cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parameter identification for an autonomous 11/sup th/ order nonlinear model of a physiological process

This paper sets forth and illustrates some techniques for parameter identification (PId) of a nonlinear state model that approximates the dynamical behavior of the humoral immune response of a human to Haemophilus influenzae Type-b. The natural physiological time-separation of the primary, late follicular, and secondary immune responses of this biological process allows one to divide the PId problem into a sequence of smaller PId sub-problems. To reduce the dimension of the PId even further, coupling effects are minimized or eliminated by temporarily replacing variables and/or certain other functions of variables by approximate a priori known time functions called exogenous inputs. This sequence of low dimensional PId problems entails matching a set of one or two parameters at each step to a time-attribute pair defined as a maximum or minimum measured concentration level in a given time window. The identification sub-problem solution reduces to the inverse of an approximate local parameter-to-measurement map. The techniques presented are applicable to other nonlinear systems which exhibit similar time-sequenced properties.
Learning Outcomes Associated with Classroom Implementation of a Biotechnology-Themed Video Game

The educational video game Mission Biotech provides a virtual experience for students in learning biotechnology materials and tools. This study explores the use of Mission Biotech and the associated curriculum by three high school teachers and their students. All three classes demonstrated gains on a curriculum-aligned test of science content. Students from two of the classes showed gains on a standards-aligned test of content; students from the third class did not demonstrate statistically significant gains. This result is attributable to a ceiling effect. The results support the idea that video games can be useful in classroom contexts. No statistically significant changes were found when looking at how the game affected student attitudes toward science and science careers.
Neural Stem Cell Grafting Counteracts Hippocampal Injury-Mediated Impairments in Mood, Memory, and Neurogenesis

The hippocampus is vital for functions such as mood and memory. Hippocampal injury typically leads to mood and memory impairments associated with reduced and aberrant neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. We examined whether neural stem cell (NSC) grafting after hippocampal injury would counteract impairments in mood, memory, and neurogenesis. We expanded NSCs from the anterior subventricular zone (SVZ) of postnatal F344 rat pups expressing the human placental alkaline phosphatase and grafted them into the hippocampus of young adult F344 rats at 5 days after an injury inflicted through a unilateral intracerebroventricular administration of kainic acid. Analyses through forced swim, water maze, and novel object recognition tests revealed significant impairments in mood and memory function in animals that underwent injury and sham-grafting surgery. In contrast, animals that received SVZ-NSC grafts after injury exhibited mood and memory function comparable to those of naive control animals. Graft-derived cells exhibited excellent survival and pervasive migration, and they differentiated into neurons, subtypes of inhibitory GABAergic interneurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte progenitors. Significant fractions of graft-derived cells also expressed beneficial neurotrophic factors such as the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, fibroblast growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, SVZ-NSC grafting counteracted the injury-induced reductions and abnormalities in neurogenesis by both maintaining a normal level of NSC activity in the subgranular zone and providing protection to reelin+ interneurons in the dentate gyrus. These results underscore that early SVZ-NSC grafting intervention after hippocampal injury is efficacious for thwarting mood and memory dysfunction and abnormal neurogenesis.
Measurement of Predation and Biofilm Formation under Different Ambient Oxygen Conditions Using a Simple Gasbag-Based System

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus and Micavibrio aeruginosavorus are Gram-negative bacteria characterized by predatory behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the predators to prey in different oxygen environments. When placed on an orbital shaker, a positive association between the rate of aeration and predation was observed. To further examine the effects of elevated ambient oxygen levels on predation, a simple gasbag system was developed. Using the system, we were able to conduct experiments at ambient oxygen levels of 3% to 86%. When placed in gasbags and inflated with air, 50% O2, and 100% O2, positive predation was seen on both planktonic and biofilm-grown prey cells. However, in low-oxygen environments, predatory bacteria were able to attack only prey cells grown as biofilms. To further evaluate the gasbag system, biofilm development of Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms was also measured. Although the gasbag system was found to be suitable for culturing bacteria that require a low-oxygen environment, it was not capable of supporting, with its current configuration, the growth of obligate anaerobes in liquid or agar medium.
Novel Genetic Tools Reveal Cdk5's Major Role in Golgi Fragmentation in Alzheimer's Disease

Golgi fragmentation is a common feature in multiple neurodegenerative diseases; however, the precise mechanism that causes fragmentation remains obscure. A potential link between Cdk5 and Golgi fra...
Redescription of Protomagalhaensia granulosae Peregrine, 1970 (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinida: Blabericolidae) Parasitizing the Discoid Cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis (Dictyoptera: Blaberidae)

Protomagalhaensia granulosae Peregrine, 1970, is redescribed from the type host, the discoid cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis. Complete morphometric data on all life cycle stages is presented, and P. granulosae is distinguished from other species in the genus and stabilized with the deposition of new voucher specimen material. Species of Protomagalhaensia are distinguished by differences in relative metric ratios, morphology of oocysts, and by relative metric ratios of mature gamonts in association.
Differentiation-dependent responsiveness of bronchial epithelial cells to IL-4/13 stimulation.

