cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE RESPONSE TO TYPHOON MORAKOT (2009) AND THE INFLUENCE ON ITS ACTIVITY

While previous studies indicate that typhoons can decrease sea surface temperature(SST) along their tracks,a few studies suggest that the cooling patterns in coastal areas are different from those in the open sea.However,little is known about the ways induced cooling,coupled with the complex ocean circulation in the coastal areas,affects the track and intensity of tropical cyclones.The sea surface temperature responses to the landfalling process of Typhoon Morakot(2009) are examined observationally and its influences on the activity of the typhoon are numerically simulated with the WRF model.The present study shows that the maximum SST cooling associated with Morakot occurred on the left-hand side of the typhoon track during its landfall.Numerical simulations show that,together with the SST gradients associated with the coastal upwelling and mesoscale oceanic vortices,the resulting SST cooling can cause significant difference in the typhoon track,comparable to the current 24 hour track forecasting error.It is strongly suggested that it is essential to include the non-uniform SST distribution in the coastal areas for further improvement in typhoon track forecast.
Identification of camptothecin, hyperin and other components in Ohiorrihiza hydroponic system

Ophiorrhiza cantoniensis in this study was obtained from DingHu Mountain, Zhaoqing city and cultivated in room by hydroponics which constructed an Ophiorrhiza japonica hydroponic system. Camptothecin, hyperin and other root exudates were analyzed by HPLC and GC-MS. The results showed that, the optimum conditions for the plant 's growth was cool environment(18~25℃) and no strong light. Root exudates were enriched by using macroporous resin AB-8 absorption and extraction technique, which was separated by column chromatography with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate(6 ∶4) as elution. Concentrated solution was found containing camptothecin and hyperin, which indicated that there were camptothecin and hyperin in Ophiorrhiza japonica root exudate. Meanwhile, the root exudates also contained different kinds of thermal-stable compounds from the results of GC-MS identification, including Dibutylphthalate, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester. This study initially show s that it is possible to product active components, such as camptothecin and hyperin, through roots of Ohiorrihiza hydroponic system.
Longitudinal trends in all healthcare-associated infections through comprehensive hospital-wide surveillance and infection control measures over the past 12 years: substantial burden of healthcare-associated infections outside of intensive care units and "other" types of infection.

OBJECTIVE Targeted surveillance has focused on device-associated infections and surgical site infections (SSIs) and is often limited to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in high-risk areas. Longitudinal trends in all HAIs, including other types of HAIs, and HAIs outside of intensive care units (ICUs) remain unclear. We examined the incidences of all HAIs using comprehensive hospital-wide surveillance over a 12-year period (2001–2012). METHODS This retrospective observational study was conducted at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospitals, a tertiary care academic facility. All HAIs, including 5 major infections with 14 specific infection sites as defined using CDC criteria, were ascertained through comprehensive hospital-wide surveillance. Generalized linear models were used to examine the incidence rate difference by infection type over time. RESULTS A total of 16,579 HAIs included 6,397 cases in ICUs and 10,182 cases outside ICUs. The incidence of overall HAIs decreased significantly hospital-wide (−3.4 infections per 1,000 patient days), in ICUs (−8.4 infections per 1,000 patient days), and in non-ICU settings (−1.9 infections per 1,000 patient days). The incidences of bloodstream infection, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia in hospital-wide settings decreased significantly, but the incidences of SSI and lower respiratory tract infection remained unchanged. The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) increased remarkably. The outcomes were estimated to include 700 overall HAIs prevented, 40 lives saved, and cost savings in excess of $10 million. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated success in reducing overall HAIs over a 12-year period. Our data underscore the necessity for surveillance and infection prevention interventions outside of the ICUs, for non–device-associated HAIs, and for CDI. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(10):1139–1147
The Role of Carboplatin in the Treatment of Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death due to cancer in the United States, and approximately 178,100 new cases were estimated to occur last year. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 17% to 25% of all lung cancers. Due to its aggressive nature and rapid proliferation rate, small-cell lung cancer is usually widespread at diagnosis. Therefore, chemotherapy is the cornerstone of therapy for this disease. Cisplatin (Platinol) is an active chemotherapeutic agent used to treat small-cell lung cancer, but its toxicity, including nausea and vomiting, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity, has led to the investigation of combination regimens with different toxicity profiles. Carboplatin (Paraplatin), a derivative of cisplatin, has far less nonhematologic toxicity, although myelosuppression may be slightly greater than that observed with cisplatin. The reduced toxicity and equivalent efficacy of carboplatin have resulted in the increased use of carboplatin-based regimens to treat small-cell lung cancer. Phase I and II trials of carboplatin as single-agent treatment for small-cell lung cancer resulted in overall response rates of approximately 60% for previously untreated patients and 17% for those who had received prior therapy. New combination chemotherapy regimens that include carboplatin may improve survival in patients with small-cell lung cancer and potentially cure those patients with limited disease. Further investigation of carboplatin and other new agents is warranted.
Resection of benign duodenal neoplasms.

