cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidation level changes in radiation sterilized ultra high molecular weight polyethylene [medical implant material application]

Summary form only received as follows: The objective of this study was to monitor the change in oxidation levels of radiation sterilized ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with time. Specimens of UHMWPE were packaged in air and sterilized at 2.5 megarads or 3.7 megarads using a commercial cycle. Control specimens from the same lot of material which were not sterilized were monitored over the same time period. Each sample was sectioned upon receipt to produce three 100 /spl mu/m thick specimens which were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy. Spectra were collected at 100 /spl mu/m increments using a vernier stage and adjustable slit aperture. The initial surface oxidation levels were 300% greater than control samples for both radiation levels. After 12 months of storage, additional samples were prepared and examined. Samples irradiated at 3.7 megarads in air showed an additional 500% increase in surface oxidation which extended 200 /spl mu/m into the material. For the sample irradiated at 2.5 megarads a 300% additional increase in oxidation level was found on the surface but the oxidation level was only 170% greater at 200 /spl mu/m. These results suggest that radiation sterilized UHMWPE undergoes significant increases during storage. Oxidation of radiation sterilized UHMWPE implants may have a significant impact on the bearing properties of these materials.
Application interval and concentration affect nursery crop response to cyclanilide.

Abstract Cyclanilide (CYC) is a bioregulator that promotes the development of lateral shoots in ornamental and fruit tree crops, potentially reducing the need for mechanical pruning during nursery production. In 2006, three foliar applications of 200 ppm CYC applied at a 1, 2, or 3 week application interval increased shoot counts of ‘Diana’ sasanqua camellia, ‘Sky Pencil’ holly, and ‘Snow White’ Indian hawthorn when compared to pruned and unpruned controls. However, application interval had no effect on shoots counts in holly or camellia and minimal effect in Indian hawthorn. Foliar injury to Indian hawthorn was severe, regardless of application interval. In 2007, three applications of 50 or 100 ppm CYC were applied at a 1, 3, or 6 week interval to ‘Sky Pencil’ holly and ‘Snow White’ Indian hawthorn. At 120 to 150 days after initial treatment (DAIT), shoot counts in both species increased with application interval, and all CYC-treated plants formed more new shoots than controls. Transitory injury to new g...
Estuarine turbidity maxima revisited: Instrumental approaches, remote sensing, modeling studies, and new directions

Abstract Estuarine turbidity maxima (ETM) are zones of elevated sediment concentration that often occur in coastal plain, salt wedge, and river-dominated estuaries, where they influence the morphodynamic development, biogeochemical cycling, and contaminant redistribution of these systems. In this review, we examine recent advances in in situ and remote sensing techniques that can be used to improve our understanding of ETM, summarize recent theoretical and numerical modeling results, and define a series of research questions for the next decade. New acoustic configurations and instruments have the potential to address gaps in current observational capabilities and understanding, for example by providing better definition of vertical and horizontal sediment fluxes. Higher resolution (meter scale) ocean color remote sensing will allow visualization of small-scale features such as frontal boundaries and turbulent eddies in a manner that has not previously been possible. Increasing spectral resolution in ocean color images will allow development of improved algorithms to quantify sediment concentrations remotely. Additionally, the in-water optical techniques used to validate and develop algorithms for ocean color remote sensing can be adapted to estuaries, and are often amenable to rapid survey modes of deployment. In sum, these techniques provide opportunities to improve ETM models and theory. Recent theoretical analyses of the profiles of velocity and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in estuaries, integral analyses of ETM SSC conservation, and numerical model studies provide important insights into the response of ETM to external forcing and the mechanisms behind ETM particle trapping. However, existing studies produce more questions than answers. For example, it is still not possible to predict, except in very general terms, what trapping mechanisms will be active in different kinds of estuaries, and whether multiple ETM can be expected. The role of nonstationarity, extreme events, and climate change (e.g., mean sea level (MSL) rise and altered flow regimes) on ETM dynamics have not been systematically investigated, and feedbacks between anthropogenic influences and other system changes remain poorly understood. We summarize possible future analysis paths in terms of 10 research questions.
Acoustics of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Eight stereotypic sounds of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) are distinguished: 1) bleat, 2) distress call, 3) nursing whine, 4) grunt, 5) alert-snort, 6) footstomp, 7) snort-wheeze, and 8) aggressive snort. Only the grunt was associated with both dominant-subordinate and cohesive behavior. The grunt, alert-snort, footstomp, snort-wheeze, and aggressive snort originated from yearling and older deer. The nursing whine was heard only from fawns, and the bleat was emitted only by fawns and juveniles. The distress call was made by both sexes of juveniles and adults. Twelve voice parameters, expressing unique phonetic qualities of distress calls from 10 neonatal fawns, allowed significant discrimination of individual fawns, sibling pairs, and between sex and weight.
Probing the mechanisms underlying the mitigation of cognitive aging with anodal transcranial direct current stimulation.

