cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Police victimization among persons who inject drugs along the U.S.-Mexico Border

OBJECTIVE: Problematic policing practices are an important driver of HIV infection among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in the U.S.-Mexico border region. This study identifies factors associated with recent (i.e., past 6 months) police victimization (e.g., extortion, physical and sexual violence) in the border city of Tijuana, Mexico. METHOD: From 2011 to 2013, 733 PWID (62% male) were recruited in Tijuana and completed a structured questionnaire. Eligible participants were age 18 years or older, injected illicit drugs within the past month, and spoke Spanish or English. Multivariable logistic regression analyses identified correlates of recent experiences of police victimization (e.g., bribes, unlawful confiscation, physical and sexual violence). RESULTS: Overall, 56% of PWID reported a recent police victimization experience in Tijuana. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, factors independently associated with recent police victimization included recent injection of methamphetamine (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.62; 95% CI [1.18, 2.21]) and recently received injection assistance by a "hit doctor" (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI [1.03, 2.36]). Increased years lived in Tijuana (AOR = 0.98 per year; 95% CI [0.97, 0.99]) and initiating drug use at a later age (AOR = 0.96 per year; 95% CI [0.92, 0.99]) were inversely associated with recent police victimization. CONCLUSIONS: Physical drugusing markers may increase PWID susceptibility to police targeting and contribute to experiences of victimization. Interventions aimed at reducing police victimization events in the U.S.-Mexico border region should consider PWID's drug-using behaviors. Reducing problematic policing practices may be a crucial public health strategy to reduce HIV risk among PWID in this region. Language: en
Asexual endophytes and associated alkaloids alter arthropod community structure and increase herbivore abundances on a native grass

Despite their minute biomass, microbial symbionts of plants potentially alter herbivory, diversity and community structure. Infection of grasses by asexual endophytic fungi often decreases herbivore loads and alters arthropod diversity. However, most studies to date have involved agronomic grasses and often consider only infection status (infected vs. uninfected), without explicitly measuring endophyte-produced alkaloids, which vary among endophyte isolates and may impact consumers. We combined field experiments and population surveys to investigate how endophyte infection and associated alkaloids influence abundances, species richness, evenness and guild structure of arthropod communities on a native grass, Achnatherum robustum (sleepygrass). Surprisingly, we found that endophyte-produced alkaloids were associated with increased herbivore abundances and species richness. Our results suggest that, unlike what has been found in agronomic grass systems, high alkaloid levels in native grasses may not protect host grasses from arthropod herbivores, and may instead more negatively affect natural enemies of herbivores.
Cellular Oxidation of lignoceric acid is regulated by the subcellular localization of lignoceroyl-CoA ligases

The acyl-CoA ligases convert free fatty acids to acyl-CoA derivatives, and these enzymes have been shown to be present in mitochondria, peroxisomes, and endoplasmic reticulum. Because their activity is obligatory for fatty acid metabolism, it is important to identify their substrate specificities and subcellular distributions to further understand the cellular regulation of these pathways. To define the role of the enzymes and organelles involved in the metabolism of very long chain (VLC) fatty acids, we studied human genetic cell mutants impaired for the metabolism of these molecules. Fibroblast cell lines were derived from patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) and Zellweger's cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome (CHRS). While peroxisomes are present and morphologically normal in X-ALD, they are either greatly reduced in number or absent in CHRS. Palmitoyl-CoA ligase is known to be present in mitochondria, peroxisomes, and endoplasmic reticulum (microsomes). We found enzyme-dependent formation of lignoceroyl-CoA in these same organelles (specific activities were 0.32 +/- 0.12, 0.86 +/- 0.12, and 0.78 +/- 0.07 nmol/h per mg protein, respectively). However, lignoceroyl-CoA synthesis was inhibited by an antibody to palmitoyl-CoA ligase in isolated mitochondria while it was not inhibited in peroxisomes or endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This suggests that palmitoyl-CoA ligase and lignoceroyl-CoA are different enzymes and that mitochondria lack lignoceroyl-CoA ligase. This conclusion is further supported by data showing that oxidation of lignoceric acid was found almost exclusively in peroxisomes (0.17 nmol/h per mg protein) but was largely absent from mitochondria and the finding that monolayers of CHRS fibroblasts lacking peroxisomes showed a pronounced deficiency in lignoceric acid oxidation in situ (1.8% of control). In spite of the observation that lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity is present on the cytoplasmic surface of ER, our data indicate that lignoceroyl-CoA synthesized by ER is not available for oxidation in mitochondria. This organelle plays no physiological role in the beta-oxidation of VLC fatty acids. Furthermore, the normal peroxisomal oxidation of lignoceroyl-CoA but deficient oxidation of lignoceric acid in X-ALD cells indicates that cellular VLC fatty acid oxidation is dependent on peroxisomal lignoceroyl-CoA ligase. These studies allow us to propose a model for the subcellular localization of various acyl-CoA ligases and to describe how these enzymes control cellular fatty acid metabolism.
Data-driven respiratory motion estimation and correction using TOF PET list-mode centroid of distribution

