cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of isethionic acid and other small molecule metabolites of Fragilariopsis cylindrus with nuclear magnetic resonance

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used to obtain metabolic profiles of the polar diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus, leading to the identification of a novel metabolite in this organism. Initial results from an ongoing metabolomics study have led to the discovery of isethionic acid (2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, CAS: 107-36-8) as a major metabolite in F. cylindrus. This compound is being produced by the organism under normal culture conditions. This finding is the first report of a diatom producing isethionic acid. In addition to isethionic acid, four other metabolites, dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), betaine, homarine, and proline were present and may serve as osmoprotectants in F. cylindrus. NMR-based metabolite profiles of F. cylindrus were obtained along a growth curve of the organism. The relative concentration levels of the five metabolites were monitored over a growth period of F. cylindrus from 18 to 25 days. All showed an increase in relative concentration with time, except for proline, which began to decrease after day 21.
NEW APPROACHES FOR FEATURE EXTRACTION IN HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGERY

In this paper we introduce a novel feature extraction method based on Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF) for hyperspectral image processing. Given the large size of the hyperspectral imagery, feature extraction plays an important role in producing fast and accurate results. Traditional approaches such as Principal Component Analysis and Independent Component Analysis generate the features as a linear combination of the hyperspectral bands emphasizing on the decorrelation or independence of the features. Compared to this, NMF offers a decomposition solution that is less restrictive requiring only the positivity of the features and the associated linear transform. Such scenario has a natural meaning in hyperspectral imagery where each pixel observation is thought to be formed as a linear positive mixture of reflectance values of the materials in the scene (endmembers) covered by the pixel. With hyperspectral imagery spatial resolution ranging from millimeters to kilometers, it likely that the data observed are formed as a mixture. In this case, the linear transform used to generate the features would be associated to the endmembers and the resulting features would be associated to the abundance of each endmember in the pixels. We present our results on using NMF for feature extraction by performing experiments with hyperspectral digital imagery collection experiment (HYDICE) data as well as in-house imagery collected with a SOC 700 hyperspectral camera. The experiments suggest that NMF outperforms PCA in feature and endmember extraction.
Statistical metrics for assessing the quality of wind power scenarios for stochastic unit commitment

In power systems with high penetration of wind generation, probabilistic scenarios are generated for use in stochastic formulations of day-ahead unit commitment problems. To minimize the expected cost, the wind power scenarios should accurately represent the stochastic process for available wind power. We employ some statistical evaluation metrics to assess whether the scenario set possesses desirable properties that are expected to lead to a lower cost in stochastic unit commitment. A new mass transportation distance rank histogram is developed for assessing the reliability of unequally likely scenarios. Energy scores, rank histograms and Brier scores are applied to alternative sets of scenarios that are generated by two very different methods. The mass transportation distance rank histogram is best able to distinguish between sets of scenarios that are more or less calibrated according to their bias, variability and autocorrelation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuron-specific regulation of class I PI3K catalytic subunits and their dysfunction in brain disorders

The PI3K complex plays important roles in virtually all cells of the body. The enzymatic activity of PI3K to phosphorylate phosphoinositides in the membrane is mediated by a group of catalytic and regulatory subunits. Among those, the class I catalytic subunits, p110α, p110β, p110γ and p110δ, have recently drawn attention in the neuroscience field due to their specific dysregulation in diverse brain disorders. While in non-neuronal cells these catalytic subunits may have partially redundant functions, there is increasing evidence that in neurons their roles are more specialized, and confined to distinct receptor-dependent pathways. This review will summarize the emerging role of class I PI3K catalytic subunits in neurotransmitter-regulated neuronal signaling, and their dysfunction in a variety of neurological diseases, including fragile X syndrome, schizophrenia and epilepsy. We will discuss recent literature describing the use of PI3K subunit-selective inhibitors to rescue brain disease-associated phenotypes in in vitro and animal models. These studies give rise to the exciting prospect that these drugs, originally designed for cancer treatment, may be repurposed as therapeutic drugs for brain disorders in the future.
Frequency-shaped sliding modes: analysis and experiments

A recent improvement over a motion control algorithm, sliding mode control with perturbation estimation, is considered in this paper. It enforces the nonlinear system to follow a desired trajectory despite the presence of modeling uncertainties and disturbances. This robustness feature is introduced by a control which may excite resonances of the system, especially those of high frequency. A complementary procedure, frequency shaping, is utilized in order to attenuate these controller introduced excitations. The combined control algorithm offers a couple of attractive features, such as suppression of high-frequency dynamics (including those which are unmodeled), as well as maintaining a desired level of tracking ability for the original uncertain system. The highlight of this work is to bring an equivalent conventional sliding surface to the frequency-shaped one. It is shown that such a strategy exists and can be found as a function of the initial conditions of the dynamics. This optimal conventional sliding surface is found by minimizing a quadratic cost over the trajectory tracking errors. The results of this study are experimentally verified using a single degree of freedom robot with a flexible appendage which represents the unmodeled dynamics.
The Research Base for Renzulli's Three-Ring Conception of Giftedness:

