cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A note on "a linear solution to the kinematic parameter identification of robot manipulators"

The solution method presented previously by us ( ibid. vol.9, no.2, p.174-85, 1993) employs the complete and parametrically continuous (CPC) model. In the first step of this approach, all CPC orientation parameters related to revolute joints, are sequentially determined. In the second step, CPC translation parameters, together with orientation parameters of prismatic joints, are simultaneously computed. While our approach eliminates propagation errors in the estimation of translation parameters, it has several drawbacks. In this paper we propose a modification to the linear approach of the previous method. This modification not only eliminates the two problems of the original method but also preserves the advantage of solving for the robot translation parameters simultaneously.
Analysis of directional grating-coupled radiation in waveguide structures

Radiation scattered from diffraction gratings on the surface of waveguides is analyzed using the volume current method. This technique allows the interpretation of the grating elements as scattering centers of the underlying waveguide mode, and radiating sources for the diffracted fields. The framework allows separation of the effects of the grating array global periodicity and the effects of the specific shape of the individual grating elements. A straightforward analogy between the effects of the grating element shape and the behavior of phased-antenna array systems allows a clear and intuitive understanding of the effects of blazed gratings on the directionality of grating-coupled radiation. The analysis is applied to some specific geometries.
Breeding and Non-Breeding Survival of Lesser Prairie-Chickens Tympanuchus pallidicinctus in Texas, USA

Lesser prairie-chickens Tympanuchus pallidicinctus have declined throughout their range because of loss or fragmentation of habitat from conversion of native prairie to agricultural cropland, exacerbated by overgrazing and drought. We used data from radio-marked lesser prairie-chickens to determine whether differences in survival existed between populations occurring in two areas dominated by different vegetation types (sand sagebrush Artemisia filifolia vs shinnery oak Quercus havardii) in the Texas Panhandle from 2001 through 2005. We used a model-selection approach to evaluate potential generalities in lesser prairie-chicken survival. Our results indicated that survival of lesser prairie-chickens differed between breeding and non-breeding periods, and between study populations. We estimated annual survival of lesser prairie-chickens at 0.52 (95% CI: 0.32-0.71) in the sand sagebrush and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.12-0.58) in the shinnery oak vegetation type. Our results suggest that demographic differences in lesser prairiechicken within sand sagebrush and shinnery oak vegetation types throughout the Texas Panhandle should be evaluated, especially during the breeding season. Based on our results, higher mortality of birds during the breeding season illustrates the need to manage for vegetation components such as sand sagebrush and residual bunchgrasses as opposed to shinnery oak such that potential breeding season mortality may be lessened.
DOES FOOD SAFETY CONFLICT WITH FOOD SECURITY? THE SAFE CONSUMPTION OF FOOD

January 2004 Jean Kinsey, Professor, Department of Applied Economics, and Co-Director, The Food Industry Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108-6040, e-mail: jkinsey@umn.edu. The work was sponsored by The Food Industry Center, University of Minnesota, 317 Classroom Office Building, 1994 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108-6040, USA. The Food Industry Center is an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Industry Study Center.
Cavity-detuning characteristics of CW additive-pulse mode-locked Nd:YLF laser

Temporal and spectral characteristics of the pulses from the self-starting, additive-pulse mode-locked Nd:YLF laser using a nonlinear coupled-cavity are presented. Pulses of tunable widths are obtained over the coarse cavity-detuning range of 1 mm. Temporal shapes measured with a cross-correlation technique show that the pulses are asymmetric when the two cavity lengths are coarsely mismatched. The additive-pulse mode-locking characteristics under the fine cavity-detuning within the range of a wavelength are also investigated. >
Anti-Clockwise Rotation of the Wind Hodograph. Part I: Theoretical Study

Abstract In a first theoretical study, the reasons for anti-clockwise rotation (clockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere) of the wind hodograph in the boundary layer are investigated. As observations of wind hodographs show two different kinds of anti-clockwise rotation (ACR), one frequently observed, which is highly irregular with partly ACR and the other with clear ACR, two methods have been applied. At first a two-dimensional nonlinear model which includes sea-land breezes as well as a mountain reveal partly ACR at the lee of the mountain. By analyzing the different terms in the equation for the wind vector rotation, it is shown that the pressure-gradient term is usually the leading one, and the advection term is very small. But the latter becomes important in cases of ACR. Second, a linear model is solved analytically showing that inclusion of a rotating thermal force in the ACR sense generates clear ACR. It is shown that a critical value for the phase shift between the thermal forces in the hori...
Slow Market Adjustment to Tax Changes: Evidence from the Market for Used Wide-body Commercial Aircraft

