cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of the biological control agent Rhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on mile-a-minute weed, Persicaria perfoliata, in field cages

A host-specific Asian weevil, Rhinoncomimus latipes Korotyaev, was approved in 2004 for release in North America for control of mile-a-minute weed, Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross (formerly Polygonum perfoliatum L.), an invasive annual vine from Asia. The impact of R. latipes feeding on P. perfoliata was studied in field cages over a 2-year period. In 2006, 20 weevils introduced into cages with single plants in May (when weevils first emerge from overwintering) suppressed seed production for about 9 weeks, while weevils introduced in June (when the first summer generation of adults emerge) did not affect seed phenology. Plants in all cages produced substantial numbers of seeds late in the year, but the average seed (achene) weight was reduced for plants with 20 weevils per plant introduced in May. In 2007, plants grown with some competition from other plants within field cages showed substantial mortality, with 63% of plants with 10 or 20 weevils and 75% of plants with 40 weevils per plant dead by mid-August, compared with 12.5% of control plants. Reproduction was delayed by more than a month in surviving plants with 10 or 20 weevils, and by more than 2 months in the few survivors with 40 weevils. Surviving plants with 40 weevils per plant showed loss of apical dominance, which can allow plants to compensate for herbivore damage, but in the case of a light-adapted vine like P. perfoliata may prevent the plants from achieving needed sun exposure. These results suggest that R. latipes feeding on P. perfoliata has the potential to impact plant growth and reproduction, and can put affected plants at a substantial competitive disadvantage.
Aircraft Drag Reduction-A Review

The paper summarizes the state of the art in aeronautical drag reduction across the speed range for the conventional drag components of viscous drag, drag due to lift and wave drag. It also describes several emerging drag-reduction approaches that are either active or reactive/interactive and the drag reduction potentially available from synergistic combinations of advanced configuration aerodynamics, viscous drag-reduction approaches, revolutionary structural concepts and propulsion integration.
The instability of oscillatory plane Poiseuille flow

The instability of oscillatory plane Poiseuille flow, in which the pressure gradient is time-periodically modulated, is investigated by a perturbation technique. The Floquet exponents (i.e. the complex growth rates of the disturbances to the oscillatory flow) are computed by series expansions, in powers of the oscillatory to steady flow velocity amplitude ratio, about the values of the growth rates of the disturbances of the steady flow. It is shown that the oscillatory flow is more stable than the steady flow for values of Reynolds number and disturbance wave number in the vicinity of the steady flow critical point and for values of frequencies of imposed oscillation greater than about one tenth of the frequency of the steady flow neutral disturbance. At very high and low values of imposed oscillation frequency, the unsteady flow is slightly less stable than the steady flow. These results hold for the values of the velocity amplitude ratio at least up to 0·25.
First demonstration of a retrodirective noise-correlating radar in S band

A new type of RF sensor - the retrodirective noise correlating radar - was proposed just one year ago and shown in theory to have very short detection and acquisition times compared to conventional pencil-beam systems. This paper reports the first experimental results in a two-channel system band-limited around 2.14 GHz. Detection times less than 100 ns are demonstrated out to ranges of about 10 meter. This detection time is found to be limited primarily by the group delay through the transceiver electronics and a single round-trip time through free space.
A Comparative Study of Fat Storage Quantitation in Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans Using Label and Label-Free Methods

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been employed as a model organism to study human obesity due to the conservation of the pathways that regulate energy metabolism. To assay for fat storage in C. elegans, a number of fat-soluble dyes have been employed including BODIPY, Nile Red, Oil Red O, and Sudan Black. However, dye-labeled assays produce results that often do not correlate with fat stores in C. elegans. An alternative label-free approach to analyze fat storage in C. elegans has recently been described with coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. Here, we compare the performance of CARS microscopy with standard dye-labeled techniques and biochemical quantification to analyze fat storage in wild type C. elegans and with genetic mutations in the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway including the genes daf-2 (insulin/IGF-1 receptor), rict-1 (rictor) and sgk-1 (serum glucocorticoid kinase). CARS imaging provides a direct measure of fat storage with unprecedented details including total fat stores as well as the size, number, and lipid-chain unsaturation of individual lipid droplets. In addition, CARS/TPEF imaging reveals a neutral lipid species that resides in both the hypodermis and the intestinal cells and an autofluorescent organelle that resides exclusively in the intestinal cells. Importantly, coherent addition of the CARS fields from the C-H abundant neutral lipid permits selective CARS imaging of the fat store, and further coupling of spontaneous Raman analysis provides unprecedented details including lipid-chain unsaturation of individual lipid droplets. We observe that although daf-2, rict-1, and sgk-1 mutants affect insulin/IGF-1 signaling, they exhibit vastly different phenotypes in terms of neutral lipid and autofluorescent species. We find that CARS imaging gives quantification similar to standard biochemical triglyceride quantification. Further, we independently confirm that feeding worms with vital dyes does not lead to the staining of fat stores, but rather the sequestration of dyes in lysosome-related organelles. In contrast, fixative staining methods provide reproducible data but are prone to errors due to the interference of autofluorescent species and the non-specific staining of cellular structures other than fat stores. Importantly, both growth conditions and developmental stage should be considered when comparing methods of C. elegans lipid storage. Taken together, we confirm that CARS microscopy provides a direct, non-invasive, and label-free means to quantitatively analyze fat storage in living C. elegans.
Relationship Between Polyamine and Ethylene Biosynthesis in Plants and its Significance for Morphogenesis in Cell Cultures

