cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Life History of Yellow Baboons: Physical Development, Reproductive Parameters, and Infant Mortality

Longitudinal data from a population of yellow baboons,Papio cynocephalus, in the Amboseli National Park, Kenya, provide life history parameter estimates. Females reached menarche at approximately four-and-a-half years of age and then cycled for approximately a year before first conception. Postpartum anestrum averaged 12 months but ranged from six to 16 months. In cases of still births or infant death during postpartum amenorrhea, females commenced cycling after approximately one month. In mature females the time spent cycling before conception was five months on the average with a range from one to over 18 months. Only half of all full-term pregnancies resulted in infants who survived the first year of life; only a third, in infants who survived until the birth of their mother’s next infant. In comparison with data from laboratory colonies, our data indicate that female baboons in Amboseli are older at birth of first infant. They have, on the average, a somewhat shorter interbirth interval than was estimated from earlier crossectional field data, and therefore spend a larger portion of their adult life pregnant, but have a much longer interval—at least three years on the average—between the birth of an infant and the birth of that infant’s next older surviving sibling. A number of morphological changes in immature baboons are described.
Security as services in active networks

This paper discusses the design and implementation for supporting customized security services in active networks using active networking principles. The customized security services support is based on a secure node architecture that includes an active node operating system security API, an active security guardian, and quality of protection provisions. The support of highly customized security services permits active nodes to satisfy the application-specific dynamic security and protection requirements. It associates quality of protection with network software and application security. Applications can dynamically select the suitable security configurations and services at each active routing node, based on their security and performance requirements. The secure node architecture, together with the support of dynamically customized security services, can provide a fundamental base for securing the active network infrastructure and active applications.
Rising to the threat: Reducing stereotype threat by reframing the threat as a challenge

In two experiments, we found that the performance-inhibiting consequences of stereotype threat were eliminated when the threat was subtly reframed as a challenge. In Experiment 1, Black school children in North Carolina completed a 10-item mathematics test. Participants who reported their race before taking the test performed more poorly than participants who reported their race after completing the test, unless the test was framed as a challenge. Experiment 2 replicated this effect with undergraduates at a prestigious university. When reminded that they graduated from high schools that were poorly represented at the university, they performed more poorly than their peers on a math test. However, when the test was reframed as a challenge, this threat had no effect on their performance. These findings are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical applications for both educational and athletic training.
Solving selected classification problems in bioinformatics using multilayer neural network based on multi-valued neurons (MLMVN)

A multilayer neural network based on multi-valued neurons (MLMVN) is a new powerful tool for solving classification, recognition and prediction problems. This network has a number of specific properties and advantages that follow from the nature of a multi-valued neuron (complexvalued weights and inputs/outputs lying on the unit circle). Its backpropagation learning algorithm is derivative-free. The learning process converges very quickly, and the learning rate for all neurons is self-adaptive. The functionality of the MLMVN is higher than the one of the traditional feedforward neural networks and a variety of kernel-based networks. Its higher flexibility and faster adaptation to the mapping implemented make it possible to solve complex classification problems using a simpler network. In this paper, we show that the MLMVN can be successfully used for solving two selected classification problems in bioinformatics.
International trends in arthroscopic hip preservation surgery-are we treating the same patient?

The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the entire arthroscopic hip preservation literature to answer the question, ‘Across the world, are we treating the same patient?’ There are significant differences in arthroscopic hip preservation publications, subjects and techniques based on both continent and country published. A systematic review was registered with PROSPERO and performed with PRISMA guidelines using three publicly available databases. Therapeutic clinical outcome investigations reporting arthroscopic hip preservation were eligible for inclusion. All study, subject and surgical technique demographics were analyzed and compared between continents and countries. Statistics were calculated using Student’s t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, chi-squared and two-proportion Z-tests. There were 134 studies included in the analysis (10 752 subjects; 11 007 hips; 51% female; mean 37.6 years of age; mean 27.2 months length of follow-up), which had a low Modified Coleman Methodology Score (mean 32.4; poor). North America published the largest number of studies (58%) and the most subjects (55%) and hips (56%). Australia (22%) and Europe (18%) operated on subjects with some amount of osteoarthritis most commonly. North America (2.7%) and Europe (2.0%) operated on subjects with dysplasia or borderline dysplasia most commonly. The Modified Harris Hip Score was the most frequently utilized outcome score (24% of studies). The quantity and quality of arthroscopic hip preservation literature is significantly increasing with time. Several significant differences in study, subject and surgical technique demographics between continents and countries were identified. Deficiencies in use of clinical outcome scores and definitions of treated pathologies preclude complete subject comparisons and serve as an impetus for future study quality improvements.
Load balancing in the presence of random node failure and recovery

