cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty: State of the Data

Millions of people worldwide suffer from degenerative disk disease. When conservative measures fail, patients often pursue more aggressive treatment options, including surgery. Lumbar fusion is the standard surgical treatment for this malady, but it is imperfect. Many forward-thinking spine surgeons have been drawn to the concept of lumbar disc arthroplasty. Herein we review the available literature on in vivo human clinical trials involving the currently available prostheses for lumbar disc arthroplasty. During this review, we hope to put in context both the achievements and the failures of these prostheses.
Life in the Gang: Family, Friends, and Violence

1. Introduction 2. 'Are you claiming?': methods of study 3. 'I'm down with the Bloods, what's up cuz?': individual issues 4. 'We ain't no worldwide thing or nothing': group membership issues 5. 'Where you hanging?': minor crime and gang members 6. 'I love to bang': serious crime by gang members 7. Gang members and social institutions 8. Gang members and their families 9. Responding to gangs: theory and policy References.
Retrieval of surface and atmospheric parameters over land from SSM/I: Potential and limitations

The potential to retrieve surface temperature, water vapour content and cloud liquid water path from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) observations over land is examined, using a variational inversion scheme. the method relies upon prior estimates of the monthly mean land surface microwave emissivities and exploits a priori information on the atmospheric situation (International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) data and National Center for Environmental Prediction analysis). the accuracy of the surface temperature retrieval is of the order of 1 K, does not strongly depend on surface type and is not very sensitive to the presence of thin clouds. the sensitivity to the water vapour is very low except in the most arid areas. With an accuracy of ∼ 0.1 kg m−2, the SSM/I retrieval does not properly characterize thin clouds, but the major cloud structures are well delineated and qualitative agreement is observed between the SSM/I and ISCCP estimations. This inversion process also has some ability to detect rain events.
An investigation into the relationship between semantic and content based similarity using LIDC

There is considerable research in the field of content-based medical image retrieval; however, few of the current systems investigate the relationship between the radiologists' visual impression of image similarity and the computer calculated content-based similarity. Furthermore, those research studies that investigate these relationships analyze the visual similarity with respect to degree of malignancy without including specific characteristics that are important in the diagnosis process.The creation of the NIH/NCI Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC) dataset offers the opportunity to perform the proposed research. Each nodule out of the 932 distinct nodules (larger than 3mm in diameter) was delineated and annotated by up to four radiologists using nine semantic characteristics that are important in the lung nodule interpretation process. Using the LIDC images, we propose to encode the radiologists' characteristic-based similarity and further discover if there is any relationship between this conceptual/characteristic-based similarity and the content-based similarity for lung nodule interpretation.Our preliminary results show that it is a challenging problem to model the characteristic-based and content-based relationships for a broad category of lung nodules. A correlation of only 0.1 was obtained between the characteristic-based similarity and the predicted characteristic-based similarity using an artificial neural networked trained on four types of low-level image features (size, intensity, shape, and texture) calculated for 640 random pairs of nodules. Future research is necessary to investigate the appropriateness of the considered image features to model both the variation in the human interpretation of the lung nodules and the perceived characteristic-based similarity.
Fully idempotent factorization rings

(1979). Fully idempotent factorization rings. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 7, No. 6, pp. 547-563.
Is bigger better? water balance in the polymorphic desert harvester ant Messor pergandei

. Foraging activity of ants in xeric areas may be limited by desiccation stresses. To assess the extent of such stresses on a polymorphic ant species [Messor pergandei (Mayr), body mass range 1-12mg], we measured body water reserves, absolute rates of water loss, and cuticular permeability over the species' foraging temperature range (15–45dC). Cuticular permeability of M. pergandei was typical of xeric arthropods (17μgcm-2h-1mmHg-1). However, the effect of polymorphism on both absolute and relative rates of water loss was unexpected. Large workers lost water more slowly than small workers, even after adjusting for cuticular surface area. In addition, the body water reserves of large workers were larger, even after adjusting for body mass. Small workers of this ant species are therefore disproportionately prone to dehydration, yet, in spite of this, constitute a large and important component of the foraging force. To assess the practical relevance of desiccation to polymorphic ants, we developed a ‘worst-case’ model of desiccation-limited foraging parameters (time to complete loss of locomotor coordination in 5% of the foraging force). In this model, average actual foraging duration was substantially less than would be required to incapacitate the ants by dehydration. We discuss direct and indirect evidence suggesting that desiccation may, nevertheless, impose limitations on the foraging activity of ants.
Effect of chloroquine on toxicity in mice of the venom and neurotoxins from the snake Bungarus multicinctus.

