cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IS OYSTER SHELL A SUSTAINABLE ESTUARINE RESOURCE

The decline of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) as an estuarine resource is well documented for many estuaries on the United States east coast. This decline is often associated with a decline in the shell resource and ultimately the disappearance of the shell bed. We develop a model that expressly and conjointly evaluates oyster abundance and surficial shell quantity and examine whether stability in the stock and the habitat can be simultaneously achieved. Simulations suggest that a steady-state shell content exists for any set of recruitment and natural mortality rates and that the amount of shell present at steady state varies over a wide range as recruitment and natural mortality vary. Shell mass is maximized at a natural mortality rate near the rate observed in unfished populations unimpacted by disease. A species dependent on the maintenance of hard substrate for survival, as is the oyster, might have a life span adapted to maximize the accretion of carbonate; thereby sustaining the substrate on which it depends. Relatively small changes in the recruitment rate produce large changes in abundance and consequently shell mass and the scale of variation dwarfs that of natural mortality or fishing. Only variations in the rate of shell loss or the average size of animals at death produce equivalent excursions in shell mass. In comparison, the ambit of natural mortality imposed by the disease process fortuitously occurs in a range that restrains the change in carbonate mass, probably because increased mortality reduces abundance but also increases the death rate, thus adding more shell. Simulations covering a range of fishing rates indicate that no fishing rate exists that is likely to be sustainable of the shell resource over the long term. Fishing will always abet the taphonomic and depositional processes conspiring to debilitate the oyster bed. Successful management of the oyster shell resource is obstructed by the simple fact that no additional mortality, whether imposed by disease or through fishing, can occur that will not result in habitat loss at some rate. The shell resource is maximized when the population is at predisease natural mortality rates and unfished. Thus, if fishing is to be permitted or if disease has increased persistently the natural mortality rate, the only recourse of the manager is the perpetual addition of shell in compensation to the loss or the acceptance of the degradation of the shell bed.
Rural Disadvantage and Malaria in Less-Developed Nations: A Cross-National Investigation of a Neglected Disease

Although often forgotten among people in affluent nations, malaria represents a leading global health concern in poor, rural countries. Malaria is traditionally thought of as a rural disease, given the close proximity of rural households to mosquito disease vectors. However, more insight is needed to investigate the larger social, economic, and environmental conditions that perhaps interact with rurality to explain why some nations continue to have high levels of prevalence of this preventable and eradicable parasitic infection. We employ structural equation modeling to efficiently test for both direct and indirect effects of rurality. The results demonstrate that rurality works in important indirect ways; although rurality has indirect links to malaria through export agriculture, health spending, and sociohealth resources, careful decomposition of the indirect effects illustrates that the indirect effects through heath spending and sociohealth resources are most important. Overall, the findings suggest that rural vulnerabilities to malaria are not inherent and can be largely addressed by increasing public health provisions among rural populations.
Rolling Regeneration Trap for Diesel Particulate Control

One way to achieve low temperature regeneration on diesel particulate traps is to employ NO 2 as the oxidant. However, the engine may not produce sufficient NO x to achieve the required particulate regeneration. An RRT (rolling regeneration trap) was proposed as a way to enhance the effective concentration in diesel engine exhaust. The RRT uses catalyzed ceramic foam, which allows repeated use of existing NO x in the exhaust stream. The ceramic foam is a filter itself: thus, it can reduce the particulate loading on the wall-flow filter, which is more prone to plugging by the particulate deposits. Furthermore, the presence of particulate matter in the catalyzed section circumvents the high temperature limit imposed by thermodynamic equilibrium of a simple NO+NO 2 +O 2 system. However, experimental results revealed that the regeneration efficiency on the wall-flow section was very low and NO 2 slip is an issue.
Mother–adolescent civic messages: Associations with adolescent civic behavior and civic judgments

Abstract Observational and multi-informant survey data were used to examine associations among mothers' civic behavior, observed mother–adolescent messages about civic responsibility, and adolescents' judgments about civic duty and civic behavior. Adolescents ( N = 144, M age = 14.49 [12–18] years) and their mothers ( N = 144) participated in a semi-structured, dyadic discussion task focused on civic responsibility and adolescents completed questionnaires assessing civic behavior and judgments about whether individuals should engage in different civic activities. Eight themes emerged within the parent–adolescent civic discussion task: community service , vote , other standard political involvement (e.g., political awareness), follow regulations , be productive (e.g., working and becoming educated), help others , respect others , and respect country . Mothers' community service involvement and messages concerning respect and helping were positively associated with adolescents' community service behavior. Mothers' messages concerning following regulations were negatively associated with teens' social movement judgments. Additionally, adolescents' own messages were associated with their civic judgments.
Maternal residential proximity to major roadways at delivery and childhood central nervous system tumors.

