cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plant productivity and soil nitrogen as a function of grazing, migration and fire in an African savanna

Summary 1 Herbivores can play a key role in affecting ecosystem function, but their direct and indirect effects are often confounded with each other and have rarely been dissected. Predictions for open systems, i.e. those with cross-habitat nutrient fluxes and dispersal, may differ from those expected in closed systems, where no such transfers occur, but these differences have only recently begun to be characterized. 2 We present a theoretical model of plant productivity and soil nitrogen (N) based on the Serengeti ecosystem in order to investigate the interplay among herbivore movement, nutrient transport across habitats (spatial subsidies), the fire regime and the effects of herbivores on N cycling. 3 Model results suggest that the fire regime and herbivore migration are key determinants of primary productivity and fertility, and that the impact of these factors depends on grazing intensity. At low intensity, high grass biomass leads to extensive fires and N volatilization, but this effect is reduced at high grazing intensity. Without migration, the model predicts that primary productivity and fertility initially increase, then decline with increasing grazing intensity. Conversely, seasonal migration decouples the growing and grazing seasons, leading to a monotonic increase in productivity with grazing intensity. Cross-habitat N transport has a relatively modest effect on N dynamics, and the magnitude of the seasonality effect outweighs the spatial subsidy effect. 4 Our model suggests that herbivores and fire may play key interactive roles in regulating producers and determining ecosystem functional properties in grazing systems, both through consumption and via indirect effects on nutrient availability. The direction and magnitude of these effects could potentially vary greatly among ecosystems with resident vs. migratory herbivores, suggesting that spatial coupling through animal movement can be important at both the population and ecosystem levels. 5 This study suggests that the degree to which trophic interactions influence ecosystem function may be strongly modulated by whether systems are open or closed. It also suggests that direct and indirect effects of consumers on their resources (top-down effects) may be far more important than nutrient subsidies in open terrestrial systems.
Zooplankton feeding ecology: A cinematographic study of animal-to-animal variability in the feeding behavior of Calanus finmarchicus

Cinematography of the feeding behavior of five adult female Calanus finmarchicus revealed considerable individual variation in time allocation to three types of behavior: “slow swim,” in which only feeding appendages were moving, “jump,” in which first antennae and posterior swimming legs were moving, and “break,” in which no appendages were moving. Filming was done at three different concentrations of unialgal cultures and in filtered seawater. Animal-to-animal variation within given food concentrations was significant (α = 0.01, t-test). The significant differences (α = 0.01, Cochran’s Q-test) in mean responses to different food concentrations were complicated by high individual animal variability within food concentrations. Behavioral transitions per minute, and durations of individual periods of slow swimming and break were similarly variable. There was no relation between time spent feeding and concentration of food. We conclude that cinematographic techniques can precisely determine behavioral time allocation, but that sufficient replication must be performed.
The Relationship between Growth Speed and Ambient Humidity in Convective Self-assembly

We present a variation of a standard convective self-assembly technique, where the drying meniscus is restricted by a straight-edge located approximately 100 μm above the substrate adjacent to the drying zone. We find this technique to yield films at roughly twice the growth rate compared to the standard technique. We attribute this to differing local evaporation rates in the two cases. We also investigate how the crystal growth rate depends on ambient relative humidity and find a clear linear dependency, which we attribute to the length of the drying zone being constant over a wide range of humidities.
Older Adults Reporting More Diabetes Mellitus Care Have Greater 9-Year Survival

Objectives To determine whether receiving more recommended diabetes mellitus (DM) care processes (tests and screenings) would translate into better 9-year survival for middle-aged and older adults. Design Longitudinal mortality analysis using the Health and Retirement Study Diabetes Mailout Survey. Setting Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants Individuals aged 51 and older (n = 1,879; mean age 68.8 ± 8.7, 26.5% aged ≥75) with self-reported DM who completed the Diabetes Mailout Survey and the core 2002 HRS survey. Measurements A composite measure of five self-reported diabetes mellitus care process measures were dichotomized as greater (3–5 processes) versus fewer (0–2 processes) care processes provided. Cox proportional hazards models were used to test relationships between reported measures and mortality, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, function, comorbidities, geriatric conditions, and insulin use. Results Prevalence of self-reported care processes was 80.1% for glycosylated hemoglobin test, 75.9% for urine test, 67.5% for eye examination, 67.7% for aspirin counseling, and 48.2% for diabetes education. In 9 years, 32.1% respondents died. Greater care correlated with 24% lower risk of dying (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.76, 95% confidence interval = 0.64–0.91) at 9-year follow up. When respondents were age-stratified (≥75 vs <75) longer survival was statistically significant only in the older age group. Conclusion Although it is not possible to account for differences in adherence to care that may also affect survival, this study demonstrates that monitoring of and counseling about types of DM care processes are associated with long-term survival benefit even in individuals aged 75 and older with DM.
Reticulospinal systems mediate atonia with short and long latencies

