cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1718: Exploring temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma using a combinatorial zinc-finger library approach

Recent therapeutic advances have improved control of glioblastomas, with a significant fraction of tumors responding to initial therapies. Unfortunately, all glioblastomas recur and lead to patient death. In an effort to better understand therapeutic resistance, we have explored high-dimensional profiling studies to understand mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and to identify novel therapeutic targets. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent that is used to treat all glioblastomas. Recurrent glioblastomas, however, become resistant to the effects of TMZ through a mechanism associated with inactivation of MSH6, a member of the mismatch repair gene family; MSH6-deficient glioblastomas grow more rapidly during TMZ therapy. To explore pathways of therapeutic resistance, we have designed an unbiased drug resistance selection screen to create TMZ-resistant human glioblastoma cell lines using combinatorial zinc-finger transcription factors (ZTFs). The combinatorial ZTF library enables activation of a gene or a set of genes that will be selected for resistance to TMZ. We have isolated resistant clones in the TMZ-sensitive A172 and Gli36 cell lines and present molecular profile analysis of these clones. By comparative gene expression profile analysis of novel ZTF-induced TMZ resistant glioblastoma cell lines, we expect to identify molecular pathways that confer TMZ resistance. In doing so, we also aim to identify possible biomarkers for TMZ resistance in recurrent glioblastomas. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1718. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1718
The Discussion of Cost Control in Construction Stage of Project

The construction stage of project is entity formation stage.This paper will be analyse through the influence factors of project cost control,then puts forward control measures of engineering cost control measures.
STUDY ON USING CCPC METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE ANION OF CORROSIVE ACID RADICAL IN BOILER WATER CONTAINING PHOSPHATE

A method called CCPC has been put forward for the first time to characterize and determine on-line the anion of corrosive acid radical in boiler water containing phosphate by using CCDP.Through analysing the dissociative model of main acids in effluent water from cation exchange colum,a calculation method of phosphate’s contribution share in hydrogen conductivity of boiler water has been proposed,after deducting the said effect,the anion content of corrosive acid radical can be obtained.Practice shows that the said method is simple,reliable,economical,and practicable,can timely and correctly guide the blowdown of drum boiler,and determine the end point of mixed bed for condensate polishing treatment,having significance for energy-saving and corrossion-preventing.
Adult Attachment Predicts Advice, Exemplar Sharing, and Questions to Acquaintances Recently Diagnosed With Cancer:

This study examined how adult attachment patterns influence communication to acquaintances with cancer diagnoses. Adults completed Brennan et al.’s measures of attachment anxiety and avoidance, the...
Evaluating the effectiveness of an environmental disclosure policy: An application to New South Wales

The main purpose of introducing an environmental information disclosure strategy is to reduce informational asymmetries and put pressure on firms to reduce emissions. This paper studies the impact of such a policy on air quality in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A regression discontinuity design is employed and the results show that pollutant concentration levels were not significantly affected after the implementation of the policy. Empirically, the estimates of the effects under the discontinuity-based OLS model have the opposite sign for some of the pollutants relative to the estimates from the basic OLS model. Therefore, basing conclusions on the OLS results will engender incorrect inference. Discontinuity-based results are robust to different model specifications.
Longitudinal imaging of Caenorhabditis elegans in a microfabricated device reveals variation in behavioral decline during aging

The roundworm C. elegans is a mainstay of aging research due to its short lifespan and easily manipulable genetics. Current, widely used methods for long-term measurement of C. elegans are limited by low throughput and the difficulty of performing longitudinal monitoring of aging phenotypes. Here we describe the WorMotel, a microfabricated device for long-term cultivation and automated longitudinal imaging of large numbers of C. elegans confined to individual wells. Using the WorMotel, we find that short-lived and long-lived strains exhibit patterns of behavioral decline that do not temporally scale between individuals or populations, but rather resemble the shortest and longest lived individuals in a wild type population. We also find that behavioral trajectories of worms subject to oxidative stress resemble trajectories observed during aging. Our method is a powerful and scalable tool for analysis of C. elegans behavior and aging.
Plankton based energy transfer rates in four Cuban coastal lagoons

Abstract Biomass transfer rates between successive trophic levels in plankton based food chains frequently produce inverted pyramids but when productivity data are used instead, such a methodologically caused thermodynamic impossibility is eliminated. A study of plankton based energy transfer rates in 4 Cuban coastal lagoons, including each ecosystem major component biomass, age, productivity, and energy contents values, is presented to illustrate how inverted pyramids are produced, and eliminated. Duplication times and mean ages, variable between lagoons, were 25–77 h for suspended detritus; 48–74 h for phytoplankton, and 60–90 days for zooplankters, 78% of which were copepods. For intertidal sessile filter feeders attached to the red mangrove aerial roots average ages were 0.8–2.5 months for barnacles; 1.1–2.3 months for scorched mussel; 2.9–3.5 months for flat tree-oyster; 4.5–4.8 months for mangrove oyster, and 6.1 months average for soft bodied epibionts such as tunicates and sponges. The average biomass transfer rate for the 4 lagoons from phytoplankton to zooplankton was 141%, and from detritus plus phytoplankton to sessile filter feeders was 423% both reduced to 5% and 8%, respectively, when productivity values were used, demonstrating that biomass transfer rates are intrinsically incorrect, and misleading, and that only productivity values, preferably in energy units, should be considered in trophic ecology studies.
Estimating winter ebullition bubble volume in lake ice using ground-penetrating radar

