cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Red Cell Microparticles (RMP) and Other Cell-Derived Microparticles (C-MP) in Hemolytic Anemias

Abstract Abstract 5158 Introduction: The lifespan of red cells (RBC) are shortened by several mechanisms in hemolytic anemias (HA): Ab-mediated hemolysis in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), complement-mediated lysis in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), microangiopathy in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemoglobinopathy in sickle cell anemia (SS) and thalassemia (Thal). During hemolysis, RMP are released along with MP from platelets (PMP), endothelia (EMP) and leukocytes (LMP). The role of MP in HA is unknown but may be involved in complications of HA. Methods: We investigated RMP and other MP profiles in the following hemolytic anemias in active phase: 14 patients with AIHA, 10 with TTP, 4 with PNH, 8 with SS or Thalassemia (SS - Thal), along with 60 healthy controls. Whole, citrated blood was centrifuged at 1600xgfor 10 minutes to yield platelet-poor plasma (PPP). Microparticles in the PPP were measured by FITC- or PE-conjugated mAb specific to the aforementioned cell types. Control plasma was prepared in an identical fashion from healthy volunteers. We compared RMP profiles and other MP in HA during active phase and in remission. Associations with clinical features were calculated using the R statistical software. Results: Means and standard deviations of C-MP in the different types of HA are shown in the TABLE. Mean RMP and PMP were highest in SS-Thal, followed by AIHA. Mean Annexin V binding procoagluant MP were higher in all subgroups of HA and highest in SS-Thal, followed by TTP. EMP in all subgroups was similar or lower than controls. RMP PMP EMP ANNV AIHA 1933 ± 1823 29576 ± 25044 855 ± 1030 4691 ± 4106 PNH 787 ± 268 7942 ± 5495 134 ± 75 6172 ± 2966 SS-THAL 3475 ± 3023 36630 ± 27868 273 ± 277 13346 ± 14746 TTP 1368 ± 1412 15543 ± 16797 344 ± 236 7654 ± 6388 CONTROL 1190 ± 685 2644 ± 8200 874 ± 645 2541 ± 2419 Regarding clinical associations, high RMP levels were associated with low hemoglobin (p=0. 01), high reticulocytes (p=0. 003), and high LDH (p=0. 01) across all groups. High reticuloctye counts (>3. 0 %) were also associated with significantly elevated PMP (p=0. 04) and total MP counts by Ulex (p=0. 003). HAs in remission had marginally lower RMP levels than controls (p=0. 05). None of the subtypes had significantly higher EMP, LMP, or PMP compared to each other or controls. Conclusion: The small population yielded large standard deviations in the MP counts and did not allow statistical study among subgroups of patients with HA. However prothrombotic MPs such as Annexin V, PMP tend to be higher in HA. A larger scale future study will clarify this issue. The constellation of elevated LDH, reticulocytes, and decreased hemoglobin were associated with increased RMP. Therefore we suggest that elevated RMP may be viewed as an additional, new diagnostic marker of active hemolysis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
3D Printing to Create Templates for Patient-Specific Fenestrated Stent Grafts

Physician-modified endovascular grafts (PMEGs), with fenestrations added to accommodate major branch vessels, provide a means for endovascular treatment of juxta-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms. Manual measurements of vessel origin locations from computed tomography images, however, take time and can lead to errors in the positions of the fenestrations. To make the fenestration process faster and more accurate, we have developed a procedure to create custom templates that serve as patient-specific guides for graft fenestration. We use a three-dimensional printer to create a clear rigid sleeve that replicates the patient’s aorta and includes holes placed precisely at the locations of the branch vessels. The sleeve is placed over the graft, the locations of the openings are marked with a sterile pen, and the fenestrations are created after the sleeve is removed. Custom fenestration templates can potentially save procedural costs and make minimally invasive aortic aneurysm repair available to many more patients. This chapter summarizes the 3D printing applications to create models for preoperative planning of PMEGs.
Ionic liquid syntheses via click chemistry: expeditious routes toward versatile functional materials

Since the introduction of click chemistry by K. B. Sharpless in 2001, its exploration and exploitation has occurred in countless fields of materials sciences in both academic and industrial spheres. Click chemistry is defined as an efficient, robust, and orthogonal synthetic platform for the facile formation of new carbon-heteroatom bonds, using readily available starting materials. Premier examples of click reactions are copper(i)-catalyzed azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition (CuAAC) and the thiol-X (X = ene and yne) coupling reactions to form C-N and C-S bonds, respectively. The emphasis of this review is centered on the rapidly expanding area of click chemistry-mediated synthesis of functional ionic liquids via CuAAC, thiol-X and oxime formation, and selected examples of nucleophilic ring-opening reactions, while offering some thoughts on emerging challenges, opportunities and ultimately the evolution of this field. Click chemistry offers tremendous opportunities, and introduces intriguing perspectives for efficient and robust generation of tailored task-specific ionic liquids - an important class of soft materials.
Mapping Spatiotemporal Patterns of Liquor Law Violation Citations During Oktoberfest in College Town of La Crosse, Wisconsin

