cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adenosine-enhanced ischemic preconditioning: adenosine receptor involvement during ischemia and reperfusion.

Adenosine-enhanced ischemic preconditioning (APC) extends the cardioprotection of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) by both significantly decreasing myocardial infarct size and significantly enhancing...
Factor Structure of the Death Concern Scale: A Replication:

An item factor analysis of the Death Concern Scale replicated the results of a previous study which indicated that the scale measures two modrately correlated components, Conscious Contemplation and Negative Evaluation. Coefficients of congruence for matching factors from the two studies were .96 and .92, respectively. It was concluded, however, that the authors of the previous study recommended the deletion of several items from the scale solely on the basis of a questionable judgmental criterion and that these items should instead be retained.
Micro- and Nanomechanics of the Cochlear Outer Hair Cell

▪ Abstract Outer hair cell electromotility is crucial for the amplification, sharp frequency selectivity, and nonlinearities of the mammalian cochlea. Current modeling efforts based on morphological, physiological, and biophysical observations reveal transmembrane potential gradients and membrane tension as key independent variables controlling the passive and active mechanics of the cell. The cell's mechanics has been modeled on the microscale using a continuum approach formulated in terms of effective (cellular level) mechanical and electric properties. Another modeling approach is nanostructural and is based on the molecular organization of the cell's membranes and cytoskeleton. It considers interactions between the components of the composite cell wall and the molecular elements within each of its components. The methods and techniques utilized to increase our understanding of the central role outer hair cell mechanics plays in hearing are also relevant to broader research questions in cell mechanics,...
Training on severely degraded text-line images

We show that document image decoding (DID) supervised training algorithms, as a result of recent refinements, achieve high accuracy with low manual effort even under conditions of severe image degradation in both training and test data. We describe improvements in DID training of character template, set-width, and channel (noise) models. Large-scale experimental trials, using synthetically degraded images of text, have established two new and practically important advantages of DID algorithms: 1) high accuracy (> 99% characters correct) in decoding using models trained on even severely degraded images from the same distribution; and 2) greatly improved accuracy (< 1/10 the error rate) across a wide range of image degradations compared to untrained (idealized) models. This ability to train reliably on low-quality images that suffer from massive fragmentation and merging of characters, without the need for manual segmentation and labeling of character images, significantly reduces the manual effort of DID training.
The nucleotide receptor P2RX7 mediates ATP-induced CREB activation in human and murine monocytic cells

Nucleotide receptors serve as sensors of extracellular ATP and are important for immune function. The nucleotide receptor P2RX7 is a cell-surface, ligand-gated cation channel that has been implicated in many diseases, including arthritis, granuloma formation, sepsis, and tuberculosis. These disorders are often exacerbated by excessive mediator release from activated macrophages in the inflammatory microenvironment. Although P2RX7 activation can modulate monocyte/macrophage-induced inflammatory events, the relevant molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Previous studies suggest that MAPK cascades and transcriptional control via CREB-linked pathways regulate the inflammatory capacity of monocytic cells. As P2RX7 promotes MAPK activation and inflammatory mediator production, we examined the involvement MAPK-induced CREB activation in P2RX7 action. Our data reveal that stimulation of multiple monocytic cell lines with P2RX7 agonists induces rapid CREB phosphorylation. In addition, we observed a lack of nucleotide-induced CREB phosphorylation in RAW 264.7 cells expressing nonfunctional P2RX7 and a gain of nucleotide-induced CREB phosphorylation in human embryonic kidney-293 cells that heterologously express human P2RX7. Furthermore, our results indicate that P2RX7 agonist-induced CREB phosphorylation is partly mediated via Ca(2+) fluxes and the MEK/ERK system. Mechanistic analyses revealed that macrophage stimulation with a P2RX7 agonist induces CREB/CREB-binding protein complex formation, which is necessary for CREB transcriptional activation. Also, we demonstrate that P2RX7 activation induces a known CREB-dependent gene (c-fos) and that dominant-negative CREB constructs attenuate this response. These studies support the idea that P2RX7 stimulation can directly regulate protein expression that is not dependent on costimulation with other immune modulators such as LPS.
IT Capability for Health Care Delivery: Is More Better?

