cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraovarian control of progesterone biosynthesis by granulosa cells and corpus luteum.

Abstract Some of the recent developments on the intraovarian control of follicular development and luteinization have been discussed. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulate the growth and maturation of the follicle. However, the locus of control, by which the responsiveness of follicles to LH and FSH is regulated at different stages of follicular development, resides within the ovary itself. Granulosa cells obtained from small follicles have more FSH receptors and can accumulate more cyclic AMP and progesterone in response to FSH compared to cells obtained from large mature follicles. The situation is reversed in the case of LH responsiveness; larger follicles are more responsive than small ones. The steroidogenic potential of follicular cell types to secrete oestrogen and progesterone is altered with the stage of the follicle. In vivo studies in the rhesus monkey demonstrated that thecal cells of the preovulatory follicle are the principal source of oestrogen and progesterone of the ovarian venous blood. In in vitro cultures, thecal cells alone could secrete more oestrogen than granulosa cells, and mixing of the two cell types augmented oestrogen synthesis. Addition of exogenous testosterone (0.15μg/ml) to granulosa cell cultures resulted in increased secretion of oestrogens. Granulosa cells in culture produced more progesterone than thecal cells. These findings suggest that the thecal layer is the main source of ovarian vein levels of oestrogen and progesterone and the two cell types may be responsible for the high levels of these steroids in the follicular fluid. A luteinization inhibitor, present in the follicular fluid of small and medium-sized follicles may regulate the responsiveness of follicles to gonadotrophins and prevent luteinization of granulosa cells prior to ovulation. Evidence for the presence of another inhibitor, a LH receptor binding inhibitor (LHRBI) in frozen aqueous extracts of porcine corpus luteum and its ability to inhibit progesterone secretion by cultured granulosa cells of mature porcine follicles has also been presented.
Radiation modality use and cardiopulmonary mortality risk in elderly patients with esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND It is currently unclear whether the superior normal organ-sparing effect of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) compared with 3-dimensional radiotherapy (3D) has a clinical impact on survival and cardiopulmonary mortality in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). METHODS The authors identified 2553 patients aged > 65 years from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare and Texas Cancer Registry-Medicare databases who had nonmetastatic EC diagnosed between 2002 and 2009 and were treated with either 3D (2240 patients) or IMRT (313 patients) within 6 months of diagnosis. The outcomes of the 2 cohorts were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment. RESULTS Except for marital status, year of diagnosis, and SEER region, both radiation cohorts were well balanced with regard to various patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics, including the use of IMRT versus 3D in urban/metropolitan or rural areas. IMRT use increased from 2.6% in 2002 to 30% in 2009, whereas the use of 3D decreased from 97.4% in 2002 to 70% in 2009. On propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighting-adjusted multivariate analysis, IMRT was not found to be associated with EC-specific mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.93; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.80-1.10) or pulmonary mortality (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.37-3.36), but was significantly associated with lower all-cause mortality (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72-0.95), cardiac mortality (HR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06-0.54), and other-cause mortality (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35-0.84). Similar associations were noted after adjusting for the type of chemotherapy, physician experience, and sensitivity analysis removing hybrid radiation claims. CONCLUSIONS In this population-based analysis, the use of IMRT was found to be significantly associated with lower all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and other-cause mortality in patients with EC. Cancer 2015. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Threshold wind velocity dynamics as a driver of aeolian sediment mass flux

Abstract Horizontal (saltation) mass flux is a key driver of aeolian dust emission. Estimates of the horizontal mass flux underpin assessments of the global dust budget and influence our understanding of the dust cycle and its interactions. Current equations for predicting horizontal mass flux are based on limited field data and are constrained to representing transport-limited equilibrium saltation, driven by the wind momentum flux in excess of an entrainment threshold. This can result in large overestimation of the sediment mass flux. Here we compare measurements of the soil entrainment threshold, horizontal mass flux, and their temporal variability for five undisturbed dryland soils to explore the role of threshold in controlling the magnitude of mass flux. Average and median entrainment threshold showed relatively small variability among sites and relatively small variability between seasons, despite significant differences in soil surface conditions. Physical and biological soil crusts had little effect on the threshold value, and threshold appeared to play a minor role in determining the magnitude of sediment transport. Our results suggest that horizontal mass flux was controlled more by the supply limitation and abrasion efficiency of saltators present as loose erodible material or originating from neighboring soil sources. The omission of sediment supply and explicit representation of saltation bombardment from horizontal flux equations is inconsistent with the process representation in dust emission schemes and contributes to uncertainty in model predictions. This uncertainty can be reduced by developing greater process fidelity in models to predict horizontal mass flux under both supply- and transport-limited conditions.
Combinatorial optimization for sensor networks

