cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 29 – Infection Control Considerations to Prevent HIV Transmission in Healthcare Settings

This chapter discusses the epidemiology and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in healthcare settings. The prevention of HIV transmission in healthcare settings requires the use of strategies to prevent blood exposures. All blood should be considered potentially infectious and appropriate barriers and personal protective equipment should be used to prevent blood contact between patients and healthcare personnel (HCP). Percutaneous injuries from contaminated needles and other sharp devices pose a particular risk for HIV transmission to HCP. The prevention of percutaneous injuries is, therefore, a high priority. In recent years, devices with engineered sharp-injury prevention features have been developed to reduce percutaneous injuries. These devices, in combination with the elimination of unnecessary needle use, use of safe work practices, and organizational efforts to promote a culture of safety are necessary to reduce percutaneous injuries effectively during the provision of healthcare. Strategies to protect patients rely on the basic principles and practices of infection control, including standard precautions such as aseptic technique, handwashing, use of gloves, and other barriers to prevent blood contact.
Diffusion of Evidence-based Intensive Care Unit Organizational Practices. A State-Wide Analysis.

Rationale: Several intensive care unit (ICU) organizational practices have been associated with improved patient outcomes. However, the uptake of these evidence-based practices is unknown.Objectives: To assess diffusion of ICU organizational practices across the state of Pennsylvania.Methods: We conducted two web-based, cross-sectional surveys of ICU organizational practices in Pennsylvania acute care hospitals, in 2005 (chief nursing officer respondents) and 2014 (ICU nurse manager respondents).Measurements and Main Results: Of 223 eligible respondents, nurse managers from 136 (61%) medical, surgical, mixed medical-surgical, cardiac, and specialty ICUs in 98 hospitals completed the 2014 survey, compared with 124 of 164 (76%) chief nursing officers in the 2005 survey. In 2014, daytime physician staffing models varied widely, with 23 of 136 (17%) using closed models and 33 (24%) offering no intensivist staffing. Nighttime intensivist staffing was used in 37 (27%) ICUs, 38 (28%) used nonintensivist attendin...
Harnessing the immune system through programmed death-1 blockade in the management of Hodgkin lymphoma

Immunotherapy is a rapidly evolving therapeutic option in the treatment of lymphoma. Neoplastic cells evade immune recognition through the programmed death (PD)-1/PD-ligand immune checkpoint pathway. Several novel agents have been developed to restore the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab are two anti-PD-1 antibodies that have demonstrated success in the treatment of refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. Harnessing the immune system’s ability to target neoplastic cells, ideally without the use of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, is one way in which these novel agents are changing the therapeutic landscape in the treatment of lymphomas. Here, we review the emerging data regarding checkpoint inhibitors in the management of Hodgkin lymphoma, the unique adverse effects encountered with the use of these agents, and a practical approach to the management of these adverse effects. Additionally, we discuss upcoming trials that will further assess the promising future developments of checkpoint inhibition in the treatment of not only Hodgkin lymphoma but also other B cell lymphomas and myeloma. These agents offer immense promise of a future where many lymphomas can be treated without the toxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents.
The Regulation of Cell Motility Through an Excitable Network

Abstract Recent years have demonstrated that the actin cytoskeleton and other signaling elements in motile cells have many of the hallmarks of an excitable medium, including the presence of propagating waves, a refractory period, as well as a threshold for activation. Here we show how these behaviors can be explained by the presence of a signal transduction excitable network that integrates a number of signals and coordinates actin polymerization. In this model, spontaneous triggering of the excitable network accounts for the random migration of unstimulated cells. Moreover, internal and external signals both chemical and mechanical bias excitability spatially, thus providing a means by which cell motility is directed towards spatial cues. We also show how the model predicts that the set point of the excitable system can be altered by changing the threshold.
A prelude to a semioethics of dialogue the aesthetics of enchantment in a new key

This paper interrogates the phenomenological experience of enchantment as a sign process. I argue that our ethical intentionality in the world is significantly enhanced when we understand how the aesthetics of enchantment conditions the very possibility of such an ethic as a semiotic phenomenological event of dialogue. First, I discuss a key problematic of contemporary life – our culture of distraction and its impact on our dialogic relations. Next, I outline my thematic – enchantment as consequence of sign actions, both in what I call its “inauthentic” and “authentic” forms. Third, I interpret each form and their impact on the ethics of dialogic relations. Finally, I contend that authentic enchantment, as a semiotic interpretant, signifies an “answering comprehension” or unique expression that resonates with the greater whole, the greater good – demonstrating what Susan Petrilli describes as a productive or pragmatic semioethic.
Regulation of filial imprinting and structural plasticity by mTORC1 in newborn chickens

Dysregulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling leads to memory deficits and abnormal social behaviors in adults. However, whether mTORC1 is involved in critical periods of early learning remains largely unexplored. Our study addressed this question by investigating imprinting, a form of learning constrained to a sensitive period that supports filial attachment, in newborn chickens. Imprinting to virtual objects and sounds was assessed after acute manipulations of mTORC1. To further understand the role of mTORC1 during the critical period, structural plasticity was analyzed using DiOlistic labeling of dendritic spines. We found that mTORC1 is required for the emergence of experience-dependent preferences and structural plasticity within brain regions controlling behavior. Furthermore, upon critical period closure, pharmacological activation of the AKT/mTORC1 pathway was sufficient to rescue imprinting across sensory modalities. Thus, our results uncover a novel role of mTORC1 in the formation of imprinted memories and experience-dependent reorganization of neural circuits during a critical period.
Altered lung biology of healthy never smokers following acute inhalation of E-cigarettes.

