cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of spinal cord neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) after formalin injection in the rat hind paw.

Abstract The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor t,-nitroarginine methyl ester has been found to exhibit antinociceptive activity in a rat model of pain [Kitto, K.F. et al., Neurosci. Lett., 148 (1992) 1–5; Lee, J.H. et al., NeuroReport, 3 (]992) 841–844; Moore, P.K. et al., Br. J. Pharmacol., 102 (1991) 198–202]. We investigated the hypothesis that hind paw injection of formalin increases the number of dorsal horn neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) containing neurons. Results showed a bilateral increase in the number of nNOS-positive neurons at the L4–5 dorsal horn area following formalin injection. The increase was always greater on the ipsilateral side compared to the contralateral side. This upregulation of nNOS following formalin stimulation of the hind paw suggested that nitric oxide (NO) may play a role in the central mechanism of hyperalgesia that follows peripheral inflammation.
Incretin-based therapies: can we achieve glycemic control and cardioprotection?

Glucagon-like (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone secreted from the small intestine in response to nutrient ingestion. GLP-1 stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, inhibits glucagon secretion and gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. Because of the short circulating half-life of the native GLP-1, novel GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists and analogs and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have been developed to facilitate clinical use. Emerging evidence indicates that GLP-1-based therapies are safe and may provide cardiovascular (CV) benefits beyond glycemic control. Preclinical and clinical studies are providing increasing evidence that GLP-1 therapies may positively affect CV function and metabolism by salutary effects on CVrisk factors as well as via direct cardioprotective actions. However, the mechanisms whereby the various classes of incretin-based therapies exert CV effects may be mechanistically distinct and may not necessarily lead to similar CV outcomes. In this review, we will discuss the potential mechanisms and current understanding of CV benefits of native GLP-1, GLP-1R agonists and analogs, and of DPP-4 inhibitor therapies as a means to compare their putative CV benefits.
Hydrogel-actuated integrated responsive systems (HAIRS): Moving towards adaptive materials

The move toward sustainability and efficiency in nearly every field calls for dynamic materials that can harvest energy from and adapt to a changing environment. Here we review our recently developed, widely applicable strategy for adaptive surface design that integrates two rarely associated categories of materials – nanostructured surfaces and hydrogels – into a hybrid architecture. The nanostructure arrays provide unique topographic patterns that confer wetting, optical, and many other functions but on their own are generally static; by embedding them in a layer of responsive hydrogel, we channel the mechanical forces generated within the swelling/contracting gel to reversibly reconfigure the nanostructures in response to stimuli. Since the sensing and responding components are structurally distinct, they can each be programmed independently to match potentially almost any type of environmental change with almost any type of output. Several of our recent advances in nanofabrication make it possible to choose from an entire spectrum of nanostructured materials, stiffnesses, shapes, symmetries, orientations, and large-scale surface gradients, enabling a given stimulus to be translated into a vast assortment of complex multiscale patterns and adaptive responses. The gel chemistry and nanostructure flexibility can be further optimized for incorporating the surfaces into a variety of structures and environments. We envision using this platform to create a generation of sustainable, self-adapting, and self-reporting materials.
Revision of Agyrtodes Portevin (Coleoptera: Leiodidae)

Abstract The widespread leiodid genus Agyrtodes Portevin is revised. All known species are redescribed and illustrated, and the following new species are described: A. flaviceps Seago, A. globosus Seago, A. monteithi Seago, A. newtoni Seago, A. variabilis Seago (all from Australia, northern Queensland), and A. lescheni Seago (New Zealand, South Island). A lectotype is designated for Mesocolon varius Broun, a previously-recognized junior synonym of A. nebulosus (Broun). Agyrtodes disparatus Szymczakowski is synonymized with A. monticola (Broun). Agyrtodes is expanded to include species without a lacinial spore-brush, as this otherwise diagnostic character is absent from the koebelei species-group. A key is provided to the world species of Agyrtodes, and the morphology of the genus is described and illustrated.
Extracting Secrecy from Jointly Gaussian Random Variables

We present a method for secrecy extraction from jointly Gaussian random sources. The approach is motivated by and has applications in enhancing security for wireless communications. The problem is also found to be closely related to some well known lossy source coding problems.
A new charge transporting polymer for photorefractive applications

Summary form only given. Since the first observation of photorefractivity in a polymer, there has been continued interest in these polymers for applications including data storage, phase conjugation, pattern recognition, imaging through turbid media, laser-based-ultrasound detection, image amplification and novelty filtering. Although many materials published show promising performance, there is still a great need for improved materials. We present a novel hole transport polymer the combines the hole transporter tri-benzyl amine with the polysiloxane backbone, abbreviated as PSX-TBA. Methoxy substituents were added to improve compatibility with polar chromophore dopants.
True polar wander and plate‐driving forces