In recent years, there has been a proliferation of health information technologies (HITs) that promise to improve the delivery of care. Health care service providers are faced with an increasing push to develop electronic medical record (EMR) capability, which is the ability to leverage health IT to enable and link the clinical processes for an effective and efficient delivery of care. However, there is little guidance in the literature on the performance implications of EMR capability and whether providers should commit to higher stages of EMR capability. Based on data from 1,011 acute care providers in the United States, the findings of this study suggest that the operational performance of providers, measured as case mix index-adjusted discharges per licensed bed, is positively related to the stage of EMR capability. However, the findings also point to a cautionary insight—committing to higher stages of EMR capability may not be uniformly beneficial to all providers. The findings suggest that the choic...
A compound scattering pdf for the ultrasonic echo envelope and its relationship to K and Nakagami distributions

A compound probability density function (pdf) is presented to describe the envelope of the backscattered echo from tissue. This pdf allows local and global variation in scattering cross sections in tissue. The ultrasonic backscattering cross sections are assumed to be gamma distributed. The gamma distribution also is used to model the randomness in the average cross sections. This gamma-gamma model results in the compound scattering pdf for the envelope. The relationship of this compound pdf to the Rayleigh, K, and Nakagami distributions is explored through an analysis of the signal-to-noise ratio of the envelopes and random number simulations. The three parameter compound pdf appears to be flexible enough to represent envelope statistics giving rise to Rayleigh, K, and Nakagami distributions.
Simultaneous Tokenization and Part-Of-Speech Tagging for Arabic without a Morphological Analyzer

We describe an approach to simultaneous tokenization and part-of-speech tagging that is based on separating the closed and open-class items, and focusing on the likelihood of the possible stems of the openclass words. By encoding some basic linguistic information, the machine learning task is simplified, while achieving state-of-the-art tokenization results and competitive POS results, although with a reduced tag set and some evaluation difficulties.
INTRATHECAL AND EPIDURAL ANALGESIA

Pain management in the critically ill patient presents a unique set of challenges for the intensivist. Once the patient has been assessed, stablized and a definitive treatment plan initiated, pain management may be incorporated into the global treatment plan. The benefits of analgesia appear to go beyond addressing humanitarian and ethical concerns. Pulmonary function is improved and pulmonary complications are less likely in patients with thoracic or upper abdominal injuries when pain is appropriately managed. Analgesia facilitates earlier mobilization and ambulation, which may decrease the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary complications. The physiologic response to stress is blunted, with a resulting decrease in serum catecholamine concentrations, and normalization of cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and other markers of sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity. The catabolic state may be reduced, promoting positive nitrogen balance, better wound healing, and immune function. 22,23 Analgesic modalities available to intensivists include parenteral medications, epidural and intrathecal analgesia, interpleural analgesia, and peripheral nerve blockade. This article will focus on the use of intrathecal and epidural analgesia in the intensive care unit (ICU).
TOLERANCE REPRESENTATION FOR MECHANISM ASSEMBLIES IN LAYERED MANUFACTURING

By building parts up incrementally in layers or “compacts,” 3D layered manufacturing processes are capable of fabricating parts with complex internal geometry and multiple materials. Additionally, since parts are built fully embedded in a sacrificial support material, it is possible to fabricate fully assembled devices with multiple moving parts and mating/fitting surfaces (such as mechanisms). Given the method of manufacture, it becomes possible to provide designers of linkages with some flexibility in expressing constraints on the manufactured geometry of these parts. For example, designers now have the option of directly specifying the geometry of gaps and clearances with explicit tolerance assignments. In processes like Shape Deposition Manufacturing (SDM), these features are directly manifest in the geometry of the support structure. In many cases, it is these “shadow” features that most directly govern the behavior of the artifact being built. This paper explores the impact of insitu manufacturing of assembled mechanisms on the tolerances required. Relaxation of the assemblability constraint is shown to result in looser manufacturing tolerances and better control over gap geometry for the specific instance of an isolated pinjoint.
Efficacy and safety of plateletpheresis by donors with low‐normal platelet counts

Our practice is to defer donors with blood platelet (PLT) counts of <180 x 10 9 /L because PLT yields are low, when compared to PLT units collected from donors with higher counts. In an attempt to minimize deferral, we determined whether 33 donors, who repeatedly demonstrated low-normal PLT counts (150-180 x 10 9 /L) on multiple occasions during the prestudy period, might safely donate satisfactory apheresis PLT units simply by extending the apheresis collection time by 20 min (men) and 40 min (women). Repeat plateletpheresis procedures were scheduled at ≥28-day intervals. The mean PLT yield (N = 92) was 5.8 8 x 10 11 with 97% of units containing ≥4.0 x 10 11 PLTs. Although donors entered the study only after they had repeatedly exhibited predonation PLT counts of <180 x 10 9 /L, PLT counts were not always below this level at the time of study collections. However, analyzing only donations with true predonation PLT counts of <180 x 10 9 /L IN = 35), the mean PLT yield was excellent-5.4 x 10 11 with 97% of units containing ≥4.0 x 10 11 PLTs. The average fall in donor blood PLT counts (pre- vs. postdonation) was 36%, with only ten of 99 postdonation counts being <100 x 10 9 /L ; the lowest was 69 x 10 9 /L. Thus, extending the apheresis collection time permitted donors who in the past were routinely deferred because of low PLT counts to safely donate satisfactory PLT units.
An Incredibly Fun and Easy Way to Learn Clinical Microbiology

