cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxygen Consumption in a Hollow Fiber Bioartificial Liver—Revisited

Oxygen consumption dynamics in a hollow fiber, hepatocyte-loaded bioartificial liver are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical model is based upon the Krogh cylinder, which approximates the bioreactor as a collection of cylindrical elements comprised of an inner fiber lumen for media perfusion, the fiber wall through which oxygen can diffuse, and an annular region of hepatocytes surrounding the fiber. The primary non-dimensional parameters that describe the system are: (i) the Peclet number, Pe, which is the ratio of convective oxygen transport through the lumen to diffusive oxygen transport to the fiber walls; (ii) the hepatocyte saturation parameter, θ, which is the ratio of the inlet oxygen partial pressure to the Michaelis-Menten half-rate oxygen partial pressure; (iii) the Thiele modulus, Φ 2 , which is the ratio of oxygen consumption rate to oxygen diffusion rate in the hepatocyte annulus; (iv) the hepatocyte permeability ratio, β 3 1 , which is the ratio of oxygen permeability in the hepatocyte cell mass to oxygen permeability in the perfusing lumen medium; and (v) the hepatocyte annular thickness, ρ 3 , which is the ratio of the exterior hepatocyte annular radius to the fiber lumen radius. Only Pe and θ are easily manipulated operating variables. Φ 2 , β 3 1 , and ρ 3 are engineering design parameters that are set when a bioreactor is fabricated. The model results are expressed as the effective hepatocyte utilization ratio, V r a t i o , which is the ratio of the observed oxygen consumption rate to the intrinsic hepatocyte oxygen consumption rate. Large regions of V r a t i o > 0.9, which is deemed an acceptable effective hepatocyte utilization are found for parameter values consistent with standard hollow fiber cartridges used in bioartificial liver fabrication. The extent of the V r a t i o > 0.9 region increases to a plateau with increasing Pe, increases with increasing 6, decreases with increasing Φ 2 , increases with increasing β 3 1 , and decreases with increasing ρ 3 . The theoretical results indicate that V r a t i o > 0.9 is found whenever the experimentally observed fractional oxygen consumption from the perfusing medium, f O 2 , is less than 0.25. Combination of the theoretical and experimental results indicate that intrinsic, per cell oxygen consumption in the hollow fiber system may decrease as hepatocyte cell density increases and that this decrease may be due to lower intrinsic oxygen requirements in denser suspensions and not due to diffusion limitations in oxygen transport in the hollow fiber system as might be expected from two-dimensional, monolayer culture oxygen consumption measurements.
Smad2 and PEA3 cooperatively regulate transcription of response gene to complement 32 in TGF-β-induced smooth muscle cell differentiation of neural crest cells

Response gene to complement 32 (RGC-32) is activated by transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β) and plays an important role in smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation from neural crest Monc-1 cells....
Adaptive forms of the complex digital inverse filter

Two adaptive forms of the Complex Digital Inverse Filter (CDIF) for application in the rejection of narrowband interference are presented. The first form is a recursive LMS algorithm that updates the complex weights on a tapped delay line at every iteration. The second form is a recursive matrix inversion process - based on Robinson's method - which allows solving for the optimum weights via a recursion process once the delay line correlation coefficients are determined. Convergence characteristics for the two forms are demonstrated and compared for a narrowband, band-pass input plus uncorrelated noise at each tap.
Robust Design and Control of Call Centers with Flexible Interactive Voice Response Systems

We consider the robust design and control of call center systems with flexible interactive voice response (IVR) systems. In a typical call center equipped with an IVR system, customers are handled first by the IVR system, which is a computerized system that often enables customers to self-serve. Those customers whose service cannot be handled by the IVR system are sent to the second stage to be served by agents. To address the design of a call center with a flexible IVR system, we consider a call center whose IVR system can operate in two different service delivery modes that have statistically different outcomes. We formulate a stochastic program to determine the number of agents needed in the second stage as well as the proportion of customers that should be selected for each IVR service mode under different demand levels with the objective of minimizing the total staffing and abandonment costs. We also propose dynamic control policies to achieve the optimal proportions without the knowledge of the exact arrival rate. We show that the staffing levels found by the stochastic program combined with the proposed routing policies are asymptotically optimal in large systems. We present extensive numerical and simulation results to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed solutions.
Measurement of Surface Interfacial Tension as a Function of Temperature Using Pendant Drop Images

Accurate and reliable measurements of surface tension at the interface of immiscible phases are crucial to understanding various physico-chemical reactions taking place between those. Based on the pendant drop method, an optical (graphical)-numerical procedure was developed to determine surface tension and its dependency on the surrounding temperature. For modeling and experimental verification, chemically inert and thermally stable perfluorocarbon (PFC) oil and water was used. Starting with geometrical force balance, governing equations were derived to provide non-dimensional parameters which were later used to extract values for surface tension. Comparative study verified the accuracy and reliability of the proposed method.
Relationship between deterrence and toxicity of plant secondary compounds for the alfalfa weevil Hypera brunneipennis