As technology advances, sensor networks, typically consisting of sensing devices that are embedded in the physical world and networked together, are becoming more feasible. These networks present a host of new research challenges such as how to manage sensor energy limitations and how to operate the network in a distributed and unreliable environment. Although motivated by sensor networks, the techniques developed in this thesis address general issues related to distributed computation in the presence of energy and processing constraints. Four problems are considered. In the first, the goal is to define a schedule for the sensors such that as much of the area of interest is monitored as often as possible, given that sensors have energy constraints and are capable of monitoring only some subset of areas. We describe three algorithms for this problem and compare their practicality, approximation guarantees, and simulated performance. The goal of the second problem is to place data processing centers such that the cost to maintain the centers and send data to them is minimized, and such that no center is required to process more data than its capacity. We present a smooth trade-off for the cost versus the blowup in capacities by rounding the linear program relaxation. In the next problem, the objective is to allocate centers to mobile objects so as to minimize the overhead involved in migrating a task to a new center, while monitoring as many objects as possible and observing center capacities. We describe several results including an approximation algorithm when the future is known and two heuristic algorithms when the future is uncertain. Finally, we consider that in addition to the sensor network, there is also a service tree specifying how sensor information is aggregated and processed. The objective is to choose a location for each of the services such that the overall communication cost is minimized. We give an optimum algorithm using dynamic programming and a fast, simple, distributed algorithm with performance that is within a small constant factor of the optimum.
Physical Exposures to Political Protests Impact Civic Engagement: Evidence from 13 Quasi-Experiments with Chinese Social Media

How does physically witnessing a political protest affect citizens’ discussion of social and political issues in authoritarian societies? Conventional methods are unable to answer this question because of their difficulty in identifying witnesses, constructing meaningful counterfactuals, and obtaining information on pre-protest political behaviors. In this paper, I examined the impact of 13 protests in Hong Kong from 2012-14 on witnesses from mainland China, using a quasi-experiment design. The design uses geolocated posts from a Chinese social networking site to construct treated groups who were physically close to one of the protests when it occurred, and control groups who already left Hong Kong before the protests occurred and therefore could not witness them. Using difference-in-differences estimators, I find that the protests had a significant causal impact on promoting Chinese witnesses’ intensity of civic engagement. The content of the increased discussions is around civic issues regarding daily lives instead of political democracy. The results are robust in a replication test based on protests in Taiwan and three placebo tests. This paper has implications for the use of social media data to study both authoritarian politics and social movements.
Type 1 Diabetes and Sleep

IN BRIEF In people with type 1 diabetes, sleep may be disrupted as a result of both behavioral and physiological aspects of diabetes and its management. This sleep disruption may negatively affect disease progression and development of complications. This review highlights key research findings regarding sleep in people with type 1 diabetes.
Mechanical Properties of Biomimetic Composites for Bone Tissue Engineering

A biomimetic process involving in situ mineralization of hydroxyapatite (HAP) is used to design new composite biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. Surface and bulk properties of HAP composites have been studied for hydroxyapatite mineralized in absence (ex situ) of polyacrylic acid (PAAc) and in presence (in situ) of PAAc. XRD studies show existence of structural disorder within in situ HAP. It has been observed that PAAc increases the rate of crystallization. FTIR studies indicate calcium deficiency in structure of both in situ and ex situ HAP. PAAc provides favorable sites for nucleation of HAP. During crystallization of HAP, PAAc dissociates to form carboxylate ion, which binds to HAP. Porous and solid composites of in situ and ex situ HAP with polycaprolactone (PCL) in 50:50 ratio have been made to evaluate their applicability as bone scaffold. Mechanical tests on solid samples indicate ex situ HAP/PCL composites have higher elastic modulus (1.16 GPa) than in situ HAP/PCL composites (0.82 GPa). However, in case of porous composites, in situ HAP/PCL composites are found to have higher elastic modulus (29.5 MPa) than ex situ HAP/PCL composites (10.4 MPa). Nanoindentation tests were also performed at different loads to evaluate mechanical properties of the composites. In situ HAP mineralized using non-degradable polymers has thus been shown to improve mechanical response in porous composites.
Silicon Nitride Coatings Formed using the Selective Area Laser Deposition (SALD) Technique

In this paper, the Selective Area Laser Deposition (SALD) technique was used to deposit silicon nitride material from the gas phase. Tetramethylsilane (TMS) and ammonia were chosen as precursors for silicon and nitrogen respectively. Effects of processing temperatures and gas ratios of TMS to total pressure (P TMS + P NH3 ) on the relative amounts of silicon nitride and the growth kinetics were studied. Further, surface morphology and electrical properties of the deposits were also examined. It is found that the as-deposited materials are mainly composed of amorphous phases and the heat-treated samples (at 1500°C for 8hrs) consist of α-Si 3N 4 , α-SiC and β-SiC. The amount of αz-Si 3 N 4 decreases with the increase of the TMS pressure. The volume growth rate of deposits also increases with the TMS pressure. The apparent activation energy for these processes is estimated as 1 OOkJ/mol.
Reflections on Creativity and Madness

