cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biology and Immature Stages of Fruit Flies: The Genus Icterica (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The life history and larval feeding habits of Eurosta elsa Daecke and E. reticulata Snow, 2 species of goldenrod-in festing Tephritidae, were studied in northeastern Ohio. Solidago juncea Aiton served as the larval host of E. elsa, and S. juncea and S. sempervirens L. were host plants of E. reticulata. Females of E. elsa oviposit into young goldenrod shoots during September. Overwintering occurs primarily as second-stage larvae within rhi zome galls. Larval development continues in the spring. Pupation occurs in the galls during August, and adults emerge approximately 20 days later. In contrast, females of E. reticulata typically emerge in late May and early June and place eggs in immature stem buds occurring at or near the soil surface. Larvae subsequently form crown galls. Overwintering occurs either as third-stage larvae or as pupae. Descriptions and illustrations are presented for the egg, 3 larval instars, and puparium of E. elsa; and for the second and third instars and puparium of E. reticulata. A key is given to the mature larvae of 4 species of Eurosta, E. comma (Wiedemann), E. elsa, E. reticulata and E. solidaginis (Fitch), that are known to form galls on goldenrod. The strictly Nearctic genus Eurosta previously contained 8 species (Foote 1965). One new species was added in the latest revision (Steyskal and Foote 1977). This largely Eastern genus contains the largest and heaviest tephritids known for North America. The genus Solidago (goldenrod), a member of the family Compositae, is represented worldwide by nearly 100 species (Gleason 1963). The greatest diversity occurs in the eastern United States where 62 species have been recorded (Gleason 1963). Six of the 9 species of Solidago serving as hosts for Eurosta (Table 1) possess creeping rhizomes, lack a well developed caudex, and are found in dry, open areas as well as in moist, shaded habi 1 Manuscript preparation supported by Colgate University Grant 31-008-50-00. 2 Present address: Department of Biology, Colgate University, Hamilton, N.Y. 13346. Received for publication 20 September 1977 (manuscript "lost" for more than a year). This content downloaded from 157.55.39.127 on Mon, 27 Jun 2016 07:31:14 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 206 JOURNAL OF THE KANSAS ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
An amorphous silicon photodiode with 2 THz gain-bandwidth product based on cycling excitation process

Since impact ionization was observed in semiconductors over half a century ago, avalanche photodiodes (APDs) using impact ionization in a fashion of chain reaction have been the most sensitive semiconductor photodetectors. However, APDs have relatively high excess noise, a limited gain-bandwidth product, and high operation voltage, presenting a need for alternative signal amplification mechanisms of superior properties. As an amplification mechanism, the cycling excitation process (CEP) was recently reported in a silicon p-n junction with subtle control and balance of the impurity levels and profiles. Realizing that CEP effect depends on Auger excitation involving localized states, we made the counter intuitive hypothesis that disordered materials, such as amorphous silicon, with their abundant localized states, can produce strong CEP effects with high gain and speed at low noise, despite their extremely low mobility and large number of defects. Here, we demonstrate an amorphous silicon low noise photodio...
Challenging Diagnosis and Inpatient Rehabilitation of Acute Bilateral Neuralgic Amyotrophy Possibly Attributed to Lyme Disease: A Case Report

Abstract Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a neurologic syndrome of unknown etiology primarily affecting the brachial plexus. We are reporting an unusual case of acute bilateral NA that was possibly secondary to Lyme disease. The patient demonstrated significant functional gains and was discharged home after 2 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, supporting the role of inpatient rehabilitation in acute NA. In this report, we discuss the diagnosis, electrodiagnostic progression, pain management, goals for inpatient rehabilitation, and overall prognosis of NA. Level of Evidence V
Ensemble allosteric model: energetic frustration within the intrinsically disordered glucocorticoid receptor

Allostery is an important regulatory phenomenon enabling precise control of biological function. Initial understanding of allostery was gained from seminal work on conformational changes exhibited ...
Using Cluster Analysis to Understand Clinician Readiness to Promote Continuous Glucose Monitoring Adoption.

Background:Many people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) report barriers to using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Diabetes care providers may have their own barriers to promoting CGM uptake. The goal...
Inadvertent Urethral Insertion of a Contraceptive Suppository

We report the third case of a vaginal contraceptive suppository that was inserted accidentally per urethral causing severe chemical cystitis.
To language differently: Drawing on feminist poststructuralism and translanguaging to prepare language teachers

This article explores the synergies between translanguaging and feminist poststructuralism to deepen understandings of how educators can teach for justice. I highlight how both theories challenge dominant structures and boundaries; how they privilege process over product; and how they both illuminate non-dominant voices and experiences. I explore how both translanguaging and feminist poststructuralism have helped me challenge foundational epistemologies, ontologies, and methodologies as a teacher educator in the field of teaching English. Throughout this article I examine what taking up these theories to challenge and question the status quo means for how we might better engage language as a tool for justice.
Ground-state cooling enabled by critical coupling and dark entangled states

