cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AutoDimer: a screening tool for primer-dimer and hairpin structures.

The ability to select short DNA oligonucleotide sequences capable of binding solely to their intended target is of great importance in developing nucleic acid based detection technologies. Applicat...
Channel estimation for high-speed packet-based OFDM communication systems

In orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based packet communication systems, it is desired to minimize the number of pilot symbols for better spectrum utilization. Also, accurate channel estimation is required for coherent demodulation of OFDM signals, particularly when modulated by multilevel modulation schemes. In this paper, we present a pilot-assisted decision-directed channel estimation technique suitable for packet transmission with relatively short OFDM symbols. Simulation has shown that our approach can save about 20% of the number of pilot symbols required in the conventional least square estimator for a situation considered in this paper.
Evening continuity clinic: preserving primary care education in the face of duty hour limitations?

Objective.—Residency programs with postcall afternoon continuity clinics violate the new Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) limitations on resident duty hours. We evaluated housestaff experience with a pilot intervention that replaced postcall continuity clinics with evening continuity clinics. Methods.—We began this pilot program at one continuity clinic site for pediatric residents. Instead of postcall clinics, residents had evening continuity clinic added to a regular clinic day when they were neither postcall nor on call. At 5 and 11 months, we surveyed housestaff satisfaction and experience with the evening clinics, particularly in comparison to postcall clinics. Results.—Nineteen of 23 pediatric residents participated in the pilot program. Twenty-two and 17 residents completed the 5- and 11-month follow-up surveys, respectively. A significantly greater proportion of residents rated their overall satisfaction with evening clinic as good/outstanding (1618, 89%) compared with postcall clinic (219, 11%) at the 5-month survey (P Conclusion.—Housestaff had greater satisfaction and a better clinic experience with evening clinic versus postcall clinic. Evening continuity clinic is a viable solution to meeting the ACGME work hour limitations while preserving housestaff primary care education.
Medical and vocal history in the evaluation of dysphonia.

Dysphonia is one of the more common complaints resulting in referral to the otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon. When evaluating patients with dysphonia, it is important that the clinician avoid the temptation to rush through the medical and vocal history of the patient and begin the physical examination. Many disease processes affecting the voice are subtle, often evading detection on cursory fiberoptic laryngoscopy. There is no substitute for a thorough medical and vocal history when evaluating dysphonia. When assessing patients with dysphonia, the authors use the standard format for taking the history of any patient. The evaluation is divided into the history of present illness, past medical history, past surgical history, review of systems, medications, and a social history. This format provides a template for a thorough medical and voice history, thus enhancing the ability to diagnose and treat patients with dysphonia.
Elastic Solids with Microdefects

For a “representative volume element” (RVE) consisting of an elastic (linear or nonlinear) matrix and microdefects, relations between the overall stress and strain potentials and the corresponding local quantities are developed and discussed. Results are specialized to RVE’s with a linearly elastic matrix. Illustrations are given for micro-defects consisting of cavities, cracks, and elastic inclusions, using three averaging schemes: a scheme based on noninteracting dilute distribution of defects, the self-consistent method, and the differential scheme.
H-Ras, R-Ras, and TC21 Differentially Regulate Ureteric Bud Cell Branching Morphogenesis

The collecting system of the kidney, derived from the ureteric bud (UB), undergoes repetitive bifid branching events during early development followed by a phase of tubular growth and elongation. Although members of the Ras GTPase family control cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and migration, their role in development of the collecting system of the kidney is unexplored. In this study, we demonstrate that members of the R-Ras family of proteins, R-Ras and TC21, are expressed in the murine collecting system at E13.5, whereas H-Ras is only detected at day E17.5. Using murine UB cells expressing activated H-Ras, R-Ras, and TC21, we demonstrate that R-Ras-expressing cells show increased branching morphogenesis and cell growth, TC21-expressing cells branch excessively but lose their ability to migrate, whereas H-Ras-expressing cells migrated the most and formed long unbranched tubules. These differences in branching morphogenesis are mediated by differential regulation/activation of the Rho family of GTPases and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Because most branching of the UB occurs early in development, it is conceivable that R-Ras and TC-21 play a role in facilitating branching and growth in early UB development, whereas H-Ras might favor cell migration and elongation of tubules, events that occur later in development.
Sex differences in the centre of buoyancy location of competitive swimmers