Meinzer et al. (J Neurosci 33: 12470–12478, 2013) have recently reported that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) mitigates age-related cognitive changes. Simultaneous measuremen...
Epidemic characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease in Meizhou city from 2010 to 2011

Objective To investigate the epidemic characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Meizhou city and to provide scientific basis for HFMD control and treatment. Methods Stool samples from the sentinel surveillance hospitals were collected in Meizhou city from 2010 to 2011. The total intestinal virus, EV71 and CoxA16 nucleic acid were examined by real-time RT-PCR. Results 255 stool samples were collected.The detection rate of the total intestinal virus, EV71 and CoxA16 was 72.55%, 40.39%, and 11.37%, respectively. The difference in EV71 and CoxA16 nucleic acid detection rate was significant (χ2=55.97,P0.01). The peak incidence was between May and July.The detection rate of the total intestinal virus in the male subjects was higher than the female. However, the detection rate of EV71 and CoxA16 in the male subjects was similar to the female subjects (P 0.05). Conclusion EV71 was the major epidemic pathogens causing HFMD in Meizhou city from 2010 to 2011.We should strengthen the monitoring of HFMD, and further study the epidemic characteristics of HFMD.
Regional Capital Gains,Capital Construction and Industrial Spatial Differentiation

Based on the theory of new economic geography,this paper set up a multi region constructed capital model which discusses the relationship between regional capital gains,capital construction and industrial spatial differentiation from the point of theory and empirical analysis,considering that as the market size,enterprise labor productivity,industrial product price index and free-ness of trade increase,the regional capital gains may increase,and that means the further expansion of local comparative market size and the home market amplification effects result in the further concentration of firms,and then the further gains of regional capital and appears of industrial spatial differentiation.
Mechanical and physical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) microfibers fabricated by a microfluidic approach

A microfluidic platform was used to fabricate continuous and non-rounded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microfibers. We showed that the size and cross-section of the PVA fibers can be controlled by changing the PVA concentration in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and flow rate ratio between the core and sheath fluids. The PVA concentration was varied from 6% to 12%, and the sheath-to-core flow rate ratio used for this study was in the range of 500 : 5 to 500 : 20. The aspect ratio of the fibers became larger when the PVA concentration increased and the flow rate ratio decreased. Additionally, we simulated the microfluidic fiber fabrication process and the results were consistent with the experimental results. The dissolution of the PVA fibers fabricated with different characteristics was also studied. It was shown that increasing the PVA concentration and decreasing the flow rate ratio increased the dissolution time of the fibers in DI water. A tensile test was conducted to obtain the stress–strain curves for different types of fibers. The results showed that a wide range of mechanical properties can be achieved by changing the PVA concentration and the flow rate ratio. The increase of PVA concentration from 6% to 12% enhanced the tensile stress at break and Young's modulus by a factor of 4.9 and 2.02, respectively. The mechanical strength of the fibers was shown to drop when the flow rate ratio decreased.
Mucin degradation in human colon ecosystems. Fecal population densities of mucin-degrading bacteria estimated by a "most probable number" method.

Abstract Bacteria in anaerobic human fecal cultures degrade the oligosaccharide and protein moieties of gut mucin glycoproteins, but most bacterial isolates from feces are unable to degrade mucin. In order to define better the bacterial populations that degrade gut mucins we have estimated their population densities in feces of 11 healthy subjects by a "most probable number" method. Tenfold serial dilutions of fresh feces were prepared, and triplicate cultures were inoculated with from 10 −6 g to 10 −11 g feces into an anaerobic medium containing 2 mg/ml hog gastric mucin. The most probable number per gram dry fecal weight of (a) total bacteria, (b) facultative anaerobes, (c) mucin oligosaccharide-degrading bacteria, and (d) mucin protein-degrading bacteria was estimated from the frequency of bacterial growth and mucin degradation among the triplicate cultures at each level of fecal inoculum. Mucin-degrading bacteria were present in feces from every subject. The mean ± SD log 10 most probable number of both mucin oligosaccharide-degrading and of mucin proteindegrading bacteria was 8.7 ± 0.8, whereas the log 10 most probable numbers of total bacteria and of facultative anaerobes were 10.7 ± 0.5 and 7.8 ± 1.1, respectively. There was no relationship between the presence of facultative anaerobes and mucin degradation. The most probable number of mucin-degrading bacteria was generally stable over periods of up to 19 mo in 6 subjects, but occasional fluctuations of up to 1000-fold were observed. We conclude that mucin glycoproteins in the human gut are degraded by bacterial subpopulations that average 1% of total fecal bacteria in healthy subjects. Thus, they may be regarded as one or more functionally distinct subsets of the normal fecal microflora.
High-Temperature Study of 2-Methyl Furan and 2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran Combustion

