cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of Ste20-Related Proline/Alanine-Rich Kinase Exacerbates Experimental Colitis in Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease, mainly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are characterized by epithelial barrier disruption and altered immune regulation. Colonic Ste20-like proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) plays a role in intestinal inflammation, but its underlying mechanisms need to be defined. Both SPAK-transfected Caco2-BBE cells and villin-SPAK transgenic (TG) FVB/6 mice exhibited loss of intestinal barrier function. Further studies demonstrated that SPAK significantly increased paracellular intestinal permeability to FITC-dextran. In vivo studies using the mouse models of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid showed that TG FVB/6 mice were more susceptible to DSS and trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid treatment than wild-type FVB/6 mice, as demonstrated by clinical and histological characteristics and enzymatic activities. Consistent with this notion, we found that SPAK increased intestinal epithelial permeability, which likely facilitated the production of inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, aggravated bacterial translocation in TG mice under DSS treatment, and consequently established a context favorable for the triggering of intestinal inflammation cascades. In conclusion, overexpression of SPAK inhibits maintenance of intestinal mucosal innate immune homeostasis, which makes regulation of SPAK important to attenuate pathological responses in inflammatory bowel disease.
Physical evidence of Quaternary climatic change

Abstract Changes of climate have characterized parts, and at times apparently all, of Earth's surface. Changes that have occurred during the Quaternary period have special significance because, being comparatively recent, they are revealed by physical geologic features that are still at or near the surface, as yet little damaged by erosion. Although some of these features can be interpreted in terms that are broadly quantitative, most are still only qualitative in that they are limited to specifying climatic parameters that are positive or negative relative to those prevailing today in the same area. The common parameters indicated by the physical evidence include temperature (mean annual or summer) and precipitation (mean annual or seasonal). More rarely directions and minimum speeds of effective winds can be specified. A useful basis for reconstructions of former climates is a checklist of the relict geologic features from which climatic inferences can be drawn. Such a list is given here.
MR imaging-guided radio-frequency thermal ablation of the lumbar vertebrae in porcine models.

PURPOSE: To test the hypotheses that (a) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging–guided radio-frequency (RF) thermal ablation of the vertebrae is feasible in porcine models, (b) procedure safety depends on the location of ablation within the vertebra, and (c) MR imaging allows accurate monitoring of induced thermal lesion size and shape. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten percutaneous MR imaging–guided RF thermal ablations were randomized over various lumbar vertebral levels and locations in seven pigs. Animals were followed up for 2, 7, or 14 days before sacrifice. Thermal lesion size and shape as measured on MR images obtained immediately after ablation and at follow-up were compared with gross pathologic findings. Mean absolute differences between lesion diameters at pathologic examination and MR imaging were evaluated by using a paired t test, as were differences between lesion-to-vertebra contrast-to-noise ratios obtained for each sequence. Clinical and imaging data were correlated with histologic findings. RESULTS:...
A transmit-receive spatial amplifier array

A transmit-receive spatial power combining amplifier array is introduced. The amplifier unit cell utilizes one antenna for both transmit and receive modes. Orthogonal ports of a microstrip patch antenna provide isolation between transmitter and receiver ports. Results from a 3/spl times/3 transmit-receive amplifier array design at 10 GHz are presented. The measured gains for transmit and receive modes were 8.2 and 6.9 dB, respectively.
Nonreplicating, Cyst-Defective Type II Toxoplasma gondii Vaccine Strains Stimulate Protective Immunity against Acute and Chronic Infection

Live attenuated vaccine strains, such as type I nonreplicating uracil auxotroph mutants, are highly effective in eliciting lifelong immunity to virulent acute infection by Toxoplasma gondii. However, it is currently unknown whether vaccine-elicited immunity can provide protection against acute infection and also prevent chronic infection. To address this problem, we developed nonreverting, nonreplicating, live attenuated uracil auxotroph vaccine strains in the type II Δku80 genetic background by targeting the deletion of the orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase (OMPDC) and uridine phosphorylase (UP) genes. Deletion of OMPDC induced a severe uracil auxotrophy with loss of replication, loss of virulence in mice, and loss of the ability to develop cysts and chronic infection. Vaccination of mice using type II Δku80 Δompdc mutants stimulated a fully protective CD8(+) T cell-dependent immunity that prevented acute infection by type I and type II strains of T. gondii, and this vaccination also severely reduced or prevented cyst formation after type II challenge infection. Nonreverting, nonreplicating, and non-cyst-forming Δompdc mutants provide new tools to examine protective immune responses elicited by vaccination with a live attenuated type II vaccine.
Flap Endonuclease 1