In many distributed computing systems that are prone to either induced or spontaneous node failures, the number of available computing resources is dynamically changing in a random fashion. A load-balancing (LB) policy for such systems should therefore be robust, in terms of workload re-allocation and effectiveness in task completion, with respect to the random absence and re-emergence of nodes as well as random delays in the transfer of workloads among nodes. In this paper two LB policies for such computing environments are presented: The first policy takes an initial LB action to preemptively counteract the consequences of random failure and recovery of nodes. The second policy compensates for the occurrence of node failure dynamically by transferring loads only at the actual failure instants. A probabilistic model, based on the concept of regenerative processes, is presented to assess the overall performance of the system under these policies. Optimal performance of both policies is evaluated using analytical, experimental and simulation-based results. The interplay between node-failure/recovery rates and the mean load-transfer delay are highlighted.
The keys to university–community engagement sustainability

For universities to create beneficial and sustainable engagement with the community requires attention to three dimensions: internal (politics, organizational dynamics, and culture interior to the university); external (relationships and dynamics of the community, management of power and resource imbalances, and development of a community identity); and personal (the psychology, competencies, and career issues of the faculty). Sustainable types of engagement are those that lead to valued capacity building for the community and positively address each dimension. We offer illustrations of the challenges and strategies for building successful university–community relationships.
Immune Responses to Small Nuclear Ribonucleoproteins: Antigen-Dependent Distinct B Cell Epitope Spreading Patterns in Mice Immunized with Recombinant Polypeptides of Small Nuclear Ribonucleoproteins

Complex patterns of autoantibody reactivities with the small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) are observed in systemic lupus erythematosus. To investigate the role of individual snRNP components in the initiation and diversification of anti-snRNP Ab responses, we immunized A/J mice with recombinant Smith D (SmD), Smith B (SmB), and A ribonucleoprotein (A-RNP) with alum as adjuvant. Sera at different time points after initial immunizations were analyzed by Western blot and immunoprecipitation assays. In SmD-immunized mice, specific Abs to A-RNP and SmB were generated by 2 mo postimmunization, in addition to the detection of cross-reactive Abs between the immunogen and other snRNPs. Whereas Abs reactive with the immunogen decreased by 5 mo, Abs capable of immunoprecipitating A-RNP and SmB increased. In SmB-immunized mice, specific Abs to A-RNP were readily detectable, in addition to cross-reactive Abs. In contrast, A-RNP-immunized mice had only cross-reactive Abs to SmB without detectable Abs to SmD. However, in these mice, specific Abs to the 70-kDa protein were generated. Abs, which precipitated the native snRNP particle, were generated in all three groups of the immunized mice. Our results show that different initiating Ags from the same multiprotein antigenic complex induce distinct patterns of epitope spreading to proteins within that complex. These data have significant implications for the mechanisms of autoantibody diversification in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Spatial Ecology of Bobcats and Gray Foxes in Urban and Rural Zones of a National Park

Urbanization threatens the persistence of many wildlife populations, particularly those of wide-ranging and low-density species such as mammalian carnivores. Effective conservation of carnivore populations requires an understanding of the impacts of adjacent urbanization on carnivores in reserves. I compared the spatial ecology of bobcats (Lynx rufus) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) between urban and rural zones of a national park in northern California, USA. In the urban zone, gray foxes used the entire landscape from interior natural areas across the park edges and into the neighboring developed areas, although fox core areas were always within the park. Bobcats never entered development, and radiocollared adult female bobcats maintained home ranges in the interior of the park, far from the urban edge. Bobcats appeared to avoid crossing paved roads, while foxes crossed roads regularly. For adult female bobcats, home ranges were smaller in the urban zone, and core areas were both smaller and overlapped more. Home range size and overlap did not differ between zones for gray foxes. Bobcats seem to be more affected by the proximity of urbanization than foxes, perhaps because of differences in diet and social structure. The more flexible use of the landscape by foxes may give them access to increased resources and habitat, but also may expose them to more human-associated risks. If female bobcats are more sensitive to urbanization, this sensitivity could affect the long-term viability of bobcat populations in urban areas. Knowledge of how bobcats and gray foxes use the landscape in urban areas will allow more effective conservation and improved coexistence with these widespread carnivores by helping to predict where and why conservation or management issues may occur.
Effects of Learning Styles, Programming, and Gender on Computer Anxiety

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of learning styles, programming, and gender on computer anxiety. Fifty-eight undergraduate preservice teachers (36 females, 22 males) participated. Kolb’s Learning Styles Inventory, a modified version of Spielberger’s Anxiety Scale, and a written and hands-on measure of BASIC programming were used. Programming instruction was found to significantly reduce computer anxiety, but with no significant difference by type of learning style. The one-day intensive format reduced computer anxiety significantly less than the four-week distributed format. Females significantly outperformed males on the hands-on component of the exam. The two types of learning styles that were least represented (Convergers and Divergers) were found to reduce computer anxiety the least and to perform the poorest on both aspects of the exam.
Convex Curves with Periodic Billiard Polygons