A variety of plant secondary compounds, several of which are quite widespread in nature were tested for their deterrence to the specialist coleopteran H)pera brunneipennis (Boheman) in short-term behavioral assays. The compounds were nicotine, quinine, sparteine, hordenine, linamarin, amygdalin, sinigrin, morin, juglone, chlorogenic acid, digitonin, mimosine, diosgenin, rutin and ursolic acid. Nine of these were then tested for their post-ingestional effects over one to two weeks of adult life, using fecundity as a measure of the effects. In only one case was there any indication of a detrimental effect or any trend suggesting one. The evolutionary implications of these findings are discussed.
Characterization and substrate specificity of gamma endorphin generating endopeptidase

An endopeptidase which specifically cleaves β-endorphin at the Leu 17 -Phe 18 bond to generate γ-endorphin has been purified to homogeneity. During enzyme purification, β-endorphin substrate disappearance and γ-endorphin product formation were followed. The purified peptidase exhibits a native molecular weight of ∼210 kDa and a subunit molecular weight of ∼71 kDa. The enzyme is not specific for β-endorphin hydrolyzing the opioid peptides α-Neo-Endorphin and Dynorphin A and the non-opioid peptided Bradykinin, Angiotensin I, Somatostatin, Substance P, and LHRH
Inequality in Life Spans and a New Perspective on Mortality Convergence Across Industrialized Countries

The second half of the twentieth century witnessed much convergence in life expectancy around the world. We examine differences in the age pattern of mortality between countries over time to show that inequality in adult life spans, which we measure with the standard deviation of life table ages at death above age 10, S10, is increasingly responsible for the remaining divergence in mortality. We report striking differences in level and trend of S10 across industrialized countries since 1960, which cannot be explained by aggregate socioeconomic inequality or differential external-cause mortality. Rather, S10 reflects both within and between-group inequalities in life spans and conveys new information about their combined magnitudes and trends. These findings suggest that the challenge for health policies in this century is to reduce inequality, not just lengthen life.
Adaptive coordination of a multiple manipulator system

The main problem in controlling a multiple manipulator system is the conflicting actions of the manipulators. This conflict is mostly due to the geometric modeling error or the discrepancy between the reference trajectories of the controllers. A control scheme that minimizes the conflict action by adjusting the reference trajectory of each controller is proposed. This adaptation process is accomplished without explicit communication between controllers. The scheme was verified by computer simulations and experiments on a dual-manipulator system. Simulation and experimental results are included. >
Guiding circuit level fault-tolerance design with statistical methods

In the last decade, the focus of fault-tolerance methods has tended towards circuit level modifications, such as transistor resizing, and away from expensive system level redundancy approaches. We present the results from a screening experiment to identify significant parameters in circuit level soft error simulations to guide such approaches to fault- tolerance. This approach allows us to assess which parameters will have the most significance for reducing soft error rates and the impact that process variation will have on the accuracy of soft error rate estimates. We identify supply voltage and transistor type as being the most significant parameters affecting soft errors in logic cells across several technology scales. Additionally, we provide a ranking of more than a dozen parameters, across four technology scales, based on the significance of their impact on soft error rates.
Structure and electrostatic property of cytoplasmic domain of ZntB transporter.

ZntB is the distant homolog of CorA Mg2+ transporter within the metal ion transporter superfamily. It was early reported that the ZntB from Salmonella typhimurium facilitated efflux of Zn2+ and Cd2+, but not Mg2+. Here, we report the 1.90 A crystal structure of the intracellular domain of ZntB from Vibrio parahemolyticus. The domain forms a funnel-shaped homopentamer that is similar to the full-length CorA from Thermatoga maritima, but differs from two previously reported dimeric structures of truncated CorA intracellular domains. However, no Zn2+ or Cd2+ binding sites were identified in the high-resolution structure. Instead, 25 well-defined Cl− ions were observed and some of these binding sites are highly conserved within the ZntB family. Continuum electrostatics calculations suggest that the central pore of the funnel is highly attractive for cations, especially divalents. The presence of the bound Cl− ions increases the stability of cations along the pore suggesting they could be important in enhancing cation transport.
Developing a Partnership With NAMI and Psychiatric Pharmacists

NAMI is a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illness. We conducted a survey of 8 local Southern California NAMI chapters and found the membership to be predominantly female (70%) and elderly (mean age = 61 years). The majority of respondents (92%) rated information on psychiatric medications as very important, and 79 percent reported needing more information on psychiatric medications. A second survey of psychiatric pharmacists nationwide revealed that 80 percent have heard of NAMI but only 17 percent are members of NAMI. Psychiatric pharmacists have expertise in psychopharmacology, and more than 50 percent have achieved board certification in psychiatric pharmacy (BCPP). A partnership between NAMI and psychiatric pharmacists can result in education of NAMI members about psychiatric medications. Furthermore, psychiatric pharmacists can become aware of issues that are pertinent to the experience of NAMI members.
Evidence and effects of higher order modes on the response of guided wave radar-based level sensors

