cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of mortality in pediatric trauma: experiences of a level 1 trauma center and an assessment of the International Classification Injury Severity Score (ICISS).

Injury severity scoring tools allow systematic comparison of outcomes in trauma research and quality improvement by indexing an expected mortality risk for certain injuries. This study investigated the predictive value of the empirically derived ICD9-derived Injury Severity Score (ICISS) compared to expert consensus-derived scoring systems for trauma mortality in a pediatric population. 1935 consecutive trauma patients aged <18 years from 1/2000 to 12/2012 were reviewed. Mechanism of injury (MOI), Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), Trauma Score ISS (TRISS), and ICISS were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristic analysis. The population was a median age of 11 ± 6 year, 70 % male, and 76 % blunt injury. Median ISS 13 ± 12 and overall mortality 3.5 %. Independent predictors of mortality were initial hematocrit [odds ratio (OR) 0.83 (0.73–0.95)], HCO3 [OR 0.82 (0.67–0.98)], Glasgow Coma Scale score [OR 0.75 (0.62–0.90)], and ISS [OR 1.10 (1.04–1.15)]. TRISS was superior to ICISS in predicting survival [area under receiver operator curve: 0.992 (0.982–1.000) vs 0.888 (0.838–0.938)]. ICISS was inferior to existing injury scoring tools at predicting mortality in pediatric trauma patients.
Differential effects of prolactin on rat dorsolateral prostate and R3327 prostatic tumor sublines.

Abstract Many investigators have reported effects of the pituitary hormone, prolactin, on the physiology and biochemistry of the rat prostate gland, particularly the lateral or dorsolateral lobe. The Dunning R3327H is a transplantable rat prostatic adenocarcinoma derived from a spontaneous tumor of the Copenhagen rat dorsolateral prostate. This study describes and compares morphological and physiological effects of prolactin on rat dorsolateral prostate and two sublines of the Dunning tumor. Ectopic pituitary grafts were used to induce chronic hyperprolactinemia in castrated rats receiving androgen supplement to provide a relatively controlled hormonal environment in which the effects of prolactin were maximally and consistently observed. Gravimetric and biochemical analyses, as well as ultrastructural study, provided evidence of prolactin’s stimulatory effect on dorsolateral prostate growth and secretory activity. Hyperprolactinemia stimulated the growth of the well-differentiated, androgen-dependent R3327/3219 tumor subline with an increase in weight, volume and the total content of DNA, protein and zinc. There were no changes in tumor morphology. In contrast, the anaplastic androgen-independent R3327/150 tumor subline did not respond to graft-induced hyperprolactinemia. This differential response of the two R3327 tumor sublines attests to the complexity of prolactin’s effects on prostatic tissue and to the extent of the deterioration of endocrine control that often accompanies tumor progression. Prolactin binding in the R3327 sublines was studied using immunohistochemical staining and radioligand assay, but produced complex results which raise questions about the discrepancy between hormone binding and biological action of prolactin in prostatic tissues.
Conception Following Insemination with a Freeze-Preserved Retrograde Ejaculate

Retrograde ejaculation, an infrequent cause of male infertility, may be the sequela of prostate or bladder neck surgery or the result of interruption in the sympathetic innervation to the bladder neck. The diagnosis is established by history and examination of the urine. In infertile couples artificial insemination homologous (AIH) using retrograde ejaculate recovered from the bladder has been successfully accomplished, but conception has occurred only in isolated cases. A literature review of the subject is presented. The technique of semen recovery from the bladder is time-consuming and uncomfortable to the patient, while the quality of the semen recovered is variable and the risk of iatrogenic urinary tract infection is increased. To avoid the above problems, and to have sperm available for AIH at the time of induced ovulation in an anovulatory wife, we were able to freeze-preserve ejaculate recovered from the bladder for future use. A case of conception following AIH with freeze-preserved retrograde ejaculate is presented.
Procurement and Purification of Eosinophils

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a method for procurement and purification of eosinophils. In a study described in the chapter, the current state of the art for purification of eosinophils was reviewed. Numerous approaches were taken for exploiting differences in cell density, membrane properties, phagocytic abilities, and autofluorescence. Of these, the most widely used is the density difference between eosinophils and other cells. Currently, the mostly widely used method is sedimentation through metrizamide, although sedimentation in polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silica particles also provides highly purified eosinophils in good yield. Cells purified by either of these procedures are viable and have been used in tests of eosinophil function. In small animals, the number of eosinophils in a body cavity needs to be increased to harvest large numbers of eosinophils. In the case of large animals, large volumes of blood can be collected. The degree of autofluorescence varies markedly among individuals and shows no relationship to disease.
Progress Toward a Molecular Mechanism of Water Oxidation in Photosystem II

