cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Yield Strength Enhancement in Multilayer Thin Films by Modulus Hardening

The modulus hardening mechanism for yield strength enhancement in multilayer materials is theoretically investigated. The multilayer composition profile used in the analysis has a general trapezoidal shape with allowance for two different layer thicknesses and two interface widths. The image force method is used to determine effective stresses on dislocations in the multilayer structure. Analytical expressions are derived for the effective stresses in terms of the shear elastic moduli. Calculations are carried out for representative composition profile shapes. It is found that the dislocation experiences the maximum effective stress when it is in the interface between layers, and that the effective stress increases dramatically with decreasing interface width. However, the effective stress is not strongly affected by either the multilayer wavelength or the relative thickness of the layers.
Abstract A104: Leptin and leptin receptor genes in relation to premenopausal breast cancer incidence and grade in Caucasian women

Background: Body mass is inversely related to breast cancer risk among premenopausal women. Leptin, an essential cytokine regulating food intake, energy expenditure, glucose and fat metabolism may be part of the mechanistic pathway. Methods: We investigated 50 tagging and candidate SNPs in the leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes, for associations with premenopausal breast cancer incidence using 405 cases and 810 controls nested within the Nurses9 Health Study II. We also examined associations between these SNPs and circulating leptin (among 910 women) and breast cancer grade (among 267 patients). Permutation tests were performed to adjust for multiple testing. Results: We did not detect a significant association between SNPs in the LEP or LEPR gene and either breast cancer incidence or plasma leptin levels. However, among cases, 14 SNPs of the LEPR gene were significantly associated with cancer grade, and rs1137101 (Q223R) survived multiple testing adjustment (adjusted p=0.04). The G carriers of rs1137101 were more likely to have poorly differentiated than well differentiated cancers. Conclusions: Our data suggest that common genetic variation in the LEP or LEPR gene has no strong association with premenopausal breast cancer risk. The LEPR gene might be associated with breast cancer grade. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):A104.
Analysis on occupational hazards in some enterprise workplaces of Ruian

Objective:To understand the occupational hazards status in enterprise workplaces in Ruian.Methods: The occupational hazardous factors in 230 important enterprises were determined,such as dust,BTEX,Cu,Cr,noise,etc.Results: The lowest qualified rate was found in noise(66.1%),and The qualified rate of dust,benzene,welding fume in workplaces were 66.1%,71.8% and 73.5%.Significant difference was found in the qualified rate of benzene in different workplaces(χ2=95.06,P0.005).Conclusion:The main occupational hazards existed in the enterprise workplaces in Ruian were noise and benzene.Supervision and law enforcement shoud be strengthened.The enterprises workplaces with serious occupational hazards should be carried out regulation and supervision,in order to protect the health of workers.
Necrotizing soft tissue infection of the chest wall

A 53-year-old man with hypertension, anxiety, and active alcohol abuse presented to the emergency room with increasing lethargy and shortness of breath. He reported a 9-day history of left-sided chest pain and erythema, which had worsened over the 4 days prior to admission. Review of systems was positive for fever, chills, fatigue, cough, chest tightness, and malaise. Notably, 12 days prior to his presentation, he was admitted after an assault and sustained facial fractures and lacerations; physical examination and CT of the chest/abdomen/pelvis at that time were negative for other injuries. On re-presentation, he was tachycardic and normotensive. His left chest wall was warm, erythematous, and diffusely tender with crepitus that extended into the axilla. Initial laboratory data demonstrated hyponatremia (serum sodium 130 mEq/L (135–145 mEq/L)), an anion gap of 20 mEq/L (3–11 mEq/L), and hypovolemia, with a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 42 mg/dL (7–20 mg/dL) and a creatinine of 0.9 mg/dL (0.5–1.2 mg/dL). He had a leukocytosis of 17 500 cells/μL (4500–10 000 cells/μL) with a marked left shift (15% bands, 56% neutrophils). Blood cultures were collected. A CT of the chest/abdomen/pelvis was obtained and demonstrated a 23 cm×10 cm×18 cm collection of air and fluid in the left chest wall …
Twenty-First Century Punitiveness: Social Sources of Punitive American Views Reconsidered

Objectives This study considers the social determinants of twenty-first century punitive American views.
Dientamoebe fragilis bij kinderen: niks aan doen

Vraagstelling Op het spreekuur kwam een veertienjarig meisje met sinds anderhalf jaar diffuse buikpijnklachten en een blanco voorgeschiedenis. Lichamelijk onderzoek en aanvullend laboratoriumonderzoek lieten geen bijzonderheden zien, behalve een positieve feceskweek voor dientamoebe fragilis.
3D Printing of a Double Network Hydrogel with a Compression Strength and Elastic Modulus Greater than those of Cartilage

