cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of patch selection models as a decision support tool to evaluate mitigation strategies of human–wildlife conflict

Human-dominated landscapes offer spatially concentrated and reliable food resources that attract wildlife and lead to human–wildlife conflicts. Conflict management is often directed at humans (e.g., education) to reduce attractants, or foraging benefits to wildlife, or at wildlife (e.g., hazing) to increase foraging costs; but strategies can be expensive and ineffective. Because a key driver of conflict is the pursuit of food by wildlife, we used patch selection models, a dynamic, state-dependent modeling approach based on foraging theory, to assess how benefit reduction and cost increase resulting from conflict mitigation affect wildlife foraging decisions. We applied the patch selection models to a system in which American black bears (Ursus americanus) forage in urban and urban-interface patches and conflicts are common. We used survival as a fitness currency and body fat reserves as a state variable. We incrementally reduced availability of anthropogenic foods (benefit reduction) and increased energetic costs of movement in response to aversive conditioning treatments (cost increase) to search for thresholds resulting in avoidance of human-dominated patches. Benefit reduction ⩾55% in urban patches and ⩾70% in urban-interface patches resulted in avoidance by bears of almost all states. Cost increases achieving similar results exceeded 1100% and 400% in urban and urban-interface patches respectively, and are likely unrealistic to implement. Given modeling results and that control strategies targeting wildlife are unpopular with constituencies, we suggest allocating management resources to strategies that reduce availability of anthropogenic food.
Functional definitions of vocal fold geometry for laryngeal biomechanical modeling

Precise geometric data on vocal fold dimensions are necessary for defining the vocal fold boundaries with respect to the laryngeal framework in physiological and biomechanical models of the larynx (eg, finite-element models). In the mid-membranous coronal section, vocal fold depth can be defined as the horizontal distance from the vocal fold medial surface to the thyroid cartilage, whereas vocal fold thickness can be defined as the vertical distance from the inferior border of the thyroarytenoid muscle to the vocal fold superior surface. Traditionally, such geometric data have been obtained from measurements made on histologic tissue sections. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to obtain reliable data by this method, unless the effects of sample preparation on vocal fold geometry are quantified. Significant tissue deformations are often induced by histologic processes such as fixation and dehydration, sometimes producing shrinkages as large as 30%. In this study, reliable geometric data of the canine vocal fold were obtained by the alternative method of quick-freezing for sample preparation, using liquid nitrogen. Coronal sections of quick-frozen larynges were thawed gradually in saline solution. Images of the mid-membranous coronal sections at various thawing stages were captured by a digital camera. Measurements of operationally defined vocal fold dimensions (depth and thickness) useful for biomechanical modeling were made with a graphics software package. The results showed that geometric changes of the vocal fold induced by freezing are likely reversed by thawing, such that the measurements made on thawed larynges are reliable approximations of the actual vocal fold dimensions.
Money, glory and cheap talk: analyzing strategic behavior of contestants in simultaneous crowdsourcing contests on TopCoder.com

Crowdsourcing is a new Web phenomenon, in which a firm takes a function once performed in-house and outsources it to a crowd, usually in the form of an open contest.Designing efficient crowdsourcing mechanisms is not possible without deep understanding of incentives and strategic choices of all participants.This paper presents an empirical analysis of determinants of individual performance in multiple simultaneous crowdsourcing contests using a unique dataset for the world's largest competitive software development portal: TopCoder.com. Special attention is given to studying the effects of the reputation system currently used by TopCoder.com on behavior of contestants. We find that individual specific traits together with the project payment and the number of project requirements are significant predictors of the final project quality. Furthermore, we find significant evidence of strategic behavior of contestants. High rated contestants face tougher competition from their opponents in the competition phase of the contest. In order to soften the competition, they move first in the registration phase of the contest, signing up early for particular projects. Although registration in TopCoder contests is non-binding, it deters entry of opponents in the same contest; our lower bound estimate shows that this strategy generates significant surplus gain to high rated contestants. We conjecture that the reputation + cheap talk mechanism employed by TopCoder has a positive effect on allocative efficiency of simultaneous all-pay contests and should be considered for adoption in other crowdsourcing platforms.
The LASSO risk: asymptotic results and real world examples