Little is known about health risks associated with electronic cigarette (EC) use although EC are rising in popularity and have been advocated as a means to quit smoking cigarettes. Ten never-smokers, without exposure history to tobacco products or EC, were assessed at baseline with questionnaire, chest X-ray, lung function, plasma levels of endothelial microparticles (EMP), and bronchoscopy to obtain small airway epithelium (SAE) and alveolar macrophages (AM). One week later, subjects inhaled 10 puffs of “Blu” brand EC, waited 30 min, then another 10 puff; n = 7 were randomized to EC with nicotine and n = 3 to EC without nicotine to assess biological responses in healthy, naive individuals. Two hr. post-EC exposure, subjects were again assessed as at baseline. No significant changes in clinical parameters were observed. Biological changes were observed compared to baseline, including altered transcriptomes of SAE and AM for all subjects and elevated plasma EMP levels following inhalation of EC with nicotine. This study provides in vivo human data demonstrating that acute inhalation of EC aerosols dysregulates normal human lung homeostasis in a limited cohort of healthy naive individuals. These observations have implications to new EC users, nonsmokers exposed to secondhand EC aerosols and cigarette smokers using EC to quit smoking. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01776398 (registered 10/12/12), NCT02188511 (registered 7/2/14).
Application and evaluation of two model fusion approaches to obtain ambient air pollutant concentrations at a fine spatial resolution (250m) in Atlanta

Abstract Epidemiologic studies rely on accurately characterizing spatiotemporal variation in air pollutant concentrations. This work presents two model fusion approaches that use publicly available chemical transport simulations, dispersion model simulations, and observations to estimate air pollutant concentrations at a neighborhood-level spatial resolution while incorporating comprehensive chemistry and emissions sources. The first method is additive and the alternative method is multiplicative. These approaches are applied to Atlanta, GA at a 250 m grid resolution to obtain daily 24-hr averaged PM2.5 and 1-hr max CO and NOx concentrations during the years 2003–2008 for use in health studies. The modeled concentrations provide comprehensive estimates with steep spatial gradients near roadways, secondary formation and loss, and effects of regional sources that can influence daily variation in ambient pollutant concentrations. Results show high temporal and spatial correlation and low biases across monitors, providing accurate pollutant concentration estimates for epidemiologic analyses.
A Penalty Method Approach for Open-Loop Variational Games with Equality Constraints

In this paper we consider the possibility of solving a variational game with equality constraints by using a penalty method approach. Under the assumption that the unconstrained penalized games have open loop Nash equilibria we give conditions on our model to ensure that there exists a subsequence of penalty parameters converging to infinity for which the corresponding sequence of solutions to the penalized games converges to an open loop Nash equilibrium of the constrained game. Our conditions are based on classical growth and convexity conditions found in the calculus of variations. We conclude our paper with some remarks on obtaining the solutions of the penalized games via Leitmann’s direct method.
Solid-phase syntheses of libraries derived from 2-amino-4-carboxy-thiophenol moiety

Solid-phase combinatorial methods are evolving as an effective means for the generation of libraries of compounds in short time periods. These methods can expedite lead generation as well as lead optimization. Solid-phase organic synthesis (SPOS) has become an integral tool for the preparation of small molecule libraries. Several classes of compounds, exhibiting a wide range of biological activities [1], can be generated starting from the 2-amino-4-carboxy-thiophenol moiety. These include 3,4-dihydrobenzo-l,4-thiazines (1), 3,4-dihydrobenzo-l,4-thiazine-1,1 -dioxides (2), 3,4-dihy dro-3-oxobenzo-1,4-thiazines (3), 3,4-dihydro-3-oxobenzo-1,4-thiazine-1,1dioxides (4), and benzothiazoles (5). The core structures of these compounds contain many points at which diversity may be introduced.
Dual Pathways for Auxin Regulation of Cell Division and Expansion

