cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rethinking the center-periphery model: Dimensions and temporalities of macro-structure in a global field of cultural production

Abstract A central question in the culture and globalization debate has been how global transformations affect center-periphery hierarchies among countries in realms of cultural production. However, hitherto scholarship has tended to approach the center-periphery distinction in unitary terms. This article extends Bourdieu’s model of a dual economy in cultural fields to develop a framework of different types and dimensions of country hierarchies. Taking the contemporary visual arts as a case, it demonstrates that linking the dual economy model with the conceptualization of center-periphery hierarchies offers a more fine-grained lens to examine some of their dynamics. Comparing the evolution of hierarchies among countries in the global auction market and global art exhibition space, the article reveals how center-periphery configurations at the commercial and specific cultural pole of an emerging global field diverge. They follow systematically different patterns and temporalities: whereas the auction market exhibits rapid changes—particularly with the rise of China—, culturally based asymmetries in the global exhibition space are marked by slower transformations along generational cycles of longue duree. Although the findings are unique to contemporary art, they indicate that extending Bourdieu’s theory may offer tools to go beyond monolithic center-periphery models in cross-border cultural production. It allows to account for the multidimensionality of macrolevel hierarchies as well as their varying logics of change.
Improving Patient Satisfaction by Using Design Thinking: Patient Advocate Role in the Emergency Department.

The emergency department (ED) serves a pivotal role in the healthcare system, but it is often a source of anxiety and confusion for patients at a time already shrouded by fear of illness and uncertainty. Common patient needs include receiving information about different stages of their care, assurance that they are safe, and knowledge of a plan for proper follow-up care prior to discharge. Due to well-known restraints on the clinician’s time, meeting this level of patient satisfaction has often fallen short. Design thinking is a well-known methodology used to generate solutions to a wide variety of problems with an approach that is inherently iterative in nature. The key feature of the process is a strong focus on practicing empathy as an approach to human-centered design. Utilizing this method, we created a role, filled by preclinical medical students, who are placed in the ED during peak hours to focus on making the patients more comfortable and tend to their more “non-clinical” needs. We posit that this new role will do the following: 1) make patients feel more satisfied with their care in the ED, 2) allow students to gain a robust appreciation for the flow of the ED and the hospital in general, and 3) teach students to actively solve patient's frustrations.
Racial disparities in the receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resected stage I-III pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

357Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy for resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a category 1 NCCN recommendation, however studies have shown that many patients do not go on to receive chemotherapy a...
Archaeology and ethnography along the Loango coast in the south west of the Republic of Congo

This short publication outlines the results of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) north of the Kouilou River on the coastal plain of the Republic of Congo. The project, carried ou...
Hybrid silicon on silicon carbide integrated photonics platform

We demonstrate a hybrid on-chip photonics platform based on crystalline silicon resonators and waveguides patterned on top of silicon carbide. The devices were fabricated with membrane transfer followed by standard electron beam patterning procedures. The platform allows the integration of high quality silicon photonics with color centers in silicon carbide operating in the near infrared for spin-photon interfaces used in quantum information processing applications. We measure waveguide-coupled ring resonators with loaded quality factors up to 23 000 at cryogenic temperatures.
Deep learning approaches for neural decoding: from CNNs to LSTMs and spikes to fMRI.

Decoding behavior, perception, or cognitive state directly from neural signals has applications in brain-computer interface research as well as implications for systems neuroscience. In the last decade, deep learning has become the state-of-the-art method in many machine learning tasks ranging from speech recognition to image segmentation. The success of deep networks in other domains has led to a new wave of applications in neuroscience. In this article, we review deep learning approaches to neural decoding. We describe the architectures used for extracting useful features from neural recording modalities ranging from spikes to EEG. Furthermore, we explore how deep learning has been leveraged to predict common outputs including movement, speech, and vision, with a focus on how pretrained deep networks can be incorporated as priors for complex decoding targets like acoustic speech or images. Deep learning has been shown to be a useful tool for improving the accuracy and flexibility of neural decoding across a wide range of tasks, and we point out areas for future scientific development.
The multifaceted outcomes of community-engaged water quality management in a Palestinian refugee camp:

The Palestinian residents of Aida Refugee Camp have lived under Israeli military occupation for over 50 years. While they struggle against the more legible concerns of the separation wall, unemploy...
On the nonadiabatic collisional quenching of OH(A) by H2: a four coupled quasi-diabatic state description.

