cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dual-frequency transducer with a wideband PVDF receiver for contrast-enhanced, adjustable harmonic imaging

Acoustic angiography is a contrast-enhanced, superharmonic microvascular imaging method. It has shown the capability of high-resolution and high-contrast-to-tissue-ratio (CTR) imaging for vascular structure near tumor. Dual-frequency ultrasound transducers and arrays are usually used for this new imaging technique. Stacked-type dual-frequency transducers have been developed for this vascular imaging method by exciting injected microbubble contrast agent (MCA) in the vessels with low-frequency (1-5 MHz), moderate power ultrasound burst waves and receiving the superharmonic responses from MCA by a high-frequency receiver (>10 MHz). The main challenge of the conventional dual-frequency transducers is a limited penetration depth (<25 mm) due to the insufficient receiving sensitivity for highfrequency harmonic signal detection. A receiver with a high receiving sensitivity spanning a wide superharmonic frequency range (3rd to 6th) enables selectable bubble harmonic detection considering the required penetration depth. Here, we develop a new dual-frequency transducer composed of a 2 MHz 1-3 composite transmitter and a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) receiver with a receiving frequency range of 4-12 MHz for adjustable harmonic imaging. The developed transducer was tested for harmonic responses from a microbubble-injected vessel-mimicking tube positioned 45 mm away. Despite the long imaging distance (45 mm), the prototype transducer detected clear harmonic response with the contrast-to-noise ratio of 6-20 dB and the -6 dB axial resolution of 200-350 μm for imaging a 200 um-diameter cellulose tube filled with microbubbles.
Effects of Dietary Flavonoids on Reverse Cholesterol Transport, HDL Metabolism, and HDL Function

Strong experimental evidence confirms that HDL directly alleviates atherosclerosis. HDL particles display diverse atheroprotective functions in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic processes. In certain inflammatory disease states, however, HDL particles may become dysfunctional and proatherogenic. Flavonoids show the potential to improve HDL function through their well-documented effects on cellular antioxidant status and inflammation. The aim of this review is to summarize the basic science and clinical research examining the effects of dietary flavonoids on RCT and HDL function. Based on preclinical studies that used cell culture and rodent models, it appears that many flavonoids (e.g., anthocyanidins, flavonols, and flavone subclasses) influence RCT and HDL function beyond simple HDL cholesterol concentration by regulating cellular cholesterol efflux from macrophages and hepatic paraoxonase 1 expression and activity. In clinical studies, dietary anthocyanin intake is associated with beneficial changes in serum biomarkers related to HDL function in a variety of human populations (e.g., in those who are hyperlipidemic, hypertensive, or diabetic), including increased HDL cholesterol concentration, as well as HDL antioxidant and cholesterol efflux capacities. However, clinical research on HDL functionality is lacking for some flavonoid subclasses (e.g., flavanols, flavones, flavanones, and isoflavones). Although there has been a tremendous effort to develop HDL-targeted drug therapies, more research is warranted on how the intake of foods or specific nutrients affects HDL function.
Micro-scale displacement of NAPL by surfactant and microemulsion in heterogeneous porous media

Abstract Industrial processes such as remediation of oil-contaminated aquifers and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) often utilize chemical additives to increase the removal of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) from subsurface formations. Although the majority of crude oils are classified as LNAPLs, they often contain heavy molecules (DNAPLs) such as asphaltenes that tend to adsorb on minerals and alter their wettability. Effective additives are therefore those that can reduce the threshold capillary pressure, thus mobilizing LNAPL inside pore spaces and solubilizing DNAPL from rock surfaces. Nonionic surfactants in brine have often been injected to oil or contaminated aquifer formations in order to enhance NAPL displacement through IFT reduction. Recent studies revealed that surfactant-based microemulsions have a higher tendency to alter the wettability of surfaces, compared to surfactants alone, leading to more effective NAPL removal. However, the impact of these additives on pore-scale displacement mechanisms and multi-phase fluid occupancy in porous media is, to date, still unclear. In this study, x-ray microtomography experiments were performed to investigate the impact of surfactants and microemulsions on the mobilization and solubilization of NAPL in heterogeneous rocks. Saturation profiles indicated that an incremental NAPL removal was attained by addition of microemulsion to brine, compared with surfactant. Residual cluster size distributions revealed that microemulsions could break up large clusters into smaller disconnected ones, improving their mobilization in the rock. In-situ contact angle measurements showed that microemulsions could reverse the wettability of rough contaminated surfaces to a higher extent than surfactants. Unlike surfactant alone, the surfactant-solvent blend in the carrier fluid of microemulsions was able to penetrate rough grain surfaces, particularly those of dolomite cement, and desorb asphaltenes in the form of small-emulsified NAPL droplets, which were eventually washed away by the continuous flow process. The greater wettability alteration caused by microemulsions resulted in a lower threshold capillary pressure, which in turn promoted the mobilization of NAPL ganglia more than surfactant alone.
Shape memory alloy sensory particles for damage detection: Experiments, analysis, and design studies:

Developing novel techniques for monitoring structural integrity has become an important area of research in the aerospace community. One new technique exploits the stress-induced phase transformati...
The perceived success of ERP systems for decision support

The management and implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems has tended to concentrate on their transactional and record-keeping aspects, rather than on their decision-support capabilities. As ERP systems have evolved, they have become increasingly important as a way of leveraging transaction data for building decision support and analytics applications. This paper explores connections between ERP systems and decision support based on the perceptions of 53 ERP system adopters. The notion of the "perceived success" of enterprise systems for the decision support function is broken down further into four dimensions: decision support for individuals, for decision participants working jointly, for inter-related decisions, and for decisions involving multiple organizations. This study offers new insights into the important relationship between the perceived success of the ERP system and its role as a foundation for more advanced decision support applications.
Methods for point defect reduction in AlGaN (Conference Presentation)

Defect incorporation in AlGaN is dependent on the defect formation energy and hence on associated chemical potentials and the Fermi level. For example, the formation energy of CN in Al/GaN varies as chemical potential difference (µN- µC) and -EF (Fermi level). Here, we demonstrate a systematic point defect control by employing the defect formation energy as tool by (a) chemical potential control and (b) Fermi level control. Chemical potential control (µN and µC) with a case study of C in MOCVD GaN is reported. We derive a relationship between growth parameters, metal supersaturation (i.e. input and equilibrium partial pressures) and chemical potentials of III/N and impurity atoms demonstrating successful quantitative predictions of C incorporation as a function of growth conditions in GaN. Hence growth environment necessary for minimal C incorporation within any specified constraints may be determined and C is shown to be controlled from >1E19cm-3 to ~1E15 cm-3. Fermi level control based point defect reduction is demonstrated by modifying the Fermi level describing the probability of the defect level being occupied/unoccupied i.e. defect quasi Fermi level (DQFL). The DQFL is modified by introducing excess minority carriers (by above bandgap illumination). A predictable (and significant) reduction in compensating point defects (CN, H, VN) in (Si, Mg) doped AlGaN measured by electrical measurements, photoluminescence and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) provides experimental corroboration. Further, experiments with varying steady state minority carrier densities at constant illumination prove the role of minority carriers and DQFL in defect reduction over other influences of illumination that are kept constant.
Polyvictimization in childhood and its adverse impacts across the lifespan: Introduction to the special issue

Although much empirical work has focused on the adverse impact of specific types of childhood victimization (e.g., sexual, physical, or emotional abuse), researchers and clinicians increasingly are recognizing the prevalence of polyvictimization, or exposure to multiple types of victimization. Polyvictimization during formative developmental periods may have detrimental and potentially lifelong biopsychosocial impacts over and above the effects of exposure to specific types of adversity. In this guest editorial, we summarize the key questions and findings for six empirical studies on polyvictimization included in this Special Issue of the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation. These empirical studies further our understanding of the nature, consequences, and assessment of polyvictimization. We conclude with recommendations for continued scientific research and clinical inquiry on polyvictimization.
Functional circuit architecture underlying parental behaviour.

Parenting is essential for the survival and wellbeing of mammalian offspring. However, we lack a circuit-level understanding of how distinct components of this behaviour are coordinated. Here we investigate how galanin-expressing neurons in the medial preoptic area (MPOAGal) of the hypothalamus coordinate motor, motivational, hormonal and social aspects of parenting in mice. These neurons integrate inputs from a large number of brain areas and the activation of these inputs depends on the animal’s sex and reproductive state. Subsets of MPOAGal neurons form discrete pools that are defined by their projection sites. While the MPOAGal population is active during all episodes of parental behaviour, individual pools are tuned to characteristic aspects of parenting. Optogenetic manipulation of MPOAGal projections mirrors this specificity, affecting discrete parenting components. This functional organization, reminiscent of the control of motor sequences by pools of spinal cord neurons, provides a new model for how discrete elements of a social behaviour are generated at the circuit level.
Assessing the effectiveness of New York's 911 Good Samaritan Law-Evidence from a natural experiment.