After stressing the importance of subjecting conceptions of giftedness to critical scrutiny, the authors analyze the research cited in support of Renzulli's (1978) three-ring conception of giftedness. A close reading of the original studies leads to the conclusion that the cited research constitutes a weak and equivocal case for this definition. Furthermore, the authors argue that some of the research has been misinterpreted and should instead be seen as leading logically to conclusions antithetical to Renzulli's. The authors conclude that, when judged on the basis of the strength of its research base, this conception of giftedness is of questionable validity, although it may be defensible as an implicit conception.
Structural and Microsimulation Models

Structural models use statistical techniques that base population changes on changes in one or more explanatory variables. They are invaluable for many planning and policy-making purposes because they explicitly account for the influence of factors such as employment, wage rates, land use, housing, and the transportation system. We discuss two types of structural models in this chapter. Economic-demographic models typically focus on larger geographic areas such as counties, metropolitan areas, and states whereas urban systems models typically focus on smaller areas such as census tracts, block groups, and individual blocks. We also discuss microsimulation models, which focus on projections of individual entities (e.g., persons, households, or vehicles). We close with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of structural and microsimulation models.
Acute electrical isolation is a necessary but insufficient endpoint for achieving durable PV isolation: the importance of closing the visual gap.

Aims Temporary, ablation-mediated effects such as oedema may cause reversible pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. To investigate this, point-by-point circumferential ablation was performed to achieve acute electrical PV isolation with an incomplete circumferential ablation line. Then, the impact of this intentional ‘visual gap’ (ViG) on the conduction properties of the ablation lesion set was assessed with adenosine and pacing manoeuvres. Methods and results Twenty-eight patients undergoing ablation for paroxysmal ( n = 20) or persistent atrial fibrillation ( n = 8) were included. Pulmonary vein (PV) ablation was performed around ipsilateral vein pairs. Once acute isolation was achieved, ablation was halted and the presence and size of the ViG were calculated. The ViG electrophysiological properties were tested with pace capture along the ViG at 10 mA/2 ms, and assessment for dormant PV conduction with adenosine. Despite electrical isolation, a ViG was present in 75% ( n = 42/56) of vein pairs (21 of 28 left PVs and 21 of 28 right PVs). There was no difference in the ViG size between the left and right PVs (22.1 ± 14.2 and 17.3 ± 11.3 mm, P > 0.05). Dormant PV connections were revealed by adenosine in more than a quarter ( n = 12/42) of acutely isolated PV pairs, of which the majority were dependent on conduction through the ViG. Conclusions Electrical PV isolation can usually be achieved without complete circumferential ablation. However, more than a quarter of these ‘isolated’ PVs exhibit dormant conduction—predominantly via the un-ablated ‘ViGs’ in the ablation lesion set. These findings support the hypothesis that reversible tissue injury contributes to PV isolation that may be acute but not necessarily durable.
Direct Antilymphoma Effects on Human Lymphoma Cells of Monotherapy and Combination Therapy with CD20 and HLA-DR Antibodies and 90Y-Labeled HLA-DR Antibodies

Purpose: Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) in combination and mAbs combined with a radionuclide (radioimmunotherapy) have both been more effective in patients than mAb monotherapy. Experimental Design: Using assays of cell growth and viability, the dose response and temporal characteristics of CD20 (rituximab) and HLA-DR (Lym-1) mAbs, singly and in combination, and of 90 Y-conjugated Lym-1 mAb have been characterized in five human lymphoma cell lines (B35M, Raji, SU-DHL-4, SU-DHL-6, and Ramos) spanning Burkitt9s to diffuse large cell lymphoma. Although Ramos had a lower HLA-DR density, these cell lines were otherwise selected because of high cell surface CD20 and HLA-DR abundance. Assays of cell growth and death were done using microscopy and trypan blue dye. Results: Lym-1 and rituximab, used singly, showed direct antilymphoma effects; those of Lym-1 were often more potent than those of rituximab. Combinations of these mAbs were more effective, sometimes synergistic, than either mAb singly, even in more resistant SU-DHL-4 cells. Conjugation of 90 Y to Lym-1 also augmented potency in all cell lines and overcame resistance to both Lym-1 and rituximab in Ramos cells. Conclusions: Lym-1 exhibited substantially greater direct antilymphoma effects than rituximab in lymphoma cells in culture. Combination of Lym-1 with rituximab or 90 Y increased potency and overcame treatment resistance in lymphoma cells. Greater use of combination therapies of this type to increase potency and range of effectiveness seems likely to improve patient outcome.
Modeling and simulation of wind energy chain conversion

