cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vascular applications of injectable biomaterials

Abstract: This chapter focuses on the vascular applications of injectable biomaterials. Two clinically relevant vascular conditions, cerebral arteriovenous malformations and intracranial aneurysm, will be discussed in terms of endovascular embolization. This chapter then outlines available embolic materials used to treat each condition, as well as highlighting new injectable biomaterials developed for embolization purposes.
Characterization of MHD activity and its influence on radiation asymmetries during massive gas injection in DIII-D

Measurements from the DIII-D tokamak show that toroidal radiation asymmetries during fast shutdown by massive gas injection (MGI) are largely driven by n = 1 magnetohydrodynamic modes during the thermal quench. The phenomenology of these modes, which are driven unstable by pro le changes as the thermal energy is quenched, is described based on detailed magnetic measurements. Here, the toroidal evolution of the dominantly n = 1 perturbation is understood to be a function of three parameters: the location of the MGI port, pre-MGI plasma rotation, and n = 1 error elds. Here, the resulting level of radiation asymmetry in these DIII-D plasmas is modest, with a toroidal peaking factor (TPF) of 1:2 ± 0:1 for the total thermal quench energy and 1:4 ± 0:3 for the peak radiated power, both of which are below the estimated limit for ITER (TPF ≈ 2).
MOVING DISLOCATIONS IN A SHOCK FRONT

Experimental and theoretical results on isolated moving dislocations are used as the basis to deduce group behavior of dislocations within and just behind shock fronts. For strong shocks it is concluded that the shock front consists of a Smith interface of supersonic dislocations with a narrow zone immediately behind it of high density subsonic moving dislocations. The Smith interface does not exist in weaker shocks. The dislocation density increases as the square of the shock wave pressure for weaker shocks and becomes almost independent of shock pressure for very strong shocks.
Site Resonance from Strong Ground Motions at Lucerne, California, during the 1992 Landers Mainshock

Analog station LUC near Lucerne, California, recorded strong motions from the nearby (1.25 km) fault rupture during the 28 June 1992 Landers mainshock. The records illustrate general issues that can arise at near‐field stations. In the area of the station, weathered granite regolith with 400 m/s S ‐wave velocity overlies intact granite with 3000 m/s S ‐wave velocity. A strongly reverberating signal persisted for several seconds after near‐field velocity pulse passed. Recovery of the vertical record in digital form provided calibration of resonant site properties and qualitative separation of site and source effects. The dominant signal on the vertical spectrum arises from vertically reverberating P waves in an ∼13.5‐m‐thick layer. Horizontal spectra marginally resolve the analogous resonance for vertical S waves and coupling of vertical P waves into horizontal motion. Here, resonant amplification of a broad high‐frequency band ∼5–40 Hz by a factor of a few over lower frequencies sufficed to dominate acceleration records and to make velocity records jittery. Conversely, the amplitude damping times of these resonances are much less than 1 s, indicating that the time‐domain decay of the acceleration signal over ∼8 s is an incident‐wave effect. Overall, the raw seismograms represent incident incoming high‐frequency 5–40 Hz signals, but poorly resolved directional effects preclude straightforward determination of the incident body waves.
Personalized Cancer Care Is Not New

This editorial reviews the history of personalized medicine in oncology and concludes that it is not a new trend, but rather has guided oncology treatment for decades.
Is Consistently Unfair Better than Sporadically Fair? An Investigation of Justice Variability and Stress

Research on organizational justice has predominantly focused on between-individual differences in average levels of fair treatment experienced by employees. Recently, researchers have also demonstr...
Rashba effect in single-layer antimony telluroiodide SbTeI

Exploring spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in single-layer materials is important for potential spintronics applications. In this paper, using first-principles calculations, we show that single-layer antimony telluroiodide SbTeI behaves as a two-dimensional semiconductor exhibiting a G0W0 band gap of 1.82 eV. More importantly, we observe the Rashba spin splitting in the SOC band structure of single-layer SbTeI with a sizable Rashba coupling parameter of 1.39 eV A, which is significantly larger than that of a number of two-dimensional systems including surfaces and interfaces. The low formation energy and real phonon modes of single-layer SbTeI imply that it is stable. Finally, our study suggests that single-layer SbTeI is a candidate single-layer material for applications in spintronics devices.
Micro-Computed Tomography for the Quantitative 3-Dimensional Assessment of the Compact Myocardium in the Mouse Embryo.

