cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isotope analyses of molecular and total organic carbon from Miocene sediments

Carbon-isotope compositions of n-alkanes, pristane and phytane, and total organic carbon were measured and compared against isotopic trends of coeval alkadienones from Miocene sediments containing very low organic-carbon contents. Compound-specific isotope analysis ofn-alkanes and isoprenoid lipids, in conjunction with abundance distributions of n-alkanes reveal the influence of terrestrially derived organic carbon at all sites analyzed. In general, n-alkanes are derived from allochthonous sources with the exception of n-C37 from site 516, which appears genetically related to coeval alkadienones. Further, pristane and phytane from pelagic sites 608 and 516 apparently derive from terrestrial sources as well, although a marine origin cannot be excluded. dTOC values lack a coherent relationship to %TOC and d 13 C37:2. Differential alteration and mixing of diverse isotopic signals most likely contribute to temporal variation and spatial differences in dTOC. Therefore, when working with sediments from oligotrophic settings, we do not recommend dTOC as an indicator of phytoplankton d 13 C values. Copyright © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd
Cost analysis of leukemia treatment: a problem-oriented approach.

A Problem Oriented List of Charges (POLC) can be used to obtain information about the cost of treatment of a single medical problem in patients with several coexisting medical problems. To prepare a POLC, each charge item is associated with one of the patient's problems. POLCs were compiled from the Problem Oriented Medical Records (POMRs) of patients with Acute Non-Lymphocytic Leukemia (ANLL). From the POLCs it was apparent that the treatment of granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia and their sequelae were the most costly problems associated with ANLL. The projected cost of treatment for all problems for 11.5 months (the median survival of patients with ANLL treated with a single chemotherapeutic agent at this institution) was $40,022. By extending the POMR into the area of medical reimbursement with a POLC, charge incurring activities can be coupled to the results of patient care. Only by directly coupling, in the original medical record, the reasons for, the charges for, and the results of medical care, can cost data be appropriately interpreted.
The role of medium-sized mammals as reservoirs of Borrelia burgdorferi in southern New York.

The ability of raccoons (Procyon lotor), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) and opossums (Didelphis virginiana) to serve as reservoirs of Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochetal agent of Lyme disease, was compared with that of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). Twenty-eight (28) medium-sized mammals and 34 white-footed mice were captured in Westchester County, New York (USA) in summer 1986. Animals were caged over pans of water for 1 to 2 days to recover engorged tick larvae (Ixodes dammini) that detached from the hosts after feeding. With the exception of mice, numbers of engorged tick larvae recovered exceeded those counted during initial examinations of the hosts by 30% (opossums) to nearly 90% (raccoons). Newly-molted nymphal ticks derived from the engorged larvae were examined for the presence of spirochetes by darkfield microscopy. Percentage infection was 5% (n = 22) for ticks from skunks and 14% (n = 191) for ticks from raccoons. None of 24 nymphs from larvae that fed on opossums survived long...
HISPANO GRISTMILLS IN NEW MEXICO

Mid-eighteenth century Hispano settlers of New Mexico constructed small water-driven gristmills which were unique in the American West because of their horizontal waterwheels and the absence of any gear mechanism. Counterclockwise rotation, which is associated with the Iberian and Latin American tradition, supports the thesis that the mill type was introduced into the region from Mexico. The folk mills continued to perform an important economic function in many of the more remote settlements until the 1930s. In 1973 only one mill remained fully operative at its original site.
100-Gb/s and beyond transceiver technologies

Abstract First generation 100-Gb/s Ethernet transceiver architecture, standards and components are presented. Second generation 100-Gb/s architecture, standards and enabling photonic integration component technology are then described. Extension of this technology is shown to support cost effective 400-Gb/s Ethernet interfaces. The next OTN data rate then also becomes 400-Gb/s to efficiently carry a 400-Gb/s Ethernet payload. Further data rate increase to ⩾1-Tb/s is not possible with existing technology, and will require completely new technology R&D effort.
Selectively-undercut traveling-wave electroabsorption modulators incorporating a p-InGaAs contact layer

A novel fabrication process has been developed for fabricating undercut-etched electroabsorption modulators that are compatible with tunable lasers. This process allows for the incorporation of highly doped p-type InGaAs above the upper cladding as an ohmic contact layer. The EAM demonstrates significant improvement in the microwave performance with little effect on modulation efficiency due to the undercut etching. This device uses a traveling wave electrode design with an integrated, matched termination resistor to demonstrate a 34 GHz 3-dB bandwidth for a 600 µm long modulator.
Defining a Language in its Own Terms

The technique of expressing the semantics of a mechanical language in terms of the language itself is considered; an attempt is made to give a description that is independent of the specific language to which the technique is applied. The main investigation is restricted to expression languages, i.e. languages whose meaningful terms are expressions denoting constants. Lisp is used as an example, and some remarks how to extend the technique to programming languages are added.
Timing of identification among children with an autism spectrum disorder: findings from a population-based surveillance study.