The Th2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are thought to play critical roles in the airway inflammation and hyperresposiveness that characterize asthma. Recent evidence indicates that IL-13 ca...
Ontogeny of pancreatic enzymes in larval red drum Sciaenops ocellatus.

The growth, survival and trypsin, lipase and amylase activities of red drum larvae were measured in two experiments. For the first trial, a group was fed live prey only (L) and another group was fed a combination of a microparticulate diet (MPD) and live food (L-MP). For the second growth trial a group fed the MPD only (MP) and a starvation group (ST) were examined in addition to the L and L-MP treatments. Enzyme activities of live prey were measured to estimate their possible contribution to larval digestion. No significant (P > 0.05) differences in final size and survival were observed between treatments L and L-MP. Larvae subjected to starvation or fed the MPD diet alone were smaller than treatments fed live prey and did not survive past days 5 and 14, respectively. Trypsin, lipase and amylase activities were detectable at hatching. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in total enzyme activities among treatments were observed before day 14. Specific activity of trypsin, lipase and amylase peaked on day 3 (prior to first feeding) and subsequently decreased. For trypsin, the percentage of enzyme activity potentially attributable to ingested prey increased with age to a maximum of 17%. For lipase and amylase this fraction was less than 5% throughout the study, except on day 8 (12% and 24%, respectively). The lack of significant differences observed in the activity of digestive enzymes among treatments suggests that dietary regime, availability of prey and possible effects of exogenous enzymes did not significantly influence enzyme activity. Therefore, the lower growth rate observed in the L-MP, MP and starved treatments cannot be attributed to low digestive enzyme production of the enzymes measured. It is more likely that the MPD failed to supply the required nutrients for adequate development.
Application of Fluorescence Technique for Rapid Identification of DOM Fractions in Source Waters

Dissolved organic carbon has been typically used as a measure of organic content in source waters. However, dissolved organic carbon is an aggregate parameter and does not provide information on the organic character of natural organic matter in water. The spectral fluorescent signatures technique coupled with a multiple linear regression model was applied for the rapid identification of six dissolved organic matter (DOM) fractions (hydrophobic acid, hydrophobic neutral, hydrophobic base, hydrophilic acid, hydrophilic neutral, and hydrophilic base) along a major river in a New Jersey watershed. The technique/model enabled rapid spatial and temporal determination for the rapid qualitative and quantitative measurement of the DOM fraction(s) in the river. The analysis of DOM fractions also enables screening of the watershed for variations in humic and nonhumic substances input/output along the reaches.
Determinants of patient preferences for total knee replacement: African-Americans and whites.

Patient preferences contribute to marked racial disparities in the utilization of total knee replacement (TKR). The objectives of this study were to identify the determinants of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients’ preferences regarding TKR by race and to identify the variables that may mediate racial differences in willingness to undergo TKR. Five hundred fourteen White (WH) and 285 African-American (AA) patients with chronic knee pain and radiographic evidence of OA participated in the study. Participants were recruited from the community, an academic medical center, and a Veterans Affairs hospital. Structured interviews were conducted to collect socio-demographics, disease severity, socio-cultural determinants, and treatment preferences. Logistic regression was performed, stratified by race, to identify determinants of preferences. Clinical and socio-cultural factors were entered simultaneously into the models. Stepwise selection identified factors for inclusion in the final models (p < 0.20). Compared to WHs, AAs were less willing to undergo TKR (80 % vs. 62 %, respectively). Better expectations regarding TKR surgery outcomes determined willingness to undergo surgery in both AAs (odds ratio (OR) 2.08, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.91-4.79 for 4th vs. 1st quartile) and WHs (OR 5.11, 95 % CI 2.31-11.30 for 4th vs. 1st quartile). Among AAs, better understanding of the procedure (OR 1.80, 95 % CI 0.97-3.35), perceiving a short hospital course (OR 0.81, 95 % CI 0.58-1.13), and believing in less post-surgical pain (OR 0.73, 95 % CI 0.39-1.35) and walking difficulties (OR 0.66, 95 % CI 0.37-1.16) also determined willingness. Among WHs, having surgical discussion with a physician (OR 1.96, 95 % CI 1.05-3.68), not ever receiving surgical referral (OR 0.56, 95 % CI 0.32-0.99), and higher trust in the healthcare system (OR 1.58, 95 % CI 0.75-3.31 for 4th vs. 1st quartile) additionally determined willingness. Among the variables considered, only knowledge-related matters pertaining to TKR attenuated the racial difference in knee OA patients’ treatment preference. Expectations of surgical outcomes influence preference for TKR in all patients, but clinical and socio-cultural factors exist that shape marked racial differences in preferences for TKR. Interventions to reduce or eliminate racial disparities in the utilization of TKR should consider and target these factors.
Vessel Event Categorization