In this work we investigate the effects of the pulse duration and geometry of the tank on the time response of the guided wave radar (GWR) level transmitter. By 1COMSOL® modelling and simulation we show that for shorter pulses below 0.5ns and larger diameters of the nozzle (above 150 mm) parasitic higher order modes, like TE11 are generated, affecting the accuracy of level measurement. This TE11 mode interferes with TEM mode creating standing waves evidenced as “ringing” in the time domain response. The experimental results shown here for pulse duration of 0.27 ns and a diameter of the nozzle of 152 mm are in very good agreement with the model.
A History of American Literary Journalism: The Emergence of a Modern Narrative Form by John C. Hartsock. Amherst, Mass.: University of Massachusetts Press, 2000. 294 pp

(2002). A History of American Literary Journalism: The Emergence of a Modern Narrative Form by John C. Hartsock. Amherst, Mass.: University of Massachusetts Press, 2000. 294 pp. American Journalism: Vol. 19, No. 4, pp. 123-124.
Remarks on the Number of Generations of The European Corn Borer in America

In this paper the theory that there are at present two geographical races of the European corn borer, Pyrausta nubilalis, in America is discussed. Larvae transferred from New York to Massachusetts in 1920 have for four years maintained a single annual generation while larvae from Massachusetts that had a single generation during 1920 have been reared under the same conditions and have had a partial second generation each year. The fact that individuals in the infested area about Lake Erie are practically all large and well nourished while in New England many larvae enter hibernation in the fall half starved and from a third to a half smaller than normal larvae suggests the theory that the infestation about Lake Erie will be more dependable from year to year. This has proved to be the case during 1923 and 1924 when the New England infestation has decreased and the infestatton about Lake Erie has increased both as to spread and in intensity of infestation. There is also considered the theory that the New England infestation may be reverting to a single generation habit by a process of natural selection in view of an environment that will not support two annual generations.
A modified Bollman's technique for cannulation of the rat's thoracic duct: lymph flow standardization.

SummaryA modification of Bollman's technique for the cannulation of the abdominal thoracic duct in the rat has been reported. A preparation is described in which three fistulas are made in the same animal, the thoracic duct fistula and two fistulas in the upper part of the common bile duct. One of these catheters in the bile duct drains pure bile and the other is used to infuse isotonic saline at a constant rate into the duodenum. Data are presented which demonstrate that lymph-flow rate is quantitatively related to the infusion rate of isotonic saline. The modified Bollman's technique can be used for assessment of small differences in the rate of absorption of fat-soluble materials.
Increasing Surface Area of Silica Nanoparticles With a Rough Surface

The silica nanoparticles with a rough surface were developed using a silane precursor in a reverse microemulsion followed by a drying treatment. The surface roughness of the nanoparticles was adjustable by changing the amount of the precursor. Within a certain range, the roughness increased as the amount of the silane precursor increased. The rough surface provided a larger surface area than the smooth one. The produced nanoparticles were characterized using the transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray elemental analysis, and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller analysis technique. Additionally, the amount of surface functional amino groups on the nanoparticles was detected using the traditional acid–base titration and the dissociation constant of this functional group was calculated. On the basis of the experimental results, the mechanism of the formation of the rough surface was proposed. Finally, the produced silica nanoparticles were utilized as a carrier for the ch...
Reference price based strategies: a key to raising revenues without alienating users

The central principle for raising prices without alienating users is to ensure they remain within the latitude of the acceptance zone around their median reference price. The paper discusses four heuristics that leisure managers should embrace which are consistent with the principle and will avoid periodic larger increases that are outside the acceptance zone which leads to resistance. The most risk-free approach is to consistently impose small annual incremental increases in price. A second heuristic is anchoring from which five strategies emanate: (i) do not underprice new services; purposefully use (ii) decoy and (iii) numeric anchors to change users’ perceptions of context; (iv) ensure price consistency among related services; and (v) use prices charged by other suppliers to validate a large price increase. The other two heuristics discussed in the paper are price as a signal of quality and customary pricing.
Differential measurements of Raman coherence and of dynamically interacting excitons in quantum wells

Quantum beats involving the light and heavy hole excitons in GaAs quantum wells are studied using both conventional and novel temporally-gated differential detection techniques. The contributions of dynamic exciton-exciton correlations are separated from the nonradiative contributions of Raman coherence by monitoring the signal in the unconventional probe direction and by taking advantage of the polarization selection rules for the excitonic transitions.
Resistivity of the insulating phase approaching the two-dimensional metal-insulator transition: The effect of spin polarization

