cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single‐port laparoscopic surgery: initial experience in children for varicocelectomy

OBJECTIVE To present our initial experience in children undergoing single-port laparoscopic varicocelectomy (SPLV) using a new approach in which the entire procedure is performed through a multichannel single laparoscopic port inserted in the umbilicus rather than the traditional LV performed through three abdominal ports. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed our experience with all paediatric patients who had undergone transumbilical SPLV [Uni-XTM Single Port Access Laparoscopic System, Pnavel Systems, NJ, USA]. This novel 20-mm laparoscopic port has three working channels and gas insufflation access. The system also includes a variety of curved laparoscopic instruments that can be introduced through the SP. A Hassan technique through an incision within the inferior aspect of the umbilicus is used to obtain laparoscopic port access to the abdominal cavity. The SP is then fixed into position with pre-placed rectus facial sutures. Using a curved laparoscopic grasper and scissors, an incision is made within the posterior peritoneum on the medial and lateral aspects of the left testicular artery and veins, proximal to the vas deferens. The vessels, both artery and veins, are transected leaving clips both proximally and distally. RESULTS Transumbilical SPLV was completed in three consecutive adolescents (aged 13, 15 and 16 years) without placing any additional ports or conversion to open surgery. All procedures were performed for left-sided grade III varicoceles. The operative duration was <1 h for each procedure. All patients were discharged on the same day as their surgery and none required re-hospitalization. At a mean (range) follow-up of 8.7 (6–10) weeks there was a good cosmetic result, with no varicocele recurrence, or intraoperative or postoperative complications including wound infection, hydrocele, or incision site herniation. CONCLUSION We report the first use of a multicannula single laparoscopic port in children and for SPLV. This new laparoscopic approach, similar to any new technique, requires further experience to fully evaluate its benefits and limitations.
A role for C-C chemokines in fibrotic lung disease.

Pulmonary fibrosis is the end point ofa chronic inflammatory process characterized by leukocyte recruit- ment and activation, fibroblast proliferation, and in- creased extracellular matrix production. Previous studies ofmodels ofpulmonary fibrosis have investigated the role of cytokines in the evolution of the fibrotic response. The involvement of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 in bleomycin-induced lung injury, a model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, has been well estab- lished, suggesting that cytokines mediate the initiation and maintenance of chronic inflammatory lesions. How- ever, the aforementioned cytokines alone cannot account for the recruitment and activation of specific leukocyte populations found in the bleomycin model. Recently, a family of novel proinflammatory cytokines (chemokines) was cloned and characterized, yielding many putative mediators ofleukocyte functions. Macrophage inflamma- tory protein-la (MIP.la) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-i (MCP-1) belong to the C-C chemotactic cytokine family, a group of low-molecular-weight peptides. These molecules modulate chemotaxis, proliferation, and cy- tokine expression in leukocyte subsets. Our group has investigated the roles of MCP-i and MIP-la in the bleomycin model. Both MCP-1 and MIP-la are expressed in a time-dependent manner after bleomycin challenge, and passive immunization of these animals with either anti-MIPla or anti-MCP-1 antibodies attenuated leuko- cyte accumulation. In addition, we have identified spe- cific cell types expressing MCP-1 or MIP-la by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical localization, re- spectively. Furthermore, our results indicate that MIP-la expression is mediated by alveolar macrophage-derived tumor necrosis factor, identifying an important cytokine pathway in the initiation of pulmonary fibrosis. Finally, anti-MIP-la therapy attenuated fibrosis, providing direct evidence for its involvement in fibrotic pathology. Our work has clearly established that the C-C chemokines MCP-1 and MIP-la are expressed and contribute to the initiation and maintenance ofthe bleomycin-induced pui- monary lesionJ. Leukoc. Biol. 57: 782-787; 1995.
Degradation of near infrared and shortwave infrared imager performance due to atmospheric scattering of diffuse night illumination

On moonless nights, airglow is the primary source of natural ground illumination in the near infrared and shortwave infrared spectral bands. Therefore, night vision imagers operating in these spectral bands view targets that are diffusely illuminated. Aerosol scattering of diffuse airglow illumination causes atmospheric path radiance and that radiance causes increased imager noise. These phenomena and their quantification are described in this paper.
Electrical remodeling of the epicardial border zone in the canine infarcted heart: a computational analysis.

The density and kinetics of several ionic currents of cells isolated from the epicardial border zone of the infarcted heart (IZs) are markedly different from cells from the noninfarcted canine epic...
Odorant-binding proteins from a primitive termite.

