cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The kinase Eg2 is a component of the Xenopus oocyte progesterone‐activated signaling pathway

Quiescent Xenopus oocytes are activated by progesterone, which binds to an unidentified surface-associated receptor. Progesterone activates a poorly understood signaling pathway that results in the translational activation of mRNA encoding Mos, a MAP kinase kinase kinase necessary for the activation of MAP kinase and MPF, the resumption of meiosis, and maturation of the oocyte into the sperm-responsive egg. We have designed a screen to identify early signaling proteins based on the premise that some of these proteins would be phosphorylated or otherwise modified within minutes of progesterone addition. This screen has revealed Eg2, a Ser/Thr kinase. We find that Eg2 is phosphorylated soon after progesterone stimulation and provide evidence that it functions in the signaling pathway. Overexpression of Eg2 via mRNA microinjection shortens the time between progesterone stimulation and the appearance of new Mos protein, accelerates activation of MAP kinase and advances entry into the meiotic cell cycle. Finally, overexpression of Eg2 dramatically reduces the concentration of progesterone needed to trigger oocyte activation. These results argue that the kinase Eg2 is a component of the progesterone-activated signaling pathway that releases frog oocytes from cell cycle arrest.
Cancer cell sensing and therapy using affinity tag-conjugated gold nanorods

Through the developments in controlling the shape of gold nanoparticles, synthesis of gold nanorods (AuNRs) can be considered as a milestone discovery in the area of nanomaterial-based cancer treatments. Besides having tuneable absorption maxima at near infrared (NIR) range, AuNRs have superior absorption cross section at NIR frequencies compared with other gold nanoparticles. When this unique optical property is combined with the specificity against cancer cells used by affinity tag conjugations, AuNRs become one of the most important nanoparticles used in both cancer cell sensing and in therapy. In this review, the impact of size and shape control of nanoparticles, especially AuNRs, on cancer cell treatments and a range of aptamer-conjugated AuNR applications in this regard are reviewed.
A Sibling Death in the Family: Common and Consequential

Although a large literature analyzes the determinants of child mortality and suggests policy and medical interventions aimed at its reduction, there is little existing analysis illuminating the consequences of child mortality for other family members. In particular, there is little evidence exploring the consequences of experiencing the death of a sibling on one’s own development and transition to adulthood. This article examines the prevalence and consequences of experiencing a sibling death during one’s childhood using two U.S. data sets. We show that even in a rich developed country, these experiences are quite common, affecting between 5 % and 8 % of the children with one or more siblings in our two data sets. We then show that these experiences are associated with important reductions in years of schooling as well as a broad range of adult socioeconomic outcomes. Our findings also suggest that sisters are far more affected than brothers and that the cause of death is an important factor in sibling effects. Overall, our findings point to important previously unexamined consequences of child mortality, adding to the societal costs associated with childhood mortality as well as suggesting additional benefits from policy and medical innovations aimed at curbing both such deaths and subsequent effects on family members.
Contoured beam reflector antenna for wireless applications

Wireless coverage in urban, suburban, and light industrial areas is a challenging problem for cellular network planners. This is mainly due to scattering from buildings and structures but also because area specific demographic features such as parks, streets, and sports arenas require specialized coverage. A contoured beam reflector antenna is a simple and effective solution for this problem, providing excellent control in both planes of the radiation pattern and a very sharp taper at the edge of coverage. The problem of wireless coverage planning using existing base-station antenna types is discussed, and a potential solution for these problems using contoured beam reflector antennas is demonstrated by examples. The implementation of this solution is made possible by using an inexpensive manufacturing technique involving a reconfigurable mould and a foam extrusion process.
The determination of the efficiency of first time‐in‐human study designs

The goal of this study was to evaluate the comparative efficiency of non-oncology FTIH study designs with emphasis on drug-related adverse event (AE) characterization. Nine study designs were chosen for investigation. Pharmacokinetic (PK) data were simulated assuming a one compartment model with first order input and elimination (i.e. Ka = 1 hr−1, V/F = 17.5 L/hr, CL/F = 50 L, intersubject variability = 45%, residual variability =15%), and dose proportionality. AEs were simulated assuming that they were exposure (AUC) related. The study designs were evaluated on the basis of the quality of PK parameter estimates, the resulting safety profile, the duration of the trial, and the assumed budget required to perform that design. An efficiency-cost metric (ECM) was proposed and used to evaluate design efficiency that took into account the complexity of the designs. All designs provided similar PK parameter estimates and supported the underlying assumption of dose proportionality. The nine designs considered fell into 3 tiers based on the ECM. The top tier of designs described the AE profile equally well. The worst design in the bottom tier severely underestimated the AE profile in the safety scenarios considered. A methodology for evaluating prospective FTIH study design was developed, and has applicability for other FTIH designs. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P88–P88; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.337
Political, Structural, and Cultural Influences on England's Youth Offending Team Practices:

