cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin-II acts centrally to alter renal sympathetic nerve activity and the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system.

Study objective – The aim was to evaluate the influence that centrally administered angiotensin-II has on the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system and renal sympathetic nerve activity. Design – Renal responses to centrally administered angiotensin-II (10 μg) or saralasin (50 μg) were measured in anaesthetised rats. The right kidney was vascularly isolated (but neurally intact) and perfused with artificial plasma at either a constant pressure (13.3 kPa) or constant flow (600 μl·min−1) and renal vascular resistance was measured. Renal perfusate was collected at 10 min intervals after central administration of peptides and intrarenal concentrations of noradrenaline and renin were determined. Subjects – Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (200-225 g) were used. Rats were given thermal (or sham) lesions of the medial basal forebrain (MBF) 24 h prior to renal perfusion studies. Results – Sham lesioned animals: central administration of angiotensin-II caused an increase in renal vascular resistance and intrarenal noradrenaline concentration in both the constant pressure and constant flow renal perfusion models. Central administration of angiotensin-II increased intrarenal renin concentration in the constant pressure model, while it decreased intrarenal renin concentration in the constant flow model. These effects of in-tracerebroventricular angiotensin-II were blocked by the concomitant administration of saralasin. Saralasin had no agonist actions on the responses measured. Medial basal forebrain lesioned animals: baseline levels of intrarenal noradrenaline concentration in both the constant flow and constant pressure perfusion models were significantly reduced compared to sham lesioned rats. Baseline intrarenal renin concentration was increased relative to sham lesioned rats in the constant flow perfusion model, but decreased relative to sham lesioned rats in the constant pressure perfusion model. Lesions of the medial basal forebrain block responses to in-tracerebroventricular angiotensin-II in both models. Conclusions – Angiotensin-II appears to act on neurones within the medial basal forebrain to increase renal sympathetic nerve activity. Renal nerve activity interacts with the prevailing intrarenal pressure to modulate the release of renin.
John and Beatrice Whiting’s Contributions to the Cross-Cultural Study of Human Development: Their Values, Goals, Norms, and Practices

The Whiting vision of a holistic, interdisciplinary, cross-cultural understanding of human development continues today. The Whiting team approach had an ethos, core intellectual projects, and ways of working-their practices, norms, goals, and values. The Whitings believed that the cultural learning environment (CLE) is a powerful influence on development, but not the only one. The Whitings asked descriptive, process, causal, and functional questions and worked with international teams on holistic studies of local communities which then were used for comparative studies. They were open to a wide range of theories, used integrated, mixed methods, shared their data, and included local students and researchers as apprentices or colleagues. Their research ethos was egalitarian, pragmatic, and generative. The articles in this special section exemplify the continuing relevance of this model. There are new units of analysis for understanding CLEs in globalizing settings across space and time, new biological measu...
Fuzzy observer-based control of nonlinear systems

In this paper, some recent results on systematic design of model based fuzzy controllers for nonlinear systems with Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy models are discussed. These methods are based on finding a common Lyapunov matrix and state feedback gains for the closed loop T-S fuzzy model using linear matrix inequalities. However, all of these methods assume that the states are available for measurement, while in reality this is not the case. To solve this problem, the notion of fuzzy observer is introduced and a separation theorem for the observer/controller system is stated and proof sketch is presented.
The use of Amplatzer devices to occlude vascular fistulae.

The Amplatzer occluders are Nitinol-based devices that are preshaped for specific indications, primarily to close atrial septal defects, patent foramen ovale/fenestrations, or to occlude patent arterial ducts or one designed specifically for closure of ventricular septal defects. The flexible quality of the Nitinol together with the different designs of Amplatzer occluders make it possible for these plug devices to be used for conditions other than what they are designed for. This is particularly the case for fistulae where no specific devices are available and hence improvisation may be required. The established use of the Amplatzer occluder devices primarily for atrial septal defects and for patent arterial ducts provide the confidence to use them for alternative conditions where few or no alternatives are available or if surgery is the only option. This article describes the use of Amplatzer occluder devices for two unusual conditions, namely to occlude a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation and to close an aorto-left ventricular tunnel. (J Interven Cardiol 2001;14:45–48)
DR-bearing T lymphocytes in thoracic duct lymph☆

