cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Late Quaternary Geology and Geochronology of Diring Yuriakh, An Early Paleolithic Site in Central Siberia☆

Diring Yuriakh, an archaeological site on the highest terrace of the Lena River in subarctic eastern Siberia, provides evidence for the oldest and northern-most Early Paleolithic occupation in Asia. Stratigraphic and sedimentological studies at the site show that artifacts occur on a single eolian deflation surface that is underlain by fluvial sediments with inset cryogenic sand wedges and overlain by eolian deposits. Thermoluminescence ages on the fine-grained extracts from the eolian sediments and sand wedges that bound the artifact level indicate that the occupation occurred >260,000 yr B.P. and may possibly date between 270,000 and 370,000 yr B.P. This study documents that the artifacts from Diring Yuriakh are an order of magnitude older than artifacts from any previously reported site from Siberia. The antiquity and subarctic location of Diring Yuriakh indicates that people developed a subsistence strategy capable of surviving rigorous conditions in Siberia by ≥260,000 yr B.P.
“It's Like She's Eager to be Verbally Abused”: Twitter, Trolls, and (En)Gendering Disciplinary Rhetoric

Commonplaces about feminists, about women's rights, bodies, and rhetoric participate in a cycle of violence and consciousness-raising. This paper articulates the particular way in which violent ant...
Epsin is required for Dishevelled stability and Wnt signalling activation in colon cancer development

Uncontrolled canonical Wnt signalling supports colon epithelial tumour expansion and malignant transformation. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms involved is crucial for elucidating the pathogenesis of and will provide new therapeutic targets for colon cancer. Epsins are ubiquitin-binding adaptor proteins upregulated in several human cancers; however, the involvement of epsins in colon cancer is unknown. Here we show that loss of intestinal epithelial epsins protects against colon cancer by significantly reducing the stability of the crucial Wnt signalling effector, dishevelled (Dvl2), and impairing Wnt signalling. Consistently, epsins and Dvl2 are correspondingly upregulated in colon cancer. Mechanistically, epsin binds Dvl2 via its epsin N-terminal homology domain and ubiquitin-interacting motifs and prohibits Dvl2 polyubiquitination and degradation. Our findings reveal an unconventional role for epsins in stabilizing Dvl2 and potentiating Wnt signalling in colon cancer cells to ensure robust colon cancer progression. The pro-carcinogenic role of Epsins suggests that they are potential therapeutic targets to combat colon cancer.
Integration of microfluidic and microoptical elements using a single-mask photolithographic step

Abstract We present a design and process to fabricate an integrated microfluidic/microoptical device—the microfluidic optical waveguide sensor (“μFlOWs”). Optical waveguides and fluidic microchannels have been defined using only a single photolithographic masking step. This integration has been demonstrated with three device types: (A) a hybrid structure with embedded SU-8 waveguides and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channels; (B) a structure using only SU-8 for both the waveguides and microchannel walls and (C) a structure as a modification to the all-SU-8 structure. Testing has demonstrated the ability of the waveguides to transmit light to and receive light from the microchannels, which contain a fluorescent dye that emits upon laser excitation. This type of strategy can find effective use in a variety of bio-assay experiments.
The effect of vicarious reinforcement on attentive behavior in the classroom.

Abstract The effect of social reinforcement delivered to target subjects on the attentive behavior of adjacent peers was examined in a classroom setting. In a combined reversal and multiple baseline design, two pairs of mentally retarded children were sequentially exposed to three reinforcement phases. After baseline rates of attentive behavior were obtained, praise was delivered to the target subject in each subject pair for attentive behavior. After a reversal phase, praise was delivered contingently to target subjects for inattentive behavior. In a final phase, contingent praise for attentive behavior was reinstated for the target subjects. Throughout the study, nontarget subjects received no direct reinforcers. The results indicated a vicarious reinforcement effect. Reinforcing attentive behavior of target subjects increased this behavior in adjacent peers. However, reinforcing inattentive behavior of target subjects also increased the attentive behavior of adjacent peers. The effects obtained through vicarious reinforcement were considered to reflect the discriminative stimulus properties of reinforcement, which may serve as a cue for the performance of nonreinforced peers.
New Trends in Intelligent Electronic Navigational Aids

The smart management of clutter is a key component in designing intelligent, next-generation user interfaces and electronic displays. Intelligent devices can enhance a user's situational awareness under adverse conditions. In this paper we present two approaches to assist a user with target detection and clutter analysis, and we suggest how these tools could be integrated with an electronic chart system. The first tool, an information fusion technique, is a multiple-view generalization of AdaBoost, which can assist a user in finding a target partially obscured by display clutter. The second technique clusters geospatial features on an electronic display and determines a meaningful measure of display clutter. The clutter metric correlates with preliminary, subjective, clutter rankings. The metric can be used to warn a user if display clutter is a potential hazard for his performance. We compare the performance of the proposed techniques with recent classifier fusion strategies on a set of synthetic data.
ON THE EXISTENCE OF A FACTOR INCREASING TISSUE PERMEABILITY IN ORGANS OTHER THAN TESTICLE

Many of the organs from animals of both sexes, including the ovary, have been found to contain in various proportion a factor or factors increasing tissue permeability. The potency exhibited by such active extracts was always less than that of extracts from testicle. Blood serum was found to be devoid of any spreading property.
The effect of prenatal pravastatin treatment on altered fetal programming of postnatal growth and metabolic function in a preeclampsia-like murine model.

