cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of altered sterol composition on the osmotic behavior of sphaeroplasts and mitochondria ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae

The effect of sterols on the osmotic stability of mitochondrial and plasma membranes of yeast wild-types and mutants that are defective in ergosterol biosynthesis has been studied. Incorporation of the nonfungal sterol, cholesterol, into yeast membranes reduces membrane elasticity which is observed as an increased susceptibility to osmotic lysis. However, the wild-type and nystatin-resistant strains which were examined indicate that qualitative alterations in endogenously generated sterols do not affect resistance to swelling. Although these strains exhibit differences in membrane fluidity, which is influenced by the sterol accumulated by the organisms, the membrane stretching capacity shows no distinct dependence on sterol structure or bilayer fluidity.
A Coarse-Grained Model for Epoxy Molding Compound

We present a coarse-grained model for molecular dynamics simulations of an epoxy system composed of epoxy phenol novolac as epoxy monomer and bisphenol-A as the cross-linking agent. The epoxy and hardener molecules are represented as short chains of connected beads, and cross-linking is accomplished by introducing bonds between reactive beads. The interbead potential, composed of Lennard-Jones, bond stretching, and angle bending terms, is parametrized through an optimization process based on a particle swarm optimization method to fit certain key thermomechanical properties of the material obtained from experiments and previous full atomistic simulations. The newly developed coarse-grained model is capable of predicting a number of thermomechanical properties of the epoxy system. The predictions are in very good agreement with available data in the literature. More importantly, our coarse-grained model is capable of predicting tensile failure of the epoxy system, a capability that no other conventional molecular dynamic simulation model has. Finally, our coarse-grained model can speed up the simulations by more than an order of magnitude when compared with traditional molecular dynamic simulations.
109 DETERMINANTS OF ORDERING SERUM PROLACTIN AND ITS UTILITY IN PATIENTS WITH SEIZURES AND PSEUDOSEIZURES.

Background Prolactin, a neurohormone, is released at the onset of seizures, peaking within 15 to 20 minutes, and declines to baseline levels within an hour. Prolactin usually fails to rise significantly following pseudoseizures and therefore can be used to differentiate between seizures and pseudoseizures. In an emergency room study the sensitivity of prolactin in diagnosing seizures was 42% and specificity was 82%. Purpose and Hypothesis To study the prevalence and patient and physician factors associated with the ordering of serum prolactin. These determinants influencing the ordering of prolactin in seizure/pseudoseizure patients have not been studied. We hypothesized that serum prolactin will be ordered more frequently on resident patients compared to other physicians. Patients with a past history of seizures and substance abuse will be less likely to have serum prolactin ordered. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients 18 years and older presenting with admitting diagnosis of seizures/pseudoseizures for a period of 6 months. Statistical analyses were done to determine the prevalence and timing of ordering prolactin, sensitivity and specificity of prolactin, and physician and patient characteristics in ordering prolactin. Prolactin > 20 ng/mL at 90 minutes postictally was considered positive. Results Of the 395 patients admitted with diagnosis of seizures/pseudoseizures, 38 had serum prolactins ordered. The prevalence of ordering prolactin was 96.20 cases/1,000. Among these, 47% had prolactin drawn within 90 minutes. Emergency physicians ordered most prolactin levels, 68.42%. Sixty percent of patients had a past history of seizure, 58% a history of substance abuse, 53% had a history of psychiatric disorder, and 21% were on antipsychotic medications. The sensitivity and specificity of elevated prolactin obtained within 90 minutes for seizures were 38.46% and 80%, respectively. The sensitivity of normal prolactin in diagnosing pseudoseizures was 80%. Conclusion In our study emergency room physicians ordered most prolactins. The high sensitivity of normal prolactin in patients with pseudoseizures emphasizes its utility in diagnosing patients presenting with possible diagnosis of pseudoseizures. We propose that serum prolactin levels should be a part of basic seizure investigation protocol. Obtaining serum prolactin levels is easy, affordable, and available widely and is useful as a diagnostic tool when obtained within a short time following seizure.
Effects of subchronic infusion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate on serum gonadotropin levels and ovarian function in the cynomolgus monkey

Objective To assess the impact of elevated adrenal androgen levels on ovarian function in a nonhuman primate using a repeated measures experimental design. Design Osmotic pumps that released dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were implanted subcutaneously in five cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis ) for one menstrual cycle. The pumps were filled with saline for the two control cycles, one preceding and the other following DHEAS infusion. Results Administration of DHEAS elevated its levels in serum fourfold and in urine sevenfold, which returned to pretreatment values in the next cycle. Serum concentrations of estradiol (E 2 ) were reduced by 55% during DHEAS administration in both follicular and luteal phases and were still decreased in the following cycle by 69% in follicular phase and 48% in luteal phase ( P P P P P P Conclusions These data document that subchronically elevated adrenal androgen levels in primates: (1) suppress E 2 and P levels, which may affect fertility; (2) differentially affect gonadotropin secretion, decreasing LH and increasing FSH serum concentrations; and (3) result in disturbances of ovarian function that persist for at least one menstrual cycle after normalization of androgen levels.
Microwave Pasteurization of Cooked Pasta: Effect of Process Parameters on Texture and Quality for Heat-and-Eat and Ready-to-Eat Meals

