cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the thrombin generation test components to measure potency of factor VIII concentrates.

Introduction The thrombin generation test (TGT) is used both as a global haemostasis assay, and to compare activities of coagulation factor concentrates that have been spiked into patient plasma. However, TGT has not been systematically optimized to evaluate factor VIII (FVIII) product potency. Aims To improve the sensitivity of TGT to FVIII and allow a comparative analysis of the thrombin generating capacities of FVIII concentrates against reference preparations with known FVIII activity. Methods Concentrations of TGT components (analytical variables) were assessed to maximize the linearity and range of responses to the concentration of FVIII. Results We optimized the range and sensitivity of the TGT assay with respect to FVIII through the addition of FXIa to the assay. Other parameters that were adjusted, i.e. tissue factor (TF), procoagulant lipids and plasma concentrations, did not improve the ability of the assay to measure both high and very low levels of FVIII. In the optimized TF/FXIa-activated TGT assay, all thrombin generation curve parameters were suitable for FVIII quantification, but thrombin peak height and maximal velocity demonstrated better linearity in the desired FVIII range. We found that the optimized TF/FXIa-activated TGT has a wider range of sensitivity to FVIII than a commercially available TGT. Additionally, we demonstrated that the TF/FXIa-activated assay performs adequately by comparing potency measurements of five commercially available FVIII products using TGT and traditional chromogenic and one-stage clotting assays. Conclusions The optimized TGT assay can be used to quantify and compare the thrombin generating capacities of FVIII concentrates.
261 NAD(P)H OXIDASE-DEPENDENT REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES GENERATION MEDIATES AMADORI-INDUCED MATRIX ACCUMULATION IN RENAL CELLS.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States. Renal hypertrophy and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation are prominent features of DN. Chronic hyperglycemia leads to the accumulation of nonenzymatic glycation proteins known as Amadori and advanced glycation end products. Glycated proteins represent a major mechanism by which hyperglycemia leads to diabetic renal disease. Oxidative stress has emerged as a critical pathogenic factor in the development of diabetic complications, including DN. Research in our laboratory finds novel NAD(P)H oxidases, highly expressed in the kidney, to be major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in diabetes. The purpose of the study is to investigate the mechanisms by which Amadori alter the redox state to mediate matrix expansion in glomerular mesangial cells. Methods NADPH-dependent superoxide generation was measured using lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence and intracellular ROS production was measured using the peroxide-sensetive fluorescent probe 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF). To study ECM production, the expression of fibronectin (FN) and collagen IV expression was assessed by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Summary Amadori products and control albumin were prepared by incubating human serum albumin (HSA) in the presence or absence of glucose for 1 week. In mesangial cells, Amadori-HSA stimulates NADPH-dependent superoxide generation compared with control-HSA measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, we show that exposure of mesangial cells to Amadori-HSA resulted in an increase in DCF fluorescence. Amadori-HSA induces FN and collagen IV expression in mesangial cells as detected by Western blot analysis. Pretreatment of the cells with diphenyleneoidonium (DPI), an inhibitor of NAD(P)H oxidase, markedly reduces Amadori-HSA-induced FN expression as assessed by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Conclusion NAD(P)H-oxidase isoenzyme(s) are activated by Amadori, leading to matrix accumulation in mesangial cells. This may represent an important mechanism by which Amadori products contribute to the pathogenesis of DN.
Review on the disposal techniques of energetic material wastes(I)——safety destruction techniques

The development of disposal techniques for energetic material(such as solid rocket propellants and explosives)wastes at home and abroad was summarized,and some techniques were introduced,such as the high pressure liquid cutting technique for reducing EM wastes size,the pretreatment techniques for desensitizing the EM wastes by hydrolysis and emulsion,chemical destruction techniques of the EM wastes(molten salt destruction(MSD),hydrothermal oxidation(HTO),electrochemical treatment,wet air oxidation,etc.)and biology destruction methods(compost synthesis,biodegradation and conversion,etc).Safety destruction for the EM wastes can be finished by the disposal techniques combining pretreatment,chemical treatment with biology treatment.Finally the major features and development tendency of safety destruction for the EM wastes were analyzed.
Charge Invariant Protein–Water Relaxation in GB1 via Ultrafast Tryptophan Fluorescence

The protein–water interface is a critical determinant of protein structure and function, yet the precise nature of dynamics in this complex system remains elusive. Tryptophan fluorescence has become the probe of choice for such dynamics on the picosecond time scale (especially via fluorescence “upconversion”). In the absence of ultrafast (“quasi-static”) quenching from nearby groups, the TDFSS (time-dependent fluorescence Stokes shift) for exposed Trp directly reports on dipolar relaxation near the interface (both water and polypeptide). The small protein GB1 contains a single Trp (W43) of this type, and its structure is refractory to pH above 3. Thus, it can be used to examine the dependence of dipolar relaxation upon charge reconfiguration with titration. Somewhat surprisingly, the dipolar dynamics in the 100 fs to 100 ps range were unchanged with pH, although nanosecond yield, rates, and access all changed. These results were rationalized with the help of molecular dynamics (including QM-MM) simulation...
Posttranscriptional upregulation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in newborn guinea pig renal cortex