Using varied qualitative methodologies, this research examines England's youth offending teams (YOTs) as an organization to better understand the realities of the translation of restorative justice from policy to practice. Specifically, this research examines the political, structural, and cultural influences on one YOT as an organization, on its practitioners, and on the production of restorative practice. Examining the referral order, which comprises one quarter of all youth justice court disposals, a discernable impact in practice was observed in all cases throughout this research. The analysis from the present study shows that the triad of politics, structure, and culture has combined in a way that has strained the ability of the YOT organization to succeed and created a lethal atmosphere for restorative practices.
Leaf traits and litter flammability: evidence for non‐additive mixture effects in a temperate forest

Summary 1. Although it is recognized that plant species vary in their flammability, we currently lack a mechanistic understanding of how plant traits influence fire and how litter mixtures behave in a fire. As modified fire regimes and climate change shift the species composition of communities, a mechanistic perspective is especially important to understand and predict fire in potentially novel plant communities. This work addresses three questions: (i) How do eight species common in Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forest differ in their litter flammability? (ii) What leaf traits are associated with various flammability components? and (iii) Do individual species measurements predict multi-species combinations, or are there non-additive effects? 2. Leaf litter was collected in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California, from eight dominant tree species in mixed-conifer forest. Controlled flammability tests were performed on reconstructed monospecific litter beds and on mixed litter beds, using litter from three species. We tested for non-additive effects in multi-species mixtures using the weighted mean of single-species measures for each flammability component as a null expectation for each mixture; departures from this null indicated non-additive effects. 3. Most flammability components fell within two major axes of variation, one relating to total heat release and another to fire intensity. The eight species differed significantly in all flammability components, with large-leaved species creating litter that burned with higher intensity. 4. Non-additive species mixture effects are common in this system. Flammability tends to be driven by the most flammable component of the mixture. 5. Synthesis. We have demonstrated positive non-additive effects in mixtures of leaf litter. The most flammable constituent species of a mixture has disproportionate effects on the fire environment faced by the entire community. This could potentially influence community assembly and alter the selective environment faced by co-occurring species.
Managing capacity and inventory jointly for multi-server make-to-stock queues

We consider joint capacity---inventory management for multi-server make-to-stock queues operating under a base stock policy. The number of servers corresponds to the capacity decision, and the base stock level is the inventory decision. Our goal is to minimize a combination of capacity, inventory, and backordering costs. We develop a square-root rule for the joint decision and justify the rule analytically in a many-server queue asymptotic framework. We demonstrate the accuracy of the square-root rule, first via our derivation and numerical assessment of a novel corrected diffusion approximation and then more directly by conducting extensive numerical experiments. Finally, we provide operational insights into the trade-offs involved in such joint management problems, through various analysis based on the square-root rule as well as a comparison with analogous results for single-server make-to-stock queues.
Multivitamin supplements and energy drinks in pyridoxine megavitaminosis.

A 42-year-old woman with genetically confirmed but asymptomatic Huntington disease (HD) presented with a 2-year history of tingling along the lateral legs, intermittent band-like sensations in the legs that resolved with walking and worsened during rest, and searing pain from the knee down. She also noticed nocturnal leg jerking on days when she had energy drinks. She had no weakness, lower back pain, or bowel or bladder dysfunction. Family history was notable for HD in her brother and both parents. There was no significant alcohol use or other factors that may have contributed to her symptoms. Neurologic examination showed hyperreflexia in her legs but was otherwise normal (including intact perception of pinprick, light touch, and proprioception). She took duloxetine for anxiety and depression and zolpidem for insomnia. Diagnostic evaluation for multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus was inconclusive. MRI showed mild C4–C7 posterior disk protrusions but no significant central or neural foraminal stenosis. Laboratory studies at presentation showed an elevated vitamin B6 (B6 or pyridoxine) level of 161.6 ng/mL (normal 2.1–21.7 ng/mL) and normal or negative complete blood count differential, metabolic profile (including fasting glucose), thyroid-stimulating hormone, vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid, antinuclear antibody, and Sjogren screen. Electrodiagnostic study showed no evidence of active lumbosacral radiculopathy or large fiber neuropathy. Additional history obtained following the discovery of elevated B6 levels revealed that the patient had consumed 2 energy drinks per day (40 mg of B6 each) for at least a year and one multivitamin tablet per day (100 mg of B6 each) for many years. One and a half months after stopping these sources of B6, the patient had dramatic improvement of her symptoms with only rare and transient recurrence.
Mechatronics Implementation of Inverse Dynamics-Based Controller for an Off-Road UGV

