cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal phosphoprotein distribution and associated cytokine response of a traumatic injury.

Molecular mechanisms of wound healing have been extensively characterized, providing a better understanding of the processes involved in wound repair and offering advances in treatment methods. Both spatial and temporal investigations of injury biomarkers have helped to pinpoint significant time points and locations during the recovery process, which may be vital in managing the injury and making the appropriate diagnosis. This study addresses spatial and temporal differences of phosphoproteins found in skeletal muscle tissue following a traumatic femur fracture, which were further compared to co-localized cytokine responses. In particular, several proteins (Akt, ERK, c-Jun, CREB, JNK, MEK1, and p38) and post-translational phosphorylations (p-Akt, p-c-Jun, p-CREB, p-ERK1/2, p-MEK1, p-p38, p-GSK3α/β, p-HSP27, p-p70S6K, and p-STAT3) associated with inflammation, new tissue formation, and remodeling were found to exhibit significant spatial and temporal differences in response to the traumatic injury. Quadratic discriminant analysis of all measured responses, including cytokine concentrations from previously published findings, was used to classify temporal and spatial observations at high predictive rates, further confirming that distinct spatiotemporal distributions for total protein, phosphorylation signaling, and cytokine (IL-1α, IL-1s, IL2, IL6, TNF-α, and MIP-1α) responses exist. Finally, phosphoprotein measurements were found to be significantly correlated to cytokine concentrations, suggesting coordinated intracellular and extracellular activity during crucial periods of repair. This study represents a first attempt to monitor and assess integrated changes in extracellular and intracellular signaling in response to a traumatic injury in muscle tissues, which may provide a framework for future research to improve both our understanding of wounds and their treatment options.
Inhibitory Effect of Ondansetron on Glycine Response of Dissociated Rat Hippocampal Neurons

We examined the effect of ondansetron, an antagonist of type 3 serotonin receptors, on the whole cell response of freshly isolated hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of neonatal and “mature” rats to glycine using the gramicidin perforated patch technique. Ondansetron depressed the current induced by subsaturating concentrations of glycine (IGly) in a concentration-dependent manner. The ondansetron concentration needed to depress IGly induced by 30 μM glycine to half amplitude was 25 μM. Ondansetron (54 μM) shifted the glycine concentration-response curve to the right in a parallel manner, increasing the EC50 for glycine from 40 ± 3 μM to 70 ± 5 μM. Ondansetron increased the time constant of activation of IGly without affecting the time constant of deactivation. When examined under current clamp conditions, glycine induced depolarization and hyperpolarization in neonatal and mature neurons, respectively; ondansetron also suppressed these responses to glycine. The data suggest that ondansetron competitively inhibits the glycine receptor.
PHOSPHORYLATION OF THE EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR AT THREONINE 654 INHIBITS LIGAND-INDUCED INTERNALIZATION AND DOWN-REGULATION

To assess the functional significance of phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor at Thr654, we compared the effects of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA) on ligand-induced internalization and down-regulation between wild-type and mutant receptors that contain an alanine substitution at position 654. Activation of protein kinase C with TPA blocked EGF-induced internalization and down-regulation of Thr654 receptors and inhibited in vivo tyrosine kinase activity by 80%. TPA did not inhibit transferrin receptor internalization or constitutive EGF receptor internalization, suggesting that protein kinase C activation inhibits only the ligand-induced process. Inhibition by TPA of induced internalization, down-regulation, and kinase activity required threonine at position 654 since full-length Ala654 EGF receptors were significantly resistant to TPA inhibition of these ligand-induced activities. However, C'-terminal truncation further enhanced this resistance to TPA inhibition. The EGF-dependent internalization of kinase-inactive receptors truncated at residue 1022 was also impaired by TPA in Thr654 receptors, but not in Ala654 receptors, indicating that phosphorylation at Thr654 also interferes with tyrosine kinase-independent receptor activities. We conclude that the dominant regulatory effect of protein kinase C on the EGF receptor is mediated through phosphorylation at Thr654 which effectively inactivates the receptor. The submembrane region of the EGF receptor appears to regulate transmission of conformational information from the extracellular ligand-binding site to the cytoplasmic kinase and regulatory domains.
Time trends of US hospitalization for esophageal disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The occurrence of reflux disease seems to be rising in the United States. The aim of the present study was to follow the time trends of hospitalization for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other esophageal disease during the past 4 decades. METHODS US hospital utilization data were available for individual years from 1970 to 2010 through the National Hospital Discharge Survey. Esophageal diagnoses were stratified by their ninth revision of the International Classification of Diseases codes. Annual hospitalizations were expressed as rates per 100,000 living US population. RESULTS GERD was by far the most common esophageal disorder resulting in hospitalization. However, in only 5% of instances did GERD-related diagnoses constitute the primary cause of hospitalization. Between 1970 and 2010 the rates of GERD-related hospitalizations increased in an exponential manner almost 10-fold. This rise affected both sex and all age groups alike. A 3-fold rise was noted in hospitalizations for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Other esophageal diagnoses, such as achalasia, dyskinesia, or stricture were characterized by falling or stable trends. CONCLUSIONS US hospitalization data show a continued exponential rise in the occurrence of GERD without any signs of leveling off. These trends are likely to represent ongoing changes in the underlying incidence and prevalence of the disease.
GIS Aided Shallow Sliding Potential Map for Natural Slopes

