cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Major Green Tea Polyphenol, (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate, Inhibits Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Fatty Liver Disease in High-Fat–Fed Mice

In this study, we investigated the effects of the major green tea polyphenol, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), on high-fat-induced obesity, symptoms of the metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver in mice. In mice fed a high-fat diet (60% energy as fat), supplementation with dietary EGCG treatment (3.2 g/kg diet) for 16 wk reduced body weight (BW) gain, percent body fat, and visceral fat weight (P < 0.05) compared with mice without EGCG treatment. The BW decrease was associated with increased fecal lipids in the high-fat-fed groups (r(2) = 0.521; P < 0.05). EGCG treatment attenuated insulin resistance, plasma cholesterol, and monocyte chemoattractant protein concentrations in high-fat-fed mice (P < 0.05). EGCG treatment also decreased liver weight, liver triglycerides, and plasma alanine aminotransferase concentrations in high-fat-fed mice (P < 0.05). Histological analyses of liver samples revealed decreased lipid accumulation in hepatocytes in mice treated with EGCG compared with high-fat diet-fed mice without EGCG treatment. In another experiment, 3-mo-old high-fat-induced obese mice receiving short-term EGCG treatment (3.2 g/kg diet, 4 wk) had decreased mesenteric fat weight and blood glucose compared with high-fat-fed control mice (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that long-term EGCG treatment attenuated the development of obesity, symptoms associated with the metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver. Short-term EGCG treatment appeared to reverse preexisting high-fat-induced metabolic pathologies in obese mice. These effects may be mediated by decreased lipid absorption, decreased inflammation, and other mechanisms.
Do Networks Solve Collective Action Problems? Credibility, Search, and Collaboration

Two competing theories suggest different ways in which networks resolve collective action problems: small, dense networks enhance credible commitments supportive of cooperative solutions, while large boundary-spanning networks enhance search and information exchange supportive of coordinated solutions. Our empirical study develops and tests the competing credibility and search hypotheses in 22 estuary policy arenas, where fragmentation of authority creates collective problems and opportunities for joint gains through collaboration. The results indicate that search rather than credibility appears to pose the greater obstacle to collaboration; well-connected centrally located organizations engage in more collaborative activities than those embedded in small, dense networks.
A Factor-Analytic Study of Mathematics Anxiety

Responses from 491 university students largely from non-technical majors were obtained for 21 personality scales, five scales reflecting attitudes toward mathematics and six personal characteristics. Factor analysis of the personality and mathematics attitude variables revealed that scores on four of the five mathematics attitude scales (one of which was entitled Math Anxiety) were strongly related to a single, underlying attitude toward mathematics. This underlying variable was in turn substantially related to mathematics level attained in high school, general academic achievement (GPA) and current mathematics grade. This global mathematics attitude factor was essentially unrelated to sex or any of the personality variables. Sex was, however, weakly related to the fifth mathematics attitude variable, which reflected the degree of desirability which subjects assigned to personal success in mathematics. Females tended to be more negative in this regard.
Persistent Host Markers in Pandemic and H5N1 Influenza Viruses

Avian influenza viruses have adapted to human hosts, causing pandemics in humans. The key host-specific amino acid mutations required for an avian influenza virus to function in humans are unknown. Through multiple-sequence alignment and statistical testing of each aligned amino acid, we identified markers that discriminate human influenza viruses from avian influenza viruses. We applied strict thresholds to select only markers which are highly preserved in human influenza virus isolates over time. We found that a subset of these persistent host markers exist in all human pandemic influenza virus sequences from 1918, 1957, and 1968, while others are acquired as the virus becomes a seasonal influenza virus. We also show that human H5N1 influenza viruses are significantly more likely to contain the amino acid predominant in human strains for a few persistent host markers than avian H5N1 influenza viruses. This sporadic enrichment of amino acids present in human-hosted viruses may indicate that some H5N1 viruses have made modest adaptations to their new hosts in the recent past. The markers reported here should be useful in monitoring potential pandemic influenza viruses.
Likelihood ratios for Gaussian processes

We give a comprehensive discussion of the structure of the likelihood ratio (LR) for discrimination between two Gaussian processes, one of which is white. Several more general problems can be reduced, usually by differentiation, to this form. We shall show that nonsingular detection problems of this form can always be interpreted as problems of the apparently more special "signal-in-noise" type, where the cross-covariance function of the signal and noise must be of a special "one-sided" form. Moreover, the LR for this equivalent problem can be written in the same form as that for known signals in white Gaussian noise, with the causal estimate of the signal process replacing the known signal. This single formula will be shown to be equivalent to a variety of other formulas, including all those previously known. The proofs are based on a resolvent identity and on a representation theorem for second-order processes, both of which have other applications. This paper also contains a discussion of the various stochastic integrals and infinite determinants that arise in Gaussian detection problems
Anxiety Disorders and Latinos: The Role of Family Cohesion and Family Discord

