cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arginine vasopressin increases aquaporin-1 expression and hydraulic conductivity in bovine aortic endothelial cell monolayers

The pressure inside large arteries is typically ~100 mmHg higher than outside of them. This difference, ΔP, drives a flow of plasma, mainly water and advected/swept-along solutes, that would otherwise only transport by (much slower) diffusion [1], across the porous vessel wall. It is natural to ask whether this flow enters the wall across the endothelium solely through inter-endothelial cell (EC) junctions or whether a portion of the water traverses the ECs via membrane proteins from the ubiquitous aquaporin (AQP) family [2]. Belkacemi et al. [3] showed a 5 fold protein expressional change of AQP1 in trophoblast cells after treatment with arginine vasopressin (AVP). We have found conditions under which AVP upregulates the hydraulic conductivity (Lp) of cultured bovine aortic ECs and upregulates their AQP1 expression in vitro. Our next step is to apply this procedure to whole rat aortas ex vivo. Specific Aim 1: Study the differences in water filtration properties of BAEC mono-layers under effects of AVP treatment to upregulate AQP1 expression. (A) Measure and compare the Lp of both treated and untreated monolayers (B) Quantify protein expression change induced by AVP treatment using immunohis-tochemistry, Western Blot and/or with Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (Q-RT-PCR) (for mRNA analysis). (C) Perform solute drag experiment to investigate paracellular transport in treated vs. control BAEC monolayers.
Developmental regulation of ganglioside antigens recognized by the JONES antibody

The JONES monoclonal antibody has been immunocytochemically associated with regions of the developing rat brain where cell and axon migrations are occurring (Mendez-Otero et al., 1986, 1988). In the present study the antigens recognized by the JONES antibody were analyzed in a variety of brain regions and at developmental ages selected to correspond to the preceding immunocytochemical observations. In accordance with earlier results from retina, JONES binding could not be detected in SDS gels from developing brain. Binding of the antibody was, however, prominent in chloroform/methanol extracts of the same tissues, and it was completely removed from tissue sections by brief chloroform/methanol form/methanol treatment. Enzymatic analyses of chloroform/methanol extracts indicated that the JONES epitope was sensitive to neuraminidase but insensitive to proteases. Overlay assays on developed high-performance thin-layer chromatographic plates (HPTLC) indicate that in all regions the JONES epitope resides on 2 or 3 ganglioside bands, depending on the age examined. These bands migrate between ganglioside standards GD 1a and GM2 on HPTLC plates and have been designated GJ1, GJ2, and GJ3, with the higher number designating the more rapidly migrating species. Occasionally, additional bands migrating in the range of polysialogangliosides were observed. The pattern of expression of GJ species was studied in forebrain, retina, and cerebellar tissue taken from embryonic day 18 (E18), postnatal day 0 (P0), P7, P14, and adult animals. Both region-specific differences in the relative prominence of each band and stage-specific differences in the total amount of the JONES gangliosides were detected. The stage- specific differences in the amount of JONES antigens are well correlated with the developmental periods of maximal cell migration in each region. While the JONES gangliosides are most prominent in forebrain before birth, in they are most prominent during the first 2 postnatal weeks. In cerebellum, JONES antigen expression is more pronounced during the 2 periods of cell migration in this tissue. In retina, the more rapidly migrating GJ3 band was the most prominent band at all stages examined, and this same band is retained in the adult. In cerebellum and forebrain GJ3 is also the most pronounced band during development. However, in contrast to the retina, the more slowly migrating GJ1 band is retained in adult forebrain and cerebellum. A variety of non-brain tissues have also been examined for the presence of the JONES antigens.
Computer-based model of epidural motor cortex stimulation: Effects of electrode position and geometry on activation of cortical neurons

highlights Epidural cortical stimulation directly activated cortical neurons at lower amplitudes on the crown and lips of the gyri than on the banks deep in the sulci. Thresholds and sites of action potential initiation depended on stimulation polarity, neuron type, and the location of the neuron. Electrode and lead geometry substantially influenced the patterns and spatial extent of activation in the cortex. abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of electrode placement, geometry, and polarity during epidural cortical stimulation (ECS) on thresholds for direct activation of cortical neurons. Methods: We used a computational model of epidural electrical stimulation of the motor cortex coupled to compartmental models of cortical neurons. Results: Thresholds varied with stimulation polarity and neuron position, and neurons deep within the sulci had much larger thresholds than those on the crowns or lips of the gyri. Axons were more excitable than cell bodies or dendrites. Delivering stimulation with the lead placed above or perpendicular to the sulci resulted in substantial stimulation of the gyri adjacent to the target gyrus. Electrode diameter and inter-electrode spacing influenced thresholds and affected the spread of activation in the cortex. Conclusions: Electrode placement, geometry, and polarity during ECS influence excitation properties of cortical neurons substantially. Significance: Epidural leads have varying geometries, and in clinical studies of ECS the placement of the lead has been inconsistent. These results provide an improved understanding of the effects of electrode placement, geometry, and polarity on the outcome of ECS and can facilitate the rational implantation and programming of ECS systems.
Multi-agent compositional stability exploiting system symmetries