Antivenoms are the currently available agents for treatment of snake venom intoxication. The development of therapeutic strategies employing more generally available drugs could improve treatment of invenomation by reducing hypersensitivity reactions, cost and storage requirements. I report that chloroquine reduced the toxicity in mice of the venom from the Formosan krait, Bungarus multicinctus, when both venom and drug were administered i.p. When chloroquine was injected immediately after the injection of venom, the median lethal dose (LD50) of the venom was increased 5-fold from 19 to 95 micrograms/kg. Investigation of chloroquine's effect on the purified neurotoxic components of B. multicinctus venom revealed that chloroquine increased the LD50 of beta-bungarotoxin 17-fold, from 7.8 to 134 micrograms/kg but had little effect on the LD50 of alpha-bungarotoxin. Chloroquine was an effective antagonist of the toxicity of B. multicinctus venom and of purified beta-bungarotoxin without itself being overtly toxic.
A gene selection method for GeneChip array data with small sample sizes

In microarray experiments with small sample sizes, it is a challenge to estimate p-values accurately and decide cutoff p-values for gene selection appropriately. Although permutation-based methods have proved to have greater sensitivity and specificity than the regular t-test, their p-values are highly discrete due to the limited number of permutations available in very small sample sizes. Furthermore, estimated permutation-based p-values for true nulls are highly correlated and not uniformly distributed between zero and one, making it difficult to use current false discovery rate (FDR)-controlling methods. We propose a model-based information sharing method (MBIS) that, after an appropriate data transformation, utilizes information shared among genes. We use a normal distribution to model the mean differences of true nulls across two experimental conditions. The parameters of the model are then estimated using all data in hand. Based on this model, p-values, which are uniformly distributed from true nulls, are calculated. Then, since FDR-controlling methods are generally not well suited to microarray data with very small sample sizes, we select genes for a given cutoff p-value and then estimate the false discovery rate. Simulation studies and analysis using real microarray data show that the proposed method, MBIS, is more powerful and reliable than current methods. It has wide application to a variety of situations.
Subgoal ordering and granularity control for incremental planning

In this paper, we study strategies in incremental planning for ordering and grouping subproblems partitioned by the subgoals of a planning problem when each sub-problem is solved by a basic planner. To generate a rich set of partial orders for ordering subproblems, we propose a new ordering algorithm based on a relaxed plan built from the initial state to the goal state. The new algorithm considers both the initial and the goal states and can effectively order subgoals in such a way that greatly reduces the number of invalidations during incremental planning. We have also considered trade-offs between the granularity of the subgoal sets and the complexity of solving the overall planning problem. We show an optimal region of grain size that minimizes the total complexity of incremental planning. We propose an efficient strategy to dynamically adjust the grain size in partitioning in order to operate in this optimal region. We further evaluate a redundant-execution scheme that uses two different subgoal orders in order to improve the quality of the plans generated without greatly sacrificing run-time efficiency. Experimental results on using three basic planners (metric-FF, YAHSP, and LPG-TD-speed) show that our strategies are general for improving the time and quality of each of these planners across various benchmarks
Epigenetic Inheritance and the Missing Heritability Problem

Epigenetic phenomena, and in particular heritable epigenetic changes, or transgenerational effects, are the subject of much discussion in the current literature. This article presents a model of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and explores the effect of epigenetic inheritance on the risk and recurrence risk of a complex disease. The model assumes that epigenetic modifications of the genome are gained and lost at specified rates and that each modification contributes multiplicatively to disease risk. The potentially high rate of loss of epigenetic modifications causes the probability of identity in state in close relatives to be smaller than is implied by their relatedness. As a consequence, the recurrence risk to close relatives is reduced. Although epigenetic modifications may contribute substantially to average risk, they will not contribute much to recurrence risk and heritability unless they persist on average for many generations. If they do persist for long times, they are equivalent to mutations and hence are likely to be in linkage disequilibrium with SNPs surveyed in genomewide association studies. Thus epigenetic modifications are a potential solution to the problem of missing causality of complex diseases but not to the problem of missing heritability. The model highlights the need for empirical estimates of the persistence times of heritable epialleles.
Dynamic assessment of thermal management strategies aboard naval surface ships

Quantifying the close relationship between shipboard thermal, mechanical, and electrical sub-systems is of fundamental importance to understanding the nature of a large, integrated system like the all-electric ship (AES). Our research efforts in support of development of an AES are focused on physics-based, dynamic models of components and subsystems that approximate, at the system-level, the notional architecture of an AES. This research has resulted in the development of a general purpose thermal management tool coded in C++ and known as the Dynamic Thermal Modeling and Simulation (DTMS) framework. The DTMS simulation environment provides the ability to model thermal systems and subsystems relevant to the AES. The summary presented here describes the modeling approach used in DTMS and provides several examples of its use in large, complex, system-level, dynamic simulations. The examples emphasized here include a: • dynamic model for variable and constant air volume heating, ventilation, and air conditioning that permits investigation of alternatives to conventional constant air flow systems and the power savings associated with variable air flow systems. • co-simulation that dynamically links a thermally dependent electrical power distribution network, and its consequent transient heat loads, with a thermal resistive heat flow network that connects these loads to the thermal management network at the system-level.
Partial reconstruction of flavonoid and isoflavonoid biosynthesis in yeast using soybean type I and type II chalcone isomerases.

