cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hormones, Sex Accessory Structures, and Secondary Sexual Characteristics in Amphibians

SUMMARY Gonadal steroid hormones, particularly testosterone (T) and related androgens, are important in the development and seasonal variation of sexually dimorphic organs. Other hormones, such as prolactin, have been found to be necessary in conjunction with gonadalsteroids forthefull structuraldevelopmentandfunction of some sex accessory structures (e.g., oviductal and cloacal gland secretions) and secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., genial glands and skin glands of newts). Thyroid hormones work synergistically with prolactin and T in hypertrophy of the tail fin and nuptial pads of American newts (e.g.,Notophthalmus viridescens), whereas oxytocin antagonizes the influence of prolactin. In the Japanese newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster), however, estrogens block the action of prolactin on increasing tail height, explaining the sexual differences in tail morphology. Arginine vasotocin (AVT) has been shown to stimulate labor in the viviparous salamandrid Salamandra salamandra, corticosterone influences the development of salamander cloacal glands, and prostaglandin PGF2a causes the release of sperm from the salamander spermatheca by triggering contraction of the myoepithelium. The sex accessory structures of amphibians are the genital ducts and derivatives of these structures. The secondary sexual characteristics are all of the differences between the sexes due to sexual maturation other than those connected with the gonads and their ducts. In this chapter, we review the effects of hormones on development, anatomy, function, and seasonal variation of the sex accessory structures and secondary sexual characteristics of amphibians. We introduce the more general term, secondary characteristics, to refer to non-sexually dimorphic traits that arise at sexual maturity. A list of the structures considered is presented in Table 5.1 and we will report on representative studies related to these organs.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Management of Nonoperative Intra-abdominal Pain

Since its first application in the management of both acute and chronic pain, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been applied to a wide range of problems. The management of postoperative pain by means of TENS has prompted much clinical interest and investigation, particularly in thoracic and abdominal surgical procedures.1–6 In such cases, applying the electrodes near the incision is a common practice. The application and benefits of TENS for abdominal pain of nonoperative origin has been less widely studied, however. Roberts found significant relief of pain associated with pancreatitis in five subjects after only one or two brief periods of stimulation, and he noted persistence of relief.7 Perdikis described 20 cases of protracted ileus; 16 were completely deflated within 24 hours after TENS was applied.8…
Gender Stereotypes in Advertising on Children's Television in the 1990s: A Cross-National Analysis

Abstract Using content analysis, the author examined sex role stereotyping in television commercials aimed at children in the United States and Australia. The goals of the study were to: (1) provide current data on level and content of gender stereotyping, (2) compare levels of stereotyping in two countries, and (3) assess stereotyping of self-presentational behaviors. Results are consistent with those of previous research in that boys were depicted as being more knowledgeable, active, aggressive, and instrumental than girls. Nonverbal behaviors involving dominance and control were associated more with boys than girls. Country-related differences in ratios of boys to girls in the commercials and demonstrations of licensed withdrawal, function ranking, and utilitarian contact were observed.
Bacteriophage-Based Bioluminescent Bioreporter for the Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7

The rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria in food and water is vital for the prevention of foodborne illness. In this study, the lux reporter genes were used in a new bioassay that allows pathogen monitoring without multiple sample manipulations or the addition of exogenous substrate. A recombinant phage specific for Escherichia coli 0157:H7 was constructed that, upon infection, catalyzes the synthesis of N-(3-oxohexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (OHHL). This phage PP01 derivative carries the luxI gene from Vibrio fischeri under the control of the phage promoter PL. OHHL produced by infected E. coli 0157:H7 induces bioluminescence in bioreporter cells carrying the V. fischeri lux operon. The ability of phage PP0-luxl to detect several strains of E. coli 0157:H7 was confirmed in a 96-well plate assay. In this assay, luxCDABE bioreporter cells capable of detecting OHHL were mixed with phage PPOI-luxl and E. coli 0157:H7, and luminescence was monitored. Reporter phages induced light in bioreporter cells within I h when exposed to 10(4) CFU/ml of E. coli 0157:H7 and were able to detect 10 CFU/ml in pure culture with a preincubation step (total detection time, 4 h). The detection method was also applied to contaminated apple juice and was able to detect 10(4) CFU/ml of E. coli 0157:H7 in 2 h after a 6-h preincubation.
Electrospray Flame Synthesis of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Nanoparticles

In this study, the technological feasibility of an electrospray-based flame synthesis process for the production of thin films of nanosized metal oxide particulates was investigated. On the basis o...
Ionic Liquid Dynamics in Nanoporous Carbon Nanofibers in Supercapacitors Measured with in Operando Infrared Spectroelectrochemistry

Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), or supercapacitors, rely on rapid electrosorption of ions into porous carbon electrodes to achieve high power densities and long lifetimes. Ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes offer large operating voltage windows and can potentially increase the energy density of EDLCs if the electrode/electrolyte interface is properly optimized. Herein, we present molecular level measurements of ion dynamics of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIm-TFSI) IL in an operating EDLC with freestanding electrodes composed of nanoporous carbon nanofibers (NCNFs) and potassium hydroxide (KOH)-activated NCNFs using in operando infrared spectroelectrochemistry. For non-KOH-activated NCNF electrodes, the concentrations of IL ions (both cations and anions) decrease as the ions enter the nanopores inside the nanofibers during charging. However, the concentration of the anions inside the positively charged pores is larger than the concentration of cations for voltage w...
Cellular localization of dieldrin and structure-activity relationship of dieldrin analogues in dopaminergic cells.