Pasta presents a challenge to microwave processing due to its unique cooking requirements. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of microwave processing on pasta physicochemical and mechanical properties. Fettuccine pasta was parboiled for selected times, then pasteurized using a Microwave Assisted Pasteurization System and stored under refrigeration for 1 wk. Samples were analyzed using microscopy, mechanical testing, and chemical analyses after storage. While no significant differences were observed for free amylose among fresh samples, samples parboiled for ≤6 min had significantly higher free amylose, suggesting reduced starch retrogradation. Increased heat treatment increased degree of protein polymerization, observed in microstructures as increased gluten strand thickness and network density. Firmness and extensibility increased with increased parboil time; however, extension data indicated an overall weakening of microwave-treated pasta regardless of total cooking time. Overall, microwave pasteurization was shown to be a viable cooking method for pasta.
On the Performance of Wireless Indoor Localization Using Received Signal Strength

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction RSS-based Localization Algorithms Localization Performance Study Enhancing the Robustness of Localization Conclusion and Applications References
ATM and 53BP1 Function in Nonoverlapping Pathways to Suppress T Lineage Lymphomagenesis.

Abstract 2374 Background: In response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), mammalian cells activate the DNA Damage Response (DDR), a network of factors that promotes their detection, signaling and repair. Among DDR factors, the Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) kinase and the 53BP1 adaptor localize to chromatin surrounding DSBs, where 53BP1 is thought to transduce a subset of ATM-dependent reactions. In addition, 53BP1 may have ATM-independent functions via its interactions with the MRE11/RAD50/NBS1 (MRN) complex and others to protect DNA ends from degradation and to promote synapsis of distant DSBs. Both ATM and 53BP1 are tumor suppressors in humans and mice, but whether the combined mutation may aggravate the DSB repair defect and/or accelerate oncogenesis in vivo is currently unknown. Objectives: 1) To generate a compound mouse model deficient for both ATM and 53BP1 and investigate their genetic interaction during growth and development; 2) To determine whether 53BP1 plays ATM-independent functions in DSB repair and cell cycle checkpoint activation in primary thymocytes; 3) To determine the effect of 53BP1 deficiency on the penetrance and latency of T cell lymphomas in ATM −/− mice. Design/Methods: We have generated 53BP1/ATM double knock out (DKO) mice and assessed the kinetics of DSB signaling and repair in primary thymocytes and mature B cells. We have also followed cohorts of DKO and control mice for tumor development and evaluated mechanisms of tumorigenesis using a combination of molecular, biochemical and cytogenetic approaches. Results: When compared to ATM −/− mice, DKO mice showed no differences in organismal growth and development, or in lymphoid differentiation. However, DKO mice developed T cell lymphomas with higher penetrance and at younger age than ATM −/− mice, and their survival was markedly reduced (p=0.0001; log-rank test). Like ATM −/− lymphomas, DKO lymphomas contained clonal translocations with breakpoints at the TCRα/δ locus and amplification of upstream DNA sequences, indicating that 53BP1 deficiency markedly accelerates the acquisition of oncogenic translocations in an ATM −/− background. In primary cells, loss of 53BP1 further increases the frequency of ionizing irradiation (IR)-induced chromosomal aberrations in ATM −/− cells. We will present a model for how 53BP1 actions at DSBs suppress genomic instability in ATM-deficient thymocytes, including its effects on checkpoint activation and DSB repair. Conclusion: Our studies in a mouse model of T cell lymphomagenesis suggest that mutations in 53BP1 and ATM may be nonmutually exclusive in human lymphomas. The combined mutation may define a subgroup of patients with more aggressive hematological malignancies, and may have implications for their response to therapy with DNA damaging agents. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
CFD Analysis Comparing Steady Flow and Pulsatile Flow Through the Aorta and its Main Branches

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study has been done comparing pulsatile and non-pulsatile blood flow through the aortic arch and its main branches. The pulsatile flow was to mimic the blood flow due to a beating heart and the non-pulsatile or steady flow was to mimic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The purpose of the study was too narrow in on possible reasons CPB may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. The main focus of the study was to look at the wall shear stress (WSS) values due to their close association with the development of atherosclerosis. In addition velocity and pressure data were also analyzed. The results of this study showed a stark contrast between the WSS values between the CPB model and the beating heart model. The CPB model did not have any points of oscillating WSS combined with the fact that there were regions of very high and very low constant WSS values in comparison with the beating heart analysis suggests that there may be potential for atherosclerotic development or plaque buildup within the artery. The beating heart model showed a range of WSS values within the aorta that were much lower overall compared with the CPB model.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Thirty-day outcomes for children and adolescents undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at a free-standing children's hospital.