Background Due to concerns over the impact of traffic-related air pollution on childhood cancers, we evaluated the association between residential proximity to major roadways and childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Methods The Texas Cancer Registry provided information on children diagnosed with a CNS tumor at <5 years of age and born in Texas for the period 2003–2009 (n=315). Birth certificate controls were frequency matched to cases (5:1) on birth year (n=1575). We assigned exposures to traffic-related air pollution using residential proximity to major roadways based on the maternal residence at the time of delivery. Logistic regression was used to generate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We evaluated CNS tumors as a group and by histologic type. Results Maternal residential proximity to major roadways at delivery was positively associated with the odds of offspring having a CNS tumor. Specifically, for every kilometer closer to a major roadway, the odds of offspring having a CNS tumor increased by 30% (95% CI: 1.0, 1.7). Mothers living ≤500 meters (m) from a major roadway were 31% (95% CI: 1.0, 1.8) more likely to have offspring with any CNS tumor and 3.1-times (95% CI: 0.9, 10.4) more likely to have offspring with an ependymoma compared to mothers living >500 m from the nearest major roadway. Moreover, compared to mothers living in areas with low roadway density, those living in areas with high roadway density were 51% (95% CI: 1.1, 2.1) more likely to have offspring with any CNS tumor and 4.2-times (95% CI: 1.2, 14.9) more likely to have offspring with an ependymoma. There were no statistically significant associations observed between continuous distance to major roadways and ependymoma as well as between the proximity measures and the other evaluated CNS tumor phenotypic groups. Conclusions The results of this large population-based study indicate that mothers who live near major roadways or in areas with high roadway density may be more likely to have offspring with a CNS tumor, particularly an ependymoma.
The American Dream in Vietnamese. By Nhi T. Lieu

Minneapolis: Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, 2011. 186 pp. hardcover, $67.50; softcover, $22.50.
A Contribution to the Botany of the Organism of Blastomycosis

Through the kindness of Dr. Charles A. Powers, I have been able during the past year to study the lesions from a fatal case of systemic blastomycosis, and certain of my observations seem to have an important bearing on the disputed questions in regard to botanical relations of the organism. Briefly, I believe that I have observed the ascus of the organism, and that I have thus been enabled to determine the true botanical position of the plant within fairly well defined limits-limits which, it is hoped, will be still more sharply defined by the results of further observations now in progress. A brief review of the history of the controversy will best serve to define the questions at issue. The first authentic case of blastomycosis was studied and reported independently by Busse' and by Buschke" in 1894-6. In 1898 Gilchrist3 and Stokes reported the first American case. The organisms in these cases presented certain differences, and are probably not identical. That of Busse and Buschke has been assigned to the saccharomycetes by De Beurmann and Gougerot.4 Gilchrist and Stokes called their organism blastomyces because it was found in the lesions as a yeastlike cell which quite obviously multiplied by budding. This term, which has come to be almost universally employed in this connection, was offered only as a temporary makeshift by Gilchrist and Stokes, and is highly objectionable because the presence or absence of budding forms has little or no biological significance, such forms being found widely distributed among the fungi. It has long been abandoned by mycologists, in any save a purely morphological sense; the yeasts, which
Tratamentos jurídicos: os mercados terapêuticos e a judicialização do direito à saúde

This study draw on the struggle of parents of children with mucopolysacchar idosis to access expensive drugs in the name of universal right to health. The work explores how, in Brazil, right-to-health litigation became an alternative pathway to access health care and shows that several public and private stakeholders dispute the judicialization of health. Biotechnology is, therefore, understood to remake human and social worlds as it opens up new spaces of ethical problematization, desire, and political belonging.
An Oxygen Potential Gradient as a Possible Diffusion Driving Force

Oxygen-active elements such as Y, Zr and Hf are added to alumina-forming alloys to improve the adhesion of the external α-Al2O3 scale formed during high temperature oxidation. During oxidation at 1000°-1500°C, many such elements are observed to diffuse from the alloy through the scale and form oxide particles at the scale-gas interface. Once nucleated, the volume fraction of these particles increases with oxidation temperature and time. The continued increase in volume fraction with time suggests that diffusion is not merely driven by a concentration gradient of the oxygen-active elements. Pre-coating with a dense, 1 μm-thick, plasma-deposited alumina layer prior to oxidation did not prevent the nucleation and growth of these types of particles at the gas interface of the coating. The driving force for this diffusion phenomenon is attributed to the oxygen potential gradient across the metal-oxide-gas system and the high oxygen affinity of these elements.
Photonic MEMS Vibrating at 11 GHz

We experimentally observe an opto-mechanical whispering gallery [WG] resonator vibrating at 11 GHz. We use optical electrostriction to drive mechanical vibration at frequencies which scale inversely with optical wavelength, irrespective of device size.
Airway Neutrophil Activation and Protease Imbalance in Airway of Children with Foreign-Body Aspiration

