cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single Trial Conditioning: Methodology and Results with Mice:

Four experiments are presented with data from three methods for establishing a conditioned avoidance response in mice in a single trial. Approximately 90% of the mice used with these methods showed...
Covariance analysis of non-translational motion-compensated frame differences

Motion estimation is an important technique used in the compression coding of video data where significant temporal redundancy exists between neighboring video frames. Through motion estimation we can provide a motion-compensated prediction of the frame that is to be coded based on the previously coded frames. Coding the difference between the current frame and its motion-compensated prediction frame can be made more efficient if more accurate motion estimation can be achieved. Our previous work has shown that non-translation motion estimation based on Lie operators can increase the motion estimation accuracy by taking into account non-translation transformations of objects such as scaling and rotations across frames. As an extension of our previous work, we conduct covariance analysis on motion-compensated frame difference signals generated by (i) using conventional motion estimation methods that consider only translational motions, and (ii) applying additional non-translational motion estimation based on Lie operators. Experimental results on two standard test sequences show that our non-translational motion estimation method can further de-correlate the frame difference signals obtained by the conventional translational motion estimation methods.
Management of bacterial severe sepsis and septic shock

Bacterial sepsis is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early diagnosis, a coordinated and aggressive approach to initial resuscitation, and timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy are paramount to improving outcomes of these dangerous infections. The basic tenants of initial and ongoing resuscitation include rapid isotonic intravenous fluid boluses with reassessment for physiologic response, empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics directed to cover suspected sources of infection, source control, vasoactive infusions, supportive critical care and monitoring of response to therapy. In addition to resuscitation of bacterial sepsis, this article will review approaches to empiric antibiotic choice in septic shock, and detail definitive management of infections caused by several specific organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, group A Streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Clostridium difficile. Lastly, management of several common pediatric infections, including community acquired bacterial pneumonia and bacterial meningitis, will be reviewed.
The Fast Track from the Soviet Union to the World Economy: External Liberalization in Estonia and Latvia

There Exists An Extensive Literature On The Political Economy of external liberalization in emerging markets. However, the remarkable progress of Estonia and Latvia in external liberalization has not yet been addressed systematically in the academic literature from a political economy angle. This article aims not only to make a contribution to fill this gap in the literature by focusing on trade policy reform, but also to address three other issues.
Nutrition Service Availability: An Interaction Potential Model

Availability, defined as a measure of the supply of services relative to the needs in the community, is critical to older people, particularly the socially isolated and frail elderly who are less mobile than most of the population. This research proposes an interaction potential model to examine variation in availability of services by considering the capacity and location of service providers and demand for these services. The model does not constrain older people to meet their demand within their towns' borders. Several measures of availability are calculated for nutrition services in an area agency on aging region of Connecticut, using different beta values to represent varying levels of mobility for the total older population; considerable variation exists, depending on mobility assumptions. Availability measures can be used as independent variables in analyses of variation in actual use of services; a strong correlation exists between use and availability in Connecticut.
Origins of the AEQ: Rituals, Myths and Cultural Transmission

With the respectability that age (even an adolescent 15 years) brings, the Anthropology and Education Quarterly can be excused for some attention to its historical origins. The Quarterly is the latest descendant of a publication that began in 1970 as the Council on Anthropology and Education Newsletter. It is an historical artifact that has expanded well beyond the expectations of its originators. Originally a device for the encouragement of a network of anthropological interests in education, it has become a scholarly and, sometimes, respectable journal. Academic journals, however, are educational institutions, not unlike the schools we sometimes study in educational anthropology. They are an institution of our academic community that we use both for transmitting the cultural knowledge of our disciplinary "tribe" and for presenting our image to other "tribes." As an educational anthropologist, I believe that anthropologists should look at schools as modern rituals (cf. Singleton 1973), curriculum as myth, and education as cultural transmission. Even though I could be accused of not practicing what I preach, I considered, but rejected, this anthropological framework for describing the history of our journal. From an editor's perspective, a journal is a rational, indeed "scientific," instrument for communicating certain messages, transmitting knowledge to an audience. Insofar as the editor's role is like that of a teacher (cf. Cusick 1973), we are absorbed in and defined by our disciplinary subject matter. That makes us poor observers or functional analysts of our own "teacher culture." In preparing this paper, I have, therefore, taken the role of cultural informant reviewing the history of my "tribe." Readers may use this as data for their own ethnographic analyses. As an unreconstructed functionalist, I would ask only that our educational institution, seen as ritual, be viewed with the same respect anthropologists traditionally
Intelligent Surface Threat Identification System (ISTIS)

Stottler Henke in conjunction with the US Navy has developed and continues to enhance the Intelligent Surface Threat Identification System (ISTIS). ISTIS improves the surface threat ID process, quality, and efficiency in the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Surface Mission Module. This improved performance includes better use of scarce ID resources, better ID estimations from available information, sooner ID determinations, ID accomplished at a greater range, prevention of ID "surprises", and improved operations in more complex environments. Other LCS applications and other ship types can also benefit from the techniques.
Factors affecting primary care provider and caregiver concordance for pediatric asthma medications.

