cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Migration of sea urchin primary mesenchyme cells.

In considering the cellular basis of morphogenesis during development among various organisms, one is immediately struck by the fact that a small number of basic mechanisms are of widespread usage. Although minor modifications can be observed, it is clear that one obtains a broad understanding of development by understanding the underlying mechanism of a process in any one system.
The Reception of Machiavelli in Early Modern Spain

Arguing against historians of Spanish political thought that have neglected recent developments in our understanding of Machiavelli's contribution to the European tradition, the thesis of this book is that Machiavellian discourse had a profound impact on Spanish prose treatises of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. After reviewing in chapter 1 Machiavelli's ideological restructuring of the language of European political thought, in chapter 2 Dr. Howard shows how, before his works were prohibited in Spain in 1583, Spaniards such as Fadrique Furio Ceriol and Balthazar Ayala used Machiavelli's new vocabulary and theoretical framework to develop an imperial discourse that would be compatible with a militant understanding of Catholic Christianity. In chapters 3, 4 and 5 he demonstrates in detail how Giovanni Botero, Pedro de Ribadeneyra, and their imitators in the anti-Machiavellian reason-of-state tradition in Spain, attack a straw figure of Machiavelli that they have invented for their own rhetorical and ideological purposes, while they simultaneously incorporate key Machiavellian concepts into their own advice. Keith David Howard is an Assistant Professor of Spanish at Florida State University.
Potential of the Combined Use of Inherited Sterility and a Parasitoid, Archytas marmoratus (Diptera: Tachinidae), for Managing Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The potential for combining inherited sterility with Archytas marmoratus (Townsend) (Diptera: Tachinidae) to manage the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was examined in the laboratory and in the field. Larvae from crosses of irradiated males with normal females, irradiated females with normal males, and normal males with normal females were exposed to maggots of A. marmoratus in the laboratory and the field. Emergence of parasitoids from larvae of irradiated female and normal male crosses was significantly less than that of larvae from normal parents and of larvae from irradiated male and normal female crosses, but there were no differences between emergence from larvae from normal crosses and irradiated male by normal female crosses. Mortality of unparasitized larvae was greater when male or female parents were irradiated, than when they were un irradiated. Larvae of irradiated parents developed more slowly than did larvae of normal parents; at the time of collection from the field, larvae resulting from irradiated male by normal female crosses were predominantly fourth and early fifth instars, while larvae resulting from normal male by normal female crosses were predominantly late fifth instars. Among larvae resulting from normal crosses, parasitoid emergence was greater from hosts collected as fifth instars than from hosts collected as fourth and early fifth instars. Combining inherited sterility and A. marmoratus may be feasible for managing the early season population of H. zea.
Statutory Fill-in-the-Blank Will Forms

Most Americans do not execute wills and thus their estates become subject to the rigidities of intestate succession, which often defeat the decedent's intent for his estate. Four bold state legislatures created a new method of will execution in the 1980's: the statutory fill-in-the-blank form. This method goes far beyond the earlier models, which only supplied will provisions to be incorporated by reference. This article discusses the operation of statutory fill-in will forms, their benefits and advantages, and their problems and associated concerns. The article further examines the empirical findings of studies conducted by the author to determine how fill-in will forms fared in a cost-benefit analysis. The author lastly considers the future of statutory wills.
Uncertainty Quantification in the Horizontal Projection of Flight Plan Trajectories Using Evidence Theory

The paper presents an approach based on Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence to quantify uncertainty in flight plan trajectories. The approach is developed for 4D aircraft trajectories. However, as the full data set (latitude, longitude, altitude vs. time) for flight plan trajectories is not publicly available, only uncertainty in the horizontal projection (longitude vs. latitude) of the trajectories is considered in the present paper. Two flight phases - climb and descent - are chosen to demonstrate the proposed approach. The actual dataset for two flights -- Delta DAL1212 from Los Angeles to Atlanta and Airtran Airways TRS841 from Atlanta to Orlando -- are chosen to represent a cross-country flight and a southeastern flight through Florida from the busy airport hub, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International, is used.
Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting is a Safe and Durable Procedure in a Community Hospital

Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has been touted as a reasonable alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for high-risk surgical candidates. Several published CAS series, primarily from academic centers, show immediate results approaching those of CEA. However, very little is known about long-term results with CAS, particularly in the community hospital setting. Therefore, we retrospectively reviewed our CAS experience. From February 1999 to July 2003, 44 consecutive patients underwent placement of 46 stents. The mean patient age was 73 years, and 57 per cent were men. Most patients were asymptomatic (74%). High-risk categories included prior CEA (71%), other anatomic risks (13%), and/or significant medical comorbidities (16%). Technical success was achieved in all 46 cases. At 30 days, there were no deaths and one stroke, giving a combined stroke/mortality of 2 per cent. Clinical follow-up was obtained on all 44 patients at a mean follow-up of 42 months. Duplex scans performed on 44 stents (96%), at a mean follow-up of 40 months, demonstrated four 60 per cent to 79 per cent recurrent stenoses. CAS in a community hospital can have a 30-day stroke/mortality equivalent to CEA. The procedure is durable, with no critical (80%-99%) carotid restenoses and no stroke or transient ischemic attacks referable to a stented carotid artery in long-term follow-up.
The Urine Concentrating Mechanism and Urea Transporters

