cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Critical Morphological Sampling and Its Applications to Image Coding

In this paper we introduce a new morphological sampling theory and show some of its applications to image coding. As in previous works on morphological sampling, we establish conditions that the signal should satisfy before (sub)sampling in order to meet a prescribed reconstruction error criteria. In contrast to previous theorems, however, the whole process is self dual. When compared to previous morphological schemes, Critical Morphological Sampling can save up to half the number of samples. We also establish a set of conditions under which the new theorem is Critical, i.e., a more sparse sampling grid could produce an unbounded reconstruction error (in a Hausdorff sense). We use the theorem to design a Morphological Pyramid Coder, similar to a Laplacian Pyramid Coder. The results not only are superior to the Laplacian Pyramid, but are found to be competitive with more complex linear coders, like the DCT-based JPEG.
Modulatory roles for integrin activation and the synergy site of fibronectin during matrix assembly

Initiation of fibronectin (FN) matrix assembly is dependent on specific interactions between FN and cell surface integrin receptors. Here, we show that de novo FN matrix assembly exhibits a slow ph...
Human difference in the genomic era: Facilitating a socially responsible dialogue

Background The study of human genetic variation has been advanced by research such as genome-wide association studies, which aim to identify variants associated with common, complex diseases and traits. Significant strides have already been made in gleaning information on susceptibility, treatment, and prevention of a number of disorders. However, as genetic researchers continue to uncover underlying differences between individuals, there is growing concern that observed population-level differences will be inappropriately generalized as inherent to particular racial or ethnic groups and potentially perpetuate negative stereotypes.
Subtyping of triple-negative breast cancer: Implications for therapy

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease; gene expression analyses recently identified 6 distinct TNBC subtypes, each of which displays a unique biology. Exploring novel approaches for the treatment of these subtypes is critical, especially because the median survival for women with metastatic TNBC is less than 12 months, and virtually all women with metastatic TNBC ultimately will die of their disease despite systemic therapy. To date, not a single targeted therapy has been approved for the treatment of TNBC, and cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the standard treatment. In this review, the authors discuss recent developments in subtyping TNBC and the current and upcoming therapeutic strategies being explored in an attempt to target TNBC.
Tumour Formation: Number of Mutations Required

Cancer is a genetic disease, and occurs through the progressive accumulation of activating alterations to growth-promoting oncogenes, and inactivating alterations to tumour suppressor genes. The rate of accumulation of these alterations may be accelerated by a variety of processes that cause genetic instability. There are several key ‘pathways’ involved in the evolution of a tumour, and the alterations may occur at any point in each pathway. Each tumour develops its own unique constellation of genetic alterations, and tumours are genetically distinct between tumour types, and within individual tumours of one type. The focus of this review is on colorectal cancer, but the concepts are broadly applicable to many types of tumours. Key Concepts: Cancer is a disease caused by genetic alterations. Oncogenes are normal cellular genes altered by point mutations, amplification or changes in the regulation of gene expression that result in an increase cell growth, survival, ability to invade, or other tumour-related cell behaviours. Tumour suppressor genes normally restrain a cell's ability to grow or invade, and inactivation is involved in tumourigenesis. Epigenetic alterations, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, play a role in carcinogenesis. Most solid tumours evolve through progressive multistep carcinogenesis that is mediated by the accumulation of altered genes. This is why tumours may be found at various stages of development. The genes involved in tumour formation are tissue-specific. The landscape of altered genes is heterogeneous among a group of tumours from one specific tissue or organ. Genetic alterations may be heterogeneous throughout individual tumours. Some tumours have a very large number of genetic alterations (chromosomal rearrangements, point mutations and DNA methylation), and others have many fewer alterations. Keywords: oncogene; tumour suppressor gene; microsatellite instability; chromosomal instability; DNA methylation; multistep carcinogenesis
METHYLGLYOXAL, DIABETES MELLITUS AND DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS

A large literature has developed around methylglyoxal (MG) concerning its role in diabetes mellitus (DM) and in the development of diabetic complications. This is related to the observation that levels of reactive aldehydes, especially 2-oxoaldehydes such as MG, are elevated in DM. There are numerous metabolic origins of MG that are accentuated in DM. MG has effects on insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells and is a major precursor of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE). Consequently, MG has a role in primary DM as well in the etiology of long-term complications. There is an extensive literature concerning the enzymes involved in the metabolism of MG, especially the glyoxalase system and aldose reductase. In addition, there is a rapidly developing literature on the direct and indirect effects of MG on signaling pathways that impact DM. This review attempts to integrate this DM-associated literature related to MG.
When Professions Shape Politics: The Case of Accountability in K-12 and Higher Education

Professionalization is an important but overlooked dimension in education politics, particularly the politics of accountability. To isolate the importance of professionalization, this article compares accountability movements in K-12 education with similar movements in higher education. I draw on three pairs of reports that have sought to impose accountability between 1983 and 2006, in each case comparing a report on K-12 with a similar report on higher education. I find that calls for accountability in both sectors have intensified over the period under study, but that higher education has been much more protected from accountability pressures by its greater degree of professionalization, its reputation, its greater share in the private sector, and its decentralized professional autonomy. In conclusion, I connect the findings to broader debates about professionalism and the future of accountability in the two sectors.
Endomyocardial biopsy: a procedure in search of an indication