This paper presents a project developed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) aimed to design, implement, and test an off-road Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) with individually controlled four drive wheels that operate in stochastic terrain conditions.An all-wheel drive off-road UGV equipped with individual electric dc motors for each wheel offers tremendous potential to control the torque delivered to each individual wheel in order to maximize UGV slip efficiency by minimizing slip power losses. As previous studies showed, this can be achieved by maintaining all drive wheels slippages the same. Utilizing this approach, an analytical method to control angular velocities of all wheels was developed to provide the same slippages of the four wheels. This model-based method was implemented in an inverse dynamics-based control algorithm of the UGV to overcome stochastic terrain conditions and minimize wheel slip power losses and maintain a given velocity profile.In this paper, mechanical and electrical components and control algorithm of the UGV are described in order to achieve the objective. Optical encoders built-in each dc motor are used to measure the actual angular velocity of each wheel. A fifth wheel rotary encoder sensor is attached to the chassis to measure the distance travel and estimate the longitudinal velocity of the UGV. In addition, the UGV is equipped with four electric current sensors to measure the current draw from each dc motor at various load conditions. Four motor drivers are used to control the dc motors using National Instruments single-board RIO controller. Moreover, power system diagrams and controller pinout connections are presented in detail and thus explain how all these components are integrated in a mechatronic system.The inverse dynamics control algorithm is implemented in real-time to control each dc motors individually. The integrated mechatronics system is distinguished by its robustness to stochastic external disturbances as shown in the previous papers. It also shows a promising adaptability to disturbances in wheel load torques and changes in stochastic terrain properties. The proposed approach, modeling and hardware implementation opens up a new way to the optimization and control of both unmanned ground vehicle dynamics and vehicle energy efficiency by optimizing and controlling individual power distribution to the drive wheels.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Hand Preference in Developmental Stuttering: A Test of the Geschwind-Galaburda Hypothesis of Hemispheric Specialization (P07.178)

Objective: Our hypothesis was that people who stutter (PWS) are more likely to have atypical hand preference; to test this we measured the association of stuttering with gender and hand and foot preference. Background Geschwind and Galaburda postulated that functional inter-hemispheric differences reflect the extent of anatomical differences. From this idea they postulated that atypical cerebral lateralization underlies stuttering and thus stuttering would be associated with both left-handedness and gender. Design/Methods: Individuals on the Stuttering Foundation of America9s mailing list were asked to complete a mail survey and to distribute it to acquaintances. The survey included questions about gender, demographics and stuttering as well as 42-item hand-preference and 12-item foot-preference inventories (HPI and FPI, respectively). Results were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: Four-hundred-eighty-six subjects currently stuttered out of 863 responders. Handedness and gender were significant predictors of stuttering. Males were more likely to stutter than females [OR=7.7 95%CI(5,10) p Conclusions: Our results confirm our hypothesis that atypical laterality, as reflected on scores from a handedness survey, is a predictor of stuttering. This relationship is complex due to its interaction with sex-linked factors. Handedness and sex-linked factors may influence cortical development in PWS. From our results we postulate that how females respond to higher estrogen or lower testosterone exposure in utero can lead to both atypical language organization and hand preference. The process leading to stuttering in males may be different affecting only language organization. Supported by: Stuttering Foundation of America. Disclosure: Dr. Lovera has received personal compensation for activities with EMD Serono, Teva Neuroscience, and Biogen Idec as a consultant. Dr. Corey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Foundas has nothing to disclose.
Comment QCA Should Set Aside the Algorithms

Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) has received substantial attention from qualitative scholars seeking to systematize their research. QCA has valuable methodological goals: understanding context, interactions, and causal complexity, including asymmetric causation. These goals are pursued with central attention to case knowledge. However, simulations suggest that QCA’s core analytic procedures— its algorithms—provide a weak foundation for pursuing these goals. What began as a refreshingly simple method has, counterproductively, become much more complicated. In this brief comment, I argue that QCA scholars should turn their attention to more traditional qualitative tools: case studies and process tracing. With such tools, they can pursue the important methodological goals that motivated Charles Ragin to create QCA, unencumbered by algorithms that may well be obstacles to achieving these goals. A key introductory point: These misgivings about QCA do not derive from the perspective of quantitative methodology. Conventional quantitative work has been sharply criticized from this same perspective, as have key features of experimental research.
Management of the information monitoring system of non-infectious chronic diseases in Haishu District and our work experience

Objective The present study was made to improve the information monitoring system of non-infectious chronic diseases in Haishu district of Ningbo City.Methods Information monitoring of chronic diseases was carried out in the medical facilities based on the job specification established by CDC,which provided technical training and instruction.Results The Information monitoring network of non-infectious chronic diseases was further improved in Haishu district with monitoring of hypertension,diabetes mellitus well done,but no obvious effects were seen in the monitoring of malignant tumours,coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.Conclusion Information monitoring system of non-infectious chronic diseases contributes to follow-up and healthcare instruction of patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus.The information monitoring system of non-infectious chronic disease in Haishu district remains to be further strengthened.
Vitamin D and the Intestinal Absorption of Calcium and Phosphate