Hitherto, odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) have been identified from insects belonging to more highly evolved insect orders (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Hemiptera), whereas only chemosensory proteins have been identified from more primitive species, such as orthopteran and phasmid species. Here, we report for the first time the isolation and cloning of odorant-binding proteins from a primitive termite species, the dampwood termite, Zootermopsis nevadensis nevadensis (Isoptera: Termopsidae). A major antennae-specific protein was detected by native PAGE along with four other minor proteins, which were also absent in the extract from control tissues (hindlegs). Multiple cDNA cloning led to the full characterization of the major antennae-specific protein (ZnevOBP1) and to the identification of two other antennae-specific cDNAs, encoding putative odorant-binding proteins (ZnevOBP2 and ZnevOBP3). N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the minor antennal bands and cDNA cloning showed that olfaction in Z. n. nevadensis may involve multiple odorant-binding proteins. Database searches suggest that the OBPs from this primitive termite are homologues of the pheromone-binding proteins from scarab beetles and antennal-binding proteins from moths.
Sexual dimorphism in disease onset and progression of a rat model of ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease causing the progressive loss of brain and spinal cord motor neurons. The exact etiology of ALS is still uncertain, but males have consistently been shown to be at a higher risk for the disease than females. Recently, transgenic rats overexpressing mutant forms of the human SOD1 (hSOD1) gene have been established as a valuable disease model of ALS. Here we show that sexual dimorphism in disease onset is also observed in hSOD1G93A transgenic rats. Disease onset was consistently earlier in male than in female hSOD1G93A rats. We also found that hSOD1G93A male rats lost weight more rapidly following disease onset compared to hSOD1G93A females. Furthermore, we tested locomotor function using the Basso‐Beattie‐Bresnahan (BBB) rating scale and a beam walking test. We found that motor dysfunction started earlier in males than in females but progressed similarly in the two sexes. These results have important implications for future experimenta...
Hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis

Proper functioning of the mammalian testis is dependent upon an array of hormonal messengers acting through endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine pathways. Within the testis, the primary messengers are the gonadotrophins, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and the androgens. Abundant evidence indicates that the role of the gonadotrophins is to maintain proper functioning of testicular somatic cells. It is the androgens, primarily testosterone, which act through the somatic cells to regulate germ cell differentiation. Despite extensive research in this area, little is known about the cell-specific requirements for androgens and even less is understood about the downstream effectors of androgen signalling. However, recent work using cell-specific ablation of androgen receptor function has demonstrated a clear requirement for androgen signalling at multiple, discrete time points during spermatogenesis. These models also provide useful tools for identifying the targets of androgen receptor activity. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of recent advances in our understanding of hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis, with an emphasis on the role of testosterone within the testis, and to pose important questions for future research in this field.
Low-power technology mapping for FPGA architectures with dual supply voltages

In this paper we study the technology mapping problem of FPGA architectures with dual supply voltages (Vdds) for power optimization. This is done with the guarantee that the mapping depth of the circuit will not increase compared to the circuit with a single Vdd. We first design a single-Vdd mapping algorithm that achieves better power results than the latest published low-power mapping algorithms. We then show that our dual-Vdd mapping algorithm can further improve power savings by up to 11.6% over the single-Vdd mapper. In addition, we investigate the best low-Vdd/high-Vdd ratio for the largest power reduction among several dual-Vdd combinations. To our knowledge, this is the first work on dual-Vdd mapping for FPGA architectures.
Mutational Analysis of the Arf1•GTP/Arf GAP Interface Reveals an Arf1 Mutant that Selectively Affects the Arf GAP ASAP1

Summary Arf1 is a GTP binding protein that functions at a number of cellular sites to control membrane traffic and actin remodeling. Arf1 is regulated by site-specific GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). The combined results of crystallographic and biochemical studies [1–3] have led to the proposal that Arf1 GAPs differ in the specific interface formed with Arf1. To test this hypothesis, we have used mutagenesis to examine the interaction of three Arf GAPs (ASAP1, AGAP1, and ArfGAP1) with switch 1, switch 2, and α helix3 of Arf1. The GAPs were similar in being affected by mutations in switch 1 and 2. However, effects of a mutation within α helix3 and specific mutations within switch 1 and 2 differed among the GAPs. The largest differences were observed with a change of isoleucine 46 to aspartate ([I46D]Arf1), which reduced ASAP1-induced catalysis by ∼10,000-fold but had a 3-fold effect on AGAP1. The reduction was due to an isolated effect on the catalytic rate, k cat . In vivo [I46D]Arf1 had no detectable effect on the Golgi apparatus but, instead, functioned as a constitutively active mutant in the cell periphery, affecting the localization of ASAP1 and paxillin. Based on our results, we conclude that the contribution of specific residues within switch 1 of Arf to binding and achieving a transition state toward GTP hydrolysis differs among Arf GAPs.
A Case Study: Application of Parametric Cost Analysis to Claims Related to Scope Changes

