cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preprotachykinin-A gene disruption attenuates nociceptive sensitivity after opioid administration and incision by peripheral and spinal mechanisms in mice

Abstract The preprotachykinin A gene (ppt-A) codes for Substance P (SP), supports nociceptive sensitization, and modulates inflammatory responses after incision. Repeated opioid use produces paradoxical pain sensitization—termed opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) —which can exacerbate pain after incision. Here the contribution of SP to peri-incisional nociceptive sensitization and nociceptive mediator production after opioid treatment was examined utilizing ppt-A knockout (−/−) mice and the neurokinin (NK1) receptor antagonist LY303870. Less mechanical allodynia was observed in ppt - A −/− mice compared to wild types (wt) after morphine treatment both before and after incision. Moreover, LY303870 administered with morphine reduced incisional hyperalgesia in wt mice. Incision after saline or escalating morphine treatment upregulated skin IL-1β, IL-6, G-CSF and MIP-1α levels in ppt-A −/− and wt mice similarly. However, chronic morphine treatment greatly exacerbated increases in skin nerve growth factor levels after incision, an effect entirely dependent upon intact SP signaling. Additionally, SP dependent upregulation of prodynorphin, NMDA1 and NK1 receptor expression in spinal cord was seen after morphine treatment and incision. A similar pattern was seen for 5-HT3 receptor expression in tissue from dorsal root ganglia. Therefore, SP may work at both central and peripheral sites to enhance nociceptive sensitization after morphine treatment and incision. Perspective These studies show that SP signaling modulates enhanced nerve growth factor production and changes in neuronal gene expression seen after incision in mice previously exposed to morphine.
Cross-sectional forecasts of the equity premium

Abstract If investors are myopic mean-variance optimizers, a stock's expected return is linearly related to its beta in the cross-section. The slope of the relation is the cross-sectional price of risk, which should equal the expected equity premium. We use this simple observation to forecast the equity-premium time series with the cross-sectional price of risk. We also introduce novel statistical methods for testing stock-return predictability based on endogenous variables whose shocks are potentially correlated with return shocks. Our empirical tests show that the cross-sectional price of risk (1) is strongly correlated with the market's yield measures and (2) predicts equity-premium realizations, especially in the first half of our 1927–2002 sample.
The apomyoglobin folding pathway revisited: structural heterogeneity in the kinetic burst phase intermediate.

Extensive analysis of accurate quench-flow hydrogen exchange results indicates that the burst phase kinetic intermediate in the folding of apomyoglobin (apoMb) from urea is structurally heterogeneous. The structural variability is associated with the partial folding of the E helix during the burst phase (<6.4 ms) of the folding process. Analysis of the effects of exchange-out of amide proton labels during the labeling pulse (∼pH 10) of the quench-flow process indicates that three of the amide protons in the E helix are in fact largely protected in the burst phase of folding, while the remainder of the E helix has a substantial complement of amide protons that show biphasic kinetics, i.e. are protected partly during the burst phase and partly during the slow phase of folding. The locations of these amide protons can be used to map the sites of structural heterogeneity in the kinetic molten globule. These sites include, besides the E helix, the ends of the A and B helices and part of the C helix. Our results give significant support to the hypothesis that the kinetic molten globule intermediate of apoMb is native-like.
Effect of Glutathione on Inositol 1,4,5-Triphosphate-Induced Ca2+ Release in Permeabilized Hepatocytes from Control and Chronic Ethanol-Fed Rats

The effect of oxidized and reduced glutathione on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-induced Ca 2+ release from endoplasmic reticular Ca 2+ stores was studied in digitonin-permeabilized hepatocytes from chronically ethanol-fed rats and pair-fed control animals. The fractional Ca 2+ release induced by a subsaturating concentration of InsP3 was significantly enhanced in cells from ethanol-fed rats in the absence of a change in maximal InsP3-releasable Ca 2+ pool size, and this difference was not affected by preincubation with reduced glutathione. Incubation with oxidized glutathione (1 mM) increased the efficacy of Ca 2+ release by subsaturating concentrations of InsP3 in both control preparations and in cells from ethanol-fed rats. The shift in the InsP3 dose-response curve was not significantly different between the two preparations. These findings suggest that the enhanced efficacy of InsP3-induced Ca 2+ release in hepatocytes from ethanol-fed rats is not caused by the oxidation of protein-bound thiol groups on the InsP3 receptor.
Escape to Alcatraz: What Self-Guided Museum Tours Can Show Us About Teaching Legal Research

This article discusses how the pedagogical principles underlying prerecorded, self-guided museum tours, like the cellhouse tour of Alcatraz Island, can be applied to teach students how to use the law library. This article describes the limitations of bibliographic and process-oriented legal research exercises and suggests that prerecorded tours combine the best aspects of both, make research instruction more interesting, encourage active learning, and help students develop better research skills.
Equality and Discrimination in Education: A Comparative and International Analysis

