cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract SY28-01: Is mitosis the target of “anti-mitotic” cancer drugs.

Cytotoxic drugs, which mostly target DNA or microtubules, can be curative in some cancers, but how they kill tumor cells selectively compared to normal cells has long been mysterious. The textbook view holds that cytotoxic drugs gain efficacy and selectivity by targeting different phases of the cell cycle, mitosis in the case of anti-microtubule drugs such as paclitaxel. However, the proliferation rate in tumors is slow compared to bone marrow and gut, and drugs that target cells only during cell division have shown little tumor efficacy. It is thus unclear whether mitosis is really a druggable process for cancer treatment. We have investigated the cytotoxic actions of anti-mitotic drugs in cell culture and using intravital imaging in a xenograft tumor model. Comparing the same cell line growing in culture and xenografts, we find that paclitaxel kills via mitotic arrest in culture, but by a non-mitotic mechanism in tumors. Candidate cell-killing mechanisms and their implications for improving chemotherapy will be discussed. Citation Format: Timothy J. Mitchison. Is mitosis the target of “anti-mitotic” cancer drugs. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY28-01. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-SY28-01
Detection and analysis of influenza virus in children with respiratory tract infections in Suzhou in 2005

Objectives To detect and analyze the incidence of influenza virus in children with respiratory tract infections in Suzhou in 2005.Methods Influenza virus A and B(and other respiratory viruses including respiratory syncytial virus)in nasopharyngeal secretions were detected by direct immuno-fluorescence assay(DFA)and collidal gold assay.The subtypes of influenza A were classified by one step RT-PCR.ELISA was used to detect the titer of mycoplasma pneumonia antibody(MP-IgM)in children with confirmed influenza infection.Results Totally 58 influenza virus strains were isolated from 746 specimens.Forty-seven cases were classified as subtype A(H1 28 cases,H3 19 cases)and 11 cases were of subtype B(one case was mixed subtype A and B).The total prevalence of influenza infection was 7.77%,which was significantly different when compared to 16.75% in 2001(P 0.01=.The mixed infection rates of influenza virus with RSV and MP were 18.97% and 27.59%,respectively.The prevalence of influenza infection was higher in girls than in boys(P 0.05=.Age between 3 ～ 7 years old had a higher prevalence.Conclusions The prevalence of influenza infection was at steady level in Suzhou in 2005.The main subtype changed from H3 to H1 after October.Influenza and RSV or MP coinfections were common.The prevalence of influenza infection in Suzhou in 2005 was higher in girls above 3 years old.Such significant difference between genders was not detected in the former years.
Optomechanical measurement of photon spin angular momentum and optical torque in integrated photonic devices.

Photons carry linear momentum and spin angular momentum when circularly or elliptically polarized. During light-matter interaction, transfer of linear momentum leads to optical forces, whereas transfer of angular momentum induces optical torque. Optical forces including radiation pressure and gradient forces have long been used in optical tweezers and laser cooling. In nanophotonic devices, optical forces can be significantly enhanced, leading to unprecedented optomechanical effects in both classical and quantum regimes. In contrast, to date, the angular momentum of light and the optical torque effect have only been used in optical tweezers but remain unexplored in integrated photonics. We demonstrate the measurement of the spin angular momentum of photons propagating in a birefringent waveguide and the use of optical torque to actuate rotational motion of an optomechanical device. We show that the sign and magnitude of the optical torque are determined by the photon polarization states that are synthesized on the chip. Our study reveals the mechanical effect of photon’s polarization degree of freedom and demonstrates its control in integrated photonic devices. Exploiting optical torque and optomechanical interaction with photon angular momentum can lead to torsional cavity optomechanics and optomechanical photon spin-orbit coupling, as well as applications such as optomechanical gyroscopes and torsional magnetometry.
Properties of cholinergic responses in isolated parapodial muscle fibers of Aplysia.

The parapodial neuromuscular junction in the marine snail Aplysia brasiliana is a model synapse for the investigation of neural modulation. The parapodial muscle fibers are innervated by cholinergi...
Consent, Culpability, and the Law of Rape