ABSTRACTFreshwater lakes are an important source of atmospheric methane (CH4); however, uncertainties associated with quantifying fluxes limit the accuracy of climate warming projections. Among emi...
A Comparison of the Transient Propagation Properties of Gaussian and Bessel Waves

Low-diffraction waves [1–5] have become of interest in ultrasound systems because of their longer depth of field for use in imaging and pulse- echo applications. Continuouswave (CW) Bessel waves of infinite extent suffer no diffraction spreading [6–9]. Continuous spatially truncated Bessel waves also have less spreading than CW spatially truncated Gaussian waves. Here we use a computer-based simulation to investigate the propagation properties of pulsed Gaussian and Bessel waves with circularly finite extent. If the width of the Gaussian or Bessel wave is a and the diameter of the circle that truncates the wave is d, the ratio of d/ a determines the propagation properties of the pulsed wave. Our propagation simulation uses fast Fourier spatial transforms to rapidly calculate the spatial impulse response wave, h(x, y, z, t), at a location z in front of the source. The complete temporal response can be found by convolving the impulse response h(x, y, z, t) with the time excitation waveform T(t). The predicted propagation patterns are presented to compare the behavior of the Gaussian and Bessel waves. For small ratios of d/ a, the Gaussian and Bessel excitations can be made quite similar and the resulting diffraction patterns are also nearly the same. For large values of d/ a, it is more difficult for the source functions to mimic each other and the wave patterns are quite different. In particular, in this regime of operation, the Bessel waves shows significant sidelobes, as the Bessel wave begins to have both positive and negative excitations. In the Gaussian wave, these sidelobes are absent, due to the smooth continuous nature of the Gaussian spatial excitation.
Efficacy of PD-1 & PD-L1 inhibitors in older adults: a meta-analysis

Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 pathway demonstrated promising activities in variety of malignancies, however little is known regarding their efficacy in adults aged ≥65 years. We conducted a systematic review and a study-level meta-analysis to explore efficacy of ICIs based on age, younger vs older than 65 years. We included in this analysis randomized controlled phase II or III studies in patients with metastatic solid tumors that compared efficacy of PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors to a non-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor. Aggregated estimates of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) are based on random/mixed effects (RE) models to allow for heterogeneity between the studies. Initial search identified 53 articles, 17 were randomized controlled trials that compared nivolumab, pembrolizumab or atezolizumab to chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Only 9 trials reported hazard ratiios (HR) for OS based on age and were included in this meta-analysis. Out of those studies seven reported HR for PFS but only 4 studies included subgroup-analysis based on age for PFS. The overall estimated random-effects HR for death was 0.64 with 95% CI of 0.54–0.76 in patients ≥65 years vs. 0.68 with 95% CI of 0.61–0.75 in patients < 65 years. The overall estimated random-effects for HR for progression was 0.74 with 95% CI of 0.60–0.92 in patients ≥65 years vs. 0.73 with 95% CI of 0.61–0.88 in patients < 65 years. PD-1 (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) and PD-L1 (atezolizumab) inhibitors had comparable efficacy in adults younger vs ≥ 65 years.
HARMONIC WAVES IN WAVEGUIDES

This chapter discusses harmonic waves in waveguides. It reviews the complications that enter if a body has a finite cross-sectional dimension. The chapter further reviews harmonic wave motion in a homogeneous elastic layer of thickness 2 h and of infinite in-plane dimensions. Harmonic waves are propagated in a layer by being reflected back and forth between the two plane surfaces. The investigation of progressive waves in waveguides leads to the introduction of several new concepts such as modes of wave propagation, the frequency spectrum, dispersion, and group velocity. The chapter reviews some approximate theories that simplify the analysis of waves in layers and cylinders. The classical approximate theories are generally applicable for the wavelengths that are compared to the cross-sectional dimension of the waveguide. The higher order approximations are good up to frequencies that are somewhat higher than the frequency of the highest thickness mode contained in the equations.
Manufacturing Strategy, Manufacturing Strength, Managerial Success, and Economic Outcomes