A 1:25,000 scale topographic map of Maki Village of Japan was digitized. Based on the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of 2 m cell size that was prepared with the digitized contours, spatial distribution of slope gradient was calculated for the entire village. About 70% of the slopes in the Village are formed in tertiary mudstone, having varying degree of weathering. Soil samples were collected from 150 locations of different geological formations and degree of weathering. Residual shear strength, plasticity limits, USCS classification, chemical composition, and mineralogical composition of the soil specimen were measured. A distribution map of existing shallow landslides was also prepared for the entire area. Based on the average dimensions of the shallow slides, and the “layers” of other slope stability parameters, 3D slope stability analysis was done covering the entire village. Assuming a safety factor of unity for the existing slides, the proportion of mobilized shear strength to the residual shear strength was back calculated. Those proportions were used to predict the hazard potential.
Wavelength-Selective Disruption and Triggered Release with Photolabile Polyelectrolyte Multilayers

This paper describes photosensitive polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs), constructed using layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly, which contain polymers that comprise combinations of photocleavable methacrylate esters and photoinert cationic methacrylate esters. The solubility of these polymers in aqueous base depends upon irradiation with either ultraviolet or visible light. PEMs with dialkylaminocoumarin groups dissolve upon irradiation with visible light, while analogous films with nitrobenzyl ester-substituted polymers dissolve upon irradiation with UV light. Wavelength-selective release of fluorescent polymers as guests is demonstrated using this approach.
Comparison and analysis on harmonic suppression of EV charging station

In order to propose reasonable method of harmonic suppression for EV charging station, three methods that are 6-pulse rectifier with APF, 12-pulse rectifier, and PWM rectifiers are analyzed and compared. Firstly,the corresponding simulation model of charger and charging station are built based on the principle of EV charger and the main methods of harmonic suppression. Then the harmonic content and power factor for different simulation models are researched. At the same time, the advantages and disadvantages of different simulation models are studied according to the results of simulation, the use of performance and economy. At last, the improvement measures and development direction for three methods are proposed. The result shows that 12-pulse rectifier with LC filter can be used to suppress the harmonic of charging station; APF compensation with LC filter is more suitable for that and it will be a universal one for a period of time; PWM rectifier will be the ultimate way for that when the cost of it becomes lower.
Strain-controlled fundamental gap and structure of bulk black phosphorus

We study theoretically the structural and electronic response of layered bulk black phosphorus to in-layer strain. Ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the strain energy and interlayer spacing display a strong anisotropy with respect to the uniaxial strain direction. To correctly describe the dependence of the fundamental band gap on strain, we used the computationally more involved GW quasiparticle approach that is free of parameters and is superior to DFT studies, which are known to underestimate gap energies. We find that the band gap depends sensitively on the in-layer strain and even vanishes at compressive strain values exceeding $\ensuremath{\approx}2$%, thus suggesting a possible application of black P in strain-controlled infrared devices.
Revisiting the Ecosystem Concept: Important Features That Promote Generality and Understanding

This chapter address the issue of whether the ecosystem concept is too abstract to be useful by evaluating aspects of the concept. The focus is on boundaries that separate the internal from the external, allowing the establishment of budgets and on inclusiveness and flexibility in defining the internal components of ecosystems. Evaluation of these aspects leads to a consideration of whether it is possible to generalize about ecosystems and to develop predictions about their responses both to internal and external changes.
Converting exotic forages to native warm-season grass can increase avian productivity in beef production systems