Respiratory motion degrades PET image quality and is unavoidable. Respiratory gating and/or motion correction are usually performed to reduce the effect of respiratory motion. However, these methods generally require motion information from external devices. Several groups have proposed data-driven motion extraction methods by analyzing variation of counts, or center-of-mass in reconstructed dynamic images or in sinogram space. Now, with time-of-flight (TOF) PET, better localization of each annihilation point in three dimensions can be obtained. Here we propose a data-driven respiratory estimation method. Motion estimation is performed by computing centroids-of-distribution (COD) of all radioactive events in the field-of-view using list-mode PET data with TOF information, with time resolution of 100ms. We applied COD motion estimation in dynamic studies with 3 tracers targeted for the pancreas, lung fibrosis, and lung tumors, respectively. Firstly, COD traces were compared with measured motion from the Anzai system for all three studies. COD traces showed very good correlation with the Anzai data in pancreas studies. When comparing the trigger information extracted from COD and Anzai traces, about 90% of respiratory peak times could be identified to within 200ms. COD traces for the lung fibrosis study also visually showed a good correlation with Anzai traces. In the lung tumor study, COD did not provide reliable motion traces because of low contrast between moving organs and the background. Next, COD was used to gate a pancreas study, and the resulting respiratory-gated images were comparable to those based on Anzai data. Finally, using the same data, we performed the first completely data-driven continuous motion correction based on COD traces combined with 3D internal-external correlation. Initial qualitative results showed that COD-based continuous motion correction is visually comparable to Anzai-based motion correction, both showing substantial improvements in image quality.
Straintronics: Strain-switched multiferroic nanomagnets for extremely low energy logic/memory

Straintronics is an extraordinarily energy-efficient novel hardware paradigm for digital computing and signal processing. The central idea is to build the basic binary switch with a nanoscale multiferroic consisting of a magnetostrictive layer elastically coupled to a piezoelectric layer. A tiny voltage of a few mV generates sufficient strain in the piezoelectric layer to switch the magnetization of the magnetostrictive nanomagnet for a memory or logic operation, while dissipating few aJ of energy. Low density processors employing straintronics and operating at slow clock speeds of ∼100 MHz are estimated to dissipate such low power that they can run by harvesting energy from the ambient and never even need a battery. We have designed straintronic logic gates and memory cells, and extracted their performance figures with Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert simulations to predict unprecedented energy efficiency. Rudimentary non-volatile logic and memory functions have been demonstrated experimentally and validate the low energy expectations.
Carbon Dioxide as an Attractant for Certain Ticks (Acarina: Argasidae and Ixodidae)

Carbon dioxide as a stimulant and attractant for certain bloodsucking arthropods is well documented in the literature. Rudolfs (1922) demonstrated that mosquitoes were activated by carbon dioxide when exposed to small amounts of the gas. Subsequent workers, Reeves (1951, 1953) and Brown (1951) have employed the gas successfully for attracting certain mosquito species to collecting devices. Sasa et al. (1957), Sasa and Wakasugi (1957) and Sasa (1957) demonstrated that certain species of mites and fleas are stimulated by carbon dioxide, but indicated that it was not involved in attraction.
Smartphone Security: An overview of emerging threats.

The mobile threat landscape has undergone rapid growth as smartphones have increased in popularity. The first generation of mobile threats saw attackers relying on various scams delivered through SMS. As the technology progressed and Web browsers, e-mail clients, and custom applications became standard on smartphones, attackers started exploiting new possibilities beyond traditional e-mail spam and phishing attacks. The landscape continues to evolve with mobile bitcoin miners, botnets, and ransomware.
Impressions of Wartime

As a teenager, I watched the coming of World War II and its expansion to include the United States. I entered the army at the end of 1942, when I was seventeen, and served about three years. I returned to college in February 1946, just before my twenty-first birthday. My youthful experiences and observations shaped attitudes of which I am well aware and others that I perhaps still do not recognize. Perhaps most important was the conviction that-although the phrase was not then commonly used our war was a "good war." I read the newspapers and listened to the radio; neither provided very sophisticated interpretations of events, and I developed none of my own. I had no doubt that the Germans and Japanese were evil. I accepted the drift toward United States participation, only half recognizing it, and after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor I had no doubt that our cause was just. Such views were widely shared. This did not mean that we saw the war as a sort of second Wilsonian crusade. But almost everyone in the armed forces accepted the need to beat Adolph Hilter and Hideki Tojo, and they knew that the country shared their views. In this, of course, we had an immense advantage over many of those who later served in Vietnam. In those years I had no real understanding of the problem of racism in the United States. In principle, I was a tepid liberal, so taught by my parents, and I understood in a distant way that blacks were not treated as equals in American society. But the problem did not seem urgent, at least in the North, where I grew up. And, like many others, I was not without prejudice. In the army, like everyone else, I often talked dismissively about "niggers" and "jigaboos." Some of this was simply a function of ignorance. In my entire army service, the only blacks I ever saw, except for a few men on leave in London, were the engineering troops driving trucks in the famous Red Ball Express from ports in Normandy to the front in France or Germany, and they simply rocketed past in a cloud of dust. I never even glimpsed a contradiction between what we were supposed to be fighting for and the condition of black people in America. These things being so, I accepted military service without disquiet. In any case, entry into the war was a national decision, and it seemed to me (although I never formulated this precisely) that it was a citizen's duty to respond to the country's call.
Leveraged ETF option strategies