Objective To observe neutrophil activation and protease imbalance in airway of children after foreign-body aspiration(FBA).Methods Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) was obtained through fiberoptic bronchoscopy.The supernatant was assayed for the concentration of neutrophil elastase(NE) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and elastase inhibition capacity(EIC)/free elastase activity using a colorimetric assay.The cell pellet were smeared for the expression of α1-antitrypsin(α1-AT) using cellular immunohisto-chemistry and cytologic analysis by Wright-Giemsa stain.Results Percentage of neutrophil,concentration of NE and the expression of α1-AT in BLAF group,pair group and pneumonia group significantly increased compared with that of control group(Pa0.05),which had no significant difference compared with each other(Pa0.05).The ratio of Lib NE in FBA,par and peumcria group was 30.3%,27.3% and 22.7%.Conclusions FBA induces similar airway neutrophil activation and protease imbalance to bacterial pneumonia.The contralateral airway showes the same change as the foreign body side.
Application of functional analysis methods to assess human-dog interactions

Research on owner-dog relationships suggests that they have remarkable features, paralleling those of infant to parents. In this study, we investigated whether, after being separated, access to the owner would function as a reinforcer for domestic dog behavior. We then conducted a functional analysis to determine the specific functional reinforcer (e.g., owner access, attention). Our results demonstrate that owner access can function as a reinforcer. This has implications for understanding the owner-dog relationship and using owner access as a training tool.
Participant and Household Characteristics Associated With Graduation From the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

Abstract Objective To examine empirically participant and household characteristics associated with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) graduation and to determine whether they differ across 2 counties. Design Survey of EFNEP participants from 2011 to 2012. Setting Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program sites serving limited-resource families in 1 rural and 1 urban/suburban county in Washington State. Participants Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program participants (urban/suburban: n = 647; rural: n = 569). Main Outcome Measure Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program completion/graduation. Analysis Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine associations of participant (ethnicity, race, age, education, pregnancy status, and nutrition knowledge/behavior at baseline) and household (number of people in the house, place of residence, and public assistance services) characteristics with EFNEP graduation. Results Associations were moderated by county. For the urban/suburban county, participants living with more people (after controlling for the total number of adults) were more likely to graduate. For the rural county, participants living with fewer total adults (after controlling for the total number in the house) and those with better food safety practices at baseline were more likely to graduate. Conclusions and Implications This study aids in understanding which participants are more or less likely to complete EFNEP successfully, and therefore can inform strategies aimed at increasing graduation rates.
Prototyping Genre-Based AWE for L2 Research Writing: The Intelligent Academic Discourse Evaluator

This chapter introduces a conceptual design model and demonstrates how this model was applied to a prototype genre-based AWE program — the Intelligent Academic Discourse Evaluator (IADE). I explain how the intended purpose of IADE dictated by the needs of targeted learners and teachers can be realized through a synthesis of the theoretical and operational principles covered in Chapter 3. This complex rationale is a judgmental analysis, which is an important segment of the evaluation argument (Chapelle, 2001) about IADE. The judgmental analysis will further be warranted by empirical analyses in Part II of this volume. I also include here a brief description of two empirical prerequisites — the preparation of training data from a specialized corpus and the development of the analysis engine for feedback generation.
Identification of a novel progenitor cell marker, grainyhead-like 2 in the developing pituitary.

Background: Pituitary stem/progenitor cells give rise to all of the endocrine cell types within the pituitary gland and are necessary for both development and gland homeostasis. Recent studies have identified several key factors that characterize the progenitor cell population. However, little is known about the factors that regulate progenitor cell differentiation and maintenance. Therefore, it is crucial to identify novel factors that help elucidate mechanisms of progenitor cell function in the developing pituitary. Our studies are the first to characterize the expression of Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2), a transcription factor known to regulate progenitor cell plasticity, in the developing pituitary. Results: Our studies show GRHL2 expression is highest in the embryonic and early postnatal pituitary and is localized in pituitary progenitor cells. We demonstrate GRHL2 expression is changed in Notch2 cKO and Prop1df/df mice, mouse models that display progenitor cell number defects. In addition, our studies indicate a potential relationship between Notch signaling and GRHL2 expression in the developing pituitary. Conclusions: Taken together, our results indicate GRHL2 as a novel progenitor cell maker in the developing pituitary that may contribute to progenitor cell function and maintenance. Developmental Dynamics 245:1097–1106, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Drift-Diffusion Studies of Compositional Morphology in Bulk Heterojunctions: The Role of the Mixed Phase in Photovoltaic Performance

Organic solar cells are typically fabricated from a blend of electron-donating and -accepting materials. When mixed, these materials may separate into pure components, but in some cases there may be an intermediate phase of mixed composition at the interface. Using drift-diffusion modeling, the authors reveal that there is an optimal, moderate amount of mixed-phase interfacial region for best photovoltaic device performance, depending on the sizes and morphologies of the pure-phase regions.
Phased array system simulation