The obesity epidemic continues to affect millions of children and adolescents. Non-surgical options do not result in significant or sustained weight loss; thus bariatric surgery has become increasingly utilized. Limited data exist regarding safety for paediatric bariatric surgery, especially outside of National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded centres. We hypothesized that the perioperative outcomes of paediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) at our free-standing children's hospital would provide adequate safety profiles. We retrospectively reviewed demographics, comorbidities and 30-d outcomes for all patients who underwent LSG from 2010 to 2015 at a free-standing children's hospital. A total of 105 patients underwent 107 LSG procedures (two revisions). Mean age was 17.2 ± 2.4 years. Male to female ratio was 1:4. The majority were Black (57.1%), followed by White (21.0%) and Hispanic (18.1%). The mean body mass index was 51.0 ± 9.8 kg/m2 . Comorbidities included obstructive sleep apnea (59.0%), hypertension (15.2%), polycystic ovarian disease (16.7% of females only), depression (12.4%) and diabetes (11.4%). Median length of stay was 2.0 d (1-7 d). There were no deaths. Major complications occurred in four patients (3.8%); three required reoperation. Four patients (3.8%) experienced minor complications. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can be safely performed for children and adolescents at a free-standing children's hospital without NIH-support.
Hospitalizations and healthcare costs associated with serious, non-lethal firearm-related violence and injuries in the United States, 1998–2011

Objective To describe the prevalence, trends, correlates, and short-term outcomes of inpatient hospitalizations for firearm-related injuries (FRIs) in the United States between 1998 and 2011. Methods We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of inpatient hospitalizations using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. In addition to generating national prevalence estimates, we used survey logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between FRIs and patient/hospital-level characteristics. Temporal trends were estimated and characterized using joinpoint regression. Results There were 10.5 FRIs (95% CI: 9.2–11.8) per 10,000 non-maternal/neonatal inpatient hospitalizations, with assault accounting for 60.1% of FRIs, followed by unintentional/accidental (23.0%) and intentional/self-inflicted FRIs (8.2%). The highest odds of FRIs, particularly FRIs associated with an assault, was observed among patients 18–24 years of age, patients 14–17 years of age, patients with no insurance/self-pay, and non-Hispanic blacks. The mean inpatient length of stay for FRIs was 6.9 days; however, 4.7% of patients remained in the hospital over 24 days and 1 in 12 patients (8.2%) died before discharge. The mean cost of an inpatient hospitalization for a FRI was $22,149, which was estimated to be $679 million annually; approximately two-thirds of the annual cost (64.7%) was for assault ($439 million). Conclusions FRIs are a preventable public health issue which disproportionately impacts younger generations, while imposing significant economic and societal burdens, even in the absence of fatalities. Prevention of FRIs should be considered a priority in this era of healthcare cost containment.
Building Community in Online Doctoral Classrooms: Instructor Practices that Support Community

Instructors play a role in helping online students develop a sense of community in virtual classrooms, but little is known about instructors’ roles in online graduate programs. To explore the ways in which online instructors helped students create a learning community, defined as a space of connection, closeness and interactivity, the researcher analyzed 50 hours of video footage from four online classrooms as well as the message boards attached to those courses. The researcher triangulated the observations of classroom community with interviews from 13 first-year students from the online doctoral program to explore their perspectives on instructor strategies that promoted community. Findings from this qualitative case study indicate that instructors helped students develop a sense of community by creating a warm and welcoming tone in the classroom, and by using technology in a variety of ways to engage all students and create a personalized learning experience.
Using modified cohort change and child-woman ratios in the Hamilton–Perry forecasting method

The Hamilton–Perry method, which uses cohort change ratios (CCR) and child-woman ratios (CWR), has gained acceptance as research has demonstrated its practical value and accuracy in forecasting population composition. Assessments of this method have been based on the usual assumption that CCRs and CWRs developed over the base period are held constant over the forecast horizon. We propose several approaches for modifying CCRs and CWRs over the forecast horizon. These alternatives are averaging and trending these ratios and a synthetic method that bases local CCRs and CWRs changes on state-level changes in CCRs and CWRs. We evaluate the errors for these alternatives against the errors holding the CCRs and CWRs constant for counties in Washington State and for census tracts in New Mexico. The evaluation suggests that averaging or trending CCRs and CWRs are not worthwhile strategies, but the synthetic method reduces errors compared to holding the ratios constant over the horizon.
The Molecular Hamiltonian