Let C be a piecewise-smooth closed-convex curve in the plane R 2. A billiard ball is a point interior to C which moves with unit velocity until it hits a point p E C. If C has a tangent at p the ball bounces in the direction determined by reflection off of the unique tangent line at p, again with unit velocity. The billiard path is then the well-determined orbit traced by the point in the course of time, where we shall neglect orbits which encounter any corner point of C. A billiard path is said to be periodic if the orbit is a closed polygon with finitely many vertices on C. The polygon need not be simple; for example, nonsimple star figures occur as billiard orbits in circles. It is of interest to determine if a class of convex curves (or, more generally, a class of convex figures in Rd) can be characterized by a corresponding property of the billiard paths within the figure. Indeed there are a number of results of this type, both recent and classical. The billiard characterizations of the conic sections have long been known. For an example of a more recent result, a closed convex polygon P is regular if and only if P contains a periodic billiard path P' which is similar to P (see [1]). Two billiard characterizations of curves of constant width are known, the more recent an elegant result found in [3]. The other characterization motivates the work of this paper and is obtained by simply restating the well-known double normal property: a smooth closed convex curve C has constant width if and only if there is a periodic billiard 2-gon (i. e., double segment) at each point of C. This characterization of curves of constant width raises a rather intriguing question:
Surrogate-Based Modeling of the Optical Response of Metallic Nanostructures

We discuss how to apply the Gaussian process model (GPM), also known as “Kriging,” to the optimization of the optical response of metallic nanostructures. The optical response is calculated with th...
Cache Management of Big Data in Equipment Condition Assessment

Big data platform for equipment condition assessment is built for comprehensive analysis. The platform has various application demands. According to its response time, its application can be divided into offline, interactive and real-time types. For real-time application, its data processing efficiency is important. In general, data cache is one of the most efficient ways to improve query time. However, big data caching is different from the traditional data caching. In the paper we propose a distributed cache management framework of big data for equipment condition assessment. It consists of three parts: cache structure, cache replacement algorithm and cache placement algorithm. Cache structure is the basis of the latter two algorithms. Based on the framework and algorithms, we make full use of the characteristics of just accessing some valuable data during a period of time, and put relevant data on the neighborhood nodes, which largely reduce network transmission cost. We also validate the performance of our proposed approaches through extensive experiments. It demonstrates that the proposed cache replacement algorithm and cache management framework has higher hit rate or lower query time than LRU algorithm and round-robin algorithm.
Effects of cadmium chloride on the expression of PKCα in NRK cells and the biological effect of PKC inhibitor

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of cadmium chloride(CdCl2)on the expression of PKCα mRNA and protein in NRK cells as well as the biological effect of PKC inhibitor(Bisindolymaleimide I)on cells treated with cadmium.METHODS:Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay was applied to test the effects of CdCl2 on the expression of PKCα mRNA in NRK cells exposed to CdCl2 at various concentrations(0,1.25,2.5,5 and 10 μmol/L).Western blot was used to measure the effects of CdCl2 on the expression of PKCα protein in NRK cells exposed to CdCl2 at the same concentrations.Additionally,the expressions of PKCα mRNA and protein were also assessed in NRK cells exposed to CdCl2 after treated by PKC inhibitor.RESULTS:The expressions of PKCα mRNA and protein in NRK cells exposed to CdCl2 at the concentrations between 1.25 and 10 μmol/L were increased,and a dose-effect relationship was found.PKC inhibitor had an obvious effect on the expressions of PKCα mRNA and protein in the cells after CdCl2 treatment.CONCLUSION:CdCl2 could induce an increase in expressions of PKCα mRNA and protein,and the PKC inhibitor showed an obvious inhibitory effect.
Detection of the human cytomegalovirus in intracranial atherosclerosis arteries