First discovered as a structure-specific endonuclease that evolved to cut at the base of single-stranded flaps, flap endonuclease (FEN1) is now recognized as a central component of cellular DNA metabolism. Substrate specificity allows FEN1 to process intermediates of Okazaki fragment maturation, long-patch base excision repair, telomere maintenance, and stalled replication fork rescue. For Okazaki fragments, the RNA primer is displaced into a 5′ flap and then cleaved off. FEN1 binds to the flap base and then threads the 5′ end of the flap through its helical arch and active site to create a configuration for cleavage. The threading requirement prevents this active nuclease from cutting the single-stranded template between Okazaki fragments. FEN1 efficiency and specificity are critical to the maintenance of genome fidelity. Overall, recent advances in our knowledge of FEN1 suggest that it was an ancient protein that has been fine-tuned over eons to coordinate many essential DNA transactions.
Use of Culture-Independent Methods to Compare Bacterial Assemblages on Feathers of Crested and Least Auklets (Aethia cristatella and Aethia pusilla) with Those of Passerines

Despite recent interest in the interactions between birds and feather microbes, little is known about the identity of these microbes, and all studies of feather microbes thus far have focused on passerines living in temperate regions. Comparisons of the microbial groups living on different groups of birds may provide valuable insight into the ecological roles microbes play on feathers. We used culture-independent molecular techniques to identify the assemblages of bacteria found on the feathers of two closely related seabirds (Crested and Least Auklets (Aethia cristatella and A. pusilla)) and, for comparison, domestic Chickens (Gallus gallus). Some isolates were found on all three species (as well as on other species, as reported in the literature), while others were only found on Auklets. In particular, bacteria of the cold- and salt-tolerant genus Psychrobacter were only recovered from Crested Auklets. These results suggest that some genera of bacteria may be commonly found on birds, while others may be restricted in their distributions.
Phase II trial of the O6-alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase inhibitor O6-benzylguanine and 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea in advanced melanoma.

Purpose: 1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) induces DNA damage via a chloroethyl adduct at the O 6 position of guanine, which can be repaired by O 6 -alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) expressed in melanoma. We postulated that the addition of O 6 benzylguanine ( O 6 BG), a potent inactivator of AGT, would improve the clinical response to BCNU in melanoma. Experimental Design: Patients had measurable disease, adequate organ function, and a corrected Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) of ≥70% predicted. They were accrued into two cohorts based on prior chemotherapy. O 6 BG (120 mg/m 2 ) was administered i.v. followed by BCNU (40 mg/m 2 ) on an outpatient basis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected pre- and 18 hours post- O 6 BG to analyze AGT depletion. Treatment was every 6 weeks, and clinical response was assessed after every two cycles. Results: Forty-two patients were enrolled, 22 of these patients were chemotherapy-naive. In the chemotherapy-naive cohort, there was a patient with a complete response (CR), 4 with stable disease (SD), 13 with progressive disease (PD), and 4 nonevaluable patients; the median time to progression was 80 days and the median survival was 211 days. In the prior-chemotherapy cohort, there were no responses, 3 SD, 15 PD, and 2 nonevaluable patients; median time to progression was 54 days and median survival was 120 days. AGT was depleted from PBMC in the 15 patients tested. Grades 3 to 4 myelosuppression was seen in 57% of patients; toxicities were similar between the two cohorts. Conclusions: O 6 BG/BCNU was successfully administered on an outpatient basis and depleted AGT from PBMC. However, significant myelosuppression was observed and the clinical outcome was not improved. Alternative mechanisms of resistance to melanoma cell death need to be investigated.
The Role of Ethnic Variation and CKD

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are,” Anais Nin (author, 1903–1977). Advanced CKD is one of the starkest examples of disparities in health conditions, with rates of ESRD for racial/ethnic minorities ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 times those of age-adjusted white counterparts,
Resilience in the Offspring of Depressed Mothers: Variation Across Risk, Domains, and Time

Considerable research has demonstrated that maternal depression is a significant risk factor for emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents (Goodman and Gotlib in Psychol Rev 106:458-490, 1999). It is important to note, however, that most children of depressed parents do not develop problems. This review will examine studies of resilience as they relate to the degree to which positive adjustment occurs across different levels of risk (i.e., severity and chronicity of depression as well as in context of multiple risk factors), domains of adjustment, and time. Understanding the phenomenon of resilience to depression is of critical importance to prevention and intervention experts because it may provide insight into processes that can be enhanced and targeted in prevention approaches among high-risk populations.
Enzymes and Proteins in the Reactions of Oxygen and Oxygen Derivatives

We are here concerned with metalloproteins and metalloenzymes that participate in the reactions of oxygen and its derivatives. Oxygen (dioxygen), as O2, is rather stable; that is, it is kinetically inert despite its biradical character. However, it is potentially a strong oxidant, having a reduction potential of +0.8 V at pH 7. The reduction potentials of oxygen and its derivatives are shown in Table 4-1 and Fig. 3-3. Hydrogen peroxide is also strongly oxidizing; so are the related hydroperoxides ROOH in which R is an organic residue.
Error Analysis in Numbers in the Arabic Language

The Number has not got attention from the Error Analysis researchers, in spite of its importance in Arabic language. It causes a big probl em for both Arabic native speakers and non- native Arabic speakers alike. The non-na tive Arabic speakers are suffering many difficulties in mastering complex number and different rules, including rules consistent and di fferent with limited recall gender-neutral language and discrimination. The outcome showed that the causes of errors were varied, such as: mother tongue interference, inherent difficulty of the Arabic language, overgeneralization, hypercorrection, ignorance of rule restrictions, incomplete application of rules, and the text book. There was overlap between these causes wher e one error may be due to more th an one cause at the same time.
Estimating drug requirements standardized supply of essential drugs in Ghana-2.

