cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Core mechanisms in ‘theory of mind’

Our ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of other people does not initially develop as a theory but as a mechanism. The "theory of mind" mechanism (ToMM) is part of the core architecture of the human brain, and is specialized for learning about mental states. Impaired development of this mechanism can have drastic effects on social learning, seen most strikingly in the autistic spectrum disorders. ToMM kick-starts belief-desire attribution but effective reasoning about belief contents depends on a process of selection by inhibition. This selection process (SP) develops slowly through the preschool period and well beyond. By modeling the ToMM-SP as mechanisms of selective attention, we have uncovered new empirical phenomena. We propose that early "theory of mind" is a modular-heuristic process of domain-specific learning.
Pregnancy Ameliorates the Inhibitory Effects of 2-Methoxyestradiol on Angiogenesis in Primary Sheep Uterine Endothelial Cells

The estrogen metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME2) is one of the most potent antiangiogenic and proapoptotic endogenous steroids. Herein, we investigate the effects of 2-ME2 on angiogenesis of cultured primary ovine uterine artery endothelial cells (UAECs) from nonpregnant follicular (F-UAECs), nonpregnant luteal (L-UAECs), and pregnant ewes (P-UAECs). Uterine artery endothelial cells were treated with vehicle control, 10(-8) mol/L 17β-estradiol (17βE2), or 10(-9) to 10(-6) mol/L 2-ME2. Angiogenesis, apotosis, and cell morphology were assessed by capillary tube formation, flowcytometry, and immunohistochemistry. 17βE2 stimulated while 10(-6) mol/L 2-ME2 inhibited capillary tube formation in F-UAECs (P < .05). The inhibitory effects of 2-ME2 on angiogenesis were minimal in L-UAECs and were absent in P-UAECs when compared to controls. 10(-6) mol/L 2-ME2 increased apoptosis and inhibited microtubular structure equally in pregnant and nonpregnant UAECs when compared to control or 17βE2 treatments. Thus, 2-ME2 inhibit capillary tube formation in F-UAECs while L-UAECs and P-UAECs are relatively unresponsive to the inhibitory effects of 2ME2 indicating that the pregnancy phenotypic state of the UAECs may modulate the action of 2-ME2 on capillary angiogenesis.
Phonon density of states in MgB2.

We report inelastic neutron scattering measurements of the phonon density of states in Mg 11B2, which has a superconducting transition at 39.2 K. The acoustic phonons extend in energy to 36 meV, and there are highly dispersive optic branches peaking at 54, 78, 89, and 97 meV. A simple Born–von Karman model reproduces the mode energies, and provides an estimate of the electron-phonon coupling of ??0.9. Furthermore, the estimated boron and magnesium contributions to the isotope effect are in qualitative agreement with experiment. The data confirm that a conventional phonon mechanism, with moderately strong electron-phonon coupling, can explain the observed superconductivity.
Cistectomía radical laparoscópica: experiencia inicial

LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL CYSTECTOMY: INITIAL EXPERIENCE Objective: To review our initial experience with laparoscopic radical cystectomy.
Insights into the ageing mind: a view from cognitive neuroscience.

As we grow older, we may grow wiser, but we can also experience memory loss and cognitive slowing that can interfere with our daily routines. The cognitive neuroscience of human ageing, which relies largely on neuroimaging techniques, relates these cognitive changes to their neural substrates, including structural and functional changes in the prefrontal cortex, medial temporal lobe regions and white matter tracts. Much remains unknown about how normal ageing affects the neural basis of cognition, but recent research on individual differences in the trajectory of ageing effects is helping to distinguish normal from pathological origins of age-related cognitive changes.
Recovery and validation of Mars ionospheric electron density profiles from Mariner 9

Electron density profiles from the ionosphere of Mars that were obtained by the Mariner 9 radio occultation experiment in 1971–1972 have unique scientific value because they extend to higher altitudes than comparable datasets and were acquired during a tremendous dust storm that had substantial and poorly understood effects on the ionosphere. Yet these profiles are not publicly available in an accessible format. Here, we describe the recovery of these profiles, which are made available as part of this article. The validity of the profiles was tested by using them to explore the effects of a dust storm on the topside ionosphere, the morphology of the topside ionosphere, the behavior of the M1 layer, and possible meteoric layers. The dust storm that waned over the course of the primary mission (November–December 1971) had major effects on the ionosphere of Mars. It elevated the M1 and M2 layers of the ionosphere by 20–30 km, but the separation of the two layers stayed fixed throughout the primary mission, which suggests that the neutral atmosphere at these altitudes was not heated during the dust storm. However, the altitude of the 1500 cm −3 density level, a proxy for the top of the ionosphere, decreased steadily by 74±12 km over the course of the primary mission. Mariner 9 observations of the topside ionosphere differ from comparable Mars Express observations. Compared to Mars Express, the Mariner 9 data, which were acquired during a period of relatively high solar wind dynamic pressure, have lower densities at high altitudes. They are also more likely to have a “one scale height” morphology than a “two scale height” morphology. The peak density of the M1 layer depends on solar zenith angle and solar irradiance similarly to previous studies with Mars Global Surveyor observations, which indicates that dust storms do not affect the behavior of the peak density. No clear meteoric layers were identified.
Ultra-broadband plasmonic super absorbers for universal surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate (Presentation Recording)

