cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On a concentration inequality for sums of independent isotropic vectors

We consider a version of a classical concentration inequality for sums of independent, isotropic random vectors with a mild restriction on the distribution of the radial part of these vectors. The proof uses a little Fourier analysis, the Laplace asymptotic method and a conditioning idea that traces its roots to some of the original works on concentration inequalities.
Vestibular Stimulation for ADHD: Randomized Controlled Trial of Comprehensive Motion Apparatus

Objective: This research evaluates effects of vestibular stimulation by Comprehensive Motion Apparatus (CMA) in ADHD. Method: Children ages 6 to 12 (48 boys, 5 girls) with ADHD were randomized to t...
Use of a nano-electrospray/inductively coupled plasma dual-source time-of-flight mass spectrometer for chromium speciation

In the presented work, Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species are determined with a dual-source time-of-flight mass spectrometer, which uses an inductively coupled plasma and a nano-electrospray ionization source to provide simultaneous elemental, isotopic, molecular, and structural information within the same spectrometer. Indicative ESI species are identified for chromium(III) acetate, chromium chloride, chromium picolinate, and potassium dichromate in methanol and ethanol matrices. Analyte characterization from skimmer-nozzle collisionally-induced dissociation fragments is examined in detail. An online dilution apparatus is described for use with ESI for the determination of analytes that react with the solvent.
The impact of pretend play on children's development: a review of the evidence.

Pretend play has been claimed to be crucial to children’s healthy development. Here we examine evidence for this position versus 2 alternatives: Pretend play is 1 of many routes to positive developments (equifinality), and pretend play is an epiphenomenon of other factors that drive development. Evidence from several domains is considered. For language, narrative, and emotion regulation, the research conducted to date is consistent with all 3 positions but insufficient to draw conclusions. For executive function and social skills, existing research leans against the crucial causal position but is insufficient to differentiate the other 2. For reasoning, equifinality is definitely supported, ruling out a crucially causal position but still leaving open the possibility that pretend play is epiphenomenal. For problem solving, there is no compelling evidence that pretend play helps or is even a correlate. For creativity, intelligence, conservation, and theory of mind, inconsistent correlational results from sound studies and nonreplication with masked experimenters are problematic for a causal position, and some good studies favor an epiphenomenon position in which child, adult, and environment characteristics that go along with play are the true causal agents. We end by considering epiphenomenalism more deeply and discussing implications for preschool settings and further research in this domain. Our take-away message is that existing evidence does not support strong causal claims about the unique importance of pretend play for development and that much more and better research is essential for clarifying its possible role.
A Simple Lumped Port S-Parameter De-Embedding Method for On-Package-Interconnect and Packaging Component High-Frequency Modeling

The negative capacitance de-embedding method is shown to be simple, fast, and accurate for some electronic packaging component electromagnetic modeling. The lumped port gap capacitance affects the accuracy of the simulated S-parameters especially at higher frequencies. For removing this effect of the parasitic lumped port capacitance, we proposed a simple and accurate de-embedding method. By adding a negative capacitance with an absolute value of the estimated lumped port parasitic capacitance at each port of the S-parameter model, we just need to run a circuit AC simulation to generate the de-embedded S-parameters. For 3D transmission line applications like the pin area wire modeling, we developed a simple method for optimizing the negative capacitance by getting mimimum reflection from the junction of two cascaded sections in TDR simulation.
What is an Individual Organism? A Multilevel Selection Perspective

ABSTRACT Most biologists implicitly define an individual organism as “one genome in one body.” This definition is based on physiological and genetic criteria, but it is problematic for colonial organisms. We propose a definition based instead on the evolutionary criteria of alignment of fitness, export of fitness by germ‐soma specialization, and adaptive functional organization. We consider how these concepts apply to various putative individual organisms. We conclude that complex multicellular organisms and colonies of eusocial insects satisfy these three criteria, but that, in most cases (with at least one notable exception), colonies of modular organisms and genetic chimeras do not. While species do not meet these criteria, they may meet the criteria for a broader concept—that of an evolutionary individual—and sexual reproduction may be a species‐level exaptation for enhancing evolvability. We also review the costs and benefits of internal genetic heterogeneity within putative individuals, demonstratin...
Oxides grown on textured single-crystal silicon-dependence on process and application of EEPROMs

The electrical properties of oxides grown on textured single-crystal silicon (TSC oxides) are dependent on the process used to roughen or texture the single-crystal silicon surface. The effects of different processing steps on the I-V, C-V, charge trapping, interface trap generation, and breakdown characteristics of TSC oxides are examined. By choosing a particular set of processing steps, a TSC oxide can exhibit enhanced conduction and very good charge trapping and breakdown characteristics, which make it an interesting dielectric for EEPROM applications. Floating-gate EEPROMs fabricated using this TSC oxide demonstrate the feasibility of this new technology. Programming, cycling, and retention characteristics of this EEPROM are presented. In particular, the retention data of the TSC EEPROM show an improvement over those of EEPROMs using oxides grown on untextured single-crystal silicon. >
Packet classification for core routers: is there an alternative to CAMs?