The author reflects on the long-assumed relationship between creativity and madness. He comes to the conclusion that, while not a prerequisite, a touch of madness could enhance creativity. He attempts to define creativity and breaks it down into the basic elements of creative person, creative process, and creative product. He touches on the influence of a particular culture on the emergence of creative works.
The Role of United Nations Secretary‐General in the Climate Change Process

Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General (SG) has been visibly engaged throughout the year on preparations for and during the Paris Conference, but his role in contributing to achieving this agreement has been little understood. The SG has no specific mandate to deal with climate change issues. Yet without his intensive engagement it would not have been possible to reach the agreement we had in Paris. The role played by the SG and its outcomes will be the focus of this paper. Particular attention will be paid to events in 2015, but the paper also looks at some earlier events during the entire mandate of this Secretary-General, covering 2007–2016.
Cell Substrate Patterning with Glycosaminoglycans to Study Their Biological Roles in the Central Nervous System

Microcontact printing (μCP) based techniques have been developed for creating cell culture substrates with discrete placement of CNS-expressed molecules. These substrates can be used to study various components of the complex molecular environment in the central nervous system (CNS) and related cellular responses. Macromolecules such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans (PGs), or proteins are amenable to printing. Detailed protocols for both adsorption based as well as covalent reaction printing of cell culture substrates are provided. By utilizing a modified light microscope, precise placement of two or more types of macromolecules by sequential μCP can be used to create desired spatial arrangements containing multicomponent PG, GAG, and protein surface patterns for studying CNS cell behavior. Examples of GAG stripe assays for neuronal pathfinding and directed outgrowth, and dot gradients of PG + laminin for astrocyte migration studies are provided.
Using Giving-Up Densities to Test for Dietary Preferences in Primates: An Example with Samango Monkeys ( Cercopithecus (nictitans) mitis erythrarchus)

Teasing apart the components of diet selection is important for understanding an animal’s ecology. We used giving-up densities (GUDs) in artificial food patches to test whether free-ranging samango monkeys (Cercopithecus (nictitans) mitis erythrarchus) treat food and water as complementary resources and to examine dietary preferences. To assess the influence of water on the value of food, we measured harvest of peanuts from food patches augmented with water. To examine dietary preferences, we measured the harvest of peanuts (as a standard for comparing other food classes), raisins, alfalfa pellets, and either mealworms or cat food mixed into sawdust in separate food patches. In addition, we observed the samangos’ order of selection of each food. To differentiate preference from ease of encounter, we measured selectivity for peanuts in triplets of food patches containing 1) peanuts, 2) peanuts mixed with a test food (raisins, alfalfa, or mealworms), and 3) the test food. Water did not influence samango foraging. After peanuts, the samangos treated alfalfa and raisins as approximately equal. The samangos foraged on mealworms lightly and rejected cat food. When each food was mixed with peanuts, the monkeys exhibited an expanding specialist dietary strategy in which they altered their rates of encounter with their preferred foods at high resource densities. Samango monkeys at our study site are not water limited, they consistently favor high-energy foods, and they least often choose animal protein. We conclude that patch-use experiments coupled with direct observations provide a useful means for examining dietary strategy, food preferences, and water limitation.
Middle English Dictionaries

Comprehensive dictionaries of Middle English only began to be written during the second half of the 19th century, with five appearing, in various states of completeness, before 1900. In 1930 work began at the University of Michigan on the Middle English dictionary, modeled on the Oxford English dictionary; publication in fascicles began in 1952 and was completed in 2001, with a total of nearly 15 000 pages.
Perceptually Based Constraints and Metathesis: Evidence from Artificial Grammar

The present paper explores the role of sonority and other perceptual constraints in governing syllable structure constraints. One of the most important issues in phonology today is the formalization of the phonetic grounding of markedness constraints (Hayes and Steriade 2004). Sonority constraints have been particularly controversial because there is no formalized definition of sonority, but rather several different contributing factors, such as intensity, constriction and formant transitions, that all vary depending on context (Henke, Kaisse, and Wright 2012; Wright 2004). This paper makes use of an artificial grammar learning paradigm, whereby adult English speakers were exposed to a consonant-consonant metathesis pattern that either improved sonority at a syllable boundary, or worsened sonority at a syllable boundary. Learners did not show generalization in line with sonority-based syllable contact laws, but instead showed generalization in accordance with avoidance of a voiced obstruent in coda position, thus supporting a theory of sonority and syllable contact that makes use of the interaction of perceptual cues, rather than a strict, abstract sonority hierarchy.
The Importance of Peer Relations