This article demonstrates a two-step method to 3D print double network hydrogels at room temperature with a low-cost ($300) 3D printer. A first network precursor solution was made 3D printable via extrusion from a nozzle by adding a layered silicate to make it shear-thinning. After printing and UV-curing, objects were soaked in a second network precursor solution and UV-cured again to create interpenetrating networks of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate) and polyacrylamide. By varying the ratio of polyacrylamide to cross-linker, the trade-off between stiffness and maximum elongation of the gel can be tuned to yield a compression strength and elastic modulus of 61.9 and 0.44 MPa, respectively, values that are greater than those reported for bovine cartilage. The maximum compressive (93.5 MPa) and tensile (1.4 MPa) strengths of the gel are twice that of previous 3D printed gels, and the gel does not deform after it is soaked in water. By 3D printing a synthetic meniscus from an X-ray computed tomog...
Effects of Contrasting Climate and Paclobutrazol on the Growth and Water Use of Two Container-Grown Landscape Plants

Abstract A study was conducted under contrasting climates [southwestern Georgia (humid, temperate) and central Arizona (arid, Sonoran desert)] to evaluate the effects of paclobutrazol on the growth and water use of container-grown Feijoa Sellowiana O. Berg and Ligustrum japonicum Thunb. Plants grown in Georgia were taller, had approximately twice as many leaves and five times more canopy leaf area, a lower shoot:root ratio, and generally higher water use compared to plants grown in Arizona. Differences in meteorological factors such as higher maximum and minimum temperatures and increased solar radiation in Arizona compared to Georgia were coincident with smaller plant size and lower water use of plants grown in Arizona compared to those grown in Georgia. Paclobutrazol inhibited height growth of plants grown in Arizona; however, this growth inhibition was not affected by application concentration. In Georgia, paclobutrazol inhibited height growth of all plants; however, Ligustrum treated with 250 ppm pacl...
Tsc2 disruption in mesenchymal progenitors results in tumors with vascular anomalies overexpressing Lgals3

Increased mTORC1 signaling from TSC1/TSC2 inactivation is found in cancer and causes tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). The role of mesenchymal-derived cells in TSC tumorigenesis was investigated through disruption of Tsc2 in craniofacial and limb bud mesenchymal progenitors. Tsc2cKOPrrx1-cre mice had shortened lifespans and extensive hamartomas containing abnormal tortuous, dilated vessels prominent in the forelimbs. Abnormalities were blocked by the mTORC1 inhibitor sirolimus. A Tsc2/mTORC1 expression signature identified in Tsc2-deficient fibroblasts was also increased in bladder cancers with TSC1/TSC2 mutations in the TCGA database. Signature component Lgals3 encoding galectin-3 was increased in Tsc2-deficient cells and serum of Tsc2cKOPrrx1-cre mice. Galectin-3 was increased in TSC-related skin tumors, angiomyolipomas, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis with serum levels in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis correlating with impaired lung function and angiomyolipoma presence. Our results demonstrate Tsc2-deficient mesenchymal progenitors cause aberrant morphogenic signals, and identify an expression signature including Lgals3 relevant for human disease of TSC1/TSC2 inactivation and mTORC1 hyperactivity.
The Significance of The Ethnic Community Mother Tongue School: Introduction to a Study

Ethnic Community Mother Tongue Schools (ECMTS) constitute an important yet little know aspect of bilingual schooling in the United States. There are some 1,200 such schools currently in operation. These schools and their implict assumptions regarding language and ethnicity, bilingualism in American society, and the future of ethnic mother tongue maintenance, are worthy of careful study by all concerned with ethnicity and education in the United States. This article provides an overview of these schools, describes some of their salient characteristics, and notes relationships between these schools and the bilingual education movement in the United States.
Avian Provocation: Roosters and Rime Royal in Fifteenth-Century Fable

Despite the conservative programs of John Lydgate’s and Robert Henryson’s fifteenth-century retellings of the “cock and jewel” fable, these texts find ways to provoke both their own audiences and u...
Three-Dimensional Simulation of Turbulent Hot-Jet Ignition for Air-CH 4 -H 2 Deflagration in a Confined Volume

This work describes essential aspects of the ignition and deflagration process initiated by the injection of a hot transient gas jet into a narrowly confined volume containing air-CH4-H2 mixture. Driven by the pressure difference between a prechamber and a long narrow constant-volume-combustion (CVC) chamber, the developing jet or puff involves complex processes of turbulent jet penetration and evolution of multi-scale vortices in the shear layer, jet tip, and adjacent confined spaces. The CVC chamber contains stoichiometric mixtures of air with gaseous fuel initially at atmospheric conditions. Fuel reactivity is varied using two different CH4/H2 blends. Jet momentum is varied using different pre-chamber pressures at jet initiation. The jet initiation and the subsequent ignition events generate pressure waves that interact with the mixing region and the propagating flame, depositing baroclinic vorticity. Transient three-dimensional flow simulations with detailed chemical kinetics are used to model CVC mixture ignition. Pre-ignition gas properties are then examined to develop and verify criteria to predict ignition delay time using lower-cost non-reacting flow simulations for this particular case of study.
In search of a putative imaging biomarker for Fabry disease: Go with the flow?