The incidence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) correlates with environmental exposure to pesticides, such as the organochlorine insecticide, dieldrin. Previous studies found an increased concentration of the pesticide in the striatal region of the brains of PD patients and also that dieldrin adversely affects cellular processes associated with PD. These processes include mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species production. However, the mechanism and specific cellular targets responsible for dieldrin-mediated cellular dysfunction and the structural components of dieldrin contributing to its toxicity (toxicophore) have not been fully defined. In order to identify the toxicophore of dieldrin, a structure–activity approach was used, with the toxicity profiles of numerous analogues of dieldrin (including aldrin, endrin, and cis-aldrin diol) assessed in PC6-3 cells. The MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were used to monitor cell viability and membrane permeability after treatment with each compoun...
Quality analysis of influenza surveillance at sentinel hospitals in Henan province of China

Objective To analyze the quality of influenza surveillance at sentinel hospitals in Henan province of China,find out existing problems and provide evidence for the improvement of monitoring.Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to collect data and analyses,of evaluation were done using software Excel 2007based on the National Influenza Surveillance Schemes(2010edition).Results The on time report rate of influenza-like cases was 91.35%.The rate of collected samples that met the requirements were 73.95% and 98.48%in epidemic seasons and non-epidemic seasons,respectively.Sample submission rates within 48 hours and 1week were 78.25% and 98.43%,respectively.Conclusions Each monitoring index for the surveillance of influenza in Henan province has more or less problems especially in the sentinel hospitals of two cities with poor organization and management.Frequent communication and coordination,training and supervision at regular basis are necessary to improve the monitoring quality.
Transitional metals distribution in tissues of transgenic Alzheimer′s disease model mice,and the involved roles of AD

The contents of iron,copper and zinc in kidneys,lungs,hearts,spleens,livers,testicles and brains of APP695,751V717I transgenic mice(Alzheimer′s disease model)were measured with ICP and X-ray induced fluorescence spectrophotometry to make clear the transitional metals′ roles in the pathology of Alzheimer′s disease or vice versa.The data indicated that,compared with the control group,iron contents in lungs,hearts,spleens,livers,testicles and brains of AD mice increased but declined in kidneys;the coppers in bones and brains elevated but decreased in others;zinc contents descended in AD kidneys,hearts,livers,testicles and brains except increase in lungs and spleens.For the male AD sufferers,metals contents changed tissues were more than that of the females.Any average content of copper,zinc and iron in AD brain slices was higher than the control.For detail,the copper and zinc levels in cortex,thalamus,hypothalamus and hippocampus were enhanced,except in parietal and piriform cortex and amygdale nuclear associated area;irons in cortex,hippocampus and hypothalamus of AD brain increased too.The topographic feature of copper was partly similar to that of zinc,but different to iron′s,suggesting copper shared common ways with zinc for transferring and assimilating,freestanding from the iron′s.Amyloid protein and the subsequently formed senile plaques induced by AD,the deterioration of bloodbrain barrier and the damages of metals carriers took roles in the aberrances of metals.
The Study of Remaining Oil Potential Influencing Factors after Polymer Flooding

Through the development of oil fields after polymer flooding,there are still lots of remaining oil in the oil reservoir.It’s very important significance to research geological and development factors on the distribution of remaining oil potential and influence and further enhanced oil recovery technology.Through indoor physical model experiments,the coefficient of permeability variation,a multiple of polymer solution into the pore volume,polymer molecular weight and polymer concentration on the remaining oil after polymer flooding potential and distribution.The experimental results show that with the coefficient of permeability variation increases,the total recovery ratio program become smaller,but the phase is almost;with the increase of polymer molecular weight,solution concentration,slug size into the polymer solution,the effect of polymer flooding changed for the better,the oil recovery of polymer flooding stage and the total recovery of the program have increased.Technology and methods set out in the mine has guiding significance to carry out polymer flooding.
Association of AR-V7 and Prostate-Specific Antigen RNA Levels in Blood with Efficacy of Abiraterone Acetate and Enzalutamide Treatment in Men with Prostate Cancer