In 1981 the drug committee of the Church Hospital Association of Ghana (CHAG) estimated the annual requirements of essential drugs for its 53 church related rural hospitals and health centers. This estimate has been used as a basis for several emergency drug supply programs by means of prepacked standard packages. In this paper a short description of the method of quantifying drug needs is given followed by an evaluation of the method used and a discussion of possible alternatives. The accuracy of the estimates are evaluated in 2 ways. 1st they are compared with the quantities used for prepacked standard kits of essential drugs in use in other countries. 2ndly they are compared with the results of a drug utilization study performed in 1983 among 17 CHAG hospitals and health centers with respect to drug use in 1981 and 1982. These figures show that in regard to the average level of drug quantities the CHAG estimates are higher than most figures from the available literature but show marked similarity with actual drug use among CHAG institutions. 3 different methods of quantifying drug needs have been described: the population method the morbidity method and the consumption method. The consumption method studies the pattern of drug consumption in a number of health institutions in a given area over a given period. These consumption figures can be related to the number of patients treated. The average drug consumption per number of patients can be used as a standard for other institutions or for the region as a whole. For CHAG the consumption method was the only realistic possibility. It has given good results. However the morbidity method is the method of choice for developing countries expecially when drug needs for health centers and dispensaries have to be estimated. As most essential drug programs concentrate on this level of health care this will be the method most frequently used. Where future drug needs have to be estimated for general hospitals the consumption method is the only method that has been used so far and experience in Ghana has shown that it can work.
Fluctuations of the Concentration of “Blood-sugar” in Vitro.

In previous reports we have discussed the behavior of the bloodsugar under various conditions. It was first shown1 that when blood from diabetic dogs was dialyzed against Ringer's solution the sugar dialyzed out at an irregular rate as compared with normal blood containing added glucose. (Hirudin, or novirudin, was used as the anticoagulant in all experiments.) In some instances, and especially when the determinations were made at short intervals, the curves were most irregular, sometimes apparently indicating a formation of sugar under the influence of dialysis. We therefore subjected diabetic blood to short periods of dialysis, after which the blood was transferred to a glass vessel and blood-samples were taken every 15 or 20 minutes. These blood-sugar curves also showed irregularities2; sometimes figures were obtained which exceeded the original values before dialysis. We have since studied this phenomenon further and wish to report the observation that this irregularity following dialysis almost invar...
Effect of aqueous‐based cathode slurry pH and immersion time on corrosion of aluminum current collector in lithium‐ion batteries

Corrosion of aluminum can occur during the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries when using aqueous-based cathode slurries. In exposure tests, the alkaline pH value of aqueous-based cathode slurries and immersing time were revealed as the principle factors that control the corrosion of aluminum during the cathode manufacturing process. The nickel manganese cobalt oxide active material used in the slurry does not have a direct impact on corrosion of the aluminum current collector. The initiation and evolution of localized corrosion on aluminum are closely related to the formation of galvanic cells between aluminum matrix and intermetallic particles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirmed that the pH of cathode slurry was the only factor that alters aluminum surface composition, during which the oxide passive film was gradually degraded into hydroxide. Electrochemical characterizations showed that aluminum electrodes gave remarkably different response to the different pH of test solutions. The time-pH-variant electrochemical response was ascribed to the change of passive film and electric double layer properties.
Mindfulness and the Six Perfections

On the path to awakening, the practice of the perfections (Sanskrit pāramitā and Pāli pāramī) is essential. These central Buddhist practices are taught not only for attaining human happiness or human flourishing and for developing the ideal qualities of a perfected human being but also for achieving the perfectly awakened state of a Buddha. These six practices—generosity, ethical conduct, patience, joyful effort, concentration, and wisdom—are central both to individual awakening and to awakening the world. The perfections are explained individually, but, in practice, they are integrally related. One may emphasize the practice of one perfection at a given time, as bodhisattvas do as they traverse the stages (bhūmi) of the bodhisattva path, but the perfections are not practiced individually in isolation. This chapter discusses the perfections one by one, but it is important to keep in mind that they are indivisibly connected. A major thread in the discussion is to trace the interconnections that exist among the perfections, and the focus that will be used to trace these interconnections is mindfulness.
Exercise during early, but not late abstinence, attenuates subsequent relapse vulnerability in a rat model.