Auxins are a class of plant growth regulators acting as a morphogen to direct two competing cellular actions depending on the concentration (Chen 2001). At a low auxin concentration, cells arrest at G1 and expand while at a slightly higher concentration, cells proceed to G2/M and divide, followed by minimal expansion to recharge the meristematic cell volume (Fig. 1A–C). Perhaps the first evidence for this idea was made using BY-2 cells in culture (Hasezawa and Syono 1983). Hasezawa and Syono scored the number of elongated cells and dividing cells at different concentrations of auxin and found that approx. 0.1 μM naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) was optimal for elongation and approx. 5 μM NAA was optimal for division. The simplest model to explain this phenomenology is one having two auxin receptors. A high affinity receptor mediates auxin regulation of cell expansion while a low affinity receptor mediates auxin regulation of division (Fig. 1D). Supporting evidence for a dual auxin pathway using BY-2 cells is discussed further below.
Tandem Catalysis: Transforming Alcohols to Alkenes by Oxidative Dehydroxymethylation

We report a Rh-catalyst for accessing olefins from primary alcohols by a C–C bond cleavage that results in dehomologation. This functional group interconversion proceeds by an oxidation-dehydroformylation enabled by N,N-dimethylacrylamide as a sacrificial acceptor of hydrogen gas. Alcohols with diverse functionality and structure undergo oxidative dehydroxymethylation to access the corresponding olefins. Our catalyst protocol enables a two-step semisynthesis of (+)-yohimbenone and dehomologation of feedstock olefins.
GLOBALIZAÇÃO E AMERICA LATINA: IMPACTOS NOS MOVIMENTOS SOCIAIS, NO ESTADO E NO DIREITO NA BUSCA POR MAIS IGUALDADE

A America Latina assim como o resto do globo sentiu os impactos de um mundo globalizado. A regiao e um dos locais de maior diversidade cultural do planeta, possuindo representatividade de diversas culturas indigenas originarias, alem de orientais, africanas, europeias e muculmanas. Muitas sao as causas da fragilidade do direito, do Estado e dos movimentos sociais na regiao, dentre os principais argumentos, a continua exclusao social e economica derivada das desigualdades persistentes, deteriorando a integridade do Estado, do direito e dos movimentos sociais. O objetivo desse artigo e fazer um ensaio sobre a relacao do processo de globalizacao nos movimentos sociais, no Estado e no Direito no contexto da America Latina nos ultimos 10 anos. Realizou-se um estudo, com base em pesquisa bibliografica procurando identificar a discussao sobre a evolucao e os impactos do processo de globalizacao da regiao. Conclui-se que a globalizacao no contexto latino americano permitiu que os movimentos sociais continuassem a buscar ampliar suas acoes frente o Estado e o Direito demonstrando forca de interlocucao apesar da ainda fragilidade das democracias. A luta da sociedade por direitos busca expressar-se nesta coalisao de direitos coletivos, desvinculada de grupos politicos, visando maior justica em uma sociedade permeada pela busca de igualdade.
Cellular Uptake of MCT1 Inhibitors AR-C155858 and AZD3965 and Their Effects on MCT-Mediated Transport of L-Lactate in Murine 4T1 Breast Tumor Cancer Cells

AR-C155858 and AZD3965, pyrrole pyrimidine derivatives, represent potent monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) inhibitors, with potential immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic properties. Currently, there is limited information on the inhibitory properties of this new class of MCT1 inhibitors. The purpose of this study was to characterize the concentration- and time-dependent inhibition of L-lactate transport and the membrane permeability properties of AR-C155858 and AZD3965 in the murine 4T1 breast tumor cells that express MCT1. Our results demonstrated time-dependent inhibition of L-lactate uptake by AR-C155858 and AZD3965 with maximal inhibition occurring after a 5-min pre-incubation period and prolonged inhibition. Following removal of AR-C155858 or AZD3965 from the incubation buffer, inhibition of L-lactate uptake was only fully reversed after 3 and 12 h, respectively, indicating that these inhibitors are slowly reversible. The uptake of AR-C155858 was concentration-dependent in 4T1 cells, whereas the uptake of AZD3965 exhibited no concentration dependence over the range of concentrations examined. The uptake kinetics of AR-C155858 was best fitted to a Michaelis-Menten equation with a diffusional clearance component, P (Km = 0.399 ± 0.067 μM, Vmax = 4.79 ± 0.58 pmol/mg/min, and P = 0.330 ± 0.088 μL/mg/min). AR-C155858 uptake, but not AZD3965 uptake, was significantly inhibited by alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, a known nonspecific inhibitor of MCTs 1, 2, and 4. AR-C155858 demonstrated a trend toward higher uptake at lower pH, a characteristic of proton-dependent MCT1. These findings provide evidence that AR-C155858 and AZD3965 exert slowly reversible inhibition of MCT1-mediated L-lactate uptake in 4T1 cells, with AR-C155858 representing a potential substrate of MCT1.
Comparative Effectiveness of Carboplatin/Pemetrexed With Versus Without Bevacizumab for Advanced Nonsquamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND Despite recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), carboplatin/pemetrexed/bevacizumab remains a commonly used first-line regimen. However, it is unknown whether the addition of bevacizumab to carboplatin/pemetrexed improves overall survival (OS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Using nationally representative curated electronic health record data from Flatiron Health, we performed a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC who received ≥1 cycle of carboplatin/pemetrexed ± bevacizumab as initial systemic therapy for stage IV or metastatic/recurrent disease. The OS impact of adding bevacizumab to carboplatin/pemetrexed was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model to adjust for age, sex, race, original tumor stage, time between diagnosis of metastatic disease and start of chemotherapy, and performance status. In a secondary analysis of patients at a single academic institution, we also adjusted for the presence of brain metastases, hemoptysis, and anticoagulation. RESULTS A total of 4,724 patients were included, of which 2,759 patients (58%) received carboplatin/pemetrexed and 1,965 (42%) received carboplatin/pemetrexed/bevacizumab. Median OS was 12.1 months (95% CI, 11.2-12.9 months) in the carboplatin/pemetrexed/bevacizumab group compared with 8.6 months (95% CI, 8.1-9.1 months) in the carboplatin/pemetrexed group (P<.001). Bevacizumab use remained associated with improved OS in a multivariate model (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.75-0.86; P<.001). In the secondary, institutional analysis (N=539), the effect of bevacizumab was unchanged (hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59-0.96; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS In this large, real-world dataset, the addition of bevacizumab to first-line carboplatin/pemetrexed for metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC was associated with improved OS.
Alkaptonuric ochronosis of the carotid artery

Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal-recessive metabolic disorder of tyrosine degradation which results in elevated levels of circulating homogentisic acid. Ochronosis occurs when homogentisic acid polymerizes and deposits in connective tissue. Ochronotic lesions in the carotid arteries have not been described. In this report, we describe a 65-year-old man with alkaptonuria, with hypertension and hyperlipidemia, who underwent an uneventful carotid endarterectomy for an asymptomatic high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis. Histology revealed homogentisic acid deposits as black-brownish areas in the intima. He was noted to have an impressive heavily brown-black pigmented discoloration of the carotid plaque. Cardiovascular involvement is a rare consequence of alkaptonuria and is manifested by pigment deposition at the areas influenced by shear stress and turbulence.
Interventional Therapy of Skin Angioma

Two hundred and fourteen children with skin angioma diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA)were treated withi nterventional therapy.After 2 year folow up,146 cases(68.2%)were cured,65(30.4%)showed marked improvement,and no efect was observed in 3 patients(1.4%).The shortest duration for the angioma to resolve was one month,the longest was 6 months.The curative effect was better in the types of cavernous angioma and vascular malformation than that in the other types.The results show that the therapy is a safe,rapid method with high curative rate and few side efects. Key words: Angioma; Therapy; interventional
Facial Obfuscation and Bare Life: Politicizing Dystopia in Black Mirror

This chapter examines dystopia as expressive of a ‘structure of feeling’ that cannot be reduced entirely to—but also cannot be separated from—the material actuality of media’s physical effects. It asks, can dystopia offer materials that can be shaped into something emancipatory, or is it merely pessimistic, fatalistic? In attempting to understand the politics of dystopia, it follows the theme of facial obfuscation, or the use of facial recognition technologies not to identify, but to both identify and obscure to the point of indiscernibility. Black Mirror demonstrates how technologies of facial recognition do not simply render visible, but modulate the possibilities of visibility and invisibility beyond commonly accepted binaries, determining who is ‘included’ and ‘excluded’ via forms of technically enhanced aesthetic judgement. While a number of recent artistic interventions into surveillance tend to position obfuscation as resistance to technology, this chapter positions the politics of Black Mirror as following Giorgio Agamben’s theories of the ‘inoperative’ and the ‘destitute’ which provide a different mode of politics than that assumed in artistic critiques of surveillance. Or, Black Mirror’s dystopian futures point not inherently towards fatalism, but to a radically different politics than assumed with the opposition of dominance and resistance.
UAV-Based Measuring System for Terrestrial Navigation and Landing Aid Signals

Terrestrial navigation and landing aid stations help a pilot to safely navigate and land an aircraft by using signals originating from ground-based stations. These systems need to be tested periodically toconfirm that their performance is within International Civil Aviation Organization (ICA0) limits. Currently, this test is performed by using a manned aircraft making several passes around the ground stations or along the runways. In this paper, an unmanned aerial system (UAS), called the positional information via GPS and encoded overlayed navigation signals (PIGEONS), is presented. The system employs a light-weight hexacopter, with a wingspan of 55 cm, that performs autonomous flight and uses an onboard software-defined radio (SDR) that measures the instrument landing system (ILS) and VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) systems. The UAS test system is designed so that flight coordinates can be preprogrammed, making it adaptable to different test locations. The system data is stored onboard while telemetry information is sent to the pilot during flight to inform them of the system's status. The ILS, VOR, and GPS measurements are analyzed once the UAS has completed the flight to determine the compliance of these guidance and landing aid systems with the performance requirements from the ICAO. Positioning measurement inaccuracies are reduced by using a Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS. The ILS system was tested at DAB Airport in Daytona Beach, FL and the VOR was tested at OMN Airport in Ormond Beach, FL. The azimuth measurements for the VOR tower were taken between 292° and 328°. Two drive-bys were performed, and two moving averages were applied in post-processing to both passes using 50,000 and 100,000 samples. This resulted in average magnitudes of error between the measured data and reference GPS for the four passes of 4.18°, 5.34°, 2.24°, and 2.05°. Due to measuring limitations, the measured modulation indexes were limited, being bounded before hitting the 0.0 and 0.4 modulation indexes.
His bundle pacing capture threshold stability during long-term follow-up and correlation with lead slack.