Background. Lack of discussion regarding actual asthma medication use by physicians with caregivers of children with asthma may result in low caregiver and physician concordance about prescribed asthma medications. Objective. The primary objective was to examine the concordance between primary care providers (PCP) and caregivers regarding child asthma medication use. Methods. Current asthma medications in the home with verification from each child's PCP were obtained for 231 underserved children with persistent asthma. Kappas and chi-square statistics were calculated to measure the strength of the concordance. Caregiver and PCP dyads were categorized as concordant or discordant based on asthma medication use. Results. For all asthma prescriptions N = 479, two thirds of caregiver-PCP dyads (67.8) were categorized as concordant with at least one asthma medication. Concordance for asthma medications varied by type of medication ranging from 84% agreement for albuterol and 77% agreement for Flovent. In the fi...
High-Q whispering gallery mode resonator filter with photonic bandgap spurious mode suppression

We demonstrate a novel bandpass filter constructed with a dielectric resonator operating in a whispering-gallery mode and a pair of photonic bandgap structured microstrip lines. The photonic bandgap structure is used to suppress the spurious modes around an intended transmission peak. The fabricated filter has a center frequency of 13.7 GHz, a Q of 2.000, an insertion loss of 7 dB and a spurious-mode suppression of 30 dB.
Deformation process design for control of microstructure in the presence of dynamic recrystallization and grain growth mechanisms

Abstract The idea of control of mechanical properties in materials through designer processing techniques is promoted through this effort, in contrast to the standard control by alloying. Microstructure evolution through dynamic recrystallization is accurately modelled for the large thermo-mechanical deformation of hyperelastic thermo-viscoplastic materials. An innovative solution strategy and a computational algorithm are presented for the solution of the direct deformation problem comprised of the kinematic, constitutive, contact and thermal sub-problems. The description relies on microstructure based scalar state variables. The formulation follows an approach introduced earlier by Busso [International Journal of Plasticity 14(4–5) (1998) 319] that considers an instability criterion to define the onset of recrystallization. The analysis is performed for hot forming processes and the kinetics of grain growth is controlled by the grain boundary energies and the energy stored through the dislocation density. A finite element implementation is presented and validated with available numerical and experimental results. In addition, an innovative computational framework is developed for the design of deformation processes using the continuum sensitivity method (CSM) incorporating microstructure related state variables. This CSM involves considering the direct continuum equations, design-differentiating them and then evaluating their discretized form. This method differs from common sensitivity techniques in which one design-differentiates the direct discretized equations. The developed method is validated by comparing the computed sensitivities to those obtained through a finite difference scheme. In addition, a gradient-based optimization framework is developed which uses the continuum sensitivity method to evaluate the gradients of the objective functions and constraints. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated through a number of applications in the design optimization of hot forming processes in the presence of recrystallization and grain growth mechanisms. These examples cover a wide range of applications as they include parameter design (e.g., die design), preform design as well as multi-stage forming design.
c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase Is Required for Lineage-Specific Differentiation but Not Stem Cell Self-Renewal

The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) is implicated in proliferation. Mice with a deficiency of either the Jnk1 or the Jnk2 genes are viable, but a compound deficiency of both Jnk1 and Jnk2 causes early embryonic lethality. Studies using conditional gene ablation and chemical genetic approaches demonstrate that the combined loss of JNK1 and JNK2 protein kinase function results in rapid senescence. To test whether this role of JNK was required for stem cell proliferation, we isolated embryonic stem (ES) cells from wild-type and JNK-deficient mice. We found that Jnk1−/− Jnk2−/− ES cells underwent self-renewal, but these cells proliferated more rapidly than wild-type ES cells and exhibited major defects in lineage-specific differentiation. Together, these data demonstrate that JNK is not required for proliferation or self-renewal of ES cells, but JNK plays a key role in the differentiation of ES cells.
Spine loss and other dendritic abnormalities in epilepsy