MRI evidence of white matter hyperintensity (WMH), lacunar infarcts, and cerebral microbleeds characterizes cerebral small vessel disease (SVD).1 These microangiopathic imaging markers occur with high prevalence in Fabry disease (FD), an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the α-galactosidase A (GLA) gene leading to the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide in different cellular compartments, especially the lysosome.2 However, the underlying mechanisms for cerebrovascular damage in SVD and FD may fundamentally differ as prior studies have demonstrated an increase of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in FD,3,4 whereas patients with sporadic SVD typically have reduced CBF.5
A History of Sports and Physical Education to 1900. Edited by Earle F. Zeigler

(1974). A History of Sports and Physical Education to 1900. Edited by Earle F. Zeigler. Journal of Leisure Research: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 259-260.
Investigating patterns of in-channel wood deposition locations in a low-gradient, variably-confined alluvial river system:

In-channel large wood (LW) plays an important role in the eco-morphological functionality of many river systems. This importance has been widely recognized, yet there continues to be a poor understanding of relationships between morphodynamics and locations of wood deposition within the channel, particularly in low-gradient, semi-confined rivers. This research investigates the following hypotheses: 1) LW deposition locations (DLs) occur periodically in relation to the periodic arrangement of morphological features in the Big River, Missouri, USA, a low-gradient, variably-confined, alluvial river system; 2) geomorphic controls on DLs in the Big River exert varying levels of influence at different spatial scales. A large-scale field inventory of LW DLs was performed along the Big River. A spectral analysis was then used to identify periodic patterns of DLs along the Big River and various statistical tests of association were used to investigate the relationships between DLs and morphological variables, and ...
Vortex generators for active thermal management in lithium-ion battery systems

Abstract The aim of the present study is to determine efficacy of using vortex generators in the cooling channels of a lithium-ion battery thermal management system (BTMS). Numerical simulations of a Li-ion battery module containing 20 prismatic lithium ion cells and associated cooling channels with four different winglet configurations were developed. This study examines the effects of vortex generators on the heat transfer performance of typical battery thermal management solutions. The performance of the BTMS is assessed over a Reynolds number range ( 65 ⩽ Re ⩽ 1650 ) based on the hydraulic diameter of a rectangular channel. Specialized software designed for studying heat transfer problems in lithium-ion batteries coupled with computational fluid dynamics was used to determine such effects. The performance of the different vortex generator configurations was compared in terms of the Nusselt number, maximum module temperature, and cell-to-cell temperature variation. The addition of vortex generators to the modeled BTMS has shown a significant increase in overall heat transfer of cooling channel, a decrease in the maximum cell temperature, and a lower temperature difference within the cells.
Attitudes and Risk Perceptions Toward Smoking Among Adolescents Who Modify Cigar Products.

Objective: To examine high school youths’ perceptions of health risks, and personal and parental attitudes toward cigarette, cigar, and marijuana use among youth who use or modify cigars. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Participants: The 2013 Cuyahoga County Youth Risk Behavior Survey used a two-stage cluster sample design to randomly sample public high schools and classrooms. Students in selected classrooms were eligible; 16,855 students completed the survey. Main Outcome Measures: This study ex­amines the association between risk percep­tions of and youths’ personal and parental attitudes toward smoking cigarettes, cigars, and marijuana with current use of cigars, cigarillos or little cigars (CCLCs) or modified CCLCs (ie, freaking or blunting). Results: 23.5% of youth reported current use of CCLCs in some way; 11.0% reported current freaking and 18.5% reported current blunt use. CCLC users tended to be male and Black. Perceiving all smoking behav­iors as risky, wrong, or wrong by parents reduced odds of using CCLCs. After multi­variate analysis, Blacks had increased odds of using CCLCs if they perceived smoking cigarettes as harmful, which was not found among other race/ethnicity categories. Having parents who believed that smoking CCLCs is wrong increased the odds of youth freaking or blunting among all CCLC users. Odds of blunting was greater for those who believed CCLCs were more risky among all CCLC users. Conclusions: Findings suggest that CCLC users may think cigars are safer than ciga­rettes, and that modifiers may think their use is safer and more in line with their par­ents’ views than non-modified CCLCs. Ethn Dis. 2018;28(3):135-144; doi:10.18865/ ed.28.3.135
Anesthesia in the Orthopedic Patient