Purpose – Leveraged exchange traded funds (ETFs) have become increasingly popular since their introduction in 2006. In recent years, options on leveraged ETFs have been promoted as a means of enhancing returns and reducing risk. The purpose of this paper is to examine the interchangeability of S & P 500 ETF options with leveraged S & P 500 ETF options and to what extent these options allow investors to manage their risk exposure. Design/methodology/approach – With increasing liquidity for these fund’s options, simple option strategies such as covered calls and protective puts can be implemented. This study derives call-call and put-put parity between options on the underlying index and the associated leveraged ETFs. The paper examines comparative measures of return and risk on the underlying indices, along with covered call and protective put positions. Findings – Using the formulations derived, this study shows options on non-leveraged ETFs or on the underlying index can be substituted for leveraged ETF ...
Recent developments in laser-driven and hollow-core fiber optic gyroscopes

Although the fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) continues to be a commercial success, current research efforts are endeavoring to improve its precision and broaden its applicability to other markets, in particular the inertial navigation of aircraft. Significant steps in this direction are expected from the use of (1) laser light to interrogate the FOG instead of broadband light, and (2) a hollow-core fiber (HCF) in the sensing coil instead of a conventional solid-core fiber. The use of a laser greatly improves the FOG’s scale-factor stability and eliminates the source excess noise, while an HCF virtually eliminates the Kerr-induced drift and significantly reduces the thermal and Faraday-induced drifts. In this paper we present theoretical evidence that in a FOG with a 1085-m coil interrogated with a laser, the two main sources of noise and drift resulting from the use of coherent light can be reduced below the aircraft-navigation requirement by using a laser with a very broad linewidth, in excess of 40 GHz. We validate this concept with a laser broadened with an external phase modulator driven with a pseudo-random bit sequence at 2.8 GHz. This FOG has a measured noise of 0.00073 deg/√h, which is 30% below the aircraft-navigation requirement. Its measured drift is 0.03 deg/h, the lowest reported for a laser-driven FOG and only a factor of 3 larger than the navigation-grade specification. To illustrate the potential benefits of a hollow-core fiber in the FOG, this review also summarizes the previously reported performance of an experimental FOG utilizing 235 m of HCF and interrogated with broadband light.
Mutation in Osteoactivin Promotes Receptor Activator of NFκB Ligand (RANKL)-mediated Osteoclast Differentiation and Survival but Inhibits Osteoclast Function.

We previously reported on the importance of osteoactivin (OA/Gpnmb) in osteogenesis. In this study, we examined the role of OA in osteoclastogenesis, using mice with a nonsense mutation in the Gpnmb gene (D2J) and wild-type controls (D2J/Gpnmb+). In these D2J mice, micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric analyses revealed increased cortical thickness, whereas total porosity and eroded surface were significantly reduced in D2J mice compared with wild-type controls, and these results were corroborated by lower serum levels of CTX-1. Contrary to these observations and counterintuitively, temporal gene expression analyses supported up-regulated osteoclastogenesis in D2J mice and increased osteoclast differentiation rates ex vivo, marked by increased number and size. The finding that MAPK was activated in early differentiating and mature D2J osteoclasts and that survival of D2J osteoclasts was enhanced and mediated by activation of the AKT-GSK3β pathway supports this observation. Furthermore, this was abrogated by the addition of recombinant OA to cultures, which restored osteoclastogenesis to wild-type levels. Moreover, mix and match co-cultures demonstrated an induction of osteoclastogenesis in D2J osteoblasts co-cultured with osteoclasts of D2J or wild-type. Last, in functional osteo-assays, we show that bone resorption activity of D2J osteoclasts is dramatically reduced, and these osteoclasts present an abnormal ruffled border over the bone surface. Collectively, these data support a model whereby OA/Gpnmb acts as a negative regulator of osteoclast differentiation and survival but not function by inhibiting the ERK/AKT signaling pathways.
Automatic detection and tracking of longitudinal changes of multiple bone metastases from dual energy CT

