cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF RESOURCE LIMITATION ON A DETRITAL‐BASED ECOSYSTEM

We examined the importance of terrestrial detrital inputs to secondary productivity of a headwater stream. Following a year of pretreatment studies on two headwater streams, we excluded terrestrial litter inputs (=treatment) to one stream while using the other as a reference. We excluded litter for 3 yr followed by 1 yr of small woody debris (≤10 cm diameter) removal and litter exclusion. Monthly benthic samples were collected from dominant mixed substrate (cobble, pebble, and sand-silt) as well as from moss-covered bedrock outcrop substrates. We used randomized intervention analysis (RIA) to test the null hypotheses that no change in abundance or biomass of functional feeding groups or specific taxa occurred in the treatment stream relative to the reference stream. Benthic organic matter was significantly lower in mixed substrate habitats of the treatment stream; however, small woody debris did not show a significant reduction prior to manual removal during year 4. At the end of the treatment period, tot...
Does smoking have a causal effect on weight reduction

This study examines the relationship between smoking and body mass index (BMI) with a simultaneous equations system allowing for censoring and endogeneity of the number of cigarettes smoked, which alleviates simultaneity bias caused by unobserved heterogeneity and expansion bias by censoring in the regressor. The results suggest smoking may not have a strong long-term causal effect on body weight after controlling for the endogeneity. The negative relationship between smoking and BMI reported in the literature is potentially attributable to the aforementioned biases and should be interpreted with caution. The statistical procedure developed can be useful in other applications with a censored endogenous regressor.
Two Distinct Major Facilitator Superfamily Drug Efflux Pumps Mediate Chloramphenicol Resistance in Streptomyces coelicolor

Chloramphenicol, florfenicol, and thiamphenicol are used as antibacterial drugs in clinical and veterinary medicine. Two efflux pumps of the major facilitator superfamily encoded by the cmlR1 and cmlR2 genes mediate resistance to these antibiotics in Streptomyces coelicolor, a close relative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The transcription of both genes was observed by reverse transcription-PCR. Disruption of cmlR1 decreased the chloramphenicol MIC 1.6-fold, while disruption of cmlR2 lowered the MIC 16-fold. The chloramphenicol MIC of wild-type S. coelicolor decreased fourfold and eightfold in the presence of reserpine and Phe-Arg--naphthylamide, respectively. These compounds are known to potentiate the activity of some antibacterial drugs via efflux pump inhibition. While reserpine is known to potentiate drug activity against gram-positive bacteria, this is the first time that Phe-Argnaphthylamide has been shown to potentiate drug activity against a gram-positive bacterium. Membrane-bound efflux pumps commonly underlie drug resistance in pathogenic bacteria (21, 26, 33). These pumps function by actively expelling drugs from the cytosol of bacterial cells, reducing the effective intracellular drug concentration. There are five major families of efflux pumps in bacteria: the ATP binding cassette family, the major facilitator superfamily (MFS), the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion family, the resistance nodulation division family, and the small multidrug resistance family (33). Some efflux pumps exhibit high specificity for certain antimicrobial agents, while others act upon drugs from unrelated structural classes and thereby confer multidrug resistance (33). In both gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria, genes encoding efflux pumps are found on the chromosome and on plasmids (33). Multidrug resistance in human pathogens is often correlated with the overexpression of efflux pump genes (18, 34).
Influences of orthodontic appliances on oral populations of mutans streptococci

A study was conducted to assess the influence of fixed appliances on the mutans streptococcal in a group of patients receiving orthodontic treatment. Mutans streptococcal counts in stimulated saliva of 27 patients were obtained at baseline, and at 1-month intervals for 4 months. The difference in mutans streptococcal counts at baseline and at the 4-month sampling was less than an order of magnitude in 18 of the patients, between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude in eight of the patients, and 3 orders of magnitude in one patient. Restriction endonuclease digests of genomic DNA from representative mutans streptococci isolates taken from baseline and 4-month saliva samples, as well as from 4-month tooth and appliance surfaces, were examined by pulsed field gel electrophoresis, after restriction endonuclease digestion. Results of the DNA banding patterns associated with isolates from 19 patients showed that, for 12 patients, all isolates examined represented the same clone of Streptococcus mutans, whereas for six patients two different S. mutans clones were detected. One patient yielded three different clones of S. mutans. A much larger number of baseline, as well as post-appliance, isolates will have to be examined from each patient in future studies, in order to determine if the number of different S. mutans clones harbored by individual patients is related to orthodontic treatment.
Coal Tar as a Laboratory Analog of an Interstellar PAH Mixture

Spectral characteristics are described for coal tar prepared by coking coal in the absence of air at 1400K. Coal tar films at 300K exhibit broadband luminescence similar to the 5500A-7500A emission “bump” of the Red Rectangle/HD44179, and a DIB-like absorption band near 4430A. The infrared absorption spectrum includes features at wavelengths of most of the observed infrared emission bands. The luminescence of coal tar has the character of excited dimer emission suggesting such a mechanism may be occurring in the Red Rectangle.
Effect Of Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite on the Oxidative Burst of Rabbit Alveolar Macrophages