Kohyama, Jun, Yuan-Yang Lai, and Jerome M. Siegel. Reticulospinal systems mediate atonia with short and long latencies. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 000–000, 1998. The pontomedullary region is responsible ...
Adhesive Selection and Screening Testing

Selecting a proper adhesive for a given bonding application can, at times, appear to be an overwhelming task, but it need not be. The purpose of this chapter is to help in the selection process by: 1. Listing and briefly describing key material and system factors which should be considered during adhesive selection. 2. Outlining steps in the preliminary adhesive selection process. 3. Describing basic test methods which are useful in screening the candidate adhesives, once they have been chosen.
Transformation von Finanzintermediären durch Informationstechnologie

The German financial services market is in a fundamental phase of transition and many big German financial services providers are in crisis. Business information system sciences may help a great deal improving the situation by the development of theory-based recommendations. In this contribution the current state of the market as well as its perspectives for the future are presented. Moreover, up-to-date research projects in the domain are discussed.
The Art and Science of Personality Development

Prologue I. Becoming an Actor 1. In the Beginning ... 2. The Actor Takes the Stage: How We Perform Emotion 3. The Problem of Self-Regulation 4. The Actor Grows Up: How Traits Develop into Adulthood II. Becoming an Agent 5. The Age 5-7 Shift 6. The Motivational Agenda: What Agents Want 7. How Values Shape Agency: Morality, Religion, and Politics III. Becoming an Author 8. The Stories We Live By 9. Generative Lives, Redemptive Life Stories 10. The Sense of an Ending
Absolute Lymphocyte Count Is Independent of the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase and Predicts Survival in Primary Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.

Peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at diagnosis is a predictor of survival in B-cell lymphomas. The role of ALC at diagnosis on survival in T-cell lymphoma has not been studied. Thus, we studied the role of ALC at diagnosis on clinical outcome in adult patients with primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PALCL) that were diagnosed, treated, and followed at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Between 1985 and 2006, 50 patients with PALCL qualified for the study. ALC was identified to be a strong predictor for complete response (CR), area under the curve (AUC = 0.83, p 9 /L (N = 31) versus an ALC 9 /L (N=19) (median OS: not reached vs 7.5 months, OS rates at 5 years, 81% vs 36%, p
Web cache object forwarding from desktop to mobile for energy consumption optimizations

We introduce a user–centric approach to forward cached web objects from one peripheral device to a user’s main mobile device, such as a smartphone. Our approach allows for a reduction in data that is required to be downloaded using the cellular interface when users are mobile. In turn, this reduces the energy consumption and potential latency requiring only basic algorithms that can be implemented in a straightforward manner. We exemplarily describe the benefits of our approach utilizing a popular international news web page before employing a large publicly accessible dataset of web page characteristics for simulation. Through simulation that incorporates web page popularity, we find that short-term download savings of 10–15 % are attainable within daily update boundaries and longterm savings around 10 % are realistic. With additional potential savings possible if more sophisticated mechanisms are employed to optimize the delivery and exchange of cached objects, these savings can be regarded as low end.
Recent Progress in the Discovery and Development of TRPA1 Modulators

TRPA1 is a well-validated therapeutic target in areas of high unmet medical need that include pain and respiratory disorders. The human genetic rationale for TRPA1 as a pain target is provided by a study describing a rare gain-of-function mutation in TRPA1, causing familial episodic pain syndrome. There is a growing interest in the TRPA1 field, with many pharmaceutical companies reporting the discovery of TRPA1 chemical matter; however, GRC 17536 remains to date the only TRPA1 antagonist to have completed Phase IIa studies. A key issue in the progression of TRPA1 programmes is the identification of high-quality orally bioavailable molecules. Most published TRPA1 ligands are commonly not suitable for clinical progression due to low lipophilic efficiency and/or poor absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and pharmaceutical properties. The recent TRPA1 cryogenic electron microscopy structure from the Cheng and Julius labs determined the structure of full-length human TRPA1 at up to 4A resolution in the presence of TRPA1 ligands. This ground-breaking science paves the way to enable structure-based drug design within the TRPA1 field.
Research on position detection technology of high voltage circuit breaker motor mechanism

Rotor position detection and signal conditioning circuit of brushless DC motor are designed for the special applications of high voltage circuit breaker motor mechanism. First, high voltage circuit breaker brushless DC motor mechanism and brushless DC motor rotor position detection technology were introduced in brief. Then we analyzed the speed requirements of high-voltage circuit breaker opening and closing operation at all stages. Finally, according to the ideal opening and closing operation speed characteristic curve of the given 40.5 kV vacuum circuit breaker short-circuit state motor, we designed motor position detection circuit, voltage conversion circuit and communications circuit. Voltage conversion circuit testing system is established. Experimental results show that the designed circuit meeting the requirements of circuit breaker operating.
Priming for autonomous cognitive systems

