cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Analysis of Expression and Processing of the Rat Epididymal Fluid and Sperm-Bound Forms of Proteins D and E

The mammalian epididymis secretes numerous proteins important for sperm maturation. Among these are proteins D and E, which belong to the CRISP family (cysteine-rich secretory proteins) and are the product of the Crisp-1 gene. These proteins have been the focus of a number of studies and have been implicated in sperm/egg fusion. Protein D and protein E have been purified to apparent homogeneity in several laboratories. Polyclonal antibodies raised against each protein typically cross-reacted with both proteins, suggesting that they were immunologically similar, if not identical. Our laboratory has previously reported the generation of a monoclonal antibody (mAb 4E9) that recognizes only protein E. Using mAb 4E9, the localization of protein E was shown to be domain specific on the sperm surface and there is processing of the protein in the fluid, with only the lowest molecular weight form associating with sperm. Subsequent purification and amino acid sequencing of protein D confirmed that proteins D and E are nearly identical and differ only by presence of the 4E9 epitope on protein E. Here we report the generation of antibodies to regions of amino acid sequence identity in proteins D and E. Using these antibodies, we demonstrate that protein D associates with the sperm head and that a portion of this protein may be proteolytically processed. In addition, we demonstrate that the proteolytic processing of protein E occurs in the carboxy terminal region of this protein. The data also suggest that a portion of protein D may also undergo processing, similar to that of protein E. Finally, we use these antibodies to demonstrate that proteins D and E are differentially expressed by the epididymal epithelium. Taken together, these data suggest that proteins D and E may have individual roles in sperm function.
Free Vibrations of Taut Cable with Attached Damper. II: Nonlinear Damper

Free vibrations of a taut cable with a nonlinear power-law damper attached near the end are considered. An approximate analytical solution for the amplitude-dependent effective damping ratios in each mode is developed by assuming the same form of solution as for the linear damper and minimizing the mean-square error in the force equilibrium at the damper. An asymptotic approximate solution for small frequency shifts reveals a nondimensional grouping of parameters allowing the development of an amplitude-dependent universal estimation curve for the power-law damper. The shape of the universal curve is slightly different for each value of the damper exponent, but for a given exponent the curve is nearly invariant over the same range of parameters as the universal curve for the linear damper. This formulation yields insights into the dependence of nonlinear damper performance on mode number and amplitude of oscillation, suggesting potential advantages that may be offered by a nonlinear damper over a traditional linear damper.
Effect of dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenergic agonist, in the isolated heart

Abstract Dexmedetomidine (DM) was studied in the isolated dog heart in the form of a Starling heart-lung preparation, (HLP). Hearts were subjected to increased loading by (a) increasing cardiac output, and (b) increasing systemic resistance. Results are depicted by cardiac function curves, prepared by plotting left atrial pressure against either systemic cardiac output or mean arterial pressure. DM, given in divided doses up to 44 μg, had no effect on heart rate or cardiac function, nor did injection of 0.5 mg of atipamezole, a selective alpha2-antagonist. Additional injections of very large doses of DM, up to 4,444 μg, caused an increase in heart rate and a leftward shift of the function curves, ie, positive chronotropic and inotropic effects. Plasma catecholamine levels increased markedly between the 444 μg and the 4,444 μg cumulative doses of DM. Administration of 1 mg of prazosin had no effect, but 1 mg of propranolol returned the rate to baseline and markedly shifted function curves to the right and depressed their slopes. Thus, whereas low doses (corresponding to between 1 and 30 wg / kg in intact animals) of DM, given acutely IV, have been shown to depress cardiac function in intact and denervated dogs, this effect is not due to a direct effect on the myocardium. High doses, far beyond doses maximally effective in intact animals and man, release catecholamines from cardiac stores. Plasma DM levels after low doses in the HLP were between 1 to 10 times those seen in intact animals and human volunteers after the usual doses given clinically for their central effects. Because DM caused no myocardial depressant effect in the isolated, blood-perfused canine HLP, decreases in cardiac function seen after this drug is given to intact and autonomically denervated dogs must be due to factor(s) other than a direct action on the myocardium.
Fully Kinetic Modeling of Divergent Cusped-Field Thrusters

A fully kinetic, particle-in-cell plasma simulation tool has been incrementally developed by members of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Space Propulsion Laboratory. Adapting this model to simulate the performance and plasma dynamics of a divergent cusped-field thruster is discussed. Strong magnetic fields in the cusps (B≈0.5 T) necessitate using a time step on the order of a picosecond in order to resolve electron cyclotron trajectories. As a result, successfully completing a divergent cusped-field thruster simulation with the full magnetic field strength has yet to be accomplished. As an intermediate step, simulation results of a divergent cusped-field thruster with the magnetic field at 1/5 the actual value are presented. Further modifications that may lead to successful simulations of divergent cusped-field thrusters at full magnetic field strength are also outlined.
Teaching ethics: more than an honor code.