Investment tax credits are generally implemented to stimulate investment in new goods. However, in the case of durable goods, such policies may also affect secondary markets for used goods. Using a simple theoretical model, I show that an exogenous shock to the price of new durable goods (e.g., a change in tax policy) causes an increase in price and a decrease in the number of transactions in used good markets. After describing the theoretical model and its predictions, I use transaction and price data for new and used wide-body commercial aircraft to show that the data is qualitatively consistent with the predictions of the theoretical model. Given a 10 percent increase in the price of new goods, the price of used goods increases 15-20 percent, and used goods are kept longer on average before they are sold in secondary markets.
BOOK REVIEW: Renewable Energy: A First Course . Robert Ehrlich, 2013. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 442 pages, hardcover. ISBN 978-1-4398-6115-8. $104.95

Robert Ehrlich's Renewable Energy lies outside the normal range of books reviewed in Environmental Practice. Most readers of this journal work in applied environmental arenas such as environmental ...
The profound reach of the 11 April 2012 M 8.6 Indian Ocean earthquake: Short‐term global triggering followed by a longer‐term global shadow

Abstract The 11 April 2012 M 8.6 Indian Ocean earthquake was an unusually large intraoceanic strike‐slip event. For several days, the global M ≥4.5 and M ≥6.5 seismicity rate at remote distances (i.e., thousands of kilometers from the mainshock) was elevated. The strike‐slip mainshock appears through its Love waves to have triggered a global burst of strike‐slip aftershocks over several days. But the M ≥6.5 rate subsequently dropped to zero for the succeeding 95 days, although the M ≤6.0 global rate was close to background during this period. Such an extended period without an M ≥6.5 event has happened rarely over the past century, and never after a large mainshock. Quiescent periods following previous large ( M ≥8) mainshocks over the past century are either much shorter or begin so long after a given mainshock that no physical interpretation is warranted. The 2012 mainshock is unique in terms of both the short‐lived global increase and subsequent long quiescent period. We believe that the two components are linked and interpret this pattern as the product of dynamic stressing of a global system of faults. Transient dynamic stresses can encourage short‐term triggering, but, paradoxically, it can also inhibit rupture temporarily until background tectonic loading restores the system to its premainshock stress levels.
Hot wall hydrofing reactor special-shaped steel wilding metallurgical structure and analyse

Through metallurgical analysis on the welding line of different steel, it can be found that the microstructure of the stack welding layer and transition layer is A+F and the volume fraction of F is 3?%～10?%; the microstructure of heat affected zone of the matix steel is B, the microstructure of matix steel is F and a little M,and the microstructure of decarbonisition layer is F.It can be concluded from the experiment that the volume fraction of F can be controlled by changing the welding parameters, and the brittleness of the welaing lines can be avoided through the heat treatment of low temperature and short time heat holding.
Determination of 1,2-Stilbenes Residues in Animal Tissues by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A new solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(SPE-LC-MS/MS)method for simultaneous determination of 1,2-stilbenes,diethylstilbestrol(DES),dienoestrol(DIS) and hexestrol(HES) in animal tissues was reported.The 1,2-stilbenes were extracted with methanol from analyte by ultrasonic.The extraction was evaporated(40 ℃) to 5 mL,purified by passing through HLB(20 g·L-1)solid-phase extraction cartridges.The elution was evaporated by nitrogen blow and dissolved by mobile phase,and then assayed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.The limits of detection(LOD) are 0.2 μg·kg-1,and the limits of quantitation(LOQ) are 0.5 μg·kg-1.The calibration curves are linear between 1.0 μg·L-1 and 100 μg·L-1 for 1,2-stilbenes.Recoveries of DES,DIS,HES in animal tissues are 78.8%～110.9%,and inter-relative standard deviation(n=5)are less than 8.0%,respectively,at spiked levels of 0.5～20 μg·kg-1.The method is simple,sensitive and reliable for food safety.
On a Conjecture Concerning the Friendly Index Sets of Trees.

For a graph G = (V,E) and a binary labeling f : V (G) → Z2, let vf (i) = |f−1(i)|. The labling f is said to be friendly if |vf (1)−vf (0)| ≤ 1. Any vertex labeling f : V (G) → Z2 induces an edge labeling f∗ : E(G) → Z2 defined by f∗(xy) = |f(x)− f(y)|. Let ef (i) = |f∗−1(i)|. The friendly index set of the graph G, denoted by FI(G), is defined by FI(G) = {|ef (1)− ef (0)| : f is a friendly vertex labeling of G }. In [15] Lee and Ng conjectured that the friendly index sets of trees will form an arithmetic progression. This conjecture has been mentioned in [17] and other manuscripts. In this paper we will first determine the friendly index sets of certain caterpillars of diameter four. Then we will disprove the conjecture by presenting an infinite number of trees whose friendly index sets do not form an arithmetic progression.
On the Evolution and Contemporary Roles of Bone Remodeling