Considering context and the relationship between objects and events in the environment is a key component to developing the situational awareness necessary to accomplish abstract goals or effectively share information. We extend state of the art perception algorithms, which can identify specific objects in the environment, using cognitive reasoning to develop a deeper understanding of the scene based on the both the objects and their spatial relationships. Such understanding could impact the choice of tasks, routes, or observation positions in a military mission.
Some ways of thinking algorithmically about impossibility

Computational complexity lower bounds like P ≠ NP assert impossibility results for all possible programs of some restricted form. As there are presently enormous gaps in our lower bound knowledge, a central question on the minds of today's complexity theorists is how will we find better ways to reason about all efficient programs?
Evidence for a Nimbostratus Uncinus in a Convectively Generated Mixed-Phase Stratiform Cloud Shield

AbstractThe structure of a melting layer associated with a mesoconvective system is examined using a combination of in situ aircraft measurements and a unique Doppler radar operated by the U.S. Navy that has a range resolution as fine as 0.5 m. Interest in this case was motivated by ground-based all-sky camera images that captured the transient development of midlevel billow cloud structures within a precipitating trailing stratiform cloud shield associated with a passing deep convective system. A sequence of high-fidelity time–height radar measurements taken of this storm system reveal that the movement of the billow cloud structure over the radar site corresponded with abrupt transitions in the observed low-level precipitation structure. Of particular note is an observed transition from stratiform to more periodic and vertically slanted rain shaft structures that both radar and aircraft measurements indicate have the same temporal periodicity determined to arise visually between successive billow cloud ...
My surgical elective in the US

I was saddened when I read the article by Gentle Wong.1 The author's initial excitement of a shortened postgraduate training period was crushed by her realisation that this would mean longer working …
Six Pass MapReduce Implementation of Strassen's Algorithm for Matrix Multiplication

Consider the multiplication of two n x n matrices. A straight-forward sequential algorithm for computing the product takes Θ(n3) time. Strassen [21] presented an algorithm that takes Θ(nlg 7) time; lg denotes logarithm to the base 2; lg 7 is about 2.81.Now, consider the implementation of these two algorithms (straightforward and Strassen) in the mapReduce framework. Several papers have studied mapReduce implementations of the straight-forward algorithm; this algorithm can be implemented using a constant number (typically, one or two) of mapReduce passes. In this paper, we study the mapReduce implementation of Strassen's algorithm.If we unwind the recursion, Strassen's algorithm consists of three parts, Parts I--III. Direct mapReduce implementations of the three parts take lg n, 1 and lg n passes, respectively; total number of passes is 2 lg n + 1. In a previous paper [7], we showed that Part I can be implemented in 2 passes, with total work Θ(nlg 7), and reducer size and reducer workload o(n). In this paper, we show that Part III can be implemented in three passes. So, overall, Strassen's algorithm can be implemented in six passes, with total work Θ(nlg 7), and reducer size and reducer workload o(n).
Nitrogen Fixation by Cyanobacterial Heterocysts

This paper details current knowledge about nitrogen fixation by cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) heterocysts. I will first review the most direct evidence that aerobic nitrogen fixation is localized in heterocysts; will then recount the results of enzymatic studies which provide examples of specializations apparently supporting this localization; and finally, will consider the little that is known about the mechanisms by means of which heterocysts protect nitrogenase from inactivation by atmospheric oxygen. A broader look at the biology of heterocysts is presented in recent reviews (Haselkorn, 1978; Carr, 1979; Wolk, dy1979b, 1980).
Treatment of the Metabolic Syndrome with Weight Loss, Exercise, Hormones, and Surgery

Weight reduction improves all components of the metabolic syndrome. This is seen with calorie-reduced diets as well as weight-loss Mediterranean-type diets. Exercise is also an effective strategy, but less so than diets usually because the weight loss is less. Sibutramine, xenical, and rimonabant are effective strategies to lower body weight and improve the metabolic syndrome. Surgery is more effective than the other strategies for reducing body weight and has significant effects on the components of the metabolic syndrome. Simply removing fat, however, is not enough to improve the features of the metabolic syndrome. Removal of subcutaneous fat by liposuction does not improve lipids or blood pressure, whereas removal of visceral fat by lipectomy does. Central adiposity can be attenuated independently of total body fat. Growth hormone, testosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone all have independent effects on visceral adipose tissue.
Statistical Conclusion Validity

The classic definition of statistical conclusion validity that is an essential design component for research investigations is given by Cook and Campbell (1979: 37) as the truthfulness of “conclusions about covariation” between treatment and outcome – that is, the degree of accuracy with which researchers can conclude that two variables are related or that a treatment is effective. Shadish et al. (2002) have listed nine threats to statistical conclusion validity, that are examined in this article, and the strategies for overcoming these threats are identified for researchers designing effective research investigations.
Acceleration of Image Stitching Using Embedded Graphics Processing Unit

Feature detection and matching are powerful techniques used in many computer vision applications such as image registration, tracking, and object detection. In this paper, a parallel implementation for invariant feature point based image warping and stitching using embedded GPU platform is implemented. The proposed solution is a mix of OpenCV functions and Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) kernels. CUDA kernel is used to perform the image translation tasks based on the translation info obtained by OpenCV. A sequential code is developed first to be used as a reference for the speed up calculations. The experimental results show a speed up of 100x and more using our GPU code with large images.
More than one pathway: novel treatment for ITP.