An honor code is certainly a good place to start teaching engineering students about ethics, but teaching students to live honorably requires far more effort than memorizing a code of ethics statement or applying it just to academic performance. In the School of Engineering at Grand Valley State University, we have followed the model provided by the United States Military Academy at West Point. For our students this involves an introduction to the Honor Code as part of a larger Honor Concept at the very beginning of their studies and then making it an integral part of their preparation as engineers. The challenge is significant because the culture at large does not support living with an Honor Concept. This paper will begin with a discussion of the cultural context in which we must teach, because that context has changed significantly in the years since many faculty members were students themselves. The rest of the paper will detail the approach that we have taken to teach ethics as an engineer’s way of life.
Cardiac perception and the voluntary control of heart rate

Twenty-four men and twenty-four women participated in an experiment designed to examine the relationships among cardiac interoception, external feedback, and the voluntary control of heart rate. The concept of cardiac interoception was operationalized as heart-rate estimation in Experiment 1 and as heart-rate discrimination in Experiment 2. The heart-rate estimation task proved to be the more reliable and productive of the two operations in assessing perception of internal cues associated with cardiac activity. The cardiac estimation data suggested that instructional set and type of feedback did influence the learning of cues related to cardiac perception but that feedback did not enable subjects to learn to perceive their cardiac activity accurately. Analysis of the relationship between cardiac awareness and heart-rate control indicated that the facilitating effects of feedback on voluntary control are not mediated by cardiac awareness and that this model of biofeedback is inappropriate.
Cortical recording with silicon microelectrodes: model-based analysis of contact dimension and encapsulation changes on recorded waveforms

Brain machine interfaces represent an emerging area of neurotechnology with both basic science and clinical applications. We developed a model of intracortical microelectrode recording to address the role of contact dimensions, tissue encapsulation, and neuron position on the time course and amplitude of the voltage records. We used a multi-compartment cable model of a 3D reconstruction of a layer V cortical pyramidal neuron to determine transmembrane currents generated during action potential signaling. We coupled the neuron model to finite element models (FEM) of microelectrodes in a cortical tissue medium. The neuronal currents were applied to the FEM and the voltage record at the contact was determined as a function of time. Our results show that the recorded waveform is relatively independent of typical contact sizes (<1000 mum2), but local inhomogeneities in the tissue medium can substantially enhance or suppress signal amplitude. Extensions of these analyses will enable development of silicon-substrate electrodes with optimized contact shape and distribution to achieve specific recording objectives
The changing landscape of health care provision to American Indian nations

Health service provision has been an aspect of indigenous-United States relationships for over two hundred years, yet America's First Peoples continue to suffer from poor health outcomes when compared with other racial or ethnic groups in the United States. An important change over recent decades is that more and more tribes are managing their own health care services—a realignment of administration and authority that has the potential to substantially improve American Indian and Alaska Native health in years to come. This paper describes the history of health care provision to federally recognized American Indian tribes. It continues by documenting the sparse research literature on tribal management of health care services and identifying information still needed to bring knowledge of this topic up-to-date. Five challenges for tribal management of health-care services that should be considered by tribes and policymakers in their health-care efforts and brought to bear on future research are discussed. By...
Möbius Inversion of Random Acyclic Directed Graphs

Suppose a random acyclic digraph has adjacency matrix A with independent columns or independent rows. Then the mean Mobius inverse of the zeta matrix I+A is the Mobius inverse of the mean zeta matrix, i.e., E[(I+A) −1 ]= [I+E(A)] −1
Interaction of Nuclear-Polyhedrosis Virus, Ddt, Rotenone and Peanut Oil in Galleria mellonella Larvae

The combined effects of insect viruses and insecticides have been investigated both in the field (McEwen and Hervey 1958, Genung 1960, Getsin 1962, Wolfenbarger 1965, and Dempster 1968) and in the laboratory (Benz 1971). This paper reports quantitative studies of interactions of insect nuclear-polyhedrosis virus (NPV) and the insecticides DDT and rotenone suspended in peanut oil. These insecticides were chosen because one (DDT) stimulates insect respiration and thus is believed to enhance the effect of virus on larvae, while the other (rotenone) has the opposite effect (O'Brien 1967).
Cuterebra Infestation in Peromyscus

Details are presented of an infestation of white-footed mice by Cuterebra , observed in Massachusetts in 1959; an incidence of 27 per cent was noted in 214 mice captured. Cases of myiasis in Peromyscus are reviewed, and possible results of this parasitism are discussed.
Think Big, Live Green: Community-Specific Sustainability Engagement Campaigns