Abstract Background Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Nationally, opioids are the primary drugs associated with accidental overdoses. In response to increasing overdose deaths, 40 states and the District of Columbia have enacted Good Samaritan Laws (GSLs). Generally, these policies attempt to encourage witnesses or those experiencing an overdose to call 911 by providing limited immunity from arrest, charge and/or prosecution of possession of narcotics. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effectiveness of New York State’s 911 GSL. Methods We exploit a difference in state law between New York State, where the policy was adopted in 2011, and New Jersey, where the policy was not adopted until 2013, to provide a reasonable comparison condition. We examine variation in accidental opioid overdose emergency department visits and inpatient admissions from 2010 to 2012 across 270 hospitals in New York and New Jersey at the quarterly level controlling for hospital fixed effects and time trends using State Emergency Department Databases (SEDD) and State Inpatient Databases (SID). Results Accidental opioid overdose emergency department visits and inpatient hospital admissions were increasing in both New York and New Jersey. After the enactment of New York’s 911 GSL, emergency department visits and inpatient hospital admissions for accidental heroin overdoses increased differently in New York and New Jersey, with an incident rate ratio (IRR) of 1.34 (95% CI = 1.00, 1.86). The results were inconclusive for accidental non-heroin opioid overdoses (IRR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.86, 1.13). Conclusions Accidental heroin overdose emergency department visits and inpatient hospital admissions increased in New York State after the enactment of the 911 GSL, consistent with the intended effect of the GSL. Preliminary evidence suggests that either persons who use heroin and/or those around them were impacted by the policy change.
Assortment and Cultural Transmission

At the First International Course on Twin Methodology, it was recognized that the analysis of twin data alone has its limitations: Although the main emphasis of this workshop is on the analysis of twin data alone, it is important to recognize that the analysis of genetic and environmental effects cannot end with twins. There are effects that cannot be resolved with data on twins by themselves including the effects of assortment and the shared environment. Furthermore, any model that we start to build with twin data has to predict the results for other kinship data or it is of very restricted value. (Eaves et al., 1989b) During the course these authors developed a model for analysis of data from twins and their parents that could be easily accommodated in the existing LISREL program (LISREL VI; Joreskog and Sorbom, 1986). The model was restricted to a special case of both assortative mating and cultural inheritance in which only shared or common environment, what we have called C in this text, were involved. Because the process of assortative mating — „like marrying like“ — was assumed to involve only C, the model was essentially one of social homogamy. In some situations this may well be a plausible model to adopt (Rao et al., 1974; Morton, 1982) and it is the first model we describe in this chapter.
Peritoneal extravasation during percutaneous lithotripsy.

AbstractExtravasation of irrigation fluid during percutaneous nephrostolithotomy is a major complication and can result in severe morbidity. We report 3 cases of peritoneal extravasation of irrigation fluid. Ventilatory difficulty and narrowed pulse pressure suggest intraperitoneal extravasation of irrigation fluid, which should be treated by rapid drainage of extravasated fluid and careful monitoring of electrolyte concentrations.
Characteristics of Highly Resilient People and Systems: Insights from Navy Seals to the 'Greatest Generation'

Having reviewed investigative methods such as structural equation modeling, seminal manuals of war (von Clausewitz, 1976, rev.1984; Clavell, 1983), as well as individual interviews and focus groups with highly resilient people such as Navy SEALs, law enforcement professionals, and the “children of the Great Depression” now commonly referred to as the “greatest generation,” we sought to discover the common themes, or characteristics, of highly resilient people. In this paper we present our initial impressions that there exist seven important characteristics that seem to be associated with enhanced human resilience. In addition, the creation of a “culture of resilience” may serve to facilitate adjustment to challenging situations and further enhance individual resilience.
Computer Simulation to Predict Load, Stress, and Metal Flow in an Axisymmetric Closed-Die Forging

The design of a closed-die forging process requires the estimation of maximum forging load and the necessary forging energy. To determine the forging energy, the forging load at various stroke positions must be estimated.
Introduction of various substitutions to the methine bridge of heptamethine cyanine dyes Via substituted dianil linkers

The unique optical properties of cyanine dyes have prompted their use in numerous applications. Heptamethine cyanines are commonly modified on the methine bridge after synthesis of a meso-chlorine containing cyanine. Herein, a series of heptamethine cyanines containing modified methine bridges were synthesized using substituted dianil linkers. Their optical properties including, molar absorptivity, fluorescence, and quantum yield were measured as well as their hydrophobic effects in polar buffer solution. It was shown that dyes containing cyclopentene in the methine bridge or a phenyl ring in the meso position display increased molar absorptivity while the increased flexibility of the dye containing a cycloheptene in the methine bridge prevented fluorescence.
Clinical Strategies for the Treatment and Management of Patients Prescribed Long-term Opioid Therapy.