Annual events like Oktoberfest , Mardi Gras, and Halloween are very popular among young crowds, especially in college towns , and a significant part of the celebration consists of alcohol consumption . Binge drinking during such celebrations often results in alcohol-related crime , assaults , vandalism, and even fatal accidents. Yet, in crime studies, little research has been conducted to investigate the impact of such events on dynamics of crime and underage drinking in the local communities. The present study aims to analyze the influence of Oktoberfest on spatiotemporal pattern of underage drinking in college town of La Crosse in southwest Wisconsin. The study uses 5 years (2008–2012) of liquor law citation records and GIS techniques to explore the spatiotemporal pattern of underage drinking during the week of Oktoberfest and a week before and after the festival. Analysis conducted using grid thematic maps and local information showed that the local celebration of Oktoberfest results in an increased number of liquor law violations citations which coincided with increased number of fatal accidents, alcohol-related crimes , and public nuisance. Knowledge gained from results of grid thematic mapping was used to create a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) that helped to identify a probability surface for high concentration of liquor law violation and thus underage drinking in certain parts of the town. Validation of the resultant map shows that 85–97 % of the citation location in last 5 years falls within the high probability zone delineated by our map. This type of mapping approach is useful to the local law enforcement officials and volunteer watch groups to provide focused deployment of intervention measures and increased vigilance to restrict alcohol consumption of underage youths and prevent associated crime and accidents.
Impact of moisture content and maize weevils on maize quality during hermetic and non-hermetic storage.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the impact of moisture content and Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky on maize quality during hermetic and non-hermetic storage conditions. Commercial Channel 211-97 hybrid maize kernels were conditioned to 14, 16, 18, and 20% moisture content (wet basis), and then three replications of 300 g of maize grain were stored in glass jars or triple Ziploc® slider 66-μm(2.6-mil) polyethylene bags at four conditions: hermetic with weevils, hermetic no-weevils, non-hermetic with weevils, non-hermetic no-weevils. All jars and bags were stored in an environmental chamber at 27 °C and 70% relative humidity for either 30 or 60 d. At the end of each storage period, jars and bags were assessed for visual mold growth, mycotoxin levels, gas concentrations, pH level, the numbers of live and dead S. zeamais, and maize moisture content. The maize stored in non-hermetic conditions with weevils at 18 and 20% exhibited high levels of mold growth and aflatoxin contamination (>150 ppb). Conversely, very little mold growth was observed in maize stored in hermetic, and no aflatoxins were detected in any moisture level. CO2 increased and O2 gradually decreased as storage time increased for maize stored in hermetic conditions (with or without weevils) in all moisture level. No significant difference in pH was observed in any storage conditions (P
Interception of toxic agents/mutagens/carcinogens: some of nature's novel strategies.

In this section focused on mechanisms of action of antimutagens and anticarcinogens, it might be well to note that there are a wide variety of levels at which defense mechanisms operate. Nature provides numerous diverse examples at each level. The following descriptions center on the flow of interests of my own laboratory over a period of years. The descriptions will highlight a few of the many mechanisms that serve to “intercept” potential mutagens and carcinogens before these deleterious molecules can attack critical cells (“stem cells,” see Ref. 35) or, once in a critical cell, before the DNA can be reached, to elicit a potentially mutagenic lesion. It will be tacitly assumed that lesions in DNA are a most important component in formation of focal lesions during the lifespan. As pointed out elsewhere, such focal lesions are certain to be of critical importance not only in carcinogenesis but also in a wide array of additional situations that compromise the human condition and collectively constitute an important aspect of physiological “aging” (27, 29).
VLSI Signal Processing for QNDE of Highway Bridge

Evaluation of highway bridges using quantitative nondestructive techniques is a great challenge. A research project currently being carried out at the ATLSS center of Lehigh University is to investigate the issue involved in QNDE of large structures with an emphasis on highway bridges. Our approach is to develop a remotely accessible, economically affordable, and highly reliable continuous monitoring system using advanced signal processing techniques and very large scale integration(VLSI) technology. The result of this project will dramatically lower the cost and enhance the capability of monitoring highway bridges. A particular fatigue damage monitoring system is being developed because fatigue damage assessment has been an important issue in bridge inspection and evaluation. The algorithm used for estimating fatigue damages requires rainflow counting, stress histogram generation, and equivalent stress range calculation. Using calculated equivalent stress range and appropriate AASHTO fatigue design curve, the total number of fatigue cycles can be estimated. The remaining fatigue life of the monitored bridge can be obtained by subtracting the number of used fatigue cycles from the total number of fatigue cycles. The entire system consists of sensors and processing modules distributed on a bridge and powered by small batteries, a radio repeater near the bridge powered by a larger battery, and a computer at central facility. The sensors and processor modules will be capable of collecting and processing data on site in real time. Processed data from each individual sensor and processor modules on the bridge will be transmitted to the radio repeater.
Management of needlestick injuries in the health care setting.

