cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chipping fracture resistance of dental CAD/CAM restorative materials: Part I - Procedures and results

Objective The edge chipping test was used to measure the fracture resistance of CAD/CAM dental restoration ceramics and resin composites.
The inheritance of genes in mitochondria and chloroplasts: laws, mechanisms, and models.

▪ Abstract The inheritance of mitochondrial and chloroplast genes differs from that of nuclear genes in showing vegetative segregation, uniparental inheritance, intracellular selection, and reduced recombination. Vegetative segregation and some cases of uniparental inheritance are due to stochastic replication and partitioning of organelle genomes. The rate and pattern of vegetative segregation depend partly on the numbers of genomes and of organelles per cell, but more importantly on the extent to which genomes are shared between organelles, their distribution in the cell, the variance in number of replications per molecule, and the variance in numerical and genotypic partitioning of organelles and genomes. Most of these parameters are unknown for most organisms, but a simple binomial probability model using the effective number of genomes is a useful substitute. Studies using new cytological, molecular, and genetic methods are shedding some light on the processes involved in segregation, and also on the...
Mobile association and load balancing in a cooperative relay cellular network

Cooperative relaying is an important technology adopted in 4G cellular networks to improve network coverage and capacity. A relay network will require careful planning and deployment in order to fully exploit the potential performance gain in system capacity and cell coverage. Efficient mobile association and load balancing schemes play an important role in achieving high system capacity and satisfactory user experience in a traditional cellular network. This objective becomes more challenging when low-power relay nodes are overlaid with the existing high-power base stations. In this article, the main challenges for mobile association and load balancing in a cooperative relay network are addressed. A jointly optimal mobile association and load balancing framework that aims to maximize the relay network capacity is presented. In addition, a heuristic algorithm that enables a practical implementation is described. Simulation results show that the proposed mobile association and load balancing method outperforms the conventional counterparts.
Three dimensional numerical modeling of mixing at river confluences

Lateral mixing of a pollutant is considered as a slow process that is usually complete within 100-300 river widths. Recent studies on flow dynamics at river confluences revealed that lateral mixing can be markedly enhanced when the tributary channel is shallower than the main channel. This study uses a three-dimensional model to examine mixing processes immediately downstream of confluences as well as further downstream in the mainstream. Simulations are presented for a concordant and discordant laboratory junction and a field confluence for a low and a high flow condition. The decrease in standard deviation at a cross section of a tracer over a distance of 5 channel widths is 30% for discordant beds but only 10% for concordant beds in the laboratory simulation. At the natural site, bed discordance is more important at the low flow than at the high flow with corresponding decreases in the standard deviation of 31 and 18% over 3.5 channel widths. Mixing is completed after a distance of 25 and 37 channel widths for the low and high flow conditions, respectively. Further downstream, mixing is mainly affected by planform curvature of the channel.
Curvature formulas for implicit curves and surfaces

Curvature formulas for implicit curves and surfaces are derived from the classical curvature formulas in Differential Geometry for parametric curves and surfaces. These closed formulas include curvature for implicit planar curves, curvature and torsion for implicit space curves, and mean and Gaussian curvature for implicit surfaces. Some extensions of these curvature formulas to higher dimensions are also provided.
Validation of cefditoren MIC quality control ranges by a multi-laboratory study (2001).

Abstract The potency of cefditoren has been well documented to include broad coverage against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms including species causing community-acquired respiratory tract infections. The accuracy of in vitro test results has been questioned due to debate over inconsistencies in quality control (QC) recommendations published by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). Previous studies have recommended conflicting and generally broad MIC dilution ranges for several commonly used QC organisms. This study used NCCLS recommended guidelines to re-evaluate the MIC ranges using a seven laboratory M23-A2 design. The results of this multi-laboratory investigation leads to the proposal of the following QC range recommendations for cefditoren: Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 49619 (0.016–0.06 μg/mL); Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 49247 (0.06–0.25 μg/mL); Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (0.12–1 μg/mL); and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (0.25–1 μg/mL). These proposed ranges validate those suggested previously for E. coli and the problematic H. influenzae, but a three log 2 dilution range may be sufficient for S. aureus and S. pneumoniae .
Morbidity and mortality characteristics of morbidly obese patients admitted to hospital and intensive care units.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of hospitalized morbidly obese inpatients. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the records of all adult morbidly obese patients (defined as body mass index [BM]) >40 kg/m2 upon admission) admitted to tertiary university hospital from 2000 to 2008. Primary outcome was hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), need for and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), and tracheostomy rates. We divided patients into quartiles based on their admission BMI. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were reported for each quartile. Results Over the 8-year period, we reviewed 897 admissions for 545 patients. The median number of admissions was 1 per patient (mean, 2.44 ± 2.9), with a range of 1 to 20. A total of 40.9% had more than one admission. Morbidly obese patients were more likely to be admitted to a medical service. Higher BMI quartiles had higher rates of ICU admission, MV, and rate of tracheostomy. Although the higher BMI quartiles had longer hospital LOS, hospital mortality did not significantly differ. Conclusions As BMI increases, utilization of medical resources also increases such as ICU admission, MV, longer hospital LOS, and tracheostomy. Although overall BMI interquartile mortality rates do not differ significantly in our study, utilization of valuable and costly hospital resources is a major challenge facing health care delivery. Our findings indicate the need for increased efforts and novel strategies for treatment, prevention, and resource allocation to deal with this emerging challenge.
Exploratory evaluation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional methods of FDG PET quantification in pediatric anaplastic astrocytoma: a report from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC).