The active site of photosynthetic water oxidation is the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) in the photosystem II (PSII) reaction center. The OEC is a Mn4CaO5 cluster embedded in the PSII protein matrix, and it cycles through redox intermediates known as Si states (i = 0-4). Significant progress has been made in understanding the inorganic and physical chemistry of states S0-S3 through experiment and theory. The chemical steps from S3 to S0 are more poorly understood, however, because the identity of the substrate water molecules and the mechanism of O-O bond formation are not well established. In this review, we highlight both the consensuses and the remaining challenges of PSII research.
Does Collaborative Engagement Affect the Health of Young Children in Child Welfare System

This temporal-ordered causal analysis of secondary data examined impacts of collaborative engagement, chronic health conditions, health and medical services, maltreatment types, and out-of-home pla...
Parental Attachment and Eating Behaviors in Late Adolescent Females

Females demonstrating unhealthy eating behaviors in early adolescence may continue to exhibit them in later years, yet there is little empirical research including late adolescents. Attachment theories suggest that adolescents with eating disorders demonstrate insecure attachments to parents. This non-experimental descriptive study in 249 late adolescent females examined the relationship between eating behaviors and parental attachment, and explored the relationship between selected demographic variables and parental attachment. Participants responded to an electronically collected survey of demographic variables, self-reported eating behaviors, and completed the Parent Attachment Questionnaire. Participants reporting healthy eating behaviors had higher scores on two of the three maternal scales, indicating a greater level of attachment. Significantly higher scores were found for two maternal and two paternal attachment scales for selected sociodemographic variables. Quantifying parental attachment in late adolescent females enhances understanding of eating disorders in this population and may help to identify issues important to address in therapy.
The neurology of acutely failing respiratory mechanics

Forces involved in breathing-which effectively pull in air-are the diaphragmatic, intercostal, spine, and neck muscles. Equally important is the bulbar musculature maintaining the architecture of a patent airway conduit and abdominal wall and internal intercostal muscles providing cough. Acute injury along a neural trajectory from brainstem to muscle will impair the coordinated interaction between these muscle groups. Acutely failing respiratory mechanics can be caused by central and peripheral lesions. In central lesions, the key lesion is in the nucleus ambiguus innervating the dilator muscles of the soft palate, pharynx, and larynx, but abnormal respiratory mechanics rarely coincide with abnormalities of the respiratory pattern generator. In peripheral lesions, diaphragmatic weakness is a main element, but in many neuromuscular disorders mechanical upper airway obstruction from oropharyngeal weakness contributes equally to an increased respiratory load. The neurology of breathing involves changes in respiratory drive, rhythm, mechanics, and dynamics. This review focuses on the fundamentals of abnormal respiratory mechanics in acute neurologic conditions, bedside judgment, interpretation of additional laboratory tests, and initial stabilization, with practical solutions provided. Many of these respiratory signs are relevant to neurologists, who in acute situations may see these patients first. Ann Neurol 2017;81:485-494.
A Short-Cut Method for Optimal Selection of Controlled Variables

Abstract Selecting an optimal set of controlled variables requires the evaluation of all possible sets of controlled variables. The number of possible sets of controlled variables grows exponentially with the number of candidate controlled variables. The number of candidate controlled variables is generally much larger than the number of controlled variables that can be chosen. This implies that finding an optimal set of controlled variables involves solving a large number of non-convex optimization problems, a computationally intensive task for any realistic chemical process. A short-cut method, which generates attractive sets of controlled variables and determines an optimal set, is proposed. The method is based on scaling all the candidate controlled variables so that they have similar effects on a profit function. The procedure is illustrated on a butane alkylation process.
Some Approaches to Modeling Multispecies Systems

A qualitative taxonomy of models is presented. Fisheries models with a single-species outlook are traditional and uninvolved with the complexities of an interactive, multispecies system. Ecosystem models, because of the required aggregation of many species into units of convenience, lose track of, or become insensitive to, biological relationships. They tend to be descriptive, usually are incapable of forecasting change subsequent to specific disruption, and often run afoul of their own internal intricacies. Intermediate to these extremes are multispecies models, most of which, though idiosyncratic, are focused on the dynamics of specific ecological phenomena. These suggest that aggregation into guilds is unwarranted; that there is no correlation between primary production and community complexity; that, dependent on the coupling involved, removal of one species may work to the benefit or detriment of presumed competitors; and that community complexity (= food web design and even species composition) is imposed by higher trophic level species. Three examples illustrating that small-scale or model relationships can be recognized in open, large natural communities are given. How, but not whether, fisheries managers should respond to the difficulties presented by multispecies interactions remains unanswered.
Determinants of Walking among Middle-Aged and Older Overweight and Obese Adults: Sociodemographic, Health, and Built Environmental Factors.