Abstract T cells having DR antigens were shown to be present in high numbers in the thoracic duct lymph of patients undergoing long-term drainage. As drainage progresses the proportion of T DR cells in the lymph increases to levels as high as 70% at 6 weeks. These cells were demonstrated by showing that T cells isolated by sheep red cell rosetting were killed by the action of rabbit anti-B-cell sera and of HLA-DR antisera. The HLA-DR specificities found on the T cells corresponded with those on the patients' B lymphocytes.
Elevated blood levels of inflammatory monocytes (CD14+CD16+) in patients with complex regional pain syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder. Although its pathophysiology is not completely understood, neurogenic inflammation is thought to play a significant role. Microglia and astrocytes are activated following tissue injury or inflammation and have been reported to be both necessary and sufficient for enhanced nociception. Blood-borne monocytes/macrophages can infiltrate the central nervous system (CNS) and differentiate into microglia resulting in hypersensitivity and chronic pain. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion of the proinflammatory CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes as well as plasma cytokine levels in blood from CRPS patients compared to age- and gender-matched healthy control individuals. Forty-six subjects (25 CRPS, 21 controls) were recruited for this study. The percentage of monocytes, T, B or natural killer (NK) cells did not differ between CRPS and controls. However, the percentage of the CD14(+) CD16(+) monocyte/macrophage subgroup was elevated significantly (P<0·01) in CRPS compared to controls. Individuals with high percentage of CD14(+) CD16(+) demonstrated significantly lower (P<0·05) plasma levels on the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10. Our data cannot determine whether CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes became elevated prior to or after developing CRPS. In either case, the elevation of blood proinflammatoty monocytes prior to the initiating event may predispose individuals for developing the syndrome whereas the elevation of blood proinflammatory monocytes following the development of CRPS may be relevant for its maintenance. Further evaluation of the role the immune system plays in the pathogenesis of CRPS may aid in elucidating disease mechanisms as well as the development of novel therapies for its treatment.
Differential binding of c-Myc and Max to nucleosomal DNA.

Abstract The ability of a transcription factor to function in vivo must be determined in part by its ability to bind to its recognition site in chromatin. We have used Max and derivatives of c-Myc to characterize the effect of changes of dimerization partner on binding to nucleosomal DNA templates. We find that homo- and heterodimeric complexes of these proteins bind to the CACGTG sequence in free DNA with similar affinities. Although Max homodimers bind to nucleosomes, truncated c-Myc homodimers do not. Surprisingly, modifying the c-Myc dimerization interface or changing its dimerization partner to Max enables nucleosomal DNA binding. Thus, changes in dimer structure or dimerization efficiency can have significant effects on nucleosome binding that are not predicted from their affinity for free DNA. We conclude that domains other than the basic region per se influence the ability of a transcription factor to bind to nucleosomal DNA and that changes of dimerization partner can directly affect the ability of a factor to occupy nucleosomal binding sites.
A prioritized measure for multi-criteria aggregation and its Shapley index

We focus on a particular type of multi-criteria aggregation imperative called prioritized aggregation. This imperative is characteristic of situations where lack of satisfaction for criteria denoted as higher priority cannot be compensated by increased satisfaction for those denoted as lower priority. We consider an approach to the formulation of this type of aggregation process based on an integral type aggregation using a special monotonic set measure to convey the prioritized imperative. In order to get a better understanding of this measure we look at its Shapley index.
P03.07. Thematic analysis of resident application essays for a nutrition education program

Purpose Obesity is on the rise in the United States and there has been a conscious effort on the part of the government and physicians to provide measures to counteract the epidemic. Diet is an important part of therapeutic lifestyle modification, but many physicians feel lacking in their ability to provide sound and adequate counseling. Our objective was to assess the main reasons why residents at Lenox Hill Hospital chose to enroll in a nutrition education program.
Emittance measurements of the high intensity polarized ion source at IUCF

The IUCF high intensity polarized ion source (HIPIOS) is now being routinely used to deliver beam to experiments. Recent efforts have been focussed on measuring beam properties in order to improve beam transmission through the cyclotrons and maximize P/sup 2/I, the product of the polarization and current delivered to the user. The results of measurements using a pepperpot beam emittance apparatus is presented relative to several source parameters.
Convection-Enhanced Delivery for the Treatment of Pediatric Neurologic Disorders:

Direct perfusion of specific regions of the central nervous system by convection-enhanced delivery is becoming more widely used for the delivery of compounds in the research and treatment of various neural disorders. In contrast to other currently available central nervous system delivery techniques, convection-enhanced delivery relies on bulk flow for distribution of solute. This allows for safe, targeted, reliable, and homogeneous delivery of small-molecular-weight and large-molecular-weight substances over clinically relevant volumes in a manner that bypasses the blood-central nervous system barrier. Recent studies have also shown that coinfused imaging surrogate tracers can be used to monitor and control the convective distribution of therapeutic agents in vivo. The unique features of convection-enhanced delivery, including the ability to monitor distribution in realtime, provide an opportunity to develop new research and treatment paradigms for pediatric patients with a variety of intrinsic central nervous system disorders.
Why Are (MgO)n Clusters and Crystalline MgO So Reactive