The rationale of this study was to investigate the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) methods to analyze 18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose (FDG) uptake in children with anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) in a multi-institutional trial, to compare 3D and two-dimensional (2D) methods and explore data associations with progression-free survival (PFS). 3D tumor volumes from pretreatment MR images (fluid attenuation inversion recovery and postgadolinium) of children with recurrent AA on a phase I trial of imatinib mesylate were coregistered to FDG positron emission tomography (PET) images. PET data were normalized. Four metrics were defined: the maximum ratio (maximum pixel value within the 3D tumor volume, normalized), the total ratio (cumulative pixel values within the tumor volume, normalized) and tumor mean ratio (total pixel value divided by volume, normalized). 2D analysis methods were compared. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between these methods and PFS. Strongest correlations between 2D and 3D methods were with analyses using postcontrast T1 images for volume of interest (VOI). The analyses suggest 3D maximum tumor and mean tumor ratios, whether normalized by gray matter or white matter, were associated with PFS. This study of a series of pretreatment AA patients suggests that 3D PET methods using VOIs based on postcontrast T1 correlate with 2D methods and are related to PFS. These methods yield an estimate of metabolically active tumor burden and may add prognostic information after tumor grade is determined. Future rigorous multi-institutional protocols with larger numbers of patients will be required for validation.
Up in Smoke The Passage of Medical Marijuana Legislation and Enactment of Dispensary Moratoriums in Massachusetts

In November 2012, Massachusetts’ voters passed a medical marijuana law that was soon followed by municipal moratoriums prohibiting marijuana dispensaries. This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine (a) whether municipal characteristics predict voting outcomes for medical marijuana, (b) whether these same characteristics predict moratorium enactment, and (c) whether voting outcomes mediate the relationships between municipal characteristics and moratorium enactment. Results indicate that municipal characteristics predict voter support and indifference for medical marijuana, and this support and indifferences in turn predicts moratorium passage. However, most municipal characteristics only indirectly affect moratorium passage via voting activity. This suggests moratorium enactment may be an extension of municipal voting activity, in turn reflecting the characteristics of a municipality’s population. Policy implications are discussed.
Fungal Biofilms: In vivo models for discovery of anti-biofilm drugs

During infection, fungi frequently transition to a biofilm lifestyle, proliferating as communities of surface-adherent aggregates of cells. Phenotypically, cells in a biofilm are distinct from free-floating cells. Their high tolerance of antifungals and ability to withstand host defenses are two characteristics that foster resilience. Biofilm infections are particularly difficult to eradicate, and most available antifungals have minimal activity. Therefore, the discovery of novel compounds and innovative strategies to treat fungal biofilms is of great interest. Although many fungi have been observed to form biofilms, the most well-studied is Candida albicans. Animal models have been developed to simulate common Candida device-associated infections, including those involving vascular catheters, dentures, urinary catheters, and subcutaneous implants. Models have also reproduced the most common mucosal biofilm infections: oropharyngeal and vaginal candidiasis. These models incorporate the anatomical site, immune components, and fluid dynamics of clinical niches and have been instrumental in the study of drug resistance and investigation of novel therapies. This chapter describes the significance of fungal biofilm infections, the animal models developed for biofilm study, and how these models have contributed to the development of new strategies for the eradication of fungal biofilm infections.
Spending in Disguise

A great deal of government spending is hidden in the federal tax code in the form of deductions, credits, and other preferences that seem like they let taxpayers keep their own money, but are actually spending in disguise.
Traumatic Events Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder The Role of Race/Ethnicity and Depression

This study sought to examine specific types of potentially traumatic experiences as predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the moderating effect of race/ethnicity and major depressive disorder (MDD) among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic U.S. women. The study sample was drawn from two waves of the National Epidemiologic Surveys of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and childhood trauma were the strongest predictors of PTSD compared with the reference group (indirect/witnessed trauma). Similar patterns were revealed across racial/ethnic groups, although the estimates were most robust among White women. Findings also suggest that MDD moderates the effect of traumatic experiences on PTSD.
Usage of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein in cervical spine procedures: analysis of the MarketScan longitudinal database.

