cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applying Smoothing Curves to AVHRR and MODIS Satellite Imagery to Detect the Onset of Spring in the Midwest and Northeast United States

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values elicited from AVHRR and MODIS imagery have enabled the development of methods to identify start of spring (SOS) dates for multiple land cover types. This study evaluated the correspondence between field-based phenology observations and satellite-derived SOS measurements that utilize Fourier, sine square, and asymmetric Gaussian curves to smooth cloud-contaminated NDVI values. The relationships between the satellite-derived SOS dates and cloned lilac first bloom dates were measured using Pearson's correlation coefficient and regression analysis. The SOS dates were also compared to the average bud burst date of native species by computing the difference between the dates. The results indicate that the Fourier curve captures changes in vegetation during the beginning of the growing season and is superior to the sine square and asymmetric Gaussian curves. Moreover, the Fourier curve appears to be most effective in enhancing the seasonal trend of areas experiencing less vegetative change.
Mechanisms of generalized absence epilepsy

Absence seizures represent bilaterally synchronous burst-firing of an ensemble of reciprocally connected neuronal populations located in the thalamus and neocortex. Recent studies demonstrate that neurons in the reticular thalamic nucleus (nRt), thalamic relay neurons (RNs), and neocortical pyramidal cells comprise a circuit that sustains the thalamocortical oscillatory burst-firing of absence seizures. Recent studies have focused on three intrinsic neuronal mechanisms that increase the likelihood of thalamocortical oscillations. The first mechanism involves T-currents elicited by activating the T-type calcium channel, which appear to trigger sustained burst-firing of thalamic neurons during absence seizures. A second intrinsic mechanism is GABA B receptors which can elicit longstanding hyperpolarization in thalamic neurons required to 'prime' T-channels for sustained burst-firing. A third mechanism involves the ability of GABA A receptors, located on nRt neurons, to mediate recurrent inhibition. Enhanced activation of GABA A receptors on nRt neurons decreases the pacemaking capacity of these cells, therefore decreasing the likelihood of generating absence seizures. Cholinergic mechanisms through modulating cortical excitability and excitatory amino acid mediated mechanisms through depolarizing thalamic neurons also play a role in absence seizures.
Response of the Reproductive Organs of the Japanese Quail to Pinealectomy and Melatonin Injections

Abstract IN recent years research on mammalian pineal physiology has been active. Melatonin elaborated by the pineal gland inhibits gonadal activity in rats (Wurtman et al., 1963a; Chu et al., 1964). The synthesis of melatonin in the rat pineal is controlled through environmental photoperioids, viz. it is accelerated by darkness and inhibited by light (Wurtman et al., 1963b). These diurnal changes in melatonin content of the pineal have been called the melatonin rhythm (Quay, 1964) Serotonin, the precursor of melatonin, also undergoes a marked diurnal change in the pineal (Quay, 1963), but there is no strict reciprocal correlation between the two rhythms. When rats were placed in continuous darkness or blinded, the melatonin rhythm was soon abolished, but the serotonin rhythm was maintained for more than 2 weeks, suggesting that the melatonin rhythm was under an exogenous control, whereas, serotonin rhythm was under an endogenous control (Snyder et al., 1964). Melatonin …
Organic carbon quantity and forms as influenced by tillage and cropping sequence

Abstract Soil organic matter and its chemical fractions have a profound impact on soil chemical and physical properties. In turn, the effect of management (cropping and tillage) on the quantity and chemical properties of soil organic matter can be substantial. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of specific tillage regimes and crop sequences commonly used in the central Great Plains of the United States on the quantity, quality, and distribution with depth of soil organic carbon (SOC). Soils were sampled in 1 cm or 2 cm increments to a depth of 10 cm from experimental field plots on a Sharpsburg silty clay loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudoll). The plots had been under 6 continuous tillage regimes since 1978 and cropped to continuous corn, continuous soybean, or corn‐soybean in rotation since 1985. Soils were analyzed for total SOC, fulvic acid (FA) carbon, and humic acid (HA) carbon. No‐till and continuous corn (Zea mays L.) management generally had the highest SOC, with...
R4 Regulator of G Protein Signaling (RGS) Proteins in Inflammation and Immunity

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have important functions in both innate and adaptive immunity, with the capacity to bridge interactions between the two arms of the host responses to pathogens through direct recognition of secreted microbial products or the by-products of host cells damaged by pathogen exposure. In the mid-1990s, a large group of intracellular proteins was discovered, the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) family, whose main, but not exclusive, function appears to be to constrain the intensity and duration of GPCR signaling. The R4/B subfamily—the focus of this review—includes RGS1–5, 8, 13, 16, 18, and 21, which are the smallest RGS proteins in size, with the exception of RGS3. Prominent roles in the trafficking of B and T lymphocytes and macrophages have been described for RGS1, RGS13, and RGS16, while RGS18 appears to control platelet and osteoclast functions. Additional G protein independent functions of RGS13 have been uncovered in gene expression in B lymphocytes and mast cell-mediated allergic reactions. In this review, we discuss potential physiological roles of this RGS protein subfamily, primarily in leukocytes having central roles in immune and inflammatory responses. We also discuss approaches to target RGS proteins therapeutically, which represents a virtually untapped strategy to combat exaggerated immune responses leading to inflammation.
From National Security to Human Security: Population Policy Shifts in Vietnam