Objective Preeclampsia alters fetal programming and results in long-term metabolic consequences in the offspring. Pravastatin has been shown to prevent preeclampsia in animal models. Our aim was to characterize the effects of preeclampsia on fetal programming of adult growth and metabolic function, and evaluate the role of preventive pravastatin therapy, using a well characterized murine model. Study Design CD-1 mice were injected through the tail vein with adenovirus carrying soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and randomly allocated to pravastatin (5 mg/kg/day; sFlt-1/prav, n = 7) or water (sFlt-1, n = 6) until weaning. A control group was injected with adenovirus carrying the murine immunoglobulin G2α Fc fragment (mFc, n = 8). Male and female offspring (6-8/group) were weighed every month until 6 months of age. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance testing was performed after 16 hours of fasting at 3 and 6 months of age; glucose and insulin responses were measured. Results sFlt-1 offspring weight was lower than mFc control ( P P Conclusion Preeclampsia alters postnatal growth and metabolic function in the adult offspring in this animal model. Maternal therapy with prav prevents some of these alterations in the offspring.
Image Registration for Multimodality Small-Animal Imaging

Since the discovery of X-rays, imaging has been a vital component of clinical medicine. Increasingly, in vivo imaging of small laboratory animals, i.e. mice and rats, has emerged as an important component of basic biomedical research as well. Historically, clinical and laboratory imaging modalities have often been divided into two general categories, structural (or anatomical) and functional (or physiological). Anatomical modalities, i.e. depicting primarily morphology, include X-rays (plain radiography), CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and US (ultrasound). Functional modalities, i.e. depicting primarily information related to underlying genetics and metabolism, include (planar) scintigraphy, SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography), PET (positron emission tomography), MRS/MRSI (magnetic resonance spectroscopy and spectroscopic imaging), fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), and, in small animals, optical (i.e. bioluminescence and fluorescence) imaging modalities. The functional modalities form the basis of the rapidly advancing field of “molecular imaging,” defined as the direct or indirect non-invasive monitoring and recording of the spatial and temporal distribution of in vivo molecular, genetic, and/or cellular processes for biochemical, biological, diagnostic, or therapeutic applications [1].
Stability and performance of nonlinear robust adaptive control

A class of adaptive control schemes, motivated from nonlinear systems theory, has been proposed for minimum phase linear time invariant plants. Under certain assumptions on the plant transfer function, these schemes guarantee uniform signal boundedness and good transient and steady state response for the regulation or tracking error. In this paper we propose a modification that improves the robustness of these schemes with respect to a class of multiplicative uncertainties, without loss of performance. The parameter convergence properties of the proposed schemes are examined when the reference signal is dominantly rich.
Photonic band-gap structures

The analogy between electromagnetic wave propagation in multidimensionally periodic structures and electron-wave propagation in real crystals has proven to be a fruitful one. Initial efforts were motivated by the prospect of a photonic band gap. a frequency band in three-dimensional dielectric structures in which electromagnetic waves are forbidden irrespective of the propagation direction in space. Today many new ideas and applications are being pursued in two and three dimensions and in metallic, dielectric, and acoustic structures. We review the early motivations for this research, which were derived from the need for a photonic band gap in quantum optics. This need led to a series of experimental and theoretical searches for the elusive photonic band-gap structures, those three-dimensionally periodic dielectric structures that are to photon waves as semiconductor crystals are to electron waves. We describe how the photonic semiconductor can be doped, producing tiny electromagnetic cavities. Finally, we summarize some of the anticipated implications of photonic band structure for quantum electronics and for other areas of physics and electrical engineering.
Genetic diagnosis in multiple pregnancies

A twin gestation presents unique problems in both genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. This article describes the specific genetic counseling concerns for a twin gestation and outlines the available techniques for genetic prenatal diagnosis. The technical aspects, risks and benefits to the pregnancy of amniocentesis and of chorionic villi sampling are compared. Although the risk of miscarriage after amniocentesis in a twin gestation is at least double that for a singleton, much of this additional risk is secondary to the inherent hazards of twins and not procedure-related. In experienced centers, chorionic villi sampling is equally safe and efficacious, and allows an earlier diagnosis that may be beneficial when discordant results are found. The aspects of serum screening unique to twin gestations are also outlined. Prenatal diagnosis by both chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis can be safely performed in twin gestations and higher-order multiple gestations. Serum screening is also useful, but appears to have a lower sensitivity and specificity than in singletons.
Post-rhinoplastic nasal obstruction.

