cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agonist-Evoked Ca2+ Signaling in Enteric Glia Drives Neural Programs That Regulate Intestinal Motility in Mice

Background & Aims Gastrointestinal motility is regulated by enteric neural circuitry that includes enteric neurons and glia. Enteric glia monitor synaptic activity and exhibit responses to neurotransmitters that are encoded by intracellular calcium (Ca 2+ ) signaling. What role evoked glial responses play in the neural regulation of gut motility is unknown. We tested how evoking Ca 2+ signaling in enteric glia affects the neural control of intestinal motility. Methods We used a novel chemogenetic mouse model that expresses the designer receptor hM3Dq under the transcriptional control of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter ( GFAP::hM3Dq mice) to selectively trigger glial Ca 2+ signaling. We used in situ Ca 2+ imaging and immunohistochemistry to validate this model, and we assessed gut motility by measuring pellet output and composition, colonic bead expulsion time, small intestinal transit time, total gut transit time, colonic migrating motor complex (CMMC) recordings, and muscle tension recordings. Results Expression of the hM3Dq receptor is confined to GFAP-positive enteric glia in the intestines of GFAP::hM3Dq mice. In these mice, application of the hM3Dq agonist clozapine- N -oxide (CNO) selectively triggers intracellular Ca 2+ responses in enteric glia. Glial activation drove neurogenic contractions in the ileum and colon but had no effect on neurogenic relaxations. CNO enhanced the amplitude and frequency of CMMCs in ex vivo preparations of the colon, and CNO increased colonic motility in vivo. CNO had no effect on the composition of fecal matter, small intestinal transit, or whole gut transit. Conclusions Glial excitability encoded by intracellular Ca 2+ signaling functions to modulate excitatory enteric circuits. Selectively triggering glial Ca 2+ signaling might be a novel strategy to improve gut function in motility disorders.
Effect of fertilizers on soil pH and performance of apple and pear trees. II. Grown in different soils in the orchard

Abstract In the apple orchard, trees fertilized with calcium nitrate resulted in the highest soil pH (6.4) whereas the lowest pH (4.7 and 4.6) occurred with ammonium nitrate and with mono‐ammonium phosphate (MAP) applications, respectively. Soil pH values were lowest with the high rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizers. Red skin color of ‘Delicious’ apples was generally improved with calcium nitrate fertilization, higher soil pH values, and with lower fruit manganese (Mn) concentrations or with lower N fertilizer rates. Incidence of bitter pit was lowest for trees fertilized with ammonium nitrate or calcium nitrate. In the pear orchard, the lowest soil pH (4.2) occurred when trees were fertilized with the high rate of MAP and the highest soil pH (4.8) occurred with the high rate of calcium nitrate applications. Fruit size was slightly smaller on trees fertilized with the high rate of MAP. Lowest incidence of superficial cork or green stain fruit disorders occurred on trees receiving the high rate of calcium ni...
Latent structure of cognition in schizophrenia: a confirmatory factor analysis of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB).

Background The number of separable cognitive dimensions in schizophrenia has been debated. Guided by the extant factor analytic literature, the NIMH Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) initiative selected seven cognitive domains relevant to treatment studies in schizophrenia: speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. These domains are assessed in the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). The aim of this study was to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the beta battery of the MCCB to compare the fit of the MATRICS consensus seven-domain model to other models in the current literature on cognition in schizophrenia. Method Using data from 281 schizophrenia outpatients, we compared the seven correlated factors model with alternative models. Specifically, we compared the 7-factor model to (a) a single-factor model, (b) a three correlated factors model including speed of processing, working memory, and general cognition, and (c) a hierarchical model in which seven first-order factors loaded onto a second-order general cognitive factor. Results Multiple fit indices indicated the seven correlated factors model was the best fit for the data and provided significant improvement in model fit beyond the comparison models. Conclusions These results support the assessment of these seven cognitive dimensions in clinical trials of interventions to improve cognition in schizophrenia. Because these cognitive factors are separable to some degree, it is plausible that specific interventions may have differential effects on the domains.
Short‐ and Long‐Term Regulation of Tyrosine Hydroxylase in Chromaffin Cells by VIP and PACAPa

Whereas cholinergic neurotransmitters are responsible for the release of a substantial portion of the CAs released from rat chromaffin cells by activation of the splanchinc nerves, the present data suggest that noncholinergic neurotransmission appears to play a more substantial role in the short- and long-term homeostatic regulation of TH activity, which serves to maintain the stores of CAs for subsequent release. In addition, studies using the PKA-deficient PC12 cells provided the first direct evidence that PKA actually mediates the phosphorylation of Ser40 in situ.
A case of renal cell carcinoma after successful treatment of Wilms tumor