Background: Usage of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP) in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures is controversial. Studies suggest increased rates of dysphagia, hematoma or seroma, and severe airway compromise in anterior cervical spine procedures using rhBMP. The purpose of the present study was to determine and describe national utilization trends and complication rates associated with rhBMP usage in anterior cervical spine procedures. Methods: The MarketScan database from 2006 to 2010 was retrospectively queried to identify 91,543 patients who underwent ACDF with or without cervical corpectomy. Patient selection and outcomes were ascertained with use of ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification) and CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) coding. A total of 3197 patients were treated with rhBMP intraoperatively. Mean follow-up was 588 days (interquartile range [IQR], 205 to 886 days) in the non-treated cohort and 591 days (IQR, 203 to 925 days) in the rhBMP-treated cohort. Multivariate logistic regression as well as propensity score analysis were used to evaluate the association of rhBMP usage with postoperative complications. Results: In propensity score-adjusted models, rhBMP usage was associated with an increased risk of any complication (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2 to 1.5) and specific complications such as hematoma or seroma (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.4 to 2.3), dysphagia (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1 to 1.5), and any pulmonary complication (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2 to 1.8) within thirty days postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the rates of readmission, in-hospital mortality, referral to pain management, new malignancy, or reoperation between the two cohorts. Usage of rhBMP was associated with a mean increase of $5545 (19%) in total payments to the hospital and primary physician (p < 0.001). Conclusions: We found an increased overall rate of postoperative complications in patients receiving rhBMP for cervical spinal fusion procedures compared with patients not receiving rhBMP. Hematoma or seroma, pulmonary complications, and dysphagia were also more common in the rhBMP cohort. Usage of rhBMP in a case was associated with $311 greater payments to the surgeon and $4213 greater payments to the hospital. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Between Profit and Identity: Analyzing the Effect of Language of Instruction in Predicting Overt Language Attitudes in Morocco

This article examines two speech communities for which language of instruction (LI) is a marker of socioeconomic class that predicts respondents’ overt language attitudes. Previous research has not investigated the relationship between LI and speakers’ language attitudes. However, the results of this study show that LI underlies the contestation of codes within Morocco’s multilingual educational domain. The theoretical framework of this study conceptualizes the role of language as a commodity that shapes socioeconomic asymmetries in the global economy (Heller 2010; Shankar and Cavanaugh 2012; Urciuoli and LaDousa 2013). I argue that the emergence of the trope of profit (Duchene and Heller 2012) in the global market has promoted new forms of linguistic hegemony that bifurcate Morocco into two speech communities based on LI. The results of a language attitude questionnaire administered to university student respondents with different LI backgrounds show a divide—an instrumental motivation that promotes positive attitudes toward French and English, as in the case of French-taught respondents, or by contesting such an ideology through asserting local identity for SA-taught respondents.
Meeting the Challenge of Educating the Transportation and Logistics Professional: The American Society of Transportation and Logistics on the 50th Anniversary of Transportation Journal

The 50th anniversary of Transportation Journal represents a key milestone for transportation and logistics professionals. During the last 50 years, the profession has emerged from what Peter Drucker (1962, 103) aptly described as the "Dark Continent" to one in which transportation or logistics frequently appears in the title of senior executives. Transportation Journal and the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L) have played key roles in this transformation by promoting education and preparing individuals for careers in the profession.
Nesting height preferences of eumenid wasps (Hymenoptera: Eumenidae) that prey on spruce budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

Three species of eumenid wasps, Ancistrocerus adiabatus (Saussure), Ancistrocerus antilope (Panzer), and Euodynerus leucomelas (Saussure), accepted and provisioned predrilled wooden blocks placed in a spruce-fir forest of Maine. The eumenids preyed on late instars of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), and on other lepidopterous defoliators. Spruce budworm accounted for 94% of provisioned prey. There was no significant difference in acceptance among trap-nesting blocks at four heights (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m). However, there was a trend toward increased acceptance of blocks at 0.5 m.
La Virgincita: Technical Study of an Indo-Christian Statue

A small stone statue of the Virgin Mary was recently found that is one of two free-standing Indo Christian sculptures known to be in the United States. The Indo-Christian style of art marks the transition from pre-Columbian art to Christian art and most examples of this style are found on buildings in Mexico. The statue, ”la Virgincita,” is patterned after an European engraving, however the decorative details in the stone carving are Aztecan. This paper is a description of the materials characterization of the statue and a study of its technical details using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis.
Study on sEMG Test of Elite Women Weightlifters' Snatch Technique