Background. This study examined the association between selected sociodemographic, health, and built environmental factors and walking behaviors of middle-aged and older overweight/obese adults. Methods. Subjective data were obtained from surveys administered to community-dwelling overweight/obese adults aged ≥50 years residing in four Texas cities from October 2013 to June 2014, along with objective data on neighborhood walkability (Walk Score™). Multivariate logistic regression identified factors predicting the odds of walking the recommended ≥150 minutes per week for any purpose. Results. Of 253 participants, the majority were non-Hispanic white (81.8%), married (74.5%), and male (53.4%) and reported an annual income of ≥$50,000 (65.5%). Approximately, half were employed (49.6%) or had at least a college degree (51.6%). Walking the recommended ≥150 minutes per week for any purpose (, 22.5%) was significantly associated with having at least a college degree (, 95% CI = 1.79–17.25), having no difficulty walking a quarter of a mile (, 95% CI = 1.30–20.83), and being unemployed (, 95% CI = 1.18–8.93) as well as perceived presence of sidewalks/protected walkways (, 95% CI = 1.10–11.50) and perceived absence of distracted drivers in the neighborhood (, 95% CI = 1.47–11.36). Conclusion. Addressing neighborhood conditions related to distracted drivers and pedestrian infrastructure may promote walking among middle-aged and older overweight/obese individuals.
Physical Exam of the Shoulder

The shoulder girdle is the connecting joint between the arm and the axial skeleton. It serves as the base of support for movements of the arm. The shoulder/glenohumeral joint is the most mobile joint in the body. Increased mobility makes this joint and its supporting structures susceptible to injury, especially with overhead and throwing sports. A thorough physical exam is important with a good history to diagnose shoulder girdle pathology. There are several important bony and soft tissue structures that need to be palpated/examined using specific tests. The patient can be either seated or standing during the assessment, and movements to be tested should include active and passive range of motion (ROM). Methodical examination of rotator cuff muscles looking for signs of impingement and instability is the foundation of a good physical exam.
From Eyewitness to Academic Contexts: Examining the Effect of Misinformation in First and Second Languages

Summary The present study adapts the typical eyewitness misinformation paradigm into an academic context. Unbalanced English–Spanish bilinguals (N = 81) listened to a lecture in English (L1) or Spanish (L2), read notes in L1 or L2, and completed a forced-choice recognition test in the lecture language. Unlike prior studies with proficient bilinguals, unbalanced English-dominant participants showed greater recognition memory accuracy for material presented in English only than did material presented in Spanish only. English misinformation had a greater impact on memory for the Spanish lecture than vice versa. Most importantly, the modified misinformation paradigm is an effective tool to investigate academic misinformation effects and could be used in bilingual and monolingual research. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Favorable effects of hydroxychloroquine on serum low density lipid in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Aims Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has shown to have significant immunomodulatory effects in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Current studies show favorable effects of HCQ on traditional cardiac risk factors in patients with SLE. This review examined the effects of HCQ on serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level in patients with SLE. Methods A systematic search of seven major literature search databases from their inception until 3 April, 2017 identified nine studies. Random-effects pooled mean difference with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Heterogeneity was measured by I2. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots. Sensitivity analysis examined whether HCQ effect on serum total cholesterol level was similar to the main analysis. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to assess the overall quality of evidence. Results Pooled study participants were 559 patients from eight observation studies (two before-after studies; six case-control studies) examining the effects of HCQ on serum LDL. Pooled study participants' characteristics were as follows: mean age 45.719, female 95.262%, and prednisone use 58.366%. HCQ reduced mean LDL levels by 24.397 mg/dL (95% CI 8.921–39.872; P = 0.002). The number of studies identifying statin use was too few to perform meta-regression analysis of statin use. Heterogeneity was extensive (I2 = 94.739%). Symmetrical funnel plot visualized no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion HCQ was associated with serum LDL level reduction by mean 24.397 mg/dL in patients with SLE. Future prospective studies are need to fully characterize the treatment effect.
High-performance miniature CSTR for biphasic C–C bond-forming reactions

Abstract Chemical transformations used in fine chemical manufacturing often involve two-phase interaction for which mass transfer limitations can lead to prolonged reaction time and reduced productivity. We present a high-performance miniature continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR), with non-contact magnetic coupling providing intensive agitation inside the sealed miniaturized chamber. High-speed imaging of the biphasic hydrodynamics gives an estimated mass transfer coefficient (kLa) on the order of 10 s−1, comparable to commercial passive mixing flow reactors. Case studies with two important biphasic C–C bond-forming reactions: (i) asymmetric alkylation catalyzed by cinchonidine-derived phase-transfer catalyst, and (ii) biphasic Suzuki-Miyaura C–C coupling reactions, demonstrate the versatility of the CSTR unit. Moreover, a detailed kinetic model proposed for phase-transfer reaction systems controlled by the Makosza interfacial mechanism further cross-validates the mass transfer coefficient estimates.
Mechanistic Insights into the Hydrogenolysis of Levoglucosanol over Bifunctional Platinum Silica–Alumina Catalysts