The transport of calcium and phosphate (P i) across the intestinal epithelium has been studied extensively in recent years and a considerable number of these investigations have been concerned with the action of vitamin D. It has been known for several decades that vitamin D is required for the optimal absorption of calcium (Nicolaysen et al., 1953) and, more recently, that there is also a direct effect of vitamin D on phosphate transport (Harrison and Harrison, 1961, 1963; Kowarski and Schachter, 1969). For many years, it was held that phosphate transport occurred secondarily to calcium transport, but this notion has been essentially discarded. Vitamin D has proven to be a useful variable in the study of these processes for a comparison can be made between the efficiency of calcium and phosphate transport in the presence and absence of vitamin D and, importantly, this allows an assessment of the molecular changes that coincide with vitamin D action (reviewed in Wasserman, 1980). Some of the recorded vitamin D-related macromolecular changes most probably bear on the stimulation of transport reactions and offer a means of gaining insight into the molecular basis of calcium and phosphate transport.
Competition and the Objectives of Government Policy

IN an earlier version of the programme, this paper was assigned the topic: ‘ How to make competition work ’. That is a formidable assignment; but I hope it was something besides a desire to escape from its heavy demands which caused me to raise the prior question: ‘How do we want competition to work? To what extent do we really want it, and what do we want it to do for us, and to us? ’ It seems that we — meaning American economists — have been taking the desirability of competition for granted for a considerable term of years, during which things have been happening, in the realms of theory and practice both, which have changed the perspective in which we see a number of our economic objectives; and that it may be worth-while to re-examine the rationale of our position on the subject of competition.
Second-harmonic generation in rf sputter-deposited AIN thin films

The group III three metal nitrides are attractive candidates for short-wavelength applications in nonlinear optics because of their wide band gaps and their ease of fabrication by vapor deposition techniques. Thin films, which form in the zinc blende/ wurtzite structure, offer the potential for frequency-doubling light from semiconductor lasers as well as the fabrication of high speed electro-optic devices. GaN, with a band gap of ~3.4 eV, has been shown to exhibit second-order electric susceptibilities one order of magnitude higher than those of crystalline quartz.1 In this report the investigation of optical second harmonic generation (SHG) in AIN thin films is presented. AIN films were grown on the (0001) surface of sapphire substrates using the reactive rf magnetron sputtering technique. These films are optically transparent. Samples varying in thickness between 0.15 and 1 μm were fabricated and characterized by SHG studies.
Abstract 367: Assessing the therapeutic efficacy of Cyst(e)inase to induce oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the only cancer in the US with a dismal one-digit 5-year survival rate (7%). Its oncogenic program relies on upregulated ROS antioxidant mechanisms to maintain oxidative balance. Hence, perturbation of this balance might be an effective therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer. A major intracellular antioxidant is the tripeptide glutathione (GSH). Cysteine (Cys), which has the functional moiety of GSH, can either be synthesized de novo or imported [predominantly as cystine (CSSC) that is reduced intracellularly to Cys]. In cancer, de novo synthesis of Cys has to be supplemented with extracellular import in order to fulfil the excessive metabolic demand of proliferation. This intricate balance between ROS and antioxidants, and the excessive requirement for Cys/CSSC import in tumor cells, in part to maintain oxidative balance through GSH synthesis, potentially provides a therapeutic window. We believe that prolonged depletion of the serum Cys and CSSC pool by a genetically engineered human enzyme called Cyst(e)inase may provide a pancreatic cancer therapeutic avenue either as a monotherapy or in combination with other agents with low or minimal toxicity. In this study, Cyst(e)inase treatment (3-500 nM) of cultured pancreatic cancer cell lines (MIA-PaCa2, BxPC3, Panc1) caused a dose-dependent decrease in survival and intracellular GSH content. Further mechanistic investigation showed an increase in intracellular ROS, activation of AMP kinase and autophagy signaling, as well as inhibition of the mTORC1-p70S6K-S6 ribosomal protein signaling pathway. There was also a concentration dependent reduction in cyclin D1 after treatment with the enzyme. Cyst(e)inase displayed synergistic cytotoxicity when combined with the natural compound curcumin. Notably, a single intraperitoneal 100 mg/kg dose of PEGylated Cysteinase in mice was able to deplete serum CSSC below 5 μM (normal is ∼ 70 μM) for over 3 days with a half-life of ∼4 days. Longer treatment with Cyst(e)inase at this dose given 4 times/week for 6 weeks did not produce significant signs of toxicity. This in vivo dose also inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells in xenograft tumor models. Ongoing experiments to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of Cyst(e)inase for inhibition of pancreatic tumor growth as well as further mechanistic studies will be presented. Collectively, the current data suggest that depletion of extracellular Cys/CSSC using Cyst(e)inase may have utility either as a monotherapy or a combination therapy for several cancers including pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Sabin Kshattry, Achinto Saha, Shira Cramer, Everett M. Stone, George Georgiou, John DiGiovanni. Assessing the therapeutic efficacy of Cyst(e)inase to induce oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 367.
Abstract 3246: Phytotherapy boosts innate immunity to maximize cancer survival