Although Raman spectroscopy has been commercialized, low-cost and large-area surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates with localized enhanced field are heavily required. However, currently dominant manufacturing techniques are expensive and complicated for large-area fabrication. Furthermore, most SERS substrates can only be used for individual excitation wavelengths. In this work, we will report an ultra-broadband super absorbing metasurface to enhance SERS signals in a broadband region (i.e. from 450 nm to 1000 nm). The design consisting of an Ag ground plate, a SiO2 spacer, and a layer of Ag nanoparticles was fabricated using simple film deposition and thermal annealing techniques. A broadband absorption over 80% from 414 nm to 956 nm was obtained, resulting in localized field enhancement between adjacent nanoparticles. We employed this metasurface to test its broadband SERS signal by adsorbing 1,2-Bis(4-pyridyl)-ethylene (BPE) molecules on top of it. We employed 5 laser lines (i.e., 514, 532, 633, 671 and 785 nm) to excite the sample and observed fingerprint signature of BPE molecules under all 5 excitation wavelengths with the average enhancement factor up to 5.3×107. Therefore, the designed SERS substrate can work for almost “all” available excitation wavelengths over a broadband, which is particularly useful for sensing a broad spectrum of chemicals on the same chip.
Similarity, kernels, and the fundamental constraints on cognition

Abstract Kernel-based methods, and in particular the so-called kernel trick, which is used in statistical learning theory as a means of avoiding expensive high-dimensional computations, have broad and constructive implications for the cognitive and brain sciences. An equivalent and complementary view of kernels as a measure of similarity highlights their effectiveness in low-dimensional and low-complexity learning and generalization — tasks that are indispensable in cognitive information processing. In this survey, we seek (i) to highlight some parallels between kernels in machine learning on the one hand and similarity in psychology and neuroscience on the other hand, (ii) to sketch out new research directions arising from these parallels, and (iii) to clarify some aspects of the way kernels are presented and discussed in the literature that may have affected their perceived relevance to cognition. In particular, we aim to resolve the tension between the view of kernels as a method of raising the dimensionality, and the various requirements of reducing dimensionality for cognitive purposes. We identify four fundamental constraints that apply to any cognitive system that is charged with learning from the statistics of its world, and argue that kernel-like neural computation is particularly suited to serving such learning and decision making needs, while simultaneously satisfying these constraints.
13C NMR Characterization of Polychloroprene Microstructure II. Relaxation, NOE, and Quantitative Measurements

Abstract Spin relaxation, NOE, and quantitative measurements have been performed on chloroprene polymers prepared by free radical techniques in the range −150 to +90°C. 13C NMR has proved to be an ...
The role of glial-specific Kir4.1 in normal and pathological states of the CNS

Kir4.1 is an inwardly rectifying K(+) channel expressed exclusively in glial cells in the central nervous system. In glia, Kir4.1 is implicated in several functions including extracellular K(+) homeostasis, maintenance of astrocyte resting membrane potential, cell volume regulation, and facilitation of glutamate uptake. Knockout of Kir4.1 in rodent models leads to severe neurological deficits, including ataxia, seizures, sensorineural deafness, and early postnatal death. Accumulating evidence indicates that Kir4.1 plays an integral role in the central nervous system, prompting many laboratories to study the potential role that Kir4.1 plays in human disease. In this article, we review the growing evidence implicating Kir4.1 in a wide array of neurological disease. Recent literature suggests Kir4.1 dysfunction facilitates neuronal hyperexcitability and may contribute to epilepsy. Genetic screens demonstrate that mutations of KCNJ10, the gene encoding Kir4.1, causes SeSAME/EAST syndrome, which is characterized by early onset seizures, compromised verbal and motor skills, profound cognitive deficits, and salt-wasting. KCNJ10 has also been linked to developmental disorders including autism. Cerebral trauma, ischemia, and inflammation are all associated with decreased astrocytic Kir4.1 current amplitude and astrocytic dysfunction. Additionally, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis demonstrate loss of Kir4.1. This is particularly exciting in the context of Huntington disease, another neurodegenerative disorder in which restoration of Kir4.1 ameliorated motor deficits, decreased medium spiny neuron hyperexcitability, and extended survival in mouse models. Understanding the expression and regulation of Kir4.1 will be critical in determining if this channel can be exploited for therapeutic benefit.
Dynamic real-time scheduling for human-agent collaboration systems based on mutual trust

Mutual trust is a key factor in human–human collaboration. Inspired by this social interaction, we analyse human–agent mutual trust in the collaboration of human and (semi)autonomous multi-agent systems. Human–agent mutual trust should be bidirectional and determines the human’s acceptance and hence use of autonomous agents as well as agents’ willingness to take human’s command. It is especially important when a human collaborates with multiple agents concurrently. In this paper, we derive time-series human–agent mutual trust models based on results from human factors engineering. To avoid both ‘over-trust’ and ‘under-trust’, we set up dynamic timing models for the multi-agent scheduling problem and develop necessary and sufficient conditions to test the schedulability of the human multi-agent collaborative task. Our simulation results show that the proposed algorithm guarantees effective real-time scheduling of the human multi-agent collaboration system while ensuring a proper level of human–agent mutual...
Analysis of Ground Flash Density and Lightning Parameters of Guangzhou in 1999～2008