Herein, we report on the hydrogenolysis of the biorenewable intermediate levoglucosanol (Lgol) over bifunctional platinum catalysts supported on silica–alumina in tetrahydrofuran solvent. 13C radiolabeling is used to confirm the ring rearrangement forming tetrahydrofurandimethanol. The reaction rate and product selectivity are comparable between 1.1 and 5.3 wt % Pt loadings, indicating that, at these metal loadings, the rate-limiting step is acid catalyzed. The measured zero-order dependence in hydrogen indicates that a non-rate-determining hydrogenation step follows an acid-catalyzed irreversible rate-determining step. The measured first-order dependence in Lgol indicates that the acid sites are not highly covered by Lgol. A physical mixture of Pt/SiO2 and SiAl catalysts displayed product selectivity similar to that of the Pt/SiAl catalyst, indicating that nanoscale proximity of metal and acid sites is not required to carry out Lgol hydrogenolysis selectively. As the Pt loading in Pt/SiAl catalysts is de...
Quadriceps Neuromuscular Function in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With or Without Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Context: Central and peripheral neural adaptations have been identified after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction (ACLR) and are hypothesized to contribute to posttraumatic muscle dysfunction. Limited evidence exists about the temporal nature of neuromuscular adaptations during early and late-term phases of recovery after ACLR, and no researchers have studied patients with posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Objective: To compare quadriceps neuromuscular function less than 2 years (early) and more than 2 years (late) after ACLR, including in patients who experienced posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 72 patients after ACLR, consisting of 34 early (9.0 ± 4.3 months postsurgery), 30 late (70.5 ± 41.6 months postsurgery), and 8 with osteoarthritis (115.9 ± 110.0 months postsurgery), and 30 healthy control volunteers. Main Outcome Measure(s): Quadriceps function was measured bilaterally during...
Evaluation of Absolute Damping from Modal Damping Ratios

In the previous chapters, we determined the natural frequencies and modal shapes for undamped structures when modeled as shear buildings. We also determined the response of these structures using the modal superposition method. In this method, as we have seen, the differential equations of motion are uncoupled by means of a transformation of coordinates that incorporates the orthogonality property of the modal shapes.
Starch Synthesis and its Regulation

A certain amount of the carbon dioxide that is converted to 3-P-glycerate in plants during photosynthesis is utilized for formation of the reserve polysaccharides present in the leaf starch granule. However, the fraction of carbon accumulated as starch in different plants varies. Species such as barley, spinach and wheat accumulate proportionately more sucrose than starch whereas the leaves of peanuts, soybean and tobacco accumulate more starch than sucrose. It is believed that an important factor in the partitioning of carbon between sucrose and starch is the level of sucrose-P synthase (1,2). The levels of sucrose-P synthase in the leaf cell correlates fairly well with the amount of 14CO2 incorporated into sucrose and inversely correlates with the amount of 14CO2 fixed into the starch fraction.
Gas Phase Kinetics

The unique chemical reactions that take place in a plasma are almost entirely caused by inelastic collisions between energetic electrons and neutrals of thermal energy. The inelastic scattering produces a host of excited states, which then relax and/or interact by collision between particles or by collisions with the walls of the reactor.
Elevated lung G protein levels and muscarinic receptor affinity in a mouse model of airway hyperreactivity.

A genetic model of airway hyperreactivity has been described in which strains of mice are hyperresponsive (A/J) or hyporesponsive (C3H/HeJ) to intravenous acetylcholine challenge. To determine the mechanism of this differential responsiveness, we compared beta 2-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor properties and their coupling to guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) in peripheral lung membrane fractions from these strains. No significant differences were found between the strains with regard to beta 2-adrenergic or muscarinic receptor density or antagonist affinity. No strain difference was found in beta 2-adrenergic receptor affinity for isoproterenol in the presence or absence of the nonhydrolyzable guanine nucleotide 5'-guanylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p]. In contrast, affinity of the high-affinity carbachol binding site of muscarinic receptors was threefold greater in A/J lung compared with C3H/HeJ lung (pKH = 7.34 +/- 0.16 vs. 6.79 +/- 0.06, respectively, P < 0.05). In the presen...
Stochastic theory of population genetics and evolution.