Flavonoids and isoflavonoids are major plant secondary metabolites that mediate diverse biological functions and exert significant ecological impacts. These compounds play important roles in many essential physiological processes. In addition, flavonoids and isoflavonoids have direct but complex effects on human health, ranging from reducing cholesterol levels and preventing certain cancers to improving women9s health. In this study, we cloned and functionally characterized five soybean ( Glycine max ) chalcone isomerases (CHIs), key enzymes in the phenylpropanoid pathway that produces flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Gene expression and kinetics analysis suggest that the soybean type I CHI, which uses naringenin chalcone as substrate, is coordinately regulated with other flavonoid-specific genes, while the type II CHIs, which use a variety of chalcone substrates, are coordinately regulated with an isoflavonoid-specific gene and specifically activated by nodulation signals. Furthermore, we found that some of the newly identified soybean CHIs do not require the 4′-hydroxy moiety on the substrate for high enzyme activity. We then engineered yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) to produce flavonoid and isoflavonoid compounds. When one of the type II CHIs was coexpressed with an isoflavone synthase, the enzyme catalyzing the first committed step of isoflavonoid biosynthesis, various chalcone substrates added to the culture media were converted to an assortment of isoflavanones and isoflavones. We also reconstructed the flavonoid pathway by coexpressing CHI with either flavanone 3 β -hydroxylase or flavone synthase II. The in vivo reconstruction of the flavonoid and isoflavonoid pathways in yeast provides a unique platform to study enzyme interactions and metabolic flux.
Epigenetic analysis of the Notch superfamily in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

Abstract Objectives Gene methylation and other epigenetic modifications of gene regulation have been implicated in the growth of ovarian cancer, but the clinical significance of such modifications in the Notch pathway in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGS-OvCa) is not well understood. We used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data to study the clinical relevance of epigenetic modifications of Notch superfamily genes. Methods We analyzed the interaction of DNA methylation and miRNAs with gene expression data for Notch superfamily members with the Spearman rank correlation test and explored potential relationships with overall survival (OS) with the log-rank test. We downloaded clinical data, level 3 gene expression data, and level 3 DNA methylation data for 480 patients with stage II–IV HGS-OvCa from the TCGA data portal. Patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts for survival analyses. In each set, patients were grouped into percentiles according to methylation and microRNA (miRNA) or messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. We used several algorithms to predict miRNA–mRNA interaction. Results There were significant inverse relationships between methylation status and mRNA expression for PPARG , CCND1 , and RUNX1 . For each of these genes, patients with a lower methylation level and higher expression level had significantly poorer OS than did patients with a higher methylation level and lower expression level. We also found a significant inverse relationship between miRNAs and mRNA expression for CCND1 , PPARG , and RUNX1 . By further analyzing the effect of miRNAs on gene expression and OS, we found that patients with higher levels of CCND1 , PPARG , and RUNX1 expression and lower expression levels of their respective miRNAs (502-5p, 128, and 215/625) had significantly poorer OS. Conclusions Epigenetic alterations of multiple Notch target genes and pathway interacting genes ( PPARG , CCND1 , and RUNX1 ) may relate to activation of this pathway and poor survival of patients with HGS-OvCa.
Phase II Study of Gemcitabine and Docetaxel Combination in Patients with Previously Treated Recurrent or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Purpose. To explore the safety and efficacy of gemcitabine and docetaxel (GEMDOC) in previously treated patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Patients and Methods. Patients with advanced SCCHN previously pretreated with one or two lines of palliative chemotherapy were treated with gemcitabine and docetaxel until disease progression. Results. Thirty-six patients were enrolled, and 29 were response evaluable. 16 (55%) experienced clinical benefit (response or stable disease). Six (21%) patients achieved partial response (PR), none achieved complete response (CR), and the overall response rate (ORR) was 21% (95% CI: 0.10–0.38). Ten (28%) patients had stable disease. The median response duration (RD) for the 6 PR patients was 3.2 months (80% CI: 2.0–6.1 months). Median overall survival was 4.2 months (95% CI: 2.4–7.0 months). Among the 33 treated patients: 13 (39%) patients had grade 3-4 anemia, 10 (30%) had grade 3-4 neutropenia. Conclusion. The study drugs were relatively safe, and the clinical benefit (PR
Tree-Based Consistency Approach for Cloud Databases

Database as a Service is a very attractive product from cloud service providers for small start-up companies. However, consistency maintenance among replica servers is a very big issue in cloud databases. Too much interdependency of replica servers in the existing consistency model reduces performance and throughput, and can increase the transaction failure rate of a cloud database. In this paper we propose a tree-based consistency approach that reduces interdependency among replica servers by introducing partially consistent and fully consistent states of cloud databases. The tree is formed such a way that the maximum reliable path is ensured from the primary server to all replica servers. As a result, the probability of a transaction failure is greatly reduced, which helps to increase performance and throughput even in an unreliable network.
Synthesizing Country-of-Origin Research from the Last Decade: Is the Concept Still Salient in an Era of Global Brands?