A four-state diabatic potential energy matrix (DPEM), Hd, for the description of the nonadiabatic quenching of OH(A2Σ+) by collisions with H2 is reported. The DPEM is constructed as a fit to adiabatic energies, energy gradients, and derivative couplings obtained exclusively from multireference configuration interaction wave functions. A four-adiabatic-electronic-state representation is used in order to describe all energetically accessible regions of the nuclear coordinate space. Partial permutation-inversion symmetry is incorporated into the representation. The fit is based on electronic structure data at 42 882 points, described by over 1.6 million least squares equations with a root mean square (mean unsigned) error of 178(83) cm−1. Comparison of ab initio and Hd determined minima, saddle points, and energy minimized points on C2v, Cs, C∞v, and C1 (noncoplanar) portions of two conical intersection seams are used to establish the accuracy of the Hd.
Spread between the Moody’s Aaa-Rated Corporate Bond Yield and the Yield on Municipals: Co-integration Analysis

While the research linking interest rates to government deficits is extensive, the impact of other tax-related variables is uncommon. This study seeks to add to the literature on credit markets by exploring the impact of not only the budget deficit but also average effective personal income tax rates and personal income tax evasion as explanatory variables. To the best of our knowledge this study is the first study to recognize the joint importance of all of these fiscal variables. We utilize data covering the post-Bretton Woods period from 1971 through 2016 to analyze the impact of the three variables in order to shed light on the spread between the real interest rate yields on Moody’s Aaa-rated corporate bonds and high quality municipal bonds. Estimations reveal that the higher the average effective federal personal income tax rate, the greater the differential between the yields on corporate bonds and tax-free Municipals. Furthermore, it is found that the higher the adjusted gross income gap, the greater the real yield spread between Moody’s Aaa-rated corporate bonds and high quality municipal bonds. Finally, the greater the primary budget deficit, the greater the spread as well.
Phenotypic Variability in Echinoderms

The phylum Echinodermata has been one of the most widely recognized and studied group of invertebrates since ancient times. The phenotype of an individual is the end product of a highly complex set of interactive events between the genotype and environment. It represents not only morphological attributes, but physiological, biochemical, and behavioral ones as well. The genetic composition of ecotypes depends on their phenotypic flexibility which is ultimately determined by the genotype. Interpopulation morphological variation has been studied for a number of regular echinoids. Environmental factors might produce phenocopies of genetically determined plate arrangements by imposing a differential effect on the rates at which rearrangements proceed. Gaining an improved understanding of the factors that influence phenotypic variation among extant echinoderms provides information that is valuable for the interpretation of paleoenvironmental conditions and the phylogenetic status of fossil forms. All species of echinoderms express some degree of phenotypic variability, whether it is related to sex, age, or ecological differences.
The Aesthetics of Impressionism from the Perceptive of Phenomenology

This paper makes a phenomenological analysis of the aesthetics of impressionism. Impressionism and phenomenology occurred at the same background and the two implies the similar thing in different languages. In the perspective of phenomenology, the “look” of impressionism is a kind of essential intuition through which the essence is directly obtained. The impression, a subjective intentionality, which is closely related with objective facts, is the relationship itself between subject and object. This kind of description of impression is the intuitional experience of the devoted subject within the object, which embodies the meaning and value between the subject and the object. The contemporary implication of impressionism may include that people should reflect the limits of science and reason and find the harmonious balance between the perception and reason, between belief and science.
Two cryptic species of California mustard within Caulanthus lasiophyllus.

Premise Cryptic species are evolutionarily distinct lineages lacking distinguishing morphological traits. Hidden diversity may be lurking in widespread species whose distributions cross phylogeographic barriers. This study investigates molecular and morphological variation in the widely distributed Caulanthus lasiophyllus (Brassicaceae) in comparison to its closest relatives. Methods Fifty-two individuals of C. lasiophyllus from across the species' range were sequenced for the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and the chloroplast trnL-F region. A subset of these samples were examined for the chloroplast ndhF gene. All 52 individuals were scored for 13 morphological traits, as well as monthly and annual climate conditions at the collection locality. Morphological and molecular results are compared with the closest relatives-C. anceps and C. flavescens-in the "Guillenia Clade." To test for polyploidy, genome size estimates were made for four populations. Results Caulanthus lasiophyllus consists of two distinct lineages separated by eight ITS differences-eight times more variation than what distinguishes C. anceps and C. flavescens. Fewer variable sites were detected in trnL-F and ndhF regions, yet these data are consistent with the ITS results. The two lineages of C. lasiophyllus are geographically and climatically distinct; yet morphologically overlapping. Their genome sizes are not consistently different. Conclusions Two cryptic species within C. lasiophyllus are distinguished at the molecular, geographic, and climatic scales. They have similar genome sizes and are morphologically broadly overlapping, but an ephemeral basal leaf character may help distinguish the species.
Transcatheter Intervention for Congenital Defects Involving the Great Vessels: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