The stochastic theory in population genetics has a long history. In his 1922 paper Fisher first studied the effect of genetic drift on the genetic variability of a random mating population, introducing a new concept of stochastic change of gene frequencies. He reached the conclusion that the rate of change of genetic variability due to genetic drift is extremely small in a large population. This study affected his view as well as his followers on the role of genetic drift in evolution. Some of his followers (e.g. Ford 1975) still maintain the view that virtually all characters of an organism are the product of natural selection and genetic drift is unimportant except in an extremely small population. Fisher himself, however, was aware of the importance of the stochastic factor in evolution at least in the initial process of gene frequency increase. In fact, it was Fisher (1922, 1930) and Haldane (1927) who showed that genetic drift will eliminate a majority of advantageous mutations in a few generations after they occur and only a small proportion of them will be fixed in the population.
Stability of Delay Differential Equations with Applications in Biology and Medicine

Delay differential or differential difference or functional differential equations arise in models of biological phenomena when the time delays occurring in these phenomena are taken into account. This will be illustrated below with some predator-prey models. If there are equilibrium states in these equations, it is important to determine sets of parameter values for which these states are stable (locally or globally), and critical parameter values at which stability may be lost. Often the loss of stability may be associated with Hopf bifurcation and the onset of oscillatory behavior. The local stability problem is usually analyzed by linearization around the equilibrium point. For an equation with a single discrete time lag T this could lead to a delay differential equation of retarded type of the form $$ \sum\limits_{k = 0}^n {{a_k}\frac{{{d^k}u(t)}}{{d{t^k}}} + \sum\limits_{k = 0}^m {{b_k}} } \frac{{{d^k}u(t - T)}}{{d{t^k}}} = 0 $$ ([1]) Associated with this equation is the characteristic equation $$ P(z) + Q(z){e^{{T_z}}} = 0 $$ ([2]) where $$ P(z) = \sum\limits_{k = 0}^n {{a_{{k^{{z^k}}}}}} ,\quad Q(z) = \sum\limits_{k = 0}^m {{b_{{k^{{z^k}}}}}} $$ It is well-known that the necessary and sufficient condition for uniform asymptotic stability is that all roots of the characteristic equation lie in the left half-plane, Re z < 0. However, it is a difficult mathematical problem to determine when this condition will be satisfied.
Theoretical Characterization of Chemical Reactions of Importance in the Oxidation of Hydrocarbons: Reactions of Acetylene with Hydrogen and Oxygen Atoms

For more than six years the Theoretical Chemistry Group at Argonne National Laboratory has been interested in the energetics and dynamics of the elementary chemical reactions involved in the oxidation of hydrogen and simple hydrocarbon fuels, e.g., methane, acetylene, and formaldehyde. Hydrocarbon oxidation is a complex free radical chain reaction involving many highly reactive species whose chemistry is difficult to characterize in the laboratory. Theoretical studies of the elementary chemical reactions involved in these processes thus affords many opportunities for contributing to the solution of an important societal problem, namely, the inefficient use of hydrocarbon fuels. Further, to the extent that the chemical processes involved in flames are a microcosm of chemistry, the knowledge gained in these studies can be expected to contribute to our understanding of chemical reactivity in general.
Compete, Conform, or Both? School District Responses to Statewide Cyber Charter Schools.

There are two competing understandings on how school organizations behave when faced with competition. One is they respond to competitive pressure with innovation. The other is they pursue strategi...
Exposing immature hippocampal neurons to excitotoxins reveals distinct transcriptome and protein regulation with induction of common survival signaling pathways.

Abstract Early life traumas lead to neuroprotection by preconditioning mechanisms. To determine which genes and pathways are most likely involved in specific adaptive effects, immature hippocampal cultures were exposed to a single high dose of glutamate (250 μM), NMDA (100 μM), or KA (300 μM) for 48 h (5–7 DIV) based on our prior “two hit” in vitro model of preconditioning. Transcriptome profiling and immunocytochemistry of gene candidates were performed 7 days later when cultured neurons mature (14 DIV). Many genes were up- and down- regulated involving distinct Ca2+-binding protein families, G-coupled proteins, various growth factors, synaptic vesicle docking factors, certain neurotransmitter receptors, heat shock, oxidative stress, and certain anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene members that influence neuronal survival. Immunohistochemistry showed a marked decrease in the number of Calb1 and Calm2 positive neurons following NMDA but not after glutamate exposure whereas ryanodine and Cav1.2 voltage gated channel expression was less affected. Survivors had marked increases in Calm2 immunostaining; however, high-density neural clusters observed in controls, were depleted after NMDA and partly diminished after glutamate. While NR1 mRNA expression was decreased in the microarray, specific antibodies revealed selective loss of the NR1C1 splice variant. Calm2 which can inactivate NMDA receptors by binding to C1 but not C2 regions of its NR1 subunit suggests that loss of the C1 splice variant will reduce co-regulation with Calm2 and alter NR1 trafficking, phosphorylation, and NMDA currents following early life NMDA exposure. A dramatic reduction in the density of GABAAα5 and GABAB receptor expressing neurons was observed after NMDA exposure but immunodensity measurements were unchanged as was the expression of the GABA synthesizing enzyme, GAD, suggesting that fast inhibitory neurotransmission and response to benzodiazepines and GABAB-mediated IPSPs may be preserved in matured survivors. Selective upregulation of Chat and CNRIP was detected after glutamate treatment suggesting this condition would decrease cholinergic and excitatory neurotransmission by decreasing Ach content and CB1 interacting protein function. This decrease likely contributes to memory and attention tasks deficits that follow a single early neurological insult. Diverse changes that follow overactivation of excitatory networks of immature neurons appear long-lasting or permanent and are expected to have profound effects on network function and adaptive responses to further insult.
Development practices and ordinances predict inter-city variation in Florida urban tree canopy coverage