Vessels arrive or depart a port for other ports as well as inland waterways and offshore, and many different vessels utilize ports, not only the oil and gas industry, so it is necessary to distinguish between vessel classes and destinations to reliably describe activity and usage patterns. Ports represent distinct locations while offshore is a continuous and expansive region. Offshore activity occurs at a specific location, but once a vessel is offshore, movements are complex and unlike airplanes, vessels do not declare their destination(s), and therefore, offshore events need to be inferred. The conceptual framework used to count vessels is outlined and the processing steps required with the automatic identification system data are described. Marine vessels do not always follow well-defined patterns and pathways; additional assumptions are thus required when enumerating events. Some of the rules to categorize and enumerate offshore and onshore events conclude the chapter.
A new Sceloporus magister from eastern Utah

The analysis of the Desert Scaly Lizard, Sceloporus magister Hallowell, by Phelan and Brattstrom (1955), did not include a study of the populations of this species from the Upper Colorado River Basin of southeastern Utah. With a large series of this species available from Kane, Garfield, and Emery Counties, and with comparative material from Washington County, Utah, eastern Nevada, and California, it is apparent that the Upper Colorado River Basin populations represent a subspecies distinct from the populations of the southwest deserts.
Influence of Avian Pancreatic Polypeptide on Pancreatic and Biliary Secretion in Laying Hens

White Leghorn hens, 14 to 29 wk of age, were surgically prepared with cannulae for collecting secretions from the cystic duct and the duct draining the ventral pancreatic lobe and for infusing the jugular vein with avian pancreatic polypeptide (aPP) or saline. A plasma infusion rate that produced a plasma level of 15 ng of aPP/mL was used. A comparison of values obtained during saline infusion with those obtained during aPP infusion indicated that pancreatic and biliary secretory volumes and pancreatic total protein concentration were significantly depressed by aPP. The pH of pancreatic and biliary secretions were not significantly affected by aPP. Because aPP also depresses gastric secretion and motility in hens, it is proposed that its physiological role may be to oppose or modulate the actions of other, stimulatory gastrointestinal hormones.
Role of squamosal suture as a consistent landmark for middle fossa approach craniotomy: an anatomical study.

Objective To establish a consistent surface bony landmark for a middle fossa approach (MFA) lateral craniotomy represented by the squamosal suture (SS). Methods In 60 dried skulls, we assessed the relation between the SS and the external auditory canal (EAC). The lateral portion of the middle cranial fossa floor was also assessed for a possible relation with the anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the squama temporalis (ST). Clinically, we applied our findings on the SS in MFA for different lesions. Results A vertical line at the EAC divided the ST into the anterior part constituting 61% of the APD (i.e., two thirds) and the posterior part forming 39% (i.e., one third). The average ST height was 35.92 mm. The SS posterior limit at the supramastoid crest was located just anterior to the external projection of the petrous ridge in 35 skulls (58%) and exactly corresponded to it in 25 skulls (42%). The APD of the ST equals on average 97% of the APD of the lateral middle cranial fossa. Optimum exposure of the middle fossa was obtained without any further craniotomy extension. Conclusion The SS serves as a consistent natural surface bony landmark for MFA. Optimum craniotomy, two thirds anterior to the EAC and one third posterior, is obtained following SS as a landmark.
Can you perceive ensembles without perceiving individuals?: The role of statistical perception in determining whether awareness overflows access.

Do we see more than we can report? Psychologists and philosophers have been hotly debating this question, in part because both possibilities are supported by suggestive evidence. On one hand, phenomena such as inattentional blindness and change blindness suggest that visual awareness is especially sparse. On the other hand, experiments relating to iconic memory suggest that our in-the-moment awareness of the world is much richer than can be reported. Recent research has attempted to resolve this debate by showing that observers can accurately report the color diversity of a quickly flashed group of letters, even for letters that are unattended. If this ability requires awareness of the individual letters’ colors, then this may count as a clear case of conscious awareness overflowing cognitive access. Here we explored this requirement directly: can we perceive ensemble properties of scenes even without being aware of the relevant individual features? Across several experiments that combined aspects of iconic memory with measures of change blindness, we show that observers can accurately report the color diversity of unattended stimuli, even while their self-reported awareness of the individual elements is coarse or nonexistent—and even while they are completely blind to situations in which each individual element changes color mid-trial throughout the entire experiment. We conclude that awareness of statistical properties may occur in the absence of awareness of individual features, and that such results are fully consistent with sparse visual awareness.
Renal artery reconstruction.