This case report documents the eighth reported case of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occurring after treatment of Wilms tumor. Although secondary malignancies after treatment of Wilms tumors are not infrequent, RCC as the second malignancy is rare. We discuss a 17-year-old girl whose RCC was diagnosed 12.5 years after diagnosis of a Wilms tumor. In addition, we review the literature on the subject. Renal cell carcinoma has been proposed as a consequent of chemoradiation; however, a genetic susceptibility must be considered. Because it is routine to assess the functional status of the remaining solitary kidney by annual ultrasonography, we recommend assessing for the presence of secondary renal malignancies and perhaps continuing routine ultrasounds long-term.
When cytoskeletal worlds collide

Cytoskeletal aficionados and molecular evolutionists are in for a surprising treat in PNAS. Lowe and colleagues, who have for some years now brought to our attention the conservation of the actin and tubulin cytoskeletons across kingdoms through their structural studies (1, 2), are now giving us new striking images to think about (3). Just test your knowledge of cytoskeleton structure by looking at their figure 4. Do not think twice and say aloud what you think those filaments are. Now read the title of their article. Surprised? Read more.
A 2-D ray tracing model for the characterization of spatial and time-domain properties of the indoor propagation channel

The rapid growth in the field of wireless communications technology has spawned an ever increasing need for an understanding of the propagation channel. This paper describes a 2-D ray tracing algorithm that gives results in agreement with previously published experimental work. The 2-D ray tracing method outlined is a simple and efficient means of calculating the statistical properties of a simple rectangular room. The results can also be seen to lend themselves to a generalization to more complex spaces thus giving an insight into the methods of propagation in enclosed rooms. The effect of wall parameters on the propagation of radio waves in an enclosed space has been documented previously. The 2D ray tracing program is used to vary the parameters of a standard room over a large range to show the relation between room statistics and these variables. A second parameter documented in the literature is the sector averaged signal strength which is also modeled using the simulation program developed. A final effect studied is that of the clustering of individual rays arriving at the receiver. This effect is shown to be replicated by the ray tracing method and mirrors the experimental results.
Sociología de la salud en un mundo globalizado

Sociologists working in the area of health comprise one of the largest sociological specialties in the world. The field has expanded globally in response to growing recognition of the significant role of social factors in determining the health of individuals, groups, and populations. Ultimately, what allows Elath sociology to retain its unique character is (1) its utilization and mastery of sociological theory in the study of health and (2) the sociological perspective that accounts for collective causes and outcomes of health problems and issues. Today it can said that health sociology produces literature intended to inform medicine and policymakers, but research in the field is also grounded in examining health-related situations that inform sociology as well. This paper will briefly review the origins of health sociology and outline the transition to its current status before discussing the most recent developments in research techniques and the likely future direction of the field.
Synthetic studies on arene-olefin cycloadditions. ii. total synthesis of (±)-isocomene

Abstract The arene-olefin meta-photocycloaddition is shown to provide the basis for an effective and general approach to polyquinane natural products as demonstrated by the synthesis of (±)-isocomene ( 5 ) in five steps based on Z-2-bromo-2-butene and 2-bromotoluene.
Dysregulation of the Right Brain: A Fundamental Mechanism of Traumatic Attachment and the Psychopathogenesis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder:

Objective: This review integrates recent advances in attachment theory, affective neuroscience, developmental stress research, and infant psychiatry in order to delineate the developmental precurso...
A behavioral economics intervention to encourage epinephrine-carrying among food-allergic adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Background Adolescents and young adults with food allergies are at increased risk of adverse events, including death from anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is the cornerstone of emergency response, yet few individuals with serious food allergies consistently carry their emergency medication. Behavioral economics offers promising, previously untapped opportunities for behavior change in this arena. Objective To test the effectiveness of modest financial incentives in promoting the carrying of epinephrine and to evaluate the acceptability of text messaging for delivering reminders and key health messages to young adults with food allergies. Methods A mixed-methods randomized controlled trial in young adults with food allergies investigated the carrying of epinephrine auto-injectors using financial incentives plus text message reminders vs text message reminders alone. Epinephrine carriage was assessed 10 times during the 49-day intervention using rapid-reply cell phone photographs plus daily code words. Results The intervention (financial incentive) group had their epinephrine auto-injectors at 54% of check-ins vs 27% of check-ins in the control (text-only) group ( P = .023). Participants in the 2 groups consistently reported favorable impressions of text messaging as a desirable, unobtrusive way to receive information and support for food allergy management. Conclusion Although the intervention and control groups reported favorable impressions of text message-based reminder systems, the intervention group performed significantly better than the control group on a photograph-based measurement of epinephrine carriage. There remained ample room for improvement in the 2 groups given the goal of consistent, uninterrupted epinephrine carriage by people with potentially life-threatening food allergies. Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02354729.
Reversible Chalcogen-Atom Transfer to a Terminal Uranium Sulfide