This paper considers nonlinear symmetric control systems. By exploiting the symmetric structure of the system, stability results are derived that are independent of the number of components in the system. This work contributes to the fields of research directed toward compositionality and composability of large-scale system in that a system can be ''built-up'' by adding components while maintaining system stability. The modeling framework developed in this paper is a generalization of many existing results which focus on interconnected systems with specific dynamics. The main utility of the stability result is one of scalability or compositionality. If the system is stable for a given number of components, under appropriate conditions stability is then guaranteed for a larger system composed of the same type of components which are interconnected in a manner consistent with the smaller system. The results are general and applicable to a wide class of problems. The examples in this paper focus on the formation control problems for multi-agent robotic systems.
Is breast cancer a part of Lynch syndrome

A long-standing question is whether breast cancer is an integral part of Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. A recent study by Lotsari and colleagues analyzes molecular features of breast cancers from families with Lynch syndrome, including germline mutation carriers and their non-mutation carrier siblings, and controls with sporadic breast cancer. The study finds microsatellite instability and loss of mismatch DNA repair protein expression in one third and two thirds of Lynch syndrome samples, respectively, but in none of the non-mutation carriers or controls. Overall, the age of diagnosis of breast cancer in Lynch syndrome mutation carriers is no different than that in non-carriers, but diagnosis age was lower in those carriers whose breast tumors exhibited defects in mismatch repair. These results have important implications for genetic counseling and genetic testing of families with breast cancer and other tumors associated with Lynch syndrome, such as colorectal and endometrial cancers.
PRP as a New Approach to Prevent Infection: Preparation and In vitro Antimicrobial Properties of PRP

Implant-associated infection is becoming more and more challenging to the healthcare industry worldwide due to increasing antibiotic resistance, transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria between animals and humans, and the high cost of treating infections. In this study, we disclose a new strategy that may be effective in preventing implant-associated infection based on the potential antimicrobial properties of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Due to its well-studied properties for promoting healing, PRP (a biological product) has been increasingly used for clinical applications including orthopaedic surgeries, periodontal and oral surgeries, maxillofacial surgeries, plastic surgeries, sports medicine, etc. PRP could be an advanced alternative to conventional antibiotic treatments in preventing implant-associated infections. The use of PRP may be advantageous compared to conventional antibiotic treatments since PRP is less likely to induce antibiotic resistance and PRP's antimicrobial and healing-promoting properties may have a synergistic effect on infection prevention. It is well known that pathogens and human cells are racing for implant surfaces, and PRP's properties of promoting healing could improve human cell attachment thereby reducing the odds for infection. In addition, PRP is inherently biocompatible, and safe and free from the risk of transmissible diseases. For our study, we have selected several clinical bacterial strains that are commonly found in orthopaedic infections and examined whether PRP has in vitro antimicrobial properties against these bacteria. We have prepared PRP using a twice centrifugation approach which allows the same platelet concentration to be obtained for all samples. We have achieved consistent antimicrobial findings and found that PRP has strong in vitro antimicrobial properties against bacteria like methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Group A Streptococcus, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Therefore, the use of PRP may have the potential to prevent infection and to reduce the need for costly post-operative treatment of implant-associated infections.
Freshwater Contributions and Nitrogen Sources in a South Texas Estuarine Ecosystem: a Time-Integrated Perspective from Stable Isotopic Ratios in the Eastern Oyster ( Crassostrea virginica )

Freshwater inflows to Texas estuaries vary widely due to regional climate fluctuations and are being substantially altered by human activities. The natural abundance stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in oyster adductor muscle were used to acquire a time-integrated view of freshwater and nitrogen contributions to the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve in South Texas. The study objective was to determine the influence of inputs from the San Antonio and Guadalupe rivers, which deliver approximately 1.6 km3 of water to the mid-Texas coastal region annually. A transect of sampling stations extending from the head of San Antonio Bay (northeast of the Reserve boundary) to the Aransas Pass ship channel (roughly 70 km to the southwest) was visited multiple times between 2009 and 2011. Carbon isotopic values increased from approximately −25 to −17‰ while δ15N values decreased from approximately +16 to +10‰ between the bay and ship channel. This range of carbon isotope values translates into time-integrated freshwater fractions as high as 0.8 (1 = 100% fresh) at the most inland sampling station to freshwater fractions around zero approaching the Gulf of Mexico. Contributions from the San Antonio and Guadalupe rivers to waters of the reserve vary between wet and dry years, but overall, the data suggest that these rivers are persistent and substantial sources of fresh water and nitrogen to the reserve. This study emphasizes the importance of connectivity and lateral exchanges among bays/lagoons when considering potential sources of fresh water and nitrogen that control ecosystem structure and function.
Elucidating the interaction between Ni and CeOx in ethanol steam reforming catalysts: A perspective of recent studies over model and powder systems

