis of the frequency data of chemical descriptors used in the models in the 5-fold cross validations. 1000 permutations were conducted to assess the chance correlation. The average accuracy of 5-fold cross validations was 93.14% with a standard deviation of 0.64%. Prediction confidence analysis indicated that the higher the prediction confidence the more accurate the predictions. Permutation testing results revealed that the prediction model is unlikely generated by chance. Eighteen informative descriptors were identified to be important to ER β binding prediction. Application of the prediction model to the data from ToxCast project yielded very high sensitivity of 90-92%. Our results demonstrated ER β binding of chemicals could be accurately predicted using the developed model. Coupling with our previously developed ER α prediction model, this model could be expected to facilitate drug development through identification of chemicals that specifically bind ER β or ER α .
Psychosocial Impact of Vascular Anomalies on Children and Their Families

Vascular anomalies are divided into tumors and malformations based on their clinical and cytologic attributes. Vascular malformations are further subcategorized as low-flow lymphatic, venous, capillary, or mixed lesions and as high-flow arteriovenous malformations. Treatment is reserved for vascular anomalies that are symptomatic or cosmetically disfiguring, and surgical and nonsurgical treatment options are widely varied with variable outcomes.
Insecticide Resistance Signals Negative Consequences of Widespread Neonicotinoid Use on Multiple Field Crops in the U.S. Cotton Belt.

The intensification of industrial agriculture has been enabled by improved crop varieties, genetically engineered crops, fertilizers, and pesticides. Over the past 15 years, neonicotinoid seed treatments have been adopted worldwide and are used on a large proportion of U.S. field crops. Although neonicotinoids are used widely, little is known about how large-scale deployment affects pest populations over long periods. Here, we report a positive relationship between the deployment of neonicotinoid seed-dressings on multiple crops and the emergence of insecticide resistance in tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca), a polyphagous insect herbivore that is an important pest of seedling cotton but not soybean or maize. Using a geospatial approach, we studied the relationship between neonicotinoid resistance measured in 301 F. fusca populations to landscape-scale crop production patterns across nine states in the southeastern U.S. cotton production region, in which soybean, maize and cotton are the dominant crops...
Cis–Trans Configuration of Coumaric Acid Acylation Affects the Spectral and Colorimetric Properties of Anthocyanins

The color expression of anthocyanins can be affected by a variety of environmental factors and structural characteristics. Anthocyanin acylation (type and number of acids) is known to be key, but the influence of acyl isomers (with unique stereochemistries) remains to be explored. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cis-trans configuration of the acylating group on the spectral and colorimetric properties of anthocyanins. Petunidin-3-rutinoside-5-glucoside (Pt-3-rut-5-glu) and Delphinidin-3-rutinoside-5-glucoside (Dp-3-rut-5-glu) and their cis and trans coumaroylated derivatives were isolated from black goji and eggplant, diluted in pH 1-9 buffers, and analyzed spectrophotometrically (380-700 nm) and colorimetrically (CIELAB) during 72 h of storage (25 °C, dark). The stereochemistry of the acylating group strongly impacted the spectra, color, and stability of the Dp and Pt anthocyanins. Cis acylated pigments exhibited the greatest λmax in all pH, as much as 66 nm greater than their trans counterparts, showing bluer hues. Cis acylation seemed to reduce hydration across pH, increasing color intensity, while trans acylation generally improved color retention over time. Dp-3-cis-p-cou-rut-5-glu exhibited blue hues even in pH 5 (C*ab = 10, hab = 256°) where anthocyanins are typically colorless. Cis or trans double bond configurations of the acylating group affected anthocyanin spectral and stability properties.
Management of flower thrips in Florida strawberries with Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and the insecticide sulfoxaflor