Purpose: We evaluated the association of PSA and androgen receptor splice variant-7 (AR-V7) transcript levels in patients9 blood with time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) with abiraterone acetate and/or enzalutamide treatment in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients. Experimental Design: RNA levels of AR-V7 and PSA in peripheral blood collected before treatment were quantified using droplet digital-PCR in retrospective cohorts treated with abiraterone acetate (N = 81) or enzalutamide (N = 51) for CRPC. Multivariable Cox regression adjusted for known prognostic factors was used for analyses. Results: PSA transcripts were detected in 57% of abiraterone acetate–treated patients and in 63% of enzalutamide-treated patients. PSA-positive patients had a shorter TTF than PSA-negative patients [adjusted HR = 2.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–4.10) and 2.60 (95% CI, 1.19–5.69); P = 0.006 and 0.017 in abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide cohorts, respectively]. Patients with a higher-AR-V7 transcript level had a shorter TTF with abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide in univariate analysis (median 8.0 months vs. 15.6 months, P = 0.046 in abiraterone acetate-cohort and 3.6 months vs. 5.6 months; P = 0.050 in enzalutamide cohort). In multivariable models, the association with TTF remained significant in the enzalutamide cohort (adjusted HR = 2.02; 95% CI, 1.01–4.05; P = 0.048), but statistically insignificant in the abiraterone acetate cohort. In both cohorts, we observed potential prognostic value of both PSA and AR-V7 RNA expression on OS; patients with detectable PSA transcripts and high AR-V7 predicted the poorest OS. Conclusions: PSA and AR-V7 transcripts in blood potentially serve as biomarkers predicting TTF and OS with abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide treatment. If validated prospectively, their detection could be facilitated without isolation of circulating tumor cells. Clin Cancer Res; 23(3); 726–34. ©2016 AACR.
Radioactive waste disposal

This chapter discusses radioactive waste disposal. Materials that contain radioactive atoms and that are deemed to be of no value are classed as radioactive wastes. They may be natural substances such as uranium ore residues with isotopes of radium and radon or products of neutron capture with isotopes such as those of cobalt and plutonium, or fission products with a great variety of radionuclides. Wastes may be generated as by-products of national defense efforts, of the operation of commercial electric power plants and their supporting fuel cycle, or of research and medical application at various institutions. The radioactive components of the waste may emit alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons in some cases, with half-lives of concern from the standpoint of storage and disposal ranging from several days to thousands of years. For purposes of management and regulation, a classification scheme for radioactive wastes has evolved. The original wastes were from the Hanford reactors, used in World War II to produce weapons material. The wastes were stored in moist form in large underground tanks. The management of spent fuel at a reactor involves a great deal of care in mechanical handling to avoid physical damage to the assemblies and to minimize exposure of personnel to radiation. At the end of a typical operating period of one year for a PWR, the head of the reactor vessel is removed and set aside. The whole space above the vessel is filled with borated water to allow fuel assemblies to be removed while immersed. Low-level wastes come from research and medical procedures and from a variety of activation and fission sources at a reactor site. They generally can be given near-surface burial. Isotopes of special interest are cobalt-60 and cesium-137.
Toward benchmarking locomotion economy across design configurations on the modular robot: AMBER-3M

Making conclusive performance comparisons of bipedal locomotion behaviors can be difficult when working with different robots. This is particularly true in the case of comparing energy economy, which is highly dependent on mechanical, electrical and control components. As a means of limiting these disparities in methodical testing, we built a modular bipedal robot platform, AMBER-3M. Three leg configurations were designed for this purpose: actuated flat foot, rigid point-foot, and compliant point-foot. As a proof of concept for the mechanical, electrical, and algorithmic modularity, we present walking experiments with all three AMBER-3M configurations, using the same control methods and experimental procedures. As a pilot study for investigating locomotion economy, we performed further systematic experiments of point-foot walking with the purpose of examining the effects of speed on the cost of transport (COT). We optimized 36 walking gaits for maximum locomotion economy at various transport velocities. Walking performance data was collected from these gaits spanning a speed range of 0.34 to 0.94m/s. An apparent Pareto-optimal frontier was observed in the data, showing that mechanical cost of transport increases with speed; ranging from 0.22 up to 0.36. Conversely, the electrical cost of transport decreased at higher walking speeds.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis GroEL2 modulates dendritic cell responses

