cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knee Joint Immobilization Decreases Aggrecan Gene Expression in the Meniscus

Aggrecan is the major proteoglycan of the meniscus, and its primary function is to give the meniscus its viscoelastic compressive properties. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of joint immobilization on aggrecan gene expression in the meniscus. The right hindlimbs of six mature beagles were knee cast-immobilized in 90 degrees of flexion and supported by a sling to prevent weightbearing, while the contralateral limb was left free to bear weight. The animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks, and the anterior and posterior halves of the medial and lateral menisci were analyzed separately. Analysis of aggrecan gene expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed decreased aggrecan gene expression in menisci from immobilized knees (P < 0.01, two-way analysis of variance). Aggrecan gene expression decreased by a factor of 2 to 5.5 in the different regions examined. Analysis of the composition of the meniscus also showed decreased proteoglycan content and increased water content with immobilization (P < 0.05, two-way analysis of variance). These results show that joint immobilization can significantly affect meniscal cellular activity and composition and can therefore potentially affect meniscal function.
Conceptualizing inequality and risk

Economists and finance researchers have long recognized the “close relation between the measurement of inequality and the measurement of risk” (Breitmeyer et al., 2004). Economists today agree that...
Nanotechnology Development and Utilization: A Primer for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologists

The term nanotechnology refers to the design, creation, and manipulation of structures on the nanometer scale. Much of the ongoing research and development of nanotechnology is focused on the development of novel methods of imaging and delivery of therapeutics through minimally invasive means. Multifunctional nanoparticles offer great promise for molecular imaging and directing novel therapeutics to molecular targets, which was never before possible. Nanoparticle-based contrast agents have been developed for all imaging modalities. A rapidly increasing number of companies and government funding initiatives have led to a large number of novel agents in various stages of development, ranging from in vitro and in vivo animal studies to clinical use. However, barriers to the delivery of nanoparticles for tumor imaging and therapy exist. Interventional radiologists may circumvent these barriers by using imaging to guide delivery of nanoparticles.
Identifying hypermethylated CpG islands using a quantile regression model

DNA methylation has been shown to play an important role in the silencing of tumor suppressor genes in various tumor types. In order to have a system-wide understanding of the methylation changes that occur in tumors, we have developed a differential methylation hybridization (DMH) protocol that can simultaneously assay the methylation status of all known CpG islands (CGIs) using microarray technologies. A large percentage of signals obtained from microarrays can be attributed to various measurable and unmeasurable confounding factors unrelated to the biological question at hand. In order to correct the bias due to noise, we first implemented a quantile regression model, with a quantile level equal to 75%, to identify hypermethylated CGIs in an earlier work. As a proof of concept, we applied this model to methylation microarray data generated from breast cancer cell lines. However, we were unsure whether 75% was the best quantile level for identifying hypermethylated CGIs. In this paper, we attempt to determine which quantile level should be used to identify hypermethylated CGIs and their associated genes. We introduce three statistical measurements to compare the performance of the proposed quantile regression model at different quantile levels (95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%), using known methylated genes and unmethylated housekeeping genes reported in breast cancer cell lines and ovarian cancer patients. Our results show that the quantile levels ranging from 80% to 90% are better at identifying known methylated and unmethylated genes. In this paper, we propose to use a quantile regression model to identify hypermethylated CGIs by incorporating probe effects to account for noise due to unmeasurable factors. Our model can efficiently identify hypermethylated CGIs in both breast and ovarian cancer data.
The Irrational Beliefs Test: Its Relationship with Cognitive-Behavioral Traits and Depression.

A number of theorists have maintained that cognitive events such as irrational beliefs mediate various affective and behavioral disorders. Jones' (1968) Irrational Beliefs Test (IBT) is a prominent self-report instrument that assesses dispositional rationality-irrationality with respect to 10 beliefs proposed by Ellis. The present study with a nonclinical sample of female college students (N = 114) evaluated the relationships among the IBT, locus of control, cognitive set for success and failure, interpersonal assertion, and depression. As predicted, irrationality on the IBT and on several of its specific-belief components was related significantly to externality, negative cognitive set, unassertiveness, and self-reported depressive symptomatology. Multiple regression analyses indicated that locus of control, irrationality, and cognitive set predicted assertion and that locus of control and irrationality predicted depression.
The design, implementation, and evaluation of an object-based sharing mechanism for federated database systems

An approach and mechanism to support the sharing of objects are described, an experimental implementation is presented, and the performance of the system is analyzed and evaluated. The mechanism is based on a core set of constructs that characterize object-based database systems. The approach provides a basis for controlled sharing in a heterogeneous database environment, using a kernel object-base model as an intercomponent exchange forum. A major goal is to make the importation of nonlocal information as transparent to a component as possible. >
Systemic α-MSH suppresses LPS fever via central melanocortin receptors independently of its suppression of corticosterone and IL-6 release

Systemically administered α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) inhibits endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS)- or interleukin (IL)-1-induced fever and adrenocortical activation, but the sites of ...
Selecting Patients for Statin Therapy in Primary Prevention: If We Could Only Predict the Future.