The reaction of elemental S or Se with [K(18-crown-6)][U(S)(NR2)3] (1) results in the formation of the new uranium(IV) dichalcogenides [K(18-crown-6)][U(η2-S2)(NR2)3] (2) and [K(18-crown-6)][U(η2-SSe)(NR2)3] (5). The further addition of elemental S to 2 results in the formation of [K(18-crown-6)][U(η3-S3)(NR2)3] (3). Complexes 2, 3, and 5 can be reconverted into 1 via the addition of R3P (R = Et, Ph), concomitant with the formation of R3P═E (E = S, Se).
Clinical study of patients with hepatorenal syndrome treated with Lipo PGE_1

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lipo prostaglandin E 1(Lipo PGE 1)in the treatment of severe hepatitis with hepatorenal syndrome.Methods:26 cases of severe hepatopathy with hepatorenal syndrome were randomly divided into two groups:therapy group(Lipo PGE 1)and control(spironolactone and furosemide). Each group had 13 patients. Dosage regimens were Lipo PGE 1 20 μg once a day in therapy group and spironolactone 40 mg three times a day and furosemide 40 mg twice a day in the control. Duration of treatment was 14 days.Results:Within group comparison before and after treatment:in the Lipo PGE 1 group serum creatinine reduced markedly from 195.90±40.90 μmol/L to 112.42±40.69 μmol/L and volume of urine of 24 hours increased significantly from 476.15±168.40 ml to 1569.23±776.89 ml, while in the control the above indexes only slightly improved. There was a significant difference between groups comparison(P0.01).The therapy group was better than the control in the degree of liver function improved before and after treatment(P0.01). Two groups had no severe side-effect, complication and stop-drug events during therapy.Conclusion:Lipo PGE 1 was effective and safe in the treatment of severe hepatopathy with hepatorenal syndrome.
CRAMRA: The Ugly Duckling of the Antarctic Treaty System?

Nearly everyone knows the children’s story by Hans Christian Andersen about the ugly duckling. In short, it goes like this. Once upon a time three ducklings were born. Two of them were yellow and one was black. The black chick, whose large egg had mysteriously appeared one day in the mother’s nest, was not like the others: he was black and bigger. Since he was larger, more awkward and different in colour, the black duckling was branded as being ugly by his siblings. But as he matured, his grace and worth became more apparent. When the next spring came, so too did the realization for the entire lake community that this was no ordinary duck. He was special. He was not a common drake; rather, the ugly duckling had grown into a beautiful, graceful swan, admired and appreciated by everyone.1
Selectivity for HCO2– over H2 in the Electrochemical Catalytic Reduction of CO2 by (POCOP)IrH2

It has been demonstrated experimentally that electrochemical CO2 reduction catalyzed by (POCOP)IrH2 ([C6H3-2,6-[OP(tBu)2]2]IrH2) produces formate without significant H2. We use first-principles density functional theory (M06) including Poisson–Boltzmann solvation to determine the detailed atomistic mechanism and illuminate strategies for designing formate-selective catalysts. A mechanism involving hydride transfer from IrIII dihydride explains the selectivity for formate over H2 and is corroborated by reduction potential (irreversible reduction of (POCOP)Ir(H)(NCMe)2+ at ca. −1.3 V vs NHE, in comparison to −1.31 V vs NHE calculated for one-electron reduction of IrIII(H)(NCMe)2+) and turnover frequency. We find that several thermodynamically favorable pathways exist for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from both IrIII(H)2 and IrI–H– but are kinetically hindered, posing computed activation barriers above 25 kcal/mol at pH 7. However, with formate or bicarbonate acting as cocatalyst, the barriers are lo...
Cycle training modulates satellite cell and transcriptional responses to a bout of resistance exercise

This investigation evaluated whether moderate-intensity cycle ergometer training affects satellite cell and molecular responses to acute maximal concentric/eccentric resistance exercise in middle-aged women. Baseline and 72 h postresistance exercise vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained from seven healthy middle-aged women (56 ± 5 years, BMI 26 ± 1, VO2max 27 ± 4) before and after 12 weeks of cycle training. Myosin heavy chain (MyHC) I- and II-associated satellite cell density and cross-sectional area was determined via immunohistochemistry. Expression of 93 genes representative of the muscle-remodeling environment was also measured via NanoString. Overall fiber size increased ~20% with cycle training (P = 0.052). MyHC I satellite cell density increased 29% in response to acute resistance exercise before endurance training and 50% with endurance training (P < 0.05). Following endurance training, MyHC I satellite cell density decreased by 13% in response to acute resistance exercise (acute resistance × training interaction, P < 0.05). Genes with an interaction effect tracked with satellite cell behavior, increasing in the untrained state and decreasing in the endurance trained state in response to resistance exercise. Similar satellite cell and gene expression response patterns indicate coordinated regulation of the muscle environment to promote adaptation. Moderate-intensity endurance cycle training modulates the response to acute resistance exercise, potentially conditioning the muscle for more intense concentric/eccentric activity. These results suggest that cycle training is an effective endurance exercise modality for promoting growth in middle-aged women, who are susceptible to muscle mass loss with progressing age.
Bird Responses to Removal of Western Juniper in Sagebrush-Steppe☆