This Article explores the relationship between consent and culpability. The goal is to present a thorough exposition of the tradeoffs at play when the law adopts different conceptions of consent. After describing the relationship between culpability, wrongdoing, permissibility, and consent, I argue that the best conception of consent—one that reflects what consent really is—is the conception of willed acquiescence. I then contend that to the extent that affirmative consent standards are aimed at protecting defendants, this can be better achieved through mens rea provisions. I then turn to the current victim-protecting impetus for affirmative expression standards, specifically, requirements that the victim by words or conduct said “yes” or “no.” I argue that the transition to this rule yields that a defendant who reasonably believed the victim acquiesced will still be guilty of sexual assault—all the defendant will be permitted to argue about is whether the victim’s behavior constituted the required expression. This could lead to strict liability, as it allows for the possibility of condemning someone who did not do anything morally culpable. I then examine questions about placing affirmative expression requirements into a criminal code. I argue that “no means no” standards are under-inclusive and that “only yes means yes” standards, so long as they allow conduct to count as affirmative consent, will fail to protect victims or give guidance to potential defendants. Conduct is simply too ambiguous. I then raise problems with grading and distinguishing offenses. Finally, I address the applicability of affirmative consent standards to colleges and universities. Although these institutions' reforms may be able to avoid some of the problems of criminal law, I maintain that colleges must solve the “intoxicated yes” problem, a problem that will exist even under affirmative consent requirements.
HF Radio Network Design Considerations

A practical networking design for HF radio, with an acceptable ECCM waveform and reasonable data rates, is difficult to achieve because of inherently narrow signalling bandwidths and poor connectivity. If HF networking is to be successful, higher than usual network management overhead and lower than desired data rates must be accepted. In addition, a successful networking design must consider the total system and not focus in on only selected issues such as waveforms, network models, relay, or link quality analysis. The design and analysis must be comprehensive for the entire system. Consideration should also be given to a radio terminal design that encompasses a wide variety of HF communication needs and not just those applicable to ECCM. This will increase the market for such equipment and result in lower life cycle cost. This paper describes some of the concepts that should be considered in future HF radio terminal designs and in the development of future HF radio networking standards.
Long-range and wide field of view optical coherence tomography for in vivo 3D imaging of large volume object based on akinetic programmable swept source

Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging suffers from short ranging distance and narrow imaging field of view (FOV). There is growing interest in searching for solutions to these limitations in order to expand further in vivo OCT applications. This paper describes a solution where we utilize an akinetic swept source for OCT implementation to enable ~10 cm ranging distance, associated with the use of a wide-angle camera lens in the sample arm to provide a FOV of ~20 x 20 cm2. The akinetic swept source operates at 1300 nm central wavelength with a bandwidth of 100 nm. We propose an adaptive calibration procedure to the programmable akinetic light source so that the sensitivity of the OCT system over ~10 cm ranging distance is substantially improved for imaging of large volume samples. We demonstrate the proposed swept source OCT system for in vivo imaging of entire human hands and faces with an unprecedented FOV (up to 400 cm2). The capability of large-volume OCT imaging with ultra-long ranging and ultra-wide FOV is expected to bring new opportunities for in vivo biomedical applications.
Health Information Seeking versus Avoiding: How Do College Students Respond to Stress-related Information?

University of Minnesota M.A. thesis. June 2016. Major: Journalism. Advisor: Rebekah Nagler. 1 computer file (PDF); iii, 76 pages.
The Relationship between Tropical Cyclone Activity, Nutrient Loading, and Algal Blooms over the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, is subject to many environmental stressors. This study utilizes remotely sensed Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) chlorophyll a concentration data to explore statistically significant relationships between local-scale tropical cyclone disturbance and relative water quality between 2004–2014. The study reveals that tropical cyclone activity reduces water quality at 8- and 16-day time lags. Relationships suggest that at early stages (during and just after cyclone activity) algal response is induced primarily through wind-driven sediment re-suspension. However, wind speed in isolation only increases minimum levels of chlorophyll a, rather than mean or extreme upper values. At greater time lags (16-day), it is suggested that nutrient runoff from rainfall (and perhaps storm surge) increase phytoplankton activity, leading to detrimental ecological effects. The analyses systematically demonstrate the dominance of tropical cyclone size on mean and extreme values of chlorophyll a during and after tropical cyclone activity (at 0-, 8-, and 16-day time lags). Both the total area affected and the area from which nutrients can be extracted have more impact on chlorophyll a concentrations than either the duration or intensity of the cyclone. Findings indicate that efforts to reduce nutrient and sediment leaching into the reef lagoon from the Queensland coastal lands need to be continued and improved. This will be particularly important in the context of climate change, since tropical cyclone frequency, dynamics and characteristics are likely to change.
Analysis of Exception-Based Control Transfers

Dynamic taint analysis and symbolic execution find many important applications in security-related program analyses. However, current techniques for such analyses do not take proper account of control transfers due to exceptions. As a result, they can fail to account for implicit flows arising from exception-based control transfers, leading to loss of precision and potential false negatives in analysis results. While the idea of using exceptions for obfuscating (unconditional) control transfers is well known, we are not aware of any prior work discussing the use of exceptions to implement conditional control transfers and implicit information flows. This paper demonstrates the problems that can arise in existing dynamic taint analysis and symbolic execution systems due to exception-based implicit information flows and proposes a generic architecture-agnostic solution for reasoning about the behavior of code using user-defined exception handlers. Experimental results from a prototype implementation indicate that the ideas described produce better results than current state-of-the-art systems.
Yield to the Resistance: The Impact of Nematode Resistant Varieties on Alfalfa Yield

