cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knockdown Resistance to DDT and Pyrethroids in the House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae): From Genetic Trait to Molecular Mechanism

Knockdown resistance to DDT and pyrethrins was the 1st insecticide resistance trait involving reduced target site sensitivity to be identified and isolated genetically. Almost 5 decades later, knockdown resistance continues to threaten the continued effectiveness of pyrethroid insecticides in the control of numerous agricultural pests and vectors of human disease. In this review we summarize progress in the characterization of knockdown resistance in the house fly, Musca domestica L., culminating in the identification of the specific sodium channel gene mutations that cause the reduced neuronal sensitivity to DDT and pyrethroids in knockdown-resistant insects.
Comparison of Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection from sputum with two different stain methods

Objective To evaluate the differences in fluorescence staining method and conducted with Z-N acid fast staining method for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum. Methods A total of 1 168 sputum samples were respectively detected with Z-N staining and fluorescence staining,and the differences for positive detection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis,reading time,and fade speed indicator were compared with these two methods. Results Fluorescence staining results was of 99. 1%coincidence with the Z-N method detection results,where is no statistical significance on the difference( P 0. 05). And another 11 copies of Z-N test negative specimens were tested positive with the fluorescent staining,which showed fluorescent staining method has higher sensitivity. Reading time of fluorescent staining method was obviously shorter than the Z-N method.Conclusion Fluorescent staining with reading time is short,high sensitive,operation steps simple and other characteristics,which has advantages in the diagnosis of patiens with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the grass-roots sputum examination roomand is suitable for clinical application.
Binding of perhydro-histrionicotoxin to the postsynaptic membrane of skeletal muscle in relation to its blockage of acetylcholine-induced depolarization.

Perhydro-histrionicotoxin (H12-HTX), a potent neuromuscular blocking agent, was investigated as a potential probe for conductance systems associated with the acetylcholine receptor. In rat muscles, H12-HTX blocked the end plate potential and also the extrajunctional acetylcholine sensitivity, with half-maximal effects seen at about 8.4 µM and 2.4 µM, respectively. The retardation of α-bungarotoxin binding to denervated muscle membranes by increasing concentrations of H12-HTX showed a noncompetitive type of behavior, with the half-maximal effect at concentrations of H12-HTX much higher than needed to block the acetylcholine response. The binding of H12-HTX, as detected by this protection from α-bungarotoxin, was essentially the same in the membrane and in the pure, soluble receptor. H12-HTX at sufficient concentrations could block 90-100% of the bungarotoxin binding sites; the same was true for d-tubocurarine, confirming that these are the receptor sites, in both innervated and denervated muscle preparations. Measurements of the affinity of d-tubocurarine, by blockade of electro-physiological response, gave values for the apparent dissociation constant in rat extensor digitorum longus muscle (innervated) of 0.039 µM, and in rat soleus (denervated) of 0.8 µM, at 23°. The results of these studies support an earlier proposal that H12-HTX blocks neuromuscular transmission by acting at a site other than the acetylcholine recognition site of the receptor.
Effects of beta-adrenergic blockade on ventilation and gas exchange during incremental exercise.

Controversy exists concerning the effects of acute beta-adrenergic blockade on ventilation during exercise. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of acute beta blockade on ventilation and gas exchange during incremental exercise. Nine male subjects underwent incremental exercise on a cycle ergometer (30 W.min-1) to exhaustion, with one trial being performed 60 min after the subject ingested propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal 1 mg.kg-1 BW) while the second test served as control. The treatment order was counterbalanced to preclude any ordering effect on the results, and 1 week separated the tests. Ventilation and gas exchange were monitored by open circuit techniques. No difference (p greater than 0.05) existed in VE, % Hb sat, VCO2, ventilatory threshold, and VE/VCO2 between treatments at the same exercise stage. VO2max was lowered from 3.82 to 3.26 l.min-1 (p less than 0.05) and HRmax was reduced from 190 to 150 bpm (p less than 0.05) as a result of beta blockade. These data suggested that acute beta blockade had no effect on exercise ventilation, but decreased HRmax at comparable work rates. In addition, VO2max and exercise time to exhaustion were hindered, probably due to beta blockade limitation of HRmax, and, thus, oxygen transport.
Plastic Surgery in Massive Weight Loss Patients

There are increasing numbers of men and women seeking extensive body contouring surgery after massive weight loss (MWL). For MWL patients, there were more than 68,000 body contouring procedures performed in 2006, spawning subspecialty interest [1]. Since the senior author Hurwitz joined the University of Pittsburgh Bariatric Surgery team in 1998, he has treated a steady stream of over 300 MWL patients. With new techniques and technology, total body lift (TBL) evolved, as a comprehensive aesthetic approach to treat deformities after MWL [2]. In 2005 coauthor Agha Mohammadi joined the Hurwitz Center for Plastic Surgery, and together we have embraced the vast yet unique challenge facing each patient. Following our report of the first 5 years [3], we have improved patient preparation, increased safety, designed new techniques, and learned from others.
Emergency medicine pharmacists on an international scale.