Review of : Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple , 5th ed.; Mark Gladwin and William Trattler; (2011). MedMaster Inc., Miami, FL. 400 pages.
THE STATUS OF TENANTS IN THE UNITED STATES

Sociologists have done little research on the status of tenants in the United States. This paper examines the social, political and economic status of tenants and the conditions which have given rise to tenant mobilization. It focuses on property ownership and property relations as a neglected but persistent aspect of stratification in U.S. society.
LAMINAR NATURAL CONVECTION ABOVE A HORIZONTAL LASER BEAM

Abstract The steady laminar natural convective plume above a horizontal laser beam has been studied. The plume, which is caused by absorption of thermal energy from the beam, is three-dimensional. The three-dimensionality is a consequence of mass continuity and the variation in the thermal energy absorption in the propagation direction. Flow visualizations have verified the three-dimensionality in that a significant velocity component, in a direction opposite to that of laser beam propagation, was observed. The problem is reduced by similarity analysis to a system of ordinary differential equations which are solved numerically for the Prandtl number, Pr = 1.0. Integral approximations are also presented for Pr = 0.7, 1.0, 10.0 and 100.0. The effect of Pr on the velocities, and temperature boundary layer thicknesses is discussed in detail.
The Linnaean System and Its 250-Year Persistence

The Linnaean system of nomenclature has been used and adapted by biologists over a period of almost 250 years. Under the current system of codes, it is now applied to more than 2 million species of organisms. Inherent in the Linnaean system is the indication of hierarchical relationships. The Linnaean system has been justified primarily on the basis of stability. Stability can be assessed on at least two grounds: the absolute stability of names, irrespective of taxonomic concept; and the stability of names under changing concepts. Recent arguments have invoked conformity to phylogenetic methods as the primary basis for choice of nomenclatural systems, but even here stability of names as they relate to monophyletic groups is stated as the ultimate objective. The idea of absolute stability as the primary justification for nomenclatural methods was wrong from the start. The reasons are several. First, taxa are concepts, no matter the frequency of assertions to the contrary; as such, they are subject to change at all levels and always will be, with the consequence that to some degree the names we use to refer to them will also be subject to change. Second, even if the true nature of all taxa could be agreed upon, the goal would require that we discover them all and correctly recognize them for what they are. Much of biology is far from that goal at the species level and even further for supraspecific taxa. Nomenclature serves as a tool for biology. Absolute stability of taxonomic concepts—and nomenclature—would hinder scientific progress rather than promote it. It can been demonstrated that the scientific goals of systematists are far from achieved. Thus, the goal of absolute nomenclatural stability is illusory and misguided. The primary strength of the Linnaean system is its ability to portray hierarchical relationships; stability is secondary. No single system of nomenclature can ever possess all desirable attributes: i.e., convey information on hierarchical relationships, provide absolute stability in the names portraying those relationships, and provide simplicity and continuity in communicating the identities of the taxa and their relationships. Aside from myriad practical problems involved in its implementation, it must be concluded that “phylogenetic nomenclature” would not provide a more stable and effective system for communicating information on biological classifications than does the Linnaean system.
Personalized Cardiovascular Medicine Today: A Food and Drug Administration/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Perspective

Over the past decade, personalized medicine has received considerable attention from researchers, drug developers, and regulatory agencies. Personalized medicine includes identifying patients most likely to benefit and those most likely to experience adverse reactions in response to a drug, and tailoring therapy based on pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamic response, as well. Perhaps most exciting is finding ways to identify likely responders through genetic, proteomic, or other tests, so that only likely responders will be treated. However, less precise methods such as identifying historical, demographic, or other indicators of increased or reduced responsiveness are also important aspects of personalized medicine. The cardiovascular field has not used many genetic or proteomic markers, but has regularly used prognostic variables to identify likely responders. The development of biomarker-based approaches to personalized medicine in cardiovascular disease has been challenging, in part, because most cardiovascular therapies treat acquired syndromes, such as acute coronary syndrome and heart failure, which develop over many decades and represent the end result of several pathophysiological mechanisms. More precise disease classification and greater understanding of individual variations in disease pathology could drive the development of targeted therapeutics. Success in designing clinical trials for personalized medicine will require the selection of patient populations with attributes that can be targeted or that predict outcome, and the use of appropriate enrichment strategies once such attributes are identified. Here, we describe examples of personalized medicine in cardiovascular disease, discuss its impact on clinical trial design, and provide insight into the future of personalized cardiovascular medicine from a regulatory perspective.
I. Molecules in Space and Molecular Spectroscopy