Alongside the substantial market for wind generation of high power systems grows smaller power (about 100W to several kW) which is especially dedicated to remote sites. The chain of energy conversion is very different from those of great power, they are often based on the use of a three-phase alternator with permanent magnets debiting directly through a rectifier diodes in a generally electrochemical battery low voltage (12–48 V). In this article, we propose a model of the conversion chain, few conventional, for the estimation of energy production.
War and local collective action in Sierra Leone: A comment on the use of coefficient stability approaches

Abstract In a study of the effect of civil war exposure on local collective action outcomes in Sierra Leone, Bellows and Miguel (2009) employ a coefficient stability approach to assess the importance of omitted variable bias building on Altonji et al. (2005a). Here we clarify the econometric assumptions underlying Bellows and Miguel (2009), and extend their analysis using data on dependent variable reliability ratios and the method developed in Oster (2015).
A TRUSTWORTHY CLOUD FORENSICS ENVIRONMENT

The rapid migration from traditional computing and storage models to cloud computing environments has made it necessary to support reliable forensic investigations in the cloud. However, current cloud computing environments often lack support for forensic investigations and the trustworthiness of evidence is often questionable because of the possibility of collusion between dishonest cloud providers, users and forensic investigators. This chapter presents a forensics-enabled cloud environment that supports trustworthy forensics in cloud environments. The forensic environment is designed on top of the OpenStack open-source cloud operating system. The environment enables cloud service providers to provide trusted digital forensics support to customers and forensic investigators, and enables customers to establish their own forensics-friendly infrastructures without making significant financial investments.
Vascular Anomalies of the Neonatal Airway

While vascular anomalies may be found in patients of all ages, they most commonly present in neonates and infants. Such lesions usually involve the skin and subcutaneous tissues; however the mucosa and viscera may also be affected. When present in the neonatal airway, vascular anomalies may cause severe respiratory distress, hypoxemia, failure to thrive, and even death.
The Relationship of Theory and Emancipation in Husserl and Habermas

The most dramatic critique of the tendencies of modern science to identify itself as coextensive with all knowledge and to limit knowledge to solely objective facts occurs in Edmund Husserl’s The Crisis of European Sciences and Transcendental Phenomenology. Nevertheless another staunch critic of “scientism,” Jurgen Habermas, has more recently made sharp criticisms of Husserl’s major late work in his inaugural lecture of 1965, ℌKnowledge and Human Interests: A General Perspective.” These criticisms are offered despite the fact that Habermas agrees with Husserl concerning the limitations of natural science and also shares with him the conviction that transcendental philosophy of the Kantian tradition can make a significant contribution toward overcoming the dominance of objectivism or positivism.1 According to Habermas, Husserl’s desire to trace a continuity from the attitude of wonder in classical Greek philosophy to the detached theoretical attitude of the phenomenologist ultimately defeats his own critical purposes, since the classical ideal of theōria actually supports the very scientific tradition he opposes. In contrast Habermas upholds the need to recognize an inherently practical interest in emancipation as underlying the drive for theoretical knowledge and both complementing and correcting the technological interest of modern science. If a historical continuity is to be sought within the intellectual tradition, it is to the classical notion of praxis Habermas directs us instead of its traditionally more favored counterpart.
Communication Avoiding Power Scaling

Recent system on chip (SoC) techniques have permitted the continued scaling of core densities at a rate sufficient to track Moore's Law. However, this continued increase in transistor density has warranted new hardware features in order to sufficiently scale the degree of on-chip concurrency. Features such as complex multi-level caches, hierarchical core configurations and hardware-assisted threading have increased the overall energy requirements of the SoC and decreased the programmer's ability to realize efficient scaling. This increase in overall system power requirements has resulted in research and development activities associated with hardware techniques such as dynamic frequency scaling and software techniques such as power-aware, fine-grained thread scheduling algorithms. We present the basis for a third area of research: power-scaling algorithmic complexity. The goal of this research focus is to describe techniques by which one may weigh the timing and power derivatives of competitive parallel algorithms in order to provide data necessary to make algorithmic choices based upon both the projected performance and the expected power requirements. This work presents a model and associated technique to describe the relative energy performance scaling characteristics of parallel and mixed parallel-sequential algorithms. The model and equations are then applied to a study of matrix multiplication techniques on a symmetric multiprocessing platform. We utilize a tuned Open BLAS blocking matrix multiplication, a classic parallel Strassen-Winograd technique and a Communication Avoiding Parallel Strassen (CAPS) technique to elicit the relative energy performance scaling on our aforementioned platform. In doing so, we show that while a blocking matrix multiplication may provide the highest potential performance on our platform, both the Strassen and CAPS techniques have ideal energy scaling properties. Furthermore, we show that by reducing the communication requirements of Strassen multiplication, we have the ability to gain a slight improvement in power scaling over traditional Strassen implementations.
Effect of Thermal History on the Microstructure of a Poly(tetramethylene oxide)-Based Polyurea