We consider the problem of learning a coefficient vector x0 ∈ ℝN from noisy linear observation y = Ax0 + w ∈ ℝn. In many contexts (ranging from model selection to image processing) it is desirable to construct a sparse estimator $\hat x$. In this case, a popular approach consists in solving an l1-penalized least squares problem known as the LASSO or Basis Pursuit DeNoising (BPDN). For sequences of matrices A of increasing dimensions, with independent gaussian entries, we prove that the normalized risk of the LASSO converges to a limit, and we obtain an explicit expression for this limit. Our result is the first rigorous derivation of an explicit formula for the asymptotic mean square error of the LASSO for random instances. The proof technique is based on the analysis of AMP, a recently developed efficient algorithm, that is inspired from graphical models ideas. Through simulations on real data matrices (gene expression data and hospital medical records) we observe that these results can be relevant in a broad array of practical applications.
Can rDNA analyses of diverse fungal communities in soil and roots detect effects of environmental manipulations—a case study from tallgrass prairie

We tested whether fungal communities are impacted by nitrogen deposition or increased precipitation by PCR-amplifying partial fungal rRNA genes from 24 soil and 24 root samples from a nitrogen enrichment and irrigation experiment in a tallgrass prairie at Konza Prairie Biological Station in northeastern Kansas, U.S.A. Obtained fungal sequences represented great fungal diversity that was distributed mainly in ascomycetes and basiodiomycetes; only a few zygomycetes and glomeromycetes were detected. Conservative extrapolated estimates of the fungal species richness suggest that the true richness may be at least twice as high as observed. The effects of nitrogen enrichment or irrigation on fungal community composition, diversity or clone richness could not be unambiguously assessed because of the overwhelming diversity. However, soil communities differed from root communities in diversity, richness and composition. The compositional differences were largely attributable to an abundant, soil-inhabiting group placed as a well-supported sister group to other ascomycetes. This group likely represents a novel group of fungi. We conclude that the great fungal richness in this ecosystem precluded a reliable assessment of anthropogenic impacts on soil or rhizosphere communities using the applied sampling scheme, and that detection of novel fungi in soil may be more a rule than an exception.
Measurement of Mozzarella Cheese Melting Properties by Helical Viscometry

Abstract A method for measuring Mozzarella cheese melting properties by helical viscometry was developed and evaluated. Test apparatus consisted of a digital Brookfield viscometer mounted on a helipath stand and coupled to a strip chart recorder. The viscometer t-bar spindle was positioned near the bottom of a column of grated cheese and the cheese was melted at 60°C under controlled conditions. Resistance exerted by the melted cheese on the rotating spindle as it was raised through the melted cheese column was recorded continuously by strip chart recorder. Recorder output gave a resistance profile of apparent viscosity in the form of a peak. Apparent viscosity profile was characteristic in both shape and size for a particular cheese, but different cheeses gave different profiles depending on melting properties. Maximum peak height correlated with the capacity of melted cheese to form fibrous strands and the rigidity of those strands. Duplicate determinations of maximum profile peak height for 46 commercial Mozzarella cheeses differed by an average of 9.4 ± 4.6%.
Choosing the best (wo)man for the job: The effects of mortality salience, sex, and gender stereotypes on leader evaluations

Abstract The present research investigated the impact of death-related thoughts on preferences for male and female leaders and tested alternative predictions derived from terror management theory: the stereotype bias effect was predicted to result in a global preference for male leaders (Study1) and a preference for agentic leaders (Study 2), whereas the ingroup bias effect was predicted to result in women favoring female leaders and men preferring male leaders. These hypotheses were examined in two experimental studies wherein participants were presented with a mortality salience or control manipulation and subsequently presented with campaign statements from male and female gubernatorial candidates. Results from Study 1 were in accord with the enhanced ingroup bias predictions: under mortality salience women preferred and voted for the female candidate more so than the male candidate, while men showed the reverse preference. Results from Study 2, which also manipulated gender stereotypic traits of the candidates, support the enhanced stereotype bias effect: under mortality salience female participants preferred and voted for the agentic candidate regardless of sex, and males preferred the agentic male candidate. Results support previous TMT research demonstrating both ingroup bias and stereotype bias processes.
iQueue: a pervasive data composition framework

There will soon be a huge number of data sources accessible to applications across the Internet. These include Web services, personal devices such as cellular phones and cars, and sensors measuring physical phenomena. New classes of data-composition applications can exploit this data. However, the data is diverse, voluminous, and often rapidly changing. The sources of data can be mobile, distributed, and failure-prone. Without system support, applications that use this kind of data are difficult to write. The iQueue data composition framework provides system support for data composition, thereby making the task of writing applications easier.
Packaging consideration for 1 Gbps Si CMOS optical driver

A high speed laser driver circuit has been designed and fabricated with an on-chip decoupling capacitor to prevent output distortion from packaging parasitics. The suitability of a decoupling capacitor with a minimum capacitance of 7 nF was verified.
SiC APDs and arrays for UV and solar blind detection