The regulation of somatic embryogenesis in plant cell cultures is a topic of considerable interest, not only because of its potential applications for micropropagation and genetic engineering in plants but also as a prime example of the process of controlled development and differentiation. Therefore, it is not surprising that a vast amount of literature has accumulated discussing the morphogenetic and biochemical events underlying embryogenic development in cell cultures. The complexity of interaction of various chemical factors within the plant tissue and those that are externally applied, has been stressed in a number of reviews (Steward, 1976; Street, 1977; Ammirato, 1983, a, b, 1984; Sung et al., 1984; Raghavan, 1986).
Traumatic perforation of the duodenum

Summary Experience is reported with respect to the management of twenty-nine patients with traumatic perforation of the duodenum. The mortality was 14 per cent. That in twenty patients without pancreatic injury was 5 per cent, and that in nine patients with pancreatic injury 33 per cent. Pancreatitis developed postoperatively in thirteen patients. Serious regional complications, such as duodenal fistulas, secondary hemorrhage, pancreatic fistula, and sepsis, were observed exclusively in patients with associated pancreatic trauma. Primary closure was satisfactory as therapy in patients without pancreatic injury. Closure plus vagotomy, antrectomy, duodenostomy, and gastrojejunostomy is suggested in patients with combined duodenal and pancreatic injury, or severe duodenal injury. This procedure provides maximal defunctionalization of the duodenum and pancreas and, embodying the Roux-en-Y principle, results in diverticulization of the duodenum. Pancreaticoduodenectomy should be reserved for patients with the most extreme degree of trauma to the duodenal pancreatic area.
USING VIDEO TO MONITOR PREDATION AT BLACK-CAPPED VIREO NESTS

Abstract We monitored 142 Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapillus) nests at Fort Hood, Texas, from 1998 to 2001 using time-lapse infrared videocameras to identify nest predators. We recorded 59 predator visits (where at least some of the nest contents were removed or destroyed), resulting in 48 depredated nests. Snakes and fire ants (Solenopsis spp.) were the leading predators, accounting for 18 (38%) and 15 (31%), respectively, of all depredated nests. We also identified a variety of avian (19% of depredated nests) and mammalian predators (11% of depredated nests). Despite intensive Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) removal at Fort Hood, we recorded nine predator visits by females of this species, but only one resulted in nest failure. Although predator visits occurred at all hours, most (58%) took place at night. The daily predation rate was higher during the nestling stage than during incubation, partly due to the apparent inability of fire ants to prey upon vireo eggs. We monitored 435 nests withou...
TWO NEW GENERA OF HYDROPTILIDAE FROM THE NEOTROPICS (TRICHOPTERA: HYDROPTILIDAE: STACTOBIINI)

Two new monotypic genera of stactobine microcaddisflies (Trichoptera: Hydrop- tilidae), Orinocotrichia, and Tizatetrichia, are described and illustrated from Venezuela and Costa Rica, respectively. Keys are provided for males and females of the New World genera comprising the tribe Stactobiini. The family Hydroptilidae has undergone several attempts at subfamily classifica- tion beginning with Neilsen (1948), who proposed the subfamilies Orthotrichiinae, for the genera Orthotrichia and Ithytrichia, and Hydroptilinae, for Agraylea, Oxy- ethira and Hydroptila. Botosaneanu (1956) modified this scheme in erecting the subfamily Stactobiinae for the genus Stactobia and several other related genera, which although not listed probably included Plecthrotrichia, Plethus, and Stacto- biella. Flint (1970) basically followed the plan of Botosaneanu (1956), adding the subfamily Leucotrichinae, for the genus Leucotrichia and a number of related genera. More recently, Marshall (1979) modified the classification first proposed by Ross (1956) and recognized only two subfamilies, the Ptilocolepinae and Hydroptilinae, but divided the latter subfamily into six tribes, the Stactobiini, Leucotrichiini, Or- thotrichiini, Ochrotrichiini, Hydroptilini, and Neotrichiini, which largely corresponds to the subfamily classification proposed by Flint (1970). This is the classification scheme adopted by Wells (1990) in her treatment of the Stactobiini of New Guinea and by Wiggins (1996) in his book dealing with the caddisfly larvae of North Amer- ica, and is the format we follow in this paper. Stactobiini as presently defined contains 10 genera and some 300 species, most of which occur in the Old World, where they are especially diverse in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, and New Guinea. In the New World, there are only three genera presently known: Stactobiella in North America, and Bredinia and Flintiella in Central and South America (Flint et al., 1999). As a tribe, the Stactobiini are difficult to separate from the Leucotrichiini, and both are thought to be early offshoots from the Hydroptilinae (Marshall, 1979). Adults of Stactobiini can be dis- tinguished from Leucotrichiini on the basis of the following characteristics: metas- cutellum narrow and rectanguloid, nearly as wide as scutum; abdominal segment
Data Security

