cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perilipin-2-null mice are protected against diet-induced obesity, adipose inflammation, and fatty liver disease

The cytoplasmic lipid droplet (CLD) protein perilipin-2 (Plin2) is expressed in multiple nonadipose tissues, where it is thought to play a role in regulating their lipid storage properties. However, the extent to which Plin2 functions in nutrient utilization and metabolism, or how it influences the consequences of over-feeding, remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the absence of Plin2 prevents high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obesity in male and female mice. This response is associated with increased formation of subcutaneous beige adipocyte cells with uncoupling protein 1 expression, and amelioration of inflammatory foci formation in white adipose tissue and steatosis in the liver. Experiments demonstrate that Plin2 loss results in reduced energy intake and increased physical activity in response to HFD feeding. Our study provides the first evidence that Plin2 contributes to HFD-induced obesity by modulating food intake, and that its absence prevents obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammatory foci and liver steatosis.
Computational opioid prescribing: a novel application of clinical pharmacokinetics.

We implemented a pharmacokinetics-based mathematical modeling technique using algebra to assist pre-scribers with point-of-care opioid dosing. We call this technique computational opioid prescribing (COP). Because population pharmacokinetic parameter values are needed to estimate drug dosing regimen designs for individual patients using COP, and those values are not readily available to prescribers because they exist scattered in the vast pharmacology literature, we estimated the population pharmacokinetic parameter values for 12 commonly prescribed opioids from various sources using the bootstrap resampling technique. Our results show that opioid dosing regimen design, evaluation, and modification is feasible using COP. We conclude that COP is a new technique for the quantitative assessment of opioid dosing regimen design evaluation and adjustment, which may help prescribers to manage acute and chronic pain at the point-of-care. Potential benefits include opioid dose optimization and minimization of adverse opioid drug events, leading to potential improvement in patient treatment outcomes and safety.
Perspectives on the use of the baboon in embryology and teratology research

This paper summarizes the developmental stages of the baboon during the period of organ formation and provides comparative information for other primates, including the human. Special attention is directed to the early development of the nervous system, eye, ear and nose/palate. The similarity in development of these structures with humans indicates that the baboon is a suitable model for studies of normal and abnormal neurological development. Spontaneous prenatal loss rates in the baboon (2.4-11.2%) are slightly lower than those reported in rhesus and cynomologus monkeys. The baboon, in addition to the cynomologus monkey and macaque, has been used as a model in teratology research to assess the potential risk of thalidomide, sex steroids, Bendectin and rubella virus, as well as to study the pathogenesis of malformations associated with the corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide. The rate of spontaneous malformations (<1%) in baboons, similar to that reported for other commonly used primates, supports their continued use as a teratological model. In this regard, a sample protocol is provided for the safety evaluation of biotechnology products using nonhuman primates, which are the most appropriate model for those compounds which are bioactive in species closely related to humans.
Influence of Cell Geometry on Division-Plane Positioning

The spatial organization of cells depends on their ability to sense their own shape and size. Here, we investigate how cell shape affects the positioning of the nucleus, spindle and subsequent cell division plane. To manipulate geometrical parameters in a systematic manner, we place individual sea urchin eggs into microfabricated chambers of defined geometry (e.g., triangles, rectangles, and ellipses). In each shape, the nucleus is positioned at the center of mass and is stretched by microtubules along an axis maintained through mitosis and predictive of the future division plane. We develop a simple computational model that posits that microtubules sense cell geometry by probing cellular space and orient the nucleus by exerting pulling forces that scale to microtubule length. This model quantitatively predicts division-axis orientation probability for a wide variety of cell shapes, even in multicellular contexts, and estimates scaling exponents for length-dependent microtubule forces.
Acceptance of the Dana Medal of the Mineralogical Society of America for 2015

In the interests of time, I’ll just thank everybody. Not just my students, mentors, and family, but the entire field of petrology. Thanks for encouraging me to think and work for 30 years and counting. I don’t know why petrology raises my pulse whilst somebody else obsesses over climate or embryology or astrophysics. Can it be genetic? Surely it’s more than the topic; it’s also your collective personality. Maybe it’s because I like a good argument. Mind you, I do wish we could actually settle some of our debates. You know, like the physicists—a question is fought over, someone makes a definitive measurement, and everybody moves on to a new challenge. But even if petrology cannot stop chasing its tail, it is also an elastic domain that invites us to ask ever-larger questions. Petrology started as “the origin of rocks” but it expands and colonizes—from nanophases to magma oceans, from carbon sequestration to super-Earths. Everything is a petrologic object, from the core to the clouds, from cement to comets. Yes, they all can be understood with phase diagrams. I’m grateful to contribute a little to this contentious widening adventure and thankful to have all of you as colleagues, adversaries, and friends.
Weight loss results in significant improvements in quality of life for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A prospective cohort study