The ignition behavior of methyl furan (2-MF) and methyl tetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) is investigated using the shock tube technique. Experiments are carried out using homogeneous gaseous mixtures of fuel, oxygen, and argon with equivalence ratios, ϕ, of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 at average pressures of 3 and 12 atm over a temperature range of 1060–1300 K. In addition to ignition delay time measurements, fuel concentration time histories during ignition and pyrolysis of 2-MTHF are obtained by means of laser absorption spectroscopy using a He–Ne laser at a fixed wavelength of 3.39 µm. With respect to ignition delay times, it is observed that under similar conditions of equivalence ratio and argon/oxygen ratio (D), 2-MTHF has longer ignition delay times than 2-MF at 3 atm. In addition, 2-MTHF has longer ignition delay times than 2-MF at higher temperatures for the case of 12 atm and under the same conditions of ϕ and D. The higher reactivity of 2-MF, as indicated by shorter ignition delay times, is attributed to differences in chemical structure, whereby weaker C–H bond sites are more readily susceptible to radical attack than in 2-MTHF. It is observed that ignition delay times of 2-MTHF decrease with increasing equivalence ratio at 12 atm for fixed argon/oxygen ratio. Ignition delay times are compared with model predictions using recent chemical kinetic models of both fuels, showing that both models generally predict shorter ignition delay times than measured. The relatively higher absorption cross section of 2-MTHF at 3.39 µm allows for its concentration time histories to be determined and compared to model predictions. In line with the observed discrepancy in ignition predictions, predicted 2-MTHF concentration profiles are such that the fuel is shown to be more rapidly consumed than observed in the experiments. The study advances understanding of the combustion chemistry of these cyclic ethers that are potential alternative fuels.
Spatially Directed Proteomics of the Human Lens Outer Cortex Reveals an Intermediate Filament Switch Associated With the Remodeling Zone.

PURPOSE To quantify protein changes in the morphologically distinct remodeling zone (RZ) and adjacent regions of the human lens outer cortex using spatially directed quantitative proteomics. METHODS Lightly fixed human lens sections were deparaffinized and membranes labeled with fluorescent wheat germ agglutinin (WGA-TRITC). Morphology directed laser capture microdissection (LCM) was used to isolate tissue from four distinct regions of human lens outer cortex: differentiating zone (DF), RZ, transition zone (TZ), and inner cortex (IC). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) of the plasma membrane fraction from three lenses (21-, 22-, and 27-year) revealed changes in major cytoskeletal proteins including vimentin, filensin, and phakinin. Peptides from proteins of interest were quantified using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry and isotopically-labeled internal peptide standards. RESULTS Results revealed an intermediate filament switch from vimentin to beaded filament proteins filensin and phakinin that occurred at the RZ. Several other cytoskeletal proteins showed significant changes between regions, while most crystallins remained unchanged. Targeted proteomics provided accurate, absolute quantification of these proteins and confirmed vimentin, periplakin, and periaxin decrease from the DF to the IC, while filensin, phakinin, and brain acid soluble protein 1 (BASP1) increase significantly at the RZ. CONCLUSIONS Mass spectrometry-compatible fixation and morphology directed laser capture enabled proteomic analysis of narrow regions in the human lens outer cortex. Results reveal dramatic cytoskeletal protein changes associated with the RZ, suggesting that one role of these proteins is in membrane deformation and/or the establishment of ball and socket joints in the human RZ.
Effect of convergence angle on impactor performance

ABSTRACTTwo nozzles, modified and original, were tested in a sampler that was placed in a wind tunnel and penetration efficiencies, √Stk50, and slope of the performance curve were determined by challenging the sampler with fluorescent-tagged monodisperse test aerosol particles having known concentration. It was shown that a change in convergence angle of the modified nozzle can affect impactor performance. The √Stk50 for original and modified nozzles were 0.57 and 0.49, respectively. The slope of the efficiency curve for original and modified nozzles was 1.52 and 1.36, respectively.© 2017 American Association for Aerosol Research
Influences of Culture on Transfer Price Negotiation

Abstract Luft and Libby (1997) posit that American transfer price negotiators tend to settle on prices that result in smaller differences in profit between divisions than the external market price will dictate. They attribute the results to a fairness effect. While fairness is present in all cultures, what is considered “fair” differs between cultures (Bian & Keller, 1999; Bolton et al., 2009; Gao, 2009; Surowiecki, 2009). This study ascertains whether cultural affiliation of the negotiator impacts this fairness effect. American and Chinese subjects participated in within-culture and cross-cultural negotiations in an experiment modeled after Luft and Libby (1997). Our results confirm Luft and Libby's (1997) fairness effect when American participants negotiate with each other, but illustrate a contrary effect when Chinese participants negotiate with each other. The negotiator's cultural affiliation is found to determine profit distribution in cross-cultural negotiations. These findings are consistent with longstanding theories of cultural traits (Hofstede, 1980) that are relevant to transfer price negotiation activities. Our results imply that the fairness effect in transfer price negotiation may need to be refined to account for the impact of culture.
The disconnect between tax laws, public opinion and taxpayer compliance: a study of the taxation of gambling winnings