In the history of Vietnam, population policy has taken various forms, first in relation to location and migration and later in relation to birth control. The patterns in both Indochina and the Republic of Vietnam parallel developments in other countries where dominant powers sought particular demographics and social and political stability in the name of national security. In recent years, however, the shift toward protection of human security has helped to influence varying perspectives on population, as has Doi Moi.
Examining Earmarks: A Path towards Greater Transparency and Accountability in the Earmarking Process

An executive summary describing a potential revision in House and Senate rules to create greater transparency without infringing upon congressional prerogatives regarding appropriated funds using both public comment and GAO oversight to create a non-binding recommendation procedure to apply to all earmarks.
Protection of ±500 kV HVDC Double-circuit Converter Station from Lightning Induced Overvoltage

In order to obtain reasonable schemes of arrester in converter stations, the arrester scheme of "Xiluodu-Guangdong HVDC ± 500 kV double circuit transmission" project against lighting induced overvoltage, which was designed according to the main principle of lightning protection in converter station, is discussed. A calculation of the lighting induced overvoltage in Zhaotong converter station un- der various operation modes is performed with ATP-EMTP software, then the surge arrester configuration of the converter station is decided, and the arrester protection schemes of smoothing reactor and neutral line are studied. It is concluded that additional protection is necessary because of the relatively large gap between protected disconnecting switch and arrester of metallic return transfer bus. Plus, the smoothing reactor (SR) arrester near the valve hall could be removed to improve the scheme’s economic performance.
Seafood through time; changes in biomass, energetics, and productivity in the marine ecosystem

The biomass of marine consumers increased during the Phanerozoic. This is indicated by the increase in both fleshiness and average size of individuals of dominant organisms, coupled with the conservative estimate that dominant organisms in the Cenozoic are at least as abundant as those in the Paleozoic. As faunal dominants replaced one another during the Phanerozoic the general level of metabolic activity increased due to both increase in basal metabolism and increase in more energetic modes of life. This demonstrates that the expenditure of energy by marine consumers has increased with time as well. There is a time lag in the expansion of more energetic life habits from environmental settings known to have high food supply into regions expected to have lower rates of food supply (e.g., bivalves into offshore carbonate environments or deep bur- rowing deposit feeders into the full range of shelf environments), and a time lag in diversification of energetic modes of life (e.g., predation or deep burrowing deposit feeding) for long intervals after they first appeared. This suggests that the supply of food increased across the whole spectrum of marine habitats during the Phanerozoic. The great diversification of specialized predators es- pecially suggests that biomass increase took place all the way down the food chain to the level of primary production. The development of plant life on land and the impact of land vegetation on stimulating productivity in coastal marine settings, coupled with the transfer of organic material and nutrients from coastal regions to the open ocean, and the increase through time in diversity and abundance of oceanic phytoplankton all point to increased productivity in the oceans through the Phanerozoic.
Utility of 2-methoxyethanol in the synthesis of polyeuropium complexes: {l_brace}[Eu(OCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}OMe){sub 2}(OC{sub 6}H{sub 3}R{sub 2}-2,6){sup {minus}}][H{sup +}]{r_brace}{sub 4} (R = Me, {sup i}Pr) and [EuAl{sub 2}(OCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}OMe){sub 3}Me{sub 5}]{sub 2}

Europium reacts with 2-methoxyethanol at room temperature to form arene-soluble [Eu(OCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}OMe){sub 2}]n. 1. Reaction of 1 with 2,6-dimethylphenol or 2,6-diisopropylphenol forms the tetrametallic complexes {l_brace}[Eu({mu}{sub 3}-{eta}{sup 2}-OCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}OMe)({eta}{sup 2}-OCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}OMe)(OC{sub 6}H{sub 3}R{sub 2}-2,6){sup {minus}}][H{sup +}]{r_brace}{sub 4} (R = Me, 2; R = {sup i}Pr, 3). Magnetic measurements of 1--3 in solution are consistent with the presence of divalent europium. 2 and 3 are isostructural and contain a tetrahedral arrangement of europium atoms. Coordinated to each seven-coordinate metal are one terminal bidentate alkoxide, one bridging bidentate alkoxide, which bridges through its alkoxide oxygen to two other europium atoms, a terminal aryloxide, and two bridging oxygen atoms from other such units. The presence of protons in 2 was probed by reaction with Al{sub 2}Me{sub 6}, which forms hexametallic [Me{sub 3}Al({mu}-{eta}{sup 2}-OCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}OMe)Eu({mu}-{eta}{sup 2}-OCH{sub 2}-CH{sub 2}OMe){sub 2}AlMe{sub 2}]{sub 2}, 4. Each six-coordinate europium in 4 is surrounded by three bidentate 2-methoxyethoxide ligands, which bridge via their alkoxide oxygen atoms. One ligand bridges to one AlMe{sub 3} unit, and the other two ligands bridge to AlMe{sub 2} units.
Fast conjugate gradient algorithm extension for analyzer-based imaging reconstruction