We measured Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase) activity and subunit abundance in renal cortical homogenates and basolateral membranes (BLM) from fetal, newborn, and adult guinea pigs. Pump specific activity increased four- to fivefold in cortical homogenates and BLM during the transition from fetus to newborn. Immunoblots of BLM showed that alpha- and beta-subunit abundance increased four- to seven- and fourfold, respectively, during the transition from fetus to newborn. Immunoblots of cortical homogenates revealed similar developmental patterns, with newborns having 3.5-fold (alpha) and 2.3-fold (beta) greater subunit abundances than fetuses. Therefore, the bulk of the postnatal increase in BLM-Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase abundance resulted from increased pump production or decreased pump degradation, rather than from redistribution of pumps from intracellular pools. Despite the developmental increase in alpha- and beta-subunit protein levels, newborn guinea pig kidneys had only 1.4- to 2.1-fold greater alpha 1-subunit mRNA abundance and only a 1.5-fold greater beta 1-subunit mRNA abundance than fetal kidneys. These results demonstrate large increases in renal cortical Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase specific activity and protein abundance immediately after birth. These increases, which appear to result largely from posttranscriptional upregulation, may play an important role in mediating the rapid postnatal increase in tubular NaCl reabsorption.
A comparison of headache symptoms between two groups: a TMD group and a general dental practice group.

Several studies have shown that headaches are associated with patients who have temporomandibular disorders (TMD) compared with non-TMD patients. None of these studies separated the patients by gender or controlled for TMD in the two groups of patients. This study compared a TMD group of patients and a non-TMD group for recent headache symptoms, TMD symptoms and for gender differences. Each patient was asked to rate headache, temporomandibular joint and facial pain symptoms over the past week. The data was collected, tabulated and controlled for TMD symptoms. The data was scored using the Fischer's p-test and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. The headaches were significantly greater in the TMD group (p < 001) than in the private practice group with the genders combined. Dividing the two groups into genders, both males and females in the TMD group were shown to have a greater number of headache symptoms, and the number of headaches was statistically different than the non-TMD group (males p = .037, females p < .001). The TMD group had greater severity of headaches than the non-TMD group. Dividing the two groups into genders, females also had a greater severity of headaches than male counterparts in the TMD and non-TMD groups. From the multivariate logistic regression analysis, these results indicate that headache symptoms are common in patients with TMD symptoms and that the headaches were more severe in the TMD patients than in the non-TMD patients.
Volumetric Facelift: Evaluation of Rhytidectomy With Alloplastic Augmentation

Objectives: Facial aging occurs as a result of soft tissue atrophy and resorption of the bony skeleton, which results in a loss of soft tissue volume and laxity of the overlying skin. Volumetric augmentation is a key component of facial rejuvenation surgery, and should be considered of equal importance to soft tissue lifting. Augmentation can be accomplished with synthetic fillers, autologous grafts, soft tissue repositioning techniques, and/or alloplastic implants. Only alloplastic implants, however, provide truly long-term volumetric correction. To date, there have been no large series dealing with the complications and results of implantation performed concurrently with rhytidectomy, which we have termed "volumetric rhytidectomy." We present our experience with 100 patients treated with a combination of malar and chin implants and rhytidectomy, compared to 200 patients who underwent rhytidectomy alone. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective review of patients treated with a combination of silicone malar and chin augmentation with rhytidectomy versus patients treated with rhytidectomy alone. Both groups of patients underwent close postoperative evaluation at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and I month. All patients were surveyed at 6 months to assess aesthetic satisfaction. Complication rates were noted and tabulated. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate for any differences in the two groups. Results: Between 2002 and 2006, 100 patients underwent malar and chin implantation along with rhytidectomy; 200 patients underwent rhytidectomy alone. In the first group, there were a total of 6 cases in which implant removal was necessary, and 2 cases in which revision was required. There were no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) observed between the two groups with respect to major or minor hematoma, seroma, infection, sensory nerve injury, facial nerve injury, hypertrophic scarring, dehiscence, skin sloughing, or revision. Conclusions: Volumetric rhytidectomy reliably augments the malar and mental areas, allows for subtle skeletal contouring, and results in successful rejuvenation. Rhytidectomy is relatively safe to perform concurrently with silicone augmentation, and does not result in an increased complication rate as compared to rhytidectomy alone.
Waveguided source of broadband entangled photons for quantum interferometry and sensing

Broadband entangled photons enable quantum interferometry, a technique for ultra-high resolution measurement of polarization mode dispersion [1,2]. We present designs and preliminary results from a broadband entangled photon source in periodically poled lithium niobate waveguides
Regulation of Food Safety

