cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economics and Hermeneutics

In a recent article in this journal, D. Wade Hands (1987) reviewed CharlesTaylor's two-volume work Philosophical, Papers (1985). Hands predictsthat Taylor's work will have no impact on the philosophy of economics.This may indeed turn out to be the case; but if so, it will only be becausethe profession is not listening. Of course, it is typical of the professionto be more interested in exporting its product than in learning fromother disciplines. This is exemplified in Hands's use of the term "phi-losophy of economics" - philosophy is the handmaiden of the highlysuccessful enterprise of economics. But this journa Economicsl is calledand Philosophy, which means that a conversation requiring an opennessand attentiveness is called for between economics and philosophy. Ifeconomics could risk its understanding of what it is about - if it couldrisk its "success" in conversation with other disciplines - only then couldit aspire to grow beyond its current limitations and be open to what itcould become.Economics is indeed a "prime candidate for his [Taylor's] herme-neutical reconstruction." Hands asks, "To what extent [is] economicsmore hermeneutical than the mainstream of other social sciences?" Theanswer is, yes, economics is about situated human activity, and as such
The acquisition of sex-neutral uses of masculine forms in English and Spanish

This study examines the acquisition of sex-neutral uses of masculine terms by English- and Spanish-speaking children. English and Spanish differ in that sex-neutral uses of masculine terms are much more common in the latter, and in that English is a natural-gender language, while Spanish is a grammatical-gender language. For these reasons, it was hypothesized that Spanish-speaking children might discover the neutral, unmarked interpretations of masculine terms earlier than their English-speaking counterparts, who might have difficulty in moving away from an early sex-based interpretation of such forms to their sex-neutral application. Data from 256 children failed to confirm the hypothesis. Subjects from both language groups appeared to pay little attention to gender marking outside the noun, and they both paid less attention to masculine gender markers than to feminine gender markers outside the noun.
Cord blood banking for potential future transplantation.

This policy statement is intended to provide information to guide pediatricians, obstetricians, and other medical specialists and health care providers in responding to parents’ questions about cord blood donation and banking as well as the types (public versus private) and quality of cord blood banks. Cord blood is an excellent source of stem cells for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with some fatal diseases. Cord blood transplantation offers another method of definitive therapy for infants, children, and adults with certain hematologic malignancies, hemoglobinopathies, severe forms of T-lymphocyte and other immunodeficiencies, and metabolic diseases. The development of universal screening for severe immunodeficiency assay in a growing number of states is likely to increase the number of cord blood transplants. Both public and private cord blood banks worldwide hold hundreds of thousands of cord blood units designated for the treatment of fatal or debilitating illnesses. The procurement, characterization, and cryopreservation of cord blood is free for families who choose public banking. However, the family cost for private banking is significant and not covered by insurance, and the unit may never be used. Quality-assessment reviews by several national and international accrediting bodies show private cord blood banks to be underused for treatment, less regulated for quality control, and more expensive for the family than public cord blood banks. There is an unquestionable need to study the use of cord blood banking to make new and important alternative means of reconstituting the hematopoietic blood system in patients with malignancies and blood disorders and possibly regenerating tissue systems in the future. Recommendations regarding appropriate ethical and operational standards (including informed consent policies, financial disclosures, and conflict-of-interest policies) are provided for physicians, institutions, and organizations that operate or have a relationship with cord blood banking programs. The information on all aspects of cord blood banking gathered in this policy statement will facilitate parental choice for public or private cord blood banking.
The Impact of Prison Rape on Public Health

One of the most significant threats to the health of incarcerated persons is prison rape. Through such acts, communicable diseases are spread and physical and mental injuries are inflicted. This article evaluates the evidence regarding the extent to which prison rape occurs in both men and women’s correctional facilities in the United States. It also discusses how prison rape jeopardizes public health by exposing the community to disease, brutalized inmates who are likely to have become more violent as a result of their victimization, and the cancer of racism. Current efforts to deal with the prison rape problem, particularly the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 are explored. Policy recommendations, including the adoption of “no-drop” policies for prosecutors’ officers dealing with prison rape cases are proposed and discussed.
SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND VIOLENCE: A SUB‐NATIONAL TEST OF INSTITUTIONAL ANOMIE THEORY