This paper presents a holistic model of country-of-origin (COO) influence based on a narrative review of empirical studies of country-of-origin evaluations conducted from 1995-2005 when significant structural changes were occurring in international markets. The model depicts COO evaluations as subject to a number of culturally-derived antecedents and moderated by both product-based and individual consumer factors. In addition, the model shows holistic brand constructs such as brand image to moderate the effect of COO on product quality evaluations and purchase intentions.
Development of Boundary Layer in Buckled Plates

The postbuckling behavior of rectangular plates with two opposite edges free is studied. It is shown that classical plate theory leads to the development of boundary layers along the free edges. Although the remainder of the plate assumes a state of constant finite uniaxial compression, the boundary layers exhibit axial stresses that, in the limit, approach infinity. The nature of these boundary layers and their relationship to the effect of shear deformation is investigated. It is shown how variational principles can be used in the establishment of boundary conditions that are consistant with the differential equations associated with the various terms in an asymptotic perturbation expansion.
Multi-Institutional Experience with Robotic Nephrectomy with Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombectomy

Purpose: Since the first report of robotic management of renal tumors with inferior vena cava tumor thrombi, few additional cases have been reported in the literature. We report our combined experience with this procedure, to our knowledge the first multi-institutional and largest series reported to date.Materials and Methods: A retrospective, multi-institutional review of robotic nephrectomy with inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy was performed with institutional review board approval.Results: A total of 32 cases were performed among 9 surgeons at 9 institutions since the first known procedure in 2008. Of these cases 30 were level II and 2 were level III thrombi with no level I thrombi (renal vein only) included in the analysis. Each surgeon performed between 1 and 10 procedures. Mean patient age was 63 years (range 43 to 81) with a mean body mass index of 30 kg/m2 (range 17 to 43) and mean maximal tumor diameter of 9.6 cm (range 5.4 to 20). The length of inferior vena cava tumor thrombi ranged from 1...
In Vitro Development of a Mucocutaneous Junction for Lip Reconstruction.

Purpose We present a straightforward and reproducible technique to create, in vitro, a construct containing a mucocutaneous junction (MCJ) with a transitional zone (vermilion) for fabrication of a microvascular prelaminated flap for use in lip reconstruction. Materials and Methods Cultured primary human skin keratinocytes and oral mucosal epithelial cells at premixed ratios of 50% skin cells to 50% oral cells, 25% skin cells to 75% oral cells, and 75% skin cells to 25% oral cells were grown on an AlloDerm dermal equivalent (LifeCell, Branchburg, NJ) to create an MCJ equivalent with a lip or transitional zone (vermilion) using a novel 3-dimensional (3D) culture device with a barrier to separate co-cultured skin and oral cells. The 3 different cell ratios were compared by staining for the following specific differentiation markers to define the different areas of skin and mucosal keratinocytes: filaggrin, cytokeratin 10, cytokeratin 19, and small proline-rich protein 3. Results Immunohistochemical results showed that MCJ equivalents seeded with premixed cells were similar to the differentiation patterns of tissue-engineered 3D cultures using 100% oral mucosal epithelial cells or skin keratinocytes. The engineered MCJ-equivalent constructs, grown in the 3D device specifically constructed with a cell-free gap at the barrier site, formed a transitional zone (vermilion) at the barrier site with intermingling of the skin and oral keratinocytes. The results showed different and unique expression patterns of filaggrin, cytokeratin 10, cytokeratin 19, and small proline-rich protein 3 by those cells migrating into the gap, which were similar to those seen in human lip tissue. This pattern was not seen in MCJ equivalents created using premixed skin and oral cells. Conclusions Using a device to separately co-culture human oral and skin keratinocytes to allow the cells to migrate into a cell-free zone resulted in phenotypic expression closer to what is seen in native tissue, in comparison to premixing the skin and oral cells before seeding.
Who is Public,How to Engage,and What is Consensus?——Reflections on Public Engagement with Science

This paper traces theoretical development of"public engagement with science"model and finds that although the model conforms to the democratic value,it faces multiple challenges ranging from public representative selection to the tension between democratic equality and the doomed knowledge monopoly by science elites in scientific issues. Facing the dilemma,public policy researchers offer solutions in terms of representative selection,balancing viewpoints,and agenda setting,while science communication scholars go beyond the narrow political participation of "public engagement with science"and sail to the wider scope of science education and public participation in research.
HIV /AIDS sentinel surveillance results of male attenders in STD clinic of Liuzhou City