AIMS His bundle pacing (HBP) is the most physiologic form of pacing. Long-term HBP capture threshold stability and its relation to lead characteristics at the time of implantation have not been adequately described. The aim of this study was to characterize HB capture threshold in follow-up and to identify potential lead characteristics predictive of lead capture instability. METHODS AND RESULTS Consecutive patients with successful HBP for bradycardia indications were identified from the Geisinger HBP registry. His bundle capture thresholds, baseline comorbidities, and radiographic lead slack characteristics were analysed. An increase in HB capture threshold ≥1 V above implant values at any time during follow-up was tracked. Forty-four of the 294 studied (15%) experienced HB capture threshold increase by ≥ 1 V. Threshold increase was seen early (41% by 8 weeks, 66% by 1 year). Eighteen (6%) patients required lead revision in follow-up. Abnormal slack shape was associated with a trend toward capture threshold increase [hazard ratio (HR) 2.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9-4.6; P = 0.08]. Non-perpendicular angle of lead insertion on radiography was associated with the capture threshold increase (HR 2.81, 95% CI 1.4-5.8; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION His bundle capture threshold remains stable in the majority (85%) of patients. Implant characteristics may predict the threshold rise. Further evaluation of the aetiology of threshold increase and design changes in lead and delivery systems may lead to chronically stable capture thresholds.
Optimal Edge Computing for Infrastructure-Assisted UAV Systems

The ability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to autonomously operate is constrained by the severe limitations of their on-board resources. The limited processing capacity and energy storage of these devices inevitably makes the real-time analysis of complex signals – the key to autonomy – challenging. In urban environments, the UAVs can leverage the communication and computation resources of the surrounding city-wide Internet of Things infrastructure to enhance their capabilities. For instance, the UAVs can interconnect with edge computing resources and offload computation tasks to improve response time to sensor input and reduce energy consumption. However, the complexity of the urban topology and large number of devices and data streams competing for the same network and computation resources create an extremely dynamic environment, where poor channel conditions and edge server congestion may penalize the performance of task offloading. This paper develops a framework enabling optimal offloading decisions as a function of network and computation load parameters and current state. The optimization is formulated as an optimal stopping time problem over a semi-Markov process. We solve the optimization problem using Dynamic Programming and Deep Reinforcement learning at different levels of abstraction and prior knowledge of the system underlying stochastic processes. We validate our results in a realistic scenario, where a UAV performs a building inspection task while connected to an edge server.
HST Images and Spectra of the Remnant of SN 1885 in M31

Near UV HST images of the remnant of SN 1885 (S And) in M31 show a 0"70 +- 0"05 diameter absorption disk silhouetted against M31's central bulge, at SN 1885's historically reported position. The disk's size corresponds to a linear diameter of 2.5 +- 0.4 pc at a distance of 725 +- 70 kpc, implying an average expansion velocity of 11000 +- 2000 km/s over 110 years. Low-dispersion FOS spectra over 3200-4800 A; reveal that the absorption arises principally from Ca II H & K (equivalent width ~215 A;) with weaker absorption features of Ca I 4227 A; and Fe I 3720 A;. The flux at Ca II line center indicates a foreground starlight fraction of 0.21, which places SNR 1885 some 64 pc to the near side of the midpoint of the M31 bulge, comparable to its projected 55 pc distance from the nucleus. The absorption line profiles suggest an approximately spherically symmetric, bell-shaped density distribution of supernova ejecta freely expanding at up to 13100 +- 1500 km/s. We estimate Ca I, Ca II, and Fe I masses of 2.9(+2.4,-0.6) x 10^-4 M_o, 0.005(+0.016,-0.002) M_o, and 0.013(+0.010,-0.005) M_o respectively. If the ionization state of iron is similar to the observed ionization state of calcium, M_CaII/M_CaI = 16(+42,-5), then the mass of Fe II is 0.21(+0.74,-0.08) M_o, consistent with that expected for either normal or subluminous SN Ia.
An Examination of New Jersey's Money Laundering Statutes

Drug Dealers, white collar criminals and organized crime groups motivated by profit look at New Jersey as a safe haven when conducting financial transactions with their crime tainted money. New Jersey state legislators have passed a series of anti-money laundering provisions that provide law enforcement with powerful tools designed to take the profit out of crime and bring money launderers to justice. This article examines New Jersey's money laundering statutes and their potential contribution in bringing profit motivated criminals to justice.
The relationship between health-related quality of life, perceived social support, and social network size in African Americans with aphasia: a cross-sectional study