Abstract Grasslands are among the most imperiled ecosystems in the world, and establishment of exotic forage grasses and management for uniform utilization may have contributed to population declines of many obligate grassland bird species in North America. Native warm-season grasses (NWSG) are increasingly promoted as viable alternatives to exotic forages currently in production such as bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), but structure of native bunchgrasses also may offer nesting habitat for birds such as the dickcissel (Spiza americana). Establishing NWSG pastures may thereby create an opportunity for land-sharing, where agriculture incorporates biodiversity-friendly practices. We investigated dickcissel responses to NWSG and grazing at the Prairie Research Unit in Monroe Co., Mississippi (USA), where we established a gradient of management intensity among four treatments in small, operational-scale pastures (6.4–10.5 ha). Treatments included grazed exotic forages, two grazed NWSG treatments including Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) monoculture and grazed mixed NWSG polyculture of Indian grass, little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), and a non-grazed NWSG polyculture treatment. We applied a multi-state capture-recapture model in a Bayesian framework to estimate dickcissel nest density and productivity while accounting for nest stage-specific variation in survival and detection. Nest density and productivity were consistently greater in non-grazed NWSG than grazed exotic pasture, whereas productivity in grazed NWSG treatments was intermediate but declined between years. We also found that variation in survival and density did not always correspond with estimated productivity, and thus solely relying on either parameter may be misleading when making inferences on habitat quality. These results suggest a positive response to NWSG among dickcissels in this system, but grazing may reduce nest site abundance, and consequently productivity. Native warm-season forages may be a viable land-sharing alternative by increasing productivity of tall structure specialists such as dickcissels compared with exotic grass pastures currently in production, but grazing should be managed to ensure abundance of tall vegetation structure for nest sites.
Genome-wide Association Analysis for Drought Tolerance and Associated Traits in Common Bean

A genome-wide association study explored the genetic basis of variation for drought tolerance and related traits in a Middle American diversity panel comprising 96 common bean ( L.) genotypes. The panel was grown under irrigated and rainfed conditions and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data were used to explore the genetic diversity and ancestry of the panel. Varying levels of admixtures and distinctly divergent individuals were observed. Estimations of genome-wide heterozygosity revealed that, on average, greater diversity is present in individuals with Mesoamerica (3.8%) ancestry, followed by admixed individuals (2.3%). The race Durango had the lowest level of heterozygosity (1.4%). We report 27 significant marker-trait associations based on best linear unbiased predictors. These associations include seven markers for shoot biomass at harvest under irrigation and five markers under rainfed conditions on () chromosome 11, two markers for shoot biomass at flowering under irrigation on 02 and 08, two markers for seed size under irrigated and rainfed conditions on 09, seven markers for lodging score under irrigation on 02 and 07, one marker for leaf elongation rate on 03 and one for wilting score on 11. Positional candidate genes, including on 11, associated with wilting, were identified. The SNP ss715639327 marker was located in the exon region of the gene, which codes for an aquaporin associated with water movement in beans. Significant quantitative trait loci identified in this study could be used in marker-assisted breeding to accelerate genetic improvement of drought tolerance in common bean.
Intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin was effective for achalasia

Source Citation Pasricha PJ, Ravich WJ, Hendrix TR, et al. Intrasphincteric botulinum toxin for the treatment of achalasia. N Engl J Med. 1995 Mar 23;322:774-8.
Fungi in the Wound Microbiome.

Significance: Culture-independent methods have revealed the diverse and dynamic bacterial communities that colonize chronic wounds. Only recently have studies begun to examine fungal colonization and interactions with the bacterial component of the microbiome, their relationship with the host, and influence on wound outcomes. Recent Advances: Studies using culture-independent sequencing methods reveal that fungi often go undetected in wounds. Candida spp. and Cladosporidium spp. are the most commonly identified fungi in wounds. The wound environment may promote multispecies biofilm formation between bacteria and fungi in wounds, with implications for pathogenicity, treatment, and outcomes. Critical Issues: Identifying microorganisms that are problematic for healing will require a comprehensive understanding of all members of the polymicrobial wound community, including fungi and bacteria. Improved reference databases and bioinformatics tools for studying fungal communities will stimulate further research ...
Chaos Theory and Complex Macroeconomic Dynamics

Chaos and complexity theory have entered the old debate between Classicals and Keynesians regarding the nature of macroeconomic fluctuations and the ability and desirability of government efforts to stabilize them. In its recent incarnation between New Classicals and New Keynesian both sides have used the assumption of rational expectations to varying degrees. For the New Classicals (Lucas, 1972, 1975; Barro, 1974; Kydland and Prescott, 1982; and Long and Plosser, 1983) real business cycles arise from exogenous supply-side shocks to a basically stable economy which lead to fluctuations due to sectoral or labor market misperceptions or “time-tobuild” lags in capital investment. Government stabilization policies will be ineffective if systematic and non-optimal if effective. This view of the economy as a basically stable (and linear) system whose fluctuations derive from random exogenous shocks is due to Frisch (1933) and Slutzky (1937).
Chaos, Complexity, Self-Regulating Systems, and Postformal Thought