Introduction [1] Scope of Food Safety Challenges The governance of food safety in the United States is complex. Although technology and science have helped provide safer food, safety risks exist at numerous points within the global food system, giving rise to what the FDA's Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refers to as “foodborne illness” or “foodborne disease.” On the basis of the estimates made by the CDC, each year in the United States, about 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die as a result of foodborne diseases. These diseases range from gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes dysentery to more severe symptoms (induced by Salmonella and E. coli bacteria), such as autoimmune thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease, neuromuscular disorders, and heart damage. The sources of foodborne risks are numerous, but can be grouped into three broad categories: (1) contaminated, diseased, or otherwise harmful materials that are not detected and removed or remedied; (2) inadequate storage, handling, or processing, which fails to detect and exclude harmful food materials or contaminants of food materials; and (3) purposeful introduction into the food supply of potentially harmful materials (including additives, toxins, chemicals and pesticides, animal drug residues, and packaging materials). [2] Law and Science: Evolving Response to Safety Risks The fragmentation of food regulation referred to in Chapter 1 is especially evident in the regulation of food safety risks in the United States: the result is a multilayered, cooperative endeavor that involves many international, federal, state, and local government agencies – all with different levels of responsibilities (which sometimes overlap) and resource allocations (which do not always correspond with the levels of responsibilities). Although this fragmented regulatory regime has adapted to emerging safety risks, the process has proven cumbersome and slow. State regulation, litigation, and new governance tools increasingly fill regulatory gaps created by the fragmentation. The result has been a governance system that is nuanced, complex, and disjointed. Notwithstanding the fragmentation of the food safety regime, a constant aspiration in the regulation of food safety by government agencies across all levels is management of a food safety system based on science and analysis of risk. For example, the passage of the 1958 Food Additives Amendment was a technology-driven event intended to improve the safety of added and natural substances and reduced the risks associated with the use of food additives.
液体および超臨界二酸化炭素中におけるポリ (tert-ブチルメタクリレート) -block-ポリ (1, 1-ジヒドロパーフルオロオクチルメタクリレート) ジブロック共重合体の光散乱解析

二酸化炭素に両親媒性のブロック腫合体であるポリメタクリル酸tert-ブチル-block-ポリ (メタクリル酸1, 1-ジヒドロパーフルオロオクチル) ジブロック共重合体 (P' BMA-block-PFOMA) の, 液体および超臨界二酸化炭素中でのミセル形成について光散乱解析を用いて検討を行った. 動的光散乱解析の結果, P' BMAセグメントの分子量が4000以上のプロック共重合体は, 超臨界二酸化炭素中で分子量分布の狭いミセルを形成することがわかった. 特に, 半径が13～21nmの範囲にあるミセルを形成するP' BMA-block-PFOMAは, CO2密度0.87～1.04g/cm3にミセルから単量体への転移をもつことが見いだされた. その転移は温度およびジブロック共重合体備成する両方のポリマー鎖長に依存した. 本研究は, CO2中におけるブロック共重合体のミセルから単量体への転移が, ジブロック共重合体のセグメント鎖長によって制御されることを初めて実証したものである. このことは, CO2の溶媒特性だけでなくジブロック共重合体のセグメント鎖長の選択によっても, 共重合体の自己組織化の制御が可能であることを示している.
An attention account of neural priming.

ABSTRACTRepetition priming of familiar stimuli (e.g., objects) produces a decrease in visual cortical activity for repeated versus novel items, which has been attributed to more fluent processing for repeated items. By contrast, priming of unfamiliar stimuli (e.g., abstract shapes) produces an increase in visual cortical activity. The mechanism for priming-related increases in activity for repeated unfamiliar stimuli is unknown. We hypothesised that such increases in activity may reflect attentional allocation to these items. We tested this hypothesis using a priming-spatial attention paradigm. During Phase 1 of Experiment 1, participants viewed unfamiliar abstract shapes and familiar objects. During Phase 2, participants identified target letters (S or H). Each target letter was preceded by a non-informative shape or object cue that was repeated (from Phase 1) or novel in the same (valid) or opposite (invalid) hemifield. In Experiment 2, we manipulated shape familiarity by presenting shapes once or six t...
Explicit Formulas for Sums of Two and of Four Squares

One of the oldest problems in number theory concerns the partition of an integer into a sum of squares. A famous result, first proved by Lagrange, is that any positive integer is a sum of four squares. In this chapter, we will not only prove this theorem, but also will find explicit formulas of Gauss and of Jacobi for the number of partitions of an integer into a sum of two and of four squares.
Microblower-based microfluidic pump