The Lightning Location System has been put into operation in Guangzhou,one of the highest thunderstorm regions in China,for a decade,and accumulated a ten-year lightning detection data.In order to master the characteristics of lightning activities in Guangzhou,this paper applies the lightning parameter statistical technology and geographic information system to particularly study the lightning amount,flash density,lightning current,thunderstorm day,as well as their distribution.The studies show that ground flashes in Guangzhou have distinct seasonal characteristics and 54%~83% of the total amount concentrates in summer.The special distribution of ground flash density has a strong regularity,and it also has a close relationship with elevation.Compared with the traditional thunderstorm day,the ground flash density is more scientific and applicable to describe the distribution characteristics of lightning activities.The analysis results also show that both the positive and negative lightning currents have a clear centrality.In this paper Xuzeng Jia Line is analyzed in detailed as an application example of lightning parameters for lightning protection of transmission lines.The results show that there is a strong correlation between the lightning faults and lightning activities along the line corridor,which would provide a guide for solving the long-term difficult problems of lightning protection in power system of high thunderstorm regions.
A shock tube laser schlieren study of cyclopentane pyrolysis

Abstract The dissociation of cyclopentane has been investigated in a diaphragmless shock tube with laser schlieren densitometry at nominal post-shock pressures, P 2 , of 35, 70, 150, and 300 Torr and temperatures, T 2 , of 1472–2074 K. These are the first experimental data reported in the high temperature fall-off regime for cyclopentane. The experimental density gradients were simulated using a chemical-kinetic model with good agreement between simulations and experiments. Rate coefficients for dissociation of cyclopentane were obtained and mechanistic details were elucidated. An RRKM model was developed to best fit the experimental results, and the rate coefficients calculated are: k 1( 35 Torr) = (7.93 ± 3.96) × 10 84 T − 19.815 exp(−64366/T) s −1 , k 1( 70 Torr ) = (4.79 ± 2.39) × 10 77 T − 17.705 exp( − 62316/T) s −1 , k 1( 150 Torr ) = (2.42 ± 1.21) × 10 69 T − 15.295 exp( − 59862/T) s −1 , k 1 ( 300 Torr ) = (4.66 ± 2.33) × 10 61 T − 13.065 exp( − 57493/T) s −1 , and k 1∞ = (1.69 ± 0.85) × 10 16 T − 0.005 exp( − 42983/T). Results show that cyclopentane dissociation is similar to that of cyclohexane, and involves formation of a biradical intermediate. The high-pressure limit rates for cyclopentane dissociation are also compared with previous results in the literature and show good agreement with a study by Tsang (1978) [21].
Proof by Consistency

In many applications, such as algebraic data type specifications and equational programming, equations are intended to define a certain standard model, called the “initial model.” Reasoning about algebraic data types and equational programs thus requires proof methods for this initial algebra semantics. Such proof methods typically employ some induction scheme, e. g., induction on the structure of terms. We shall discuss an alternative approach—proof by consistency—that can be applied to equational theories that are presented as ground convergent rewrite systems.
Elastic–Plastic Crack Growth

Summary The asymptotic structure of near-tip stress and deformation fields is analyzed for cracks growing in elastic–perfectly plastic solids. A general formulation is presented for materials of arbitrary yield condition and associated flow rule, including anisotropic response, although detailed results are presented only for isotropic materials of the Huber–Mises type. Centered fan sectors of singular straining at a crack tip are shown to be general, independent of details of material response, as are also the types of plastic strain singularities associated with stationary and growing cracks. Previously results for the Huber–Mises material are recovered by specialization from the general formulation, some corrections are made, and recent work on using results of such a near-tip analysis as a basis for predicting plane strain stable crack growth is reviewed briefly.
Gendered Opportunities and Risk Preferencesfor Offending Across the Life Course

Research on girls’ and women’s pathways into and out of offending has flourished. To further the study of gender, offending, and the life course, a coherent conceptual framework is needed to make sense of extant research and appropriately take into account gendering of the life course, especially as it intersects with other social locations. Integrating interactionist, relational, and social psychological approaches to decision-making and feminist perspectives relating to power and patriarchy, we theorize about the interplay between agency and structure across the life course in shaping the willingness and ability of females and males to engage in crime and criminal enterprise. We analyzed quantitative and qualitative research on female pathways into/out of crime, relating to violence, ordinary property crime, white-collar crime, drug trade/abuse, and sex work to address between- and within-sex differences in type, frequency, and context of offending over the life course. The gendered paradigm of offending identifies female agency and offending pathways as shaped by (a) culturally influenced gendered focal concerns and risk preferences; (b) gender-stratified crime markets and opportunities (e.g., gender differences in selection processes, resources, capability, access); and (c) gendered bodies (e.g., real and putative biological and reproductive sex differences). Female agency and offending pathways are constructed at various life course stages within the constraints and circumstances of gendered cultural concerns and risk preferences and gender-stratified crime markets, accounting for within and between sex differences in criminal offending and participation in criminal enterprise.
A Recovery-Based Error Estimator for the Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Transient Linear Hyperbolic Conservation Laws on Cartesian Grids