The aims of this study were to identify differences in the centre of buoyancy (CB) and centre of mass (CM) locations of male and female collegiate swimmers, and to assess the influence that buoyancy has on freestyle kicking performance. Sixteen female collegiate swimmers (mean +/- s: age 19.1 +/- 1.2 years) had significantly more adipose tissue (20.2 +/- 4.4%) than 15 male collegiate swimmers (19.9 +/- 1.0 years, 12.6 +/- 3.8%). The ratio of the sum of abdominal and suprailiac skinfolds to the thigh skinfold was significantly greater for the males (2.07 +/- 0.37) than the females (1.31 +/- 0.32), implying that females had proportionately more fatty tissue caudally than males. The distance d between the centres of buoyancy and mass was significantly larger for the males (0.79 +/- 0.43 cm) than the females (0.16 +/- 0.34 cm). Both points were more caudal in the female subjects (59.9 +/- 0.7% and 59.8 +/- 0.7% of body height respectively) than in the male subjects (61.7 +/- 0.8% and 61.2 +/- 0.9% respectively). These data suggest that the difference in d may be attributed to the difference in the location of the centre of buoyancy, because the centre of mass difference was not significant and was characterized by a smaller effect size. The amount and distribution of adipose tissue accounted for a significant proportion of variance in d (R2 = 0.25 and 0.29 respectively). Males had a significantly higher proportional kick time, defined as the ratio of times to complete a 22.9 m sprint when kicking and swimming respectively, than females (1.57 +/- 0.09 and 1.51 +/- 0.13 respectively). This shows that the male swimmers kicked proportionally more slowly than the female swimmers. However, the distance d did not account for a significant proportion of variance in the proportional kick time. Therefore, our results do not support the notion that skilled male swimmers are at a performance disadvantage in terms of natural buoyancy characteristics.
Wealth and the Inflated Self Class, Entitlement, and Narcissism

Americans may be more narcissistic now than ever, but narcissism is not evenly distributed across social strata. Five studies demonstrated that higher social class is associated with increased entitlement and narcissism. Upper-class individuals reported greater psychological entitlement (Studies 1a, 1b, and 2) and narcissistic personality tendencies (Study 2), and they were more likely to behave in a narcissistic fashion by opting to look at themselves in a mirror (Study 3). Finally, inducing egalitarian values in upper-class participants decreased their narcissism to a level on par with their lower-class peers (Study 4). These findings offer novel evidence regarding the influence of social class on the self and highlight the importance of social stratification to understanding basic psychological processes.
Using bilinear and quadratic forms for frequency estimation

This paper introduces an innovative approach for frequency estimation. The proposed algorithm can be used to estimate both small and off-nominal frequency deviations. The computational effort is dramatically reduced relative to conventional methods. In addition, the method provides high measurement accuracy and is relatively insensitive to harmonic distortion.
A new model of ventricular plication: a suturing technique to decrease left ventricular dimensions, improve contractility, and attenuate ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in the rat heart.

BACKGROUND The Batista procedure (cardio-reduction) is a surgical technique in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy that results in improvement of ventricular function. The purpose of this study was to test a new suturing technique without resection for cardio-reduction of myocardial infarct scars in rats. METHODS AND RESULTS Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by occluding the left coronary artery 4 weeks before enrollment. Animals then were randomized to a control (n = 11) or treatment group (n = 11). A pursestring suture was placed within the border zones of the infarcted area and was either tightened (treated) or not (controls). Echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular diameters before, 1 hour, and 6 to 7 weeks after plication. Acutely after plication, end-diastolic length (EDL) decreased from 0.70 +/- 0.03 cm to 0.53 +/- 0.02 cm, P < .001; end-systolic length (ESL) decreased from 0.51 +/- 0.03 cm to 0.23 +/- 0.02 cm, P < .001; and fractional shortening (FS) increased from 27.6 +/- 1.5% to 57.6 +/- 2.3%, P < .001, whereas controls were unchanged. In control rats EDL increased from baseline at 0.73 +/- 0.02 cm to 0.82 +/- 0.04 cm at 6 weeks postsurgery, P < .05; ESL increased from 0.54 +/- 0.02 cm to 0.66 +/- 0.04 cm, P < .005; and FS decreased from 26.9 +/- 1.1% to 19.2 +/- 1.2% at 6 weeks, P < .05. In contrast, at 6 weeks in plicated animals, EDL was significantly less than controls at 0.64 +/- 0.02 cm, P < .005; ESL was significantly less than controls at 0.39 +/- 0.03 cm, P < .005, and FS was significantly better than controls at 40.5 +/- 2.2%, P < .005. CONCLUSION The progressive LV enlargement between 4 and 10 weeks after MI reflects late ventricular remodeling. Plication by suturing infarcted tissue acutely decreases diameters and improves function. At 6 weeks, function remains improved over untreated animals.
ZINK Imaging: 'Zero Ink (TM)'

"ZINK Imaging" describes the issues confronting CEO Wendy Caswell as she uses a partnership model to commercialize ZINK's disruptive printing technology platform, ZINK Paper. The case focuses on the frameworks ZINK has used to decide which markets to target and which business partners to choose. Caswell contemplates changes to the partnership model in an effort to speed product introduction to manage the company's burn rate and reach profitability. The context for the case is the company's imminent need to raise an additional $25 million.
Expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and connective tissue growth factor in congenital biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis liver tissue.