The prevention of post-rhinoplastic nasal obstruction begins in the preoperative planning stages and continues throughout the operation. Recommended techniques that can be adapted to individual styles of rhinoplasty are described.
Angiotensinogen gene-inducible enhancer-binding protein 1, a member of a new family of large nuclear proteins that recognize nuclear factor kappa B-binding sites through a zinc finger motif.

Abstract Transcriptional activation of the rat angiotensinogen gene during the acute-phase response is dependent on a previously characterized acute-phase response element (APRE) that binds at least two types of nuclear proteins: a cytokine-inducible activity indistinguishable from nuclear factor kappa-B (NF kappa B) and a family of C/EBP-like proteins. We screened a rat liver cDNA expression library with a labeled APRE DNA probe and isolated a single clone that encodes a sequence-specific APRE-binding protein. This new protein, the angiotensinogen gene-inducible enhancer-binding protein 1 (AGIE-BP1), is encoded by a large continuous open reading frame and contains a zinc finger motif virtually identical to the DNA-binding domain of a recently described human protein, MBP-1/PRDII-BF1, and a homologous mouse protein, alpha A-CRYBP1. Outside the binding domain, the sequences diverged considerably. Southern blot analysis indicated that AGIE-BP1 and alpha A-CRYBP1 are encoded by separate genes, thus defining a new family of DNA-binding proteins. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays, methylation interference, and DNase I footprint protection assays with the bacterially expressed DNA-binding domain of AGIE-BP1 demonstrated a binding specificity indistinguishable from that of purified NF kappa B. Antiserum raised against the bacterially expressed DNA-binding domain of AGIE-BP1 detected on immunoblots of cellular proteins a large (greater than 250-kDa) nuclear protein. Northern (RNA) blot analysis of RNAs from different rat tissues and cell lines indicated different levels of expression of the large (greater than 10-kb) AGIE-BP1 transcript in different tissues. The potential role of AGIE-BP1 in the regulation of gene expression is discussed.
Dopant structural distortions in high-temperature superconductors: an active or a passive role?

The parent compounds of high-temperature superconductors, such as YBa2Cu3O6 and La2CuO4, are strongly interacting electron systems, rendering them insulators with Mott–Hubbard gaps of a few electronvolts. Charge carriers (holes) are introduced by chemical doping, causing an insulator–metal (IM) transition and, at low temperatures, superconductivity. The role of dopants is widely seen as limited to the introduction of holes into the CuO2 planes (i.e. occupying electronic states derived from Cu 3d_{x^{2}-y^{2}} and O 2px,y atomic orbitals). Most theories of high-Tc superconductivity deal with pairing interactions between these planar holes. Local distortions around dopants are poorly understood, because of the experimental difficulty in obtaining such information, particularly at low doping. This has resulted in the neglect, in most theories, of the effect of such distortions on the chemical and electronic structure of high-Tc superconductors. Angular-resolved X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy on oriented samples is an ideal technique to elucidate the dopant distortions. Element specificity, together with a large orientation dependence of the XAFS signal in these layered structures, allows the local structure around dopants to be resolved. Results are presented here on (Sr, Ba) and Ni dopants, which substitute at the La and Cu sites, respectively, of insulating La2CuO4. The relevance of the measured local distortions for a complete understanding of the normal and superconducting properties of cuprates is discussed.
Enhancement of serum vitamin B12 by D-sorbitol.

roan’ that D-sorbitol enhances the serum concentrations that result from the oral administration of vitamin B,2. In a previous publication’ it was shown that patients with subnormal serum concentrations showed prompt elevations following the ingestion of a preparation containing D-sorbitol and vitamin B,2. lt has been postulated that D-sOrbitOl forms a carbohydrate complex with the cyanocobalamin, resulting in the better absorption
Acromial morphology: effects of suboptimal radiographs.

Acromial morphology is one of the important factors related to rotator cuff pathology, especially if there is acromial encroachment onto the supraspinatus tendon. This is the rationale for many surgeons performing an acromioplasty, based on preoperative radiographs, in their treatment of rotator cuff disease. However, geometric measurements of the acromion are dependent on the radiographic view, and suboptimal radiographs of the scapula might bias the acromial morphology on the radiographs. Our objective was to study the effect of suboptimal lateral-view radiographs of the scapula on 6 acromial angles, which have been correlated with rotator cuff pathology, by use of a computational method. Anatomic landmarks were digitized on 12 cadaveric scapulae via a spatial linkage system. A coordinate system based on the scapula was then created that allowed projection of the anatomic landmarks on the sagittal plane and simulated the optimal lateral-view radiograph of the scapula. By rotating the coordinate system in the coronal plane (cranial and caudal projections) and axial plane (anterior and posterior projections) with 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, and 20 degrees increments, 16 suboptimal lateral-view radiographs of the scapula were simulated. Significant differences in the 6 acromial angles (P .05) up to 20 degrees of rotation in the anterior and posterior direction. Of the 6 different acromial angles, the acromial slope was least affected when the projection was varied. In contrast, the anterior slope of the acromion was highly affected by errors in the projection.
Incorporation of a rapid pregnancy-associated glycoprotein ELISA into a CIDR-Ovsynch resynchronization program for a 28 day re-insemination interval.