The taxation of gambling winnings was considered unfair to taxpayers and regressive. The tax reporting intentions of casino patrons are rarely based on legal requirements, but instead on the amount of winnings and perception of tax laws. The underreporting of tax liabilities contribute to the 'tax gap'. This study examines materiality, casino patrons' tax knowledge, perception of taxation and perception of taxation of winnings as predictors of tax reporting intentions. Using regression, these variables contribute to predictive models of tax reporting intentions. The study found that materiality, overall tax perception and tax knowledge were significant predictors. The perception of the taxation of winnings was not a significant to the model. This study adds to tax evasion and compliance literature by providing information about the reporting intentions of casino patrons. A unique dataset using respondents that have not previously been included in tax studies was developed for the study.
Prognose Mittelfristiger Marktpotentiale in der Automobilindustrie

This paper contains elements and structures of the VW mean-term forecasting-system. The mathematical model is based on multiple regression analysis.
Safe reactor depressurization windows for BWR Mark I Station Blackout accident management strategy

Abstract In order to evaluate the effectiveness of reactor depressurization within accident mitigation strategy and how to avoid core damage during Station Black-Out accident in a BWR Mark I plant, a GOTHIC model has been developed to support characterization of reactor safety systems performance. The GOTHIC model provides seamless coupled simulations of the reactor coolant system and the containment system. In this study, the time intervals (also called “safe reactor depressurization windows”) to initiate the reactor depressurization in order to optimize the early cooling strategy by injecting fire water and avoid clad failure are studied based on the decay heat removal capability of the reactor vessel coolant. This concept is instructive for the operation of the safety systems during the SBO accident mitigation. Sensitivity studies of several key parameters like reactor power, mass flow rates through RCIC system and fire water injection, and full open discharge coefficient of SRVs are performed to evaluate their impact on the safe reactor depressurization windows.
Irresistible bargains: Navigating the surveillance society

Agents in contemporary societies are faced continually with choices regarding engagement with technological artifacts. They can choose to engage or decline engagement after considering the costs and benefits in each case. However, certain aspects of the surveillance society may be irresistible in a number of ways, so that refusal to engage with them is not a realistic option. The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), particularly as embedded in “smart city” initiatives, helps to make surveillance technologies potentially irresistible. After laying the conceptual groundwork for discussing irresistible bargains, this essay offers a two-part normative critique, focusing on the asymmetrical power relations engendered by smart cities as well as harms inflicted on the self.
Combined power installations for the of heavy-duty and off-road vehicles

The paper describes the different versions of the active road trains, which can consist of a traction vehicle and trailer parts with a combined power installation. These vehicles are intended for use in difficult road conditions. The article contains the advantages of stepless variable transmission are compared with a mechanical one. The results of calculating engine power for various road conditions are shown. The presented transport system can also be operated in autonomous (pilotless) mode.
Changes in gene expression as one of the key mechanisms involved in radiation‑induced bystander effect (Review)

The radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE) refers to the manifestation of responses by non-targeted/non-hit cells or tissues situated in proximity to cells and tissues directly exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). The RIBE is elicited by agents and factors released by IR-hit cells. The growing body of data suggests that the underlying mechanisms of the RIBE are multifaceted depending both on the biological (characteristics of directly IR-exposed cells, bystander cells, intercellular milieu) and the physical (dose, rate and type of IR, time after exposure) factors/parameters. Although the exact identity of bystander signal(s) is yet to be identified, the published data indicate changes in gene expression for multiple types of RNA (mRNA, microRNA, mitochondrial RNA, long non-coding RNA, small nucleolar RNA) as being one of the major responses of cells and tissues in the context of the RIBE. Gene expression profiles demonstrate a high degree of variability between distinct bystander cell and tissue types. These alterations could independently, or in a signaling cascade, result in the manifestation of readily observable endpoints, including changes in viability and genomic instability. Here, the relevant publications on the gene candidates and signaling pathways involved in the RIBE are reviewed, and a framework for future studies, both in vitro and in vivo, on the genetic aspect of the RIBE is provided.
Defining Modernity, Establishing Rubicons, Imagining the Other—and the Neanderthal Enigma