Concentrated urine is produced through the generation of an osmotic gradient in the renal medulla. The gradient in the outer medulla is widely believed to be generated by means of a mechanism in which an osmotic pressure difference is amplified by countercurrent multiplication. This difference arises from active NaCl reabsorption from thick ascending limbs, which dilutes ascending limb flow relative to flow in vessels and other tubules. In the inner medulla, the mechanisms responsible for generating the osmotic gradient have not been definitively identified. Important advances in understanding the urine concentrating mechanism include: identification and localization of key transport proteins for water, sodium, and urea; better resolution of the anatomical relationships in the medulla; and improvements in mathematical modeling of the urine concentrating mechanism. Continued experimental investigation of transepithelial transport and its regulation, both in normal animals and in knock-out mice, and incorporation of the resulting information into mathematical simulations, may help to more fully elucidate the inner medullary urine concentrating mechanism.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid Potentiates Brown Thermogenesis Through FFAR4-dependent Up-regulation of miR-30b and miR-378

Emerging evidence suggests that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) promote brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we hypothesize that n-3 PUFA promotes brown adipogenesis by modulating miRNAs. To test this hypothesis, murine brown preadipocytes were induced to differentiate the fatty acids of palmitic, oleate, or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The increases of brown-specific signature genes and oxygen consumption rate by EPA were concurrent with up-regulation of miR-30b and 378 but not by oleate or palmitic acid. Next, we hypothesize that free fatty acid receptor 4 (Ffar4), a functional receptor for n-3 PUFA, modulates miR-30b and 378. Treatment of Ffar4 agonist (GW9508) recapitulated the thermogenic activation of EPA by increasing oxygen consumption rate, brown-specific marker genes, and miR-30b and 378, which were abrogated in Ffar4-silenced cells. Intriguingly, addition of the miR-30b mimic was unable to restore EPA-induced Ucp1 expression in Ffar4-depleted cells, implicating that Ffar4 signaling activity is required for up-regulating the brown adipogenic program. Moreover, blockage of miR-30b or 378 by locked nucleic acid inhibitors significantly attenuated Ffar4 as well as brown-specific signature gene expression, suggesting the signaling interplay between Ffar4 and miR-30b/378. The association between miR-30b/378 and brown thermogenesis was also confirmed in fish oil-fed C57/BL6 mice. Interestingly, the Ffar4 agonism-mediated signaling axis of Ffar4-miR-30b/378-Ucp1 was linked with an elevation of cAMP in brown adipocytes, similar to cold-exposed or fish oil-fed brown fat. Taken together, our work identifies a novel function of Ffar4 in modulating brown adipogenesis partly through a mechanism involving cAMP activation and up-regulation of miR-30b and miR-378.
Update on cardiac transplantation pathology.

Abstract Context.—The endomyocardial biopsy is the mainstay for monitoring acute allograft rejection in heart transplantation. Objective and accurate assessment of cellular and humoral types of rejection is important to optimize immunosuppressive therapy, avoid therapeutic complications, and improve patient outcome. The grading system for evaluation of heart transplant biopsies published in 1990 was revised in 2004 after more than a decade of implementation. Objective.—In this review, we focus on a practical approach to the evaluation of human heart transplant biopsies as diagnostic surgical pathologic specimens. We discuss the revised International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation working formulation. Data Sources.—We reviewed pertinent literature, incorporating ideas and vast experience of participants in various work groups that led to the revision of the 1990 grading system. Conclusions.—The grading system for cellular rejection is presented with detailed light microscopic morphology and comp...
On the dynamic suction pumping of blood cells in tubular hearts

Around the third week after gestation in embryonic development, the human heart consists only of a valveless tube, unlike a fully developed adult heart, which is multi-chambered. At this stage in development, the heart valves have not formed and so net flow of blood through the heart must be driven by a different mechanism. It is hypothesized that there are two possible mechanisms that drive blood flow at this stage—Liebau pumping (dynamic suction pumping (DSP) or valveless pumping) and peristaltic pumping. We implement the immersed boundary method (IBM) with adaptive mesh refinement (IBAMR) to numerically study the effect of hematocrit on the circulation around a valveless tube. Both peristalsis and DSP are considered. In the case of DSP, the heart and circulatory system is simplified as a flexible tube attached to a relatively rigid racetrack. For some Womersley number (Wo) regimes, there is significant net flow around the racetrack. We find that the addition of flexible blood cells does not significantly affect flow rates within the tube forWo ≤ 10, except in the case forWo ≈ 1. 5 where we see a decrease in average flow with increasing volume fraction. On the other hand, peristalsis consistently drives blood around the racetrack for allWo and for all hematocrit considered.
Winning and Other Determinants of Revenue in North America's Major Professional Sports Leagues