Primary small bowel neoplasms (PSBN) are uncommon, accounting for less than 15 per cent of all gastrointestinal tumors. Benign duodenal neoplasms (BDN) are rare, comprising only 10 to 20 per cent of all PSBN. The treatment is generally surgical resection ranging from local excision to pancreaticoduodenectomy depending on size, location, and number of lesions. Patients undergoing surgical treatment for BDN at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from July 1984 to April 2006, were identified and reviewed retrospectively. Medical records were examined for demographics, operative details, results, and complications. Twenty-six patients were identified of which 56 per cent were male and the mean age was 56 ± 14 years. Lesions were found throughout the duodenum, but the majority (62%) were ampullary. Nearly 75 per cent were adenomas, including over half with dysplasia. Operative interventions and complication rates were: duodenal resection with primary anastomosis (n = 3,0%), local excision (n = 6,50%), ampullary resection (n = 10, 30%), and pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 7, 86%). There were no reoperations or mortalities. Mean followup was 14 months. BDN are an increasingly common problem in an era of frequent use of upper endoscopy. The surgical management of these lesions must be tailored to their size, number, location, and malignant potential. A wide variety of surgical procedures can be performed with acceptable morbidity.
How Online Peer-to-Peer Conversation Shapes the Effects of a Message About Healthy Sleep.

Conversation about health messages and campaigns is common, and message-related conversations are increasingly recognized as a consequential factor in shaping message effects. The evidence base is limited, however, about the conditions under which conversation may help or hinder health communication efforts. In this study, college students (N = 301) first watched a short sleep video and were randomly assigned to either talk with a partner in an online chat conversation or proceed directly to a short survey. Unknown to participants, the chat partner was a confederate coached to say positive things about sleep and the message (‘positive’ chat condition), negative things (‘negative’ chat condition), or unrelated things (‘natural’ chat condition). All respondents completed a short survey on beliefs about sleep, reactions to the message, and intentions to get adequate sleep. Respondents had greater intentions to engage in healthy sleep when they engaged in positive conversation following message exposure than when they engaged in negative conversation after the message (p < 0.001). Positive emotion experienced in response to the message and positive chat perceptions were significant predictors (p < 0.05) of intentions to achieve healthy sleep. Health message designers may benefit from understanding how messages are exchanged in peer-to-peer conversation to better predict and explain their effects.
Diabetes mellitus ☆: A hypercoagulable state

Eighty percent of patients with diabetes mellitus die a thrombotic death. Seventy-five percent of these deaths is due to cardiovascular complications, and the remainder is due to cerebrovascular events and peripheral vascular complications. Vascular endothelium, the primary defense against thrombosis, is abnormal in diabetes. Endothelial abnormalities undoubtedly play a role in the enhanced activation of platelets and clotting factors seen in diabetes. Coagulation activation markers, such as prothrombin activation fragment 1+2 and thrombin-anti-thrombin complexes, are elevated in diabetes. The plasma levels of many clotting factors including fibrinogen, factor VII, factor VIII, factor XI, factor XII, kallikrein, and von Willebrand factor are elevated in diabetes. Conversely, the level of the anticoagulant protein C (PC) is decreased. The fibrinolytic system, the primary means of removing clots, is relatively inhibited in diabetes due to abnormal clot structures that are more resistant to degradation and an increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). Increased circulating platelet aggregates, increased platelet aggregation in response to platelet agonists, increased platelet contractile force (PCF), and the presence of higher plasma levels of platelet release products, such as beta-thromboglobulin, platelet factor 4, and thromboxane B(2), demonstrate platelet hyperactivity in diabetes. This constellation of findings supports the clinical observation that diabetes is a hypercoagulable state. This article briefly reviews the published evidence for this conclusion and the putative roles played by hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in its development.
Bmal1 Is Required for Normal Reproductive Behaviors in Male Mice.