This chapter begins with the assumption that the analytical categories we impose on the world—including the deep past—are arbitrary constructs invented for heuristic purposes rather than discovered innate properties. I argue that such partitioning is and always was affected by political realities—extant or envisioned—which clearly demonstrate the “virtual” rather than intrinsic reality of such “Rubicons.” I further argue that when we fail to acknowledge this, we assign unwarranted significance to our constructs and waste precious research resources analyzing them. I illustrate these points by discussing the “Modernity” conundrum—the Middle to Upper Paleolithic Transition—that has been the subject of innumerable muddled and ultimately largely sterile debates over the last 25 years or so.
Possessed by the Virgin: Hinduism, Roman Catholicism, and Marian Possession in South India, by Kristin C. Bloomer, New York, Oxford University Press, 2018, xix+325 pp., US$99.00 (hardback), ISBN 978 0 1906 1509 3

Kristin Bloomer’s Possessed by the Virgin follows three contemporary women in the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu, all of whom consistently describe themselves as being ‘come on to’ by Mata—a ...
Cardioprotective Potential of Flaxseeds in Diabetes

Abstract Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of death for people with type 2 diabetes. Flaxseed, the seed of Linum usitatissimum, the world's oldest cultivated crop, offers a unique combination of bioactive agents. No other natural food source provides an active dosage of lignans and omega-3 fat along with high concentrations of protein, fiber, and magnesium in a single serving. There is strong mechanistic evidence linking these agents to diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk reduction. This chapter presents an overview of the unique constituents of flaxseed that are linked with its purported health benefits and addresses in detail the clinical research linking flaxseed ingestion to improvements in cardiovascular function.
Oocyte Cryopreservation in Adolescent Women.

Abstract Study Objective To describe oocyte cryopreservation (OC) cycles in adolescent women ( Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Not applicable. Participants OC cycles from the Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System database. Interventions OC cycles from 2012 to 2016 among adolescent women were compared with cycles in older women. Main Outcome Measure Number of oocytes retrieved. Results From 2012 to 2016, OC cycles in women younger than 20 years of age accounted for 1.5% of OC cycles in all women. The absolute number has increased over the 5-year period, parallel to the increase in older women. OC cycles in adolescent women were most likely performed for fertility preservation for impending gonadotoxic treatment. The women were most likely to be non-Hispanic white and reside in the Northeast. Ten percent of the cycles were cancelled, most commonly for low response, compared with 6.6% of cycles in other age groups. There was no difference in mean oocytes retrieved in women younger than 20 years (n = 18.0) compared with women 20-29 years (n = 18.4). Complications, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, were very rare. Conclusion OC cycles in adolescent women are similar with regard to stimulation characteristics and oocyte yield to those in women of other age groups. There is, however, a higher likelihood of cancellation because of poor response.
A Ka-Band Asymmetric Dual Input CMOS SOI Doherty Power Amplifier with 25 dBm Output Power and High Back-Off Efficiency

An asymmetric dual input Doherty power amplifier (PA) in 45nm CMOS SOI for Ka-band applications is presented. The PA achieves saturated output power of 25dBm. The PA uses a 2-stack cell in the main path and a 4-stack cell in the peaking path, thus improving efficiency at more than 6 dB back-off and achieving high output power. With dual inputs, the power split between main and peaking paths can be optimized. With symmetric input power split, the 8 dB back-off PAE is 21%, while with asymmetric drive the corresponding value reaches 34%. The peak PAE for both cases is nearly equal and reaches 31%. Low Doherty combiner loss of less than 0.9 dB is achieved using a recently developed combiner synthesis technique. The PA occupies overall chip area of only 0.63 mm2, including pads.
The Impact of Accounting Disclosures and the Regulatory Environment on the Information Content of Earnings Announcements

Abstract We investigate how accounting standards and the regulatory environment influence the usefulness of accounting information. Prior research finds no market reaction to earnings announcements in Mexico during the late 1990s. However, beginning in 1999, a series of regulatory changes required firms' compliance with a governance code and mandated electronic quarterly reporting. Additionally, in 2007 Mexico reissued their accounting standards to converge toward IFRS. We hypothesize that the market reacts to earnings announcements following the implementation of these changes in the reporting environment. Our results support our hypothesis. We also hypothesize and find evidence of a price reaction to earnings announcement for most share classes, and a volume reaction to earnings announcements for all share classes. Finally, we find support for our hypothesis that the firm's information environment affects the market reaction to earnings announcements. Overall, our findings suggest that the information content of earnings announcements has increased in the new reporting environment.
Variation in the Microbiota Associated with Daphnia magna Across Genotypes, Populations, and Temperature