Health care providers should be aware of the risks, tests, and treatments necessary in the event of a needlestick injury. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Advanced Materials, Technologies, and Processes

There are still many materials and technologies as well as design concepts that can potentially be employed in the medical/dental field in the near future. The typical areas are tissue engineering and its related materials and structure in nanoscale dimensions, and functionally graded material and structure. In summary, the design and concept of the bioengineering and biomaterials integrated implant system will be introduced and discussed.
Towards an Ontologically-driven GIS to Characterize Spatial Data Uncertainty

Current data models for representing geospatial data are decades old and well developed, but suffer from two major flaws. First, they employ a onesize-fits-all approach, in which no connection is made between the characteristics of data and the specific applications that employ the data. Second, they fail to convey adequate information about the gap between the data and the phenomena they represent. All spatial data are approximations of reality, and the errors they contain may have serious implications for geoprocessing activities that employ them. As a consequence of this lack of information, users of spatial data generally have a limited understanding of how errors in data affect their particular applications. This paper reviews extensive work on spatial data uncertainty propagation. It then proposes development of a data producer focused ontologically-driven GIS to implement the Monte Carlo based uncertainty propagation paradigm. We contend that this model offers tremendous advantages to the developers and users of spatial information by encapsulating with data appropriate uncertainty models for specific users and applications.
Paediatric oncology simulation training for resident education

Introduction We sought to evaluate paediatric oncology simulations intended to improve paediatric residents’ skills and comfort in caring for children with cancer. Method In a non-randomised trial, controls (the first three rotations) received a standard set of lectures, and the intervention arm received these lectures plus five simulation training scenarios—fever/neutropaenia, a new leukaemia diagnosis, end-of-life care discussion, tumour lysis syndrome and a mediastinal mass. All residents were tested after the rotation on the first three scenarios; management skills were evaluated independently by two raters. Before and after training, all residents completed an emotional-appraisal questionnaire evaluating each scenario as a perceived challenge or threat. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) measured differences by study arm in skills checklist assessments and appraisals; repeated measures ANOVA measured changes in emotional-appraisal scores. Results Forty-two residents (9 controls, 33 interventions) participated. Inter-rater agreement for skills checklist scores using average-measures intraclass correlation was high (0.847), and overall mean scores were significantly higher for the intervention than control group across both raters (p=0.005). For all residents, perceived challenge increased in the end-of-life simulation, and perceived threat decreased in all three test scenarios. The intervention group, regardless of training year, evaluated the teaching scenarios favourably and felt that challenging oncology situations were addressed, skills were enhanced and the simulations should be offered to other residents. Conclusions It was feasible to introduce residents to difficult paediatric oncology scenarios using simulation. The intervention group performed more skills than controls when tested and perceive threat declined in all residents after their paediatric oncology rotation.
Simplified Scheme of Search Task Difficulty Reasons

This article reports on a study that aimed at simplifying a search task difficulty reason scheme. Liu, Kim, and Creel (2015) (denoted LKC15) developed a 21‐item search task difficulty reason scheme...
Pupil-sparing third cranial nerve palsy with aberrant regeneration secondary to cavernous sinus arachnoid cyst.

Abstract A 66 year-old woman presented with a pupil-sparing partial third cranial nerve palsy with aberrant regeneration. Imaging revealed a cystic lesion in the right cavernous sinus, demonstrating signal characteristics consistent with arachnoid cyst. Oculomotor synkinesis and a pupil-sparing third cranial nerve palsy from an arachnoid cyst of the cavernous sinus have not been previously reported. Intracavernous arachnoid cysts are in the differential diagnosis of cranial nerve III palsies, with and without synkinesis or pupil involvement.
Can coders detect grandiose narcissism in others

We examined the extent to which coders reach consensus and are accurate in detecting grandiose narcissism in others based on reading transcripts of interviews. We obtained personality questionnaires and semi-structured interviews about reasoning concerning several common, everyday transgressions from 147 people. Four coders independently read transcriptions of the interviews and rated participants on qualities such as narcissism, grandiosity, and likeability. Results revealed that even with minimal cues, to some extent coders were able to detect the narcissistic qualities of others.
The heat is on: A device that reduces cold stress-induced tachycardia in laboratory mice.