This paper is concerned with the application of the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method to the solution of unsteady linear hyperbolic conservation laws on Cartesian grids. We present several superconvergence results and we construct a robust recovery-type a posteriori error estimator for the directional derivative approximation based on an enhanced recovery technique. We first identify a special numerical flux and a suitable initial discretization for which the L2-norm of the solution is of order p + 1, when tensor product polynomials of degree at most p are used. Then, we prove superconvergence towards a particular projection of the directional derivative. The order of superconvergence is proved to be p + 1/2. Moreover, we establish an &#x1d4aa;(h2p+1) global superconvergence for the solution flux at the outflow boundary of the domain. We also provide a simple derivative recovery formula which is &#x1d4aa;(hp+1) superconvergent approximation to the directional derivative. We use the superconvergence results to construct ...
“La identidad imprevisible”: La pérdida del reino y la correspondencia entre Elena Garro y José Bianco

Este articulo analiza la inclusion de fragmentos de cartas privadas de Elena Garro en el texto de La perdida del reino de Jose Bianco. Este uso de contenido epistolar como material narrativo, descubierto mediante el cotejo de la novela con las cartas enviadas por Garro a Bianco hacia fines de la decada de 1940, se inscribe dentro de la concepcion que el escritor argentino tenia de la correspondencia como extension natural de la obra literaria de un autor. En su novela, Bianco compone el personaje de Laura Estevez nutriendose en gran parte de las palabras escritas por Garro, pero sometiendolas a un minucioso proceso de edicion que las resignifica como material narrativo. Asi, esta apropiacion de materiales documentales y aun intimos en una obra de ficcion se inscribe como un procedimiento compositivo que borronea programaticamente los limites entre “vida real” y creacion literaria y por eso mismo ofrece, como un juego de espejos enfrentados, nuevos niveles de interpretacion.
The Role of Cytosolic Calcium in Insulin Secretion from a Hamster Beta Cell Line

Determining the molecular mechanisms of insulin secretion requires detailed biochemical understanding of: a) the specific unique effects of each individual secretagogue at the beta cell membrane, b) the intracellular events by which each signal is mediated (second messengers) and c) the modes and sites of action of second messengers within the cytoskeletal system and the membrane-associated exocytotic process.
Tips on averting cimetidine drug interactions

After cimetidine was released in the late 1970s, case reports of clinically significant drug interactions quickly emerged.1-3 Controlled trials soon validated these initial clinical observations. Since 1983, when a comprehensive review of cimetidine drug interactions was published,4 more interactions have been reported, as use of this agent has increased because of cost constraints and the rapid growth of managed care. Examples of well-documented interactions are listed in the Table.
Correlates of Private Secondary Schools Meeting Physical Education Guidelines.

BACKGROUND Although there are over 26,000 private schools in the United States, little is known about the relationship of their characteristics to mandated and recommended time allocations for physical education (PE). METHODS Private secondary schools (N = 450; grades 6-12) in California completed a 15-item questionnaire related to school characteristics and PE policies and practices. Using correlational analysis and predictive modeling, we assessed the associations and influences of various factors relative to the schools meeting state (California) and national professional time targets for PE. RESULTS Whereas most schools fell short of meeting PE weekly time recommendations, 5 of 10 tested variables were significantly associated with schools meeting PE minutes/week targets: school enrollment, school level, having a fitness testing policy, PE class size, and not permitting exemptions for PE. Large schools and those serving high school students provided more PE and were more likely to meet PE time allocation standards. Having policies for PE minutes/week and no exemptions for PE were significantly associated with a school having all its PE classes taught by a specialist. CONCLUSIONS Private secondary schools should consider the adoption of professional guidelines related to PE time allocations, class size, conducting physical fitness testing, employing PE specialists, and not permitting exemptions for PE.
Who Is Helpful? Examining the Relationship Between Ambivalent Sexism, Right-Wing Authoritarianism, and Intentions to Help Domestic Violence Victims:

When victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) victims seek help from informal supporters (e.g., family, friends, etc.), they are often revictimized and blamed. The Supportive Attitudes Toward Vic...
Campaigns For Young People

Good morning — Ladies, gentlemen, colleagues and distinguished guests. It is a pleasure to be here with all of you again. Many things have happened since Argentina — many things have changed — the only thing that has not, is the fact that children around the world continue to be increasingly targeted by tobacco industry propaganda and influence. And what are we going to do about it? I say, let’s fight fire with fire.
THE EFFECT OF TROPOSPHERIC FLUCTUATIONS ON SPACECRAFT-TRACKING GRAVITY WAVE EXPERIMENTS