In Chapters 5 and 6, we examined two 20th-century worldviews that relate to my theory of adult logical development, the Theory of Postformal Thought. Those worldviews are the original, basic ideas of the new physics, and ideas of general systems theory (GST). Although there are ancient and current cultural, philosophical, and spiritual metaphors that bear some resemblance to these theories (e.g., J. Campbell, 1988; Capra, 1975; Underwood, 1993), in mainstream science, both sets descended from physics. These two related ways of describing complex interactions over time are joined in this chapter by a third set of concepts, namely, the ideas of chaos theory, complexity theory, self-regulating systems, and new biology. These concepts also arise from physics to some extent, but are grounded even more strongly in computer science and biology. The theories in this chapter share common bonds with each other and overlap with new physics (Chapter 5) and GST (Chapter 6), yet each is distinct. All are relatively unknown, except by scientists on the cutting edge of their disciplines. All seem useful as worldviews or methods for the study of life-span development, especially for the study of cognitive development. All have helped form my thinking.
Rugged spin-polarized electron sources based on negative electron affinity GaAs photocathode with robust Cs2Te coating

Photocathodes capable of providing high intensity and highly spin-polarized electron beams with long operational lifetimes are of great interest for the next generation nuclear physics facilities like Electron Ion Colliders. We report on GaAs photocathodes activated by Cs2Te, a material well known for its robustness. GaAs activated by Cs2Te forms Negative Electron Affinity, and the lifetime for extracted charge is improved by a factor of 5 compared to that of GaAs activated by Cs and O2. The spin polarization of photoelectrons was measured using a Mott polarimeter and found to be independent from the activation method, thereby shifting the paradigm on spin-polarized electron sources employing photocathodes with robust coatings.
Beta-2 adrenergic receptors increase TREG cell suppression in an OVA-induced allergic asthma mouse model when mice are moderate aerobically exercised

The potency of T regulatory (TREG) cells to inhibit T helper (Th)-driven immune cell responses has been linked to increased intracellular cyclic-AMP (cAMP) levels of TREG cells. In an ovalbumin (OVA)-driven allergic asthma mouse model, moderate aerobic exercise increases TREG cell function in a contact-dependent manner that leads to a significant reduction in chronic inflammation and restoration of lung function. However, the mechanism, whereby exercise increases TREG function, remains unknown and was the focus of these investigations. Exercise can communicate with TREG cells by their expression of β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR). Activation of these receptors results in an increase in intracellular levels of cyclic-AMP, potentially creating a potent inhibitor of Th cell responses. For the allergic asthma model, female wildtype BALB/c mice were challenged with OVA, and exercised (13.5 m/min for 45 min) 3×/week for 4 weeks. TREG cells were isolated from all mouse asthma/exercise groups, including β2-AR−/− mice, to test suppressive function and intracellular cAMP levels. In these studies, cAMP levels were increased in TREG cells isolated from exercised mice. When β2-AR expression was absent on TREG cells, cAMP levels were significantly decreased. Correlatively, their suppressive function was compromised. Next, TREG cells from all mouse groups were tested for suppressive function after treatment with either a pharmaceutical β2-adrenergic agonist or an effector-specific cAMP analogue. These experiments showed TREG cell function was increased when treated with either a β2-adrenergic agonist or effector-specific cAMP analogue. Finally, female wildtype BALB/c mice were antibody-depleted of CD25+CD4+ TREG cells (anti-CD25). Twenty-four hours after TREG depletion, either β2-AR−/− or wildtype TREG cells were adoptively transferred. Recipient mice underwent the asthma/exercise protocols. β2-AR−/− TREG cells isolated from these mice showed no increase in TREG function in response to moderate aerobic exercise. These studies offer a novel role for β2-AR in regulating cAMP intracellular levels that can modify suppressive function in TREG cells.
A trial of type 12 purinergic (P2Y12) receptor inhibition with prasugrel identifies a potentially distinct endotype of patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

Background Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by asthma, recurrent nasal polyposis, and respiratory reactions on ingestion of COX-1 inhibitors. Increased numbers of platelet-leukocyte aggregates are present in the sinus tissue and blood of patients with AERD compared with that of aspirin-tolerant patients, and platelet activation can contribute to aspirin-induced reactions. Objective We sought to determine whether treatment with prasugrel, which inhibits platelet activation by blocking the type 12 purinergic (P2Y12) receptor, would attenuate the severity of sinonasal and respiratory symptoms induced during aspirin challenge in patients with AERD. Methods Forty patients with AERD completed a 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of prasugrel. All patients underwent oral aspirin challenges after 4 weeks of prasugrel and after 4 weeks of placebo. The primary outcome was a change in the provocative dose of aspirin that would elicit an increase in Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) of 2 points. Changes in lung function, urinary eicosanoids, plasma tryptase, platelet-leukocyte aggregates, and platelet activation were also recorded. Results Prasugrel did not significantly change the mean increase in TNSS of 2 points (79 ± 15 for patients receiving placebo and 139 ± 32 for patients receiving prasugrel, P = .10), platelet-leukocyte aggregates, or increases in urinary leukotriene E4 and prostaglandin D2 metabolite levels during aspirin-induced reactions in the study population as a whole. Five subjects (responders) reacted to aspirin while receiving placebo but did not have any reaction to aspirin challenge after the prasugrel arm. In contrast to prasugrel nonresponders (35 subjects), the prasugrel responders had smaller reaction-induced increases in TNSS; did not have significant aspirin-induced increases in urinary leukotriene E4, prostaglandin D2 metabolite, or thromboxane B2 levels; and did not display increases in serum tryptase levels during aspirin reactions on the placebo arm, all of which were observed in the nonresponders. Conclusion In the overall study population, prasugrel did not attenuate aspirin-induced symptoms, possibly because it failed to decrease the frequencies of platelet-adherent leukocytes or to diminish aspirin-induced mast cell activation. In a small subset of patients with AERD who had greater baseline platelet activation and milder upper respiratory symptoms during aspirin-induced reactions, P2Y12 receptor antagonism with prasugrel completely inhibited all aspirin-induced reaction symptoms, suggesting a contribution from P2Y12 receptor signaling in this subset.
Resistance spot weld failure mode and weld performance for aluminum alloys