A classifier consists of a set of rules for classifying packets based on header fields. Because core routers can have fairly large (e.g., 2000 rule) database and must use limited SRAM to meet OC-768 speeds, the best existing classification algorithms (RFC, HiCuts, ABV) are precluded because of the large amount of memory they need. Thus the general belief is that hardware solutions like CAMs are needed, despite the amount of board area and power they consume. In this paper, we provide an alternative to CAMs via an extended grid-of-tries with path compression (EGT-PC) algorithm whose worst-case speed scales well with database size while using a minimal amount of memory. Our evaluation is based on real databases used by tier 1 ISPs, and synthetic databases. EGT-PC is based on a observation that we found holds for all the tier 1 databases we studied: regardless of database size, any packet matches only a small number of distinct source-destination prefix pairs. The code we wrote for EGT-PC, RFC, HiCuts, and ABV is publicly available (Ref.1), providing the first publicly available code to encourage experimentation with classification algorithms.
Performance and participation in open source software on GitHub

A few studies have attempted to provide metrics of success in open source software (OSS) projects but the role a code hosting workspace plays in how performance is viewed and measured is little examined. We conducted qualitative, exploratory research with lead and core developers on three successful projects on GitHub to understand how OSS communities on GitHub measure success. These results were obtained in connection with a larger project that is designed to understand the structure of code hosting platforms in relation to participation and performance. We report two main findings. First, lead and core members of the projects we interviewed display a nuanced understanding of community participation in their assessment of success. Second, they attribute increased participation on their projects to the features and usability provided by GitHub.
A method for construction of E. coli strains with multiple DNA insertions in the chromosome

A system for construction of E. coli strains with multiple DNA insertions in the chromosome, based on elements of modules for site specific recombination of Tn1545 and phage lambda, has been developed. Circular non-replicating DNA fragments containing the transposon attachment site (attTn), an excisable cassette with a selectable marker, and a gene of interest integrate randomly into the chromosome of a host E. coli strain when provided with transposon integrase, Int-Tn (the host strain was obtained by insertion of the fragment containing transposon int-Tn gene coding for Int-Tn into the chromosome). Integration of these fragments into the chromosome of int-Tn+ cells gives rise to a collection of antibiotic-resistant clones with single insertions at different locations in the chromosome. These insertions are transferred subsequently by P1 transduction into one strain and selected for antibiotic resistance provided by the cassette with the selectable marker. After transduction of each copy, a helper plasmid bearing phage lambda xis and int genes is introduced into the cells to excise the drug resistance gene flanked with the lambda attL and lambda attR sites from the chromosome. Cells cured of the helper plasmid can undergo the next cycle of P1 transduction/drug resistance gene excision. Each cycle adds another chromosomal copy of the foreign gene. To show the utility of the system, we constructed an E. coli strain bearing several chromosomal copies of lacZ at different locations.
Cap43, a novel gene specifically induced by Ni2+ compounds.