Abstract Many cities around the world have set ambitious urban tree canopy cover goals, with the expectation that urban forests will provide ecosystem services as functional green infrastructure. Numerous studies have examined intra-city spatial patterns in urban tree canopy (UTC) and found that UTC relates to socioeconomic indicators and urban form. Additionally, a few studies have shown local regulations can be linked to increased tree cover. However, the relationship between UTC and governance across different cities has not been well-explored. To address this gap, we compared the management practices enacted by 43 municipalities in Florida (United States) to investigate their potential impact on tree canopy coverage. UTC was assessed through visual interpretation of aerial images. We used multiple linear regression to predict inter-city variation in UTC based on 1) municipal forestry management practices, including whether the municipality had an arborist, tree ordinances, a municipal tree inventory, and a canopy cover goal, and 2) community sociodemographic data. UTC ranged between 17.6% and 63.3% among the municipalities assessed, with an average UTC of 33.7%. Two factors significantly predicted canopy coverage. Housing density had a negative relationship with tree canopy (P-value = 0.0116). In contrast, municipalities with heritage tree protections had 6.7% more canopy coverage (P-value = 0.0476). Future research should continue to consider the potential impacts of governance structures on the spatiotemporal dynamics of inter- and intra-city UTC patterns.
Thermal zoning for building HVAC design and energy simulation: A literature review

Abstract Building energy simulation programs can be useful tools in evaluating building energy performance during a building's lifecycle, both at the design and operation stages. In addition, simulating building energy usage has become a key strategy in designing high performance buildings that can better meet the needs of society without consuming excess resources. Therefore, it is important to provide accurate predictions of building energy performance in building design and construction projects. Although many previous studies have addressed the accuracy of building energy simulations, very few studies of this subject have mentioned the importance of Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) thermal zoning strategies to sustainable building design. This research provides a systematic literature review of building thermal zoning for building energy simulation. This work also reviews previous definitions of HVAC thermal zoning and its application in building energy simulation programs, including those appearing in earlier studies of the development of new thermal zoning methods for simulation modeling. The results indicate that future research is needed to develop a well-documented and accurate thermal zoning method capable of assisting designers with their building energy simulation needs.
Template-guided selection of RNA ligands using imine-based dynamic combinatorial chemistry

This study establishes the applicability of imine-based dynamic combinatorial chemistry to discover non-covalent ligands for RNA targets. We elucidate properties underlying the reactivity of arylamines and demonstrate target-guided amplification of tight binders in an amiloride-based dynamic library.
Microbial Biofuels: An Economic and Eco-Friendly Approach

Biofuels in recent years have turned out as an environment friendly and cost-effective approach to sustain the rising demand of energy for the growing population. Development of efficient methods for biofuel production using plants and microbes has gained considerable attention. Thus, a different generation of biofuels, i.e. first generation, second generation, third generation, fourth generation, and currently next generation of biofuels has evolved. Each generation overcame the limitations of the earlier generation and differs basically in the substrate being used for the production. For efficient biofuel production researchers and companies have evolved various methods and compositions and acquired respective patents. Also, machineries involved in biofuel production have evolved over time at the laboratory as well as the industrial level. Different countries have formulated various policies and laws to encourage the use of these renewable sources of fuels to overcome the problem of pollution. This chapter encompasses all these aspects related to biofuels with special emphasis on biofuel production utilizing microbes.
[Breast milk composition and influencing factors of the Han, Bai and Dai nationalities in Yunnan Province in 2011-2012].

