cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of wet and dry cellulose ring liners on setting expansion and compressive strength of a gypsum-bonded investment

Effective setting expansion of gypsum-bonded investments is influenced by many variables. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using either water-saturated or dry cellulose ring lining material on (1) the fit of castings on a steel die and (2) the compressive strengths of investment cores using either type of liner. The mean gingival space in the water-saturated liner group was 0.241 +/- 0.048 mm and was 0.071 +/- 0.029 mm in the dry liner group (p < 0.001). The compressive strengths of investment cores from the dry liner group were 36.5% greater than those of cores from the water-saturated liner group. The results demonstrated that the use of dry liners may improve the fit of castings to dies.
Io: A volcanic flow model for the hot spot emission spectrum and a thermostatic mechanism

The hot spots of Io are modeled as a steady state of active areas at 600 K, continuing creation of new lava flows and calderas, cooling off of recent flows and calderas, and the cessation of radiation of old flows and calderas from the accumulation of insulation added by resurfacing. There are three adjustable parameters in this model: the area of active sources at 600 K, the rate of production of new area that is cooling, and the temperature of cessation of emission as the result of resurfacing. The resurfacing rate sets constrains on this last parameter. The emission spectrum computed with reasonable values for these parameters is an excellent match to the spectrum from recent observations. A thermostatic mechanism is described whereby the volcanic activity is turned on for a long period of time and is then turned off for a nearly equal period. As a result the presently observed internal heat flow of approximately 1.5 W/sq m may be as much as twice the rate of production of internal heat. Thus the restrictions placed on theories of tidal dissipation by the observed heat flow may be partially relieved.
MAdCAM-1 Expressing Sacral Lymph Node in the Lymphotoxin β-Deficient Mouse Provides a Site for Immune Generation Following Vaginal Herpes Simplex Virus-2 Infection

The members of the lymphotoxin (LT) family of molecules play a critical role in lymphoid organogenesis. Whereas LT alpha-deficient mice lack all lymph nodes and Peyer's patches, mice deficient in LT beta retain mesenteric lymph nodes and cervical lymph nodes, suggesting that an LT beta-independent pathway exists for the generation of mucosal lymph nodes. In this study, we describe the presence of a lymph node in LT beta-deficient mice responsible for draining the genital mucosa. In the majority of LT beta-deficient mice, a lymph node was found near the iliac artery, slightly misplaced from the site of the sacral lymph node in wild-type mice. The sacral lymph node of the LT beta-deficient mice, as well as that of the wild-type mice, expressed the mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 similar to the mesenteric lymph node. Following intravaginal infection with HSV type 2, activated dendritic cells capable of stimulating a Th1 response were found in this sacral lymph node. Furthermore, normal HSV-2-specific IgG responses were generated in the LT beta-deficient mice following intravaginal HSV-2 infection even in the absence of the spleen. Therefore, an LT beta-independent pathway exists for the development of a lymph node associated with the genital mucosa, and such a lymph node serves to generate potent immune responses against viral challenge.
Conserving Vedalia Beetle, Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), in Citrus: A Continuing Challenge as New Insecticides Gain Registration

The effects of insecticides used for California citrus pest management were evaluated using larval and adult stages of vedalia beetle, Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant). This predatory beetle is essential for control of cottony cushion scale Icerya purchasi (Williston) (Homoptera: Margarodidae) in San Joaquin Valley citrus. When adult beetles were exposed to treated citrus leaves, adult survival was significantly reduced by the foliar neonicotinoid imidacloprid and the pyrethroid cyfluthrin. Progeny production was significantly reduced by imidacloprid, cyfluthrin, fenpropathrin, and buprofezin. Buprofezin, pyriproxifen, and foliar imidacloprid also significantly reduced successful development of larvae into the adult stage. When vedalia stages were fed insecticide-treated cottony cushion scale reared on Pittosporum tobira (Thunb.) Ait, toxic effects were more severe than contact toxicity alone. Adult beetle survival was most profoundly reduced by the pyrethroids and to a lesser extent the foliar neonicotinoids acetamiprid and imidacloprid. Progeny production and larval development to adulthood were reduced by all insecticides but were most severely affected by pyriproxifen and the pyrethroids. Systemically applied neonicotinoids were toxic to vedalia larvae feeding on cottony cushion scale that had ingested these insecticides. These data demonstrate that IGRs, neonicotinoid insecticides, and pyrethroid insecticides have a significant, negative impact on vedalia beetles. Depending on the rate of insecticide used, the number and timing of applications, and the level of coverage of the tree, disruption of vedalia can be minimized. However, the situation is made difficult when pests such as citrus thrips Scirtothrips citri (Moulton) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), forktailed bush katydid Scuddaria furcata Brunner von Wattenwyl (Orthoptera: Tettigoiniidae), or glassy-winged sharpshooter Homalodisca coagulata Say (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) require these pesticide treatments during periods of vedalia beetle activity.
Targeted alpha-particle therapy of disseminated prostate cancer with 225-Actinium-11B6