Abstract The objective was to compare two resynchronization programs; one that used a blood-based ELISA for pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) for pregnancy diagnosis so that non-pregnant cows were re-inseminated at 28 d after first TAI, and another that used transrectal ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis so that non-pregnant cows were re-inseminated at 35 d after first TAI. The PAG_resynch cows (n = 103) began CIDR-Ovsynch resynchronization on Day 18 after first TAI (Day 0). On Day 25, the CIDR was removed and pregnancy diagnosis with a PAG ELISA was performed. If a cow was not pregnant on Day 25, she was treated with PGF 2α , treated with GnRH 2 d later (Day 27), and TAI on Day 28. Control cows (n = 99) were observed for estrus until Day 25, when they began an identical CIDR-Ovsynch program with pregnancy diagnosis by transrectal ultrasonography on Day 32. If a cow was not pregnant on Day 32, then she was treated with PGF 2α , treated with GnRH 2 d later (Day 34), and TAI on Day 35. There was no difference in pregnancy per AI (P/AI) for either group at first or second insemination. For cows without pregnancy loss, the interval between first and second (P 0.001) or second and third (P 0.016) TAI was shorter for PAG_resynch cows compared with Control cows. The interval between first and second or second and third TAI was not different if pregnancy loss cows were included in the analysis. Plasma progesterone concentrations were similar at PGF 2α treatment, and plasma estradiol concentrations increased similarly after PGF 2α treatment for PAG_resynch and Control cows. In conclusion, the 28 d CIDR-Ovsynch resynchronization protocol was comparable to a 35 d CIDR-Ovsynch resynchronization protocol that also included estrus detection. Shortened resynchronization protocols that do not require estrus detection may improve reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle.
Secondary metabolite gene expression and interplay of bacterial functions in a tropical freshwater cyanobacterial bloom

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) appear to be increasing in frequency on a global scale. The Cyanobacteria in blooms can produce toxic secondary metabolites that make freshwater dangerous for drinking and recreation. To characterize microbial activities in a cyanoHAB, transcripts from a eutrophic freshwater reservoir in Singapore were sequenced for six samples collected over one day-night period. Transcripts from the Cyanobacterium Microcystis dominated all samples and were accompanied by at least 533 genera primarily from the Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Within the Microcystis population, abundant transcripts were from genes for buoyancy, photosynthesis and synthesis of the toxin microviridin, suggesting that these are necessary for competitive dominance in the Reservoir. During the day, Microcystis transcripts were enriched in photosynthesis and energy metabolism while at night enriched pathways included DNA replication and repair and toxin biosynthesis. Microcystis was the dominant source of transcripts from polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide synthase (PKS and NRPS, respectively) gene clusters. Unexpectedly, expression of all PKS/NRPS gene clusters, including for the toxins microcystin and aeruginosin, occurred throughout the day-night cycle. The most highly expressed PKS/NRPS gene cluster from Microcystis is not associated with any known product. The four most abundant phyla in the reservoir were enriched in different functions, including photosynthesis (Cyanobacteria), breakdown of complex organic molecules (Proteobacteria), glycan metabolism (Bacteroidetes) and breakdown of plant carbohydrates, such as cellobiose (Actinobacteria). These results provide the first estimate of secondary metabolite gene expression, functional partitioning and functional interplay in a freshwater cyanoHAB.
RADIATION THERAPY AND SURGERY FOR FIBROSARCOMA IN 33 CATS

Thirty-three cats with histologically confirmed fibrosarcomas were treated with radiation therapy followed by surgery. The median (95% confidence interval) disease free interval and overall survival were 398 (261,924) and 600 (lower limit 515) days, respectively. There were 19 treatment failures; 11 cats had only local recurrence, 4 cats developed metastatic disease, 3 cats had local recurrence followed by metastasis, and 1 cat developed simultaneous local and distant disease. Twelve cats are alive and disease free. Two cats died without evidence of treatment failure. The presence of tumor cells at the margin of resected tissue after radiation was the only variable which influenced treatment success. The median (95% confidence interval) disease free interval in 5 cats with tumor cells at the margin of the resected specimen was 112 (94,150) days versus 700 (lower limit 328) days for 26 cats with negative tumor margins, p < 0.0001. We did not identify a relationship between tumor volume, number of prior tumor excisions, concomitant use of chemotherapy or various descriptors of the radiation therapy technique and disease free interval.
Direct design of focusing filters for wideband direction finding

A time-domain formulation of the wideband direction-finding problem is presented from a multichannel filtering perspective. The filter is designed to achieve focusing as in the coherent signal-subspace processing wherein the signal subspaces are effectively integrated (focused) over the signal bandwidth. Specifically, a one-step filter coefficient evaluation technique termed direct design that avoids explicit evaluation of the frequency response is proposed. Aspects concerning effective and expeditious design are emphasized and insights are provided to accomplish focusing over spatial sectors. Simulation studies indicate the competing performance of the direct design with the two-step technique. >
T-T Neutron Spectrum from Inertial Confinement Implosions