Background Ventricular non-compaction is characterized by a thin layer of compact ventricular myocardium and it is an important abnormality in the mouse heart. It is reminiscent of left ventricular non-compaction, a fairly common human congenital cardiomyopathy. Non-compaction in transgenic mice has been classically evaluated by measuring the thickness of the compact myocardium through histological techniques involving image analysis of 2-dimensional (D) sections. Given the 3D nature of the heart, the aim of this study was to determine whether a technique for the non-destructive, 3D assessment of the mouse embryonic compact myocardium could be developed. Methods and results Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), in combination with iodine staining, enabled the differentiation of the trabecular from the compact myocardium in wild-type mice. The 3D and digital nature of the micro-CT data allowed computation anatomical techniques to be readily applied, which were demonstrated via construction of group atlases and atlas-based descriptive statistics. Finally, micro-CT was used to identify the presence of non-compaction in mice with a deletion of the cell cycle inhibitor protein, p27(Kip1). Conclusions Iodine staining-enhanced micro-CT with computational anatomical analysis represents a valid addition to classical histology for the delineation of compact myocardial wall thickness in the mouse embryo. Given the quantitative 3D resolution of micro-CT, these approaches might provide helpful information for the analysis of non-compaction. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1795-1803).
To Blend or Not to Blend?: Perceptual Speed, Visual Memory and Aggregated Search

While aggregated search interfaces that present vertical results to searchers are fairly common in today's search environments, little is known about how searchers' cognitive abilities impact how they use and evaluate these interfaces. This study evaluates the relationship between two cognitive abilities ? perceptual speed and visual memory ? and searchers' behaviors and interface preferences when using two aggregated search interfaces: one that blends vertical results into the search results (blended) and one that does not (non-blended). Cognitive tests were administered to sixteen participants who subsequently performed four search tasks using the two interfaces. Participants' search interactions were logged and after searching, they rated the usability, engagement and effectiveness of each interface, as well as made comparative evaluations. Results showed that participants with low perceptual speed spent significantly more time completing tasks when using the blended interface, while those with high perceptual speed spent roughly equivalent amounts of time completing tasks with the two interfaces. Those with low perceptual speed also rated both interfaces as significantly less usable along many measures, and were less satisfied with their searches. There were also main effects for interface: participants rated the non-blended interface significantly more usable than the blended interface.
STRUCTURE AND EXPRESSION OF THE SEA URCHIN SPEC GENES

Publisher Summary This chapter elaborates the structure and the expression of the sea urchin Spec genes. The Spec genes comprise a family of 10 to 12 related genes whose expression is restricted to embryonic and larval aboral ectoderm cells of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. The Spec proteins are members of the troponin C superfamily of calcium-binding proteins and bind calcium ions in vitro as assayed by shifts on SDS polyacrylamide gels in the presence or the absence of EGTA. Because it is likely that proteins involved in activating the Spec genes are maternal or very early zygotic gene products, knowledge of the mechanisms by which the Spec genes are specifically activated in aboral ectoderm cells will necessarily yield information on how these embryonic cells are determined. Spec1 upstream sequences are compatable with promoter elements present on the deleted cyIIIa-CAT plasmid and that the position of the Spec1 upstream sequences is not critical to the enhancement of CAT activity.
Planar microparticle assembly and photopolymerized joining with holographic optical tweezers

Holographic optical tweezers are able to assemble and permanently join polystyrene microspheres into planar patterns using an acrylamide-based photopolymerization reaction. This approach holds potential as a new method for additive fabrication of multi-material microstructures.
Simulation of rapid ecological change in Lake Ontario

Lower trophic level processes are integral to proper functioning of large aquatic ecosystems and have been disturbed in Lake Ontario by various stressors including exotic species. The invasion of benthic habitats by dreissenid mussels has led to systemic changes and native faunal declines. Size-dependent physiological rates, spatial differences and connectivity, competition, and differential population dynamics among invertebrate groups contributed to the change and system complexity. We developed a spatially explicit, individual-based mechanistic model of the benthic ecosystem in Lake Ontario, with coupling to the pelagic system, to examine ecosystem dynamics and effects of dreissenid mussel invasion and native fauna losses. Benthic organisms were represented by functional groups; filter-feeders (i.e., dreissenid mussels), surface deposit-feeders (e.g., native amphipod Diporeia spp.), and deposit-feeders (e.g., oligochaetes and other burrowers). The model was stable, represented ecological structure and function effectively, and reproduced observed effects of the mussel invasion. Two hypotheses for causes of Diporeia loss, competition or disease-like mortality, were tested. Simple competition for food did not explain observed declines in native surface deposit-feeders during the filter-feeder invasion. However, the elevated mortality scenario supports a disease-like cause for loss of the native amphipod, with population changes in various lake areas and altered benthic biomass transfers. Stabilization of mussel populations and possible recovery of the native, surface-deposit feeding amphipod were predicted. Although further research is required on forcing functions, model parameters, and natural conditions, the model provides a valuable tool to help managers understand the benthic system and plan for response to future disruptions.
Metadata and Spatial Data Infrastructure