In this issue of the Journal, Ardehali et al describe heir experience with endomyocardial biopsy in 845 atients, a subset of the 1230 patients who underwent ndomyocardial biopsy at Johns Hopkins during the 15 ears between December 1982 and December 1997. he authors have an impressive clinical database from hich to draw, and from which we all may learn. For practicing clinicians, this study will again raise he question, “Whom should I refer for biopsy?” To ffer an answer to this question, we would like to first eview some basic facts about the technical aspects of ndomyocardial biopsy, then take a critical look at oth previous data and the Hopkins experience. Then, e will attempt to put the data into the format of a ayesian analysis to look at the clinical value added rom biopsy data. Sakakibara and Konno described transvenous endoyocardial biopsy in the early 1960s. Over the ensung 40 years, the equipment and technique have volved to the point where satisfactory tissue samples an be safely obtained in over 90% of diagnostic atempts and even more often in transplanted hearts. onetheless, technical problems still exist, including: 1) small sample size, (2) heterogenous distribution of issue pathology in many cardiac diseases, leading to nherent sampling errors, (3) subjective pathological nterpretation of the microscopic findings, and (4) unnown true-positive/false-positive and true-negative/ alse-negative rates for biopsy findings in most disases. Given these issues, our comments are based on the ssumption that patients who might be considered for iagnostic endomyocardial biopsy will be referred to a enter with experience in safely performing biopsies, nd in handling, preparing, and interpreting the biopsy amples. Looking at the data from Hopkins, 131 patients fell nto the categories “infiltrative, drug-related, connec-
Dental Students’ Preferences and Performance in Crown Design: Conventional Wax-Added Versus CAD

The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental students' perceptions of traditional waxing vs. computer-aided crown design and to determine the effectiveness of either technique through comparative grading of the final products. On one of twoidentical tooth preparations, second-year students at one dental school fabricated a wax pattern for a full contour crown; on the second tooth preparation, the same students designed and fabricated an all-ceramic crown using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology. Projects were graded for occlusion and anatomic form by three faculty members. On completion of the projects, 100 percent of the students (n=50) completed an eight-question, five-point Likert scalesurvey, designed to assess their perceptions of and learning associated with the two design techniques. The average grades for the crown design projects were 78.3 (CAD) and 79.1 (wax design). The mean numbers of occlusal contacts were 3.8 (CAD) and 2.9(wax design), which was significantly higher for CAD (p=0.02). The survey results indicated that students enjoyed designing afull contour crown using CAD as compared to using conventional wax techniques and spent less time designing the crown using CAD. From a learning perspective, students felt that they learned more about position and the size/strength of occlusal contacts using CAD. However, students recognized that CAD technology has limits in terms of representing anatomic contours and excursive occlusion compared to conventional wax techniques. The results suggest that crown design using CAD could be considered as an adjunct to conventional wax-added techniques in preclinical fixed prosthodontic curricula.
Label free detection of optogenetically stimulated cellular activity in primary neurons by Phase sensitive-Spectral Domain OCT

Here Phase Sensitive-Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography is used to detect cellular activity in HEK and primary neurons in an all optical, label free manner in sub-millisecond timescale and micrometer resolution without using invasive means.
Ionic Liquids and Their Research Developments

Ionic liquids are a new sort of solvent with ionic characteristics and an remain liquid at room temperature. They are also called green solvents because they practically have no vapor pressure. Their chemical and physical properties can be tailored by judicious selection of cation, anion, and substituents. As environmentally benign reaction media, they bring many exciting challenges and opportunities to the synthesis of nano-materials.
TRPV1 Expressed in HEK293t/17 Cells is not Regulated by Plasma Membrane Cholesterol Content

The EC50 of TRPV1 is highly variable depending on the cell type in which it is expressed. For example, the EC50 of TRPV1 is HEK293T/17 cells is ∼1 µM whereas the EC50 of TRPV1 in isolated DRG neurons is ∼ 100 nM. Numerous explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, with one possible explanation being the varying lipid contents of the plasma membrane regulating the EC50. Lipids are known to regulate ion channels, for example PIP2 regulates TRPV1. The cholesterol content of the plasma membrane is a candidate for regulating TRPV1, as it is known to vary among types of cells. We measured TRPV1 function with patch-clamp electrophysiology to determine the effect of removing cholesterol from the PM on channel function. Inside-out excise patches remain stable for tens of minutes, allowing for cholesterol removal and replacement by flowing a Methylated-β-Cyclodextrin, a ring of sugar molecules that bind cholesterol, across the patch. In intact HEK293T/17 cells, we estimated the cholesterol content to be about 30%. Thus, the Methylated-β-Cyclodextrin is expected to produce a very large change in plasma membrane properties as removes cholesterol. Recordings from these patches showed that both the EC50 for activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin and the capsaicin-induced maximum current were unaffected by patch treatment with Methylated-β-Cyclodextrin. These results are significant as they shows that TRPV1 function is unaffected by a large reduction in plasma membrane cholesterol. Because removal of such an abundant component of the plasma membrane likely produces meaningful changes in the bulk properties of the bilayer, these data also indicate that lipid regulation of TRPV1 is caused by lipids which have specific, chemical interactions with the channel, rather than the bulk properties of the plasma membrane.
The Supreme Court 1995 Term Foreword: Leaving Things Undecided