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent and associated with decreased quality of life (QOL). The currently available treatment is weight loss through lifestyle modification. However, longitudinal QOL data are lacking on whether weight loss improves QOL. We prospectively enrolled 151 patients with NAFLD from 2009 to 2014. All patients received a liver biopsy, lifestyle assessment, blood tests, and QOL tools, including the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), a validated health-related quality of life measurement. All patients were followed with a repeat CLDQ at 6 months. The cohort included 91 (60%) men, ages 51.5 ± 12.6 years, 46 (30%) of whom were diabetic. Thirty (21%) had advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis and 67 (47%) had a NAFLD Activity Score >4. Overall, 47 (31%) patients achieved at least a 5% reduction in weight. The cohort's median baseline total CLDQ value was 5.6 (interquartile range: 4.8-6.2). Those who achieved at least a 5% reduction in weight had a 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24-0.66; P < 0.0001) point improvement in the total CLDQ, compared to 0.003 (95% CI: -0.12-0.12; P = 0.95) in those who did not. Nondiabetic patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and without advanced fibrosis are most likely to achieve QOL benefits from weight loss. For every decrement in body mass index (BMI), there was a corresponding increase of 0.09 (95% CI: 0.03-0.16) points in the CLDQ scale (P = 0.005), adjusting for histology, diabetes, sex, age, and change in alanine aminotransferase level and change in FIB-4 index. A decrease by 5 points in BMI leads to a 10% adjusted improvement in QOL. Conclusion: Patients with NAFLD can experience significant improvements in QOL that appear specific to weight loss and not biochemical improvements. (Hepatology 2016;63:1184–1189)
Passages: Amerasia Journal Salutes Him Mark Lai, Ron Takaki, and Al Robles

In 2009, Amerasia Journal remembers the writers and activists, scholars and poets, Him Mark Lai, Ron Takaki, and Al Robles, who were long connected with the journal as editors, contributors, and intellectual giants who formed and fueled the field of Asian American Studies. Their passages in life—what they thought and wrote—literally encompasses thousands of pages, not only in English, but also in Chinese, Tagalog, Japanese, and in other languages in which they wrote originally or in which they were translated for others. These passages provide the pathways by which future generations can proceed, no longer bereft of their own histories, politics, cultures, or languages.
Challenge of a DPB1 null allele typing by using Luminex-RSSO

Aim Probe design and quality control for DNA typing of certain HLA alleles may be challenged due to unavailability of DNA with the known alleles to serve as quality control. Unexpected hybridization pattern in rSSOP typing may suggest either presence of novel allele or presence of non-specific probe hybridization. Recently, we observed an unexpected typing with a DPB1 typing. Methods Subject was a potential solid organ recipient. Low resolution typing of HLA class I and class II was performed by rSSO (Thermo Fisher) and SSP (OlerupSSP) methodologies. High resolution typing of HLA-DPB1 was performed by using Protrans SBT methodology. Results The Luminex-rSSOP typed the subject as A∗02:XX,29:XX; B∗35:XX,58:XX; C∗04:XX,16:XX; DRB1∗12:XX,13:XX; DRB3∗02:XX; DQA1∗01:XX,01:XX; DQB1∗05:XX,06:XX; DPA1∗01:XX,03:XX; DPB1∗105:01,61:01N. However, the DPB1 typing assignment was given with two questionable beads (bead 20 and 76). Investigations of all probes of DPB1∗61:01N indicated that the probe coated on bead 20 was within exon 2 (codon 61-67) and bead 76 was within exon 3 (codon175-181). The probe on bead 20 was AGC CAG AAG GAC CTC CTG GAG with one nucleotide difference from DPB1∗61:01N at codon 67 (AGC CAG AAG GAC CTC CTG TAG ). The reactivity of bead 76 to DPB1∗61:01N is unknown because the exon 3 sequence of this allele is not available in IMGT Database. Therefore, the specificity of bead 76 to DPB1∗61:01N cannot be determined. However, bead 76 probe pattern might reflect the right sequence. Based on this information, bead 20 is expected to be negative if DPB1∗61:01N is present. But in this test, bead 20 was clearly positive. It is known that the bead 30 was designed specifically for DPB1∗61:01N which was positive in the typing. Thus, we suspected that the specificity of bead 20 probe was compromised in its hybridization to the DPB1∗61:01N amplicons. Additional SSP and SBT tests confirmed the presence of DPB1∗105:01 and DPB1∗61:01N. Conclusions Our findings suggest that probe bead 20 non-specifically hybridized to the allele of DPB1∗61:01N. This probe may need more tests for improvement. This finding was discussed with the manufacturer and the DNA may serve for the QC.
A comparison of the boomerang wire vascular access management system versus manual compression alone during percutaneous diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures.

Key Points Vascular closure devices allow for early sheath removal, allowing for earlier patient mobilization The Boomerang vascular access management system does not alter arterial integrity for future interventions Access site complications provide significant morbidity in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions
Hubbard Gap Modulation in Vanadium Dioxide Nanoscale Tunnel Junctions

We locally investigate the electronic transport through individual tunnel junctions containing a 10 nm thin film of vanadium dioxide (VO2) across its thermally induced phase transition. The insulator-to-metal phase transition in the VO2 film collapses the Hubbard gap (experimentally determined to be 0.4 ± 0.07 V), leading to several orders of magnitude change in tunnel conductance. We quantitatively evaluate underlying transport mechanisms via theoretical quantum mechanical transport calculations which show excellent agreement with the experimental results.
Characterization of three novel monoclonal anti-Oka