We studied surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy in animals and found all these modalities suppressed cancer growth but they also impaired the immune functions of the animal host. We also studied phytotherapy (use of plant chemicals) and found it to have no side effects and with more lasting benefits. Using in vitro cell culture system with both malignant and non-malignant cells, and immune cells (macrophages and natural killer cells), we compared crude extract of Pacific yew and the chemotherapeutic drug Paclitaxel derived from Pacific yew. The crude extract or the drug was incubated separately with: human malignant ovarian cells, nonmalignant ovarian cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. Cell viability was determined by MTT (methylthiazol tetrazolium) assay. Results show the drug damaged all these four types of cells while the crude plant extract only damaged the cancer cells showing its selective toxicity for cancer cells. Study with other phytochemicals also shows selective toxicity for cancer cells while enhancing the activities of immune cells. Phytotherapy is thus a non-toxic chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In our clinical observation, 160 men and women diagnosed with five types of cancer (72 with breast cancer, 28 with prostate cancer, 18 with colon cancer, 14 with lung cancer, 28 with ovarian cancer) chose to use phytotherapy (a plant-based diet) plus lifestyle modification. The five year survival of these patients were 90%, 89%, 83%, 86%, and 82%, respectively. Compared with five year survival data from National Cancer Institute (www.seer.cancer.gov) for these five types of cancer: 82%, 50%, 62%, 15%, and 45%, respectively, the phytotherapy group exhibits greater cancer survival. Since numerous studies have now revealed that cancer is attributable to our lifestyle habits – the way we eat, and the way we live, our data suggest that regardless of treatment choices, a change in diet and lifestyle is likely to improve cancer survival. Citation Format: Benjamin H. Lau. Phytotherapy boosts innate immunity to maximize cancer survival. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3246.
Productivity of Agave deserti: measurement by dry weight and monthly prediction using physiological responses to environmental parameters.

An “environmental productivity index” based on physiological responses to three environmental variables was used to predict the net productivity of a common succulent perennial of the Sonoran Desert, Agave deserti, on a monthly basis. Productivity was also independently measured in the field from dry weight changes. The index was based on soil water availability, day/night air temperatures, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), which were individually varied in the laboratory and the effect on net CO2 uptake by the leaves determined. From monthly precipitation, temperature, and PAR at the field site together with the responses measured in the laboratory, an index (maximum value of unity) was assigned to each of these three environmental variables and their product was termed the environmental productivity index. This index indicates the fraction of maximal CO2 uptake expected in the field for each month (well-watered A. deserti assimilated 285 mmol CO2 m-2 leaf area day-1 at PAR saturation and optimal day/night temperatures of 25° C/15° C). The dry weight analysis was based on the monthly unfolding of new leaves from the central spike of the rosette and their seasonal increase in dry weight, which were determined in the field. The production of new leaves was highly correlated with the environmental productivity index (r2=0.93), which in turn was highly correlated with the water status index (r2=0.97). After correction for respiration by folded leaves, stem, and roots, plant productivity predicted by the average environmental productivity index (0.36) over a wet June-to-October period agreed within 4% with the productivity based on the conventional dry weight analysis. The net productivity of A. deserti over this 5-month period was 0.57 kg m-2 ground area (5.7 Mg ha-1), a large value for a desert CAM plant. The environmental productivity index proposed here may provide a reliable means for predicting net productivity on a monthly basis, which may be particularly useful for species in relatively variable environments such as deserts.
Multi-task learning for straggler avoiding predictive job scheduling

Parallel processing frameworks (Dean and Ghemawat, 2004) accelerate jobs by breaking them into tasks that execute in parallel. However, slow running or straggler tasks can run up to 8 times slower than the median task on a production cluster (Ananthanarayanan et al., 2013), leading to delayed job completion and inefficient use of resources. Existing straggler mitigation techniques wait to detect stragglers and then relaunch them, delaying straggler detection and wasting resources. We built Wrangler (Yadwadkar et al., 2014), a system that predicts when stragglers are going to occur and makes scheduling decisions to avoid such situations. To capture node and workload variability, Wrangler built separate models for every node and workload, requiring the time-consuming collection of substantial training data. In this paper, we propose multi-task learning formulations that share information between the various models, allowing us to use less training data and bring training time down from 4 hours to 40 minutes. Unlike naive multi-task learning formulations, our formulations capture the shared structure in our data, improving generalization performance on limited data. Finally, we extend these formulations using group sparsity inducing norms to automatically discover the similarities between tasks and improve interpretability.
Framework for enabling machine-type communication services