Abstract Alfalfa is a major cash crop in the western United States, where fields that are infested with the alfalfa stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) can be found. With no nematicides available to control alfalfa stem nematode spread, growers can use nematode resistant varieties of alfalfa to manage nematode populations in a field. A deterministic, discrete-time, host-parasite model is presented that describes the spread of alfalfa stem nematodes on resistant hosts that were fit to experimental data obtained in Weber County, Utah. Numerical results obtained from simulations with the model are used to compare how varying levels of resistance can affect harvest yield. Recommendations for Resource Managers Alfalfa stem nematodes have a significant impact on alfalfa production. Nematode resistant varieties of alfalfa can be used to lessen the impact of nematodes on the alfalfa. This discrete deterministic model is used to determine how different levels of nematode resistance in these varieties will affect harvest yield and nematode populations in the field. Alfalfa varieties that have a resistance to nematodes can improve yield and lower the nematode population in an infested field.
Machiavellian Genes, Social Selection, and the Evolution of Religious Behavior

This article offers a theoretical solution to the problem of how irrational and distorted thinking can evolve naturally in a social species. It first outlines the various theories that have arisen during the search for the evolutionary origins of religion. It rejects psychological by-product theories because evolution is driven by variation and natural selection, not by psychology. The Darwinian model of natural selection, which sees selection as a competitive survival of the fittest, is replaced by one that sees natural selection as gene cooperation. A new concept, the extranome, is introduced to describe gene coalitions that operate beyond the individual in social groupings. Coalitional game theory is applied to understand behavioral patterns that result from social selection. A basic social behavior, the join-and-share behavior, emerges from the mathematical analysis. Religion, a join-and-share behavior, therefore, can evolve naturally this way and is adaptive in the sense that it promotes greater gene replication; however, it is not the product of competitive selection.
Abstract 1114: Combining anti-androgen therapy and PARP inhibition results in synergistic cytotoxicity of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells

Androgen deprivation therapy is an efficient first line therapy for advanced prostate cancer. However, in most cases resistance inevitably develops resulting in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Abiraterone and enzalutamide are approved to treat mCRPC and act by inhibiting androgen biosynthesis and androgen receptor (AR) signaling, respectively. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a key enzyme in the DNA damage repair pathway and has also been implicated in AR signaling cascade. Recent reports suggest significant efficacy combining anti-androgens and inhibitors of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) particularly against cells harboring mutations in the DNA repair pathway. Here, we provide evidence of synergistic cytotoxicity combining PARP inhibition and androgen signaling ablation in the AR positive human CRPC cell line 22RV1 harboring mutation in the DNA repair gene BRCA2. The PARP inhibitor talazoparib (IC50 - 0.05 μM) was upto 20 times more potent than olaparib (IC50 – 1.0 μM) in inducing cell death in 22RV1 as seen by cell viability and clonogenic assays. When combined with AR antagonist enzalutamide (IC50 – 0.25 μM) or androgen synthesis inhibitor abiraterone (IC50 – 1.25 μM) both PARP inhibitors showed significant synergy, although talazoparib was more prominent owing to its superior potency. Higher concentrations of enzalutamide and abiraterone (>10μM) induced PARP cleavage and increased expression of γ-H2AX, a marker for DNA damage. Our results suggest that AR signaling inhibition involves PARP mediated apoptosis and highlight the crosstalk between PARP and AR pathways. In summary, combining anti-androgen therapy and PARP inhibitors carry significant therapeutic potential for CRPC patients harboring mutations in DNA repair pathway. Citation Format: Sahithi Pamarthy, Vinay Sagar, Rajita J. Vatapalli, Zachary Reinstein, Muhammad Zayd Ansari, Benedito A. Carneiro Filho, Francis J. Giles, Sarki A. Abdulkadir. Combining anti-androgen therapy and PARP inhibition results in synergistic cytotoxicity of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1114. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1114
Relation of Coronary Flow Reserve to Other Findings on Positron Emission Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging and Left Heart Catheterization in Patients With End-stage Renal Disease Being Evaluated for Kidney Transplant.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and often goes undetected. Abnormal coronary flow reserve (CFR), which predicts increased risk of cardiac death, may be present in patients with ESRD without other evidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). We prospectively studied 131 patients who had rest and dipyridamole pharmacologic stress N13-ammonia positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (PET MPI) for kidney transplant evaluation. Thirty-four patients also had left heart catheterization. Abnormal PET MPI was defined as qualitative ischemia or infarct, stress electrocardiogram ischemia, or transient ischemic dilation. CFR was calculated as the ratio of stress to rest coronary blood flow. Global CFR
Cardiovascular homeostasis dependence on MICU2, a regulatory subunit of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter.