Studies of how the microbiome varies among individuals, populations, and abiotic conditions are critical for understanding this key component of an organism's biology and ecology. In the case of Daphnia, aquatic microcrustaceans widely used in population/community ecology and environmental science studies, understanding factors that influence microbiome shifts among individuals is useful for both basic and applied research contexts. In this study, we assess differences in the microbiome among genotypes of D. magna collected from three regions along a large latitudinal gradient (Finland, Germany, and Israel). After being reared in the lab for many years, we sought to characterize any differences in genotype- or population-specific microbial communities, and to assess whether the microbiota varied among temperatures. Our study is similar to a recent comparison of the microbial communities among D. magna genotypes raised in different temperatures published by Sullam et al. (Microb Ecol 76(2):506-517, 2017), and as such represents one of the first examples of a reproducible result in microbiome research. Like the previous study, we find evidence for a strong effect of temperature on the microbiome of D. magna, although across a much smaller temperature range representing potential near-future climates. In addition, we find evidence that the microbiomes of D. magna genotypes from different regions are distinct, even years after being brought into the laboratory. Finally, our results highlight a potentially common finding in the expanding area of microbiome research-differences among treatments are not necessarily observed in the most abundant taxonomic groups. This highlights the importance of considering sampling scheme and depth of coverage when characterizing the microbiome, as different experimental designs can significantly impact taxon-specific results, even when large-scale effects are reproduced.
Three-Dimensionally Maneuverable Robotic Fish Enabled by Servo Motor and Water Electrolyser

Three-dimensionally (3D) maneuverable robotic fish are highly desirable due to their abilities to explore and survey the underwater environment. Existing depth control mechanism is focused on using compressed air or piston to generate volume change, which makes the system bulky and impractical in a small size underwater robot. In this paper, a small and compact 3D maneuverable robotic fish is developed. Instead of using a compressed air tank, the robot is equipped with an on-board water electrolyzer to generate the gases for depth change. The fabricated robotic fish shows fast diving and rising performance. A servo motor is used to generate asymmetric flapping motion on the caudal fin, which leads to a two-dimensionally (2D) planar motion. A 3D dynamic model is then derived for the fabricated robotic fish. Several open-loop control experiments have been conducted to validate the model as well as the design. It has been demonstrated in the experimental results that the robot is capable of generating 3D motion. The robot can achieve 0.13 m/s forward velocity, 30.6 degree/s turning rate, and it takes about 5.5 s to dive to 0.55 m and 10 s to rise.
The role of a low erythropoietin level for the polycythemia vera diagnosis.

Abstract A low erythropoietin (EPO) level is a minor diagnostic criterion for polycythemia vera (PV). Controversies exist regarding the diagnostic value of a low EPO level when considering increasing availability of advanced molecular testing. We assessed the role of low EPO level for PV diagnosis in the context of positive JAK2 mutation status as well as other diagnostic parameters. Of 138 patients, 75 patients had PV and 63 had secondary erythrocytosis. Of the 75 patients with PV, 32% had EPO levels within the normal range. EPO level positively correlated with obesity and smoking status, making it an unreliable diagnostic marker in those patients. Although EPO level below normal as a standalone diagnostic modality was significantly associated with PV (odds ratio [OR] 0.857; p
Arthritis in children with LRBA deficiency – case report and literature review

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-responsive and beige like anchor (LRBA) deficiency is categorized as a subtype of common variable immune deficiency (CVID). A growing number of case reports and cohorts reveal a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and variable phenotype expression, including immune dysregulation, enteropathy and recurrent infections. The association between rheumatic disease and CVID generally has been well established, arthritis has been less frequently reported and minimal data regarding its clinical features and characteristic in LRBA deficiency has been published. This case report and literature review evaluates the characteristics and features of arthritis in LRBA deficiency patients. Herein, we describe a unique case of LRBA deficiency first presented with poly articular arthritis. Alongside the report, a literature review focusing on LRBA deficiency, rheumatic disease and arthritis has been conducted. We reviewed 43 publications. Among these, 7 patients were identified with arthritis. Age of first presentation was six weeks to 3 years. Male to female ratio was 4/3. Two patients were diagnosed with polyarticular Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and three with oligoarticular JIA. Each patient was found to have different genomic mutation. The treatment was diverse and included corticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, adalidumab and abatacept. Joint involvement is variable in LRBA deficiency, hence it should always be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis for a patient with combination of juvenile arthritis and clinically atypical immune dysregulation and / or immunodeficiency.
Doctoral Preparation in Mathematics Education: Time for Research and a Widespread Professional Conversation

Doctoral programs in mathematics education were established more than a century ago in the United States. From 2010-2014 over 120 different institutions graduated at least one doctorate in mathematics education. There has been limited research reported on the nature of doctoral programs in mathematics education and/or their doctoral graduates. This paper provides a synthesis of research findings related to doctoral preparation in mathematics education that is accompanied by a reflection on the findings and suggestions for future research. The intent of our paper is to provide a rallying call for more widespread and coordinated research on doctoral programs in mathematics education in order to strengthen the quality of doctoral preparation for the next generation of mathematics educators.
Change of cerebral metabolism rate of glucose in patient of delayed neuropsychologlcal sequelae after CO poisoning following combining hyperbaric oxygen treatment