Experiments are under way to detect the passage of gravitational radiation through the solar system by measuring the Doppler shift the wave produces in a two-way spacecraft tracking link. In order to achieve the desired accuracies in fractional frequency shifts of parts in 10 15 or better, it now appears necessary to monitor the water vapor content in the tracking antenna beam by using a water vapor radiometer. In this paper, the experiment is described, the nature of the tropospheric interference is discussed, and methods of removing its contribution are proposed.
Factors associated with sexual behavior among adolescents : a multivariate analysis

Multiple factors associated with engaging in sexual intercourse among a sample of adolescents were examined. A self-administered survey was completed by 1,026 high school students in a classroom setting. Discriminant function analyses were performed to discriminate factors most important in predicting the sexual status of the adolescent. Compared to males who had never engaged in sexual intercourse, sexually active males reported more frequent use of alcohol, had higher levels of stress, were less likely to use seat belts, were more likely to engage in physical fights, and were more likely to worry about the spread of AIDS. Sexually active females reported more frequent use of alcohol and cigarettes, and had higher levels of stress than did female adolescents who had never had sexual intercourse. These findings suggest that effective interventions to address teenage pregnancy need to utilize a multifaceted approach to the prevention of high-risk behaviors.
Cerebral ischemia and deterioration with lower blood pressure target in intracerebral hemorrhage

Objective To determine the incidence and predictors of acute cerebral ischemia and neurologic deterioration in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients after an institutional protocol change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) target from Methods We retrospectively compared persons admitted with primary ICH before and after a protocol change in SBP target from Results Of 286 persons with primary ICH, 119 underwent MRI and met inclusion criteria. Sixty-two had a target SBP p p = 0.02). Acute cerebral ischemia was more frequent in group 2 than in group 1 (32% vs 16%; p = 0.047) as was acute neurologic deterioration (19% vs 5%; p = 0.022). A minimum SBP ≤120 mm Hg over 72 hours was associated with cerebral ischemia, while no patient with a minimum SBP ≥130 mm Hg had cerebral ischemia. Acute cerebral ischemia was significantly associated with worse discharge NIH Stroke Scale score, while SBP target was not. Conclusions Intensive lowering of SBP
VEGFR-3 Signaling Regulates Triglyceride Retention and Absorption in the Intestine

The lymphatic system transports dietary lipids absorbed and packaged as chylomicrons by enterocytes, for delivery to the bloodstream. Once considered a passive drainage, chylomicron entry into intestinal lymphatic vessels, or lacteals, is now emerging to be an active process controlled by a dynamic and complex regulation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, a major lymphangiogenic factor, regulates lacteal maintenance and function. Little is known about the role of its cognate tyrosine kinase VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) during lipid absorption. Here we investigated role of VEGFR-3 signaling in triglyceride (TG) absorption and distribution into tissues using the Chy mouse model, which bears an inactivating mutation in the tyrosine kinase domain of VEGFR-3 (heterozygous A3157T mutation resulting in I1053F substitution). Our data show that inactivation of VEGFR-3 tyrosine kinase motif leads to retention of TGs in the enterocytes of the small intestine, decreased postprandial levels of TGs in the plasma and increased excretion of free fatty acids (FFAs) and TGs into their stools. We further show that levels of nitric oxide (NO), required for chylomicron mobilization into the bloodstream, are significantly reduced in the Chy intestine after a fat bolus suggesting a critical role for VEGFR-3 signaling in the generation of NO during lipid absorption. Our data support the hypothesis that VEGFR-3 signaling plays an important role in chylomicron-TG entry into lacteals, possibly affecting TG trafficking to peripheral tissues.
Smoking during pregnancy increases chemerin expression in neonatal tissue.

New findings What is the central question of this study? Is chemerin, an adipokine implicated in obesity, increased in neonates following in utero cigarette smoke exposure. What is the main finding and its importance? Chemerin mRNA expression was increased and chemerin DNA methylation was decreased in babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy. These data provide a potential mechanism that may be mediating the increased obesity risk in individuals that are born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy. Abstract It has been shown that in utero tobacco exposure increases offspring risk for obesity, but the mechanisms responsible for this increased risk are not well understood. Chemerin is an adipokine that regulates adipocyte differentiation. This chemokine is elevated in obese individuals and with smoke exposure, but its levels have not been measured in neonates exposed to cigarette smoke in utero. We examined chemerin gene expression [n = 31 non-smoker (NS) and 15 smoker (S)] and DNA methylation (n = 28 NS and n = 11 S) in skin collected from babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy as compared to non-smoking controls. Quality RNA and DNA were isolated from foreskin tissue following circumcision, and chemerin gene expression and DNA methylation were assessed. Further, in a second cohort, we utilized primary dermal foreskin fibroblasts as a functional measure of adipogenesis in living cells (n = 11 NS and n = 8 S). Cells were stimulated with an adipogenic cocktail, mRNA was isolated from cells after 14 days, and chemerin gene expression assessed via real-time PCR. Chemerin mRNA was elevated in both whole tissue (NS: 2409.20 ± 555.28 counts and S: 2966.72 ± 636.84 counts; P 0.55 2 Δ Δ C T and S: 2.13 ± 1.34 2 Δ Δ C T ; P = 0.04) collected from infants born to smoking mothers. Chemerin DNA methylation was reduced in whole tissue of offspring born to smokers (NS: 4.18 ± 1.28 and S: 3.07 ± 1.31%; P = 0.02), which may contribute to the increased gene expression. Neonates born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy exhibit distinct changes in chemerin gene expression in response to in utero tobacco smoke exposure which are regulated in part by epigenetic alterations.
Friedländer Synthesis of Chiral Alkyl-Substituted 1,10-Phenanthrolines