Abstract Bulk metallic nickel is a poor catalyst for the reforming of oxygenates being deactivated by the deposition of coke. In contrast, Ni-ceria is an active system for the catalytic extraction of H2 from the ethanol steam reforming reaction (ESR, C2H5OH + 3H2O ↔ 2CO2 + 6H2). Numerous studies, with model (well-defined crystal surfaces) and technical (high surface area powders) catalysts, have been devoted to understand the fundamental role of each catalyst component, the performance of adjacent sites in the metal-oxide interface, and the complex mechanistic steps that convert two oxygenated reactants (ethanol and H2O) into H2. The size and low loading of Ni on ceria facilitate metal-oxide support interactions that probably enhance the reactivity of the system. To establish the precise role of both Ni and Ce is challenging. However it is clear that both Ni and Ce are associated with the dissociation of H2O (OH + H), while ceria readily adsorbs and partially dissociates ethanol (i.e. ethoxy formation). The most difficult step of C C bond dissociation likely occurs only on Ni or at the Ni-Ce interface. H2O and OH remain as important agents for the prevention of excess C build up during the C H/C C dissociation process. Often, deactivation upon C build up, is a direct result of Ni sintering and decoupling of the Ni-Ce interactions. One strategy to maintain good activity and stability is to protect the Ni-Ce interaction, and this can be achieved through the use of solid solutions (Ce1−xNixO2−y) or by employing stabilizing agents such as W (NixWyCezO2). In this article, we present and discuss the most recent work for the ESR reaction and show the important role of ceria which participates directly in the reaction and also enhances catalytic activity through metal-support interactions.
Removal of Spatial and Temporal Alias Artifacts in Format Conversion and Display.

Conversion from interlace to progressive scan usually brings with it the temporal alias that causes interline flicker. Spatially sampled images or images displayed on a Trinatron frequently have moire beats (spatial alias frequencies) between the video, the system clock, and the display sampling structure. This paper will describe ways to prevent these aliases from becoming visible without sacrificing resolution or motion rendition.
Biexciton lineshapes in semiconductor QWs are revealed by cross-polarized 2D Fourier-transform spectroscopy

Real part of cross-polarized 2D Fourier-transform spectra of GaAs QWs show biexciton lineshapes without excitonic many-body effects dominating the spectra. This is the first observation, enabled by an all-optical method for “phasing” the 2DFT spectra.
Composite heat shields revisited

Composite heat shields are multi-staged heat shields. The first stage is used to dissipate kinetic energy during atmospheric entry. The first stage is then jettisoned to expose a second stage optimized for maneuverability. A history is provided of the composite heat shield describing the original concept synthesis and practical problems encountered. A new practical design for a composite heat shield using flight proven hardware is described. To investigate this new design, an atmospheric entry simulation program was written and validated using Viking-I flight data. The atmospheric entry program demonstrated that the new composite heat shield using conventional thermal protection materials is practical for Martian atmospheric entry. Different potential applications for a composite heat shielded spacecraft are considered including a low-cost Mars sample return mission.
Marine Proteomics: A Critical Assessment of an Emerging Technology

The application of proteomics to marine sciences has increased in recent years because the proteome represents the interface between genotypic and phenotypic variability and, thus, corresponds to the broadest possible biomarker for eco-physiological responses and adaptations. Likewise, proteomics can provide important functional information regarding biosynthetic pathways, as well as insights into mechanism of action, of novel marine natural products. The goal of this review is to (1) explore the application of proteomics methodologies to marine systems, (2) assess the technical approaches that have been used, and (3) evaluate the pros and cons of this proteomic research, with the intent of providing a critical analysis of its future roles in marine sciences. To date, proteomics techniques have been utilized to investigate marine microbe, plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate physiology, developmental biology, seafood safety, susceptibility to disease, and responses to environmental change. However, marine ...
On a Necessary and Sufficient Condition for Riemann Integrability

(1977). On a Necessary and Sufficient Condition for Riemann Integrability. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 84, No. 3, pp. 205-205.
Experimental research on out-of-plane responses of reinforced masonry structural walls