Emergency Medicine (EM) clinical pharmacy services in the USA were first described in the literature in the 1970s. Initially, the role was confined mainly to medication distribution, but has evolved significantly into clinical practice while the number of EM pharmacists has steadily increased.1 Inclusion of clinical pharmacists in EM has been supported by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), American College of Medical Toxicology; and most recently, the American College of Emergency Physicians.2 This support is due to decades of bedside practice and evidence of benefit. The contribution of clinical pharmacists on multidisciplinary teams has been shown to reduce patient mortality,3 hospital readmissions4 and medication errors.5 Further, EM clinical pharmacists have demonstrated improvement in time-sensitive therapies in the ED, such as reductions in time to administration of antibiotics in sepsis,6 analgesics in trauma,7 sedatives and analgesics after rapid sequence intubation,8 and thrombolytic therapy in acute ischaemic stroke.9 The daily responsibilities of EM clinical pharmacists are broad and may differ slightly between institutions. Most EM pharmacists support the ED team with bedside medication procurement and provision of patient-specific pharmacotherapy recommendations (eg, selection of appropriate antibiotics, review of cultures and follow-up after discharge, assistance with medication history gathering, high-risk medication evaluation, drug information and toxicology consultation, participation in code or trauma response).10 The studies by De Winter et al (Belgium)11 and Perez-Moreno et al (Spain) add to the expanding …
Novel Expressions and Applications for the Level Crossing Rate of Maximal Ratio Combining in the Presence of Cochannel Interferers

The level crossing rate (LCR) is an important second-order statistical quantity that characterizes the rate of occurrence of fading time intervals. In this paper, we investigate the LCR of multiantenna flat-fading channels in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise and cochannel interferers with unequal received powers and Doppler shifts. We first present a unified approach to derive the exact LCR of the signal-to-interference-noise ratio at a receiver, where maximum ratio combining is deployed over spatially correlated or uncorrelated systems. Through the exact LCR derivation, we identify an accurate approach to obtain a simplified approximate LCR expression in the spatially uncorrelated system case. Benefits of the LCR expressions derived in the paper are demonstrated in two important applications: 1) the packet error rate is evaluated through the finite-state Markov channel model; and 2) the optimum packet length to maximize the throughput of the system with the stop-and-wait automatic repeat request protocol is derived. The analytical results are validated by simulations.
An alternative synthesis of benziporphyrins starting from isophthaloyl chloride

An alternative route to benziporphyrins has been developed. Reaction of an α-unsubstituted pyrrole ethyl ester with isophthaloyl chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride afforded a diketone that underwent selective reduction with diborane to give a benzitripyrrane. Cleavage of the ethyl esters with sodium hydroxide in refluxing ethylene glycol, followed by acid catalyzed condensation with a pyrrole dialdehyde and oxidation with DDQ, generated the targeted benziporphyrin product. Spectrophotometric titration of the benziporphyrin with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) demonstrated the sequential formation of mono- and dicationic species. At lower dilutions, the free base benziporphyrin showed unusually strong 5JHH coupling between two adjacent methyl substituents, indicating that the connecting unit has substantial olefinic characteristics.
Impact of Lifestyle Interventions Targeting Healthy Diet, Physical Activity, and Weight Loss on Asthma in Adults: What Is the evidence?

Unhealthy lifestyle factors such as poor diet quality, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity are associated with negative health consequences in asthma including poor asthma control, impaired quality of life, and greater health care utilization. Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone of behavioral treatments and has been effective in chronic diseases such as atherothrombotic vascular disease and diabetes. There is a critical need for lifestyle interventions in asthma care that address obesity and its intimately linked risk behaviors in terms of poor diet and physical inactivity. We present in this commentary the promising lifestyle interventions emerging in asthma care that target poor diet, physical inactivity and weight loss, the proposed mechanisms of these lifestyle interventions, and the critical need for guideline-concordant lifestyle interventions in asthma care.
Comparison of Biomarkers of Tobacco Exposure between Premium and Discount Brand Cigarette Smokers in the NHANES 2011–2012 Special Sample