Objective:The purpose of this study is to reveal the relationship between the main muscle groups in different stages of snatch technique and movement technology by biomechanical testing women's weightlifting athletes.This study provided a scientific basis for weightlifting athletes technical diagnosis and special strength training in the future.Methods:The authors tested women's weightlifting snatch action technology by using high-speed camera and surface electromyography and studied the corresponding EMG average amplitude of each muscle of three kinds of load intensity.Results:Under the different load intensity EMG average amplitude showed preferable regularity.This research showed that EMG test results of each muscle group coincide with action of each muscle group during snatching.Conclusions:By EMG test and analysis,this research revealed that the subjects' measured muscle played effect in different action stages of snatch technique.At the lifting bell stage of extending knee and bending knee lower limb muscles had the main role,while in the inertial up supporting phase and squat supporting stage upper limb muscles had main effect.Through a nonparametric test this study found that the gluteus maximus and erector spinae EMG average amplitude was significantly different in different stages and there were no significant differences between other each muscle EMG average amplitude and snatch load intensity.
Interaction between Cluster Brand and Enterprise Brand Based on Signaling Theory

This paper proposes that enterprise brand in cluster is label of enterprises in market competition.Based on summing up the traditional explaination of enterprise brand in cluster and analyzing on the value composition,we focus on the signaling theory and generation model of cluster competitiveness.The findings show that there is the interaction between enterprise brand in cluster and cluster brand.This paper provides a new way for analyzing the enterprise brand in cluster.
A Typology for Finite Groups

This project classifies groups of small order using a group's center as the key feature. Groups of a given order n are typed based on the order of each group's center. Students are led through a se...
Chromatin structure-dependent conformations of the H1 CTD

Linker histones are an integral component of chromatin but how these proteins promote assembly of chromatin fibers and higher order structures and regulate gene expression remains an open question. Using Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) approaches we find that association of a linker histone with oligonucleosomal arrays induces condensation of the intrinsically disordered H1 CTD in a manner consistent with adoption of a defined fold or ensemble of folds in the bound state. However, H1 CTD structure when bound to nucleosomes in arrays is distinct from that induced upon H1 association with mononucleosomes or bare double stranded DNA. Moreover, the H1 CTD becomes more condensed upon condensation of extended nucleosome arrays to the contacting zig-zag form found in moderate salts, but does not detectably change during folding to fully compacted chromatin fibers. We provide evidence that linker DNA conformation is a key determinant of H1 CTD structure and that constraints imposed by neighboring nucleosomes cause linker DNAs to adopt distinct trajectories in oligonucleosomes compared to H1-bound mononucleosomes. Finally, inter-molecular FRET between H1s within fully condensed nucleosome arrays suggests a regular spatial arrangement for the H1 CTD within the 30 nm chromatin fiber.
Innovation in international library programs: The Slovenian music collection at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

La bibliotheque Golda Meir de l'Universite du Wisconsin a su developper ce qui etait au depart une operation tres discrete de collecte de materiels specialises en musique slovene, jusqu'a en faire une entreprise a facettes multiples, active et hautement gratifiante dans le domaine de la cooperation internationale entre bibliotheques, avec des liens directs au savoir et a l'enseignement.
Using High-Fidelity Simulation to Increase Nursing Student Knowledge in Medication Administration

Abstract The increased use of prescription medications along with teaching safety presents nurse educators with the challenge of preparing students with knowledge related to medication administration. Curriculums that offer pharmacology theory apart from courses with clinical application component need an education strategy to reinforce knowledge. This research study examines the comparison of high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulation on nursing students' pharmacologic knowledge. Findings demonstrate the use of high-fidelity simulation significantly increased knowledge related to medication administration. Implications for associate degree nursing educators are discussed.
Re)Imagining Intersectional Democracy from Black Feminism to Hashtag Activism

To say that Black lives matter1 has become both a technological and cultural phenomenon in the United States is an understatement. The hashtag and those discursively linked to it have been used mor...
Increased intermediate M1-M2 macrophage polarization and improved cognition in mild cognitive impairment patients on ω-3 supplementation.