Abstract During proposal preparation, many organizations use parametric tools to develop cost estimates and compare alternative approaches. A less common application of parametric analysis involves identification of costs for alleged out-of-scope or unplanned work in support of damage claims and legal proceedings. This paper presents a case study of a parametric cost estimating system that was used in a legal filing to substantiate out-of-scope engineering costs related to the design of electronic test equipment. Due to a failure in project management methods, the firm had minimal data to substantiate cost claims related to alleged scope changes. As a result it developed a number of parametric estimation methods to support the claim. Unfortunately, these approaches developed dependent, correlated cost terms that increased the variance and uncertainty of the resulting estimate. The paper demonstrates the importance of using a project work breakdown structure that is traceable throughout the project executi...
Perplexing Pleural Effusion

Twenty-seven patients with perplexing pleural effusion were studied to determine clinical outcome. The value of performing pleuroscopic examination or open pleural biopsy (or both) in search of a diagnosis was assessed. After a mean follow-up period of six months, a diagnosis was reached in 16 patients, while 11 patients had no diagnosis after a mean follow-up period of 24 months. The causes for the effusions were neoplasm (eight patients), tuberculosis (one patient), blastomycosis (one patient), systemic lupus erythematosus (one patient), pulmonary infarction (two patients), and fractures of the ribs (three patients). The diagnosis was made by pleuroscopic examination or open biopsy in five patients, by autopsy in four, and by long-term follow-up studies in seven patients. When neoplasm or granulomatous disease was not suspected before surgery, pleuroscopic examination or open biopsy or both were nondiagnostic. These data support a policy of selecting patients for these procedures when a presumptive diagnosis of neoplasm or granulomatous disease is made but cannot be confirmed by less invasive methods. When the clinical data are too nonspecific to formulate a meaningful clinical impression, a more conservative approach is recommended.
Static Information Flow Analysis with Handling of Implicit Flows and a Study on Effects of Implicit Flows vs Explicit Flows

Reasoning about information flow can help software engineering. Static information flow inference analysis is a technique which automatically infers information flows based on data or control dependence. It can be utilized for the purposes of general program understanding, detection of security attacks and security vulnerabilities, and type inference for security type systems. This paper proposes a new static information flow inference analysis, which unlike most other information flow analyses, handles both explicit and implicit information flows. The analysis does not require annotations and it is relatively precise and practical. We illustrate the usage of the static information flow analysis on three applications. The first application of information flow analysis is security violation detection. We perform experiments on a set of Java web applications and the experiments show that our analysis effectively detects security violations. The second application is type inference. Our experiments on the Java web applications successfully infer security types. The last application studies the effect of thread-shared variables on thread-local variables. Our experiments on a set of multi-thread programs show that most of the thread-local variables are affected by the thread-shared variables. We study the impact of implicit flow versus explicit flow in these applications. Implicit flow has significant impact on all these applications. In security violation detection, implicit flow detects more security violations than explicit flow. In type inference, implicit flow infers more untrusted type variables. In the study of the effect of thread-shared variables, implicit flow detects more affected variables than explicit flow.
The strength anisotropy of localized compaction: A model for the role of the nature and orientation of cross-beds on the orientation and distribution of compaction bands in 3-D

The field observations indicate that the low-angle bed-parallel compaction bands and the high-angle-to-bedding compaction bands occur only in cross-beds with certain range of bedding orientations in the Aztec Sandstone at the Valley of Fire State Park (NV). The hypothesis is that the primary underlying mechanical reason for this phenomenon is the strength anisotropy of localized compaction in anisotropic sandstones. In this paper, we used a quadratic failure criterion to describe the strength anisotropy of localized compaction and compared the results with the field data. The results show a clear relationship among the cross-beds with (or without) compaction bands of certain orientations and the cross-beds with relatively lower (or higher) calculated strength of localized compaction. We also used the quadratic failure criterion to fit the yield caps of anisotropic sandstones deformed in the laboratory by previous investigators and achieved some degree of success. These findings indicate that the strength anisotropy of localized compaction is an important factor controlling the compartmentalized distribution of compaction bands of various orientations in the aeolian sandstones.
A Developmental Study of the Relation between Oral Language and Early Reading in Learning Disabled and Normally Achieving Children

The purpose of this research was to investigate the developmental and group differences in learning disabled and normally achieving children on measures of oral and written language. Sixty five-, six-, and seven-year-old learning disabled children and the same number of normally achieving children were administered the Test of Early Reading Ability (Reid, Hresko, & Hammill, 1981) and the Test of Early Language Development (Hresko, Reid, & Hammill, 1981). Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance indicated significant group differences with normally achieving children scoring higher, and significant age differences with older children scoring higher. Further, significant and substantial correlations were found between the two measures for all groups except the normally achieving six-year-olds. The results were interpreted as support for the view that oral and written language are interactive in their development, and that young children come to school with some reading abilities. The educational imp...
Clustering query refinements by user intent