This study discusses how the third generation partnership project (3GPP) network can be used to enhance machine-to-machine (M2M) communication by developing a service capability framework that enables external third party application vendors to co-ordinate with 3GPP network operators to facilitate M2M communications using a standardised interface to 3GPP services. This framework also enables enhancements for group communication and monitoring applications.
Usual Suspects of Employment Loss: How Changes in Total Demand, Productivity, and Offshoring Relate To Declining Employment Trend in U.S. Textile Industry, 2002 - 2011

A quick observation of the industry-level employment trends depicts a sharp decline in U.S. textile industry employment. While decreasing demand, increasing offshoring activities and productivity enhancements due to technological change are usual suspects of this drop, there is little evidence so far to reveal the combined impact of these factors on the U.S. textile industry employment. By developing an empirical model, this paper uses regression analysis to examine the role of foreign and domestic demand, labor productivity and offshoring, captured by both foreign affiliate employment of U.S. MNCs and imported intermediate inputs, in continued trend of domestic job loss in U.S. textile industry between 2002 and 2011. The findings partially support those in the literature that suggest offshoring activities have a negative impact on U.S. parent employment outcomes in manufacturing sector and textile industry in particular. I also find that decreased domestic demand is associated with lower U.S. textile industry employment; however, unlike the widely held view, exports and productivity do not have a significant impact on domestic employment in the U.S. textile industry.
Disrupting the Approach to Sudden Cardiac Death: From Vulnerable Ejection Fraction to Vulnerable Patient.

Our current approach to primary prevention of sudden cardiac death has reached a point where we are experiencing diminishing returns on 2 decades of investment. What is the evidence for this disturbing phenomenon? Contemporary real-world data indicate that no more than 3% to 5% of primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), implanted on the basis of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <30% to 35%, deliver life-saving therapies on an annual basis.1 Eventually, given the significantly larger subgroup that does not benefit from the device, the cost of providing this preventive intervention is not going to be sustainable. Why are we in this predicament? The landmark primary prevention ICD trials of 2 decades ago delivered LVEF 35%3 is clamoring for new ways of identifying patients most likely to benefit, but we do not have these yet. I would submit that we have reached an impasse in the field of SCD primary prevention, and it is past time …
The technical reliability and biotemporal stability of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for profiling multiple pathophysiologies in Alzheimer’s disease

Objective Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease driven by multiple interacting pathophysiological processes that ultimately results in synaptic loss, neuronal death, and dementia. We implemented a fit-for-purpose modeled approach to qualify a broad selection of commercially available immunoassays and evaluate the biotemporal stability of analytes across five pathophysiological domains of interest in AD, including core amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau AD biomarkers, neurodegeneration, inflammation/immune modulation, neurovascular injury, and metabolism/oxidative stress. Methods Paired baseline and eight-week CSFs from twenty participants in a clinical drug trial for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to AD were used to evaluate sensitivity, intra-assay precision, inter-assay replicability, and eight-week biotemporal stability for sixty unique analytes measured with commercially available single- and multi-plex ELISA assays. Coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated, and intraclass correlation and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were applied. Results We identified 32 biomarker candidates with good to excellent performance characteristics according to assay technical performance and CSF analyte biotemporal stability cut-off criteria. These included: 1) the core AD biomarkers Aβ1–42, Aβ1–40, Aβ1–38, and total tau; 2) non-Aβ, non-tau neurodegeneration markers NfL and FABP3; 3) inflammation/immune modulation markers IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12/23p40, IL-15, IL-16, MCP-1, MDC, MIP-1β, and YKL-40; 4) neurovascular markers Flt-1, ICAM-1, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-10, PlGF, VCAM-1, VEGF, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D; and 5) metabolism/oxidative stress markers 24-OHC, adiponectin, leptin, soluble insulin receptor, and 8-OHdG. Conclusions Assays for these CSF analytes demonstrate consistent sensitivity, reliability, and biotemporally stability for use in a multiple pathophysiological CSF biomarker panel to profile AD. Their qualification enables further investigation for use in AD diagnosis, staging and progression, disease mechanism profiling, and clinical trials.
Assessment of MRI safety issues for stainless steel sutures used for microtia reconstruction.