Messner and Rosenfeld's institutional anomie theory is grounded in the assumption that relatively higher crime rates in the United States are due to (1) the overwhelming influence of economic motives and institutions in society, and (2) the subjugation of all other social institutions to cultural economic interests (e.g., the American Dream). Our analysis is designed to extend the limited body of empirical research on this theory in several ways. First, we seek to test the utility of institutional anomie theory for predicting crime rates across aggregate units within the United States (counties). Second, we draw out the theory's emphasis on instrumental crime and suggest that measures of noneconomic social, political, familial, religious, and educational institutions will be particularly relevant for explaining instrumental as opposed to expressive violence. Third, in contrast to prior research, we develop conceptual reasons to expect that these factors will primarily mediate (as opposed to moderate) the relationship between economically motivating pressures and instrumental violence. Our negative binomial regression analyses of data from the Supplementary Homicide Reports and various censuses indicate that the measures of noneconomic institutions perform well in explaining both instrumental and expressive homicides, but that these measures mediate the impact of economic pressures (as measured by the Gini coefficient of family income inequality) to commit instrumental violence most strongly. Further, we find only very limited support for the more popular moderation hypothesis.
Ultrafast heterodyne detected infrared multidimensional vibrational stimulated echo studies of hydrogen bond dynamics

Multidimensional vibrational stimulated echo correlation spectra with full phase information are presented for the broad hydroxyl stretch band of methanol-OD oligomers in CCl4 using ultrashort ( 1 ps) shows that there is frequency correlation between the initially excited hydroxyl stretch and the frequency shifted hydroxyl stretch formed by hydrogen bond breaking.
A family of synthetic riboswitches adopts a kinetic trapping mechanism

Riboswitches are sequences of RNA that control gene expression via RNA-ligand interactions, without the need for accessory proteins. Riboswitches consist of an aptamer that recognizes the ligand and an expression platform that couples ligand binding to a change in gene expression. Using in vitro selection, it is possible to screen large (∼ 10(13) members) libraries of RNA sequences to discover new aptamers. However, limitations in bacterial transformation efficiency make screening such large libraries for riboswitch function in intact cells impractical. Here we show that synthetic riboswitches function in an E. coli S30 extract in a manner similar to how they function in intact E. coli cells. We discovered that, although this family of riboswitches regulates the initiation of protein translation, the fate of whether an RNA message is translated is determined during transcription. Thus, ligand binding does not bias a population of rapidly equilibrating RNA structures, but rather, co-transcriptional ligand binding kinetically traps the RNA in a conformation that supports efficient translation. In addition to providing new insights into the mechanisms of action of a family of synthetic riboswitches, our experiments suggest that it may be possible to perform selections for novel synthetic riboswitches in an in vitro system.
TCP-real: improving real-time capabilities of TCP over heterogeneous networks

We present a TCP-compatible and -friendly protocol which abolishes thr ee major shortfalls of TCP for reliable multimedia applications over heterogeneous networks: (i) ineffective bandwidth utilization, (ii) unnecessary congestion-oriented responses to wireless link errors (e.g., fading channels) and operations (e.g. handoffs), and (iii) wasteful window adjustments over asymmetric, low-bandwidth reverse paths. We propose TCP-Real, a high-throughput transport protocol that minimizes transmission-rate gaps, thereby enabling better performance and reasonable playback timers. In TCP-Real, the receiver decides with better accuracy about the appropriate size of the congestion window. Slow Start and timeout adjustments are used whenever congestion avoidance fails; however, rate and timeout adjustments are cancelled whenever the receiving rate indicates sufficient availability of bandwidth. We detail the protocol design and we report significant improvement on the performance of the protocol with time-constrained traffic, wireless link errors and asymmetric paths.
Yield and fiber-quality potential for second-generation cotton hybrids

Due primarily to the difficulty of producing F 1 seed, use of heterosis in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has been limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of using F 2 hybrids by comparing them with parents and F 1 's for yield, fiber quality, and interaction with environments. The genetic design was a half-diallel consisting of seven mid-South parents, 21 F 1 's, and 21 F 2 's. The 49 genotypes were grown in 1987 and 1988 at three sites near Stoneville, MS. At each site, April and May planting was made, resulting in a total of 12 environments (...)
Proposed methodology for a data-driven simulation for estimating performance measures along signalized arterials in real-time

Congestion is one of the major issues facing today?s transportation sector. Recent efforts have been geared toward providing traffic information to travelers, to facilitate better travel decisions, and transportation facility managers, to allow them to better manage traffic operations. Currently, real-time traffic information is primarily limited to freeways and a small subset of major arterials. This research effort explores the feasibility of an online data-driven simulation based methodology to address the lack of real-time arterial performance measures. The core of this methodology is the development of an online simulation tool that relies on commonly available arterial point sensor data, such as that from loop detectors or video cameras. Preliminary analysis indicates that the approach being considered is feasible as a model of the "real-world" was capable of reflecting performance measures with relatively high levels of accuracy. Limitations of the current research design and more immediate future directions are also presented.
Controlled Formation of Buried Layers of Carbon