Geospatial data is most useful when it can be discovered, shared, and used. This article describes the mechanism for describing and organizing geospatial data through the use of metadata as the descriptive element and spatial data infrastructure as the organizational framework. Specific guidance is provided in the text for development of metadata requirements, use of metadata standards, and implementing best practices and automation in creation of metadata. The article then builds on the foundation of good metadata to describe the components of a spatial data infrastructure and how each part is designed and integrated. The focus for the spatial data infrastructure is discoverability and dissemination of geospatial data. Finally, the article explains how to optimize metadata and spatial data infrastructure strategy for a successful and sustainable system as well as highlights some emerging trends in the geospatial and general information technology fields that will likely impact future use of these concepts.
Test Anxiety: Another Origin For Racial Bias in Standardized Testing

Test anxiety has been proven to be detrimental to students' standardized test scores. This study found test anxiety to be higher for Blacks than whites in the Junior High School setting examined. T...
Significant Bradycardia in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl

Purpose. To report a case series of three patients who developed significant bradycardia while receiving the combination of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl for sedation and analgesia. Materials and Methods. This is a case series of patients obtained from a mixed medical, surgical, and cardiac ICU in a community teaching hospital. Three intubated patients receiving fentanyl and dexmedetomidine infusion developed sudden bradycardia requiring intervention. In all three cases, adjustments to therapy were required. Results. All three patients experienced significant bradycardia, with a heart rate less than 50 bpm, and one patient briefly developed asystole. In Case 1, the fentanyl infusion rate was reduced by 67% and the dexmedetomidine infusion rate was reduced by 25%. In Case 2, the sedation was changed to midazolam, and in Case 3, both fentanyl and dexmedetomidine were discontinued. In all three cases, there were no further incidences of significant bradycardia following intervention. Conclusions. Fentanyl used in combination with dexmedetomidine can result in clinically significant bradycardia. Further study is warranted to identify risk factors and elucidate the mechanisms that result in life-threatening bradycardia.
The importance of surgical maneuvers during treatment of frontal migraines (site I): A prospective, randomized cohort study evaluating foraminotomy/fasciotomy, myectomy, and arterectomy

Summary Background The current prospective, blinded, randomized cohort study aims to delineate the relative contribution of different surgical treatments for frontal migraines. Methods Patients undergoing migraine surgery in the frontal region (site I) were prospectively enrolled and blindly randomized into one of the following four groups: (1) myectomy alone, (2) myectomy and foraminotomy/fasciotomy, (3) myectomy and arterectomy, and (4) foraminotomy/fasciotomy alone. Pre- and post-surgical migraine headache severity, duration, Migraine Headache Index (MHI) score, and migraine-free days (MFDs) were obtained. Results Thirteen patients agreed to participate in the study. For all patients, the mean pre- and post-operative MHI scores demonstrated a significant improvement from 52.6 (3.8–85) to 4.7 (0–21.3) (p = 0.0001). Thirty-one percent of patients required a site I revision that included an arterectomy. Patients who had an arterectomy at their initial surgery demonstrated statistically significant improvement in both frequency (12 vs. 6.11; p = 0.02) and MHI scores (51.71 vs. 5.55; p Conclusions These findings suggest that arterectomy is necessary for successful treatment of frontal migraines (site I).
A study of differential thermal analysis /DTA/ - Effluent gas analysis /EGA/ for the determination of planetary environmental parameters

Differential thermal analysis capabilities in mineralogy for determining present/past planetary environmental parameters having significance for biological experiment
Cross-Cultural Dialogues in an Open Online Course: Navigating National and Organizational Cultural Differences.

This study examines the interactions of educators and instructional designers during a four-week open online professional development course about using social media in education. Discourse analysis was used to elucidate points where national and organizational cultural differences arose, noting whether and how learners expressed and bridged differences. Findings suggest that the learners first identified with their national culture, and then, if they did not experience any cultural challenges, began to explore topics related to organizational culture. In this course, Chinese students were most likely to experience national cultural challenges, and Western participants were most likely to raise organizational culture issues. Language and national political climate also played a role in how and what learners expressed in an online learning environment. Flexible course design and facilitation can be used to help make learners from all cultural backgrounds feel more comfortable and engage in cross-cultural sharing.
Chapter 3.4 In vivo peptidomics: discovery and monitoring of neuropeptides using microdialysis and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry

Abstract Neuropeptides are challenging molecules to monitor in the extracellular space of the brain because of low concentrations and the presence of many similar sequences due to enzymatic degradation of released peptides.Recent advances in sampling and analysis have improved the ability to detect, monitor, and discover novel neuropeptides. In sampling, use of higher molecular weight cut-off dialysis membranes, and solid supports offer improved recovery. For analysis, the advent of capillary liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry enables sensitive detection (attomole detection limits) of peptides with sequence specificity. Application of proteomic methods allows novel neuropeptides to be identified. Combined with peptidomic analysis of tissues, a host of new peptides have been identified in the brain.
Using Group Theory to Construct and Characterize Metaheuristic Search Neighborhoods