Monocyte/macrophages of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer disease (AD) are defective in phagocytosis and degradation amyloid β1-42 (Aβ1-42), but are improved by ω-3 fatty acids (ω-3s). The hypothesis of this study was that active Aβ1-42 phagocytosis by macrophages prevents brain amyloidosis and thus maintains cognition. We studied the effects of self-supplementation with a drink with ω-3s, antioxidants, and resveratrol on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, macrophage M1M2 phenotype [the ratio of inflammatory cluster of differentiation (CD)54+CD80 and proresolution markers CD163+CD206], and Aβ1-42 phagocytosis in patients initially diagnosed as having MCI or subjective cognitive impairment (SCI). At baseline, the median MMSE score in patients in both the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) e3/e3 and ApoE e3/e4 groups was 26.0 and macrophage Aβ1-42 phagocytosis was defective. The MMSE rate of change increased in the ApoE e3/e3 group a median 2.2 points per year (P = 0.015 compared to 0) but did not change in the ApoE e3/e4 group (P = 0.014 between groups). In the ApoE e3/e3 group, all patients remained cognitively stable or improved; in the ApoE e3/e4 group, 1 recovered from dementia, but 3 lapsed into dementia. The macrophage phenotype polarized in patients bearing ApoE e3/e3 to an intermediate (green zone) M1-M2 type at the rate of 0.226 U/yr, whereas in patients bearing ApoE e3/e4, polarization was negative (P = 0.08 between groups). The baseline M1M2 type in the extreme M1 (red zone) or M2 (white zone) was unfavorable for cognitive outcome. Aβ1-42 phagocytosis increased in both ApoE groups (P = 0.03 in each groups). In vitro, the lipidic mediator resolvin D1 (RvD1) down regulated the M1 type in patients with ApoE e3/e3 but in some patients with e3/e4, paradoxically up-regulated the M1 type. Antioxidant/ω-3/resveratrol supplementation was associated with favorable immune and cognitive responses in ApoE e3/e3 and individual patients bearing ApoE e3/e4, and brings into personalized clinical practice the immune benefits expected from ω-3 mediators called resolvins. The validity of this study is limited by its small size and uncontrolled design.-Famenini, S., Rigali, E. A., Olivera-Perez, H. M., Dang, J., Chang, M T., Halder, R., Rao, R. V., Pellegrini, M., Porter, V., Bredesen, D., Fiala, M. Increased intermediate M1-M2 macrophage polarization and improved cognition in mild cognitive impairment patients on ω-3 supplementation.
Carotid flow pulsatility is higher in women with greater decrement in gait speed during multi-tasking.

Abstract Aim Central arterial hemodynamics is associated with cognitive impairment. Reductions in gait speed during walking while performing concurrent tasks known as dual-tasking (DT) or multi-tasking (MT) is thought to reflect the cognitive cost that exceeds neural capacity to share resources. We hypothesized that central vascular function would associate with decrements in gait speed during DT or MT. Methods Gait speed was measured using a motion capture system in 56 women (30–80y) without mild-cognitive impairment. Dual-tasking was considered walking at a fast-pace while balancing a tray. Multi-tasking was the DT condition plus subtracting by serial 7′s. Applanation tonometry was used for measurement of aortic stiffness and central pulse pressure. Doppler-ultrasound was used to measure blood flow velocity and β-stiffness index in the common carotid artery. Results The percent change in gait speed was larger for MT than DT (14.1 ± 11.2 vs. 8.7 ± 9.6%, p Conclusion Elevated carotid flow pulsatility and resistance are characteristics found in healthy women that show lower cognitive capacity to walk and perform multiple concurrent tasks.
Microbiology: the inside story.

The human intestine is home to trillions of bacteria. Investigation of the colonization of the infant gut by these microorganisms is a prelude to understanding how they may act in both health and disease.
Mudcake effects on wellbore stress and fracture initiation pressure and implications for wellbore strengthening

Although a large volume of mudcake filtration test data is available in the literature, effects of mudcake on wellbore strengthening cannot be quantified without incorporating the data into a stress-analysis model. Traditional models for determining fracture initiation pressure (FIP) either consider a wellbore with an impermeable mudcake or with no mudcake at all. An analytical model considering permeable mudcake is proposed in this paper. The model can predict pore pressure and stress profiles around the wellbore, and consequently the FIP, for different mudcake thickness, permeability, and strength. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effects of these mudcake parameters. The results show that a low-permeability mudcake enhances FIP, mainly through restricting fluid seepage and pore pressure increase in the near-wellbore region, rather than by mudcake strength. Fluid loss pressure (FLP) should be distinguished from FIP when a mudcake is present on the wellbore wall. Fracture may occur behind the mudcake at FIP without mudcake rupture. The small effect of mudcake strength on FIP does not mean its effect on FLP is small too. Mudcake strength may play an important role in maintaining integrity of the wellbore once a fracture has initiated behind the mudcake.
Decreasing ALT donor site morbidity with the keystone flap.