Abstract Bone is continuously remodeled in terrestrial vertebrates and aquatic mammals throughout life. Osteoclasts resorb mineralized bone matrix in a manner that mobilizes skeletal calcium, and osteoblasts then refill the resorption spaces with a collagenous matrix that incorporates extracellular calcium as it mineralizes and gains biomechanical stiffness. It is commonly assumed that one of the main purposes of this process is to renew bone matrix, which might promote biomechanical integrity by repairing microdamage or by other means. However, the preponderance of experimental data indicates that remodeling inhibitors increase rather than decrease bone strength in animals, while decreasing fracture risk in patients with low bone mass. In attempting to resolve this paradox, this chapter proposes that matrix renewal is not an important function of continuous bone remodeling, and that calcium homeostasis is its original and primary purpose. Comparative biology suggests that remodeling originated in tooth-bearing bones of fish, the tetrapod descendants of which would apply the trait throughout their skeletons to provide a steady supply of calcium. The remodeling trait was co-opted to serve other purposes, including skeletal repair and the elimination of underloaded bone tissue. Biomechanical benefits of remodeling are real but indirect, based on the refilling of resorption spaces that allows remodeling to serve metabolic imperatives while minimizing losses of bone strength.
18F-FDG-PET SUV AS A PROGNOSTIC MARKER OF INCREASING SIZE IN THYROID CANCER TUMORS.

ABSTRACT Objective: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans with 2-lfluorine-18] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) are used in high-risk thyroid cancer patients to identify metastasis. The prognostic significance of increases in standardized uptake values (SUVs) has not been clearly defined. This pilot study investigated the correlation between SUV increases and subsequent changes in individual lesion size. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with histologically confirmed thyroid cancer who were monitored with serial 18F-FDG-PET/CT scans from 2008 to 2013 was performed. Forty-seven patients were selected for analysis. A mixed-effects statistical model was used after data normalization. Results: For a 10% increase in SUV, a 6% increase in tumor area was observed (P Conclusions: A significant positive correlation was noted between the increase in lesional SUV and subsequent increase in lesion area. An increase in lesional SUV in subsequent scans may portend tumor growth and could prompt consideration for earlier or more aggressive intervention. Abbreviations: DTC = differentiated thyroid cancer EORTC = European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 18F-FDG = 2-lfluorine-18] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose FNA = fine-needle aspiration MTC = medullary thyroid cancer PET/CT = positron emission tomography/computed tomography PVE = partial volume effect RAI = radioactive iodine SUV = standardized uptake value Tg = thyroglobulin TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone
Metastatic clival chordoma: a case report of multiple extraneural metastases following resection and proton beam radiotherapy in a 5-year old boy

The authors report the case of a 5-year-old boy in whom extraneural metastases developed 5 years after he underwent an occipitocervical fusion and transoral approach to treat a clival chordoma without local recurrence. Following primary resection, the patient's postoperative course was complicated by recurrent meningitis secondary to CSF leak, which responded to antibiotics, and communicating hydrocephalus, for which a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed. The patient then underwent postoperative proton beam radiotherapy. Five years following his initial presentation, surveillance imaging revealed a new asymptomatic lung mass for which the patient underwent thoracotomy and resection of the mass. Histological examination of the lung mass revealed findings consistent with a de-differentiated chordoma, confirming extraneural metastasis from the original tumor without evidence of local recurrence. Chest wall and scalp metastases subsequently developed, and the patient was started on an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen that included imatinib and rapamycin followed by subsequent nivolumab and an EZH2 inhibitor for recurrent, disseminated disease. Despite this patient's remote and distant metastases, primary gross-total resection for chordoma remains a critical treatment objective, followed by proton beam radiotherapy. This case illustrates the importance of interval posttreatment imaging and the emerging potential to treat chordoma with molecularly targeted therapies.
Pediatric burn resuscitation: past, present, and future

Burn injury is a leading cause of unintentional death and injury in children, with the majority being minor (less than 10%). However, a significant number of children sustain burns greater than 15% total body surface area (TBSA), leading to the initiation of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. These patients require IV fluid resuscitation to prevent burn shock and death. Prompt resuscitation is critical in pediatric patients due to their small circulating blood volumes. Delays in resuscitation can result in increased complications and increased mortality. The basic principles of resuscitation are the same in adults and children, with several key differences. The unique physiologic needs of children must be adequately addressed during resuscitation to optimize outcomes. In this review, we will discuss the history of fluid resuscitation, current resuscitation practices, and future directions of resuscitation for the pediatric burn population.
Novel Targeted Therapies in Hodgkin Lymphoma

Although Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is considered a highly curable cancer, a substantial portion of patients are relapsed/refractory to first-line therapies and even after subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation. These patients carry a poor prognosis with poor survival rates. In this area of high unmet medical need, development of novel targeted therapeutics is a significant priority. Fortunately, increased understanding of the molecular biology of HL has given rise to a number of new classes of drugs such as antibody drug conjugates, PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors, and immunomodulators. Numerous clinical trials evaluating these novel drugs have demonstrated a variety of responses and activities. This review will focus on recent developments and the growing armamentarium of drugs available to treat this disease.
The etiology of social aggression: a nuclear twin family study.