Orthopedic surgical patients pose specific anesthesia related challenges that the perioperative team should be aware of. Many orthopedic patients are candidates for regional anesthetic techniques and the literature suggests potential benefits associated with their use. To avoid potential bleeding complications, perioperative physicians need to consider the effects of a growing number of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents in use today. Among a number of interventions to reduce perioperative blood loss, the hypotensive epidural technique is utilized for hip arthroplasty patients. As an advanced anesthetic approach, it may be associated with improved perioperative outcomes and represents a routine anesthetic approach at the Hospital for Special Surgery. This chapter reviews many of the anesthetic techniques used in orthopedic patients and discusses their benefits and potentially associated complications.
Revenue Structure and Spending Behavior in Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) rely on multiple funding sources to meet organizational needs; and, heavy reliance on any one revenue source can limit an NPO’s ability to allocate funding. As such, ...
A review of pulmonary injury by diagnostic ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) induction of pulmonary capillary hemorrhage (PCH) presents a unique clinical safety issue. Pulmonary DUS has become routine in clinical and point-of-care settings worldwide for diagnosis of edema, effusion, pneumonia, etc. Our experiments in rats have shown that DUS-induced PCH increased rapidly above exposure thresholds, which depended on specific conditions. Using a linear array at 6.6 MHz, peak rarefactional pressure amplitude thresholds were 1.5 MPa for B mode, 1.1 MPa for Angio Doppler, 1.1 MPa for M mode, and 0.6 MPa for pulsed Doppler. Thresholds were nearly constant from 1.5 MHz to 12 MHz, suggesting involvement of a frequency-independent mechanism, such as radiation pressure. Physiological conditions were found to be as important as physical exposure parameters. Infusion of saline reduced the effect. Xylazine in the normal ketamine/xylazine anesthesia enhanced PCH relative to ketamine only, and the clinical sedative dexmedetomidine also lowered thresholds. Rats with positive-pressure ventilation had DUS-induced PCH inhibited by only + 4 cm H2O, or enhanced by only -4 cm H2O end expiratory pressure acting on the blood-air barrier. With subsequent studies and better understanding of this phenomenon, DUS-induced PCH will be avoidable by use of sub-threshold output by sonographers using DUS machines with output control. Diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) induction of pulmonary capillary hemorrhage (PCH) presents a unique clinical safety issue. Pulmonary DUS has become routine in clinical and point-of-care settings worldwide for diagnosis of edema, effusion, pneumonia, etc. Our experiments in rats have shown that DUS-induced PCH increased rapidly above exposure thresholds, which depended on specific conditions. Using a linear array at 6.6 MHz, peak rarefactional pressure amplitude thresholds were 1.5 MPa for B mode, 1.1 MPa for Angio Doppler, 1.1 MPa for M mode, and 0.6 MPa for pulsed Doppler. Thresholds were nearly constant from 1.5 MHz to 12 MHz, suggesting involvement of a frequency-independent mechanism, such as radiation pressure. Physiological conditions were found to be as important as physical exposure parameters. Infusion of saline reduced the effect. Xylazine in the normal ketamine/xylazine anesthesia enhanced PCH relative to ketamine only, and the clinical sedative dexmedetomidine also lowered thresholds. Rats with po...
Suitcase, crockpot, car: mentoring relationships, cultivating confidence, and challenging workplaces for the emerging professional

A conversation between a mentor and mentee:MentorWhen do you plan on moving to Los Angeles? MenteeI moved back home to Chicago to work and save some money. My family is worried about L.A.—I know I ...
Aspirin meets cGAS.

Sensing of cytosolic DNA by cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS) is central to the pathogenesis of a number of autoinflammatory syndromes and possibly some autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Activation of cGAS signalling requires its deacetylation, so might aspirin have therapeutic potential to treat SLE by acetylating cGAS?
Ocular Infections in Transplant Patients

Ocular infections in transplant patients can be rapidly progressive and result in significant vision loss and morbidity. Approximately 2% of transplant patients in several large series developed serious eye infections, and the most common were viral retinitis and fungal endophthalmitis. Viral retinitis is due to cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, or herpes zoster. A particularly fulminant form of viral retinitis, progressive outer retinal necrosis, may occur and result in blindness within 1 to a few days. Hematogenous spread of bacterial and fungal infections to the eye may result in endophthalmitis. Ocular infections that occur in non-immunocompromised patients also occur in the transplant population, and these include keratitis (infection of the cornea), herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and ocular toxoplasmosis. Invasive fungal infections involving the orbit, such as rhinocerebral mucormycosis, are seen in transplant patients as they are in other immunocompromised patients. In transplant patients, sometimes the first signs of a life-threatening systemic infection occur in the eye. Patients with fungemia, for example, may present with vision loss from fungal endophthalmitis. Eye infections in the transplant population are important to diagnose promptly both to prevent irreversible vision loss, which may occur very quickly in the immunocompromised host, and to recognize an underlying systemic infection that may be life-threatening.
Improving sensitivity of amyloid detection by Congo red stain by using polarizing microscope and avoiding pitfalls