The resistivities of the dilute, strongly interacting two-dimensional electron systems in the insulating phase of a silicon MOSFET are the same for unpolarized electrons in the absence of magnetic field and for electrons that are fully spin polarized by the presence of an in-plane magnetic field. In both cases the resistivity obeys Efros-Shklovskii variable range hopping $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)={\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}\text{exp}[{({T}_{ES}/T)}^{1/2}]$, with ${T}_{ES}$ and $1/{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$ mapping onto each other if one applies a shift of the critical density ${n}_{\text{c}}$ reported earlier. With and without magnetic field, the parameters ${T}_{ES}$ and $1/{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}={\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}$ exhibit scaling consistent with critical behavior approaching a metal-insulator transition.
'Flipping' Lessons in a Multi-Section Spanish Course: Implications for Assigning Explicit Grammar Instruction Outside of the Classroom.

Flipped or inverted classroom (IC) models are promising for foreign language instruction in that they appear to promote well-regarded practices that bridge both sociocultural and cognitive theoretical frameworks, such as allowing for higher degrees of learner agency and facilitating deeper levels of processing. To date, the majority of work on IC models for language learning has been instructional rather than empirical in nature. By contrast, this study examined the impact of IC lessons on 14 intact third-semester Spanish classes ( N = 213). Instructors were randomly assigned to either an IC or an in-class presentational (CP) condition for lessons and accompanying assignments on 2 uses of the Spanish pronoun se. An attitudinal inventory indicated that learners in the IC condition rated their assignments significantly higher in terms of perceived comfort, enjoyment, and subsequent confidence in the material. However, regression analysis showed that ratings were stratified based upon several predictor variables. For measures of L2 knowledge, learners in the IC condition performed significantly better than those in the CP when identifying grammatical uses of the target structure on a grammaticality judgment test. No significant differences were found between the groups' performance on a rule description task or a chapter test. Implications for implementing IC models are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Improving the safety of almonds and pistachios.

Abstract: This chapter discusses microbiological safety of almonds and pistachios. An overview of the basic production or growing practices is provided along with general post-harvest handling and processing schemes that compare and contrast the two nuts. Sources and routes of contamination of these nuts with foodborne pathogens and mycotoxigenic molds is covered in addition to some of the pre- and post-harvest practices that may be used to minimize the potential for contamination. Factors affecting survival and growth in the production and processing environments, and processing methods used to reduce microbial loads are discussed.
Anesthetic Management During Surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot With Pulmonary Atresia and Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries

Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collaterals (TOF/PA/MAPCAs) is a heterogeneous disease with varying degrees of severity, requiring complex anesthetic management. Our institution has adopted the approach of early complete repair with incorporation of all lung segments, extensive lobar and branch segmental pulmonary artery reconstruction, and ventricular septal defect closure. While the surgical management of TOF/PA/MAPCAs has been extensively described and varies depending on the institution, there is a paucity of literature on the anesthetic management for such procedures. Herein, we describe our anesthetic management based on our own institution's surgical approach at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital/Stanford University.
Removal of Woody Riparian Vegetation Substantially Altered a Stream Ecosystem in an Otherwise Undisturbed Grassland Watershed

Riparian zones are key interfaces between stream and terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, we know of no whole-watershed experiments that cut only woody vegetation in the riparian zone in an otherwise intact watershed to isolate the role of riparian zones on stream ecology. We removed all of the woody riparian vegetation (from 10- and 30-m-wide buffers in headwaters and main channels, respectively) for 5 km of stream in a single watershed while leaving the remainder of the grassland watershed un-impacted. We assessed water chemistry changes 3 years before and 3 years after riparian wood removal and in two neighboring control watersheds with a before–after, control-impact design and analysis. Riparian woody removal caused 10–100-fold increases in mean stream water nitrate concentrations and pulses of high nitrate for 3 years thereafter. Other nutrients and total suspended solids increased 2–25 times for the 3 years of post-removal. In-stream rates of gross primary production, ecosystem respiration, and net ecosystem production had large treatment effect sizes but also high variance among samples. Past studies of whole-watershed deforestations showed similar water quality responses to our riparian deforestation. Riparian zones of grassland streams are sensitive to disturbance and likely impart relatively greater influence on stream structure and function than the upslope of the watershed. Our results further emphasize the role of riparian zones in biogeochemically linking aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Do Transferred Patients Increase the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Trauma Centers