Objective: At what age are children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) identified by community providers? What factors influence the timing of when children are identified with ASDs? This study examined the timing of when children with ASDs are identified. Method: Data came from 13 sites participating in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2002 multisite ongoing autism surveillance program, the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Survival analysis was used to examine factors that influence the timing of community-based identification and diagnosis. Result: Data from health and education records reveal that the median age of identification was 5.7 years (SE 0.08 years). Parametric survival models revealed that several factors were associated with a younger age of identification: being male, having an IQ of 70 or lower, and having experienced developmental regression. Significant differences in the age of identification among the 13 sites were also discovered. Conclusions: The large gap between the age at which children can be identified and when they actually are identified suggests a critical need for further research, innovation, and improvement in this area of clinical practice. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 2009;48(5):474Y483. Key Words: pervasive child development disorders, autism, diagnosis, epidemiology, survival analysis. Timely community-based identification of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has important implications for individual development, clinical practice, and policy decisions. Identification is a broad construct that includes both clinical diagnoses of ASD and eligibility-related designations of ASD for public services, including early intervention and special education. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently emphasized the importance of early identification of ASDs and recommended close developmental observation at
A priority event monitor for an interrupt-driven microprocessor

A priority event monitor has been designed, built, and tested for an interrupt-driven microprocessor system. The priority event monitor consists of monitor hardware, an SCSI (small computer system interface), bus link, and a host computer. The monitor hardware observes the control, address, and data buses for the interrupt-driven microprocessor and logs priority events with an event flag and a 1- mu s timestamp. The event flags and timestamps are formed into event records and then sent to a host computer, across the SCSI bus, for permanent storage, conversion, and analysis. The monitor hardware uses event logging hardware and FIFO (first in, first out) buffering for event storage and timestamping, and a DMA controller and SCSI bus interface for sending the captured events to the host. The monitor is controlled by a local microcontroller. The SCSI bus will transfer 128 records (4 bytes each for a total of 512 bytes) in roughly 550- mu s. This corresponds to a 930-kbyte/s transfer rate. >
The Uriscreen test was not better than standard urinalysis and dipstick tests for detecting urinary tract infection in children

Source Citation Waisman Y, Zerem E, Amir L, Mimouni M. The validity of the Uriscreen test for early detection of urinary tract infection in children. Pediatrics. 1999 Oct;104:e41. 10506266
Evolving Parameters for Xpilot Combat Agents

In this paper we present a new method for evolving autonomous agents that are competitive in the space combat game Xpilot. A genetic algorithm is used to evolve the parameters related to the sensitivity of the agent to input stimuli and the agent's level of reaction to these stimuli. The resultant controllers are comparable to the best hand programmed artificial Xpilot bots, are competitive with human players, and display interesting behaviors that resemble human strategies.
Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way: A Critical Analysis of Pacing

Pacing, a phenomenon whereby seasoned runners assist other runners toward pre-determined goal times in races of various lengths, is a common practice, yet it has received very little sustained philosophical scrutiny. This paper aims to take steps in that direction with a particular focus on pacing in amateur distance running. We begin with Peter Arnold’s analysis of the three views of sportsmanship – as a form of social union, as a means in the promotion of pleasure, and as a form of altruism – to examine how well pacing fares in each. Additionally, we incorporate the concepts of the ‘dynamogenic agent’ from William James and the ‘intermediate man’ from John Lachs, which raise questions of autonomy, authenticity, and assistance. Furthermore, we provide descriptions of how the unique qualities of pace groups in running exemplify sportsmanship in ways that bolster Arnold’s analysis. While we write from an analytical position with regard to the topic, we also write from our own Emersonian ‘angle of vision’, ...
Inductance gradient scaling experiments in an augmented railgun

A series of experiments were undertaken to determine whether the velocity performance of a separately augmented railgun scales linearly with the values of the inductance gradients. Two different railgun configurations which had the same containment, bore materials and bore preparation were used in these experiments. The low inductance gradient (LIG) gun had calculated values of L'=0.274 /spl mu/H/m, M'=0.249 /spl mu/H/m and the high inductance gradient gun (HIG) had calculated values of L'=0.425 /spl mu/H/m, M'=0.35 /spl mu/H/m. Experiments were conducted with nearly equal current levels in both guns using solid aluminum ring armatures. The measured velocities were used to determine whether the calculated inductance ratio was observed in performance. Frictional drag of the solid armatures complicated the data analysis but the increase in velocity performance was consistent with the calculated values of the inductance gradients. >
A new mathematical technique for identifying potential sources of groundwater contamination