Abstract To better understand the molecular mechanism(s) involved in the essentiality, toxicity, and/or carcinogenicity of nickel compounds, a mRNA differential display technique was used to identify gene(s) that were specifically induced by these carcinogens. Differential expression of several genes was observed in human lung A549 cells exposed to nickel subsulfide. One gene, Cap43 , which expressed a 3.0-kb mRNA encoding a M r 43,000 protein, was found to be induced within 4–6 h by either Ni 3 S 2 or NiCl 2 in A549 cells and attained a level as high as 30-fold within 24–36 h of treatment. Twelve other tested metal compounds failed to induce Cap43 expression, leading to the conclusion that, with regard to metals, the induction of this gene was nickel-specific. Oxidative stress that is often caused by metals and heat shock did not induce Cap43 further, suggesting a specific nature in the signaling pathway involved in Cap43 induction. Activation of signaling pathways with vanadate did not induce Cap43 nor did trifluoperazine block its induction by nickel; however, okadaic acid, a serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor, induced Cap43 to a greater extent than any nickel compound tested. Homocysteine did not induce Cap43 in a number of cell lines, with the exception of human endothelial cells. The Cap43 gene was found to be induced by nickel not only in all tested human and rodent cell lines in vitro but also in several rat organs after oral exposure to NiCl 2 . We have found that the primary signal for Cap43 induction was an elevation of free intracellular Ca 2+ caused by Ni 2+ exposure because Cap43 was induced by calcium ionophores and its induction was attenuated by bis-( O -aminophenyl)-ethane- N,N,N9,N9 -tetraacetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl)-ester, a chelator of intracellular Ca 2+ . We found that the Cap43 gene was evolutionarily conserved and similarly regulated in humans, mice, and rats. Recent studies have shown that Cap43 is expressed at lower levels in colon cancer. Further studies of Cap43 regulation by Ca 2+ should enhance our understanding of the role of Cap43 in cell function and cancer pathogenesis.
Laboratory And Field Evaluations Of Silwet L-77 And Kinetic Alone and in Combination with Imidacloprid and Abamectin for the Management of the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina Citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Abstract Silwet L-77, an organosilicone adjuvant, was used to enhance coverage of an entomopathogenic fungus in field trials conducted in a central Florida citrus research grove. The results indicated that Silwet L-77, by itself, was toxic to nymphs of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). Laboratory bioassays were conducted to confirm the toxicity of the adjuvant to eggs, nymphs, and adults of D. citri. Silwet L-77 at 0.05% (500 ppm) killed all nymphs, but was not as effective against eggs and adults. However, Silwet L-77, when combined with a reduced rate (one-tenth the lowest label rate = LLR) of imidacloprid, killed >90% of eggs and adults in laboratory tests. In a subsequent field trial, the combination of Silwet L-77 and one-tenth the LLR of imidacloprid gave good control of nymphs, but exhibited weak residual toxicity to adults when compared to imidacloprid at the LLR. Additional trials were then conducted with Silwet L-77 and Kinetic, another organosilicone ad...
Capuchin monkeys punish those who have more

Abstract Punishment of non-cooperators is important for the maintenance of large-scale cooperation in humans, but relatively little is known about the relationship between punishment and cooperation across phylogeny. The current study examined second-party punishment behavior in a nonhuman primate species known for its cooperative tendencies—the brown capuchin monkey ( Cebus apella ). We found that capuchins consistently punished a conspecific partner who gained possession of a food resource, regardless of whether the unequal distribution of this resource was intentional on the part of the partner. A non-social comparison confirmed that punishment behavior was not due to frustration, nor did punishment stem from increased emotional arousal. Instead, punishment behavior in capuchins appears to be decidedly social in nature, as monkeys only pursued punitive actions when such actions directly decreased the welfare of a recently endowed conspecific. This pattern of results is consistent with two features central to human cooperation: spite and inequity aversion, suggesting that the evolutionary origins of some human-like punitive tendencies may extend even deeper than previously thought.
Developmental change in the contribution of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels to the pacemaking of deep cerebellar nuclei neurons

The activity of the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) neurons conveys the bulk of the output of the cerebellum. To generate these motor signals, DCN neurons integrate synaptic inputs with their own spontaneous activity. We have previously reported that N-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels modulate the spontaneous activity of the majority of juvenile DCN neurons in vitro. Specifically, pharmacologically blocking N-type Ca(2+) channels increases their firing rate causing DCN cells to burst. Adult DCN neurons however, behaved differently. To further investigate this change, we have studied here the effect of cadmium on the firing rate of DCN neurons in acute cerebellar slices obtained from adult (>2 months old) or juvenile (12-21 days old) rats and mice. Strikingly, and in contrast to juvenile DCN cells, cadmium did not affect the pacemaking of adult DCN cells. The activity of Purkinje cells (PCs) however was transformed into high-frequency bursting, regardless the age. Further, we questioned whether these findings could be due to an artifact associated with the added difficulty of preparing adult DCN slices. Hence we proceeded to examine the spontaneous activity of DCN neurons in anesthetized juvenile and adult rats and mice in vivo. When cadmium was injected into the DCN in vivo no significant change in firing rate was observed, conversely to most juvenile DCN neurons which showed high-frequency bursts after cadmium injection. In these same animals, PCs pacemaking showed no developmental difference. Thus our results demonstrate a remarkable age-dependent functional modification in the regulation of DCN neurons pacemaking.
Toddlers’ Word Learning From Contingent and Noncontingent Video on Touch Screens

Researchers examined whether contingent experience using a touch screen increased toddlers' ability to learn a word from video. One hundred and sixteen children (24-36 months) watched an on-screen actress label an object: (a) without interacting, (b) with instructions to touch anywhere on the screen, or (c) with instructions to touch a specific spot (location of labeled object). The youngest children learned from contingent video in the absence of reciprocal interactions with a live social partner, but only when contingent video required specific responses that emphasized important information on the screen. Conversely, this condition appeared to disrupt learning by slightly older children who were otherwise able to learn words by passively viewing noninteractive video. Results are interpreted with respect to selective attention and encoding.
Excitation Spectroscopy of Photoluminescence of a-Si:H

Photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra at 77 K have been measured over the range 1.20–1.75 eV using the Ti sapphire cw tunable laser as the excitation source. Two undoped a-Si:H samples on rough substrates have been investigated. The first sample has a very high dangling bond (DB) density; the second one has low DB density. The PLE spectrum of photoluminescence (PL) at 0.8 eV for the first sample follows the shape of the absorption spectrum measured by photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS) at room temperature. This behavior can be understood within the context of the existing models as due to recombination through defects which produces PL centered around 0.8 eV. However the PLE spectrum of PL at 0.8 eV for the second sample drops very rapidly with decreasing energy for energies less than about 1.3 eV. This behavior, which differs dramatically from that of the absorption spectrum, is consistent with earlier results and suggests that the PL measured at 0.8 eV for the second sample may be largely due to a contribution of the tail of the PL band which peaks near 1.3 eV. The PLE spectra for PL at 1.0 eV and 1.1 eV for the second sample approach the PLE spectrum previously obtained using the integrated PL intensities.
Ultrastructural Changes in Human Platelets During Árachidonic Acid-induced Aggregation

This study was undertaken to visualize the sequence of ultrastructural changes occurring in human platelets during aggregation induced by arachidonic acid. Aggregometer recordings were obtained up to the time of adding glutaraldehyde to begin fixation of platelets for electron microscopy. A correlation was shown between the degree of aggregation and changes in the fine structure of human platelets which had been allowed to aggregate for 15, 30, 90, or 180 sec. The pattern of ultrastructural changes found in the platelets aggregating in response to arachidonic acid was similar to that reported previously for other aggregating agents such as collagen or ADP. Amorphous material was observed within the dilated canalicular system of platelets, supporting the thesis that its channels serve as a pathway for the products released during aggregation. The dilatation of the canalicular system of platelets induced by arachidonic acid could be mediated by an intermediate in prostaglandin synthesis.
Neuroplasticity: Insights from Patients Harboring Gliomas

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to reorganize itself during normal development and in response to illness. Recent advances in neuroimaging and direct cortical stimulation in human subjects have given neuroscientists a window into the timing and functional anatomy of brain networks underlying this dynamic process. This review will discuss the current knowledge about the mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity, with a particular emphasis on reorganization following CNS pathology. First, traditional mechanisms of neuroplasticity, most relevant to learning and memory, will be addressed, followed by a review of adaptive mechanisms in response to pathology, particularly the recruitment of perilesional cortical regions and unmasking of latent connections. Next, we discuss the utility and limitations of various investigative techniques, such as direct electrocortical stimulation (DES), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), corticocortical evoked potential (CCEP), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Finally, the clinical utility of these results will be highlighted as well as possible future studies aimed at better understanding of the plastic potential of the brain with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life for patients with neurologic injury.
The effect of the ligation of the pancreatic ducts and of pancreatectomy after duct ligation on serum lipase.

Abstract Serum lipase is of both pancreatic and extrapancreatic origin. Its pancreatic origin is proved by the following facts: (1) Rise of serum lipase after ligation of the pancreatic ducts in all of twenty-one dogs. (2) Decrease of the serum lipase after total pancreatectomy. (3) Immediate drop of the serum lipase to almost zero in five days after total pancreatectomy, when the level for serum lipase previously has been raised by duct ligation. The recurrence of serum lipase two to three weeks or longer after total pancreatectomy proves that there exists also an extrapancreatic source for the enzyme. The mechanism which leads to the rise of serum lipase is absorption of the enzyme into the blood stream after blocking of the flow of the pancreatic juice. When digation of the ducts is followed by the production of a pancreatic fistula, the elevated serum lipase drops to normal levels.
A Framework for Interactions Between National, European and Global Administrative Systems of Law

The present chapter takes its cue from two of the most controversial aspects of globalization of administrative governance. The first relates to the convergence between administrative rules pertaining to different supranational regulatory systems – and, specifically, between the European Union and other supranational regulatory regimes (and regulators) such as the World Bank, the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. These principles include transparency, public liability, the granting of adequate procedural rights to the parties involved, and judicial review. The second controversial aspect of globalization of administrative law discussed in this chapter concerns the emergence of formalized networks of civil society actors at the supranational level. These networks, and the influence they exert on the scope and dictates of supranational legal systems, are crucial to obtain a representative picture of the spill over of methods of administrative governance across the European and the global legal systems. In the first part, this chapter illustrates the historical, political and legal factors that drive the interactions between the European legal order and other supranational systems of norms. In the second part, this chapter illustrates the growing involvement of civil society networks in supranational policy-making, and discusses its counter-arguments, namely: the accountability problem, the issue of efficiency, and the democratic deficit. This chapter concludes by detailing the structure of this book and by presenting the selected case studies that will be dealt with in this volume.
Supporting the neonatal nurse in the role of final comforter