Abstract This paper reports on a highly economical and accessible microfluidic pump using a piezoelectric air microblower for the controlled pumping of small-volume fluids into microfluidic chips. The present pump exerts high-accuracy control over the driving pressure to deliver fluids into and flexibly alter their flow rate inside microfluidic channels with a fast response at the millisecond scale and high pumping pressure stability. We have demonstrated the applications of this pump to shift the fluidic interface between laminar flows across a microfluidic channel, produce microdroplets with controllable sizes and chemical ingredients, and generate a discrete concentration gradient when incorporating a microfluidic concentration generator. Owing to its easy assembly and low cost, the microfluidic pump can provide a highly accessible and inexpensive solution to pumping and manipulating liquids in microfluidic devices for many chemical and biological studies, and will be particularly suitable for applications requiring full system integration and flow rate control automation within a limited space and financial budget.
Pastors of profit: Marketplace Ministries and the rhetorical acquisition of affective allegiance

ABSTRACTThis essay explores neoliberal capital accumulation by analyzing the workplace chaplaincy service Marketplace Ministries. By extending the value of traditional chaplains to the modern workplace, Marketplace Ministries discourse illuminates a discursive pattern that secular client-companies can employ to acquire the affective allegiance of their front-line employees. For these client-companies, affective allegiance activates a set of internal motivational strategies organized around the secularization of Michel Foucault’s pastoral power by penetrating the intimate domestic spheres of the workforce to shape subjectivity and promote new forms of obedience. Implications for our present milieu are considered including possible sites of contestation and resistance.
Is the Way to Someone's Heart Through Their Stomach? The Cardiorenal Paradox of Incretin-Based Hypoglycemic Drugs in Heart Failure.

Incretins are endogenous insulin secretagogues that are synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract and released by eating. Incretin mimetics (glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] receptor agonists) cause prolonged stimulation of the GLP-1 receptor, whereas incretin enhancers (DPP-4 [dipeptidyl peptidase-4] inhibitors) intensify the action of endogenous GLP-1 by blocking its degradation. The responses to these 2 incretin-based classes of drugs are both overlapping and distinct.1 The supraphysiological stimulation of GLP-1 receptors produced by agonists (eg, exenatide and liraglutide) is greater than that after the modest potentiation of GLP-1 that results from inhibition of DPP-4. Conversely, the actions of DPP-4 inhibitors (eg, sitagliptin and saxagliptin) may be modulated by the augmentation of endogenous peptides in addition to GLP-1. An intriguing feature of incretin-based drugs is their effect on the kidney. Whereas insulin and thiazolidinediones cause sodium retention,2,3 both GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors increase urinary sodium excretion, which underlies their action to decrease blood pressure (Figure).4,5 Natriuresis leading to smaller ventricular volumes may explain the reportedly favorable effects of these drugs on cardiac remodeling.6,7 Both GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors may also enhance cardiac function by optimizing the use of metabolic fuels by the heart.8,9 This spectrum of cardiorenal actions closely resembles that of SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors, which also exert natriuretic, antihypertensive, and beneficial …
High resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy at high count rates with a prototype High Purity Germanium detector

Abstract High-resolution gamma-ray spectrometers are required for applications in nuclear safeguards, emergency response, and fundamental nuclear physics. To overcome one of the shortcomings of conventional High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors, we have developed a prototype device capable of achieving high event throughput and high energy resolution at very high count rates. This device, the design of which we have previously reported on, features a planar HPGe crystal with a reduced-capacitance strip electrode geometry. This design is intended to provide good energy resolution at the short shaping or digital filter times that are required for high rate operation and which are enabled by the fast charge collection afforded by the planar geometry crystal. In this work, we report on the initial performance of the system at count rates up to and including two million counts per second.
The Messages Behind Carved Swahili Doors: Field Report on Pre-Dissertation Research in Tanzania, Kenya, and Ghana

For the powerful merchants who established control along the Swahili coast of East Africa in the nineteenth century, doors held great meaning. Especially prevalent in the Stone Town district of Zanzibar are extant examples of massive, elaborately carved wooden doors that adorned the front entrances of grand buildings. These facades stood as direct messages of power, wealth, heritage, security, religious beliefs, and more. They delineated space in a myriad of ways. Who was the audience for their messages, what visual propaganda was at play, and how might this inform our understanding of cultural exchange and communications in the region today?
Use of a Non-Crosslinked Porcine Dermal Matrix in Repair of the Achilles and Other Tendons of the Foot:

Background. Ankle tendon augmentation with biological matrixes has been shown to be beneficial, especially for Achilles tendon rupture as it adds to the integrity of the repair. Biologic matrix augmentation has been used increasingly in chronic and complex injuries where reinforcement is required. The objective of this study was to present outcomes of a series of patients who underwent tendon repair augmented with a new biologic matrix. Methods: Sixteen patients underwent ankle tendon repair, augmented with Proformix biologic tissue matrix. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively for function and pain, and were followed for up to 3 years for complications. Results: This study included 10 females and 6 males, with a mean age of 44.6 years (range, 23-71 years). Patients were evaluated at 2 months postoperatively, and then further followed for a mean 19.0 months (range 7-38 months) to assess complications and reinjuries. Foot and Ankle Disability Index scores significantly increased from preoperativ...
Arthroscopic soft tissue reconstruction in anterior shoulder instability