[Objective]To understand the awareness of male attenders in STD clinic about the know〗edge and the high risk behaviors of AIDS and the infection of HIV,HCV and syphilis,and provide the basis for developing the policy of integrated interventions.[Methods]The sentinel surveillance was performed on 243 male attenders according to " National AIDS Sentinel Surveillance Program".[Results] The total awareness rate of the male attendants for knowledge of AIDS was 65. 84%. In last three months,37. 86% of attendants had sexual behavior with female sex workers,and 30. 86% had sexual behavior with casual sex partners.11. 93% of attendants were found infected with STD in the last year. Six attendants were found HIV-positive,accounting for2. 47%,9 attendants( 3. 70%) were detected found syphilis positive,and 3( 1. 23%) were hepatitis C positive. [Conclusion]The key population which mainly cause AIDS spreading by heterosexual sex are male attenders in STD clinic. It is necessary to attach great importance to the prevention and treatment of STD,to carry out effective health education and behavioral intervention relying on STD clinic so that the spreading of AIDS via heterosexual sex can be effectively curbed.
Elevated Arterial Cyclic AMP Levels during the Onset of Renal Hypertension in Rats

1. To determine the possible role of arterial cyclic AMP in the pathogenesis of hypertensive vascular hypertrophy and hyperplasia, the changes in the level of this nucleotide were studied during the development of renal hypertension in rats with aortic ligation between the renal arteries. 2. A twofold increase in the cyclic AMP level of the thoracic aorta was observed in 9-day hypertensive rats when compared with sham-operated controls. At this time the total amounts of DNA and collagen were unchanged, although a marked increase in arterial fibrous protein was already present. 3. Arterial cyclic AMP remained significantly elevated in the thoracic aorta of 30-day hypertensive animals. At this time the hypertensive vascular alterations had reached completion as shown by the abnormal accumulation of collagen, DNA and non-fibrous protein. 4. Contrary to the events taking place in the thoracic aorta, a marked decrease in cyclic AMP was present in the abdominal portion, which was protected from high blood pressure by the aortic ligature. in this segment decreased cyclic AMP coexisted with an unchanged collagen content and a diminution in the contents of DNA and non-fibrous protein. 5. Thus a marked increase in arterial cyclic AMP precedes the initiation of DNA replication and collagen accumulation in vascular territories subjected to high blood pressure. These studies suggest the participation of this nucleotide in the vascular growth induced by hypertension.
Channeling Rear Window

Abstract:Rear Window is usually interpreted as a metaphor for cinema and film spectatorship. However, the film's domestic setting, plural spectacles, and gendered spectators' conversations could also refer to television, which at the time was sweeping the nation, and which Hitchcock was on the verge of exploring creatively and financially.
Free Breathing versus Breath-Hold Scanning Beam Proton Therapy and Cardiac Sparing in Breast Cancer.

Abstract Purpose: To assess dose errors caused by the interplay effects of free-breathing (FB) motion and to assess the value of breath-hold (BH) in terms of cardiac dose reduction for scanning beam proton therapy (SBPT). Materials and Methods: Three patients with left-sided breast cancer previously treated with photon therapy were included in this dosimetric study: 2 following breast-conserving surgery with 2 hypothetical target volumes (whole breast alone and whole breast plus regional nodes, including supraclavicular, axillary, and internal mammary lymph nodes); and 1 postmastectomy, with the target volume including the chest wall plus regional nodes. SBPT plans were generated with various beam angles that ranged between 2 tangential directions. For treatment with FB, nominal dose and dose with interplay effects considered were calculated based on FB 4-dimensional computed tomography scans. SBPT plans on the BH computed tomography were also calculated for one of the patients, who was selected to be tre...
Laparoscopic Management of a Frameless Intrauterine Device-GyneFix Embedded in the Mesentery of the Ileum

GyneFix® is a small, frameless, armless, flexible intrauterine device. The proximal end contains a knot that is anchored in the uterine fundus using a special apparatus. A 31-year-old woman presented with abdominal cramps ten days after GyneFix® insertion. Transvaginal ultrasonography was unsuccessful in locating the intrauterine device therefore a direct X-ray sonogram of the abdomen while standing was performed. The X-ray sonogram of the abdomen showed the intrauterine device in the right quadrant. An exploratory laparoscopy was performed and showed that the intrauterine device perforated the uterine fundus and was embedded in the mesentery of the ileum. The intrauterine device was removed without complication. Although the reported complication rates are very low for GyneFix®, practitioners should be well trained and should be aware of such complications that could lead to bowel resection. We report the first case of a GyneFix®- Intrauterine device presenting with uterine perforation and nearly intestinal perforation since its recent introduction into the Turkish market.
Branched chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase 111-130, a T cell epitope that induces both autoimmune myocarditis and hepatitis in A/J mice.