A substantial number of hypertensive patients whose disease is caused by renal ischemia remain untreated because no easy screening technique is available. Pyelograms and arteriography may be used for diagnosis, and results of transaortal endarterectomy or aortorenal bypass using autogenous saphenous vein grafting have been excellent.
Enforcing Patient Copays

The delivery of just health care requires that physicians consider patients' financial circumstances and understand their values, but also that patients make health care a priority.
Abstract 4856: Selective human estrogen receptor partial agonist (ShERPAs) for treatment of tamoxifen-resistant ER+ breast cancer

Estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer represents a significant cause of death among women in the US, which is exacerbated by resistance to 1st line endocrine therapies, notably tamoxifen, which occurs in 50% of patients. Estrogen fuels growth of endocrine-dependent cancers and yet estradiol (E2) and ERa agonist, diethylstilbestrol, were used successfully in the clinic in greats cancer therapy in the 20th century. The side effects associated with these treatments are considered unacceptable, spurring the pursuit of safer, alternative therapeutic agents and the model systems to develop and optimize these agents. Three breast cancer cell lines that demonstrate resistance to tamoxifen and endocrine independence in 2D (MCF-7:5C), or 3D (T-47D:PKCa and T-47D:TAM1) cell cultures; and comparison to the parent endocrine-dependent cell lines provides a set of model systems able to test the hypothesis that a selective estrogen mimic (SEM) will provide a safe, therapeutic approach to ER+ endocrine-independent breast cancer overexpressing the PKCa biomarker. A partial agonist at ERa was selected as such a therapeutic approach: The use of partial agonists will allow us to retain the beneficial properties of E2, while attenuating the unwanted side effects. Selective human Estrogen Receptor Partial Agonists (ShERPAs) were designed, synthesized, and validated, using a combination of time-resolved FRET (TR-FRET) on ERa/SRC3 recruitment, isolated ERa affinity, and cell-based assays. ShERPAs were identified containing novel structures derived from the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) bazedoxifene and raloxifene, and their scaffolds, 3-methylindole and benzothiophene, respectively. Examples with favorable pharmacokinetic properties were validated in xenograft models of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer. Citation Format: Loruhama M. Delgado-Rivera. Selective human estrogen receptor partial agonist (ShERPAs) for treatment of tamoxifen-resistant ER+ breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4856.
Nausea and Vomiting Related to the Central Nervous System Diseases

Nausea and vomiting could result from various central nervous system causes such as migraine, seizures, stroke, infections such as tumor, tumors (primary or metastatic), pseudotumor cerebri, etc. However, our knowledge about the prevalence of nausea and vomiting in various primary central nervous system diseases and their underlying pathophysiology is limited. Similarly, there is paucity of data on improvement in symptoms of nausea and emesis in response to disease-specific treatment of underlying central nervous system disease process. Improved understanding of the pathophysiologic basis of these symptoms in central nervous system diseases has important implications for the exploitation of novel mechanisms or the development of novel therapies for the relief of nausea and emesis.
Intermittent tremor migrations beneath Guerrero, Mexico, and implications for fault healing within the slow slip zone

Slow slip events exhibit significant complexity in slip evolution and variations in recurrence intervals. Behavior that varies systematically with recurrence interval is likely to reflect different extents of fault healing between these events. Here we use high-resolution tremor catalogs beneath Guerrero, Mexico, to investigate the mechanics of slow slip. We observe complex tremor propagation styles, including rapid tremor migrations propagating either along the main tremor front or backward, reminiscent of those in northern Cascadia. We also find many migrations that originate well behind the front and repeatedly occupy the same source region during a tremor episode, similar to those previously reported from Shikoku, Japan. These migrations could be driven by slow slip in the surrounding regions, with recurrence intervals possibly modulated by tides. The propagation speed of these migrations decreases systematically with time since the previous migration over the same source area. Tremor amplitudes seem consistent with changes in the propagation speeds being controlled primarily by changes in the slip speeds. One interpretation is that the high propagation speeds and inferred high slip speeds during the migrations with short recurrence intervals are caused by incomplete healing within the host rock adjacent to the shear zone, which could lead to high permeability and reduced dilatant strengthening of the fault gouge. Similar processes may operate in other slow slip source regions such as Cascadia.
Does Normal Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Rule out Iron Deficiency As a Cause of Normocytic Normochromic Anemia