Trauma patients often require initial stabilization followed by transfer for ongoing trauma care. Thus, the administration of VTE prophylaxis is often delayed until admission to the receiving hospital. It is unclear if transfer status is a risk factor for VTE. The National Trauma Database v6.2 was used to identify patients admitted to Level I and II trauma centers. Exclusions included patients on anticoagulation, <18 years, known VTE before trauma, or pregnant. Patients transferred were compared with nontransferred patients. Analysis included 736,374 patients with 189,166 (25.69%) transferred patients within 24 hours of injury. Using weighted measures, VTE was identified in 11,619 (1.50%) patients. The VTE rate was significantly higher in the transferred group compared with the nontransferred group (1.73% vs 1.42%, P = 0.002) including deep venous thrombosis (1.39% vs 1.14%, P = 0.004) and pulmonary embolism (0.45% vs 0.39%, P = 0.003). Multivariable analyses adjusting for patient-level risk factors demonstrated that transfer was associated with a higher likelihood of VTE (aOR 1.18; 95% CI: 1.09-1.28, P ≤ 0.001), pulmonary embolism (aOR 1.21; 95% CI: 1.11-1.33, P ≤ 0.001), and deep venous thrombosis (aOR 1.17; 95% CI: 1.07-1.28, P = 0.0004). Transfer status of trauma patients is a risk factor for VTE. Accepting a transferred patient results in an increased VTE risk and may not be reflective of the quality of care at the receiving facility.
From Molecules to Supermolecules: A Theoretical Approach

This chapter covers results of recent investigations on DNA fragments. Isolated DNA bases, hydrogen bonding in DNA base pairs, triplexes, and tetrads as well as interactions with polar solvents and metal cations are discussed. It is concluded that theoretical quantum mechanical ab initio methods are well suited to reveal information concerning their structures and characteristics.
Extracting Thermochemical Information from Ab Initio Data

Demand for thermochemical information is growing far faster than new measurements can be made. Concurrently, dramatic improvements in computer hardware, software, and electronic structure theory make ab initio computations increasingly attractive and accessible for many chemical applications. As a result, it is now difficult to stay abreast of the field of molecular energetics without understanding the most common methods of computational thermochemistry. The goal of this chapter is to identify and discuss the most important issues to consider when evaluating or using ab initio predictions of molecular thermochemistry.
You taste what you see: Organic labels favorably bias taste perceptions

Does simply believing that a food is organic improve how enjoyable it tastes or increase how much people are willing to pay? Extending on our prior study, this experiment employs a within-subject d...
Recovering from severe mental illness: mutual influences of self and illness.

A growing body of literature on the subjective experiences of people with severe mental illness (SMI) reveals the importance of the experience of self. The current study explored how the course of SMI is related to individuals' subjective experience of self. Bimonthly, comprehensive, semi-structured interviews with 43 people who had been discharged from psychiatric hospitalization were conducted over a 1 -year period. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed mutual influences between the experience of self and illness over time. Conceptual and clinical implications of the relation between self and illness are discussed.
Desanctifying the charisma of numbers

In 1890, the British psychologist and statistician Sir Francis Galton was asked to contribute to an article in the journal Mind. That article, written by American psychologist James McKeen Cattell,...
Tissue-Specific Enrichment Analysis (TSEA) to decode tissue specificity

Diseases and traits are under dynamic tissue-specific regulation. However, heterogeneous tissues are often collected in biomedical studies, which reduce the power in the identification of disease-associated variants and gene expression profiles. We present TSEA, an R package to conduct Tissue-Specific Enrichment Analysis (TSEA) with two built-in reference panels. Statistical methods are developed and implemented for detecting tissue-specific genes and for enrichment test of different forms of query data. Our applications using multi-trait genome-wide association data and cancer expression data showed that TSEA could effectively identify the most relevant tissues for each query trait or sample, providing insights for future studies.
Exercise Intensities as Factors of Metabolic Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review:

Exercise is effective to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes, although currently underutilized. This review analyzes the metabolic response to exercise performance at various intensities in individua...
A Comparison of Aspergillus Prophylaxis with Voriconazole versus Isavuconazole in Lung Transplant Recipients