The synthetic scope of the Friedlander condensation in the preparation of chiral alkyl-substituted 1,10-phenanthrolines has been investigated. A range of chiral [x,y-b]-cycloalkeno-condensed phenanthrolines has been prepared in one step from steroidal or other cyclic ketones from the chiral pool and 8-amino-7-quinolinecarbaldehyde (1) via base-catalyzed condensation. Phenanthroline derivatives are formed in good yields with unhindered ketones, but the reaction proceeds even with sterically congested substrates such as camphor, albeit in low yield. The utility of the Friedlander condensation has been extended to the synthesis of chiral 3-alkyl-substituted phenanthrolines from monoalkyl-substituted acetaldehydes.
Art and Myth: Beyond Binaries

Employing the Agambean analysis of sovereign power as always involving a state of exception, as well as Heidegger’s ideas on art and truth as aletheia, an analysis of von Trier’s Antichrist is undertaken so as to demonstrate that the film ought best be understood as a work of art that acknowledges yet challenges the standard and ruling binaries of man and woman, masculine and feminine, culture and nature, and the paradigm of which they are a part, so as to make possible the unconcealment of an alternative “truth” that is hidden and obscured by the ruling paradigm and its binaries. Thus, new possibilities for both meaning and human being are discovered.
Alternate day fasting combined with a low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss, weight maintenance, and metabolic disease risk reduction.

Objective Alternate day fasting (ADF) is a popular weight loss regimen. Whether carbohydrate restriction can enhance the weight loss achieved with ADF remains unclear. Accordingly, this study examined the effect of ADF combined with a low-carbohydrate diet on body weight and metabolic disease risk factors. Methods Adults with obesity (n = 31) participated in ADF (600 kcal "fast day" alternated with an ad libitum "feast day") with a low-carbohydrate background diet (30% carbohydrates, 35% protein, and 35% fat). The 6-month trial consisted of a 3-month weight loss period followed by a 3-month weight maintenance period. Results Body weight decreased (-5.5 ± 0.5%; P < .001) during the weight loss period (month 0-3) but remained stable (P = .57) during the weight maintenance period (month 4-6). Net weight loss by month 6 was -6.3 ± 1.0%. Fat mass was reduced (P < .01) by month 6, while lean mass and visceral fat mass remained unchanged. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels decreased (P < .05) by -6 ± 2% and - 8 ± 3%, respectively, by month 6. Systolic blood pressure was also reduced (P = .03) by -7 ± 3 mm Hg. Fasting insulin decreased (P = .03) by -24 ± 8% by month 6 relative to baseline. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) remained unchanged. Conclusions These findings suggest that ADF combined with a low-carbohydrate diet is effective for weight loss, weight maintenance, and improving certain metabolic disease risk factors such as LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting insulin. While these preliminary findings are promising, they still require confirmation by a randomized control trial.
Quantifying the Effect of Nonwoven Conductive Fabric Liners on Electrostatic Precipitator Submicrometer Particle Removal Efficiency

ABSTRACT Electrostatic precipitators (ESP) are widely used for fine particle control. The collection surface is sometimes coated with materials to enhance pollutant removal. The use of nonwoven fabric liner inserts for submicrometer particle removal in an ESP was investigated. Two nonwoven fabrics (HAS-10(S)F1SS/PML and HPS-10(S)FIL/F1SS/BSL) were conductive and the third fabric (RR-10(S)F1SS/DSL) was non-conductive. The current-voltage characteristics of the ESP revealed a lower inception voltage for the conductive fabrics (5.0 kV for HAS-10(S)F1SS/PML and 6.1 kV for HPS-10(S)FIL/F1SS/BSL), while a higher inception voltage was obtained without fabric (6.9 kV) and no distinct inception voltage was observed with the non-conductive fabric due to the more reactive electrons and ions on the surfaces of conductive fabrics. The particle capture performance of the ESP was studied with and without nonwoven fabrics using NaCl particles at applied voltages ranging from 0 kV to 7.5 kV. Due to the lower inception voltages and higher ion concentrations of conductive fabrics compared to no fabric and non-conductive fabric, the higher removal efficiencies of particles were obtained at applied voltages lower than 7.5 kV. At 7.5 kV, all cases showed high particle removal efficiencies except particle sizes less than 30 nm and larger than 700 nm due to lower charging with ultrafine particles and re-entrainment of larger particles into the gas stream. Compared to no fabric, better charging with ultrafine particles and inhibition of re-entrainment of particles were observed with fabrics. The findings in this study elucidate the enhanced submicrometer particle control in the ESP by using the conductive fabrics.
Primary hepatic carcinoma with inhibin positivity in a young male patient: a rare tumor previously only reported in females—case report and review of literature

