cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IL-15 Regulates Homeostasis and Terminal Maturation of NKT Cells

Semi-invariant NKT cells are thymus-derived innate-like lymphocytes that modulate microbial and tumor immunity as well as autoimmune diseases. These immunoregulatory properties of NKT cells are acquired during their development. Much has been learned regarding the molecular and cellular cues that promote NKT cell development, yet how these cells are maintained in the thymus and the periphery and how they acquire functional competence are incompletely understood. We found that IL-15 induced several Bcl-2 family survival factors in thymic and splenic NKT cells in vitro. Yet, IL-15-mediated thymic and peripheral NKT cell survival critically depended on Bcl-x(L) expression. Additionally, IL-15 regulated thymic developmental stage 2 to stage 3 lineage progression and terminal NKT cell differentiation. Global gene expression analyses and validation revealed that IL-15 regulated Tbx21 (T-bet) expression in thymic NKT cells. The loss of IL-15 also resulted in poor expression of key effector molecules such as IFN-γ, granzyme A and C, as well as several NK cell receptors, which are also regulated by T-bet in NKT cells. Taken together, our findings reveal a critical role for IL-15 in NKT cell survival, which is mediated by Bcl-x(L), and effector differentiation, which is consistent with a role of T-bet in regulating terminal maturation.
Design and optimization of vertical SiGe thyristors for on-chip ESD protection

We present extensive measurement results investigating the design and optimization of vertical SiGe thyristors for use as ESD protection elements in RF integrated circuits. Experiments include variations of the anode material, contact geometry, and buried layer, as well as a detailed study of optimal area scaling. RF characterization using S-parameter data is presented.
Using graph distance in object recognition

In this paper the concept of the distance between graphs is applied to the problem of recognizing objects. An unknown object is represented by a graph H and from the data base of possible solutions {G1, …, Gn} (also graphs) we select the graph Gi for which the distance to H is the smallest. The graph Gi is the recognition of H. The distance between graphs is defined in terms of edge rotation and deletion. It is shown that this distance defines a metric on the space of all graphs. The bounds for distance between two graphs are given in terms of their sizes and the size of their greatest common subgraph. It is proved that finding a distance between two graphs is an NP-complete problem even for planar graphs. An algorithm based on exhaustive search utilizing the linear algorithm by Hopcroft and Wong for recognizing isomorphism of planar graphs with some stopping criteria to maintain polynomial complexity, is possible.
A binomial model for the kernel density estimator and related inference

We explore the asymptotic normality of the kernel density estimator (KDE) and show, using both theoretical and empirical arguments, that for samples of realistic sizes, the estimator's sampling distribution exhibits a clearly noticeable skewness that becomes more obvious as the population dimension increases. As an alternative, the paper studies the sampling distribution of multivariate KDEs via a binomial model, an exact solution to improve upon the typically used asymptotic normal distribution. The exact distribution of the estimator is used to construct exact confidence bands about the density function along with several approximations that are more accurate than the classical confidence bands. We also use the binomial property of the estimator to derive a list of different tests of hypothesis about the density function which can be used to obtain rejection bands.
An experimental study of rotating micromechanical liquid O-ring pressure seals

Abstract Shrinking macroscopic concepts of machinery to microscopic scales presentes several interesting challenges. One of these is the achievement of shaft pressure seals on rotating micromachines. This study investigates experimentally the feasibility of using surface tension to create a liquid pressure seal or O-ring. Based on the results of stationary and relative motion experiments conducted at macroscopic scales, the use of surface tension to create a liquid pressure seal or O-ring appears feasible. Although seal instabilities are found not to be an obvious problem and should be less important at microscales, further studies of possible seal instabilities at microscales are essential.
Outcome Measures After Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in men, with half a million new diagnosis worldwide yearly [56]. Prostate cancer accounts for approximately 10% of all male cancers and is the second most frequent cause of cancer death in men [38]. Radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) remains the gold standard treatment for organconfined disease. Presently, most open radical prostatectomies are performed using the anatomical principles described by Walsh and Donker [76] and Walsh et al. [77] which have significantly reduced morbidity and mortality and improved postoperative continence and potency. To further reduce postoperative morbidity and improve convalescence, there is increasing interest in the application of laparoscopy in oncology. Laparoscopy has the potential for decreasing surgical morbidity, postoperative pain and narcotic use, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and improve cosmesis and convalescence from smaller incisions compared with open surgical approaches.
CONSUMPTION OF BAIT SOLUTIONS BY ANASTREPHA SUSPENSA