Over the past four years, a Consortium composed of The University of Texas at Austin, the Air Force Institute of Technology and the US Air Force Air Mobility Command has been remarkably successful in developing the theoretical foundations of group theoretic tabu search (GTTS) and applying it to a set of complex military logistics problems. This paper briefly recounts some of those accomplishments and describes the underlying mathematical framework that supported them. The symmetric group on n letters, Sn can be used to build and solve equations whose coefficients and variables are permutations, i.e., elements of Sn. These equations efficiently describe search neighborhoods for combinatorial optimization problems (COPs) whose solutions can be modeled as partitions, orderings, or both (P|O problems). Following the introduction, the second section describes neighborhoods that preserve a cycle solution structure and recounts examples of how group theory has been used to provide new and useful insights into search neighborhoods. The third section describes neighborhoods for multiple cyclic solution structures. Section 4 considers a hybrid move neighborhood that borrows from Sections 2 and 3. The fifth section overviews some highly successful applications of the GTTS approach. The final section contains concluding remarks and offers suggestions for future work. The paper's goals are: (1) to illustrate that move neighborhoods can be cast into a group theoretic context and that new powerful neighborhoods can be easily “hand tailored” using group theory; and (2) to motivate others to consider how the unifying mathematical framework of group theory could be further exploited to gain powerful new understandings of direct search move neighborhoods.
Temporally-dependent image similarity measure for longitudinal analysis

Current longitudinal image registration methods rely on the assumption that image appearance between time-points remains constant or changes uniformly within intensity classes. This assumption, however, is not valid for magnetic resonance imaging of brain development. Registration methods developed to align images with non-uniform appearance change either (i) locally minimize some global similarity measure, or (ii) iteratively estimate an intensity transformation that makes the images similar. However, these methods treat the individual images as independent static samples and are inadequate for the strong non-uniform appearance changes seen in neurodevelopmental data. Here, we propose a model-based similarity measure intended for aligning longitudinal images that locally estimates a temporal model of intensity change. Unlike previous approaches, the model-based formulation is able to capture complex appearance changes between time-points and we demonstrate that it is critical when using a deformable transformation model.
Gender Differences in Post Stroke Fatigue (P5.290)

Objective: To evaluate gender differences and predictors in PSF in an urban predominately minority cohort. Background: Gender differences in stroke are issues of increasing interest. Post- stroke fatigue (PSF) is a frequently reported symptom affecting stroke survivors and is a predictor of death and disability. Design/Methods: Two-center, IRB approved, prospective study serving primarily African/Caribbean Americans. Eligible patients included ischemic stroke within 3 months. Aphasia, dementia or pre-existing depression were exclusions. PSF was assessed by fatigue assessment score (FAS); depression by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Primary outcome was FAS. Multiple linear regression determined gender differences in PSF, adjusted for prior stroke, diabetes (DM), atrial fibrillation (AF), hypertension (HTN), stroke severity (NIHSS >2); BDI score (≥11), age (≥55), and time from stroke onset (>30days). Existence of first-order interactions between gender and other predictors was investigated. Chi square test was used to test for gender differences in the distribution of the other categorical predictors. P Results: 150 patients, mean age 66 years (SD=13, range 30–93); 82 (55%) women. Higher rates of prior stroke (44% vs 28%, p=0.04) and AF (15% vs 4%, p=0.04) were present in women than in man. No gender differences were observed for the other predictors. We found that female gender was associated with 18% (95% CI: 4%–33%, p=0.009) higher levels of PSF, adjusted for other predictors. Two other predictors were associated with greater PSF severity: BDI ≥11 with 34% (95% CI: 14%–57%, p=0.0005) and NIHSS>2 with 14% (95% CI: 0.3%–29%, p=0.045) increase in the PSF. However, HTN was associated with 24% (95% CI: 9%–37%, p=0.004) decreased PSF severity. The 8 predictors explained 30% of the variability in PSF severity. Conclusions: In our urban predominately minority cohort, women had more severe PSF than men. The basis for the protective effect of HTN on PSF severity is unclear and deserves further study. Disclosure: Dr. Balucani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gilles has nothing to disclose. Dr. Singer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stefanov has nothing to disclose. Dr. Halket has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mlastabi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Huang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Weingast has nothing to disclose. Dr. Levine has nothing to disclose.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes for women giving birth after previous cesarean.