The Charter of the United Nations requires members to promote human rights "without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion" (Van Dyke, 1970; Cranston, 1973; Schwelb, 1964; Raphael, 1967; Brownlie, 1971). The requirement has much in common with the equal protection clause of the constitution of the United States, but American scholars (in truth, -scholars in general) have given it far less attention. This suggests the present purpose: to inquire into the meaning that it is sensible to give to the "without distinction" requirement. The inquiry will be limited to the field of education, and in this field the focus will be on governmental practices and attitudes outside the United States and on official positions taken at the international level. The term "without distinction" is mildly troublesome, for it seems to be directed against any differentiation at all. Ample basis exists, however, for the assertion that it is directed only against those distinctions that are discriminatory (Van Dyke, 1973). The fact is reflected in the convention of 1960 sponsored by UNESCO, for it is called a Convention Against
Comparative efficacy of plastic strips impregnated with permethrin and permethrin dust for northern fowl mite control on caged laying hens.

Established populations of northern fowl mites, Ornitonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini and Fanzago), on caged laying hens were effectively controlled within 77 days by application of two plastic strips impregnated with permethrin per cage. Such strips contained 9.6% active ingredient (wt/wt), were ca. 20.5-cm long, and were affixed to the top cage wires. Use of only one strip per cage resulted in less control, approximating that obtained with .25% permethrin dust. Egg mass, expressed as gram egg per hen per day, was significantly greater in all treated groups.
Recombinant interferon alfa therapy for chronic hepatitis C. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract Infection with the hepatitis C virus may result in chronic liver disease for which no effective therapy is now available. We studied the effects of recombinant human interferon alfa in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with well-documented chronic hepatitis C. Forty-one patients were enrolled in the trial, 37 of whom were later found to have antibody to hepatitis C virus. Twenty-one patients received interferon alfa (2 million units) subcutaneously three times weekly for six months, and 20 received placebo. The mean serum aminotransferase levels and the histologic features of the liver improved significantly in the patients treated with interferon but not in the patients given placebo. Ten patients treated with interferon (48 percent) had a complete response, defined as a decline in mean serum aminotransferase levels to the normal range during therapy; three others had a decrease in mean aminotransferase levels of more than 50 percent. After treatment e...
A Call to Action in Changing Times.

![Figure][1] “These are changing times!” is an overused cliche, especially in a major election year, but is perhaps more germane now than ever in the health care arena, particularly the field of cardiac care. Advances in diagnostics and therapeutics are being made at a rapid pace,
On Problems of Public Administration in Private Colleges and Its Countermeasures

Aiming at the problems of public administration in private colleges,this paper regards that these problems could be solved by means of changing the concept,setting up reasonable agencies and concept of administrative efficiency,raising welfare treatment with multi-channels and strengthening development of human resources.
Why Nuclear Power

Nuclear energy and nuclear weapons have been historically connected in Japan and elsewhere. Japan’s nuclear energy program, particularly, its breeder reactor program and used fuel reprocessing, has been directly linked to its national security. This chapter explores how nuclear energy became an important foundation of Japan’s national security and considers the implications given Japan’s earthquake and tsunami activity.
Race/ethnicity, genetic ancestry, and breast cancer-related lymphedema in the Pathways Study.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a serious chronic condition after breast cancer (BC) surgery and treatment. It is unclear if BCRL risk varies by race/ethnicity. In a multiethnic prospective cohort study of 2953 BC patients, we examined the association of self-reported BCRL status with self-reported race/ethnicity and estimated genetic ancestry. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, with follow-up starting 6 months post-BC diagnosis. Estimates were further stratified by body mass index (BMI). By 48 months of follow-up, 342 (11.6 %) women reported having BCRL. Younger age at BC diagnosis, higher BMI at baseline, and lower physical activity were associated with greater BCRL risk. African American (AA) women had a 2-fold increased risk of BCRL compared with White women (HR = 2.04; 95 % CI 1.35–3.08). African genetic ancestry was also associated with an increased risk (HR = 2.50; 95 % CI 1.43, 4.36). Both risks were attenuated but remained elevated after adjusting for known risk factors and became more pronounced when restricted to the nonobese women (adjusted HR = 2.31 for AA and HR = 3.70 for African ancestry, both p < 0.05). There was also evidence of increased BCRL risk with Hispanic ethnicity in the nonobese women. Nonobese AA women had a higher risk of BCRL than White women, which cannot be fully explained by known risk factors. This is the first large-scale, prospective study demonstrating differences in BCRL risk according to race/ethnicity as assessed by both self-report and genetic ancestry data, with a potential ancestry–obesity interaction.
Simplifying Medical Terminology in Interpreted Medical