Using a manufacturing strategy framework, this paper has empirically addressed the issue of manufacturing and managerial success and business unit performance. Managerial winners display heightened manufacturing strength on a number of performance criteria simultaneously, including proxy variables for delivery, flexibility, price, and market scope. Operational definitions of manufacturing strategy contents were determined, comprising seven important strategy domains. Five of the manufacturing strategy content areas increase the predicitive power in classifying manufacturing performers over their total strategic capabilities. Our exploratory analysis suggests that manufacturing “superstars,” are simultaneoulsy placing more emphasis on advanced manufacturing technology, resource improvements, and quality programs. On the other hand, the current manufacturing “weaklings” are expending more effort on restructuring and integrating information and ystems with most likely the hope of radical improvements in the future.
Observation of acoustic fountain generation by diagnostic ultrasound shear wave elastography

High-intensity focused ultrasound has been shown to drive fountains and atomization at liquid-gas and tissue-gas interfaces. Though these phenomena are not well studied for diagnostic ultrasound, they have been hypothesized to play a role in diagnostic ultrasound-induced pulmonary capillary hemorrhage (PCH). We demonstrate that push pulses used in diagnostic shear wave elastography (SWE) also cause fountaining and atomization at water-air and blood-air interfaces. A focused ultrasound transducer (SSI SL15-4), was aimed upward, through water, at an air interface. An SWE pulse sequence, including four push pulses (amplitude ≤ 8.6 MPa, pulse duration ≅ 650 ms, and center frequency ≅ 5.0 MHz), was initiated. The interface was photographed at 20k fps and four successive fountains were observed. Fountains heights up to 12 and 11 mm were observed for water and blood respectively and ejected water droplets traveled up to 30 cm above the surface. The spacing of the four fountains was measured to be the same as the spacing of four PCH areas observed on rat lungs exposed to the same pulse sequence. Concurrent studies should reveal the relative efficacy of PCH induction from SWE and normal pulse echo and Doppler imaging.High-intensity focused ultrasound has been shown to drive fountains and atomization at liquid-gas and tissue-gas interfaces. Though these phenomena are not well studied for diagnostic ultrasound, they have been hypothesized to play a role in diagnostic ultrasound-induced pulmonary capillary hemorrhage (PCH). We demonstrate that push pulses used in diagnostic shear wave elastography (SWE) also cause fountaining and atomization at water-air and blood-air interfaces. A focused ultrasound transducer (SSI SL15-4), was aimed upward, through water, at an air interface. An SWE pulse sequence, including four push pulses (amplitude ≤ 8.6 MPa, pulse duration ≅ 650 ms, and center frequency ≅ 5.0 MHz), was initiated. The interface was photographed at 20k fps and four successive fountains were observed. Fountains heights up to 12 and 11 mm were observed for water and blood respectively and ejected water droplets traveled up to 30 cm above the surface. The spacing of the four fountains was measured to be the same as the...
Mathematical Analysis of the Impact of Social Structure on Ectoparasite Load in Allogrooming Populations

In many social species, there exist a few highly connected individuals living among a larger majority of poorly connected individuals. Previous studies have shown that, although this social network structure may facilitate some aspects of group-living (e.g., collective decision-making), these highly connected individuals can act as super-spreaders of circulating infectious pathogens. We build on this literature to instead consider the impact of this type of network structure on the circulation of ectoparasitic infections in a population. We consider two ODE models that each approximate a simplified network model; one with uniform social contacts, and one with a few highly connected individuals. We find that, rather than increasing risk, the inclusion of highly connected individuals increases the probability that a population will be able to eradicate ectoparasitic infection through social grooming.
Race, Representation, and Diversity in the American Association for Applied Linguistics

Since its inception, the American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) has advocated for diversity within the organization and in the discipline. This culminated in the passing of the resolution, ‘Affirming Commitment to Promoting Diversity’ (2013), hailing racial and other kinds of diversity as ‘an asset within our community and a source of learning and opportunity’. Despite this resolution, AAAL faces continuing challenges in realizing diversity in practice. This study turns the spotlight on the uneven professional mobility and visibility of scholars of color (SOCs) within AAAL, examining historical trends in the representation of SOCs in structures of power within AAAL as well as in recognition of meritorious scholarship. The data were mined from annual conference programs and official websites, and analyzed using computer software. Our analysis reveals stark disparity in the representation of SOCs across both metrics. We finally argue that cultivating greater racial diversity within AAAL is imperative for highlighting issues of race and inequality in applied linguistics; in expanding our epistemological field; and, ultimately, sustaining our vibrancy and strength as a discipline.
30-day adverse events, length of stay and re-admissions following surgical management of pelvic/acetabular fractures.