Objective To confirm the presence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) antigen and DNA in intracranial arterial walls and the association of the virus with the development of atherosclerosis in patients with atherosclerotic cerebral infarction Methods The subjects of this study were divided into two groups, the atherosclerosis group and the control group All patients were autopsied within 12 hours after death During autopsy, samples from intracranial arteries were formalin fixed and paraffin embedded All sections were routinely stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and observed on the presence of atherosclerotic plaques The atherosclerosis group was subdivided into grade Ⅰ～Ⅱ group and grade Ⅲ～Ⅳ group according to the degrees of arterial lumen stenosis Only those vessel walls without signs of atheroma formation were included in the control group HCMV antigens and DNA were detected by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respectively The monoclonal antibody was against HCMV early (E) antigen Probes and primers were derived from major immediate early (MIE) genomic regions of cytomegalovirus strain AD169 As a positive control for the reactions, tissues from human small intestine membrane known to be positive for HCMV by HE staining were used Results There were 18 of 35 atherosclerotic arteries defined as grade Ⅰ～Ⅱ atherosclerosis, and the rest were grade Ⅲ～Ⅳ The DNA of HCMV was found in 14/35 and 2/20 of arterial walls with atherosclerosis and negative control group by in situ hybridization, in 21/35 and 6/20 by PCR, and HCMV antigen in 12/35 and 2/20 by immunohistochemical studies respectively, and significant difference was be found among them ( P =0 018, P =0 032, P =0 047) There was also significant difference between grade Ⅲ～Ⅳ and grade Ⅰ～Ⅱ atherosclerosis by all the above three types of studies ( P =0 027, P =0 009, P =0 003) Conclusion Our results revealed that HCMV could be found in the atherosclerotic arterial walls, and it is suggested that the arterial walls might be the potential sites of existence of the virus We also postulate that there might be an association between the HCMV DNA and antigens in intracranial arterial walls and atherosclerotic plaques
Abstract B05: MicroRNA-206 drives rhabdomyosarcoma differentiation through downregulation of PAX7

The goal of this work is to understand the mechanism of microRNA-206 (miR-206) induced differentiation in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). RMS is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood with both histology and gene expression suggestive that RMS tumor cells resemble a developmental arrest of skeletal muscle. miR-206 is a skeletal muscle specific miRNA expression increases through normal muscle development and has decreased levels in RMS compared to normal skeletal muscle. Exogneous miR-206 replacement drives differentiation and cell cycle exit of RMS. However, the target genes responsible for the relief of the development arrest are largely unknown. Using a combinatorial approach with mRNA microarrays and tandem mass tag (TMT) proteome profiling we identified 165 mRNAs and 272 proteins downregulated in miR-206 mimic transfected RMS cells. Potential targets were validated with 39UTR reporter assays as well as real-time PCR and immunoblot from miR-206 mimic transfected cells. Further analysis with genetic rescue identified the key targets responsible for the RMS differentiation block as PAX7, PAX3, CCND2, and NOTCH3. However, siRNA knockdown of these targets alone and in a pooled combination failed to induce differentiation to the same extent as miR-206 despite knockdown levels comparable to miR-206. Thus, target identification collectively is key to understanding the mechanism of miR-206 function in RMS, suggesting the one miRNA-one target model to be insufficient for the complex phenotype of miR-206 induced differentiation. Genetic deletion of miR-206 in a mouse model of RMS accelerated and exacerbated tumor development indicating that both in vitro and in vivo miR-206 possesses tumor suppressive properties. In addition, Notch3 and Pax7 levels were increased in knockout tumors compared to wild type, providing further evidence for these genes as key targets of miR-206 in RMS. These results illustrate that miR-206 relieves the differentiation arrest in RMS and suggests that miR-206 replacement therapy could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Citation Format: Jason A. Hanna, Matthew R. Garcia, Jonathan C. Go, David Finkelstein, Kiran Kodali, Vishwajeeth Pagala, Eric N. Olson, Junmin Peng, Mark E. Hatley. MicroRNA-206 drives rhabdomyosarcoma differentiation through downregulation of PAX7. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer: Mechanisms to Medicines ; 2015 Dec 4-7; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(6 Suppl):Abstract nr B05.
Screen-Printed Particulate Silicon Devices

A novel low temperature process for the preparation of particulate silicon devices is described. The process is based on the screen-printing of a suitable paste containing silicon particles, a glass frit and an organic binder on an aluminum coated substrate. The wet print is exposed to a multifunctional temperature cycle in an inert atmosphere during which an ohmic rear contact is formed and sealed. The maximum temperature the printed layer is exposed to is approximately 650°C. Subsequently a front Schottky electrode is applied by evaporation of a semitransparent metal layer and by screen-printing a contact grid on top of the fired particulate layer. Experimental results on small area particulate silicon Schottky devices and photosensitive diodes are reported. An improved structure for a more efficient particulate silicon pn-junction solar cell is introduced. A model calculation for the pn-junction cell is outlined and some results are discussed.
Implications of water scarcity for economic growth