The death of an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) without the presence of family members can be a stressful event for the care nurse, who may feel obligated to provide love and comfort to the infant, in addition to medical care. The nurse may experience role conflict while attempting to meet all of the infant's perceived needs. This article explores the unique needs and circumstances of the NICU nurse in the role of final comforter for a dying infant when a family member is not present. The provision of such emotionally demanding work requires the nurse to receive education, mentoring, and support from colleagues and administration. NICU nurses who receive education on grief management and palliative care, mentorship from experienced nurses, and post-mortem grief support are better able to manage their own experiences with grief after the death of an infant in their care.
Unconventional oil and gas: The role of politics and proximity

Political divisions are important in understanding public perceptions of unconventional oil and natural gas development, but so is proximity to drilling activities. New research highlights that, as geographical distance from development areas increases, political ideology becomes more influential in explaining diverging perceptions.
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Causing Collet-Sicard Syndrome and Medically-Refractory Headache and Otitis Media (P6.095)

Objective: To present the evaluation and treatment of a patient presenting with medically-refractory headache and bilateral otitis media and multiple lower cranial neuropathies. Presentation will include photographs of physical examination findings, MRI and PET/CT images, and histopathology images. Background: A 52-year-old male presented for 4 months of progressive hypophonia and dysphagia with medically-refractory headache and bilateral otitis media. Methods: Workup included CSF and serum studies, MRI brain with and without contrast, whole body PET/CT, and lung biopsy. Results: Physical examination was notable for palatal asymmetry, right trapezius atrophy with scapular winging, and right tongue deviation. MRI revealed right retrostyloid parapharyngeal heterogeneously enhancing material. Serum proteinase 3 antibody level was 180 units (normal <21 units) and c-ANCA was 1:160, consistent with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA; Wegener’s granulomatosis). Lung nodule biopsy showed granulomatous inflammation and necrosis confirming the diagnosis of GPA. The patient responded well to immunosuppression with rituxumab with resolution of his headache and otitis media. Conclusions: GPA should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with multiple cranial neuropathies, especially in the setting of refractory sinusitis or otitis media. Cranial neuropathies are a rare but recognized complication of GPA. Collet-Sicard syndrome (CSS) represents cranial nerve 9-12 palsies with sympathetic sparing. CSS can be due to intracranial or extracranial pathology; differential diagnosis includes inflammatory disorders (such as GPA and sarcoidosis), neoplasm (such as carotid body paraganglioma), and infectious etiologies. Disclosure: Dr. Schuster has nothing to disclose. Dr. Karnezis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Restrepo has nothing to disclose.
Analysis of Restraint and Seclusion Legislation and Policy Across States: Adherence to Recommended Principles:

This review examines each state’s educational legislation and policies on restraint and seclusion in relationship to their alignment with the U.S. Department of Education’s (U.S. DOE) Restraint and Seclusion: Resource Document. Although the Resource Document is not a federal mandate, it provides the U.S. DOE’s recommendations for policy and legislation to reduce the use of restraint and seclusion in schools and create safe learning environments for all students. State educational legislation and policies on restraint and seclusion were coded and compared with the U.S. DOE Resource Document’s 15 guiding principles. Results were variable and found that some states’ policies adhered more to the guiding principles than their legislation. In addition, some states recognize the document in their legislation and policy. A summary of the descriptive data and current state statuses are reported.
Developmental window of sensorineural deafness in biotinidase-deficient mice

Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder that results in the inability to recycle the vitamin, biotin. If untreated, the disorder can result in a range of neurological and cutaneous symptoms, including sensorineural deficits and deafness. To understand early mechanistic abnormalities that may precede more generalized and nonspecific effects of metabolic deficits such as weight loss and acidosis, we have analyzed auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) in biotinidase-deficient knockout (Btd -/- ) mice in the periweaning period with or without dietary biotin supplementation. We find significant increases in the latency of wave V of the ABR elicited by pure tone stimuli at one octave intervals, which precede substantial increases in ABR thresholds. Finer interpeak latency analyses of these changes indicate they are confined to the latter ABR waves associated with the CNS and likely reflect slowed brainstem transmission time. In contrast, peripheral nervous system conduction velocity appears normal. Further, we find that biotin-supplementation after the onset of symptoms reverses the latency shifts, which has significant relevance for early treatment in patients. Finally, ABR latencies in Btd -/- mice fed a biotin-supplemented diet for the first month of life appear refractory to transmission time slowing during a subsequent bout of biotin deficiency. These data suggest a transient vulnerability window for biotin deficiency in the auditory brainstem. Finally, we also observe a developmental vulnerability window involving follicular melanosome production or melanocyte survival. Sensorineural deafness precedes peripheral hearing loss in developmental biotinidase deficiency and is transient if rescued by dietary biotin within a short developmental window.
In Search of Identity: Inner Diaspora and Psychic Healing in Rudyard Kipling's Kim and Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children