281 Objectives There is no cure for late stage metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) and patient management is generally palliative. Using an innovative antibody-based platform (11B6) that is specific for prostate derived tissue; we are investigating targeted molecular radiotherapy. The agent, Actinium-225 conjugated 11B6 is highly specific for primary and metastatic carcinoma. We evaluate this targeted therapy in xenograft and advanced transgenic models of disease. Methods Ac-225 was chelated using the 4-armed benzyl-DOTA chelate, conjugated to 11B6 monoclonal antibody, yielding Ac-225-DOTA-11B6. 11B6 is a monoclonal IgG1 that is specific for the catalytically active epitope on hK2, an androgen receptor-regulated enzyme. Animals were administered a therapeutic dose of the conjugate (300 nCi), and tumors were either monitored longitudinally, or animals were sacrificed and radioactive contents of the tissues were determined by gamma-counting. In transgenic tumor prone mice (Hi-Myc) crossed with a Pb-driven active-hK2 model, we monitored therapeutic effect by overall survival, and serial, high-resolution, small animal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Results Labeling efficiency of Ac-225 was in the range of several percent. While low labeling efficiency is common for Ac-225, the radiochemical purity of the construct was >99%, ensuring no errant or off target cell cytotoxicity was observed. In subcutaneous models of AR-positive disease, rapid tumor volume decrease was observed. In long-term experiments using transgenic prostate cancer prone mice, MR imaging reveals significant and sustained tumor volume decrease. Conclusions Targeted alpha-particle therapy can site selectively deliver potent anticancer effect to primary and metastatic sites. We have not observed significant background tissue toxicity. This agent has potent anti-tumor potential for all stages of disease, which can be monitored by reductions in tumor volume by MR imaging. Research Support This work was supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Multiple Antenna Channel Measurements for Car-to-Car Communication

In car-to-car (C2C) communication, it is very important to understand the channel behavior. To increase the channel capacity, multiple antennas might be used in the form of multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO). The location of antennas on the car affects the capacity. A channel sounding system is used to study the vehicular channels in various environments, therefore it is important that the sounding system to be portable and of small form factor. We propose a sounding system based on software defined radio (SDR). The system was developed and used for measurement campaigns. The testbed was implemented, and two scenarios of measurements were performed with different street size and building proximity.
ACUTE DECOMPENSATED HEART FAILURE: RARE INITIAL MANIFESTATION OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Cardiac manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be varied and include valvular disease, pericarditis, myocardial dysfunction and coronary artery disease. Myocarditis is uncommon and often asymptomatic. In approximately 6% of patients, myocarditis manifests as dilated cardiomyopathy
Light-induced biogenesis of the light-harvesting complexes of Photosystems I and II : Gene expression and protein accumulation.

The light-harvesting complexes of Photosystems I and II contain multiple chlorophyll-carotenoid-binding proteins. The stoichiometry and topology of the LHCs is precisely defined to optimally funnel captured light energy to the reaction center. The manner in which this exact arrangement is accomplished is not known. As an initial means to understand the mechanisms involved in establishing a functional LHC, the influence of light on LHC gene expression and protein accumulation was studied during the light-induced greening of etiolated wild type and chlorophyll b-less mutant barley seedlings. Light, involving phytochrome, promotes the expression of all LHC genes with the same relative kinetics. LHC protein accumulation closely parallels the increases observed in transcript levels. Differential accumulation of LHC transcripts or protein was not evident in wild type seedlings. Post-translational factors are likely to be involved in fine tuning the position and stoichiometry of the individual LHCs around the reaction center.
Diet Overlap and Predation Between Largemouth Bass and Walleye in Wisconsin Lakes Using DNA Barcoding to Improve Taxonomic Resolution

AbstractOver the last decade, the abundance of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides has increased in many northern Wisconsin lakes, causing concern among anglers and biologists regarding the potential for Largemouth Bass to negatively affect populations of Walleye Sander vitreus through predation or competition for prey. Our objectives were to determine whether (1) diet overlap and predation occurred between adult Walleyes and Largemouth Bass in four northern Wisconsin lakes and (2) the use of DNA barcoding to reduce unidentifiable fish in diet samples affected conclusions regarding diet overlap. A single occurrence of Walleye predation was observed in the diets of 945 Largemouth Bass. Moderate to high diet overlap was observed between Largemouth Bass and Walleyes throughout much of the study period. The use of DNA barcoding reduced the amount of unidentified fish in diets to <1% and showed that failure to identify fish or fish parts can affect conclusions regarding diet overlap. Largemouth Bass predatio...
Clinical Management of Carcinoma of Prostate Associated with Bilateral Ureteral Obstruction