Background: Increased cigarette costs have inadvertently strengthened the appeal of discounted brands to price-sensitive smokers. Although smokers perceive discounted brands as having poorer quality, little is known about their delivery of toxic tobacco smoke constituents compared with premium-branded tobacco products.Methods: We investigated the differences between discount and premium brand smokers using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012 Special Smoker Sample. Our analyses focused on demographic differences and 27 biomarkers of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHC) listed by the FDA, including volatile organic compounds, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and its glucuronide [4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol glucuronide; reported as total NNAL (tNNAL)], metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Data were analyzed using linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders.Results: A total of 976 non-tobacco users and 578 recent cigarette smokers were eligible for analysis, of which 141 (26.0% weighted) smoked discount brand cigarettes and 437 (74.0% weighted) smoked premium. Discount brand smokers were older, predominantly non-Hispanic white, and had higher serum cotinine. Discount brand smokers had significantly higher levels of 13 smoking-related biomarkers, including tNNAL, uranium, styrene, xylene, and biomarkers of exposure to PAHs (naphthalene, fluorene, and phenanthrene), compared with premium brand smokers.Conclusions: These findings suggest that discount cigarette use is associated with higher exposure to several carcinogenic and toxic HPHCs.Impact: These results may have important regulatory implications for product standards, as higher exposures could lead to a greater degree of harm. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(5); 601-9. ©2018 AACR.
A resilience framework: Sexual health trajectories of youth with maltreatment histories

There is a wealth of knowledge regarding negative sexual outcomes experienced by youth with childhood maltreatment (CM) histories, yet a dearth of research examines healthy sexual development among...
The Bronze Age khanates of Central Asia

L'article traite de l'organisation politique et sociale de la civilisation de l'Oxus d'apres ses structures architecturales et son mobilier en comparant les modeles a ceux de l'âge du Fer, de la periode medievale, et de l'ethnographie contemporaine
Re-irradiation for malignant glioma: Toward patient selection and defining treatment parameters for salvage.

Abstract Purpose Reirradiation for recurrent glioma remains controversial without knowledge of optimal patient selection, dose, fractionation, and normal tissue tolerances. We retrospectively evaluated outcomes and toxicity after conventionally fractionated reirradiation for recurrent high-grade glioma, along with the impact of concurrent chemotherapy. Methods and materials We conducted a retrospective review of patients reirradiated for high-grade glioma recurrence between 2007 and 2016 (including patients with initial low-grade glioma). Outcome metrics included overall survival (OS), prognostic factors for survival, and treatment-related toxicity. Results Patients (n = 118; median age 47 years; median Karnofsky performance status score: 80) were re-treated at a median of 28 months (range, 5-214 months) after initial radiation therapy. The median reirradiation dose was 41.4 Gy (range, 12.6-54.0 Gy) to a median lesion volume of 202 cm3 (range, 20-901 cm3). The median cumulative (initial radiation and reirradiation combined) potential maximum brainstem dose was 76.9 Gy (range, 5.0-108.3 Gy) and optic apparatus dose was 56.0 Gy (range, 4.5-90.9 Gy). Of the patients, 56% received concurrent temozolomide, 14%, bevacizumab, and 11%, temozolomide plus bevacizumab; 19% had no chemotherapy. The planned reirradiation was completed by 90% of patients. Median OS from the completion of reirradiation was 9.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.5-11.7 months) for all patients and 14.0, 11.5, and 6.7 months for patients with initial grade 2, 3, and 4 glioma, respectively. On multivariate analysis, better OS was observed with a >24-month interval between radiation treatments (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.5; P 41.4 Gy (HR: 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9; P = .03), and gross total resection before reirradiation (HR: 0.6, 95% CI, 0.3-0.9; P = .02). Radiation necrosis and grade ≥3 late neurotoxicity were both minimal ( Conclusions Salvage reirradiation, even at doses >41.4 Gy in conventional fractionation, along with chemotherapy, was safe and well tolerated with meaningful survival duration. These data provide information that may be useful in implementing safe reirradiation treatments for appropriately selected patients and guiding future studies to define optimal reirradiation doses, maximal safe doses to critical structures, and the role of systemic therapy.
Eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis : a sino-orbital masquerader.

A 58-year-old Caucasian male presented with left periorbital oedema extending to the nasal area for 1 year along with nasal discharge for 1 month. Lab work was significant for positive cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. CT scan showed solid mass along the nasal soft tissue with bony nasal destruction. A CT scan of the thorax was performed to rule out granulomatosis with polyangiitis and showed multiple pulmonary nodules. Biopsies of the nasal mass and lung nodule were performed which showed fragments of fibrosis with spindle cell proliferation consistent with eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis (EAF). EAF is a very rare disease, recently described as a subtype of immunoglobulin G4-related disease. A few rare cases of EAF involving the structures of the orbit have been reported in the literature.
The San Andreas Fault System: Complexities Along a Major Transform Fault System and Relation to Earthquake Hazards

Abstract The San Andreas fault system is a 1300-km-long transform boundary that accommodates motion between the North American and Pacific Plates. New technologies and data reveal rich details about the present configuration of faults, distribution of strain, and associated seismic hazard on this complex network of faults. This contribution provides a brief summary of the geologic history of the San Andreas fault system, followed by an introduction to recent research that has changed understanding of the hazards along the main faults. Organized by region, we highlight a selection of recent research using new geodetic techniques, improved topographic data, advanced geochronologic methods, and high-resolution geophysics. The contribution ends with a review of the historic earthquakes on the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults, comparing these to past ruptures interpreted from paleoseismic studies.
Examining the Roles of Parents and Community Involvement and Prevention Programs in Reducing School Violence.