We address the problem of clustering the refinements of a user search query. The clusters computed by our proposed algorithm can be used to improve the selection and placement of the query suggestions proposed by a search engine, and can also serve to summarize the different aspects of information relevant to the original user query. Our algorithm clusters refinements based on their likely underlying user intents by combining document click and session co-occurrence information. At its core, our algorithm operates by performing multiple random walks on a Markov graph that approximates user search behavior. A user study performed on top search engine queries shows that our clusters are rated better than corresponding clusters computed using approaches that use only document click or only sessions co-occurrence information.
Can memories of childhood sexual abuse be repressed

We sought studies which have attempted to test whether memories of childhood sexual abuse can be repressed. Despite our broad search criteria, which excluded only unsystematic anecdotal reports, we found only four applicable studies. We then examined these studies to assess whether the investigators: (1) presented confirmatory evidence that abuse had actually occurred; and (2) demonstrated that their subjects had actually developed amnesia for the abuse. None of the four studies provided both clear confirmation of trauma and adequate documentation of amnesia in their subjects. Thus, present clinical evidence is insufficient to permit the conclusion that individuals can repress memories of childhood sexual abuse. This finding is surprising, since many writers have implied that hundreds of thousands, or even millions of persons harbour such repressed memories. In view of the widespread recent public and scientific interest in the areas of trauma and memory, it is important to investigate further whether memories of sexual abuse can be repressed.
WERE MINORITY STUDENTS DISCOURAGED FROM APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA CAMPUSES AFTER THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BAN

AbstractThis paper uses student-level data to investigate how the college application behavior of underrepresented minorities (URMs) changed in response to the 1998 end of affirmative action in admissions at the University of California (UC). We show that all URMs experienced a drop in their probability of admission to at least one UC campus. However, the relative decline in URM SAT score-sending rates—our proxy for application rates—was small and concentrated at Berkeley and UCLA among underrepresented minorities who experienced the largest relative drop in their predicted probability of admission. In addition, we find some evidence of a shift toward less-selective UC campuses rather than out of the UC system. Overall, our paper highlights the stability of URM application behavior in the face of substantial declines in their admission rates.
Phase retrieval with Fourier-weighted projections

In coherent lensless imaging, the presence of image sidelobes, which arise as a natural consequence of the finite nature of the detector array, was early recognized as a convergence issue for phase retrieval algorithms that rely on an object support constraint. To mitigate the problem of truncated far-field measurement, a controlled analytic continuation by means of an iterative transform algorithm with weighted projections is proposed and tested. This approach avoids the use of sidelobe reduction windows and achieves full-resolution reconstructions.
Structural Basis for Aβ1–42 Toxicity Inhibition by Aβ C-Terminal Fragments: Discrete Molecular Dynamics Study

Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is central to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Of the two predominant Aβ alloforms, Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42), the latter forms more toxic oligomers. C-terminal fragments (CTFs) of Aβ were recently shown to inhibit Aβ(1-42) toxicity in vitro. Here, we studied Aβ(1-42) assembly in the presence of three effective CTF inhibitors and an ineffective fragment, Aβ(21-30). Using a discrete molecular dynamics approach that recently was shown to capture key differences between Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42) oligomerization, we compared Aβ(1-42) oligomer formation in the absence and presence of CTFs or Aβ(21-30) and identified structural elements of Aβ(1-42) that correlated with Aβ(1-42) toxicity. CTFs co-assembled with Aβ(1-42) into large heterooligomers containing multiple Aβ(1-42) and inhibitor fragments. In contrast, Aβ(21-30) co-assembled with Aβ(1-42) into heterooligomers containing mostly a single Aβ(1-42) and multiple Aβ(21-30) fragments. The CTFs, but not Aβ(21-30), decreased the β-strand propensity of Aβ(1-42) in a concentration-dependent manner. CTFs and Aβ(21-30) had a high binding propensity to the hydrophobic regions of Aβ(1-42), but only CTFs were found to bind the Aβ(1-42) region A2-F4. Consequently, only CTFs but not Aβ(21-30) reduced the solvent accessibility of Aβ(1-42) in region D1-R5. The reduced solvent accessibility of Aβ(1-42) in the presence of CTFs was comparable to the solvent accessibility of Aβ(1-40) oligomers formed in the absence of Aβ fragments. These findings suggest that region D1-R5, which was more exposed to the solvent in Aβ(1-42) than in Aβ(1-40) oligomers, is involved in mediating Aβ(1-42) oligomer neurotoxicity.
Atrial Fibrillation: Future Directions