Abstract Flower thrips (mainly Frankliniella spp.) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are common in Florida strawberries, causing bronzed fruit and reduced yields. As control relies on just a few insecticides, there is a need to evaluate novel management options and insecticides. The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) has been shown to be effective on flower thrips larvae in other plants, and the new insecticide sulfoxaflor has been effective on thrips in other crops. In winter 2016, S. feltiae was evaluated at 2 foliar application rates (2.47 and 4.94 billion infective juveniles per ha) in combination with and without the insecticide spinetoram by counting thrips in strawberry flowers and assessing numbers of damaged fruits. A second experiment was conducted to compare sulfoxaflor, spinetoram, and S. feltiae applications based on flower thrips thresholds. High and low S. feltiae rates did not reduce or suppress thrips and did not reduce fruit damage. Sulfoxaflor reduced thrips by 60 to 70% compared to the reduction caused by spinetoram. Hot, dry conditions likely limited the survival and effectiveness of S. feltiae . Sulfoxaflor appears to be a promising insecticide for flower thrips, and may reduce reliance on spinetoram by strawberry producers. Resumen Los trips de las flores (principalmente Frankliniella spp.) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) son comunes en las fresas de Florida, causando frutos bronceados y rendimientos reducidos. Como el control depende de unos pocos insecticidas, existe la necesidad de evaluar nuevas opciones de manejo e insecticidas. Se ha demostrado que el nematodo entomopatogeno Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) es efectivo contra las larvas de trips de las flores en otras plantas, y el nuevo insecticida sulfoxaflor ha sido efectivo contra los trips en otros cultivos. En el invierno del 2016, se evaluo S. feltiae a 2 tasas de aplicacion foliar (2,47 y 4,94 mil millones de juveniles infecciosos por ha) en combinacion con y sin el insecticida spinetoram contando los trips en las flores de fresa y evaluando la cantidad de frutos danados. Se realizo un segundo experimento para comparar las aplicaciones de sulfoxaflor, spinetoram y S. feltiae en funcion de los umbrales de los trips de las flores. Las tasas altas y bajas de S. feltiae no redujeron ni suprimieron los trips y no redujeron el dano de la fruta. Sulfoxaflor redujo los trips en un 60 para 70% en comparacion con la reduccion causada por el spinetoram. Las condiciones secas y calientes probablemente limitaron la sobrevivencia y la efectividad de S. feltiae . El sulfoxaflor parece ser un insecticida prometedor para los trips de las flores, y puede reducir la dependencia del espinetoram por parte de los productores de fresas. View this article in BioOne
Optimal Control of a Diffusion Process with Gas-Liquid Absorption

Abstract We consider a problem in gas-liquid absorption which is described by a diffusion equation with a particular nonsmooth and nonlinear boundary condition. An optimal control problem is formulated for boundary control inputs. Upper and lower bounds for the solutions of the differential equations are derived and discussed. We show the existence of optimal controls and derive a necessary condition which can be used for deducing bang-bang principles.
History of Forebrain Commissurotomy

The surgical procedure of forebrain commissurotomy for the treatment of epilepsy is relatively recent. Thus, most of the early knowledge about the function of the corpus callosum was provided by astute clinicians studying brain-damaged patients. These observations were made before or at the beginning of this century. Only in the last 40 years have scientists had the advantage of a more delimited surgical lesion for observation and testing. However, the first interpretations of corpus callosal sectioning obfuscated rather than clarified the function of the commissures (Joynt, 1974). These early observations on operated patients were wrong or incomplete largely because proper neuropsychological tests had not yet been developed. However, a few decades later the partial unraveling of the mysteries of the callosal system was eventually a by-product of forebrain commissurotomies with different approaches to testing. The origin of this surgical procedure for the treatment of epilepsy lies with some astute observations of a neurosurgeon, William P. Van Wagenen of Rochester, New York.
On the structure of ⋆-power conductor domains

Let D be an integral domain and ⋆ a star operation defined on D. We say that D is a ⋆-power conductor domain (⋆-PCD) if for each pair a,b∈D\(0) and for each positive integer n we have Dan∩Dbn=((Da∩...
Teaching NeuroImages: A fuzzy determination of stroke onset.

A 73-year-old man with hypertension presented with left hemiparesis and left hemineglect of unclear duration. CT with angiography of the head and neck showed subacute infarcts of the right frontal lobe and a right internal carotid artery thrombus, with corresponding perfusion abnormalities that would have qualified him for thrombectomy (figure).1 On closer examination, his facial hair asymmetry suggested a matured hemineglect to his left face. Based on the unenhanced imaging findings and facial hair asymmetry, we estimated his stroke onset to be more than 24 hours prior to evaluation, thereby disqualifying him for thrombectomy.
Epi-retinal prosthesis