ABSTRACT We investigated bird abundance in response to western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) removal using a short-term chronosequence approach and generated estimates of density and responses to management for the most abundant species. Stands targeted for tree removal were primarily in the middle stages of juniper encroachment (Phase II, 7 851 ha). Trees were removed using hand felling combined with either lop and scatter, single tree burning, or jackpot burning, which were carried out to minimize loss of shrub cover. Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri) density was greater at treated versus untreated portions of the study area. At sites in the third year following tree removal, Brewer's sparrow density was 23.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.4–27.8) territories per km2 higher than locations that had not yet been treated. This equates to a net increase of 1 212-1 737 nesting pairs within the project area. Green-tailed towhee increased by 4.6 (95% CI: 3.1–6.1) territories per km2 for an estimated pr...
Early Stump Sprout Development after Two Levels of Harvest in a Midwestern Bottomland Hardwood Forest

Sprouting is an important source of regeneration for hardwood trees but has not been studied extensively in bottomland hardwood forests. We quantified the sprouting responses of 11 bottomland hardwood species or species groups after two levels of overstory harvest, including clearcutting with reserves (CCR) (residual basal area ∼2.0 m2/ha) and basal area retention (BAR) (residual basal area ∼8.0 m2/ha), in northern Missouri. The probability of sprout presence after one growing season decreased with increasing parent tree dbh for boxelder, river birch, hickories, hackberry, and American elm, as well as for eastern cottonwood and pin oak after three growing seasons. Harvest treatment affected the probability of sprout presence after three growing seasons for silver maple and American elm, with higher probabilities in CCR than BAR. After three growing seasons, height of the dominant sprout per stump was greater in CCR than in BAR across species. The sprouting probabilities and subsequent survival and growth of sprouts suggest that promoting coppice regeneration would favor silver maple, American elm, and American sycamore at the expense of oak species, river birch, and eastern cottonwood.
The use of transcatheter mitral valve system: can we make mitral regurgitation better again?

Percutaneous treatments of valvular heart disease have evolved over the past two decades. These “minimally invasive” procedures are attractive alternatives to surgery for a growing high-risk population with multiple comorbidities. In 2002, Cribier et al. (1) performed the first transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in a patient with aortic stenosis. Currently, TAVI has become a common procedure for high or prohibitive surgical risk patient and is moving rapidly into intermediate risk patients, with over 250,000 devices implanted worldwide.
Comparison of Endovascular Stent Grafts for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Medicare Beneficiaries

Background Increased renal complications have been suggested with suprarenal stent grafts, but long-term analyses have been limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of endograft choice on perioperative and long-term outcomes. Methods We compared Medicare beneficiaries undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysms repair from 2005 to 2008 with endografts with infrarenal fixation and a single docking limb (AneuRx, Excluder) to those with suprarenal fixation and 2 docking limbs (Zenith), or a unibody configuration (Powerlink). Propensity score weighting accounted for differences in patient characteristics among the different graft formations, and perioperative mortality, complications, and length of stay and 4-year rates of survival, rupture, and reintervention were compared. Results Forty-six thousand one hundred seventy-one Medicare beneficiaries were identified including 11,002 (24%) with suprarenal fixation, 32,909 (71%) with infrarenal fixation, and 2,260 (5%) with a unibody graft. After propensity score weighting, there were no significant differences in patients' baseline clinical and demographic characteristics. The suprarenal fixation patients had higher rates of perioperative mortality (1.7% vs. 1.3%, P Conclusions Compared to infrarenal fixation devices, patients who underwent EVAR with suprarenal fixation had higher perioperative mortality and renal complications but fewer reinterventions including conversion, while the unibody graft had more perioperative complications and aneurysm-related reinterventions, but fewer conversions to open repair. Although these differences could be explained by selection bias, these data suggest that further comparative effectiveness analyses should be performed to understand the outcomes following EVAR with suprarenal fixation and unibody grafts.
Storage defense: Expansive and intensive territorialism in hunter-gatherer delayed return economies