Partially cured and cured PF-resin samples were prepared at 150°C, 170°C and at 200°C in an inert environment and then bombarded by MeV ion beams using protons, alphas and nitrogen. Using low ion beam current density, 100 to 500 pA/mm2 for the nitrogen ions, 10 to 20 nA/mm2 for the alpha ions, and 50 to 500 nA/mm2 for protons, we have produced buried carbon layers without breakdown i.e., crack formation. The thicknesses of the carbon layers produced were of the order of a few tens of nanometers at a depth of a few nanometers to several micrometers depending on the energy, the type of bombarding ions and the curing temperature of the precursor. The electrical resistivity of these layers was measured in situ and was reduced from 109 Ω-cm to 10 Ω-cm. The lowest resistivity, 10 Ω-cm, was measured in the alpha bombarded, 150°C heat-treated resin. The carbonized volumes were analyzed by Raman microprobe spectroscopy which showed that the strongest graphitic (G-line) and distorted (D-line) Raman signals observed were from the nitrogen and alpha irradiated samples.
A brief individualized computer-delivered sexual risk reduction intervention increases HIV/AIDS preventive behavior.

Abstract Purpose One objective of translational science is to identify elements of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk-reduction interventions that have been shown to be effective and find new ways of delivering these interventions to the community to ensure that they reach the widest possible audience of at-risk individuals. The current study reports the development and evaluation of a computer-delivered, theory-based, individually tailored HIV risk-reduction intervention. Methods This study evaluated the effectiveness of a custom computerized HIV/AIDS risk reduction intervention at increasing HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors in a randomized trial with 157 college students. The intervention content and delivery were based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model of Health Behavior Change and used Motivational Interviewing techniques. Participants completed a baseline assessment of HIV prevention information, motivation, behavioral skills and behavior, attended two brief computer-delivered intervention sessions, and completed a follow-up assessment. Results As compared to the control group (a nutrition education tutorial), participants who interacted with the computer-delivered HIV/AIDS risk reduction intervention exhibited a significant increase in risk reduction behavior. Specifically, participants reported a greater frequency of keeping condoms available and displayed greater condom-related knowledge at a four-week follow-up session; among sexually active participants, there was a significant increase in self-reported condom use. Conclusions Delivery of brief individually tailored HIV/AIDS risk reduction interventions via computer may be an effective HIV/AIDS prevention approach for adolescents. More research is needed to further support the effectiveness of this type of intervention and determine the generalizability of these findings to economically and educationally disadvantaged adolescents.
Practical Design Strategies for the Detection of Drug Synergy

Abstract This paper presents and illustrates some novel subset design approaches for nonlinear regression models and for linear models where interest lies in a nonlinear function of the model parameters with a special emphasis on models useful in detection drug synergy. These design strategies are particularly useful in situations where currently used subset design procedures fail to provide designs that can be used to fit the model function. Our original design technique is illustrated in conjunction with D-optimality, Bayesian D-optimality and Kiefer's ΨPSkoptimality, and is extended to yield subset designs that take account of curvature.
Galagidae (Lorisoidea, Primates)

An additional specimen of a fossil galagid was recently recovered from the Upper Laetolil Beds at Laetoli in northern Tanzania. This new find represents the most complete specimen of a galagid known from Laetoli, and comprises associated partial right and left mandibular corpora. The galagid material from Laetoli can all be attributed to a single species, previously referred to as Galago sadimanensis. However, the taxon is sufficiently distinct from all extant galagids, as well as stem galagids from the Miocene of East Africa, to be placed in its own genus, Laetolia. The fossil record of galagids from the Pliocene of Africa is exceedingly poor, and Laetolia sadimanensis represents the best-known form. Laetolia can be distinguished from other galagids by its unique suite of morphological features. The stout and vertical implantation of P2, the steeply inclined and robust symphysis, and the relatively deep corpus are all specialized features that are probably functionally linked. However, Laetolia has a less molariform P4 than extant galagids, and it can be inferred to represents their primitive sister taxon. Based on molecular clock estimates, extant galagids shared a last common ancestor during the late Oligocene. It is interesting, therefore, to discover a sister taxon of extant galagids surviving in East Africa until at least the Pliocene, contemporary with more advanced crown members of the clade. From a paleoecological perspective, the occurrence of fossil galagids at Laetoli implies the presence of habitats with at least a sparse coverage of trees and/or thorn bush.
Evidence for an intense aurora recorded in antiquity

Summary form only given, as follows. Based on the compilation and analysis of the order of 50,000 digitally recorded petroglyphs, we have identified several dozen general categories of instabilities of a highly nonlinear plasma column generally associated with multi-megaampere Z-pinches. This suggests that prehistoric man recorded the occurrence of an intense and long-lasting aurora.
some general principles of biological and non‐biological folk classification1

Principles of taxonomy and nomenclature in folk biology first outlined by Berlin, Breedlove, and Raven (1973) are shown to extend to non-biological and non-taxonomic folk classification. Four non-biological taxonomies, American English “automobile” and “tool” taxonomies, a Finnish “winter vehicle” taxonomy, and a Thai “spiritghosts” taxonomy, are presented which clearly manifest so-called “biological” principles. In addition, a Huastec (male) “body” partonomy is described, offering evidence that taxonomic principles to some extent pertain to non-taxonomic systematics. These data indicate that principles originally attributed solely to biological classification actually relate to more general aspects of human psychic unity.
Relationships Among Family Participation, Team Support, and Intensity of Early Intervention Services