Abstract Introduction Pelvic/acetabular fractures are associated with significant morbidity, mortality and cost to the society. We sought to utilize a national surgical database to assess the incidence and factors associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS), non-home discharge destination, 30-day adverse events and readmissions following surgical fixation of pelvic/acetabular fractures. Materials & methods The 2011–2016 ACS-NSQIP database files were queried using CPT codes (27215, 27217, 27218, 27226, 27227, 27228) for patients undergoing open reduction/internal fixation (ORIF) for pelvic/acetabular fractures. Patients undergoing additional procedures for associated fractures (vertebral fractures, distal radius/ulna fractures or femoral neck/hip fractures) were excluded from the analysis to ensure that a relevant population of patients with isolated pelvic/acetabular injuries were included in the analysis. A total of 572 patients were included in the final cohort. Severe adverse events (SAE) were defined as: death, ventilator use >48 h, unplanned intubation, stroke, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, sepsis, septic shock, re-operation, deep SSI and organ/space SSI. Minor adverse events (MAE) included – wound dehiscence, superficial SSI, urinary tract infection (UTI) and progressive renal insufficiency. An extended LOS was defined as >75th centile (>9days). Results Factors associated with AAE were partially dependent functional health status pre-operatively (p = 0.020), transfusion ≥1 unit of packed RBCs (p = 0.001), and ASA > II (p 140 min (p = 0.034) and Hct II (p = 0.007). Patients with an ASA > II (p = 0.001), total operative time>140 min (p 9 days. Male gender (p = 0.026), prior history of CHF (p = 0.024), LOS >9 days (p = 0.030) and >10% bodyweight loss in last 6 months before the procedure (p = 0.002) were predictors of 30-day mortality. Conclusion Patients with ASA grade > II, greater co-morbidity burden and prolonged operative times were likely to experience adverse events and have a longer length of stay. Surgeons can utilize this data to risk stratify patients so that appropriate pre-operative and post-operative medical optimization can take place.
Integrated experimental and computational approach for nanoparticle flow analysis

Abstract We report a new method combining computational fluid dynamics and flow experiments with customized channels to understand the transport of nanoparticles. Iron oxide nanoparticles, being highly attractive for biomedical research are chosen as model nanoparticles for the transport studies. Four different polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyethyleneimine coated iron oxide nanoparticles of hydrodynamic sizes ranging from 45–178 nm were synthesized. These nanoparticles were adjusted to different target mass concentrations and ran through a bent tube to determine flow velocity and mass loss, specific to the nanoparticles. Computational predictions were made for velocity and mass loss of fully developed flow of nanoparticles through bent channel, which compared well with experimental measurements. A diffusion dominated nanoparticle flow is predicted, based on our results. This work will provide a breakthrough for further experimental and computational research to help understand the nanoparticle targeted delivery and the design of nanoparticles for optimal delivery in biomedical applications.
The Simplex Method, Part 1

The simplex method is the principal tool for computing solutions to linear programs. Computer codes that execute the simplex method are widely available, and they run on nearly every computer. You can solve linear programs without knowing how the simplex method works. Why should you learn it? Three reasons are listed below:
The peril and promise of racial and ethnic subgroup analysis in health disparities research.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to introduce a rubric for both researchers and consumers of research to guide best practices in the conduct of exploratory and confirmatory subgroup analyses...
Regioselective, Nucleophilic Activation of C-F Bonds in o-Fluoroanilines

Abstract Reactions of ortho-fluorinated anilines with stoichiometric Ti(NMe2)4 in mesitylene (typically for 23 h at 120 °C) afforded moderate to high yields of the corresponding N,N-dimethyl-1,2-phenylenediamine derivatives resulting from defluoroamination of a fluorine atom vicinal to the NH2 of the starting aniline. Reactivity increases with additional ring fluorination in general accordance with established regiochemical (activating and deactivating) trends.
Path integral Monte Carlo simulations of warm dense aluminum

We perform first-principles path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) and density functional theory molecular dynamics (DFT-MD) calculations to explore warm dense matter states of aluminum. Our equation of state (EOS) simulations cover a wide density-temperature range of $0.1--32.4\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\mathrm{g}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ and ${10}^{4}--{10}^{8}$ K. Since PIMC and DFT-MD accurately treat effects of the atomic shell structure, we find two compression maxima along the principal Hugoniot curve attributed to K-shell and L-shell ionization. The results provide a benchmark for widely used EOS tables, such as SESAME, QEOS, and models based on Thomas-Fermi and average-atom techniques. A subsequent multishock analysis provides a quantitative assessment for how much heating occurs relative to an isentrope in multishock experiments. Finally, we compute heat capacity, pair-correlation functions, the electronic density of states, and $\ensuremath{\langle}Z\ensuremath{\rangle}$ to reveal the evolution of the plasma structure and ionization behavior.
Complications After 3- and 4-Level Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion.