Anti-Ok(a) was first described by Morel and Hamilton in 1979. The Ok(a) antigen has a very high incidence, and only eight probands that are Ok(a-) have been found; all are of Japanese heritage. In this study,we describe the generation and characterization of three novel monoclonal antibodies (Mabs), MIMA-25, MIMA-144, and MIMA-149. The reactivity of these three Mabs was compared with the original human polyclonal anti-Ok(a). Mice were immunized with transfected HEK cells to induce an immune response, and the spleen B lymphocytes were fused with mouse myeloma X63-Ag8.653 cells to form antibody-secreting hybridomas. The resulting Mabs were tested serologically, by flow cytometry, and by immunoblotting. The specificity of each antibody was determined after excluding specificities to common antigens in the Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, MNS, Lewis, Lutheran, P1, Colton, Diego, Xga, and Dombrock blood group systems. In each case only the Ok(a-)RBC sample was nonreactive. The Mabs and the original human anti-Ok(a) each have a unique pattern of reactivity when tested with enzyme-treated cells; however, none were reactive by immunoblotting. We have generated three novel anti-Ok(a) Mabs: MIMA-144 is an indirectly agglutinating IgG2b antibody, and MIMA-25 and MIMA-149 are directly agglutinating antibodies (IgM and IgA, respectively), underscoring their usefulness as typing reagents for the clinical laboratory.
Conclusion: Party and People in Communist Systems

Studies of communist politics have differed from analyses of other systems because of an almost exclusive focus on the top institutions and their occupants. Political scientists whose emphasis is American politics do, of course, study the Presidency, Congress and the Supreme Court — but there have also been decades of study of American political behavior (voting and public opinion, for example), public administration and policy analysis, and many other newer fields. Studies of domestic politics in the USSR and other communist states, however, continue to look at ‘leadership’ long after Kremlinology had its heyday.
Exploiting Electrostatic Interactions in Polymer–Nanoparticle Hydrogels

Shear-thinning injectable hydrogels exploit dynamic noncovalent cross-links to flow upon applied stress and rapidly self-heal once the stress is relaxed. These materials continue to gather interest as they afford minimally invasive deployment in the body for a variety of biomedical applications. Here, we present rationally engineered polymer–nanoparticle (PNP) interactions based on electrostatic forces for the fabrication of self-assembled hydrogels with shear-thinning and self-healing properties. The selective adsorption of negatively charged biopolymers, including hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethylcellulose (CBMC), to biodegradable nanoparticles comprising poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-b-PLA) is enhanced with a positively charged surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). We demonstrate that, in this manner, electrostatic interactions can be leveraged to fabricate PNP hydrogels and characterize the viscoelastic properties of the gels imparted by CBMC and HA. This work introd...
Satellite measurements of albedo and radiant temperature from semi-desert grassland along the Arizona/Sonora border

Along the international border separatingthe U.S. (Arizona) and Mexico (Sonora), differencesin the grazing intensity of domestic livestock arecommonly presumed to have created a large differencein vegetation cover between the two countries. Thisvegetation difference is reportedly responsible for anextensive albedo and temperature discontinuity thatmay be affecting regional climate. In this study, weused Landsat Thematic Mapper data to examinetrans-border differences in these two biophysicalparameters. Albedo and radiant temperature estimateswere computed for 25 km-long (east-west) transectsthrough semi-desert grassland on each side of theborder at two different times of year. Only smallaverage trans-border differences in these parameterswere found, and in some cases average albedo andtemperature data were essentially equal on each sideof the border. In addition, we found significantspatial heterogeneity in conditions on both sides ofthe border. These results suggest that, based on asmall sample, it may be difficult to assess whetherthere are significant differences in biophysicalproperties of semi-arid grassland between Arizona andMexico in the vicinity of the border. We concludethat more extensive spatial and temporal sampling iscritical in assessing any possible trans-borderdifferences in average terrain conditions that mightaffect climate, and that this data must be coupledwith more extensive meteorological data to assesswhether a difference in climate also exists.
Fewer Reoperations After Lumpectomy for Breast Cancer with Neoadjuvant Rather than Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Report from the National Cancer Database

Reoperations occur frequently after initial lumpectomy for breast cancer. The authors hypothesized that the receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is associated with fewer reoperations. The association between timing of chemotherapy and reoperation rates (ROR) after lumpectomy was investigated for patients with stages 1–3 breast cancer in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2010 to 2013 by multivariable logistic regression modeling. Then propensity score-matching was performed. The unadjusted ROR for 71,627 stages 1–3 patients was 11.4% for those who had NAC compared with 20.3% for those who had postoperative chemotherapy (p < 0.001) (odds ratio [OR] 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–0.57; p < 0.001). The ORs for the reoperations performed for patients with stages 1, 2, and 3 cancers who received NAC were respectively 0.65 (95% CI 0.56–0.75), 0.50 (95% CI 0.45–0.56), and 0.27 (95% CI 0.19–0.38) The p values for all were lower than 0.001. For a population of patients receiving chemotherapy, the receipt of chemotherapy before instead of after surgery was associated with fewer reoperations after initial lumpectomy for breast cancer.
THE ANATOMY OF SMARTPHONE UNLOCKING: Why and How Android Users Around the World Lock their Phones

