cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A nonlinear lowpass filter that eliminates peak attenuation

Linear-phase lowpass filters are often used as a preprocessing step in signal processing applications to eliminate high frequency components of noise that do not overlap with the signal spectrum. Signals with sharp peaks confound this type of noise reduction because sharp peaks have a broad spectrum and are significantly attenuated by lowpass filters. This paper describes a simple method that restores the signal peaks to their full amplitude by adding a filtered estimate of the peak residuals to the original lowpass filter output. Examples are given of the nonlinear filter applied to a Poisson process, an electrocardiogram, and an extracellular microelectrode recording of neuron action potentials.
Microphthalmia and Other Considerations

Besides dominant spotting (W) and steel (Sl) there is another series of alleles which frequently produce white spotting when heterozygous, and usually completely eliminate pigment from the coat, and sometimes from the eyes as well, when homozygous. These alleles occur at the so-called “microphthalmia locus” (chromosome 6) and include the following.
Reinforcement of Rubber

Abstract One of the most important phenomenon in material science is the reinforcement of rubber by rigid entities, such as dispersed particulate filler or phase-separated organic domains. In order to impart significant reinforcement, the size of the hard phase must be small, much less than a micron. The basis of this requirement is a major focus of this short review. Furthermore, the roles of energy dissipation and crack deflection in rubber reinforcement are considered. The final part of the review deals with nano-composite rubbers, in which rigid domain size is in the range of 1–10 nm.
Dissecting the Roles of Divergent and Convergent Transcription in Chromosome Instability

The interplay of transcription, topological tension, and chromosome breakage is a subject of intense interest, but, with so many facets to the problem, it is difficult to test. Here, we vary the orientation of promoters relative to one another in a yeast system that permits sensitive detection of chromosome breaks. Interestingly, convergent transcription that would direct RNA polymerases into one another does not increase chromosome breakage. In contrast, divergent transcription that would create underwound and potentially single-stranded DNA does cause a marked increase in chromosome breakage. Furthermore, we examine the role that topoisomerases are playing in preventing genome instability at these promoters and find that Top2 is required to prevent instability at converging promoters.
LIGNIN AND PHENOLIC POLYMERS

Abstract Lignins are available in large quantities as by-products of the pulping industry and new types of lignins are anticipated from novel biomass technology. The mechanism of modifying lignins for use in adhesives by reaction with phenol is discussed. Alkaline degradation at 250°-310°C produces oligomeric and monomeric catechols and follows an ionic mechanism. Hydrocracking at 375°-450°C to alkylphenols is a free-radical process governed by the rates of cleavage of the various chemical bonds. Products from both processes are usable in phenol-formaldehyde adhesives. The complexity of alkylphenols from hydrocracking may be reduced by conversion to simple phenol by hydrodealkylation.
Pediatric Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): A Children's Hospital Experience (P05.205)

Objective: To describe the clinical features and diagnostic findings in children and adolescents with POTS. Background POTS involves chronic orthostatic intolerance (OI) and multi-system, non-orthostatic symptoms. Clinical description of a large series of pediatric patients with POTS is needed given the challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Design/Methods: We undertook a retrospective study and medical records review of 64 patients evaluated between April 2007-March-2011 for probable POTS by standing or head-up tilt test (HUT) or both at a Tertiary Pediatric Neurology Clinic. POTS was defined as frequent, 2 or more symptoms of OI for >3 months and a HR increment of >30 bpm or HR >120 bpm within 10 minutes of active standing or HUT, without arterial hypotension. Results: 57 patients had POTS (84% female; age 15 ± SD of 2.2 years), with mean duration of symptoms of 2 years. Mean HR increment with 33 bpm with standing and 41 with HUT, and mean maximal absolute HR was 105 with standing and 110 with HUT. Pre-existing conditions included ADHD (23%), anxiety (23%), Depression (19%), and 35% of menstruating females had menorrhagia. Antecedent infectious illness was reported in 29%. Non-orthostatic complaints included nausea (60%), abdominal pain (42%), vomiting (26%), weight loss of 1-8 kg (26%), rumination (9%), and sweating disorder (49%). Other symptoms included chronic fatigue (79%), cognitive dysfunction (44%), problems concentrating (42%), brain fog (35%), memory problems (26%), migraine (46%), chronic daily headache (30%), and sleep disorder (56%). Quantitative sudomotor axon testing was abnormal in 24 of 35 patients (67%), whereas Valsalva and deep breathing tests abnormalities were rare. Gastrointestinal diagnostic tests included abnormal GI motility with gastroparesis (11/44, (25%), gastric emptying (11/17, 67%), and HIDA scans (3/8, 37%). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate the multi-system involvement in pediatric POTS and the high prevalence of significant autonomic dysfunction and abnormal diagnostic tests. Disclosure: Dr. Hernandez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jarjour has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jarjour has nothing to disclose.
What are the indications for cholecystectomy

Cholecystectomy is indicated in the presence of gallbladder trauma, gallbladder cancer, acute cholecystitis, and other complications of gallstones. More controversial are the indications for elective cholecystectomy. To properly determine the indications for elective cholecystectomy, the risk of the operation (taking into account the age and comorbid factors of the individual patient) must be weighed against the risk of complications and death without operation (taking into account the symptomatic status of the individual and the functional status of the gallbladder). Cholecystectomy (or some other form of gallstone therapy) is indicated in most patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis--especially those with non-functioning gallbladders. Cholecystectomy is not indicated in most patients with asymptomatic stones.
Effect of heparin on artificial activation in the frog egg.