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macula degeneration (AMD) lead to the degeneration of photoreceptors, resulting in a significant visual deficit for the afflicted individual [1]. Research is proceeding to investigate the feasibility of replacing the function of the photoreceptors with an electronic device [2, 3]. The photoreceptors initiate a neural signal in response to light. The experiments to be discussed investigate the possibility of using electrical signals (generated by a retinal prosthesis) to initiate a neural response in the remaining cells of the retina. Results from both animal and human research conducted over the past decade have established the following: Intraocular stimulating electrodes can evoke focal responses that correlate with the stimulus position and timing [4–6], the inner retina in RP and AMD is relatively unharmed even when the outer retina is severely degenerated [7–9], and a device can be implanted on the surface of the retina without causing significant damage to the retina [10, 11]. Based on these preliminary trials, an FDA approved clinical trial was intiated to assess safety of implantation of an epiretinal device in humans blind from retinitis pigmentosa. 2 human volunteers have used permanently implanted devices to detect ambient light and sense motion. Based on these encouraging results, the current focus is being shifted from feasibility studies to the development of an implantable, electronic device, which will be capable of stimulating the retina at hundreds of individual points.
Type III Secretion Systems: Bacterial Injection Devices for Microbe–Host Interactions

Many pathogenic and symbiotic bacteria interact with their eukaryotic host using a complex proteinsecretion apparatus termed the type III secretion system. Type III secretion systems are multiprotein machineriesthat form a complex syringe-like organelle spanning the entire Gram-negative bacterial envelope. Thebacteria use these machineries to translocate effector proteins into the host cells that either enable themto evade the host's immune system or help establish a close relationship that is necessary to engagein a mutualistic symbiosis. This work discusses the occurrence, structure, and regulation of thesenovel and important protein translocation systems.
Cadherin clustering controls heterogeneous, asymmetric junction dynamics during vertebrate axis elongation

Abstract Tissue morphogenesis requires the control of physical forces by molecular patterning systems encoded in the genome. For example, tissue-level mechanical transformations in vertebrate embryos require the activity of cadherin adhesion proteins and the Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling system. At the tissue level, collective cell movements are known to be highly complex, displaying combinations of fluid/solid behaviors, jamming transitions, and glass-like dynamics. The sub-cellular origin of these heterogeneous tissue dynamics is undefined. Here, high-speed super-resolution imaging and physical methods for quantifying motion revealed that the sub-cellular behaviors underlying vertebrate embryonic axis elongation display glass-like dynamic heterogeneities. A combination of theory and experiment demonstrates these behaviors are highly local, displaying asymmetries even within individual cell-cell junctions. Moreover, we demonstrate that these mechanical asymmetries require patterned lateral (cis-) clustering of cadherins that is dependent upon PCP signaling. These findings illuminate the mechanisms by which defined molecular patterning systems tune the mechanics of sub-cellular behaviors that drive vertebrate axis elongation.
Real-World Analysis of Diuretic Requirements in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction after Initiation of Sacubitril/Valsartan

Purpose The PARADIGM-HF trial analyzed the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalizations. A sub-analysis of PARADIGM-HF demonstrated more diuretic dose reductions in those taking sacubitril/valsartan versus enalapril. Real world data is still limited in terms of analysis of diuretic dose adjustments in patients after being maintained on a dose of sacubitril-valsartan for a fixed period. This study hypothesizes that maintenance on sacubitril/valsartan leads to lower diuretic dose requirements. Methods Single-center retrospective chart review of patients initiated and maintained on any dose of sacubitril-valsartan from January 1, 2016 to October 1, 2019 while on a concomitant loop diuretic. Patient clinical outcomes and loop diuretic requirements were analyzed for three months following maintenance on any dose of sacubitril/valsartan for four weeks. Chart reviews were done to examine for changes in heart failure symptoms, adjustments in guideline-directed medical therapies, and baseline angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/ angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapies prior to sacubitril/valsartan initiation. Safety endpoints included symptomatic hypotension, hyperkalemia and elevated serum creatinine. Results A total of 110 patients were included in the analysis. Ninety-nine patients were on an ACEI/ARB prior to initiation of sacubitril/valsartan while eleven were started de novo. Fifty-eight patients (52.7%) were titrated to maximum dose, 32.7% (36/110), were at intermediate dose, 10.9% (12/110) at low-dose, and 4.5% (5/110) were discontinued. Ten patients (9.1%) required discontinuation of loop diuretics and 36.4% (40/110) of patients required loop diuretic dose reductions when compared to the diuretic requirement at the time of sacubitril/valsartan initiation. The mean diuretic dose was reduced from 63.4 mg (±54.3) pre-sacubitril/valsartan to 50.6 mg (± 54.5) post-sacubitril/valsartan in furosemide equivalents, P Conclusion Significant diuretic dose reductions were observed in patients after maintenance on sacubitril/valsartan. This retrospective study serves as an example of real-world experience of diuretic requirements in patients initiated on sacubitril/valsartan.
A novel digital health intervention to improve patient engagement to stimulants in adult ADHD in the primary care setting: Preliminary findings from an open label study.