Phased array radar system development starts with the design and analysis of the antenna array. While the benefits of phased array systems are great, the corresponding complexity grows with the additional transmit and receive channels [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Large antenna arrays can involve complex designs that include subarrays and a variety of configuration options. Having a flexible system level model that can be used to design, measure and assess the performance of an antenna array before it is built is critical to avoid costly errors late in the design cycle. In addition, design analysis and "what if' exercises can be greatly simplified with the availability of simulation capabilities early in the design cycle. A simulation framework will be described that can be used to analyze beam patterns of the antenna arrays. It can also be used to explore geometry options, element spacing, tapering parameters, array thinning, and steering performance. The framework makes it possible to model failed or imperfect array elements, develop calibration techniques, and assess the impacts of mutual coupling among elements in the antenna array. Additionally, to assess the impacts of phased array design decisions in the context of overall system level performance, a more complete framework for modeling and simulation will also be described by which multi-domain, multi-function radar systems can be designed and analyzed.
Statistical Copolymerization of Epoxides and Lactones to High Molecular Weight

Copolymerization provides a modular strategy for compositional control of structure–property relationships in polymeric materials. However, this versatility is typically limited to structurally homologous comonomers. To further expand the scope of copolymerization in heterocyclic systems, we explored the copolymerization of structurally distinct lactones and epoxides utilizing the classical Vandenberg catalyst. Copolymerizations were conducted between monomer pairs selected from among two common lactones (dl-lactide, e-caprolactone) and four epoxides (epichlorohydrin, butylene oxide, propylene oxide, ethylene oxide). The resultant materials had molecular weights of up to 16 Mg/mol. Reactivity ratios were determined for the copolymerization of dl-lactide and propylene oxide, which were consistent with a gradient copolymer with propylene oxide (PO) being the preferred monomer: rPO = 2.81 ± 0.27 and rLA = 0.36 ± 0.02. The copolymerization between e-caprolactone and propylene oxide was also monitored by 1H NM...
Ontogenetic dietary shifts and bioaccumulation of diphenhydramine in Mugil cephalus from an urban estuary.

Though bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals has received attention in inland waters, studies of pharmaceutical bioaccumulation in estuarine and marine systems are limited. Further, an understanding of pharmaceutical bioaccumulation across size classes of organisms displaying ontogenetic feeding shifts is lacking. We selected the striped mullet, Mugil cephalus, a euryhaline and eurythermal species that experiences dietary shifts with age, to identify whether a model base, diphenhydramine, accumulated in a tidally influenced urban bayou. We further determined whether diphenhydramine accumulation differed among size classes of striped mullet over a two year study period. Stable isotope analysis identified that ontogenetic feeding shifts of M. cephalus occurred from juveniles to adults. However, bioaccumulation of diphenhydramine did not significantly increase across age classes of M. cephalus but corresponded to surface water levels of the pharmaceutical, which suggests inhalational uptake to diphenhydramine was more important for bioaccumulation than dietary exposure in this urban estuary.
Self-Forgiveness and Military Service: Equipping Warriors to Combat Moral Injury

Self-perceived violation of a socio-moral standard can cause military service members to experience moral injury. Sustaining a moral injury is associated with stress-related problems including physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual distress. By applying a stress-and-coping model, we adduce evidence to suggest that clinical application of self-forgiveness promotes the well-being of active duty personnel and military veterans who bear the burden of self-condemnation secondary to moral conflict. While self-forgiveness may be applicable to many military health issues, we explore protective effects of self-forgiveness for personnel at risk of suicide. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
The role of the right superior temporal gyrus in stimulus-centered spatial processing.

Abstract Although emerging neuropsychological evidence supports the involvement of temporal areas, and in particular the right superior temporal gyrus (STG), in allocentric neglect deficits, the role of STG in healthy spatial processing remains elusive. While several functional brain imaging studies have demonstrated involvement of the STG in tasks involving explicit stimulus-centered judgments, prior rTMS studies targeting the right STG did not find the expected neglect-like rightward bias in size judgments using the conventional landmark task. The objective of the current study was to investigate whether disruption of the right STG using inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could impact stimulus-centered, allocentric spatial processing in healthy individuals. A lateralized version of the landmark task was developed to accentuate the dissociation between viewer-centered and stimulus-centered reference frames. We predicted that inhibiting activity in the right STG would decrease accuracy because of induced rightward bias centered on the line stimulus irrespective of its viewer-centered or egocentric locations. Eleven healthy, right-handed adults underwent the lateralized landmark task. After viewing each stimulus, participants had to judge whether the line was bisected, or whether the left (left-long trials) or the right segment (right-long trials) of the line was longer. Participants repeated the task before (pre-rTMS) and after (post-rTMS) receiving 20 min of 1 Hz rTMS over the right STG, the right supramarginal gyrus (SMG), and the vertex (a control site) during three separate visits. Linear mixed models for binomial data were generated with either accuracy or judgment errors as dependent variables, to compare 1) performance across trial types (bisection, non-bisection), and 2) pre- vs. post-rTMS performance between the vertex and the STG and the vertex and the SMG. Line eccentricity (z = 4.31, p In line with our predictions, the findings provide compelling evidence for right STG's involvement in healthy stimulus-centered spatial processing.
The Human Genome Project and Personalized Medicine