Family cohesion has shown to be associated with lower psychological distress and other risk behaviors for Latinos, but little is known about the relationship of family cohesion, family discord, and...
Effect of Heat upon Size and Composition of Proteins Sedimented from Normal and Concentrated Skimmilk

Abstract Unheated and heated skimmilk and concentrated skimmilk were subjected to ultracentrifugation at four different forces ranging from 11,700× g to 144,000× g and the resulting supernatant and sediment fractions were examined to determine protein particle size distribution and chemical composition. An ultrafiltrate-dilution technique was used to determine sedimentation of the protein aggregates from concentrated skimmilk. Heating skimmilk at 88C for 10min had no significant effect upon the protein particle size distribution or chemical composition of the protein sediment fractions. Concentrated skimmilk protein aggregates were larger-sized and exhibited higher Ca/N and P/N ratios than those from either unheated or heated skimmilk. Heating concentrated skimmilk at 88C for periods up to 10min resulted in additional increases in both Ca/N and P/N ratios in the sediment fractions when nondiluted concentrate was employed. However, the sediment fractions obtained from heated concentrated skimmilk (diluted with their respective ultrafiltrates prior to centrifugation) had smaller Ca/N and P/N ratios than those from the unheated concentrate. Concentration of skimmilk and subsequent heating of the concentrate causes aggregation of protein particles, with incorporation of greater amounts of calcium phosphate into these aggregates.
Geographic Distributions and Origins of Human Head Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) Based on Mitochondrial Data

Abstract Human head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are subdivided into 3 deeply divergent mitochondrial clades (Clades A, B, and C), each having unique geographical distributions. Determining the evolutionary history and geographic distribution of these mitochondrial clades can elucidate the evolutionary history of the lice as well as their human hosts. Previous data suggest that lice belonging to mitochondrial Clade B may have originated in North America or Asia; however, geographic sampling and sample sizes have been limited. With newly collected lice, we calculate the relative frequency, geographic distribution, and genetic diversity of louse mitochondrial clades to determine the geographic origin of lice belonging to Clade B. In agreement with previous studies, genetic diversity data support a North American origin of Clade B lice. It is likely that lice belonging to this mitochondrial clade recently migrated to other geographic localities, e.g., Europe and Australia, and, if not already present, ma...
Towards an integrated model of international migration

Demographers have yet to develop a suitable integrated model of international migration and consequently have been very poor at forecasting immigration. This paper outlines the basic elements of an integrated model and surveys recent history to suggest the key challenges to model construction. A comprehensive theory must explain the structural forces that create a supply of people prone to migrate internationally, the structural origins of labour demand in receiving countries, the motivations of those who respond to these forces by choosing to migrate internationally, the growth and structure of transnational networks that arise to support international movement, the behaviour states in response to immigrant flows, and the influence of state actions on the behaviour of migrants. Recent history suggests that a good model needs to respect the salience of markets, recognize the circularity of migrant flows, appreciate the power of feedback effects, and be alert unanticipated consequences of policy actions.
Total Pectus Excavatum Repair: Open Approach

Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital abnormality of the chest wall and frequently requires repair and reconstruction. Historically, the open repair has been the standard approach, though the minimally invasive Nuss bar approach has become more common over the last two decades. Our operative description of the Ravitch-type repair with modifications remains a valuable tool in complex cases and re-do operations.
Note on the numerical solution for unsteady viscous flow past a circular cylinder

The starting flow of a viscous fluid past a circular cylinder at Reynolds numbers 40 and 100 has been obtained by a numerical method. The method used is that developed by Payne (1957) but it has been extended here to cover a larger time interval. At Reynolds number 40 Payne's result for the drag coefficient at time t = 6 is in reasonable agreement with Kawaguti's (1953) result for the steady case but if Payne's computation, is extended to time t ≈ 24, the result is in better agreement with Apelt's (1961) result for the steady case. Also, a further investigation into the case R = 100 shows that Payne's mesh size is too crude. Similar observations can be made concerning the size of the standing vortices downstream of the circular cylinder and how they grow in time.
Effects of Different Levels of Dry-Rolled Corn or Barley on the Utilization of Medium Quality Meadow Hay with Steers and Performance with Heifers