Statins are effective in the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke. Although many would agree that primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is preferable to secondary prevention, no consensus exists on how to best identify individuals at
Immunological Relationship of Different Preparations of Coliform Enterotoxins

Antisera raised in rabbits to ultrafiltrate toxin preparations containing either the heat-labile (LT) toxin form obtained from whole cell lysates or broth filtrates or the heat-stable (ST) toxin form prepared from broth filtrates from nontoxigenic and toxigenic strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella were examined for their ability to neutralize the secretory effect on water transport of these toxins in the rat jejunum as determined by the in vivo marker perfusion technique. Antisera to the heat-labile toxin derived from whole cell lysate preparations from nontoxigenic strains had no neutralizing effect. Antisera to both types of LT preparation from both toxigenic strains neutralized, with several exceptions, all of the homologous and heterologous LT toxins as well as a heat-labile toxin preparation derived from sequential ultrafiltration of cell-free whole cell lysates which had a defined molecular weight of between 30,000 and 100,000. These antisera also neutralized homologous and heterologous ST preparations obtained from broth filtrates, but they had no neutralizing effect on low-molecular-weight, ST toxin material obtained during the sequential ultrafiltration of cell lysates. Antisera to ST prepared from broth filtrates had no neutralizing capacity against either LT or ST toxin preparations. These observations (i) indicate that the immunological relationship of E. coli and Klebsiella LT and ST toxins extends to antisera raised against LT prepared by several different methods, (ii) raise the possibility that, based on the response to antisera to LT, there may be several immunologically heterogeneous forms of low-molecular-weight ST toxin, and (c) confirm the lack of immunogenicity of ST.
Activity of Antimicrobial Peptide Protegrin-1 is Tuned by Membrane Cholesterol Content

The ability of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to target and lyse the harmful microbial membrane over that of a host's is a unique characteristic, making these innate immune effectors promising candidates to fill a growing therapeutic void resulting from antibiotic drug resistance. This selectivity is believed to depend on the chemical and structural properties of the lipids that comprise the cell membrane. The selectivity of AMPs can be based on the electrostatic attraction of these predominately cationic peptides for the bacterial membrane surface heavily populated with negatively charged lipid components. We have previously shown with atomic force microscopy that zwitterionic dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayers display concentration-dependent structural transformations induced by protegrin-1 (PG-1) that progress from finger-like instabilities at bilayer edges, to the formation of pores, and finally to a network of worm-like micelles. The increasing degree of membrane disruption in charge-neutral membranes demonstrates that a more complex interaction than that suggested by a simple electrostatic argument is needed to explain AMP selectivity. We propose that in addition to an electrostatic element, specific membrane compositional differences between host and pathogen tunes AMP activity to selectively disrupt microbial membranes. We have tailored our investigations to utilize membrane components which eukaryotes and prokaryotes contain in drastically different proportions, specifically the presence and absence of cholesterol. In these results we have employed a variety of biophysical techniques to elucidate how increasing cholesterol content in both phospholipid monolayers and bilayers attenuates the ability of PG-1 to induce membrane disruption. Atomic force microscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry were used to assess the propensity for peptide insertion and pore formation. X-ray and neutron reflectivity measurements were advantageous in providing molecular level detail on the location and orientation of PG-1 with respect to the membrane.
Group Structure and Interpersonal Creativity as Factors Which Reduce Errors in the Prediction of Marital Adjustment

hypothesis of a positive association between size of community of orientation and occupational aspirations for the males but not for the females. When intelligence or father's occupation is partialled out, the slight association between community size and aspirations disappears entirely for the females. Perhaps the fact that most females expect to become housewives serves to give their occupational choices an air of unreality and makes them less susceptible to the types of social pressure which are brought to bear upon the potentially breadwinning males. Even with the factors of intelligence and father's occupation partialled out, the male ninth grade students continued to show a positive relationship between size of community of orientation and occupational aspirations. The data for males, then, support Lipset's suggestion that one reason for the greater mobility of urban-bred youths as compared with those reared in rural areas may be that the urban youths have higher aspirations. The specific reasons for the higher aspirations of boys from the larger cities are as yet unknown, but this study of ninth grade boys in Florida indicates that higher aspirations among the urban boys do exist. The utilization of a lower grade level thus does not yield results appreciably different from those of the study of twelfth grade students, in spite of the greater selectivity in the latter case.
GENE FLOW IN CHAMAECRISTA FASCICULATA (LEGUMINOSAE) I. GENE DISPERSAL.