We begin by considering the formulation of Hamiltonians for molecules both rigid and nonrigid. Although we are primarily concerned with molecular symmetry groups and their structure, an excursion into the theory of molecular dynamics is necessary for several reasons. First of all, while it is true that notions of molecular symmetry ultimately derive from the essential indistinguishability of identical micro-particles (nuclei), which is a non-dynamical concept, in practice our point of view is of necessity dynamics dependent. Thus, the feasibility of a particular transformation [1] — in other words, the extent to which a given symmetry is manifest in a given experiment — is obviously entirely contingent upon the forces acting within the molecule, for a finite experimental resolution/observation time. Conversely, since it is not possible at present to set up and solve nontrivial many-particle (nuclear or molecular) problems using a set of coordinates displaying all permutational symmetries in a simple fashion [2,3], the very way in which we approach the dynamics is directly determined by intuitive ideas concerning feasibility. One of the points we shall seek to emphasize throughout our work is the close relation between descriptions of symmetry and dynamics. Again, a knowledge of the transformation from cartesian to molecular (Born-Oppenheimer) coordinates used to rewrite the Hamiltonian is essential when we come to the important practical problem of determining the induced action of permutations of identical nuclei upon molecular wavefunctions.
Superhydrophobic PAN nanofibers for gas diffusion layers of proton exchange membrane fuel cells for cathodic water management

Abstract Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are considered to be promising alternatives to natural resources for generating electricity and various other powers. Optimal water management in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is critical to the high performance of fuel cells. The basic function of the GDL includes transporting the reactant gas from flow channels to the catalyst effectively, draining liquid water from the catalyst layer to the flow channels, and conducting electrons with low humidity. In this study, poly-acrylonitrile (PAN) was dissolved in a solvent and electrospun at various conditions to produce PAN nanofibers prior to their stabilization at atmospheric pressure at 280 °C for 1 h and carbonization at 850 °C for one more hour. The surface hydrophobicity of the carbonized PAN nanofibers were adjusted using superhydrophobic and hydrophilic agents. The thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the new GDLs showed better results than the conventional ones. Water condensation tests (superhydrophobic and hydrophilic) on the surfaces of the GDLs showed a crucial step towards improved water management in fuel cells. This study may open up new possibilities for developing high-performing GDL materials for future PEM fuel cell applications.
Enhanced redox conductivity and enriched Geobacteraceae of exoelectrogenic biofilms in response to static magnetic field

A possible approach to enhance the performance of microbial electrochemical system such as microbial fuel cells is to increase the conductivity of catalytic biofilms and thereby the direct extracellular electron transfer within the biofilms and from the electrode. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of static low-intensity magnetic field on the anodic biofilms in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Results demonstrated that the application of a low-intensity magnetic field (105 and 150 mT) can significantly shorten the startup time and enhance the overall performance of single-chamber MFCs in terms of current density (300%) and power density (150%). In situ conductance evaluation indicated that short-term application of magnetic field can increase biofilm conductivity, although the long-term enhancements were likely results of increased conductivity of the anodic biofilms associated with enriched population of Geobacteraceae. The peak-manner response of conductivity over gate potentials and the positive response of mature biofilm conductance to low intensity of magnetic field support the redox conduction model of the conductive exoelectrogenic biofilms.
Unsteady Inlet/Compressor Interaction Experiment to Support the Modeling of Compressor-Face Boundary Conditions

Atmospheric disturbances affecting high-speed, air-breathing propulsion systems may induce rapid flow transients. Such processes usually involve strong interactions between the inlet and the engine, and may lead to undesirable or even unacceptable consequences (e.g. inlet unstart, compressor stall or surge). Their reliable prediction requires, in principle, the simultaneous computation of the flow in both the inlet and the compressor. Such computations, while may be feasible in some simplified form [1,2], are too complex to fit into the cost and time constraint of industrial design processes. Current engineering practice is to perform computations for the two components separately, relying on the compressor face boundary conditions (CFBC’s) to represent the engine for the inlet flow predictions, or the inlet for engine calculations.
Immunomodulation following shock and sepsis

Despite the introduction of broad-spectrum antibiotics, sepsis is one of the most important causes of multiple organ failure (MOF) which accounts for 70,000 deaths in the USA each year [1]. Infection is also an important cause of mortality in the severely traumatized patient and is responsible for 50–70% of all burn-related deaths [2–3].
Formation and characterization of nano- and microstructures of twinned cubic boron nitride