A general introduction is given to the topics of molecules in space and molecular spectroscopy.
Body image 2.0

This study examined the association between social media use and body image.Time spent on Facebook was not related to body image concerns.Social grooming behaviors were correlated with the drive for thinness.Appearance comparison mediated this relationship. A cross-sectional survey (N=186) was conducted to examine the relationships between young women's and men's social media use and body image attitudes-the drive for thinness and the drive for muscularity. Prior research has found relationships between exposure to traditional mass media and body image concerns. Drawing on social comparison theory, this study attempted to determine if similar relationships could be found for social media use. Results of this study indicated that simple exposure (time spent on social media) was not related to body image concerns. Online social grooming behaviors, such as viewing and commenting on peer's profiles, however, were significantly correlated with the drive for thinness for both female and male participants. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that appearance comparison mediated the relationship between social grooming behaviors and the drive for thinness.
Guide to Materials for WV Bar Exam Preparation Created for the Academic Excellence Program

This guide will help you identify and find the most important bar preparation materials in the State of west Virginia.
Wealth Inequality in Black and White: Cultural and Structural Sources of the Racial Wealth Gap

Using data from the 2013 Survey of Consumer Finances, this research examines competing and complementary cultural and structural explanations of the sources of racial differences in wealth. We use OLS regression and quantile regression to identify the major individual-level sources of wealth differences between African Americans and whites. Whites have more favorable wealth characteristics than do African Americans on all of the variables in the analysis: gender of household head, bankruptcies, spending patterns, stock ownership, business ownership, home ownership, inheritance, educational attainment, income, occupation, age, and number of children. Cultural factors, having a female-headed family, spending patterns, and inheritance account for little of the racial wealth gap. Racial differences in income, stock ownership, and business ownership account for much of the explained racial wealth gap. Moreover, compared with whites, African Americans receive significantly lower wealth returns to education, age, income, stock ownership, and business ownership. We discuss the implications of our findings.
Performance of an Adaptive Trajectory Prediction Algorithm for Climbing Aircraft

Aircraft climb trajectories are difficult to predict, and large errors in these predictions reduce the potential operational benefits of some advanced concepts in the Next Generation Air Transportation System. An algorithm that dynamically adjusts modeled aircraft weights based on observed track data and predictions of atmospheric conditions improved trajectory prediction accuracy for climbing flights across the National Airspace System. Overall, the algorithm reduced both altitude and top-of-climb time prediction root mean square errors by about 20 percent. Although the algorithm improved climb trajectory prediction accuracy in all Centers, results indicate that additional gains may be possible by tuning the algorithm’s parameters on a per-Center basis. Miami, Fort Worth, and Houston Centers were investigated more thoroughly because they represented the lower, middle, and upper end of the algorithm’s performance range. The degree of improvement at the Center level was dependent on the aircraft types.
Segmental digital transposition in congenital hand deformities.

SUMMARY A review of the current management of congenital digital hypoplasia in the hand has been presented. Techniques for augmenting the size and length of hypoplastic digits have included flap and graft techniques and segmental digital transposition techniques; they now include digital distraction lengthening techniques and free vascularized digital transposition techniques. Since all of these methods are still in use, the relationship between them has been described and some of the lesser known segmental digital transposition techniques have been discussed in greater detail.
The laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis in a period of resurgence: challenge for the laboratory.

OBJECTIVE To review the current and contemporary approaches to the laboratory diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and related mycobacteria. DATA SOURCES Current literature. STUDY SELECTION Determined by the author. DATA EXTRACTION Determined by the author. DATA SYNTHESIS The definitive diagnosis of mycobacterial disease depends upon the laboratory for the isolation and identification of the infecting microorganism. Laboratory studies encompass microscopic examination for the presence of AFB; isolation and recovery of the organism by cultural methods; phenotypic biochemical or other contemporary means to identify the recovered organism; and anti-tuberculosis susceptibility testing. Because of the extended growth period of this group of organisms, it is imperative that the lab use the most rapid means to provide information to the clinician for isolation of the patient if needed and for the initiation of prompt rational therapy as determined by susceptibility testing. More than 25 species in the Mycobacterium genus are capable of causing human disease. In the United States, the five most frequently encountered species are M. tuberculosis, M. avium, M. kansasii, M. fortuitum and M. chelonei. CONCLUSION Tuberculosis is a reemerging disease with significant health problem implications in the US and worldwide. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment are dependent on the prompt response of the laboratory.
A Round-Robin ADMM algorithm for identifying data-manipulators in power system estimation