The goal of personalized medicine is to use detailed information extracted from a patient's tissue sample to guide the use of individualized therapies to target the specific molecular etiology of a patient's disease. In this article, we discuss the role of the Human Genome Project in enabling studies into the genetic etiology of disease. We discuss notable examples (acute promyelocytic leukemia and non-small-cell lung cancer) where this genetic knowledge has led to improved personalized treatments for patients, in which a targeted therapy is given to treat a genetically defined disease subtype. Lastly, we discuss major challenges to the field of personalized medicine – including the emergence of resistance to targeted therapies – as well as new opportunities afforded by the rapid decrease in the costs of genome sequencing.
Roboteach: An Off-Line Robot Programming System Based on GMSolid

The goal of the RoboTeach project is to provide a tool for programming industrial robots that does not require the use of physical robots, prototype parts, or other production facilities. Instead, the user of the system will program robots off-line utilizing GMSolid to model the geometrical aspects of a robot’s workplace and interactive computer graphics techniques to develop, simulate, and debug robot programs.
Abstract 4090: Generation of a new mouse to model pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia

Of all cancers, pancreatic cancer causes the third most fatalities, and incidence rates of this devastating disease continue to rise. Further, pancreatic cancer presents with the highest incidence of cachexia, a syndrome of weight loss due to depletion of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Clinically, cachexia is associated with increased mortality, poor quality of life, poor treatment responses, and increased treatment complications. Although clearly the best way to prevent cachexia is to address the cancer, pancreatic cancer has proven challenging to treat, with a dismal 9% 5-year survival rate. We believe effective anti-cachexia therapy will improve the care of pancreatic cancer patients, but the development of these therapies will require animal models that accurately recapitulate the etiology of pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia. To improve on the current, non-pancreas tumor xenograft models of cachexia, we generated a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of pancreatic cancer, where induction of Kras and loss of the tumor suppressor Pten occurs in the pancreas of postnatal mice, which we refer to as the KPP model. KPP mice progressively lose skeletal muscle and adipose mass as a result of their cancer. We find that KPP mice exhibit histologic features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and reach endpoint criteria at an average of 107 days of age. Beginning at approximately 75 days of age, KPP mice undergo progressive loss of existing skeletal muscle mass, resulting in decreased muscle function. We also find that muscle loss from KPP mice exhibits a gene expression signature that closely aligns with the gene expression signature in muscle from cachectic pancreatic cancer patients. In summary, we expect KPP mice to serve as a useful model to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of muscle loss in pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia and to evaluate potential anti-cachexia therapies. Citation Format: Erin E. Talbert, Katherine J. Ladner, Maria Cecilia Cuitino, Gustavo W. Leone, Denis C. Guttridge. Generation of a new mouse to model pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4090.
Using Communication Technology to Manage Uncertainty during Organizational Assimilation: Information-Seeking and Information-Giving

This study examined how employees used new communication technologies, including internal and external social media, to manage their uncertainty during the anticipatory and encounter phases of the assimilation process in two different cultural contexts. Based on interviews of Chinese and United States employees, the study explored how they used technologies to address their information-seeking, information-giving, and impression management concerns. Results were surprisingly similar despite differences in the two cultural contexts. In addition to managing uncertainty about jobs, relationships, and organizational norms, employees from both countries were concerned about presenting a positive image by demonstrating normative technology use and appropriate professional–personal life balance in their technology use.
Many-body localization in Landau-level subbands

We explore the problem of localization in topological and nontopological nearly-flat subbands derived from the lowest Landau level, in the presence of quenched disorder and short-range interactions. We consider two models: a suitably engineered periodic potential and randomly distributed pointlike impurities. We perform numerical exact diagonalization on a torus geometry and use the mean level spacing ratio $\ensuremath{\langle}r\ensuremath{\rangle}$ as a diagnostic of ergodicity. For topological subbands, we find there is no ergodicity breaking in both the one- and two-dimensional thermodynamic limits. For nontopological subbands, in contrast, we find evidence of an ergodicity breaking transition at finite disorder strength in the one-dimensional thermodynamic limit. Intriguingly, indications of similar behavior in the two-dimensional thermodynamic limit are found as well. This constitutes a novel, continuum setting for the study of the many-body localization transition in one and two dimensions.
Abstract 034: Resilience of Isolated, Perfused Cerebral Penetrating Microarterioles to Angiotensin II (Ang II) Contractions Depends on Local Generation of Prostaglandin D 2 (PGD 2 )