Systemic amyloidosis is a devastating group of disorders for which there is no current cure. The treatment goal is to reduce the burden of amyloidogenic protein precursors. The treatment is only effective if applied early in the disease process before significant and irreversible end organ damage has taken place. Congo red is still the standard stain used in most histopathology laboratories to identify amyloid material in tissues. The identification of Congophilic amyloid material is challenging because of multiple interfering factors. Here we describe improved sensitivity of identifying Congophilic materials in histologic sections using a metallurgical polarized microscope specifically constructed for polarized microscopy. The microscope is equipped with strain-free optics, matching polarizers, dis-integrated compensators, and a circular mobile stage. Compared to a standard clinical microscope, this setup significantly improves sensitivity of identifying amyloid material in Congo red-stained slides. We also describe the deleterious effect of plastic coverslip which can interfere with the ability to examine the slides under polarized light. We present a series of 10 different patients who had cardiac, brain, and salivary gland biopsies that were either equivocal or deemed negative using a standard clinical microscope but were positive using the equipment described above. These samples were confirmed to be positive by other methods including electron microscopy. We conclude that use of the correct equipment is needed before ruling out amyloidosis in tissue sections.
The Herbarium Challenge 2019 Dataset

Herbarium sheets are invaluable for botanical research, and considerable time and effort is spent by experts to label and identify specimens on them. In view of recent advances in computer vision and deep learning, developing an automated approach to help experts identify specimens could significantly accelerate research in this area. Whereas most existing botanical datasets comprise photos of specimens in the wild, herbarium sheets exhibit dried specimens, which poses new challenges. We present a challenge dataset of herbarium sheet images labeled by experts, with the intent of facilitating the development of automated identification techniques for this challenging scenario.
3D porous chitosan-alginate scaffold stiffness promotes differential responses in prostate cancer cell lines.

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of death for men worldwide. Most PCa patients die from metastasis and bone is the most common metastatic site. Three dimensional (3D) porous chitosan-alginate (CA) scaffolds were developed for bone tissue engineering and demonstrated for culture of cancer cells and enrichment of cancer stem cells. However, only a single scaffold composition was studied. Three compositions of 3D porous CA scaffolds (2, 4, and 6 wt%) were used to investigate the effect of scaffold stiffness on PCa cell response with PC-3, C4-2B, and 22Rv1 cell lines. The PC-3 cells formed cell clusters while the C4-2B and 22Rv1 cells formed multicellular spheroids. The three cell lines demonstrated stiffness independent cell growth and expressed phenotypic PCa biomarkers. The osteoblastic PCa lines C4-2B and 22Rv1 mineralized in basal media, while the osteolytic PC-3 line did not, demonstrating that CA scaffold cultures revealed differences in PCa phenotypes. The CA scaffolds are a 3D culture platform that supports PCa growth and phenotypic expression with adjustable scaffold stiffness to mimic stages of metastatic progression. Further investigation of the scaffolds for co-culture of PCa cells with fibroblasts and primary PCa cell culture should be conducted to develop a platform for screening chemotherapies.
Using Electronic Medical Records to Identify Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Cases.

Context: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) aims to improve surgical outcomes by integrating evidence-based practices across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. Data in electronic medical records (EMRs) provide insight on how ERAS is implemented and its impact on surgical outcomes. Because ERAS is a multimodal pathway provided by multiple physicians and health care providers over time, identifying ERAS cases in EMRs is not a trivial task. To better understand how EMRs can be used to study ERAS, we describe our experience with using current methodologies and the development and rationale of a new method for retrospectively identifying ERAS cases in EMRs. Case Description: Using EMR data from surgical departments at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we first identified ERAS cases using a protocol-based method, using basic information including the date of ERAS implementation, surgical procedure and date, and primary surgeon. We further examined two operational flags in the EMRs, a nursing order and a case request for OR order. Wide variation between the methods compelled us to consult with ERAS surgical staff and explore the EMRs to develop a more refined method for identifying ERAS cases. Method: We developed a two-step method, with the first step based on the protocol definition and the second step based on an ERAS-specific medication definition. To test our method, we randomly sampled 150 general, gynecological, and urologic surgeries performed between January 1, 2016 and March 30, 2017. Surgical cases were classified as ERAS or not using the protocol definition, nursing order, case request for OR order, and our two-step method. To assess the accuracy of each method, two independent reviewers assessed the charts to determine whether cases were ERAS. Findings: Of the 150 charts reviewed, 74 were ERAS cases. The protocol only method and nursing order flag performed similarly, correctly identifying 74 percent and 73 percent of true ERAS cases, respectively. The case request for OR order flag performed less well, correctly identifying only 44 percent of the true ERAS cases. Our two-step method performed well, correctly identifying 98 percent of true ERAS cases. Conclusion: ERAS pathways are complex, making study of them from EMRs difficult. Current strategies for doing so are relatively easy to implement, but unreliable. We have developed a reproducible and observable ERAS computational phenotype that identifies ERAS cases reliably. This is a step forward in using the richness of EMR data to study ERAS implementation, efficacy, and how they can contribute to surgical care improvement.
The effect of tadalafil on reepithelialization and scarring of partial thickness porcine burns.