We report advancements in APDs and arrays using 4H SiC. Novel structures, array designs and specialized read out integrated circuits have been developed towards the realization of UV and solar-blind detector arrays exhibiting appreciable quantum efficiency, low noise and Geiger-mode operation. Discussion will include the design, fabrication and testing of these devices, which may find use in a variety of applications.
Characteristic polynomials of fullerene cages

Abstract Characteristic polynomials of six most favorable fullerene cages for C78, C84 and C90 are computed using quadruple precision arithmetic. The cages are considered in both normal and signed forms. The coefficients of the odd terms in the signed forms of all cages considered here were found to be zero.
The Relation of Moral Theory to Moral Judgments: A Kantian Review

My object in this paper is to show how moralists working in the Kantian tradition go from their general moral principles to judgments in individual cases; and to do so by examining how they would proceed in an exemplary individual case. In an earlier paper [5] I attempted to exhibit the contemporary doctrine of informed consent in medical practice as an example of how moral precepts are arrived at in the Kantian tradition. In now attempting to explain how moral principles are applied in that same tradition, I have chosen an example that is more revealing than any I know of in medicine: President Truman’s decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, its application is universal.
Hierarchical Control of Multi-Domain Power Flow in Mobile Systems: Part I — Framework Development and Demonstration

This two-part paper presents the development of a hierarchical control framework for the control of power flow throughout mobile systems. These vehicles are comprised of multiple interconnected systems each with multiple subsystems which exhibit dynamics over a wide range of timescales. These interconnections and the timescale separation pose a significant challenge when developing an effective control strategy. Part I presents the proposed graph-based modeling approach and the three-level hierarchical control framework developed to directly address these interconnections and timescale separation. The mobile system is represented as a directed graph with vertices corresponding to the states of the vehicle and edges capturing the power flow throughout the vehicle. The mobile system and the corresponding graph are partitioned spatially into systems and subsystems and temporally into vertices of slow, medium, and fast dynamics. The partitioning facilitates the development of models used by model predictive controllers at each level of the hierarchy. A simple example system is used to demonstrate the approach. Part II utilizes this framework to control the power flow in the electrical and thermal systems of an aircraft. Simulation results show the benefits of hierarchical control compared to centralized and decentralized control methods.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
3. Leave of Court: African American Claims-Making in the Era of Dred Scott v. Sanford

This essay examines one such set of cases, free black applications for travel permits in Baltimore, Maryland. It argues that the meanings and interests being negotiated in black Americans’ everyday claims-making extended beyond the local courthouse into Supreme Court deliberations, free African American political culture, the aspirations of Baltimore’s white civic leaders, and even the infra-politics of enslaved people on Maryland’s eastern shore. Moving between the high and low of legal culture, and from the realm of law to those of politics and society, this essay advocates an approach to legal history that highlights the juridical agency of African Americans, while also revealing how their everyday legal dealings played an integral role in the construction of antebellum American legal culture, writ large. The claims of black Americans occupied the center of antebellum legal culture, rather than its shadowy margins.
Staying Ahead of the Digital Tsunami: The Contributions of an Organizational Communication Approach to Journalism in the Information Age

This essay addresses the challenges facing journalism in the information age by advocating for the study of journalism from an organizational communication perspective. The communication field has maintained an illogical divide between journalism and organizational communication scholarship. First, I present an overview of subdisciplinary identities. Second, I argue for an organizational communication approach to the study of journalism and refer to an empirical study as an exemplar of this approach. Finally, I present ideas for future research regarding the study of journalism and these subdisciplines. This approach is applicable to settings like newspapers, television news, and other media organizations. Analyzing journalism from an organizational communication perspective can connect academic subdisciplines and aid practitioners in understanding a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Ultrasonic Acceleration of Glycol Methacrylate Processing of Small Biopsies

Normal human kidney tissue blocks were processed in multiple trials for glycol methacrylate embedding utilizing formalin, acetic acid, zinc chloride, formalin (AZF), perfix or Bouin's fluid as fixatives, acidified 2,2-dimethoxypropane (DMP) as dehydrant, and catalyzed monomer for infiltration on varied tissue schedules in duplicate with and without ultrasonic treatment. Adequate processing was consistently attained with formalin or AZF fixation for 30 minutes, 2 changes of DMP 8 minutes each, and infiltration for a total of 30 minutes with ultrasound. We recommend this procedure for rapid processing of biopsy blocks.
New synthetic analogs of heme proteins