Abstract Nu-Lure and other protein solutions were presented to Anastrepha suspensa in J-tubes and consumption was quantified spectrophotometrically. In choice comparisons, flies consumed more or equal water compared to Nu-Lure and more Nu-Lure compared to Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, corn steep liquor, NZ case, pepticase, Solulys, soy hydrolysate, Torula yeast, whey, and yeast enzymatic hydrolysate. Consumption of protein solutions was one-half or less than 0.2 M sucrose, the positive control. The addition of 0.2 M sucrose or 0.2 M fructose to Nu-Lure did not increase the consumption of Nu-Lure compared to the consumption of sucrose alone, suggesting that Nu-Lure negates the phagostimulant properties of sucrose and possibly fructose for A. suspensa. If higher consumption rates of a bait/toxicant mixture is a goal, 0.2 M sucrose would be a better choice than the protein solutions tested, including Nu-Lure.
Evolution of the Hoffmann Fixators

Dr. Raoul Hoffmann of Geneva, Switzerland with the collaboration of Henri Jaquet developed the original Hoffmann external fixateur as a system for treating broken bones without necessarily opening a fracture site to reposition the bone ends. This system has evolved to a more flexible, modular concept with input from surgeons and engineers. In this chapter the modifications of the Hoffmann family of fixators are traced and the important steps in the development of the concept and the instrumentation emphasized.
CD18-dependent and L-selectin-dependent neutrophil emigration is diminished in neonatal rabbits

Human neonatal neutrophils manifest decreases in mobility, adherence, and emigration compared with adult neutrophils that may contribute to the increased susceptibility of neonates to infection. In a developmental rabbit model, we show a reduced ability of neutrophils from 1-day-old rabbit pups to emigrate to inflamed peritoneium (3.7 +/- 0.35 x 10(6) neutrophils/mL peritoneal exudate) compared with 14-day- old (8.5 +/- 0.7 x 10(6)/mL) and adult rabbits (9.4 +/- 1.4 x 10(6) mL, P < .05) despite significantly increased blood neutrophil counts. Because the reductions in functional Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) as well as the amount of surface L-selectin are hypothesized to be primarily responsible for the differences in human neonatal neutrophil mobility, we examined CD11b/CD18 and L-selectin in our model. Using flow cytometric analysis we found that similar to human neonates, neutrophils from 1-day-old rabbit pups had 57% of adult rabbit levels of L-selectin and, in contrast with adults, failed to show significant decreases in L-selectin after chemotactic stimulation. In addition, neutrophils from 1-day-old pups compared with adults showed a significantly diminished capacity to upregulate CD11b/CD18 after chemotactic stimulation in vitro, or after emigration to the inflamed peritoneum. Systemic administration of anti-L-selectin monoclonal antibody (MoAb) resulted in significant reduction in peritoneal neutrophils in adult (47%, P < .05) and 14-day-old rabbits (47%, P < .05), but was without effect in 1-day-old rabbits. Administration of anti-CD18 MoAb resulted in significant reduction in peritoneal neutrophil accumulation in all age groups though less in 1 day and 14 day (58% and 65%, respectively) than in adults (91%, P < .05). Only in the 14-day-old rabbits was there an additive effect of anti-L-selectin and anti-CD18 MoAbs compared with anti-CD18 alone (84% v 65%, P < .05). The findings in this in vivo rabbit model support the hypothesis that the previously described in vitro defects in human neonatal L-selectin and CD11b/CD18 may be major contributors to human neonatal inflammatory deficits.
Methods of Correcting Wave Problems in Harbors

The causes of and some of the cures for objectionable wave conditions in harbors are discussed. The use of hydraulic models to determine methods of reducing wave action is illstrated by means of examples. Various methods of solving the wave problems which existed in four harbors are described.
Chronic Morbidity and Disability in the U.S. Elderly Populations

In assessing temporal changes in the health and functioning of the elderly U.S. population, and the effects of those changes on the need to manage pain and its potential psychological and physical consequences (e.g., depression, loss of motivation to maintain physical and cognitive functioning, and nutritional maintenance) in the U.S. elderly (65+) and oldest-old (85+) populations, one has to be aware that the United States has been, and will continue to be, in a very dynamic and unique period of history relative to changes in health and mortality at late ages. For example, from 1960 to 1990, the U.S. annual stroke mortality rate (age-adjusted) dropped 65.2% (from 79.7 to 27.0 deaths per 100,000 persons per annum). At ages 85 and over, stroke mortality rates dropped 55.6% from 1960 to 1990—or from 3,680.5 to 1,633.9 deaths per 100,000 persons per annum.
Evaluation of Gas Turbine Bucket Corrosion Protection Systems Following Long-Time Service in Saudi Arabia

This paper describes the ongoing results being obtained from a joint General Electric/ARAMCO program to improve gas turbine bucket corrosion lives in desert environments involving high concentrations of alkali salts and sulfur-containing fuels. The program has involved the insertion of buckets coated with a variety of experimental or developmental coatings into several General Electric MS-5002 gas turbines being operated by ARAMCO in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Buckets coated by a variety of process techniques, such as pack cementation, physical vapor deposition, plasma spray and sheet cladding, have been evaluated during this program. Service life on some of these coated buckets has now reached approximately 35,000 hr. In general, Pt-Cr-Al pack cementation coatings have been observed to perform well, with the Pt being critical for superior long-time service.Copyright © 1982 by ASME
Integrated Control of Position, Attitude, and Flexible Motion for Satellite Proximity Operations