The nature of net torques applied to the lithosphere by ridge and trench forces as implied by the absence of recent true polar wander is explored. The 'ridge push' and 'trench pull' forces and the potential net torques on the global lithosphere contributed by each of these forces are discussed. It is shown that the relative magnitudes of the net torques contributed by ridge and trench forces are constrained by the absence of true polar wander during the Cenozoic and by the magnitudes of basal shear stresses on the faster moving plates. It is suggested that the lack of recent true polar wander may be due at least in part to the coincidence of a near cancellation of net torques contributed by ridge and trench forces.
Equilibrium point model of knee joint spasticity

Spasticity is a highly complex phenomenon, which has not been defined in precise and quantifiable terms. Although the muscle stretch reflex is thought to play an important role in spasticity generation, the pathophysiologic basis of spasticity is not completely understood. Utilizing Wartenberg's pendulum knee test, this research demonstrates that spasticity can be modeled as a disorder of equilibrium point control. The Equilibrium Point Hypothesis of motor control theorizes that the central nervous system (CNS) provides a virtual trajectory of joint motion, representing space and timing. A mathematical model has been developed that can reproduces kinematic data through the use of dynamic optimization techniques. The results of this study support the concept that spasticity may be part a disorder in which the virtual trajectory specified by the CNS is distorted.
Numerical Simulation of Low Grade Heat and Water Recovery Using Nanoporous Transport Membrane Condensers Bundle Tubes

Low grade waste heat and water recovery using ceramic membrane, is an emerging technology which helps to increase the efficiency of boilers and gas or coal combustors in various industrial processes and conventional power plants. The tube wall of a Transport Membrane Condenser (TMC) based heat exchanger is made of a nano-porous material with high membrane selectivity which is able to extract condensate water from the flue gas in the presence of other non-condensable gases (i.e. CO2, O2 and N2). In this work, a numerical study has been carried out to investigate the effects of transversal pitches of the TMC bundle tubes on the performance of a TMC based cross flow heat exchanger. A simplified multi-species transport model is used to investigate the heat and mass transfer characteristics of a condensing combustion flue gas in a crossflow transport membrane tube bundle. Various transversal (0.4”–0.6”) and longitudinal (0.4”–0.8”) pitches were used. The numerical results revealed that the effect of transversal pitches on the outlet parameters are more pronounced.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Maturation of Thyroid Hormone Actions

There is now a large literature to support the view that thyroid hormones have little role in fetal growth and development (1–5). Athyroid human newborns have few if any signs of their chemical hypothyroidism, and length, weight and head circumference at birth are normal for gestation age. Moreover, IQ and neurological function parameters are normal in the vast majority of hypothyroid newborns detected by chemical screening and treated in the early neonatal period (6,7). Selected intrauterine effects of thyroid hormone deficiency have been recognized. Serum TSH concentrations are regularly elevated at birth in hypothyroid infants indicating active negative feedback control of pituitary TSH secretion by thyroid hormone in utero (2–5,8). Also, newborn thermogenesis may be mildly impaired, and the fall in body temperature in the athyroid human infant may be more marked than in a normal, euthyroid neonate (2–4). Thermogenesis in the newborn is largely a function of brown adipose tissue (BAT), and recent evidence in the sheep suggests that norepinephrine-stimulated oxygen consumption in newborn BAT is obtunded by hypothyroidism (9,10).
Impulse Control Disorders

Abstract Impulse-control disorders are characterized by an individual's inability to control impulses that may be harmful to oneself or to others. The lack or loss of control is often distinguished by increased feelings of tension or anxiety prior to engaging in a behavior and feelings of relief or gratification afterward. While many psychological disorders may coexist with feelings of lack of control, such as substance abuse or obsessive-compulsive disorder, impulse-control disorders are defined mainly by this lack of control. In other words, an individual with another psychological disorder may demonstrate a marked inability to control impulses, but this inability is part of a larger pattern of maladaptive behavior within some other diagnosis.In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), disruptive Behavior, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders is classified as an Axis I disorder which includes oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), intermittent explosive disorder (IED), conduct disorder, pyromania, and kleptomania. Previously, pathological gambling and trichotillomania were categorized as impulse-control disorders in the DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994), however, in the DSM-5, gambling disorder is now classified as a non-substance-related disorder within the substance-related and addictive disorders and trichotillomania now fall in the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (APA, 2013). Disruptive behavior, impulse-control and conduct disorders are characterized by an individual's lack of control over their emotions and behaviors which becomes problematic when their behaviors violate the rights of others and conflict with societal norms (APA, 2013, p. 461). Prior to engaging in these behaviors, a person may feel tense or anxious and experience feelings of relief or gratification after engaging in the behavior. Initially, this wide range of disorders may appear too diverse for a cohesive functional analysis, but upon critical investigation of behavioral functions, many psychologists will see similarities across these disorders.
Influence of type 1 diabetes on basal and agonist-induced permeability of the blood–brain barrier