Global freshwater demand is projected to increase substantially in the coming decades, making water one of the most fiercely contested resources on the planet. Water is linked to many economic activities, and there are complex channels through which water affects economic growth. The purpose of this report is to provide background information useful for a quantitative global assessment of the impact of water scarcity on growth using a multi-region, recursive-dynamic, Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model. The paper provides a detailed review of the literature on water, water scarcity, sectoral activity and economic growth, and identifies the possibilities and bottlenecks in incorporating water use into a CGE framework. It covers agricultural water consumption, with special attention to irrigation, water use in energy production, and demands for water by households, industry and services. Finally, it discusses water supply and allocation. Based on the evidence assembled, there appear to have been relatively few instances in which water scarcity has significantly slowed the long term rate of national economic growth. Furthermore, in reviewing the literature on water demand, the ample opportunities for conserving water across the board are striking, including in the electric power sector, the production of industrial steam, residential consumption, and irrigated agriculture. In our opinion, the main reason why such substitution has not been more widespread to date is due to the absence of economic incentives for conservation. The presence of large inter-sectoral distortion heightens the need for general equilibrium analysis. But implementation of a global CGE model with detailed representation of water demand and supply will be a significant undertaking. It is essential to break out water from the other inputs in the CGE model, treat water as both an input and an output, and add sectoral detail, with special attention to crop irrigation. Furthermore, there are challenges in assigning appropriate values to water and specifying allocation rules for dealing with water scarcity.
Herausforderungen und Möglichkeiten der Innovationsförderung durch Geschäftsleiter

Innovationsprojekte stellen fur Organisationen besondere unternehmerische Herausforderungen und Wagnisse dar, die nach guten Strukturen, Ablaufen und Entscheidungsprozessen verlangen. Der hohe Einsatz begrenzter materieller und immaterieller Ressourcen sowie die mit Innovationen einhergehenden Auswirkungen in der gesamten Organisation machen die Beteiligung und nachhaltige Unterstutzung der Geschaftsleitung bei Innovationsvorhaben notwendig.
CFTR-associated ligand is a negative regulator of Mrp2 expression.

The multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that transports a wide variety of organic anions across the apical membrane of epithelial cells. The expr...
Abstract 364: The molecular profiles of disseminated tumor cells in a Patient Derived Xenograft model recapitulate those found in patient bone marrow

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Objective Disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) found in the bone marrow (BM) of breast cancer patients portends a poor prognosis. BM DTCs are thought to be intermediaries in the metastatic process and may exhibit molecular features different from the primary tumor. Using Patient Derived Xenograft system, we report the presence of transcript associated with DTCs and their correlation to distant disease development. Experimental procedures After informed consent, human breast adenocarcinomas were prospectively collected from 5 patients with estrogen receptor negative/Her2 negative tumors and implanted into NOD/SCID mouse mammary fat pad as previous described. BM was collected from the femur and tibia from mice at varying passages of the tumors and analyzed for human-specific transcripts by qRT-PCR. Human gene expression array analysis (Affymetrix Human gene 1.0ST) was performed on the BMs from all WHIM17 mice, control non-tumor bearing mice, breast cancer patients and that of healthy volunteers. Results BM was screened from 18 tumor bearing mice for the presence of DTCs of which 10 mice developed metastatic tumors. All mice developed from one patient line (WHIM17) developed metastatic tumors. Further microanalysis of WHIM 17 BM showed 300 genes upregulated over 10 fold in their BM compared to non-tumor bearing mice. 7 of these genes were detected in the BM of breast cancer patients but completely absent in BM of healthy volunteers. They are TNFRSF17, CD226, HIST1H4E, MDM2, TFAM, DDT, and RPS20. The presence of these transcripts was confirmed by qRT-PCR and was detected in the BM of mice which developed metastatic tumors. Of the 32 genes which we found significantly upregulated in the BM of stage II/III breast cancer patients prior to treatment who subsequently developed metastatic tumors compared to similar patients who did not develop metastatic disease, DCSR3 and STAM2 were upregulated in all WHIM17 mice. Conclusion The presence of DTCs in the BM and its association with metastatic outcome was observed in the PDX model system. Our results provide an experimental support for the clinical association of DTCs in the BM of early stage breast cancer patients with recurrent disease development. We believe the PDX mice recreate a more clinically relevant model compared to other xenograft models. Moreover, using this system, we have identified new targetable genes associated with DTCS. Citation Format: Sreeraj G. Pillai, Shunqiang Li, Chidananda M. Siddappa, Mark A. Watson, Timothy P. Fleming, Matthew J. Ellis, Rebecca L. Aft. The molecular profiles of disseminated tumor cells in a Patient Derived Xenograft model recapitulate those found in patient bone marrow. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 364. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-364
Separation of 44Ti from proton irradiated scandium by using solid-phase extraction chromatography and design of 44Ti/44Sc generator system.