ABSTRACTAims: In America, children with disabilities and their families may receive early intervention (EI) services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). The IDEA mandates that decisions on service delivery are based on the needs of the child and family. It is unclear how decisions on intensity of services are made in EI. The purpose of this study was to determine whether parent participation and team support are determinants of the recommendation for intensity of service at the initial Individualized Family Service Planning (IFSP) meeting. Methods: The participants were 63 parents of children 2–33 months of age and 74 professionals. The first author observed all IFSP meetings and completed the Parent Participation Measure. Following the meeting, parents completed a demographic form, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, and the Family Needs Survey. The recommended intensity of service was recorded. Results and Conclusions: Parent participation and team support were not s...
Communicating What Works! Applying the Positive Deviance Approach in Health Communication

It [positive deviance] is the most fascinating idea anyone has had to solve the problem [of hospital-acquired infections] in a century. (Gawande, 2007, p. 27) Most health communication campaigns, e...
Intracellularly recorded response of rat striatal neurons in vitro to fenoldopam and SKF 38393 following lesions of midbrain dopamine cells.

The effect of long-term (6–19 weeks) 6-hydroxydopamine-induced (6-OHDA) lesions of midbrain dopamine cells on dopamine D1-like agonist-induced changes in the excitability of rat striatal neurons was investigated in vitro using tissue slices and intracellular recording techniques. Fenoldopam and (±)-SKF 38393 predominantly decreased excitability in control preparations including striatal neurons located contralateral to 6-OHDA injection sites and neurons obtained from rats receiving sham injections or no treatment. Fenoldopam also inhibited neurons ipsilateral to lesions of midbrain dopamine cells. (±)-SKF 33393, unlike fenoldopam, produced predominantly increases in the excitability of ipsilateral striatal neurons. Superfusion of the D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, blocked fenoldopam-induced decreases in excitability but not the (±)-SKF 38393-induced excitation of neurons ipsilateral to the lesion. Sequential application of fenoldopam and quinpirole, a D2/D3 receptor agonist, produced responses to both drugs in a majority of neurons. The results demonstrate that inhibitory responses to fenoldopam are mediated by D1 receptors, while excitatory effects of (±)-SKF 38393 in the striatum ipsilateral to the lesion are apparently not dependent on D1 receptor activation. These findings also suggest that dopamine D1 and D2/D3 receptors are able to concurrently influence the excitability of striatal neurons in the dopamine deafferentated striatum. Similar regulation of striatal neurons in vivo may contribute to dopaminergic regulation of basal ganglia output and the ability of dopaminomimetic agents to ameliorate symptoms of dopaminergic deficiency in Parkinson's disease. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Brief Tool to Measure Risk-Adjusted Surgical Outcomes in Resource-Limited Hospitals

Objectives To develop and validate a risk-adjusted tool with fewer than 10 variables to measure surgical outcomes in resource-limited hospitals. Design All National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) preoperative variables were used to develop models to predict inpatient mortality. The models were built by sequential addition of variables selected based on their area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) and externally validated using data based on medical record reviews at 1 hospital outside the data set. Setting Model development was based on data from the NSQIP from 2005 to 2009. Validation was based on data from 1 nonurban hospital in the United States from 2009 to 2010. Patients A total of 631 449 patients in NSQIP and 239 patients from the validation hospital. Main Outcome Measures The AUROC value for each model. Results The AUROC values reached higher than 90% after only 3 variables (American Society of Anesthesiologists class, functional status at time of surgery, and age). The AUROC values increased to 91% with 4 variables but did not increase significantly with additional variables. On validation, the model with the highest AUROC was the same 3-variable model (0.9398). Conclusions Fewer than 6 variables may be necessary to develop a risk-adjusted tool to predict inpatient mortality, reducing the cost of collecting variables by 95%. These variables should be easily collectable in resource-poor settings, including low- and middle-income countries, thus creating the first standardized tool to measure surgical outcomes globally. Research is needed to determine which of these limited-variable models is most appropriate in a variety of clinical settings.
Risking Life and Limb: A Case of Spontaneous Diabetic Muscle Infarction (Diabetic Myonecrosis)

Diabetic muscle infarction, also known as diabetic myonecrosis, is a microvascular complication of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus characterized by unilateral limb pain and swelling. Because these symptoms closely mimic cellulitis and thromboembolism, diagnosis is often delayed or missed altogether, leading to increased morbidity and inappropriate treatment. We describe a case of unilateral limb pain and swelling due to diabetic muscle infarction in a 36-year-old patient with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. We also review the literature on the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of this under-recognized condition.
Simulation-based training: opportunities for the acquisition of unique skills.