Stroke significantly impairs health-related quality of life (HRQL). Stroke survivors with aphasia (SWA) experience lower HRQL than stroke survivors without aphasia (SSA) as a result of poorer communication and social functioning. The extent to which aphasia influences HRQL in African-Americans and the components of social functioning that are most important to HRQL warrants further exploration.There were two main objectives of this paper. The first was to survey HRQL domains of communication, physical, mental/emotional, role, and social functioning in African American SWA and SSA. The second was to examine if social support and social network predicted HRQL in SWA.A total of 39 African American adults (62.4 ± 11.10) participated in this descriptive cross-sectional case control study. Patient-reported outcome measures were used to assess HRQL, perceived social support, and social network in SWA, SSA, and normal-aging healthy controls (NAH). Data analysis included an ANOVA and moderator regression to determine if social support or social network predicted HRQL in SWA.SWA reported a significantly lower overall HRQL (p = <.000) than NAH adults. Communication HRQL was the hallmark difference found between SWA and SSA (p = <.000). Social support and social network were relatively similar among all three groups. However, social support and social network did not predict HRQL in SWA.Findings from this study suggest that social HRQL continues to be significantly lower in SWA; however, social support and social network factors do not drive differences among African-Americans. Moreover, communication HRQL remains the hallmark difference between SWA and SSA.
Dynamic matching with deep reinforcement learning for a two-sided Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS) marketplace

Abstract Suppliers registered within a manufacturing-as-a-service (MaaS) marketplace require near real time decision making to accept or reject orders received on the platform. Myopic decision-making such as a first come, first serve method in this dynamic and stochastic environment can lead to suboptimal revenue generation. In this paper, this sequential decision making problem is formulated as a Markov Decision Process and solved using deep reinforcement learning (DRL). Empirical simulations demonstrate that DRL has considerably better performance compared to four baselines. This early work demonstrates a learning approach for near real-time decision making for suppliers participating in a MaaS marketplace.
Symmetry mismatch controlled ferroelastic domain ordering and the functional properties of manganite films on cubic miscut substrates

We have studied the magnetotransport properties and strain release mechanisms in ferroelastic La0.9Sr0.1MnO3 (LSMO) epitaxial thin films on SrTiO3 (STO)(001) substrates with different miscut angles. The substrate miscut angle plays a critical role in releasing shear strain and has a huge impact on the properties of the films. The strain relaxes by monoclinic distortion for films on low miscut substrates and for higher miscut substrates, the strain relaxation causes the formation of periodic twin domains with larger periodicities. We observe that the Curie temperature (TC) decreases systematically, and magnetoresistance (MR) increases with increasing the miscut angle. Such changes in the magnetic and transport properties could be due to the increased density of phase boundaries (PBs) with the increase of miscut angle. This work provides a way to tailor film microstructures and subsequent functional properties of other complex oxide films on miscut substrates with symmetry mismatch.
Raman spectroscopy enables phenotyping and assessment of nutrition values of plants: a review.

Our civilization has to enhance food production to feed world’s expected population of 9.7 billion by 2050. These food demands can be met by implementation of innovative technologies in agriculture. This transformative agricultural concept, also known as digital farming, aims to maximize the crop yield without an increase in the field footprint while simultaneously minimizing environmental impact of farming. There is a growing body of evidence that Raman spectroscopy, a non-invasive, non-destructive, and laser-based analytical approach, can be used to: (i) detect plant diseases, (ii) abiotic stresses, and (iii) enable label-free phenotyping and digital selection of plants in breeding programs. In this review, we critically discuss the most recent reports on the use of Raman spectroscopy for confirmatory identification of plant species and their varieties, as well as Raman-based analysis of the nutrition value of seeds. We show that high selectivity and specificity of Raman makes this technique ideal for optical surveillance of fields, which can be used to improve agriculture around the world. We also discuss potential advances in synergetic use of RS and already established imaging and molecular techniques. This combinatorial approach can be used to reduce associated time and cost, as well as enhance the accuracy of diagnostics of biotic and abiotic stresses.
Will the New Economy Emerge as Information Technology Pays Off

During the past 30 years, the U.S. economy, along with the economies of other industrialized countries, has experienced several noticeable trends: an economic slowdown, a tremendous increase in the amount of information technology investment, and a increasing flow of workers from production to information sectors. With slow economic growth and fast IT capital accumulation, the so-called information technology productivity paradox has become a prevailing concept in the literature. Many researchers have attempted to solve the paradox by firm-level analysis. Indeed, a macroeconomic analysis, using a nation as an analysis unit, is not common in MIS research. By considering the complex triangular relationships of the above economic trends, this paper applies econometric models and macroeconomic theories to try to solve the IT productivity paradox. Emphasis is placed on the impact of information technology impact on the flow of workers from the production to the information sector and on the effect of
Assessing Earnings Quality: Nuware, Inc.