Abstract We have been exploring the chemistry of iron porphyrin complexes as they mimic the O2 binding, activation and hydrocarbon hydroxylation chemistry associated with hemoglobin, peroxidase, and cytochrome P450. To these ends we have synthesized and characterized a novel ‘bis-pocket’ porphyrin, mesotetrakis(2,4,6-triphenyl)phenylporphyrin. This ‘bis-pocket’ porphyrin offers rigid steric protection on both faces of the porphyrin preventing both oxidative degradation and α-oxo dimerization. The O2 complexes of our model compound show remarkable thermal stability; reversible oxygenation is observed at temperatures as high as 60 °C. The effects of solvent polarity on CO and O2 binding show that high polarity favors O2 binding, but disfavors CO binding. Good correlations are found between ΔG° (O2), ΔG° (CO), and M with empirical solvent polarity scales (e.g., ET-30 or π*). Thus, a new means of producing O2/CO discrimination in heme systems is uncovered. These results help explain the discrepancies between other synthetic analogs and the variety of relative CO and O2 affinities of heme proteins. In addition, the steric hindrance offered by the ‘bis-pocket’ porphyrin dramatically increase the oxidative robustness of the iron complex to the presence of a wide variety of oxidants including peracids, hydroperoxides, and iodosoarenes. This provides for the first stable analogs of the high oxidation intermediates of the peroxidases and cytochrome P450. The results of the characterization of the highly oxidized intermediate observed suggest a compound I type intermediate. Studies on the shape selective hydroxylation of hydrocarbon substrates with iron and manganese ‘bis-pocket’ porphyrin will also be presented. Other studies on the Mossbauer spectra of iron porphyrin complexes oxidized beyond the Fe(III) state will be related. Specifically, we have investigated the electronic structure of a series of single atom bridged dimers, (FeTPP)2Xn+ where X = O, N, or C and TPP = meso-tetraphenylporphyrinato. In the series of complexes which are two oxidizing equivalents above Fe(III)Fe(III) dimers, we find that changing the bridging atom from O to N or C shifts the site of oxidation from the porphyrin pi system (as in (FeTPP)2O2+ to the metal, yielding complexes which can be formally viewed as true Fe(IV) dimers [as in (FeTPP)2N+ and (FeTPP)2C].
Nothing succeeds like success? Equity, student outcomes, and opportunity to learn in high- and middle-income countries

A strong relationship between article background and educational outcomes fuels a negative inequality cycle. This paper explores the interplay between student socioeconomic status and educational o...
Using mailed patient reminders to increase influenza immunization rates among older adults in a primary care office.

PURPOSE To examine the impact of mailed patient reminders on the rate of influenza immunizations for older adults in a large family medicine office in Delaware. METHODS In October 1996, all patients ages 65 years and older who were established patients of the Christiana Care Foulk Road Family Medicine Center were sent a mailing urging them to receive an influenza immunization. Medical records were abstracted for each patient to determine receipt of an influenza immunization in 1995, 1996 and 1997. The proportion of patients who received an influenza immunization in the year prior to the reminder (1995) was compared to the proportion who received an immunization the year the reminder was sent (1996). A secondary analysis examined influenza immunization rates in the subsequent year (1997), when no reminder was sent. RESULTS Of the 289 patients in the main study population, 41.8 percent received an influenza immunization in 1995, while 55.4 percent received an immunization in 1996 (p < 0.0001). Immunization rates in 1997 did not change significantly from 1996, and continued to be significantly higher than in 1995. Rates were somewhat lower for persons ages 85 years and older compared to younger groups. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that a mailed patient reminder had a positive impact on influenza immunizations for older adults in a large family practice office. This is a relatively simple strategy that, if widely used, could have a major impact on the health of older adults in Delaware.
Si-Si Bonding Using RF and Microwave Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation ranging in frequency from a few MHz to tens of GHz has been used to volumetrically heat silicon above 1000°C in only a few seconds. Typical power is <1.5 kW. This technique has successfully produced direct Si wafer-to-wafer bonds in only five minutes without the use of any intermediate glue layer. Infrared images indicate void free bonds, and knife-edge tests could not delaminate the wafers. In addition, four pairs of stacked wafers have been bonded simultaneously in 5 min., demonstrating the potential for multi-wafer bonds and high-throughput batch processing.
JAK inhibition in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of kidney failure in many countries today, but treatments have not improved in the last 20 years. Recently, systems biology methods have allowed the elucidation of signalling pathways and networks involved in the progression of DKD that were not well appreciated previously. A prominent pathway found to be integrally associated with DKD progression is the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathway. Increased expression of JAK–STAT genes was found in multiple cells in the kidney, including glomerular podocytes, in both early and progressive DKD. Subsequent experiments in a mouse diabetic model showed that enhanced expression of JAK2 selectively in glomerular podocytes increased functional and pathological features of DKD. Finally, a yet unpublished Phase 2 multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of a selective JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor has been conducted in type 2 diabetic participants with DKD. In this trial there was a reduction of albuminuria in participants who received the active inhibitor compared with those who received a placebo These results support the further study of JAK inhibitors as a new therapy for DKD. This review summarises a presentation given at the ‘Anti-inflammatory interventions in diabetes’ symposium at the 2015 annual meeting of the EASD. It is accompanied by an overview by the Session Chair, Hiddo Heerspink (DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-4030-4).
New Approaches to Osteoporosis Therapeutics