This essay offers a qualified defense of "decisional minimalism" -- the idea that courts should minimize the burdens of decision and the likelihood and seriousness of errors by offering the narrowest rationale necessary to defend an outcome. It distinguishes between "shallowness" and "narrowness" and explains the values served by each. It applies the analysis of minimalism not only to Dred Scott, Brown v. Bd., and Roe v. Wade, but also to the central cases of the past term (above all Romer v. Evans, which it defends as salutary minimalism) and future disputes over the right to die, same-sex marriage, and affirmative action.
A statistical model for the time dependent failure of unidirectional composite materials under local elastic load-sharing among fibers

Abstract In this paper we develop a statistical model for the time dependent failure of a unidirectional composite material under tensile loads. We consider probability distributions for lifetime in both stress-rupture and cyclic-fatigue and for strength under a linearly increasing load. We begin with a probability model for the failure of fibers which has its roots in the statistical kinetics of molecular failure, and we relate the parameters of our model to certain thermal activation quantities. At the micromechanical level we assume localized, elastic, load-sharing among failed and non-failed fiber elements in a cross section of the composite. As in earlier static versions we model the composite as a chain-of-short-bundles. Using asymptotic techniques we obtain accurate approximations to the probability distributions for composite lifetime with parameters that depend on certain fiber kinetic and variability parameters, fiber load-sharing constants, and on a “critical crack size” parameter that emerges as crucial.
A Sensitive Electronic Liquid Level Indicator for Condensed Gases

The difference between the dielectric constant of the liquid and gaseous phases of a substance can be and has been used1,2 to indicate the height of the liquid in a container. The change of capacitance of a vertical plate capacitor with level of liquid between the plates can conveniently be employed. The circuit given will indicate a very small change of capacitance and is ideal for this purpose. For a change of 30 micro-microfarads in about 450 the change of cathode current in the 6L6 is approximately 2.5 milliamperes.
Development of a Cell-Based Assay for Measuring Base Excision Repair Responses.

Base excision repair (BER) is the predominant pathway for coping with most forms of hydrolytic, oxidative or alkylative DNA damage. Measuring BER capacity in living cells is valuable for both basic science applications and epidemiological studies, since deficiencies in this pathway have been associated with cancer susceptibility and other adverse health outcomes. At present, there is an ongoing effort to develop methods to effectively quantify the rate of BER as a whole. We present a variation of a previously described “Oligonucleotide Retrieval Assay” designed to measure DNA excision repair that is capable of quantifying the rate of repair of thymine glycol in a variety of human cells with a high degree of sensitivity.
Abstract 266: Extracellular Hemoglobin From Stored Rbcs Binds Ago2 And Delivers Functional Microrna to Endothelial Cells

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is among the most common clinical therapies. Prior to transfusion, packed RBCs (PRBCs) may be stored for up to 42 days. During storage, RBCs undergo many changes, including hemolysis and the release of extracellular hemoglobin (Hb). Prior work has shown that endothelial cells exposed to free hemoglobin demonstrate upregulation of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways including elevated ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E selectin, as well as elevated Hemeoxygenase-1 and bilirubin levels. Our work tests the hypothesis that extracellular Hb from stored RBCs can transfer functional microRNA to endothelial cells. Stored RBCs (age 30-42 days) were obtained from the Emory University Hospital Blood Bank. Extracellular Hb was obtained from lysed RBCs. Binding of Argonaute 2 (Ago2) to Hb was assessed by immunoprecipitation (IP) of Hb-alpha followed by Western blot for Ago2. In addition, microRNA was extracted from the Hb immunoprecipitate. Levels of miR-451, -16, -584, and -92 were assessed by RT-qPCR analysis. Lastly, human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were treated with Hb from RBC lysates. After treatment, Qiazol was used to extract RNA from washed cells, and levels of miR-451 and target genes were measured by RT-qPCR and Western analysis. We found that Ago2, a crucial component of the RISC complex that executes the regulatory function of microRNA, co-immunopreciptated with Hb from RBC lysates. We also observed that miR-451, a microRNA known to be abundant in RBCs, was highly abundant in Hb immunoprecipates. Furthermore, miR-16, -584 and -92 could also be amplified from Hb immunoprecipitates. Endothelial cells treated with extracellular Hb from RBC lysates for 36 hours had a dramatic increase in levels of miR-451 and a significant decrease in mRNA abundance of genes known to be targets of miR-451, including ATF2 (p-value=0.03), CAV1 (p-value=0.02), and MIF (p-value=0.005). HAECs treated with extracellular Hb for 72 hours had decreased protein levels of ATF2 (p-value=0.01) and CAV1 (p-value=0.003). In conclusion, previous work has shown that extracellular Hb can have direct effects on endothelial cells; our data show, for the first time, that extracellular Hb also serves as a vehicle for the cell-to-cell delivery of microRNA.
Renormalizability of Supergravity