Introduction Rising rates of caesarean section (CS) is an issue of particular concern. Recently, there has been research supporting Vaginal Births After Caesarean (VBAC), which is controversial. In Greece, over half of births in the country are by CS, placing Greece among countries with the highest CS rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and the factors associated with VBACs and to compare the maternal/neonatal outcomes with a 'non-caesarean' control group. Methods The data were evaluated and retrospectively gathered on archived singleton births, from medical records of a midwifery-led team, between May 2006 and May 2013. The target group of the study included mothers with a previous CS, who had a second birth. The sample consisted of 71 VBAC women and 583 who had normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD) as the 'non-caesarean' control group. Results The duration of labour was longer for the VBACs compared with first-time mothers who gave birth naturally (for duration 481-720 min, 27% vs 10.3%, respectively), episiotomy was more common for VBAC (20.7% vs 7.9%), and epidural analgesia was more often for VBAC (68.4% vs 10%). The percentage of 1-min Apgar score in the range 0-7 in the VBAC group was 5%, and there was no significant difference in women who had NSVD (3.6%). The Apgar score in the 5th minute was always above 8 for both groups. Conclusions Severe maternal and neonatal complications are infrequent, and therefore the necessity arises for further continuous studies to ascertain the safety of VBAC.
An experimental study on dynamic ice accretion process over the surfaces of rotating aero-engine spinners

Abstract An experimental study was conducted to investigate the dynamic ice accretion process over the surfaces of rotating aero-engine spinners and to examine the detriment effects of the ice accretion on the airflow to be inhaled by aero-engines. Three scaled spinner-fan models with different spinner shapes (i.e., conical-shaped, coniptical-shaped, and elliptical-shaped spinners) were manufactured and exposed under typical rime and glaze icing conditions for a comparative study. During the experiments, while a high-speed imaging system was used to record the dynamic ice accretion process over the rotating spinner models, a high-resolution particle image velocimetry (PIV) system was utilized to examine the trajectories of super-cooled water droplets as they approach to the surfaces of the spinner models. It was found that, under typical rime conditions, while accreted ice layers were found to conform well with the original shapes of the spinner models in general, the total amount of the ice mass accreted over the spinner surfaces were found to be a strong dependent on the spinner shapes. While the conical-shaped spinner was found to have the largest amount of ice accretion (i.e., 60–80% more than those over the other two spinner models) over almost entire spinner surface, ice accretion was found to take place mainly in the front portion of the coniptical-shaped and elliptical-shaped spinners. Under the glaze icing condition, in addition to forming ice layers over the spinner surfaces, very complicated, needle-shaped icicles were also found to grow rapidly out from the spinner surfaces and extrude into the incoming airflow, due to the effects of the centrifugal forces associated with the rotation motion. The complex glaze ice structures accreted over the spinner surface were found to induce significant disturbances/distortions and even cause large-scale flow separations for the airflow near the iced spinner surfaces, which would significantly degrade the quality of the inlet airflow to be inhaled by aero-engines, thereby, adversely affecting the performance of aero-engines.
Increased Moraxella and Streptococcus species abundance after severe bronchiolitis is associated with recurrent wheezing.

Background The role of the airway microbiome in the development of recurrent wheezing and asthma remains uncertain, particularly in the high-risk group of infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis. Objective We sought to examine the relation of the nasal microbiota at bronchiolitis-related hospitalization and 3 later points to the risk of recurrent wheezing by age 3 years. Methods In 17 US centers researchers collected clinical data and nasal swabs from infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis. Trained parents collected nasal swabs 3 weeks after hospitalization and, when healthy, during the summer and 1 year after hospitalization. We applied 16S rRNA gene sequencing to all nasal swabs. We used joint modeling to examine the relation of longitudinal nasal microbiota abundances to the risk of recurrent wheezing. Results Among 842 infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis, there was 88% follow-up at 3 years, and 31% had recurrent wheezing. The median age at enrollment was 3.2 months (interquartile range, 1.7-5.8 months). In joint modeling analyses adjusting for 16 covariates, including viral cause, a 10% increase in relative abundance of Moraxella or Streptococcus species 3 weeks after day 1 of hospitalization was associated with an increased risk of recurrent wheezing (hazard ratio [HR] of 1.38 and 95% high-density interval [HDI] of 1.11-1.85 and HR of 1.76 and 95% HDI of 1.13-3.19, respectively). Increased Streptococcus species abundance the summer after hospitalization was also associated with a greater risk of recurrent wheezing (HR, 1.76; 95% HDI, 1.15-3.27). Conclusions Enrichment of Moraxella or Streptococcus species after bronchiolitis hospitalization was associated with recurrent wheezing by age 3 years, possibly providing new avenues to ameliorate the long-term respiratory outcomes of infants with severe bronchiolitis.
The Aging Gut Microbiota

Researchers have detailed changes in host–intestinal microbe homeostasis in elderly humans, but it is not clear whether gut microbiota influence these changes, or if maintaining intestinal homeostasis would support overall health with age. Insight into age-related changes in hosts and their microbiota has been gained by studying vertebrate models such as mice, rats, and African turquoise killifish, and invertebrates, including Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. Studies using aged, germ-free models show that intestinal microbiota do not initiate all age-related pathologies, suggesting that host-specific changes may be a factor in declining host–intestinal microbe homeostasis with age. Although it is not clear how model-based host–intestinal microbe research applies to the elderly, understanding the interplay between aging hosts and gut microbiota will be critical toward the design of therapeutic interventions. Since research on aging microbiota systems is an emerging field, further developments may come through attempts to translate model findings to humans.
Isoprene Exposure in the United States Based on Urinary IPM3: NHANES 2015-2016.