This paper proposed an integrated optimal control strategy for a servicing spacecraft in proximity operations on a target in space. The relative position vector between the servicing spacecraft and the target is required to direct towards the docking port of the target while the attitude of the two bodies must be synchronized without exciting large flexible vibrations. The control of translational, rotational, and flexible motions is formulated in one unified optimal control framework in which the tracking errors in relative position and attitude, and flexible structure vibrations can be minimized simultaneously using one cost functional. This formulation results in a highly nonlinear system that poses a challenging control problem. The θ nonlinear optimal control technique is employed to design a closed-form feedback control law for this nonlinear control problem by finding an approximate solution to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation through a perturbation process. The closed-form controller offered by this approach is easy to implement onboard especially for this problem with a large state-space. Numerical simulations including the six degree-of-freedom rigid body dynamics and coupled flexible structure dynamics are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of this control formulation even under large moment of inertia uncertainties. -D
Itinerant potters and the transmission of ceramic technologies and styles during the Proto-Elamite period in Iran

Abstract An INAA study of a widely used potters' tool, the ceramic ring scraper, demonstrates that the elemental compositions of these tools are very different from the pottery produced at the sites where the tools are found. These results are interpreted to indicate that Proto-Elamite (3400–2900 BC) potters in Southwestern Iran were moving from site to site through large regions rather than living and working in single sites. The presence of such mobile potters suggests that ceramic technologies and styles were spread throughout the Uruk/Proto-Elamite world, at least in part, by the movements of itinerant craft specialists.
Is long-term survival possible after margin-positive resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS)?

Background/Objectives For various reasons, some patients undergo a gross margin positive resection (R2) leading to a dilemma in care. We hypothesized that there is a subset of patients who have long-term survival (LTS, ≥5 years) after R2 resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). Methods National Cancer Database data from 1998 to 2011 were reviewed to identify patients with RPS who had R2 resections. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to compare LTS with short-term survival. Results Of 12,028 patients, R2 resection rate was 3.28% (4.9% in 1998; 2.5% in 2011). Median survival for RPS with R2 resection was 21 months versus 69 months for those with R0/R1 resections (P < 0.001). Of 272 patients with available survival, 24% (n = 64) survived ≥5 years with 64% alive at follow-up. LTS was most often seen in younger patients (<65 years) with well-differentiated liposarcoma. Chemotherapy appeared to improve survival in the first 3 postoperative years, but paradoxical effects were seen in LTS (Hazards Ratio [HR] 0.69, 95%CI: 0.50–0.95, P = 0.024) in first 3 years versus (HR 2.15, 95%CI: 1.21–3.81, P = 0.009). Conclusion Long-term survival is possible for a subset of patients after an R2 resection for RPS, especially with favorable histology characteristics. Benefits of chemotherapy in margin positive settings need to be investigated. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Petri Net Workflow Model of Requirement Information Management

Provide a reasonable solution of workflow modeling,which is aimed at the problems of business process in requirement information management of native software enterprises.Presents process instance model based on Petri net,and then builds integrated workflow model.According to the mathematical property of the Petri net,provides the analysis and the verification of the result model,and the result is that the model has well mathematical property.Presents the methods of modeling workflow based on Petri net,which is very useful to provide a reasonable solution for requirement information management.
Selected physical parameters as determinants of flood fatalities in Bangladesh, 1972–2013

Bangladesh is vulnerable to frequent and disruptive flooding, which adversely affects the country’s economy and society, and causes fatalities. Because of their recurrent nature and devastating impacts, floods have received significant attention from hazard researchers. However, on a national scale, few rigorous attempts have been made to identify what actually affects flood fatalities. Using a temporal approach, this paper examines the determinants of flood deaths in Bangladesh for the 1972–2013 period. Application of Poisson regression reveals that the extent of the area flooded, the number of people affected by the event, flood duration and frequency, and the interactions of these factors have a significant effect on flood deaths. The study findings may help future flood disaster management in Bangladesh.
Psychometric characterization of the obstetric communication assessment tool for medical education: a pilot study