Supergravity1,2,3 has better renormalizability properties than Einstein gravitation. Explicit calculations and theoretical proofs indicate that the so-called SO(n) models are one- and two-loop finite. Nothing is yet known about three-loop properties.
Impact of insurance type on eligibility for advanced heart failure therapies and survival

Background Medicaid insurance in Georgia provides limited reimbursement for heart transplant (HT) and left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). We examined whether insurance type affects eligibility for and survival after receipt of HT or LVAD. Methods and results We retrospectively identified patients evaluated for HT/LVAD from 2012 to 2016. We used multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression to examine the association of insurance type on treatment eligibility and 1-year survival. Of 569 patients evaluated, 282 (49.6%) had private, 222 (39.0%) had Medicare, and 65 (11.4%) had Medicaid insurance. Patients with Medicaid were younger, more likely to be Black, with fewer medical comorbidities. In adjusted models, Medicare and Medicaid insurance predicted lower odds of eligibility for HT, but did not affect survival after HT. Among those ineligible for HT, Medicaid patients were less likely to receive destination therapy (DT) LVAD (adj OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.66; P = .02) and had increased risk of death (adj HR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.13-3.63; P = .01). Conclusions Despite younger age and fewer comorbidities, patients with Medicaid insurance are less likely to receive DT LVAD and have an increased risk of death once deemed ineligible for HT. Medicaid patients in Georgia need improved access to DT LVAD.
Vocational Rehabilitation for Severe Mental Illness

Schizophrenia adversely impacts employment. Rates of work are often disappointingly low, despite the fact that employment is a valued recovery goal. Vocational rehabilitation offers beneficial services that help people with schizophrenia find and keep meaningful employment. This chapter describes vocational rehabilitation programs for people with schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses aimed at helping them engage in services that improve their work prospects and reach their employment goals.
New Sensitive Measures of Executive Functioning in Premotor Huntington's Disease (S20.002)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the sensitivity of the NIH EXAMINER executive function composite scores to cognitive changes in premotor Huntington9s disease (pmHD) and to caudate volume using 3T structural MRI. BACKGROUND: Huntington disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. Although clinical diagnosis typically is dependent on the presence of motor abnormalities, cognitive changes and caudate volume loss are often observed prior to motor diagnosis. Sensitive neuropsychological assessments are needed to identify patients in early stages of the disease and as outcome measures for neuroprotective treatment trials. Identifying problems with executive functions is particularly compelling given their association with functional decline (e.g., early unemployment). The NIH EXAMINER (Executive Abilities: Measures and Instruments for Neurobehavioral Evaluation and Research) is a new neuropsychological battery assessing executive function and designed with clinical trials in mind. It has alternate forms and produces composite scores using item response theory with excellent psychometric properties. DESIGN/METHODS: Fifteen patients with pdHD and 14 matched healthy controls were compared using independent samples t-tests on the NIH EXAMINER9s Total Executive Composite, as well as on composites that represent subcomponents of executive functions: the Working Memory, Fluency, and Cognitive Control Composites. The Composites were correlated with 3T caudate volumes in pmHD. RESULTS: The pmHD patients scored lower on the Executive Composite and on the Working Memory Composite, both ps CONCLUSIONS: The NIH EXAMINER Executive and Working Memory Composites are sensitive markers of cognitive changes and caudate volume size (presumed atrophy) in pmHD. Results support the idea that executive dysfunction, and particularly working memory deficits, might precede motor symptoms and are viable early disease markers. Disclosure: Dr. You has nothing to disclose. Dr. Satris has nothing to disclose. Dr. Apple has nothing to disclose. Dr. Frazier has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sha has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hess has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for the American Journal of Neuroradiology and the Public Library of Science. Dr. Geschwind has received personal compensation for activities with Gerson Lehrman Group, Clinical Advisors and MedaCorp, and Eisai, Inc. Dr. Kramer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Possin has nothing to disclose.
The genetic and psychological underpinnings of generalized social trust

In this paper, we investigate the genetic and psychological underpinnings of generalized social trust, an orientation that refers to one's expectations about the trustworthiness of strangers. We ma...
High prevalence of chronic kidney disease in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and improved kidney function after parathyroidectomy.