High-fidelity simulation techniques provide opportunities for medial trainees to develop expertise in practical skills that would otherwise require a great deal of experience to develop in clinical practice. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Maxillomandibular Advancement for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Study Objective:To determine the long-term clinical effectiveness and safety of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Methods:A p...
Urochrome Pigment in Uric Acid Crystals

Renal stones are heterogeneous composites of numerous microscopic crystals (e.g., calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, etc.) and 2–3 wt % amorphous organic “matrix”. Uric acid kidney stones are often red–orange–brown in color, though uric acid crystals are colorless. The stone color originates from a variety of components in the matrix, some of which are a broad range of urinary pigments or urochrome. Herein, we report the first definitive structure of one of these pigments, urorosein, and its ability to form intracrystalline inclusions in single crystals of both anhydrous uric acid and uric acid dihydrate. The preferred orientation of the included urorosein molecules in the uric acid crystals was determined through polarized light microspectroscopy. On the basis of these results, it seems likely that other urochrome pigments can locate in both intercrystalline and intracrystalline spaces in urinary precipitates. This expands the conventional picture of where “matrix” resides in these composite ...
Rejection Protection Turned Kidney Killer

This case discusses a pharmacokinetic interaction between tacrolimus and voriconazole, resulting in elevated tacrolimus plasma levels. Tacrolimus is a cytochrome P450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein substrate and voriconazole is a cytochrome P450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibitor.
Rush to judgment: Burlesque, tragedy, and hierarchal alchemy in the rhetoric of America's foremost political talkshow host

To account for the success of Rush Limbaugh as radio talkshow communicator and gauge something of his relevance to recent political history in the United States, Kenneth Burke's notion of genres of drama and hierarchal identification were applied to 21 consecutive broadcasts of the Rush Limbaugh Show in October and November, 1996. Limbaugh was deemed a skilled and generically appropriate spokesman for the conservative restorationist movement that came to dominance, or near dominance, in the 1980s and 1990s. Limbaugh articulated his message in the burlesque accents that usually accompany restorationist politics. Employing tragic‐frame discourse as well, coherently mixing dramatic genres it would appear, Limbaugh lifted his ordinary listeners to heights of symbolic identification with the values and achievements of capitalism's “superior class,” the rhetorical ingredient that seems to have made him a uniquely appealing conservative polemicist.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells (LSCs) and Leukemia Progenitor Cells (LPCs) Display Overlapping and Unique Mechanisms of Genomic Instability: The Role of PI3k-AKT and PI3k-Rac2-PAK Pathways

Abstract BCR-ABL1 fusion tyrosine kinase transforms hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and cause chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP), which is a stem cell (leukemia stem cell=LSC) -derived but a progenitor (leukemia progenitor cell=LPC)-driven disease. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib and ponatinib revolutionized the treatment of CML. We showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) may increase the levels oxidative DNA damage in TKI-naive and TKI-treated Lin-CD34+CD38- LSCs, including quiescent LSCs, and in Lin-CD34+CD38+ LPCs. Since DNA repair mechanisms display reduced fidelity/activity in CML cells, overproduction of ROS may promote genomic instability (accumulation of point mutations and chromosomal aberrations) resulting in resistance to TKIs and malignant progression of the disease to accelerated (CML-AP) or blast (CML-BP) phase. BCR-ABL1 kinase stimulates numerous signaling pathways to induce and maintain transformation of hematopoietic cells. We and others found that phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3k) plays an essential role not only in growth factor independent proliferation and protection from apoptosis of CML cells, but also in overproduction of mitochondrial ROS. Here we investigated the role of PI3k downstream effectors, AKT serine/threonine kinase and Rac GTPase in genomic instability in TKI-naive and TKI-treated LSCs and LPCs. Using CML-CP primary cells and an inducible model of murine CML-CP –like disease we determined that Rac2 – PAK serine/threonine pathway alters mitochondrial membrane potential and electron flow through the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex III thereby generating high levels of ROS in TKI-naive and TKI-treated LSCs and LPCs. In addition, AKT appeared to play an essential role in generation of ROS-induced oxidative DNA damage in TKI-naive and TKI-treated LPCs, but not in LSCs. Inhibition of AKT did not affect the activity of Rac2 and inhibition of Rac2 did not affect AKT, clearly indicating that their activation status does not depend on each other. Targeting Rac2 and AKT either by mutations/deletions/shRNAs or small molecule inhibitors/peptides reduced genomic instability resulting in diminished frequency of TKI-resistant BCR-ABL1 kinase mutations and chromosomal aberrations. Altogether TKI-naive and TKI-treated LSCs (including quiescent LSCs) display only PI3k-Rac2-PAK pathway, whereas LPCs contain PI3k-Rac2-PAK and PI3k-AKT pathways responsibble for ROS-induced oxidative DNA damage and genomic instability. Our findings may have more broad application because other oncogenic tyrosine kinases expressed in hetatopoietic malignancies induce similar mechanisms of genomic instability. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Micro-Scale Transport Processes for Advanced Healthcare and Point of Care Diagnostics