Abstract We investigated the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the liver tissue of infants with congenital biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis, as well as the relationship between the expression of the two factors and liver fibrosis. Thirty-six infants who met the cholestasis criteria were classified into congenital biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis groups. All specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome, and the degree of liver fibrosis was assessed. The scope and level of CTGF and TGF-β1 expression in the different specimens was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and observation. Liver fibrosis in the congenital biliary atresia group was more advanced than that in the neonatal hepatitis group, and the difference was significant (P < 0.01). In the neonatal hepatitis patients, CTGF and TGF-β1 were mainly expressed in the hepatocytes, while they were expressed in both hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells in the congenital biliary atresia patients, and in these patients the expression was significantly stronger than in the neonatal hepatitis patients (P < 0.01). With the aggravation of hepatic fibrosis, CTGF and TGF-β1 expression levels in liver tissue gradually increased, and their expression levels were significantly correlated (P < 0.01). Liver fibrosis is present in both congenital biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis patients. The gradual increase of CTGF and TGF-β1 expression levels in liver tissue is associated with liver fibrosis. Early expression of CTGF and TGF-β1 in biliary epithelial cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of congenital biliary atresia.
Abstract 1844: Apigenin prevents development of progestin-accelerated 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors in Sprague-Dawley rats

Post-menopausal women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing both progestins (P) and estrogens (E) are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer compared with those taking E alone. The biological mechanisms behind this phenomenon however, remain obscure. We showed that medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a commonly used P, increases the production of the potent angiogenic growth factor VEGF in breast cancer cells that was blocked by the anti-progestin RU-486 suggesting the involvement of progesterone receptors (Int J Cancer, 2001, 92:469). This led to our hypothesis that P increases the angiogenic potential of latent tumorigenic cells in the breast, leading to development of palpable tumors. To prove this hypothesis, we developed in vivo models with human xenografts in mice (Cancer Res., 2007, 67:9929), and DMBA-induced tumors in rats (Clin Can Res, 2006, 12:4062). In both models, MPA accelerated tumor development that was blocked by RU-486. Since RU-486 has severe side-effects, we undertook studies aimed at identifying less toxic naturally-occurring compounds that might prevent P-dependent VEGF induction and tumor acceleration. We recently identified apigenin, a low molecular weight flavonoid commonly found in fruits and vegetables, which inhibited MPA-induced VEGF secretion from human breast cancer cells (Menopause, 2010, 17:1055). In this study we used the DMBA-induced mammary tumor model to determine whether apigenin prevents the development of P-accelerated tumors in vivo. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with DMBA by oral gavage (Day 1). Seven days prior to implantation of 25 mg/60 day release MPA pellets (Day 28), ip administration of apigenin (50 mg/kg daily) began, and continued for 10 days. Animals were palpated for tumors every second day and experiment was terminated 60 days after DMBA treatment was initiated. Apigenin treatment led to a significant delay in the appearance of the first tumor, compared with MPA alone (56 vs 41 days; p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1844. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1844
E-012 flow diversion: safe and efficacious method in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease

Introduction Endovascular devices now allow management of complex cerebrovascular disease previously considered to be untreatable. Flow-diversion (FD) treats diseased vessels including blister, dissecting and fusiform type aneurysms in addition to those with favorable dome to neck ratios. Less common uses include the treatment of carotid-cavernous fistulas. FD reconstructs the vessel wall while preserving flow into the parent vessel and adjacent branches. We hypothesize that FD is a safe and efficacious technology for the treatment of complex cerebrovascular disease with low morbidity and mortality. Methods We retrospectively analyzed all cases with cranial FD at our facility through 6/2014. Patients had a minimum of 6 month clinical and radiographic (cerebral angiography) follow-up. No case was excluded including: aborted procedures, retrieved devices, and failed deployments. Aneurysms are defined by formal cerebral angiography, not MRA or CTA. Results The study includes 74 patients with 88 aneurysms (84 anterior, 4 posterior circulation) treated using 100 FDs. Twenty three patients were lost to follow up. The average age was 58 with a BMI of 27.8. Mean procedure time was 2 h with an average of 33.8 min of fluoroscopy. There was a decline in average procedure and fluoroscopy time between the first and last 50 FDs deployed of 5 and 9 min respectively. Intraprocedural complication rate was 9.25% including: mechanical failure of device deployment requiring parent vessel sacrifice (2) or open clipping (1), dissection (2), FD thrombosis (2) and ICH (1). Neurological complications included speech abnormalities and hemiparesis in 16% of patients, one third of these deficits resolved prior to discharge. In patients available for follow-up, pre-procedure modified Rankin scale (mRS) showed an improvement from baseline at 6 months in 17.6% of patients. Ninety-four percent of patients had a mRS of 2 or less at the six month follow-up. The 6 month aneurysm occlusion rate was 80.4%. Three percent of the FDs showed intimal hyperplasia at 6 months requiring further antiplatelet therapy. There were no mortalities during the study period. Conclusion FD is effective in the treatment of complicated cerebrovascular disease including classical, fusiform, dissecting and blister type aneurysms, with a six month occlusion rate of 80.4% in this series. It has an acceptable safety profile with a morbidity rate of 5.4% at 6 months and no fatalities. It is likely that as operators gain experience with FD devices, this safety profile will improve as did the procedure length and fluoroscopy time. Disclosures Y. Zhang: None. R. Scranton: None. G. Britz: None. O. Diaz: None. R. Klucznik: None.
Selectinminus signCarbohydrate Interactions: From Natural Ligands to Designed Mimics.