Mycobacterium tuberculosis successfully subverts the host immune response to promote disease progression. In addition to its known intracellular niche in macrophages, M. tuberculosis interferes with the functions of dendritic cells (DCs), which are the primary antigen-presenting cells of the immune system. We previously showed that M. tuberculosis dampens proinflammatory responses and impairs DC functions through the cell envelope-associated serine protease Hip1. Here we present data showing that M. tuberculosis GroEL2, a substrate of Hip1, modulates DC functions. The full-length GroEL2 protein elicited robust proinflammatory responses from DCs and promoted DC maturation and antigen presentation to T cells. In contrast, the cleaved form of GroEL2, which predominates in M. tuberculosis, was poorly immunostimulatory and was unable to promote DC maturation and antigen presentation. Moreover, DCs exposed to full-length, but not cleaved, GroEL2 induced strong antigen-specific gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and IL-17A cytokine responses from CD4+ T cells. Moreover, the expression of cleaved GroEL2 in the hip1 mutant restored the robust T cell responses to wild-type levels, suggesting that proteolytic cleavage of GroEL2 allows M. tuberculosis to prevent optimal DC-T cell cross talk during M. tuberculosis infection.
Case of a Girl with Vulvar Swelling

Adolescent girls are increasingly presenting with concerns about their genital appearance and requesting surgical correction. Management of these concerns requires an understanding of the wide variety of normal appearance, time, and resources to educate the patient and her family and a cautious, conservative approach to management prior to considering any surgical intervention. There is no standard definition of labia minora hypertrophy, and caution should be taken before making diagnosis. Common symptoms of adolescents presenting with labial hypertrophy include irritation, pain, and interference with personal hygiene and sports. Concerns about the appearance of the labia minora can affect their self-esteem and result in significant psychological distress particularly when wearing specific clothing. Once other conditions have been excluded, the provider should provide reassurance and education. Conservative management should be the first approach. Surgical correction of labial hypertrophy in adolescence remains controversial and should be reserved for very symptomatic individuals.
Trends in patient-perceived shared decision making among adults in the United States, 2002-2014

To ascertain changes in shared decision making (SDM), we analyzed data from the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We aggregated responses to questions into a 7-point SDM composite score. Between 2002 and 2014, the mean SDM composite score increased from 4.4 to 5.0 (P <.01), indicating greater patient-perceived SDM. In multivariate modeling, SDM scores were higher for black vs white patients (+0.33 points) and those with a same-race/ethnicity usual source of care (+0.24 points; both P <.05). Scores were lower for patients with poor-perceived health (-0.41 points), Asian vs white race/ethnicity (-0.28 points), and no insurance (-0.17 points; all P <.05). Improvement efforts should target Americans without a same-race/ethnicity usual source of care and with poor-perceived health.
Prevalence of gabapentin in drug overdose postmortem toxicology testing results.

Abstract Background The goal of this study was to establish and compare baseline data on the prevalence of gabapentin identified through postmortem toxicology testing among drug overdose decedents in several geographically diverse states/jurisdictions with differing levels of drug overdose fatality burdens in 2015. Methods Death certificates and postmortem toxicology result reports from five U.S. jurisdictions were used to identify residents who died from drug overdoses in year 2015 and to calculate prevalence rates of gabapentin in postmortem toxicology by jurisdiction. Results On average, 22% of all drug overdose decedents in our study tested positive for gabapentin. The percentage of gabapentin-positive overdose deaths varied significantly among jurisdictions: 4% in Northeast Tennessee, 7% in Maricopa County, 15% in West Virginia, 20% in North Carolina, and 41% in Kentucky (p Conclusions Routine gabapentin postmortem testing and linking of death certificate, medical examiner, coroner, toxicology, and prescription history data will provide more reliable information on the extent of gabapentin misuse, diversion, and implications for clinical care.
Influence of sulfur groups on carboxylic acid strengths

Abstract The relative acid strength for a series of monocarboxylic acids of the general formula R X (CH2)n COOH and related dicarboxylic acids of the general formula HOOC (CH2)n X (CH2)n COOH, where R = Ph or Me, X = CH2, S , SO , or SO2 ; and n = 1 or 2 as appropriate; have been studied as a function of X. It is found that sulfur containing acids have lower pKa values than the corresponding carbon analogues, that the pKa is highest for the thioacids and lowest for the sulfonyl acids, that the pKas increase as n increases, and that for the dicarboxylic acid systems only the thio members show a significant reduction in pKa (2) – pKa (1) differences upon changing n from 1 to 2.
Preliminary Observations of Oxygen Levels in Microcirculation of Tumors in C3H Mice

Fundamental understanding of the oxygen level in microvasculature and tissues of developing tumors may be of great import in elucidation of observed radioresistance and decreased radiation sensitivity of certain tumors in humans. Frequently radiation therapy which at certain doses causes death of cells in vitro fails to kill the cells in vivo, even though the doses are comparable. L. H. Gray, et al, 1953, demonstrated reduced radiation sensitivity of cells which are oxygen deficient. Therefore, this study was undertaken to demonstrate whether changes in microvasculature and microcirculation play a significant role in the oxygen deficiency of various portions of a tumor in vivo.
TOP-DOWN PROGRAMMING