In this issue of Blood, Zhao et al explored the role of low doses of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) chidamide in restoring immune tolerance in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).1
Comparative study of GenePOC GBS LB Assay and GeneXpert GBS LB Assay for the detection of Group B Streptococcus in prenatal screening samples

Abstract Group B Streptococcal (GBS) infections in the United States are a leading cause of meningitis and sepsis in newborns. The CDC, therefore recommends GBS screening for all pregnant women at 35–37 weeks of gestation and administration of intrapartum prophylaxis (in those that tested positive) as an effective means of controlling disease transmission. Several FDA approved molecular diagnostic tests are available for rapid and accurate detection of GBS in antepartum women. In this study, we report a clinical comparison of the Xpert GBS LB assay and a novel FDA-cleared test, GenePOC GBS LB assay. A total of 250 vaginal-rectal swabs from women undergoing prenatal screening were submitted to the University of Wisconsin’s clinical microbiology laboratory for GBS testing. We found 96.8% of samples were concordant between the two tests, while 3.2% were discordant with higher sensitivity observed for the GenePOC GBS LB assay, and higher specificity for the GeneXpert GBS LB assay.
Components of Cowpea Resistance to the Seed Beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., serves as a major source of dietary protein in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. To identify loci associated with agronomically desirable traits, eight elite cowpea cultivars were systematically inter-crossed for eight generations to yield 305 recombinant inbred lines. Here, we investigated whether these founder parents also possess resistance to the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (F.), a highly destructive post-harvest pest. We estimated larval survival in seeds, egg-to-adult development time, adult mass at emergence, and seed acceptance for oviposition. Survival varied significantly among cowpea cultivars, but the pattern was complicated by an unexpected source of mortality; on three cultivars, mature larvae in a substantial fraction of seeds (20-36%) exited seeds prematurely, and consequently failed to molt into viable adults. Even if such seeds were eliminated from the analysis, survival in the remaining seeds varied from 49 to 92% across the eight parents. Development time and body mass also differed among hosts, with particularly slow larval development on three closely related cultivars. Egg-laying females readily accepted all cultivars except one with a moderately rugose seed coat. Overall, suitability ranks of the eight cultivars depended on beetle trait; a cultivar that received the most eggs (IT82E-18) also conferred low survival. However, one cultivar (IT93K-503-1) was a relatively poor host for all traits. Given the magnitude of variation among parental cultivars, future assays of genotyped recombinant progeny can identify genomic regions and candidate genes associated with resistance to seed beetles.
Defeating Presidents from Within: Regime Insiders and Turnover in Senegal

This chapter explains why it is that politicians who have accessed state resources through ministerial appointments, known as “ex-regime insiders,” who were the most serious electoral challengers in the 1993, 2000, 2007, and 2012 presidential elections, and why those insiders brought about presidential turnover in 2000 and 2012 only. The analysis first discusses the sources of insider advantage, identifying various opportunities that insiders’ access to the state gives them to develop a competitive edge over other opposition candidates in presidential elections. With quantitative and qualitative data about presidential candidates in Senegal’s 1993, 2000, 2007, and 2012 elections, the chapter illustrates these mechanisms and evaluates the extent to which insiders outperform outsiders. Then, it accounts for how presidential turnovers happened in 2000 and 2012, but not in 1993 and 2007. The research uses primary and secondary sources to trace how more contingent factors (uncertainty about the timing of succession and insider candidates’ resistance to negotiating patronage) influenced each campaign, while also demonstrating how structural factors (opposition coalescence and economic performance) also heightened chances of turnover in 2000 and 2012. The chapter closes by addressing the implications of insider advantage for democratization in Senegal under both Wade and Macky Sall.
Solute Accumulation in Chloroplasts during in situ Water Stress

The inhibition of photosynthesis by water stress is thought to be in part mediated by non-stomatal factors (1, 2). Plant adaptation to water stress thus may involve acclimation which is non-stomatal in nature. Water stress induces leaf osmotic adjustment. This is associated with less inhibition of isolated chloroplast photosynthesis at low osmotic potentials in vitro. This study reports osmotic adjustment of spinach leaves and chloroplasts.
Compact differential B-dot monitors for measuring current on a fast pulsed power generator