To prevent unauthorized access to their smartphones, users can enable a "lock screen," which may require entering a PIN or password, drawing a pattern, or providing a biometric. We present the results of two studies that together offer a detailed analysis of the smartphone locking mechanisms currently available to billions of smartphone users worldwide. An online survey (N=8,286), conducted in eight different countries, sheds light on people's reasons for choosing their screen lock method and demonstrates significant crosscultural differences in attitudes towards this subject. In a separate monthlong field study (N=134), we studied how existing lock screen mechanisms provide users with distinct tradeoffs between usability and security, identifying areas where both could be improved.
Extended short-wavelength infrared nBn photodetectors based on type-II InAs/AlSb/GaSb superlattices with an AlAsSb/GaSb superlattice barrier

Extended short-wavelength infrared nBn photodetectors based on type-II InAs/AlSb/GaSb superlattices on GaSb substrate have been demonstrated. An AlAs0.10Sb0.90/GaSb H-structure superlattice design was used as the large-bandgap electron-barrier in these photodetectors. The photodetector is designed to have a 100% cut-off wavelength of ∼2.8 μm at 300 K. The photodetector exhibited a room-temperature (300 K) peak responsivity of 0.65 A/W at 1.9 μm, corresponding to a quantum efficiency of 41% at zero bias under front-side illumination, without any anti-reflection coating. With an R × A of 78 Ω·cm2 and a dark current density of 8 × 10−3 A/cm2 under −400 mV applied bias at 300 K, the nBn photodetector exhibited a specific detectivity of 1.51 × 1010 cm·Hz1/2/W. At 150 K, the photodetector exhibited a dark current density of 9.5 × 10−9 A/cm2 and a quantum efficiency of 50%, resulting in a detectivity of 1.12 × 1013 cm·Hz1/2/W.
Accurate correlation energies in one-dimensional systems from small system-adapted basis functions

We propose a general method for constructing system-dependent basis functions for correlated quantum calculations. Our construction combines features from several traditional approaches: plane waves, localized basis functions, and wavelets. In a one-dimensional mimic of Coulomb systems, it requires only 2--3 basis functions per electron to achieve high accuracy, and reproduces the natural orbitals. We illustrate its effectiveness for molecular energy curves and chains of many one-dimensional atoms. We discuss the promise and challenges for realistic quantum chemical calculations.
Recanalization, reperfusion, and recirculation in stroke

Recirculation, from arterial inflow routes through venous outflow pathways, was conceptualized in stroke research 50 years ago. As new technologies were developed, blocked arteries could be reopened, capillaries could be reperfused, and the use of recanalization and reperfusion grew to dominate therapeutic strategies. These approaches overwhelmingly focused on restoration of arterial and capillary inflow, but not on veins even though venous disorders may initiate or exacerbate brain injury. In this commentary, we advance the term "recirculation" after "recanalization" and "reperfusion" as a primary concept of stroke pathophysiology that targets the restoration of both the arterial and venous cerebral circulations.
Economic Burden of Informal Caregiving Associated With History of Stroke and Falls Among Older Adults in the U.S.

Introduction Older adults are at high risk for stroke and falls, both of which require a large amount of informal caregiving. However, the economic burden of informal caregiving associated with stroke and fall history is not well known. Methods Using the 2010 Health and Retirement Study, data on non-institutionalized adults aged ≥65 years (N=10,129) in 2015–2017 were analyzed. Two-part models were used to estimate informal caregiving hours. Based on estimates from the models using a replacement cost approach, the authors derived informal caregiving hours and costs associated with falls in the past 2 years for stroke and non-stroke persons. Results Both the prevalence of falls overall and of falls with injuries were higher among people with stroke than those without (49.5% vs 35.1% for falls and 16.0% vs 10.3% for injurious falls, p Conclusions In U.S. older adults, informal caregiving hours and costs associated with falls are substantial, especially for stroke survivors. Preventing falls and fall-related injuries, especially among stroke survivors, therefore has potential for reducing the burden of informal caregiving.
Fault diagnosis of HVAC: Air delivery and terminal systems

Supply/return fans and Variable Air Volume (VAV) boxes are key components of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Fans deliver conditioned air to rooms and VAV boxes control airflow rates to satisfy human thermal comfort and ventilation requirements. Faults in these components and their sensors may lead to high energy consumption and poor thermal comfort. Identifying failure modes and their severities is thus critical in guiding maintenance crew to know what, where and how severe the faults are. Diagnosing faults of components and sensors is difficult because (1) component faults and sensor faults may have similar effects and thus hard to distinguish; (2) capturing both failure modes and fault severities may generate many system states, leading to high computational requirements; and (3) capturing variable loads in models leads to additional decision logic complexity. A component fault may cause multiple measured variables to change. A sensor fault only causes one variable to change, leading to violations of relationship among variables. Thus, the two kinds of faults are distinguished. To reduce computational requirements, failure modes are identified first and fault severities are then estimated based on the identified failure mode. This also has the beneficial effect improving the condition number of the fault severity estimation problem. To estimate states while tracking variable loads, a new online learning algorithm for estimating the hidden Markov model parameters is developed. Experimental results show that failure modes and fault severities are identified with high accuracy as quantified by the F-measure that integrates the precision and recall.
Continue to focus clinical decision-making on the antigen recognition domain for the present