The role of thermal history on the nanoscale segregated structure of a bulk polymerized polyurea containing oligomeric poly(tetramethylene oxide) soft segments is investigated in the present study. Temperature-dependent unlike segment demixing was explored in two series of experiments: at constant heating (and cooling) rate and on annealing at selected elevated temperatures. Tapping mode atomic force microscopy on the as-polymerized polymer demonstrates that the polyurea hard segments self-assemble into a ribbon-like morphology that is generally preserved on annealing, although ribbon coarsening was observed at the highest annealing temperature. The results from the constant heating rate synchrotron X-ray scattering experiments demonstrate that the nanoscale structure begins to reorganize at temperatures as low as ∼70 °C, and the very significant changes in mean interdomain spacing observed at much higher temperatures are largely retained on returning to ambient conditions. Although there was surprisingly...
Syme Ankle Disarticulation in Peripheral Vascular Disease and Diabetic Foot Infection: The One-Stage versus Two-Stage Procedure

A prospective randomized trial compared performing a Syme ankle disarticulation using a one-stage versus Wagner's two-stage technique. Surgery was performed at two University Medical Centers where patients underwent amputation surgery for gangrene or nonsalvageable diabetic foot infection. Those undergoing surgery subsequent to trauma or congenital anomaly were eliminated. Initially, 21 patients were randomized into one-stage and two-stage surgery. The randomization was stopped for ethical reasons when the results of both procedures appeared to be similar. The next 22 consecutive patients underwent 23 Syme ankle disarticulations in one-stage surgery. Selection of amputation level was based on clinical examination, transcutaneous oximetry as a measure of vascular inflow, serum albumin as a measure of tissue nutrition, and total lymphocyte count as a measure of immunocompetence. As a total group, 31 of 44 amputations progressed to amputation wound healing and prosthetic limb fitting. In the randomized group, 9 of 13 one-stage and 5 of 8 two-stage surgeries healed. In the subsequent consecutive group, 17 of 23 healed. In all, 26 of 36 one-stage and 5 of 8 two-stage surgeries healed successfully. We concluded from this study that Syme ankle disarticulation may be performed as safely in one stage as in two stages in properly selected patients and, therefore, recommend the one-stage Syme ankle disarticulation in those patients suitable for this level amputation.
Government and Bureaucratic Bioethics: Addressing Moral Issues in the Service of Ideology

L'ethique bureaucratique et gouvernementale des Etats-Unis au XX e siecle plaide pour une ideologie justifiee a partir d'une action raisonnable demontrant une theorie morale
Analysis on the occupational poisoning case of trichloroethylene reported in Dongguan during 2002 to 2009

OBJECTIVE: To understand the demographic, occupational and clinic characteristics of occupational poisioning case due to trichloroethylene in Dongguan in recent years for the purpose of prevention. METHODS: Using the trichloroethylene patients of poisioning diagnosed in the years between 2002 to 2009 as subjects, their age, sex, industry, job, working duration and exposure level were analysed. RESULTS: In Dongguan between 2002 and 2009 altogether 82 cases were reported, among the 82 cases 8 patients were dead with case fatality rate of 9.8%. among them there were 12 cases of poisionings(8 females ,4 males); 9 cases were classified as mild poisonings and the rest serious ones, among the 12 cases 3 patients were dead with case fatality rate of 25.0%; Dermatitis caused by TCE there were 70 cases (37 males and 33 females), among the 70 cases 5 patients were dead with case fatality rate of 7.1%. 11 persons (91.7%) were engaged in the job of cleaning and 1 (8.3%) in water gun, and they performed the job only for 3 days in shortest and for 450 days in longest. The cases were distributed in the jobs as the following: 29 (41.4%), 12 (17.1%), 8 (11.4%), 5 (7.1%), 4 (5.7%), cases respectively in the job of cleaning, parts hanging, board washing, painting, gun water sprying; a job duration of 1-50 d (27.4 days in average). CONCLUSION: In summary the TCE poisonings in Dongguan were two types of poisioning, i.e., systmatic poisonings and drug rash-like dermatitis, occupational TCE poisionings took place mainly in the cleaning workers. Dermatitis caused by TCE can cure but hard to prevent, we should strengthen the early examination of new works. Language: zh
In situ investigation of the formation and metastability of formamidinium lead tri-iodide perovskite solar cells