Both pollen and seed dispersal components of gene flow were examined in the annual plant Chamaecrista fasciculata (Leguminosae) and quantified in terms of Wright's neighborhood area. Pollen dispersal was estimated by measuring pollinator flight movement throughout the flowering season and the contribution of pollen carryover to pollen dispersal was determined by comparing pollinator flight movement with dispersal of electrophoretic markers in an experimental transect. Phenological effects on the probability of fruit set were measured to determine whether pollinations should be weighted differentially across the flowering season. The outcrossing rate, a major determinant of the role of pollen dispersal in gene flow, was estimated from electrophoretic analysis of progeny arrays and by measuring the proportion of nongeitonogamous pollinator flight movements. Seed dispersal was measured in a prairie habitat and in experimental plots without surrounding vegetation. Seed dispersal was small in comparison to pollen dispersal in both environments. Fruit set was low at the beginning and end of the flowering season, periods when flower density is low and pollinator flight distances are large. Although the outcrossing rate was high (t = 80%) and pollen carryover substantial, pollen dispersal was limited. Averaged over 4 years, neighborhood area, based on both seed and pollen dispersal, was 17.6 m2 , and corresponds to a circle of radius 2.4 m. The observed limited gene dispersal suggests the population of C. fasciculata is genetically subdivided into small breeding units of related individuals.
Comparative Study of Major Wine Region in China Based on Diamond Model

During the rapid development of wine industry,the construction of wine industry cluster becomes particularly important.Comparative researches on three major wine region in China of Changli,Ningxia and Yantai were carried on by using the improved Porter′ s diamond model,the advantages and disadvantages of each region were analyzed from the external factors and internal factors of various aspects,corresponding development suggestions were also put forward,and it would be of great significance to the development of wine industry in China.
The analysis of the result of water quality monitoring on the drinking water safety project in the rural area of Chengxian from 2010 to 2013

Objective: To investigate the water quality situation and the trend of change of the drinking water safety project in the rural area of Chengxian so as to provide the scientific basis for the effective establishment of water improvement measures from relevant departments for later.Methods: Water quality of the drinking water safety project from 17 villages and towns in Chengxian in the dry season and rain season was sampled and tested in accordance with the provisions in the Standards for Drinking Water Quality( GB / T5750-2006). Results: A total of 246 water samples were detected from 2010 to 2013,in which 136 were qualified,with the qualification rate 55. 3%. Conclusion: The drinking water quality situation has been gradually improved as intensive efforts are made on the drinking water safety project in Chengxian,where the main factors affecting water quality are the total hardness of its chemical index and microbiological index.
Fuzzy Two-Person Zero-Sum Games

In this chapter we use fuzzy Monte Carlo methods to get approximate optimal fuzzy mixed strategies for fuzzy two-person zero-sum games. In the next section we briefly review the results for crisp two-person zero-sum games. Then in Section 15.3 we fuzzify the games and define optimal fuzzy values for the players and optimal fuzzy mixed strategies. In the fourth section we introduce our fuzzy Monte Carlo method and use it on an example problem to generate approximate solutions. The last section contains our conclusions and suggestions for future research. Our fuzzy Monte Carlo method will be programmed in MATLAB [6]. This chapter is based on [1].
Asymmetric ground reaction forces and knee kinematics during squat after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Abstract Background This bilateral squat study tests whether people with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have symmetric three-dimensional ground reaction forces (GRFs) and symmetric anterior–posterior (AP) translation rates of the femur with respect to the tibia when compared with healthy control subjects. We hypothesized that there would be no long-term asymmetry in knee kinematics and kinetics in ACL reconstructed subjects following surgery and rehabilitation. Methods Position and GRF data were collected on eight ACL reconstructed and eight control subjects during bilateral squat. The rate of relative AP translation was determined for each subject. Principal component models were developed for each of the three GRF waveforms. Principal component scores were used to assess symmetry within the ACL reconstructed group and within the control group. Results ACL reconstructed knees analyzed in early flexion during squat descent displayed a four-fold greater rate of change in anterior translation in the reconstructed knee relative to the contralateral side than did a similar comparison of normal knees. Differences were found between the ACL reconstructed subjects' injured and uninjured limbs for all GRFs. Conclusions Subjects following ACL reconstruction had asymmetric GRFs and relative rates of AP translation at an average of seven years after ACL reconstructive surgery when compared with control subjects. Clinical Relevance These alterations in loading may lead to altered load distributions across the knee joint and may put some subjects at risk for future complications such as osteoarthritis.
Watching the Clock: Boredom and Vigilance Performance:

The current study investigated the relationship between a measure of trait boredom, Boredom Proneness, and vigilance performance on a variation of Mackworth's original clock test. Performance, assessed as Sensory Efficiency, was negatively correlated with Boredom Proneness scores early in the vigil but not during later trials. The results suggested that the trait of Boredom Proneness is predictive of performance on monotonous tasks within the first 10-min. block of trials; however, no differences in performance occurred on subsequent blocks, suggesting that as state boredom increases, differences between individuals diminish, e.g., a ceiling effect. The authors discuss the importance of examining Boredom Proneness as a multidimensional construct. Practical implications for these results are presented, particularly in terms of using Sensory Efficiency as a measure of performance during vigilance tasks.
[Genetic characteristics of HIV-1 primary drug resistance-associated mutations in treatment-naive individuals in Liaoning province, 2004-2008].