Abstract Aims We piloted the effectiveness and acceptability of a novel text messaging-based (SMS) digital health intervention aimed at addressing the previously documented poor rate of patient engagement in stimulant treatment in the primary care setting. Methods 117 adults ages 18–55 from primary care and psychiatric practices who were prescribed a stimulant medication for ADHD treatment received the SMS intervention. Comparators were age-, race-, and sex-matched patients from the same health care organization's electronic medical record who had been prescribed stimulant medications over a similar time period. Using documented prescription records, we determined whether patients had timely prescription refills. Results Ninety-six percent (N = 112) of participants completed our a priori metric of patient engagement consisting of 37 days of the SMS program. Eighty-one percent of participants refilled their index prescriptions in a timely manner compared to only 36% of patients receiving treatment as usual (OR=7.54, 95% CI: 4.46, 12.77; p Conclusions These data suggest that an ADHD-centric, digital health intervention using text messaging significantly improves patient engagement in stimulant treatment in adults with ADHD.
Misaligned incentives and the scale of incarceration in the United States

Abstract The incarceration rate has increased substantially in the United States between the 1980s and the 2000s. In this paper, I explore an institutional explanation for this growth: the fact that costs of incarceration are not fully internalized. Typically, prison is paid for at the state level, but county employees (such as judges, prosecutors or probation officers) determine time spent in custody. I exploit a natural experiment that shifted the cost burden of juvenile incarceration from state to counties, keeping overall costs and responsibilities unchanged. This resulted in a stark drop in incarceration, and no increase in arrests, suggesting an over-use of prison when costs are not internalized. The large magnitude of the change suggests that misaligned incentives in criminal justice may be a significant contributor to the current levels of incarceration in the United States.
Incidence of spontaneous intestinal perforations exceeds necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely low birth weight infants fed an exclusive human milk-based diet: A single center experience.

Abstract Background Spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are complications of extremely low birth weight (ELBW, ≤ 1000 g) infants. ELBW infants at Texas Children's Hospital receive an exclusive human milk-based diet, which has been associated with a reduction of NEC. Objectives 1) Assess incidence of SIP and NEC (Stage II or greater) in ELBW infants receiving 100% human milk-based diet, 2) Describe mortality rates of ELBW infants with SIP and NEC. Methods Prospective single-center observational cohort study of ELBW infants born between 2010 and 2014 with SIP or NEC (exclusion: congenital anomalies and death within 48 h). Results Of 379 ELBW infants, 345 were eligible. Of these, 28 (8.1%) had SIP and 8 (2.3%) had NEC (medical n = 1, surgical n = 7). SIP infant mortality was 32% (n = 9) compared to 63% (n = 5) for NEC patients. Of SIP infants with PD (n = 25), 52% required subsequent exploratory laparotomy (LAP). Of NEC infants with peritoneal drainage (PD) (n = 2), both required subsequent LAP. Conclusion Using an exclusive human milk-based diet, the incidence of SIP exceeds NEC in ELBW infants at our institution. This shows a changing trend in the incidence of these two diagnoses in the era of human milk, as NEC had previously been more prevalent in ELBW infants. More than half of infants who initially received PD later required LAP. There were no differences in survival outcomes in both SIP and NEC groups based on surgical management.
Comments of Frank G. Colella, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) User Fee Update, REG-117138-17 (April 16, 2020)

The IRS has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to reinstate the PTIN user fee. Instead of the previous fee of $33, the revised fee will be $21 (plus the third-party processing fee). While Montrois v United States held that the IRS may lawfully impose a PTIN user fee, the decision specifically remanded the determination of that fee back to the District Court. The parties are currently in the discovery phase of that litigation. My comments urge the IRS to withdraw, or temporarily suspend, the proposed regulation until the matter in judicially resolved.