This study investigates the determinants of revenue in North America’s four main major-level professional sports leagues. Estimates reveal that revenue is positively associated with winning in baseball (MLB), basketball (NBA), and hockey (NHL), but no such relationship is found in football (NFL). In addition, the returns to winning in baseball and hockey are increasing, not diminishing as is commonly assumed, and thus casts doubt on the uncertainty of outcome hypothesis as it is traditionally applied. Differences in the returns to winning are consistent with differences in revenue sharing arrangements across leagues, and the results have several implications for economic models of sports leagues. Results also indicate a strong relationship between stadium age and revenue, which is consistent with observed rapid replacement of sports stadiums. Average income and the presence of multiple teams in a city have differing impacts across leagues.
Black Muslim Girls Navigating Multiple Oppositional Binaries Through Literacy and Letter Writing

Writing alongside 12 African American Muslim girls, we led a summer literacy program in an effort to understand how Black Muslim adolescent girls write about their identities and ideas. The 4-week literacy program was designed to engage and support Black Muslim girls, aged 12–17 years old, in reading, writing, and understanding the multiple contexts that inform their worlds. The girls received writing instruction connected to their experiences and identities in an environment that afforded them time to represent their situated worlds of being Black, Muslim, and girls in the United States. In this qualitative inquiry, we investigated the following research question: How would Black Muslim girls write to encourage a future generation to navigate multiple identities? The participants penned letters to a future generation of African American Muslim girls. Drawing upon methods of thematic analysis, we found that themes of sisterhood and unity, shattering misrepresentations, empowerment, strength through faith,...
Integration Of Gene Expression With Gwas To Identify Risk Genes For Nicotine Dependence

Background Cigarette smoking is addictive and persistent smoking leads to nicotine dependence. Both family and twin studies have indicated that it is influenced by genetic factors. In recent years, several risk genes for nicotine dependence have been identified. However, these genes account for only a small proportion of observed heritability. It is a challenge to discover those remaining genetic factors. FTND score is a common measure for nicotine dependence, and the time to smoke the first cigarette in the morning (TFC) can be considered as a measure of nicotine withdrawal since the half-life of nicotine in human blood is about 2 hours. Methods To identify genes involved in these phenotypes, we performed a gene-based genome-wide meta-analysis of FTND score and TFC using several African American samples from dbGaP. We also conducted transcriptome sequencing for samples isolated from nucleus accumbens of chronic nicotine treated and withdrawal mice. Results By integrating differentially expressed genes in nicotine treated and withdrawal mice with GWAS meta-analyses, we discover some novel genes associated with nicotine dependence and withdrawal. These include TEAD3, ORC3, TCTN3, and SERPINE2. These genes are reported associated with schizophrenia, neuronal maturation, orofaciodigital syndromes and cancers. Discussion Our results indicate that integration of functional data with GWAS analyses could significantly improve power to discover new risk genes.
A basic needs coaching paradigm for coaches of intercollegiate and high school athletes

Coaches play a pivotal role in guiding a positive experience for their athletes. Using Self-Determination Theory, this article proposes the Basic Needs Coaching Paradigm (BNCP) that guides coaches ...
Synthesis of reactive 1,3-diphenyl-6-aryl-substituted fulvene chromophores.

Abstract This data article describes a detailed synthetic strategy and experimental data for the synthesis of brominated fulvene chromophores as reactive precursors/monomers for conjugated organic materials. Metal-mediated coupling reactions of brominated fulvenes would result in conjugated small molecules or polymers that would find application as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and photovoltaic (PV) applications.
Liver disorders: Nutritional Management

The liver is the largest organ and the largest gland in the body, which plays an important role in complex metabolism and numerous functions, including glycogen storage, lipid and protein synthesis, bile salt production, hormone production, and detoxification.
Keratinocyte Growth Factor Separates Graft-Versus-Leukemia Effects From Graft-Versus-Host Disease

The major obstacles to successful outcome after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for leukemia remain graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and leukemic relapse. Improved survival after BMT therefore requires more effective GVHD prophylaxis that does not impair graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects. We studied the administration of human recombinant keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) in a well- characterized murine BMT model for its effects on GVHD. KGF administration from day -3 to +7 significantly reduced GVHD mortality and the severity of GVHD in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, reducing serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha levels, but preserving donor T-cell responses (cytotoxic T lymphocyte [CTL] activity, proliferation, and interleukin [IL]-2 production) to host antigens. When mice received lethal doses of P815 leukemia cells at the time of BMT, KGF treatment significantly decreased acute GVHD compared with control-treated allogeneic mice and resulted in a significantly improved leukemia-free survival (42% v 4%, P <.001). KGF administration thus offers a novel approach to the separation of GVL effects from GVHD.
Cost-effectiveness of salmeterol, fluticasone, and combination therapy for COPD.