Background Because chronic kidney disease is an important comorbidity associated with primary hyperparathyroidism, we sought to evaluate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and effects of parathyroidectomy on kidney function in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1–associated primary hyperparathyroidism. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 112 patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1–associated primary hyperparathyroidism who had at least 1 operation for primary hyperparathyroidism at 2 tertiary referral centers. The preoperative and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rates were compared. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease stage 3 or worse (estimated glomerular filtration rates less than 60 mL/min/1.73m2) in this cohort was compared to the rates in the US population reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results The median age at the time of parathyroidectomy was 36.5 years (range: 12–76 years). A total of 99 patients had biochemical remission. The rate of chronic kidney disease stage 3 or worse in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1–associated primary hyperparathyroidism was greater than that observed in the US population for ages 20–39 and 40–59 (5% [n = 2/44] vs 0.39% [n = 18/4565], P = .015 and 10% [n = 4/40] vs 2.31% (n = 89/3848), P = .015, respectively). We observed improved estimated glomerular filtration rates in those with chronic kidney disease stage 3 or worse postoperatively (48 vs 57 mL/min/1.73m2, P = .047). A successful parathyroidectomy normalized all 24-hour urine calcium excretion. Conclusion An indication for early parathyroidectomy should include estimated glomerular filtration rates less than 60mL/min/1.73m2 in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1–associated primary hyperparathyroidism.
An Integrated Health-System Specialty Pharmacy Model for Coordinating Transitions of Care: Specialty Medication Challenges and Specialty Pharmacist Opportunities.

Adherence and persistence to specialty medications are necessary to achieve successful outcomes of costly therapies. The increasing use of specialty medications has exposed several unique barriers to certain specialty treatments’ continuation. Integrated specialty pharmacy teams facilitate transitions in sites of care, between different provider types, among prescribed specialty medications, and during financial coverage changes. We review obstacles encountered within these types of transitions and the role of the specialty pharmacist in overcoming these obstacles. Case examples for each type of specialty transition provide insight into the unique complexities faced by patients, and shed light on pharmacists’ vital role in patient care. This insightful and real-world experience is needed to facilitate best practices in specialty care, particularly in the growing number of health-system specialty pharmacies.
Incident heart failure is a predictor of adverse outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE Heart failure (HF) exerts deleterious effects on the gastrointestinal tract and the gut microbiome, yet its impact on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of HF on disease course and outcomes in patients with IBD. METHODS Using a large institutional database, we identified patients aged 18-65 years diagnosed with IBD and incident HF (IBD-HF), IBD without HF (IBD), and HF without IBD (HF). Patients were followed longitudinally, and IBD-related outcomes were compared between the IBD-HF and IBD cohorts using multivariable cox regression. General clinical outcomes were compared between all three cohorts using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS A total of 271, 2449, and 20,444 patients were included in the IBD-HF, IBD, and HF cohorts. Compared with IBD, IBD-HF had significantly higher risk of IBD-related hospitalization [hazard ratio (HR): 1.42; (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.2-1.69)], flare [HR 1.32 (1.09-1.58)], complication [HR 1.7 (1.33-2.17)], pancolitis [HR 1.55 (1.04-2.3)], and escalation to nonbiologic therapy. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of IBD-related surgery or Clostridium difficile infection. New biologic use was less frequent in IBD-HF [HR 0.52 (0.36-0.77)]. IBD-HF, compared with the other two groups, had reduced event-free survival for all-cause hospitalization (P < 0.001), emergency department visits (P = 001), and venous thromboembolism (P < 0.05). Mortality risk in IBD-HF was elevated compared to IBD but was similar to that within HF cohort. CONCLUSION Incident HF in patients with IBD is a predictor of adverse IBD-related and overall clinical outcomes.
Modeling of Cell Nuclear Mechanics: Classes, Components, and Applications

Cell nuclei are paramount for both cellular function and mechanical stability. These two roles of nuclei are intertwined as altered mechanical properties of nuclei are associated with altered cell behavior and disease. To further understand the mechanical properties of cell nuclei and guide future experiments, many investigators have turned to mechanical modeling. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of mechanical modeling of cell nuclei with an emphasis on the role of the nuclear lamina in hopes of spurring future growth of this field. The goal of this review is to provide an introduction to mechanical modeling techniques, highlight current applications to nuclear mechanics, and give insight into future directions of mechanical modeling. There are three main classes of mechanical models-schematic, continuum mechanics, and molecular dynamics-which provide unique advantages and limitations. Current experimental understanding of the roles of the cytoskeleton, the nuclear lamina, and the chromatin in nuclear mechanics provide the basis for how each component is subsequently treated in mechanical models. Modeling allows us to interpret assay-specific experimental results for key parameters and quantitatively predict emergent behaviors. This is specifically powerful when emergent phenomena, such as lamin-based strain stiffening, can be deduced from complimentary experimental techniques. Modeling differences in force application, geometry, or composition can additionally clarify seemingly conflicting experimental results. Using these approaches, mechanical models have informed our understanding of relevant biological processes such as migration, nuclear blebbing, nuclear rupture, and cell spreading and detachment. There remain many aspects of nuclear mechanics for which additional mechanical modeling could provide immediate insight. Although mechanical modeling of cell nuclei has been employed for over a decade, there are still relatively few models for any given biological phenomenon. This implies that an influx of research into this realm of the field has the potential to dramatically shape both future experiments and our current understanding of nuclear mechanics, function, and disease.
Joaquin’s Refusal: An Embodied and Geographic Active Subjectivity