This study aimed to understand the extent to which parent involvement, community involvement, and schoolwide violence-prevention initiatives reduced school violence, considering school racial/ethni...
Provision of Naloxone Without a Prescription by California Pharmacists 2 Years After Legislation Implementation.

This study assesses the availability of pharmacist-furnished naloxone 2 years after implementation of legislation in California allowing provision of the drug without a physician’s prescription.
Microsatellite Borders and Micro-sequence Conservation in Juglans

Walnuts (Juglans spp.) are economically important nut and timber species with a worldwide distribution. Using the published Persian walnut genome as a reference for the assembly of short reads from six Juglans species and several interspecific hybrids, we identified simple sequence repeats in 12 Juglans nuclear and organellar genomes. The genome-wide distribution and polymorphisms of nuclear and organellar microsatellites (SSRs) for most Juglans genomes have not been previously studied. We compared the frequency of nuclear SSR motifs and their lengths across Juglans, and identified section-specific chloroplast SSR motifs. Primer pairs were designed for more than 60,000 SSR-containing sequences based on alignment against assembled scaffold sequences. Of the >60,000 loci, 39,000 were validated by e-PCR using unique primer pairs. We identified primers containing 100% sequence identity in multiple species. Across species, sequence identity in the SSR-flanking regions was generally low. Although SSRs are common and highly dispersed in the genome, their flanking sequences are conserved at about 90 to 95% identity within Juglans and within species. In a few rare cases, flanking sequences are identical across species of Juglans. This comprehensive report of nuclear and organellar SSRs in Juglans and the generation of validated SSR primers will be a useful resource for future genetic analyses, walnut breeding programs, high-level taxonomic evaluations, and genomic studies in Juglandaceae.
Systemic chemotherapy before cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) in patients with high-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei of appendiceal origin.

Abstract Background The role of systemic chemotherapy (SC) before cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) in appendiceal high-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei (HGMCP) is controversial. We analyzed the effect of SC prior to CRS/HIPEC in HGMCP. Methods A prospective database of CRS/HIPEC procedures for HGMCP without signet ring cells and with signet ring cells (HGMCP-S) from 1998 to 2017 was reviewed. Exclusion criteria was prior surgery >5 regions or >2 regimens of prior SC. Perioperative variables were analyzed. Results There were 140 HGMCP/HGMCP-S identified: 64 with prior SC (preSC) and 76 without (noSC). Groups were balanced for lymph node status, complete cytoreduction rate, disease burden, complications, and postoperative SC. PreSC had more HGMCP-S, moderately/poorly differentiated histology, and longer time-to-surgery (median: 6 vs 2 months, p Conclusion Prior SC was not associated with less disease burden, better cytoreduction rates, or improved clinical outcomes in HGMCP, regardless of histopathologic subtype. Traditional SC agents may not be effective in HGMCP in the neoadjuvant setting.
Loblolly pine outperforms slash pine in the southeastern United States - a long-term experimental comparison study.

Abstract Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) are the two most important commercial timber species in the southeastern U.S. A long-term experimental comparison study, in which loblolly and slash pine plots were paired for combinations of planting density (741, 2224, 3706 trees ha−1) and cultural intensity (operational versus intensive), was established in the lower Coastal Plain to investigate species differences in growth dynamics. Using age 2–21-year inventory plot data and destructive biomass/nutrient sampling data, species comparisons were conducted comprehensively, and the reasons of the species differences and management implications were discussed. When compared to slash pine, loblolly pine had higher stand basal area carrying capacity and maximum stand density index, lower fusiform rust infection rate and less wind damage, leading to its lower mortality. With no species difference in average DBH, loblolly pine consistently had greater average height and live crown length and higher level of tree size inequality. Loblolly pine had lower foliar biomass and lower foliar density, and higher crown length/width ratios due primarily to its longer crowns, suggesting perhaps a slightly greater shade tolerance or less dense canopy. As a result, loblolly pine outperformed slash pine in terms of stand basal area, total volume, aboveground biomass and carbon accumulation. Loblolly pine consistently accumulated more potassium, and this species difference increased with increasing stand age; while slash pine had slightly higher nitrogen and phosphorus contents before age 12. Species differences in mortality patterns and in nutrient accumulations in aboveground biomass emphasized the need to develop species-specific management strategies including different thinning and fertilization regimes.
Management of Resistant Hypertension Based on Recommendations from Different Guidelines and the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial.