Objective To assess the incremental cost-effectiveness of inhaled medication use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Study design A Markov model was constructed to estimate the incremental quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained of the alternative treatment arms used in the Towards a Revolution in COPD Health (TORCH) study (ie, salmeterol-fluticasone propionate combination [SFC], salmeterol, fluticasone, and placebo). Methods The cycle length for the model was set to 3 months, and the maximum time horizon was set to 3 years. The cost-effective analysis was conducted from a third-party payer's perspective in the US healthcare system. Future costs and effects were discounted at 3%. Multiple 1-way sensitivity analyses and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation were performed to handle uncertainty. Results The most cost-effective strategies are placebo (as-needed short-acting bronchodilator use with no maintenance therapy) when willingness to pay (WTP) is less than $52,800/QALY gained and SFC when WTP exceeds that threshold. When no maintenance therapy is not an acceptable option, the most cost-effective strategies are treatment with salmeterol when WTP is less than $49,500/QALY gained and treatment with SFC when WTP exceeds that threshold. The base-case analysis showed that incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of salmeterol, fluticasone, and SFC relative to placebo were $56,519, $62,833, and $52,046/QALY gained, respectively. Conclusions The most cost-effective strategy in moderate-to-severe COPD depends on how much society is willing to pay to achieve health improvements. When treatment with as-needed short-acting bronchodilator use does not provide adequate control, salmeterol or SFC would be the drug of choice depending on WTP.
Underwater Video Mapping of Benthic Habitats in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts Records the Pelagic Colonial Pyrosome Tunicate Pyrosoma atlanticum

High-definition underwater-video mapping of Buzzards Bay, MA, photographed a pyrosome tunicate. Positive identification to the species level was not possible because to do so requires a live, undamaged specimen. However, the most probable species is Pyrosoma atlanticum, a common species in temperate waters worldwide, which has not been documented in Buzzards Bay until now.
1915. Predicting Real-Time Risk of Complications in the Postoperative Setting With Temperature as a Single Variable

Background No real-time postoperative risk stratification model exists to predict complications following surgery. The aim of this work is to understand if we can successfully risk stratify patients across three distinct surgeries using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) with only a single variable, temperature.
What veteran parishes can teach us: How long-serving Spanish-language ministries successfully integrate Latinos within the parish.

AbstractCatholic parishes in the United States have included Hispanics for centuries, but large numbers of multi-racial parishes engaged in Hispanic ministry have emerged in the past few decades. Research on non-Catholic congregations suggests positives and negatives for members in multi-racial settings, but sources of multi-racial Catholic parish formation are distinct enough to suggest different possible outcomes. We use data from the National Study of Catholic Parishes with Hispanic Ministry (Ospino, 2015) to assess the integration of various Hispanic sub-groups within parishes. We distinguish parishes by time period in which they began serving Hispanics and highlight the relative success of veteran parishes (those who began Spanish-language ministry prior to 1980). Importantly, veteran parishes are more likely to consistently celebrate bilingual liturgies and to be disproportionately composed of Latinos. Both factors help explain veteran parishes’ greater success in integrating immigrant Latinos.
Chaos: a System for Criticality-Aware, Multi-Core Coordination

The incentive to minimize size, weight and power (SWaP) in embedded systems has driven the consolidation both of disparate processors into single multi-core systems, and of software of various functionalities onto shared hardware. These consolidated systems must address a number of challenges that include providing strong isolation of the highly-critical tasks that impact human or equipment safety from the more feature-rich, less trustworthy applications, and the effective use of spare system capacity to increase functionality. The coordination between high and low criticality tasks is particularly challenging, and is common, for example, in autonomous vehicles where controllers, planners, sensor fusion, telemetry processing, cloud communication, and logging all must be orchestrated together. In such a case, they must share the code of the software run-time system that manages resources, and provides communication abstractions. This paper presents the Chaos system that uses devirtualization to extract high-criticality tasks from shared software environments, thus alleviating interference, and runs them in a minimal runtime. To maintain access to more feature-rich software, Chaos provides low-level coordination through proxies that tightly bound the overheads for coordination. We demonstrate Chaos's ability to scalably use multiple cores while maintaining high isolation with controlled inter-criticality coordination. For a sensor/actuation loop in satellite software experiencing inter-core interference, Chaos lowers processing latency by a factor of 2.7, while reducing worst-case by a factor 3.5 over a real-time Linux variant.
Novel assembly strategy cracks open the mysteries of walnut genome evolution