Comparative analyses of transcriptional profiles from humans and mice with cardiovascular pathologies revealed consistently elevated expression of MICU2, a regulatory subunit of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex. To determine if MICU2 expression was cardioprotective, we produced and characterized Micu2−/− mice. Mutant mice had left atrial enlargement and Micu2−/− cardiomyocytes had delayed sarcomere relaxation and cytosolic calcium reuptake kinetics, indicating diastolic dysfunction. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of Micu2−/− ventricular tissues revealed markedly reduced transcripts encoding the apelin receptor (Micu2−/− vs. wild type, P = 7.8 × 10−40), which suppresses angiotensin II receptor signaling via allosteric transinhibition. We found that Micu2−/− and wild-type mice had comparable basal blood pressures and elevated responses to angiotensin II infusion, but that Micu2−/− mice exhibited systolic dysfunction and 30% lethality from abdominal aortic rupture. Aneurysms and rupture did not occur with norepinephrine-induced hypertension. Aortic tissue from Micu2−/− mice had increased expression of extracellular matrix remodeling genes, while single-cell RNA-seq analyses showed increased expression of genes related to reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and proliferation in fibroblast and smooth muscle cells. We concluded that Micu2−/− mice recapitulate features of diastolic heart disease and define previously unappreciated roles for Micu2 in regulating angiotensin II-mediated hypertensive responses that are critical in protecting the abdominal aorta from injury.
Technical Applications of a 2-D Optoelectronic P-N-P-N Winner-Take-All Array

In this contribution we review a 2-D Winner-Take-All (WTA) optoelectronic array-network the basic element of which is a bistable p-n-p-n thyristor structure with a light sensitive nonlinear S-shaped current-voltage characteristic. After giving a review of the operation of the basic element, we describe the functionality of the WTA array. We will show that this array can be used in optical signal and image processing such as minimum detection, correlators and fuzzy logic applications.
Adaphostin induced toxicity in lung tumor cell lines implicates oxidative stress that is mediated through the Nrf-2/heme oxygenase pathway

4648 We evaluated 2 agents that contain an active lactone moiety, curcumin (a plant derivative) and simvastatin (a statin), as cytostatic agents for the treatment of breast cancer. The anti-tumor activity of these 2 agents is currently speculative. Evidence points to curcumin as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, both desirable properties that have been reported to play key roles in inhibiting carcinogenesis. Simvastatin, sold under the brand name Zocor for the treatment of high blood cholesterol, is being intensely investigated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. In this report, we describe a plausible mechanism of the potential cytostatic action of both curcumin and simvastatin through the proteasome proteolytic pathway. Using cell culture models and a variety of biochemical in vitro assays, we found that curcumin and simvastatin function, albeit weakly, like classic proteasome inhibitors such as MG-132 and PS-341. Using a panel of 3 breast tumor cell culture models (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, and Hs578T), we showed that these 2 agents mediate their cell cycle inhibitory activities by blocking the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome in vitro. Using a vector that expresses a fusion protein of green fluorescent protein (gfp) and Mouse Ornithine Decarboxylase (MODC) in our model cell lines, we also showed qualitatively (microscopically) and quantitatively (flow cytometrically) that these 2 agents inhibit proteasomal degradation of MODC ex vivo. These results were indicative of increased MODC accumulation (as measured by increased gfp). Similarly, because the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27 are normally degraded by the proteasome, treatment of our model cell lines with curcumin and simvastatin prevented the degradation of p21 and p27. This failure to degrade resulted in the accumulation of p21 and p27 and their ubiquitinated forms and thus led to G1 arrest in the MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T models. However, the MDA-MB-436 model, which lacks p21, failed to arrest after treatment with either agent, although the proteasome activity in the cell extract was inhibited. Furthermore, in preliminary clonogenic assays, we found that both curcumin and simvastatin affected synergistic cell killing in combination with ionizing radiation. Collectively, our data suggest that both curcumin and simvastatin mediate G1 arrest and possibly cytostasis and apoptosis by blocking the proteasome activity and upregulating the p21 protein in breast cancer cells.
The tetrapartite synapse: a key concept in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