The electronic structures and chemical reactivities (toward H, Li, Li2, and H2) are examined for small (MgO)n clusters. It is postulated that decreases in the clusters' reactivity toward the above ...
Incorporating Support for Event Algebra in Relational Stream Systems

Data stream management systems make prominent use of a subset of relational algebra for describing continuous queries. The phenomenon has highlighted the wide spread use of declarative interface for stream data manipulation. As relational algebra is set oriented while the data streams are essentially sequences of data, there exist some cases where the use of relational algebra to describe processing in a data stream management system is counter productive. Supporting event algebraic operations on stream systems represents one such case. We have developed a combination of sequence algebra and relational algebra that is capable of supporting event algebra. Our alternative approach has been compared for performance and ease of specification. Unlike previous such attempts that exclusively focused on pattern detection in sequences of data, our work focuses on use of sequence operators to support a subset of event algebra. Additionally, Event-Condition-Action (ECA) paradigm is used to create a Turing complete subset of extended SQL that supports relational and event algebra for data stream systems.
Power, perceptions and the Cold War

Cold War Illusions: America, Europe and Soviet Power, 1969–1989 by Dana H. Allin. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1995. 267pp. $39.95. The Elusive Balance: Power and Perceptions During the Cold War by William Curti Wohlforth. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1993. 317pp. £35.00 hbk, £15.00 pbk.
The Pause in Global Warming: A Numerical Approach

A Monte Carlo simulation of monthly mean surface temperatures is used to construct a time series of 156 moving decadal temperature trends in a 165-year sample period from 1850 to 2014. We define the current pause in global warming as five consecutive moving decades without a statistically significant decadal temperature trend and find that although such pauses are prevalent in the dataset, the prevalence is mostly a feature of the non-warming first half of the period 1850-1932. The current pause of 2001-2014 is the sole such occurrence in the warming latter half of the sample period 1933-2014. We conclude that the 2001-2014 pause in warming is unlikely to be a manifestation of random natural variability in the context of an overall warming trend.
Tracking Solar Events through Iterative Refinement

Abstract In this paper, we combine two approaches to multiple-target tracking: the first is a hierarchical approach to iteratively growing track fragments across gaps in detections; the second is a network flow based optimization method for data association. The network flow based optimization method is utilized for data association in an iteratively growing manner. This process is applied to solar data, retrieved from the Heliophysics Event Knowledge base (HEK) and utilizes precomputed image parameter values. These precomputed image parameter values are used to compare visual similarity of detected events, to determine the best matching track fragment associations, which leads to a globally optimal track fragment association hypothesis.
Crossing the Red Line: An Examination of Inter-Temporal Shifts In Managers' Tendencies to Report Small Annual Profits*

Previous research suggest that managerial incentives to avoid annual losses have declined over time, as managers concentrate more on avoiding negative earnings surprises. However, since analysts' forecasts generally assume positive earnings, it is unclear whether managers face conflicts between these two earnings objectives. Furthermore, Jiang (2008) suggests that reporting profits is more important than reporting positive earnings surprises or earnings increases to maintain firms' debt costs of capital. We re-examine whether earnings management to avoid small annual losses has declined over time. To overcome limitations of the previous methodologies that infer earnings management using either the ex-post shape of the earnings distribution or structural models for estimating discretionary accruals, we adapt the Kerstein and Rai (2007) approach. We find little evidence to suggest that the tendency to avoid annual losses has declined. In fact, we find no evidence of a decline, even after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Our findings are robust to using either earnings scaled by beginning market value or EPS.
Lateral tip control effects in critical dimension atomic force microscope metrology: the large tip limit

Sidewall sensing in critical dimension atomic force microscopes (CD-AFMs) usually involves continuous lateral dithering of the tip or the use of a control algorithm and fast response piezoactuator to position the tip in a manner that resembles touch-triggering of coordinate measuring machine probes. All methods of tip position control, however, induce an effective tip width that may deviate from the actual geometrical tip width. Understanding the influence and dependence of the effective tip width on the dither settings and lateral stiffness of the tip can improve the measurement accuracy and uncertainty estimation for CD-AFM measurements. Since CD-AFM typically uses tips that range from 15 to 850 nm in geometrical width, the behavior of effective tip width throughout this range should be understood. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been investigating the dependence of effective tip width on the dither settings and lateral stiffness of the tip, as well as the possibility of material effects due to sample composition. For tip widths of 130 nm and lower, which also have lower lateral stiffness, the response of the effective tip width to lateral dither is greater than for larger tips. However, we have concluded that these effects will not generally result in a residual bias, provided that the tip calibration and sample measurement are performed under the same conditions. To confirm that our prior conclusions about the dependence of effective tip width on lateral stiffness are valid for large CD tips, we recently performed experiments using a very large non-CD tip with an etched plateau of ∼2-μm width. The effective lateral stiffness of these tips is at least 20 times greater than typical CD-AFM tips, and these results supported our prior conclusions about the expected behavior for larger tips. The bottom-line importance of these latest observations is that we can now reasonably conclude that a dither slope of 3 nm/V is the baseline response due to the induced motion of the cantilever base.
A Note on Sizing the Sales Force