The rising abuse of computers and increasing threat to personal privacy through data banks have stimulated much interest in the technical safeguards for data. There are four kinds of safeguards, each related to but distinct from the others. Access controls regulate which users may enter the system and subsequently which data sets an active user may read or write. Flow controls regulate the dissemination of values among the data sets accessible to a user. Inference controls protect statistical databases by preventing questioners from deducing confidential information by posing carefully designed sequences of statistical queries and correlating the responses. Statistical data banks are much less secure than most people believe. Data encryption attempts to prevent unauthorized disclosure of confidential information in transit or in storage. This paper describes the general nature of controls of each type, the kinds of problems they can and cannot solve, and their inherent limitations and weaknesses. The paper is intended for a general audience with little background in the area.
Hidden symbols

Linking a symbol to the object it represents is a skill that develops gradually over the first few years of life. However, prior work shows that frequent use of this capacity makes it unintuitive for adults to recognize it as a challenge for young children. We hypothesized that this disconnect would manifest in software interfaces designed for young children, such that applications would embed symbols that the target audience would fail to understand. We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 34 preschoolers between the ages of 2 and 5 to assess their ability to work with user interface elements that require symbolic mappings. In particular, we assessed, (1) symbolic progress bars and (2) demonstrations of touch interactions by an on-screen cartoon hand. We found that these techniques are entirely inaccessible for children under 3 and that they require specific design choices to facilitate understanding in children between the ages of 3 and 5. Among a sample of 94 popular apps targeting children in this age range, we found that these symbolic techniques are incorporated into 44% of apps for preschoolers. We further found that embellishing symbolic elements with visual detail, a common practice in apps for preschoolers, increases children's cognitive burden and is an additional barrier to performing the symbolic mappings necessary to use these interfaces. We present design alternatives that make these prevalent user interface elements accessible to this user group. Display Omitted
Abstract B138: The landscape of targetable master regulators and genomic drivers of glioblastoma.

We are experiencing the exciting time of the genome era. For our work this means being able to contextualize the alterations of each genetic network in the natural environment of a specific tumor and identify the key driving modules on which specific tumor subgroups rely for growth, survival and progression. With this information in hand, we can target the critical alterations with specific drugs, often already available for other types of diseases. By focusing on one of the most lethal forms of human tumors, the glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), we have been able to make incredible progress along this line in the last two years. Our recent work led to efficient targeting in preclinical mouse models of the most aggressive gene expression signature of high-grade glioma, the mesenchymal signature. We have identified the first examples of highly oncogenic and recurrent gene fusions in GBM, target their dependency in a particular tumor subtype, and observe dramatic anti-tumor effects. Recurrent gene fusions in GBM result in the constitutive activation of receptor tyrosine kinase genes (FGFR, EGFR and NTRK1) that render tumors addicted to the driver events. Both lines of investigation are maturing towards clinical trials. The integrated computational-experimental pipeline that we developed plus our ability to functionalize any genetic brain tumor module was recently applied to the entire landscape of CNVs, somatic mutations and gene fusions of human GBM. This information will advance our ability to quickly translate each new genetic finding into the personalized context of the clinical setting. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):B138. Citation Format: Antonio Iavarone. The landscape of targetable master regulators and genomic drivers of glioblastoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B138.
The future of memory

Archivists would be overwhelmed if they tried to keep every item delivered to their doorsteps. But what about in the digital world? If technological advances allow us to keep every bit of digital data, should we? How would the resulting proliferation of information affect our ability to make sense of it all? And if we come to depend on this digital record, how can we ensure that it persists into the future? In When We Are No More, Abby Smith Rumsey, a professional historian and consultant to libraries and other memory organizations, explores these questions through the wide lens of human history.
Surface Area and Age in Prenatal Life