Abstract Mouse vivaria are typically maintained at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 20–26 °C which is comfortable for human researchers. However, as this Ta is well below the mouse thermoneutral zone (TNZ) of 30–32 °C, typical vivarium temperatures result in cold stress for mice. Recently, a cage has been developed that provides variable cage floor heating, allowing mice to behaviorally regulate body temperature through thermotaxis. A hand warmer provides supplemental heat, elevating cage floor surface temperature for 13 + hours up to 30 °C. This provides a heated surface for the entirety of the light phase. Here, we test the ability of these local heat sources to remove physiological signs of cold stress in mice housed at room temperature by analyzing heart rate (HR), activity, and body temperature in three experimental conditions: 23 °C, 23 °C + heated surface, or 30 °C. The location of C57Bl/6 J mice within the cage was recorded using an infrared camera. In the presence of supplemental heat at a Ta of 23 °C, mice resided atop of the area of the heated surface 85 ± 3% of the 12-h light phase, as compared to 7 ± 2% in the absence of supplemental heat. Further, addition of supplemental heat lowered light phase HR and activity to that seen at a Ta of 30 °C. These results indicate that provision of a local heat source is successful in reducing cold-induced tachycardia in mice housed at typical vivarium temperatures without increasing the ambient temperature of the entire laboratory and subjecting researchers to heat stress.
Management of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas are rare entities that can present complex diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas for the clinician. Diagnosis is often made incidentally on cross-sectional imaging, as the clinical symptoms arising from IPMN are often vague and nonspecific. The progression of IPMN to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has been clearly documented; however, many IPMN harbor low malignant potential and do not require resection. Specific clinical, imaging, and biochemical features have been described which can help evaluate a particular IPMN’s risk profile and are classified as either “high-risk stigmata” or “worrisome features.” Measurement of cyst carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels allows differentiation of mucinous from non-mucinous cysts, however not benign from malignant cysts. Cytologic evaluation of cyst fluid can be helpful in diagnosing an occult malignancy within an IPMN; however, its sensitivity is low, and its use should be restricted to centers with expertise in this technique. The duration and intensity of surveillance are based upon the patient’s suitability for surgery, family history of pancreas cancer, and individual cyst features.
AV Shunt Complications

An arterial venous (AV) shunt is a lifeline for patients on hemodialysis. Creation of the AV shunt is one of the most common procedures performed by vascular surgeons. The dialysis access can have complications which decrease the effectiveness of dialysis and can limit the life of the AV shunt. Maintenance of the dialysis access requires both open surgical and endovascular techniques. The most emergent of these complications is an occlusion of the dialysis access. This requires prompt re-establishment of blood flow and correction of the offending lesion. Understanding of the techniques and the rationale to de-clot the occluded AV shunt provides the basis for dealing with other complications that can arise.
Long-acting dihydropyridine calcium antagonists. 7. Compounds containing unsaturation in the 2-substituent on the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring

Abstract To evaluate the effect of introducing unsaturation into the 2-substituent of 1,4-dihydropyridines related to amlodipine ( 1 ), a number of alkene and alkyne analogues were prepared and their calcium antagonist activity was assessed. For several series of compounds, in vitro potency increased in the order alkane
Carbon storage in Fe-Ni-S liquids in the deep upper mantle and its relation to diamond and Fe-Ni alloy precipitation

Abstract To better understand the role of sulfide in C storage in the upper mantle, we construct a thermodynamic model for Fe-Ni-S-C sulfide melts and consider equilibrium between sulfide melts, mantle silicates, Fe-Ni alloy, and diamond. The sulfide melt model is based upon previous parameterization of Fe-Ni-S melts calibrated at 100 kPa, which we have extended to high pressure based on volumetric properties of end-member components. We calculate the behavior of C in the sulfide melt from empirical parameterization of experimental C solubility data. We calculate the continuous compositional evolution of Fe-Ni sulfide liquid and associated effects on carbon storage at pressure and redox conditions corresponding to mantle depths of 60 to 410 km. Equilibrium and mass balance conditions were solved for coexisting Fe-Ni-S melt and silicate minerals (olivine [(Mg,Fe,Ni)2SiO4], pyroxene [(Mg,Fe)SiO3]) in a mantle with 200 ppmw S. With increasing depth and decreasing oxygen fugacity (fO2), the calculated melt (Fe+Ni)/S atomic ratio increases from 0.8–1.5 in the shallow oxidized mantle to 2.0–10.5 in the reduced deep upper mantle (>8 GPa), with Fe-Ni alloy saturation occurring at >10 GPa. Compared to previous calculations for the reduced deep upper mantle, alloy saturation occurs at greater depth owing to the capacity of sulfide melt to dissolve metal species, thereby attenuating the rise of Fe and Ni metal activities. The corresponding carbon storage capacity in the metal-rich sulfide liquid rises from negligible below 6 GPa to 8-20 ppmw at 9 GPa, and thence increases sharply to 90-110 ppmw at the point of alloy saturation at 10-12 GPa. The combined C storage capacity of liquid and solid alloy reaches 110-170 ppmw at 14 GPa. Thus, in the deep upper mantle, all carbon in depleted sources (10–30 ppmw C) can be stored in the sulfide liquid, and alloy and sulfide liquids host a significant fraction of the C in enriched sources (30–500 ppmw C). Application of these results to the occurrences of inferred metal-rich sulfide melts in the Fe-Ni-S-C system and inclusions in diamonds from the mantle transition zone suggests that oxidization of a reduced metal-rich sulfide melt is an efficient mechanism for deep-mantle diamond precipitation, owing to the strong effect of (Fe+Ni)/S ratio on carbon solubility in Fe-Ni-S melts. This redox reaction likely occurs near the boundary between oxidized subducted slabs and the reduced ambient peridotitic mantle.
Ese sexo que no es 100011001: Sobre la visibilidad digital/chilena/trans*