Background Social aggression is a form of antisocial behavior in which social relationships and social status are used to damage reputations and inflict emotional harm on others. Despite extensive research examining the prevalence and consequences of social aggression, only a few studies have examined its genetic-environmental etiology, with markedly inconsistent results. Method We estimated the etiology of social aggression using the nuclear twin family (NTF) model. Maternal-report, paternal-report, and teacher-report data were collected for twin social aggression (N = 1030 pairs). We also examined the data using the classical twin (CT) model to evaluate whether its strict assumptions may have biased previous heritability estimates. Results The best-fitting NTF model for all informants was the ASFE model, indicating that additive genetic, sibling environmental, familial environmental, and non-shared environmental influences significantly contribute to the etiology of social aggression in middle childhood. However, the best-fitting CT model varied across informants, ranging from AE and ACE to CE. Specific heritability estimates for both NTF and CT models also varied across informants such that teacher reports indicated greater genetic influences and father reports indicated greater shared environmental influences. Conclusions Although the specific NTF parameter estimates varied across informants, social aggression generally emerged as largely additive genetic (A = 0.15-0.77) and sibling environmental (S = 0.42-0.72) in origin. Such findings not only highlight an important role for individual genetic risk in the etiology of social aggression, but also raise important questions regarding the role of the environment.
Augmenting Clinical Performance in Combat Casualty Care: Telemedicine to Automation

Emerging efforts in information science offer the possibility for clinicians to better utilize computer technology to decrease cognitive load, enhance decision making, and, improve patient outcomes. Recent natural disasters and mass casualty events across the United States and abroad spotlight the challenges of delivering healthcare in austere contexts. Austerity is a situation defined by limited resources of some or all of the following: equipment, medicines, diagnostics, personnel, knowledge, training, skills, and expertise. It is in this context that the military is focusing efforts to develop new telemedical, autonomous, and robotic systems to support local caregivers. Military human-computer models that support telemedicine and autonomous care in austere environments may help shape similar civilian healthcare solutions in similarly austere contexts of remoteness, natural disaster, and mass casualty. This paper will discuss the clinical challenges and capability gaps of providing comprehensive medical support in this context and some of the tools the military is developing to address them.
Adherence and Substance Use

As reported in other chapters of this volume, the misuse of alcohol and other substances can contribute to treatment non-adherence across a range of medical and mental health service settings. In this chapter, our focus is specific to non-adherence in the context of treatment programs that directly target substance misuse and substance use disorders. In such treatment settings, problems with adherence are prevalent and, as elaborated below, significantly impact treatment outcomes.
A Graph Approach to Bridge the Gaps in Volumetric Electron Cryo-microscopy Skeletons

Electron Cryo-microscopy is an advanced imaging technique that is able to produce volumetric images of proteins that are large or hard to crystallize. De novo modeling is a process that aims at deriving the structure of the protein using the images produced by Electron Cryo-microscopy. At the medium resolutions (5 to 10A), the location and orientation of the secondary structure elements can be computationally identified on the images. However, there is no registration between the detected secondary structure elements and the protein sequence, and therefore it is challenging to derive the atomic structure from such volume data. The skeleton of the volume image is used to interpret the connections between the secondary structure elements in order to reduce the search space of the registration problem. Unfortunately, not all features of the image can be captured using a single segmentation. Moreover, the skeleton is sensitive to the threshold used which leads to gaps in the skeleton. In this paper, we present a threshold-independent approach to overcome the problem of gaps in the skeletons. The approach uses a novel representation of the image where the image is modeled as a graph and a set of volume trees. A test containing thirteen synthesized images and two authentic images showed that our approach could improve the existent skeletons. The percent of improvement achieved were 117% and 40% for Gorgon and MapEM, respectively.
Molecular Genetic Analysis of Muscle Development, Structure, and Function in Drosophila

In this chapter we discuss the ultrastructural and physiological properties of the diverse muscle types of Drosophila melanogaster and how genetic studies permit an understanding of muscle cell determination, myofibril assembly, and protein isoform function.
Use of TRH in the fetus to advance lung maturity.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) secondary to prematurity is a leading cause of perinatal mortality. The incidence of RDS increases as the gestational age at birth declines and occurs in approximately two thirds of infants born at 29–30 weeks gestational age (1). The functional immaturity of the fetal lung is both anatomic and biochemical. The most obvious abnormality is insufficient production of surfactant by the Type II alveolar cells. Composed of proteins and phospholipids and packaged in granules secreted by the alveolar lining cells, surfactant lines the air-tissue interface of the alveoli and decreases surface tension. This decrease in surface tension allows the alveoli to remain expanded in the absence of continuous airway pressure.
DETERMINATION OF PROPERTIES OF A NEW TYPE LaNi5 HYDRIDE COMPLEX MATERIAL