Background: Normochromic, normocytic anemia is the most frequently encountered type of anemia with a wide differential diagnosis. Iron studies are frequently ordered as part of the anemia work up as iron deficiency anemia could be potentially normocytic and normochromic. Recently reticulocyte hemoglobin has emerged as a marker to help identify early stages of iron deficiency at a time that other traditional biochemical studies for iron deficiency are non-informative. We hypothesize that normal reticulocyte hemoglobin level is a sensitive negative predictor of iron deficiency. Aim:To evaluate whether a normal reticulocyte hemoglobin level can be used to exclude iron deficiency anemia in patients with normocytic normochromic anemia. Methods:We reviewed the results of all hematological tests obtained as a part of hematopathology consults which were requested between January to April of 2016. Electronic medical records were screened for inclusion criteria. We included patient with hemoglobin less than 12g/dl, normal MCV (80-100) and normal reticulocyte hemoglobin level (>31 pg). We calculated the percentage of patients who had normal iron store suggested by ferritin, total iron binding capacity and iron saturation studies. Results:We included 41 patients who has normocytic normochromic anemia with normal reticulocyte hemoglobin level. 39 out of 41 patients have normal iron studies indicating iron deficiency anemia was not the cause of anemia. The overall negative predictive value is 95.1%. Among the two patients whose ferritin levels are mildly decreased, suggesting possible iron deficiency, one patient had a blood transfusion prior to checking reticulocyte hemoglobin level. The other patient donates blood frequently and was started on oral iron supplementation trial without any hemoglobin improvement after two weeks. It appeared that these two patients might not have true iron deficiency. Conclusion: Measurement reticulocyte hemoglobin level can serve as a useful marker to rule out iron deficiency as a cause of normocytic normochromic anemia. Serum Iron and ferritin studies are not indicated in patients with normocytic normochromic anemia with normal reticulocyte hemoglobin. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Trade Dress of a Website

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” In many cases that is true. It is practically a requirement in some circles; high school or Hollywood for example. However, in legal circles, it can generate some serious problems. It can be known by a different name: “infringement” in the case of copyrights or patents, if the imitation goes so far as to take the form of duplication. It can also take on the name, “plagiarism”, which may or may not be copyright infringement but is generally grounds for punishment or ostracism, depending on the nature of the plagiarism and the plagiarized work. A modest but slowing growing number of court cases are exploring a new area where too much imitation is neither flattering nor legal: that of the “look and feel” of an Internet website. In a recent case involving the websites of competing companies in the construction industry, a federal court found that copying the website’s “stylistic choices”, including color, fonts, orientation and arrangement could be a violation of the company’s “trade dress” rights under federal trademark law.
Improved spectral comparisons of paleoclimate models and observations via proxy system modeling: Implications for multi-decadal variability

Abstract The spectral characteristics of paleoclimate observations spanning the last millennium suggest the presence of significant low-frequency (multi-decadal to centennial scale) variability in the climate system. Since this low-frequency climate variability is critical for climate predictions on societally-relevant scales, it is essential to establish whether General Circulation models (GCMs) are able to simulate it faithfully. Recent studies find large discrepancies between models and paleoclimate data at low frequencies, prompting concerns surrounding the ability of GCMs to predict long-term, high-magnitude variability under greenhouse forcing ( Laepple and Huybers, 2014a , 2014b ). However, efforts to ground climate model simulations directly in paleoclimate observations are impeded by fundamental differences between models and the proxy data: proxy systems often record a multivariate and/or nonlinear response to climate, precluding a direct comparison to GCM output. In this paper we bridge this gap via a forward proxy modeling approach, coupled to an isotope-enabled GCM. This allows us to disentangle the various contributions to signals embedded in ice cores, speleothem calcite, coral aragonite, tree-ring width, and tree-ring cellulose. The paper addresses the following questions: (1) do forward-modeled “pseudoproxies” exhibit variability comparable to proxy data? (2) if not, which processes alter the shape of the spectrum of simulated climate variability, and are these processes broadly distinguishable from climate? We apply our method to representative case studies, and broaden these insights with an analysis of the PAGES2k database ( PAGES2K Consortium, 2013 ). We find that current proxy system models (PSMs) can help resolve model-data discrepancies on interannual to decadal timescales, but cannot account for the mismatch in variance on multi-decadal to centennial timescales. We conclude that, specific to this set of PSMs and isotope-enabled model, the paleoclimate record may exhibit larger low-frequency variability than GCMs currently simulate, indicative of incomplete physics and/or forcings.
SEASONAL VARIATION OF NUTRITIONAL HORMONES IN CAPTIVE FEMALE MOOSE

The health status of animals may be inferred from the patterns of hormonal concentrations and other chemical characteristics in blood samples. Baseline endocrine data representing the nutritional and reproductive condition of moose are currently unknown. In this study, we examined the seasonal patterns of 3 nutritional hormones (leptin, ghrelin, insulin-like growth factor-1) in 3 captive, non-pregnant female moose ( Alces alces ) fed a maintenance diet from November to August. Plasma concentrations for leptin, ghrelin, and IGF-1 averaged 1.36 ± 0.81 ng/mL, 0.229 ± 0.110 ng/mL, and 114.0 ± 30.5 ng/mL, respectively; only ghrelin displayed a seasonal change. Plasma ghrelin concentration was significantly elevated ( P < 0.001) during winter months suggesting it may be sensitive to seasonal changes and indicative of nutritional status.
Shared Education Affiliations and Workplace Relationships