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights some of the emerging, exciting, and most promising therapeutic categories for osteoporosis. With increased awareness made possible by new and more sensitive diagnostic testing modalities, physicians and patients are focusing their attention on novel therapies. We are fortunate that advances in basic scientific research coupled with carefully conducted clinical trials have enriched therapeutic armamentarium. Novel therapies currently under study exploit different targets in the osteoclast–osteoblast remodeling cycle and will provide “fine-tuning” of therapy selection for different patient groups. This chapter discusses data on certain emerging therapies that take advantage of novel pathophysiological mechanisms, even though these therapies are not ready for Phase I studies. In addition, agents that diminish bone resorption and stimulate bone formation have also been included, as well as combination therapies. The latter approach has received enthusiastic attention both in scientific literature and in clinical practice.
Barbara McClintock on Defining the Unstable Genome.

![Figure][1] From examination of instability of genic action at a number of known loci in maize, it is concluded that mutations need not express changes in genes, but may be the result of changes affecting the control of genic action. [B. McClintock 1953][2]. It is with this prescient
Programming language support for analyzing non-persistent data

For safety and security, surveillance cameras are widely deployed. A high percentage of the visual data, however, is never watched by humans nor analyzed by computer programs. Moreover, it is common practice to erase the data after a short duration (say, two weeks) and reuse the storage space. As a result, the data are non-persistent. Non-persistent data presents serious security risks: the unwatched and unanalyzed data may include evidence of security breaches. After the data is erased, it is no longer possible to detect the breaches nor prosecute the suspects. This paper proposes a potential solution to remedy this situation by adding automatic data sampling to a programming language. If a piece of data is marked as non-persistent, the compiler and the run-time system automatically sample and store the data, hence making a small fraction of the data persistent. The samples would allow post-event analysis to detect security breaches that are not detected earlier. The samples, due to the much smaller sizes compared with the original non-persistent data, may be analyzed using more sophisticated computer programs that are unable to keep up with the speeds of data generation.
The management of dog bites

Objective: To review the contemporary management of dog bites with an emphasis on clinical presentation, wound care, microbiology, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and treatment. Data Sources: The published literature was searched by use of MEDLINE (1990-December 2000) and bibliographic reviews of relevant textbooks and review articles. Data Selection and Extraction: Review articles, case reports, appropriate meta-analyses, and relevant textbook chapters dealing with mammalian bites and their management were evaluated. All pertinent information was synthesized and incorporated into the present review. Data Synthesis: The incidence of serious and fatal dog bites has increased because of the acquisition of larger, more aggressive breeds. School-age children and young adults are at the highest risk. Most bites occur on the upper extremities, although head and neck bites are also common. The risk of infection is greatest for crush injuries, puncture wounds, and hand wounds. Infection tends to develop within 24-36 hours of the injury. Complications include osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, tenosynovitis, and septicemia. Most infections are polymicrobial and involve organisms isolated from the skin of the patient and the indigenous oral flora of the dog. Bites should be initially managed under accepted wound care protocols. Wound closure remains controversial and should be reserved for facial and head wounds. Immobilization and elevation are essential for therapeutic success. Prophylactic antibiotics should be reserved for bites at high risk for infection and the immunocompromised host. Whether for prophylaxis or treatment, empiric antimicrobial therapy should be directed against the most common bacteria: Pasteurella spp., streptococci, staphylococci, and anaerobes. Duration and route are dependent on the location and severity of the wound. Conclusions: Dogs remain the major cause of mammalian bites in the US. It is important for clinicians to have an understanding of the contemporary management of dog bites. Good wound care is central to the prevention and treatment of complications. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be directed against both aerobic and anaerobic flora. Careful monitoring is imperative, and antibiotic changes should be made based on clinical response and, if appropriate, the results of culture and sensitivity reports.
Type-Directed Compilation in the Wild: Haskell and Core

Academic papers often describe typed calculi, but it is rare to find one in a production compiler. Indeed, I think the Glasgow Haskell Compiler (GHC) may be the only production compiler in the world that really has a remorselessly strongly-typed intermediate language, informally called “Core”, or (when writing academic papers) the more respectable-sounding “System FC”.
Internet and Thinking