Abstract Scandium-44 g (half-life 3.97 h [1]) shows promise for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of longer biological processes than that of the current gold standard, 18 F, due to its favorable decay parameters. One source of 44g Sc is the long-lived parent nuclide 44 Ti (half-life 60.0 a). A 44 Ti/ 44g Sc generator would have the ability to provide radionuclidically pure 44g Sc on a daily basis. The production of 44 Ti via the 45 Sc(p,2n) reaction requires high proton beam currents and long irradiation times. Recovery and purification of no-carrier added (nca) 44 Ti from scandium metal targets involves complex separation chemistry. In this study, separation systems based on solid phase extraction chromatography were investigated, including branched diglycolamide (BDGA) resin and hydroxamate based ZR resin. Results indicate that ZR resin in HCl media represents an effective 44 Ti/ 44g Sc separation system.
Quantitative 3D Time Lapse Imaging of Muscle Progenitors in Skeletal Muscle of Live Mice

For non-optically clear mammalian tissues, it is now possible to use multi-photon microscopy to penetrate deep into the tissue and obtain detailed single cell images in a live animal, i.e., intravital imaging. This technique is in principle applicable to any fluorescently marked cell, and we have employed it to observe stem cells during the regenerative process. Stem cell-mediated skeletal muscle regeneration in the mouse model has been classically studied at specific time points by sacrificing the animal and harvesting the muscle tissue for downstream analyses. A method for direct visualization of muscle stem cells to gain real-time information over a long period in a live mammal has been lacking. Here we describe a step-by-step protocol adapted from Webster et al. (2016) to quantitatively measure the behaviors of fluorescently labeled (GFP, EYFP) muscle stem and progenitor cells during homeostasis as well as following muscle injury.
Consumption of Nuts and Seeds and Telomere Length in 5,582 Men and Women of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Objectives Consumption of nuts and seeds is associated favorably with all-cause mortality. Nuts and seeds could reduce disease and prolong life by influencing telomeres. Telomere length is a good indicator of the senescence of cells. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between nuts and seeds intake and leukocyte telomere length, a biomarker of biologic aging.
Microstructure selection in thin-sample directional solidification of an Al-Cu alloy: In situ X-ray imaging and phase-field simulations

Abstract We study microstructure selection during directional solidification of a thin metallic sample. We combine in situ X-ray radiography of a dilute Al-Cu alloy solidification experiments with three-dimensional phase-field simulations. We explore a range of temperature gradient G and growth velocity V and build a microstructure selection map for this alloy. We investigate the selection of the primary dendritic spacing Λ and tip radius ρ. While ρ shows a good agreement between experimental measurements and dendrite growth theory, with ρ ∼ V − 1 / 2 , Λ is observed to increase with V ( ∂ Λ / ∂ V > 0 ), in apparent disagreement with classical scaling laws for primary dendritic spacing, which predict that ∂ Λ / ∂ V 0 . We show through simulations that this trend inversion for Λ ( V ) is due to liquid convection in our experiments, despite the thin sample configuration. We use a classical diffusion boundary-layer approximation to semi-quantitatively incorporate the effect of liquid convection into phase-field simulations. This approximation is implemented by assuming complete solute mixing outside a purely diffusive zone of constant thickness that surrounds the solid-liquid interface. This simple method enables us to quantitatively match experimental measurements of the planar morphological instability threshold and primary spacings over an order of magnitude in V. We explain the observed inversion of ∂ Λ / ∂ V by a combination of slow transient dynamics of microstructural homogenization and the influence of the sample thickness.
Passive expansion of sub-maximally dilated transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and assessment of clinical outcomes

Passive expansion of sub-maximally dilated transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and assessment of clinical outcomes
Procyanidins: a comprehensive review encompassing structure elucidation via mass spectrometry

Procyanidins are polyphenols abundant in dietary fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and grains with a variety of chemopreventive biological effects. Rapid structure determination of these compounds is needed, notably for the more complex polymeric procyanidins. We review the recent developments in the structure elucidation of procyanidins with a focus on mass spectrometric approaches, especially liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) MS/MS.
Housing Market Theory

In this chapter, the monocentric urban model due to DiPasquale and Wheaton (1996) is outlined with a view to explain how prices are maintained across an urban housing area. This is extended across space, buyers, and quality tiers. A discussion of cycles in economic variables in general and property in particular follows.
Commercializing Information with Intellectual Property

In his article Exchanging Information Without Intellectual Property (91 Tex. L. Rev. 227 (2012)), Michael Burstein makes an important contribution to the literature by debunking a long-standing assumption underlying Nobel laureate Kenneth Arrow’s famous disclosure paradox -- namely, that the disclosure of information is an all-or-nothing game. In this regard, Burstein convincingly contends that the loud chant for broad and strong intellectual property rights based on “markets for technology” concerns about information appropriation in the context of licensing and related negotiations is not as resoundingly clear as its proponents claim. However, Burstein fails to justify his broader claim that his account of information exchange refutes commercialization theory more generally.
Ant (Formicidae) Assemblage in South Africa's Vachellia (Acacia) karroo Thorns