Studies of neurons from human epilepsy tissue and comparable animal models of focal epilepsy have consistently reported a marked decrease in dendritic spine density on hippocampal and neocortical pyramidal cells. Spine loss is often accompanied by focal varicose swellings or beading of dendritic segments. An ongoing excitotoxic injury of dendrites (dendrotoxicity), produced by excessive release of glutamate during seizures, is often assumed to produce these abnormalities. Indeed, application of glutamate receptor agonists to dendrites can produce both spine loss and beading. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the two processes appear to be different. One recent study suggests NMDA-induced spine loss is produced by Ca2+-mediated alterations of the spine cytoskeleton. In contrast, dendritic beading is not dependent on extracellular Ca2+; instead, it appears to be produced by the movement of Na+ and Cl- intracellularly and an obligate movement of water to maintain osmolarity. A decrease in dendritic spine density was recently reported in a model of recurrent focal seizures in early life. Unlike results from other models, dendritic beading was not observed, and other signs of neuronal injury and death were absent. Thus, additional mechanisms to those of excitotoxicity may produce dendritic spine loss in epileptic tissue. A hypothesis is presented that spine loss can be a product of a partial deafferentation of pyramidal cells, resulting from an activity-dependent pruning of neuronal connectivity induced by recurring seizures. The dendritic abnormalities observed in epilepsy are commonly suggested to be a product and not a cause of epilepsy. However, anatomical remodeling may be accompanied by alterations in molecular expression and targeting of both voltage- and ligand-gated channels in dendrites. It is conceivable that such changes could contribute to the neuronal hyperexcitability of epilepsy.
Cannulation of the major and minor papilla via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: Techniques and outcomes

Abstract The success of any Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is dependent on achieving successful cannulation of the desired duct via the desired route. Proper cannulation technique is critical for achieving procedure success and minimizing complications. The goal of this review is to discuss endoscopic techniques devices to help achieve successful cannulation, to detail multiple methods to assist with difficult cannulation, and to describe special circumstances that may be encountered. The manuscript will place an emphasis on cannulation techniques, while focusing on minimizing overall complications and a reduction in the incidence and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis.
Body Water Homeostasis: Clinical Disorders of Urinary Dilution and Concentration

The discovery of the aquaporin-1 (AQP1) water channel by Agre and colleagues ([1][1],[2][2]), which led to the Nobel Prize in 2003, has revolutionized the understanding of body fluid water regulation by the kidney. Moreover, the identification of other water channels in the kidney, namely AQP2, 3,
Is the use of benzalkonium chloride as a preservative for nasal formulations a safety concern? A cautionary note based on compromised mucociliary transport

Background Topical nasal solution and suspension delivery systems are available for short- and long-acting vasoconstrictors, ipratropium, cromolyn, azelastine, and glucocorticosteroids. The use of intranasal glucocorticosteroids has increased substantially because the efficacy of these agents has been well established for the treatment of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Adverse local effects of burning, irritation, and dryness are occasionally associated with glucocorticosteroid nasal preparations. Benzalkonium chloride (BKC) is a quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent included in some nasal solutions (including glucocorticosteroids) to prevent the growth of bacteria. Some reports suggest that BKC in nasal sprays may cause adverse effects, including reduced mucociliary transport, rhinitis medicamentosa, and neutrophil dysfunction. Objective This article summarizes recent literature about possible adverse biologic effects associated with BKC as a nasal spray preservative by examining its effects on the following properties of mucociliary transport: ciliary motion, ciliary form, ciliary beat frequency, electron microscopy, and particle movement/saccharin clearance tests. Conclusion Both animal and human in vitro data suggest that BKC promotes ciliostasis and reduction in mucociliary transport that may be partially masked by absorption and dilution effects occurring in respiratory mucus. These possible confounding factors may account for several disparate human in vivo results. The use of BKC-free glucocorticosteroid formulations should be considered, particularly in patients who complain of nasal burning, dryness, or irritation.
Thoracoscopic Belsey fundoplication with 5-year outcomes.

Background: To determine the indications for a minimally invasive thoracic technique in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), we conducted a retrospective review of outcomes with our first 21 thoracoscopic Belsey fundoplications. Methods: A thoracoscopic Belsey fundoplication was completed in 21 patients (12 males, 9 female; ages, 38–83 years). Preoperative evaluation revealed 13 primary motility disorders, 9 strictures, and 3 epiphrenic diverticuli. Six patients had previous gastric surgery. Sixteen patients underwent 20 ancillary procedures (esophagomyotomy, 14; excision of diverticulum, 2; lung volume reduction, 2; prosthetic diaphragmatic repair, 1; and Thal–Woodward esophagoplasty, 1). Results: Mean follow-up was 75.6 months (range, 67–85 months). There was one operative death (4.8%). Early morbidity included two esophageal leaks (9.8%). Late morbidity included three patients (15.7%) with persistent dysphagia and five patients (26%) with recurrent GERD. Conclusion: Thoracoscopic Belsey fundoplication was associated with a high morbidity and recurrence rate in our long-term experience.
A Galerkin method for the arbitrary order expansion in momentum space of the Boltzmann equation using spherical harmonics

We have implemented a Galerkin method for the solution of the Boltzmann equation which allows arbitrary order spherical harmonic expansions in momentum space. The implementation of the method in one real space dimension shows the importance of including harmonics beyond first order to accurately calculate the distribution function in high field regions. >
Narrative Abilities of Children with Learning Disabilities and Nondisabled Children Story Structure, Cohesion, and Propositions

The purpose of the present study was to compare narrative abilities of learning disabled and nondisabled students across four story difficulty levels and across three vocabulary age groups. Independent variables to be studied included story events correct, story structures, propositions, and cohesive devices. Results indicated that the students with learning disabilities were generally able to reconstruct stories as well as nondisabled students. However, significant differences were shown between groups within each level of analysis. Developmental differences in performance were evident on all measures and the use of line drawings appeared to have a negative influence on recall for all subjects. The self-generated story students were told to produce to accompany line drawings appeared less well constructed than the retold stories, except for the Internal Response category. Specific patterns were demonstrated in the retold and self-generated narratives assessment of children with learning disabilities and ...
Pressure urticaria--histopathological study.