Objectives Across diverse health care systems, growing recognition of the harms associated with long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) for chronic pain has catalyzed substantial changes to policy and practice designed to promote safer prescribing and patient care. Although clear goals have been defined, how clinics and providers should most effectively implement these changes has been less well defined, and facilities and providers have had substantial flexibility to innovate. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 24 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinicians across the United States who prescribe LTOT for chronic pain. Interviews probed the practices and initiatives providers utilized to meet opioid safety requirements and address common challenges in caring for patients prescribed LTOT. Results Innovative strategies in the design and organization of clinical practice (urine drug testing, informed consent, limiting transfer requests, specialty patient panel) and resources utilized (engaged pharmacists, non-opioid pain treatments, intra-organizational collaborations) are described. Conclusions We conclude with recommendations designed to improve opioid prescribing practices, both within the VA and in other settings.
Effect of activator, curing and humidity on drying shrinkage of alkali-activated fly ash

Alkali-activated fly ash (AAFA) concrete is receiving considerable attention due to its environmental benefits; however, its long-term performance still requires validation and laboratory verificat...
Bone marrow niches of germline FANCC/FANCG deficient mice enable efficient and durable engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells after transplantation

Efficient and durable hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) engraftment is essential for successful HSC transplantation (HSCT). Multiple previous studies had demonstrated active participation of specialized bone marrow (BM) niches in regulating HSC engraftment during HSCT.[1][1]–[3][2] Recently, studies
The Rheology of Two-Phase Flows

There is renewed interest in multiphase flows. This has arisen from the need for information by diverse industries, as well as from intellectual curiosity within the scientific community, now armed with new mathematical and physical tools. In the polymer industry, future developments in the area of polymer alloys, blends and composites (PABC) will depend, to a great degree, on the ability of suppliers and processors to control the morphology of the finished product. In the petroleum industry the behavior of drilling mud and high pressure flow of liquids through porous media is crucial for secondary and tertiary oil recovery. There is a growing trend in developing technology for slurry transporation of coal, ore and other large volume particulate materials. Here again the role of multiphase flow is important.
U.S. Supreme Court in the civil rights era: Deliberative Democracy and its educative institutional role, 1950s–1970s

This article examines the U.S. Supreme Court’s lesser-known educative role as an egalitarian institution within a broader deliberative democratic process. Scholars have argued that the Court’s long asserted power of judicial review, especially in the equal protection and civil rights context, has been an over-reach of the judicial branch’s constitutional authority and responsibilities. Normative and empirical critiques have been centered on the aims of judicial review, and the challenges it poses in American political life. A core issue surrounding these critiques is that Justices are appointed not elected, and thus undermine the principle of majority rule in the U.S. constitutional democratic order. Although these critiques are legitimate in terms of claims about unelected Supreme Court Justices’ seemingly discretionary powers over elected legislative bodies, and the uncertain policy implications of judicial pronouncements on the broader society, there is, nevertheless, a positive application of judicial review as a tool Justices use as part of their educative role overcoming the so-called “counter-majoritarian difficulty.” Through a close reading of oral arguments in Brown vs. Board of Education (1954) and San Antonio vs. Rodriguez (1973)—two landmark cases invoking the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the federal Constitution—the article shows how appointed Justices adjudicate individual cases on appeal and attempt to educate (through an argumentative, reason-based and question-centered process) citizenlitigants and their legal representatives about the importance of equality, fairness and ethical responsibility even prior to rendering final decisions on policy controversies that have broader national social, political and economic implications.
Abstract 3963: Deep serial analysis of the TCR/BCR CDR3 adaptome repertoire in peripheral blood of pancreatic cancer patients in a randomized study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without autophagy inhibition

Pancreatic cancer has a paucity of dendritic cells and almost no T lymphocytes. Here, we used Next Generation Sequencing following dimer avoidance multiplexed PCR (DAM-PCR) immune repertoire to study the characteristics and diversity of the TCR repertoire among PDAC (Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma) patients who underwent chemotherapy with or without Hydroxycholoroquine followed by surgical extirpation. We sequenced the TCR α,β,γ, and δ chains and the B-cell receptor (BCR) heavy chain (IgH) complementary-determining region 3 (CDR3) repertoire in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 10 PDAC patients before (Pre-chemo) and after chemotherapy (Post-chemo) and following operation (Postop). The distribution of CDR3, VD indel, and DJ indel lengths were similar among the Prechemo, Postchemo and Postop groups. The TCR repertoire diversity of PDAC patients was much lower compared to healthy donors (HD). The diversity index (D50) of TCR α and β’s in PDAC patients who received HCQ during chemotherapy was less than in patients without HCQ (p Citation Format: Yue Wang, Michael T. Lotze. Deep serial analysis of the TCR/BCR CDR3 adaptome repertoire in peripheral blood of pancreatic cancer patients in a randomized study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without autophagy inhibition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3963.
Establishing Business in Chile and Peru