A review of 34 cases of bilateral ureteral obstruction secondary to carcinoma of the prostate indicates that aggressive treatment in selected cases can increase survival without an associated increase in morbidity. In our series various modalities of treatment were used in 25 patients and the remaining 9 patients received no treatment. Bilateral ureteral obstruction in cases of carcinoma of the prostate should not uniformly imply a terminal event or hopeless prognosis.
Vitamin D Deficiency Accelerates Coronary Artery Disease Progression in Swine

Objective—The role of vitamin D deficiency in coronary artery disease (CAD) progression is uncertain. Chronic inflammation in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of CAD. However, the molecular mechanism underlying vitamin D deficiency–enhanced inflammation in the EAT of diseased coronary arteries remains unknown. We examined a mechanistic link between 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D–mediated suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transporter, karyopherin α4 (KPNA4) expression and NF-κB activation in preadipocytes. Furthermore, we determined whether vitamin D deficiency accelerates CAD progression by increasing KPNA4 and nuclear NF-κB levels in EAT. Approach and Results—Nuclear protein levels were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Exogenous KPNA4 was transported into cells by a transfection approach and constituted lentiviral vector. Swine were administered vitamin D–deficient or vitamin D–sufficient hypercholesterolemic diet. After 1 year, the histopathology of...
Obesity does not promote tumorigenesis of localized patient-derived prostate cancer xenografts

There are established epidemiological links between obesity and the severity of prostate cancer. We directly tested this relationship by assessing tumorigenicity of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) of moderate-grade localized prostate cancer in lean and obese severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Mice were rendered obese and insulin resistant by high-fat feeding for 6 weeks prior to transplantation, and PDXs were assessed 10 weeks thereafter. Histological analysis of PDX grafts showed no differences in tumor pathology, prostate-specific antigen, androgen receptor and homeobox protein Nkx-3.1 expression, or proliferation index in lean versus obese mice. Whilst systemic obesity per se did not promote prostate tumorigenicity, we next asked whether the peri-prostatic adipose tissue (PPAT), which covers the prostate anteriorly, plays a role in prostate tumorigenesis. In vitro studies in a cellularized co-culture model of stromal and epithelial cells demonstrated that factors secreted from human PPAT are pro-tumorigenic. Accordingly, we recapitulated the prostate-PPAT spatial relationship by co-grafting human PPAT with prostate cancer in PDX grafts. PDX tissues were harvested 10 weeks after grafting, and histological analysis revealed no evidence of enhanced tumorigenesis with PPAT compared to prostate cancer grafts alone. Altogether, these data demonstrate that prostate cancer tumorigenicity is not accelerated in the setting of diet-induced obesity or in the presence of human PPAT, prompting the need for further work to define the at-risk populations of obesity-driven tumorigenesis and the biological factors linking obesity, adipose tissue and prostate cancer pathogenesis.
Habermas and the Heritage of Critical Theory

The overview of Habermas’s project presented in Chapter 1 marks out its general theoretical terrain and suggests the primary focus for my reading. In brief, I read Habermas as engaged in the continuation of the project of the Frankfurt School to develop a critical social theory capable of maintaining the ‘practical intentions’ of establishing a good and just society which he believes are central to Marx’s theory. The basic question, for Habermas, is whether a critical theory of society in the contemporary age that shares the practical intention of Marx’s theory is still at all possible. Habermas faces this question squarely, courageously, and across a wide range of theoretical and political issues. His attempt to provide an answer generates much of the interest in his project (both positive and negative) and makes its stakes extremely high.
Targets and investigative treatments for primary biliary cholangitis

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease of the liver that can slowly progress to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and its consequent complications.Areas covered: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is approved for the treatment of PBC at a daily dose of 13 to 15 mg/kg/day, and should be continued indefinitely unless intolerance to UDCA occurs. Nearly 40% of patients have inadequate response to UDCA; therefore, there is a compelling need for newer and more effective therapies. Research has led to the discovery of several novel pathways that are thought to be implicated in the pathogenesis of PBC. Phase II and III clinical trials of obeticholic acid (OCA), the leading farnesoid X receptor agonist compound, in PBC patients with inadequate response to UDCA have shown that the use of OCA results in significant improvement in liver biochemistries. OCA has been recently recommended by the FDA’s Advisory Board for approval for treatment of PBC.Expert opinion: PBC remains a medic...
Antibody therapeutics for treating prostate cancer: where are we now and what comes next?