The mechanical stability, hydrogen adsorption capacity hydrogen delivery isotherm, hydrogen adsorption and desorption rate, purity of the stripped hydrogen and oxidation resistance etc, of a LaNi5 hydride complex material hare been determined. The results show that the complex material has not been fractured after being subject to hydrogen adsorption and desorption cycle of 250 times and its strength does not change any more since the 150th cycle, Its hydrogen adsorption property and oxidation resistance are better than that of LaNi5 hydride powders. It is a more ideal metal hydride complex material.
Localizing the Shape Transition in Neutron-Deficient Selenium

Neutron-deficient selenium isotopes are thought to undergo a rapid shape change from a prolate deformation near the line of beta stability towards oblate deformation around the line of N=Z. The point at which this shape change occurs is unknown, with inconsistent predictions from available theoretical models. A common feature in the models is the delicate nature of the point of transition, with the introduction of even a modest spin to the system sufficient to change the ordering of the prolate and oblate configurations. We present a measurement of the quadrupole moment of the first-excited state in radioactive ^{72}Se-a potential point of transition-by safe Coulomb excitation. This is the first low-energy Coulomb excitation to be performed with a rare-isotope beam at the reaccelerated beam facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. By demonstrating a negative spectroscopic quadrupole moment for the first-excited 2^{+} state, it is found that any low-spin shape change in neutron-deficient selenium does not occur until ^{70}Se.
Sexual consent in K–12 sex education: an analysis of current health education standards in the United States

In the USA, universities have recently developed policies and programmes on sexual consent education. But waiting until students enroll in higher education may be too late to begin this work. To ex...
FoxM1 drives proximal tubule proliferation during repair from acute kidney injury

Abstract The proximal tubule has a remarkable capacity for repair after acute injury but the cellular lineage and molecular mechanisms underlying this repair response have been poorly characterized. Here, we developed a Kim-1-GFPCreERt2 knockin mouse line (Kim-1-GCE), performed genetic lineage analysis after injury and measured the cellular transcriptome of proximal tubule during repair. Acutely injured genetically labeled clones co-expressed Kim-1, Vimentin, Sox9 and Ki67, indicating a dedifferentiated and proliferative state. Clonal analysis revealed clonal expansion of Kim-1+ cells, indicating that acutely injured, dedifferentiated proximal tubule cells account for repair rather than a fixed tubular progenitor. Translational profiling during injury and repair revealed signatures of both successful and unsuccessful maladaptive repair. The transcription factor FoxM1 was induced early in injury, was required for epithelial proliferation, and was dependent on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) stimulation. In conclusion, dedifferentiated proximal tubule cells effect proximal tubule repair and we reveal a novel EGFR-FoxM1-dependent signaling pathway that drives proliferative repair after injury.
The problem of succession

So far we have dealt with a dictator who is insecure with people who are trying to replace him. Dictators do grow old however, and their replacement through death or, rarely, through retirement, is a real problem. As we shall see below, the long run solution to this problem is usually development of hereditary rulership which we call ‘king’ or ‘emperor’ rather than ‘dictator’. Before turning to this problem however, we should examine the more general situation in which a tradition of passing the throne through one line is not yet established.
Data driven models of legged locomotion

Legged locomotion is a challenging regime both for experimental analysis and for robot design. From biology, we know that legged animals can perform spectacular feats which our machines can only surpass on some specially controlled surfaces such as roads. We present a concise review of the theoretical underpinnings of Data Driven Floquet Analysis (DDFA), an approach for empirical modeling of rhythmic dynamical systems. We provide a review of recent and classical results which justify its use in the analysis of legged systems.
A neural-vascular complex of age-related changes in the human brain: Anatomy, physiology, and implications for neurocognitive aging

Theories of neurocognitive aging rely heavily on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to test hypotheses regarding the brain basis of age-differences in cognition. This technique is based on the blood-oxygen level dependent signal (BOLD) that arises from the coordinated neural-vascular coupling that leads to increased blood flow following an increase in neural activity. Here we review the literature and current controversies regarding the mechanisms by which blood flow and neural activity are coupled, and how they change in the aging process. This literature suggests that neural-vascular coupling is a complex of processes, involving dynamic signaling between neurons, glia, and blood vessels. Nearly every component of this process is affected in aging leading to changes in BOLD and pervasive age-related cognitive changes.
Potent Anti-Platelet Metabolite, 12-HETrE, Inhibits Platelet Activation and Thrombosis In Vivo Via Activation of the IP Receptor