This note describes several approaches one could employ to size a sales force. It addresses the advantages of each approach as well as the weaknesses. The case entitled "Z Associates: Sizing the Sales Force" (UVA-M-0745) provides a real-world example of one company's attempt to select the correct approach, and includes a supplemental Excel file for students.
Reduction of false cardiac arrhythmia alarms through the use of machine learning techniques

Due to the so-called “crying wolf” effect, frequent false cardiac arrhythmia alarms have been shown to diminish staff attentiveness and thus reduce the quality of care patients receive in the ICU.
Flood risk forecast for China’s Poyang Lake region

Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China. An extensive levee system at the lake margins and along its major tributaries protects 10 million people from floods during the summer monsoon. ...
Studies on the mechanism of chloramphenicol impairment of human leukocyte function.

SummaryChloramphenicol modification of the phagocytosis-induced respiratory burst of human PMN leukocytes may be directly correlated to impairment of hexose monophosphate shunt activity. Evidence is presented that impairment of HMP shunt activity may be due to lack of activation of the shunt through partial inhibition of NADH oxidase.
Etiologies for Non-Correlating Cervical Cytologies and Biopsies

To investigate the etiologies for discrepancies between cervicovaginal smear and corresponding cervical biopsy results, 615 patients with cytologic diagnoses of dysplasia or malignancy during 1 year were reviewed. Sixty-nine patients (11%) were identified in which the cytologic and histologic diagnoses differed. Utilizing an algorithm developed for the study, these cases were assigned an etiologic category for discrepancy: colposcopic biopsy or cytologic sampling, cytologic screening, histotechnical processing, histologic or cytologic interpretation. The most common cause for a discrepancy was colposcopic biopsy sampling (36 cases, 51%). There were nine errors (13%) in biopsy interpretation, with seven underdiagnoses and two overdiagnoses. Eight errors (11%) in cytologic interpretation occurred with half of these representing underdiagnoses. The other causes for discrepancy were less common--cytologic sampling (6 cases), histotechnical processing (3 cases), cytologic screening (2 cases), and a combination of factors (5 cases). Use of this algorithm allows laboratories to identify problem areas and design specific corrective protocols to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
Incidental Large Left Masticator Space Mass.

Aman in his 50s presentedwith a 5-year history of a left jawmass discovered incidentally on a computed tomographic (CT) image. Fine-needle aspiration was interpreted as a “well-differentiated squamous cyst.” Routine laboratory test results and hematologic markers were normal. Examination revealed a 5-cm, minimally tender mass deep to the left parotid gland. Cranial nerve examination findings were normal, and no overlying skin or mucosal changes were noted. CT imaging (Figure, A and B) revealed a well-defined hypodense mass within the left masticator space measuring 5.0 × 3.5 cm, resulting in smooth remodeling of the left mandibular ramus. The second left mandibular molar appeared to bemissing. Onmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the lesion was T2 hyperintense, mildly T1 hyperintense, without enhancement, with remodeling of left mandibular alveolar ridge. No definite site of mandibular or maxillary attachment was noted (Figure, C and D). He underwent resection via a combined transoral and transantral (Caldwell-Luc) approach. The mass was noted to be associated with an empty socket of the secondmandibular molar, was not well circumscribed, and was notably adherent to some surrounding tissues, requiring meticulous dissection from the inferior alveolar nerve, temporomandibular joint capsule, and skull base. Pathologic assessment demonstrated a squamous lined cyst with parakeratosis. Axial view A With contrast, coronal view B
Beyond medical pluralism: characterising health-care delivery of biomedicine and traditional medicine in rural Guatemala

Although approximately one half of Guatemalans are indigenous, the Guatemalan Maya account for 72% of the extremely poor within the country. While some biomedical services are available in these communities, many Maya utilise traditional medicine as a significant, if not primary, source of health care. While existing medical anthropological research characterises these modes of medicine as medically dichotomous or pluralistic, our research in a Maya community of the Western Highlands, Concepcion Huista, builds on previous studies and finds instead a syncretistic, imbricated local health system. We find significant overlap and interpenetration of the biomedical and traditional medical models that are described best as a framework where practitioners in both settings employ elements of the other in order to best meet community needs. By focusing on the practitioner's perspective, we demonstrate that in addition to patients' willingness to seek care across health systems, practitioners converse across seemingly distinct systems via incorporation of certain elements of the 'other'. Interventions to date have not accounted for this imbrication. Guatemalan governmental policies to support local healers have led to little practical change in the health-care landscape of the country. Therefore, understanding this complex imbrication is crucial for interventions and policy changes.
Mobility of Western Flower Thrips in Tomato