Circadian rhythms synchronize physiological processes with the light-dark cycle and are regulated by a hierarchical system initiated in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a hypothalamic region that receives direct photic input. The suprachiasmatic nucleus then entrains additional oscillators in the periphery. Circadian rhythms are maintained by a molecular transcriptional feedback loop, of which brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1 (BMAL1) is a key member. Disruption of circadian rhythms by deletion of the BMAL1 gene (Bmal1 knockout [KO]) induces a variety of disease states, including infertility in males, due to unidentified mechanisms. We find that, despite normal sperm function, Bmal1 KO males fail to mate with receptive females, indicating a behavioral defect. Mating is dependent on pheromone detection, as are several other behaviors. We determined that Bmal1 KO males also fail to display aggression and avoidance of predator scent, despite intact main olfactory func...
Socioeconomic resilience : multi-hazard estimates in 117 countries

This paper presents a model to assess the socioeconomic resilience to natural disasters of an economy, defined as its capacity to mitigate the impact of disaster-related asset losses on welfare. The paper proposes a tool to help decision makers identify the most promising policy options to reduce welfare losses from natural disasters. Applied to riverine and storm surge floods, earthquakes, windstorms, and tsunamis in 117 countries, the model provides estimates of country-level socioeconomic resilience. Because hazards disproportionally affect poor people, each $1 of global natural disaster-related asset loss is equivalent to a $1.6 reduction in the affected country’s national income, on average. The model also assesses policy levers to reduce welfare losses in each country. It shows that considering asset losses is insufficient to assess disaster risk management policies. The same reduction in asset losses results in different welfare gains depending on who (especially poor or nonpoor households) benefits. And some policies, such as adaptive social protection, do not reduce asset losses, but still reduce welfare losses. Post-disaster transfers bring an estimated benefit of at least $1.30 per dollar disbursed in the 117 countries studied, and their efficiency is not very sensitive to targeting errors.
Synthetic robot language development

Cooperating robots can benefit from communication. Our robots create their own adaptable synthetic robot languages (ASRLs). We have shown that robots can develop “basic”, context dependent, and compositional ASRLs using reinforcement learning techniques. (See (Yanco 1994) for a complete description of this work.) We have demonstrated that the robots are able to develop ASRLs using two different reinforcement schemes: task-based reinforcement and individual reinforcement. In task-based reinforcement, the robots only receive positive reinforcement when the task is completed properly. This reinforcement method is preferable in situations where it can not be determined who performed the correct actions to reach the goal, but it is clear that the goal was reached. Individual reinforcement is better suited to tasks where it is clear which of the robots helped to reach the goal. This determination is used to give the robots that helped reach the goal good reinforcement while penalizing the robots that did not contribute toward the group goal. In our model, the robots are able to learn more quickly using the individual reinforcement, but at the expense of convergence. However, most tasks can not easily be decomposed to determine which members of the group acted correctly, and even for those tasks that can be easily decomposed, the overhead necessary to make the determination is often costly. While task-based reinforcement results in longer learning times, it only requires a one-bit decision in allocating reinforcement. The basic ASRL is a simple one-to-one mapping of robot signals to robot actions. The development of this ASRL in simulation and with robots demonstrated that robots could learn to communicate and could adapt their language to changing circumstances. Simulated robots have also created a context dependent ASRL. In a context dependent language, robot words can have different meanings depending on the
Resources, Environment, and Economics. Applications of the Materials/Energy Balance Principle

(1979). Resources, Environment, and Economics. Applications of the Materials/Energy Balance Principle. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 856-859.
Gain-scheduled control for unmodeled subsystem dynamics

Abstract A method is developed, based on an extended D - K iteration procedure, for synthesizing controllers that are gain-scheduled on a priori unmodeled dynamics. A controller is designed for an example problem, and its performance is a significant improvement over a controller which is robust to the same set of unmodeled dynamics. In addition, a weighting filter synthesis method is presented which enables time-invariant parametric gain-scheduling problems to be translated into dynamic gain-scheduling problems, which reduces design complexity at the cost of controller performance.
On population density estimation via quorum sensing

Microbial communities regulate various collective functions using a system of cell-cell communication known as quorum sensing. Quorum sensing allows bacteria to estimate the density of their local population, and coordinate gene expression accordingly. Understanding and modeling of quorum sensing regulation can pave the way to the design of nano-networks and, in particular, of communication and coordination schemes among large numbers of nano-machines that need to perform collective decisions based on their local density. In this paper, the performance of population density estimation via quorum sensing is investigated. The distribution of local autoinducers within each cell is derived in closed form, for an asymptotic scenario of large cell population. Based on it, the maximum likelihood estimator is derived, and is compared numerically to a low-complexity estimator. It is shown that the mean squared error of the low-complexity estimator closely approaches that of the maximum-likelihood estimator, and is thus suitable in computationally constrained nano-machines.
Clinical Variants of New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase Are Evolving To Overcome Zinc Scarcity