Early detection and the assessment of changes in bone metastatic cancers can enable clinicians to monitor disease progression and modify treatment to help achieve improved results for patients. However, poor contrast makes detection difficult, and multiple disease sites make tracking of their changes over time difficult. We present a method for automatically detecting and tracking the longitudinal changes in multiple sclerotic bone metastases from Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) images. We employ a multi-stage approach involving (i) bone and marrow extraction, (ii) slice-wise lesion candidate detection and volumetric segmentation, and (iii) aggregation of these 3D candidates. The algorithm achieved 78% agreement with radiologist identified lesions from 10 patients. Longitudinal consistency in the lesion detection computed over 26 scans using Williams' index was 1.02±0.23 using DICE and 1.03±0.30 using Hausdorff metrics. We also present preliminary results for analyzing lesion material composition changes by using a novel representation computed from the DECT images, where clear differences between bone metastases and normal marrow can be seen.
Identification of stable spike-timing-dependent plasticity from spiking activity with generalized multilinear modeling

Characterization of long-term activity-dependent plasticity from behaviorally driven spiking activity is important for understanding the underlying mechanisms of learning and memory. In this letter, we present a computational framework for quantifying spike-timing-dependent plasticity STDP during behavior by identifying a functional plasticity rule solely from spiking activity. First, we formulate a flexible point-process spiking neuron model structure with STDP, which includes functions that characterize the stationary and plastic properties of the neuron. The STDP model includes a novel function for prolonged plasticity induction, as well as a more typical function for synaptic weight change based on the relative timing of input-output spike pairs. Consideration for system stability is incorporated with weight-dependent synaptic modification. Next, we formalize an estimation technique using a generalized multilinear model GMLM structure with basis function expansion. The weight-dependent synaptic modification adds a nonlinearity to the model, which is addressed with an iterative unconstrained optimization approach. Finally, we demonstrate successful model estimation on simulated spiking data and show that all model functions can be estimated accurately with this method across a variety of simulation parameters, such as number of inputs, output firing rate, input firing type, and simulation time. Since this approach requires only naturally generated spikes, it can be readily applied to behaving animal studies to characterize the underlying mechanisms of learning and memory.
Reciprocal Family, Friendship and Church Support Networks of African Americans: Findings from the National Survey of American Life.

This study examined reciprocal support networks involving extended family, friends and church members among African Americans. Our analysis examined specific patterns of reciprocal support (i.e., received only, gave only, both gave and received, neither gave or received), as well as network characteristics (i.e., contact and subjective closeness) as correlates of reciprocal support. The analysis is based on the African American subsample of the National Survey of American Life. Overall, our findings indicate that African Americans are very involved in reciprocal support networks with their extended family, friends and church members. Respondents were most extensively involved in reciprocal supports with extended family members, followed closely by friends and church networks. Network characteristics (i.e., contact and subjective closeness) were significantly and consistently associated with involvement with reciprocal support exchanges for all three networks. These and other findings are discussed in detail. This study complements previous work on the complementary roles of family, friend and congregational support networks, as well as studies of racial differences in informal support networks.
Outbreak of an undetected invasive species triggered by a climate anomaly

When an invasive species appears at a new location, we typically have no knowledge of the population dynamics leading up to that moment. Is the establishment of invasive propagules closely followed by the appearance of the population? Or alternatively, was there an established low-density population that was released from a constraint and crossed the detection threshold? The early stages of the invasion process are a critical gap in our knowledge, yet vitally important for the detection and management of invasions. Here, we present multiple lines of evidence supporting the lag scenario for an invasive species outbreak. The invasive predatory zooplankton, spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus), was detected in Lake Mendota, Wisconsin (USA), in summer of 2009 and rapidly reached and sustained exceptionally high densities. To evaluate whether Bythotrephes' outbreak immediately followed introduction or erupted from an established low-density population, we constructed a population model of Bythotrephes in Lake Mendota. In the model, Bythotrephes persisted indefinitely at low levels until favorable thermal conditions in 2009, the coolest July since at least 1895, allowed it to erupt to high densities and establish a large egg bank in the lake sediments. The egg bank stabilized the population in the high-density state despite a return to nonfavorable thermal conditions, which is further supported by demographic data suggesting a constant contribution from the egg bank during the year. The prolonged lag scenario is corroborated by the detection of two individual Bythotrephes in pre-2009 archived samples, and the detection of Bythotrephes spines in lake sediment core layers dating back to 1994 (±5 yr). Together, our results suggest that Bythotrephes persisted for at least a decade below the detection limit, until optimal thermal conditions triggered a population outbreak. This work highlights the potential for environmental conditions to trigger invasive species outbreaks from low-density populations.
Safety of air travel in the immediate postoperative period after anatomic pulmonary resection.