Objective To investigate the HIV-1 drug resistance associated mutations and examine the susceptibility of HIV-1 with these mutations to antiretroviral in treatment-naive individuals in Liaoning province from 2004 to 2008. Methods RNA was extracted from 20 plasma samples of diagnosed untreated HIV-1-infected treatment-naive patients by drawing method. After the viral loading (VL) test,the protease and nucleoside reverse transcriptase coding regions were amplified by RT-PCR, nested PCR and sequence analysis directly. Levels of resistance and prevalence were evaluated according to the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database's algorithm (http://hivdb. stanford, edu ). Results Among the 20 plasma samples,13 got PCR products because of their VL values higher than 1000 copies/ml. Meanwhile, the 13 samples got 65 sequences by using 5 primers each. Polymorphisms in subtype H and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) CRF10_CD sequences were identified. An overall prevalence of 30. 8% (4/13) resistance to NNRTIs,7.7% (1/13) to PI and no NRTIs mutations were found. The most frequent substitutions (4/13) in the RT region at positions P225H, K238S, V179D, K238T and a major position L54S in PR implied to a multiple drug-resistance. A71V or L10V only,respectively,substitution in PR was found in 3 samples,but no any worse with drug sensitivity. Conclusion HIV-1 polymorphisms in subtype H and CRFs CRF10_CD sequences were identified circulating in Liaoning. A major mutation position I54S in PR implied that it would be the time to commence a higher level drug regimen. Key words: HIV-1; HIV infections; Multidrug resistance-associated proteins; Mutation
Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Surgical Guide to the Extraperitoneal Approach

Robotic surgery is ideally suited for work in tight anatomic spaces within which there is a relatively small and static target. The prostate, with its typical size and central location in the pelvis, is a target organ that fits these criteria. In addition, its extraperitoneal location allows for access to the cancerous prostate without entry into the abdominal cavity. Extraperitoneal robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy uses an approach to the prostate that is identical to that used in open retropubic radical prostatectomy, with comparable avoidance of abdominal structures and of steep Trendelenburg position, but with fine robotic instruments as the surgical tools. The advantages of extraperitoneal robotic surgery to access and remove the prostate are only counterbalanced somewhat by an increased level of difficulty in learning to safely and reliably access the extraperitoneal space of Retzius, avoid or manage inadvertent peritoneotomy, and handle the posterior structures (seminal vesicles, vasa deferentia) in antegrade fashion. None of these hurdles are insurmountable, and virtually all patients can benefit from this approach. In fact, it is perhaps ideally suited for men who pose additional challenges to radical prostatectomy, such as the obese, those who have had prior abdominal or inguinal surgery, and/or those with concomitant inguinal hernia(s).
Improving Success for Non-Traditional Law Students: Summer Programs

The article argues that non-traditional law students should be provided a summer program prior to entering their first year of law school. Specifically, the article discusses the pedagogy for Summer Institute programs for non-traditional students. Further, the article surveys 23 law schools and describes each summer program. Finally, the article discusses a survey that was sent to the last five years of Summer Institute students at Loyola. The survey asks each student to rank every component of the Summer Institute Program. The survey concludes that specific instruction on legal writing and feedback on the writing is perceived as the most helpful component for assisting non-traditional students' success. The article argues that all schools have an ethical obligation to provide summer programs for non-traditional students.
High-Frequency EEG Oscillations: New Biomarker in Epilepsy

Researchers at University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands and other centers review the pathophysiology, clinical relevance, identification, and interpretation of high-frequency oscillations (HFOs, >80Hz) in the epileptic EEG.
Visible Wavelength Planar Metalenses Based on Titanium Dioxide

We present recent advances in metasurface-based photonics, which enables the realization of high performance planar lenses (metalenses) in the visible spectrum. They are enabled by a technique based on atomic layer deposition of titanium dioxide allowing for the fabrication of nanostructures with high fidelity. First, we demonstrate highly efficient metalenses with numerical aperture ${\rm{NA\,= \,0.8}}$ using the Pancharatnam-Berry phase approach. These metalenses can focus light into a diffraction-limited spot. They have efficiencies as high as 86% and provide high imaging resolution. Furthermore, by judicious design of the phase-shifting elements, we achieve a multispectral chiral metalens realized with a single metasurface layer. This chiral metalens can resolve both the chiral and spectral information of an object without the requirement of any additional optical components. Finally, we discuss the experimental realization of polarization-insensitive metalenses with NAs as high as 0.85. They are able to focus incident light to a spot as small as ∼0.64 λ with efficiencies up to 60%. Due to its straightforward and CMOS-compatible fabrication, this platform is promising for a wide range of applications ranging from camera modules, displays, laser-based imaging, microscopy, and spectroscopy to laser fabrication and lithography.
Kuhns Struktur wissenschaftlicher Revolutionen — ein Trostbüchlein für Spezialisten?