To explore the role of western flower thrips (WFT) movement in the spread of the tomato spotted wilt of tomatoes (TSWV), we measured changes in the spatial gradients of thrips densities over time, in a greenhouse, using mark-recapture techniques. Recapture distributions of marked thrips were analyzed using a passive diffusion model. Dispersal rates and coefficients of diffusion of WFT decreased with time and distance, and dispersal rates were density dependent. Since movement is the mechanism by which thrips respond to environmental heterogeneity, rates and patterns of thrips movement determine their ability to concentrate on the best food plants. Our methodology is crucial to initiate ecological studies on the influence of WFT movement on the spread of TSWV. When combined with a population dynamics submodel, predictions can be made on the spread of thrips, the resulting economic consequences of thrips invasion, and transmission of TSWV. The final model can be used to determine optimal strategies for control of WFT and TSWV in tomato fields.
Modelling Exposure Heterogeneities

Most scientists would agree if we describe models, by paraphrasing Picasso’s words, as “lies that help us to see the truth”. Models are incomplete representations of reality, but they help to reveal important features of natural and biological phenomena and, in certain cases, they lead to useful predictions. Successful models are based on physically meaningful concepts and adequate mathematical formulations. Reliable prediction requires accurate estimation of model parameters from the available information. The S/TRF model provides a flexible representation of environmental health processes that incorporates the natural and biological variabilities of such processes with mathematical power.
A pilot daylighting field study: Testing the usefulness of laboratory-derived luminance-based metrics for building design and control

Abstract This paper documents a field study that collected visual comfort feedback and High Dynamic Range (HDR) luminance maps to test the validity of laboratory-derived metrics in field settings. This study included 13 subjects for 149 daylighting evaluations. Similar to previous laboratory-based research, simple luminance-based metrics outperformed complex glare indicators in their predictive ability in this pilot field study. Also similar to lab studies, metrics derived using luminance data within the horizontal 40° band of human vision and a mask of just the window represented the majority of the top 20 squared correlation coefficients, considering all questionnaire items. While standard deviation of window luminance, a highly predictive metric derived in a laboratory setting, did not maintain similar predictive ability in these field studies, the field study supported previous laboratory findings that this metric may be useful in discerning visual discomfort in spaces that are very dim. Two new metrics, the ratio of the 98th percentile to mean window luminance and the coefficient of variation (COV) of luminance in the horizontal 40° band, yielded the strongest squared coefficients in field studies ( adj r 2 = 0.35 and adj r 2 = 0.32 respectively). The COV 40° band was more stable across multiple positions within a scene than other luminance-based methods. These findings suggest that some metrics are better suited for use within a single room over time (for purposes of dynamic daylighting scene control), whereas other metrics are better suited for evaluation between spaces and from alternate positions within a room (for purposes of design guidance).
Pressure induced change in the electronic state of Ta4Pd3Te16

We present measurements of superconducting transition temperature, resistivity, magnetoresistivity, and temperature dependence of the upper critical field of ${\mathrm{Ta}}_{4}{\mathrm{Pd}}_{3}{\mathrm{Te}}_{16}$ under pressures up to 16.4 kbar. All measured properties have an anomaly at $\ensuremath{\sim}2--4$ kbar pressure range; in particular there is a maximum in ${T}_{c}$ and upper critical field, ${H}_{c2}(0)$, and minimum in low temperature, normal state resistivity. Qualitatively, the data can be explained considering the density of state at the Fermi level as a dominant parameter.
Limited Experimental Displacement Data used for obtaining Full-Field Dynamic Stress Strain Information

Full field displacement and full-field dynamic stress-strain information has been shown to be estimated accurately from limited sets of data using an expansion algorithm through analytical simulations. Experimental data is collected and used for the dynamic expansion process to predict dynamic stress-strain for a candidate structure. Experimental measurements are obtained in a controlled study using an impact excitation technique. Displacement data at limited locations is collected using dynamic photogrammetry and digital image correlation techniques. The full-field expanded displacement data is compared and validated with a reference solution. This full-field displacement data is then used to identify the dynamic stress-strain to show the usefulness of the technique.
Adaptive Control for a Class of Nonlinear Systems: Stabilization and Regulation

Abstract The adaptive control problem for a class of nonlinear systems not transformable to strict-feedback canonical form is discussed in this paper. A design procedure based on the back-stepping technique is presented. Stability and exact regulation of the resulting closed loop adaptive nonlinear control systems are established without using high-gain feedback.
Attitudes and practices of students towards password security