Following the heels of a very successful campaign in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences called CALS Green, Cornell University sought to develop a university-wide behavior change campaign that would support its climate neutrality goals. Thus, the Think Big, Live Green campaign was designed to be entirely customizable for each college and unit based on their own operations, resources, and community culture. The campaign has four programs that complement each other—the College Engagement Program, the Green Office and Green Lab Certification Programs, and the Cornell Building Dashboard. These programs work in tandem to provide avenues of faculty, staff, and student engagement in sustainable actions. Community research, behavior economics, social norms, competitions, community-based social marketing, and peer education are embedded throughout the campaign programs to target specific sustainable actions within each college and unit. Other key components include the College Green Teams and College Green Ambassadors that serve as role models, leaders and program facilitators within their community. These peer educators have a personal interest in sustainability and undergo training in behavior change strategies to design programs for their community. Think Big, Live Green has been successful in two colleges at Cornell, and in 2016 will become part of a larger university-wide framework that will support the sustainable campus transformation and a climate neutrality goal of 2050.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality patient safety indicators and mortality in surgical patients.

Abstract Patient safety indicators (PSI), developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, use administrative billing data to measure and compare patient safety events at medical centers. We retrospectively examined whether PSIs accurately reflect patients' risk of mortality, hospital length of stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) requirements at an academic medical center. Surgical patient records with PSIs were reviewed between October 2011 and September 2012 at our urban academic medical center. Primary outcomes studied included mortality, hospital length of stay, and ICU requirements. Subset analysis was performed for each PSI and its association with the outcome measures. PSIs were more common among surgical patients who died as compared with those alive at discharge (35.3 vs 2.7 PSIs/100 patients, P < 0.01). Although patients who died with PSIs had shorter hospital courses, they had a significantly greater ICU requirement than those without a PSI (96.0 vs 61.1%, P < 0.01) and patients who were alive at discharge (96.0 vs 48.0%, P < 0.01). The most frequently associated PSIs with mortality were postoperative metabolic derangements (41.7%), postoperative sepsis (38.5%), and pressure ulcers (33.3%). PSIs occur at a higher frequency in surgical patients who die and are associated with increased ICU requirements.
Phase Diagram for Turbulent Dispersion

The motion of passive scalar in turbulent flows is described by the equation $$dx\left( t \right) = v\left( {x\left( t \right),t} \right)dt + \sqrt {2v} dw\left( t \right)$$ where v ≥ 0 is the molecular diffusivity, w(t) the standard Brownian motion and v a time stationary, space homogeneous incompressible Markovian velocity field in d dimensions with the correlation given by the formula Open image in new window ∀i, j = 1,…, d. We assume that κ 0 = 0, κ 1 0, κ 1 = ∞ for α > 1 so that \(\hat R_{ij}\) is integrable in k and the velocity is well defined. The time correlation function ρ is assumed to decay fast. The Kolmogorov-Obukhov spectrum corresponds to α = 4/3, β = 1/3, in three dimensions. When ρ is a exponential function, the velocity field is Gaussian and is a Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process.
Finite Element Discretization

Discretization of a boundary-value problem by the finite element method requires evaluation of various integrals over the elements into which the region of interest is partitioned.
Fast dynamic simulation of VLSI circuits using reduced order compact macromodel of standard cells

This paper presents a dynamic simulation methodology using a reduced order compact macromodel of standard cells. The standard cell macromodels are formulated with a smaller number of state variables compared to an equivalent transistor-level implementation. This results in significant speed-ups over transistor-level simulation for large scale circuits. Such reduction in state variables also reduces memory usage. The macromodels are based on transistor equations, and simulation using these models produces results in excellent agreement (delay errors below 1%) with transistor-level simulation results. Various examples showing 1.5x−100x reduction in dynamic simulation time and 1.5x−2.8x reduction in memory usage are presented.
Sicherheitsmaßnamen und Abwägung der Risiken in der RRMS-Therapie

Seit 2006 wurden bis heute sechs neue Medikamente zur Therapie der schubformig-remittierend verlaufenden Multiplen Sklerose (RRMS) zugelassen. Neben Wirksamkeit, Applikationsform und Dosisintervall haben Sicherheitsaspekte und ein notwendiges Therapie-Monitoring einen hohen Stellenwert bei der Auswahl einer geeigneten Therapie.
Optimization of selective contacts in Si heterojunction photovoltaic cells considering Fermi level pinning and interface passivation

Semiconducting metal oxides having proper band offset with Si can provide high carrier selective contacts resulting in metal/interlayer/absorber heterojunction solar cell. Previous results showed double heterojunction cell could outperform homojunction cell. Systematic study identifying the design parameters of selective contacts is missing. In this paper, we have identified the design issues for Si heterojunction cell: metal Fermi level pinning, oxide doping and interface passivation. Our simulations show that these issues are important in optimized design of a carrier selective contact. The results suggest that high doping in the oxides and proper choice of metals can compensate for some of the drastic effects of poor interface passivation which is typically a problem observed in these cells. The simulation results are in agreement with experiment. This work will provide a better understanding of the effect of Fermi level pinning in heterojunction cells, which has mostly been ignored by the photovoltaics community, but is becoming increasingly important. We show that a heterojunction cell can replace highly doped emitter and back surface field resulting in high efficiency and low thermal budget fabrication.
Noninvasive Monitoring of Blood Glucose with Raman Spectroscopy.