Next generation DNA sequencing has facilitated the routine characterization of complete HLA gene sequences. These data complement structural and functional studies of HLA elements encoded outside of the exons specifying the antigen recognition domain. This commentary is focused on evaluating whether the interpretation of HLA clinical typing results should expand the region of the HLA gene considered in the assignment from the exon(s) encoding the antigen recognition domain to the full gene sequence. Our recommendation is that, at present, there is insufficient data to support considering variation in the regions outside of the antigen recognition domain in clinical decision-making.
Modeling the Joint Distribution of Tree Diameters and Heights by Bivariate Generalized Beta Distribution

ABSTRACT. A bivariate generalized beta distribution (GBD-2) is fit to the joint frequency distributionof tree diameters and heights of 43 Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca [Beissn.] Franco)plots in Idaho. The model fitting and performance are compared with the Johnson’s S BB distributionusing goodness-of-fit c 2 tests for the marginal distributions of diameters and heights, a bivariategoodness-of-fit test for the joint distribution of the two variables, and model predictions of tree heightsand volumes. We found that the GBD-2 is more flexible and successful than the Johnson’s S BB indescribing both marginal and joint distributions of tree diameters and heights. On average, the relativebias (%) from the GBD-2 is three times smaller than that from the Johnson’s S BB across the 43 plotswhen the models are used in tree volume prediction. F OR . S CI . 48(1):47–58.Key Words: Generalized beta distribution, bivariate generalized beta distribution, Johnson’s S BB distribution, goodness-of-fit test.
Bayesian segmentation of atrium wall using globally-optimal graph cuts on 3D meshes

Efficient segmentation of the left atrium (LA) wall from delayed enhancement MRI is challenging due to inconsistent contrast, combined with noise, and high variation in atrial shape and size. We present a surface-detection method that is capable of extracting the atrial wall by computing an optimal a-posteriori estimate. This estimation is done on a set of nested meshes, constructed from an ensemble of segmented training images, and graph cuts on an associated multi-column, proper-ordered graph. The graph/mesh is a part of a template/model that has an associated set of learned intensity features. When this mesh is overlaid onto a test image, it produces a set of costs which lead to an optimal segmentation. The 3D mesh has an associated weighted, directed multi-column graph with edges that encode smoothness and inter-surface penalties. Unlike previous graph-cut methods that impose hard constraints on the surface properties, the proposed method follows from a Bayesian formulation resulting in soft penalties on spatial variation of the cuts through the mesh. The novelty of this method also lies in the construction of proper-ordered graphs on complex shapes for choosing among distinct classes of base shapes for automatic LA segmentation. We evaluate the proposed segmentation framework on simulated and clinical cardiac MRI.
Visualizing Ubiquitously Sensed Measures of Motor Ability in Multiple Sclerosis: Reflections on Communicating Machine Learning in Practice

Sophisticated ubiquitous sensing systems are being used to measure motor ability in clinical settings. Intended to augment clinical decision-making, the interpretability of the machine-learning measurements underneath becomes critical to their use. We explore how visualization can support the interpretability of machine-learning measures through the case of Assess MS, a system to support the clinical assessment of Multiple Sclerosis. A substantial design challenge is to make visible the algorithm's decision-making process in a way that allows clinicians to integrate the algorithm's result into their own decision process. To this end, we present a series of design iterations that probe the challenges in supporting interpretability in a real-world system. The key contribution of this article is to illustrate that simply making visible the algorithmic decision-making process is not helpful in supporting clinicians in their own decision-making process. It disregards that people and algorithms make decisions in different ways. Instead, we propose that visualisation can provide context to algorithmic decision-making, rendering observable a range of internal workings of the algorithm from data quality issues to the web of relationships generated in the machine-learning process.
Radiation Balanced Ytterbium-doped Silica Double-Clad Fiber Amplifier

Heat mitigation by radiative cooling is investigated in a fiber amplifier, where the amplifier temperature does not change substantially from the ambient, while amplifying 0.1 W of input signal power to 7.6 W.
Quasi 1D multi-physics modeling of silicon heterojunction solar cells

Silicon based technology continues to mature and move steadily towards the auger limited maximum efficiency ($\sim$29%). In particular silicon heterojunction technology currently holds the world record for silicon based single junction cells. Optimization of heterojunction solar cells now requires a concentrated and deep understanding of the physics of transport. In this paper we present a multi-physics/multiscale approach to understanding and analyzing transport in silicon heterojunction solar cells. We self-consistently couple a traditional drift-diffusion model to an ensemble Monte Carlo and kinetic Monte Carlo to create a multiscale solver that is capable of including high field effects present at the a-Si/c-Si heterointerface and the nuances of defect assisted transport through the a-Si:H(i) buffer layer.
Highly Selective, Novel Analogs of 4-[2-(Diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]- 1-benzylpiperidine for the Dopamine Transporter: Effect of Different Aromatic Substitutions on Their Affinity and Selectivity