Background The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a workhorse flap for a variety of wounds. The primary disadvantage of ALT flaps is donor site morbidity associated with large skin paddle defects. We present a strategy of managing the donor site with the Keystone flap to avoid skin grafts in cases where primary closure is not possible. Methods A retrospective, multi-institutional review from December 2015 to March 2017 based on a single surgeon's experience was performed. Inclusion criteria were harvest of an ALT flap and closure of the thigh donor site with a keystone flap. Results Six patients underwent reconstruction of the ALT donor site with a keystone flap. The average width of the ALT skin paddle was 7.8 cm (range 7-8 cm) and the defects could not be closed primarily or with wide undermining. Surface area of the ALT flaps averaged 96.8 cm2 (range 64-152 cm2 ). Mean patient BMI was 24.6 (range 16-37). Keystone flap dimensions averaged 9.5 × 17.8 cm. There were no major donor or recipient site complications, and one ×minor complication of delayed wound healing. No patients exhibited decreased range of motion at the hip or knee. Conclusions Primary closure of the ALT donor site is preferred, but becomes difficult as skin paddle width approaches 8 cm. Managing the ALT flap donor site with a keystone flap is safe, does not appear to have significant morbidity, and can allow the surgeon to avoid the morbidity and secondary donor site associated with skin grafting.
The Brain Matrix: Our Window on the World

The mathematicians have, among many other things, an invention termed the transformation matrix. This can be used in numerous ways. For example, it can be used to describe aspects of a change in the position of an object or it can provide a link between two rather different systems of things. Consider a very simple case of the former kind. You are sitting at your desk in a swivel chair and rotate through 90o in order to get up. There is a transformation matrix that can describe the rotation. Or, to give an example of the second kind, if you are planning to map the surface of a spherical globe describing the surface features of the earth onto a flat sheet there are transformation matrices which can provide several useful and interesting ways to do it. The matrix can also play much more complicated mathematical roles.
Development of Palifermin (rHuKGF) for Mucositis

Mucositis is a painful adverse event caused by chemo- and/or radiation therapy in cancer patients. It occurs in about 40% of patients receiving chemoradiotherapy and can have profound effects on their quality of life and treatment protocol. Mucositis patients are more susceptible to infections and frequently require longer hospital stays, which lead to significant increases in medical costs. At present, effective treatment against mucositis is lacking. Palifermin, a recombinant form of the human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) developed by Amgen Inc., has been shown to reduce the incidence and duration of oral mucositis in patients with hematologic malignancies who have undergone myelo-ablative chemoradiotherapy and peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation. Our chapter reviews the current knowledge on KGF, including its molecular biology, its role in epithelial repair and regeneration of the alimentary tract, and its effect on wound healing, lung repair, bladder injury, and graft-vs-host disease. In addition, we discuss preclinical data on the effects of KGF on different tumors and review the palifermin clinical development.
Spiral Ground Heat Exchangers for Heat Pump Applications

This paper describes a novel horizontal ground heat exchange system used in an experimental Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) installation. The basic concept is to activate a large mass of soil by employing “large” (up to 60 cm) spiral heat exchangers made of copper and high density polyethylene tubing. The results of monitoring the system during the 1988/89 winter season demonstrate its excellent performance. In addition, these results together with our experience, indicate that large potential savings on initial installation costs are possible. Moreover, such horizontal systems may be more economical than vertical GSHP systems in most practical situations.
Failure of Prescription Prenatal Vitamin Products to Meet USP Standards for Folic Acid Dissolution

Abstract Objective: To determine whether prescription prenatal vitamins meet United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) standards for folic acid dissolution. Methods: Dissolution was measured using USP Apparatus II and test conditions specified in the 23rd revision of the United States Pharmacopeia ( USP 23). Folic acid was assayed by a chromatographic method modified from that specified in the official monographs, for oil- and water-soluble vitamins with minerals tablets, in USP 23 . Results: Only three out of nine multivitamin products met USP specifications for folic acid release. Most missed by a wide margin; folic acid dissolution from two products was less than 250/0. Conclusions: Because a wide variety of brand-name and generic prescription prenatal multivitamin products were tested, these results are likely to be representative of the multivitamin products on the market. Given the significance of folic acid to public health, the authors believe that this subject should be studied further and that prompt action should be taken to ensure that folic-acidcontaining products are of the highest quality possible.
Intergenerational Effects of Health Issues Among Women of Childbearing Age: a Review of the Recent Literature.

This review summarizes the latest scientific evidence, primarily from systematic reviews/meta-analyses and large cohort studies, on the impact of health issues among women of childbearing age and their effect on their offspring during pregnancy and from birth to adulthood. Women of childbearing age with overweight/obesity, diabetes, and hypertension prior to pregnancy are at increased risk for adverse outcomes during pregnancy, such as excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes mellitus, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. These adverse outcomes could complicate delivery and put their offspring at risk of developing overweight/obesity, diabetes, and hypertension (i.e., intergenerational transmission of health issues). Interventions should target women of childbearing age, especially those who wish to conceive, in order to possibly stop the transmission of women’s health issues to the offspring and favor a healthy pregnancy from the start. This could be one of the best strategies to promote both maternal and child health.
Autonomous Flight Control for Multirotors by a Simple Input-Output Linearization with Nested Saturation