Abstract Objective The study objective was to determine whether air travel in the immediate postoperative period after anatomic pulmonary resection is associated with increased morbidity or mortality. Methods All patients undergoing anatomic pulmonary resection at the Mayo Clinic (2005-2012) were identified and sent surveys querying their mode of transportation home after hospital dismissal and any complications encountered during or shortly after this travel. This included pneumonia, hospital readmission, deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, and specific pleural complications (pneumothorax, empyema, or chest tube placement). We compared the results of patients returning home by conventional ground travel with the results of patients using air travel. Results Surveys were sent to 1833 patients, and 817 responded (44.6% response rate). A total of 96 responders (11.8%) used air travel (median distance, 1783 km; range, 486-9684 km) compared with 278 km (range, 1-2618 km) for the 721 responders (88.2%) using ground travel ( P P = .02). Otherwise, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups. The median duration of hospitalization was 5 days in both groups using air travel (range, 1-25 days) and ground travel (range, 1-42 days) ( P = .83). There was no mortality due to postdismissal travel. The rates of major complication after hospital dismissal for those using air and ground travel were 8.3% and 7.8%, respectively ( P = .87). Conclusions Overall major complications are rare in the immediate posthospital dismissal period after lung resection. Air travel during this period was not associated with any significant increase in risk of complications when compared with conventional ground transportation and seems to be a safe option for patients after chest tube removal.
Behavior of Steel-Sheathed Shear Walls Subjected to Seismic and Fire Loads.

Abstract A series of tests was conducted on six 2.7 m×3.7 m shear wall specimens consisting of cold-formed steel framing sheathed on one side with sheet steel adhered to gypsum board and on the opposite side with plain gypsum board. The specimens were subjected to various sequences of simulated seismic shear deformation and fire exposure to study the influence of multi-hazard interactions on the lateral load resistance of the walls. The test program was designed to complement a parallel effort at the University of California, San Diego to investigate a six-story building subjected to earthquakes and fires. The test results reported here indicate that the fire exposure caused a shift in the failure mode of the walls from local buckling of the sheet steel in cases without fire exposure, to global buckling of the sheet steel with an accompanying 35% reduction in lateral load capacity after the wall had been exposed to fire. This behavior appears to be predictable, which is encouraging from the standpoint of residual lateral load capacity under these severe multi-hazard actions.
Information Disclosure to Biometric E-gates: The Roles of Perceived Security, Benefits, and Emotions:

Biometric authentication systems, such as electronic (e-)gates are increasingly important in air travel because of the growing traveler flows and security challenges. Such systems allow for accurate authentication and the improvement of the air travel experience, while enhancing the security of the overall travel system. To authenticate, the travelers are required to disclose biometric information. Grounded in equity and emotion theories and using data from 511 US air travelers, this study examined several antecedents of biometric information disclosure to e-gates. It was found that security perceptions and benefits of disclosure had strong impacts on disclosure, while positive and negative emotions influenced travelers’ perceptions of security.
Stew Morrison's Business Trip to Nigeria

On his first business trip to Africa, Stew Morrison discovers that sometimes opportunity comes with a cost. The great opportunity he had hoped to capitalize on appeared to offer little in the way of rewards. The case explores the issue of corruption and bribery and poses questions relative to the legality of certain actions.
Fast photoresponse and high detectivity in copper indium selenide (CuIn 7 Se 11 ) phototransistors

The fast and sensitive detection of light can lead to a variety of optoelectronics and/or photonic-based applications in fields ranging from fast optical switching devices to health and environmental monitoring systems. Although several systems based on organic and inorganic materials show high sensitivity to visible light, in general they suffer from slow response times. Here we show that phototransistors fabricated using multilayers of CuIn7Se11 exhibit response times of ~ tens of µs with responsivity (R) values > 10 AW−1 and with external quantum efficiencies reaching beyond 103 % when excited with a 658 nm wavelength laser. These devices also show high specific detectivity (D *) values of ~1012 Jones. The responsivity and detectivity exhibited by these phototransistors are at least an order of magnitude better than commercially available conventional Si-based photodetectors, coupled with response times that are orders of magnitude better than several other families of layered materials investigated so far. The properties of the CuIn7Se11 phototransistor can be further tuned and enhanced by applying a back-gate voltage. Our investigations indicate that such layered ternary compounds can potentially be used as components in opto-electronics-related applications.
Long-Term Effectiveness of Direct CT-Guided Aspiration and Fenestration of Symptomatic Lumbar Facet Synovial Cysts