The observed hydrogeochemical condition of groundwater at a particular well is usually represented as a mixture of various sources of pollution and background conditions and is given in terms of measurements of multiple dissolved inorganic water contaminants such as total dis- solved solids (TDS). Concentrations from a given set of wells can be compared against one another in a variety of ways, but the consideration as to which chemical concentrations are best related to one another is limited. In this analysis, an example is given to show that if there are a total of N concentration values, all N must be considered simultaneously in order to ascertain whether the observed conditions at the well can be explained as a mixture, and this can be done by solving a quadratic programming problem-convex hull. Resume L'etat hydrogeochimique des eaux souterraines observe au droit d'un puits particulier est usuellement represente comme un melange de diverses sources de pollutions et de bruits de fond et est donne en terme de mesures de plusieurs contaminants inorganiques dissous, comme les solides totaux dissous par exemple (STD). Les concentrations issues d'un groupe de puits peuvent etre comparees entre elles de differentes manieres, mais le souhait de correler au mieux telle concentration chimique avec une autre est limite. Dans cette etude, l'exemple traite montre que s'il existe un nombre total N de valeurs de concentration, ces Nvaleurs doivent etre considerees simultanement afin de determiner si les conditions observees au puits peuvent s'expliquer en terme de melange ; ceci peut etre realise en resolvant un probleme quadratique programmable-une enveloppe convexe. Resumen La condicion hidrogeoquimica observada en un pozo particular es generalmente resultante de la mezcla de varias fuentes de contaminacion y las condiciones ante- cedentes y se traduce en terminos de medidas de multiples contaminantes inorganicos disueltos tal como los solidos totales disueltos (STD). Las concentraciones de un conjunto de pozos pueden ser comparadas unas contra otras por una variedad de metodos pero la consideracion de las concentraciones quimicas que mejor se relacionan es limitada. En este analisis se introduce un ejemplo que muestra que si existe un total de N valores de concen- tracion, todos los N deben ser considerados simultanea- mente a fin de establecer si las condiciones observadas en el pozo pueden ser explicadas como una mezcla. Esto se realizada por resolucion de un problema cuadratico de envolvente convexa.
Pyrosequencing of small non-coding RNAs in HIV-1 infected cells: evidence for the processing of a viral-cellular double-stranded RNA hybrid

Small non-coding RNAs of 18-25 nt in length can regulate gene expression through the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. To characterize small RNAs in HIV-1-infected cells, we performed linker-ligated cloning followed by high-throughput pyrosequencing. Here, we report the composition of small RNAs in HIV-1 productively infected MT4 T-cells. We identified several HIV-1 small RNA clones and a highly abundant small 18-nt RNA that is antisense to the HIV-1 primer-binding site (PBS). This 18-nt RNA apparently originated from the dsRNA hybrid formed by the HIV-1 PBS and the 3' end of the human cellular tRNAlys3. It was found to associate with the Ago2 protein, suggesting its possible function in the cellular RNAi machinery for targeting HIV-1.
Properties of the information value decomposition

The information value decomposition approximates a positive-valued matrix by a sequence of reduced rank matrices. A rank K approximating matrix is closest to the original matrix in the sense of minimizing the discrimination between the original matrix and the approximation, over rank K matrices. The information value decomposition is analogous to the singular value decomposition with discrimination used for the discrepancy measure instead of squared error. Several properties of the information value decomposition correspond to properties of the singular value decomposition. These properties are discussed.
Laterality of Temporoparietal Causal Connectivity during the Prestimulus Period Correlates with Phonological Decoding Task Performance in Dyslexic and Typical Readers

We examined how effective connectivity into and out of the left and right temporoparietal areas (TPAs) to/from other key cortical areas affected phonological decoding in 7 dyslexic readers (DRs) and 10 typical readers (TRs) who were young adults. Granger causality was used to compute the effective connectivity of the preparatory network 500 ms prior to presentation of nonwords that required phonological decoding. Neuromagnetic activity was analyzed within the low, medium, and high beta and gamma subbands. A mixed-model analysis determined whether connectivity to or from the left and right TPAs differed across connectivity direction (in vs. out), brain areas (right and left inferior frontal and ventral occipitaltemporal and the contralateral TPA), reading group (DR vs. TR), and/or task performance. Within the low beta subband, better performance was associated with increased influence of the left TPA on other brain areas across both reading groups and poorer performance was associated with increased influence of the right TPA on other brain areas for DRs only. DRs were also found to have an increase in high gamma connectivity between the left TPA and other brain areas. This study suggests that hierarchal network structure rather than connectivity per se is important in determining phonological decoding performance.
Unmyelinated axons of the auditory nerve in cats.