This paper presents an extension of the classic Conjugate Gradient Algorithm. Motivated by the Analyzer-Based Imaging inverse problem, the novel method maximizes the Poisson regularized log-likelihood with a non-linear transformation of parameter faster than other solutions. The new approach takes advantage of the special properties of the Poisson log-likelihood to conjugate each ascend direction with respect all the previous directions taken by the algorithm. Our solution is compared with the general solution for non-quadratic unconstrained problems: the Polak- Ribiere formula. Both methods are applied to the ABI reconstruction problem.
Numerical simulation for burning rate of GAP high-energy propellant

The thermal and combustion characteristics of GAP were analyzed.The hypothesis about GAP decomposition in the initial stage of combustion was proposed.The burning rate equation of GAP and GAP high-energy propellant was derived based on the chemical structure.The calculated burning rates of GAP high-energy propellant agree well with most of the experimental data with the deviation of all data within±15% and that of a majority of data wihtin±10%.It proves that the model and program are reasonable.
Recognition and Treatment of Nerve Agent Casualties: Evidence of Reduced Learner Engagement During Video-based Training.

ABSTRACT Changes in electrodermal activity (EDA) correlate with arousal and stress during stimulating experiences. We hypothesized that associations exist between short-term performance gains and changes in EDA. A total of 187 combat medics were randomly assigned to simulation (S), live tissue (L), or video (V) based training in the recognition and treatment of nerve agent casualties. Change in EDA from baseline to training was quantified for tonic and phasic responses and was categorized as positive (>+10%), no change (±10%), or negative ( S ∼ V) were observed. Notably, larger proportions of trainees experienced negative changes in tonic (67%) and phasic (21%) EDA measures in the V group when compared to the L and S groups. Regardless of t...
Cortical Blindness in Preeclampsia

A 15-year-old primigravida with severe preeclampsia at term developed blindness. Following delivery by cesarean section, her visual acuity returned promptly. Computerized tomography demonstrated bilateral cerebral lesions in the occipital cortex, which resolved partially by five days and completely by seven months after delivery. Persistent electroencephalogram abnormalities and transient episodes of blindness suggest the presence of residual cerebral damage.
Evaluation of serum and urinary electrolytes.

For a full measure of clinical impact on the diagnosis and management of a variety of problems, these laboratory values must be appropriately requested and interpreted.
Matrix recrystallization for MALDI-MS imaging of maize lipids at high-spatial resolution

Matrix recrystallization is optimized and applied to improve lipid ion signals in maize embryos and leaves. A systematic study was performed varying solvent and incubation time. During this study, unexpected side reactions were found when methanol was used as a recrystallization solvent, resulting in the formation of a methyl ester of phosphatidic acid. Using an optimum recrystallization condition with isopropanol, there is no apparent delocalization demonstrated with a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pattern and maize leaf images obtained at 10 μm spatial resolution.
Improving 0-60 mph launching performance of a series hybrid vehicle

This paper presents a launching performance comparison between three hybrid electric control strategies under maximum acceleration conditions. The result demonstrates viability of the electric launch control approach and is the first known implementation of launch control in a series hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Experimental data is presented that shows a 0.49 s reduction in initial vehicle motion (IVM) to 60 mph time in the same vehicle and conditions with only the new launching control method engaged. Performance improvements were achieved by using the engine-generator to pre-charge the HV bus which increased bus voltage throughout the test. This novel method generated an IVM-60 mph time of 9.85 s which is 4% faster than the baseline 10.25 s. Test data with electrical and mechanical power system results are presented. Shaft power and energy estimates from the traction motor are evaluated and compared.
Multiplying by Division: Mapping the Collection at University of North Texas Libraries

Presentation given at the Charleston Conference on November 7, 2015 This presentation focuses on the University of North Texas Libraries' Collection Map, a collection assessment tool used to provide additional data and increased flexibility. The presentation centers on "an assessment-based future" for UNT Libraries and details an improved system in which collections are proactively assessed.
Atropine: A Cure for Persistent Post Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy Emesis?