Abstract Since the development of balloon angioplasty and balloon-expandable endovascular stent technology in the 1970s and 1980s, percutaneous transcatheter intervention has emerged as a mainstay of therapy for congenital heart disease (CHD) lesions throughout the systemic and pulmonary vascular beds. Congenital lesions of the great vessels, including the aorta, pulmonary arteries, and patent ductus arteriosus, are each amenable to transcatheter intervention throughout the lifespan, from neonate to adult. In many cases, on-label devices now exist to facilitate these therapies. In this review, we seek to describe the contemporary approach to and outcomes from transcatheter management of major CHD lesions of the great vessels, with a focus on coarctation of the aorta, single- or multiple-branch pulmonary artery stenoses, and persistent patent ductus arteriosus. We further comment on the future of transcatheter therapies for these CHD lesions.
Adult glut3 homozygous null mice survive to demonstrate neural excitability and altered neurobehavioral responses reminiscent of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Abstract Since GLUT3 is vital for fueling neurotransmission, we examined in-vivo the adult phenotype carrying the conditional homozygous glut3 gene mutation (KO) in glutamate-excitatory neurons. These KO mice demonstrated sex-specific differences in brain and body weights (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.01 each) with reduced GLUT3 protein in cerebral cortices and brain stem (p = 0.005). In patch clamp studies the glut3 KO mice displayed a shorter latency to and enhanced paroxysmal activity (p = 0.01 and p = 0.015 each) in pyramidal neurons upon application of a GABAA antagonist, supporting hyperexcitability. Further, associated changes in neurobehavior consisted of reduced latency to fall in the rotorod motor test related to incoordination, increased distance traveled in total and periphery versus center in open field testing suggesting hyperactivity with anxiety (p = 0.0013 in male, p = 0.045 in female), reduced time freezing reminiscent of disrupted contextual fear conditioning (p = 0.0033), decreased time in target quadrant seen with spatial cognitive memory water maze testing (p = 0.034), and enhanced sociability particularly for novelty reflecting a lack of inhibition/impulsivity (p = 0.038). Some of these features were equally pronounced in males and females (cognitive) while others were seen in females (anxiety and impulsivity). We conclude that GLUT3 in adult glutamate-excitatory neurons is essential for maintaining neurotransmitory equipoise regulating excitation with maintenance of motor coordination and activity, cognition, spatial memory and normal fear for both contextual events and novelty with tempered sociability. While sex-specificity was forthcoming for some of these behaviors, our findings collectively suggest that loss-of-function glut3 gene mutations or polymorphisms may underlie an endophenotype of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the eCHECKUP to GO for High School Seniors across the Academic Year.

Among high school students, seniors report the highest levels of alcohol use and hazardous drinking. Technology-based interventions are a promising approach for reducing alcohol use among this age ...
RAC1 Alterations Induce Acquired Dabrafenib Resistance in Association with Anaplastic Transformation in a Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patient

BRAF-activating mutations are the most frequent driver mutations in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Targeted inhibitors such as dabrafenib have been used in advanced BRAF-mutated PTC; however, acquired resistance to the drug is common and little is known about other effectors that may play integral roles in this resistance. In addition, the induction of PTC dedifferentiation into highly aggressive KRAS-driven anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has been reported. We detected a novel RAC1 (P34R) mutation acquired during dabrafenib treatment in a progressive metastatic lesion with ATC phenotype. To identify a potential functional link between this novel mutation and tumor dedifferentiation, we developed a cell line derived from the metastatic lesion and compared its behavior to isogenic cell lines and primary tumor samples. Our data demonstrated that RAC1 mutations induce changes in cell morphology, reorganization of F-actin almost exclusively at the cell cortex, and changes in cell adhesion properties. We also established that RAC1 amplification, with or without mutation, is sufficient to drive cell proliferation and resistance to BRAF inhibition. Further, we identified polyploidy of chromosome 7, which harbors RAC1, in both the metastatic lesion and its derived cell line. Copy number amplification and overexpression of other genes located on this chromosome, such as TWIST1, EGFR, and MET were also detected, which might also lead to dabrafenib resistance. Our study suggests that polyploidy leading to increased expression of specific genes, particularly those located on chromosome 7, should be considered when analyzing aggressive thyroid tumor samples and in further treatments.
Some Issues in Cross-Validation

Leave-one-out cross-validation (i.e., ordinary cross-validation) and variants such as v-fold cross-validation are often used for model selection problems with independent observations. Extensions and generalizations of these methods for dependent observations are discussed in this note. It is shown that ordinary cross-validation can be used for certain types of dependence. A new type of cross-validation, which is an off-shoot of both ordinary cross-validation and v-fold cross-validation, is proposed here for model selection problems when the data is generated by a stationary process.
A preliminary discussion of Hose-Einstein diffusion in supernovae