In a preceding paper we have given a series of empirical formulae for the relation between the surface area and some of the major dimensions of the human body in prenatal life. These formulae are as follows:S = 0.2808Lch2,278 (1)S = 0.4545Lcr2,401 (2)S = 5.188W0,750 (3)In these expressions S is the surface area of the body in square centimeters, Lch is the total or crown heel length in centimeters, Lcr is the sitting height or crown rump length, and W is body weight in grams.The increase in surface area with respect to age in the fetal period may be estimated by the substitution of expressions for time in terms of body length or body weight in this period. We have done this using the empirical formulae of Scammon and Calkins.1, 2 In these expressions age is given in lunar months (of 28 days) dated from the first day of the last menstruation. These expressions only hold for the fetal period proper (from 3 lunar months to birth).The accompanying table gives the calculated values for the surface area of the ...
Preparation of Thin Composite Coatings by Sol-Gel Techniques

The formation and characterization of thin ceramic coatings is currently an active area in materials science. Specifically, there has been increased interest in these materials as dielectric and optical layers for advanced microelectronic circuitry [1]. This is in addition to their continued use and evaluation as protective coatings in a variety of applications [2]. One method of forming these coatings is via the sol-gel technique. However, only a few papers have been published in this area [3–7]. Dense silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide and various glass compositions have been deposited in thin film form on various substrates. Further, silicon dioxide films, formed by the sol-gel method, have been nitrided in ammonia at high temperatures and partially converted to an oxynitride [8–11]. These films were shown to be highly non-homogeneous, with a predominance of nitrogen at the surface. Despite the desirability of dense uniform well bonded coatings of the nitrided ceramics, i.e. Si 3 N 4 and the oxynitrides, no method yet exists for the formation of nitrides by the sol-gel method.
Rhythm games and learning

This paper extends studies of music cognition to the genre of video games known as "rhythm games" -- a popular, understudied video game genre. In this study, eight Guitar Hero II songs were analyzed and six participants were asked to perform a listening and tapping task. Results suggest that players do not exhibit knowledge of underlying metrical structure.
Thymol-based submicron emulsions exhibit antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum and inhibit Fusarium head blight in wheat.

Aims Fusarium graminearum is a very destructive fungal pathogen that leads to Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat, a disease which costs growers millions of dollars annually both in crop losses and in remediation efforts. Current countermeasures include the deployment of wheat varieties with some resistance to FHB in conjunction with timed fungicide treatments. In this article, we introduce a fungicide based on thymol, a naturally occurring plant phenolic derived from essential oils. To overcome the hydrophobicity of thymol, the thymol active was incorporated into a low-surfactant submicron emulsion with and without a carrier oil. Methods and Results The minimum fungicidal concentration of F. graminearum was found to be both 0·02% for thymol emulsions with and without an oil component. Time-to-kill experiments showed that thymol emulsions were able to inactivate F. graminearum in as little as 10 s at concentrations above 0·06%. Spraying the thymol emulsions (~0·1% range) on the wheat variety Bobwhite demonstrated significant reductions in FHB infection rate (number of infected spikelets). However, with 0·5% thymol, the wheat heads exhibited premature senescence. Transmission and scanning electron micrographs suggest that the mechanism of antifungal action is membrane mediated, as conidia exposed to thymol showed complete organelle disorganization and evidence of lipid emulsification. Conclusion The collective experimental data suggest that thymol emulsions may be an effective naturally derived alternative to the current thymol treatments, and chemical fungicides in ameliorating FHB. Significance and Impact of the Study This is the first thymol-derived nanoemulsion particles resuspended into water and not DMSO, exhibiting the same antibacterial/antifungal activity as previously described thymol and thyme oil treatments. This drastically reduces the environmental footprint thymol will leave if utilized as a fungicide treatment on field crops.
Ending Aging: The Rejuvenation Breakthroughs That Could Reverse Human Aging in Our Lifetime.

“How many healthy, youthful years in total do you think you could add in your life?” (p. 2)This book is a synthesis of ideas whose author purports to save lives and defeat aging. While this is no s...
Childhood/Adolescent stressors and allostatic load in adulthood: Support for a calibration model

Abstract Rationale Past research has established an association between childhood and adolescent stressors and elevated inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in adulthood, but questions remain about the theoretical model most suited to explain this association. Objective This study examined alternative hypotheses from four theoretical models regarding the link between exposure to stressful early life circumstances and cumulative biological risk, or allostatic load, in adulthood. Methods Multivariate regression models and data from a sample of 327 African American women from the Family and Community Health Study were used to test hypotheses. Results Stressors measured during the phases of childhood and adolescence predicted increased allostatic load, irrespective of adult circumstances that might account for this effect. Also, these early stressors conditioned the health effects of adult positive and negative circumstances. Exposure to childhood and adolescent stressors amplified the effect of adult economic hardship on allostatic load and dulled the beneficial effects of positive events and high-quality relationships. Conclusion These findings support the perspective that childhood and adolescence are phases when exposure to adversities possibly enhances vulnerability to biological risk in adulthood irrespective of later life circumstances. Also, the findings are consistent with the perspective that childhood and adolescent adversities calibrate biological risk resulting from aversive and positive features of the adult social environment.
Wavelet filtering in the scale domain