Growing evidence points to synaptic pathology as a core component of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ). Significant reductions of dendritic spine density and altered expression of their structural and molecular components have been reported in several brain regions, suggesting a deficit of synaptic plasticity. Regulation of synaptic plasticity is a complex process, one that requires not only interactions between pre- and post-synaptic terminals, but also glial cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, these elements are referred to as the ‘tetrapartite synapse’, an emerging concept supported by accumulating evidence for a role of glial cells and the extracellular matrix in regulating structural and functional aspects of synaptic plasticity. In particular, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), one of the main components of the ECM, have been shown to be synthesized predominantly by glial cells, to form organized perisynaptic aggregates known as perineuronal nets (PNNs), and to modulate synaptic signaling and plasticity during postnatal development and adulthood. Notably, recent findings from our group and others have shown marked CSPG abnormalities in several brain regions of people with SZ. These abnormalities were found to affect specialized ECM structures, including PNNs, as well as glial cells expressing the corresponding CSPGs. The purpose of this review is to bring forth the hypothesis that synaptic pathology in SZ arises from a disruption of the interactions between elements of the tetrapartite synapse.
Valor Social, Niños, y el Derecho Humano a la Educación

The social value of educational institutions must be captured by any adequate conceptualization of the human right to education. Society as a whole is benefited by formal education because of its intersection with other social goals like literacy, political engagement, equality, and in particular, good health. In this sense, the social value is importantly aspirational: education provides a place where meaningful political action can occur and is socially valuable as a way to overcome oppression in a society. Including this social value as part of what the human right protects offers distinct advantages for our understanding of children’s human right to education, as well. It addresses the challenge of conceptualizing how the human right to education is applicable in cases of child poverty and social insecurity. It also provides theoretical resources to address social conflict that results from providing formal schooling, including tension between children and guardians regarding children’s education.
Functional genomics for the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica.

Oleaginous yeasts are valuable systems for biosustainable production of hydrocarbon-based chemicals. Yarrowia lipolytica is one of the best characterized of these yeast with respect to genome annotation and flux analysis of metabolic processes. Nonetheless, progress is hampered by a dearth of genome-wide tools enabling functional genomics. In order to remedy this deficiency, we developed a library of Y. lipolytica insertion mutants via transposon mutagenesis. The Hermes DNA transposon was expressed to achieve saturation mutagenesis of the genome. Over 534,000 independent insertions were identified by next-generation sequencing. Poisson analysis of insertion density classified ~ 22% of genes as essential. As expected, most essential genes have homologs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and the majority of those are also essential. As an obligate aerobe, Y. lipolytica has significantly more respiration - related genes that are classified as essential than do S. cerevisiae and S. pombe. Contributions of non-essential genes to growth in glucose and glycerol carbon sources were assessed and used to evaluate two recent genome-scale models of Y. lipolytica metabolism. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting identified mutants in which lipid accumulation is increased. Our findings provide insights into biosynthetic pathways, compartmentalization of enzymes, and distinct functions of paralogs. This functional genomic analysis of the oleaginous yeast Y. lipolytica provides an important resource for modeling, bioengineering, and design of synthetic minimalized strains of respiratory yeasts.
Equilibrium Speed Distributions

One of the fundamental processes in traffic flow, which leads to delays and frustration for individual drivers is that of overtaking (that is, approaching from behind) a slower vehicle. Trucks, busses, and sightseers (“Sunday drivers”) can cause substantial delays to a driver trying to move quickly from one place to another on the standard two-lane, two-way highway encountered in so much of the United States.
Efficient method for optimization of force controlled robotic assembly parameters

Ford Motor Company has recently implemented several industrial applications of a new robot technology called "Force Control" in its production robotic assembly processes. Increased robot controller computing speed have enabled force controlled assembly robots to achieve adequate contact stability with relatively low damping, enabling robots to now exceed human capability in terms of cycle time performance for assembly operations. It is not known a priori what the correct robot parameter settings should be to produce optimal robot performance, so an efficient method to converge on a parameter set sufficient for use in a production must be found. This paper will detail an efficient optimization method that can be used in conjunction with force controlled robotic assembly, and discuss the future R&D direction and potential for this technology.
Measuring rib cortical bone thickness and cross section from CT.

Abstract This study assesses the ability to measure local cortical bone thickness, and to obtain mechanically relevant properties of rib cross-sections from clinical-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans of human ribs. The study utilized thirty-four sections of ribs published by Perz et al. (2015) in three modalities: standard clinical CT (clinCT), high-resolution clinical CT (HRclinCT), and microCT (µCT). Clinical-resolution images were processed using a Cortical Bone Mapping (CBM) algorithm applied to cross-cortex signals resampled perpendicularly to an initial smooth periosteal border. Geometric constraints were applied to remove outlier signals from consideration, and final predicted periosteal and endosteal borders from HRclinCT and clinCT were developed. Target values for local cortical thickness and for overall cross-sectional area and inertial properties were obtained from segmentation of the periosteal and endosteal borders on each corresponding µCT image. Errors in prediction (mean ± SD) of local cortical bone thickness for HRclinCT and clinCT resolutions were − 0.03 ± 0.17 mm and − 0.05 ± 0.22 mm, respectively, with R2 coefficients of determination from linear regression of 0.82 and 0.71 (p Predicted cortical shell measures derived from the periosteal and endosteal borders included total cross-sectional area (prediction errors of 6 ± 3% and − 1 ± 5 % respectively for HRclinCT and clinCT with R2 correlations of 0.99 and 0.96), cortical shell area (errors of − 3 ± 8 % and − 8 ± 11 % with R2 correlations of 0.91 and 0.87), and principal area moment of inertia (errors of 2 ± 8% and − 3 ± 11 % with R2 correlations of 0.98 and 0.95). Results here show substantial reductions in rib cross-sectional measurement error compared to past histogram-based thresholding methods and provide first validation of the CBM method when applied to rib bones. With the ubiquity of clinical CT scans covering the thorax and ribs, this study opens the door for individualized and population-wide quantification of rib structural properties and their corresponding effects on rib injury.
A learning based hierarchical framework for automatic prostate localization in CT images