It has been argued that Bose-Einstein diffusion is a conceptual improvement in the treatment of radiative transport in supernovae. First and foremost, it represents a two-parameter description of the radiation field, the two parameters being µ and Tγ whose associated integrals, the total photon number and the total photon energy, can be budgeted independently. As the first iteration in a bootstrap process to achieve an internally consistent SN model and to develop general techniques of handling radiative transport at all optical depths, it seems clear from the above discussion that such a two-parameter fit is a step toward these goals. Secondly, the microphysics of the relevant photon/matter interactions in the SN strongly suggests that the appropriate two-parameter function is indeed Bose-Einstein, since it gives the correct physical limits of photon equilibrium whenever the appropriate conditions as dictated by the laws of statistical mechanics apply. A major difficulty is the explicit formulation of the interaction terms in the dynamical equations. These integrals over frequency must be made computationally tractable and require more knowledge of the energy spectrum of the radiation. The simplest approach would be to employ the nondegenerate BE energy distribution; however, it should be kept in mind that although the frequency integrated moments of a Maxwell-Boltzmann gas can approximate the degenerate limit with an 8 % error, the corresponding energy distribution is a poor approximation of the Rayleigh-Jeans portion of the blackbody spectrum. Nevertheless, such an approach may be preferable in a first set of calculations.
THORACIC INJURY PREDICTION VIA DIGITAL CONVOLUTION THEORY

A dynamic characterization of the human thorax, in the form of a digital impulsive response signature, has been obtained which links the acceleration response of the struck side with the far side of the thorax under side impact conditions. This dynamic characterization was obtained by a unique combination of digital convolution theory, least squares approximation techniques, and a digital set of cadaver impact data. It has proven itself accurate in predicting the maximum relative acceleration, velocity and displacement between the left and the right lateral aspects of the thorax for a variety of impact conditions including lateral pendulum impacts, lateral rigid walls impacts at 15 and 20 mph and lateral impacts into padded walls at 20 mph. Detailed discussions of the theory, the derivation of the various thoracic response signatures and their correspondence with actual data, the utilization of these response functions to predict injury, and the application of this technique to identify promising safety systems design strategies is presented.
A new robust nonlinear filter for noise-smoothing and edge-enhancement

The restoration and enhancement of degraded images are of fundamental importance in image processing applications. In recent years nonlinear techniques have been extensively used to achieve these tasks. One of the most important families of nonlinear image filters is based on order statistics. They have shown to posses excellent robustness properties in presence of impulsive noise while preserving the edge information. In this work we introduce a new robust nonlinear filter based on generalized maximum likelihood reasoning and order statistics. This new filter is not only capable of attenuating the noise and preserving the details, but also has the ability to sharpen the edges. In addition, it does not require any type of threshold or weighting factor and is computationally efficient. Experimental result on real images is also provided. >
Sulindac (Clinoril) hepatitis.

Abstract A patient with Sulindac-induced hepatitis is presented. Sulindac was confirmed as the cause of the patient's liver disease when hepatic dysfunction abruptly recurred after an inadvertent reexposure to Sulindac and quickly resolved when the drug was withdrawn. The prompt reappearance of fever, chills, pruritus, rash, tender hepatomegaly, and abnormal liver tests after only two doses of Sulindac suggested a hypersensitivity reaction.
Old and New Forms of Civic Engagement

Maxwell A. Cameron, Eric Hershberg, and Kenneth E. Sharpe, eds., New Institutions for Participatory Democracy in Latin America: Voice and Consequence. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012. Tables, figures, bibliography, index, 263 pp.; hardcover $100, paperback $30. Jean-Paul Faguet, Decentralization and Popular Democracy: Governance from Below in Bolivia. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2012. Maps, tables, figures, bibliography, index, 372 pp.; hardcover $85, paperback $35, e-book $35. Sharon F. Lean, Civil Society and Electoral Accountability in Latin America. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013. Tables, figures, bibliography, index, 197 pp.; hardcover $95; ebook. Eduardo Silva, ed., Transnational Activism and National Movements in Latin America: Bridging the Divide. New York: Routledge, 2013. Tables, figures, bibliography, index, 212 pp.; hardcover $140, paperback $42.95. Guillermo Trejo, Popular Movements in Autocracies: Religion, Repression, and Indigenous Collective Action in Mexico. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2012. Maps, tables, figures, bibliography, index, 339 pp.; hardcover $109.99, paperback $27.99, e-book $22.
Cognitive Engineering and Aviation Safety

Humans are a unique and vital component of aviation that can adapt their behavior in response to new circumstances. Some aspects of human behavior, such as reaction time to clearly defined tasks, can be modeled in isolation. Other aspects can be predicted as a response to their situation, in which they will adapt to maintain “control” and achieve the desired combined system performance. Cognitive engineering is the discipline of designing complex, safety-critical systems recognizing the need for good human performance. The design challenge is to properly enable humans' performance in situations both expected and unexpected. With the design of technology, procedures, and training to support their adaptation to the inherent dynamics of aviation operations, humans serve as the greatest contribution to safety. Conversely, in an inflexible system human dynamism becomes the source of error and faults. Thus, an important aspect of design is to both prevent predictable faults and to ensure the system has the flexibility by which humans can return things to right. This requires explicit choices in distributing responsibility for risk mitigation and safety between technology, operating procedures, and human performance, recognizing that automation brings with it risks that are increasingly difficult for human operators to handle. Keywords: cognitive engineering; flightdeck design; air traffic control; aviation safety
Clinical effects of chiropractic on infantile colic