Recent outbreaks like Zika and Ebola highlights the challenges associated with pathogen diagnostics in the developing world. With the outbreak in Africa, and isolated cases on other continents, the need for an affordable, rapid and portable diagnostic solution has been repeatedly stressed and is one of the most critical issues confronting global health. Unfortunately, the current conventional PCR instrumentation needed to perform gold standard DNA-based diagnostic tests is bulky, slow, and expensive, making it unsuitable for resource-limited settings in developing countries where dedicated laboratory facilities are not available. Advances in micro-fluidics and smartphone based technology has paved way for novel implementations of traditional molecular diagnostic techniques. We present a series of advances in molecular diagnostic techniques by harnessing convective flow to actuate biochemical reactions.
Integrating knowledge bases in expert system shells: an open–systems approach

The paper outlines a conceptual architecture that adapts the open–systems approach to integrate knowledge bases in expert system shells. To facilitate application of the open–systems approach, a general framework for open–systems development called an open intelligent information systems architecture is utilised. Vp–expert software is considered to outline the general structure of an open–systems based expert system shell environment. A prototype case is used to demonstrate the working of the environment.
Improving RGB-D SLAM using wi-fi: poster abstract

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is the process of learning about both the environment and about a robot's location with respect to the environment and is essential for robots to autonomously navigate. A variety of algorithms using many different sensors such as RGB-D cameras, laser range finders, ultrasonic sensors and others have been proposed to perform SLAM. However, these algorithms face common challenges are that of computational complexity, wrong loop closure detection and failure to localize correctly when robot loses state (kidnapped robot problem). In this work, we utilize Wi-Fi signal strength sensing to aid the SLAM process in indoor environments and address the challenges mentioned above.
Advances in Automatic Controls Educations

Abstract A summary report on two sessions of papers presented at the recent American Control Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on June 15-17, 1988. The presentations focused on new laboratory experiments, new classroom demonstrations, new P.C. software packages, new problem/project solutions that can be replicated, and relevant video-tape segments. This report will summarize and evaluate all of those presentations and will include detailed descriptions of all of the table-top exhibits associated with the presentations.
Poetic Justice and Edith Wharton’s “Xingu”: An Evolutionary Psychological Approach

Insights generated in the emerging field of evolutionary psychology offer a useful new framework for examining Edith Wharton’s “Xingu.” The satiric wit energizing this well-known short story depends in large measure upon the obtuseness of its central characters, who embrace counterfactual estimations of their gifts and attainments: thwarting the operations of poetic justice in order to protect social reputation and self-image, they become objects of derision. Their behavior illustrates the workings of adaptive mechanisms for self-deception. Insofar as their comically exaggerated commitment to false self-presentation illustrates universal features of evolved human nature, the target of Wharton’s scorn is accordingly enlarged. Her narrative spotlights the psychological processes that sustain self-deception and scapegoating, raising serious questions concerning human claims to rational thought and ethical principle. Keywords: deception, poetic justice, reputation, satire, scapegoat, self-deception
Trends in colorectal cancer incidence among younger adults—Disparities by age, sex, race, ethnicity, and subsite

Millennials (ages 18-35) are now the largest living generation in the US, making it important to understand and characterize the rising trend of colorectal cancer incidence in this population, as well as other younger generations of Americans. Data from the New Jersey State Cancer Registry (n = 181 909) and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (n = 448 714) were used to analyze invasive CRC incidence trends from 1979 to 2014. Age, sex, race, ethnicity, subsite, and stage differences between younger adults (20-49) and screening age adults (≥50) in New Jersey (NJ) were examined using chi-square; and, we compared secular trends in NJ to the United States (US). Whites, men, and the youngest adults (ages 20-39) are experiencing greater APCs in rectal cancer incidence. Rates among younger black adults, overall, were consistently higher in both NJ and the US over time. When compared to older adults, younger adults with CRC in NJ were more likely to be: diagnosed at the late stage, diagnosed with rectal cancer, male, non-white, and Hispanic. Invasive CRC incidence trends among younger adults were found to vary by age, sex, race, ethnicity, and subsite. Large, case-level, studies are needed to understand the role of genetics, human papillomavirus (HPV), and cultural and behavioral factors in the rise of CRC among younger adults. Provider and public education about CRC risk factors will also be important for preventing and reversing the increasing CRC trend in younger adults.
Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) in Higher Education: How to Use SET More Effectively and Efficiently in Public Affairs Education

The present study examined the impact of 13 aspects involved in student evaluation of teaching (SET). The study used student course evaluations of 1,410 university students in the Division of Publi...
Role of Photoreceptor Retinol Dehydrogenases in Detoxification of Lipid Oxidation Products