Organic–inorganic perovskites have emerged as an important class of next generation solar cells due to their remarkably low cost, band gap, and sub-900 nm absorption onset. Here, we show a series of in situ observations inside electron microscopes and X-ray diffractometers under device-relevant synthesis conditions focused on revealing the crystallization process of the formamidinium lead-triiodide perovskite at the optimum temperature of 175 °C. Direct in situ observations of the structure and chemistry over relevant spatial, temporal, and temperature scales enabled identification of key perovskite formation and degradation mechanisms related to grain evolution and interface chemistry. The lead composition was observed to fluctuate at grain boundaries, indicating a mobile lead-containing species, a process found to be partially reversible at a key temperature of 175 °C. Using low energy electron microscopy and valence electron energy loss spectroscopy, lead is found to be bonded in the grain interior with iodine in a tetrahedral configuration. At the grain boundaries, the binding energy associated with lead is consequently shifted by nearly 2 eV and a doublet peak is resolved due presumably to a greater degree of hybridization and the potential for several different bonding configurations. At the grain boundaries there is adsorption of hydrogen and OH− ions as a result of residual water vapor trapped as a non-crystalline material during formation. Insights into the relevant formation and decomposition reactions of formamidinium lead iodide at low to high temperatures, observed metastabilities, and relationship with the photovoltaic performance were obtained and used to optimize device processing resulting in conversion efficiencies of up to 17.09% within the stability period of the devices.
Are Market Performance Discriminators of Consumer and Industrial Products Similar

This paper synthesizes the performance discriminators of new products success and failures. In addition, the study confirmed Fern and Brown’s (1984) contention that there are more similarities than differences between consumer and industrial products.
Armies of Empire: We pressed on

The 9th and the 50th came home within a few weeks of each other at the end of 1943 and beginning of 1944. The 9th Australian Division reassembled around Ravenshoe on the Atherton Tableland, while the 50th encamped in East Anglia. Both began to prepare for the next and final campaigns of the war. Montgomery had brought the 50th back to Britain for Operation OVERLORD, the invasion of France on 6 June 1944, but the 9th Division had to wait until early 1945 before it saw action again in Operations OBOE I and OBOE VI on the islands of Tarakan, Labuan and Borneo. Sidney Kirkman returned to Italy to lead XIII Corps early in 1944, and command of the 50th passed to Douglas A.H. Graham. The 50th was assigned to OVERLORD as a follow-up division for XXX Corps of British Second Army, while the 49th (West Riding) Division led XXX Corps’ assault on GOLD Beach. In February, however, Montgomery switched the more experienced 50th to the assault role. Faced with many objectives on GOLD and further inland, Graham requested substantial reinforcements. The 50th received two additional brigades (56th Brigade and 8th Armoured Brigade) for a total of five, almost too many for a single divisional headquarters to handle. Additional combat units included 47 Royal Marine Commando, several specialised ‘funny’ armoured units from 79th Armoured Division, three infantry ‘beach’ battalions of 104 Beach Sub-Area, and additional artillery and Royal Engineers (RE) field companies.
Statistical correction of lidar-derived digital elevation models with multispectral airborne imagery in tidal marshes

Abstract Airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) is a valuable tool for collecting large amounts of elevation data across large areas; however, the limited ability to penetrate dense vegetation with lidar hinders its usefulness for measuring tidal marsh platforms. Methods to correct lidar elevation data are available, but a reliable method that requires limited field work and maintains spatial resolution is lacking. We present a novel method, the Lidar Elevation Adjustment with NDVI (LEAN), to correct lidar digital elevation models (DEMs) with vegetation indices from readily available multispectral airborne imagery (NAIP) and RTK-GPS surveys. Using 17 study sites along the Pacific coast of the U.S., we achieved an average root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.072 m, with a 40–75% improvement in accuracy from the lidar bare earth DEM. Results from our method compared favorably with results from three other methods (minimum-bin gridding, mean error correction, and vegetation correction factors), and a power analysis applying our extensive RTK-GPS dataset showed that on average 118 points were necessary to calibrate a site-specific correction model for tidal marshes along the Pacific coast. By using available imagery and with minimal field surveys, we showed that lidar-derived DEMs can be adjusted for greater accuracy while maintaining high (1 m) resolution.
Effective comparative analysis of protein-protein interaction networks by measuring the steady-state network flow using a Markov model.

Comparative analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks provides an effective means of detecting conserved functional network modules across different species. Such modules typically consist of orthologous proteins with conserved interactions, which can be exploited to computationally predict the modules through network comparison. In this work, we propose a novel probabilistic framework for comparing PPI networks and effectively predicting the correspondence between proteins, represented as network nodes, that belong to conserved functional modules across the given PPI networks. The basic idea is to estimate the steady-state network flow between nodes that belong to different PPI networks based on a Markov random walk model. The random walker is designed to make random moves to adjacent nodes within a PPI network as well as cross-network moves between potential orthologous nodes with high sequence similarity. Based on this Markov random walk model, we estimate the steady-state network flow – or the long-term relative frequency of the transitions that the random walker makes – between nodes in different PPI networks, which can be used as a probabilistic score measuring their potential correspondence. Subsequently, the estimated scores can be used for detecting orthologous proteins in conserved functional modules through network alignment. Through evaluations based on multiple real PPI networks, we demonstrate that the proposed scheme leads to improved alignment results that are biologically more meaningful at reduced computational cost, outperforming the current state-of-the-art algorithms. The source code and datasets can be downloaded from http://www.ece.tamu.edu/~bjyoon/CUFID .
The Language Policy of Placement Tests for Newcomer English Learners