Exercise has shown promise as a nonpharmacological intervention for addiction, with evidence suggesting a potential utility for relapse prevention. In humans, exercise as an intervention is typically introduced well after the initiation of abstinence, yet neurobiological data from preclinical studies suggest that it may be more effective if initiated during early abstinence. Here, using rat models, we determined whether the beneficial effects of exercise on relapse vulnerability depends on when exercise is first initiated, during early versus late abstinence. Once rats (n=47) acquired cocaine self-administration, they were given 24-h access to cocaine (1.5 mg/kg per infusion) under a discrete trial procedure (four infusions per hour) for 10 days. The rats then began a 14-day abstinence period in which they had access (2 h per day) to a locked wheel throughout abstinence (sedentary) or an unlocked wheel during early (days 1–7), late (days 8–14) or throughout (days 1–14) abstinence (n=10–14 per group). Cocaine seeking, as assessed under an extinction/cued-induced reinstatement procedure, was examined on day 15 of abstinence. Exercise beginning during early abstinence robustly attenuated subsequent cocaine seeking, and this effect persisted even when exercise ended on the seventh day of abstinence. In contrast, exercise during late abstinence was not effective and these animals displayed high levels of cocaine seeking similar to those observed in sedentary animals. These results indicate that the timing of exercise availability differentially impacts cocaine seeking with results suggesting that exercise during early, but not late, abstinence may provide long-term protection against cocaine relapse.
MRAM PUF: Using Geometric and Resistive Variations in MRAM Cells

In this work, we have studied two novel techniques to enhance the performance of existing geometry-based magnetoresistive RAM physically unclonable function (MRAM PUF). Geometry-based MRAM PUFs rely only on geometric variations in MRAM cells that generate preferred ground state in cells and form the basis of digital signature generation. Here we study two novel ways to improve the performance of the geometry-based PUF signature. First, we study how the choice between specific geometries can enhance the reliability of the digital signature. Using fabrications and simulations, we study how the rectangular shape in the PUF cells is more susceptible to lithography-based geometric variations than the elliptical shape of the same aspect ratio. The choice of rectangular over elliptical masks in the lithography process can therefore improve the reliability of the digital signature from PUF. Second, we present a MRAM PUF architecture and study how resistances in MRAM cells can be used to generate analog voltage output that are easier to detect if probed by an adversary. In the new PUF architecture, we have the choice between selection of rows and columns to generate unique and hard-to-predict analog voltage outputs. For a 64-bit response, the analog voltage output can range between 20 and 500 mV, making it tough for an adversary to guess over this wide range of voltages. This work ends with a discussion on the threat resilience ability of the new improved MRAM PUF to attacks from probing-, tampering-, reuse-, and simulation-based models.
Efficacy of killing mosquito larvae in stagnant water in disaster areas of Minxian after earthquake

Objective To observe the effect of full coverage spray of 10% high performance cypermethrin suspending agents on killing mosquito larvae in stagnant water in disaster areas and provide the basis for post-earthquake mosquito control.Methods Two sites with stagnant water with high densities of mosquito larvae in Yongxin village were selected as treatment group treated with 500-fold diluted solution of 10% cypermethrin suspending agent and control group without treatment respectively to observe and evaluate the effect of mosquito larvae killing.Results The kill ratio of mosquito larvae reached 99.04% at 10 min and 100% at 60 min after spraying,and was still 100 %at 6 h(360 min) after spraying.Conclusion 500-fold diluted solutions of 10% cypermethrin suspending agent held significant effect on killing mosquito larvae in stagnant water.
Current status of computerized information system for immunization programs in Fengtai district of Beijing

Objective To understand and evaluate current status of computerized information system for the program on immunization in Fengtai district to provide evidence for health administration in formulating related policies.Methods A survey was conducted for vaccine immunization clinics in Fengtai district,Beijing with a uniform questionnaire to learn about their implementation of computerized information system for immunization progrmas.Results The clinics with information about vaccine immunization in pre-school children input into computers and met the criteria by more than 95 percent accounted for 42.9 percent,those met the criteria by 75 percent to 95 percent accounted for 42.9 percent,those met the criteria by 55 percent to 75 percent accounted for 7.2 percent,and those met the criteria by less than 55 percent accounted for 7.1 percent of the total.The clinics with complete information about vaccine immunization in school children input into computers accounted for 89.3 percent,those with part information input accounted for 7.1 percent,and those with none information input accounted for 3.6 percent of the total.Conclusion Computerized information systems at vaccine immunization clinics in Fengtai District now are operated normally,but they should be strengthened further,including training for professionals and building a feasible evaluation system.
Modern Sci-tech and Three Components of Marxism

In the process of founding materialistic views of history and nature, Marx and Engels absorbed the achievements in modern science, especially three discoveries of natural science in the 19th century, and so modern materialism was verified and shown in every realistic science Marx mastered mathematics for his study in political economy, and brought science and technology into his economic analysis In the exposition about the history of socialism, Engels quoted dialectics, which had been demonstrated with modern natural science, to prove the inevitability and rationality of socialism In his viewpoint, the revolution of proletariat should be a result of the industrial revolution
Gene transfer by adenovectors.