Summary Introduction Potential magnetic resonance imaging issues for stainless steel sutures used for microtia reconstruction could be clinically significant for safety and diagnostic yield considerations. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to assess magnetic resonance issues (magnetic field interactions, heating, and artifacts) for different types of stainless steel sutures used for microtia reconstruction. Methods Small gauge, commonly used stainless steel sutures from four different manufacturers (5/0 Steelex, Aesculap/B, Braun Medical, Inc.; Nagata 38 Gauge Microtia Wire, Bear Medical Corporation; Auricular Reco Wire, Medicon Surgical Inc.; and 5-0 B&S 35 Surgical Steel Suture, Ethicon, Inc.) were tested using standardized ex vivo techniques to assess magnetic field interactions, heating, and artifacts at 3 Tesla. Before testing, the stainless steel sutures were configured in a manner same as that for cartilage reconstruction used to treat microtia. Results Each stainless steel suture exhibited minor magnetic field interactions at 3 Tesla (translational attraction, deflection angle Conclusions The stainless steel sutures that underwent testing do not present additional risks to patients in a 3-Tesla or less magnetic field setting (i.e., magnetic resonance conditional). Artifacts for these sutures may only be an issue within close proximity to the reconstructed ear.
Differential Operators on Grassmann Varieties

Following Weyl’s account in The Classical Groups we develop an analogue of the (first and second) Fundamental Theorems of Invariant Theory for rings of differential operators: when V is a k-dimensional complex vector space with the standard SL kC action, we give a presentation of the ring of invariant differential operators D(C[V n])SLkC and a description of the ring of differential operators on the G.I.T. quotient, D(C[V n]SLkC), which is the ring of differential operators on the (affine cone over the) Grassmann variety of k-planes in NumberingDepth="0"-dimensional space. We also compute the Hilbert series of the associated graded rings GrD(C[V n])SLk and Gr(D(C[V n]SLkC)). This computation shows that earlier claims that the kernel of themap from D(C[V n])SLkC to D(C[V n]SLkC) is generated by the Casimir operator are incorrect. Something can be gleaned from these earlier incorrect computations though: the kernel meets the universal enveloping algebra of slkC precisely in the central elements of U(slkC).
A Biologically Inspired Adaptive Working Memory for Robots.

In this paper, we discuss the motivation, approach, and status of a new NSF ITR project in which an adaptive working memory is investigated for robot control and learning. There is much evidence for the existence of such a memory structure in primates. Such memory is closely tied to the learning and execution of tasks, as it contributes to decision-making capabilities by focusing on essential task information and discarding distractions. We will integrate the adaptive working memory structure into a robot to explore the issues of task learning in a physical embodiment. This leads to a complex but realistic system involving perceptual systems, actuators, reasoning, and short-term and long-term memory structures. In the paper, we discuss also planned experiments intended to evaluate the utility of the adaptive working memory.
The eggs of the parasitic Screaming Cowbird(Molothrus rufoaxillaris) and its host, the Baywinged Cowbird(M. badius): is there evidence for mimicry?

Measurements and descriptions of 239 eggs of Baywinged Cowbirds(Molothrus badius) and of 263 eggs of Screaming Cowbirds(M. rufoaxillaris) are presented; egg identification is ultimately based on nestling identification. Statistical analyses of host and parasite eggs showed no significant differences in measurements, weight and index of size. An index of shape was more useful for egg identification; eggs ofM. rufoaxillaris were more spherical, but their has been found considerable overlap. Background color and presence/absence of thick dark lines (“scrawls”) were the most useful criteria for the identification of host and parasite eggs. In this host-parasite system there is no evidence of egg mimicry, and the behaviour ofM. badius is not selecting for egg mimicry.
ICD-10-CM/PCS: potential methodologic strengths and challenges for thoracic surgery researchers and reviewers

The recent implementation of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification and Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-CM/PCS) provides a robust classification of diagnoses and procedures for hospital systems. As researchers begin using ICD-10-CM/PCS for outcomes research from administrative datasets, it is important to understand ICD-10-CM/PCS, as well as the strengths and challenges of these new classifications. In this review, we describe the development of ICD-10-CM/PCS and summarize how it applies specifically to thoracic surgery patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy, sublobar resection (segmentectomy or wedge resection) and esophagectomy. This myriad of ICD-10-CM/PCS codes presents challenges and questions for thoracic surgery researchers and medical journal reviewers and editors when evaluating thoracic surgical outcomes research utilizing ICD-10-CM/PCS. Additional work is needed to develop consensus guidelines and uniformity for accurate and coherent research methods to utilize ICD-10-CM/PCS in future outcomes research efforts.
Ligand dependent induction of phospho-serine 294 in the hinge region of estrogen receptor alpha within human breast cancer cells