Primary hepatic carcinoma with inhibin positivity is a rare aggressive liver tumor with seven cases described. The tumor presents at a younger age than primary hepatic carcinoma with all cases being females. RNA albumin ISH positivity suggests the tumor to be a primary hepatic carcinoma. The tumor is different from hepatocellular carcinoma as well as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma because of its distinct morphology, lack of hepatocellular differentiation, strong inhibin staining, and lack of typical mutations. A 26-year-old male presented with a 20-cm liver mass. The tumor progressed on therapy with development of multiple lung metastasis. Currently, the patient is enrolled in phase II clinical trial utilizing nivolumab and ipilumumab. While the tumor has a female preponderance, it is not exclusively found in females. Additional studies are necessary to determine the cause of inhibin staining, driving molecular alterations, natural history of this rare tumor, and to come up with consensus nomenclature.
Actual Causes of Death in Alaska

We estimated 2011-2015 Alaska mortality from modifiable behavioural risk factors using relative risks, hazard ratios, and population attributable fraction estimates from a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature; prevalence estimates from government reports; as well as data from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for 2011-2015. To identify the number of deaths attributable to specified risk factors, we used mortality data from the Alaska Division of Public Health, Health Analytics & Vital Records Section. Data included actual reported deaths of Alaska residents for 2011-2015 that matched relevant underlying International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision codes. The actual causes of death in Alaska in 2011-2015 were estimated to be overweight/physical inactivity (20% of all deaths, 26% of Alaska Native deaths), smoking (18%/18%), alcohol consumption (9%/13%), firearms (4%/4%), and drug use (3%/3%). Other actual causes of death included microbial agents (3%/4%), motor vehicles (2%/2%), and environmental pollution (1%/1%). This updated methodology reveals that overweight/physical inactivity was the leading cause of death in Alaska, followed closely by smoking. Just three preventable causes made up almost 60% of all deaths, and almost 70% of deaths among Alaska Native people, both highlighting disparities and underscoring prevention needs.
The Impact of an Emergency Department Upgrade to Level I Trauma Status on the Timeliness of Nontrauma Computed Tomography Scans

Abstract Background Resources such as computed tomography (CT) scanners are sometimes shared when separate adult and pediatric emergency departments (EDs) exist in proximity. Objectives To assess the impact of American College of Surgeons Level I trauma verification of an adult ED on the timeliness of nontrauma CT scans in a pediatric and adult ED that share a CT scanner. Methods ED patient records were retrospectively reviewed to determine the time from order to completion of nontrauma CT scans. We compared the timeliness of CT scan completion between the year leading up to the adult ED being verified as a Level I Trauma Center (2015), and the 2 subsequent years (2016–2017). Results The median time for nontrauma CT completion in the adult ED prior to Level I verification was 39 min, compared with 50 min and 49 min for the subsequent 2 years (p Conclusions Level I trauma verification of the adult ED adversely affected the timeliness of nontrauma CT scans in the EDs.
Transverse spin Hall effect induced phenomena in single ferromagnet and magnetic heterostructures

Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) can convert a charge current into a spin current, enabling electrical control of magnetization, the foundation of spintronic devices. A quintessential example of SOC-induced transport in a ferromagnetic conductor (FM) is the anomalous Hall effect (AHE), in which an electric current perpendicular to the magnetization generates a transverse spin current and charge accumulations on the surface. Applying similar considerations to the configuration of a current parallel to the magnetization, SOC should also give rise to a transverse spin current with spins orthogonal to both the magnetization and spin current. The transverse spins precess rapidly about the magnetization direction and exert torque on the magnetization as they dephase, in analogy with spin transfer torque. In this talk, we will discuss this transverse spin Hall effect (TSHE) leads to anomalous spin-orbit torque (ASOT) on the top and bottom surfaces of a FM. In addition, we will also discuss the
Erratum: An Approximation Algorithm for Minimum-Cost Vertex-Connectivity Problems

There is an error in our paper ``An Approximation Algorithm for Minimum-Cost Vertex- Connectivity Problems'' (Algorithmica (1997), 18:21—43). In that paper we considered the following problem: given an undirected graph and values r ij for each pair of vertices i and j , find a minimum-cost set of edges such that there are r ij vertex-disjoint paths between vertices i and j . We gave approximation algorithms for two special cases of this problem. Our algorithms rely on a primal—dual approach which has led to approximation algorithms for many edge-connectivity problems. The algorithms work in a series of stages; in each stage an augmentation subroutine augments the connectivity of the current solution. The error is in a lemma for the proof of the performance guarantee of the augmentation subroutine. In the case r ij = k for all i,j , we described a polynomial-time algorithm that claimed to output a solution of cost no more than 2 H (k) times optimal, where H = 1 + 1/2 + · · · + 1/n . This result is erroneous. We describe an example where our primal—dual augmentation subroutine, when augmenting a k -vertex connected graph to a (k+1) -vertex connected graph, gives solutions that are a factor Ω(k) away from the minimum. In the case r ij ∈ {0,1,2} for all i,j , we gave a polynomial-time algorithm which outputs a solution of cost no more than three times the optimal. In this case we prove that the statement in the lemma that was erroneous for the k -vertex connected case does hold, and that the algorithm performs as claimed.
In Vitro Measurements of Shear-Mediated Platelet Adhesion Kinematics as Analyzed through Machine Learning