C LINICAL GENE THERAPY is going through an uncomfortable adolescence. Many observers have already been disappointed by the lack of clear-cut successes with this strategy. To this sense of frustration has now been added a feeling of dismay because of the death of an 18-year-old with ornithine
Treating Liver Fibrosis: (Re)Programmed to Succeed.

Two papers (Rezvani et al., 2016; Song et al., 2016) in this issue of Cell Stem Cell use transcription-factor-mediated reprogramming to convert liver myofibroblasts into hepatocyte-like cells in mice. Moreover, murine models of fibrotic and cholestatic liver injury were used to demonstrate that this approach has potential for treatment of liver cirrhosis.
Mobility-Shift DNA-Binding Assay Using Gel Electrophoresis

Transcription factors are induced in neurons to alter gene expression to adapt to brain injury caused by exposure to neurotoxins, neurodegeneration disease, or mechanical damage. These DNA-binding proteins bind to specific recognition sequences in the promoter region of genes to regulate transcription. Genes related to both regeneration and degeneration are regulated by transcription factors. Therefore, the fate of a neuron is determined by which transcription factors are expressed within a particular cell.
The Effect of Poverty Alleviation Programmes on Poverty

We now turn to the question of whether some kind of government intervention could be used to modify the incomes of the individuals that suffered welfare deteriorations during liberalization, to revert or at least to compensate for the losses. Similarly to the analysis of the last part of Chapter 3, our aim is to determine if any ways of spreading the benefits from growth can be identified, but here we concentrate on the lower tail of the distribution. It must be stressed that also in this case our aim is only to identify some broad strategies, rather than to suggest specific policies.
A systematic review on the impact of psychotropic drugs on electroencephalogram waveforms in psychiatry

ABSTRACTObjectives: It is known that psychotropic medications have an impact on the readings found in Electroencephalogram (EEG). In the field of psychiatry, there are several psychotropics utilized by clinicians. This review seeks to investigate all the available data for psychotropic drugs and their impact on EEG changes.Methods: A systematic review of all the published and ongoing literature was conducted via PubMed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was used for each search. Key words for searches include ‘EEG and Psychotropics’, ‘EEG and Mood Stabilizers’, ‘EEG and Clozapine’, ‘EEG and Bupropion’, ‘EEG and SSRI’, ‘EEG and Lamotrigine’, ‘EEG and Carbamazepine’, ‘EEG and Lithium’ and ‘EEG and Valproate’, ‘EEG and Haloperidol’, ‘EEG and Aripiprazole’, ‘EEG and Methylphenidate’, ‘EEG and Topiramate’, ‘EEG and Gabapentin’ and ‘EEG and Oxcarbamazepine’. After applying the inclusion criteria, 201 articles were eligible and reviewed.Results: Following an e...
Arthropod trace fossils from the Permian De Chelly Sandstone, northeastern Arizona

Four previously undescribed arthropod trackways from the Lower Permian De Chelly Sandstone of northeastern Arizona are assigned to Paleohelcura and Octopodichnus, originally described from the Coconino Sandstone (Lower Permian) of northeastern Arizona. In addition to P. dunbari and O. minor, a new ichnospecies, O. raymondi, is described. Analysis of the De Chelly specimens, and comparison with similar tracks from the Coconino Sandstone and with experimental traces produced by modern arthropods, clarifies some problems in arthropod trace fossil analysis. The experiments support earlier hypotheses that spiders and scorpions were possible trail makers for the Coconino and De Chelly trackways, and show that features of these tracks can be used to determine direction of movement. These experiments also reaffirm that an animal can produce more than one morphology in a single trackway, patterns that would be classified as two distinct ichnogenera. In addition, the results of this research suggest that the tracks were made on slightly damp sand, and were preserved by being rapidly covered with dry sand.
Autofluorescence hyperspectral imaging of radiofrequency ablation lesions in porcine cardiac tissue

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a widely used treatment for atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Here, we explore autofluorescence hyperspectral imaging (aHSI) as a method to visualize RFA lesions and interlesional gaps in the highly collagenous left atrium. RFA lesions made on the endocardial surface of freshly excised porcine left atrial tissue were illuminated by UV light (365 nm), and hyperspectral datacubes were acquired over the visible range (420–720 nm). Linear unmixing was used to delineate RFA lesions from surrounding tissue, and lesion diameters derived from unmixed component images were quantitatively compared to gross pathology. RFA caused two consistent changes in the autofluorescence emission profile: a decrease at wavelengths below 490 nm (ascribed to a loss of endogenous NADH) and an increase at wavelengths above 490 nm (ascribed to increased scattering). These spectral changes enabled high resolution, in situ delineation of RFA lesion boundaries without the need for additional staining or exogenous markers. Our results confirm the feasibility of using aHSI to visualize RFA lesions at clinically relevant locations. If integrated into a percutaneous visualization catheter, aHSI would enable widefield optical surgical guidance during RFA procedures and could improve patient outcome by reducing atrial fibrillation recurrence.
Resveratrol upregulates SIRT1 and inhibits cellular oxidative stress in the diabetic milieu: mechanistic insights