Anterior glenohumeral instability remains a difficult problem in the athletic and working patient populations. Treatment strategies are variable and range from nonoperative approaches incorporating immobilization and rehabilitation to surgical management. Surgical decision-making can be challenging, especially with a high-level patient who wishes to return to high-demand activities. Operative options range from open soft tissue stabilization to arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization, with both open and arthroscopic options for bony reconstruction in the setting of clinically significant anterior glenoid bone loss. In all cases, understanding appropriate indications and utilizing sound surgical techniques are critical for achieving a successful result. For the majority of patients with anterior shoulder instability, arthroscopic soft tissue reconstruction with suture anchors is a successful, minimally invasive approach that results in a stable shoulder with excellent outcomes and low complication rates.
Caputo Fractional Approximation Using Positive Sublinear Operators

Here we consider the approximation of functions by sublinear positive operators with applications to a big variety of Max-Product operators under Caputo fractional differentiability. Our study is based on our general fractional results about positive sublinear operators. We produce Jackson type inequalities under simple initial conditions. So our approach is quantitative by producing inequalities with their right hand sides involving the modulus of continuity of fractional derivative of the function under approximation. It follows Anastassiou, Caputo fractional approximation by sublinear operators (2017, submitted) [4].
Modeling nicotine regulation: A review of studies in smokers with mental health conditions.

Abstract Smokers with mental health conditions (MHCs) lose approximately 15 years of life relative to non-smokers without MHCs, of which two-thirds are attributable to smoking. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a new regulatory strategy for tobacco that includes a reduction in the nicotine content of cigarettes sold in the US to a minimally-addictive level. This action could improve cessation rates in smokers with MHCs by reducing their dependence on nicotine. However, nicotine reduction also could have unintended negative consequences in smokers with MHCs. Thus, it is important to conduct randomized controlled trials to investigate the potential effects of nicotine reduction in smokers with MHCs. Several studies of the acute or extended effects of nicotine reduction in smokers with emotional disorders or serious mental illness have been recently completed or are underway. Studies to date indicate that when smokers with MHCs are switched, under randomized, double-blind conditions, to cigarettes with very low nicotine content, they reduce their cigarette intake, with minimal or no effects on withdrawal, psychiatric symptoms, or compensatory smoking. However, some deleterious effects of nicotine reduction on cognitive performance measures in smokers with schizophrenia have been observed, which are offset by providing concurrent nicotine replacement. We review these studies and provide suggestions for potentially increasing the effectiveness of a nicotine reduction strategy for reducing smoking in people with MHCs. The research described was conducted in the United States in 2010–2018.
The Impact of Cities on International Systems

At first glance, the impact of cities on international systems may seem to be a trivial, or at least a marginal, subject—particularly when compared to factors of such overwhelming importance as the $400 billion annual military expenditures of the national governments of the world. But the subject becomes more interesting when we consider the fact that 38 % of the world’s population lives in cities (Population Reference Bureau 1976).
Research on Improving Behaviorally Disordered Students' Academic Performance: A Review of the Literature:

Educational researchers have a responsibility to conduct research that addresses current problems and to share their results in a manner that promotes effective implementation by practitioners. Thu...
Comparison Between Morphological and Rayleigh-Marangoni Instabilities

Pattern formation at a solid-liquid interface in crystal growth is a result of a morphological instability that owes its origin to competing heat and mass transfer effects. Pattern formation at a liquid-gas or liquid-liquid interface is often related to the onset of thermal convection. Thermal convection or instability is a result of the competition between the effects of forces due to gravity or surface tension gradients and effects due to thermal diffusivity and kinematic viscosity. The latter pattern phenomenon is called Rayleigh-Marangoni convection and is seen as a prototype for a number of instability problems. In this article, we compare these interfacial instabilities on a physical and mathematical basis and inspect the effect of various parameters. We have chosen to compare these two phenomena because they both occur in liquid encapsulated Bridgman crystal growth.
9.13 Theory and Mathematical Methods

Molecular biologists have been highly successful at characterizing the molecular components involved in cellular processes. Much still remains to be done and new players and new mechanisms continue to be uncovered. However, for many cellular processes, it appears that a point of inflection has been reached; the practice of identifying components, ‘one protein, one PhD’, is bringing diminishing returns. The interesting question is no longer ‘what are the missing components?’ but ‘how do the known components give rise to physiology?’ This shift of focus is sometimes called systems biology and brings with it a shift in experimental and conceptual requirements. A systems perspective has been important in many different areas of biology, including ecology, physiology, immunology, and neuroscience, but the molecular realm is distinctive in being an end point for biological reductionism. Having disassembled the organism into its component molecules, scientists are now faced with the task of putting it back together again. As the history of other systems areas suggests, mathematics is likely to have an essential role to play in this extremely challenging task.
Gender Stereotypes and Preconception Health: Men's and Women's Expectations of Responsibility and Intentions to Engage in Preventive Behaviors.