Multirotors are one of the most popular types of small unmanned aircraft systems today with applications in many areas including but not limited to aerial photography, transport, military, surveillance, agriculture, and leisure. Autonomous flight controls is one of the key enabler technologies for their popularity and growing applications. Many studies about the flight controls for multirotors have enhanced the control performance, but we still have rooms to improve in tracking accuracy and efficiency. This paper presents an autonomous flight control method for multirotors based on a simple input-output linearization coupled with nested saturation. We choose an unconventional, alternative output of the multirotor flight control system, which leads to reducing computational cost regarding Lie algebra when we linearize the system dynamics. Then we stabilize the linearized system with nested saturation with real poles of our own choice. Given the desired output through the outer loop PID controller, the results of the simulations show that the error dynamics regarding the outputs are stabilized exponentially fast.
Lynn's r/k selection theory of criminality revisited: Consideration of individual differences and developmental life history contributions to the patterning of population differences in antagonistic social strategies.

Abstract We revisit an old theory proposed by Lynn, connecting race differences in criminality and psychopathy with r/k selection. The origin of this group-difference is attributed to cold-selection in the Pleistocene . We contend that newer models of Life History Theory provide a better rubric within which to evaluate Lynn's arguments as a) they better account for the adaptive logic of the coherence pattern among the traits characteristic of so-called ‘psychopathic personality’, b) provide a normatively free language with which group differences in behavior can be described, and c) make predictions at the level of both the individual and intra-individual (developmental) levels, which permit the role of environmental contributions to these dispositions to be better comprehended. Thus newer approaches to understanding life history are necessarily more empirically nuanced. We also consider the merits of future, more systematic studies along the lines of Lynn's contribution.
Predictive model for Zika virus RNA minipool nucleic acid testing in outbreak scenarios.

Background Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, causes asymptomatic infections in blood donors and can be transmitted by transfusion. During the 2016 US outbreak, universal individual-donation nucleic acid testing (ID-NAT) was used to screen the blood supply for ZIKV. Testing pooled samples from multiple donations with minipool (MP)-NAT is less sensitive than ID-NAT, which raised questions about its utility in ZIKV outbreaks. Study design and methods A mathematical model and computer simulation determined the risk of missing ID-NAT-reactive and immunoglobulin (Ig) M-negative donations in a ZIKV outbreak if MP-NAT is used initially instead of ID-NAT. The model calculated the time required for ZIKV RNA to replicate to a concentration detectable by testing donations individually or in pools of 6 (MP6) or 16 (MP16). A computer simulation then randomly selected infection times to determine the probability of detection by the candidate tests. Results The probability of detecting the first ID-NAT-reactive unit in an outbreak is 92% (2.5th-97.5th percentile, 79%-99%) by MP6 and 85% (2.5th-97.5th percentile, 67%-99%) by MP16. When one donation is detected by MP-NAT, the model predicts that the chance of having missed one or more ID-NAT-reactive donations is 8% to 15%. The probability of missing a unit by MP-NAT is constant over the course of the outbreak (8% by MP6, 15% by MP16). Conclusion The model predicts that the probability that a candidate MP-NAT will detect the first ID-NAT-reactive unit in a ZIKV outbreak is 85% to 92% and remains constant over time.
Synthesis of an Azaphosphatriptycene and Its Rhodium Carbonyl Complex

A 10-aza-9-phosphatriptycene is accessible on a gram scale, in three laboratory steps from commercially available precursors. Infrared spectroscopy of a rhodium(I) carbonyl complex bearing this lig...
Successful Surgical Management of Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhaging After Revascularization Surgery for Moyamoya Vasculopathy: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Background Traumatic intracranial hemorrhaging associated with revascularization surgery for moyamoya vasculopathy is a potentially devastating problem that requires meticulous management, including surgery. However, only a few studies on this subject have been reported, and the clinical characteristics are poorly understood. We report a case of successful surgical management for a patient with traumatic intracranial hematoma managed with encephalo-duro-arterio-myo-synangiosis (EDAMS). The purpose of this article is to clarify the specific features of clinical scenarios, hemorrhagic sites, and operative techniques by reviewing all published cases. Case Description A 10-year-old Japanese girl with a history of EDAMS for quasi-moyamoya disease was referred to our institution after minor head trauma. Cranial computed tomography scans revealed a right intracranial hematoma overlying the temporal muscle flap. After admission, hematoma developed, and emergency hematoma evacuation was performed. Venous hemorrhaging from the fascia of the temporal muscle flap was confirmed. Collaterals from indirect bypass were preserved in the surgery. Postoperative diffusion-weighted imaging revealed no ischemic complications. She immediately recovered and returned to her preinjury baseline. Conclusion In moyamoya vasculopathy, intrinsic collaterals or de novo anastomoses from revascularization surgery are easily injured, even with mild head trauma. Furthermore, the administration of antiplatelets agents increases the risk of hematoma development. Sacrifice of collaterals can lead to acute cerebral infarction. During emergency surgery for traumatic intracranial hematoma, a careful surgical strategy is needed to preserve the collateral supply.
The expression of interleukin-33 in the serum and liver tissue of the patients with biliary atresia