The long-term management of patients with resistant hypertension has been made even more difficult by a "moving target" goal blood pressure (BP). The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) guidelines defined resistant hypertension as the failure to achieve goal BP in patients who are adhering to full doses of an appropriate three-drug regimen that includes a diuretic. The Eighth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 8) guidelines laid out more lenient target BP goals, without addressing the definition of resistant hypertension directly. The present scenario is a state of confusion, with providers selectively adopting recommendations from different guidelines. The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) trial contributed to the confusion with further evidence supporting the strict control of hypertension. In addition, the failure of another trial on renal denervation in the US has essentially put an end to six long years of experimentation with catheter ablation in patients with resistant hypertension. Other therapies are still experimental. Adding a new dimension of medical management, spironolactone has made a comeback in resistant hypertension, with reports of better responsiveness when added to existing anti-hypertensive therapy. The present review discusses the current state and management options for patients with resistant hypertension considering the new evidence. Newer advances in pharmacological and device therapy are also discussed to improve understanding and quality in the management of resistant hypertension.
A Hierarchical Quantized Auction for Fog Resources

In the emerging fog computing ecosystem, a fundamental problem is to allocate the available resources for computing and communication. Moreover, in many cases these resources have a natural hierarchical structure to them, e.g., allocating resources to network slices, which in turn are shared by a group of users. We consider auction-based approaches for allocating resources in such an environment so as to account for diverse user incentives. The well-known Vickrey-Clarke-Groves(VCG) mechanism provides a strong solution to the incentive issue, but also has the well-known drawback of requiring an excessive amount of information for a wireless system. Recent work has shown that, when allocating a single divisible resource, this information can be reduced via quantization while maintaining VCG's incentive properties. Here, we build on this approach and apply it instead to a hierarchical setting, in which users are divided into groups. Each group is subject to a local resource constraint as well as a global resource constraint across all groups. We specify a distributed quantized mechanism for such a setting that has the same incentive properties as VCG. We characterize the communication overhead and the worst-case efficiency loss in this mechanism. We also consider how to assign constraints on groups for a given sum constraint as well as for a case where the sum-constraint can be varied at a given per unit cost.
Molecular Studies on Pregnancy with Mouse Models

Pregnancy is a complex process that involves crosstalk among multiple cell types in both the endometrial and myometrial compartments at the maternal side to support the fetus. Genetic engineered mouse models have served as a major platform to dissect the convolute genetic interactions in a physiological context. Combining with various applications of next generation sequencing and genome editing, functional assays by mouse models have expanded the spectrum to include both coding and noncoding genome. The present review will highlight recent findings that are primarily based on studies of mouse models with emphasis on pathways for endometrial receptivity and myometrial contraction. Emerging novel technologies that may advance the research in these two aspects will also be discussed.
Surgeons With Five or More Actual Cricothyrotomies Perform Significantly Better on a Virtual Reality Simulator.

Abstract Background Discriminating performance of learners with varying experience is essential to developing and validating a surgical simulator. For rare and emergent procedures such as cricothyrotomy (CCT), the criteria to establish such groups are unclear. This study is to investigate the impact of surgeons’ actual CCT experience on their virtual reality simulator performance and to determine the minimum number of actual CCTs that significantly discriminates simulator scores. Our hypothesis is that surgeons who performed more actual CCT cases would perform better on a virtual reality CCT simulator. Methods 47 clinicians were recruited to participate in this study at the 2018 annual conference of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. We established groups based on three different experience thresholds, that is, the minimal number of CCT cases performed (1, 5, and 10), and compared simulator performance between these groups. Results Participants who had performed more clinical cases manifested higher mean scores in completing CCT simulation tasks, and those reporting at least 5 actual CCTs had significantly higher (P = 0.014) simulator scores than those who had performed fewer cases. Another interesting finding was that classifying participants based on experience level, that is, attendings, fellows, and residents, did not yield statistically significant differences in skills related to CCT. Conclusions The simulator was sensitive to prior experience at a threshold of 5 actual CCTs performed.
Novel Methods, Novel Metrics: Using a Meta-Ethnography to Create a Plan Quality Framework for Sustainable and Resilient Social–Ecological Systems:

Social–ecological resilience (SER) and sustainable commons management (SCM) are process- and outcome-based paradigms for natural resource management. Resource management plans foster them, but trad...
Friction stir butt welding of a high strength Al-7050 alloy with a metastable transformative high entropy alloy

Abstract A metastable transformative Fe39Mn20Co20Cr15Si5Al1 high entropy alloy (Al-HEA) was friction stir butt welded with Al-7050 alloy. Extensive mechanical mixing was evident in the weld nugget wherein sheared HEA particles were dispersed in Al-alloy matrix. Detail investigation of the weld interface showed suppression of intermetallic formation thereby approaching a clean interface. Tensile testing of the weld nugget showed a strength of 400 MPa with ~ 10% ductility whereas corrosion testing showed no sign of extensive pitting at the Al-HEA/Al-7050 weld interface. Therefore, use of high entropy alloy is an effective pathway for obtaining strong dissimilar joints with high strength Al alloys for lightweight applications.
The relationships between different doses of vancomycin with blood drug trough concentration and renal dysfunction in children with severe infection in ICU