We analyze the cooling of a mechanical resonator coupled to an ensemble of interacting two-level systems via an open quantum systems approach. Using an exact analytical result, we find optimal cooling occurs when the phonon mode is critically coupled $(\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\sim}g)$ to the two-level system ensemble. Typical systems operate in suboptimal cooling regimes due to the intrinsic parameter mismatch $(\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gg}g)$ between the dissipative decay rate $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and the coupling factor $g$. To overcome this obstacle, we show that carefully engineering the coupling parameters through the strain profile of the mechanical resonator allows phonon cooling to proceed through the dark (subradiant) entangled states of an interacting ensemble, thereby resulting in optimal phonon cooling. Our results provide an avenue for ground-state cooling and should be accessible for experimental demonstrations.
Impaired Regulation of Redox Transcriptome during the Differentiation of iPSCs into Induced Cardiomyocytes (iCMs)

Abstract Background Reprogramming of somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and subsequent differentiation into iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iCM) seems to be a promising strategy for cardiac regenerative therapy. However, recent failure or poor outcomes in cardiac cell therapy warrants further investigation focusing on the infarction/wound environment (site of healing) to improve the cardiac regenerative medicine. Here, using next generation sequencing (NGS), we analyzed the global transcriptome to discover the unidentified genes/pathways that are crucial for cell survival, cytoprotection and mitochondrial dynamics during the differentiation of iPSC into iCM. Methods High throughput NGS was performed RNA from human iPSCs and iCMs (n=3/group) and analyzed the global changes in the transcriptome during differentiation. Furthermore, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and Gene Ontology (GO) for biological process were performed to understand the transcriptional networks that are involved during iCM differentiation. RNA-seq data were further validated by qRT-PCR analyses. Results Global transcriptome analysis revealed that ~9,290 genes (log2 FC >2) were significantly altered in human iCMs compared to the parent iPSCs, in which 4,784 transcripts were substantially upregulated and 4,506 transcripts were down-regulated during differentiation. GO enrichment and IPA analyses revealed the top 10 regulatory networks (i.e. hierarchical order) involved in differentiation of iCMs including cardiomyocyte remodeling, integrin-linked kinase signaling, Rho family of GTPases, etc. Surprisingly, none of the top 10 pathways listed the genes liable for redox signaling networks that are crucial for the basal cellular redox homeostasis, Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defense, mitochondrial functions and cell survival. Our deeper and unbiased analysis of this data revealed that the genes involved in above canonical signaling pathways are found in the middle of the inverted vertical cone. Of note, although these pathways are significantly altered during the differentiation (of iPS into cardiomyocytes), a majority of them are ranked low in the hierarchical list (>150). Validation of the randomly selected genes representing various pathways real-time qPCR confirmed the global transcriptome changes observed in NGS. Conclusion We highlight the significance of Nrf2-redox and mitochondrial transcriptome during differentiation of iPSC into iCMs. Thus, targeting the redox signaling mechanisms in iCMs may enhance their efficiency for cell therapy and improved myocardial repair.
The Pediatric Patient in Wartime

Just when you thought you were getting comfortable with combat trauma, an injured child rolls into your trauma bay. The pulse is 180 – can’t remember if that’s normal for this age or not. Don’t have a small enough blood pressure cuff, but you think you might be feeling a femoral pulse. The nurses are frantically searching for IV access, and the ER docs are trying to figure out if they have a small enough endotracheal tube to intubate. Nothing can throw you off of your game like a severely injured child, and the smaller the child the larger the difficulties and anxiety. Rule number one is: You will see pediatric trauma. Rule number two should be: I will be prepared for pediatric trauma.
NASA's first dexterous space robot

NASA is developing the Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS), a robotic device that can be teleoperated under constant command of a human operator or run by itself under human supervision. Plans call for the FTS to assist the astronauts in the assembly, maintenance, servicing, and inspection of Space Station Freedom. The FTS project is driven by five major objectives: to reduce Space Station dependence on crew EVA, improve crew safety, enhance crew utilization, promote remote servicing capabilities for platforms, and accelerate technology transfer from research to U.S. industry. Another part of the FTS project is a ground system that will support operations and system evolution. Not only will the FTS provide a needed operational capability during the assembly and operation of Space Station Freedom, it will also provide an expanding foundation for proving more advanced robotic and telepresence concepts in space.
Cannabidiol differentially regulates basal and LPS-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages, lung epithelial cells, and fibroblasts