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Progress in the understanding of molecular events of carcinogenesis and cancer evolution as well as the identification of tumor antigens has led to the development of different targeted therapeutic approaches, including the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Prostate cancer (PC) is highly amenable to mAb targeting given the existence of prostate-specific targets and the natural history and localization of metastatic disease.Areas covered: Several aspects of the PC phenotype, including growth factors, angiogenesis mediators, bone microenvironment signals, and immune evasion pathways, have become areas of ongoing investigation in terms of mAb targeting. These are reviewed. The greatest success so far has been the development of mAbs against prostate-specific tumor antigen (PSMA), which opened an opportunity to improve diagnostic accuracy and simultaneously target metastatic disease.Expert opinion: As mAb use in PC continues to evolve, more accurate imaging of the extent of disease an...
Cavernous Angioma of the Cerebral Aqueduct.

Background Among the rare intraventricular cavernomas, purely intra-aqueductal cavernomas are exceptionally rare. Case Description A 62-year-old patient presented with progressive headache, memory loss, gait instability, and urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging showed the presence of a mass lesion located in the lumen of the cerebral aqueduct, associated with triventricular hydrocephalus. Conclusions We discuss the rationale that led us to treat hydrocephalus with neuroendoscopy, which offered the possibility to directly inspect the intra-aqueductal lesion, make the diagnosis of cavernoma, and treat symptoms resulting from hydrocephalus without increasing the risk of bleeding.
Obstructive Acute Pancreatitis Secondary to PEG Tube Migration

Percutaneous gastrostomy is a well-established method of providing enteral nutrition to patients incapable of oral intake, or for whom oral intake is insufficient to meet metabolic needs. In comparison to total parenteral nutrition, enteral feeding is advantageous in that it helps maintain gut mucosal integrity, which decreases the risk of bacterial translocation through the gastrointestinal tract. Complications include bleeding, aspiration, internal organ injury, perforation, periostomal leaks, tube dislodgement, and occlusion. Acute pancreatitis secondary to percutaneous gastrostomy tube migration is rare. We present a patient with acute obstructive pancreatitis secondary to percutaneous gastrostomy tube migration.
The inhibition by cycloheximide of lipid metabolism by rat adipose tissue in vitro

Abstract Cycloheximide in rat adipose tissue inhibits lipogenesis, decreases O 2 consumption, CO 2 formation and ATP/ADP ratio and increases the ratio of lactate/pyruvate released. These findings suggest a similar mechanism of cycloheximide action in adipose tissue and liver where this compound has been shown to inhibit the mitochondrial energy transfer at site I.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance in the Biochemical Genetic Laboratory

The requirements placed upon the Biochemical Genetics laboratory are particularly demanding. Samples are often only analysed once, this is frequently in an urgent situation and the sample volume is sometimes very limited. The compounds of interest are unclear at the outset and the biochemical and clinical presentation may be heterogenous. In these challenging circumstances the maintenance and documentation of reliable quality management systems is vital. External quality assurance and internal quality control have complimentary roles within an overall framework which emphasises: management structure, proper process and outcome assessment. Accreditation systems are usually designed to address all of these components. The careful scrutiny of external quality assurance results in Europe suggests that there are situations in which diagnosis for individual patients and their on-going care may be impaired by poor laboratory performance. This may also affect the interpretation of results from multi-centre trials or research. There is evidence from diagnostic proficiency schemes that particularly rare disorders and those whose recognition may depend upon the identification of single key metabolites can sometimes be missed. The factors that lead to improved diagnostic efficiency include : membership of appropriate external quality assurance schemes; attendance at relevant scientific meetings; adequate experience reflected in a significant departmental workload; a thorough and careful analytical approach. The continued growth of professionally organised external quality assurance schemes and improved training, rather than governmental regulation is probably the best means of ensuring an improvement in patient centred care and laboratory performance.
Congenital type 1 choledochal cyst in an adult male presenting with primary invasive cholangiocarcinoma