ConspectusThe successful development of a noninvasive blood glucose sensor that can operate reliably over sustained periods of time has been a much sought after but elusive goal in diabetes management. Since diabetes has no well-established cure, control of elevated glucose levels is critical for avoiding severe secondary health complications in multiple organs including the retina, kidney and vasculature. While fingerstick testing continues to be the mainstay of blood glucose detection, advances in electrochemical sensing-based minimally invasive approaches have opened the door for alternate methods that would considerably improve the quality of life for people with diabetes. In the quest for better sensing approaches, optical technologies have surfaced as attractive candidates as researchers have sought to exploit the endogenous contrast of glucose, notably its absorption, scattering, and polarization properties. Vibrational spectroscopy, especially spontaneous Raman scattering, has exhibited substantia...
Urinary and Urologic Complications of Laparoscopic and Robotic Urologic Procedures

Urinary complications are some of the more common complications of laparoscopic urologic surgery. The overall incidence of urinary tract injury following laparoscopy urologic surgery in large series is under 1% [1, 2]. These injuries can occur both in upper tract and in pelvic urologic laparoscopy. They include injures to the ureter, urinary leaks after extirpative and reconstructive procedures, bladder injuries, and anastomotic leaks. In general, urinary complications after robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures is similar and is thus discussed together.
Nonlinear optical switching properties of dye-doped inorganic/organic nanocomposite films

The sol–gel method has been employed in the fabrication of composite films consisting of nanometer size self-assembled organic mesostructures surrounded by a silica framework. The hydrophobic domains within the mesostructures make these films an excellent host matrix for the donor/acceptor energy transfer complexes. Time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption studies revealed that these complexes exhibit ultrafast nonlinear optical responses as a result of the energy transfer process. The optical properties of these composite films may make them suitable for use as the photonic film in future all-optical switching devices.
Some Applications of the Thermodynamic Theory of Irreversible Processes to Physical Metallurgy

An extension of the thermodynamic theory has been made for the case of irreversible growth processes occurring by the motion of an interface. The theory is applicable to such diverse phenomena as diffusion, growth in recrystallization, continuous grain growth, growth of carbides, etc., growth of eutectoid products, growth in solidification, recovery, “slipless” flow, etc.
A polyjet 3D printed alternative for package to RFIC interconnects

Presented is a study of RFIC interconnect methodologies and a possible 3D printed alternative to traditional strategies. Using polyjet 3D printing technology, an easily reconfigurable wide bandwidth interconnect is constructed. Copper conductors are deposited on 3D printed structures, which make connection to an IC by means of conductive epoxy. Simulated and measured results for this structure are shown.
Quantitative microinjection using fluorescence calibration of streaming microdroplets on a superhydrophobic surface

Abstract A simple and reproducible procedure was developed to measure the volume of liquid microinjected into cells. A calibration curve of droplet fluorescence intensity versus volume was constructed by injecting a fluorescent dextran solution through a 125–150 µm diameter micropipette into an oil-filled culture dish to create a spray of varied-sized droplets. The droplets retained a spherical shape because they were in an oil medium and they settled onto a glass surface coated with a superhydrophobic surface. Fluorescent micrographs of the droplets were obtained and analyzed with Image-J software to quantify the fluorescence intensity and radius of each spherical droplet to produce the calibration curve. Subsequently, Dut-145 human prostate carcinoma cells were microinjected with the same fluorescent dextran solution and fluorescent micrographs of the cells were obtained using the identical exposure conditions used to photograph the droplets. The measured fluorescence intensity of the microinjected cells was entered into the formula for the regression line that was fit to the calibration curve allowing determination of the volume of solution injected into each cell. Thus, a mixture consisting of known concentrations of a test material of test material (macromolecules, drugs, etc.) and a fluorescent dextran, volumetric, tracer can be used to quantify the relationship between the amount of a microinjected material and subsequent effects on cells.
The Biological Axis of Senescence, Stress, and Aging as Construct for Cancer, Disease, and Death