High quality chromosome-scale assemblies from an interspecific hybrid between walnut and a wild relative reveal the persistence of asymmetric fractionation between the sub-genomes and suggest a late-Miocene origin for the genus Juglans.
Characterization of the Interfacial Structure of Coarse α Precipitates in a Metastable β-Ti Alloy Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr

Lattice invariant dislocations (LIDs) on the habit plane of coarse α precipitates in a metastable β titanium alloy, Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr (Ti-5553), were characterized directly using high-resolution, high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), and analyzed in terms of a topological model. Coarse α precipitates, with an areal density of ~ 0.5 laths/μm2, were formed in a sample of Ti-5553, solution heat-treated and quenched to room temperature followed by 30 min isothermal ageing at 700°C. The Burgers vector of the LIDs on the broad face of the coarse α precipitates was determined using HAADF-STEM to be $$ \frac{1}{2}{ }_{\beta} $$ , with a spacing of approximately 11 nm. Such Burgers vectors are the same as those belonging to the LIDs on the broad face of refined α precipitates in the same alloy, indicating that both types of α microstructures share a common interfacial structure with the β matrix despite different morphologies and size scales.
Cutaneous periocular sarcoidosis.

A 32-year-old African American male with no past medical history or pulmonary complaints presented to clinic with a three-month history of painless bilateral periocular lesions. Examination showed ...
Prevention and Treatment of Perioperative Pain and Anxiety

A rise in skin cancer incidence alongside the increasing popularity of dermatologic procedures necessitates continued advances in dermatologic surgery. Unlike other types of surgeries, the majority of patients are conscious during dermatologic surgery, and thus it is critical for physicians and the medical team to minimize pain and anxiety levels associated with the procedure. Perioperative anxiety can lead to elevated blood pressure, syncope, and increased risk of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding (2b, 3a) (Ravitskiy et al, J Am Acad Dermatol 64:310–322, 2011; Kreicher and Bordeaux, JAMA Facial Plast Surg, 2016). Importantly, a negative surgical experience may hinder the patient from seeking dermatologic care in the future. This chapter assesses the current evidence regarding prevention and treatment of perioperative pain and anxiety.
Eliminating Extremism: A Legal Analysis of Hate Crime and Terrorism Laws in the United States

The distinction between hate crime and terrorism is a contentious legal issue that impacts how respective crimes are labeled and prosecuted. Using a legal content analysis, this study examines what...
Adjoint state method for the inverse design of photonic devices (Conference Presentation)

We use stochastic adjoint optimization to design a new class of integrated photonics devices. They can accomplish highly sophisticated task of information processing such as image recognition. It combines stochastic gradient decent and adjoint state method to solve the optimization problem in nonlinear Maxwell's equations. We also develop approaches to control the minimal feature sizes of the designed devices for easy fabrication.
Augmented criminality: How people process in situ augmented reality crime information in relation to space/place:

Communication about crime and the places it occurs has been an important area of study for criminology, sociology, public policy, and media scholars. Where incidents used to be communicated through...
Święta rodzina z Markowej: kult Ulmów i polityka historyczna

Drawing on a wide range of commemoration practices (politicians’ and bishops’ speeches, museum exhibition, monuments, press articles, memorial ceremonies), the article examines the memorialization of rescue in Poland as a nationalist narrative of heroic victimhood, most fully realized in the state-sponsored cult of the Ulma Family. Considered for sainthood in the Catholic Church and portrayed as typical and representative, the Ulmas are appropriated for the ultraconservative, right-wing model of Polishness. The narrative of rescue framed as Christian martyrdom imbues Polish death with symbolic significance denied to Jews, and establishes Poles as victims of the highest order. This, the article argues, constitutes a return to a decades-old competition of suffering, a memory mode capable exclusively of mourning its own, ethnically defined victims.
Uncertainty Quantification in Vehicle Content Optimization for General Motors

A vehicle content portfolio refers to a complete set of combinations of vehicle features offered while satisfying certain restrictions for the vehicle model. Vehicle Content Optimization (VCO) is a...
Bisexual orientation cannot be reduced to arousal patterns.

In their article, Jabbour et al. (1) claim to demonstrate “robust evidence for bisexual orientation among men,” but their research is guided by problematic assumptions about, and definitions of, sexual orientation, bisexuality, and arousal. First, it is well established that sexual orientation is multidimensional [inclusive of identity, attraction, arousal, behavior, etc. (2, 3)]. Thus, the authors’ narrow definition of bisexual orientation as being “sexually aroused and attracted to both sexes” is not in line with the scientific literature. In addition, the authors assume that different dimensions of sexual orientation should be coincident even though it is well established that this is not always the case (3 … [↵][1]2To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: brian.feinstein{at}rosalindfranklin.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Trunnion Failure in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract In revision total knee arthroplasty, joint kinematics must be maintained amid bone and ligamentous insufficiency. Current modular designs address defects while allowing for intraoperative prosthesis customization through a variety of stem extensions and constraints. Additional constraint improves knee stability while increasing stress at the implant-host interface and modular junction of the implant. This renders the prosthetic stem-condyle junction more prone to fatigue failure. We report 2 cases of prosthetic stem-condyle junction failure in in a varus-valgus constrained revision total knee arthroplasty.
Single-molecule long-read sequencing reveals a conserved intact long RNA profile in sperm