CASE PRESENTATION A 52-year-old male with no significant medical history was evaluated for acute onset of right upper quadrant pain. The pain was intermittent, sharp, and radiated to the back; there was no associated nausea or vomiting. He reported three similar episodes of pain in the past 10 days and also recalled experiencing significant abdominal pain as a child which was never evaluated. He denied any hematemesis, melena or any significant weight loss. He never smoked or used illegal drugs, but admitted to drinking one glass of wine daily. At presentation, he was afebrile with a blood pressure of 100/71 and a heart rate of 63. His physical examination was remarkable only for moderate right upper quadrant tenderness without any rebound, hepatosplenomegaly or palpable mass. His initial laboratory values showed a normal hemogram with WBC 3.83 106/L. His liver function tests were remarkable for elevated AST (514 IU/L), ALT (474 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (181 IU/L), and bilirubin (1.38 mg/dl). A chest radiograph was normal. A CT scan of the abdomen showed a fusiform dilatation of the CBD up to 4.6 cm in maximum transverse diameter without any associated intrahepatic biliary ductal dilatation suggesting a type 1 choledochal cyst (Figure 1). Soft tissue nodules were identified along the dependent and nondependent surfaces of the duct lumen. A 1.9 cm 1.6 cm portacaval lymph node was also identified. The gallbladder size was normal. Pancreatic ducts appeared normal. He underwent resection of the entire extrahepatic billiary tree along with hepatico-jejunostomy with an uneventful post-surgical course. Histopathology of the resected specimen showed invasive cholangiocarcinoma without any metastasis (Figure 2). The resected enlarged lymph node demonstrated preserved architecture with reactive hyperplasia. Choledochal cysts are generally classified using the Todani modification1 of the Alonso-Lej classification.2 Within this classification, there are five types of A CASE REPORT
Leadership-Driven Anger Management Groups for Adolescents: Do They Really Work?

This study investigated a current trend in anger-management groups labeled as leadership development. The goal of the investigation was to determine if leadership is a critical factor in working wi...
The Dialectic of Stare Decisis Doctrine

This chapter examines the Supreme Court’s “precedent about precedent”—its doctrine regarding whether and when the Court may overturn its own prior constitutional decisions. Due largely to the influence of Justice Louis Brandeis in the early twentieth century, the role of stare decisis in the Court’s constitutional cases transformed from that of a vague common-law maxim to the status of contested doctrine. Using graphical “opinion maps” to trace the evolution of the Court’s case law on stare decisis, the author illustrates the division of stare decisis doctrine into two competing traditions: a “weak” tradition that allows overruling based on the supposedly faulty reasoning of a prior decision; and a “strong” tradition that demands some independent, non-merits-based justification for overruling. The author demonstrates that individual Justices frequently have aligned themselves with both traditions across different cases, and suggests that the force of the Court’s “precedent about precedent” is more rhetorical than constraining.
An innovative model using telementoring to provide geriatrics education for nurses and social workers at skilled nursing facilities

Older adults with complex needs reside in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and are cared for by nurses and social workers with limited geriatrics education. We describe the pilot phase of an educational model using the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) platform to teach geriatrics principles to SNF staff. Twenty-five unique participants from 7 total facilities enrolled, with twenty-two participants completing both the pre/post surveys. Statistically significant improvement was seen in participants' self-efficacy to treat patients with dementia, educate patients about hospice and palliative medicine options, and assess and manage infections in older adults. The two largest barriers participants identified in making changes after the series were the time pressures of caring for complex geriatric patients and staff available to assist with social support needs of older adults. ECHO-Chicago's Geriatrics SNF pilot series is innovative and shows promise to provide geriatrics education for the SNF workforce.
A review of the interactions between ceria and H2 and the applications to selective hydrogenation of alkynes

Abstract Cerium oxide (ceria) has found a wide variety of applications in catalysis including as a catalyst, a modifier, or a support, largely thanks to its robust redox properties and versatile acid-base function. While it is often utilized for oxidation reactions, ceria has recently attracted intense research interest for its unusual ability to selectively hydrogenate alkynes to alkenes. The intriguing hydrogenation ability of ceria has sparked renewed research efforts to understand how pure ceria works as a hydrogenation catalyst. In this review, recent advances in both experimental and computational studies of ceria are summarized, focusing on the interaction of ceria with H2 and in hydrogenation reactions. Significant insights from various studies including in situ spectroscopy/microscopy and theoretic modeling of ceria in hydrogen-involved reactions are discussed, which shed light on the origin of the hydrogenation ability of ceria and the reaction mechanisms involved in ceria-catalyzed alkyne hydrogenation. Ways to further improve both the mechanistic understanding and catalytic performance of ceria-based materials for hydrogenation reactions are proposed at the end in the summary and outlook section.
Optimization of a microfluidic spiral channel used to separate sperm from blood cells.

Assisted reproductive technology includes medical procedures that confront the problem of infertility. In some cases of male infertility, blood cells are present in the sperm containing samples and must be removed. Spiral-channel devices have been developed to perform this task, but there is a strong need to increase their throughput. In this work, the theory behind the separation is employed to optimize the device for increased throughput. An existing device that is known to separate sperm and blood cells with a rectangular cross section of 600 × 100 μm2 was used as the baseline. Using its physics, theoretical models were generated to explore theoretical performances of larger-size channels. The models suggested that a channel of size 800 × 133 μm2 would likely work. This geometry enabled the throughput to be increased by 50%, from 2 ml/min in the case of the baseline-size to 3 ml/min in the designed device. Experiments using the larger device resulted in a recovery of more than 90% of sperm cells while removing 89% of red blood cells (RBCs). In comparison, the reference device results in a 90% recovery of sperm cells while removing 74% of white blood cells (WBCs). The length of the channel was also reduced to reduce the pressure required to operate the chip. Literature has shown the removal of WBCs to be higher than that of RBCs due to their larger size, spherical shape, and comparatively low deformability, suggesting that the revised chip would be faster and better for the separation of sperm and all blood cells.
Magnetic phase diagram of a spatially anisotropic, frustrated spin-\frac {1}{2} Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a stacked square lattice