Purpose Fungal infections are an important cause of mortality and morbidity in lung transplant recipients, and Aspergillus species are the most common cause of infection. Comprehensive consensus guidelines on antifungal prophylaxis against Aspergillus infection in lung transplant recipients has not been established. There are clinical practice variations in Aspergillus prophylaxis, with regards to duration of treatment, choice of agent, and route of administration. Voriconazole is the agent mostly used as Aspergillus prophylaxis. Isavuconazole is a new extended-spectrum triazole with activity against yeasts, molds, and dimorphic fungi but its use as prophylaxis against aspergillosis has not been well studied. Methods We compared the incidence of invasive aspergillosis in single and double lung transplant recipients who used voriconazole versus isavuconazole as prophylaxis. A comprehensive database maintained by the lung transplant program at Keck Medical Center of USC was used to gather data. We started to use isavuconazole as Aspergillus prophylaxis in place of voriconazole in December 2016. Results Sixteen patients in 2015 and 11 patients in 2016 underwent single or double lung transplantation. Nine patients were newly diagnosed with invasive aspergillosis in 2015. After switching to isavuconazole as Aspergillus prophylaxis in 2016, only 3 patients of the 11 that were transplanted were newly diagnosed with invasive aspergillosis. Conclusion Our pilot study reveals that isavuconazole is an effective Aspergillus prophylaxis agent in lung transplant recipients. Isavuconazole has good bioavailability of the oral formulation, predictable pharmacokinetics in adults, few serious adverse effects, and less drug-drug interactions than those noted with voriconazole. Further investigation on use of isavuconazole as Aspergillus prophylaxis is warranted.
Opportunistic Salpingectomy Techniques at the Time of Cesarean Delivery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Recent studies have addressed uptake and safety of opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of cesarean delivery. However, there are limited data on outcomes of the surgical techniques used for salpingectomy at cesarean delivery, thus addressing this topic may influence uptake of opportunistic salpingectomy. This study aimed to compare perioperative outcomes of opportunistic salpingectomy techniques used at the time of cesarean delivery. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing opportunistic salpingectomy for elective sterilization at cesarean delivery between 2011 and 2016 within Kaiser Permanente Northern California. We compared outcomes of salpingectomy performed with a bipolar electrocautery device (LigaSure, Metronic, MD, USA) versus suture ligation. Primary outcomes were surgical and operative room times. Secondary outcomes included estimated blood loss, intraoperative complications, blood transfusions, number of surgeons, length of hospital stay, readmissions and emergency room visits after discharge. We used bivariate and multivariable analyses to identify factors associated with salpingectomy technique. Results: We identified 194 patients with salpingectomies at time of cesarean delivery, of whom 97 (50%) had salpingectomies by bipolar electrocautery and 97 (50%) by suture ligation. In bivariate analysis, salpingectomy by bipolar electrocautery was associated with less estimated blood loss (600 vs. 760 mL, 95%, P = 0.04), shorter operating room times (96 vs. 104 min, P = 0.046) and more surgeons involved (P < 0.001), while the difference in surgery time was not significant (59 vs. 65 min, P = 0.06). Adjusting for statistically significant covariates in multivariable analysis, body mass index and prior abdominal surgery, salpingectomies using bipolar electrocautery were shorter in surgery time than using suture ligation (-10.74 min, confidence interval: -21, -0.49). There were no statistical differences in length of stay, readmission, emergency room visits after discharge, or number of surgeons involved. Two intraoperative complications occurred during salpingectomy and there were two blood transfusions. Conclusions: Salpingectomy was associated with shorter surgery time of 11 min with bipolar electrocautery instead of suture ligation, with no observed differences in postoperative complications. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2019;8(3):70-76 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcgo574
What College Students Post About Depression on Facebook and the Support They Perceive: Content Analysis

Background: College students frequently use social media sites to connect with friends. Increasingly, research suggests college students and other young adults seek mental health-related support on social media, which may present a unique venue for intervention. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine college students’ perceptions about displaying feelings of depression on Facebook and, in turn, how their social media friends responded. Methods: A primarily quantitative online survey with open response questions was distributed to students at four US universities. Qualitative responses were analyzed using content analysis. Results: A total of 34 students provided qualitative responses for analysis, these students were 85.3% female, mean age 20.2 (SD=1.4) and 20.6% racial/ethnic minority. Students who reported posting about depression often expressed an emotion or feeling but did not use the word “depression” in the post. Approximately 20% posted language about a bad day, and 15% posted a song or music video. Only one person reported posting a statement that directly asked for help. When friends responded to the posts, students generally perceived the responses as supportive or motivating gestures. Nearly 15% of friends contacted the individual outside of Facebook. One individual received a negative response and no responses suggested that the individual seek help. Conclusions: This study found that college students who post about depression often do so without directly referencing depression and that friends were generally supportive. However, no participants reported their social network suggested they seek help, which may suggest increasing mental health literacy, for both support seekers and responders, would be an opportunity to improve online mental health-related support.
Effects of maltreatment on coping and emotion regulation in childhood and adolescence: A meta-analytic review.

Abstract Background Child maltreatment is consistently linked to adverse mental and physical health problems, making the identification of risk and resilience processes crucial for prevention efforts. The ways that individuals cope and regulate emotions in response to stress may buffer against pre-existing risk, while deficits in these processes have the potential to amplify risk. Thus, a candidate mechanism to explain the association between early-life abuse and neglect and later maladjustment is the way in which previously-maltreated youth respond to stress throughout development. Objective The current review provides a quantitative analysis of the impact of early-life maltreatment on coping and emotion regulation processes during childhood and adolescence (5–18 years). Methods Thirty-five studies (N = 11,344) met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Effect sizes were calculated between maltreatment and broad domains (e.g., "emotion dysregulation"), intermediate factors (e.g., "problem-focused coping"), and specific strategies (e.g., "emotional suppression") of coping and emotion regulation. Results Maltreatment was significantly related to decreased emotion regulation (r = −.24, p Conclusions Results indicate that maltreatment is broadly associated with poor emotion regulation as well as increased avoidance, emotional suppression, and expression of negative emotions in response to stress. Implications of these findings are discussed and an agenda for future research is proposed.
It’s time to focus on organic solar cell stability

The power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells has rapidly increased, yet significantly less attention has been paid to materials stability and device longevity. For organic solar cells to make an impact in the marketplace, researchers, funding agencies and journals should do more to address this crucial gap.
The potential for intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate as a self-bridging emergency contraceptive.