Wiberg KR, Wiberg JMM. A retrospective study of chiropractic treatment of 276 Danish infants with infantile colic. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2010; 33: 536–41.
Aquatic Adaptation and Swimming Mode Inferred from Skeletal Proportions in the Miocene Desmostylian Desmostylus

Desmostylians are enigmatic, extinct, semiaquatic marine mammals that inhabited coastlines of the northern Pacific Rim during the late Oligocene through middle Miocene. Principal components analysis (PCA) of trunk and limb proportions provides a rational multivariate context for separating living semiaquatic mammals on three orthogonal axes: a size axis (PC-I), a degree of aquatic adaptation axis (PC-II), and a forelimb- versus hind-limb-dominated locomotion axis (PC-III). The necessary skeletal measurements are available for Desmostylus hesperus but not for other desmostylians. Among species similar in size to Desmostylus in the study set, the one most similarly proportioned is the polar bear. Projection of Desmostylus on PC-II shows it to have been more aquatic than a polar bear (indicated by its relatively short ilium and femur, combined with relatively long metapodals and phalanges). Projection of Desmostylus on PC-III suggests that its aquatic locomotion was even more forelimb-dominated than that of a bear (indicated by its relatively long metacarpal III and corresponding proximal phalanx, combined with a relatively short metatarsal III and corresponding proximal phalanx). Desmostylians were different from all living semiaquatic mammals, and desmostylians are properly classified in their own extinct order, but their skeletal proportions suggest that bears provide an appropriate baseline for imagining what desmostylians were like in life.
Assessing contact personnel/ customer interaction in a small town: differences between large and small retail districts

The importance of improving customer retention has led to many changes in the services and retailing mix. Assesses the role that the contact person has on the customer’s willingness‐to‐buy. Two retailing districts in a small town are studied: the first, a downtown retail district made up primarily of small local retailers; and the second, a one‐stop retailing district made up of large multi‐service national chains. The results show that the contact people in the downtown retail district focus primarily on empathy to influence willingness‐to‐buy, where the contact people in the large one‐stop retail district jointly focus on assurance and responsiveness to influence willingness‐to‐buy. These findings, and their implications for competing for customers in such competitive markets, are discussed.
Hemodynamic effects of PN 200-110 (isradipine) in congestive heart failure.

PN 200-110 (isradipine), a dihydropyridine derivative, is a newly available calcium antagonist with potent vasodilatory properties. To determine if PN 200-110 might benefit patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), its acute hemodynamic effects were evaluated in a group of 12 patients with severe CHF. Measurements of cardiac performance were obtained after oral administration of placebo and 15 mg of PN 200-110. Placebo resulted in no significant changes in any of the variables. PN 200-110 decreased mean arterial pressure from 94 ± 14 (mean ± standard deviation) to 77 ± 7 mm Hg (p < 0.001) and increased both cardiac index from 2.1 ± 0.4 to 2.8 ± 0.6 liters/m2 (p < 0.01) and stroke volume index from 26 ± 7 to 36 ± 10 ml/m2 (p < 0.001). Systemic vascular resistance was reduced from 1,726 ± 563 to 1,099 ± 370 dynes s cm−5 (p < 0.01). Neither heart rate nor pulmonary artery wedge pressure changed significantly. Of the 7 patients discharged receiving PN 200-110, 6 improved clinically and there was evidence of a substantial reduction in cardiothoracic ratio on chest x-ray in some patients. No serious side effects were encountered. Vasodilation with PN 200-110 can improve cardiac performance acutely in patients with CHF. Although this clinical experience is encouraging, carefully performed long-term trials must be done to determine the value of this drug in the management of patients with CHF.
Quantum mechanical inspection of the Diels–Alder approach to biaryls mechanism

Abstract The Diels–Alder reaction of substituted cyclohexadienes with substituted phenylacetylenes offers an attractive alternative for the synthesis of biaryl compounds via a two-step cycloaddition/cycloelimination pathway. Quantum mechanical calculations using B3LYP and M06-2X density functional methods for the reaction of 2-chloro-6-nitrophenylacetylene with 1-carbomethoxy-cyclohexadiene show the reaction proceeds by a stepwise diradical [4+2] cycloaddition followed by concerted [2+4] cycloelimination of ethylene. [2+2] cycloadducts are also the result of stepwise addition. [2+2] cycloadducts isomerize to [4+2] cycloadducts via diradical pathways, which involve the same diradical intermediate in cycloaddition. There is also a competitive conrotatory ring opening followed by trans-cis double bond isomerization pathway of the [4.2.0] bicycle (the [2+2] cycloadduct) to give the cis,cis,cis-1,3,5-cyclooctatriene.
Chromosome numbers in chelone (Scrophulariaceae)