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lumbar facet synovial cysts are commonly seen in facet degenerative arthropathy and may be symptomatic when narrowing the spinal canal or compressing nerve roots. The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety, effectiveness, and long-term outcomes of direct CT-guided lumbar facet synovial cyst aspiration and fenestration for symptom relief and for obviating an operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of 64 consecutive patients between 2006 and 2016 who underwent 85 CT-guided lumbar facet synovial cyst fenestration procedures in our department. We recorded patient demographics, lumbar facet synovial cyst imaging characteristics, presenting symptoms, change in symptoms after the procedure, and whether they underwent a subsequent operation. We also assessed long-term outcomes from the medical records and via follow-up telephone surveys with patients. RESULTS: Direct CT-guided lumbar facet synovial cyst puncture was technically successful in 98% of procedures. At first postprocedural follow-up, 86% of patients had a complete or partial symptomatic response. During a mean follow-up of 49 months, 56% of patients had partial or complete long-term relief without the need for an operation; 44% of patients underwent an operation. Patients with calcified, thick-rimmed, or low T2 signal intensity cysts were less likely to respond to the procedure and more likely to need an operation. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided direct lumbar facet synovial cyst aspiration and fenestration procedures are safe, effective, and minimally invasive for symptomatic treatment of lumbar synovial facet cysts. This procedure obviates an operation in a substantial number of patients, even at long-term follow-up, and should be considered before surgical intervention.
Acoustic Sources of Accent in Second Language Japanese Speech.

This study reports an exploratory analysis of the acoustic characteristics of second language (L2) speech which give rise to the perception of a foreign accent. Japanese speech samples were collect...
Lingerie and Sexuality: Cultural Influences on the 1920s Woman

This paper looks at the relationship between shifting moral codes and changing undergarments for American women in the 1920s. While existing work in dress and social history focuses on the length of hemlines, bobbed hair, contraception, and women gaining the right to vote, little attention has been given to women's lingerie and the messages about sexuality women received throughout their day. Drawing on historical and gender studies perspectives and methods, this study examines representations of women's undergarments in popular magazines and other media from the period. The discussion explores the symbolism of early lingerie in discourse surrounding women's sexuality in the 20s, and how messages about lingerie and sexuality were crucial to the shaping of the 1920s woman.
Fabrication of SiC-SiC whisker composite by the polymer precursor method

SiC-SiC whisker composite was fabricated by infiltration of polycarbosilane as precursor for matrix into the whisker perform followed by the pyrolysis process. Density and bending strength of the composite were improved by repetition of infiltration into the composite with low density.
Differentiation of Natural Killer (NK) Cells From Human Primitive Marrow Progenitors in a Stroma-Based Long-term Culture System: Identification of a CD34+7+ NK Progenitor

We have recently described a marrow stroma-dependent long-term culture system that supports differentiation of CD34+ human marrow primitive progenitors into natural killer (NK) cells. We postulate that CD7 expression may be an early event in commitment of hematopoietic progenitors to the NK lineage. Here we compare the characteristics of CD34+7- and CD34+7+ marrow cells cultivated in the stroma-based NK culture system. These CD34+ populations were further compared with a marrow derived, more committed, CD34-7+ progenitor to emphasize the continuum of NK development and to highlight differences between progenitors in our assays. No progenitor proliferated when plated in media without stroma, underscoring the importance of stroma in NK differentiation. Plating progenitor populations in interleukin-2 containing media directly on preestablished, allogeneic, irradiated marrow stroma for 5 weeks resulted in CD56+CD3- NK cells; however, characteristics of the cultured populations differed. Fold expansion and cloning efficiency of the CD34+7+ population, determined by a functional limiting dilution assay was significantly higher than of the CD34+7- or CD34+7+ populations. This suggests that the CD34+7+ population is highly enriched for an NK progenitor and a possible intermediate in NK lineage differentiation. Further dividing the CD34+7+ population by the relative fluorescence of CD7 into CD34+7+dim and CD34+7+bright populations showed that the CD34+7+bright population exhibited a significantly higher cloning frequency than parallel experiments with CD34+7+dim cells (11.8% +/- 2.4% v 2.4% +/- 0.7%, n = 6; P = .005). Plating of the more primitive CD34+7- population in a transwell system (which separates progenitors from stroma by a microporous membrane) prevents differentiation into NK cells. In contrast, plating of CD34+7+ progenitors in transwells resulted in generation of NK cells. These data suggest that primitive, but not more mature NK progenitors may require direct contact with stroma for the initial differentiation steps. Finally, differentiation of the NK progenitors in this stroma-dependent model results in expression of CD2 not present on any of the starting populations. This observation suggests that marrow stroma can stimulate CD2 expression on NK progenitors in a previously undescribed fashion that may be analogous to the thymic effect on CD2 expression in immature T lymphocytes. These observations identify early steps in the commitment of primitive marrow CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors to a lymphoid lineage and underscore the importance of coexpression of CD7 with CD34 as an early lymphoid commitment characteristic and direct progenitor-stroma interactions in this process.
Numerical Modeling of Crack Propagation in Masonry Structures