For a given basic wavelet (psi) (t), two distinct correspondences (called C1 and C2) are established between frequency filters, defined in the frequency domain through multiplication by a transfer function W(f), and scale filters, defined in the wavelet domain through multiplication by a scale transfer function w((sigma) ). W(f) is obtained by performing a scaling convolution of w((sigma) ) with (psi) (f)* (for C1) or its spectral energy density (psi) (f) 2 (for C2). For a large class of transfer functions W(f), this relation can be solved for w((sigma) ) by applying the Mellin transform. We call such frequency filters and their associated time-domain convolution operators C1- or C2-admissible with respect to (psi) . In particular, the identity operator (W(f) equalsV 1) is C2-admissible if and only if the wavelet (psi) is admissible in the conventional sense. The implementation of the correspondence C1 is computationally simpler than C2, but C2 can be generalized to time-dependent filters. Applications are proposed to the analysis of atmospheric turbulence data and wideband Doppler filtering.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Lead Emissions and Population Vulnerability in the Detroit (Michigan, USA) Metropolitan Area, 2006–2013: A Spatial and Temporal Analysis

Objective: The purpose of this research is to geographically model airborne lead emission concentrations and total lead deposition in the Detroit Metropolitan Area (DMA) from 2006 to 2013. Further, this study characterizes the racial and socioeconomic composition of recipient neighborhoods and estimates the potential for IQ (Intelligence Quotient) loss of children residing there. Methods: Lead emissions were modeled from emitting facilities in the DMA using AERMOD (American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model). Multilevel modeling was used to estimate local racial residential segregation, controlling for poverty. Global Moran’s I bivariate spatial autocorrelation statistics were used to assess modeled emissions with increasing segregation. Results: Lead emitting facilities were primarily located in, and moving to, highly black segregated neighborhoods regardless of poverty levels—a phenomenon known as environmental injustice. The findings from this research showed three years of elevated airborne emission concentrations in these neighborhoods to equate to a predicted 1.0 to 3.0 reduction in IQ points for children living there. Across the DMA there are many areas where annual lead deposition was substantially higher than recommended for aquatic (rivers, lakes, etc.) and terrestrial (forests, dunes, etc.) ecosystems. These lead levels result in decreased reproductive and growth rates in plants and animals, and neurological deficits in vertebrates. Conclusions: This lead-hazard and neighborhood context assessment will inform future childhood lead exposure studies and potential health consequences in the DMA.
Plastic encapsulated ICs bonding reliability risk assessment at HT automotive application

ICs bonding reliability at High Temperature (HT) application is considered. Namely results of investigations of bond ball lift failure mode category at post HT stresses Wire Bond Pull (WBP) tests for AlAu intermetallic interface at T amb >150degC are presented in submitted paper. Simplified model of reliability risk assessment on the base of impact of such input factors as application temperature, life time, kind of wires, bonding parameters settings, and used mold compound is developed.
Dispatching Cases versus Merging Case-Bases: When MCBR Matters

Multi-case-base reasoning (MCBR) extends case-based reasoning to draw on multiple case bases that may address somewhat different tasks. In MCBR, an agent selectively supplements its own case-base as needed, by dispatching problems to external case-bases and using cross-case-base adaptation to adjust their solutions for inter-case-base differences. MCBR is often advocated as a means to facilitate handling large casebases, or to enable use of distributed case sources. However, this raises an important question: When storage is not an issue, and the entire external case-base is available, is there any reason for MCBR? This paper answers that question with an experimental assessment of how MCBR affects the quality of solutions generated. It demonstrates that for a given local case-base and an external case-base for a task environment that is similar to, but different from, the local task environment, MCBR can improve accuracy compared to merging the case-bases into a single case-base. This improvement holds even if the cross-case-base adaptation method used by MCBR is also applied to the external cases before merging. The paper hypothesizes an explanation of this behavior in terms of the ability of MCBR to exploit the tradeoffs between similarity of problems and similarity of solution contexts. It provides experimental evidence to support this hypothesis, and also demonstrates that MCBR is a useful framework for selecting cases to add to a case-base.
The Family and Community Impacts of Underemployment

The consequences of underemployment do not end with the individual. Families are affected when a parent is forced into reduced working hours. Marital strain, difficulties with children, changing relationships with extended family and friends, and material hardship can all follow from underemployment. Communities also suffer when a plant closing forces an entire group of residents into jobs well below their education level. Accordingly, underemployment may impact crime rates and political participation, and put a drain on both material and social resources at the community level.
Physiological responses in swine treated with water containing sodium bicarbonate as a prophylactic for gastric ulcers.