Sperm contributes diverse RNAs to the zygote. While sperm small RNAs have been shown to impact offspring phenotypes, our knowledge of the sperm transcriptome, especially the composition of long RNAs, has been limited by the lack of sensitive, high-throughput experimental techniques that can distinguish intact RNAs from fragmented RNAs, known to abound in sperm. Here, we integrate single-molecule long-read sequencing with short-read sequencing to detect sperm intact RNAs (spiRNAs). We identify 3440 spiRNA species in mice and 4100 in humans. The spiRNA profile consists of both mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, is evolutionarily conserved between mice and humans, and displays an enrichment in mRNAs encoding for ribosome. In sum, we characterize the landscape of intact long RNAs in sperm, paving the way for future studies on their biogenesis and functions. Our experimental and bioinformatics approaches can be applied to other tissues and organisms to detect intact transcripts.
649 Coping strategies moderate the effect of perceived stress on sleep and health in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is an enormous stressor that can impact various dimensions of health, including sleep health. Older adults may be particularly vulnerable. Coping strategies to manage stress can also impact health outcomes by modifying the relationships between perceived stress and health outcomes. This study examined concurrent and longitudinal associations between perceived stress and sleep health, mental health, physical health, and overall perceived health outcomes among older adults. We also examined whether coping strategies moderate these associations. Methods: Older adults (n = 115;Mage = 68.62, 58.3% female) reported perceived stress (PSS), coping strategies (Brief COPE), global sleep quality (PSQI global sleep quality score and dichotomous good/ poor sleep quality), depressive symptoms (CES-D), and perceived mental, physical, and overall health (RAND-12) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The number of individuals with poor sleep quality was greater during the COVID-19 pandemic than before (50% vs. 36.5%). Participants also reported poorer physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic than before. Hierarchical linear regression and hierarchical logistic regression revealed that higher perceived stress was crosssectionally associated with poorer sleep (e.g., higher total PSQI score and dichotomous sleep quality category). Higher perceived stress was associated with worse depressive symptoms and global mental health concurrently and longitudinally. Coping strategies moderated the relationships between perceived stress and physical health and overall perceived health. For example, higher perceived stress was associated with poorer overall perceived health for those who have lower problem-focused coping-but not for those with higher problemfocused coping-both concurrently and longitudinally. Conclusion: Perceived stress influences cross-sectional and longitudinal measures of sleep health and general health among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coping strategies can moderate the effects of perceived stress on health outcomes. Older adults may benefit from prevention and intervention strategies targeting stress management and problem-focused coping strategies.
Effect of needle type on plane block spread in a cadaveric porcine model.

Introduction Plane blocks are an increasingly common type of regional anaesthesia technique in the perioperative period. Increased spread of local anaesthesia during plane blocks is thought to be related to an increased area of pain coverage. This study sought to assess differences in injectate spread comparing Tuohy needles with standard insulated stimulating block needles. Methods 10 Yorkshire-Cross porcine cadavers were used in this study. Immediately following euthanasia, the cadavers underwent bilateral ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block injection with radiopaque contrast dye, with one side placed with a 20 g Tuohy needle, and the other side with a 20 g insulated stimulating block needle. Injectate spread was assessed using plain film X-ray and area of spread was measured to compare differences. Results All 10 animals underwent successful ultrasound-guided TAP block placement. In all 10 animals, the area of contrast spread was greater with the Tuohy than stimulating needle. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyse the difference between the groups. The average difference between the two sides was 33.02% (p=0.002). Conclusions This is the first study to demonstrate differences in injectate spread with different needle types. This suggests enhanced spread with Tuohy needle compared with standard block needle, and may encourage its use during plane blocks.
Estimation of Total Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in Texas

Abstract Given the underestimate of seroprevalence in the US due to insufficient testing, accurate estimates of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 or vaccinations do not exist. Although model-based estimates have been proposed, they require inputting unknown parameters such as viral reproduction number, longevity of immune response, and other dynamic factors. In contrast to a model-based approach for estimating population immunity, or simplistic summing of natural- and vaccine-induced immunity, the current study presents a data-driven statistical procedure for estimating the total immunity rate in a region using prospectively collected serological data along with state-level vaccination data. We present a detailed procedure so that efforts can be replicated regionally to inform policy-making decisions relevant to SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, we conducted a prospective longitudinal statewide cohort serological survey with 10,482 participants and more than 14,000 blood samples beginning on September 30, 2020. Along with Department of State Health Services vaccination data, as of July 4, 2021, the estimated percentage of those with naturally occurring antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Texas is 35.3% (95% CI = (33.7%, 36.9%) and total estimated immunity is 69.1%. We conclude the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 is 4 times higher than the state-confirmed COVID-19 cases (8.8%). This methodology is integral to pandemic preparedness.
Weak DCS causes a relatively strong cumulative boost of synaptic plasticity with spaced learning.