Burn conversion from second to third degree is common leading to delayed healing and scarring. We hypothesized that tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5I) that results in vasodilation, would reduce burn conversion leading to faster reepithelialization and less scarring of partial thickness porcine burns. We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled, animal experiment using six female pigs (25-30 kg). We created 20 standardized partial thickness burns on each of the animals with an aluminum bar preheated to 80 °C and applied for 20 seconds to the pigs' dorsum. Three animals each were randomized to oral tadalafil 2.5 mg or control vehicle once daily for 1 week. Main outcomes were time to reepithelialization and depth of scarring at 28 days. A sample of 60 burns in each treatment group had 80% power to detect a 2-day difference in time to reepithelialization. Mean (95% CI) time to reepithelialization in burns treated with tadalafil and control were 14.9 (14.1-15.7) vs. 19.7 (18.2-21.3) days, respectively; mean difference 4.8 (3.1-6.6) days. After controlling for pig and within pig differences, mean time to reepithelialization was 6.5 (3.7-9.3) days shorter in burns treated with tadalafil compared with controls. Mean (95% CI) scar depth in burns treated with tadalafil and control were 2.7 (2.3-3.1) vs. 3.7 (3.1-4.2) mm. respectively, mean difference 1 (0.3-1.7) mm. After controlling for pig and within pig differences, scar depth in tadalafil-treated burns was 1.5 (0.7-2.3) mm lower compared with controls. We conclude that once daily oral tadalafil shortened time to reepithelialization and reduced scarring in a partial thickness porcine burns model.
Inhibition Of Anti-b2GPI-Dependent Thrombus Enhancement In The Laser-Induced Thrombosis Model In Mice

B2GPI is the major antigen for pathogenic antibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The presence of anti-b2GPI antibodies correlates with increased risk for thrombosis and pregnancy loss in patients with APS. In animal models of thrombosis, anti-b2GPI antibodies cause the increase in thrombus size after injury to the vessel wall. We engineered a molecule, A1-A1, that prevents the binding of b2GPI to anionic phospholipids and ApoER2, and studied how it inhibits prothrombotic properties of anti-b2GPI antibodies in vivo using the laser-induced arterial thrombosis model. Lupus-prone (NZWxBXSB)F1 male mice express chronic autoimmune anti-b2GPI antibodies. In (NZWxBXSB)F1 mice, infusion of A1-A1 at a dose of 4 ug/g of body weight caused a decrease in thrombus size of more than 85% as compared to thrombus size in the absence of A1-A1. Similarly, A1-A1 inhibits prothrombotic properties of b2GPI/anti-b2GPI antibody complexes in wild type mice following acute infusion with anti-b2GPI positive APS IgG. The thrombus reduction was due to the binding of A1-A1 to b2GPI, because infusion of LA6, a structural homologue of A1 that does not bind b2GPI, did not affect thrombus size. We did not observe thrombus inhibition by A1-A1 in the absence of anti-b2GPI antibodies, indicating that A1-A1 does not affect normal thrombus formation in the absence of anti-b2GPI antibodies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Bariatric Surgery and Its Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Recent data have suggested that bariatric procedures, especially laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), are safe and effective weight loss measures in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But most of the studies have looked at short-term outcomes, and there is a general lack of awareness of underlying disease processes and baseline comorbidities in IBD patients undergoing bariatric procedures. Postbariatric issues in IBD patients including diarrhea from dumping syndrome, choleretic diarrhea, a high prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, stomal ulcerations, stenosis, and renal and gallstones can complicate the natural history of IBD. This could lead to unnecessary hospitalizations, change of medical therapy, and poor surgical and quality of life outcomes. In this review, we will discuss major complications after common bariatric procedures (SG, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and gastric banding) and suggest possible management strategies.
The Unavoidable Guidance in Language

Considering the profoundly collaborative nature of human communication, the notion of guidance needs more careful consideration and foregrounding in the philosophy of language. The practically cruc...
Review of Milan M. Jovanović’s work and impact on the power electronics industry

Milan M. Jovanovic (1952-2018) is the most cited industry-affiliated power electronics researcher. This paper is a review of Milan’s work based on his top 100 cited papers in the field of power electronics (according to Google Scholar), as well as his most recently published papers. His primary area of interest was the development and performance optimization of power electronics technologies for modern server, telecom, and portable data-processing equipment, as well as for on-board electric vehicle applications. Power conversion techniques developed by research teams led by Milan have been employed in hundreds of millions of power supplies made by Delta Electronics and other manufacturers, enabling further miniaturization of electronics equipment and resulting in enormous cumulative energy savings and electronic-material waste reduction.
Efficacy of Gold Photothermal-Activated Shape Memory Polyurethane