Passwords are the core authentication method behind most computer security systems. This paper presents a summary of the responses of students to a survey on password practices and attitudes. The paper also presents the results of an experiment to determine the effect of a brief presentation of password security best practices on students.
The Triage Process for Behavioral Emergencies

This review describes methods used by Emergency Departments (EDs) to identify patients with mental health problems. It additionally reviews their ease of use, statistical validity and the effects of their use on the attitudes of patients and ED personnel. Multiple interventions including additional screening tools, consultation-liaison support, and increased education for triage nurses have been studied. The majority of studies evaluated scales for general mental health concerns, as well as those specifically targeted for suicide, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. All the available interventions contributed to improve patient and staff satisfaction. Implementation of universal screening potentially over-identifies risk as many of the screening tools studied show excellent sensitivity, but lower specificity. Anticipating the expansion of hospital- and community-based resources can ease this expansion and might even be facilitated by automatic processes built into electronic screening systems.
Hardware Trojans in Analog, Mixed-Signal, and RF ICs

In this chapter we summarize and present the existing, albeit limited work on known vulnerabilities and proposed remedies for AMS/RF ICs, emphasizing on hardware Trojans.
A Preterm Newborn with Abnormal Development of the Lower Abdomen and Genitalia

A preterm newborn is noted after delivery to have abnormal development of the lower abdomen and genitalia. ### Prenatal and Birth Histories ### Presentation (Newborn Day) Immediately after birth, the neonatology team that was present at delivery examined the infant and noted a lower abdominal mass and ambiguous genitalia (Fig 1). The infant was transferred to the NICU for further evaluation. On admission, the newborn was noted to have central cyanosis and given nasal prong continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Figure 1. Exstrophy and epispadiasis. ### Vital Signs ### Physical Examination
Distributed Vision-Based Target Tracking Control Using Multiple Mobile Robots

In this paper, a distributed vision-based control system is designed for mobile robots to address the target tracking problem while maintaining the specified formation among robots. The system mainly consists of two modules. One is for target identification and the other is for target tracking control. In the target identification module, the robot is controlled to pivot around its center and perform a survey of the environment using its on-board vision sensor. In the target tracking control module, a leader-follower control strategy is adopted to solve the target tracking and formation control problem of multiple robots. The proposed distributed vision-based control is experimentally tested using three QBot2s from Quanser, Inc. Results validated the proposed design.
CS-34 Increased prevalence of nocturnal hypertension and attenuated blood pressure dipping in pediatric SLE

Background The optimal goals for blood pressure management in SLE are unknown. Uncontrolled blood pressure is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The increased cardiovascular risks associated with SLE are not fully explained by traditional risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, at least when based on definitions established for individuals without SLE. One possibility is that the patterns of blood pressure dysregulation in SLE may differ from those in otherwise healthy individuals or patients with obesity/metabolic syndrome. Methods The BPpSLE study is a cross-sectional multicenter analysis of blood pressure patterns in children with SLE. Inclusion criteria:≥4 ACR classification criteria for SLE and age 25%. Enrollment in the BPpSLE study is open to all interested CARRA investigators. Results The cohort is 79% female, 29% Hispanic and 27% black. Median age was 16.3 years (IQR 13–17) at time of testing. Median SLEDAI was 4 (IQR 2–11), renal SLEDAI was 0 (IQR 0–4), and median glomerular filtration rate was 104 mL/1.73 m2/min (IQR 91–114). Nocturnal hypertension was seen in 47% and attenuated dipping was seen in 71% of children with SLE, compared to 39% and 26% of historical controls. Loads were 14% and 13% while sleeping verses 5% systolic and 6% diastolic while awake. This corresponded with median nocturnal dipping of 6% in systolic and 13% in diastolic blood pressures (normal >10%). Conclusions There is a high prevalence of both nocturnal hypertension and attenuated nocturnal blood pressure dipping in out SLE cohort, compared to an age-matched adolescent population with borderline high blood pressure. These patterns are not due to renal failure or active nephritis. Although most SLE patients in the cohort do not meet criteria for diagnosis of hypertension, the degree of dysregulation could potentially contribute to the cardiovascular risk noted in SLE. Acknowledgements This abstract is being presented on behalf of the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium (MWPNC).
The Role of Desegregation and Teachers of Color in Discipline Disproportionality

Scholars note the multitude of ways that the continual shifts in the racial composition of schools affect students, but fewer studies consider the implications of such shifts for teachers. This study uses 3 years of data from an original survey of the 1800 largest school districts to examine the effect of segregation on teachers and their implementation of discipline policies. Specifically, it asks “do teachers in desegregated districts implement policies differently from their colleagues in segregated school districts?” The findings reveal that Black and Latino teachers in segregated school districts implement discipline policies more equitably than teachers in desegregated school districts. However, White teachers in segregated and desegregated school districts do not differ substantively in their implementation of discipline policies. The research holds implications for understanding the salience of school desegregation in shaping teachers’ decisions and its role in contemporary discipline disproportionality.
Expansile Superabsorbent Polymer Ball Foreign Body in the Ear.