The magnetic phase diagram of a spatially anisotropic, frustrated spin- Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a stacked square lattice is investigated using a second-order spin-wave expansion. The effects of interlayer coupling and the spatial anisotropy on the magnetic ordering of two ordered ground states are explicitly studied. It is shown that with increase in next nearest neighbor frustration the second-order corrections play a significant role in stabilizing the magnetization. We obtain two ordered magnetic phases (Neel and stripe) separated by a paramagnetic disordered phase. Within the second-order spin-wave expansion we find that the width of the disordered phase diminishes with increase in the interlayer coupling or with decrease in spatial anisotropy but it does not disappear. Our obtained phase diagram differs significantly from the phase diagram obtained using linear spin-wave theory.
Hardware obfuscation for IP protection

The horizontal business model adopted by the semiconductor industry has resulted in a manufacturing process that has integrated various foreign entities focusing on individual production steps. However, serious trust issues have emerged with the internationalization of the semiconductor supply chain, and the trust concerns grow further with the proliferation of theft, reverse engineering (RE), and piracy of hardware intellectual property (IP). Unlike the software industry, the semiconductor supply chain cannot benefit from traditional cryptographic solutions due to the requirement of white-box accessibility to the hardware IP. Therefore, hardware obfuscation has originated as a potential countermeasure against dreaded supply chain attacks. The obfuscation process aims to hide the design intent and lock functionality by introducing structural and functional transformations to the IP, which increases the resistance against unauthorized use and potential exploitation of the design by an adversary. In this chapter, we investigate hardware obfuscation techniques that have been developed in the past decade and the limitations and challenges of these techniques. In particular, we explore the evolution of different techniques that are applicable at various supply chain stages of the semiconductor life cycle, the development of obfuscation benchmarks, and the research trends in the area of obfuscation. We also expand on the innovative attacks that have been developed to compromise the obfuscation techniques, as well as the countermeasures that are introduced to combat them. This chapter also sheds light on the lessons learned from the decade-long research on obfuscation by discussing the attack trends and unsolved challenges. Finally, we conclude by presenting a road map that aims to improve the existing solutions and provides improved security metrics for systematic evaluation.
Cannabis use is not associated with increased balance disturbances in HIV-infected individuals.

The association between long-term cannabis use and balance disturbances has not been investigated in people living with HIV (PWH). We hypothesized that long-term cannabis use in PWH might be associated with more deleterious effects on balance than in HIV seronegative individuals due to potential neurotoxic interactions between HIV and cannabis. Three thousand six-hundred and forty-eight participants with and without HIV completed an interviewer-administered timeline follow-back assessment to assess lifetime days and quantity of cannabis use and other cannabis use characteristics. A structured clinical interview was used to collect any history of balance disturbance. Comparisons between HIV+ vs the HIV− groups and moderate-severe vs. no or minimal imbalance in participant characteristics (demographics, cannabis use, medication currently used, and neurological disease) were performed using Student t tests for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for binary and categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to determine the interaction effect of total quantity of cannabis use with HIV status on balance disturbance. Age, gender, cDSPN symptoms, gait ataxia, opioid medications, and sedatives were included as covariates in the adjusted model after variable selection. The effect sizes are presented as Cohen’s d or odds ratios. On average, participants were 45.4 years old (SD = 11 years), primarily male (77.7%), and non-Hispanic white (48.1%). A majority of participants were HIV+ (79.1%). Four hundred thirty (11.9%) of the participants reported balance disturbances within the past 10 years. PWH were more likely to have balance disturbances than demographically matched HIV-uninfected participants (odds ratio [OR] 2.66, 95% CI 1.91–3.7). Participants with moderate-severe balance disturbances did not differ from those with no or minimal imbalance in the proportion who had ever used cannabis (73.8% vs. 74.4%; p = 0.8) (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.80–1.32) neither did they have a higher total amount of cannabis use (4871 vs. 4648; p = 0.3) (Cohen’s d 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.14). In the HIV− population, those with balance disturbances reported more total amount of cannabis use as compared to those with normal balance (11316 vs 4154; p = 0.007). In the HIV+ population on the other hand, there was no significant association (4379 vs 4773; p = 0.6). We found unexpectedly that while long-term cannabis use in HIV− individuals was associated with more severe balance disturbances, there were no associations in HIV+ individuals. This suggests that cannabis use in HIV is safe with respect to balance disturbances. Given that HIV is related to persistent inflammation despite virologic suppression on antiretroviral therapy, future mechanistic studies are needed to determine whether HIV-associated inflammation contributes to the higher prevalence of balance disturbance in HIV+ individuals and whether cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory effects that mitigate HIV-associated balance disturbance.
Debts of Despair: Education, Financial Losses, and Precursors of Deaths of Despair