Photoreceptor cells express various retinol dehydrogenase enzymes (RDHs), located either in the outer segment where they reduce all-trans retinal released from opsin in this compartment, or in the inner segment where their function(s) are not completely resolved. In this chapter, we present evidence for a housekeeping detoxification role of RDH12 in photoreceptor inner segments, reducing 4-hydroxynonenal produced by a basal level of lipid oxidation taking place constantly in mouse retina. Loss of this function in patients with inherited retinal dystrophy due to mutations in RDH12 might contribute to the dramatic and early onset loss of vision in these individuals. RDH11 and RDH13 may have redundant or complementary roles in mouse photoreceptor inner segments. Mouse models with disruption of various combinations of these RDHs are expected to help achieve a better understanding of the specific and redundant functions of these enzymes.
Graves Disease (Diffuse Hyperplasia)

Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves disease is associated with antibodies against the thyrotropin receptor that stimulate the receptor and promote synthesis and secretion of thyroglobulin and follicular cell proliferation. Patients present with goiter and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including anxiety, tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, heat sensitivity, and weight loss, and may develop ophthalmopathy and dermopathy. Patients may be treated symptomatically with β-blockers and with antithyroid medications (propothiouracil and methimazole), radioactive iodine, and surgery. Complications of untreated Graves disease are thyroid storm, muscle catabolism with myopathy, and bone catabolism with osteoporosis, among others. Graves disease occurs in 1 in 2,000 people in the United States. A study from Olmstead County, Minnesota, reports an incidence of 30 cases per 100,000 person years. Graves disease is more common in women than in men. There is a marked increase risk of Graves disease in the postpartum period. In men, Graves disease occurs at an older age and frequently is more severe and associated with greater ophthalmopathy. Graves disease occasionally occurs in children and has a high concordance in identical twins. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of Graves disease and Graves ophthalmopathy. Patients have elevated serum thyroxine and low thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. There is an association with HLA-B8 and DR3, and patients may have a familial predisposition to autoimmune disease, including thyroid disease. Thyroid carcinomas occasionally occur in thyroids involved by Graves disease. In a retrospective review of 61 thyroid carcinomas with concurrent Graves disease, 58 papillary carcinomas, 1 follicular carcinoma, 1 Hurthle cell carcinoma, and 1 medullary carcinoma were identified. Most (80 %) of the tumors were 1 cm or smaller. Incidental thyroid carcinomas are less prevalent in Graves disease than in multinodular goiter.
“Plant Cell Wall Structure-Pretreatment” the Critical Relationship in Biomass Conversion to Fermentable Sugars

One of the targeted research areas in implementing alternative renewable energy production is the improvement of the yield and quality of plant biomass, which consists mostly of plant cell walls (called lignocellulosic biomass). Sugars from plant biomass can be used to produce bioethanol through fermentation, but can also be used to make other hydrocarbons via direct pyrolysis or gasification. However, the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars is far from optimal due to the lack of efficient pretreatment processes, simply because the exact composition and the manner in which different cell wall components interact between each other strongly influence energy recovery. Pretreatment techniques can be grouped into three distinct categories: physical (mechanical), biological, and chemical pretreatments. Currently, pretreatment step is the most costly step in the whole process of biofuel production, and there is a positive correlation between cell walls recalcitrance and the costs in biofuel production. Because there are many different kinds of plant biomass, no single pretreatment method is expected to be the preferred universal choice. Furthermore, there is recurring debate about “food or fuel” balance, and the emerging picture from this debate is that there is a need for domestication of several feedstock crops, because none of the current available feedstock crops have all the requirements to balance our food and fuel needs. The ultimate goal is to elucidate the key structural elements of lignocellulosic biomass that would allow a balance between biofuel production, carbon sequestration, and land management. This chapter will describe the composition and structural aspects of plant cell walls found in plant biomasses, and their impact on pretreatment of biomass.
Conical nozzle flow of a viscous compressible gas with energy extraction

A study is made of source type diabatic (nonadiabatic) flow of a viscous, heat conducting perfect gas in a conical nozzle. For such a flow a class of exact solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations is possible provided the transport properties vary as the n-th power of the absolute temperature. It is found that for a given wall angle, wall temperature, and internal heat source (sink) strength, solutions of this type are possible only for certain combinations of centerline Mach number, Reynolds number, ratio of specific heats, and Prandtl number. Some examples of calculated velocity and temperature profiles are presented for the special case where the viscosity and thermal conductivity vary as the square root of the absolute temperature.
Cyclic plastic strain response and fracture behavior of 2080 aluminum alloy metal matrix composite