Literature on labor markets indicate educational affiliations hold signaling value that affects how individuals and organizations are matched. In this paper we argue that educational affiliations a...
Social Networks among Ministry Relationships: Relational Capacity, Burnout, & Ministry Effectiveness:

Humans, on average, are believed to have the capacity to sustain approximately 150 personal relationships due to social-cognitive limits and time available for relationship investment (Dunbar, 1993...
Developing an Articular Cartilage Decellularization Process Toward Facet Joint Cartilage Replacement

OBJECTIVE: The facet joint has been identified as a significant source of morbidity in lower back pain. In general, treatments have focused on reducing the pain associated with facet joint osteoarthritis, and no treatments have targeted the development of a replacement tissue for arthritic facet articular cartilage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a nonimmunogenic decellularized articular cartilage replacement tissue while maintaining functional properties similar to native facet cartilage tissue. METHODS: In vitro testing was performed on bovine articular cartilage explants. The effects of 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a detergent used for cell and nuclear membrane solubilization, on cartilage cellularity, biochemical, and biomechanical properties, were examined. Compressive biomechanical properties were determined using creep indentation, and the tensile biomechanical properties were obtained with uniaxial tensile testing. Biochemical assessment involved determination of the DNA content, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, and collagen content. Histological examination included hematoxylin and eosin staining for tissue cellularity, as well as staining for collagen and GAG. RESULTS: Treatment with 2% SDS for 2 hours maintained the compressive and tensile biomechanical properties, as well as the GAG and collagen content while resulting in a decrease in cell nuclei and a 4% decrease in DNA content. Additionally, treatment for 8 hours resulted in complete histological decellularization and a 40% decrease in DNA content while maintaining collagen content and tensile properties. However, a significant decrease in compressive properties and GAG content was observed. Similar results were observed with 4 hours of treatment, although the decrease in DNA content was not as great as with 8 hours of treatment. CONCLUSION: Treatment with 2% SDS for 8 hours resulted in complete histological decellularization with decreased mechanical properties, whereas treatment for 2 hours maintained mechanical properties, but had a minimal effect on DNA content. Therefore, future studies must be performed to optimize a treatment for decellularization while maintaining mechanical properties close to those of facet joint cartilage. This study served as a step in creating a decellularized articular cartilage replacement tissue that could be used as a treatment for facet cartilage osteoarthritis.
Una aproximación constructivista a la guerra estadounidense en contra de las drogas

Ante el fracaso de la politica antidrogas estadounidense, este articulo explora las razones por las cuales las diferentes administraciones insisten en su mantenimiento asi como la puesta en marcha ...
Generation of bone marrow and fetal liver chimeric mice

The creation of bone marrow and fetal liver chimeric mice has proven to be a valuable tool in the field of immunology. Chimeric mice are used to study the contribution of various cell types of hematopoietic versus non-hematopoietic origin in the course of an immune response. In this chapter, we describe a detailed method to obtain bone marrow or fetal liver chimeric mice and assess the efficiency of donor cells to repopulate the hematopoietic compartment of recipient mice.
Characteristics of Infant Deaths during Sleep While Under Nonparental Supervision.

Objective To compare risk factors for infant sleep-related deaths under the supervision of parents and nonparents. Study design We conducted a secondary analysis of sleep-related infant deaths from 2004 to 2014 in the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention Child Death Review Case Reporting System. The main exposure was supervisor at time of death. Primary outcomes included sleep position, location, and objects in the environment. Risk factors for parental vs nonparental supervisor were compared using χ2 and multivariable logistic regression models. Risk factors associated with different nonparental supervisors were analyzed using χ2. Results Of the 10 490 deaths, 1375 (13.1%) occurred under nonparental supervision. Infants who died under nonparental supervision had higher adjusted odds of dying outside the home (OR 12.87, 95% CI 11.31-14.65), being placed prone (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.39-1.86) or on their side (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.12-1.62), or being found prone (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.50-2.02). Among infants who died under nonparental supervision, those supervised by relatives or friends were more often placed on an adult bed or couch for sleep and bed sharing (P Conclusions Infants who died of sleep-related causes under nonparental supervision were more likely to have been placed nonsupine. Among nonparental supervisors, relatives and friends were more likely to use unsafe sleep environments, such as locations other than a crib or bassinet and bed sharing. Pediatricians should educate parents that all caregivers must always follow safe sleep practices.
Computation of the timing jitter, phase jitter, and linewidth of a similariton laser