Carmona, Josue., Simplifying Medical Terminology In Interpreted Medical Encounters among Hispanics: A Key to Better Self Care. Master in Public Health (Health Interpreting and Health Applied Linguistics), May 2009, 30 pp., bibliography, 10 titles. This article suggests that a study is needed to analyze the level of register in speech or text used by physicians and other health care providers in their communication with patients. The author also questions whether the interpretation of such speech in the patient’s language at the same register that is uttered by physicians is understood by the patient. While proposing such a study, the author also questions interpreters’ professional preparation and the strict conduit model where the interpreter is to repeat everything is said as it is said. The study is proposed because of a gap in the literature have been found in these areas. SIMPLIFYING MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY IN INTERPRETED MEDICAL ENCOUNTERS AMONG HISPANICS: A KEY TO BETTER SELF CARE
Effect of Liquid Metal Distribution on the Flow Field and Macrosegregation during Direct Chill Casting of Aluminum Alloy 7050

A fully transient 2-D axisymmetric numerical model is used to investigate the effects of liquid metal distribution on the flow field and macrosegregation during DC casting. The model is applied to 500 mm diameter billets of aluminum alloy 7050 cast at 30, 60, and 90 mm/min. The predicted flow fields and composition profiles are compared for three metal feeding systems; one containing only a submerged nozzle, another with the addition of a rigid combo bag, and a final with the addition of a flow diffuser plate. The results from the numerical model show that the flow field and macrosegregation are strongly influenced by the nozzle exit velocity, which is primarily a function of the nozzle to ingot area ratio. For area ratios below 5%, jetting of the nozzle flow down the centerline is predicted, resulting in higher levels of macrosegregation. For area ratios above 5%, jetting of the nozzle flow is not predicted, but oscillations in the flow field at higher casting speeds are. The addition of either a low permeability combo bag or a flow diffuser plate is shown to prevent jetting of the nozzle flow down the centerline and to stabilize the flow field.
Hydrologic restoration in a dynamic subtropical mangrove-to-marsh ecotone

Extensive hydrologic modifications in coastal regions across the world have occurred to support infrastructure development, altering the function of many coastal wetlands. Wetland restoration success is dependent on the existence of hydrologic regimes that support development of appropriate soils and the growth and persistence of wetland vegetation. In Florida, United States, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP) seeks to restore, protect, and preserve water resources of the greater Everglades region. Herein we describe vegetation dynamics in a mangrove-to-marsh ecotone within the impact area of a CERP hydrologic restoration project currently under development. Vegetation communities are also described for a similar area outside the project area. We found that vegetation shifts within the impact area occurred over a 7-year period; cover of herbaceous species varied by location, and an 88% increase in the total number of mangrove seedlings was documented. We attribute these shifts to the existing modified hydrologic regime, which is characterized by a low volume of freshwater sheet flow compared with historical conditions (i.e. before modification), as well as increased tidal influence. We also identified a significant trend of decreasing soil surface elevation at the impact area. The CERP restoration project is designed to increase freshwater sheet flow to the impact area. Information from our study characterizing existing vegetation dynamics prior to implementation of the restoration project is required to allow documentation of long-term project effects on plant community composition and structure within a framework of background variation, thereby allowing assessment of the project's success in restoring critical ecosystem functions.
Spirituality, Religion, and Rational Suicide

Because conversations about rational suicide touch on the deepest questions on what it means to be human, clinicians must attend to the ways that patients’ spiritual and religious commitments inform their approach to decisions at the end of life. The FICA Spiritual History Tool is a useful, open-ended guide for engaging patients in conversation about spirituality and religion. In addition, clinicians can benefit from understanding how specific religious traditions engage rational suicide. Christian communities and traditions, for example, generally (though not unanimously) oppose rational suicide not only because they perceive suicide as a form of killing, but also because they maintain that “autonomy” and “rationality” are modern constructions and that rational suicide devalues those who are vulnerable, addresses suffering by eliminating the sufferer, and diminishes the role of the community in bearing and sharing the burdens and vulnerability of those who suffer.
Using Latent Class Analysis to Identify Profiles of Elder Abuse Perpetrators.

Objectives Research suggests that abuser risk factors differ across elder mistreatment types, but abuse interventions are not individualized. To move away from assumptions of perpetrator homogeneity and to inform intervention approaches, this study classifies abusers into subtypes according to their behavior profiles. Method Data are from the Older Adult Mistreatment Assessment administered to victims by Adult Protective Service (APS) in Illinois. Latent class analysis was used to categorize abusers (N = 336) using victim and caseworker reports on abusers' harmful and supportive behaviors and characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was then used to determine which abuser profiles are associated with 4 types of mistreatment-neglect, physical, emotional, and financial-and other sociodemographic characteristics. Results Abusers fall into 4 profiles descriptively labeled "Caregiver," "Temperamental," "Dependent Caregiver," and "Dangerous." Dangerous abusers have the highest levels of aggression, financial dependency, substance abuse, and irresponsibility. Caregivers are lowest in harmful characteristics and highest in providing emotional and instrumental support to victims. The 4 profiles significantly differ in the average age and gender of the abuser, the relationship to victims, and types of mistreatment committed. Discussion This is the first quantitative study to identify and characterize abuser subtypes. Tailored interventions are needed to reduce problem behaviors and enhance strengths specific to each abuser profile.
Hydrothermodynamic mixing of fluids across phases in porous media