Introduction Organ-specific autoimmune diseases are believed to result from immune responses generated against self-antigens specific to each organ. However, when such responses target antigens expressed promiscuously in multiple tissues, then the immune-mediated damage may be wide spread. Methods In this report, we describe a mitochondrial protein, branched chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDk) that can act as a target autoantigen in the development of autoimmune inflammatory reactions in both heart and liver. Results We demonstrate that BCKDk protein contains at least nine immunodominant epitopes, three of which, BCKDk 71–90, BCKDk 111–130 and BCKDk 141–160, were found to induce varying degrees of myocarditis in immunized mice. One of these, BCKDk 111–130, could also induce hepatitis without affecting lungs, kidneys, skeletal muscles, and brain. In immunogenicity testing, all three peptides induced antigen-specific T cell responses, as verified by proliferation assay and/or major histocompatibility complex class II/IAk dextramer staining. Finally, the disease-inducing abilities of BCKDk peptides were correlated with the production of interferon-γ, and the activated T cells could transfer disease to naive recipients. Conclusions The disease induced by BCKDk peptides could serve as a useful model to study the autoimmune events of inflammatory heart and liver diseases.
A decentralized solution to the car pooling problem

Existing carpool optimization techniques based on the centralized approach serve policy-makers’ goals, but neglect the realities of participants. Moreover, absent strict enforcement, participants o...
Aspects of the biology and reproductive strategy of two Asian larval parasitoids evaluated for classical biological control of Drosophila suzukii

Abstract Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is native to eastern Asia, but has established in Europe, North America and South America, where it is a pest of numerous berry and other small fruit crops. As a part of a classical biological control program, two larval D. suzukii parasitoids, Ganaspis brasiliensis Ihering and Leptopilina japonica Novkovic & Kimura (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), were imported from South Korea to a California quarantine for evaluation. Here, we report on aspects of their reproductive strategy, including egg maturation dynamics, host age preference and suitability, and life-time fecundity. Adult females of both species emerged with a high mature egg-load that peaked 1–2 days post emergence. Both parasitoid species preferred to attack young host larvae (1–2 day old), although host age did not affect the parasitoid offspring’s sex ratio or fitness (survival, developmental time and body size of female wasps). Held at 22 ± 2 °C with honey-water and D. suzukii larvae in artificial diet, as well as a constant source of adult males, G. brasiliensis adult females survived 17.7 ± 1.4 days and produced 98.3 ± 11.8 offspring per female, while L. japonica survived 18.7 ± 1.1 days and produced 107.2 ± 9.9 offspring per female. The proportion of female progeny decreased with increasing maternal age for both parasitoid species. Estimated demographic parameters were similar for both G. brasiliensis and L. japonica: net reproduction rate was 39.9 and 47.3, intrinsic rate of increase was 0.130 and 0.138, mean generation time was 28.5 and 28.1 days, and doubling time was 5.4 and 5.0 days, respectively. This information is being used to compare these exotic D. suzukii parasitoids and determine their value as potential biological control agents.
On finite amplitude water waves

The modulation theory for finite amplitude water waves is developed using the variational technique. It is shown how Levi-Civita’s relation, Starr’s relation and the conservation equations all follow very simply and naturally from this approach. The present paper is limited to deep water waves, but the results can be extended to arbitrary depth. For deep water, the appropriate Lagrangian can be reduced to a single function, which can be taken from recent numerical calculations on periodic waves. This is used to discuss the stability of wavetrains to long modulations.
Model design and fabrication for stress analysis in multilaminar composites: Dimensional analysis, mold design and fabrication techniques are described for photoelastic multilayer fibrous-composite models

Steps in preparing fiber composite models for scattered-light photoelastic analysis are presented. They include dimensional analysis, mold design, and material preparation and handling. Techniques are applied to produce two-layer and four-layer models.
AUV Propulsion and Maneuvering by Means of Asymmetric Thrust

We present an Asymmetric Propulsion System (APS) capable of generating both forward thrust and a lateral turning moment by means of a single-bladed propeller [1]. At constant rotational speeds, forward thrust is provided in the same manner as a symmetrical multi-bladed propeller. By varying the instantaneous rotational speed throughout each revolution, an off-axis thrust bias can be generated. We demonstrate how this can be used to control and maneuver an underwater robot and discuss its advantages and applications to autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) design and operation.
One cell, one drop, one click: hybrid microfluidic mammalian single-cell isolation

The process of generating a stable knockout cell line is a complex process that can take several months to complete. In this work, we introduce a microfluidic method that is capable of isolating single cells, selecting successful edited clones, and expansion of these isoclones. Using a hybrid microfluidics method, droplets in channels can be individually addressed using a co-planar electrode system. In our hybrid microfluidic device, we show that we can trap single cells and subsequently encapsulate them on demand into pL-sized droplets. Furthermore, individual cells inside the droplet can be released from the traps or merged with other droplets by simply applying an electric potential to the electrodes that is actuated through a user interface. We use this high precision control to sort and to recover single isoclones to establish monoclonal cell lines, which is demonstrated with a heterozygous NCI-H1299 lung squamous cell population resulting from loss-of-function eGFP and RAF1 gene knock-out transfections.
JACC: Basic to Translational Science: Quo Vadis?