This chapter discusses the fundamental concepts of a method called top-down programming to help draw objects on the screen using the SUB/END SUB structure as well as use subroutines that are action blocks in constructing or drawing objects on the screen. Top-down programming is a method used to solve problems with a programming language. This method relies upon the programmer's ability to create a plan that divides the problem into successively smaller components or tasks. They design on paper an approach to the problem, considering carefully the tasks that need to be performed and the possible resources available to them. Dividing the problem into smaller and smaller tasks is called stepwise refinement. In solving very complex problems, often it is better to try reducing the problem into several smaller tasks that can be managed more easily. Thereafter, many of the lines in the program skeleton will be replaced with CALL statements that direct the program to a subroutine. In the called subroutine, focus on a particular task described by the program skeleton is initiated. Each such task then becomes a separate programming problem all its own. The SUB and END SUB statements set off the task that subroutines perform and are required in Turbo BASIC. Finally comments make the tasks of a program more understandable. Comments are not executed when a program is run. They serve to explain what tasks are performed by the program.
DNA compression caused by an upstream point mutation.

We observed an apparent series of insertions and deletions beginning 5 bp downstream of an A→G silent transition in exon 1 of the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 gene. The apparent sequence anomal...
Simplex, Duplex, FDD, and TDD

In telecommunication, there are various ways to communicate between two points, referred to as mode of operation. This is usually done in three ways: simplex, half-duplex, and full duplex. Simplex is a one-way communication such as broadcasting. Half duplex is a two-way communication but one at a time such as taxi dispatch system. Full duplex is a method of two-way communication, where two users can communicate with each other simultaneously such as land-mobile telephone system. In full duplex communication, the link is maintained in both directions, either in the frequency domain or in the time domain. This is governed by two basic communication schemes: frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). A brief description of these communication modes is presented in this chapter.
Seasonal adjustment subject to accounting constraints

The indirect seasonal adjustment obtained by aggregating component seasonal adjustments may be inadequate, whereas the direct adjustment of the aggregate can typically be ensured to be adequate by adjusting the statistical model. Reconciliation techniques can be used to allocate the discrepancies between the direct and indirect adjustments of the aggregate unto the various component series, essentially enforcing that the indirect procedure yields the same outcome as the adequate direct procedure. This paper proposes utilizing adequacy of the component seasonal adjustments—given the modifications entailed by reconciliation—as an additional constraint to the accounting problem. We focus on seasonal adjustments arising from X‐13ARIMA‐SEATS and apply this constrained reconciliation procedure to copper imports, a component of gross domestic product.
A Novel Method for Bilateral Gait Segmentation Using a Single Thigh-Mounted Depth Sensor and IMU

Lower limb assistive devices have shown potential to restore mobility to millions of individuals with walking impairments; however, their success depends on whether they can be controlled safely, reliably, and intuitively with user-friendly sensors. To assist the user's walking patterns, many devices implement finite-state controllers which rely on accurate estimation of the current gait phase (e.g. stance, swing) of one or both legs. Bilateral gait segmentation is especially important for restoring natural interlimb coordination, which contributes to device safety and efficiency. Most existing techniques for gait segmentation use ground contact, device-embedded, or body-worn sensors with threshold or machine learning-based algorithms. They have been effective at identifying the state of the ipsilateral (i.e. sensor-side) leg but can become inconvenient for bilateral gait segmentation because they often require many sensors and are more sensitive to sensor placement. Therefore, we present a proof of concept for a novel approach to bilateral gait segmentation using a thigh-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU) and depth sensor with the contralateral leg in its field of view. We extracted two features, ground and shank angle, from the depth data and developed a sensor fusion strategy to predict contralateral heel contact and ipsilateral toe off with accuracy approaching that of a setup with bilateral thigh and shank IMUs. By using computer vision to estimate the state of both legs, we introduce a new technique for bilateral gait segmentation which could make assistive devices more user-friendly, safe, and functional.
Detection and Structural Characterization of Ether Glycerophosphoethanolamine from Cortical Lysosomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury Using UPLC‐HDMSE

The use of ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to data independent tandem mass spectrometry with traveling wave ion mobility for detection and structural identification of ether-linked glycerophosphoethanolamine is described. The experimental design generates 4D data (chromatographic retention time, precursor accurate mass, drift time with associated calculated collisional cross-section, and time-aligned accurate mass diagnostic product ions) for each ionization mode. Confident structure identification depends on satisfying 4D data confirmation in both positive and negative ion mode. Using this methodology, a number of ether-linked glycerophosphoethanolamine lipids are structurally elucidated from mouse brain lysosomes. It is further determined that several ether-linked glycerophosphoethanolamine structures are differentially abundant between lysosomes isolated from mouse cortex following traumatic brain injury as compared to that of sham animals. The combined effort of aligning multi-dimensional mass spectrometry data with a well-defined traumatic brain injury model lays the foundation for gaining mechanistic insight in the role lysosomal membrane damage plays in neuronal cell death following brain injury.
An Adaptive Univariate Global Optimization Algorithm and Its Convergence Rate under the Wiener Measure