Isoprene is the 2-methyl analog of 1,3-butadiene and is a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B). We assessed isoprene exposure in the general US population by measuring its urinary metabolite, N-acetyl-S-(4-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-l-cysteine (IPM3) in participants (≥3 year old) from the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Spot urine samples were analyzed for IPM3 using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Exclusive tobacco smokers were distinguished from non-users using a combination of self-reporting and serum cotinine data. IPM3 was detected in 80.2% of samples. The median IPM3 level was higher for exclusive cigarette smokers (39.8 μg/g creatinine) than for non-users (3.05 μg/g creatinine). Sample weighted regression analysis, controlling for creatinine, sex, age, race, body mass index, and diet, showed that IPM3 was positively and significantly associated with serum cotinine. Smoking 1-10 cigarettes per day (CPD, 0.5 pack) was significantly associated with an IPM3 increase of 596% (p 20 CPD (>1 pack) was significantly associated with an IPM3 increase of 1640% (p < .0001), controlling for confounding variables. Drinking beer/ale at median and 90th percentile levels (compared to zero consumption) was associated (p < 0.05) with 0 and 2.9% increase in IPM3 in non-users, respectively. We conclude that tobacco smoke is a major source of isoprene exposure in the US population. This study provides important public health biomonitoring data on isoprene exposure in the general US population.
Effect of Cardiac Preservation Solution on Outcomes in Extended Organ Ischemic Periods

Purpose Extended organ ischemic times have been associated with poor outcomes in heart transplant recipients. This study aims to examine the effect of donor cardiac preservative solution on recipient outcomes in the setting of extend organ ischemic periods. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients who received heart transplants in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) database between December 2011 and March 2019. Patients undergoing multiorgan transplantation or those without preservation solution data were excluded. Extended organ ischemic period was defined as greater than 4 hours. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared between organ preservation solutions among patients who met the study criteria. Results Overall, 665 patients met inclusion criteria during the study period. Cardiac preservative solutions included cardioplegia (90 patients), Celsior solution (9), Custodial solution (57), Del Nido solution (17), Plegisol (30), Roes solution (46), and UW solution (415). Age, gender, etiology, and comorbidities were similar among groups. Based on Kaplan-Meier analysis, Roe's solution and Celsior solution seemed to correlate with better outcomes although these did not reach statistical significance (log-rank p=0.27) (Figure 1). However, at one year (p=0.04) and five years (p Conclusion Choice of cardiac preservative solution results in a significant effect on recipient survival in the setting of extended organ ischemic periods. Further investigation is warranted, particularly in the era of revised OPTN allocation policy, which preliminary data suggest is prolonging organ ischemic periods.
Enduring dysregulation of nucleus accumbens catecholamine and glutamate transmission by developmental exposure to phenylpropanolamine.

Abstract For over 50 years, the sympathomimetic phenylpropanolamine (PPA; ±-norephedrine) was a primary active ingredient in over-the-counter nasal decongestants for both children and adults and continues to be prevalent in the vast majority of countries today. Previously, we reported that juvenile PPA exposure alters the developmental trajectory of catecholamine and amino acid neurotransmitter systems in the nucleus accumbens (NAC), impacting the motivational valence of cocaine in later life. The present study employed a combination of in vivo microdialysis and immunoblotting approaches to better understand how juvenile PPA exposure impacts catecholamine and glutamate function within the NAC. For this, C57BL/6J mice were pretreated repeatedly with PPA (0 or 40 mg/kg) during postnatal days 21–33. Starting at 70 days of age, the function and expression of receptors and transporters regulating extracellular dopamine and glutamate were determined. Juvenile PPA pretreatment completely abolished the capacity of selective dopamine and epinephrine reuptake inhibitors to increase NAC levels of both catecholamines, without impacting D2 or α2 receptor regulation of catecholamine release. Juvenile PPA pretreatment facilitated the rise in NAC glutamate elicited by dopamine, norepinephrine and glutamate transporter inhibitors and blunted mGlu2/3 inhibition of glutamate release in this region. These data confirm that juvenile exposure to PPA produces protracted perturbations in the regulation of extracellular catecholamine and glutamate levels within the NAC and further the hypothesis that early exposure to sympathomimetic drugs found in cough, cold and allergy medicines, have long-lasting effects upon neurotransmission within brain regions gating motivation.
An Alternative Method of Extracting $V_{bu}$ from Semi-leptonic B Decay