Accurate localization of prostate in CT images plays an important role in image guided radiation therapy. However, it has two main challenges. The first challenge is due to the low contrast in CT images. The other challenge is due to the uncertainty of the existence of bowel gas. In this paper, a learning based hierarchical framework is proposed to address these two challenges. The main contributions of the proposed framework lie in the following aspects: (1) Anatomical features are extracted from input images, and the most salient features at distinctive image regions are selected to localize the prostate. Regions with salient features but irrelevant to prostate localization are also filtered out. (2) An image similarity measure function is explicitly defined and learnt to enforce the consistency between the distance of the learnt features and the underlying prostate alignment. (3) An online learning mechanism is used to adaptively integrate both the inter-patient and patient-specific information to localize the prostate. Based on the learnt image similarity measure function, the planning image of the underlying patient is aligned to the new treatment image for segmentation. The proposed method is evaluated on 163 3D prostate CT images of 10 patients, and promising experimental results are obtained.
Decision Level Data Fusion for Routing of Documents in the TREC3 Context: A Base Case Analysis of Worst Case Results.

The performance of a simulated test of decision level data fusion in the routing (filtering) task of the Text Retrieval Conference is summarized and analyzed. The relatively poor results of an approach in which a specific fusion rule was selected for each retrieval task are analyzed in terms of a best possible fusion scenario based on a given scheme for quantizing the messages from the systems to be combined. The limitations of that scenario are in turn explored, and possible ways to improve upon it are outlined.
Chapter 78 – Use of Drosophila to Study Restless Legs Syndrome

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster continues to find wide acceptance as a superlative genetic model system in diverse aspects of neuroscience research, including complex neural phenomena such as memory formation and sleep. The ease of genetic manipulation makes flies a powerful platform to investigate putative genetic factors that might confer disease risk in humans. Recently, a reverse genetic analysis of BTBD9, a risk factor for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), has been carried out in flies. Interestingly, mutants in the fly ortholog of BTBD9 display all reasonable phenotypes that might be expected from a model of RLS, including hyperlocomotion and sleep fragmentation that can be reversed by dopamine agonists such as pramipexole. These findings are reviewed in the context of future research on RLS, with an emphasis on fundamentally conserved molecular pathways that may regulate sleep architecture across species.
Remark on controllability to trajectories of a simplified fluid-structure iteration model

We prove the exact controllability result to trajectories of a simplified model of motion of a rigid body in fluid flow. Unlike a previously know results such a trajectory does not need to be a stationary solution.
Low concentration E. coli O157:H7 bacteria sensing using microfluidic MEMS biosensor.

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and testing of a microfluidic MEMS biosensor for rapid sensing of low concentration Escherichia coli O157:H7. It consists of a specially designed focusing and sensing region, which enables the biosensor to detect low concentration of bacterial cells. The focusing region consists of a ramped vertical electrode pair made of electroplated gold along with tilted thin film finger pairs (45°) embedded inside a microchannel. The focusing region generates positive dielectrophoresis force, which moves the cells towards the edges of the tilted thin film electrode fingers, located at the center of the microchannel. The fluidic drag force then carries the focused cells to the sensing region, where three interdigitated electrode arrays (IDEAs) with 30, 20, and 10 pairs, respectively, are embedded inside the microchannel. This technique resulted in highly concentrated samples in the sensing region. The sensing IDEAs are functionalized with the anti-E. coli antibody for specific sensing of E. coli 0157:H7. As E. coli binds to the antibody, it results in an impedance change, which is measured across a wide frequency range of 100 Hz–10 MHz. The biosensor was fabricated on a glass substrate using the SU8 epoxy resist to form the microchannel, gold electroplating to form the vertical focusing electrode pair, a thin gold film to form the sensing electrode, the finger electrodes, traces and bonding pads, and polydimethylsiloxane to seal the device. The microfluidic impedance biosensor was tested with various low concentration bacterial samples and was able to detect bacterial concentration, as low as 39 CFU/ml with a total sensing time of 2 h.
Panel on service-learning practitioners navigating partnerships, research, and funding