espanolDada la prevalencia, tanto en Latinoamerica como en Chile, de los medios digitales y de la visibilidad trans* en los ultimos veinte anos, este ensayo examinara los paralelos entre estas dos maneras de ver y de ser visto. Se centrara en tres peliculas chilenas digitales protagonizadas por personajes trans*: El pejesapo (Jose Luis Sepulveda, 2007), Empana de pino (Wincy Oyarce, 2008), y Naomi Campbel (Camila Jose Donoso y Nicolas Videla, 2013). La borradura entre los binarios de genero en estas peliculas es analoga a su evasion—en el contexto de la “transficcion”—del supuesto binario entre los generos del documental y ficcion. A la luz de los debates recientes sobre los derechos trans* en Chile, y la visibilidad internacional de Una mujer fantastica (Sebastian Lelio, 2017), este ensayo argumentara por el cine digital como un sitio privilegiado en que las personas chilenas trans* pueden reclamar su acceso a la representacion. EnglishGiven the prevalence of both digital media and trans* visibility over the last 20 years, this essay draws parallels between these two forms of seeing and being seen. It will focus on three digital Chilean films featuring trans* characters: El pejesapo (Jose Luis Sepulveda, 2007), Empana de pino (Wincy Oyarce, 2008), and Naomi Campbel (Camila Jose Donoso and Nicolas Videla, 2013). The representations of blurred gender binaries in these films are analogous to their evasion—in the context of “trans-fiction”—of the supposed binary between fiction and documentary genres. In light of recent debates about the of trans* rights in Chile, and the recent Oscar win of Una mujer fantastica (Sebastian Lelio, 2017), which featured a trans* character, this essay argues for the uniqueness of digital cinema as a site for trans* people in Chile to confront issues of access to political, historical, and aesthetic representation.
Fancd2 Deficiency Impairs Autophagy Via Deregulating The Ampk/Foxo3a/Akt Pathway

Abstract Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetic disease characterized by bone narrow failure and high risk of malignancy. The disease is due to a deficiency in the FA DNA repair pathway. Impaired function of the FA pathway leads to a decrease in survival, self-renewal and function of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Previous reports have shown that FOXO3a directs a protective autophagy program for HSCs. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation system that enables cell to survive during stress like nutriment deprivation or oxidative stress by recycling damage proteins and organelles like mitochondria. Our laboratory has shown that FA-deficient cells are hypersensitive to oxidative stress and that FANCD2/FOXO3a interaction directs anti-oxidative response and cell survival. The FANCD2/FOXO3a axis could play a role in the protective autophagy activity in HSCs. For these reasons, we decided to study autophagy in the context of FANCD2-deficient (FA-D2) human lymphoblast cells exposed to oxidative stress. Interestingly, we observed an impaired activation of autophagy in the FA-D2 cells, detected by LC3-II immunoblot and flow cytometry, compared to FANCD2-corrected (control) cells. We found an increased necroapoptosis as soon as 1 hour after H2O2 treatment in FA-D2 cells. Paradoxically, we observed a profound decrease in the activity of the mTORC1 complex (as determined by S6 and S6k1 phosphorylation) in FA-D2 cells. In order to explain this autophagy deregulation, we determined the activation of AKT known to up-regulate mTORC1 activity. AKT activation (monitored by phospho-ser473) was significantly decreased in FA-D2 cells compared to control cells. Consequently, FOXO3a was over-activated in FA-D2 cells after H2O2 treatment. Consistently, we found markedly increased activation of AMPK known to initiate and sustain FOXO3a activation. Since AKT controls the expression of p62/SQSTM1, a protein involved in autophagy by addressing the damaged proteins/organelles to autophagic vesicles, we next examined the level of p62 in FA-D2 cells. In contradiction with the impaired autophagy in FA-D2 cells, we observed a decrease of p62 protein compared to corrected cells. To ensure that p62 protein decrease was not due to autophagy activity, we examined p62 transcription and found that the level of p62 mRNA was significantly decreased in FA-D2 cells. Our study thus identifies a deregulated AMPK/FOXO3a/AKT pathway in FA hematopoietic cells, and reveals an impaired autophagy process in which over-activated AMPK initiates FOXO3a activation that in turn inactivates AKT leading to down-regulation of p62. Thus, impaired autophagy may play a causal role in the hypersensitivity of FA-deficient cells to oxidative stress. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Influence of Parent Stressors on Adolescent Obesity in African American Youth