As many researchers have noted recently, the study of children’s peer relations has not only had a long history but has been the focus of increasing attention as well (e.g., Asher, 1983; Hartup, 1983; Hymel & Rubin, 1985). For example, the proportion of published manuscripts concerning peer relations and social skills in one developmental journal reportedly doubled within the past decade to represent about 22% of the journal’s content (Rubin, 1983). As Hartup (1983) put it, “Although the winds of change were detectable..., no one could have anticipated the surge of interest in peer relations that marked the 1970s (p. 106).” In addition to the marked increase in research in this area, the motivation for studying children’s social status among their peers appears to have changed somewhat as well.
Alternatives to Limb Lengthening

Pelvic tilting can compensate for small differences in limb length. Classically, shoe lifts provide the simplest solution to limb length discrepancy. In growing children, surgically induced growth arrest or retardation of the longer side may equalize limb lengths. In adults, it is possible to shorten the long limb using an intramedullary saw or other techniques. Finally, for major limb deficiencies, amputation may be the only reasonable option. Members of the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society of North America have developed a severity score index and an outcome questionnaire to quantify assessment of the medical literature.
Usefulness of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc Scores for Stroke Prediction in Patients With Cancer and Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke prediction scores have not been validated in patients with cancer and atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to identify unique risk factors and evaluate validity of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores to predict risk of stroke and mortality. A retrospective review of all patients with cancer with pre-existing AF presenting from 2008 to 2014 was performed. Outcomes included ischemic stroke and mortality. Prognostic factors were identified with Fine and Gray regression for stroke and Cox proportional hazards analysis for survival. After excluding patients with hemorrhagic strokes, 2,037 patients were analyzed. Genitourinary cancers were the most common (29%) followed by gastrointestinal cancers (18%). Overall, 52% had CHADS2 ≥2. At a median of 6.4 months, 74 patients (3.6%) developed an ischemic stroke. Increased CHADS2 score was associated with stroke (hazard ratio [HR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19 to 1.67; p <0.001).
Przekonania dotyczące własnego położenia w świecie a problem śpiącej królewny (przeł. Krzysztof Nowicki)

Poza niepewnością co do tego, jaki jest świat, mozna byc takze niepewnym swojego przestrzennego lub czasowgo polozenia w świecie. Celem artykulu jest postawienie problemu wynikającego z polączenia tych dwoch rodzajow niepewności, a nastepnie rozwiązanie go i wyciągniecie dwoch lekcji z tego rozwiązania. Oryginal: „Self-Locating Belief and the Sleeping Beauty Problem”, Analysis 60 (2000), issue 2: 143–147. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/analys/60.2.143. Przeklad za zgodą Autora. Informacje o Tlumaczu: Mgr Krzysztof Nowicki — doktorant na Wydziale Filozofii Katolickiego Uniwersytetu Lubelskiego Jana Pawla II; adres do korespondencji — e-mail: nowicki.krz@gmail.com
Optical Properties of Ion Implanted Indium Tin Oxide Glasses

The optical properties of thin film ITO heat mirror coatings prepared by reactive evaporation followed by ion implantation have been investigated. Reactive evaporation of In-5wt%Sn was found to produce excellent heat mirror films. Samples were then recoil ion implanted into the glass and annealed. The properties of the ion implanted samples were not significantly different from the reactively evaporated samples. Further annealing also did not significantly change the optical nature of such films.
Introduction to Counting Classes

Our interest in nondeterministic polynomial time-bounded Turing machines has been concerned primarily with the question of whether, given an input x, there exists at least one accepting computation. However, this is not entirely so, for the definition of PP is that the majority of computations are accepting. Now we will be interested in the following classes, which use counting explicitly in their definitions.
The general theory of multipliers

Our purpose in this chapter is to present a development of much of the theory of multipliers for Banach algebras. It is neither exhaustive of the material nor is the development the most general one that could be made. Instead we have emphasized the problem of characterizing the multipliers of various abstract Banach algebras.
Filming Frenchtown: Listening to and Learning From Storied Lives

This paper explores how teens used storytelling during a yearlong, extracurricular documentary film project. The project invited a group of 8-12 teens and university researchers to act as visual narrative inquirers in a local historic neighborhood. We explore the role of story, framing our project as a form of engaged pedagogy, and draw connections between storytelling and filming. We conclude that at the heart of the project is a shared dialogue. In this project, the scenario of filming enacted an encounter, and came to life through the stories the teens took in, and the stories they produced in response.
A tetratricopeptide repeat domain protein has profound effects on assembly of periplasmic flagella, morphology and motility of the lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi.