Service-learning (SL) requires practitioners and researchers to build long-term relationships with institutions of higher education, community organizations, and funding agencies. This often requires managing complex needs and developing the skill set to address issues as they arise. This session intends to bring dialog to the integration of service learning in courses, developing partnerships, conducting research and securing funding. The panel will draw upon personal experiences as service-learning practitioners and researchers, and provide an opportunity for reflection and dialog amongst participants.
Promoting healthy relationships and families: An exploratory study of the perceptions of resources and information and skill needs among couples, single adults, and parents

As there is growing awareness of the importance of healthy relationships among helping professionals and the general population, there is a need to gain a greater understanding of the types of supp...
The layered antimonides RELi3Sb2 (RE=Ce–Nd, Sm, Gd–Ho). Filled derivatives of the CaAl2Si2 structure type

Reported are the synthesis and the structural characterization of an extended family of rare-earth metal–lithium–antimonides with the formula RELi{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} (RE=Ce–Nd, Sm, Gd–Ho). They crystallize in the trigonal space group P3{sup ¯}m1 (No. 164, Pearson symbol hP6) with a structure, best viewed as a filled derivative of the common CaAl{sub 2}Si{sub 2} structure type (ternary variant of α-La{sub 2}O{sub 3}). Across the series, the lattice parameters monotonically decrease, following the lanthanide contraction. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements for CeLi{sub 3}Sb{sub 2}, PrLi{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} and TbLi{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} reveal paramagnetic behavior in the high temperature range, and the obtained effective moments are consistent with the expected ones for the free-ion RE{sup 3+} ground state. Possible ferromagnetic ordering for PrLi{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} and antiferromagnetic ordering for TbLi{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} are observed in the low temperature range (below 20 K). Tight-binding muffin-tin orbital electronic band structure calculations for LaLi{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} are presented and discussed as well. - Graphical abstract: The large family of rare-earth metal–lithium–antimonides with the formula RELi{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} (RE=Ce–Nd, Sm, Gd–Ho) crystallize in the trigonal space group P3{sup ¯}m1 (No. 164, Pearson symbol hP6) with a structure that is a filled derivative of the CaAl{sub 2}Si{sub 2} structuremore » type (ternary variant of α-La{sub 2}O{sub 3}). Display Omitted - Highlights: • RELi{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} (RE=Ce–Nd, Sm, Gd–Ho) constitute an extended family of rare-earth metal–lithium–antimonides. • The layered structure is a filled derivative of the common CaAl{sub 2}Si{sub 2} structure type. • The valence electron count follows the Zintl–Klemm rules. • Electronic band structure calculations for LaLi{sub 3}Sb{sub 2} indicate small band-gap semiconducting behavior.« less
Testing the weekend effect hypothesis: Time of day and lunar phase better predict the timing of births in laboratory-housed primates than day of week.

The weekend effect hypothesis proposes that captive primates are more likely to give birth during times of low disturbance and reduced staff activity. The hypothesis specifically predicts that laboratory-housed primates will be more likely to give birth during the weekend than weekdays when staff activity is reduced. To date, support for the weekend effect hypothesis has been mixed and based on studies with relatively few subjects. To further examine the hypothesis, we analyzed the birthing patterns of three genera of laboratory-housed primates: squirrel monkeys (Saimiri species, N = 2,090 births), owl monkeys (Aotus species, N = 479 births), and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta, N = 2,047 births). Contrary to predictions derived from the weekend effect hypothesis, the frequencies of births during weekends for all taxa were not significantly different from rates that would be expected by chance. However, while there was no variance across days of the week, all three taxa gave birth at nighttime, when staff was absent. This parallels reports of births in wild and captive monkeys, both diurnal and nocturnal, which are more likely to give birth during the night; plausibly a time when the environmental and social disturbance is lowest and the mother is safest to bond with her newborn infant. As all births occurred at night, we also explored the relationship between the lunar cycle and the timing of births timing. While the diurnal primates (i.e., Saimiri and Macaca) were no more likely to give birth on "bright" nights than "dark" nights, owl monkeys (Aotus) had a much higher frequency of births on bright nights than darker ones, and at rates that deviated from chance. Our data provide a more detailed understanding on how the environment may influence captive monkey births but do not support the oft-cited weekend effect hypothesis.
Successful minimal approach transcatheter aortic valve replacement in an allograft heart recipient 19 years post transplantation for severe aortic stenosis: A case report.