Objective Analysis of breast milk composition and influencing factors of the Han, Bai and Dai nationalities in Yunnan Province from 2010 to 2012. Methods To choose two typical ethnic minorities-Bai and Dai in Yunnan province with high density of minorities population by using cross-sectional survey and multi-stage cluster sampling. 1053 aged 0-9 month babies and their healthy mothers with the first delivery of Dai, Bai and Han were selected as samples from Heqing county of Dali and Xishuangbanna city where most population were Bai and Dai people. The mothers were surveyed with the questionnaire and their breast milk was collected for the determination of the content of protein, fat and carbohydrate of breast milk; to evaluate the nutrition status of babies by using Z-scoremethod and to analyze the result by using multiple factors analysis of stepwise regression method. Results The contents of protein, fat and carbohydrate from the three nationalities breast milk are as follows. First, the protein, fat and carbohydrate from Han woman were( 1. 509 ± 0. 700), ( 3. 613 ± 1. 491) and( 6. 168 ± 0. 599) g/100 mL, respectively. Secondly, those of Dai nationality the lastrias breast milk were( 1. 464 ±0. 980), ( 2. 843 ± 1. 434) and( 6. 386 ± 0. 652) g/100 mL. Finally, those from Bai people were( 1. 567 ± 0. 724), ( 3. 791 ± 1. 643) and( 6. 190 ± 0. 669) g/100 mL. Morbidities of the babies sample including Han, Bai and Dai nationalities underweight, growth retardation and emaciation were 3. 80%( 40/1053), 5. 14%( 54/1051), 2. 39%( 25/1045). With other variables excluded, within one month after postpartum, breading mothers' milk was lower in fat due to their more outdoor activities and intake of olive and sesame oil compared with those who took peanut and soybean oil. More than 60 days after delivery, the more iodated salt and the more eating yellow fruits the mothers took in within one month by eating yellow fruits, the higher of fat content their breast milk was. More than 60 days after delivery, the more iodated salt the mothers take in within one month, the lower of carbohydrate content their breast milk was. Meanwhile the more number of pregnancy and more intake of olive and sesame oil comparing with peanut and soybean oil, the higher of carbohydrate content. The less of protein content of female babies compared with male babies their breast milk was. The lastrias who took in olive and sesame oil had less protein content of the breast milk compared with those taking in peanut and soybean oil. The lastrias who took in milk or milk products within 60 days after delivery had higher protein content of the breast milk. Conclusion Nutrition problems of babies under 1 year old in Yunnan Province still exist. Breast milk contents of breast-feed mothers of Han, Dai and Bai can be influenced by a lot of factors, such as baby sex, pregnant times, outdoor activities in daytime and dietary intake of breast-feed mother.
Next-generation sequencing capacity and capabilities within the National Animal Health Laboratory Network

With the cost of next-generation sequencing (NGS) decreasing, this technology is rapidly being integrated into the workflows of veterinary clinical and diagnostic laboratories nationwide. The mission of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) is in part to evaluate new technologies and develop standardized processes for deploying these technologies to network laboratories for improving detection and response to emerging and foreign animal diseases. Thus, in 2018, the NAHLN identified the integration of NGS into the network as a top priority. In order to assess the current state of preparedness across NAHLN laboratories and to identify which have the capability for performing NGS, a questionnaire was developed by the NAHLN Methods Technical Working Group and submitted to all NAHLN laboratories in December 2018. Thirty of 59 laboratories completed the questionnaire, of which 18 (60%) reported having some sequencing capability. Multiple sequencing platforms and reagents were identified, and limited standardized quality control parameters were reported. Our results confirm that NGS capacity is available within the NAHLN, but several gaps remain. Gaps include not having sufficient personnel trained in bioinformatics and data interpretation, lack of standardized methods and equipment, and maintenance of sufficient computing capacity to meet the growing demand for this technology.
Management of a Splenic Artery Aneurysm in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy.

Background Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is a rare but potentially fatal complication associated with high maternal and fetal mortality when occurring during pregnancy. Case A 29-year-old G4P3003 at 34 4/7 weeks of gestation was admitted with left upper quadrant pain and newly diagnosed SAA in the hilum. She was scheduled for embolization of the SAA but the night before went into labor. A multidisciplinary team discussion was held, and the patient underwent successful primary low transverse c-section via Pfannenstiel skin incision followed by laparoscopic splenectomy under general anesthesia. She delivered a male newborn with birth weight of 2855 and Apgar score of 8/5. Summary and Conclusion. Early diagnosis and management of SAA are key for improved maternal and fetal outcomes. Our case demonstrates that through a multidisciplinary approach and anticipation of the possible clinical scenarios, good outcomes can be achieved.
Pondweeds of Florida

This new 9-page factsheet describes the defining characteristics of the eleven pondweed species that are present in Florida. It serves as a pondweed identification guide for aquatic habitat managers, lake monitors, conservationists, and plant enthusiasts, and it gives some context on each species’ life history and ecological role. Written by Christine Rohal, Laura Reynolds, Carrie Reinhardt Adams, and Charles Martin, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss686
Population genetic analysis of lettuce big-vein disease viruses and their vector fungi Olpidium virulentus in Ankara province, Turkey

Abstract Lettuce big-vein disease (LBVD) is caused by either Mirafiori lettuce big-vein virus (MiLBVV) alone, or co-infected with Lettuce big-vein associated virus (LBVaV). Both viruses are transmitted by the fungal vector Olpidium spp. In the present study, population genetics of these two viruses and their fungal vector, O. virulentus, were analyzed, using the nucleotide sequences of the virus coat protein (CP) partial genes and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of the vector fungi. The analysis was conducted along with all previously reported LBVD viruses and Olpidium spp. populations. We used conventional PCR techniques to identify the viruses in lettuce samples and their fungal vector in soil samples collected from the root zone of field-grown lettuce plants in the Ankara province of Turkey. Phylogenetic analyses showed that LBVD viruses had at least two evolutionary lineages, and Ankara LBVD isolates were more closely related to the European populations. Also, we found that there is a strong negative selection pressure in the partial CP genes of LBVD viruses isolated from Ankara, due to the effective terrestrial climate. The negative selection pressure indicates balancing selection within Turkish isolates and other populations. The population of O. virulentus isolates from Ankara and other geographic regions were branched into five sub-clades, and there was no geographical separation in these isolates. Our analysis also showed Olpidium spp. to be monophyletic, and showed speciation among the isolates.
Positive psychological states and stress responses in caregivers of adults receiving an allogeneic bone marrow transplant: A study protocol.