Background Anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a standard surgical procedure used widely in the treatment of degenerative cervical spine conditions. Although the safety and effectiveness of single-level ACDF is well supported in the literature, reports of multilevel ACDF are sparse and present mixed results. There is concern for greater complications with increasing levels of fusion given the increased complexity, procedure duration, and invasiveness of multilevel ACDF. Methods In this retrospective review, we report complications data for 105 adult neurosurgical patients who underwent elective multilevel ACDF at a single institution by a single surgeon between 2004 and 2016. Results Fifty-four patients underwent 3-level ACDF and 51 patients underwent 4-level ACDF with a mean follow-up of 2.7 ± 1.9 years. Although patients with 4-level fusion were more likely than those with 3-level fusion to have estimated blood loss ≥100 mL (P = 0.04), we found no significant differences in other peri- and postoperative complications, need for revision, and presence of symptoms at the time of last follow-up between groups. Conclusions This study suggests that 4-level ACDF is not necessarily associated with a greater number of or more severe complications than 3-level ACDF.
Computation of the local time of reflecting Brownian motion and the probabilistic representation of the Neumann problem

In this paper, we propose numerical methods for computing the boundary local time of reflecting Brownian motion (RBM) in R and its use in the probabilistic representation of the solution of the Laplace equation with the Neumann boundary condition. Approximations of the RBM based on a walk-on-spheres (WOS) and random walk on lattices are discussed and tested for sampling the RBM paths and their applicability in finding accurate approximation of the local time and discretization of the probabilistic formula. Numerical tests for several types of domains (cube, sphere, and ellipsoid) have shown the convergence of the numerical methods as the length of the RBM path and number of paths sampled increase.
Jack Watson: Addressing Contract Cheating at Scale in Online Computer Science Education

Cheating has always been a problem for academic institutions, but the internet has increased access to a form of academic dishonesty known as contract cheating, or "homework for hire." When students purchase work online and submit it as their own, it cannot be detected by commonly-used plagiarism detection tools, and this troubling form of cheating seems to be increasing. We present an approach to addressing contract cheating: an AI agent that poses as a contractor to identify students attempting to purchase homework solutions. Our agent, Jack Watson, monitors auction sites, identifies posted homework assignments, and provides students with watermarked solutions that can be automatically identified upon submission of the assignment. Our work is ongoing, but we have proved the model, identifying nine cases of contract cheating through our techniques. We are continuing to improve Jack Watson and further automate the monitoring and identification of contract cheating on online marketplaces.
Connected, Autonomous Cars: Passive Pothole Patrollers

In November 2018, I was driving on the highway at night in upstate New York. The blowing snow and sleet made it difficult to see far ahead, but I noticed several cars pulled over on the side of the road with their hazard lights f lashing. Assuming they had been in an accident, I pulled into the left lane when I suddenly struck an invisible obstacle, blowing my tires. After reaching safe location, I called 911 to relay what little information I could recall. I didn?t know what I had hit or even where it was. That evening, half a dozen motorists struck the same hazard before authorities arrived on the scene.
Pharmacokinetics of platinum and safety evaluation of carboplatin-impregnated calcium sulfate hemihydrate beads after implantation in healthy cats.

Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of platinum (Pt) and safety of carboplatin-impregnated calcium sulfate hemihydrate (C-I CSH) beads after implantation in healthy cats. Study design In vivo experimental study. Animals Six healthy adult cats. Methods Three C-I CSH beads were implanted in muscle pockets over the right and left hemithoraces of each cat (~3.9 mg/kg of Pt; 60.4 mg/m2 of calculated carboplatin). Hematology and blood chemistry were tested at baseline and 3, 7, 14, and 21 days postimplantation. Serum was analyzed for Pt at specific times from 1 hour to 21 days. Tissue was obtained for histopathology and analysis of Pt at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days at standardized distances from implantation sites. Results Platinum was detected in tissues at all times and distances (range, 0.1-4.19 μg/g). Serum Pt increased up to 2.6 hours (3.25 μg/mL) then decreased sharply. Samples containing muscle had higher Pt compared with samples without muscle (P = .004). Mild hypercalcemia was noted in four cats, and mild inflammatory reaction was noted on histopathology of all samples. Conclusion Platinum was released from C-I CSH beads differentially into surrounding tissues over 21 days. Systemic absorption of Pt was minimal, but mild hypercalcemia occurred. Clinical significance Implantation was well tolerated by healthy adult cats. Securing beads within muscle may limit Pt diffusion to targeted tissue. Although Pt concentrations did not achieve levels reported to be cytotoxic for feline sarcoma cells in culture, results provide evidence to support evaluation of efficacy in the tumor microenvironment of cats with locally invasive cancers.
2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-Octa­fluorohexa­ne-1,6-diol

In the crystal of the title compound, C6H6F8O4, O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the hy­droxy groups connect the mol­ecules, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (100). These hydrogen-bonding inter­actions appear to drive the O—C—C—O torsion angles into a gauche–trans–trans series of conformations along the backbone of the mol­ecule.
Effect of PET support membrane thickness on water permeation behavior of thermally responsive PNIPAM-g-PET membranes