We investigate the coupled dynamics of fluid mixing and viscously unstable flow under both miscible (single-phase) and partially miscible (two-phase) conditions, and in both homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media. Higher-order finite element methods and fine grids are used to resolve the small-scale onset of fingering and tip splitting. An equation of state determines the thermodynamic phase behavior and Fickian diffusion. We compute global quantitative measures of the spreading and mixing of a diluting slug to elucidate key differences between miscible and partially miscible systems. Hydrodynamic instabilities are the main driver for mixing in miscible flow. In partially miscible flow, however, we find that relative permeabilities spread the two-phase zone. Within this mixing zone dissolution and evaporation drive mixing thermodynamically while reducing mobility contrasts and thus fingering instabilities. The different mixing dynamics in systems involving multiple phases with mutual solubilities have important implications in hydrogeology and energy applications, such as geological carbon sequestration and gas transport in hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Patterns of distant metastases in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

6071 Background: Patients with HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+HNSCC) demonstrate favorable outcomes compared to HPV-negative SCC. Despite loco-regional control distant meta...
Kernel/Feature Selection for Support Vector Machines Applied to Materials Design

Abstract Support Vector Machines are classifiers with architectures determined by kernel functions. In these proceedings we propose a method for selecting the best SVM kernel for a given classification problem. Our method searches for the best kernel by remapping the data via a kernel variant of the classical Gram-Schmidt orthonormalization procedure then using Fisher’s linear discriminant on the remapped data. By specializing to the Veronese kernel we can also perform feature selection with this method. We perform both feature and kernel selection on a materials design problem.
First Report of Black Rot on Apple Fruit Caused by Diplodia seriata in California

A fruit rot was observed on apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) cv. Fuji in a commercial orchard during 2015 and 2016 in San Joaquin Valley County, California. Early symptoms of fruit rot included light to dark-brown lesions (3-4 cm in diameter) with defined margins and firm texture. In more advanced stages of the disease, the fruit became completely rotten and soft. Additionally, the affected apple trees developed fungal fruiting bodies on shoots initially blighted by Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight. A fungal species was consistently isolated by cutting small pieces of symptomatic fruit and blighted shoots and placing them on acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA). The plates were incubated at 22°C for 7 days. To obtain pure fungal cultures, hyphal tips were transferred to PDA. Upon isolation, 75% of the colonies formed on PDA developed dense white aerial mycelia that became dark gray after 7 days. The reverse of the colony ranged from olive green to black. The fungus formed pycnidia on pist...
Abstract 12841: Association Between Left Atrial Regional Function Assessed by Novel Tissue Tracking MRI and the Risk of Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Recent evidence suggests that left atrial (LA) fibrosis detected by late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is significantly associated with the risk of stroke in...
Musical training and the perception of phonetic detail in a shadowing task

Phonetic convergence, or shadowing, is the phenomenon in which people unintentionally and temporarily change phonetic details of their speech to sound more similar to another talker. Previous research has examined effects of the shadower and of the target speaker. In the current study, we examine listener contributions on the perception of phonetic convergence. Two hundred and sixty listeners completed an AXB perception task in which they were asked to determine whether the first or third stimulus was a better imitation of the middle stimulus. Listeners provided information about previous instrumental and vocal training. Preliminary examination of the results reveals that listeners with more musical training (in the form of instrumental or vocal experience) lead to better accuracy. Results from the study suggest that there is a link between musical training and detection of fine-grained phonetic details in speech.
THE DEGREE OF TENDINOSIS IS RELATED TO SYMPTOM SEVERITY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH MIDPORTION ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY.