This chapter presents the current debate around the role of the Internet in thinking. It subsequently articulates historical and conceptual faults associated with this debate and describes the symbiotic relationship among technology and humans. The chapter also clarifies what it means to be “smarter” in the age of information and identifies ways in which technology can interact with the human mind to better aid human performance. Finally, the chapter presents the current state of research on the impact of the Internet on processes related to reading, attention, multi-tasking, and decision-making.
EM044, a novel noscapinoid induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells while sparing the normal stroma

A295 In the United States, one patient dies every 17 minutes from prostate cancer with African-American men being 65% more likely to be diagnosed than Caucasian-Americans or Hispanic men. Despite improved diagnosis and early treatment (surgery and anti-androgen therapies); the successful therapy of prostate cancer remains a major unmet medical need. Our laboratory has discovered noscapinoids as a novel class of anticancer agents that subtly attenuate microtubule dynamics without perturbing the total polymer mass of tubulin. This unique property underlies the non-toxic nature of this new class of agents and represents an edge over the conventionally-available anti-tubulin agents in the clinic today (such as taxanes and vincas) that are associated with various dose-limiting toxicities. In search for novel efficacious agents for therapy of this chemoresistant prostate cancer, we have recently screened an array of 14 noscapine analogs synthesized in our laboratory for their anti-prostate activity. Our results identified EM044 as a unique agent that displays a significantly lower IC50 in prostate cancer cells compared to normal bone marrow and prostate stromal cells, accounting for its selective behavior. This novel noscapinoid binds tubulin, inhibits cellular proliferation, affects cell cycle progression at G2/M accompanied by the appearance of a massive sub-G1 fraction, indicative of apoptotic cell death, in androgen-independent metastatic human prostate PC3 cells. Induction of apoptosis was further confirmed by changes in membrane phospholipids, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) and by detection of caspase-3 activity. Molecular mechanisms suggested downregulation of survival signaling as evident by dephosphorylation of Akt. Remarkably, EM044 preferentially targets cancer cells while sparing normal prostate stromal and bone marrow stromal cells in 3D co-culture organoid experiments performed under simulated microgravity conditions in a rotating wall vessel bioreactor. Our results provide compelling evidence for the clinical evaluation of this novel noscapinoid for prostate cancer therapy.
A mutual information based online evolving clustering approach and its applications

In this article, a new recursive evolving clustering method is proposed based on the well-known Gustafson–Kessel algorithm. The novelty of the proposed method involves the adaptation and integration of the mutual information based formulation to accommodate the Mahalanobis distance, which functions as the similarity measure and the unification of the clustering generation and pruning mechanisms. Example applications of the method are also discussed in the areas of data compression and knowledge extraction.
Antepartum fetal heart rate testing: II. Intrapartum fetal heart rate observation and newborn outcome following a positive contraction stress test

Abstract The positive contraction stress test (CST) has been looked upon as a predictor of fetal compromise. On this basis, some reports advise routine cesarean delivery on the assumption that the compromised fetus should not tolerate labor. Other authors advocate selective cesarean delivery, based on obstetrical factors such as the inducibility of the cervix and the practicality of fetal monitoring. Finally, an attempted trial of labor may be allowed on the basis of occurrence of fetal heart rate acceleration with fetal movement, or “reactivity.” The occurrence of “false positive” tests is not infrequent (20 to 45 per cent). The definition of such is unclear and little quantitative information regarding intrapartum performance is available. In this series of 27 patients, a trial of labor was undertaken in 20. Vaginal delivery occurred in 11 (55 per cent) and cesarean section in nine (45 per cent). Fetal heart rate abnormalities thought to indicate “distress” occurred in five patients (25 per cent). The “positive” window or repetitive late deceleration as equivalent to the positive CST was seen in only three patients during labor. A trial of labor should be attempted in the face of a positive CST whenever obstetric factors are favorable and careful intrapartum monitoring can be performed.
Quantitatively predictable control of cellular protein levels through proteasomal degradation

Protein function is typically studied and engineered by modulating protein levels within the complex cellular environment. To achieve fast, targeted, and predictable control of cellular protein levels without genetic manipulation of the target, we developed a technology for post-translational depletion based on a bifunctional molecule (NanoDeg) consisting of the antigen-binding fragment from the Camelidae species heavy-chain antibody (nanobody) fused to a degron signal that mediates degradation through the proteasome. We provide proof-of-principle demonstration of targeted degradation using a nanobody against the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Guided by predictive modeling, we show that customizing the NanoDeg rate of synthesis, rate of degradation, and mode of degradation enables quantitative and predictable control over the target’s levels. Integrating the GFP-specific NanoDeg within a genetic circuit based on stimulus-dependent GFP output results in enhanced dynamic range and resolution of the output...
Patient-Centered Pain Management Communication from the Patient Perspective