Objective To characterize the psychometric properties of a novel Obstetric Communication Assessment Tool (OCAT) in a pilot study of standardized difficult OB communication scenarios appropriate for undergraduate medical evaluation. Methods We developed and piloted four challenging OB Standardized Patient (SP) scenarios in a sample of twenty-one third year OB/GYN clerkship students: Religious Beliefs (RB), Angry Father (AF), Maternal Smoking (MS), and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Five trained Standardized Patient Reviewers (SPRs) independently scored twenty-four randomized video-recorded encounters using the OCAT. Cronbach's alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient-2 (ICC-2) were used to estimate internal consistency (IC) and inter-rater reliability (IRR), respectively. Systematic variation in reviewer scoring was assessed using the Stuart-Maxwell test. Results IC was acceptable to excellent with Cronbach's alpha values (and 95% Confidence Intervals [CI]): RB 0.91 (0.86, 0.95), AF 0.76 (0.62, 0.87), MS 0.91 (0.86, 0.95), and IPV 0.94 (0.91, 0.97). IRR was unacceptable to poor with ICC-2 values: RB 0.46 (0.40, 0.53), AF 0.48 (0.41, 0.54), MS 0.52 (0.45, 0.58), and IPV 0.67 (0.61, 0.72). Stuart-Maxwell analysis indicated systematic differences in reviewer stringency. Conclusions Our initial characterization of the OCAT demonstrates important issues in communications assessment. We identify scoring inconsistencies due to differences in SPR rigor that require enhanced training to improve assessment reliability. We outline a rational process for initial communication tool validation that may be useful in undergraduate curriculum development, and acknowledge that rigorous validation of OCAT training and implementation is needed to create a valuable OB communication assessment tool.
Catheter-directed thrombolysis versus full anticoagulation alone in treating proximal iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis

Dear Editor, Venous thromoemolism (VTE) continues to be a major morbid condition in spite of much advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic measures. The incidence of VTE has been reported to be over 100 per 100,000 for some areas in the United States. Understanding the pathophysiology of the condition and the impact on proximal iliocaval occlusive disease has contributed to the improvement in the utilization of therapeutic measures to prevent and/or minimize postthrombotic syndrome (PTS). Full anticoagulation should be the initial therapy for VTE, even though it is associated with higher rate of PTS; the most up-to-date document from the College of Chest Physicians Clinical Practice Guidelines is in favor of full anticoagulation instead of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT). On the other hand, recommendations from the Society of Vascular Surgeons (SVS) and the American Venous Forum are in favor of using CDT with or without pharmacomechanical therapy (PMT) for patients with proximal iliofemoral DVT. Multiple retrospective and prospective studies have highlighted that CDT is associated with significant improvement in PTS and was associated with a better quality of life. Although, many interventionists still use temporary inferior vena cava (IVC) filters before lysis, there is no level 1-evidence that a filter is needed, and it has been suggested that they should only be used in select cases. CDT can be performed with a standard infusion catheter or via Ultrasound Endowave catheter (ECHO); still, there is no recommendation for one modality over the other. In conclusion, CDT with or without PMT is superior to full anticoagulation alone for treating patients with proximal iliofemoral DVT. There is no current consensus to recommend ECHO versus standard Catheter for CDT. This treatment modality should be offered to our patients as long as they have no contraindication to thrombolysis. References
Epigenetic variation within Phragmites australis among lineages, genotypes, and ramets

Epigenetics is likely an important factor in morphological and physiological acclimation, phenotypic plasticity, and potentially ecological dynamics such as invasiveness. We propose that Phragmites australis is an ideal model species for studies of epigenetics as a factor in plant invasions and ecology due to natural clonal replication (controlling for genetic variation) and the co-occurrence of subspecies with distinct life history strategies such as differences in invasiveness. In earlier work, genotypes and constituent clonal ramets were identified using microsatellite markers. In this pilot study, we screened the same ramets for epigenetic variation with Methylation-Sensitive AFLPs (MS-AFLPs), a modified type of AFLP dependent on differentially methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes. We found a significant difference in epigenetic signatures between introduced and native subspecies, and found that introduced P. australis demonstrated more epigenetic variation than their native counterparts. In both subspecies we observed moderate variation between genotypes relative to the higher degree of epigenetic variation found within genotypes (among ramets), suggesting that epigenotype may be more closely aligned with microhabitat than within-subspecies genotype. Finally, we observed potential epigenetic variation by site. This is the first study to investigate natural variation in DNA methylation patterns of P. australis and establishes the baseline in our understanding of the ecological relevance of epigenetics in this species.
Applications of rich measure spaces formed from nonstandard models

We review some recent work by Yeneng Sun and the author. Sun’s work shows that there are results, some used for decades without a rigourous foundation, that arc only true for spaces with the rich structure of Loeb measure spaces. His joint work with the author uses that structure to extend an important result on the purification of measure valued maps.
Cyclin D1 as a Universally-Expressed Mantle Cell Lymphoma-Associated aTumor Antigen for Immunotherapy