9. Dimers of Miyauchi 853 10. BSA Glycoconjugates of Jacob 853 11. Polymeric Fucopeptides of Wong 853 IV. Inhibitors Not Based upon Sialyl Lewisx 854 A. Polyanions 854 B. Peptides 855 C. Natural Products 855 1. Glycorrhyzin-Type Molecules 855 2. Deoxynojirimycin-Containing SLex 856 V. Evaluation of Target Structures 856 A. Cytel Assay 856 B. Novartis Assay 857 C. Glycolipid Assay of Lasky, Hasegawa, and Brandley 857
A spectral efficient optical CDMA transmission scheme with energy alternation and single-user soft-decision demodulation

We design and simulate a new optical CDMA network transmission scheme that exploits differentiation of the signals' energies at the transmitters to allow several users to transmit concurrently. In addition, the proposed system uses error control encoding and soft-decision demodulation to reduce the multi-user interference at the receivers. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme allows achieving higher spectral efficiencies than several reported results for optical CDMA transmission and that a spectral efficiency more than six times higher than the Gaussian CDMA capacity limit can be achieved.
PHYSICAL OPTICS: INTERFERENCE

Publisher Summary This chapter uses the concept of coherence to explain why light waves exhibit interference. It also illustrates the effects of optical interference. Interference can be used to measure extremely small displacements. The chapter provides an overview of optical interferometers. Distances, as small as a fraction of a wavelength of light, are routinely measured with optical interferometers. The chapter explains Michelson's interferometer, which is an instrument that helped to establish an experimental basis for Einstein's relativity theory. The superposition of waves can result in interference. The interference is said to be constructive at points where the intensity of the superposed waves is greater than the sum of the intensities of the two separate waves. At points where the intensity is less than the sum of the intensities of the two separate waves, the interference is called destructive. The interference of light was first demonstrated by Thomas Young's double-slit experiment.
Archaeological laboratory extraction procedures and starch degradation: Effects of sonication, deflocculation, and hydrochloric acid on starch granule morphology

Abstract Archaeobotanists have used techniques including sonication and acid dissolution to recover starch granules from artifacts for over a decade, however there has been little published research on the effects of these extraction procedures on starch granule morphology. Recently published research in the food sciences literature suggests these procedures could modify granule morphology. Deflocculation has generally not been used to recover starch granules from artifacts, and the effects of deflocculant exposure to starches have not been sufficiently studied. This paper presents the results of three experiments assessing the effects of low-intensity sonication, exposure to dilute hydrochloric acid, and exposure to sodium hexametaphosphate deflocculant on the morphology of modern potato (Solanum tuberosum), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and maize (Zea mays) starch granules. Morphometric analysis indicates that exposure to deflocculant solution may cause subtle changes in the shape of maize starches, but these changes are too slight to affect identification. In all other cases, these laboratory procedures did not cause detectable or consistent changes in the morphology of starch granules between replicate experiments.
Growth Media and Surface Conditioning Influence the Adherence of Pseudomonas fragi, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes Cells to Stainless Steel

Microorganisms have been shown to adhere to food-contact surfaces and may provide a route for the contamination of processed food. To better understand this phenomenon, the effects of growth media and surface conditioning on the adherence of Pseudomonas fragi, Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes cells to stainless steel were studied. The microorganisms were grown in tryptic soy broth (TSB), 1% reconstituted skim milk (RSM) and RSM with 1% sucrose (RSM + S). Stainless-steel surfaces were conditioned by immersion in growth media for 1 h and then were rinsed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) prior to the adherence assay. After growing in each medium, cells were harvested, resuspended in PBS, and then allowed to contact the stainless steel for 30 min. Adherence was quantified by acridine orange-staining the cells and viewing under epifluorescence microscopy. Growth media had little influence on adherence to stainless steel that had not been preconditioned. P. fragi and L. monocytogenes cells ad...
Where are You Tweeting?: A Context and User Movement Based Approach