Being able to establish a business in Chile or Peru is an opportunity waiting to happen. Both countries have demonstrated over the most recent decades their ability to grow, innovate and reach levels of economic development that were not thought of in the latter part of the twentieth century. Both countries are sustaining their growth and development. Peru has had some political turbulence with its President Pablo Kuczynski having to resign because of his involvement in financial scandal. His successor, President Martin Vizcarra appears to have gained control of the country and is on a positive trajectory toward goal attainment. For businesses who are interested in international foreign investment seeking out opportunities in Peru or Chile has a variety of prospects. While there are opportunities there are some major challenges that every investor has to consider before a decision is made to invest in property, products or services in Chile or Peru. Later in this chapter, we will talk about some of the major issues that investors will face as they make decision about investing in these countries.
Predictors of in-hospital mortality in newborn conjoined twins.

Abstract Background Conjoined twins are rare developmental anomalies. There is a paucity of literature other than case reports and small case series. The aim of this study was to examine national outcomes and identify predictors of mortality in newborn conjoined twins. Methods We reviewed data on newborn conjoined twins from the Kids' Inpatient Database (1997–2012). Results A total of 240 patients were identified for a nationally weighted incidence of 1 per 100,000 live births. The majority of conjoined twins were female (n = 190 [81%]). The most commonly associated anomalies were cardiac (n = 87 [36%]), gastrointestinal (n = 41 [17%]), and abdominal wall (n = 32 [13%]) defects. Fifty-six (23%) patients underwent operative procedures, including 28 (12%) neonatal separation surgeries. The overall mortality rate was 61%; most deaths occurred within 24 hours (99 of 146 [68%]) to 48 hours (129 of 146 [88%]) after birth. Mortality was higher in female compared with male children (66% vs 38%, P = .025), premature compared with full-term children (72% vs 44%, P = .007), and in children with extremely low birth weight (95% vs 59%, P = .002). Congenital diaphragmatic hernias were seen in 15 (6%) patients and were uniformly fatal (100% vs 58%, P = .029). Mortality was highest in hospitals not designated as children’s hospitals (72%) compared with children’s hospitals (44%) (P = .007). Conclusion Conjoined twins are rare anomalies who are susceptible to extremely high perinatal mortality, especially in female children, those who are premature, or those who have low birth weight. These data support caring for these complex patients at hospitals equipped to care for this fragile population.
In vitro models of HIV-1 infection of the central nervous system

Neurocognitive disorders associated with HIV-1 infection affect more than half of persons living with HIV (PLWH) under retroviral therapy. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and the complex cellular network communication underlying neurological dysfunction is critical for the development of an effective therapy. As with other neurological disorders, challenges to studying HIV infection of the brain include limited access to clinical samples and proper reproducibility of the complexity of brain networks in cellular and animal models. This review focuses on cellular models used to investigate various aspects of neurological dysfunction associated with HIV infection.
A Meta-Analysis of Acculturation and Enculturation: Bilinear, Multidimensional, and Context-Dependent Processes:

Acculturation and enculturation are currently conceptualized as bilinear, multidimensional, and context-dependent cultural socialization processes (Yoon et al., 2013). Yet, this conceptualization r...
Chapter 2 – Ownership and Assignment of Intellectual Property

The owner of an intellectual property right, whether a patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret or other right, has the exclusive right to exploit that right. Ownership of an IP right is thus the most effective and potent means for utilizing that right. But what does it mean to “own” an intellectual property right and how does a person – an individual or a firm – acquire ownership of it? This Chapter explores transfers and assignments of IP ownership, first in general, and then with respect to special considerations pertinent to patents, copyrights and trademarks.
Role of Biomarkers in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

The aim of this review was to identify the utility of biomarkers used in the diagnosis and the monitoring and treatment of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). JIA is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by arthritis of unknown etiology that lasts for at least 6 weeks, with onset before the age of 16 years. Unlike adult rheumatoid arthritis, JIA is a heterogeneous arthritis with different subtypes. The diagnosis of JIA is based on clinical evaluation and often involves ruling out other causes of arthritis. Many biomarkers have been studied or are under development to define the classifications of JIA, assess disease activity, predict disease course, treatment response, or the risk of relapse. The diagnostic and prognostic use of biomarkers in JIA could be applied differently depending on diverse subtypes or individuals. To obtain the best clinical outcomes in JIA, it is important to understand the pathophysiology of each JIA subtype and to select and use appropriate biomarkers. (J Rheum Dis 2020;27:233-240)
The entrance pupil of the human eye