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) impairs endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)‐dependent responses of cerebral arterioles. However, the influence of T1D on another critical aspect of endothelial cell function in the cerebral microcirculation, i.e., regulation of permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), remains largely unknown. Our goal was to examine basal and agonist‐induced changes in permeability of the BBB in nondiabetic and type 1 diabetic (streptozotocin; 50 mg/kg IP) rats. On the day of the experiment (2–3 months after streptozotocin), a craniotomy was made over the parietal cortex in nondiabetic and diabetic rats. We measured the permeability of the BBB (FITC‐dextran‐10K) under basal conditions and during application of histamine. We also measured diameter of cerebral arterioles in response to histamine in the absence and presence of NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA). We found that basal permeability of the BBB was elevated in T1D and application of histamine did not produce a further increase in permeability. In contrast, basal permeability of the BBB was minimal in nondiabetics and histamine produced an increase in permeability. In addition, histamine‐induced arteriolar dilation was less in diabetics than in nondiabetics, and vasodilation to histamine was inhibited by L‐NMMA. Our findings suggest that T1D‐induced endothelial dysfunction leads to an increase in basal permeability of the BBB, but decreases the ability of the endothelium of the BBB to respond to an important inflammatory mediator. Thus, T1D impairs two critical aspects of endothelial cell function in the cerebral microcirculation, i.e., basal and agonist‐induced changes in permeability of the BBB and arteriolar dilation.
Fiscal position and the financing of productive government expenditures: an application to Latin America

Government spending on public infrastructure, education, and health care can increase economic growth. However, the appropriate financing depends on a country’s fiscal position. We develop a two-sector endogenous growth model to explore how variations in the composition and financing of government expenditures affect economic growth. We find that, when tax rates are moderate, funding public investment by raising taxes may increase long-run growth. If existing tax rates are high, public investment is only growth enhancing if funded by restructuring the composition of overall public spending. Additionally, public investment that is debt financed can have adverse effects on long-run growth due to the resulting increases in interest rates and debt-servicing costs.
A Gate Breakdown Mechanism in Mesfets and HEMTs

A model for gate breakdown in MESFETs and HEMTs is proposed. The model is based upon a combination of thermally assisted tunneling and avalanche breakdown. When thermal effects are considered it is demonstrated that the model predicts increasing drain-source breakdown as the gate electrode is biased towards pinch-off, in agreement with experimental data. The model also predicts, for the first time, the gate current versus bias behavior observed in experimental data. The model is consistent with the various reports of breakdown and light emission phenomena reported in the literature.
Use of Calcium Chloride in Relief of Chills Following Serum Administration

SummaryThe intravenous use of calcium chloride serves to alleviate chill reactions following antipneumococcus serum therapy. The use of epinephrine during serum administration appears to inhibit this favorable action of calcium.
Biological Control of the Tomato Fruitworm, Cabbage Looper, and Hornworms on Processing Tomatoes in Southern California, Using Mass Releases of Trichogramma pretiosum

Parasitization of eggs of the tomato fruitworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), the cabbage looper, Trichopilusia ni (Hubner), and horn worms (primarily the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (Johannson)), was studied on tomato foliage in Orange County, Calif., in 1966 and 1967. Mass releases of Trichogramma for biological control of these pests on processing tomatoes were assessed, using a uniparental species in 1968 and the native T. pretiosum Riley in 1969. Parasitization of tomato fruit worm, cabbage looper, and horn worm eggs averaged 55.7, 53.4, and 49.5%, respectively, for the June-August survey period in 1966 and 51.4, 24.6, and 41.9% for the August-October period in 1967. T. pretiosum was the only parasite reared from the eggs. In 1966 and 1967, 12.7 and 11.9%, respectively, of the tomatoes were in of the jured by the tomato fruit worm. Parasitization of the tomato fruit worm, cabbage looper, and horn worm eggs in 1968 averaged 81.2, 58.7, and 76.8%, respectively, in the release field compared to 74.9, 42.1, and 81.4% in the control. Most of the egg parasitization in both fields was by T. pretiosum . Of 13,136 and 14,810 fruit examined in the release and control fields, respectively, in 1968, 1.6 and 2.9% were injured by the tomato fruit worm. In 1969, parasitization of the tomato fruit worm, cabbage looper, and horn worm eggs averaged 64.4, 39.0, and 57.7%, respectively, in the release field compared with 42.4, 9.9, and 45.2% in the control. Parasitization of the tomato fruit worm, cabbage looper, and horn worm eggs was about 5, 7, and 10 times higher, respectively, in the release field than that in the control for the first 6 weeks. Of 8454 and 7714 fruit examined in 1969 in the release and control fields, respectively, 2.1 and 7.2% were injured by the tomato fruit worm.
Examination of the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale–Version 2 and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale–Straightforward Items Factor Structure in a Sample of U.S. College Students