Oxidative stress is pivotal in diabetic complications. Loss of SIRT1 activity may be associated with diabetes. SIRT1 can regulate FOXO transcription. However, interactions between SIRT1 and FOXO un...
A network congestion management approach considering the risk of cascading failures

This paper proposes a novel congestion management scheme that achieves the best trade-off among operation costs, acceptable levels of congestion and the risk of cascading failures. The proposed scheme manages network congestion at acceptable levels while minimizing the operating costs and risks of cascading failures. The scheme works in two steps: generation rescheduling and load shedding. In the first step, it attempts to reduce congestion through an optimal (lowest fuel cost) rescheduling of generation. If the revised generation schedule fails to reduce congestion, it tries the second step, namely, optimal (minimizing the impact on revenues and customers) load shedding. The scheme employs Particle Swarm Optimization technique to optimize the individual steps and uses Fuzzy Satisfying technique to choose the best solution from the set of Pareto optimal solutions. The proposed system has been evaluated on IEEE 30 and 118 bus test systems. The results of this evaluation are included as well.
Climatology of Philippine tropical cyclone activity: 1945–2011

The Philippine region occupies the southwestern western North Pacific (WNP) Ocean, between 5°–25°N and 115°–135°E. About 70% of WNP tropical cyclones (TCs) formed in or entered the Philippine region during 1945–2011. Here, a climatology of Philippine TC metrics is developed, including mean annual frequencies, landfalls, TC days, season lengths, season earliest and latest start and end dates, genesis locations, and tracks. Two distinct TC seasons, the less active season (LAS; 1 January–31 May) and more active season (MAS; 1 June–31 December), are evident. Philippine TC annual median LAS frequency is 2 [interquartile range (IQR) is 2], and median landfalling frequency is 1. The annual median MAS frequency is 15 (IQR is 4.5), and median landfalling frequency is 6. About 55% of Philippine TCs reach typhoon intensity. A quiescent (TC-free) period occurs between LAS and MAS, ranging from 2 days to 5 months (median 1.2 months) for LAS to MAS transitions, and 6 days to 7 months (median 2.85 months) for MAS to LAS transitions. The interannual variability of the annual average lifetime maximum intensity (LMI) for all TCs and landfalling TCs decreased slightly during the satellite era (the years since 1980). The TC annual average latitude of LMI in the satellite era exhibits a poleward migration; however, for landfalling TCs it is equatorward. Wavelet analysis shows El Nino Southern Oscillation as the dominant mode affecting Philippine TCs, consistent with other studies. The wavelet analysis also indicates possible decadal and multi-decadal modes. In El Nino years, TCs frequently recurve or decay before reaching the Philippine region, producing below normal numbers and landfalls in LAS and MAS. In La Nina years, TC numbers and landfalls are below normal in January–March and July–September, but above normal in April–June and October–December. The climatology developed here has social and economic relevance: allowing planning, providing early risk assessment, and mitigating impacts through timely preparation and management.
In This Issue: Powerful Ideas for Action

This abundant issue of Annals of Family Medicine showcases a plethora of powerful and actionable ideas for improving health, health care, and society. A Perspectives editorial by Romano and Grumbach provides a balanced and powerful reflection on recent events in the United States that echo
Digital vs. optical techniques in synthetic aperture radar data processing

The principal of SAR image-formation is reviewed in preparation for a discussion of both optical and digital processing techniques. The tilted-plane optical-processing approach is presented as being representative of optical techniques. Since the newer digital approaches can take several forms, three classes of digital processors are examined: direct convolution, frequency multiplexing, and frequency analysis of dechirped data. A subjective listing of the relative merits for both processing media is presented. Both are found to be technically viable. The final choice will depend primarily upon the application requirements.
Decision-Making Accuracy of CBM Progress-Monitoring Data:

This study examined the diagnostic accuracy associated with decision making as is typically conducted with curriculum-based measurement (CBM) approaches to progress monitoring. Using previously pub...
Spectrophotometric pH measurements from river to sea: Calibration of mCP for 0 ≤ S ≤ 40 and 278.15 ≤ T ≤ 308.15 K