Abstract Storage has long been recognized as critical to understanding the behavior and cultural evolution of hunting and gathering communities living at mid-latitudes throughout the world. Storage is a complex and powerful strategy, with profound results for human behavior and evolutionary consequences such as sedentism and population growth, increased sociopolitical complexity, social inequality, and the development of agriculture. One of the more provocative aspects of storage is how it may influence territorial behavior and defense tactics in human societies - a question that has been given little attention. In this paper we present a model of storage defense and suggest a simple notion: that storage defense territoriality is expected when the cost of defending stores is less than the cost of losing them. The cost-benefit dynamics of defending stored food are critically influenced by seasonality and storage (front-back loaded) timing. Territoriality in western North America developed along two fundamentally different evolutionary trajectories: expansive territorialism and intensive territorialism, which influence rational choice and socio-political developments. Expansive territorialism involves higher level decision making which incentivizes greater physical risk tied to territorial expansion and defense, whereas intensive territorialism involves inward turned interests that incentivize drudgery. Empirical evidence supports the notion that at the time of European contact intensive territorialism was the more common strategy followed by groups in California and much of the Pacific Northwest Coast. In contrast, some distinct Pacific Northwest groups were set along expansive territorial trajectories. These trajectories profoundly influence diet choice and territorial strategizing: Expansive Northwest Coast groups are heavily engaged in raiding and territorial expansion and rely more on front-loaded fish and marine mammals than do non-expansive Northwest Coast or northwestern California groups, who instead of raiding and poaching the front-loaded resources of their neighbors, turn intensification inward, supporting themselves in ever-smaller areas by emphasizing the use of back-loaded plant resources.
Numerically approximating centrality for graph ranking guarantees

Abstract Many real-world datasets can be represented as graphs. Using iterative solvers to approximate graph centrality measures allows us to obtain a ranking vector on the nodes of the graph, consisting of a number for each vertex in the graph identifying its relative importance. In this work the centrality measures we use are Katz Centrality and PageRank. Given an approximate solution, we use the residual to accurately estimate how much of the ranking matches the ranking given by the exact solution. Using probabilistic matrix norms, we obtain bounds on the accuracy of the approximation compared to the exact solution with respect to the highly ranked nodes and apply numerical analysis to the computation of centrality with iterative methods. This relates the numerical accuracy of the linear solver to the data analysis accuracy of finding the correct ranking. In particular, we answer the question of which pairwise rankings are reliable given an approximate solution to the linear system. Experiments on many real-world undirected and directed networks up to several million vertices and several hundred million edges validate our theory and show that we are able to accurately estimate large portions of the approximation. We also analyze the difference between global centrality scores and personalized scores (w.r.t. specific seed vertices). By analyzing convergence error, we develop confidence in the ranking schemes of data mining. We show we are able to accurately guarantee ranking of vertices with an approximation to centrality metrics faster than current methods.
Comparison of fecal egg counting methods in four livestock species.

Abstract Gastrointestinal nematode parasites are important pathogens of all domesticated livestock species. Fecal egg counts (FEC) are routinely used for evaluating anthelmintic efficacy and for making targeted anthelmintic treatment decisions. Numerous FEC techniques exist and vary in precision and accuracy. These performance characteristics are especially important when performing fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT). The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy and precision of three commonly used FEC methods and determine if differences existed among livestock species. In this study, we evaluated the modified-Wisconsin, 3-chamber (high-sensitivity) McMaster, and Mini-FLOTAC methods in cattle, sheep, horses, and llamas in three phases. In the first phase, we performed an egg-spiking study to assess the egg recovery rate and accuracy of the different FEC methods. In the second phase, we examined clinical samples from four different livestock species and completed multiple replicate FEC using each method. In the last phase, we assessed the cheesecloth straining step as a potential source of egg loss. In the egg-spiking study, the Mini-FLOTAC recovered 70.9% of the eggs, which was significantly higher than either the McMaster (P = 0.002) or Wisconsin (P = 0.002). In the clinical samples from ruminants, Mini-FLOTAC consistently yielded the highest EPG, revealing a significantly higher level of egg recovery (P
Social Capital and Social Inequality

Subjective social class (that is, how Americans self-identify in terms of class) is discussed in terms of the influence it can hold on personal identity and social capital. From there, Jones examines the data in terms of social class. Subjective social class is shown to have strong associations for education, work, job satisfaction, family commitment, marital happiness, voluntary association, friendship and kinship socializing, trust, and other previously discussed social structures.
On Some Recent Approximation Algorithms for MAX SAT

Recently a number of randomized \(\frac{3}{4}\)-approximation algorithms for MAX SAT have been proposed that all work in the same way: given a fixed ordering of the variables, the algorithm makes a random assignment to each variable in sequence, in which the probability of assigning each variable true or false depends on the current set of satisfied (or unsatisfied) clauses. To our knowledge, the first such algorithm was proposed by Poloczek and Schnitger [7]; Van Zuylen [8] subsequently gave an algorithm that set the probabilities differently and had a simpler analysis. Buchbinder, Feldman, Naor, and Schwartz [1], as a special case of their work on maximizing submodular functions, also give a randomized \(\frac{3}{4}\)-approximation algorithm for MAX SAT with the same structure as these previous algorithms. In this note we give a gloss on the Buchbinder et al. algorithm that makes it even simpler, and show that in fact it is equivalent to the previous algorithm of Van Zuylen. We also show how it extends to a deterministic LP rounding algorithm, and we show that this same algorithm was also given by Van Zuylen [8]. Finally, we describe a data structure for implementing these algorithms in linear time and space.
Adaptive H∞ Optimal Control Strategy Based on Nonminimal State Space Realization