We perform what we believe is the first computational study of phase jitter and comb linewidths in a nonsolitonic fiber laser with large changes in the pulse on each round trip. For fiber lasers operating in or near the similariton regime, we investigate how the pulse parameters and noise performance depend on the system parameters. Across a large dispersion range, the dechirped pulse width, timing jitter, phase jitter, and comb linewidths are smaller when the gain in the optical amplifier is larger. Over a narrow range of negative dispersion values near zero, the timing jitter and comb linewidths are smaller with a wider optical filter. However, with the wider optical filter, the pulse width increases significantly, and the noise performance deteriorates rapidly as the dispersion increases above zero. These trends are in general agreement with experimental studies of timing jitter and the linewidth of the carrier-envelope offset frequency in Yb-fiber lasers and are consistent with the Namiki–Haus theory of timing jitter in a stretched-pulse laser.
OMVPE growth of In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As on InP using tertiarybutylarsine

We have successfully grown bulk In0.53Ga0.47As on InP using tertiarybutylarsine (TBA), trimethylindium and trimethylgallium. The growth temperature was 602° and the V/III ratio ranged from 19 to 38. Net carrier concentrations were 2 – 4 × 1015 cm-3, n-type, with a peak 77 K mobility of 68,000 cm2/V. sec. Increasing compensation was observed in In0.53Ga0.47As grown at higher V/III ratios. PL spectra taken at 5 K revealed strong near bandgap emission at 0.81 eV—with the best sample having a FWHM of 2.5 meV. At lower energies, donor-acceptor pair transitions were evident. Strong and sharp 5 K PL emission was observed from InP/In0.53Ga0.47As/InP quantum wells grown with TBA.
Free Exercise of Religion: A Pragmatic and Comparative Assessment

This short article analyzes the leading free exercise of religion cases from the U.S., South Africa, and Canada. It reveals that the most well reasoned case (from Canada) take an approach that can be called “constitutional pragmatism.” This approach focuses on the factual details of the case, the social and historical context, and the likely consequences. It is also transparent in its justifications and openly balances the various competing factors on both sides of the case. Moreover, the weaker cases utilize more formalistic and abstract reasoning, tend to be overbroad , and therefore produce decisions that create doctrinal tensions with previous precedents. This comparative analysis can provide valuable lessons for religious liberty jurisprudence.
Status of Current Strategies for Growth Regulation

Strategies for the regulation of animal growth have evolved over the last several decades to serve two primary purposes: (1) to increase the efficiency and total amount of meat and milk production, and (2) to improve the nutrient composition of meat animals. The first objective has been pursued with success for over 50 years, providing us with such historical developments as genetic selection for increased rate of gain and improved feed conversion, the use of a large-mature-size breed of sire, the use of nonprotein nitrogen in ruminant diets, the discovery of the growth-promoting effects of antibiotics, antibacterial, and antiparasitic drugs, and more recently the use of the ionophores or rumen modifiers, anabolic and xenobiotic agents. Genetics will probably always be an important aspect of meat animal growth performance, recognizing the value of a diverse gene pool to provide the combination of traits best suited to specific environmental circumstances or specific production requirements. Genetic manipulation now appears to provide great promise for many of the animal science disciplines involved with improving animal performance.
BRAF with or without MEK inhibition plus PD-1 checkpoint blockade for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.

9548Background: The treatment (tx) of metastatic melanoma (MM) has met with considerable advances with the use of targeted therapy such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BRAFi, MEKi) and anti-PD1 (aPD1) ...
Diabetes Is a Risk Factor for Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Infection: Analysis of a Large Statewide Database.

Abstract Introduction Although diabetes mellitus (DM) is often discussed as a risk factor for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) infection, the link between DM diagnosis and IPP infection remains controversial. High-quality population-based data linking DM to an increased risk of IPP infection have not been published. Aim To evaluate the association of DM with IPP infection in a large public New York state database. Methods The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database was queried for men who underwent initial IPP insertion from 1995–2014. Diabetic patients were identified using ICD-9-CM codes. Patients presenting for first operation with diagnosis or Current Procedural Terminology codes suggestive of prior IPP surgery were excluded. Chi-squared analyses were performed to compare infection rates in diabetics and non-diabetics within the pre- and postantibiotic impregnated eras. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to evaluate whether or not DM was independently associated with IPP infection in the time periods before (1995–2003) and after (2004–2014) the widespread availability of antibiotic impregnated penile prostheses. Main Outcome Measure Time to prosthesis infection was measured. Results 14,969 patients underwent initial IPP insertion during the study period. The overall infection rate was 343/14,969 (2.3%). Infections occurred at a median 3.9 months after implant (interquartile ratio: 1.0–25.0 months). Infectious complications were experienced by 3% (133/4,478) of diabetic patients and 2% (210/10,491) of non-diabetic patients (P Conclusion Our analysis supports the notion that DM is a risk factor for IPP infection. This has important implications for patient selection and counseling, and raises the question of whether this increased risk can be mitigated by optimization of glycemic control before surgery. Lipsky MJ, Onyeji I, Golan R, et al. Diabetes Is a Risk Factor for Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Infection: Analysis of a Large Statewide Database. Sex Med 2019;7:35–40.
Variable block-size compressed sensing for depth map coding