This paper describes some central terminations of type I1 spiral ganglion neurons as labeled by extracellular injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the auditory nerve of cats. After histological processing with diaminobenzidine, both thick (2-4 Fm) and thin (0.5 pm) fibers of the auditory nerve were stained. Whenever traced, thick fibers always originated from type I spiral ganglion neurons and thin fibers always from type I1 ganglion neurons. Because the labeling of type I1 axons faded as fibers projected into the cochlear nucleus, this report is limited to regions of the ventral cochlear nucleus near the auditory nerve root. The central axons of type I1 neurons are unmyelinated, have simple yet variable branching patterns in the cochlear nucleus, and form both en passant and terminal swellings. Under the light microscope, most swellings are located in the neuropil but they are also found in the vicinity of cell bodies, nodes of Ranvier of type I axons, and blood vessels. Eighteen en passant swellings in the neuropil were located by light microscopy and resectioned for electron microscopy; two of these swellings exhibited ultrastructural features characteristic of chemical synapses. The data indicate that inputs from outer hair cells might be able to influence auditory processing in the
Extrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse A Study of Perpetrator Characteristics and Implications for Prevention

The purpose of this study was to determine (a) the ability of extrafamilial sexual abuse categorization schemes previously derived by qualitative methods to predict characteristics of the abuse in female children and (b) the prognostic ability of the emergent categorization scheme to predict differential risk of abuse based on age of the child. Three hundred sixty incidents of extrafamilial sexual abuse in Diana Russell's (1983) community prevalence study of female child sexual abuse comprised the sample. The findings of this analysis highlight the pervasiveness of the threat of extrafamilial child sexual abuse to female children.
The Effects of Image Congruence on Customers’ Brand Loyalty in the Upper Middle-Class Hotel Industry:

This empirical article explores the effects of image congruence on customers’ postpurchasing behaviors, focusing specifically on customer satisfaction and brand loyalty in the lodging industry. Key...
Approximate and Local Linearizability of Nonlinear Discrete-Time Systems,

We consider a single-input non-linear discrete-time system of the form where x ϵℝN, uϵℝ, and f(x,u): ℝN+1 → ℝN is a C∞ ℝN - valued function. Necessary and sufficient conditions for approximate linearizability are given for Σ. We also give necessary and sufficient conditions for local linearizability. Finally, we present analogous results for multi-input non-linear discrete-time systems.
Essential Residues in the C Terminus of the Bacteriophage T7 Gene 2.5 Single-stranded DNA-binding Protein

Gene 2.5 of bacteriophage T7 encodes a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding protein (gp2.5) that is an essential component of the phage replisome. Similar to other prokaryotic ssDNA-binding proteins, gp2.5 has an acidic C terminus that is involved in protein-protein interactions at the replication fork and in modulation of the ssDNA binding properties of the molecule. We have used genetic and biochemical approaches to identify residues critical for the function of the C terminus of gp2.5. The presence of an aromatic residue in the C-terminal position is essential for gp2.5 function. Deletion of the C-terminal residue, phenylalanine, is detrimental to its function, as is the substitution of this residue with non-aromatic amino acids. Placing the C-terminal phenylalanine in the penultimate position also results in loss of function. Moderate shortening of the length of the acidic portion of the C terminus is tolerated when the aromatic nature of the C-terminal residue is preserved. Gradual removal of the acidic C terminus of gp2.5 results in a higher affinity for ssDNA and a decreased ability to interact with T7 DNA polymerase/thioredoxin. The replacement of the charged residues in the C terminus with neutral amino acids abolishes gp2.5 function. Our data show that both the C-terminal aromatic residue and the overall acidic charge of the C terminus of gp2.5 are critical for its function.
Modeling of accumulation-mode MOSFET's in PolySilicon thin films

An analytic model of p-channel polysilicon MOSFET operating in accumulation mode is presented. The measured device transfer characteristics, for passivated and unpassivated films, are quantitatively explained in terms of leakage, subthreshold, and drive regimes of operation. The observed current swing of 104is shown to result primarily from the gate-voltage-induced mobility enhancement. This enhancement, a unique feature of polysilicon, is quantified via electrostatic shielding and barrier-potential-dependent mobility. The model describes transconductance, drain admittance, and ON/OFF ratio as a function of grain size, trap density and level, film thickness, and doping concentration.
Using communications assignments to improve students' preparation for the major design experience

Developments in engineering curricula have emphasized the importance of engineering design and communication skills in preparing students for professional practice. Assignments related to design and communication skills are typically integrated throughout the program, building on previous work and culminating in the major design experience. This paper describes a series of communications-related assignments that are integrated into the first course of a two-course major design experience. The primary goals of this approach are to strengthen the connection between the communication assignments and the technical content of the course and to improve students' preparation for the major design project that is the basis of the subsequent course.
Nanotechnology and Emerging Sciences

Nanotechnology and biotechnology are important scientific endeavors of the twenty-first century. They share many initiatives, including new materials, therapeutics, and diagnostics. This chapter addresses nanomaterials, especially engineered nanoparticles. This includes their applications, e.g., hazardous waste site remediation, and implications, e.g., transport and transformation of nanomaterials in the environment and toxicokinetics.
RSILC: Rotation- and Scale-Invariant, Line-based Color-aware descriptor