Platelet adhesion to blood vessel walls in shear flow is essential to initiating the blood coagulation cascade and prompting clot formation in vascular disease processes and prosthetic cardiovascular devices. Validation of predictive adhesion kinematics models at the single platelet level is difficult due to gaps in high resolution, dynamic morphological data or a mismatch between simulation and experimental parameters. Gel-filtered platelets were perfused at 30 dyne/cm2 in von Willebrand Factor (vWF)-coated microchannels, with flipping platelets imaged at high spatial and temporal resolution. A semi-unsupervised learning system (SULS), consisting of a series of convolutional neural networks, was used to segment platelet geometry, which was compared with expert-analyzed images. Resulting time-dependent rotational angles were smoothed with wavelet-denoising and shifting techniques to characterize the rotational period and quantify flipping kinematics. We observed that flipping platelets do not follow the previously-modeled modified Jefferey orbit, but are characterized by a longer lift-off and shorter reattachment period. At the juncture of the two periods, rotational velocity approached 257.48 ± 13.31 rad/s. Our SULS approach accurately segmented large numbers of moving platelet images to identify distinct adhesive kinematic characteristics which may further validate the physical accuracy of individual platelet motion in multiscale models of shear-mediated thrombosis.
Assessing Interactions between PNPLA3 and Dietary Intake on Liver Steatosis in Mexican-Origin Adults

Mexican-origin (MO) adults have among the highest rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) placing them at increased risk of liver cancer. Evidence suggests that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the PNPLA3 gene, rs738409, increases the risk and progression of NAFLD and may modify the relationship between certain dietary factors and liver steatosis. The purpose of this study was to identify whether interactions exist between specific dietary factors and rs738409 genotype status among MO adults in relation to levels of liver steatosis. We analyzed cross-sectional data from a sample of 288 MO adults. Participants completed at least two 24-h dietary recalls. Multiple linear regression was performed assuming an additive genetic model to test the main effects of several dietary variables on levels of hepatic steatosis, adjusting for covariates. To test for effect modification, the product of the genotype and the dietary variable was included as a covariate in the model. No significant association between dietary intake and level of hepatic steatosis was observed, nor any significant gene-diet interactions. Our findings suggest that dietary intake may have the same magnitude of protective or deleterious effect even among MO adults with high genetic risk for NAFLD and NAFLD progression.
Differential responses to dietary cobalt in finishing steers fed corn-versus barley-based diets

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary Co concentration on performance, carcass traits, and plasma, liver, and ruminal metabolites of steers fed corn- or barley-based diets. Sixty steers, initially averaging 316 kg, were stratified by BW and assigned randomly to treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, with factors being a corn- or barley-based diet and supplemental Co added at 0, 0.05, or 0.15 mg/kg of DM. Control corn-and barley-based diets analyzed 0.04 and 0.02 mg of Co/kg of DM, respectively. Steers were fed individually using electronic Ca-lan gate feeders. Cobalt supplementation increased (P < 0.05) DMI and ADG over the total study. From d 85 to finish, Co supplementation increased (P < 0.05) ADG by steers fed corn- but not barley-based diets. The G:F was increased (P < 0.05) by Co supplementation during the first 84 d but not over the entire finishing period. Average daily gain and G:F were greater (P < 0.05) for corn- vs. barley-fed steers. Supplemental Co increased vitamin B12 in plasma and liver (P < 0.05), and plasma vitamin B12 was greater (P < 0.05) in steers fed corn-vs. barley-based diets. Cobalt supplementation increased (P < 0.05) ruminal fluid vitamin B12 on d 84 in steers fed corn- but not barley-based diets. Folate was greater in plasma (P < 0.01) and liver (P < 0.05) of steers fed Co-supplemented diets. Increasing supplemental Co from 0.05 to 0.15 mg of Co/kg of DM increased (P < 0.05) liver folate in steers fed barley- but not corn-based diets. Supplemental Co decreased (P < 0.01) plasma methylmalonic acid concentration in steers. Increasing supplemental Co from 0.05 to 0.15 mg/kg of DM decreased plasma and ruminal succinate concentrations, and steers fed barley-based diets had greater (P < 0.05) plasma and ruminal succinate relative to those fed corn-based diets. Addition of supplemental Co to the basal diets increased (P < 0.01) plasma glucose concentrations of steers, and steers fed corn-based diets had greater plasma glucose than those fed barley-based diets. Steers supplemented with Co had greater ruminal propionate (P < 0.01) and lesser (P < 0.05) ruminal acetate and butyrate proportions than controls. Supplemental Co increased dressing percent (P < 0.10) and HCW (P < 0.01) at slaughter. These results indicate that feeding steers corn- or barley-based diets deficient in Co adversely affects performance and vitamin B12 status.