The brain depends on a continuous supply of blood for its oxygenation, whereas the kidney is over-perfused for its metabolic needs in order to provide sufficient plasma to form a glomerular filtrat...
Hydromechanical modelling of CO 2 sequestration using a component-based multiphysics code

Geologic carbon dioxide sequestration (GCS) is a complex process with coupled multiphysics mechanisms, including non-linear solid deformations and fluid flow. When applying a finite-element method ...
Comparing the clinical success rate of the dorsolateral approach to the medial approach for injection of the centrodistal joint in the horse

BACKGROUND Centrodistal joint injection is an important component of lameness evaluation and treatment. Successful injection is poor for the medial approach. The dorsolateral approach is an alternative but has not been validated with contrast medium. Radiograph-guidance has not been studied to determine its necessity or benefit for either approach. OBJECTIVES To determine if the dorsolateral approach to the centrodistal joint is more successful than the medial approach. To determine if radiograph-guidance is beneficial. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomised study. METHODS Three operators injected 98 centrodistal joints in total, each horse served as its own control. In Phase 1, injections were performed by standard technique. In the Phase 2, operators were allowed to use radiography to assist needle placement. Contrast deposition was evaluated by a single radiologist. RESULTS Without radiographic assistance, 10/25 (40%) joints were successfully injected using either the medial or dorsolateral approach. With radiographic assistance, 19/24 (79%) joints were successfully injected using the medial approach, 11/24 (46%) joints were successfully injected using the dorsolateral approach. MAIN LIMITATIONS The population consisted of aged horses representing a variety of breeds with existing osteoarthritis, and multiple operators were recruited. CONCLUSIONS The dorsolateral approach was equivalent to the medial approach when traditional injection techniques were used. Radiograph-guidance improved success of the medial approach, but not the dorsolateral approach. Many injections performed from the dorsolateral approach (32/49; 65%) resulted in extensive perivascular subcutaneous contrast deposition after infiltration into the tarsal canal. Further research is needed to improve injection success of the centrodistal joint when using the dorsolateral approach.
Characterizing interlayer edge placement with SEM contours

Background: The continuous scaling of integrated circuit requires not only a very good control of the device critical dimensions but also a very accurate control of the device overlay between layers to achieve satisfactory yields. These two critical factors can be combined to a single metric called interlayer edge placement error (EPEinterlayer) that quantifies the process margin necessary to keep a safe separation, extension, or overlap between the edges of a pattern in one layer with respect to another pattern in a second layer. Aim: The purpose of this work is to characterize with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the EPEinterlayer and overlay variances of complex contact shapes relative to a poly layer to assess the contributions of the systematic and random EPEinterlayer. Approach: SEM images of a few etched patterns were recorded sequentially for both contact and poly features at the same locations on the wafer. Then, SEM contours were extracted, aligned, and overlapped to derive EPEinterlayer. One experiment was focusing on intrawafer EPEinterlayer characterization whereas another was studying more specifically intrafield overlay variations. For the latter experiment, systematic overlay errors were added to facilitate the comparison of the SEM-based method with respect to a reference image-based overlay (IBO) method. Results: The earliest direct metrology of EPEinterlayer and overlay in device enabled by this work shows a very high variability of EPEinterlayer and overlay errors across wafer and across field. Conclusions: By directly measuring the EPEinterlayer on devices that are not accessible by the standard method (optical IBO on OL structures), we showed the feasibility of this metrology and observed more dimensional variance in devices than recognized with IBO, thereby enabling better control of device pattern variation.
Shock-turbulence interactions at high turbulence intensities

Shock–turbulence interactions are investigated using well-resolved direct numerical simulations (DNS) and analysis at a range of Reynolds, mean and turbulent Mach numbers (, for weak and strong turbulence, respectively. Effect of anisotropy in the incoming flow is also assessed by utilizing two different forcing mechanisms to generate turbulence.
PICH promotes SUMOylated TopoisomeraseIIα dissociation from mitotic centromeres for proper chromosome segregation

Abstract Polo-like kinase interacting checkpoint helicase (PICH) is a SNF2 family DNA translocase and is a Small Ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) binding protein. Despite that both translocase activity and SUMO-binding activity are required for proper chromosome segregation, how these two activities function to mediate chromosome segregation remains unknown. Here, we show that PICH specifically promotes dissociation of SUMOylated TopoisomeraseIIα (TopoIIα) from mitotic chromosomes. When TopoIIα is stalled by treatment of cells with a potent TopoII inhibitor, ICRF-193, TopoIIα becomes SUMOylated, and this promotes its interaction with PICH. Conditional depletion of PICH using the Auxin Inducible Degron (AID) system resulted in retention of SUMOylated TopoIIα on chromosomes, indicating that PICH removes stalled SUMOylated TopoIIα from chromosomes. In vitro assays showed that PICH specifically regulates SUMOylated TopoIIα activity using its SUMO-binding and translocase activities. Taken together, we propose a novel mechanism for how PICH acts on stalled SUMOylated TopoIIα for proper chromosome segregation. Summary Statement Polo-like kinase interacting checkpoint helicase (PICH) interacts with SUMOylated proteins to mediate proper chromosome segregation during mitosis. The results demonstrate that PICH promotes dissociation of SUMOylated TopoisomeraseIIα from chromosomes and that function leads to proper chromosome segregation.
A common model explaining flexible decision making, grid fields and cognitive control