The current study examined the factor structure of the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation–Straightforward Items (BFNE-S) and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation–Version 2 (BFNE-II) among 151 colle...
Detection of the Survival of the Influenza Viruses Enriched in the Sampling Media and Applications of the Sampling Methods in Air Monitoring

Objective To establish a method to enrich the influenza viruses in aerosol,and to detect the survival of the enriched viruses and to evaluate the sampling efficiency of the microbial air sampler. Methods Influenza viruses were simulated into the air through the aerosol generator.The viruses were concentrated by ultrafine electrostatic fiber membrane(aperture size=30μm),teflon electrostatic membrane(aperture size=0.2μm)and the AGI-30 atmosphere sampler separately.Then the viruses were detected by fluorescence PCR and MDCK-cell culture.The survival of the viruses collected by different sampling media were detected and the sampling efficiency was analyzed. Results The survival rates of the influenza viruses concentrated by ultrafine electrostatic fiber membrane and teflon electrostatic membrane were low.However,after these two membranes were pretreated by 7%fetal bovine serum,the survival rates were increased.When the air influenza viruses in the epidemic focus and the fever clinic of a hospital were enriched by the electrostatic fiber membrane,the detection rates of the influenza viral RNA were 100%and 20%respectively,while when the viruses were concentrated by the AGI-30 atmosphere sampler,the influenza viral RNA was not detected. Conclusions For acquisition of influenza viruses in the air,the electrostatic membrane of both the large and small aperture size have higher enrichment efficiency and can be used in air monitoring.However,the enrichment efficiency of the AGI-30 atmosphere sampler is low and should not be used for a long time with a high flow rate sampling.
The Classical Conditioning Paradigm

Throughout this book, we will use classical conditioning as the main behavioral procedure to illustrate methods and techniques commonly used in behavioral neuroscience research. It therefore seems appropriate to begin this book with a thorough discussion of classical conditioning procedures. Because classical eyeblink conditioning has become the most frequently used classical conditioning procedure, much of our discussion will be centered on this procedure. Readers who are already familiar with this behavioral paradigm might want to skip the first part of this chapter and move on to the material on setting up classical conditioning experiments that appears later in the chapter.
Numerical Differential Equations

In this chapter, a careful derivation of the Runge–Kutta order two method is given along with the discussion of the MatLab implementation. Then, the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg (RKF) method is introduced which gives step size control as it can estimate the error between the true solution and the approximate one. This is followed by the corresponding MatLab code. Finally, as a sample problem, a tunnel diode model is solved with the RKF method.
What Do Phonological Processing Errors Tell About Students’ Skills in Reading, Writing, and Oral Language?:

The kinds of errors that children and adolescents make on phonological processing tasks were studied with a large sample between ages 4 and 19 (N = 3,842) who were tested on the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement–Third Edition (KTEA-3). Principal component analysis identified two phonological processing factors: Basic Phonological Awareness and Advanced Phonological Processing. Canonical analysis and correlation analysis were conducted to determine how each factor related to reading, writing, and oral language across the wide age range. Results of canonical correlation analysis indicated that the advanced error factor was more responsible for reading, writing, and oral language skills than the basic error factor. However, in the correlation analysis, both the basic and advanced factors related about equally to different aspects of achievement—including reading fluency and rapid naming—and there were few age differences.
A Person-Centered, Asset-Based Community Development Framework for Youth with Special Health Care Needs/Disabilities in Transition to Adulthood

In the United States, 12.8 percent of children under 18 have special health care needs. Ninety percent of youth in America with special health care needs and/or disabilities can now be expected to reach adulthood. Youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities are less likely to experience successful transition to adulthood in comparison to youth without special health care needs. This article presents a person-centered, asset-based community development approach that assisted youth in achieving transition and inclusion-oriented outcomes. Examples are drawn from a Healthy & Ready to Work demonstration project in Wisconsin. At the center of our approach to transition were community connectors -- adults who knew the personal interests and assets of youth and who found opportunities in the community that matched individual youth interests. Implications for youth development professionals as successful community connectors are described.
Gamma-tocotrienol profoundly alters sphingolipids in cancer cells by inhibition of dihydroceramide desaturase and possibly activation of sphingolipid hydrolysis during prolonged treatment.