Spirochetes possess a unique periplasmic flagellar motor component called the collar. However, little is known about the composition or function of the flagellar collar proteins. To identify a collar protein, we have inactivated almost all genes annotated as motility-related in the Borrelia burgdorferi genome and identified only FlbB, which comprises the base of the collar. Since the major components of the collar complex remained unidentified, we took advantage of a protein-protein interaction map developed in another spirochete, Treponema pallidum to identify proteins of unknown function that could be collar proteins. Subsequently, using various comprehensive approaches, we identified a tetratricopeptide repeat protein BB0236 as a potential candidate for the collar. Biochemical assays indicated that FlbB interacts with BB0236. Furthermore, ∆bb0236 mutant analyses indicated that BB0236 is crucial for collar structure assembly, cellular morphology, motility, orientation of periplasmic flagella and assembly of other flagellar structures. Moreover, using comparative motor analyses, we propose how the collar structure is assembled in B. burgdorferi. Together, our studies provide new insights into the organization and the complex assembly inherent to the unique spirochetal collar structure.
n-Type Ionic-Organic Electronic Ratchets for Energy Harvesting.

Ionic–organic ratchets are three-terminal electronic devices with asymmetric conductivity of the active layer. These devices are capable of generating useful direct current electrical power by converting electromagnetic noise signals available in any environment. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time an n-type ionic–organic ratchet which can generate a current of up to 7.29 μA and power up to 12.5 μW that exceed the values reported for many of the presently state-of-the-art, p-type organic electronic ratchets. We show that n-type ratchets require elimination of electron traps at the SiO2 surface, which is not required in p-type devices. This can be achieved by using a trap-free passivation layer such as benzocyclobutene, where the traditional silane treatment is insufficient. Chemical doping is employed to further fill electron traps in the channel and increase carrier concentration and mobilities. Scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy studies provide evidence of a pn-like rectifying junction...
Evaluation of wireless network-on-chip architectures with microchannel-based cooling in 3D multicore chips

Abstract Three-dimensional multicore Integrated Circuits (3D ICs) with Network-on-Chip (NoC) based interconnections provide promising solutions to the challenges of footprint, device density and energy cost of on-chip communication. However, the increase in power density in 3D ICs due to reduced footprint aggravates the thermal issues in the chip. Liquid cooling through microfluidic channels can provide cooling capacities required for effective management of chip temperatures in 3D ICs. However, pumping liquid through the microchannels can cause high pressure-drops causing structural instability in the chip. In order to reduce the pressure drops and provide adequate cooling capability, the height and width of the microchannels needs to be increased. This reduces the available floor area of the 3D IC to place and route Through Silicon Vias (TSVs) for data signals through the microchannel walls making the co-design of microchannels and TSVs challenging. Hence, in this paper we evaluate the advantages and discuss the trade-offs of realizing the vertical interconnects for data communication across the cooling layers with on-chip wireless interconnects. We present optimal design for microchannels for cooling 3D multicore chips from a combined perspective of thermal efficiency, flow rate and pressure drop. Based on these designs we discuss the potential of wireless interconnects and demonstrate that a 3D wireless NoC is capable of establishing data communication across the cooling layers with lower energy consumption.
Entomological risk factors for potential transmission of Rift Valley fever virus around concentrations of livestock in Colorado.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) poses a major threat of introduction to several continents, including North America. Such an introduction could cause significant losses to the livestock industry, in addition to substantial human morbidity and mortality. Because of the opportunistic blood host selection of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, we hypothesized that this species could be an important bridge vector of RVFV near feedlots in the event of an introduction. We investigated the mosquito community composition at livestock feedlots and surrounding natural and residential areas to determine differences in mosquito relative abundance and blood feeding patterns attributed to cattle feeding operations. DNA extracted from abdomens of blood-fed mosquitoes were sequenced to determine host identity. Multivariate regression analyses revealed differences between mosquito community assemblages at feedlots and non-feedlot sites (p < 0.05), with this effect driven largely by differential abundances of Aedes vexans (padj < 0.05). Mosquito diversity was lower on feedlots than surrounding areas for three out of four feedlots. Culex tarsalis was abundant at both feedlots and nearby sites. Diverse vertebrate blood meals were detected in Cx. tarsalis at non-feedlot sites, with a shift towards feeding on cattle at feedlots. These data support a potential for Cx. tarsalis to serve as a bridge vector of RVFV between livestock and humans in Colorado.
Radiation damage and annealing of three coaxial n-type germanium detectors: Preparation for spaceflight missions to asteroid 16 Psyche and Mars' moon Phobos