Summary Twenty-seven biopsy specimens from 11 patients with pressure urticaria were studied. Sixteen of the specimens were from spontaneous lesions, of which five were pairs of early and late lesions. Some early lesions showed neutrophilia and eosinophilia in the deep tissue, and late lesions showed significant perivascular lymphocytosis with eosinophilia. Eleven dermograph-ometer-induced lesions showed neutrophilia in the superficial localized dermal tissue and progressive eosinophilia in the superficial localized dermal tissue; the deep vascular and dermal tissues were occasionally involved. The level of Cl-esterase inhibitor was elevated in eight of the nine cases studied. We believe that pressure urticaria may be similar to other whealing diseases, with an early neutrophilic phase of inflammation and a late phase of lymphocytosis and eosinophilia.
SEASONAL ACCLIMATIZATION IN THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH REVISITED: TO WHAT EXTENT DO METABOLIC RATES VARY SEASONALLY?

Abstract We evaluated seasonal changes in cold tolerance, basal metabolic rate (BMR), and summit metabolic rate (Msum) for American Goldfinches (Carduelis tristis) from southeastern South Dakota to determine if goldfinches differ in pattern of metabolic acclimatization from other species of small birds. Goldfinches were captured in winter (January–February), spring (April), and summer (June–August) and tested on the day of capture. Cold exposure tests involved subjecting individual birds to a decreasing series of temperatures in an atmosphere of 79% helium to 21% oxygen (helox) concurrent with open-circuit respirometry. The helox temperature eliciting hypothermia was designated the cold limit (Tcl). Whole-animal metabolic rates were analyzed. Winter goldfinches demonstrated significantly higher BMR (46%) and Msum (31%) and significantly lower Tcl (−9.5°C vs. 1.3°C) than their summer counterparts. Spring goldfinches also showed significantly higher Msum (21%) and significantly lower Tcl (−5.3°C) than summe...
Lavelle Nursing Home: Family Run and Owned*

While concluding the 2012 audit for Lavelle Nursing Home (“Lavelle”), the audit engagement team became aware of a recently signed severance agreement with one of the former shareholders, who was also one of the five cousins who established the business. The agreement provided for the possibility of payments ranging from $0 - $500,000 for a period of ten years. Based on additional auditing procedures performed by the engagement team, it was discovered that the controller had not established any provision on the general ledger for this agreement. The controller also indicated that she was not going to record any provision. The audit engagement team brainstormed as to various alternatives to be taken and also needed to consult with the quality control department.
Keep the DNA rolling: Multiple Displacement Amplification of archival plant DNA extracts

Insufficient reserves of genomic DNA can hamper molecular phylogenetic analysis. High-throughput genetic techniques that require relatively large amounts of DNA, the difficulty in obtaining samples of taxa from remote regions, and re-sampling of limited archival DNA by repeated phylogenetic surveys can often limit the DNA available for study. To provide a possible solution to this problem, we applied Multiple Displacement Amplification (MDA) to eight archival genomic DNA extracts. The performance of MDA-treated DNA versus untreated genomic extract was evaluated by PCR amplification of three common phylogenetic markers ( psbB, nad 7, ITS) across a dilution series. Generally, amplification of all three genetic markers from the MDA-treated DNA dilutions was greater than from equivalent dilutions of untreated genomic template. These results indicate that genes from all three plant genomes were amplified and that copies of the target genes psbB, nad 7, and ITS were substantially increased during the MDA procedure. Sequencing of the psbB, nad 7, and ITS PCR products from both the MDA-treated DNA and the untreated template was used to assess the fidelity of the MDA procedure. Sequences from the MDA-treated DNA and the untreated genomic template differed by 1.2 × 10 – 4 – 4 %, which is within the margin of Taq error. These findings emphasize the significance of Multiple Displacement Amplification for optimization of weak PCR, maintenance of depleted genetic stocks, increasing density of taxon sampling, and improving consistency between different phylogenetic analyses.
On an Extension of Condition Number Theory to Nonconic Convex Optimization

The purpose of this paper is to extend, as much as possible, the modern theory of condition numbers for conic convex optimization:z *? min x c t x, s.t.Ax-b ? C Y ,x ? C X ,to the more general nonconic format:z *? min x c tx, ( GP d ) s.t.Ax - b ? C Y ,x ? P,whereP is any closed convex set, not necessarily a cone, which we call the ground-set. Although any convex problem can be transformed to conic form, such transformations are neither unique nor natural given the natural description of many problems, thereby diminishing the relevance of data-based condition number theory. Herein we extend the modern theory of condition numbers to the problem format ( GP d ). As a byproduct, we are able to state and prove natural extensions of many theorems from the conic-based theory of condition numbers to this broader problem format.
Using Supertags and Encoded Annotation Principles for Improved Dependency to Phrase Structure Conversion