With the successful launch of the inaugural issue of JACC: Basic to Translational Science on March 2, 2016, and the accompanying statement from the editors outlining the rationale and goals for the journal [(1)][1], it is timely, if not appropriate, for the second Editor’s Page to focus on
Firefighters Are More Physically Active On-Duty Compared to Off-Duty.

Physical inactivity, coupled with increasing obesity levels, in firefighters plays a key role in aggregated cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to investigate device-measured physical activity (PA) for firefighters while on- and off-duty to have a clearer understanding of their overall PA level. Methods: Twenty-nine career firefighters participated in this non-experimental, within-subjects study by wearing an accelerometer to assess PA intensities and step-count. Obesity was classified using body mass index (BMI). Dependent t-tests were used to examine mean differences in PA intensities when on- and off-duty. Pearson product-moment correlations were used to assess the association between PA intensities when on and off-duty. Results: According to the World Health Organization BMI categorizations, 20 firefighters were overweight, 9 were obese, and, thus, none were normal weight. Only light PA (LPA) was statistically significant (p = 0.026) for on- and off-duty days with a small-to-medium effect size (d = 0.47), meaning that on average, firefighters performed more minutes of LPA when on-duty compared to off. There was a significant difference between on- (9060.2 ± 2636.4) and off-duty (7495.3 ± 2835.8) daily step counts (p = 0.011). Conclusion: As the results demonstrate, there is a dire need for increased PA levels in firefighters while on- and off-duty.
Obtaining patient-derived cancer organoid cultures via fine-needle aspiration

Summary Patient-derived tumor organoid cultures are an essential and innovative methodology for translational research. However, current techniques to establish these cultures are cumbersome, expensive, and often require irreplaceable clinical tissue from surgery or core biopsies. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) provides a minimally invasive biopsy technique commonly performed in clinical settings. Here, we provide a protocol for FNA. We have found that FNA provides a cost-effective, rapid, and streamlined method for tissue acquisition for cancer organoid culture. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Lee et al. (2020) and Vilgelm et al. (2020) .
Prey partitioning between sympatric wild carnivores revealed by DNA metabarcoding: a case study on wolf (Canis lupus) and coyote (Canis latrans) in northeastern Washington

Accurate dietary inference of wild carnivores is essential to understand their impacts on the ecosystem and manage carnivore-livestock conflicts. Diet analysis with fecal DNA metabarcoding technology can help deliver valuable insights with fine-grained resolution. The recovery of wolves in Washington, USA offers an excellent opportunity to study the diet of this iconic carnivore species and explore prey partitioning between sympatric wolves and coyotes. We characterized the diet composition and spatiotemporal dietary variations in each species using fecal DNA metabarcoding technology on 202 fecal samples from wolves (N = 99) and coyotes (N = 103) collected across three wolf pack ranges and two seasons in northeastern Washington. We also quantified the diet niche overlap between these two canid species. In total, 19 different prey items were detected, with most assigned at the species level. Frequency of occurrence (FOO) data showed that wolves primarily preyed upon deer (Odocoileus sp.; 47.5%) and moose (Alces alces; 42.4%). Coyotes also consumed moose (30.1%) and deer (21.4%), but snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) were the most common prey (61.2%) in the coyote diet. Multiple samples were found to contain DNA from domestic animals, including pig, rabbit, and cow. Results on diet composition using FOO and relative read abundance were qualitatively similar, indicating a strong biological pattern. We found significant spatial variations in the wolf diet composition (p = 0.001) and significant spatio temporal variations in the coyote diet (pack range: p = 0.003; season: p = 0.023). Dietary overlap between these two canid species varied with pack ranges and seasons ( $$O$$ = 0.08–0.74). Our study demonstrates that fecal DNA metabarcoding is an efficient non-invasive tool to characterize high-resolution diet profiles of carnivores and monitor their dietary changes over space and time. Limitations of fecal DNA metabarcoding are also discussed.
Kenneth J. Arrow

The following is an edited transcript of an interview conducted on March 4, 1986, with Professor Arrow while he was visiting Syracuse University to deliver the Frank W. Abrams Lecture Series to be published as The Uncertain Future and Present Action by Syracuse University Press.
Tissue-engineering the larynx: Effect of decellularization on human laryngeal framework and the cricoarytenoid joint.