Nano- and microstructures of phase-pure cubic boron nitride (c-BN) are synthesized by employing nanosecond pulsed-laser annealing techniques at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. In a highly non-equilibrium synthesis process, nanocrystalline h-BN is directly converted into phase-pure twinned c-BN from a highly undercooled melt state of BN. By changing nucleation and growth rates, we have synthesized a wide range of sizes (90 nm to 25 μm) of c-BN. The electron diffraction patterns show the formation of twinned c-BN with [11[combining macron]1] as the twin axis. The twinning density in c-BN can be controlled by the degree of undercooling and quenching rates. The formation of twins predominantly occurs prior to the formation of amorphous quenched BN (Q-BN). Therefore, the defect density in nano c-BN formed under higher undercooling conditions is considerably larger than that in micro c-BN, which is formed under lower undercooling conditions. The temperature-dependent Raman studies show a considerable blue-shift of ∼6 cm-1 with a decrease in temperature from 300 to 78 K in nano c-BN as compared to micro c-BN. The size-effects of c-BN crystals in Raman spectra are modeled using spatial correlation theory, which can be used to calculate the correlation length and twin density in c-BN. It has also been found that the Raman blue-shift in nano c-BN is caused by anharmonic effects, and the decrease in Raman linewidth with decreasing temperature (300 to 78 K) is caused by three- and four-phonon decay processes. The bonding characteristics and crystalline nature of the synthesized c-BN are also demonstrated by using electron energy-loss spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction, respectively. We envisage that the controlled growth of phase-pure nano and microstructures of twinned c-BN and their temperature-dependent Raman-active vibrational mode studies will have a tremendous impact on low-temperature solid-state electrical and mechanical devices.
Rethinking the Mechanisms of Gang Desistance in a Developing Country

ABSTRACTMost academic literature is based on experiences of gang members in developed countries. This article explores the mechanisms of desistance among street gangs in El Salvador. Gangs in this ...
Conjugate Analyses of Ablation in Rocket Nozzles

A methodology coupling the LeMANS flow solver to the MOPAR-MD material response solver is presented, enabling fully coupled, conjugate, two-dimensional simulations of ablation of pyrolyzing materia...
Use of a Reverse Bohlman Technique for Low-Grade Spondylolisthesis

ABSTRACT Background: Treatment of spondylolisthesis can be difficult with regard to patients with high sacral slopes that may prohibit placement of interbody grafts for fusions across that segment. Here, we describe placement of a reverse Bohlman technique from an anterior approach to obtain fusion across a low-grade spondylolisthesis with a high sacral slope to obtain anterior fusion. Methods: A chart review was conducted on this single patient regarding his clinical course and outcome. Results: A 54-year-old male presented with low-back pain associated with bilateral leg pain dating back several years. Plain films demonstrated a Grade II isthmic spondylolisthesis at L5–S1 with spinopelvic measurements of 73° sacral slope, 82° lumbar lordosis, 12° pelvic tilt, and 94° pelvic incidence. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral L5 pars defects with diffuse degenerative disease from L4 through S1 and significant ligamentous and facet hypertrophy. He underwent an L4–5 anterior lumbar interbody fusion and an L5–S1 reverse Bohlman placement of a transvertebral transsacral titanium mesh cage. This was supplemented with a posterior decompression and instrumentation from L4-ilium. He had resolution of his radiculopathy and has maintained a good clinical outcome at 3 years follow up. Conclusions: We present here a patient with low-grade spondylolisthesis and a steep sacral slope who underwent a successful reverse Bohlman approach with long-term follow up. This report highlights the potential utility of this method as a viable alternative for patients with low-grade spondylolisthesis. Level of Evidence: IV. Clinical Relevance: Technical description of surgical technique.
Reply to Hughes and Beganovic, “Introduction of Selection Biases Due to Loss to Follow-Up in Infectious Disease Retrospective Outcomes Studies”

Hughes and Beganovic wish to make the point that the inclusion of retrospective studies with patients who were lost to follow-up introduces selection bias in a meta-analysis ([1][1]). In reference to our analysis ([2][2]), they commented on 3 specific studies ([3][3][–][4][5][5]). Notably, the
IoT Controlled Screw-Type 3D Food Printer Using Single Line Design Technique

The Rapid development of 3D printing and additive manufacturing (AM) technology has spurred the 4th industrial revolution. As a result of the convergence of single line design (SLD) and the economically favored screw type extrusion (STE) process, non-Newtonian fluid foods were accurately controlled and 3D printed while including artistic approaches. The STE method with SLD using varying viscosities from 10 – 5,000 Pa•s of food was in the range of ± 21% and ± 57% accuracy without SLD. STE would be used in fields requiring nutritional management. STE has confirmed that the nutritional controlled diet of the general public or patients who need food control is successfully supported.
Portal Venous Gas on Point-of-Care Ultrasound in a Case of Cecal Ischemia

Abstract Background Portal venous gas has mainly been studied in pediatrics and seen in cases of necrotizing enterocolitis. It is a rare finding in adults and is typically associated with underlying intestinal ischemia or other malignant intra-abdominal pathology. Portal venous gas is seen more readily on ultrasound compared to radiographs in both pediatric and adult patients. Findings include lucencies extending to the periphery of the liver, echogenic bubbles flowing centrifugally throughout the portal venous system, and bidirectional spikes interrupting the monophasic portal venous waveform on spectral analysis. Case Report We present a case of a 36-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain. She had findings consistent with portal venous gas on point-of-care ultrasound, prompting computed tomography of her abdomen and surgical consultation. She was ultimately found to have cecal ischemia from cecal volvulus, had surgical resection and anastomosis, and was able to be discharged from the hospital following recovery. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? With the ever-increasing use of point-of-care ultrasound, emergency physicians should be aware of the findings consistent with portal venous gas as well as its implications. Emergency physicians should know portal venous gas is associated with intestinal ischemia and other malignant pathologies and should prompt more advanced imaging or surgical consultation when observed. Emergency physicians should also understand the distinctions between portal venous gas and pneumobilia found on point-of-care ultrasound, given that portal venous gas is typically a malignant finding and pneumobilia is most frequently benign.
Nanoparticles containing constrained phospholipids deliver mRNA to liver immune cells in vivo without targeting ligands