Abstract Introduction Cannabidiol (CBD) containing products are available in a plethora of flavors in oral, sublingual, and inhalable forms. Immunotoxicological effects of CBD containing liquids were assessed by hypothesizing that CBD regulates oxidative stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammatory responses in macrophages, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. Methods Epithelial cells (BEAS-2B and NHBE), macrophages (U937), and lung fibroblast cells (HFL-1) were treated with varying CBD concentrations or exposed to CBD aerosols. Generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory mediators were measured. Furthermore, monocytes and epithelial cells were stimulated with LPS in combination with CBD or dexamethasone to understand the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. Results CBD showed differential effects on IL-8 and MCP-1, and acellular and cellular ROS levels. CBD significantly attenuated LPS-induced NF-κB activity, IL-8, and MCP-1 release from macrophages. Cytokine array data depicted a differential cytokine response due to CBD. Inflammatory mediators, IL-8, serpin E1, CXCL1, IL-6, MIF, IFN-γ, MCP-1, RANTES, and TNF-α were induced, whereas MCP-1/CCL2, CCL5, eotaxin, and IL-2 were reduced. CBD and dexamethasone treatments reduced the IL-8 level induced by LPS when the cells were treated individually, but showed antagonistic effects when used in combination via MCPIP (monocytic chemotactic protein-induced protein). Conclusion CBD differentially regulated basal pro-inflammatory response and attenuated both LPS-induced cytokine release and NF-κB activity in monocytes, similar to dexamethasone. Thus, CBD has a differential inflammatory response and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in pro-inflammatory conditions but acts as an antagonist with steroids, overriding the anti-inflammatory potential of steroids when used in combination.
Readmission After Lobectomy for Lung Cancer: Not All Complications Contribute Equally.

Objective The aim of this study was to identify independent predictors of hospital readmission for patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer. Summary background data Hospital readmission after lobectomy is associated with increased mortality. Greater than 80% of the variability associated with readmission after surgery is at the patient level. This underscores the importance of using a data source that includes detailed clinical information. Methods Using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) General Thoracic Surgery Database (GTSD), we conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective lobectomy for lung cancer. Three separate multivariable logistic regression models were generated: the first included preoperative variables, the second added intraoperative variables, and the third added postoperative variables. The c statistic was calculated for each model. Results There were 39,734 patients from 277 centers. The 30-day readmission rate was 8.2% (n = 3237). In the final model, postoperative complications had the greatest effect on readmission. Pulmonary embolus {odds ratio [OR] 12.34 [95% confidence interval (CI),7.94-19.18]} and empyema, [OR 11.66 (95% CI, 7.31-18.63)] were associated with the greatest odds of readmission, followed by pleural effusion [OR 7.52 (95% CI, 6.01-9.41)], pneumothorax [OR 5.08 (95% CI, 4.16-6.20)], central neurologic event [OR 3.67 (95% CI, 2.23-6.04)], pneumonia [OR 3.13 (95% CI, 2.43-4.05)], and myocardial infarction [OR 3.16 (95% CI, 1.71-5.82)]. The c statistic for the final model was 0.736. Conclusions Complications are the main driver of readmission after lobectomy for lung cancer. The highest risk was related to postoperative events requiring a procedure or medical therapy necessitating inpatient care.
An approach that someday may boost testosterone biosynthesis in males with late-onset hypogonadism (low testosterone).

Male hypogonadism (abnormally low levels of circulating serum testosterone resulting from a variety of medical and lifestyle issues) can affect males throughout their life span, often because of aging. The Leydig cells, located in the interstitial compartment of the testis and nestled between the seminiferous tubules, produce testosterone in response to luteinizing hormone (LH), which is produced and secreted by the pituitary gland (1). Testosterone, in turn, regulates the development and maintenance of the masculine phenotype and male reproductive function. Although in recent years media and lay press reports on male hypogonadism usually focus on late-onset declines in circulating testosterone levels in older men, conditions impairing the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis in children or adolescents can result in delayed puberty for these congenital forms of male hypogonadism. Again, their treatment must continue throughout their life span. There is a significant need for new approaches to treat male hypogonadism. Current treatments (depending upon the etiology of the hypogonadism) are limited to injection of testosterone cyprionate, testosterone enanthate, or testosterone undeconoate, application of testosterone-containing gels or patches applied to the skin or substances applied to the gum and cheek, and a nasal spray or implantable pellet. Gonadotropins and/or testosterone may be used in boys to stimulate testicular and penile growth. The elegant studies of Li et al. (2) provide a bidirectional approach to specify different steroidogenic cell populations that share developmental origins, which in the future may provide a source of human Leydig-like cells to be used for transplantation for the clinical therapy of male hypogonadism. Transplantation of human autologous Leydig-like cells for androgen supplementation in males would revolutionize the treatment of male hypogonadism. (Fig. 1) Fig. 1. A look toward the future: Potential applications of human Leydig-like cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. A shows the bidirectional differentiation of human adrenal-like cells … [↵][1]1Email: dlamb{at}med.cornell.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Abstract P4-17-10: Obesity increases the risk of male breast cancer and protects against triple negative male breast cancer