A new technique that uses inertial confinement implosions for measuring low-energy nuclear reactions important to nuclear astrophysics is described. Simultaneous measurements of n–D and n–T elastic scattering at 14.1 MeV using deuterium–tritium gas-filled capsules provide a proof of principle for this technique. Measurements have been made of D(d,p)T (dd) and T(t,2n)4He (tt) reaction yields relative to the D(t,n)4He (dt) reaction yield for deuterium–tritium mixtures with f T /f D between 0.62 and 0.75 and for a wide range of ion temperatures to test our understanding of the implosion processes. Measurements of the shape of the neutron spectrum from the T(t,2n)4He reaction have been made for each of these target configurations.
Fast lane changing computations using polynomials

This paper presents a fast lane changing algorithm for intelligent vehicle highway systems. The algorithm is based on the use of polynomials for trajectory planning and the use of simplified s-topes for obstacle representation. Dynamic constraints are also taken into account. The resulting criterion for the selection of the desired and achievable trajectory involves the selection of a single coefficient. Illustrative examples show the main advantages of the algorithm especially in the case of lane changing with multiple obstacles.
Novel matrix metalloproteinase from the cyst nematodes Heterodera glycines and Globodera rostochiensis.

One approach to the development of control strategies for nematodes is the disruption of hatching. In some species, a cation-mediated change in eggshell permeability is an early indicator of hatching [1]. Additionally, numerous studies have indicated involvement in hatching of enzymes, particularly metalloenzymes. For example, the microbivorous nematode Caenorhabditis elegans secretes HCH-1 metalloproteinase into the perivitelline fluid before hatching [2], and a Zn2+-dependent leucine aminopeptidase occurs in egg homogenates of the soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines [3]. In distant invertebrate and vertebrate species, hatching enzymes (HE) belong to a prodigious family of Zn2+-dependent metalloenzymes called matrixins or matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) [4–9]. These enzymes regulate the composition and integrity of the extracellular matrix, an aggregate of collagens, elastins, glycoproteins and other macromolecules. Despite the critical importance of MMPs in other organisms for vital developmental processes such as eclosion and molting, the only known parasitic nematode MMP gene sequence is from Gnathostoma spinigerum [10]. In this paper, we report cDNA and genomic sequences encoding a novel MMP-like protease from the soybean cyst nematode H. glycines and a related sequence from the potato
Release of Blood from the Splanchnic Circulation in Dogs

In dogs anesthetized with α-chloralose, passive alterations in splanchnic blood flow over a range of flows between 10 ml/kg min-1 and 50 ml/kg min-1 produced by a blood flow pump or by a change in perfusion pressure were associated with changes in splanchnic blood volume of 0.19 ± 0.1 (SD) ml/kg and 0.43 ± 0.15 ml/kg, respectively, for a change in flow of 1 ml/kg min-1. Mechanical increase in splanchnic outflow resistance raised portal venous pressure from a control mean of 6.9 ± 4.1 mm Hg to 15.4 ± 3.5 mm Hg and increased splanchnic blood volume by 8.1 ± 2.2 ml/kg. Of the total change in splanchnic blood volume during an 18-second supramaximal stimulation of the thoracic splanchnic nerves, an estimated 65% was released "passively." The magnitude of this passive release was related linearly to splanchnic blood flow. During increased resistance to splanchnic outflow, the passive release was absolutely and relatively reduced, but the volume of blood actively released by constriction of capacitance elements was absolutely and relatively increased. During hemorrhage (7.2 ml/kg body weight), an average of 4.7 ± 0.6 ml/kg of blood (21% of the calculated splanchnic blood volume) was mobilized, and arterial blood pressure decreased an average of 5%. Repetition of the bleeding after bilateral splanchnicectomy passively mobilized 3.25 ± 0.9 ml/kg of blood (68% of the innervated value), but arterial blood pressure declined by an average of 20%.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Fact or Fiction?

Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) are often referred to as adipose-derived stem cells due to their potential to undergo multilineage differentiation. Their promising role in tissue engineering and ability to modulate the immune system are the focus of extensive research. A number of clinical trials using ASCs are currently underway to better understand the role of such cell niche in enhancing or suppressing the immune response. If governable, such immunoregulatory role would find application in several conditions in which an immune response is present (i.e., autoimmune conditions) or feared (i.e., solid organ or reconstructive transplantation). Although allogeneic ASCs have been shown to prevent acute GvHD in both preclinical and clinical studies, their potential warrants further investigation. Well-designed and standardized clinical trials are necessary to prove the role of ASCs in the treatment of immune disorders or prevention of tissue rejection. In this paper we analyze the current literature on the role of ASCs in immunomodulation in vitro and in vivo and discuss their potential in regulating the immune system in the context of transplantation.
Modeling shell disease in American lobster (Homarus americanus) as individual-based health trajectories