Abstract Background Electric fields generated during direct current stimulation (DCS) are known to modulate activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in-vitro. This provides a mechanistic explanation for the lasting behavioral effects observed with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in human learning experiments. However, previous in-vitro synaptic plasticity experiments show relatively small effects despite using strong fields compared to what is expected with conventional tDCS in humans (20 V/m vs. 1 V/m). There is therefore a need to improve the effectiveness of tDCS at realistic field intensities. Here we leverage the observation that effects of learning are known to accumulate over multiple bouts of learning, known as spaced learning. Hypothesis We propose that effects of DCS on synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) accumulate over time in a spaced learning paradigm, thus revealing effects at more realistic field intensities. Methods We leverage a standard model for spaced learning by inducing LTP with repeated bouts of theta burst stimulation (TBS) in hippocampal slice preparations. We studied the cumulative effects of DCS paired with TBS at various intensities applied during the induction of LTP in the CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices. Results As predicted, DCS applied during repeated bouts of theta burst stimulation (TBS) resulted in an increase of LTP. This spaced learning effect is saturated quickly with strong TBS protocols and stronger fields. In contrast, weaker TBS and the weakest electric fields of 2.5 V/m resulted in the strongest relative efficacies (12% boost in LTP per 1 V/m applied). Conclusions Weak DCS causes a relatively strong cumulative effect of spaced learning on synaptic plasticity. Staturarion may have masked stronger effects sizes in previous in-vitro studies. Relative effect sizes of DCS are now closer in line with human tDCS experiments.
Geriatric Nutritional Assessment

Malnutrition is common in older adults in the community, nursing home, and hospital. Deficiencies in caloric and vitamin intake increase with age, functional impairment, and institutionalization, with resultant added risk of skin breakdown, illness, and death. Common contributory factors to undernutrition include polypharmacy, dementia, depression, oral health problems, and socioeconomic factors. Unintentional weight loss always warrants evaluation. Nutritional assessment includes a focused medical and social history, anthropometrics, selected biochemical and hematological parameters, and tools such as the Mini Nutritional Assessment and Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire. In addition to addressing the cause of malnutrition, management includes meeting patient food preferences, providing oral supplements, and rarely using orexigenic medications. Importantly, all interventions should respect patient preferences and treatment goals in the context of overall prognosis.
Ras, superoxide and signal transduction.

This chapter provides information to Rac protein, superoxide, and signal transduction. GTP-binding proteins of the Ras superfamily regulate a wide variety of cellular activities. The Rac protein is a member of the Rho branch of this extended family. Rac is implicated in the processes involved in assembly of the actin cytoskeleton, stimulating the formation of lamellipodia and membrane ruffles. In phagocytic cells, Rac induces the activation of the NADPH oxidase, leading to free radical production, which is a key step for the successful elimination of infectious agents. The intracellular pathways leading to the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are best characterized in these specialized cells. In nonphagocytic cells, Rac also regulates the production of intracellular superoxide and other reactive oxygen species, shown to act as essential intracellular second messengers for several cytokines and growth factors. In plants, resistance to pathogens, such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, depends on the release of ROS, which is termed the oxidative burst. Rac molecules play an important role in this defense mechanism against plant pathogens by regulating the production of the intracellular ROS. The Rac gene has been conserved throughout evolution, such that its protein will regulate the production of ROS in most cells and can transduce its signal pathway in mammals as well as in plants. The chapter concludes that Rac regulatory functions and interaction with proteins are essential.
Gene network analysis shows immune-signaling and ERK1/2 as novel genetic markers for multiple addiction phenotypes: alcohol, smoking and opioid addiction