Introduction: Male breast cancer (MaBC) is an uncommon disease that represents less than 1% of all breast cancers. Obesity has been associated with increased breast cancer incidence in post-menopausal women. Overweight and obese rates have almost tripled since the 1990’s in the U.S. In 2016, 68% of Texas adults were classified as overweight or obese. The Rio Grande Valley (Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties) is one of the areas with the highest levels of obesity in the country (37% of the population). The aim of this exploratory retrospective population-based study is to analyze the incidence of MaBC in Texas and the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), as well as to compare the association of obesity with triple negative MaBC. Methods: Retrospectively, we reviewed available data from the Texas Cancer Registry, Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, and Texas Department of State Health Services from the years 2011-2016 of patients with a diagnosis of invasive MaBC. The incidence of MaBC was examined according to sex, stage, tumor subtypes (HR+, HER2-Neu, Triple Negative) and BMI in Texas and the RGV. Some cases were excluded due to issues with data quality regarding BMI. Results: Between 2011-2016, there were 869 patients diagnosed with MaBC in Texas. The incidence of MaBC almost doubled during this time period. MaBC with distant metastasis had a downward trend ( 30), which almost tripled in Texas and the RGV during the years studied. In the RGV, there was a trend to zero cases of MaBC in patients who were underweight and normal weight, see table 2. Conclusion: (1)There is a significant increase in MaBC, as well as in MaBC associated with obesity between the years 2011-2016 in Texas and the RGV. (2)There is no increase in the incidence of triple negative MaBC in Texas or the RGV despite a significant increase in obesity associated MaBC. (3)There is no increase in the incidence of MaBC in patients who are underweight or normal weight in the RGV. (4)Obesity appears to be a protective factor for the development of triple negative MaBC. Citation Format: Nicolas Restrepo, Kristina Vatcheva, Katia Moreno, Aimee Trejo, Alvaro Restrepo. Obesity increases the risk of male breast cancer and protects against triple negative male breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-17-10.
Impact of Blood Transfusion in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction Using Propensity Score Matching

BACKGROUND Microvascular thrombosis has been associated with cytokine release and inflammatory syndromes which can occur as a result of blood transfusions. This phenomenon could potentially lead to complications in breast free flap reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of perioperative blood transfusion in free flap breast reconstruction using large population analysis. METHODS The American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program database was queried for delayed free flap breast reconstructions performed in 2016. The study population was divided based on perioperative blood transfusion within 24 hours of the start of the operation. Propensity score matching analysis was used to ensure homogeneity between the two study groups. Primary outcome was unplanned return to the operating room (OR) within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were readmission and complications. RESULTS A total of 1,256 patients were identified. Out of those, 91 patients received a perioperative blood transfusion. All the patients received only one unit of PRBC within the first 24 hours. Those patients were matched with similar patients who did not receive a transfusion on a ratio of 1:3 (273 patients). Patients who received a transfusion had a significantly higher incidence of reoperation (42 vs. 10%, p < 0.001). Patients who received a transfusion were more likely to return to the OR after 48 hours from the initial operation (13 vs. 5%, p = 0.001). All returns to the OR were due to flap-related complications. Perioperative blood transfusion increased the incidence of wound dehiscence (9 vs. 2%, p = 0.041) but had no protective effect on the development of other postoperative complications. CONCLUSION Perioperative blood transfusion in free flap breast reconstruction is associated with an increased probability of flap-related complications and subsequent return to the OR without decreasing the probability of developing other systemic postoperative complications.
Evaluation of New Energy Theory Based on Data Recovery

With the rapid development of new energy power generation, the new energy grid connected in Gansu Province alone exceeds 20 million kilowatts. Due to the insufficient absorption capacity of the new energy market and other reasons, the problem of abandoning the wind and discarding the light has become increasingly prominent. The accuracy of theoretical power calculation is directly related to the statistics of abandoned photovoltaic quantity, while the theoretical power calculation relies on new energy data. Therefore, the accuracy of data is directly related to the accuracy of the theoretical power. In this paper, time series analysis algorithm is used to process and analyze the data of booster station, wind tower, irradiance station, wind turbine, and inverter of new energy station to ensure the availability and reliability of the data. Secondly, large data analysis is used to calculate the theoretical power of new energy.
Exogenous Shocks and Real Effects of Financial Constraints: Loan- and Firm-Level Evidence around Natural Disasters

This article studies how non-financial, exogenous shocks on a subset of borrowers constrain bank lending and affect real economic activities of non-shocked firms. I separate a loan supply effect from a loan demand effect by identifying borrower-level shocks with the occurrence of major U.S. natural disasters. Financially constrained banks reallocate post-disaster lending by restricting credit supply as well as increasing loan pricing to non-shocked firms but prioritizing the disaster firms with which they have strong pre-disaster relationships. I find one dollar of additional lending to disaster firms is associated with 11.5 cents of decline of the same bank's lending to non-shocked firms. Non-shocked firms' pre-disaster dependence on such banks for financing accounts for economically significant reductions of their total loan borrowing, investment, profitability, and sales-growth in the year following a natural disaster. Consistent with frictions deriving from asymmetric information, the real outcome losses are larger for financially constrained firms.
A Spectral Decomposition Identification Algorithm for Structured State-Space Models: Estimating Semiphysical Models of Social Cognitive Theory