In Trial 1, five Angus-Gelbvieh crossbred steers (BW = 295 ± 3 kg) fitted with rumen cannulas were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to determine intake and digestibility of medium-quality native grass hay (9.5% CP) when supplemented with 0.25% BW dry-rolled corn (low corn; LC), 0.50% BW dry-rolled corn (high corn; HC), 0.25% BW dry-rolled barley (low barley; LB), 0.50% dry-rolled barley (high barley; HB), or when receiving no supplement (NS). Forage DMI decreased with increasing level of corn (P<0.001) and with increasing level of barley (P=0.018) in the supplement (2.27, 2.06, 1.76, 2.11, and 1.95 ± 0.08% BW for NS, LC, HC < LB, and HB, respectively). Organic matter, NDF, and ADF digestibility were not altered (P<0.53) by supplemental treatment. Ruminal fluid pH was significantly changed by supplementation, but pH remained well above 6.2. In Trial 2, 40 weaned, Angus × Gelbvieh heifers (BW = 302 ± 8 kg) were used to evaluate measure weight gain of animals fed diets similar to Trial 1. Supplemental treatments were NS, 0.68 kg of rolled corn (LC), 1.36 kg of rolled corn (HC), 0.68 kg of rolled barley (LB); and 1.36 kg of rolled barley (HB). Weight gain during the 77-d period was greater (P = 0.002) for all heifers receiving supplements (35, 48, 47, 45, and 55 ± 3 kg for NS, LC, HC, LB, and HB, respectively). Both corn and barley supplementation had a linear effect (P<0.04) on weight gains. Neither condition score (5.1, 5.2, 5.2, 5.4, and 5.4 for NS, LC, HC, LB, and HB, respectively) nor condition score change was affected (P<0.37) by treatment. Supplementation with either corn or barley had a quadratic effect on forage and total DMI. These data suggest that with a medium quality meadow hay, either corn or barley can be fed up to 0.5% of BW without affecting total DMI or dietary DM and fiber digestibility, although supplements did decrease forage DMI.
Morality, Professionalism and Happiness

Leaving for another day an exploration into the intellectual motivation behind purging the lawyer-statesman ideal from legal education and society, this brief essay assumes that the primary reason for the prevalence of depression among lawyers is based on low-levels of job satisfaction directly attributable to the consequences of the purge. This is by no means a novel thesis, but one that deserves continued attention. This article assumes that personal morality, and its objective manifestation, professionalism, come part-and-parcel with job-satisfaction. The implication of the foregoing is that the ethical lawyer is the happy lawyer; the happy lawyer is the lawyer that aspires to the lawyer-statesman ideal.
A Note on the Double Affine Hecke Algebra of Type GL2

We express the double affine Hecke algebra ℍ associated to the general linear group GL2(k) (here, k is a field with char(k) ≠ 2) as an amalgamated free product of quadratic extensions over the three-dimensional quantum torus &#x1d4aa;q((k×)3). With an eye towards proving ring-theoretic results pertaining to ℍ, a general treatment of amalgamated products of Ore and quadratic extensions is given. We prove an analogue of the Hilbert Basis Theorem for an amalgamated product Q of quadratic extensions and determine conditions for when the one-sided ideals of Q are principal or doubly-generated. Furthermore, we determine sufficient conditions which imply Q is a principal ideal ring. Finally, we construct an explicit isomorphism from ℍ to the amalgamated free product ring of quadratic extensions over &#x1d4aa;q((k×)3), a ring known to be noetherian. Therefore, it follows that ℍ is noetherian.
Diagnosis and staging of soft tissue sarcoma

This workshop is devoted to an in-depth review of the clinicopathology and differential diagnosis of soft tissue neoplasms emphasizing the cell of origin, growth pattern, and overlapping morphology of various sarcomas. The importance of histologic grade, anatomic site and clinical stage of various neoplasms will be discussed. The presentation and discussion will be based on 10 cases, the microscopic slides of which are mailed to each participant in advance.
Fat Grafting for Neuropathic Pain After Severe Burns.

Background Chronic neuropathic pain after burn injury is a significant problem that affects up to 29% of burn patients. Neuropathic burn scar pain is a challenge for plastic and burn surgeons, who have limited solutions. Fat grafting, with its mechanical and regenerative qualities, can improve neuropathic pain from various traumatic and postsurgical etiologies, but its effectiveness in neuropathic burn scar pain has yet to be demonstrated. In this study, the possible role of lipotransfer in treating neuropathic burn scar pain is explored, focusing on safety, graft take, and short-term efficacy. Methods We performed an institutional review board-approved, retrospective case review of 7 patients with chronic, refractory neuropathic pain, who underwent fat grafting to burn scars. These patients had failed conventional therapy, which included pharmacologic, medical, and laser treatment of the burn scars. Each patient had 2 sessions of fat grafting, spaced 2 months apart. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was used to assess pain perception, with patients answering the questionnaire before and after fat grafting, to assess subjective outcomes. Results Six of 7 patients had improvement in neuropathic pain after fat grafting, permitting reduction in their neuropharmacologic regimen. Tinel sign, present in all patients preoperatively, was absent on examination in all patients at follow-up. Three of the 5 patients who completed PROMIS questionnaires had PROMIS scores indicating improvement in pain by 1-year follow-up. One patient had similar preoperative and postoperative PROMIS scores, and 1 patient had an increase in pain at follow-up; however, he had suffered an additional burn to the same extremity. Analysis of pooled mean PROMIS scores reflects a statistically significant improvement in subjective outcomes by 1-year follow-up. Donor-site seroma in 1 patient was the only complication, with no cases of infection, wound breakdown, or graft loss. Conclusions Adipose tissue can be safely grafted into burn scars and may improve symptoms in patients with refractory neuropathic pain after burn injury. Further translational and clinical research is necessary to elucidate mechanisms of action, indications, optimal type of transfer, and long-term effectiveness.
Effect of Deposit Composition on the Mechanical Properties and Cracking Tendency of Cellulosic-Covered SMAW Weld Deposits