Use and misuse of antibiotics have driven the evolution of serine β-lactamases to better recognize new generations of β-lactam drugs, but the selective pressures driving evolution of metallo-β-lactamases are less clear. Here, we present evidence that New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) is evolving to overcome the selective pressure of zinc(II) scarcity. Studies of NDM-1, NDM-4 (M154L), and NDM-12 (M154L, G222D) demonstrate that the point mutant M154L, contained in 50% of clinical NDM variants, selectively enhances resistance to the penam ampicillin at low zinc(II) concentrations relevant to infection sites. Each of the clinical variants is shown to be progressively more thermostable and to bind zinc(II) more tightly than NDM-1, but a selective enhancement of penam turnover at low zinc(II) concentrations indicates that most of the improvement derives from catalysis rather than stability. X-ray crystallography of NDM-4 and NDM-12, as well as bioinorganic spectroscopy of dizinc(II), zinc(II)/cobalt(II), and ...
Technocratic Shepherding of Migrant Rights: The Power of Legalism to Reframe State "Interests"

In June 2011, delegates from 183 nation-states voted to adopt an international convention that brought migrant domestic workers into the fold of international law. This article explores how the interests of sovereign states were reconfigured so that they came to include protecting perhaps the most politically powerless of all international migrants. I argue that technocratic devices - charts, questionnaires, and paragraph formatting - created a space for this new category of employees to be recognized and for international consensus to be secured on appropriate standards for this group. In other words, the Domestic Workers Convention is an instance in which state interests were shaken up and reconfigured through technocratic engineering. This analysis of the progress of the Domestic Workers Convention focuses attention on international organizations and their lawmaking machinery as important but previously overlooked contributors to the international politics of migration.
Effect of Serum Immunoglobulins on Routine Coagulation Tests: A Comparison of Coagulation Analyzers using Mechanical and Optical Clot Detection.

Background We previously showed that the prothrombin time (PT), but not activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), is correlated with serum immunoglobulin level in patients with plasma cell neoplasms. Methods To determine if the observed effect of serum immunoglobulins on PT was reagent and/or method dependent, PT and APTT were measured in plasma samples obtained from patients referred to the Myeloma Institute using mechanical (STAR Evolution; Diagnostica Stago) and optical clot detection (ACL TOP 500 analyzer; Instrumentation Laboratory) and manufacturer provided reagents. Results A total of 97 patients were included in this study. Twelve patients had abnormal coagulation test results. An isolated prolonged PT was found in 8 patients and an isolated prolonged PTT was detected in 4 patients. Conclusion The PT, but not APTT, was positively correlated with serum paraprotein level and this correlation was observed regardless of the reagents and instrumentation used to assess clot time.
Teaching Veterans Studies: Bridging the Gap Between U.S. Civilians and Veterans through the College Classroom

This paper discusses the development and instruction of an undergraduate class focused on increasing understanding of military veterans in American society. Since the institution of the all-volunteer force in 1974, the number of U.S. citizens with military service has been steadily decreasing. This reduction in military experience has led to a lack of understanding between American civilians and veterans. The literature suggests that many reintegration challenges faced by veterans (employment, health, education) are exacerbated by this knowledge gap. The intent of the course was to educate undergraduate students, mostly civilian, on what it is like to be a veteran in America, with the hopes that increasing awareness would aid veterans in their transition. Given that goal, the course also contained a significant service-learning component. Service-learning, when well-executed, has been found to impact learners in ways other forms of teaching may not. Relevant to the outcomes of this course, the pedagogy has been found to improve cultural competence (Einfield and Collins, 2008) and lead to stereotype reduction (Conner, 2010). In addition to improving learning outcomes, service-learning also provides a tangible benefit to the community. In this paper, I will discuss considerations for designing college classes focused on military veterans and service-learning projects that involve veterans.
Regulation of Notch Signaling Via O-Glucosylation: Insights from Drosophila Studies

Recent work using Drosophila melanogaster has shown that a protein O-glucosyltransferase called Rumi regulates Notch signaling. Studies on several alleles of rumi identified in a forward genetic screen indicated that Rumi is a temperature-sensitive regulator of Notch signaling in flies. Further genetic and rescue experiments demonstrated that Rumi is a general regulator of Drosophila Notch signaling. Biochemical analyses showed that Rumi adds glucose to specific EGF repeats in the extracellular domain of Notch receptor in the Drosophila S2 cell line. Furthermore, RNAi-mediated knockdown of Rumi in this cell line resulted in a severe decrease in the level of O-linked glucose on Notch. In this chapter, we discuss the genetic and biochemical methods used to determine the role of Rumi in the regulation of Notch signaling in flies.
Magainin-Mediated Disruption of Stratum Corneum Lipid Vesicles