Successful minimal approach transcatheter aortic valve replacement in an allograft heart recipient 19 years post transplantation for severe aortic stenosis: A case report
Coercion and Vertical Trust in the Nazi Bureaucracy

This chapter compares the relative effectiveness of coercion and vertical trust in the Nazi Holocaust bureaucracy by examining historical data on the number of Jews who perished in Nazi death camps across Europe. Regression analysis presented here indicates that 99 percent of the variation in the number of Jews murdered across the countries of Europe is explained by the size of a country’s pre-war Jewish population, the logistical advantage held by Poland, where the most prolific death camps were located, and the modern theory of bureaucracy concept of vertical trust. Additionally, decomposition analysis suggests that the efficiency bonus provided by the use of vertical trust networks instead of coercion is almost 110,000 Holocaust murders per country.
Towards self-referencing a 10 GHz Electro-Optic Frequency Comb

One important class of frequency combs are generated merely by electro-optic modulation (EOM) of a CW laser’s phase and intensity with a microwave source [1, 2]. The 10’s of GHz repetition frequency, as well as the continuous tunability of repetition rate and offset frequency, make them attractive for arbitrary waveform generation, optical communication, and metrology [3]. However, the relative low bandwidth (~1 ps pulses), and the multiplication of RF repetition rate noise are long-standing challenges for many applications.
Exploring citizenship and belonging with two college music students of marginalised identities

In this study, I explore the experiences of two college music students of colour who founded and led an organisation for underrepresented music students by employing a theoretical framework of citi...
Current trends in digital media: How and why teens use technology

Abstract Digital media include video games, streaming, social media, and augmented and virtual reality and are used by teens for communication, education, and entertainment. These apps and platforms provide affordances and gratifications that promote media use and overuse, trigger dopamine reward pathways, and influence teen identity, self-esteem, socialization, learning and development, and behavior. Digital media introduce benefits and risks, which include the collection of data and personal information that can be analyzed and used for targeted and profitable advertising and marketing or for inappropriate interactions such as sexual predation and cyberbullying. Digital media overuse can contribute to negative mental health outcomes. Despite such risks, digital media use is integral in the lives of Generation Z, the iGen; most own a smartphone and half report being “almost constantly” on the internet. Teens use a breadth of social media platforms (such as Instagram and Snapchat), games, and apps to communicate, do schoolwork, and engage in activities of daily living. Digital media use that displaces necessary healthier activities, however, such as exercise, adequate sleep, and face-to-face social interactions can undermine health and wellness in teens. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Family Media Use Plan can help teens and families develop a personalized media use plan that can promote appropriate and healthy media use in today's multimedia digital media environment.
Effects of health education on brucellosis, iodine deficiency disorders and leprosy in Tongguan County of Weinan City, Shaanxi Province

Objective To explore the methods and effects of health education on brucellosis, iodine deficiency disorders and leprosy, and consolidate the achievements of endemic diseases and leprosy control. Methods Three groups of local residents, students and medical staff were selected for health education intervention in Tongguan County of Weinan City, Shaanxi Province in 2017. Among the three groups, the choice of different propaganda modes (brucellosis case warning film, iodine deficiency disorders public service advertisement, leprosy knowledge preaching, etc.) and propaganda materials(promotional foldout, brochure, leaflet, shopping bag, etc.) were compared. At the same time, questionnaire survey was used to compare the awareness rate of health knowledge before and after intervention. Results A total of 375 people were surveyed. On the propaganda modes, 296 people chose to watch the brucellosis case warning film, accounting for 78.93% (296/375); 184 people chose to watch the iodine deficiency disorders public service advertisement, accounting for 49.07% (184/375); 286 people chose leprosy knowledge preaching, accounting for 76.27% (286/375); and 117 people chose to read information, accounting for 31.20% (117/375). On the propaganda materials, 185 people chose promotional foldout, accounting for 49.33% (185/375); 232 people chose brochure, accounting for 61.87% (232/375); 76 people chose leaflet, accounting for 20.27% (76/375); 277 people chose shopping bag, accounting for 73.87% (277/375); and 286 people chose exercise book, accounting for 76.27% (286/375). Before intervention, the total awareness of health knowledge of brucellosis, iodine deficiency disorders and leprosy was 62.18% (4 197/6 750), 61.49% (1 153/1 875) and 30.02% (788/2 625), respectively; after intervention, the total awareness of health knowledge of brucellosis, iodine deficiency disorders and leprosy was 91.13% (6 151/6 750), 89.49% (1 678/1 875) and 89.22% (2 342/2 625), respectively. The differences were statistically significant before and after intervention (χ2 = 1 580.30, 397.28, 1 910.65, P < 0.01). Conclusions Warning film, knowledge preaching and the issuance of shopping bag and exercise book methods are more popular and more easily accepted by all types of people. Short term health education has a certain effect. In order to acquire and form good health knowledge behaviors really, it is necessary to carry out long-term, extensive and sustained, and diversified work of healthy education. Key words: Brucellosis; Iodine deficiency disorders; Leprosy; Health education; Effect of research