Background: Atropine has been used as a successful primary medical treatment for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Several authors have reported a higher rate of incomplete pyloromyotomy with the laparoscopic approach compared to open. In this study, we evaluated the use of atropine as a medical treatment for infants with emesis persisting greater than 48 hours after a laparoscopic pyloromyotomy. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of infants receiving a laparoscopic pyloromyotomy between November 1998 and November 2012. Infants with emesis that persisted beyond 48 hours postoperatively were given 0.01mg/kg of oral atropine 10 minutes prior to feeding. Infants remained inpatient until they tolerated two consecutive feedings without emesis. Results: 965 patients underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy; 816 (84.6%) male and 149 (15.4%) female. Twenty-four (2.5%) received oral atropine. The mean length of stay for patients who received atropine was 5.6 ± 2.6 days, an average of 3 additional days. They were discharged home with a one-month supply of oral atropine. Follow up evaluation did not reveal any complications from receiving atropine. The median follow up was 21 days. None returned to the operating room for incomplete pyloromyotomy. There were 17 (1.8%) operative complications in our series; 9 mucosal perforations, 2 duodenal perforations, and 6 conversions to open for equipment failure or poor exposure. There were 4 (0.4%) post-operative complications: 2 episodes of apnea requiring reintubation and 2 incisional hernias that required a second operation. There were no deaths. Conclusion: Oral atropine is a viable treatment for persistent emesis after a pyloromyotomy and reduces the need for a second operation due to incomplete pyloromyotomy.
Commuting mode specific exposure to PM(2.5) in urban area of Guangzhou

Objective To find the differences in PM2.5 exposure level in the context of four commuting modes (by walk, bicycle, bus and subway) in Guangzhou. Methods The PM2.5 exposure assessment was carried out from January to December 2015 in Guangzhou. PM2.5 was measured by using SidePak individual dust meter (AM510, TSI Inc. USA) with time interval of 1 minute. Our measurement was taken on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in the second week of each month and the samples were collected in the morning (07:00-09:00), afternoon (11:00-13:00) and evening (17:00-19:00). Results A total of 284 air samples during walking, 281 air samples during bicycle riding, 278 air samples in bus, and 280 air samples in subway were collected. The median PM2.5 concentrations exposed during walking, during bicycle riding, in bus and in subway were 38.4, 38.6, 23.3 and 24.1 μg/m3, respectively, which were positive correlated with exposure concentration in fixed surveillance sites. The exposure level was lowest in summer, and highest in winter. The median of one-way exposure level to PM2.5 from high to low were as follows: 21.0 μg for bicycle riding, 20.1 μg for walking, 5.1 μg for taking bus and 2.6 μg for taking subway. The season and time specific one-way exposure levels to PM2.5 of four commuting modes were consistent. Conclusions The exposure level to PM2.5 was obviously higher during walking and bicycle riding than that in bus and subway. The exposure level to PM2.5 during walking was higher than that during bicycle riding, in bus and in subway. Key words: PM2.5 exposure; Walking; Bicycle; Bus; Subway
Crossing oceans: an afterword

How, and for what reasons, might one cross an ocean? How might we analyze, as well, crossings of another time, place, and people? And what can be said of future crossings? If we turn to this volume...
Commensal Fungi Recapitulate the Protective Benefits of Intestinal Bacteria

Commensal intestinal microbes are collectively beneficial in preventing local tissue injury and augmenting systemic antimicrobial immunity. However, given the near-exclusive focus on bacterial species in establishing these protective benefits, the contributions of other types of commensal microbes remain poorly defined. Here, we show that commensal fungi can functionally replace intestinal bacteria by conferring protection against injury to mucosal tissues and positively calibrating the responsiveness of circulating immune cells. Susceptibility to colitis and influenza A virus infection occurring upon commensal bacteria eradication is efficiently overturned by mono-colonization with either Candida albicans or Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The protective benefits of commensal fungi are mediated by mannans, a highly conserved component of fungal cell walls, since intestinal stimulation with this moiety alone overrides disease susceptibility in mice depleted of commensal bacteria. Thus, commensal enteric fungi safeguard local and systemic immunity by providing tonic microbial stimulation that can functionally replace intestinal bacteria.
Plant-microbe interactions as a cause of ring formation in Bouteloua gracilis

Abstract Patterned vegetation growth such as grass rings is found in many arid ecosystems, yet the mechanisms behind their formation are often unknown and have been minimally tested in the field. One explanation is pathogen accumulation in the center of a long-lived plant, which could cause central dieback and the formation of a ring as the plant grows toward pathogen-free soil. We tested this mechanism by comparing the growth of blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis) in live and sterilized soils from inside or outside naturally occurring grass rings. Field-collected roots from the inner edge of grass rings had higher fungal colonization than roots from the outer edge, suggesting the potential for intensified pathogen interactions on the inside of rings. However, while plants grown in live soils performed worse than those in sterile soils, this pathogenic effect did not differ between soils collected from inside versus outside of grass rings. Further work on the spatial distribution of plant-microbe interactions is needed to confirm their direct role in ring formation. Our findings suggest that soil and root microbes, in addition to known mechanisms such as soil hydrology, potentially promote ring formation of a widespread North American grass species.
Improved Load Rating of an Open-Spandrel Reinforced-Concrete Arch Bridge