Abstract Three n-type high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors were irradiated with protons at solar and galactic cosmic ray energies, with fluences corresponding to ≥ 3 years of exposure to the interplanetary radiation environment. Following 1 GeV proton irradiations (8 × 108 protons cm−2), annealing of the detectors at 105°and 115 °C resulted in full energy resolution recovery after 240 and 140 h of annealing, respectively. A second irradiation, consisting of 7.25x109 protons cm−2 with a solar-proton-like energy spectrum, resulted in full recovery within
Transfer Hydrogenation with Glycerol as H-Donor: Catalyst Activation, Deactivation and Homogeneity

The title topic has risen to prominence with the increasing availability of the biomass-derived polyol, glycerol. Homogeneous precatalysts, particularly with the precious metals, have taken a role ...
A reference isotope dilution headspace GC/MS method for the determination of nitrite and nitrate in meat samples

A novel method for the determination of nitrite and nitrate in meat products is presented. The samples were ground and extracted in hot water with the presence of 15NO2- and 15NO3- internal standards. The solution was buffered with sodium bicarbonate and reacted with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate to convert nitrite and nitrate into EtNO₂ and EtONO₂. Such derivatives could be detected by headspace GC/MS in positive chemical ionisation mode with 0.05 µg g⁻¹NO2- and 1.0 µg g⁻¹NO3- LOD. The method was used for NO2- and NO3- quantitation in the 0.5‐300 and 2.5‐300 µg g⁻¹ ranges. The method was applied for the analysis of fifteen meat products. Despite minimal sample preparation, the headspace sampling ensured a clean chromatography for over 135 analyses (throughput ten samples per hour). The proposed method offers selective GC/MS detection combined with high‐precision isotope dilution calibration, it is suitable for metrological applications and can support regulations on meat safety (European Commission, 2011).
Amputation Principles and Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

Amputation of an extremity is a common procedure performed for a variety of indications. For lower extremity amputations, certain co-morbid states (peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, etc.), trauma, oncology, and congenital deformities all contribute patients who may require amputation for medical or functional needs. Amputation can be performed at varying levels based on the patient’s need, including partial foot amputation, below-knee or above-knee amputation, or hip disarticulation. Regardless of the reason and site of amputation, there are a set of common principles of amputation that can aid in achieving the best functional outcome for the residual limb [1]. Figure 16.1 summarizes the most common levels of amputation and the most common associated motor nerve targets at each level.
Plasmonics as a fabrication tool

Plasmonic nanolithography is a nanofabrication technique which exploits surface plasmons to generate subdiffraction patterns. In this review, we highlight the key concepts in plasmonic nanolithography, review the pioneering papers and provide a classification that can be useful in determining the proper method and tool for subdiffraction patterning. Considering the ongoing developments in the field of plasmonics, lithography using surface plasmons is an extremely promising approach for development of high-throughput nanofabrication techniques.
Regional Analysis of Coccidioidomycosis Incidence — California, 2000–2018

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) is an infection caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides spp., which usually manifests as a mild self-limited respiratory illness or pneumonia but can result in severe disseminated disease and, rarely, death (1,2). In California, coccidioidomycosis incidence increased nearly 800% from 2000 (2.4 cases per 100,000 population) to 2018 (18.8) (2-4). The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports statewide and county-level coccidioidomycosis incidence annually; however, a comprehensive regional analysis has not been conducted. Using California coccidioidomycosis surveillance data during 2000-2018, age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated, and coccidioidomycosis epidemiology was described in six regions. During 2000-2018, a total of 65,438 coccidioidomycosis cases were reported in California; median statewide annual incidence was 7.9 per 100,000 population and varied by region from 1.1 in Northern and Eastern California to 90.6 in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, with the largest increase (15-fold) occurring in the Northern San Joaquin Valley. When analyzing demographic data, which was available for >99% of cases for sex and age and 59% of cases for race/ethnicity, median annual incidence was high among males (10.2) and Black persons (9.0) consistently across all regions; however, incidence varied among Hispanics and adults aged 40-59 years by region. Tracking these surveillance data at the regional level reinforced understanding of where and among what demographic groups coccidioidomycosis rates have been highest and revealed where rates are increasing most dramatically. The results of this analysis influenced the planning of a statewide coccidioidomycosis awareness campaign so that the messaging, including social media and TV and radio segments, focused not only on the general population in the areas with the highest rates, but also in areas where coccidioidomycosis is increasing at the fastest rates and with messaging targeted to groups at highest risk in those areas.
Transcriptional analysis of muscle tissue and isolated satellite cells in spastic cerebral palsy.