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between individual parent stressors (financial, legal, career, relationships, home safety, community safety, medical, housing, authority, and prejudice) and adolescent obesity in African American adolescents. Methods. Data were from a cross section convenience sample of 273 African American parent-child dyads (ages 11–19) from Washtenaw County, Michigan. A subset of 122 dyads who completed parent and child questionnaires were included in this analysis. Parent stressors were assessed using the Crisis in Family Systems Revised (CRISYS-R) questionnaire. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured by trained staff; height and weight were converted to BMI. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the relationships between individual parent stressors and adolescent BMI and waist circumference. Results. Parental exposure to stressors related to safety in the community was positively associated with adolescent BMI (β = 1.20(0.47), ) and waist circumference (β = 2.86(1.18), ). Parental appraisal of stressors related to safety in the community as “difficult to get through” was positively associated with adolescent BMI (β = 0.39(0.14), ) and waist circumference (β = 1.00(0.35), ). These relationships remained significant when adjusting for behavioral and psychosocial covariates. There were no significant relationships observed between other parent stressors and adolescent BMI or waist circumference. Conclusion. These findings suggest parents’ exposure and appraisal of stressors related to community safety are associated with increased adolescent obesity in African American youth. Longitudinal, larger-scale studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms by which community safety may increase obesity risk in this ethnic minority pediatric population. This trail is registered with NCT02938663 .
Determination of weed hosts of soybean cyst nematode in South Dakota

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) causes over $1.2 billion in revenue loss annually in the United States and consistently ranks as the most threatening pathogen for soybean. SCN weed hosts have been documented in other states in the eastern Corn Belt, but very little work has been done in the midwestern Corn Belt. To determine alternative SCN weed hosts in South Dakota, 670 whole weed root samples comprising 63 weed species were collected from 48 SCN-positive fields in 13 counties during fall 2016 and spring 2017. Among the 63 weed species, 12 contained SCN juveniles and 7 were confirmed hosts of SCN based on the completion of the SCN life cycle in greenhouse studies. Ranking of female index (FI) for the weed hosts were purple deadnettle (FI = 34.6) > field pennycress (FI = 26.9) > common mallow (FI = 2.04) > shepherd’s purse (FI = 1.89) > white clover (FI = 1.86) > Canada thistle (FI = 1.24) > common cocklebur (FI = 1.10). These results indicate that some weeds can support SCN, and therefore a proactive weed management approach should be employed for fields infested with SCN.
UAS Swarm Shares Survey Data to Expedite Coordinated Mapping of Radiation Hotspots

This study explores the capability of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) swarm to locate and survey areas of interest as quickly as possible. The swarming process involves decentralized control in which UAS periodically select their respective paths after sharing information sensed in their environment. The implementation of a new swarming algorithm, Greedy Share&Seek, was found to be capable of conducting time-sensitive survey missions with higher performance than a baseline algorithm without such information sharing. Numerical simulations were employed to verify the increase in performance of the algorithm in a controlled environment. In addition, the behavior was implemented on an actual UAS swarm system and successfully demonstrated in a live outdoor flight test in which the system surveyed an active radiation site using on-board sensors. This approach generally worked and demonstrated realworld implementation feasibility.
Evaluating the effectiveness of an innovative community/public health nursing simulation: a mixed methods study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the design and effectiveness of an innovative community/public health nursing simulation. This mixed methods study (N = 143) consisted of community health nursing students from two cohorts at a Midwestern, urban, public university at the end of fall 2018 (n = 89) and winter 2019 (n = 54) semesters. The simulation was conducted at a local simulation center. The topic was sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)/sexually transmitted infections (STIs). After being consented, students completed a pretest; the prebrief occurred next, and then the simulation was conducted, followed by the debrief. Students then completed a posttest and simulation design evaluation scale. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS); qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The results showed that the majority of participants’ knowledge increased as a result of the simulation experience, and indicated what they learned and felt was most helpful. The findings also revealed that the majority of participants positively evaluated the simulation design. This research provides support for the effectiveness of this innovative community/public health nursing simulation in increasing students’ knowledge about community/public health nursing, and improving community health nursing education.
Long-Term Results of Transsphenoidal Surgery for the Management of Acromegaly

Although acromegaly as a medical entity was described as early as 1779, it was 100 years ago in 1886 that the French neurologist Pierre Marie (1) coined the term, acromegaly, and presented the clinical details of two cases. Considerable interest in acromegaly rapidly evolved, but the pathophysiology and etiology of the disorder was not at all clear to the initial investigators. Minkowski in 1887 and subsequently Marie and Marinesco (2) all noted that enlargement of the pituitary was a constant feature in autopsied cases of acromegaly, but this was thought by some to be merely part of a generalized process resulting in hypertrophy of various glands. By 1900 pathophysiologic correlations suggested an etiologic role for pituitary hypertrophy or neoplasia, and Dean Lewis in 1905 (3) propagated the concept among the surgical community.
Role of Feedback Connections in Central Visual Processing