In order to study the out-of-plane responses,the simulation of the out-of-plane inertial responses of the wall under the influence of earthquake could be more real by means of potting the high-density cast iron particles in the hollow hole of the reinforced masonry to increase the equivalent density of the material in scale-down model.Based on the results of the similarity relations between the actual wall and the model wall,the earthquake simulating experiments on shaking table are conducted.The resuits show that the compression-bending deformation in the model structure is observed and the construction measures stipulated in current code have remarkable ability to prevent the out-of-plane damage to walls from the fortified earthquake.The wall out-of-plane frequency of vibration is obtained shaking by beating experiment.And the relatively high out-of-plane frequency of vibration is far from the earthquake predominant frequency.The out-of-plane vibration phase between adjacent floors is likely to be homophase or reversal of phase,because the out-of-plane vibration frequencies are various.
Programmed Cell Death in Higher Plants Growth and Development and Morphogenesis

Plant programmed cell death is ubiquitous phenomenon in the development and interactions with the environment of higher plants. PCD is an important component development of root、stem、leaf、flower、fruit、seed and morphogenesis . The paper mainly reviewed characters , forms , biological role of PCD and discussed the function of vacuole.
Design and simulation of composite extrusion forming die for shaft part with profiled hole

The forming process of a transmission shaft part with a square hole on the shaft-end was analyzed,and the blank and a composite extrusion forming die were de signed.By using Deform-3D to establish a three-dimensional plastic finite element model of the part,the forming process was simulated and analyzed on which the die was optimized and improved.
Differences in incomes of physicians in the United States by race and sex: observational study

Objectives To estimate differences in annual income of physicians in the United States by race and sex adjusted for characteristics of physicians and practices. Design Cross sectional survey study. Setting Nationally representative samples of US physicians. Participants The 2000-13 American Community Survey (ACS) included 43 213 white male, 1698 black male, 15 164 white female, and 1252 black female physicians. The 2000-08 Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC) physician surveys included 12 843 white male, 518 black male, 3880 white female, and 342 black female physicians. Main outcome measures Annual income adjusted for age, hours worked, time period, and state of residence (from ACS data). Income was adjusted for age, specialty, hours worked, time period, years in practice, practice type, and percentage of revenue from Medicare/Medicaid (from HSC physician surveys). Results White male physicians had a higher median annual income than black male physicians, whereas race was not consistently associated with median income among female physicians. For example, in 2010-13 in the ACS, white male physicians had an adjusted median annual income of $253 042 (95% confidence interval $248 670 to $257 413) compared with $188 230 ($170 844 to $205 616) for black male physicians (difference $64 812; P Conclusions White male physicians earn substantially more than black male physicians, after adjustment for characteristics of physicians and practices, while white and black female physicians earn similar incomes to each other, but significantly less than their male counterparts. Whether these differences reflect disparities in job opportunities is important to determine.
The ‘Hunt for Noses’: Contextualizing the Woḍeyar Predilection for Nose-cutting

In this article, the evidence of Mysore’s ‘hunt for noses’ within the broader context of nose-cutting in South Asia was examined, namely through the lenses of punishment, humiliation, ritual offerings, and as a military practice.In order to do so, a variety of sources from dharma śastric literature and folk narratives, which mentioned nose-cutting, were briefly examined to provide a fuller picture of the many meanings latent within the practice that associate nose amputation with punishment, and as a public mark of humiliation. The Mysore case, however, does not conform to usual characterization of nose amputation in secondary literature. The practice of nose-cutting in Mysore is shown to contain aspects of these broader connotations, but Mysore’s practice of nose amputation also remains specific to the Mysore context as an amalgamation of the variety of meanings from the broader Indian context with local military and ritual practice. This article, therefore, is an attempt to build a conceptual framework—...
Histology of the Immune Response

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines the discussions held in a workshop conducted to analyze results of experiments conducted to study histology of the immune response. The workshop was concerned with the development of the immune response from the moment of antigen injection until the response dies down. It was observed that antibody may facilitate the follicular localization of antigen either because it is produced locally or because of a special affinity between the surface of dendritic cells and gammaglobulin molecules. Aggregated gammaglobulin localizes strongly in follicles. In a discussion of the eifector cells of antibody synthesis, little attention was paid to the plasma cell, but the lymphoplasmocyte was mentioned as a second cell-secreting antibody. A relatively little-known feature of splenic anatomy was described. The workshop also considered some of the cellular changes in immune inflammation. The workshop seemed to agree that ample opportunity for interaction of B and T cells was provided by their juxtaposition in germinal centers (B) and perifollicular areas (T).
Finance, distribution, and the role of government: heterodox foundations for understanding the crisis

AbstractHeterodox economists have produced important theories and empirical analyses that helped to anticipate the 2007–2009 crisis and to critically evaluate the policies adopted in its wake. This brief note covers three such contributions: Wynne Godley’s analysis of seven unsustainable processes; Hyman Minksy’s work on financial fragility and “big government”; and neo-Kaleckian models of how income distribution affects aggregate demand.
Thinking outside the cube