AbstractAn open-spandrel reinforced-concrete arch bridge in west central Indiana was load posted on the basis of a simplified analytical evaluation. The posting was controlled by the shear-strength...
On-chip 100GHz full-duplex circulator/duplexer design based on nonreciprocal transmission line

CMOS circulators/duplexers based on nonreciprocal transmission line (TL) are proposed for full-duplex transceiver front ends operating at 100 GHz band. Offering nonreciprocal propagation at millimeter wave regime, the presented nonreciprocal TL is made of two parametric mixing stages modulated by signals at around 1/6 of the RF frequencies. Operating together with integrated hybrid couplers, circulators or duplexers can be implemented for full-duplex communication. Realized in CMOS process, this nonreciprocal TL achieves over 45 dB isolation throughout its isolation bandwidth of 1.5 GHz, a maximum 9.5 dB insertion loss (IL) and an over 10 dB return loss.
Towards Secure Data Outsourcing

The networked and increasingly ubiquitous nature of today’s data management services mandates assurances to detect and deter malicious or faulty behavior. This is particularly relevant for outsourced data frameworks in which clients place data management with specialized service providers. Clients are reluctant to place sensitive data under the control of a foreign party without assurances of confidentiality. Additionally, once outsourced, privacy and data access correctness (data integrity and query completeness) become paramount. Today’s solutions are fundamentally insecure and vulnerable to illicit behavior, because they do not handle these dimensions.
Basic Theory of Evolutionary Equations

In the last chapter, we presented a theory describing solutions of a linear evolutionary equation ə t u + Au = 0, where \( {\partial _t}u = \frac{d}{{dt}}u \) on a Banach space W, in terms of C o-semigroups. As we have seen, this theory allows one to construct mild solutions of many linear partial differential equations with constant coefficients. Our objective in this chapter is to generalize this theory so that it applies first to the linear inhomogeneous equation $$ {\partial _t}u + Au = f(t) $$ (40.1) and then the nonlinear evolutionary equation $$ {\partial _t}u + Au = F(u) $$ (40.2) .
All Families Are Special: Experiences of Lesbian-Parented Families:

This study explores the lived experiences of members of lesbian-parented families incorporating a systemic perspective to include both the voices of mothers and their young children. Eight whole-fa...
SIGACT news logic column 15

Some comments about the last Logic Column, on nominal logic. Pierre Lescanne points out that the terminology "de Bruijn levels" was introduced in the paper Explicit Substitutions with de Bruijn's Levels, by Pierre Lescanne and Jocelyne Rouyer-Degli, presented at the 1995 RTA conference. He also points out that Stoy diagrams were probably invented by Stoy, but appear in work by Bourbaki as early as 1939 (published in 1954). Merci, Pierre.That article also initiated what is bound to be an interesting discussion. The critique of higherorder abstract syntax in that article prompted Karl Crary and Robert Harper to prepare a response to the leveled criticisms. The response should appear in an upcoming Column.In this issue, Alexander Kurz describes recent work on the topic of specifying properties of transition systems. It turns out that by giving a suitably abstract description of transition systems as coalgebras, we can derive logics for capturing properties of these transition systems in a rather elegant way.
Sex differences in the sympathoexcitatory response to insulin in obese rats: role of neuropeptide Y.

Key points Intracerebroventricular insulin increased sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and baroreflex control of SNA and heart rate more dramatically in obese male rats; in obese females, the responses were abolished. In obese males, the enhanced lumbar SNA (LSNA) responses were associated with reduced tonic inhibition of LSNA by neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the PVN. However, PVN NPY injection decreased LSNA similarly in obesity prone/obesity resistant/control rats. Collectively, these results suggest that NPY inputs were decreased. In obese females, NPY inhibition in the PVN was maintained. Moreover, NPY neurons in the arcuate nucleus became resistant to the inhibitory effects of insulin. A high-fat diet did not alter arcuate NPY neuronal InsR expression in males or females. Obesity-induced 'selective sensitization' of the brain to the sympathoexcitatory effects of insulin and leptin may contribute to elevated basal SNA, and therefore hypertension development, in males with obesity. These data may explain in part why obesity increases SNA less in women compared to men. Abstract Obesity increases sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in men but not women; however, the mechanisms are unknown. We investigated whether intracerebroventricular insulin infusion increases SNA more in obese male than female rats and if sex differences are mediated by changes in tonic inhibition of SNA by neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). When consuming a high-fat diet, obesity prone (OP) rats accrued excess fat, whereas obesity resistant (OR) rats maintained adiposity as in rats eating a control (CON) diet. Insulin increased lumbar SNA (LSNA) similarly in CON/OR males and females under urethane anaesthesia. The LSNA response was magnified in OP males but abolished in OP females. In males, blockade of PVN NPY Y1 receptors with BIBO3304 increased LSNA in CON/OR rats but not OP rats. Yet, PVN nanoinjections of NPY decreased LSNA similarly between groups. Thus, tonic PVN NPY inhibition of LSNA may be lost in obese males as a result of a decrease in NPY inputs. By contrast, in females, PVN BIBO3304 increased LSNA similarly in OP, OR and CON rats. After insulin, PVN BIBO3304 failed to increase LSNA in CON/OR females but increased LSNA in OP females, suggesting that with obesity NPY neurons become resistant to the inhibitory effects of insulin. These sex differences were not associated with changes in arcuate NPY neuronal insulin receptor expression. Collectively, these data reveal a marked sex difference in the impact of obesity on the sympathoexcitatory actions of insulin and implicate sexually dimorphic changes in NPY inhibition of SNA in the PVN as one mechanism.
Localization of fringes produced by rotation of the recording plate in focused-image holography