Once inside the cytoplasm of a cell, mRNA can be used to treat disease by upregulating the expression of any gene. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) can deliver mRNA to hepatocytes in humans, yet systemic non-hepatocyte delivery at clinical doses remains difficult. We noted that LNPs have historically been formulated with phospholipids containing unconstrained alkyl tails. Based on evidence that constrained adamantyl groups have unique properties that can improve small molecule drug delivery, we hypothesized that a phospholipid containing an adamantyl group would facilitate mRNA delivery in vivo. We quantified how 109 LNPs containing "constrained phospholipids" delivered mRNA to 16 cell types in mice, then using a DNA barcoding-based analytical pipeline, related phospholipid structure to in vivo delivery. By analyzing delivery mediated by constrained phospholipids, we identified a novel LNP that delivers mRNA to immune cells at 0.5 mg/kg. Unlike many previous LNPs, these (a) did not preferentially target hepatocytes and (b) delivered mRNA to immune cells without targeting ligands. These data suggest constrained phospholipids may be useful LNP components.
The balancing traveling salesman problem: application to warehouse order picking

This paper discusses the problem of predicting the length of Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) tour in dynamic and uncertain environments. Our findings, which are guided by extensive simulation runs, provide statistical estimations for the tour length under different scenarios. One of the applications that can benefit from these estimates includes warehouse order picking, which has seen increased importance due to online shopping. The utility of statistical estimates for TSP tour length for order picking is demonstrated on a common warehouse layout.
Addressing the Practical Limitations of Volatile Organic Compound Sensors Through an Oscillator-Based Sensing Array

This work demonstrated the development of an array of oscillator-based sensors for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) was leveraged to monitor the oscillation frequency of 16 sensing elements in parallel. It was shown that three functional chemistries can be deposited via inkjet printing to detect several analytes selectively. These unique response characteristics allowed for the creation of a linear regression model that relates the shifts in oscillation frequencies to the concentration of specific analytes. This approach utilized a single array with sufficient elements to incorporate intentional redundancies. Ultimately, this work demonstrated a low-cost oscillator-based sensing array capable of simultaneously monitoring chemical processes with single second resolution using 16 independent channels.
The Prevalence and Correlates of Accurate Singing

The purpose of this study was to analyze a large sample of volunteers from the general population who were tested with an identical online measure of singing accuracy. A sample of 632 participants ...
Describing the changing relationship between opioid prescribing rates and overdose mortality: A novel county-level metric.

Abstract Background and Aims In the United States, the rate of drug overdose death has more than tripled over the past two decades, a trend that is often attributed to changes in opioid prescribing practices. We developed a novel, longitudinal metric to summarize the relationship between prescription opioid prescribing practices and drug overdose mortality and to assess if longitudinal changes in that relationship differ by characteristics of place. Methods We constructed a single county-level measure of overdose deaths per 100,000 opioid prescriptions annually from 2006 to 2018. We used latent profile analysis to classify all U.S. counties into classes based on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and fit a mixed Poisson log-linear model to quantify temporal changes in our measure by county-type classes. Results: Latent profile analysis resulted in 7 classes with high separation between classes (overall entropy = 0.916). Across all groups, the average number of overdose deaths per opioid prescription remained steady from 2006 to 2011 and increased from 2012–2018. The largest increases were in the high GDP (average annual change: 18.1 %, 95 %CI: 17.5, 18.6) and high education classes (16.6 %, 95 %CI: 16.0, 17.1). Conclusions This novel summary metric enhances our understanding of the shift in overdose mortality and the role of geography and place characteristics.
S&P 500 Index and COVID-19

In this paper, I study the impact of the COVID-19 on S&P 500 index using daily data from January 1, 2020, to May 12, 2020. The result shows that the number of confirmed cases, the number of deaths, and the number of recovery cases are the main parameters that affect the S&P 500 index. The first corona case in the USA is found on January 21, 2020. During March, the S&P 500 price fell by almost 31% and reached $2,237.40. The result shows that as the number of daily cases increases, it severely affects the S&P 500 index. But, as the number of deaths increases, the S&P 500 index's reduction is more severe with the rise of new cases. However, there is a little bit of positive effect of the new recovery cases on the S&P 500 Index.
Folklore in Utah: A History and Guide to Resources