Numerous publications have documented the relative toxicities of asbestos preparations (Miller and Harrington, 1972; Kaw, et al., 1975; Kang, et al, 1979; McLemore, et al., 1979; Sirois, et al., 1980; Donaldson, et al., 1985; Fisher, et al., 1985; Mossman and Marsh, 1985; Myrvik, et al., 1985; Goodglick and Kane, 1986; Shatos, et al., 1987). Models have included the effect of asbestos on the viability of alveolar macrophages (AM) and other cell types, effect on random migration, release of hydrolases as well as production of reactive oxygen intermediates. Collectively, these data indicate that essentially all asbestos preparations are toxic for AM.
Molecular Genetics of Human Transferrin

The human transferrin (Tf) gene has been characterized by Southern blot hybridization. The coding sequence of transferrin is contained in a gene of about 13 to 17 Kbp located on chromosome 3. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms of Tf have been observed in PvuII and ECORI digests. A sequence homologous to human transferrin has been identified in Pyura, a prochordate which was found to possess a primordial transferrin gene. The Pyura Tf gene is much smaller than the human gene. Hybridization studies indicate that the Pyura Tf DNA sequence is homologous to the human Tf gene throughout the entire coding sequence. In situ hybridization localizes the expression of Pyura Tf in the primitive digestive glands and in unfertilized eggs.
Adaptive control in the nabla setting

In this paper, we develop notions of Lyapunov stability for the nabla time scale exponential function. We begin by reviewing some of the necessary prerequisite definitions and theorems for nabla differential equations. We then proceed to discuss the stability of the ordinary dynamic equation (ODE) that defines the nabla exponential function. We conclude with a state feedback result showing that the arbitrary linear ODE can be stabilized by using the controllability Gramian.
The Political Economy of Human Rights Scandals

This paper develops the political economy of human rights scandals involving government agencies. Human rights scandals occur when violations of human rights are made public and cause, or threaten to cause, damage to the reputation of the agencies involved. It is argued that human rights scandals serve as “fire alarms” which alert legislators and the public that existing rules are failing to prevent discretionary human rights abuses by government agents. An analysis of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal is provided to illustrate the economic approach to human rights scandals.
Kupffer cells contain a glycine-gated chloride channel

Here the effect of glycine on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured Kupffer cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated to assess the possibility that they contain a glycine-gated chloride channel. LPS (10 micrograms/ml) increased [Ca2+]i rapidly, with peak values reaching 307 +/- 29 nM. Glycine (1 mM) prevented this increase nearly completely. Low concentrations of strychnine (1 microM), a glycine receptor antagonist, reversed the inhibitory effect of glycine completely; however, high concentrations of strychnine (1 mM) mimicked glycine. The effects of glycine and high-dose strychnine were prevented when cells were incubated in chloride-free buffer. Furthermore, potassium (25 mM) and LPS depolarized the Kupffer cell plasma membrane, whereas glycine caused hyperpolarization and prevented depolarization due to potassium and LPS. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in cultured Kupffer cells due to LPS was decreased significantly by glycine. Therefore, it is concluded that Kupffer cells contain a glycine-gated chloride channel similar to that described previously in the central nervous system. Prevention of increases in [Ca2+]i due to LPS by activation of chloride influx reduced synthesis and release of toxic mediators by Kupffer cells.
Professionalism, education and allergy : ethics

There is general concern about the medical profession and how doctors have changed from carers into providers, and patients have become customers, leading to the deprofessionalisation of medicine. In this article I explore the origins and meanings of 'profession' and 'professionalism', and discuss some of the threats to medical professionalism and the potential role that medical education may play in reestablishing the professional status of medicine.
Effect of Molecular Configuration on Binary Diffusion Coefficients of Linear Alkanes

Mass diffusion coefficients are critically related to the predictive capability of computational combustion modeling. To date, the most common approach used to determine the molecular transport of gases is the Boltzmann transport equation of the gas kinetic theory. The Chapman−Enskog (CE) solution of this transport equation, combined with Lennard-Jones potential parameters, suggests a simple analytical expression for computing self and mutual diffusion coefficients. This approach has been applied over a wide range of flame modeling conditions due to its minimal computational requirement, despite the fact that the theory was developed only for molecules that have a spherical structure. In this study, we computed the binary diffusion coefficients of linear alkanes using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations over the temperature range 500−1000 K. The effect of molecular configurations on diffusion coefficients was determined relating the radii of gyration of the molecules to their corresponding collision d...
Darwin's Tubercle: Review of a Unique Congenital Anomaly.