Pain management discussions between patient and provider can be stressful to navigate and greatly impact the care received. Because of the complexity, emotional color, and sensitivity of pain management, such discussions require a high degree of skill. To identify patients’ perspectives of patient-centered care communication within the context of pain management discussions. We conducted semi-structured interviews (25–65 min) with patients regarding their experiences with pain assessment and management. Participants: 36 patients (29 males, 7 females), from 3 Veteran Affairs healthcare locations. Participant age ranged from 28 to 94 with pain intensity ranging from 0 to 10, based on the “pain now” numeric rating scale report gathered at the time of the interview. Approach: Interview transcript analysis was conducted using the constant comparison method to produce mutually agreed upon themes. Elements of patient-centered care communication described by participants include judgment, openness, listening, trust, preferences, solution-oriented, customization, and longevity. Patients perceive provider reciprocation in openness and trust as drivers of the patient-provider relationship, thereby enhancing positive, associated themes. Findings highlight the importance of the patient-provider relationship in patient-centered care and offer patient-centered care communication tools for practitioners to utilize, such as solution-oriented messages and communicating trust, especially when interacting with patients about pain.
A label-fusion-aided convolutional neural network for isointense infant brain tissue segmentation

The extremely low tissue contrast in white matter during an infant's isointense stage (6–8 months) of brain development presents major difficulty when segmenting brain image regions for analysis. We sought to develop a label-fusion-aided deep-learning approach for automatically segmenting isointense infant brain images into white matter, gray matter and cerebrospinal fluid using T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. A key idea of our approach is to apply the fully convolutional neural network (FCNN) to individual brain regions determined by a traditional registration-based segmentation method instead of training a single model for the whole brain. This provides more refined segmentation results by capturing more region-specific features. We show that this method outperforms traditional joint label fusion and FCNN-only methods in terms of Dice coefficients using the dataset from iSEG MICCAI Grand Challenge 2017.
Tetracycline desorption kinetics in municipal biosolids and poultry litter amendments determined by diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT).

Abstract Tetracycline (TET) is commonly used to treat bacterial diseases in humans and chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), is largely excreted, and is often found at elevated concentrations in treated sewage sludge (biosolids) and poultry litter (excrement plus bedding materials). Land spreading of these materials is practiced worldwide to improve soil fertility, but the practice raises questions about whether TET could be released to the environment and cause adverse effects. Hazard risks largely depend on the concentration in the solid phase that can be released to the solution phase (labile TET), it’s desorption rate constant, and diffusion rate of dissolved TET in amendments. In this study, these quantities were evaluated in biosolids and three types of litter amendments by combinations of equilibrium sorption-desorption isotherm and desorption kinetic studies using diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) samplers. Results from isotherm experiments showed that TET partitioning was inhibited at the high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in amendments (6–15% of dry mass). Despite low partition coefficients determined at high particle/DOC concentrations of amendments (Kd = 9–46 mL g−1), results from DGT experiments revealed that TET release by desorption and diffusion would be slow and short-lived (
Quantitative Mapping of Vascular Geometry for Implant Sites

In vivo characterization of the complex dynamic forces and repetitive deformations experienced by pelvic and leg vasculature is important to improve the evaluation of safety and effectiveness of implantable interventional devices such as stents [1]. The goal of this study was to use image based geometric modeling and analytical techniques to characterize the vascular deformations that occur with pelvic-hind limb motion in swine.
Carbon Nanomaterials: A Review

The present chapter explored the advancement of research in carbon nanomaterials (graphene and carbon nanotubes), in the areas of synthesis, properties and applications including electronics, field emission, biological and energy applications. The reported properties and applications of these carbon nanomaterials have opened up new opportunities for the future devices and materials. The knowledge presented here should lead to a better understanding of the key factors that can influence the future research directions.
Stem Cells and the Art of Mesenchymal Maintenance

The most promising emergent medical technology of the early twenty-first century is stem-cell therapeutics. Traditionally, stem cells possess two important characteristics: the ability to undergo nearly unlimited self-renewal and the capability to differentiate into many (multipotent/pluripotent) or all (totipotent) mature cell phenotypes. The existence of stem cells and their ability to generate every tissue of the body during embryonic development has been known for many years. Transplant experiments performed in the 1970s, in which single stem cells were injected into early-stage blastulas, produced a chimera of donor and recipient cells in each organ of the resultant animal [29, 47].
Violence as a generative force: identity, nationalism, and memory in a Balkan community