U.S. public schools are required to establish policies ensuring that English language learners have equal access to “meaningful education.” This demands that districts put into place mechanisms to ...
A Heparin Purification Process Removes Spiked Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agent

In 2000, bovine heparin was withdrawn from the US market for fear of contamination with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent, the cause of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. Thus, US heparin is currently sourced only from pig intestines. Availability of alternative sources of crude heparin, a life-saving drug, would benefit public health. Bovine heparin is an obvious option, but BSE clearance by the bovine heparin manufacturing process should be evaluated. To this end, using hamster 263K scrapie as a surrogate for BSE agent, we applied a four-step bench-scale heparin purification protocol resembling a typical heparin manufacturing process to investigate removal of the spiked scrapie agent. We removed aliquots from each step and analyzed them for residual abnormal prion protein (PrPTSE) using a sensitive in vitro method, real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay, and for infectivity using animal bioassays. The purification process reduced infectivity by 3.6 log10 and removed PrPTSE, measured as seeding activity, by 3.4 log10. NaOH treatment was the most effective removal step tested. We also investigated NaOH at different concentrations and pH: the results showed that as much as 5.2 log10 of PrPTSE seeding activity was removed at pH 12.5. Thus, changes to the concentration, treatment time, and temperature of alkaline extraction might further improve removal. Our results, using a basic heparin manufacturing process, inform efforts to reintroduce safe bovine heparin in the USA.
Blind Signal Classification via Sparse Coding

Abstract-We propose a novel RF signal classification method based on sparse coding, an unsupervised learning method popular in computer vision. In particular, we employ a convolutional sparse coder that can extract high-level features of an unknown received signal by maximal similarity matching against an overcomplete dictionary of filter patterns. Such dictionary can be either generated or learned in an unsupervised fashion from measured signal examples conveying no ground-truth labels. The computed sparse code is then applied to train SVM classifiers for discriminating RF signals. As a result, the proposed approach can achieve blind signal classification that requires no prior knowledge (e.g., MCS, pulse shaping) about the signals present in an arbitrary RF channel. Since modulated RF signals undergo pulse shaping to aid the matched filter detection, our method exploits variability in relative similarity against the dictionary atoms as the key discriminating factor for classification. Our experimental results indicate that we can blindly separate different classes of digitally modulated signals with a 0.703 recall and 0.246 false alarm at 20 dB SNR. Provided a small labeled dataset for supervised classifier training, we could improve the classification performance to a 0.878 recall and 0.141 false alarm.
Horseshoes and Hand Grenades: The Case for Approximate Coordination in Local Checkpointing Protocols

Fault-tolerance poses a major challenge for future large-scale systems. Active research into coordinated, uncoordinated, and hybrid checkpointing systems has explored how the introduction of asynchrony can address anticipated scalability issues. While fully uncoordinated approaches have been shown to have significant delays, the degree of sychronization required to keep overheads low has not yet been significantly addressed. In this paper, we use a simulation-based approach to show the impact of synchronization on local checkpoint activity. Specifically, we show the degree of synchronization needed to keep the impacts of local checkpointing low is attainable with current technology for a number of key production HPC workloads. Our work provides a critical analysis and comparison of synchronization and local checkpointing. This enables users and system administrators to fine-tune the checkpointing scheme to the application and system characteristics available.
Synthesis, Binding and Intracellular Retention of Methotrexate Polyglutamates by Cultured Human Breast Cancer Cells

Synthesis, binding, and intracellular retention of methotrexate polyglutamates by cultured human breast cancer cells were investigated by gel filtration and high-pressure liquid chromatography to separate methotrexate from its metabolites. MCF-7, ZR-75–1, and MDA-231 human breast cancer cells were found to readily convert methotrexate to higher polyglutamates during a 24-hr incubation period, although at differing rates. Examination of that portion of intracellular methotrexate specifically bound to dihydrofolate reductase revealed that, with prolonged incubation, methotrexate polyglutamates become the predominant drug form bound to the enzyme. Similarly, methotrexate polyglutamates accumulated free in the cyto-sol and when cells were suspended in drug-free medium, were retained intracellularly both bound to dihydrofolate reductase and in the unbound fraction, indicating their slow passage through the cell membrane. Studies of methotrexate polyglutamate binding to purified bacterial dihydrofolate reductase revealed high affinity binding for compounds with up to 6 additional glutamyl residues. These studies demonstrate that methotrexate polyglutamates are readily formed in human breast cancer cells, bind intracellularly to dihydrofolate reductase, and are selectively retained both bound to the enzyme and free in the cell cytosol.
Potential for therapeutic targeting of AKAP signaling complexes in nervous system disorders