“Darwin’s tubercle” is a term used to describe an atavistic swelling of the posterior helix that is present in some individuals. Little is known about its prevalence, characteristics, and function. With growing interest in the individuality of external ear patterns and its possible applications to personal identification, more knowledge about this tubercle is warranted. We review the history, clinical presentation, and modern-day influences of Darwin’s tubercle. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed. Pubmed was searched with the key words: auricle, congenital, Darwin, ear, evolution, helix, pinna, tubercle, Woolnerian. Darwin’s tubercle has been documented to be present in about 10.5% of the Spanish adult population, 40% of Indian adults, and 58% of Swedish school children. It has a variety of clinical presentations, which may be classified by its degree of protuberance. The influence of genetics on the expression of Darwin’s tubercle is unclear, and there are conflicting observations about its correlations with age and gender. Although usually present bilaterally in individuals who do possess this trait, a portion of this population does display asymmetric expression. Darwin’s tubercle is a benign and unique helical feature. It contributes to the individuality of human ears and may have applications toward personal identification in the future.
Clip and Dip

This case discusses the pharmacokinetic interaction between felodipine, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, resulting in decreased antihypertensive efficacy. Felodipine is a cytochrome P450 3A4 substrate and carbamazepine and phenytoin are 3A4 inducers.
Absetzprobleme bei Cortison-Therapie

Da Kortikoide nur Symptomatika sind, welche keine Krankheit heilen, deren langfristiger Einsatz aber mit Risiken belastet ist, ergibt sich bei jedem Patienten eines Tages die Notwendigkeit des Absetzens. Wichtigste Grunde hierfur sind: die Steroid-Therapie war nicht indiziert die Steroid-Therapie ist nicht mehr erfolgreich es sind unerwunschte Wirkungen — evtl. ernsthafte Komplikationen — aufgetreten.
Gene linkage analysis in two families of generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus

Aim: To map generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus gene. Methods: Linkage analysis method was used to analyze 2 families of generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus,which clinical characters were observed.Results: Clinical characters of the patients were different from each other. Two point linkage analysis results showed that the LOD score at D5S1500,D5S820 was 3.15,which was the maximal. Conclusion: The generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus gene may be at 5q34.
Effect of Bcl-2 on oxidant-induced cell death and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization.

The mechanism by which Bcl-2 inhibits cell death is unknown. It has been suggested that Bcl-2 functions as an antioxidant. Because Bcl-2 is localized mainly to the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the mitochondria, which represent the main intracellular storage sites for Ca 2+ , we hypothesized that Bcl-2 might protect cells against oxidant injury by altering intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of oxidant treatment on viability in normal rat kidney (NRK) cells and in NRK cells stably transfected with Bcl-2 in the presence or absence of intracellular Ca 2+ , and we compared the effect of Bcl-2 expression on oxidant-induced intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization and on ER and mitochondrial Ca 2+ pools. NRK cells transfected with Bcl-2 (NRK-Bcl-2) were significantly more resistant to H 2 O 2 -induced cytotoxicity than control cells. EGTA-AM, an intracellular Ca 2+ chelator, as well as the absence of Ca 2+ in the medium, reduced H 2 O 2 -induced cytotoxicity in both cell lines. Compared with controls, cells overexpressing Bcl-2 showed a delayed rise in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) after H 2 O 2 treatment. After treatment with the Ca 2+ ionophore ionomycin, Bcl-2-transfected cells showed a much quicker decrease after the maximal rise than control cells, suggesting stronger intracellular Ca 2+ buffering, whereas treatment with thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the ER Ca 2+ -ATPases, transiently increased [Ca 2+ ] i in control and in Bcl-2-transfected cells. Estimates of mitochondrial Ca 2+ stores using an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation show that NRK-Bcl-2 cells have a higher capacity for mitochondrial Ca 2+ storage than control cells. In conclusion, Bcl-2 may prevent oxidant-induced cell death, in part, by increasing the capacity of mitochondria to store Ca 2+ .
Learning mixed graphical models with separate sparsity parameters and stability-based model selection

Mixed graphical models (MGMs) are graphical models learned over a combination of continuous and discrete variables. Mixed variable types are common in biomedical datasets. MGMs consist of a parameterized joint probability density, which implies a network structure over these heterogeneous variables. The network structure reveals direct associations between the variables and the joint probability density allows one to ask arbitrary probabilistic questions on the data. This information can be used for feature selection, classification and other important tasks. We studied the properties of MGM learning and applications of MGMs to high-dimensional data (biological and simulated). Our results show that MGMs reliably uncover the underlying graph structure, and when used for classification, their performance is comparable to popular discriminative methods (lasso regression and support vector machines). We also show that imposing separate sparsity penalties for edges connecting different types of variables significantly improves edge recovery performance. To choose these sparsity parameters, we propose a new efficient model selection method, named Stable Edge-specific Penalty Selection (StEPS). StEPS is an expansion of an earlier method, StARS, to mixed variable types. In terms of edge recovery, StEPS selected MGMs outperform those models selected using standard techniques, including AIC, BIC and cross-validation. In addition, we use a heuristic search that is linear in size of the sparsity value search space as opposed to the cubic grid search required by other model selection methods. We applied our method to clinical and mRNA expression data from the Lung Genomics Research Consortium (LGRC) and the learned MGM correctly recovered connections between the diagnosis of obstructive or interstitial lung disease, two diagnostic breathing tests, and cigarette smoking history. Our model also suggested biologically relevant mRNA markers that are linked to these three clinical variables. MGMs are able to accurately recover dependencies between sets of continuous and discrete variables in both simulated and biomedical datasets. Separation of sparsity penalties by edge type is essential for accurate network edge recovery. Furthermore, our stability based method for model selection determines sparsity parameters faster and more accurately (in terms of edge recovery) than other model selection methods. With the ongoing availability of comprehensive clinical and biomedical datasets, MGMs are expected to become a valuable tool for investigating disease mechanisms and answering an array of critical healthcare questions.
The Watson-Jones Approach to Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty

The current interest in minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty stems from the potential to improve postoperative recovery. This is accomplished by utilizing mobile windows to reduce soft tissue trauma and preserve intact musculotendinous units. Minimally invasive techniques have been developed for the anterolateral (Hardinge) and posterior approaches with each retaining respective advantages and disadvantages. Many surgeons prefer the Hardinge approach due to the historically lower dislocation rate when compared with posterior surgery. However, the necessary violation of the anterior abductor insertion on the greater trochanter can result in weakness and gait alteration in some patients. The desire to minimize postoperative dislocation risk while maximizing functional recovery and maintenance of abductor strength has led to the development of the minimally invasive Watson-Jones approach. The objective of this chapter is to describe the surgical technique in detail. This challenging approach uses a combination of new instrumentation and positioning which, while more difficult than the classic Watson-Jones approach, aims to provide patients with a low risk of dislocation, improved maintenance of abductor strength, and more rapid rehabilitation without compromising long-term outcomes.
3.10 – Issues and Pitfalls in Biomarker Development and Clinical Relevance

A comprehensive review of the current state of clinical biological marker (biomarker) research, specifically in terms of both the analytical and preanalytical factors influencing their discovery, development, validation, and clinical translation is provided. In this manuscript, significant discussion is devoted to the issues surrounding sample pretreatment and the appropriate collection of biomarker-specific biological fluids (i.e., plasma, serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and human tissue). Advantages and limitations of biofluid types, fluid-specific pretreatments, and the in vitro impact of sample processing on biomarker analyses are also presented. The context and fundamental importance of incorporating such sample considerations into biomarker experimental design is provided through a review of current biomarker interests, academic outputs, and translational difficulties. Previously proposed developmental frameworks and validation schemas are also presented in an attempt to bridge the translational chasm that currently exists between the discovery of a putative indicator and its clinical implementation. Collectively, this work aims to provide researchers, within both the basic and clinical sciences, a comprehensive resource for which enhanced future biomarker studies may be based.
Association Between Multiple Modifiable Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension among Asymptomatic Patients in Central Appalachia

OBJECTIVES The central Appalachian region of the United States is disproportionately burdened with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and associated risk factors; however, research to inform clinical practice and policies and programs is sparse. This study aimed to examine the association between multiple modifiable risk factors for CVD and hypertension in asymptomatic patients in central Appalachia. METHODS Between January 2011 and December 2012, 1629 asymptomatic individuals from central Appalachia participated in screening for subclinical atherosclerosis. Participants were asked to report their hypertension status (yes/no). In addition, data on two nonmodifiable risk factors (sex, age) and five modifiable risk factors (obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle) were collected. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess association between hypertension and risk factors. RESULTS Of the 1629 participants, approximately half (49.8%) had hypertension. Among people with hypertension, 31.4% were obese and 62.3% had hypercholesterolemia. After adjusting for sex and age, obesity and diabetes mellitus were associated with a more than twofold increased odds of having hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, confidence interval [CI] 1.57-2.60 and OR 2.30, CI 1.66-3.18, respectively). Hypercholesterolemia and sedentary lifestyle were associated with higher odds for hypertension (OR 1.26, CI 1.02-1.56 and OR 1.38, CI 1.12-1.70, respectively), compared with referent groups. Having two, three, and four to five modifiable risk factors was associated with increased odds of having hypertension by about twofold (OR 1.72, CI 1.21-2.44), 2.5-fold (OR 2.55, CI 1.74-3.74), and sixfold (OR 5.96, CI 3.42-10.41), respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the odds of having hypertension increases with a higher number of modifiable risk factors for CVD. As such, implementing an integrated CVD program for treating and controlling modifiable risk factors for hypertension would likely decrease the future risk of CVD.
Suppression of NK Cell-Mediated Bone Marrow Cell Rejection by CD4 + CD25 + Regulatory T Cells: Linkage of Adaptive to Innate Responses.