To my colleagues in economics and political sciences at the Harvard Kennedy School, I am the guy who makes pretty pictures. Although trained as a physicist, I build and design beautiful maps that depict the internal architecture of complex systems in nature and society. These maps, called network visualizations, enable us to transform an amorphous mass of data into colourful and inhomogeneous structures of patterns and connections that are relatively easy for people to recognize and remember. Their complex structure appeals to our pattern-recognizing brains, in sharp contrast to the same data appearing in a spreadsheet or scatter plot.
The loss of a hydrogen bond: Thermodynamic contributions of a non-standard nucleotide

Non-standard nucleotides are ubiquitous in RNA. Thermodynamic studies with RNA duplexes containing non-standard nucleotides, whether incorporated naturally or chemically, can provide insight into the stability of Watson–Crick pairs and the role of specific functional groups in stabilizing a Watson–Crick pair. For example, an A-U, inosine•U and pseudouridine•A pair each form two hydrogen bonds. However, an RNA duplex containing a central I•U pair or central Ψ•A pair is 2.4 kcal/mol less stable or 1.7 kcal/mol more stable, respectively, than the corresponding duplex containing an A-U pair. In the non-standard nucleotide purine, hydrogen replaces the exocyclic amino group of A. This replacement results in a P•U pair containing only one hydrogen bond. Optical melting studies were performed with RNA duplexes containing P•U pairs adjacent to different nearest neighbors. The resulting thermodynamic parameters were compared to RNA duplexes containing A-U pairs in order to determine the contribution of the hydrogen bond involving the exocyclic amino group. Results indicate a loss of 1.78 kcal/mol, on average, when an internal P•U replaces A-U in an RNA duplex. This value is compared to the thermodynamics of a hydrogen bond determined by similar methods. Nearest neighbor parameters were derived for use in free energy and secondary structure prediction software.
How to effectively utilize information to design hyperspectral target detection and classification algorithms

Hyperspectral imagery offers a means of uncovering enormous spectral information that can be used for various applications in data exploitation. How effectively such information is used affects the way image analysis algorithms are designed. In this paper, we take up this issue and focus on algorithms designed and developed for target detection and classification in hyperspectral imagery. In order to effectively characterize the information available before and after the data are processed, the a priori information and a posteriori information are used in accordance with how the information is obtained. A piece of information is referred to as a priori information if it is provided by known knowledge before data are processed. On the other hand, a piece of information is referred to as a posteriori information if it is unknown a priori, but can be obtained directly from the data in an unsupervised fashion during the course of data processing. Since a priori information is known beforehand, it can be further decomposed into two types of information, desired and undesired a priori information. The desired a priori information is the knowledge that will assist, improve and enhance data analysis, whereas the undesired a priori information is the knowledge that hinders, interferes or destructs analysis during data processing. This paper investigates how these three types of information play their roles in design and development of several hyperspectral target detection and classification algorithms. Experiments are also conducted to validate their utility.
Generation-6 hydroxyl PAMAM dendrimers improve CNS penetration from intravenous administration in a large animal brain injury model

Hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) provides neuroprotection during cardiac surgery but entails an ischemic period that can lead to excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and subsequent neurologic injury. Hydroxyl polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers target activated microglia and damaged neurons in the injured brain, and deliver therapeutics in small and large animal models. We investigated the effect of dendrimer size on brain uptake and explored the pharmacokinetics in a clinically-relevant canine model of HCA-induced brain injury. Generation 6 (G6, ~6.7nm) dendrimers showed extended blood circulation times and increased accumulation in the injured brain compared to generation 4 dendrimers (G4, ~4.3nm), which were undetectable in the brain by 48h after final administration. High levels of G6 dendrimers were found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of injured animals with a CSF/serum ratio of ~20% at peak, a ratio higher than that of many neurologic pharmacotherapies already in clinical use. Brain penetration (measured by drug CSF/serum level) of G6 dendrimers correlated with the severity of neuroinflammation observed. G6 dendrimers also showed decreased renal clearance rate, slightly increased liver and spleen uptake compared to G4 dendrimers. These results, in a large animal model, may offer insights into the potential clinical translation of dendrimers.
Comparison of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Isometry between Paired Femoral and Tibial Tunnels.