Objective To estimate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on cerebral metabolism rate of glucose(CMRglc)in patients with delayed neuropsychological sequelae after CO poisoning(DNS).Methods Thirty cases of DNS were received 18F-FDGPET examination before hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT)and after 40th HBOT respectively.At the same time 17 healthy examiner were also received 18F-FDG PET examination.Radioactive counts in bilateral frontal lobe,parietal lobe,temporal lobe,occipital lobe and ipsilateral cerebellum unit area were recorded,and the radio of radioactive counts were measured and used to evaluate PET study as semi-quantitative parameter.Results The CMRglc of DNS patient decreased in bilateral frontal lobe,parietal lobe,temporal lobe and occipital lobe before HBOT(P＜0.05).After HBOT,there were obvious improvement of CMRglc in bilateral parietal lobe,occipital lobe and left side temporal lobe(P＜0.05)and no differences in bilateral frontal lobe and right side temporal lobe.Conclusions The CMRglc decreased on the early phase of DNS.Combining hyperbaric oxygen treatment can improve CMRglc and cerebral function. Key words: Hyperbaric oxygen; Delayed neuropsychological sequelae after CO poisoning; Cerebral metabolism rate of glucose
An unusual and delayed complication of hyaluronic acid filler injection: a case report

48-year-old female with facial granulomatous nodules and fungal/bacterial infection after hyaluronic acid injection. She underwent anti-fungal/antibacterial therapy and local excision. The proposed mechanisms include inflammatory foreign body reaction and pathogen contamination. Providers must exercise caution with the use of facial fillers and demonstrate expertise in avoiding and managing potential complications.
Knockout of TRPV1 Exacerbates Ischemia-reperfusion-induced Renal Inflammation and Injury in Obese Mice.

Background/aim Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) has anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to investigate the role of TRPV1 in renal inflammatory responses and tissue injury following renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in diet-induced obese mice. Materials and methods TRPV1 knockout and wild type mice were fed a normal or western diet (WD) for 23 weeks and were then subjected to renal I/R injury. Results TRPV1 knockout mice showed enhanced WD-induced renal macrophage infiltration and collagen deposition. Knocking out TRPV1 exacerbated renal I/R-induced increase of malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and NF-ĸB in obese mice. Similar results were observed in the expression of phosphorylated Smad1 and Smad2/3. Blockade of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors with CGRP8-37 worsened the I/R-induced renal inflammation and injury. Conclusion Our data indicate that preserving TRPV1 expression and function may prevent renal I/R injury in obesity likely through alleviating inflammatory responses.
Mandating Precontractual Disclosure

Parties negotiating an arm’s-length contract are generally not required to disclose facts to one another. Although this default rule is supported by both centuries of common law and freedom of contract principles, courts and legislatures treat certain transactions differently. This is particularly true in circumstances in which the default rule results in an unacceptable harm suffered by a broad group of persons. In such cases, lawmakers have acted to impose precontractual disclosure obligations. These decisions and statutes are largely reactive: A harm is identified in a certain transaction’s precontractual period and disclosure is mandated to rectify the harm. These reactive measures, although helpful, are insufficient in some instances. Large scale economic calamities are often caused by information asymmetries in individual contracts. This was true in the Great Depression (unregulated contracts for sales of stock) and the Great Recession (unregulated contracts for sales of mortgage-backed securities). This article proposes an analytical tool to prospectively identify such transactions. This tool, the Disclosure Framework, provides lawmakers with a means of identifying circumstances in which it is appropriate to mandate precontractual disclosure. To accomplish this task, the Disclosure Framework directs lawmakers to identify the information asymmetry in a transaction and balance the respective harms of either disclosure or nondisclosure on the affected stakeholder group. Precontractual disclosure is a matter of compelling immediacy. Because regulatory agencies are currently struggling with how to structure the disclosure mandates of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the question of when it is appropriate to mandate precontractual disclosure is both timely and important. Although designed for legislators, the Disclosure Frame-
Designing Robots for the Battlefield: State of the Art.

There is currently a global arms race for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned robotic systems that are empowered by AI (AI-robots). This paper examines the current use of AI-robots on the battlefield and offers a framework for understanding AI and AI-robots. It examines the limitations and risks of AI-robots on the battlefield and posits the future direction of battlefield AI-robots. It then presents research performed at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) related to the development, testing, and control of AI-robots, as well as JHU/APL work on human trust of autonomy and developing self-regulating and ethical robotic systems. Finally, it examines multiple possible future paths for the relationship between humans and AI-robots.
Making sustainability plans more equitable: an analysis of 50 U.S. Cities

Government plans and initiatives for the 50 largest U.S. cities were examined for connections between social equity and sustainability. Six sectors that are associated with sustainability (defined ...
Aligning Historic Preservation and Energy Efficiency: Legal Reforms to Support the 'Greenest Buildings'