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) accounts for 5% to 10% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas and has the worst prognosis among all lymphomas. The hallmark of MCL is a t(11;14) translocation resulting in overexpression of cyclin D1 by tumor cells of virtually all patients. In this study we examined whether cyclin D1 could be an effective tumor-associated antigen for immunotherapy. We identified a cyclin D1 peptide (P101) for HLA-A*0201, created heteroclitic peptide (Py101) for better binding, and generated peptide-specific T-cell lines from HLA-A*0201 + blood donors and MCL patients. After 5 to 7 rounds of in vitro stimulation with peptide-pulsed autologous dendritic cells (DCs), T-cell lines were obtained, which contained about 45% CD4 + and 55% CD8 + T cells. As exemplified by the results of peptide-tetramer staining, the frequencies of peptide-specific CD8 + T cells increased during in vitro stimulation, from 5.7% of specific T cells at fourth stimulation to 19.7% at sixth stimulation. These cell lines proliferated in response to autologous DCs pulsed with cyclin D1 peptide Py101 (but not unpulsed), as measured by 3 [H]-thymidine incorporation and CFSE-dilution assays. These results indicate that the T cells are indeed specific for cyclin D1 Py101 peptide. Moreover, the T cells efficiently lysed peptide-pulsed but not unpulsed T2 cell and autologous DCs, and cyclin D1 + and HLA-A*0201 + human MCL lines MINO, SP53, Jeko-1, and Granta 519, and more importantly, HLA-A*0201 + primary lymphoma cells from MCL patients. No killing was observed on HLA-A*0201 − primary lymphoma cells or HLA-A*0201 + normal blood cells including B cells. These results indicate that these T cells are potent cytotoxic T cells and recognize cyclin D1 peptides naturally presented by patient lymphoma cells in the context of surface HLA-A*0201 molecules. Flow cytometry analysis was used to examine the expression of granzymes, perforin, and Fas ligand (FasL) by the T cells. Based on these results, T cells may kill their target cells via the perforin/granzyme pathways, because they express perforin and high levels of granzymes but not FasL. Two independent methods were used to examine the cytokine expression profiles of the T cells. Upon restimulation with DCs pulsed with Py101 peptide, but not with unpulsed DCs, 11.2% of the T cells expressed IFN-γ by intracellular cytokine staining. IL-4-expressing T cells were very few (0.3%). To detect cytokine secretion, an ELISPOT assay was used to enumerate IFN-γ-secreting cells. After restimulation with DCs pulsed with cyclin D1 peptides, or with cyclin D1 + /HLA-A*0201 + SP53 and cyclin D1 + /HLA-A*0201 + primary lymphoma cells from patients, large numbers of IFN-γ-secreting cells were detected. Taken together, our work identifies cyclin D1 as a potentially important antigen for immunotherapy in MCL.
Terrestrial subaqueous seafloor dunes: Possible analogs for Venus

Abstract Dunes on Venus, first discovered with Magellan Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in the early 1990s, have fueled discussions about the viability of Venusian dunes and aeolian grain transport. Confined to two locations on Venus, the existence of the interpreted dunes provides evidence that there could be transportable material being mobilized into aeolian bedforms at the surface. However, because of the high-pressure high-temperature surface conditions, laboratory analog studies are difficult to conduct and results are difficult to extrapolate to full-sized, aeolian bedforms. Field sites of desert dunes, which are well-studied on Earth and Mars, are not analogous to what is observed on Venus because of the differences in the fluid environments. One potentially underexplored possibility in planetary science for Venus-analog dune fields could be subaqueous, seafloor dune fields on Earth. Known to the marine geology communities since the early 1960s, seafloor dunes are rarely cited in planetary aeolian bedform literature, but could provide a necessary thick-atmosphere extension to the classically studied aeolian dune environment literature for thinner atmospheres. Through discussion of the similarity of the two environments, and examples of dunes and ripples cited in marine literature, we provide evidence that subaqueous seafloor dunes could serve as analogs for dunes on Venus. Furthermore, the evidence presented here demonstrates the usefulness of the marine literature for thick-atmosphere planetary environments and potentially for upcoming habitable worlds and oceanic environment research program opportunities. Such useful cross-disciplinary discussion of dune environments is applicable to many planetary environments (Earth, Mars, Venus, Titan, etc.) and potential future missions.
Defect classification in sparsity-based structural health monitoring

Guided waves have gained popularity in structural health monitoring (SHM) due to their ability to inspect large areas with little attenuation, while providing rich interactions with defects. For thin-walled structures, the propagating waves are Lamb waves, which are a complex but well understood type of guided waves. Recent works have cast the defect localization problem of Lamb wave based SHM within the sparse reconstruction framework. These methods make use of a linear model relating the measurements with the scene reflectivity under the assumption of point-like defects. However, most structural defects are not perfect points but tend to assume specific forms, such as surface cracks or internal cracks. Knowledge of the "type" of defects is useful in the assessment phase of SHM. In this paper, we present a dual purpose sparsity-based imaging scheme which, in addition to accurately localizing defects, properly classifies the defects present simultaneously. The proposed approach takes advantage of the bias exhibited by certain types of defects toward a specific Lamb wave mode. For example, some defects strongly interact with the anti-symmetric modes, while others strongly interact with the symmetric modes. We build model based dictionaries for the fundamental symmetric and anti-symmetric wave modes, which are then utilized in unison to properly localize and classify the defects present. Simulated data of surface and internal defects in a thin Aluminum plate are used to validate the proposed scheme.
Perceptual Motor Programs for the Gifted-Handicapped.