Compact differential B-dots have been mounted on a fast pulsed power generator for experimental current measurements. The fast pulsed power generator is named Thunderbird, which is capable of 130 kA in ∼25 to 35 ns rise-time. A compact design (1.0 mm diameter loops in an 8.0 mm diameter body) of the B-dots has been implemented to match the need and specifications of the Thunderbird generator. The B-dots have been calibrated using a short circuit load geometry for two conditions, an uncompressed and a compressed pulse, with a circuit model, and results are shown.
Clinical Utility of Echocardiography in Former Preterm Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

Background The clinical utility of echocardiography for the diagnosis of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) in former preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is not established. Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) rather than pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) is the hallmark of PVD. We evaluated the utility of echocardiography in infants with BPD in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension and PVD (PVR >3 Wood units × m2) assessed by cardiac catheterization. Methods A retrospective single center study of 29 infants born ≤29 weeks of gestational age with BPD who underwent cardiac catheterization and echocardiography was performed. PVD was considered present by echocardiography if the tricuspid valve regurgitation jet peak velocity was >2.9 m/sec, post-tricuspid valve shunt systolic flow velocity estimated a right ventricular systolic pressure >35 mm Hg, or systolic septal flattening was present. The utility (accuracy, sensitivity, and positive predictive value [PPV]) of echocardiography in the diagnosis of PVD was tested. Subgroup analysis in patients without post-tricuspid valve shunts was performed. Echocardiographic estimations of right ventricular pressure, dimensions, function, and pulmonary flow measurements were evaluated for correlation with PVR. Results The duration between echocardiography and cardiac catheterization was a median of 1 day (interquartile range, 1-4 days). Accuracy, sensitivity, and PPV of echocardiography in diagnosing PVD were 72%, 90.5%, and 76%, respectively. Accuracy, sensitivity, and PPV increased to 93%, 91.7%, and 100%, respectively, when infants with post-tricuspid valve shunts were excluded. Echocardiography had poor accuracy in estimating the degree of PAP elevation by cardiac catheterization. In infants without post-tricuspid valve shunts, there was moderate to good correlation between indexed PVR and right ventricular myocardial performance index (rho = 0.89, P = .005), systolic to diastolic time index (0.84, P Conclusions Echocardiography performs well in screening for PVD in infants with BPD and may be diagnostic in the absence of a post-tricuspid valve shunt. However, cardiac catheterization is needed to assess the degree of PAP elevation and PVR. The diagnostic utility of echocardiographic measurements that correlate with PVR should be evaluated prospectively in this patient population.
Geochemical, petrographic and petrophysical characterization of the Lower Bakken Shale, Divide County, North Dakota

Abstract The Lower Bakken Shale is a key member of the Bakken Petroleum System, which is a prolific unconventional accumulation in North America. Unconventional accumulations have unpredictable lateral variations in hydrocarbon production due to a variety of factors including porosity, permeability, and other rock properties. Therefore, understanding the geochemical (source rock potential), petrological, and petrophysical properties of these units is essential in evaluating the hydrocarbon potential for the Lower Bakken Shale. This study utilized cores from four wells within three fields in Divide County, North Dakota, with samples collected for Rock- Eval pyrolysis, organic petrology, petrographic thin section studies, XRD, SEM, porosity, pore size, and pore fluid distribution. Helium porosimetry and NMR T2 porosity techniques were used to estimate porosity and also to check the quality of the results and avoid discrepancies. Results showed that maturity in the study area varies from immature to early mature using Tmax and solid bitumen reflectance. Organic petrology showed the dominance of solid bitumen and marine alginites, which confirms the Type II kerogen identified from pyrolysis and marine depositional environment in the study area. Major organic matter types identified from SEM studies involve stringy OM, OM-mineral admixture, particulate OM and pure OM which host the majority of the organic matter pores. Furthermore, pore types identified from SEM include mineral matrix pores, organic matter pores, and microfracture pores. Porosity values based on both helium and NMR varies but the difference was nominal and attributed to the presence of abundant clay minerals. Pore sizes are distributed within micropores, mesopores, and macropores with thermal maturity, TOC, and clay mineral proportion having a major influence on pore distribution. Clay-bound water was identified to be the dominant fluid within the shale samples using the T2 cutoff values and supporting evidence from the abundance of clay matrix porosity.
Chapter 150 – Prostaglandin Mediators