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains the most common sustained cardiac rhythm disorder, affecting more than 2 million Americans. Successful treatment and possible cure of this rhythm will require continued research into the mechanisms of AF, including the role of the autonomic nervous system. Further studies will also be required into the potential role of genetics as it pertains to identifying those at greatest risk of AF, as well as for the development of genetically directed pharmacotherapy. Other new drug approaches include those that are atrial selective and those that prevent atrial fibrosis, clearly a trigger for AF. Nonpharmacological management of AF will continue to have a rapid expansion of novel technologies for mapping and ablation, including cryoablation, high-frequency ultrasound, and laser ablation. These innovations will improve treatment and create cures for AF.
Performance Analysis of ZnO-Based Sorbents in Removal of H2S From Fuel Gas

Processes for the high temperature desulfurization of coal-derived gases are an important component in the development of advanced electric power generation processes. Much of the desulflirization research and development effort has used zinc-based sorbents, which are quite reactive at the temperatures and pressures of interest, have acceptable sulfur capacities, and are capable of reducing H2S concentrations to less than 20 ppmv. The sorbent must be regenerable and maintain its activity and structural integrity through many sulfidation-regeneration cycles.
Chrysin suppresses achaete-scute complex-like 1 and alters the neuroendocrine phenotype of carcinoids

Carcinoids are neuroendocrine neoplasms that cause significant morbidity and mortality and for which few effective therapies are available. Given the recent identification of the anticancer flavonoid chrysin, we sought to investigate its therapeutic potential in carcinoids. Here we report chrysin's ability to modulate the achaete-scute complex-like 1 (ASCL1), a neuroendocrine-specific transcription factor highly implicated in the malignant phenotype of carcinoids and other neuroendocrine cancers. Moreover, we elucidate the role of ASCL1 in carcinoid growth and bioactivity. Treatment of two carcinoid cell lines (BON and H727) with varying chrysin concentrations suppressed cell proliferation, while reducing expression of ASCL1 and the neuroendocrine biomarker chromogranin A (CgA), demonstrated by western blotting. Propidium iodide and phycoerythrin AnnexinV/7-aminoactinomycin D staining and sorting following chrysin treatment revealed S/G2 phase arrest and apoptosis, respectively. This was corroborated by chrysin-induced cleavage of caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase and activation of p21(Waf1/Cip1). Furthermore, direct ASCL1 knockdown with an ASCL1-specific small interfering RNA inhibited CgA and synaptophysin expression as well as carcinoid proliferation, while also reducing cyclin B1 and D1 and increasing p21(Waf1/Cip1) and p27(Kip1) expression, suggesting an arrest of the cell cycle. Collectively, these findings warrant the deliberation of targeted ASCL1 suppression by chrysin or other agents as a therapeutic approach for carcinoid management.
Effect of Aspartame on Plasma Phenylalanine Concentration in Humans

We have determined the effects of aspartame (APM) ingestion by humans on plasma free phenylalanine concentration in a variety of feeding situations. These clinical studies have examined the plasma phenylalanine response when APM was given as a bolus dose in unsweetened beverage, orange juice, a sucrose solution, capsules, or a slurry or as part of a meal. The complexity of the meal feedings ranged from soup and a beverage to a hamburger and a milk shake.
Discovery of Novel Allosteric Eg5 Inhibitors Through Structure‐Based Virtual Screening

Mitotic kinesin Eg5 is an attractive anticancer drug target. Discovery of Eg5 inhibitors has been focused on targeting the 'monastrol-binding site'. However, acquired drug resistance has been reported for such inhibitors. Therefore, identifying new Eg5 inhibitors which function through a different mechanism(s) could complement current drug candidates and improve drug efficacy. In this study, we explored a novel allosteric site of Eg5 and identified new Eg5 inhibitors through structure-based virtual screening. Experiments with the saturation-transfer difference NMR demonstrated that the identified Eg5 inhibitor SRI35566 binds directly to Eg5 without involving microtubules. Moreover, SRI35566 and its two analogs significantly induced monopolar spindle formation in colorectal cancer HCT116 cells and suppressed cancer cell viability and colony formation. Together, our findings reveal a new allosteric regulation mechanism of Eg5 and a novel drug targeting site for cancer therapy.
A phase I trial of nordihydroguareacetic acid (NDGA) in patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer and rising PSA

15500 Background: NDGA is a butanediol with effects on tumor cells, including inhibition of insulin growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) autophosphorylation. In vitro studies suggest that NDGA attenuate...
All-semiconductor plasmonic nanoantennas for infrared sensing.