Abstract A KrF excimer laser was used at 248 nm wavelength to fabricate support membranes and the final PNIPAM pore-filled thermally responsive PET membranes of four different thicknesses (50, 75, 100, 125 μm). The surface and cross-sectional morphologies of the ablated support membranes were elucidated using optical microscopy and micro-CT. Proper combinations of laser operational parameters (energy fluence, number of pulses, pulse frequency) and mesh size were determined for each thickness membrane based on energy required for perforation, average pore size and morphological observations. Temperature responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel was grafted in membrane pores through pulsed laser polymerization (PLP) at 3 progressive grafting density values. Four thicknesses membranes of 4 grafting conditions (1 ungrafted and 3 grafted) were characterized using water permeation test. Permeation behavior and thermal response were found for all 4 thicknesses of membranes at grafted state, and the permeation results displayed a decreasing trend in permeability coefficient with increasing thickness, while thermal response displayed an increasing trend with increasing thickness at higher grafting density state. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was utilized to characterize the surface and pore grafting phenomena on membranes of different thicknesses under different grafting conditions. Our results indicate that the film thickness has little or no effect on kinetics of PLP for given laser operation parameters. Thus, our results reveal that similar crosslink structure is obtained in PNIPAM grafted in the pores of different thickness support membranes when using the same PLP conditions.
VpsR Directly Activates Transcription of Multiple Biofilm Genes in Vibrio cholerae.

ABSTRACT Vibrio cholerae biofilm biogenesis, which is important for survival, dissemination, and persistence, requires multiple genes in the Vibrio polysaccharides (vps) operons I and II as well as the cluster of ribomatrix (rbm) genes. Transcriptional control of these genes is a complex process that requires several activators/repressors and the ubiquitous signaling molecule, cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP). Previously, we demonstrated that VpsR directly activates RNA polymerase containing σ70 (σ70-RNAP) at the vpsL promoter (PvpsL), which precedes the vps-II operon, in a c-di-GMP-dependent manner by stimulating formation of the transcriptionally active, open complex. Using in vitro transcription, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and DNase I footprinting, we show here that VpsR also directly activates σ70-RNAP transcription from other promoters within the biofilm formation cluster, including PvpsU, at the beginning of the vps-I operon, PrbmA, at the start of the rbm cluster, and PrbmF, which lies upstream of the divergent rbmF and rbmE genes. In this capacity, we find that VpsR is able to behave both as a class II activator, which functions immediately adjacent/overlapping the core promoter sequence (PvpsL and PvpsU), and as a class I activator, which functions farther upstream (PrbmA and PrbmF). Because these promoters vary in VpsR-DNA binding affinity in the absence and presence of c-di-GMP, we speculate that VpsR’s mechanism of activation is dependent on both the concentration of VpsR and the level of c-di-GMP to increase transcription, resulting in finely tuned regulation. IMPORTANCEVibrio cholerae, the bacterial pathogen that is responsible for the disease cholera, uses biofilms to aid in survival, dissemination, and persistence. VpsR, which directly senses the second messenger c-di-GMP, is a major regulator of this process. Together with c-di-GMP, VpsR directly activates transcription by RNA polymerase containing σ70 from the vpsL biofilm biogenesis promoter. Using biochemical methods, we demonstrate for the first time that VpsR/c-di-GMP directly activates σ70-RNA polymerase at the first genes of the vps and ribomatrix operons. In this regard, it functions as either a class I or class II activator. Our results broaden the mechanism of c-di-GMP-dependent transcription activation and the specific role of VpsR in biofilm formation.
The power of dense silicon: trending features and support at chip-level enabling new levels of integration and dependability for avionics systems

Weight is fuel and cost. In the future the quest to continue integration and leverage modern powerful compute fabrics will continue to be a central goal of modern avionics architectures combined with functional integration to create emergent new functionality. Additionally, cost savings in aerospace lead to the need of having to use commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) computing architectures. In this paper we describe some current and possibly future trends and then investigate how these trends affect avionics. We describe issues and mitigation techniques introduced due to COTS electronics with focus on multi-core processors (MCP) in avionics architectures and their requirements. We discuss what standards and processes need to be followed and what support from chip vendors (certification package) can help. We also present how new avionics architectures could leverage certain COTS trends driven by industrial control and automotive to help integration and optimization of future avionics architectures.
Statistical Systems: Labor

Labor statistics represent a large body of information relevant to many of the social and economic issues of our time. They are used as indicators of how well the general economy is functioning and also as a basis for designing, implementing, and monitoring employment and social programs and policies. International comparisons are useful in assessing a country's economic performance relative to other countries and in evaluating the competitive position of a country in international trade. This article describes the different types and classifications of labor statistics and the institutional framework that produces them. It discusses how such statistics are obtained, presented, and disseminated. Comparisons of labor statistics across countries are discussed in terms of how comparisons are made and the organizations that produce them. National and international sources and web sites are provided.
Production and reception of insect pheromones – Introduction and overview