We investigate the problem of automatically converting from a dependency representation to a phrase structure representation, a key aspect of understanding the relationship between these two representations for NLP work. We implement a new approach to this problem, based on a small number of supertags, along with an encoding of some of the underlying principles of the Penn Treebank guidelines. The resulting system significantly outperforms previous work in such automatic conversion. We also achieve comparable results to a system using a phrase-structure parser for the conversion. A comparison with our system using either the part-of-speech tags or the supertags provides some indication of what the parser is contributing.
Composite traits, selection response, and evolution

It is very difficult to relate macroevolutionary patterns to the microevolutionary processes described by quantitative-genetic models. Quantitative-genetic parameters are statistical abstractions. Their long-term significance and evolution might be understood if they can be related to development, physiology, and other biological properties. Most continuous traits are composites of other traits that may contribute differentially to selection response and long-term divergence. The operation of selection on continuous traits can be indirect, with intermediate optima caused by correlated fitness components. Few realistic models are available, and heritable maternal effects can further complicate selection response. Examples involving allometry of brain and body size in mammals suggest that prenatal and postnatal growth have contributed differently to body-size evolution, with different correlated changes in brain size. Several different models could explain these patterns, and interpretation is further complicated by statistical difficulties in comparative biology. Quantitative-genetic models may become more informative and predictive if variation in their parameters can be explained by developmental and other biological processes that have been shaped by the previous history of the population.
Pharmacological and Behavioral Strategies for Smoking Cessation

After over two decades of intensive research, a variety of smoking cessation strategies, both behavioral and pharmacotherapeutic, have been developed and clinically validated. In this review, pharmacological products available for smoking cessation are profiled and examined for efficacy. Results of a recent comprehensive review and meta-analysis by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research on the effects of behavior therapy on smoking cessation are also discussed. Further, meta-analyses and studies exploring the important interaction between pharmacological and behavioral therapies are considered. Applications of the growing wealth of smoking cessation strategies are discussed with respect to the needs of some special subpopulations of smokers including highly nicotine-dependent smokers and smokers with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses.
ATPS-33EVIDENCE OF ABSENCE FOR CYTOMEGALOVIRUS IN PATIENTS WITH GLIOBLASTOMAS AND OTHER HIGH-GRADE GLIOMAS BY REAL-TIME PCR FOR DNA, IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY FOR PROTEIN AND IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION FOR mRNA

BACKGROUND: Several groups have suggested a potential causative role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the development of high-grade gliomas (HGG), while others have not found any evidence of CMV in these cancers. We used 3 different molecular technologies to assay for the presence of CMV DNA, mRNA and protein in tumor tissue and blood samples of patients with HGG. METHODS: Part A: Fresh-frozen tissues from 27 glioblastomas (GBM) were analyzed for CMV by real-time PCR of US17. Part B: Prospective study of patients with newly-diagnosed HGG (grades III or IV) who underwent standard chemoradiation. Plasma and serum were collected at baseline, and plasma at follow-up visits. FFPE tumor tissue was analyzed for CMV proteins by genetically validated immunohistochemistry (IHC), in-situ hybridization assays targeting 1E1/2 and pp65, and by real-time PCR for US17 (tissue and plasma). RESULTS: Part A: CMV was detected in 0/27 fresh-frozen GBM tissue samples using real-time PCR. Part B: Eighteen patients with HGG (12 grade IV, 6 grade III) were enrolled. CMV tissue testing was negative in all samples by both probes for in-situ hybridization, both antibodies for IHC (n = 11 available samples), and CMV US17 real-time PCR (PCR successful in 8/14 samples). Serum CMV IgG avidity index was positive (0.55-0.82) in 8/15 cases, consistent with rates in the general population. CMV was detected in baseline plasma samples of 3/16 patients and in 1 single follow-up sample. All other plasma samples were negative for CMV (n = 34). CONCLUSION: CMV was not detected in any HGG tissue. Half of the patients with HGG did not have an exposure to CMV prior to their diagnosis, and viremia was rare at presentation and follow-up. An independent, unbiased investigation of CMV positivity rates using a central reference laboratory with standardized tissue samples and controls is warranted before further consideration of CMV-targeted therapy in HGG.
In vitro lipid synthesis in human adipose tissue from three abdominal sites