Geotagged tweets allow one to extract geo-information-trend, search local events, and identify natural disasters. In this paper, we propose a Hidden-Markov-based model to integrate tweet contents and user movements for geotagging. A language model is obtained for different locations from training datasets and movements of users among cities are analyzed. Home cities of users are considered in modeling the patterns of user movements. Evaluation on a large Twitter dataset shows that our method can significantly improve geotagging accuracy by 55% for home cities and 2% for other non-home cities as well as reduce error distances by orders of magnitude compared with pure text-based methods.
Do Alluvial Sand Dunes Create Energetic Refugia for Benthic Fishes? An Experimental Test with the Endangered Pallid Sturgeon

River modifications have altered critical habitats for fishes at a variety of spatial scales and caused global declines of many fluvial species. At small spatial scales (<1 m2), alluvial sand dunes, a ubiquitous habitat in highly modified rivers, are thought to provide energetic relief for benthic fishes in energetically costly riverine landscapes created by water flow. However, use of alluvial dune habitat is not well understood, and it is unclear whether dunes provide refuge that effectively reduces energetic costs. We designed a scale-relevant experiment to examine the energetic responses associated with sand dune habitat in rivers. We tested whether the US federally endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus), a benthic fish commonly associated with sand dunes, experienced reduced energetic costs with different configurations of simulated sand dune habitat. We quantified mass specific oxygen consumption (MO2; mg O2 kg−1 h−1) using intermittent flow-through respirometry for age-0 sturgeon (140–170 mm) in front of a sand dune, behind a sand dune and in the absence of a sand dune at two velocities (25 and 50 cm s−1) commonly observed in field studies of sturgeon habitat use. Sturgeon displayed distinct station holding behaviours for each habitat configuration. Dune location did not affect energy expenditure, but sturgeon MO2 was on average 16–20% higher in the absence of a sand dune depending on dune configuration. MO2 was on average 14% higher at 50 cm s−1 compared with 25 cm s−1. Our results provide a potential mechanism for over two decades of research on why sturgeon and other benthic fishes exhibit selection for sand dune habitat in large rivers. Fishes that select main channel habitats may depend on energetic relief provided by sand dunes, especially when other forms of structure are not available. For this reason, alluvial sand dune habitat may be important to the persistence of benthic fishes in high flow environments. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular modeling and SPRi investigations of interleukin 6 (IL6) protein and DNA aptamers

Interleukin 6 (IL6), an inflammatory response protein has major implications in immune-related inflammatory diseases. Identification of aptamers for the IL6 protein aids in diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic applications. Three different DNA aptamers and their interactions with IL6 protein were extensively investigated in a phosphate buffed saline (PBS) solution. Molecular-level modeling through molecular dynamics provided insights of structural, conformational changes and specific binding domains of these protein–aptamer complexes. Multiple simulations reveal consistent binding region for all protein–aptamer complexes. Conformational changes coupled with quantitative analysis of center of mass (COM) distance, radius of gyration (Rg), and number of intermolecular hydrogen bonds in each IL6 protein–aptamer complex was used to determine their binding performance strength and obtain molecular configurations with strong binding. A similarity comparison of the molecular configurations with strong binding...
The neuropeptide, neurokinin A, has divergent effects on mast cell function

Mast cells (MCs) play a critical role in initiation of cutaneous type 2 immune responses. In the cutaneous microenvironment, sensory nerve fibers form a cohesive unit with MCs. In this unit, MC function is likely affected by neuropeptides, such as neurokinin A (NKA). NKA is abundant in the skin, but the affects of NKA on cutaneous MCs have not been extensively reported. NKA signals preferentially through the neurokinin-2 receptor (NK2R). We hypothesized that NKA/NK2R interactions influence cutaneous MC function. The effect of NKA on MCs was evaluated in vivo using the MC/IgE-specific passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model. NKA reduced IgE-initiated changes in ear thickness. Likewise, NK2R antagonism enhanced IgE-initiated ear thickness in the PCA model. Intracellular pathways mediating the effects of NKA were delineated using bone marrow derived MCs (BMMCs). BMMCs expressed NK2R protein constitutively and NK2R expression was up-regulated by IgE. Functionally, NKA increased the percentage of IgE-activated MCs releasing granules but repressed transcription and release of the type 2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13. Mechanistically, IgE-mediated granule release has been attributed to increased STAT3 activation, whilst IL-4 and IL-13 transcription in MCs is attributed to STAT5 activation. NKA augmented STAT3 phosphorylation in IgE-activated MCs but reduced STAT5 phosphorylation. In sum, NKA modifies IgE-initiated STAT3 and STAT5 activity, granule release and cytokine transcription in MCs in vitro and inhibits MC function in vivo. These data demonstrate a role for NKA in the regulation of MC processes involved in type 2 mediated allergic disorders.
Fertilization and Cleavage