Before implementing permanent monitoring systems or reinforcements on a historic structure with identified cracks, it is imperative to understand how cracking patterns may have originated and how they affect the current state of the structure. This work outlines a mixed numerical approach for understanding the causes of masonry cracking and the resulting effects on structural performance. By combining Finite Element Modeling and Distinct Element Modeling, the structural response of an undamaged version of a building can be calculated for a combination of loading scenarios (including dead load, lateral loads, and differential settlement). The results of the loading scenarios can be compared to the current state of the building for a probabilistic understanding of potential causes. This combined approach was used to examine the large cracks running longitudinally on the subterranean walls of the Florence Baptistery. Various combinations of loading scenarios were run for an undamaged model of the wall. Additionally, various geometries of the joints were simulated to understand how the accuracy of input geometries can affect simulation results.
Metabolic Syndrome Is a Significant Predictor of Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality Following Bariatric Surgery.

Metabolic syndrome is commonly demonstrated in patients with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of metabolic syndrome on morbidity and mortality following bariatric surgery. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) dataset was queried for patients who underwent bariatric surgical procedures between 2012 and 2014. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, bariatric procedure type, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Metabolic syndrome was defined as having a body mass index > 30 kg/m2 in the presence of the comorbid conditions of hypertension and diabetes. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between metabolic syndrome and postoperative morbidity and mortality. During the study interval, 59,404 patients underwent bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass = 28,263, sleeve gastrectomy = 30,239, revision = 422, and biliopancreatic diversion = 480). The mean body mass index was 45.9 kg/m2, and the mean age was 45 years. Of the cohort, 30,104 (50.6%) patients had a diagnosis of hypertension, 16,558 (27.8%) had diabetes mellitus, and 12,803 (21.5%) met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome were more likely to have Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, a history of congestive heart failure, severe COPD, renal failure, and diminished functional status (p < 0.0001). Morbidity was greater for patients with metabolic syndrome (7.5% vs. 5%; p < 0.0001), and patients in this subset also had a 3.2-fold increased risk of mortality (p < 0.0001). Metabolic syndrome is prevalent in patients who undergo bariatric surgery. We have demonstrated that patients with the constellation of comorbid conditions defining metabolic syndrome are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality following bariatric surgery. Patients and surgeons should be informed of the potential increased risk in this patient population.
Multifunctional porous catalyst produced by mechanical alloying

Mechanical alloying has been repeatedly demonstrated as an effective means to create unique structural materials, but it is comparatively rare that functional alloys are produced. Multi-phase funct...
A Minimax Approach for Classification with Big-data

In this paper, a novel methodology to reduce the generalization errors occurring due to domain shift in big data classification is presented. This reduction is achieved by introducing a suitably selected domain shift to the training data via what is referred to as "distortion model". These distortions are introduced through an affine transformation and additional data-samples are obtained. Next, a deep neural network (NN), referred as "classifier", is used to classify both the original and the additional data samples. By learning from both the original and additional data-samples, the classifier compensates for the domain shift while maintaining its performance on original data. However, as the exact magnitude of the shift one would encounter in real applications is unknown a priori and difficult to predict. The objective is to compensate for the optimal shift that can be introduced by the distortion model without significantly degrading the performance of the model. A two-player zero-sum game is thus designed where the first player is the distortion model with the aim of increasing the domain shift. The classifier then becomes the second player whose aim is to minimize the impact of domain shift. Finally, a direct error-driven learning scheme is utilized to minimize the impact of the classifier while maximizing the domain shift. A comprehensive simulation study is presented where a 12% improvement in the presence of domain shift is demonstrated. The proposed approach is also shown to improve generalization by 6%.
Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation With Autologous Bone Grafting for Osteochondral Lesions of the Femoral Trochlea.

Abstract Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation is a 2-stage surgical procedure used to treat symptomatic, full-thickness chondral lesions of the knee. This third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) technique improves on the limitations of previous methods, including the risk of uneven chondrocyte distribution at the time of implantation and graft hypertrophy. Given the compliant properties of the scaffold, the graft can be easily shaped to treat irregular chondral defects and applied to articular surfaces with multiplanar geometry (e.g., patella, trochlea). Although ACI techniques are ideally suited to treat chondral surface defects, the ACI "sandwich" technique can be used to treat large osteochondral defects with significant bone loss (>8 mm). Historically, this procedure uses autologous bone graft to replace areas of osseous deficiency along with 2 type I/III collagen bilayer membranes to securely contain the cultured chondrocytes within the defect. We present an analogous technique for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the femoral trochlea using a single matrix-induced ACI scaffold and autologous bone grafting for a segmental osseous defect.
“Dying for a Baby” and Other “Confusions of Tongues”: A Discussion of “Childless”

This paper discusses the beautiful case presented by Rebeccca Harrington in “Childless.” This discussion focuses on Harrington’s narrated ambivalences around reproduction and the traumatic repetiti...
Single-center analysis of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) outcomes with Epstein Barr virus (EBV) assessments.