Associate Jack Hereford must analyze the earnings quality of Nuware Imports. His specific task is to assess the accounting policies of Nuware as aggressive or conservative and then recast the current earnings of the company as if it had employed the accounting policies used by its closest peer. A number of adjustments are required, including those related to inventory, receivables, fixed assets, stock options, investments, and pensions. Through this exercise, one sees the interplay of various discretionary accounting policies followed by management, how to infer the monetary impact of that discretion, and how to assess adequately the profitability of one company relative to another.
Conservation in signal processing systems

Conservation principles have played a key role in the development and analysis of many existing engineering systems and algorithms. In electrical network theory for example, many of the useful theorems regarding the stability, robustness, and variational properties of circuits can be derived in terms of Tellegen's theorem, which states that a wide range of quantities, including power, are conserved. Conservation principles also lay the groundwork for a number of results related to control theory, algorithms for optimization, and efficient filter implementations, suggesting potential opportunity in developing a cohesive signal processing framework within which to view these principles. This thesis makes progress toward that goal, providing a unified treatment of a class of conservation principles that occur in signal processing systems. The main contributions in the thesis can be broadly categorized as pertaining to a mathematical formulation of a class of conservation principles, the synthesis and identification of these principles in signal processing systems, a variational interpretation of these principles, and the use of these principles in designing and gaining insight into various algorithms. In illustrating the use of the framework, examples related to linear and nonlinear signal-flow graph analysis, robust filter architectures, and algorithms for distributed control are provided. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
AIMS: an adaptive interactive modeling system for supporting engineering decision making

Engineering decision making is a two-phase process involving model formation and model utilization. Simulation models have been useful for decision support but, can be too slow for interactive applications. An integrated methodology is presented for inducing faster simulation models and using these models to support interactive design. In AIMS, both model formation and model utilization are controlled by a multiple objective optimizer, ISO. This knowledge processing framework is applied to combustion engine design.
Diagnosis of the vertebral level from which low back or leg pain originates. A comparison of clinical evaluation, MRI and epiduroscopy.

Background: The precise localization of painful structures in the spine of patients with low back pain and/or pain radiating (LBP/RP) to the lower extremities is important for targeted therapeutic intervention. The aim of the study reported here was to determine and compare the spinal segment(s) where pain was elicited via endoscopic evaluation vs. the vertebral level from where the pain was thought to originate as determined by clinical evaluation and by MRI. Methods: Observational cohort study of 143 patients 19 to 88 years of age undergoing spinal canal endoscopy (epiduroscopy) in a combined academic and private practice setting January 2008 to December 2008. Patients were asked whether pain generated by pressure upon epidural structures with the tip of an endoscope was similar in character and distribution (concordant) to the pain for which patients sought treatment. Notes from clinical evaluation and MRI reports were reviewed, and segmental level determined to be the locus of pathology was tabulated. Results: One hundred twenty-five (87%) patients reported maximal reproducible pain at a specific level during epiduroscopy. The most common level was at L4 to L5 (87 patients). The least common level was L5 to S1 (2 patients). In only 40 patients did the level determined by clinical evaluation correlate with the level at which pain could be reproduced during epiduroscopy. MRI indicated a specific vertebral level that corresponded to the level at which pain could be reproduced during epiduroscopy in 28 of 143 (20%) patients. The results of the 3 diagnostic methods were significantly different (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that epiduroscopy is more reliable than is either clinical evaluation or MRI for determining the vertebral level where clinically significant spinal pathology occurs in patients with LBP/RP.
Designing compact and contiguous reserve networks under a budget constraint.

Since design issues are complex and land use interests often conflict, the use of optimization tools for identifying nature reserve designs can be beneficial to land managers. These tools can identify the best reserve design(s) for a set of objectives or compromises between objectives. By comparing a reserve proposal with the optimal design, the proposal’s degree of optimality can then be quantified, and its quality can be better assessed. Such comparisons allow managers to make more defensible decisions as land use pressures intensify.
How Schools Can Best Support Somali Students and Their Families

Immigrant students often pose a challenge to educators. In particular, the Somali population of students presents a unique challenge due to the nature of their immigration, their history and culture, the fact that most are Muslim, and the fact that they are often labeled as “Black” by native-born peers. This article discusses the needs of Somali students and their families in education systems around the world and presents recommendations for schools to ease their transition. Future directions for research are also presented.
Living Longer Depression Free

Review of: Miller MD, Reynolds CF III, eds. Living Longer Depression Free: A Family Guide to Recognizing, Treating and Preventing Depression in Later Life. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2002, pp. 186.
Folate Catabolism in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women with Controlled Folate Intakes