The association between abdominal deposition of adipose tissue and morbidities accompanying obesity may be related to high rates of free fatty acid release from enlarged intra-abdominal stores. To investigate cellular mechanisms that might contribute to enlargement of intra-abdominal adipocytes, lipolysis, triacylglycerol (TG), and diacylglycerol (DG) synthesis from [14C]glucose was measured in abdominal subcutaneous, omental, and mesenteric adipose tissue from severely obese women and men. Subcutaneous adipose tissue from women showed the highest rates of TG synthesis compared with the intra-abdominal site, or any site in men. isoproterenol stimulated TG synthesis more in intra-abdominal than subcutaneous adipose tissue. In the basal state, intra-abdominal adipose tissue from both men and women showed rates of [14C]DG accumulation approximately 50% total [14C]acylglyceride accumulation, whereas, in subcutaneous adipose tissue, [14C]DG accumulation was approximately 25% of total. Basal lipolysis was lower in intra-abdominal than subcutaneous adipocytes. Stimulation of lipolysis reduced [14C]DG accumulation more in intra-abdominal than subcutaneous adipose tissue. Low rates of acylglyceride synthesis in intra-abdominal adipocytes may prevent accumulation of large intra-abdominal fat stores in women.
Graphyne and Derivatives

Like graphene, graphyne is a carbon-based, molecular-sheet nanomaterial comprised a single layer of atoms. While graphyne and graphene share analogous planar structures, graphyne is distinguished by its intermittent sp 1- and sp 2-hybridized carbon atoms and an accompanying network of double and triple bonds that enrich it with unique and potentially useful properties.
The Schauder Fixed-Point Theorem

Recall that to say a metric space has the fixed-point property means that every continuous mapping taking the space into itself must have a fixed point. In Chap. 4 we proved two versions of the Brouwer Fixed-Point Theorem: The “Ball” version (Theorem 4.1). The closed unit ball of\(\mathbb{R}^{N}\)has the fixed-point property,
Chiroptical Properties of a Benzotriazole–Thiophene Copolymer Bearing Chiral Ethylhexyl Side Chains

Conjugated polymers containing alternating thiophene units and benzotriazole structural units bearing either chiral (S)-2-ethylhexyl (PBTz-Th*) or racemic 2-ethylhexyl side chains (PBTz-Th) were synthesized. Characterization by optical absorption spectroscopy of both PBTz-Th* and its racemic counterpart reveal aggregated chains, even at dilute concentrations in good solvents. The presence of a chiral substituent permits characterization via circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. CD spectra provide evidence of chiral aggregates of PBTz-Th* chains even at 0.01 mg/mL in dichlorobenzene. When PBTz-Th* solutions are diluted with PBTz-Th, the resulting CD spectrum suggests that PBTz-Th* chains are chiral in the aggregate. Chiral ordering is also found to translate from aggregates in solution to the solid state.
Prediction of specific depressive symptom clusters in youth with epilepsy: The NDDI‐E‐Y versus Neuro‐QOL SF

SummaryObjective Proper assessment and early identification of depressive symptoms are essential to initiate treatment and minimize the risk for poor outcomes in youth with epilepsy (YWE). The current study examined the predictive utility of the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory-Epilepsy for Youth (NDDI-E-Y) and the Neuro-QOL Depression Short Form (Neuro-QOL SF) in explaining variance in overall depressive symptoms and specific symptom clusters on the gold standard Children's Depression Inventory-2 (CDI-2). Methods Cross-sectional study examining 99 YWE (female 68, mean age 14.7 years) during a routine epilepsy visit, who completed self-report measures of depressive symptoms, including the NDDI-E-Y, CDI-2, and the Neuro-QOL SF. Caregivers completed a measure of seizure severity. All sociodemographic and medical information was evaluated through electronic medical record review. Results After accounting for seizure and demographic variables, the NDDI-E-Y accounted for 45% of the variance in the CDI-2 Total score and the CDI-2 Ineffectiveness subscale. Furthermore, the NDDI-E-Y predicted CDI-2 Total scores and subscales similarly, with the exception of explaining significantly more variance in the CDI-2 Ineffectiveness subscale compared to the Negative Mood subscale. The NDDI-E-Y explained greater variance compared to Neuro-QOL SF across the Total (48% vs. 37%) and all CDI-2 subscale scores; however, the NDDI-E-Y emerged as a stronger predictor of only CDI-2 Ineffectiveness. Both the NDDI-E-Y and Neuro-QOL SF accounted for the lowest amount of variance in CDI-2 Negative Mood. Sensitivity was poor for the Neuro-QOL SF in predicting high versus low CDI-2 scores. Significance The NDDI-E-Y has strong psychometrics and can be easily integrated into routine epilepsy care for quick, brief screening of depressive symptoms in YWE.
Reducing the air quality and CO2 climate impacts of taxi and takeoff operations at airports