This essay explores a Latinx, queer and trans, student’s resistance to a gender-neutral restroom at a high school in an agricultural community of the Central Coast of California. Through a close reading of a field note, I analyze Joaquin’s narrative of refusal to demonstrate how queer and trans youth engage in an active subjectivity (Lugones, 2003). For decolonial philosopher Maria Lugones (2003), an active subjectivity is the process through which oppressed communities become conscious and critical by engaging in a meaning-making process centered on their socialites. I argue that queer and trans high school students’ active subjectivity is in relation to their embodied knowledges and geographies. The body and space are both critical in learning to think in community and reflexively. Joaquin’s refusal of the restroom becomes useful in understanding how queer and trans youth tell narratives of their self, grounded in a social history capable of alternating the story told about space and place.
Nanophotonic Engineering: A New Paradigm for Spectrally Sensitive Thermal Photodetectors

Thermal photodetectors rely on thermally sensitive materials to convert the heat generated from incoming light to an electrical signal and are used in, for example, focal plane arrays and for room-...
Prospective Cohort Research on Cervical Carcinoma Screening of Thinprep Cytological Test Combined With Human Papilloma Virus Hybrid Capture II

Objective To investigate the screening value of the thinprep cytological test(TCT) detection combined with human papilloma virus(HPV) hybrid capture Ⅱ(HC-Ⅱ) for cervical carcinoma. Methods From January 2003 to January 2005, the thinprep cytological test and hybrid capture Ⅱ were applied to screen cervical carcinoma in 435 cases in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Hexian Memorial Hospital. The thinprep cytological test was applied to detect cervical carcinoma cytology, and hybrid capture Ⅱ was applied to detect human papilloma virus. According to the detection results, all cases were divided into 4 groups, group of HPV(-), TCT(-), group of HPV(+ ), TCT(-), group of HPV(-), TCT(+ ), group of HPV(+ ), TCT(+ ). A follow-up of 3 years had been carried out, and different groups were checked by the thinprep cytological test and human papilloma virus hybrid capture Ⅱ at different interval times, and colpomicroscope, biopsy and endocervical curettage (ECC) would also be used if necessary. Determinant elements of cytology occurrence were evaluated by the Logistic regression analysis. Results The sensitivity, specificity, efficiency, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value(NPV), Kappa values of the thinprep cytological test and human papilloma virus hybrid capture Ⅱwere 85.9%, 96.2%, 94.7%, 79.7%, 97.5%, 0.7959, and 92.2%, 80.1%, 81.8%, 44.4%, 98.3%, 0.4996. The group of HPV(+ ), TCT(-), and the group of HPV(-), TCT(+ ) had higher risk of pathological changes of cervical carcinoma (RR=45.033, 95%CI 17.140~118.313; RR=235.886, 95% CI 70.694~487.088) compared with the group of HPV(-), TCT(-), and the group of HPV(+ ), TCT(+ ) had distinct risks (RR=464.400, 95% CI 105.162~950.806). Conclusion The detection of sensitivity and specificity by the combination of the thinprep cytological test with human papilloma virus hybrid capture Ⅱ can be enhanced, which could meet the requirement of screening the early stage of cervical carcinomas and precancerous changes. Key words: thinprep cytologic test; hybrid capture Ⅱ; cervical carcinoma; screening
Foot Lesions in a Rehabilitation Facility Resident.

A patient in a rehabilitation facility presented with gluteal skin ulcers and dark purple foot lesions.
Synaptic Interactions in Scorpion Peg Sensilla Appear to Maintain Chemosensory Neurons within Dynamic Firing Range.

Scorpions have elaborate chemo-tactile organs called pectines on their ventral mesosoma. The teeth of the comb-like pectines support thousands of minute projections called peg sensilla (a.k.a. “pegs”), each containing approximately 10 chemosensory neurons. Males use pectines to detect pheromones released by females, and both sexes apparently use pectines to find prey and navigate to home retreats. Electrophysiological recordings from pegs of Paruroctonus utahensis reveal three spontaneously active cells (A1, A2, and B), which appear to interact synaptically. We made long-term extracellular recordings from the bases of peg sensilla and used a combination of conditional cross-interval and conditional interspike-interval analyses to assess the temporal dynamics of the A and B spike trains. Like previous studies, we found that A cells are inhibited by B cells for tens of milliseconds. However, after normalizing our records, we also found clear evidence that the A cells excite the B cells. This simple local circuit appears to maintain the A cells in a dynamic firing range and may have important implications for tracking pheromonal trails and sensing substrate chemistry for navigation.
Endoscopic Treatment of Portal Hypertension and Its Complications