Objective To investigate the relationships between different doses of vancomycin with blood drug trough concentration and renal dysfunction in children with severe infection in intensive care unit (ICU). Methods 100 children with severe infection treated with vancomycin from January 2018 to November 2018 in the Ⅱ Department of Critical Care Medicine of Hunan Children's Hospital were studied, according to the dosage, they were divided into high-dose group [15 mg/(kg·time), 57 cases] and low-dose group [15 mg/(kg·time), 43 cases]. At the same time, according to the condition of renal dysfunction, children were divided into normal renal function group (42 cases), mild injury group (43 cases), moderate injury group (15 cases). The blood drug trough concentration was measured, and its relationship with serum creatinine (Scr), serum urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal dysfunction was analyzed. At the same time, the therapeutic effects of different doses of vancomycin were evaluated. Results The cure rate and blood drug trough concentration of children with severe infection in high-dose group were significantly higher than those in low-dose group (P<0.05), and the time to reach effective blood drug trough concentration was significantly shorter than that in low-dose group (P<0.05); the levels of serum Scr and BUN in low-dose group and high-dose group were significantly lower than those before treatment (P< 0.05); the blood drug trough concentration and the proportion of reaching the target trough concentration in mild injury group were significantly higher than those in normal group and moderate injury group (P<0.05); the dose of vancomycin in mild injury group and moderate injury group was significantly higher than that in normal group (P<0.05), and the course of treatment in mild injury group and moderate injury group was lower than that in normal group (P<0.05). Conclusions The high dose of vancomycin 15 mg/(kg/time) is effective in the treatment of ICU children with severe infection. the blood drug trough concentration and renal dysfunction should be monitored and individualized treatment plan should be formulated. Key words: Vancomycin; Drug dosage; Plasma concentration; Renal dysfunction; Infection; Child
Crime as exchange: comparing alternative economic theories of criminal justice

This essay compares two alternative economic theories of crime, due to Becker (1968) and Adelstein (2017), which differ with respect to the purpose of punishment. Both models are based on the idea of rational offenders and punishments as prices, but they part company with respect to how the level of punishment is, or should be, determined. Whereas Becker’s approach is based on the normative goal of welfare maximization and optimal deterrence, Adelstein’s model emphasizes that the system actually pursues corrective justice in individual cases. This essay explicates these different perspectives and explores their implications for social welfare.
A Developmental Reduction of the Excitation:Inhibition Ratio in Association Cortex during Adolescence

Adolescence is hypothesized to be a critical period for the development of association cortex. A reduction of the excitation:inhibition (E:I) ratio is a hallmark of critical period development; however it has been unclear how to measure the development of the E:I ratio using non-invasive neuroimaging techniques. Here, we used pharmacological fMRI with a GABAergic benzodiazepine challenge to empirically generate a model of E:I ratio based on multivariate patterns of functional connectivity. In an independent sample of 879 youth (ages 8-22 years), this model predicted reductions in the E:I ratio during adolescence, which were specific to association cortex and related to psychopathology. These findings support hypothesized shifts in E:I balance of association cortices during a neurodevelopmental critical period in adolescence.
Brief of Amici Curiae Fourth Amendment Scholars in Support of the Respondent in United States v. Microsoft

Although this case involves technologies developed relatively recently, the issue it presents can be resolved by drawing on principles of property law that are embedded in the text of the Fourth Amendment and that have animated its interpretation since its ratification in 1791. Because execution of the warrant at issue in this case would require a trespass upon an email user’s property (as well as an invasion of his privacy) in Ireland, such execution would result in an impermissible extraterritorial application of the Stored Communications Act (“SCA”).
Quality of life after radiation and transoral robotic surgery in advanced oropharyngeal cancer.

Objectives Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treatment results in impaired swallowing and quality of life (QOL). We analyzed a cross-section of advanced stage OPSCC patients treated with multimodal therapies at our Survivorship Clinic to investigate treatment factors associated with QOL. Methods Retrospective analysis of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) after primary OPSCC treatment using AJCC seventh edition staging. Results A total of 73 patients were included (90.1% human papillomavirus positive [HPV+]). There were no QOL differences between robotic surgery with radiation ± chemotherapy patients (n = 29) and those treated by radiation ± chemotherapy (n = 44). Radiation field analysis demonstrated significant correlations between increasing doses to larynx and contralateral parotid and submandibular gland and worse swallowing as measured by the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (P = .02; P = .01; P = .01). Conclusions In advanced, mostly HPV+, OPSCC, we did not find clinically significant differences between QOL PROMs between surgical and radiation ± chemotherapy treatment groups. This highlights the need for continued therapy de-escalation along with improved interventions for treatment related toxicities. Level of evidence 4.
A Psychology of Freedom and Dignity: The Last Train to Survival

Preface The Psychology Train Bases for Belief An Optimistic Agent Skinner's Gremlins Belief in Human Dignity Motivation to Work Design for a Culture References Author Index Subject Index
Aptamers as Emerging Probes for Macromolecular Sensing