The pupil aperture of the iris is subject to refraction by the cornea, and thus an outside observer sees a virtual image: the "entrance pupil" of the eye. When viewed off-axis, the entrance pupil has an elliptical form. The precise appearance of the entrance pupil is the consequence of the anatomical and optical properties of the eye, and the relative positions of the eye and the observer. This paper presents a ray-traced, exact model eye that provides the parameters of the entrance pupil ellipse for an observer at an arbitrary location and for an eye that has undergone biologically accurate rotation. The model is able to reproduce empirical measurements of the shape of the entrance pupil with good accuracy. I demonstrate that accurate specification of the entrance pupil of a stationary eye requires modeling of: corneal refraction, the misalignment of the visual and optical axes, the thickness of the iris, and the non-circularity of the pupil aperture. The model specifies the location of the fovea in the posterior chamber, and this location varies for eyes modeled with different spherical refractive error. The resulting dependency of the visual axis upon ametropia agrees with prior empirical measurements. The model, including a three-dimensional ray-tracing function through ellipsoidal surfaces, is implemented in open-source MATLAB code.
An updated review of the sebaceous gland and its role in health and diseases Part 1: Embryology, evolution, structure, and function of sebaceous glands.

Sebaceous glands are sebum-secreting components of pilosebaceous units. The embryological development of the sebaceous gland follows that of the hair follicle and epidermal tissue, beginning between weeks 13 and 16 of fetal development. New sebaceous glands do not normally develop following birth, but their size increases with age. Sebocytes express a multitude of hormone receptors and are heavily regulated to secrete sebum by androgens. There is a large increase of sebum excretion at birth and again at puberty, until approximately age 17. In adulthood, sebum production remains stable and declines to zero in postmenopausal women and in men aged 60-70. Besides the production and release of sebum, sebaceous glands function to lubricate the skin and hair, provide thermoregulation, and exhibit antimicrobial activity. Research has shown sebaceous glands to possess the cellular capability to transcribe genes necessary for androgen metabolism. Dysfunction of the sebaceous gland can be seen primarily in steatocystoma simplex and multiplex, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, sebaceoma, sebaceous adenoma, sebaceous carcinoma, nevus sebaceus, and folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma. Sebaceous glands are secondarily involved in acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, and androgenic alopecia. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Pilot data from the Self-Blame and Perspective-Taking Intervention for eating disorders.

Abstract Eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by altered eating behaviors and valuation of self-image, as well as difficulty establishing supportive social relationships. This pilot study evaluated feasibility, acceptability, and clinical responses to a novel and brief group-therapy intervention for EDs, the Self-Blame and Perspective-Taking Intervention (SBPI). The SBPI consisted of four sessions of experiential art therapy activities in conjunction with psychoeducation targeting interpersonal attributions and mentalization. Twenty-four outpatient, treatment-seeking women with EDs participated in the SBPI, with 87.5% completing the intervention and 94% rating their participation positively. Eating disorder symptoms, depression, anxiety, self-attribution bias, and self-esteem were assessed before (T1) and after participation (n = 20 at T2; n = 18 at T3). Separate repeated measures MANOVAs were performed to assess these clinical and self-concept variables. Relative to baseline, participants demonstrated significant improvements in all self-concept measures: self-attribution bias, trait self-esteem and state self-esteem at T2. ED, depression, and anxiety symptoms were significantly decreased at both T2 (1-4 weeks post) and T3 (3-5 months post). The SBPI altered self-concept targets acutely with sustained clinical improvements. Future work is needed to evaluate how self-concept and social constructs are related to clinical symptom expression in EDs.
An evaluation of statistical methods for aggregate patterns of replication failure

Several programs of research have sought to assess the replicability of scientific findings in different fields, including economics and psychology. These programs attempt to replicate several findings and use the results to say something about large-scale patterns of replicability in a field. However, little work has been done to understand the analytic methods used to do this, including what they are assessing and what their statistical properties are. This article examines several methods that have been used to study patterns of replicability in the social sciences. We describe in concrete terms how each method operationalizes the idea of “replication” and examine various statistical properties, including bias, precision and statistical power. We find that some analytic methods rely on an operational definition of replication that can be misleading. Other methods involve more sound definitions of replication, but most of these have limitations, such as large bias and uncertainty or low power. The findings suggest that we should use caution interpreting the results of such analyses and that work on more accurate methods may be useful to future replication research efforts.
Bullying Victimization of Children with Mental, Emotional, and Developmental or Behavioral (MEDB) Disorders in the United States