Infrared absorption spectroscopy of vibro-rotational molecular resonances provides a powerful method for investigation of a wide range of molecules and molecular compounds. However, the wavelength of light required to excite these resonances is often orders of magnitude larger than the absorption cross sections of the molecules under investigation. This mismatch makes infrared detection and identification of nanoscale volumes of material challenging. Here we demonstrate a new type of infrared plasmonic antenna for long-wavelength nanoscale enhanced sensing. The plasmonic materials utilized are epitaxially grown semiconductor engineered metals, which results in high-quality, low-loss infrared plasmonic metals with tunable optical properties. Nanoantennas are fabricated using nanosphere lithography, allowing for cost-effective and large-area fabrication of nanoscale structures. Antenna arrays are optically characterized as a function of both the antenna geometry and the optical properties of the plasmonic s...
Russell E. Murray, Jr., Susan Forscher Weiss, and Cynthia J. Cyrus, editors, Music Education in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

Recent developments in the field of the history of music education have encouraged a more critical and interdisciplinary understanding of the teaching and learning of musical practice and thought i...
Formulation and efficacy of gel bait against cockroaches

Objective To develop an effective,hypo-toxic,non-contaminative gel bait against cockroaches. Methods The indoor effect were tested with related national standard.Results The gel bait had good stability and palatability.The LT50 for Blattella germanica was 1.34 d,and the mortality was above 92% within 4 days.The efficacy could last for 30 to 60 days.Conclusion The gel bait was effective with lasting effect and easy to be used.
Dynamic Characteristic Analysis of a Rotor System with Pedestal Looseness Coupled Rub-impact Fault

Based on the finite element method,three dynamic models are established considering pedestal looseness,rub-impact between rotor and stator,coupling fault of both,respectively.The pedestal looseness fault is simulated using piecewise linear stiffness and damping models,the rub-impact fault is simulated by adopting a point-point contact model.By adopting the augmented Lagrangian method to deal with contact constraint conditions and revised coulomb friction model to simulate rotor-stator frictional characteristics,the responses of the rotor system with three faults are analyzed at different rotating speeds,respectively.And similarities and differences for three faults are compared.The results show that rub-impact is in a dominant position and pedestal looseness subordinate position due to its effect only involving local scope of loose pedestal;the responses of coupling fault is the same as the single rub-impact at lower and higher speeds,different at intermediate speeds;the lower frequency vibrations caused by pedestal looseness disappear and high frequency components appear due to the effect of rub-impact comparing with single pedestal looseness.The results can provide a theoretical foundation for the diagnosis of coupled rub-impact fault.
Function of anconeus muscle. An electromyographic study.

Ten subjects performed a series of elbow and forearm movements while the activity of the anconeus, triceps (medial head), supinator, and pronator teres were monitored electromyographically and recorded. No support is given to the idea that the anconeus is involved in pronation; more likely it is a joint stabilizer.
Innovations in Practice: The relationship between sleep disturbances, depression, and interpersonal functioning in treatment for adolescent depression

Background Sleep disturbance is frequently comorbid with depression and sleep complaints are the most common residual symptoms after treatment among adolescents with depression. The present analyses investigated the effect of sleep disturbance in depressed adolescents treated with interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents (IPT-A) versus treatment as usual (TAU) in school-based mental health clinics. Method Sixty-three adolescents participated in a randomized clinical trial of IPT-A versus TAU for adolescent depression. Participants were diagnosed with a DSM-IV depressive disorder and assessed for symptoms of depression, interpersonal functioning, and sleep disturbance. Measures were assessed at baseline, session 4 and 8 of treatment, and session 12 for postacute treatment follow-up. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to model change in depression, interpersonal functioning, and sleep disturbance. Results Ongoing sleep disturbance was significantly associated with worse depression scores as rated by clinician (γ = 1.04, SE = .22, p < .001) and self-report (γ = 1.63, SE = .29, p < .001), as well as worse interpersonal functioning across the course of treatment (γ = 0.09, SE = .02, p < .001). Treatment condition did not predict change in sleep disturbance (γ = −0.13, SE = .14, p = ns). Conclusions For all patients in the study, sleep disturbance was a predictor of depression and interpersonal functioning for depressed adolescents. Sleep disturbance predicted more depression and interpersonal stress across treatments and led to a slower improvement in depression and interpersonal functioning. These data suggest that sleep disturbance should be a target for future treatment development research among depressed adolescents.
Continuity and Change in the Revival of Paternalist Social Thought