Publisher Summary Arachidonic acid (AA), a 20-carbon unsaturated fatty acid containing four double bonds, circulates in plasma in both free and esterified forms and is a natural constituent of the phospholipid domain of cell membranes. AA is mobilized for release by phospholipases (PLs) A2, particularly type IV cytosolic (c) PLA2, following its calcium-dependent translocation to the nuclear membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum. Three major groups of enzymes, prostaglandin G/H synthase (PGHS), lipoxygenase, or cytochrome p450, then catalyze the formation of the prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxane A2 (TxA2), the leukotrienes, or the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, respectively. Collectively, these products are known as eicosanoids. This chapter focuses on the PGs and TxA2, collectively termed the prostanoids. It begins by describing the cyclooxygenase pathway, which includes COX deletion. Following this, it discusses thromboxane A2 (TxA2), which is a potent vasoconstrictor, mitogen, and platelet activator. Inhibition of platelet TxA2 formation accounts for cardioprotection from aspirin, reflecting the importance of TxA2 as an amplification signal for more potent agonists, such as thrombin and ADP. Analogous to its role in vascular proliferation, TxA2 may also mediate cellular hypertrophy. The cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism generates a family of evanescent mediators with wide and varied physiological and pathophysiological actions. Understanding the biological role of the prostanoids requires examination of the biosynthetic pathways that lead to their temporal and tissue-specific generation, together with the array of signaling pathways activated by their multiple receptors.
Chapter 11 – Other Reptiles

Although reptiles other than marine and freshwater turtles have not been a particular focus of research in the Avise laboratory, a modest number of such reptilian species have therein been the subjects of molecular genetic appraisals. These additional species include a potpourri of taxa ranging from the desert iguana to the chuckwalla, to the estuarine diamondback terrapin, and to several species of sea snakes. The results again exemplify how the tools of molecular biology can be adapted to provide comparative population genetic analyses of a diverse array of creatures that otherwise can be extremely difficult to study based on field observations alone.
Opioid Use Among HIV-Positive Pregnant Women and the Risk for Maternal-Fetal Complications.

Objective To assess patient- and hospital-level characteristics associated with opioid use in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive pregnant women and fetal health outcomes. Methods Using the 2002-2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we analyzed discharge records to describe the rates of opioid use among HIV-positive pregnant women. Logistic regression was used to quantify the magnitude of the association between exposure status and maternal-fetal outcomes. Results Opioid use was fourfold greater among HIV-positive pregnant women compared with their HIV-negative counterparts (odds ratio 4.0; 95% confidence interval 3.15-5.12). Relatively smaller but significant increases in the early onset of delivery, poor fetal growth, abortive pregnancy, and spontaneous abortion also were observed in association with HIV-positive status and opioid drug use during pregnancy. Conclusions An increased risk of negative maternal-fetal complications persists among HIV-positive women who use opioids during pregnancy. Focusing on predisposing factors and monitoring opioid dispensing may mitigate overuse or abuse in this vulnerable population.
Designing Comb-Chain Crosslinker-Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Additive-Free All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

Developing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) is a promising approach to realize practical dendrite-free lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Tuning the nanoscale polymer network chemsitry is of critical...
The benefit of exercise in children with congenital heart disease.

Purpose of review Children and adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) often have decreased exercise capacity and muscle mass. Exercise has numerous health benefits and can improve exercise capacity and muscle mass. As such, guidelines recommend 60 min of daily physical activity in the majority of pediatric CHD patients. Despite these known benefits and guidelines, children and adolescents with CHD often do not exercise regularly. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current literature on exercise in this population. Recent findings With recent advancements in the field, clinical focus in pediatric cardiology has expanded from improving mortality to improving long-term outcomes and quality of life. As part of this paradigm shift, there is ongoing research on safety, impact, and effective delivery of exercise to this population with the overarching goal of promoting an active lifestyle. Summary Exercise interventions are generally safe, feasible, and beneficial in children and adolescents with CHD. There is growing evidence demonstrating the benefits and utility of exercise as a prescription rather than restriction in pediatric CHD patients. Novel approaches are needed for effective delivery of exercise in this population. Further studies are warranted for assessment of long-term benefits of exercise in pediatric CHD patients.
Recipient risk factors for acute cellular rejection after orthotopic liver transplant - a single-center, retrospective study.

Background The use of Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score for liver allocation has resulted in transplanting sicker patients. As such, it is unclear if the risk factors and severity of acute cellular rejection (ACR) have changed. Aim To identify ACR characteristics where average MELD score at transplant is higher than previously published studies. Methods This is a single‐center, retrospective study designed to assess risk factors associated with ACR after adult orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) using a steroid sparing regimen. This study included 174 OLT patients transplanted from 2008 to 2013 at a single tertiary care center. Recipient demographics, preoperative clinical and laboratory data were recorded for each transplant. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify variables that are significant predictors for ACR. Results The median MELD at transplantation was 29.5. The average time from transplant to ACR diagnosis was 283.9 days and a majority of ACR episodes were mild to moderate. Serum creatinine, primary sclerosing cholangitis etiology and tacrolimus use were significant predictors for ACR (P<0.05). Conclusion This study confirmed a change in timing and severity of ACR in the MELD era. Recipient characteristics may affect the risk for developing ACR and should be considering when managing immunosuppression.
Targeted Coronary Artery Calcium Screening in High-Risk Younger Individuals Using Consumer Genetic Screening Results.