Accurate tunnel placement is important for a successful anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Controversy exists concerning the preferred method of femoral tunnel preparation, with proponents of both medial portal and transtibial drilling techniques. Current ACL literature suggests that placement of the femoral ACL attachment site posterior or “low” in the ACL footprint leads to more anatomically correct ACL mechanics and better rotational control. There is limited literature focusing on ACL graft displacement through knee range of motion based on specific paired placement of femoral and tibial tunnels. Our purpose was to assess ACL isometry between multiple combinations of femoral and tibial tunnels. We hypothesized that placement of the graft at the posterior aspect of the ACL footprint on the femur would be significantly less isometric and lead to more graft displacement as compared with central or anterior placement. The ACL of matched pairs of cadaveric knees was arthroscopically debrided while leaving the soft tissue footprint on the femur and tibia intact. One knee from each pair underwent notchplasty. In all knees, three femoral and three tibial tunnels were created at the anterior, central, and posterior aspects of the ACL footprint. A suture was passed through each tunnel combination (nine potential pairs), and the change in isometry was measured throughout full knee range of motion. Placement of the femoral tunnel along the posterior aspect of the ACL footprint was less isometric compared with a central or anterior position in the femoral footprint. Placement of a posterior tibial tunnel also led to decreased isometry, but tibial tunnel placement affected isometry to a lesser extent than femoral tunnel placement. The combination of a posterior femoral and posterior tibial tunnel resulted in greater than 1 cm of graft excursion from full flexion to extension. Placement of ACL tunnels at anisometric sites may adversely affect the mechanical properties and behavior of the ACL graft, resulting in either graft laxity in flexion or overconstraint and loss of extension.
Review of Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation for Augmenting Cough after Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a debilitating condition for which there is no cure. In addition to loss of somatic sensorimotor functions, SCI is also commonly associated with impairment of autonomic function. Importantly, cough dysfunction due to paralysis of expiratory muscles in combination with respiratory insufficiency can render affected individuals vulnerable to respiratory morbidity. Failure to clear sputum can aggravate both risk for and severity of respiratory infections, accounting for frequent hospitalizations and even mortality. Recently, epidural stimulation of the lower thoracic spinal cord has been investigated as novel means for restoring cough by evoking expiratory muscle contraction to generate large positive airway pressures and expulsive air flow. This review discusses available preclinical and clinical evidence, current challenges, and clinical potential of lower thoracic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for restoring cough in individuals with SCI.
Tunable crystallization, degradation, and self-assembly of recombinant protein block copolymers

Abstract The self-assembly morphology, crystallization kinetics and thermal degradation process of biopolymers with well-defined amino acid sequences was investigated, using a specially created family of silk-based block copolymers patterned after Nephila Clavipes spider dragline silk. The block copolymers are of the form HBAm (m = 1, 2, 3, 6) and HABn (n = 2, 3) with gradient hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio, where B is a hydrophilic block, A is a hydrophobic block, and H is a histidine-tag. Spider silk films were prepared either from solutions of hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), deionized water or methanol (MeOH) for comparison. Secondary structure and crystallinity of the films were monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy during heating from 30 to 340 °C. Thermal properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Using scanning electron microscopies, micelles were observed in thermally treated films. Fibrillar networks and hollow vesicles were observed in methanol-cast samples, while no micro-structures were formed in HFIP-cast films, indicating that morphology and crystallinity can be tuned by thermal and solvent treatments. Results indicate when we increase the number of repeating unit of A-block in the protein, sample films crystallize more easily. When the volume fraction of A-block increases, the final crystallinity upon thermal treatment increases. Because beta sheets act as cross-linkers between protein chains, the sample films become more thermally stable. Moreover, when samples crystallize, the secondary structure of A-block and B-block is altered in a manner that facilitates formation of bilayer structures which fold into vesicles and tubes during drying.
Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation with left atrial appendage closure.

Abstract Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at risk for stroke and thromboembolism. Oral anticoagulants (OAC) are effective therapies to reduce the risk of stroke; however, these agents also increase the risk of bleeding complications. Concerns over bleeding contribute to significant under treatment and leave a substantial proportion of patients at risk for a serious or life-threatening stroke. Identification of the left atrial appendage (LAA) as the major site of pathogenic thrombus formation in AF patients has led to the development of devices which exclude the appendage from the systemic circulation. These devices offer a potential alternative treatment for some AF patients who cannot tolerate long term OAC. This article will review the pathogenesis of LAA thrombus formation and identify the patient population most likely to benefit from LAA closure devices. Finally, we will review LAA closure techniques (both surgical and percutaneous), evaluate published outcomes data, and discuss the indications and risk/benefit considerations of each approach.
Methane Bubble Size Distributions, Flux, and Dissolution in a Freshwater Lake.

The majority of methane produced in many anoxic sediments is released via ebullition. These bubbles are subject to dissolution as they rise, and dissolution rates are strongly influenced by bubble size. Current understanding of natural methane bubble size distributions is limited by the difficulty in measuring bubble sizes over wide spatial or temporal scales. Our custom optical bubble size sensors recorded bubble sizes and release timing at 8 locations in Upper Mystic Lake, MA continuously for 3 months. Bubble size distributions were spatially heterogeneous even over relatively small areas experiencing similar flux, suggesting that localized sediment conditions are important to controlling bubble size. There was no change in bubble size distributions over the 3 month sampling period, but mean bubble size was positively correlated with daily ebullition flux. Bubble data was used to verify the performance of a widely used bubble dissolution model, and the model was then used to estimate that bubble dissolu...
How Deltas Work: A Brief Look at the Mississippi River Delta in a Global Context

River deltas have been a preferred human habitat due to their high productivity, rich biodiversity, and easy transport along abundant waterways. It has been argued that deltas fostered the development of civilizations. However, deltas are fragile geomorphic features that can change dramatically with modest modifications in environmental conditions. Intensive human development, population growth, and recent global changes are transforming deltas into one of the most endangered coasts. Future preservation of deltas will become increasingly difficult and require developing complex management strategies based on a profound understanding of delta dynamics and history.
Metformin attenuates the Type I Interferon response in human peripheral blood leukocytes.