We propose a new method of extracting $V_{bu}$ from measurements of Semi-leptonic B decay which has much less theoretical uncertainties than conventional methods.
Spatiotemporal differential partitioning for one-dimensional fast acoustic streaming

Historically, acoustofluidics modeling of streaming behaviors has relied heavily and almost exclusively upon formal asymptotic expansions in a relevant small parameter (e.g., the acoustic Mach number) in order to render tractable the highly nonlinear governing equations. However, the direction of modern acoustofluidics research dictates that no such order of magnitude separation between the acoustic and streaming fields can be generally relied upon—in extremal systems, formal asymptotic methods fail to properly extract the dynamics of interest. We outline progress toward the development of a theoretical approach that affords greater generality through its direct, explicit consideration and exploitation of all spatiotemporal scale disparities by partitioning differential operations. The method is applied to a one-dimensional problem of semiinfinite extent that, by convention, is classified as “fast streaming.” The compressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved in an approximate successive manner in order to obtain the acoustic and streaming fields. We show that the steady multi-temporal behavior of this result is characterized by a conservation of energy across acoustic and streaming scales.
Surgical waste in a colorectal surgery operating room: A five-year experience

Abstract Background Waste is a significant contributor to the high healthcare costs in the United States. We examined operating room waste among colorectal surgeries to determine surgical, provider or patient characteristic associations with the presence or extent of operating room waste. Additionally, we found disposable supplies (both sterile and non-sterile) to contribute to the highest proportion of waste. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the presence and extent of operating room waste identified within the supply chain linked with the electronic medical record and administrative billing data. All inpatient and outpatient colorectal surgery patients at our institution from January 1, 2012, were included through May 31, 2017. Co-managed cases (general surgeon as primary surgeon) were excluded. Waste items included: contaminated, implanted and removed, unsatisfactory or outdated, wrongly opened, opened and unused, and items that could not be returned when the procedure or surgeon changed, or the case was canceled. Chi-square tests were used to assess risk factors associated with the presence of waste, while Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for the extent of waste (percent of supply costs). Results 3297 colorectal surgery cases were performed over 5+ years. Out of those, 730 (22.1%) had a mean of 2.9 items per case identified as "wasted," representing 5.8% of all supply costs for these surgeries. The top five variables associated with waste included: surgical duration, age group of the patient, weekday surgery, surgical category, and ASA class. Surgical duration had the strongest association, followed by the patient's age group, day of surgery, surgical category, and ASA class in descending order. Conclusions Although a small percentage of operative supplies are wasted in this practice, nationally, surgical waste may substantially contribute to total healthcare costs. Differences across surgeons and types of surgeries suggest that opportunities exist to reduce OR supply waste and cost.
Of Soils and Men

In February 1934, Charles Kellogg became assistant to Curtis Marbut at the Division of Soil Survey in Washington, and in 1935, he was appointed Chief. Upon his retirement in May 1971, he was the longest serving chief of the Division. Milton Whitney established the soil survey, largely expanded the organization, but had a narrow focus. Curtis Marbut cautiously led the soil survey out of its geological base into an organization that embraced pedology. Charles Kellogg inherited an organization at a crossroads. It could have continued its course in which quantity was somewhat favored over quality but, instead, Charles Kellogg brought science into soil survey, introduced new techniques such as the use of aerial photography, aimed for standardization in soil survey and classification, and worked with soil surveyors across the country and the globe. He delegated authority, decentralized the organization, and for many years he battled with Hugh Bennett who led the soil erosion program.
Evidence-Based Offender Profiling of Serial Sex Worker Victim Homicides

Three general interlinked areas have been the focus of offender profiling research: individual differentiation (establishing differences between the behavioral actions of crime scene types), behavioral consistency (understanding behavioral patterns across a series of crimes), and offender profiling (linking sub-types of crime scene patterns to the most likely characteristics of an offender). Taken together, these three areas form the empirical basis necessary for use in criminal investigations. However, studies supporting inferences about offender characteristics have to date been the least developed in the field of offender profiling. For profiling to be fully useful to investigations, a clear understanding of three main elements is crucial to fully develop, notably (1) what individual crime scene characteristics are the most salient to use; (2) what elements of the full series behavioral developmental pattern are important to understand as an additional factor; and (3) what offender characteristics are the most empirically robust to focus on for investigative use. The current study examines 80 series of serial homicide, involving 302 crime scenes. Using the key elements of an offender’s crime scene behavioral patterns shown to help link and differentiate crime scenes and series, the current study linked these to sub-sets of different offender characteristics, identified as most useful for investigations. These included such characteristics such as age at the start of the series, criminal history specialization, general history of violence, mental health history, and relationship to the victims in the series. Results are discussed in the context of implications for research and practical applications in serial crime investigation and offender profiling.
Distinct colony boundaries and larval discrimination in polygyne red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).