SummaryEggs of Rana pipiens were pricked in the presence of heparinated frog blood. The percent of dividing eggs was lower in every case than when the eggs were pricked in the presence of blood and Ringer's fluid.
Personalized Medicine: How Studying Individual Differences Can Shed Light on Treating Thousands of Patients: An Interview with Richard Lifton, PhD.

Dr. Richard Lifton is the Chair of the Genetics Department as well as Sterling Professor of Genetics and Professor of Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. He founded and is the Executive Director of the Yale Center for Genome Analysis. Prior to starting his laboratory at Yale in 1993, Dr. Lifton received his MD and PhD in Biochemistry from Stanford University and trained at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Fc Receptor-Ligand Interaction Induces Activation of Human Natural Killer Cells

Interaction of NK cells with Sepharose-linked anti-Fc receptor (FcR, CD16 antigen) antibodies inhibits their ability to mediate both spontaneous and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, whereas bivalent anti-CD16 antibodies enhance spontaneous cytotoxicity. Treatment of cultured NK cells with Sepharose-linked anti-CD16 antibodies induces expression of IL-2 and transferrin (Tf) receptors and of 4F2 antigens and this effect is enhanced in the presence of IL-2 during treatment. Analogously, treatment of NK cells with the anti-CD16 antibodies or immune complexes synergizes with IL-2 in inducing production of IFNγ and TNF. The combined treatment of NK cells with IL-2 and anti-CD16 antibodies induces cytoplasmic accumulation of mRNA transcripts for IL-2R and for the two lymphokines. Nuclear run-on experiments show that gene transcription is induced by the two stimuli. These data indicate that FcR are specialized molecules on NK cell surface that mediate signal transduction upon ligand binding. These effects may be similar to those induced in NK cells upon target cell recognition.
Psychological Obstacles to the Judicial Disqualification Inquiry, and Blinded Review as an Aid

Judges must disqualify themselves from hearing a case, not only if actually biased, but also if their “impartiality might reasonably be questioned.” At present, the judge in question rules on whether the standard is satisfied. This chapter argues that accurately diagnosing when one's “impartiality might be reasonably questioned” is an exceedingly difficult cognitive task—so fraught with error, in fact, that procedural reforms are required—and that blinded, third-party review provides such an institutional solution. I first review the law of disqualification and then the psychology behind diagnosing bias and, in particular, how it poses obstacles for proper application of the disqualification standard, even by judges of the highest caliber and the best of intentions. I conclude by proposing and assessing an institutional solution, namely, the use of blinded disqualification review (“BDR”). Under BDR, disqualification motions are automatically transferred to a third-party judge, who assesses the motion under a single- or double-blind (the former is advocated here, for practicality reasons). In theory, BDR should (1) increase the objectivity of the reviewer and (2) enhance the perceived fairness of the procedure. These are empirical claims, which could and should be tested.
Fluid mechanics as a driver of tissue-scale mechanical signaling in organogenesis.

Organogenesis is the process during development by which cells self-assemble into complex, multi-scale tissues. While significant focus and research effort have demonstrated the importance of solid mechanics in organogenesis, less attention has been given to the fluid forces that provide mechanical cues over tissue length scales. Fluid motion and pressure are capable of creating spatial gradients of forces acting on cells, thus eliciting distinct and localized signaling patterns essential for proper organ formation. Understanding the multi-scale nature of the mechanics is critically important to decipher how mechanical signals sculpt developing organs. This review outlines various mechanisms by which tissues generate, regulate, and sense fluid forces and highlights the impact of these forces and mechanisms in case studies of normal and pathological development.
A review of the genera comprising species of the genus Eurynogaster sensu Hardy & Kohn, 1964 in Hawai'i (Diptera: Dolichopodidae)

The generic limits are redefined for the endemic Hawaiian dolichopodid genera Eurynogaster Van Duzee, Sweziella Van Duzee, and Uropachys Parent, with the latter two resurrected from synonymy with Eurynogaster. Additionally, four new endemic Hawaiian genera are described: Arciellia, gen. n., Adachia, gen. n., Elmoia, gen. n., and Major, gen. n., to accommodate species previously placed in Eurynogaster. The related genus Sigmatineurum is redefined. Based on re-examination of male genitalic and other diagnostic characters and study of type material, a number of species previously placed in Eurynogaster are transferred to the other genera producing the following new combinations: Sweziella aeruginosa (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., S. conspicua (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., S. emarginata (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., S. gracilipennata (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., S. pictilipenna (Tenorio), comb. n., S. tergoprolixa (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., S. virida (Van Duzee), comb. n., Uropachys clavastylus (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., U. crassicercus (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., U. flavicrurus (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., U. fusticercus (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., U. palustricola (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., U. pulvereus (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., Arciellia dolichostoma (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., A. flaviventer (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., A. xanthopleura (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., Adachia apicenigra (Van Duzee), comb. n., A. hispida (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., A. nigripedis (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., A. nudata (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., A. williamsi (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., Elmoia bullata (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., E. exartema (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., E. hamata (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., E. lanceolata (Tenorio), comb. n., E. multispinosa (Hardy & Kohn), comb. n., E. nigrohalterata (Parent), comb. n., E. saxatilis (Grimshaw), comb. n., E. viridifacies (Parent), comb. n., and Major minor (Parent), comb. n. E urynogaster parenti Hardy & Kohn is synonymized with Pachyurus hawaiensis Parent, syn. n., which is removed from secondary homonymy with Eurynogaster hawaiiensis (Grimshaw) and returned to Uropachys, rev. stat. A key to the genus Eurynogaster and allies in the Hawaiian Islands is included.
A perspective on blending programming environments and games: Beyond points, badges, and leaderboards

Programming environments and game environments share many of the same characteristics, such as requiring their users to understand strategies and solve difficult challenges. Yet, only game designers have been able to capitalize on methods that are consistently able to keep their users engaged. Consequently, software engineers have been increasingly interested in understanding how these game experiences can be transferred to programming experiences, a process termed gamification. In this perspective paper, we offer a formal argument that gamification as applied today is predominately narrow, placing emphasis on the reward aspects of game mechanics at the expense of other important game elements, such as framing. We argue that more authentic game experiences are possible when programming environments are re-conceptualized and assessed as holistic, serious games. This broad gamification enables us to more effectively apply and leverage the breadth of game elements to the construction and understanding of programming environments.
Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in an urban public hospital pregnancy termination clinic.

This study is a follow-up observational study to assess the prevalence of chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (GC) among women who undergo a first-trimester surgical termination in a large public, urban hospital-based termination clinic, and to compare the rates to previously published data. We conducted a retrospective chart review on 4197 patients who underwent CT and GC testing before an elective, first-trimester surgical termination between 1 June 2014 and 31 May 2015. The prevalence rates were calculated and compared by chi square tests to previously published data from 1 January 2006 to 30 June 2006 from the same publicly-funded pregnancy termination clinic. Our study population comprised mostly of African Americans (86.8%), and more than half were aged less than 25 years. The overall prevalence of CT in our population was 9.6%, which was significantly different to the prevalence of 11.4% in 2006 (p value = 0.03). The overall prevalence of GC in our population was 1.9%, which was not significantly differen...
Racial disparity in life expectancies and life years lost associated with multiple obesity-related chronic conditions.

Objective This study investigated racial disparity in life expectancies (LEs) and life years lost (LYL) associated with multiple obesity-related chronic conditions (OCCs). Methods Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2008-2012, were used. Four OCCs were studied: diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke. LE for each subpopulation was simulated by Markov modelling. LYL associated with a disease for a subpopulation was computed by taking the difference between LEs for members of that subpopulation without disease and LEs for members of that subpopulation who had that disease. Racial disparities were measured in the absolute differences in LE and LYL between black women/men and white women/men. Results Black individuals had higher risks of developing diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. This disparity in LE between white and black participants was largest in men age 40 to 49 with at least stroke: black men lived 3.12 years shorter than white men. The disparity in LYL between white and black participants was largest in women age 70 to 79 with at least CHD: black women had 1.98 years more LYL than white women. Conclusions Racial disparity exists in incident disease and mortality risks, LEs, and LYL associated with multiple OCCs. Efforts targeting subpopulations with large disparities are required to reduce disparities in the burden of multiple OCCs.
Mindfulness-based training interventions for employees: A qualitative review of the literature

Abstract We provide a comprehensive qualitative review of 67 published studies that have examined mindfulness-based training interventions conducted with employees. The findings indicate that the most common research designs were the pre-test/post-test only design (35.8%) and the randomized waitlist control group design (26.9%). About two-thirds of the studies included a control group (61.2%), with approximately three-quarters (75.6%) of these studies using random assignment. Of the 63 studies that used a conventional experimental design, the majority (65.1%) included only one follow-up assessment, most often immediately after training. Results indicated a great degree of heterogeneity in terms of program content, although many studies used some adaptation of Kabat-Zinn's (1990) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (41.8%), an approach with a strong evidentiary base with clinical populations. All training programs incorporated practice, most (85.1%) used multiple methods of delivering the training material, and training varied considerably in total duration, session length, and the number of training sessions. Our review also found that the intended purpose of mindfulness-based training for employees was most commonly the reduction of stress/strain (80.6%), although a wide range of other targeted outcomes were documented. Based on our findings, we offer suggestions for future research aimed at advancing our understanding of mindfulness-based training interventions with employees.
Evaluation of Various Traits of 40 Selections and Cultivars of Red Maple and Freeman Maple Growing in Maryland

Abstract Thirty-seven red maple (Acer rubrum L.) and three Freeman maple (A. x freemanii E. Murray) selections and commercial cultivars were evaluated for six years in a replicated field plot at Glenn Dale, MD. Significant differences among clones occurred for growth rate; for time, intensity, and duration of autumn color; for time of growth initiation in the spring; and for injury sustained from potato leafhopper (PLH) [Empoasca fabae (Harris)] feeding. The red maple cultivars showing the best red color over three years time were ‘Autumn Flame,’ ‘Brandywine,’ ‘Cumberland,’ ‘Red Rocket,’ ‘Somerset,’ ‘Sun Valley,’ and ‘Van.’ The cultivar ‘Bowhall’ was the least reddish. Of the three Freeman maples evaluated, ‘ Jeffersred’ and ‘Indian Summer’ manifested the best red color and also low PLH injury; whereas ‘Armstrong’ consistently showed the least reddish color of all 40 clones tested, and intermediate PLH injury. Those cultivars and selections from northern seed sources reached their peak color the earliest,...
On the boundary estimates for second-order elliptic equations

Consider uniformly elliptic equations in general form in a domain . We discuss the minimal assumptions on the boundary of which guarantee the existence or non-existence of Hopf–Oleinik estimates fo...
THE ANOMALOUS ANTIBODY RESPONSE OF HYBRID MICE TO IMMUNIZATION WITH AN ABELSON VIRUS LYMPHOMA

ABSTRACT The humoral immune response of several hybrid mice to immunization with a parental Abelson virus lymphoma has been examined by serological and biochemical methods. Although all hybrid mice express the parental H-2 products of the immunizing tumor on their somatic cells, surprisingly they respond to the immunizing tumor with the production of cytotoxic and precipitating antibodies directed to those H-2 molecules. In all five positive responses, H-2K region products were recognized and in three cases H-2D region products were also recognized. Immunoprecipitation and gel electrophoresis of lactoperoxidase-radiolabe1 led cell surface molecules from normal spleen cells indicated the major reactivity was to molecules of approximate molecular weights 50,000 and 12,000 daltons, presumably the H-2K or D molecules plus beta-2-microglobulin. This “anti-self H-2 ” response of hybrid mice to immunization with this tumor may well reflect recognition of self in association with virus.
Assessing the impact of street lighting on Platanus x acerifolia phenology

Abstract Autumn phenology is an important part of the tree growing season that is still poorly understood. In addition to the environmental factors that might affect its timing, there are artificial effects introduced by modern society that could interfere with it, such as the increasing use of artificial light to illuminate urban nights. This study investigates the relationship between outdoor public lighting and leaf senescence of Platanus x acerifolia that constitutes with more than 4000 individuals, and 6% of public greening in Florence, Italy. The difference in autumn phenology under two lighting conditions was assessed by analysing data collected in a real context, using a presence-absence protocol of green leaves on 283 trees during leaf fall season from 2014 to 2017. Trees were classified in two groups of different light exposure. In 2016–2017, data were also collected at Cascine park, the main green area within the city and darker than the monitored sites. According to the analysis, the percentage of trees with green leaves under luminaires was significantly higher than trees far from the luminaires, for all sites from mid-December to the end of January, and this effect was enhanced during 2016–2017 which was characterised by a colder winter. In the same year, the period of absence of green leaves at Cascine started at least 20 days earlier than the other sites. These findings should be taken into consideration by scientists because artificial light could affect autumn phenology and therefore the length of the vegetative season, and by urban greening and light managers during the design and management of public green spaces. Moreover, the presence-absence protocol proved to be suitable for collecting observations because it was easy to perform in a real context.
Cricopharyngeal achalasia associated with laryngomalacia as a cause of failure to thrive.

OBJECTIVE To describe a case of concurrent cricopharyngeal achalasia with laryngomalacia as a cause of failure to thrive, and to review the literature and management options of cricopharyngeal achalasia in the paediatric population. METHODS A chart review was performed on a four-month-old male, referred for failure to thrive, and diagnosed with cricopharyngeal achalasia and laryngomalacia. A PubMed and Embase search for 'cricopharyngeal achalasia' and 'laryngomalacia' was conducted. A review of reported paediatric cricopharyngeal achalasia patients, with emphasis on management options, was undertaken. RESULTS A flexible laryngoscopic examination confirmed the laryngomalacia diagnosis, and videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing demonstrated cricopharyngeal achalasia via a cricopharyngeal bar. Supraglottoplasty was performed, with botulinum toxin injection into the cricopharyngeus muscle, with resultant improvement in oral intake and resolution of failure to thrive. The literature review revealed no reported case of the combined pathologies as a cause of failure to thrive. CONCLUSION Functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing are complimentary in the evaluation of paediatric patients with failure to thrive and suspected oropharyngeal dysphagia. Both supraglottoplasty and botulinum toxin injection are effective for definitive management in cases of combined pathology, and can be safely performed in a single surgical setting.
Subject, Form, and Essence

This chapter and the next present what I call the discussion of per se being in Meta. vii.3–16. My goal is to find the structure of argument in these texts and to make sense of this group of texts by themselves, rather than interpreting them by appeal to the ideas related to the potentiality/actuality analysis, which these texts do not address. Meta. vii has been acclaimed to be the most mature work of Aristotle’s metaphysics. If it has to be explained in terms of the ideas developed in other texts rather than in its own right, one has reason to wonder why it is so important.
CaM kinase II isoforms are expressed at lower levels in brains of shiverer mutants.

In the mammalian brain, the hippocampus is involved in memory formation and storage and has an enriched level of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (CaM kinase II). CaM kinase II has a number of downstream targets and is shown to play a role in memory development, axonal transport, and signaling across the synapse. The shiverer mutant mouse is a knockout lacking myelin basic protein. As a result, the axons of the central nervous system (CNS) of the shiverer have no or very thin myelin sheath, neurons in their CNS have distorted shapes, and synaptic signaling is impaired. shiverer mice develop symptoms similar to those experienced by patients with multiple sclerosis. In this study, proteins from the hippocampus, cerebellum, pons, medulla, and olfactory bulbs of shiverer and wild-type mice were extracted. Western blot analysis was used to compare the expression levels of CaM kinase II in these regions of the two types of mice. Analysis shows that at least two (50 and 58–59 kDa) of the four CaM kinase II isoforms are expressed in the brain, with one isoform (50 kDa) expressed in all regions examined. shiverer brain contains a decreased level of the two isoforms of CaM kinase II, an indication that the cognitive function of these mice might also be impaired.
Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Delirium tremens and related clinical states have been part of the human condition since antiquity (Zilboorg and Henry, 1941). However little was known and less was written about them until the end of the eighteenth century, when the diagnosis and treatment of this group of illnesses were delineated for the first time (Lettsom, 1787; Pearson, 1801, 1813; Sutton, 1813). This was followed by a series of confirmatory observations, some of which also contributed new data on prognostic factors (Armstrong, 1813; Klapp, 1817; Channing, 1819; Snowden, 1820; Hayward, 1822; Staughton, 1822; Coates, 1827; Wright, 1830; Carter, 1830; Jackson, 1830; Ware, 1838). The subsequent sustained proliferation of publications on these clinical states have increased our knowledge and attest to the continuing interest and importance of this field of study.
Chemical Physics in Living Cells-using Light to Visualize and Control Intracellular Signal Transduction †

Cells are crowded microenvironments filled with macromolecules undergoing constant physical and chemical interactions. The physicochemical makeup of the cells affects various cellular responses, determines cell-cell interactions and influences cell decisions. Chemical and physical properties differ between cells and within cells. Moreover, these properties are subject to dynamic changes in response to environmental signals, which often demand adjustments in the chemical or physical states of intracellular molecules. Indeed, cellular responses such as gene expression rely on the faithful relay of information from the outside to the inside of the cell, a process termed signal transduction. The signal often traverses a complex path across subcellular spaces with variable physical chemistry, sometimes even influencing it. Understanding the molecular states of such signaling molecules and their intracellular environments is vital to our understanding of the cell. Exploring such intricate spaces is possible today largely because of experimental and theoretical tools. Here, we focus on one tool that is commonly used in chemical physics studies — light. We summarize recent work which uses light to both visualize the cellular environment and also control intracellular processes along the axis of signal transduction. We highlight recent accomplishments in optical microscopy and optogenetics, an emerging experimental strategy which utilizes light to control the molecular processes in live cells. We believe that optogenetics lends unprecedented spatiotemporal precision to the manipulation of physicochemical properties in biological contexts. We hope to use this work to demonstrate new opportunities for chemical physicists who are interested in pursuing biological and biomedical questions.
Ideal Warrior and Robot Relations: Stress and Empathy's Role in Human-Robot Teaming

The battlefield of the future will look very different than the battlefields of the past. Automated technologies are finding themselves more and more integrated into every aspect of the fight. As technology continues to advance, the United States Military must consider what a human-machine team will look like and how an optimal relationship between the two assets can be formed, especially under the stressful conditions that often characterize military contexts. For a human-machine team in a military context to work at maximum efficiency, an ideal level of empathy towards an automated teammate must be obtained. The goal of this study is to determine the effect stress can have on an individual's empathetic reaction toward a Pepper robot. Twenty-eight participants interacted with a Pepper robot either under stress or not. Empathy toward the robot was measured through subjective assessments as well as by participant decisions to continue interacting with Pepper even though doing so would harm the robot. Although not conclusive, the results suggest an interaction between participant gender and stress on empathy toward the Pepper robot. Women showed more empathy toward Pepper under higher levels of stress than lower levels of stress. However, the opposite was true for men. Men showed less empathy toward Pepper under higher levels of stress. The results of this study could help to inform military training and robot design.
An estimate of Y-90 dosimetry for bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT imaging

124 Objectives: The aim of our study was to develop an estimation of mean absorbed-dose to the liver usingbremsstrahlung SPECT/CT(bSPECT/CT) in patients undergoing radioembolization with Y-90 microspheres. Methods: In our previous study comparing Y-90 dosimetry obtained usingbSPECT/CT vs PET/CT, we found that there was a large difference between the mean doses to the liver. In most cases the mean dose obtained using bSPECT/CT was only one-third of that obtained using PET/CT. However, there was a high linear correlation between the doses, presenting an opportunity for quantitative assessment using bSPECT/CT Y-90 imaging, provided appropriate scaling and image enhancement. After selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with Y-90 microspheres, 36 patients were immediately imaged on a dual-head Infinia SPECT/CT gamma camera (GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI), with MEGP collimator. After two to three hours of recovery, patients were then taken for PET/CT imaging (mCT, Siemens Medical) in the adjacent building. The data were reconstructed using the vendor’s reconstruction software and transferred to a common platform where the bSPECT/CT and PET/CT images were used to calculate Y-90 dosimetry using MIM 6.6 software (MIM Software Inc.). Local deposition method with known activity of Y-90 was used for dosimetry calculations. Images from 25 of the patients, randomly selected, were used to calculate the correlation of mean liver doses obtained from bSPECT/CT vs. PET/CT. For the remaining 11 patients, the calculated correlation was used to estimate doses obtained from bSPECT/CT, which were then compared to the doses obtained from PET/CT, considered the gold standard for quantitative analysis. Results: From the 25 selected patients, the calculated linear correlation between bSPECT/CT and PET/CT Y-90 doses was high ( r^2 =0.99), with a slope of 2.97 and an intercept of -3.43. This linear fit was used to calculate the bSPECT/CT doses for the remaining 11 patients ( Fig.1). For these patients, the mean whole-liver dose obtained from bSPECT/CT fitted data vs that obtained from PET/CT were 49.0 Gy and 51.2 Gy, respectively. The greatest difference in the mean whole-liver dose was a bSPECT/CT derived estimation that came out to 13% of the respective PET/CT value. Conclusions: Quantitative bremsstrahlungimaging is difficult due to scatter, septal penetration, the continuous nature of the bremsstrahlungenergy spectrum, and inefficient bremsstrahlungproduction. However, it is possible to calculate adequate estimates of whole-liver dosimetry from bSPECT/CT Y-90 imaging that is calibrated using its correlation with post-therapy PET/CT Y-90 images.
Gemcitabine metabolite, 2’,2’-difluorodeoxyuridine (dFdU), can be phosphorylated and incorporated into nucleic acids

1541 Background: Gemcitabine (2’,2’-difluorodeoxycytidine, dFdC), a pyrimidine antimetabolite, is actively transported into the cell and phosphorylated by deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) to its monophosphate (dFdCMP) and subsequently to its active diphosphate (dFdCDP) and triphosphate (dFdCTP) metabolites. dFdC is metabolised by cytidine deaminase (CDA) to 2’,2’-difluorodeoxyuridine (dFdU), which is currently considered an inactive metabolite. In a Phase 1 clinical trial of daily oral dFdC, it was observed that dFdU is extensively formed and accumulates with large exposures having a long terminal half-life. We hypothesized that dFdU might be phosphorylated to dFdUTP and incorporated into nucleic acids mediating toxicity or antitumor activity. Methods: We assessed the in vitro toxicity, uptake, and intracellular activation of dFdC and dFdU in human hepatoma (HepG2), human lung (A549) carcinoma, and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell lines. The latter is a modified line with high expression of either the human equilibrative or concentrative type 1 nucleoside transporter (hENT1 and hCNT1) compared to the mock-transfected cells. Cytototoxicity was assessed at different exposure times using SRB and colony formation assays. The total cellular uptake plus incorporation into DNA/RNA of radiolabeled dFdC (0-20µM) and dFdU (0-1000µM) was determined at different time points. Intracellular and extracellular concentrations of dFdC, dFdU and phosphorylated metabolites were quantified by HPLC-UV-scintillation counting. In addition, quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine gene expression of dCK, CDA, hENT1 and hCNT1. Results: Compared to A549 cells, HepG2 cells had a 4-fold and 7-fold higher sensitivity to dFdC and dFdU, respectively. HepG2 cells also presented higher expression levels of both hENT1 and dCK compared to A549 cells. Moreover, hENT1 andhCNT1 overexpression increased sensitivity to dFdC and in particular hCNT1 increased toxicity of dFdU. We found that dFdU is substrate for uptake by hCNT1 but not hENT1. About 4% of the accumulated amount of dFdU was detected in DNA and RNA after 16 h. dFdUTP was formed intracellularly, suggesting phosphorylation of dFdU and/or dFdUMP. Conclusions: dFdU is toxic to HepG2 cells and to a lesser extent to A549 cells. Furthermore, dFdU is transported into cells via hCNT1, dFdUTP is formed intracellularly and is incorporated into nucleic acids. This could be relevant for the in vivo activity and toxicity of dFdC and dFdU, especially in tissues with high expression of hCNT1, such as liver and kidney. Currently, in vivo mice studies are performed to assess biodistribution of dFdC, dFdU, and phosphorylated metabolites.
Litigation and the Decriminalization of Homosexuality

British colonial penal codes contained prohibitions on consensual same-sex intercourse. These laws are increasingly recognized as constraints on the human rights and freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons, contributing to an environment of insecurity and having perverse public health consequences. LGBT transnational advocacy networks in the Commonwealth have used litigation as one strategy to initiate a process of law reform. However, London-based NGOs encounter resistance, most notably by opponents of LGBT rights who are increasingly organized in their own networks, often funded by the American evangelical movement and other religious interests. Most grassroots LGBT organizations have been open to litigation as a possible tool for change. Undoubtedly, some activists have called into question this litigation as less of a priority than other LGBT rights issues, and certainly a litigation strategy may not always be practical. Nonetheless, “sharing” of jurisprudence on anti-sodomy laws among courts in the Commonwealth has helped to generate momentum toward legal protections for LGBT persons, as the successful recent decisions in Belize and India illustrate.
Measurement of the shear modulus in thin-layered tissues using numerical simulations and shear wave elastography

Abstract Measurement of mechanical properties of thin-layered tissues has broad applications in the diagnosis of several pathologies. Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) measures the shear wave speed as a means of estimating the mechanical properties of tissues. However, the wave speed in thin-layered tissues is affected by their thickness and the properties of surrounding tissues. The objective of this study is to introduce a method that combines numerical simulations and SWE measurements to provide a more accurate calculation of shear modulus in layered tissues. In the proposed method, the spatial distribution of the acoustic radiation force (ARF) emitted by the transducer was first computed. The ARF was then used as input for simulating the guided wave propagation in the thin layer with its surroundings. The simulations were repeated for several values of the shear modulus of the layer to obtain the corresponding simulated wave speed. By comparing the measured and simulated wave speeds, a more accurate (corrected) shear modulus can be obtained. The proposed method was validated using experiments in agarose gels. In-vivo SWE measurements were also performed for the fascia of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle and the aponeurosis of musculotendinous junction (MTJ) in medial gastrocnemius (MG) head in a group of healthy individuals. The simulated and measured wave speed in gel constructs were in good agreement with a maximum error of 7.22%. The average of measured wave speed of fascia and aponeurosis was 3.90 ± 0.16 m/s and 2.33 ± 0.60 m/s, while the corresponding corrected shear modulus was 95.63 ± 17.89 kPa and 6.36 ± 8.98 kPa, respectively. Thickness had a substantial effect on the wave speed in thin-layered tissues with decreasing speed for thinner tissues. The SWE-based simulation method presented in this study has the potential of enhancing clinical assessment for several musculoskeletal conditions involving thin-layered tissues.
Comparison of Aortitis Versus Noninflammatory Aortic Aneurysms Among Patients Who Undergo Open Aortic Aneurysm Repair

OBJECTIVE Distinguishing aortitis-induced aneurysms from noninflammatory aortic aneurysms is difficult and often incidentally diagnosed on histologic examination after surgical repair. This study was undertaken to examine surgically diagnosed aortitis and identify patient characteristics and imaging findings associated with the disease. METHODS In this case-control study, cases had newly diagnosed, biopsy-proven noninfectious aortitis after open thoracic aortic aneurysm surgical repair. Five controls were matched with cases for year of surgery and lacked significant inflammation on surgical pathology analysis. Data on comorbidities, demographic characteristics, and laboratory and imaging abnormalities prior to surgery were collected. Associations between exposures and outcomes were evaluated using conditional logistic regression. Backward stepwise logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated with aortitis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95%confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated. RESULTS The study included 262 patients (43 patients with aortitis and 219 controls). Patients with aortitis were older at the time of surgery, predominantly female, and less likely to have a history of coronary artery disease (CAD). Multivariable analysis revealed that aortitis was independently associated with an older age at the time of surgery (OR 1.08 [95%CI 1.03-1.13], P < 0.01), female sex (OR 2.36 [95%CI 1.01-5.51], P = 0.04), absence of CAD (OR 6.92 [95%CI 2.14-22.34], P = 0.04), a larger aneurysm diameter (OR 1.74 [95%CI 1.02-2.98], P = 0.04), and arterial wall thickening on imaging (OR 56.93 [95%CI 4.31-752.33], P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Among patients who undergo open surgical repair of an aortic aneurysm, elderly women with no history of CAD who have evidence of other aortic or arterial wall thickening on imaging are more likely to have histologic evidence of aortitis. Patients with these characteristics may benefit from further rheumatologic evaluation.
Diagnostic value of high mobility group protein B1 combined with intestinal fatty acid binding protein in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

Objective To explore the value of combined detection of high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) in the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates. Methods From July 2016 to July 2018, one hundred and nineteen NEC neonators (NEC group) admitted to Northwest Women and Children’s Hospital and 30 non-NEC neonators during the same period (control group) were selected. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the protein expression levels of HMGB1 in stool samples and I-FABP protein expression levels in serum. ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of single test and combined test for NEC. Results The expression levels of HMGB1 and I-FABP in children with Bell stage Ⅲ NEC were significantly higher than those in children with stage and Ⅱ NEC (P<0.05), the protein level showed a gradual upward trend with the aggravation of the disease. The levels of HMGB1 and I-FABP protein in NEC group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity and area under ROC curve were 89.60%, 86.50% and 0.985 (P<0.01), respectively, and the diagnostic efficiency of the two combined indicators was significantly higher (P<0.05). Conclusions The combined detection of HMGB1 and I-FABP has high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of neonatal NEC. Real-time dynamic determination of HMGB1 and I-FABP is helpful for early screening and treatment of suspected NEC neonates and judgment of disease. Key words: Enterocolitis, necrotizing; High mobility group proteins; Fatty acid-binding proteins; Joint detection
Sources of Stress and Strength: Contextualizing the Experience of Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren in Appalachia

In the rural United States (US), high rates of substance abuse have precipitated the need for many older adults to assume the role of primary caregiver for their grandchildren. This situation is pa...
3D aggregation of cells in packed microgel media

In both natural and applied contexts, investigating cell self-assembly and aggregation within controlled 3D environments leads to improved understanding of how structured cell assemblies emerge, what determines their shapes and sizes, and whether their structural features are stable. However, the inherent limits of using solid scaffolding or liquid spheroid culture for this purpose restrict experimental freedom in studies of cell self-assembly. Here we investigate multi-cellular self-assembly using a 3D culture medium made from packed microgels as a bridge between the extremes of solid scaffolds and liquid culture. We find that cells dispersed at different volume fractions in this microgel-based 3D culture media aggregate into clusters of different sizes and shapes, forming large system-spanning networks at the highest cell densities. We find that the transitions between different states of assembly can be controlled by the level of cell–cell cohesion and by the yield stress of the packed microgel environment. Measurements of aggregate fractal dimension show that those with increased cell–cell cohesion are less sphere-like and more irregularly shaped, indicating that cell stickiness inhibits rearrangements in aggregates, in analogy to the assembly of colloids with strong cohesive bonds. Thus, the effective surface tension often expected to emerge from increased cell cohesion is suppressed in this type of cell self-assembly.
Teaching a Testing Concept (JUnit) with Active Learning

Active learning is an approach that facilitates learning through collaboration, communication and discussion in the classroom. Flipped classroom is a variant of active learning where lecture materials are recorded for viewing outside the classroom thereby freeing up class time for problem solving and discussions. In this demo, we show how we use active learning in the context of teaching the testing concept of property-based testing.
Watt-level monolithic quasi-optical diode frequency multiplier grid

At millimeter wavelengths, harmonic frequency multipliers are widely used to produce local oscillator power for heterodyne receivers; however, the output power level is limited to only a few milliwatts due to the fact that only a single varactor element is employed. Recently, Archer demonstrated a dual-diode. doubler with an output power of 26mW at 105 GHz(1). However many applications such as imaging arrays require considerably more power. To satisfy this need we propose a monolithic quasi-optical diode grid design for high power harmonic frequency multiplication.
Promoting Access and Equity for Underrepresented Racial Minorities? An Examination of Policies and Practices in Community College Baccalaureate Programs:

Objective/Research Question: The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which programs offering community college baccalaureates (CCBs) address access and equity for underrepresented ra...
Neonatal Dermatology: The Normal, the Common, and the Serious

The objective of this review is to help practitioners of neonatal and pediatric medicine become more familiar with diagnosing and managing neonatal skin conditions. This article will discuss normal neonatal skin care and benign and common rashes, as well as some of the serious dermatologic conditions that require specialists for further evaluation and/or treatment.