The addition of gold nanorods to a commercial polyurethane enabled shape memory behavior activation via infrared irradiation. The fraction of the set strain recovered was found to be dependent on the nanorod loading and irradiation intensity. A nanocomposite consisting of gold nanorods with an aspect ratio of ~3.25 and a diameter of ~11.5 nm and the polyurethane IROGRAN PS455-203 was prepared via a simple solution blending technique. Gold loadings up to 3.2 ppm by weight were evaluated. The glass transition temperature and melting point of the hard-segment phase was slightly depressed at the highest loading evaluated. Other thermal properties were not affected by the addition of gold nanorods. Also, the thermally activated shape memory behavior of the composite material was not affected by the presence of the gold nanorods.
Relationship between compliance and pulmonary vascular resistance in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Background Pulmonary arterial compliance (PAC) was previously shown to be an important prognostic factor in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), in addition to the conventional pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The product of PAC and PVR, the arterial time (RC) constant, expresses the logarithmic relationship between the hemodynamic parameters. The objective of the study was to test RC constant stability in PAH patients followed beyond 12 months after diagnosis, and to report possible RC variations in different etiologies. Methods Fourteen PAH patients followed between 2008 and 2019 were included. Type 1 PAH was defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) ≥25 mmHg at rest and PVR ≥3 Wood units (WU). All patients who fulfilled WHO group I PAH criteria and had undergone two right heart catheterizations at least 1 year apart were included. The recorded hemodynamic data for each patient were used to compute PVR and PAC. Results PAH etiologies included scleroderma (n=2), liver cirrhosis (n=1), hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) (n=1), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) (n=3), and idiopathic (n=7). The RC constant remained stable for all 14 patients over a follow-up period of 3.9±2 years. Patients with MCTD displayed more favorable hemodynamics, evidenced by higher RC (12.54 vs. 10.01, P<0.01) and PAC values (2.59 vs. 1.62, P=0.02), when compared with non-MCTD PAH patients. For the entire cohort the mean PAP measured 51±14 mmHg at baseline, and 46±13 mmHg at follow-up, respectively. Conclusions The relationship between PAC and PVR remains stable in follow-up periods averaging 4 years, making compliance an important disease marker past the early stages. Patients with MCTD displayed more advantageous hemodynamic profiles when compared with patients with other PAH etiologies.
Stroke risk in African Americans with subclinical auditory dysfuntion evidenced by Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions: the Jackson heart study.

Objective: Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are sensitive to early indices of cochlear pathology. Pathology to the cochlea is in part mediated by ischaemic related mechanisms. We p...
The application of scleral-fixed capsule tension ring insertion in eye with large traumatic zonular dialysis.

Objective To investigate the long-term effect of scleral-fixed capsule tension ring (CTR)insertion in eyes with large traumatic zonular dialysis that underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens(IOL)implantation into the capsule.Method This prospective study included 14 eyes of 13 patients with cataract and large traumatic zonular dialysis(＞ 180°),For 3 cases which vitreous came out into anterior chamber we performed anterior vitrectomy first.In 8 cases,we used iris hooks to fix anterior capsule.All cases were performed cataract surgery,sutured the CTR on the sclera,aspirated the cortes,then implanted the intraocular lens into the capsule.6 cases were performed coreoplasty at same time.Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),intraocular pressure(IOP),astigmatism pre-and post-operative periods and postoperative IOL decentration were recorded.Result The follow-up period was range from 3 to 12 months,BCVA0.6～1.0 on nine eyes(64.3％),0.3 ～0.5 on four eyes(28.6％),＜0.3 on only 1 eye (7.1％).Astigmatism decreased after surgery with significant statistical difference.UBM showed no IOL was found to be decentrated at the end of the follow-up period.Conclusion Scleral-fixed CTR is useful in the cataract surgery in cases with large range lens luxation,it helps to keep the capsule integral,prevent the intraocular lens deviate,and gain good vision for the patients. Key words: Capsule tension ring(CTR); Lens luxation; Scleral-fixed
Remittances in Russia and Caucasus and Central Asia: the Gravity Model

Remitances are an important source of external financing in low- and middle-income countries. This paper uses the gravity model to analyze remittance flows in Russia and Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) countries. Standard gravity determinants, such as GDP in sending and recieiving countries, bilateral distance, existence of common borders and common official language, fit remittance flows well. Remittances also react to inflation and exchange rate movements in recipient countries to sustain their purchasing power. In line with the altruism hypothesis, remittances flow to countries with higher age dependency ratio. Remittances are countercyclical and help stabilize outputs in recipient countries. However, global shocks resulting in sharp output losses of sending countries would lead to large volatility and decline of remittance inflows in recipient countries. The results of the analysis can be used to assess the impact of the COVID-19 shock on projected remittance flows into CCA.
Aquatic Pollutants Tested in vitro with Early Passage Fish Cells

Epithelioid cells derived from fin tissues of bluegill sunfish fingerlings were used at early passage with the neutral red assay to assess the relative cytotoxicities of organochlorine pesticides. ...
Statistical Mechanics of Optimal Convex Inference in High Dimensions

In high-dimensional data, where the number of measurements can be far smaller than the number of unknown variables, extracting statistical information can be challenging. Scientists theoretically show how classical statistics can be generalized for such ``big data.''
Effects of Long-Term Meditation Practices on Sensorimotor Rhythm-Based Brain-Computer Interface Learning.