The emergence of epizootic shell disease in American lobsters (Homarus americanus) has presented many new challenges to understanding the interface between disease and the management of the lobster...
Dissipation potentials for reaction-diffusion systems

This work considers strongly dissipative reaction–diffusion systems with constitutive equations given by Edelen’s dissipation potentials, whose existence is tantamount to nonlinear Onsager symmetry...
Low Temperature Synthesis of Si-C-N and C-N Films by IR-laser Assisted ECR-PECVD

A new synthesizing method, IR-laser-assisted electron-cyclotron-resonance plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (LA-ECR-PECVD), has been used to fabricate Si-C-N and C-N films on steel substrates at low temperatures (< 650 °C). Methane/nitrogen or carbon dioxide/nitrogen gases are dissociated to methane radicals and nitrogen plasma by the IR-laser and ECR to enhance the species' energy. An IR-laser beam (pulsed Nd:YAG laser, 1064 nm) was introduced into the growth chamber for two purposes: (1) to add Si atoms by ablating a Si target, and (2) to enhance the plasma concentration in the gas phase. An infrared vibration mode located at 1256 cm-l wavenumber was observed in Si-C-N and C-N films, although these films have an amorphous phase. The C-N film also has a Raman shift at 1276 cm-l. The AFM images reveal many islands with a size ranging from 50 nm – 150 nm in films.
Analysis on Factors of Agricultural Economic Growth in Guizhou

The main contribution factors for agricultural economic growth are the capital input(57.7%) and progress of science and technology(36.3%) by using the generalized C-D production function and the contribution rates of land and labor input are very small but the nature disaster has a significant effect on agricultural economic growth in Guizhou.The measures including increasing the agricultural capital input,keeping the quantity of cultivated land,promoting the agricultural technical progress greatly,and enhancing the ability of fighting the agricultural natural disaster should be taken to improve the sustainable and stable growth of agricultural economy in Guizhou.
The “Second-Time Creation” of Vocal Works

The practice of music consists of three parts: musical creation, perfo rmance and appreciation, of which performance is the “second-time creation”. In order for the charm of vocal works to be fully reflected, performers should deep ly understand their artistic conception and master their style before putting it cross to the audience.
Experimental Glaucoma Causes Optic Nerve Head Neural Rim Tissue Compression: A Potentially Important Mechanism of Axon Injury.

PURPOSE We tested the hypothesis that experimental glaucoma (EG) results in greater thinning of the optic nerve head (ONH) neural rim tissue than the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) tissue. METHODS Longitudinal spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) imaging of the ONH and peripapillary RNFL was performed every other week under manometric IOP control (10 mm Hg) in 51 nonhuman primates (NHP) during baseline and after induction of unilateral EG. The ONH parameter minimum rim area (MRA) was derived from 80 radial B-scans centered on the ONH; RNFL cross-sectional area (RNFLA) from a peripapillary circular B-scan with 12° diameter. RESULTS In control eyes, MRA was 1.00 ± 0.19 mm2 at baseline and 1.00 ± 0.19 mm2 at the final session (P = 0.77), while RNFLA was 0.95 ± 0.09 and 0.95 ± 0.10 mm2, respectively (P = 0.96). In EG eyes, MRA decreased from 1.00 ± 0.19 mm2 at baseline to 0.63 ± 0.21 mm2 at the final session (P < 0.0001), while RNFLA decreased from 0.95 ± 0.09 to 0.74 ± 0.19 mm2, respectively (P < 0.0001). Thus, MRA decreased by 36.4 ± 20.6% in EG eyes, significantly more than the decrease in RNFLA (21.7 ± 19.4%, P < 0.0001). Other significant changes in EG eyes included increased Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) nonplanarity (P < 0.05), decreased BMO aspect ratio (P < 0.0001), and decreased MRA angle (P < 0.001). Bruch's membrane opening area did not change from baseline in either control or EG eyes (P = 0.27, P = 0.15, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Optic nerve head neural rim tissue thinning exceeded peripapillary RNFL thinning in NHP EG. These results support the hypothesis that axon bundles are compressed transversely within the ONH rim along with glaucomatous deformation of connective tissues.
High-performance heterodyne terahertz receivers based on plasmonic photomixing antennas

We present a novel heterodyne receiver based on plasmonic photomixing antennas, which offers significant enhancement in sensitivity and bandwidth of terahertz receivers at room temperature. This significant performance enhancement is achieved by replacing the terahertz local oscillator and mixer of conventional heterodyne receivers with plasmonic photomixing antennas pumped by an optical local oscillator provided by two wavelength tunable lasers with a terahertz frequency difference. We present the first experimental demonstration of the introduced receiver optimized for operation at ∼0.1 THz frequency range, which offers record-high dynamic ranges and operation bandwidths compared to the state-of-the art room-temperature terahertz receivers.
Synthetic collimator for 2D and 3D imaging