Structured state-space (grey-box) identification using experimental input-output data remains the desired framework for modeling dynamic physical and semiphysical systems represented by (or simplified to) a set of linear differential equations of a predetermined structure. While grey-box models can rise with favorable statistical properties, solver initialization of classical methods and structural identifiability often pose a challenge to the user seeking satisfactory results. By assuming distinct poles and Zero-Order Hold intersample behavior of the underlying system, it is shown that the typical grey-box constrained optimization problem can be formulated into an easier one by solving constrained eigenvalue problems. Following the trend of existing literature, the proposed formulation relies on a consistent discrete-time black-box model (e.g., N4SID) to solve for a structured, continuous-time one. While can be entirely sufficient in easier cases, this method is best suited for initializing the classical prediction-error estimation method, hence relieving the user from the burden of solver initialization in the absence of prior knowledge.
No-Regret Learning with High-Probability in Adversarial Markov Decision Processes

In a variety of problems, a decision-maker is unaware of the loss function associated with a task, yet it has to minimize this unknown loss in order to accomplish the task. Furthermore, the decision-maker's task may evolve, resulting in a varying loss function. In this setting, we explore sequential decision-making problems modeled by adversarial Markov decision processes, where the loss function may arbitrarily change at every time step. We consider the bandit feedback scenario, where the agent observes only the loss corresponding to its actions. We propose an algorithm, called online relative-entropy policy search with implicit exploration, that achieves a sublinear regret not only in expectation but, more importantly, with high probability. In particular, we prove that by employing an optimistically biased loss estimator, the proposed algorithm achieves a regret of $\tilde{\mathcal{O}}(T^{2/3} \sqrt{\tau|A||S|})$, where $|S|$ is the number of states, $|A|$ is the number of actions, $\tau$ is the mixing time, and $T$ is the time horizon. To our knowledge, the proposed algorithm is the first scheme that enjoys such high-probability regret bounds for general adversarial Markov decision processes under the presence of bandit feedback.
COVID-19 Detection Using Convolutional Neural Networks and InceptionV3

The world today faces the grave crisis of a pandemic that threatens life, health, industries, economies and society as we know it. To tackle the spread of the COVID-19 disease, it is imperative that the individuals affected by it are identified efficiently. The medical workforce is overwhelmed in many countries, and doctors and nurses must be assisted with rapid automated systems that detect COVID-19 confidently without the need for trained personnel or special manufacturing processes. The currently available testing mechanisms are accurate but take up to 5 days to show results. Automated radiological testing is faster and does not require any testing kits. This study aims to simplify, speed up and validate the process of COVID-19 detection and differentiation from other lung diseases using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning principles to implement a cost effective and accurate COVID-19 test by detection of inflamed parts of lungs in chest X-Rays. Two approaches for separate target users are built. In the first approach, a customized Convolutional Neural Network model is built to classify chest X-ray images into two classes- 0(COVID-19 negative) and 1 (COVID-19 positive). This model reached an accuracy of 98%. The Inception v3 architecture (GoogLeNet) was trained for the second application, in which people infected by COVID-19 were distinguished from patients of other underlying lung diseases such as Atelectasis and Pneumonia. This approach demonstrates how reliably an automated COVID-19 test can be extended to people with other lung complications and showed a 91% accuracy.
Regulation of ACE-2 enzyme by hyperoxia in lung epithelial cells by post-translational modification.