Decellularization approaches have been commonly used as alternative techniques to reconstruct tissues. However, due to the complex tissue compartmentation of the larynx, the decellularization process may not retain the characteristics necessary for the successful recreation of the larynx. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the decellularization process on the framework of the human cadaveric larynx generally and the cricoarytenoid joint specifically. In this work, five freshly frozen human cadaveric larynges were decellularized utilizing a protocol that was previously demonstrated to be effective in decellularizing a porcine larynx. The decellularization protocol included: biological, chemical, and physical decellularization methods. Each specimen served as its own control to assess changes after decellularization. Studies and measurements included: histological, using Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE DNA quantification; micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) imaging; and biomechanical testing of the cricoarytenoid joints. The decellularization protocol took 12 days for each specimen. Microscopy of H&E stained samples demonstrated substantial removal of cells with preservation of the extracellular matrix that was more evident in cartilage than muscle specimens. Confocal microscope images of Live/Dead™ stained specimens also demonstrated almost complete removal of cells. Pre-decellularization cartilage-DNA quantity range was 27.0 to 336.8 ng/mg while post-decellularization DNA quantity range was 0 to 30.4 ng/mg (p = 0.031). For muscles, pre-decellularization DNA quantity range was 150.0 to 3,384.6 ng/mg, while post-decellularization DNA quantity range was 0 to 45.5 ng/mg (p = 0.031). μ-CT demonstrated preservation of the cartilaginous framework with a slight reduction of cricoarytenoid joint space. Furthermore, μ-CT demonstrated no significant reduction in the Housefield unit (p = 0.25) and mineral density (p = 0.25) after decellularization. Biomechanical testing demonstrated a non-significant reduction of forces required for anterior displacement of the arytenoid (mean reduction of forces, 0.1 ± 0.2 N, p = 0.16) and forces required for posterior displacement of the arytenoid (mean reduction of forces, 0.2 ± 0.3 N, p = 0.05). This study demonstrates effective decellularization of human larynges as evidenced by significant DNA depletion and preservation of extracellular matrix, which are outcomes that are required for a biological scaffold to regenerate a non-immunogenic larynx. The decellularization process caused minimal weakness in the cricoarytenoid joints due to treatment with multiple detergents and enzymes in the decellularization protocol.
Time-resolved photoemission from excitons and coherences

Coherent excitation of materials via ultrafast laser pulses can have interesting, observable dynamics in time-resolved photoemission measurements. The broad spectral width of ultrafast pump pulses can coherently excite exciton energy levels. When such coherently excited states are probed by means of photoemission spectroscopy, interference between the polarization of different levels can lead to observable coherent beats. Here, we present a theoretical formalism for evaluating the Time- and Angle- Resolved Photoemission Spectra (tr-ARPES) arising from two different kinds of excitations in the material. First, we consider coherently excited exciton states. We apply our formalism to a simple model example of hydrogenic exciton energy levels to identify the dependencies that control the quantum beats. Our findings indicate that the most pronounced effect of coherent quantum excitonic beats is seen midway between the excited exciton energy levels and the central energy of the pump pulse provides tunability of this effect. Second, we discuss the potential creation and measurement of coherences in both dispersive solids and qubit-like single levels using current generation time- and angle-resolved photoemission technology. We show that in both cases, when both the pump and the probe overlap energetically with the coherent levels, and when the probe preferentially measures one level as compared to the other, that the time-resolved photoemission signal shows a beating pattern at the energy difference between the levels. In the case of dispersive bands, this leads to momentum-dependent oscillations, which may be used to map out small energy scales in the band structure. We further develop the two-sided Feynman diagrams for time-resolved photoemission, and discuss the measurement of decoherence to gain insight into the characteristics of qubit and dispersive bands.
An Actuated Indenter for Characterization of Soft Tissue Towards Human-Centered Design

The viscoelastic properties of human soft tissue influence the nature of interaction at attachment points in wearable devices. Characterizing these properties is especially critical for understanding physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) for exoskeleton design, prosthetics, and similar fields. This paper presents the design and control of a novel actuated indenter for the measurement of human soft tissue properties. The accuracy of position (0.025 mm) and force (111 mN) measurements allows for repeatable and controlled tissue deformation and monitoring at 36 different angular locations (10° increments). Controlled indentation displacement with force feedback is used in three types of applications on a human subject’s forearm. The soft tissue stiffness profile, viscoelastic relaxation behavior, and frequency domain response are measured. The ability to perform multiple characterizations with one indenter device broadens the scope of a human-centered approach to design, modeling, and perception as they relate to pHRI interfaces.
Powering the 21st century with integrated photonics

AIM Photonics seeks to advance integrated photonic circuit manufacturing technology development while simultaneously providing access to state-of-the-art fabrication, packaging, and testing capabilities for small-to-medium enterprises, academia, and the government; create an adaptive integrated photonic circuit workforce capable of meeting industry needs and thus further increasing domestic competitiveness; and meet participating commercial, defense, and civilian agency needs in this burgeoning technology area. The talk describes the status of AIM technology, current applications and potential development for photonic quantum systems.