Recent deaths of despair literature hypothesizes that financial losses are a key mechanism through which education is associated with higher risk for drug use, alcohol abuse, and suicidal ideation. However, few studies have empirically assessed the significance of this harmful pathway or compared it to other hypothesized explanations. Drawing on data from over 8000 respondents in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, this paper finds that lower education-levels are associated with heightened risk of drug use, painkiller use, frequent binge drinking, and suicidal ideation; in turn, decompositions reveal that financial losses mediate about 20 percent of the association between education with drug use and suicidal ideation. The results support a core assumption of the deaths of despair hypothesis-that financial losses among those with low education-levels drive the increase in harmful despair-associated behaviors, which often precede disease and mortality. Future research should extend this work by linking individual-level socioeconomic and health patterns with broader economic changes to better understand how individuals' educational attainment interacts with macro-level structural factors to shape their vulnerability to despair-associated disease and death.
Conceptualizing biogeochemical reactions with an Ohm's law analogy

In studying problems like plant-soil-microbe interactions in environmental biogeochemistry and ecology, one usually has to quantify and model how substrates control the growth of, and interaction a...
Current Progress in the Creation, Characterization, and Application of Human Stem Cell-derived in Vitro Neuromuscular Junction Models

Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are of great value for studying developmental processes, disease modeling, and drug testing. One area in which the use of human PSCs has become of great interest in recent years is for in vitro models of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The NMJ is a synapse at which a motor neuron releases acetylcholine to bind to skeletal muscle and stimulate contraction. Degeneration of the NMJ and subsequent loss of muscle function is a common feature of many neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis, spinal muscular atrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In order to develop new therapies for patients with neuromuscular diseases, it is essential to understand mechanisms taking place at the NMJ. However, we have limited ability to study the NMJ in living human patients, and animal models are limited by physiological relevance. Therefore, an in vitro model of the NMJ consisting of human cells is of great value. The use of stem cells for in vitro NMJ models is still in progress and requires further optimization in order to yield reliable, reproducible results. The objective of this review is (1) to outline the current progress towards fully PSC-derived in vitro co-culture models of the human NMJ and (2) to discuss future directions and challenges that must be overcome in order to create reproducible fully PSC-derived models that can be used for developmental studies, disease modeling, and drug testing.
A New Y- IGCT-based DC Circuit Breaker for NASA N3-X Spacecraft

Solid-state dc circuit breaker (DCCB) based on Integrated gate-commutated thyristors (IGCTs) is one of the main types of DCCB that has a fast response as well as low power loss. However, such a DCCB technology needs an effective Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV). In addition, for high power applications IGCTs must be connected in parallel and series. For such an application, a voltage-balancing device for series IGCTs as well as current protection devices for paralleled IGCTs are needed. This paper addresses all of the mentioned challenges by proposing a new Y-DCCB that has high reliability, low cost, and high efficiency for NASA N3-X aircraft.
Corneal Surgery in the Cat: Diseases, considerations and techniques.

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE The ability to recognize, diagnose and treat corneal disease is essential for maintaining vision and comfort in feline patients. Being able to correctly identify appropriate techniques for surgical cases is of particular importance for success when performing corneal surgery. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Many different corneal diseases present with similar clinical signs, and it can be hard to determine the appropriate treatment for individual patients. It is essential for the clinician to understand the indications for corneal surgery, instrumentation needed and microsurgical principles prior to attempting these procedures. The prognosis following surgery and potential complications should be discussed with the client. AUDIENCE This review article aims to assist in decision-making and to provide detailed guidance for primary care clinicians considering referral of cats for corneal surgery. The review outlines common feline corneal diseases and associated surgical therapies performed by veterinary ophthalmologists, highlighting appropriate instrumentation and case selection. Some surgeries are explained in depth for ophthalmologists and residents in training. EQUIPMENT Although some procedures may be performed with common surgical equipment and supplies, most require specialized ophthalmic instrumentation and expertise, which entails significant microsurgical training and practice, as well as financial investment. Most of the procedures require an operating microscope for the best surgical outcomes; however, surgical loupes may be sufficient in some cases. Evidence base: This review article compiles information from many published references on feline corneal diseases and surgeries, complemented by the experience of the authors.
Does social support help limited-literacy patients with medication adherence? A mixed methods study of patients in the Pharmacy Intervention for Limited Literacy (PILL) study.