Background Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) occurs in premature neonates with respiratory distress who require supplemental oxygen in the first days after birth. BPD involves uniform arrest of alveolar development and variable interstitial cellularity and/or fibroproliferation. Previous studies by our lab showed that the enzyme, angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) and its product Ang1-7 exerting action on the receptor Mas oncogene in what is known as ACE-2/Mas axis is protective to lung cells. We also showed that ACE-2 is expressed in fetal human lung fibroblasts but is significantly decreased by hyperoxic gas lung injury, an effect caused by ACE-2 enzyme shedding mediated by TNF-alpha-converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM17). However, no reports yet exist about the regulation of ACE-2 in the alveolar epithelia in hyperoxic lung injury. Objective In this study we aim to define the effects of hyperoxic lung injury on the protective ACE-2 enzyme in the human lung alveolar epithelial cell line A549. Design/Methods Cultured A549 cells were exposed to hyperoxia (95% O2) or normoxia (21% O2) for 3 or 7 days in serum-free nutrient media. Cells were lysed and culture media were collected to test for cellular ACE-2 enzymatic activity and for ACE-2, Mas receptor, TACE/ADAM17, and ubiquitin proteins abundance by immunoblotting. Cells were harvested in Trizol for RNA extraction and ACE-2 qRT-PCR. Whole cell extracts of A549 cell line was used for ACE-2 immunoprecipitation and subsequent ubiquitin immunoblotting. Results Total ubiquitinated proteins were increased by hyperoxia treatment, while ACE-2 and Mas receptor proteins abundance and ACE-2 enzymatic activity were decreased significantly in A549 cells exposed to hyperoxia relative to the normoxia controls. The percent decrease in ACE-2 activity corresponded with increased time of hyperoxic gas exposure. However, in contrast to our data from lung fibroblasts, no significant change was noted in ACE-2 protein released into the media or in ACE-2 mRNA levels by the hyperoxic treatment. Ubiquitin immunoreactive bands were detectable in the ACE-2 immunoprecipitate. Conclusions These data suggest that hyperoxic exposure of the lung epithelial cells decreases the protective enzyme ACE-2 by cell type specific mechanisms independent of shedding by TACE/ADAM17. The data also suggest a regulatory level of ACE-2 downstream of transcription may involve ACE-2 ubiquitination and targeting for degradation.
Incidence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in triatomines collected at Indio Mountains Research Station

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is an emerging infectious disease in the United States. In our study, 24 out of 39 triatomines, from the specie Triatoma rubida, were infected with T. cruzi. Additionally, only the genotype TcI was characterized among the parasite specimens. Improved knowledge of local epidemiology is needed to prevent transmission of Chagas disease.
A simple rolling mill model with linear quadratic optimal controller

The tandem rolling of metal is a complex engineering process whose optimization represents a challenging control problem. The current technology relies on complex nonlinear models that are used to develop control strategies to address the various control problems encountered. Such models however, necessitate extensive computational requirements for simulation. Also, in various instances, access to the detailed models may be unavailable, or computational capability may be limited, yet it is desired to obtain some rough indication of performance of specific control systems when coupled to the mill. Thus the need arises for a simplified model (which can be easily implemented on a PC) for testing of control concepts. This paper fulfills such a need by providing a simple linearized model of the mill. An example of the usefulness of the model is presented by coupling to a linear quadratic optimal controller with a simple method to mitigate disturbances in incoming metal thickness. Satisfactory results are demonstrated by a simulation.
Working with Individuals Who Provide Nursing Care to Educate Older Adults about Foodborne Illness Prevention: The Food Safety Because You Care! Intervention

Older adults are more susceptible to foodborne infections than younger adults and many older adults do not follow recommended food safety practices. This study implemented the Food Safety Because You Care! program with 88 individuals in the United States who provide nursing care to older adult patients and subsequently surveyed them. The majority of respondents had favorable opinions of the program. Following program exposure, many of the respondents advised their older adult patients about food safety. The findings from this study suggest that the program is a useful tool that can assist those who provide nursing care as they interact with their older patients and lead them to positively influence older adults’ food safety practices. However, more research is needed to examine changes in providers’ behaviors as a result of program exposure and the accompanying effect on older adults’ food safety practices.
Chemical relaxation studies on bovine serum albumin. I: Reactions of the imidazole groups at pH 6 to 8

Abstract In the pH range of 6 to 8, the proton transfer reactions of BSA were measured using the temperature jump relaxation technique. The rate data were compared to the results using imidazole itself to establish that the observed reactions were those of the imidazole groups in the BSA. Upon the addition of calcium and gadolinium to the BSA solutions, no metal ion complexation was observed for either cation at the imidazole sites.
To Honor and Obey: Honor, Transgression and Conflict Escalation

This paper situates the topic of 'honor' in the middle ground between notions of identity and perceptions of rule violation, which is then treated as a signaling and mobilizational element in the escalation of conflict (for example, as either righting a wrong or as punishing a transgressor). Inherent in the discussion of honor is the notion of transgression (as causing dishonor) which then requires redress. This paper explores the relationship between rule violation and perceived injustice as proximate starting points for a reinvigorated discourse of conflict escalation, inclusive of socially constructed elements such as honor. An honor-framed discourse can be viewed as a potential crisis signal of impending conflict escalation as well as a medium for comprehending escalation itself, especially in terms of appreciating 'appropriate' resolutions to conflict as punishment for rule violation. I compare honor within prevalent IR Theory-based explanations of the conflict (e.g., game theory/rational choice, realist) to a social-constructivist explanation involving honor, identity, and punishment of norm transgression. I argue that 'standard' approaches have a difficult stretch 'explaining' much less predicting the conflict (the puzzlement thus producing Borges' description of the Falkland/Malvinas War as 'two bald men fighting over a comb', which has now entered the public lexicon to describe 'irrational' conflicts). I conclude arguing that the international system is best understood as a social system, in which moral norms such as honor matter. Discourses of honor may then be viewed as having predictive power in explaining why conflicts escalate, and originate, in a norm and value-laden international system. Further case study research is recommended, especially for otherwise 'irrational' conflicts such as the Falklands/Malvinas War; a need to recognize the social basis of the international system is also suggested, along with a means of measuring socio-cultural difference.
Rational/Theoretical Approach to Test Construction