Maintenance of gastric pH above 4.0 aids the prevention of bile acid-mediated ulcerative damage to the pars esophageal tissue in pigs. One means of doing so is the addition of buffering compounds, such as sodium bicarbonate, to the water supply; however, any potential physiological effect of buffer consumption has yet to be determined. Experiment 1 tested the acute effects of buffer addition to the water supply on systemic acid-base and electrolyte balance in swine (BW 40.7 ± 3.0 kg). Consumption of water calculated to a 200 mOsm solution with sodium bicarbonate for 24 h increased (P < 0.05) blood Na + , HCO 3 -, and pCO 2 , although these effects were all within physiologically tolerable levels. Urine pH and Na + excretion increased (P < 0.001) following the consumption of NaHCO 3 , with Na + concentration almost threefold higher in treated pigs compared with controls. Experiment 2 determined the chronic systemic effects of buffer consumption by measuring blood and urine variables, with pigs consuming NaHCO 3 -treated water throughout. Water consumption increased (P < 0.001) during buffer consumption, although intake levels remained within normal ranges. Blood pH levels were not affected by long-term consumption of dietary buffer; however, blood HCO 3 - (P < 0.05), Na + , and pCO 2 (P < 0.01) increased. Urine pH and urine Na + concentration increased (P < 0.01) in buffer-treated compared with control animals. Results indicate that sodium bicarbonate can safely be added to the water supply for pigs, with no clinically relevant alterations in acid-base balance because the animals readily compensate for buffer intake.
Haptic Interaction for Human-Robot Communication Using a Spherical Robot

We demonstrate a system of adding an additional human-robot communication channel using a spherical robot through kinesthetic haptic signals. While not designed for this type of interaction, we show that the robot could be used to generate kinesthetic haptic signals through asymmetric rotations. These rotations generate pseudo-rotations that are detectable in a user's palm and can convey both rotational and directional information with proper training. We present two user studies that explore potential types of distinguishable haptic signals. While some participants were able to rapidly identify the different signals, other participants expressed the need for more training. We also describe use cases we believe would benefit from such interaction and general guidelines for spherical haptic devices.
Development of self-assembled phytosterol based nanoassemblies as vehicles for enhanced uptake of doxorubicin to HeLa cells.

Abstract Nanoscale supramolecular systems have been increasingly gaining importance as drug release vehicles due to their ability to target tumor cells. In this work, we have developed a new class of nanoassemblies derived from the phytosterol 24-EpiBrassinolide (EpiB) for the development of nanocarriers for the anticancer drug Doxorubicin (DOX). EpiB is a biocompatible cholesterol mimic, and has inherent apoptotic properties toward cancer cells. Thus, by encapsulating DOX within a nanocarrier with innate anticancer ability we have developed a targeting system that can enhance the uptake and efficacy of DOX in tumor cells. The nanocarriers were formed by self-assembly of EpiB. The morphologies of assemblies formed were dependent upon the concentration of EpiB used. While at low concentrations, spherical nanoassemblies were formed, at higher concentration, lamellar aggregates with birefringence properties were observed. Our results indicated that the drug loaded nanocarriers showed diffusion controlled release of the drug, and demonstrated antiproliferative effects, cellular uptake and were apoptotic against HeLa cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, EpiB loaded DOX enhanced both apoptosis and uptake into the cell's nuclei. These supramolecular assemblies may have potential applications for enhancing efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs through passive targeting.
How the Digital is Changing Research and Teaching on Asia

Tools built for scholarship in a digital environment allow us to take more information into account, to share it more broadly, and to analyze it with greater precision. But they also require mastering new skills and making conceptual leaps. The importance of the digital for Asian studies applies generally to the liberal arts as a whole. Digital advances offer us all opportunities for reaching a broader audience through online teaching.
Development of a mHealth System for Post-Stroke Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Medically Underserved Populations: An Iterative Usability Study

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability, with 60% of patients left with some type of permanent physical disability affecting the upper limb. Standard stroke therapy involves frequent one-on-one interactions with therapists over a period of several months, which places a significant burden on physical therapists and clinics in medically underserved areas that struggle with a shortage of health providers and technical resources crucial to the delivery of physical rehabilitation services. In an attempt to improve stroke rehabilitation outcomes in medically underserved areas and populations, we have developed the outREACH system for the delivery of personalized upper extremity stroke assessment and rehabilitation in an individual's home environment. As a part of the outREACH system development, we conducted an iterative usability study based on a mixed-methods approach, using semi-structured cognitive interviews, as well as a demographic and user experience survey. Two iterative usability testing cycles were completed, testing a total of 10 potential users. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the think-aloud tasks, interviews, and questionnaires. Two main usability issues in round 1 were identified with the scheduler module and the similarities between the Home screen and the My Care Plan screen. After applying modifications for the second iteration, there was a significant increase in the average usability score (from 43 to 88%), and a reduction in both the number of errors, as well as the time taken to complete each task. The results of the present study will be integrated into the development, integration, and evaluation of the outREACH system that supports stroke tele-rehabilitation in underserved populations.
Editorial: assessment of 68 Ga-PSMA-11 PET accuracy in localizing recurrent prostate cancer, a prospective single arm clinical study: California shows the way!