In den Jahren 1960/1961, als Kuhn ein Mitglied der philosophischen Abteilung der Universitat Kalifornien in Berkeley war, hatte ich das Gluck, mit ihm uber verschiedene Aspekte der Wissenschaft Gesprache fuhren zu konnen. Ich habe von diesen Diskussionen eine Unmenge gelernt, und ich sehe die Wissenschaft seither in einem vollig neuen Licht.2) Aber wahrend ich Kuhns Probleme zu erkennen glaubte und wahrend ich versuchte, gewisse Aspekte der Wissenschaft zu verstehen, auf die er verwiesen hatte (Beispiel: die Allgegenwartigkeit von Anomalien), war es mir ganz unmoglich, die Wissenschaftstheorie zu akzeptieren, die er empfahl, und die allgemeine Ideologie, die meiner Ansicht nach den Hintergrund seiner Uberlegungen bildete, schien mir noch groseren Einwanden ausgesetzt. Diese Ideologie, so glaubte ich, war nichts anderes als eine Grundlage fur ein eingebildetes und kurzsichtiges Spezialistentum. Den Fortschritt des Wissens wurde sie hemmen, und sie wurde auch jene antihumanitaren Tendenzen starken, die ein so beunruhigender Zug des Grosteils der nachnewtonschen Naturwissenschaft sind.3) In allen diesen Punkten blieben meine Diskussionen mit Kuhn ergebnislos. Mehrmals unterbrach er eine lange Predigt von mir mit dem Hinweis, das ich ihn misverstanden hatte oder das unsere Ansichten einander naher stunden, als ich es hatte erscheinen lassen. Wenn ich nun heute an unsere damaligen Debatten zuruckdenke,4) so scheint es mir, das ich mit meinen Zweifeln nicht vollig im Irrtum war. Meine Ansicht wird erhartet durch den Umstand, das so gut wie alle Leser von Kuhns Struktur das Werk in ahnlicher Weise verstehen und das gewisse Tendenzen in der modernen Soziologie und Psychologie das Ergebnis genau dieser Interpretation sind. Ich hoffe also, das mir Kuhn verzeihen wird, wenn ich unsere alten Probleme wieder in Angriff nehme, und das er es mir nicht ubelnehmen wird, wenn ich mich in meinem Versuch zur Kurze gelegentlich etwas schroff ausdrucke.
Why Not Bi? The D Train (2015)

It seems that we as bisexuals are enjoying a cultural moment where there may be less to complain about than in the past—at least as far film depictions are concerned. No, a fairy godmother did not ...
Cell-Cycle-Coupled Oscillations in Apical Polarity and Intercellular Contact Maintain Order in Embryonic Epithelia.

Summary Throughout animals, embryonic cells must ultimately organize into polarized epithelial layers that provide the structural basis for gastrulation or subsequent developmental events [1]. Precisely how this primary epithelium maintains continuous integrity during rapid and repeated cell divisions has never been directly addressed, particularly in cases where early cleavages are driven in synchrony. Representing the early-branching non-bilaterian phylum Cnidaria, embryos of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis undergo rapid synchronous cell divisions and ultimately give rise to a diploblastic epithelial body plan after gastrulation [2, 3]. Here, using live imaging of apical polarity proteins in Nematostella embryos, we demonstrate that cell polarity is established by the four-cell stage and then reiteratively lost during subsequent mitoses, correlating with transient adhesion disengagement and dramatic deformations of embryonic morphology. Intriguingly, the re-establishment of polarity and adhesion during each interphase is associated with a process of whole-embryo compaction analogous to that observed in mammals [4–7]. Because similar protein dynamics are observed in dividing epithelial cells in Drosophila melanogaster , we propose that cell-cycle-coupled oscillations in apical polarity may be conserved throughout Metazoa.
IMPROVING WEIGHT STATUS IN OBESE MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER MEN THROUGH TELENUTRITION.

AbstractObesity threatens the health, functionality, and quality of life of 34.5% of men in the United States with middle-aged men at highest risk. A randomized controlled trial piloted the effect of a 12-week telenutrition weight loss program compared to usual care on body weight in obese men, ages 40–70 with hypertension, diabetes or hyperlipidemia. Both groups (n=60) received educational materials; only the intervention group received individualized weekly support by a Registered Dietitian via telephone and videoconferencing. In both groups, body weight was significantly reduced from baseline by 3.0% (95% CI: 1.5%, 4.0%; p-value: <0.001) at week 6, and by an additional 1.5% (95% CI: 0.8%, 2.2%; p-value: <0.001) at week 12. Body weight in the intervention group was further reduced by 1.9% (95% CI: 1.4%, 3.6%; p-value: 0.034) at week 12. Telenutrition can be effective for weight loss among men in health disparate areas like Appalachia.
Application of Capillary Gas Chromatography for Water Pollution Analysis

Abstract Gas chromatography is the most widely used analytical technique for studying organic chemicals that are hazardous to the environment and that may potentially have adverse human health effects. The conventional packed column systems used by the majority of analysts are valuable for certain analyses. However, along with other problems, packed columns have limited separation capabilities, therefore they do not meet the demands of todays's analytical requirements. The very recent developments in the manufacture of open tubular, large bore fused silica columns (0.53 mm ID) and more conventional capillary columns (≥0.35 mm ID) are significant and provide the analyst with superior resolution, minimum bleed and timely analyses. In this paper, applications of these columns, and some new and simple techniques in the analysis of water pollutants are are discussed. The results of recent studies in our laboratories are presented.
Vena Cava Filter Retrieval Rates and Factors Associated With Retrieval in a Large US Cohort.