Aptamers, derived from the latin word aptus (meaning, “to fit”), are functional nucleic acid binding species that have been selected from combinatorial oligonucleotide libraries by a process known as in vitro selection.1,2 Since 1990, numerous high-affinity and highly specific aptamers have been selected against a wide variety of target molecules, such as small organics, peptides, proteins, and even supramolecular complexes, such as viruses or cells.3,4 Since aptamers have been shown to discriminate between even closely related isomers or different conformational states of the same protein,5,6 they are becoming an increasingly popular tool for molecular recognition that may eventually rival antibodies. Their utility has now been demonstrated in a number of analytical applications, such as flow cytometry,7,8 affinity probe capillary electrophoresis9, sandwich assays,10 capillary electrochromatography,11,12 affinity chromatography,13,14 and more generally as biosensors.15, 16, 17, 18
Introducing the Moral Foundations of Private Enterprise in Undergraduate Business Law and Ethics Courses Using Kelo v. City of New London

In its 2005 decision in Kelo v. City of New London, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the use of eminent domain to take private property for the use of other private entities so long as the taking is designed to confer some public benefit. This paper discusses how Kelo can be used in undergraduate business law and ethics courses to introduce students to the moral foundations of and justifications for the private enterprise system. The case presents a unique opportunity to correct several fundamental misconceptions that many undergraduate students bring to the classroom about the nature of capitalism and business in general.
Purkinje cell survival is differentially regulated by metabotropic and ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors.

We previously reported that trophic factors and neurotransmitters in concert regulate survival of cultured cerebellar Purkinje cells. In particular, excitatory amino acid (EAA) transmitters and NGF increased survival, whereas neither alone was effective. In the present studies, we sought to identify molecular mechanisms through which EAAs participate in the survival-promoting interaction. Initially, we characterized the potential role of ionotropic EAA receptors by exposing cultures to the antagonists MK-801, D-2-amino-5- phosphonovaleric acid, and 6,7-dinitroquinoxalinedione. Each increased cell number, suggesting that endogenous ionotropic activity decreased survival. To determine whether metabotropic EAA receptor stimulation modulates survival, the metabotropic agonist ACPD ([1S,3R]-1- aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid; 1 microM) was tested. ACPD alone had no effect on survival. However, simultaneous exposure to ACPD and NGF significantly increased Purkinje number. Moreover, this increase in survival was blocked by L-AP3 [L(+)-2-amino-3- phosphonopropionic acid; 1 microM], a putative antagonist of certain metabotropic responses. L-AP3 also reduced cell number in the absence of exogenous EAA. Thus, endogenous metabotropic stimulation is normally necessary for survival. In sum, these studies reveal a novel mechanism whereby an excitatory neurotransmitter shapes neural development by simultaneous trophic and regressive actions that are, respectively, mediated by metabotropic and ionotropic EAA receptors.
Evaluation Of Glass-Forming Ability

Bulk Metallic Glasses explores an emerging field of materials known as bulk metallic glasses. It summarizes the rapid development of these materials over the last decade and includes documentation on diverse applications of bulk metallic glasses; from structural applications to microcomponents. Some of the applications covered are pressure sensors, microgears for motors, magnetic cores for power supplies, and nano-dies for replacing next generation DVDs. The chapters cover current theories and recent research including an atomistic theory of local topological fluctuations, atomistic simulations, and unique microstructures of these amorphous materials. Other topics include glass formation, glass forming ability, and the underlying mechanisms and physical insights of these criteria. The mechanical deformation of bulk metallic glasses, fatigue, fracture, and corrosion behaviors of these materials are also reviewed.
Protein–DNA Interactions: Structure and Energetics

DNA-binding proteins recognize specific DNA sequences by a combination of molecular interactions. Protein–DNA complex formation is frequently accompanied by conformational changes in one or both components of the complex. Protein–DNA interactions differ in several respects from most other ligand–receptor interactions in cells, and these characteristics place special requirements on the energetics and dynamics of protein–DNA interactions and explain many of the special properties of these complexes. Keywords: DNA binding specificity; hydrogen bonding; electrostatic interactions; solvation; hydrophobic effect; van der Waal's forces; steric fit; conformational changes; multiprotein complexes; cooperative binding
F130The importance of the fetal echocardiography in nonimmunological hydrops fetalis (analysis of the 156 cases)

Background The aim of the research was to assess the usefulness of fetal echocardiography in nonimmunological hydrops (NIHF). Method 156 fetuses with NIHF had echocardiography in 1994–99. Results The most common cause of NIHF were structural abnormalities 99/156 (63%), especially congenital heart defects (CHD) 30/156 (19%). The fetal congestive heart failure was present in approx. 50% cases. Conclusion Fetal echocardiography in NIHF allows not only the precise diagnose but also helps to establish a prognosis and qualification for ongoing procedures. Fetal echocardiography should become the recommended procedure in diagnostic/therapeutic algorithm in cases with NIHF.
Effect of short-term prednisone therapy on aminotransferase levels and hepatitis B virus markers in chronic type B hepatitis