Background Achilles tendinopathy negatively affects a person's ability to be physically active. However, remaining physically active during the rehabilitation process does not impact clinical outcomes when a pain-monitoring model is followed. There are several factors, such as the progression of pain and structural changes, kinesiophobia, functional impairments, or medical advice, which may explain why some patients become physically inactive while others maintain a physically active lifestyle. Purpose The purposes of this study were 1) to compare the clinical presentation of patients with Achilles tendinopathy with high and low activity levels 2) to examine the relationship between tendon thickening and symptom severity in patients with Achilles tendinopathy and 3) to determine the proportion of patients with Achilles tendinopathy who have a high degree of kinesiophobia and if this proportion differs based on activity level. Study Design Cross-sectional. Methods Fifty-three patients with Achilles tendinopathy were dichotomized into low activity (n=30) and high activity (n=23) groups based on their physical activity level. Patient characteristics, symptom severity, kinesiophobia, tendon thickening, and lower leg function were quantified and analyzed to test the study hypotheses. Results Patients with low activity levels had greater tendon thickening and a larger body mass compared to patients with high activity levels. There were no differences in symptom severity, kinesiophobia, or lower leg function between groups. A negative relationship (r=-0.491; p<0.001) was found between tendon thickening and symptom severity. Thirty-eight percent of patients demonstrated a high degree of kinesiophobia, but the proportion did not differ between groups. Conclusion Patients with Achilles tendinopathy who have low physical activity levels demonstrate greater tendinosis than patients who are highly active. These structural changes are negatively associated with symptom severity. However, symptom severity, kinesiophobia, and functional deficits do not differ between patients with different activity levels. Level of evidence Level 3.
The trade-security nexus and U.S. policy making in critical minerals

Abstract The United States increasingly relies on import to meet its demand for critical minerals. Using the case of rare earth elements (REEs), this paper analyzes the conditions and the strategies for the U.S. government to address import dependence. The paper finds that market factors, including the lack of comparable and sufficient substitutes and recycling, the high ratio of import relative to consumption, the high concentration of import supply by country, and regulations from the major supplier country, were insufficient to prompt intervention. Significant policy action only occurs when changing circumstances turn import dependence into perceived national security threats to the United States and its allies. The paper then examines U.S. domestic policy to mitigate import dependence during the Obama administration. It finds strong support for scientific research and development and for international collaboration with ally countries in the downstream, but limited support for upstream applied research and resource diplomacy, and limited engagement with the domestic and international private sector. The paper further analyzes policy trends under the current Trump administration and provides recommendations for future U.S. policy.
Reconsidering the experience machine: Self-reported versus objective measures of physical activity to increase positive affect.

This article tests the utility of self-report and objective assessment of physical activity to predict increased positive affect. Participants wore Fitbit activity trackers and responded to single-...
Encapsulation of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G7 in gastroprotective microgels: Improvement of the bacterial viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions

Abstract The oral delivery of probiotics to the colon is often challenging because probiotics tend to lose viability when exposed to the harsh conditions in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the highly acidic gastric fluids. Properly designed encapsulation technologies can be used to protect probiotics during their transit through the human gut. In this study, an anaerobic probiotic (Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G7 or BPG7) was encapsulated within alginate microgels that also contained antacid agents to control their internal pH within the stomach. Probiotic-loaded microgels were exposed to a simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) model to establish the impact of gastric and small intestinal conditions on their physicochemical properties and cell viability. In the absence of antacids, no live probiotic cells were detected in the microgels after exposure to gastrointestinal conditions. Conversely, in the presence of antacids, there was only a 1.5 log CFU decrease in cell viability after incubation in simulated gastric fluids for 2 h. Subsequently, after the antacid microgels were incubated in simulated intestinal fluids, considerable amount of viable probiotic cells were still detected when CaCO3 was used as an antacid but not when Mg(OH)2 was used. Overall, these results indicated that alginate microgels containing CaCO3 as an antacid were efficient at protecting the probiotic during passage through the upper GIT. This novel encapsulation technology utilizing all food grade materials may be useful for the oral delivery of probiotics to the gut in the form of functional foods or supplements.
A review of “Peak: Secrets from the new science of expertise”

Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise is a captivating book authored by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool (Ericsson & Pool, 2016). Although the book is the product of a collaborative effort...
Modeling and Fabrication of Scalable Tactile Sensor Arrays for Flexible Robot Skins

Artificial robot skins capable of multi-modal tactile feedback are anticipated to revolutionize how robots perceive their immediate surroundings and how they collaborate with humans on tasks that are more complicated and dynamic than currently possible. Efforts to develop the tactile skins must tackle significant hurdles related to flexibility, robustness, and scalability of sensors. In this paper, a flexible tactile sensor array is developed to address these hurdles via a novel sensor geometry and thermal compensation technique. This tactile skin relies on a polymeric piezoresistive array of strain gauges with a novel star-shaped geometry. Due to their radial symmetry, the proposed strain gauges exhibit a biaxial response to local strain-stress loading, avoiding “blind spots” in the vicinity of individual tactels. The sensors are fabricated using gold electrodes and piezoresistive polymers (PEDOT:PSS) micro-patterned on a flexible polyimide substrate enclosed in a compliant silicone matrix. The sensor is first modeled using multiphysics finite elements software to guide the design choices for a variety of geometric parameters under various load profiles and locations with respect to the gauge’s center. A novel homogeneous thermal compensation technique is proposed, which packages the sensors on the opposite sides of a flexible carrier. This thermal compensation technique achieves a 10-fold attenuation in temperature drifts as well as a double sensitivity in terms of strain measurement. After numerical modeling, a $4\times 4$ tactile array with the optimal geometry obtained through simulation was fabricated and interfaced to a custom-made electronic data acquisition system. Samples were tested using an automated dynamic force experimental test bed. The tactile skin array was experimentally characterized in terms of force sensitivity, spatial response, dynamic bandwidth, and temperature drift. The array exhibits a sensitivity of 1125 nV/N in the range of 0–0.5 N, a sensitivity of 412 nV/N in the range of 0.5–2.3 N, a hysteresis of 11.13%, a dynamic bandwidth of 1.49 Hz, and a temperature sensitivity of 6 nV/°C, averaged among individual sensors.
Tissue-specific Genome Editing in vivo by MicroRNA-repressible Anti-CRISPR Proteins [preprint]