(2010). In Search of Identity: Inner Diaspora and Psychic Healing in Rudyard Kipling's Kim and Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children. South Asian Review: Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 9-26.
Role of IQGAP1 in Head and Neck Carcinogenesis

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer in humans. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling, along with its downstream effector mTOR, is one of the most frequently altered pathways in HNSCC, and is downstream of growth factor signaling including that mediated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is also commonly upregulated in HNSCC. Recently, IQ motif-containing GTPase activation protein 1 (IQGAP1) has been reported to function as a scaffold for the enzymes involved in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Iqgap1 gene expression is increased in human HNSCCs, raising the hypothesis that it acts as an oncogene in this cancer. Whether IQGAP1 is necessary for HNSCC development as well as what is its underlying mechanism are both unknown. Here we report on the role of IQGAP1 in HNSCC by performing a combination of in vitro studies using human cancer cell lines, and in vivo studies using a well-validated preclinical mouse model for HNSCC that is known to depend upon EGFR signaling. Cells knocked out for IQGAP1 lost AKT signaling. Disruption of IQGAP1-scaffolded PI3K/AKT signaling using a peptide that interferes with the ability of IQGAP1 to bind to PI3K reduced HNSCC cell survival. In vivo studies utilizing Iqgap1-null (Iqgap1-/-) mice demonstrated that IQGAP1 is necessary for efficient PI3K signaling upon EGF-stimulation. Treatment of Iqgap1-/- mice with the oral carcinogen, 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), Iqgap1-/- led to significantly lower multiplicities of cancer foci as well as significantly lower numbers of high grade cancers than observed in similarly treated Iqgap1+/+ mice. IQGAP1 protein was increased in its expression in HNSCCs arising in the Iqgap1+/+ mice, consistent with that seen in human HNSCCs. We also observed a significant down-regulation of PI3K signaling in 4NQO-induced HNSCCs arising in the Iqgap1-/- mice, consistent with IQGAP1 contributing to carcinogenesis by promoting PI3K signaling. Our studies, therefore, support the hypothesis that IQGAP1 acts as an oncogene in head and neck carcinogenesis, and provide mechanistic insight into its role.
Addressing the homeland security problem: A collaborative decision-making framework: Research Articles

A majority of critical decisions requires collaborative efforts among analysts to build situation awareness. Teams of decision makers frequently have to react to incoming facts and developing events in a timely fashion such that the consequences of the decisions made largely have a positive impact on a developing situation. This problem is further exacerbated due to the multitude of agencies involved in the decision-making process. Thus, the decision-making processes faced by the intelligence agencies are characterized by group deliberations that are highly ill structured and yield limited analytical tractability. In this context, a collaborative approach to providing cognitive support to decision makers using a connectionist modeling approach is proposed. The connectionist modeling of such decision scenarios offers several unique and significant advantages in developing systems to support collaborative discussions. Several inference rules for augmenting the argument network and to capture implicit notions in arguments are proposed. We further explore the effects of incorporating notions of information source reliability within arguments and the effects thereof. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Playwriting and Young Audiences: Collected Wisdom and Practical Advice from the Field

Omasta and Atkins provide the most comprehensive portrait to date of playwriting and young audiences in the English-speaking world. Their new volume from Intellect Books presents perspectives from ...
Roots and Inverse Functions

Computing the roots of a real function is one of the most important problems in numerical computation. A great number of numerical algorithms for computing roots from a given function have been devised. However, most of them work only for functions having certain nice analytical properties. After all, the proof of Corollary 3.3 yields immediately that the roots of a polynomial-time computable real function could be all noncomputable real numbers.
Ketosis, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Cardiovascular Disease in Type-1 Diabetic Patients

The molecular mechanisms by which ketosis promotes the vascular disease, morbidity and mortality in type-1 diabetic patients are unclear. Elevated blood level of TNF-¦A, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is a risk factor in the development of vascular inflammation and cardiovascular disease. This chapter has focused on the following points: (1) Hyperke-tonemic diabetic patients have significantly higher levels of TNF-¦A compared with normoke-tonemic diabetic patients and normal controls. There is a significant correlation between ketosis and oxidative stress as well as between the oxidative stress and TNF-¦A levels in the blood of diabetic patients. (2) Ketone body acetoacetate (AA) treatment increases TNF-¦A secretion and increases oxygen radicals production in U937 monocyte cells. However, ¦Â-hydroxybutyrate did not have any effect on TNF-¦A secretion or oxygen radicals production in U937 cells. (3) Exogenous addition of antioxidant N-acetylcysteine prevents stimulation of TNF-¦A secretion caused by AA alone or with high glucose (HG). The effect of AA or HG on TNF-¦A secretion was inhibited by specific inhibitors of protein kinase A, p38-MAPK and NFkB. Thus, ketosis increases circulating TNF-¦A levels, which can promote the development of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients.
Newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in an ethnic minority population: clinical presentation and comparison to other populations.