This investigation utilizes test electrodes manufactured with boron at different levels (including no boron). The design of these electrodes is identical with the exception of the intentional changes highlighted. Gapped bead on plate (GBOP) testing is used to determine the relative propensity of the electrodes for weld metal cracking. Test electrodes are also evaluated for deposit composition, CVN impact toughness, strength, and hardness on pipe joints. This work also uses a non boron-containing test electrode whose deposit composition has been modified such that its carbon equivalent is the same as one of the boron-containing electrodes. This serves to separate the influence of the specific element boron from the influence of general carbon equivalent/hardenability on the tendency for cracking. The results indicate that the effect of changes in boron and carbon equivalent over the range tested and in this specific electrode design is very slight. In most cases, the effect is not significant when compared to the amount of variation observed in the testing. In essence, the signal was lost in the noise. In terms of susceptibility to hydrogen assisted cold cracking (HACC) — the area of most concern — there appear to be other factors that are much more influential than those tested. If the goal is to minimize the cracking sensitivity of cellulosic weld metal, simply eliminating the use of boron is not the answer. More work is required to identify these other factors and quantify their effect.© 2010 ASME
Analysis of the characteristics of sexual behavior and syphilis infection among high risk population in Zongyang county,Anhui province

Objective To investigate characteristics of sexual behavior and syphilis infection among high risk populations in Zongyang county,and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of venereal diseases.Methods A face-to-face survey was conducted among sexually transmitted diseases(STD) clinic attendants,pregnant women and female commercial sex workers,who were taken 5ml blood for syphilis serology testing.Results A total of 40 female sex workers,280 STD clinic attendants and 402 pregnant women were investigated.The awareness rate of knowledge about HIV among commercial sex workers and STD clinic attendants were 47.5% and 43.2%,and the rates of condom use at last time were 37.5% and 28.9%,respectively.Of the 402 pregnant women,1.7% had been affected by sexually transmitted diseases,and 11.7% had non-marital sex.12.5% of the female sex workers and 6.4% of the STD clinic attendants were affected by syphilis.0.5% of the pregnant women had positive serological test results for syphilis.Conclusions Syphilis was popular in high-risk populations,care health education and preventive intervention should be taken.STD clinic should be standardized and maternal health should be strengthened to control syphilis.
Epistemic inconsistency and categorical coherence: a study of probabilistic measures of coherence

Is logical consistency required for a set of beliefs or propositions to be categorically coherent? An affirmative answer is often assumed by mainstream epistemologists, and yet it is unclear why. Cases like the lottery and the preface call into question the assumption that beliefs must be consistent in order to be epistemically rational. And thus it is natural to wonder why all inconsistent sets of propositions are incoherent. On the other hand, Easwaran and Fitelson (2015) have shown that particular kinds of inconsistency entail the epistemically ‘irrationality’ of holding certain sets of beliefs. In cases of the latter kind of inconsistency, it seems more reasonable to insist that such sets of beliefs or propositions are categorically incoherent. What the precise relationship is between coherence and consistency depends on the nature of the coherence relation. We shall examine recent attempts to explicate the coherence relation in terms of probabilistic measures of confirmation or agreement to see what they can teach us about the relationship between coherence and consistency. We shall show that some probabilistic measures of coherence allow for inconsistent sets to be categorically coherent, while satisfying plausible epistemic rationality constraints. Other probabilistic measures of coherence impose very strong logical consistency requirements, and some measures are tolerant of most forms of inconsistency. As we try to understand what distinguishes coherence measures in this respect, we will also draw some important lessons about Bayesian confirmation measures and differences in the way that they treat contradictory propositions.
Special Report: The Clinical Significance of Eosinophiluria

Eosinophils are normally absent from the urine. Their presence has been associated with a variety of clinical conditions affecting the kidney or urinary tract. The authors examined the clinical significance and eosinophils, in particular, for acute interstitial nephritis.
Membrane-dependent Activities of Human 15-LOX-2 and Its Murine Counterpart: IMPLICATIONS FOR MURINE MODELS OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS.

The enzyme encoded by the ALOX15B gene has been linked to the development of atherosclerotic plaques in humans and in a mouse model of hypercholesterolemia. In vitro, these enzymes, which share 78% sequence identity, generate distinct products from their substrate arachidonic acid: the human enzyme, a 15-S-hydroperoxy product; and the murine enzyme, an 8-S-product. We probed the activities of these enzymes with nanodiscs as membrane mimics to determine whether they can access substrate esterified in a bilayer and characterized their activities at the membrane interface. We observed that both enzymes transform phospholipid-esterified arachidonic acid to a 15-S-product. Moreover, when expressed in transfected HEK cells, both enzymes result in significant increases in the amounts of 15-hydroxyderivatives of eicosanoids detected. In addition, we show that 15-LOX-2 is distributed at the plasma membrane when the HEK293 cells are stimulated by the addition Ca2+ ionophore and that cellular localization is dependent upon the presence of a putative membrane insertion loop. We also report that sequence differences between the human and mouse enzymes in this loop appear to confer distinct mechanisms of enzyme-membrane interaction for the homologues.
The Accuracy, Market Ethic, and Individual Morality Surrounding the Profit Maximization Assumption:

This paper hinges on the distinction between “maximizing profit” and “making profit.” It recounts from Adam Smith the ethical basis for profit making, and observes in Augustin Cournot why the maximization assumption was introduced. Several introductory texts are examined to observe how profit maximization is presented. The veracity of the assumption is challenged by considering: owner/ managers who focus on utility rather than profit, corporate maximization of shareholder wealth, corporate managers who pursue personal benefits, and evidence of “corporate social responsibility.” Milton Friedman's 1970 New York Times Magazine essay, “The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase its Profits” is used to support that the ethical justification for the market system does not rest on maximizing profit, and that individuals often have moral latitude to pursue non-pecuniary business goals alongside seeking profit. Teaching that all firms maximize profit poorly educates students concerning how many firms act...
El neoliberalisme lingüístic a la Unió Europea. L'enfocament de la política lingüística i les accions polítiques de la UE en matèria de multilingüisme

The European Union has always placed linguistic diversity at the core of Europe’s DNA. The EU’s motto “United in Diversity” is recurrently mentioned when referring to the multiplicity of languages in the continent, which are discursively portrayed as one of Europe’s greatest assets. This EU political rhetoric on multilingualism, however, does not match the policy actions undertaken by the European Union, which point at a decreasing interest in multilingualism. This article seeks to analyze the evolution of the EU’s multilingualism policy over the period 2005-2016 from a Discourse Analysis perspective, which shows an increasing commodification of languages and a utilitarian approach on the EU’s language policy. It argues that while the idea of promotion, protection and respect of linguistic diversity remains in the current EU political rhetoric on languages, the actual policies adopt a market-oriented approach, which considers languages as mere commodities for economic growth, mobility and jobs. The article ultimately argues that the EU has fully embraced linguistic neoliberalism as its policy on multilingualism –defined as the exclusive focus on language skills for market-oriented purposes.
TGF-β inhibits IL-7-induced proliferation in memory but not naive human CD4+ T cells

TGF-β is a potent suppressor of T cell activation and expansion. Although the antiproliferative effects of TGF-β are well characterized in TCR-activated cells, the effects of TGF-β on T cell proliferation driven by homeostatic cytokines, such as IL-7, are poorly defined. In the current study, we found that TGF-β inhibits IL-7-induced proliferation in memory, but not in naive human CD4+ T cells. TGF-β impaired c-myc induction in all CD4+ T cell maturation subsets, although the impairment was less sustained in naive CD4+ T cells. TGF-β had no discernible effect on IL-7R signaling (p-STAT-5, p-Akt, or p-S6) in memory T cells but selectively enhanced p-S6 signaling in naive T cells. The inhibitory effects of TGF-β on memory T cell proliferation were partially overcome by chemical inhibition of GSK-3, which also led to enhanced c-myc expression. These data suggest that TGF-β could play an important role in limiting homeostatic proliferation of memory T cells. Our observations also point toward a novel strategy to subvert TGF-β-mediated inhibition of memory T cells by targeting GSK-3 for inhibition.
Autism and Fragile X Syndrome

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed as a developmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASD is not caused by one genetic defect, rather it is estimated that hundreds of genes could be involved. Genes identified are frequently associated with epilepsy. The estimates of prevalence of epilepsy in ASD ranges from 8% to 34%, with higher rates associated with the additional presence of intellectual disability (ID), overlap with the rate of ASD in epilepsy. The wealth of patient genetic information has led to the generation of several mouse models with modification of individual genes to parse out the role of each gene in ASD, and potential relationships to epilepsy. This chapter focuses on FMRP, CDKL5, Ube3A, PTEN, Shank3, Cntnap2, Neuroligin-3, and SynGAP1, due to the presence of comorbid epilepsy, and/or abnormal electroencephalography (EEG) found in ASD patients with genetic changes in these proteins.
The extinction of Xenothrix mcgregori, Jamaica's last monkey

The Jamaican primate, Xenothrix mcgregori, regarded variously as either a pitheciid or a stem platyrrhine, was the terminal branch of a clade that likely entered the West Indies at least as early as the Early Miocene, although its lineage is represented by fossils of Quaternary age only. We present a new direct radiocarbon-based date of 1,477 ± 34 calibrated years before present (cal BP) for the last documented appearance of this species in the fossil record. We employed the Gaussian-resampled, inverse-weighted McInerny et al. (GRIWM) method to estimate the extinction date of X. mcgregori, based on the data presented here as well as 6 other dates derived from X. mcgregori sites. On this basis, we estimated a last occurrence ∼900 BP. The cause or causes of this extinction, as well as the many others that occurred in late Quaternary of the Greater Antilles, remain a matter of debate. The likeliest inference is that these losses were largely if not completely anthropogenically driven. Although many species and populations of primates are critically threatened today, the loss of X. mcgregori stands as the most recent species-level extinction within Anthropoidea corroborated by radiometric evidence.
Vulnerability of California specialty crops to projected mid-century temperature changes