We have studied the effect of short-term high-dose prednisone therapy on aminotransferase levels and hepatitis B virus markers in 6 patients with chronic type B hepatitis. All showed a decrease in amino transferase levels during treatment. This was followed by a transient increase in aminotransferase levels after prednisone was discontinued. In 5 patients, there was a decrease in hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase activity at the time of postprednisone peak of aminotransferase levels. Three of them became transiently deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase negative. All the patients have remained hepatitis B e antigen-positive throughout the period of observation. We have also found transient deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase negativity unrelated to prednisone therapy in 2 patients with chronic type B hepatitis: in one during a superimposed episode of acute type A hepatitis, and in the other during a period of pronounced alanine aminotransferase elevation. We postulate that these periods of deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase negativity are due to a decreased number of hepatitis B virus-infected cells in the liver as a consequence of hepatic necrosis.
Handling "Tied Items" When Using Lu's Method of Reliability Estimation

Based upon the belief that examinee-by-item interaction should be conceptualized as true score variability rather than as a result of errors of measurement, Lu (1971) proposed a modification of Hoyt's analysis of variance reliability procedure. Although Lu claims that his approach is free from the "impurities" and "entanglements" inherent in Hoyt's procedure, it is shown that Lu's method itself does not yield a unique solution when the test contains a subset of items which are of equal difficulty level. Following a numerical example which points out the arbitrariness of Lu's procedure, a solution to the problem is presented.
Poly(phenylquinoxalines) containing ethynyl groups

The synthesis of high molecular weight linear poly(phenylquinoxalines) containing pendant ethynyl groups is reported, where thermally-induced reactions of the ethynyl groups provided insoluble, cross-linked polymers with high glass transition temperatures. The ethynyl-containing polymer exhibited fair to poor processability by compression molding due to the thermal reaction of the ethynyl groups, which inhibited polymer flow, depending on ethynyl density. This class of polymers is not expected to be useful as laminating resins or adhesives, due to the processing difficulties. Use for them may be found, however, as solvents and corrosion-resistant high-temperature coatings.
The pre‐synaptic Munc13‐1 binds alcohol and modulates alcohol self‐administration in Drosophila

Munc13-1 is a presynaptic active-zone protein essential for neurotransmitter release and involved in presynaptic plasticity in brain. Ethanol, butanol and octanol quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of the C1 domain of Munc13-1 with EC50s of 52 mM, 26 mM and 0.7 mM, respectively. Photoactive azialcohols photolabeled Munc13-1 C1 exclusively at Glu-582, which was identified by mass spectrometry. Mutation of Glu-582 to alanine, leucine and histidine reduced the alcohol binding two- to five-fold. Circular dichroism studies suggested that binding of alcohol increased the stability of the wild type Munc13-1 compared with the mutants. If Munc13-1 plays some role in the neural effects of alcohol in vivo, changes in the activity of this protein should produce differences in the behavioral responses to ethanol. We tested this prediction with a loss-of-function mutation in the conserved Dunc-13 in Drosophila melanogaster. The Dunc-13P84200/+ heterozygotes have 50% wild type levels of Dunc-13 mRNA and display a very robust increase in ethanol self-administration. This phenotype is reversed by the expression of the rat Munc13-1 protein within the Drosophila nervous system. The present studies indicate that Munc13-1 C1 has binding site(s) for alcohols and Munc13-1 activity is sufficient to restore normal self-administration to Drosophila mutants deficient in Dunc-13 activity.
The cost-effectiveness of returning incidental findings from next-generation genomic sequencing

The cost-effectiveness of returning incidental findings from next-generation genomic sequencing
Flow-injection liposome immunoanalysis (FILIA) with electrochemical detection

An automated flow-injection liposome immunoanalysis (FILIA) system with electrochemical detection has been developed to measure the herbicide alachlor. The computer-controlled system is composed of commercially available components, with the exception of the reusable immunoreactor column packing material (glass beads) which is covalently coated with antibody specific for the analyte of interest. Use of such components affords full automation while simplifying the construction of, and modifications to, the system. The assay is based on competition in the immunoreactor column between alachlor-tagged liposomes containing an electroactive marker, ferrocyanide, and free alachlor, with quantitative signal amplification provided by lysis of bound liposomes with surfactant to release the marker. An optimized assay permits the detection of 0.5 ng alachlor in a spiked water sample. The electrochemical detector is operated in the controlled-potential, amperometric mode in which ferrocyanide is oxidized at low potential (+ 0.330 V vs. Ag/AgCl), thus minimizing electroactive interferences. The relationships among the various operational parameters (e.g., potential, flow rate, assay time, composition of solutions) are discussed, and the optimization of these parameters is presented.