Aims This protocol directs a study that aims to: (a) describe the caregiver's experience over 8-12 weeks after an index adult patient's allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) for advanced cancer using a case-oriented approach and mixed methods, with qualitative methods in the foreground; and (b) explore networks of relationships among psycho-neurological symptoms, positive psychological states and caregiver health. Design Case-oriented longitudinal design using multiple data types and analytic approaches. Methods Data will be collected from 10-12 caregivers. The sample will be recruited from a large public hospital in the southeastern United States using maximum variation sampling (e.g., caregiver race/ethnicity, relationship to patient, age, education, and number of caregiving roles). Participants will be asked to complete weekly surveys, have their blood drawn bi-weekly and participate in an interview each month during the study period (~100 days). Aim 1 analysis will include directed content analysis and case-oriented visual analysis. Aim 2 analysis will include symptom network estimation of psycho-neurological symptoms, positive psychological states, and caregiver health. Institutional review board approval was obtained August 2018. Discussion Results will provide an in-depth description of caregivers' experiences in the 100 days after BMT. Findings will inform generation of hypotheses and identification of targets for interventions to improve caregiver's experiences after BMT. Impact This in-depth multi-method longitudinal study to describe caregivers of adult patients receiving an allogeneic BMT is an essential step in understanding caregivers' complex responses to chronic stress and the role of positive psychological states. The results from this study will inform future research on chronic stress processes, intense caregiving, and intervention development.
The otolaryngologic manifestations of Sotos syndrome 1: A systematic review.

Abstract Objectives Sotos syndrome 1 (SOTOS1; MIM:117550) is rare genetic disorder characterized by excessive physical growth before and after birth, distinctive facial features, a large and elongated head, and intellectual disability (Sotos et al., 1964; Tatton-Brown et al., 1993). This systematic review aims to determine otolaryngologic conditions and complications of SOTOS1 based on existing literature through a review of current and past case reports and studies regarding SOTOS1. Methods A systematic review of all published literature (1964–2020) describing otolaryngologic conditions and/or complications of patients with SOTOS1. Twenty journal articles met inclusion criteria. These articles included 160 patients diagnosed with SOTOS1. Results Of the 160 individuals with SOTOS1 included in this review, 22 (14%) were reported to have otologic conditions. 4 (3%) individuals were reported to have conditions involving the thyroid and parathyroid glands. 2 (1%) individuals were reported to have head & neck tumors. 39 (24%) individuals were reported to have congenital malformations or abnormalities of the head & neck. 47 (29%) individuals were reported to have feeding difficulties. 16% of individuals were reported to have other otolaryngologic conditions. Conclusions Our review found multiple otolaryngologic conditions present in patients with SOTOS1, including hearing loss, otitis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, head & neck tumors, congenital malformations (high arched palate, cleft lip and palate, macroglossia), feeding difficulties, respiratory difficulties, and speech disorders. Additional studies should be conducted to further assess these associations.
Stacking AsFMT overexpression with BdPMT loss of function enhances monolignol ferulate production in Brachypodium distachyon.

To what degree can the lignin subunits in a monocot be derived from monolignol ferulate (ML-FA) conjugates? This simple question comes with a complex set of variables. Three potential requirements for optimizing ML-FA production are: 1) The presence of an active FERULOYL-CoA MONOLIGNOL TRANSFERASE (FMT) enzyme throughout monolignol production; 2) Suppression or elimination of enzymatic pathways competing for monolignols and intermediates during lignin biosynthesis; and 3) Exclusion of alternative phenolic compounds that participate in lignification. A 16-fold increase in lignin-bound ML-FA incorporation was observed by introducing an AsFMT gene into Brachypodium distachyon. On its own, knocking out the native p-COUMAROYL-CoA MONOLIGNOL TRANSFERASE (BdPMT) pathway that competes for monolignols and the p-coumaroyl-CoA intermediate did not change ML-FA incorporation, nor did partial loss of CINNAMOYL-CoA REDUCTASE1 (CCR1) function, which reduced metabolic flux to monolignols. However, stacking AsFMT into the Bdpmt-1 mutant resulted in a 32-fold increase in ML-FA incorporation into lignin over the wild-type level.