Techniques for teaching gifted children with the clumsy child syndrome are presented. Explained are procedures for assessment of motor problems, selection of activities specific to those problems a...
Predictive filtering in motion compensation with steerable cardiac catheters

Robotic cardiac catheterization using ultrasound (US) imaging catheters provides real time imaging from within the heart while reducing the difficulty in manually steering a four degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) catheter. Accurate robotic catheter navigation in the heart is challenging due to a variety of disturbances including cyclical physiological motions, such as respiration. In this work we compensate for respiratory motion by using an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to predict target motion and by applying the predictions to steer the US imaging catheter. The system performance was measured in bench top experiments with phantom vasculature. The robotic system with predictive filtering tracked cyclically moving targets with 1.59 mm and 0.72° mean error. Accurately tracking moving structures can improve intra-procedural treatments and visualization.
Spectrum of benzo[a]pyrene-induced mutations in the Pig-a gene of L5178YTk+/− cells identified with next generation sequencing

We used Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing (NGS) for analysis of mutations in the endogenous X-linked Pig-a gene of clonally expanded L5178YTk+/- cells. The clones developed from single cells that were sorted on a flow cytometer based upon the expression pattern of the GPI-anchored marker, CD90, on their surface. CD90-deficient and CD90-proficient cells were sorted from untreated cultures and CD90-deficient cells were sorted from cultures treated with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Pig-a mutations were identified in all clones developed from CD90-deficient cells; no Pig-a mutations were found in clones of CD90-proficient cells. The spectrum of B[a]P-induced Pig-a mutations was dominated by basepair substitutions, small insertions and deletions at G:C, or at sequences rich in G:C content. We observed high concordance between Pig-a mutations determined by Sanger sequencing and by NGS, but NGS was able to identify mutations in samples that were difficult to analyze by Sanger sequencing (e.g., mixtures of two mutant clones). Overall, the NGS method is a cost and labor efficient high throughput approach for analysis of a large number of mutant clones.
A Bivariate Hypothesis Testing Approach for Mapping the Trait-Influential Gene.

The linkage disequilibrium (LD) based quantitative trait loci (QTL) model involves two indispensable hypothesis tests: the test of whether or not a QTL exists, and the test of the LD strength between the QTaL and the observed marker. The advantage of this two-test framework is to test whether there is an influential QTL around the observed marker instead of just having a QTL by random chance. There exist unsolved, open statistical questions about the inaccurate asymptotic distributions of the test statistics. We propose a bivariate null kernel (BNK) hypothesis testing method, which characterizes the joint distribution of the two test statistics in two-dimensional space. The power of this BNK approach is verified by three different simulation designs and one whole genome dataset. It solves a few challenging open statistical questions, closely separates the confounding between ‘linkage’ and ‘QTL effect’, makes a fine genome division, provides a comprehensive understanding of the entire genome, overcomes limitations of traditional QTL approaches, and connects traditional QTL mapping with the newest genotyping technologies. The proposed approach contributes to both the genetics literature and the statistics literature, and has a potential to be extended to broader fields where a bivariate test is needed.
Absolute phase determination of second harmonic radiation from an interface

We present a method for performing measurements of the absolute phase of elements of the surface nonlinear susceptibility tensor χs(2) responsible for second harmonic generation (SHG) at an interface between two centrosymmetric media.
Diagonal Quadratic Approximation for Decentralized Collaborative TSO+DSO Optimal Power Flow

Collaborative operation of electricity transmission and distribution systems improves the economy and reliability of the entire power system. However, this is a challenging problem given that transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution system operators (DSOs) are autonomous entities that are unwilling to reveal their commercially sensitive information. This paper presents a decentralized decision-making algorithm for collaborative TSO+DSO optimal power flow (OPF) implementation. The proposed algorithm is based on analytical target cascading for multilevel hierarchical optimization in complex engineering systems. A local OPF is formulated for each TSO/DSO taking into consideration interactions between the transmission and distribution systems while respecting autonomy and information privacy of TSO and DSOs. The local OPF of TSO is solved in the upper-level of hierarchy, and the local OPFs of DSOs are handled in the lower-level. A diagonal quadratic approximation (DQA) and a truncated DQA are presented to develop iterative coordination strategies in which all local OPFs are solved in a parallel manner with no need for a central coordinator. This parallel implementation significantly enhances computations efficiency of the algorithm. The proposed collaborative TSO+DSO OPF is evaluated using a 6-bus and the IEEE 118-bus test systems, and promising results are obtained.
Isolated orbital mass as the primary presentation of a triple-hit lymphoma transformed from a systemic follicular lymphoma.