The equations determining the localization of interference fringes produced by rotation of the photographic plate in ‘focused-image holography’ are derived for an arbitrary cylindrical surface. The important properties of fringe localization are discussed and are experimentally verified.
Sexual Self-Efficacy and Entitlement to Pleasure: The Association of the Female Sexual Subjectivity Inventory with Sexual Risk Taking and Experience of Orgasm.

Young women’s understanding of their own sexuality has increasingly been acknowledged as an important component of their sexual health. The Female Sexual Subjectivity Inventory (FSSI) was developed to measure five distinct factors of young women’s experiences of sexual pleasure and empowerment. No studies have explicitly evaluated the association between FSSI scores and clinical sexual health outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of women to assess the association between FSSI factors and the occurrence of three clinical sexual health outcomes in the prior 12 months: acquisition of an STI, unwanted pregnancy, or taking emergency contraception (Plan B). We also assessed the association between FSSI scores and self-reported orgasm frequency during partnered sexual activity. We used multivariate logistic regression models to estimate associations. Finally, we used the FSSI scale in a novel way to identify a population of women who are discordant on their levels of entitlement to pleasure from a partner and self-efficacy in achieving sexual pleasure. We did not find any statistically significant associations between mean score on any of the FSSI factors and clinical sexual health outcomes of interest in the prior year. We found that all FSSI factors except Sexual Self-Reflection were positively associated with increased orgasm frequency. Our study underscores the validity of the FSSI as a measure to assess psychosocial constructs relevant to young women’s ability to experience sexual pleasure with a partner and introduces a novel way to use the scale to assess the development of women’s sexual subjectivity.
PTC1 and PTC2: New indices of blood pressure waveforms and cardiovascular disease

Systolic and diastolic blood pressures provide information about cardiovascular disease (CVD) but are only extremes of the pressure waveform during the cardiac cycle. We developed summaries of the pressure decay, called PTC1 and PTC2, that are related to arterial compliance and to an existing proprietary summary that has been shown to predict CVD. We derived the summaries from a Windkessel model (consisting of a decaying exponential plus a dampened cosine, with an intercept so they are independent of calibration with blood pressure, unlike the proprietary measures), and we estimated them using nonlinear least squares with standard, free software. Among 6,228 adults from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, initially free of CVD in 2000-2002, mean PTC2 was 94 (standard deviation, 46) milliseconds. During median 15-year follow-up, there were 911 CVD events (including 609 incidents of coronary heart disease and 270 strokes). One-standard-deviation higher PTC2 was associated with 17% (95% confidence interval: 10, 24) lower CVD risk, after adjustment for traditional risk factors. Results were similar for PTC1. PTC1 and PTC2 are relatively straightforward to compute and add information beyond traditional risk factors for prediction of CVD. Our work enables others to replicate and extend our results with waveforms from any suitable device.
The Development and Consequences of Moral Essentialism

Abstract Children report that many natural kinds, social groups, and psychological characteristics arise from an innate, internal “essence” that is rooted in biology and remains stable over time. These perceptions persist into adulthood, albeit often in weakened form. This chapter argues that in addition to the domains previously examined in the essentialism literature, children—and to some extent adults—also view moral characteristics in essentialist terms. This form of essentialism has important social consequences, including in the area of prosocial behavior and in the legal domain. The body of evidence reviewed here suggests that children's and adults’ moral judgments depend not just on what people do but also on perceptions of who those people are, i.e., whether they are people of good or bad moral character.
Comparison of the Loop Technique With Incision and Drainage for Skin and Soft Tissue Abscesses: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background Cutaneous abscesses are common presentations to the emergency department. While the primary treatment for most abscesses is conventional incision and drainage (CID), this is painful and can lead to multiple return visits. The loop drainage technique (LDT) has been proposed as an alternate, less-invasive approach to abscess management. The primary outcome of this study was to compare LDT with CID for skin and soft tissue abscesses. Methods PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, LILACS, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and bibliographies of selected articles were assessed for all retrospective, prospective observational, and randomized controlled trials comparing treatment failures between LDT and CID among patients with skin and soft tissue abscesses. Data were dual extracted into a predefined worksheet and quality analysis was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool or the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were summarized and presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed for adult and pediatric patients. Results A total of 1,374 studies were identified with eight studies (n = 910 patients) selected for inclusion. Overall, CID failed in 69 of 487 patients (14.17%), while LDT failed in 35 of 423 patients (8.27%). There was an OR of 2.02 (95% CI = 1.29 to 3.18) in favor of higher failures in the CID group. This finding remained consistent with only randomized controlled trials (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.07 to 2.86), but no difference was identified in the adult or pediatric subgroups. Conclusion The LDT was associated with reduced treatment failures when compared with CID. Future studies should further assess the impact on pain, cosmetic outcomes, and health care costs.
Long-Term Weight Loss Strategies for Obesity.