We describe an adaptive algorithm for approximating the global minimum of a continuous univariate function. The convergence rate of the error is studied for the case of a random objective function distributed according to the Wiener measure.
Complement and CD4 + T Cells Drive Context-Specific Corneal Sensory Neuropathy

Whether complement dysregulation directly contributes to the pathogenesis of peripheral nervous system diseases, including sensory neuropathies, is unclear. We addressed this important question in a mouse model of ocular HSV-1 infection, where sensory nerve damage is a common clinical problem. Through genetic and pharmacologic targeting, we uncovered a central role for C3 in sensory nerve damage at the morphological and functional levels. Interestingly, CD4 T cells were central in facilitating this complement-mediated damage. This same C3/CD4 T cell axis triggered corneal sensory nerve damage in a mouse model of ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However, this was not the case in a T-dependent allergic eye disease (AED) model, suggesting that this inflammatory neuroimmune pathology is specific to certain disease etiologies. Collectively, these findings uncover a central role for complement in CD4 T cell-dependent corneal nerve damage in multiple disease settings and indicate the possibility for complement-targeted therapeutics to mitigate sensory neuropathies.
Kinetic and Data-Driven Reaction Analysis for Pharmaceutical Process Development

Mathematical modeling of chemical reaction kinetics has been proven to aid the development of new reactions and processes. Chemical kinetic modeling is a well-established principle in chemical engi...
The downstream effects of state tobacco control policies on maternal smoking during pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Abstract Background Research has demonstrated that the implementation of tobacco control policies is associated with improved birth outcomes. Ascertainment of prenatal smoking on the US birth certificate has changed over the past decade to record smoking across each trimester. Methods Using 2005–2015 birth certificate data on 26,436,541 singletons from 47 states and DC linked to state-level cigarette taxes and smoke-free legislation, we conducted conditional mixed-process models to examine the impact of tobacco control policies on prenatal smoking and quitting, then on the associated changes in birth outcomes. We included interactions between race/ethnicity, education, and taxes and present average marginal effects. Results Among white and black mothers with less than a high school degree, 36.0% and 14.1%, respectively, smoked during the first trimester and their babies had the poorest birth outcomes. However, they were the most responsive to cigarette taxes. Every $1.00 increase in taxes was associated with a 3.45 percentage point decrease in prenatal smoking among white mothers and a 1.20 percentage point decrease among black mothers. These reductions translated to increases in birth weight by 4.19 g for babies born to white mothers and 0.89 g for babies born to black mothers. Among smokers, there was some evidence that taxes increased quitting and improved birth outcomes, although most associations were not statistically significant. We found limited effects of smoke-free legislation on smoking, quitting or birth outcomes. Conclusions Cigarette taxes continue to have important downstream effects on reducing prenatal smoking and improving birth outcomes among the most vulnerable mothers and infants.
Taking a Closer Look at Distance: Does Increasing the Maximal Donor Distance Range Shorten Waitlist Times in Pediatric Heart Transplant Candidates?

Purpose Data suggest that pediatric heart transplant (HT) centers can reduce waitlist time by expanding donor catchment vis expanded parameters including the maximal donor weight range. Contrary to donor weight ranges, little is known about the effect of increasing the donor distance (DD) range. We sought to determine whether increasing the DD range can reduce waitlist time and how well actual DD predicts ischemic time (IT). Methods All US children Results Among 4,240 children who met study criteria, the median age was 2 (IQR 0, 11) years, weight 12 (6, 35) kg, 53% had CHD. Centers varied considerably in their maximal DD range (1000-10,000 miles); median 1500 miles (Figure A). Overall, 86% of donors originated from ≤500 miles; 97% ≤1,000 miles (Figures A & B) with sharp drop-offs at 500 and 1000 miles (Figure B). After adjusting for patient factors, maximal DD range was associated with a shorter waitlist time. The correlation between actual DD and IT is fair (R=0.69) but explains only half (R2=0.49) of the variability in IT. Conclusion Pediatric HT centers vary considerably in their maximal donor distance ranges, though most donors still fall within 500-1000 miles of recipients. Increasing the maximal DD range appears is associated with a shorter waitlist time. Actual DD explains only half of the variability in IT. Further research is needed to understand the optimal regional sharing distance for organ allocation and whether contemporary navigational software could better predict IT than the linear distance to the donor hospital.
The impact of HPV vaccination on the prevalence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) in a hospital-based population: A cross-sectional study of patient's registry.

BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been used for the prevention of cervical cancers, and their clinical efficacy has not been well established in the prevention of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), in spite of the common viral etiology. Therefore, they are still not routinely prescribed for the prevention of this cancer. METHODS We have used the i2b2 data repository to analyze the interrelations between the hospital population, OPC, vaccinated patients, and patients that were both vaccinated and developed OPC. RESULTS From a total hospital population of 1 310 334 patients, 23 174 (1.76%) patients were vaccinated for HPV. One third were males, and two thirds were females. The total number of OPC was 4380 (0.3%) from the total population, of which 3013 (69%) were men. The highest prevalence of OPC was found in the age-group of 65-74 (37% of all cases). Four patients (0.017%) of the vaccinated group had developed OPC. Patients who were not vaccinated for HPV had a 19 times increased risk of developing OPC compared with those who were vaccinated (RR 19.3657, 95% CI 7.2655 to 51.6177, P = .0001). The risk was increased in both sexes. The RR in the male group was 23.8 (P = .0015, 95% CI) and in the female group 9.34 (P = .0001, 95% CI 3.0110 to 29.0121). The age distribution in the OPC group was significantly different from the age distribution in the HPV-vaccinated group (P = .0418) by Mann-Whitney test. 4376 non-vaccinated patients have developed OPC. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that HPV-vaccinated group had a reduced prevalence of OPC compared with the non-vaccinated group.
Aerodigestive adverse effects during intravenous pentamidine infusion for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis

Aerodigestive adverse effects (AD-AE) during intravenous pentamidine (IV-P) infusion for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis are uncommon in retrospective chart review studies. We conducted a survey in patients on IV-P, which included 31 specific questions. Twenty-five patients were included in the analysis; AD-AE were observed in 22 (88%) with recurrence of symptoms in 88% participants with subsequent infusions. Five leading symptoms were congestion (48%), lip tingling (32%), nausea (28%), tongue tingling (24%), vomiting, and throat swelling (17%); multiple symptoms were reported in 72% of the patients. In conclusion, AD-AE of IV-P infusion are common, self-limited, and tend to be recurrent.
Vascular Alterations Among Young Adults with SARS-CoV-2.

This study was the first to investigate the vascular implications of contracting SARS-CoV-2 among young, otherwise healthy adults. Using a cross-sectional design, this study assessed vascular funct...
Simulating penetration problems in incompressible materials using the material point method

Abstract This paper presents a methodology for computing the response of a rigid strip footing in incompressible Tresca soil when loaded to large settlements. The numerical simulations were performed using the generalized interpolation material point method (GIMP). For efficiency, a block-structured rectilinear irregular grid was used that moves and compresses as the footing advances. Volumetric locking was prevented using the non-linear extension to the B-bar method. The paper addresses the modifications required for the implementation of the B-bar method in GIMP and demonstrates its efficacy in mitigating locking using two benchmark problems: the Cook’s membrane problem and the limit bearing capacity of a footing in a Tresca soil at small settlements. The response of the footing when loaded to large settlements under both quasi-static and dynamic loads is then presented. A comparison of the solutions obtained using the proposed methodology with other numerical solutions available in the literature illustrates the efficacy of the proposed method.
Home Use of a Percutaneous Wireless Intracortical Brain-Computer Interface by Individuals With Tetraplegia

Objective. Individuals with neurological disease or injury such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury or stroke may become tetraplegic, unable to speak or even locked-in. For people with these conditions, current assistive technologies are often ineffective. Brain-computer interfaces are being developed to enhance independence and restore communication in the absence of physical movement. Over the past decade, individuals with tetraplegia have achieved rapid on-screen typing and point-and-click control of tablet apps using intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) that decode intended arm and hand movements from neural signals recorded by implanted microelectrode arrays. However, cables used to convey neural signals from the brain tether participants to amplifiers and decoding computers and require expert oversight, severely limiting when and where iBCIs could be available for use. Here, we demonstrate the first human use of a wireless broadband iBCI. Methods. Based on a prototype system previously used in pre-clinical research, we replaced the external cables of a 192-electrode iBCI with wireless transmitters and achieved high-resolution recording and decoding of broadband field potentials and spiking activity from people with paralysis. Two participants in an ongoing pilot clinical trial completed on-screen item selection tasks to assess iBCI-enabled cursor control. Results: Communication bitrates were equivalent between cabled and wireless configurations. Participants also used the wireless iBCI to control a standard commercial tablet computer to browse the web and use several mobile applications. Within-day comparison of cabled and wireless interfaces evaluated bit error rate, packet loss, and the recovery of spike rates and spike waveforms from the recorded neural signals. In a representative use case, the wireless system recorded intracortical signals from two arrays in one participant continuously through a 24-hour period at home. Significance. Wireless multi-electrode recording of broadband neural signals over extended periods introduces a valuable tool for human neuroscience research and is an important step toward practical deployment of iBCI technology for independent use by individuals with paralysis. On-demand access to high-performance iBCI technology in the home promises to enhance independence and restore communication and mobility for individuals with severe motor impairment.
Bladder Lymphoma and Leukemia