Sensorimotor rhythm (SMR)-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) provide an alternative pathway for users to perform motor control using motor imagery. Despite the non-invasiveness, ease of use, and low cost, this kind of BCI has limitations due to long training times and BCI inefficiency-that is, the SMR BCI control paradigm may not work well on a subpopulation of users. Meditation is a mental training method to improve mindfulness and awareness and is reported to have positive effects on one's mental state. Here, we investigated the behavioral and electrophysiological differences between experienced meditators and meditation naive subjects in one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) cursor control tasks. We found numerical evidence that meditators outperformed control subjects in both tasks (1D and 2D), and there were fewer BCI inefficient subjects in the meditator group. Finally, we also explored the neurophysiological difference between the two groups and showed that the meditators had a higher resting SMR predictor, more stable resting mu rhythm, and a larger control signal contrast than controls during the task.
Serum Lactate Testing to Predict Mortality in Patients with Sepsis.

Management of patients with sepsis is challenging and mortality is high. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy are essential. Higher lactate levels correlate with increased risk of mortality, particularly with lactate levels greater than 4.0 mmol per L and in the setting of hypotension.
Mapping morphological genes relative to molecular markers in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Two F2 populations were generated by crossing morphologically diverse genetic stocks in order to map 10 morphological traits relative to polymerase chain reaction-based molecular markers (RAPDs). Using one segregating population generated from crossing the experimental line, ‘dwarf-2’, with the butterhead cultivar, ‘Saffier’, the dwarf phenotype conditioned by the dwf2 locus was mapped using bulked segregation analysis to within 38 cM of the Adh3 locus. Using the second segregating population generated by crossing two experimental lines, 87-25-1M × 87-109M, nine traits [white seed (w), brown seed (br), salmon flower colour (sa), pale yellow flower colour (pa), virescent juvenile leaf colour (vi), plump involucre (pl), yellow seed (y), one of two complementary genes for anthocyanin expression (C or G) and anthocyanin spotting (Rs)] were linked to RAPD loci, but only six of them could be placed on an existing genetic map of lettuce generated by analysis of cv. ‘Calmar’ × cv. ‘Kordaat’. A tenth trait, golden yellow (gy), remained unlinked. Approximately a third of the RAPD markers analysed segregated in both the 87-25-1M × 87-1090M and ‘Calmar’ × ‘Kordaat’ populations. In the genomic regions with multiple segregating loci in common, their relative orders and distances were mostly conserved. In one instance, linkage detected in the present study consolidated two separate groups on the earlier genetic map.
Mothers Attitudes Toward Child Sexual Abuse Prevention in Schools: A Preliminary Examination

Providing school-based child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention programs ensures that the majority of children will participate in programming. Since many parents may feel ill equipped to have such discussions with their children, programs offered in education settings can bring awareness to this issue. A sample of mothers (N = 268) from across the United States completed an online survey related to their experiences with and attitudes toward school-based CSA prevention programs. Most mothers (70%) had no exposure to prevention programs during their childhood, but the majority (95%) had a positive attitude toward programming for their children. Most mothers believed that offering CSA prevention in schools was important and could provide a safety net. Mothers desired programming that was age appropriate, involved parents and was activity based. These results can help inform schools’ prevention programming.
Differential associations of hand nicotine and urinary cotinine with children's exposure to tobacco smoke and clinical outcomes.

Abstract Background Children's overall tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) consists of both inhalation of secondhand smoke (SHS) and ingestion, dermal uptake, and inhalation of thirdhand smoke (THS) residue from dust and surfaces in their environments. Objectives Our objective was to compare the different roles of urinary cotinine as a biomarker of recent overall TSE and hand nicotine as a marker of children's contact with nicotine pollution in their environments. We explored the differential associations of these markers with sociodemographics, parental smoking, child TSE, and clinical diagnoses. Methods Data were collected from 276 pediatric emergency department patients (Median age = 4.0 years) who lived with a cigarette smoker. Children's hand nicotine and urinary cotinine levels were determined using LC-MS/MS. Parents reported tobacco use and child TSE. Medical records were reviewed to assess discharge diagnoses. Results All children had detectable hand nicotine (GeoM = 89.7ng/wipe; 95 % CI = [78.9; 102.0]) and detectable urinary cotinine (GeoM = 10.4 ng/ml; 95%CI = [8.5; 12.6]). Although hand nicotine and urinary cotinine were highly correlated (r = 0.62, p Discussion The distinct associations of hand nicotine and urinary cotinine suggest the two markers reflect different exposure profiles that contribute differentially to pediatric illness. Because THS in a child's environment directly contributes to hand nicotine, additional studies of children of smokers and nonsmokers are warranted to determine the role of hand nicotine as a marker of THS exposure and its potential role in the development of tobacco-related pediatric illnesses.