Abstract The indicator meta-cresol purple (mCP) has been widely used for spectrophotometric pH measurements in seawater and has been recently used in freshwater as well. Previous works have not, however, provided the comprehensive characterization of purified mCP (equilibrium and spectral behavior) required for pH measurements across the full ranges of temperature ( T ) and salinity ( S ) found in temperate estuaries. This work provides, for the first time, a comprehensive S - and T -dependent model for spectrophotometric pH measurements appropriate to freshwater, estuarine water, and seawater. Our model combines previous characterizations of the behavior of (a) purified mCP in pure water ( S = 0), (b) purified mCP in seawater (20 ≤ S ≤ 40), and (c) unpurified mCP at 298.15 K and 0 ≤ S ≤ 40, herein corrected for the effects of impurities. Using the ratio ( R ) of mCP absorbances at 578 nm and 434 nm, the summary equations for calculations of pH on the total proton concentration scale for the conditions of 0 ≤ S ≤ 40 and 278.15 ≤ T ≤ 308.15 K are as follows: p H T = p K I e 2 + log R − e 1 1 − R e 3 e 2 where e 1 = - 0.007762 + 4.5174 x 10 - 5 T e 3 e 2 = − 0.020813 + 2.60262 × 10 − 4 T + 1.0436 × 10 − 4 S - 35 p K I e 2 = 5.561224 − 0.547716 S 0.5 + 0.123791 S − 0.0280156 S 1.5 + 0.00344940 S 2 − 0.000167297 S 2.5 + 52.640726 S 0.5 T − 1 + 815.984591 T − 1 This new model, appropriate for use with purified mCP, produces pH values that are within ± 0.004 of those obtained using previously published data and purified-mCP models for pure water and seawater.
Constance Marks and the Educational Times

From 1902 to 1915, Constance Marks edited the last years of the mathematical department of the Educational Times, a monthly journal that in its over-sixty-year existence published more than 18,000 mathematics questions from amateurs as well as established university mathematicians. Marks carried on her editorial mission until 1918 through the monthly journal entitled Mathematical Questions, with their Solutions in Continuation of the Mathematical Columns of “The Educational Times.” This chapter will give a short history of the Educational Times, and it will explore Marks’ editorial career and her unusual position as a female mathematician and editor of a mathematics journal at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Deep convolutional particle filter for visual tracking

This article proposes a novel framework for visual tracking based on the integration of a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) and a particle filter. In the proposed framework, the position of the target at each frame is predicted by a particle filter according to a motion model. Particles around the predicted position are then used as input to the HCFT CNN-based tracker which adjusts their positions to the most likely target positions. The weights of the particles are then determined using the correlation map of the CNN tracker. Finally, the particles and their weights are used to calculate the position of the target in the current frame. We evaluated the performance of the proposed framework using the Visual Tracker Benchmark v1.0. Our results show that this method improves the performance of HCFT in challenging attributes such as deformation, illumination, out-of-plane and in-plane rotations, as well as overall performance.
Caring for Ms. L. — Overcoming My Fear of Treating Opioid Use Disorder

Caring for Ms. L. Like a swimmer pulled into the undertow, Ms. L. had been dragged back into the cold, dark brine of addiction. But her primary care physician, having chosen not to obtain a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine, referred her to a colleague.
Injectable hydrogels of optimized acellular nerve for injection in the injured spinal cord.

OBJECTIVE Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects a quarter million individuals in the United States, and there is currently no clinical treatment. Both fresh and acellular peripheral nerve grafts can induce spinal axon regeneration and support functional recovery in experimental injury models. Nonetheless, a scaffold that can be injected into a spinal contusion would be far less invasive to apply. We aimed to develop the first injectable acellular nerve graft for promoting repair after contusion SCI. APPROACH We report a method to enzymatically solubilize optimized acellular (OA) nerve-a decellularized peripheral nerve graft developed in our laboratory and currently used clinically-to obtain an injectable solution that undergoes thermal gelation under physiological conditions. We quantified multiple physical and compositional properties of this novel material as well as tested its efficacy at acute and chronic time points following cervical contusion SCI. MAIN RESULTS This injectable optimized acellular (iOA) nerve graft retains native chemical cues such as collagens and glycosaminoglycans. By varying hydrogel concentration, the rheological properties and compressive modulus of iOA were similar to that previous reported for rat central nervous tissue. iOA solution was compatible with rat Schwann cells in culture, and hydrogel injection into a rat cervical contusion model significantly reduced the ratio of M1:M2 macrophages after one week, favoring regenerative phenotypes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, while iOA treatment did not affect locomotor or respiratory recovery over an eight week period, the percentage of axonal coverage increased at the distal tissue interface (p < 0.05), suggesting enhanced axonal extension within this region. SIGNIFICANCE Our data indicate that this novel injectable form of acellular nerve grafts is amenable for use after contusion SCI and may bolster a simultaneous therapy by acutely modulating the inflammatory milieu and supporting axonal growth.
The Legal Implications of the MeToo Movement