Abstract: This chapter discusses the relationship between fusion zone size and weld performance for aluminum resistance spot welds. Weld performance in terms of failure modes, static strength and energy absorption is examined using a combined experimental, statistical and analytical approach. The main failure modes for aluminum spot welds are nugget pullout and interfacial fracture. It is found that fusion zone size, sheet thickness and the level and location of weld porosity/defects are the main factors influencing the cross-tension failure mode of an aluminum spot weld. Two additional spot weld populations with different fusion zone sizes are used to validate the analytical failure mode model.
Fault Tolerance in Analog VLSI: Case Study of a Focal Plane Processor

Biological systems provide good architectural models for information processing hardware. Difficult problems in machine perception and complex motor control are solved in a natural way by energy efficient and robust neural systems. Hopfield in his seminal paper [1] on physical systems with emergent computational abilities envisioned a new breed of integrated circuits that could implement such systems and would be much less sensitive to element failure than present day computers. Analog VLSI is a technology suitable for the implementation of synthetic neural systems [2, 3] on silicon.
Evaluation of Outcomes From an Online Nurse Residency Program.

OBJECTIVEThis retrospective study examined the nurse outcomes from new-graduate nurse residents completing an online nurse residency program (NRP).BACKGROUNDStudies have shown that hospital-based NRPs help new graduates transition from beginners to competent nurses. However, NRPs can tax the resourc
The dynamics of hovering flight in hummingbirds, insects and bats with implications for aerial robotics

We analyze the effects of morphology and wing kinematics on the performance of hovering flight. We present a simplified dynamical model with body translational and rotational degrees of freedom that incorporates the flapping, long-axis wing rotation and folding of the wing. To validate our simulation, we compare our results with direct measurements from hovering insects, hummingbirds and bats. Results show that long-axis wing rotation angle (a proxy for pronation) has a significant effect on energy efficiency. For a given wing rotation amplitude, the hovering system has a power-optimal flapping frequency for each stroke-plane orientation, and that frequency closely corresponds to the wingbeat frequencies observed in a diverse range of hummingbird species. We find that larger animals (with larger total mass and wing size), such as bats, require more power to maintain a stable hovering orbit and that hovering with a constant wingspan becomes increasingly impractical with increasing body size. We show, as an exemplar, that for a system of the size of a hovering bat, e.g. Glossophaga soricina, hovering with constant wingspan is dynamically possible, but is implausible and inefficient. For these conditions, hovering with varying wingspan, retracting the wing on the upstroke, is a more realistic hovering modality.
Lifetime job demands and later life disability

Occupational characteristics may improve or harm health later in life. Previous research, largely based on limited exposure periods, reached mixed conclusions. We use Health and Retirement Study data linked to the Department of Labor's O*Net job classification system to examine the relationship between lifetime exposure to occupational demands and disability later in life. We consistently find an association between non-routine cognitive demands and lower rates of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) receipt and work-limiting health conditions. Routine manual demands are associated with moderately worse health and increased SSDI receipt in most lifetime specifications. These results are robust to various specifications of occupational demand measures and controlling for transitions between jobs of different levels of occupational intensity. We show that failure to account for job characteristic exposure early in a worker's tenure obscures the relationship between physical job demands and disability later in life. While characteristics of jobs worked at ages 30 and 55 are both predictive of later-life health outcomes, early-life job characteristics frequently dominate in models containing early and late exposures.
Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor mechanisms underlie cannabis reward and aversion in rats.