Abstract Modern appearance-based object recognition systems typically involve feature/descriptor extraction and matching stages. The extracted descriptors are expected to be robust to illumination changes and to reasonable (rigid or affine) image/object transformations. Some descriptors work well for general object matching, but gray-scale key-point-based methods may be suboptimal for matching line-rich color scenes/objects such as cars, buildings, and faces. We present a Rotation- and Scale-Invariant, Line-based Color-aware descriptor (RSILC), which allows matching of objects/scenes in terms of their key-lines, line-region properties, and line spatial arrangements. An important special application is face matching, since face characteristics are best captured by lines/curves. We tested RSILC performance on publicly available datasets and compared it with other descriptors. Our experiments show that RSILC is more accurate in line-rich object description than other well-known generic object descriptors.
Predation by Red Flour Beetle on Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

When both the red flour beetle, Tribolium Castaneum (Herbst), and the sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), occurred in finely particulated diets that were more favorable to movement by the red flour beetle, the predation of T. castaneum on the sawtoothed grain beetle was accentuated. When the 2 species occurred in a mixture of rolled oats and standard flour beetle medium (1:1), the sawtoothed grain beetles remained in the rolled oats, and the red flour beetles generally segregated themselves in the standard medium, which reduced predation. Predation by the red flour beetles on sawtoothed grain beetles in cracked corn (substandard diet for the red flour beetle) was increased but in shelled whole peanuts, it was decreased. In both standard medium and cracked corn, both late-stage larvae and adults of the red flour beetle killed more eggs, early-stage larvae, and pupae of the sawtoothed grain beetle than late-stage larvae. This feeding resulted in an increase in the progeny produced by the red flour beetle.
Federal Economic Development Transfers to State and Local Governments An Empirical Assessment of Federal Grants Between 1940 and 2010

This study examines the contribution of the federal government to community and regional economic development by exclusively analyzing data on intergovernmental transfers to state and local governments. The study covers the years 1940 through 2010. The intent is to explore and define the patterns and trends within the community and regional development data and establish the extent to which incrementalism served as a basis for setting aside resources for accomplishing economic development objectives. Our findings indicate that the data patterns, trends, and relationships are nonlinear and unsupportive of the “incrementalist” perspective to resource allocation commonly found in major funds within the public sector.
Teaching Inequalities: Using Public Transportation and Visual Sociology to Make It Real

In this article, we describe an adaptation of Nichols, Berry, and Kalogrides’s "Hop on the Bus" exercise. In addition to riding the bus, we incorporated a visual component similar to that developed by Whitley by having students conduct a sociological, photographic exercise after they disembarked. Qualitative and quantitative assessment data show that taken together, these exercises enhance students’ awareness and sociological understanding of social inequalities, especially income inequalities. Specifically, the activities make abstract concepts real to students, make more obvious inequalities that often go unnoticed, help students better understand how structural barriers affect individuals’ daily lives and contribute to broader social inequalities, and to some degree, dispel stereotypes of marginalized groups.
Abstract 15: Target next sequencing profiling of pediatric solid tumors: Potential use for the identification of actionable mutations

The utilization of next generation sequencing for the identification of actionable gene mutations to guide the choice of therapy towards compounds that selectively inhibit specific genomic alterations is increasingly successful in adult oncology. Yet, limited progress has been achieved in pediatric oncology. Certain pediatric tumor types have shown limited, if any, improvement in overall survival, despite the efforts of institutional and cooperative group clinical trials. For most patients with recurrent pediatric malignancy, the outcome remains dismal. It is clear that a better understanding of the basic biology of these tumors is needed, and that through this understanding, novel and targeted therapeutic approaches may prove beneficial. The utility of systematic genetic profiling for individual tumors has not yet been demonstrated. Genetic screening may not only predict actionable targeted therapy, but also may define alterations that predict resistance to certain therapeutic agents, thereby avoiding the toxicity of salvage therapy with limited hope for benefit. To fill this gap, our group has conducted a pilot study to assess the potential utility of a custom targeted next generation sequencing panel for the identification of directly actionable gene mutations in recurrent pediatric malignancies. Using an “in house” custom panel, we sequenced the exomes of 156 genes (for a total of 5,610 amplicons) frequently mutated in solid tumors, including 29 genes with direct therapeutic target agents. As a proof of principle, we retrospectively analyzed five cases. Tissue sections from paraffin embedded blocks of recurrent pediatric tumors and matching tumor free tissue were microdissected and analyzed using the custom Ion Proton gene panel for the identification of potential targetable sequence variants. All cases were associated with the presence of mutations in actionable genes: ABL1, AKT2, ALK, CDKN2A, EGFR, ERBB2, ERB4, FGFR3, JAK3, NOTHC1, NRAS, PI3CA, RET. Interestingly, four of the five analyzed samples contained mutations in more than one actionable target. These observations suggest that clonal evolution analysis may be of particular importance for these specific tumor types. Our pilot study suggests that in recurrent pediatric malignancies, for which the standard of care offers limited hope for cure, targeted gene sequencing for the identification of actionable targets may provide important information to support therapeutic decision making. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Adam S. Levy, Michael Roth, Nicole Patterson, Erwin Scott, Wilber Quispe-Tintaya, Michelle R. Ewart, Alex Maslov, Aaron Golden, Cristina Montagna. Target next sequencing profiling of pediatric solid tumors: Potential use for the identification of actionable mutations. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Integrating Clinical Genomics and Cancer Therapy; Jun 13-16, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(1_Suppl):Abstract nr 15.
Multiscale Dynamics of Polymers in Particle-Rich Nanocomposites