AIM To analyze transcriptomes from muscle tissue and cells to improve our understanding of differences in gene expression and molecular function in cerebral palsy (CP) muscle. METHOD In this case-control study, eight participants with CP (five males, three females; mean [SD] age 14y 2mo [1y 8mo]) and 11 comparison individuals (eight males, three females; mean [SD] age 14y 0mo [2y 6mo]) were enrolled after informed consent/assent and skeletal muscle was obtained during surgery. RNA was extracted from tissue and from primary satellite cells grown to form myotubes in vitro. RNA sequencing data were analyzed using validated informatics pipelines. RESULTS Analysis identified expression of 6308 genes in the tissue samples and 7459 in the cultured cells. Significant differential expression between CP and control was identified in 87 genes in the tissue and 90 genes in isolated satellite cell-derived myotube cultures. INTERPRETATION Both tissue and cell analyses identified differential expression of genes associated with muscle development and multiple pathways of interest. What this paper adds Expression differences were found in muscle tissue and in isolated muscle cells. There was low variability in expression among cells isolated from different muscles. Expression differences suggest complex functional alterations in spastic cerebral palsy.
Digital Literacy Skills for Family History Research

Objective – In this case study, an archivist and librarian teamed up to teach an introductory course on family history research for adult learners at their university’s lifelong learning centre. In response to students’ relative lack of digital skills, the instructors developed a new set of introductory skills that they believe are essential for genealogy research.Methods – Authors conducted pre- and post-course surveys to determine student expectations and the extent to which the course met those expectations. Authors coded one of these surveys.Results – Course assessment and class activities exposed the need for a set of digital skills that go beyond a literacy framework to assist family history researchers. After analyzing key themes found in pre- and post-course assessment, authors developed a new tool for genealogy instructors titled Introductory Digital Skills and Practices in Genealogy (IDSG).Conclusion – Archivist/librarian collaborations are an excellent way to cultivate needs-based teaching and outreach opportunities in our wider communities, particularly for adult learners. The Introductory Digital Skills and Practices in Genealogy tool is meant to inspire and assist other library professionals who want to teach family history research, serving as a reminder to centre teaching tangible digital skills as a focal point of instruction.
Designing an Ethics Curriculum in Obstetrics and Gynecology

In developing an ethics curriculum in obstetrics and gynecology, educators should allow an open exchange of ideas in a nonthreatening setting, engage trainees by providing direct patient contact or small-group discussions, and tailor the program to the institution.
Simulation of fluid percolation in a rough-walled rock fracture

A comparison of experimental and numerical results is presented addressing two-phase immiscible displacement in rough fractures. Quasi-static, capillary displacement in a rough fracture is modeled using the modified invasion percolation approach proposed by Glass et al (1998), and the results are compared against experimental observations obtained from two-phase flow through a rock fracture using x-ray computed-tomography scanning. The model is based on an algorithm seeking the least resistant pathway for the advancement of the invading fluid using the Young-Laplace equation and accounting for local in-plane curvature of the advancing fluid front. The saturation distribution map generated by the model yields good agreement with the experimental phase distribution and presents more realistic phase structures than those obtained from the conventional invasion percolation approach. The improvement in the results obtained with the modified invasion percolation approach is attributed to the contribution of the in-plane curvature term, which captures the effect of regionalized apertures, rather than single-point apertures, on the shape of the invading front. Glass RJ, Nicholl MJ, Yarrington L (1998) A modified invasion percolation model for low-capillary number immiscible displacements in horizontal rough-walled fractures: influence of local in-plane curvature. Water Resour Res 34:3215–3234
Measuring electrophile stress.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are primary targets during oxidative stress. Diffusible electrophilic α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), have been shown to modify proteins that mediate cell signaling and modify gene expression pathways. We describe a global strategy for identifying the protein targets of HNE modification. A similar approach can be used for any electrophiles derived from an oxidized lipid. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 40:17.11.1-17.11.13. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: electrophile; click chemistry; protein modification
A regional study of Holocene climate change and human occupation in Peruvian Amazonia

Aim To investigate the influence of Holocene climatic and human-induced changes on a region of high biodiversity in southern Peruvian Amazonia. Location Four palaeoecological records from separate lakes within a lake district close to the modern city of Puerto Maldonado, Peru. Results The lakes provide a palaeoecological record spanning the last 8200 years. A mid-Holocene dry event is documented in all of the records that extend back > 6000 years. The dry event appears to have lasted from c. 7200 yr bp until c. 3300 yr bp. The onset of wetter conditions coincides with the formation of the youngest of the four lakes. The earliest occupation of these sites is inferred from the presence of charcoal at 7200 yr bp, and the first crop pollen is found at 3630 yr bp. Lakes that were regularly occupied were colonized soon after they formed. A reduction in charcoal concentration and the absence of crop pollen after c. 500 bp in all lakes is consistent with site abandonment following conquest. Main conclusions The mid-Holocene dry event is suggested to be part of a time-transgressive drying that tracked from north to south in both the Andes and the Amazon lowlands. The last millennium may represent the period of highest sustained lake levels within the Holocene. The proximity of the four lakes allows a landscape-scale analysis of the spatial extent of human disturbance centred on a known site of human occupation and reveals the highly localized nature of pre-Columbian anthropogenic disturbance in Amazonian landscapes. Inferences regarding widespread pre-Columbian landscape modification by indigenous peoples must take into account key site attributes, such as seasonality and proximity to rivers.
Towards Pore-Scale Analysis of Preferential Flow and Chemical Transport