Abstract Purpose Triple-hit lymphoma is a highly aggressive B-cell lymphoma. We report a case of triple-hit lymphoma transformed from systemic follicular lymphoma (FL) after 9-year remission and presented primarily as an isolated orbital mass without systemic symptoms or lymphadenopathy. Observations A 58-year-old female presented with intermittent vertical binocular diplopia, left upper eyelid swelling and pain and was found to have a 2.9 cm orbital mass. Histological section revealed a CD10-positive large B-cell lymphoma, consistent with transformation of FL. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis demonstrated rearrangements involving C-MYC, BCL-2 and BCL-6 genes, indicating a high grade, triple-hit lymphoma. Conclusions and importance Triple-hit lymphoma transformed from a low-grade lymphoma may initially present as an isolated orbital mass without systemic evidence of transformation. Early recognition of double or triple-hit lymphomas is important since these patients require aggressive chemotherapy.
Cytokine alterations in first-episode schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: relationships to brain structure and symptoms

Over the past 30 years, evidence has been accumulating for an immunological component to schizophrenia etiology, including genetic links to the major histocompatibility complex, microglia activation, and dysregulated cytokine profiles. However, the degree of similarity in cytokine profiles for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as the relationship between cytokine levels and brain structure, is less well understood. To address this, we recruited 69 first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum patients, 16 first-episode bipolar patients with psychotic features, and 53 healthy controls, from the UC Davis EDAPT clinic. Blood plasma was collected and analyzed for all participants with a subset of participants that also underwent structural MRI on a 1.5T GE scanner. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and interferon (IFN)-γ were elevated in schizophrenia patients compared to those in controls. Patients with bipolar disorder had elevated plasma IL-10 levels compared to controls, and the two patient groups did not differ significantly on any immunological measure. Percent whole-brain gray matter was inversely correlated with IFN-γ and IL-12 levels in patients with schizophrenia, with a trend relationship between IFN-γ and IL-12 and prefrontal cortical thickness. Furthermore, psychotic symptoms were positively related to IL-1β levels in individuals with schizophrenia. These data suggest a partially overlapping pattern of elevated blood cytokine levels in patients with first-episode schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with psychotic features. Furthermore, our findings suggest that elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines may be particularly involved in schizophrenia etiology, given evidence of cytokine-related decreases in total gray matter.
A note on multiplicative uncertainty and shareholders’ unanimity

Abstract In economies with production under uncertainty in which firms invest capital (possibly many types) ex-ante and employ labor (possibly many types) ex-post, we provide an extension of the multiplicative technological uncertainty model of Diamond (1967) that allows for both technological and price uncertainty. This multiplicative uncertainty property is shown to hold if and only if the production functions display Constant Return to Scale with respect to some capital aggregator and the labor inputs. The result extends the rationale for shareholders’ unanimity and for the objective of (net) value maximization to a large class of incomplete market economies.
Kindling: A Pathologic Activity-Driven Structural and Functional Plasticity in Mature Brain

Neuroscientists and clinicians are familiar with the idea that physiologic activity is required for stabilization of neuronal connections during development of the mammalian nervous system. Probably the best example is the requirement for physiologic activity in the normal development of the visual system. Hubel and Wiesel1 demonstrated that suturing an eyelid early in life dramatically modified ocular dominance column formation: neurons in the visual cortex that would normally have been driven by both eyes now were driven only by the eye that remained open. These and related findings led to recognition of the cause of diminished vision in children with strabismus and to treatments which encouraged use of both eyes.
Structural Studies of Ribonuclease P

RNase P is a universal ribozyme involved in RNA processing, in particular the maturation of the 5′ end of tRNA. Unlike most naturally occurring ribozymes, it recognizes and cleaves its substrate in trans and is capable of multiple turnovers. RNase P is a ribonucleoprotein complex containing one RNA subunit and as few as one protein subunit. The RNA subunit alone can support catalysis in vitro. In recent years, structures of the specificity domain and of the entire RNA component of RNase P from two different bacteria have been described and provide the first atomic level information on the structure of the RNA component. Structures of the protein component of different bacteria as well as the structures of several of the protein components of archaeal organisms have also been elucidated. Despite all these structural studies of the RNA component and the protein components, the catalytic mechanism of action and the way RNase P recognizes its substrate are still not fully understood at the atomic level. Nevertheless, all these structures start to provide an atomic level understanding of the architecture of RNase P and help to clarifying the relationships between RNase P from all organisms.
Her own hero: the origin of the women’s self-defense movement

Current historical narratives of the sport reveal how the women’s self-defence movement has been transmitted around the globe, being utilised and reimagined by women of various cultures seeking emp...
Habitat associations and abundance of a range-restricted specialist, the Cassia Crossbill (Loxia sinesciuris)

ABSTRACT The recently discovered Cassia Crossbill (Loxia sinesciuris) occurs only in 2 small, isolated mountain ranges in southern Idaho, USA: the South Hills and the Albion Mountains. The species faces 2 major threats from climate change related to its reliance on seeds of Rocky Mountain lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta latifolia). First, increased numbers of hot summer days (≥32°C) since 2003 apparently caused premature cone opening and seed shedding, leading to reduced seed availability and an 80% decline in Cassia Crossbill densities between 2003 and 2011. Second, climate change is predicted to prevent recruitment and could potentially cause the extirpation of lodgepole pine from the South Hills and Albion Mountains by 2080. This extirpation would cause the extinction of Cassia Crossbills, because they are unable to compete for lodgepole pine seeds elsewhere. Although recent summers with fewer hot days have allowed Cassia Crossbills to recover, determining their status will require using density across ...
The impact of genetic counseling on patients' knowledge about tumor genomic profiling.