A common feature of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders is a breakdown in the integrity of intracellular signal transduction pathways. Dysregulation of ion channels and receptors in the cell membrane and the enzymatic mediators that link them to intracellular effectors can lead to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death. However, therapeutic targeting of these ubiquitous signaling elements can lead to off-target side effects due to their widespread expression in multiple systems of the body. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) are multivalent scaffolding proteins that compartmentalize a diverse range of receptor and effector proteins to streamline signaling within nanodomain signalosomes. A number of essential neurological processes are known to critically depend on AKAP-directed signaling and an understanding of the role AKAPs play in nervous system disorders has emerged in recent years. Selective targeting of AKAP protein-protein interactions may be a means to uncouple pathologically active signaling pathways in neurological disorders with a greater degree of specificity. In this review we will discuss the role of AKAPs in both regulating normal nervous system function and dysfunction associated with disease, and the potential for therapeutic targeting of AKAP signaling complexes.
Issues and Answers in Treating Alcoholism

Controversy and confusion continue to surround the disease of alcoholism, clouding treatment efforts and troubling the field. Examination of these issues and suggestions for combatting some of the ...
Techne II. Hybrids and Hubris

This second exploration of how the relationships between technology and animality are understood and represented by Levi focuses mostly on his science fiction and on how it challenges the human-animal divide as it was instead presented in “A Bottle of Sunshine.” The analysis of the overarching theme of hybridity in Levi’s work shows in fact that Levi represents himself as indeed a homo faber, who nonetheless needs a hybrid literary strategy capable of displaying the creative possibilities of limitrophy as well as the hubris of traditional anthropocentric humanism.
Casting Off the Perishable

In this narrative, the author, a physician, recounts her mother's courageous, controversial final decisions and the interior struggles that subsequently confront the daughter-doctor. Family dynamics are outlined in this journalistic format, and tensions including the daughter's commitment to defending her mother's choice and the daughter's own grief, are presented.
Occupational Exposures: Epidemiology and Protocols

Up to 800,000 needle sticks occur to healthcare workers in the United States annually, risking transmission of HIV and viral hepatitis. Procedures prone to needle sticks include injection, suturing, and excision. High risk injuries involve deep penetration, large bore blood-filled needles, exposure to large quantities of blood or for prolonged periods to non-intact skin, and high viral load of the source patient. Reporting should occur immediately and include details of the incident, of the source patient, and of the healthcare provider history. If post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV is necessary, the first dose should be swallowed within 24–36 h of exposure.
Habitat selection and vision quest for happiness : Two Ultimate Realities in the landscape poetry of Hsieh Ling-Yün

L'A. montre que deux realites, la selection de l'habitat de tout animal et la vision de la quete du bonheur des humains, sont unies dans la poesie du chinois Hsieh Ling-Yun (385-433). Ce poete est generalement considere comme le fondateur de la poesie du paysage en Chine qui cherche l'union mystique avec le Tao. L'A. analyse un de ses poemes a la lumiere de la theorie de l'habitat qui exploite la biologie.
Clinical Outcomes Associated With Linezolid Resistance in Leukemia Patients With Linezolid-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis Bacteremia.

Background Coagulase-negative staphylococci, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, are the most common cause of bloodstream infection in cancer patients. Linezolid resistance is increasingly identified in S. epidermidis, but whether such resistance alters the clinical course of S. epidermidis infections is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical impact of linezolid resistance in leukemia patients with S. epidermidis bloodstream infection. Methods This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study of all adult leukemia patients with S. epidermidis bacteremia treated with empiric linezolid between 2012 and 2015. The primary end point was adverse clinical outcome on day 3, defined as a composite of persistent bacteremia, fever, intensive care unit admission, or death. Fourteen- and 30-day mortality were also assessed. Results Eighty-two unique leukemia patients with S. epidermidis were identified. Linezolid resistance was identified in 33/82 (40%). Patients with linezolid-resistant S. epidermidis were significantly more likely to have persistent bacteremia (41% vs 7%; adjusted relative risk [aRR], 5.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63-16.30; P = .005); however, adverse short-term clinical outcomes overall were not more common among patients with linezolid-resistant S. epidermidis (61% vs 33%; aRR, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.92-2.32; P = .108). No differences were observed in 14- or 30-day mortality. Conclusions Leukemia patients with linezolid-resistant S. epidermidis bacteremia who were treated with linezolid were significantly more likely to have persistent bacteremia compared with those with linezolid-sensitive isolates. Interventions to limit the clinical impact of linezolid-resistant S. epidermidis are warranted.
γ -ray spectroscopy of 150 Sm through the β decay of 150 Pm (T =2.7 h) and Eu 150 m (T =12.8 h)

The $^{150}\mathrm{Sm}$ nucleus, populated through the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decays of $^{150}\mathrm{Eu}^{m}$ and $^{150}\mathrm{Pm}$, was investigated by means of $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ angular correlation studies using an array of 20 Compton-suppressed Ge detectors. The study particularly focuses on the determination of weakly populated levels and weak decay branches between established levels. A weakly populated state at 1603 keV is established to have spin-parity ${0}^{+}$ from the angular correlation data; a second weakly populated state at 1786 keV is confirmed to have spin-parity ${0}^{+}$ on a similar basis.
Milton’s Prose Works in the Hispanophone World / As obras em prosa de Milton no mundo hispanofônico