Abstract Aircraft activity at airports is a source of CO2 emissions that affect the climate and other pollutants that affect air quality and human health. We estimate the air quality and climate benefits of two measures applied to aircraft operations at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport – pushback control and de-rated takeoffs. We also calculate the minimum air quality and environmental impacts beyond fuel burn and CO2 minimization by optimizing gate holding and takeoff thrust hourly over the year. Pushback control (i.e. holding aircraft at their gates up to 25 min to reduce congestion) minimizes fuel burn and reduces emissions and air quality impacts from taxi operations by 35–38% relative to no gate holds. The PM2.5 and O3 costs can be further reduced beyond fuel burn minimization by 2.7% and 8.5%, respectively, by optimizing the gate holds according to time-varying atmospheric conditions. De-rated takeoffs (i.e. takeoffs at 75% thrust) reduce PM2.5 costs from takeoff operations by 18% (up to 21.6% when optimized) relative to full-thrust takeoffs, but result in 3% increased fuel burn and CO2 climate impacts. The environmental costs of takeoff operations are minimized with an average thrust setting of 81%, while total fuel combustion-related costs (i.e. the sum of environmental, fuel and maintenance costs) are minimized with 75% thrust. Our findings suggest that the pushback control strategy is effective in mitigating the environmental impacts of taxi operations at airports, and that de-rated takeoffs are effective in reducing the environmental costs of takeoff operations at an optimal level of de-rate.
Effects of mindfulness training on emotional and physiologic recovery from induced negative affect

Abstract Objective Mindfulness training has been shown to improve psychological well-being and physical health. One proposed pathway for the positive effects of mindfulness training is through the development of new emotion regulation strategies, such as the ability to experience emotions by observing and accepting them without judgment. Theoretically, this should facilitate recovery from negative emotional states; however, this has rarely been examined empirically. The goal of the current study was to determine whether mindfulness training is associated with more efficient emotional and cardiovascular recovery from induced negative affect. Methods The current study tested emotional and cardiovascular recovery from induced negative affect during a personal recall task in women randomly assigned to 6-weeks of mindfulness training (n = 39) compared to women assigned to a wait-list control condition (n = 32). During baseline, task, and post-task rest, blood pressure and heart rate were monitored at fixed intervals and heart rate variability (HRV) and pre-ejection period (PEP) were monitored continuously. This study was embedded within a randomized trial that evaluated the effects of mindfulness training in a sample of younger breast cancer survivors, a group in need of access to effective psychosocial intervention as they can experience high stress, anxiety, and physical symptoms for many years in to survivorship. Results In response to the personal recall task, women in both the intervention and control groups showed significant increases in sadness, anxiety, and anger, with the intervention group reaching higher levels of sadness and anger than controls. Further, the intervention group showed a significantly steeper decline in sadness and anger, as well as steeper initial decline in diastolic blood pressure compared to women in the wait list control condition. Groups did not differ in their self-reported feelings of anxiety, or in blood pressure, heart rate, or pre-ejection period (PEP) responses to the task. The control group demonstrated an increase in heart rate variability (HRV) during the task (indexed by the root mean square of successive differences in heart rate; RMSSD) while the intervention group remained flat throughout the task. Conclusion Compared to the control group, women in the intervention group experienced greater negative emotions when recalling a difficult experience related to their breast cancer, and demonstrated an efficient emotional and blood pressure recovery from the experience. This suggests that mindfulness training may lead to an enhanced emotional experience coupled with the ability to recovery quickly from negative emotional states.
Walking Away to Win the Day

This chapter describes the fourth element of the boardroom boldness model as theological, psychological, and philosophical arguments are outlined to understand the nobility of walking away, to save the day. It also discusses whether the concept of leadership remorsefulness is a variable in the theory of stepping down. It invokes historical and current cases to explore the concepts of resisting until being fired, retiring, and resigning. The chapter is undergirded with a theory of ethics and courage that springs from biblical truth and concludes with scenarios designed to challenge the reader to think more critically.
Improved CNS exposure to tocilizumab after cerebrospinal fluid compared to intravenous administration in rhesus macaques.

TO THE EDITOR: Neurotoxicity from anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, an effective immunotherapy for refractory B-cell malignancies,[1][1][⇓][2][⇓][3][⇓][4][⇓][5]-[6][6] is common and poorly understood. Commonly manifesting as headache, delirium, language disturbances and
Purification and Characterization of a Secreted T Cell β-Endorphin Endopeptidase

Primary murine CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and the EL-4 thymoma cell line secrete a metal-dependent, thiol endopeptidase that hydrolyzes β-endorphin at essentially equivalent rates at one of either of two peptide bonds (leu17-phe18 or phe18-lys19) yielding β-endorphin1–17 (γ-endorphin) or β-endorphin1–18 and their corresponding C-terminal fragments β-endorphin18–31 and β-endorphin19–31. This endopeptidase was purified to homogeneity from EL-4 cell conditioned medium (>1,000 fold, 26% yield, a single band of ≈110 kDa via SDSPAGE). The enzyme also cleaves dynorphin A1–7 and dynorphin B1–13 but not Leuenkephalin, dynorphin A1–9, γ-endorphin, or β-endorphin18–31. The endopeptidase is expressed constitutively in EL-4 cells and upon anti-CD3 activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Based on cleavage sites identified in a number of opioid peptide substrates, it can be concluded that the enzyme exhibits a complex specificity with a preference for cleaving on the amino side of hydrophobic or basic residues of larger peptide substrates. The presence of such an extracellularly acting peptidase clearly could be important in attenuating or modifying the biological activity of opioid peptides in their role as extracellular chemical signals between cells.
The Culpable Inability Problem for Synchronic and Diachronic ‘Ought Implies Can’