Evaluating the factors that promote invasive ant abundance is critical to assess their ecological impact and inform their management. Many invasive ant species show reduced nestmate recognition and an absence of boundaries between unrelated nests, which allow populations to achieve greater densities due to reduced intraspecific competition. We examined nestmate discrimination and colony boundaries in introduced populations of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta; hereafter, fire ant). Fire ants occur in two social forms: monogyne (colonies with a single egg-laying queen) and polygyne (colonies with multiple egg-laying queens). In contrast with monogyne nests, polygyne nests are thought to be interconnected due to the reduced antagonism between non-nestmate polygyne workers, perhaps because polygyne workers habituate the colony to an odour unique to Gp-9b -carrying adults. However, colony boundaries and nestmate discrimination are poorly documented, particularly for worker-brood interactions. To delimit boundaries between field colonies, we correlated the exchange of a 15 N-glycine tracer dissolved in a sucrose solution with social form. We also evaluated nestmate discrimination between polygyne workers and larvae in the laboratory. Counter to our expectations, polygyne colonies behaved identically to monogyne colonies, suggesting both social forms maintain strict colony boundaries. Polygyne workers also preferentially fed larval nestmates and may have selectively cannibalized non-nestmates. The levels of relatedness among workers in polygyne colonies was higher than those previously reported in North America (mean ± standard error: 0.269 ± 0.037). Our study highlights the importance of combining genetic analyses with direct quantification of resource exchange to better understand the factors influencing ant invasions.
A Novel Step-down Three-Port Power Converter for Semi-Isolated Renewable and Hybrid Energy Storage System Applications

The upward trend of employing renewable energy sources in today’s power grid, the tendency to utilize energy storage systems in addition to these sources, and the benefits of using hybrid energy storage systems (including the transportation electrification sector) have put the multi-port converters (MPCs) under the spotlight. Fewer number of active and passive components, higher power density, and lower risk for cyber- attacks are among the reasons for MPCs’ popularity. This paper proposes a novel three-port power converter for the hybrid energy storage and hybrid renewable and energy storage applications. This converter is designed to operate for loads up to 20kW and for voltages 400-24V which is suitable for HESSs in residential and electric vehicle auxiliary power units. The voltage levels of this TPC are suitable for the electric vehicles auxiliary power units and DC zonal microgrids. This paper discusses the development and control of this three-port converter and demonstrates the effectiveness of this converter by simulating it under various operating modes for a 2.5kW hybrid energy storage system This TPC achieved efficiencies between 90.7% to 94.5% in different modes with a switching frequency of 50kHz.
Studies in Force Main Aeration

Studies of an existing system showed air injection into a force main was an effective, economical, and reliable measure for controlling sulfides generations. Additional benefits included some degree of BOD reduction and removal of friction-producing bacterial filiments. Air at the force main outlet was not odorous, and contained only trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide. Generation of sulfides returned to normal levels a few days after aeration ceased. Analytical techniques used may apply elsewhere. The design rationale may be of value in other installations in which general conditions are similar.
Intrinsic Dissociation Constants of Aspartyl and Glutamyl Carboxyl Groups

Abstract The synthesis of N-acetyl-l-isoasparagine and of N-acetyl-l-isoglutamine is reported. The acid dissociation constants of these compounds, and those of their corresponding N-carbobenzoxy derivatives, have been measured. Since these compounds are uncharged molecules of the type —NH—CH(—CH2COOH)—CO— or the corresponding glutamyl homologue, their dissociation constants represent the intrinsic dissociation constants of aspartyl and glutamyl side chains in polypeptide chains. Additional values for these constants were obtained from pK values of charged molecules of the same type, after calculating corrections for the effects of the charges. All results obtained in this way are consistent, and indicate that aspartyl carboxyl groups are significantly more acidic than glutamyl carboxyl groups. Intrinsic pK values at 25° and zero ionic strength are 4.08 ± 0.05 for aspartyl groups and 4.50 ± 0.06 for glutamyl groups.
Phylogeny of the leech family Erpobdellidae (Hirudinida : Oligochaeta)

The phylogenetic relationships of the family Erpobdellidae, a group of non-sanguivorous leeches useful as bioindicators, were investigated with the combined use of morphological characters, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, mitochondrial 12S rDNA and nuclear 18S rDNA. Analyses of separate data sets and the combined data provide strong support for the contention that generic distinctions in the family are not reflective of phylogeny. The resulting hypothesis indicates the number of pairs of labial eyes as the sole morphological predictor of phylogenetic relationship. The traditionally used degree of annular subdivision is the least consistent character. In the absence of readily definable morphological synapomorphies for the resulting clades, the genera Dina, Mooreobdella, Nephelopsis and Trocheta are formally synonymised under the genus Erpobdella, the type genus of the family.