Abstract Vitamin E gamma-tocotrienol (γTE) is known to have anticancer effects, but mechanisms underlying these actions are not clear. Here using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we show that γTE induced marked changes of sphingolipids including rapid elevation of dihydrosphingosine and dihydroceramides (dhCers) in various types of cancer cells. The elevation of dihydrosphingolipids coincided with increased cellular stress, as indicated by JNK phosphorylation, and was prior to any sign of induction of apoptosis. Chemically blocking de novo synthesis of sphingolipids partially counteracted γTE-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Experiments using 13C3, 15N–labeled l -serine together with enzyme assays indicate that γTE inhibited cellular dihydroceramide desaturase (DEGS) activity without affecting its protein expression or de novo synthesis of sphingolipids. Unlike the effect on dhCers, γTE decreased ceramides (Cers) after 8-h treatment but increased C18:0-Cer and C16:0-Cer after 16 and 24 h, respectively. The increase of Cers coincides with γTE-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Since γTE inhibits DEGS and decreases de novo Cer synthesis, elevation of Cers during prolonged γTE treatment is likely caused by sphingomeylinase-mediated hydrolysis of sphingomyelin. This idea is supported by the observation that an acid sphingomeylinase inhibitor partially reversed γTE-induced cell death. Our study demonstrates that γTE altered sphingolipid metabolism by inhibiting DEGS activity and possibly by activating SM hydrolysis during prolonged treatment in cancer cells.
Graphene oxide cellular patches for mesenchymal stem cell-based cancer therapy

Abstract Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile platform for drug delivery, but poor accumulation at the tumor site limits the translation of this technology. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on the other hand is tumor trophic but is limited to delivering only protein-based drugs. Our solution is to combine the individual attributes of GO and MSC by loading GO on the surface of MSC to create a unique drug delivery platform wherein, GO can be used to load a range of therapeutics and MSC can carry the drug effectively to the site of the tumor. Here, we demonstrated that GO can be loaded with two types of chemo drugs, doxorubicin and mitoxantrone, with similar efficiency (>30%). The drug-GO complex was loaded on MSC without affecting the MSC viability significantly. On exposure to GO-mitoxantrone, 87% of MSC survived while only 28% of the cancer cells (LN18) survived, demonstrating the selective killing of the cancer cells but not MSC. Furthermore, drug-GO loading did not affect the tumor trophic property of MSC, and co-culture of the drug-GO loaded MSC with LN18 showed a dose-dependent killing of LN18. Together, these results show the feasibility of using drug-GO loaded MSC as an effective carrier for cancer therapy.
Photoinduced Bandgap Renormalization and Exciton Binding Energy Reduction in WS2

Strong Coulomb attraction in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides gives rise to tightly bound excitons and many-body interactions that dominate their optoelectronic properties. However, this Coulomb interaction can be screened through control of the surrounding dielectric environment as well as through applied voltage, which provides a potential means of tuning the bandgap, exciton binding energy, and emission wavelength. Here, we directly show that the bandgap and exciton binding energy can be optically tuned by means of the intensity of the incident light. Using transient absorption spectroscopy, we identify a sub-picosecond decay component in the excited-state dynamics of WS2 that emerges for incident photon energies above the A-exciton resonance, which originates from a nonequilibrium population of charge carriers that form excitons as they cool. The generation of this charge-carrier population exhibits two distinct energy thresholds. The higher threshold is coincident with the onset of continuu...
Understanding Management Decisions of Absentee Landowners: More Than Just Presence-Absence☆

Abstract Ownership and management of North American rangelands has become increasingly diverse, prompting a need to better understand how changing demographics and values relate to individual land management decisions and land cover. Absentee landowners, who reside away from their rural property, are a growing segment of this changing social landscape. The implications of absentee ownership are not clearly understood, perhaps because the absentee concept is ambiguously defined and inconsistently specified. We introduce the construct of involvement with one’s land to clarify and reframe the absentee landowner concept. We analyzed data from a mail survey of rangeland owners in central Texas to explore the relationship between absentee land ownership and the use of brush management to restore woody-plant invaded grasslands. We employed an information-theoretic approach to compare candidate models using indicators of absenteeism (permanent residence on land and distance of permanent residence from land) and involvement. We measured involvement with one’s land as hours per week operating or working one’s land. We conducted path analysis to examine the relationship between absenteeism and brush management as a function of involvement. Involvement in land management was the best predictor of brush management behavior. Absenteeism, as measured through presence-absence or as distance from land, had no relationship with brush management unless mediated by the involvement construct. Segmenting landowners based solely on the location of their full-time residence provides little information on brush management behavior because it neglects the relationship that landowners may have with their land, regardless of residency. The absentee landowner concept is central to understanding the dynamics of rangeland management and important to get right. Our analysis suggests that getting it right means knowing more than the location of the residence of the landowner.
Waist‐to‐hip ratio is a better predictor than body mass index for morbidity in abdominally based breast reconstruction