Max Bergholz opens his book with missing information about the 1941 massacre of civilians in the Bosnian town of Kulen Vakuf in the documents produced by the Yugoslav authorities that investigated ...
Quality of life assessment for patients undergoing irreversible electroporation (IRE) for treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

Abstract Background IRE is a non-thermal ablative modality that has been shown to be safe and efficacious in LAPC and liver tumors, but few studies have shown its effects on patients’ (QOL). The goal of this study is to evaluate quality-of-life (QOL) before and after irreversible electroporation (IRE) therapy for treatment of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma (LAPC). Methods Between 11/2014 and 12/2016, patients scheduled for IRE therapy for LAPC were offered QOL questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 V2.0) before surgery and 1,3 and 6-months after surgery. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and effect-size calculations were used in analysis of the 15 modules. Results Eight-four prospective patients were enrolled with a median age of 59.08 years (range 27.38–75.72) all who completed 6 months QOL surveys. Global health status scale showed lower average score at 3 and 6 months(p = 0.001). Symptoms scales constipation and insomnia showed higher averages at 3 months (p = 0.007 and p = 0.003 respectively), while dyspnea had higher average at 6 months (p Conclusions The preponderance of symptoms at 3–6 months, symptom profile, and the use of additional therapy on majority of patients suggests other interrelated clinical factors influenced results (e.g. chemotherapy toxicity). This demonstrates that IRE therapy does not adversely affect QOL in the short term in patients with LAPC.
The weekend effect does not influence management of inflammatory bowel disease

Background The weekend effect describes worsened outcomes due to perceived inefficiency occurring over the weekend. This effect has not been studied in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) despite increasing prevalence in the community. Therefore, our aim is to assess differences in the outcomes of weekend versus weekday management of IBD exacerbations. Methods The National Inpatient Sample database comprises approximately 20% of admissions to nonfederal hospitals in the United States. Complications requiring hospitalization ("flares") were the criteria upon which patient selection was based. A total of 193, 848 flares were identified from 2008 to 2014 using the International Classification of Diseases 9th edition codes. Differences in time to first procedure, length of stay (LOS), and cost were evaluated for patients with flares between weekend and weekday admissions. Results The time to first procedure was 3.33 days on weekends versus 3.19 days on weekdays (P < 0.001). The mean LOS was shorter when admissions occurred on weekends versus weekdays (8.01 days vs 8.22 days, P < 0.001). Finally, the cost of hospitalization was higher for weekday admissions versus weekend admissions ($18 072 vs $17 495, P < 0.001). Conclusion Our results showed a similar LOS and cost associated with the management of exacerbations on the weekend compared to weekdays. While many high-risk conditions exhibit increased mortality and prolonged hospital course over the weekend, this phenomenon does not appear to affect IBD. These findings indicate efficient patient care on the weekend and can be utilized for logistical purposes such as resource allocation and procedure scheduling in the endoscopy suite.
Histological hallmarks and role of Slug/PIP axis in pulmonary hypertension secondary to pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary hypertension secondary to pulmonary fibrosis (PF-PH) is one of the most common causes of PH, and there is no approved therapy. The molecular signature of PF-PH and underlying mechanism of why pulmonary hypertension (PH) develops in PF patients remains understudied and poorly understood. We observed significantly increased vascular wall thickness in both fibrotic and non-fibrotic areas of PF-PH patient lungs compared to PF patients. The increased vascular wall thickness in PF-PH patients is concomitant with a significantly increased expression of the transcription factor Slug within the macrophages and its target prolactin-induced protein (PIP), an extracellular matrix protein that induces pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation. We developed a novel translational rat model of combined PF-PH that is reproducible and shares similar histological features (fibrosis, pulmonary vascular remodeling) and molecular features (Slug and PIP upregulation) with human PF-PH. We found Slug inhibition decreases PH severity in our animal model of PF-PH. Our study highlights the role of Slug/PIP axis in PF-PH.
Hip Arthroscopy for Cam-type Femoroacetabular Impingement

Cam deformity represents a common cause of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome, a disorder that can result in irreversible damage to the labrum and articular cartilage and accelerate hip degeneration. Workup must include a thorough evaluation with physical exam, radiographs, MRI, and 3D CT imaging to appropriately characterize impingement and plan appropriate surgical correction. Surgical management with arthroscopic femoral head-neck osteochondroplasty can alleviate femoral bony impingement and is often performed alongside other arthroscopic procedures to the labrum, articular cartilage, and other sources of impingement including the acetabular rim and subspine. Intraoperative fluoro should be used extensively to identify the extent of the deformity and appropriately correct femoral head-neck offset while maintain head-neck sphericity without over-resecting the femoral neck. We review relevant literature and the senior authors preferred technique for arthroscopic treatment of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement.