cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Book Review: Disability and Mothering: Liminal Spaces of Embodied Knowledge

Reviewer: Carol J. Gill, PhD Editors : Cynthia Lewiecki-Wilson and Jen Cellio Publisher : ­Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2011 Hardcover : $39.95; as low as $20 from external sellers listed on Amazon.com, 348 pages ISBN : 978-0-8156-3284-9
Spatiotemporal modeling of microbial metabolism

Microbial systems in which the extracellular environment varies both spatially and temporally are very common in nature and in engineering applications. While the use of genome-scale metabolic reconstructions for steady-state flux balance analysis (FBA) and extensions for dynamic FBA are common, the development of spatiotemporal metabolic models has received little attention. We present a general methodology for spatiotemporal metabolic modeling based on combining genome-scale reconstructions with fundamental transport equations that govern the relevant convective and/or diffusional processes in time and spatially varying environments. Our solution procedure involves spatial discretization of the partial differential equation model followed by numerical integration of the resulting system of ordinary differential equations with embedded linear programs using DFBAlab, a MATLAB code that performs reliable and efficient dynamic FBA simulations. We demonstrate our methodology by solving spatiotemporal metabolic models for two systems of considerable practical interest: (1) a bubble column reactor with the syngas fermenting bacterium Clostridium ljungdahlii; and (2) a chronic wound biofilm with the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Despite the complexity of the discretized models which consist of 900 ODEs/600 LPs and 250 ODEs/250 LPs, respectively, we show that the proposed computational framework allows efficient and robust model solution. Our study establishes a new paradigm for formulating and solving genome-scale metabolic models with both time and spatial variations and has wide applicability to natural and engineered microbial systems.
Modeling and predicting heart rate dynamics across a broad range of transient exercise intensities during cycling

Prior studies have investigated heart rate dynamics from a variety of perspectives, but are often inadequate for predicting heart rate responses across a broad range of transient exercise intensities. The aim of this study was to develop a nonlinear model to describe the heart rate response of an individual during cycling and to investigate whether heart rate is more accurately predicted by a combination of power output and cadence than by power output alone. The proposed model can account for the transient fluctuations of an individual’s heart rate while they participate in exercise that varies in intensity. The participants for this study each performed a fifty minute bout of cycling on an electric-braked cycle ergometer in the laboratory. The testing protocol for the cycling bout was designed to challenge the predictive capabilities of the model and the participants therefore abruptly changed their power outputs and cadences throughout the tests, which resulted in significant transient fluctuations in their heart rate responses. Due to the nonlinear nature of the proposed heart rate model, a heuristic algorithm was developed to perform the parameter estimation. The model predictions for heart rate matched very well with the experimental heart rate responses for each of the participants, especially when considering the challenges inherent to predicting abrupt transient behavior in the heart rate response. Model comparisons also indicated that heart rate is more accurately predicted by a combination of power output and cadence than by power output alone.
P138 Crosstalk between ITAM and IFN-gamma signaling mediated by GSK3

Introduction Ligation of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-associated receptors in macrophages can initiate potent induction of negative regulators, including anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, signaling inhibitors SOCS3, ABIN3, A20 and transcriptional repressor Hes1 [1] . However under inflammatory conditions, the strong inhibitory pathway initiated by ITAM-bearing receptors was altered. In macrophages isolated from rheumatoid arthritis patients, as well as in blood monocytes/macrophages primed with IFN-γ, ITAM-mediated induction of IL-10 and other inhibitory molecules was markedly attenuated. Here, we investigated mechanisms underlying the suppression of IFN-γ on ITAM-mediated inhibitory pathway. Methods We utilized primary human macrophages in this study, and compared gene expression and signaling in IFN-γ-primed versus non-primed cells, by q-PCR and western blotting respectively. Fibrinogen (Fb) was used to ligate ITAM-bearing β 2 intergrin [2] . A combination of biochemical and genetic approaches was conducted to investigate the role of GSK3, including pharmacological inhibitors of GSK3 kinase and RNA interference of GSK3α/β genes. We further analyzed the subcellular localization of GSK3, and its potential substrates, including β-catenin. Microarray experiment was performed to determine the target genes of β-catenin. Results We found that IFN-γ markedly increased ITAM-regulated GSK3 kinase activity and nuclear accumulation. Inhibition of GSK3 using pharmacological inhibitors or RNA interference reversed IFN-γ suppression of IL10 and HES1 , suggesting that GSK3 mediated the downregulation of inhibitory gene expression by IFN-γ. β-catenin, a major substrate of GSK3, is a transcription factor recently implicated in induction of anti-inflammatory mediator IL-10 in murine dendritic cells [3] . However, effective knockdown of β-catenin by siRNAs had little effect on ITAM-mediated gene expression, as assessed by genome-wide microarray analysis. In contrast, we found that the expression of AP-1, another target of GSK3 [4] , as well as its nuclear accumulation was significantly suppressed by IFN-γ. Conclusion We provided several lines of evidence that GSK3 was the major mediator in the crosstalk between ITAM and IFN-γ Signaling. AP-1 transcription factor, but not β-catenin, was the major target of GSK3 in this scenario. These findings yield insight into mechanisms of crosstalk between ITAM-associated receptors and IFN-γ that are important for the orchestration of cytokine production and inflammation.
Should potential sources of hospital-acquired infections be monitored?

Microbiological monitoring of potential sources of hospital-acquired infections requires a knowledge of the risk of infection connected with each item that may be monitored. While there are large numbers of potential sources for infection present in a hospital, it seems — in the light of past experience — impossible to devise a program that would serve to pinpoint all “dangerous” sources before transmission would occur. It is recommended, however, that small-scale programs be instituted in every hospital so as to mainly ensure the maintenance of aseptic and antiseptic techniques.
Advanced visualization and accessibility to SHM results involving real-time and historic multi-parameter data and camera images

Present inability to manage large amounts of data properly is a big barrier for a widespread deployment of structural health monitoring, especially when multiparameter data is involved and combined with camera images. Various sensors can measure strain, tilt, temperature, and weather, while live cameras can visualize traffic, and all the data can be registered both statically and dynamically. In order to combine the complex monitored data and make it available for multiple users, which can be the owner/manager of the bridge, researchers, practitioners, or students, a website portal with live data streaming can be a good solution. Historic data can then be consulted using another, “Playback” software package. Both Live Portal and Playback should have embedded algorithms for data visualization, statistical data analysis and reporting. This new solution for data visualization and accessibility, which combines internet omnipresence, computer science, and structural engineering, has been researched, developed and applied on the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge between Pennsylvania and New Jersey and presented in this paper.
New Dispenser for the Pheromone of the Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

A new dispenser for (+)-disparlure was designed for use in gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), detection traps; this new dispenser is an alternative to the currently used plastic laminate. The dispenser consists of twisted nylon twine coated with polyvinyl chloride containing 500 µg of the pheromone. Comparison tests showed that this twine dispenser prolonged the release of (+)-disparlure at a rate ≥30 ng/h for longer (240 versus 80 h) than did the 1989 batch of the standard laminate dispensers in an accelerated oven aging test at 59°C. Field tests showed that male moth captures with twine dispensers, pre-aged 16 wk in a greenhouse, were as high as or higher than those with unaged, laminate dispensers (from either 1988 or 1989 batches). Pheromone contents and release rates as a function of duration of aging showed extended and more effective delivery of the active ingredient by the twine dispenser in comparison with the laminate dispenser. The twine dispenser is simple and inexpensive to make and is at least as effective as the presently used laminate dispenser.
The Variable Strength of Electrical Synapses.

In contrast to chemical synapses, less is known regarding the determinants of the strength of electrical synapses. New evidence from Szoboszlay et al. (2016) shows that the number of gap junctions is the dominant factor underlying the strength of electrical coupling between cerebellar interneurons.
Coarse-Grained Contact Potential Helps Improve Fold Recognition Sensitivity in Template-Based Protein Structure Modeling

The recent growth of the number of experimentally-determined protein structures in Protein Data Banks (PDB) has provided hundreds of thousands of structural templates to support reliable template-based protein structure modeling. In this paper, taking advantage of large-scale data processing platforms, sequence alignments with a large number of potential structural templates can be completed rapidly. Moreover, we present a new approach of using ICOSA, a coarse-grained contact potential correlating inter-residue interaction distance and orientation, to estimate the favorability of the target sequence fitting in the fold topology of a protein structural template. Incorporating ICOSA score with sequence profile alignment score generated by the MUSTER program improves the sensitivity of identifying the most appropriate template from a large number of possible templates. The effectiveness of this template selection approach has been demonstrated in the CASP11 targets.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio correlates with proinflammatory neutrophils and predicts death in low model for end-stage liver disease patients with cirrhosis

The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score has reduced accuracy for liver transplantation (LT) wait-list mortality when MELD ≤ 20. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a biomarker associated with systemic inflammation and may predict cirrhotic decompensation and death. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic utility of high NLR (≥4) for liver-related death among low MELD patients listed for LT, controlling for stage of cirrhosis. In a nested case-control study of cirrhotic adults awaiting LT (February 2002 to May 2011), cases were LT candidates with a liver-related death and MELD ≤ 20 within 90 days of death. Controls were similar LT candidates who were alive for ≥90 days after LT listing. NLR and other covariates were assessed at the date of lowest MELD, within 90 days of death for cases and within 90 days after listing for controls. There were 41 cases and 66 controls; MELD scores were similar. NLR 25th, 50th, 75th percentile cutoffs were 1.9, 3.1, and 6.8. NLR was ≥ 4 in 25/41 (61%) cases and in 17/66 (26%) controls. In univariate analysis, NLR (continuous ≥ 1.9, ≥ 4, ≥ 6.8), increasing cirrhosis stage, jaundice, encephalopathy, serum sodium, and albumin and nonselective beta-blocker use were significantly (P < 0.01) associated with liver-related death. In multivariate analysis, NLR of ≥1.9, ≥ 4, ≥ 6.8 were each associated with liver-related death. Furthermore, we found that NLR correlated with the frequency of circulating low-density granulocytes, previously identified as displaying proinflammatory properties, as well as monocytes. In conclusion, elevated NLR is associated with liver-related death, independent of MELD and cirrhosis stage. High NLR may aid in determining risk for cirrhotic decompensation, need for increased monitoring, and urgency for expedited LT in candidates with low MELD. Liver Transplantation 23 155-165 2017 AASLD.
A Novel Strategy for Combining Immunotherapy with High Dose Chemotherapy and Auto-Transplantation in High Risk Multiple Myeloma.

Although high dose chemotherapy and autologous transplantation (AT) can induce complete remission in approximately 50% of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, the majority eventually relapse. We hypothesize that a combination of AT and vaccination may sustain remissions by inducing specific cytotoxic T cells against chemotherapy resistant plasma cells. Vaccinations are typically given after AT when the immune system is very defective. We tested the novel strategy of priming anti-myeloma T-cells before AT and protecting the primed T-cells from high-dose chemotherapy by apheresis and cryopreservation of the primed cells. After high-dose chemotherapy induced cytoreduction, the primed T-cells were returned early after AT and preferentially expanded by a series of booster vaccinations (figure 1). The vaccines are monocyte derived-dendritic cells (DC) loaded with myeloma lysate (ML) and tracer antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), matured with trimeric CD40-ligand, administered intranodally, and followed by 5 days of low dose subcutaneous IL-2. Four patients with poor prognosis MM (characterized by abnormal metaphase cytogenetics) have been vaccinated and three are evaluable (the 4 th patient is 60 days post AT2 and only 14 days post vaccine 8). ML specific immune responses were detected by delayed type hypersensitivity reactions and proliferation in 2/3 and by ELISPOT in 3/3 patients. Strong responses to KLH were observed in 3/3 patients. The pattern of response is a dramatic and rapid increase in ML specific T cell proliferation (figure 2) and IFN-g secretion after LP2 infusion plus booster vaccinations post AT, suggesting that the primed T-cells had been protected by collection and storage during AT. A high pre-existing ML specific antibody response was observed in 2/3 patients and a low antibody response pre-vaccination was clearly boosted in a third patient. The patient receiving the lowest DC dose (50 versus 115 and 139 x10 6 ) had a response to ML only detected by IFNg secretion assays, but is in near complete remission, 719 days post AT2, while disease progression was observed in the other two patients 496 and 626 days after AT. Our immune monitoring data suggest that the problem of applying vaccination in heavily treated patients may be overcome by early vaccination, collection and subsequent reinfusion of primed cells followed by repeated booster vaccination. Optimization of the vaccine regimen by increasing the frequency of vaccination or the use of highly immunogenic, well characterized tumor-associated antigens may further improve efficacy. We have an ongoing trial for high risk MM patients utilizing NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 peptide vaccines based on a similar strategy to preserve immune competence.
A High-Power Broadband Terahertz Source Enabled by Three-Dimensional Light Confinement in a Plasmonic Nanocavity.

The scope and potential uses of time-domain terahertz imaging and spectroscopy are mainly limited by the low optical-to-terahertz conversion efficiency of photoconductive terahertz sources. State-of-the-art photoconductive sources utilize short-carrier-lifetime semiconductors to recombine carriers that cannot contribute to efficient terahertz generation and cause additional thermal dissipation. Here, we present a novel photoconductive terahertz source that offers a significantly higher efficiency compared with terahertz sources fabricated on short-carrier-lifetime substrates. The key innovative feature of this source is the tight three-dimensional confinement of the optical pump beam around the terahertz nanoantennas that are used as radiating elements. This is achieved by means of a nanocavity formed by plasmonic structures and a distributed Bragg reflector. Consequently, almost all of the photo-generated carriers can be routed to the terahertz nanoantennas within a sub-picosecond time-scale. This results in a very strong, ultrafast current that drives the nanoantennas to produce broadband terahertz radiation. We experimentally demonstrate that this terahertz source can generate 4 mW pulsed terahertz radiation under an optical pump power of 720 mW over the 0.1–4 THz frequency range. This is the highest reported power level for terahertz radiation from a photoconductive terahertz source, representing more than an order of magnitude of enhancement in the optical-to-terahertz conversion efficiency compared with state-of-the-art photoconductive terahertz sources fabricated on short-carrier-lifetime substrates.
When situations call for instrumentality and expressiveness : Resource appraisal, coping strategy choice, and adjustment

The coping model of Holahan and Moos (1987) served as a framework for examining associations among resource appraisals, gender-role coping strategy choices, and adjustment in situations having salient social expectations for expressiveness and instrumentality (i.e., dual-expectation situations). Participants were 70 male and 124 female undergraduates. Appraisals of setting-specific social support availability and self-esteem were related to coping strategy choices. Androgynous copers had higher social support appraisals than instrumental or indeterminate copers and higher self-appraisals than indeterminate copers. Androgynous coping was (a) positively related to well-being at all levels of resource appraisals and (b) negatively related to stress at moderate and low levels of social support and all levels of self-esteem.
Synchronous mating in yeasts.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on synchronous mating in yeasts. The development of methods for hybridizing yeasts has concerned investigators in fungal biology and fermentation technology for several decades. Matings among haploid yeast cells generate zygotes that typically produce diploid buds by mitosis. Although the chapter focuses on heterothallic mating systems at the haploid-diploid level, the methods presented can be applied to homothallic strains or other ploidy levels. The chapter presents methods for producing synchronously mating populations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The experimental approaches of different researchers in this organism and in Hansenula wingei are briefly reviewed. A detailed comparison of all procedures as regards methodological approaches and zygotic yields is also included in the chapter. Modifications are suggested that might circumvent variability arising from differences in sex factor production, agglutinability, or response to factors. Suggestions are also presented in the chapter for new approaches to achieve synchronized yeast mating and the application of such systems to the analysis of mating itself or as a tool for analyzing other developmental sequences.
Unified approach to substituted allenoates via Pd-catalyzed β-hydride elimination of (E)-enol triflates

A robust synthesis of allenoates via a Pd-catalyzed β-hydride elimination of (E)-enol triflates is presented. Salient features of this method include low catalyst loadings, mild reaction conditions, and the ability to access all four patterns of substituted allenoates from a single substrate class.
Prologue: Looking West, but Walking East: The Dilemma of Orthodoxy in a Modernising World

The historic strength and the historic weakness of Eastern Orthodoxy are one and the same. The perception that the Church is, and should be, timeless and unchanging; that all its doctrines and practices—including that of icon-painting—are traceable back to Christ and the apostles; that doctrinal development is fully and definitively encompassed by the first seven ecumenical councils: these convictions have protected it in the fast-changing world of the modern era from the liberalisation that has ravaged Protestantism since the late 19th century and from the aggiornamento that has pushed Catholicism—at different speeds in different countries, to be sure—in the same direction of accommodation. But the very intractability of Orthodoxy has sharply limited its ability to make converts outside its historic homelands, and sometimes even to hang on to its historic constituency.
UNESCO educational media conference recommendations

The author, who has edited the AVCR department on Teaching Machines and Programed Instruction for the past two years, is Professor of Education at the University of California, Los Angeles. He also serves as adviser on educational media to the American Institute for Research, and as chairman of the AERA-APA-DAVI joint committee on programed instruction and teaching machines. As one of the four U. S. delegates to the UNESCO conference on new methods and techniques in education, he assisted in drafting the conference recommendations.
The sonic habitués of the Strip: listening in Las Vegas

How has neoliberalism transformed the way we hear? This essay focuses on the way in which gamblers listen in the casinos of Las Vegas, examining how, in a paradigmatic example of the post-Fordist a...
The Relational Structure of Human Dignity

ABSTRACTThis article argues that received accounts of the concept of human dignity face more difficulties than has been appreciated, when explaining the connection between human dignity and the duty of respect that dignity is supposed to generate. It also argues that a novel, relational, account has the adequate structure to explain such connection.
A portable microscopy system for fluorescence, polarized, and brightfield imaging

The use of mobile phones to conduct diagnostic microscopy at the point-of-care presents intriguing possibilities for the advancement of high-quality medical care in remote settings. However, it is challenging to create a single device that can adapt to the ever-varying camera technologies in phones or that can image with the customization that multiple modalities require for applications such as malaria diagnosis. A portable multi-modal microscope system is presented that utilizes a Raspberry Pi to collect and transmit data wirelessly to a myriad of electronic devices for image analysis. The microscopy system is capable of providing to the user correlated brightfield, polarized, and fluorescent images of samples fixed on traditional microscopy slides. The multimodal diagnostic capabilities of the microscope were assessed by measuring parasitemia of Plasmodium falciparum-infected thin blood smears. The device is capable of detecting fluorescently-labeled DNA using FITC excitation (490 nm) and emission (525 nm), the birefringent P. falciparum byproduct hemozoin, and detecting brightfield absorption with a resolution of 0.78 micrometers (element 9-3 of a 1951 Air Force Target). This microscopy system is a novel portable imaging tool that may be a viable candidate for field implementation if challenges of system durability, cost considerations, and full automation can be overcome.
Distant Relations: Macrophage Functions in the Metastatic Niche

Tumor-associated macrophages are known contributors of tumor progression in the primary tumor via multiple mechanisms. However, recent studies have demonstrated the ability of macrophages to promote secondary tumor development by inhibiting tumoricidal immune response, initiating angiogenesis, remodeling the local matrix, and directly communicating with cancer cells. In this review, we discuss macrophage functions in establishing distant metastases including formation of the premetastatic niche, extravasation of circulating cancer cells, and colonization of secondary metastases. A more thorough understanding of metastasis-associated macrophages and their associated mechanisms of metastatic progression may lead to novel therapeutic intervention to prevent further metastatic development and tumor reseeding.
Detection of Electricity Theft in Customer Consumption Using Outlier Detection Algorithms

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a core part of Smart-grid, which is responsible for collecting, measuring and analyzing energy usage data of customers. The development of this network has been possible thanks to the emergence of new information and communication technologies. However, with the arrival of these technologies, new problems have arisen in the AMI. One of these challenges is the energy theft, which has been a major concern in traditional power systems worldwide. To face these challenges, datasets of electricity consumptions are analyzed to detect intruders. Traditional techniques to detect intruders include the use of machine learning and data mining approaches. In this paper, we analyze the feasibility of applying outliers detection algorithms for enhancing the security of AMI through of the detection of electricity theft. We explore the performances of various existing outlier detection algorithms on a real dataset (consumer energy usage). The results show the feasibility of use outliers algorithms in the security of AMI and also the effectiveness of the use of these methods in the electricity consumption datasets for theft detection.
Dimensional Fund Advisors - 2002

SUBJECT AREAS: Careers & career planning, Efficient markets, Finance, Financial instruments, Investment management, Securities, Stocks, Success CASE SETTING: Santa Monica, CA; investment management; $200 million revenues; 150 employees; 2002 Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) is an investment management firm that prides itself on basing its investment strategies on sound academic research. Many of the best known finance research papers of the past two decades (especially those by Eugene Fama and Kenneth French, who work closely with DFA) have led to DFA investment strategies. DFA began as a small-stock fund, attempting to take advantage of the "size affect" (excess performance of small stocks) that had been discovered by a number of academic researchers. Later, DFA added "value" strategies to its mix of offerings. After academic research documented superior performance by value stocks in a multitude of countries, DFA began to create a variety of international value-stock and small-stock investment funds. The company was highly successful, despite missing out on the great 1990s growth-stock boom. DFA's assets under management grew from $8 billion to $40 billion between 1991 and 2002. With value stocks having performed well in the first 2 years of the new decade, DFA is experiencing continued growth of its investor base and is now seeking new areas in which it can add value for investors while continuing to claim to have no special "stock-picking" ability. Teaching Purpose: Teaches students about recent academic research in asset pricing and about how DFA has used that research as the basis of a highly successful firm.
The Internalization and Intracellular Processing of Insulin Receptors

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the studies that provide evidence for the internalization and cellular processing of insulin receptors in various target cells. It focuses on the studies carried out on isolated adipocytes using in vitro insulin binding assays and photoaffinity labeling procedures. Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a process by which cells internalize a variety of molecules, including polypeptide hormones, nutrients, plasma transport proteins, and antibodies. The intracellular pathway taken by these different ligands is similar and involves sequestration within smooth or coated vesicles followed by fusion with smooth membrane vesicles and eventual delivery of the ligand to the lysosomes. The ligand and receptor enter the cell together. The chapter discusses the internalization of insulin receptors, recycling of internalized receptors back to the plasma membrane, intracellular degradation of insulin receptors, and the speculations about the functional significance of these processes in target cells. Internalization of insulin–receptor complexes may have roles in the overall action of insulin. Internalized insulin accumulates in Golgi and nuclear compartments. Therefore, it is possible that the following internalization, insulin would be transported to intracellular organelles where it binds to intracellular receptors on these structures and regulates Golgi function or nuclear activities.
Water diffusivity in starch-based systems.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of structure, and component interactions, on the sorption and transport properties of water in starch-based systems. We compared the effective diffusivity (Deff) of water in two starches, with differing amylose-amylopectin ratios, using either kinetics of water adsorption or analysis of drying curves (water desorption) to estimate Deff. The effect of incorporating small sugar molecules into the granular or gelatinized starch matrices on Deff was measured by drying curve analysis. To investigate the possible mechanisms of water transport, the porosity and microscopic appearance of the samples at different stages of drying were determined.
Parsimony and the Units of Selection

Philosophers of science often express suspicion of the remarks scientists make about scientific method. These pronouncements, so it is said, often are after-the-fact rationalizations that fail to reflect the real epistemological principles that scientists obey in practice. How often have we heard that if Einstein had been the Machian he sometimes said he was, he never would have discovered the special theory of relativity?
Bioethics and the Lutheran Communion

The first volume in the Bioethics Yearbook series traced the evolution of North American Lutheran discussions from their outset in the early 1960s up to 1990. The third volume reported developments in the United States from 1990–1992 including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s amicus curiae brief in the celebrated Cruzan Supreme Court case, its 1991 Social Statement “Abortion”, and a 1992 Message on Social Issues “End of Life Decisions.” There, for the first time, coverage was expanded to include European developments since the inception of Lutheran discussions on the Continent in the late 1970s. The primary focus of the present chapter is a book recently produced by a group of Lutheran ethicists from the Nordic countries. New developments on the North American scene will also be reported.
Role of Taste Receptors as Sentinels of Innate Immunity in the Upper Airway.

Evidence is emerging that shows taste receptors serve functions outside of taste sensation of the tongue. Taste receptors have been found in tissue across the human body, including the gastrointestinal tract, bladder, brain, and airway. These extraoral taste receptors appear to be important in modulating the innate immune response through detection of pathogens. This review discusses taste receptor signaling, focusing on the G-protein–coupled receptors that detect bitter and sweet compounds in the upper airway epithelium. Emphasis is given to recent studies which link the physiology of sinonasal taste receptors to clinical manifestation of upper airway disease.
Endogenous Oxytocin Levels in Relation to Food Intake, Menstrual Phase, and Age in Females.

Context Oxytocin regulates a range of physiological processes including eating behavior and oxytocin administration reduces caloric intake in males. There are few data on oxytocin and eating behavior in healthy females or on the response of endogenous oxytocin to food intake and its relationship to appetite in humans. Objectives To determine the postprandial pattern of oxytocin levels, the relationship between oxytocin and appetite, and the impact of menstrual cycle phase and age on oxytocin levels in females. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Clinical research center. Participants Fifty-five healthy females (age 10 to 45 years). Interventions A standardized mixed meal was administered. Main outcome measurements Blood sampling for oxytocin occurred at fasting and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes postmeal. Appetite was assessed using Visual Analogue Scales pre- and postmeal. Results Mean fasting oxytocin levels were 1011.2 ± 52.3 pg/mL (SEM) and decreased at 30 and 60 minutes postmeal (P = 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Mean oxytocin levels decreased19.6% ± 3.0% from baseline to nadir. Oxytocin area under the curve was lower in the early to midfollicular menstrual cycle phase (P = 0.0003) and higher in younger females (P = 0.002). The percent change in oxytocin (baseline to nadir) was associated with postprandial hunger (rs = -0.291, P = 0.03) and fullness (rs = 0.345, P = 0.009). These relations remained significant after controlling for calories consumed, menstrual cycle status, and age (P = 0.023 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions Peripheral oxytocin levels in females decrease after a mixed meal and are associated with appetite independent of menstrual phase, age, and caloric intake, suggesting that endogenous oxytocin levels may play a role in perceived hunger and satiety.
Separation of syntax and problem solving in Introductory Computer Programming

In this research work in progress paper, we discuss the possible benefits of separating syntax practice from problem-solving learning in an Introductory Computer Programming course. We propose a curriculum and associated development tool called Phanon that teach the rudiments of programming language through exercises done online outside of class. Having students complete exercises before class frees up classroom time and instructor face time for the higher-order learning tasks of problem decomposition and solving. We report results from a pilot study that are consistent with our hypothesis that these techniques result in improved student outcomes and attitudes and we discuss a future follow-up study.
The Utilization of ExamSoft®-iPad® Technology in Administering and Grading Anatomy Practical Examinations

This article provides a detailed, step-by-step description of the introduction of technology (iPad® use of ExamSoft® web-based assessment software) for administering and grading cadaver-oriented anatomy practical examinations. We explain the advantages of computer-based testing in the delivery and grading of practical examinations, including minimizing human error inherent in hand grading, improving the efficiency of reporting, and mapping the examination to course objectives. Furthermore, item analysis (including item difficulty, discrimination indices, and point biserial correlations) allows evaluation of laboratory teaching and testing and monitoring of the curriculum. We also address how the advantages of this format override any limitation, such as cost. In conclusion, we describe our future directions and how others could adopt this approach.
FinalFilter: Asserting Security Properties of a Processor at Runtime

In an ideal world, it would be possible to build a provably correct and secure processor. However, the complexity of today's processors puts this ideal out of reach. The complete verification of a modern processor remains intractable. Statically verifying even a simple security property -for example, "hardware privilege escalation never occurs" -remains beyond the state of the art in formal verification. Testing can complement formal verification methods, yet testing is incomplete and bugs in the hardware that leave it vulnerable continue to elude test suites. Further, a crafty malicious actor can evade typical testing coverage metrics. Recent efforts, including that of three of the authors, have explored the use of static analysis on the design files (e.g., hardware description level source code or gate-level netlists) to find suspicious circuitry." These techniques rely on heuristics to define patterns that indicate a likely trojan and then search for instances in the design that match the pattern. However, malicious circuitry that does not match the pattern will be missed, as will inadvertent bugs that open vulnerabilities. By the time the weakness is uncovered, the hardware is already in the end user's hands and vulnerable to attack. In the absence of a full proof of correctness, what is needed is a final filter: a runtime verification technique that works-postdeployment-to detect and respond to security property violations as they occur during execution. In this article, we make the case for final filters using our tool, FinalFilter, as a case study.
Abstract #553: MiRNA expression profiling and validation in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissue

MiRNAs emerge as important regulators in tumorigenesis. We extracted total RNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of different breast cancer stages and applied µParaflo\#8482; human MiRNA microarray to screen for deregulated miRNAs. A total of 14 miRNAs were found to be deregulated in breast cancer development. Among them, miR-21 and let-7i were validated by realtime PCR and in situ hybridization as real oncomirs for the progression of benign, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) stages. Future work will include target gene identification and in vivo animal study. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 553.
Automatic program synthesis via synthesis of loop-free segments*

Work on theorem-proving-based automatic program synthesis (see Lee, et al. , 7 for example) has been neglected lately. In their 1971 paper, Manna and Waldinger 8 covered one of the main reasons why—the difficulty of synthesizing program loops within the current state of the art of automatic theorem-proving. However, there is a great deal of continuing work in theorem-proving, and it is important that motivating work in related areas such as program synthesis not be neglected.
Imaging Properties of Additive Manufactured (3D Printed) Materials for Potential Use for Phantom Models.

Over the last few decades, there has been growing interest in the application of additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing for medical research and clinical application. Imaging phantoms offer clear benefits in the way of training, planning, and quality assurance, but the model’s availability per catalog tend to be suited for general testing purposes only. AM, on the contrary, offers flexibility to clinicians by enabling custom-built phantoms based on specific interests or even individual patient needs. This study aims to quantify the radiographic properties (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography) of common additive manufacturing technologies and to discuss potential opportunities to fabricate imaging phantoms. Test phantoms were composed of samples from the three most common AM styles, namely PolyJet, fused deposition modeling (FDM), and stereolithography (SLA). Test imaging of the phantoms was performed on ultrasound, MRI, and CT and reviewed and evaluated with radiology software. The ultrasound images showed clearly defined upper and lower edges of the material but did not demonstrate distinct differences in internal echogenicity between materials. The MR scans revealed a distinct signal intensity difference between the model (17 grayscale value) and the printer support (778 grayscale value). Finally, the CT images showed a slight variation between the plastic (82 HU) and rubber (145 HU) materials. The radiographic properties of AM offer a clear opportunity to create basic two- or three-material phantoms. These would be high-accuracy and cost-effective models. Although the materials currently available are not suitable for complex multi-material applications as realistic as true human anatomy, one can easily foresee the development of new materials with broader density in the near future.
How much of monthly mean precipitation variability over global land is associated with SST anomalies

The role of sea surface temperature (SST) in determining the predictability of monthly mean precipitation over the global land is assessed by analyzing the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP)-like simulations forced by observed SST, which provides a benchmark for the impact of SST on the precipitation. The correlations of monthly mean precipitation anomalies between the ensemble mean of the AMIP simulations and observations are dominated by positive values with maxima around 0.3–0.4 in the tropical North Africa along 15° N and northeastern Brazil. The SST forcing for the precipitation variability is mainly associated with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and in the tropical Indian Ocean. Statistically, positive and negative SST anomalies associated with an ENSO cycle have a comparable influence on precipitation variability over the land. In addition to the spatial variations, the precipitation responses to SST also vary with season and decade. Pattern correlations are larger in boreal winter than in boreal summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and relatively larger in April-June and September–November in the Southern Hemisphere. The global average of correlation is lower during 1957–1980 and 2000–2018, and higher in between. The interdecadal fluctuation of the pattern correlations is coherent with the interdecadal variation of the amplitude of ENSO.
A combination of Deferoxamine mesylate and minimally invasive surgery with hematoma lysis for evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Some clinical trials demonstrated a trend towards benefit with surgical evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage, with...
Percutaneous structural and valvular heart disease interventions.

The last decade has seen an enormous leap forward in the field of percutaneous structural heart disease interventions. We have witnessed a revolutionary transformation in our ability to treat valvular and structural heart disease and are now able to offer life-saving therapies to so many patients who had few good options previously.
Human Action Performance Using Deep Neuro-Fuzzy Recurrent Attention Model

A great number of computer vision publications have focused on distinguishing between human action recognition and classification rather than the intensity of actions performed. Indexing the intensity which determines the performance of human actions is a challenging task due to the uncertainty and information deficiency that exists in the video inputs. To remedy this uncertainty, in this paper we coupled fuzzy logic rules with the neural-based action recognition model to rate the intensity of a human action as intense or mild . In our approach, we used a Spatio-Temporal LSTM to generate the weights of the fuzzy-logic model, and then demonstrate through experiments that indexing of the action intensity is possible. We analyzed the integrated model by applying it to videos of human actions with different action intensities and were able to achieve an accuracy of 89.16% on our intensity indexing generated dataset. The integrated model demonstrates the ability of a neuro-fuzzy inference module to effectively estimate the intensity index of human actions.
Investigation and analysis on frequencies of medical exposure in radiological diagnosis in Jiangsu province in 2015

Objective To study the frequencies of diagnostic exposure and distribution of examined patients in Jiangsu province and to evaluate the frequencies of commom diagnostic exposure and CT examination by investigating public hospitals in Jiangsu. Methods Public hospitals in 4 counties (districts) were sampled, and the information of examined patients on sex, age, diagnostic type and exposure category were gathered through radiology information system (RIS) of the sampled hospitals. Results A total of 728 196 records of diagnostic procedures were gathered from the sampled hospitals. Among them 479 024 records were on common diagnostic procedures, whereas 249 172 records were on CT diagnostic procedures. The sex ratio was relatively balanced. the above 40 years of age group amounted for 62% the highest proportion, among the three age groups. The diagnostic frequencies in level Ⅱ hospitals contributed the highest proportion although 70% of the sampled hospitals were level I hospitals. Such diagnostic procedures as barium enema and mammography were highly distributed in level Ⅲ hospitals. Diagnostic frequencies were estimated in 2015 at 303 common diagnostic examinations and 173 CT diagnostic procedures per 1 000 persons in Jiangsu province. Conclusions Frequencies of diagnostic radiology in Jiangsu became increased since the last investigation of medical exposure examinations during the Ninth Five-year Plan, which was a challenge for health care. It is important to mobilize more resources in protection against medical radiation exposure. Key words: Radiology Information System (RIS); Diagnositc exposure; Medical exposure; Frequencies of exposure
Introducing Intelligent Interior Design Framework (IIDF) and the Overlap with Human Building Interaction (HBI)

Increasingly our interiors will have technology embedded throughout the space or used to morph or augment the space. The increased ubiquity of technology will result in humans living inside structures that not only provide for their occupant’s needs but anticipates those needs beforehand. The Intelligent Interior Design Framework (IIDF) goes beyond “smart homes” connected to the internet of things (IoT). We seek to introduce the Intelligent Interior Design Framework (IIDF) as an interdisciplinary strategy that can be used to design experience inside our interiors.
Minimally Invasive Endoscopy for Acute Subdural Hematomas: A Report of 3 Cases

BACKGROUND Acute subdural hematomas (aSDHs) occur in approximately 10% to 20% of all closed head injury and represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in traumatic brain injury patients. Conventional craniotomy is an invasive intervention with the potential for excess blood loss and prolonged postoperative recovery time. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the outcomes of minimally invasive endoscopy for evacuation of aSDHs in a pilot feasibility study. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients with aSDHs who underwent surgical treatment at our institution with minimally invasive endoscopy using the Apollo/Artemis Neuro Evacuation Device (Penumbra, Alameda, California) between April 2015 and July 2018. RESULTS The study cohort comprised three patients. The Glasgow Coma Scale on admission was 15 for all 3 patients, median preoperative hematoma volume was 49.5 cm3 (range 44-67.8 cm3), median postoperative degree of hematoma evacuation was 88% (range 84%-89%), and median modified Rankin Scale at discharge was 1 (range 0-3). CONCLUSION Endoscopic evacuation of aSDHs can be a safe and effective alternative to craniotomy in appropriately selected patients. Further studies are needed to refine the selection criteria for endoscopic aSDH evacuation and evaluate its long-term outcomes.