When creating self-report measures of personality or psychopathology, a theory of the target construct is often used to guide the development of potentially useful items. Under the rational/theoretical approach to test construction, the process both begins and ends with informed judgments based on theory. This approach is a reasonable place to start but inadequate by itself. It encompasses three important strengths—the simplicity of the approach, the transparency of measures, and the intuitive appeal of test results—that also entail serious limitations. For example, there are no mechanisms to identify poorly functioning items, to evaluate whether scales or subscales include homogeneous items, to iteratively improve the psychometric properties of score reliability and validity, or to prevent the proliferation of measures of constructs that are differently named but that actually represent a common, core construct. Keywords: measurement in psychology; psychometric testing; testing in psychology; assessment
RF ICs at millimeter waves and beyond

As IC process technologies continue to scale, it is natural to consider when or whether ICs might practically bridge the "terahertz gap". Scaling trends suggest that the available output power of individual devices may be insufficient for many applications, even if available power gain suffices. Free-space (quasi-optical) power combining enables significant improvements. Novel devices that exploit velocity modulation can further extend practically accessible frequencies or bandwidths by an order of magnitude or more. Suitable detectors exist, and so terahertz integrated circuits are almost certainly inevitable.
The Intersection of Health Beliefs and Religion Among Somali Refugees: A Qualitative Study

Despite being the largest African group to resettle in the United States, there is a dearth of literature examining the influence of religion on health behaviors and beliefs among Somali refugees. Using purposive sampling methods, we examined how religious beliefs informed health behaviors among twenty Somali refugees. Using inductive analysis and coding, three primary themes were uncovered: (a) the Quran as treatment, (b) God's will, and (c) religious prohibitions to healthcare. These findings highlight the need for social work and healthcare practitioners to be cognizant of Somali cultural practices and religious beliefs in appropriately addressing their needs.
B-Spline Based Adaptive Control of Shape Memory Alloy Actuated Robotic Systems

In this paper we present a novel controller for Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuated robotic systems. The new controller, called BAC (B-spline based Adaptive Control), is based on a hybrid combination of gain scheduling, Bspline approximation, variable structure control and integral control. The proposed controller shows excellent positioning accuracy and speed throughout the full range of motion of a SMA actuated robotic system in largescale applications. To demonstrate the validity of BAC, a novel anthropomorphic SMA Actuated forearm / wrist mechanism is utilized in real-time PC based control experiments. BAC is experimentally compared to PID and integral variable structure controllers and it is shown that its performance is superior.
Hazards and scenarios examined for the Yucca Mountain disposal system for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste

Abstract This paper summarizes various hazards identified between 1978 when Yucca Mountain, located in arid southern Nevada, was first proposed as a potential site and 2008 when the license application to construct a repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste was submitted. Although advantages of an arid site are many, hazard identification and scenario development have generally recognized fractures in the tuff as important features; climate change, water infiltration and percolation, and an oxidizing environment as important processes; and igneous activity, seismicity, human intrusion, and criticality as important disruptive events to consider at Yucca Mountain. Some of the scientific and technical challenges encountered included a change in the repository design from in-floor emplacement with small packages to in-drift emplacement with large packages without backfill. This change, in turn, increased the importance of igneous and seismic hazards.
Approximate formula for surface carrier concentration in charge-coupled devices

A closed-form approximate formula is developed that conveniently relates the surface volume concentration of the signal charge in a c.c.d. element to externally specified system variables. The approximation error is exhibited to be less than 1% for a typical set of device parameters.
Tension-tension and compression-compression fatigue behavior of an injection-molded short-glass-fiber/poly(ethylene terephthalate) composite

Abstract Injection-molded plaques of glass-fiber-filled thermoplastic poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were cut into strips either parallel to (L-specimens) or transverse to (T-specimens) the mold-fill direction. The through-thickness microstructure of the specimens consisted of three layers: for an L-specimen, outer layers with fibers oriented preferentially in the loading direction (the mold-fill direction) and a core with fibers preferentially normal to the loading direction. The fiber orientation of the layers with respect to loading direction is reversed for T-specimens. Tensile specimens from each strip were tested and the influence of specific strip microstructure on the tensile behavior assessed. Tension-tension and compression-compression fatigue lives were characterized for each strip position. Failure surfaces for each loading condition were examined. For tensile and tension-tension fatigue testing, failure always initiated in Compression-compression fatigue failures initiated in layers with fibers aligned parallel to the loading direction, and were thermally induced.
Sampling Theorems and Bases in a Hilbert Space