While a link between the innate to adaptive immune system has been established, studies demonstrating direct effects of T cells in regulating Natural Killer (NK) cell function have been lacking. Naturally occurring CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to potently inhibit adaptive responses by T cells. We therefore investigated whether Tregs could affect NK cell function in vivo . Using a bone marrow transplantation (BMT) model of hybrid resistance, in which parental (H2 d ) marrow grafts are rejected by the NK cells of the F1 recipients (H2 bxd ), we demonstrate that the in vivo removal of host Tregs significantly enhances NK-cell mediated BM rejection. This heightened rejection was mediated by the specific NK cell Ly-49+ subset previously demonstrated to reject the BMC in this donor/host pairing. The depletion of Tregs could also further increase rejection already enhanced by treating recipients with the NK cell activator, poly I:C. Although splenic NK cell numbers were not significantly altered, increased splenic NK in vitro cytotoxic activity was observed from the recovered cells. The regulatory role of Tregs was confirmed in adoptive transfer studies in which transferred CD4 + CD25 + Tregs resulted in abrogation of NK cell-mediated hybrid resistance. Thus, Tregs can potently inhibit NK cell function in vivo and their depletion may have therapeutic ramifications with NK cell function in BMT and cancer therapy.
Teaching Neuro Images: Artery of Percheron aneurysm masquerading as ICH spot sign

A 50-year-old Japanese woman presented with left thalamic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). CT angiography demonstrated an ICH spot sign and intracranial vasculopathy consistent with Moyamoya disease (figure 1). Conventional angiography demonstrated that the spot sign was actually a pseudoaneurysm arising from the artery of Percheron (figure 2). Intracranial aneurysms may complicate Moyamoya disease and occur at the circle of Willis, distal peripheral arteries, or Moyamoya vessels at a ratio of 3:1:1.1 Aneurysms in thalamo-perforating arteries are rare2 and an artery of Percheron aneurysm in Moyamoya disease has not been reported. In Moyamoya disease, presence of a spot sign should prompt consideration for angiography.
Quantum tricritical point in the temperature-pressure-magnetic field phase diagram of CeTiGe 3

We report the temperature-pressure-magnetic-field phase diagram of the ferromagnetic Kondo-lattice ${\mathrm{CeTiGe}}_{3}$ determined by means of electrical resistivity measurements. Measurements up to $\ensuremath{\sim}5.8\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$ reveal a rich phase diagram with multiple phase transitions. At ambient pressure, ${\mathrm{CeTiGe}}_{3}$ orders ferromagnetically at ${T}_{\text{C}}=14$ K. Application of pressure suppresses ${T}_{\text{C}}$, but a pressure-induced ferromagnetic quantum criticality is avoided by the appearance of two new successive transitions for $pg4.1$ GPa that are probably antiferromagnetic in nature. These two transitions are suppressed under pressure, with the lower-temperature phase being fully suppressed above 5.3 GPa. The critical pressures for the presumed quantum phase transitions are ${p}_{1}\ensuremath{\cong}4.1$ GPa and ${p}_{2}\ensuremath{\cong}5.3$ GPa. Above 4.1 GPa, application of magnetic field shows a tricritical point evolving into a wing-structure phase with a quantum tricritical point at 2.8 T at 5.4 GPa, where the first-order antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic transition changes into the second-order antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic transition.
Medical diagnoses of heat wave-related hospital admissions in older adults

Abstract Heat waves have been associated with adverse human health effects, including higher rates of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and these health effects may be exacerbated under continued climate change. However, specific causes of hospitalizations associated with heat waves have not been characterized on a national scale. We systematically estimated the risks of cause-specific hospitalizations during heat waves in a national cohort of 23.7 million Medicare enrollees residing in 1943 U.S. counties during 1999–2010. Heat waves were defined as ≥2 consecutive days exceeding the county's 99th percentile of daily temperatures, and were matched to non-heat wave periods by county and week. We considered 50 outcomes from broad disease groups previously associated with heat wave-related hospitalizations, and estimated cause-specific relative risks (RRs) of hospital admissions on heat wave days. We identified 11 diagnoses with a higher admission risk on heat wave days, with heat stroke and sunstroke having the highest risk (RR = 22.5, [95% CI 14.9–34.2]). Other diseases with elevated risks included fluid and electrolyte disorders [(Hyperosmolality RR = 1.4, [95% CI 1.1–1.3]; Hypoosmolaltiy RR = 1.2, [95% CI 1.1–1.3])] and acute kidney failure (RR = 1.1, [95% CI 1.1–1.2]). These risks tended to be higher under more severe heat wave events. In addition, risks were higher among adults in the oldest (≥85) category (reference: 65–74) for volume depletion and heat exhaustion. Several causes of hospitalization identified are preventable, and public health interventions, including early warning systems and plans targeting risk factors for these illnesses, could reduce adverse effects of heat in the present and under climate change.
Ten Rules for Associate Editors