Several analogs of the potent and selective dopamine transporter (DAT) ligand 4-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-1-benzylpiperidine, 1a, were prepared and biologically evaluated at the dopamine and serotonin transporter (SERT) sites. Several substituents were introduced in the aromatic rings to evaluate the influences of electronic and steric interactions in their binding to the DAT. All the novel analogs showed preferential interaction at the DAT compared with the SERT. Different aromatic substitutions in the phenyl ring of the N-benzyl part of the molecule played a key role in the selectivity. In general, compounds with strong electron-withdrawing substituents were most active and selective at the DAT. Thus, compounds 5a (R = F) and 11b (R = NO2) were among the most potent (IC50 = 17.2 and 16.4 nM, respectively) and most selective (SERT/DAT = 112 and 108, respectively) and were far more selective than GBR 12909 (SERT/DAT = 6). Bioisosteric replacement of one of the phenyl rings of the diphenylmethoxy moiety b...
Pulmonary Atypical Adenomatous Hyperplasia: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications.

Lung cancer still remains one of the most common cancers throughout the world, especially in smokers. Adenocarcinoma is now the predominant histological type in many western countries. The etiology of adenocarcinoma is unknown, but evidence suggests that atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) may act as a precursor lesion. Here we present two case reports of patients diagnosed with AAH on biopsy, highlighting 1) available treatment strategies and 2) AAH’s progression to adenocarcinoma. A review of AAH is warranted as little literature is currently available regarding its treatment strategies, especially in light of its role as a precursor to adenocarcinoma. In this review, we will address the following topics: 1. What is the pathophysiology of AAH? 2. What is the natural history of AAH and its risk of malignant transformation? 3. When is surgery recommended? 4. What is the role of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the rare patient who refuses surgery?
Stereotactic Vacuum-Assisted Needle Biopsy Outcomes of Non-calcified Mammographic Lesions

Rationale and Objectives To identify the outcomes of stereotactic vacuum-assisted large bore biopsies performed on sonographically-occult non-calcified mammographic lesions (NCL). Materials and Methods In an IRB-approved retrospective study, we reviewed all NCL that underwent stereotactic biopsy from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017 at our institution, comparing patient age, lesion type, size and location with pathology outcome (benign, high-risk or malignant) using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney or Fisher's exact tests as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to decrease benign biopsies in our cohort with diagnostic performance assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC). Results Of 222 biopsied lesions in 213 patients, 79.3% (176/222) were benign, 5.9% (13/222) malignant, and 14.9% (33/222) high-risk. NCL were less likely to be malignant compared to calcifications biopsied in the same period [5.9% vs 19.0% (243/1279), p 50 years, lesion type, and size Conclusion NCL biopsied under stereotactic guidance have low cancer yield (5.9%). A multivariate model integrating age, lesion size and type could potentially help avoid unwarranted biopsies in our cohort.
WITHDRAWN: The state of 3D printing in hand therapy: An academic, clinical, rehabilitation engineering and administrative perspective

Abstract This submission is the "rehabilitation engineering" section of the article titled “The state of 3D printing in hand therapy: An academic, clinical, rehabilitation engineering and administrative perspective” and therefore does not have an abstract yet as it has not been completely assembled by the editors.
Ultrasound therapy for treatment of lower extremity intermittent claudication

Abstract Background While often thought of as a diagnostic tool, ultrasound (US) can also potentially be used as a therapeutic modality. US applies mechanical stress on endothelial cells and induces nitric oxide synthase, which regulates the secretion of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator. In animal ischemic models, US has been shown to improve hindlimb, myocardial, and cerebral perfusion. We performed a pilot trial of US therapy in the lower extremities of human subjects with intermittent claudication. Methods 10 subjects (5 male, 5 female, mean age 69.7 ± 10.3) with intermittent claudication were recruited. Both legs were placed in a specially designed boot with a water interface between US transducers and the legs. Subjects underwent pulsed US therapy at 250 kHz frequency for 30 min for three treatments a week for six weeks. Pre and post treatment ankle:brachial index (ABI), 6-min walk (6 MW), Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ), and Short Form 36 (SF36) were performed. Pre and post-treatment results were compared with paired t-test. Results Six minute walking distance at baseline was 352 ± 70 m, after one treatment session 353 ± 70 m (p = 0.99), and at completion 372 ± 71 m (p = 0.015). There was a trend toward improved ABI after 6 weeks of treatment (0.53 ± 0.17 vs 0.64 ± 0.12, p = 0.083). After six weeks, significant improvements were noted in overall WIQ score (2.00 ± 1.48 vs 2.63 ± 1.38, p = 0.0001), WIQ (distance) 2.07 ± 1.54 vs 2.73 ± 1.42 (p = 0.036), and WIQ (stair) 2.00 ± 1.67 vs 2.62 ± 1.24, p = 0.034, with a trend in WIQ (speed), 1.89 ± 1.26 vs 2.46 ± 1.43, p = 0.069. In the SF-36, significant improvements were noted in the domains of physical functioning (44.0 ± 41.6 vs 50.5 ± 41.1, p = 0.009) and role limitations – physical (35.0 ± 48.3 vs 60.0 ± 49.6, p = 0.006) after six weeks. Conclusions Therapeutic US is a potential noninvasive treatment for intermittent claudication. Pilot study patients noted significant improvements in 6 MW and WIQ results after 6 weeks of treatment. A nonsignificant improvement in ABI was noted. Further research will be needed to clarify optimal treatment frequency and duration.
An 8Gbps Adaptive Receiver for RF over FSO in 28nm CMOS