We show how high-resolution parallel-projection images can be obtained with a synthetic collimator, a device that consists of a multiple-pinhole aperture with detector arrays in several locations behind it. Simulation studies indicate that this system is superior to a parallel-hole collimator system for parallel-projection imaging. We also show how three- dimensional reconstructions can be created with the synthetic collimator and present evidence from simulations that lesion detection will be better in these reconstructions than in either of the parallel-projection imaging systems.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mosquitoes Transmit Unique West Nile Virus Populations during Each Feeding Episode

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), such as Zika virus, chikungunya virus, and West Nile virus (WNV), pose continuous threats to emerge and cause large epidemics. Often, these events are associated with novel virus variants optimized for local transmission that first arise as minorities within a host. Thus, the conditions that regulate the frequency of intrahost variants are important determinants of emergence. Here, we describe the dynamics of WNV genetic diversity during its transmission cycle. By temporally sampling saliva from individual mosquitoes, we demonstrate that virus populations expectorated by mosquitoes are highly diverse and unique to each feeding episode. After transmission to birds, however, most genetic diversity is removed by strong purifying selection. Further, transmission of potentially mosquito-adaptive WNV variants is strongly influenced by genetic drift in mosquitoes. These results highlight the complex evolutionary forces a novel virus variant must overcome to alter infection phenotypes at the population level.
‘Time to ride the monster train’: multiplicity, the Midnighter and the threat to hegemonic superhero masculinity

ABSTRACTThis article is concerned with how and why a figure such as DC’s Midnighter might be able both to enact the current discourse of ideal masculinity and humanity in comic books, and to usurp that discourse in order to generate new understandings which grapple with the ever-imminent realities of posthuman cyborg bodies and openly lived LGBTQIA+ experiences in a way that does not merely dismiss them as subhuman. It utilises posthumanism, monster theory, queer theory, feminist criticism, and ‘body’ theory in an analysis of the Midnighter in his New 52 run under DC, in order to take a critical look at the multiplicity of the Midnighter’s identity to identify what makes him into such ‘a rare and violent snowflake’, and to demonstrate humanity’s embedded monstrosity.
Modeling Glaucoma: Retinal Ganglion Cells Generated from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of Patients with SIX6 Risk Allele Show Developmental Abnormalities

Glaucoma represents a group of multifactorial diseases with a unifying pathology of progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration, causing irreversible vision loss. To test the hypothesis that RGCs are intrinsically vulnerable in glaucoma, we have developed an in vitro model using the SIX6 risk allele carrying glaucoma patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for generating functional RGCs. Here, we demonstrate that the efficiency of RGC generation by SIX6 risk allele iPSCs is significantly lower than iPSCs-derived from healthy, age- and sex-matched controls. The decrease in the number of RGC generation is accompanied by repressed developmental expression of RGC regulatory genes. The SIX6 risk allele RGCs display short and simple neurites, reduced expression of guidance molecules, and immature electrophysiological signature. In addition, these cells have higher expression of glaucoma-associated genes, CDKN2A and CDKN2B, suggesting an early onset of the disease phenotype. Consistent with the developmental abnormalities, the SIX6 risk allele RGCs display global dysregulation of genes which map on developmentally relevant biological processes for RGC differentiation and signaling pathways such as mammalian target of rapamycin that integrate diverse functions for differentiation, metabolism, and survival. The results suggest that SIX6 influences different stages of RGC differentiation and their survival; therefore, alteration in SIX6 function due to the risk allele may lead to cellular and molecular abnormalities. These abnormalities, if carried into adulthood, may make RGCs vulnerable in glaucoma. Stem Cells 2017;35:2239-2252.
Chance-constrained optimization for refinery blend planning under uncertainty

A near-global optimization approach is proposed to design blending recipes for refinery products under uncertainties. In the refining industry, the most valuable products, such as gasoline and diesel, are produced by blending several intermediate feedstocks to maximize profit and ensure that all qualities are on specification. Because of the presence of property uncertainties, optimal blending recipes under linear mixing laws should be designed by solving a linear program with joint chance constraints. However, joint chance-constrained programming is generally intractable even with Gaussian distributions, and thereby, it is usually converted to an individual chance-constrained (ICC) program to achieve a conservative approximation. To reduce this conservatism, we find a global optimal solution for the ICC program. In case studies, a multiproduct blending problem with 12 chance constraints and a crude oil procurement example with 14 chance constraints are studied to test and compare the proposed scheme with...
Multimodal analgesia decreases opioid consumption after shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study

Background Studies on perioperative pain control in shoulder arthroplasty focus on regional anesthesia, with little research on other approaches. Perioperative multimodal analgesia regimens decrease opioid intake and opioid-related side effects in lower-extremity arthroplasty. In this study we compare pain scores, opioid consumption, length of stay, and readmission rates in postoperative shoulder arthroplasty patients treated with a standard or multimodal analgesia regimen. Methods A prospective cohort analysis was performed at a single institution. Patients undergoing elective shoulder arthroplasty were treated with either a standard opioid-based regimen or a multimodal analgesia regimen perioperatively. Outcome measures included inpatient pain scores, opioid use, length of stay, and 30- and 90-day emergency department visits and readmission rates. Results Seventy-five patients were included in each cohort. Patients treated with the multimodal analgesia regimen had lower postoperative day 0 pain scores (mean, 1.5 vs 2.2; P = .027). Opioid use in the multimodal cohort was lower on all days: 47% lower on postoperative day 0, 37% on day 1, and 44% on day 2 (all P Conclusion Patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty have decreased postoperative pain and opioid consumption and shorter hospital stays when given a multimodal analgesia regimen. There is no increase in short-term complications or unplanned readmissions, indicating that this is a safe and effective means to control postoperative pain.
Still Paying for the Past: Examining Gender Differences in Employment Among Individuals with a Criminal Record