CONTEXT Obesity is a chronic disease that is difficult to manage without holistic therapy. The therapeutic armamentarium for obesity primarily consists of 4 forms of therapy: lifestyle modification (ie, diet and exercise), cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Evidence was consolidated from randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS After 2 years, lifestyle interventions can facilitate weight loss that equates to ~5%. Even though lifestyle interventions are plagued by weight regain, they can have substantial effects on type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. Although 10-year percentage excess weight loss can surpass 50% after bariatric surgery, weight regain is likely. To mitigate weight regain, instituting a multifactorial maintenance program is imperative. Such a program can integrate diet, exercise, and pharmacotherapy. Moreover, behavioral therapy can complement a maintenance program well. CONCLUSIONS Obesity is best managed by a multidisciplinary clinical team that integrates diet, exercise, and pharmacotherapy. Bariatric surgery is needed to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity in select patients.
Correlation Between Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Health Insurance Provider Types in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis

Background Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are frequently utilized to assess patient perceptions of health and function. Numerous factors influence self-reported physical and mental health outcome scores. The purpose of this study was to examine if an association exists between insurance payer type and baseline PROM scores in patients diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the baseline PROM scores of 5,974 patients diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code within our institutional database from 2015 to 2020. We examined Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short-form (HOOS-PS), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function Short Form 10a (PF10a), PROMIS Global-Mental, and PROMIS Global-Physical scores. Descriptive analyses, analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and post hoc analyses were utilized to assess variations in PROM scores across insurance type. Results The mean age (and standard deviation) of the study population was 63.5 ± 12.2 years, and 55.7% of patients were female. The Medicaid cohort had a comparatively higher percentage of Black, Hispanic, and non-English-speaking patients and a lower median household income. The Charlson Comorbidity Index was highest in the Medicare and Medicaid insurance cohorts. Patients utilizing commercial insurance consistently demonstrated the highest baseline PROMs, and patients utilizing Medicaid consistently demonstrated the lowest baseline PROMs. Subsequent analyses found significantly poorer mean scores for the Medicaid cohort for all 4 PROMs when compared with the commercial insurance and Medicare cohorts. These score differences exceeded the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs). For the PROMIS Global-Mental subscore, a significantly lower mean score was observed for the Workers' Compensation and motor vehicle insurance cohort when compared with the commercial insurance and Medicare cohort. This difference also exceeded the MCID. Conclusions PROM scores in patients with hip osteoarthritis varied among those with different insurance types. Variations in certain demographic and health indices are potential drivers of these observed baseline PROM differences. For patients with hip osteoarthritis, the use of PROMs for research, clinical, or quality-linked payment metrics should acknowledge baseline variation between patients with different insurance types. Level of evidence Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Predictors of Self-Reported Family Health History of Breast Cancer

The objective of this study was to identify predictors of self-reported family health history of breast cancer in an ethnically diverse population of women participating in a breast cancer screening program. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire about their demography, health, breast health and family health history of breast cancer. The association between family health history of breast cancer and categorical variables were analyzed using the T test, chi square, and multi-nominal logistic regression. Those who were least likely to report a family history of cancer were African Americans (p = 0.02), and immigrant women from South America (p < 0.001) and Africa (p = 0.04). However, 34.4 % reported having a second-degree maternal relative with breast cancer compared to 6.9 % who reported having a second degree paternal relative with breast cancer. Therefore, there is a need to increase efforts to educate families about the importance of collecting and sharing one’s family health history.
Employees' reaction to the change to work teams: The influence of "anticipatory" injustice.