The process of fertilization can be defined either on an organismal or on a cellular level. At the organismal level, fertilization is equivalent to mating and involves the complex behaviors associated with a species’ mating system. At the cellular level, it is the phenomenon by which an oocyte or ovum is mobilized to begin embryonic development. Fertilization is commonly thought to be the process by which male and female sex cells fuse. This commonly held notion, however, is misleading. It is more accurate to think of vertebrate fertilization in general as the activation of an oocyte or ovum by some means. With the exception of some unisexual vertebrates,1 this activation involves the fusion of maternal and paternal genomes.2
POSTERIOR-STABILISED KNEE DESIGNS: VESTIGIAL ORGANS – AFFIRMS

Until recently, research has failed to show a difference between posterior-stabilised (PS) and cruciate-retaining (CR) designs in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This classic debate has been given pause over the past decade due to futile efforts to prove one design superior over the other. Recently, anterior-lipped and more conforming CR bearings have emerged to substitute for the PCL, if absent, damaged or resected, and obviate the need for the archaic cam-post mechanism of a traditional PS design. Advantages of avoiding a PS TKA include decreasing the risk of femoral condylar fracture that may occur via the box cut, as well as decreasing operative time by removing that step in the procedure. Avoiding a post-cam mechanism also removes the articulation that is a source of wear, post deformation, breakage, or dislocation. Patella clunk is also associated solely with PS designs. Anterior lipped inserts in PCL-deficient TKAs have demonstrated similar functional outcomes compared to PS knees. A prospective randomised controlled trial of 28 patients undergoing bilateral TKAs had a PS bearing in one knee and a contralateral CS insert with the PCL excised and reported no functional outcome difference at 5-year follow up. Scott and co-authors compared 56 PS TKAs to 55 TKAs with anterior-lipped inserts in a randomised, prospective study and found no functional outcome differences at minimum two-year follow up, with tourniquet times significantly longer in the PS group. In a recent report, 43 anterior-lipped compared to 39 matched PS TKAs had equivalent function scores at minimum 1-year follow-up. Ultra-congruent bearings provide inherent stability in TKA and two studies have reported identical functional outcomes compared to PS TKAs. Equivalent functional outcomes in multiple studies comparing CR-type bearings and PS TKAs, combined with the potential deleterious outcomes associated with PS designs, preclude the need for PS TKA designs in the modern healthcare environment. Hence, PS TKA designs are truly “vestigial organs” and should be relegated to historical interest.
Evaluation of opioid prescribing after rescheduling of hydrocodone-containing products.

Purpose Institutional prescribing trends of hydrocodone-containing products (HCPs) before and after the Drug Enforcement Administration’s rescheduling of HCPs were evaluated. Methods A retrospective evaluation was performed on 6 oral opioid analgesics on the hospital formulary that were prescribed to patients treated at Texas Children’s Hospital and Pavilion for Women for the 6 months before and after the rescheduling of HCPs on October 6, 2014. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were prescribed any of the following oral agents: HCPs (e.g., hydrocodone with acetaminophen), codeine-containing products (e.g., codeine, codeine with acetaminophen), morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone-containing products (e.g., oxycodone, oxycodone with acetaminophen), and tramadol. Results During the 12-month study period, a total of 38,928 inpatient orders and outpatient prescriptions were processed for the studied agents in both locations; the majority were orders for inpatients. An overall reduction in the total number of opioid prescriptions was observed after the rescheduling of HCPs. Substantial increases in the proportional use of codeine were observed in all 4 settings after HCP rescheduling. Data for each of the agents revealed a shift in prescribing patterns centered along the HCP rescheduling date of October 6, 2014, and revealed a decrease in HCP use across all areas with an accompanying increase in codeine-containing products, oxycodone-containing products, and tramadol. Conclusion The rescheduling of HCPs resulted in a reduction in HCP prescriptions but was accompanied by increases in the use of codeine-containing products and tramadol in all settings.
Are we underestimating the quality of aviremic hepatitis C-positive kidneys? Time to reconsider.

Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) introduced in 2009 included hepatitis C serologic but not viremic status of the donors. With nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) now being mandatory, further evaluation of these donors is possible. We conducted a retrospective matched case-control analysis of adult deceased donor kidney transplants performed between December 5, 2014 to December 31, 2016 with the KDRI score and hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV Ab) and NAT testing status obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing database. The 205 aviremic HCV Ab+ NAT - kidney transplants were compared to KDRI matched control kidneys that were HCV Ab-NAT-. The aviremic HCV kidneys were recovered from donors who were significantly younger, more likely to be white, and less likely to have hypertension and diabetes. The majority of the recipients of the aviremic HCV kidneys when compared to matched controls were HCV positive: 90.2% vs 4.3%. The recipients were significantly older, were on dialysis for a shorter time, and were transplanted sooner. The graft survival of aviremic HCV kidneys was similar (P 85%. Further policies might consider these findings to appropriately allocate these kidneys.
Spiritual Formation and St. Paul as Spiritual Director: Determining the Primary Aims:

Dallas Willard makes the claim that spiritual formation “refers to the Spirit-driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Chris...
Measurement of flow in a horizontal pipe using the pulsed photon activation technique

The pulsed photon activation (PPA) technique for nonintrusive measurements of singleand two-phase flows in a horizontal pipe is developed. The advantages of PPA over pulsed neutron activation are discussed. Fluid velocity determinations using such a technique are carried out. An interesting subregion of the horizontal annular flow regime is found to have twin peak PPA time profiles. It is confirmed that these twin peaks are associated with the film flows on the upper and lower parts of the horizontal pipe, using the directionality of the PPA bremsstrahlung tagging beam. Fil thickness measurements around the circumference of horizontal annular flows are also carried out using a resistivity needle probe, and analytical models involving droplet exchange and secondary vapor flow pattern are compared with the experimental data.
Numerical Weather Prediction in the Soviet Union

This article gives a review of the research done in the Soviet Union through 1959 on the theory and practice of numerical weather prediction by hydrodynamical methods. Russian meteorologists have used the same geostrophic forecast system as have other meteorologists and have carried out a number of test forecasts with electronic computers. Comparatively little has been published so far in objective weather-map analysis, general-circulation experiments and the use of non-geostrophic equations.
Building a unified system for universal Pre-K: The case of New York City

Abstract In recent decades, state funding for preschool programs has more than tripled as more states are trying to create universal access to Pre-K. Efforts to expand Pre-K access typically include the use and coordination of multiple preschool settings, notably those found in public schools and private community-based organizations, which often have distinct goals, resources, requirements, funding sources, and reporting systems. In this challenging context, the present study examined the empirical example of an ambitious policy initiative to provide high-quality universal Pre-K (UPK) in New York City. Inheriting a mixed-delivery system for UPK provision, the city employed substantial resources to increase and align quality across programs in different settings and with varied auspices. Comparing program and classroom data, the analysis identified significant variation by program setting and auspice that appears to have roots in systemic obstacles that are far from unique to New York City. The findings could inform policymakers nationwide who are striving to build effective systems for the provision of equitable, high-quality early childhood education.
Delayed gratification and adherence to exercise among patients with claudication.

Few studies have explicitly identified factors that explain an individual’s willingness to engage in community-based exercise for claudication. Identifying the unique characteristics of those incli...
Gifts and favors: Social networks and reciprocal exchange in Poland

Focusing on general patterns revealed in everyday experiences, the paper examines reciprocal exchange in Poland, and considers the continuities and changes in the uses of gifts, favors, and recommendations as state socialism is replaced by market capitalism. I show how, on one hand, particularistic relationships have utilitarian and moral value, and provide individuals with some degree of control over their lives. On the other hand, continued reliance on connections helps to increase material and social inequalities in Poland, especially when used in conjunction with market reforms. The paper emphasizes the centrality of social networks in market economies generally while also highlighting the particular historic forces that shape reciprocal exchange networks in contemporary Poland.
Pathways: Examining Street Network Configurations, Structural Characteristics and Spatial Crime Patterns in Street Segments

Although theories suggest that street network configurations (pathways) are important factors for understanding the spatial patterns of crime, relatively less attention has been paid to the association between the physical configuration of the street network and the level of crime in place. Consequently, we employed the concept of betweenness centrality in the context of the street network to empirically measure the potential foot traffic passing through a given street segment. We introduce a methodological refinement by accounting for the characteristics of origin and destination of each potential trip (where travelers are from and tend to go) using residential population in origins and destinations and the number of various types of business employees in destinations. Moreover, we posit that the effect of potential foot traffic into a given street segment will be moderated by certain social environmental characteristics such as socioeconomic status of place. By using data on a sample of 300,000 street segments in the Southern California region across 130 cities, we estimate a set of negative binomial regression models including the betweenness measures. Our results show that betweenness centrality has a curvilinear relationship with violent and property crime: At lower levels, increases in betweenness results in increased crime, yet the pattern becomes crime-reducing at higher values of the betweenness measure. We also found that the pattern is moderated by the socioeconomic status of the street segment. The current study highlights that there is an important relationship of the physical environment in terms of the street network configuration and crime in street segments.
An invasive fish promotes invasive plants in Minnesota lakes