Ant occupancy in thorns of Vachellia (Acacia) karroo (Hayne) Banfi and Galasso was examined along the banks of the Great Fish River near Grahamstown, South Africa. Half of all thorns with visible openings contained ant nests. Colonies of Tetraponera emeryi (Forel) and a single unidentified Tapinoma species were present in over 40% of thorns with openings. Cataulacus intrudens (Smith, F.) was regularly encountered but at a much lower frequency. A single nest of Tetraponera natalensis (Smith, F.) and two Nesomyrmex stramineus (Arnold) nests were also found. The size of contiguous patches of A. karroo was not related to the percentage of thorns occupied by ants. The A. karroo ant assemblage appears to be mediated by the availability of suitable nesting thorns rather than competitive interactions.
Health Warning Labels Correct Parents' Misperceptions About Sugary Drink Options.

Introduction Noncarbonated sugar-sweetened beverages, such as fruit drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened teas are increasingly promoted to and consumed by youth. These beverages may be perceived as healthier options than soda. To educate consumers about beverages high in added sugar, several cities and states have proposed policies mandating health warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages. Methods In 2015, a total of 2,381 parents were randomized to a no label, calorie label, or warning label condition. An online survey asked about the healthfulness of different beverages, and asked parents to select a beverage for their child in a choice task. Regressions compared the warning and calorie label groups to the control group and measured mediating effects of health beliefs on beverage choice. Data were analyzed in 2016. Results Parents viewed fruit drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened teas as healthier and less likely to cause disease than soda. Compared with no label, warning labels significantly increased parents’ risk perceptions for all beverages except soda. Warning labels significantly reduced the odds of selecting fruit drinks for the child (OR=0.42, 95% CI=0.32, 0.56), and this effect was mediated by changes in health beliefs and risk perceptions. Conclusions Fruit drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened teas are increasingly promoted to youth. Parents believe these beverages are healthier and less likely to cause disease than soda, and warning labels may correct these misperceptions.
External Aid and Development

At a general level, one of the reasons for larger collective institutions functioning as bases for resource transfers stems from Arrow’s (1983, p.188) argument: “There are significant gains to social interaction above and beyond what individuals can achieve on their own.... there is a surplus created by the existence of society which is available for redistribution.” This argument also holds good when external aid, as an important source of development finance, is properly channeled and efficiently utilized by the recipients. In an ideal situation, such inputs enable relatively poorer societies to tide over financial crises, enhance economic development, promote economic integration with the global economy, and benefit donor nations with markets for their products and services. This chapter examines some of the important constraints in this context.
Anesthesia for Robotic Cardiac Surgery

The increasing presence of robotic assisted cardiac surgeries in the operating room presents new challenges to the cardiac anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists need to have expertise in advanced transesophageal imaging and need to participate in perioperative planning. Furthermore, anesthesiologists must develop skills in placing specialized venous cannulas and have advanced airway management skills. With these skills anesthesiologists can play a significant role in determining the surgical plan and ensuring optimal care of these patients. This chapter illustrates and examines areas that are unique to anesthetic management of robotic cardiac surgery with an emphasis on mitral valve operations.
Long-term repopulation of irradiated mice with limiting numbers of purified hematopoietic stem cells : in vivo expansion of stem cell phenotype but not function

Hematopoietic stem cells were isolated from normal adult mouse bone marrow based on surface antigen expression (Thy-1.1(low)Lin(neg)Ly-6A/E+) and further selected for low retention of rhodamine 123. This population of cells (Rh-123low) could mediate radioprotection and long-term (greater than 12 months) repopulation after transplantation of as few as 25 cells. Transfer of five genetically marked Rh-123low cells in the presence of 10(5) normal bone marrow cells resulted in reconstitution of peripheral blood by greater than 10% donor cells in 64% (30 of 47) of recipient mice. Of 46 animals surviving after 24 weeks, 10 had over 50% donor-derived cells in peripheral blood. Two general patterns of long-term reconstitution were observed: one in which many donor-derived cells were observed 5 to 6 weeks after reconstitution and another in which donor-derived cells were rare initially but expanded with time. This result suggests that two classes of long-term repopulating hematopoietic stem cells exist, differing in their ability to function early in the course of transplantation. Alternatively, distinct anatomic sites of engraftment may dictate these two outcomes from a single type of cell. As an approach to measure the extent of self-renewal by the injected cells, recipients of five or 200 stem cells were killed 8 to 13 months after the transplants, and Thy-1.1(low)Lin(neg)Ly-6A/E+ progeny of the original injected cells were isolated for a second transplant. While a numerical expansion of cells expressing the cell surface phenotype of stem cells was observed, along with activity in the colony-forming unit-spleen assay, the expanded cells were vastly inferior in radioprotection and long-term reconstitution assays when compared with cells freshly isolated from normal animals. This result demonstrates that in stem cell expansion experiments, cell surface antigen expression is not an appropriate indicator of stem cell function.
Stopping Time Problems and the Shape of the Domain of Continuation