The article by Fendler et al. published in JAMA Oncology (1) confirms many previous studies of the prostate cancer imaging agent, 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET in the setting of biochemical recurrence (BCR). Like many before it, this study demonstrates the high sensitivity of PSMA PET/CT and PET/MR for detecting sites of disease in the post-treatment BCR setting. However, unlike almost all previous papers it is a large prospective study (n=635) conducted at two US centers (UCSF and UCLA) with carefully controlled eligibility and quality controls.
Influence of maternal body size, condition, and age on recruitment of four brown bear populations

Recruitment of brown bear (Ursus arctos) offspring into a population is the product of initial cub production and subsequent survival and is a critical component of overall population status and trend. We investigated the relationship between maternal body size, body condition, and age (as a surrogate for gained experience) and recruitment of dependent offspring (≥1 yr old) in 4 Alaska, USA (2014–2017), brown bear populations using logistic regression. Body size alone was our top predictor of the presence of offspring and appeared in all top models. Our data suggest that bear size is the primary driver of productivity across all 4 study populations, with larger bears having a greater chance of being observed with offspring. The effect of body condition was likely confounded by the increased energetic costs of supporting cubs through time and had a negative relationship with recruitment. Age (experience) was positively related to recruitment. Understanding the relative importance of body size, body condition, and age on the recruitment of offspring provides insights into life-history trade-offs female bears must manage as they strive to meet the nutritional costs of cub production and rearing, while minimizing risks to themselves and their offspring. Further assessment of long-term longitudinal studies of brown bears that assess the lifetime reproductive output of individuals would be highly informative to further assess the effect of experience on recruitment and to support the management of brown bear populations for recovery, conservation, sustained yield, and ecosystem function.
Nurses' Attitudes and Practices Related to Sedation: A National Survey.

Background Nurses are fundamental to the implementation of sedation protocols for patients receiving mechanical ventilation. A 2005 survey showed that nurses' attitudes toward sedation affected their sedation practices. Since then, updated guidelines on managing pain, agitation, and delirium have been published. Objective To explore nurses' self-reported attitudes and practices related to sedation and determine whether they have changed in the past decade. Methods Members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses were invited to complete the Nurse Sedation Practices Scale, which measures nurses' self-reported sedation practices and factors that affect them. Item and subscale responses were analyzed, and differences in item responses by respondent characteristics were determined. Results Respondents (N = 177) were mostly staff nurses (68%) with a bachelor's degree in nursing (63%). Nurses' attitudes toward the effectiveness of sedation in relieving patients' distress during mechanical ventilation correlated positively with their intention to administer sedatives (r s = 0.65). Sixty-six percent of nurses agreed that sedation was necessary for patients' comfort, and 34% agreed that limiting patients' recall was a desired outcome of sedation. Respondents with more experience or CCRN certification had a less positive evaluation of the effectiveness of sedation in minimizing distress. Conclusions Nurses' attitudes toward sedating patients receiving mechanical ventilation have shifted in the past decade, with fewer nurses now believing that all patients should be sedated. However, more than half of nurses still agree that sedation is needed for patients' comfort, highlighting the need to consider nurses' attitudes when seeking to optimize sedation practices during mechanical ventilation.
The Development of a Comprehensive List of Risk Factors for Hip Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Delphi Survey

The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive list of risk factors for lower-extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (LE-WMSDs) in the hip. The comprehensive list of risk factors provided information such as specific factors, exposure dosage, and the degree of risk. The development process used the Delphi method that involved subject-matter experts in evaluating risk factors from the literature and adding risk factors based on the expert’s opinion. Eighteen risk factors for LE-WMSDs in the hip were confirmed through two rounds of Delphi surveying. The results of the study suggest that occupational risk factors such as lower extremity postures (i.e., kneeling, sitting, stair climbing, and standing), manual material handling activities, and whole-body vibration with various exposure dosing are risk factors for LE-WMSDs in the hip. The results of the study also indicate the importance of considering worker-specific factors such as body mass index, gender, medical history, and sports participation as another category of risk factors for LE-WMSDs in the hip. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest that the application of the Delphi method offers a possibility for broadening the state of knowledge for an issue such as risk factors for LE-WMSDs.
Three-dimensional mapping–guided permanent His bundle pacing in a patient with corrected transposition of great arteries

Congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (CCTGA) is associated with increased risk for complete heart block. The morphologic right ventricle is at increased risk for pacing-induced cardiomyopathy and heart failure. In this report, we present a case of successful His bundle pacing (HBP) guided by 3-dimensional (3D) mapping in a patient with CGTGA.
Cecal volvulus diagnosed on CT in two distinct clinical settings.