Biological invasions can greatly alter ecological communities, affecting not only the diversity and abundance but also composition of invaded assemblages. This is because invaders’ impacts are mediated by characteristics of resident species: some may be highly sensitive to invader impacts while others are unaffected or even facilitated. In some cases, this can result in invasive species promoting further invasions; in particular, herbivory by introduced animals has been shown to disproportionately harm native plants, which can indirectly benefit non‐native plants. Here, we investigated whether such patterns emerged through the effects of an invasive fish species on lake plant communities. Specifically, we tested whether invasion of Minnesota (U.S.A.) lakes by Cyprinus carpio (common carp), an omnivorous, benthivorous fish known to reduce abundance and richness of aquatic plants, differentially affected native versus non‐native plant species. We applied statistical models to a large, long‐term monitoring dataset (206 macrophyte taxa recorded in 913 lakes over a 20‐year time period) to test whether carp altered community composition, to identify which macrophyte species were most sensitive to carp and determine whether species characteristics predicted carp sensitivity, and to characterise consequences of carp invasion on lake‐level vegetation attributes. We found that carp exerted strong selective pressure on community composition. Native macrophytes, those with a more aquatic growth form, and those considered less tolerant of disturbance (i.e. higher coefficients of conservatism) were more sensitive to carp. Conversely, no introduced macrophytes exhibited sensitivity to carp and all had higher probabilities of occurrence as carp abundance increased. The net effect of carp invasion was a shift toward less species‐rich plant communities characterised by more non‐native and disturbance‐tolerant species. These results have several implications for conservation and management. First, they reinforce the need to prevent further spread of carp outside of their native range. Where carp have already established, their control should be incorporated into efforts to restore aquatic vegetation; this may be an essential step for recovering particular plant species of high conservation importance. Furthermore, reducing carp abundance could have ancillary benefits of reducing dominance by invasive plant species. Lastly, where carp cannot be eliminated, managers should target native macrophytes that are relatively tolerant of carp in shoreline plantings and other revegetation efforts.
Plegia to walking: AHSCBMT in severe NMOSD relapse.

Objectives Neuromyelitis optica is a devastating, relapsing, inflammatory, autoimmune disorder characterised in large part by attacks of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis causing blindness and plegia in many patients. Eighty-three per cent of patients with transverse myelitic attacks and 67% of patients with optic neuritis attacks have no or a partial recovery. Methods Results from The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Autoimmune Diseases Working Party imply failure of autologous haematopoietic stem cell bone marrow transplantation. Results and conclusion We present a case that despite eventual relapse, made a remarkable functional recovery after bone marrow transplantation which may justify bone marrow transplantation in severe cases.
Deep Learning for Estimating Deflection Direction of a Multimode Fiber From Specklegram

This study presents a novel approach and proof-of-concept for measuring the deflection direction of a multimode fiber's tip through analysis of the shape and structure of speckle patterns. First, we utilize a pendulum-based apparatus to construct a comprehensive dataset for studying the association between speckle patterns and the deflection of a multimode fiber tip. Then, we train a convolutional neural network (CNN) model to learn the relationship between a fiber optic deformation parameter and the variations in the shape and structure of speckle patterns. Finally, the ability of the model in estimating the deflection direction is evaluated by using unseen images from the test set. Our experimental results show that speckle patterns provide a feasible solution for measuring the deflection direction of the multimode fiber's tip. Moreover, our results provide insights into the generalization capabilities of speckle patterns analysis for sensing the direction of deflection.
Management of the Psychotic Patient

Summary A review of pharmacologic therapies in the treatment of psychosis, depression, mania, and anxiety and their impact on surgical and anesthetic assessment has been presented. Emphasis is placed on pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, and anesthetic concerns.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 13 Urban Public Schools: Mixed Methods Results of Barriers, Facilitators, and Implementation Outcomes

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based intervention to treat post-traumatic stress disorder among youth ages 3–18 years old. In this pilot study, 31 clinicians in 13 urban public schools received TF-CBT training to improve access to high-quality trauma treatment for youth in need. A mixed methods design was used to assess implementation barriers, facilitators, and outcomes to examine initial feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of TF-CBT delivered in school settings. Although 70% of clinicians reported confidence in the evidence-base of TF-CBT and its potential to support their students who have a very high prevalence of lifetime trauma exposure, implementation practice outcomes suggest a wide range of TF-CBT use (range = 0–11 students enrolled per clinician, mean = 1.4 students) with 23 clinicians implementing the TF-CBT model with at least one case. Results point to the potential value of training school mental health clinicians in TF-CBT based on its compatibility with student needs. Yet, by connecting focus group results to top-rated barriers and facilitators, we identify several adjustments that should be made to improve intervention-setting fit in future studies. Specifically, school setting-specific intervention adaptations, school-tailored implementation support, and thoughtful consideration of school-based clinicians’ roles and responsibilities are needed to enhance future implementation success.