Abstract Background Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are materials that can absorb large quantities of water. Small spherical SAPs are commonly marketed as toys for children. Case Report We report the case of a 4-year-old female who presented to a pediatric emergency department with a small, marble-sized SAP that was placed in her ear by herself during the course of play at daycare. On examination, the object was translucent and difficult to visualize. After multiple attempts at removal, the object was partially removed using an ear curette. The patient sustained a small tympanic membrane perforation. During a follow-up operative intervention by otorhinolaryngology, the remainder of the object was removed using a suction device and the tympanic membrane was repaired. Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This? While large SAPs associated with intestinal obstruction have been removed from the market, smaller SAPs can present a health risk when placed in orifices such as the ear or nose. Cases of foreign body SAPs have been misdiagnosed as ear infections and treated with topical antibiotics, which can lead to enlargement of the foreign body. Irrigation techniques and topical medications should not be used. SAPs are friable and can break into multiple pieces during removal attempts. Blunt tools, such as ear curettes, may be best suited for their removal. If the item breaks up during removal or if removal fails, urgent consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist is recommended.
Black and Minority Health 2019: More Progress Is Needed

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable.—Dr. Martin Luther King [(1)][1]In 1986, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Black and Minority Health [(2)][2]. Commonly known as the Heckler Report , this landmark document
EVENT FREE SURVIVAL FOLLOWING ANGIOGRAPHICALLY SUCCESSFUL (TIMI 3 FLOW) PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION IN ST SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IS DEPENDANT ON MICROVASCULAR PERFUSION

Although small trials have detected microvascular obstruction (MVO) with variable frequency following restoration of epicardial blood flow, the independent impact of abnormal microvascular perfusion (MVP) in predicting patient outcome following emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in
Isochoric conditions enhance stability of metastable supercooled water

Supercooling has recently emerged as a highly promising, multi-scale technique for low-temperature preservation of organs and tissues, preventing damaging ice formation while requiring relatively low doses of added cryoprotectants. However, current supercooling techniques are not thermodynamically stable; mild agitations can cause rapid and destructive ice formation throughout the system, rendering them unsuitable for transportation and sharply limiting applicability outside the controlled laboratory environment. In this experimental study, we report a simple thermodynamic alteration to standard supercooling protocols, the use of constant-volume (isochoric) conditions, which substantially increases the stability of the system in the face of various macroscopic perturbations, including drop-impact, vibration, ultrasonication, and thermal fluctuation. We identify this effect as driven by a possible combination of thermodynamic and kinetic factors, including reduction of microscopic density fluctuations, elimination of the air–water interface, and significant resistance to cavitation.
Uniting the Field: Using the ACRL Visual Literacy Competency Standards to Move beyond the Definition Problem of Visual Literacy.

Visual literacy has evolved alongside information literacy and media literacy, reflecting social, technological, and cultural changes. Rapidly advancing technology, multimodal access to information...
Stochastic inversion method of time-lapse controlled source electromagnetic data for CO2 plume monitoring

Abstract Carbon dioxide storage in deep saline aquifers can potentially reduce the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere due to anthropogenic activities with limited environmental impact. To minimize the risks of leakage, it is necessary to monitor the CO2 distribution in the reservoir. Here, we present a stochastic optimization method namely the Ensemble Smoother, to invert time-lapse marine controlled source electromagnetic data for predicting the CO2 plume location. Electromagnetic surveys have been successfully used in subsurface monitoring studies in different geosciences applications due to their sensitivity to the changes in the fluid in porous rocks. The inverse method is based on a Bayesian approach, in which an ensemble of stochastically generated prior models representing the spatial distribution of CO2 saturation is updated according to the mismatch between the measured data and the predicted electromagnetic response of the prior models. The proposed method generates an ensemble of updated realizations, the posterior models of the spatial distribution of CO2 saturation, that match the observations. The variance of the posterior models represents the uncertainty of the CO2 distribution. Compared to deterministic inversion methods, our proposed method is better suited to solve non-linear inverse problems with the added benefit of uncertainty quantification. The method is tested and validated on a real dataset, the Johansen formation, offshore Norway, for which we created synthetic time-lapse electromagnetic data for the entire injection period. The inversion of electromagnetic data shows that the proposed method can accurately predict the prediction of the CO2 plume location and quantify the associated uncertainty.
Activity throughout the lichen phylogeny indicates a focus on regulation of specialized metabolites