Drug delivery across the skin has had great success for drugs such as nicotine, estradiol, and a few others (1,2). However, the vast majority of drugs cannot cross skin at therapeutic rates, due primarily to the formidable barrier presented by skin’s outer layer, the stratum corneum. This barrier to transdermal transport is formed primarily by a series of multilamellar lipid bilayers found in stratum corneum’s extracellular spaces. Strategies to enhance drug delivery across the skin have focused to a large extent on chemical and physical methods to disrupt lipid structure (1,2). However, most enhancers have side effects, including irritation or safety concerns. The ideal enhancer for transdermal drug delivery would be one that is specifically targeted to disrupt stratum corneum lipids without damaging cells found deeper within the skin. The use of magainin peptides may present an opportunity to do this. Magainins are a family of peptides originally isolated from the skin of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis (3), which show a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. They exhibit potent antibacterial behavior at low concentrations (4,5) and belong to a class of antimicrobial peptides that interact directly with the lipid bilayer as opposed to specific membrane proteins (6,7). This antimicrobial activity appears to be derived from the peptides’ ability to increase the porosity of the membrane. Magainins specifically target bacteria because of the favorable interaction between the positivelycharged magainins and the typically negatively-charged bacterial membranes. Bacterial membranes generally contain large amounts of lipid with negatively-charged head groups such as phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylglycerol. In contrast, magainins are generally not as effective against most eukaryotic cells because of unfavorable interaction with the positive charges residing on their numerous zwitterionic lipid head groups such as phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine. Given this charge-dependent mechanism of magainins’ effect, we sought to determine if magainins could disrupt bilayers made of lipids found in human stratum corneum. Although analysis of stratum corneum lipids is complicated by spatial and inter-individual variation, they are reported to contain fewer zwitterionic phospholipids (∼5 wt. %) than typical eukaryotic cells, while containing ∼16 wt. % negativelycharged fatty acids (8). Given the significant negative charge and limited zwitterion content of stratum corneum, we propose the hypothesis that magainins can disrupt stratum corneum lipid bilayers.
Imaging of acute ischemic stroke.

For decades, imaging has been a critical component of the diagnostic evaluation and management of patients suspected of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). With each new advance in the treatment of AIS, the role of imaging has expanded in scope, sophistication, and importance in selecting patients who stand to benefit from potential therapies. Although the field of stroke imaging has been evolving for many years, there have been several major recent changes. Most notably, in late 2017, the window for treatment expanded to 24 h from onset of stroke symptoms in selected patients. Furthermore, for those patients in expanded time windows, guidelines issued in early 2018 now recommend the use of “advanced” imaging techniques in the acute setting, including CT perfusion and MRI, to guide therapeutic decision-making. With these and other changes, the emergency radiologist must be prepared to handle a growing volume and complexity of AIS imaging. This article reviews the various imaging modalities and techniques employed in the imaging of AIS patients, with an emphasis on recommendations from recent randomized controlled trials and national consensus guidelines.
Searching for Neural Correlates of Sexual Differentiation in a Heterogeneous Tissue

Nearly 20 years have passed since the hypothalamus-preoptic area (HPOA) was identified as a target tissue mediating the effects of gonadal steroids on male and female sexual behaviour (Davidson and Bloch 1969; Eisenfeld and Axelrod 1965; Lisk 1962, 1967; Harris and Michael 1964). Since then our knowledge of how HPOA cells accumulate and metabolize steroids has rapidly progressed. We know, for example, that HPOA cells that respond to testosterone (T) often convert it first to oestradiol (OE2) and/or di- hydrotestosterone (DHT; Luttge 1979, Martini 1982). These metabolites then bind to intracellular receptors. In this regard, T-sensitive cells in the HPOA resemble T-sensitive cells in the male reproductive tract. In females, HPOA cells that respond to progesterone (P) resemble P-sensitive cells in the female reproductive tract in that they synthesize most of their P receptors only after they have been exposed to OE2 (Blaustein and Brown, this Vol.; Moguilewski and Raynaud 1979a,b; MacLusky and McEwen 1978, 1980). The receptors themselves are similar in the HPOA and peripheral targets (Barley et al. 1975; Feder et al. 1979; Moguilewsky and Raynaud 1979a), and in both tissues, the steroid eventually binds to acceptor sites on the chromatin (Fox and Johnston 1974; Whalen and Olsen 1978). Moreover, these processes are similar in adults and neonates (MacLusky and Naftolin 1981). These observations have encouraged the view that steroids activate mating behaviour in adulthood, and sexually differentiate the HPOA during early development, in the same way that they modify cellular functions in other parts of the body, i.e., by modifying synthesis of messenger RNA and protein.
The Weight Room: Preparing Students for Physical Activity beyond Physical Education

This article describes how designing evaluation procedures that mirror the knowledge and performance criteria necessary in real-world physical activity settings, such a weight rooms and fitness cen...
The Impact of a Care Recipient's Pet on the Instrumental Caregiving Experience.