e19029Background: EBV is associated with the majority of cases of PTLD, a serious complication after solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. EBV serum viral loads have been used to...
CO‐EVOLUTIONARY DYNAMICS OF A SOCIAL PARASITE–HOST INTERACTION MODEL: OBLIGATE VERSUS FACULTATIVE SOCIAL PARASITISM

Host-parasite co-evolution can have profound impacts on a wide range of ecological and evolutionary processes, including population dynamics, the maintenance of genetic diversity, and the evolution of recombination. To examine the co-evolution of quantitative traits in hosts and parasites, we present and study a co-evolutionary model of a social parasite-host system that incorporates (1) ecological dynamics that feed back into their co-evolutionary outcomes; (2) variation in whether the parasite is obligate or facultative; and (3) Holling Type II functional responses between host and parasite, which are particularly suitable for social parasites that face time costs for host location and its social manipulation. We perform local and global analyses for the co-evolutionary model and the corresponding ecological model. In the absence of evolution, our ecological model analyses imply that an extremely small value of the death rate for facultative social parasites, primarily due to hunting/searching for potential host species, can drive a host extinct globally under certain conditions, while an extremely large value of the death rate can drive the parasite extinct globally. The facultative parasite system can have one, two, or three interior equilibria, while the obligate parasite system can have either one or three interior equilibria. Multiple interior equilibria result in rich dynamics with multiple attractors. The ecological system, in particular, can exhibit bi-stability between the facultative-parasite-only equilibrium and the interior coexistence equilibrium when it has two interior equilibria. Our analysis on the co-evolutionary model provides important insights on how co-evolution can change the ecological and evolutionary outcomes of host-parasite interactions. Our findings suggest that: (a) The host and parasite can select different strategies that may result in local extinction of one species. These strategies can have convergence stability (CS), but may not be evolutionary stable strategies (ESS); (b) The host and its facultative (or obligate) parasite can have ESS that drive the host (or the obligate parasite) extinct locally; (c) Trait functions play an important role in the CS of both boundary and interior equilibria, as well as their ESS; and (d) A small variance in the trait difference that measures parasitism efficiency can destabilize the co-evolutionary system, and generate evolutionary arms-race dynamics with different host-parasite fluctuating patterns.
Maximizing Revenue from Electrical Energy Storage Paired with Community Solar Projects in NYISO Markets

The New York State Public Service Commission recently made significant changes to the compensation mechanisms for distributed energy resources, such as solar generation. The new mechanisms, called the Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER), alter the value proposition of potential installations. In particular, multiple time-of-generation based pricing alternatives were established, which could lead to potential benefits from pairing energy storage systems with solar installations. This paper presents the calculations to maximize revenue from a solar photovoltaic and energy storage system installation operating under the VDER pricing structures. Two systems in two different zones within the New York Independent System Operator area were modeled. The impact of AC versus DC energy storage system interconnections with solar generation resources was also explored. The results show that energy storage systems could generate significant revenue depending on the pricing alternative being targeted and the zone selected for the project.
Ultrahigh strength and plasticity in laser rapid solidified Al–Si nanoscale eutectics

As-cast Al–20wt.% Si alloys were processed via laser rapid solidification (LRS) techniques to create eutectic microstructures with nanoscale interconnected, nanotwinned Si fibers. LRS morphologies ...
Brief communication: rapid elimination of egg stickiness using sodium hypochlorite in wels catfish Silurus glanis.

The wels catfish Silurus glanis is valuable fish for aquaculture. Its production relies mainly on artificial reproduction. One of the crucial steps determining success of the reproduction is elimination of egg stickiness after fertilization. To date, the catfish egg de-adhesion is usually carried out using proteolytic enzymes. Here, we prove a novel method based on oxidation of the egg surface by means of sodium hypochlorite. An effect of different exposure times and concentrations on the egg adhesiveness and damage was tested in the first trial. The selected concentration of sodium hypochlorite 0.3 mg · l−1 with exposure time 40 s was used for comparison with the conventical de-adhesion method using alcalase treatment. The fertilization and hatching rates reached very satisfactory outcome in both treatments (98.3 ± 0.7% vs 97.5 ± 2.2% and 86.6 ± 8.3% vs 91.3 ± 8.5% in alcalase- and sodium hypochlorite-treated embryos, respectively) without any statistical differences. Thus, the de-adhesion method using sodium hypochlorite can be recommended as a suitable method for wels catfish eggs. The method is simple, cheap, very fast, and the treated eggs are disinfected.
Impacts of biological heating and degradation during bale storage on the surface properties of corn stover

The variability of chemical, physical and mechanical properties of lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks have a major impact on the efficiency of biomass processing and conversion to fuels and chemica...