This paper presents a new adaptive H∞ optimal control algorithm for multiple–input multiple–output (MIMO) continuous–time linear systems, based on a new nonminimal state space realization (NSSR), using measured inputs and outputs, without differentation. The proposed methodology combines a recursive Kalman filter (RKF) parameter estimation algorithm, and a gradient-type neural network algorithm to approximate the solution to the algebraic Riccati-Matrix equation (ARME), which is essential to design the H∞ optimal control. Actual hardware experiments using a DSP have been carried out in order to verify the applicability and the performance of the proposed integrated modeling–control method for vibration control of a flexible plate system.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Treating Infantile Spasms with High-Dose Oral Corticosteroids: A Retrospective Review of 87 Children.

Abstract Background Hormonal therapy is the treatment of choice in most patients with infantile spasms, but the optimal way to provide this therapy is unclear. Intramuscular adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has historically used first-line; however, there are significant logistical and financial issues. Our institution has used high-dose prednisolone as the first-line hormonal treatment of infantile spasms since 2006 and published our early experience with 15 infants in 2009. This study updates our institutional experience over more than 10 years of continuous use. Methods Charts of infants who presented to the Johns Hopkins Hospital with infantile spasms and were treated with high-dose oral prednisolone (40-60 mg/day) from January, 2006 through December, 2016 were reviewed. Electroclinical response was defined as clinical spasm-freedom and resolution of hypsarrhythmia within two weeks of initiation of therapy. Presence of infantile spasms at three months and adverse effects throughout treatment were evaluated. Results Over the 10-year period, 87 infants with new-onset infantile spasms were treated. Electroclinical response occurred in 64% infants within two weeks; 62% were spasm-free at three months. Fifty-two percent had side effects, primarily irritability, weight gain, and gastroesophageal reflux. Five percent had major adverse events, including gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 2), herpes simplex virus reactivation (n = 1), and necrotizing enterocolitis (n = 1). Conclusions Our results continue to demonstrate that high-dose oral prednisolone is very effective for the treatment of new-onset infantile spasms, with few major adverse effects. Oral prednisolone represents a less expensive, readily available alternative to adrenocorticotropic hormone injections.
Quantification of Free Ferriprotoporphyrin IX Heme and Hemozoin for Artemisinin Sensitive versus Delayed Clearance Phenotype Plasmodium falciparum Malarial Parasites

We use Plasmodium falciparum culture synchronization, optimized heme and hemozoin extraction protocols, and mass spectrometry to quantify the abundance of free ferriprotoporphyrin IX (FPIX) heme and crystallized FPIX (hemozoin; Hz) for various growth stages of intraerythrocytic P. falciparum malarial parasites. Because of altered cell cycle kinetics for delayed clearance phenotype (DCP) parasites relative to that of the control, we test whether FPIX and Hz abundances differ for DCP and control parasites.
Propolis or Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) inhibits growth and viability in multiple oral cancer cell lines

Objective: Propolis is a natural antimicrobial resin from honeybee hives that contains caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which has anti-proliferative activity against some human cancers, including colon, liver, lung and breast – although limited evidence has evaluated this potential in oral cancers. Based upon this information, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of CAPE against multiple well-characterized oral cancer cell lines. Methods: Using well-characterized oral cancer cell lines (SCC15, SCC25 and CAL27), CAPE was administered at 100 ug/mL to assess any effects on cellular viability or growth over three days. A normal, non-cancerous cell line (HGF-1) was also included. Results: The results of this pilot study demonstrated that CAPE administration significantly reduced both viability and proliferation in all three oral cancer cell lines. Viability was significantly reduced between 30.3% and 35.4% among the oral cancer cell lines (p<0.05), but remained unchanged in the HGF-1 normal cell control (p=0.878). Growth was significantly inhibited between 53.1% and 60.6% among the oral cancer cell lines (p<0.05) but was not affected in the HGF-1 normal cell control (p=0.341). Conclusions: Although the reductions in both cellular viability and proliferation were distinct for each cell line, all exhibited a similar trend and were within a narrowly defined range. These results strongly suggest that CAPE administration had a significant and immediate effect on oral cancer growth and viability and therefore should be considered as the basis for future studies as a potential complementary and alternative therapy for oral cancer. Key words: Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE), Propolis, Oral cancer, Complementary and alternative medicine.
Enhanced equatorial warming causes deep-tropical contraction and subtropical monsoon shift