Abstract CRISPR-Cas systems are bacterial adaptive immune pathways that have revolutionized biotechnology and biomedical applications. Despite the potential for human therapeutic development, there are many hurdles that must be overcome before its use in clinical settings. Some clinical safety concerns arise from persistent activity of Cas9 after the desired editing is complete, or from editing activity in unintended cell types or tissues upon in vivo delivery [e.g. by adeno-associated viruses (AAV)]. Although tissue-specific promoters and serotypes with tissue tropisms can be used, suitably compact promoters are not always available for desired cell types, and AAV tissue tropisms are not absolute. To reinforce tissue-specific editing, we exploited anti-CRISPR proteins (Acrs), which are proteins evolved as countermeasures against CRISPR immunity. To inhibit Cas9 in all ancillary tissues without compromising editing in the target tissue, we established a flexible platform in which an Acr transgene is repressed by endogenous, tissue-specific microRNAs (miRNAs). We demonstrate that miRNAs regulate the expression of an Acr transgene bearing miRNA-binding sites in its 3’ UTR, and control subsequent genome editing outcomes in a cell-type specific manner. We also show that the strategy is applicable to multiple Cas9 orthologs and their respective Acrs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in vivo delivery of Cas9 and Acrs that are targeted for repression by liver-specific miR-122 allow editing in the liver while Acrs devoid of miRNA regulation prevent Cas9 activity. This strategy provides additional safeguards against off-tissue genome editing by confining Cas9 activity to selected cell types.
Impacts of long-term insecticide treatment regimes on skdr and kdr pyrethroid resistance alleles in horn fly field populations

We evaluated the effects of four different 6-year duration control strategies on the resistance levels and frequency of the pyrethroid target site resistance alleles, superkdr (skdr) and kdr, at four field populations of Haematobia irritans irritans (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae) in Louisiana, USA. Consecutive use of pyrethroid ear tags for 6 years caused a significant increase in the resistance ratio to pyrethroids as well as the frequencies of both skdr and kdr resistance alleles. After 3 years of consecutive use of pyrethroid ear tags, followed by 1 year with no treatment, and followed by 2 years with organophosphate ear tags, the resistance ratio for pyrethroid was not significantly affected, the %R-skdr significantly dropped while the %R-kdr allele remained relatively high and stable. Similar results were observed when pyrethroid ear tags were used for three consecutive years, followed by 1 year with no treatment, and followed by 2 years with endosulfan ear tags; however, this treatment resulted in a slight increase in the resistance ratio for pyrethroids. In a mosaic, the resistance ratio for pyrethroids showed a 2.5-fold increase but the skdr-kdr genetic profiles did not change, as the %R alleles (skdr and kdr) remained low and stable through the 6 years. Lack of exposure to pyrethroid insecticides for 3 years significantly affected the skdr mutation but not the kdr mutation, preventing re-establishment of susceptibility to pyrethroids. SS-SR (skdr-kdr) individuals were responsible for the maintenance of the kdr mutation in two of the populations studied, and fitness cost seems to strongly affect the SR-RR genotype. None of the four treatment regimens evaluated in the study had satisfactory results for the management of kdr resistance alleles.
Deconstructing the genetic architecture of iron deficiency chlorosis in soybean using genome-wide approaches

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and development. Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC), caused by calcareous soils or high soil pH, can limit iron availability, negatively affecting soybean (Glycine max) yield. This study leverages genome-wide association study (GWAS) and a genome-wide epistatic study (GWES) with previous gene expression studies to identify regions of the soybean genome important in iron deficiency tolerance. A GWAS and a GWES were performed using 460 diverse soybean PI lines from 27 countries, in field and hydroponic iron stress conditions, using more than 36,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Combining this approach with available RNA-sequencing data identified significant markers, genomic regions, and novel genes associated with or responding to iron deficiency. Sixty-nine genomic regions associated with IDC tolerance were identified across 19 chromosomes via the GWAS, including the major-effect quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome Gm03. Cluster analysis of significant SNPs in this region deconstructed this historically prominent QTL into four distinct linkage blocks, enabling the identification of multiple candidate genes for iron chlorosis tolerance. The complementary GWES identified SNPs in this region interacting with nine other genomic regions, providing the first evidence of epistatic interactions impacting iron deficiency tolerance. This study demonstrates that integrating cutting edge genome wide association (GWA), genome wide epistasis (GWE), and gene expression studies is a powerful strategy to identify novel iron tolerance QTL and candidate loci from diverse germplasm. Crops, unlike model species, have undergone selection for thousands of years, constraining and/or enhancing stress responses. Leveraging genomics-enabled approaches to study these adaptations is essential for future crop improvement.
Repeatability of Scheimpflug Tomography for Assessing Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.