ABSTRACTOlder adults report strong emotional bonds with their pets which often become increasingly important as health declines and dependence upon others increases. Individuals requiring assistanc...
Recombinant C5a stimulates transcription rather than translation of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor: translational signal provided by lipopolysaccharide or IL-1 itself

We investigated the effects of recombinant C5a (rC5a) on gene expression and synthesis of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in fresh human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Total (cell-associated and secreted) cytokine synthesis was measured. In the strict absence of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), rC5a resulted in a small but statistically insignificant increase in immunoreactive IL-1 beta and TNF, as well as in IL-1 and IL- 6 bioactivity. On the other hand, rC5a induced marked transcriptional activation of IL-1 beta and TNF in a dose-dependent fashion with an optimal concentration of 50 ng/mL. The rC5a-induced cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) was not spontaneously translated into protein. At 50 ng/mL, rC5a induced the same levels of mRNA for IL-1 beta and TNF as 1 ng/mL of LPS, whereas LPS induced 12 times more IL-1 beta protein and 70 times more TNF protein than rC5a alone. The C5a-induced mRNA half-life was the same as that induced by LPS. Formyl-Meth-Leu-Phe (fMLP) did not induce cytokine transcription. Pretreatment with rC5a enhanced cytokine synthesis induced by other stimuli. After 2 hours of preincubation with rC5a, PBMC synthesized 3 to 10 times more IL-1 beta and TNF on subsequent stimulation by LPS or IL-1 itself. We conclude that rC5a provides primarily a transcriptional but not translational signal for IL-1 beta and TNF; the half-life of the untranslated mRNA is the same as that of translated message; rC5a-induced transcription upregulates PBMC for enhanced synthesis of these cytokines; and a translational signal can be provided by LPS or IL-1 itself.
Estimation and inference for upper hinge regression models

We introduce a new type of threshold regression models called upper hinge models. Under this type of threshold models, there only exists an association between the predictor of interest and the outcome when the predictor is less than some threshold value. Just like hinge models, upper hinge models can be seen as a special case of the more general segmented or two-phase regression models. The importance of studying upper hinge models is that even though they only have one fewer degree of freedom than segmented models, they can be estimated with much greater efficiency. We develop a new fast grid search algorithm to estimate upper hinge linear regression models. The new algorithm reduces the computational complexity of the search algorithm dramatically and renders the existing fast grid search algorithm inadmissible. The fast grid search algorithm makes it feasible to construct bootstrap confidence intervals for upper hinge linear regression models; for upper hinge generalized linear models of non-Gaussian family, we derive asymptotic normality to facilitate construction of model-robust confidence intervals. We perform numerical experiments and illustrate the proposed methods with two real data examples from the ecology literature.
Implementation and feasibility considerations of an avatar‐based intervention for military family caregivers

OBJECTIVE Military family caregivers (MFCGs) are a growing population with well-being and quality of life (QOL) challenges. New technologies can help meet their needs while minimizing disruption to caregiving responsibilities. Preliminary research needs to address intervention implementation challenges before larger-scale efficacy studies are conducted. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing an avatar-based intervention and preliminarily investigate outcomes. METHODS One-hundred twenty-four MFCGs were recruited to participate in this feasibility study. Sixty-four MFCGs completed the intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance to assess 3- and 6-month differences. RESULTS Meeting the a priori goal of 50 MFCGs completing the program supported feasibility. Preliminary results indicated significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms, and significant improvements in physical health and overall QOL. CONCLUSIONS Findings support for the feasibility of implementing an avatar-based intervention for MFCGs and present promising findings related to improving caregiver well-being and overall QOL.
Adoption of Multilingual State Emergency Management Websites: Responsiveness to the Risk Communication Needs of a Multilingual Society

This article draws on the risk communication and responsiveness literature for theoretical context to investigate the adoption of multilingual websites at state emergency management agencies. It an...
Core warming of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients undergoing mechanical ventilation: protocol for a randomized controlled pilot study