A central difficulty for computational theories of planning is that the value of an action taken now depends on which actions are chosen afterward. Thus, optimal choices are coupled across states. We argue that this interdependence underlies a pattern of challenges for reinforcement learning models to explain both the brain9s flexibilities and inflexibilities. Building on advances in control engineering, we propose a model for decision-making in the brain that is more efficient, flexible and biologically realistic than previous attempts. It replaces the classic iterative optimization with a linear approximation that addresses interdependence by softly maximizing around a default policy. This solution exposes connections between seemingly disparate phenomena across neuroscience, notably flexible replanning with biases and cognitive control. It also gives new insight into how the brain can represent maps of long-distance contingencies stably and componentially, as in entorhinal response fields, and exploit them to guide choice even under changing goals.
1943 Seasonal changes of gene regions in natural populations

Abstract Populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura are polymorphic for inversions on their third chromosome. Theodosius Dobzhansky (1943) made estimates of inversion frequencies at roughly monthly intervals for three years. These inversions showed marked seasonal cycles. Dobzhansky suggested that different inversions may contain combinations of alleles at multiple loci that make their carriers more fit at different seasons.
Large Fecal Reservoir of Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131-H30 Subclone Strains That Are Shared Within Households and Resemble Clinical ST131-H30 Isolates

Background Emerging antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli represent mainly the nested (fluoroquinolone-resistant [FQR]) H30R and H30Rx subclones within sequence type 131 (ST131). Intestinal colonization and within-household transmission may underlie H30R's emergence. Methods We screened fecal samples from 741 volunteers (383 veterans, 358 household members, including pets) for ST131 and FQR E. coli (FQREC) and used molecular profiling to resolve unique strains. Selected strains underwent PCR-based detection of phylogroups, sequence types (STs), H30, H30Rx, and 53 virulence genes (VGs). Within-household strain sharing was compared with household, host, and bacterial characteristics. Fecal isolates were compared with clinical isolates. Results Colonization prevalence was 5.1% for H30R, 8% for ST131 (67% FQREC), and 10% for FQREC (52% ST131). ST131 isolates exhibited more VGs than non-ST131 isolates. Strain sharing (27% of multisubject households, 18% of corresponding subjects) was associated with the elderly, FQREC, H30R, H30Rx, ST73, and specific VGs. Fecal ST131 and FQREC isolates resembled contemporaneous and historical clinical isolates according to all studied traits. Conclusions Veterans and their human household members commonly carry and extensively share FQREC, predominantly H30R, thereby likely facilitating the ST131 pandemic. Strain sharing corresponds with multiple bacterial characteristics, including FQ resistance and specific VGs, which may promote intestinal colonization and/or host-to-host transmission.
Psychometric Properties of the Outcome Rating Scale: An Item Response Theory Analysis

We assessed the psychometric properties of the visual analog scale (VAS) form of the Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) using item response theory (IRT) with a sample of 2,109 Canadian counseling clients. ...
Adolescent Autonomous Motivation for Physical Activity: A Concept Analysis.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this concept analysis is to develop a clear definition of adolescent autonomous motivation for physical activity (PA) based on all existing theoretical and operational definitions of autonomous motivation noted in the literature. For providers, understanding this is essential to elucidate why some adolescents choose to participate in a health-promoting behavior like PA. Researchers need to identify if they are evaluating autonomous motivation or a different type. Methods Rodgers' Evolutionary Method of concept analysis was used. PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, PsychInfo, and Sport Discus were searched. Results No concept analysis of adolescent autonomous motivation for PA was found. Autonomous motivation may include intrinsic motivation and two forms of extrinsic motivation, integrated and identified behavioral regulations. Defining attributes include being: 1) dynamic and 2) on a continuum. Adolescent autonomous motivation for PA is a personal desire to attain PA because the behavior is fun and enjoyable, or it is an important part of how the adolescent self-identifies. The adolescent views the self as being healthy so maintains a healthy lifestyle; or views the self as athletic so needs to attain adequate MVPA. Conclusion Findings are that an autonomy-supportive environment and positive perceptions of PA are needed in order to have the outcome of increased PA. The information may be helpful for promoting consistency of measurement across disciplines. Future research with adolescents is warranted to examine underlying differences between males and females, by age, weight status, and developmental stage. Practice implications An in-depth understanding is needed for providers who are interested in developing interventions to assist adolescents in regularly attaining adequate PA.
TET1 is a beige adipocyte-selective epigenetic suppressor of thermogenesis