Introduction As mounting evidence underscores the importance of both men and women taking steps before pregnancy to improve reproductive outcomes, public health priorities are shifting toward a more gender-inclusive program of promoting preconception health (PCH). This study examined whether prescriptive gender stereotypes, defined as men's and women's beliefs about PCH behavioral norms each gender should uphold, were positively associated with intentions to engage in behaviors to protect a future child's health. Methods Data came from a June 2017 online survey of 609 U.S. men and women ages 18-44. Two six-item scales of prescriptive same- and opposite-gender stereotypes were used to predict a six-item scale of intentions to engage in six recommended PCH behaviors (i.e., avoiding smoking, secondhand smoke, drinking, exposure to bisphenol A and pesticides, and preventing Zika infection). Multiple linear regression models also adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics. Results Among both male and female respondents, PCH prescriptive gender stereotypes for men were rated significantly lower than those for women. Adjusting for covariates, stronger prescriptive same-gender stereotypes were associated with increased PCH intentions (men: B = 0.496, p < 0.001; women: B = 0.486, p < 0.001). Opposite-gender stereotypes were also positively associated with PCH intentions (men: B = 0.205, p < 0.001; women: B = 0.235, p < 0.001). Current every day smoking status (men and women), being uninsured (women only), and having children (women only) were also associated with lower PCH intentions. Conclusion Prescriptive gender stereotypes may play an important, yet slightly different, role in promoting PCH behavior among men and women.
Anti-atherogenic effects of CD36-targeted epigallocatechin gallate-loaded nanoparticles.

Abstract Intimal macrophages play a critical role in atherosclerotic lesion initiation and progression by taking up oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and promoting inflammatory process. 1-(Palmitoyl)-2-(5-keto-6-octene-dioyl) phosphatidylcholine (KOdiA-PC), a major type of oxidized phosphatidylcholines (PC) found on oxLDL, has a high binding affinity to the macrophage scavenger receptor CD36 and participates in CD36-mediated recognition and uptake of oxLDL by intimal macrophages. We successfully synthesized epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-loaded nanoparticles (Enano), which were composed of EGCG, PC, (+) alpha-tocopherol acetate, and surfactant. We also incorporated KOdiA-PC on the surface of Enano to make ligand-coated Enano (L-Enano) to target intimal macrophages. The objectives of this study were to determine the anti-atherogenic effects of Enano and L-Enano in LDL receptor null (LDLr−/−) mice. Our in vitro data demonstrated that L-Enano had a higher binding affinity to mouse peritoneal macrophages than Enano. This high binding affinity was diminished by CD36 antibodies or knockdown of the CD36 receptor in mouse peritoneal macrophages, confirming the specific binding of L-Enano to the macrophage CD36 receptor. LDLr−/− mice were randomly divided to six groups and received weekly tail vein injection with PBS, EGCG, void nanoparticles (Vnano), Enano, ligand-coated Vnano (L-Vnano), or L-Enano once per week for 22 weeks. The dose of EGCG was 25 mg per kg body weight. L-Enano at 20 μg/mL significantly decreased production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 from mouse macrophages, while having no effect on their plasma levels compared to the PBS control. There were no significant differences in blood lipid profiles among six treatment groups. Mice treated with L-Enano also had significantly smaller lesion surface areas on aortic arches compared to the PBS control. Liver EGCG content was decreased by treatments in the order of EGCG>Enano>L-Enano. Native EGCG had inhibitory effects on liver and body fat accumulation. This molecular target approach signals an important step towards inhibiting atherosclerosis development via targeted delivery of bioactive compounds to intimal macrophages.
Detecting ATM-dependent chromatin modification in DNA damage response

Loss of function or mutation of the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated gene product (ATM) results in inherited genetic disorders characterized by neurodegeneration, immunodeficiency, and cancer. Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene product belongs to the PI3K-like protein kinase (PIKKs) family and is functionally implicated in mitogenic signal transduction, chromosome condensation, meiotic recombination, cell-cycle control, and telomere maintenance. The ATM protein kinase is primarily activated in response to DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), the most deleterious form of DNA damage produced by ionizing radiation (IR) or radiomimetic drugs. It is detected at DNA damage sites, where ATM autophosphorylation causes dissociation of the inactive homodimeric form to the activated monomeric form. Interestingly, heat shock can activate ATM independent of the presence of DNA strand breaks. ATM is an integral part of the sensory machinery that detects DSBs during meiosis, mitosis, or DNA breaks mediated by free radicals. These DNA lesions can trigger higher order chromatin reorganization fuelled by posttranslational modifications of histones and histone binding proteins. Our group, and others, have shown that ATM activation is tightly regulated by chromatin modifications. This review summarizes the multiple approaches used to discern the role of ATM and other associated proteins in chromatin modification in response to DNA damage.
Impulse oscillometry system as an alternative diagnostic method for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for children