Let x(t) be an n-dimensional diffusion process defined as a solution of a system of stochastic differential equations $$dx(t) = \sigma (x(t),t)dw(t) + b(x(t),t)dt$$ (1.1) with the n-vector b(x,t) and the n × n matrix σ(x,t) continuous in (x,t) ∈ Rnx(-∞, ∞) and uniformly Lipschitz continuous in x.
Firearm Violence: Silent Victims

Gun violence has become a topic we cannot escape. School shootings, mass shootings, and 1-on-1 firearm violence are widely reported. Commentaries on the public health crisis of firearm violence headline medical journals. However, beyond the sheer volume of senseless deaths, the agonizing ripple effects of exposure to gun violence on young witnesses and survivors remain largely underrecognized. The door to this topic was opened in the lay press with a recent Washington Post article, “Scarred by School Shootings”; the authors counted students who were exposed to school shootings (in addition to those who died) and focused on victim impact: “Many are never the same.”1 The deep and invisible wounds inflicted by fear, personal loss, and desensitization if violence is repetitive may be hidden from physicians’ eyes and underreported by parents until behavior erupts or sadness strips meaning from everyday life.2,3 Although not every child or adolescent who witnesses or experiences gun violence will develop emotional, behavioral, or academic problems, the increased risk is documented in numerous old and new studies.2–5 Factors that promote resilience include a connection to a caring adult, ready access to mental health and substance abuse services, and friendships with peers who solve problems nonviolently. However, for youth in high-risk communities, the availability … Address correspondence to Lydia Furman, MD, Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Room 784, Mailstop 6019, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44016. E-mail: lydia.furman{at}uhhospitals.org
Glycogen metabolism and glycogen storage disorders

Glucose is the main energy fuel for the human brain. Maintenance of glucose homeostasis is therefore, crucial to meet cellular energy demands in both - normal physiological states and during stress or increased demands. Glucose is stored as glycogen primarily in the liver and skeletal muscle with a small amount stored in the brain. Liver glycogen primarily maintains blood glucose levels, while skeletal muscle glycogen is utilized during high-intensity exertion, and brain glycogen is an emergency cerebral energy source. Glycogen and glucose transform into one another through glycogen synthesis and degradation pathways. Thus, enzymatic defects along these pathways are associated with altered glucose metabolism and breakdown leading to hypoglycemia ± hepatomegaly and or liver disease in hepatic forms of glycogen storage disorder (GSD) and skeletal ± cardiac myopathy, depending on the site of the enzyme defects. Overall, defects in glycogen metabolism mainly present as GSDs and are a heterogenous group of inborn errors of carbohydrate metabolism. In this article we review the genetics, epidemiology, clinical and metabolic findings of various types of GSD, and glycolysis defects emphasizing current treatment and implications for future directions.
The Prevalence of Cricopharyngeal Webs in Elderly Cadavers

Objective Cricopharyngeal webs (CPW) are a frequent cause of solid food dysphagia. They are difficult to diagnose and are often missed on swallowing fluoroscopy. The prevalence of CPWs is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of CPWs in elderly cadavers. Methods Direct laryngoscopy and cervical esophagoscopy were performed in 19 embalmed cadavers by independent two-clinician consensus. Cadaver demographics and the presence and laterality of a CPW were recorded. The prevalence of CPW was calculated, and the size of the cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM) was quantified. Results The mean age of the cohort was 83 ( ± 12) years. Fifty-three percent were female, and the mean body mass index was 19.7 ( ± 3). The causes of death were cardiovascular disease (10 of 19), cancer (5 of 19), and respiratory failure (4 of 19). A CPW was present in 68% (13 of 19) of cadavers. Forty-seven percent (9 of 19) had a unilateral web, and 21% (4 of 19) had a bilateral web. There was no laterality predominance (P > 0.05). Forty-two percent (8 of 19) had no CPM prominence; 32% (6 of 19) had a small/moderate CPM prominence; and 26% (5 of 19) had a significant CPM prominence. Conclusion The prevalence of cricopharyngeal webs in elderly cadavers is high (68%). The clinician should maintain a high index of suspicion for CPWs in patients with no other identifiable etiology of solid food dysphagia. Level of evidence 3b Laryngoscope, 129:63-66, 2019.