Focusing on some of the leading social commentators of the early nineteenth century, this chapter outlines the principal themes underlying the revival of paternal social thought in the 1820s. It is not an exhaustive, systematic analysis of paternalist thought, for that has already been undertaken by David Roberts in his study of Victorian paternalism. Instead, it identifies a number of high–profile, mainly conservative members of the intellectual community, people like Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey and the group of high Tories associated with Blackwood’s, whose vision of society was essentially paternalistic. Importantly, for this study, it is in these writers’ defence of interventionist, protectionist policies and focus on the social responsibilities of the state that we see the germ of the idea of the Victorian collectivist state. Not only did these demands for a more active social and protective role for the state represent a radical departure from the eighteenth–century minimalist view of government, they also ran counter to the individualistic, laissez–faire philosophy underpinning the new economic doctrine of the nineteenth century. Fundamental to these arguments for social and economic intervention was, among conservative paternalists, in particular, a belief in the need for governments to ensure a balance and harmony of interests. The aggressive competitiveness and self-interest underlying the commercial spirit, the driving force of the manufacturing system, was felt by these social commentators to be the root of all social and economic evils.2 In particular, it was blamed for widespread unemployment and distress among the labouring poor. But while they questioned the economists’ preoccupation with commerce and material progress and repeatedly voiced concerns about the impact of industrialization upon the labouring classes, the paternalists were not necessarily seeking to turn the clock back and arrest the pace and scope of change. Rather, they sought to restore a balance between the interests of the old world of agriculture and landed property and the new world of manufacturing and commerce. These concerns, to a large extent, were governed by humanitarian feeling. At the same time, the spectre of the French Revolution and a discontented labouring class still loomed large, and demands for government intervention and regulation of social problems were frequently justified in terms of the national interest and social stability.
Rashba Effect and Carrier Mobility in Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Perovskites

The outstanding photovoltaic performance in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) relies on their desirable carrier transport properties. In the HOIPs, strong spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and structural inversion asymmetry give rise to a giant spin splitting in the conduction and valence bands, that is, the Rashba effect (RE), a subject intensively studied in spintronics. Here we show that this giant RE can manifest itself in charge transport and is the key to understanding carrier mobility and its temperature dependence in the HOIPs. The RE greatly enhances acoustic-phonon scattering (APS) and alters the temperature dependence of carrier mobility from T–3/2 to T–1. Meanwhile, it reduces polar-optical phonon scattering (POPS). In CH3NH3PbI3, the carrier mobility is limited by the APS for temperatures up to 100 K, above which the POPS becomes dominant. The effective polar coupling is moderate, α = 1.1, indicating that band conduction is still a valid description of charge transport. Our results account...
The Gas-Surface Interaction of a Human-Occupied Spacecraft with a Near-Earth Object

NASA’s asteroid redirect mission (ARM) will feature an encounter of the human-occupied Orion spacecraft with a portion of a near-Earth asteroid (NEA) previously placed in orbit about the Moon by a capture spacecraft. Applying a shuttle analog, we suggest that the Orion spacecraft should have a dominant local water exosphere, and that molecules from this exosphere can adsorb onto the NEA. The amount of adsorbed water is a function of the defect content of the NEA surface, with retention of shuttle-like water levels on the asteroid at 10^(15) H_2O’s/m^2 for space weathered regolith at T ∼ 300 K.
TRing: Instant and Customizable Interactions with Objects Using an Embedded Magnet and a Finger-Worn Device

We present TRing, a finger-worn input device which provides instant and customizable interactions. TRing offers a novel method for making plain objects interactive using an embedded magnet and a finger-worn device. With a particle filter integrated magnetic sensing technique, we compute the fingertip's position relative to the embedded magnet. We also offer a magnet placement algorithm that guides the magnet installation location based upon the user's interface customization. By simply inserting or attaching a small magnet, we bring interactivity to both fabricated and existing objects. In our evaluations, TRing shows an average tracking error of 8.6 mm in 3D space and a 2D targeting error of 4.96 mm, which are sufficient for implementing average-sized conventional controls such as buttons and sliders. A user study validates the input performance with TRing on a targeting task (92% accuracy within 45 mm distance) and a cursor control task (91% accuracy for a 10 mm target). Furthermore, we show examples that highlight the interaction capability of our approach.
A Population-Based Study of Replantation After Traumatic Thumb Amputation, 2007–2012

Purpose The recommended surgical treatment after thumb amputation is replantation. In the United States, fewer than 40% of thumb amputation injuries are replanted, and little is known about factors associated with the probability of replantation. We aimed to investigate recent trends and examine patient and hospital characteristics that are associated with increased probability of attempted thumb replantation. We hypothesized that higher-volume teaching hospitals and level-I trauma centers attempted more replantations. Methods We used 2007–2012 data from the National Trauma Data Bank. Our final sample included 2,206 traumatic thumb amputation patients treated in 1 of 365 centers during the study period. First, we used a 2-level hierarchical logistic model to estimate the odds of replantation. In addition, we used a treatment effect estimation method, with the inverse propensity score weighting to examine the difference in thumb replantation if the only variation among patients was their presumptive payer. Results There was a higher probability of attempted replantation at teaching hospitals than nonteaching hospitals (odds ratio [OR], 1.40). Patients were less likely to undergo replantation at a level II (OR, 0.53) or a level III (OR, 0.33) trauma center. The uninsured were less likely to undergo replantation (OR, 0.61) than those with private insurance. Conclusions Having insurance coverage and being treated in a high-volume, teaching, level-I trauma hospital increased the odds of replantation after traumatic thumb amputation. Regionalization may lead to a higher number of indicated cases of replantation actually being attempted. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic II.
Dupilumab Improves General Health-Related Quality-of-Life in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Pooled Results from Two Randomized, Controlled Phase 3 Clinical Trials