BackgroundRetrieval of vena cava filters (VCFs) is important for safety as complications increase with longer dwell times. This study assessed VCF retrieval rates and factors associated with retrie...
Surgical treatment of glioblastoma in the elderly: the impact of complications

The diagnosis of glioblastoma (GBM) often carries a dismal prognosis, with a median survival of 14.6 months. A particular challenge is the diagnosis of GBM in the elderly population (age > 75 years), who have significant comorbidities, present with worse functional status, and are at higher risk with surgical treatments. We sought to evaluate the impact of current GBM treatment, specifically in the elderly population. The authors undertook a retrospective review of all patients aged 75 or older who underwent treatment for GBM from 1997 to 2016. Patient outcomes were evaluated with regards to demographics, surgical variables, postoperative treatment, and complications. A total of 82 patients (mean age 80.5 ± 3.8 years) were seen. Most patients presented with confusion (57.3%) and associated comorbidities, and prior anticoagulation use was common in this age group. Extent of resection (EOR) included no surgery (9.8%), biopsy (22.0%), subtotal resection (40.2%), and gross-total resection (23.2%). Postoperative adjuvant therapy included temozolomide (36.1%), radiation (52.5%), and bevacizumab (11.9%). A mean overall survival of 6.3 ± 1.2 months was observed. There were 34 complications in 23 patients. Improved survival was seen with increased EOR only for patients without postoperative complications. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that complications (HR = 5.43, 95% CI 1.73, 17.04, p = 0.004) predicted poor outcome. Long-term survivors (> 12 months survival) and short-term survivors had similar median preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score (80 vs. 80, p = 0.43), but long-term survivors had unchanged postoperative KPS (80 vs. 60, p = 0.02) and no complications (0/9 vs. 23/72, p = 0.04). The benefit of glioblastoma treatment in our series was limited by the postoperative complications and KPS. Presence of a complication served as an independent risk factor for worsened overall survival in this age group. It is likely that decreased patient function limits postoperative adjuvant therapy and predisposes to higher morbidity especially in this age group.
Dependence concentration and fairness perceptions in asymmetric supplier–buyer relationships

The purpose of this research is to investigate how a supplier manages its relationships with multiple buyers in a market structure of imbalanced power to achieve market success. Drawing on resource...
Chronic features of allergic asthma are enhanced in the absence of resistin-like molecule-beta

Asthma is characterized by inflammation and architectural changes in the lungs. A number of immune cells and mediators are recognized as initiators of asthma, although therapeutics based on these are not always effective. The multifaceted nature of this syndrome necessitate continued exploration of immunomodulators that may play a role in pathogenesis. We investigated the role of resistin-like molecule-beta (RELM-β), a gut antibacterial, in the development and pathogenesis of Aspergillus-induced allergic airways disease. Age and gender matched C57BL/6J and Retnlb−/− mice rendered allergic to Aspergillus fumigatus were used to measure canonical markers of allergic asthma at early and late time points. Inflammatory cells in airways were similar, although Retnlb−/− mice had reduced tissue inflammation. The absence of RELM-β elevated serum IgA and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lungs at homeostasis. Markers of chronic disease including goblet cell numbers, Muc genes, airway wall remodelling, and hyperresponsiveness were greater in the absence RELM-β. Specific inflammatory mediators important in antimicrobial defence in allergic asthma were also increased in the absence of RELM-β. These data suggest that while characteristics of allergic asthma develop in the absence of RELM-β, that RELM-β may reduce the development of chronic markers of allergic airways disease.
CRITICAL FLOW: Basic Considerations and Limitations in the Homogeneous Equilibrium Model

The basic equations of homogeneous equilibrium flow are presented. The general equation for the sonic velocity is developed and presented for water in the two-phase region. Discontinuities at 0% and 100% quality are discussed. Limitations in the flow rates implicit in the homogeneous equilibrium model are presented in the context of a single-phase inlet to a decompressing zone for Fanno flow, Rayleigh flow, and isentropic flow. It is shown that with a subcooled inlet, the maximum velocity in a straight pipe or converging pipe is the two-phase sonic velocity at vanishing quality and that this condition occurs with the saturation line placed at the minimum pressure location.
Foreign Bodies and Trauma

Foreign bodies may be found in any site in the airway, from the tip of the nose to the peripheral bronchus. From the history it is sometimes unclear whether a missing object has been inhaled or swallowed by the child.
Higher pricing of fresh produce is more likely in SNAP-Ed eligible neighborhoods when adjacent non-program eligible neighborhoods are mixed income.