Abstract Objective To explore whether social support helps patients with limited health literacy adhere to their medication regimens. Methods We interviewed 275 pharmacy patients and assessed social support's influence on medication adherence for those with limited vs. adequate health literacy. We talked with patients ( n = 26) and pharmacists ( n = 7) to explore possible explanations for the quantitative findings. Results Social support was associated with better medication adherence for patients with adequate health literacy but not those with limited health literacy ( p p Conclusion Unless they have a trusted confidant, limited-literacy patients might be reluctant to ask others for the kind of help needed to take their medicines correctly. Practice implications Pharmacists need training to increase their awareness of limited health literacy and to communicate effectively with all patients, regardless of their literacy skills. To succeed, pharmacists also need the support of the health care systems where they work.
The Financial Crisis of 2008: A Clarion Call to Include Economic Policy and Financial Illiteracy on Public Administration's Intellectual Radar Screen

(2009). The Financial Crisis of 2008. Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 31, No. 3, pp. 409-416.
Abstract 15867: Myogenic Target of Mir-290 Cluster Promotes Reprogramming of Skeletal Myoblast to Produce Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Background: Skeletal myoblasts (SkMs) are an ideal candidate for reprogramming due to inherent myogenic properties. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in cell reprogramming by producing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Pax7 is a powerful myogenic inducer and plays a critical role in muscle development and regeneration. This study investigates the potential mechanisms of the miR-290s cluster for promoting reprogramming efficiency of SkMs. Methods and Results: The SkMs cells were isolated from the hind limb skeletal muscle of 2 to 4-week-old mice. RT-PCR and immunocytochemical analysis showed that SkMs endogenously expressed not only myogenic genes but also some of pluripotency genes Nanog, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and cMyc. SkMs were then infected to produce iPS cells, and embryonic stem (ES) cell-like colonies appeared at 15 days after transfection. SkM-derived iPS (SiPS) cells were profiled by microarray to determine miRNAs responsible for reprogramming of SkMs. Expression of each member of the miR-2...
A Web-based multi-agent system for interpreting medical images

A difficult problem in medical image interpretation is that for every image type such as x-ray and every body organ such as heart, there exist specific solutions that do not allow for generalization. Just collecting all the specific solutions will not achieve the vision of a computerized physician. To address this problem, we develop an intelligent agent approach based on the concept of active fusion and agent-oriented programming. The advantage of agent-oriented programming is that it combines the benefits of object-oriented programming and expert system. Following this approach, we develop a Web-based multi-agent system for interpreting medical images. The system is composed of two major types of intelligent agents: radiologist agents and patient representative agents. A radiologist agent decomposes the image interpretation task into smaller subtasks, uses multiple agents to solve the subtasks, and combines the solutions to the subtasks intelligently to solve the image interpretation problem. A patient representative agent takes questions from the user (usually a patient) through a Web-based interface, asks for multiple opinions from radiologist agents in interpreting a given set of images, and then integrates the opinions for the user. In addition, a patient representative agent can answer questions based on the information in a medical information database. To maximize the satisfaction that patients receive, the patient representative agents must be as informative and timely as communicating with a human. With an efficient pseudo-natural language processing, a knowledge base in XML, and user communication through Microsoft Agent, the patient representative agents can answer questions effectively.
Optimal live cell tracking for cell cycle study using time-lapse fluorescent microscopy images

Cell cycle study using time-lapse fluorescent microscopy images is important for understanding the mechanisms of cell division and screening of anti-cancer drugs. Cell tracking is necessary for quantifying cell behaviors. However, the complex behaviors and similarity of individual cells in a dense population make the cell population tracking challenging. To deal with these challenges, we propose a novel tracking algorithm, in which the local neighboring information is introduced to distinguish the nearby cells with similar morphology, and the Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filter is employed to compensate for cell migrations. Based on a similarity metric, integrating the local neighboring information, migration prediction, shape and intensity, the integer programming is used to achieve the most stable association between cells in two consecutive frames. We evaluated the proposed method on the high content screening assays of HeLa cancer cell populations, and achieved 92% average tracking accuracy.
Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy to Assess Capillary Flow Relative to Vascular Disease and Cigarette Smoking

Our goal was to quantitatively assess capillary reperfusion as it relates to arterial disease and tobacco use. This method could prove to be an alternate, quantitative diagnostic technique to a routine segmental arterial study.
Food Aversion and Irritability in an Infant

Medicine, Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, New Haven, CT. Presented during the Emergi-Quiz Case competition of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicine at the 2008 National Conference and Exposition in Boston, Mass. Reprint requests and correspondence: Katherine Nicholson, MD, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT 06504. katherine.nicholson@yale.edu