Meiotic and mitotic counts for all major taxa withinChelone show a euploid series: 2n = 28, 56, 84. A base number ofx = 14 is suggested. The distribution of numbers supports some previous taxonomic decisions. It raises questions about others, particularly those involving theC. glabra-C. obliqua complex. A root-tip technique involving digestion by “Pectinase” is described.
All-semiconductor metamaterial with negative refraction in the near-infrared

When heavily doped, semiconductors such as ZnO can exhibit metallic properties thus becoming versatile building blocks for optical metamaterials. Here, we design and fabricate an all-semiconductor metamaterial and demonstrate negative refraction in the near-infrared region.
A Cell Engineering Strategy to Enhance the Safety of Stem Cell Therapies

The long-term risk of malignancy associated with stem cell therapies is a significant concern in the clinical application of this exciting technology. We report a cancer-selective strategy to enhance the safety of stem cell therapies. Briefly, using a cell engineering approach, we show that aggressive cancers derived from human or murine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are strikingly sensitive to temporary MYC blockade. On the other hand, differentiated tissues derived from human or mouse iPSCs can readily tolerate temporary MYC inactivation. In cancer cells, endogenous MYC is required to maintain the metabolic and epigenetic functions of the embryonic and cancer-specific pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2). In summary, our results implicate PKM2 in cancer's increased MYC dependence and indicate dominant MYC inhibition as a cancer-selective fail-safe for stem cell therapies.
Role of aspartokinase substrates in the dehydrogenase activity of the aspartokinase-homoserine dehydrogenase complex

Summary Under appropriate conditions, adenosine triphosphate, particularly in the presence of magnesium ions, or aspartic acid increase the rate of the dehydrogenase reaction of the aspartokinase-homoserine dehydrogenase complex. This enhancement by the substrates of the aspartokinase activity results from as much as a fifty-fold reduction in the potassium ion requirement of the dehydrogenase activity and amounts to as much as a ten-fold increase in rate at low potassium ion levels. Low concentrations of adenosine triphosphate or much higher concentrations of potassium not only maintain the activity of the enzyme but also protect a group essential for threonine control which otherwise can be protected, or appreciably restored after loss of activity, by sulfhydryl compounds.
Out of Academics: Education, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise

The author started a niche biotech company in 1985 called Flexcell® to distribute an enabling technology, mechanobiology devices, to the field. He was the first University of North Carolina faculty member to start a company and stay with it as he pursued his career in academics. That was an unpopular route at that time, but a path he was driven to navigate. Those interests, merged with his training, led to the design and manufacture of mechanobiology devices such as the Flexercell® Strain Unit and the BioFlex® flexible bottom culture plates to study fundamental responses of cells to strain. Principles in these devices were also incorporated into bioreactors for tissue engineering, which are standard in the marketplace today. In this article, the major roadblocks will be chronicled that were overcome to help build the field of mechanobiology and create a small biotechnology company. Through example, the author’s formula for achieving milestones will be discussed including, the DRIVE it takes to get there [“DRIVE”: Determination (Confidence), Research and Development (R&D) and Risk-Taking, Innovation (Imagination) and Intellectual Property, achieving Victory, and Enterprise].
Nonlinear Benard-Marangoni convection in a rotating layer

Abstract Weakly nonlinear Bernard-Marangoni convection in a rotating layer of fluid is investi gated. Conditions on the conductivity ratio between the boundary and the fluid, rotation rate, Marangoni parameter and the amplitude of convection are determined under which either two-dimensional rolls, square cells or hexagonal cells can be the preferred form of convection.
Effect of epinephrine on the metabolism of the inositol phosphatides in rat heart in vivo.

EARLY work by Huggins and Cohn1 has shown that a “phosphatidepeptide-like” fraction can be obtained from kidney, heart, salivary glands and other secretory organs. More recently, Andrade and Huggins2 presented data which show that the “phosphatidepeptide-like” fraction contains inositol mono-, di-, and tri-phosphate, which suggests that this fraction could properly be called a phosphoinositide complex.
Origins of primary and secondary organic aerosol in Atlanta: results of time-resolved measurements during the Atlanta Supersite Experiment