My paper has two aims: to underscore the importance of differently time-indexed ‘ought implies can’ principles, and to apply this to the culpable inability problem. Sometimes we make ourselves unable to do what we ought, but in those cases, we may still fail to do what we ought. This is taken to be a serious problem for synchronic ‘ought implies can’ principles, with a simultaneous ‘ought’ and ‘can.’ Some take it to support diachronic ‘ought implies can,’ with a potentially temporally distinct ‘ought’ and ‘can.’ I will argue that this problem is not avoided by diachronic ‘ought implies can.’
Soil microbial response following wildfires in thermic oak-pine forests.

The ecosystem response to wildfire is often linked to fire severity, with potentially large consequences for belowground biogeochemistry and microbial processes. While the impacts of wildfire on belowground processes are generally well documented, it remains unclear how fire affects the fine-scale composition of microbial communities. Here, we investigate the composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities in burned and unburned forests in an attempt to better understand how these diverse communities respond to wildfire. We explored the belowground responses to three wildfires in Linville Gorge, NC, USA. Wildfires generally increased soil carbon content while simultaneously reducing soil respiration. We employed amplicon sequencing to describe soil microbial communities and found that fires decreased both bacterial and fungal diversity. In addition, wildfires resulted in significant shifts in both bacterial and fungal community composition. Bacterial phylum-level distributions in response to fire were mixed without clear patterns, with members of Acidobacteria being representative of both burned and unburned sites. Fungal communities showed consistent increases in Ascomycota dominance and concurrent decreases in Basidiomycota and Zygomycota dominance in response to burning. Indicator species analysis confirmed shift to Ascomycota in burned sites. These shifts in microbial communities may reflect differences in the quality and quantity of soil organic matter following wildfires.
A mixed methods exploration of the relationships between the racial identity, science identity, science self-efficacy, and science achievement of African American students at HBCUs

Abstract Utilizing a Critical Race Mixed Methodology framework, the purpose of this concurrent (QUANT +qual) mixed methods study was to investigate the relationships between the racial identity, science identity, science self-efficacy beliefs, and science achievement of 347 African American college students who attend historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The quantitative data identified several statistically significant relationships between science identity, racial identity, science self-efficacy, and science achievement. The results of a path analysis suggested that college science achievement is significantly explained by science identity (indirect effect = 0.09, p
Abstract P388: Lifestyle Interventions Reduce the Need for Guideline-Directed Antihypertensive Medication

Introduction: The 2017 ACC-AHA Hypertension Guideline recommends lifestyle modification in the initial treatment of hypertension, and therapy with medications based on a threshold blood pressure de...
City-regions reconsidered:

I seek to provide an overview of the historical and geographical emergence of city-regions and to reflect on some of the debates that have arisen in regard to the theoretical status of these phenom...
17.4 16MHz FRAM Micro-Controller with a Low-Cost Sub-1μA Embedded Piezo-Electric Strain Sensor for ULP Motion Detection

Ultra-low Power Microcontrollers (MCUs) [1]–[4] have played a central role in embedded IoT systems providing programmability, analog and digital processing and control, A/D interfaces, and power management. As IoT applications expand, efficient sensing is increasingly becoming part of MCUs. In this paper we present a 130nm 16MHz Ferro-electric RAM (FRAM) based MCU with a sub-1uA embedded piezo-electric strain sensor and AFE for ULP motion detection (Fig. 17.4.1). To our knowledge, this is the first reported MCU with an embedded motion detection strain sensor. Existing applications that would benefit from such a MCU are applications like toys and remote controls that can turn off while not in use. Motion detection in a key fob improves security by preventing a “man in the middle” attack while the key fob lies stationary at home. Tamper detection and strain gauges are other potential applications. When used in “wake-on-motion” applications, the sensor IP is powered-on at all times waiting for a motion event. Hence minimizing its power consumption is crucial. Also, considering ULP MCUs have many cost-sensitive applications, the sensor must be small in area, and not require any additional masks or special processing steps. A single-chip solution allows reuse of power management, programmability and control circuits already existing in the MCU for use in the strain sensor IP, reducing the system level cost vs a 2-chip solution.
Hartmann Takedown: Managing the Hard to Reach or Devascularized Left Colon

The success of Hartmann takedown depends on the creation of tension-free anastomosis and maintenance of adequate blood supply. Preoperative planning and meticulous surgical technique are critical in performing a Hartmann takedown.