This paper presents a fully integrated high-bandwidth receiver for RF-over-free-space optics (RoFSO). Using subcarrier intensity modulation (SIM) and direct detection scheme, high data rate optical communication is supported in a high-loss atmospheric channel. For proof-of-concept demonstration, an 8Gbps input data via differential phase shift keying (DPSK) modulation and with 10GHz of RF bandwidth is employed. The link performance is assessed by exposing the system to more than 26dB of optical loss equivalent to 3.5km of free space distance under moderate visibility conditions. The receiver chip uses adaptive control loops to compensate for the atmospheric effects and extends the dynamic range. It has been designed and implemented in 28nm CMOS process and achieves 58dB of gain and 18GHz of bandwidth.
Thermal Analysis of Semiconducting Polymer Crystals Free of a Mobile Amorphous Fraction

Mobile-amorphous-free crystals of a semiconducting polymer, poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT), were made via a flow induced crystallization technique to yield crystals that were microns long while the...
The Color of Education: Discriminación Y Comportamientos

Discrimination is overwhelming immigrant communities across the U.S.A. and impacting educational outcomes and the fragmentation of families. This article employs intersectionality and Latina/o crit...
Scarcity and Choice

Scarcity and choice are the basic problems that society faces. This chapter illustrates these problems by the production possibilities curve. Once efficient production is achieved, it is impossible to have more of one item without giving up another. This trade-off makes the problem of choice difficult, and the problem is not made easier by the existence of diminishing returns. Because of the law of diminishing returns, the trade-off between goods is not constant. The more of one good that one has, the greater is the amount of all other goods that must be given up to get more. The chapter discusses the problems of scarcity and choice by analyzing the trade-offs and evaluating opportunity cost. By weighing the opportunity costs of individual decisions, economic actors can decide the resources that are required and the resources that are to be given up. Economic growth is important because it expands the options. Economic growth expands the bounds of the production possibilities curve and makes possible the attainment of combinations of goods and services that were impossible with given resources and production processes.
Seneca Falls and the Origins of the Women's Rights Movement – By Sally G. McMillen

In her lively examination of the nineteenth‐century women's rights movement, the author turns her attention in a refreshingly intimate direction, examining closely the personalities involved in lau...
Structure, Function, and Regulation of the Corpus Luteum

The corpus luteum is a transient endocrine gland in the adult ovary that differentiates from the follicle wall after ovulation. It is vital to mammalian reproduction as it produces the steroid hormone, progesterone, which acts on the reproductive tract to permit embryo implantation and to support a maternal environment that sustains intrauterine pregnancy. This chapter will review the remarkable species differences in endocrine and local control of the development (luteinization), functional lifespan, and regression (luteolysis) of the corpus luteum. The review will focus on luteotropic and luteolytic factors that regulate the structure and function of the corpus luteum during the ovarian cycle, and in some species extend the luteal lifespan if pregnancy occurs.
Transphosphatidylation by Phospholipase D

Abstract Transphosphatidylase activity was recognized in several plant tissues as well as in extracts. It was attributed to phospholipase D. This enzyme was purified 110-fold from Savoy cabbage. The ratio of its hydrolase to its transphosphatidylase activity remained constant throughout the purification. Additional evidence supports the conclusion that both reactions are catalyzed by the same enzyme. Phosphatidylations of ethanol, ethanolamine, and glycerol were readily achieved by incubating phosphatidylcholine and the enzyme in the presence of one of these acceptors. Concentrations of the acceptors required for equality between rates of hydrolysis and transphosphatidylation were 0.7, 0.3, and 1.1%, respectively, for ethanol, ethanolamine, and glycerol. The glycerol configuration in the phosphatidylglycerol thus produced was dl-; phosphatidylation in this case was not stereospecific. Phospholipase D catalyzed exchange between choline and phosphatidylcholine. Its activity was completely inhibited in 10-4 m p-chloromercuribenzoate. The results implicate formation of a phosphothioester linkage in the phosphatidylenzyme complex. The transphosphatidylase function of phospholipase D offers a useful route for synthesis of a variety of phosphatidyl esters.
Werner Syndrome Protein Is Regulated and Phosphorylated by DNA-dependent Protein Kinase *

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are a highly mutagenic and potentially lethal damage that occurs in all organisms. Mammalian cells repair DSBs by homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining, the latter requiring DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). Werner syndrome is a disorder characterized by genomic instability, aging pathologies and defective WRN, a RecQ-like helicase with exonuclease activity. We show that WRN interacts directly with the catalytic subunit of DNA-PK (DNA-PKCS), which inhibits both the helicase and exonuclease activities of WRN. In addition we show that WRN forms a stable complex on DNA with DNA-PKCS and the DNA binding subunit Ku. This assembly reverses WRN enzymatic inhibition. Finally, we show that WRN is phosphorylated in vitro by DNA-PK and requires DNA-PK for phosphorylation in vivo, and that cells deficient in WRN are mildly sensitive to ionizing radiation. These data suggest that DNA-PK and WRN may function together in DNA metabolism and implicate WRN function in non-homologous end joining.
Fiel a su corriente: las repeticiones de Vallejo en Casablanca la bella