Lichens are complex multi-microorganismal communities that have evolved the ability to share their thalli with a variety of microorganisms. As such, the lichenized fungus becomes a scaffold for a variety of microbes and occasionally insects. Lichens are known to produce a plethora of unique specialized (secondary) compounds that demonstrate biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant, that may provide protection from harmful microbes. The longevity of lichens and their robustness, despite a close association with diverse microbes, provides an interesting study system to view the role of specialized metabolites in managing a microbial community. The objective of this study was to identify the effects lichens may have on basic functions of fungi in and on the lichens. We tested chemical extracts from lichen species across the phylogenetic tree for their effects on sporulation, hyphal growth and specialized metabolite production, using two well-studied mycotoxigenic fungi (Aspergillus parasiticus (aflatoxin) and Fusarium graminearum (trichothecenes) whose functions are easily observed in culture. By far the most prevalent activity among the 67 lichens we tested were effects on accumulation of fungal specialized metabolites, which appeared in 92% of the lichen species analyzed across the phylogeny, although the lichen extracts were also active against fungal sporulation (31%) and growth (12%). The consistent presence of this regulatory activity for specialized metabolism indicates this is an important aspect of lichen integrity. Interestingly, inhibition of accumulation of products of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway was the predominant activity, whereas increased accumulation versus decreased accumulation of the production of trichothecenes were about equal. This suggests multiple mechanisms for addressing fungal processes. We performed microbiome analysis of four lichen species and identified oomycetes as members of the microbiomes. Although a small sample size was used for comparing microbiomes, the lichen species exhibiting lower effects on the test fungi had a higher number of OTUs. Members of the lichen community may manipulate specialized metabolism of the essential and transient fungal members and thus attenuate negative interactions with the incumbent fungi or, alternatively, may support the production of compounds by beneficial fungal partners. The ability to control the microbiome by specialized metabolites as opposed to controlling by reducing sporulation of growth, can be effective, discerning, and energetically thrifty, allowing the microbiome members to be controlled without being invasive. Elucidating the role of specialized metabolites in the mechanisms underlying lichen assembly and function has important implications for understanding not only lichen community assembly but for revealing the fundamental processes in microbiota in general.
When Public and Business Interests Collide: An Integrated Approach to the Altruism-Instrumentalism Tension and Corporate Social Responsibility Theory

This article attends to the debate of what motivations – instrumental or altruistic – should drive corporate social responsibility (CSR) decisions and practice; I offer an integrated instrumental a...
A Note on the High–quality Advantage in Vertical Differentiation Models

It is well established in vertical product differentiation models that the high–quality firm reaps a larger profit in a two–stage quality–price game as long as the cost of quality improvement is zero or is borne as fixed cost in the first stage quality choice. This note shows that the high–quality advantage may fail to hold if there is variable cost of production that is dependent on quality.
Delayed anticoagulation in venous thromboembolism: Reasons and associated outcomes.

Objective We assessed the number of cases with delayed anticoagulation initiation, explored the reasons for the delay, and its impact on outcome in patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) treated in an organized setting of treatment initiation and continuous, prospective follow-up. Methods Patients with anticoagulation initiation delay >24 hours were identified within the cohort of patients with acute VTE enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Venous Thromboembolism Registry between 2013 and 2020. The reasons for treatment delay were explored by reviewing the electronic database. VTE recurrence, all-cause mortality, major bleeding, and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB) were compared to those with no anticoagulation delay. Results Of 2378 patients with acute VTE, 100 (4.2%) experienced an anticoagulation delay. We identified seven reasons for treatment delays: deferring anticoagulation initiation to specialists (n = 38), thrombocytopenia (n = 10), planned or recent procedure (n = 16), active or recent bleeding (n = 12), missed diagnosis (n = 7), logistics (n = 6), and patient decision (n = 4). In seven cases, no reason was identified. We identified modifiable reasons for anticoagulation delay in 55%. At 90-day follow-up, patients with anticoagulation delay had a higher rate of mortality and major bleeding. VTE recurrence and CRNMB were not statistically different compared to those without anticoagulation delay. After adjustment for age, weight, and cancer, hazard ratios (HRs) for VTE recurrence and major bleeding remained elevated but not to a statistically significant level. Conclusion In the setting of a highly organized system of anticoagulation initiation, the incidence of treatment delay is low. Yet most delays could be avoided. A low number of cases provide insufficient power to evaluate the clinical consequences of anticoagulation initiation delay; however, elevated HR for VTE recurrence and major bleeding suggest association and need for further investigation.