Addictions to alcohol and tobacco, known risk factors for cancer, are complex heritable disorders. Addictive behaviors have a bidirectional relationship with pain. We hypothesize that the associations between alcohol, smoking, and opioid addiction observed in cancer patients have a genetic basis. Therefore, using bioinformatics tools, we explored the underlying genetic basis and identified new candidate genes and common biological pathways for smoking, alcohol, and opioid addiction. Literature search showed 56 genes associated with alcohol, smoking and opioid addiction. Using Core Analysis function in Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software, we found that ERK1/2 was strongly interconnected across all three addiction networks. Genes involved in immune signaling pathways were shown across all three networks. Connect function from IPA My Pathway toolbox showed that DRD2 is the gene common to both the list of genetic variations associated with all three addiction phenotypes and the components of the brain neuronal signaling network involved in substance addiction. The top canonical pathways associated with the 56 genes were: 1) calcium signaling, 2) GPCR signaling, 3) cAMP-mediated signaling, 4) GABA receptor signaling, and 5) G-alpha i signaling. Cancer patients are often prescribed opioids for cancer pain thus increasing their risk for opioid abuse and addiction. Our findings provide candidate genes and biological pathways underlying addiction phenotypes, which may be future targets for treatment of addiction. Further study of the variations of the candidate genes could allow physicians to make more informed decisions when treating cancer pain with opioid analgesics.
Anomalous charge pumping in a one-dimensional optical superlattice

We model atomic motion in a sliding superlattice potential to explore ``topological charge pumping'' and to find optimal parameters for experimental observation of this phenomenon. We analytically study the band structure, finding how the Wannier states evolve as two sinusoidal lattices are moved relative to one another, and relate this evolution to the center-of-mass motion of an atomic cloud. We pay particular attention to counterintuitive or anomalous regimes, such as when the atomic motion is opposite to that of the lattice. We propose a practical cold-atom experiment to detect this anomalous behavior. Through numerical simulations, we find that a negative adiabatic current and a nontrivial Chern number $\mathcal{C}=\ensuremath{-}1$ are readily measured.
THE "COMMERCIAL OFFER FOR SALE" STANDARD AFTER MINNESOTA MINING V. CHEMQUE

The Supreme Court established a two-part test for determining when an invention is "on sale" under 35 U.S.C. §102(b) in Pfaff v. Wells Electronics, Inc. For the on-sale bar to be triggered, the invention must be "ready for patenting" and subject of a "commercial offer for sale." In Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing v. Chemque, Inc., the Federal Circuit expounded on what constitutes a commercial offer for sale. This iBrief explores what is considered a "commercial offer for sale."
The Effect of Fabrication Variables on Filament Quality of Mono and Multifilamentary BSCCO-2212 Round Wires

Round silver-sheathed Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox Mono and Multifilamentary Wires (19, 31 and 361 filaments) were made with and without extrusion and by drawing. Hexing the monofilaments at a smaller size led to better filament quality in the multifilamentary composites compared to hexing them at a larger size. Wires with a small Ag:BSCCO ratio (< 1:1) could not be drawn reliably with 20% reduction in area per pass but could be drawn at 10% per pass. However, using 10% reduction per pass in the multifilament stage created incipient center-burst defect problems and the final filament quality was degraded. Wires made from finer BSCCO powder had higher critical current density (Jc). The Jc of the better quality composites increased with decreasing filament diameter. Extrusion of multifilament stacks at room temperature and small reduction ratios (3:1) produced much better filament quality than extrusion at 250° C and larger ratios (10:1).
Forward-Secure Threshold Signature Schemes

We construct forward-secure threshold signature schemes. These schemes have the following property: even if more than the threshold number of players are compromised, it is not possible to forge signatures relating to the past. This property is achieved while keeping the public key fix ed and updating the secret keys at regular intervals. The schemes are reasonably efficient in that the amount of secure storage, the signature size and the key lengths do not vary proportionally to the number of time periods during the lifetime of the public key. Both proposed schemes are based on the Bellare-Miner forward-secure signature scheme. One scheme uses multiplicative secret sharing and tolerates mobile eavesdropping adversaries. The other scheme is based on polynomial secret sharing and tolerates mobile halting adversaries. We prove both schemes secure via reduction to the Bellare-Miner scheme, which is known to be secure in the random oracle model assuming that factoring is hard.
Uncertainty, Navigating of: From Scenarios to Flexible Options

This article describes how entrepreneurs can use external uncertainty, ambiguity, and turmoil to advantage by reframing them as hidden opportunities. A three-step process discusses how and why. First, future uncertainties need to be analyzed and then synthesized into a limited number of possible scenarios that are beyond the control of the company. Second, the current strategy should be stress-tested against these scenarios and adjusted in case it results in misfortune in one or more of the scenarios. The basic idea is to separate parts of the strategy that are robust across scenarios (meaning they work well in each scenario) from those strategy components that are fragile (meaning they work well in just one or two scenarios but not all of them). Third, investments in the fragile elements need to be approached from an options perspective in as far as possible. Rather than bet fully on fragile elements of the plan, entrepreneurs need to retain enough flexibility to adjust the plan if and when necessary. This means carefully monitoring and scanning those external events that could affect the strategy, either to exercise the embedded options in the strategy or to pull the plug on losing investments. The key is to manage these three-step process as a dynamic compass for navigating the future. Keywords: scenario planning; flexible strategies; real options; dynamic monitoring; scanning; robustness tests; uncertainty; ambiguity; strategic compass; key success factors; biases