Purpose To determine if agreement between subjective interpretations of Scheimpflug tomography maps of corneas with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is affected by daily and hourly changes in corneal edema. Design Reliability analysis. Methods Scheimpflug imaging pachymetry and posterior elevation maps of corneas with a range of severity of FECD were evaluated in a randomized manner for the presence of 3 tomographic features of edema. Agreement between interpretations of 1 masked observer was assessed (percentage, and κ-statistic with 95% confidence interval) for images taken within minutes on the same day, for images taken at a similar time on a different day, and for images taken over the course of a morning. Intra- and interobserver agreement was also assessed. Results Interpretations for individual tomographic features agreed for ≥88% of images (κ ≥ 0.75) taken within minutes on the same day; complete disagreement (ie, disagreement for all 3 tomographic features in an image) occurred in ≤3% of images. Interpretations agreed for ≥77% of images (κ ≥ 0.52) taken at a similar time on a different day; complete disagreement did not occur. Interpretations agreed for ≥81% of images (κ ≥ 0.61) taken over the course of a morning; complete disagreement occurred in ≤6% of images. Intraobserver agreement was ≥93% (κ ≥ 0.83) and interobserver agreement was ≥93% (κ ≥ 0.66); complete disagreement did not occur. Conclusions Subjective interpretation of Scheimpflug images in FECD is highly repeatable for disease classification. Although small variations in interpretations resulted from pathophysiologic changes in corneal hydration and other factors, clinically significant disagreements in interpretation were uncommon and therefore unlikely to affect clinical decision-making.
P-026 The use of high-frequency optical coherence tomography for follow-up imaging of treated aneurysms

Introduction The use of flow diverters has emerged as an effective treatment of aneurysm. One of the major limitations of flow diverters is the need to put patients on dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT). The exposure of bare metal struts leads to platelet activation. A method to assess the degree of neointimal tissue ingrowth over the surface of the device could permit patient-specific tailoring of DAPT. Currently, the standard of follow-up for flow diverter patients is digital subtraction angiography (DSA); however, it has been previously reported DSA appearance of complete aneurysm occlusion is not always reliable with continued aneurysm growth.1 There have been reported cases of very delayed complications after DAPT has been stopped,2 although rare, such complications can be catastrophic. High Frequency Optical Coherence Tomography (HF-OCT) is a novel intravascular imaging technique designed for use in cerebrovascular anatomy with a spatial resolution approaching 10 microns. In this study, we sought to compare HF-OCT with state-of-the-art DSA for the in vivo evaluation of complete aneurysm occlusion. Methods Flow diverters were implanted in 15 rabbits, at least 21 days after a standard elastase aneurysm creation. Six of the rabbits were imaged at 15 days post implant, including both DSA and HF-OCT to assess healing of the aneurysm. The remaining 9 rabbits were allowed to heal for 60 days, at which point they also received HF-OCT. Finally, the rabbits were euthanized, perfused with formalin, and the aneurysms were explanted for histological analysis. Results Fifteen days following implant, one aneurysm was seen to be fully occluded on DSA, but HF-OCT demonstrated an aneurysm remnant, and the struts remained uncovered (figure 1D-E). At 60 days post-implant, another aneurysm appeared fully healed on DSA, yet HF-OCT demonstrated that the aneurysm remained in communication with the parent artery (figure 1A-B). This observation was later confirmed on SEM (figure C). Conclusions Preliminary evidence is presented showing that DSA alone is insufficient to confirm complete aneurysm occlusion. HF-OCT may reliably show parent artery remodeling and inform patient-specific decisions regarding duration of DAPT. References AJNR June 2012;33(6):1150–1155. J Neurosurg 2016;125:929–935. Disclosures R. King: None. M. Marsofoi: None. E. Langan: None. M. Shazeeb: None. G. Ughi: 4; C; Gentuity LLC. 5; C; Gentuity LLC. C. Raskett: None. A. Puri: None. M. Gounis: None.
A preliminary investigation into the use of molecular oxide and hydride secondary ion relationships for improvement of the 236 U/ 238 U determination on a NanoSIMS 50L