Preferential flow is a useful generic term for describing the process whereby water and chemical movement through a porous medium follow favored routes bypassing other parts of the medium. This term does not give any indication of the pore scales involved. Sometimes macropore flow is used to describe preferential flow and this term implies that large pores of some sort are conductive. There is no consensus definition of what constitutes a macropore so one may need to carefully determine what is meant when that term is used.
Vehicle Modelling and Control for Automated Highway Systems

This study evaluates the feasibility of longitudinal control of a platoon of automated vehicles. As a prerequisite to controller design, a nine state nonlinear model including an internal combustion engine, engine transmission dynamics, and tire friction characteristics has been developed. Parametric studies revealed that simple linear models cannot predict the vehicle transients. Due to this highly nonlinear nature of the vehicle, the use of a nonlinear controller was proposed. A nonlinear control strategy using throttle engine control for a platoon of two vehicles was studied using the technique of Sliding Control. In our analysis, the quantities of primary concern are position and velocity tracking errors. Simulation results demonstrate excellent tracking even in the presence of sizable modelling errors and disturbance inputs.
Thyroid hormone modulates the introduction of a stop codon in rat liver apolipoprotein B messenger RNA.

Abstract Apolipoprotein B (apoB) biosynthesis by rat liver was studied following thyroid hormone (3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine) administration to hypothyroid rats. Pharmacologic doses of 3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine caused suppression of apoB100 synthesis but did not affect apoB48 levels. There was no detectable apoB100 synthesis in hyperthyroid rats. To examine whether these results were mediated by the previously demonstrated mechanism of RNA modification (Powell, L. M., Wallis, S. C., Pease, R. J., Edwards, Y. H., Knott, T. J., and Scott, J. (1987) Cell 50, 831-840), the DNA sequence corresponding to the C-terminal end of rat apoB48 was determined from rat liver cDNA clones. Rat cDNAs contained a stop codon at an identical position to that found in human and rabbit apoB48 intestinal cDNA. To quantitate the relative amounts of apoB100 and apoB48 message, cDNA was synthesized from hepatic and intestinal apoB RNA and a 207-base pair fragment amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. The products were then differentially hybridized with oligonucleotides specific for apoB100 (containing CAA) or apoB48 (TAA). Control and hypothyroid liver contained approximately equal amounts of CAA and TAA, while hyperthyroid liver contained greater than 90% TAA. All gut samples contained 94-98% TAA. Genomic DNA from rat liver contained only CAA. The results demonstrate that apoB mRNA modification can be hormonally modulated in the adult rat by induction of a mechanism involving substitution of a stop codon into hepatic apoB100 mRNA.
Mathematical modeling predicts exponential growth of metastases in lymphatic vessels

The lymphatic system is well recognized as an important pathway for cancer dissemination; moreover, many types of cancer can form large lesions in tumor-draining lymphatics and in the lymphatic vessels in distant organs to which they have spread. Involvement of lymphatic vessels with cancer is one of the most important negative prognostic indicators. It is not understood what impact the lymphatic microenvironment has on the growth of metastases. To explain rapid growth of metastases in the lymphatics in the absence of angiogenesis observed in mice and in humans, we have developed a 3D mathematical model of intralymphatic tumor growth. This model is based on deterministic differential equations used to describe avascular tumor growth, adapted to reflect the unique architecture of the lymphatic vasculature. Our model predicts that the cylindrical shape of the lymphatic vessel, which constrains growth of the tumor in two dimensions but allows indefinite growth along the vessel, enables higher oxygen levels throughout the tumor. The greater diffusion coefficient of oxygen in lymph further improves oxygenation of intralymphatic metastases. Improved tumor oxygenation leads to decreased tumor cell death and a rapid increase of metastatic burden in the lymphatics. Importantly, our model predicts that growth of intralymphatic metastases is exponential. This contrasts the established view that all tumors follow Gompertzian growth kinetics. These data explain rapid growth of metastases in the absence of angiogenesis and indicate that the lymphatic niche is a favorable environment for metastatic growth.