In this paper we develop an algorithm that can detect the identity of false data-injection attackers in distributed optimization loops for estimating oscillation modes in large power system models. The fundamental set-up for this distributed optimization is based on Alternating Direction Multiplier Method (ADMM). The power system is divided into multiple non-overlapping areas, each equipped with a local estimator. These local estimators use local sensor measurements to carry out a local regression algorithm for generating a local estimate for the characteristic polynomial for the system transfer function, and, thereafter, communicate this estimate to a central supervisor. The supervisor computes the average of all estimates, and broadcasts this average or consensus variable back to each local estimator to be used in the next round of regression. However, if one of the local estimators is compromised by a malicious attacker that may send corrupted values of its local estimate to the central supervisor, then it is difficult to detect the identity of this attacked estimator from the algorithm stated above. In this paper we propose an alternative algorithm where the central supervisor, instead of computing the average, employs a Round-Robin technique to generate the consensus variable, and show that by tracking the evolution of this consensus variable it is possible to identify which estimator is malicious. We analyze the convergence properties of this modified ADMM algorithm, and illustrate its effectiveness using simulation results.
The 1951 Harvard student uprising against the intern match

In the fall of 1951, a group of Harvard medical students led by W. Hardy Hendren, III organized a national movement against the newly instituted match that would assign graduating seniors to hospital internship programs. Before then, hospitals with intern positions to fill rushed to secure commitments from students, who in turn accepted the first decent offer that came their way. Knowing that students could not risk waiting for a better offer, hospitals pushed them into making early commitments. When some students began getting offers in their junior and sophomore years, medical schools, professional groups, and hospitals organized the National Inter-association Committee on Internships to deal with the issue. The intern match was thus organized and scheduled to take place in 1952. When the plan was announced in mid-October 1951, Hendren recognized that the proposed algorithm placed students at a disadvantage if they did not get their first choice of hospitals. Facing resistance at every step from the National Inter-association Committee on Internships and putting his standing at Harvard Medical School at risk, Hendren led a nationwide movement of medical students to change the procedure to one that favored students' choices. Their success <1 month later established in the inaugural match the fundamental ethic of today's National Resident Matching Program to favor students' preferences at every step of the process.
Leveraging social and digital media for participant recruitment: A review of methods from the Bayley Short Form Formative Study.

Introduction Social media is increasingly being used in research, including recruitment. Methods For the Bayley Short Form Formative Study, which was conducted under the the National Children’s Study, traditional methods of recruitment proved to be ineffective. Therefore, digital media were identified as potential channels for recruitment. Results Results included successful recruitment of over 1800 infant and toddler participants to the Study. Conclusions This paper outlines the methods, results, and future research opportunities.
The Wailing Wall Disturbances

Discusses the nationalization of the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif during the British mandatory period in the aftermath of the Wailing Wall Disturbances of 1929.
Mobile advertising to Digital Natives: preferences on content, style, personalization, and functionality

Digital advertising is the fastest growing form of marketing. Within digital, mobile is the fastest growing medium. Mobile advertising occurs on any mobile device, such as smartphones and tablets. ...
Exploring Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument

With the increase in development of large marine protected areas (LMPAs) worldwide, there have been calls from social scientists to gather better empirical information about the human dimensions of...
Resin monoterpene defenses decline within three widespread species of pine (Pinus) along a 1530-m elevational gradient

The elevational gradient in plant defense (EGPD) hypothesis posits that natural enemy pressures increase alongside temperature across elevational climatic gradients, thereby selecting for enhanced defenses at lower elevations while leaving plants less defended at higher elevations. Phylogenetically constrained tests of this hypothesis are uncommon, with tests focused on defenses of mature trees in natural settings being exceedingly rare. In the absence of this information, predicting the spatiotemporal dynamics of forest pests that preferentially attack mature trees is rendered more difficult. Tree properties such as age, growth rate, and size have all been correlated with levels of tree defenses against insect pests. Thus, we sought to disentangle the interacting influences of these properties from possible elevational climatic effects on monoterpene concentrations, diversity, and intraspecific dissimilarity of constitutive resin within three widespread pines (Pinus contorta, Pinus ponderosa, and Pinus flexilis) across a 1530-m elevational transect in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA. Overall, we found some support for the EGPD hypothesis within all three of the pine species studied. However, while elevation and tree properties were strong predictors of the variation in monoterpene concentration and moderate predictors of variation in diversity and dissimilarity in P. contorta, they were a relatively weak set of predictors in P. ponderosa and P. flexilis. Significant, (negative) elevational effects were found for total monoterpene concentration in P. contorta and monoterpene diversity in P. ponderosa, while elevation had a significant negative effect on monoterpene concentration and diversity, and a positive effect on dissimilarity in P. flexilis. Nevertheless, tree age, size, and/or growth measures had significant influences on one or more monoterpene measures in all three of the pine species indicating a need to parse effects of these factors within studies of tree defenses across environmental gradients. Our results offer some support for the EGPD hypothesis while suggesting the presence of a variable hierarchy of drivers of pine defense and resistance across congeners in shared environments—a situation that presents challenges for predicting spatiotemporal patterns in secondary chemistry across species from a common set of potential drivers.
073_16212 Gender-Related Clinical Outcomes Of Catheter Ablation For Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter ablation (CA) is an effective and widely used treatment strategy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). According to some papers, PAF is associated with distinct mechanistic and prognostic criteria in different patient subgroups. Compared with men, women with PAF have greater
Psychological Factors and Outcomes in the Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Patients With Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome.