The urinary bladder is rarely involved by hematopoietic neoplasms (lymphoma and leukemia). Lymphomas represent approximately 0.2% of all neoplasms of the bladder. Bladder lymphomas can be either primary or secondary to systemic lymphomas. Primary bladder lymphomas are extremely rare and most commonly seen in middle-aged women. Marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) is the most common primary bladder lymphoma. Some studies suggest that primary bladder lymphomas may be associated with chronic cystitis, but this relationship is controversial. Primary bladder lymphomas are generally thought to be indolent with a favorable prognosis. Secondary bladder lymphomas are much more common, usually occurring in patients with systemic lymphomas at an advanced stage. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are the most common secondary bladder lymphomas. The prognosis of patients with secondary bladder lymphomas is poor. In contrast to lymphomas, acute leukemia involving the bladder is less frequent. The acute leukemia in the bladder includes acute myeloid leukemia, B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, or T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, with the acute myeloid leukemia being more often than the lymphoblastic leukemia.
A Cross‐Cultural Comparison of Hispanic American and White American Adolescents’ Use of Reference Agents for Apparel Shopping

Adapting reference group theory and distinctiveness theory, this study examined the influence of reference agents on adolescents’ apparel shopping and purchase decisions. A convenience sample of 184 Hispanic American and White American adolescents from the ages of 15–18 was developed. Regardless of ethnicity, positive word-of-mouth from friends or a boyfriend or a girlfriend and female family members greatly influenced the adolescents’ apparel choices. The results showed Hispanic adolescents’ dependency on a boyfriend or a girlfriend in clothing choices and the use of male family members as a reference source. Both Hispanic and White adolescents were most likely to gather information about clothing items from their physical surroundings. White adolescents used the Internet significantly more than Hispanic adolescents when gathering ideas about clothing items. Hispanic adolescents used department stores significantly more than White adolescents whereas White adolescents used specialty stores significantly more than Hispanic adolescents. The results offer insight on developing effective promotional and retail channel distribution strategies to target Hispanic and White adolescent apparel shoppers.
Monitoring the deforestation of the Amazon region with neural networks

We deal with the problem of automating the interpretation of satellite images of the Amazon region for deforestation monitoring. Our approach is based on a combination of image segmentation and classification techniques, the latter employing a neural-network architecture that works on a fuzzy model of classification. The architecture implements a relaxation mechanism on top of a network trained by the backpropagation algorithm, in order to take advantage of the interrelations among neighboring image segments. Results obtained on varied portions of the Amazon region indicate a great potential for the automation of the monitoring task.
The effect of subdermal testosterone filled polydimethylsiloxane implants on spermatogenesis in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulata).

Abstract Testicular and accessory sex organ function was examined in 36 adult male rhesus monkeys after receiving varying amounts of testosterone via subdermal polydimethylsiloxane implants. Testicular sperm production declined to one-fifth of control levels when testosterone was administered at the rate of 34 μg/lb body weight. Despite marked reduction in sperm production, serum LH concentrations were unchanged while plasma testosterone concentrations and accessory sex organ weights increased significantly in comparison to control monkeys. These results suggest that testosterone failed to completely suppress pituitary gonadotropin secretion and subsequently spermatogenesis in rhesus males as it did in rabbits.
Marginal stability constrains force and pair distributions at random close packing.

The requirement that packings of frictionless hard spheres, arguably the simplest structural glass, cannot be compressed by rearranging their network of contacts is shown to yield a new constraint on their microscopic structure. This constraint takes the form a bound between the distribution of contact forces $P(f)$ and the pair distribution function $g(r)$: if $P(f)\ensuremath{\sim}{f}^{\ensuremath{\theta}}$ and $g(r)\ensuremath{\sim}(r\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}{)}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, where ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}$ is the particle diameter, one finds that $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\ge}1/(2+\ensuremath{\theta})$. This bound plays a role similar to those found in some glassy materials with long-range interactions, such as the Coulomb gap in Anderson insulators or the distribution of local fields in mean-field spin glasses. There are grounds to believe that this bound is saturated, yielding a mechanism to explain the avalanches of rearrangements with power-law statistics that govern plastic flow in packings.
Labour solidarity in crisis? Lessons from General Motors

Why was the 2008–09 economic downturn not matched by an internationally coordinated trade union response? Drawing on the evidence from General Motors, this article argues that this was due to states' extraordinary involvement in the economy during the crisis, which provided strategic alternatives to labour transnationalism at the national level.
Dependable Software Technology Exchange

Abstract : On March 18 and 19, 1993, the Dependable Real-Time Software Project hosted a Dependable Software Technology Exchange. The exchange, sponsored by the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center and the Office of Naval Research, brought together researchers and system developers, providing an opportunity for the researchers to learn the needs of the developers and for the developers to learn about techniques being investigated by the researchers. This report summarizes what transpired at the meeting.... Dependable real-time software, Dependable Software Technology Exchange