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, is spreading rapidly across the globe, with no proven effective therapy. Fever is seen in most cases of COVID-19, at least at the initial stages of illness. Although fever is typically treated (with antipyretics or directly with ice or other mechanical means), increasing data suggest that fever is a protective adaptive response that facilitates recovery from infectious illness. Objective: To describe a randomized controlled pilot study of core warming patients with COVID-19 undergoing mechanical ventilation. Methods: This prospective single-site randomized controlled pilot study will enroll 20 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure due to COVID-19. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to standard-of-care or to receive core warming via an esophageal heat exchanger commonly utilized in critical care and surgical patients. The primary outcome is the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (as measured by PaO2/FiO2 ratio) 24 hours after initiation of treatment. Secondary outcomes include hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, amount of viral shedding, and 30-day mortality. Results: Resulting data will provide effect size estimates to guide a definitive multi-center randomized clinical trial. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: pending. Conclusions: With growing data to support clinical benefits of elevated temperature in infectious illness, this study will provide data to guide further understanding of the role of active temperature management in COVID-19 treatment and provide effect size estimates to power larger studies.
Antiplasmodial Isoflavanes and Pterocarpans from Apoplanesia paniculata.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an EtOH extract of the roots of the plant Apoplanesia paniculata (Fabaceae) led to the isolation of the three known compounds amorphaquinone ( 1 ), pendulone ( 2 ), and melilotocarpan C ( 3 ), and the two new pterocarpans 4 and 5 . Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited good antiplasmodial activity with IC 50 values of 5.7 ± 1.5 and 7.0 ± 0.8 µM, respectively. Compound 3 exhibited weak antiplasmodial activity (41.8 ± 5.2 µM), while compounds 4 and 5 were inactive. Compound 6 was synthesized to confirm the structure of 5 , and it showed enhanced antiplasmodial activity (15.8 ± 1.4 µM) compared to its analogues 3 – 5 .
Conclusions: The Urban Library: Archiving the Future

This concluding chapter will summarize the similarities and differences between the different public libraries in terms of distinct features, common approaches, and future trends. The chapter will highlight the evolution of libraries to address how the libraries selected establish connections with the cities in which they are located by both providing physical space as plazas and community-centered programming while maintaining the democratic values of universal access. Contemporary libraries are defined today as enclaves that support democratic practices of universal access and face-to-face interaction in iconic buildings. Libraries are heterotopic public spaces in that they remain an alternative to fully privatized tendencies within the neoliberal city. Some of the best practices in contemporary public library design include a careful correspondence to the surrounding landscape and sustainable practices that libraries can provide to city efforts as anchor institutions and cultural resources. Public libraries also contribute to an image of the cities that is enticing to the creative class of global professionals but mostly protects skill development for the communities they serve.
Trump Energy Diplomacy

By 2016 and during the presidential campaign Trump made it noticeably clear that his administration, if elected, would pursue a global dominance strategy that is quite different from the strategy pursued by previous presidents; they always talked about energy independence, energy self-sufficiency. But with Trump, a very sharp break is noticeable; he talked about global energy dominance. Exporting energy to increase relations with neighboring countries and US allies has been the focus of the Obama and Trump administrations, and this policy will be one of the basic principles of US foreign policy in the next US administration. Meanwhile, sanctions on the energy industry of different countries have also played an important role in the foreign policy of the Trump administration. During Trump’s presidency, the country had major foreign policy problems with China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia
Satisfaction of Telehealth in Patients With Established Neuromuscular Disorders

Introduction/aims: Determine established neuromuscular disease patients' satisfaction with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We received 50 completed Utah telehealth satisfaction surveys from a cohort of 90 from April 2020 to June 2020. Returning neuromuscular disease patients rated seven aspects from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree): Communication, timeliness of physician, picture quality, sound quality, protection of privacy, the comfort of the physical exam, the ease of healthcare, and whether patients would prefer "in-person" visits despite safety precaution. A favorable response was defined as a response of "Agree" or "Strongly Agree" to the survey questions. An independent t-test, Fisher's or chi-square test were used to compare demographic factors on outcomes for each survey question. Results: The average age was 47.54 ± 20.63, 54% were female, 70% from rural areas, 60% had family present "webside," and 14% had family present remotely. The majority of patients reported "Agree" or "Strongly Agree" to each survey question assessing their telehealth satisfaction, except for whether patients preferred in-person appointments. Demographic factors, including location and clinical diagnosis, did not influence survey responses. Discussion: The vast majority of established neuromuscular disease patients responded favorably to their telehealth experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Multicenter Study About Resilience of Nursing Students and Faculty in Online Courses.

Abstract Background Resilience is the process of adapting well in adverse situations. Due to the challenges of teaching in online programs and the adaptations needed by students, it is important that faculty and students maintain a high level of resilience. Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the resilience level of undergraduate and graduate nursing students and faculty who interact in an online environment and to determine factors that impact resilience. Methods This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design using a convenience sample of undergraduate and graduate students and faculty at six accredited universities in the United States. Faculty and student resilience were measured using the Connor Davidson 10 Resilience scale instrument. Results The sample included 92 faculty who taught at least one online course and 200 students who were enrolled in at least one online course. There was no difference in faculty or student resilience by generation or program. Overall resilience scores were at the moderate level for both students and faculty. Conclusion Resilience has multiple benefits for both students and faculty, and is a critical concept for focus in nursing education at all levels.
Strategic Diversification for Asynchronous Asset Trading: Insights from Generalized Coherence Analysis of Cryptocurrency Price Movements