Abstract This analysis describes the socioeconomic attributes of neighborhoods adjacent to low-income neighborhoods with ≥50% of households that are Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) eligible. It compares the pricing, availability, and quality of fresh produce between these neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health utilized 2013–2014 community-level data from the Communities of Excellence in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Prevention (CX3) Project to examine the geographic patterns of fresh produce purchases and accessibility in SNAP-Ed eligible census tracts. Community indicators collected by CX3 included information on pricing, availability, and quality of fruits and vegetables from grocery stores (n = 108) in these eligible neighborhoods (n = 21). Correlation statistics were generated to explore the effects of adjacent neighborhoods' socioeconomic status on fruit and vegetable pricing, availability, and quality in the selected neighborhoods (“CX3 neighborhoods”). Poverty data were obtained from the United States Census' American Community Survey. Residents of CX3 neighborhoods that were surrounded by mixed income neighborhoods paid 43% more for fresh produce than CX3 neighborhoods surrounded by other similarly low-income neighborhoods (median produce price, $1.50 versus $1.05). Study results suggest that while quality of produce remains an issue, it is the higher pricing of fresh produce in CX3 neighborhoods – i.e., in the presence of other surrounding mixed income neighborhoods (those with relatively higher income) – that appeared to potentiate food access barriers. Future SNAP-Ed efforts should take this pricing pattern under consideration when designing, planning, and/or implementing nutrition-related programs in these neighborhoods.
Left ventricular geometry during unloading and the end-systolic pressure volume relationship: Measurement with a modified real-time MRI-based method in normal sheep.

The left ventricular (LV) end-systolic pressure volume relationship (ES; ESPVR) is the cornerstone of systolic LV function analysis. Recently, it became possible to measure 2D LV chamber shape during vena cava occlusion (VCO) with MRI. We used an improved level-set semi-automatic segmentation method (LSSM) to determine the effect of VCO on LV geometry, ES pressure area (PA) and ESPVR. 10 healthy adult sheep were anesthetized. LV pressure transducer and inferior vena cava (IVC) balloon catheter were percutaneously inserted. Ferumoxytol (0.125 ml/kg iv; AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Waltham, MA) was given to enhance blood pool contrast. LV pressure and 2D retrospectively-gated cine MRI of LV cross sections 25 (Apex), 50 (Mid) and 75% (Base) of the distance from the apex to the base of the LV were obtained during separate IVC balloon inflations (VCO). LV pressure was digitally filtered and LV chamber segmented with the LSSM. Cross sectional area, major and minor axes, major axis orientation, ESPAR and ESPVR were calculated. The LSSM had excellent reliability. All cross sections became more elliptical during VCO. The orientation (angle) of each major axis relative to the anterior RV insertion shifted during VCO. However, the orientation remained toward the septum. There was chamber collapse (LV area 2 ) at the apical level during VCO (7 cases). ESPAR was non-linear at all levels. ESPVR was non-linear because of apical collapse. In conclusion, MRI-based measurement of LV geometry, ESPAR and ESPVR during VCO is a valuable method that may lead to improved understanding of systolic LV function.
The importance of borrowing across disciplines: The anthropological notion of speech events

Abstract Over the years, linguists have borrowed from other allied fields, including speech events from cultural anthropology, schema theory from psychology, speech acts from philosophy, and conversational strategies from rhetoric. In analyzing large and continuous chunks of conversational data, the first and most important of these borrowings is the speech event, for it sets the stage in which the other language elements are embedded and provides a useful sequence for analyzing everything else, including the conventional linguistic tools of the grammar and lexicon. The present paper represents the optimal sequence of analysis as an Inverted Pyramid, starting with the speech event and then moving down the order to schemas, agendas, speech acts, conversational strategies, and finally to the grammar and lexicon that are embedded within each other. Two prominent criminal law investigations are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Inverted Pyramid approach for understanding this evidence.
Teaching across Cultures: Contextualizing Education for Global Mission: by James E. Plueddemann, Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press Academic, 2018, 168 pp., $20.00 (paperback), ISBN: 978-0-8308-5221-5

Teaching, in simple terms, can merely be considered the transfer of knowledge; however, in the context of a globalized culture, teaching is a much more complex experience for both teacher and stude...
Extremely High Q AlN Lamb Wave Resonators Implemented by Weighted Electrodes

This paper presents unprecedentedly high Q aluminum nitride (AlN) fundamental symmetric (S0) Lamb wave resonators. The high-Q AlN resonators are achieved by introducing two half-width top interdigitated transducers (IDTs) to intentionally reduce the resonator’s coupling. To understand the correlation of Q and coupling, overtone resonators are first proposed and then investigated the influence of the overtones on Q. The high-Q AlN resonator has been theoretically predicted and experimentally shown to achieve Q of 5500 in room temperature and dry air, which is the highest Q ever reported among all AlN S0 Lamb wave resonators. The presented high-Q resonator has significant potential for low phase noise and low power oscillator applications.
Cerebral organoid and mouse models reveal a RAB39b–PI3K–mTOR pathway-dependent dysregulation of cortical development leading to macrocephaly/autism phenotypes