Abstract Pheromone regulate and the behavior, physiology and development of insects. Since Butenandt and colleagues identified the Bombyx mori sex attractant pheromone bombykol in 1959, considerable research has focused on the identification of pheromones across the insects, and how these molecules are synthesized by one sex and detected by the other. Advances in research have often been driven by advances in technology. The previous edition of this book appeared shortly after the first successfully sequencing of an insect genome, that of the fly Drosophila melanogaster; this, and the subsequently increased availability of insect genomic sequences, allowed for rapid identification of chemosensory relevant genes and gene products and the resulting characterizations using traditional and novel techniques. This chapter provides an introduction to the book’s chapters, which were written by experts working at the frontiers of pheromone physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
Bench Evaluation of Two Methods of Ventilation During Rigid Bronchoscopy

Background: Rigid bronchoscopy yields a unique challenge for mechanical ventilation. An uncuffed and rigid bronchoscope requires mechanical ventilation strategies not often used. Manual jet ventilation is the most common approach and gold standard. At our hospital, we previously used either manual jet or an LTV-1200 ventilator during rigid bronchoscopy. We recently started using the Philips Respironics V60 ventilator because of its capabilities to ventilate with a leak. The rigid bronchoscopy cases subjectively had better and more stable ventilation. The purpose of this study was to perform a bench evaluation of various leak conditions comparing the V60 to the manual jet for ventilation during simulated rigid bronchoscopy. Methods: We performed a bench evaluation of rigid bronchoscopy with an intubation mannikin airway attached to the Ingmar ASL-5000 test lung with a Novametrix NM3-NICO flow sensor between the mannikin airway and the ASL-5000. Normal apneic adult settings were used on the ASL-5000. The manual jet was tested at 40 and 60 PSI with two breath types, "Burst" - shortest but full actuation of the jet valve and "Hold" - full actuation until inspiration ended. The V60 was tested with I-Times of 0.6 seconds and 1 second, with a delta pressure of 20cm H2O and 30 cm H2O. Two different leak scenarios were tested: "Low Leak" - typical setup of the rigid bronchoscope with the silicon cap in place. "High Leak" - setup without silicon cap in place. Inspiratory tidal volume was collected with each of the different scenario combinations with the NM3 device. Results: See graphic for the results of the inspiratory volume delivered with each device for the different scenarios. Conclusions: While the manual jet produced similar results regardless of leak it also produced the widest variation in tidal volumes: volumes that would be too low to maintain stable gas exchange ("burst" breaths) and large tidal volumes that could cause lung injury ("hold" breaths). This is dependent on the duration of the actuation of the manual jet with no user feedback for breaths that are too large. The V60 produced reasonable breaths during low leak (~300 to 500 mL) and dropped to ~100 mL during high leak. The results of this bench show that the V60 may be better from a lung injury standpoint and should support the patient through rigid bronchoscopy if high leak situations are kept short.
Self-Assembly of Bolaamphiphiles into 2D Nanosheets via Synergistic and Meticulous Tailoring of Multiple Noncovalent Interactions.

A bolaamphiphile possessing a hydrophobic skeleton and two hydrophilic groups at both ends represents an important class of building blocks toward a rich variety of self-assembled materials for use...
Empowering Language Learning Strategies Online

English language educators faced challenges unique to their discipline as well as difficulties shared with all teachers as they suddenly adjusted to 100% online learning environments in 2020. Language learning strategies (LLS), which are proven strategies for improving language learning as well as building self-efficacy and peer support (MacArthur et al., 2015; Rose et al., 2018), are presented here as tools to navigate this new challenge. The article opens with a brief review of several acute current needs of online learners that critical pedagogy and learning strategies may address. Next, the author provides concise definitions for language learning strategies and summarizes the historical and theoretical basis for LLS. A classroom-based case study of language learning strategy instruction (LLSI) then follows. Finally, online tools and methods for two key strategies, goal-setting and peer review, are provided with recommendations for applying these strategies in a variety of settings. Keywords: language learning strategies, critical pedagogy, self-regulation, peer review, goal-setting
Immunogenicity of Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccination followed by J&J adenovirus COVID-19 vaccination in two CLL patients

Importance Individuals with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia have significant immune disfunction, often further disrupted by treatment. While currently available COVID-19 vaccinations are highly effective in immunocompetent individuals, they are often poorly immunogenic in CLL patients. It is important to understand the role heterologous boost would have in patients who did not respond to the recommended two-dose mRNA vaccine series with a SARS-CoV-2 specific immune response Objective To characterize the immune response of two CLL patients who failed to seroconvert after initial mRNA vaccine series following a third, heterologous, COVID-19 vaccination with Ad26.COV2.S. Design Two subjects with CLL were enrolled in an IRB-approved observational longitudinal cohort study of the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. After enrollment, they received a third vaccination with Ad26.COV2.S. Blood was drawn prior to original vaccination series, four weeks after mRNA vaccination, and again four weeks after third vaccination. Setting Eligible subjects were approached by oncologist overseeing CLL treatment and informed about study, at time of enrollment subjects consented to join the cohort study. Participants Sixteen subjects enrolled in the larger CLL cohort study, of whom two subjects received a third COVID-19 vaccination and were included in this analysis. Subject 1 is CLL treatment naive, while Subject 2 is currently on active treatment. Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s) SARS-CoV-2 specific immune response, including plasma antibodies, memory B-cells, CD4 and CD8 T-cells were assessed prior to vaccination (baseline) as well as post vaccination series and post third dose. Results Of the two subjects who received Ad26.COV2.S doses, Subject 1 seroconverted, had RBD-specific memory B-cells as well as spike-specific CD4 T-cells while Subject 2 did not. Both subjects had a spike-specific CD8 T-cell response after original mRNA vaccination series that was further boosted after third dose (Subject 1), or remained stable (Subject 2). Conclusions and Relevance The results of this study, however small, is especially promising to CLL individuals who did not seroconvert following initial mRNA vaccination series. Especially those that are treatment naive, not currently in active treatment, or who may consider vaccination before beginning active treatment.
S100 beta and serotonin: a possible astrocytic-neuronal link to neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease.