Increasing global temperatures are likely to have major impacts on agriculture, but the effects will vary by crop and location. This paper describes the temperature sensitivity and exposure of selected specialty crops in California. We used literature synthesis to create several sensitivity indices (from 1 to 4) to changes in winter minimum and summer maximum temperature for the top 14 specialty crops. To estimate exposure, we used seasonal period change analysis of mid-century minimum and maximum temperature changes downscaled to county level from CMIP5 models. We described crop vulnerability on a county basis as (crop sensitivity index × county climate exposure × area of crop in county); individual crop vulnerabilities were combined to create an aggregate index of specialty crop vulnerability by county. We also conducted analyses scaled by crop value rather than area, and normalized to total specialty crop area in each county. Our analyses yielded a spatial assessment highlighting seasons and counties of highest vulnerability. Winter and summer vulnerability are correlated, but not highly so. High-producing counties (e.g., Fresno County in the San Joaquin Valley) are the most vulnerable in absolute terms, while northern Sacramento Valley counties are the most vulnerable in relative terms, due to their reliance on heat-sensitive perennial crops. Our results illustrate the importance of examining crop vulnerability from different angles. More physiological and economic research is needed to build a comprehensive picture of specialty crop vulnerability to climate change.
Introduction to Multivariate Statistical Procedures

The type of data to be studied is a deciding factor in all statistical methods and is very important in studies using multivariate statistics. Data may be classified as continuous or discrete, normal or non-normal, and based on scales of measurement such as ordinal, nominal, or other.
AUTOCATALYZED COVALENT BINDING OF 3H(-)t-7,8-DIOL BENZO(a)PYRENE TO MIXED-FUNCTION OXIDASE ENZYMES AND DNA: THE ROLE OF EPOXIDE HYDRATASE

Publisher Summary (–)t–7, 8–dihydrodiol benzo(a)pyrene (BP) is activated to diol expoxide I and II by the microsomal mixed-function oxidase (MFO) systems. These are major mutagenic and carcinogenic metabolites of BP and bind to DNA, RNA, and proteins. This chapter discusses the role of epoxide hydratase in the hydrolysis and binding of diol epoxides (DE) I and II to DNA and proteins. Studies indicate that DNA diol epoxide binding is stereoselective. In the study discussed in the chapter, it showed that the binding of reactive metabolites formed from 3 H(–)t–7, 8–dihydrodiol BP to DNA and proteins was reduced by epoxide hydratase. The inhibition of DNA and protein binding by epoxide hydratase indicates that the hydratase has some stereospecific interaction with diol epoxides, binds them covalently, alters their mode of hydrolysis, and may reduce their activity as carcinogenic intermediates. Therefore, these results indicate that epoxide hydratase may play a role in diol epoxide detoxification.
A Closer Look at the Psychosocial Realities of LGBTQ Youth.

* Abbreviation: LGBTQ — : lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning This month’s issue of Pediatrics features studies from Baams1 and Becerra-Culqui et al,2 in which they contribute to the ever-growing body of literature that characterizes psychosocial disparities faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ), and gender nonconforming youth. Authors of several studies have previously described the psychosocial realities of these youth that include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, nonsuicidal self-injury, suicidality, homelessness, and substance use.3–5 However, in 2 studies in this issue, both with the strength of describing large population-based samples, authors confirm the dismal psychosocial disparities experienced by these youth and provide novel information that should embolden health care providers to better identify such youth in their practices, assess risk factors, and offer support options that may not only promote resilience but may also be lifesaving. There has been growing evidence in which stress associated with cumulative adverse childhood … Address correspondence to Stanley Ray Vance Jr, MD, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California St, Suite 245, Box 0503, San Francisco, CA 94143. E-mail: stanley.vance{at}ucsf.edu
Magnetic Resonance-Guided Laser-Induced Thermal Therapy for the Treatment of Progressive Enhancing Inflammatory Reactions Following Stereotactic Radiosurgery, or PEIRs, for Metastatic Brain Disease.