Dysregulation of early neurodevelopment is implicated in macrocephaly/autism disorders. However, the mechanism underlying this dysregulation, particularly in human cells, remains poorly understood. Mutations in the small GTPase gene RAB39b are associated with X-linked macrocephaly, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability. The in vivo roles of RAB39b in the brain remain unknown. We generated Rab39b knockout (KO) mice and found that they exhibited cortical neurogenesis impairment, macrocephaly, and hallmark ASD behaviors, which resembled patient phenotypes. We also produced mutant human cerebral organoids that were substantially enlarged due to the overproliferation and impaired differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs), which resemble neurodevelopmental deficits in KO mice. Mechanistic studies reveal that RAB39b interacts with PI3K components and its deletion promotes PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling in NPCs of mouse cortex and cerebral organoids. The mTOR activity is robustly enhanced in mutant outer radial glia cells (oRGs), a subtype of NPCs barely detectable in rodents but abundant in human brains. Inhibition of AKT signaling rescued enlarged organoid sizes and NPC overproliferation caused by RAB39b mutations. Therefore, RAB39b mutation promotes PI3K-AKT-mTOR activity and alters cortical neurogenesis, leading to macrocephaly and autistic-like behaviors. Our studies provide new insights into neurodevelopmental dysregulation and common pathways associated with ASD across species.
Evidence of host switching: Sea lampreys disproportionately attack Chinook salmon when lake trout abundance is low in Lake Ontario

Abstract Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) is the presumed preferred host of the invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes, but little is understood about this preference outside of laboratory experiments. By preference we mean sea lamprey attacks on hosts are disproportionate to host relative abundance. The purpose of this study was to quantify host preference of sea lampreys in the field for the first time. We focused our analysis on Lake Ontario, where the two dominant host species for sea lampreys are lake trout and Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Sea lampreys exhibited a strong preference for lake trout when host abundance was ≥ 32% lake trout, but sea lamprey preference switched to Chinook salmon when host abundance was ≤ 13% lake trout. Model results were equivocal with respect to determining whether the primary predictor of sea lamprey preference was relative or absolute abundance of lake trout. Other evidence, particularly the different spatial distributions of the two hosts, suggests that sea lamprey preference for lake trout is based on a higher encounter probability, driven by absolute abundance of lake trout. This study confirms a widely held concern that observed sea lamprey-induced marking rates on lake trout, used to assess the status of sea lamprey control in the Great Lakes, can be influenced by the abundance of alternative hosts. As an alternative host for sea lamprey parasitism, Chinook salmon may contribute to the persistence of lake trout in Lake Ontario.
Chapter 5 – Cavity Theory

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the theoretical basis and derivation of several cavity relations. Cavity equations are based on the law of energy conservation for particle interactions. The chapter analysis the tracks taken by electrons incident upon various sized cavities irradiated by a megavoltage photon beam. The range of electrons incident upon the cavity are much larger than the size of the cavity. Some of the electrons incident on the cavity are energetic enough to cross the cavity and the rest of the electrons incident on the cavity are not energetic enough to cross the cavity. It is very important to note that these cavities are defined in photon beams but their sizes are defined with respect to the range of electrons produced by photon interactions. These cavity size definitions are not valid for charged particle beams like electrons, protons, and heavy charged ions. In Bragg–Gray small cavity theory for photon beam irradiations it is assumed that the cavity is so small that there are a negligible number of photon interactions in the cavity, thus eliminating photon categories from consideration. The chapter also elaborates the Spencer–Attix small cavity theory equation.
Global Localization of Ground Vehicles Using Self-Describing Fiducials Coupled with IMU Data

A key aspect of providing safe, reliable navigation for autonomous vehicles is accurate localization. This is often accomplished with the use of GPS in conjunction with odometry provided by other measurement systems. However, in many cases GPS is not available, or its accuracy is severely degraded allowing odometry error to propagate to unacceptable levels. Much work that addresses this issue either uses LIDAR, which is too expensive, bulky, and heavy for some applications, or computer vision, which often requires too much computation power for many of the same applications. Self-describing fidu-cials, fiducials which provide their own location information, can be a lower-cost, and more usable method of providing global location information to an autonomous ground vehicle. To this end this work details a low-cost ground vehicle localization method that uses inertial odometry and self-describing visual fiducials, combined through an indirect extended Kalman filter, for use in GPS-denied or degraded environments. Additionally, the sensitivity of the localization to fiducial density and IMU grade are analyzed.
Strain Induced Indirect-Direct Bandgap Transition in Bilayer MoTe 2

We experimentally demonstrate an indirect to direct bandgap transition on bilayer MoTe 2 by strain engineering. By applying 0.58% tensile strain, photoluminescence intensity is increased by 2.22 times, and linewidth is reduced by 36%.
Big Sister: Feminism, Conservatism, and Conspiracy in the Heartland

Review of: Big Sister: Feminism, Conservatism, and Conspiracy in the Heartland, by Erin M. Kempker.
Contrasting visions of the green new deal

A concerned citizen searching for books on a Green New Deal (GND) would find a range of texts promoting the Green New Deal in the singular, all of which would emphasize the urgency of drastic chang...