Background Body mass index is a universally recognized measure of obesity. However, it does not take body fat distribution (BFD) into account, which has been established as a significant risk factor in both medicine and surgery. The objective of this study was to compare previously developed anthropometric measures of BFD with body mass index in predicting morbidity with abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction. Methods A review of patients who underwent abdominally based breast reconstruction was performed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between complications (recipient, donor, total) with body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, conicity index, and abdominal volume index. Results A total of 325 patients who underwent 442 flaps were analyzed. Waist circumference (OR, 1.16; 95% CI 1.07-1.76), waist-to-hip ratio (OR, 1.94; 95% CI 1.25-3.35), and waist-to-height ratio (OR, 1.19; 95% CI 1.01-1.70) were significant risk factors for recipient site complications. Body mass index (OR, 1.14; 95% CI 1.01-1.56), and waist-to-hip ratio (OR, 2.01; 95% CI 1.30-3.95) were significant risk factors for donor site complications. Waist-to-hip ratio (OR, 1.87; 95% CI 1.22-4.00) was the only measure found to be a significant risk factor for experiencing any complication. A waist-to-hip ratio >0.84 was associated with increased risk. Conclusions Waist-to-hip ratio is a significant risk factor for recipient and donor site morbidity in abdominally based breast reconstruction. It is a readily calculable and clinically significant measure distinct from body mass index that should be considered for use in clinical care and research.
Direct and indirect antithrombins: Heparins, low molecular weight heparins, heparinoids, and hirudin

With the eclipse of UH by newer anticoagulants, the field has opened up to search for new and better drugs. Hirulog or bivalirudin is another direct antithrombin that has been used in initial trials. It is smaller than hirudin, at 20 amino acids. Currently under investigation, it seems to have a short half-life, a narrow therapeutic window, and a reverse dose effect, with lower levels achieving better cardiac post-thrombolysis patency than higher doses. Other antithrombins being examined are the hirudisins, where four amino acids of hirudin have been replaced by the RGDS integrin-binding sequence and thrombin receptor antagonist peptides. In addition, many other inhibitors of activated clotting factors are being studied for future therapeutic value. Tick anticoagulant protein studies are underway, as are studies on a group of benzamidine isoxazoline derivates, which are direct Xa inhibitors. We are truly at an age of discovery with the newer anticoagulants and it may take many years until we can distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of all the newer therapies. It looks like an ever more real possibility that medicine may find an antithrombotic regimen that is highly effective, highly reversible, and nontoxic.
Framework for characterizing data and identifying anomalies in health care databases.

Abstract As health care databases are becoming important sources of health care data, the anomalies these data may contain are of increasing concern. This paper proposes a framework that can be used to characterize data in health care databases through meta data, and which can be used to understand the element structures and processes that influence and generate these data and for identifying and discovering anomalies. Continued research in the refinement of the framework could serve as a predictive tool for identifying anomalies and potential anomalies in a variety of health care databases.
Solution for a Fractional Diffusion-Wave Equation Defined in a Bounded Domain

A general solution is given for a fractional diffusion-wave equation defined in a bounded space domain. The fractional time derivative is described in the Caputo sense. The finite sine transform technique is used to convert a fractional differential equation from a space domain to a wavenumber domain. Laplace transform is used to reduce the resulting equation to an ordinary algebraic equation. Inverse Laplace and inverse finite sine transforms are used to obtain the desired solutions. The response expressions are written in terms of the Mittag–Leffler functions. For the first and the second derivative terms, these expressions reduce to the ordinary diffusion and wave solutions. Two examples are presented to show the application of the present technique. Results show that for fractional time derivatives of order 1/2 and 3/2, the system exhibits, respectively, slow diffusion and mixed diffusion-wave behaviors.
Impact Evaluation of In-Space Additive Manufacturing and Recycling Technologies for On-Orbit Servicing

This paper proposes an integrated simulation tool to evaluate the impact of future in-space additive manufacturing (ISAM) and recycling technologies on the responsiveness of an on-orbit servicing (...
Regulation of bile acid receptor activity

Many receptors can be activated by bile acids (BAs) and their derivatives. These include nuclear receptors farnesoid X receptor (FXR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), and vitamin D receptor (VDR), as well as membrane receptors Takeda G protein receptor 5 (TGR5), sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), and cholinergic receptor muscarinic 2 (CHRM2). All of them are implicated in the development of metabolic and immunological diseases in response to endobiotic and xenobiotic exposure. Because epigenetic regulation is critical for organisms to adapt to constant environmental changes, this review article summarizes epigenetic regulation as well as post-transcriptional modification of bile acid receptors. In addition, the focus of this review is on the liver and digestive tract although these receptors may have effects on other organs. Those regulatory mechanisms are implicated in the disease process and critically important in uncovering innovative strategy for prevention and treatment of metabolic and immunological diseases.
Interventional Radiology as a Therapeutic Option for Complicated Appendicitis