This Article examines the implications of the MeToo movement for employment law and employment practices. Employers are likely to face increased liability for harassment, as courts eventually update their standards for what qualifies as “severe or pervasive” harassment, and demand more of employers seeking to establish the Faragher/Ellerth defense. Employers also face greater risks of public scandals, as employees speak out and state legislatures limit the enforceability of non-disclosure agreements. Consequently, employers can be expected to take a more punitive approach to documented instances of harassment. This will not only include termination, but also meaningful intermediate forms of discipline like a demotion or the removal of supervisory responsibilities. To limit their potential liability associated with these more punitive measures, employers are likely to modify standard language in executive employment agreements and privacy policies. Lastly, the Article explores how standard harassment policies may have contributed to the problems exposed by the MeToo movement. The Article advocates for transparent harassment policies that disclose the contextual factors that influence disciplinary decisions. Employers should also draft broader discrimination policies that treat discriminatory and harassing comments by supervisors as a breach of trust. These changes would harmonize employer policies with their underlying litigation risks, and better convey employer expectations in the MeToo era.
Social Loafing (and Facilitation)

The presence of other people can influence an individual's motivation level and task performance. When other people are present as coworkers, individuals often work less hard on the collective task than they would on an individual task, a phenomenon known as social loafing. When other people are present as observers or coactors, individual performance tends to be enhanced on simple or well-learned tasks but reduced on complex or novel tasks, a phenomenon known as social facilitation. Both social loafing and social facilitation have stimulated a large number of empirical studies, and several theories have been proposed to explain each phenomenon.
Competence and Experience

In an earlier report (White, Watts, Kaban, Marmor, Shapiro, & Barnett, 1973), we remarked that the psychological literature (as of 1965) did not contain extensive research findings on the topic of the competent 6-year old. Aside from Lois Murphy’s Sarah Lawrence study (Murphy, 1956), we could find no reports of extensive studies of unusually good development in the first six years of life. (Terman’s studies of gifted children, for example, while of great value for certain purposes, contain little detail about behavior during the first six years of life.) We described briefly how we observed children going about their ordinary activities in nursery schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, etc., and their own homes. Although in that report we described the population on whom we had gathered such data over an 8-month period, we provided less detail than we might have. Recently, for example, a few observers of our work have concluded that our definition of competence seems to be a “middle-class” definition. We have maintained that such is not the case. We have tried to focus on those distinguishing dimensions of competence held in common by children across socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnicity within the limits of our sample size and level of skill.
Simultaneous Dose Reduction and Scatter Correction for 4D Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Four dimensional (4D) X-ray cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can lead to a precise radiation therapy through accurate tumor motion modeling. However, the repeated use of 4D CBCT in a fractional treatment session raises the concern of radiation dose. In addition, the scatter contamination results in shading artifacts and low contrast in reconstructed images if not corrected. In this work, we propose a novel method to use a moving blocker (MB) to achieve the dose reduction and scatter correction simultaneously for 4D CBCT, termed “MB4D”. The lead blocker is placed between the X-ray source and the patient and moving back and forth in a certain direction during the CBCT data collection. Not only is part of radiation blocked, but also the scatter signal can be estimated from the blocked region for scatter correction (SC). The spatial total variation (TV) minimization and motion correlations are used to improve 4D reconstruction with incomplete data and to derive the motion fields. As an initial test of this novel method, we used a simulation study using the 4D non-uniform rational B-spline cardiac-torso (NCAT) phantom. Our results show that with 1/3 dose reduction the proposed MB-4D method can achieve much better image quality than 3D reconstruction with SC (“MB-3D”) and 4D reconstruction without SC (“4D”), measured by structural similarity (SSIM) index, root mean square error (RMSE) of CT numbers, and time attenuation coefficient (TAC) curves.
The physical theory of slope diffraction

The physical theory of diffraction (PTD) has been expanded for the case of slope diffraction, when an incident wave is zero but its derivative is not zero in the direction of a perfectly conducting scattering edge. High frequency asymptotics are found both for elementary edge waves and for the total edge waves scattered by arbitrary curved edges. Great attention is given to fields created by the nonuniform (diffraction) component of edge currents. These fields are usually called ptd corrections to the Physical Optics approach. These corrections are found for diffraction fields in ray regions and in diffraction regions such as the vicinities of shadow boundaries, smooth caustics, and foci.
Contemporary Elitism in Higher Education in the United States: An Issue Scan

This paper outlined the competitive nature of the admissions process of elite schools of higher education in the United States. Highly selective colleges and universities perpetuate social elitism through legacy preferences in admissions, low acceptance rates, and keeping tuition rates steep. Students who attend selective schools for higher education predominately self-identify as being of high socioeconomic status. Admission angst has increased for non-legacy applicants, as fewer spots are available for admittance because of legacy preference. The affluent parent views selective schools as an exclusive brand to validate and perpetuate class status. Wealthier families can afford to send their children to elite K-12 schools, provide tutors and enrichment activities, all to better position their child to eventually attend a highly selective college or university. Elite schools use a meritocratic system to identify the brightest and most talented students, yet most applicants selected for admission are from well-off families.
It's your call

Choice is a defining feature of video games , but Wasteland 3 takes it to extremes: play as a mime artist, say, and you will be stealthy but silent in your striped jumper and face paint. Such flexibility has a price, finds Jacob Aron