The physiological response properties of neurons in the visual system are inherited mainly from feedforward inputs. Interestingly, feedback inputs often outnumber feedforward inputs. Although they ...
Efficient cascade lasing on over 17 wavelengths from two-photon excitation of the cesium 62D states

Abstract A broad survey is taken to assess the agility of the cesium 6 2 D states in the generation of cascade lasing from 455 to 3650 nm. The experiment utilized a heat pipe with 0 to 10 Torr of He, cesium densities of 1014 to 1017 atoms per cm 3 , and it is pumped by a pulsed dye laser with 1 to 30 mJ/pulse. Cascade lasing, generated by amplified spontaneous emission with no aid of a cavity, is observed on over 17 transitions–nearly every dipole allowed transition from energy levels below 6 2 D. Many lasing lines possess 100 to 229 μ J of energy, slope efficiencies of 4 to 7%, low thresholds favorable for diode pumping, and together have combined optical conversion efficiencies as high as 10 % ± 3 % . This agile system could have applications in infrared counter measures, target illuminator lasers, beacon lasers, underwater communication, and other tactical laser applications.
Etiopathogenesis of Asherman’s Syndrome

Intrauterine adhesions are bands of fibrous tissue that occur inside the endometrial cavity frequently in response to endometrial injury. The severity of this condition can range from thin strings of filmy tissue to complete obliteration of the cavity with subsequent amenorrhea and infertility among other clinical devastating consequences. Clinical challenges include primary prevention of adhesions and prevention of recurrent adhesions after surgical treatment. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the etiopathogenesis of intrauterine adhesions.
The Futile Heart

In complex cases (i.e., aorto-right atrial fistula), in order to obtain a complete understating of the clinical picture and possibly recommend appropriate treatments, a thorough investigation is required with attention to technical details that can influence the various calculations and quantifications utilized. Combining all available echocardiographic data—m-mode, 2D, Doppler, 3D—can prove invaluable for understanding the hemodynamics in certain situations. Detailed echocardiographic evaluation can provide important information and be key to making a clinically important diagnosis. Any calculation utilized should be thought of and the information obtained from it should be understood in the larger context, and interpreted accordingly.
Screening and tests of materials for space applications

The outgassing properties of materials and other considerations on materials acceptance for space applications are discussed. The uses of the outgassing data for the evaluation of important performance characteristics of a space system are indicated. The deficiencies and advantages of the ASTM-E595-77 test method and materials acceptance criteria are discussed. Also discussed are the advantages for the selection of the materials and the uses of the data provided by the long-term measurements of the outgassing rates and surface re-emission of materials. The paper concludes that the results of the ASTM method with additional derived data on the material properties can be used for the initial evaluation of a space system's characteristics. Materials data on outgassing and re-emission rates at various temperatures obtained from the more expensive, long-term QCM and TGA measurements should be obtained when a detailed analysis of a system is suggested based on the various considerations discussed in the paper.
Hyperglue: an infrastructure for human-centered computing in distributed, pervasive, intelligent environments

As intelligent environments (IEs) move from simple kiosks and meeting rooms into the everyday offices, kitchens, and living spaces we use, the need for these spaces to communicate not only with users, but also with each other, will become increasingly important. Users will want to be able to shift their work environment between localities easily, and will also need to communicate with others as they move about. These IEs will thus require two pieces of infrastructure: a knowledge representation (KR) which can keep track of people and their relationships to the world; and a communication mechanism so that the IE can mediate interactions. This thesis seeks to define, explore and evaluate one way of creating this infrastructure, by creating societies of agents that can act on behalf of real-world entities such as users, physical spaces, or informal groups of people. Just as users interact with each other and with objects in their physical location, the agent societies interact with each other along communication channels organized along these same relationships. By organizing the infrastructure through analogies to the real world, we hope to achieve a simpler conceptual model for the users, as well as a communication hierarchy which can be realized efficiently. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Notas sobre a ecologia e a preservação de Nothochilus coccineus Radlkofer (Scrophulariaceae), espécie endêmica ao Maciço do Caparaó, ES/MG