Abstract Objectives The goal of this study was to assess the utility of a genetic risk score (GRS) in targeted coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening among young individuals. Background Early CAC screening and preventive therapy may reduce long-term risk of a coronary heart disease (CHD) event. However, identifying younger individuals at increased risk remains a challenge. GRS for CHD are age independent and can stratify individuals on various risk trajectories. Methods Using 142 variants associated with CHD events, we calculated a GRS in 1,927 individuals in the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) cohort (aged 32 to 47 years) and 6,600 individuals in the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) cohort (aged 44 to 87 years). We assessed GRS utility to predict CAC presence in the CARDIA cohort and stratify individuals of varying risk for CAC presence over the lifetime in both cohorts. Results The GRS predicted CAC presence in CARDIA males. It was not predictive in CARDIA females, which had a CAC prevalence of 6.4%. In combined analysis of the CARDIA and MESA cohorts, the GRS was predictive of CAC in both males and females and was used to derive an equation for the age at which CAC probability crossed a predetermined threshold. When assessed in combination with traditional risk factors, the GRS further stratified individuals. For individuals with an equal number of traditional risk factors, probability of CAC reached 25% approximately 10 years earlier for those in the highest GRS quintile compared to the lowest. Conclusions The GRS may be used to target high-risk younger individuals for early CAC screening.
Fertility preservation in men: a contemporary overview and a look toward emerging technologies

Cancer and oncologic therapies can have significant adverse effects on male reproductive potential, leaving many men permanently infertile. Fertility preservation has emerged as a key survivorship issue over the past 20 years, and numerous professional societies have published guidelines calling for fertility preservation to become a routine component of oncologic care. Most males with cancer are able to produce a semen specimen for fertility preservation, but numerous other methods of sperm procurement are available for patients who cannot provide a sufficient sample. Despite these options, fertility preservation will remain a challenge for prepubertal boys and men without sperm production. For these patients, experimental and investigational approaches offer the hope that one day they will translate to the clinical arena, offering additional pathways for successful fertility preservation care.
Associations between lipids in selected brain regions, plasma miRNA, and behavioral and cognitive measures following 28Si ion irradiation

The space radiation environment consists of multiple species of charged particles, including 28Si ions, that may impact brain function during and following missions. To develop biomarkers of the space radiation response, BALB/c and C3H female and male mice and their F2 hybrid progeny were irradiated with 28Si ions (350 MeV/n, 0.2 Gy) and tested for behavioral and cognitive performance 1, 6, and 12 months following irradiation. The plasma of the mice was collected for analysis of miRNA levels. Select pertinent brain regions were dissected for lipidomic analyses and analyses of levels of select biomarkers shown to be sensitive to effects of space radiation in previous studies. There were associations between lipids in select brain regions, plasma miRNA, and cognitive measures and behavioral following 28Si ion irradiation. Different but overlapping sets of miRNAs in plasma were found to be associated with cognitive measures and behavioral in sham and irradiated mice at the three time points. The radiation condition revealed pathways involved in neurodegenerative conditions and cancers. Levels of the dendritic marker MAP2 in the cortex were higher in irradiated than sham-irradiated mice at middle age, which might be part of a compensatory response. Relationships were also revealed with CD68 in miRNAs in an anatomical distinct fashion, suggesting that distinct miRNAs modulate neuroinflammation in different brain regions. The associations between lipids in selected brain regions, plasma miRNA, and behavioral and cognitive measures following 28Si ion irradiation could be used for the development of biomarker of the space radiation response.
Ecophysiological studies of Sonoran Desert plants : III. The daily course of photosynthesis for Acacia greggii and Cercidium microphyllum.

The gas exchange and water relations of two Sonoran Desert plants are compared during contrasting periods of water and heat stress. Photosynthesis of Acacia greggii, a winter deciduous shrub, and Cercidium microphyllum, a chlorophyllous stemmed tree, show a moderate correlation with dawn plant water potential. For both species a relationship between stomatal conductance and dawn plant water potential was not apparent, although A. greggii demonstrated a greater overall stomatal conductance. This affected a greater daytime decrease in plant water potential at all levels of water stress and suggests A. greggii is less sensitive to water stress. Our results suggest the lower limit for gross photosynthesis occurs when dawn plant water potentials are less than -44 and -31 bars for the shrub and tree species, respectively. During periods of extreme water and heat stress the photosynthetic capacity of both species is regulated more by mesophyll than stomatal conductance. However, partial stomatal closure causes plant water potential to increase during the day and exceed dawn values. During periods of minimal water and heat stress the daily course of photosynthesis parallels the change in stomatal conductance and irradiance. Maximum gross photosynthesis rates are nearly three-fold higher than the rates observed during periods of stress, with those of A. greggii generally greater than the rates observed in plants of C. microphyllum.
Introduction to mathematical epidemiology