A unified approach to sampling theorems for (wide sense) stationary random processes rests upon Hilbert space concepts. New results in sampling theory are obtained along the following lines: recovery of the process x(t) from nonperiodic samples, or when any finite number of samples are deleted; conditions for obtaining x (t) when only the past is sampled; a criterion for restoring x(t) from a finite number of consecutive samples; and a minimum mean square error estimate of x(t) based on any (possibly nonperiodie) set of samples. In each case, the proofs apply not only to the recovery of x(t), but are extended to show that (almost) arbitrary linear operations on x (t) can be reproduced by linear combinations of the samples. Further generality is attained by use of the spectral distribution function F(. ) of x(t), without assuming F(.) absolutely continuous.
Consumer Disclosure and Disclosure Avoidance: A Motivational Framework

In this research, we investigate consumers’ motivations for disclosing personal information to relationship-seeking marketers. We explore the impact of consumers’ relationship perceptions, the nature of benefits offered by marketers in exchange for requested information, and the type of information requested on consumers’ disclosure willingness, focusing on consumers’ forecasts of 2 types of potential disclosure-related loss (i.e., loss of privacy and loss of face), which are shown to mediate this decision. The results of an experiment revealed that although participants with relatively deep relationship perceptions were more likely to reveal “privacy-related” personal information, they were more reluctant to reveal embarrassing information. The findings also suggest that although loyal customers found the exchange of privacy-related personal information for customized benefit offerings (relative to noncustomized offerings) attractive, the reverse was true for embarrassing information; these participants seemed to find the exchange of customized offerings for this latter type of information unattractive. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings for consumer researchers and relationship-seeking marketing practitioners.
SEM analysis of copper‐containing intrauterine implants

This study determines whether the effective surface area and surface condition of a copper IUD are influenced by any changes produced by the biological environment. The Copper 7 (Cu 7) device was used in the experiment. Made from a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene with barium sulfate to make it radiopaque Cu-7 is shaped like the numeral 7 and is wrapped around the stem with 89 mg of copper wire. 16 Cu 7 devices some used for several months and others as received were examined optically and with the scanning electron microscope. STEM was used to examine 1 device which had been in place for 6 months while an energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (XES) was used to search for copper and other suspected elements in 1 specimen that had been in use for 5 months. All optically examined specimens exhibited signs of a surface deposit. A deposit several micrometers thick was spotted on the wire in the used IUD examined; there was no such layer on the as-received device. The layer appeared very tenacious and impervious in nature at higher magnification. The presence of calcium only was detected by the XES spectrum. The fact that the calcium-rich layer maintains its tenacity even after rinsing in water suggests that it is insoluble in water and is probably calcium carbonate. Calcium deposition on the IUD could occur during menstruation with its accompanying flow of blood and cellular debris; calcium itself is necessary for blood coagulation about 10 mg/dl of calcium ion being found in the plasma. Calcium deposits in the IUD could reduce the rate at which copper ions are introduced into the physiological systems and may account for device failures which occur at the rate of 1.1-1.5/100 users.
Low-temperature incubation of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) eggs from the southeast Bering Sea shelf and Shelikof Strait, Gulf of Alaska

To determine the effect of low water temperature on development, walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) eggs from the Bering Sea were reared at � 0.61C, 0.41C, 2.01C, and 3.81C. One group of eggs was reared at 3.91C under a diel light cycle (14 h light, 10 h dark) to observe the effect of light on development and hatching. Development was normal for all temperatures except � 0.61C; abnormal development of the tail and lack of development of eyes occurred in some embryos. Time to 50% hatch was 820, 620, and 424 h at 0.41C, 2.01C, and 3.81C. Eggs incubated in diel light at 3.91C developed at the same rate as eggs incubated in constant dark at 3.81C, but required an additional 72 h to reach 50% hatch. A piece-wise regression model was generated to predict egg age for incubation temperatures of � 0.61C to 3.81C. For temperatures recorded in the southeastern Bering Sea 1995–1998, the model predicted incubation periods for walleye pollock eggs that varied by 13 days between the warmest and coldest years. Walleye pollock eggs from Shelikof Strait, Alaska, were incubated at 0.21C, 1.81C, and 2.81C. Development was normal for all temperatures. A piece-wise regression model (as above) was generated for incubation temperatures 0.2–2.81C. When the regression models were compared, Bering Sea eggs (1.4–1.7 mm in diameter), required more time for development prior to hatch than Shelikof Strait eggs (1.2–1.3 mm in diameter) at 1.81C and 2.81C. However, for temperatures 0.2–2.01C, Bering Sea walleye pollock began hatching earlier and at a developmentally younger age than Shelikof Strait walleye pollock. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Relationship between acute kidney injury and brain MRI findings in asphyxiated newborns after therapeutic hypothermia

Relationship between acute kidney injury and brain MRI findings in asphyxiated newborns after therapeutic hypothermia