It is a fact that over long years of intellectual, innovative, and practical biologic research, not to mention the disbursement of vast sums of money, the experimental sciences have in the main focused their efforts on deriving an understanding of life. Few, if any, research studies have attempted to understand death at the molecular level. Such death presumably is the end point of all life, and in that sense is as naturally and as inextricably tied to the life process as is birth. Declining and dying are fundamental parts of the evolutionary chain including life, and clearly death is as much a process built into the biophysiologic whole as are stress, metabolism, growth, regeneration, aging, disease, and other “life” functions. The dearth of experimental studies addressed to the subject of death is in marked contrast to the surfeit of writing on the moral order, for whether provoked by conscience or not, philosophic and metaphysical writings are no strangers to the bibliographical index of death studies. In recent years (Day, 1971, 1973) cultural anthropology and sociology (Calhoun, 1973) have added thrust to this dimension. The time is certainly Appropriate to urge encouragement of basic research into the mechanisms of the death process.
Note on U.S. Pension Accounting

The purpose of this note is to describe the manner in which publicly traded corporations and local governments in the United States account for their pension plans.Learning Objective: To educate students about differences between accounting for corporate and government pension plans.
Predicting Ambulatory Aid Needs with Disease Progression in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (P2.328)

Objective: To develop predictive scales that correlate Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy Score version 2 (CMTNSv2) scores with specific ambulatory aid use in pediatric patients with Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT). Background: CMT, the most common genetic neuromuscular disease, causes progressive decline in strength with increased use of ambulatory aids such as orthoses, canes, walkers and wheelchairs as the disease progresses. The CMT neuropathy score (CMTNSv2) is a validated outcome measure that categorizes the severity of neuropathy into mild, moderate or severe neuropathy in patients with CMT. The correlations between CMTNSv2 and ambulatory aid use in children has not been studied. Design/Methods: Pediatric patients consented through the Inherited Neuropathy Consortium for the natural history clinical registry trial were assessed in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Data collected included demographics, CMTNS, type of ambulatory aid used, foot surgery, difficulty with buttons, and with utensils. Mean scores and standard deviations for the CMTNS were calculated. Results: Of 625 eligible patients, 539 had completed data and were included in the analysis. Mean age was 13 (range 8–18, SD 2.9); Gender: 270 M, 269 F; Race: 84% Caucasian. Ambulatory aid used correlated strongly with CMTNS score (0.63, p Conclusions: We have developed predictive scales that correlate specific scores in CMTNS with progressive functional aid needs. We recommend prospective validation of our predictive scales in a CMT population. Disclosure: Dr. Ramchandren has nothing to disclose. Dr. Moore has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hornyak has nothing to disclose.
Soccer: Who Has the Ball? Generating Visual Analytics and Player Statistics

The world of sports intrinsically involves fast and complex events that are difficult for coaches, trainers and players to analyze, and also for audiences to follow. In sports, talent identification and selection are imperative for the development of future elite level performers. Current scenarios involve word-of-mouth, coaches and recruiters scouring through hours of videos and many times manual annotation of these videos. In this paper, we propose an approach that automatically generates visual analytics from videos specifically for soccer to help coaches and recruiters identify the most promising talents. We use (a) Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to localize soccer players in a video and identify players controlling the ball, (b) Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks (DCGAN) for data augmentation, (c) a histogram based matching to identify teams and (d) frame-by-frame prediction and verification analyses to generate visual analytics. We compare our approach with state-of-the-art approaches and achieve an accuracy of 86.59% on identifying players controlling the ball and an accuracy of 84.73% in generating the game analytics and player statistics.
Reducing patient wait times in a head and neck cancer outpatient clinic: A pilot study

OBJECTIVES 1) Identify causes of increased patient wait times in a high-volume outpatient cancer clinic; and 2) use quality improvement tools to implement changes to reduce patient wait times. METHODS Baseline patient wait times for 10 faculty members in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) outpatient head and neck cancer clinic were calculated. Patient workflow and scheduling processes were recorded and analyzed. The faculty with the lowest patient wait times was interviewed, and best practices were identified. Two physicians piloted interventions. Clinic templates were standardized and load-leveled, and the total patients scheduled per hour was based on the physician's calculated capacity per hour. Paired t tests were used to analyze data, and P values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS The baseline patient wait time average was 71 minutes (range 33-122 minutes). Several factors were found to increase patient wait times, including scheduling too many patients in a short time interval at the beginning of clinic hours and exceeding the physician's patient capacity per hour. For physicians implementing changes, the patient wait time was reduced significantly. For physician 3, the average wait time was reduced from 122 minutes to 52 minutes (57% decrease, P < 0.01) For physician 5, the wait time was reduced from an average of 89 minutes to 62 minutes (30% decrease, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION By applying principles for quality improvement, such as identifying and benchmarking best practices, load-leveling, and standardizing clinic scheduling, patient wait times were significantly reduced. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 130:E151-E154, 2020.
Mixed stock origin of Atlantic bluefin tuna in the U.S. rod and reel fishery (Gulf of Maine) and implications for fisheries management