Objective To characterize the clinical presentation of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes of ethnic minority adults in Chicago and compare with other populations. Research design and methods Cross-sectional study examining the data of 2280 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes treated between 2003 and 2013 in a large Chicago public healthcare system. Results Mean age of the patients was 49±11.3 years, men 54.4%, African-Americans 48.1%, Hispanics 32.5%, unemployed 69.9%, uninsured 82.2%, English-speaking 75.1%, and body mass index was 32.8±7.4 kg/m2. Microvascular complications were present in 50.1% and macrovascular complications in 13.4%. There was a presence of either macrovascular or microvascular complications correlated with older age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, inactivity, speaking English, and being insured (p Conclusion These results show the vulnerability of underserved and underinsured patients for developing diabetes complications possibly related to a delayed diagnosis.
Imaging of the human orbit

Imaging of the human orbit has significantly improved the diagnosis and management of orbital conditions. Prior to the use of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, the value of plain radiographs of the orbit was very limited. Today, modern imaging techniques are an essential adjunct to the physical examination of the eye and orbit, can confidently limit the differential, and in many cases yield a specific diagnosis. In addition, the value of imaging cannot be understated in surgical planning for orbital conditions. This article will review the techniques used in orbital imaging and cover several of the most common conditions encountered within the human orbit.
CHALLENGES AFFECTING THE INTERPRETATION OF BIOMONITORING DATA IN EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDIES

Background and Aims: Biomonitoring (i.e., measurement of chemicals or their metabolites at trace levels in biological tissues) is useful for investigating background exposures to environmental chem...
Release of Heavy Metals from Dolomite Phosphate Rock after Activation with Organic Agent

As high-grade phosphate reserves begin to diminish worldwide, low-grade phosphate rock such as that containing dolomite [CaMg(CO)] needs to be explored as a potential fertilizer. Activation of dolomite phosphate rock with humic acid substantially increased P availability by chelating Ca and Mg. However, the release potential of heavy metals during the activation process should be evaluated. In this study, an orthogonal experiment was designed to investigate the effects of major activating factors on the release of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in activated fertilizers using a batch-equilibrium technique. The release potential of heavy metals from activated fertilizers was further compared with single superphosphate fertilizers made from the same dolomite phosphate rock. The activation process increased water-soluble Cr, Ni, and Zn by 39.8 to 65.7, 26.5 to 35.6, and 6.9 to 14.6 times, respectively, as compared with the original dolomite phosphate rocks, but there was a decrease in water-soluble Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn by 1.4 to 5.4, 5.4 to 8.6, 2.3 to 3.7, 0.7 to 2.8, and 2.6 to 5.0 times, respectively, as compared with single superphosphate fertilizers. The release of heavy metals was affected by activating factors including dolomite phosphate rock type, particle size, humic acid dosage, and moisture content. Similar results were obtained with Mehlich-3 extraction, but levels of Mehlich-3-extractable heavy metals were less in activated fertilizers than in the original dolomite phosphate rocks, except Cu. These results indicate that activated fertilizers contain less bioavailable heavy metals than single superphosphate fertilizers and, therefore, are more environmentally friendly for application in agriculture.
Autism in China: Progress and Challenges in Addressing the Needs of Children and Families.

Over the past decade there has been a substantial increase in research addressing the needs of children in China who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite the fact the country has the lar...
Automatic trial eligibility surveillance based on unstructured clinical data

Abstract Introduction Insufficient patient enrollment in clinical trials remains a serious and costly problem and is often considered the most critical issue to solve for the clinical trials community. In this project, we assessed the feasibility of automatically detecting a patient's eligibility for a sample of breast cancer clinical trials by mapping coded clinical trial eligibility criteria to the corresponding clinical information automatically extracted from text in the EHR. Methods Three open breast cancer clinical trials were selected by oncologists. Their eligibility criteria were manually abstracted from trial descriptions using the OHDSI ATLAS web application. Patients enrolled or screened for these trials were selected as ‘positive’ or ‘possible’ cases. Other patients diagnosed with breast cancer were selected as ‘negative’ cases. A selection of the clinical data and all clinical notes of these 229 selected patients was extracted from the MUSC clinical data warehouse and stored in a database implementing the OMOP common data model. Eligibility criteria were extracted from clinical notes using either manually crafted pattern matching (regular expressions) or a new natural language processing (NLP) application. These extracted criteria were then compared with reference criteria from trial descriptions. This comparison was realized with three different versions of a new application: rule-based, cosine similarity-based, and machine learning-based. Results For eligibility criteria extraction from clinical notes, the machine learning-based NLP application allowed for the highest accuracy with a micro-averaged recall of 90.9% and precision of 89.7%. For trial eligibility determination, the highest accuracy was reached by the machine learning-based approach with a per-trial AUC between 75.5% and 89.8%. Conclusion NLP can be used to extract eligibility criteria from EHR clinical notes and automatically discover patients possibly eligible for a clinical trial with good accuracy, which could be leveraged to reduce the workload of humans screening patients for trials.
Manufacturing Growth and Structural Change in American Economic History