ABSTRACT Endoscopic therapy is a key component in the management algorithm for variceal and nonvariceal hemorrhage related to portal hypertension. Band ligation is the endoscopic treatment of choice for acute esophageal variceal bleeding, and for preventing a first episode of bleeding (primary prophylaxis) and rebleeding (secondary prophylaxis). In contrast, endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection is the preferred modality for cardio-fundal variceal bleeding. Thrombin injection and EUS-guided angiotherapy are alternative treatment options for gastric variceal obliteration. The management of ectopic varices requires a multidisciplinary approach, and the choice of therapy is dictated, in part, by location of varices, vascular anatomy and available expertise. Endoscopic therapy is of limited value for the control of chronic blood loss from portal hypertensive gastropathy but is at the forefront in the management of gastric antral vascular ectasia associated with portal hypertension, which includes argon plasma coagulation, band ligation and radiofrequency ablation.
Sexual Offense Investigations: Rethinking the Gateway to the Criminal Justice System

Criminal investigations are the gateway to the rest of the criminal justice system. However, the very point of a criminal investigation in a sexual assault can be questioned as most sex offenses are not reported to the police, perhaps a third are cleared, and only a fraction of these end up being prosecuted. Given these system limitations, how might investigations of sex crimes become more useful? Detectives could better enhance public safety if their objectives were not limited to case clearances. Three suggestions are discussed here: improving investigative thinking; identifying serial crimes; and developing situational prevention strategies.
Immunotherapeutic approaches in ocular inflammatory diseases.

Summary This comprehensive review discusses immunotherapeutic approaches to ocular inflammatory diseases, updates information provided in the literature, and presents clinical experiences with an emphasis on autoimmune uveitis at the National Eye Institute, United States. Current medical and surgical therapeutic approaches, including medications such as corticosteroids, anti-metabolites, alkylating agents, calcineurin and purine synthesis inhibitors, biologics as well as some anti-infectious agents, are reviewed along with new modalities and experimental approaches. Most immunosuppressive therapies have significant adverse effects. Physicians must be familiar with the pharmacology of the available drugs and aware of the philosophies behind the treatment.
Human Performance Modeling for Dynamic Human Reliability Analysis

Part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program, the Risk-Informed Safety Margin Characterization (RISMC) Pathway develops approaches to estimating and managing safety margins. RISMC simulations pair deterministic plant physics models with probabilistic risk models. As human interactions are an essential element of plant risk, it is necessary to integrate human actions into the RISMC risk framework. In this paper, we review simulation based and non simulation based human reliability analysis (HRA) methods. This paper summarizes the foundational information needed to develop a feasible approach to modeling human interactions in RISMC simulations.
Hypothalamic inflammation and gliosis in obesity.

Purpose of reviewHypothalamic inflammation and gliosis are recently discovered mechanisms that may contribute to obesity pathogenesis. Current research in this area suggests that investigation of these central nervous system responses may provide opportunities to develop new weight loss treatments.R
L p -spaces

In this chapter, we introduce the classical L p -spaces and study their basic properties. For a measure space (X, Σ, μ) and 0 < p <∞, the space L p (μ) is the collection of all equivalence classes of measurable functions f for which the p-norm $${\left\| f \right\|_p} = \left( {\int {{{\left| f \right|}^p}d{\mu ^{\frac{1}{p}}}} } \right) < \infty .$$
Targeted treatment of pruritus - a look into the future

Recent advances in pruritus research have elucidated mediators and neuronal pathways involved in itch transmission, and this fast emerging knowledge may possibly be translated into new therapies in the near future. In the skin and peripheral nerves, potential mediator and receptor therapeutic targets include the H4 histamine receptor, protease-activated receptor 2, serine proteases, cathepsin S, peripheral mu- and kappa-opioid receptors, interleukin-31, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and 3, fatty acid amide hydrolase, nerve growth factor and its receptor, acetylcholine, and the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptors. In the spinal cord, gastrin-related peptide and its receptor, as well as substance P and its receptor neurokinin receptor-1 serve as potential therapeutic targets. In the brain, reduction of itch perception and modulation of emotions may possibly be achieved through drugs acting on the anterior cingulate cortex. Clinically, management of pruritus should be instituted early and should address the skin pathology, peripheral neuropathy, central sensitization, and the cognito-affective aspects of the disease.
Sex Differences in Time to Fatigue at 100% VO2peak When Normalized for Fat Free Mass

The purpose of this investigation was to compare sexes for time to fatigue at 100% VO2peak in recreationally trained individuals. Ten men (age: 23.4 ± 1.8; height: 177 ± 6.7; body mass: 83.8 ± 11.3; ± SD) and nine women (age: 25.0 ± 2.5; height: 165.6 ± 5.5; body mass: 62.7 ± 6.7) participated in this investigation after providing written consent. One week after assessing VO2peak, subjects exercised on an electrically braked cycle ergometer at 100% of VO2peak until fatigue. The time taken to fatigue was 48.9% longer for men than women (274 ± 13s vs. 184 ± 14s; p < 0.001, for men and women, respectively). When normalized for fat free mass (ffm; s/kg ffm) no significant differences between men and women were observed (3.99 ± 0.21s/kg ffm vs. 3.72 ± 0.28s/kg ffm for men and women, respectively, p = 0.431). The difference in fatigability between the sexes at this exercise intensity is to a large degree related to the difference in fat free mass.
Civet: A Muslim Commodity?