Although many studies have examined employment outcomes of those with criminal convictions, no study to date has examined gender differences in employment outcomes of individuals with criminal conv...
Observed Family and Friendship Dynamics in Adolescence: a Latent Profile Approach to Identifying “Mesosystem” Adaptation for Intervention Tailoring

Nuanced understanding of adolescents’ interpersonal relationships with family and peers is important for developing more personalized interventions that prevent problem behaviors and adjustment issues. We used latent profile analysis (LPA) to classify a community sample of 784 adolescents with respect to their observed relationship dynamics with friends and family using videotaped observations and five-minute audiotaped speech samples collected at ages 16–17. The resulting latent classes served to predict behavioral and emotional health in early adulthood. The LPA of the video- and audio-coded observational variables revealed a three-class model: (1) the healthy relationship group (n = 587), representing low levels of deviant and drug use talk with friends and positive, noncoercive relationship with parents; (2) the disaffected group (n = 90), representing high levels of drug use talk with friends and negativity about their parent(s) in the five-minute speech sample; and (3) the antisocial group (n = 107), representing high levels of deviant talk, drug use talk, coercive joining with friends, and coerciveness in family interactions. In contrast to the healthy relationship group, the disaffected group showed elevated risk for substance use problems and depression and the antisocial group showed higher risk for substance use problems and committing violent crimes in early adulthood. Outcome differences between disaffected and antisocial groups were mostly nonsignificant. We discuss the viability of applying these findings to tailoring and personalizing family-based interventions with adolescents to address key dynamics in the family and friendship relationships to prevent adult substance use problems, depression, and violence.
Health Care Utilization and Cost Outcomes of a Comprehensive Dementia Care Program for Medicare Beneficiaries.

Importance An estimated 4 to 5 million Americans have Alzheimer disease or another dementia. Objective To determine the health care utilization and cost outcomes of a comprehensive dementia care program for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. Design, Setting, and Participants In this case-control study, we used a quasiexperimental design to compare health care utilization and costs for 1083 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries enrolled in the University of California Los Angeles Health System Alzheimer and Dementia Care program between July 1, 2012, and December 31, 2015, with those of 2166 similar patients with dementia not participating in the program. Patients in the comparison cohort were selected using the zip code of residence as a sampling frame and matched with propensity scores, which included demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and prior-year health care utilization. We used Medicare claims data to compare utilization and cost outcomes for the 2 groups. Interventions Patients in the dementia care program were comanaged by nurse practitioners and physicians, and the program consisted of structured needs assessments of patients and their caregivers, creation and implementation of individualized dementia care plans with input from primary care physicians, monitoring and revising care plans, referral to community organizations for dementia-related services and support, and access to a clinician for assistance and advice 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Main Outcomes and Measures Admissions to long-term care facilities; average difference-in-differences per quarter over the 3-year intervention period for all-cause hospitalization, emergency department visits, 30-day hospital readmissions, and total Medicare Parts A and B costs of care. Program costs were included in the cost estimates. Results Program participants (n = 382 men, n = 701 women; mean [SD] age, 82.10 [7.90] years; age range 54-101 years) were less likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.59-0.61) than those not participating in the dementia care program (n = 759 men, n = 1407 women; mean [SD] age, 82.42 [8.50] years; age range, 34-103 years). There were no differences between groups in terms of hospitalizations, emergency department visits, or 30-day readmissions. The total cost of care to Medicare, excluding program costs, was $601 less per patient per quarter (95% CI, −$1198 to −$5). After accounting for the estimated program costs of $317 per patient per quarter, the program was cost neutral for Medicare, with an estimated net cost of −$284 (95% CI, −$881 to $312) per program participant per quarter. Conclusions and Relevance Comprehensive dementia care may reduce the number of admissions to long-term care facilities, and depending on program costs, may be cost neutral or cost saving. Wider implementation of such programs may help people with dementia stay in their communities.
Spain’s Role in the EU’s Development Cooperation Agreement with Cuba

Coinciding with the “normalization” of the relationship with the United States, Cuba and the European Union signed an Agreement of Political Dialogue and Cooperation. The constructive role played by Spain in facilitating the relationship between Europe and Cuba has been notable. At the same time, the Spanish government has been leading the policy of questioning Cuba's political system. A brief analysis is added in terms of prospects for the future in an expanded scenario covering events in Latin America and the United States.