BACKGROUND In patients who have previously undergone maximum radiation for metastatic brain tumors, a progressive enhancing inflammatory reaction (PEIR) that represents either tumor recurrence or radiation necrosis, or a combination of both, can occur. Magnetic resonance-guided laser-induced thermal therapy (LITT) offers a minimally invasive treatment option for this problem. OBJECTIVE To report our single-center experience using LITT to treat PEIRs after radiosurgery for brain metastases. METHODS Patients with progressive, enhancing reactions at the site of prior radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors and who had a Karnofsky performance status of ≥70 were eligible for LITT. The primary endpoint was local control. Secondary end points included dexamethasone use and procedure-related complications. RESULTS Between 2010 and 2017, 59 patients who underwent 74 LITT procedures for 74 PEIRs met inclusion criteria. The mean pre-LITT PEIR size measured 3.4 ± 0.4 cm3. At a median follow-up of 44.6 wk post-LITT, the local control rate was 83.1%. Most patients were weaned off steroids post-LITT. Patients experiencing a post-LITT complication were more likely to remain on steroids indefinitely. The rate of new permanent neurological deficit was 3.4%. CONCLUSION LITT is an effective treatment for local control of PEIRs after radiosurgery for metastatic brain disease. When possible, we recommend offering LITT once PEIRs are identified and prior to the initiation of high-dose steroids for symptom relief.
Diffusion and Magnetic Relaxation in Computer Generated Model Porous Media

Understanding various physical processes occurring inside porous media and how they are influenced by the geometry and disorder has attracted unabated attention for last several decades. Examples of porous media are naturally occurring rocks, biological cells, zeolites, intercalate compounds, and more recently discovered nano and meso tubes like MCM-4 1. Measurement of magnetic relaxation and diffusivity has been routinely used to extract information about the geometry and connectivity of these porous media. Many of the earlier work on porous media have dealt with models of highly consolidated structures ofnaturallyoccurringsandstonesandrocks1 whoseporositiescan beextremelylow. In this paper we have explored diffusion and magnetic relaxation in a class of two dimensional model porous media of relatively larger porosities with varying degree of nonuniformity and connectivity. One of the key features of these computer generated model porous media is that for a fixed porosity it is possible to generate structures with very different surface morphologies. These structures have very marked effect on the long time diffusion constant, These morphologies can be changed in a controlled manner which enables us to study transport and relaxation in a very systematic way. Nuclear magnetic relaxation has been widely used to extract information about the fluid saturated porous media. In a proton NMR experiment the rate of decay of magnetization depends on the characteristic length scales of the pore space and on the interactions at the pore grain interface. The additional interaction of protons with paramagnetic impurities located on the grain surface enhances the relaxation process. The continuum description of this process has traditionally been described through diffusion equation. The effect of the surface relaxers are taken into account through boundary condition at the pore surface. Long time ago Brownstein and Tarr2 made a very important observation that for very small pores the decay was multiexponential, the geometry of the pore being the decisive factor
Constraint posting for verifying VLSI circuits

We apply constraint posting to the problem of reasoning about function from structure. Constraint posting is a technique used by some planners to coordinate decisions. At each decision point constraints are posted that later decisions must obey. We use constraint posting to help verify that a circuit modelled at the analog level will exhibit its intended digital behavior. A circuit's analog behavior depends not only on the circuit's structure, but also on how the circuit is used. We post constraints to ensure that a circuit will only be used commensurate with its intended function. This research shows that while there is no "function from structure," there is function from structure and constraint posting. We have implemented these ideas in program that rapidly verifies large circuits.
ERAS protocol validation in a propensity-matched cohort of patients undergoing colorectal surgery

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) provides many benefits. However, important knowledge gaps with respect to specific components of enhanced recovery after surgery remain because of limited validation data. The aim of the study was to validate a mature ERAS protocol at a different hospital and in a similar population of patients. This is a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery from 2009 through 2016. Patients enrolled in ERAS are compared with those undergoing the standard of care. Patient demographic characteristics, length of stay, pain scores, and perioperative morbidity are described. Patients (1396) were propensity matched into two equal groups (ERAS vs non-ERAS). No significant difference was observed for age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, sex, operative approach, and surgery duration. Median length of stay in ERAS and non-ERAS groups was 3 and 5 days (P < .001). Mean pain scores were lower in the ERAS group, measured at discharge from the postanesthesia unit (P < .001), on postoperative day 1 (P = .002) and postoperative day 2 (P = .02) but were identical on discharge. This ERAS protocol was validated in a similar patient population but at a different hospital. ERAS implementation was associated with an improved length of stay and pain scores similar to the original study. Different than most retrospective studies, propensity score matching ensured that groups were evenly matched. To our knowledge, this study is the only ERAS validation study in a propensity-matched cohort of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.
Abstract 134: Sex Differences in the Neuroprotective Effects of IAIP are Potentially Driven by Differences in Blood Brain Barrier Permeability after Stroke

Introduction: Stroke is a sexually dimorphic disease. There is growing evidence that there are sex differences in the response to drugs, both in experimental and in clinical studies. Increase in BB...
Antipseudomonal monotherapy or combination therapy for older adults with community-onset pneumonia and multidrug-resistant risk factors: a retrospective cohort study