Under anthropogenic warming, deep-tropical ascent of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is projected to contract equatorward1–3 while subtropical descent associated with the Hadley cell edge is predicted to expand poleward4. These changes have important implications for regional climate2,5–7, but their mechanisms are not well understood. Here we reveal a key role of enhanced equatorial surface warming (EEW) in driving the deep-tropical contraction and modulating the Hadley expansion. By shifting the seasonally warmed sea surface temperature equatorward, EEW reduces the meridional migration of the seasonal ITCZ and causes an annual-mean deep-tropical contraction. This process further contracts the subtropical circulation, as seen during El Nino, and counteracts the Hadley expansion caused by the global-scale warming. The EEW-induced contraction even dominates in the Northern Hemisphere early summer (June–July), when atmospheric circulation responses to the global-scale warming are weak8. Regionally, this alters the East Asian summer monsoon, shifting both the subtropical jet and Meiyu–Baiu rainband equatorward. Among models in Phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project9, the degrees of the equatorward shift in the ITCZ, the early-summer subtropical circulation and the East Asian summer monsoon are correlated with EEW. Our results suggest that a better constraint on EEW is critical for accurate projection of tropical and subtropical climate change. Global warming projections exhibit a contracted intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and an expanded Hadley cell. Here, equatorial Pacific warming is shown to contract seasonal ITCZ migration and counteract Hadley cell expansion, leading to an equatorward shift in the Asian subtropical monsoon.
Spatial-Temporal Scientific Data Clustering via Deep Convolutional Neural Network

We explore the usage of deep convolutional neural network for clustering the time steps of a spatial-temporal scientific dataset. Our approach first takes the scientific dataset as training data and trains a deep convolutional autoencoder. A low-dimensional feature space or latent space can be extracted by inferencing the encoding part of the network. As a result, each time step is transformed into a feature descriptor that can be compared with each other in the feature space. In this way, we can cluster time steps according to their feature descriptors, and each group of time steps has a similar characterization. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using a real-world simulation dataset of water contamination. Multiple variables and their combinations of this dataset are fed into our approach. The trained network enables the clustering of the time steps and facilitates scientists to examine their large spatial-temporal datasets.
CHAPTER 14 – TRANSIENT SEA

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the basic theory and some numerical solution method for transient statistical energy analysis (SEA). The underlying theory for all of SEA is the conservation of dynamical energy in the resonant modes of a subsystem, stated in its time dependent form. In a larger system with many interconnected subsystems, the power flow terms include the power transmitted between subsystems. The simplest numerical solution method for the transient SEA equations is the finite difference method. More accurate numerical methods are available, such as the Newmark-beta and the Runge–Kutta methods. They all use some form of forward time stepping, but differ in how they estimate the time derivative at each time step.
Demonstration of Atmospheric-Pressure Radiometer With Nanocardboard Vanes

Crookes radiometers have been the subject of numerous theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies because of the complicated forces they exhibit as well as their potential applications to light sensing and actuation. The majority of these studies have focused on classical radiometers, which function under low vacuum pressures. In contrast, here we report a radiometer with microengineered vanes that rotates at atmospheric pressure. Its functionality at pressures thousands of times higher than previous light mills is due to unique attributes of the nanocardboard that forms its vanes: 1) the extremely low areal density (0.1 mg/cm2) of nanocardboard reduces the vane masses by two orders of magnitude; 2) its lower thermal conductivity allows a greater cross-vane temperature difference; and 3) its microchannels dramatically increase the thermal transpiration flow that drives the rotation. Intriguingly, the experimentally observed rotation speeds are substantially higher than those theoretically expected. Our device demonstrates new possibilities for micromanipulation, propulsion of aerial vehicles, and light-powered generators. [2020-0165]
Writing Self, Writing Empire: Chandar Bhan Brahman and the Cultural World of the Indo-Persian State Secretary: Rajeev Kinra, Oakland, CA: University of California Press, 2015, ISBN 9780520286467 (pbk), 394 pp.

Writing Self, Writing Empire is an intimate history of Persianate bureaucratic culture in Mughal India told through the eyes of the imperial scribe Chandar Bhan Brahmin. Though Hindu Brahmin scribe...
Heroin-induced toxic leukoencephalopathy from “chasing the dragon” and the proposed synergistic effect of amantadine and antioxidants in its treatment

Abstract Background “Chasing the dragon” is a method of heating heroin in aluminum foil and inhaling its fumes. This method of use comes with the risk of toxic leukoencephalopathy, a form of white matter disease that can lead to permanent cognitive impairment. Objective This report presents a patient with heroin-induced toxic leukoencephalopathy who showed substantial clinical improvement after trial of amantadine and antioxidant therapy. Conclusion This report highlights the presentation of heroin-induced leukoencephalopathy, a discussion of its management, and the potential synergistic effect of amantadine and antioxidant therapy.
Transradial Approach for Stroke