Abstract Platelet activation is a critical component of clot formation. Under pathophysiological conditions platelet-mediated clot formation can lead to an occlusive thrombotic event resulting in myocardial infarction and stroke. Regulation of platelet reactivity relies on an understanding of the complex intra-platelet signaling that takes place following activation of various receptors on the platelet surface. Our lab recently identified a novel oxidized metabolite known as 12-HETrE that is formed from 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) oxidation of the ω-6 fatty acid DGLA in the platelet. Since DGLA constitutes one of the predominant fatty acids contained in the phospholipids on the platelet membrane and is also a rich source of dietary fatty acid intake through a variety of plant oils, we had originally sought to determine if this metabolite contained inherent regulatory properties on the human platelet. We successfully showed not only that 12-HETrE potently regulates hemostasis and thrombosis in vivo, but additionally identified that the metabolite signals inhibition of platelet activity through a GαS-linked GPCR resulting in formation of cAMP and activation of PKA and VASP. In the current study, we identified for the first time the receptor activated by 12-HETrE in the human platelet. To identify which GPCR is activated by 12-HETrE, we utilized both pharmacologic as well as genetic approaches. Our ex vivo pharmacological data suggested 12-HETrE predominantly signals through the IP receptor in the human platelet. This finding was confirmed using an IP receptor knockout mouse as well as human cell lines expressing or absent IP receptor on their surface. Finally, these findings were confirmed in vivo with wild type or IP knockout mice and assessing the ability of 12-HETrE to inhibit laser-induced thrombosis. Hence, these findings show for the first time that 12-HETrE does in fact regulate inhibition of platelets through the IP receptor. Since 12-HETrE has already been shown to inhibit thrombosis without a significant increase in bleeding diathesis, the current study has elucidated a new target for IP receptor activation and an inhibition of platelet activity and occlusive thrombus formation and should be evaluated for its potential as a new class of anti-thrombotic therapeutics. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Polycomb group protein Bmi1 regulates proliferation and senescence of breast cancer cells and is transcriptionally repressed by TP53.

2798 The Polycomb group (PcG) gene Bmi1 was first identified as a collaborating oncogene in the induction of mouse pre-B-cell lymphoma, and was subsequently reported overexpressed in various human malignancies including breast cancer. Bmi1 regulates cellular proliferation and senescence, and self-renewal of specific normal and malignant stem cell types via its repressive effect on the Ink4a/Arf tumor suppressor locus. Here we show that Bmi1 is overexpressed in a number of human breast cancer cell lines and breast tumors. Moreover, published and in-house microarray data suggest that Bmi1 expression negatively correlates with that of Ink4a/p16, and positively correlates with that of PTEN in human breast tumors; these correlations are statistically significant and consistent across multiple datasets. To determine the biological importance of deregulated Bmi1 expression in breast carcinogenesis, we repressed expression of the protein using a RNA interference (RNAi) strategy. Knockdown of Bmi1 led to induction of cell death and senescence in a number of breast cancer cell lines as determined by annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) and senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, respectively. Consistent with this, overexpression of Bmi1 led to increased cell proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Additionally, depletion of Bmi1 inhibited anchorage-independent growth of T-47D breast cancer cells, indicating a decrease in transformed phenotype of these cells. Interestingly, we observed that Bmi1 expression positively correlates with TP53 mutation status in a number of breast cancer cell lines, and was significantly higher in the colon cancer cell line, HCT116 compared to its isogenic TP53-/- subcell line. Knockdown of TP53 in HCT116 cells resulted in a decrease in Bmi1 expression, suggesting that TP53 might regulate Bmi1 levels. To further examine this possibility, we utilized tetracycline-repressible DLD-1 colon cancer cell lines carrying either wild-type TP53 or a tumor-derived mutant form of TP53 (R175H), which is incapable of activating gene transcription. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that overexpression of wild-type, but not mutant, TP53 results in repression of Bmi1. These data suggest that Bmi1 and TP53 might act in an antagonistic manner. Future studies will be aimed at determining whether an imbalance between these proliferation-regulating signals contributes to oncogenesis.
On Lagrangian schemes for porous medium type generalized diffusion equations: A discrete energetic variational approach

Abstract In this paper, we present a systematic framework to derive a variational Lagrangian scheme for porous medium type generalized diffusion equations by employing a discrete energetic variational approach. Such discrete energetic variational approaches are analogous to energetic variational approaches [39] , [25] in a semidiscrete level, which provide a basis of deriving the “semi-discrete equations” and can be applied to a large class of partial differential equations with energy-dissipation laws and kinematic relations. The numerical schemes derived by this framework can inherit the variational structure from the continuous energy-dissipation law. As an illustration, we develop two variational Lagrangian schemes for the multidimensional porous medium equations (PME), based on two different energy-dissipation laws. We focus on the numerical scheme based on the energy-dissipation law with 1 2 ∫ Ω | u | 2 d x as the dissipation functional. Several numerical experiments demonstrate the accuracy of this scheme as well as its ability in capturing the free boundary and estimating the waiting time for the PME in both 1D and 2D.
When farmers are pulled in too many directions: comparing institutional drivers of food safety and environmental sustainability in California agriculture