Time-resolved ambient particulate organic (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) data measured in Atlanta, GA, during the Atlanta Supersite Experiment (August3-September 1, 1999) were investigated to determine the temporal trends of atmospheric carbonaceous aerosol and to examine the relative contributions of primary and secondary OC to measured particulate OC. Mean 1-h average concentrations (ranges in parentheses) of PM2.5 OC, EC, and total carbon were 8.3 (3.6-15.8), 2.3 (0.3-9.6), and 10.6 (4.6-24.6) microg of C m(-3), respectively, based on Rutgers University/Oregon Graduate Institute in situ thermal-optical carbon analyzer measurements. Carbonaceous matter (organic material 40%; EC 8%) comprised approximately 48% of PM2.5 mass in Atlanta. Primary and secondary OC concentrations were estimated using an EC tracer method. Secondary OC contributed approximately 46% of measured particulate OC, and 1-h average contributions ranged up to 88%. Vehicle emissions appear to be the dominant contributors to measured EC and primary OC concentrations based on temporal patterns of EC, primary OC, and CO. This research suggests that secondary OC concentrations in Atlanta were influenced by (1) "fresh" secondary organic aerosol formed by photochemical reactions locally in the early afternoons as seen in the Los Angeles air basin and (2) "aged" secondary organic aerosol transported from upwind regions or formed on previous days. Nocturnal peaks in secondary OC and ozone concentrations were observed on several days. The most probable explanation for this is the favorable partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds to the particulate phase driven by temperature decreases and relative humidity increases at night and vertical transport of regional pollutants from above to ground level.
Plasminogen on the surfaces of fibrin clots prevents adhesion of leukocytes and platelets

Summary. Background and Objectives: Although leukocytes and platelets adhere to fibrin with alacrity in vitro, these cells do not readily accumulate on the surfaces of fibrin clots in vivo. The difference in the capacity of blood cell integrins to adhere to fibrin in vivo and in vitro is striking and implies the existence of a physiologic antiadhesive mechanism. The surfaces of fibrin clots in the circulation are continually exposed to plasma proteins, several of which can bind fibrin and influence cell adhesion. Recently, we have demonstrated that adsorption of soluble fibrinogen on the surface of a fibrin clot results in its deposition as a soft multilayer matrix, which prevents attachment of blood cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that another plasma protein, plasminogen, which is known to accumulate in the superficial layer of fibrin, exerts an antiadhesive effect. Results: After being coated with plasminogen, the surfaces of fibrin clots became essentially non-adhesive for U937 monocytic cells, blood monocytes, and platelets. The data revealed that activation of fibrin-bound plasminogen by the plasminogen-activating system assembled on adherent cells resulted in the generation of plasmin, which decomposed the superficial fibrin layer, resulting in cell detachment under flow. The surfaces generated after the initial cell adhesion remained non-adhesive for subsequent attachment of leukocytes and platelets. Conclusion: We propose that the limited degradation of fibrin by plasmin generated by adherent cells loosens the fibers on the clot surface, producing a mechanically unstable substrate that is unable to support firm integrin-mediated cell adhesion.
Fiberoptic gastrointestinal endoscopy in the aged

Fiberoptic endoscopy was employed to advantage in patients older than 60 years with only a slight increment in the rate of complications. Independent information was provided by peroral endoscopy in 51 % of patients and by colonoscopy in 39%. ERCP established a definitive diagnosis in 48%.
Experience-based Measures of Food and Water Security: Biocultural Approaches to Grounded Measures of Insecurity

Insecure access to food and water are experienced by millions of people around the world. Not only does insecure access to food and water represent a violation of basic human rights, it is a major threat to the physical and mental health of individuals and communities. There is, therefore, great need for tools to identify those who are food and water insecure and the severity of their insecurity. We argue here that measures of food and water insecurity must not only reflect biological requirements but also the biocultural nature of food and water needs. In this paper, we present case studies from Tanzania and Bolivia that detail the steps used to adapt or create experience-based measures and validate these measures using a suite of established approaches. We also show that, by broadening our understading of insecurity to include respondents' experiences, the full range of health impacts—including psychosocial stress and mental health—become apparent. We conclude by noting limitations of the biocultural ap...
Comparison of Different Forms of Herpes Simplex Replication-Defective Mutant Viruses as Vaccines in a Mouse Model of HSV-2 Genital Infection

Some subunit vaccines composed of herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoproteins have been shown to protect guinea pigs against primary and recurrent genital infection by HSV-2. However, these vaccines were ineffective or only marginally effective in clinical trials. To attempt to define an animal model that would better discriminate the protective capacity of different vaccine formulations, we have examined the requirements for vaccine-induced protection against HSV-2 infection and disease in a mouse genital model. Unlike the guinea pig model where inactivated viral vaccines can protect nearly as well as live viral vaccines, inactivated viral vaccine afforded little protection in this mouse model. Using replication-defective mutant viruses as a form of live viral vaccine, we found that the extent of protection conferred by live vaccine was proportional to the amount of replication-defective mutant virus inoculated, over doses from 10(4) to 10(6) PFU. Furthermore, the mouse genital model showed quantitative differences in the degree of protection induced by various viral vaccine constructs. An HSV-2 replication-defective mutant virus protected better than an HSV-1 replication-defective mutant that expressed HSV-2 glycoprotein D, which in turn protected better than an HSV-2 replication-defective mutant virus. We conclude that this mouse genital model can rank different vaccine constructs for their capacity to induce protective immunity. Thus, genital infection of the mouse with HSV-2 may provide a stringent animal model that can predict the relative capacity of viral vaccines to stimulate protective immunity against HSV-2.
Rapid determination of total cholesterol in egg yolk using commercial diagnostic cholesterol reagent