This paper reports the findings of a study regarding the reactions of 492 line‐level employees from two Fortune 500 organizations in response to the organizations’ recent implementation of self‐managing work teams (SMWTs). As predicted, we found that anticipatory injustice was significantly positively related to change‐resistance and turnover intentions; and significantly negatively related to employees’ commitment; and that procedural justice can mitigate the latter relationships. Implications for managing change are discussed.
Languages and The Engineering of Large Knowledge Bases

This position paper expresses the author’s opinion that the development of large Knowledge Bases is subject to the problems traditionally encountered in Software Engineering, and that these problems can be addressed by developing new knowledge representation languages and environments that pay equal attention to a number of issues: expressive power, efficiency of implementation, ease of organization and modification, supporting tools and environments. These points are illustrated by briefly considering the problem of exceptional facts in a knowledge base.
A revised back compressive force estimation model for ergonomic evaluation of lifting tasks

Occupational back pain and injury are common and costly issues. Biomechanical models are often used to quantify job risk by estimating back muscle forces. In general, the most accurate models are also the most complex, creating demand for models that are both straightforward and accurate. An existing, basic hand-calculation back compressive force estimation model (HCBCF v1.0) was revised in two iterations to reduce the error induced by original simplifying assumptions. Lifting tasks (n=6000) from observational data were used to compare the HCBCF models with the University of Michigan 3D Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP) The greatest r(2) (0.97) between the HCBCF v1.2 and the 3DSSPP was achieved with gender-specific equations designed to account for differences between males and females and a more detailed estimation of torso flexion angle and upper body mass center location. This gender-specific back compression and risk estimation model is a relatively simple alternative to computer-based back compressive force models. In addition the hand-calculation can be used as a general survey tool to determine which jobs should be analyzed with more sophisticated computer-based models.
Exact lower bounds on the exponential moments of Winsorized and truncated random variables

ipinelis@mtu.eduAbstract: Exact lower bounds on the exponential moments of min(y,X)and XI{X<y} are provided given the ﬁrst two moments of a randomvariable X. These bounds are useful in work on large deviations probabili-ties and nonuniform Berry-Esseen bounds, when the Cram´er tilt transformmay be employed. Asymptotic properties of these lower bounds are pre-sented. Comparative advantages of the Winsorization min(y,X) over thetruncation XI{X<y}are demonstrated.AMS 2000 subject classiﬁcations: Primary 60E15; secondary 60E10,60F10, 60F05.Keywords and phrases: exponential moments, exact lower bounds, Win-sorization, truncation, large deviations, nonuniform Berry-Esseen bounds,Cram´er tilt transform.
Some promising news about psychosocial interventions for adolescent self-harm

COMMENTARY ON : Ougrin D, Tranah T, Stahl D, et al. Therapeutic interventions for suicide attempts and self-harm in adolescents: systemic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015;54:97–107.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Suicidal attempts and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are common and highly recurrent behaviours in adolescents.1 Suicide attempt refers to self-destructive behaviour with inferred or explicit intent to die. NSSI refers to intentional self-injury for a motive other than to die, such as relief of negative emotion. Self-harm refers to either of these behaviours. There are no established, replicated treatments to prevent the recurrence of adolescent self-harm behaviours. A meta-analysis was conducted on 19 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), comprising 2176 self-harming adolescent patients, designed to study the efficacy of interventions to reduce the recurrence of self-harm (either a suicide attempt or NSSI). To be included in the meta-analysis, … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJ%2BAm%2BAcad%2BChild%2BAdolesc%2BPsychiatry%26rft.volume%253D54%26rft.spage%253D97%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252Fj.jaac.2014.10.009%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F25617250%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/j.jaac.2014.10.009&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=25617250&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmental%2F18%2F3%2F93.atom
Extension and field application of an integrated DNAPL source identification algorithm that utilizes stochastic modeling and a Kalman filter

Summary The design of an effective groundwater remediation system involves the determination of the source zone characteristics and subsequent source zone removal. The work presented in this paper focuses on the three-dimensional extension and field application of a previously described source zone identification and delineation algorithm. The three-dimensional search algorithm defines how to achieve an acceptable level of accuracy regarding the strength, geographic location and depth of a dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source while using the least possible number of water quality samples. Target locations and depths of potential sources are identified and given initial importance measures or weights using a technique that exploits expert knowledge. The weights reflect the expert’s confidence that the particular source location is the correct one and they are updated as the investigation proceeds. The overall strategy uses stochastic groundwater flow and transport modeling assuming that hydraulic conductivity is known with uncertainty (Monte Carlo approach). Optimal water quality samples are selected according to the degree to which they contribute to the total concentration uncertainty reduction across all model layers and the proximity of the samples to the potential source locations. After a sample is taken, the contaminant concentration plume is updated using a Kalman filter. The set of optimal source strengths is determined using linear programming by minimizing the sum of the absolute differences between modeled and measured concentration values at sampling locations. The Monte Carlo generated suite of plumes emanating from each individual source is calculated and compared with the updated plume. The scores obtained from this comparison serve to update the weights initially assigned by the expert, and the above steps are repeated until the optimal source characteristics are determined. The algorithm’s effectiveness is demonstrated by performing a ‘blind test’ at a field site in the Anniston Army Depot (ANAD) in Alabama.