Aspirations to farm ‘better’ may fall short in practice due to constraints outside of farmers’ control. Yet farmers face proliferating pressures to adopt practices that align with various societal visions of better agriculture. What happens when the accumulation of external pressures overwhelms farm management capacity? Or, worse, when different visions of better agriculture pull farmers toward conflicting management paradigms? This article addresses these questions by comparing the institutional manifestations of two distinct societal obligations placed on California fruit and vegetable farmers: to practice sustainable agriculture and to ensure food safety. Drawing on the concept of constrained choice, I define and utilize a framework for comparison comprising five types of institutions that shape farm management decisions: rules and standards, market and supply chain forces, legal liability, social networks and norms, and scientific knowledge and available technologies. Several insights emerge. One, farmers are expected to meet multiple societal obligations concurrently; when facing a “right-versus-right” choice, farmers are likely to favor the more feasible course within structural constraints. Second, many institutions are designed to pursue narrow or siloed objectives; policy interventions that aim to shift farming practice should thus anticipate and address potential conflicts among institutions with diverging aspirations. Third, farms operating at different scales may face distinct institutional drivers in some cases, but not others, due to differential preferences for universal versus place-specific policies. These insights suggest that policy interventions should engage not just farmers, but also the intersecting institutions that drive or constrain their farm management choices. As my framework demonstrates, complementing the concept of constrained choice with insights from institutional theory can more precisely reveal the dimensions and mechanisms that bound farmer agency and shape farm management paradigms. Improved understanding of these structures, I suggest, may lead to novel opportunities to transform agriculture through institutional designs that empower, rather than constrain, farmer choice.
Photonic band structure in one-dimensional crystals of stacked microcavity OLEDs

A microcavity OLED, consisting of a conventional OLED stack with two metallic mirror electrodes, shows narrow-band emission centered around specific peak resonant wavelengths. These cavity modes are analogous to the energy states found in any resonator system, including musical instrument strings and 1-dimensional quantum square wells. Here we incorporate the microcavity OLED as a unit cell in a photonic crystal. Stacking N microcavities splits the resonant modes into N discrete states. We demonstrate methods to control the photonic density of states and to induce a photonic bandgap. Furthermore, we investigate the effect of various device variables, including N and the thickness of the semi-transparent metal electrodes, on emission properties such as peak wavelength, FWHM, and Q-factor for each of the photonic states. The experimental results are guided by a predictive computational modelling tool, which is critically important for the complex-architecture devices.
Validation of the Childhood Dysphagia Management Scale (CDMS): An Impact Scale for determining medical home for dysphagia.

Abstract Background The results and recommendations from instrumental assessments of swallowing do not, by themselves, provide guidance regarding the type of medical management that might be needed for the pediatric patient with dysphagia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Childhood Dysphagia Management Scale (CDMS), a clinical scale developed to estimate the impact of dysphagia and determine the need for a multidisciplinary medical home to manage dysphagia. Methods This was a prospective observational study implemented in three phases to evaluate validity and reliability of the CDMS. Analyses for internal consistency, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, repeated measure, content, structural, criterion and external validity and hypothesis testing were conducted. Results This study established content, structural, internal, external, and criterion validity of the CDMS. The CDMS was found to have robust inter-rater (κ = 0.776) and intra-rater reliability (κ = 0.853), and consistency across repeated measures (κ = 0.853). Providers who used the CDMS had a high level of agreement with the recommended medical management plan. CDMS scores correlated (F(5,118) = 22.105, p Conclusion The CDMS is a reliable and valid scale for guiding decision-making regarding the medical home for pediatric dysphagia management.
HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening: a systematic review of values and preferences

Introduction The WHO recommends human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical self-sampling as an additional screening method and HPV DNA testing as an effective approach for the early detection of cervical cancer for women aged ≥30 years. This systematic review assesses end user’s values and preferences related to HPV self-sampling. Methods We searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature and Embase) using search terms for HPV and self-sampling to identify articles meeting inclusion criteria. A standardised data extraction form was used to capture study setting, population, sample size and results related to values and preferences. Results Of 1858 records retrieved, 72 studies among 52 114 participants published between 2002 and 2018 were included in this review. Almost all studies were cross-sectional surveys. Study populations included end users who were mainly adolescent girls and adult women. Ages ranged from 14 to 80 years. Most studies (57%) were conducted in high-income countries. Women generally found HPV self-sampling highly acceptable regardless of age, income or country of residence. Lack of self-confidence with collecting a reliable sample was the most commonly cited reason for preferring clinician-collected samples. Most women preferred home-based self-sampling to self-sampling at a clinic. The cervical swab was the most common and most accepted HPV DNA sampling device. Conclusions HPV self-sampling is generally a highly accepted method of cervical cancer screening for end users globally. End user preferences for self-sampling device, method and setting can inform the development of new and expanded interventions to increase HPV screening.
Using population crossover trials to improve the decision process regarding treatment individualization in N-of-1 trials