Non-linear interactions between cryptocurrency price movements can elicit cross-frequency coupling (CFC) wherein one set of frequencies in the 1st timeseries is coupled to another set of frequencies in the 2nd timeseries. To investigate this, we use a generalized coherence approach to detect and quantify both linear (i.e., iso-frequency coupling, IFC) and non-linear coherence (CFC) and the associated phase relationships between the intra-day price changes of various pairs of cryptocurrencies for the year 2020. Using this information, we further assess the risk reduction associated with diversification of portfolios between each pair of a small market capital and a large market capital cryptocurrency, for both synchronous and asynchronous trading conditions. While mean pairwise IFC values were lower for smaller cryptocurrencies, pairwise CFC values were more heterogeneous and had no correlation with the market capital size. Diversification of portfolios resulted in reduced risk for synchronously-traded pairs of those cryptocurrencies which had low IFC. For asynchronous trading conditions, if the larger market capital cryptocurrency was traded at a higher frequency, diversification almost always reduced risk. Thus, the novel approach used in this study reveals important insights into the complex dynamics that govern the price trends of cryptocurrencies.
Long-term body pigmentation changes on a manta ray (Mobulidae)

Manta rays (genus Manta) are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List based partly on population studies that use body coloration and ventral spot patterns to identify and count individuals, as a result of such patterns being considered unique and permanent during their lifetime. The present study reports the first evidence of long-term coloration changes of manta rays based on observations of one captive individual. Darkening skin pigmentation was documented on the side of the head, the inner side of the cephalic lobes and the pectoral fin margin of the ventral side, and spot markings appeared on the gill slits within 9 months. These changes were most likely ontogenetic or were connected to maturation. The described specimen's coloration did not fulfill the taxonomic classification criteria of either manta ray species and rather resembled two different manta ray species at the beginning and end of the study. These results show that coloration patterns of manta rays are not as stable as has been assumed previously. Further studies are needed to identify the extent of such changes for accurate identification and classification of manta rays. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 114, 406–414.
A three-transistor threshold voltage model for halo processes

A closed-form expression for the threshold voltage, V/sub t/, of MOSFETs fabricated with halo processes is described. The proposed approach accurately captures the length dependent V/sub t/ behavior under different drain and body bias conditions and temperature. In addition, the necessity of considering separate V/sub t/ expressions for current and capacitances is discussed. A doping transformation is employed to obtain equivalent channel dopings, necessary for charge-sheet models that do not rely on the threshold voltage concept.
Inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) in children <2 years of age: examination of selected adverse events reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) after thimerosal-free or thimerosal-containing vaccine.

Thimerosal as a preservative (in all but trace amounts) was removed from vaccines used in infants starting in the late 1990s, though the preservative-including inactivated influenza vaccine is still available for use in individuals ≥6 months of age. We compared the proportion of injection site reactions, rash, and infections reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) after preservative-free (PFV), preservative-including (PIV), and preservative unknown (PUV) vaccines in reports from 7/1/2004 to 1/4/2006. There were 145, 175, and 216 reports after vaccination with PFV, PIV, and PUV, respectively. The most frequently reported coding terms (fever, rash, and urticaria) were seen in similar proportions in the PFV, PIV, and PUV groups. No difference was detected in the proportion of injection site reactions (ISR), rash, or infections in the PIV, PFV, and PUV reports. Keeping in mind the inherent limitations of VAERS, including underreporting and potential reporting biases, we conclude that there were no substantial differences in the proportion of rash, ISR, and infection reports in the PIV, PFV and PUV reports in infants.
Syntheses of cis and trans Methyl 12-Oxo-9-Dodecenoates, Their Corresponding Acetals, and Methyl 12-Oxo-trans-10-Dodecenoate

Abstract For the synthesis of deuterated geometrically isomeric 9,12-octadecadienoates to be used in metabolic studies in humans,1 methyl 12-oxo-cis- and trans-9-dodecenoates were required as intermediates. In 1954, Gunstone2 oxidized
Active-Layer Thickness across Alaska: Comparing Observation-Based Estimates with CMIP5 Earth System Model Predictions

Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 78:894–902 doi:10.2136/sssaj2013.11.0484 Received 15 Nov. 2013. *Corresponding author (umishra@anl.gov). © Soil Science Society of America, 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison WI 53711 USA All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permission for printing and for reprinting the material contained herein has been obtained by the publisher. Active-Layer Thickness across Alaska: Comparing Observation-Based Estimates with CMIP5 Earth System Model Predictions Pedology