It has been suggested that beige fat thermogenesis is tightly controlled by epigenetic regulators that sense environmental cues such as temperature. Here, we report that subcutaneous adipose expression of the DNA demethylase TET1 is suppressed by cold and other stimulators of beige adipocyte thermogenesis. TET1 acts as an autonomous repressor of key thermogenic genes, including Ucp1 and Ppargc1a, in beige adipocytes. Adipose-selective Tet1 knockout mice generated by using Fabp4-Cre improves cold tolerance and increases energy expenditure and protects against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Moreover, the suppressive role of TET1 in the thermogenic gene regulation of beige adipocytes is largely DNA demethylase-independent. Rather, TET1 coordinates with HDAC1 to mediate the epigenetic changes to suppress thermogenic gene transcription. Taken together, TET1 is a potent beige-selective epigenetic breaker of the thermogenic gene program. Our findings may lead to a therapeutic strategy to increase energy expenditure in obesity and related metabolic disorders.
A prognostic gene expression signature for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract Background Robust prognostic stratification of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is important for developing individualized treatment plans. This study was conducted to develop and validate a clinically feasible prognostic classifier based on transcriptome-wide gene expression profiles. Methods Tumor tissues were collected from 208 OPSCC patients treated at Washington University in St. Louis and 130 OPSCC patients treated at Vanderbilt University, used for model training and validation, respectively. OPSCC patients (n = 70) from the TCGA cohort were also included for independent validation. Based on RNA-seq profiling data, Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify genes associated with disease outcomes. Then, Lasso-penalized multivariate survival models were constructed to identify biomarker genes for developing a prognostic gene signature. Findings A 60-gene signature was identified by RNA-seq profiling analysis. Computed risk score of the gene signature was significantly predictive of 5-year overall survival of the training cohort (Hazard ratio (HR) 28·32, P = 4·3E-41). Subgroup analysis stratified by HPV status revealed that the signature was prognostic in HPV-positive OPSCC patients (HR 30·55, P = 7·0E-37) and was independent of clinical features. Importantly, the gene signature was validated in two independent patient cohorts, including the TCGA cohort (HR 3·94, P = 0·0018) and the Vanderbilt cohort (HR 8·50, P = 5·7E-09) for overall survival. Interpretation The prognostic gene signature is a robust tool for risk stratification of OPSCC patients. The signature remains prognostic among HPV-positive OPSCC patients. Funding National Institutes of Health.
Numérique et santé : liaisons dangereuses

Resume L’hopital est un vaste ecosysteme compose d’un reseau complet d’appareils, d’equipements et de systemes qui necessitent souvent une connexion a des systemes externes, ce qui rend la surveillance et le controle tres difficiles. La cybersecurite doit etre appliquee a chaque etape du processus pour garantir la confidentialite des donnees des patients ainsi que la disponibilite et la resilience des services de sante en meme temps. Les directions, les professionnels de la sante et l’industrie doivent conduire le changement vers un etat d’esprit de securite global plus fort. Il est de la responsabilite de toutes les parties impliquees de participer a la cybersecurite et de s’efforcer au mieux des interets des utilisateurs finaux : les patients.
A study of photovoltaic degradation modes due to dust interaction on Mars

Abstract We explored the utility of ground-based highly accelerated life testing (HALT) on triple-junction coverglass interconnected cells (CICs) after exposure to Mars dust storm conditions. The CICs comprised the triple junction solar cells, a silicone encapsulant bonded to ceria-doped coverglass with an antireflection coating. These CICs were placed in an enclosure and sandblasted with Mars dust simulant to replicate dust impingement. We compared the apparatus properties with measured Martian dust storm parameters from Viking landers. We found that simulated Martian dust storms often result in increased reflectance and decreased absorption at visible wavelengths and subsequent reduced short circuit current (JSC). Reduction in the open circuit voltage (VOC) is observed in select cases, caused by structural damage after CIC fracture. We found that even if there is no observable VOC losses, minority carrier lifetime is reduced. The JSC tends to rebound upon cleaning, suggesting current losses are reversible and unrelated to permanent damage such as cell cracking and subsequent isolation of regions of the cell due to broken busbars. This observation indicates a quantifiable difference between recoverable and non-recoverable power loss, suggesting a permanent degradation could be determined. We compared experimental data to mined field data from the Mars Exploration Rover, Opportunity and extracted a degradation rate. We found exceptional agreement between the irreversible degradation in our laboratory experiments and 4.9 Martian years of mined field data, 9.7% and 9.4% respectively, demonstrating that the laboratory method well represents the physical reality of solar cells’ exposure to the Martian environment.