We report on the dynamics of entangled polymers in polymer–nanoparticle composites (PNCs) with moderate and high particle loadings. Using composites comprised of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-tethered silica (SiO2) nanoparticles and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), we show by means of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis that the nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed over a range of particle concentrations. From oscillatory shear rheology measurements, we find that the time–temperature superposition (TTS) principle holds for these SiO2-PEG/PMMA PNCs up to a particle concentration ϕG ≈ 11% where the materials begin to exhibit soft glassy rheological properties. At particle concentrations below ϕG, we take advantage of TTS to create dynamic maps for PNCs that span time scales ranging from fast segmental motions to slow terminal relaxation of polymer chains. These maps reveal that at low ϕ and depending on the host polymer (PMMA) molecular weight (Mw), hairy nanoparticles may either speed up or slow d...
Custom-Enabled System Architectures for High End Computing

The US Federal Government has convened a major committee to determine future directions for government sponsored high end computing system acquisitions and enabling research. The High End Computing Revitalization Task Force was inaugurated in 2003 involving all Federal agencies for which high end computing is critical to meeting mission goals. As part of the HECRTF agenda, a multi-day community wide workshop was conducted involving experts from academia, industry, and the national laboratories and centers to provide the broadest perspective on important issues related to the HECRTF purview. Among the most critical issues in establishing future directions is the relative merits of commodity based systems such as clusters and MPPs versus custom system architecture strategies. This paper presents a perspective on the importance and value of the custom architecture approach in meeting future US requirements in supercomputing. The contents of this paper reflect the ideas of the participants of the working group chartered to explore custom enabled system architectures for high end computing. As in any such consensus presentation, while this paper captures the key ideas and tradeoffs, it does not exactly match the viewpoint of any single contributor, and there remains much room for constructive disagreement and refinement of the essential conclusions
The cardinal Krull dimension of a ring of holomorphic functions

Abstract We give an exposition of a recent result of M. Kapovich on the cardinal Krull dimension of the ring of holomorphic functions on a connected C -manifold. By reducing to the one-dimensional case we give a stronger lower bound for Stein manifolds.
Phenome-wide association study for CYP2A6 alleles: rs113288603 is associated with hearing loss symptoms in elderly smokers.

To identify novel phenotypic associations related to Cytochrome P450 Family 2 Subfamily A Member 6 (CYP2A6), we investigated the human phenome in a total of 11,271 individuals. Initially, we conducted a phenome-wide association study in 3,401 nicotine-exposed elderly subjects considering 358 phenotypic traits. We identified a significant association between CYP2A6 rs113288603 and hearing loss symptoms (p = 5.75 × 10-5). No association was observed in a sample of 3,245 nicotine-unexposed individuals from the same discovery cohort, consistent with the conclusion that the finding is related to CYP2A6 involvement in nicotine metabolism. Consistent results were obtained (p < 0.1) in an independent sample of 2,077 nicotine-exposed elderly subjects, and similarly, no significance was observed in the nicotine-unexposed sample (n = 2,548) of the replication cohort. Additional supporting evidence for this association was provided by gene expression data: rs113288603 is associated with increased CYP2A6 expression in cerebellar hemispheres (p = 7.8 × 10-4). There is a well-known correlation between smoking and age-related hearing loss. Cigarette smoking is associated with structural changes in the brain and CYP2A6 mediates these changes. In this context, the regulatory role of rs113288603 in cerebellum appears to be consistent with the known involvement of this brain region in auditory function.
Core Decompression and Bone Marrow Stem Cell Injection

This chapter discusses the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with a core decompression and injection of bone marrow-derived stem cells. This procedure provided excellent pain relief to the patient. A review of the current literature is presented.
Defect Antiperovskite Compounds Hg3Q2I2 (Q = S, Se, and Te) for Room-Temperature Hard Radiation Detection.

The high Z chalcohalides Hg3Q2I2 (Q = S, Se, and Te) can be regarded as of antiperovskite structure with ordered vacancies and are demonstrated to be very promising candidates for X- and γ-ray semiconductor detectors. Depending on Q, the ordering of the Hg vacancies in these defect antiperovskites varies and yields a rich family of distinct crystal structures ranging from zero-dimensional to three-dimensional, with a dramatic effect on the properties of each compound. All three Hg3Q2I2 compounds show very suitable optical, electrical, and good mechanical properties required for radiation detection at room temperature. These compounds possess a high density (>7 g/cm3) and wide bandgaps (>1.9 eV), showing great stopping power for hard radiation and high intrinsic electrical resistivity, over 1011 Ω cm. Large single crystals are grown using the vapor transport method, and each material shows excellent photo sensitivity under energetic photons. Detectors made from thin Hg3Q2I2 crystals show reasonable respons...
Trends and Disparities in the Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in South Texas between 2009 and 2015.