Abstract The highly migratory Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) has a distribution that spans the North Atlantic and two distinct spawning populations, an eastern population originating in the Mediterranean Sea and a western population originating in the Gulf of Mexico. Atlantic bluefin tuna are managed as two separate management units (east and west) in the North Atlantic, despite observed mixing that occurs across the management boundary. Characterizing the effects of stock mixing has been identified as a priority for improving the management of Atlantic bluefin tuna. Identifying the stock composition of landings from the Gulf of Maine is of particular importance, because approximately 70 % of the U.S. western Atlantic total allowable catch is removed from this region annually. The aim of our research was to apply otolith chemistry techniques to characterize the origin of bluefin tuna caught in the U.S. rod and reel fishery in the Gulf of Maine and to demonstrate how this information can be applied in fisheries management. Prior research established otolith stable isotope chemistry (δ13C and δ18O) as an effective and reliable stock identification tool, and we applied this approach to determine the population of origin of bluefin tuna collected from fishery dependent sampling (recreational and commercial) in the Gulf of Maine. Results indicated that the majority of fish caught in the Gulf of Maine from 2010 to 2013 were eastern origin. We found the highest proportion of eastern origin fish were caught in 2012 and the proportion of eastern origin fish was greater in late summer to fall. Although the majority of fish in small and intermediate size classes were eastern origin, fish in the largest size class (>250 cm) were predominantly western origin. Using these data, we demonstrated an approach for integrating mixed stock composition information into fishery-specific harvest data (U.S. rod and reel catch, catch-at-age, and catch-per-unit-effort). This information can be used to monitor mixed stock composition of the fishery, partition catch to population of origin, and to inform management decisions aimed at controlling population of origin harvest.
The NGAL iron delivery pathway coupling with extracellular matrix signal modulates E-cadherin cellular localization and colon cancer cell invasion

3951 Expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL)/lipocalin2, a recently recognized iron-binding protein, is increased in colorectal cancer.However, the effects of NGAL on colorectal cancer cells are unknown. Identifying these effects formed the purpose of the study we report here. We have generated several stable over-expressing NGAL cell lines using KM12C colon carcinoma cell line and examined the effects of the protein in the aspects of cell growth, motility and invasion. We found that NGAL over-expression in KM12C colon carcinoma cells did not affect the cell growth rate, however, it resulted in cytoskeleton rearrangement, the translocation of E-cadherin and α-catenin proteins to the cytoplasm, decreased RhoA activity, increased cell motility and invasion. To investigate the mechanism of the protein function, we treated NGAL over-expressing cells with either ferric chloride or iron chelator. Interestingly, we found that different extracellular matrix signals differentially modulate NGAL effects on the cells through its iron delivery pathway. Coupling with type IV collagen signal, ferric chloride treatment of the cells proved to promote E-cadherin cytoplasmic distribution and cell invasion. In contrast, iron chelator treatment of the cells restored E-cadherin to the cell-cell junctions and inhibited the cell invasion ability. We conclude from our findings that the NGAL iron-delivery system coupling with extracellular matrix signal, most likely integrin signals, is a key mechanism for altering the location of E-cadherin in the cells and for promoting colon cancer cell motility and invasion.
A Prospective Pilot Study Evaluating Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Breathe Easier: A Mindfulness-based Intervention for Survivors of Lung Cancer and Their Family Members (Dyads).

Objective: Symptom burden remains a distressing problem for survivors with non-small-cell lung cancer (stages I-IIIa). This pilot study evaluated feasibility and preliminary effects of a tailored m...
Pediatric Fractures: Identifying and Managing Physical Abuse

Abstract Childhood fractures are a common reason for presentation to the emergency department. Fractures are also an important manifestation of child maltreatment. Therefore, it is critical that healthcare providers understand historical, biomechanical, physical examination, and psychosocial factors that can help differentiate abusive skeletal trauma from accidental injuries and recognize other contributors such as metabolic bone disease. As fractures may not be apparent based on history and examination alone, medical providers with concern for abusive injury in young children should understand when and how to evaluate for occult skeletal and other injuries. While no fracture location is pathognomonic for abuse, certain fracture types have high specificity for abuse and therefore knowledge of their radiologic appearance, mechanism of injury, and association with maltreatment is essential. This article will review current knowledge on the topic of child abuse considerations when children present with fractures.
Open Platform for Accelerating Smart Ultrasound Transducer Probe Development

In this paper, we discussed the available architectures used for smart ultrasound transducer probes and implemented the most popular architecture, which is very practical for most researchers or engineers. Field II simulation, hardware and software integration, and imaging acquisition were carried out. The open platform consists of 64 low-noise receiver channels, 128 transmitter channels, FPGA, USB controller and power management circuits to handle signals from uVpp to 160~200 Vpp. This open platform is powered and accessed via high-speed USB Type-C™ port available on most PADs or PCs. RF data data can be available for transducer characterization, power consumption optimization and algorithm development. The open platform is capable of achieving real-time triplex B-mode/color/PW Doppler mode imaging. The hardware resource files can be requested by contacting the authors.
Midfoot and ankle motion during heel rise and gait are related in people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