Compressed sensing (CS) is the theory and practice of sub-Nyquist sampling of sparse signals of interest. Perfect reconstruction is possible with much fewer than the Nyquist required number of data samples. In this work, we consider a variable block-size CS architecture for fast compression of depth maps for three-dimensional video (3DV) applications. While existing CS-based depth map coding methods encode depth maps with equal block size, the proposed algorithm partitions a depth map into smooth and edge blocks of variable sizes via rate-distortion optimized quad-tree decomposition. CS is then performed on edge blocks, and eight-bit encoding is performed on smooth blocks. At the decoder, high quality depth map reconstruction is achieved by minimizing the spatial total-variation. Experimental results show that at a small extra expense of encoder complexity, the proposed variable block-size compressed sensing has enhanced significantly the rate-distortion performance over existing low-complexity CS-based depth map coding algorithms.
Characterization of Fiber Bragg Gratings using a 3D Quantitative Phase Imaging Approach

Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI) is used to recover 3D refractive index (RI) distributions of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs), revealing high-spatial-frequency patterns. Additionally, quantitative comparisons are made with theoretical calculations.
3D Printing in New York City During the Height of COVID-19: How One Hospital-Based 3D Printing Lab Quickly Pivoted to Create Personal Protective Equipment for Front Line Workers

During the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, there was a large unmet need for personal protective equipment (PPE). The purpose of this chapter is to describe the perspective of a 3D printing lab director and to detail strategies for 3D printing and delivering face shields to front line healthcare workers.
Applying an Intersectional Understanding of Extra Work Behavior and Emotional Exhaustion in Local Public Service

Most diversity management studies focus on the organizational outcomes or individual outcomes that analyze race, gender, and age in the public workforce as separate categories. Less attention, however, has been paid to whether intersectionality shapes employees’ daily workplace experiences. This study theoretically unpacks how the intersection of multiple identities increases the transaction costs inherent to underrepresentation by looking at employee engagement in uncompensated extra-role behaviors and emotional exhaustion. Using a structural equation modelling approach with rich survey data from the Los Angeles city government, the authors find that the extra work experiences of minority employees are not homogenous within racial, gender, or generational groups. Among Black employees, it is women who bear the brunt of extra work burden. Further, among Black women, it is older generations who disproportionately engage in extra work and suffer from emotional exhaustion. Taking an intersectional approach is critical to understanding heterogeneity within groups to (a) help identify the personnel most vulnerable to disproportionate burdens on the job, and (b) subsequently implement the human resource management practices to better support a diverse workforce.
Shared autonomous electric vehicle fleets with vehicle-to-grid capability: Economic viability and environmental co-benefits

Abstract Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) services utilize idle electric vehicle (EV) batteries as distributed energy storage units for the power grid to stabilize the fluctuating demand. The commercial implementation and deployment of V2G services are hindered by concerns about battery degradation, inconvenience, distrust, and further range anxiety, making private mainstream EV owners reluctant to participate in V2G program offered by utilities. The centralized operation and fleet-level ownership of shared autonomous electric vehicles (SAEV) can alleviate these barriers. This paper examines the economic and environmental co-benefits of V2G services in SAEV fleets, using results from operational simulations in a mid-size city (Ann Arbor, MI). We present a life-cycle assessment framework by considering SAEV fleets with 100-mile short-range (SAEV100) and 250-mile long-range (SAEV250) powertrain vehicles and compare the trade-offs of higher vehicle-mile-traveled (VMT) and additional infrastructure requiem nets in the electrified fleet with SAV counterpart. Incorporating a 30-year timeframe, we show that from an economic point of view, the operating cost of the SAEV fleet is 3.4%-8.4% higher than SAV fleet. However, providing V2G service can reduce the cost of SAEV250 fleet by 19.6% compared to SAV fleet by generating revenue, thus making it economically feasible to replace the SAV fleet. We find that on average, V2G service yields a revenue of $2,272 per vehicle annually while saving 66.5 tons of GHG emissions per vehicle per year. We also conduct a thorough sensitivity analysis to quantify the uncertainty of results from key parameters. Finally, we highlight the major opportunities for maximizing the environmental and economic performance of SAEV fleets under the provision of V2G services over the long term.
Immunity of the United Nations

The immunity enjoyed by the United Nations is fundamental to it being able to fulfill the many functions it is assigned under the United Nations Charter. As the responsibilities of the United Nations has expanded over the years, the system of privileges and immunities it enjoys to shelter the Organization from claims in domestic jurisdictions has been subject to challenges. This paper analyzes the practice of the United Nations in dealing with claims against the Organization, including with respect to existing dispute resolution mechanisms within the Organization for addressing such claims, and recent challenges to its immunity, such as claims brought against the Organization by the Mothers of Srebrenica and Haiti Cholera victims.