5458 Activated estrogen receptor (ERα) plays a critical role in normal mammary gland physiology as well as in breast cancer development, where it also serves as a major target for breast cancer therapeutics. Serine (S) phosphorylation within the 67 kDa receptor protein is known to contribute significantly to ERα activation by orchestrating its nuclear translocation and the recruitment of transcriptional co-regulators to DNA-bound receptor. Since biochemical methods for detection of S phosphorylation are severely limited, we employed mass spectrometry (MS) to identify and semi-quantitate novel S phosphorylation sites within endogenously expressed ERα from control and growth stimulated human breast cancer cells (MCF7). ERα immunoprecipitated from cultured MCF7 cells was proteolytically digested, and the resulting peptides were MS analyzed using nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS (Q-STAR, MDS Sciex) and vMALDI-MSn (FinniganTM LTQTM, Thermo-Electron). S phosphorylation changes in ERα peptides were semi-quantitated using an ion trap instrument (4000 QTRAP, ABI/MDS Sciex) operated in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Trypsin digests yielded 75% peptide coverage of the ERα hinge region (D domain residues Q280 to K309), leading to identification of a novel phospho-S site, pS294. Comparison of pS294 levels relative to induction of known ERα phospho-S sites revealed an 11-fold increase in pS294 relative to a 10-fold increase in pS167 and a 6-fold increase in pS154 following estradiol (10 nM, 30 min) stimulation. In contrast, EGF (50 ng/ml, 10 min) stimulation produced no detectable induction of pS294 but increased pS167 20-fold and pS154 3-fold. The novel observation of significant ERα pS294 induction following estradiol but not EGF stimulation of MCF7 cells suggests that the hinge region actively participates within the ERα activation function 2a (AF2a) domain to selectively recruit co-regulators in response to ligands like estradiol, but not in response to ligand-independent ERα activators like EGF.
A Deployable and Reconfigurable Origami Antenna for Extended Mobile Range

In this work, a rigidly foldable origami configuration is used to achieve easy stowage of an otherwise bulky Yagi-Uda dipole antenna. This antenna operates in the extended range mobile frequency band of 698 MHz to 806 MHz, enabling those in remote regions to have access to reliable mobile communications. Within this frequency range, the gain reaches a minimum of 4 dB and a maximum of 8 dB with a relatively unaffected 3 dB beamwidth.
A variable temperature infrared spectroscopy study of NaY zeolite dehydration

Abstract Variable temperature diffuse reflection infrared spectroscopy is used to monitor molecular vibration changes associated with water molecules and zeolite framework during thermal dehydration of NaY zeolite. Absorbance bands are assigned to three unique water molecule environments. These three water types exhibit different temperature-dependent band intensity profiles. A band at 3700 cm−1 is assigned to framework acid sites. The intensity of this band was found to vary with temperature in a manner consistent with the occupancy of sodium cations in II' unit cell locations. Specific framework vibrations exhibit temperature-dependent intensity change profiles. Band intensities at 1190, 1060, and 960 cm−1, associated with Si-O-Si and Si-O-Al asymmetric stretching vibrations, are sensitive to water content. Band intensity at 800 cm−1, assigned to Si-O-Si symmetric stretching, is inversely correlated with temperature-dependent unit cell volume changes. All framework band intensity changes detected during heating are reversible after re-hydration during sample cooling.
Exploring motivation to pursue genomic profiling among patients with metastatic genitourinary cancers.

663Background: Genomic profiling (GP) is becoming more widespread in oncologic care, yet little is known regarding patients’ motivations to pursue or accept such testing. The current study examined...
Internationalization of SMEs: a systematic review of 20 years of research

This article shares the results of a systematic review of the literature on internationalization of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based on bibliometric techniques. This review resulted in the identification of the main themes that have been the focus of researchers over 20 years, the emerging literature in the last 5 years, and a research agenda for future studies. It was also possible to propose a theoretical framework with the main influential factors in the various stages of the internationalization of SMEs. The analysis of 669 articles from 1998 to 2017 was carried out in two stages involving quantitative methods (bibliometric analysis and bibliographic coupling). The first analysis helped identify the main authors, journals, and countries that conducted research on internationalization of SMEs within these 20 years. In the second analysis, we divided the total period of 20 years into four sub-periods of 5 years, and the bibliographic coupling grouped similar articles in each period into research themes. The thematic clusters that emerged in the four sub-periods indicated that the more relevant themes of the cutting-edge literature were as follows: antecedents, patterns, and outcomes of the internationalization of SMEs. These themes were consistent with De Clercq et al.’s (2012) framework, making evident, by way of an exploratory method, the convergence of international business (IB) literature on the internationalization of SMEs, but with specific influential factors concerning SMEs.
Sensitive Employment Evaluations: 93% of Naval Aviation Personnel Receiving Mental Health Treatment Return to Flight Status

Mental health professionals and patients in sensitive employment situations, such as aviators, police officers, national security personnel, and surgeons, worry about the potential consequences of a psychiatric diagnosis and psychological treatment. Such “fitness for duty” evaluations are examples of mixed or dual agency clinical work. Using data about military aviators as an example, this project found that over 93% of the personnel who received mental health care received a medical recommendation (or “waiver”) to return to flying. Research with civilian aviators shows that 98% are granted approval to return to flying.