Measurement of the urinary folate catabolites, para-aminobenzoylglutamate (pABG) and the more predominant acetylated form, acetamidobenzoylglutamate (apABG), has been used to assess folate requirements in both pregnant and nonpregnant women. Folate catabolite excretion has been reported to be significantly higher in pregnant women (second trimester) compared with nonpregnant controls. The primary goals of this study were to determine if pregnant women in a controlled metabolic study excreted higher quantities of urinary folate catabolites than nonpregnant controls and if catabolite excretion was influenced by folate intake. We evaluated the effect of gestation and folate intake on the urinary excretion of apABG and pABG in pregnant women (n = 12; wk 14-26 gestation) and nonpregnant controls (n = 12) assigned to consume folate levels approximating the current (400 microg/d) and previous (800 microg/d) RDA. Subjects were fed a controlled diet containing 120 microg folate/d and either 330 or 730 microg synthetic folic acid/d. In contrast to previously reported data, no differences in mean folate catabolite excretion were detected between pregnant and nonpregnant subjects. Catabolite excretion (pABG + apABG) decreased significantly relative to initial values in pregnant women consuming 450 microg folate/d (-40 +/- 20%; mean +/- SD) and final mean excretion was significantly lower in the pregnant women consuming 450 microg folate/d (86 +/- 32 nmol/d) compared with 850 microg folate/d (148 +/- 20 nmol/d). Data from this study indicate that second trimester pregnant women do not excrete more folate catabolites than nonpregnant controls and that consumption of 450 vs. 850 microg folate/d results in a significant reduction in the quantity of folate catabolites excreted.
Regulation of Mitochondrial Motility by Milton-like Proteins, OIP106 and GRIF1

Regulation of Mitochondrial Motility by Milton-like Proteins, OIP106 and GRIF1GRIF1 and OIP106 are mammalian homologs of Milton, a kinesin-binding protein that forms a complex with Miro GTPase, an integral outer mitochondrial membrane EF-hand protein. Kinesin, Milton and Miro have been proposed to function together in the movement of mitochondria along the microtubules. We report here the influence of overexpression of OIP106 and GRIF1 on mitochondrial motility and its inhibition by agonist-induced cytoplasmic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]c) signals in H9c2 cells. HA-tagged OIP106 and GRIF1 were overexpressed at similar level and were localized to the mitochondria as detected by immunocytochemistry. In OIP106 and GRIF1 overexpressing cells, elongated mitochondria with varied degree of aggregation were visualized both in live and in fixed, immunostained samples. Mitochondrial motility at resting Ca2+ (< 100nM) was greatly enhanced by OIP106 and to a lesser extent by GRIF1 (26.6± 2.3 and 21± 1.9 motility units, respectively against a control value of 14.9±1.4 motility units). Furthermore, the Ca2+-dependent inhibition of motility during stimulation by vasopressin (100nM) was suppressed by overexpressed OIP106 (40.0±3.2%), whereas GRIF1 (52.1± 4.3%) had no significant effect compared to control (58.0±3.3%). Overexpression of OIP106 or GRIF1 did not alter either basal [Ca2+]c or agonist-induced [Ca2+]c levels measured by fura2. Collectively, these data show that both OIP106 and GRIF1 can modulate mitochondrial motility presumably, by promoting the association of mitochondria with the motor proteins. Furthermore, OIP 106 seems to have greater efficacy in the control of mitochondrial movements.
Modal analysis of SPRITE transport processes

Carrier transport in signal processing in the element (SPRITE) detectors is an important phenomenon because it determines properties such as the responsivity and the modulation transfer function (MTF). The previous literature has presented approximate solutions to the transport problem that neglect boundary effects, which have long been thought to play a major role in SPRITE behavior. In this paper we present a new solution to the problem through the use of modal analysis. This method intrinsically includes the three dimensional boundary conditions, and thus is more complete than the previous analysis. Through the analysis, certain dimensionless numbers arise which can be used to characterize SPRITE structure parameters and clarify how these parameters impact device performance. Further, we use this solution to derive an expression for the MTF. The effects of the boundary conditions and the device geometry on MTF are investigated using the new theory. Our results show that the quality of the passivated surfaces has a weak influence on the MTF; however, the device width affects the MTF performance more strongly when the passivation is poor. The effect of blocking at the contacts is investigated. It is found that while marginal improvements in MTF roll-off could be achieved by making the contacts highly ohmic, the maximum signal amplitude is obtained with partially blocking contacts.
Permeability properties of the membrane of vesicular stomatitis virions

Observations of the light-scattering properties of several enveloped viruses indicate that virions (vesicular stomatitis, SV5 and influenza), in common with other membrane systems, are osmotically active, responding to NaCl gradients by swelling in hypo-osmolar solutions and shrinking in hyperosmolar solutions. The permeability barrier responsible for this osmotic response in vesicular stomatitis virions was modified both by protease treatment to remove the viral glycoprotein and by treatment with the polyene antibiotic filipin, an agent known to interact with cholesterol in liposomes and membranes. Filipin altered the kinetic and equilibrium permeability behavior of virions but the extent of leakage of osmotic shocking agent was less than that in lecithin/cholesterol and lecithin/ergosterol liposomes and in ergosterol-containing ciliary membranes. Negative-staining electron microscopy revealed that filipin treatment caused structural changes in the viral membrane. Intact virions exhibited appreciably larger responses to osmotic change than did protease-treated virus particles. Thus, the osmotic barrier in intact vesicular stomatitis virions may not be exclusively lipid in nature.