Objective Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a frequently overlooked cause of chronic abdominal pain (CAP), and results in many symptoms that mimic other gastrointestinal conditions that result in CAP. A small, but growing body of literature indicates that surgery improves quality of life (QOL) in patients with MALS. The purpose of the current study was to examine the psychological characteristics of pediatric patients with MALS to determine their prevalence and impact on surgical outcomes. Methods Thirty-two pediatric patients completed psychological assessments before surgery, and 6 months postsurgical intervention. Descriptive analyses and t tests were conducted to characterize the sample and compare psychosocial and QOL items. To explore possible associations between coping and ultimate changes in QOL, exploratory multiple regressions were conducted. Results Comorbid psychological conditions were common, occurring in about half the sample before and after surgery. Current pain significantly improved, as well as patient and parent-reported QOL constructs (Ps Conclusions Comorbid psychological conditions are common in pediatric patients with MALS, and are maintained following surgery. While surgery improved pain and QOL, the need for presurgical psychological interventions for MALS is implicated.
Decreased VMAT2 in the pancreas of humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus measured in vivo by PET imaging.

The progressive loss of beta cell function is part of the natural history of type 2 diabetes. Autopsy studies suggest that this is, in part, due to loss of beta cell mass (BCM), but this has not been confirmed in vivo. Non-invasive methods to quantify BCM may contribute to a better understanding of type 2 diabetes pathophysiology and the development of therapeutic strategies. In humans, the localisation of vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) in beta cells and pancreatic polypeptide cells, with minimal expression in other exocrine or endocrine pancreatic cells, has led to its development as a measure of BCM. We used the VMAT2 tracer [18F]fluoropropyl-(+)-dihydrotetrabenazine to quantify BCM in humans with impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes) or type 2 diabetes, and in healthy obese volunteers (HOV). Dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) data were obtained for 4 h with metabolite-corrected arterial blood measurement in 16 HOV, five prediabetic and 17 type 2 diabetic participants. Eleven participants (six HOV and five with type 2 diabetes) underwent two abdominal PET/computed tomography (CT) scans for the assessment of test–retest variability. Standardised uptake value ratio (SUVR) was calculated in pancreatic subregions (head, body and tail), with the spleen as a reference region to determine non-specific tracer uptake at 3–4 h. The outcome measure SUVR minus 1 (SUVR-1) accounts for non-specific tracer uptake. Functional beta cell capacity was assessed by C-peptide release following standard (arginine stimulus test [AST]) and acute insulin response to the glucose-enhanced AST (AIRargMAX). Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the binding variables and the C-peptide AUC post-AST and post-AIRargMAX. Absolute test–retest variability (aTRV) was ≤15% for all regions. Variability and overlap of SUVR-1 was measured in all groups; HOV and participants with prediabetes and with type 2 diabetes. SUVR-1 showed significant positive correlations with AIRargMAX (all groups) in all pancreas subregions (whole pancreas p = 0.009 and pancreas head p = 0.009; body p = 0.019 and tail p = 0.023). SUVR-1 inversely correlated with HbA1c (all groups) in the whole pancreas (p = 0.033) and pancreas head (p = 0.008). SUVR-1 also inversely correlated with years since diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in the pancreas head (p = 0.049) and pancreas tail (p = 0.035). The observed correlations of VMAT2 density in the pancreas and pancreas regions with years since diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, glycaemic control and beta cell function suggest that loss of BCM contributes to deficient insulin secretion in humans with type 2 diabetes.
A systematic review of Functional Communication Training (FCT) interventions involving augmentative and alternative communication in school settings

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to summarize single-case intervention studies in which Functional Communication Training (FCT) involving augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) was implemented in school settings. Overall, the findings suggest that FCT involving AAC was effective in reducing challenging behaviour and promoting aided or unaided AAC use among participants with disability. FCT was more effective for the participants who engaged in less severe forms of challenging behaviour prior to intervention. Additionally, FCT was more effective when informed by a descriptive functional behaviour assessment and delivered within inclusive school settings. Implications for practice and directions for future research related to FCT for students who use AAC are addressed.
The knowledge base for language teaching: What is the English to be taught as content?:

English language teachers who work with children in schools need knowledge about how English works to construct and present knowledge. This article discusses three aspects of that knowledge: unders...
The impact of anxiety sensitivity, bodily expectations, and cultural beliefs on menstrual symptom reporting: a test of the menstrual reactivity hypothesis.