Background: We aimed to assess the use of impulse oscillation system (IOS) parameters to identify patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary function impairment and to compare IOS and traditional pulmonary function tests (PFTs) for the diagnosis of the obstructive lung disease (OLD) in children. Methods: Total 101 cases were enrolled at the single tertiary medical center between April 2018 and December 2019. Patients with chronic OLD included post infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (BO), BO after HSCT, Swyer-James syndrome, late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications (LONIPC). Diagnostic performance of IOS parameters to determine indication for patients of FEV1/FVC Results: Out of the 51 patients, 12 patients who were unable to perform conventional PFT, completed the IOS test. On Pearson correlation analysis, FEV1 %pred, FEV1/FVC %, FEF 75%–25% correlated with resistance at 5Hz (R5), R5-R20, R5 %pred, reactance area (Ax) %pred, and reactance at 5Hz (X5). On ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of R5 %pred, R5-R20, Ax absolute value, Ax %pred, X5 were 0.672, 0.728, 0.704, 0.788, 0.649, respectively. Conclusion: IOS parameters showed a good correlation with traditional PFT parameters; reactance parameters, especially Ax showed a stronger correlation than that of the resistance parameters. IOS can be used as an alternative method for pulmonary function assessment in children with chronic OLD with FEV1/FVC
A New Fault-Tolerant Topology and Operation Scheme for the High Voltage Stage in a Three-Phase Solid-State Transformer

One of the most important reliability concerns for Solid-State Transformers (SSTs) is related to high voltage side switches. High voltage stress on the switches, together with the fact that most modern SST topologies are comprised of a large number of power switches in the high voltage side, contribute to a higher probability of a switch fault occurrence. This paper proposes a new SST topology in conjunction with a fault-tolerant operation strategy that can fully restore operation of the proposed SST in case of the mentioned fault scenario. Preliminary theoretical and simulation results are provided to support the proposed idea.
Correlation of hip capsule morphology with patient symptoms from femoroacetabular impingement.

The relationship between morphological characteristics of the hip capsule and patient symptoms in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is undefined. In this study, patients with symptomatic FAI prospectively underwent 3T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the affected hip and completed the hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS) to determine the correlation between hip capsule anatomy and patient symptoms. Anterior hip capsule volume, posterior capsule volume, anterior-posterior capsule volume ratio, and proximal-distal volume ratio in the anterior capsule were quantified and measured using axial-oblique intermediate-weighted 3D fast spin echo MR images. A total of 35 patients (35 hips) were included for analysis (mean age: 30.6 years; mean body mass index [BMI]: 24.9 kg/m2 ; 57% male). The mean alpha angle was 62.2° ± 4.7°, the mean anterior hip capsule volume was 1705.1 ± 450.3 mm3 , the mean posterior hip capsule volume was 1284.8 ± 268.5 mm3 , the mean anterior to posterior capsule volume ratio was 1.1 ± 0.39, and the mean proximal to distal volume ratio of the anterior capsule was 0.65 ± 0.28. There was no correlation between age, gender, or BMI, and any hip capsule characteristics. Worse scores on the HOOS pain scale were correlated with increased anterior to posterior volume ratio (r = -.38; 95% confidence interval: -0.06 to -0.63). In conclusion, hip capsule morphology correlates with patient symptoms in the setting of FAI as increased anterior capsular volume, relative to posterior capsular volume, is associated with greater patient pain.
Single-stage Simultaneous Retrograde and Antegrade Endoscopic Treatment of Giant Prostatic and Bladder Urethral Calculi.

Introduction Calculi encountered in the lower urinary tract typically reside within the bladder, less often in the urethra. In this video, we present a minimally invasive endoscopic approach for removal of the largest total stone volume in the lower urinary tract reported in the literature to date. Methods A 25-year-old male (BMI 61 kg/m2) with neurogenic bladder presented with urosepsis and acute kidney injury secondary to obstructive uropathy. Computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated bilateral severe hydroureteronephrosis, a 4.2 cm bladder stone, and three urethral stones, including a 7.7 cm prostatic urethral stone and two membranous urethral stones ( Fig. 1 ). Urgent bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy tubes were placed. The patient elected for endoscopic management. Results The patient was placed in the supine lithotomy position. His buried penis and narrow urethra only accommodated a 16 French flexible cystoscope. Multiple stones were encountered in the membranous urethra. A 60W SuperPulse Thulium Fiber laser at 2 joules and 30 hertz was utilized to dust the urethral stones efficiently. Simultaneous ultrasound guided percutaneous access into the bladder was obtained and ultrasonic lithotripsy via shockpulse was used to clear the bladder stone and prostatic stone from above. Total stone treatment time was 240 minutes. Suprapubic and urethral catheters were placed at the conclusion. Post-operative day (POD) 1 CT scan confirmed stone free status and he was discharged POD 2. Outpatient nephrostogram demonstrated patency of bilateral ureters and nephrostomy tubes were removed. Conclusion Higher morbidity procedures including open or laparoscopic approaches have been described for management of large lower urinary tract stones. In this video, we demonstrate a minimally invasive approach of combined simultaneous antegrade and retrograde lithotripsy to achieve a stone free status in this morbidly obese and complicated patient.
Untethered control of functional origami microrobots with distributed actuation