Percutaneous drainage of abdominal abscesses has become a frequently used and valuable alternative to open surgical intervention, with similar outcomes in clinical improvement and lower morbidity and mortality. The percutaneous approach is well tolerated and less invasive to surgical drainage. Multiple modalities, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be used to diagnose, locate, and define abscess, while ultrasound and CT are the most common imaging modalities used to guide drain placement. Herein, we discuss the current controversies with reference to interventional radiology in the management of appendicitis.
Novel Online Algorithms for Nonparametric Correlations with Application to Analyze Sensor Data

Nonparametric correlations such as Spearman’s rank correlation and Kendall’s tau correlation are widely applied in scientific and engineering fields. This paper investigates the problem of computing nonparametric correlations on the fly for streaming data. Standard batch algorithms are generally too slow to handle real-world big data applications. They also require too much memory because all the data need to be stored in the memory before processing. This paper proposes a novel online algorithm for computing nonparametric correlations. The algorithm has O (1) time complexity and O (1) memory cost and is quite suitable for edge devices, where only limited memory and processing power are available. You can seek a balance between speed and accuracy by changing the number of cut-points specified in the algorithm. The online algorithm can compute the nonparametric correlations 10 to 1,000 times faster than the corresponding batch algorithm, and it can compute them based either on all past observations or on fixed-size sliding windows. The algorithm is applied to analyze real-world sensor data from an industrial plant1.
Starches: Conversions, Modifications, and Uses

Abstract Starch molecules, like other polysaccharide molecules, are depolymerized by hot acids ( Chapters 1 and 4 Chapter 1 Chapter 4 ), the reaction becoming faster as the temperature is increased. Products of hydrolysis are known as converted products or products of conversion. The least converted starch products are acid-modified starches.
Humanitarian Supply Chain Management - An Overview

Disasters recently received the attention of the Operations Research community due to the great potential of improving disaster related operations through the use of analytical tools, and the impact on people that this implies. In this introductory article, we describe the main characteristics of disaster supply chains, and we highlight the particular issues that are faced when managing these supply chains. We illustrate how Operations Research tools can be used to make better decisions, taking debris management operations as an example, and discuss potential general research directions in this area.
Atypical Presentation of Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome in an Infant

Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) is an x-linked recessive primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, atopic dermatitis and increased susceptibility to infections. Classically, a normal sized platelet noted on a peripheral smear was thought to exclude WAS as a diagnosis as it typically presents with thrombocytopenic purpura with normal appearing megakaryocytes but small defective platelets. This case report describes an unusual presentation of WAS in a Caucasian male who presented with congenital thrombocytopenia, initially thought to be neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, with a normal mean platelet volume (MPV). At …
The Spectral Zoo of Networks: Embedding and Visualizing Networks with Spectral Moments

Network embedding methods have been widely and successfully used in network-based applications such as node classification and link prediction. However, an ideal network embedding should not only be useful for machine learning, but interpretable. We introduce a spectral embedding method for a network, its Spectral Point, which is basically the first few spectral moments of a network. Spectral moments are interpretable, where we prove their close relationships to network structure (e.g. number of triangles and squares) and various network properties (e.g. degree distribution, clustering coefficient, and network connectivity). Using spectral points, we introduce a visualizable and bounded 3D embedding space for all possible graphs, in which one can characterize various types of graphs (e.g., cycles), or real-world networks from different categories (e.g., social or biological networks). We demonstrate that spectral points can be used for network identification (i.e., what network is this subgraph sampled from?) and that by using just the first few moments one does not lose much predictive power.
Assessment of Lobar Oxygenation during Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion May Predict Postoperative Outcomes

Purpose Assessment of marginal donor lungs during asanguineous ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) can be challenging due to limited objective parameters. We hypothesized that determination of PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio from each lobar vein can provide valuable information regarding lobar function. The aim of this study is to determine lobar vein P/F ratio during EVLP and correlate with standard EVLP assessment parameters as well as post-transplant outcomes. Methods Data from 139 lungs from 75 donors assessed in asanguineous EVLP from Feb 2016 to April 2020 were analyzed for this study. Transplant suitability of lungs was determined based on standard EVLP parameters. pO2 was assessed from each pulmonary vein at the time of standard evaluation. In transplanted EVLP lungs, primary graft dysfunction (PGD) was assessed at 72 hours. Results In the favorable group (defined as PGD grade 0-1), both P/F ratio at left atrium (P/F LA) and P/F ratio at lower lobe pulmonary vein (P/F LPV) were significantly higher than that of the unfavorable group (non-suitable or PGD grade 2-3) (LA, 496±77 vs. 444±74 mmHg, P Conclusion These results suggest that determination of lobar P/F ratio during EVLP can provide additional, valuable information for lung assessment. Deterioration of lobar function might be masked assessment of only LA P/F ratio and potentially lead to a greater incidence of high-grade PGD after lung transplantation.
Love: The Capacity to Love and Be Love able