According to the menstrual reactivity hypothesis, certain women report more severe as well as a greater number of menstrual symptoms due to accurate reports of physical symptoms and expectations (e.g., cultural beliefs, sex roles, bodily sensations). To test this hypothesis and to further examine the role that anxiety sensitivity plays in menstrual symptom reporting, women varying in levels of anxiety sensitivity completed measures of sex role socialization, menstrual attitudes, bodily preoccupations, affect, and fear of illness. To assess psychophysiological reactivity and the applicability of response styles theory to individuals varying in anxiety sensitivity, skin conductance was measured as participants engaged in a rumination or distraction task. In addition, participants completed a modified Stroop task consisting of anxiety, menstrual, and neutral words followed by a surprise recognition task. Retrospectively and prospectively, women high in anxiety sensitivity consistently reported more severe menstrual symptoms. High anxiety sensitivity women also reported preoccupation with bodily sensations and more negative attitudes toward illness, but did not differ from low anxiety sensitivity women on measures of menstrual attitudes or sex role socialization. While engaging in a rumination task, high anxiety sensitivity women exhibited more frequent skin conductance responses and greater skin conductance response magnitude than low anxiety sensitivity women. In addition, after the rumination task, high anxiety sensitivity women recognized more anxiety-related words from the Stroop task. Menstrual cycle phase had less of an impact than anxiety sensitivity level on the current results. Implications of these results for the menstrual reactivity hypothesis and rumination are discussed.
Controlling T cell development and function via innate Toll-like receptor signaling for autoimmune therapy

Innate regulation through Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling has been shown to be important for promoting T cell subset development and function. However, limited information is known about whether differential TLR signaling can selectively inhibit Th17 and/or Th1 cells, important for controlling excessive inflammation and autoimmune responses. Here we demonstrate that activation of TLR7 signaling in T cells can inhibit both Th17 cell differentiation from naive T cells and IL-17 production in established Th17 cells. We further report that down-regulation of STAT3 signaling is responsible for TLR7-mediated inhibition of Th17 cells due to induction of SOCS3 and SOCS5. TLR7-mediated suppression of Th17 cells does not require DC involvement. In addition, we show that TLR7 signaling can suppress Th1 cell development and function due to a mechanism different from Th17 cell suppression. Importantly, our complementary in vivo studies demonstrate that treatment with the TLR7 ligand imiquimod can inhibit both Th1 and Th17 cells, resulting in prevention of and immunotherapeutic reduction in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). These studies identify a new strategy to manipulate Th17/Th1 cells through TLR7 signaling, with important implications for successful immunotherapy against autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Formation, characterization, and potential food application of rice bran wax oleogels: expeller-pressed corn germ oil versus refined corn oil

The expeller-pressed (EP) corn germ oil oleogels were prepared using rice bran wax (RBX) at different concentrations (3, 5, 7, and 9 wt%). Their structural properties, including color, hardness, thermal behavior, rheological property, and crystal structure were evaluated. The performance of oleogels for potential food application was examined by incorporating oleogels into cookies as a fully replacement for commercial shortenings. Overall, RBX could form oleogels in both refined and EP corn germ oils at a concentration ≥3 wt%. Refined corn oil produced a stronger gel than crude corn oil. When comparing cookie characteristics, cookies made with both types of oleogels showed similar properties with commercial cookies. This result indicates that oleogels made by refined and EP corn germ oil together with RBX have the potential to imitate the functionality of commercial shortening in the baking industry.
Neural processing of infant and adult face emotion and maternal exposure to childhood maltreatment.