Background Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines recommend empiric antipseudomonal combination therapy when Pseudomonas is suspected. However, combination antipseudomonal therapy is controversial. This study compares all-cause 30-day mortality in older patients who received antipseudomonal monotherapy (PMT) or antipseudomonal combination therapy (PCT) for the treatment of community-onset pneumonia. Methods This population-based, retrospective cohort study used data from over 150 Veterans Health Administration hospitals. Patients were classified as being at low, medium, or high risk of drug-resistant pathogens. In total, 31,027 patients were assigned to PCT or PMT treatment arms based on antibiotics received in the first 48 hours of hospital admission. Results The unadjusted 30-day mortality difference between PCT and PMT was most pronounced in the low-risk group (18% vs 8%), followed by the medium-risk group (24% vs 18%) and then the high-risk group (39% vs 33%). PCT was associated with higher 30-day mortality than PMT overall (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-1.66) in all 3 risk groups: low (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.50-1.89), medium (aOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.14-1.48), and high (aOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.40). Conclusions Older adults who received combination antipseudomonal therapy for community-onset pneumonia fared worse than those who received monotherapy. Empiric combination antipseudomonal therapy should not be routinely offered to all patients suspected of having pseudomonal pneumonia.
Sexual Desire Discrepancy

Sexual desire discrepancy continues to be a challenging issue in relationships. Due to the negative impact that distressing discrepant desire has on sexual and relational satisfaction, it continues to be a source of conflict and disconnection for couples. We conducted a review of current literature to examine the state of understanding of this complex phenomenon. Researchers have focused on understanding protective factors during situations of discrepant desire and have found that partners motivated by approach-related goals and partner-focused motives for sex experience higher rates of relationship cohesion and overall satisfaction, potentially mitigating the sexual desire discrepancy. In addition, recent research has explored ways that couples navigate discrepancies, with activities focused on increasing closeness and intimacy being associated with more satisfaction. While the literature on sexual desire discrepancy continues to be sparse, key findings around motivation and mitigating behaviors shape our understanding of this phenomenon.
Entanglement-Based Distributed Quantum Sensing Enhanced by Quantum Relays

We show that noiseless linear amplifiers can serve as quantum relays to overcome entanglement distribution loss for entangled quantum sensors to outperform sensors supplied with the optimum local quantum resources. © 2019 The Author(s)
GP105 Nursing metrics in temple street: working together to achieve national standards

Background Nursing and Midwifery Quality Care-Metrics are a measure of the quality of nursing and midwifery clinical care processes aligned to evidenced based standards and agreed through national consensus in healthcare settings in Ireland. Quality Care-Metrics will enable midwifery and nursing staff to frequently review real time data in order to improve clinical practice appropriately (Harrison 2011). Aim and objectives To highlight Quality Improvements that have occurred in Nursing Practice In Temple Street and areas for improvement that are on-going as a result of Quality Care Metrics. Quality initiatives include; safe storage of drugs, co-signing of student nursing documentation, safe discontinuation of drugs. quality improvements involve; nurses, pharmacists and doctors. Methods/Intervention Test Your Care generated quantitative data which highlighted areas of the Nursing process which required improvement. The Quality Initiative took place and the data was re-evaluated using Test Your Care. Results/Findings Improvements evident in Medication Storage Custody Metrics as a result of the implementation of swipe Access in the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department. Conclusions Nursing Quality Care Metrics have an important role to play in optimising safe Nursing Care. This can be achieved through working together to meet National Standards.
Comparing the Influence of Different Overhand/Underhand Stacking Combinations of Reversing Half-Hitches on Alternating Posts on Arthroscopic Knot Security.

Introduction Previous literature demonstrated the importance of stacking at least three reversing half-hitches on alternating posts (RHAPs) following arthroscopic knot placement. However, RHAPs construction involves looping the suture in either an "overhand" or an "underhand" manner as it relates to the post, which may affect knot security. This study investigated the presently unidentified influence of different stacking combinations of three RHAPs and suture material on arthroscopic knot security. Methods Four different RHAPs stacking combinations were tied with three different suture materials. Ten knots of each configuration were tied using each suture material, resulting in 120 evaluated knots. A single load-to-failure test was performed. The mode of failure and mean ultimate clinical failure load were recorded. Results Different overhand/underhand stacking combinations of three RHAPs had a statistically significant effect on arthroscopic knot strength and security; however, all combinations surpassed the minimum ultimate clinical failure threshold. Knots constructed with either Force Fiber® or braided fishing line had mean ultimate clinical failure loads of greater than 200 N and most commonly failed due to suture material breakage (100%, 60 - 80% respectively). Conversely, FiberWire® demonstrated lower mean ultimate clinical failure loads and had a higher incidence of elongated but intact failure (60 - 90%). Conclusion Different overhand/underhand stacking combinations of three RHAPs yielded an arthroscopic knot capable of secure tissue fixation. A significant effect was observed for suture materials on the knot strength. This study increases our understanding of suitable RHAPs construction following arthroscopic knot placement that can lead to improving the ultimate clinical failure loads of constructed arthroscopic knots observed between orthopedic surgeons.
Using a survey to initiate and sustain productive group dialogue in focus groups

Interaction is the distinctive feature of focus groups, yet little attention has been devoted to understanding techniques for enhancing the quality of interactions. We argue that using a quantitati...