Healthcare researchers are showing renewed interest in the utilization of N-of-1 clinical trials for the individualization of pharmacological treatments. Here, we propose a frequentist approach to conducting treatment individualization in N-of-1 trials that we call "partial empirical Bayes." We infer the most beneficial treatment for the patient from combining the information provided by a previously conducted population crossover trial with individual patient data. We propose a method for estimating an optimal number of treatment cycles and investigate the statistical conditions under which N-of-1 trials are more beneficial than traditional clinical approaches. We represent the patient population with a random-coefficients linear model and calculate estimators of posttreatment individual disease severities. We show the estimators' consistency under the most common N-of-1 designs and examine their prediction errors and performance with small numbers of patient's responses. We demonstrate by simulating new patients that our approach is equivalent or superior to both the common clinical practice of recommending the on-average best treatment for all patients and the common individualization method that simply compares average responses to the tested treatments. We conclude that some situations exist in which individualization with N-of-1 trials is highly beneficial while other situations exist in which individualization may be unfruitful.
The role of transcranial magnetic stimulation in understanding attention-related networks in single subjects

Abstract Attention is a cognitive mechanism that has been studied through several methodological viewpoints, including animal models, MRI in stroke patients, and fMRI in healthy subjects. Activation-based fMRI research has also pointed to specific networks that activate during attention tasks. Most recently, network neuroscience has been used to study the functional connectivity of large-scale networks for attention to reveal how strongly correlated networks are to each other when engaged in specific behaviors. While neuroimaging has revealed important information about the neural correlates of attention, it is crucial to better understand how these processes are organized and executed in the brain in single subjects to guide theories and treatments for attention. Noninvasive brain stimulation is an effective tool to causally manipulate neural activity to detect the causal roles of circuits in behavior. We describe how combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with modern precision network analysis in single-subject neuroimaging could test the roles of regions, circuits, and networks in regulating attention as a pathway to improve treatment effect magnitudes and specificity.
Technical aspects and operative nuances using a high-definition 4K-3-dimensional exoscope for carotid endarterectomy surgery.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is effective in treating carotid artery stenosis to prevent stroke. Historically, this operation has been performed utilizing loupe magnification with or without the op...
Slides to accompany "Teaching IR Theory for Future Foreign Policy Practitioners" presentation

Materials to present a “practical theory” toolkit for applied foreign policy analysis in the classroom setting
Botanical Knowledge of a Group of College Students in South Carolina, U.S.A.

Thirty-one 18-22-year-old college students in South Carolina, U.S.A., were asked to freelist garden flowers, local grasses, local crops, and native/local trees, vines, and wildflowers/weeds. Answers were scored as correct, wrong, or inappropriate. Whereas the students could list an average of 9.0 crops, 8.4 trees, and 5.4 garden flowers correctly, they could list only 1.9 vines, 1.7 wildflowers/weeds, and 1.4 grasses correctly. Incorrect answers (answers that were wrong or inappropriate) were listed by 22.5% to 58.0% of the students depending on the domain. The types of incorrect answers given indicate a fuzzy understanding or knowledge of local ecology, plant morphology or habit, and domesticated versus wild or weedy status. Results indicate the solicited life forms or domains of plants hold unequal cultural saliency for this selection of students. Knowledge appears highest for crops, trees (particularly planted trees), and showy garden flowers, reflecting highest familiarity with the surrounding managed landscape and least familiarity with wild and less noticeable vegetation. Some answers reflect vicarious knowledge of plants rather than knowledge gained through direct experience. This study points out the need to carefully consider which domains of plant knowledge should be compared cross-culturally, and the need to quantify and examine incorrect as well as correct answers.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Well-Being, Home Literacy, and Early Literacy Skills of At-Risk Preschoolers.

In response to growing research and policy interest in the developmental contexts of early literacy, this study examined relations between neighborhood socioeconomic well-being, home literacy (parent–child shared reading and number of books at home), and directly assessed early literacy outcomes among 551 Head Start students in the fall of preschool. In Structural Equation Models, neighborhood socioeconomic well-being predicted home literacy, which in turn predicted early literacy (a latent variable derived from receptive vocabulary, letter-word identification, and concepts about print). Implications for future research concerning parent involvement at home in the context of neighborhoods and the early literacy of at-risk preschoolers is discussed.
Excitation States of Projectiles Moving through Solids

X-ray spectral measurements of S, Cl, and Ar atoms moving in solid carbon targets are used to extract the equilibrium distribution of vacancies in the valence and L-shells of the projectiles. It is found that the state of excitation is much higher than the mean charge measured after the projectile has left the solid. A simple model is used to deduce the expected final charge state distribution, and these are compared to thin foil measurements.