Metformin (Dimethylbiguanide) is used for controlling blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes, primarily by suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis. Recently, it has drawn attention in a clinical trial (ChiCTR-TRC-12002419) for its ability to reduce disease flares and lower effective prednisone dosage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. We have previously demonstrated that a therapy combining metformin and a glucose inhibitor can reverse lupus in mouse models by normalizing CD4 + T cell metabolism. Studies in mouse and isolated ex vivo human CD4 + T cells have characterized metformin’s capacity to downregulate oxidative metabolism and skew differentiation away from Th1 and Th17 towards a Treg lineage. To investigate the mechanisms by which metformin modulates CD4 + T cells we performed a microarray study of CD4 + T cells from n=5 SLE patients and n = 5 healthy controls (HCs). CD4 + T cells were isolated from subjects and activated (anti-CD3, anti-CD28) in media or 1mM metformin for 24 hr. Multiple ANOVA analysis yielded 1,211 transcripts with a FDR + T cells of both cohorts, but to a greater extent in the HC cohort. Downregulation of ISGs by metformin was validated in primary PBMCs stimulated with IFNα ex vivo by qRT-PCR. Luciferase reporter assays suggest that metformin reduces IL-6-induced activation of STAT3. These experiments provide evidence that the therapeutic potential of metformin in SLE may be multifaceted, including the modulation of type I IFN stimulated genes, as well as STAT3 signaling. Studies are ongoing to characterize the key mediators involved in these pathways.
Neurological adverse events from checkpoint inhibition: A comprehensive review of literature.

62Background: Checkpoint (CTLA-4 & PD-1) inhibitors are the most commonly used anti-cancer immunotherapeutics. Their use is associated with well-documented immune-related adverse events (iAEs), but...
Fundamentals of Image-Based Computational Simulation

In this chapter, we will briefly discuss the acquisition and processing for medical image, introduce image-based computational simulation technique and describe principles of computational fluid dynamics.
A Regularized Algorithm for Solving Two-Stage Stochastic Linear Programming Problems: A Water Resources Example

Stochastic linear programming problems are linear programming problems in which one or more data elements are random variables. Two-stage stochastic linear programming problems are problems in which a first stage decision is made before the random variables are observed. A second stage, or recourse decision, which varies with these observations, compensates for any deficiencies that result from the earlier decision. In this paper, an algorithm for solving stochastic linear programming problems with recourse is presented. Referred to as Regularized Stochastic Decomposition, the algorithm is a major improvement over the original Stochastic Decomposition algorithm. It was developed to be computationally more efficient than the original by introducing a quadratic proximal term in the master program objective function and altering the manner in which the recourse function approximations are updated. The addition of the quadratic regularizing term in the master program objective function justifies a cut dropping scheme that allows one to bound the size of the master programs. The algorithm is applied to a water resources problem assuming continuous random variables.
The demographics, histopathology and patterns of treatment of anal cancer in Connecticut: 1980-2000.

Objectives: Examine the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of anal cancer in the State of Connecticut. Materials and Methods: The Department of Health Connecticut Tumor Registry resources were utilized for the years 1980-2000. Results: A total of 646 anal cancers (410 females, 236 males) were diagnosed (mean age: 63.4 years). The most prominent histological type was squamous cell carcinoma, followed by adenocarcinoma and cloacogenic carcinoma. Females predominated in both the first and second decade of the study period. Black males accounted for 2.3 % of all cases during the first decade, compared to 5% during the second decade. Surgery alone was the most common treatment modality, followed by radiation alone and a combination of surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy data were not available although it is currently considered an important part of therapy. Conclusions: Anal cancer incidence in Connecticut increased in the 21-year period 1980 to 2000, affecting the rate for African-American men more than other race-specific and gender-specific population subgroups. Anal cancer affects women more often than men. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histological type.
LIFE-THREATENING METHEMOGLOBINEMIA CAUSED BY TOPICAL ANESTHETIC GIVEN PRIOR TO TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Methemoglobinemia is a rare but potentially life-threatening medical condition that may occur after use of topical anaesthetics for endoscopic procedures. We present a case of profound, life-threatening methemoglobinemia following minimal dose of benzocaine topical spray for transesophageal
Distribution of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup b (NmB) vaccine antigens in meningococcal disease causing isolates in the United States during 2009-2014, prior to NmB vaccine licensure.