Background and purpose Endocannabinoids are critically involved in brain reward functions, mediated by activation of CB1 receptors, reflecting their high density in the brain. However, the recent discovery of CB2 receptors in the brain, particularly in the midbrain dopamine neurons, has challenged this view and inspired us to re-examine the roles of both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the effects of cannabis. Experimental approach In the present study, we used the electrical intracranial self-stimulation paradigm to evaluate the effects of various cannabinoid drugs on brain reward in laboratory rats and the roles of CB1 and CB2 receptors activation in brain reward function(s). Key results Two mixed CB1 / CB2 receptor agonists, Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC) and WIN55,212-2, produced biphasic effects-mild enhancement of brain-stimulation reward (BSR) at low doses but inhibition at higher doses. Pretreatment with a CB1 receptor antagonist (AM251) attenuated the low dose-enhanced BSR, while a CB2 receptor antagonist (AM630) attenuated high dose-inhibited BSR. To confirm these opposing effects, rats were treated with selective CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists. These compounds produced significant BSR enhancement and inhibition, respectively. Conclusions and implications CB1 receptor activation produced reinforcing effects, whereas CB2 receptor activation was aversive. The subjective effects of cannabis depend on the balance of these opposing effects. These findings not only explain previous conflicting results in animal models of addiction but also explain why cannabis can be either rewarding or aversive in humans, as expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors may differ in the brains of different subjects.
Publication bias towards Western populations harms humanity.

Priti Mulimani, a health-care professional and PhD student, highlights how pressure to publish in high-impact journals that are biased towards research on Western populations obstructs pivotal research on the majority of the world’s population.
Global dynamic optimization using edge-concave underestimator

Optimization of problems with embedded system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is challenging and the difficulty is amplified due to the presence of nonconvexity. In this article, a deterministic global optimization method is presented for systems consisting of an objective function and constraints with integral terms and an embedded set of nonlinear parametric ODEs. The method is based on a branch-and-bound algorithm that uses a new class of underestimators recently proposed by Hasan (J Glob Optim 71:735–752, 2018). At each node of the branch-and-bound tree, instead of using a convex relaxation, an edge-concave underestimator or the linear facets of its convex envelope is used to compute a lower bound. The underestimator is constructed by finding valid upper bounds on the diagonal elements of the Hessian matrix of the nonconvex terms. Time dependent bounds on the state variables and diagonal elements of the Hessian are obtained by solving an auxiliary set of ODEs that is derived using the notion of differential inequalities. The performance of the edge-concave relaxation is compared to other approaches on several test problems.
Diverging trends in US male-female condom use by STI risk factors: a nationally representative study.

Objective Condom use behaviours are proximal to recent STI increases in the USA, yet it remains unclear whether the use of condoms has changed over time among unmarried, non-cohabiting young men who have sex with women (MSW) and how this variability is influenced by STI risk factors. Methods To examine condom use over time among MSW aged 15–29, we used three cross-sectional surveys from the 2002, 2006–2010 and 2011–2017 National Survey of Family Growth. We estimated weighted percentages, adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess changes in condom use, stratified by whether MSW reported any STI risk factors in the past 12 months (ie, perceived partner non-monogamy, male-to-male sex, sex in exchange for money or drugs, sex partner who injects illicit drugs, or an HIV-positive sex partner). Results We observed a divergence in trends in condom use at last sex between men aged 15 –29 with STI risk factors in the past 12 months and those without such history. We saw significant declines in condom use from 2002 to 2011–2017 among men with STI risk factors (APR=0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.95), specifically among those aged 15–19 (APR=0.73, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.94) or non-Hispanic white (APR=0.71, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.93). In contrast, trends in condom use among men with no STI factors remained stable or increased. Across all time periods, the most prevalent STI risk factor reported was perception of a non-monogamous female partner (23.0%–26.9%). Post-hoc analyses examined whether condom use trends changed once this variable was removed from analyses, but no different patterns were observed. Conclusions While STIs have been increasing, men aged 15–29 with STI risk factors reported a decline in condom use. Rising STI rates may be sensitive to behavioural shifts in condom use among young MSW with STI risk factors.
Exploring a Progressive Design-Build Best-Value Delivery Method in Highway Construction

AbstractProgressive design-build (PDB) is being successfully executed in water and wastewater and airport construction projects. Building on the success in these sectors, highway agencies are judic...
A Scoping Review of Behavior Change Interventions to Decrease Health Care Disparities for Patients With Disabilities in a Primary Care Setting: Can Social Marketing Play a Role?:

Background:One in four Americans have a disability but remain an overlooked minority population at risk for health care disparities. Adults with disabilities can be high users of primary care but o...
Severe Dystonia as a Manifestation of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (P1.077)