En el presente articulo, Juanita Aristizabal ofrece un analisis de las diatribas recurrentes de Vallejo. A traves de su estudio de longue duree, Aristizabal pone en contexto el tono que algunos criticos recientemente han comparado al de un “disco rayado”. Al contrario de la repeticion superflua, esta cuidadosa examinacion de la voz narrativa de Vallejo arguye que la repeticion en si es lo que le da la arquitectura resonante a la critica social de Vallejo, concluyendo que el marco tematico y espacial de sus libros evoluciona junto con el desarrollo de Colombia. Ademas de poner Casablanca la bella en el contexto de la obra mas amplia de Vallejo, Aristizabal hace hincapie en las imagenes provocativas del dandy que Vallejo construye, ya no las del esteta que mira con nostalgia mientras Paris se derrumba sino las del autor que vive en las sombras de los rascacielos de Medellin.
INTERLOCUS SEXUALLY ANTAGONISTIC COEVOLUTION CAN CREATE INDIRECT SELECTION FOR INCREASED RECOMBINATION

The ubiquity of recombination in nature is a paradox because it breaks up combinations of alleles favored by natural selection. Theoretical work has shown that antagonistic coevolution between hosts and parasites can result in rapid fluctuations in epistasis, which can create a short-term advantage to recombination. Here we show that another kind of antagonistic coevolution, inter-locus sexually antagonistic coevolution (SAC), can also create indirect selection for modifiers that increase the rate of recombination, and that it can lead to very high levels of recombination at equilibrium. Recombination is favored because inter-locus SAC creates heterogeneity in the strength and direction of selection, both within and between generations, which maintains an excess of disadvantageous haplotypes in the population. This result is similar to and consistent with dynamics of fluctuating epistasis produced in models of host-parasite coevolution. However, the conditions under which inter-locus SAC provides an advantage to recombination are more permissive.
A review of the current status of cultural and rapid detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Summary Vibrio parahaemolyticus is ubiquitous in estuarine environments and can be commonly found in seafood products. This bacterial pathogen continues to emerge as an important cause of foodborne illness, and several foodborne disease outbreaks caused by V. parahaemolyticus have been linked to the consumption of contaminated seafood, in particular those consumed raw such as oysters. In response to these outbreaks, especially during the 1990s, several cultural, immunological-based and molecular detection methods have been developed, which allow for rapid detection and quantification of total and pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus. The development of molecular methodology has allowed for clinical and environmental isolates of V. parahaemolyticus to be subtyped, thus providing the framework for risk-based strategies aimed at controlling foodborne outbreaks cause by this pathogen. It is important that the detection and typing methods strive to accomplish detection and differentiation of the pathogenic strains from environmental (non-pathogenic) ones, as well as to detect the presence of the organism and not just the presence of V. parahaemolyticus produced toxins, which can also be produced by closely related species. This review covers the current status of detection and typing methodology for identification and characterisation of V. parahaemolyticus from seafood.
Interleukin-2-triggered Raf-1 expression, phosphorylation, and associated kinase activity increase through G1 and S in CD3-stimulated primary human T cells.

Abstract To gain further insight into the role of Raf-1 in normal cell growth, c-raf-1 mRNA expression, Raf-1 protein production, and Raf-1-associated kinase activity in normal human T cells were analyzed. In contrast to the constitutive expression of Raf-1 in continuously proliferating cell lines, c-raf-1 mRNA and Raf-1 protein levels were barely detectable in freshly isolated G0 T lymphocytes. Previous work with fibroblasts has suggested that Raf-1 plays a signaling role in the G0-G1 phase transition. In T cells, triggering via the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR)-CD3 complex (TCR/CD3) resulted in an approximately fourfold increase in c-raf-1 mRNA. In addition, the promotion of G1 progression by interleukin 2 (IL-2) was associated with a 5- to 10-fold immediate/early induction of c-raf-1 mRNA, resulting in up to a 12-fold increase in Raf-1 protein expression. TCR/CD3 activation did not alter the phosphorylation state of Raf-1, whereas interleukin 2 receptor stimulation resulted in a rapid increase in the phosphorylation state of a subpopulation of Raf-1 molecules progressively increasing throughout G1. These findings were complemented by assays for Raf-1-associated kinase activity which revealed a gradual accumulation of serine and threonine autokinase activity in Raf-1 immunoprecipitates during G1, which remained elevated throughout DNA replication.
Drug Trafficking Organizations and Local Economic Activity in Mexico.

Little is known about the relationship between illegal firms and local economic activity. In this paper I study changes in satellite night lights across Mexican municipalities after the arrival of large drug trafficking organizations in the period 2000–2010. After accounting for state trends and differences in political regimes, results indicate no significant change in night lights after the arrival of these illegal firms. Estimated coefficients are precise, robust, and similar across different drug trafficking organizations.