Associate editors are typically given minimal guidance when they are hired by editors-in-chief of scientific journals. Ten rules (or guidelines) are presented for associate editors based on the author’s experience as an associate editor for three evolutionary journals. First, accept invitations to edit manuscripts that are outside your comfort zone. Second, turn-around time is important. Third, read the manuscript before sending it out for review. Fourth, select suitable reviewers. Fifth, provide authors guidance on how to address the reviews. Sixth, help graduate students balance their manuscripts. Seventh, you are not a co-author on the manuscript. Eighth, when in doubt, choose the more severe recommendation. Ninth, sign and date your recommendation. Tenth, return unsatisfactory revisions to the authors. Each of these ten rules includes a description of the author’s relevant personal experience as well as detailed guidance on how to implement the rule.
Averaged Small-Signal Model of PWM DC-DC Converters in CCM Including Switching Power Loss

This brief proposes an improved averaged small-signal model of pulse-width modulated dc-dc power converters operated in continuous-conduction mode, which includes a resistance that corresponds to the switching power loss. Through this model, the switching power loss can be incorporated into existing averaged small-signal dynamic models. The proposed approach is based on the principle of conservation of energy. The expressions for the equivalent switching-loss resistance for the basic converter topologies are derived. The improved dc and small-signal models of the switching network are given. A boost dc-dc converter is considered as an example. The effect of the switching-loss resistance on the small-signal control-to-output transfer function is shown. Experimental results are given and the theoretical predictions have been validated.
Linear Differential Algebraic Equations and Observers

Observers play an important role in the control of linear systems. Given the importance of DAE models, it is natural that there has been considerable interest in designing and using observers for DAEs. The first part of this paper surveys some aspects of DAEs and observers that lay the foundation for the second part which discusses a recent general approach to observer design for linear DAEs using completions. This approach also holds great promise for nonlinear DAEs.
Adipose tissue angiogenesis

A review of adipose tissue angiogenesis includes the morphological and cytochemical development of adipose tissue vasculature and the concept of primitive fat organs. Spatial and temporal relationships between fetal vascular and fat cell development are discussed, including depot- and genetic-dependent arteriolar differentiation. The relationship between connective tissue deposition and elaboration of adipose tissue vasculature is discussed with respect to regulating adipocyte development in a depot-dependent manner. In vitro studies indicated that depot-dependent vascular traits may be attributable to intrinsic growth characteristics of adipose tissue endothelial cells. These studies indicate that adipogenesis may be regulated by factors that drive angiogenesis. Fundamental aspects of angiogenesis, including basement membrane breakdown, vasculogenesis, angiogenic remodeling, vessel stabilization, and vascular permeability were reviewed. Critical angiogenic factors include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptors, angiopoietins (Ang), ephrins, matrix metalloproteinases, and the plasminogen enzymatic system. Vascular endothelial growth factor is the most critical factor because it initiates the formation of immature vessels and disruption of a single VEGF allele leads to embryonic lethality in mice. Expression of VEGF is influenced by hypoxia, insulin, growth factors, and several cytokines. Angiogenic factors secreted and/or produced by adipocytes or preadipocytes are discussed. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression and secretion by adipocytes is regulated by insulin and hypoxia, and is associated with adipose tissue accretion. Vascular endothelial growth factor accounts for most of the angiogenic activity of adipose tissue. The proposed role of leptin as an adipogenic factor is reviewed with respect to efficacy on various aspects of angiogenesis relative to other angiogenic factors. The VEGF and leptin genes are both hypoxia inducible, but potential links between VEGF and leptin gene expression have not been examined. Finally, several studies including a study of mice treated with antiangiogenic factors indicate that adipose tissue accretion can be controlled through the vasculature per se.
Mind the gap—optimizing satellite tag settings for time series analysis of foraging dives in Cuvier’s beaked whales ( Ziphius cavirostris )

Studies of deep-diving beaked whales using Argos satellite-linked location-depth tags frequently return data with large gaps in the diving record. We document the steps taken to eliminate these data gaps and collect weeks of continuous time series data for a behavioral response study that took place in 2017. We used baseline data collected from 2014 to 2016 to analyze message diagnostics, and assess our current programming schedule using a multiple criteria decision making matrix (MCDM), as a robust way to develop a new sampling regime. The MCDM approach suggested animal behavior and the quantity of data collected were the main causes of gaps in our baseline tag records. We implemented a new sampling regime to sample only long-duration, presumed foraging dives, simultaneously increasing temporal coverage of each individual message and reducing the number of messages by 50%. The reduction of gaps increased the data available for continuous time series analysis from an average of just over 2 days and 13.5 sequential presumed foraging dives in our baseline tags to just over 19 days and 118 sequential presumed foraging dives in tags deployed during the 2017 behavioral response study. We demonstrate that a critical approach, based on analysis of baseline data and question-driven weighted criteria, enabled the reduction and even elimination of gaps in the diving records of these tags. This approach enabled us to develop specific settings for our tags to ensure that our data collection was optimized for statistical analysis of the specific hypotheses we were testing.
The Epidemiology of Human Teratomas