This chapter presents multiple theories and understandings of love. It then focuses on love as an aesthetic experience, as acceptance, as secure attachment, as care, as concern, as giving, as goodness, as identificatory resonance, as joy, as mutual playfulness, and as responsibility (response-ability). Mature love emerges as the quintessential integrator of the polar meanings of existence, such as love and hate. This integrative love is described as the ultimate competence in the life of the individual. It is the primal mood that pervades a harmonious homeworld. It contains conflict and modulates tension due to divided function. It makes it possible for forgiveness to override the desire for fairness. Love bestows beauty, goodness, and truth upon our lives. A mature mother, for instance, is by definition beautiful, fair, and truthful. To be able to love wisely is the highest achievement of psychosocial maturation.
Development, Feasibility, Acceptability, and Utility of an Expressive Speech-Enabled Digital Health Agent to Deliver Online, Brief Motivational Interviewing for Alcohol Misuse: Descriptive Study.

Background Digital health agents - embodied conversational agents designed specifically for health interventions - provide a promising alternative or supplement to behavioral health services by reducing barriers to access to care. Objective Our goals were to (1) develop an expressive, speech-enabled digital health agent operating in a 3-dimensional virtual environment to deliver a brief behavioral health intervention over the internet to reduce alcohol use and to (2) understand its acceptability, feasibility, and utility with its end users. Methods We developed an expressive, speech-enabled digital health agent with facial expressions and body gestures operating in a 3-dimensional virtual office and able to deliver a brief behavioral health intervention over the internet to reduce alcohol use. We then asked 51 alcohol users to report on the digital health agent acceptability, feasibility, and utility. Results The developed digital health agent uses speech recognition and a model of empathetic verbal and nonverbal behaviors to engage the user, and its performance enabled it to successfully deliver a brief behavioral health intervention over the internet to reduce alcohol use. Descriptive statistics indicated that participants had overwhelmingly positive experiences with the digital health agent, including engagement with the technology, acceptance, perceived utility, and intent to use the technology. Illustrative qualitative quotes provided further insight about the potential reach and impact of digital health agents in behavioral health care. Conclusions Web-delivered interventions delivered by expressive, speech-enabled digital health agents may provide an exciting complement or alternative to traditional one-on-one treatment. They may be especially helpful for hard-to-reach communities with behavioral workforce shortages.
Between Social Welfare and Public Health: Substance Abuse and Co-occurring Disability

Many patients with serious mental and physical illness are addicted to drugs and alcohol. This chapter examines US public assistance programs, specifically regarding the status of substance abuse as a co-occurring disorder along with physical/mental impairment. Its history and criterion reveal the ambiguous status of substance abuse somewhere between a disablement and a condition incurred by personal choice. Given the prevalence of addiction among people with pre-existing physical and mental impairments, advents of co-treatment and barriers to access these services are also briefly described.
Understanding mechanical domain parametric resonance in microcantilevers

In this paper we present a mathematical model for the dynamics of an electrostatically actuated micro-cantilever. For the common case of cantilevers excited by a periodic voltage, we show that the underlying linearized dynamics are those of a periodic system described by a Mathieu equation. We present experimental results that confirm the validity of the model, and in particular illustrate that parametric resonance phenomena occur in capacitively actuated micro-cantilevers. The combined parametric/harmonic mode of operation is investigated as well and experimental data are provided.
Elevated bacterial abundance and exopolymers in saline frost flowers and implications for atmospheric chemistry and microbial dispersal

[1] Frost flowers (FF) have been studied for their potential influence on ice-surface reflectivity and roles in atmospheric chemistry, but not as microbial habitats. We examined FF grown in a freezer laboratory from a bacteria-containing saline solution and FF formed naturally in the coastal (April) and central Arctic Ocean (September). All FF contained bacteria (up to 3.46 × 106 ml−1 in natural FF) with densities 3–6-fold higher than in underlying ice. Bacterial abundance correlated strongly with salinity in FF (p values ≤ 0.001), a correlation that held for all components of the surface-ice environment (p < 0.0001, coastal samples). Concentrations of extracellular polysaccharides were also elevated in FF and brine skim relative to underlying ice (up to 74-fold higher). Here we consider implications of finding microbes and exopolymers within the chemically reactive surface-ice environment to the photolytic production of oxidants and long-range transport of potential ice-nucleating particles in the atmosphere.