Face processing in mothers is linked to mother-infant social communication, which is critical for parenting and in turn for child development. Neuroimaging studies of child maltreatment-exposed (CME) mothers are sparse compared to studies of mothers with postpartum depression, which have suggested blunted amygdala reactivity to infant stimuli. We expected to see a similar pattern in CME mothers. Based on broader studies in trauma-exposed populations, we anticipated increased amygdala reactivity to negative adult face stimuli in a comparison task in CME mothers given heightened evaluation of potential threat. We examined Neuroimaging studies of mothers with childhood maltreatment exposure (CME) (18-37 years old), who performed infant (N = 45) and/or adult (N = 46) face processing tasks. CME mothers exhibited blunted bilateral amygdala reactivity to infant faces. There was no between-group difference in amygdala reactivity to adult faces. In infant and adult face processing tasks regardless of CME, superior temporal gyrus activation was increased for negative-valence stimuli. Our preliminary findings suggest that childhood maltreatment alters maternal processing of infant social cues, a critical skill impacting infant socioemotional development.
1.09 – Wafer Bonding

This chapter reviews different wafer bonding techniques and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. After providing a brief review of applications of wafer bonding technologies, requirements and desirable characteristics for these technologies are listed. Wafer bonding technologies are discussed under three main categories: direct wafer bonding (DWB), mediated wafer bonding (MWB), and specialized techniques developed for localized and selective heating of wafers. DWB techniques reviewed in this chapter are field-assisted anodic bonding, fusion bonding (including hydrophobic and hydrophilic, high and low temperature, and vacuum- and plasma-assisted), and chemical assisted bonding of glass surfaces. MWB techniques reviewed are anodic bonding using deposited films, thermocompression, solder and eutectic, bonding using glass films, and polymer-assisted wafer bonding. Finally, selective wafer heating techniques reviewed include localized resistive heating, radio frequency (RF) and microwave and electromagnetic heating, ultrasonic bonding, rapid thermal processing (RTP), and laser-assisted bonding. This chapter compares these technologies and ends with concluding remarks.
Allergen Immunotherapy: Tactic in manipulating food allergen induced anaphylaxis

The pervasiveness of food allergy and associated anaphylactic reactions are proliferating consecutively and the absence of a proper treatment adds to it. Food, both animal as well as plant derived, are presented as the major risk factors. There are several pathways deduced in favour of the food-induced anaphylaxis, ultimately leading to the activation of T-cells. One of the efficient way to solve this issue is allergen immunotherapy that involves the administration of small doses of modified allergen content and increasing the dose geometrically until tolerant level is achieved. The present treatment includes the symptomatic treatment just though a perpetual fix can be accomplished through the immunotherapy. It focus on the development of innate and adaptive immunity and further acts as a shield to prevent recurrent episodes of anaphylaxis. Specific allergen induced immunotherapy can induce a response that can benefit up to a period of 3 years even after discontinuation of the therapy. Persistent advancement of immunology and bioengineering improves understanding diagnostics. Oral and subcutaneous routes are mostly exploited for the allergen immunotherapy. There is also a need to shed more light on the availability of a standardized allergen extract for the specific treatment of food allergy. Additional research on possible pathogenesis/ pathways and newer route of administration can lead to more safe and efficient treatment methodology.
Impaired Cx43 gap junction endocytosis causes morphological and functional defects in zebrafish

It is shown for the first time that impaired gap junction turnover achieved by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of critical amino acid residues (256-289) in zebrafish causes a suite of developmental d...
EPAs Nondiscretionary Duties to Act Under Section 115

The legal basis for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action under Section 115 of the Clean Air Act has been clearly set out in the preceding chapters of this book. Here, we argue that not only does EPA have the authority to develop a program to reduce global warming pollution under Section 115, the agency in fact has a nondiscretionary duty to do so. Under any reasonable interpretation of the statute, the prerequisites for action on greenhouse gases have been satisfied. Once these conditions are satisfied, the statute does not provide the Administrator with the discretion to choose not to act. Accordingly, EPA is obligated to move forward now, first providing formal notification to the Governors of all 50 states that domestic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) endanger public health and welfare in other countries and then requiring revisions of State Implementation Plans (SIPs) in order to control greenhouse gas pollution. In this chapter, we address key elements of the argument for a nondiscretionary obligation imposed on EPA under Section 115. Our argument proceeds as follows: First, we show how the word “shall,” which is used in Section 115, has been interpreted in other provisions of the Clean Air Act as well as other environmental statutes to limit EPA’s and other agencies’ discretion not to act. The most important related case is Massachusetts v. EPA, in which the Court specifically responded to the agency’s failure to take action under another nondiscretionary provision of the Act. Second, drawing on arguments provided in greater detail elsewhere in this volume, we show that under any reasonable interpretation, the statutory elements of Section 115 have already been satisfied with respect to greenhouse gases. Third, we consider potential challenges rooted in constitutional doctrine that might be raised to block action under Section 115, including arguments that the provision would violate the nondelegation doctrine or would infringe on the treaty-making power under Article II. Finally, we discuss how judicial review of a failure to act would proceed, specifically through review of the denial of a petition for rulemaking. Litigating agency inaction is necessarily cumbersome, but as shown in Massachusetts v. EPA, there are remedies when agencies fail to carry out their statutory obligations.