Though preventable, children with disabilities have a high risk of victimization, contributing to worsening health conditions. Hence, this study examined the exposure of school-age children with mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral (MEDB) disorder to bully victimization. This study used the 2018 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) data of 23,494 children ages 5–17 to estimate multilevel logistic regression with fixed and random effects. Children’s health conditions were treated as level one variables, while family poverty level and neighborhood characteristics such as vandalism and presence/absence of recreational centers were treated as level two variables. The paper presents the prevalence of bullying victimization among children with at least one disorder (MDBB = 39.5%), anxiety (20.6%), depression (10.8%), ADD/ADHD (18.3%), behavioral problems (14.9%), learning disability (11.9%), Tourette syndrome (0.5%), developmental delay (10.1%), Autism spectrum disorder (4.6%), speech disorder (10.7), and intellectual disability (1.6%), respectively. Bullying victimization was positively associated with anxiety (AOR = 1.995, 95% CI = 1.634–2.436), depression (AOR = 2.688, 95% CI = 2.031–3.557), developmental delay (AOR = 1.804, 95% CI = 1.422–2.288), but inversely associated with Autism spectrum disorder (AOR = 0.614, 95% CI = 0.399–0.946). Neighborhood disorganization and poverty were also associated with bullying victimization. The NSCH data suggests that children with disabilities in the US had a higher prevalence rate of victimization. Consequently, effective bullying prevention strategies that can protect and improve children’s quality of life with special needs should be prioritized.
A principled (and practical) test for network comparison.

How might one test the hypothesis that graphs were sampled from the same distribution? Here, we compare two statistical tests that address this question. The first uses the observed subgraph densities themselves as estimates of those of the underlying distribution. The second test uses a new approach that converts these subgraph densities into estimates of the graph cumulants of the distribution. We demonstrate -- via theory, simulation, and application to real data -- the superior statistical power of using graph cumulants.
Safety Profile of Particle Embolization for Treatment of Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess ischemic adverse events following particle embolization when used as a second-line embolic to coil embolization for treatment of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding(LGIB). Materials and Methods This single-institution retrospective study examined 154 procedures where embolization was attempted for LGIB. In 122 patients (64 males, mean age 69.9 years), embolization was successfully performed using microcoils in 73 procedures, particles in 34 procedures, and both microcoils and particles in 27 procedures. Particles were used as second-line only when coil embolization was infeasible or inadequate. Technical success was defined as angiographic cessation of active extravasation after embolization. Clinical success was defined as absence of recurrent bleeding within 30 days of embolization. Results Technical success for embolization of LGIB was achieved in 87.0% of cases (134/154), and clinical success was 76.1%(102/134) among technically successful cases. Clinical success was 82.2%(60/73) for coils alone and 68.9%(42/61) for particles +/- coils. Severe adverse events involving embolization-induced bowel ischemia occurred in 3 of 56 patients who underwent particle embolization +/- coils (5.3%) versus zero out of 66 patients when coils alone were used (P=0.09). In patients who had colonoscopy or bowel resection within 2 weeks of embolization, ischemic findings attributable to the embolization were found in 3 of 15 who underwent embolization with coils alone, versus 8 of 18 who underwent embolization with particles +/- coils (p=0.27). Conclusion Particle embolization for treatment of LGIB as second line to coil embolization was associated with a 68.9% clinical success rate and a 5.3% rate of ischemia-related adverse events.
We can predict when driving is no longer safe for people who have HD using standard neuropsychological measures

BACKGROUND: Early cognitive dysfunction in Huntington's Disease (HD) is typically of a subcortical frontal executive type, with bradyphrenia, poor spatial and working memory, poor planning and organization, a lack of judgment, and poor mental flexibility. Although there is literature suggesting a correlation between deficits in speed of processing, working memory and executive function on driving competency, there is little direct evidence comparing these declines on tests to actual driving skills. OBJECTIVE: The current study examines the utility of specific neuropsychological measures in predicting actual driving competency in patients with HD. METHODS: Fifty-two patients at the UConn Health HD Program underwent yearly neuropsychological evaluations and were included in this study. Four scales were chosen a priori to predict driving impairment because of their reported relationship to driving ability. Within each test category, subjects who scored below the threshold suggestive of neurological impairment were found to have results within the impaired range (1.5 standard deviations below corrective normative data). A referral to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a driving evaluation was subsequently made on patients who were found impaired on any two of these tests. RESULTS: The authors found a strong relationship between scores on a simple battery of four neuropsychological tests and driving competency. CONCLUSIONS: This short battery may prove of pragmatic value for clinicians working with people with HD and their families. Language: en
Physiologically based estimation of in vivo rates of bromodichloromethane metabolism.