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2004 Pages: 360 Publisher: Utah State University Press ISBN: 0-87421-588-9 Prices: $24.95 US
Supporting Access Control in an Object-Oriented Database Language

This paper presents an approach for providing access control in OSQL, an object-oriented database language that supports, among others, user-defined abstract data types, multiple inheritance, and late binding. The authorization scheme is based on a single concept: that of controlling function evaluation. The paper discusses how the authorization model can be realized using existing OSQL mechanisms, i.e. subtyping, user-defined operations, and function resolution. It also presents two novel constructs: guard functions and proxy functions, which are useful in providing database security in a flexible and non-invasive manner. Various issues related to the language semantics are examined.
The Right Resident Bugs

A link between a transcription factor and control of immune responses in the fly gut opens the door to analyses of host-microbe mutalism.
Predicting long‐term temperature increase for time‐dependent SAR levels with a single short‐term temperature response

Purpose Present a novel method for rapid prediction of temperature in vivo for a series of pulse sequences with differing levels and distributions of specific energy absorption rate (SAR). Theory and Methods After the temperature response to a brief period of heating is characterized, a rapid estimate of temperature during a series of periods at different heating levels is made using a linear heat equation and impulse-response (IR) concepts. Here the initial characterization and long-term prediction for a complete spine exam are made with the Pennes' bioheat equation where, at first, core body temperature is allowed to increase and local perfusion is not. Then corrections through time allowing variation in local perfusion are introduced. Results The fast IR-based method predicted maximum temperature increase within 1% of that with a full finite difference simulation, but required less than 3.5% of the computation time. Even higher accelerations are possible depending on the time step size chosen, with loss in temporal resolution. Correction for temperature-dependent perfusion requires negligible additional time and can be adjusted to be more or less conservative than the corresponding finite difference simulation. Conclusion With appropriate methods, it is possible to rapidly predict temperature increase throughout the body for actual MR examinations. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ω-N-Methylarginine in Protein

Abstract Polyarginine was chemically methylated with methyl iodide, and its acid hydrolysate gave rise to a compound which cochromatographed with an enzymatically synthesized guanidino-methylarginine-(methyl-14C) on the automatic amino acid analyzer column. The guanidino-methylarginine-(methyl-14C) on alkaline hydrolysis decomposed into monomethylurea-(methyl-14C) and methylamine-(methyl-14C). However, no evidence of production of either δ-N-methylornithine-(methyl-14C) or dimethylurea-(methyl-14C) was obtained by the alkaline hydrolysis. The formation of methylamine-(methyl-14C) was further confirmed by preparing the picrate of the formed methylamine. These results strongly suggest that the structure of the previously postulated guanidino-methylarginine is ω-N-methylarginine. ω-N-Methylarginine occurs in rat liver nuclear protein in the amount of 1 mole of ω-N-methylarginine to approximately 70 moles of arginine.
Perceptions of Country Corruption: Antecedents and Outcomes

Globalization has increased the need for managers (and future managers) to predict the potential for country corruption. This study examines the relationship between Hofstede's cultural dimensions and how country corruption is perceived. Power distance, individualism and masculinity were found to explain a significant portion of the variance in perceived corruption. A significant portion of country's risk, trade flow with U.S.A., foreign investment, and per capita income was explained by perceived corruption.
Pharmacology of the GABAA Receptor

GABA mediates most inhibitory synaptic transmission in the adult vertebrate CNS by activating type-A GABA receptors that contain an integral ion channel and type-B GABA receptors that are G-protein coupled. GABAA receptors have been a rich target for the development of therapeutics for treatment of anxiety disorders, convulsive disorders, sleep disturbances, and for the induction of anesthesia. GABAA receptors are composed of five membrane-spanning subunits, selected from eight subunit subtypes (α, β, γ, δ, η, ρ, π, and θ) many of which contain multiple isoforms yielding at least 21 distinct subunit variants. These variations in subunit composition can have profound effects upon the functionality, pharmacology, and subcellular distribution of receptor subtypes. This chapter focuses on the relationship between receptor architecture and pharmacology of a large number of clinically relevant compounds such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, anesthetics, neurosteroids and alcohols. Keywords: GABA; ion channels; inhibitory synaptic transmission; GABAA receptor; benzodiazepines; barbiturates; anesthetics; neurosteroids; alcohols
A Metal Detector Study to Locate Inactive Small Arms Range Impact Areas

Historical records suggested the existence of .45 caliber Thompson sub-machine gun ranges near the Fort Lewis Evergreen Range; however, the precise location of the bullet impact area was not known. The site covered 20 acres, too large to cost-effectively characterize using convention grid sampling techniques. As an alternative, a study was conducted using a hand-held metal detector to locate the bullet impact areas. The metal detector chosen, a Garrett Graphic Target Imaging™ (GTI) 2500, has an LCD screen, which provides the user information on the potential size and depth of the object causing the signal. A two-man team performed the study and bullet detection was confirmed by excavation. The metal detector proved effective at finding .45 caliber bullets. Three impact areas were successfully identified and marked using a global positioning system (GPS). The metal detecting strategy saved substantial sampling time and over $35,000.00 by decreasing the sampling area by 93 percent.
Asynchronous distributed information leader selection in robotic swarms