Mechanical thrombectomy has become the standard of care for acute large vessel occlusion ischemic strokes, with time to reperfusion being the critical factor in determining outcomes. Complex aortic arch and carotid arterial anatomy is associated with increased technical difficulty and thus prolonged procedural times and complication rates. In particular for mechanical thrombectomy, patients with complex aortic arch anatomy and ICA tortuosity are associated with significant increases in puncture-to-reperfusion times. Transradial approach (TRA) from the right subclavian artery offers a technically favorable trajectory in folded over arches and tortuosity and is associated with a greater than 60% reduction in vascular complications, overwhelming patient preference, and reduced post-procedure nursing care, hospital stay, and cost when compared to transfemoral approach. In this chapter, we review the TRA technique for mechanical thrombectomy.
Range dynamics mediated by compensatory life stage responses to experimental climate manipulations

The expectations of polar or upslope distributional shifts of species ranges in response to warming climate conditions have been recently questioned. Diverse responses of different life stages to changing temperature and moisture regimes may alter these predicted range dynamics. Furthermore, the climate driver(s) influencing demographic rates, and the contribution of each demographic rate to population growth rate (λ), may shift across a species range. We investigated these demographic effects by experimentally manipulating climate and measuring responses of λ in nine populations spanning the elevation range of an alpine plant (Ivesia lycopodioides). Populations exhibited stable growth rates (λ ~ 1) under naturally wet conditions and declining rates (λ < 1) under naturally dry conditions. However, opposing vital rate responses to experimental heating and watering lead to negligible or negative effects on population stability. These findings indicate that life stage-specific responses to changing climate can disrupt the current relationships between population stability and climate across species ranges.
A Clinical Experience for All Students: It's Not a Question of Cost

Although lawyers agree that law students need the training that comes from clinical courses, many legal educators and bar officials question the cost of ensuring that every student graduates with a clinical experience. But, the experiences of a growing number of law schools and ABA data demonstrate that clinical education can be provided to all J.D. students without additional costs to students.
Comparing the rate and extent of malignancy in surgically excised thyroid nodules across race and ethnicity.

BACKGROUND Few studies have compared the features of thyroid cancer among races and ethnicities. We hypothesized that race and ethnicity may influence the frequency and features of thyroid malignancy in thyroid nodules. METHOD This was a retrospective chart review of patients between 2013 and 2020 who underwent thyroidectomy. RESULTS In the analysis of 2737 patients, thyroid cancer was less prevalent among Blacks (24.0% vs Whites 52.1%, Hispanics 58.7%, Asians 71.7%, and Others 57.9%, p < 0.001). Thyroid cancer in Blacks was less likely to have extrathyroidal extension (9.7% vs Whites 18.6%, Hispanics 25.8%, Asians 18.2%, and Others 17.8%, p = 0.01), overall nodal involvement (12.4% vs Whites 31.1%, Hispanics 37.5%, Asians 36.3%, and Others 30.1%, p < 0.01), and lateral neck metastasis (4.4% vs Whites 10.8%, Hispanics 6.3%, Asians 13.2%, and Others 9.6%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Race and ethnicity may play important roles in the risk of malignancy as well as in the extent of thyroid cancer.
Self-Interpretable Model with TransformationEquivariant Interpretation

In this paper, we propose a self-interpretable model SITE with transformation-equivariant interpretations. We focus on the robustness and self-consistency of the interpretations of geometric transformations. Apart from the transformation equivariance, as a self-interpretable model, SITE has comparable expressive power as the benchmark black-box classifiers, while being able to present faithful and robust interpretations with high quality. It is worth noticing that although applied in most of the CNN visualization methods, the bilinear upsampling approximation is a rough approximation, which can only provide interpretations in the form of heatmaps (instead of pixel-wise). It remains an open question whether such interpretations can be direct to the input space (as shown in the MNIST experiments). Besides, we consider the translation and rotation transformations in our model. In future work, we will explore the robust interpretations under more complex transformations such as scaling and distortion. Moreover, we clarify that SITE is not limited to geometric transformation (that we used in the computer vision domain), and will explore SITEin other domains in future work.
Ecological Impacts of Water Projects in California

Water projects may have ecological impacts in great diversity—in the area of impoundment; downstream from there; in delta, bay, or ocean areas; and in distant areas of water use, either agricultural or urban. Examples of several kinds of impacts are presented, emphasizing those occurring in California. Recognition of the ecological impacts of water projects by individuals depends on where they live and how they are affected by the proposed project. Concerns with environmental impacts presently shown by many individuals and groups are expected to have lasting effects on water-project planning, construction, and operations. Developing water while protecting the environment will require greater objectivity by and cooperation between engineers, ecologists, sociologists, politicians, special-interest groups, and others, as well as greater willingness to deal with complexities.