A NanoSIMS 50L is used to investigate uranium molecular (235U16O, 236U16O, 238U16O, 235U1H, 238U1H, 236U16O1H, and 238U16O1H) and elemental (235U, 236U, and 238U) secondary ion production during sputtering of synthetic UO2 and the NIST-610 standard to determine if: (1) the 236U16O/238U16O molecular oxide ratio performs better than the 236U/238U elemental ratio, and (2) there is co-variance between the molecular hydrides and oxides. Despite an order of magnitude greater abundance of 236U16O secondary ions (compared to 236U), the 236U16O/238U16O ratios are less accurate than the 236U/238U ratios. Further work is needed before the higher count rate of the 236U16O secondary ion can be used to obtain a better 236U/238U ratio. The second objective was undertaken because correction for the interference of 235U1H on the 236U secondary ion species typically utilizes the 238U1H/238U ratio. This becomes problematic in samples containing 239Pu, so our aim was to understand if the hydride formation rate can be constrained independently of having to measure the 238U1H. We document correlations between the hydride (238U1H and 238U16O1H) and oxide (236U16O) secondary ions, suggesting that pursuing an alternative correction regime is worthwhile.
Deletion of Stk11 and Fos in mouse BLA projection neurons alters intrinsic excitability and impairs formation of long-term aversive memory

Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is a form of one-trial learning dependent on basolateral amygdala projection neurons (BLApn). Its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. RNAseq from BLApn identified changes in multiple candidate learning-related transcripts including the expected immediate early gene Fos and Stk11, a master kinase of the AMP-related kinase pathway with important roles in growth, metabolism and development, but not previously implicated in learning. Deletion of Stk11 in BLApn blocked memory prior to training, but not following it and increased neuronal excitability. Conversely, BLApn had reduced excitability following CTA. BLApn knockout of a second learning-related gene, Fos, also increased excitability and impaired learning. Independently increasing BLApn excitability chemogenetically during CTA also impaired memory. STK11 and C-FOS activation were independent of one another. These data suggest key roles for Stk11 and Fos in CTA long-term memory formation, dependent at least partly through convergent action on BLApn intrinsic excitability.
Synchrotron-Like Radiation Beyond The Standard Model I: Hunting for new physics with the Sokolov-Ternov effect

Electron and positron beams in storage-rings self-polarize by emitting spin-flipping synchrotron radiation. If new ultralight particles couple to $e^\pm$, their emission in synchrotron-like radiation would modify the characteristic self-polarization time. We calculate the rate of spin-flipping synchrotron-like radiation in several simplified models, and find that the largest contribution is for an axial-vector. We use polarization time measurements from the Swiss-Light-Source, and SPEAR3 to set new strong limits on ultralight axial-vectors coupled to $e^\pm$.
Description of the new species Coptera tonic (Hymenoptera, Diapriidae), a pupal parasitoid of Rhagoletis juniperina Marcovitch (Diptera, Tephritidae), and revised partial keys to Nearctic Coptera Say.

A new species of the parasitic wasp Coptera Say was previously distinguished from other species via correspondence between ecological (host) differences and DNA barcodes. A description and figures for Coptera tonicsp. nov., along with revisions to existing keys that allow it to be distinguished from other Nearctic species without the aid of molecular characters, is provided in this work.
Learning from power system data stream

Assuming access to synchronized stream of Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) data over a significant portion of a power system interconnect, say controlled by an Independent System Operator (ISO), what can you extract about past, current and future state of the system? We have focused on answering these practical questions pragmatically _ empowered with nothing but standard tools of data analysis, such as PCA, filtering and cross-correlation analysis. Quite surprisingly we have found that even during quiet “no significant events” periods this standard set of statistical tools allows the “phasor-detective” to extract from the data important hidden anomalies, such as problematic control loops at loads and wind farms, and mildly malfunctioning assets, such as transformers and generators.
In vitro diagnostics for the medical dermatologist. Part II: Hypercoagulability tests.

The skin often provides initial clues of hypercoagulability with features such as livedo reticularis, livedo racemosa, retiform purpura, necrosis, and ulcerations. Because these cutaneous manifestations are nonspecific, laboratory testing is often needed to evaluate for underlying causes of hypercoagulability. Importantly, these disorders are reported to be the most common mimicker, resulting in an erroneous diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum. Understanding inherent properties of, and indications for, available tests is necessary for appropriate ordering and interpretation of results. Additionally, ordering of these tests in an indiscriminate manner may lead to inaccurate results, complicating the interpretation and approach to management. This second article in this continuing medical education series summarizes information on methodology, test characteristics, and limitations of several in vitro laboratory tests used for the work up of hypercoagulability and vasculopathic disease as it pertains to dermatologic disease.
Gaining Family Input At A Children's Medical Center.

In Kansas City, a pioneering children’s hospital system has woven family feedback into its policy-making processes.