Introduction Patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) report a multidimensional disease burden that includes impaired health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL). Changes in overall health status and specific dimensions that contribute to HRQoL were evaluated in adults with moderate-to-severe AD who participated in phase 3 clinical trials of dupilumab, which is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits signaling of cytokines IL-4 and IL-13.
Interplay between viruses and bacterial microbiota in cancer development

During the last few decades we have become accustomed to the idea that viruses can cause tumors. It is much less considered and discussed, however, that most people infected with oncoviruses will never develop cancer. Therefore, the genetic and environmental factors that tip the scales from clearance of viral infection to development of cancer are currently an area of active investigation. Microbiota has recently emerged as a potentially critical factor that would affect this balance by increasing or decreasing the ability of viral infection to promote carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide a model of microbiome contribution to the development of oncogenic viral infections and viral associated cancers, give examples of this process in human tumors, and describe the challenges that prevent progress in the field as well as their potential solutions.
Cutaneous Manifestations of Reactions to Biologics

The goal of this paper is to review the major adverse cutaneous reactions that have been reported to the most commonly used biologics. Anti-TNF agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors have significant, immune-mediated cutaneous manifestations that can necessitate discontinuation. Anti-TNF agents, IL-6 inhibitors, and IL-12/23 inhibitors can paradoxically cause psoriasis flares or unmask previously undiagnosed psoriasis. IL-17 inhibitors are unique in increasing risk for Candida infections. Benign injection site reactions, non-specific rash, cellulitis, and hypersensitivity reactions are relatively common adverse events. A wide variety of cutaneous reactions caused by biologics have been reported, ranging from benign injection site reactions to life-threatening cutaneous reactions necessitating discontinuation of the implicated biologic agent.
Motivations for meal and snack times: Three approaches reveal similar constructs

Abstract Meals and snacks are conceptualized differently. Meals are structured while snacking often is not. Food choices for meals, thus, are expectedly different from food choices for snacks. By using three approaches incorporating two psychological perspectives, top-down and bottom-up, this research project investigated motivations influencing foods and beverage choices for different eating occasions at various times of the day. The first approach used a modified online Eating Motivation Survey (TEMS) to examine motivations for individual food items within specific contexts of eating. The second approach employed the Food Choice Map technique to explore motivations for individual food choices for all eating within a typical week. The last approach again used a modified TEMS to investigate choices for eating occasions, without examining what foods were eaten specifically. Findings from all three approaches supported that food patterns for meal were different from those for snacks. Choosing foods and beverages for meals were the result of the interplay of more motivation factors than for snacks. Food decision was significantly influenced by the time of the day at which the eating occurred. Although liking was most important for all eating occasions, day-time eating was driven more by function-oriented factors and night-time eating was more because of psychological or emotion-oriented needs. Findings from this project advance and reinforce knowledge in the food choice domain and show that investigating food choice from different perspectives can provide similar information.
ION TRANSPORT | ENaC (Epithelial Sodium Channel)

Amiloride-sensitive sodium channels in the lung play an important role in lung fluid balance. Particularly in the alveoli, sodium transport is closely regulated to maintain an appropriate fluid layer on the surface of the alveoli. Both alveolar type 1 and 2 cells (T1 and T2) have several different amiloride-sensitive, sodium-permeable channels in their apical membranes. This diversity appears to play a role in both normal lung physiology and pathological states. In many epithelial tissues, amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) are formed from three subunit proteins designated α-, β-, and γ-ENaC. At least part of the diversity of sodium-permeable channels in lung arises from assembling different combinations of these subunits to form channels with different biophysical properties and different mechanisms for regulation. This leads to epithelial tissue in the lung that has enormous flexibility to alter the magnitude and regulation of salt and water transport. In lung, ENaC is regulated by many transmitter and hormonal agents. The mechanism of regulation depends upon which type of sodium channel is present, but involves controlling either the number of channels present in the apical membrane or the activity of individual channels.
Sexual Excitement, Fetishism, and Pleasure

Across the phylogenetic spectrum, from single-celled organisms to man, no abilities vary more dramatically than our ability to think, to reason, to remember, and to process information. This is fundamental to the management of our most unique capability, the system of language, which makes possible both abstract concept manipulations and interpersonal communications. Thinking as we do—with language concepts—allows us to know, to understand, to study, to reason, and to anticipate future events with complexities far more effectively than any other organism.