Deployability, multifunctionality, and tunability are features that can be explored in the design space of origami engineering solutions. These features arise from the shape-changing capabilities of origami assemblies, which require effective actuation for full functionality. Current actuation strategies rely on either slow or tethered or bulky actuators (or a combination). To broaden applications of origami designs, we introduce an origami system with magnetic control. We couple the geometrical and mechanical properties of the bistable Kresling pattern with a magnetically responsive material to achieve untethered and local/distributed actuation with controllable speed, which can be as fast as a tenth of a second with instantaneous shape locking. We show how this strategy facilitates multimodal actuation of the multicell assemblies, in which any unit cell can be independently folded and deployed, allowing for on-the-fly programmability. In addition, we demonstrate how the Kresling assembly can serve as a basis for tunable physical properties and for digital computing. The magnetic origami systems are applicable to origami-inspired robots, morphing structures and devices, metamaterials, and multifunctional devices with multiphysics responses.
The Conceptualization of Hate Crime

This chapter focuses on how hate crime is conceptualized in America. Hate crime is deconstructed into two components – bias motivation and criminal offenses – and discussion is provided for how each component is conceptualized. We begin by explaining what bias motivation entails and how it is legally defined. Bias motivation categories are distinguished from bias types, and definitions are provided for the bias motivation categories recognized by the Hate Crime Statistics Act (1990). The conceptualization of bias motivation relevant to perception and association is addressed along with the idea of intersectionality or multiple bias. Regarding the crime component of hate crimes, we clarify the difference between bias incidents and hate crime. Examples of how criminal behaviors are defined as hate crimes are provided, and offenses common to hate crime identified and described. We discuss how there can be different victim types depending upon the type of hate crime committed. The chapter is concluded by showing how hate crime can be cross-classified or misclassified with other types of criminal behaviors. The topics covered in this chapter are designed to provide foundational knowledge for the conceptualization of hate crime and how this translates to its measurement.
How Do Brazilian Fires Affect Air Pollution and Public Health

Fires burning across the Amazon in the summer of 2019 attracted global attention for the widespread destruction of natural ecosystems and regional smoke production. Using a combination of satellite fire observations and atmospheric modeling, Nawaz and Henze (2020, https://doi.org.10.1029/2020GH000268) provide new evidence for the widespread regional public health consequences attributed to these fires. They find that approximately 10% of premature deaths in Brazil due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are attributable to smoke pollution and highlight how fire locations play a critical role in determining downwind health impacts.
Comparing Preclassic Sequences at Cahal Pech, Belize: Reply to Horn

We thank our colleague for his comment, address concerns raised, and encourage future collaborative research to answer important questions about the Middle Preclassic at Cahal Pech.
Probiotics, vaccines and other interventions for pathogen control in animals

Publisher Summary In spite of tremendous improvements in reduction of pathogens on finished products, focusing solely on reducing pathogens in the finished foods has neither eliminated human foodborne illnesses nor does it address the issues of environmental contamination or animal exposure. In a new effort to reduce human illnesses, increased emphasis has been placed on the development of intervention strategies for use in the live animal prior to slaughter; because these strategies could produce the most significant reduction in human exposures to the organism and, therefore, reduction in related illnesses and deaths. Because of the correlation between fecal pathogen shedding and carcass contamination, the role of the live animal in production of a safe and wholesome food product is now viewed as crucial to food production as well as to the preservation of environmental quality and integrity. Some of the most promising live-animal intervention research has focused on the development of probiotics (and other ecologically-based strategies), vaccines, or chemical methods to reduce pathogenic bacterial populations in food animals. These strategies can be loosely grouped into two categories: pro-commensal (or competitive enhancement) strategies and directly anti-pathogen strategies. Pro-commensal strategies utilize the activities of the microbial ecosystem against pathogens by capitalizing on the natural microbial competition for nutrients and environmental niches. Directly, anti-pathogen strategies, on the other hand, specifically kill or slow the growth of the pathogen(s) via several potential mechanisms. This chapter discusses both of these general strategies as well as some other specific strategies being developed or utilized in the food animal industry.