Objective To examine the rate of ovulatory disruption when intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is administered across graded stages of dominant follicle development. Study design We assigned enrolled participants to one of three preassigned dominant follicle size groups: 12-14 mm, 15-17 mm and ≥ 18 mm. We followed dominant follicles via serial transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) until the follicles reached their assigned size, at which time we administered DMPA. For 5 consecutive days thereafter, we followed the follicles via TVUS to observe follicle rupture and obtained serum luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and progesterone concentrations. In the following 2 weeks, we collected serum progesterone concentrations twice weekly to detect possible ovulatory delay or dysfunction. We also collected serum medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) concentrations at 1 and 24 h after DMPA administration to examine against ovulatory outcomes. Results Twenty-six of 29 enrolled women completed the study. DMPA suppressed ovulation in 17/26 (65%) and caused ovulatory dysfunction in 1/26 (4%) participants. Larger follicles were more likely to rupture despite DMPA (12-14 mm: 0/10 (0%); 15-17 mm: 3/10 (30%); ≥ 18 mm: 6/6 (100%); p < .01). Pre-DMPA LH concentrations ranged from 13.8 to 93.7 IU/L (mean 49.0 IU/L) in cases of follicle rupture. We observed no cases of follicle rupture when DMPA was administered through cycle day 12. All 24-h MPA concentrations exceeded those needed for ovulation suppression. Conclusion DMPA suppressed and additionally disrupted ovulation in 65% and 4% of observed cycles, respectively. DMPA may provide effective emergency contraception as well as ongoing contraception if administered prior to an expected ovulation and specifically before the LH surge. Implications DMPA may be an alternative form of emergency contraception that can also self-bridge to ongoing contraception. As ovulation was not observed among any follicles when DMPA was given through cycle day 12, women who initiate DMPA up through cycle day 12 may not require backup contraception.
Investigation of porosity, texture, and deformation behavior using high energy X-rays during in-situ tensile loading in additively manufactured 316L stainless steel

Abstract The evolution of damage, texture, and strain in additive manufactured (AM) 316L stainless steel produced via laser powder bed fusion was investigated during in-situ tensile loading using high energy X-rays. Synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (XCT) measurements were performed to determine the initial porosity and monitor the evolution of porosity during tensile loading as well as detect the initiation and growth of voids from pre-existing pore defects in the specimens. The as-built tensile specimens had a cross-sectional area of 1 mm2, which was chosen in order to understand damage behavior in thin-walled structures. Far-field X-ray diffraction measurements were performed to quantify crystallographic texture and the distribution of internal elastic strains during loading. The initial texture from the AM build process had a weak {220} texture aligned parallel to the build direction. As a result of tensile deformation, a strong {111} + {200} double fiber texture develops at high tensile strains and remains until fracture. XCT results confirmed that the inhomogeneous distribution of porosity near the surface played a significant role in damage evolution during tensile loading where voids and cracks initiated at pre-existing pores located within the contour zone. These pores were found to have asymmetric or irregular morphology. At high tensile strains, the massive accumulation of internal damage at these pores eventually connected to the surface reducing the ductility in these thin-walled AM samples and resulting in final failure.
Dynamic functional connectivity profile of the salience network across the life span.

The insular cortex and anterior cingulate cortex together comprise the salience or midcingulo-insular network, involved in detecting salient events and initiating control signals to mediate brain network dynamics. The extent to which functional coupling between the salience network and the rest of the brain undergoes changes due to development and aging is at present largely unexplored. Here, we examine dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) of the salience network in a large life span sample (n = 601; 6-85 years old). A sliding-window analysis and k-means clustering revealed five states of dFC formed with the salience network, characterized by either widespread asynchrony or different patterns of synchrony between the salience network and other brain regions. We determined the frequency, dwell time, total transitions, and specific state-to-state transitions for each state and subject, regressing the metrics with subjects' age to identify life span trends. A dynamic state characterized by low connectivity between the salience network and the rest of the brain had a strong positive quadratic relationship between age and both frequency and dwell time. Additional frequency, dwell time, total transitions, and state-to-state transition trends were observed with other salience network states. Our results highlight the metastable dynamics of the salience network and its role in the maturation of brain regions critical for cognition.
Loose zonules in cataract surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will focus on identifying causes of zonulopathy during cataract surgery and discuss various modalities for treatment. RECENT FINDINGS There are multiple different options for capsular bag support in the setting of zonulopathy, including capsular or iris hooks, capsular tension rings as well as capsular tension segments (CTS). Surgical techniques on how to insert these devices are many and can be customized based upon the surgeon's preference and the patient's eye anatomy. SUMMARY Recognizing zonular weakness is critical to achieve stable postoperative vision and avoid future complications. Depending on the degree of zonulopathy, various treatment options can be pursued, ranging from capsular tension hooks or iris hooks, capsular tension rings or sutured or scleral fixated CTS.
Postures and Motions Library Development for Verification of Ground Crew Human Systems Integration Requirements