Abstract A study has been made to understand the role of composite microstructure on failure through mechanisms governing the quasi-static and cyclic fracture behavior of aluminum alloy X2080 discontinuously-reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) particulates. Two different volume fractions of the carbide particulate reinforcement phase, in the aluminum alloy matrix, are considered. Quasi-static fracture of the composite comprised cracking of the individual and clusters of particulates present in the microstructure. Particulate cracking increased with reinforcement content in the aluminum alloy matrix. Final fracture occurred as a direct result of crack propagation through the matrix between particulate clusters. The composite specimens were cyclically deformed under fully-reversed, total strain-amplitude-controlled cyclic straining, giving lives of less than 10 4 cycles to failure. The plastic strain-fatigue life response was found to degrade with an increase in carbide particulate content in the metal matrix. The cyclic fracture behavior of the composite is discussed in light of concurrent and mutually interactive influences of composite microstructural effects, matrix deformation characteristics, cyclic plastic strain amplitude and resultant response stress.
Soluble Markers of Antibody Secreting Cell Function as Predictors of Infection Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease associated with immune dysregulation and increased risk of infections. The presence of autoantibodies and immunoglobulin abnormalities indicates B-cell and antibody-secreting cell (ASC) dysfunction. We hypothesize that soluble factors associated with B-cell and ASC activity are decreased in RA patients and that this is linked to higher susceptibility to infections. Methods. Using the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Cohort and Biorepository, we contrasted serum protein levels of soluble factors involved in B-cell activation (CD40, CD40L) and B-cell/ASC homing (CXCL10, CXCL11, and CXCL13) or survival (BAFF, APRIL, TACI, and BCMA) in 10 healthy subjects and 23 adult RA patients (aged 24-65 years). We subdivided RA patients into those with ( ) and those without infections ( ) within a 2-year period. In order to reduce the effect of RA treatment, we only included patients receiving methotrexate monotherapy or no RA treatments at baseline. Soluble serum protein levels of B-cell/ASC factors were quantified by multiplex immunoassays. Results. We identified that (1) serum levels of soluble BCMA, APRIL, CD40, and CD40L were significantly decreased in RA patients relative to healthy individuals; (2) serum soluble BCMA, predominantly released by ASC, correlated with serum concentrations of class-switched immunoglobulins, IgG and IgA; and (3) RA patients with a history of infections had significantly lower soluble BCMA levels compared with healthy donors and with RA patients without infections. Conclusions. Our study using soluble factors linked to B-cell/ASC activation and survival suggests that there is a paucity of ASC in a subset of RA patients and that this may be linked to altered antibody production and increased risk of infections. Further delineating the link between ASC and infection susceptibility in RA may optimize disease management and provide novel insights into disease pathogenesis that are susceptible to intervention.
Musculoskeletal Pain Joint Pain: Upper Extremities

Upper extremity pain may arise from a variety of local structures, as well as be referred from the cervical spine. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics is essential in the diagnosis and treatment. Targeted physical and occupational therapy is critical to resumption of normal function.
Storm-Induced Predator-Prey Decoupling Promotes Springtime Accumulation of North Atlantic Phytoplankton

During NAAMES May 2016 field campaign, we examined the response of plankton population dynamics to rapid re-stratification of surface waters following a deep mixing event in the subpolar North Atlantic. Over the 4-day occupation of a station, we measured phytoplankton growth and grazer/virus-induced mortality rates in dilution assays conducted across a range of light intensities. Rates were estimated from changes in chlorophyll a and the abundance of three phytoplankton groups identified by flow cytometry. Initially, biological and physical water column properties were homogeneous down to >200 m, followed by rapid shoaling of the mixed layer to 20-30 m. Initial in situ chlorophyll a concentration was 0.4 µg L-1, and phytoplankton biomass accumulated at an average rate of 0.4 d-1 over the next two days. When mixed layer depth was maximal, there were no mortality losses and phytoplankton growth rates increased with increased light intensity. After shoaling, grazing rates increased, but never matched the magnitude of phytoplankton growth rates. When the mixed layer was shallowest, growth rates exceeded >1 d-1 at all non-dark light intensities. Chlorophyll a based grazing rates were consistent across light levels (~0.3 d-1) and were highest on Synechococcus (0.3-0.6 d-1) and lowest on pico-eukaryotes (~0.2 d-1). The delay with which grazing resumed resulted in growth exceeding losses and consumption of an average of 30% of primary production. Virus-induced mortality rates were minimal across all mixing profiles and light intensities. Overall, both chlorophyll a and group-specific phytoplankton accumulation rates predicted from the shipboard experiments matched those in situ, suggesting that incubation conditions faithfully captured the growth and loss processes governing in situ population dynamics. The observations made here indicate that transient deepening of the mixed layer followed by rapid stratification provided conditions under which phytoplankton escape protistan grazing and accumulate biomass. During the physically dynamic springtime in the North Atlantic, frequent ephemeral fluctuations in the depth of mixing may represent an important mechanism governing the formation and the magnitude of the North Atlantic spring bloom.