Abstract Background Midfoot and ankle movement dysfunction in people with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy (DMPN) is associated with midfoot deformity and increased plantar pressures during gait. If midfoot and ankle motion during heel rise and push-off of gait have similar mechanics, heel rise performance could be a clinically feasible way to identify abnormal midfoot and ankle function during gait. Research question Is midfoot and ankle joint motion during a heel rise associated with midfoot and ankle motion at push-off during gait in people with DMPN? Methods Sixty adults with DMPN completed double-limb heel rise, single-limb heel rise, and walking. A modified Oxford multi-segment foot model (forefoot, hindfoot, shank) was used to analyze midfoot (forefoot on hindfoot) and ankle (hindfoot on shank) sagittal angle during heel rise and gait. Pearson correlation was used to test the relationship between heel rise and gait kinematic variables (n = 60). Additionally, we classified 60 participants into two subgroups based on midfoot and ankle position at peak heel rise: midfoot and ankle dorsiflexed (dorsiflexed; n = 23) and midfoot and ankle plantarflexed (plantarflexed; n = 20). Movement trajectories of midfoot and ankle motion during single-limb heel rise and gait of the subgroups were examined. Results Peak double-limb heel rise and gait midfoot and ankle angles were significantly correlated (r = 0.49 and r = 0.40, respectively). Peak single-limb heel rise and gait midfoot and ankle angles were significantly correlated (r = 0.63 and r = 0.54, respectively). The dorsiflexed subgroup, identified by heel rise performance showed greater midfoot and ankle dorsiflexion during gait compared to the plantarflexed subgroup (mean difference between subgroups: midfoot 3°, ankle 3°). Significance People with DMPN who fail to plantarflex the midfoot and ankle during heel rise have difficulty plantarflexing the midfoot and ankle during gait. Utilizing a heel rise task may help identify midfoot and ankle dysfunction associated with gait in people with DMPN.
Infrared Radiation Transparent Film Impact on Thermal Measurement

Measuring surface infrared radiation (IR), thermal infrared detectors can accurately measure surface temperatures with the advantage of non-contact detection. However, IR thermal measurements can only be applied in limited applications due to the limitation that only infrared transparent objects can be placed between the device under test (DUT) and thermal infrared detectors. In this paper, the thermal measurement impact from an IR transparent film has been investigated. The testing setup was built with an IR detector, IR transparent film, and thermocouple instrumented heating element as the device under test. Most of the DUT's metal surface has been prepared with black electric tape, white electric tape, and Kapton thermal tape. Thermocouples were attached to these surfaces as well as areas that were not covered with any material. Thermocouple readings were compared with the results from the IR detectors with and without the IR transparent film. Results show an increasing thermal impact to the measurements as temperatures rose when using the IR transparent film. A minor impact from the various applied surface films was also observed. Correlations between the actual and IR detector measured temperatures when using the IR transparent film were generated, enabling more accurate thermal measurements when using these materials in the future.
Compensating for a stressful pregnancy? Glucocorticoid treatment during gravidity reduces metabolic rate in female fence lizards post-parturition.

Reproduction is a critical part of an animal's life history, but one which incurs significant costs to survival and future reproductive potential. These physiological consequences are likely to be influenced by context – for example, if an individual is subject to environmental stressors, physiological and behavioral changes associated with reproduction may be altered. Glucocorticoids, hormones produced as part of the physiological response to stressors, may alter how reproduction affects female physiology and behavior, and therefore the outcomes of reproductive trade-offs. Glucocorticoids prioritize immediate survival over reproduction, for example through changes in immune function, metabolic rate, and foraging, which may reduce energy expenditure or increase energy gain. However, we previously found that female eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) experiencing elevated glucocorticoid levels during gestation were nevertheless able to maintain reproductive output and body condition. Here we investigate compensatory mechanisms by which eastern fence lizard females may maintain reproduction under experimental increases in a glucocorticoid, corticosterone (CORT). We found that, although CORT-treated females had similar immune function and behavior, they had reduced metabolic rates 3-5 days post-parturition compared to control females. Given that CORT-treated females spent a similar time basking and had equal food intake compared to control females, we suggest that the reduced metabolic rate is a mechanism by which CORT-treated females maintain their energy balance and reduce the energetic costs of gestation during periods of stress. This study suggests that physiological responses to reproduction may be context-dependent and could act to minimize costs of reproduction in situations where CORT is elevated (such as during periods of environmental stress). (Less)
Large Displaced Fracture of the Volar Lip of the Distal Phalanx Associated with Flexor Digitorum Profundus Rupture

Rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus occurs because of forceful extension of the distal interphalangeal joint while the flexor digitorum profundus is actively contracting. This is a frequent football injury and is usually caused by grabbing an opponent's jersey. The ring finger is most often involved and is in special jeopardy because the small finger easily slips from the grasp and fully flexes, causing the ring finger to absorb all of the force applied to the ulnar innervated profundi.
Nietzsche's 'on the Genealogy of Morality': An Introduction

Nietzsche's On the Genealogy of Morality (1887) is a forceful, perplexing, important book, radical in its own time and profoundly influential ever since. This introductory textbook offers a comprehensive, close reading of the entire work, with a section-by-section analysis that also aims to show how the Genealogy holds together as an integrated whole. The Genealogy is helpfully situated within Nietzsche's wider philosophy, and occasional interludes examine supplementary topics that further enhance the reader's understanding of the text. Two chapters examine how the Genealogy relates to standard questions in moral and political philosophy. Written in a clear, accessible style, this book will appeal to students at every level coming to read the Genealogy for the first time, and a wider range of readers will also benefit from nuanced interpretations of controversial elements in Nietzsche's work.
Endoscopic cerebrospinal fluid leak closure in an infected field.

Background Sinonasal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks during an active infection present the unique challenge of preventing spread of infection without compromising the integrity of the closure. We describe the technique and clinical course of patients undergoing endoscopic CSF leak repair in an actively infected field. Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic CSF leak repair in an actively infected field. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients with sinonasal CSF leaks that were endoscopically repaired during an acute infection. Results Nine patients were identified. Etiologies of CSF leak were iatrogenic after endoscopic sinus surgery (n = 5, 55.6%) or revision craniopharyngioma resection (n = 1, 11.1%), spontaneous (n = 1, 11.1%), anterior skull base meningocele with CSF leak (n = 1, 11.1%), and posttraumatic (n = 1, 11.1%). The locations of the leaks were ethmoid in five patients, frontoethmoid in three patients, and sphenoid in three patients. Seven patients had acute sinusitis (77.8%) and two patients had meningitis (22.2%) at the time of closure. Two patients (22.2%) had failure of previous CSF leak closure. All leaks were repaired in a multilayered fashion with multiple graft types, including septal or conchal cartilage, temporalis fascia, fascia lata, fat, Medpor, and tissue sealant. Three patients additionally had mucosal flaps or grafts. The patients were treated with an average of 11.1 days (range, 6-14 days) of antibiotics. The average hospital stay was 4.1 days (range, 2-7 days), and the mean follow-up time was 8.7 months (range, 2.9-19.3 months). No patients experienced recurrence of CSF leak or postoperative complication or infection. Conclusion Endoscopic closure of skull base defects was successfully performed in nine patients during acute infections without complications, recurrent infection, or need for revision CSF leak closure. Endoscopic CSF leak repair appears to be safe and effective in patients with active infection with sinusitis or meningitis.
The Object in Question: The FIDENA International Puppetry Festival

Germany’s FIDENA puppetry festival’s provocative offerings, with shows drawn from visual arts and dance, without traditional puppets at their center, prompts reflections on the shifting boundaries of puppetry arts, the new notion of “material performance,” and, within this new rubric, the continuance of elements essential to puppetry.
The Effects of Environmental-Political Factors on Predator Research

Environmental and political factors, regulations, and various reports are reviewed, and their effects on predator damage control research with chemicals are discussed.
Constitutive Models for Concrete Structures

With the present state of development of computer programs, inadequate material models are often one of the major factors in limiting the capability of structural analysis. This is especially true for concrete where generally accepted constitutive equations do not exist. Nevertheless, there exists a large variety of models which have been proposed in recent years to characterize the stress-strain and failure behavior of concrete materials. All these models have certain inherent advantages and disadvantages which depend to a large degree on their particular application. The objective of this paper is an attempt to evaluate critically these existing concrete constitutive relations and failure criteria within the context of their use in the numerical analysis of concrete structures and to determine the range of their applicability, relative merits, and limitations and to identify the specific need for further modifications and developments.
Low‐cost flexible sigmoidoscopy screening: A community demonstration and education project

Abstract The purpose of this project was to demonstrate that a low‐cost, community‐based screening and education approach (for both patients and physicians), as has been used with mammography, can be successful with flexible sigmoidoscopy. One hundred appointments over four days were made available via a targeted mailing to 12,000 health‐interested community members if they were asymptomatic, 50 years old or older, and had never before been screened by flexible sigmoidoscopy. The cost for the procedure was set at $50. Professional education was accomplished by having local physicians interested in gaining greater experience with flexible sigmoidoscopy provide the screenings under supervision. All 100 patient appointments and seven physician‐training slots were quickly filled. Ninety‐five procedures were performed by seven local physicians, averaging 10 minutes per procedure, with an average insertion depth of 31 cm and a 4.2% premalignant‐polyp detection rate. The patients were also given education and co...