Since the 1950s, United States energy policy has incorporated efficiency as a central strategy. Buildings have been a major area of focus, which makes sense as residential and commercial buildings account for 40 percent of energy consumption in the United States. Despite the breadth of these efforts, we have overlooked an important resource: historic buildings. These buildings, typically over 50 years old, are “designated” historic – that is, listed on local, state, and national registers of historic places. Often dismissed as drafty and outdated, historic buildings are sometimes viewed as a lost cause – a barrier to, rather than a vehicle for, efficiency gains. Perhaps for that reason, most are exempt from energy conservation codes that apply to new construction. What’s worse, laws intended to protect their historic features make it harder for us to retrofit them at all. Rethinking the regulatory framework for historic places may help us harmonize the goals of environmentalists and preservationists. For behind the facades of old buildings may very well be the secret to accelerating climate progress.
Freeze-Casting with 3D-Printed Templates Creates Anisotropic Microchannels and Patterned Macrochannels within Biomimetic Nanofiber Aerogels for Rapid Cellular Infiltration.

A new approach is described for fabricating 3D poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin (1:1) nanofiber aerogels with patterned macrochannels and anisotropic microchannels by freeze-casting with 3D-printed sacrificial templates. Single layer or multiple layers of macrochannels are formed through an inverse replica of 3D-printed templates. Aligned microchannels formed by partially anisotropic freezing act as interconnected pores between templated macrochannels. The resulting macro-/microchannels within nanofiber aerogels significantly increase preosteoblast infiltration in vitro. The conjugation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mimicking QK peptide to PCL/gelatin/gelatin methacryloyl (1:0.5:0.5) nanofiber aerogels with patterned macrochannels promotes the formation of a microvascular network of seeded human microvascular endothelial cells. Moreover, nanofiber aerogels with patterned macrochannels and anisotropic microchannels show significantly enhanced cellular infiltration rates and host tissue integration compared to aerogels without macrochannels following subcutaneous implantation in rats. Taken together, this novel class of nanofiber aerogels holds great potential in biomedical applications including tissue repair and regeneration, wound healing, and 3D tissue/disease modeling.
“I’m More Than Just a ‘Pastor’s Kid’!”: Externalizing Labels given to Children of Pastors Through Biblio–Narrative Therapy

Many children of pastors, also called “pastor’s kids”, have difficulty finding a support system during their identity formation. When handling the pressures of being a child of a pastor, they can internalize various labels given to them and believe these labels, including “pastor’s kid”, are fixed. This article introduces a method for clinicians to integrate Narrative and biblio–therapy for adolescent and teenage clients who are children of clergy. After discussing Narrative therapy and the importance of identity formation away from specific labels, this paper addresses how using books along with narrative therapy can be beneficial for adolescent clients. A case example is included for demonstrating the method.
The great masquerader: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease presenting as fever of unknown origin.

Abstract Introduction Kikuchi-Fujimoto (KF) disease, also known as necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis, is a rare cause of fever of unknown origin. Most commonly seen in Japanese populations, it presents with fever and diffuse lymphadenopathy. KF can present a diagnostic challenge as its presentation can mimic sepsis, autoimmune disease, and/or malignancy. We present a case of KF disease presenting with innumerable pulmonary nodules and suspected sepsis. Case report A 24-year old African-American male inmate with no past medical history presented to the Emergency Department with two witnessed generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Initial vitals were notable for a fever of 101.5 F, tachycardia, and tachypnea. He was lethargic with a diffuse, erythematous, scaly, necrotic rash. Additionally, cervical, axillary, and inguinal mobile, non-tender lymph nodes were noted. Laboratory studies revealed white blood cells 1.9 × 10 3 cells/μL with 25% bands, hemoglobin 9.4 G/dL, and platelet count of 110 × 10 3 cells/μL. He was subsequently admitted for sepsis due to presumed meningitis and started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Lumbar puncture revealed no pleocytosis. Peripheral blood smear showed bandemia with Pelger Huet cells. Computed Tomography of chest, abdomen, and pelvis with contrast revealed diffuse pulmonary nodules involving all lobes of the lungs in addition to bulky hilar and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Interventional Radiology performed a retroperitoneal lymph nodes biopsy that revealed lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltrate with extensive necrosis. Otolaryngology performed an excisional biopsy of a lymph node, which showed histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis. The final diagnosis was Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis. Outcome The patient completed a 7-day course of empiric antibiotics. Workup for infectious etiologies was negative. The patient had a repeat CT of the chest with interval resolution of his pulmonary nodules on outpatient follow-up. Conclusion Patients with innumerable pulmonary nodules and fever of unknown origin should be evaluated early in their hospital course for KF as early diagnosis can reduce excessive testing and shorten hospital stay.