Abstract Objectives Two Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (NmB) vaccines are licensed in the United States. To estimate their potential coverage, we examined the vaccine antigen diversity among meningococcal isolates prior to vaccine licensure. Methods NmB vaccine antigen genes of invasive isolates collected in the U.S. from 2009–2014 were characterized by Sanger or whole-genome sequencing. Results During 2009-2014, the predominant antigen types have remained similar to those reported in 2000-2008 for NmB and 2006-2008 for NmC, NmY, with the emergence of a few new types. FHbp of subfamily B or variant 1 (B/v1) remained prevalent among NmB whereas FHbp of subfamily A or variant 2 and 3 (A/v2-3) were more prevalent among non-NmB. FHbp peptide 1 (B24/1.1) remains the most prevalent type in NmB. Full-length NadA peptide was detected in 26% of isolates, primarily in NmB and NmW. The greatest diversity of NhbA peptides was detected among NmB, with p0005 as the most prevalent type. Conclusions The prevalence and diversity of the NmB vaccine antigens have remained stable with common antigen types persisting over time. The data collected prior to NmB vaccine licensure provide the baseline to understand the potential impact of NmB vaccines on antigen diversity and strain coverage.
Call Me Angakkuq: Captain George Comer and the Inuit of Qatiktalik

Through many years of dedicated fieldwork in the Canadian Arctic, Captain George Comer laid a solid foundation for the future of museum anthropology. With the support of Franz Boas, Captain Comer—a New England whaling master with little formal schooling—assembled an extensive collection of Inuit ethnographic and archaeological artifacts, photographs, sound recordings, and natural history specimens for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, as well as major museums in Berlin, Ottawa, and Philadelphia. This article examines a remarkable segment of that collection, the production of Inuit facial casts—portraits of over two hundred men, women, and children—created by Comer at Qatiktalik (Cape Fullerton), a whaling site on the west coast of Hudson Bay. In tandem with photographs taken by Comer, Geraldine Moodie, and others at the time, these facial casts comprise a vital chapter of Inuit social history, preserving the memory of individuals and families who lived, worked, and traded at Qatiktalik. Accompanied by detailed biographical documentation prepared by Captain Comer, this extraordinary collection acknowledges the significance of personhood, a key concept in modern anthropological theory, and provides meaningful insight into the early social, cultural, and political history of Nunavut in the Canadian Arctic.
What Can Patient Safety Teach Us About Clinician Burnout

Lessons learned from patient safety initiatives may be applied to reducing clinician burnout and alleviating the current crisis. Research on burnout has focused primarily on hospitals and trainees....
A resilience assessment of an interdependent multi-energy system with microgrids

Multi-energy systems (MES) depend on various energy sources to supply reliable and constant energy for our daily activities. The interdependencies between various energy sources could cause the MES...
Entomological Investigation Detects Dengue Virus Type 1 in Aedes ( Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) during the 2015-16 Outbreak in Hawaii

A dengue outbreak occurred on Hawaii Island between September 2015 and March 2016. Entomological investigations were undertaken between December 2015 and February 2016 to determine which Aedes mosquito species were responsible for the outbreak. A total of 3,259 mosquitoes were collected using a combination of CDC autocidal gravid ovitraps, Biogents BG-Sentinel traps, and hand-nets; immature mosquitoes were collected during environmental surveys. The composition of species was Aedes albopictus (58%), Aedes aegypti (25%), Wyeomyia mitchelli (7%), Aedes vexans (5%), Culex quinquefasciatus (4%), and Aedes japonicus (1%). Adult mosquitoes were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of dengue virus (DENV) RNA. Of the 185 pools of female mosquitoes tested, 15 containing Ae. albopictus were positive for the presence of DENV type 1 RNA. No virus was detected in pools of the remaining species. Phylogenetic analysis showed the virus strain belonged to genotype I and was closely related to strains that were circulating in the Pacific between 2008 and 2014. This is the first report of detection of DENV in Ae. albopictus from Hawaii.
How much is too much? Multidisciplinary management of elderly early-stage breast cancer (BC) patients.

e12525Background: Optimal approach to early-stage breast cancer (BC) management in women ≥70y is unclear. Studies have demonstrated improved local control but no survival advantage with use of radi...
How BEACON Shaped my Research and Career Trajectory

This chapter reports on my graduate study experience, from having little background in computational biology and bioinformatics to a PhD studying hostmicrobe interactions and the microbiome. As a first-generation Latina college student, the financial, academic, and professional support provided by the BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action was instrumental in allowing my journey and growth in the PhD program. BEACON is an excellent example of a Center that has programming initiatives that truly support students and do increase diversity and inclusion.