Abstract: This study of key instances of the circulation and reception of the prose works associated with “John Milton, Englishman” in the Hispanophone world demonstrates the active contributions of Hispanophone readers in constructing the works of this canonical author as world literature. Showcased here the anti-Spanish propaganda piece A Declaration of His Highnes, by the Advice of His Council Setting Forth, on the Behalf of this Commonwealth, the Justice of Their Cause against Spain published simultaneously in Latin, English and Spanish; the Latin defense of the English regicide Pro populo Anglicano defensio ; and the Anglophone pamphlet against pre-publication censorship Areopagitica . The works are discussed in their original languages and in Spanish translation, as well as in the context of Spain and the Americas. Keywords: John Milton; reception; prose; Latin America; Spain; Spanish Catholic Inquisition. Resumo: Este estudo de momentos-chave da circulacao e da recepcao dos textos em prosa associados a “John Milton, Englishman” no mundo hispanofono demonstra as vigorosas contribuicoes dos leitores hispânicos na construcao dos textos deste autor canonico enquanto literatura universal. Os objetos deste estudo sao a peca de propaganda antiespanhola A Declaration of His Highnes, by the Advice of His Council Setting Forth, on the Behalf of this Commonwealth, the Justice of Their Cause against Spain , publicada simultaneamente em latim, ingles e espanhol; a defesa latina do regicidio ingles Pro populo Anglicano defensio ; e o panfleto anglofono contra a censura de pre-publicacao Areopagitica , em suas linguas originais e em espanhol, na Espanha e nas Americas. Palavras-chave : John Milton; recepcao; prosa; America Latina; inquisicao catolica espanhola.
Government Legislation in Response to the Opioid Epidemic.

Opioid misuse and abuse in the USA has evolved into an epidemic of tragic pain and suffering, resulting in the estimated death of over 64,000 people in 2016. Governmental regulation has escalated alongside growing awareness of the epidemic’s severity, both on the state and federal levels. This article reviews the timeline of government interventions from the late 1990s to today, including the declaration of the opioid crisis as a national public health emergency and the resultant changes in funding and policy across myriad agencies. Aspects of the cultural climate that fuel the epidemic, and foundational change that may promote sustained success against it, are detailed within as well. As a consequence of misuse and abuse of opioids, governmental regulation has attempted to safeguard society, and clinicians should appreciate changes and expectations of prescribers.
Health insurance literacy, financial hardship and financial sacrifices among cancer survivors in the United States.

1560Background: Rising costs of cancer care have imposed substantial financial burden on cancer survivors. To date, little is known about the associations between potentially modifiable patient cha...
The Effects of Type of Referral Information and Test Data on Psychoeducational Decisions.

Eighty-two Illinois school psychologists reviewed a hypothetical case study and made a variety of psychoeducational decisions. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of the type of...
Multilingualism in the Graeco-Roman Worlds

This essay reviews a collection of eleven articles discussing evidence on multilingualism from a number of Late Antique and Medieval societies, including not only the often studied multilingual members of the Mediterranean world but also examples from western Europe. Among other issues, these articles’ authors touch upon the general concept of multilingualism, the categorization of its textual and archaeological evidence, its sociocultural impact, as well as its role in the power game between language communities. DOI:10.2458/azu_jaei_v07i2_lazaridis
Development of capacitive temperature sensors with high sensitivity using a multiuser polycrystalline silicon process

Abstract A MEMS capacitive temperature sensor is presented that displays high sensitivity over a specific temperature range using out-of-plane thermal actuators and capacitive electrodes. The sensor is suitable for applications that require high precision in relatively small temperature range, such as biomedicine, food processing and food safety. The device uses a combination of bilayer, rigid and flexible beams to create a nonlinear capacitance-temperature response over a short temperature range. The bilayer beams act as the out-of-plane thermal actuator and move the top electrode of the sensor up and down to change the capacitance. The capacitance is inversely proportional to the electrodes' gap and a decrease in the gap increases the sensitivity of the capacitance-temperature (C-T) response. Sensors with different geometries have been simulated using ANSYS to show the possibility of geometric modification to shift the temperature range with high sensitivity. Fabricated sensors are used in an experimental set up to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed design concept. The measured data verify the simulation results and demonstrate that the proposed sensor design can provide high sensitivity of 20 fF/°C in a desired range of ambient temperature where low sensitive region display noticeably smaller sensitivity of 5 fF/°C.
Pathways from family violence exposure to disruptive behavior and suspension in elementary school

Suspension is associated with a host of negative outcomes, including future suspension and poor academic engagement. A number of demographic and behavioral factors, such as behaviors and race/ethni...