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses a possible role for Sl00β and serotonin (5-HT) as an astrocytic (S100β)/ neuronal (serotonin; 5-HT) link to neuropathologies associated with Alzheimer's disease. Sl00β is a protein produced and released from astrocytes in the brain. Extracellular Sl00β can function as a neurotrophic factor to select central and peripheral neurons and a gliotrophic factor, inducing mitosis and morphogenesis of astrocytes. Release of S100β from astrocytes can be stimulated by serotonin acting through 5-HT1, receptors on astrocytes, and S100β functions as a serotonergic neurite extension factor. The abnormal regulation of Sl00β levels or of serotonin-stimulated release of Sl00β in Alzheimer's disease contributes to the cascade of events that with aging lead to neuropathologies. It is also suggested that this astrocytic (S100β)/ neuronal (serotonin) link may contribute to neuropathological changes observed not only in Alzheimer's disease, but also in Down syndrome.
Challenging Contemporary Notions of Middle Power Influence: Implications of the Proliferation Security Initiative for “Middle Power Theory”

This article explores the prominent role that so-called middle powers have played in constructing the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) as an innovative framework for multinational cooperation, in this case designed to counter trafficking related to weapons of mass destruction proliferation. It seeks thereby to contribute to a better theoretical understanding of the international role and foreign policy behavior of this class of state actor. Because the preponderance of middle power scholarship is either broadly conceptual or focuses narrowly on national-level case studies, an examination of middle power involvement in a particular global initiative represents a potentially important theory-building contribution. Drawing on a critical review of the literature on middle powers, and an explication of PSI through the analytic prism of middle power participation, the study proposes that PSI affords novel insights about—and plausibly a template auguring new opportunities for—middle power activism, collaboration, and influence in global security affairs.
Experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits fed cholesterol-free diets: 4. Investigation into the source of cholesteremia

Abstract The metabolism of exogenous and endogenous cholesterol was studied in rabbits fed a normal diet of rabbit chow or an atherogenic, semisynthetic diet ( SS ) containing 40% carbohydrate, 25% casein, and 14% hydrogenated coconut oil. The SS diet was more cholesteremic, betalipoproteinemic and atherogenic. More cholesterol was absorbed and more synthesized by rabbits on the SS diet and more radioactive cholesterol was recovered from their lesions. The chow-fed rabbits excreted 4 times as much feces over a 3 day period. Biliary cholesterol and total bile acids were 2.2 and 2.6 times higher in the SS group. The biliary cholesterol-specific activity was significantly higher in the SS group but cholanoic acid-specific activities and primary/secondary bile acid ratios were significantly lower. The data suggest that one reason for the cholesteremic effect of the SS diet is a reduced level of degradation of endogenous cholesterol to bile acids.
Restoring KLF5 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer Cells Activates the JNK Pathway Leading to Apoptosis and Reduced Cell Survival

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer in the world and has an extremely dismal prognosis, with a 5-year survival of less than 20%. Current treatment options are limited, and thus identifying new molecular targets and pathways is critical to derive novel therapies. Worldwide, more than 90% of esophageal cancers are esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). Previously, we identified that Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), a key transcriptional regulator normally expressed in esophageal squamous epithelial cells, is lost in human ESCC. To examine the effects of restoring KLF5 in ESCC, we transduced the human ESCC cell lines TE7 and TE15, both of which lack KLF5 expression, with retrovirus to express KLF5 upon doxycycline induction. When KLF5 was induced, ESCC cells demonstrated increased apoptosis and decreased viability, with up-regulation of the proapoptotic factor BAX. Interestingly, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, an important upstream mediator of proapoptotic pathways including BAX, was also activated following KLF5 induction. KLF5 activation of JNK signaling was mediated by KLF5 transactivation of two key upstream regulators of the JNK pathway, ASK1 and MKK4, and inhibition of JNK blocked apoptosis and normalized cell survival following KLF5 induction. Thus, restoring KLF5 in ESCC cells promotes apoptosis and decreases cell survival in a JNK-dependent manner, providing a potential therapeutic target for human ESCC.