This paper is about networks of exchange in a specific commodity, the civet cat, across Sudanic Africa. The cat itself and its musk were two of the most valuable African tropical commodities in long-distance trade in the early Middle Ages. Demand for musk surged as Islamic medicine developed and Muslim empires’ trade networks expanded around the 16th century, just as Sudanic states and markets experienced dramatic centralization, growth, and Islamization. Historical exploration of the production, transport, and uses of this commodity can help us understand the emergence of a Trans-Saharan luxury and medicinal good. Producers were hunters who plied the bush and who were known as people with ambiguous spiritualist practices. The traders, on the other hand, had to have a fixed public identity as Muslim to gain access to credit, caravaneers, and buyers. Through this commodity, we can learn more about the economic values of interreligious networks and Islamization as a process grounded in material and spiritual practices. This commodity is also different as a ritual good with some overlaps with but different from salt, slaves, and other better-known commodities of the Trans-Saharan world.
Improved corrosion resistance of IrMn antiferromagnets for spin valve applications by alloying with Cr and Ru

Summary form only given. IrMn is an attractive antiferromagnet for spin valve applications due to its low critical thickness (80/spl Aring/). One of its drawbacks, though, is its susceptibility to corrosion. This is a result of the large Mn concentration in the disordered alloy. In this study, we present results for the magnetic and corrosion properties of IrMn doped with Cr and Ru.
Cardiología "basada en la evidencia", aplicaciones prácticas de la epidemiología. IV. Modelos de predicción de riesgo cardiovascular

Cardiovascular risk assessment in patients without established disease allows to match the intensity of risk factor modification to the underlying hazard for cardiovascular events. The cardiologist needs to know the characteristics of current risk prediction algorithms, their advantages and limitations.
Advances in dispersion-based silicon photonic-crystal physics, devices and fabrication

In this work we present and experimentally validate self-collimation in planar photonic crystals (PhC) as a means to achieve defect-free confinement of light in PhC devices. We demonstrate the ability to arbitrarily guide and route light by exploiting the dispersive characteristics of the photonic crystal. Propagation loss as low as 2.17 dB/mm is measured, and experimental validation of routing structures is presented.
Modifications of trajectory models needed for pollutant source-receptor analysis

A most important application of air pollution modeling is the prediction of the changes in the airborne concentrations and surface deposition of pollutants as a function of changes in source emissions. Both the evaluation of the impact of new sources and of the effectiveness of control strategies are issues that are addressed by model calculations. Of particular interest, for some time in Europe and more recently in North America, is the incorporation of pollutants into precipitation, the so-called “acid rain” problem. One aspect of this problem which emphasizes the need for accurate source-receptor relationship is the concern over the long-range transport of pollutants from sources in one political jurisdiction to precipitation in another jurisdiction; see, for example, the following papers: Johnson, et al. (1978), Bhumralkar, et al. (1981), and Shannon (1981), which use two-dimensional trajectory methods.
Evaluation of the colpocleisis operation: a report of fifty-eight cases.

Abstract This presentation is a review of 58 cases in which the colpocleisis operation in various forms was used from July 1, 1948, through December 31, 1971. With the complete colpocleisis procedure, there were no failures or recurrences. Modification of this procedure, with preservation of some sexual function, led to complete failure in three and partial success in three. The most frequently encountered postoperative complaints were referable to bladder function: stress urinary incontinence, either uncorrected or caused by the procedure, and bladder frequency and urgency when no infection was found to exist. The mechanisms causing these complaints are discussed, and suggestions about technique are made. There were no operative deaths.
Template-Based Fuzzy Systems Modeling

A methodology is suggested here for the development of fuzzy systems models that is a combination of the AI-expert systems approach, with its heavy dependence on the use of expert knowledge, and the neural network-type systems building, with its emphasis on learning from data observations. We use expert-provided information in the form of template linguistic values to induce potential elemental rules for the knowledge base of the system model. We then introduce input-output observations into a simple learning mechanism to obtain weights characterizing the effect of each of the potential elemental rules on the overall systems model. The development of the learning mechanism is based on a representation of systems models combining fuzzy logic and Dempster-Shafer theory, which we previously introduced.
The 9th Symposium of Consumer Psychology of Tourism, Hospitality, and Leisure Research

The 9th Symposium of Consumer Psychology of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure (CPTHL) represented an opportunity to explore deeper and wider the psychological dimensions of tourism behaviour. The co...
The Quaestor Proclus

Procopius’ portrait of the Proclus, quaestor sacri palatii under Justin I, reveals a pragmatic politician devoted to predictability, stability, and the rule of law, in the face of imperial capriciousness, especially in dealings with Persia.