Abstract Bromodichloromethane (BDCM) is a rodent carcinogen formed by chlorination of drinking water containing bromide and organic precursors. BDCM is a member of the class of disinfection by-products known as trihalomethanes (THMs), compounds that have been shown to be carcinogenic in rodents. A physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model has been developed and applied to provide estimates of the rates of metabolism of BDCM in vivo in rats. The model consists of five compartments (liver, kidney, fat and slowly and rapidly perfused tissues). Tissue partition coefficients were determined using a modified vial equilibration technique and rates of metabolism were estimated by fitting data obtained from stable metabolite (bromide ion, (Br − )) analysis following 4 h constant concentration BDCM inhalation exposure (50–3200 ppm) and closed chamber gas uptake experiments. Metabolism was described using a single saturable pathway representing a high capacity, high affinity process ( V maxc =12.8 mg/h/kg; K m =0.5 mg/l). Rate constants obtained from Br − data adequately described data from gas uptake experiments and literature data on exhalation of 14 CO and 14 CO 2 produced following oral gavage with 14 C-BDCM. Pretreatment with trans -dichloroethylene ( t -DCE), an inhibitor of CYP2E1, increased the apparent K m from 0.5 to 225 mg/l indicating that CYP2E1 is the major P450 isoform involved in the bioactivation of BDCM to reactive intermediates.
Jewishness and Britishness in the Eighteenth Century

Jews in Britain were experiencing de facto emancipation and enlightenment before most of their counterparts on the continent. Ironically, widespread assimilation provoked unease and occasional panic. The presence of a prosperous Jewish minority troubled those who regarded Britain as a “second and better Israel.”
FRACTURE OF THE LATERAL PROCESS OF THE TALUS.

Unexplained and persistent pain about the lateral side of the ankle after injury to the foot involving forced dorsiflexion and inversion is often caused by a fracture of the lateral process of the talus. Thirteen fractures of this type were found in a series of fifty fractures of the talus. This type was the second most common fracture of this bone. The initial diagnosis was frequently missed and six months later six of the thirteen patients had pain with standing or walking sufficient to warrant exploration.
On a preliminary test estimator for one of the parameters of the log-zero-poisson distribution

A discrete distribution called the log-zero-Poisson distribution has been recommended by Katti (c.f. Biometrics 1970) as an alternate to the negative binomial and other distributions usually called "contagious" distributions.A major problem in the use of this and all other contagious distributions has been the difficulty of obtaining the maximum likelihood esti-mates. A custom-made ad hoc estimator, λ, has been proposed for the parameter λ of this distribution in Katti and Khedr (1980). In this paper, its efficiency relative to Fisher information is studied, only to discover that λ can be 30 times better than the maximum likelihood estimate in some parts of the parameter space and much weaker in other parts.A preliminary test is recommended to choose between the estimates, and the efficiency of the procedure is tabulated. As it is to be expected, the resultant estimator equals the better of the two estimators with some error at the values of the parameters where the two estimators are equivalent.
Meta-analysis of the effects of insect vector saliva on host immune responses and infection of vector-transmitted pathogens: a focus on leishmaniasis.

A meta-analysis of the effects of vector saliva on the immune response and progression of vector-transmitted disease, specifically with regard to pathology, infection level, and host cytokine levels was conducted. Infection in the absence or presence of saliva in naive mice was compared. In addition, infection in mice pre-exposed to uninfected vector saliva was compared to infection in unexposed mice. To control for differences in vector and pathogen species, mouse strain, and experimental design, a random effects model was used to compare the ratio of the natural log of the experimental to the control means of the studies. Saliva was demonstrated to enhance pathology, infection level, and the production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in naive mice. This effect was observed across vector/pathogen pairings, whether natural or unnatural, and with single salivary proteins used as a proxy for whole saliva. Saliva pre-exposure was determined to result in less severe leishmaniasis pathology when compared with unexposed mice infected either in the presence or absence of sand fly saliva. The results of further analyses were not significant, but demonstrated trends toward protection and IFN-γ elevation for pre-exposed mice.
Electron microscopic autoradiography of the uptake of [3H]GABA in dispersed cell cultures of rat cerebellums. II. The development of gabaergic synapses

Abstract The formation of GABAergic synapses in dispersed cell cultures of the rat cerebellum was followed from 7 to 21 days in vitro (DIV). The majority of GABAergic synapses appeared between 10 and 14 DIV, and apparently no additional GABAergic synapses formed after 14 DIV. The first step in the development of a GABAergic synapse appeared to be the formation of a large diameter swelling in a GABAergic neuronal process. After the initial contact between the pre- and postsynaptic elements was established, both the number of synaptic vesicles and the thickness of the postsynaptic density increased, while the cross-sectional area of the presynaptic element decreased. The length of the postsynaptic density showed some increase, but no changes were noted in the synaptic cleft thickness, size of the synaptic vesicles or the shape of the synaptic vesicles. Our findings indicate that the formation of GABAergic synapses was not preceded by the formation of other types of junctions or preformed synaptic elements. In addition, the timing and the rate of formation of GABAergic synapses appears not to depend on contact with a single type of postsynaptic neuron, but rather to depend upon intrinsic properties of the development of the GABAergic neuron.