Epidemiologic studies frequently yield information from which hypotheses about mechanisms of the origins of cancer can be formulated and methods for testing them proposed. Important differences exist in epidemiologic features between ovarian and testicular teratomas and between gonadal and nongonadal teratomas, suggesting different cells or mechanisms of origin. Benign ovarian teratomas, common in adult females, presumably arise from a single germ cell after its first meiotic division. In contrast, the extragonadal sacrococcygeal and retroperitoneal teratomas are very rare and are thought to develop from mitotic cells (Linder et al., 1975). Riley and Sutton (1975) proposed that a recessive mutation in the primary germ cell before meiosis would become homozygous during germ cell development in the male, but would remain heterozygous in the female as an explanation for the fact that in adults testicular teratomas are essentially all malignant, whereas ovarian teratomas are benign. This review of epidemiologic peculiarities of teratomas may provide additional etiologic clues about the pathogenesis of teratomas and stimulate confirmatory laboratory investigations or more specifically designed clinical studies.
The fluoro-less and contrast-less peripheral endovascular intervention: a concept for the future today.

Abstract Introduction Percutaneous endovascular revascularization requires fluoroscopic guidance and radiopaque contrast use. This approach becomes problematic, especially in patients with advanced renal disease or allergies to iodinated contrast medium. The direct (exposure) and indirect (lead garment) burden of radiation affects patients and operators alike. Purpose We propose a completely contrast-free, fluoroscopy-free approach to endovascular diagnostic arterial imaging and percutaneous intervention using available technologies, and outline a timeframe for its implementation. Project Description/Methodology Ultrasound imaging of the leg creates a roadmap of the vessel and identifies the lesion of interest. Device-based sensors using a low-powered electromagnetic field allow for wiring of the vessel. This is followed by the use of intravascular ultrasonography and near infrared spectroscopy to characterize the lesion dimensions and composition. After completion of the diagnostic phase of the process, the interventional portion with deployment of an angioplasty balloon and/or stent is performed using the electromagnetic field-guided sensors. Feasibility The project uses already available technologies. Benefits/Anticipated Outcomes This project demonstrates the real potential of performing endovascular peripheral intervention without fluoroscopy or contrast in a practical, user-friendly way with the currently available technology. The prospects in renal function preservation and radiation avoidance for both patients and operators are extremely attractive.
Physiological risk profiles and allostatic load: Using latent profile analysis to examine socioeconomic differences in physiological patterns of risk

Purpose. The current study sought to expand implications of physiological weathering through the application of latent profile analysis to stress biomarkers to address limitations of traditional allostatic load calculations. Methods. Latent profile analysis was applied biomarkers used in traditional allostatic load metrics to identify physiological risk profiles in the 2007-20010 National Health and Nutritional and Examination Survey. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the probability of risk profiles by race/ethnicity, age, gender, and poverty income ratio (PIR). Mean allostatic load score was assessed across each risk profile. Results. Latent profile analysis identified four distinct profiles labeled low risk, inflammatory risk, cardiovascular risk, and hypertension risk. Race, age, and gender significantly increased odds of exhibiting a risk profile. Compared to Whites, Hispanics had significant higher odds of inflammatory (OR=1.43, 95% CI [1.06-1.92]) and cardiovascular risk profiles (OR=1.63, 95% CI [1.09-2.43]) while Blacks had higher odds of inflammatory (OR=1.76 95% CI [1.25-2.47]), cardiovascular (OR=2.12, 95% CI, [1.39-3.27]) and hypertension risk profiles (OR= 1.78, 95% CI [1.21-2.59]). Females held significant greater odds of all risk categories except hypertension in which they held the lowest odds (OR= .19, 95% CI [.14-.25]). Mean allostatic load scores were highest in the inflammatory (M=3.99, SD=1.66) and cardiovascular risk profiles (M=4.4, SD=1.84). Conclusions. Employing latent profile analysis may expand traditional allostatic load methodology by identifying physiological risk patterns among those who experience allostatic load early in life. This may be useful for examining how cultural specific interventions may reduce cardiovascular risk among those exhibiting physiological risk profiles.
Percutaneous Lumbar Screws

This chapter describes percutaneous lumbar fusion techniques, including advantages and disadvantages, techniques, complications, and patient selection strategies. Pedicle screw instrumentation can be utilized to stabilize fusion for various spinal pathologies via the creation of a rigid and stable construct. Recent developments in instrumentation have enabled preservation of muscles, ligaments, and bony structures of the spine that help facilitate recovery and improve outcomes. Furthermore, percutaneous techniques preserve muscle and ligaments adjacent segment disease. With these advances in percutaneous pedicle instrumentation and numerous advantages over the traditional method, interest in this approach has and will continue to rise.
A Lifespan Approach to Patient-Reported Outcomes and Quality of Life for People on the Autism Spectrum