1592Background: Molecular testing is increasingly being integrated into cancer management. However, despite rapid advancements in this area, little work has been done to explore strategies for comm...
Infants' Biological Sensitivity to the Effects of Maternal Social Support: Evidence Among Mexican American Families.

The identification of infants who are most susceptible to both negative and positive social environments is critical for understanding early behavioral development. This study longitudinally assessed the interactive effects of infant vagal tone (respiratory sinus arrhythmia; RSA) and maternal social support on behavioral problems and competence among 322 low-income Mexican American mother-infant dyads (infants: 54.1% female) and explored sex differences. Infant RSA was calculated from resting HR data at 6 weeks of age. Mothers reported on general social support, partner support, and family support at 6 months, and infant behavioral problems and competence at 1 year. Two-way interactions (RSA × support source) were evaluated to predict behavioral problems and competence, adjusting for covariates. Results indicated higher competence among infants with lower RSA whose mothers reported higher general support or higher partner support. Interactive effects on behavior problems of RSA with maternal partner or family support were only found for female infants: Girls with higher RSA showed more behavior problems when mothers reported low support, but fewer problem levels in the context of high support. Our results suggest that infant RSA is an important moderator of the effects of the early social environment on early development.
Multivariate survival analysis of merkel cell carcinoma in Florida adults: An analysis from a population-based cancer data registry (1981-2009).

e20024 Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon yet highly aggressive neuroendocrine neoplasm of the skin. Incidence of MCC has increased over the past few decades. We report sociodem...
Imaging atherosclerosis with F18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography: What are we actually seeing?

Coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Despite advances in diagnostic imaging and therapy, identification of patients at risk remains challenging. Anatomical imaging of luminal narrowing and determination of plaque size alone have proven to be inadequate ([1][1]). In
Introduction: The Paradox of Subjectivity and the Naturalization of Theory

This chapter establishes both the intellectual history of Judith Butler’s theory of performativity and the main conflict in how that concept has been applied to Elizabeth Gaskell’s fiction, using J. Hillis Miller’s formulation of the “cheerful hypothesis” versus the “gloomy hypothesis.” The chapter provides a history of the concept of performativity beginning with J.L. Austin, and a detailed analysis of Butler’s Gender Trouble and Bodies That Matter. The central paradox of Butler’s theory is the way that it depicts people as being wholly constructed and compelled to “perform” their roles by discourses, and yet also able to “resignify” those discourses through failed performances. When critics apply Butler, they generally choose to emphasize only the cheerful side of this paradox. The chapter illustrates this tendency by a survey of criticism applying Butler to nineteenth-century literature in general and to Gaskell in particular.
Future Directions in the Field of Cornea

Forecasting the future is always risky, as the major forces that mold it, including in the sciences, are nearly always unpredictable. Nevertheless, as we critically assess recent developments in our field, as well as nascent areas that are at the very cutting edge of corneal science, several areas appear ripe for molding the next transformations in our field. This chapter will be a short review of these areas.
The Role of Land in Temperate and Tropical Agriculture

We document differences in the elasticity of agricultural output with respect to land in temperate and tropical regions. We estimate this elasticity from the relationship of rural labour/land ratios and agroclimatic constraints using global district‐level data. We find that the elasticity in temperate areas (0.285) is higher than in the tropics (0.126), and that this is not an artefact of the level of development. The land elasticity influences the degree of decreasing returns to labour and capital in agriculture, and thus how sensitive living standards are to shocks in productivity and population. Evidence from the postwar mortality transition supports this prediction.
A leader-follower model for discrete competitive facility location

In this paper we investigate a leader-follower (Stackelberg equilibrium) competitive location model. The competitive model is based on the concept of cover. Each facility attracts consumers within a "sphere of influence" defined by a "radius of influence." The leader and the follower, each has a budget to be spent on the expansion of their chains either by improving their existing facilities or constructing new ones. We find the best strategy for the leader assuming that the follower, knowing the action taken by the leader, will react by investing his budget to maximize his market share. The objective of the leader is to maximize his market share following the follower's reaction. HighlightsThe leader-follower competitive location problem is investigated.The follower's problem is optimally solved by a branch and bound algorithm.An effective tabu search algorithm is designed for the solution of the leader's problem.Result: the main source of extra market share is obtained by attracting new customers.