O presente trabalho apresenta dados basicos sobre a ecologia e a distribuicao de N. coccineus Radlk., a unica especie do genero, endemica nos campos de altitude do Macico do Caparao, sudeste do Brasil, no Parque Nacional do Caparao. A estrutura espacial da populacao e os elementos relevantes da paisagem foram tratados no contexto das suas influencias na dinâmica de populacao desta especie rara e ameacada. Observou-se que N. coccineus encontra-se restrita a populacoes disjuntas acima de 2.450m, nos picos mais altos do macico. Nesses picos cresce N. coccineus somente nas encostas ingremes das faces sul e oeste, e em sitios com solos profundos e humicos. A presenca de bambus do genero Chusquea pode ser necessaria para a ocorrencia de N. coccineus, pois as raizes de Chusquea foram muitas vezes encontradas parasitadas. Baseando-se em comparacoes estatisticas entre caracteristicas de solo, altura de plantas, e crescimento desde 1994, pode-se concluir que as encostas de face sul parecem fornecer o habitat otimo para N. coccineus. As distâncias entre as populacoes e o alcance um tanto limitado da dispersao de sementes podem favorecer o isolamento genetico de algumas das populacoes mais remotas, contudo o pastejo do gado e a alta frequencia de incendios antropogenicos nos campos de altitude do Caparao constituem-se claramente nas maiores ameacas a sobrevivencia da especie e do genero a curto prazo.
Metal ion association in alcohol solutions—I: Erbium nitrate association in aqueous methanol

Abstract The association reaction between erbium(III) and nitrate ion was investigated through the use of the ultrasonic relaxation technique in solvent mixtures of methanol and water. Using a constant concentration of the erbium nitrate, the absorption amplitude was found to exhibit a maximum at a mole fraction of water approximately equal to 0·4. The relaxation frequency was found to occur at lower frequency in methanol than water. In the mixed solvents the frequency had a region with only a small frequency change as the water fraction increased. The data were interpreted in conjunction with the spectroscopic results on similar solutions obtained by Freed and co-workers starting 30 yr ago. The mechanism that was postulated involves the existence of two forms of solvated lanthanide ion, differing in coordination number, in equilibrium with the outer and inner sphere complexes.
The differential distribution of label following uptake of 3H-labeled amino acids in the dorsal cochlear nucleus of the cat. An autoradiographic study.

Abstract Light and electron microscopic autoradiography demonstrated a differential distribution of label in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) of the cat following the incubation of adjacent fresh brain slices with micromolar amounts of different tritiated amino acids in oxygenated Ringer's bicarbonate solutions. After incubation with GABA, glutamic acid, or glycine, label was found primarily over synaptic terminals. It was most heavily concentrated in the outer molecular layer after GABA uptake, over the inner molecular layer after glutamic acid, and more evenly spread over the molecular layer, fusiform cell layer, and deep DCN after glycine. Labeling with aspartic acid was unimpressive. There was diffuse labeling over all of the DCN after incubation with taurine and alanine and, to a lesser extent, with aspartic acid. After incubation with taurine a few cells in the molecular layer were labeled; following alanine more and different cells (probably glia) were labeled. The distribution of labeled synaptic terminals can be correlated with the differential distribution of different classes of axonal input to the DCN.
Superstitious Rule Generation is Affected by Probability and Type of Outcome

One hundred and fifty participants played a computer task in which pOints were either gained (reinforcement) or lost (punishment) randomly on 75%, 50%, or 25% of trials. Despite the noncontingent nature of the task, participants frequently suggested superstitious rules by which points were either gained or lost. Rules were more likely to be suggested and supported higher confidence ratings under conditions of maximal reinforcement or minimal punishment, and participants gaining points tended to express more rules than did those losing points. Superstitious rule generation was in no way related to a person’s locus of control, as measured by Rotter’s Internal-External Scale. Participants losing points were more accurate in keeping track of their total number of points than were participants gaining points. Results are discussed in terms of reinforcement and punishment’s effects on the stimulus control of rule-governed behavior, and comparisons are drawn with the illusion of control and learned helplessness literature.
Selective use of visual information signaling objects' center of mass for anticipatory control of manipulative fingertip forces.

The present study examines whether visual information indicating the center of mass (CM) of an object can be used for the appropriate scaling of fingertip forces at each digit during precision grip. In separate experiments subjects lifted an object with various types of visual cues concerning the CM location several times and then rotated and lifted it again to determine whether the visual cues signaling the new location of the CM could be used to appropriately scale the fingertip forces. Specifically, subjects had either no visual cues, visual instructional cues (i.e., an indicator) or visual geometric cues where the longer axis of the object indicated the CM. When no visual cues were provided, subjects were unable to appropriately scale the load forces at each digit following rotation despite their knowledge of the new weight distribution. When visual cues regarding the CM location were provided, the nature of the visual cues determined their effectiveness in retrieval of internal representations underlying the anticipatory scaling of fingertip forces. Specifically, when subjects were provided with visual instructional information, they were unable to appropriately scale the forces. More appropriate scaling of the load forces occurred when the visual cues were ecologically meaningful, i.e., when the shape of the object indicated the CM location. We suggest that visual instructional cues do not have access to the implicit processes underlying dynamic force control, whereas visual geometric cues can be used for the retrieval of the internal representation related to CM for appropriate partitioning of the forces in each digit.