Abstract A rapid and accurate method for cholesterol determination using a commercial diagnostic cholesterol reagent (‘enzyme method’) was developed and evaluated with four different yolk preparations. The cholesterol content of The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material in whole egg powder, fresh, frozen, and dried egg yolk was determined using gas chromatography and the enzyme method. All samples were subjected to direct saponification and solubilization prior to analysis. No treatment was applied to control samples, which were analyzed by the enzyme method. Solubilization of samples was performed at 0.85, 2 and 5% (w/v) NaCl concentrations. Solubilization measured in terms of cholesterol value was best at 2 and 5% NaCl levels. For egg powder standard and fresh or frozen egg, the cholesterol values obtained by the enzyme method from saponified or solubilized samples were not significantly different from values obtained by gas chromatography. For solubilized dried egg yolk the enzyme method gave results indistinguishable from chromatography for saponified yolk. However, the results obtained by the enzyme method and gas chromatography from saponified dried egg yolk were significantly different. The simple and rapid procedure developed for sample preparation (solubilization) eliminates the need for saponification prior to cholesterol determination using the enzyme method, and provides an alternative to an expensive and time-consuming gas chromatographic method.
MicroRNA Expression in Selected Carcinomas of the Gastrointestinal Tract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a recently discovered class of small, 18–25 nucleotide, noncoding RNA sequences that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by binding to and inhibiting the translation of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Characteristic patterns of miRNA expression have been described in several malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract, and numerous investigators have demonstrated interactions between specific miRNA species and target oncogenes or tumor-suppressor genes. It is clear that miRNAs play an important role in regulating expression of a number of genes involved in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis, and, thus, these molecules may represent either diagnostic markers of, or therapeutic targets for, some types of malignancy. This paper summarizes the literature regarding miRNA expression in carcinomas of the colon, pancreas, and liver and discusses some of the mechanisms by which these molecules participate in gastrointestinal oncogenesis.
RAGE signaling contributes to neuroinflammation in infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.

Palmitoyl-protein thioesterase-1 (PPT1) deficiency causes infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL), a devastating childhood neurodegenerative storage disorder. We previously reported that neuronal apoptosis in INCL is mediated by endoplasmic reticulum-stress. ER-stress disrupts Ca 2+ -homeostasis and stimulates the expression of Ca 2+ -binding proteins. We report here that in the PPT1-deficient human and mouse brain the levels of S100B, a Ca 2+ -binding protein, and its receptor, RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end-products) are elevated. We further demonstrate that activation of RAGE signaling in astroglial cells mediates pro-inflammatory cytokine production, which is inhibited by SiRNA-mediated suppression of RAGE expression. We propose that RAGE signaling contributes to neuroinflammation in INCL.
What legal protection should a hospital provide, if any, to its ethics committee and individual members?

To ensure that a HEC has maximum protection in the event a lawsuit is initiated against it as a whole or its individual members, the authorizing body should take the following action: If there is not a broad enough statute in place in the jurisdiction, measures may be initiated to generate new legislation (with care to avoid lobbying) in order to permit committees that advise in patient disputes to be granted immunity similar to the benefits enjoyed by peer review committees. The board of directors of the corporation should make each appointment to the HEC by providing notice that the member could be indemnified against losses should a claim be made as a result of actions while serving on the HEC. The board of directors should provide further protection by purchasing adequate insurance that includes coverage under (1) a directors' and officers' policy and (2) professional liability insurance and (3) general liability insurance.
A Predictor Switching Scheme for DPCM Coding of Video Signals

In DPCM coding of video signals, for improved data compression efficiency, the predictor is often switched adaptively between two or more different predictions. For low-bit-rate coders, the predictor switching is done on a pel-by-pel basis. In this paper, a new scheme for predictor switching on a pel-by-pel basis is proposed. This new scheme is a modification of an existing adaptive predictor switching scheme which has been implemented in pel-recursive motion compensated coding of video signals. To evaluate the efficiency of the new scheme, a theoretical expression for the output bit rate is derived. It is pointed out under what conditions it is advantageous to use the new scheme for predictor switching. Some details of implementation are discussed. Results of computer simulation on natural scenes are presented. These results validate the theoretical conclusions derived in the paper. The simulation results also indicate that the picture quality is improved significantly, for approximately the same output bit rate, with the new predictor switching scheme as compared to the existing scheme for predictor switching.