Background. Recent reports have highlighted possible decreases over time in obesity, particularly among children aged 2–5 years. Hispanic children experience significantly higher obesity rates, and less is known about trends for Hispanic children. Methods. A large healthcare system-based dataset from south Texas was used to analyze body mass index (BMI) values obtained clinically from 2009 through 2015. Age and race/ethnicity specific prevalence of overweight and obesity were calculated using CDC standards and trends were examined over time using regression analyses, and mapping software was used to identify geographic variation. Results. Hispanic children in south Texas experience levels of obesity (25.3%, 95% CI: 25.1–25.6) significantly higher than their white (16.6%, 95% CI: 16.0–17.2) or black (18.2%, 95% CI: 17.3–19.1) peers. Obesity in Hispanic children aged 2–5 years decreased from 18.5%, 95% CI: 16.6–20.5, in 2009 to 15.1%, 95% CI: 14.3–15.9, in 2015. Obesity in Hispanic adolescents was stable at 30.4%, 95% CI: 28.5–32.4, in 2009 and 31.3, 95% CI: 30.3–32.2, in 2015. Conclusions. While obesity decreased in the youngest age group of Hispanic children, south Texas continues to experience high levels of obesity that exceed national averages with significant disparities.
Cardo-type random co-polyimide membranes for high pressure pure and mixed sour gas feed separations

Abstract A series of aromatic random co-polyimide membranes based on 6FDA-Durene/CARDO backbone with varying content of CARDO moiety (3:1; 1:1 and 1:3) were synthesized for enhanced acid gas separation performance. Gas transport properties of pure and mixed gas streams consisting of H2S, CO2, He, CH4, N2 and C2H6 through the dense films of the co-polyimide were studied. Mixed sweet gas tests were done with feeds containing no H2S up to 55 bar, while mixed sour gas measurements were conducted with feeds containing H2S up to 34 bar for 10% H2S and 20% H2S. The membranes exhibit very attractive pure gas transport properties, as CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity are up to 323 barrer and 35 respectively. Furthermore, the transport properties of sour gas mixture consisting of five gases were also found attractive, as the CO2/CH4 and H2S/CH4 ideal selectivities are in the range of 18–23 and 19–21 respectively; while CO2 and H2S permeabilities are in the range of 38–51 and 40–47 barrers respectively for 20% H2S in the gas mixture. These values and separation performance exhibited by the co-polyimide are comparable and very competitive even, as compared to the values obtained in some of the high performance polymeric membranes that have been reported in the literature. The stability of the random co-polyimide 6FDA-Durene/CARDO membrane under these aggressive environments is quite remarkable.
Trace derivatives of kynurenine potently activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)

Cellular metabolites act as important signaling cues, but are subject to complex unknown chemistry. Kynurenine is a tryptophan metabolite that plays a crucial role in cancer and the immune system. Despite its atypical, non-ligand-like, highly polar structure, kynurenine activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a PER, ARNT, SIM (PAS) family transcription factor that responds to diverse environmental and cellular ligands. The activity of kynurenine is increased 100–1000-fold by incubation or long-term storage and relies on the hydrophobic ligand-binding pocket of AHR, with identical structural signatures for AHR induction before and after activation. We purified trace-active derivatives of kynurenine and identified two novel, closely related condensation products, named trace-extended aromatic condensation products (TEACOPs), which are active at low picomolar levels. The synthesized compound for one of the predicted structures matched the purified compound in both chemical structure and AHR pharmacology. Our study provides evidence that kynurenine acts as an AHR pro-ligand, which requires novel chemical conversions to act as a receptor agonist.
Protein kinase A modulates Ca2+- and protein kinase C-dependent amylase release in permeabilized rat pancreatic acini

The role of protein kinase A (PKA) in the release of amylase from permeabilized pancreatic acini was investigated. Addition of cyclic AMP (cAMP) to permeabilized acini resulted in a potentiation of Ca(2+)-dependent amylase release, shifting the Ca2+ dose/response curve leftwards. As with protein kinase C (PKC) activation, this is due to an increase in the time of active discharge. The effect of cAMP was shown to be blocked by two inhibitors of PKA, H89 and the PKI-(5-24)-peptide. At low concentration, cAMP synergizes from phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), while at optimal concentrations cAMP and PMA are additive. PKA and PKC appear to work via similar, but not identical mechanisms.
Development of a polarized pancreatic ductular cell epithelium for physiological studies

Pancreas ductular epithelial cells control cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-dependent bicarbonate secretion. Their function is critical because when CFTR is deficient in c...
SGA and VLBW Infants: Outcomes and Care