Autistic self-advocates, family members, and community organizations have called for greater emphasis on enhancing quality of life (QoL) for people with autism. Doing this is critical to understand how QoL unfolds across the life course and to clarify whether gender affects QoL, health, and functioning for people with autism. The purpose of this study was to curate and test a lifespan QoL measurement tool using freely available and well-constructed National Institutes of Health Parent-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). To develop the PROMIS Autism Battery-Lifespan (PAB-L), we identified PROMIS scales relevant for autism, reviewed each item, consulted with a panel of autism experts, and elicited feedback from autistic people and family members. This battery provides a comprehensive portrait of QoL for children ages 5-13 (through parent proxy), teens 14-17 (parent proxy and self-report), and adults 18-65 (self-report) with autism compared to the general population. Participants and parent informants (N = 912) recruited through a children's hospital and nationwide U.S. autism research registry completed the PAB-L online. Results indicate that compared to general population norms, people with autism of all ages (or their proxies) reported less desirable outcomes and lower QoL across all domains. Women and girls experienced greater challenges in some areas compared to men and boys with autism. The PAB-L appears to be a feasible and acceptable method for assessing patient-reported outcomes and QoL for autistic people across the life course. Autism Res 2020, 13: 970-987. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: We developed a survey to measure the quality of life of children, teens, and adults with autism using free National Institutes of Health PROMIS questionnaires. People with autism and family members rated the PROMIS Autism Battery-Lifespan as useful and important. Some reported a good quality of life, while many reported that their lives were not going as well as they wanted. Women and girls reported more challenges in some areas of life than men and boys.
Geosmithia species in Florida: common fungal symbionts of wood-boring bark beetles

Geosmithia are fungi associated with wood-boring bark beetles. Most Geosmithia species do no harm to host trees, but the canker-causing Geosmithia morbida and its beetle vector, the walnut twig beetle, cause the disease complex known as thousand cankers disease on walnut trees. Continuous surveys in Florida have found neither Geosmithia morbida nor its beetle vector in the state, but many native Geosmithia species have been recovered. These native species look similar to the pathogenic fungus but are harmless to their plant hosts. This 4-page fact sheet written by Yin-Tse Huang and Jiri Hulcr and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation provides basic guidelines to sample Geosmithia species in the field and information for distinguishing the plant pathogenic Geosmithia morbida from other Geosmithia species. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr412
Observing COVID-19 related behaviors in a high visitor use area of Arches National Park.

Introduction Visitation to parks and protected areas is a common COVID-19 coping strategy promoted by state and national public health officials and political leadership. Crowding and congestions in parks has been a perennial problem and the ability to socially distance within them is an unproven assumption. Is it possible to socially distance in a busy national park that has been designed to concentrate use? Methodology/principal findings An observational study was conducted in July 2020 at the outside foyer of the Visitor Center of Arches National Park. Motion sensor cameras were placed to record one-minute videos when a person entered the field of view. Number of groups, group size, facial coverings and encounters within 6 feet (1.83 meters) of other groups were recorded. Groups were smaller on average than recorded in previous studies. Approximately 61% of the visitors wore masks. Most groups (69%) were able to experience the visitor center with no intergroup encounters. We model the probability of intergroup encounters and find as group size and number of groups increases, the probability of encounters rises. With four groups present, the probability of one or more encounters ranges from 19% to 40% for common group sizes, while if eight groups are present, the probability of one or more encounters increases from 34% to 64% for common group sizes. Conclusions/significance Under conditions in which park visitors have the physical space to avoid close encounters with other groups they are taking advantage of the opportunity. Visitors are minimizing group size, wearing masks, and remaining socially distant. However, encounters increase as the number or the size of the groups increases. In other areas of the parks this ability to avoid encounters may not be as possible. We recommend that park managers continue to appeal for compliance with CDC guidelines, especially the wearing of masks and encouraging visitors to split up into small groups when visiting.
Multi-Mode Rectifier-Based LLC Resonant Converter for Wide Input Voltage Range Applications

A Photovoltaics system needs to be conditioned by a wide voltage gain converter to achieve high efficiency under a wide voltage range. The LLC resonant converter is a common solution in such applications, owing to its zero-voltage switching and zero-current switching capabilities. However, the frequency modulation in the LLC converter requires operating at a significantly different frequency from the resonant converter to cover the PV’s wide voltage, sacrificing efficiency. In this paper, an LLC resonant converter using a novel rectifier structure is proposed to achieve high efficiency under wide PV voltage. The novel rectifier structure can operate in three modes of operation— voltage-tripler rectifier, voltage-quadrupler rectifier, and voltage fifthfolder rectifier. In addition to the LLC converter’s soft-switching capability, this rectifier can narrow the switching frequency range and provide high voltage gain with a moderate transformer size. Finally, a 250-W experimental prototype with a high output voltage of 500 V was built and validated the proposed converter’s effectiveness.