Spacecraft and launch vehicle ground processing activities require a variety of unique human activities. These activities are being documented in a Primitive motion capture library. The Library will be used by the human factors engineering in the future to infuse real to life human activities into the CAD models to verify ground systems human factors requirements. As the Primitive models are being developed for the library the project has selected several current human factors issues to be addressed for the SLS and Orion launch systems. This paper explains how the Motion Capture of unique ground systems activities are being used to verify the human factors analysis requirements for ground system used to process the STS and Orion vehicles, and how the primitive models will be applied to future spacecraft and launch vehicle processing.
Abstract 506: Nanocarrier-Targeted Mesenchymal Stem Cell for Angiogenesis and Wound Healing

Objectives: Wound healing and angiogenesis are impaired in patients with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. We developed a novel treatment by systemic administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) coated with nanocarrier composed of adhesion molecule -nanoparticle complex (AMNC). AMNC-MSC significantly enhanced wound healing and angiogenesis, in wild type and diabetic mice. AMNC-MSC targeted homing is specific to the injured tissue and superior to BSA (control)-NC coating or uncoated MSC. We now investigate the biosafety profile of the AMNC-MSC. Method: 1x 106 HUVEC were coated with AMNC. Cytotoxicity of AMNC was evaluated by trypan blue. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry using FITC-Annexin-V and propidium iodide. 12-14 week-old C57BL6 mice (N=15) underwent 6mm full thickness dorsal dermal wounding and then assigned to 3 IV treatment groups: (i) 1x 106 AMNC-MSC, (ii) 1x 106 MSC and (iii) equivalent volume saline (No Treatment (NT); (n=5/group). Day 8 post-wounding and treatment, comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count and urinalysis were obtained. Result: AMNC-MSC had no cytotoxicity to HUVEC. Blood tests and urinalysis revealed that the hematological, hepatic, renal and pancreatic functions were normal in all groups. Hyperglycemia was observed among all groups at comparable level (p=0.136), likely a stress response. All other blood/urine parameters were within normal, in all groups. Conclusion: AMNC-MSC has no observed cytotoxicity to human endothelial cells, in vitro . Intravenous administration of AMNC-MSC does not cause metabolic or hematologic toxicity, in mice. We demonstrate initial biosafety of novel nanocarrier-targeted MSC therapy which holds promise in pro-angiogenic and pro-healing regenerative medicine.
Hyperosmolarity inhibits galactosyl receptor-mediated but not fluid phase endocytosis in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Abstract We have investigated the effects of hyperosmolarity induced by sucrose on the fluid phase endocytosis of the fluorescent dye lucifer yellow CH (LY) and the endocytosis of 125I-asialo-orosomucoid (ASOR) by the galactosyl receptor system in isolated rat hepatocytes. Continuous uptake of LY by cells at 37 degrees C is biphasic, occurs for 3-4 h, and then plateaus. Permeabilized cells or crude membranes do not bind LY at 4 or 37 degrees C. Intact cells also do not accumulate LY at 4 degrees C. The rate and extent of LY accumulation are concentration- and energy-dependent, and internalized LY is released from permeabilized cells. Efflux of internalized LY from washed cells is also biphasic and occurs with halftimes of approximately 38 and 82 min. LY is taken up into vesicles throughout the cytoplasm and the perinuclear region with a distribution pattern typical of the endocytic pathway. LY, therefore, behaves as a fluid phase marker in hepatocytes. LY has no effect on the uptake of 125I-ASOR at 37 degrees C. The rate of LY uptake by cells in suspension is not affected for at least 30 min by up to 0.2 M sucrose. The rate of endocytosis of 125I-ASOR, however, is progressively inhibited by increasing the osmolality of the medium with sucrose (greater than 98% with 0.2 M sucrose; Oka and Weigel (1988) J. Cell. Biochem. 36, 169-183). Hyperosmolarity completely inhibits endocytosis of 125I-ASOR by the galactosyl receptor, whereas fluid phase endocytosis of LY is unaffected. Cultured hepatocytes contained about 100 coated pits/mm of apical membrane length as assessed by transmission electron microscopy. In the presence of 0.4 M sucrose, only 17 coated pits/mm of membrane were observed, an 83% decrease. Only a few percent of the total cellular fluid phase uptake in hepatocytes is due to the coated pit endocytic pathway. We conclude that the fluid phase and receptor-mediated endocytic processes must operate via two separate pathways.