1. Kasey Jackson, MD* 2. John W. Harrington, MD*,† 1. *Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 2. †Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Norfolk, VA Given the recent advances in medical care, babies are surviving at smaller birthweights. Categories have grown from normal birthweight (>2,500 g) to include low (<2,500 g), very low (VLBW, <1,500 g), extremely low (<1,000 g), and micro-premie (<750 g) birthweights. In addition, the categories of small and large for gestational age remain in place. Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) pertains to the fetal environment that can be affected by fetal, placental, or maternal factors, which is different than small for gestational age (SGA), which only defines a baby born at a weight more than 2 SD below the 50th percentile for their gestational age (ie, <10th percentile). Herein we discuss the complications, care, and outcomes for SGA (most likely caused by IUGR) and VLBW infants. The 2 categories share many of the same complications and concerns given that both infants are small but to varying degrees. However, infants who are VLBW are usually due to prematurity, whereas infants who are SGA may result from maternal complications due to pregnancy-induced or chronic hypertension, diabetes, collagen vascular disease of which systemic lupus is most prominent, asthma, chronic renal disease, receipt of anticonvulsant drugs, or use of substances such as tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs of abuse. Obviously, the complications worsen with smaller size and earlier gestational age at birth. Respiratory problems are a major concern. Asphyxia and/or meconium aspiration at birth requires immediate resuscitation and possible intubation. Decreased surfactant production …
Saturable Magnetics for Laser and Plasma Interactions

Recently there has been a growing interest in sharpening electric and magnetic pulses in order to improve a wide variety of pulsed sources like compact particle accelerators1, X-ray sources etc. An essential tool for pulse sharpening is the saturable magnetic switch. Some of the unique properties of this device includes negligible energy absorption, fast recovery (i.e., high repetition rate), low specific volume (liter/kW), and an improved design flexibility compared to conventional spark gap switches.
Differences in HIV Risk Behaviors Among Women Who Exchange Sex for Drugs, Money, or Both Drugs and Money

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in drug use and HIV risk behaviors among women who exchanged sex for drugs only, for money only, or for both drugs and money. Structured interview responses from 2,042 drug-using women in 23 cities who reported having exchanged sex in the prior 30 days were analyzed. Results indicated that women who exchanged sex for drugs only (n = 117), and for drugs and money (n = 965), were more likely to use alcohol and smoke crack than those who exchanged sex for money only(n = 960). They were also more likely to have had unprotected sex and sex with a drug injector. Those who exchanged sex only for drugs reported having sex half as often as the other two groups and had one fourth the number of partners, but used condoms the least when having sex. Women who exchanged sex for money only were the most likely to inject drugs and the least likely to have had unprotected sex. Promoting condom use and increasing availability of condoms to women who exchange sex, and to their partners, is crucial. Continued research into the relationship between crack use and sex-related HIV risk behaviors is also needed.
DIFFUSION EFFECTS IN THE FLOCCULATION OF SURFACTANT-STABILIZED LATEXES

The effect of ion valence on the critical flocculation concentration is investigated for both bare and surfactantstabilized dispersions using turbidimetry. The bare particles exhibit the normal Schulze-Hardy behavior with respect to counterion valence, but the sterically-stabilized dispersions exhibit an inverse lyotropic series. Electrophoretic mobility measurements as a function of pH and ionic strength, together with potentiometric and conductometric titrations, reveal no unusual surface chemistry or ion hydrolysis which can account for this behavior. The flocculation data are interpreted in terms of a diffusion model describing the movement of ions in the diffuse double layer through a porous polymer sheath in response to changes in the bulk electrolyte concentration. For bare particles, calculations show that the time required for ions in the diffuse double layer to respond to changes in the bulk electrolyte concentration is much smaller than that required for a Brownian interaction between particles, but for the case of polymer-stabilized particles, the diffusion time may be larger than the Brownian interaction time. The experimental flocculation sequence parallels the order of the calculated ion-polymer diffusivities.
Delineation of individual deciduous trees in plantations with low-density LiDAR data

Delineation of individual deciduous trees with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data has long been sought for accurate forest inventory in temperate forests. Previous attempts mainly focused on ...
Fournier's Gangrene of the Penis following a Human Bite Wound.

Fournier’s gangrene isolated to the penis is exceedingly rare. It is an urologic emergency that requires emergent parenteral antibiotics as well as aggressive irrigation and debridement. While human bite wounds can be overlooked as a serious cause of injury and infection, they can result in highly dangerous, polymicrobial infections in affected patients. Here, we report a case of penile Fournier’s gangrene caused by a human bite wound managed with broad spectrum antibiotics, irrigation and debridement, penile reconstruction, and skin grafting with successful preservation of a normal penile structure and function.
Development of the Test of Adolescent Sexual Knowledge Based on the National Sexuality Education Standards and Results of Pilot Testing

To describe development and pilot testing of the Test of Adolescent Sexual Knowledge (TASK) developed by the researcher using content recommendations of the National Sexuality Education Standards. ...