CASE 1 A 55-year-old white female presented to the emergency department in moderate distress with sudden onset severe lower abdominal pain, progressive over twelve hours with a “twisting” character that worsened with movement. She denied nausea or vomiting and reported having a normal bowel movement just prior to symptom onset. Her past medical history included a distant history of breast cancer but was otherwise negative. Her vital signs were normal. Her abdomen was mildly tender at the lower quadrants, as well as mildly distended and tympanic without peritoneal signs. Bimanual exam was normal. Laboratory analysis was non-revealing. A contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis was obtained. The CT topogram (Figure 1) revealed a loop of dilated, stool-filled bowel in the mid abdomen, confirmed to represent dilated cecum on coronal CT imaging (Figure 2). Axial CT imaging (Figure 3) demonstrated a decompressed ascending colon with transition to cecal dilation at the level of a CT whirl sign. The patient proceeded to emergent exploratory laparotomy where a torsed and markedly dilated cecum was encountered. A right hemicolectomy with functional side-to-side end iliocolocstomy was performed. The patient experienced an uncomplicated post-operative course and was discharged on day 5 following the procedure. Figure 1. CT topogram demonstrates a dilated stool filled bowel loop in the mid abdomen (arrow) with preserved haustral markings (arrowhead).
Rectal spacing, prostate coverage, and periprocedural outcomes after hydrogel spacer injection during low-dose-rate brachytherapy implantation

ABSTRACT PURPOSE To analyze the dosimetric impact and periprocedural outcomes with a bioabsorbable hydrogel rectal spacer injected during low-dose-rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy implants. METHODS AND MATERIALS A consecutive series of 80 patients implanted with stranded I-125 LDR brachytherapy seeds were evaluated, of which 40 underwent a transperineal injection of polyethylene glycol (5 cc) in between the prostate and rectum. Same day CT-based dosimetry was compared between patients with and without hydrogel spacer to evaluate for differences in rectal and prostate dosimetry. Physician-reported toxicities were coded with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4. Results Baseline patient and implant characteristics were similar. There were no acute genitourinary or rectal toxicities attributed to the hydrogel spacer. Comparing patients with and without hydrogel, the mean separation between the prostate and rectum was 13.9 ± 5.2 mm vs. 6.5 ± 5.0 mm (p Conclusion Hydrogel rectal spacers significantly reduced rectal exposure to LDR brachytherapy seeds without an observable impact on prostate coverage or periprocedural side effects. These outcomes reflect only LDR implants that used stranded seeds.
Quantum isometries and loose embeddings

Abstract We show that countable metric spaces always have quantum isometry groups, thus extending the class of metric spaces known to possess such universal quantum-group actions. Motivated by this existence problem we define and study the notion of loose embeddability of a metric space ( X , d X ) into another, ( Y , d Y ) : the existence of an injective continuous map that preserves both equalities and inequalities of distances. We show that 0-dimensional compact metric spaces are “generically” loosely embeddable into the real line, even though not even all countable metric spaces are.
10 – Multiple Indicators

Publisher Summary Economists are sensitized to the possibility of hypothetical constructs like permanent income for which actual measurements of income (even if free of observational error) afford only a proxy, owing to the random variability introduced into actual money receipts from time to time by transitory causes. In sociology, this generic problem often is referred to as the problem of validity of indicators. This chapter discusses a few of the issues that arise when an investigator resolves to take seriously the problem of indicator validity. The premise is that there is no general solution to this problem but that it has to be attacked on its merits in connection with each substantive model in which indicator variables appear.
Effect of Current Limiting Device Parameters on TRV

Parallel high voltage SF6 circuit breaker with high coupling split reactor (HCSR) has potential application prospects in large capacity interruption. Short-circuit current interruption test shows that the current sharing performance of the device is good, but the interruption time will be different. The parameters of the current limiter will affect the TRV when the circuit breaker operates. This paper mainly simulates the influence of inductance, capacitance and switching time on the characteristics of TRV. The results will provide reference for the fabrication of current limiter.
Do Deeper Convolutional Networks Perform Better

Over-parameterization is a recent topic of much interest in the machine learning community. While over-parameterized neural networks are capable of perfectly fitting (interpolating) training data, these networks often perform well on test data, thereby contradicting classical learning theory. Recent work provided an explanation for this phenomenon by introducing the double descent curve, showing that increasing model capacity past the interpolation threshold leads to a decrease in test error. In line with this, it was recently shown empirically and theoretically that increasing neural network capacity through width leads to double descent. In this work, we analyze the effect of increasing depth on test performance. In contrast to what is observed for increasing width, we demonstrate through a variety of classification experiments on CIFAR10 and ImageNet-32 using ResNets and fully-convolutional networks that test performance worsens beyond a critical depth. We posit an explanation for this phenomenon by drawing intuition from the principle of minimum norm solutions in linear networks.