This paper presents asynchronous distributed algorithms for information leader selection in multi-robot systems based on local communication between each robot and its direct neighbours in the system's communication graph. In particular, the information leaders refer to a small subset of robots that are near the boundary of the swarm and suffice to characterize the swarm boundary information. The leader selection problem is formulated as finding a core set that can be used to compute the Minimum-Volume Enclosing Ellipsoid (MVEE) representing the swarm boundary. Our algorithms extract this core set in a fully distributed manner and select core set members as information leaders, thus extending abstract centralized MVEE core set algorithms for robotic swarm applications. We consider different communication conditions (e.g. dynamic network topology) and system configurations (e.g. anonymous robots or uniquely identified robots) and present a variety of approaches for core set selection with associated proofs for convergence. Results for simulated swarms of 50 robots and experiments with a swarm of 10 TurtleBots are provided to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
The Effect of News on Bond Prices: Evidence from the United Kingdom 1900-1920

We study the relationship of non-quantitative news to bond prices. We select a set of major news events based solely on their significance as judged by historians, and examine the corresponding bond price movements. We find strong evidence that news has some influence on bond price movements, but we find no evidence that news can explain more than a small fraction of those movements.
The Hidden Prejudice: Mental Disability on Trial

Setting the Stage - Why Mental Disability is on Trial On Sanism On Pretextuality Involuntary Civil Commitment Law The Right to Treatment The Right to Refuse Treatment The Right to Sexual Interaction The Americans with Disabilities Act Competence to Plead Guilty/Competence to Waive Counsel The Insanity Defence The Federal Sentencing Guidelines Therapeutic Jurisprudence Unpacking Mental Disability Law.
Planning with Multiple-Components in Omps

This paper presents Omps , a new timeline-based software architecture for planning and scheduling whose features support software development for space mission planning applications. The architecture is based on the notions of domain components entities whose properties may vary in time and which model one or more physical subsystems which are relevant to a given planning context. Decisions can be taken on components, and constraints among decisions modify the components' behaviors in time. This paper presents the general features of Omps and an example of how the architecture support development of complex applications.
Psychosocial Factors and Socioeconomic Indicators Are Associated with Household Food Insecurity among Pregnant Women

Household food insecurity has been associated with several negative health outcomes, yet little is known about the prevalence and correlates of household food insecurity during pregnancy. This study was conducted as part of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition prospective cohort study to identify risk factors of preterm birth. The USDA 18-item scale was used to assess the prevalence of food insecurity among pregnant women with incomes <or= 400% of poverty. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to identify socioeconomic, demographic, and psychosocial predictors of household food insecurity. Among 606 pregnant women, 75% were from fully food-secure, 15% from marginally food-secure, and 10% from food-insecure households. Women from marginally food-secure and food-insecure households had significantly less income, less education, and were older than women from fully food-secure households. In bivariate analysis, all psychosocial factors were significantly associated with household food insecurity and showed a dose-response relation with increasing food insecurity. Socioeconomic and demographic predictors for household food insecurity were income, black race, and age. After controlling for socioeconomic and demographic variables, psychosocial indicators of perceived stress, trait anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and a locus of control attributed to chance were positively associated with any household food insecurity. Conversely, self-esteem and mastery were inversely associated with any household food insecurity. Psychosocial factors as well as socioeconomic and demographic indicators are associated with household food insecurity among pregnant women; however, the direction of causation between psychosocial indicators and food insecurity cannot be determined in these data.
Event-related coherence and event-related desynchronization/synchronization in the 10 Hz and 20 Hz EEG during self-paced movements

To investigate the activity of cortical regions in the control of movement, we studied event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS), event-related coherence (ERC), and phase coherence in 29-channel EEGs from 9 subjects performing self-paced movements of the right index finger. Movement preparation and execution produced ERD over the sensorimotor areas at 10 Hz and 20 Hz, followed by ERS. ERD corresponded spatiotemporally to an increase in coherence over the frontocentral areas. For both frequency bands, ERD began over the left sensorimotor areas and became bilateral at the time of movement onset. The coherence increase with frontal areas began in the left central areas and became symmetrical after EMG onset. The ERD and coherence increase was longer at 10 Hz than at 20 Hz. Phase coherence at 10 Hz showed a lead of anterior regions to posterior regions throughout the time period, and at 20 Hz showed a tendency toward zero phase delay corresponding with the movement. EEG desynchronization parallels functional coupling over sensorimotor and frontal areas. Event-related coherence and phase coherence findings implicate the frontal lobes in control of movement planning and execution. The involvement of different frequency bands with different timings may represent parallel changes in the cortical network.