Mathematical epidemiology is the science of understanding the cause of a disease, predicting its outbreak dynamics, and developing strategies to control it. Throughout the past century, mathematical epidemiology has become the cornerstone of public health. This success story is a result of the rapid advancement of mathematical models and the broad availability of massive amounts of data. Now, two fundamental things have changed that may forever affect our understanding of modern epidemiology: the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the age of machine learning. Here, to embrace this opportunity, we introduce the concept of mathematical epidemiology in light of data-driven modeling and physics-based learning. We briefly review the traditional concepts of epidemiology, and discuss how our classical understanding of testing, reproduction, herd immunity, and immunization has changed in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. We compare the strengths and weaknesses of purely statistical and mechanistic models and illustrate how we can integrate the large volume of COVID-19 data into mechanistic compartment models to infer model parameters, learn correlations, and identify causation. The learning objectives of this chapter on mathematical epidemiology are to
Patterns of Childhood Body Mass Index Percentile Gains as Predictors of Adolescent Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, and Blood Pressure

Abstract Objective To examine whether patterns of body mass index (BMI) percentile gains across childhood predict BMI percentile, overweight and obesity, waist circumference, and elevated or prehypertensive blood pressure at age 15. Methods Trained technicians in the Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development assessed children's weight and height from birth to 15 years and waist circumference and blood pressure at age 15 (n = 1,132). Children's BMI percentile trajectories from age 2 to age 13 along with 28 demographic and social covariates were used to predict BMI percentile, waist circumference, overweight, obesity, and elevated or prehypertensive blood pressure. Linear and logistic regressions were used to predict BMI percentile, overweight, obesity, waist circumference, and elevated or prehypertensive blood pressure. Results Children were classified into one of four BMI percentile trajectories: "low stable" (28.4%), "low-to-high" (11.8%), "median stable" (29.0%), and "high rising" (30.7%). Children in trajectory classes characterized by persistent above average BMI percentile or by periods of rapid BMI percentile gains were more likely than their peers to experience poor weight and elevated or prehypertensive outcomes in adolescence. Trajectory class membership explained substantially more variance in adolescent health outcomes than demographic covariates alone. Estimated maternal BMI was a key independent predictor of adolescent outcomes. Conclusions Different patterns of BMI percentile gains, namely those with rapid gains or persistently above average BMI percentile, from ages 2-13 predicted weight, waist circumference, and elevated or prehypertensive blood pressure at age 15, above and beyond demographic and social characteristics.
SU-D-210-02: A New Phantom Design for Routine Doppler Ultrasound Testing

Purpose: The objective of this project is to develop a simple, inexpensive, and highly portable Doppler ultrasound quality assurance phantom for routine testing. A prototype phantom has been designed and fabricated. It is powered by gravity alone, requires no external equipment for operation, and produces a stable fluid velocity useful for quality assurance. In contrast, currently available Doppler testing systems are large, expensive, and require external power. The new phantom aims to remedy these problems while still offering satisfactory capability of routine quality testing. Methods: The current system measures 15.9cmx10.8cmx12.7cm, is sealed, and contains about 55 ml of Doppler test fluid. Two reservoirs for the Doppler fluid to flow between were designed and then printed on a 3D printer. The printed components were connected with latex tubing and then seated in a tissue-mimicking gel. Data to confirm reproducibility was acquired on an Acuson Sequoia 512 ultrasound system (Siemens Medical Solutions). Results: The current system maintains stable flow from one reservoir to the other for approximately 7 seconds. Color Doppler imaging has shown to be qualitatively consistent with laminar flow. Using Pulsed Doppler, average velocities from the current system have been measured at 0.178 m/s with a standard deviation of 0.021 m/s across 102 measurements. Conclusion: Due largely to unavailability of an appropriate phantom, Doppler ultrasound often lacks frequent quality testing. This system attempts to address several obstacles facing Doppler testing, which may make weekly, and even daily Doppler testing feasible in clinical settings. The future goals of this project will be to further refine the system and measurement techniques to achieve more stable measurements and longer periods of flow. There are still several degrees of freedom in the system (transducer location, fluid temperature, tube radius, etc.) that have yet to be optimized and should increase the reproducibility of the system.
Carvedilol: Therapeutic Application and Practice Guidelines

Current knowledge of the mechanisms contributing to progression of heart failure suggests that therapies that limit or interfere with the consequences of neurohormonal activation and improve myocardial energetics appear to be most beneficial. Carvedilol, a nonselective β-adrenergic blocker with peripheral vasodilating properties, reduces mortality, slows progression of disease, and improves quality of life in patients with heart failure when added to standard therapy. When administered according to recommended guidelines, carvedilol is well tolerated. Clinical guidelines on the use of carvedilol in heart failure are provided.