Objective: We describe a unique case of severe generalized dystonia in a teenage patient affected with West Nile encephalitis (WNE). Background: Viral encephalitides can result in a variety of movement disorders. WNE has been associated with tremor, myoclonus, and parkinsonism. Dystonia has been reported in several cases of the related flavivirus Japanese encephalitis virus, but to date there have been no reports of dystonia described in association with West Nile virus (WNV). Design/Methods: An 18 year-old previously healthy male presented with unresponsiveness after a five day history of fever, malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. On arrival to the emergency center, he had a GCS of 9 and required intubation. CSF was significant for WBC of 220 and protein of 160. WNV IgM was markedly elevated in the CSF, and MRI showed symmetric T2/FLAIR hyperintensities of the bilateral basal ganglia and thalami. The patient was extubated after nine days and initially had some improvement in his mental status, but then declined and developed severe, generalized dystonic posturing that has remained persistent for months following the initial presentation. Results: After the patient’s encephalopathy and posturing worsened, repeat MRI showed stable involvement of the deep gray structures, but with new cortical involvement of the frontal and temporal lobes. A comprehensive infectious and autoimmune workup was repeated and WNV IgM remained positive whereas all other studies were negative. The patient received multiple medications to attempt to alleviate the dystonia including benzodiazepines, carbidopa-levodopa, trihexyphenidyl, and enteral baclofen, without significant improvement. Conclusions: This case demonstrates that severe dystonia can be a complication in WNE, and may prove difficult to manage with oral medications. Additionally, practitioners should be aware that WNE can follow a relapsing course after initial clinical improvement. Disclosure: Dr. Herring has nothing to disclose. Dr. Savitt has nothing to disclose. Dr. Parnes has nothing to disclose.
Is Preoperative Serum Albumin Predictive of Adverse Surgical Outcomes in Maxillofacial Fracture Repair

Abstract Purpose Malnutrition has been recognized as a predictor of postoperative adverse outcomes across many surgical subspecialties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum albumin and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing operative repair of maxillofacial fractures. Methods The authors utilized the 2011 to 2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) databases to identify patients with facial fractures undergoing operative repair. The primary predictor variable was preoperative serum albumin level. Outcome variables included complications and other adverse outcomes occurring within 30 days of the index operation. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression statistics were utilized to evaluate the relationship between serum albumin and adverse outcomes. Results During the study period 1211 subjects underwent operative repair of a facial fracture and had a documented serum albumin level. Of these subjects, 1037 (85.6%) had normal albumin levels and 174 (14.4%) had hypoalbuminemia. A total of 90 subjects experienced a complication (7.43%), although albumin level was not associated with surgical complications or any complication. In bivariate analysis, subjects with hypoalbuminemia were significantly more likely to have an extended length of stay (p ≤ 0.001), adverse discharge disposition (p ≤ 0.001), and be readmitted (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, hypoalbuminemia was an independent predictor of an extended length of stay (p ≤ 0.001, 95% CI 2.50 – 7.62), adverse discharge disposition (p = 0.048, 95% CI 1.01 – 3.75), and readmission (p = 0.041, 95% CI 1.03 – 3.47). Conclusions Serum albumin was not an independent predictor of complications after maxillofacial trauma repair. However, it was an independent predictor of other adverse outcomes including extended length of stay, adverse discharge disposition, and readmission. Targeted nutritional optimization may represent an opportunity to improve outcomes in this demographic.
Neotoma micropus (Southern Plains wood rat)

Identification of the X chromosome is unequivocal, but the Y chromosome is not distinguishable from the two smallest autosomes. The specimens were collected by Mr. James L. Patton from 16km north of Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico.
A Comparative Study of Soot and Carbon Black

Soot is a mixture of particulate carbon with various organic and inorganic components. It is generally formed as an unwanted by-product of combustion; thus, soots differ widely according to the type of fuel, the conditions of combustion, and the method of collection. Chimney soot was the first recognized occupational carcinogen. Its carcinogenicity is due to components other than particulate carbon, especially soluble organic compounds which form a significant portion of such soots1
Multiple-subarc gradient-restoration algorithm, Part 2: Application to a multistage launch vehicle design

In Part 1 (see Ref. 2), a multiple-subarc gradient-restoration algorithm (MSGRA) was developed with the intent of enhancing the robustness of gradient-restoration algorithms and also enlarging the field of applications. Indeed, MSGRA can be applied to optimal control problems involving multiple subsystems as well as discontinuities in the state and control variables at the interface between contiguous subsystems.
Design and singular perturbation control of a piezotube-based nanomanipulator

The need for more sophisticated fabrication techniques and better performing materials is relevant to several fields. Tackling this problem from a bottom-up perspective is currently an active field of research. At this time, the best candidate to achieve smart nanomanipulation is through probe-based nanofabrication. However, a major limitation of existing nanomanipulation systems is the constrained motion and maneuver of the probe. In this paper, we propose a new design of an AFM probe suitable for nanomanipulation. The design relies on active elements that improve the sensing and actuation capabilities of the AFM as a nanomanipulator. In addition, a piezopatch is attached to the cantilever to be able to tune its stiffness in situ. Design considerations and path tracking performance of the proposed probe are analyzed.
Atmospheric pressure arc discharge with ablating graphite anode