Introduction Part I Population and Health Demography in American Economic History Health, Disease, and Sanitation in American Economic History US Fertility Rates and Childbearing in American Economic History, 1800–2010 Immigration in American Economic History Anthropometric History in American Economic History Health Policy in American Economic History Part II Production and Structural Change Agriculture in American Economic History Manufacturing Growth and Structural Change in American Economic History Manufacturing Productivity Growth in American Economic History Services in American Economic History Business Organization in American Economic History Executive Compensation in American Economic History Part III Factors of Production The Labor Force in American Economic History Labor Market Institutions in the Gilded Age of American Economic History Retirement and Pensions in American Economic History Capital, Income Growth, in American Economic History Education and Human Capital in American Economic History Natural Resources in American Economic History
The stability and oxidation of supported atomic-size Cu catalysts in reactive environments

Atomic-scale species (atoms and clusters) have attracted much attention as potential highly active catalysts. Synthesizing such catalysts that may be stable under synthesis or reaction conditions is a challenge. In this work, we used density functional theory to model the growth of Cu clusters on the TiO2 support, including sintering and oxidation. Oxidation of supported Cu was preferred over sintering due to metal-support interactions. Ab initio thermodynamics calculations showed that O2 readily oxidized most clusters, while H2O was a mild oxidant. CO2 did not oxidize any clusters at relevant temperatures. Thermodynamics would suggest that oxidation of Cu atoms/clusters would readily occur, but kinetic analysis suggested otherwise. O2 adsorption was weak over the TiO2 surface, as well as most oxidized clusters. O2 dissociation barriers were low over nonoxidized Cu clusters, but quite high (1.88 eV) over single Cu atoms. Our results suggest that lone Cu atoms are stabilized on the surface, due to a high diffusion barrier (necessary for sintering) and a high O2 dissociation barrier (necessary for oxidation). We performed experiments that indeed support the premise that lone Cu atoms occur on the surface. Cu species were deposited on TiO2, and any Cu2+ species (indicative of oxidized Cu clusters) were removed after thermal treatment in various environments. Only Cu0 and Cu1+ species existed after thermal treatment. Lone adsorbed Cu atoms had a +1 oxidation state. Combined, our calculations and experiments indicate that Cu1+ species (lone adsorbed Cu atoms) are dominant. The kinetics of oxidation/diffusion rather than thermodynamics limits the growth/oxidation of Cu. In summary, we show that metal-support interactions are key for synthesizing stable atomic-scale catalysts, since they can strongly influence key processes such as diffusion/oxidation.
Grasp Prediction Toward Naturalistic Exoskeleton Glove Control

This paper presents accurate grasp prediction algorithms that can be used for naturalistic, synergistic control of exoskeleton gloves with minimal user input. Recent research in exoskeleton systems has focused mainly on the development of novel soft or hard mechanical designs and actuation systems for rehabilitative and assistive applications. On the other hand, estimating user intent for intelligent grasp assistance is a problem that has remained largely unaddressed. As demonstrated by existing studies, the complex motions of human hand can be mapped to a latent space, thereby reducing perceived noise in individual joint angles as well as the number of variables upon which the prediction must be performed. To this extent, we present two latent space grasp prediction algorithms for intelligent exoskeleton glove control. The first presented algorithm is based on a linear regression to determine the slope and prediction horizon. The second algorithm is based on a Gaussian process trajectory matching where the trajectory of the grasping motion is probabilistically compared to existing data in order to form a prediction. Both algorithms were tested on published motion data collected from healthy subjects. In addition, the experimental validation of the algorithms was done using the RML glove (Robotics and Mechatronics Lab), which yielded similar prediction accuracy as compared to the simulation results. The proposed prediction algorithm can act as the backbone for a shifting authority controller that simultaneously amplifies the user's motion while guiding them toward their desired grasp. Preliminary work in this direction is also described in the paper, with directions for future research.
State-of-the-art review of athletic wearable technology: What 113 strength and conditioning coaches and athletic trainers from the USA said about technology in sports:

Wearables are a multi-billion-dollar business with more growth expected. Wearable technology is fully entrenched at multiple levels of athletic competition, especially at the National Collegiate At...