Objective To study the expression pattern of interleukin-33 (IL-33) in the serum and liver tissue of the patients with biliary atresia (BA). Methods Eighteen infants with biliary atresia, including 12 boys and 6 girls were recruited in this study. Their age ranged from 1 to 4 months old. The controls consisted of 12 children with choledochal cyst (CC), including 5 boys and 7 girls. The controls' age ranged from 3 months to 4 years old. The controls were anicteric and had normal liver function. The diagnosis of BA and CC were confirmed by operation and histological examination. The serum level of IL-33 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA of IL-33 in liver tissue was detected using Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The IL-33 protein in liver tissue was examined by western blotting. Results The IL-33 level in serum of BA patients was significantly higher than that of CC patients (791.0 ± 22.22 pg/ml vs. 607.1 ± 20.68 pg/ml, P＜ 0.0001), and was positively correlated with γ-glutamyl transferase (r:0.629, P =0.005). Compared with CC patients, the mRNA expression of IL-33 in liver tissue was significantly higher in BA (0.0420±0.0061 vs. 0.0220± 0.0027, P=0.0181), and the expression of IL-33 protein was also increased in BA patients (0.4683 ± 0.0188 vs. 0.3433 ± 0.0293, P =0.0137). Conclusions The expression of IL-33 in the serum and liver tissue of the patients with BA is significantly elevated. This observation suggests IL-33 may play a important role in the pathogenesis of BA. Key words: Biliary atresia; Choledochal cyst; Interleukins; gama-Glutarnyltransferase
FMPhos: Expanding the Catalytic Capacity of Small-Bite-Angle Bisphosphine Ligands in Regioselective Alkene Hydrofunctionalizations

In contrast to the plethora of large-bite-angle bisphosphine ligands available to transition-metal catalysis, the development of small-bite-angle bisphosphine ligands has suffered from the limited ...
Validation of estimated glycaemic index and glycaemic load, stratified by race, in the Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2).

OBJECTIVE Few studies have validated FFQ estimates of dietary glycaemic index (GI) and load (GL). We investigated how well our estimates of overall GI and GL from FFQs correlate with estimates from repeated 24 h recall data to validate overall GI and GL in the Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2). DESIGN The AHS-2 is a prospective population-based cohort of 95 873 Seventh-day Adventist adult church members enrolled from 2002 to 2007 to investigate diet, cancer and mortality. SETTING A 204-item FFQ was used to assess race- and gender-specific validity of GI and GL and 24 h recall data, from the calibration sub-study, were used as the reference. PARTICIPANTS The 734 calibration study participants were randomly selected by church and included approximately equal numbers of blacks and whites but were otherwise similar to the whole cohort with respect to gender, age, education and vegetarian status. RESULTS The deattenuated correlation coefficients for overall GI ranged from 0·19 (95 % CI -0·06, 0·53) in black men to 0·46 (95 % CI 0·40, 0·60) in black women, with both non-black men and women falling between those values (0·45 (95 % CI 0·35, 0·65) and 0·38 (95 % CI 0·27, 0·57), respectively). GL correlations were somewhat higher for all study participants. When looking at the entire cohort, the deattenuated validity correlation value for overall GI was (r 0·38, 95 % CI 0·36, 0·47) and GL was (r 0·39, 95 % CI 0·34, 0·49). CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the cautious use of our FFQ in epidemiological studies when assessing associations of overall GI and GL with disease risk. However, observed differences by race should be considered when interpreting results.
In sickness and in health: same-sex marriage laws and sexually transmitted infections.

Abstract This paper analyzes the relationship between same-sex marriage laws and sexually transmitted infections in the United States using state-level data from 1981 to 2008. We hypothesize that same-sex marriage laws may directly affect risky homosexual behavior; may affect or mirror social attitudes toward gays, which in turn may affect homosexual behavior; and may affect or mirror attitudes toward non-marital sex, which may affect risky heterosexual behavior. Our findings may be summarized as follows. Laws banning same-sex marriage are unrelated to gonorrhea rates, which are a proxy for risky heterosexual behavior. They are more closely associated with syphilis rates, which are a proxy for risky homosexual behavior. However, these estimates are smaller and less statistically significant when we exclude California, the state with the largest gay population. Also, laws permitting same-sex marriage are unrelated to gonorrhea or syphilis, but variation in these laws is insufficient to yield precise estimates. In sum, the findings point to a modest positive association—if any at all—between same-sex marriage bans and syphilis.