The anodic carbon arc discharge is used to produce carbon nanoparticles. Recent experiments with the carbon arc at atmospheric pressure helium demonstrated the enhanced ablation rate for narrow graphite anodes resulting in high deposition rates of carbonaceous products on the copper cathode (Fetterman et al 2008 Carbon 46 1322–6). The proposed model explains these results with interconnected steady-state models of the cathode and the anode processes. When considering cathode functioning, the model predicts circulation of the particles in the near-cathode region: evaporation of the cathode material, ionization of evaporated atoms and molecules in the near-cathode plasma, return of the resulting ions to the cathode, surface recombination of ions and electrons followed again by cathode evaporation etc. In the case of the low anode ablation rate, the ion acceleration in the cathode sheath provides the major cathode heating mechanism. In the case of an intensive anode ablation, an additional cathode heating is due to latent fusion heat of the atomic species evaporated from the anode and depositing at the cathode. Using the experimental arc voltage as the only input discharge parameter, the model allows us to calculate the anode ablation rate. A comparison of the results of calculations with the available experimental data shows reasonable agreement.
GeoSymbio: a hybrid, cloud-based web application of global geospatial bioinformatics and ecoinformatics for Symbiodinium–host symbioses

The genus Symbiodinium encompasses a group of unicellular, photosynthetic dinoflagellates that are found free living or in hospite with a wide range of marine invertebrate hosts including scleractinian corals. We present GeoSymbio, a hybrid web application that provides an online, easy to use and freely accessible interface for users to discover, explore and utilize global geospatial bioinformatic and ecoinformatic data on Symbiodinium–host symbioses. The novelty of this application lies in the combination of a variety of query and visualization tools, including dynamic searchable maps, data tables with filter and grouping functions, and interactive charts that summarize the data. Importantly, this application is hosted remotely or ‘in the cloud’ using Google Apps, and therefore does not require any specialty GIS, web programming or data programming expertise from the user. The current version of the application utilizes Symbiodinium data based on the ITS2 genetic marker from PCR-based techniques, including denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, sequencing and cloning of specimens collected during 1982–2010. All data elements of the application are also downloadable as spatial files, tables and nucleic acid sequence files in common formats for desktop analysis. The application provides a unique tool set to facilitate research on the basic biology of Symbiodinium and expedite new insights into their ecology, biogeography and evolution in the face of a changing global climate. GeoSymbio can be accessed at https://sites.google.com/site/geosymbio/.
Folic acid deficiency in pregnancy. On the recognition, pathogenesis, consequences, and therapy of the deficiency state in human reproduction

The recognition pathogenesis consequences and therapy of the folic acid deficiency state in human pregnancy are discussed. Folic acid deficiency is considered to be the most common water-soluble vitamin deficiency state in the U.S. especially among pregnant women. The etiology of folic acid deficiency in pregnancy involves deficient ingestion absorption and utilization defects of metabolism and the increased demands during pregnancy. The increased demand may be as much as tenfold. The minimum daily requirement seems to be 300-500 mcg throughout pregnancy. Severe anemia and megaloblastic marrow changes are late events in the deficiency state. The words "folate" and "folic acid" designate a group of compounds of the pteridine or pterin group. They are members of the Vitamin-B complex and are essential nutrients for humans. Leafy vegetable meats especially kidney and liver and peanuts contain measurable amounts. Cooking in large quantities of water may remove 90% of folate activity. The biochemistry of folic acid metabolism is outlined. The earliest morphologic evidence of developing folic acid deficiency is hypersegmentation of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte nucleus in peripheral blood. This phenomenon appears 8-12 weeks before megaloblastic anemia. Anticonvulsant drugs given for epilepsy may aggravate folic acid deficiency particularly if given during pregnancy. The significance of serum lactic dehydrogenase determinations in suspected cases of folic acid deficiency of pregnancy requires further study. Reports concerned with formiminoglutamic acid excretion are controversial regarding the value of this test in determining the folic acid deficiency state in pregnancy. Uterine cervical cytology has been found to be altered by folic acid deficiency. Remission of these changes was accomplished by folic acid therapy. Thrombocytopenia associated with megalobastic anemia of pregnancy exposes pregnant patients to an increased risk of hemorrhage during delivery. Premature separation of the placenta (abruptio placenta) and third trimester bleeding have been reported to be more frequent in cases of folic acid deficiency. However some others have not confirmed this finding. Toxemia of pregnancy with hypertension edema and proteinuria has been associated with megaloblastic anemia. Routine supplementation of diet with folic acid is recommended for all pregnant patients. A milligram of pteroylglutamate daily should suffice. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council have recommended .8 mg of folic acid supplement daily during pregnancy. The normal adult may require only 50 mcg/day.